Egypt's finance ministry will collect Value Added Tax (VAT) from Uber Egypt, the ride-sharing company, in accordance with Law No. 67/2016, said Finance Minister Mohamed Maait on Monday.

In a statement, Maait said the ministry is working hard to settle any tax or customs conflict to push forward national economy.

A meeting was held lately between head of the Tax Authority and country director of Uber in which they agreed to collect the VAT from Uber Egypt but in a facilitated way.

Head of the Tax Authority Abdel Azim Hussein said the agreement with Uber and the other companies operating in the same domain aims at enhancing confidence between the authority and the tax community.

He said the authority will focus within the coming period on settling all tax conflicts and collecting delayed taxes.

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Get ready for the Stock Market Breakout Pattern Setup II

Get ready for one of the most complicated price pattern setups weve seen in 4~5 years. Within this multi-part article, were highlighting many aspects of our predictive modeling solutions, as well as some very clear patterns that we believe, are tell-all investors to prepare for the next big move. This is the second part of our research, please take a minute to read PART I of this article.

Now for the fun part, lots of charts and a few new predictions

Recently, the YM (the Dow Futures Contracts) have begun an upside price breakout that we believe is setting up for an incredible price pattern. Weve been suggesting that capital will focus on certain sectors over the past few months (Finance, Technology, Blue-Chips, and Mid-Caps). We believe the safety provided by these US stocks have become a critical component for many global investors. Thus, we believe the YM, Transports, and sector analysis are critical for skilled traders.

In order to highlight the price pattern that we believe will continue to set up in the YM, weve created a series of the chart to build upon the foundation of this pattern as well as to highlight the eventual outcome of this pattern (based on our current research and predictive modeling tools).

This first chart is a 3 Week YM Chart (where each bar represents a total of 3 weeks). We are attempting to highlight the Expanding Wedge formation that originates near the highs of 2018 and through the early 2018 rotation. It continues to expand through the most recent price rotation near the end of 2018 as well. Our research suggests we are nearing the final leg of this Expanding Wedge formation and we believe this final leg will setup in a very unique pattern that allows skilled traders the opportunity to identify multiple trade entry points. Lets continue.

Our research team believes a complex multiple price pattern setup is in the process of forming where, ultimately, a final Pennant/Flag formation will end the complex Wedge formation  setting up a multiple opportunities for skilled traders. The example below highlights an example of the 2015~2019 market price action. Weve simplified this by manually drawing this image to eliminate the moderate price rotations which can often be confusing for some traders. The intent of this drawing is to show you how and why this pattern is important.

This next Weekly NQ chart shows a bigger picture of the pattern setup. In the first part of this image (roughly 2015/2016), we can see a downward price channel/wedge that sets up. Near the end of this price channel, price sets up a higher low which is actually a type of Flag/Pennant formation setup. This higher low pattern is unique and important. Remember our Fibonacci price theory from the first part of this article?

Price must ALWAYS attempt to establish new price highs or new price lows AT ALL TIMES. Well, this FAILURE to establish a new price low means only one thing.. it MUST, then, attempt to establish a new price high. The subsequent upside price breakout (a result of a US presidential election cycle as well a renewed optimism) prompted a massive upside price rally in 2017 and created the current Sideways Expanding Wedge formation in early 2018.

The current Wedge formation in this example is a close proximity of the current price rotation in the US markets (youll see similarities in some additional chart, below). The important aspect of this current Expanding Wedge is that we continue to expect the Fibonacci Failed Low price rotation before the true upside breakout run happens. In other words, we are currently in an upside price rally that is attempting to find/isolate the second peak of the Pennant/Flag formation (Green Below)  where it shows We Are Here.

Because of this setup, we are continuing to expect price rotation in the near future that will be very healthy for the overall markets. As weve tried to highlight, one of the most critical components of Fibonacci price theory is that price MUST rotate while attempting to establish new price highs or new price lows. Price rotation is a very healthy component of any overall trending and price rotation must occur in order for price to continue trending. Thus, what we believe will be the setup pattern in the markets is a Pennant/Flag formation near the end of this Expanding Wedge formation. We believe this Pennant/Flag formation is currently attempting to identify the second peak and we believe the next downside price rotation could be in the range of -4% to -5.5% from current highs.

This last chart highlights a longer-term perspective of our analysis and attempts to highlight the range and expectation of the future Pennant/Flag formation. Weve drawn this Pennant/Flag formation in MAGENTA (pink) and highlighted the individual price waves of in RED and GREEN. Weve also highlighted the Expanding Wedge formation in WHITE.

The range of this recent rotation is much larger than the 2015/2016 price rotation. The breakout move (early 2017 through early 2018) resulted in a +55% upside rally in the YM. Could a new breakout move result in another massive upside move in the YM? If so, how big could this move be? Well, take a look at the projected Fibonacci Price Target Levels on this chart. From the December 2018 lows, these Fibonacci projected price targets represent a +35% (29,940) to +51% (32,500) upside move.

From current YM levels, these targets reflect a +16% to +26%. These are HUGE upside moves.

So, our conclusion is for traders to understand this setup is likely to continue forming over the next 30~45 days and we are expecting a 4~5.5% downside price rotation sometime in the near future. This move will setup the beginning of the Pennant/Flag formation and begin the final setup for the breakout move. It is within this Pennant/Flag formation that we suggest skilled traders begin to position their portfolios for the upside breakout that should eventually result in incredible opportunities. Remember to protect your trade effectively. The Apex of the Pennant/Flag formation may include a false rotation/breakout price move. This is when price would attempt to break to the downside, then stall (quickly), then reverse back to the upside and wash out a bunch of stops in the process. So be prepared for this move.

Take a look at some of our recent winners to see how we help people, just like you, create success like GDXJ 10.5%, and 18% with ROKU. We believe 2019 and 2020 will be incredible years for skilled traders and we are executing at the highest level we can to assist our members. In fact, we are about to launch our newest technology solution to better assist members and ourselves to create amazing future success. Become a member of our Wealth Trading Newsletter now and get ready for an incredible couple years of trading and investing.

Chris Vermeulen

www.TheTechnicalTraders.com

Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic



Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better.



His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility.



He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect.

Chris Vermeulen Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Srinagar : Four army men including a Major have been martyred and one injured in an ongoing gunfight with Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in Pingala area of Pulwama district.

According to the reports, two militants from the Pakistan based outfit have been trapped at the site.

Exchange of fire at #Pinglan in District #Pulwama. Area under cordon. Details will follow. @JmuKmrPolice Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 17, 2019

The four army personnel who were killed in action during encounter belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles, ANI reported.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declined Monday to say if he had nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, though he also emphasized he did not deny doing so.

Trump's assertion Friday that Abe had nominated him for the honor and sent him a copy of the letter has raised criticism in Japan.

Questioned in parliament about Trump's claim that he had done so, Abe said, ``In light of the Nobel committee's policy of not disclosing recommenders and nominees for 50 years, I decline to comment.''

Neither the prime minister nor his spokesman denied Trump's comment.

``I never said I didn't'' nominate him, Abe said in response to a follow-up question by Yuichiro Tamaki, a lawmaker for the opposition Democratic Party for the People.

Tamaki said in a tweet Monday that given the lack of progress on various issues with North Korea that he was concerned such a nomination would ``send the wrong message to North Korea and the rest of international society.''

In responding to Tamaki's questions in parliament, Abe praised Trump, saying he ``has been decisively responding toward resolving North Korea's nuclear and missile problems, and last year he held historic U.S.-North Korea summit talks.''

Abe added that Trump had also passed on to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Japan's own concerns about past abductions of Japanese citizens by the North, saying ``he and the entire White House also actively cooperated in resolving the issue.''

``I highly praise President Trump's leadership,'' Abe said.

Trump's claim that Abe had sent him a ``beautiful copy'' of a letter sent to the Nobel committee could not be immediately verified.

The government's top spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, echoed Abe's remarks in refusing further comment.

The situation is awkward for Abe at a time when his government is under fire for allegedly manipulating data on wage increases to suggest his economic policies were yielding better results than was actually the case.

``Being Trump's closest friend among world leaders has not worked out too well for Abe,'' said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan. ``He's not making Abe look very good.''

The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported Sunday, citing unidentified government sources, that Abe had nominated Trump at the U.S. president's request.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, his first year in office, for laying out a U.S. commitment to ``seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.''

Trump complained Friday that Obama was there ``for about 15 seconds'' before he was awarded the prize.

The deadline each year for nominations is midnight, Jan. 31. According to the website of the Nobel committee, there are 304 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019. It said 219 are individuals and 85 are organizations.

Trump's landmark June 2018 summit with Kim in Singapore was replete with pomp but thin on substance. The president's comments Friday drew speculation that South Korean President Moon Jae-in might have been the one who nominated the president.

Kim Eui-kyeom, Moon's spokesman, said he had not, and that he was unlikely to do so.

But Kim said Moon believed Trump ``has sufficient qualifications to win the Nobel Peace Prize'' for his work toward peace between North and South Korea, which have yet to sign a peace treaty after their 1950-53 war.

The U.S. is Japan's ally and anchor for national defense and Abe has assiduously cultivated cordial ties with Trump. He was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after he won the 2016 presidential election.

North Korea has refrained from nuclear and missile tests since early last year. That's a welcome development for Japan, which sits well within the range of its missiles and has sometimes had test rockets land in its territorial waters.

Abe personally has a large political stake in making progress in resolving the abduction issue with North Korea, an important one for his nationalist political base.

The Nobel committee chooses the recipient of the prize in early October by a majority vote. The prize is awarded on Dec. 10, in Oslo, Norway.

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Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > The Bangladeshisation of Indian Politics

by Partha S. Ghosh

Now that Indias secularism is degenerating into one of competitive Hindutva, it is being seen as the Pakistanisation of Indian politics.

Even the liberal fringe of Pakistan, ever unhappy with all that has been happening in that country, looks at it that way. A video clip that went viral sometime ago lamented: Alas, you too turned out to be like us (in Urdu: Aap bhi hamare jaise nikle).

But this comparison is only partly true. In reality, India resembles Bangladesh, with so many commonalities. Most importantly, in both the countries, nationalism is historically rooted. Besides, they are constitutionally secular, but have robust majoritarian personas, secularism, and communalism acrimoniously coexisting. There are sizable minorities in both, 15 per cent Muslims in India and nine per cent Hindus in Bangladesh.

None of these is valid for Pakistan, and particularly, in terms of nationhood, Bangladesh has a better score. National language-wise it is a textbook case, almost all speak Bangla. Sociologist Ramakrishna Mukherjee argued that had the British rule not intervened, a Bengali nationality was almost in place by the end of the 18th century.

Their easy-going sahajiya religion was a blending of Islam and Hinduism. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was considered an avatar of Allah who was invoked through such epithets as prabhu, gosain, or niranjanall Bengali words.

It was only in the aftermath of the combined Hindu-Muslim revolt of 1857 against the East India Company that such words were replaced by the Arabic ones aimed at dividing the Muslims and the Hindus.

The rest is history. Not only that the Muslim League was launched in Dhaka, East Bengal became its dominant base too. No surprise that these people would rise in revolt in 1971 against the hijacking of their politics by those sitting in West Pakistan, who had little justification to be in command.

Post-1947 India and post-1971 Bangladesh had interesting similarities. If a critical element of the Congress-led freedom struggle of India was its inter-communal partnership, it was almost the same for the Awami Leagues strategy during the Bangladesh liberation war.

Just the way the British tried its best to disrupt Hindu-Muslim unity, in the same fashion, the Yahya Khan-led Pakistani junta tried to give the impression that the Bangladesh war was the handiwork of Hindu India.

To underline the point, Bangladeshs Hindu community was specifically targeted in the beginning, impelling them to flee to India in droves. That explains why about 90 per cent of the refugees in the beginning were Hindu. Curiously, or, predictably, the British and Pakistani policies ended up in the respective divisions of the countries.

But because of the heritage of their liberation struggles, both India and Bangladesh opted for secularism as their state policy.

But in multi-faith Third World nations, where state-formation precedes nation-formation, secularism is not an easy proposition.

Notwithstanding their constitutional commitments, therefore, both India and Bangladesh succeeded only partially to adhere to the principle.

Bangladesh amended and re-amended its Constitution to renege and restore its secularist position. India has not done anything like that so far, but one is not sure anymore. The way the militantly ascendant Hindutva forces are asking for a Hindu Rashtra, the days of Indias secularism could be numbered.

The only saving grace for both India and Bangladesh is that because of historical reasons, both the forces of secularism and communalism think that it is politically prudent to go slow, thereby reconciling themselves to coexist however antagonistically or competitively.

The cumulative effect of these processes is that both India and Bangladesh have become semi-secular and semi-communal. This is evident in the way the secular Congress or the secular AL have conceded to communal demands of the respective majority communities.

Thus, while the memories of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are necessary for the political use of secularism for grassroot vote-bank requirements, they have to be shelved also. Even Sheikh Mujib had to make com-promises in respect of secularism. Nehru steadfastly stuck to his credo, but he seemed helpless when, at the grassroot, his partys foot-soldiers asked for votes in the name of Hinduism.

His lament in this regard is well-known. His daughter, Indira Gandhi, his grandson, Rajiv Gandhi, and now his great-grandson, Rahul Gandhi, all have underscored this reality through their electoral strategies. The same is true for Sheikh Mujibs daughter, Sheikh Hasina, in the Bangladesh context, or her secular opponents.

In conclusion, let it be said that in both India and Bangladesh, it is not only politics that is being communalisedeven secularism is being politicised. In response to the BJP Governments pro-Hindu move to flag off a Shri Ramayana Express meant for transporting Hindu pilgrims from Delhi to Sitamarhi, Janakpur (Nepal), Varanasi, Prayag, Chitrakoot, Hampi, Nasik, and Rameshwaram (all Lord Ram-related pilgrimages), the avowedly secular Aam Admi Party (AAP) Government of Delhi has responded by a secular blitzkrieg.

To placate all the religious groups, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, has launched the Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra. The offer is open to any senior citizen belonging to any religion to visit the Golden Temple, Wagah border, Anandpur Sahib, Vaishnodevi-Jammu, Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nilkanth, Pushkar, and Ajmer, of course at subsidised cost.

Bravo Indias political ingenuity. Is Bangladesh taking notes?

(Courtesy: Dhaka Tribune)

Partha S. Ghosh is a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi, and a retired Professor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > Appropriating an Icon: RSS Celebrates Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses (...)

by Ram Puniyani

On this January 23, the BJP-RSS organised various programmes to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. In one of these programmes, a clash took place leading to a curfew in Kendrapada, Odisha. In different meetings organised by the BJP-RSS an attempt was made to draw parallels between Bose and Savarkar, Bose and the RSS. A propaganda is on to show that it was on Savarkars suggestion that Bose undertook to tie-up with the Axis powers (Germany and Japan). Parallels are being drawn between the RSS and INA (Azad Hind Fauz). Now all attempts are on to show that Boses nationalism was close to that of Savarkar-RSS.

The RSS combine is trying to praise Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as the one who gave legitimacy to the struggle for independence against the British. When did this combine realise the contributions of this great freedom fighter? Or for that matter the question comes up: did the RSS combine ever want to struggle against British rule? It is in the last few years that these attempts to identify with national icons are going on. In the case of Sardar Patel the propaganda is that had he been the first Prime Minster of India, we would not have had the Kashmir problem, we would have pro-gressed more. The truth in this matter is that Patel and Nehru were two solid pillars of the Indian Cabinet who laid the foundation of the Indian republic. The differences among them were of minor nature and Patel was the most trusted Cabinet colleague of Nehru.

As far as Subhash Chandra Bose, Netaji, is concerned, we know that he is one of the major freedom fighters of India. He was part of the Indian National Congress most of his life and was its President at its Tripuri session in 1939. Within the Congress he was a part of the Socialist group. He and Nehru had matching ideas on issues of socialism, secularism among others. He did fall out from the Congress on the issue of the method of getting freedom. While the Gandhi-led Congress wanted to adopt the path of non-violence, Netaji did not see eye to eye on this issue. For getting freedom for India, the Congress launched the Quit India movement to build up the anti-British pressure and this gave boost to the freedom struggle. During the Second World War Netajis approach was to launch an armed military action against the British by collaborating with the Axis powers (Japan and Germany); thats why he set up the INA. He also formed free Indias Provisional Government in Singapore on October 21, 1943. He had been a charismatic leader who was thoroughly anti- British.

Undoubtedly the Congress was firm on the path of non-violence. It launched the Quit India movement which was led by Mahatma Gandhi. Bose did develop some differences on the matter of how to fight the British. He resorted to tying up with Fascist Germany and its ally, Japan. But what were the RSS and Hindu nationalists doing at this point of time? Hindutva ideologue Savarkar, the progenitor of the Hindutva and Hindu nation ideology, propagated at that time that Hindu nationalists should help the British in their war efforts against Japan and Germany. RSS Sarsanghchalak M.S. Golwalkar also went on to instruct all its branches not to do anything which would annoy the British and kept aloof from the anti-British struggles. So while the Congress was putting up pressure on the British through its Quit India movement and Netaji was fighting the British through the INA, Savarkar was proactively helping the British by assisting them in the recruitment for the armed forces. In a way the RSS did nothing which went against British rule. So here with a forked tongue the Hindu nationalists on the one hand were supporting the British in their war efforts (Savarkar) or keeping aloof (Golwalkar-RSS); on the other hand now they are eulogising Netaji for his anti-British INA!

While Netaji was a Socialist, close to the ideas held by Nehru, Golwalkar went on to write that Communists are the internal threat to the Hindu nation. While the BJP at the time of its formation used the word Gandhian Socialism, it was a mere electoral jumla (gimmick). The ideology and actions of Netaji and Hindu nationalists-RSS were poles apart. So why are they projecting him today? Why are they trying to show similarities which are not there? Essen-tially as the RSS did not participate in the freedom movement, it does not have any national icon. The RSS Atal Behari Vajpayee at that time was a young college student who during the Quit India movement was jailed by mistake; he apologised and got himself released. Savarkar, since he was anti-British before being imprisoned in the Andman jail, has been glorified as the brave warrior by prefixing Veer (Brave) to his name. He also had apologised to the British and got released from the jail. Mostly the communal nationalists, Muslim League-Hindu Mahasabha-RSS never took any anti-British stance. This should be the defining point for Indian nationalism. The Congress and Bose were anti-British to the core, so their nationalism in a way had a similar wavelength despite some differences.

When the INA of Bose was being tried by the British for their anti-War actions against British, and it was the likes of Nehru who defended the INA, none from the Hindu nationalist camp came forward to defend Bose and his colleagues during the trial by the British. It is only for electoral reasons that now the RSS-BJP need to identify with the likes of Patel and Bose. They are actively trying to dig up some points here and there to get a ride on the back of legends like Patel and Bose. So far Sardar Patel has been projected and now its Netajis turn! Their central opposition is to Indian nationalism. They vilify Jawaharlal Nehru who stood rock solid in defence of secularism and democracy. Since the RSS wants to oppose the Nehru legacy and Congress on the electoral ground, the RSS keeps propping up icons like these. While these icons had some differences with Nehru, they essentially were on similar wavelength as far as secular demo-cratic values are concerned. These projections of Patel and Netaji are mere electoral ploys to garner more power!

The author, a retired Professor at the IIT-Bombay, is currently associated with the Centre for the Study of Secularism and Society, Mumbai.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > George Fernandes  A Lifelong Rebel and Coalition-builder

TRIBUTE

by Shambhu Shrivastava

The best tribute to George Fernandes would be to acknowledge the fact that nobody, just nobody ever treated him as a Christian. He was always treated as a front-ranking leader of post-independence India. He was a true embodiment of the idea of India. This fact assumes great meaning in the times we live in when religious and caste identity of a person has become a badge of honour.

George was a lifelong rebel. His family sent him to a Christian seminary for training as a priest, but he rebelled and was expelled from the seminary. In no time, he became a socialist and moved to Bombay. Not many people know that in the early years in Bombay he slept on street-side pavements. But he persisted and became a great trade union and socialist leader and a Member of Parliament from, out of all the places, South Mumbai.

I worked closely with George Fernandes for about 10 years as the General Secretary and spokesperson of the Samata Party. I had the good fortune to learn a lot from him, both as a person and as a political leader. I travelled with him to many remotest parts of India. It was obvious during the travels that he was the most connected person in every part of India. When we stayed in guest houses or at some party workers place, people from all parties and all sections of life came to meet him.

George Fernandes was a true Gandhian and lived very simple. His house was an open house where anybody could walk in or out. He spoke many languages fluently and this helped him to connect with people across India.

Today, when George Fernandes is no more, we must recall a particular quality of him which I saw from very close quarters, that of a coalition builder. If the Vajpayee Government lasted smoothly for six years as a successful coalition, it was largely due to his tireless efforts and Ataljis flexibility and generous nature.

The first crisis to the Vajpayee Government came in August 1998, which came to a point whether the AIADMK would withdraw support to the NDA Government before August 15. I recall George travelling to Chennai to meet Jayalalitha and returning on 14th night having warded off the crisis. Hence, Atalji hoisted the national flag on Red Fort as a full-fledged Prime Minister and not as a caretaker.

George had a great personal equation with many leaders including M. Karunanidhi, Prakash Singh Badal, NTR, Mulayam Singh Yadav and, hold your breath, many Congress leaders. Left leaders will be surprised to know that he was a very regular reader of New Age and Peoples Democracy.

He was against what he called politics of untouchability. He freely interacted with RSS leaders but he also asked me once to draft a strong statement advising the RSS to confine itself to cultural and social activities. He believed in dialogue and full freedom of expression. He championed human rights across the globe and took up many causes which were otherwise considered lost.

George Fernandes was an action-oriented leader and not an ideologue as the word is understood. But knowing him from close quarters, I can say that he had great intellectual depth. He read a lot, spoke a lot, but did not write in an organised manner. In the mid-1990s, one of his areas of interest was European politics, post-the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1995, many a time during the election campaign in Bihar, he would specifically ask for me to discuss Europe. The reason was that he knew my Marxist background and acquaintance with East European politics.

Personally, I never endorsed the Samata Partys decision to go with the BJP to form the NDA despite the partys opposition to the Ram temple, Article 370 and uniform civil code. But, George was always conscious that the basic consensus in socialist and Leftist circles on certain issues was not compromised. I limit myself to two incidents.

When NATO forces, led by the US, attacked Iraq, there was huge pressure from the US on India that the Indian Army should join the aggression. The Cabinet Committee on Security was divided, and George was against Indian troops being sent to Iraq. I was in Dimapur, campaigning for the Samata Party during the Nagaland elections when I got an urgent call from George Fernandes to be back in Delhi immediately. In Delhi, he told me that some people in the government were talking of the middle path which was unacceptable. I realised that as a Minister in the NDA Government he could not take a public position. So, he wanted me to articulate strong opposition to the move on behalf of the party as the spokesperson. We did that and the move was dropped and finally Parliament passed a resolution condemning the US invasion of Iraq.

Similarly, when a reckless disinvestment policy was being pursued, he asked the party to oppose it and finally he gave a call for a mid-course correction of economic policies during Ataljis rule.

Memories are flooding me. It is impossible to write more today. Good bye, George. Heaven is no longer safe from rebellion!

The author is a former spokesperson and erstwhile General Secretary of the Samata Party.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > Understanding Socio-political Assertion of Muslims in India (...)

by Shamsher Alam

As far as Indian democracy is concerned, Muslims are one of the important parts of the same. They are a decisive factor of Indian democracy. However, when it comes to map and comprehend their socio-political cons-ciousness and assertion, then it appears a vague picture altogether. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to understand and map the current socio-political assertion, consciousness and awareness of the Muslims in India today from three vantage points: first, the assertion and protest when there is attack on their religious belief and sentiments; second, understanding their consciousness and assertion in the context of the atrocities against them; and third, the demand for the Schedule Caste status for Dalit Muslims. Moreover, this paper also sketches the current trend of the Muslims socio-political assertion in India today.

Assertion when there is Attack on Religious Belief and Sentiments

To begin with, it can be argued that Muslims are an important part in Indian politics and society. However, their socio-political assertion is not visible in the public sphere although they are politically aware but not very much assertive in nature. Nevertheless, they show more valorous strength when there is an attack on their religious beliefs and sentiments. It can be substantiated by the fact that there was a huge protest when Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari made an objectionable remark against Prophet Mohammad. His remark came in response to a statement made by Azam Khan, wherein he (Khan) opined that all RSS leaders are homosexual, and thats why they dont marry and he (Tiwari) described Prophet Mohmmad as the first homosexual. In the backdrop of this statement Muslims have held large protest rallies in Ludhiana, Indore, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Bhopal and other regions over the last few days. ..., there were protests in Hyderabad and Lucknow, with protesters blocking the Lucknow-Hardoi road for hours. (The Indian Express, 2015)

Similarly, a TV reporter made a hateful comment about the Prophets daughter, Fatima, calling her sexy Fatima. This odious statement came at the time when the film Padmavat was stuck in the Censor Board and there was also a controversy around the naming of a film as Sexy Durga. The comment made by the TV reporter also led to protests across the country along with a campaign on the social networking sites such as Facebook and Whats App. However, these protests were not covered by the main- stream media.

Raising Voice in the Context of Atrocities against Them

When it comes to the assertion and protest against the physical atrocities against them either in the name of the cow or in any form, then it is evident that such kind of huge protests (as in the case of the statement against Prophet Mohammad) have not been organised by Muslims groups or organisations under their banner or leadership (particularly by religious scholars and Muslim political leaders). This can be substantiated by various examples such as in the cases of disappearance of Najeeb from the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus or the murders of Pehlu Khan, Rakbar Khan, Junaid Khan or any other disappearance or killing in the name of the cow by the cow vigilante groups. In these types of incidents, Muslim political and religious leaders do not come and share their anxiety and concern while expressing their anger and anguish under a common banner. Moreover, they also do not organise protests under their leadership in the context of the alleged fake encounters by the state machinery. Perhaps all these atrocities and violence do not shatter them and that is why they do not come under one platform to raise their voice as they do when their religion is explicitly under attack.

However, if valorous protests had been organised by the Muslim groups on the disappearance of Najeeb, on the lines of what the Dalits had organised across the country after the murder of Rohith Vemula and the Una attack, this would have acted as a pressure upon the government to look into the matter more seriously and he (Najeeb) would have returned to his family and the university. In addition to this, if intensive protests, movements and campaigns had been launched across the country by the Muslim groups, particularly after the killing of Akhlaq Khan in the name of beef consumption, the situation would have been different. The silence of Muslims, particularly the religious scholars and Muslim political leaders across party lines, on such occasions is a matter of grave concern not only for the safety and security but for the political and social wellbeing of the Muslims. Raising their voice by religious scholars and political leaders on such issues is very important because they are important stake-holders and having the power to influence the society more than the common people.

Albeit the protests were not being organised solely by the Muslim community, particularly the religious scholars and political leaders, in the context of the atrocities against them, they also did not manage to blockade the roads as they had done in the context of the odious statement against the Prophet. However, this does not mean that protests have not been organised against the spate of killings, communal and sectarian violence against the Muslims. To substantiate this, in 2017 there was a protest in the form of Not in My Name led by Saba Dewan against the killing of Muslims and Dalits in the name of cow protection. Later on, civil society and the common people joined this movement. But, the participation of Muslims as protesters or the leadership of Muslims in such types of protests was not very much visible and their participation in these was not reported by the media groups. This was a matter of deep worry. Silence on such issues and not organising protest campaigns under their own leadership and banner also show lack of socio-political awareness, consciousness and strength of Muslims. This kind of attitude is not good for the political, social and other aspects of Muslims in India today.

Mapping Consciousness and Assertion in the Context of Demand for Reservation

In addition to this, if we analyse the consciousness and assertion of Muslims in the context of other social issues such as the demand of the Schedule Caste status for the Arzal Muslims (the lowest and very backward section among the same), then it can be argued that there is a lack of valorous protests to achieve this benefit. Albeit the legal fight is going on for the Schedule Caste status for the same. However, the protests and campaigns for the inclusion of Dalit Muslims in the Schedule Caste status are not as much visible as the Marathas in Maharashtra and Patidars in Gujarat. Muslim groups are not having a common opinion as far as the demand of Schedule Caste status for Dalit Muslims is concerned. They are divided on the issue. To substantiate this, it is worth discussing how Hassan argued and tried to map the debate on the demand for the reservation of Dalit Muslims.

There are generally two groups among the Muslims, one who oppose and one who support the reservation for Dalit Muslims. Those who oppose, their arguments are: The Constitution talks about protective discrimination in the context of class, not caste. If caste can be interpreted as class, why not religion? There is no casteism among Indian Muslims, so reservation should be given to all Muslims on economic grounds (emphasis added). All Muslims are socially and educationally marginalised, deprived and they have been sidelined from the mainstream (emphasis added). (Hassan, 2012:121-22) Further, she observed: All profound Muslim religious and political organisations are headed by the so-called superior caste of Muslims (ashraf) and they are supporting it. It has also been supported by the majority of intellectuals and leaders of ashraf. (Ibid., 122) This kind attitude and approach is a stumbling block for the demand for Dalit Muslim reservation and its movement. Moreover, the movement on this demand is in a fragile stage because of the superior Muslims obstructionist approach.

When we focus on the other side or the supporters of the Dalit reservation, their major arguments are: 1. If reservation will be given to all Muslims then the upper-caste Muslims (syed, shaikh, pathan, mallik etc.), who have historically been forward in all aspects of life, will benefit from the reservation and SC, ST, and OBC Muslims will be completely overshadowed by them. 2. First of all ashraf should demolish caste-boundaries prevailing in the Muslim society and then should ask for reservation to all Muslims on economic grounds. 3. If Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist SCs can be given reservation, why should Muslim SCs be kept away from that reservation? (Ibid., 122) These are the arguments of those supporting reservation for Dalit Muslims. Hence, it becomes clear that there are two groups on such a demand for social justice and because of this, the mandate for the same is not gaining momentum. Therefore, there is absence of valorous protest in this regard.

Having discussed the internal dynamics among Muslims in the context of reservation, it is worth mentioning some modalities and constitutional framework about the Schedule Caste status. Initially, this was reserved only for them as no person who professes a religion different from the Hindu religion shall be deemed to be a member of a Schedule Caste. (Ahmad, 2007: 18) Later on, because of pressure from Ambedkarite and Sikh organisations, this was ... amended to include Dalits who profess Buddhism and Sikhism. (Sikand, 2007: 104) Hence this category is reserved only for those religions that are Indic in nature. This reservation is guaranteed under the constitutional (Schedule Caste) order 1950 also known as The Presidential Order, 1950. This order excludes those religions that are not of Indian origin such as Islam and Christianity. Several scholars and political scientists argue that the state is discriminating on the basis of religion in this regard. To substantiate this, it is worth mentioning (Ibid.,103) that the continued denial by the state of SC status to the Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians despite consistent demands on the part of these communities is a patently anti-democratic and anti-secular stance and gross violation of the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution.

Moreover, it is also worth discussing that political parties (at least those who believe in the social justice principles) do not directly support such a demand or even they did not give space to this in their manifestos. Shahabuddin (2002: 480) in this context has asked those people (Dr Ejaz Ali) who want to lift the religious ban in this matter if the SC leadership was prepared to accept Muslim groups and share their benefits with them. To this day, no answer has come. No SC leader of national eminence has publicly supported his request for opening the door. On the basis of this statement it can be seen that no political leader supports this social justice cause. What are the reasons behind this is a matter of considerable debate and discussion.

Having discussed the evident realities regarding the demand for the SC status for Delhi Muslims, it can be argued that although there are no demonstrations of grave intensity to get the same, there is an immediate need to assert for the Muslims protective discrimination. Moreover, the present period is very precious and appropriate to assert for the Schedule Caste status because there are protests and demands by Patidars (in Gujarat) and the Marathas (in Maharashtra) to get reservation. Even the Maharashtra Govern-ment has cleared the avenue for 16 per cent reservation for Marathas, the dominant caste in the same State. At the same time, the state denies the demand of five per cent reservation for Muslims on the ground that it violates the Constitution, which does not grant the opportunity for reservation on the basis of religion.

At this juncture, it is worth discussing that although there is no caste-like description or scripture in Islam, which does not adhere to untouchability practices, there are various studies (Ansari 1960 and Ahmad 1978) which argue that there are caste-like practices among the Muslims too. Moreover, there is presence of untouchability among the same. To substantiate this, there is an excerpt from the work of Trivedi et al. which argues that relatively well-off sections among Dalit Muslims report higher incidences of untouchability, and the perpetrators admit to it even more so. It leaves no room for any confusion that the practice of untouchability is not confined to Hindus alone. It spreads far and wide and perhaps no Indian religious community can escape it, including the Muslims. (2016: 36) Therefore, it is indispensable to focus on the field view, ground realities and other dimensions and dynamics, while considering reservation for the ostracised Muslim community and not resort to a book view of the same.

Mapping the Current Trend

However, recently there was protest at a gathering of Muslims at Jantat Mantar, New Delhi, which led to the initiation of the #EqualCitizensVote Hamara Baat Hamari campaign to draw the attention of the Opposition political parties and to highlight the plight of Muslims across the country. The campaign aims to highlight the growing numbers of fake encounters in the name of law and order, lynching cases in the name of cow protection, missing names from voters list, illegal arrests, and systemic discrimination and injustice that Muslims are facing in their own country. (Caravan Daily, 2018) Scholars and political analysts are arguing that this gathering can be seen as an upsurge of the socio-political consciousness and understanding of Muslims at the present juncture. The recent protest (in the month of October 2018) was not highlighted by the mainstream media. It took place at Jantar Mantar under the leadership or banner of the Association of Muslim Professionals and was a clear sign of the rising socio-political consciousness of Muslims particularly at a time of atrocities, violence, bigotry and hatred towards them. This is also very important because the general elections of 2019 are not far away.

This kind of protest would make the Muslims aware of their political and social rights. Such demonstrations and awareness campaigns would make Muslims more conscious about their political and social importance. This would help them to understand that they are not just the vote-bank, and they would not turn out to be victims of vote-bank politics. This would also benefit them to become a pressure group, which would force the government and Opposition to listen to their unheard voice.

Conclusions

To argue succinctly, it can be said that Muslims show valorous strength and become assertive in the face of religious offences, but fail to do so on other occasions affecting the nations socio-political life. The question that arises is: why is this so? This question is the subject of inquiry, debate, discussion and research. Although there have been protests and gatherings in the context of atrocities against them in the name of cow protection and other issues, the participation of Muslims, particularly their religious and political leaders, is not easily visible. Muslim political leaders do not come under one platform to condemn the heinous hate crimes against them. The demand for reservation for the Dalit Muslims or the demand of Schedule Caste status is also not supported by some upper-caste and elite sections of the Muslim community. Only the Pasmanda movement is extending support to and fighting for the demand of Schedule Caste status for the ostracised community among Muslims.

However, the assertions and protests are nowadays visible as there are protests under the leadership of the Association of Muslim Pro-fessionals. This can be understood as the upsurge of political consciousness and assertion of the same. It can be argued that the socio-political consciousness of Muslims is getting enhanced and growing in India today. However, they must learn from the Dalit community as they are fighting not only for their political rights but also for social rights and equal treatment from their own community. Like the Dalits, Muslims must fight and struggle for their social, political, educational and other rights on their own. Since, the epistemological position of individuals and groups is more powerful than those who are on the outside, it is high time and the need of the hour for the Muslims to assert for their political representation, social upliftment and against the atrocities committed on them by own their own community members.

Bibliography

Ahmad, I. (1978), Caste and Social Stratification among Muslims in India, 2nd edition, New Delhi: Manohar Publications.

Ahmad, I. (2007), Recognition and Entitlement: Muslim Castes Eligible for Inclusion in the Category Schedule Castes in Ansari A. H. (ed.), Basic Problems of OBC and Dalit Muslims, New Delhi: Serial Publications.

Ansari, G. (1960), Muslim Caste in Uttar Pradesh: A Study of Culture Contact, Lucknow: The Ethnographic.

Caravan Daily (2018), Muslims Protest Across India Demanding Equal Rights, Retrieved from http://caravandaily.com/portal/muslims-across-the-country-come-forward-to-demand-equal-rights/? fbclid= IwAR35vTbTvi-CFEtFvTY6pQudRRE6JNvVJdAdnkATfKur-tUiQ7Pt-2sbwqokk on December 1, 2018.

Hassan, H. (2012), A Sociological Study of Dalit Muslims in India, Unpublished M. Phil. Dissertation, New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Shahabuddin, S. (2002), Comments on Yoginder Sikands Article on Dalit Muslims, Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 22, No. 2, Carfax Publishing: Taylor & Francis Group.

Sikand, Y. (2007), SC Status for Dalit Muslims and Christians, in Ansari A.H. (ed.) Basic Problems of OBC and Dalit Muslims, New Delhi: Serial Publications.

The Indian Express (2015), Row Over Anti-Prophet Statement: Amid Protests, Hindu Outfit Denounces Remarks, Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/row-over-anti-prophet-statement-amid-protests-hindu-outfit-denounces-remarks/ on December 1, 2018.

Trivedi et al. (2016), Does Untouchability Exist Among Muslims?: Evidence from Uttar Pradesh, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 51, Issue, 15, (April 9, 2016), pp 32-36.

The author is a Ph.D scholar at the Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His areas of interest are sociology of education and Indian electoral politics. He is currently working on marginalisation of Muslims in higer education.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2019 > Narendra Modi is the Actual Accidental PM

Anupam Khers film Accidental Prime Minister has targeted Dr Manmohan Singh who served for two terms and may be again acceptable for the job if his party regains power. But his tormentor, Narendra Modi, seems to be out of breath even before his first term is over. Disillusionment with him is so widespread and deep that people of India may not bear with him for another term. As the general elections approach again the difference between the two needs to be examined.

Manmohan Singhs government gave this country the Right to Information, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee, National Food Security, Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights), Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabi-litation and Resettlement, Criminal Law (Amendment) also known as Nirbhaya, Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending), Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Acts, some benefits of the earlier mentioned ones that have reached the people while the others are still to yield results. However, the Narendra Modi Government has hardly done anything the benefits of which have touched the lives of common people. His Jan Dhan Yojana and Ujjwala schemes have come a cropper. While during Manmohan Singhs government you could hear people talking spiritedly about the RTI, MNREGA, Forest Rights Act, etc., in Narendra Modis government one doesnt hear anybody talking about Jan Dhan or Ujjwala with the same enthusiasm, except in the government-sponsored advertisements. Demonetisation, which was really remonitisation as the government introduced bigger denomination notes, betraying the reason that it was meant to be an action against ending black money, and implementation of Goods and Services Tax have made a dent in the economy from which it is still recovering. A common perception now is that Narendra Modi-Arun Jaitley have little understanding of the economy and the government has been manipulating data to show better results. The duo was also unable to retain competent experts like Raghuram Rajan and Urjit Patel with the government.

The Narendra Modi Governments biggest failure has been on the law and order front. Hardline elements of the Hindutva brigade appear to have had a free hand in perpetrating criminal actions which have terrorised the society at large. While Member of Parliament of the Bharatiya Janata Party Raghav Lakhanpal Sharma attacked the residence of Senior Superintendent of Police of Saharanpur in April 2017, various fringe elements attacked Muslim citizens on the suspicion of having consumed beef or simply when they were carrying cattle; some of these perpetrators were garlanded by Central Minister Jayant Sinha in Jharkhand.. The Yogi Adityanath Government has indulged in encounter killing of more than fifty people and if the police is not killing citizens, then the mob is killing policemen in Uttar Pradesh. Legislators threaten people, who feel insecure under the present dispensation, with bombing, something for which a person associated with the Left-wing ideology could be labelled as an urban Naxal and put behind bars.

Narendra Modi has probably travelled abroad more frequently and widely than any other PM. However, his foreign sojourns did not do any good to Indias relationship with most countries, especially, its neighbours. The PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has shown a rare goodwill gesture by opening the corridor to Kartarpur for the visit of Sikh pilgrims from India to the Darbar Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan without the requirement of passport-visa. Narendra Modi appears to have been caught in the politics of anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan that his party is traditionally used to. He is not able to grow out of his 56 inch chest-size syndome, declared publicly during the last elections, to respond to the friendly overtures from our neighbour. On the other hand, it is unclear what the most bravado action of surgical strike achieved for India, for incidents of cross-border terrorism continue unabated. The relation-ship with Pakistan during Manmohan Singhs regime had improved relatively. In spite of the terrorist attack on Mumbai that government did not take an intransigent position of not engaging with Pakistan.

Narendra Modi is constrained to use the icons of the freedom movement, led by the Indian National Congress, like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Subhas Chandra Bose, to counter the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty of the Congress as he knows that ideologues of his parent organisation, Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, like Hedgewar, Savarkar and Golwalkar will not go down well with the masses as they were not faithful to the freedom movement of this country. Having formed the government with just 31 per cent of votes, incidentally the lowest vote-share of any party to have won a majority of the Lok Sabha seats, Narendra Modi has also deserted from some of the RSS agenda like anti-reservation in an attempt to gain wider acceptability.

As the next Lok Sabha election is approaching the Ram temple issue has started dominating the political narrative as if this is an important demand of all Hindus. Without having solved any of the major problems facing the country like farmers suicides or child malnourishment, unemployment or sub-standard education and health care system, the Narendra Modi Govern-ment is clearly fanning this issue.

People in Kashmir and Assam are more disenchanted with the government after the BJP came to power. The BJP projects itself to be a champion of womens rights when arguing for banning the practice of triple talaaq among Muslims but it is against the right of Hindu women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. Narendra Modis estranged wife Jasodaben has been denied a passport lest she causes embarrassment for him abroad.

As if India didnt have enough problems to cope with, the BJP Government has added a totally unexpected problem to this list because of its love for the cow. Stray cattle, which were once domestic but now have no buyers, are roaming around freely destroying standing crops in the field. This one issue alone may be enough to decisively turn the tide against the BJP in the next elections.

All the above-mentioned things point to the fact that Narendra Modi has mismanaged governance compared to the Manmohan Singh Government. Narendra Modi consolidated his position after the 2002 Gujarat communal violence by polarising Hindu votes first in Gujarat and then in the whole country. He used false promises to lure some other sections of society. Ambani and Adani provided him the definite financial advantage over other parties and leaders within the BJP. He sailed through in the 2014 elections based on these factors but now it appears to be an accident to the people of the country. Never before have the people ridiculed any PM with epithets for his false promises as are being used for Narendra Modi nor has any PM lowered the dignity of office with such actions as putting on an expensive coat with his name inscribed on it in the form of strips.

Noted social activist and Magsaysay awardee Dr Sandeep Pandey is the Vice-President of the Socialist Party (India). He was elected to this post at the founding conference of the party at Hyderabad on May 28-29, 2011.
Magnolia, AR (71754)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
The Banner-News of Magnolia has dropped its weekday editions and will launch its new weekly edition on Wednesday.
Today

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. High 87F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
18th February 2019

Runtime 14:07

Barney Gray came into the London South East studio today to discuss the latest news from Tower Resources, Core Energy, the Colter Well, Reabold Resources and United Oil and Gas. Barney is an independant oil analyst who works with Turner Pope and Optiva Securities amongst others, often publishing paid-for research on these companies.

He started off by giving us the three magic ingredients he looks for in an investment: strong management with lost of Oil Major experience, a strong and mixed set of assets including near term, appraisal and development potential and a clear exit strategy.

We discussed Tower's good fortune to be located next to Total's new and potentially world class gas find, offshore South Africa, which may give the Tower team a potentially sellable asset. And the prospects for the Thalia Block, due to be drilled Q2 when the funding has been sorted out. 'This is a very nice little asset' said Barney.
The National Film Boards recent animation output may be described in many ways, but funny isnt necessarily one of them.

That was something Montreal NFB producer Michael Fukushima hoped to change when he asked veteran Vancouver animator couple David Fine and Alison Snowden to pitch him a project a few years back.

You may not be aware of the breadth of our animation catalogue, Fukushima said, sitting in the NFBs Montreal offices on Monday morning, but certainly, of late, comedy is in short supply.

I love the films we produce, and I encourage our filmmakers, but their films do tend to be more serious and art-driven. Just plain laugh-out-loud comedy is not what we do all the time anymore. Alison and David are masters of a certain kind of dry comedy that I think the NFB needed.

That hunch has carried Fukushima, Fine and Snowden all the way to this years Oscars, where Animal Behaviour is nominated in the category of best short film (animated).

It is Fine and Snowdens fourth Oscar nomination in the category, which they won in 1995 for their NFB-produced film, Bobs Birthday. That led to their hit animated series Bob and Margaret.

It is the third time heading to the Academy Awards with a film for Fukushima, who is executive producer of the NFBs animation department. But the Oscars were the farthest thing from his mind when Animal Behaviour started; he was simply seeking comic relief.

He knew he was onto something when he sat down with Fine at the Ottawa animation festival and got the pitch, on the spot, for film about a group-therapy session involving an array of neurotic creatures.

No exaggeration, I slid out of my chair, I was laughing so much, Fukushima recounted. Just the characterizations, even at that early stage, were so very, very funny.

(Fine) said, So we have a leech with codependency issues. Of course the leech has separation anxiety! And David is a very good mime, so he was doing voices for the different characters.

Other animals in the film include a dog psychotherapist, a rapacious praying mantis, a gluttonous pig, a compulsively clean cat and an ape with anger-management issues.

Snowden performs the voice of the cat in the film, and she and Fine recruited a host of Vancouver actors for the rest of the cast.

Several Montrealers were involved in the project, including composer Judith Gruber-Stitzer and musician brothers David and Thom Gossage, plus sound designer Olivier Calvert.

And while it was mostly smooth sailing, the entire film was nearly derailed last year when Snowden had a very scary brush with death, ultimately receiving a double-lung transplant at Vancouver General Hospital.

It was terrifying at the time, Fukushima recounted. It started with some kind of infection. The doctors couldnt diagnose the root of it, and it just kept deteriorating. The medical team thought if they could stabilize her, maybe a double-lung transplant would do it, but they didnt know for certain.

Incredibly, Snowden pulled through and was able to finish the film.

You would never know (that anything happened), Fukushima said. Shes in perfect health.

Needless to say, being nominated for an Oscar is icing on the cake. Thoughts of winning, though exciting, are being kept at bay for the moment.

At the nominees luncheon on Feb. 4, Fukushima acted as facilitator as the filmmakers took advantage of some classic photo ops.

I was walking up to other nominees like Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, saying There are a couple of nominees that would love to have their photo taken with you,  he said. It was a fun experience.

***

Black civil rights

Two new virtual reality works touching on black civil rights are being shown at the Phi Centre: Traveling While Black, a 21-minute journey into one of the long-standing safe havens in a racially divided U.S.; and Accused No. 2: Walter Sisulu, a 15-minute animated documentary based on sound archives of the trial of one of Nelson Mandelas comrades in South Africas Rivonia trials of 1963-64.

I recently wrote about the Sundance Film Festival premiere of Traveling While Black, created by Montreals Felix & Paul Studios in collaboration with Oscar-winning American director Roger Ross Williams.

The piece takes viewers inside Bens Chili Bowl in Washington D.C. The restaurant resides in a building that served as one of the safe spaces for blacks contained in Victor Hugo Greens travel guide The Green Book.

Sitting in a cubicle in the famed restaurant, we hear owner Virginia Ali and an array of patrons talk about being black in America. In a climactic segment, Samaria Rice describes the day her 12-year-old son, Tamir, was killed by police in 2014.

As with all Felix & Paul projects, VR brings a disarming intimacy to the experience.

Accused No. 2: Walter Sisulu, by French directors Nicolas Champeaux and Gilles Porte, puts us inside the courtroom to hear the testimony of the black anti-Apartheid activist.

Though the trials were not filmed, the black-and-white animation brings a mix of mystery and immediacy to the affecting VR piece, demonstrating one mans resilience in the face of oppression.

AT A GLANCE: Animal Behaviour is streaming for free until the day of the Oscars, Sunday, Feb. 24, on the NFB website, nfb.ca.
The fisheries sector is aiming at 10 billion USD in the export of aquatic products in 2019, a year-on-year rise of 11 percent, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

To that end, it will work to increase the total aquaculture production by 3.6 percent to 4.3 million tonnes, including 1.4 million tonnes of tra fish and 852,000 tonnes of shrimp of all kinds, up 3 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively.

It will also strive to catch 3.68 million tonnes, up 2.5 percent year-on-year.

The sector will effectively carry out the national action plan on shrimp development by 2025, the master plan on the development of the shrimp industry by 2025, and the three-tier cooperation plan for the production of high-quality tra fish breeds in the Mekong Delta until 2025.

Inspections will be intensified to control the quality of feed and products improving the farming environment, prevent the use of banned antibiotics, and antibiotic abuse in aquatic farming.

More inspection teams will also be organized to supervise the implementation of regulations related to the management and use of fishing vessels at localities, and the granting of registration licenses to ship owners.

Speaking at a conference to discuss export plans in HCM City on February 16, VASEP Chairman Ngo Van Ich said Vietnams seafood exports last year had been worth 9 billion USD, a year-on year increase of 6 percent, and met the target.

Of which, Tra fish exports had surged 26 percent to 2.26 billion USD thanks to increased buying by the US and China and the recovery of the EU market, he said.

But shrimp exports were down 8 percent to 3.6 billion USD due to a drop in demand in a number of markets such as the US and Canada and higher production by competitors like India, Indonesia and Thailand, resulting in a 15-20 percent fall in prices, he added.

Ich said last year had also been difficult for the industry after the EC imposed a yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood for failing to make progress in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

But things would look up this year, he noted.

Exports increased by just 6 percent last year, rather low considering the sectors capacity. The sector can absolutely achieve growth of 10 percent and even 12 percent a year if it is developed in the right direction.

With its potential and preferential tariffs from free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the sector would achieve an export turnover of 10 billion USD this year, he said.

In 2019, shrimp exports are expected to be better because the US Department of Commerce recently announced the final results of the 12th period of review (POR 12), lowering the anti-dumping tariff on shrimp imports from Vietnam.

Truong Dinh Hoe, VASEP General Secretary, said the export of shrimp, tra fish and other seafood products was expected to reach 4.2 billion USD, 2.3 billion USD and 3.5 billion USD this year.

The sector would also work to get the EC yellow card warning lifted this year, he said.

But the many positive signals notwithstanding, the sector also faces many challenges in terms of raw materials, competitiveness and market barriers.

Actively sourcing raw materials is always an advantage to businesses, but this is not being done well.

Climate change, saltwater intrusion in rivers and diseases are some of the reasons causing a shortage of raw materials while the anti-dumping duty imposed by the US and its Seafood Import Monitoring Programme have also created pressure on businesses, according to Hoe.

Raw shrimp prices are higher than in other countries in the region and other input costs have also increased, affecting Vietnams competiveness.

Ich and Hoe agreed that to achieve the targets the sector would need a specific development strategy with a focus on preventing shrimp diseases, stopping the use of chemicals in aquaculture, capitalising on preferential tariffs under the Vietnam-EU FTA, which takes effect this year, to boost exports to the EU, and importing legal seafood materials for processing for export.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong hailed the export efforts last year, but said the target of 10 billion USD for this year would be very high despite having a firm foundation to achieve it.

Shrimp exports were looking up, tra fish was popular in many markets and seafood exploitation was gradually becoming sustainable.

To accomplish the export target, stakeholders in the fisheries value chain from the exploitation and processing stages to distribution and exports needed to further enhance cooperation and improve the management at each stage.

The exploitation and production of raw materials had to follow clean processes and comply with input quality standards while the processing phase had to improve technology and management to reduce production costs.

Besides sustaining traditional markets, companies and business groups had to find new markets but also exploit the lucrative domestic market of nearly 100 million people and 15 million international visitors annually.-VNA
NEW YORK  Bowing to a backlash that had threatened to engulf an already blunder-plagued Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday reversed its decision to present four awards during the commercial breaks of this years Oscar broadcast.

All 24 categories will be shown live, after all, at the 91st Academy Awards on February 24, the academy announced in a statement. On Monday, the academy had said that the winning speeches for cinematography, film editing, makeup and hairstyling and live-action short would be aired in a shortened, taped segment during the broadcast.

Nine days until the showtime, still tweaking the script the Academy tweeted Friday.

The academy did not address whether the change meant extending the shows length, which organizers have said would be reduced to three hours.

The academys move to strike awards from the live broadcast was fiercely contested by many of this years Oscar nominees, including Roma director Alfonso Cuaron and BlacKkKlansman filmmaker Spike Lee. The American Society of Cinematographers on Wednesday issued an open-letter to the academy, signed by Martin Scorsese, Brad Pitt and others, calling the plans an insult to the cinematic arts.

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When the recognition of those responsible for the creation of outstanding cinema is being diminished by the very institution whose purpose it is to protect it, then we are no longer upholding the spirit of the academys promise to celebrate film as a collaborative art form, the letter read.

The academy on Wednesday defended the decision and blamed a chain of misinformation on the backlash. Following record-low ratings to last years broadcast, the academy has made a swifter, three-hour telecast a priority. ABC, which airs the Oscars, is planning to premiere a sneak-peak of a new drama series after the Oscar telecast, which regularly ranks as the most-watched non-NFL broadcast of the year.

This is just the latest flip-flop by the academy in its attempts to tweak the Oscars.

The academys headaches began after it last summer trotted out the induction of a popular film Oscar. The plan sparked such outrage (Rob Lowe pronounced the film industry dead, survived by sequels, tent-poles and vertical integration) that the new award was scuttled within a month.

Kevin Hart was announced as this years Oscar host only to withdraw days later when many took issue with his old homophobic tweets and the comedian initially chose to pass on the apology. Hart finally apologized as he resigned, leaving the Oscars host-less for only the fifth time in its 91-year history.

And after first planning to limit the best song nominee performances, the academy confirmed that all songs will indeed be performed.

Veteran makeup artist Lois Burwell, who is on the film academys board of governors, on Friday called the efforts to change the Oscars an evolving process.

With anything creative, you start in one place and then theres the journey to where you end up, said Burwell. And sometimes you have to do things that dont work in order to find out what does work. So theres always a kind of awkwardness about someone going, Oh no, that was a mistake. But a mistake is something you learn from and build upon.
On Aug. 2, 1960, Vice President Richard Nixon traveled to Whittier to officially launch his campaign as Republican nominee for the presidency. The week before, in Chicago, he won the partys nomination.

The next mornings Los Angeles Times reported Nixon, who flew into Los Angeles from Reno, landing at 5:10 p.m., managed to crowd into his busy schedule a planeside reception.

After holding a news conference, Nixon rushed to Whittier College. Then in front of a crowd of 20,000, Nixon gave his opening campaign speech.

Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy defeated Nixon in the 1960 presidential campaign. Nixon won the presidency in 1968.

See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here
Calling all cowgirls  or cowgirl wanna-bes: Ride the range in Montana and learn horsemanship and other Western skills during the four-day Cowgirl Spring Roundup at the Resort at Paws Up.

The annual event features Cowgirl Hall of Famers who teach skills to participants.

It draws a mix of women who range in age (12 and older) and experience, from novice to avid riders. Each night is capped off with storytelling around a campfire.

Dates: April 25-28

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Price: From $600 per person, per night, for accommodations, meals, activities and round-trip airport transfers to/from Missoula, Mont. Space is limited to the first 50 women who register.

Info: Resort at Paws Up, (800) 473-0601

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
One of Pam Montanas most profound moments in her two-year journey with Alzheimers disease occurred when her doctor ran through a list of must-dos.

Eat well, exercise and learn a new language, the doctor said. But the single most important piece of advice?

She said, Do what makes you happy,  said Montana, 63, who has younger-onset Alzheimers. The former tech executive now lives by that mantra, especially when it comes to travel.

I have given myself permission to do whatever I need to do, whenever I need to do it, she said. She has traveled to Australia, Nashville, Washington, D.C., and Maui since her diagnosis.

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She used to go with the flow on trips, but now she considers carefully how any activity might affect her.

If my husband wants to go sightseeing, then he can go ahead, but if Im tired, Im sleeping in and having room service, she said.

Montana, who lives in Danville, Calif., and travels often as a spokesperson for the Alzheimers Assn., insists on getting as much rest as she needs.

Its using my voice and being empowered to get what I need, she said.

Montana also avoids early morning flights, layovers, packed itineraries and loud restaurants.

I have to be selfish, and its actually a little uncomfortable at times, she said. Ive always just gone with whatever is decided, but now I make intentional choices.

Experts say thats a good playbook for anyone living with Alzheimers or related dementia. Alzheimers, a progressive disease affecting an estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S., is loosely defined by three stages  early, middle and late  and symptoms worsen over time.

Before you go on a trip, decide how you will plan and coordinate travel.

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Safety is going to be the biggest concern, said Susan Howland of the Alzheimers Assn. California Southland Chapter. Its taking an honest look at where that person is in the disease process and what are the challenges that crop up for that person in determining if they would benefit [from], enjoy and be safe traveling.

Someone in the early stages might become overwhelmed with complex directions from the airport to the hotel, but they can take notes, use GPS and other supportive systems to help them navigate.

Someone in middle stages is at an impairment where those techniques are no longer useful, Howland said. If I gave them complex and written directions to my house, they may not be able to follow.

Most people with Alzheimers or related dementias do best in environments that are familiar, calm and predictable, Howland said.

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Thats hard to accomplish when you travel.

If routine is important, consider visiting favorite destinations. And go the way youve always gone before, whether its by car, air or train.

Also make sure a detailed itinerary is shared with multiple people.

If a travel companion is needed, consider who is the best person to fill this role.

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If its a spouse who is the primary caregiver and is already burned out and dealing with new behavioral issues, they might not be the best person to travel with, Howland said.

Kevan Watson, co-owner of Box n Burn gyms in Santa Monica and Brentwood, made two round-trip flights to Louisville, Ky., in October to accompany his mother to and from Los Angeles so she wouldnt have to travel alone.

Like Montana, Watsons mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers. She also loves to travel.

Everyones symptoms and reactions are different, Watson, 32, said of his 68-year-old mother.

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Shes easy to travel with, but he made sure to pack reading material, crossword puzzles and electronic devices to keep her mind occupied, something experts say is beneficial.

Once she was settled on the plane, he slipped out of his seat to educate the flight attendants.

I said, Hey just want to let you know my mom has dementia. Shes going to ask questions and more than once. Please answer them as if its the first time. 

The extra support he provides  making all flight and hotel arrangements, alerting staff ahead of time, planning daily activities  allows Watsons mom to focus on the things that make her happy.

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Its widely understood that individuals living with Alzheimers can become easily overwhelmed and stressed. Some people may wander off. That doesnt mean travel is out of the question.

Medical alert systems and other resources are available to help anyone who wanders find their way back.

The Alzheimers Assn. helpline (800) 272-3900 is staffed by clinicians 24 hours a day. The service offers translation in 200 languages. If a crisis occurs during a trip, you are urged to call.

Here are some tips that can help:

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Choose familiar destinations and modes of transportation to ensure a level of comfort. This also allows the person to tap into long-term memories.

Planning is key. Select the best time of day to travel for the person living with dementia and for the caregiver to ensure both are alert and fresh and not hungry or tired.

Make sure the caregiver and the person living with dementia carry identification at all times.

Schedule down time. Slow the pace and consider doing fewer activities during the day. This will help all parties to be rest and less overwhelmed by a busy schedule.

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travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
It has been a busy social season with award shows and philanthropic benefits. I will try to catch up with it all before a new spate of events unfold.

The annual USC School of Libraries recently held its annual Scripter Awards. This lovely black-tie event is held in the beautiful Edward L. Doheny Memorial Library on campus.

As in years past, this event has honored the best adaptation of the written word into film, but this year for the first time an award was added by recognizing television writers.

In her remarks, USC Libraries Dean Catherine Quinlan credited the addition to the growing recognition of excellence in adaptation for television.

Among the incredibly well-written programs on the air, on cable, and streaming today, are many, many adaptations of the written word, she said. So, including television for Scripter consideration seemed a fitting and natural extension of this award that began 29 years ago with the inspiration of USC Libraries supporters Glenn Sonnenberg and Marjorie Lord.

In the television category, the award went to journalist Lisa Belkin, author of the nonfiction book Show Me a Hero: A Tale of Murder, Suicide, Race, and Redemption, and screenwriters William F. Zorzi and David Simon, who penned the teleplays for the six-part HBO miniseries Show Me a Hero.

La Canadans Sue and Jim Stauffer attend the Scripter Awards ceremony. (Photo by Jane Napier Neely)

John le Carre supposedly said that watching your book become film is like watching your oxen be turned into beef jerky. But it was not like that at all. And it was because Bill [Zorzi] and David [Simon] saw it as their mission to stick to history, to bring to life people who actually lived, Belkin said while accepting the award.

In the film category, the winners were journalist Michael Lewis, author of The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine, and screenwriters Adam McKay and Charles Randolph, who adapted Lewis book into the screenplay for Paramount Pictures The Big Short.

McKay and Randolph both spoke of the contemplative spaces that libraries provide.

Coming to the library today was comforting, McKay said. Where the job of this place is to think, and to slow things down.

Randolph then noted that, as a USC student, he wrote his first script in Doheny Librarys Los Angeles Times Reference Room.

(Speaking of the Times Reference Room, its always a thrill for me to experience it on award night. The books that line the shelves lend such a comfortable feeling to the room. The tomes with gold writing on their spines glimmer in the special lighting thats always added for the festive evening.)

Sonnenberg presented an honorary Scripter to Lords daughter Anne Archer, in honor of her familys support of Scripter and the USC Libraries.

Accepting the award, Archer said that her mother knew that supporting the USC Library through this unique event would be a reminder to the next generation that great writing elevates a culture.

I sat at Patsy Deweys table. Patsy is a trustee at USC and she brought along her lovely granddaughter Chandler Dewey, who is a student at UC Riverside. Also at our table were La Canada residents Sue and Jim Stauffer, Jill Wondries, Janet and Frank McNiff, Phyllis Winnaman with her date Bill Halliday, and Marijane Hebert.

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Now on to another architecturally beautiful building in the City of the Angels, the historic Biltmore Hotel where the Hillsides gala raised more than $400,000 for this premier provider of child welfare services serving families in crisis and children in foster care.

The lovely event was chaired by Dr. Annette Ermshar, a Pasadena-based clinical psychologist who is active in the local music community who added many unique musical elements to the event attended by more than 400 guests.

Dr. Drew Pinsky, Susan Pinsky, Gala Chair Dr. Annette Ermshar and her husband, Dan Monahan, at the Hillsides benefit. (Courtesy of Hillsides)

The benefit, themed Symphony of Dreams, was kicked off with a performance by the Los Angeles Childrens Chorus, Young Mens Ensemble who serenaded guests as they entered the hall. As dinner started, 2015 American Idol finalist Rayvon Owen warmed up the crowd with Stevie Wonders song Higher Ground and later performed an original song about the redeeming power of love, Rescue.

A poignant point of the evening came when 2015 Rose Court Princess Donaly Marquez stepped to the microphone to tell the guests about her harrowing childhood spent on the streets with an abusive mother before she and her siblings were adopted. In high school, when her traumatic past began to catch up to her, she reached out to Hillsides for counseling.

Marquez credited her Hillsides therapist with giving her the courage to try out for the Tournament of Roses Royal Court, calling the therapist her mentor and inspiration. I truly believe Hillsides has not only opened up doors for me, but has also assisted me in trying to find myself in the midst of everything else, she said.

Joe Costa, Hillsides chief executive, commented, Wed like to thank everyone who supported Symphony of Dreams which is Hillsides largest fundraiser of the year. The funds raised will be used to help the more than 6,200 children and families we serve throughout Los Angeles County.

KNBC channel 4 weatherman Fritz Coleman acted as master of ceremonies. He enthusiastically led the live auction portion of the evening that featured 11 hotly bid on packages.

Going for the highest amount of $10,000 was a package personally designed by benefit chair Ermshar, a three-night stay in an exquisite private Napa Valley home for eight that included personal wine tours, a winemakers dinner prepared farm-to-table style by Bistro 45s chef Ryan Bergunio and personally led wine tours with David Devan, right-hand man to world renowned winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, and also a red carpet experience at Stags Leap Winery.

It was an outstanding evening and some of the locals attending were Mark Martinez and Dee Fisher, Vince and Judy Dundee, Gina and Rod Guerra, Lori and Ed Patterson, Joan and John McCarthy, Dr. Henri and Donna Ford, Bryce and Stacy Canfield, Kitty Barr, Mary Dee Hacker and her daughter Kathryn Nishibayashi, and Courtney Diroll Saavedra.

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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Canada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnavalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.
The Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said Sunday he intended to investigate whether top officials of the FBI and the Justice Department discussed an administrative coup to oust President Trump in 2017.

The chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said he would issue subpoenas, if necessary, to sort out circumstances that former Deputy FBI Director Andrew G. McCabe described in a 60 Minutes interview set to air Sunday night.

In the interview, McCabe said Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein had raised the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump out of concern for his fitness for office after he fired then-FBI Director James Comey in May 2017.

The amendment sets out a process for the Cabinet and Congress to declare a president unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. At that point, the vice president becomes president.

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Appearing on CBS Face the Nation, Graham noted that Rosenstein, a career Justice Department prosecutor, had vehemently denied McCabes account of the discussion.

Were going to find out what happened here, Graham said. The only way I know to find out is to call the people in under oath and find out through questioning whos telling the truth because the underlying accusation is beyond stunning.

Graham said McCabes remarks amounted to an allegation by the acting FBI director at the time that the deputy attorney general was basically trying to do an administrative coup.

Rosenstein appointed special counsel Robert S. Mueller III after Trump fired Comey for what the president later said was this Russia thing. Rosenstein has said he plans to step down after Mueller files his report on his investigation into whether the Trump campaign conspired with Russia during or after the 2016 campaign, and other possible crimes.

On Friday, after excerpts from the 60 Minutes interview were released, McCabes spokeswoman, Melissa Schwartz, said certain statements made by McCabe had been taken out of context and misrepresented.

To clarify, at no time did Mr. McCabe participate in any extended discussions about the use of the 25th Amendment, nor is he aware of any such discussions, Schwartz said in a tweet.

McCabe has been promoting his book, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump. In the book, McCabe does not mention discussing Trump and the 25th Amendment with Rosenstein.

Then-Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions fired McCabe in March 2018 following a recommendation by the FBIs Office of Professional Responsibility. Sessions alleged that McCabe had made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and, when questioned about it, lacked candor  including under oath  on multiple occasions.

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McCabe has denied speaking dishonestly and argues that he was fired for political reasons.

We need to take with a grain of salt maybe what Mr. McCabe is telling us, Graham said Sunday. But he went on national television and he made an accusation that floors me.

david.willman@latimes.com
Experts have said improving the transparency of the real estate market is critical to prevent inflated prices and ensure stable development.

In 2018, the property market saw price fever in several localities, especially those with potential for tourism growth and those expected to be developed into special administrative economic units like Van Don in Quang Ninh province and Phu Quoc in Kien Giang province, where buyers grabbed property with hopes for significant returns.

When the National Assembly voted to delay the passing of the Law on Special Administrative and Economic Units and when local authorities ordered a halt to land transitions  the price hikes in Van Don and Phu Quoc cooled off.

Nguyen Van Dinh, deputy president of the Vietnam Association of Real Estate brokers, said this was a necessary pause for the real estate markets in these two hot areas to return to stability.

Dinh added that market transparency there also needed to be enhanced to reach their development potential.

According to Nguyen Manh Ha, deputy president of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, the inflated prices occurred mainly due to speculation which pushed prices far above their real values, adding that price fevers brought a lot of risks for both the market and investors.

One way to prevent such wild speculation is to make real estate project information public and increase the transparency of the planning stage. Brokerage management should also be strengthened.

Economic expert Vu Dinh Anh said developing a real estate information system was an important step towards improving market transparency.

The Government issued a decree in 2015 about the development, management and use of a housing and real estate market information system. However, Anh said implementation remained slow.

He said Vietnam needed to develop a system to provide accurate information and regular updates about land planning and the status of the property projects.

Anh said ensuring the balance between supply and demand in the real estate market and developing the information system would help the property market develop more stably and sustainably.

In a report to National Assembly delegates in October, the Ministry of Construction admitted that the development of the real estate market still lacked transparency in planning, selecting developers and transactions.

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said the ministry would study policies to prevent real estate speculation, stabilise the market and efficiently manage land resources.  VNS/VNA
City Councilwoman Nury Martinez and Councilman David Ryu have introduced a motion to develop a paid parental leave plan for Los Angeles.

Already, Californias parental and family leave programs offer up to 18 weeks of paid leave, at up to 70% of ones pay, capped at $1,252 per week. The state programs are funded through mandatory payroll deductions; all employees contribute, not just those who benefit.

Under the proposed city program, L.A. businesses would likely be asked to cover the difference between 70% and 100% of workers wages.

Ryu says this policy is good for business. Proponents say it raises productivity, reduces turnover and increases profits.

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When benefits are mandated by governments, it can lead firms to cut back in other ways.

But if it were truly good for businesses, more of them would offer paid maternity leave without a government mandate. This initiative would put L.A. businesses at a competitive disadvantage, hindering economic development efforts.

Although proponents point to the benefits of having parents at home with newborns, they then brag that parental leave policies raise labor force participation rates. Not everyone would agree that it is a good thing to encourage new parents to stay in the labor force.

When Americans were polled by the Pew Research Center in 2017, they expressed support for paid leave and, it should come as no surprise, a preference that it be paid for by businesses. But thats not how things work.

Mandated benefits raise the costs of hiring workers. Employers are aware of how much workers contribute to their bottom line. They wont pay more than that.

When benefits are mandated by governments, it can lead firms to cut back in other ways. Over time, costs imposed on employers by mandated leave will result in reductions in other benefits, such as sick days or dental benefits. We can also expect slower growth in wages.

Finally, higher labor costs could encourage businesses in some sectors of the economy to consider investing in labor-saving technologies, thus leading to a decline in the demand for employees.

These adverse effects wont be obvious right away, and, by the time they occur, because so many other things are going on, it will be hard to connect any specific negative impacts to the mandated benefit.

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To the extent that the initiative discourages businesses from locating in the city, we can expect the citys tax revenues to fall faster or grow slower than they would otherwise. In some cases, higher business costs are likely to lead to higher consumer prices over time.

Moreover, employers may discriminate against individuals likely to qualify for the benefits. This will make it harder for potential parents to secure employment. And because of the business costs, a proposed exemption for small businesses and nonprofits could exclude about 40% of workers in the city.

Martinez and Ryu say their main concern is about low-income families who choose not to take paid leave because they are not getting full pay. But many programs already exist to assist such households.

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

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State residents are eligible for both the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit, a renters tax credit, subsidized health insurance, CalFresh (food) and CalWorks (public assistance). The Pew survey found that, of low-income workers nationwide who did not receive full pay while on leave, nearly half reported taking advantage of public assistance.

Of the low-income individuals who are eligible but chose not to take paid leave, some expressed a connection to their jobs and viewed their continued presence at work as the key to promotions and long-run financial stability for their families. They may have extended families who assist in child care. This policy initiative will not change that dynamic.

All in all, this is a feel-good policy. If Angelenos were aware of all the costs of this plan, they would see that it is not in the citys interest.

Shirley Svorny is an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute. Previously she was a professor of economics at California State University.

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I cant cast any stones at Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. Like him, I committed the sin of making a shameful costume choice in my youth. My regrettable behavior occurred at UC Berkeley in 1982, when I attended the Kappa Alpha Orders Dixie Ball.

How did a native Southern Californian Jewish girl like me end up at a frat party wearing an antebellum ball gown complete with hoop skirt in celebration of antiquated Southern values? Back then, I was a 19-year-old sophomore casually dating a sweet blond-haired, blue-eyed Kappa Alpha guy. He invited me to be his date for Dixie Ball, a weekend event in Monterey capped by a Southern Confederacy theme dance. My sorority elders informed me that an invitation to Dixie Ball was an honor bestowed upon the lucky few.

One of my sorority sisters drove me and a few other lucky gals to a San Francisco costume shop to rent our elaborate Southern belle gowns. I remember thinking this all seemed weird and expensive. But as I gazed at myself in the costume shop mirror dressed like a comely Southern maiden, I fantasized about Clark Gable breaking a door down and lifting me into his arms.

We werent thinking as individuals. We engaged in thoughtless Greek-system groupthink, casually and carelessly reenacting racist traditions.

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We donned our Gone with the Wind satin get-ups for the ball and danced the night away with our dates, who wore rented blue-gray Confederate soldier uniforms. Plenty of photos documenting the event exist in private fraternity/sorority collections  a mortifying thought because Dixie Ball proved to be as regressive as its name suggests. No African American students attended the festivities. If they had, I doubt we would have behaved so thoughtlessly.

According to Kappa Alpha bylaws in effect then, Dixie Ball has evolved since 1920 as a traditional social function of the Order with the purpose to celebrate and to perpetuate the social attributes of courtesy, graciousness, and open hospitality, which are values of the Old South and were prominent in Virginia when our Order was founded in 1865. The bylaws fail to mention that this leisurely graciousness was built on the backs of African American slaves.

In 1982, Berkeleys Kappa Alpha chapter house on Piedmont Avenue, founded in 1895, still had the reproduction of a Civil War cannon outside its front door and a Confederate flag hanging in the living room. The fraternity had no African American members, nor did my sorority. UC Berkeleys student body was 5.6% African American and, with few exceptions, the Greek system self-segregated.

Has Greek system racism improved since then? Consider this: In February 2010, a group of UC San Diego students held an off-campus Compton Cookout party to mock Black History Month. The hosts encouraged partygoers to dress the part of Compton rappers by wearing baggy clothes, fake gold teeth, etc. In March 2015, a video surfaced of University of Oklahoma Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity members aboard a party bus singing, There will never be a [racial epithet] SAE. This horrid clip exposed frat boys run despicably amok.

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

I bear my own shame. After imbibing a few drinks at Dixie Ball, I joined in singing Way down south in the land of cotton from the Southern folk song. I cant imagine now what we were thinking. Bottom line: We were ignorant, insensitive and wrong.

We werent thinking as individuals. We engaged in thoughtless Greek-system groupthink, casually and carelessly reenacting racist traditions. Since then, Kappa Alpha Order has banned the display of Confederate flags (in 2001); the wearing of Confederate uniforms (in 2010); and any references to Dixie Ball, Old South or other Civil War-period nomenclature (in 2016). Better really late than never.

Education, maturity and time enable aging baby boomers like me to understand where we went wrong and atone for our mistakes. Ive shared my stories of the bad old days with my three daughters (ages 24, 23, and 19), who are shocked their progressive mama couldve been that stupid. Raising awareness lays the groundwork for banishing racially offensive costumes and appalling party themes from campus social life.

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As for Gov. Northam, I cast this advice in lieu of stones: Whether or not it was you wearing the KKK garb or blackface in the medical school yearbook photo, use your moment in the national spotlight to help heal our nations racial wounds. As a physician, you took an oath to do no harm. Please stop equivocating, acknowledge slaverys excruciating legacy and help lift us out of the Dixie muck weve been stuck in far too long.

Sharon Rosen Leib is a freelance journalist and longtime contributing writer to the San Diego Jewish Journal.
A presidents legacy consists not only of actions, but also of words. How will President Trumps words, written and spoken, stack up against those of his predecessors? You be the judge.

Ronald Reagan: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.

Donald Trump: I will build a great wall  and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me  and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.

Lyndon Johnson (After a civil rights march in Selma, Ala. was attacked by state troopers in 1965): There is no cause for pride in what has happened in Selma. There is no cause for self-satisfaction in the long denial of equal rights of millions of Americans.

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Donald Trump (After a man in a car mowed down people who had come out to protest a white nationalist Rally in Charlottesville, Va. in 2017): I think there is blame on both sides. You had some very bad people in that group, but you also had people that were very fine people on both sides.

Abraham Lincoln: This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his countrys cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.

Donald Trump: John McCains not a war hero. Hes a war hero because he was captured. I like people that werent captured.

Thomas Jefferson: The only security of all is in a free press.

George W. Bush: Power can be very addictive. And it can be corrosive. And its important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power.

Donald Trump: The FAKE NEWS media is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American people. SICK!

Barack Obama: Its on all of us to reject the quiet tolerance of sexual assault and to refuse to accept whats unacceptable.

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

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Donald Trump: You know Im automatically attracted to beautiful  I just start kissing them. Its like a magnet. Just kiss. I dont even wait. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything.

George Washington: Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.

Donald Trump: 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. If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Remember, remember always, that all of us  are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.

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Donald Trump: When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs, theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists.

Richard Nixon: The Congress, the administration and the public all share a profound commitment to the rescue of our natural environment, and the preservation of the Earth as a place both habitable by and hospitable to man.

Donald Trump: Ice storm rolls from Texas to Tennessee  Im in Los Angeles and its freezing. Global warming is a total, and very expensive, hoax!

Andrew Jackson: Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.

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Donald Trump: I dont think Ive made mistakes. Every time somebody said I made a mistake, they do the polls and my numbers go up, so I guess I havent made any mistakes.

Bruce Baert is a Los Angeles journalist. @BruceBaertwritr
State election officials said a political operative for Republican Mark Harris orchestrated a complex scheme to illegally collect and falsify absentee ballots last year, hiding evidence of the plot as it unfolded and obstructing the states investigation after the election.

Those explosive charges opened an evidentiary hearing Monday in Raleigh, where the North Carolina State Board of Elections began hearing witness testimony to decide whether enough ballots were tampered with to taint the outcome of the 9th Congressional District race.

The board has the power to call for a new election or certify the November results. According to unofficial results in the nations last undecided congressional race, Harris leads Democrat Dan McCready by just 905 votes.

The state boards executive director, Kim Strach, told the five-member board Monday that Leslie McCrae Dowless, a longtime political operative from Bladen County, paid workers to collect hundreds of absentee ballots from voters, a felony in North Carolina. Dowless and his employees in some cases forged voter signatures and witness signatures and filled out blank or incomplete ballots, Strach said. They operated in both Bladen and Robeson counties, submitting as many as 1,249 ballots overall in the general election.

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Leslie McCrae Dowless Jr. (Travis Long / News & Observer)

And they took great lengths to avoid raising red flags with election officials, Strachs first witness, Lisa Britt, said. They mailed no more than nine or 10 ballots at a time, and they made sure to mail them from the post offices nearest the voters homes, even though many of the ballots were signed and witnessed en masse at Dowless office. They took pains to use the same ink for voter and witness signatures, and to ensure stamps were affixed to the ballot envelopes in a way that didnt reveal a pattern, Britt said.

I had placed a stamp upside down on one of the ballot envelopes, Britt testified. Mr. Dowless fussed at me about that. I guess one or two wouldnt have mattered, but if youve got 10 or 15 coming in that way, theyre going to say, Now hey, wait a minute. 

Strach did not say that Harris knew of the scheme.

The election has been in limbo since November when evidence first surfaced that Dowless, whom Harris hired to lead his absentee-ballot program and other get-out-the-vote operations, had collected ballots illegally in Bladen County.

The allegations have prompted Democrats to demand a new election while Republicans have called repeatedly for Harris to be sworn in, citing the absence of public evidence that fraud affected the outcome or that Harris knew of the scheme.

The investigation has refocused the national debate about election fraud. Republicans, led by President Trump, have alleged widespread voter fraud and advocated strict ID laws and criminal prosecutions. Democrats have argued that the kind of in-person fraud Republicans have targeted is rare, accusing their opponents of trying to hinder ballot access and intimidate voters who typically vote Democratic. The North Carolina case reverses those roles in some ways.

Adding to the uncertainty, the state elections board requires a supermajority of four votes to call for a new election. With three Democrats and two Republicans, the board will not have the votes to take action if its members vote along partisan lines. That would turn attention to Congress, which also has the power to order a new election.

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One seat in the hearing room Monday was labeled U.S. House counsel.

Two big questions remained unanswered after the first few hours of testimony: Did Harris, 52, an evangelical pastor from suburban Charlotte, know about the alleged scheme? And were enough ballots affected by fraud to change the outcome of the election?

Harris personally directed Dowless hiring despite being warned about his tactics but has said repeatedly that he had no knowledge of Dowless allegedly illegal operations.

Britt, the first witness, declared on the stand that Harris knew nothing.

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I think youve got one innocent person in this thing who hasnt done anything wrong and who is getting a really bad rap in all of this, and thats Mr. Harris, she said.

With that declaration, the board announced a lunch break. The campaigns lawyers will get a chance to question Britt after the break.

Dowlesss lawyer, Cynthia Singletary, told reporters that Britts testimony is not true. Asked if Dowless directed illegal ballot-harvesting, she responded, Hell no!

About 150 people filled the hearing room  a courtroom at the North Carolina State Bar in Raleigh  many of them lawyers for the campaigns and their associates.

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Mark Harris, center, Republican candidate for North Carolinas 9th Congressional District seat, speaks with reporters alongside his attorney David Freedman, right, outside the state elections board building on Jan. 3. (Ethan Hyman / News & Observer)

Election officials said it was unlikely that the board would reach a decision Monday, with dozens of witnesses still to come.

Strach told the board that the staff deployed four investigators in the 9th District, interviewing 142 voters and 30 witnesses and examining thousands of subpoenaed campaign and phone records.

She said Dowless paid his workers $125 for every 50 absentee ballots they collected. And she said he tried to obstruct the investigation after the fact. She showed a TV interview with Britt in which she sat in Dowless kitchen and said no one had broken any laws. Britt said Dowless, who was present for that interview, had instructed she sit for it. He also instructed her to testify Monday that he had done nothing wrong, she said.

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Dowless, 63, was investigated in 2016, when he helped deliver an overwhelming share of the mail-in vote in Bladen County for a different Republican congressional candidate, Todd Johnson. The 9th District stretches along the South Carolina border from Charlotte to rural, eastern North Carolina.

Former Rep. Robert Pittenger, whom Harris defeated in the Republican primary last June, told The Post in December that Dowless approached him in 2016 but he declined to hire him.

I just knew I didnt want to be involved with him, Pittenger said. Dowless efforts were widely known, and we did share our concerns with several people.

Since opening the most recent probe late last year, investigators have published reams of evidence and affidavits on the state boards website, including examples of absentee ballots allegedly collected and turned in by Dowless or his crew.

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The evidence has not shown that enough ballots were tampered with to change the outcome of the election, which has prompted the Harris campaign to assume that such evidence doesnt exist.

Investigators are likely to address whether anyone inside the Bladen County Board of Elections was aware of the scheme and participated in it  a prospect that would allow the board to declare the results generally tainted, which state law allows as grounds for calling for a new election.

The board published evidence in December that the county election staff improperly released early-voting results. Strach said Monday that no evidence has emerged that anyone inside the local board released those results to Dowless.

But she also said the investigation has shown serious security lapses in the county election office.

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Both parties drew their battle lines ahead of the hearing.

In a brief filed this past week with the state board, the McCready campaign, represented by prominent Democratic lawyer Marc Elias, argued that the alleged ballot tampering taints the entire election and warrants calling for a new one.

Evidence of ballot tampering performed by Harriss handpicked operative casts a cloud of suspicion on all the [absentee] ballots cast in the election, the McCready brief states, and is more than sufficient to justify calling for a new election.

Harris team, in turn, will argue for certification, Freedman said.

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With as many investigators as have been down there, reporters and our own investigation, its hard for me to believe there are matters that will arise that have not already been exposed, Freedman said.

Still, there was evidence of caution on both sides. The GOP has claimed widespread fraud to justify strict new voter identification laws and far-reaching crackdowns on noncitizen voting; some in the party have noted the potential contradiction of downplaying evidence of the alleged election-fraud scheme in Bladen.

And some Democrats in Washington said they are grappling with the risk of overreaching if they call for a new election without overwhelming evidence that ballot-tampering was widespread enough to affect the outcome in November.

McCready, 35, argued in his brief that if the state board fails to call for a new election, the U.S. House should then do so. But not all Democrats on the Hill relish that opportunity.

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House leaders are cognizant of how far they should push to set new precedent here, said a senior Democratic staffer on Capitol Hill who was not authorized to speak publicly. But they also recognize that this is a potentially unprecedented situation, if the state board can neither certify the election nor order a new one.

Perhaps the star witness could be Dowless himself, though its unknown if he will agree to testify or decline to do so to avoid self-incrimination, as he did at a hearing over similar irregularities more than two years ago.

Also on the witness lists, among dozens of others: Harris; McCready; North Carolina GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse; and Andy Yates, the GOP consultant who worked for Harris and hired Dowless at Harris direction.

A lawyer for Yates, Mark Jones, said Yates will testify if he receives a subpoena to do so. North Carolina law allows the state board to compel witnesses to testify but requires it to grant immunity when it does.

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In her testimony, Britt said that while shes not 100% sure, she believes Yates knew of Dowless ballot-tampering scheme. Yates has denied knowing of any illegal ballot collection.

Amy Gardner writes for the Washington Post.
The ecstatic sailor shown in a photograph kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II has died. George Mendonsa was 95.

Mendonsas daughter, Sharon Molleur, told the Providence Journal Mendonsa fell and had a seizure Sunday at the assisted living facility in Middletown, R.I., where he lived with his wife of 70 years.

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.

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It was years before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Friedman died in 2016 at the age of 92.

Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday.
The Catholic Diocese of Oakland has released the names of 45 priests, deacons and religious brothers who officials say are credibly accused of sexually abusing minors.

The San Francisco Chronicle said Monday that Oaklands list goes back to 1962  when the diocese was founded. None of the men is currently in the ministry. Of the 45 people named, 20 were priests.

Oakland is the latest in a series of dioceses across the country to release names amid a scandal involving pedophile priests and decades of church coverups.

Report names 80-plus alleged predator priests over 6 decades in San Bernardino parishes 

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Most of the listed abuse dates from the 1960s into the 1980s. Oakland diocese officials say there has been no credible accusations of abuse since 1988 but acknowledge that the list may grow in the coming months.

I pray the public acknowledgment of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests, Oakland Bishop Michael Barber said in a letter.

The majority of those named had been previously identified through court filings or news articles. But five names have not been in the public domain until now, said Stephen Wilcox, chancellor of the Oakland diocese.

Wilcox said the diocese considered it a living list.

This isnt, `Oh, thank God weve got the list out. Were done. This is now part of our process. And we know we have more work to do, he told the newspaper.

Wilcox said he had turned over the list of names and information to the Alameda County district attorney to determine whether prosecutions were warranted. Aside from the fact that many of the accused have died, Wilcox said statutes of limitations might be an issue.

Wilcox said hed spent several weeks reaching out to survivors but hadnt yet spoken to all of them.

Survivors in general were pleased with the step, he said, but still think the church needs to do more.

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Some wanted a direct apology from the church, and others said the Diocese of Oakland needed to offer more services to victims.

In October, a law firm suing bishops for records on abuse released its own list of names of alleged abusers, totaling more than 200 clergy in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Jeff Anderson & Associates list included more names of clergy than those released by the Diocese of San Jose, and named 95 tied to the Diocese of Oakland  more than double the dioceses own list.

Wilcox says the discrepancy lies in the standard used to qualify for a credible allegation.
The United States was newly at war in 1942 when the Marines moved into their new base on Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, a cattle ranch nestled between the Southern California cities of Oceanside and San Clemente.

The coastal location was ideal for a force in need of an amphibious training base. Scores of temporary military buildings were erected.

Today, most of those have either been replaced or remodeled. One from that era, however, remains relatively unchanged  and some of its tenants hope it stays that way long after theyre gone.

The building known colloquially as the White House has been the command post of the 1st Marine Division since 1946.

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Built in 1943 as a temporary structure, it was intended to stand for five years. Instead it has seen the division through almost every American military engagement since then.

Now the division has outgrown the facility, and a new headquarters is in the works.

But Kelli Brasket, Camp Pendletons cultural resources manager and archaeologist, said the base is nominating the original building to be placed on the national register of historic places.

Its an early example of the Marine Corps growing presence on the West Coast, she said. Its [also] associated with a master architect  Myron Hunt.

Hunt, whose firm designed many of the bases early military buildings, is more well-known as the designer of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

(Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

The two-story-tall White House features a wide, deep porch along its front, old wooden floors creaking under modern carpeting inside and long, narrow hallways on both levels. Brasket calls them character defining features.

Artifacts from each major engagement are displayed around the two main staircases, along with photos of every commander in the divisions 78-year history.

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The 1st Marine Division is the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. It is the largest and most equipped command in the Marine Corps, according to its commanding general, Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi.

When you think of the Marine Corps, Castellvi said, you think of the 1st Marine Division and where it all began, here at Camp Pendleton.

The 1st Marine Division was activated in 1941. It saw heavy fighting in the Pacific theater, notably the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleleu and Okinawa. It deployed during the Korean War, Vietnam, both wars in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.

(Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

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Throughout the decades, the division headquarters has remained the same. Thats becoming a problem, Castellvi said.

About 22,000 Marines fall under the command of the division. To manage them and their subordinate commands, Castellvis staff is spread out among six buildings on Camp Pendleton.

The White House, with all its charms, just wasnt built for the demands of a modern military force, he said.

Weve made it work, he said, but we now need a better facility.

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Plans for a new headquarters are in their early phases, said Marine Capt. Luke Weaver, a base spokesman, adding that the 1st Marine Division could have a new command post as early as 2024.

As for the White House, people are in the early stages of discussing whether it can become a command museum, Weaver said.

Castellvi said the building represented everything it meant to be a Marine; he hopes it will be preserved.

When you come to this headquarters it reminds you why you came into the Marine Corps to begin with  to be part of something larger than yourself, he said. The history, the legacy, the traditions are embodied by what you see in this building. This place is special.

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Behind the White House, in a bunker that dates back to Vietnam, sits the divisions bar, Matildas. Its where, since 2005, division staff have met every other Thursday afternoon.

Matildas is unlikely to make the trip to the new headquarters, said Castellvi.

Well find something suitable, he said. Or, well come back to this place. I hope that long after we build a new headquarters that every one of us can come back here and see it preserved in the same way it was.

(Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

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Right now, one hurdle to securing a command museum is financial.

Also, there is already a museum on the base, the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum, which features Marines ground vehicles since World War II.

Castellvi said the mechanized museum can be a template for transitioning the White House into a museum.

The 1st Marine Division Assn. is very interested; theyre part of the solution, he said. Nobody wants to see ... what some will refer to as the White House go away.

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Dyer writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Two people were killed and two others were injured in a multivehicle crash in Chatsworth on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.

The collision at the intersection of De Soto Avenue and Plummer Street was reported around 3:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. A man in his 50s and a woman in her 30s, both in the same Toyota Avalon, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 13-year-old girl in the backseat of the Avalon was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center and was on life support Sunday night, L.A. Police Sgt. Mike Zaboski said. A man in his 30s was extricated from an Infiniti and also taken to a hospital.

The cause of the crash was still unknown Sunday night, Zaboski said, but a witness told authorities that a third vehicle driving southbound on De Soto Avenue may have been involved.

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laura.newberry@latimes.com | Twitter: @LauraMNewberry
The family of a mentally ill Anaheim man who died in police custody last year has accused the arresting officers of choking him and failing to render medical aid after the violent clash, according to a federal lawsuit.

Justin Perkins, 38, was beaten with batons and choked by two Anaheim officers at an apartment complex around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 27, the lawsuit alleges. Perkins collapsed after the altercation, and the suit accuses the officers  identified as Shao Wang and Kenny Lee  of failing to get him medical aid for nearly 45 minutes.

The suit contends Perkins body and organs were severely damaged due to lack of oxygen, leading to his death on Oct. 31.

In a statement released last year, Anaheim police said the officers were responding to reports of an assault on an employee at the apartment complex. Famed Bay Area civil rights attorney John Burris, who is representing the family, said Perkins was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia when he was 18 and was very child-like in his mannerisms.

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Perkins, who lived with his uncle at the apartment complex, may have gotten into a disagreement with an employee at the building and struck him, according to Burris. Still, Burris said, the responding officers failure to recognize Perkins condition escalated the conflict.

Justin Perkins, 38 (Courtesy John Burris)

During their attempted arrest, the defendant officers repeatedly struck Perkins about his head, face, and body with closed fists, the suit read. Justins uncle, Mike Perkins, stood within feet of the struggle and shouted to the defendant officers, Hes not trying to hurt you! Hes just scared; he has a mental disorder! 

Burris held a press conference in Anaheim to announce the lawsuit Monday morning, before he and Perkins mother led several dozen people on a march toward the police departments headquarters.

Authorities have said Wang and Lee were seriously injured by Perkins, who suffered a heart attack within minutes of the clash. Sgt. Daron Wyatt, an Anaheim police spokesman, declined to elaborate on the injuries the officers suffered, citing confidentiality laws governing the release of medical records. Burris said he believes Perkins bit one of the officers, but could not provide any other information about their injuries.

Officers at the scene performed CPR until paramedics arrived and transported the suspect to a local hospital, the department said last year.

Our thoughts go out to any family that has lost a loved one. Our officers responded to a call for help for someone being assaulted and acted in their duty as peace officers, Mike Lyster, a city spokesman, said in a statement Monday. They sustained serious injuries and have yet to be cleared to return to work. Beyond that, we want to respect all involved by letting reviews of the incident and any legal process play out.

The incident was captured by the officers body cameras, according to Wyatt, who said the video would not be made public until the Orange County district attorneys office completed its review of the case.

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Burris has called on city officials to make the video public sooner and said Perkins death was indicative of a larger issue in law enforcement, as officers often struggle to calm interactions with the mentally ill.

They could have and should have realized who they were dealing with at the very beginning, he said. You dont create the confrontation.

james.queally@latimes.com

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Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
Vietnam faces a possible return to a trade deficit this year after three years of enjoying surpluses, experts said pointing to the sharp rise in imports and increasing difficulties facing exports.

In January, the deficit ballooned to nearly 1 billion USD as imports rose by 1.7 percent to 20.8 billion USD, according to the General Department of Customs. Exports were down by 1.3 percent to 20 billion USD.

The biggest reason experts think the deficit could be around 3 billion USD this year is a sharp increase in import of feedstock and raw materials by many sectors.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), imports are likely to increase in sectors whose production is still strongly dependent on imported raw materials and equipment and those performing outsourcing.

They include leather shoes, textile and garment and agriculture processing.

The ministry said the deficit so far this year was mostly due to import of electronic products, fabric, technologies, and components and accessories.

The question is why do Vietnamese enterprises still import such large quantities of materials and equipment?

Nguyen Duc Thuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbags Association, said the domestic supporting industry in those sectors remain very weak and unorganised and so cannot ensure sufficient supply of high-quality materials and accessories required by manufacturers.

Consequently, leather, footwear and bag companies have no choice but to resort to imports.

This means the country has to cope with global price volatility and production costs increase, which affects the competitiveness of Vietnams exports.

Another and more important reason for the trade deficit this year is the number of free trade agreements including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) that have come into force this year.

The agreements have begun to attract investments in many sectors by both local and foreign enterprises seeking to take advantage of the opportunity to sell to the great partner markets.

This also means imports of technology, equipment, accessories, and raw materials are set to accelerate, worsening the trade gap.

On the export front many Vietnamese agricultural and fishery enterprises are facing increasing competition globally.

Analysts said challenges would persist through 2019.

Global sources of supply are expected to increase since more and more countries are entering the supply chain for agricultural products. The increasing production also means many countries are paring down imports of these products and replacing them with local ones.

The increasing supply and dwindling demand will almost certainly keep prices in check meaning export value is unlikely to rise by much.

Experts said while the free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed would bring opportunities for its companies to export more, it would not be easy to make use of them because exporters are required to meet certain requirements, one of which is the origin of goods.

If Vietnamese firms want to export to partner markets they would have to use locally sourced materials or from countries that are part of the same trade treaty.

Many Vietnamese manufacturers are heavily reliant on imported raw materials from non-partner countries.

The Vietnamese cashew industry, for instance, imports 63 percent of raw cashew for processing mainly from some African countries like the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria.

Similarly, furniture markers import more than 39 percent of their total wood requirements from Laos and Cambodia, which are not part of any of the trade deals.

Vietnamese enterprises would need to look for new sources and obtain proper certificates of origin, experts said.-VNS/VNA
How many dumplings equal a meal?

Ive personally pondered this question because the number of dumplings I want to eat rarely corresponds with the recommended serving size.

But this question also happens to come up when you read the text of California Assembly Bill 626, a new law decriminalizing the sale of home-cooked food.

The law, which took effect Jan. 1, allows home cooks to earn up to $50,000 in annual revenue and sell up to 60 meals a week after obtaining a permit, paying a fee and agreeing to inspections.

The disconnect I felt has a simple explanation, said Christina Oatfield, policy director of the Sustainable Economies Law Center. She alleges that tech giants are the true beneficiary of AB 626 because the law contains regulations allowing for the sale of home-cooked food over the internet.

This bill was really marketed as something that would help immigrants and people of color. The reality that I observed was that those immigrants and marginalized people werent at the negotiating table, said Oatfield, who was part of the working group authoring AB 626 but left because the bill would not include specific language barring tech giants from the home-cooked food space.

AB 626 was partly written by the founders of a tech start-up. Josephine.com, launched by Matt Jorgensen and Charley Wang in 2015, was a gig-based meal sales company that raised millions in venture capital.

Wang and Jorgensen say they were the anti-Silicon Valley start-up, focusing on offering value to the user rather than on growth and profit. For a 10% commission, they offered users a customer base, marketing tips, free takeout containers, training sessions about food safety and certification, and even food photography advice. Entrepreneurs like Joe Acanfora and Hai Lam, who sell home-cooked Thai food in Emeryville, Calif., said that signing up with Josephine.com enabled them to earn a healthy side income and find customers.

After Josephine was eventually forced to shut down because regulators informed the company it was violating state home-cooking laws, Jorgensen launched C.O.O.K. Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group for home cooks. He and Wang were eventually approached by lawmakers to help write AB 626.

Wang and Jorgensen say that protecting immigrant home cooks from tech giants was one of their main priorities. Thats why, Jorgensen said, they fought for provisions to the law requiring cooks to directly transact with customers rather than through a third-party service such as Uber Eats. But Wang acknowledges the possibility that tech giants could create an online, gig-based platform that dominates the home-cooked food space and extracts profits from home cooks.

If smart people arent working to counter those forces, that is a totally fair concern, Wang said.

COLUMN: If Chinatown is a metaphor for anything, its America 

The final version of the law includes specific regulations for any web platforms that enter the home-cooked food economy  a legal pathway for the dozens of home-cooked food start-ups to enter the space. Airbnb even signed on as a sponsor to AB 626 and spent thousands to lobby on the bills behalf, most likely because the company is building home-cooked food into curated vacations, or experiences that Airbnb sells on its website.

AB 626 could give some home cooks the chance to launch a legitimate side business. Tech platforms could help cooks with payment processing, advertising, marketing or delivery  enriching Silicon Valley venture capitalists but also providing value to consumers

But for immigrants working in the informal food economy, the bill offers little. Regulators at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health told me they arent exactly expecting a wave of applications from the beloved tamale vendors and underground dumpling entrepreneurs.

This law is not intended to legalize unpermitted vending. Its intended for small entrepreneurs who want to do things right and be safe, said Veronica Petrosyan, a health specialist with the agency.

Now were left with the painful irony that a bill marketed as helping immigrants and people of color might actually help tech giants instead.

Its a pity, because food regulations do affect immigrant communities. Los Angeles County has issued 843 violations for selling food from an uninspected kitchen since 2016, and the violations, though rare, have occurred disproportionately in neighborhoods with high percentages of foreign-born residents, according to a Times analysis.

Immigrant enclaves hit hardest by enforcement County health inspectors passed out 843 violations for home cooking over a three-year period. A few cities with a high percentage of foreign-born residents  many in the San Gabriel Valley  saw a disproportionate amount of citations. City Population Foreign-born Violations Per 10K residents City South El Monte Population 21,316 Foreign-born 44% Violations 11 Per 10K residents 5.2 City San Gabriel Population 40,029 Foreign-born 55% Violations 12 Per 10K residents 3.0 City San Fernando Population 24,396 Foreign-born 35% Violations 7 Per 10K residents 2.9 City Monterey Park Population 61,303 Foreign-born 54% Violations 14 Per 10K residents 2.3 City Huntington Park Population 58,927 Foreign-born 48% Violations 12 Per 10K residents 2.0 City La Puente Population 40,010 Foreign-born 40% Violations 8 Per 10K residents 2.0 City Glendale Population 198,653 Foreign-born 54% Violations 38 Per 10K residents 1.9 City Walnut Population 30,044 Foreign-born 50% Violations 5 Per 10K residents 1.7 City Covina Population 53,112 Foreign-born 23% Violations 8 Per 10K residents 1.5 City Rosemead Population 54,758 Foreign-born 56% Violations 8 Per 10K residents 1.5 Note: Includes all cities with five or more violations. Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (violations between 2016 and 2018), American Community Survey

Patricia Zhou and her mother run a home-cooked food company out of Hacienda Heights that takes in far more than $50,000 in gross revenue a year. She understands that selling the food without a permit is unlawful, she said. But so were ride-hailing services like Uber at the beginning, she said.

I thought it was an interesting comparison. Entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and the San Gabriel Valley both break or ignore rules to do business. But our governments response to them is vastly different.

Airbnb violated residential zoning requirements and became a multibillion-dollar company. Meanwhile, residential motels  unofficial hostel arrangements for budget travelers that have existed in Asian communities for decades  are unanimously labeled public scourges.

Forty-seven states have passed laws making it easier for Uber to operate, but taxi companies  which in L.A. are dominated by Armenian and Iranian immigrants  have been devastated.

Who gets to break the rules, and who gets to change them? So often the answer to both questions is tech giants.

A few weeks ago, thinking that the passage of AB 626 meant that Id have some good news for her, I paid my favorite underground dumpling maker a visit.

She perked up when I mentioned her dumplings, remembered my call and invited me in.

An immigrant from Shanghai, shes been operating the business with her sister for 10 years, but always in fear. She recently decided to open a restaurant so shed feel less stressed out.

But she was still afraid of authorities cracking down. Even after I offered to keep her identity anonymous, she claimed no dumplings were made on-site, though she wore a stained apron and an industrial-sized bucket of soy sauce was within view.

The law wont cover businesses like hers. She has more than one employee, and her business generates more than $50,000 in gross sales a year.

And then there was the question of how many dumplings were in a meal (she sells thousands in a week).

We both had no idea.

Times staff writer Ryan Menezes contributed to this report.

Produced by Brian Park.

Support our journalism Please consider subscribing today to support stories like this one. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Already a subscriber? Your support makes our work possible. Thank you.

frank.shyong@latimes.com

Twitter: @frankshyong
Five years after Netflix teamed with Marvel Television for a run of the series, Netflix has announced the cancellation of The Punisher and the series conclusion of Jessica Jones. The news, which follows last years cancellation of Luke Cage, Daredevil and The Iron Fist, ends the Disney-owned Marvels partnership with the streaming giant.

The demise of the two shows was confirmed in a statement by Netflix. Marvels The Punisher will not return for a third season on Netflix, it read, acknowledging the work of showrunner Steve Lightfoot, star Jon Bernthal and the cast and crew.

The statement went on to say that in reviewing our Marvel programming, we have decided that the upcoming third season will also be the final season for Marvels Jessica Jones. Thanking the cast, crew, showrunner Melissa Rosenberg and star Krysten Ritter, the statement added, We are grateful to Marvel for five years of our fruitful partnership and thank the passionate fans who have followed these series from the beginning.

The end of the series was alluded to in a vague open letter posted Monday from Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb. Published on Marvels website as a letter to Marvel Television fans, Loeb acknowledged the news without once mentioning Netflix by name.

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We loved each and every minute of it, Loeb wrote. And we did it all for you  the fans  who cheered for us around the world and made all the hard work worth it.

He then promised that Marvel TV productions would continue, writing: Our Network partner may have decided they no longer want to continue telling the tales of these great characters... but you know Marvel better than that.

Indeed, Marvel TV already has its queue lined up. In early February, it confirmed a deal with Hulu for four animated series. As reported in The Times, The four series, which will target adults and be comedic in tone, are: M.O.D.O.K, featuring an egotistical super villain; Tigra & Dazzler Show, about the struggles of two best friends; Howard the Duck; and Hit-Monkey, about a Japanese snow monkey.

Marvels brand will also be a major driver for Disneys own upcoming streaming service. Called Disney+, the Netflix competitor is slated to launch by the end of the year.

For tips, records, snapshots and stories on Los Angeles music culture, follow Randall Roberts on Twitter and Instagram: @liledit. Email: randall.roberts@latimes.com.
Can Carlos Ghosn beat the rap?

With a trial looming this year on charges of aggravated breach of trust and filing false statements to regulators regarding $80 million in deferred income, the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA needs a new strategy. Hes lost two requests for bail and faces as much as 10 years in prison if convicted.

Confronting a Japanese legal system with a 99% conviction rate, Ghosn overhauled his legal team last week. He replaced a group led by former local prosecutor Motonari Otsuru with one overseen by Junichiro Hironaka, who is known for aggressive tactics defending high-profile clients such as a former senior bureaucrat accused of corruption. Hironaka will hold his first news conference as Ghosns lawyer on Wednesday.

By hiring a lead lawyer nicknamed The Razor, Ghosn is betting that an attorney with a history of challenging the insular Japanese legal world can make him a free man again.

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Otsuru was miscast because hes not the type of lawyer that will take a combative stance against the prosecutors and likely couldnt maintain a relationship of trust with Ghosn, said Nobuo Gohara, an attorney and former prosecutor in Japan. Hironaka is the type of lawyer who will thoroughly fight the prosecutors charge.

Ghosns defense team includes Takashi Takano, who represented a member of the Aum Shinrikyo cult behind the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo.

This might be the first time Takano and Hironaka are on a criminal case together, said Nobuko Otsuki, a Tokyo-based defense lawyer. Theyre all-stars.

Ghosns new defense team may explore several legal arguments to discredit the states case both in court and in the media, according to legal experts in Japan.

Strategy No. 1: Dont back sown

Unlike in the U.S., hiring ex-prosecutors as your defense attorneys isnt a good strategy in Japan because theyre accustomed to nearly all defendants either confessing or being convicted, and they usually maintain social relationships with their former colleagues, said Stephen Givens, a law professor at Sophia University in Tokyo.

Once you are a prosecutor, you never change your spots, Givens said. You remain loyal and sympathetic to the prosecution side.

Hironaka successfully defended Atsuko Muraki, a former senior bureaucrat, charged in 2009 with falsely certifying an organization as representing disabled people so it could use cheaper postage rates. A third member of Ghosns new team, Hiroshi Kawatsu, was part of the defense. Muraki won 37.7 million yen in compensation from the government.

He also helped win acquittal for longtime politician Ichiro Ozawa, who was indicted in 2011 for allegedly being involved in a campaign finance scandal. Otsuru was one of the leading prosecutors in that case.

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Ghosn really wants vindication, Givens said. Probably Ghosn is thinking, I have nothing to lose and Im going to be aggressive as hell. 

Strategy No. 2: Blame Nissan

The defense team will strike at the heart of the states argument by contending that Ghosn is a victim of corporate intrigue, said former criminal defense lawyer Keiichi Muraoka, a professor at Hakuoh University in Oyama, north of Tokyo.

With this strategy, he said, Ghosns team will present him as a victim of Nissan executives eager to grab power away from Renault and short-circuit a possible merger with the French automaker. In his defense, the fallen titan said in court last month he had been wrongly accused and unfairly detained, terming the accusations merit-less and unsubstantiated.

The new defense team will create a case theory that Ghosns case is not a crime causing any damage to Nissan but a fabrication by the Nissan headquarters under the struggle for power between Nissan and Renault, Muraoka said in an email.

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Prosecutors also have accused Ghosn of aggravated breach of trust for acts related to payments  from a pool of money that only he had the authority to use  to a company controlled by the automakers Saudi Arabian business partner, Khaled Juffali. Ghosns team likely will argue that Nissan approved the $14.7 million in payments.

The payments over four years were for legitimate business purposes in order to support and promote Nissans business strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and included reimbursement for business expenses, according to a statement issued last month on behalf of Khaled Juffali Co. by its New York-based public relations representative Terry Rooney, founder and CEO of RooneyPartners.

Nissan also approved arrangements for the purchase of several homes, including those in Brazil and Lebanon, Ghosn said in an interview last month with Japans Nikkei newspaper.

The automaker last week tried to end any debate over whether Ghosn hid millions of dollars in deferred income. Nissan set up a reserve of $83 million for deferred pay  money that Ghosn maintains was never promised to him. The automaker also slashed its forecast.

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And beyond the boardroom, lawyers could take on the courtroom by arguing that Ghosns monthslong detention is arbitrary, Muraoka said. The world needs to know that our criminal justice system is unfair.

Strategy No. 3: Times up

A critical part of the prosecutors case is the allegation that Ghosn transferred personal investment losses to Nissan in 2008. His lawyers may argue that the statute of limitations requires the government to file charges within seven years of the alleged crime, Givens said.

A key element could be how to calculate that period of time. Prosecutors may contend that the years stopped accumulating whenever Ghosn left the country, meaning he can be charged for alleged crimes in 2008.

Hironakas team could challenge that by saying the clock on the statute stops with the issuance of a warrant. In Ghosns case, that was shortly before his arrest in November  11 years after the alleged crimes.

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Theres a very strong statute-of-limitations case to be made for the transactions that took place back in 2008, Givens said.
Its not fancy. But in the exurbs of Nashville stands part of a billion-dollar real estate empire.

The Florence Commons community consists of about 300 mobile homes of varying vintages, mostly single-wide, many valued at less than $30,000 apiece, set 20 feet apart from one another. The occupants of some will tell you: The floors buckle. The ceilings crack. The doors dont shut right. Their homes are sinking.

OK  its a trailer park, not a fancy gated community, said Jessica Boudreaux, 33, who lives there with her two daughters. If people could, theyd live somewhere else.

Yet Florence Commons, along with more than 200 other mobile home parks around the U.S., has produced hefty returns for Stockbridge Capital, a $13-billion San Francisco-based private equity firm, and its major investors.

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Their mobile home park company has produced tens of millions for investors in recent years and saw a return on investment of more than 30% between late 2016 and the end of 2017, according to documents.

Those ample returns arise in part from their willingness to boost the rents of the mobile home residents. As one investors report on the company put it approvingly: The senior management team has a demonstrated track record of increasing home rental rates.

It has received $1.3 billion in financing through government-sponsored lender Fannie Mae, which says mobile homes are inherently affordable. The money helped them buy existing mobile home parks.

As large financial firms buy more and more U.S. homes, both conventional and mobile, the question of whether such investments benefit tenants or merely exploit them is a matter of dispute.

They prey on people who cant afford land, people who cant move, said David Barrett, 62, an excavation equipment operator who lives in Florence Commons. Theyre taking advantage of  I wouldnt say poor people  but working people. Where do you think their profits come from?

Yes Communities, the investors company that owns Florence Commons, says it is helping to meet the nations need for affordable housing.

Much of the investors revenue comes from residents who, while they often own their homes, must pay rent for the lot. At Florence Commons, rent has risen by 4% a year or more, residents said  and most have little choice but to pay up. For practical reasons, they cant move. The dwellings are called mobile, but they are costly to transport and sometimes owners are contractually forbidden to move them.

The residents at Florence Commons must pay in other ways too. Rent checks that are six days late incur a 10% fee and a threat of quick eviction. If residents fail to cut the grass, the park managers threaten them with fees of $100 or more, residents said. An aggressive towing service has forced some residents to pay $200 or more to recover their cars.

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The median income for families that live in mobile homes is about $30,000 a year. Adult residents of mobile homes also have lower levels of formal education, according to surveys. About two-thirds lack education beyond high school.

The owners just seem to want to get every dime from us, Boudreaux said.

Officials with Stockbridge Capital, a firm led by Terry Fancher and Sol Raso that focuses on real estate investments, released a statement: Stockbridge is proud of its association with Yes Communities, which has met the affordable housing needs of its residents nationwide for the past 11 years.

Vanessa Jasinski, vice president of marketing for Yes Communities, confirmed that the rents at Florence Commons have risen at 4% a year on average over the last six years  slightly higher than the average mobile home lot rate in the area last year, according to figures from Datacomp, an industry analyst.

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Jasinski also said that the rules  and fees  for lawn and parking violations are intended to create pleasant surroundings. No park residents were required to pay for grass-cutting last year, she said. She noted that in the last five years, 46 home renters at Florence Commons have purchased homes in the community.

As for the damage caused by mobile homes settling, she said that it is not uncommon for manufactured homes to settle and experience issues like these. This is true also of site-built homes.

Over the last three years, some of the biggest private equity firms  Carlyle Group, Apollo Global Management and TPG Capital  have taken stakes in mobile home parks, according to a forthcoming report by the nonprofit groups Private Equity Stakeholder Project, MHAction and Americans for Financial Reform. The mobile home parks owned by private equity firms have more than 100,000 home sites, according to the report.

The firms made these investments seeking to double or triple their money in the space of a few years, said Jim Baker, director of the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, an organization that has been critical of the private equity industry. That doesnt lead to affordable housing.

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He said residents of these mobile home communities are reporting substantial rent increases, aggressive fees for small infractions and escalating evictions.

Jessica Boudreaux and her boyfriend Cory Keith in front of her mobile home in Tennessee. (Stacy Kranitz / Washington Post)

Critics of the role of large investors in mobile home parks point to the remarks of Frank Rolfe, an investor who has owned thousands of mobile home lots. Referring to the steady stream of revenue, he said that a mobile home park is like a Waffle House where the customers are chained to their booths.

In fact, the money that investors can see from mobile home parks is remarkably steady  and growing fast. Between 2004 and 2018, operating income from mobile home parks rose 87%, according to Green Street Advisors, the global real estate research firm, never once declining, even during the recession.

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In the case of Yes Communities, government help supports the investors returns.

In August 2016, Fannie Mae, the government-sponsored lender, said that it was helping to finance Yes Communities. It has now helped, through two banks, to provide about $1.3 billion. Those loans enabled Yes Communities to buy up mobile home parks.

The Yes Communities loan will preserve affordable housing in communities across the nation, Fannie Mae said in a news release at the time.

The terms of the loan to Yes Communities, however, do not limit the rent hikes that residents face. A Fannie Mae spokesperson said rent limits are not in its purview.

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We believe the federal government should be preserving affordable housing, but as far as we can tell thats not the case with these loans, said Elisabeth Voight, co-director of MHAction, an organization of mobile home residents. If it were, there would be requirements to keep the rents affordable. These loans should be helping residents buy and run their own communities, not private equity groups that earn huge profits.

Stockbridge Capital first invested in the mobile home park operator in 2008. In August 2016, it sold 71% of Yes Communities to a fund whose investors include the government of Singapore and a pension fund for public school employees in Pennsylvania. It continues to manage the mobile home park operator.

It is generally difficult to know how much private equity firms are making, but the Pennsylvania pension fund does issue some figures. Between September 2016 and December 2017, the value of its $179-million investment rose more than 30%, according to public disclosures.

But while Yes Communities is producing ample returns for investors, some residents say the parks have suffered.

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Its really gone downhill, said Kris Wilkin, 47, a state corrections officer who bought a 2003 double-wide in Florence Commons seven years ago.

One year, residents said, the community swimming pool didnt open for the summer. Residents also pointed to couches and other trash in surrounding open spaces.

Boudreaux, a medical assistant for a neurologist, agreed. She and her two daughters moved there in 2011. Florence Commons, she said, was appealing to her because it welcomes people with imperfect credit. At the sales office, where salespeople encourage customers to buy homes in the park, they tell visitors that they can buy a home even if their credit records include a bankruptcy or home foreclosure. Credit scores need be no higher than 550.

Yes! It Feels Good to be a Homeowner! the company brochures say. Contact our homeownership specialist today!

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Boudreaux had come from a mobile home park in South Dakota that was family-owned. There, she said, if there was an issue, theyd fix it. She expected it would be the same at Florence Commons. They said theyd work with us, Boudreaux said.

She bought a double-wide for $34,000.

There are aspects of the park she likes  for one thing, its conveniently located and there are enough kids in the neighborhood that shes rarely had to drive her children to a playdate.

But the company, she says, doesnt respond to basic requests for maintenance  for better drainage, for streetlights, for potholes. The park managers seem unimpressed, she said, by her complaint that uneven settling of her lot has created a crack in her ceiling where the two sides of her double-wide are separating.

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Meanwhile, the mobile home lot rents are rising. The loan payments on the home itself, she said, have dropped. But over the last six years, her lot rent has risen from $338 to $437, or almost 30%.

Theyre almost like slumlords, she said. If you point something out, theyre just like  whatever. They just want the rent.
A group representing maquiladora owners is calling on President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to intervene in widespread strikes that followed his decree to double minimum wages at the Mexican border with the U.S.

Index, as the group is known, published full-page newspaper ads and took to Twitter after workers at the maquiladoras  foreign-owned factories at the U.S.-Mexico border  demanded a 20% raise and a 32,000-peso ($1,662) bonus and walked off their jobs in January in the border city of Matamoros.

Since the leftist president took power Dec. 1, strikes have broken out in several states, including a blockade of trains by teachers in Michoacan that was unrelated to the maquiladora crisis. During his campaign, Lopez Obrador pledged to double the minimum wage nationwide over several years and to improve conditions for workers and their representation in unions.

Workers are dissatisfied, according to reports, because although the higher minimum wage would benefit the poorest of the workers, its less than what many maquiladora workers in Matamoros make. And they believe their wages should increase to reflect the increase in the minimum wage.

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Immediate intervention is of vital importance to control the crisis that Matamoros is living through, Index said on its Twitter account. In a two-page ad in El Financiero newspaper, the group said the government couldnt be silent and allow new labor practices to surprise the industrial sector without warning.

With employees getting the upper hand in several labor disputes, strikes have spread from maquiladoras, many of them producing auto parts, to companies such as Arca Continental, the worlds second-largest Coca-Cola bottler. At least one auto-parts maker shuttered its plant in Matamoros because of the strike, according to local news reports.

The strike at Arca wont have a significant impact on the company, as it affects only one of its 43 facilities, representing 2% of its operations, Actinver analysts wrote in a research note, recommending investors buy the stock. Arca will also benefit from tax breaks at the border that Lopez Obrador decreed along with the wage hikes, Actinver said.
When we think of the military, chances are neither astrophysics nor environmentalism spring to mind. Two recent books explore the overlap between these ostensibly noncombatant fields and the armed forces, inviting us not only to rethink our understanding of war and those who wage it but space and how to care for the earth beneath our feet.

In Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military, Neil deGrasse Tyson, heir to Carl Sagan as astrophysics arch popularizer (and, yes, a man currently under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct), and longtime collaborator Avis Lang, hold that putting a person on the moon, sending probes to Mars, discerning new galaxies and divining the origins of the universe owe more to geopolitical power plays and the quest to seize spaces commanding heights for military advantage than the disinterested pursuit of knowledge.

Tyson and Lang trace this dynamic back to early human societies for whom the sky represented a fixed point of reference in an otherwise unruly world. On voyages of discovery and conquest, those who could read its signs and portents were coveted for their navigation prowess. Instruments were repurposed between research and military usage. Early telescopes could be aimed skyward to magnify stargazing or wielded on the battlefield to espy enemy forces massing on the horizon. This duality extended to modern times. A rockets payload can be explosives as in a missile; or a satellite, which in turn might open a window on space or spy on rivals down below. Satellites launched to police the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban by scouring for telltale gamma-ray emissions, wound up detecting deep-space gamma-ray bursts. Meanwhile, the heyday of manned spaceflight received a crucial assist from the Cold War, say Tyson and Lang  behind his soaring public rhetoric on the subject, JFK revealed more earthbound motivations to NASA brass privately: Im not that interested in spacethe only justificationto do it in this time or fashion is because we hope to beat[the Soviet Union].

Tyson and Lang pile up evidence to press their case. Along the way, readers will find primers on the space-industrial complex, Chinas burgeoning space ambitions and the specter of space war. There are also lengthy discussions of such subjects as how World War II pilots foiled radar (by strewing the sky with aluminum foil) whose tenuous connections to its thesis attest to Accessory to Wars digressiveness; this is a rambunctious, rambling work.

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But what to make of its thesis, that cosmic leaps in astrophysical understanding represent the serendipitous fruit of the will to power? Here, the authors are surprisingly glum. On closer inspection, their thesis bears more than a touch of Harry Limes soliloquy in The Third Man: in Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love  they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock They find little to get upset over in this situation: We are the wagging tail on a large geostrategic dog, which makes decisions without direct reference to the desires of astrophysicistsscience piggybacks on geopolitics. Things are the way they are. Deal with it.

For the future, they conjure a realm called Rationalia, governed by evidence-based laws, in which wholesale space exploration presages earthly peace by supplying unlimited resources that eliminate scarcity and, thus, war. But this seems to abjure the hard-nosed realism  Must war and profit be what drive both civilizationsand the investigation of other worlds? Historymakes it hard to answer nothat they otherwise express. Rationalia sounds far-removed from  Realitia.

Marilyn Berlin Snell, author of Unlikely Ally (Kym Ventola)

If astrophysics is hardly synonymous with the military, then environmental-friendliness seems positively antonymous to it  this is an organization associated with scorching rather than saving the Earth.

In Unlikely Ally: How the Military Fights Climate Change and Protects the Environment, journalist Marilyn Berlin Snell posits that  at least in Southern California  the military is actually a pretty good environmental citizen.

The military must abide by regulations governing endangered plants and wildlife

Perhaps this shouldnt come as a surprise. In return for a cut of downstream savings, government contracting rules stick vendors with the up-front cost of energy-efficiency projects, easing their adoption. Southland bases offer sanctuaries for species rousted from their habitats by exurban creep. And theres the law: The military must abide by regulations governing endangered plants and wildlife.

But the efforts Snell documents transcend regulatory compliance.

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Biologists on San Clemente Island, where Navy SEALs undergo training, brought a population of native songbirds back from the brink of extinction. In Miramar, marines teamed with the city of San Diego to tap methane from landfill to contribute to their energy needs and, prospectively, sate much of San Diegos water needs. In the Mojaves Fort Irwin, state-of-the-art purification techniques stand to double the lifespan of its water source.

These vignettes crystallize the quandaries of conservation amid climate change and globalization. A San Clemente Island biologist says that the $40 million bird repopulation drive can feel like an exercise in futility when the species dies off in the wild because of drought. And consider the healthy habitat paradox of administering toxic herbicide to eradicate invasive plants before healthy ecosystems may be restored.

Theyre also dispatches from territory that few civilians get to see. At China Lake naval base, Snell wangles a tour of 8,000-year-old rock art from the resident archaeologist. En route, he pulls over in a roadside aerie and surveys the chalky, still expanse of the China Lake playa, conjuring the Ice Age around fourteen thousand years ago. When I look out at this landscape, I just see a very busy place. He sees mastodons, mammoths, ground sloths, and bison grazing on the savanna-like grasslands Deplaning on San Clemente Island amid concussive thunks of heavy artillery, she encounters a denuded landscape  the product not of military grunts but hordes of recently purged marauding goats.

(Heyday Books)

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Unlikely Ally soars at such moments. Intrepidly traversing offbeat locales and endearingly oddball characters, drolly retailing obscure factoids, it recalls popular science maestro Mary Roach. But Roachs work is marked also by readiness to get down and dirty in gunk, goop and gore to bring home the descriptive goods.

At times, Unlikely Ally is a bit breathless. Snell notes the perils of hype: This green spaceis fraught with every kind of sales person imaginable, gripes an industry executive. But theres another peril that goes unmentioned: greenwashing. Unlikely Ally cites a 2017 ProPublica series dinging the Pentagon for befouling acreage across its installations larger than the state of Florida. And this doesnt touch on the environmental impact of combat activities in the field funded by spending that, Snell notes, outstrips that of China, Russia, [Britain], France, Japan, India, Saudi Arabia and Canada combined. Compared to this, the projects recounted in Unlikely Ally would seem to amount to a few token carbon offsets.

::

Unlikely Ally: How the Military Fights Climate Change and Protects the Environment

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Marilyn Berlin Snell

Heyday Books; 224 pp., $28

::

Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military

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Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang

W.W. Norton & Company; 550 pp., $30

Stephen Phillips writing has appeared in The Times Literary Supplement, Economist, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic (online), Smithsonian, Washington Monthly, Irish Times and other publications.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva celebrated the 71th Anniversary of Sri Lankas Independence on 9th February 2019 at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the participation of over 250 members of the Sri Lankan community in Switzerland. This was preceded by a separate event hosted at the same venue for the diplomatic community in Geneva, which was attended by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives, officials of international organisations and the Executive Director of the UN Office Geneva, the Secretary General of Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Director General of World Health Organisation, among others.

The event, which Sri Lankan community attended, commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva followed by the singing of the National Anthem in Sinhala. Two minutes silence was observed in remembrance of all those who lost their lives for the country.

Following the lighting of the traditional oil lamp with the participation of children representing multi-ethnic backgrounds, multi-religious observances were conducted. Ven. Halyale Wimalarathana Thero and Ven. Karuwalgaswewa Anurudha Thero invoked blessings on the country and it's people, followed by Rev. Uma Shankar Kurukkal, Mr. A.M. Zawahir, and Rev. Father John Abhishek, assisted by other dignitaries.

Ambassador Azeez, addressing both event highlighted that Sri Lanka has successfully managed to strengthen its trade and economic relations with many countries in the past few years with consolidated bilateral partnership with friends in the region and far beyond. He reiterated that it was a clear demonstration of Sri Lanka's continuing commitment to remain engaged with its regional and international partners in addressing the challenges together, with the sensitivity and tact that it called for. He further stated "as we celebrate the 71st Independence Day this year, the foundations of democracy in Sri Lanka and the independence and credibility of its institutions stand further strengthened."

Ambassador Azeez emphasized that the Governments policy of providing free-education, free-healthcare, and other amenities over many decades has led to Sri Lankas impressive progress in social sectors, thus enjoying higher social indicators in the region. Elaborating further on the social development achieved by Sri Lanka, he highlighted WHO's recognition of Sri Lanka as an exemplary developing country model for healthcare service towards achieving universal health coverage.

"What is important, going forward, is courage, vision and commitment to face up to the challenges and to turn them into opportunities" added Sri Lanka's UN envoy in Geneva, stressing "a sustainable, resilient, and reconciled Sri Lanka is a dream that we all cherish."

Ambassador Mr. R.D.S. Kumararatne, Sri Lankas Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) delivered the Vote of Thanks at the event hosted for the Sri Lankan community. The event concluded with the playing of the National Anthem in Tamil.

At both events, the guests were hosted for Sri Lankan dinner with food items representing the diversity of Sri Lankan culture.

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nation

Geneva

15 February 2019
It lets them understand it is a unique situation; it lets them get a sense of when the lake freezes, and how long its frozen, Peters said. Its an informational thing, too.

According to the National Weather Service, this years ice-on date Jan. 21 brought temperatures as low as minus 14 degrees in the Lake Geneva region.

Having a cover of ice during winter is healthy for Geneva Lake  the freeze preserves lake levels by protecting against evaporation.

Peters and the agency visits schools each year to teach students about lakes in the winter, and how to stay safe if they choose to go out on the ice, either for study or for fun.

In the interest of helping kids brave the cold, Clear Water Outdoor has co-sponsored the Ice On Contest for several years.

We want to do more than just sell clothes; we want to help people get outside, no matter their age, said Lauren Harris, Clear Water Outdoors assistant manager.

The first place winners were both awarded $50 certificates to the store.

One of our favorite quotes is Theres no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Harris said. This is where we live, so making the most of that is what we want to do.

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Op-ed: Know your resources, share your responsibility to the UK community
The UK Police Department announced last week that the department's first-ever therapy dog would be leaving the force. But department officials also said that they'd work to get a new dog.

Oliver, a cantankerous poodle with curly salt and pepper fur, and his handler, Officer Amy Boatman, will both be leaving the department, Chief Joe Monroe told the Kernel. Boatman is leaving for other employment.

But Monroe said the police are looking for a new dog and handler to "continue with the program." It's unclear when the department will get the new dog.

Sad to share that this is Therapy K-9 Olivers last week with the UK Police Department.His last request...be my Valentine? pic.twitter.com/zNTYlKhE1a  UK Police (@UKPolice) February 14, 2019

Boatman, a community affairs officer, kickstarted the therapy dog program last year. The program is designed to better police-community relations and calm people in stressing situations.

Over the past year, Oliver and Boatman could often be seen roaming campus, with the poodle collecting all the love that usually comes with being a dog on a college campus.

After an unsubstantiated bomb threat left the White Hall classroom building nearly devoid of students in the fall 2018 semester, Oliver and Boatman sauntered through the hallways and classrooms to calm the students who decided to brave the threats and come to class.

At the time, Boatman told the Kernel that the police had brought both of their bomb canine units along with Oliver, who was brought in because "there's been a lot of stress."

Boatman catalyzed the UK's therapy dog program after she wrote a 50-page master's thesis on the use of therapy animals in university police departments. Her research became reality when Oliver joined the force.
People perform dragon dance with a background of firecrackers in Yuqing County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Feb. 16, 2019. Villagers gathered and performed dragon dances to celebrate the upcoming Lantern Festival,which falls on Feb. 19 this year. (Photo/China News Service)




Renu Begum, sister of teenage British girl Shamima Begum, holds a photo of her sister as she makes an appeal for her to return home at Scotland Yard, in London, Britain February 22, 2015. Reuters
Kia Motors headquarters in Yangjae-dong, Seoul / Yonhap



By Nam Hyun-woo



Kia Motors has decided to stop hiring new workers for its plants, a move seen as fallout from its deteriorating bottom line and its increasingly uneasy labor-management relations.



Industry analysts said Monday the carmaker may face tens of billions of additional labor costs depending on an appeals court ruling on calculating the ordinary wages of Kia Motors employees, saying that the company may not continue hiring plant workers.



According to Kia Motors, it has halted job offers at its multiple plants across the country. The hiring sessions, which were planned to hire more workers for each plant, had been in progress since late last year, but all of them were halted without additional future plans.



"The decision came amid an aggravated management environment," a Kia Motors official said. "Nothing has been determined so far over what to do with those halted job offerings."



Not only Kia Motors but also other automakers in Korea saw weakened earnings last year amid the worldwide car market slowdown. Adding an additional burden for them is increasing labor costs, stemming from the country's steep hike in statutory minimum wage and strengthened rules for calculating it.



Kia Motors employees' average gross annual salary hovers over 93 million won, but more than 1,000 employees are receiving less than the minimum wage standard this year, due to the company's incentive-centric salary structure and last year's change in minimum wage rules.



To address this, Kia Motors management suggested the union accept two plans on converting a significant portion of incentives into ordinary wages, which are standard criteria for calculating the minimum wage, but the union has turned down the suggestion, saying those plans are "not even worth thinking about."



The union rejected the suggestion because it can keep the incentive static while demanding for an additional rise in their ordinary wage. Since Kia Motors is in a six-month grace period before it will be punished for violating the minimum wage law, time is on the union's side.



As a stalemate continues, Choi Jun-young, Kia Motors senior vice president for human resources, issued a statement last week asking for the union's cooperation.



"Kia Motors' operating margin remained at 2.1 percent last year," Choi said in the statement. "I ask for the union's cooperation for the company to cut expenses and improve its earning structure."





In this August 2017 file photo, Kia Motors union members and their lawyers walk out of a Seoul court after the court made a decision forcing the company to pay them more than 400 billion won in unpaid salaries. The Seoul High Court will rule on Kia Motors' appeal to the decision on Friday. Korea Times photo by Shin Sang-soon
A Samsung Display employee listens to an explanation about precautions from a medical worker before donating blood at the firm's Asan Campus in South Chungcheong Province, Feb. 13. / Courtesy of Samsung Display



By Jun Ji-hye



Samsung Display employees are carrying out a blood donation campaign this month in an effort to help resolve a blood shortage for emergency patients requiring blood transfusions, the company said Monday.



The blood donation campaign began on Feb. 13 at the Giheung Campus in Gyeonggi Province, where the firm's headquarters are located, as well as the Asan 1 Campus in South Chungcheong Province. Employees there participated in the two-day blood donation drive.



Then, the project will move to the company's Cheonan Campus in South Chungcheong Province Wednesday and to the Asan 2 Campus on Feb. 26.



Samsung Display said the firm has carried out the blood donation project every February as the blood supply shortage problem repeats in that month due to the vacation and national holiday season that reduces the participation of people in blood donation.



Since the project was first launched in 2013, about 16,500 employees of Samsung Display have participated in the blood donation.



The firm said 2,000 to 3,500 employees participate in the campaign every year.



"I have donated blood about 70 times so far since I began blood donation when I was 19 years old," said Lee Gyu-seob, an employee of Samsung Display. "I am giving consistent efforts to manage my health to continue participating in the blood donation. I think blood donation is the best way of managing health as you can check your health conditions."



An official from the company's social contribution unit said the firm carries out a blood donation campaign about three to four times every year.



"Blood collected through our campaigns is donated to the Korean Industrial Health Association's blood bank," the official said. "We will continue to carry out the campaigns and work to expand the participation of our employees to contribute to resolving the problem of blood supply shortage."



Samsung Display is the panel making unit of Samsung Electronics. It has recently developed the world's first ultra-high definition (UHD) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display for laptops, making its foray into the premium market for IT devices.



The display maker has been also redoubling its efforts to develop OLED technologies to expand its presence in the market for automotive OLED panels.


By Baek Byung-yeul







A Korean, who joined eBay in 2002, has been promoted to head the global sales operations of the U.S. e-commerce company, officials said Monday.





Under the firm's latest worldwide organizational restructuring, Jay Lee who oversaw the foundation of eBay Korea in 2002 is tasked with managing the firm's sales operations in North and South America, Europe, Britain and the Asia-Pacific region. The senior vice president, who graduated from Harvard Business School, will also act as interim head of the Americas while a search is conducted for a new America leader who will report to Lee.





He has been with eBay since 2002 and has played an instrumental role in eBay's growth and success over the years.





Lee, who once worked as a consultant at Boston Consulting Group, has driven a relentless focus on the customer, guided growth in both regions established by eBay as a world leader in cross-border trade and market leading positions in key countries like Korea and Australia, the officials said.





"He successfully launched eBay Korea in 2002 and made it the largest ecommerce firm in the country," one company official said. "Lee then proved he was the right person to lead the firm's operations in Asia. After having managed eBay's operations in Europe from 2017 to 2018, he was recently given a more important mission to manage the worldwide sales operations."




















By John Burton





It is said that generals always fight the last war. The same can be said of much of the commentary that is coming out of Washington, D.C., ahead of the second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi at the end of February.



The traditional national security community in the U.S. is already predicting the summit will be a failure. That view is influenced by dated Cold War strategic thinking. There is a reluctance to acknowledge that Trump, Kim and President Moon Jae-in are trying to break the long-standing stalemate over North Korea's nuclear issue with experimental and top-down diplomacy that challenges conventional wisdom.



The first Trump-Kim summit in Singapore last June was largely dismissed by U.S. commentators on both the right and left as a triumph of showbiz over substance. This ignores the fact that the meeting deliberately focused on establishing a personal bond between the two leaders, an essential element if a deal should be reached. It also explains why the emphasis at the first summit was on establishing the overarching principle of the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" instead of diving immediately into details on how this could be achieved.



No doubt, the upcoming summit will be more challenging than the first since it will begin tackling details of next steps, which will demand concessions from both sides.



Although the bargaining carries the risks of creating new tensions, Trump and Kim appear committed to keeping their rapprochement going. Trump wants to score a foreign policy victory, while Kim views the talks as an opportunity to improve relations with China, South Korea, Russia and Japan to reduce Pyongyang's isolation and deflect U.S. military pressure.



It is the highly personalized nature of the negotiations between Trump and Kim that is driving U.S. national security professionals crazy. They are being largely left out of a process that breaks traditional diplomatic norms. They argue their involvement is vital since they claim Kim is playing Trump, while they raise unrealistically high expectations among the American public that North Korea should denuclearize immediately.



But the Trump administration recognizes that North Korea's denuclearization will be a long-term process that will take 10 years or more to achieve. It is only looking now for modest but tangible concessions that will keep the top-level summitry on track.



The most likely outcome of the Hanoi summit will be the U.S. agreeing to a declaration ending the Korean War and scaling back or canceling joint military exercises with Seoul. In return, Pyongyang would allow some nuclear inspectors into the country and dismantle more nuclear and missile facilities, while keeping its freeze on nuclear and missile testing in place. These steps could be accompanied by a partial easing of U.S. sanctions.



It will be difficult for U.S. hawks to claim Trump is selling out South Korea by declaring an end to the Korean War  thus setting the stage for the possible withdrawal of U.S. troops  when this has been the policy of President Moon.



Moon's efforts to ease military tensions, such as dismantling some guard posts along the DMZ in cooperation with Pyongyang, are providing crucial cover for Trump in making an end-of-war declaration and claiming he has brought peace to the Korean Peninsula.



In addition, Kim has a stake in keeping his reconciliation with the U.S. on a smooth trajectory since he probably recognizes that Trump is unique among American political leaders in wanting to break the decades-long deadlock in bilateral relations. This will help North Korea reduce its reliance on China, while boosting Kim's prestige at home and overseas.



The prospects for peace on the peninsula have already improved greatly even if Trump and Kim do not make significant progress at the Hanoi summit. The threat of war has receded. Kim appears determined to break North Korea's isolation. He is expected to continue meeting with the leaders of China and South Korea and might hold talks as well with those from Russia and Japan this year. This represents considerable momentum toward stability in Northeast Asia.



Trump, Kim and Moon appear to have a better grasp of the rapid changes on the peninsula, which really only began a year ago with the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, than a U.S. foreign policy establishment that appears set in its ways.



It is time for U.S. diplomats and national security professionals to get on board to deal with this new reality. They must move forward and build on the progress already made. They need to deal with the situation as it is and not what they wish it to be.





John Burton (johnburtonft@yahoo.com), a former Korea correspondent for the Financial Times, is now a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and consultant.


Law enforcement agencies require drastic change



President Moon Jae-in has adamantly pushed for reform of law enforcement agencies since he took office in May 2017. This reform is part of his campaign promises to fight rampant corruption and eliminate bad practices in officialdom to create a clean and fair society.



However, Moon's reform agenda has made little progress due to persistent resistance from the agencies, especially the prosecution. Partisan struggles between the ruling and opposition parties have also contributed to delaying reform.



This is why Moon held a meeting with the heads of the National Police Agency, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) at the presidential office Friday. He reiterated the importance of reforming the agencies during the meeting.



As Moon said, reforming law enforcement institutions is a task for our time. He stressed that the reform is aimed at setting straight the values of a democratic nation by better protecting public safety and human rights. We could hardly agree more. The President should not miss this rare opportunity to change the agencies drastically so that they can serve the people and the nation better.



Yet concerns are growing that this reform drive may backfire if the National Assembly fails to turn his reform package into legislation in the first half of the year. There is not enough time for the Assembly to deal with the package later because a general election is scheduled for April next year.



What's more worrisome is that lawmakers, from both the governing and opposition parties, are not much interested in translating Moon's words into action. Instead, they are more engrossed in protecting their vested interests and the status quo. So they are unwilling to run the risk of bringing big changes to the law enforcement bodies.



Considering the political context, Moon's reform is likely to end up in an anticlimax unless the President goes the extra mile to keep his much-avowed campaign promise. First of all, Moon should exercise his leadership to persuade the rival parties to work together to make his reform a success.



The Moon government and the governing Democratic Party of Korea should do more to reach a national consensus that the reform of the law enforcement agencies can no longer be delayed, to ensure justice for all, not for a few privileged elite.



Last year, the government drew up a plan to give greater investigative authority to police, while curtailing the prosecution's power. The state prosecution has long come under criticism for abusing its investigative and prosecutorial powers to serve as a handmaiden for political power.



The prosecution and the state spy agency, the NIS, have been found to have violated their political neutrality and independence to curry favor with the incompetent and corrupt government of Moon's conservative predecessors  Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak.



The country cannot firmly establish the rule of law without reforming law enforcement agencies. Judiciary reform is also imperative to solidify the criminal justice system and restore democratic checks and balances.






Lawmakers should put people's livelihoods before partisanship



The door of the National Assembly, dubbed the hall of representative democracy, is ostensibly open. However, the door is actually closed because partisan struggles have crippled the operation of the Assembly.



This year's first extraordinary Assembly session ended without producing any results last month. Worse, there is little chance of the chamber's normalization this month due to the "all or nothing" confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over various political issues.



The standoff has deepened following ludicrous remarks by three lawmakers of the main conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), denigrating the May 1980 pro-democracy movement in the southwestern city of Gwangju. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) had already been at loggerheads with the LKP and other minor parties due to property speculation allegations surrounding its lawmaker, Sohn Hye-won.



The rival parties have locked horns over a former presidential inspector's revelation about surveillance of civilians. And they have also been in dispute over an online opinion rigging case involving South Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, a confidant of President Moon Jae-in and a DPK member. Kim was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in manipulating comments on news articles in the run-up to the May 2017 presidential election.



Against this backdrop, the majority of people have been fed up with the members of the Assembly who are obsessed only with their own personal interests and partisanship, even if their duty and responsibilities are to work hard to represent the people.



There are a pile of pending bills directly related to the people's livelihoods such as those about deregulatory measures in the services industry, the introduction of a ride-sharing service, the expansion of flexible working hours and the increase of farmers' income, to name a few.



Needless to say, the people's primary concern is the economy. Nothing is more urgent than their livelihoods. Public consensus is that the current economy is getting worse. The sluggish job creation issue shows no sign of improving and this is compounded by continued stagnation in domestic demand, driving many self-employed people out of business.



The government has to overhaul its ill-conceived economic policies, and if necessary, change course to help invigorate the sagging economy. The Assembly is no exception. It should listen to the people's voices to work out countermeasures to speed up economic recovery. But what its members are doing now indicates that they are not interested in such urgent matters.



Legislators should not turn a deaf ear to the economic difficulties the people are going through. They should know better than to put their own personal or partisan interests before those of the people and the nation. Otherwise, they will eventually have to face the people's stern judgment. They must convene a special session immediately to deliberate pending bills designed to improve the quality of life.






Like many critics of President Donald Trump, we expected that he would someday abuse the power of the office to such a degree that it would trigger a confrontation with Congress or the courts. And now he's doing it, in pursuit of a wall along the southern border that Mexico isn't financing.



On Friday, Trump declared a national emergency over a nonexistent "national security crisis" at the border, then invoked that emergency to shift billions of dollars from previously approved military construction projects to his wall. The move contravenes weeks of negotiations by lawmakers and an explicit decision, backed by large majorities in both chambers, to reject Trump's request for $5.7 billion in wall funding and instead provide less than $1.4 billion for steel fencing  the same amount as last year.



Congress gave the president broad authority in the 1976 National Emergencies Act to declare a state of emergency, and lawmakers have passed dozens of other laws laying out the specific powers the president can use when an emergency has been declared. But Trump is stretching that authority to the breaking point by using it not to address something unexpected or an actual national security crisis, but to reverse the will of Congress and erase a political defeat.



That's unconscionable. Trump's imperious use of emergency powers will soon be challenged in both Congress and the courts, and rightly so.



Trump won election in part by playing to the fears of some Americans about immigrants, particularly those in the country illegally. Ignoring the sharp decline in the number of arrests at the border and the estimated number of people in the country illegally, and eliding the fact that in recent years more new undocumented residents are people who overstay visas rather than sneaking across the border, Trump has continued to portray the Mexican border as a sieve, and illegal immigration as an urgent threat to the economy and public safety. The wall, in Trump's telling, is a cure-all that could drastically reduce drug smuggling, human trafficking and crime in general.



"We want to stop drugs from coming into our country. We want to stop criminals, we want to stop gangs," he said Friday.



But the notion of a violent horde threatening to invade from the south is xenophobic fiction, as unrealistic as the idea that a wall can magically stop the flow of drugs into the United States. And though there are manifest problems with U.S. immigration laws and policies, they do not translate into a threat to the security of our nation.



That's not to say there are no urgent problems at the border. The accumulation of migrants in Mexico fleeing violence and poverty in Central America is a large-scale human tragedy that's been exacerbated by this administration's inability to handle the surge in asylum applications from families and unaccompanied minors. On Thursday, human rights groups sued the administration over its cruel and legally shaky policy of forcing asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico while their applications proceed.



Over weeks of negotiations stretching back into 2018, the Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress grappled with congressional Democrats over how to address the growth in asylum arrivals and other border concerns. The spending bill that Trump is due to sign into law raises spending on border security to $22.54 billion  more than the budgets for disaster relief, the federal courts or the Environmental Protection Agency, to cite just a few examples.



The measure is a compromise that reflects bipartisan support for improved border security, as well as the two parties' different priorities. In addition to providing money for fencing, it increases in the number of detention beds for deportable immigrants, expands immigration courts, adds hundreds of Border Patrol agents, supplies more money for drones and other border-surveillance technology, ramps up drug interdiction efforts at ports of entry, overhauls how Immigration and Customs Enforcement manages the cases under its purview, and addresses a number of complaints from Democrats about the treatment of detainees.



Under the Constitution, it's up to Congress to decide how federal dollars are spent. It's telling that Trump couldn't persuade lawmakers to give him more money for his wall, even by shutting much of the federal government down for a record 35 days. He simply doesn't have the votes for the project, which isn't surprising, given that polls show most Americans don't support it.



Instead of taking his lumps and trying to make a better case for funding the wall next year, however, Trump is trying to circumvent Congress through a spurious emergency declaration. His supporters note how previous presidents have used executive orders to take steps Congress did not take; for example, President Truman ordered the armed forces to desegregate in 1948 after Congress failed to do so, and President Obama created a program allowing "Dreamers" to seek temporary legal status after a comprehensive immigration reform bill stalled (a move that Trump has derided as unlawful).



But there's a world of difference between using executive orders to accomplish things Congress could not, and declaring an emergency to overturn a decision Congress made. Administration officials have noted that Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush both used emergency declarations to shift military construction funds, but that was in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001  not caravans of migrants.



Trump's declaration will soon be challenged on two fronts. One or more federal judges will be asked to halt the shift of funds, possibly by landowners in Texas whose property could be seized for the wall. And the Democrats who control the House will advance a resolution ending the state of emergency  a resolution that, once it passes the House, must come up for a vote in the GOP-controlled Senate.



That resolution will pass if enough Senate Republicans discover the necessary spine. In fact, half a dozen have already said they oppose an emergency declaration because of the horrible precedent it would set. (As several members of Congress have noted, the next Democratic president could follow Trump's footsteps to declare an emergency over climate change or gun violence.) But Trump could veto any such resolution, forcing congressional Republicans to make the awkward choice between supporting their out-of-control president or defending the legislative branch and the Constitution.



Trump cares little about the long-term implications of the steps he takes. It's all about his need to win now, consequences be damned. But lawmakers cannot abide this abuse of executive power, or else they'll be conceding their control of the federal purse to the president  and praying the courts hand it back.





The above commentary appeared in the Los Angeles Times. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




By Choe Chong-dae





Having been engaged in the international cotton business with a French trader for more than three decades, I have shaped my very own special experience with France through various visits. However, I have been to Germany just a few times and my curiosity toward it has been growing deeper through my imagination, media and books.



I am very excited about the upcoming two-week trip I will be taking with my wife in April to explore numerous prominent tourist attractions in Germany, including the city of Aachen. Our tour leader will be a distinguished professor who was educated in Germany.



Aachen stands out in my mind because it is the place where the Aachen Treaty, a Franco-German agreement, was signed on Jan. 22, 2019. Situated in the border triangle between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, this historic spa town features prominently among German cities, being the place where many German kings were crowned. It was the favored residence of Charlemagne (also known as Karl and Charles the Great), a medieval emperor who reigned much of Western Europe from 768 to 814 and who still lies buried in the majestic cathedral he himself had built.



More than half a century ago, French President Charles de Gaulle and West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer laid the foundation stone of German-French friendship when they signed the Elysee Treaty on Jan. 22, 1963, to end centuries of antagonism.



The amity treaty between the former foes was the first step toward establishing unity among Europe's powerful nations. It was a historical moment for two nations to leave their bloody pasts behind and move forward with joined hands.



To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Elysee Treaty on Jan. 22, 2003, then French President Jacques Chirac and then German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder declared Jan. 22 as German-French Day, thereby sending a renewed signal of friendship to the younger generations.



Most recently, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macorn signed the extension to the Elysee Treaty near the French-German border in Aachen, a historical symbol of European concord, before holding a discussion with citizens.



The two leaders' meeting on Jan. 22 to deepen the 1963 treaty of postwar reconciliation was a demonstration of the European Union's ever-strong main axis. The treaty also counters growing Euroskeptic nationalism among some other members and shows European unity.



Accordingly, both countries went worldwide in their campaign to affirm friendship. They have shown that transformation of past conflicts into a driving force for peace is possible.



In Korea, to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the treaty signed at the Elysse Palace in Paris and the France-Germany Day, the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) and the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce in Korea (KGCCI) hosted a reception in Seoul, Jan 22, marking the beginning of the French-German friendship. In attendance were French and German diplomatis and businesspeople, including French Ambassador to Korea Fabien Penone and German Ambassador to Korea Stephan Auer. Both joined in anniversary commemorative events together along throughout the day.



Today, the Korea-Japan relationship seems to have sunken to its lowest point since the two countries normalized diplomatic ties in 1965. Tensions over a series of historical issues and recent military contretemps have not subsided.



In light of the friendship treaty between France and Germany, I urge Korean and Japanese governments to exemplify the amity spirit of the Elysee Treaty and the Aachen Treaty. It could serve as a model for both countries to pull themselves out of this political and historical quagmire. A new dawn is upon us.





Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and director of the Korean-Swedish Association.


Lee Dong-gyu



By Lee Dong-gyu



"The International Exhibition of China's Reform and Opening Up in 40 Years," co-hosted by the China State Council Information Office and the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea, was held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building from January 31 to February 2.



About 130 vivid pictures of China's reform and opening up were displayed under three themes  history, development and cooperation  graphically presenting the country's historical route and various achievements from 1978 to 2018.



The opening ceremony, which started with the welcoming message by Qiu Guohong, Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, brought about 200 people together  politicians, government officials, experts and students from the ROK and China.



Ambassador Qiu introduced the developmental progress and remarkable achievements of China's reform and opening up and stressed that China would continue to implement these through cooperating with other countries. Particularly, he said that the two countries should intensify strategic communication and invigorate mutual cooperation in each field, citing the proverb, "after the storm comes the calm."





Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Qiu Guohong speaks during the opening ceremony.



In his congratulatory message, lawmaker Sul Hoon (Democratic Party of Korea) noted that 40 years of China's reform and opening up have led to a dramatic change in human history and he hoped Korea and China would prosper together like the past 5,000 years.



Public Diplomacy Ambassador Bahk Sahng-hoon also delivered a congratulatory message. He said Korea and China have something in common  astonishing economic growth. As Korea performed the Miracle of the Han River, China achieved the Miracle of Reform and Opening Up during the past four decades. He closed his message by expecting the two countries' close cooperation for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia.



China is the world's second-largest economy and accounts for 15 percent of total global GDP. Nobody can dispute the fact that China is serving as a center for world economic development.



China's economic rise is based on its consistent reform and opening up policy. Various pictures of reform and opening up in the exhibition provided visitors with a rare glimpse of how the policy has created China's unprecedented development and improved its people's quality of life.



Exhibition visitors first experienced the historical route that China has taken during 40 years of reform and opening up. This is shown through diverse images of China's change from the beginning of the policy to now, such as the Shenzhen Economic Zone in 1979, the Pudong District of Shanghai in 1992 and the Shanghai Free Trade Zone in 2013. The most impressive photo was about Dongdaqiao in Beijing, which demonstrated the past and the present by mixing a black and white picture of the Dongdaqiao department store, built in 1981, and a color picture of a shopping mall built in the same location in 2016.





See the difference: Dongdaqiao in Beijing
(People's Daily/Sun Guangyong)

The China-Laos railway, which is expected to be completed in 2021, will turn Laos from a land-locked country to a land-linked one, and make it a land transportation hub within the Indochina Peninsula, Li Bingxuan, general manager of the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC), told Peoples Daily on Feb. 13.

Li said that 90 percent of the contracted projects will be finished this year.

Starting from the Mohan-Boten border gate, the China-Laos railway runs 40 kilometers south to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, a country of mountains and forests. Almost 63 percent of the route is comprised of bridges and tunnels.

The China-Laos railway has been Chinas first overseas railway project to provide a direct link to Chinas internal rail network since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed. The 414-kilometer line is being built with Chinese technology and equipment to meet Chinese standards, with a design speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Its scheduled to open in 2021.

The project has provided job opportunities for more than 32,000 local workers, according to current statistics. Over 4,300 members of the project team are from Laos.

In addition, the China-Laos railway will directly drive the development of building materials supply, power, logistics and other sectors in Laos after its completion.

Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit said that the railway project indicates the fruitful results of cooperation between Laos and China, and will upgrade the infrastructure in Laos and further promote the people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.

Local residents along the railway have started opening restaurants and hotels, while some investors came and planned to build factories here, according to a village head.

The China-Laos economic corridor, which is based on the China-Laos railway, has far-reaching significance for the economic and social development of Laos and the construction of a community with a shared future, said the Director of the Research Center on China at the National University of Laos.




Marines from Thailand, the United States and South Korea took part in an amphibious assault drill on Saturday (February 16) at a Thai naval base in Thailand.

The exercise was part of the 38th Cobra Gold, an annual event attended by soldiers from 29 nations, including over 4,500 soldiers from the U.S, several Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It aims to strengthen relationships among military personnel throughout countries in the Asia-Pacific region, and also offers the chance for combat officers to exchange techniques and skills

Cobra Gold started in 1982 and is now one of the largest Asia-Pacific military exercises held in Thailand every year. The training in recent years has mostly focused on humanitarian and disaster relief. (Reuters)





A soldier takes part in the Amphibious Assault Demonstration during the Cobra Gold multilateral military exercise on Hat Yao Beach, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, February 16, 2019. Reuters






Members of the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions stage a rally at a local construction site in Seoul, Monday, to call on the government to crack down on illegally employed migrant workers at construction sites. / Yonhap



By Kang Seung-woo



Local construction workers urged the government to crack down on the illegal employment of foreign workers, Monday, who they claim are taking away their jobs amid an economic slowdown.



Some 1,200 members of the Korean Federation of Construction Industry Trade Unions gathered at a construction site for a luxury apartment in Yongsan, central Seoul, at 5 a.m. and staged a four-hour rally, blocking off access.



"Illegally hired and low-paid migrant workers are building this apartment," the federation said.



"There have been repeated tip-offs on illegally staying foreign workers, but the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Justice have not taken any measures to address the issue."



Their complaints came months after the justice ministry unveiled a measure, last September, to deport illegal migrant workers at construction sites immediately when they are caught without giving them a second chance. However, the union claims illegal hiring is still rampant.



"The government measure has not been effective for months," the union said, calling for the ministries to step up efforts to handle the problem.






Political risks high as second NK-US summit approaches



By Lee Min-hyung





U.S. President Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing domestic criticism that he is using the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to tackle the political crisis surrounding his plan to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, according to U.S. experts and politicians.



Starting from his party's defeat in mid-term elections in early November, Trump has experienced more and more political setbacks in the domestic arena.



The latest conflict between Trump and the Democratic Party came last week when he declared a national emergency to fund his plan to build the wall.



Democrats and some Republicans, however, are expressing serious concerns over this and stepping up their criticism of the president.



According to U.S. media, Trump is seeking to change the atmosphere in domestic political circles by "making as much noise as possible" over the two-day summit with Kim.






Rep. Na Kyung-won, left, floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly, Monday. The LKP's approval rating dropped to 25.2 percent, down 3.7 percentage points from a week earlier due to a controversy caused by three LKP lawmakers' defamatory remarks against citizens participating in the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980. / Yonhap



By Park Ji-won



The approval rating of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) dropped precipitously from a week earlier amid an escalating controversy over its members' defamatory remarks against citizens participating in the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980.



A survey of 2,513 adults conducted by Realmeter between Feb. 11 and 15 shows the support rate of the LKP plunged 3.7 percentage points to 25.2 percent while that of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) increased 1.4 percentage points to 40.3 percent.



The decline is likely attributable to the controversy caused by three LKP lawmakers, the poll agency said, failing to attract support for the LKP's election campaign to elect a leader at its national convention which has been considered one of party's biggest events of the year and a prime chance to win support from people.



The three, Reps. Kim Jin-tae, Kim Soon-rye and Lee Jong-myeong, have come under fire for holding a seminar at the National Assembly, Feb. 8 where invited speaker, far-right figure Jee Man-won, insisted North Korean troops were involved in the pro-democracy movement. In the seminar, the lawmakers echoed Jee's views and made controversial remarks against the movement calling the victims of a government crackdown "monsters."



Later, the LKP's Ethics Committee decided to expel Lee from the party for making the remarks while suspending punitive measures against the other lawmakers as they are exempted from this due to a party regulation regarding leadership candidates.



In every region, mainly from the LKP's main strongholds Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province and among most age groups, the party's approval rating has dropped while the DPK gained support there and in the Chungcheong provinces.



The minor progressive Justice Party won 7 percent support while the minor conservative Bareunmirae Party and the Party for Democracy and Peace gained 6 percent and 2.8 percent support respectively.



Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in's approval rating dropped slightly in the same period, with his economic policies being overshadowed by the LKP controversy, the pollster added.



Moon's approval rating stood at 49.8 percent, down 0.6 percentage points from the previous week.



"Moon's moves such as visiting Busan and having meetings with small companies and self-employed people aimed to boost the economy were overshadowed by the escalating controversy following the LKP's governing body's decision to remove a member from the party for his defamatory remarks and the other four parties' alliance to push for a bill to punish those who make such defamatory remarks."



It also added that the low employment rate and poor economic data as well as the Moon administration's decision to block "harmful" websites had a negative impact on his approval rating.






By Kim Yoo-chul







President Moon Jae-in said Monday he expects to see "big progress" at the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to be held later this month in Hanoi, Vietnam.







"Thanks to your sincere concern and support, we've made big process for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. I expect big process will be made in terms of advancing denuclearization in North Korea and normalizing relations between North Korea and the United States at next week's U.S.-North Korea summit," Moon said at the start of his meeting with the leaders of seven religions at Cheong Wa Dae, according to press pool reports.







"I also expect Washington and Pyongyang to accelerate efforts to actually implement detailed action plans for agreements that they agreed on in last year's Singapore summit," the President said.







The meeting with the country's top religious leaders marked the second of its kind since the President took power in May 2017. Moon hosted them in a meeting in December 2018.







The pool reports said the President also asked the leaders to stand strong for South Korea. The request comes after the country is being divided between conservatives and liberals, as well as the rich and poor, over the success of the second Trump-Kim meeting.


Moon Chung-in, President Moon Jae-in's special adviser for unification, diplomacy and security affairs, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times last Oct. 24. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Kim Yoo-chul



Only North Koreans can dismantle nuclear and missile facilities in North Korea, not international experts, according to President Moon Jae-in's security adviser, Moon Chung-in.



Moon said Washington should offer some substantial concessions beyond opening a liaison office in Pyongyang to make the upcoming second Washington-Pyongyang summit successful.



He made the remarks in an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun.



"Only North Korean technicians are able to disband its nuclear warheads safely and completely," said Moon, special adviser for unification, diplomacy and national security.



"This is because the North Korean experts designed and outlined core specifics of its nuclear facilities and entirely handled the nuclear development. It's required for the United States to offer a rewards programs to help the regime remain cooperative in the ongoing collective work toward dismantling its nuclear program."










National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang walks out of the Incheon International Airport after arriving from a trip to the U.S., Monday. / Yonhap






Latvian Ambassador to Korea Peteris Vaivars holds a Korean translation of ?Latvia 100 Snapshot Stories? during a presentation at his embassy on Feb. 14, to mark the release of the book. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo



By Yi Whan-woo



Latvian Ambassador to Korea Peteris Vaivars recalls that when he came here in 2016, there were virtually no books about Latvia in libraries.

This is how Latvia came to publish "Latvia 100 Snapshot Stories" in Korean to raise awareness of the country, including its culture, history, people, environment and tourism.

The Latvian Institute in English published the book last year to mark the 100th anniversary of Latvia's independence. The book was also translated into Korean, Russian and Arabic.

Liga Tarvide, the Latvian embassy's officer in charge of education, culture and public diplomacy, led the Korean translation project.

"When we went to the libraries, we found there was nothing about Latvia," Ambassador Vaivars said during a presentation at his embassy on Feb. 14, marking the release of the Korean edition.

He described the book as "a little bit about everything" on Latvia, offering a glimpse into 100 aspects of the country with photos and explanations.

"I really hope it promotes knowledge not only about Latvia but also about the three Baltic states," Vaivars said.

The book is not for sale, but is available at 1,142 public libraries across Korea plus universities, such as Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, that are in partnership with the embassy.

Among the topics the embassy believes readers may find interesting are knitted woolen mittens, bathhouses and music.

Knitted woolen mittens are considered most honorable gifts, so 4,500 unique pairs of mittens were hand-knitted for official delegates at a NATO Summit in Riga in 2006.

For Latvians, the bathhouse was not only a place to cleanse one's body but a place to give birth and a resting place before burial.

Music has been an integral part of life for Latvians and the nationwide song and dance festival, held every five years, is registered as a UNESCO intangible heritage.






City of London Lord Mayor Peter Estlin, left, poses with British Ambassador to Korea Simon Smith, second from right, and other British officials after an interview with the Korean press at the embassy in Seoul on Feb. 13. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo



By Yi Whan-woo



City of London Lord Mayor Peter Estlin is confident that the City, even after Brexit, will remain the financial and commercial heart not just of the United Kingdom, but of the world.

During his visit to Korea from Feb. 12 to 13 to promote the City, Estlin argued that the "sheer scale" of the City's business, respect for the regulatory environment and "huge levels" of investment related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution were proof the City would remain competitive internationally.

Estlin, a former Barclays executive, began his one-year term in November 2018 as the 691st Lord of Mayor of the City of London.

During his stay here, he met top financial regulators, including First Vice Economy and Finance Minister Lee Ho-seung, Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Choi Jong-ku and Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Yoon Suk-heun.

Korea was the first stop on Estlin's 12-day tour of Asia, including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.



The following is an edited excerpt of the interview.

Q: Why and how do you think that the City of London will remain the financial hub, even after Brexit?

A: The starting position is one that the scale of the financial markets in London today are huge  certainly relative to continental Europe. We're the second-largest asset manager in the world (after the U.S.), we trade more dollars than in the U.S., we trade more euros in London than in the whole of Europe. We're now regarded as the global fintech hub, with more FDI and venture capital going into the U.K. So firstly the sheer scale of that business is one that would be very difficult to replicate quickly in any other part of Europe.

Secondly, if you look at why that business has developed over time, it's because of respect for the regulatory environment. Also, English language plays a key part of it. And the connectivity of investors to the market and services  for example in law and the other financial services around it. Much of that trade, whether it's with the Gulf or America or Asia, is not dependant on the relationship of the U.K. with the EU.

Also as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution we're seeing huge levels of investment into fintech and other front-end technologies. Last year we had 3.8 billion pounds of venture capital coming into the U.K. (18 percent up on 2017), so people aren't fixating on Brexit in that it's a short- term political issue. The scale of the U.K. market is such that we've got access to talent, research, capital. All of these pieces mean that London will continue to remain an attractive marketplace.

Q: Do you believe that the impact of Brexit on the City will be limited?

A: The answer to that is largely yes. The marketplace has had two years to prepare for different outcomes. Certainly the businesses that I've spoken to securities, banks, insurance firms have prepared for all eventualities. But clearly the uncertainty associated with Brexit is something that they don't like, so as the City we've been calling on the government to make sure that a deal is in place as quickly as possible.

Q: There may be some regrettable outcomes of Brexit. What does the business community want to see?

A: Post the referendum the business community put down three requirements for government. The first was that we have smooth transition. In the current agreement that's on the table there is a transition period of 21 months, where the U.K. will remain effectively part of the EU for trade purposes whilst the longer term future trading agreement is defined. That transition is important, so we don't face a "cliff-edge" scenario.

The second thing that business has asked for is continued access to trade. The withdrawal agreement as currently structured provides that basis for continuity of trade in goods. As far as financial services are concerned that is covered by the side letter in terms of future cooperation between the EU and the U.K. That is both out of respect  as the EU respects the U.K. regulators  and it's important for financial stability that we have continuity of services.

The third aspect is access to talent. EU membership enshrines the free movement of people between member states. What the U.K. government has now proposed is to move towards an open market that allows talent to come into the U.K., that wouldn't discriminate between someone that comes from the EU and someone who comes from Korea. If someone from Korea has skills, as things stand today, they would find it more difficult to come into the U.K. than someone from the EU. We want to change that.

Q: We understood that the U.K.-Korea FTA was a top priority. Has it now moved down the list?

A: Replicating the existing EU-Korea FTA is still absolutely a priority. We have already signed two FTA's  one with Chile, one with Switzerland, and there will be more in the days and weeks to come. That has encouraged officials in both our governments to keep pushing to have a U.K.-Korea FTA ready for March 29, should it be necessary (i.e. in a no-deal scenario). Both sides are working extremely hard to achieve this.

Q: What is your opinion of the application of Blockchain as a virtual currency or ICO?

A: To give some context, fintech as a marketplace has developed quite rapidly over the last few years. In the UK we now have 77,000 people focused on Fintech, in about 1600 Fintech businesses contributing about 7 billion pounds to the U.K. economy. So, ita big business. But it's also a business that's moving very rapidly. And the technologies around ICOs, Blockchains, AI and machine learning is advancing very quickly. So the UK has created a regulatory sandbox, where businesses with these new technologies can apply to the regulator and operate in a restricted way. This allows the businesses, while in their early stages, to trade in a controlled environment  a kind of "testing" environment. That has worked very successfully for things like electronic payments (through mobile phones). For things like digital currency and ICO, it's more complex as the technologies are not fully developed yet. So in these areas the U.K. regulator is judging case by case. For example within ICOs one of the requirements is to know where the money is coming from. If the business is not able to provide that information, then they won't be granted a license. Talking to the regulators here, I think the same sorts of rules are likely to be applied here in Korea. It's important that as the new capabilities come to the market that they are safe for customers to use.

Q: What is the most important factor for a successful regulatory sandbox?

A: The U.K. and Korea signed a fintech bridge in 2016. We signed bridges with four other countries as well. So far, we've seen more traffic coming across the bridges in the other countries. So we've been encouraging the FCA (U.K. regulator) to discuss the development of the sandbox here in Korea  and obviously now with the chance in regulation that sandbox has come into effect. Talking to the FSS yesterday (Feb. 12), we understand that now quite a number of applications have been tabled, so that's very encouraging. What we have agreed is that we will provide information to the FSS/FSC on the scale of U.K. business looking to come to Korea  and we've asked them to provide information on businesses that are applying for the regulatory sandbox here, and those that might be interested in operating in the U.K. One of the attractive things is that the businesses applying to use the sandbox here are not just domestic businesses, but also international businesses. So we're going to encourage U.K. businesses to apply to the Korean regulatory sandbox now that it's up and running.

Also at the end of April in London we will have fintech week, so we'll be encouraging Korean fintechs to come to London to promote their capabilities. We understand a similar programme will happen here in Korea in May, and we'll also be promoting that to U.K. fintechs. Really we want more businesses to cross the bridge in both directions.

Q: You talked about freedom of movement. Do you think it will be easier for Korean players to enter the EPL because of Brexit?

A: If there any good, yes... In all seriousness the U.K. want to remain open for business. We operate in a global marketplace. Part of the success of London to date is that it's been very welcoming to business. We currently have more than 30 Korean financial services firms in London (employing around 1,300 people) and seven of the big Korean companies are listed in the stock exchange. All this helps global trade, and we want to encourage that. So one of the actions I'm taking away from my visit here is that we'll be meeting with the Korean financial businesses back in London, to make sure that we're meeting their needs and that they continue to feel welcome. That's what has made London successful, and will keep London successful.

Q: Can you explain your theme "shaping tomorrow's city today"?

A: It's about looking at how innovation and technology is transforming industries, and the impact it's having on economic growth. We're seeing this at the moment in financial services, but we're also seeing it in the wider economy with creative and media and life sciences. And whilst London today is synonymous with being very much a financial services hub, in the future this will expand into these other businesses as well. So positioning London as a marketplace that is attractive to investment in these areas is really important. What is fuelling that is digital skills  so the second part of my mayoral theme is looking at how we are preparing the future work force for the 21st century  looking at creativity skills, digital skills. The Government is investing in it, but it's also a commercial proposition. In fact I'm working with Dr. Yu shun Park, (a Korean currently living in Singapore) who presented a paper to the WEF in 2016 entitled DQ (digital quotient). She and I are working together to launch an international coalition for digital intelligence. This is to develop an understanding of the importance of digital skills in our society today  not just for those in work, but also those not yet in work, like our younger children. This is to ensure that they develop the skills to support them in the workplace, but also to protect them from digital abuse. That to me is a very important part of our society going forward.

So basically in essence I'm trying to promote the technology (and the commercial uses of that), but also to ensure we have training programs within our schools and business communities that are equipping our employees and future workforce with the skills they need for the 21st century. So it's all very exciting, and something that we need to do now.

Q: Some people argue that green finance doesn't make good business sense. What do you think?

A: When green finance started this was probably true. But what has happened over the last couple of years is that the actual projects themselves are increasingly financially viable. Whether it's investment in things like wind farms or solar (or other forms of sustainable infrastructure), around the world we're seeing increased capital flows going towards projects that are not only environmentally sustainable, but economically sustainable as well. So they're becoming more attractive. And as this happens, the premium that was associated with green finance has largely disappeared. Generally now the financing of sustainable infrastructure projects attracts a lot of capital. So we in the U.K. have launched the Green Finance Institute (GFI) to work with other organizations around the world to promote more and more green investment. Not just because it is the right thing to do environmentally, but it's now the right thing to do commercially as well. It's an expanding area, and over the last couple of days we've been discussing opportunities to work with Korean institutions on green finance as it becomes more and more attractive.
A photo of Greenland International Medical Center, the country's first for-profit hospital set up on Jeju Island / Courtesy of Jeju Free International City Development Center



By Kim Hyun-bin



The nation's first for-profit hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Government for limiting its medical services to only foreign patients.



With the move, the chances of Greenland International Medical Center opening as scheduled on March 4 are getting slimmer.



According to the local government, Sunday, the investor in the hospital, the Shanghai-based Greenland Group, filed an administrative litigation suit Feb. 14, demanding the local government cancel its ban on offering treatment to Korean patients.



"On Dec. 5, 2018, the provincial government approved the operating license but its condition to limit the services to foreign patients visiting Jeju Island is illegal," the group said in its petition submitted to the Jeju District Court.



The lawsuit was expected as the hospital indicated it would take the local government to court after it received conditional operation permission in December.



The group claims there are no specific laws that justify the ban on offering services to Korean patients. In addition, it said the deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system by Korea in 2017, escalated tension with Beijing, which drastically reduced the number of Chinese visitors to Jeju, thus harming its potential patient pool.



The medical center said it would be difficult to sustain normal operations without offering services to Koreans patients.



The Jeju government says the ban is a "Maginot Line" to protect the nation's public healthcare system.



"We'll maintain this line at all costs," the local government said in a press release. "We'll form a legal experts' team to deal with the lawsuit."



It said it would highlight the concerns of civic groups and politicians that if the services are allowed for Koreans, it would lead to the polarization of medical services and a breakdown in the country's public healthcare system.



Under the Medical Services Law, the hospital is obliged to open 90 days after gaining approval from the local government  March 4. If it fails to do so, the license can be revoked after a public hearing.



Initially, the hospital hired 134 employees as of August 2017, when it first applied for a license. But the approval was delayed for more than a year and all nine doctors resigned along with other staff. Currently, there are 60 employees including 15 nurses; and the hospital is not recruiting new staff.



If the hospital cannot open as scheduled and the license is revoked, it could file a compensation suit against the local government, separate from the current administrative one, and demand around 80 billion won in damages.


China to launch first rocket for commercial missions in H1

China sends Zhongxing-2D satellite into space on a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province at 1:11 a.m., Jan. 11, 2019. The satellite has entered the preset orbit. (Photo: China News Service/Liang Keyan)

China will launch its first rocket for commercial missions, the Jielong (Smart Dragon) 1, in the first half of the year, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, cnr.cn reported.

Unlike the current Long March rockets, those for commercial missions in China are referred to as the Dragon series.

China completed 39 space launch missions last year, ranking No 1 among the 114 total space missions launched globally, which indicates an enhanced space launch capability, said Yang Baohua, deputy general manager of the CASC.

In addition, the initial experiment for rocket reuse technology has been completed, said Tang Yagang, president of Chinarocket Co Ltd under the CASC.

Tang said the company is accelerating the development of rocket reuse technology, including the retrieval of rockets by vertical as well as horizontal takeoffs and landings.

With trials in different technical routes, rocket reuse technology is expected to be realized in the next two to three years, Tang added.

According to Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration, China's advanced technologies for the lunar probe project have great potential and conversion value to serve common people in the future.

"Open minds are needed in the next steps of the lunar probe and exploration missions of Mars and deep space," Wu said, adding that social and international capital are welcomed, since these are missions for all of humankind.
Greenland International Medical Center on Jeju Island. Korea Times file



The Greenland International Medical Center, conditionally approved last year as South Korea's first for-profit hospital, has recently filed an administrative lawsuit to have a condition of its operation revoked, officials said Monday.



In the suit filed by its holding company, Greenland Holdings Corporation Ltd., with the Jeju District Court on Feb. 14, the medical center said that it is illegal for the government of Jeju to ban it from treating domestic patients.



The Greenland medical center received the final approval from the Jeju provincial government as South Korea's first for-profit hospital on Dec. 5 last year, putting an end to 16 years of controversy over the introduction of investor-owned medical institutions.



However, the approval was given on the condition that the hospital cater only to foreign patients. Its Chinese investor, the Shanghai-based Greenland Group, has protested the ban on South Korean patients.



The Greenland medical center's holding company insisted in the lawsuit that it is unlawful to limit the scope of patients eligible for treatment at the Greenland medical center only to foreigners.



The Jeju government, on the other hand, said it doesn't have any intention to change the condition for the opening of the first for-profit hospital, vowing to form a team of legal professionals to handle the administrative suit by the Greenland medical center.



Meanwhile, the Chinese-owned medical center has shown little signs of taking opening procedures, though it is obliged by South Korea's medical law to start medical services before March 4.



The hospital doesn't have a single doctor as of now and has not taken any procedures to hire doctors. If the medical center fails to hire doctors and launch medical services by March 4, its medical business license can be revoked through a public hearing, Jeju officials said.



A for-profit hospital is a medical institution that combines foreign capital with domestic medical resources and provides comprehensive medical services to foreign patients.



Under the current law, the Greenland medical center must begin medical services within 90 days after obtaining its approval.



The hospital had hired 134 medical workers, including nine doctors, 28 nurses, 10 nursing assistants and 18 international coordinators, as of August 2017, when it applied for the approval from the provincial government.



As the opening was delayed by more than one year, all of the nine doctors in charge of the plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine and family medicine departments quit. (Yonhap)








Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, second from right, joins a Q&A session after the screening of "My Year with Helen," a documentary about Clark's 2016 bid to be U.N. secretary-general, at CGV Yongsan in central Seoul on Feb. 13. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo



By Yi Whan-woo



"My Year with Helen," a 2017 documentary film, is more than about former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark's unsuccessful bid to be U.N. secretary-general in 2016.

It reveals the glass ceiling that awaits female leaders as they advance their careers, as award-winning director Gaylene Preston travels alongside Clark during her election campaign.

Serving three consecutive terms from 1999 to 2008, Clark was New Zealand's first elected female prime minister and the first woman to head the U.N. Development Program (UNDP) for two straight terms from 2009 to 2017.

Her life certainly revealed challenges for aspiring female leaders during the screening of "My Year with Helen" at CGV Yongsan in Seoul, Feb. 13.

At a Q&A session after the screening, the audience, many of them female workers and students, raised their hands and asked Clark to give advice.

"At the U.N., I very much hope the 10th secretary-general will be woman," she said, pointing out that all nine U.N. chiefs have been men.

They include incumbent Antonio Guterres, who defeated her in the 2016 election to replace Ban Ki-moon.

She hoped women would one day break any glass ceiling, noting that her country's prime minister had been a woman for more than two decades.

Clark was among New Zealand's three female prime ministers, including Jenny Shipley (1997 to 1999) and incumbent Jacinda Ardern.

"Women should not accept that any door is closed to them," she said. "Women have a right to hold any position, on the same basis as men do. So young women should set their sights high and not accept that their career might be cut off here."

Clark also urged women to have a strategy for building resilience to cope with missing out as they climbed higher up the career ladder.

"Winning is the easy bit. What is difficult is when you have to deal with something that didn't work out," she said.

Among guests at the screening were New Zealand Ambassador Philip Turner and CJ Cheil Jedang Corporation Vice President Min Hee-kyung. CJCheil Jedang and CGV are CJ Group affiliates.

Min asked for advice for female leaders who often turned out be the only female in their group at work and struggled to be heard.

Clark said this made it important for women to serve in higher positions, while improving the environment for women accordingly would be necessary.

She noted that Norway required all listed companies to have at least 40 percent women on their boards to prevent women from being isolated.

Five of the 10 candidates were women in the 2016 U.N. election. The female candidates included then-UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, then-European Commissioner for the Budget and Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva, Moldova's then-Acting Prime Minister Natalia Gherman, and Argentina's then-Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra.

The 2016 election was much more open than previous ones. Women and Eastern Europeans were believed to be favored, because no woman had ever led the U.N. and the Eastern European group was the U.N's only group never to have held the office.

However, the two campaigns offset each other, and Guterres, a former Portuguese prime minister, was chosen.

Clark visited Korea last week to join a panel discussion co-hosted by the New Zealand Embassy in Korea and Ewha Woman's University. The discussion was held under the theme, "Towards inclusive society: The value of diversity and leadership in a multicultural society."
According to the report, Sangnam-ni is an operational missile base housing a battalion or regiment-sized unit equipped with Hwasong-10 (Musudan) intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of more than 3,000 kilometers.

"As of 2018, the base is active and being well-maintained by North Korean standards," the report says. It presents the March 1999 establishment and subsequent development process of the missile base 250 kilometers north of the demilitarized zone.

The report, titled "Undeclared North Korea: The Sangnam-ni Missile Operating Base," released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Feb. 15 (local time), reveals its new findings on the Sangnam-ni missile base located within North Korea's strategic missile belt in Hochon County, South Hamgyong Province.

North Korea has about 20 missile operating bases that would not appear to be on the agenda for denuclearization negotiations with the U.S. at the second summit next week, a prominent U.S. think tank said in its





"The deployment of the Hwasong-10, with 3,000+ kilometer ranges, at Sangnam-ni is a component of North Korea's presumed offensive ballistic missile strategy that provides a strategic-level first strike capability against targets located throughout East Asia as far as U.S. forces in Okinawa and Guam," it says. "The base is defended by a single anti-aircraft artillery position and nearby surface-to-air missile bases."







But there is a possibility that the North's Korean People's Army (KPA) Strategic Force may replace Hawsong-10 with Hawsong-12 IRBM (KN-17) or Pukkuksong-2 (KN-15) medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) as the Hwasong-10 suffered repeated failures in a number of training launches in 2016, the report adds.







The development and operation of the base is part of North Korea's plans to build a series of strategic ballistic missile operating bases in the northern regions of the country for longer-range systems under development, it says.





Previously, the CSIS released two reports revealing findings on the

and

missile operating bases last November and January, respectively, as parts of a series of reports on North Korea's "undeclared" missile bases.







The reports say there are about 20 bases and the think tank's Beyond Parallel project has located 13 of them.







The reports are based on the ongoing study of KPA ballistic missile infrastructure begun in 1985 by Joseph Bermudez, one of the report authors and a senior fellow for Imagery Analysis at the CSIS. Victor Cha, a senior adviser and the inaugural holder of the Korea Chair at CSIS, and Lisa Collins, a fellow with the Korea Chair at CSIS, co-authored the reports.





Their first report on the Sakkanmol missile base earlier stirred

on whether North Korea has a duty to "declare" its missile bases. The latest report on this matter said 10 standing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including the most recent

, "explicitly" ban North Korea from developing and testing ballistic missiles.







It also called for the need to include this subject in negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea, warning that only discussing the dismantlement of the Tongchang-ri missile test site  first promised by the North last June  would not help stop North Korea's military threat.







"Any potential agreement that decommissioning the Tongchang-ri (Sohae) rocket test stand alone would obscure the extant military threat to U.S. forces and South Korea from this and other undeclared ballistic missile bases in this CSIS study," it says.






Gettyimagesbank
MBK Partners Chairman Kim Byung-ju

By Jhoo Dong-chan







MBK Partners has emerged as a driving force in the nation's M&A market since the private equity fund (PEF) is said to be one of the strongest candidates in major takeover battles for Nexon and three Lotte Group subsidiaries.







MBK Partners proved its quality in M&A through the track record of insurer Orange Life and water purifier rental firm Coway, and is now looking for another mega deal at home or abroad.







According to industry sources, the nation's largest private equity firm submitted a letters of intent (LOI) for Lotte Card and Lotte Insurance's preliminary bidding, Jan. 30. Lotte Capital, another group financial subsidiary, is also on the PEF's shopping list.







It has displayed its interest in acquiring all three Lotte Group units as a package deal, an attractive option for the group.







"I understand MBK Partners managed to attract up to 6 trillion won worth of committed capital," said an industry insider familiar with the issue.







"PEFs at home and abroad have enough cash reserve, but are experiencing difficulties in acquiring favorable firms. I do not know why MBK feels attracted to the three Lotte Group subsidiaries at this point, but it wouldn't have made such move if it has not been confident enough."







Separate from the three Lotte Group subsidiaries bid, MBK Partners has also joined the takeover battle for Nexon through a consortium with Netmarble and Tencent, according to investment banks and game industry officials.







In December, Nexon founder Kim Jung-ju announced his decision to sell a 98.64 stake in NXC Corp. owned by himself and related parties, including his wife. NXC Corp. has a 47.98 percent stake in Nexon and is its holding company.







Kim's stake is valued at up to 10 trillion won ($8.87 billion) while the bid for the three Lotte subsidiaries is expected to reach 3 trillion won.







MBK Partners is also boasting of its presence overseas. It has submitted an LOI for acquiring global chocolate brand Godiva Chocolatier's Asia-Pacific region business through its corporate body in Japan.







It is expected to cost more than 1.5 trillion won to acquire the chocolate brand's Asia-Pacific region business.







Thanks to its strong presence in the M&A market at home and abroad, MBK Partners Founder and Chairman Kim Byung-ju was named as the second-most influential figure in Korea's investment sector, according to business researcher Market Insight's study in January.







Kim was the third last year after Mirae Asset Financial Group founder Park Hyeon-joo, but topped the latter this year.







Last year, MBK is believed to have secured 4 trillion won worth of cash reserves by selling its stake in Orange Life and Coway.







In 2013, MBK acquired the Korean life insurance arm, then ING Korea, from the Dutch insurer ING Group for 1.8 trillion won.







The PEF then managed to generate value  in 2017, ING Korea reported 4.34 trillion won in revenue and generated a net profit of 340 billion won.







The insurer changed the name to Orange Life before it was sold to Shinhan Financial Group for 2.29 trillion won.







"MBK Partners operates nearly 15 trillion won through some 30 companies at the moment. It also proved its management quality by generating value through Orange and Coway cases," said an industry insider who asked not to be named.







"I think that similar deals will ensue as it looks for another mega deal to prove its management quality."


BC Card employees pose with locals after completing their overseas charity mission in Leyte, the Philippines, Feb. 17. The card firm's volunteers provided a food truck catering for Amandangay elementary school students in the region from Feb. 12 to 17. Courtesy of BC Card
Ok Se-ra, who has a New Zealand father and Korean mother, sought beauty creator Holy on the YouTube beauty consulting show "Perfect Pouch." Photos screen capture from YouTube



By Ko Dong-hwan



A popular Korean beauty creator on YouTube has sympathized with her verbally abused client after the client told her how she had suffered misogynistic abuse.



Lee Joo-young, who goes by the social network nickname Holy, met Ok Se-ra, who has a Korean mother and New Zealand father, on her beauty consulting show " Perfect Pouch " on YouTube Channel "tvN D."



Posted online Feb. 15, the third episode of the show's second season shows Holy and Ok sitting before a table and discussing how to make Ok look gorgeous.



Before Holy began beautifying her client, Ok told her how humiliated she felt when she trained under a show business agency to be part of a K-pop girl band. The agency president said Ok's eyes were "critically wrong and unsuitable for her to be a girl band star," according to Ok.





Holy, left, and Ok Se-ra discuss how to make Ok look more like her idol Ariana Grande.



"It might be I'm not a camera person but he told me I looked like a gorilla," Ok told Holy.



Ok said that because of the finger-pointing she couldn't walk tall and feared meeting people.



Ok's revelation prompted Holy to talk about her own bitter experience of being subject to abusive comments online. Some haters told the obese YouTube celebrity she must show her real face to her future fiancee or must be taken to a sauna to expose her before-make-up visage.



"I at first tried to take into account what my online followers advised or insulted me about in my videos," Holy told Ok. "But I still couldn't be free from being a subject of abuse, with some calling me a cake face. Then I started not caring about those comments and faithfully stuck to my way. Thick make-up is now my signature beauty."





Ok Se-ra shows her new Ariana Grande look, thanks to Holy's real-time make-up treatment.
Kokomo, IN (46901)

Today

Thunderstorms - a few could contain very heavy rain, especially overnight. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

Tonight

Thunderstorms - a few could contain very heavy rain, especially overnight. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
File photo taken on Sept. 3, 2015 shows DF-26 missiles attending a military parade in Beijing, capital of China. Photo: Xinhua

Screenshot of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force's official Weibo account "DF Express." Photo: Sina Weibo

Long considered one of China's most inscrutable armed forces, the tight-lipped People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force opened its first social media accounts, with one humorously named "DF Express," a nickname conjured up by military enthusiasts years ago in praise of Dongfeng ballistic missiles' ability to strike a global target both quickly and accurately.

The Rocket Force registered three verified accounts on Thursday afternoon, two on Sina Weibo and one on WeChat. The accounts were soon being followed by thousands of Chinese netizens even though the Rocket Force has yet to post anything.

While the account on WeChat and one of the Weibo accounts are simply called "PLA Rocket Force," the other Weibo account was given the unusually informal name "DF Express," causing chuckles among Chinese military enthusiasts.

The letters DF stand for Dongfeng, meaning East Wind, which is the name of a series of ballistic missiles operated by the Rocket Force. Netizens also noted DF Express is close to the name of one of China's largest courier companies, SF Express.

Some years ago, Chinese military enthusiasts nicknamed the PLA Rocket Force the DF Express after netizens jokingly wrote that the missiles can "make fast and accurate deliveries to recipients worldwide."

The Force's "DF Express" social media account now makes the nickname semi official and has already attracted more than 340,000 followers, almost twice as many as the "PLA Rocket Force" Weibo account, which has some 170,000 followers as of press time. The WeChat account does not show how many followers it has.

The "PLA Rocket Force" WeChat account is expected to release its first post on Tuesday, PLA Daily reported.

People can expect more information on this tight-lipped force through its social media accounts, analysts said. Compared with other military branches like the PLA Army and PLA Navy, the Rocket Force rarely makes public announcements.

Many related departments and state-owned companies like the State Post Bureau and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation interacted with the newly-registered accounts.

"Do you take orders, my brother? I want something delivered @DFExpress," the China National Nuclear Corporation joked on its Weibo account.

The PLA Rocket Force was established on December 31, 2015 after its transformation from the previous Second Artillery Force.

It is China's core strategic deterrent power, a pillar to sustain China's position as a major country and a footstone to safeguard national security, the PLA Daily said.
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MOUNT VERNON  This winter has been one for the books. Between historic cold snaps and persistent snowfall, the weather has become the center of attention  and snow days have become commonplace.

Its placed a significant burden on local superintendents, who are charged with making those snow day decisions  to stay on, to delay, or to call it off altogether. Superintendents rise between the hours of 4 and 5 a.m. on potential snow days to drive across their district  sometimes theyre the first ones to hit the road  and gauge how future weather conditions may impact the safety of their students and staff.

Its a quick and impactful decision, and given this winters frequently inclement weather, its one local superintendents are making nearly every day.

On Feb. 1, Knox Pages reporter Grant Pepper rode along with Mount Vernon superintendent Bill Seder to get a behind-the-scenes look at the process. At that point, Mount Vernon had already used five snow days and had cancelled school two days in a row due to sub-zero temperatures.

It was a little warmer that morning  7 degrees  but starting around midnight, heavy snowfall had struck central Ohio. By the time Seder began his drive at 4:30 a.m., there were already three inches on the ground.

Seder had one hour to make his decision  to remain open or close for a third straight day.

Calamity days piling up

As of Monday, every Knox County school district has either surpassed  or is close to surpassing  their calamity day limit for the 2018-19 school year.

Danville and East Knox have both used nine snow days. Both districts allocate eight days each year for cancellations. Because East Knox and Danville have already exceeded that number, both districts used Monday (Presidents Day) as a make-up day. For both districts, every snow day from here on out will be made up over spring break or at the end of the school year.

Jason Snively, Danville Local Schools superintendent, believes the hilly terrain of eastern Knox County often leads to quicker closures from its two districts. He also said the eastern part of the county is often left out in the dark when it comes to timely road treatment, an issue hes recently taken up with county officials.

Just the topography that we have, the proximity that we are to the county garage  you know, were a lot farther behind in the mornings with our roads in the county, Snively said.

Fredericktown and the Knox County Career Center have both used seven snow days. Fredericktown had its students come in on Presidents Day as well, even though the district has an eight-day limit, per district make-up policy.

If the district exceeds its eight-day allotment, Fredericktown will begin making decisions on how to make that time up. During the 2013-14 polar vortex, the last time the district went over, the district decided to add 15 minutes to the beginning and end of each school day over a marked period of time. That allowed the district to make up instructional time without adding days onto spring break or the end of the year.

A lot of families make spring break plans and we dont want to mess people up that way, Fredericktown superintendent Matt Chrispin said. The end of the year seems kind of pointless because were just showing up to show up. So we would probably just tack on time for six or seven days.

The Career Center utilizes blizzard bags on snow days 6-8, where students are tasked with completing classwork at home during their days off. After the eighth day, the district will make up time at the end of the year.

Career Center superintendent Kathrine Greenich said her district determines snow days using a different method than the rest of the county districts. She will keep in contact with the other five county superintendents on the mornings of potential snow days, as Seder mentioned in the video, and will base her decision off of their closures.

The Career Center takes students from all five Knox County school districts and Clear Fork. Greenich knows the percentage of students in her district from each area. If less than 50 percent of those students would be able to make it to school that day, based off of area closures, she will cancel school.

This means the Career Center will typically close if four county schools close, or if Mount Vernon and one other county school closes, Greenich said.

Mount Vernon and Centerburg have both used six snow days this year. Both schools had Presidents Day off. Mount Vernon utilizes blizzard bags on snow days 6-8, while Centerburg does not.

Both Mount Vernon and Centerburg have the flattest terrains in the county, although Mount Vernons district spans 149 miles, reaching varying levels of topography. If either Centerburg or Mount Vernon exceed their eight-day limits, both districts will make up that time at the end of the year.

Centerburg superintendent Mike Hebenthal said his district not only benefits from a flatter terrain than some surrounding schools, but also from the fact that his district starts school at 8:15 a.m.  at least 30 minutes later than everybody else. That gives the county more time to clear the roads before the start of the school day.

All calamity day procedures are defined and revisited regularly by the countys respective school boards. The state requires a certain number of instructional hours for all schools  1,001 for grades 7-12, 910 for K-6  and all county school districts plan to exceed that requirement handily each year. East Knox, for example, plans 1,150 instructional hours for grades 7-12 and 1,062 hours for grades K-6.

Districts will typically plan conservatively because all delays and closures count against that hour total, East Knox superintendent Steve Larcomb said.

Larcomb added that, while all county superintendents communicate on potential snow days, they do not base their decisions off the idea that another district may use fewer snow days than theirs.

I guess the truth of the matter is, I dont worry about what everyone else is doing, Larcomb said. But I think were typically all relatively close to each other.

Local superintendents agreed that the reaction to snow day decisions is typically mixed; there will be those who support the decision and those who dont, and that will likely never change.

No matter what you do, youre going to have phone calls either way, Hebenthal said.

But superintendents also agreed that the focus is always on the safety of the children. That, Snively said, will also never change.

My rule of thumb is, if Im in doubt, Im not taking any chances. Id rather go to school in the spring or summer than take a risk, Snively said. But at the same time, we value education. So if we can get the bulk of kids here safely, were going to have school one way or another.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
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There are not too many female horror characters, Wamboldt said. So Vampira, her history and the way she did her show, how groundbreaking it was  being the first one to present the horror host thing.

This is the seventh Old Weird America program Polovina put together for the community. They take place the second Thursday of each month at the Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. The program is free to the public.

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Free programs are always good, Polovina said. People love learning, especially if its fun to do.

Polovina said she tries to cover more obscure characters and events in American history  from a serial killer on a small Indiana farm, to an exotic silent film star, to the self-declared emperor of the United States.

If its anything with visuals plus a story, it makes a good combination, Polovina said.

The event Thursday was attended by around 30 individuals, including Ken Weber, a Pleasant Prairie resident who loves old horror cinema and history.

I think theres a real hunger in the community for this sort of venue coming to the library and talking about history, he said. Its just marvelous and Im looking forward to the next few programs.
Thomas Harland has announced that he will, again, seek Wisconsins 64th Assembly District seat as a member of the Constitution Party.

Harland, who lives in Kenosha with his wife Melissa and two children, had previously run an unsuccessful bid for the 64th Assembly District against then-incumbent Peter Barca. However, this time, Harland will not be facing the longtime incumbent of the district, since Barca accepted a position in Gov. Tony Evers administration earlier this year as the state Secretary of the Department of Revenue.

In announcing his new bid for the district seat, Harland stated that he is running not to silence voices of opponents, but to give a voice to all.

We have given power of more and more decisions to a select few in Madison and Washington, Harland, a warehouse manager, said in a released statement. To begin the healing we need to bring the power of choice back to the communities in which we live and work.

Harland further stated that, unlike career politicians that only show up when its time to ask for your vote, he will work to move the legislature towards part-time representatives that live and work in their district and occasionally represent their neighbors when needed.
Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech themed "Working for a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind by Promoting International Cooperation and Multilateralism" at the 55th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb 16, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinas pledge of multilateralism, shared growth made at annual Munich meeting

Pursuing international cooperation, multilateralism and a community with a shared future for mankind represents the right way forward to cope with global challenges, a senior Chinese official has said.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a key speech on Saturday at the three-day 55th Munich Security Conference, which concluded in Munich, Germany, on Sunday.

Multilateralism provides an effective way of upholding peace and promoting development, and the world needs multilateralism now more than ever, said Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

China consistently holds that the United Nations is the symbol of multilateralism, and the role of the UN in international affairs must be defended and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core must be upheld, he said.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative creates opportunities and benefits for all countries and serves the common interests of humanity, and it is an important pathway toward building a community with a shared future for mankind, Yang added.

He called for building partnerships through mutual respect, upholding universal security through mutual support, fostering global development and prosperity via win-win cooperation and improving global governance through reform and innovation.

Yangs remarks came as this years MSC was overshadowed by global challenges resulting from rising unilateralism, which has posed threats to the international order established after World War II.

The whole world order appears to be falling apart  nothing is as it once was, MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger writes in an article published on the official website of the forum.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned at the conference on Saturday against the collapse of the global political structure and hailed multilateralism and cooperation in dealing with global challenges.

When answering questions about the China-United States relationship after addressing the conference, Yang said the important consensus reached by the two heads of state should be implemented to develop bilateral relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability.

As for China-US trade frictions, Yang said China is willing to solve the problems through cooperation, but cooperation must be based on principles.

Noting the Chinese government values the promotion of human rights, Yang said China firmly opposes the US groundless attacks and accusations against China under the guise of human rights. Chinese people of all ethnic groups have forged ahead in unity and improved their living standards, which is a fact for all to see, he added.

Saying China has no law requiring companies to install backdoors or collect foreign intelligence, Yang stated Chinese firm Huawei has made contributions to the development of communication technologies in countries including in Europe, and strictly abided by international rules and local laws and regulations.

He called on some countries to show confidence in their own technologies and some respect for the willingness of other countries to develop cooperation with Chinese firms.

Yang also reaffirmed Chinas position in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, saying the country firmly opposes any activity that undermines Chinas sovereignty and maritime interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight.

The MSC  an annual conference on international security policy that has taken place in Munich since 1963  has developed into the worlds leading forum for debating international security policy.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the international situation is seeing rising uncertainties caused by increasing conflicts and confrontations, terrorism, populism and protectionism, as well as human migrations, poverty and unemployment.

However, globalization is irreversible and no country can benefit itself alone without considering others, Ruan said.
Researchers find trigger that turns strep infections into flesh-eating disease

HOUSTON-(Feb. 18, 2019) - Houston Methodist infectious disease scientists have discovered a previously unknown trigger that turns a relatively run-of-the-mill infection into a devastatingly ravenous, flesh-eating disease.

Group A streptococcus is an organism that causes more than 700 million cases of human infection every year globally. While most of those cases are strep throat, which most people have had, it's also a common cause of severe invasive diseases.

One such disease is childbed fever, which strikes moms and their newborns following childbirth. Not many people are familiar with this uglier, meaner cousin of strep throat, but it can turn serious in a very nasty way, leaving its victims without limbs or worse.

"Puerperal sepsis, more commonly called childbed fever, causes a lot of deaths on a global basis in women who are in the process of giving birth or soon after birth," said James M. Musser, M.D., Ph.D., who is the corresponding author on a paper appearing Feb. 18 in the journal Nature Genetics. "It is estimated that about 10 percent of all women who get childbed fever will end up dying. It's devastating and can sometimes also cause the child to die."

VIDEO: Dr. Musser explains the research: https:/ / vimeo. com/ 309151434 [ Password: HM_V!DEO ] (click here to download)

Musser, who is chairman of the Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine at Houston Methodist, and his research team did something unprecedented in studying this flesh-eating pathogen. They studied the relationship between three separate entities of group A streptococcus. A first in the field of bacteria research to be conducted at this scale, they looked at the interplay between the genome, transcriptome and virulence. This generated a massive amount of data that lent itself to being able to then use artificial intelligence to analyze it.

"By understanding the relationship and interplay between the genome, transcriptome and virulence, we have a much greater chance of being able to successfully create new vaccines and therapies for infected patients, as well as find other ways to prevent or at least minimize how much damage they cause to humans," Musser said.

Taking on the relationships of all three at one time gave them a richer understanding of how the organism ticks and how it really functions to become a pathogen and cause disease.

"We and others have been studying this problem for over 100 years, and we still don't have an effective group A strep vaccine. I believe the future of a lot of bacterial pathogenesis research is in generating and analyzing much larger data sets and using them to better our understanding of disease," Musser said. "The magnitude of data we generated for this bacterial pathogenesis paper is unprecedented. It opened the door for us to use novel and more sophisticated tools like artificial intelligence to examine it. With these new types of analyses, we're making an important step toward ultimately having an effective vaccine to eradicate group A strep from the face of the earth."

Having the ability to apply artificial intelligence to the data led them to an unexpected discovery, making it possible to gain new insights into how group A strep causes human infections.

"One of the very unexpected and exciting things we discovered was a strategy group A strep uses to cause serious disease in humans," Musser said. "This new mechanism we found controls virulence and determines whether the organism is just a pathogen or a really angry flesh-eating pathogen. That discovery would not have been possible without having this unusually large data set available for analysis with artificial intelligence."

To do this, they looked at the M28 strain of group A streptococcus, which causes a large number of invasive cases and a high incidence of childbed fever, in particular. In many countries, it's among the top five most common group A strep strains causing serious invasive disease in humans.

"Numerically, the M28s are very important causes of human infections, so we wanted to get new insight on it, because if you begin to understand the molecular pathogenesis processes, then you have ability to begin potentially developing new therapeutics and diagnostics," he said. "We're now able, using these very large data sets, to analyze them far more extensively and with different sets of eyes than we were able to in the past."

The overall strategy Musser and his colleagues used is one that is commonly used in cancer research.

"History teaches us that the more we understand how cancer cells work, the better we're able to generate new ways to inhibit them from causing human disease. Until 20 years ago, we didn't understand most of the genetic changes that result in cancers. We now understand those in far more detail because of extensive research and analysis of cancer genes," Musser said. "In cancer, you can appreciate that it's going to be very important to not just analyze one aspect, such as the genome of a cancer cell, but also to analyze what proteins are being made by the cancer cell and then exactly how cancer is invading other areas of the body."

Musser's team took a similar approach by analyzing the three entities of group A strep all at once. He points out that the ability to generate these large data sets at a reasonable cost, like they did in this study, was not possible even as recently as five years ago.

"We were able to clearly show new routes about how the M28 strain of group A strep causes infection, and it gives us a roadmap for understanding how this organism causes maternal sepsis," he said. "This extensive knowledge we now have gives us insight into how one might begin to attack important downstream research like developing a vaccine or new treatment to fight this organism and potentially eradicate it in the future."

The data they generated will be catalogued for others to use in genomics databases, readily available worldwide. Their hope is that by making it freely available to other investigators, others may look at it with fresh eyes and see things his group didn't notice.

###

Other researchers collaborating with Musser on this study include Priyanka Kachroo, Jesus M. Eraso, Stephen B. Beres, Randall J. Olsen, Luchang Zhu, Waleed Nasser, Paul E. Bernard, Concepcion C. Cantu, Matthew Ojeda Saavedra, Maria Jose Arredondo, Benjamin Strope, Hackwon Do, Muthiah Kumaraswami, Samantha Kubiak, Hoang A. T. Nguyen and S. Wesley Long from the Houston Methodist Research Institute; Jaana Vuopio and Kirsi Grondahl-Yli-Hannuksela from University of Turku in Finland; Karl G. Kristinsson and Magnus Gottfredsson from the University of Iceland; Maiju Pesonen, Johan Pensar and Jukka Corander from the University of Oslo in Norway; Emily R. Davenport and Andrew G. Clark Cornell University in Ithaca; Dominique A. Caugant with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Shahin Gaini and Marita Debess Magnussen with laboratories in the Faroe Islands; and Adeline R. Porter and Frank R. DeLeo with the NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Montana.

The work was supported by grants from the Fondren Foundation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Research Institute, the Academy of Finland (255636), European Research Council (742158), National Institutes of Health (1R01AI109096-01A1) and the NIH Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

The sequences reported in this paper have been deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive under accession number SRP132980 and the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) under accession number GSE113058.

For more information: Integrated analysis of population genomics, transcriptomics and virulence provides novel insights into Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis. Nature Genetics. (online Feb. 18, 2019) P. Kachroo, J.M. Eraso, S.B. Beres, R.J. Olsen, L. Zhu, W. Nasser, P.E. Bernard, C.C. Cantu, M.O. Saavedra, M.J. Arredondo, B. Strope, H. Do, M. Kumaraswami, J. Vuopio, K. Grondahl-Yli Hannuksela, K.G. Kristinsson, M. Gottfredsson, M. Pesonen, J. Pensar, E.R. Davenport, A.G. Clark, J. Corander, D.A. Caugant, S. Gaini, M.D. Magnussen, S.L. Kubiak, H.A.T. Nguyen, S.W. Long, A.R. Porter, F.R. DeLeo and J.M. Musser. DOI: https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1038/ s41588-018-0343-1

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
YEMEN AND INTELLIGENCE GATHERING: The House has passed an amendment sponsored by Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., to a bill (H.J. Res. 37) to require the withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from Yemen. The amendment would exempt intelligence gathering and sharing activities from the withdrawal requirement. Buck said that by allowing continued monitoring of terrorist and other security threats coming from Yemen, the exemption ensures our country will not face another major terrorist attack or be caught flat-footed in battle because the necessary intelligence information didnt reach our leaders. The vote, on Feb. 13, was 252 yeas to 177 nays.

INTERVENTION IN YEMEN: The House has passed a bill (H.J. Res. 37), sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., to require the removal from Yemen, within 30 days, of U.S. soldiers stationed there, barring congressional authorization of the use of force in Yemen. Khanna said U.S. assistance for Saudi Arabia in its intrusion into Yemens civil war has put 14 million Yemenis in danger of starvation because a systematic bombing campaign is preventing food and medicine from reaching the Yemenis. A bill opponent, Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, said it would not bring relief to Yemenis, but would damage the militarys ability to combat terrorist threats coming from Yemen and would clear the way for Iran to increase its interference in Yemens civil war, with lasting consequences for Irans ability to destabilize the Middle East. The vote, on Feb. 13, was 248 yeas to 177 nays, with one voting present.
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Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra welcomes back violist Paul Silverthorne to perform the Walton Viola Concerto during the Across the Pond concert on March 16, 2019 at 7:30 PM at the Irving Arts Center, Carpenter Hall. Earlier in the week, Mr. Silverthorne is presenting a rare opportunity for university-level viola students. Funded in part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts Board, the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra presents Masterclass with Paul Silverthorne.

On Tuesday March 12 at 3:00 PM, Mr. Silverthorne will host a masterclass with top viola students from the area. This is a special opportunity for young talents to work with a musician of world-class caliber. That evening at 7:00 PM, the LCSO will open their rehearsal to the public, providing a behind the scenes look as the musicians prepare for the concerts. The LCSO is grateful for an Innovation Grant from the Irving Arts Board to make these programs possible. Both events are free to the public and occur at the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving. Those wishing to attend the open rehearsal are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early so as not to disrupt the rehearsal.

Paul Silverthorne has combined a busy solo career with the position of Principal Viola of both the London Symphony Orchestra from 1991 and the London Sinfonietta from 1988.

On leaving the LSO in October 2015 he was appointed Professor of Viola at the School of Music at Soochow University in Suzhou, China where he has joined the international faculty there. From his base in China he continues to perform and teach in the UK and elsewhere. His solo performances regularly take him to the USA, the Far East, Australia and Russia as well as closer to home in the UK and Europe.

He has performed with such conductors as Sir Colin Davis, Andre Previn, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Christopher Hogwood, Oliver Knussen, John Adams and Kent Nagano, with the LSO and other major orchestras in the UK, USA and Europe. After a performance at the Proms, The Times described him as [...] a virtuoso in sensitivity and technique.

His recordings cover a wide range of repertoire and appear on EMI, Naxos, Chandos, Koch International Classics, ASV, Meridian, Albany and other labels to widespread acclaim. His recent album, Beethoven by Arrangement with pianist David Owen Norris, a collection of works arranged for viola and piano, was issued on the Toccata Classics label and widely praised  [...] with a performance of the quality here, we can experience the dedicated and delightful musicianship that these players bring to this wonderful music (International Record Review).

Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra credits its Music Director, Robert Carter Austin, for its continued outstanding and diverse orchestral programming. Maestro Austins background encompasses over 30 years of professional music experience and includes degrees from MIT, Cambridge University, and Stanford University. Maestro Austins musical experience includes conducting performances in many countries including: Korea, Ukraine, Canada, Italy, Spain, China, France, Germany, Mexico, Bulgaria, Ecuador, Colombia, Philippines, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and the United States.

Masterclass with Paul Silverthorne will begin at 3:00 PM at the Irving Arts Center, Carpenter Hall.

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, TX 75062

(972) 252-4800

For more information on the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, please visit www.lascolinassymphony.org.
Apple has made it a priority to help as many people as it can to learn how to code. And now the company is getting some help from another company dedicated to the same mission.

Apple has announced this week that it is partnering with an Oakland-based non-profit company called Dream Corps. This is part of the Community Education Initiative at Apple, and the partnership will see the two bring educational and workforce development opportunities to young adults. The goal is to find career placement within the tech sector for those who take advantage of the partnership.

Dream Corps launched what it calls #YesWeCode in 2015, and, since then, it has helped a lot of people learn how to code and find a new, rewarding career. The effort is meant to help 100,000 young women and men from underrepresented backgrounds find success in the tech sector. Of the 100 people who have graduated the program, 60 percent have found new careers in the tech sector.

We are thrilled about launching this new initiative in Oakland, said Lisa Jackson, Apples vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. Our hope is that by bringing expertise, stakeholders and resources together, well be able to magnify the already impressive impact that Dream Corps is having in the Bay Area and across the nation and help a new generation of young people realize their potential.

Dream Corps will continue to work as it has, and Apple will be bolstering that effort in a variety of ways. That includes access to technology, but also professional support, curriculum guidance, and advocacy to those in middle and high school, college, and beyond that.

Briefly, Apples announcement showcases Dream Corps CEO, Vien Truong, who is the youngest of 11 children and part of an immigrant family who moved away from Vietnam back in the 70s.

I see Dream Corps as a peace corps for the American Dream, said Truong. Its about making sure that we can help support people who lived or grew up in communities like mine. And this partnership with Apple will help unlock the untapped genius and talent within those communities, which will allow a new generation to achieve their dreams.

Apple and Dream Corps will launch the new coding effort in the Bay Area of California sometime later this year.

[via Apple
(People's Daily Online Photo /Song Hongliang)

The palace Museum, or the Forbidden City, in Beijing is set to open to the public at night from Tuesday to Wednesday to celebrate the upcoming Chinese traditional Lantern Festival which falls on Feb. 19, the museum announced on its official website on Monday.

For the first time in 94 years, the world largest palace opens to public during the night, with a stunning red lantern show, light projection for renowned ancient painting as well as New Year themed exhibitions to be displayed inside the grand palace cluster.

Visitors can book a ticket for the special event free of charge on its website today and tomorrow and, according to its announcement, some sanitation workers, delivery couriers, soldiers, police officers and other "model workers" in Beijing will be invited to visit the festive event.

So far, the tickets for Tuesday night have been fully booked and Wednesdays ticket will be open to book tomorrow.

(People's Daily Online Photo /Song Hongliang)

The Palace Museum has become a sensation in China in recent years with its open area being extended from 30 percent to 80 percent from 2012 to last year. More exquisite exhibitions and festive events have been launched for the public.

During this year's Spring Festival, the museum initiated a set of Spring Festival exhibitions which are dubbed "Celebrating Chinese New Year at the Palace Museum", reliving royal traditions used during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Since the exhibition opened on Jan. 8, the museum has seen a 70 percent increase of visitors year on year.
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YouTube has unveiled the top Nigerian ads of 2018 with Union Banks Enabling Success ad ranking top on the list, having gathered 2.7 million views on YouTube as at December 2018. The list was announced by Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, Country Director, Google Nigeria at a recent media chat with news men in Lagos.

Union Banks inspiring 2-and-a-half minute film beams the spotlight on different aspects of the Nigerian society, encouraging citizens to hope and work for a better future.

Viewers have smiled, applauded and even shed a few tears as they identified with the characters of the commercial. From a taxi driver battling societal forces that threaten his fledgling business, to a youth corps member hoping for a better future; from a photographer wishing for better social amenities to a young mother struggling to balance her career and the home front.

The commercial painstakingly paints the daily struggles and disappointments of the average Nigerian and expresses Union Banks commitment to support the people in their bid to rise above the odds and live more successful, fulfilling lives.

Unlike the typical bank advert which focuses on marketing the institutions products and services, the short film communicates strong themes of introspection, perseverance, healing and hope of a better future for Nigeria and her people.

An entirely indigenous production, the television commercial was co-ordinated by Image & Time brand agency, shot by Nigerian-owned Lighthouse Television and Filmworks and was filmed in various cities across Nigeria.

If you have not seen the short film, you really should do so. Watch it here
Veteran Nollywood actor Baba Suwe is reportedly dying.

According to Inside sources the actor who had a running with NDLEA a few years back is down with an unknown ailment.

Recall a while back, actor Yomi Fabiyi shared this same story adding that many of his colleagues refused to help the veteran comic.

The Status, who spoke with a Lagos based radio broadcaster said no one in the movie industry has come out to render help to Baba Suwe who was born Babatunde Omidina.

The source continued saying;

Baba Suwe is a good man. None of his people can say he is bad. And they are not helping him not because he behaved badly to them. They are not helping him because they care only about their family.

Thats the nature of our actors, there is no exception. Imagine the caliber of people I told you I had spoken to about Baba Suwes case, yet none looks his way yet.

But if, God forbid, he dies from the problem, they would be all over the place eulogising his qualities which they helped killed by their lack of empathy.
Upcoming Yoruba actress simply known as Bewaji has fired heavy shots at top Yoruba movie actress, Jumoke Odetola, over a yet to be ascertained issue.

The upcoming actress who took to her Instagram page with ID @Beauty.Bewaji today 18th of February called the beautiful actress a stupid ass and an ugly rag in a long rant via her page.

She wrote:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuA73mVgzLy/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
A Kaduna state lawmaker, Shehu Sani has also reacted to a recent statement by President Muhammadu Buhari, currently gathering a storm.

Buhari, during the APC national caucus meeting which held at the partys secretary in Abuja on Monday, said anyone who causes trouble by hijacking ballot boxes, will pay with their life.

I really gave the military and police order to be ruthless Anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturbs the voting system, will do so at the expense of his own life, Buhari said.

According to Shehu Sani, the Presidents message is clearly a call to jungle Justice or licence to disorder by ruthless thugs. He noted that the president should have put it, in a better manner.

Speaking via Twitter on Monday evening, the lawmaker, who represents Kaduna Central at Senate said, saying ballot box(es) snatchers should be arrested and brought to book, is a far better expression.

Those who attempt to snatch or snatched Ballot Boxes should be arrested and brought to book;This is a better expression to avoid jungle justice or Licence for disorder by thugs who may take the law into their hands, he said.
Vanguard

Senator Annie Okonkwo has condemned the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections by INEC, describing it as the height of executive recklessness and insensitivity by a national agency vested with so much trust and responsibilities.

Thisday

Residents of Benin and its environs have commended the federal government and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) for the improvement in power supply to their areas.

The Sun

There was mild drama at a Christ Apostolic Church in Gaa Akanbi, Kwara State, yesterday, when Kayode Alabi, deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), went visiting.

Daily Times

At least eight people have been confirmed dead, while a pregnant woman and a child sustained injuries in an accident involving a blue Toyota Corolla sport car around Ewekoro area of Ogun state, on the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway.

Daily Trust

The PDP-led government in Abia has described as a set up by an opposition political party in the state, the video which purported that an agent of the state government was arrested with fake election results.

The Nation

SOME members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put adequate logistics in place, ahead of Saturdays elections.

Tribune

The apex regulatory body in the nations advertising industry, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), has refuted claims in some quarters that its clamp down on some campaign billboards and posters of some political parties were targeted at opposition parties to favour the ruling party.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has gotten her first wish for the year.

The Victorias Secret Model took to Instagram to share a photo herself with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, revealing she has always wanted to meet her.

Naomi wrote;
President Muhammadu Buhari sent shivers down the spines of riggers and ballot boxes hijackers, after he said he has instructed security forces including the army to take adequate measures to ensure that elections across the country, are free and fair.

The statement was made by the president during the national caucus meeting of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC at the partys national Secretariat in Abuja, on Monday.

I really gave the military and police order to be ruthless Anybody who thinks he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch ballot boxes or disturbs the voting system, will do so at the expense of his own life.

While some have hailed Buhari on the message, it has however have been interpreted as, a call to anarchy by some quarters. While this is yet to be proven, wife of the president, Aisha Buhari, whips up a storm when she shared a video of the statement, and hailed her husband, in a rather controversial manner.

Sharing a video via Twitter, she wrote, This is GMB, (acronym for General Muhammadu Buhari), taking Nigeria to the next level.

https://twitter.com/aishambuhari/status/1097497594769608706?s=19

This message has given some Nigerians serious concerns, because since Buhari was sworn in, in 2015, has always been addressed as President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and not General.

Why call him General Buhari? Could there be more to this message by Aisha, was she being sarcastic or plane honest?
A former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode cant hide his excitement as he celebrates the bail, of activist Deji Adeyanju from prison.

Adeyanju was granted bail on Monday morning, after being in prison since December 13th. According to Fani-Kayode, Adeyanju spent over 60 days in a Kano prison simply because be spoke truth to power.

Speaking via his twitter handle on Monday, Fani Kayode said he was very proud of the activist, while he praised God for the bail granted Adeyanju.

He wrote:

Great news that Adeyanju Deji has been granted bail after spending over 60 days in a Kano prison simply because he spoke truth to power. We give thanks to God. I am so proud of this deeply courageous and inspiring young man. Head bloodied but not bowed! Well done aburo!
Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai held strategic consultations on Saturday.

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Wang said during the consultations that China and Thailand are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners and the two sides should enhance strategic communication, boost strategic cooperation and work together to make positive contribution to peace, stability and development of the region.

Noting that Thailand holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, Wang said China supports the building the ASEAN Community and will fully support Thailand to fulfill its duties as chair of the ASEAN.

China is willing to join hands with Thailand to push forward the connection between the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN's overall plan on connectivity, promote regional connectivity and sustainable development, successfully hold the China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges, lift the level of defense and security cooperation and press forward the development of China-ASEAN relations and the cooperation in East Asia to achieve greater progress, Wang said.

In recent years, the foundation of friendly public opinion between the two countries has been further consolidated and the two sides have enjoyed good coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, he said.

China is satisfied with the current development of the ties between the two countries and is willing to join hands with the Thai side in a bid to bring the China-Thailand ties to a new high, Wang added.

Wang welcomed Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha to go to China to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in April in Beijing, hoping it will serve as an opportunity for the two countries to further boost mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation.

For his part, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Thailand and China have enjoyed high-level mutual trust and deep friendship, with frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful achievements in economic cooperation.

Thailand welcomes China's development and revitalization, hoping China will play a more important role in maintaining world peace and development, Don said.

The Thai foreign minister said the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative will bring more opportunities for the development of Thailand as well as the cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides also had an in-depth discussion on international and regional issues of mutual concern and reached wide range of consensus.
Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani has urged Nigerians to give the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, a second chance.

Nigerians havent spared the electoral chairman their wrath, since Saturday, after he suddenly postponed the February 16th elections, just hours to commencement of the polls.

Asking Nigerians to tamper justice with mercy, Senator Sani said Nigerians should treat Prof Mahmood, how they treat their favourite English or Spanish clubs, when an opponent thrashes them.

Speaking via twitter on Monday, he wrote;

You can throw rotten eggs and rotten tomatoes at the INEC chair out of anger,but dont throw Spears or arrows at him because of the postponement. Give him the second chance you used to give your English Premier league or Spanish clubs whenever they are thrashed
First lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari, today addressed her husband as General Muhammadu Buhari, a title he has reportedly dropped since 2015.

The name calling came following Buharis stand during the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) caucus meeting in Abuja today, 18th February, that those who snatch ballot box will pay dearly with their lives, asking the security operatives to be ruthless against electoral malpractices.

Trust Nigerians, they have been on social media reacting. While some are saying she condemns the presidents stand other are of the opinion that she is proud of her husband being able to take a firm decision. What is your view???

What they are saying:

This is the most sarcastic statement I have read in 2019. I will take @aishambuhari over @MBuhari when it comes to integrity She sticks to her words.  Enugu Price (@MAZI_C_) February 18, 2019

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Thank you mummy, Im so proud of you. This is president we all voted in 2015 and Im glad hes back. #SnatchatYourOwnRisk  Omasoro Ali Ovie (@ovieali) February 18, 2019

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Aisha Buhari, the wife of Muhamadu Buhari, just referred to him as GMB (A military dictator) suggesting that the Military era is the Next Level Buhari is taking Nigeria to.  Chuky Unadulterated (@ChukyUnfazed) February 18, 2019

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No! More like this is her husband! The one before she claimed his government was hijacked  AKUSI (@iam_kriely) February 18, 2019

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Thank you mummy, Im so proud of you. This is president we all voted in 2015 and Im glad hes back. #SnatchatYourOwnRisk  Omasoro Ali Ovie (@ovieali) February 18, 2019

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Srinagar, Feb 18 (UNI): Five security force personnel and three top Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants, including the outfit chief Masood Azhar's aide Kamran, were killed in encounters in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.

Among the security personnel killed in the first encounter that lasted 18 hours was an Indian Army major.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG), South Kashmir Range Amit Kumar, a Lt Col and two Army personnel were injured in fresh firing by a militant, who was also later killed on Monday evening.

Mobile internet service, which was resumed last night in the valley after remaining suspended during the day, has been blocked in Pulwama, where clashes have erupted.

This comes days after a suicide bomber killed 40 CRPF personnel at Awantipora on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Pulwama district, on Thursday.

People take part in a peace march to offer tributes to the fallen CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack, in Lucknow on Monday. UNI Photo

Sources said that on a tip-off about the presence of militants in Pinglena village, about 3km from main town in Pulwama on Srinagar-Shopian road, troops of 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a joint search operation.

When the security forces were sealing a particular area in the village at 1am, militants hiding there fired at them. Four soldiers, including a major, were critically injured.

The injured were shifted to 92 Base hospital, where they reportedly succumbed. The deceased were identified as Major D.S. Dondial, soldiers Seva Ram, Ajay Kumar and Hari Singh.

Two militants of JeM, including a commander involved in recent fidayeen attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Thursday, were also killed. The operation was going on, when the reports last came in.

The slain militants were identified as Kamran and Hilal Ahmed. While Pakistan national Kamran was responsible for recruiting, radicalising and training militants in Kashmir Valley, Hilal was a local Kashmiri bomb specialist.

Sources said as the security forces were conducting searches in the area, there was fresh firing by a third militant hiding in the damaged house, in which DIG Amit was hit by a bullet in the foot. A Lt Colonel and two other soldiers were injured.

A head constable of Jammu and Kashmir police Abdul Rashid, bodyguard of Mr Kumar, who was also hit by a bullet, later died in the hospital. The third militant was killed, they said.

Though firing has stopped, security forces are searching the area. Police has appealed to people not to enter the encounter site, which could prove dangerous.

Meanwhile, a civilian Mushtaq Ahmad, who was also hit by a bullet near the encounter site, has also succumbed. Meanwhile, residents in the nearby houses have been shifted to safer places.

Local residents said they heard loud explosions and heavy exchange of firing, when the search operation was launched by the security forces. At least two houses were blown up by the security forces, during the encounter.

Security forces had been deployed in sensitive places, including the main town, to prevent demonstrations. However, demonstrators clashed with the security forces at several places.
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Each week, Hamas urges Palestinians in Gaza into ever more violent protests against Israel. And now, The Jerusalem Post reports, the terrorist group is urging women to the border to act as human shields:

New footage released over the weekend shows Hamas using its women as human shields.

In the short film, women work with the some 11,000 Gazans who rioted Friday along the Israel-Gaza border. The terrorists threw explosives and grenades at IDF soldiers, attempting to cut through the fence and directly attack troops.
ADAMS, Mass.  The Selectmen and Finance Committee reviewed the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District amended agreement last week.

The joint meeting on Wednesday included members of the Regional Agreement Amendment Committee who outlined the major changes in the agreement.

"This has been a long, long process ... and talk about due diligence and crossing all of the Ts and dotting all of the Is," Superintendent of Schools John Vosburgh said. "Let's just say it has been read over a lot and I think it is a very good document."

The Regional Agreement Amendment Committee, or RAAC, formed in 2017 to update the antiquated agreement between the two towns. A subcommittee was formed with members from both Adams and Cheshire and the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools was hired to facilitate the amendment process.

The School Committee voted to approve the amended agreement late last year after the Department of Education signed off on it.

MARS facilitator Jay Barry outlined some of the changes and said a good portion of the overhaul was just language updates that aligned the agreement with state and federal standards.

"This was a good document and well written when it was originally written but that was when the district formed," he said of the 50-year-old agreement. "That was quite a while ago and new laws have been passed and there are a lot of things that should be in this document."

Some of the more substantial tweaks includes changing the district's name to Hoosac Valley Regional School District and adding a clause that would mandate that certain votes such as closing a school or hiring a superintendent would need more than a straight majority. These votes would need an affirmative vote from both an Adams and Cheshire committee member.

"The two towns really have to cooperate with each other and vote in joint and come together," Barry said. "In my view, this is a positive change that will strengthen the cooperation between the two towns."

This extends into the committee's quorum standards and, in order to hold a meeting, at least one member from each community needs to be present. For instance, the seven-member panel would no longer have a quorum if only four Adams members were there.

The Finance Committee had a few questions about some of the larger changes but member John Cowie also asked about a change in Section I that moves "vocational education responsibility" to a different section.

He was less concerned about the move but felt the language would allow the school to pursue vocational programming and compete with McCann.

"It looks to me that what they want to do is start vocational education up there and compete with McCann," Cowie said. "We already have a vocational school and they do an excellent job."

He added that he thought if the district wanted to add substantial vocational programming it should have to go to town meeting.

Barry said although the line would allow the school to implement vocational training, the district has no interest in doing so in a way that would compete with McCann.

"You don't want to restrict the School Committee's ability to implement curriculum," he said. "This allows them to do that but there is no intention to challenge the status quo."

Barry said he would check with the Department of Education to see if the language could be changed or taken out but said it is needed to allow district students to go to vocational schools and the department tends to frown upon language that is restrictive.

The Finance Committee also had questions about Section X tgat covers adding new towns to the district.

Finance Committee member Craig Corrigan's question was focused on Section XI  withdrawal.

"With our population decreasing, 20 years from now something is going to have to change in the way we do business in education," he said. "We may have to join another town and is there anything in here to dissolve this district in case we need to join with someone else."

Barry said the towns would first have to dissolve if the district was still only a two-member district. This would require a vote from both town meetings and approval from the state.

"I am not a lawyer and you would want to talk to a lawyer but you would have to dissolve first," he said. "I don't know how immediate these changes will be but it is good that you have this language in here to withdrawal."

Barry said dissolving the district is a "big deal" that only comes to be for reasons like further consolidation.

Selectman John Duval had some questions about shared payments if the district were to dissolve.

"For example, if we did a renovation at Plunkett and had to pay for it for 20 years but two years later Adams decides to leave," he said. "What does Cheshire do they have 18 years left and Adams just took their building."

Barry said a second agreement would have to be created outlining how assets are broken up as well as costs. He said in the past the agreement had a calculation that would determine how much an exiting community would pay. With the amendment, the payments would not stop.

He added that the state likely would not allow the district to dissolve without this new agreement in place.

Barry added that the state still has to approve legislation that will allow the district to continue elections as it has done in the past and concluded that once the town meetings sign off on the amended agreement, the state must again approve it.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- American and Chinese scientists have called for international collaboration in science research at the ongoing annual meeting of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to build more trust between two countries.

It came after a Chinese elementary particle and accelerator physicist making a roadshow for China's megascience projects in high energy physics at a seminar.

Wang Yifang, director of the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reviewed how China and the United States worked together to complete a neutrino experiment at China's Daya Bay Reactor and envisioned to have more such cooperation in a cosmic ray observatory project called LHAASO and a more ambitious circular collider in the pipeline.

"Actually, in past 30 years, no large-scale high-energy physics project was done by one country," Wang told Xinhua. "And now it is the time for newly developed emerging countries to contribute more to science."

Wang was echoed by Caroline Wagner, a science policy expert at Ohio State University. Wagner told Xinhua that the "openness" was critical for basic science research and the key to it was "to share," at all levels.

International collaboration is a major topic on this year's AAAS meeting with a theme of "Science Transcending Boundaries." It came against looming challenges for international scientific partnership.

Peter Michelson, a Stanford physicist, attributed them to an era of renewed nationalism and anti-globalization and of evidence-based research losing ground.

"The best collaborators may be in other countries, and former graduate students and postdocs are potential collaborators," said Michelson.

However, a memo released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) last November restricted DOE-funded researchers working in "emerging research areas and technologies" from collaborating with colleagues from unspecified "sensitive" countries, which may block many foreign research cooperation and cast shadows on others.

Ali Khounsary, a research professor of physics at Illinois Institute of Technology, lodged his objection at a seminar, saying choosing collaborators by their citizenship "unbelievable."

"Cooperation in basic science should be immunized from politics and developed in a global way since we have common interest, common benefits and risks, common tools and methods and common issues," said Wang.

Michelson told Xinhua that strong international partnership would become more important for future scientific progress as science facilities come with increasing size, complexity and cost.

Michelson took delight in talking about a collaboration between China and the United States to have discovered the millisecond pulsar for the first time.

In April last year, China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) discovered a radio millisecond pulsar coincident with the unassociated gamma-ray source in the Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) point-source list.

More than one-third of investment and researchers of Daya Bay Reactor neutrino experiment came from the United States, according to Wang.

Scientists at the meeting did not consider international collaboration a conflicting thing against international competition.

Jonathan Adams, an analyst at Philadelphia-based Clarivate Analytics, told Xinhua that the top institutions, which are the major players in science research, "need to recruit talent globally" to gain their leadership.

Wang said that the competition between different groups and projects were incentives for science progress, but within a group or a project, researchers with diversified background could produce better results, or in Michelson's word "collaborate to compete."

The U.S. institutional authors collaborate most frequently with authors from China, currently the largest producer of publications. China accounted for 22.9 percent of U.S. internationally coauthored publications in 2016, according to the latest science and engineering indicator released by the U.S. National Science Board.

Some Americans are skeptical about U.S.-China cooperation, partly due to lack of trust, said Wagner, but "we should collaborate to build trust," "rather than stop it until we have trust."

AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society and its annual meetings promote communication among policymakers, researchers and the public.
Ramunto's won two awards at this year's Chowder Cook-off.

WinterFest Draws Hundreds to Downtown North Adams



Don Boudreau's 'Four Seasons' ice sculpture one first prize. See more photos from Saturday's WinterFest here. NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Hundreds of area residents crowded Main Street on Saturday for the 22nd annual Winterfest.

The mild mid-winter temperatures, blue skies and even some snow provided a setting for sledding, ice sculpting and shopping. And, of course, sampling chowder from more than a half-dozen eateries.

Ramunto's Pizza and McCann Technical School duked out for the top spots in the contest, with each racking up one first place in separate categories.

This year's annual Chowder Cook-off saw 348 ballots cast for the People's Choice Award and write-ins for the most unique chowder "Only in North Adams" out of the nine contestants.

Voters were asked to rank their top three favorites, though many just picked one. Competitors were awarded 3 points for every first-place mark, 2 points for each second-place mark, and 1 point for every third-place mark.

The McCann Culinary Program, in its first outing in the cook-off, earned 323 points for first place, with Ramuntos coming in a close second with 310. The Hub, a frequent competitor, wasn't far behind in third place with 303 points total.

The Judges Choice winners were unanimous between the judges, who blind-tasted the samplings prior to the public sampling. First place for that award went to Ramunto's Pizza & Pub for its corn chowder with McCann in second and The Hub once again in third.

Ramunto's also picked up the "Only in North Adams" award for the second year in a row.

The 2019 competitors included Berkshire Food Project, Berkshire Palate, Freight Yard Pub, Gramercy Bistro, Gala Restaurant at the Orchards, and 180 Polish Roadside Grill.

The contest was held in The Green's new quarters in the concourse at 85 Main St. The line out the door was lengthy during most of the two hours and the setup worked to lead samplers around in a circle and then end at the ballot box. Several organizations were set up in the concourse, including Girl Scouts selling cookies the North Adams SteepleCats.

"This was so well organized. Not a bunch of people careening around," laughed David Lamarre, a city resident and former School Committee member. "Every year, [Winterfest] seems to get better."

Lamarre said the event has always been good but it seemed there's been more energy recently.

"I think there's some new blood, people involved who maybe hadn't been before. Maybe they're new to the community ... They just want to prop it up and make everything great," he said.

His wife, Jane, said she enjoyed coming to Winterfest because they would run into people that didn't see often.

"Just to see Main Street alive this time of year," she said.

Over at 66 Main St. in the former mattress store, the farmers' market was offering up crafts, artworks, crepes, coffee and, of course, beer.

Bright Ideas Brewing co-founder Orion Howard, head brewer Danny Sump and Beerology co-owner Mike Schilling started a blind sampling of 13 brews by 11 homebrewers around 11:15, taking breaks with water and oyster crackers in-between.

Schilling said the brews were separated out to compare by style first and then against each other.

"We started with style because we're trying to remove our personal style," he said. "What we think is a personal preference. ...

"There's about 150 styles so you really have to know what you're doing to do it well."

Sump said the winner will get their beer professionally brewed at Bright Ideas  a big jump from the average 5 gallons at a time. Howard said the winners could even get their brew sold at their favorite tavern.

It was, said the judges, "a fantastic group of beers."

Jon Cassel picked first and second prizes for his pilsner and Vienna lager, respectively. Third prize went to Mike Lazzari for his NE IPA.

In the Ice Sculpting Competition, judged by a panel of three local artists on both subjective artistic merit and technical skill, Don Boudreau (and family) win first-place honors and $100 in prize money.

Boudreau's ice sculpture was "The Four Seasons" and featured sun rays, flower and pumpkin face  and ice for winter.

"Things went great," said Suzy Helme, the city's director of tourism and events. "It was a beautiful day and everybody had fun ... Overall, a good WinterFest."
The forum was a free-flowing conversation.

Hinds, Pignatelli Field Questions at Kimball Farms Forum



State Sen. Adam Hinds and state Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli share their thoughts on the upcoming legislative session at the Tuesday morning forum. LENOX, Mass.  Despite the challenges the Berkshires face, state Sen. Adam Hinds is "bullish" on the economy.

Hinds cited Wayfair's expansion into the area, the Berkshire Innovation Center, Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, and growth around Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams as "reasons for hope" in the county.

The Pittsfield Democrat said Wayfair's CEO has signaled interest in doing more and there are other aspects of the company that could eventually find a home in the Berkshires.

"The economy we've seen in the last couple years is dramatically different from when I was a kid," agreed state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, saying the days of paper mills employing thousands in Lee are gone but a new market is emerging.

The pair shared their thoughts with residents of Kimball Farms on Tuesday. The legislative forum ran more like a roundtable with a free-flowing conversation, and the two fielded numerous questions over an hour.

Despite the optimism in the economy, Hinds and Pignatelli both recognized that there are still challenges to tackle. Pignatelli particularly noted the struggles in demographics with an aging and shrinking population.

"We have a lot of challenges in Massachusetts and even more challenges in the Berkshires," the Lenox Democrat said.

Attracting doctors and dentists is a particular issue in the county because of those demographics. Pignatelli told a story of meeting with a young dentist who was just about to graduate from Boston University. He said the person had a half-million in student debt and that to open a practice in the Berkshires would cost between $1 million and $1.5 million. But a lot of his potential Berkshires clientele would be on Medicare, which reimburses less. The numbers just don't work for a new dentist.

Pignatelli has sponsored a bill to create a mid-level dental practitioner position that would need a bit less training -- and incur less student debt -- but would still be able to provide a lot of basic services. He said that will help expand dental services in the Berkshires.

He continued to say there are similar issues with attracting primary-care doctors. That shortage has led more people to use the more expensive emergency room, thus raising health care costs.

"We're finding more medical students going to specialties and not generalists because they want to have a life. They want to work Monday through Friday," Pignatelli said.

Pignatelli said health care accounts for some 40 percent of the state's budget and the focus this term will be on making it more affordable, making prescription drugs more affordable, and securing the financial well-being of rural hospitals teetering on the edge of potential closure.

Hinds said the governor, speaker of the House, and Senate president have all indicated that health-care finance is going to be an important piece of the legislative agenda.

"There is a lot of motivation to address this," Hinds said.

The two elected officials touched on a number of initiatives on the health-care front. Two summers ago, Hinds brought together a design lab at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to brainstorm ways to "re-think rural transportation."

He said one concept being worked on now is a transportation management association that will bring together all of the vans and shuttle buses available in the county to help better provide transportation to the public.

"The Legislature this year for the first time in a long time increased the regional transit authority budget," Hinds added.

But a portion of that additional funding came with a requirement that the RTAs demonstrate that they are trying different things. In the Berkshires, the BRTA is piloting a night route to help connect those who need service after hours.

"It is a first step for a night run or a different run, we need to do more of that. The BRTA has an opportunity to be really creative," Pignatelli said.

Hinds highlighted the Berkshire Flyer project. Next summer, a pilot is expected to begin of weekend train rides to and from New York City. The service would connect Manhattan with Pittsfield on the Amtrak lines.

The difference between that and a former project to rebuild rail through Connecticut, Hinds said, is that Connecticut wouldn't put in the required $200 million to upgrade tracks and the project fell apart. The Berkshire Flyer uses passenger rail infrastructure already in existence to achieve a similar goal.

That line will likely help Lenox north. Pignatelli said he's working with Peter Pan to establish express bus routes from Great Barrington to New York City to help those in South County.

There is also a $1 million study for east-west rail to connect the Berkshires with Boston. Pignatelli said he is hoping the project will start in the Berkshires to ensure that the infrastructure is actually extended all the way across the state and doesn't end up stalling in Springfield.

Finally, Pignatelli is also pushing for a new exit on the turnpike between Exits 2 and 3. He said that will help people who live in the Berkshires get to jobs outside of the county and it would help ease traffic in both Westfield and Lee as well.

"I think we are getting close to a recommendation and it is up to the communities to say whether they want it or not," Pignatelli said.

The Legislature is also looking to take on implementing the Foundation Budget Review Commission's recommendations. Pignatelli said he wants to make sure rural schools are paid attention to when that formula is recrafted and that all of the resources aren't directed specifically to urban areas.

He said there are some 1,600 unfilled jobs in the Berkshires including many high-paying, highly skilled ones. But Pignatelli fears that many people don't know of these opportunities. He cited mechanics as a job that has switched to become so computerized that at some places "a good mechanic today in the Berkshires can make between $90,000 and $110,000 a year."

"The opportunities are here but we have to do a good job educating them," Pignatelli said.

Those in the crowd pushed for the school districts to consolidate. Pignatelli said he's pushing for more shared services to reduce overhead costs among the school districts.

He'd also like to have parameters for schools that will get more funding to ensure that they have such things as a paraprofessional in every classroom, a school nurse, and smaller class sizes. He doesn't want to see the state increase funding for schools just to see the money go to paying teachers and administrators more.

Meanwhile, Hinds endorsed the idea of universal preschool. He said not only does it provide a better foundation for children to become better learners but it also helps the working families who spend a lot of money just for child care each year.

"This idea of a universal pre-K is so good for some many reasons," Hinds said.

When asked about violence in the state, both Pignatelli and Hinds said that also relates back to education. Pignatelli said many social issues start a young age.

"If we don't attack it from an educational standpoint, we can't be surprised when we have social problems later on," he said.

Hinds has personal experience addressing violence on a local level. He highlighted the state's recent award of some $200,000 for Pittsfield through the state's Shannon Grant to combat gangs.

Hinds used to head that program, the Pittsfield Community Connection, and highlighted the efforts to get at-risk youth into jobs or counseling and added that there is legitimacy to it because many of those reaching out the youth have a history of getting into problems themselves and can relate.
The magnificent Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is widespread across neotropical forests, feeds on fruits and tree sap and the larva feeds in rotting wood. Tiger beetles (Cicindela sexgullata) are found in Massachusetts. Several species of tiger beetles exist within genus Cicindela. The North American tumblebug (Phanaeus vindex) shows sexual dimorphism: the more flamboyant male differs markedly from the female in exoskeleton form and color. They may be found in the Berkshires in bear patties. A male ox beetle (Strategus aloeus) with three exaggerated thoracic horns proficient for when they joust or compete for a burrow or territory and mates. A caterpillar hunter (Calosoma scrutator) goes after a variety of pest caterpillars including gyspy moths and tent worms. PreviousNext

In Pursuit of Beetle Happiness: Part 2



A sacred scarab of Egypt. Interfering with beetles pulling a dung ball across the desert sands may have aroused the anger of the gods in Egyptian superstition and ancient folklore. Thus the beetle is not pierced but rather held in position by the pins. This is the second in a three-part series on beneficial and invasive beetles. See Part 1 here and Part 3 here. One spring day in Truro, Cape Cod, in the late 1980s, I looked with remorse over the sand dune between my residence and Cape Cod Bay. The 60-foot dunes here are cloaked in Rosa rugosa and beach plum, and many green leaves still budding with declining white blossoms showed devastating defoliation by a rampant lasiocampid invasion. The silken tents house scores of growing beautiful blue-spotted larvae that can quickly defoliate beach plum and black cherry. They were so numerous, but no birds were helping themselves on these nimble tent worms, despite prayers to bring relief.

I scanned the sandy soil around me following the line where house foundation meets the sand. Low and behold something shiny on six long thin legs sparkled while inspecting the stones as it scurried along. This bio-gem turned out to be Malacosoma scrutator, the caterpillar hunter. Actually native to the New World, it is living up to its common name, as a vivacious predator on larval insects, including web worms. A related species, C. sayi, prefers to dine on gypsy moths!

However, today it is hard to find, and as real estate landscaping replaces natural heath and dune vegetation, its numbers may be perilously low. When you find it, let it thrive, for we do need these beautiful hunters to be active in the food chain. Take great care if you must handle one, because you may shriek when bitten by those sharp chitinous jaws! Let it be like a sentry posted to consume some of the myriad pest caterpillars.

The most obvious beetle in the milkweed patch is the rosy red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetraophthalumus), surprisingly hard to find in any beetle/insect book. Go Google. Occupying a restricted niche, it is found almost exclusively foraging on milkweed leaves and blossoms. Eggs are laid on leaves, and larvae burrow into stems and roots. The exoskeleton of this unmistakable and comical beetle bears warning colors of red-orange with bold black spots, which likely indicate its distasteful tissues.

On the head of this most conspicuous beetle, look for four eyes with curling segmented antennae originating between. One may think its dramatic colors would announce a giveaway to incoming predators, but likely instinct has registered deep within the sensory network in predators to cause a behavior of avoidance instead of attraction. In its warning colors, this beetle exhibits aposematic behavior, in essence, "aposing" the senses.

Indeed astonishing is the workaholic sacred scarab of Egypt, a most resourceful dung beetle that will share desert habitat with quadrupeds like horses, camels, and oryx antelopes that follow the flora. Why so sacred? These tumblebugs will utilize the dung of indigenous antelopes and benefit from man's beasts of burden, indeed cultivating a manure that helps to fertilize the desert sands, even helping prepare a desert oasis! A certain case of symbiosis -- the work of both benefiting each creature. Deploying amazing strength and determination, the tumblebug that will roll a giant-size ball of mammalian dung across great distances of sandy Sahara desert to its preferred den, where it will pull it underground, lay its eggs on it, and bury it, so to nourish its growing larvae.

For all that work hauling the large dung ball uphill and down, we can hope the scarab can select a suitable burrow for the subterranean larva, where they can grow and pupate into a dormant pre-beetle, soon to emerge under a minimal vertical column of sand driven steep by the nomadic Sahara winds. The buried dung itself, what is leftover, can fertilize and help create soil out of sand from which may spring a flower. As over-hunted African and Arabian oryx antelopes become more scarce, these exceptional scarabs may suffer as much as the dung diminishes.



A Rhinoceros scarab. These beetles inhabit scrub oak and juniper in higher elevations in the Southwest. But there is another role for this sacred scarab to play in the realm of mythology. Old Kingdom Egyptians devised a special distinction for these beetles displaying such a cunning presence of mind going the full measure of devotion to procreate their kind. Scarabaeus sacer was declared a deity known as Kepri, who was a manifestation of the sun god Ra in the early morning. Kepri's task was to renew the sun every morning before rolling the sun across the sky. He is depicted as a beetle-headed man in sculpture and hieroglyphics.

A story has it that the Ka, or Kepri as a beetle, flies into the tomb and asks the deceased pharaoh's soul, before it departs, to grab hold of its long legs, and then the scarab flies out to carry pharaoh into the afterlife. No doubt these beliefs contributed to much laughter and glee around the family fireside bright and as bedtime stories through the ancient days and nights.

Speaking of sturdy scarabs, yet another armored personnel carrier trundles across the dusty trail. Widespread across Cape Cod and likely a frequent resident here in our Berkshires is the ox beetle, despite its stocky build can crawl across the weedy ground, barreling along a bridle path to avoid getting crushed under hoof or human feet. Among the largest beetles in the U.S. is the scarab Strategus aloes, prized as a recyclist, is found in decaying wood, another reason to leave old decaying trees in the wild and in the yard as well. Larvae may live a year inside decaying wood or compost heaps. Males carry large horns on the thorax; females less prominent horns. They are highly polished in exquisite "lacquered" mahogany reddish brown.

More elaborately horned rhinoceros scarabs thrive in the South and Southwest.

As far as a kicker of beautiful beetles concerns us, the tour of duty for survival of this most amazing scarab is, similar to its Egyptian counterpart the sacred scarab, yet different. Our North American genus Phanaeus vindex, is also a dung beetle lodged inside and feeding upon cow dung. When dug out of a bear patty of Berkshire origin, or Arizona cattle patty, you have an incredible armored stocky scarab with a stout rhinoceros-like horn, dazzling in kaleidoscopic colors. The female varies with softer greenish hues with less exaggerated horns. One can marvel at how such a beautiful beetle can arise from a larva inhabiting such a contrasting food source. Surely the courtship ritual must exist outside the odiferous larval source of nourishment.

Feel free to wander back in geological time to guess at the origins of such fecal dependent beetles, likely to have evolved with the larger mammals like early horses, camels, bison, and giant ground sloths. And why not consider a similar relationship with dung from dinosaurs indeed, since many beetles in species radiation evolved before the dinosaurs, and even before the precursor therapsid reptiles.

Thunder lizards lived here in New England, evident by their fossilized footprints known in Holyoke and the Connecticut River Valley, but the stout exoskeletons of scarab beetles associated with their nutrient-rich patties may have proved too soft to be preserved in the fossil record. Scurrying scarabs are bulky in form, and may have been too slow to avoid escape from spurious mudslides or not fleet enough to prevent burial under falling ash from sudden erupting ancient volcanoes. But how far and fast could they fly?

Are their fossil remains yet undiscovered?
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Vale said in a statement that it had evacuated people living near the inactive B3/B4 dam of the Mar Azul mine about 25 kilometers south of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais state, after revising security data on the structure.

Those forced to flee were taken to a community center and would then be put in hotels, the company said.

The evacuation comes little more than a week after two communities located close to nearby dams were forced to leave their homes on similar fears of dam failures.

The collapse last month of a separate Vale dam in the same area unleashed an avalanche of mud that engulfed nearby buildings and farms, killing an estimated 300 people in Brazil's deadliest mining disaster.

As evidence mounted that Vale missed warnings of trouble at the dam in the town of Brumadinho, pressure has risen on the firm and other mining companies to bolster safety measures to avoid a recurrence.

Another dam, also used to store the muddy mining detritus known as tailings and co-owned by Vale and BHP Group, had collapsed in 2015, killing 19 people and wreaking massive environmental damage.
Niinisto warned at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that Europe could consequently be headed towards a situation that could be perceived as the end of diplomacy or an uncontrollable situation similar to the Cold War in the 1960s.

PRESIDENT Sauli Niinisto has voiced his concern about the possible collapse of a treaty between Russia and the United States to eliminate intermediate and shorter-range missiles.

The [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces] INF Treaty was signed to protect Europe. Europe will be the big loser if its not followed, he said during a panel discussion on nuclear arms control.

The United States announced at the beginning of the month it will withdraw from the treaty, originally signed by Presidents Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in 1987. Russia followed suit only a day later, saying also it is suspending its participation in the treaty.

Niinisto on Saturday also speculated on the possibility of extending the treaty in regards to Europe and continuing to prohibit the placement of weapons banned under the treaty between the Ural Mountains and Atlantic Ocean.

The European Union, he also emphasised, should seek to restore its ability to speak with a common voice to ensure its message does not fall on deaf ears.

If there are a lot of different messages, no one will hear them, he explained.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
Grahn-Laasonen on Sunday expressed her concern about the decrease and unilateral nature of foreign-language learning by young people, highlighting that the number of pupils studying a voluntary foreign language has decreased by roughly 33 per cent over the past 20 years.

SANNI GRAHN-LAASONEN (NCP), the Minister of Education, has revealed she will appoint a task force to draft a list of proposals to promote foreign-language learning in kindergartens and schools in Finland.

Diverse language skills are among the most important future skills in an internationalising world, she underscored in a press release.

Children have an amazing ability to learn new things. The decision we have made will enable us to take better advantage of the critical period for language learning. The motivation developed during the first school years can, at best, be sustained and encourage people to study foreign languages throughout their lives.

The Finnish government decided last autumn to introduce foreign languages to the curriculum for first graders nationwide by the spring of 2020.

Grahn-Laasonen on Sunday said the new task force will set its sights even further, introducing language immersion to kindergartens and expanding the selection of foreign languages available to primary-school pupils. The work of the task force is based on proposals made by Riitta Pyykko, a vice rector at the University of Turku.

The conclusions drawn by the task force will make it possible to decide on new measures as soon as at the start of the next electoral term, according to Grahn-Laasonen.

The Finnish National Agency for Education (OPH) has reported that interest in foreign-language learning appears to have peaked in the mid-1990s. While over four in ten (41%) of fifth-graders were studying a voluntary foreign language in 1997, the share had dropped to 24 per cent by 2009 before rebounding slightly to 27 per cent in 2017.

The teaching of a second foreign language must start earlier. The objective must also be that more people choose a more uncommon language in addition to English, said Grahn-Laasonen.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Source: Uusi Suomi
* India on February 15 withdrew the most favoured nation (MFN) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of Thursday (February 14)'s suicide attack on a convoy of paramilitary force in India-controlled Kashmir.

* Pakistan on late Friday (February 15) rejected Indian allegations of its involvement in a suicide attack in the Indian-controlled Kashmir that left 40 soldiers killed, local media reported.

* US President Donald Trump signed on February 15 a national emergency to expand the US-Mexico border wall and push for his signature campaign promise.

* British Prime Minister Theresa May is to return to Brussels within days to meet European Union (EU) officials in a bid to rescue her Brexit deal, it emerged Friday.

* Russia and India will discuss joint production of military equipment at the Aero India Show 2019 next week in Bangalore, said an official of Russian state conglomerate Rostec on February 15.

* Nigeria's electoral body announced on February 16 that the country's presidential election was postponed until February 23 as a scheduled proceeding of the vote was not "feasible."

* The US State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels, and the two discussed US-EU cooperation on a range of issues.

* The Mexican government said on February 15 that it will provide MXN107 billion (US$5.2 billion) to help the state-run Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) improve its financial condition.

* Many parts of north China will be swept by snow, while south China is expected to see rainfall over the next three days, according to the country's national observatory on February 16.

* Visiting Italian Vice Foreign Minister Ricardo Merlo said on February 15 that Italy is seeking closer economic ties with Cuba. Italy is Cuba's eighth biggest trading partner overall and the second in the European Union after Spain.

* Four people were killed and 5 others sustained injuries as landslide struck West Java province of western Indonesia, official said on February 16.

* A gunman killed five people and injured five police officers in a manufacturing plant in Aurora, a suburb of Chicago, the US, on February 15, local police said.
Former top engineer at Williams, Rob Smedley, has been signed up by Liberty Media.

Towards the end of Williams' abysmal 2018 season, Smedley announced that he is leaving.

Now, it has emerged that he is taking up an official F1 role as technical consultant. It is believed Smedley was headhunted by Ross Brawn, his former Ferrari colleague and now F1 sporting boss.

"In conversations with Ross, we were both of the opinion that there's this really rich seam of technical content, of data, of the way that teams operate, that actually never gets told," Smedley said.

At his former team, things are going less well. Claire Williams has announced that the Grove based team is not ready to start testing its 2019 car on Monday.

"It's clearly not ideal, but equally it's not the end of the world," she said.

However, there are concerns about whether Williams can mount a comeback in 2019, having finished last season dead last of the ten teams.

"If you take a close look at the FW42, one wonders where are the big ideas that can take Williams back at least into the midfield," said Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Tobias Gruner.

(GMM)
Peter Sauber will be on-hand to witness the first day of testing since his name was dropped from the official title of the Swiss based F1 team.

Although Sauber Motorsport still owns and operates the team, Fiat Chrysler brand Alfa Romeo has taken on the full naming rights for 2019.

It is the first time since 1993 that Peter Sauber's name is no longer on the grid.

"Of course I like being here," 75-year-old Sauber, who is no longer involved in the team, told Blick newspaper.

The newspaper says Sauber was invited to Barcelona by team boss Frederic Vasseur.

"The new car is certainly an eye-catcher," Sauber added. "And I gave Kimi Raikkonen his first car in 2001, and now he's there again.

"Most importantly is that my former team is doing well," he said. "That means I'm doing well too."

(GMM)
Zak Brown says the noises being made by Renault ahead of the 2019 season are also "encouraging" for McLaren.

McLaren, now a Renault customer, struggled even after dumping Honda ahead of the 2018 season.

But team boss Brown says what he is hearing and seeing from Renault for 2019 is "quite encouraging".

"We are aware of the comments that Renault has made, and they have shared with us the details of what they have achieved," he is quoted by Spain's Marca.

"We are still new in this relationship but Renault is saying different things than it did last year. They maintained their position on where the engine is and what deficit it has, so based on that we have found that they are very honest in their communication.

"So it's encouraging that they are being as positive as they are," Brown said.

He said McLaren is also looking in better shape for 2019.

"In the second year with Renault, I think we've done a better job in relation to the power unit," said Brown.

"When we made the decision to change to Renault it was a bit late, and then we had some reliability problems because we did not know the power unit as we do now."

Daniel Ricciardo, the new works Renault driver, is also positive. The team he has fled, Red Bull, has switched from Renault to works Honda power for 2019.

"On the one hand, Honda is a new hope for the team, but on the other it is an unknown in many respects," he is quoted by Spain's Marca.

(GMM)
During the 2018 season the Toro Rosso often had to change the Honda engines in its cars. But team principal Franz Tost does not foresee the same thing happening this year.

"In 2018 we knew from the very beginning onwards that it is a development process which we have to go through," Tost said in the paddock of the Circuit Barcelona-Catalunya. "And this is what we did. In the meantime, Honda has reached a very high level on the reliability side as well as the performance side. So don't expect that we will have so many additional engine changes this year. First of all, we calculate with three power units and the rest we will see."

The rules this year limit each driver to three power units. Using more than that will result in grid penalties.

What does Tost think of Honda's development over last 12 months?

"I am very happy about this," he said. "All the expectations I put in to them they delivered and I am quite sure that they will close the gap to the top teams, and that Red Bull Racing will be able to win races with them. And we will also gain a lot of advantages out of this cooperation."

Because the deal for Toro Rosso to use Honda engines happened quite late, Toro Rosso could not full integrate the power unit and chassis in 2018. But the team had plenty of time to do that with its 2019 car.

"If you look at the car, and how the power unit is integrated, then it is a big step forward," Tost said. "I must say it was a big step from the engineering side as we had much more timem and there was a really good cooperation with Honda and also Red Bull Technology. So from this side we are quite well organized."

Tost says Toro Rosso is optimistic about the 2019 season.

"We worked very hard during the winter months," he said. "We reshuffled the team a little bit which means from the team side we made a bit of progress. We think we have a good car because we were quite happy so far with all the different steps we did. We have with Honda a very strong partner. We have two new drivers with Alex Albon and Daniil Kvyat who is back to us."
AIRBASE IN NORTHEAST SYRIA: The commander of U.S.-backed forces in Syria called on Monday for about 1,000 to 1,500 international forces to remain in Syria to help fight Islamic State and expressed hope that the United States, in particular, would halt plans for a total pullout.

The remarks by Mazloum Kobani, the commander-in-chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, followed talks with senior U.S. generals at an airbase in northeast Syria and offered perhaps the most comprehensive view to date of his requests for enduring military assistance from the U.S.-led coalition.

"We would like to have air cover, air support and a force on the ground to coordinate with us," Kobani told a small group of reporters who travelled with the U.S. military to an airbase at an undisclosed location in northeast Syria.

Kobani said there were discussions about perhaps French and British troops supporting them in Syria. But he stressed he also wanted at least "a partial group of American forces," who now number more than 2,000 in Syria, to stay as well.

U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, head of Central Command, said after the talks with Kobani that he was still carrying out President Donald Trump`s December order for a complete U.S. withdrawal of American forces.

"We certainly understand what they would like us to do, but of course that`s not the path we`re on at this particular point," Votel told reporters.

Asked about any discussions on a continuing U.S. presence in Syria, Votel said: "So the discussion really isn`t about U.S. forces staying here. We`ve looked at potentially what coalition (forces) might be able to do here."
New Delhi: Pakistan is surrounded on all sides by neighbours clearly - and unequivocally - enraged by its odious obsession with sheltering, shielding and supporting terrorist organisations.

The terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir last Thursday, as unfortunate and horrible as it was, once again exposed Pakistan's role in providing terrorist organisations with a platform. The suicide attack was claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, a terrorist organisation which has staged several dastardly attacks against India. And even as Pakistan maintains that it had no role in the most-recent attack, its forces violated ceasefire across LoC.

India has retaliated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuring that not a drop of tear would go in vain. He also said Indian security forces have been given complete freedom to retaliate. India has revoked the status of 'Most Favoured Nation' that is likely to hit an already crumbling Pakistani economy, while New Delhi has mobilised the world community to isolate Islamabad. Even more scathing attacks - diplomatic or possibly otherwise - are expected.

Even as India shifts into top gear to make Pakistan realise its follies, Pakistan has to contend with equally outraged neighbours to its west and north.

Iran has been fuming since 27 of its elite Revolutionary Guards were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists at the border earlier last week. Revolutionary Guards chief Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari issued a strong warning. "Why does Pakistan's army and security body give refuge to these anti-revolutionary groups? Pakistan will no doubt pay a high price," he said on state TV. On Sunday, Tehran summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest. This after India has already summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood on Friday for the same reason.

Over in Afghanistan, tensions are equally high with Kabul lodging a complaint with the United Nations Security Council against Pakistan due to its engagement with the Taliban. Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States. (Read full report here)

With three neighbours on three sides enraged with Pakistan's ways, the country's isolation is a process on the fast-track. And while the Imran Khan government continues to rely on so-called allies like China and Saudi Arabia to resurrect its economy, analysts doubt how offending neighbours beyond measure can be good for a country - whether in terms of economy or otherwise.
Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

At a ceremony in the Prime Minister House, Pakistan and Saudi officials signed MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a number of areas - a process overseen by Pakistan premier Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who arrived here late evening on a two-day visit.

"Today we signed MoUs. The amount of that kind of investment is USD 20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it (Saudi investment in Pakistan) will grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both the countries," the crown prince said.

"Pakistan is going to be very, very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he added.

Seven agreements, including MoUs in power, petrochemical and mining sectors, were inked as Prince Salman launched his diplomatic trip to Asia in Islamabad.

After Pakistan, the crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

Prince Salman said Saudi "cannot say no to Pakistan, whatever you (Pakistan) want we will do."

"For Pakistanis, this is a great day," the Pakistani premier said while addressing a dinner reception held in honour of the visiting Saudi guests at the PM House. He said Saudi Arabia has always been there when Pakistan needed friends. "I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in (a) bad situation," Khan told the royal guest, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were now taking their relationship to a new level, where investment agreements would be mutually beneficial for the countries.

"The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.
NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Monday called back its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood for consultations amid rising tensions after the death of 40 CRPF personnel in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

Confirming the development, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted: "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning."

India had earlier summoned the Pakistani envoy and issued a very strong demarche after the suicide bombing. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had conveyed to the envoy that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the JeM and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories.

In a tit-for-tat move, Pakistan had summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad and lodged a protest against India's allegation of its role in the terror attack. Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson said their Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua had briefed ambassadors of the United States, Russia, France, the United Kingdom and China on the Pulwama attack and rejected India's allegations.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan was called back to Delhi a day after the attack for consultations.

Launching a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad, India had on February 15 held a briefing for envoys of 25 countries, including from P5 nations - US, China, Russia, the UK and France - to highlight Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday that left 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five critically wounded. However, Pakistan has rejected all allegations of its role in the attack and demanded evidence for the claims. Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said in an interview that Pakistan would take action against anyone if India share evidence.
OSLO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is not saying whether or not he nominated Donald Trump for this year`s Nobel Peace Prize, but the question may be moot: the U.S. president has been put forward by others for the prestigious award.

During a White House news conference on Friday, Trump said the Japanese premier had given him "the most beautiful copy" of a five-page nomination letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Since then Abe has declined to say whether he had done so. Regardless, Trump has already been nominated by two Norwegian lawmakers.

"We have nominated him of course for the positive developments on the Korean Peninsula," Per-Willy Amundsen, who was Justice Minister in Prime Minister Erna Solberg`s cabinet in 2016-2018, told Reuters.

"It has been a very difficult situation and the tensions have since lowered and a lot of it is due to Trump`s unconventional diplomatic style," he added.

Amundsen, who is a member of the rightwing Progress Party, wrote a letter to the award committee together with his parliamentary colleague Christian Tybring-Gjedde, he said.

The letter was submitted in June, immediately after a summit Trump held in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un aimed at easing tensions and tackling Pyongyang`s nuclear weapons programme.

Tybring-Gjedde, who sits on the Norwegian Parliament`s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, also confirmed the joint nomination of Trump when contacted by Reuters.

"A possible award would of course depend on the talks leading to a credible disarmament deal," he said.

A wide range of people can nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize, including members of parliaments and governments, heads of state, university professors of history, social sciences or law and past Nobel Peace Prize laureates, among others.

The deadline for nominations for the 2019 prize, which will be announced on October 11, was January 31.

The five-strong Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees.

Still, it did say earlier this month that 304 candidates were nominated for this year`s prize, of which 219 are individuals and 85 are organisations.

Last year`s prize was jointly awarded to Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege and Yazidi human rights activist Nadia Murad.
A Ferrari mechanic who was badly injured in 2019 is finally back in the F1 garage.

Last year in Bahrain, mechanic Francesco Cigarini was run over by Kimi Raikkonen during a pitstop.

But on Instagram on Sunday, as Sebastian Vettel made his debut in Ferrari's 2009 car in Barcelona, Cigarini celebrated his return to the garage in the wake of the horrific leg fractures.

"First day in the box in 2019, the first time after the incident," he wrote.

I thought about this moment as a 'fixed point' when I was in trouble, and I am happy to achieve it after other important points during this experience.

"Gratitude is the feeling," Cigarini added.

(GMM)
New Delhi: The current heartthrob of the nation, Tiger Shroff enjoys an ocean of fan followingall thanks to his kickass action and superlative dancing skills. He is adored by millions, especially female fans and kids.

Tiger recently featured on a popular celebrity chat show hosted by maverick filmmaker Karan Johar. The good-looking guy accompanied his two lovely co-stars and debutant actresses Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria.

Kjo asked several interesting questions and the stars made cool revelations about each other. When Tiger joined the newbies it was a fun ride to watch. During the conversation with Karan, the actor revealed his fear of sleeping alone in the night.

He said that he can't sleep alone in a big room ever since he watched a horror film as a child. He added that at home his mother sleeps near him and when outdoors, he makes sure a crew member always stays around.

Quite a revelation, right?

He even picked up rumoured girlfriend Disha Patani and Katrina Kaif's name as his ideal dance partner while Madhuri Dixit remains his dream co-star.

Tiger will be seen with Ananya and Tara in Dharma Productions' 'Student Of The Year 2'. The film is helmed by Punit Malhotra and is hitting the screens on May 10, 2019. The movie is a sequel to 2012 hit 'Student Of The Year' which marked the debut of Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra.
Ludhiana: TV personality and former 'Bigg Boss' contestant Sapna Choudhary's brother has filed a police complaint against an event organiser for non-payment of dues to the performer.

Vikas Choudhary, the brother of the Haryana performer told media persons here that he had approached the police when Sapna received only Rs 6,00,000 of the Rs 8,00,000 that organisers had promised her for doing a show in Ludhiana.

Sapna's brother told reporters here that Choudhary had decided that she would donate the entire proceeds of the event to families of the CRPF soldiers killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama.

"We have filed a complaint based on Vikas Choudhury told us. However, both Sapna and her brother do not have any details of the event organisers. The hotel in which Sapna Choudhury and her brother were staying was also not booked in the organiser's name. Police is looking to identify the organisers on the basis of CCTV footage," a police official said.
New Delhi: The generation next star Alia Bhatt is currently riding high on the success of her latest release 'Gully Boy'. She has been widely appreciated for playing her part too well. While professional life is on a high, her personal life too is a headline maker.

Alia is dating Ranbir Kapoor and the two have been seen hanging out on a couple of times, making red carpet appearances together. The actress has not really spoken about her relationship in public. When asked about it, she told DNA, Times change and I have also grown up. I think Ive matured a lot in the last few years. I dont want to deny my relationship because theres no need to.

However, a few days back, rumours were rife that a rough patch has hit the steady relationship. Alia opened up on it and marriage reports saying, I dont understand the need for everyone to discuss my wedding all the time. But then, I think to myself that its a simple question and my answer remains the same. If Im not getting married right now, thats what Ill say. Im happy being in a relationship, but that doesnt mean Im tying the knot just yet.

When asked whether she has decided on a particular date for her wedding, Alia said, Im too young to think about it. When I feel theres a need to be in a stronger bond with him, we will come to it. But right now, Im married to my work and I also have my relationship going well on the side.

The couple will be seen together in Karan Johar's 'Brahmastra' which is directed by Ayan Mukerji.
Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday took digs at DMK President MK Stalin and Rajinikanth. At the Rotaract Annual District Conference held in Chennai, Kamal Haasan said Gram Sabha is there for decades and only after he started holding such meetings in villages in Tamil Nadu that others started copying that.

The founder of MNM party was obliquely referring to DMK President MK Stalin and others holding Gram Sabha meetings. "Are you not ashamed of copying from a small boy?" he said.

At another point, Kamal Haasan said he cannot be wearing a torn shirt, and even if his shirt gets torn in the Assembly, he would wear another shirt.

Kamal Haasan was obliquely referring to Stalin, who came out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly in a torn shirt on 17 February 2018 when the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami sought a vote of confidence.

Similarly, Kamal Haasan, when questioned about his bold decision to contest the Lok Sabha elections, said: "After oiling one`s body and slapping of thighs, one should not back out from the wrestling field saying he would come the next day."

If that happens then one would become a laughing stock, Kamal Haasan added.

On Sunday, actor Rajinikanth announced his decision not to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. In a statement on the letterhead of his fan club Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), a former bus conductor who enjoys frenzied following among Tamil cinema buffs, informed his fans that his name or photograph should not be used by anyone seeking votes.

"I am not going to contest the coming Lok Sabha elections. Our target is Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. I am not going to support any party in the Lok Sabha elections. So nobody can use my photo or the RMM`s symbol in support of or in the campaign of any party," Rajinkanth said.

The 68-year-old actor, who has worked in over 200 films, appealed to his fans: "Tamil Nadu`s main problem in the coming elections will be water. Any party that will form a strong and stable government at the Centre and which can solve the water crisis of Tamil Nadu permanently through schemes and give an assurance to fulfil them should be given support and fans should vote on that basis."
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday officially announced an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party both for the 2019 Lok Sabha poll and state Assembly election. While the BJP will fight on 25 seats, Shiv Sena will contest on the remaining 23 seats in the general election.

"Shiv Sena will fight on 23 seats and BJP will fight on 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. We have taken this decision in the interest of the nation and we believe NDA will come to power in 2019," Fadnavis said in a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and BJP president Amit Shah in Mumbai.

The Chief Minister added, "BJP is in full support of Uddhav Thackeray Ji's demand of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. We have tried to acquire 67 acres of land for temple trust."

Speaking on the alliance, Thackeray said, "People are seeing Shiv Sena and BJP for the past 30 years. For 25 years, we stood united, and for 5 years, there was confusion. But as the CM said, I still provided guidance to the government from time to time."

The BJP chief, who is confident of sweeping the Lok Sabha election, said: "BJP and Shiv Sena will together win 45 out of total 48 seats in Maharashtra."

Shiv Sena, which is part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre as well as in the state, has had constant bickerings with BJP lately. It has targeted the Narendra Modi government over the Rafale deal, the Ram temple issue, farm crisis and fuel prices, among others.

During the party's national executive meet in January last year, Shiv Sena had resolved to fight the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections on its own.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP and Shiv Sena contested as alliance partners and won 41 seats out of a total of 48 at stake in Maharashtra. BJP had won 22 seats, while Shiv Sena 19. However, they contested the subsequent Assembly polls separately.

(With inputs from ANI and IANS)
New Delhi: Paving the way for a pre-poll alliance in Maharashtra for the upcoming Lok Sabha election, BJP president Amit Shah will meet Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to officially declare the seat-sharing on Monday.

The duo is expected to address a joint press conference in Mumbai which will also be attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "The discussions between the two leaders have concluded and an agreement for a pre-poll alliance has been taken," Siv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI.

Another top Sena leader, requesting anonymity, told IANS, "It is finalized. It will be closed around our proposed formula of 25-23 seats for BJP-Sena respectively in Lok Sabha and 50-50 in the Assembly. We shall announce the details formally this evening."

However, the issue of Shiv Sena's demand for the post of Chief Minister is yet to be resolved while on the other hand, various options are being put forth by the BJP on this front. The final decision on the CM's post will depend on how many seats each partner bags in the 288-member Assembly.

Shiv Sena, which is part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre as well as in the state, has had constant bickerings with BJP lately. It has targeted the Narendra Modi government over the Rafale deal, the Ram temple issue, farm crisis and fuel prices, among others.

During the party's national executive meet in January last year, Shiv Sena had resolved to fight the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections on its own.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP and Shiv Sena contested as alliance partners and won 41 seats out of a total of 48 at stake in Maharashtra. BJP had won 22 seats, while Shiv Sena 19. However, they contested the subsequent Assembly polls separately.

(With inputs from ANI and IANS)
NEW DELHI: Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons Sunday complained to the Kerala DGP asserting that his photograph from CRPF jawan Vasantha Kumar's funeral was being shared as a "selfie".

In a letter to the DGP, he wrote that he had attended the last rites of Vasantha Kumar at Wynad on February 16 where his photograph was taken. "Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on my Facebook. Alleging that the photograph was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me in the social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of Indian Penal Code," he wrote.

Stating that it was both "uncharitable", "unbecoming and illegal" to spread false news regarding a sensitive issue involving a jawan who laid down his life for the nation, the minister said the culprits should be booked.

"It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a Union Minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before law," he wrote, requesting action against the culprits.

Kumar's mortal remains were brought to Karipur International airport in a special aircraft and taken to Lakidi in Wayanad district where the martyr did his schooling. Thousands including natives, friends, relatives, paid tribute to Kumar at the Lakidi school. Later, the mortal remains taken to his home village accompanied by hundreds of vehicles.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five others injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday when a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.
New Delhi: Deputy Inspector General of Police (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar was on Monday shot and wounded by militants during an ongoing gunbattle between security forces and terrroists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said.

Kumar was hit by a bullet in the abdomen in Pinglena village in fighting that also killed an Army Major and three soldiers, a civilian and two militants including a Pakistani terrorist. As per ANI news agency, Kumar was rushed to a nearby hospital after he suffered an injurt. His condition is said to be stable.

One brigade commander and two other soldiers also received injuries in the attack, the police said. The names of the Army personnel injured were not immediately known.

As per reports, the gunbattle has been on for over 17 hours.

At least six security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans, said PTI report.

After receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, security forces launched a cordon and search operation on late Sunday night. Militants fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Pinglan encounter claimed lives of four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers are Major VS Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

(With Agency inputs)
Top Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Abdul Rashid Ghazi alias Kamran, who is said to be the mastermind of the Pulwama suicide bombing, is believed to have been killed in an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Pinglan area in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. At least two terrorists had been trapped by security forces in a house. As per sources, security forces have blasted the house in which the terrorists were holed up.

Security forces believe that all terrorists who were trapped in the house have been killed. However, their bodies are yet to be recovered.

Four soldiers, including a Major, have also been martyred in the ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama, say sources. A civilian was also reportedly killed but there was no confirmation so far.

#ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families. @adgpi @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/qo8TzBJF89  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) February 18, 2019

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Pinglan area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. As the forces were conducting searches, the terrorists fired upon them, triggering off a gun battle.

In view of the terror attack and amid the ongoing encounter, top officials are meeting at the Home Ministry in Delhi for a high-level meeting.

Kamran is believed to have done the overall planning of the Pulwama terror strike in which a suicide bomber killed 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Kamran had been operating and moving in the Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral areas of south Kashmir. According to initial investigations, the plan for Pulwama terror strike was hatched in the Midoora area of Tral.
NEW DELHI: Security forces in India are on the offensive after terrorists on Thursday attacked the Central Reserve Police Force convoy killing 40 personnel. Fearing retaliation by Indian security forces, Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have moved their hideouts to populated areas, news agency ANI quoted defence sources.

The Pulwama encounter that is underway since Monday night is also taking place in a populated area. As per reports, the terrorists used civilians as human shields to save themselves from the cross firing by the security forces. Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal along with three other soldiers Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh lost their lives on Monday.

Army Sources: Army is constantly briefing Defence Minister & other senior govt functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces.  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Top Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Abdul Rashid Ghazi alias Kamran, who is said to be the mastermind of the Pulwama suicide bombing, is also believed to have been killed in the encounter. At least two terrorists had been trapped by security forces in a house. As per sources, security forces have blasted the house in which the terrorists were holed up.

As per reports, Pakistan Army positions across the border on the Line of Control (LoC) are seeing heightened activities as they are on high operational alert.

The army is constantly in touch with the government and is briefing Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior functionaries on the developments in Kashmir.
A controversy surrounding the clandestine return of tobacco advertising in F1 is deepening.

Ferrari's main backer Philip Morris, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, is being investigated by Australian authorities ahead of the 2019 season opener in Melbourne.

The investigation surrounds the use of the new 'Mission Winnow' branding, and after the launch of the 2019 Ferrari, now Italian authorities are looking into the story as well.

Italy's Autosprint claims that the major Italian consumer union has filed a complaint with the national competition authority.

"We also presented a complaint to the ministry of health," confirmed union spokesman Massimiliano Dona.

Also fascinating is that McLaren has followed Ferrari's lead by welcoming a tobacco brand back to F1 for 2019.

The British team is now sponsored by British American Tobacco (BAT), which in the 90s had its own F1 team.

The BAT branding on the 2019 McLaren car reads "A better tomorrow".

A spokesman for the tobacco company said the new sponsorship "has nothing to do with what we did before 2006".

"It is not about promoting tobacco products," the BAT spokesman told AFP news agency.

When asked to comment, a spokesman for F1's governing body said: "We are not aware of the details so it is difficult to assess at this stage."

But the FIA spokesman said the Paris based federation "has not changed" its earlier stance against tobacco advertising.

Liberty Media did not comment.

(GMM)
New Delhi: The commonly used anti-theft remote alarms or keys used in motorcycles and vehicles are being increasingly used by terrorists to trigger IEDs in Jammu and Kashmir, a possibility suspected in the recent Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel, the latest report has revealed.

According to the report, prepared by investigative and security agencies working in the counter-terrorism grid in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists "suddenly shifted their tactics" last year to deploy a remote control mechanism to blast improvised explosive devices (IEDs) using electronic tools such as mobile phones, walkie-talkie sets and anti-theft devices used to secure two- and four-wheelers.

The report accessed by PTI said these electronic gadgets are "easily available" in the market and terrorists operating in Kashmir Valley are using them to "fabricate" remote-controlled IEDs as they want to not only avoid one-to-one combat with the forces which are conducting operations almost every day against them but also to inflict maximum casualties.

"It is expected that the militants in J-K may use more anti-theft devices, similar to the devices used by Naxals in other states, in the future. Hence, the security forces deployed in J-K need to be more vigilant," the report on the history and emerging trends of IEDs in the state said.

Investigators probing the Pulwama attack suspect that the deadly blast on February 14 was executed by a lone Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist by blowing off a strong combination of RDX-mix explosive, laden in a car, next to a troop-carrier bus plying as part of a convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway.

The report stated that sometime back, an IED attack was engineered to target the personnel of the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit in Shopian district and it was found that the explosive was trigerred using a remote key used to lock and unlock a two-wheeler.

"Use of anti-theft device in remote-controlled IEDs is common in the red corridor (Left Wing Extremism-affected states) and the use of these devices by militants in J-K reveals that there could be a nexus between the terrorists operating in the valley and the Naxals," it said.

However, senior security officials working in the counter-terrorism grid in the valley denied getting "solid proofs" of any direct links between the militants operating in J-K and the Maoists.

The report also analysed the recent history of IED blasts in Kashmir and found terrorists were using military-grade explosives such as RDX, PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate), TNT (Trinitrotoluene) and commercial explosives such as slurries and ammonium nitrate for fabricating IEDs.

"Recovery of incendiary chemicals (in J-K in the past) indicates the terrorists' intention to use these chemicals in sabotage activities in the state and against security forces," the report said, adding both military-use and commercial electric detonators are "commonly" being used by the terrorists to launch terror attacks or blasts.

It added that the terrorists continue to use the "rudimentary" command-wire mechanism (by joining wires) to blast IEDs, probably to "hit the targets precisely".

"Militants have been adopting different methods, technologies and strategies to detonate IEDs to inflict maximum casualties on the security forces in J-K. It is believed that the renewed tactics and modus operandi of the forces might have forced the militants to avoid direct confrontation with them (security forces) and instead use IEDs which offer the terrorists a scope to carry out attacks by staying behind the screens," it said.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday junked a PIL seeking ban on animal slaughter for meat exports alleging violation of rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna dismissed the petition saying it was not inclined to entertain the plea.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by an organisation Healthy, Wealthy, Ethical, World- Guide India Trust and others which had sought a direction to the Centre, state governments and private sectors to immediately stop the export of meat and meat products.

The plea said the Centre, state governments or their agencies should immediately stop the production and sale of raw leather and other related products for exports or domestic trade.

Referring to Article 51A, it said the Constitution casts a duty on its citizens to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.

The plea had also relied upon the rules made under the Act which provides that animals can be slaughtered only to the extent of catering the need of local population.

"Central government, state governments, Union Territories and their agencies cannot and should not run, promote, encourage, finance, help, assist or involve itself in the meat trade in any form or manner, be it directly or indirectly running and operating slaughterhouses, or any activity involving the raising and killing of any living creature for their flesh as food," the petition said.
New Delhi: India must self-introspect its anti-terrorism policy rather than blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama suicide bombing and China for blocking efforts to list Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist without proof, said a Chinese state-run newspaper.

The Pakistan-backed JeM took responsibility for the February 14 terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama district that killed 49 CRPF personnel.

A comment piece in the Global Times accused India of failing to provide "solid evidence" against Azhar and said China rightly practised caution against listing him as a terrorist.

The article, authored by Yu Jincui, advised New Delhi to resort to "quiet diplomacy instead of extensively directing aggressive rhetoric to better address" the Azhar issue.

"Without solid evidence, India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorist attacks by JeM and other militant groups and China of providing uncritical support for Pakistan," the article stated.

"Instead of simply blaming other countries, especially Pakistan and China, shouldn`t the Indian government make more self-introspection on its anti-terrorism policy and dwell more on how to better administer (Jammu and) Kashmir?

"As for the issue of listing Azhar, Beijing has reiterated its stand several times that New Delhi should provide solid facts and proofs for banning Azhar," it said.

According to the Times` piece, China had reason to cautiously handle the issue as "observers worry that blacklisting Azhar could be used by India to increase its military pressure on Pakistan, thus risking exacerbating tensions between the two countries".

The article denied that by not getting Azhar listed as a global terrorist by the UN, China was supporting terrorism against India.

"India in recent years has aggressively blamed China for allying with Pakistan in shielding terrorists. It disregards the fact that as a victim of terrorism itself, China has pledged to support the international community`s anti-terrorism efforts and stands ready to work with India and all other countries to fight terrorism."

However, the article added that some Chinese scholars want China to take India`s concerns more into account on the JeM chief.

"Should New Delhi resort to quiet diplomacy instead of extensively directing aggressive rhetoric to pressure Beijing, the Azhar issue could have been better addressed," the comment piece stated.

"A tough stance by the BJP government may help the ruling party win more support. But this will risk anti-terrorism cooperation being sabotaged for the political interests of parties in India," it said.
New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia will sign five MoUs during Crown Prince Mohammad-bin Salman's visit starting Tuesday. "Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is arriving in India on February 19.

"Our relation got a huge boost when PM visited Saudi Arabia in 2016. Since then there has been an intensification of relation," TS Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in Ministry of External Affairs said.

"As part of this engagement, we're finalising setting up of strategic partnership council between the two countries at ministerial level, we're confident it'll give greater thrust to our partnership and take forward our discussions in focused and action-oriented manner," Tirumurti added.

During Salman's visit, talks on investment of $44 billion by Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in Ratnagiri Refinery project is also likely to take place, news agency ANI said quoting sources.

The Crown Prince, who is preparing to head to New Delhi from Islamabad, has inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments of worth USD 20 billion.

"There is no comparison. Investment in Pakistan is a bailout and investment in India is in a robust economy growing at 7 per cent. Saudi has ranked India as the 8th strategic partner," ANI added.

On Monday, Saudi Arabia vowed to try and 'de-escalate' tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 41 CRPF soldiers.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
SRINAGAR: Three Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group involved in the attack on CRPF personnel, and an Army major were among eight people killed in a 18-hour encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.

At least ten security personnel, including a brigade commander and a lieutenant colonel and a DIG of Jammu and Kashmir police, sustained bullet injuries in the encounter, which took place in Pulwama's Pinglan area.

The encounter started on Sunday night just 12 km from where a Jaish-e-Mohammed's suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a CRPF bus on Febraury 14, claiming the lives of killing 40 CRPF personnel.

Army officials told PTI that two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a Kashmiri who was associated with JeM. The officials were trying to ascertain the identity of the third slained terrorist.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official told PTI.

A mssive cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in the area during the night after they received credible inputs that some terrorists were hiding in Pinglan area.

As soon as security forces approached near the house where the terrorists had taken shelter, they started firing on the security forces, leading to a gun battle.

Pak-based Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack in which a Kashmiri terrorist trained by JeM had attacked a CRPF which was part of convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

Meanwhile, the Army paid glowing tributes to the soldiers who attained martyrdom on Monday at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps. Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led others in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major V S Dhoundiyal, who laid down their lives in the line of their duty.

A defence spokesperson said that representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

(with PTI inputs)
JAMMU: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday said those involved in Thursday's terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama had committed a "grave mistake" and they will have to face appropriate action for their misdeed.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives when a suicide bomber owing allegiance to Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed rammed a car loaded with over 100 kg of explosives into a bus full of CRPF personnel on Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday.

"Prime Minister Narandra Modi has assured the nation of appropriate action and those who indulged in such an act have committed a grave mistake," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office said.

"Whatever action will be taken under the leadership of the prime minister will be in national interest," Singh told reporters.

Talking to PTI, the Union Minister slammed Kashmiri political parties like the PDP and NC, stressing that these parties do not think twice before criticising security forces but they don't like to open their mouth against terrorists and separatist leaders.

"It is easy to condemn BJP, which believes in democracy, and the security forces, which do not respond. NC, PDP and Kashmir-based Congress leaders did not speak a word against Hurriyat and their tongues waver in criticising terrorists," the senior BJP leader said.

"The people of Jammu faced the grave situation of 1990 with patience. They once again demonstrated patience despite the fact that the deadly attack boiled the blood of nationalists and the reaction was natural but they did not allow violence," he said.

(with PTI inputs)
CHANDIGARH: In a fresh trouble for Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Akali Dal and the BJP on Monday demanded that a privilege motion must be initiated by Assembly Speaker against the Congress leader for his comments in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

The MLAs of the BJP and Akali Dal wrote a letter to Speaker Rana K.P. Singh, saying that the statement made by Sidhu to defend Pakistan after the ghastly attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama attack on February 14 was a breach of privilege of a unanimous resolution moved by the Assembly in this regard.

"Navjot Sidhu spoke against the very essence of the resolution passed by the Vidhan Sabha on the same day by giving a clean chit to the Pakistan government. This was not a one off event. Mr Sidhu has continued to defend the Pakistan establishment and has now even become the voice of Pakistan`s ISI agency worldwide. This, as per rules, is a gross breach of privilege of the august House and you, Speaker Sahib, as its custodian, must initiate privilege proceedings against Mr Navjot Sidhu immediately," the letter said.

Earlier on Monday, acrimonious scenes were witnessed between Sidhu and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Punjab Assembly as both leaders targeted each other and gestured angrily at each other.

"The SAD-BJP members initiated corrective action because of the grave nature of the act which was bringing disrepute to the Vidhan Sabha and on all its members by their very association with it. It was decided to table a resolution today urging the centre to declare Pakistan a terrorist state and the need to take the strictest possible action against the Pakistan government and its terror machine," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, former Punjab Chief Minister and SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal demanded that a sedition case be registered against Sidhu for his comments.

(with IANS inputs)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri on Monday held delegation-level talks at the Hyderabad House during the latter's ongoing three-day visit to India from February 17-19.

Delhi: President of Argentina Mauricio Macri and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold delegation-level talks pic.twitter.com/yruqItqeli  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Macri was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan today morning by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"Celebrating 70 glorious years. President @mauriciomacri of #Argentina is accorded ceremonial reception @rashtrapatibhvn in the presence of #PresidentKovind & PM @narendramodi. India & Argentina share a deep historical, warm and cordial relationship," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted today.

Speaking to media after the reception, Macri said, "I'm very glad to be in India. It's such a wonderful country. We have great expectations about the future of the relations between both countries. We have many things to develop together in favour of the future of our people."

Macri's visit to the country coincides with both the nations marking 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Buenos Aires.

The two leaders are expected to review the progress in bilateral ties and will explore new areas of co-operation. Several agreements are also expected to be signed after the talks. There may be some special declaration on Pulwama attacks by the President of Argentina during his India visit.

After the exchange of agreements, Macri is scheduled to address the plenary session of the India-Argentina Business Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal before meeting with President Kovind in the evening.

Macri is slated to leave for Mumbai on February 19, from where he will return to Argentina after wrapping up his official visit.

Modi met the Argentine President last year in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of G20 summit from November 30-December 1, 2018.

India will be hosting the G20 summit in 2022 and Argentina, which became the first Latin American country to host G20 last year, has assured its full support to New Delhi. "We are at the disposal of India to share any kind of and all the experience we have. Its the job you do in the whole year, the summit is just last expression. India will do it pretty well, you have a lot of experience. There will be no problem", Chuburu said.

The visit comes even as Venezuela has been the focus in South America. Argentina has recognized the opposition leader Juan Guaidoas the president. New Delhi has taken a cautious stand in the Venezuelan crisis since Caracas is the large oil exporter to India.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: Pakistan's support to terror and its involvement in Pulwama attack last week will be one of the focus as Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman visits India. He will be on a two-day India visit starting February 19th and 20th, after his visit to Pakistan.

During his visit, bin Salman will be calling on President Ram Nath Kovind and will have bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the second meet between Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi prince in a span of 3 months. They met on November 29th in Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. "The issues which could come up for discussion are trade and investment, and defence. Security, including counter-terrorism, is another. Renewable energy which is something that is coming up as an important area of cooperation", Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in his weekly briefing last week.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Riyadh in April of 2016. During the visit, King Salman had honoured him with the "Sash of King Abdulaziz", the highest civilian decoration awarded by the West Asian country.

Saudi Arabia is the fourth largest trading partner of India after China, US and Japan. India imports 17% of its crude oil requirement from Saudi Arabia. The bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia stood at $27.48 billion in FY 2017-18, a year on year increase of 9.56%.

Raveesh Kumar said, "The objective is to consolidate the strategic partnership which we have with the country."

The crown prince is the second-most important person, after the King, and the designated successor, in one of the largest oil-producing nations of the world.

In April 2018, Saudi Aramco, the largest company in the world by revenue, signed an MoU with an Indian consortium (IOC, HPCL and BPCL) to acquire 50% stake in India's largest refinery project - Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited - at $ 44 billion.

A 2.7 million strong Indian community is in Saudi Arabia. Haj pilgrimage is an important component of bilateral relations. In 2018, Riyadh increased the Indian Hajj Quota by 5,000 - enabling 1,75,025 Indians to perform Hajj last year.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday attacked the Centre over the ghastly Pulwama terror attack, blaming it for not taking any action despite intelligence agencies' prior alert. She added that the Central government had received inputs from the intelligence agencies on February 8 that such attacks might happen ahead of Lok Sabha election yet they allowed a large convoy of CRPF personnel to move on the highway.

"The government knew of the matter. Intelligence inputs were there. Then why so many people had to die? why no action was taken?"

The Trinamool Congress supremo questioned the timing of the Pulwama attack and said whether the government wanted to go to war when Lok Sabha poll was round the corner. She also accused the BJP and RSS of fomenting communal tension in the wake of the terror assault that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF troopers.

"When elections are knocking on the door you are trying to stage a war... A shadow war. Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are delivering political speeches. Even after such a big mishap you do not resign taking responsibility and are instead delivering political speeches," Banerjee said.

Seeking a high-level inquiry into the Pulwama attack, the Chief Minister demanded punishment to those behind the killings. "When so many people died there must be an investigation to prove who is responsible for it. Tell me what initiatives have been taken," she said.

The West Bengal chief minister also asked people not to fall prey to "provocation by communal forces" and directed police to remain alert.

(With inputs from PTI)
2018 came in as the second most active year for publicly disclosed breaches, missing 2017s high mark by only 3.2%.

6,515 breaches were reported through December 31, 2018, exposing approximately 5 billion

Compared to 2017, the number of reported breaches was down 3.2% and the number of exposed records was down approximately 35.9% from 7.9 billion.

Of the breached organizations that could be definitively classified, the Business sector accounted for 66.2% of reported breaches, followed by Government (13.9%), Medical (13.4%) and Education (6.5%).

12 breaches exposed 100 million or more records, only one less than 2017s thirteen breaches exposing 100 million or more records. These 12 breaches accounted for 74% of all records exposed in 2018.

The Business sector accounted for 65.8% of the records exposed followed by Unclassified at 31.8% and Government at 2.2%. The Medical and Education sectors combined accounted for 9.9 million records exposed, or less than 0.02% of the total records exposed in the year.

Web regained the top spot for the breach type exposing the most records, accounting for 3% of compromised records, while Hacking remained the top breach type for number of incidents, accounting for 57.1% of reported breaches.

5% of breached organizations were unwilling or unable to disclose the number of records exposed.

Staggering 72 percent increase in stolen, lost or compromised records over H1 2017

Social media incidents account for over 76 percent of records breached

65 percent of data breach incidents involved identity theft

Risk Based Security came out with their annual data breach report this past week. Overall, 2018 brought the second-highest number of reported data breaches of any year on record.Its been an unusual year for breach activity, commented Inga Goddijn, executive vice president of Risk Based Security. Weve been monitoring breach events for more than a dozen years now and this is the first time weve observed a slow start to the year following by a growing number of disclosures as the months pass. We suspect various factors including the allure of crypto mining had an impact on breach activity early in the year, but disclosures rebounded throughout the summer and into the last quarter.The full report is available by visiting their website here Goddijn said of the work, we were curious to see if the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) would have a discernible impact on how long it takes for an organization to go public with a breach report. Curiously, the average number of days between discovery and disclosure has been approximately 49 days for the past two years. Goddijn commented, From 2014 until 2017, the average number of days had been declining. We assumed awareness of GDPR reporting requirements would put pressure on organizations to continue to close the gap. So it was surprising to see 2018 end at an average of 49.6 days, slightly above 2017s average of 48.6 days.Here are a few of the highlights:Here are some of the specifics behind the data in chart form, as compared to previous years:I find it interesting that government reported far fewer data breaches than business, but the largest category was unknown.The breach types and sources of the data breaches are also very interesting.Also, the threat vectors used (internal or external) and outside versus inside are very interesting.I find this data breach data to be helpful when the proper context surrounds the data. I also like to look at a variety of different perspectives on data breaches, such as this Gemalto report from 2018 which chronicles 3.3 billion records lost in the first half of 2018.It is also important to realize that different reports use different definitions and methods, so not all the numbers match-up perfectly. I point out some of those security industry metrics problems and other sources in this article.Back in December, this article in Forbes magazine online broke down the details in five large data breaches in 2018.Those data breaches included Facebook, Marriott, Quora, British Airways and Ticketmaster. I encourage you to see their analysis on each breach in the article.Heres an excerpt on what they think some takeaways are:I must admit that I hesitated when considering whether to write this blog. Dont get me wrong, I think Risk Based Security did an excellent job, and these other industry reports on data breaches are also important.And yet, I think the press has become so obsessed with data breaches, that these reports and headlines are getting less and less meaningful attention from the public.On the other end of the spectrum, I think security pros are fighting a fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) addiction that plays-out in many ways. Numerous bloggers just send out report after report on the latest data breaches, until most reports are filed and we move on  unless there is something new, different or record-breaking that is announced.Bottom line, many are now numb to data breaches, and technology pros often go out of their way to talk about something else.Nevertheless, I do think the trends, details, sources and overall metrics can be helpful. I have not written a blog on data breaches in a long time, and it was time.I encourage you to read the reports and analyze the data. Determine what the numbers mean in your context to your enterprise or situation.But most of all, do your best to turn these data breach lemons into lemonade  and help stop future data loss.
The Hague: Representing Kulbhushan Jadhav - wrongly imprisoned in Pakistan on espionage charges - at the International Court of Justice, Harish Salve tore into the country's military courts and the allegations against Jadhav.

The proceedings at the International Court of Justice lasted for more than an hour before it got adjourned for Tuesday.

During the hearing. Salve accused Pakistan of rhetorics and of violating Vienna Conventions, Salve led a systematic attack in his defence of Jadhav. "Life of an innocent Indian is at risk. The credibility of a military court in Pakistan is clearly questionable as the legal system in the country is opaque. The country has no substantive defence and is only interested in anti-India propaganda," he said. "Pakistan has violated Vienna convention by denying consular access to Jadhav. There are only wanton allegations without any legal relevance."

Highlighting that Jadhav has been subject to torture in the three years inside Pakistani jails, Salve then questioned Pakistani documents presented in a bid to frame him. "Pakistan registered an FIR after Jadhav was detained. There is no clarity about when Jadhav was detained. He was not even informed that he has right to consular access. India's 13 reminders were sent on various dates. They were ignored."

Salve stressed that Pakistan has no substantive defence and Islamabad has even failed to divulge fundamental details of the so-called offence. Salve remarked that issues raised by Islamabad have no relevance at all. "Pakistan story was always strong on rhetoric and weak on facts, he added.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay. On 30th March 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) and received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates, Salve said.

Stressing that Pakistan is bound to give consular access to India without any further delay, it failed to disclose the date of detention as well. "No document of Jadhavs trail was given to India. Despite repeated attempts for immediate consular access Pakistan has not done that so far," remarked Salve.

Salve said at ICJ that Jadhav was not informed of his rights by Pakistan and the FIR in this case was filed almost a month after Jadhav's arrest.

Salve went on to say that India has no information of what happened to Jadhav in Pakistan. He slammed Pakistan for not honouring bilateral treaties. Pakistan was reminded by India that it hasn't ratified Shark convention on legal assistance in criminal matters.

Ex-solicitor general Salve outlined two broad issues in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. He said that first issue relates to the construction of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention and the second issue relates to relief. Salve went on to say that Restitutio in integrum is a basic principle.

Talking about Pakistan's decision toallow Jadhav's family to visit him, Salve said the terms were agreed between the two countries & the meeting was held on December 25, 2017. Salve, however, noted that India was appalled at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on December 27 to register its protest.

Tearing apart Pakistan's defence with his arguments, Salve said in ICJ that a substantial explanation was needed from Pakistan on why it needed 3 months for providing consular access to Jadhav, upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation. He added that even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan has failed to comply to treaty obligations.

Salve said that if article 36 grants rights of consular access in all cases including where allegations of such kind are leveled, then demanding those can't be term an abuse of those rights, ANI reported.

Salve also the ICJ that there was nothing to suggest that providing consular access in Jadhav case would have hampered investigations. Commenting on Jadhavs trial by military court, Salve said that the trial fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and it should be declared unlawful.

"In just two years, military courts in Pakistan have been allowed to convict civilians and 161 civilians have been given death sentence in an opaque manner," Harish Salve added.

Salve also invited the ICJ to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that Jadhav's trial has been conducted by a military court.

In a direct attack on Pakistan, Salve said that Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav will get justice there. He said that Pakistan is portraying an Indian National as a terrorist and an Indian agent, who was creating unrest in Balochistan. Salve alleged Pakistan of using Jadhav to build a narrative against India.

"India invites court to restrain Pak from acting on conviction on ground that it was secured by means which was in violation of Article 36 of Vienna Convention&in the present case,relief of review&re-consideration would be highly inadequate,considering facts&circumstances," Salve added.
NEW DELHI: A former police officer who interrorgated Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar several times when he was in India's custody on Monday said that Azhar was an "easy man" to handle in custody and just a slap from an Army man was enough to make him reveal details of his operations inside India.

Azhar was arrested in February 1994 at Anantnag in South Kashmir. He had entered Kashmir through Bangladesh using a Portuguese passport.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, told PTI.

Azhar was released from prison in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999. Months after he was allowed to walk free, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and planned several ghastly terror strikes in India. It is to be that JeM was involved in attacks on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and Thursday's suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

During his interrogation in custody, Azhar had shared detailed information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan, said Mohananey, who headed the Kashmir desk in Intelligence Bureau at that time.

He added that the information received from Azhar were very helpful because at that time the Indian intelligence agencies were finding it tough to figure out the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's spy agency ISI,

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

According to Mohananey, Azhar revealed information about the movement of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," Mohananey recalled Azhar telling them.

It is widely believed that Azhar is currently hiding in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province.
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday issued orders to withdraw security of five separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, officials said.

Besides the Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn, they said. However, there is no mention of pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani in the order.

According to the order, all security and vehicles provided to the separatists will stand withdrawn by Sunday evening. No security forces or cover will be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists. If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith.

Police will review if there are any other separatists who have security or facilities which will be withdrawn immediately, the officials said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar on Friday, had said security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

"Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," he had said after reviewing security in the aftermath of dastardly terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near their bus in Pulwama district.

The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.
In the aftermath of the Pulwama attack where 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed by a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist, there have been voices from several quarters seeking revenge from Pakistan for the dastardly act.

Here is a quick comparison of how India's defence stacks up against Pakistan.

As per the 2018 military strength ranking by Global Firepower list, India stands at the fourth spot while Pakistan is way down at the 17th spot.

Despite the use of technology, wars are won by those standing at the front. As per the 2018 report, India has 489,600,000 personnel fit for military service. Of these, 1,362,500 are active personnel and 2,844,750 are reserve personnel.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has 75,325,000 personnel fit for military service. It has 637,000 active and 282,000 reserve personnel.

India has a total aircraft strength of 2185 of which 590 are fighters, 804 attack, 708 transport and 251 trainer. Attack aircraft are defined as those capable of attacking ground/surface targets. India's total helicopter strength stands at 720 which includes 15 attack helicopters. Attack helicopters are defined as multi-engine, rotary-wing systems developed specifically to attack ground targets.

Pakistan has an aircraft strength of 1281 with 320 fighters, 410 attack, 296 transport and 486 trainer planes. Of the total helicopter strength of 328, Pakistan has 49 attack helicopters.

India has 4426 combat tanks, 3147 armoured fighting vehicles, 190 self-propelled artillery, 4158 towed artillery and 266 rocket projectors. Combat Tank value includes Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), light tanks, and tank destroyers. In the report, no distinction is made between tracked and wheeled designs. Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) value includes Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) as well as Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). Rocket Projectors primary include self-propelled forms.

Pakistan has 2182 combat tanks, 2604 armoured fighting vehicles, 307 self-propelled artillery, 1240 towed artillery and 144 rocket projectors.

India's 295 naval assets include one aircraft carrier, 14 frigates, 11 destroyers, 22 corvettes, 16 submarines, 139 patrol vessels and 4 mine warfare ships. Aircraft carrier value includes traditional carriers as well as helicopter carriers. Submarine value includes diesel-electric and nuclear-powered types.
New Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah said on Monday that Indian security forces will give a befitting reply to the "cowardly" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 49 CRPF troopers lost their lives.

"Indian forces will hit back at the right time to avenge this cowardly attack. The BJP has always followed the policy of zero tolerance against terror. The party stands with the families of the CRPF troopers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland," Shah said.

The BJP President was in the city on a one-day visit to address the Bharatiya Janata Party`s Shakti Kendra Sammelan and chair a meeting of party workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Shah said the opposition parties had decided to form a grand alliance to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls.

"However, I want to ask Rahul `Baba,` who is the leader of the grand alliance? Every day a new name is emerging as the leader of this much-talked about alliance.

"Why is the opposition not declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate?" Shah asked.

The BJP President also took a jibe at the opposition by asking whether different leaders in their ranks plan to take turns to become the Prime Minister on different days of the week and whether Sunday will be a holiday.

Shah said the BJP`s defeat in the Rajasthan Assembly polls doesn`t affect the BJP. "We believe in a fighting spirit. We never get disappointed with defeat, nor do we become arrogant after victory."

Soon after the programme, Shah returned to Delhi to attend a meeting on security issues in the aftermath of the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, cancelling two other meetings scheduled in Jaipur for the evening, BJP sources said.
The Hague: In a gesture which clearly reflected the heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack, members of the Indian delegation present at International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the hearing of Kulbhushan Jadhav case snubbed their Pakistani counterparts by refusing to shake hands with them.

The Indian side consisting of Joint Secretary heading the Pakistan Division in the External Affairs Ministry Deepak Mittal and India's Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamoney offered only a curt 'namaskar' to Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan when he showed interest in shaking hands with the Indian diplomats before the start of Jadhav's case hearing.

Kulbhushan Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death on April 11, 2017 by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism. India had strongly objected the verdict and moved the ICJ, challenging the judgement delivered by the Pakistani military court.

The efforts made by the Indian government yielded results as a 10-member bench of the ICJ passed an order on May 18, 2017, asking Islamabad not to execute Jadhav till the adjudication of the case.

India's former Solicitor General Harish Salve, who is representing Kulbhushan Jadhav at the ICJ, on Monday tore into Pakistan's military courts and the spying allegations against Jadhav during the first day of four-day public hearing in the case.

The proceedings at the International Court of Justice lasted for more than an hour before it got adjourned for Tuesday.

During the hearing, Salve accused Pakistan of rhetorics and of violating the Vienna Conventions. "Life of an innocent Indian is at risk. The credibility of a military court in Pakistan is clearly questionable as the legal system in the country is opaque. The country has no substantive defence and is only interested in anti-India propaganda," he said. "Pakistan has violated Vienna convention by denying consular access to Jadhav. There are only wanton allegations without any legal relevance," Salve added.
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar on Monday appeared before the Supreme Court (SC) in New Delhi and informed the top court that the CBI had questioned him for 40 hours in five days in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.

Kumar also told the apex court that he finds it "very intriguing" as to why the "major decision" to grill him in connection with this case was taken by the CBI on February 3.

It is to be noted that February 3 was also last day of the then interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao.

On February 5, the apex court had passed an order directing the Kolkata top cop to "faithfully cooperate with the CBI at all times" in connection with the chit fund scam. The SC had also ordered the country's premier investigating agency not to arrest Kumar during his questioning.

The SC passed the order just two days after the February 3 incident in which the CBI officers were stopped by Kolkata Police to quiz Kumar in connection with Saradha scam. The CBI officers were detained and taken into custody by Kolkata Police when they arrived at Kumar's residence to quiz him. The CBI had then approached the apex court seekings its intervention in this case.

In his affidavit, Kumar said he was "subjected to approximately 40 hours of questioning spread over 5 days, from February 9 to February 13" during which he was in Shillong, and "continued to join the investigation, responding to each query truthfully and to his best knowledge, despite the questions being repetitive in nature".



Referring to the February 3 incident, Kumar tried to lay the blame on the CBI, saying that the agency's officials arrived at his residence in a clandestine manner on Sunday with media personnel, "after having gone in media describing me as an absconder, with the sole intent to harass me and tarnish my reputation and impeccable service record".



(with PTI inputs)
New Delhi: The past five days have plunged India into a shadow of gloom from which there has been a nation-wide outrage. In just these few days, the country has lost 45 brave souls due to the dastardly actions of terrorist organisations supported by Pakistan. And Pakistan remains in denial mode even as India continues to pile on the pressure.

The shocking and extremely unfortunate attack on a CRPF convoy in J&K's Pulwama district last Thursday led to 40 troopers being martyred. The attack was almost immediately claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a notorious terrorist organisation supported by Pakistan. Even as India was coming to terms with the tragedy, Major Chitresh Singh Bisht lost his life while trying to diffuse an IED planted by terrorists near the LoC in Naushera district. His mortal remains reached his native place in Dehradun on Monday - just 19 days before he was to get married.

Monday also saw Jaish terrorists engage the Indian Army in a gunbattle in Pinglan area of Pulwama district. Four soldiers, including a Major, lost their lives.

And through these tumultuous few days, Pakistani forces have violated ceasefire a number of times - a blatant example of its unrepentant outlook.

At a time when India has moved into top gear to punish Pakistan, Islamadad feigns ignorance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that not a drop of tear would go in vain and that Indian security forces have been given full freedom to retaliate. India has also revoked the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status given to Pakistan which could further hit its already crumbling economy. There is also a move to isolate Pakistan globally.

And while India goes into overdrive against Pakistan, there are others too looking to pile on the pressure. Iran has warned Pakistan of severe consequences after Pakistan-based terrorists killed 27 of its elite Revolutionary Guards. Afghanistan too has approached the UN Security Council against Islamabad's invite to Taliban for talks.

Here are three countries that are absolutely enraged by Pakistan's nefarious designs and its habit of waging proxy wars through terrorists. The call for even more severe steps against Pakistan is gaining momentum - especially in India. Political parties here have rallied behind the government while people are out in the streets in several cities, demanding that the fallen martyrs be avenged in the strongest possible manner. Many of the family members of the martyred bravehearts too have said that only the strictest possible action against Pakistan would suffice for them.
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has sought response from the Enforcement Directorate on the bail plea of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah, arrested in a decade-old money laundering case for alleged terror financing.

The application was moved before Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora on the ground of parity after the Delhi High Court recently granted bail to co-accused and alleged hawala dealer Mohammad Aslam Wani in the case.

The court has directed ED's Special Public Prosecutor N K Matta to file a reply to Shah's application by February 23, when the court will hear the matter.

The application submitted that the accused was wrongly and falsely implicated in the case.

Advocate M S Khan moved the bail application on behalf of Shah, saying that Wani has already been granted bail and that there was lack of evidence against Shah.

The case was registered in 2007 for the alleged offence committed in 2005 and the accused was arrested on July 25, 2017.

"The petitioner is a respectable person and is a known political leader and the allegations levelled against him are motivated and based on falsehood," the application said.

It further claimed that Shah, who is in judicial custody and lodged in Tihar central jail, Delhi, was "innocent, having deep roots in the society and a permanent resident of Srinagar and, therefore, there is no chance of absconding or tempering with the prosecution evidence".

The court had in August 2017 denied bail to Shah after ED submitted that it was probing whether he had received money from "enemy countries" like Pakistan to promote terrorism in India.

Shah was arrested in connection with the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Wani, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani, out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies such as the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders, arresting Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh -- and several other Kashmiri separatists.
BENGALURU: BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday said that charge of jobless growth leveled by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Narendra Modi's government is factually untrue as Rs 10 lakh crore has been spent by the BJP-led NDA government on the infrastructure sector so far and it has played an important role in creating downstream jobs.

He added that the data of creation of new jobs can be confirmed by looking at EPFO data.

The BJP MP stressed that it seems that Manmohan Singh was referring to the leaked draft survey conducted by National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to prove that his claims on high jobless growth rate are true.

"Manmohan Singh's charge of jobless growth is factually wrong as he has perhaps referred to NSSO data, which simply is a survey, not real data like Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)," PTI quoted Chandrasekhar as saying.

"During the last five years of Modi government public spending in infra sector has been to the tune of Rs 10 lakh crore in roads, ports and railways. All of this is construction, creating downstream jobs," he added.

According to Chandrasekhar, since it is election time, the survey data will be used by some people in a context that suits them ans Singh has done the same.

Claiming that Singh is completely wrong in his claims, Chandrasekhar said that Indian economy is currently in a far stronger place than it was in 2014 when Singh demitted office.

On Sunday, Singh had said: "Let us be clear-our economy is in a far stronger and better place today than it was in 2014 when Dr Singh demitted office. The damaged economy he left behind has been rebuilt slowly and surely and we are on a path of sustainably high growth."

(with PTI inputs)
Description

GIS - 18 February, 2019: The Regional Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Dr Amado Phillip de Andres, lauded Mauritius for being proactive against drug scourge and implementing measures that can be replicated in other countries. The Regional Representative of the

He made this statement, today, following a courtesy call on the Minister Mentor, Minister of Defence, and Minister for Rodrigues, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis.

Dr Amado Phillip de Andres expressed satisfaction regarding the meeting with the Minister Mentor on issues of drugs trafficking and crime, and the measures taken by Mauritius to prevent drug proliferation among consumers and their networks especially in the African and Indian Ocean region.

He pointed out that the United Nations Office in Nairobi is working on how to position Mauritius in areas of cooperation with the private sector in the field of financial technologies. He added that the country has been identified to serve as a platform for crowdfunding in the fight against human trafficking and drug scourge.

Moreover, Dr Amado Phillip de Andres underscored that the Commission on Narcotic Drugs will convene a ministerial segment from 14 to 15 March 2019, with the objective of taking stock of the implementation of the commitments made by Member States to jointly address and counter the world drug problem. During the ministerial segment, the leadership role of Mauritius against the combat of drugs will also be discussed.

A meeting with Heads of the Police Department has also been proposed by the UNODC regarding operational policies in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and criminality.
>>> Central, Central Highland regions asked to fully tap tourism potential

The event gathered over 500 delegates from public agencies and the regions 19 cities and provinces, as well representatives from international organisations, businesses and foreign embassies.

Multiple leading businesses, who are strategic investors contributing strongly to the regional economic development, such as Laguna, Vietjet, Vietravel, Sun Group, Vina Capital and BRG, spent time to share comments at the conference.

Speaking at the event, PM Phuc expressed his wish to develop a tourism development cluster in the Central and Central Highlands regions to maximise the local potential of natural resources.

The regions bring in most of Vietnam's tourism resources, with a range of cultural heritages and diverse cultural treasures, which are qualified to form cultural tourism development groups related to history, ecotourism, hills and caves. The development of tourism into clusters will lead to the growth of other related industries, including infrastructure, aviation, accommodation, banking, insurance, healthcare and security and safety.

PM Phuc also expressed his hope that the local leaders would realise the proposals from experts and businesses to beautify the country's tourism image, thus facilitating the ability to attract investment and promote the efficiency of tourism promotion on a national scale.

The Central and Central Highlands regions are home to a lot of tourist destinations, attracting a large number of domestic and foreign travelers, with huge potential for tourism, especially sea and eco-tourism, thanks to multiple famous mountains, lakes and waterfalls.

In 2018, Vietnam welcomed over 15.5 million international tourists and served 80 million domestic holidaymakers. In particular, the regions welcomed roughly 56 million domestic visitors and more than 9.5 million international tourists, equivalent to approximately 28% of the countrys total. The total tourism revenue was more than VND110 trillion, accounting for around 18.75% of the countrys total.

Aviation is considered an important driving force to promote tourism in the Central Coastal and Central Highlands regions. Don Lam, founder of Vina Capital investment fund, said that it is important to invest in airports and open the sky to develop tourism. According to Don Lam, infrastructure including airport infrastructure is the most important factor in the investment decisions of his business.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, General Director of Vietravel Tourism Company, shared the Vina Capital's leaders views, saying that airline development will surely boost tourism growth. Ky praised the success that Da Nang has achieved due to aviation, while proposing more open policies on aviation and visas for international tourists to create a breakthrough for regional development.

CEO of Vietjet, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, delivered a speech at the conference, sharing impressive figures in terms of the airlines activities in the Central and Central Highlands regions. Accordingly, at 12 airports in 19 provinces and cities in the regions, including Hue, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Dong Hoi, Phu Cat, Chu Lai, Tuy Hoa, Lien Khuong, Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot, Vinh and Thanh Hoa, Vietjet is the pioneer in opening routes to the above local airports, contributing to boosting local tourism and economic development.

Vietjet performs the melodies of Hello Vietnam song across its domestic and international flights. The airline has invested in new, modern, comfortable and safe airplanes with new services, fresh on-board dishes and friendly and careful flight crews.

Vietjet also pioneered in printing Vietnams travel logo on its aircrafts hull. Vietjet aircraft puts on the national flag colours, exploiting nearly 70 international routes to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (China), the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar.

The Vietjet leader said that the airline would continue to work closely with the regional provinces and cities to increase the frequency of flights, promote the opening of more international flights and boost tourism promotion, especially in international markets to 12 airports in 19 provinces and cities in the regions.

Sovico Holdings  a cofounder of Vietjet  is also willing to participate in projects calling for investment, participating in economic development and providing capital for projects, businesses and local people. The Vietjet's CEO said that the central region is a special destination for Sovico as from Furama, she and her colleagues have returned to Vietnam to invest in the fields of tourism, hotels, real estate, finance, banking, aviation and energy, contributing to the country's economic development.
DEHRADUN: India has been plunged into a shadow of gloom in the last five days as the country has lost 45 brave souls due to the dastardly actions of Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The state of Uttarakhand lost four of its brave sons, including two Majors and two CRPF personnel in the last five days, due to terrorism.

On Sunday, Major Chitresh Bist attained martyrdom in an IED blast and on Monday Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal sacrificed his life while fighting against the terrorists in Pulwama.

Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal along with three other soldiers lost his lives in the encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pulwama on Monday. The Indian Army identified the martyrs as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh.

The Army was tipped off on Sunday night that some terrorists were hiding ion Pinglin area of Pulwama. The Army and Jammu and Kashmir police immediately launched a search operation in the area and they managed to trap 2-3 terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

It is notable that JeM is the same terror group which was involved in the ghastly terror attack on CRPF personnel on February 14.

Major Dhoundiyal, 31, was a resident of Neshvilla Road in Dehradun. He was was posted in 55 Rashtriya Rifle. Major Dhoundiyal's father Late Omprakash Dhoundiyal was in Indian Air Force. Major Dhoundiyal got married on April 19, 2018 to Nikita Kaul, who is a Kashmiri pandit. Major Dhoundiyal has three sisters and he was the only brother.

When the Army got the information that the terrorists were hiding in Pulwama then Major Dhoundiyal's company was given the responsibilty to lead the operation to neutralize the JeM terrorists. At around midnight, when Major Dhoundiyal was leading the operation from the front, he got hit by two bullets fired by the terrorists. The injured Major was rushed to Srinagar Base Hospital where he passed away at around 1am. When the news of Major Dhoundiyal's martyrdom reached Dehradun the whole city was once again plunged into mourning.

Commenting on Major Dhoundiyal's martyrdom, Retired Major General S Sabbarwal said that Indian Army will definitely avenge the sacrifices of Arymen from Uttarakhand and other parts of India.

Meanwhile, the last rites of Major Chitresh Bist, who attained martyrdom on Saturday in an IED blast in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, was conducted on Monday in Haridwar.

On Thursday, 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a car loaded with explosives in a bus carrying CPRF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.
New Delhi: FMCG major Nestle India has lined up nearly two-three dozen products that it plans to launch in calender year 2019 across categories in the country to drive its aggressive growth plans, Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan said Monday.

The company, whose 6 percent revenues come from exports, is now looking to tap more overseas markets by targeting countries with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia.

"In 2018, our core brands have performed well...We look forward for greater acceleration as we go forward....We have two-three dozen projects (products) in pipeline for launch in 2019. These products are across categories," Narayanan told reporters.

Reiterating the company's focus on the Indian market, he said, "As an organisation the one clarion call that we are working to is that we are in the business of growth to thrive and not to survive...It is not a survival mode that we look at the opportunity in India or the opportunity for growth..But a thriving mode."

While the domestic market has been driving its growth, Narayanan said Nestle India would now look at expanding its export basket.

The company is looking at tapping overseas market with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia to expand its exports, he added.

Commenting on fake news on nutrition, Narayanan said it was affecting choices and lives of people.

Therefore, Nestle India in partnership with Google, using a chatbot mechanism, will launch a personalised information dissemination website called "Ask Nestle", he added.

"Ask Nestle seeks to be a reliable and anchor platform for nutrition and lifestyle information for customers. India is the only market where this website is being launched," he added.

When asked if the company will in future also link Ask Nestle with its own e-commerce website for selling its products, he said it is a possibility.

"...Going forward it could morph into something bigger in terms of linking up with our own e-commerce intentions, if at all it happens. But today it is only for information sharing, dissemination and helping," he said.

When asked if there has been any impact on sales of Maggi Noodles after Supreme Court revived government's case in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) against Nestle India seeking damages of Rs 640 crore for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements, Narayanan said "No".

When asked if the company is looking for manufacturing capacity expansion, he said: "...This is a question that is coming up with active consultation. That exercise is on but I can not share more at this stage".

Typically, our approach is to augment (capacity) at our existing factories, but it does not rule out a new manufacturing facility, Narayanan said.

Nestle India, at present, has eight factories across the country.

The company also did not rule out evaluating inorganic growth in the country and said it may consider it if any opportunity arises.
Chennai: A prostitution racket that was run at a house here has been busted with the arrest of two persons and three women were rescued, police said Monday.

A special police team raided a house at Seven Wells in the city and nabbed Naresh Kumar and Anand Raj, a police release said.

The duo was produced before a local court which remanded them to judicial custody.

They have been lodged at the Puzhal prison.

Three women, who were involved in the flesh trade, were rescued and sent to a government home for women, the release added.
New Delhi: After the ghastly Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the entire nation is gripped with angst and disgust at the same time. The terror attack left at least 40 CRPF jawans dead and several others critically injured.

As a mark of solidarity, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors working in Hindi movies. ANI tweeted the official announcement letter. Check tweet:

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The letter clearly states that despite the official ban if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artistes, the AICWA will ban them and strict action will be taken against them.

Many Bollywood celebrities have extended their support in the form of monetary assistance to the families of those affected in the attack. After Amitabh Bachchan, Diljit Dosanjh, now the entire team of 'Total Dhamaal' has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack.

On Thursday, February 14, a suicide bomber identified as Adil Ahmad Dar from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district, that left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and several others critically wounded.
United Nation (UN) Human Right experts have called on the government of Ghana to ensure an independent, prompt and transparent investigation into the killing of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.

Hussein-Suale was killed in a cold blood by unknown assailants on January 16, 2019 in Madina, Accra.

The late Ahmed Hussein-Suale (Photo credit: Facebook)

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: President Akufo-Addo to deliver State of the Nations Address on Thursday

He was shot three times, twice in the chest and another in the neck.

As investigation into the killing of Hussein-Suale has started, the UN Human Right experts in a press statement said:

We call on the authorities in Ghana to ensure that the perpetrators of this terrible crime are brought to justice. If a climate of impunity is permitted to prosper in the face of attacks on journalists around the world, we can expect this trend to proliferate, with disastrous consequences for press and media freedom globally."

In a series of television interviews on 29 and 30 May 2018, a member of the Ghanaian parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, revealed Mr. Hussein-Suales identity and called on the public to attack him. He also gave information on the neighbourhood where Mr. Hussein-Suale lived.

When political leaders brand journalists as evil or dangerous, they incite hostility towards them and denigrate their work in the eyes of the public. Such statements have a direct impact on journalists safety and create a hazardous working environment for them, the experts said.

We urge the Government to ensure that any investigation into Mr. Hussein-Suales death includes due analysis of the impact of Mr. Agyapongs actions and any role that they may have played in the killing of Mr. Hussein-Suale.

Hussein-Suales death comes amid an increase in recent years in the number of journalists being murdered worldwide. Dozens were killed in 2018, including Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Meanwhile, six persons have been arrested over the death of murder of investigative journalist, Ahmed Hussein-Suale, the police have confirmed.

The Director General of Police Public Affairs ACP David Senanu Eklu confirmed the arrest on Thursday, February 7, 2019, stating that the suspects were interrogated and placed on bail.

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GIS  18 February, 2019: The re-enlightenment of knowledge for a peaceful world through the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most influential guide in eastern philosophy that spreads the eternal message of spiritual wisdom from ancient India , was the focus of a four-day International Gita Mahotsav hosted for the first time in Mauritius. The closing ceremony of the event was held on Friday 15 February 2019 at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Centre in Pailles.

Several personalities were present among whom the Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Paramasivum Pillay Vyapoory, the Minister Mentor, Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, and the Chief Minister of Haryana, India, Mr Manohar Lal.

In his keynote address, Sir Anerood Jugnauth spoke about how the International Gita Mahotsav bears testimony to the special nature of the relationship that exists between Mauritius and India. He praised the bonds of kinship along with the religious and cultural values that unite the two countries while acknowledging that Mauritius is proud of its multiethnic and multilingual society.

The Minister Mentor also shed light on the significance of the Bhagavad Gita and emphasised that it remains the ultimate guide to humanity. It is a universal lighthouse leading to the best spiritual endowment, he stated. Furthermore, he indicated that it is a historical fact that the Bhagavad Gita has in so many ways shaped the historical and social fabric of the Mauritian society.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth expressed interest in the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita and advised one and all to be guided by its principles namely: talk truthfully, walk dutifully and act righteously. He urged the younger generation to read and respect the values of the Bhagavad Gita and to apply them in their daily lives. Those teachings, he pointed out, will definitely empower young people with new energy to continuously fight evils on a personal and patriotic level.

For his part, Minister Roopun stated that together, Mauritius and India, have laid the first step towards a global recognition of the Bhagavad Gita by organising the International Gita Mahotsav. The first International Gita Mahotsav, he further recalled, has been held for the first time outside of India.

The International Gita Mahotsav

The event, spread from 13 to 16 February 2019, was a joint initiative of the India-Mauritius Trade and Cultural Friendship Forum, the State Government of Kurukshetra, the Kurukshetra Development Board of Haryana, the State Government of Tripura and socio-cultural organisations in Mauritius.

A series of activities including an exhibition on Bhagavad Gita, a two-day seminar on the theme Gita as an epitome of peace, brotherhood and humanity and a Mahayajna were scheduled. Some 300 delegates from overseas attended the International Gita Mahotsav and the side-events.
The continuous reports of the weakening property market may have rattled many people, but using a strategic property plan will help in overcoming the current hurdles in the sector.

Harry Triguboff, one of the top property billionaires in the country, for instance, remains calm about the markets bleak situation even though he has more at stake than most in the industry.

If prices fall, Ill buy the land cheaper. As long as you dont lose your cool. You have to look at things in the longer term, he told Bloomberg.

Triguboff has assets worth $13 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and he plans to continue expanding his business even as the downturn in the Sydney property market gets worse.

Data showed that national home prices dropped 5.6% in the year through January, making it the biggest annual decline since 1983, according to data from CoreLogic. The hardest hit was Triguboffs hometown of Sydney, where prices slid 12% from their mid-2017 peak.

Drops in Sydney prices are expected to continue until mid-2020, and are set to bottom out at 20% below their peak, according to Ben Udy, an economist at Capital Economics. In addition, the fall could hurt the apartment market.

Triguboff, though, is unfazed by the dwindling values. He was able to rise above several slumps in the past, including one of his notable challenges in the mid-1970s when debts almost paralysed his business and projects had to be funded from his own reserves.

We build at the same rate, he told Bloomberg.

The key to his confidence? The flexibility in his strategy. Triguboff builds apartments for the sale, rental and short-stay markets, and alters the amount of stock made available depending on where the demand is strongest, according to Bloomberg.

Meriton, his company, has 9,000 units available for rent. It is envisioned to expand to 10,000 units by 2020. Its Meriton Suites division is the largest owner of hotel rooms in the country.

I dont care whether they lease or they buy. So where leasing is concerned we are very strong. I build 40 units a week and I can lease 150 units a week. So where is the problem? Triguboff told Bloomberg.

When presented with issues that can hamper the growth of his business, such as constraints on foreign buyers and a slowdown from China, Triguboff remains hopeful.

China has more than 1 billion people. And they love Australia. I think they love Australia as much as we love Australia. So there will always be enough of them that will buy, he told Bloomberg.
The impact on housing sentiment of proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax are posing more of a risk to the nations apartment market than the changes themselves, according to an article published by Jones Lang LaSalle.

The Labor Party plans to limit negative gearing on newly built properties, which means that net losses, including interest cost, will be permitted to be offset against an investors total taxable income. At the same time, the tax will be payable on 75% rather than 50% of a propertys capital gain.

These proposals will add more uncertainty to the sector in the short term, said Leigh Warner, JLLs head of residential research for Australia.

Our greatest concern is not so much the potential policy changes themselves, but the impact on already weak sentiment in the two largest apartment markets of Sydney and Melbourne. It is likely to be a very negative election campaign in which these property taxation issues are front and centre, and there is a risk that this could further significantly damage confidence, regardless of whether the debate is based on fact or not, said Warner.

Research revealed that apartment completions for 2019 are likely to decline to 16,000 from 23,200 in the previous year due to tightened mortgage lending, and this forecasted drop suggests that supply from the current construction boom has peaked.

The number of apartment completions may significantly slide over this year, but strong underlying demand growth will pave the way for a relatively fast reestablishment of the equilibrium, according to Warner. This will particularly occur as apartments remain more affordable than houses and the population continues to increase.

There is even a risk that supply will fall too sharply for the countrys booming population growth and that in a few years time we will be talking about us not building enough again, said Warner.

Data showed that there were 40,800 apartments under construction across the countrys five mainland capitals at the end of 2018down from 44,300 in the third quarter of the year.

Sydneys apartment market is yet to bottom out. Gross rental yields were kept stable at about 3.9%, but demand and prices are dropping.

Melbournes apartment market is headed for a downturn, but the citys robust population growth and declining supply should ease the impact.

Brisbanes construction levels, meanwhile, peaked early in 2016, and the market is on a downturn. Development conditions will continue to be restrained for the coming years although apartment rents and capital values are starting to stabilise.

The Perth market is around the bottom of the cycle and is anticipated to rise this year. High levels of supply, though, could keep the market subdued.

Adelaide is anticipated to show signs of slowing, with supply increasing and demand weakening due to the end of the state governments off-the-plan apartment concessions.
By BRYAN HELLIOS

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield  The Wakefield Fire Department held its 10th annual fishing contest on Saturday on Sunday Lake.

Volunteer fireman and chairman of the fishing contest, Mike Singleton, said 101 businesses, or people donated items, or cash.

We have more than $10,000 in prizes to give away and all the kids will definitely get a prize, he said.

The event was started to get kids off the X-Box and experience the outdoors, and in the process, raise money for needed equipment, he said.

The fire department plans to purchase air bottles and other equipment with money raised at the event.

The fishing contest is the fire departments largest fundraiser. Last year the contest raised about $14,000, he added.

This is a 4-hour event and to be able to raise that much in 4 hours is overwhelming, he said.

With only four hours to catch a fish, Stephan Raymond used an app for his phone to find the lakes depth, its currents and the terrain of the lake bed.

He said the app is helpful because it gives him a good idea where the fish might be so he can pick out the best spot on the lake.

Last year we caught a legal northern pike and came in third, he said.

Singleton was out on the ice before the contest started to set up his ice shanty and drill holes through the lakes roughly foot-and-a-half of ice, so his son and niece could start fishing right after hearing the woop woop of the firetrucks siren which signaled the start of the contest.

His niece, Kennedy Ikola, said the only time she fishes is during this contest. She moved her rod up-and-down to try and entice a fish to bite on her jig, but soon became too cold and wanted to quit.

My feet are freezing, she said.

Singletons wife swapped socks with her niece, giving her a nice warm pair of alpaca socks.

Ikola sat back down by her fishing hole and happily munched away on some chips while she watched her pole.

For kids who needed more than an extra pair of socks to warm up, the Wakefield VFW donated the use of its building for the contest. The inside of the VFW was filled with prizes, food and other activities for kids to do while they warmed up.

Ashley Hellman and her husband were grabbing a bite to eat while their daughter got her face painted. Hellman said she was originally from Ironwood, but moved to Virginia and has not been back for home for 25 years.

We came up her to surprise my dad for his birthday, she said.

She enjoyed watching her kids ice fish for the first time.

I grew up doing this, Hellman said. They dont know, they live the city and beach life, they dont know any thing about this.
YORK  Thursday the York Lions Club made sure the next generation saw the American flag as more than a colorful piece of cloth; rather, a proud symbol of the United States.

For over 30 years, the York Lions Club has presented Flag Appreciation Day to area elementary school students. This year, five schools brought students to York High Schools auditorium to learn about the United States proud symbol.

Guest speaker Nebraska U.S. National Guard Capt. David Easterday gave an audience-participation presentation. He spoke about the history of the American flag, enlightening the kids about the symbolism behind each element and offered little-known facts about the flag.

Easterday said while serving in the deserts of the Middle East, he fully realized the power of the American flag.

Returning to base from a particularly dangerous mission, he caught sight of the American flag. I felt at peace because it reminded me of home, he said.

Its that feeling he said makes up the true meaning of our nations symbol. The flag is not magic, he said. What it represents is whats so important.
A migrant worker employed by the Presidents Residence to care for the first lady Nechama Rivlin has turned out to not have the proper documents to allow her to work legally.

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The presidents wifes medical condition has worsened recently and an assistant was hired via an agency. However, a few months after being hired, it was revealed by Channel 13 that the home aid lacked proper documentation.

Reuven and Nechama Rivlin (Photo: Gadi Kablo)

The law states that a foreign worker is only allowed to work for the individual he or she was originally hired to care for. Upon their passing, the worker is to return to their home country. But many workers ignore that clause and remain to work for another family.

The agency that hired the aid was supposed to vet her to determine her legal status but apparently failed to do so appropriately. The woman did however undergo a Shin Bet security clearance check before beginning work at the residence.

The president and his wife were unaware of the aids status and as soon as they found out that she was illegal they turned to the relevant Interior Ministry department to solve the issue.

Initially the woman was instructed to return home but due to Mrs. Rivlins medical condition, she is being allowed to remain at the residence until a suitable replacement is found.
Speaking at a gathering of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that anti-Zionism is the new anti-Semitism that needs to be condemened.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned the closing of the Temple Mounts Gate of Mercy leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque claiming that it is a violation of the status quo. The gate was closed earlier for three hours after some Muslim congregants tried to force their way into the complex and were arrested.
At first glance, it looks impressive. The long line of public officials who came to pay a condolence call and comfort the family of Ori Ansbacher from Tekoa portrayed a feeling of national unity. During their moment of anguish and pain, senior government officials came to empathize with a family that lost their daughter to a cruel killer.

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But on second thought, the image is one of fake sympathy. There was something very disturbing in the photos. Would all the party heads have come to pay respects had there not been elections on the horizon? Would they have expressed the same level of empathy if we were not in the midst of an intense elections campaign? I think the answer is no.

Gantz visits Ansbacher family

Benjamin Netanyahu led his political adversary into a trap. Netanyahu knows that grieving families enjoy widespread consensus and strike a raw nerve among Israeli society. Not for nothing does he routinely remind the public that he himself lost his brother in battle. His presence at the home of the bereaved family in Tekoa obliged the rest of the political players to do the same, or risk being seen as cold, detached and unpatriotic. And when they do come, they will be accused of cynically using the families grief for their own political ends.

President Rivlin pays condolence call to family of Sgt. Yosef Cohen (Photo: GPO)

Netanyahu regularly pays condolence calls to bereaved families, not just during election season. He is not the first prime minister to do so. One of the more prominent of such visits was that of Ariel Sharon to the family of terror victim Gilad Zar in 2001. Sharon sat in respectful silence as the family poured out their wrath at the prime minister for purportedly not doing enough to prevent their sons murder.

President Ezer Weizmann was the first president to pay condolence calls to the families of IDF soldiers who died in service. The three subsequent presidents also did the same. But it begs the question: granted, the president and prime minister are symbols of the state, but what do other politicians have to do with such affairs?

The truth is that they have no good reason other than the desire to squeeze another drop of public relations out of the visit. And if they reject the criticism and insist that as public officials they feel an obligation to come and pay their respects, then they should leave the cameras outside.

Politicians live by the rule: if it wasnt photographed, it didnt happen. When they visit bereaved families with a line of cameras in tow, they are turning the family into a campaign prop. If they are sincere in their sympathy, they ought to maintain a low profile and leave the cameras outside.
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Inventiva Announces Results From Phase IIb Clinical Trial with Lanifibranor in Systemic Sclerosis

Primary endpoint of the trial was not met, no statistically significant difference between the placebo and lanifibranor treated groups for the primary outcome



Favorable safety profile of lanifibranor observed



Decision to discontinue further developments in the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis ("SSc")



Unchanged focus on lanifibranor's development for the treatment of NASH along with Inventiva's pipeline of product candidates



Trial results to be presented during 2018 full-year results conference call and webcast on February 27, 2019

Daix (France), February 18, 2019 - Inventiva (Euronext: IVA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing oral small molecule therapies for the treatment of diseases in the areas of fibrosis, lysosomal storage disorders and oncology, today announced the results from the FASST (For A Systemic Sclerosis Treatment) clinical trial evaluating lanifibranor for the treatment of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis ("dcSSc"), a rare, progressive autoimmune, rheumatic disease with frequent serious adverse events and high unmet medical need.

The FASST clinical trial, a one-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase IIb study, included 145 patients suffering from the early phase of dcSSc, who received lanifibranor in either two doses of 400mg per day or two doses of 600mg per day over 48 weeks in addition to their existing standard of care, which in most cases included immunosuppressive therapy.

The FASST clinical trial did not meet its primary endpoint of a mean absolute change from baseline to week 48, relative to placebo, in the modified Rodnan Skin Score ("mRSS"), which assesses skin thickness across 17 defined points on the body on a scale of zero, indicating normal skin, to three, indicating severe thickness. There was a decrease in the average mRSS observed in active and placebo arms with only four patients reporting to have increases in mRSS scores over the course of the trial.

800mg lanifibranor 1200mg lanifibranor Placebo Number of patients 49 48 48 Mean baseline mRSS (SD[1]) 18.2 (3.8) 17.8 (3.9) 17.1 (-3.7) Mean absolute change of mRSS from baseline to week 48 (SD3) -3.7 (4.2) -4.3 (5.0) -4.9 (4.6)

While the trial did not meet any of the secondary endpoints, lanifibranor showed a favorable trend in patients' global assessment of disease activity with a mean absolute change in visual analog scale[2] (p=0.08) from baseline versus placebo indicating a perceived benefit by patients.

Within this fragile and poly-medicated population, lanifibranor was observed to be associated with a favorable safety profile, with no adverse interactions with immunosuppressive background therapies observed. The proportion of patients with at least one adverse event was similar across the three patient groups.

As reported in established literature, patients in the early phase of SSc population have an increased susceptibility to edema.[3] In the FASST clinical trial, fluid retention was observed related to lanifibranor but was only judged severe in one patient in each dose group, and a single serious adverse event of peripheral edema was observed at the highest lanifibranor dose. Furthermore, no cardiac or renal safety concerns were observed in the trial.

Yannick Allanore, co-principal investigator of the FASST clinical trial and professor of rheumatology at the Hopital Cochin in Paris, commented: "The FASST clinical trial was well-conducted and represents the first study in dcSSc with a stratified background on immunosuppressive therapy. It appears that the presence of background therapy produced a strong placebo effect and limited the number of patients progressing in dcSSc."

Professor Christopher Denton, co-principal investigator of the FASST clinical trial and professor at the University College of London, added: "We regret the study results but we are satisfied both by lanifibranor patients' well-being, expressed in their global assessment, and lanifibranor's favorable safety profile observed in the trial, including in combination with immunosuppressive drugs."

Based on the FASST clinical trial results, Inventiva plans to discontinue lanifibranor's clinical development for the treatment of dcSSc in order to fully focus on the development of lanifibranor for the treatment of NASH, of odiparcil for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), and of YAP-TEAD in the field of oncology.

Frederic Cren, Chairman and CEO of Inventiva, said: "We are disappointed by the results of the FASST clinical trial in dcSSc, a challenging disease as evidenced by the recent failure of three other late-stage trials. While we have decided to discontinue the lanifibranor program in SSc, we are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of patients, caregivers, investigators and our team to this program. We remain confident in lanifibranor's unique mechanism of action and will therefore continue to move forward, as planned, with its clinical development in the treatment of NASH. Beyond lanifibranor, we have a promising and diversified development pipeline, backed by a strong discovery engine, notably with odiparcil for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses, and look forward to the upcoming clinical milestones."

Results presentation

Inventiva's management team will present the trial results in the context of the Company's 2018 full-year results which will be published on Wednesday February 27, 2018 at 5:45 pm (Paris time).

On that occasion, the Company will host a conference call in English at 6:15 pm (Paris time). The conference call will be simultaneously webcast and accessible on Inventiva's website in the "Investors" - "Financial Results & Presentations" section. A replay of the conference call and webcast will also be available following the event.

More details on the conference call and webcast will be provided in the Company's 2018 full-year results' press release.

About the FASST Phase IIb trial

The FASST (For A Systemic Sclerosis Treatment) clinical trial was a one-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IIb clinical trial evaluating lanifibranor in the treatment of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis ("dcSSc"), which affects approximately 35% of patients with systemic sclerosis ("SSc"). The primary endpoint of the trial was a mean absolute change from baseline to week 48 in the modified Rodnan Skin Score ("mRSS"), which assesses skin thickness across 17 defined points on the body on a scale of zero, indicating normal skin, to three, indicating severe thickness. The mRSS is a clinically validated and FDA-accepted endpoint measuring the evolution of skin fibrosis, which is known to be correlated with internal organ fibrosis. In addition, secondary endpoints for the trial included changes in forced vital capacity ("FVC"), which is an FDA-accepted endpoint measuring pulmonary function, overall progression of the disease (assessed as the absence of rescue therapy and of severe organ involvement, such as kidney failure), changes in gastrointestinal health, and safety.

About lanifibranor

Lanifibranor, Inventiva's lead product candidate, is an orally-available small molecule that acts to induce anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and beneficial metabolic changes in the body by activating all three peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ("PPAR") isoforms, which are well characterized nuclear receptor proteins that regulate gene expression. Lanifibranor is a PPAR agonist that is designed to target all three PPAR isoforms in a moderately potent manner, with a well balanced activation of PPARalpha and PPARdelta, and a partial activation of PPARgamma. While there are other PPAR agonists that target only one or two PPAR isoforms for activation, lanifibranor is the only pan PPAR agonist in clinical development. Inventiva believes that lanifibranor's moderate and balanced pan PPAR binding profile contributes to the favorable safety and tolerability profile that has been observed in clinical trials and pre clinical studies to date.

Inventiva is currently evaluating lanifibranor in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH"), a common and progressive chronic liver disease, for which there is currently no approved therapy.

About Systemic Sclerosis

SSc is a rare, progressive and debilitating chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease that is characterized by microvascular damage, dysregulation of the immune system and generalized fibrosis in multiple organs. As such, SSc affects the skin, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, with the impairments of the internal organs the most disabling and life-threatening manifestations of the disease.

It causes patients to suffer from major disability, significantly impaired quality of life and shorter life expectancy, primarily due to organ failure. SSc is potentially fatal, with the cause typically being cardio-respiratory failure. SSc patients have a greater mortality rate than patients with any other rheumatic disease. The prevalence of SSc is estimated to be 154 people per million in each of the United States and Europe and women are five times more likely than men to develop the disease.

As of today, there are no approved treatments for SSc.

Contacts

Inventiva

Frederic Cren

Chairman & CEO

info@inventivapharma.com

+33 3 80 44 75 00

Brunswick

Yannick Tetzlaff / Aude Hillion

Media relations

inventiva@brunswickgroup.com

+33 1 53 96 83 83

LifeSci Advisors

Monique Kosse

Investor relations

monique@lifesciadvisors.com

+1 212 915 3820

About Inventiva

Inventiva is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral small molecule therapies for the treatment of diseases with significant unmet medical needs in the areas of fibrosis, lysosomal storage disorders and oncology.

Leveraging its expertise and experience in the domain of compounds targeting nuclear receptors, transcription factors and epigenetic modulation, Inventiva is currently advancing two clinical candidates - lanifibranor and odiparcil in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis ("NASH") and mucopolysaccharidosis ("MPS"), respectively, as well as a deep pipeline of earlier stage programs.

Lanifibranor, its lead product candidate, is being developed for the treatment of patients with NASH, a common and progressive chronic liver disease. Inventiva is currently evaluating lanifibranor in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of this disease for which there are currently no approved therapies.

Inventiva is also developing odiparcil, a second clinical stage asset, for the treatment of patients with MPS, a group of rare genetic disorders. The Company is currently investigating odiparcil in a Phase IIa clinical trial for the treatment of adult patients with the MPS VI subtype.

In parallel, Inventiva is in the process of selecting an oncology development candidate for its Hippo signaling pathway program and is advancing pre clinical programs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ("IPF") in collaboration with AbbVie Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH respectively. AbbVie is investigating ABBV 157, a clinical development candidate resulting from its collaboration with Inventiva, in a Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Both collaborations entitle Inventiva to receive milestone payments upon the achievement of pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestones, in addition to royalties on any approved products resulting from the partnerships.

The Company has a scientific team of approximately 90 people with deep expertise in the fields of biology, medicinal and computational chemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology. It also owns an extensive library of approximately 240,000 pharmacologically relevant molecules, 60% of which are proprietary, as well as a wholly owned research and development facility.

Inventiva is a public company listed on compartment C of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Euronext: IVA - ISIN: FR0013233012). www.inventivapharma.com

Important Notice

This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates with respect to the clinical development plans, business and regulatory strategy, and anticipated future performance of Inventiva and of the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. Such statements are not historical facts but rather are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs. These statements reflect such views and assumptions prevailing as of the date of the statements and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause future results, performance or future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond Inventiva's control. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline product candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. Therefore, actual results may turn out to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

Please refer to the "Document de reference" filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers on April 13, 2018 under

n R.18-013 for additional information in relation to such factors, risks and uncertainties.

Inventiva has no intention and is under no obligation to update or review the forward-looking statements referred to above. Consequently, Inventiva accepts no liability for any consequences arising from the use of any of the above statements.









[1] Standard Deviation

[2] The visual analog scale (VAS) corresponds to a global assessment of wellbeing by patients in the last month of treatment.

[3] Cosimo Bruni, Tracy Frech, et al. "Vascular Leaking, a Pivotal and Early Pathogenetic Event in Systemic Sclerosis: Should the Door be Closed?", Frontiers in Immunology, 2018, (9): 1-9.





Attachment
At the beginning of the first intifada, some 30 years ago, Fatah members in a West Bank town hanged a collaborator with Israel from a high-voltage pole. As a punitive measure, the local IDF commander decided to remove the electricity poles. The outcome: the government of Israel spent a million shekels on fixing the electricity in the area.

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Three decades have passed since then, and generations of Israeli decision-makers have come and gone, but the wise men of Chelm never change. On Sunday, the Israeli government discussed how to implement a previously reached decision to cut NIS 500 million a year from Palestinian tax revenues, on the grounds that a similar sum is paid to the families of security prisoners jailed in Israel.

The government's decision seems logical at first glance. In order to punish these murderers and deter others from going down the same path, Israel cannot possibly support them or their families. But reality has its own logic, and Israel will not only eventually have to transfer the money to the Palestinians, but it will also have to pay interest on it. It is the electricity pole all over again.

Handing out Qatari money in Gaza (Photo: AFP)

The Palestinian Authority starts 2019 with a deficit of NIS 3 billion, out of an annual budget of NIS 18.5 billion. This deficit is mainly down the fact that the US has stopped pumping $1 billion directly and indirectly to the PA. Add to that the half billion shekels that will be deducted from Israel's tax rebate and the Palestinians are starting the year with a budget deficit of 30-40 percent. This means that PA currently has no real capacity to keep all of its mechanisms running.

Such a situation translates to massive dismissals of civil servants  doctors, teachers, policemen and so on. The UN's relief agency for the Palestinians, UNRWA, begins the year with a deficit of $527 million: none of its clinics will open, and it will not provide food donations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In 2018, UNRWA managed to make up the shortfall from the US with international donations. This year, however, the donors are hardly queuing up.

On January 31, the Americans cut $35 million of the $61 million they were giving to the Palestinian security forces. There was no money for training, equipment, fuel or ammunition, so they sat at home. Hospitals in Gaza no longer have antibiotics, because Abbas cut the health budget to the Strip by NIS 150 million. Does anyone seriously believe this will pass quietly?

And when the PA is dealt a blow in Ramallah, the backlash comes from Gaza. While the PA has declared that it would give its very last dollar to the families of the prisoners, it has already decided to stop paying salaries to the families of 1,700 Hamas prisoners from both Gaza and the West Bank. At the same time, it cut salaries for another 5,000 civil servants in Gaza, considered to be loyal to Mohammed Dahlan, Fatah's former strongman in Gaza and Abbas ally turned foe.

Palestinian protests on the Gaza border with Israel (Photo: Reuters)

Now this saga is threatening to deliver a death blow to the Gazan economy. These numbers have one outcome: unrest. People will not be working, they will take to the streets, and Israel will be the address for all expressions of discontent. This will inevitably lead to the government in Jerusalem scrambling to find a way to restore the calm, at any price. No one wants another intifada, and certainly not in an election year.

It is no wonder that Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the decision to deduct the sums going to prisoners' families from the PA tax refunds, citing bureaucracy. The decision to withhold the money was made in July last year, was supposed to be implemented in January, but was somehow discussed again Sunday in light of the April 9 elections.

Meanwhile, Israel can at least be satisfied with the fact that the financial crisis has forced Hamas to cut its propaganda branches. Dozens of employees of the Al-Quds television channel have received letters of dismissal, Hamas's Al-Aqsa TV is not paying its workers' salaries, and prominent websites have been shut down. But no one in Israel can predict what will happen in another three months, when Qatari millions are no longer being poured into the Gaza Strip.

On the one hand, the Israeli defense establishment insists that a military solution is destructive, but on the other hand, the Israeli government is exacerbating the economic crisis in the territories, which means a crisis in civilian welfare. The outcome of this is clear: Israel will be back to square one, pay compound interest on the withheld funds, and also endure public condemnation for its efforts.
The American Jewish Committee says it hopes years of reconciliation work between Poland and Israel will not be undone by a new dispute over the Holocaust.

American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris said Monday that "competing historical narratives" had strained the two countries' relations before.

Harris says such disputes usually result from "varying assessments of the magnitude of anti-Semitism in Poland, especially before and during World War II."

But he said it was important for public officials in Israel and Poland to choose their words carefully and not to let disagreements "escalate out of control."

Noting that Poland was a center of Jewish life for centuries, Harris said: "1,000 years of Jewish presence on Polish soil cannot be reduced to a single headline or sound bite."
AMMAN - Twin explosions in the bustling centre of the rebel-held northwestern Syrian city of Idlib on Monday killed at least 15 people and injured scores, medics and witnesses said.

They said an explosive device planted in a parked car detonated in a main street in the provincial capital. Many of the casualties were civil defence workers who reached the site moments before a second explosion nearby. That blast was attributed by some witnesses to a bomb rigged to a motorcyle.

Social media footage showed aid workers carrying away bodies and rescuing wounded civilians amid smouldering wreckage.

Idlib province, in Syria's northwest corner, is under the control of Hayat Tahrir al Sham, a bloc of Islamist militant factions spearheaded by Syria's former al Qaeda affiliate, and has long been targeted by bombings and assassinations.

Alliance commanders say they hundreds of people have been rounded up for suspected links to Syrian President Bashar al Assad's intelligence services or Islamic State sleeper cells who they blame for some of the bombings.

They say the wave of blasts in the densely populated region, a haven for tens of thousands of civilians opposed to Assad's rule, aims to destabilise the last opposition bastion remaining after almost eight years of civil war.
Police have arrested five Muslims for breaking and entering the Temple Mount complex via a locked, unauthorized gateway.
A platoon commander from the IDF's religious Netzah Yehuda battalion was indicted on Sunday for not stopping his soldiers from severely beating two Palestinian detainees while they were handcuffed and blindfolded.

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According to the indictment filed against the lieutenant by the Military Advocate General, his offenses include failing to prevent the assault, causing serious injury through negligence and inappropriate behavior due to not fulfilling his duties as an IDF officer.

The incident took place earlier this month during a manhunt for As'am Barghouti, who shot dead two soldiers from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion at the Giv'at Asaf outpost in the West Bank in December. The two Palestinians were arrested on suspicion they helped Barghouti and his brotherwho were also involved in a deadly terror attack near Ofra Junctionevade capture. Five soldiers from the battalion were indicted last month with aggravated abuse and aggravated battery.

IDF platoon commander brought to court

"The commander saw that his soldiers were violently assaulting the Palestinian detainees while they were handcuffed and blindfolded. Yet he did not intervene, and allowed the beating to continue," the Military Advocate General said in the indictment. The officer was suspended immediately following the incident.

According to legal sources in the military, this is a precedent-setting indictment because the officer didnt actively participate in the violence nor did he initiate it. During his questioning, the officer also claimed to have asked the soldiers to stop the violence, a testimony which was corroborated by one of the soldiers.

In his testimony the officer also claimed that he wasnt aware of the violence being committed by his subordinates as he was sitting in the front seat of the vehicle, which was separated from the back seatwhere the assault occurredby a partition. In addition, he claimed loud music that was blaring inside the car prevented him from hearing the what was happening. A video filmed during the incident appears to reinforce the officers claims.

The indictment, however, was filed in order to convey a message to other officers and military commanders that taking decisive action against improper conduct encountered by their subordinates is an integral part of the job.

The indictment was filed after the parties involved tried to reach a plea deal that would include a conviction and a short-term prison sentence but not a criminal record. In the wake of the indictment, the platoon commander is expected to either leave the military or be discharged.
The planned five-way summit in Jerusalem between Israel and four Central European nationsknown as the Visegrad groupwas cancelled Monday after Poland withdrew from the conference in protest at remarks about his countrys role in the Holocaust.

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With the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers already in Israel, bilateral meetings will take place instead, according to announcements by Czech Prime Minister Andrei Babis and Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon.

There will be no full V4 meeting, Nahshon said in a text message, using a term for the central European bloc. Three PMs are arriving and will hold meetings with (Israels) PM.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: Reuters)

Poland's prime minister canceled plans for his country to send a delegation to meeting in Jerusalem on Monday after the acting Israeli foreign minister said that Poles "collaborated with the Nazis" and "sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had touted the meeting as an important step in his outreach to the countries of Central Europe, which have pro-Israeli governments that he is counting on to counter the criticism Israel typically faces in international forums.

The developments mark a new low in a bitter conflict between Poland and Israel over how to remember and characterize Polish actions toward Jews during the German occupation of Poland in World War II.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had already announced Sunday that he was pulling out of the meeting after a comment by Netanyahu last week about Polish cooperation with Nazis.

Morawiecki cancelled Polish participation altogether after comments made by Israel's acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, which he denounced as "racist" and "absolutely unacceptable."

Poland's Foreign Ministry also summoned the Israeli ambassador, Anna Azari, to demand a second set of clarifications in recent days.

Monday's development marks a deterioration of a spat that began last Thursday when Netanyahu said: "Poles cooperated with the Nazis."

Netanyahu's office said he was misquoted. The Polish government first summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday but said it was not satisfied with the explanation of the Israeli leader being quoted incorrectly.

Israel's acting foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, made his remarks Sunday in an interview on Reshet 13 TV.

Yisrael Katz (Photo: Emil Selman)

"I am the son of Holocaust survivors," he said, in his first day in the new job. "The memory of the Holocaust is not something to compromise about. It is obvious. We will not forget, and we will not forgive."

He then vowed that no one would change the historical truth of what happened.

"Poles collaborated with the Nazis, definitely. Collaborated with the Nazis. As (former Israeli Prime Minister) Yitzhak Shamir saidhis father was murdered by Poleshe said that from his point of view they sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk. You can't sugarcoat this history," he said.

Poland was the first occupation of Adolf Hitler's regime and never had a collaborationist government. Members of Poland's resistance and government-in-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected ample evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews fleeing the Nazis, or Polish blackmailers who preyed on the Jews for financial gain.
LONDON -- Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left."

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The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner "The Independent Group."





Labour MPs announce their departure from the party (Photo: Getty)

Jewish MP Berger said that she could not remain a member of a party that is institutionally anti-Semitic and said the decision to leave had been difficult, painful but necessary."

She accused the Labour leadership of failing to address hatred directed at the party's Jewish members.

"I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry and intimidation," she said.

MP Luciana Berger announces her departure from Labour (Photo: Reuters)

The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with party leader Jeremy Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide.

"The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

"Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say."

Corbyn, a self-styled peace campaigner, has been accused by numerous lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became leader in 2015.

Jeremy Corbyn at the grave of the Munich massacre mastermind

The Labour leader, whose anti-Israel stance is no secret, last year denied visiting the graves of the terrorists behind the massacre of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Massacre, but photos published by the Daily Mail days later showed him at a 2014 memorial service in Tunisia for members of the Black September terror organization that carried out the murders.

In photos taken a year before Corbyn was elected as the leader of the Labour Party, he is seen holding a wreath over the grave of Atef Bseiso, the head of intelligence for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), who helped plan the attack at the Munich Olympics, which claimed the lives of 11 Israeli athletes.

A source close to Corbyn insisted to the Daily Mail that the 2014 service he attended commemorated the 47 Palestinians killed in an Israeli air strike on a Tunisian PLO base in 1985.

Brexit frustrations

A Labour source close to the group of seven said earlier Monday that the departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament.

His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do.

Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 percent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks.

Corbyn said in a response to the departures: "I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."
Following the recent diplomatic incident that took place when several Israeli officials said Poles cooperated with Nazi Germany during WWII, a close associate to Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Monday that Poland is considering calling back its ambassador in Israel.

There is a consensus in Poland that a very grave thing happened here, and we cant be silent about it, the close associate said.

Earlier Monday, the Israeli ambassador in Warsaw Anna Azari was summoned for a talk, after acting foreign minister Yisrael Katz said Poles are Poles suckle anti-Semitism from their mothers milk."
The Israeli government announced Sunday it is deducting some half a billion shekels from the tax money Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, due to PA payment of terrorists' salaries. But an official report produced by the Palestinian finance ministry shows the PA allocated more than double that amount to families of "martyrs" (who died while carrying out an attack) in 2018, which Israel has apparently ignored.

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The law to deduct terrorists' salaries was passed in July 2018. Under the law, which was sponsored by MKs Elazar Stern (Yesh Atid) and Avi Dichter (Likud), money that would otherwise go to pay stipends to roughly 35,000 families of Palestinian terrorists and their families would be automatically frozen in accordance with the Paris Protocolwithout the need for a special approval from the Security Cabinet.

Palestinian security prisoners freed by Israel in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange (Photo: EPA)

The document shows that NIS 550 million went to terrorists jailed by Israel, both previously and currently, in a range of payments calculated according to the length of time prisoners served in Israel. The families of "martyrs" (who died while carrying out an attack), meanwhile, received a total of NIS 687 million.

The government's decision referred only to security prisoners and their families, which explains the differences between the sums Israel decided to deduct from the money it transfers to the PA and the amount of money the Palestinian finance ministry allocated to families of martyrs.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas slammed the move by Israel, calling it is "arbitrary and violates the agreement" between Israel and the PA.

"By deducting Palestinian prisoners' salaries (from PA funds), Israel is robbing the Palestinian people of money that belongs to it, and that is completely unacceptable," Abbas's office said in a statement.

"The Palestinian president stands firm on this issue. The PA wont allow that the livelihood of our heroic prisoners and that of the families of martyrs and wounded be harmed. This decision is arbitrary and violates the Paris Protocol signed in 1994.

"Israel's decision will have far-reaching ramifications on all levels, with the Palestinian leadership making this issue top priority during its upcoming meeting," the statement said.

In addition, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah slammed the move, saying Israel's decision "will disrupt economic development. Nevertheless, we won't trade our rights for money."

"This move is a continuation of Israel's racist behavior, which supports the occupation and impedes the two-state solution," Hamdallah said.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: Reuters)

In 2014, the PA closed its Ministry for Prisoner Affairs amid international furor over the fact that money donated to the PA and used, inter alia, to fund government activities in Ramallah, also reach the ministry responsible for financing terrorists.

Shortly thereafter, the Prisoner Affairs' Authority was established but was seen as a body connected to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) rather than to the PA. And so, the salaries of terrorists and their families were not included in the PA's official budget.

In 2018, the US Senate enacted the Taylor Force Act, freezing flow of aid funds to the Palestinian Authority in attempt to push back against their policy of awarding terrorists and their families with stipends, which led the PA to openly resume their payments to terrorists.

Abbas has already stated several times that salaries given to security prisoners jailed in Israel and families of martyrs would be paid even if Israel decides to deduct funds from tax money meant for the PA. This policy was apparently due to the sensitivity of the matter in the Palestinian society and in an attempt to maintain the stability of his rule.
An already tense diplomatic situation between Israel and Poland took a new downturn Monday, after officials in Warsaw took umbrage at repeated Israeli remarks suggesting Polish complicity in the Holocaust. Polish officials may cancel their planned trip to Israel, the head of the Polish prime minister's office, Michal Dworczyk, said on Monday after similar remarks by new acting Israeli foreign minister Yisrael Katz emerged.

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Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki decided earlier to call off his visit to Israel , sending Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz instead. However, the whole visit could now be cancelled as the diplomatic row deepened.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Reuters)

Dworczyk noted what he described as a "disgraceful" new statement by Katz.

"In the light of this statement, any participation of representatives of the Polish state in the V4 summit in Israel is under a very big question mark," Dworczyk told state ratio. The V4 summit in Israel was a planned gathering of leaders from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.

Acting Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz told Army Radio on Monday that he was in favour of maintaining relations with Poland, but he repeated his earlier opinions.

"Historical truth cannot be changed. Many Poles collaborated with the Nazis and took part in the destruction of the Jews during the Holocaust. ... Anti-Semitism was innate among the Poles before the Holocaust, during it and after it, too," he said.

Yisrael Katz (Photo: Emil Selman)

Before World War Two Poland was home to one of the world's biggest Jewish communities which was almost wiped out by the Nazis.

Many Poles still refuse to accept research showing thousands participated in the Holocaust in addition to the thousands who risked their lives to help the Jews.

Tensions between Israel and Poland ran high last year after Poland introduced new legislation that would have made the use of phrases such as "Polish death camps" punishable by up to three years in prison.

After pressure from the US government and an outcry in Israel, Poland watered down the legislation, removing the prison sentences.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Husch Blackwell is pleased to announce that David M. Stauss will join the firm as a partner in its Denver office. Stauss will serve as the co-leader of the firms Data Security & Privacy team, in addition to representing manufacturing and technology clients in commercial litigation and product liability cases.

Stauss routinely advises clients in preparing for and responding to data breaches and data security incidents. He works proactively with clients to draft incident response plans and address the legal strategic components of war-game scenarios that test an organizations ability to respond to cyberattacks. He has also counseled numerous clients in responding to data breaches, including managing multi-state breach notifications, providing employee training, appearing before regulators, handling disputes arising from cybersecurity issues, and recovering funds lost in illegal wire fraud phishing schemes

Data security and privacy law is a quickly evolving area of great concern to our clients, said Joseph Orlet, the head of Husch Blackwells Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation industry team. David brings to our team a deep engagement with the subject matter and demonstrated excellence in handling these matters for clients, both proactively and in response to crisis.

Stauss is accredited by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) and as a Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), and in 2018 he assisted in drafting Colorados cybersecurity legislation, serving as the outside subject-matter expert for the Colorado Attorney Generals office. In 2018, ColoradoBIZmagazine named Stauss among its Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals.

Stauss is a frequent author and speaker on privacy and cybersecurity and has been quoted in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Cybersecurity Law Report, Law360, Law Week Colorado, Denver Business Journal, and Law Technology News. He has also co-authored Colorado Privacy & Cybersecurity Handbook, the definitive summary of Colorados privacy and cybersecurity statutes, regulations, and case law.

# # #

About Husch Blackwell

Husch Blackwell is an industry-focused law firm with offices in 18 cities across the United States. The firm represent clients around the world in major industries including energy and natural resources; financial services and capital markets; food and agribusiness; healthcare, life sciences and education; real estate, development and construction; and technology, manufacturing and transportation. For more information, visit huschblackwell.com.
Four army soldiers were killed Monday in a gunbattle with militants fighting against Indian rule in disputed Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

Another soldier and a civilian were wounded in the gunbattle, which came after a local Kashmiri militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a paramilitary convoy bus on Thursday, killing at least 40 soldiers in the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmir's history.

The fighting erupted early Monday after government forces surrounded a village in the southern Pulwama area on a tip that militants were hiding there, security officials said. As troops began conducting searches they came under heavy gunfire, leading to fatalities, police said.
US President Donald Trump has yet to release his long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, yet Arab states have already indicated their displeasure with what they believe the plan will entail.

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During last weeks American-led conference in Warsaw on peace and security in the Middle East, which was primarily intended to rally support for further isolating Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan often took center stage. In a recording of remarks he made during the eventwhich was aired on Israeli television Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu cautioned Arab states not to reject the Trump administrations plan before its official unveiling.

Benjamin Netanyahu and VP Mike Pence in Warsaw (Photo: Reuters)

However, the premier sounded a skeptical note of his own, adding: For Israel to be at peace or normalize relations with the broader Arab world, we must have Israel and Palestinian peace, he said. Since peace was not forthcoming, we were stuck with no options.

But things are changing, he continued. Of course, it is true, if we make progress and have formal peace with Palestinians, it will help us with the Arab world When we meet with Arab leaders and we talk about organizing the ability to move in the Middle East, to fly over countries in the Middle East, to have economic relationsthat actually contributes to the achievement of a broad peace and an Israeli-Palestinian peace.

While Jerusalem has been making great gains in establishing economic, military and diplomatic ties with regional states, Arab leaders issued comments at the conference suggesting they favor the first approach, namely, first and foremost, forging peace with the Palestinians.

The sharpest words came from Egyptian President Abdel al-Fatah al-Sisi, who said the failure to reach a fair and final settlement of the Palestinian issue represents the main source of instability in the Middle East. He reiterated his support for the two-state solution along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Netanyahu with Oman's Minister for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi (Photo: GPO)

Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir also emphasized the commonly held belief in his country that solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would then turn down emotions and set the stage for stronger cooperation for countries in the region.

Dr. Yossi Mekelberg, a professor of International Relations at Regents University in London, told The Media Line that the reason Netanyahu wants a peace process is because he learned that such a process can go on forever.

The premier, he said, is not interested in end products. Instead, hes interested in a process with which the region would be satisfied enougha process that seems to be doing something to support the Palestinians.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is not doing anything to support a favorable outcome for Palestinians, Mekelberg said, expressign the belief that Netanyahu has not led a government that is interested in supporting a genuine two-state solution. He accused Netanyahu of seeking the collapse of the Palestinian Authority by supporting cuts to Palestinian aid entities, as well as the US Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act (ATCA), which could bring multimillion-dollar lawsuits against the PA.

Netanyahu with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Shimon Peres' funeral, September 2016 (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

Furthermore, the prime minister has been focused on confronting Iran, suggesting the need for consultation with Arab states which could imply military options, he added. The idea of leading those seeking to confront Iran is his main strategy for securing another mandate in the upcoming Israeli elections.

Mekelberg concludes that there is no sense of urgency for him to make any real progress on the Palestinian issue.

Shehab al-Makahleh, CEO of Geostrategic Media and a Middle East political analyst based in Jordan, told The Media Line that while Netanyahu has been playing up Israels unprecedented deepening of relations with Arab-Gulf governments, which have also been constructively reaching out to find possible points of convergence, the people in these states generally reject the normalization of ties with Israel.





Netanyahu sits beside Yemen's foreign minister in Warsaw (Photo: Itamar Eichner)

What have Israelis done to deserve peace and the normalization of ties? What happened to the Palestinian cause and to Jerusalem? They ask. All of this leads to their full rejection of the shifting focus away from the Palestinian question to other marginal issues of less importance to them, al-Makahleh said.

In response to the Warsaw conference, some Arab activists and media anchors have launched an online campaign against any bids to normalize ties with Israel, especially after the leaked meetings between some Arab foreign ministers and the Israeli premier, he explained.





Warsaw conference attendees (Photo: GPO)

The recent visits of Israeli officials to Gulf states with which Israel does not maintain official diplomatic tiessuch as the UAE and Omanshould not be considered a breakthrough as these countries are distant from Israels borders, he added. Aside from Jordan and Egypt, progress with Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia is more important.

Arabs at present criminalize normalization with Israel though some Arab countries maintain diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, al-Makahleh said. Such campaigns to criminalize are based on fears that the Palestinian cause will be solved at the expense of Arab states. This would put the burden on these countries to absorb many Palestinians, depriving the latter of their national identity.
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Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 77F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

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President Donald Trump isnt exactly the most popular person among Americas European allies, though Vice President Mike Pence doesnt seem to have expected that.

Addressing Americas allies in a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Pence offered a standard applause line and gave those listening a chance to do just that.

I bring greetings from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump, Pence said to the attendees. Pence then paused, presumably for the audience to clap, and was greeted with a lengthy silence.

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The Vice President attended the annual security conference in Germany with a bipartisan delegation, which included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

The awkward moment highlights what has become an increasingly fraught relationship between the United States and its European allies. Many at the conference were rattled by the Vice Presidents demand that France, Germany and the U.K. withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

During the conference, German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the Iran deal and said the division between Europe and the U.S. on it depresses me very much.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesia's presidential candidates debated some of the most pressing issues facing the world's third-largest democracy: dilapidated infrastructure, struggling farmers, forest fires  and unicorns.

When President Joko Widodo, who is seeking a second term, asked challenger Prabowo Subianto about his policies for supporting unicorns  tech start-up companies worth at least $1 billion  a look of bafflement passed across the former general's face.

Wondering aloud, he replied: "What are unicorns? You mean those online things?" Widodo sagely nodded in the affirmative before Subianto explained he supports online businesses.

Subianto was probably not alone in his ignorance, but Widodo supporters on social media gleefully seized on Sunday night's exchange as proof of Subianto's lack of qualification to be president.

Indonesia has several unicorns and they are transforming areas of the national economy such as transport and shopping.

Twitter and Facebook were awash with unicorn memes after the debate.

In one, juxtaposed photos of Widodo and Subianto with thought bubbles above their heads showed Widodo projecting tech start-up logos and Subianto imagining the magical horned horse creature.

Sunday night's debate was the second of five televised face-offs between the opposing campaigns before April's election.

Opinion polls show Widodo about 20 percentage points ahead of Subianto. The former general, who is campaigning on a Trump-style Indonesia First platform, narrowly lost to Widodo in the 2014 election.

After the debate started, smoke and the sound of an explosion caused panic near the venue in central Jakarta. City police are investigating and said it was probably firecrackers. No one was injured.
MUNICH, Feb 16 (Reuters) - The European Union must recognise Venezuelan congress leader Juan Guaido as the president of the South American country, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Saturday, pressing not just individual European governments but the bloc as a whole.

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Pence said Guaido, who has declared himself interim leader and has won U.S. and international support to replace Nicolas Maduro, deserved that "the rest of the world" recognise him, and called Maduro a dictator who must step down.

"It is time for the rest of the world to step forward. Once more the old world can take a stand in support of freedom in the new world ... Today we call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," Pence said. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Mark Potter)
By Phil Stewart BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The United States will have to sever its military assistance to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) battling Islamic State if the fighters partner with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or Russia, a senior U.S. general said on Sunday. The remarks by Army Lieutenant General Paul LaCamera, who is the commander of the U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, underscore the tough decisions facing the SDF as the United States prepares to withdraw its troops from Syria. Syrian Kurdish leaders have sought talks with Assad's state, hoping to safeguard their autonomous region after the withdrawal of U.S. troops currently backing them. They fear an attack by neighboring Turkey, which has threatened to crush the Kurdish YPG militia. Ankara sees the Syrian Kurdish fighters as indistinguishable from the Kurdish PKK movement that has waged an insurgency inside Turkey. But LaCamera warned that U.S. law prohibits cooperation with Russia as well as Assad's military. "We will continue to train and arm them as long as they remain our partners," LaCamera said, praising their hard-won victories against Islamic State militants. When asked if that support would continue if they aligned themselves with Assad, LaCamera said: "No." "Once that relationship is severed, because they go back to the regime, which we don't have a relationship with, (or) the Russians ... when that happens then we will no longer be partners with them," LaCamera told a small group of reporters. President Donald Trump's surprise December decision to withdraw all of the more than 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria has triggered deep concern among U.S. allies about the risk of a resurgence of Islamic State. With U.S.-backing, the SDF has routed Islamic State and is on the verge of recapturing the final bits of its once sprawling territory. But Islamic State still has thousands of fighters, who, now dispersed, are expected to turn to guerrilla-style hit-and-run attacks. On Friday, the four-star U.S. general overseeing U.S. troops throughout the Middle East, General Joseph Votel, told Reuters that he backed supporting the SDF as needed as long as it kept the pressure on Islamic State militants. But LaCamera's comments make clear that the SDF may have to choose between backing from Assad, Russia or the United States. Kurdish forces and Damascus have mostly avoided combat during the war. Assad, who has vowed to recover the entire country, has long opposed Kurdish ambitions for a federal Syria. Earlier on Sunday, Assad warned the United States would not protect those depending on it, in reference to the Kurdish fighters. "We say to those groups who are betting on the Americans, the Americans will not protect you," he said without naming them. "The Americans will put you in their pockets so you can be tools in the barter, and they have started with (it)." Reuters has reported that Trump's decision was in part driven by an offer by Turkey to keep the pressure on Islamic State once the United States withdrew. But current and former U.S. officials warn Ankara would be unable to replicate the SDF's success across the areas of Syria that the militias captured with U.S. support including arms, airstrikes and advisers. Brett McGurk, who resigned in December as Trump's special envoy to the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, warned last month that the SDF could not be replaced as the provider of stability in areas of Syria formerly held by the militant group. He also cautioned that Turkey, a NATO ally, was not a reliable partner in the fight in Syria. "The Syrian opposition forces (Turkey) backs are marbled with extremists and number too few to constitute an effective challenge to Assad or a plausible alternative to the SDF," McGurk wrote. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; additional reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut; editing by David Evans)
By Phil Stewart AIRBASE IN NORTHEAST SYRIA (Reuters) - The commander of U.S.-backed forces in Syria called on Monday for about 1,000 to 1,500 international forces to remain in Syria to help fight Islamic State and expressed hope that the United States, in particular, would halt plans for a total pullout. The remarks by Mazloum Kobani, the commander-in-chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, followed talks with senior U.S. generals in Syria and offered perhaps the most comprehensive view to date of his requests for an enduring military assistance from the U.S.-led coalition. It also shows that Kobani is still holding out hope that U.S. President Donald Trump may soften his withdrawal order, which has been criticized by allies at home and abroad and which triggered the resignation of Trump's defense secretary. "We would like to have air cover, air support and a force on the ground to coordinate with us," Kobani told a small group of reporters who traveled with the U.S. military to the talks at an airbase at an undisclosed location in northeast Syria. With U.S. help, the Kurdish-led fighters are poised to seize Islamic State's last holdout in eastern Syria. At the height of its power four years ago, Islamic State held about a third of both Iraq and Syria in a self-proclaimed caliphate. But Islamic State still has thousands of fighters, who, now dispersed, are expected to turn to guerrilla-style attacks. Kobani said there was discussions about perhaps French and British troops supporting the SDF in Syria. But he stressed he also wanted at least "a partial group of American forces", who now number more than 2,000 in Syria, to stay as well. "American forces must remain beside us," Kobani said through a translator. U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, head of Central Command, said after talks with Kobani that he was still carrying out Trump's December order for a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces. "We certainly understand what they would like us to do, but of course that's not the path we're on at this particular point," Votel told reporters. Asked about any discussions on a continuing U.S. presence in Syria, Votel said: "So the discussion really isn't about U.S. forces staying here. We've looked at potentially what coalition (forces) might be able to do here." LULL IN FIGHTING A Reuters witness said there was a lull in fighting on Monday where Islamic State fighters could be seen strolling in their last neighborhood of Baghouz village, near the Iraqi border where they are sheltering among civilians. SDF commanders said the presence of civilians among the militants was compelling their fighters to proceed cautiously. The U.S. military and intelligence officials have warned of the risk of a resurgence of Islamic State. But the pullout raises an even more immediate concern to Kobani's SDF, which fears that Turkey will make good on threats to attack the Kurdish-led fighters that Ankara brands as terrorists. He warned of a "new genocide" in SDF controlled areas of Syria unless the United States and its allies can reach some agreement with Turkey. Kobani thanked Trump for publicly stating his intent to protect the SDF but said: "I want him to live up to his word." Without a deal with the U.S.-led coalition, experts say Kobani may have to strike a deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to avoid a Turkish sweep or Islamic State revival. Votel is recommending continued support to the SDF as long as it keeps up pressure on Islamic State militants. But Army Lieutenant General Paul LaCamera, who is the commander of the U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, said on Sunday the United States would be legally unable to support the SDF if they partnered with Assad or Assad's Russian backers. Kobani said he was not seeking a military deal with Assad. "Were trying to preserve the current situation," he said, speaking through a translator. "Were trying to have a political deal with the regime to reach a solution, a constitutional solution, for this part of Syria." Perhaps sensing an opportunity to stoke doubt among Kurdish communities, Assad warned on Sunday the United States would not protect those depending on it. Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, is among the U.S. lawmakers expressing concern the U.S. withdrawal could deal a devastating blow to Kurdish forces and warned that any sense of U.S. betrayal could cast a long shadow for years to come. "It will chill future potential groups from assisting us if we're going to treat the people who have been so stalwart on our behalf in this way. It is very dangerous in terms of national security," he told Reuters in Washington. Turkey wants to set up a safe zone with logistical support from allies and says it should be cleared of the U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG militia. But Kobani said ceding the area to Turkish control would be unacceptable to the SDF, which is led by Kurdish fighters but also includes Arabs. The United States is hoping allies will contribute forces to help stabilize areas freed from Islamic State. But it is unclear which allies will send their troops once U.S. forces depart. A French diplomat said Europeans would not provide troops when it was completely unclear what the objectives of such a safe zone would be or how this would monitored or guaranteed. "For now, there is no plan," the diplomat said. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by John Irish in Munich, Germany; Editing by Alison Williams)
Feb 18 (Reuters) - Former top FBI official Andrew McCabe decried the "relentless attack" he said U.S. President Donald Trump has launched against the agency, according to released excerpts of an interview with NPR's Morning Edition, to be aired early Monday.

"I think the FBI has been under a relentless attack in the last two years," said McCabe, who is promoting his new memoir, "The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terrorism and Trump."

Trump's attack is one of the reasons he wrote his book, he said in a wide-ranging interview that covered everything from his own firing, the probe into Russias alleged role in the 2016 presidential election, and FBI morale.

McCabe denied news reports that anyone in the Justice Department had made a serious effort to remove the president.

"At no time did I ever perceive that there was a legitimate effort underway by [Deputy Attorney General] Rod or anybody else to remove the president under the 25th Amendment or in any other way," McCabe said in the interview.

Related: James Comey's life after being fired by President Trump:

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The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines how a sitting president can be removed by the vice president and cabinet.

He also said in the interview that he believes his own firing just hours before his retirement "sends an unbelievably chilling message to the rest of the men and women of the FBI.

McCabe was dismissed from the FBI in March 2018, following a tumultuous relationship with Trump, after the President fired former FBI director James Comey over the investigation into the Trump election campaign's alleged connections with Russia.

Trump, who has frequently criticized Comey, McCabe and the Russia inquiry, on Thursday attacked McCabe on Twitter as a leaker and a "disgrace to the FBI."

In June 2017, Comey told a Senate committee he believed Trump had directed him to drop a probe into the Republican presidents former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, as part of the broader Russia investigation.

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McCabe himself was later fired by then-U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who cited an internal Federal Bureau of Investigation watchdog report that found McCabe leaked information to reporters and misled investigators about his actions. McCabe said he was targeted over the Russia probe.

In the Morning Edition interview, McCabe said he has an oingoing civil lawsuit against the Department of Justice over the circumstances of his firing.

He said he believes the report by the FBI's Office of Inspector General used as the basis of his dismissal was biased against him. He pointed to the personal attacks Trump has launched against him on Twitter and said of the OIG, "I don't believe they were independent or fair."

The book is set to be released this week.

(Reporting by Rich McKay, Editing by William Maclean)
Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdom's minister of state for foreign affairs spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for "consultations", the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a suicide blast which killed 41 Indian paramilitaries in Kashmir on Thursday, the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region in decades.

The attack has sparked widespread calls in India for action against Pakistan.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir.

Following the pledge, the crown prince -- widely known as MBS -- held a series of meetings Monday afternoon with the Pakistani leadership before flying on to India.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety.

The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

- Warm welcome -

After his arrival late Sunday, the crown prince signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy.

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Pakistan laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort and honour guard.

He also received the country's highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The crown prince is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

The Saudis, after initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that the crown prince is not an international pariah.

Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay.

But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a "chief sponsor of terrorism" during Monday's live press conference.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic.

However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour -- and Saudi Arabia's regional foe -- Iran.

Jubeir also noted that Riyadh continues to participate in a months-long push by Washington for peace talks in Afghanistan, saying that if the war-torn country can be stabilised "it will be to benefit... the region as a whole".

Last week the Taliban announced they would attend talks in Islamabad with the US and Pakistan on Monday that had been due to coincide with the crown prince's visit.

Neither Washington nor Pakistan confirmed the talks, however, and the Taliban announced Sunday that they had been postponed as its militants "were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist".

Taliban negotiators have recently visited Russia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Fresh talks are set to be held between the US and the militants in Doha on February 25.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where Saudi officials signed agreements worth $20 billion to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and top government and military officials greeted him at Islamabad's airport, where he received a 21-gun salute. Earlier, Pakistan Air Force jets escorted Prince Mohammad's flight when he entered the country's airspace.

At the airport, a young boy and girl in traditional Pakistani dress handed the prince flowers. He was greeted by a host of Pakistani Cabinet ministers and the country's powerful army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khan himself drove the prince to the prime minister's residence, where he was met by an honor guard.

During his two-day stay in Pakistan, the crown prince will hold formal talks with Khan to find ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia will invest in the energy sector across the country, including setting up an oil refinery in the southwest near the border with Iran. The move will likely irk Tehran as Iran is Saudi Arabia's regional foe.

Shortly after his arrival, Prince Mohammad, accompanied by a high-powered delegation including leading businessmen and Cabinet ministers, attended a signing ceremony for the investment agreements worth $20 billion.

"This is first phase," he said, at the ceremony, adding that he hoped the future would bring even more Saudi investment in Pakistan.

"Saudi Arabia has always been a fiend of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a friend in need," Khan said.

Pakistan is in the grip of a major debt crisis and is seeking a $12 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund but has yet to sign the deal which comes with tough conditions.

Prince Mohammad will later travel to neighboring India amid heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi over this week's attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed 41 troops.

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This week also saw an attack in Iran that killed 27 Revolutionary Guard soldiers that was claimed by the Pakistan-based militant Jaish al-Adl group.

Pakistan condemned the attacks, but India and Iran blame it for the violence.

Pakistan enjoys close ties with Saudi Arabia. It maintains a balancing act between Riyadh and Tehran.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday that the visit by the crown prince will take their countries' bilateral relations "to new heights."

Pakistan voiced support for the prince during the international outcry after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents. Khan attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October that saw a wave of cancellations linked to the Khashoggi killing.

The crown prince has called the killing a "heinous crime that cannot be justified."

Khashoggi, who had written critically about the prince, went missing on Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. After denying any knowledge of his death for weeks, Saudi authorities eventually said that he was killed in an operation aimed at forcibly bringing the writer back to the kingdom.

Saudi prosecutors say the plan was masterminded by two former advisers to the crown prince.

The kingdom denies the crown prince knew of the plot.
Moscow (AFP) - As the end nears for the IS enclave in Syria and the fate of jihadists' family members becomes a prescient issue, Russia can be seen as a pioneer in systematically returning children of Islamist fighters home.

A potential homecoming of the many foreign women who have gone to live in the IS "caliphate" and their children, many of whom were born there, has been a subject of debate in Russia, with some security chiefs seeing them as potential threats.

Earlier this month, 27 children, from four to 13 years old, were flown from Iraq to the Moscow region.

Clutching stuffed toys and bundled in winter jackets, the children were carried off the cargo plane to face the Russian winter after years in the desert.

After health exams, they would be given into the care of their uncles, aunts, and grandparents in the Russian North Caucasus, the majority-Muslim territory in the south of Russia that is home to most of the Russians that had joined the Islamic State group.

Another 30 children were brought back in late December.

"They attend school and kindergarten. Volunteers work with them and talk to them about what they have been through, explaining how they have been indoctrinated," said Kheda Saratova, an advisor to Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has assumed a central role in the process of repatriating Islamists' relatives.

- An 'honourable' deed -

Russian authorities have given sometimes conflicting figures of returnees. Saratova said that about 200 children have been brought to Russia, but nearly 1,400 are still stuck in Iraq and Syria.

Kadyrov, a longtime Kremlin protege with vast resources, began efforts to bring back fighters' children in 2017. Diplomatic negotiations are often led by Aleppo-born Chechnya senator Ziyad Sabsabi.

Endorsing Kadyrov's efforts, President Vladimir Putin in late 2017 called the drive to return the children "a very honourable and correct deed" and promised to help.

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"It's very good for the image of Kadyrov. He seems somebody who doesn't just use violence against terrorists but who builds mosques and hands out humanitarian aid," said Grigory Shvedov, who edits a Caucasus-focused news website Caucasian Knot.

When he began Russia's intervention in Syria in 2015, Putin justified it by the need to kill jihadists before they come to Russia.

Although some regions have tried rehabilitation programmes for Islamic extremists, these have failed to catch on at the national level. Young men who returned from Syria or Iraq and turned themselves in have faced harsh punishment.

This month Russia's Supreme Court confirmed a 16-year-term for a young man who went to Syria as a 19-year-old student and worked as a cook and driver on IS-controlled territory for six months.

- The promise of amnesty -

Returning the wives of jihadists is also complicated by the absence of an extradition agreement between Russia and Iraq, where many have been sentenced, sometimes to life, in prison.

But there is also reluctance by Russia's powerful security services to bring home adult civilians.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov in November noted that many women with children exiting conflict zones have been used by jihadists as suicide bombers or recruiters.

"The FSB sees them as dangerous, even though many of these wives purchase their freedom from the Kurds and will eventually return one way or another," said Saratova.

Any affiliation with Islamic State jihadists is a crime, since the group is banned under Russian law.

"Some sort of amnesty has been promised to many, but it doesn't actually happen," said Shvedov. "They are put on trial, (charges) sometimes trumped up and sometimes real."

Last year, two women returned from Syria to their native Dagestan and were swiftly convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison. The court eventually ruled to delay their time in prison until their children are older.

The children themselves face a difficult reintegration process into life in Russia, a country they barely know, after spending formative years in the "caliphate".

Russian authorities hope that bringing them back into their extended families can minimise risks of radicalisation once they reach adulthood in the Caucasus, a region with a history of Islamic extremism.
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran is ready to work with all of its neighbors to secure peace in the Middle East in the face of U.S. and Israeli aggression, President Hassan Rouhani said on Sunday, in his latest attempt to weaken ties between regional rival Saudi Arabia and America. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been fighting proxy wars for years, backing opposing sides in conflicts in Syria and Yemen. But pressure is building on Tehran after President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal with six world powers and reimposed sanctions. Saudi Arabia welcomed the move. "Iran is ready to work with regional states to preserve security in the Middle East," Rouhani said in a public speech in the southern Hormozgan province, broadcast live on state TV. "We want to establish brotherly ties with all countries of the region ... Iran has never started any aggression in the region." "Those regional states that believe Israel and America can establish security are wrong. We, the Muslims, should ensure the regional security," Rouhani said, to chants of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel". Rouhani's previous overtures to Saudi Arabia, such as after his election in 2013 and efforts by his Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2017, have had no success, and some analysts were skeptical his latest attempt would be different. "Considering the ongoing hostility, there is no possibility of a dialogue between the arch enemies," said Tehran-based analyst Hamid Farahvashian. Iran accuses Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of supporting militant Sunni groups that carry out attacks against Iranian forces, including a suicide bombing on Wednesday in Iran's southeastern province that borders Pakistan. Sunni group Jaish al Adl (Army of Justice), which says it seeks greater rights and better living conditions for the ethnic minority Baluchis, claimed responsibility for the attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps. The Revolutionary Guards have threatened Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan with retaliation. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan deny backing the militants. Iran's foreign ministry on Sunday summoned Pakistan's ambassador to protest about Wednesday's attack. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Mark Potter)
Warsaw (AFP) - Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has cancelled a visit to Israel for a high-level summit, a government spokesperson told AFP on Sunday, after uproar in Poland over reported comments by Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu about the Poles and the Holocaust.

Netanyahu -- who was initially quoted in Haaretz newspaper as saying that "The Poles collaborated with the Nazis" -- has been condemned in Poland for appearing to accuse all Polish people of cooperating with Germany during World War II.

Warsaw has long been at pains to point out that Poland, which was occupied by Nazi Germany, could not have and did not collaborate in the Holocaust although individual Poles may have done so.

The Israeli prime minister's office has said Netanyahu did not implicate all Poles in the Holocaust.

It insisted that Netanyahu was "misquoted" in Haaretz and other publications that reported different versions of the quote.

"Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland," a statement read.

Morawiecki will no longer attend the Visegrad Group summit, a diplomatic meeting of central European nations, in Jerusalem this week.

"Prime Minister Morawiecki told Prime Minister Netanyahu in a telephone call that Poland will be represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz," government spokesperson Joanna Kopcinska said.

"Questions about the historical truth and sacrifice that Poland paid during the Second World War have a fundamental value for Poland," she added.

Netanyahu was in Warsaw last week for a two-day summit on the Middle East, co-hosted by Poland and the United States, which focused on isolating Iran while building Arab-Israeli ties.

The fresh controversy in Polish-Israeli ties comes after last year's row over a Polish law that made it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in Nazi German crimes.

After protests from Israel and the US, Poland amended the law to remove the possibility of fines or a prison sentence.

Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and lost six million citizens including three million Jews.
A key summit of central European leaders has been cancelled after a row erupted between Polands prime minister and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu when he accused the Poles of cooperating with the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesperson for Israels Foreign Ministry, said that instead of the Visegrad summit taking place in full, Mr Netanyahu would host bilateral meetings with the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian leaders. It is a blow to the Israeli premier who is looking to shore up support abroad as he faces possible indictment on corruption charges and a snap election in April.

There will be no full V4 meeting, Mr Nahshon said, using a term to describe the right-wing central European bloc.

Three PMs are arriving and will hold meetings with [Israels] PM.

Mr Netanyahu was due to meet the leaders of the four central European countries known as the Visegrad Group  Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia  this week during the two-day summit.

However, Polish leader Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Monday he was pulling out of the summit, and sending his countrys foreign minister, Jacek Czaputowicz, instead, after controversial remarks made by Israels prime minister during a speech at a Middle East conference in Warsaw last week.

Mr Netanyahu had said Poles cooperated with the Nazis, seemingly a statement that some Poles had taken part in the killing of Jews during German occupation.

Israels acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, exacerbated the dispute on Monday when he told Israels Army Radio: Many Poles collaborated with the Nazis and took part in the destruction of the Jews during the Holocaust.

Mr Morawiecki branded the remarks racist and unacceptable.

The Israeli leader was initially quoted by the Jerusalem Post as saying the Poles, which suggested he was blaming the entire Polish nation.

Both Mr Netanyahus office and the newspaper later clarified he had been misquoted due to an editing error.

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The Polish government summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday and later said it was not satisfied with the explanation.

Tomasz Lis, editor of the Polish edition of Newsweek and a government critic, accused Mr Morawiecki of snubbing the conference because he has to think about the far-right and antisemitic electorate with a general election due this year.

This is not the first time Poland and Israel have clashed over the Holocaust.

Last year, Mr Netanyahu described comments by Mr Morawiecki that Jews were among the perpetrators of the genocide as outrageous.

The Polish leaders remarks came after his country introduced a law making it illegal to claim Poland bears some responsibility for the crimes of Nazi Germany.

Germany occupied Poland in 1939, annexing part of it and directly governing the rest.

Unlike other countries occupied by Germany, Poland did not have a collaborationist government at the time. The prewar Polish government and military fled into exile and an underground resistance army fought the Nazis inside the country.

Because of that history, Poles find references to Polish collaboration to be unfair and hurtful.

However, individual Poles did take part in killing Jews during and after the war, and many Holocaust survivors and their relatives carry painful memories of persecution at Polish hands.

In Israel, there has been anger at what many there perceive to be Polish attempts today to whitewash that history.

The dispute last year sparked an explosion of antisemitic hate speech in Poland, and there were signs of another spike in recent days.

The worst of all is that a man cannot even hate Jews in response, because he knows that this is what the sons of b****es are going for, Rafal Ziemkiewicz, a prominent host on public broadcaster TVP, tweeted on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in the western city of Wroclaw, the words Jezus jest Krolem, which translates as Jesus is King, were spray-painted on an exterior wall of a Jewish cemetery.

Additional reporting by AP
Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's prime minister on Monday cancelled Warsaw's participation in a Jerusalem summit, accusing an Israeli minister of "racist" comments about the actions of Poles during the Holocaust, further souring relations between the two nations.

Mateusz Morawiecki's decision to scotch Poland's involvement in the summit of central European nations comes after the latest salvo in a long row between Poland and Israel over history.

Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Sunday told a Tel Aviv-based international television station that "there were many Poles who collaborated with the Nazis, and like (former PM) Yitzhak Shamir, whose father was murdered, said, 'Poles suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk'."

Morawiecki announced on Monday that Poland's foreign minister would not be attending the Jerusalem summit due to Katz's comments, after he had himself pulled out on Sunday over earlier comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The words of the Israeli foreign minister are racist and unacceptable," Morawiecki said, adding that Katz was "trying to insult the Poles by distorting history."

This week's summit with Israel and the Visegrad Four (V4) -- the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia -- would now be postponed until later in the year, Slovak government spokeswoman Patricia Macikova told AFP, after Poland pulled out.

"The prime ministers of Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary will use the visit for bilateral meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as well as a trilateral meeting," she added, speaking for Slovak premier Peter Pellegrini, who currently chairs the V4 group.

However, Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said it was not immediately clear whether Israel would hold a summit with the remaining participants or instead organise a series of separate meetings.

- Sensitive subject -

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The row between Poland and Israel broke out last week when Netanyahu -- who was quoted in Haaretz newspaper as saying that "the Poles collaborated with the Nazis" -- was condemned in Poland for appearing to accuse all Polish people of cooperating with Nazi Germany during World War II.

Warsaw has long been at pains to state that Poland, which was occupied by Nazi Germany, did not collaborate in the Holocaust although individual Poles gave up Jews to the Nazis.

"The Polish government in exile was warning (about the Holocaust) and its delegation in occupied territory, namely the underground army, condemned to death blackmailers of different nationalities who denounced the Jews (to the Nazis)," Morawiecki told Polish media Monday.

"So as a state we behaved properly," he added.

It is also undeniable that Polish Jews perished at the hands of their non-Jewish neighbours in isolated cases.

Polish-American historian Jan T. Gross triggered shock in Poland in 2001 with his book "Neighbours", in which he revealed that in 1941 during the Nazi German occupation, several hundred Jews were massacred by their Polish neighbours in the northeastern town of Jedwabne.

- 'Misquoted' -

The Israeli prime minister's office said on Friday that Netanyahu had not implicated all Poles in the Holocaust, insisting he was "misquoted".

Netanyahu was in Warsaw last week for a two-day summit on the Middle East, co-hosted by Poland and the United States, which focused on isolating Iran while building Arab-Israeli ties.

The fresh controversy in Polish-Israeli ties comes after a row last year over a Polish law that made it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in Nazi German crimes.

After protests from Israel and the US, Poland amended the law to remove the possibility of fines or a prison sentence.

Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and lost six million citizens including three million Jews.

burs-mas/boc
Rome (AFP) - The parents of Italy's former prime minister Matteo Renzi were placed under house arrest on Monday amid an investigation into suspected fraudulent bankruptcy, judicial sources said.

Tiziano Renzi and Laura Bovoli, suspected of issuing false invoices, were put under house arrest to avoid the destruction or manipulation of evidence, press reports said, quoting judicial sources.

"I have a lot of faith in the Italian justice system," Renzi, 44, said on Facebook. "And so I am anxious to attend the trial."

Renzi, who headed the Italian government from February 2014 to December 2016, added that experts said they had "never seen such an absurd and disproportionate measure".

He said his family was being "smeared" because of his political activities.
Pakistan will confer its highest civilian honour on the Saudi crown prince on Monday, a day after he signed investment deals worth $20 billion on the first stop of an Asian tour clouded by his alleged role in the grisly murder of a dissident journalist.

President Arif Alvi will award Mohammad bin Salman the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), the foreign office said in a statement, before the crown prince leaves the country for his next stop, Islamabad's arch-rival India.

Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy.

The tour coincides with a spike in regional tensions: India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran -- both bordering Pakistan -- have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

Hours ahead of the crown prince's arrival Sunday, Pakistan dismissed Delhi's accusations as "well-rehearsed tactics from (the) Indian playbook after such incidents in the past".

The crown prince, widely known as "MBS", got a warm welcome in Pakistan, including a 21-gun salute and an honour guard.

He is staging the visit just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

The Saudis, after initially denying any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

The crown prince's tour is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.
When a star is born, a chaotic light show ensues.

NASA's long-lived Hubble Space Telescope captured vivid bright clumps moving through the cosmos at some 1,000 light years from Earth. The space agency called these objects clear "smoking gun" evidence of a newly formed star  as new stars blast colossal amounts of energy-rich matter into space, known as plasma.

Seen as the vivid blue, ephemeral clumps in the top center of the new image below, these are telltale signs of an energy-rich gas, or plasma, colliding with a huge collection of dust and gas in deep space.

As NASA says, these blue masses are transient creations in the cosmos, as "they disappear into nothingness within a few tens of thousands of years."

Bright lights inside a nebula.

Image: ESA/Hubble/NASA/K. Stapelfeldt

These blue clumps are traveling at 150,000 mph toward the upper left direction (from our view, anyhow). In total, there are five of these ghostly clumps, hurtling through space.

SEE ALSO: Opportunity rover's last picture is as grim as it is dark

NASA doesn't identify the new star itself, called SVS 13, perhaps because it's obscured by thick clouds of cosmic matter.

This collection of dust and gas is part of a distant nebula, which are often the remnants of exploded stars swirling through the infinity of space.
BGR

June is almost over and Marvel has yet to release a new MCU film in theaters this year, but thats only because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis that made it impossible for Disney to launch its most important pictures in theaters. The second half of the year is set to bring us no less than 
AURORA, Ill. (AP)  The Latest on the mass shooting at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois (all times local):

5 p.m.

The chief executive of the company that owns the warehouse where an employee gunned down five co-workers says a background check on him when he joined Henry Pratt Co.15 years ago did not turn up a 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi

Scott Hall, president and CEO of Mueller Water Products Inc, which owns Henry Pratt in Aurora, Illinois, told a news conference Saturday that Gary Martin was being fired from his job when he started shooting and killed five co-workers including the human resources manager, plant manager and an intern.

He says: "We can confirm that the individual was being terminated Friday for a culmination of a various workplace rules violations."

He says that when the shooting started, employees followed procedures and deactivated their access cards and locked down. He says there are security cameras outside but not inside the building.

___

2:15 p.m.

One of the five people who were killed by a fired worker at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse was a 21-year-old college student who had started interning there that day.

Jay Wehner says his nephew, Trevor Wehner, began his human resources internship at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora on Friday.

Authorities say a 45-year-old worker pulled a gun after being fired and fatally shot Wehner and four other employees. They say he wounded a sixth employee and five police officers before officers eventually killed him in a gun battle.

Jay Wehner says his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management.

He says Trevor was a "wonderful person" who was fun, caring and "always, always happy."

___

12:15 p.m.

Authorities say the man who killed five co-workers at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse brought his gun to a meeting in which he was going to be fired.

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Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that because 45-year-old Gary Martin brought his gun to Friday's meeting, it's likely he knew there was a chance he would be fired, though she doesn't know exactly what he had been told or why he was fired.

Ziman says Martin pulled the gun and began shooting right after he was fired. She says three of the five Henry Pratt Co. co-workers he killed were in the room with him and the other two were just outside. A sixth male worker was shot but survived.

Police say Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

___

Noon

Police say the fired worker who killed five people at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, was able to buy the gun he used because an initial background check didn't catch that he had a prior felony conviction in Mississippi.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that Gary Martin was issued a firearm owner's identification card in January of 2014 after he passed the initial background check.

She says he bought the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun on March 11, 2014, and that his 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi wasn't flagged until he applied for a concealed carry permit five days later. That application process includes vetting using a more rigorous digital fingerprinting system.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five Henry Pratt Co. workers and wounded a sixth and five police officers on Friday before officers killed him.

This item has been corrected to fix the spelling of Kristen Ziman's first name, which had been misspelled "Kristin."

___

11:30 a.m.

Authorities say a human resources manager, a plant manager and an intern were among the five people killed by a fired worker at a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois.

Police on Saturday identified the five Henry Pratt Co. employees who were killed Friday as human resources manager Clayton Parks of Elgin; human resources intern and Northern Illinois University student Trevor Wehner of DeKalb; plant manager Josh Pinkard of Oswego; mold operator Russell Beyer of Yorkville; and stock room attendant and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez of Oswego.

Police Chief Kristen Ziman says all of the dead were found in the same general area of the facility. A sixth worker was shot but survived and was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Authorities say 45-year-old Gary Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him inside the suburban Chicago warehouse.

___

11 a.m.

Authorities say a fired worker who killed five people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse had six prior arrests, locally.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference Saturday that among the past charges 45-year-old Gary Martin faced were domestic battery-related counts.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five co-workers and wounded a sixth on Friday at the Henry Pratt Co. warehouse. They say he also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

Ziman says none of the officers' wounds are considered life-threatening.

___

12:15 a.m.

A man being fired from his job started shooting at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse, killing five co-workers and wounding five police officers before he was killed by police.

Police say 45-year-old Gary Martin had been working at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois, for 15 years and was being terminated Friday.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman says authorities don't yet know if the employees firing him were among the victims. A sixth worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury at the scene.
AURORA, Ill. (AP)  The Latest on a shooting at a business in Aurora, Illinois (all times local):

9:50 p.m.

Police say the gunman who killed five people at a suburban Chicago business was a 15-year employee who was being fired.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman says 45-year-old Gary Martin "was being terminated" Friday afternoon before he opened fire at the Henry Pratt Co. warehouse in Aurora.

Five police officers also were shot and wounded before Martin was located in the warehouse. Ziman says Martin was shot and killed.

Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

7:10 p.m.

Police have taped off a suburban Chicago apartment unit where the suspect in the fatal shootings of five people in an industrial warehouse was believed to have lived.

Aurora, Illinois, Police Chief Kristen Ziman identified the gunman Friday as 45-year-old Gary Martin. She said he was believed to have been an employee at Henry Pratt Co. Ziman said Martin killed five people before he was fatally shot by police.

Neighbors gathered on sidewalks near Martin's unit talking and wondering among themselves if they knew or had come in contact with the shooter. The multi-unit complex is a mix of apartments and condos.

Mary McKnight stepped out of her car with a cherry cheesecake purchased for her son's birthday, to a flurry of police cars, officers and media trucks. "This is a strange thing to come home to," she said.

___

6:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump says law enforcement officers did a "great job" handling an active shooter situation at an industrial park in suburban Chicago.

Police say the gunman killed five people and shot and wounded five police officers Friday afternoon at the Henry Pratt Co. plant in Aurora.

Authorities then shot and killed the suspect, who has been identified as 45-year-old Gary Martin.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman says a sixth officer was wounded but not by gunfire.

Trump sent a tweet as news of the casualties was unfolding, sending his "Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families," adding "America is with you!"

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Trump is spending the weekend at his home in Palm Beach, Florida.

___

6 p.m.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has commended the "amazing" work of law enforcement officers who responded to the scene of a shooting in suburban Chicago that left five people dead and five police officers shot and wounded.

Pritzker told reporters after the shooting in Aurora Friday afternoon that the officers "rushed toward danger, and in doing that ... saved countless lives."

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Zimen said a sixth officer was hurt but not hit by gunfire.

Pritzker extended his sympathies to the victims' families, saying there is nothing he can say to reduce their pain, but that they should "know our state grieves with you"

___

5:50 p.m.

Police have identified the gunman who killed five people at a suburban Chicago business and shot and wounded five police officers.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman told reporters that 45-year-old Gary Martin also shot and wounded five police officers in the attack Friday afternoon at the Henry Pratt Co. warehouse in Aurora.

Ziman says Martin was shot and killed.

Workers at the plant earlier said Martin was employed there.

Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

5:45 p.m.

The chief of police says five people were killed and five officers were wounded in a shooting at a business in suburban Chicago.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman told reporters that the officers were fired upon Friday afternoon as soon as they entered the Henry Pratt Co. building in Aurora.

Ziman says the gunman was also killed.

Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

4 p.m.

A spokesman for the coroner's office says at least one person is dead following a shooting at a business in suburban Chicago.

Kane County coroner's office spokesman Chris Nelson says at least one person was killed in the attack Friday afternoon at the Henry Pratt Co. building in Aurora.

City spokesman Clayton Muhammad earlier told ABC7 that the suspect had been "neutralized." He did not elaborate.

Muhammad also says four officers were wounded in the shooting and are in stable condition.

Muhammad did not say the officers had been shot or if anyone else was hurt.

Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

3:50 p.m.

A city spokesman says four police officers were wounded in a shooting at a business in suburban Chicago.

Clayton Muhammad, the director of communications for the city of Aurora, told ABC7 that the officers are in stable condition following the shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. building Friday afternoon.

Muhammad did not say the officers were shot or if anyone else was hurt.

Authorities say a suspect has been apprehended.

Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

3:40 p.m.

The White House says President Donald Trump has been briefed on a shooting in Illinois and is monitoring the situation.

Spokesman Sarah Sanders issued her statement Friday as Trump prepared to depart for a weekend trip to his home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Authorities in Aurora, Illinois, have been monitoring an active shooter situation at an industrial park. City officials report that a shooter has been apprehended.

Police have not said if anyone has been shot. Aurora is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

3:17 p.m.

A suburban Chicago school district is keeping all of its students in their classrooms as police investigate an active shooter situation at an industrial park in Aurora.

West Aurora School District 129 says on its webpage that officials Friday afternoon are "holding all district students in place for their safety."

The district also says that per directions from the county sheriff, the district has been advised to go into soft lockdown situation and that "teaching will continue with reduced movement."

A building housing that houses the Henry Pratt Co. has been swarmed with police and paramedics after reports of the shooting.

It isn't clear if anyone has been wounded in the shooting.

___

3:15 p.m.

City officials in Aurora, Illinois, say a shooter has been apprehended.

The city sent a tweet Friday afternoon saying there was an active shooter in an industrial park and that police were on the scene.

They say the shooter is in custody and the area still is on lockdown.

Live TV reports show dozens of first responder vehicles outside a building housing the Henry Pratt Co.

Police have not said if anyone has been shot.

___

3:05 p.m.

An employee at the Illinois company where a shooting has been reported says the gunman is a co-worker.

John Probst told ABC7 that he ran out of the back door of the Henry Pratt Co. building in Aurora as the shooting unfolded Friday afternoon.

Probst says he recognized the gunman and that he works at the company. He said the gunman has "a pistol with a laser."

Probst says he wasn't hurt but that another colleague was "bleeding pretty bad."

Aurora is 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

___

14:45 p.m.

City officials say there is an active shooter situation at an industrial park in Aurora, Illinois.

The city sent a tweet Friday afternoon saying police are on the scene.

Live TV reports show dozens of first responder vehicles outside a building housing the Henry Pratt Co.

Police have not said if anyone has been shot.
Rome (AFP) - Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement voted Monday against possibly putting Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on trial for alleged kidnapping after he refused to let migrants disembark from a rescue ship.

Prosecutors in southern Italy want to continue an investigation into Salvini, head of the far-right League party, for alleged abuse of power as well as kidnapping following his decision to hold migrants at sea last year.

The Five Star Movement (M5S) and League have been governing in a populist coalition since June but frequently clash over key electoral pledges, with political watchers warning the partnership risks collapse.

The vote was conducted online, allowing M5S members to say whether they think Salvini should be stripped of parliamentary protection, paving the way for a possible trial. Nearly 60 percent voted in Salvini's favour.

The charges relate to the rescue in August of 190 people by Italy's Diciotti coast guard ship, who were left stuck at sea for five days without permission to dock.

Thirteen migrants with health problems were disembarked on Lampedusa island in Italy's southern tip.

The ship then headed to Catania in Sicily, but was blocked for another five days before the remaining 177 migrants were allowed off.

The permission came only once the interior minister had been assured other European countries would take them in.

- 'This case is different' -

The final word on whether Salvini can keep his protection lies with parliament.

A Senate committee is scheduled to discuss the matter on Tuesday, after which the Senate will vote -- with M5S senators taking the lead from the result of the online poll.

M5S prides itself on its honesty and has long railed against lawmakers who use their parliamentary privilege to avoid trials.

In a bid to stave off a political tsunami, both Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, an M5S sympathiser, and the movement's leader Luigi Di Maio have said Salvini was acting with their full support and would stand trial alongside him.

The M5S official blog told members this case was "different" from those where ministers had tried to get away with "bribes, fraud or rigging the markets", because Salvini was doing his job and "not acting for personal interest".

Salvini, whose League party has soared ahead of the M5S in popularity in the polls, said Sunday he was not worried about the vote because he had "given (his) word" that the government would not fall.
Jerusalem (AFP) - A Jerusalem court refused Monday to release to house arrest an ultra-Orthodox Israeli woman sought by Australia over accusations of sexually abusing girls under her care there.

District court justice Ram Winograd said that Malka Leifer would remain in detention for the duration of her extradition hearings, rejecting her lawyers' argument that treatment for her alleged mental condition in prison was "life threatening."

"The respondent is under the medical supervision of the prison, and undergoes weekly psychiatric evaluations," Winograd said at the end of the hearing.

"There is no room to assume that the treatment in the prison was risking her life."

Leifer's mental condition and her fitness to stand trial were at the heart of Monday's session, which drew increased attention after recent allegations that Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman had used his authority to help prevent her extradition.

According to media reports beginning last week, Litzman, who is also ultra-Orthodox, had pressured medical officials to proclaim Leifer unfit to stand trial.

Litzman and a number of his aides were questioned by police, with his office denying any wrongdoing.

Leifer, who did not attend the Monday hearing, is accused of child sex abuse while she was a teacher and principal at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Melbourne, where she had relocated from her native Israel.

According to Australian media, Leifer is facing 74 counts of child sex abuse, but her lawyer Tal Gabay told the court on Monday there were "three actual complaints."

After allegations surfaced against her in 2008, Leifer and her family left for Israel and have been living in the settlement of Emmanuel in the occupied West Bank.

A previous extradition attempt between 2014 and 2016 failed after Leifer was hospitalised in mental institutions and expert opinions determined she was not fit to stand trial.

But undercover private investigators filmed Leifer depositing a cheque at a bank and shopping, prompting Israeli authorities to launch a probe to see if she was faking mental illness to avoid extradition, leading to her arrest in February 2018.

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Leifer's attorneys Yehuda Fried and Gabay rejected Winograd's proposal to have her undergo another psychiatric evaluation within the confines of her custody, saying that it would likely cause her duress that would further deteriorate her condition.

Dassi Erlich, one of the women accusing Leifer of sexually abusing her, said she was "hugely relieved" the court had refused the house arrest request.

Speaking to AFP from Australia ahead of the hearing, Erlich said she was "incredibly angry" over the possibility Litzman had intervened on behalf of Leifer.

"The manipulation of justice has reached very far, something we suspected all along, but we can't believe how far the manipulation has reached," she said by phone.

Hearings on Leifer's extradition will resume in March.
Arbil (Iraq) (AFP) - The parliament in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region on Monday elected its first ever woman speaker as a temporary stop-gap while deep political rifts persist more than four months after legislative elections.

During the body's first session since the September polls deputies chose Vala Farid from former regional leader Massud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The head of the KDP bloc Haimim Hawrami said Farid was appointed "temporarily" until a deal can be reached with the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party on a permanent appointment.

Lawmakers from the PUK, the party of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, boycotted Monday's session.

The PUK has asked for more time to hash out thorny issues with its rival including the leadership of the disputed oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Iraqi Kurdistan has faced political instability since a September 2017 referendum for independence backfired after it was rejected by Baghdad and international powers.

Iraqi forces took back oil-rich regions from Kurdish control in the wake of the vote, dealing a hammer blow to the authorities in the semi-autonomous region.
Tehran (AFP) - Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said Monday it has arrested three "terrorists" involved in last week's deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in a region bordering Pakistan.

"Safe houses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested," the force said on its official Sepah news agency.

"Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated," it said.

The Guards said the three arrested had "produced, guided and supported" the vehicle used in Wednesday's suicide bombing.

The attack killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards travelling on a bus in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

It was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice).

Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centres", army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency.

In a phone call with Pakistani army commanders, Bagheri asked them to "either confront the groups or allow (Iranian) forces to enter."

Islamabad launched an operation against the "terrorists" in its Balochistan border province on Sunday, he said.

Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari has accused Pakistan's army and intelligence agency of sheltering the jihadists.

The foreign ministry said Iran "cannot tolerate" Pakistan's inability to stop cross-border attacks on Iran and said Tehran's frustration had been communicated to Islamabad.

"We hope the Pakistani government can and wants to prevent such things from happening again," spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told reporters on Monday.

The ministry has summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Tehran and urged Islamabad to "seriously confront... the terrorist groups active on its border" with Iran.
Berlin (AFP) - Germany vowed Monday to prosecute German IS fighters but warned that it would be "extremely difficult" to organise the repatriation of European nationals from Syria, after US President Donald Trump called on allies to take back alleged jihadists.

Syria's US-backed Kurdish forces, which are battling Islamic State group jihadists in their last redoubt in eastern Syria, hold hundreds of suspected foreign IS fighters and the calls for their reluctant home countries to take them back have grown in urgency.

"We must be able to ensure that prosecution is possible," Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen told Bild daily.

Underlining the difficulties however of putting the ex-fighters on trial, the minister noted that there is "no government in Syria with which we have a sensible relationship".

President Bashar "Assad cannot be our counterpart, the Syrian-democratic forces are not a unity government," she added, stressing that proof and witness statements needed to be secured in Syria if the militants are to be put on trial.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said separately that a return could only be possible if "we can guarantee that these people can be immediately sent here to appear in court and that they will be detained".

For this, "we need judicial information, and this is not yet the case," Maas told ARD television late Sunday. Under such conditions a repatriation would be "extremely difficult to achieve".

Berlin wants to "consult with France and Britain... over how to proceed," he said.

The subject is to be raised on Monday at a meeting of European foreign ministers called to discuss among other issues "the situation in Syria, in particular the recent developments on the ground," according to an agenda for the talks.

Trump on Sunday called on his European allies to take back alleged jihadists captured in Syria.

IS imposed a self-declared caliphate across parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq from 2014, but has since lost all of it except a tiny patch of less than half a square kilometre near the Iraqi border.

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After years of fighting IS, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold hundreds of foreigners accused of fighting for the group, as well as their wives and children.

Syria's Kurds have repeatedly called for their countries of origin to take them back, but these nations have been reluctant.

"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial," Trump said in a tweet, using another acronym for IS.

After initial reluctance, Paris appears ready to consider the return of its nationals.

In Belgium, Justice Minister Koen Geens called for a "European solution" on Sunday, calling for "calm reflection and looking at what would be the least security risks".
Tel Aviv (AFP) - Former Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni, whose party has trailed far behind in polls ahead of April 9 elections, announced Monday she was retiring from politics.

Livni, who gained international recognition in part thanks to her past role as a negotiator with the Palestinians, also said her Hatnua party ("The Movement") would not run in the elections.

The 60-year-old said in an emotional statement before journalists in Tel Aviv she was bringing her party to "an end ... knowing I did all I could for my beloved state and to unite the forces that would fight for it. It's not up to me any more."

Livni, who also previously served in the Mossad spy agency, narrowly missed out on becoming prime minister after 2009 elections as head of the centrist Kadima party.

Kadima, founded by the late Ariel Sharon, had won the most seats, but Livni was unable to form a coalition.

The Tel Aviv-born lawyer has long been a leading figure in Israeli politics and among its most powerful women.

Livni was first elected to parliament in 1999 as part of the right-wing Likud party, but would later shift to the centre, believing Israel must separate from the Palestinians to preserve a Jewish majority in the country.

She held various ministerial roles, including serving as foreign and justice ministers.

She led the last serious negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, a US-sponsored effort that failed in 2014.

- Democracy 'under attack' -

Livni had recently helped lead Israel's main opposition, the centre-left Zionist Union alliance, but a split in January ended the arrangement that also included the Labour party.

Labour party leader Avi Gabbay dramatically announced then that he would no longer partner with Livni as she sat stone-faced next to him.

While the Zionist Union won the second-most seats in the last general election in 2015, it more recently tumbled in opinion polls.

Livni sought to mount a campaign for April 9 elections outside the Zionist Union, but struggled to gain any traction or form the large alliance she sought.

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Labour and Gabbay have also faltered in opinion polls. Gabbay thanked Livni for her contributions to the country after her announcement despite the "disagreement between us."

In her statement on Monday, Livni said Israeli democracy was "under attack" and "peace has become a dirty word" -- references to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing governance.

She said that despite the current climate, she believed "our path" would eventually win out.

The Peace Now NGO, which is critical of Israeli settlement building in the occupied West Bank, regretted the departure "of a brave voice in favour of the two-state solution."

Netanyahu is likely to remain premier after the elections, polls consistently show, despite a series of corruption investigations into his affairs.

The attorney general is however expected to announce in the coming weeks whether he intends to indict Netanyahu, and an announcement before the elections could shake up the campaign.

The right-wing prime minister's main challenger is seen as former military chief of staff Benny Gantz and his centrist Israel Resilience party.
London (AFP) - A scathing British parliamentary report on Monday branded Facebook "digital gangsters" that knowingly violated data privacy and competition laws.

Lawmakers' 18-month investigation into disinformation and "fake news" also accused Facebook of failing to faithfully fight Russia's alleged attempts to influence elections.

Cultural select committee chair Damian Collins said Facebook "deliberately sought to frustrate our work by giving incomplete, disingenuous and at times misleading answers to our questions."

Facebook co-founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg turned down three requests to appear before the committee.

"Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like 'digital gangsters' in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law," the report said.

"Social media companies cannot hide behind the claim of being merely a 'platform' and maintain that they have no responsibility themselves in regulating the content of their sites."

The committee urged a compulsory code of ethics for all tech companies that would be overseen by an independent regulator.

It said Facebook should be obliged to take down "sources of harmful content" and disinformation.

"We further recommend that the Government launches an independent investigation into past elections  including the UK election of 2017, the UK Referendum of 2016, and the Scottish Referendum of 2014  to explore what actually happened with regard to foreign influence," the report said.

British media quoted a response from Facebook saying it shared the committee's concerns about fake news and election integrity.

"We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform," the company was quoted as saying.

But it added: "No other channel for political advertising is as transparent and offers the tools that we do".

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The world's largest social media platform has come under growing pressure over the past two years over its handling of users' private data as well as Russia's alleged attempts to influence US and various European elections.

The committee had earlier found that Facebook's engineers had flagged potentially malicious Russian activity as early as 2014 -- long before it became public.

It also accused Facebook of offering Netflix and other popular apps preferential access to people's data even after it had tightened its privacy rules.
Paris (AFP) - A top Kurdish official has called on Europe not to abandon Syrian Kurds once the battle against the Islamic State group is over and to help set up an international force to protect them from Turkey.

European powers "have a political and moral responsibility" to the Kurds, Aldar Khalil told AFP in a interview in Paris, warning that the Kurds would seek the protection of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if failed by Europe and the US.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been leading the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria for the past four years, backed up by air strikes from a US-led coalition.

With IS's self-declared caliphate now in ruins, the Kurds fear being left at the mercy of Turkey after the US declares mission accomplished in the final battle currently underway for the jihadists' last Syrian holdout.

Turkey, which has been battling a Kurdish insurgency on its own soil since 1984, views the Kurdish fighters that dominate the SDF as terrorists and has threatened to invade areas under Kurdish control in northeast Syria.

Khalil, who played a key role in establishing Syria's semi-autonomous Kurdish region in 2013, appealed to Europe for protection.

"If they (Europe) don't meet their commitments they are effectively abandoning us," Khalil said late on Sunday, calling on France particularly to work at the United Nations for the creation of a buffer zone along the Turkish border.

"France can table a proposal to the Security Council on our protection, suggesting an international force between us and the Turks -- of which it would be part -- or to protect our airspace," he said.

- 'Hasty decision' -

The senior political representative said that it could be modelled on the UN peacekeeping force deployed along Lebanon's border with Israel.

But European powers have already rebuffed US proposals for an observer force that would stay on in northeast Syria, fearing they will have to bear the burden once the US pulls out.

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"They're trying to manage the consequences of a hasty decision and making us carry the responsibility," a French government source said last week.

US President Donald Trump caused shock among America's Western and Kurdish allies in December by announcing plans to withdraw US troops from Syria even before the end of the fight against IS.

The withdrawal would leave the Kurds, who control nearly 30 percent of Syria, including the cities of Qamishli, Hasaka and Raqqa, exposed to a long-threatened attack by Turkey.

The Kurds fear a repeat of the Turkish offensive that drove Kurdish fighters and civilians out of the northwestern Syrian city of Afrin last year.

They have also warned the West that the foreign jihadists currently languishing in Kurdish jails could escape and urged their countries of origin to take them back.

- Fly regime flag -

On Monday, EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the issue, which has taken on greater urgency as the battle for IS's last redoubt ramps up.

The jihadists are trapped in less than half a square kilometre in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border.

Khalil said that the Kurds would seek protection from Assad unless their Western allies stepped up -- and he spelt out the terms of a possible deal.

"We will be obliged to agree a deal with the (Syrian) regime so that it deploys its troops along the border and protects us," Khalil explained.

He said that the Kurds would insist on maintaining autonomy and demand that the border troops be from Kurdish areas.

"They would come under the orders of the Syrian army, but be our units," he said, adding that foreign fighters would be kept under Kurdish guard and not handed over to Assad's forces.

In return, the Kurds would offer to give Assad, who is anxious to win restore sovereignty over the biggest area beyond government control, a cut of the Kurdish region's oil revenues.

"We can also agree to raise the regime's flag," Khalil added.

But Western observers expect Assad, whose forces control about 60 percent of Syria, to take advantage of the Kurds' vulnerability and drive a hard bargain.

On Sunday, Assad warned them that the US would not protect them against Turkey.

"No one will protect you except your state," he said.
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Saturday she had made clear in a meeting with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the Munich Security Conference the importance of the U.S. lifting tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. Freeland said that while Canada is now focused on its domestic ratification process for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade deal, it remains strongly opposed to the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. "The Canada position is now that we have concluded (USMCA) that is all the more reason why the tariffs must be lifted," she said on a conference call with reporters. (Reporting by Julie Gordon in Ottawa; Editing by Bill Trott)
Aix-en-Provence (France) (AFP) - Two former French air force pilots went on trial in France on Monday six years after they fled the Dominican Republic following a spectacular drugs bust on a private jet in the Caribbean nation.

In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos are accused along with seven other defendants of trying to smuggle 680 kilogrammes (1,500 pounds) of the drug out of the country.

Dominican police found the narcotics packed into 26 suitcases onboard a Falcon 50 jet as it prepared to fly from the Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana to Saint-Tropez in the south of France in March 2013.

While out on bail, the two men managed to flee the Dominican Republic to French territory in the Caribbean in mysterious circumstances, but were re-arrested upon their return to the French mainland in November 2015.

They, along with two passengers, were found guilty in absentia and sentenced to 20 years in jail for drug-trafficking in the Dominican Republic in 2015.

All of them deny they knew that the cocaine was on board the flight.

The French court will hear scores of witnesses and experts over seven weeks and the defendants face up to 30 years in prison.

Only one suspect, Ali Bouchareb, is in detention in the case while the other eight were granted bail pending the trial.
(This February 14 story corrects to make clear Ukraine is not an EU member) By Alexander Tanas and Alissa de Carbonnel CHISINAU/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Facebook Inc said on Thursday it had disrupted an attempt to influence voters in Moldova, increasing concerns that EU elections in May could be prey to malign activity. Employees of the Moldovan government were linked to some of the activity, the California-based social media company said. Authorities in Chisnau, capital of the tiny former Soviet republic, denied knowledge. Facebook said it dismantled scores of pages and accounts designed to look like independent opinion pages and to impersonate a local fact-checking organization ahead of Moldova's elections later this month. "So they created this feedback loop," Nathaniel Gleicher, Facebook's head of cybersecurity policy, told reporters in Brussels. "We did assess that there were links between some of that activity and individuals associated with the Moldovan government." The government said it welcomed any initiative to combat "fake news", saying it did not check the private accounts of its more than 200,000 state employees. "They have different political views and opinions, and the state is obliged to maintain the boundary between fighting the phenomenon of Fake News and guaranteeing the freedom of expression for citizens," it said. Facebook said it removed 168 accounts, 28 pages and eight Instagram accounts involved in "inauthentic behavior". Some 54,000 accounts followed at least one of these Facebook pages. The owners of pages and accounts typically posted about local news and political issues such as requirements for Russian- or English-language education and potential reunification with Romania, the company said. GUARDING ELECTIONS Facebook stepped up efforts to combat disinformation, including accounts in Russia, Iran and Indonesia, over the last year after coming under public scrutiny for not doing enough to stem the spread extremism and propaganda online. The vulnerabilities exposed in Moldova, sandwiched between EU member Romania and Ukraine on the fringes of the bloc, were a warning ahead of polls in neighboring Ukraine and for the European legislature. The European Union has pushed tech companies to do more to stop what it fears are Russian attempts to undermine Western democracies with disinformation campaigns that sow division. Russia has repeatedly denied any such actions. The sheer perception of manipulation can damage polls, Gleicher warned. "We are starting to see actors try to create the impression that there is manipulation without owning lots and lots of accounts," he said. "We already have the teams up and running and focused on the European parliamentary elections and that is only going to grow as the elections get closer and the pace of threats increases." Dogged by scandal, Moldova's pro-Western government has failed to lift low living standards. That has driven many voters toward the Socialists, who favor closer ties with Russia. The European Parliament called Moldova a "state captured by oligarchic interests" in November, and there are concerns whether the parliamentary election on February 24 will be fair. The election is likely to produce a hung parliament, which could set the scene for months of wrangling or possibly further elections. (Reporting by Sanjana Shivdas in Bengaluru and Alexander Tanas in Chisinau and Alissa de Carbonnel in Brussels; Editing by Matthias Williams and Andrew Cawthorne)
If youve ever thought about pulling a fast one on an airline by attempting to book a ticket using hidden city ticketing you may want to think again.

Lufthansa, the German national airline, announced it is suing a passenger for allegedly missing a leg of his journey on purpose. Why is that possibly a big deal? Because missing a flight on purpose could end up costing airlines dearly.

As Travel + Leisure previously explained, Hidden city ticketing  otherwise known as point beyond ticketing  is when a traveler books a flight from point A to point B to point C, with point B representing a layover. However, the passenger has no intention to ever travel to point C and instead just stops at point B as their final destination. This way, the person is likely able to save money because they are booking a layover ticket instead of a direct flight.

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This practice of skipping the last leg of a flight is so popular theres even a website dedicated to it: Skiplagged, which promotes cheap fares that use hidden city ticketing.

Though the practice could save a little money, it could be harmful to both the airlines and other passengers as well. As George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog told USA Today, hidden city ticketing could deprive other would-be travelers of seats they could use because you booked it instead. This could, in turn, cause airlines to increase pricing on the same routes in the future.

And now you might also get sued.

Lufthansa, The Independent reported, is currently pursuing payment from the passenger who it believes deliberately missed the last leg of the purchasing journey. According to a court document obtained by CNN the unnamed passenger booked a return flight from Oslo to Seattle with a layover in Frankfurt. On the return flight, the passenger did not catch the Frankfurt to Oslo leg of the journey and instead flew from Frankfurt to Berlin on a separate Lufthansa reservation.

Though an initial ruling found in the passengers favor, the airline has been given permission to appeal. It is currently seeking $2,385 in compensation.
Coinage life well spent presented by Geico [MUSIC] Being born into one of the most richest and famous families in the world has its perks the next generation of Kardashians may all be under ten years old but they're already a Accustomed to a lavish lifestyle. Having Kim Kardashian and Kanye West as your parents means you're no stranger to the finer things in life. Whether it's matching mom in custom unraveled bomber jackets or playing dress up in her $1,700 thigh thigh high boots, North and Saint West have a taste for luxury. Kourtney Kardashian's kids, Mason, Penelope, and Rain are already world travelers. To them, trips to Hawaii, Costa Rica and Vale, Colorado are just another family getaway. And they get there in style. Whether it's by private jet or this $122,400 Mercedes G-Wagon. The newest member of the family and only next gen to bear the Kardashian name, Rob Kardashian's daughter Dream. Dream may only be seven months old, but she's already been spoiled by the rest of the Kardashian family. The newborn was welcomed into the world with two pairs of $130 Yeezy sneakers, designed her uncle Kanye. The next generation of Kardashians may be young, but they already know how to keep up with their parents, and live their best lives. We're jealous. Coinage. Life, well spent. Presented by Geico.

For the past several years, long nails have become a signature in Khloe Kardashian's beauty routine. So, when she posted a photo of her new manicure  consisting of cherry red, elongated nails  on Instagram the other day, it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise to her 86 million Instagram followers, right?

Think again. Critics were quick to judge the mom of one for what they deemed as an unpractical manicure. "How do you change a baby's diaper?" one user quipped, adding a cry-laughing face emoji.

Meanwhile, another commenter sarcastically wrote: "The nails of a woman who pays other people to do everything for her."

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Khloe didn't appreciate the backlash and took to Twitter to set the record straight on her hands-on parenting style. "Its annoying when people talk about my nails. Trust me, I manage just fine," she began her message to her haters. "The same way I take care of myself, I take care of my baby."

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She continued: "There are more serious things to discuss. At least I would hope. happy Monday to you."

The KarJenners are no strangers to being mom-shamed on social media, and Koko in particular has been attacked for putting True in a head wrap, working out after giving birth, and piercing her daughter's ears.

Looks like Khloe can't win with the parenting police.
Photo credit: Twenty20 | Bboyardy

From Cosmopolitan

Everyones been there. Something is eating you up inside and youre dying for your partner to address it, but instead you bite your tongue and say nothing. Why? Because starting a spat feels risky AF and you dont want to be "difficult."

But verbal tussles are inevitable in all relationships. The trick to getting through them unscathed involves practice and understanding that isnt necessarily supes intuitive during that heated exchange. We tapped a team of therapists and relationship experts to break down their best tips for winning any fight.

1. Understand the Urge to Want to Win a Fight

Our natural instinct to 'win' a fight goes back to that idea of defending our individuality and to control, explains Sarah P. Hewitt, LMFT. After all, being in a relationship is a vulnerable thing! Its rare to see people who want to win a fight purely out of egotistical reasons-more often, it stems from a place of insecurity and fear.

Knowing that your or your partners urge to want to win the fight is only a natural defense mechanism, you can move on and try to implement some tactics that will make you argue smarter.

2. Redefine Winning

If your goal is less getting your partner to acquiesce to your side, more effectively communicating what's inside your head, youre gucci. Arguing can be constructive when you view it as the process of defining the boundaries of your relationship says Hewitt. It is a negotiation of what is allowed, acceptable and the norm.

Katie Leikam, LCSW, LISW-CP, agrees. If you think of an argument as more of a discussion where you and your partner are airing your feelings with one another, Leikam says, this helps de-escalate any name-calling or hurtful jabs that may give you an emotional hangover when the air does clear.

3.Get Comfortable with Conflict

Fighting can be good and necessary, says Tara Vossenkemper, MA, LPC. Its an integral part of a relationship...if youre not having some sort of conflict, then one or both if you is checked out or one of you isnt being honest about what youre thinking and feeling.

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Avoiding a fight or gritting your teeth to maintain the status quo isnt healthy either. While you might think that sweeping any issues under the rug will help your relationship, it could actually do the opposite. That discomfort and lack of resolve doesn't just dissipate," Vossenkemper explains. "It stays quiet and waits for an opportunity to either erupt (i.e. breaking up, horrific fight) or implode (i.e. resentment and internalized fury). Forget about walking on eggshells. Argue productively and you can reach a healthier level of understanding with your partner.

It also helps to remind yourself that this fight probably wont be the end of your relationship. Keep in mind when you are arguing that chances are very high that you and your partner will get through it, says Patricia OLaughlin, MFT. Many folks in the heat of the moment think the argument could lead to abandonment or destruction. Very rarely do arguments go this far.

4. Talk Less, Listen More

You should walk out of a fight with your S.O. with a better understanding about them. Use a fight as an opportunity to get to know your partner, not to put them down. says Hewitt. When you fight fairly-AKA taking no cheap shots like, say, bringing up past mistakes that are irrelevant or projecting past relationship issues onto this one-it becomes productive. And when your partner is no longer afraid that the other person is just there to bash them and hurt feelings, they can start being productive too. Thats where progress starts.

Photo credit: Jovo Jovanovic/Stocksy

5. Fight Above the Belt

In the heat of the moment it can be hard to keep cool, but dont engage in name-calling or sarcasm. This is a form of contempt, and contempt is the number one predictor of divorce, says Vossenkemper. Plus, its just a mean thing to do to someone you love.

6. Know When to Take a Break

If your voices start to escalate, take a step back, says Vossenkemper. As Hewitt adds, often in arguments theres one person who pursues and wants to solve the problem, and a "distancer," who shuts down. Theres a point of diminishing returns when the more the pursuer pursues, the more the distancer distances, creating a counter-productive cycle. So just breathe and step away for a sec, mmkay?

7. Have Some Pre-Approved Phrases at the Ready

Familiarizing yourself with some therapist-approved phrases and sentence starters can make a world of difference in your confidence when broaching an uncomfy situation. Use I statements when possible and avoid you statements. Saying, I feel hurt that you didnt come to the party with me, is much more productive than You never come places with me.



You should also keep an ear out for tossing always or never in any of your critiques. Very few things (if any) are always/never. adds Vossenkemper. Universal statements like these can cause your partner to raise their guard and get even more defensive because they feel like theyre being attacked, says Dr. Fran Walfish, MD, a family and psychotherapist based in Beverly Hills, California.

8. Restate Their Points Before You Get To Yours

Even if you totally disagree with whatever your partner just threw out there, recapping what they said helps diffuse any tension and gives you the best possible slate to present your argument, says Vossenkemper.

And dont worry about looking weak or bending to their will-Understanding where someone is coming from is not the same as agreeing with what they say, Vossenkemper adds.

Celeste Headlee, communication expert, also agrees with this strategy when it comes to critiquing something someone has said. Headlee recommends looking into mathematical psychologist Anatol Rapoports four rules of communication:

First, restate their position (even if you dont agree); then list the points theyve brought up where you both do agree; third, talk about something youve learned from your partner; and finally, only after those three steps are you allowed to add your critique.

It might seem counterintuitive to do so much work to consider your partners feelings while youre in the heat of a fight, but chances are you wont regret being kind during a disagreement, while you likely will regret getting nasty.

Everyone is entitled to their own feelings, adds Dr. Walfish. Do your best not to criticize, judge, belittle your partner, or minimize the importance of their feelings. When a persons negative feelings are not validated, they will likely get more powerful, grow, and create a barrier in the relationship.

Even if youre fighting, your partners choice of words can matter a lot. On the surface these phrases might seem frustrating and dig you deeper into a fight, but the experts say they can actually be encouraging:

1.Try to see where Im coming from.

Dr. Gail Saltz, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in relationships and mental health, says that by asking you to empathize with him, it means he cares whether or not you really understand him. When you truly get someone, this is when you can work out disagreements.

Photo credit: Studio Firma / Stocksy

2. Lets agree to disagree.

Even if it seems like youll never eventually land on the same page about something, Saltz explains that this means your partner thinks your relationship matters more than getting his way.

3. I dont think thats true.

While these are very much fighting words, this can be an opening for your partner to state their views without gaslighting you or saying something for sure happened differently than you remember. Hewitt adds that I-statements can show an effort to communicate what they are trying to say.

Dr. Fran Walfish identifies some of the most common archetypes below:

The Stonewaller: If shutting down and refusing to communicate or cooperate is your partner's M.O., the best way to argue with this person is to ask them to offer you a gentle bridge by positioning yourself in an empathetic place. Also, acknowledge that they may be feeling overwhelmed and need a break from the conversation.

Say: Im feeling flooded and need a beat to catch my breath. Lets put a bookmark here and pick it up after dinner.

The Verbal Attacker: This person blames, judges, and criticizes you when you raise an issue that feels uncomfortable. This is their way of protecting themselves and deflecting responsibility.

Say: I want to hear your thoughts, but its easier for me to process when you say things beginning with I need. Otherwise, I hear it as a put-down and feel bad about myself and that gets us nowhere.



Photo credit: Twenty20 | The1Harris

The Avoider: Does your partner hate confrontation and do everything possible to stay far away from a fight? Youve got an Avoider on your hands.

Say: This is hard for me to talk about, too. We can take breaks however often as you need to take a few minutes to ourselves and cool down, but I need you to stay in this discussion with me.

The Passive Submissive: Finding a partner whos willing to apologize and move on is great, right? Not so much if theyre so afraid of not being liked that giving in is all they do.

Say: I know youre worried Ill be mad at you, but Im going to do my best to not freak out and be angry. At the same time, I need you to join me in talking about things directly so we can keep our communication healthy and productive.

The Fixer: Another sneaky personality type is the person who is quick to offer solutions to problems instead of truly listening to their partners concerns.

Say: I know how uncomfortable it is to sit in uncertainty when things are so up in the air. Lets not race to a solution just because its the fastest. Its important for me to move through the resolving process thoughtfully. Have faith and trust in our relationship and know that we will get through this together.

Good luck on the battlefield!

Follow Carina on Twitter.

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Photo credit: Getty

From Cosmopolitan

Photo credit: Getty

Despite the fact that abortion is still technically legal everywhere in America, actually obtaining one is getting harder and harder. One reason: the increasing numbers of anti-abortion activists stationed outside the clinics. Reports of trespassing and harassment by these protestors have more than tripled since 2016, making clinic "escorts" more important than ever. Here, three of them to tell us their stories:

Photo credit: Courtesy of Rachel Z.





Rachel Z., 29, Chicago, Illinois

Yes, there are protestors in blue states, too.

In college, I had a friend who got an abortion. It was really emotionally difficult for her, not because she was unsure of her choice but because the protestors outside the clinic were so awful. What she went through made me so angry that I decided to do something about it.

I started volunteering as a clinic escort through an independent volunteer network. At the facility where Im stationed most often, theres a parking lot across the street. Escorts stand outside the clinic and over by the lot to watch for patients. We can usually spot them: Theyll look lost, or itll be a young woman with a partner. That's our cue. We say hi and offer to walk them across the street, to create a barrier between them and any protestors. It's funny-people think of Chicago as this liberal bastion that wouldn't have anti-choice protestors, but we definitely do. On a given day there are between five and 15 activists standing outside our clinic. Occasionally, they keep their distance and just kind of pray quietly, but they can also get very physical with the patients and escorts. Our rules are not to engage with them, and I agree with that. But they've put their hands on us; they've put their hands on the patients. Its technically assault, but calling the cops is kind of a coin flip-we don't know who they're going to side with, or if they'll even care.

Photo credit: Getty

Since 2016, the protestors have definitely gotten more confident. It used to be a lot quieter at our clinic-theyd say Hail Marys, but they wouldnt really bother anyone. Now there are a lot more of them, and they're more aggressive. They'll tell the patients they're murderers; they'll get up in their faces and hold up huge pictures of fake, bloody fetuses. One man screams so loud we can hear him even when we get inside the clinic. Theres even a Christian school in the suburbs that busses kids down here once a month to protest for extra credit.

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One time, an ambulance pulled up to the clinic. It was a particularly heavy day with a lot of antis-that's what we call the anti-choice protestors-and they went NUTS. They swarmed the ambulance, screaming and yelling, and filming this person on the stretcher being wheeled out. Its possible they thought it was a botched abortion (we found out later from staff that someone had fainted and seized in the waiting room). The paramedics actually yelled at them for violating the patients privacy, and said they would call the cops if they didn't stop. The antis claim to be out there to counsel and help patients, but that incident reminded me that they're really there to shame and violate.



Photo credit: Getty

Another time a man came outside to smoke a cigarette and seemed very shaken. He started to talk with us escorts, and told us that his wife had been pretty far along, but that the fetus was incompatible with life-the delivery would have been a stillborn. He had clearly never really thought much about the abortion debate, so to speak. He was grieving and heartbroken over a very wanted baby, and horrified that people were waving signs and screaming that he and his wife were murderers. Seeing him walk his sobbing wife out to their car later in the shift has stayed with me for many years.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Ashley J.

Ashley J., 35, Louisville, Kentucky

When your state has only one clinic, things can get intense.



I escort a few times a month at EMW Women's Surgical Center, the only remaining abortion clinic in the entire state of Kentucky. We have people coming from all over the state as well as from Tennessee, Indiana, and West Virginia. West Virginia has one clinic left. Indiana has a fair amount of them, but it can be easier to get an abortion in Kentucky, because Indiana has a very burdensome informed consent process where you have to go to the clinic, wait 18 hours, then come back. Kentucky also has a waiting period, but you can do the first appointment over the phone.

I don't think people really understand what escorting looks like in a state with only one abortion clinic. We draw a lot of protestors, usually 50 to 60 people outside whenever the clinic is open, from Tuesday through Saturday. There are only about 20 escorts each day, so we're outnumbered. It can get really hostile-theyre definitely more emboldened now. On Mother's Day 2017 protestors sat down in front of the clinic doors to block patients from coming in, in order to save the mothers from getting abortions.

We don't spend a lot of time with the patients, so we dont really get to hear their stories. We just walk alongside them, maybe give them an idea about what to expect. I like to say things like, We're coming up on protestors, they're probably going to hand you a pamphlet, you're welcome to take it but don't have to, things like that. Sometimes I just make small talk about the weather, to keep their spirits up. I think most patients just like that they have someone to walk with.



Photo credit: Getty

It's none of our business why they're having abortions. If they go in the clinic and decide abortion isn't for them, that's fine. We just want to support them in having safe access to a doctor, and making whatever decision they want.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Helen L.

Helen L., 29, San Diego, California

I saw a "crisis pregnancy center" divert patients from the clinic.

I started escorting in 2015 at a clinic in San Diego. We'd be there every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. until around lunchtime. The clinic opened at 8, but a lot of patients would drive in early from Tijuana and wait in their cars, so wed wait there with them. We'd also get a lot of terrified-looking teenagers who had come without their parents. I think it's so important for someone to be there to say, It's your right to do this, and you should be allowed to do it freely.

Unlike Planned Parenthoods, which have private parking lots, our clinic was on the upper level of a strip-mall-type area with a public parking lot. A lot of times we didn't know where the protestors were legally allowed to be, and so theyd get really close to the patients, even sometimes riding up in the elevator with them. The escorts had bright yellow shirts because we wanted to be as visible as possible. Wed always have someone speaking Spanish, if we could. A lot of the antis spoke Spanish and lied to the patients, saying there were risks of cancer and infertility from having an abortion. They'd show women a picture of an ambulance outside our clinic and tell them the paramedics were just there just last week, when really the ambulance had come once, years ago. Theyd lie to patients and say the doctor hurt women and that people had died.

Photo credit: Getty

In 2016, a crisis pregnancy center opened up right next door. Now the anti-choice sidewalk counselors, as they call themselves, no longer had to redirect patients to another address miles away. Their new clinic had a very similar name, and the tactics they used were horrifying. Theyd put a little chair outside with a box of donuts on it, to lure women over there. If they could trick a patient into taking a donut, she wouldn't be allowed to get surgery, since she had eaten. We had to stand outside and say Don't eat anything! You won't be able to get your procedure!

Having rights doesn't really mean anything if people are tricked out of exercising them, or are too afraid to exercise them because of a line of protestors. I'm about as privileged as it gets-white, British, cisgender-so it's important for me to be out here.

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Woman who called Michelle Obama an 'ape in heels' pleads guilty to FEMA fraud originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

The West Virginia woman who grabbed national headlines in 2016 for calling Michelle Obama an "ape" has pleaded guilty to embezzling thousands of dollars in federal disaster relief.

Pamela Taylor, 57, admitted to authorities last week that she falsely registered for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster benefits after a deadly 1,000-year flood event in Clay County, West Virginia, in June 2016. Taylor had claimed that her primary residence was damaged by the floodwaters and that she was forced to stay in a rental property.

But Taylor's home was actually not damaged and she still lived there. She received more than $18,000 in FEMA benefits after submitting the fraudulent application, according to a press release from the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

"The flood was a natural disaster. Stealing from FEMA is a man-made disaster," U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart said in a statement last Wednesday. "FEMA dollars are critical but limited. Stealing critical FEMA dollars is a crime -- literally and figuratively. Taylors fraud scheme diverted disaster benefits from our most desperate and vulnerable, those most in need of help."

PHOTO: In this photo released by The Weather Channel, a vehicle rests in a stream after heavy rain near White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., June 24, 2016. (Justin Michaels/The Weather Channel via AP)

(MORE: Two truly top dogs join FEMA's elite K-9 disaster relief team)

During her plea agreement hearing last Tuesday, Taylor agreed to pay restitution of $18,149.04. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 30. She faces up to 30 years behind bars and a fine of up to $500,000.

"Taking advantage of federal funds intended for disaster relief misappropriates taxpayer dollars, reduces monies available to true victims and erodes public confidence in relief programs," Mark Tasky, special agent-in-charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, said in a statement last Wednesday. "The defendant knowingly submitted a fraudulent application for disaster relief, in order to enrich herself and divert critical funds away from true disaster victims."

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An attorney for Taylor did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment Monday.

PHOTO: First lady Michelle Obama speaks during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Manchester, N.H., Oct. 13, 2016. (Jim Cole/AP, FILE)

(MORE: West Virginia mayor resigns after controversial Facebook post about Michelle Obama)

Taylor was placed on leave from her position as director of the Clay County Development Corporation in November 2016 after posting a controversial comment about then-first lady Michelle Obama on social media.

"It will be refreshing to have a classy, beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I'm tired of seeing a Ape in heels," Taylor wrote on Facebook after Election Day.

Clay County Mayor Beverly Whaling liked Taylor's Facebook post and commented, "Just made my day Pam."

Both women apologized publicly, and Whaling subsequently submitted a letter announcing her resignation, according to ABC affiliate WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia.
Mom dresses 2-year-old daughter as an inspiring woman each day of Black History Month originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

Sasha Bonner wants to raise her 2-year-old daughter to know that she'll have unlimited options growing up and that there will be no glass ceiling in her life.

So, when it came to Black History Month, Bonner, of Charlotte, North Carolina, decided to celebrate by dressing up her daughter, Riley Johnson, as powerful black women.

When I was growing up, women were not that well represented so I didnt really know all my potential. I just didnt see it, said Bonner, a social worker. I grew up thinking Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth were the same person because I learned about them at the same time on the same day during Black History Month.

PHOTO: Sasha Bonner, of Charlotte, North Carolina, poses with her daughter Riley Johnson. (Courtesy Sasha Bonner)

(MORE: Black History Month: Teachers share stories behind incredible doors)

So far this month, Riley has dressed as leading women who include Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Stacey Abrams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Simone Biles and the late U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

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Bonner posts the photos of her daughter on Instagram, where she also includes a short bio of each woman. Bonner said she almost lost my mind when Abrams, who delivered the Democratic response to this years State of the Union, replied to the photo of Riley dressed up as her.

Riley, the outfit is perfect. And something tells me you will be in the history books one day too, Abrams wrote.

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Bonner got the idea to dress up Riley to show her all the people she can be after reading a book with her daughter about important women in history. She realized she could use Rileys tutu to dress her up as ballerina pioneer Misty Copeland, and the rest is history.

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During each photo shoot, Bonner told Riley about the woman she was dressing up as, and had her repeat each woman's name.

I wanted her to know her history and I wanted an activity to do with her, Bonner said. It was a big commitment but I wanted to make it simple. I didnt buy any costumes and everything weve used was already in her closet.

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(MORE: This teacher fixing his student's hair in gym class is warming the hearts of millions)

Riley has been a good sport about the daily costumes, getting into character and particularly loving the necklaces and lipstick she got to wear as Beyonce, according to Bonner.

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At the end of the month, Bonner plans to compile all of the photos in a book for Riley to keep looking at as she gets older.

Im a visual person so sometimes I need to see it. I dont know if my daughter will learn like that but I want her to be able to see it and visualize it, Bonner said. I know that her options will be unlimited. I want her to know that and see that.
South Carolinas senior Senator Lindsey Graham visited Face the Nation Sunday morning and told host Margaret Brennan that President Trumps border wall is more important for kids than building schools. When Brennan told him funding could be pulled from constructing a new middle school in Kentucky and diverted to fund the wall, Graham responded, I would say its better for the middle school kids in Kentucky to have a secure borderright now weve got a national emergency on our hands.

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Of course, Graham knows there is no real emergency, the President admitted as much when he said, I didnt need to do this, at his national emergency declaration press conference on Friday. But none of that matters to Graham.

Weve known for some time now that Graham has gone full Trump. At this point its a safe bet that he cuddles up with a Trumpy Bear before falling asleep at night. Its a stunning reversal from a man who considered as a close friend the now-deceased Senator John McCain, a staunch enemy of Trump, not to mention the many times Graham himself called then candidate Trump every name in the book.

Back in October, the Washington Post put together a video showing a best of of sorts showing Grahams shifting positions on Trump. That should have, at the very least, halted most rational media from covering anything he has to say regarding Trump. Its clear Graham is, and likely has always been, all about his own political expediency, whether it was when he was trying to reach the highest office in the land, or now while attempting to make sure he holds his senate seateven, seemingly, at the expense of middle school kids.

One can only surmise Graham has concluded that the only way he wont get primaried while running for reelection in 2020 was to sidle up to Trump. But the aggressive way in which the senator has gone about it is still stunning and somewhat laughable. Hes gone so far as to change his Twitter profile photo to one that includes Brett Kavanaugh and himself.

There was a time, not long ago, that even if you disagreed with Grahams positions on an array of issues, he seemed to come across as a serious thinker, a foreign policy wonk and someone who cared about issues. But the new and not improved version of Graham now resides in the Louie Gohmert camp, and Sunday morning news shows should treat him as such.
Eva Marcilles October nuptials to husband Michael Sterling sure looked perfect in pictures. But just three weeks before the wedding, the former Americas Next Top Model winner was in tears  crying over the fact that she didnt have a reception dress.

The scene unfolded on Sundays Real Housewives of Atlanta, as Marcille, 34, tried on backup dresses that might work.

As she explained, s hit the fan when she got a call from her designer explaining that the fabric she had planned for her reception dress no longer exists.

I have officially decided to wear three dresses  I have a ceremony dress and I have a farewell dress. Thats squared away. But now, Im missing a whole dress, Marcille explained.

Though one of her bridesmaids, who also happened to be a stylist, came through with options, none of them worked for Marcille. All of these other dresses, theyre pretty. But I dont want just a pretty dress. I dont want just a white dress or just a wedding dress. I want something that feels like it was made for me, she said.

Eva Marcille

It didnt take long for the tears to come. Frustrated with her options, Marcille collapsed, sobbing to her friend.

She then revealed that she was far over budget on her wedding as it was, and still hadnt found a dress for Marley Rae, her 4-year-old daughter with ex Kevin McCall.

I spent so much money on this wedding, Marcille said. I was supposed to have 150 guests, my count is 220. I still got to pay the rest of the venue, now I got to pay all of this overage  food, get more floral, get more everything. I havent gotten Marleys dress yet. Now I have to get an entire dress?

Im over budget, lets just call a spade a spade. Stuff is costing way more than I anticipated, Marcille said, later confessing that she was $50,000 over what she anticipated she would be spending. Not only am I at my wits end with what do I do, but I dont even have any energy to figure it out.

Michael Sterling and Eva Marcille

Adding to it all was the fact that Marcille had just buried her grandfather.

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Marcille had learned that he was on his deathbed while she and the rest of the RHOA cast were traveling to Japan. Luckily, she had the chance to make it home and say goodbye.

As soon as I left Tokyo, I left to see my grandfather. He was still on life support and I held his hand and I rubbed his legs and his feet. And I just talked to him, Marcille recalled. I did everything that I really wanted to do. Before he left.

RELATED:Eva Marcille Shares Photos from Her Romantic Atlanta Wedding!

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Marcille and Sterling wed during a private ceremony in Atlanta on Oct. 8, 2018.

Both got engaged the previous Christmas, after over a year of dating. Their wedding came nearly five months after Marcille gave birth to their first child together, son Michael Todd Sterling Jr.

As for the dress, all seemed to work out in the end. According to photos she shared on Instagram, Marcille wore a strapless Galia Lahav ballgown with a heart-shaped neckline, fitted sheer bodice, and a full skirt  all adorned with lace appliques.

She appeared to later turn up up the affair in a mermaid-cut own with a sheer neckline and flowing sleeves.

All will likely been seen on this season of Real Housewives of Atlanta, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET) on Bravo.
Lee Radziwill is leaving behind a legacy full of charisma and wit, which was captured in her most memorable quotes over the years.

On Friday, the younger sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis died at her home at 85 in New York City, her daughter Anna Christina Radziwill confirmed to the New York Times.

Throughout her more than eight decades, Radziwill  the daughter of Janet Norton Lee and John Vernou Black Jack Bouvier  became a famous figure globally as she developed a passion for art and fashion.

Although she lived a polished life that was full of luxury and glamour, the mother of two  she shared Anna Christina and the late Anthony Radziwill with ex-husband Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill  wasnt afraid to be candid in her rare interviews.

Heres a look back at some of her most memorable quotes about life, love and times many could only dream of.

On her relationship with sister older sister Jackie and whether they were rivals: Its just the most ludicrous talk in the world that were rivals, she explained to PEOPLE when she starred on the cover of the Nov. 1, 1976 issue. Were exceptionally close and always have been. Were together very often. In fact, endlessly.

On whether she lived in her sisters shadow: Im nobodys kid sister, she told PEOPLE. I think its time to make up a new story or go to bed.

Lee Radziwill and sister Jackie Kennedy

RELATED: Jackie Kennedys Sister Lee Radziwill Said She Finally Felt Free After John F. Kennedys Death

On whether she was always aware of her beauty: From the word go  But no one else was, then, she told the New York Times in 2013. My mother endlessly told me I was too fat, that I wasnt a patch on my sister. It wasnt much fun growing up with her and her almost irrational social climbing in that huge house of my dull stepfather Hughdie Auchincloss in Washington. I longed to be back in East Hampton, running along the beaches, through the dunes and the miles of potato fields my fathers family had owned.

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On aging: I used to think that everyone should die at 70  but my closest friends, like Rudolf and Andy [Warhol] and to an extent [Truman] Capote, let alone most of my close family  didnt even reach that age, Radziwill told the Times. There is something to be said for being older, and memories Ive seen some extraordinary funerals in my life, Jacks of course. That had a different kind of sadness, a bleak, brutal, tragic end to hopes for a greater future and the buoyant few years of his presidency.

On her greatest weakness: I have an absurd kind of extravagance, she told PEOPLE. If I see an orchid thats fantastically expensive, Ill buy it. Its worth it, for no other reason than it gives me pleasure.

On the first impression John F. Kennedy made: I remember the first time Jackie asked Jack to [childhood home] Merrywood, to pick her up for some dinner. You couldnt mention the word Democrat in my stepfathers house or even presence  nor in my fathers for that matter  and I felt Jack was in for a rough ride. But he was a senator, so he already had a kind of authority as well as a dazzling personality. He won them over pretty quickly, Radziwill recalled to the Times.

Lee Radziwill and Jackie Kennedy

On life after JFKs election: My life could certainly have been different. Not so much because Jackie married a Kennedy, but because he became president, Radziwill told the Times. If hed lost the election, Id have probably spent most of my life in England with Stash [her third husband Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill], whom I adored, as did anyone who knew him, and our children, Anthony and Tina.

RELATED: Jackie Kennedys Sister, Lee Radziwill, Gives Rare Peek at Her Life Beside the Icon: You Have to Walk Three Steps Behind

On her childhood memories: My childhood taught me nothing  zero. I never saw a play with my mother until I was 14 and then it was Hansel and Gretel. My father, naturally, spoiled me when I was allowed to see him flying to New York from Washington, alone, in those terrifying planes. Hed take me to Danny Kaye movies and rent a dog for me to walk in the park on Sunday  a different dog every Sunday  and then to have butterscotch sundaes with almonds at Schraffts. My mother simply had me, sticking me with a series of horrible governesses, Radziwill recalled to the Times.

On first husband Michael Canfield: I was very young when we met, and he was so good-looking and clever. I wanted so badly to get away from my mother, and he seemed to offer everything  looks, privilege, friends, fun I was deliriously happy for a while, moving to London, our house in Chester Square  but  he drank seriously. He was very fragile. One day I couldnt open the front door, he was slumped, out cold, inside. He tried to stop, but nothing worked for any time. He said I was so in tune with life and he wasnt any longer. And besides, I had met Stash, Radziwill told the Times.

Lee Radziwil with ex-husband Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill and their Children Anna Christina and Anthony

On second husband Prince Stanislas Stash Radziwill: Being married to Stash was certainly the happiest part of my life, so he must have been the love of my life: there were other infatuations, other loves even, but never the joy or knowledge of life and living that I experienced with Stash He was dynamic, irrational, cruel I suppose, but fascinating, Radziwill told the Times.

On third husband Herbert Ross and his obsession with his ex: Herbert had been married to the ballerina Nora Kaye until she died, and unbeknownst to me, was still obsessed by her. It was Nora said this, Nora did it like that, Nora liked brown and orange.  If anybody even breathed her name, Herbert would burst into tears. I had to clench my fists every time and was deeply hurt as I thought I had created a wonderful life for him. Thank God we never really settled in Los Angeles. My New York was difficult for Herbert, so we parted.  Now, no more on husbands! she told the Times.

RELATED: From the PEOPLE Archives: Lee Radziwill Slammed Ludicrous Talk of Rivalry with Jackie Kennedy

Lee Radziwill

On JFKs assassination: [I remember it] as if yesterday. It was in the evening, in London. Stash came running up the stairs, his voice and face in shock. I started crying . . . uncontrollably. For hours. Finally, he said, Lee, you have to get ahold of yourself, and I stopped, suddenly. It was the last time I have ever cried. Ive never cried since, never. Anthonys death [of cancer in 1999] was equally soul destroying, but with an illness, its so distressing . . . coupled with his bravery throughout it. I could only cry inner tears. When he died, I was already cried out, she told the Times.

On regrets: I think everyone has regrets, and people who say they havent are either liars  or narcissists. There have been many things in my life to have regrets about, in the sense I wish I could have changed them, or somehow made them not happen. What I dont have is envy. Im perfectly content at this time of my life. Ive done so many fascinating things and the greatest joy is that I continue to do interesting things and meet fascinating people, she told the Times.

On attending the renowned Miss Porters School: I always hated school, but I really hated Miss Porters. Very ra-ra-ra, their teams must win.  I will never forget, I was terrible at sports. And I was always the last to be chosen for a team, which was so embarrassing and made me feel pathetic, Radziwill told Sofia Coppola in a video for the Times in 2013.

RELATED: How Jackie Kennedy Never Told Sister Lee Radziwill She Was Engaged to Her Ex Aristotle Onassis

On attempting to adopt an orphan as a child: I was left alone at this enormous house of my mother and stepfather in McLean, Virginia, Radziwill, who was about 11 at the time, told Coppola. I was just so alone I decided I couldnt stand it any longer, so I looked up in the Yellow Classified Pages orphans, orphanages. So I took my pathetic allowance, called a taxi from the Yellow Pages nearest to our house. And so the taxi came, we went to the orphanage, I asked them to please wait and walked in and said to the mother superior at the desk: My name is such and such and Ive come to adopt an orphan and I have a lovely place where she would be terribly happy. Horses and dogs and walks and she would really love it. And she looked at me absolutely stunned and said, Im so sorry, my dear, but youre just too young for us to allow you to adopt a child. When my mother came back around a week later, I just got such hell for this: How you could upset me? How you could torture me the way you have? We were so worried about you? I couldnt figure out quite why that was as they were in Chile on a motorboat.

On ex-boyfriend photographer Peter Beard, whom she met one summer in Greece: He was superb looking and had a body of a Greek god He just gave me so many more interests and so much more curiosity about possibilities, Radziwill told Coppola.

On whether she sees herself as strong: Yes I do. And I see myself as vulnerable.

On what kept her going: I wouldnt want to live if I wasnt curious, yeah. I wouldnt want to live.  Without memory, theres no life. And thats the way Id feel. Soon, she told the famed director.
An 11-year-old Florida student was arrested last week and charged with a misdemeanor after exchanging words with a teacher who took issue with the childs refusal to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The Lawton Chiles Middle Academy sixth-grader told substitute teacher, Ana Alvarez, that he would not stand because the flag and the national anthem were racist against black people.

According Bay 9 News, the teacher then seemed to escalate the situation by asking the child why he didnt go somewhere else if America was so bad.

The student responded saying, They brought me here.

Then, Alvarezagain, the adult heretold the 11-year-old, Well you can always go back, because I came here from Cuba and the day I feel Im not welcome here anymore I would find another place to live.

According to the Washington Post, Alvarez then called the school district office and the student responded to the dean who told him to leave the room, saying, Suspend me! I dont care. This school is racist, as he left.

The Lakeland Police Department released a statement making it clear that the student was not arrested for refusing to stand for the the Pledge of Allegiance, but for Disrupting a School Function and Resisting Officer Without Violence.

The boys mother, Dhakira Talbot, later told Bay News 9, Im upset, Im angry. Im hurt. More so for my son. My son has never been through anything like this. I feel like this shouldve been handled differently. If any disciplinary action shouldve been taken, it shouldve been with the school. He shouldnt have been arrested.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida responded to the incident tweeting, This is outrageous. Students do not lose their First Amendment rights when they enter the schoolhouse gates. This is a prime example of the over-policing of Black students in school.

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According to a statement released by the school district, the substitute teacher was asked to leave campus immediately and will no longer be allowed to work at any of our schools. The statement also said that Alvarez was not aware that students were not required to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, the Supreme Court ruled in a 1943 decision that schools cannot mandate that students recite the pledge or stand for the flag because it would violate their rights under the First Amendment.
A classic Reba McEntire ballad, a Guy Clark cover from his acolyte Steve Earle and a Spanglish love song from the Last Bandoleros make up our list of the best country songs to hear this week.

The Last Bandoleros, Enamorado

A bilingual love song, Enamorado mixes the ramped-up romance of Latin pop ballads with the hooks and harmonies of Southwestern roots music. YouTube singing star Alexander Stewart co-wrote the track and released his own version last summer, but Enamorado sounds like a Last Bandoleros original, with all four bandmates contributing to the songs layered vocals.

Chris Janson, Good Vibes

If you aint got anything good to say, then shut your mouth, commands Chris Janson, whos preaches the gospel of positive thinking with this summery pop/rocker. Co-written alongside Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, Good Vibes delivers exactly what its title suggests: a blast of upbeat, major-key euphoria, shot through with guitar riffs and a beach-worthy bounce. The single helps kickstart Jansons promo cycle for a new album, which is slated to arrive in September.

Reba McEntire, Stronger Than the Truth

On Reba McEntires agenda for the year: a Las Vegas residency with Brooks & Dunn, a high-profile hosting gig at the ACM Awards and, most importantly, her first album since 2017s gospel-flavored Sing It Now. Stronger Than the Truth, the records title track, is a power ballad about infidelity, with Reba looking to dull the sting of her lovers wandering ways with plenty of whiskey. Unfortunately, not even firewater can wash away the truth.

Molly Tuttle, Million Miles

Back in October 2018, Jason Isbell tapped Molly Tuttle as an opening act during his annual residency at the Ryman Auditorium. She returns the favor with this new single, which makes gorgeous use of Isbells vocal harmonies, Sierra Hulls mandolin playing and Tuttles award-winning flatpicking. Also getting a piece of the action are songwriters Steve Poltz and Jewel, who began co-writing Million Miles two decades earlier. The song remained unfinished until Poltz gave it off to Tuttle  a move that feels like a passing of the folk-music torch.

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Steve Earle & the Dukes, Dublin Blues

Steve Earles upcoming album Guy finds the songwriter setting aside his own material and, instead, paying tribute to longtime influence Guy Clark. Dublin Blues marks the records kickoff track, with Earle and company reworking the stripped-down title track from Clarks 1995 record into an amplified Americana anthem.

Shovels & Rope, The Wire

Itll be a busy April for Shovels & Rope, whose new album By Blood arrives one day before the start of the bands yearly High Water Festival. While 2019 marks the third installment of High Water, The Wire  the duos first release from By Blood  hints at changes on the horizon. After all, the song owes as much to indie-pop as the bands Americana roots, with a percussive pulse gluing everything together.

Randy Rogers Band, Crazy People

Raised by devout parents in small-town Texas, Randy Rogers Band kicks off Crazy People by recalling his familys strict moral code. . .then finds a shoebox of old photographs that prove his parents once knew how to party. Its a tried-and-true country storyline, and Crazy People delivers the expected highlights, from the tongue-twisting lyrics in the chorus to the heartland hooks that run throughout.

Marcus King Band, Goodbye Carolina

Produced by Dave Cobb and championed by Chris Stapleton, Goodbye Carolina burns slowly, building its way toward a fiery blaze of slide-guitar pyrotechnics and Deep-South soul over six minutes. What begins as a ballad officially turns into a barn-burner during the final moments, with Kings guitar leading the charge.

Lula Wiles, Good Old American Values

A descendant of the Abenaki Native American tribe, Mali Obomsawin sings about the dark side of American traditions on this folky protest song. Bandmates Isa Burke and Eleanor Buckland back her up on fiddle and acoustic guitar, adding heft to a track that tackles the countrys longtime habit of subjugating indigenous peoples.

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Caroline Spence, Sit Here and Love Me

A bare-bones ballad about the intersection between depressions gloom and compassions sunny uplift, Sit Here and Love Me finds an anxious Caroline Spence singing directing to her partner. Ive been this way as long as Ive been here, she says, nodding to her ongoing struggle with anxiety while an acoustic guitar rings in the background. The solution to her issue isnt medication; its the mere presence and support of her lover. I dont need you to solve any problem at all, she assures during the chorus, adding, I just need you to sit here and love me.
What are the origins of Romani music? How is Romani music presented in contemporary music genres? How do Romani musicians learn to play their instruments?

Andras Suki will guide the audience on the journey from the origins of Romani music to its present representations: from the musical life of Romani villages in Hungary, through the impact of Romani music on European classical music composers like Johannes Brahms, Franz Liszt, Bela Bartok and Igor Stravinsky, to the presence of Romani music in the everyday urban life of Hungary.

All these stages will be illustrated with musical excerpts played by young musicians.

The second part of the musical lecture will focus on the special musical teaching method, which has been inscribed on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

The method is founded on the knowledge preserved by Romani musician dynasties, and it is focusing on learning by ear and from the hands of teachers without the use of any score. This method allows students to enjoy the freedom of music and encourage their creativity.

Date and time: Thursday, February 28, 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Venue:

CEU, Auditorium A

1051 Budapest Nador utca 15.
Hungarys opposition parties have welcomed the start of Joe Bidens presidency of the United States, calling it an end to populism and highlighting their common values with the incoming US administration.
Hungarys foreign ministry has summoned the Swedish ambassador over critical remarks by a Swedish minister concerning the Hungarian governments recent family assistance measures, the foreign minister said.

In a tweet, Annika Strandhall, the Swedish minister for social affairs, said that Hungarys alarming policies were reeking of the 1930s.

She suggested the Hungarian prime minister, who she said seeks to promote the birth of more true Hungarian babies, was a right-wing populist trying to obscure the consequences of those policies to the independence women have fought for.

Answering a question at a press conference on a different subject, Peter Szijjarto said the tone of Strandhalls tweet was unacceptable.

He said the Swedish ambassador had been told at the ministry that Strandhall s comments, too, were unacceptable. Szijjarto said the ambassador had taken note of Hungarys stance and promised to convey it to Stockholm.



MTI Photo
The government is launching an information campaign on plans by Brussels to promote migration.

All Hungarians have a right to know about the proposals that fundamentally threaten Hungarys security, government spokesman Istvan Hollik (pictured on top left) told a press conference.

Hollik justified the need for the campaign by saying that while Hungarians have already expressed their opposition to immigration in a variety of ways, Brussels was still trying to force through plans that support it.

Theyre still forcing migrant quotas, Hollik said, insisting that Brussels was aiming to weaken the border protection rights of EU member states. He said that in addition to distributing anonymous debit cards to migrants, Brussels was also looking to introduce migrant visas.

The latter has already been approved by the European Parliament, he said. Brussels plans, he said, also include giving more money to organisations that support immigration.

At the same time, the European Union would punish member states that oppose immigration by cutting their funding, he added, warning that if these steps were to be carried out, Hungary would become a country of immigrants.



MTI Photo: Illyes Tibor
The Budapest Process interregional forum on migration will become a symbol for stopping pro-migration forces, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Saturday, commenting on the forums next meeting held in Istanbul.

At next Wednesdays meeting, the Hungarian government will not allow the forum named after Budapest to become a platform for bringing more migrants to Europe, Szijjarto told MTI.

The meeting will see a fight between pro-migration and anti-migration forces, as usual in the recent period, he added. [US financier George] Soros and his network, United Nations officials and Brussels want to use the Budapest Forum to start another wave of migration towards Europe, he said.

They plan to approve a resolution at the end of the meeting which states the need to open further routes for migrants, he said, adding that the Hungarian government is most resolutely against this.

A fight is expected because ever since the UN managed to get its global migration compact approved, various international organisations have attempted to force through parts of the compact at various meetings, he said.

They also want to use the Budapest Process for this purpose, but Hungary and others that promote an anti-migration stand will not approve the new resolution, he added.

The over 50 governments and numerous international organisations involved in the Budapest Process focus on migration issues concerning the Silk Routes Region, which refers to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan.

The forum was named after Budapest because the city hosted its first official meeting in 1993. In addition to the 52 member states, seven countries including the US have observer status. Hungary fulfils the role of co-chair and the forum has been chaired by Turkey since 2006.



MTI Photo: Burger Zsolt
Hoang Ngoc Hung, head of the Liaison Board for Vietnamese in Laos and Thailand  Ho Chi Minh City, said in 2018, the board set up and consolidated ties with competent municipal agencies as well as the Lao and Thai consulate generals in the city to organise various activities, contributing to the localitys people-to-people diplomacy.

The board will make greater efforts in the work, contributing to enhancing the friendship between people of Ho Chi Minh City and Laos and Thailand, as well as the fruitful relations between Vietnam and the two countries.

Champheng Sengmani, Lao Acting Consul General in HCM City, said the Party, Government and people of Laos highly valued marked contributions of Vietnamese to the revolutionary cause and national construction in the host country.

Thailands Acting Consul General in HCM City Natthapol Na Songkhla, stressed that his country has attached importance to cultural and social ties between people of Thailand and Vietnam and Laos.

The Thai Consulate General will continue its close coordination with the Association for Liaison with Overseas Vietnamese  HCM City, and competent municipal agencies to carry out friendly programmes and activities, he said.


Business Editor Conor Griffith can be reached by at 304-395-3168 or by email at cgriffith@statejournal.com
Morgantown, WV (26505)

Today

Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 89F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High around 90F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 69F. Winds light and variable.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Soldiers from a local unit are returning from their Middle East deployment.

Soldiers from the Mississippi National Guards 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team have been serving in the Middle East since July 2018.

155th soldiers in Kuwait on Aug. 9, 2018 | U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brittany Johnson

155th soldiers arrive in the Middle East in July 2018. | Photo: 155th ABCT Facebook 155th soldiers arrive in the Middle East in July 2018. | Photo: 155th ABCT Facebook 155th soldiers in Kuwait on Aug. 9, 2018 | U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brittany Johnson

According to the Department of the Army, some soldiers began arriving in the United States on Feb. 16.

Approximately 250 members of the 155th ABCT returned to Mississippi on Monday, Feb. 18.

The U.S. Army states all 155th ABCT soldiers are expected to be back in the U.S. by late March.

The demobilization process is expected to take approximately 14 days, stated a unit spokesman.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - The Golden Triangle Regional Airport is adding an additional flight and expanding its existing facility.

The new early afternoon flight will begin flying on June 8.

All four flights will continue to run on holidays.

The airport currently flies to Atlanta through Delta Airlines. The improvements are due to a high-flight capacity percentage in 2018.

Flight consultants predict this is the beginning of growth for the airport.

"Getting an extra flight doesn't happen for this small of an airport," said Executive Director Mike Hainsey.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  A bill aimed at removing Indiana from the list of just five states without a hate crimes law cleared a legislative committee Monday, but not without the continued opposition of conservative groups that have stymied similar proposals for the last several years.

The Senate Public Policy Committee voted 9-1 to advance the bill to the full Senate after hearing nearly three hours of public testimony from opponents and supporters. The bill would specifically allow judges to impose additional penalties against those convicted of committing crimes fueled by biases regarding traits such as race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and age.

The debate in the Republican-dominated Legislature comes in the wake of a controversy over a 2015 Indiana law that critics said allowed gay people to be discriminated against. The law was later changed, but only after a national backlash and threats of a boycott.

This years push for a state hate crimes law has the backing of Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who has said the state is long overdue to adopt such a law following the spray-painting of a swastika outside a suburban Indianapolis synagogue last summer

An overwhelming majority of states have hate crime laws, which vary to some degree but generally allow for stiffer sentences to be given to people who are convicted of crimes motivated by hatred or bias. Only Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Wyoming and Arkansas do not.

Among the some 40 bill supporters who spoke before the committee were executives of business groups, corporations and universities, along with leaders of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu congregations. Hispanic college students, a transgender woman and the mother of a transgender woman all talked about threatening situations in urging adoption of a state hate crimes law.

Pierre Atlas said he another other members of Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel were victims of last summers swastika vandalism that had what he called a sinister motive that made it a hate crime.

It is an attack on that entire group, not just the individual, Atlas said. It is intended to terrorize and intimidate that entire group.

Repeated efforts for an Indiana law have failed amid fierce opposition from conservatives who maintain it would unfairly create specially-protected classes of victims and wrongly restrict free speech. About 10 bill opponents testified Monday, mostly leaders of prominent religious conservative groups in the state.

Curt Smith, president of the Indiana Family Institute, argued that current state law gives judges the authority to consider bias motives in sentencing criminals.

Some people are on the favored list this year, maybe next year this committee or other tribunals would take them off, Smith said. ... When you start creating new rights they inevitably bump up against other things and we have very great concerns about religious liberty should this bill be passed in its current form.

Hate crimes bill supporters maintain that judges are now reluctant to consider bias factors in sentences since they arent specifically identified in state law.

A bill similar to that endorsed Monday cleared the state Senate in 2016, but the House took no action on it. Senate Republican leaders killed another bill last year before a committee voted on it, saying a consensus couldnt be reached over its wording.

Holcomb has said the new law should follow the states employee anti-harassment policy, which has a list that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said he and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray talked with the governor about the issue for about 45 minutes last week and that significant opposition remains among House Republicans on an expansive list.

It is my hope that Senator Bray can thread the needle and get a bill over here that we can work with, Bosma said.

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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - A bill at the Indiana statehouse could help foster kids in the Hoosier State.

The Family and Children Services Senate Committee will be hearing Senate Bill 398 Monday. It's a subsidy bill to help parents that adopt foster children. It's co-authored by Republican Senator Jon Ford.

Local foster mom and advocate, Kristi Cundiff, says this bill can have a huge impact on Hoosier families.

Cundiff explains, "We have a family right here in the Wabash Valley that adopted their great nephew, and was receiving $42 dollars a day for a subsidy, and they were offered a dollar a day, take it or leave it. And so, they were actually getting more a day than what they were getting per month."

Cundiff says Senate Bill 398 would set a base subsidy rate for an adopted child at half of their foster amount. So in Cundiff's example, the family would get at least $21 dollars a day to continue the child's care after adoption.

Another move at the state level to help Indiana foster children could also be approved. Advocates will be pushing for a Summer Study Session.

The study would look into the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths or CANS score. It's what Cundiff says the Department of Child Services uses to decide how much foster parents are subsidized for care of their child. She says the current way of doing things isn't serving families very well.

Cundiff shares, "The CANS assessment was not designed for that. The CANS assessment is a mental health care evaluation, not a financial tool to put a price tag on how much it takes to care, what it costs to take care of the children."

Cundiff says by lawmakers acting in favor of these two measures, it can greatly help reduce hardships that foster families face. It also helps to promote adoptions and permanency within the foster system.

To follow the progress of Senate Bill 398, click here.
The economic situation in Zimbabwe continues to worsen, with food shortages, high fuel prices, and a currency shortage exacerbating an already tense social crisis.

The scale of the crisis is immense. The Independent Online reports that more than half of the population in rural areas faces hunger, a significant increase compared to less than 30 percent just last year. In the capital, Harare, 52 percent of residents are facing food insecurity.

According to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committees 2018 Rural Livelihoods Assessment, approximately 2.4 million people in rural Zimbabweapproximately 28 percent of the rural populationwill be severely food insecure by March 2019. The prices of basic services and commodities have risen at a cumulative rate of over 500 percent.

The currency shortage plaguing the Zimbabwean economy exposes many more to financial hardship and economic insecurity, driving them into unemployment. Last year, for example, thousands of RioZim workers were forced to go for months without pay before being put on forced leave by the mining company, after it shut-down three of its mines.

The ZANU-PF government, led by a ruling clique that is hermitically sealed off from the mass of ordinary people by its colossal wealth, has responded to the social discontent created by these conditions by unleashing the military to suppress any signs of dissent and keep the population in a permanent state of fear. Reports by human rights groups detail wanton acts of torture, assault and sexual assault by the army. Victims describe chilling stories of men in army uniforms and black masks raiding their homes and raping them.

The government has reinforced the presence of the army on the streets and suburbs of the capital in what amounts to martial law. According to Bulawayo24, There are reports of soldiers patrolling most high-density suburbs, with details of forced curfews in place. Coupled with this is the continuous nightly crackdown on civilians, opposition party and civic society members who are on police wanted list.

Notwithstanding this intimidation, the working class has expressed its determination to fight. Teachersreflecting the wave of teachers strikes that have taken place over four continentshave been in the lead of this militancy with 80 percent of over 100,000 Zimbabwean teachers going on strike for higher wages February 5 after the breakdown of negotiations between the government and public-sector workers.

Strikes were met with intimidation by ZANU-PF youth, war veterans and supporters and the police.

However, a forced return to the classroom was achieved not by these reactionary forces but by the main teachers unions, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association and the Progressive Teachers Union, who urged the government to take advantage of the detente to introspect and come up with well thought out, meaningful, and long-lasting solutions on the salaries grievances.

The actions by the teachers unions are in line with the general strategy of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), which is in political alliance with the pro-imperialist Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The MDC utilizes the backing of the ZCTU to place pressure on ZANU-PF, while working in alliance with British and US imperialism.

Exposing the anti-working class character of the MDC, and its own nationalistic and militaristic chauvinism, MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa made a direct appeal for support from the army, stating that We love our soldiers, we honour our soldiers; they are patriotic; but, honestly, why are politicians abusing our soldiers to draw them into issues that are not supposed to be theirs?

Recent statements by MDC councilor of Kwekwe, Washington Moyo, again underscore the reactionary and militaristic agenda of the MDC. Speaking at a council meeting on the issue of street vendors (marketers who are unable to sell their goods anywhere else other than the streets of Harare), Moyo, according to the Zimbabwe Mail, remarked, I think its a waste of time to dispatch our security personnel on the ground to chase away vendors from the streets because the moment they leave, vendors will come back, before stating that Under the circumstances, I think its prudent that we engage the army. I suggest that we use the army to bring sanity to our city.

The deposing of President Robert Mugabe in November 2017 in a military coup led by his former enforcer and now President Emmerson Mnangagwa aroused hopes for change not only among the Zimbabwean population but also within imperialist circles.

The major powers are seeking to bring about a reorientation of the ZANU-PF government away from Russia and China and for the opening up of the economy to western transnationals. However, Mnangagwa continues to seek closer ties with Moscow and Beijing which offer the possibility of investment without further financial indebtedness to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The MDC acts as a local tool of the imperialist powers in pressuring ZANU-PF into changing course or, if necessary, working towards regime change. Notably, proposed talks with Mnangagwa were snubbed by Chamisa against a background of threats of further sanctions by Washington and London.

Britains Minister for Africa, Harriet Baldwin, said the Conservative government is considering widening sanctions on the Zimbabwean government in the aftermath of the repression of protests. Business Day reports her as saying, I think that since the recent developments there might be a case for widening it to include further individuals  We have been aware that the president has said that heads will roll. We havent seen any specific heads rolling.

According to Business Live, US State Department spokesperson Robert Palladino expressed the Trump administrations concerns about excessive use of force by the government of Zimbabwes security forces and the imposition of undue internet restrictions. Palladino called for dialogue between MDC and ZANU-PF, before insisting that talks must be mediated by a neutral third party and calling for the government of Zimbabwe to enact promised political and economic reforms.

MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume noted his partys alignment with the Trump administrations position stating, The USs articulation of a dialogue process and what is needed to bring peace to Zimbabwe is very clear and more pointed.

On February 14, the European Parliament also recommended the tightening of sanctions first imposed by the European Union in 2002 on senior Zimbabwe officials and institutions, citing the Mnangagwa governments continued attacks, hate speech, smear campaigns, acts of intimidation and harassment and acts of torture. Presently, out of an initial 200 targets, only seven people and one entity remain subject to sanctions, which are due to expire February 20.

Despite the threats of new sanctions, Mnangagwa seems intent on clamping down even harder on the MDC, with the Guardian reporting, Briefing papers prepared by Zanu-PF officials blame opposition parties and rogue NGOs for an orgy of violence following a protest against fuel price rises last month, accusing them of following a plan by hostile elements to subvert the state by rendering the country ungovernable.

The Guardian adds, The Zanu-PF document describes the security forces response as proportional to the threat posed, though it adds: Unfortunately some misguided elements within the system and the security forces committed excesses and the law is now taking its course. The briefing says reports of abuses are aimed at prompting western intervention in Zimbabwe.

Mnangagwa circulated these documents among African Union foreign diplomats to build a support base against the western powers. TimesLive reports, Botswana [has become] the latest Sadc [South African Development Community] member state to throw its weight behind Mnangagwas government, asking the US and other Western countries to remove sanctions against Zimbabwe. Botswanas president, Eric Masisi said the sanctions were preventing Zimbabwe from growing.

It goes on to say, [E]arlier this week, Sadc chair and Namibian president Hage Geingob also pledged support to Mnangagwa, saying: Sadc expresses its solidarity with the government and the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and calls upon the international community to unconditionally lift all sanctions imposed on the country.

With the support of the army, representing a bourgeois constituency that does not want to be displaced by international capital, Mnangagwa is attempting to maneuver between the imperialist powers and Russia and China, while continuing to clamp down on all opposition. The working class must wage a struggle against Mnangagwe without being corralled behind the pro-imperialist opposition represented by the MDC/ZCTU.
At least 200,000 people500,000 according to the organizersmarched in Barcelona on Saturday against the show trial of 12 Catalan nationalist leaders, which began last week in Madrid. The trial is being held in the aftermath of last Wednesdays collapse of the Spanish government. The defendants are being prosecuted on fraudulent charges of sedition and rebellion for organizing the 2017 referendum on Catalan independence from Spain. They face a possible sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

The march was called by the pro-secessionist National Catalan Assembly (ANC) and Omnium Cultural, as well as a number of political parties. These include Together for Catalonia, Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) and the Podemos-backed Catalonia in Common. Several trade unions also endorsed the demonstration.

Demonstrators marched peacefully under banners reading Self-determination is a right, not a crime, They are judging us all, and Jaccuse. Catalan Regional Premier Quim Torra led the march.

The mass participation was an indication of far broader opposition, centered above all in the working class, to the bourgeoisies drive to establish a police state in Spain. This is proceeding now with European Union support, based on anti-Catalan propaganda that employs the political falsifications that form the basis for the show trial in Madrid.

The Catalan nationalist parties are bourgeois, pro-austerity parties oriented to the European Union. They tacitly back NATO wars. Their perspective cuts across the struggle to unify workers on the Iberian Peninsula against the drive towards authoritarian rule.

Despite these parties reactionary character, however, the show trial in Madrid must be unequivocally opposed.

Like Saturdays protest, the 2017 secession referendum was conducted peacefully. Whatever violence occurred was perpetrated by the Spanish police, who assaulted peaceful voters. Bringing charges of rebellionlegally defined as a violent, insurrectionary uprisingon this basis means effectively outlawing protest and political opposition to the state and taking a major step toward authoritarian rule.

Prosecutor Javier Zaragoza, speaking at the Supreme Court on the second day of the trial, denounced Catalan voters as human shields impeding the legitimate police operation. He added, I dont think the responsibility for the violence on referendum day can be attributed to Spanish law enforcement, but to those who, knowing the law, mobilised thousands of citizens.

In fact, the police assaulted voters while seeking to seize ballots at 92 polling stations across Catalonia, injuring over 1,000 people. Responsibility lies with the Popular Party (PP) government in power at the time, which sent 16,000 policemen to Catalonia. It is shared by the Socialist Party (PSOE), which backed this move, and by Podemos, which refused to oppose it. Police arrested top Catalan regional officials, shut down 144 websites, seized millions of posters and leaflets, searched print shops, banned meetings and threatened over 700 mayors for having supported the referendum.

One indication of the fraudulent character of the charges of rebellion is that the courts in Belgium, Britain and Germany have declined to extradite Catalan officials who fled Spain and send them back to Madrid to stand trial. This includes the regional premier, Carles Puigdemont,

The Spanish government aims to politically decapitate the Catalan nationalist parties. A total of 29 people, seven of whom, including Puigdemont, are in exile, are wanted or under indictment. Beyond the 12 currently indicted, four Catalan regional police officials face a separate case, as do six Catalan parliamentarians charged with disobedience.

From the start it has been clear that the defendants will not be allowed a fair trial. The Spanish Supreme Court, not the High Court of Justice of Catalonia, is handling the case. Madrid is arguing that this is because websites set up for the referendum were hosted outside of Catalonia, ballot boxes came from France, and international observers were present at the referendum.

In fact, the Spanish state is using its Supreme Court in order to control the proceedings. Supreme Court judges are nominated by the General Council of the Judiciary, which is staffed by individuals nominated by the PP and the PSOE. Recently it was leaked that the PPs Senate spokesperson, Ignacio Cosido, wrote on WhatsApp that the PP would control the court behind the scenes thanks to these nominations.

The European Democratic Lawyers (EDL) association, among other groups of legal experts, has warned that the defendants have not been given sufficient time to prepare their cases. EDL posted a statement noting that their pre-trial detention for over a year without having been charged had negative consequences for their ability to defend themselves. Over the three months the trial is expected to last, detainees will have to rise every day at 6 a.m. and spend at least two hours traveling to court and back. They will be locked up in separate rooms during the breaks.

The panel of seven judges, headed by Manuel Marchena, has rejected 50 defense witnesses, including Puigdemont himself, as well as further expert witnesses and vital pieces of evidence that would allow the defendants to counter the prosecutors version of events. The panel agreed to virtually all the witnesses and evidence put forward by the public prosecutor, Spains solicitor general (controlled by the PSOE government) and the pro-fascist, anti-Catalan party Vox.

The only force that can halt the drive towards authoritarian rule is the working class. Discredited, isolated and afraid of growing opposition, seen in the strike waves in Portugal and the yellow vest protests in France, the ruling elite is determined to erect a police state. Attempts by the Catalan nationalists to appeal for dialogue and profess their love of peace are politically bankrupt efforts to work out a deal with the rest of the capitalist class. This will not halt the drive to authoritarian rule.

On Thursday, the former regional vice premier, Oriol Junqueras, declared that he is a political prisoner: Im convinced that Im being accused for my ideas and not for my actions, he said. At the same time, he called for a political solution with the Spanish state. He added that dialogue has always been denied. The chair opposite ours has always been empty. He concluded, I have said it many times: I love Spain and the peoples of Spain and the Spanish language and culture.

Despite the pleas from Junqueras, the EU is backing the judicial lynching in Madrid. Last week, European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen endorsed the trial, stating, We fully trust the legal system in Spain.

On Friday, the EU banned a conference titled Catalonia and the trial on the referendum: A challenge for the EU. The event was organised by the Flemish separatist party N-VA, in collaboration with Puigdemont and Quim Torra, the former and current premiers of Catalonia, respectively. The EU claimed that security officials had warned it could pose a threat to the maintenance of public order on Parliaments premises. It cited a peaceful occupation of European Commission buildings in Barcelona by secessionist protesters, as well as tensions linked to the start of the trial against pro-independence leaders.

European Parliament official Heidi Hautala tweeted that the EU Parliament cancelled the event under pressure from the main Spanish parties.

Meanwhile, the interim government of PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez, who on Friday called for snap elections after losing the vote on his governments budget, has called on Spains embassies to defend the Madrid show trial. The Global Spain project is preparing an international smear campaign using video and social media and targeting the Catalan secessionists.

The junior minister for Global Spain, Irene Lozano, said there is widespread concern in the government of the trials impact on Spains reputation. She continued: I am aware that the judiciary is very well prepared to explain to the Spanish and foreign press what is really happening, legally and technically, because predictably there will be attempts to misinform, to make incorrect interpretations of procedural questions in order to increase the victimization. She added that the Prime Ministers Office and the Foreign Affairs Ministry would handle the most political information.

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[14 February 2019]
Over 1,000 school and university students gathered on the steps of Leeds Town Hall on Friday to rally against climate change. Many had walked out of school despite the opposition of their head teachers. Homemade banners expressed their anger with slogans like, One Planet, One People, We demand a future, Planet not Profit, What I stand for is what I stand on and many more. They listened intently to the speakers that addressed the rally, many of them also school students.

Barbara Slaughter of the Socialist Equality Party was one of the speakers. She was warmly welcomed, especially when she described the global character of the crisis and the necessity for global action to address it.

She said, Todays strike of school students in the UK is part of a global movement of youth against the disaster of climate change that has already resulted in floods, drought, wild fires, typhoons, hurricanes, widespread hunger and disease. According to the UN, 210 million people have been driven out of their homes as a result of extreme drought since 2008. This is a global problem and requires a global solution.

Seventy percent of all greenhouse gases released from 1988 to 2018 came from companies controlled by millionaires and billionaires. The top 10 percent of society are driven by the profit motive. They oppose any measures that impact on the profits of the major corporations.

The fundamental problem is the capitalist profit system and division of the planet into competing nation states. This system prevents a rational scientific plan from being implemented which is necessary to achieve rapid reduction in carbon emissions. And the greatest danger that confronts mankind and the very existence of life on the planet today is the danger of nuclear war, which is being prepared for in the Pentagon and elsewhere.

All the catastrophes we facepoverty, inequality, fascism, attacks on democratic rights, climate change and the growing threat of warare products of the capitalist system, where private profit is the driving force of the economy.

As the leaflet we are distributing today states, The global character of the student strikes and protests has fundamental significance. Young people are organising across national boundaries in recognition that climate change has global causes and global consequences. In doing so you are meeting up with an international resurgence of the class struggle.

She continued, Millions of workers across the planet are uniting in strikes and protests to defend their wages, living standards and basic rights. Teachers in the US, the UK and Zimbabwe, airline pilots, railway workers, Amazon workers, the yellow vests in Francethe list goes on. The international working class is a powerful social force. And it is only through the unity of the working class with the growing international movement of the youth that a solution can be found.

Nothing less than the reorganisation of the global economy in the interest of social need not private profit can resolve the climate crisis. The only answer to the environmental crisis is international socialism. To achieve this requires a break from all the old organisations like the Labour Party, the trade unions and all the organisations that promote them. They are all tied to the nation state and are defenders of the profit system.

The Socialist Equality Party and its youth movement the International Youth and Students for Social Equality stand for the end of the division of the world into nation states and the end of private ownership of the wealth of society by a tiny financial elite. The resources of the planet must be utilised to provide for social need not private profit. I urge you all to study our leaflet, read the World Socialist Web Site and join us in this fight. Thank you.

WSWS reporters spoke to some of those attending the protest in Leeds. Steph, a zoology student at Leeds University, said, We were inspired by Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old Swedish girl who first went on strike. Governments are failing to do anything. They just water down the facts. If the youth can take action, why cant the government? They make all kinds of promises but the temperatures continue to rise. They make agreements then dont carry them out. It needs a change in the system, to target the big companies. Seventy percent of emissions come from the big companies. Change has to come from the bottom.

A school pupil from Horsforth School in Leeds didnt want to give her name because head teaching staff there were strongly opposed to the strike. She said, Five or six of us came here today. We all passionately believe that we need to act now. Not enough is being done by those who have the power. My school is strongly against the strike, they claim for safeguarding reasons. I understand where they are coming from, but we came anyway.

Loup, from France, is a young man who lives in Leeds. He said, It really seems like climate change is part of a systemic fault: The system is fundamentally broken and incremental changes of the system cannot solve these issues. The issues arise because of the system itself. To me it makes much more sense to think about a revolution and to bring in a change of system rather than make incremental changes within the system, which is what seems to be suggested by most policies being put forward around the world at the moment. Most people are aware of the problems, but they dont know how to solve them.
The Trump administrations fascistic crackdown on immigrants is expanding. On Friday, the government announced that a five-day sweep in Southern California targeting 122 businesses for employing undocumented workers had led to the arrest of 212 people.

In one of the larger sweeps, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained 26 Asian and Hispanic workers in a February 13 raid on Zion Market, a popular Korean grocery store in a mostly Asian neighborhood in San Diego, California.

ICEs Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit presented a federal search warrant as it began the raid. David Shaw, the special agent in charge of HSI in San Diego, told reporters that San Diego special agents are focused on bringing to justice those employers who knowingly break the law and hire an illegal workforce, causing unfair disadvantages to those companies that do comply.

Echoing Donald Trumps fraudulent attempt to present the persecution of immigrants as a defense of American workers, Shaw added, Honestly, if we didnt encounter any employees, it wouldnt make a difference for our case. Our case is based on the employer. One of the things were trying to do, obviously, is protect US jobs, but its also a national security issue.

ICE and its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) unit, which is known for brutally dragging workers off the shop floor and tearing mothers and fathers from their children, routinely attempts to focus attention on coyote smugglers and traffickers, never acknowledging their own role in deporting millions of desperate people who will attempt a dangerous journey to reunite with their families.

The agency has been ramping up its audits of workplace authorization, or I-9 formsdocuments that verify the eligibility of employment to work in the US. The number of businesses targeted for worksite investigations has increased by over 300 percent in the last year alone. In 2018, HSI opened 6,848 worksite investigations compared to 1,691 in 2017, according to an ICE news release.

Newsweek reported that since 2016, there has been a 650 percent surge in workplace arrests by ICE. The agency made five times more workplace arrests in 2018 than in 2017, according to BuzzFeed News.

James Schwab, spokesman for ICEs San Francisco office, said that approximately 77 businesses were served with I-9 audit notices from January 29 to January 31 across the offices jurisdiction, which includes Northern California, Hawaii, Guam and Saipan.

In addition to the recent sweeps in Southern California, ICE raids have expanded throughout the region and the entire country this past year. Some of the mass raids include:

A three-day sweep in San Diego last March that detained 115 people

The arrest of 162 workers in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara and Ventura in a three-day sweep of Southern California in June of 2018

A five-day sweep that netted 53 arrests in San Diego in September 2018

The arrest of 150 people in a September 2018 operation in Los Angeles

A two-week sweep in San Diego last October in which 84 people were detained.

Farms in the San Joaquin Valley, one of the largest agricultural production regions in the nation, have been targeted in the past month with audits by federal immigration authorities. Pitman Family Farms, Poindexter Nut Company and Fresh Select LLC have all been notified by ICE that their employee hiring records will soon be audited, according to Faith in the Valley, a humanitarian organization that works with undocumented immigrants.

Faith in the Valleys offices have been inundated with calls from concerned workers and farmers in the last few weeks. The group reported that within a 48-hour period last week, it received more than 100 calls from worried workers.

In addition to California, sweeps have continued throughout the country. During a five-day period from January 14 to January 18, ICE detained 18 people in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Earlier this month, ICE arrested over 200 in a massive North Carolina operation.

The majority of those arrested in these sweeps were from Mexico. However, those detained also included citizens of Honduras, Venezuela, the Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Iran, Nigeria, Korea, the Philippines, Romania and the United Kingdom.

The agency has attempted to blame increased raids on local law enforcement, claiming that these police departments have limited their interaction with immigration officers. Speaking of the mass raids in North Carolina, one ICE spokesperson said that the sweeps were in response to a new sheriffs lack of cooperation with the US government.

At a press conference this past Friday, Atlanta Field Office Director Sean Gallagher said, I think the uptick youve seen is the direct result of some of the dangerous policies that some of our county sheriffs have put into place, and it really forces my officers to go out on the street and conduct more operations out in the community, at courthouses, at residences, doing traffic stops... This is a direct correlation between the sheriffs dangerous policies of not cooperating with ICE and the fact that we have to continue executing our important law enforcement mission.

In fact, for the most part, police departments are more closely integrated with the Gestapo-like activities of the immigration authorities than ever before. The Obama administrations Secure Communities Act (2009) introduced new mechanisms for the hunting down of immigrants through the use of biometric data, combining local law enforcement databases with immigration databases.

In conducting the raids, ICE agents have posed as day laborers, painters and customers to deceive and detain workers. Immigrant advocates note that workers are increasingly utilizing social media to alert each other of enforcement operations, sightings and checkpoints in their area.

Immigrant advocates and humanitarian aid groups have been politically targeted for supporting migrants. This past month, four defendants from No More Deaths in Arizona were convicted by federal authorities of littering in the desert for leaving water and life-saving aid in the Sonoran Desert.

A man who recorded and posted live video of a North Carolina raid has been charged with threatening sheriffs deputies. Immigration advocates claim that Christian Enrique Canales, 27, was arrested in retaliation for bringing attention to the raid. Christian has taken an active role advocating for the immigrants arrested and has publicly spoken to reporters about the raids that took place in Sanford, the group Alerta Migratoria said.

According to a California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) study, last conducted in 2014, Californias labor force contains around 1.85 million undocumented immigrants, or one in ten workers in the state. That report noted that immigrant employment, both documented and undocumented, dominates large sectors of industry throughout the state.

It found that in terms of occupations, immigrants make up the majority of those involved in farming, fishing, and forestry (80 percent), grounds cleaning and maintenance (62 percent), production (57 percent), construction (42 percent), food preparation and serving (42 percent), transportation (42 percent), and personal care and service (37 percent) jobs. Undocumented immigrants are disproportionately represented in the farming (38 percent), construction (14 percent), production, service and transportation industries.

The prevalence of immigrants in various industries in the state underscores the fact that the entire working population is being terrorized and threatened by the immigration police.

Workplace employer audits and raids are part of a policy that is supported by fake socialists and lefts such as Bernie Sanders, who has remained silent on deportations and insisted that ICE pursue businesses that employ the undocumented, while presenting his support for anti-immigrant policies as opposition to employer abuse.
Written and directed by Alexey Krasovsky

Prazdnik (Holiday), a film from Russian director Alexey Krasovsky, which directly addresses social inequality in both the former Soviet Union and in contemporary Russia, has so far been viewed by over 1.5 million people on YouTube. The filmmakers were forced to upload the film on January 2 after a major state-sponsored campaign against the movie prevented it from being shown in the theaters.

The film is set during the Nazi siege of Leningrad during the Second World War in the winter of 1941-42. The siegeat 999 days, the longest of any city in modern historyled to a terrible famine that claimed the lives of over 1 million people. The suffering during the blockade continues to form a significant component of popular historical consciousness in Russia.

In stark contrast, Prazdnik centers on the Voskresensky family, who enjoy lots of privileges and virtually unlimited access to food. The head of the household, Georgy (Yan Tsapnik), works for the ruling party in a laboratory, where he supposedly is developing a secret weapon for the fight against the German military. The Voskresenskys food supply is taken care of by Stalin himself. They live on the outskirts of the besieged city, have access to fur coats and chicken dinners, while the vast majority of the population hardly gets hold of one piece of bread a day.

The familys celebration on New Years Evethe principal holiday in Russiais disrupted when the son, Denis (Pavel Tabakov), brings home an impoverished girl, Masha (Asya Chistyakova), who has just lost both her parents and has not eaten bread in days, to spend the holiday with his family. The wife and mother, Margarita (Alyona Babenko), seriously upset by Mashas presence, is desperate to hide as much of the familys food and clothing as possible.

The satirical depiction of the parents, and especially of the mother, is scathing: they are shown to be hypocrites, cynics and cowards; they are obsessed with their own well-being and comfort, and entirely removed from the concerns and lives of the people. Fearing discovery and revenge by the latter, at the same time they feel fully entitled to their privileges.

The social tension in the movie builds up for almost an hour, until it bursts into the open at the dinner table.

Masha asks Margarita, So youre getting food directly from comrade Stalin? Yes, Mashenka  Were we supposed to renounce it or what? To starve like everyone else? But you could share what you have in abundance with other people [Margarita laughs hysterically] Share it? How? What would we give away, what would we keep for ourselves? Fine, I will give something to some children, but then tomorrow they will bring their parents, and the day after tomorrow the entire city will be here.  And do you know why we have so much? Because the state values us, it is taking care of us. And why would you be loved? What have you given to this world?  Yes, Im very sorry for you, for your parents, for all the unhappy people in the world, but, unfortunately, there is not enough bread for all of them. Masha responds, tiredly, It would be enough, if it was divided equally.

Prazdnik is only a little over an hour long, but it makes a lasting impression on the viewer. It is a poignant indictment of the massive social divide both in the Soviet Union and in contemporary Russia, and has been universally understood as such.

In terms of wealth distribution, Russia is the most unequal of the major economies in the world, with the top 1 percent of the population owning a third of the total wealth and the bottom 50 percent possessing less than 5 percent. About 20 million people, out of a population of 140 million, live in extreme poverty, eking out an existence on less than $175 a month. Meanwhile, the countrys super-rich protect their enormous mansions in Moscows wealthy suburbs and elsewhere from the sight of the population with high walls.

It is not surprising, therefore, that Prazdnik has elicited a quasi-hysterical reaction from the Russian government and the media. A systematic campaign to prevent the films release was launched last fall. A leading official from the United Russia party threatened to have the film banned, and the media tried to discredit the film as an alleged insult to the victims of the siege of Leningrad.

The director and the producer have also been subject to two criminal investigations by the police, one for terrorism and extremism (that case was eventually dropped), and another that seeks to prove that the film was shot with money from illegal sources (as of January 22, this investigation was ongoing.) The filmmakers eventually saw no alternative to making the movie publicly available on YouTube.

The response by viewers has been overwhelmingly positive.

One commented that this film is an allegory about the current regime, under which state officials  are in competition with one another over their yachts, cars, and villas, go crazy for luxury, while the population is tightening its belt, has to save even on basic necessities, including food and clothes, works without rest until death to somehow be able to feed itself, and listens to fairy tales about the importance of public spending on more rackets to defend us from all enemies.

Another viewer noted, This film is very contemporaneous. The entire current elite consists from top to bottom of former party officials and Komsomol-members.

In interviews, the director and author of the screenplay, Aleksei Krasovsky, indicated that this is precisely the message he intended to convey.

Prazdnik is an important film, and the response to it expresses significant shifts in Russian political and social life. Together with Boris Khlebnikovs remarkable Arrhythmia (2017), which addressed the severe crisis in the Russian health care system, the work indicates that serious artists in Russia are increasingly concerned by the social crisis and the lives of working people.

However, the very seriousness of the movie and the healthy impulse of the filmmakers call for a critical analysis of its underlying conceptions. Through its implicit comparison of Leningrad in World War II to contemporary conditions, Prazdnik echoes the message of many popular jokes and sayings in Russia to the effect that whoever rules, nothing changes for ordinary people, who always remain oppressed and impoverished.

In an interview, Krasovsky explained, I wanted to talk about how this segregation developed between the richoften the unjustly and undeservedly richand everyone else. When did it begin? Rich people ignoring the suffering of others, he continued, existed, exists and, I fear, will always exist.

This very pessimistic view is an expression of substantial confusion about the October Revolution and the Soviet Union. It is true there is a definite relationship between the parasitic oligarchy of today and the Soviet bureaucracy. However, a formal comparison between the two phenomena ignores the fundamental differences between the social and historical origins of the Soviet Union and those of the Russian Federation.

The Soviet Union was the product of the greatest and most progressive revolution in human history, the October Revolution in 1917 led by the Bolsheviks. Founded on the program of internationalism and social equality, the USSR represented an enormous conquest for the working class internationally. However, the isolation of the Russian Revolution, along with the backwardness and poverty of the country, soon created conditions under which a bureaucracy, with Stalin as its central representative, emerged. This social layer enjoyed enormous privileges vis-a-vis the working class. By 1923-24, the nascent bureaucracy began to advocate a nationalist program of socialism in one country in direct opposition to the program of world socialist revolution that had formed the basis of the seizure of power by the working class.

The counterrevolutionary bureaucracys hostility toward the October Revolution was most horrifically expressed in the terror of the 1930s during which Stalin killed virtually the entire generation of revolutionary Marxists that had carried out the revolution, including 30,000 Trotskyists and, in 1940, Leon Trotsky himself.

Yet despite the enormous crimes of Stalinism, millions of workers and peasants still felt great loyalty to the October Revolution and the Soviet state. This is why masses of people were prepared to endure such horrendous deprivation during the Second World War, including the siege of Leningrad, and still fought to defend the USSR at extraordinary cost against the Nazi onslaught. (Estimates of the total number of Soviet victims of the war range from 27 million to 40 million.)

The relationship between the Soviet bureaucracy and the current oligarchy cannot be viewed outside the context of the Stalinist betrayal of the October Revolution. As Leon Trotsky analyzed in his The Revolution Betrayed, the bureaucracy was not a ruling class, but a parasitic caste. The bureaucracy had usurped political power in the Soviet state from the working class, but unlike a class, the bureaucracy did not play an independent role in the process of production. It possessed, as Trotsky noted in 1939, all the vices of the old ruling classes but lacks their historical mission.

As a parasitic caste fearing the working class more than anything else, the bureaucracy was forced to engage in unending lies about the October Revolution, and desperately sought to hide the extent of its privileges. Its transformation into a ruling class eventually required the destruction of the Soviet Union itself in 1991 and the restoration of capitalism.

The creation of the Russian Federation and the emergence of the oligarchy were the final product of this process. Though social inequality no doubt existed in the Soviet Union, many studies have shown that it has reached levels without historical precedent in Russia following capitalist restoration.

The oligarchy emerged out of the Stalinist bureaucracy, but stands, at the same time, in the tradition of the hated bourgeoisie that was overthrown by the working class and rural masses in 1917. This also explains the peculiar ideology of the Russian oligarchy, which combines a glorification of the crimes of Stalinism with veneration for the Tsarist regime. It is a historically foul and doomed ruling class, steeped in blood and crime, and presiding over what is a brutally capitalist society.

The formal equation of the Soviet Union with capitalist societies, usually through the conception of the Soviet Union as state capitalist, has historically often provided the basis for right-wing, anti-communist conceptions. It is the hope of this reviewer that the filmmakers will not follow such a path.

Their passionate indictment of social inequality is a welcome development in cultural and artistic life, in Russia and beyond. But a real struggle against social inequality, as well as a more profound treatment of it in artistic works, will ultimately require a turn toward a serious study of the history of the October Revolution and the struggle of the Trotskyist movement against Stalinism.

The film is available on YouTube with English and Italian subtitles.
A report from a local news publication reveals close connections between the far-right group Patriot Prayer and the police department in Portland, Oregon. The latest ties confirm the support provided to Patriot Prayer by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), which has been a regular feature of the provocations between the far-right group and Antifa-linked forces in recent months and years.

Through a public records request, Willamette Week journalists acquired hundreds of texts between Portland Police Bureau Lieutenant Jeff Niiya and leader Joey Gibson of Patriot Prayer, a right-wing chauvinist group based in the Pacific Northwest. Their communications included amiable and detailed discussions about upcoming demonstration plans, legal advice for Patriot Prayer members, and known individuals among the counter-demonstrations.

In an exchange of texts in December 2017, Gibson asked Niiya about the status of an active arrest warrant for another prominent Patriot Prayer member, Tusitala Tiny Toese. Lt. Niiya counseled Gibson, explaining that Toese would likely not be arrested, based on officers ignoring his warrant at previous events. Just make sure he doesnt do anything which may draw our attention, the officer advised. I dont see a need to arrest on the warrant unless there is a reason.

One month later, they discussed a frequent attendee at the anti-fascist protests, Luis Enrique Marquez, who had received violent threats from Patriot Prayer members. When Gibson complained about the activist after one of the clashes, Niiya responded on January 2, 2018, Wow, when will others realize Luis is  involved in so much. Gibson replied, Hes a bad dude. He threw Gia under the bus while at the same time claiming PPD is taking advantage of minorities. Every single problem we run into it goes back to him.

In another exchange, Gibson told Niiya about his coming election campaign, The hate against me will multiply because I am running for office, so when I come into Portland and Seattle the energy will be high. I know its a pain in the ass for you guys, but I will do the best I can to work with you. Niiya responded enthusiastically, Your [sic] running for office?!! Good for you. County level?

Niiya frequently gave advice to Gibson about the logistics of planned demonstrations, hinting at plans and attendance levels of Antifa, and explaining how to avoid conditions that require police get involved. For example, at a demonstration on June 4, 2017, he texted Gibson, Nows [sic] a great time to break down the rally and be able to leave. We have a large group of antifa to flank us and you. We are stopping them for now  but not sure how long.

They frequently shared information that they acknowledged should not be publicly announced, implying a highly-trusted and mutual relationship. At one point, Gibson apologized to Niiya for letting slip the statement the Portland police has our back in a pre-event video.

Lieutenant Jeff Niiya became a PPB police officer in 1996, and held management-level positions for neighborhood response units and campus policing at Oregon Health and Sciences University prior to becoming a lieutenant in February of 2018.

He has been the head of a police committee that oversees protest activity, and he attends all of the often-violent clashes of Patriot Prayer and anti-fascists. Holding this position, Niiya says the text exchanges should be considered intelligence collecting. In June of 2017, he recruited an obscure Antifa demonstrator named Tan to become an informant. Tan texted Niiya with information about protests and the group, a relationship that other Antifa members exposed in October.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has called for a thorough investigation into the exchanges, which he called disturbing. He explained that the messages appear to cross several boundaries. They also raise questions about whether warrants are being enforced consistently and what information is being shared with individuals who may be subject to arrest.

While supporting the call for an investigation, PPB officials have been quick to justify Niiyas actions. It is not uncommon for officers to provide guidance for someone to turn themselves in on a warrant if the subject is not present. In crowd management situations, it may not be safe or prudent to arrest a person right at that time, said Lt. Tina Jones, regarding certain texts in the published collection.

The Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America responded to the leaks by demanding the role of Police Commissioner be transferred from Mayor Wheeler to a recent city council-elect, Jo Ann Hardesty, a progressive Democrat who they claim can enact comprehensive police reform. The official DSA statement says,  Hardesty has shown that she is capable of making the changes that Mayor Wheeler has only pretended he cares about. On police issues, Commissioner Hardesty is more experienced, knowledgeable, and actually willing to institute change.

The DSA and the International Socialist Organization chapters in Portland have been the targets of recent acts of police censorship at Portland State University and Portland Community College. Nonetheless, the DSA has promoted the false hope of reforming the police in alliance with the progressive wing of the Portland political establishment. Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw, who was praised because she is an African-American woman and expresses criticisms of racist police activity, wrote in the wake of recent events, We would like for the public to have the opportunity to share with the Portland Police Bureau their ideas for how to move forward.

Despite all the efforts of reforming the city police to curb police violence and corruption, even after a 2012 Department of Justice investigation concluded PPB regularly used excessive force against people with mental illness, the problems are only getting worse. Police brutality and far-right connections are not due to the lack of good politicians in office, but a product of the objective role of the police within capitalist society.

As the ruling class turn sharply to far-right politics to defend their interests in a period of immense crisis, the police arms of the state serve as a crucial component to maintain bourgeois rule. The ties between the far-right and police forces are not an issue isolated to Portland, but rather an international trend, where fascism is being promoted from above. Police in California and Baltimore, Maryland came under investigation for charges of collusion with the far-right last year. In Germany, recent reports have documented a large underground fascist network within the army and the police.

What has been exposed of the direct communications between police and the far-right is surely just the tip of the iceberg. Like the PPB, police departments across the United States have engaged in the protection of right-wing tendencies at major protests, keeping a distance from the violent clashes to give free reign to the far-right while cracking down on the anti-fascist protesters.

The most tragic example of this conscious police support occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 12, 2017. While fascist militiamen carried out an armed riot, beating counter-demonstrators and shouting Nazi phrases, police stood to the side. As a result, 19 people were injured and 32-year-old Heather Heyer died when a fascist activist deliberately drove his car into a crowd.

The ties between the PPB and Patriot Prayer carry dangerous implications. As the working class comes into broader and more independent struggle, the ruling class will intensify its drive to promote fascism in the highest levels of the state apparatus, attacking democratic rights and left-wing politics in order to crush the growing threat of a revolutionary workers movement.
The Munich Security Conference, which ended yesterday, laid bare a capitalist world order rapidly breaking apart and heading for disaster.

As the motto of the conference, the organizers chose the image of a fragmented puzzle and posed the question: Who would pick up the pieces. The course of the meeting made clear that the struggle over the pieces of the puzzle will prove to be no less violent and bloody than the two world wars of the twentieth century. Those attending the conference and the media made little attempt to disguise this.

In the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the general secretary of the Christian Social Union (CSU), Markus Blume, recalled the end of the Cold War 30 years ago, when many expected a new epoch of perpetual stability and Francis Fukuyama spoke of the end of history. Today, in 2019, it all sounds like a report from another era, Blume said. We are experiencing dramatic changes worldwide of unprecedented scale, speed and radicalness. Our world order was unprepared for these fundamental changes.

The Suddeutsche Zeitung commented: It is symptomatic of the times that problems can be largely analysed correctly, but that any intelligent formula for their solution is lacking. The vultures are circlingready to swoop down on the remnants of the system.

Besides NATOs confrontation with Russia and the trade war between the US and China, conflicts within NATO itself dominated the three-day meeting, which was attended by several hundred heads of government, ministers, military experts and politicians. The intervention by US Vice President Mike Pence revealed the sharp differences between the US on one side and Germany and other European powers on the other.

Pence came directly from Warsaw, where he had forged an alliance with Israel, Poland and a number of Arab states to wage war against Iran. In Warsaw, Pence had ordered the United States European allies to stand by our side and threatened them indirectly with the breakup of the NATO alliance if they refused. If you stand with us in this noble cause, we will stand with you, he declared.

Pence spoke in the same arrogant, commanding tone in Munich. He accused Iran of planning a new holocaust and seeking to obliterate Israel. He hinted that the US was preparing regime-change in Tehran and demanded that Europe ditch its nuclear agreement with Iran and support American sanctions instead.

Pence also vehemently attacked the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is already under construction and connects Germany directly with Russia via the Baltic Sea. We cannot ensure the defence of the West if our allies grow dependent on the East, he threatened.

In the course of the Munich conference, the Handelsblatt newspaper, citing government circles, announced that the Trump administration is planning to classify German auto imports as a threat to US national security and levy customs dutiesa new stage of trade war with grave implications for Germanys export industry.

Pence also reiterated the demand for European NATO members to increase their military spending to two percent of GDP. He issued an ultimatum, demanding credible plans on how to achieve this goal by 2024. After his speech, the US vice president disappeared from the stage, withoutas is usual in Munichanswering questions or listening to the speeches of other conference participants.

Representatives of Germany and other European countries reacted with outrage. Chancellor Angela Merkel gave what the press called an unusually passionate speech, which was met with a standing ovation. She opposed the accusations made by the American delegation and pleaded for a multilateral policy. She said she was convinced that putting yourself in someone elses shoes and seeing if you can achieve common win-win solutions was better than solving everything on ones own.

Merkels call for multilateralism cannot hide the fact that Germany and Europe are also intent on ruthlessly pursuing their own economic and geo-strategic interests. In her opening speech, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said that the return of competition between the major powers is the most prominent characteristic of the new security landscape. She stated that whether we like it or not, Germany and Europe are part of this competitive struggle. We are not neutral.

Like von der Leyen, Merkel devoted large parts of her speech to listing what Germany and the EU have already done and still want to do in order to prepare a new round of military confrontations.

She expressly acknowledged NATOs two-percent military spending target and praised German military operations alongside the US in Afghanistan and Eastern Europe. She laid great stress on the fact that Germany is now also active outside of NATO, particularly in Mali and other African countries. She advocated not only a European army and common arms policy, but also a common European armaments export policy, which amounts to loosening existing export restrictions on weaponry.

Heiko Maas, Germany's Social Democratic foreign minister, summed up the German-European drive for world power with the formula: Subject or object of world politicsthis is the crucial issue of the future confronting Europe. One newspaper commented: The desire for European self-assertion is the leitmotif of this conference.

While some conference attendees blamed US President Donald Trump individually for the sharp transatlantic tensions, others addressed more fundamental causes. Norbert Rottgen, chairman of the German parliaments foreign relations committee, declared that Trump was not the cause, but rather a symptom of the tectonic shifts in geopolitics that have led to the return of great power rivalry and the centrifugal forces that are shattering multilateralism. In the post-Trump era, there is no return to the pre-Trump era, Rottgen said. The status quo was that Europes security was guaranteed by the United States. That wont happen again.

The eruption of sharp conflicts between the US and Germany, which fought two world wars against one another, is accompanied by fierce conflicts between the European powers themselves. The relationship between France and Italy has hit a new low, and relations between Germany and France are also noticeably cooler.

This confirms the perspective of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), which had already predicted in the late 1980s that the contradiction between world economy and the framework of nation-states, which undermined the Stalinist regimes of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, would also lead to new conflicts between the major capitalist powers and a resurgence of the class struggle.

While the defenders of capitalism and their pseudo-left apologists claimed that the epoch of world socialist revolution had ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the International Committee maintained that the 20th century remained "unfinished."

[T]he central economic, social and political contradictions that confront mankind at the start of the twenty-first century are, in the main, the same as those it confronted at the beginning of the twentieth, wrote David North, the chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site and the national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party in the US, in the foreword to his book The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century. None of the great social, economic and political issues that underlay the struggles of the century had been conclusively settled.

The emergence of sharp conflicts between the NATO partners confirms this assessment. It is at the same time a sharp warning of the threat of a third, nuclear world war if the working class does not challenge the imperialist warmongers in time.

All over the world, the working class has entered into social struggles, including teachers in the United States, auto parts workers in Mexico and plantation workers in Sri Lanka. The ruling elites are responding to this upsurge of the class struggle by resorting to police state forms of rule, together with the promotion of nationalism and militarism.

At the same time, the intensification of the class struggle creates the objective conditions for the building of a new anti-war movement. As the ICFI explained in its 2016 statement Socialism and the fight against war, this movement must be based on the working class, which is the only truly revolutionary social force capable of uniting all progressive sections of the population. It must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war.

Therefore, the new anti-war movement must, of necessity, be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organizations of the capitalist class. Above all, it must be international, mobilizing the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism.
Demonstrations have been called by the Socialist Equality Party in Sydney and Melbourne to demand that the Australian government intervene to secure the freedom of persecuted Australian citizen and WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange.

John Pilger, journalist, filmmaker and outspoken opponent of militarism and injustice, will be one of the main speakers at the demonstration in Sydney, at Martin Place Amphitheatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Other speakers will include well-known retired academic and human rights advocate Professor Stuart Rees.

The demonstration in Melbourne will be at the Victorian State Library in Swanston Street, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.

For nearly seven years, Assange has been effectively imprisoned inside the small Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he was granted political asylum in June 2012 to escape the prospect of being extradited to the United States where he would face a show trial on charges of espionage or conspiracy for exposing American government war crimes and intrigues.

The Australian government has the power to compel Britain to allow Assange to leave the embassy and immediately return to Australia, with protection from any extradition to the US.

In his statement below, John Pilger calls on all people to support and join the demonstrations and demand that the government exercise that power.

The SEP appeals to WSWS readers and our members and supporters to circulate John Pilgers strong appeal as widely as possible via social media and other means.

*****

February 17, 2019

The miscarriage of justice against Julian Assange is epic in its meaning for a civilised, democratic way of life. The abuse of Julian on a daily basis is an abuse of us all, because it denies rights without which we descend into fascism.

That descent is vivid in the outrage of Julian's confinement, in the denial of international law in his case and in his casting as an outlaw by a collusive media.

This loss of freedom applies to us: in the extreme politics of everyday life, in the fraud of austerity and in a state of permanent war against refugees and false enemies.

Standing up for the rights of Julian Assange is standing up for freedom in its purest sense. That is why the SEP rallies on 3 March in Sydney and 10 March in Melbourne are so urgent.

Please join us.

John Pilger
The Trump administration intends to use the emergency powers invoked by the president on Friday to begin construction of a border wall as quickly as possible, White House officials said over the weekend. Stephen Miller, the White House aide who has spearheaded the attacks on immigrants, told Fox News Sunday that the goal was to have more than 200 miles of new wall constructed by the end of the next fiscal year, September 30, 2020.

The purpose appears to be twofold: to preempt the legal challenges that have already begun to Trumps declaration of a national emergency on the US-Mexico border by creating new facts on the ground before any court can issue a ruling, and to energize Trumps fascistic political base by putting significant portions of a border wall in place before the 2020 presidential election.

Press reports indicate that the White House aims to delay drawing $3.6 billion from already appropriated military construction funds, which can be accessed only under the national emergency decree, in order to delay court challenges to the decree. This would give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Pentagon time to begin the actual construction of the wall using other funding sources.

The DHS will first spend the money appropriated by Congress in the funding bill Trump signed into law on Friday, some $1.375 billion for border security. In addition, the Office of Management and Budget will authorize the transfer of $600 million from a Treasury fund derived from confiscated drug profits and redirect $2.5 billion in funds appropriated for military efforts to support actions against drug trafficking. Both sums will be reprogrammed to finance further wall construction.

According to a report by Kevin Corke of Fox News, if the White House spends the money sequentially as they currently plan to do, they would spend over $5 billion before any emergency funds are tapped. Thats money to get moving, if you will, while this battle makes its way through the courts.

The total of $8 billion to be directed to wall construction is far less than the estimated cost of a wall along the entire length of the US-Mexico border, which is estimated at $25 billion or even higher. But according to Miller, this would be sufficient to build somewhat more than 200 miles of wall by the end of the next fiscal year, September 2020just in time for Trump to boast of this success in the final weeks of his reelection campaign.

Millers appearance on Fox News Sunday was notable for giving a glimpse of the fascistic character of the Trump administrations war on immigrants. In response to questions from interviewer Chris Wallace, who pointed out that illegal border crossings have fallen sharply over the past 20 years, undermining the claims of emergency conditions at the border, Miller gave out with a diatribe against President George W. Bush. Miller declared that during Bushs eight years in office, the number of undocumented immigrants in the United States doubled from 6 million to 12 million. That represented an astonishing betrayal of the American people, he said, essentially accusing Trumps Republican predecessor of treason.

Miller complained that because of activist judicial rulings and legal loopholes, more than half of the people crossing the border could not simply be turned around and sent back to Mexico. In other words, the majority of those now seeking to enter the country are refugees and asylum seekers fleeing oppression and violence in Central America, not Mexican workers seeking better jobs in the United States.

Miller flatly rejected suggestions that Trumps national emergency decree was unconstitutional, even after Wallace read out Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7 of the Constitution, which reads in part: No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law. The White House aide claimed that the 1976 National Emergencies Act gave the president the authority to use military construction funds to meet emergency needs, adding that if Trump were ordering the military to build walls around bases in Afghanistan or Syria or Iraq, no one in Congress would object, so why not a wall on the border?

Wallace pressed Miller to cite one example of a president declaring a national emergency to get money for a program after Congress had refused to authorize it. Miller repeatedly evaded the question or dismissed it as irrelevant. At the same time, he made the apocalyptic assertion that the threats crossing our southern border killed more Americans than any other foreign threat in the world today.

The House Democratic leadership is expected to file a resolution of disapproval against Trumps declaration of a national emergency after a 15-day waiting period. Assuming that it passes, the Senate will have 18 days to take action by a simple majority vote, with no filibuster permitted. Even if the resolution passes, however, Trump will veto it and there will not be a two-thirds majority to override the veto in either house of Congress.

The first lawsuits against the national emergency declaration were filed Friday in federal court in Washington, DC. El Paso County, Texas and three nonprofit organizations argued that the declaration violates the separation of powers and will cause economic dislocation and other damage in the border area.

The advocacy group Public Citizen filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Texas landowners and an environmental organization. A disagreement between the president and Congress about how to spend money does not constitute an emergency authorizing unilateral executive action, the group argued.

A third lawsuit was filed against the Department of Justice for failing to provide documents, such as legal opinions, relating to the emergency declaration. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a fourth lawsuit challenging Trumps legal authority and arguing, Congress has not enacted any emergency legislation even remotely related to border wall construction, and thus the presidents reallocation of funds is unlawful.

Further lawsuits are expected from a group of state governments headed by the state of California, from the House Democratic leadership, from the American Civil Liberties Union and from other groups acting on behalf of Texas landowners. More than 1,000 landowners face having their property seized under eminent domain for border wall construction.

While the civil liberties and environmental groups are no doubt sincere in their arguments that the national emergency declaration is unconstitutional, the actions of state and national Democratic Party officeholders are completely hypocritical. In 2011, President Obama waged an entire warthe US-NATO bombing of Libyawithout either authorization by Congress or an appropriation of funds. The Pentagon simply reprogrammed surplus funds in its vast budget, finding more than enough to finance the destruction of a country of five million people. Not one congressional Democrat objected.

The response of the corporate media to the declaration of a national emergency has been a combination of complacency and indifference. The New York Times set the pace, as usual, with an editorial dismissing Trumps emergency decree as both ludicrous and self-defeating, as though it was a bad joke and not a major step toward the establishment of an authoritarian regime.

The editorial admitted, almost in passing, that Trumps emergency decree represented a breathtaking display of executive disregard for the separation of powers, in which the White House is thumbing its nose at Congress, the Constitution and the will of the American people, the majority of whom oppose a border wall. But it concluded complacently that the real victims of the state of emergency would be Trump and the Republicans, who would suffer at the polls, not the immigrants targeted for persecution or the American people as a whole, facing an increasing reckless and dictatorial government.

That was Saturday. By Sunday, the Times had relegated the emergency decree to a small article positioned at the bottom of the front page, and there was not a mention of Trumps trampling on the Constitution anywhere in the editorial pages.

The Sunday interview programs on five networks did discuss the emergency decree extensively, but only from the standpoint of the political winners and losers, echoing the cynical position of the Times. Not a single network interviewed a legal expert on the constitutional implications of Trumps defiance of the congressional power of the purse, or explored the dangers to democratic rights. Not a single politician interviewed, Democratic or Republican, was asked whether Trumps actions constituted an impeachable offense for which he should be removed from office.

The right-wing perspective of the Democrats interviewed was typified by Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who said on ABCs This Week program: Even if there were a national emergency on the border, lets say that we accept his premise. The best way to deal with it is not this wall. The best way to deal with this is to put more people at the ports of entry where we know thats where the drugs are coming into the country.

In response to a direct question, Duckworth said a border wall was appropriate in certain places, but the wall that the president wants to build is not appropriate and, in fact, its just a fulfillment of a campaign promise that he hasnt been able to keep. If you talk to the experts down there, what they tell youits a combination, its smart barriers, it is more border patrol agents, it is more drones, it is all of that stuff, not just this wall that he wants to build.

In other words, the Democrats fully support the mass repression of immigrants at the border and within the United States and would continue it themselves should they come back to power in Washington, just as they did under Obama, who deported more undocumented immigrants than all previous presidents.
In the early morning Saturday just hours before the polls were set to open, Nigerias Independent National Election Commission (INEC) abruptly postponed the presidential election, claiming that it lacked the proper election materials and equipment at various polling locations around the country. In its announcement of the delay, INEC declared that the election has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 23.

In addition to postponing the presidential poll by a week, INEC also rescheduled the polls for the National Assembly to February 23, and the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections to March 9.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu gave reporters in capital city Abuja little explanation for the sudden delay, assering, This was a difficult decision to take but necessary for successful delivery of the elections and the consolidation of our democracy.

The presidential contest, taking place between incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari and chief rival and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is in a virtual dead heat, with each candidate expected to take an even number of votes.

After the announcement of the elections postponement, Buhari and Abubakar traded accusations against the other of improperly influencing INEC, with each candidate calling the delay an attempt by the other camp to get breathing room in the hotly contested poll.

President Buharis All Progressives Congress Party called the delay a huge disappointment and told the media, We do hope that INEC will remain neutral and impartial in this process as the rumor mill is agog with the suggestion that this postponement has been orchestrated in collusion with the main opposition, the PDP [Peoples Democratic Party], that was never ready for this election.

Uche Secondus, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to which rival candidate Atiku Abubakar belongs, blasted the postponement, calling it dangerous to our democracy and unacceptable. He accused President Buhari of influencing INECs ruling as an attempt to cling to power amid a stiff challenge.

The postponement was immediately met with an outcry of anger by voters across the country, who were prepared to cast their ballots on Saturday. Having no absentee voting system, voters in Nigeria must travel to their home province in order to participate in elections. Many voters traveled from other areas of Nigeria at significant personal expense in anticipation of voting.

INECs Twitter account was inundated with tweets by angry voters, who excoriated the electoral body for the delay.

Summing up the general outrage, one voter wrote: I am in my villa with friends who traveled 7 hours for this election. So we will just travel back to come back on Saturday. What a waste! For me, postpone 3 times, I must vote and nobody can stop that which its time has come!

The fundamental issue of the election, a contest between two multimillionaires, essentially boils down to deciding which candidate can best represent the economic interests of the wealthy Nigerian elite, and takes place in a country blighted by the extreme poverty experienced by the majority of Nigerians.

With a population of 190 million and home to vast oil and gas wealth, Nigeria is one of the most socially unequal countries on earth, with just 10 individuals controlling a total net worth in excess of $26 billion.

In contrast, over 50 percent of the population subsist on less than two dollars a day, according to figures published by the World Bank, and more than 23 per cent of Nigerians are unemployed. Amid this social devastation experienced by the Nigerian population, Buhari and Abubakar have poured over $2.7 million into their respective campaigns.

Buhari first rose to power in 1983 after the former student of the US Army War College became military dictator of the country in a violent coup. His rule was characterized by immense brutality and cronyism, with his regime carrying out the detention, torture, and killing of political opponents. Buhari and his ruling clique became immensely wealthy from looting Nigerias vast oil and gas resources.

Holding power for two years, he was routed in 1985 by a subsequent military putsch. Buhari subsequently returned to power when he was elected president in 2015, defeating incumbent Goodluck Johnathan.

Buharis current administration is beset by similar brutality, corruption, and cronyism. Last year, the United Nations Human Rights Commission released a 49-page report which extensively documented the Buhari governments crimes, including extra-judicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, rape, and the sexual mutilation of political opponents, including children. The report additionally condemned the Buhari regimes rampant corruption and looting of the Nigerian economy.

As for Atiku Abubakar, he served as Vice President for the years of 1999 to 2007 in the government of Olusegun Obasanjo and was employed as a customs officer from 1969 to 1989, eventually becoming Deputy Director of the Nigerian Customs Service.

As Deputy Director, Abubakar leveraged his position to set up Nigeria Container Services (NICOTES), a shipping company, partnering with Gabriele Volpi, an Italian-born Nigerian businessman in 1982. NICOTES, now known as Intels, became the largest logistics company in Nigeria, netting Abubakar a significant fortune.

Coinciding with the election and its postponement are the ongoing paramilitary skirmishes in the north, with the Nigerian army engaged in an intractable fight with the Boko Haram Islamist militia.

Over the last week, at least 70 people have been killed in the northern part of the country, an area wracked by years of paramilitary conflict and overrun by criminal gangs engaging in kidnappings, extortion, and assassinations.

There is little doubt Washington is closely monitoring the election and its outcome, as evidenced by its vast military presence in the region, with more than 1,000 military personnel, including special forces troops, deployed in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Niger, and Mali.

Key to American economic and geopolitical interests in Western Africa is the growing economic influence of China in Nigeria, and the Buhari governments close relations with Beijing. Washington views China as the chief threat to American dominance of the African continent and is keen to neutralize Beijings encroaching influence.

Over the last decade, Chinese companies have invested heavily in Nigeria, bankrolling projects totaling in the billions of dollars, including in the oil and gas sectors, as well as construction, electricity, transportation, and manufacturing industries.

Over the next several years, Beijing plans a vast increase in its trade with Nigeria, and Nigeria figures prominently as part of Beijings Belt and Road initiative. Plans are underway for a transcontinental railway, already begun in 2017 in Kenya, to be built across the continent through to Nigeria, connecting Western Africa to Chinese trade routes.
Up to 15,000 young people demonstrated throughout the UK Friday in a strike to protest government inaction over climate change.

School, college and university students left their classes in order to participate in the protests in at least 60 towns and cities. Around 3,000 protested in London and 2,000 in Oxford. Thousands more gathered in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.

The protests, organised by the UK Youth Climate Coalition and Youth Strike 4 Climate, were the latest of a series throughout Europe, including in France, Germany, Sweden and Belgium. Members of the IYSSE circulated thousands of copies of the statement, Climate change and the fight for socialism, at the UK demonstrations.

In London, protesters carried banners with slogans including, Our future, Save our dying planet, Brexit Wont Matter When Were Dead and When did the children become the adults? The main protest was held in Parliament Square.

Protesters blocked roads outside Parliament and were confronted by mounted police. Some of the students refused to move before the police moved them on. Three arrests were madeof a 16-year-old girl, a 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man.

Sheffield

Around 500 high school students rallied outside Sheffield Town Hall, with dozens addressing the crowd through an open microphone to loud cheers. My name is Noah. We are here to save the world! Save the oceans! Save the trees! Save the whales! Save the monkeys! Save the orangutans! Save the bees!

Large contingents rallied from King Edward School, High Storrs and Silverdale and were joined by students from as far away as Derby.

Abian from High Storrs told those assembled, All you lot, youre not 18, so you cant vote! They say you dont have a voice! They say you dont have an opinion! Were being educated for the future when there will be no future. There is one planet. There is one human race. We need to take care of it!

Lydia from King Edward School said, Youve got kids under 18 coming out here and protesting and you just sit in your parliament doing nothing. Wake up! Dewi from South Africa said, This isnt just a problem here, its a problem everywhere! This is our world too.

Liv from High Storrs said, All these adults have dictated how we live our lives for far too long Sat up in their posh houses, not saying anything, and telling us youre too young to have an opinion!

Latifah from High Storrs said, Im here today because honestly all these adults theyre treating us like s**t. its our chance to let the world know exactly what we want. And what we want is, no climate change and we want the world to be a good place to live in!

Students denounced Prime Minister Theresa May and the Conservatives and condemned climate change deniers such as US President Donald Trump. Not a single student mentioned the name of Jeremy Corbyn, who has spent the past two-and-a-half years as Labour leader accommodating himself to the partys Blairite right wing.

Nevertheless, rally organisers called on students to support the parliamentary opposition parties. Sheffield Lord Mayor Majid Majid from the Green Party was introduced as a hero, but he leads a party committed to the defence of the very capitalist system responsible for the climate change catastrophe.

Manchester

Schoolchildren protested in St. Peters Square, Manchester. Students from both of the citys universities and the Royal Northern College of Music joined the protests. A group of year 11 students (1516 years old) from Manchester High School attended.

Meera said, We have to build a sense of community among the younger generation because the politicians are doing nothing. We need a system change, science has to rule in the future. The politicians are making the rich richer and the poor poorer.

Its interesting how the media report our rallies as violent, she continued. Yet war is normal to us.

Roisin thought it is the people who dont have money who realise there needs to be a change. People think capitalism is outdated.

Qasim said he was one of 50 protesting on the demonstration from Chorlton High School. Its our world, our future. Weve got to take a stand now, he said. The politicians are focusing on unimportant things like Brexit. The poor are getting poorer, and they dont have access to change things.

Asked his thoughts on the Labour Party, he said, I hope Labour can do better than this government. But 2 million lives went for no reason in Iraq. (The 2003 war was organised while the last Labour government was in power.)

Marina from Chorlton High School said, My mum gave me permission. She said its for the greater good. I hope this will persuade more people to do something. The rich usually stay in power. Hopefully normal working-class and middle-class people should come in power.

Fleur, also from Chorlton, said, Some schools are threatening fines. But they cant tell us all off. The government is spending billions on Buckingham Palace, making it look nice. Theyre spending a lot of money on Brexit, but soon theres not going to be a world.

Sofia from Xaverian College said, Weve only got one planet, and the longer we leave it the harder it will be to fix. Governments are avoiding doing anything because it costs time and money.

Karol, an 18-year-old student from Bolton, came to England from Poland when he was five years old.

Id rather march in the streets not under the watch of the police, he said. People should be less milquetoast and fight for direct democracy. The economy should be dismantled and rebuilt. If its a choice between Marxism and what we have now, Id rather have Marxism. As for [Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn], its a band-aid fix to vote for him. A web site like yours will have a massive impact on the youth right now.

Ben is studying politics in Manchester and said, I think its a positive thing to come and spread awareness, but I dont think governments are going to listen to ordinary people just because they go on strike. The only action that is going to end climate change is a revolution and to organise everything centrally.

We dont live in a democracy. Our system is purely undemocratic. Real democracy is being involved in the economy, in having power over your own life, having real power over the economy. If you look at the chaos of the capitalist system, we cant change the way we produce food or the way we farm other than through the profit system, and the capitalists have no motive to change.

Asked his comments on the programme of the Labour Party and Jeremy Corbyn, Ben had very little faith in it, because Labour has never been a party of the working class. Its fundamentally a party of the ruling class.

Glasgow

David and Kevin are school students in Glasgow. David said, I think this showcases how we have very limited time available to be able to change our ways and save the planet. Weve only got a few years left. Socialism is the only way we are going to be able to change things.

Young people all over the world are the future. Im a socialist. For a while it seemed that less and less people were socialists, but now its rising again.

Angela Rowe, a parent, said, If you start with the kids who are the future, people should be listening to these people who are willing to do things.  There is a massive need for global solidarity, but it is very hard when people are just struggling to survive. This is the first time I have protested for quite a long time.

Michael, a philosophy student at Glasgow University, said, This is to do with capitalism and consumerism, thats the biggest part of it. Its clear from the climate summit there is inequality worldwide. Some countries cant even afford to move towards helping the environment, they just dont have the resources. We need to come together globally to fight this.

Lara, who is studying climate justice at Caledonian University, said, We are all in this together and the protests have been all over the world. Everywhere, people stand up and say, This is not OK. We need to act as one world community and not as different nationalities or countries. The rich people get richer every day and benefit from the situation, and the poor dont get anything.

Bournemouth

More than a hundred people took part in the protest in Bournemouth. Dozens of striking children from several schools and some students from Bournemouth University were in attendance.

Michael said, It is shocking to read in your statement that 71 percent of the worlds carbon emissions are produced by the top 100 companies. Regulations on carbon emissions by large companies are not tight enough. I think these regulations need to be hugely increased. And we need to find some way of adding sanctions to companies that are not trying to reduce emissions.

War has become a way of making money. I dont believe war is ever the right answer for the problems we confront. Its particularly shocking that reasons for going to war are simply financial gains and control of resources.

Emma is planning to study environmental science. She said, All our appeals to the governments and big companies have fallen in deaf ears. I read your leaflet and I certainly agree that corporate greed is the most important factor in climate change. We dont have any say, but the companies have. Even some world leaders like US President Trump are in denial of climate change because dealing with climate change will cut across the profit interests of big companies. I am glad that more and more people, students and youth are awakening to the world reality.
Amid a slowing Chinese economy and the US imposition of trade war measures on Chinese goods, there are signs of growing working-class unrest with strikes and protests over unpaid wages, factory closures and oppressive working conditions.

The Beijing regime, which is deeply fearful of opposition by workers, maintains heavy press censorship of any struggles. Estimates of so-called mass incidents, which include rural protests and environmental demonstrations, are limited.

The Hong-Kong based China Labour Bulletin (CLB) keeps a record of protests and strikes by Chinese workers derived from the press reports and its own contacts within China. Last year CLB recorded more than 1,700 incidents, up by 36 percent from 1,250 in 2017.

These figures are only indicative. The CLB estimates that its records account for only between 5 to 10 percent of the actual number of industrial actions by workersin other words, the number of strikes and protests is 10 to 20 times greater than the CLB figures.

The South China Morning Post last year cited the comments of the spokesman for the state-run All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), Wang Xiaofeng, who declared in October that its arbitration panels had dealt with about 2 million general labour disputes over the previous five yearsor an average of around 400,000 a year. The ACFTU functions as an industrial police force to suppress strikes and is widely despised by workers.

In its report on the state of labour relations in China in 2018, the CLB noted that the vast majority of collective labour disputes, or 73.3 percent, occurred at domestically-owned private enterprises, 11.6 percent in state-owned enterprises and just 2.9 percent in Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan foreign-funded enterprises and joint ventures. Most were relatively small and lasted for only a few days.

CLB figures for strikes in manufacturing as a proportion of the total have declined from 41 percent in 2014 to 16 percent last year. The largest proportion was in the construction industry, which accounted for 45 percent of the total in 2018 with the overwhelming majority concerned with the late- or non-payment of wages.

An Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) report last week on increasing strike levels cited the case of a group of construction workers in southern Dongguan City who on Christmas Eve threatened to jump off the roof of the tall building they had constructed to demand nearly $20,000 in unpaid wages.

Their former employer disappeared without paying the wages owed. One of the workers posted an appeal on the Chinese social media platform Weibo declaring that they had exhausted every avenue to track him down. It [hasnt worked] at all after more than two weeks of efforts Please give us migrant workers a way to survive.

The New York Times earlier this month cited a worker, Zong Liang, who had taken part in a protest in January outside an electronics factory in Shenzhen over unpaid wages. Nobody cares about us anymore, he said. I sacrificed my health for the company and now I cant afford to buy even a bag of rice.

The CLB estimates that non-payment of wages is a component of 80 percent of all strikes and protests. Non-payment of social insurance contributions and redundancy pay-outs, arbitrary pay reductions and the imposition of onerous working conditions are among the other issues provoking industrial action.

Strikes in the transport sector by truck and van drivers, taxi and ride-hailing drivers, couriers and food delivery workers were another major component of the overall strike figures. The CLB noted that one of the largest, coordinated strikes occurred in June last year when tens of thousands of truck drivers across the country refused to work in protest over low haulage rates, high fuel costs and arbitrary fines.

The New York Times article also pointed out that labour activists had in some cases used social media to organise wider protests across provincial lines. Last year tens of thousands of crane operators were involved in a one-day strike in at least 10 of Chinas provinces.

Last October Chinese President Xi Jinping and six other top officials met with leaders of the official All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) to urge them to be more pro-active in suppressing discontent and opposition. Xi declared that the union should focus on the most pressing, most immediate issues that concern employees, and fulfil the obligation of safeguarding workers rights and interests so as to consolidate the class foundation and public support for the partys governance.

Xis remarks are cynical window-dressing. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) does not represent the working class but defends the interests of the capitalist class, especially the super-wealthy oligarchs who grown rich through the gross exploitation of workers and the plunder of state-owned property through processes of capitalist restoration over the past three decades.

The CCPs response to rising levels of strikes and protests is to crack down on workers using police state measures. The New York Times reported: The authorities have detained more than 150 people since August, a sharp increase from previous years, including teachers, taxi drivers, construction workers, and leftist students leading a campaign against factory abuses.

What terrifies the CCP apparatus, however, is the prospect of a political movement of the working class that links separate struggles under an anti-capitalist banner directed against the regime in Beijing. It has cracked down with particular ferocity against students from elite universities who participated last year in the fight by workers at the Jasic Technology plant for an independent union and improved wages and conditions.

A lengthy article in the Financial Times last week featuring interviews with some of the students who pointed to the growth of social inequality as the principal reason for their radicalisation and turn to workers. The Gini coefficient, which is designed to measure social polarization, has increased sharply over the past three decadesfrom 0.30 in 1980 to 0.47 in 2017. A coefficient of 0 represents absolute equality, while a value of 1 represents absolute inequality.

This year marks three significant anniversaries100 years since the May 4 movement, an outburst of anti-imperialist protests begun by university students; the 70th anniversary of the 1949 Chinese Revolution in October; and the 30th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests begun by students but which led to a widespread uprising by workers. The CCP regime is undoubtedly concerned that any or all of these dates could become the focus of mass political opposition.
US National Security Adviser John Bolton, one of the Trump administrations most aggressive advocates of wars and regime-change interventions, is expected to travel to Australia on the eve of the federal election that is expected to take place in May.

Bolton will arrive in the midst of a gathering political crisis, with the faction-wracked Liberal-National Coalition government having lost control of parliament, accompanied by intense popular hostility toward the entire establishment.

The visit will again underscore the reality that, despite all the unsubstantiated intelligence, political and media hysteria about Chinese interference in Australia, it is the US that has repeatedly intervened in Australian politics to ensure compliance with Washingtons corporate and strategic interests.

In the lead-up to the looming election, Boltons visit will intensify the US pressure on both the unstable Coalition and the opposition Labor Party to reaffirm their commitment to Washingtons increasingly provocative confrontation with China, Australian capitalisms largest export market.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Bolton is expected to arrive in the country on the back of President Donald Trumps second planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, scheduled to take place in Vietnam at the end of this month. At that summit, Trump will intensify the US push for the North Korean regime to turn against China, on the promise of US diplomatic recognition and economic aid.

Government sources told the ABC that Boltons trip was still in the early stages of planning, but they expected Bolton to focus on US-Australian military cooperation, cyber security and Chinas strategic ambitions in the region.

Although both the old ruling parties have repeatedly pledged their fidelity to Canberras post-World War II military alliance with the US, neither has yet publicly agreed to join the Pentagon in conducting freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) within the territorial waters of Chinese-occupied islets in the South China Sea.

Last October, Bolton openly called for Australia and Britain to mount such operations, which would heighten the danger of military clashes with China that could trigger a full-scale war. He said the US and its allies had to do more to show they did not recognise the legitimacy of the artificial islands that Beijing has constructed in the seas contested waters.

Last Monday, in its second FONOP this year, the US Navy sent two guided missile destroyers within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit claimed by China around Mischief Reef in the Spratly islands group. On the same day, responding to the US push, the embattled British government announced that the aircraft-carrier Queen Elizabeth, with two squadrons of F-35 stealth fighters, would be sent into disputed waters in the Pacific.

The Trump-Kim meeting in Hanoi is being held against the backdrop of a mounting US offensive against China. The White House has threatened to impose greater punitive tariffs on China by next month unless Beijing agrees to far-reaching US demands to abandon its quest to develop the countrys high-tech industries.

Last month, Bolton himself spelled out the agenda behind the US-China trade talks. He underscored the broader drive by the US to maintain its economic and military supremacy over China. He told the Washington Times that the purpose of Trumps demands was not simply to right the trade deficit but to prevent an imbalance in political/military power in the future as well.

The timing of Boltons trip is ominous more broadly. For decades he has been in the forefront of the drive within Washingtons ruling establishment to use US military might to reassert its flagging global hegemony.

He is notorious internationally as a leading advocate of the criminal US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, a vocal supporter of the murderous US interventions in Libya and Syria, and a vehement agitator for US military, economic and other operations to install puppet regimes in Iran and Venezuela.

Since Trump appointed him as national security adviser last March, Bolton increasingly has become the most belligerent face of US imperialism. In keeping with the openly bullying and fascistic character of the Trump administration, he has publicly advocated militarist policies.

In recent weeks, Bolton has focussed his fire on the Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro. On a single day this month, Bolton issued seven tweets, several directed at Maduro and his allies. Its time for Maduro to get out of the way, he wrote.

This week, Bolton recorded a video, which was tweeted through the White Houses official account, sending a similar message to Irans rulers on the 40th anniversary of the revolution that overthrew the Shah of Irans 25-year US-backed dictatorship. I dont think youll have many more anniversaries to enjoy, Bolton declared.

Some Washington allies have been in the firing line as well. Bolton warned India this week against buying Venezuelan oil, saying it will not be forgotten. So far, the Indian government has declined to recognise Juan Guaido, a right-wing US-backed political operative, as Venezuelas interim president.

Boltons visit also comes in the wake of the Trump administrations selection of Arthur B. Culvahouse, a highly-connected member of the political-intelligence establishment, with a decades-long track record of involvement in political crises, as ambassador to Australia.

Last August, Trump quickly endorsed the removal of Prime Minister Scott Morrisons predecessor Malcolm Turnbull, who was demonstrably loyal to the US alliance but had sought to mend business and diplomatic relations with Beijing.

In recent weeks, Morrison has sought to meet Washingtons requirements by announcing the construction of a new US-Australian naval base on Papua New Guineas strategic Manus Island, stripping Australian residency from Chinese businessman and political donor Huang Xiangmo, touring the southwest Pacific to reinforce Australian and US interests in that region against China, and recognising Guaido as Venezualas president.

In each case, the Labor Party has loudly backed the decisions, in line with its record of championing the US-Australia military and strategic alliance.

Boltons visit follows that of a succession of key US figures in the past two years, including Vice President Mike Pence, ex-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Each insisted that Canberra must remain totally committed to Washingtons geostrategic confrontation with China.

During Barack Obamas administration, Vice President Joe Biden spelled out Washingtons attitude in a July 2016 visit to Australia. Its never a good bet to bet against the United States, he declared. It was a crude warning to those in the Australian corporate elite concerned to preserve economic ties with China.

The leaders of both the Coalition and Labor are acutely aware of the history of US interventions in Australia. Washington and its ambassador Marshall Green played a central role in the 1975 Canberra Coup, in which Gough Whitlams Labor government was dismissed after it began to lose control over the industrial and social movement in the working class.

In mid-2010, Labor and union powerbrokers who were protected sources of the US embassy ousted Kevin Rudd as Labors prime minister in favour of Julia Gillard. While entirely pro-US, Rudd had suggested that the US should make some accommodation to Chinas rise. Gillard quickly committed to Obamas anti-China pivot to Asia, including the stationing of US Marines in the northern strategic port of Darwin. There are ample reasons to suspect a US hand in the August 2018 ousting of Malcolm Turnbull as well.

Boltons planned visit is another warning that US imperialism will stop at nothing to ensure Australian governments remain fully committed to the escalating US offensive against China, and to suppressing any opposition to war and social inequality.

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Chinese billionaire stripped of Australian residency as foreign interference campaign ramps up

[7 February 2019]
In yet another demonstration of Amazons corporate power, the technology conglomerate valued at $1.5 trillion has abruptly announced that the deal to locate its second headquarters (HQ2) in Long Island City, Queens is called off. The move comes after months of political grandstanding by elected officials and in anticipation of further bureaucratic hurdles.

Amazon reportedly paid no federal taxes last year even as local governments stumbled over each other to offer the company incentives to locate their sweatshop warehouses within their city limits.

We were invited to come to New York, Amazon executive Brian Huseman said at the last City Council hearing in December 2018, and we want to invest in a community that wants us.

The move underscores the tyrannical modus operandi of capitalism under current conditions of extreme economic and political crisis. Fearful of any popular opposition to its demands, it increasingly resorts to my way or the highway measures.

Both New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio bent over backwards to lure the company to New York City, ensuring that its bid was selected in November 2018 along with that of Arlington, Virginia from among 48 contestant cities. They worked behind the scenes for months to structure the deal so it would not require approval by the City Council, as well as by waiving zoning and other regulations to allow Amazon to develop a nearly 15-acre site on the East River across from midtown Manhattan.

But the promise of a nearly $3 billion tax handout and other inducements to win one of the worlds wealthiest corporations proved a harder sell than the New York Democratic Party had anticipated.

Amazon executives met privately with 35 of the 50 City Council members to placate the different factions of local government. City Council Speaker Cory Johnson refused to meet, insisting instead on the charade of a toothless public Council hearing at which Amazon executives sat impassively as they were grilled, allowing Johnson and others like Council member from Queens Jimmy Van Bramer to save face with their constituents.

To counter the negative optics of small but vocal protests organized by progressive left supporters of newly elected US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amazon launched a public relations blitz on social media to open the new year. It also bombarded the large immigrant population of the neighborhood with glossy fliers proclaiming in multiple languages its intention to be a good neighbor.

Additionally, the company agreed to set up training programs for a few hundred low-income residents of an adjacent public housing development, subsidize technology at public high schools in the area, and invest in transportation infrastructure.

But in recent weeks, a counter-offensive with reactionary overtones was launched in the media, labeling those protesting Amazon as outsiders to the community who were hypocrites for denouncing gentrification and rising rents. Public housing residents, organized by Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor, a community leader who grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, the large public housing development in Long Island City, also rallied in support of the deal last Monday.

Were working to make sure that folks from our neighborhood could benefit from those jobs; theres going to be a lot of jobs, Taylor said at the rally. He cited a Siena College Research Institute poll showing that 56 percent of voters in the state back the project, while 36 percent disapprove." He added, "City residents support the Amazon deal even more, with 58 percent approving.

On Wednesday, Cuomo convened a meeting between the senior Amazon executive in charge of real estate, John Schoettler, and union officials, which seemed to be making progress.

Despite these last-ditch efforts by Cuomo and de Blasio, however, the prospect of any delay was deemed intolerable by Amazon, which demands total subservience from the local governments with which it works.

There is a growing oppositional mood in the working class to Amazon and to capitalism itself, as shown by the spread of protests and strikes in the US and internationally in the first two months of the year. The Socialist Equality Party advocates a socialist policy of expropriating Amazon and the corporate elite and addressing the needs of workers for decent employment, affordable housing, education and other public services.
Jussie Smollett arrives at the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Flights cancelled amid Brexit uncertainty

A no-deal Brexit could have serious implications for the aviation industry

Holidaymakers were left fuming after a "lack of clarity" over Brexit led a Romanian airline to cancel flights from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport.

Passengers expecting to fly to Rome and Alicante with Blue Air took to social media on Wednesday night to complain that their flights had been cancelled - despite tickets still available to buy online.

A spokesman for John Lennon Airport said the "Brexit impasse" had left the carrier "unable to receive the necessary clarity" on its ability to run flights between the UK and countries other than Romania.

While Blue Air flights will continue between the two countries, services from the UK to any other country could be affected if the UK leaves the EU without a continuation of existing legislation.

Affected

Blue Air did not respond to requests for comment but the airline's official Twitter account blocked at least one angry passenger who complained.

A spokesman for John Lennon Airport said: "Blue Air has successfully operated its based aircraft for two years in Liverpool serving a wide range of routes.

"Unfortunately, as a Romanian Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, the current Brexit impasse means that the carrier has been unable to receive the necessary clarity regarding their ability to operate seventh freedom services which are currently possible under EU Open Skies.

"The carrier will continue to serve Liverpool John Lennon Airport and will increase flights this summer to Bucharest and Bacau."

Blue Air flights between Luton and Turin are also expected to be affected.

No deal

Seventh freedom services under the EU Open Skies agreement refer to flights between countries which are not an airline's home country.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We are committed to ensuring that flights between the UK and EU continue, and the European Commission has published a proposal to make sure this happens.

"This clearly shows that in the event of no deal, both sides are committed to maintaining connectivity."

If you're planning on traveling around Europe, check out our dedicated European travel insurance and find the right cover for you.
Woodward, OK (73801)

Today

Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening followed by a few showers overnight. Low 64F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
A car crossed the median on Interstate 75 and struck a northbound vehicle, killing two sisters who were traveling behind their father in northern Michigan, police said.
W&M's Rowan Lockwood receives Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award

2019 honoree: In 2013, Princeton Review named Rowan Lockwood one of the top 300 professors in the U.S., out of 42,000 professors in total. Now, the state of Virginia has included the William & Mary paleobiologist in its latest class of the commonwealths top faculty members. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption

Rowan Lockwood studies extinct animals and she is perfectly willing to tap your childhood fascination with them if it will kindle your interest in geology.

Lockwood, a professor in William & Marys Department of Geology, is a 2019 recipient of a Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award. The awards, which recognize excellence in teaching, research, and service among the faculties of Virginias public and private colleges and universities, are administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and sponsored by Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion.

Lockwood is one of two William & Mary faculty to be honored in 2019, along with W&M Law Schools Jeffrey Bellin, University Professor for Teaching Excellence. With 44 faculty recognized since 1987, W&M has received more Outstanding Faculty Awards than any other college or university in the state.

The vast majority of students come into William & Mary not thinking they want to major in geology, Lockwood explained. Its my job  and my colleagues job  to show them how amazing geology is. The idea is to recruit them, get them excited about earth science in general.

She thinks that maybe one or two students in an entering class at William & Mary intends to be a geology major, but the department typically graduates 25 to 40 each year. Lockwood explained that the metamorphic process by which she and her colleagues convert undeclared underclassmen into geology majors works largely through the introductory classes.

When Lockwood teaches GEOL 110, Earth's Environmental Systems: Physical Geography, she divides the class into four corners of the room on the first day. One corner represents the lithosphere, the solid earth. Then there are corners for the the hydrosphere, which is water, and for the atmosphere and the biosphere, or life.

She tosses out a big ball of twine and starts with the questions: Did you shower today? Hold the end of the twine and toss the ball to the hydrosphere corner. Oh, but that water didnt get there all by itself, did it? Toss the ball to where the rain originates  the atmosphere.

After about 10 or 15 minutes, the entire class is tied up, and they are laughing and tripping over each other, but they get the idea that all four of these quadrants are deeply intertwined and when you affect one part of that earths environmental system, you affect all of them, she explained. If I pull on the string, I can pull on half the class.

Lockwoods research specialty is paleobiology. She teaches GEOL 303, Age of Dinosaurs, which often serves to close the deal with any undergraduate who has thought about majoring in geology.

I tell students its everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs and much, much more, she said. It gives students a chance to get in touch with their inner eight-year-old.

The Age of Dinosaurs is a class within William & Marys COLL Curriculum and so the class covers more than the biology and geology of dinosaurs. For example, Lockwood said the class includes segments on dinos in art and literature and the colorful and competitive dinosaur hunters of the 19th century.

Ethics have been a big issue for the dinosaur world, so we talk about the ethics of science, she added. And we talk about how it relates to them doing science at William and Mary.

Doing science is encouraged for all William & Mary students. In the geology department, its a short step from classroom to outcrop. Lockwood has mentored the research work of more than 60 students. In any given semester, she will have three to eight seniors working on projects, but often has students as young as sophomores working in her lab.

This idea of the scholar teacher, thats what we do at William & Mary. We introduce tons and tons of our students to research, Lockwood said. Geology is usually ranked within the top undergrad programs in the country and a lot of it is because of this tight-knit community that weve developed and these one-on-one relationships that we can have with students.

Lockwood has a long slate of research credentials that contribute to her value as a mentor to young scientists. Her focus is on extinctions and environmental change in ancient oceans  and the relevance today of those events that occurred millions of years ago. She has published more than 30 important papers in peer-reviewed journals including Science and Nature, papers that often include an undergrad co-author from the Lockwood lab.

Dr. Lockwoods undergraduate research students are highly sought after for graduate programs across the country because she is known as a truly exceptional undergraduate mentor, wrote Mary Droser, a professor in the University of California, Riverside Department of Earth Sciences, in Lockwoods nomination packet for the OFA. There is no undergraduate program in the country that has yielded as many successful paleontologists.

She has received consistent funding for her work from the National Science Foundation and other sources. Lockwoods research has demonstrable implications for the environment and ecology of present-day Virginia. In the spring of 2017, she was selected to speak at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference. Lockwood provided the first evidence that the big, honkin grandma oysters of the ancient Chesapeake Bay grew to a foot long and up to 30 years. She argued that by preferentially harvesting the largest oysters in the Bay today, humans are removing the most reproductively active, predominantly female members of the population.

Her contributions, both to science and to the university, have not gone unnoticed. Lockwoods honors, in addition to the SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award, include the Thomas Jefferson Award (2009), which is the highest teaching honor bestowed on early career faculty at William & Mary; the Advisor of the Year Award (2005); an Alumni Fellowship Teaching Award (2007); a Plumeri Award (2015); and the Jennifer and Devin Murphy Award (2010) for outstanding integration of faculty research with teaching.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Memory and thinking skills naturally slow with age but now scientists are peeking inside living brains to tell if depression might worsen that decline  and finding some worrisome clues.

Depression has long been linked to certain cognitive problems, and depression late in life even may be a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's. Yet how depression might harm cognition isn't clear.

One possibility: Brain cells communicate by firing messages across connections called synapses. Generally, good cognition is linked to more and stronger synapses. With cognitive impairment, those junctions gradually shrink and die off. But until recently, scientists could count synapses only in brain tissue collected after death.

Yale University scientists used a new technique to scan the brains of living people  and discovered that patients with depression had a lower density of synapses than healthy people the same age.

The lower the density, the more severe the depression symptoms, particularly problems with attention and loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, Yale neuroscientist Irina Esterlis said Thursday at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She wasn't studying just seniors but a range of ages including people too young for any cognitive changes to be obvious outside of a brain scan  on the theory that early damage can build up.

"We think depression might be accelerating the normal aging," she said.

Her studies so far are small. To prove if depression really worsens that decline would require tracking synaptic density in larger numbers of people as they get older, to see if and how it fluctuates over time in those with and without depression, cautioned Jovier Evans, a staff scientist at the National Institute on Mental Health.

Esterlis is planning a larger study to do that. It's delicate research. Volunteers are injected with a radioactive substance that binds to a protein in the vesicles, or storage bins, used by synapses. Then during a PET scan, areas with synapses light up, allowing researchers to see how many are in different regions of the brain.

Esterlis said there are no medications that specifically target the underlying synapse damage.

But other brain experts said the preliminary findings are a reminder of how important it is to treat depression promptly, so people don't spend years suffering.

"If your mood isn't enough to make you go and get treated, then hopefully your cognition is," said Dr. Mary Sano, who directs the Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in New York and wasn't involved in the new research.

Still, she cautioned that normal cognitive aging is a complicated process that involves other health problems, such as heart disease that slows blood flow in the brain. It might be that depression, rather than worsening synaptic decline, just makes it more obvious, Sano noted.

With depression "at any age, there's a hit on the brain. At an older age the hit may be more visible because there may already be some loss," she explained.

Indeed, another way the brain ages: The blood-brain barrier, which normally protects against infiltration of damaging substances, gradually breaks down, Daniela Kaufer of the University of California, Berkeley, told the AAAS meeting. That triggers inflammation, setting off a cascade that can cause cognitive impairment. Her lab found a specific molecular culprit and is developing, in studies with mice, a way to block the inflammatory damage.

The University of Toronto's Etienne Sibille is developing a compound to target yet another piece of the puzzle, brain receptors that are impaired with both aging and depression. Mouse studies showed it could reverse stress-induced memory loss, he said. Any human testing is at least several years away.

___

The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  The largely underused waterfront by the White River could be revitalized into a central Indiana haven for recreational activities with a rock climbing wall at a quarry, a floating stage where bands play and a zip line, according to a draft plan.

Agency Landscaping and Planning recently unveiled its draft plan for transforming 58 miles (93 kilometers) of the White River that runs through Hamilton and Marion counties, the Indianapolis Business Journal reported. The company presented concepts that would offer experiences for all types of adventure seekers, from bird watching to zip lining.

"This is a big plan," said Emily Mack, director of the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. "It's a large geographic area, but under no circumstances is this a plan to sit on the shelf."

The city of Indianapolis and Hamilton County Tourism Inc. launched the efforts last year to turn the White River into "central Indiana's next frontier," according to its draft vision statement.

Development along the riverfront in Marion and Hamilton counties is scattered, and there are only a few recreational opportunities.

Agency Landscaping and Planning's draft proposal targets six specific areas in the two counties along the river. Near Strawtown Koteewi Park, planners want to bring more bison to graze in the area, and build new overlooks and bird watching areas.

In Noblesville, the plan calls for creating more space for activities, such as yoga, as well as an extreme recreation park, where visitors could rock climb, swim, compete on a ropes course and zip line.

In Indianapolis, planners are looking to bring biking, kayaking and more public gathering spaces to the waterfront.

The draft plan proposes developing a waterfront district in Broad Ripple that would feature public art, walkways and dining along the river.

The concepts are still being developed, and planners have been seeking public input before presenting a finalized plan this spring. Those involved in the project will now need to decide will manage the plan, how much projects cost and who will pay for them, as well as a timeline for implementation.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  Music brought eight local churches together this evening.

First Christian Church in Lafayette hosted the 39th annual Festival of the Faiths. The festival was created to give local churches an opportunity to connect through chorus.

Each congregation sang various songs of worship and some churches even combined choirs for songs.

Peggy Bryan came up with the idea for the hymn festival in the '80s. She saw a division between churches in Lafayette and wanted to see a change. She brought unity with the universal language of music.

It's extremely important that we use that universal language and the feelings that it gives us to unify each other, said Bryan.

The festival was sponsored by West Lafayette Musicale. West Lafayette Musicale is a branch of the Tippecanoe Arts Federation.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI)  What started off as a way to pay it forward, turned into something bigger. Local business owner Kate Sausa just wanted to help a friend.

''My friend John Goodman was my best friend, said Owner of Kates Kauz and Klozet Kate Sausa Bless his heart rest in peace he just passed away last month. But he had no place to go and was homeless on the streets of Downtown Lafayette''

Kate was determined to do something in order to help. So she and John started discussing a way to help others in the community. Expecting to make a change, another change took over. John Goodman, a veteran of the United States Army was diagnosed with lung cancer and then began treatment.

''A year ago last, I believe it was July, said Sausa He had two-thirds of a lung removed''

And just like that, it felt like three steps forward were taken, then suddenly knocked, three steps back.

''A few months after the lung was removed he was told he had three brain tumors, said Sausa

John Goodman passed away on January 19th of this year after battling cancer, but Kate kept true to their promise, to give back and pay it forward.

''We wanted to make a non-judgmental group, said Sausa A non-discriminating group that people would feel comfortable posting and ask for things''

And that's exactly what she did. Kate created her own donation group by the name of Kate's Kauz, and Kate's Klozet. Both with a "k", for uniqueness. With all of the donations Kate received. She needed a way to give it all back. So she found one.

''I was at the sweeps pantry that the First Baptist Church used to offer, said Sausa

From there, Kate introduced herself to Steven Riggs who was on the chair board for First Baptist Church. She started participating in the Hygiene Pantry and now donations are given to those in need. She continues though, to keep Jon in mind.

''He would have been so happy to see this, in fact, I know he is

The Hygiene Pantry takes place at First Baptist Church every second Thursday of the month.
INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and in Indiana. On Tuesday, February 19, advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, will arrive at the state capitol to meet with lawmakers to encourage them to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention initiatives for Indiana youth, including support of SB 284/HB 1231 prohibiting the use of conversion therapy or sexual orientation change therapy with minors, and SB 266 requiring mental health education for students in grades 6-12 and providing for integrated school based mental health and substance use disorder services grants.

"The reason advocating for suicide prevention within the state of Indiana is so important is that it provides the opportunity to spread education and awareness about suicide and its impact on communities. Suicide is preventable, and we can achieve this with education and awareness, therefore I speak up and out for those that aren't able. Education is power, and power can prevent suicide," said Donna Sadler, AFSP Indiana Chapter volunteer and Field Advocate.

The AFSP Indiana State Capitol Day is a special day for all who have a connection with or a personal story around the topic of suicide. Volunteers will meet with their state legislators and share their stories about why they participate in this advocacy effort, giving a human face to this important health problem. Advocates hope that by sharing their stories, they will help legislators understand that state investments in mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.

AFSP Indiana Chapter advocates are part of a larger national movement of AFSP volunteer advocates who will be visiting over 40 state capitols across the United States in 2019 to bring best practices in suicide prevention to state legislators and their staff. To learn more about AFSP's advocacy efforts, visit here: https://afsp.org/our-work/advocacy/.

On average, one hundred twenty-nine (129) Americans died by suicide each day in 2017, and 90% of those individuals had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. AFSP volunteers will urge state lawmakers to be the voice for the thousands of Hoosiers affected by suicide each year.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a Public Policy Office in Washington, D.C. AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
FRANKFORT, N.Y. -- Officials in the town of Frankfort are asking for your help in locating two men who they believe are responsible for the death of a pit bull.

NewsChannel 2 did receive pictures, but they are too graphic to be shown.

Police say they got a report of a dead dog near an old landfill on Southside Road in Frankfort.

They then found the black pitbull in a crate, who was believed to be three to four years old.

They say the dog died from malnutrition and animal fighting. The dog was heavily scarred, had a full tail and cropped ears.

Police are looking for two men who left the scene right before they got there. They say the two were seen in a black or dark blue, two-door Dodge pickup truck in the area acting suspicious.

One of the males was described as having a full beard.

A $1,000 reward is now offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.

"Cuse Pit Crew" is a group that advocates for the pit bull breed.

In addition to offering money, the group is commending the Frankfort Police Department for its dedication to the case. They're encouraging anyone with information to call them at 315-894-3594 or send an email to police.
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- It was Valentines Day all over again Monday for some in New Hartford.

Thats because Congressman Anthony Brindisi delivered valentines to the veterans who are currently at Sitrin's Cedarbrook assisted living complex, as part of his 'Valentine's for Vets program.

His Utica office and his Binghamton office collected more than 200 cards from individuals in schools across the 22nd Congressional District.

"Definitely a great thing, a great thing a lot of people having a great time, said Eugene Gelfuso, a resident. "And I'll have these, I'll put them up, I got them on my window at my place right downstairs."

"When you talk to them and hear some other stories and you can see that they appreciate someone taking notice of the sacrifices that they have made during their service. And this is just a small token of our appreciation, and the school children appreciation for the sacrifices all of our veterans have made, Brindisi said.

The congressman says his 'Valentines for Vets' program was such a success, he will continue it again next year.
DANUBE- A town of Danube man is being recognized for his heroic efforts saving a Yorkville woman from being trapped after her vehicle went off the road and rolled over several times.

This happened in September 2018. Police said 40 year old Melissa Knudsen became trapped inside the car near Route 5S. They said nearby neighbor, Jason Ploss heard the crash and ran to the scene. He saw the woman inside the car and the doors pinned due to damage from the car rolling over.

Ploss removed Knudsen from the drivers side right before the car went up in flames. Police said if it wasn't for him, Knudsen could have died.

New York State Police honored Ploss with a New York State Police Certificate of Recognition for his lifesaving efforts.
Five years ago, Stephanie Land was slumped over on her hands and knees scrubbing a bathtub. The single mom was a semester away from graduating college and pregnant with a second child.

She was broke. People cautioned her against it. But she decided to quit her job as a house cleaner and go all in on her studies with the hope of becoming a freelance writer after graduation.

"It was incredibly difficult to turn my back on paid work and have faith that my dream would pay off," she said.

It did. The former cleaning woman has written a rags-to-riches story that's long on rags before finally offering a hint of riches.

Her memoir about her years cleaning houses, "Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay and a Mother's Will to Survive," debuted two weeks ago at #3 on The New York Times nonfiction best-seller list.

The book is an illuminating window into the mundane, low-paid service work that much of America never notices or chooses to ignore.

And now, after years of grueling poverty, its sudden success is changing Land's life.

She was on a plane last month when her book made The New York Times' list.

"As soon as I landed, I got a huge amount of texts," she told CNN. As the plane was taxiing to the gate, she broke down crying.

She put herself through college by cleaning houses

"Maid" begins in Land's late twenties, when she was living in a homeless shelter with her infant daughter. One excruciating early scene describes Land's mother flying in from Europe with her husband to help her daughter move from the shelter into a transitional apartment. Land wrote that her mother refused to even buy her lunch, forcing her to pay $10.59 for a burger -- "twenty-eight cents less than what I had in my bank account."

A later scene shows Land having a falling out with her father, with whom she and Mia were staying.

For more than a decade, she'd nursed a dream of becoming a real writer, quietly scribbling away with reddened eyes and a cup of coffee late at night after her daughter Mia had drifted off. She'd become a mother at 28, but lost the support of her family. Cleaning became about the only job she could find without a college degree in the small town where she lived near Seattle.

On her own, without financial support, Land often relied on government assistance programs. In addition to the indignity of being poor, she said even providing the documentation to prove she actually was poor became exhausting in itself.

"You're having to prove again and again that you're doing what you say you're doing," she said.

Land enrolled in the University of Montana's creative writing program because of the school's reputation for launching authors' careers.

But between cleaning houses and caring for her daughter, Land was a thirtysomething student who didn't get invited to many parties with her fellow English majors.

"They were all writing about their year abroad and I was writing about cleaning toilets," she said.

After earning her English degree in 2014, Land finally began to put food on the table with her pen instead of a mop. She became a writing fellow with the Washington, DC-based Center for Community Change. An essay in Vox, in which she dished on all the prescription painkillers she found in the mansions she cleaned, went viral and led to bylines in the New York Times, Washington Post, and other news outlets.

But clicks on her articles didn't always mean dollars in her bank account.

Land was still struggling when she landed a publishing contract and received her book advance in late 2016. She still had $50,000 in student loan debt and $20,000 in maxed-out credit cards, but she finally gained some breathing room to focus on expenses beyond just basic necessities for herself and her two girls -- such as seeing a chiropractor for a case of scoliosis that had worsened through years of scrubbing stains out of carpets.

And she bought the nicest car she'd owned in years: a 2006 Subaru. Even now, though, she said, "I haven't been to the dentist in years."

Now her fans include author Neil Gaiman

"Maid" landed high on the Times' best-seller list, between memoirs by former first lady Michelle Obama and Senator Kamala Harris, who is running for president. Her publisher's office "was jumping up and partying and hugging" when they got the news, Land said.

Amazon named "Maid" one of its best books for January. Barnes and Noble has the book on its recommended list for February. And author Neil Gaiman has praised her book on Twitter. Land named her younger daughter Coraline after Gaiman's book of the same name.

Land's book comes as director Alfonso Cuaron's "Roma," a film told from the point of view of a young Mexican housekeeper, is up for 10 Academy Awards, including best picture. Both take a working-class character who's often on the margins of society and give her a leading role.

Land has been traveling around the US the past couple weeks speaking about her story. She reads sections of her book describing how her exhaustion as a mother, a maid, and a student defy the misconception some have that welfare recipients are lazy.

One fan, who lives the same meager existence Land knew for so long, splurged for an $18 train ticket to see the woman who had written herself out of poverty.

"I just took a train for two hours to see you. I blew my budget for the day," the woman wrote in a handwritten note she gave to Land. "And from what I read, I know you understand what it's like to have a daily budget."

Land has been writing for broad audiences for the last few years, and her hard lessons about poverty didn't always land softly.

"Most of the responses have been from white men trolling me on the internet," she said.

But things feel different this time.

"I'm surprised that people really are seeing how hard it is to get on public assistance and to get off of it," she said. She is mindful of how hard it can be to earn a living, citing the federal employees working paycheck to paycheck who lined up at food banks during the government shutdown.

"I think (the book) tells the stories of our times."

And Land is speaking out about poverty

Land says a long list of grants, loans, and assistance programs helped her and her family eventually climb out of poverty. But she found these programs could constrain recipients as much as empower them.

Her book describes how meeting government assistance programs' work requirements while taking college classes and raising her daughter was a constant, near-impossible balancing act. If the government is going to ask for work requirements, they should let college credit hours count for that, she says now.

"My job offered no sick pay, no vacation days, no foreseeable increase in wage, yet through it all, still I begged to work more," Land wrote in the book. "Wages lost from missed work hours could rarely be made up, and if I missed too many I risked being fired. My car's reliability was vital, since a broken hose, a faulty thermostat, or even a flat tire could throw us off, knock us backward, send us teetering, falling back, toward homelessness.

Some leaders are pushing to alleviate the hardships "Maid" portrays.

Sen. Kamala Harris is pushing a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights that would support those who work as nannies, house cleaners, home health nurses and similar jobs.

The proposed legislation would introduce federal requirements for domestic workers to receive many of the same benefits routinely expected in other professions, including paid sick days, affordable health care and retirement savings, rest breaks, and fair scheduling practices.

And next month Land is slated to speak on a panel about poverty alongside major progressive public policy figures in Washington as part of an event organized by the Center for Community Change, the same group that first offered her a writing fellowship.

She did it all without a man

Today Land, 40, lives in Missoula, Montana, with her two daughters: Mia, 11, and Coraline, 4.

The girls' fathers aren't much involved in their daughters' lives. Land married another man in 2017, but she said her husband was abusive, and their partnership was brief.

Now she is adjusting to the life of a literary star, even if she doesn't feel like one.

"I'm not a literary writer. I tell it very plainly, like it is," Land said. She admires the sparse, meaning-laden sentences of Ernest Hemingway, who advised, "Write hard and clear about what hurts."

She followed that admonition in Maid's first line: "My daughter learned to walk in a homeless shelter."

As she mapped out her memoir, she turned to heroes like John Steinbeck and Kurt Vonnegut and scoured breakout memoirs from contemporary female writers like Cheryl Strayed, author of "Wild."

In the months to come Land plans to work as a public speaker and mentor low-income writers. Once she catches her breath, she'll start thinking about another book.

Land says she chose a "hero's journey" structure for "Maid's" narrative, believing that memoirists should "show growth and that you've learned something about yourself."

But the single mom also introduced her own modern twist: "I wanted to do it without a man at the end."
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Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products, smoke-free products, and related electronic devices and accessories. The company offers IQOS smoke-free products, including heated tobacco and nicotine-containing vapor products under the HEETS, HEETS Creations, HEETS Dimensions, HEETS Marlboro, HEETS FROM MARLBORO, Marlboro Dimensions, Marlboro HeatSticks, and Parliament HeatSticks brands, as well as under the Fiit and Miix licensed brands. It also sells its products under the Marlboro, Parliament, Bond Street, Chesterfield, L&M, Lark, and Philip Morris brands. In addition, the company owns various cigarette brands, such as Dji Sam Soe, Sampoerna A, and Sampoerna U in Indonesia; and Fortune and Jackpot in the Philippines. It markets and sells its products in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Canada. Philip Morris International Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Ltd., Dressor Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty. Ltd., Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty. Ltd., Em-tec GmbH, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Ettlinger Management Inc., Ettlinger North America LP, Ettlinger Vertrieb und Service GmbH & Co. KG, Ettlinger Verwaltungs-GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Ferguson CO. S.A., Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, Finder Oriental (Beijing) Trading Co. Ltd, Finder Pompe S.R.L., Finder United Saudi Arabia Company, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries Asia Limited, Gala Industries Incorporated, Gala Kunststoff-und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Hydronova Australia-NZ Pty Ltd, Industrial Motion Control LLC, Inpro/Seal LLC, International Trade and Equipment B.V., JK Group SPA, JK Group USA Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., K. S. Boca Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Asia Sdn. Bhd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Lianyngang Jump Petroleum and Chemical Machinery Co. Ltd., Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM Holdings Inc., MARKEM International Inc., MARKEM S.A. de C.V., MARKEM Tag Inc., MARKEM UK Holdings 1 Unlimited, MARKEM UK Holdings 2 Limited, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag Automatik GmbH, Maag Automatik Inc., Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Automatik Srl, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Pump Systems SAS, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje Application Innovation Center Sarl, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Pty Ltd, Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l. a socio unico, Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn Bhd, Markem-Imaje Software Development Centre Pvt. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A.U, Markem-Imaje Unipessoal Lda (Portugal), Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Mouvex, Neptune Chemical Pump Company, Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International (UK) Ltd., OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OPW Engineered Systems Inc., OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW France, OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG Worldwide Inc., Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Piston OPW Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Pump Management Services Co. LLC, RAV Equipment U.S.A. Inc., RAV Equipos Espana S.L., RAV France, Rav Equipment UK Limited, Ravaglioli Deutschland GmbH, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Finance Ireland Limited, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod SAS, Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd, SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP A.G., SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Scheer Pelletizing Systems & Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Scheer Taiwan Machinery Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Solaris Laser S.A., Space S.R.L., Start Italiana Petrol Cihazlari Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Start Italiana S.R.L., Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Curotto-Can LLC, The Heil Co., Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Guardian Venture Sdn. Bhd, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding, Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Netherlands B.V., Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Trans - Logistic Group S.R.L., Tulsa Winch Inc., Unified Brands Inc., Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., Warn Automotive LLC, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fuel Management UK Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Deutschland GmbH, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Pte. Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., Wei Li Pump Shanghai Co. LTD., WellMark, and Wilden Pump and Engineering LLC.
Trinseo S.A., a materials company, manufactures and markets synthetic rubber, latex binders, and plastic products in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Latex Binders, Synthetic Rubber, Performance Plastics, Polystyrene, Feedstocks, and Americas Styrenics. The Latex Binders segment offers styrene-butadiene, styrene-acrylate, vinylidene chloride, and butadiene-methacrylate latex products for the carpet and artificial turf markets, as well as performance latex products for the adhesive, building and construction, and technical textile paper market. The Synthetic Rubber segment provides styrene-butadiene rubber, emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber, nickel polybutadiene rubber, and neodymium polybutadiene rubber for use in tires and modifiers, as well as technical rubber products, such as conveyor belts, hoses, seals, and gaskets. The Performance Plastics segment offers engineered compounds and blends for the automotive, consumer electronics, medical, electrical, building and construction, appliance, and lighting markets. This segment also offers acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, and polycarbonate solutions; and soft-touch polymers and bioplastics, such as thermoplastic elastomers. The Polystyrene segment provides general purpose polystyrenes and high impact polystyrene for use in appliances, food packaging and food service disposables, consumer electronics, and building and construction materials. The Feedstocks segment offers styrene monomer, a basic building block of plastic. The Americas Styrenics segment provides styrene and polystyrene. Trinseo S.A. was founded in 2010 and is based in Berwyn, Pennsylvania.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Tenneco: A.E. Group Machines Limited, AE International Limited, Anand I-Power Limited, Anqing TP Goetze Liner Co. Ltd., Anqing TP Goetze Piston Ring Co. Ltd., Anqing TP Powder Metallurgy Co. Ltd., Armstrong Properties (Pty.) Ltd., Ateliers Juliette Adam SAS, Autopartes Walker S. de R.L. de C.V., Beck Arnley Holdings LLC, CATAI s.r.l., CEDS Inc., Carter Automotive Company LLC, Clevite Industries Inc., Componentes Venezolanos de Direccion S.A., Cooperatief Federal-Mogul Dutch Investments B.A., Coventry Assurance Ltd., DRiV Automotive Inc., DRiV IP LLC, DRiV Incorporated, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul Co. Ltd., F-M Holding Daros AB, F-M Holding Goteborg AB, F-M Holding Mexico S.A. de C.V., F-M Motorparts Limited, F-M Motorparts TSC LLC, F-M TSC Real Estate Holdings LLC, F-M Trademarks Limited, FDML Holdings Limited, FM International LLC, FM PBW Bearings Private Limited, FM Participacoes e Investimentos LTDA, Farloc Argentina S.A.I.C. y F., Federal Mogul (Thailand) Ltd., Federal Mogul Aftermarket Egypt Ltd., Federal Mogul Argentina S.A., Federal Mogul Dis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Federal Mogul Hungary Kft., Federal Mogul Powertrain Otomotiv Anonim Sirketi, Federal Mogul SAS, Federal Mogul Services Sarl, Federal Mogul Systems Protection SAS, Federal-Mogul, Federal-Mogul (Anqing) Powder Metallurgy Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Changshu) Automotive Parts Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (China) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Chongqing) Friction Materials Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Langfang) Automotive Components Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Proprietary) Limited, Federal-Mogul (Shanghai) Automotive Parts Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (T&N) Hong Kong Limited, Federal-Mogul (Tianjin) Surface Treatment Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul (Vietnam) Ltd., Federal-Mogul Aftermarket Espana S.A., Federal-Mogul Aftermarket France SAS, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket GmbH, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket Southern Africa (Pty) Limited, Federal-Mogul Aftermarket UK Limited, Federal-Mogul Anand Bearings India Limited, Federal-Mogul Anand Sealings India Limited, Federal-Mogul Asia Investments Holding Korea Ltd., Federal-Mogul Asia Investments Limited, Federal-Mogul Automotive GmbH & Co. KG, Federal-Mogul Automotive Pty Ltd, Federal-Mogul Automotive Verwaltungs GmbH, Federal-Mogul Betriebsgrundstucke Burscheid GmbH, Federal-Mogul Bimet Spolka Akcyjna, Federal-Mogul Bradford Limited, Federal-Mogul Bremsbelag GmbH, Federal-Mogul Burscheid Beteiligungs GmbH, Federal-Mogul Burscheid GmbH, Federal-Mogul Canada Limited, Federal-Mogul Chassis LLC, Federal-Mogul Componentes de Motores Ltda., Federal-Mogul Controlled Power Limited, Federal-Mogul Coventry Limited, Federal-Mogul Deva (Qingdao) Automotive Parts Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Deva GmbH, Federal-Mogul Dimitrovgrad LLC, Federal-Mogul Distribucion de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Dong Feng (Shiyan) Engine Components Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul EMEA Distribution Services, Federal-Mogul Employee Trust Administration Limited, Federal-Mogul Engineering Limited, Federal-Mogul FIL-P43 S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul FIL-S43 S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Filtration LLC, Federal-Mogul Finance 1 LLC, Federal-Mogul Finance 2 LLC, Federal-Mogul Financial Services Poland Sp.z.o.o., Federal-Mogul Financial Services S.A.S., Federal-Mogul Financing Corporation, Federal-Mogul Friction Products Barcelona S.L., Federal-Mogul Friction Products Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Friction Products GmbH, Federal-Mogul Friction Products International GmbH, Federal-Mogul Friction Products Limited, Federal-Mogul Friction Products Ploiesti SRL, Federal-Mogul Friction Products S.A., Federal-Mogul Friction Products a.s., Federal-Mogul Friction Spain S.L., Federal-Mogul Friedberg GmbH, Federal-Mogul Garennes SAS, Federal-Mogul Germany Investments Holding GmbH, Federal-Mogul Global Aftermarket EMEA, Federal-Mogul Global Growth Limited, Federal-Mogul GmbH, Federal-Mogul Goetze (India) Limited, Federal-Mogul Gorzyce Sp. z o.o., Federal-Mogul Holding Deutschland GmbH, Federal-Mogul Holding Sweden AB, Federal-Mogul Holdings Ltd., Federal-Mogul Iberica S.L., Federal-Mogul Ignition GmbH, Federal-Mogul Ignition LLC, Federal-Mogul Ignition Products India Limited, Federal-Mogul Ignition Products SAS, Federal-Mogul Industria de Autopecas Ltda., Federal-Mogul Investment Ltd., Federal-Mogul Investments B.V., Federal-Mogul Italy S.r.l., Federal-Mogul Izmit Piston ve Pim Uretim Tesisleri A.S., Federal-Mogul Japan K.K., Federal-Mogul Juarez S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Lighting S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Limited, Federal-Mogul Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Federal-Mogul MP US LLC, Federal-Mogul Motorparts (India) Limited, Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Netherlands) B.V., Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Pinghu) Trading Limited, Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Thailand) Limited, Federal-Mogul Motorparts (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Colombia S.A.S., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Holding B.V., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Holding GmbH, Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC, Federal-Mogul Motorparts Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Minority Holding B.V., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Philippines Inc., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Ploiesti SRL, Federal-Mogul Motorparts Poland Sp.z.o.o., Federal-Mogul Motorparts Pty Ltd, Federal-Mogul Motorparts Services SRL, Federal-Mogul Naberezhnye Chelny, Federal-Mogul Nurnberg GmbH, Federal-Mogul Operations France S.A.S., Federal-Mogul Piston Rings LLC, Federal-Mogul Plasticos Puntanos S.A., Federal-Mogul Powertrain (Netherlands) B.V., Federal-Mogul Powertrain Eastern Europe B.V., Federal-Mogul Powertrain IP LLC, Federal-Mogul Powertrain Italy S.R.L, Federal-Mogul Powertrain LLC, Federal-Mogul Powertrain Mexico Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Powertrain Russia GmbH, Federal-Mogul Powertrain Solutions India Private Limited, Federal-Mogul Powertrain Systems S A (Proprietary) Limited, Federal-Mogul Powertrain Vostok OOO, Federal-Mogul Products US LLC, Federal-Mogul Pty Ltd, Federal-Mogul R&L Friedberg Casting GmbH & Co. KG, Federal-Mogul Risk Advisory Services LLC, Federal-Mogul S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul S.A., Federal-Mogul SP Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Sealing System (Nanchang) Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems GmbH, Federal-Mogul Sejong Co. Ltd, Federal-Mogul Sejong Tech Ltd, Federal-Mogul Serina Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Sevierville LLC, Federal-Mogul Shanghai Bearing Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Shanghai Compound Material Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Singapore Investments Pte. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Sistemas Automotivos Ltda., Federal-Mogul Sistemas de Limpadores de Para-Brisas Ltda, Federal-Mogul Sorocaba-Holding Ltda, Federal-Mogul Systems Protection Hungary Kft., Federal-Mogul Systems Protection Morocco SARL AU, Federal-Mogul TP Europe GmbH & Co KG, Federal-Mogul TP Liner Europe Otomotiv Ltd. Sti, Federal-Mogul TP Liners Inc., Federal-Mogul TP Piston Rings GmbH, Federal-Mogul TPR (India) Limited, Federal-Mogul Technology Limited, Federal-Mogul Transaction LLC, Federal-Mogul UK Investments Limited, Federal-Mogul UK Powertrain Limited, Federal-Mogul VCS Holding B.V., Federal-Mogul VCS LLC, Federal-Mogul Valve Train International LLC, Federal-Mogul Valve Train S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul Valvetrain GmbH, Federal-Mogul Valvetrain La Source SAS, Federal-Mogul Valvetrain Limited, Federal-Mogul Valvetrain Schirmeck SAS, Federal-Mogul Valvetrain s.r.o., Federal-Mogul Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Federal-Mogul Verwaltungs-und Beteiligungs-GmbH, Federal-Mogul Wiesbaden GmbH, Federal-Mogul World Trade (Asia) Limited, Federal-Mogul World Wide LLC, Federal-Mogul Yura (Qingdao) Ignition Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul Zhengsheng (Changsha) Piston Ring Co. Ltd., Federal-Mogul de Costa Rica S.A., Federal-Mogul de Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Federal-Mogul de Matamoros S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Federal-Mogul de Venezuela C.A., Federal-Mogul of South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Felt Products MFG. CO. LLC, Ferodo America LLC, Ferodo Limited, Fonciere de Liberation, Forjas y Maquinas S. de R.L. de C.V., Frenos Hidraulicos Automotrices S.A. de C.V., Fric-Rot S.A.I.C., Gabilan Manufacturing, Gasket Holdings LLC, Gillet Exhaust Manufacturing Limited, Gillet Pressings Cardiff Limited, Goetze Wohnungsbau GmbH, ISA Installations Steuerungs und Automatislerungs GmbH, J.W. Hartley (Motor Trade) Limited, Jurid do Brasil Sistemas Automotivos Ltda., KB Autosys (Zhangjiagang) Co. Ltd., KB Autosys Co. Ltd., KB Autosys India Private Ltd., Kinetic Pty. Ltd., Kontich, Leeds Piston Ring & Engineering Co. Limited, Maco Inversiones S.A., McCord Payen de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., McPherson Strut Company LLC, Monroe Amortisor Imalat Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Monroe Australia Pty. Limited, Monroe Czechia s.r.o., Monroe Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Monroe Manufacturing (Proprietary) Ltd., Monroe Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Monroe Packaging BVBA, Monroe Ride Performance Sweden AB, Monroe Springs (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Montagewerk Abgastechnik Emden GmbH, Motocare India Private Limited, Muzzy-Lyon Auto Parts LLC, Parts Zone (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Payen International Limited, Piston Rings (UK) Limited, Precision Modular Assembly Corp., Productos de Frenos Automotrices de Calidad S.A. de C.V., Proveedora Walker S. de R.L. de C.V., Pullman, Pullman Standard Inc., Qingdao Tenneco FAWSN Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Raimsa S. de R.L. de C.V., Ride Performance Canada Inc., Ride Performance Japan Ltd., Ride Performance Korea Limited, Ride Performance Mexico Holding LLC, SAXID Limited, Sapav Marketing Ltd, Saxid, Saxid s.r.l., Servicio de Componentes Automotrices S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios Administrativos Industriales S. de R.L. de C.V., Shanghai Tenneco Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Sibirica Energy Limited, Sintration Limited, Speyside Real Estate LLC, Subensambles Internacionales S. de R.L. de C.V., T&N Industries LLC, T&N de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TA (Australia) Group Pty. Ltd., TM S.r.l, TMC Texas Inc., TPR Federal-Mogul Tennessee Inc., Taiwan Federal-Mogul Motorparts Co. Limited, TecCom GmbH, Tenneco (Beijing) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Beijing) Ride Control System Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Changzhou) Ride Performance Co. Ltd., Tenneco (China) Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Dalian) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Jingzhou) Ride Performance Co. Ltd., Tenneco (MSCan) Operations Inc., Tenneco (MUSA), Tenneco (Mauritius) Limited, Tenneco (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Suzhou) Emission System Co. Ltd., Tenneco (Suzhou) Ride Control Co. Ltd., Tenneco (TM Asia) Ltd., Tenneco (TM Belgium) BVBA, Tenneco (Tianjin) Ride Performance Co. Ltd., Tenneco Asheville Inc., Tenneco Asia Inc., Tenneco Automotie Nederland B.V., Tenneco Automotive (Thailand) Limited, Tenneco Automotive Brasil Ltda., Tenneco Automotive Deutschland GmbH, Tenneco Automotive Eastern Europe Sp. z.o.o., Tenneco Automotive Europe BVBA, Tenneco Automotive Europe Coordination Center BVBA, Tenneco Automotive Foreign Sales Corporation Limited, Tenneco Automotive France S.A.S., Tenneco Automotive Holdings South Africa Pty. Limited, Tenneco Automotive Iberica S.A., Tenneco Automotive Inc. Nevada, Tenneco Automotive India Private Limited, Tenneco Automotive Italia S.r.l., Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc., Tenneco Automotive Polska Sp. z.o.o., Tenneco Automotive Port Elizabeth (Proprietary) Limited, Tenneco Automotive Portugal  Componentes Para Automovel Unipessoal LDA., Tenneco Automotive RSA Company, Tenneco Automotive Second RSA Company, Tenneco Automotive Services Societe Par Actions Simplifiee, Tenneco Automotive Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Tenneco Automotive Trading Company, Tenneco Automotive UK Limited, Tenneco Automotive Volga LLC, Tenneco Automotive Walker Inc., Tenneco Brake Inc., Tenneco CA Czech Republic s.r.o., Tenneco CA Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Tenneco CA Netherlands BV, Tenneco Canada Inc., Tenneco Clean Air Argentina S.A.I.C., Tenneco Clean Air India Private Limited, Tenneco Clean Air Spain S.L.U., Tenneco Clean Air US Inc., Tenneco Deutschland Holdinggesellschaft mbH, Tenneco Eastern European Holdings S.a.r.l., Tenneco Eberspaecher (Beijing) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco Emission Control (Pty) Ltd, Tenneco Etain Societe Par Actions Simplifiee, Tenneco Europe Limited, Tenneco FAWSN (Changchun) Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Tenneco FAWSN (Foshan) Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Tenneco FAWSN (Tianjin) Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Tenneco Fusheng (Chengdu) Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Tenneco Global Holdings Inc., Tenneco GmbH, Tenneco Holdings Danmark ApS, Tenneco Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Tenneco Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Tenneco Industria de Autopecas Ltda., Tenneco Innovacion S.L., Tenneco International Holding Corp., Tenneco International Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Tenneco International Manufacturing S.a.r.l., Tenneco Japan Ltd., Tenneco Korea Limited, Tenneco Lingchuan (Chongqing) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco Management (Europe) Limited, Tenneco Mauritius China Holdings Ltd., Tenneco Mauritius Holdings Limited, Tenneco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Tenneco RP Germany GmbH, Tenneco Ride Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Tenneco Ride Performance US 4 LLC, Tenneco Ride Performance US 5 LLC, Tenneco Silesia spolka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Tenneco SpinCo Incorporated, Tenneco Sverige AB, Tenneco Walker (Tianjin) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco Zwickau GmbH, Tenneco-Eberspaecher (Dalian) Exhaust System Co. Ltd., Tenneco-Walker (U.K.) Limited, The Pullman Company, The Tenneco Automotive (UK) Pension Scheme Trustee Limited, Thompson and Stammers (Dunmow) Number 6 Limited, Thompson and Stammers (Dunmow) Number 7 Limited, United Piston Ring Inc., VTD Vakuumtechnik Dresden GmbH, Walker Australia Pty. Limited, Walker Danmark ApS, Walker Electronic Silencing Inc., Walker Europe Inc., Walker Exhaust (Thailand) Company Limited, Walker Gillet (Europe) GmbH, Walker Limited, Walker Manufacturing Company, Walker UK Ltd, Wellworthy Limited, Wimetal Societe Par Actions Simplifiee, and Wuhan Tenneco Exhaust System Co. Ltd..
New Relic, Inc., a software-as-a-service company, provides platform for engineers to plan, build, deploy, and operate software worldwide. It offers a suite of products on its open and extensible cloud-based platform, New Relic One Platform, which enables users to collect, store, and analyze telemetry data flowing through and about their software. The company also provides prebuilt dashboards and visualizations, as well as the ability to search across data types, create customized dashboards, and build applications that can be shared and customized by other users. In addition, it offers customers with software code to add to their applications and infrastructure; open data application performance interfaces, and software development kits, as well as open source connectors and technologies for customers, partners, and third-party developers to extend its platform into their products; cloud-based architecture and big data database; and New Relic Application Performance Monitoring, Mobile, Browser, Synthetics, Infrastructure, and Insights products for analyzing data. Further, the company provides New Relic chart builder, dashboards, and programmability features that allow customers to use connected data to build visuals; New Relic Applied Intelligence to spot abnormal behavior across billions of pieces of data; and New Relic Alerts, which provides a centralized notification system. It sells its products through direct sales organizations, and online and offline sales. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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Neenah, Inc., a specialty materials company, produces and sells performance-based technical products, and fine paper and packaging products worldwide. Its Technical Products segment offers filtration media for transportation, water, and other end use applications; saturated and unsaturated crepe, and flat paper tapes; and coated lightweight abrasive papers for automotive, construction, metal, and woodworking industries. It also provides digital transfer media; label and tag products for digital printing; latex saturated and coated, premask, medical packaging, digital transfer, publishing, security, clean room and durable printing, and release papers; and furniture backers. The company's Fine Paper and Packaging segment provides writing, text, cover, and specialty papers; and envelopes used in commercial printing services, corporate identity packages, and advertising collaterals. It also provides packaging products for retail, cosmetics, spirits, and electronics end-use markets; bright papers for direct mails, advertising inserts, scrapbooks, and marketing collaterals; business papers for professionals and small businesses; translucent and art papers; and papers for optical scanning and other specialized applications. The company markets its products under the JET-PRO SofStretch, KIMDURA, PREVAIL, NEENAH, GESSNER, CLASSIC, CLASSIC CREST, ENVIRONMENT, ROYAL SUNDANCE, SOUTHWORTH, TOUCHE, SO...SILK, PLIKE, STARDREAM, CONVERD, ESTATE LABEL, SKIVERTEX, KIVAR, ASTROBRIGHTS, and NEENAH IMAGEMAX brand names through authorized paper distributors, converters, retailers, and specialty businesses, as well as direct to end users. The company was formerly known as Neenah Paper, Inc. and changed its name to Neenah, Inc. in January 2018. Neenah, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Finland 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 Finland ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
Magna International Inc. designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Its Body Exteriors & Structures segment provides body and chassis systems, as well as engineering and testing services; exterior systems, including fascia and trims, front end modules, front integration panels, liftgate modules, active aerodynamics, engineered glass, running boards, truck bed access products, and side doors; and roof systems, such as modular and textile folding roofs, and hard and soft tops. The company's Power & Vision segment offers dedicated hybrid, dual and e-clutch, and manual transmissions; engine drive plates and accessories; AWD/4WD products, rear drive modules, and hybrid and battery electric drive systems; transmission, engine, and driveline components; advanced driver assistance systems, camera systems, ultrasonic sensors, and electronic controllers; interior and exterior mirrors, actuators, door handles, overhead consoles, and camera monitoring systems; head, tail, and fog lamps; signal and other lighting products; and latching systems, door modules, window systems, power closure systems, hinges and wire forming, and handle assemblies. Its Seating Systems segment provides seat structures, mechanism and hardware solutions, and foam and trim products. The company's Complete Vehicles segment offers vehicle manufacturing and engineering services. It also designs, engineers, and manufactures tooling products. Magna International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Aurora, Canada.

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Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, London-Heathrow, Mexico City, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. The company sells its tickets through various distribution channels, including delta.com and the Fly Delta app, reservations, online travel agencies, traditional brick and mortar, and other agencies. It also provides aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services; and vacation packages to third-party consumers, as well as aircraft charters, and management and programs. The company operates through a fleet of approximately 1,100 aircraft. Delta Air Lines, Inc. was founded in 1924 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The Vietnamese Peoples Navy handed over the fishermen to the Philippine Navy on February 16 to take them home. The handover was carried out under the direction of the Ministry of Defence in accordance with international procedures and practices.

Earlier on February 8, Vietnamese soldiers on the Son Ca Island discovered two people drifting towards the islands coral reef. The distressed fishermen were rescued and brought to the island to receive medical care.

30-year-old Congiral Plores Madarcos and 34-year-old Reynante Madarcos are brothers and living in Occidental Mindoro province in the Philippines. They were working on the fishing boat Thanks Giving 5 from the Philippines before falling into the sea.

Vietnamese soldiers took care of the Filipino fishermen for more than eight days on Son Ca Island.

Fisherman Reynante Madarcos said: The Vietnamese people on the island took good care of me. My health is good now. Vietnam is very friendly. I want to thank the Vietnamese Navy very much.

We will do our best for Vietnams responsibility and goodwill for the international and regional community. Helping foreign fishermen in distress on the Truong Sa waters is an obligation, responsibility and the morality of the Vietnamese people to make Truong Sa waters become a peaceful, friendly and humane waters, said Colonel Pham Van Tho.
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group. The Retail Banking segment offers brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services; checking, savings, and money market accounts; certificates of deposits; and lending products, which includes residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, education loans, and personal and small business loans, and credit cards to consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. The Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; payables, receivables, deposit and account, liquidity and investments, and online and mobile banking products and services; foreign exchange, derivatives, securities underwriting, loan syndications, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions for the commercial real estate finance industry. The Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, private banking, and trust management and administration solutions; and multi-generational family planning products, such as estate, financial, tax planning, fiduciary, investment management and consulting, personal administrative, asset custody, and customized performance reporting services. This segment also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and fiduciary retirement advisory services. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 2,162 branches and 8,900 ATMs. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit and investment products and services to consumers; lending, deposit, and cash management and payment solutions to small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit card, auto loan, and leasing services. The CIB segment provides investment banking products and services, including corporate strategy and structure advisory, and equity and debt markets capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication; wholesale payments and cross-border financing; and cash securities and derivative instruments, risk management solutions, prime brokerage, and research. This segment also offers securities services, including custody, fund accounting and administration, and securities lending products for asset managers, insurance companies, and public and private investment funds. The CB segment provides financial solutions, including lending, investment banking, and asset management to small business, large and midsized corporations, local governments, and nonprofit clients; and commercial real estate banking services to investors, developers, and owners of multifamily, as well as to office, retail, industrial, and affordable housing properties. The AWM segment offers multi-asset investment management solutions across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and money market funds to institutional clients and retail investors; and retirement products and services, brokerage, custody, trusts and estates, loans, mortgages, deposits, and investment management products. The company also provides ATM, online and mobile, and telephone banking services. JPMorgan Chase & Co. was founded in 1799 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Wall Street analysts have given iShares Global Industrials 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 Global Industrials ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

FTI Consulting, Inc. provides business advisory services to manage change, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes worldwide. Its Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment provides business transformation, transactions, turnaround, restructuring, and bankruptcy services. The company's Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment offers anti-corruption/anti-money laundering investigations and compliance, and data and analytics, as well as compliance, monitoring, and receivership services; cybersecurity, forensic accounting and advisory, and global risk and investigations practice; and construction solutions, dispute advisory, trial, insurance claims, health and environmental solutions, and export controls and sanctions. Its Economic Consulting segment provides financial, economic, and econometric consulting; business and expert valuation, and expert testimony services; intellectual property services; economic and statistical analyses services; services related to public policy and regulated industries, and healthcare economics and policy; international arbitration; and economic impact analysis, market modeling, and securities litigation and risk management services and other litigation services. The company's Technology segment offers e-discovery and data compliance management, managed document review, digital forensics, information governance, privacy and security, and contract intelligence services, as well as Radiance Visual Analytics software. Its Strategic Communications segment provides advice services relating to public affairs and government relations, crisis communications, corporate reputation, digital and, capital markets communications, transaction communications, and digital, analytics, and insights. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA provides dialysis care and related dialysis care services in Germany, North America, and internationally. It offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. The company also develops, manufactures, and distributes dialysis products, including polysulfone dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, peritoneal dialysis cyclers, peritoneal dialysis solutions, hemodialysis concentrates, solutions and granulates, bloodlines, renal pharmaceuticals, and systems for water treatment; and non-dialysis products, such as acute cardiopulmonary and apheresis products. In addition, it develops, acquires, and in-licenses renal pharmaceuticals; offers renal medications and supplies to patients at homes or to dialysis clinics; and provides vascular, cardiovascular, endovascular specialty, vascular care ambulatory surgery center, and physician nephrology and cardiology services. The company sells its products to dialysis clinics, hospitals, and specialized treatment clinics directly, as well as through local sales forces, independent distributors, dealers, and sales agents. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 4,092 outpatient dialysis clinics in approximately 150 countries. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Bad Homburg, Germany.

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Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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Albemarle Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets engineered specialty chemicals worldwide. It operates through three segments: Lithium, Bromine Specialties, and Catalysts. The Lithium segment offers lithium compounds, including lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, lithium chloride, and lithium specialties; and reagents, such as butyllithium and lithium aluminum hydride for use in lithium batteries for consumer electronics and electric vehicles, high performance greases, thermoplastic elastomers for car tires, rubber soles, plastic bottles, catalysts for chemical reactions, organic synthesis processes in the areas of steroid chemistry and vitamins, life sciences, pharmaceutical industry, and other markets. It also provides cesium products for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries; zirconium, barium, and titanium products for pyrotechnical applications; technical services for the handling and use of reactive lithium products; and lithium-containing by-products recycling services. The Bromine Specialties segment offers bromine and bromine-based fire safety solutions; specialty chemicals, including elemental bromine, alkyl and inorganic bromides, brominated powdered activated carbon, and other bromine fine chemicals for use in chemical synthesis, oil and gas well drilling and completion fluids, mercury control, water purification, beef and poultry processing, and other industrial applications; and other specialty chemicals, such as tertiary amines, biocides, disinfectants, and sanitizers. The Catalysts segment provides hydroprocessing, isomerization, and akylation catalysts; fluidized catalytic cracking catalysts and additives; and organometallics and curatives. The company serves the energy storage, petroleum refining, consumer electronics, construction, automotive, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, and custom chemistry services markets. Albemarle Corporation was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Ad Legacy Research 1,083 Recent Views

To Any American Who Owns a Cell Phone

If you own a cell phone, then mobile service providers hope you never get to see this video that could soon go viral. His experiment could strike a bad chord with mobile phone companies. But youve got to see what this man discovered and what it means for phone users in the weeks ahead.
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services in the United States. It operates through three segments: UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. The company offers wireless solutions to consumers and business and government customers, including a suite of connected Internet of things (IoT) solutions, and software applications for monitor and control, business automation/operations, communication, asset management, smart water solutions, and end-to-end IoT solutions; wireless priority services and quality priority and preemption options; smartphones and other handsets, tablets, wearables, mobile hotspots, routers, and IoT devices; and accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards, as well as consumer electronics, including headphones, smart speakers, and home automation and business management solutions. It also provides replace and repair services; Trade-In program through which it buys customers' used equipment; internet connections and all-home WI-FI services; TDS TV+, an integrated cloud television platform that offers video content; local and long-distance telephone service, VoIP, and enhanced services; and broadband, IP-based services, and hosted voice and video collaboration services. It sells its products through retail sales, direct sales, third-party retailers, and independent agents, as well as through ecommerce and telesales. As of December 31, 2020, the company offers its services to customers 5 million wireless connections, and 1.2 million wireline and cable connections. The company was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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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.
Gov. Tony Evers, state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, state Reps. Chris Taylor and David Crowley are among those hosting a press conference at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 18, in the Capitol rotunda to discuss the governors proposal to reform Wisconsins marijuana laws. The governors budget proposal will: Include a medical marijuana program that will be regulated and administered through the departments of Health Services and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection;

Decriminalize possession, manufacturing or distribution of marijuana for amounts of 25 grams or less;

Establish an expungement procedure for individuals convicted of possessing, manufacturing or distributing less than 25 grams of marijuana who have completed their sentence or probation;

And align Wisconsins laws on cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, with federal standards.

Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly showed support for cannabis legalization at the polls in last Novembers midterm elections. Pro-legalization advisory referenda were approved in all 16 counties and 2 cities where they appeared on the ballots.

Up to 88 percent of voters showed support for medical marijuana, and up to 76 percent for recreational.

Nearly one million voters supported the measures.

While the referenda were only advisory, they sent a strong message to the incoming Wisconsin legislature that cannabis law reform  including medical cannabis, cannabis decriminalization, and cannabis legalization  must be a priority in 2019.

All of Wisconsins neighboring states except for Iowa have legalized medical and/or recreational marijuana.

Naitonally, as of Nov. 7, 2018, a total of 33 states and the District of Columbia had passed laws broadly legalizing marijuana in some form.
Officials recovered the body of a second occupant of a semi-truck Feb. 18 that crashed into Mirror Lake, and released the name of the driver in the fatal crash.

The Sauk County Sheriffs Office Dive Team found a womans body at about 12:45 p.m. after they resumed the search for the passenger of a semi during the morning of Feb. 18.

The Wisconsin State Patrol said the body of the truck driver was previously recovered from the semi, which had crashed through a guard rail along Interstates 90/94 and off a cliff early in the morning Feb. 17. The driver of the semi has been identified as Timothy Green, 39, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

Authorities were alerted to the damaged guardrail at about 7:30 a.m. Feb. 17 on the I-90/94 eastbound interstate bridge north of Mirror Lake in Lake Delton. According to a release from Wisconsin State Patrol Sgt. Nathan Henricksen, wheel tracks followed directly off the right ditch cliff into Mirror Lake where a tractor trailer unit came to rest, completely submerged.

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Lake Delton and Sauk County Emergency Medical Services worked with the dive team to recover the occupants of the vehicle. Authorities suspended the search in the early evening hours Feb. 17 due to visibility and weather conditions.
President Donald Trump likes to say he hires only the best people and that his White House operates like a well-oiled machine.

But a steady stream of insider accounts flowing out of the West Wing suggests theres more madness than method to the president and his administration.

The most recent entries are two books that just hit best-seller lists, one by former White House aide Cliff Sims, the other by ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a onetime Trump adviser.

Sims dishes about Oval Office back-stabbing in his explicitly titled Team of Vipers. Christies Let Me Finish laments Trumps choice of amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons  hustled into jobs they were never suited for.

The authors join a pantheon of disgruntled leakers or tattling ex-staffers telling tales of incompetence at the highest executive levels. Last week, someone handed Axios three months of Trumps daily schedule, revealing in mortifying detail how the president spends more than half of his workday in executive time activities such as watching TV, tweeting and making calls.
Berniece Becky Williams, 85, Columbus, passed away on Feb. 13, 2019. She was born on Jan. 9, 1934, in Astico, Wisconsin, to Clarence and Alma (Bush) Christians. She was a 1951 graduate of Columbus High School.

After high school, she attended and graduated as a registered nurse from St. Marys School of Nursing in Milwaukee. She was employed for over 30 years as a nursing supervisor at the Central Wisconsin Center in Madison, where she devoted herself to the care of disabled children, made many lifelong friends and was recognized by the governor for her service.

She met and fell in love with Rex Williams and they were married on Jan. 12, 1954, in Columbus. They were happily married for 61 years and raised six children. It is very hard to describe how loving, thoughtful and kind Becky was to everyone. There was always a thoughtful card on special occasions with kind words in her own beautiful cursive writing, or a gift she made with her own hands. She showed great empathy and always seemed to know what her family and friends needed, and was there to provide it. A child of the Great Depression, she was frugal and understood the value of hard work, but she also enjoyed her life and the fruits of her labor and enjoyed trying new things, seeing new places, and making new friends. If you became her friend, you were friends for life.
Which is why Im feeling more scared than ever for the future of my kids and grandkids.

Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant and the founder of the email service reagan.com. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com.

Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant and the founder of the email service reagan.com. Send comments to reagan@caglecartoons.com.
For Cotter students, the last two snow days havent exactly been days off from school.

After this years bevy of cancellations due to snow and freezing temperatures, school officials made the decision to roll out what they call flexible learning days, in which teachers upload coursework online and students complete it from home.

Our effort is to promote and encourage student learning, and if the weather is impacting that and we have the opportunity to leverage technology to continue student learning even in other locations, thats our goal, said Mary Eileen Fitch, vice principal for curriculum and instruction at Cotter. We dont want to minimize lost instruction time.

Cotter, which takes its cancellation cues from Winona Area Public Schools, has also racked up seven full days of missed instruction and three late starts. The school schedules roughly 172 days of instruction per year, Fitch said; although as a private school they dont need to meet state guidelines, they still attempt to match whats recommended.

But unlike the public schools, which have two built-in days to make up for cancellations and may tack on more at the end of the year, Cotter doesnt build days in for that purpose and plans to instead use the flexible learning days as a solution for future cancellations.
HOUSTON, Minn.  The International Festival of Owls is now in its 17th year. Many events have become annual staples, like the live owl programs, international owl art contest, photography contest, pellet dissection, nest box building, owl prowls, banquet, World Owl Hall of Fame awards and Sunday birding trip.

But this year, organizers will have several very special activities, some free, during the March 1-3 event that takes over the city of Houston.

Professional chainsaw carver Molly Wiste will be back, this time to carve a very elaborate owl bench from a large log. The log will be carved in place in Trailhead Park, near the Houston Nature Center. The benchs location is immediately adjunct to the future home of the International Owl Center. There is no charge to watch the carving.

A new, true childrens story will be released in April: Greta the Great Horned Owl. You will be able to purchase an advance-release copy at the Festival and have it autographed by author Christie Gove-Berg on Saturday.

The Secret Life of Owls aired on The Nature of Things on Canadian television in 2017, but has yet to be released in the USA. It is not even viewable online. This stunning film will be shown on Sunday afternoon during the Festival, and includes a segment on the Owl Centers vocal research.
BAGHOUZ, Syria - From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill  encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/2/2019 (859 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters talk in the Omar Oil Field base, Syria, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

BAGHOUZ, Syria - From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill  encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

"They are taking their last breath," said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometres (1 1/4 miles) from the militants' last spot.

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which IS were uprooted in recent weeks.

A man selling chicken sits in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Hajin, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

In Hajin, a major centre for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes. Small shops selling tools and construction material have sprung up.

For weeks, the militants fought desperately for their shrinking territory. Once in control of about a third of Syria and Iraq, they now are down to what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. But they are holding on to hundreds of civilians  some of them possibly hostages  taking cover among them at the edge of Baghouz, the village in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

"Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," preventing civilians from leaving, said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and the presence of possible captives could explains the slow final push, they added.

As civilians trickled out of the enclave in recent weeks, the SDF and coalition officials screened them. Women and children were transferred to camps miles away; men suspected of links to the militant group were taken into custody at other facilities.

SDF commanders said some of the hostages taken from their force have been freed in recent days. Fighters at the base said one of their colleagues was set free in the last two days.

Damaged cars sit in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Susah, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Khatib Othman, an SDF fighter, came back from the front line a few days ago to take a break. His brother, also an SDF fighter, was taken hostage by IS in the last weeks of fighting. He is now believed to be held in Iraq as a suspected militant and negotiations are underway to free him.

"We want to take revenge. We will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste," Othman said. "We are waiting for the civilians to go out, and we will go in and attack. It is a matter of days. They are under siege, no food and no water. They are encircled from four sides. They have to give up."

He added that the militants are running out of ammunition.

The capture of the last pocket of IS territory in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a four-year global campaign to crush the extremist group's so-called caliphate. It has been a long and destructive battle. In decline since 2016, the militant group was stripped of its self-declared capital of Raqqa, in Syria, in the summer of 2017, leaving behind a destroyed city whose residents are still struggling to return.

In Deir el-Zour, the SDF and the coalition have battled to uproot the militants from villages and towns on the eastern banks of the Euphrates since September.

Battle-hardened militants, including some of the group's leading fighters and foreign commanders, had taken refuge in the area between Syria and Iraq. They fought back, dispatching suicide bombers from underground tunnels, deploying female fighters and launching counteroffensives that reclaimed many of the villages for weeks. Nearly 700 SDF fighters were killed in fighting that left at least 1,300 militants and over 400 civilians dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"We will very soon bring good news to the whole world," Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles from Baghouz.

But experts and U.S. defence officials warn that IS still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.

Thousands of IS fighters and their families have emerged in the past few months from the group's last enclave. The SDF is holding 900 foreign fighters in lockups and camps in northern Syria, and their fate is a major concern, particularly as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Syria. In a tweet Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Britain, France and Germany and other European countries to take back their militants and put them on trial at home.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall," Trump said. He suggested the alternative would be that the U.S. would be forced to release them.

"We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!" he added.

The Kurdish forces and officials have said the same in recent weeks, appealing to countries to take back their militants.

Bali, the SDF spokesman, declined to comment on Trump's statement.
A year after an attacker in a Parkland, Fla., high school gunned down 17 students and faculty and wounded 17 others, the mass shooting  and what happened before and after it  have become the focus of multiple inquiries, including an ongoing criminal case and statewide investigations.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 17/2/2019 (859 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A year after an attacker in a Parkland, Fla., high school gunned down 17 students and faculty and wounded 17 others, the mass shooting  and what happened before and after it  have become the focus of multiple inquiries, including an ongoing criminal case and statewide investigations.

This web of examinations, which range from a death penalty case against the confessed shooter, to probes looking at the actions of law enforcement and school officials, is a broad response to a tragedy marked by repeated missteps. One investigation already faulted law enforcement officers and school officials, while another is still looking at the police response. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, this week called for a new probe to be carried out by a grand jury looking at Parkland as well as broader school security issues.

The inquiries are likely to continue playing out for months  and possibly years  as Florida continues to reckon with the horrors unleashed inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, 2018.

One of the explorations looking into what happened began soon after the shooting. Police quickly arrested Nikolas Cruz, the former student who confessed to the attack. He was indicted on 34 counts of premeditated murder and attempted murder and, not long after, prosecutors announced plans to seek a death sentence.

The court case against Cruz represents something unusual following an attack on the scale of Parkland: a trial for a suspect charged in a mass shooting, proceedings that could provide an extended, emotional look at the Valentines Day carnage. Cruzs lawyers, who admit he was the attacker, have offered to have him plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, which prosecutors have not accepted. Both sides said Thursday they still expect the case to proceed to trial.

In perhaps the most comparable case, a gunman who killed a dozen people inside an Aurora, Colo., movie theatre in July 2012 ultimately faced trial. Three years passed between the movie theatre massacre and the jurys decision to find him guilty on all counts during proceedings that lasted several months in 2015. He was sentenced to life in prison rather than the death sentence prosecutors sought. That same year, a self-avowed white supremacist killed nine black parishioners in Charleston, S.C.; he was convicted in a federal case about a year and a half later and was sentenced to death.

Howard Finkelstein, the Broward public defender representing Cruz, said the trial in South Florida is "a long way off," noting that discovery filings have listed more than 900 witnesses.

Finkelstein, who has said it would be wrong for the state to execute Cruz after authorities missed so many warning signs about him before the shooting, wrote in an email Thursday that a "trial, whenever it happens, will be a very long ordeal and very painful." He added that a death sentence for Cruz would be followed by "decades of appeals" and reiterated his previous stance that a guilty plea would "end the painful and arduous legal journey immediately."

Prosecutors have rebuffed the plea offers  even before announcing they would seek Cruzs execution, Michael Satz, state attorney for Broward County, called the massacre "the type of case the death penalty was designed for." A spokeswoman for the state attorneys office said Thursday that there has been no change to that posture.

Beyond the court case, other investigations have looked at what happened at the school as well as how authorities responded to numerous red flags related to Cruz. He had repeatedly drawn the attention of officials on the local, state and federal level, but none of the encounters or warnings  including concerns about his mental state and specific tips to the FBI and Broward Sheriffs Office describing him as a threat to a school  led to actions that might have prevented the attack.

A statewide panel known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission released a report detailing numerous problems with the schools handling of security as well as the actions and inactions of law enforcement. The commission criticized the Broward Sheriffs Office, which had several contacts with Cruz before the shooting, for issues with its training and how deputies responded to the gunfire inside the school.

Former Broward County sheriffs deputy Scot Peterson was widely condemned for not rushing into the building to confront the shooter despite arriving there within two minutes of the first gunshots. Peterson, who had been assigned to the school and was shown on video surveillance recordings standing outside the building where the shootings were underway, later said he did not know where the gunfire was coming from, but the commission said he "was derelict in his duty... and fled to a position of personal safety while Cruz shot and killed (school) students and staff."

The commission faulted other law enforcement officials as well. Multiple law enforcement officers failed to respond appropriately to what happened, according to the panel, including several who were described as not rushing inside "while shots were being fired."

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting its own investigation into the law enforcement response to the shooting, looking at how the various agencies reacted to the attack. That probe is ongoing.

The commission also found that Stoneman Douglas had numerous security lapses, such as unlocked entrances and classrooms where students were killed with no way to hide from view inside those rooms.

DeSantis cited the commissions report in announcing his decision last month to suspend Scott Israel, the elected Broward County sheriff. Israel argued that he was ousted for political reasons and insisted: "There was no wrongdoing on my part."

On Wednesday, one day before the first anniversary of the attack, DeSantis asked the Florida Supreme Court to impanel a grand jury, which he said would be distinct from the commission because of its broad subpoena power.

"They will be able to compel witnesses, they will be able to compel documents in a way that the Marjory Stoneman Douglas commission was just not able to do," he said during a briefing Wednesday. He added that a statewide grand jury "has a lot of teeth."

In his petition asking the court to impanel a grand jury based in Broward County, DeSantis wrote that the investigation would look into issues relating to the Parkland attack and said "there is a need to examine the crimes and wrongs that precipitated the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting."

He also said the grand jury should look into whether students are being placed at risk due to failures by school officials to follow school-safety laws and whether public authorities are "shirking responsibility."

 Washington Post
A Manitoba family has donated more than 400 acres of land in the Riding Mountain National Park area to the non-profit Nature Conservancy of Canada in honour of their late brother, ensuring the land stays protected in perpetuity.

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A Manitoba family has donated more than 400 acres of land in the Riding Mountain National Park area to the non-profit Nature Conservancy of Canada in honour of their late brother, ensuring the land stays protected in perpetuity.

The announcement was made Monday at The Forks where the family of Bob Mickelson, who owned the land and died in a car accident in the spring of 2016 at the age of 63, were on hand to outline what their brother loved about the property.

The 418-acre plot, comprised of rolling upland hills, aspen mixed-wood forests, wetland and tame grasslands, is located southeast of Roblin.

"Our family has been in the area for over a hundred years. Weve farmed, weve ranched. So just having this as a legacy and something we can give back to the community, to the province, to the country, is really important to us," said Jim Mickelson, Bobs brother.

"There are a lot of beautiful places in the province. The Shell River Valley, we think, is one of the most beautiful, with its rolling hillsides, forests, grasslands, and the beautiful tranquil lake here. Its just a picture of tranquillity."

The property will now be known as the Bob Mickelson Conservation Lands and will be stewarded by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Acting director of conservation for the organization's Manitoba arm Cary Hamel and MP for Winnipeg South Terry Duguid were also present for the announcement.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS At The Forks on Monday, Jim Mickelson announces a land donation near Riding Mountain National Park, which will protect grasslands, lakes and wetlands.

Hamel said the land serves as an important ecosystem for flora and fauna in the area, including the forests which provide nesting cover, feeding and breeding grounds for birds, amphibians, as well as moose and elk.

The land is also home to several at-risk species, including the Canada Warbler, eastern wood-pewee, bobolink and northern leopard frog.

"This is a part of the planet that is going to be conserved for forever. Future generations are going to be able to walk across it and look at the birds and the beavers and everything else. It will stay this way, so this is really a special thing," Hamel said.

The Bob Mickelson Conservation Lands mark the 139th project by Nature Conservancy of Canada in Manitoba, totalling 39,423 acres of land that have been preserved. It is Canadas leading land conservation organization and has been in operation since 1962.

"Almost immediately after we overcame the shock of my brothers death, we reflected on what was important to him. He loved nature, he loved being outside, and so we thought what better way to honour him and our familys legacy in the community," Mickelson said.

"This is a very important event for our family. We lost our brother suddenly three years ago. This is an important legacy for him... It was a natural way to honour him."

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
LONDON - Honda will close a car factory in western England with the potential loss of 3,500 jobs, British media and a local lawmaker said Monday, in another blow to a British economy made jittery by Brexit.

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FILE - This Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 file photo shows the Honda logo on a 2019 Honda Civic on display at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. BritainAos Sky News says Honda is to close a car factory in western England with the potential loss of 3,500 jobs. The broadcaster says the Japanese carmaker will announce Tuesday, Feb. 19 that the Swindon plant, where Honda makes its Civic model, will close in 2022. Honda said Monday that it could not comment Auat this stage.Au (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, file)

LONDON - Honda will close a car factory in western England with the potential loss of 3,500 jobs, British media and a local lawmaker said Monday, in another blow to a British economy made jittery by Brexit.

Sky News said the Japanese carmaker is to announce Tuesday that the Swindon plant will close in 2022. Honda makes its popular Civic model at the factory, 70 miles (115 kms) west of London.

Local lawmaker Justin Tomlinson confirmed the news in a series of tweets. He said he had spoken to Honda, and the company said the decision "is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021."

He said no job losses at the plant were expected until 2021.

Honda said it could not comment "at this stage."

"We take our responsibilities to our associates very seriously and will always communicate any significant news with them first," the firm said in a statement.

The Unite trade union, which represents workers at the plant, said it was looking into the reports. Des Quinn, the union's automotive-sector national officer, said the plant's closure "would be a shattering body blow at the heart of U.K. manufacturing."

The news comes as British businesses are issuing increasingly urgent warnings about the damage being done by the uncertainty around Britain's looming exit from the European Union. The U.K. is set to leave the bloc on March 29 but has yet to seal a deal laying out the divorce terms and establishing what trade rules will apply after Brexit.

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.

Earlier this month, Japan's Nissan announced that it would not build a new SUV at its plant in Sunderland, England, as previously planned.

Nissan said it had made the decision "for business reasons," but 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."

Last week Ford said that if Britain left the EU without a deal on smooth future relations, it would be "catastrophic for the U.K. auto industry and Ford's manufacturing operations in the country."

Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School, said automakers were being hit by several factors, including a cooling global economy and a European crackdown on diesel engines.

"Add the fact that the supply chain for most British-made cars crosses the Channel several times as parts are shipped back and forth, so any delays at the border after Brexit could severely disrupt the industry's 'just in time' production method, and the U.K. starts to look like a less attractive place for international companies to build cars," he said.
BEIJING - China's government on Monday accused the United States of trying to block its industrial development after Vice-President Mike Pence said Chinese equipment poses a threat to countries that are rolling out next-generation mobile communications.

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FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2018, file photo, a woman browses her smartphone as she walks by a Huawei store at a shopping mall in Beijing. ChinaAos government has accused Washington of trying to block its industrial development after Vice President Mike Pence said Chinese tech giant Huawei and other telecom equipment suppliers are a security threat. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

BEIJING - China's government on Monday accused the United States of trying to block its industrial development after Vice-President Mike Pence said Chinese equipment poses a threat to countries that are rolling out next-generation mobile communications.

And in a potential blow to U.S. efforts to rally its allies on the issue, British media reported U.K. intelligence agencies found it is possible to limit potential security risks of Chinese equipment in fifth-generation networks.

The U.S. argues Beijing might use Chinese tech companies to gather intelligence about foreign countries. The Trump administration has pressured allies to shun networks supplied by Huawei Technologies Ltd., threatening the company's access to 5G markets.

Huawei, the biggest global maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, denies accusations it facilitates Chinese spying. Its founder said last month it would reject government demands to disclose confidential information about foreign customers.

The U.S. government is trying to "fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development" of Chinese enterprises, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

He accused the United States of using "political means" to interfere in economic activity, "which is hypocritical, immoral and unfair bullying."

Mike Pence, speaking Saturday in Germany, urged European allies to take seriously "the threat" he said was posed by Huawei as they look for partners to build 5G networks.

The 5G technology is meant to vastly expand the reach of networks to support internet-linked medical equipment, factory machines, self-driving cars and other devices. That makes it more politically sensitive and raises the potential cost of security failures.

Pence said Huawei and other Chinese telecom equipment makers provide Beijing with "access to any data that touches their network or equipment." He appealed to European governments to "reject any enterprise that would compromise the integrity of our communications technology or our national security systems."

In what could amount to a turning point for the U.S. effort to isolate Huawei, Britain's National Cyber Security Centre has found that the risk of using its networks is manageable, according to the Financial Times and other British media outlets.

The reports, citing anonymous sources, said there are ways to limit cybersecurity risks. They said the U.K.'s decision would carry weight with European allies who are also evaluating the safety of their networks.

The British government is due to finish a review of its policies on the safety of 5G in March or April. The office of British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that "no decisions have been taken."

If eventually confirmed, "such a decision by the U.K. would be a strong message and could be influential in the medium term," said Lukasz Olejnik, a research associate at Oxford University's Center for Technology and Global Affairs.

The British review "could inevitably serve as an input or a reference point in other countries' risk assessments," he said.

Officials including a vice-president of the European Union have expressed concern about Chinese regulations issued last year that require companies to co-operate with intelligence agencies. No country in Europe, however, has issued a blanket veto on using Huawei technology in the way the U.S. has urged.

The U.S. Justice Department last month unsealed charges against Huawei, its chief financial officer  who had been arrested in Canada  and several of its subsidiaries, alleging not only violation of trade sanctions but also the theft of trade secrets.

The United States has not, however, released evidence to support its accusations that Huawei and other Chinese tech companies allow the Chinese government to spy through their systems. That has prompted some industry analysts to suggest Washington is trying to use security concerns to handicap Chinese competitors.

"China has not and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide foreign countries' information for the Chinese government by installing backdoors or other actions that violate local laws," said Geng.

Britain's National Cyber Security Centre acknowledged last summer that it had concerns about the engineering and security of Huawei's networks. While not commenting Monday on the media reports, it added: "We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make."

Huawei said in a statement Monday it is open to dialogue and that "cybersecurity is an issue which needs to be addressed across the whole industry."

Associated Press writer Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.


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2018 marked the fourth straight year of declining milk prices.

The prices were below the break-even cost on almost every farm, creating emotional stress and feelings of despair and hopelessness for many small farmers.

"Farming is your way of life. It's your livelihood, and the home where you live," said Keith Turner, the feed division manager at the Rockingham Cooperative. "The fear of losing your farm, and losing your business, there's just no greater challenge, I believe."

Some issues are beyond small farmers' control.

"The trade war definitely had an impact on milk exports to China, but even beyond that, it's a supply and demand situation," said Turner.

Amid the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, tariffs have hit dairy farmers hard. The Trump administration rolled out a massive bailout last year for affected farmers, including $4.7 billion in payments to corn, cotton, soybean, dairy, pork and sorghum farmers.

But that doesn't change that younger Americans are

and that dairy prices have been

.

Following decades in which dairy farming provided a more reliable source of income than other fluctuating crop prices, a surplus of milk in the U.S. has made it often cost more to produce than the wholesale profits it brings in.

As things get more difficult, farmers make more sacrifices. Turner said he works with multiple farmers who live below the federal poverty income level.

"We have many farms here, farm families, that live on $15,000 a year or less," said Turner.

Mental health issues affect some farmers' work.

"You lose your drive, and by not being focused, you tend to take longer to do simple tasks," Turner said.

He also explained that as farmers spend more time working, they have less time to spend with their families, leading to feelings of isolation.

2019 may offer some hope for dairy farmers.

"By the end of 2019, we may see an increase of 75 cents per hundredweight of milk; it still will not get most farms to milk costs break even," Turner said.

There are possible solutions, such as diversification programs, rather than simply depending on milk prices for revenue.

"We actually help distressed and struggling farmers do business plans, we teach strategic planning and the strategic planning process," said Turner.

WHSV is speaking with local farmers affected by these issues later this week.
At stop lights or freeway on and off ramps, youve probably seen people holding signs and asking for money. It can be tempting to hand over your spare change, but next time you may want to think twice.
Avondale City Council approved a city-initiated request for approval of a final plat for city of Avondale Van Buren Fire Station Facility. The city council report indicated this is a partial replat of the Coldwater Place final plat.
If your house burns down, every firefighter from every local town might come to the rescue.

But if theres a forest fire, which firefighters are legally allowed to put it out is a question.

There is a specialized force trained to fight forest fires. Its called the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew, and its comprised of both local firefighters and employees of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

But as Michael Kronick, Westports deputy fire chief said when he testified last week at the state capitol, only DEEP employees can fight forest fires in Connecticut.

If a firefighter is not employed by DEEP they cannot legally fight a forest fire.

Kronick, up in Hartford on Valentines Day testifying in favor of a bill that would allow local firefighters to work against forest fires, made sure legislators understood that forest fires are a reality.

In March of 2009, Weston, Connecticut had what was a relatively small wildland urban interface fire in which 15 acres burned, one home was destroyed and two homes damaged. Seventy-five firefighters from 8 communities responded to help contain this fire, he told the Public Safety and Security Committee. Approximately 77 percent of Connecticut is forested or wildland urban interface with about 54% of all homes in Connecticut in these areas.

Rep. Bill Buckbee, R-New Milford, has proposed the legislation that would allow Connecticut firefighters to fight forest fires inside Connecticut.

He said in a release that if this law were to pass, then qualified forest firefighters, regardless of employer, would be able to help fight in the event of an emergency.

In testimony to the committee, soon-to-be DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes called the restrictive nature of the statute a discrepancy.

DEEP anticipates having more extreme wildfire events in Connecticut in the future as illustrated by local and national events in recent years, she said. In 2016 Connecticut had one of the largest fires in decades, and less than 200 miles from our border New York and Pennsylvania had multi-thousand-acre fires.

According to Kronick, fighting forest fires is different: We are trained specifically to deal with forest and wildland fires.

The tactics and tools are different, allowing us to contain such fires more efficiently and safely with respect to the environment and forest, he told the committee. General containing and suppressing forest and wildland fires is time-consuming taking days not hours, this puts a stress on local resources like volunteer fire departments that are short staffed. Being able to deploy our own qualified forest firefighters will go a long way in supporting not only local municipalities but also the state when needed.
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- An oxygen tank explosion has led to a mans death in Springfield. Fire and police officials said the tank exploded Tuesday morning on Knox Street in the city after it was tampered with.
NEW KNOWLEDGE FOR A COMPLEX WORLD

Research Profile



A Scholar Without Borders

For his innovative, nimble blending of interdisciplinary research and theatrical performance, E. Patrick Johnson has been aptly named a scholar without borders.

Johnsons work in all its academic and creative forms explores the intersections of race, gender and sexuality. One of his groundbreaking contributions has been the integration of queer theory into the field of Black studies.

Much of Johnsons research and performance has incorporated oral history, reaching back to his dissertation in which he told the story of his grandmother, who was a domestic servant in the segregated South.
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Wilmington City Councilman on 1st District vacancy: 'I think it was a slap in the face to them'
VFF President Man, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, made the requirement during his working session with the Vietnam Association of Craft Villages on February 15.

He emphasised that craft villages should be seen as a source to boost local tourism, create jobs for local employees and contribute to the local budget.

While asserting that the Party, State and the VFF always pay great attention to the development and preservation of craft villages across the country, he demanded that the association takes more drastic actions to encourage craft villagers to further uphold their crafts.

He stressed the need to listen to the aspirations of the associations members in order to timely remove any obstacles and difficulties in their production and business.

The association was also urged to apply scientific and technological advances in production in order to meet the increasing demand of customers in the era of industrialisation and modernisation.

The same day, the VFF leader also visited pottery production models in Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam district.
By: Katie Kaplan | WCTV Eyewitness News

February 18, 2019

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV)  Years before the automobile was invented, Saint John's Episcopal Church was founded in Tallahassee.

"The church you see behind me dates to 1829," said Rector David Killeen. "The original structure burnt down and this one is from the late 1800s."

The chapel on the church campus sits on top of the original foundation and lines Monroe Street in the heart of the city.

Killeen said work on a $1.6 million historical renovation will start on the roof, with new shingles that look like the original ones. Then, masonry work will be done on the bricks. It will include cleaning them and renewing the mortar.

"To make sure the gaps in the bricks are covered," he said. "Aesthetically, it will look beautiful, but it's also to keep moisture out, which can cause damage."

The stain glass windows will be renovated to protect them from the Florida sun.

"We will be replacing the cover so that it will be ventilated so that the lead will not be worn down by the heat," he said.

Structural renovations will be done on the iconic bell tower. Killeen said specialists were brought in to help with that aspect. It is work that some locals and the church's 1,600 members said they are pleased with.

"It's really nice to walk into buildings that I know generations of people have been a part of," said David Grimes, who has been a church member for years.

The church is roughly three months into what is expected to be a year-long project. The renovations are funded through a grant from the state for historical renovation.

Killeen said the church will also be building an addition with funds from donors. Construction on that is projected to begin in late spring.

The church is still open and running normally during the process.
MakuSafe, a Des Moines, Iowa-based safety technology company, closed its nearly $3m seed funding round.

Backers included EMC Insurance Companies, Next Level Ventures, and The Best of the Midwest.

The company, which has raised nearly $4.5m in total funding to date, plans to use the capital to hire key personnel and to scale the manufacturing of its proprietary technology.

Founded in 2016 by Gabriel Glynn and Mark Frederick, MakuSafe has developed a cloud system for gathering real-time environmental and human motion data to identify workplace risk. The platform uses machine learning to process millions of data points gathered by wearable armband devices invented by the company.

With the data gathered from the wearable devices, customers can gain insights into their workforce and operations, resulting in mitigating workplace risks and reducing worker compensation claims.

FinSMEs

18/02/2019
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The field of Democratic contenders putting themselves forward to challenge Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election will be one of the biggest in the partys history. A year away from the first primaries, in which the Republican and Democratic candidates for president are selected, five senators have already declared they are running and more candidates are expected to nominate in coming weeks. Unlike in the 2016 election  where Hillary Clinton was the dominant contender  there is no clear frontrunner and each candidate comes with a set of strengths and weaknesses. The huge field of potential candidates reflects the optimism among Democrats that they can beat Trump. His approval ratings have never been over 50 per cent and Republicans suffered a big defeat at last year's midterm elections. Meet the contenders  and probable contenders  for 2020 so far. Elizabeth Warren. Credit:Bloomberg Elizabeth Warren

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An ultra-millionaire tax on America's 75,000 richest families  to build an economy that works for everyone. The two-term senator from Massachusetts is positioning herself as the policy wonk candidate in the field, reflecting her past experience as a bankruptcy law expert at Harvard University. Warren is from the progressive wing of the party and has put a proposed new tax on Americans with large fortunes at the centre of her campaign. She also wants to impose new regulations on the banks, introduce single-payer healthcare and make college more affordable. While very much anti-Trump, Warren says the Democrats must do more than just remove him from office. Donald Trump is the symptom of a badly broken system, she said recently. Warren has previously talked about native American ancestry being part of her life story, earning her the derisive nickname Pocahontas from Trump. Last October she released the results of a DNA test showing she had some native American DNA. Instead of clearing up the issue, the move angered native American tribes and continues to dog her to this day. Bernie Sanders. Credit:AP Bernie Sanders Trump is somebody who clearly does not respect democracy.

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Along with Trump, the Senator from Vermont was the break-out star of the 2016 campaign and did better against Hillary Clinton in the primaries than anyone had expected. Sanders has played a major role in pushing the party to the left over recent years and his support for single-payer healthcare has now become mainstream in the party. His policy positions  such as making college free  have a cut-through clarity some of his rivals lack. But it is unclear how much of Sanders support in 2016 came because he was the only viable alternative to Clinton. This time he faces a wide array of rivals including some, such as Warren, who are almost as left-wing as he is. Sanders also has a poor track record with minority voters. The fact he is technically an independent not a Democrat still rankles some in the party. And, at 77, he is even older than Biden. Kamala Harris. Credit:AP Kamala Harris Sitting across the table from the big banks, I witnessed the arrogance of power. A former prosecutor from California, Harris is hoping to appeal to two crucial constituencies in the Democratic Party coalition: women and African-American voters. The daughter of a Tamil Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris launched her campaign on Martin Luther King jnr Day and has highlighted being a graduate of a black college. Unlike Warrens more ideological positioning, Harris has focused on broad themes such as a return to national unity and decency. She drew about 20,000 people to her campaign launch in Oakland, California, an achievement that solidified her status as one of the frontrunners for the nomination.

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But Harris has only been in the Senate for two years, meaning she has less national experience than some of her rivals. Her past tough on crime positions as a prosecutor may also count against her with primary voters who prioritise criminal justice. Amy Klobuchar. Credit:Alamy Amy Klobuchar My grandpa worked 1500 feet underground in the mines in Northern Minnesota. Another former prosecutor, Klobuchar hails from the midwestern state of Minnesota. She will highlight popularity there  including in rural areas that usually vote Republican  to argue that she can defeat Trump in key swing states such as Iowa and Wisconsin. Klobuchar has a record as a hard-working and productive senator with a more moderate outlook than some of the other candidates. She impressed during the hearings on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh with her calm yet probing questioning. But Klobuchar is still little known outside of her home state and needs to raise her profile. Reports have recently emerged that she treats her staff in a demeaning way, denting her Minnesota nice image. It remains unclear if she can appeal to left-wing and minority voters who make up large chunks of the Democratic primary electorate. Cory Booker. Credit:Bloomberg

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Cory Booker Its not just about whos our president  its about who we are. Its time for us to pull together. Before entering the Senate in 2013, Booker was the mayor of Newark, a New Jersey city with high levels of poverty. His parents were among the first black executives at IBM, a fact he often mentions in his speeches. Like Barack Obama, he served as a community organiser and attended a prestigious Ivy League college before entering politics. He projects an optimistic outlook  love is one of his favourite words  and has championed criminal justice reform to reduce the number of people in prison. At age 49, Booker would be one of the youngest presidents in US history. He would also be the first vegan president and just the third unmarried president (19th-century presidents James Buchanan and Grover Cleveland were bachelors, although Cleveland married while in office). Not afraid of the limelight, some find Booker too over-the-top  most notably in the Brett Kavanaugh hearings when he compared himself with Spartacus. Kirsten Gillibrand. Credit:Alamy Kirsten Gillibrand To turn up the volume on your voice, we have to take on the people who profit from the status quo.

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The head of Australia's chief intelligence organisation has intervened in the high stakes political stoush over border security and says his agency's classified advice on the medical evacuations bill has been misrepresented.

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation boss Duncan Lewis repudiated a front page report in The Australian - relied on by the government as evidence the bill would undermine border security - accusing the newspaper of misrepresenting ASIO advice.

Director-general of security Duncan Lewis said ASIO's advice had been misrepresented. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

He said the agency's advice was confined to the bill's invocation of the ASIO Act, rather than more general advice about the border security implications of the proposal.

"The advice that ASIO gave was not what was represented on the front page of The Australian newspaper," Mr Lewis told a Senate inquiry.
Australians have just been given a dramatic reminder of a weakness that could easily compromise the election campaign due within months.

Voters have no reason to think their political parties are robust enough to withstand a foreign hack of their computer systems in the way that undermined the 2016 US presidential election.

It is not outlandish to expect an attempt to hack into an Australian political party, find out what it knows about individual voters and use that to spread propaganda on social media like the Russian campaign in America three years ago.

It seems unlikely this year but will happen one day.
Chinese spies are the prime suspects in an unprecedented hack of Australias political parties that could have exposed information about voters and private data of MPs ahead of the federal election.

In what sources have branded an "A-team" attack, the Liberal, Labor and National parties have all been subjected to cyber operations by a skilled foreign government that was also responsible for a breach of federal Parliaments computer systems.

While authorities say there is no evidence the hacking is an effort at political interference, they have also acknowledged they do not know what data was taken, nor what the motives were.

Sources say the sophistication of malicious software - or malware - that was used is restricted to a handful of countries worldwide, most of whom are friendly towards Australia, leaving China and Russia as possible culprits.
Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are the financial technology equivalent of initial public offerings (IPOs).

Both ICOs and IPOs serve as a means for a private company to raise funds for a particular project or venture. Although theyre similar in nature and function, there are key distinctions between the two offerings such as processes, legal aspects, and regulations.

IPOs allow investors to purchase company stocks that have value in the form of percentages or shares, whereas ICOs provide investors the opportunity to purchase coins or their own brand of digital currency, which can be used to access technology or any form of compensation.

With so many options available and so many things that are unknown about FinTech, here are the pros and cons of ICOs and whether they are worth the hype:

Pros

1. Readily accessible for investors and startup companies

Investors come from all walks of life, ranging from freelance workers to budding investors who are currently looking to find university jobs on Gumtree. Each of them has their own budget when it comes to finding the right investment in expanding their portfolio.

Because stocks and venture capitals are so few and far between, companies that use cryptocurrency as investment tokens provide more access to various investors from all economic levels. This is advantageous for startup companies who may not have the necessary funds yet to start their project but can potentially raise their value over time.

2. Accessible online

The primary advantage of an ICO is that all the transactions are done online. Everything can be easily investigated and traced online. If you want to do research and background checks, you can check out the following:

 Whitepaper that includes vital project details such as the problem to be solved and the solutions or actions to take

 Team background, including Github and Linkedin profiles of the team members

 Community pages in Telegram and Bitcointalk forums

 Milestones and plans for the coming months and years

3. High liquidity

High liquidity refers to an assets ability to be quickly bought or sold in the market without significantly affecting its value. Considering that crypto coins are safe and effective and dont require a physical form to be exchanged, theyre relatively more liquid compared with other assets and can move faster. Additionally, investors can keep a closer watch on their investments by checking how the company is performing in the secondary market and its pricing in real time.

4. Less paperwork

Traditional assets such as IPOs, stocks, bonds, and other exchange forms rely on various regulatory filings that more or less can take up time and energy. Even when they undergo a series of confirmation, there is still a chance that these investments may not even get the necessary exposure they need to raise funds from the crowd.

What makes ICOs more attractive than IPOs and other traditional assets is that they rely on blockchain technology to keep a ledger on its various transactions. This allows the constant update of data in mere seconds.

5. High return of investment

Some of the most successful ICOs of all time started from a relatively low value and steadily increased their market value. What makes these ICOs truly successful is that they were able to provide something new and excited to investors that other ICOs simply couldnt.

One example is NEO or Antshares, which is considered as Chinas version of Ethereum. NEO succeeded because they include exciting features such as:

 Digitized assets

 Peer-to-peer networking

 Secure identification

 Decentralized forms of commerce

Additionally, they are also backed by big-name companies such as Microsoft and Alibaba, making them one of the most reliable and secure ICOs. They are also supported by the government of the Peoples Republic of China, giving them an edge over ICOs. As of 2019, its current value is equivalent to 7.08 USD.

Cons

1. Volatile

Various blockchain technologies are prone to various changes, especially because various ICOs are also competing on the market. With so many factors that can affect their current value, investors can expect some rapid price changes in their asset, which can either be a very exciting challenge or a tumultuous experience.

2. A potential fraud

The big con of an ICO is that you, as the investor, has to be the one to diligently look at the profiles of the team members and see if they have the experience, technology, or blockchain knowledge to pull off their claims in the whitepaper. However, not every investor is well informed enough to distinguish one good ICO from a bad and fraudulent one.

Many ICOs dont undergo the same regulatory process as IPOs and other traditional assets. While this makes them easier to procure and readily available, it also makes them subject to fraud and other malicious practices, which more or less can enable illegal companies to extract money from vulnerable investors.

3. May lack accountability

Many ICOs stem from start-up companies and other private institutions that do not have enough existing funds to start their potential projects. While investors can expect high returns of investment in the future, theres no guarantee that the said companies will be able to deliver what they promise, which means that investors may not always get what they expect.

When deciding on which ICO to invest in, investors are advised to research all aspects of the company, which include their reputation, key employees, and the number of successful projects launched.

Conclusion

In early 2019, there have been movements within countries, governments, and financial institutions to find ways of regulating and legalizing ICOs. While there is no clear-cut answer on whether or not ICOs are worth the investment, there is no doubt that there had been a few successful ones in the past. If youre interested in ICOs, practice proper precaution before you invest in a company just to be safe.
Australian cities are changing. You see that change in our newest outer suburbs and former country towns that now make up our commuter belt, where a third of the nations population growth has taken place over the past eight years. Here, up to 70 kilometres from the CBD, is where many have realised their dreams of home ownership, only to find the transport, hospitals, schools and other facilities Australians expect are lacking.

More than 1 million Australians have moved to the outer suburbs of our major cities since 2011.

All levels of government have a role to play in driving infrastructure improvements. However, for nearly one fifth of Australias population, the federal governments piecemeal approach to infrastructure investment is impacting their daily lives.

More than 1 million Australians have moved to the outer suburbs of our major cities since 2011. Yet despite accommodating 35 per cent of Australia's population growth since then, the outer suburbs received just 13 per cent of federal infrastructure spending. The rate of investment has neither caught up nor kept pace with population growth.

A major study commissioned by the National Growth Area Alliance, comprising 21 councils on our major cities urban fringes, warns of a $70 billion backlog in funding for infrastructure within 15 years in these fast-growing outer suburbs, unless a significant policy shift occurs. The result would be deteriorating access to jobs and services, increased travel times and worsening social, economic and environmental costs.
Bank of Queensland shares slid after the company downgraded its profit expectations ahead of its half-year results, citing higher funding costs, price competition for new loans, lower fee income and increased regulatory costs. Its shares closed 6.3 per cent lower at $9.32. Brambles shares fell 1.5 per cent to $11.07 after it announced a 27 per cent decline in net profit after tax for the six months ended December 31. The company also said it was facing uncertainties around the Brexit process, with 10 per cent of its total European volumes impacted by cross-border flows. Stock watch Whitehaven Coal Despite downgrading its price target in the wake of the miner's interim result, Morgan Stanley retained its 'overweight' rating on Whitehaven Coal, saying it thought the market had over reacted and was ignoring the inherent value in the stock. Analyst Rahul Anand said the 7 per cent fall in Whitehaven's was implying a commodity valuation well below the $US91 a tonne spot price. "Our revised price target of $5.55 per share, has a 24 per cent upside with the current stock price implying a $US68 per tonne thermal coal price," he said in a note on Friday. "In addition, we view the expanded Vickery project as a good growth opportunity." He also noted the potential for the approval of expansion at the Vickery project which could be a positive catalyst for the stock. Morgan Stanley reduced its price target on Whitehaven Coal from $6.00 to $5.55.

What moved the market Global dividends The total value of global dividends rose to a record high in 2018 despite challenging conditions in equity markets although Australia's underperformance was notable. The latest Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index showed total dividends jumped 9.3 per cent in headline terms to $1.37 trillion however the report noted Australian dividends rose just 0.9 per cent year-on-year during the year. "In Asia, Australia was the real weak spot in 2018," it said. "Australian dividends are heavily dependent on banks, with already high payout ratios and slow-growing profits, while the telecom operator Telstra cut its distributions sharply in a bid to preserve cash." Janus Henderson is forecasting 2019 dividends will rise 3.3 per cent to $1.414 trillion. Brent crude oil Brent crude oil shot to a three month high on Friday on hopes of increased demand after China's credit growth came in well above expectations in January, lifting new loans to their highest monthly level on record. China is the world's largest imported of crude oil and positive signs for the country's economy are likely to increase demand.The price rise was also supported by positive news surrounding trade talks between the United States and China. US President Donald Trump described the talks as "very productive" while China President Xi Jinping said "important progress" had been made. Brent crude rose 2.7 per cent to $US66.01 a barrel on Friday while NYMEX light sweet crude rose 2.2 per cent to $US55.59.
Hornetsecurity, a Hanover, Germany-based email cloud security provider, acquired Spanish email security company Spamina.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The acquisition will enable Hornetsecurity to expand its locations with offices in Madrid and Barcelona as well as in Central and South America.

Spaminas activities will continue as part of the Hornetsecurity Group, to provide customers of both companies with technology and worldwide competent support.

Backed by High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF), Verdane Capital and HCS Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Hornetsecurity is a cloud security provider, which protects the IT infrastructure, digital communication and data of companies and organizations of all sizes. The company provides its services worldwide via 9 secured data centers. The product portfolio covers all important areas of email security, including spam and virus filters, legally compliant archiving and encryption as well as defense against CEO fraud and ransomware.

With around 200 employees, Hornetsecurity is represented globally at 11 locations and operates in more than 30 countries through its international distribution network. Its services are used by approximately 40,000 customers including Swisscom, Telefonica, KONICA MINOLTA, LVM Versicherung, DEKRA, Claas, and the Otto Group.

Spamina is an IT security company which secures corporate digital communications via the Simile Fingerprint Filter technology which protects corporate networks from zero-day attacks. The companys cloud services range from enterprise-wide secure email platform, enterprise mobile management, email and IM gateway protection, to archiving, encryption and DLP solutions for legal compliances.

FinSMEs

18/02/2019
HANetf, a London, UK-based white-label UCITS ETF platform, completed its second funding round of undisclosed amount.

Backers included ETF veterans ThirdStream Partners, Jim Wiandt and Roger Hodenius, which joined existing shareholders Point72 Ventures, owned by Steve Cohen, and Elkstone, a family office based in Ireland.

The company intends to use the funds to increase staff numbers by nearly 50% in 2019, including sales, distribution, product management, marketing and PR.

Led by Nik Bienkowski, founder and co-CEO, HANetf provides the complete technical, regulatory and distribution infrastructure needed to launch and manage UCITS ETFs without asset managers having to develop in-house infrastructure or incur a substantial cost base.

The company recently launched its first three ETFs (EMQQ Emerging Markets Internet and Ecommerce ETF, HAN-GINS Cloud Technology ETF and HAN-GINS Global Innovative Technology ETF) on three major markets in London, Italy and Germany.

FinSMEs

18/02/2019
Global martech startup 3radical raised 1M in funding.

Backers in the round, which brought total funding to over 7m, included industry veterans Stephen Kelly and Steve Garnett, who will also become advisers.

The company will use the funds to continue to expand operations and its business reach, accelerating the roll out of its audience engagement platform in existing and new markets.

Launched by David Eldridge and Mike Talbot in 2014, 3radical provides a SaaS based customer, employee engagement and referral marketing platform to clients in the Southeast Asia, Australian and UK markets.

With 3radical Voco, users can create and manage immersive, entertaining and rewarding digital content and deliver loyalty, engagement and advocacy.

Customers include Dell, DBS Bank, Azzuri Group, GVC and National Australia Bank and more than 2 million individuals worldwide.

The company has offices in Bristol, UK, Singapore, Pyrmont and Melbourne, Australia, and Chicago, IL, USA.

FinSMEs

18/02/2019
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Rome city council says AMA failed to meet set targets.

Rome mayor Virginia Raggi has sacked the entire board of the capital's waste management company AMA, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The move came after the city council approved a motion noting AMA's "failure to achieve its set targets", reports ANSA.

The company has been put in the hands of its audit committee pending the appointment of a new board.

The news comes amid increasing tension at the troubled municipal rubbish company whose 2017 balance sheet was rejected by the city on 8 February.

This led to the immediate resignation of Pinuccia Montanari from her post as Rome's environment councillor with responsibility for refuse, as well as raising the prospect of a trash collection strike being called by trade unions concerned about the employment security of AMA's 8,000 workers.

The city was quick to play down the "completely unfounded alarmism" over the future of AMA, with Raggi assuring unions that the company did not face collapse.

AMA has been under significant strain since a fire destroyed a major waste processing plant on 11 December.
Sterling, VA (20165)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 67F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Decatur, IL (62521)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 84F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
When Obbink bought the castle in 2014, neighbors and preservationists said they were hopeful the now 129-year-old landmark had better days ahead, according to a Tribune-Herald report at the time.

The lucky buyer will one day be able to reveal the 9-foot oak front door, weighing 400 pounds, elaborate Honduran mahogany mill-work, fine quartersawn oak, intricate diamond-paned windows, eight fireplaces  one of carved French Caen stone and another of pink granite  and exquisite light fixtures all of which have been thoroughly protected, according to the Multiple Listing Service post.

Much work remains to make the renovation complete, but once completed The Castle  as Wacoans fondly refer to it  will once again shine brightly, according to the listing.

At the time Obbink bought the castle, it had not been occupied in more than a decade and had major water damage inside.

Local longtime real estate agent Towne Adams lives at 2912 Austin Ave. and passes the castle almost daily. He said he has noticed little activity but did see the new for-sale sign posted outside. He said traffic has remained light.
Carlson said she does not have data on the number of Central Texas farmers who applied for help.

Texas Farm Bureau spokesman Gene Hall said farmers and ranchers have mixed feelings about the Trump administration, tariffs and the best approach to dealing with China.

China is a very bad actor, involved in currency manipulation, cheating on subsidies and abusing World Trade Organization rules, Hall said. There is a lot of support for taking aggressive action against that country. But a trade war could not have come at a worst possible time. It is being felt most acutely in the Midwest, but were having problems here, too. These market assistance payments are helpful, but no one considers them a long-term solution.

Hall said farmers generally find Trump appealing. He said the president gained favor by championing efforts to abolish the Waters of the United States Rule enacted in 2015, under President Barack Obamas administration. It sought to define rivers, streams, lakes and marshes that fall under the control of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
New Toolkit unveiled for businesses to boost Craft Tourism

Failte Ireland has today unveiled a bespoke toolkit to equip and train craft businesses across Irelands Ancient East with the skills to maximise the potential of craft tourism to generate increased revenue and support local jobs.John Paul Phelan T.D., Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, will officially launch the Failte Ireland toolkit at Kilkennys Jerpoint Glass  a business which is already reaping the benefits of providing a visitor experience to international tourists.With a growing tourism trend for seeking out authentic experiences rooted in history and local culture, Failte Ireland has identified craft as a major sector with potential to drive increased visitor numbers and revenue to the Irelands Ancient East region. Perhaps the greatest attraction of craft tourism is that it offers a sensory experience which cant be achieved by simply viewing a finished product.The National Tourism Development Authoritys research has found that one in three potential holidaymakers from Irelands four key international markets (Britain, US, Germany and France)want to experience traditional craft-making in an authentic studio setting.The toolkit focuses on developing world-class craft tourism experiences in Ireland. It takes businesses and creators through the elements of a craft experience which ensures they become more attractive to tourists. It also provides bespoke insights into the profiles and motivators of core overseas markets, emerging trends and how to effectively target new business.Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, and T.D. for Kilkenny and Carlow, John Paul Phelan, said:Im delighted that the first-ever tourism toolkit for craft businesses is being launched here in Kilkenny. As home to a rich array of quality craft businesses, Kilkenny is already making waves in the craft tourism sector and it has proven to be a fantastic draw for international visitors. Irelands Ancient East is really making a positive impact on tourism and craft businesses in Kilkenny and across the whole region, and initiatives like this are vital in helping to generate increased revenue and jobs.Jenny De Saulles, Head of Irelands Ancient East at Failte Ireland, added:We know that our core overseas markets actively look for compelling visitor experiences which are interactive, hands-on and bring local heritage to life. This is something that is central to the Irelands Ancient East brand, and our focus at Failte Ireland is on developing brilliant visitor experiences which have the potential to drive increased visitor numbers and revenue across the region.We believe that the craft sector, from single artisans to larger businesses, can help us to achieve this by providing world-class experiences which are intrinsic with local culture. Thats why we are delivering a full programme of work  from the toolkit weve launched today to workshops and mentoring as well as a range of business supports - specially designed for craftspeople to inspire and enable them to tap into tourism and the benefits it brings for business and communities alike.Rory Leadbetter, Master Glassblower and Director of Jerpoint Glass Studio, said:As Jerpoint Glass celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is very exciting to open a new chapter with the support, insights and mentoring offered by Failte Irelands Toolkit programme. The programme has helped us to create exciting new tours and visitor experiences, which will not only benefit our business, but also have a very positive impact on local tourism. We commend Failte Ireland on recognising that indigenous craft is such a unique and integral part of Irish culture and on delivering an excellent programme to develop Irelands craft offering. We are thrilled to welcome Minister John Paul Phelan and Failte Ireland to Jerpoint Glass today.The toolkit is available to businesses in Irelands Ancient East and can also be used by craftspeople across the country. The new craft toolkit can be viewed HERE

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(CNN) -- The day after Valentine's Day, Terra Pinkard received a final text message from the love of her life.

She says it read: "I love you, I've been shot at work."

"It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real," Pinkard wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. "I called his phone several times, text, FaceTime, nothing."

After calling Henry Pratt Co., the Aurora, Illinois plant where her husband Josh Pinkard, who grew up in Holly Pond in Cullman County, worked, she learned that police were at the building, Pinkard wrote.

She drove to the industrial valve manufacturer's warehouse, then to two hospitals -- waiting for hours -- before learning at a staging area for families that Josh was one of five people killed in a shooting at the plant Friday afternoon.

Police say Gary Martin, 45, opened fire at the 29,000-square-foot warehouse, killing five colleagues and injuring six people -- including five police officers.

"With my pastor's help, since family was still on planes to get to us, I told my children their dad did not make it and is in heaven with Jesus. I've never had to do something that hard," Pinkard wrote on Facebook.

She wrote that she cannot talk about her husband without breaking down in sobs.

"I'm crying now as I write this. I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Josh was!" the post reads. "The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me."

Gunman began shooting after learning he was fired

Authorities said Martin brought a pistol to his termination meeting at the plant and started shooting when he found out he'd been fired.

After fatally shooting people in the room at the manufacturing business where he'd worked for 15 years, he stormed into the warehouse, witnesses said. There, he shot at more employees.

The rampage lasted about 90 minutes before police killed him in a shootout.

The gunman did not legally own the pistol he used in the attack, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference Saturday.

A background check for a concealed-carry permit in 2014 had flagged a conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi in 1995, she said, and he had been asked to voluntarily surrender the weapon to police, Ziman said.

Why he didn't will be part of the investigation of the incident, the police chief said.

The victims

Police on Saturday released the names of the five workers killed:

Josh Pinkard, of Oswego, Illinois, was the plant manager. He joined the company 13 years ago at a facility in Alabama and moved to Aurora last spring, according to a letter to employees from Scott Hall, the CEO of Mueller Water Products, which owned the Henry Pratt Co.

Clayton Parks of Elgin, Illinois, was the human resources manager. He was an alumnus of Northern Illinois University, the school's president said in a statement. He graduated in 2014 from the College of Business.

Trevor Wehner of Sheridan, Illinois, was a human resources intern and a student at Northern Illinois University. Friday was his first day as an intern at the company, according to the school president's statement.

Russell Beyer of Yorkville, Illinois, was a mold operator. He had worked for Henry Pratt for more than 20 years and was union chairman, Hall's letter said.

Vicente Juarez of Oswego, was a stock room attendant and fork lift operator. According to Hall, he joined Henry Pratt in 2006.

'A huge bright light has left this world'

Two vigils were held on Sunday at the site with members of the suburban community joining the victims' families to remember those shot and pray for peace.

The city estimated that more than 1,700 people withstood freezing rain at the first gathering to remember the victims.

After the vigils, members of the community carried crosses for each of the five victims in a procession from the plant to the Aurora Police Department. After the second procession, the crowd entered the police station and greeted members of law enforcement with hugs and handshakes.

"To simply offer condolences is not enough -- it doesn't measure the amount of pain that we feel for the loss we're experiencing in this community," Mayor Richard Irvin said at the first vigil. "Now is a time to heal. Now is a time to forgive. Now is a time to move together as a stronger community."

But for those who lost loved ones, healing will take time.

"The world is darker and more sad now. A huge bright light has left this world," Terra Pinkard wrote Saturday on Facebook. "I am lost and devastated beyond words. Things that mattered yesterday do not matter today. I will praise the Lord for giving me this mountain of a man. I will praise the Lord for the children we have together."
According to TVA, 1,000,000 gallons of water are being moved through the Guntersville Dam every second, because major flooding is expected in North Alabama.

The Guntersville Dam is nearly 30 feet high right now, and a spokesperson with TVA said thats because of how quickly they're moving the water. The last time the authority expected major flooding like this was in December 2015. That's when the area got double the amount of rain it normally sees in the entire month of December, in just one week.

TVA released this information Monday afternoon:

TVA River Management teams continue to work closely with other public safety partners across the Valley to prepare for expected high rainfall and potential flooding across the region and to keep the public informed.

Get the latest weather information from the WAAY 31 weather team here

After record rainfall in 2018, we are seeing much of the same so far in early 2019, said James Everett, senior manager for TVAs River Forecast Center. With above average rainfall totals on already-saturated ground possible next week, we are moving lots of water through the system to create as much storage as possible in our reservoirs while also limiting flows to protect downstream areas.

Everett says multiple rounds of moisture moving up from the Gulf of Mexico could bring 5 to 10 inches of rainfall to parts of the Valley through next weekend, with heavier amounts possible locally. Rainfall intensity is expected to increase Tuesday through Thursday and continue into the weekend.

As it works to manage the unusually high amounts of rainfall, TVA is working to continually provide the latest information about this unfolding weather event.

Providing accurate and timely information to the public is a high priority for us, said Tom Barnett, general manager for River Management. TVA prevents about $250 million in flood damage across the region each year. Though we cannot prevent all flooding during exceptional events like these, we do strive to keep the public informed about our actions to minimize the impacts so that everyone can better prepare.

The latest river stage information can be found at:

Whitesburg, AL: http://tva.me/Ud3U50lEFh5

Florence, AL: http://tva.me/PCeS50lEFha

Savannah, TN: http://tva.me/z48H50lEFh7

Preparations Have Been Underway

TVA has been monitoring this system closely since early last week and spilling or sluicing water from its tributary reservoirs  including Apalachia, Cherokee, Douglas, Melton Hill and Norris  to create more storage for expected rainfall. At the same time, TVA has been spilling water through all dams on the main stem of the Tennessee River to accommodate the tributary releases to come. TVA continues to manage releases from Kentucky Dam to support flood control operations on the Ohio River.

Once the heaviest rains arrive, TVA will use the storage space it has created in the tributary reservoirs to hold back water as it manages high flows along the main stem. Even so, the heavy rains expected could raise both tributary and main stem reservoirs to summer pool or above later this week.

What to Expect this Week

In partnership with the National Weather Service, TVA continues to monitor and update forecasts and will adjust releases and other river management actions accordingly.

TVA river management activities  including spilling, sluicing, hydro generation and reducing flows at some locations  will be ongoing at tributary and main stem sites across the valley. Water release strategies will be updated around the clock by TVAs River Forecast Center staff as the rainfall forecast develops.

Expected impacts across the Valley this week include:

Tributaries may rise to summer pool or higher, especially Blue Ridge, Chatuge, Fontana, Hiwassee, Norris, Nottelly, and South Holston.

Levels on the Tennessee River main stem river pools will also rise sharply in response to heavy rain.

Chattanooga will see elevated river levels but is expected to remain below flood stage. Depending on rainfall, levels could rise to near flood stage by Friday.

Significant flooding, resulting from some of the highest river levels in decades, is expected in North Alabama and below Pickwick Dam from Savannah to Johnsonville.

TVA will coordinate releases from Kentucky Dam with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support the Corps management of the Ohio River. As a result, Kentucky Reservoir could rise above summer pool.

There may be significant flooding along the unregulated portions of rivers below dams, especially Tims Ford Dam on the Elk River and Normandy Dam on the Duck River, as well as other locations in western North Carolina and north Georgia, including Copperhill and McCaysville.

High water flows could force lock closures on all lower main stem rivers to protect public safety and transportation.
A Huntsville Police Department officer has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Justin Jamar Willis was arrested by Alabama State Troopers and charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol early Sunday morning, confirmed Lt. Michael Johnson, Huntsville police spokesman.

Willis paid a $1,000 bond after spending about 12 hours in the Madison County Jail.

Johnson confirmed Willis was off-duty at the time of the arrest and will be on desk duty while law enforcement investigates the incident.
Shoals portions of the Tennessee River are expected to be at flood stage later this week. According to TVA, flood stage is anything above 370ft, the river is expected to crest Sunday February 24th at 390ft.

Due to the potential of flooding, Florence city officials decided Monday to close the McFarland Park Campground along the river. Seven campground goers have been asked to evacuate by Monday night.

"They told us today we had to evacuate out because of the water and it's going to flood here," said Gary Redford, who was packing up his RV and was about to leave the McFarland Park Campground. "It's kind of a big ordeal to move this thing. It probably takes about two hours to prepare it to leave."

Redford, who originally lives in Ohio, said he spends his winters in McFarland Park to escape the weather but that plan has been thwarted by record rainfall in North Alabama, this is is fourth time to evacuate McFarland Park because of potential flooding.

"I'm from Ohio so I come and spend my winter in this park to keep out o the weather up North. It's not just unhooking the stuff you gotta go through your RV and pack everything up and make sure it doesn't fall or slide around," said Redford.

He says thankfully he has family in Florence and plans on taking his RV there. Redford said he doesn't mind having to evacuate and said it's better to be safe than sorry.

"I'd rather leave than lose my RV," said Redford.

Park officials will meet with Lauderdale County Emergency Management officials on Wednesday and make a decision on closing the entire park.
Yemen's warring parties have agreed to start withdrawing forces from the main port of Hodeidah under a U.N.-sponsored deal, the United Nations said, following weeks of diplomacy to salvage a pact that stalled over control of the Red Sea city.

The Iran-aligned Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed government agreed in talks in December to withdraw troops by January 7 from Hodeidah  a lifeline for millions facing famine  under a truce aimed at averting a full-scale assault on the port and paving the way for negotiations to end the four-year war.

"The parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," the U.N. spokesman's office said in a statement without giving details on what was agreed.

Under Phase 1, the Houthis would withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef, used for grains, and Ras Isa, used for oil.

This would be met by a retreat of Saudi-led coalition forces from the eastern outskirts of Hodeidah, where battles raged before a ceasefire went into effect on December 18.

Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the Houthis' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said its forces would withdraw 5 km from the ports, while the government forces would retreat by 1 km from the Kilo 7 area, in east Hodeidah city.

The Houthis control Hodeidah, the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's commercial and aid imports, while other Yemeni forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition loyal to ousted President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi are massed on the outskirts.

The U.N. statement said the two sides also agreed "in principle" on Phase 2, entailing full redeployment of both parties' forces in Hodeidah province.

Two sources involved in the negotiations, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of discussions, said both sides had yet to agree on a withdrawal timeline or on a mechanism for local forces to take over security at the ports and city.

"The U.N. is still discussing how to reduce the gap between the two sides on how to choose the forces that will control the city," one source told Reuters.

The parties could decide within seven to 10 days on where they would re-position forces, said the other source, adding that Houthi fighters could pull back as far as 20 km (15 miles) from the port in Phase 2.

Humanitarian corridors

Disagreement on withdrawal had delayed opening humanitarian corridors needed to reach 10 million people on the brink of starvation in Yemen, the poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula.

Under the first phase, the two sides agreed to reopen main roads linking Hodeidah to the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and in Yemen's third city of Taiz, a U.N. source told Reuters.

The government forces' retreat will also enable access to Red Sea Mills, which holds some 50,000 tons of World Food Program grain, enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month, the source said. Access to the site has been cut off since September due to fighting.

"The grains could be transported from the Red Sea Mills and the humanitarian aid would be allowed to pass through within 11 days," al-Houthi said in a Twitter post.

The Hodeidah truce has largely been respected but there have been intermittent skirmishes in flashpoints on the city's edges. "One of the problems with this process so far has been that there are political agreements on how to make progress, but then nothing happens on the ground," said Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.

"Now we theoretically have this agreement to move forward, we need to see someone move on the ground."

Hodeidah became the focus of the war last year when the coalition twice launched an offensive to seize the port and weaken the Houthis by cutting off their main supply line.

The Sunni Muslim alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in 2015 to restore Hadi's internationally recognized government that was ousted from power in Sanaa in late 2014.

The conflict, which has killed tens of thousands, is widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The Houthis deny receiving help from Tehran and say their revolution is against corruption.
CUCUTA, COLOMBIA - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, visiting the Colombia-Venezuela border on Sunday, warned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of severe consequences if he takes action against the countrys opposition leader and self-declared president or U.S. citizens.

In a televised interview, Rubio declined to say if he would support U.S. military action against Venezuela, which is mired in a political and economic crisis.

But the Republican senator said he was confident that U.S. President Donald Trumps administration would not stand by if the Venezuelan government harmed or imprisoned opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president last month.

There are certain lines and Maduro knows what they are, Rubio, a senator from Florida seen as an influential voice on Venezuela policy in Washington, told CNN. The consequences will be severe and they will be swift.

Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline. Download File 360p | 9 MB 480p | 14 MB 540p | 14 MB 810p | 30 MB Original | 33 MB Copy Download Audio Thumbnail Wed, 06/05/2019 - 18:42 Anonymous (no roles) (not verified) Media Duration 00:03:21 VOA Latin America Interviews Colombia's Duque Colombian President Ivan Duque, interviewed Saturday by VOA's Latin America Division, discussed the battle against the National Liberation Army in Venezuela and strengthening his country's ties with Washington. Question: So, Mr. President, with a new government in Venezuela, what opportunities do you see in dealing with the issue of ELN (the National Liberation Army) operating in Venezuela? Ivan Duque: The first thing to say is that the dictatorship in Venezuela was the major supporter of ELN.  Colombian President Ivan Duque, interviewed Saturday by VOA's Latin America Division, discussed the battle against the National Liberation Army in Venezuela and strengthening his country's ties with Washington. Question: So, Mr. President, with a new government in Venezuela, what opportunities do you see in dealing with the issue of ELN (the National Liberation Army) operating in Venezuela? Ivan Duque: The first thing to say is that the dictatorship in Venezuela was the major supporter of ELN. 

Rubio also warned Maduro against harming U.S. personnel working in the country and said the United States would also respond if aide workers were targeted.

The senator was part of a U.S. delegation visiting the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where humanitarian aid is being stockpiled for planned delivery to Venezuela.

While Maduro is refusing to allow in the food, medicine and other supplies, Guaido has vowed to move hundreds of tonnes of the aid into the country on Saturday.

Guaido has said he will announce details on Monday of how he plans to get the aid into the country from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao, despite Maduros opposition.

US Military Planes Head for Venezuela With Aid The U.S. Air Force has begun flying tons of aid to a Colombian town on the Venezuelan border as part of an effort meant to undermine socialist President Nicolas Maduro. US Military Delivers Aid to Colombia-Venezuela Border More than 200 tons of U.S. humanitarian aid intended for Venezuela is scheduled to begin arriving just The U.S. Air Force has begun flying tons of aid to a Colombian town on the Venezuelan border as part of an effort meant to undermine socialist President Nicolas Maduro. US Military Delivers Aid to Colombia-Venezuela Border More than 200 tons of U.S. humanitarian aid intended for Venezuela is scheduled to begin arriving just

The Feb. 23 deadline sets the stage for a showdown with Maduro, who calls the aid a U.S.-orchestrated show and denies any crisis despite many Venezuelans scant access to food and medicine. It is unclear whether the military will allow aid to cross the border.

Most Western countries and many of Venezuelas neighbors have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of state after Maduro won a second term in an election last year that critics denounced as a sham. Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military.

The U.S. delegation included Carlos Trujillo, the U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States, and Republican U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida.
Natural resources valued differently by men and women, study shows

Men and women value, access and use resources from the natural environment in distinct and different ways, a new study has shown.

The new study, led by Professor Katrina Brown at the University of Exeter, has identified how gender matters when looking at what benefits communities can garner from nature through ecosystem services.

While the range of benefits, in terms of food, clean water provision, soil fertility and physical and mental health  are known to critically underpin the livelihoods worldwide, very few studies have explored how the benefits are distributed according to gender.

Now, this new study has identified the benefits to health and wellbeing that ecosystem services can bring and, crucially, how these are valued differently by men and women.

Studying eight communities in coastal Kenya and Mozambique, the researchers found that the genders often use, experience and benefit from ecosystem services  such as mangrove forests, coral reefs and fisheries - in vastly different ways.

The research also insists that, if the management of global ecosystem services will support internationally agreed UN Sustainable development Goals and so ensure no-one is left behind, it is vital for policymakers to place a greater emphasis on the different perspectives, knowledge and interests held by men and women.

Dr Matt Fortnam, lead author of the paper said: These findings address a critical gap in knowledge. Although Ecosystem Services are widely promoted to support sustainable development and poverty alleviation, very few studies have actually looked at how men and women are affected.

This is really important gap, especially when there is a risk that investments in conservation and development could disadvantage women.

As well as the different values that are placed on ecosystem services by men and women, the study also shows how they are inherently embedded within cultural and traditional gender roles, as well as in the institutions and governance of the natural resource systems.

As a result, the study argues that these gender trade-offs should be integrated into ecosystem assessments and management so Sustainable Development Goals can be better represented in ecosystem service research, policy and practice.

Professor Brown added: Time and time again the failure to account for social diversity means that the poorest and most vulnerable fail to benefit from development interventions.

We know that there are no easy magic bullets to remove the inequalities experienced by women in benefitting from ecosystems, but there is the opportunity to make inroads into them and help create equitable opportunities for the fair sharing of ecosystem benefits amongst men and women.

The paper, The Gendered Nature of Ecosystem Services , by Fortnam, Brown, Chaigneau, Crona, Daw, Goncalves, Hicks, Revmatas, Sandbrook and Schulte-Herbruggen is published in the leading journal Ecological Economics.

The study is part of the international collaborative project Sustainable Poverty Alleviation from Coastal Ecosystem Services (SPACES) involving teams in UK, Kenya, Mozambique, Sweden and Canada.

It was funded by Ecosystem Services and Poverty Alleviation programme of UK NERC, ESRC and DFID.
Vietnamese Deputy PM Dung lauded the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines for their active negotiations on an agreement on the development of hydropower projects, renewable energy and mining for signing at an earliest time.

He noted that Vietnam consistently opposes energy projects that harm the environment, and suggested that both countries should early build a mechanism to closely monitor the construction of irrigation and hydropower works in border areas.

Inthirath said he had held working sessions with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Electricity, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) to realise the two governments agreements on hydropower development in Laos, and power purchase.

Both sides reached consensus on several major projects to report to leaders for the early signing, he said.

The Lao minister committed all possible support to Lao and Vietnamese firms to cooperate together closely and effectively, especially in the fields of energy and mining.
RTHK: Sailor in iconic V-J Day Times Square photo dies

The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died on Sunday. George Mendonsa was 95.

Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal.

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on August 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States. People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mendonsa planted a kiss on Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century. It's called "V-J Day in Times Square," but is known to most as "The Kiss."

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple. It was years before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced. He has said Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.

Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl. She died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age. (AP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Ukraine's foreign minister asked the European Union on Monday for hundreds of millions of euros in loans and aid for infrastructure and businesses in its troubled east and south, regions he said Russia was trying to "suffocate."

EU foreign ministers were discussing increasing support for Ukraine, which holds a presidential election next month in tough conditions. Russia annexed its Crimea peninsula in 2014 and backs armed separatists in its eastern industrial Donbas region.

The EU is also moving to put more Russians under sanctions over Moscow's standoff with Kiev in the Azov Sea, to the southeast of Ukraine.

"We need targeted... support for the Ukrainian south, to work with us on infrastructure... Further Russian attempts to destabilize Ukraine's south would be very detrimental for European security," Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told reporters in Brussels.

"[There is] an attempt to suffocate the whole Ukrainian Donbas... We need infrastructure, it's about roads and railways. And to support people... help them to launch new small and medium businesses because we need to fundamentally reshuffle the whole economic model there," he added.

President Petro Poroshenko, elected amid high hopes for change in Ukraine after street protests ousted his pro-Russian predecessor in 2014, is in an uphill battle for re-election after his popularity plunged over graft and sliding living standards.

Klimkin accused Russia of turning the Donbas region  which remains outside the control of the Kiev government - into a "big [money] laundering machine". He also said Kiev could "under no circumstances" allow Russians to be part of an OSCE election monitoring mission.

The EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, who chaired Monday's ministerial meeting, stressed the bloc's "unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty" but also urged Kiev to press on with economic and political reforms.

Despite Western pressure, Moscow has vowed never to return Crimea to Ukraine. A peace plan for eastern Ukraine, sponsored by Germany and France, has helped put an end to heavy fighting there but has since largely stalled.

Relations between the EU and Russia plunged to fresh lows last year over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain. But the EU is divided over how hard to punish Moscow - or how far to support Kiev - as some would prefer to prioritize business ties with Russia.
A double bombing in the Syrian city of Idlib has left at least 13 people, mostly civilians, dead, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday.



The Britain-based human rights monitor said blasts in the Qusour neighborhood during rush hour Monday also injured 25 people. The first explosive device had been installed under a parked car, and a second went off when ambulances arrived at the scene, the monitor said.



The northwestern region of Idlib is the last major part of Syria outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has controlled the region since last month when it overpowered smaller Turkey-backed factions. US-backed Syria Force says IS Holding 1,000 Civilians Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday."Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told The Associated Press, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym. SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday."Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told The Associated Press, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym. SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village

Last week, the leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey met in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi to discuss the Syrian conflict for the first time since the United States announced its troop withdrawal.



Russia is keen to help Assad retain power, while Turkey has pushed for the longtime leader to step down.



The war, currently in its eighth year, has left more than 360,000 dead.
President Donald Trump said Sunday "big progress" is being made in U.S. trade talks with China on what he calls "so many different fronts."



"Our country has such fantastic potential for future growth and greatness on an even higher level," the president tweeted.



Trump said last week he might put off the March 1 deadline to increase tariffs on China if a trade deal is close. Trump Receives Update on China Trade Talks President Donald Trump received an update on trade talks with China on Saturday at his Florida retreat after discussions in Beijing saw progress ahead of a March 1 deadline for reaching a deal. Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago club, was briefed in person by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and trade expert Peter Navarro, said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. President Donald Trump received an update on trade talks with China on Saturday at his Florida retreat after discussions in Beijing saw progress ahead of a March 1 deadline for reaching a deal. Trump, at his Mar-a-Lago club, was briefed in person by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and trade expert Peter Navarro, said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

But a China trade expert who served in the Obama administration says he has only seen "incremental progress" toward a trade deal with China.



"The realistic approach is that the deadline gets extended and the negotiations possibly go into the end of this year, I would suspect," former Assistant Trade representative for China Jeff Moon tells VOA.



Moon believes negotiators on both sides are failing to address the real reason the U.S. imposed stiff sanctions on China in the first place -- allegations that it is stealing U.S. intellectual property, and China's demands that U.S. firms turn over trade secrets if they want to keep doing business in China.



"It's not possible to resolve those issues in two weeks. Those are very complex issues that require longer talks...so a quick settlement is not a good settlement. It just glosses things over," Moon said.

Trump: Trade Negotiations with China 'Going Extremely Well' U.S. President Donald Trump is hailing progress in ongoing trade talks with China, with negotiators set to meet next week in Washington as the March 1 deadline approaches."Its going extremely well, who knows what (that) means because it only matters if we get it done. U.S. President Donald Trump is hailing progress in ongoing trade talks with China, with negotiators set to meet next week in Washington as the March 1 deadline approaches."Its going extremely well, who knows what (that) means because it only matters if we get it done.

He forecast things getting "messy" over the long run if those matters are not settled.



He also said Trump has "muddied" the negotiations by letting politics creep into the trade talks with such issues as North Korea.



Trump has threatened to hike tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to the U.S. from 10 to 25 percent if there is no trade deal reached by March 1.



China has accused the U.S. of violating global trade rules, saying it is preventing the Chinese economy from thriving.



Current U.S. sanctions on China were met with retaliation from Beijing by sanctions on U.S. goods.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Monday that key law enforcement officials engaged in "treasonous" activity when they considered invoking a constitutional amendment in 2017 to remove him from office while opening an obstruction of justice investigation against him.

Trump, from his oceanfront Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, lashed out at former acting Federal Bureau of Investigation director Andrew McCabe, who told the CBS News show 60 Minutes Sunday night that he and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed employing the 25th Amendment to the Constitution allowing a vice president and a majority of the 15 Cabinet members to declare a president incapable of handling the duties of the presidency, making the vice president the acting president.

Ex-FBI Official: Rosenstein 'Absolutely' Backed Trump Probes Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe says Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was "absolutely" supportive of the decision to launch investigations into whether President Donald Trump was inappropriately aligned with the Russians or whether he had obstructed justice. Former FBI Chief: Law Enforcement Officials Mulled Ousting Trump  Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe says Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was "absolutely" supportive of the decision to launch investigations into whether President Donald Trump was inappropriately aligned with the Russians or whether he had obstructed justice. Former FBI Chief: Law Enforcement Officials Mulled Ousting Trump 

McCabe said a "crime may have been committed" when Trump fired then FBI chief James Comey in May 2017 at the time Comey was heading the agency's investigation into Trump's campaign ties to Russia during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Days later, Trump said he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he decided to oust Comey.

McCabe, himself later fired after 21 years at the FBI, said, "And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, 'Why would a president of the United States do that?'"

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

McCabe said Rosenstein, who is soon leaving the Justice Department, was "absolutely" onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations of Trump. Nothing came of the discussions about invoking the constitutional amendment.

Days after Comey's firing, Rosenstein named Robert Mueller, himself a former FBI director, as special counsel to take over the Russia investigation. Rosenstein had assumed control of the Russia investigation because then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions had removed himself from oversight because of his own discussions during the election campaign with Sergey Kislyak, Russia's former ambassador to the U.S. Sessions's recusal from oversight of the probe eventually led Trump to fire him last year.

"Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe," Trump said on Twitter. "He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught."

Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2019

?Trump added, "There is a lot of explaining to do to the millions of people who had just elected a president who they really like and who has done a great job for them with the Military, Vets, Economy and so much more. This was the illegal and treasonous "insurance policy" in full action!"

....There is a lot of explaining to do to the millions of people who had just elected a president who they really like and who has done a great job for them with the Military, Vets, Economy and so much more. This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2019

?McCabe said that Trump's request early in his administration to Comey that he drop the FBI's investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and his discussions with Kislyak also contributed to the FBI's suspicion of Trump's actions.

"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey."

McCabe said Rosenstein at one point offered to wear a wire to a White House meeting with Trump to document their conversations. McCabe said Rosenstein's comment was made in a conversation about Comey's firing, but the Justice Department said last year the comment was sarcastic in nature, not serious.

McCabe was fired last year by Sessions, a day short of gaining full retirement benefits. The Justice Department said he was dismissed because he misled investigators during an internal probe of a disclosure about an investigation to the Wall Street Journal, a claim McCabe rejected.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham gestures as he spea FILE - Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. FILE - Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is one of Trump's staunchest supporters, said Sunday he plans to open an investigation into McCabe's claims there was a discussion of trying to remove Trump from office by invoking the constitutional amendment.

"The deputy attorney general denies it," Graham said. "We will have a hearing about who's telling the truth, what actually happened."

Graham added, "We're a democracy. People enforce the law -- can't take it into their own hands. And was this an attempted bureaucratic coup? I don't know."

Mueller is 21 months into his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, the Trump campaign links to Russia and whether Trump, as president, obstructed justice by trying to thwart the probe.

He has won convictions for various offenses against five key officials in Trump's orbit, including Flynn, former campaign manager Paul Manafort and his deputy, Rick Gates, former foreign affairs adviser George Papadopoulos and former Trump personal attorney Michael Cohen, while indicting longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone.

Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with Russia during the campaign or that he obstructed justice.
MADRID - Four opinion polls published since Spains prime minister called a general election for April 28 have predicted widely different outcomes, illustrating how the emergence of new parties, and in particular the far-right Vox, has upset political forecasting. Spain to Get 3rd Government in 4 Years as PM Calls for Early Election Spain will elect its third government in less than four years after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's fragile socialist government acknowledged Friday its support had evaporated and called an early general election. Sanchez's eight-month-old administration met its end after failing to get parliament's approval for its 2019 budget proposal earlier this week, adding to the political uncertainty that has dogged Spain in recent years. "Between doing nothing and continuing without a budget, or giving the Spain will elect its third government in less than four years after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's fragile socialist government acknowledged Friday its support had evaporated and called an early general election. Sanchez's eight-month-old administration met its end after failing to get parliament's approval for its 2019 budget proposal earlier this week, adding to the political uncertainty that has dogged Spain in recent years. "Between doing nothing and continuing without a budget, or giving the

In December, pollsters failed to predict the success of the anti-immigration Vox, which won 12 seats in a regional election in Andalusia in the first electoral win for a far-right party in Spain in over four decades.

The four surveys published since last Fridays election announcement by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez agree on one thing: Vox will get lawmakers elected to the national parliament. But their predictions range from 16 to 46 seats.

Far Right to Get Seats in Spanish Parliament, Polls Indicate Far-right lawmakers are set to be elected to Spain's parliament for the first time in nearly four decades, two opinion polls showed Saturday, forecasting that no single party would get a majority in a snap election on April 28. Spain's Socialists, who have been in power since June with a minority government, are set to gain more seats than any other party but fall well short of a majority, the surveys showed. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the early election on Friday after Catalan pro Far-right lawmakers are set to be elected to Spain's parliament for the first time in nearly four decades, two opinion polls showed Saturday, forecasting that no single party would get a majority in a snap election on April 28. Spain's Socialists, who have been in power since June with a minority government, are set to gain more seats than any other party but fall well short of a majority, the surveys showed. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the early election on Friday after Catalan pro

Similarly, all polls see Sanchezs Socialists leading the election and getting more seats than in the previous election in 2016, while falling well short of a majority in the 350-seat parliament.

But the GAD3, Gesop, Metroscopia and NCReport polls disagree on who would have a shot at a coalition deal - the conservative Peoples Party (PP) with center-right Ciudadanos and Vox, or the Socialists with Ciudadanos.

To complicate matters, government sources do not rule out a Socialist deal with Ciudadanos, but the center-right party officially says it does not want one at a national level, although it does not exclude such deals for municipal elections.

We have a context of high volatility, said Lluis Orriols, a political science professor at Carlos III university, saying that was making it harder for pollsters to interpret results.

The electoral system gives the party with the most votes a bonus in terms of seats. There is also a gray area around the 10-15 percent of votes where there can be a huge difference in the number of seats allocated, while parties getting less than 10 percent of votes see their number of lawmakers drop sharply.

FILE - Leader of the centre right Ciudadanos party FILE - Leader of the centre right Ciudadanos party, Albert Rivera, addresses the crowd during political meeting demonstrating against Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. FILE - Leader of the centre right Ciudadanos party, Albert Rivera, addresses the crowd during political meeting demonstrating against Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018.

For instance, in 2015 Ciudadanos obtained 13.9 percent of the vote and 40 seats. In an election the following year, it obtained 13.1 percent of the vote but eight fewer seats.

Ciudadanos, Vox and the far-left Podemos are all now potentially in that 10-15 percent gray area.

A word of advice: more caution than ever with the polls, Narciso Michavila, the head of GAD3 pollsters, told ABC newspaper.

He also noted that the last polls before the election will be published during Easter holidays, at a time when many voters will be focused on issues other than the elections.
JUBA/WASHINGTON - The government of South Sudan says that beginning in March, it will deduct one day's salary from civil servants' paychecks each month to help pay for implementation of the peace deal aimed at ending the country's civil war.

Some observers are skeptical about how that will work, however. Most civil servants haven't been paid for months.

Garang De Mabior Garang, a senior member of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM IO), a group that signed the peace deal, says the government's announcement mocks the public's intelligence.

"As we all know, workers are not paid on time as the situation currently stands, with government workers going more than six months without salaries and many of our foreign missions facing eviction. It begs the question; what salaries does the regime intend to cut?'' Mabior asked in a statement.

Plan to last for months

South Sudan Information Minister Michael Makuei announced the salary deduction plan last week in Juba. He said the monthly deductions, due to last through June, should raise about one billion South Sudanese pounds, about $38 million.

The money would be used for the training and supply of a unified national army, among other activities.

Makuei said the government made the decision because the international community has not come through with promised funds. He called on citizens to "own" the peace agreement by contributing to its implementation.

But public servants told VOA's South Sudan in Focus that they have doubts about the plan. Some declined to be identified for reasons of safety or protecting their jobs.

One man, who wanted to be identified only as Losik, said, "It is a good idea but where is the salary? People are staying for months without salary and the civil servants [are owed] by the government  But also our salary itself is not enough, so the government should look for other alternatives," he said.

Susan Pita, a civil servant in the capital, Juba, also objected to the government taking part of a salary that is already small  when it is paid.

"If we deduct this money, what will be remaining for them? Because even those particular workers who are receiving salaries, even this salary is not enough. If we are going down to market, this salary is nothing," Pita told VOA.

Another public servant, Solomon, said he has no problem contributing money to support efforts to restore peace in the country  but worries that any money deducted will end up in politicians' pockets.

"It should not be a means of making other people's pockets swell; it should really go to what it is intended to. This is a general fear that everybody fears," he said. "Whether used in the right or wrong way, I am ready to contribute, it is a good decision," he said.

In support of deductions

Civil servant John Donito welcomes the deduction but hopes the money will actually be used to implement the deal.

"The idea is not bad, but it shouldn't be only civil servants; other people should also be included like the politicians and also the traders in the market," Donito told South Sudan in Focus.

Makuiei said the government will approach people in the private sector for contributions as well, adding the government needs about 44 billion South Sudanese pounds to implement the revitalized peace agreement signed last year.

South Sudan recently resumed oil production, which is expected to bring in billions of dollars to the government over the next few years.

Awow Daniel Chuang, the oil ministry's director-general, told the Associated Press in August last year that, "The goal of resuming oil production in Unity State is to help increase South Sudan's total output of 130,000 barrels per day to almost 300,000, which could bring in about $5 billion over the next five years."
NEW DELHI - Four Indian soldiers and two suspected militants were killed Monday in a fierce gun battle as Indian security forces hunted for the organizers of a deadly suicide bombing that killed 40 paramilitary personnel in Indian Kashmir and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

The gun battle erupted when militants opened fire on an army contingent as search operations were being conducted in a village close to where the suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a paramilitary convoy last week.

Flames and smoke billows from residential building Flames and smoke billows from residential buildings where militants are suspected to have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pulwama, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Feb. 18, 2019. Flames and smoke billows from residential buildings where militants are suspected to have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pulwama, south of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Feb. 18, 2019.

Police said the militants killed were members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad Islamist group which has claimed responsibility for the attack and suspect that one of them was the main organizer of the assault.

It was the deadliest militant attack in Indian Kashmir since the Himalayan region was gripped by a violent separatist insurgency three decades ago.

New Delhi has blamed the suicide attack on Pakistan, whom it accuses of harboring groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad that carry out terror strikes in India. Pakistan has denied all involvement.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promised a strong response to the attack, called for global action against terrorism on Monday during a press appearance with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri.

Modi said that the latest attack in Kashmir shows that the time for talks is over. Now it is necessary for the whole world to join hands to take strong steps against terrorism. To hesitate from taking action against terrorism and their supporters is also encouraging terrorism, he said.

The attack comes at a sensitive time  India heads into into national elections in less than two months, and it has put the Indian leader under pressure to take punitive action against Pakistan.

India PM Modi Looks to Budget to Shore Up Political Base Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is expected to try and shore up its political support with big ticket farm giveaways and tax cuts for the middle class in its final federal budget on Friday, months before elections.Modi is facing growing discontent over depressed farm incomes and doubts over whether his policies are creating enough jobs. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is expected to try and shore up its political support with big ticket farm giveaways and tax cuts for the middle class in its final federal budget on Friday, months before elections.Modi is facing growing discontent over depressed farm incomes and doubts over whether his policies are creating enough jobs.

Modi, who has projected himself as a strong leader, has repeatedly warned of retaliation at a series of public meetings over the weekend.

The fire that is raging in your hearts is in my heart too, he told a huge crowd in Bihar on Sunday. A day earlier he said that how, when, where and who will punish the killers and their promoters will be decided by our forces, who are capable of dealing with the situation.

Over the weekend several cities witnessed protests expressing solidarity with the soldiers who were killed and demanding punishment for the attack. There also have been sporadic incidents of harassment of Kashmiri students and businessmen in some places, prompting the Home Ministry to issue an alert to ensure the safety of all Kashmiris.

Analysts said Modi will have to take into account public opinion as he mulls a response to the attacks but have warned that any military option carries the risk of escalation between two countries that have fought three wars.

In 2016, India had conducted surgical strikes on militant camps following an attack on an army camp.

At Least 40 Security Personnel Killed in Indian Kashmir Attack Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad claims responsibility

Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, is at the heart of the troubled ties between the neighbors. Two of their three wars have been fought over the Himalayan region while an attack on Indias parliament, also blamed on the Jaish-e-Mohammad, brought them to the brink of a fourth war in 2001.

Islamabad has rejected any link to the attack on Thursday.

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.
ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of harboring what it said was "the board of directors of al-Qaida" and rejected charges Riyadh was behind last week's suicide car bombing that killed against 27 personnel of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).



Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir made the remarks Monday during a visit to Iran's neighbor Pakistan.



Iranian authorities allege Wednesday's deadly bombing against IRGCin the border province of Sistan-Balochistan was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan" with support of the intelligence agencies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran also threatened to take unilateral military punitive action against the perpetrators if Pakistan failed to do so. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan's ambassador on Sunday to protest the attack.

FILE - Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jub FILE - Saudi Arabi's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. FILE - Saudi Arabi's Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

"Iran has been harboring virtually the board of directors of al-Qaida, including Osama bin Laden's son since the events of 9/11," Saudi Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir told a joint news conference in Islamabad along with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mehmood Qureshi. He declared Iran as "the world's chief sponsor of terrorism."

Iran Points to Pakistan After Deadly Attack on Guard Iran's parliament speaker said Sunday that an attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan," which he said should answer for it. Ali Larijani's remarks, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, came after Iranian officials initially accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of being behind the attack. Iran's parliament speaker said Sunday that an attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan," which he said should answer for it. Ali Larijani's remarks, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, came after Iranian officials initially accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of being behind the attack.

Al-Jubeir added: "Iran has been facilitating the transport of terrorists across its territory and so the last country in the world to accuse others of supporting terrorism is Iran."



Osama Bin Laden was accused of plotting the September 2001 attacks on the U.S., commonly referred to as 9/11, from Afghanistan before fleeing to neighbouring Pakistan. The U.S. military in 2011 tracked and killed the al-Qaida chief in a unilateral operation against his hideout in the Pakistani city of Abbotabad.



Foreign Minister Qureshi, for his part, told reporters that he spoke to his Iranian counterpart, Jawad Zarif, on Sunday,assuring him of Pakistan's cooperation in investigating last week's terrorist attack.



"If they have evidence they will share with us and we will be helpful. We have been dealing with these issues in the past we have cooperated with each other to overcome these difficulties and we will do so in the future as well," Qureshi noted. He urged Iranian leaders to desist from issuing threatening statements against Pakistan. "Iran is our neighbor and we would not want to cause any problem for them. We respect their sovereignty and their territorial integrity and I am sure they respect ours," Qureshi cautioned.



Saudi Minister Al-Jubeir said that by blaming outsiders for violent acts on its territory, Tehran was trying to to deflect attention from domestic pressure and problems facing the Iranian regime. He did not elaborate.



Iran itself has been implicated in terrorist attacks in his country, in South America and Europe, he added. Al-Jubeir again accused Tehran of establishing groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen for promoting terrorist activities.

Saudi Crown Prince Signs $20B in Investment Deals in Pakistan Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who is currently on a high profile visit to Pakistan, has ordered the release of more than 2,000 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi prisons. Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudry posted the news on Twitter Monday: "As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners Saudi Jails. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who is currently on a high profile visit to Pakistan, has ordered the release of more than 2,000 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi prisons. Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudry posted the news on Twitter Monday: "As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2107 Pakistani prisoners Saudi Jails.

Crown Prince's Pakistan Visit



Al-Jubeir is in Pakistan as part of a big delegation, which arrived in Pakistan on Sunday on a two-day state visit under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two countries signed unprecedented bilateral investment projects worth $20 billions in oil refining, petrochemicals, energy and other sectors.



The crown prince, also known as MBS, at the request of his Pakistani host, Prime Minister Imran Khan, also ordered release of more than 2,100 of about 3,000 Pakistanis being detained in Saudi jails for various crimes. He also assured Khan of addressing complaints and ensuring better treatment of about 2.5 million Pakistanis working in the Saudi Kingdom mostly as laborers.



Pakistan has always walked a tightrope while trying to maintain a balance between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Predominantly Sunni Pakistan has deep religious, cultural, political and defense ties to Saudi Arabia, but it shares a porous border with Shi'ite Iran, stretching over 900 kilometers. A fifth of Pakistan's more than 200 million residents are Shiite Muslims who maintain close cultural and religious ties with the Iranian nation.



Iranian leaders have long alleged that anti-Iran Sunni-militants use the Pakistani province of Baluchistan for planning cross-border attacks. Islamabad in the past has arrested fugitive Iranian militants and handed them over to Tehran. Recently, the Iranian government acknowledged Pakistani forces rescued five of nearly a dozen border forces who were kidnapped by militants during a raid on one of the Iranian border outposts.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has concluded a landmark two-day visit to Pakistan where he oversaw the signing of unprecedented investment deals worth $20 billion and ordered the release of more than 2,000 Pakistanis from Saudi prisons.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi bestowed the country's highest civilian honor on the Saudi crown prince, also known as MBS, at the end of official meetings.

"What we did in Pakistan is just the beginning," MBS said in a nationally televised remarks before boarding the aircraft to leave Pakistan.

Bin Salman is on his first tour of South Asian nations and China since becoming the Saudi leader in 2017. The crown prince arrived in Islamabad Sunday evening where Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior civil and military leaders received him at an Air Force base. The Saudi leader was accompanied by a large delegation of ministers, members of the royal family and businessmen.

Khan personally drove MBS to the palatial prime minister's complex in the capital where the two leaders held formal talks and oversaw the signing of seven major agreements between their two delegations.

Speaking at the end of the late night ceremony, bin Salman noted his delegation signed "$20 billion" worth of memorandum of understandings.

"It's big for phase one and definitely it's going to grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and will be beneficial for both countries," he said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman and Pakist Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan speak to media, Feb 18, 2019. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan speak to media, Feb 18, 2019.

The agreements signed Sunday included a deal for a $10 billion oil refinery in Gwadar, where China has built and activated a major seaport.

Pakistani officials say the facility will be in place in next "3-5 years" in Gwadar and will meet the country's needs of refined oil products currently being imported. The surplus will be exported to regional countries.

The unprecedented Saudi investment is being viewed by Prime Minister Khan's nascent government as a major boost for Pakistan, which is facing an economic crisis and balance of payments pressure.

Khan welcomed Saudi investment in areas of oil refining, petrochemicals, energy and other sectors.

"We have CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), we have links with China. We have very close connectivity with probably what is the biggest market in the world, which is China. So we welcome Saudi Arabia to participate with us. It's an exciting future," the Pakistani prime minister said.

CPEC is a package of infrastructure, energy and port-building projects Beijing is funding in Pakistan as part of its global Road and Belt Initiative. China has already invested $19 billion over the past five years and plans to invest billions more to construct industrial zones.

During the nationally televised conversation with MBS, Khan asked him to look into the plight of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails and ensure better treatment for nearly 2.5 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. There are about 3,000 Pakistanis, mostly laborers, languishing in Saudi prisons and facing charges ranging mainly from illegal entry and visa violations.

MBS promised to look into both the issues and told Khan: "Consider me ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia. His delegation informed Pakistani negotiators Monday morning that more than 2,100 prisoners are being released from Saudi jails.

The Saudi Kingdom hosts more than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates in all, and is a key source of oil supplies for Islamabad. It allows Pakistan to make deferred payments, and offers cash grants to help Pakistan's often ailing economy.

Prime Minister Khan was one of the few international leaders who participated in an investment conference that Saudi Arabia hosted in October. The event was organized just days after the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Many foreign participants boycotted the conference to protest Khashoggi's killing.
WASHINGTON - Dozens of female relatives of Islamic State (IS) fighters in the refugee camps of Mosul have faced harassment and sexual abuse at the hands of Iraqi security forces, according to a joint report this week by the Network of Iraqi Reporters for Investigative Journalism and the Mosul Investigation Team.



The report, which has been rejected by the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), said it documented 16 out of 36 "confirmed" cases of sexual exploitation of female relatives of IS fighters during three months of investigation, including five minors between 15 and 18 years of age.



The report said several of them have committed suicide due to the trauma of the abuse.



"These women are punished on behalf of their fathers, husbands, and brothers who have joined the Islamic State. If they complain against the abuse, they will instantly be accused of terrorism," Dlovan Barwari, the leading writer of the report, told VOA in an interview Friday.



Barwari said the women interviewed reported of being asked for sexual favors by Iraqi security forces and Shiite Popular Mobilization (PMF)or face various forms of harassment including frequent raids , investigation and the confiscation other their personal documents.



While women from wealthier families could avoid this intimidation through bribery, those with limited financial ability had to comply.



"Some houses and tents at refugee camps are turned into brothels where those women are forced to accept sexual exploitation in exchange for $3 or a little food. They are living in a besieged situation with no other options left," added Barwari.



The report accused the Iraqi government of not taking those cases seriously due to the stigma families affiliation to IS fighters. It said aid organizations are also dissuaded from helping the victims due to the fear of being accused of helping IS members.



The mistreatment of the so-called IS families is also justified by many Mosul community members as a fair punishment, the report claimed.



"Punishing the families of an oppressive organization is necessary," Naamat Suleiman, a 30-year-old resident of Mosul was quoted in the report. "This is a lesson to prevent the return of such an extremist organizations to the city in the future."



Government reaction



The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights has called the report's findings "untrue and contrary to reality on the ground."



Commission member Fadel al-Gharawi in a media statement said the refugee camps hosting IS families are supervised by the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration and are protected by Iraqi security forces.



"The office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has investigative, oversight and follow-up committees that conduct occasional field visits to these camps. These committees have not recorded any cases of violation or complaint by women against the forces in charge of the security of the camps," said al-Gharawi.



IS swiftly seized large swaths of Iraqi territory in mid-2014 when the Iraqi army abandoned their posts, starting in Mosul. The group was declared defeated in Iraq in late 2017 after over three years of Iraqi security forces operations supported by the U.S.-led coalition. Since then, the Iraqi government has started what it calls "clean up" efforts such as issuing death penalty for imprisoned IS fighters and placing their family members in refugee camps.



100 thousand members



Official statistics put the number of estimated IS family members to be around 100,000. Most of them are placed in camps that were built by international community for internally displaced civilians fleeing during the Iraqi security forces operations against IS between 2014-2017.



Human Rights Watch has called those camps "de facto prisons" for these so-called IS families. Its senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille last November called the Iraqi treatment of families with perceived IS affiliations as "short-sighted, fundamentally destabilizing and criminal."



Similarly, Amnesty International last year warned that the sustained mistreatment of these families could lead to a next cycle of violence by the new generation of supporters of the Islamic State.
Estes Park, CO (80517)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
NEW YORK - Protesters around the U.S. spent Presidents Day rallying against President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration as at least a dozen states planned a lawsuit to block Trump's latest ploy to fund his long-promised border wall.



"Trump is the national emergency!" chanted a group of hundreds lined up Monday at the White House fence while Trump was out of town in Florida. Some held up large letters spelling out "stop power grab." In downtown Fort Worth, Texas, a small group carried signs with messages including "no wall! #FakeTrumpEmergency."



Meanwhile, Colorado and New Mexico became the latest states to join with California and other states in challenging the declaration to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Gov. Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, both Democrats, said in a statement that the wall project could divert tens of millions of dollars from military construction projects in Colorado.



A crowd of more than 100 protesters gathered in frigid weather at the state Capitol in Denver roared with approval when Weiser told them his office was joining the multi-state lawsuit.



"There is zero real-world basis for the emergency declaration, and there will be no wall," New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a statement.



Organized by the liberal group MoveOn and others, Monday's demonstrations took the occasion of the Presidents Day holiday to assail Trump's proclamation as undemocratic and anti-immigrant.



Kelly Quirk, of the progressive group Soma Action, told a gathering of dozens in Newark, New Jersey that "democracy demands" saying "no more" to Trump.



"There are plenty of real emergencies to invest our tax dollars in," said Quirk.



In New York City, hundreds of people at a Manhattan park chanted "No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here" as several of them held up letters spelling out, "IMPEACH."



There were some counter-protesters, including in Washington, where there was a brief scuffle in the crowd.



Trump's declaration Friday shifts billions of dollars from military construction to the border. The move came after Congress didn't approve as much as Trump wanted for the wall, which the Republican considers a national security necessity.



His emergency proclamation calls the border "a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics."



Illegal border crossings have declined from a high of 1.6 million in 2000. But 50,000 families are now entering illegally each month, straining the U.S. asylum system and border facilities.



Trump's critics have argued he undercut his own rationale for the emergency declaration by saying he "didn't need to do this" but wanted to get the wall built faster than he otherwise could. In announcing the move, he said he anticipated the legal challenges.



"President Trump declared a national emergency in order to spend billions of taxpayer dollars on his border wall obsession," Manar Waheed of the American Civil Liberties Union told protesters rallying in a Washington park before heading to the nearby White House fence. The ACLU has announced its intention to sue Trump over the issue.



Ana Maria Archila, co-executive director of the left-leaning Center for Popular Democracy, said the president had undertaken to "steal money that we desperately need to build a country of our dreams so that he can build a monument to racism along the border."



At one point during the rally, a counter-protester walked through the crowd toting a sign saying "finish the wall" on one side and "protect the poor" on the other. Another man snatched his sign from him, sparking a short scuffle.
PARIS - In northern France, Lydie and Patrice Maninchedda have been waging an uphill battle, sustained by local media, to repatriate their three grandchildren from Syria. They have never met the children, ranging from one to five years. Nor has the couple seen their daughter, Julie, since she left with her then-husband to join the Islamic State group in 2014.

Then came an anonymous message last month that Julie was dead  and the grandchildren, now orphans, were detained in a Kurdish camp for internally displaced people.

It is overwhelming to find them, Patrice Maninchedda told France Bleu radio, of the three, who are considered by law to be French nationals. Like all grandparents, we want to see our grandchildren. They need to be reintegrated into a normal life and family.

The Maninchedda's hopes may be realized sooner rather than later. The planned U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria prompted the French government to announce it was considering repatriating dozens of citizens now detained by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the northeastern part of the country.

While some are hardened jihadists or their wives, roughly three-quarters are children under the age of seven, according to French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet.

With the Islamic State group all but territorially vanquished in Syria, U.S. President Donald Trump urged European nations to repatriate captured fighters and put them on trial at home  a demand rejected for now by the French government, while Germany said doing so would be difficult.

French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet leaves fo FILE - French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Oct. 17, 2018. FILE - French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Oct. 17, 2018.

At this stage France is not responding to the demands of Trump, Belloubet told France 2 television, saying Paris would consider repatriating French IS fighters on a case-by-case basis. But reports suggest French officials have agreed to repatriate French orphans now in Syria, although those children who are still with their parents are more problematic, and would need parental consent to be separated.

Similar dilemmas are faced elsewhere in Western Europe, from which nearly 6,000 nationals left to join IS ranks, according to the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization, at King's College London. Many died in battle, and more than 1,700 have returned, it estimates.

Repatriating both the fighters and their children is politically explosive. Critics worry it will be difficult to prove in court crimes committed on the battlefields of Iraq and Syria, and that the children raised under Islamic State occupation could grow into dangerous adults.

Shaping public opinion too are the 2015 Paris attacks, which involved some returnee fighters.

France's far-right leader Marine le Pen joins man France's far-right leader Marine le Pen joins many other politicians in opposing the return of French fighters, saying they should be judged in Syria and Iraq. France's far-right leader Marine le Pen joins many other politicians in opposing the return of French fighters, saying they should be judged in Syria and Iraq.

The question is whether to repatriate jihadists who left France, burned their French passports, and headed off to associate with Islamist fundamentalists, to become barbarians and strike our country, said far-right leader Marine Le Pen in an interview.

And the answer is no, she added of the adults. They should be judged in the places where they committed the atrocities. Its the very least one can do, out of respect for the victims.

Le Pen did not offer an opinion on the fate of the minors, describing them simply as instrumentalized.

Yet by not taking action, others argue, France risks having jihadis and their families disappear into a turmoil-torn region, posing a potentially serious security threat later on.

Even for children, the challenges of repatriation are massive, experts say. While some may have been sheltered from the fighting, many others are likely brainwashed by jihadi ideology. Still others may have witnessed or participated in horrific acts. Their background may come to haunt them  and France  later on.

They are children, they arent guilty of crimes committed by their parents. And from a humanitarian point of view we must welcome and take care of them, said sociologist Gerald Brunner, of the Jean Jaures Foundation  even as he warned that dealing with the returnees would be difficult.

Wed be right to imagine the worst, that they could commit a terrorist act on our territory, Brunner said, adding, authorities cannot avoid posing this question.

Islamist expert Farhad Khosrokhavar says France an Islamist expert Farhad Khosrokhavar says France and other European governments have been slow to act on repatriating children of jihadist fighters. Islamist expert Farhad Khosrokhavar says France and other European governments have been slow to act on repatriating children of jihadist fighters.

Until recently, the preferred option was to do very little for the minors  unless their families pressed French authorities for action, said Farhad Khosrokhavar, a sociologist and expert on radical Islam.

The French governmentand one can generalize this to most of the Europeansthey dont want them back, Khosrokhavar said, in an interview last year. Because they are afraid of them, and they know there will be problems.

FILE - Renu Begum, eldest sister of missing sister FILE - Renu Begum, eldest sister of missing sister of missing British girl Shamima Begum, holds a picture of her sister while being interviewed by the media in central London, Feb. 22, 2015. FILE - Renu Begum, eldest sister of missing sister of missing British girl Shamima Begum, holds a picture of her sister while being interviewed by the media in central London, Feb. 22, 2015.

Today, repatriation claims involving children are growing, adding to the pressure. In Britain, 19-year-old Shamima Begum is asking to return home with her newborn, four years after joining Islamic State in Syria as a schoolgirl.

In neighboring Belgium, a court ordered the government in December to repatriate half-a-dozen children and their mothers detained by Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.

Belgian Court Orders Repatriation of 2 Islamic State Wives A Belgian judge has issued an order for the repatriation of half a dozen children and their Belgian mothers from a Kurdish-controlled camp in northeast Syria.The children are all under the age of 6. They and their mothers, Tatiana Wielandt and Bouchra Abouallal, both in their mid-twenties, have been held in the al-Hol camp, one of several housing about 584 jihadi brides and 1,250 children, the offspring of Islamic State fathers, most of them foreign fighters.Like other European countries, Belgium has A Belgian judge has issued an order for the repatriation of half a dozen children and their Belgian mothers from a Kurdish-controlled camp in northeast Syria.The children are all under the age of 6. They and their mothers, Tatiana Wielandt and Bouchra Abouallal, both in their mid-twenties, have been held in the al-Hol camp, one of several housing about 584 jihadi brides and 1,250 children, the offspring of Islamic State fathers, most of them foreign fighters.Like other European countries, Belgium has

In France, fewer than 70 children had returned as of a year ago out of up to 700 in Iraq and Syria, according to different estimates. Most are under the responsibility of a court outside Paris. Some are placed in foster care; others taken in by their families. Those over 13 who participated in fighting can be detained, according to media reports.

Now, as France is pressed to bring back the rest, experts say there is no easy answer or blueprint to deal with them.

The ideal would be to give them the opportunity to live with their mother and of course follow them psychologically and institutionally in order to deradicalize the mother, said Khosrokhavar, the Islamist expert. But so far, there seems little appetite for repatriating parents en masse.

Sociologist Brunner suggests applying other examples of indoctrination  including children brainwashed by religious cults  in dealing with the IS minors.

Nobody is ready for this kind of situation, he said. Nobody knows exactly what to do. The only we know is we cant do nothing.
For nearly two decades, Vancouver, the epicenter of Canada's increasingly deadly drug epidemic, has embraced an initiative that was once dismissed as a reckless experiment but has since won over some of its fiercest critics: a walk-in facility where addicts can inject heroin under the watch of medical professionals.

Allowed as an exemption under Canada's drug laws, Insite operates out of a storefront in the drug- and crime-ridden neighborhood of Downtown Eastside. Inside is a quiet, spacious "injection room" with 12 booths where addicts can shoot up their own drugs using freely supplied clean needles and tourniquets.

Nurses keep watch from a nearby station. And in case of an overdose, a medical team is on hand to administer naloxone, the overdose-reversing drug.In the center's 16-year history, not a single user has died of an overdose.

FILE -A Narcan nasal device which delivers naloxon FILE -A Narcan nasal device which delivers naloxone lies on a counter as a health educator gives instructions on how to administer it in the Brooklyn borough of New York, July 3, 2018. FILE -A Narcan nasal device which delivers naloxone lies on a counter as a health educator gives instructions on how to administer it in the Brooklyn borough of New York, July 3, 2018.

Now, as a deadly opioid epidemic wrecks American communities, Philadelphia, a city with over 1,100 overdose deaths last year and one of the most active heroin markets in the country, wants to be the first in the nation to adopt the Canadian model.

The mayor and the district attorney have endorsed the initiative. A former governor of Pennsylvania has incorporated a nonprofit organization called Safehouse to run the facility. And advocates have scouted locations with an eye on Kensington, an impoverished neighborhood that has borne the brunt of opioid-related deaths in recent years.

But the plan faces stiff opposition from federal prosecutors who say it violates a law against setting up facilities for illegal drug use. To prevent the facility from opening, William McSwain, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, last week asked a federal judge to declare the site illegal under a 1986 "crack house statute."

"Normalizing the use of deadly drugs like heroin and fentanyl is not the answer to solving the epidemic," McSwain told reporters.

Worth trying

McSwain wants advocates to change the laws not break them. But supporters of the project say changing the laws takes time and the time to embrace a concept with a proven track record of saving lives is now.

"All of these [facilities] have had a similar result: they've lowered the number of overdoses associated with the immediate area," said Jose Benitez, a co-founder of Safehouse and executive director of Prevention Point, a needle exchange program. "We see the same thing happening in Philadelphia.

With more than 800 daily visits, Insite is the busiest facility of its kind in the world.In the 16 years since it opened its doors, Insite has recorded more than 1,000 overdoses, many potentially fatal without intervention. But not a single one has resulted in death. What's more, researchers have found Insite users are more likely to seek out treatment.

"There are people who say that Insite sets a bad example and supports the initiation of drugs, but in fact what we found was that people who used Insite were more likely to stop using drugs," said M-J Milloy, a research scientist at the British Columbia Center on Substance Use.

FILE - Registered nurse Sammy Mullally holds a tra FILE - Registered nurse Sammy Mullally holds a tray of supplies to be used by a drug addict at the Insite safe injection clinic in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. FILE - Registered nurse Sammy Mullally holds a tray of supplies to be used by a drug addict at the Insite safe injection clinic in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

Milloy was part of a multiyear scientific evaluation of Insite mandated by the government of Canada. Among the study's key findings: a 35 percent drop in overdose fatalities in the surrounding community.

He said scientists also examined whether the facility can encourage drug use and degrade the quality of life in the surrounding communities, as critics have claimed. They found the criticisms "to be wholly lacking in empiric support," he added.

"There is a scientific consensus that these facilities can have important benefits, not only on the health and well-being of the clientele who use them, but also, indeed, in the surrounding community itself," Milloy said.

"Based on our research, we believe Insite and other injection facilities to be important interventions that should be considered by any city or setting which is dealing with the negative consequences of injection drug use," he added.

But Insite has not been without its critics who have questioned the scientific research. These critics say that while Insite has prevented overdose deaths, it has not led to a reduction in crime or drug use in the community.

The facility was designed as a three-year scientific experiment, but it has been allowed to operate indefinitely after a landmark ruling by Canada's Supreme Court in 2011.

US cities interested

Inspired by the Insite's success, nearly a dozen American cities and counties battling an opioid epidemic have taken up the idea in an apparent violation of federal law. In several cities, including New York, San Francisco and Seattle, local governments have worked out concrete plans for injection facilities, but it remains unclear if they can surmount opposition from federal and state authorities.

The controversy not only has pitted cities against the federal government but also localities against their state governments.

In California, the state Legislature last year passed a bill that would have allowed the city of San Francisco to operate a safe injection site on a pilot basis. But then-Governor Jerry Brown, a Democrat, vetoed the bill, citing the threat of federal prosecution.

Two state lawmakers reintroduced the bill recently, and current Governor Gavin Newsom, also a Democrat, has said he is "very, very open" to the idea.

Philadelphia, a storied Northeast city with a population of 1.6 million, has been hit especially hard by the opioid epidemic. Overdose deaths have more than doubled in the past five years.

Two years ago, Mayor Jim Kenney set up a task force to study the drug addiction scourge and make recommendations. Task force members traveled to Vancouver, to visit Insite, and Seattle, to learn about its plans to offer safe injection services out of a van. Among other recommendations, the task force suggested that the city explore a safe injection site on a pilot basis.

That led Ronda Goldfein, executive director of AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, and Benitez to set up Safehouse and enlist former Governor Ed Rendell's support. Rendell, who as mayor of Philadelphia in the 1990s allowed the city's first needle exchange program, agreed to incorporate Safehouse and sit on its board.

A study commissioned by the task force estimated that the opening of a safe injection site could potentially avert between 24 and 76 opioid overdose deaths each year.

"There are people who fear that we're somehow promoting drug use, but there's evidence from these facilities worldwide that they don't encourage drug use," Thomas Farley, the city's health commissioner who sits on the board of Safehouse, told VOA last year. Many "people have an immediate negative reaction, but the evidence is quite strong that they have a real positive effect on users and in the neighborhoods," he added.

Federal government hurdles

Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania doesn't have a law against setting up a facility for drug use, and Safehouse is not seeking public funding. For those reasons, the initiative does not face state opposition, Goldfein said.

"Our biggest impediment is not the state government but the federal government," Goldfein said, adding that the state governor has indicated that he won't take any steps against the planned facility.

The federal opposition was long coming. In an op-ed in The New York Times last August, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote that safe injection sites were illegal and he threatened "swift and aggressive action" against cities and counties opening them.

Goldfein said the site's primary purpose is to prevent overdose deaths, not facilitate drug use, which would be illegal under federal law.

"We're opening up a facility for the purpose of saving lives and for the secondary purpose of getting people into treatment," she said. "That is a completely different intent from the reasoning behind crack house laws."

Safehouse has 30 days to file its response to the federal complaint. The case is being closely watched by other cities and counties considering safe injection facilities.

If the federal judge hearing the case rules in Safehouse's favor, "it will certainly be an important piece of information for other jurisdictions to go forward with," Goldfein said.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, not everyone is convinced that an injection facility run by Safehouse is a good idea. David Oh, a Philadelphia City Councilman At-Large, said the center could spell trouble for the city.

"We're the largest, poor big city in America with a lot of poverty issues, job issues and education issues," said Oh, a Republican. "We're inviting people to come live in our city and do their drugs here, and we're going to service and provide for them, and the communities are trying to exist and don't want them there."

VOA's Chris Simkins contributed to this report.
OSLO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is not saying whether or not he nominated Donald Trump for this year's Nobel Peace Prize, but the question may be moot: the U.S. president has been put forward by others for the prestigious award.

During a White House news conference on Friday, Trump said the Japanese premier had given him "the most beautiful copy" of a five-page nomination letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Abe Mum on Trump's Claim of Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe kept quiet Monday over President Donald Trump's claim that he had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, but praised him and emphasized he did not deny doing so. Trump's assertion Friday that Abe had nominated him for the honor and sent him a copy of the letter has raised questions and criticism in Japan. Questioned in parliament, Abe praised Trump for his dealings with North Korea but said, "In light of the Nobel committee's policy of not disclosing recommenders Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe kept quiet Monday over President Donald Trump's claim that he had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, but praised him and emphasized he did not deny doing so. Trump's assertion Friday that Abe had nominated him for the honor and sent him a copy of the letter has raised questions and criticism in Japan. Questioned in parliament, Abe praised Trump for his dealings with North Korea but said, "In light of the Nobel committee's policy of not disclosing recommenders

Since then Abe has declined to say whether he had done so.

Regardless, Trump has already been nominated by two Norwegian lawmakers.

"We have nominated him of course for the positive developments on the Korean Peninsula," Per-Willy Amundsen, who was Justice Minister in Prime Minister Erna Solberg's Cabinet in 2016-2018, told Reuters.

"It has been a very difficult situation and the tensions have since lowered and a lot of it is due to Trump's unconventional diplomatic style," he added.

Amundsen, who is a member of the rightwing Progress Party, wrote a letter to the award committee together with his parliamentary colleague Christian Tybring-Gjedde, he said.

Hanoi Summit Sparks Optimism, But Called Moment of Truth The second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in roughly two weeks is being seen by some as cause for optimism, but also as a moment of truth.Park In-hook, the president of the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, said during the organization's inaugural trilateral conference on China, U.S., and South Korean issues, theres a lot of emphasis on the February 27-28 talks in Hanoi because there is some phobia that this might be the last chance.Real results The second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in roughly two weeks is being seen by some as cause for optimism, but also as a moment of truth.Park In-hook, the president of the Chey Institute for Advanced Studies, said during the organization's inaugural trilateral conference on China, U.S., and South Korean issues, theres a lot of emphasis on the February 27-28 talks in Hanoi because there is some phobia that this might be the last chance.Real results

The letter was submitted in June, immediately after a summit Trump held in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Unaimed at easing tensions and tackling Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.

Tybring-Gjedde, who sits on the Norwegian Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, also confirmed the joint nomination of Trump when contacted by Reuters.

"A possible award would of course depend on the talks leading to a credible disarmament deal," he said.

A wide range of people can nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize, including members of parliaments and governments, heads of state, university professors of history, social sciences or law and past Nobel Peace Prize laureates, among others.

The deadline for nominations for the 2019 prize, which will be announced on Oct. 11., was Jan. 31.

The five-strong Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees.

Still, it did say earlier this month that 304 candidates were nominated for this year's prize, of which 219 are individuals and 85 are organizations.

2018 Nobel Peace Prize Recognizes Warriors Against Sexual Violence The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nadia Murad, a Yazidi human rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery by Islamic State in Iraq, and Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist treating victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement Friday that the award recognizes "their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.''Murad, 25, is the founder of Nadia's Initiative, an organization devoted to The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nadia Murad, a Yazidi human rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery by Islamic State in Iraq, and Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist treating victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.The Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement Friday that the award recognizes "their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.''Murad, 25, is the founder of Nadia's Initiative, an organization devoted to

Last year's prize was jointly awarded to Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege and Yazidi human rights activist Nadia Murad.
MOSCOW - Nearly a week after Russia's lower house of parliament approved a preliminary measure aimed at safeguarding internet operations in case of a foreign cyber attack, Kremlin critics and some lawmakers seem to agree the entire enterprise is beyond the country's technological capabilities.

The bill, which proposes the creation of "Runet," a domestic network that would be designed to function independently of the global internet, has drawn comparisons to China's "great firewall."

Russian state-run media say the legislation was drafted in response to tensions with Western nations that accuse Moscow of perpetrating cyberattacks via social media platforms to wreak havoc in foreign elections.

Critics, however, call the legislation a Kremlin ploy to control domestic cyber-infrastructure, all part of a broader campaign to expand censorship and blunt online political mobilization campaigns.

The bill calls for Russian web traffic and data to be rerouted through points controlled by the state and for the creation of a domestic Domain Name System that would allow the internet to continue functioning in Russia even if it is cut off from foreign infrastructure.

During last week's first reading, the proposed law sparked exasperation from some minority lawmakers who feared it would trigger a dysfunctional "internet Brexit," whole others questioned how Russia would build the technical infrastructure required to support the legal provisions. By Brexit, they were drawing comparisons to Britain's decision to leave the European Union.

No IT experts among MPs

"How many of you are IT experts here, raise your hand. One? Then how can we vote for a bill we don't understand?" said Valery Gartung, a lawmaker with the Kremlin-loyal Just Russia party.

"Russia doesn't manufacture any IT hardware except cables; maybe some people should hang themselves on them," said MP Sergei Ivanov of the nationalist LDPR, President Vladimir Putin's former chief of staff.

One of the bill's authors is Andrei Lugovoi, a former KGB officer and one of the key suspects in the 2006 murder of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in Britain. Lugovoi dismissed the critics, emphasizing the massive cyber threat he says the U.S. poses.

"This isn't kindergarten!" he shouted at the reading. "All of the websites in Syria" have been turned off by the U.S. before.

In a 2014 interview with Wired magazine, U.S. surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden alleged that the National Security Agency accidentally cut off Syria's internet while attempting to infiltrate it in 2012.

Concern about US cyber aggression

Andrei Soldatov, who co-authored The Red Web, a history of internet surveillance in Russia, said concern about U.S. cyber aggression is just the latest pretext for political censorship campaigns that can be traced to the Soviet era.

"Look at the text of the legislation," he said. "Censorship and filtering is an essential part of it. It calls for new equipment to be installed with all internet service providers" that alters or impedes traffic flows and filters content. "This has nothing to do with protection against the U.S.; I don't buy this explanation that it's all about protecting the Russian internet users or the Russian internet against possible U.S. aggression."

"The government is now mostly concerned with one thing: the mobilizing capability of the internet," he said, explaining that Kremlin-led efforts to gain control of the internet since Russia's historic 2012 street protests have scored preciously few successes. "So they actually want to strip in the internet of this capability." During Soviet times, he said, the idea was to seal the country completely in order to stop the spread of uncensored information.

"But today, even with the filtering we have now, if you want to get access to some sensitive information on the internet, you can get it quite easily," he said. "The idea is to prevent social platforms and the internet as a whole from being used by political activists to start unrest."

Although an isolated Russian net will compromise prospects for international digital commerce, Soldatov said officials aren't likely concerned, as the country's nearly decade-long "climate of internet uncertainty" has already forced some Russia IT companies to flee the market.

Kremlin officials long ago decided to put security before commerce, Soldatov said.

"Two years ago, Putin signed a new draft of the information security doctrine. And if you check the text, you can see the main idea there is that Russian telecommunication and IT companies should check first with Russian security services before introducing new technologies, he said. "So it's clear that security comes first and technological progress comes second, and that's not good for business. It means that you first have to go to the FSB and ask them whether they're happy with this or that new technology."

Internet freedom

Asked if it will be possible for free speech and internet freedom advocates to circumvent impending restrictions, Soldatov voiced optimism.

"Yes, absolutely. It's already clear that this kind of system would have gaps. The system would be quite porous, because we are talking about the internet itself, and it's a technology that by definition was designed to find a way for traffic to go," he said.

"And this is the case for many countries, like in China, [where] entire communities of activists could find a way," he added. "The problem is for the rest. So you sort of see an internet divided, with, say, 70 percent or 80 percent of people who live in a situation they accept, and then you have some activists who would find a way, and that's what might happen."

In an interview with Riga-based Meduza news outlet, Stanislav Shakirov of the digital censorship watchdog "Roskomsvoboda" said Russia, unlike China, lacks the domestic investment infrastructure to develop its own tech startups, a fact that would be likely to doom the commercial prospects for an independent Russian internet.

"Not only are Russian internet users accustomed to having their pick of Western online services, but Russia's domestic market isn't big enough to sustain competition in isolation, and its unfriendly business climate remains a major hindrance," he said.

But Ekho Moskvy radio anchor Alexander Plushev, who has reported on internet freedom issues in Russia for years, says supporters of the bills aren't concerned with security, commerce or censorship.

"I think it's just corruption, just to get money, to build their own independent network," he said, explaining that it is primarily Russian government contractors who stand to profit from a privatized Russian internet. "That's the main reason for this law."
From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill  encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

They are taking their last breath, said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometers (1 miles) from the militants last spot.

US-backed Syria Force says IS Holding 1,000 Civilians Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday."Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told The Associated Press, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym. SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday."Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told The Associated Press, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym. SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which IS were uprooted in recent weeks.

In Hajin, a major center for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes. Small shops selling tools and construction material have sprung up.

For weeks, the militants fought desperately for their shrinking territory. Once in control of about a third of Syria and Iraq, they now are down to what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. But they are holding on to hundreds of civilians  some of them possibly hostages  taking cover among them at the edge of Baghouz, the village in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

Trump Tweets Islamic State Caliphate 'Ready to Fall' U.S. U.S.

Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads, preventing civilians from leaving, said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and the presence of possible captives could explains the slow final push, they added.

As civilians trickled out of the enclave in recent weeks, the SDF and coalition officials screened them. Women and children were transferred to camps miles away; men suspected of links to the militant group were taken into custody at other facilities.

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit outside a building as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Feb. 16, 2019. U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit outside a building as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Feb. 16, 2019.

SDF commanders said some of the hostages taken from their force have been freed in recent days. Fighters at the base said one of their colleagues was set free in the last two days.

Khatib Othman, an SDF fighter, came back from the front line a few days ago to take a break. His brother, also an SDF fighter, was taken hostage by IS in the last weeks of fighting. He is now believed to be held in Iraq as a suspected militant and negotiations are underway to free him.

We want to take revenge. We will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste, Othman said. We are waiting for the civilians to go out, and we will go in and attack. It is a matter of days. They are under siege, no food and no water. They are encircled from four sides. They have to give up.

He added that the militants are running out of ammunition.

The capture of the last pocket of IS territory in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a four-year global campaign to crush the extremist groups so-called caliphate. It has been a long and destructive battle. In decline since 2016, the militant group was stripped of its self-declared capital of Raqqa, in Syria, in the summer of 2017, leaving behind a destroyed city whose residents are still struggling to return.

In Deir el-Zour, the SDF and the coalition have battled to uproot the militants from villages and towns on the eastern banks of the Euphrates since September.

FILE - U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) FILE - U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit atop a hill in the desert outside the village of Baghoz, Syria, Feb. 14, 2019. FILE - U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit atop a hill in the desert outside the village of Baghoz, Syria, Feb. 14, 2019.

Battle-hardened militants, including some of the groups leading fighters and foreign commanders, had taken refuge in the area between Syria and Iraq. They fought back, dispatching suicide bombers from underground tunnels, deploying female fighters and launching counteroffensives that reclaimed many of the villages for weeks. Nearly 700 SDF fighters were killed in fighting that left at least 1,300 militants and over 400 civilians dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

We will very soon bring good news to the whole world, Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles from Baghouz.

But experts and U.S. defense officials warn that IS still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.

Thousands of IS fighters and their families have emerged in the past few months from the groups last enclave. The SDF is holding 900 foreign fighters in lockups and camps in northern Syria, and their fate is a major concern, particularly as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Syria. In a tweet Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Britain, France and Germany and other European countries to take back their militants and put them on trial at home.

The Caliphate is ready to fall, Trump said. He suggested the alternative would be that the U.S. would be forced to release them.

We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory! he added.

The Kurdish forces and officials have said the same in recent weeks, appealing to countries to take back their militants.

Bali, the SDF spokesman, declined to comment on Trumps statement.
MUNICH - Iran says Europes efforts to keep the 2015 nuclear deal are failing and there is growing support among the Iranian people to restart the countrys atomic program.



We appreciate that Europe has done a great deal politically. But it hasnt been prepared to make an investment. It hasnt been prepared to pay a price, Zarif told delegates at the Munich Security Conference Sunday.

He accused the United States and Israel of seeking war with his country.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence earlier accused Europe of helping to prop up a murderous regime in Tehran.

They have led the effort to create mechanisms to break up our sanctions. They call this scheme a Special Purpose Vehicle, we call it an effort to break American sanctions against Iran's murderous revolutionary regime, Pence told delegates Saturday.

Pence Rebukes Europe Over Iran, Venezuela, Russia Links U.S. Vice President Mike Pence strongly criticized European allies Saturday for their stance on Iran and Venezuela, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany."The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal," Pence told delegates. He also called on allies to recognize opposition U.S. Vice President Mike Pence strongly criticized European allies Saturday for their stance on Iran and Venezuela, in a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany."The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous, revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal," Pence told delegates. He also called on allies to recognize opposition

That Special Purpose Vehicle  officially known as INSTEX  is a payments system designed to allow European companies to trade with Iran and bypass U.S. sanctions, explains sanctions lawyer Nigel Kushner of London-based firm "W Legal."

The aim is that it will get around the U.S. secondary sanctions by not involving U.S. dollars, not involving U.S. persons, and certainly at the moment only being involved in the procurement of trade which does not include products or services that are sanctioned by the U.S. authorities, he said.

Europe is hoping that Iran will show patience, adds Kushner.

I think on the Iranian side, they will play a waiting game and very much hope that next year Donald Trump might not be re-elected, he said.

But Tehran says Europes offer is not good enough.

WATCH: Iran wants more from Europe

INSTEX falls short of the commitments by the E3 [European three] to save the deal. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism, Foreign Minister Zarif said Sunday at the Munich conference.

Meanwhile, Vice President Pences hard-hitting speech at Munich has triggered fears in Europe that Washington has bigger plans, says Florence Gaub of the European Union Institute for Security Studies.

Not at all a call for lets renegotiate the deal but rather lets remove the regime in Tehran. And in that sense I think this was not interpreted as anything that Europe could accept, she said.

Washington, which withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal last year, has not explicitly called for regime change in Iran.
Four Indian soldiers and three suspected militants were among nine people killed Monday in a fierce gun battle as Indian security forces hunted for the organizers of a deadly suicide bombing that killed 40 paramilitary personnel in Indian Kashmir and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.



The gun battle erupted when militants opened fire on an army contingent as search operations were being conducted in a village close to where the suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a paramilitary convoy last week.



The victims included a policeman and a civilian. Police said the militants killed were members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad Islamist group which has claimed responsibility for the attack and suspect that one of them was the main organizer of the assault.



It was the deadliest militant attack in Indian Kashmir since the Himalayan region was gripped by a violent separatist insurgency three decades ago. 4 Soldiers, 2 Militants Killed in Kashmir Violence Four Indian soldiers and two suspected militants were killed Monday in a fierce gun battle as Indian security forces hunted for the organizers of a deadly suicide bombing that killed 40 paramilitary personnel in Indian Kashmir and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The gun battle erupted when militants opened fire on an army contingent as search operations were being conducted in a village close to where the suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a paramilitary convoy last week.  Four Indian soldiers and two suspected militants were killed Monday in a fierce gun battle as Indian security forces hunted for the organizers of a deadly suicide bombing that killed 40 paramilitary personnel in Indian Kashmir and escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. The gun battle erupted when militants opened fire on an army contingent as search operations were being conducted in a village close to where the suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a paramilitary convoy last week. 

New Delhi has blamed the suicide attack on Pakistan, whom it accuses of harboring groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad that carry out terror strikes in India. Pakistan has denied all involvement.



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promised a strong response to the attack, called for global action against terrorism on Monday during a press appearance with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri.



Modi said that the latest attack in Kashmir shows that the time for talks is over. "Now it is necessary for the whole world to join hands to take strong steps against terrorism. To hesitate from taking action against terrorism and their supporters is also encouraging terrorism," he said.



The attack comes at a sensitive time -- India heads into into national elections in less than two months, and it has put the Indian leader under pressure to take punitive action against Pakistan.



Modi, who has projected himself as a strong leader, has repeatedly warned of retaliation at a series of public meetings over the weekend.



"The fire that is raging in your hearts is in my heart too," he told a huge crowd in Bihar on Sunday. A day earlier he said that "how, when, where and who will punish the killers and their promoters will be decided by our forces, who are capable of dealing with the situation."

India Promises Strong Response to Kashmir Attack Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed a strong response to a deadly attack on security personnel in Indian Kashmir as New Delhi said that there was "incontrovertible evidence" that Pakistan had a "direct hand" in the assault and called for its complete isolation.After meeting his security advisers on Friday, Modi promised that those behind the attack will pay a very heavy price and said security forces will be given a free hand to respond to the terrorists.If our neighbor thinks such attacks Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed a strong response to a deadly attack on security personnel in Indian Kashmir as New Delhi said that there was "incontrovertible evidence" that Pakistan had a "direct hand" in the assault and called for its complete isolation.After meeting his security advisers on Friday, Modi promised that those behind the attack will pay a very heavy price and said security forces will be given a free hand to respond to the terrorists.If our neighbor thinks such attacks

Over the weekend several cities witnessed protests expressing solidarity with the soldiers who were killed and demanding punishment for the attack. There also have been sporadic incidents of harassment of Kashmiri students and businessmen in some places, prompting the Home Ministry to issue an alert to ensure the safety of all Kashmiris.



Analysts said Modi will have to take into account public opinion as he mulls a response to the attacks but have warned that any military option carries the risk of escalation between two countries that have fought three wars.



In 2016, India had conducted surgical strikes on militant camps following an attack on an army camp.



Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan since 1947, is at the heart of the troubled ties between the neighbors. Two of their three wars have been fought over the Himalayan region while an attack on India's parliament, also blamed on the Jaish-e-Mohammad, brought them to the brink of a fourth war in 2001.
A last-minute decision to delay Nigerias general election, now re-scheduled for Saturday, has fueled doubt about the commitment to a free and fair poll in Africas most populous country.

For Nigerians, its an unwelcome, though not unfamiliar, outcome. The country hasnt held a presidential election without a delay since 2007, when former President Umaru YarAdua handily beat sitting President Muhammadu Buhari.

But postponed polls arent exclusively a Nigerian concern.

Across Africa, 27 of 102 presidential elections have been delayed since 2009, based on data analyzed by VOA from various news reports and from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, a not-for-profit organization based in Johannesburg, South Africa, focused on promoting credible elections.

Twenty of the 51 countries that held presidential elections experienced one or more postponements in the past 10 years. The delays ranged from two days to several years, with most lasting at least several weeks. Ivory Coast had the longest election delay  five years.

The root causes of the postponements vary, from civil wars and insurgencies to natural disasters and officials attempts to skirt constitutional term limits. Sometimes, election dates shift due simply to inadequate preparation.

When a country is unable to hold an election as planned, it can affect the credibility of the process. In Nigeria, voters told VOA they were confused and concerned.

Nigeria Delays National Elections by One Week Voters in Nigeria woke up Saturday morning to the news that the presidential and parliamentary elections have been postponed for a week.Nigeria's election commission postponed the vote just hours before the polls were to open.President Muhammadu Buhari called on Africa's most populous nation to remain calm. He said in a statement this is a "trying moment in our democratic journey." The president said Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had "given assurances, day after day and Voters in Nigeria woke up Saturday morning to the news that the presidential and parliamentary elections have been postponed for a week.Nigeria's election commission postponed the vote just hours before the polls were to open.President Muhammadu Buhari called on Africa's most populous nation to remain calm. He said in a statement this is a "trying moment in our democratic journey." The president said Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had "given assurances, day after day and

But VOAs analysis shows that an election postponement isnt a sign of poor governance in and of itself  rather, both the strongest and weakest democracies experience the fewest election delays.

Delays & democracy

Each year, the Economist Intelligence Unit, an arm of the company that publishes The Economist newspaper, releases its Democracy Index. The Index ranks countries for attributes such as electoral process, political participation and civil liberties.

Overall, countries without election delays attained Index values in 2018 about 11 percent higher than those with delays. Countries without delays also scored about 24 percent higher on an electoral process and pluralism rating.

Election officials start the ballot-counting proce FILE - Election officials start the ballot-counting process at a polling station during municipal elections in Manenberg on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 3, 2016. FILE - Election officials start the ballot-counting process at a polling station during municipal elections in Manenberg on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa, Aug. 3, 2016.

None of the countries with the highest overall scores, including Botswana, Cabo Verde, Mauritius and South Africa, experienced delays.

But a closer look reveals a more surprising finding: Countries with some of the lowest Democracy Index values, such as Burundi, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, also encountered no postponements.

UN Envoy Urges Dialogue With Opposition After Burundi Vote The U.N. The U.N.

In the period reviewed, 10 countries considered authoritarian by the Economist Intelligence Unit delayed elections, but 15 governments with that classification did not.

For countries committed to improving governance and creating more inclusive democratic processes, postponements could be used to bolster turnout and encourage voting without violence or coercion. But governments that hold pro forma elections have little need to make such arrangements.

Future trends

Election delays show no signs of growing rarer.

The number of delays in Africa dipped slightly from 20122015, but picked up again in 2016, when 20 percent of elections were postponed. Last year, that number doubled.

Nigeria is the first postponement of 2019, but some countries face ongoing delays. In South Sudan and Libya, voters continue to wait for their chance to shape the directions of their countries after multiple delays.

Economy, Insecurity and Corruption Weigh on Nigerian Elections Nigerians go to the polls Saturday to choose a president and legislature for Africas most populous country, returning two weeks later to pick state governors and local representatives.Voters in the West African nation must decide whether to grant a second term to President Muhammadu Buhari.The 76-year-old former military leader won office in 2015 on promises to improve Nigeria's oil-dependent economy, fight rampant corruption and quell insecurity  especially in the northeast plagued by Islamist Nigerians go to the polls Saturday to choose a president and legislature for Africas most populous country, returning two weeks later to pick state governors and local representatives.Voters in the West African nation must decide whether to grant a second term to President Muhammadu Buhari.The 76-year-old former military leader won office in 2015 on promises to improve Nigeria's oil-dependent economy, fight rampant corruption and quell insecurity  especially in the northeast plagued by Islamist

For Nigerian voters, the most recent election setback came at a particularly frustrating moment, mere hours before the polls were set to open. With a week before the new date, the campaigns for both candidates, incumbent Buhari and challenger Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, hope voters wont be deterred.

With a close race projected, the candidates are advocating patience, and encouraging people to consider that every vote counts.
Haiti has charged several Americans and other foreign nationals with criminal conspiracy after their arrest with assault rifles and other weapons, the national police said.

The group was detained in central Port-au-Prince Sunday evening and includes five Americans, a Serb, a Russian and a Haitian, police said.

They gave no indication about the motives of the group and said interrogations will continue.

8 hommes lourdement armes- 7 etrangers et un Haitiens- ont ete arretes ce dimanche 17 fevrier par la PNH. Leurs armes automatiques, leurs moyens de communication et leurs vehicules ont ete saisis. Pour le moment ils sont au Commissariat de Port-au-Prince a appris Le Nouvelliste pic.twitter.com/YKRoqLKPY4  Frantz Duval (@Frantzduval) February 18, 2019

The arrests came 10 days after protests began against corruption and poverty in the Caribbean nation. At least seven people have died during demonstrations demanding the ouster of President Jovenel Moise.

Police said the men were detained at a checkpoint near the central bank.

They are also charged with illegal possession of weapons for allegedly having with them six assault rifles, six pistols, ammunition, bullet proof vests, drones, telecommunications gear and two vehicles.

Canada, one of Haiti's largest international donors, on Thursday temporarily closed its embassy because of "the current volatility," while the State Department in Washington ordered the departure of all "non-emergency US personnel."
ROME, ITALY - Pope Francis will welcome more than 100 Catholic bishops from around the world to the Holy See this week for an unprecedented four-day summit to discuss clerical sex abuse in a bid to stanch the damage being done to the Church by a crisis that has roiled it for decades.

The Vatican has sought to lower expectations in the summit's run-up, but observers say it could mark a defining moment, giving the Church hierarchy a belated opportunity to convince abuse survivors and increasingly skeptical congregations that it intends to tackle the scandal definitively and cleanse a tarnished institution, which has long been accused of covering up clerical transgressions.

The summit comes days after the Vatican defrocked former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the onetime archbishop of Washington, DC. The 88-year-old last week became the most senior prelate in modern times to be be stripped of his priestly rank after a Vatican inquiry found him guilty of abusing both adults and minors and even soliciting sex during confession.

FILE - Cardinal Theodore McCarrick speaks during a FILE - Cardinal Theodore McCarrick speaks during a memorial service in South Bend, Indiana, March 4, 2015. FILE - Cardinal Theodore McCarrick speaks during a memorial service in South Bend, Indiana, March 4, 2015.

The pontiff's aides say they hope McCarrick's defrocking will be seen as an emphatic demonstration of Francis's determination to restore the Church's credibility and his commitment to take action against abusers, however elevated their rank.

Coordinated attack on the pontiff

Last August, the pope was accused by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican ambassador and a doctrinal opponent of the reform-minded Francis, of having been aware of the sexual misconduct allegations against the U.S. cardinal, but choosing to ignore them.

In a scathing 11-page document crafted with the assistance of a well-known Italian journalist and ultra-conservative critic of the pope, Vigano also said there was a gay cabal in the upper echelons of the Church, alleging it colluded in covering up abuse and has been all too ready to overlook abuse allegations when leveled against friends and progressive allies.

Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano reads during the epi Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano reads during the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishops James Massa and Witold Mroziewski, in Brooklyn, New York, July 20, 2015. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano reads during the episcopal ordination of Auxiliary Bishops James Massa and Witold Mroziewski, in Brooklyn, New York, July 20, 2015.

The allegation against Francis was dismissed as a lie by the Vatican as well as by aides of the pontiff's predecessor, the conservative Benedict XVI.

Abuse survivors also criticized the coordinated attack on the pontiff, denouncing it as a false narrative, homophobic in nature, and a bid to manipulate the clerical abuse scandal into being another front in the long-running doctrinal struggle between progressives and conservatives over Church reform.

They say clerical sex abuse cuts across doctrinal positions and has been able to continue because of a culture of concealment and the Church's instinctive shielding of priests from claims of wrongdoing, regardless of the doctrinal hue of the incumbent pope.

Stephen Bleach, a British abuse survivor who attended a Catholic school in west London during the 1970s and was one of possibly hundreds of boys abused by priests teaching there, has claimed violent pedophilia "was able to continue undetected, decade after decade, because the secretive culture of the Catholic Church valued abusers more than children."

FILE - Paul Levely, a child sex abuse victim, wear FILE - Paul Levely, a child sex abuse victim, wears a T-shirt that says "no more silence" and shows a tattoo on his arm in Rome, Italy, Feb. 28, 2016. FILE - Paul Levely, a child sex abuse victim, wears a T-shirt that says "no more silence" and shows a tattoo on his arm in Rome, Italy, Feb. 28, 2016.

A police detective giving evidence earlier this month at a tribunal in London echoed the allegation, saying he had the impression that the hierarchy at St. Benedict's School in Ealing saw its first loyalty as being toward the alleged perpetrators rather than the victims. School support staff told the inquiry they were instructed to keep their suspicions to themselves.

One drama teacher, who taught at the school in the 1990s, said, "To complain meant putting your job on the line. It felt like the mafia."

The evidence given about abuse at St. Benedict's has been repeated in dozens of inquiries examining allegations across the world - notably in the United States, Ireland, Germany, Australia and Latin America. Last August, the Church was rocked by the release of a grand jury report in the U.S. which detailed the abuse of children in six Pennsylvania dioceses over the past seven decades by hundreds of "predator priests."

Shocking history of coverups

The grand jury report detailed a shocking and dismal history of coverups in the dioceses and the withholding from secular authorities by the Church hierarchy of evidence of abuse.

An advocate and survivor of sexual abuse, looks at An advocate and survivor of sexual abuse, looks at the photos of Catholic priests accused of sexual misconduct by victims during a news conference, Dec. 6, 2018, in Orange, California. An advocate and survivor of sexual abuse, looks at the photos of Catholic priests accused of sexual misconduct by victims during a news conference, Dec. 6, 2018, in Orange, California.

Endemic abuse in Europe

The Vatican has been accused of a pattern, even in the recent past, of impeding police inquiries into endemic abuse in Europe, failing to divulge information it had and even claiming not to know the whereabouts of a priest who skipped bail in Britain before standing trial on more than a dozen abuse and rape charges. The Vatican bank had been transferring some funds from his account to him while he was on the run in the Balkans, according to a 2017 court case in London.

Francis on Sunday asked for prayers for the summit, which starts Thursday, calling abuse "an urgent challenge of our time." The senior Vatican figure moderating the summit said last week the Church's credibility was "strongly at stake." "

We must deal with this theme with depth and without fear," Father Federico Lombardi said.

Francis has sought, say his aides, to get out ahead of the unfolding scandal but keeps being wrong-footed as more details of historical abuse and their accompanying cover-ups have come to light. Some Vatican insiders fear the scandal, which has roiled the Church for more than two decades now, could worsen, arguing there are many more cases likely still to come to light, especially from developing countries in Africa and South America.

Vatican Pope Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer In St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Feb. 17, 2019. Pope Francis delivers his blessing during the Angelus noon prayer In St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Feb. 17, 2019.

In December, Francis vowed the church would never again conceal sexual abuse, and warned abusers to "hand yourself over to human justice, and prepare for divine justice." Earlier this month he issued the first Vatican acknowledgement of sexual abuse of nuns by priests and bishops.

Survivor advocacy groups will mount prayer services, vigils and marches this week and have urged bishops to meet abuse survivors from their countries; but, they warn that there must be clear outcomes from the summit when it comes to accountability and transparency. Some argue the summit has been too hastily prepared - the pope only decided last September on holding the conference.

Members of the ECA (Ending of Clergy Abuse) organi Members of the ECA (Ending of Clergy Abuse) organization and survivors of clergy sex abuse pose for photographers outside St. Peter's Square, at he Vatican, Feb. 18, 2019. Members of the ECA (Ending of Clergy Abuse) organization and survivors of clergy sex abuse pose for photographers outside St. Peter's Square, at he Vatican, Feb. 18, 2019.

The main figures on the summit's oversight committee carry a lot of credibility with advocacy groups - the list includes notable experts on sexual abuse like Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai and Jesuit priest Hans Zollner. But some critics worry the pope is not being sufficiently forceful.

Writing in the National Catholic Reporter, Jesuit priest Thomas Reese says, "In order to succeed, Francis will have to lay down the law and simply tell the bishops what to do, rather than consulting with them. He'll have to present a solution to the crisis and tell them to go home and implement it." Reese says he doubts Francis will do that, saying the pope's approach to Church governance is founded on collegiality.
In Cameroon, many Boko Haram fighters have surrendered in recent months. But Cameroon lacks facilities to rehabilitate them.

Soldiers of the Multi National Joint Task Force fighting the Boko Haram insurgency, sing at their base in Mora on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria as they train for eventual operations against the terrorist group.

At the same base, there are 87 Boko Haram fighters in custody. The fighters were captured a year ago, when they decided to lay down their weapons and be pardoned and rehabilitated as the government of Cameroon had promised.

Governor Midjiyawa Bakari of Cameroon's Far North region said the former fighters will remain at the base until a rehabilitation center is constructed for them.

Lack of funding

He said they have acquired a 13 hectare land that and are waiting for the central government in Yaounde to provide funds so that they can develop it.

He said Boko Haram fighters that are still reluctant to come out of the bushes or fear that they may be arrested by the Cameroon military and detained should have confidence in the government. He said anyone who comes back will be socially and economically reintegrated and treated as Cameroonians who were simply deceived but have realized that they were wrong and are returning to develop their country.

In December, Cameroon created a committee to disarm and reintegrate separatist fighters in its English speaking regions and Boko Haram terrorists who put down their weapons.

The centers for the separatists have been created in the towns of Bamenda and Buea. The centers for ex-Boko Haram fighters are yet to be built.

That may be why some former Boko Haram fighters are bypassing the government program altogether.

Joehim Kawamza, a 37-year-old former Boko Haram fighter, waters his maize farm here in Mora. He escaped from Nigeria in December 2017 and refused to go to the official rehabilitation center, choosing instead to reunite with his family.

No trust

He said he did not trust the government rehabilitation program. He said unlike some of his peers who are being kept as prisoners in military camps, he has rebuilt his life with the aid of a United Nations and government-backed program that trained him and gave him fertilizers and maize to grow.

He said he and his family will no longer be hungry this year as he has stocked enough maize and groundnuts to keep them going. He said last year, he was treated as an outcast until some white humanitarian workers came, trained them and gave them maize to plant and take care of their families.

He said it is his wish to use the knowledge he got from the U.N. program to empower people who joined or were kidnapped by Boko Haram.

Cameroon's government has said it wants to help former fighters like Kawamza -- but first wants to ensure they have definitively broken with Boko Haram before giving them assistance and training to earn a living.
MOSCOW - Moscow-based private-equity firm Baring Vostok Capital Partners announced Monday that senior partner Elena Ivashentseva and co-founder Alexei Kalinin are in charge of the company after its founder and senior partner Michael Calvey, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of embezzlement.

Moscow Basmanny court judge Artur Karpov ordered Calvey, the founder of the firm and one of the countrys longest-standing and most prominent American investors, held in custody until at least April 13, arguing that the seriousness of criminal charges makes him a flight risk.

Calveys lawyer said the investor maintains his innocence and will appeal. Four other defendants in the case have been ordered to remain in pretrial custody for two months.

A spokeswoman for the Moscow district court on Friday announced that Calvey had been detained along with other members of the firm on Thursday, on suspicion of stealing $37.5 million (2.5 billion rubles), a charge that carries of a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Calvey, 51, is a senior partner who founded Baring Vostok in 1994. According to the firm's website, the private equity group holds more than $3.5 billion in committed capital and is a controlling shareholder in Russia's Vostochny Bank, which focuses on Siberian and Far Eastern markets

A statement on the Baring Vostok website said the company "believes that the detention of its employees and the charges that have been brought are a result of a conflict with shareholders of Vostochniy [sic] Bank. We have full confidence in the legality of our employees' actions and will vigorously defend their rights. Baring Vostok's activities in the Russian Federation are fully compliant with all applicable laws."

Before launching Baring Vostok, Calvey worked for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Salomon Brothers. Since arriving in Moscow in the mid-1990s, he's become a prominent and highly visible member of the Moscow investment community. He is a board member of the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Founder of the Baring Vostok private equity group Founder of the Baring Vostok private equity group Michael Calvey, who was detained on suspicion of fraud, sits inside a defendants' cage as he attends a court hearing in Moscow, Feb. 15, 2019. Founder of the Baring Vostok private equity group Michael Calvey, who was detained on suspicion of fraud, sits inside a defendants' cage as he attends a court hearing in Moscow, Feb. 15, 2019.

?The announcement of Calvey's detention sent shockwaves through the international investment community, prompting numerous pleas for his immediate release.

Herman Gref, head of Sberbank, Russias biggest state bank, issued a statement calling Calvey a decent, honest man, while Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russias $10 billion sovereign wealth fund and a close contact of Russian President Vladimir Putin, described Calvey as committed to the highest ethical standards accepted in the investment community.

Kremlin officials on Friday said Putin wasn't aware of the charges being brought against Calvey.

A State Department spokesperson said Friday, "We are aware that a U.S. citizen was arrested on February 14, 2019, in Russia. We have no higher priority than the protection of U.S. citizens abroad. Due to privacy considerations, we do not have any additional information at this time."

Calvey is the third Westerner to face prosecution in Russia since December 31, when American citizen Paul Whelan, a former Marine, was jailed on accusations of spying. Last week a Russian court sentenced Dennis Christensen, a Danish adherent of the Jehovah's Witnesses religion, to six years in prison for "organizing the activity of an extremist organization."

Although Russia has jailed foreign investors who were vocal opponents of the Kremlin, Calvey has no such record of public political opinions.

Russia is "a do-it-yourself market, Calvey told The Washington Post in 2011. You can't rely on outside service providers.

In that same interview, Calvey said his group operates with 20 investors, four full-time lawyers and three government relations managers, along with a host of accountants and administrative support. At that time, all 10 of his partners were Russian nationals.

International firms aren't equipped for Russia, he told the Post. And they usually have a low-tolerance threshold for uncertainty and no sense of humor for Russian surprises, which he described as surprise audits, seizure of assets for back taxes, and sudden, sometimes seemingly arbitrary, business license reviews.

Vocal Kremlin critic and Hermitage Capital co-founder Bill Browder was denied entry into Russia in 2005 after his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, began investigating governmental misconduct and corruption in response to suspicious tax evasion charges brought against Hermitage by Russia's Interior Ministry.

Magnitsky died under suspicious circumstances in Russian custody in 2009.

The arrest of Mike Calvey in Moscow should be the final straw that Russia is an entirely corrupt and [uninvestable] country, Browder said in a tweet on Friday. Of all the people I knew in Moscow, Mike played by their rules, kept his head down and never criticized the government.

The arrest of Mike Calvey in Moscow should be the final straw that Russia is an entirely corrupt and univestable country. Of all the people I knew in Moscow, Mike played by their rules, kept his head down and never criticized the government. #raiderstvo https://t.co/kEYzPAXOUj  Bill Browder (@Billbrowder) February 15, 2019

Pete Cobus is VOA's acting Moscow correspondent. State Department correspondent Nike Ching contributed reporting from Washington. Some information is from Reuters.
ABUJA - President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday warned that anyone trying to tamper with Nigeria's postponed vote risked their lives and accused the electoral commission of incompetence.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a week's delay to voting in the early hours of Saturday, just as some of Nigeria's 84 million registered voters were already making their way to polling stations.

Buhari said anyone trying to steal or destroy ballot boxes and voting material in the election now scheduled to take place this coming Saturday would be dealt with firmly.

"I have given the military and the police instructions to be ruthless. We are not going to be blamed for the bad conduct of the election," he told an emergency meeting of senior members of his All Progressives Congress (APC) party in the capital Abuja.

He said anyone trying to intimidate voters or interfere with the voting "will do it at the expense of his own life."

The opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) has suggested that Buhari, a former military ruler who was later elected president in 2015, was behind the postponement in order to hold on to power.

The ruling party has accused the PDP of being behind the delay and colluding with figures within the electoral commission.

Neither party has publicly provided evidence to back up their allegations. The PDP criticized the president's comments in which he warned people against tampering with election material.

"President Muhammadu Buhari's threat to the lives of Nigerians, at the opening of APC's national caucus meeting in Abuja today, is a direct call for jungle justice," the party said in a statement.

All sides have, however, appealed for calm in a country where past elections have been marred by violence and intimidation. So far, there have been no signs of violence or unrest after INEC announced the delay.

Buhari faces a tight contest against the PDP's Atiku Abubakar to lead a country that has Africa's largest economy and is its top oil producer, but is plagued by corruption and wide gaps between rich and poor.

In 1 in 4 Elections, African Voters Face Delays A last-minute decision to delay Nigerias general election, now re-scheduled for Saturday, has fueled doubt about the commitment to a free and fair poll in Africas most populous country.For Nigerians, its an unwelcome, though not unfamiliar, outcome. A last-minute decision to delay Nigerias general election, now re-scheduled for Saturday, has fueled doubt about the commitment to a free and fair poll in Africas most populous country.For Nigerians, its an unwelcome, though not unfamiliar, outcome.

The election has been fought over Buhari's handling of the economy amid fragile growth and growing unemployment as the country recovers from a recession in 2016. Rising insecurity, notably in regions under attack by Boko Haram and other Islamist militants, is also a big worry.

The INEC cited logistical difficulties and problems with transporting election material to far-flung or conflict-ridden areas, and denied any political pressure had been brought to bear in its decision to suspend the vote.

Buhari said there was a need to scrutinise the issues that caused the postponement.

"Definitely the reasons why such incompetence manifests itself has to be explained to the nation. After the election we have to know exactly what really happened," he said, promising that an investigation would be launched.

INEC had said that campaigning would be suspended until the new voting day on Saturday. But, after the two main parties said they intend to resume campaigning, the electoral body made a U-turn and said in a statement on Monday evening that campaigning would be allowed until the end of Thursday.
SYDNEY - Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the country's major political parties have been hit by a hack on their computer networks. The government says the systems were infiltrated by a sophisticated state actor.

Australias cyber security agencies believe an unnamed foreign government was behind the attacks earlier this month. Computer networks used by all of the major parties were compromised. The breach was uncovered during an investigation into the hacking of computer servers at Parliament House in the national capital, Canberra.

Members will be aware that the Australian Cyber Security Center recently identified a malicious intrusion in the Australian parliament house computer network. During the course of this work we also became aware that the networks of some political parties; Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected. But our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, Morrison said.

Officials say there is no evidence of electoral interference, but Australia is boosting its cyber defenses in response. A federal election is expected in May.

In December, Canberra publicly accused China for the first time of supporting a campaign of cyber espionage to steal commercial secrets.

In 2015 and 2016, there were high-profile attacks on Australias official weather and statistics agencies

Beijing has previously denied interfering in Australias domestic affairs.

Following the online breach earlier this month there was also press speculation that North Korea or Russia could have been involved. Officials said there was no evidence that information had been accessed or stolen.
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Trade talks with China may or may not be going well. A mountainous runoff of water threatens Asia. An arrest shakes journalists in the Philippines. Poaching an endangered anteater. A space mission ends, the politics of climate.
VBSP continues striving for sustainable, inclusive development with this years Tet programme

The working group of the bank (VBSP) led by general director Duong Quyet Thang arrived to Nguyen Binh district in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang province and Dinh Lap district in the neighbouring province of Lang Son ahead of the lunar New Year to present Tet donations to local poor households and policy beneficiaries.

The gift packages came to the hands of hundreds of needy households in the districts to bring warmth to people in this northern upland region.

Last year in Cao Bang alone, VBSP spent more than VND2 billion ($87,000) building a school in Thong Nong district, donating gifts to heroic Vietnamese mothers and veterans, and building houses for poor people, and tombs to worship the provinces martyrs who gave their lives to defend the borders, and more.

VBSP general director Duong Quyet Thang hands out Tet donations

The banks Trade Union has completed a wide range of social welfare programmes valued at more than VND27.6 billion ($1.2 million) to pay tribute to people who have contributed to the revolutionary cause and to support the life of needy families and policy beneficiaries.

Ly Kiem Hin, a resident in Na Hoang hamlet in Tam Kim commune of Cao Bang, said, On normal days, our people are given loans from the bank for production and business, then the bank staff teach us how to improve the efficiency of planting and husbandry practices.

On the occasion of Tet, the bank leaders themselves have come and given us many gifts. We will do our best to leave behind poverty next year, he said.

Tam Kim and Hoa Tham are two villages of long-lasting revolutionary tradition in Nguyen Binh district where diverse ethnic minority groups co-exist such as Dao, Nung, HMong, and Muong. As these villages solely live from agricultural production with difficult transport conditions plus poor and backward infrastructure, local people report low living standards with a fairly high rate of poor households.

By virtue of preferential credit policies towards poor households and those of ethnic minority groups facing difficult living conditions in mountainous areas, many households could take up loans to develop the household economy, from there improving their life and getting rid of poverty in a sustainable manner.

These include the family of Trieu Van Phia and Hua Thi Lien from Van Lang district in Lang Son, who received preferential credit to buy a machine to produce tofu and to raise pigs, and who have been constantly improving their living conditions ever since.

In another case, the family of Hoang Thi Bang in Hoa An district of Cao Bang made it out of poverty in late 2016. In 2017, Bangs family borrowed VND50 million ($2,170) from the bank to buy two cattle for agricultural production. The family now enjoys significantly improved living conditions.

In light of the proper development orientations and solutions, credit for social policies have contributed a fair share to helping the northern highland provinces such as Cao Bang and Lang Son to successfully carry out the national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction and new-style rural area building towards 2020.
Inter Milan midfielder Radja Nainggolan (2nd right) celebrates after scoring the winner. (AFP/Miguel MEDINA)

Napoli had drawn at home against AC Milan two weeks ago and at Fiorentina last time out and will face a top-of-the-table clash against Juventus on March 3 with their Serie A bid already all but over.

Champions Juventus are firmly on track for an eighth consecutive title after Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a 3-0 win over lowly Frosinone on Friday.

"We played with focus, motivation, determination, but it's unacceptable to have 18 scoring opportunities over two games and not score any of them," Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.

"We've only ourselves to blame. When you deserve a victory you just have to go and do it. The only thing missing was the goal.

"But we're still well positioned in the standings."

Polish forward Arkadiusz Milik missed a string of chances to break the deadlock at the San Paolo Stadium with Lorenzo Insigne rattling the post in the 74th minute.

On-loan Chelsea defender Ola Aina threatened for Torino in the dying minutes but was chased down by Brazilian Allan as Walter Mazzarri's side stayed ninth - three points off the Europa League places.

"I saw a great Napoli, made up of players of the highest level," said Mazzarri.

"Taking a point against this team means we were good."

Earlier on Sunday, Radja Nainggolan scored the winner for Inter Milan to consolidate third position with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria at the San Siro, while Lazio's Champions League hopes took a knock with defeat by Genoa.

Nainggolan rifled in on 78 minutes at the San Siro after Danilo D'Ambrosio had opened the scoring five minutes earlier, with Manolo Gabbiadini equalising for Sampdoria in between.

It was the Belgian's third goal this season and gave Inter a third straight win after a recent slump as Luciano Spalletti's side sit seven points adrift of Napoli in third.

Argentine forward Mauro Icardi watched from the stands, along with his wife Wanda Nara, who is also his agent, after being stripped of the captaincy amid protracted contract negotiations.

"I very much appreciated that he was in the stadium," said Spalletti of Icardi who missed the last two games with a reported knee injury.

"I would have liked even more if he had come into the dressing room afterwards to celebrate with us, as it was a very important victory."

LAZIO SINK IN GENOA

Earlier, Genoa captain Domenico Criscito scored deep into injury time to grab a 2-1 win over Lazio which left the capital club in seventh, four points adrift of fourth-placed AC Milan in the race for Champions League qualification.

Milan Badelj had given injury-depleted Lazio a lift before the break after their Europa League defeat by Sevilla in midweek.

But Genoa punished the Romans late in the second half with Antonio Sanabria scoring on 75 minutes and Criscito sealing victory with a stunning half-volley from distance three minutes into additional time.

Europa League hopefuls Fiorentina were saved by VAR amid controversy after the referee disallowed rivals SPAL a goal and instead awarded a penalty which the Tuscans converted before winning 4-1.

Mattia Valoti's deflected 75th-minute strike had been greeted with delight by the home crowd as it appeared to have given relegation-threatened SPAL a 2-1 advantage.

But the referee immediately ordered a video review which confirmed Felipe had fouled Federico Chiesa in the build-up to the goal which he disallowed and instead awarded Fiorentina a penalty at the other end of the field.

Jordan Veretout stepped up and converted from the spot with the decision proving to be a killer blow for SPAL, who sit just three points above the relegation zone.

Giovanni Simeone added a third goal minutes later, and Brazilian Gerson a fourth as Fiorentina moved up to eighth, three points off the European places.

"They robbed us," complained SPAL president Walter Mattioli. "If you have to cancel a goal for a foul like that, it makes me laugh."

Italian Serie A results:

SPAL 1 Fiorentina 4

Genoa 2 Lazio 1

Empoli 3 Sassuolo 0

Udinese 1 Chievo 0

Inter Milan 2 Sampdoria 1

Napoli 0 Torino 0
Regionalism and nationalism in Canada  another reassessment (Part Three) By Mark Wegierski

Toronto, while being the capital of the province of Ontario, is not the political capital of Canada. Around the time of Confederation, Ottawa was deliberately chosen to be -- in a pattern seen in the case of such instances as Washington D.C., Canberra, and Brasilia -- the political capital of Canada. Ottawa lies on the border between Ontario and Quebec, in the heart of Central Canada. Much of the so-called political nationality of Canadian identity (such as it remains today) focusses on the magnificent buildings and interiors on Parliament Hill, which could be seen as very sacred political spaces. However, most of Ottawa could be characterized by its fairly architecturally drab administrative buildings that extend out in all directions beyond Parliament Hill. The political capital could be typified more as a town of civil-service mandarins and bureaucrats  the so-called permanent government  rather than elected Members of Parliament. When Western Canadian politicians such as Preston Manning referred to Ottawa it was with a considerable degree of disdain. What Preston Manning probably was objecting to most, was the notion that the federal government was owned by the Liberal Party (who increasingly called themselves the natural governing party of Canada). Ottawa was the nexus of the vast federal bureaucracy, that believed itself to be bringing progress to the benighted corners of the country, and most especially to the highly recalcitrant province of Alberta. The Liberal Party of Jean Chretien between 1993 to 2003 was, it could be argued, extremely Ontario-centric. Indeed, in the federal elections of 1993, 1997, and 2000, Ontario delivered virtually 100% of its seats to the Liberal Party. It could have been considerably embittering to Preston Manning that the Reform Party had been permanently tagged with the regional party label  and that no conciliatory gestures or professions of moderation could persuade a considerable percentage of the Ontario electorate to vote for the Reform Party. Indeed, a considerable percentage of the Ontario electorate was easily persuaded by Liberal stereotypes about the Reform Party  considering Preston Manning scary or creepy. In an attempt at re-branding Preston Manning initiated the United Alternative movement, which led to the creation of the Canadian Alliance (whose full official name was the Canadian Reform-Conservative Alliance). Stockwell Day, the former Treasurer of Alberta, defeated Preston Manning for the leadership of the newly-formed Canadian Alliance. However, in the November 2000 federal election, Stockwell Day -- while ostensibly far more telegenic than Manning  was written off as a Christian fundamentalist extremist by most Ontario voters. Western Canadians (and especially Albertans) had been traumatized in the early 1980s by Trudeaus National Energy Program (NEP) which they saw as a naked power-grab at Albertas oil wealth. Trudeau's NEP, geared to Central Canadian interests, had prevented the development of Western Canadian oil reserves at a time when it was fortuitous to do so, because of the booming oil market. Their full development had been delayed for decades. Spokespersons for Western Canadian regionalist tendencies had often complained that there are no constitutional mechanisms (like the Senate in the United States, to which every U.S. state elects the same number of Senators), to prevent the less populous regions (i.e., the West and the Atlantic region), from being dominated and ruled in the interests of Central Canada. It is also interesting that Australia, which is also a Commonwealth country with a federal system, has developed comparable tensions between the central government in Canberra, and the regions. Coincidentally, there had been a grab for the resources of Western Australia, which had been scotched by the different constitutional structures of Australia. It is somewhat amusing that one of the cities in Western Australia  and a hotbed of resistance to Canberra  is called Kalgoorlie. Later, Pauline Hansons One Nation movement had obtained most of its electoral support from Queensland (in the north-east). In November 1987, simmering Western Canadian alienation resulted in a bringing together of various Western Canadian political activists, in the founding assembly of what was to become the Reform Party. They were led by Preston Manning, who was the son of former, long time Alberta Premier Ernest C. Manning. One of the Reform Party's main planks was the so-called "Triple-E Senate" -- elected, equal, and effective. (By "equal" was meant that each province or region would have the same number of seats in the Senate.) The Canadian Senate is currently made up of persons appointed by the Prime Minister of the day, with some degree of consultation with the provinces. While it is considered a house of "sober, second thought", its powers are residual, and much of its authority has been undermined by the blatant partisanship of most of the appointments. There is now a mandatory retirement age of 75 for Canadian Senators. Stephen Harper made headlines when he appointed a so-called elected Senator from Alberta. Since provinces have a consultative role in the selection of Senators, they can stage an informal selection process including a province-wide vote on a short-list of candidates, to choose which person they want to represent them in the Senate. However, such procedures are not, strictly-speaking, legally binding on the Prime Minister. The length of Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretiens years in office from 1993 to 2003 meant that he was able to appoint a huge number of Senators. The callousness with which Mulroney treated Atlantic, and especially Western Canada, showed both basic ignorance, and a narrow, self-serving, parochial vision, rather than one of truly national unity and purpose. One especially remembers the awarding of the huge federal aircraft maintenance contract to Quebec firm Bombardier, rather than the Winnipeg firm whose tender was apparently markedly superior. The effect of Mulroneys government was often to play up and exacerbate existing economic and power disparities. However, his attempts to gain Western Canadian favour by the quick cancellation of the NEP, by some major industrial strategy-type government support programs, as well as, especially, by the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, allowed him to hold on to much of Western Canadian support in the 1988 federal election. However, when the Reform Party became more firmly established, by the time of the 1993 federal election, they swept most of Western Canada, especially Alberta. It could be argued that perhaps some cultural issues being raised by the Reform Party (such as its mildly expressed ideas for some tempering of multiculturalism and high immigration policies), possessed far greater salience for many in Western Canada, than the putative, purely economic benefits being offered by the federal P.C.s. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan (right) greets Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) upon his arrival at the military Nur Khan Air Force base in Islamabad. (HANDOUT/PID/AFP)

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a raft of investment deals on Sunday (Feb 17) worth up to US$20 billion for the cash-strapped South Asian country, as Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman launched his Asia tour seeking to emerge from the Khashoggi affair.

Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the deals - seven separate agreements and Memorandums of Understanding - will provide welcome relief to its teetering economy.

The crown prince, widely known as "MBS", is staging the high-profile three-country visit five months after he came under intense pressure following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He got a warm welcome in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked longtime ally Saudi Arabia for its support, adding: "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now taking this relationship to a level which (they) never had before."

Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer.

Earlier on Sunday, MBS was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute and was warmly embraced by Khan and powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as he stepped onto a red carpet flanked by an honour guard at a military airbase near Islamabad.

The two-day visit to Pakistan comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran - both bordering Pakistan - have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

Hours ahead of the crown prince's arrival, Pakistan dismissed Delhi's accusations as "well-rehearsed tactics from (the) Indian playbook after such incidents in the past".

MBS will travel to India after his Pakistan visit, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

The Asia trip comes after the murder of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi's death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

Turkey said on Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and profoundly tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

'NOT A PARIAH'

But for analysts, the Asia tour - the largest outing on the international scene for the Saudi royal since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December - is a timely demonstration to the West that he still has friends in rising Asia.

He "wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah", said James M. Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

It is a matter of proving that he still has "international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king".

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-affiliated think tank, noted that as the Khashoggi case continues to cause indignation in Western countries, visiting them would have been "inconvenient".

"Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy," he said.

Asian countries, he added, "have an important special characteristic - that is, we don't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries".

The prince's trip also includes an important economic component.

"China is the largest buyer of Saudi crude, and Saudi Arabia's other largest clients are all Asian: India, Japan, South Korea," said Dorsey.

"Asia is a source of inward investment into Gulf energy and infrastructure investment; and the future growth of the global economy will be in Asia," said Karen Young, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.

TALIBAN 'IN ISLAMABAD'

The crown prince's visit to Islamabad comes as the Taliban appeared to postpone a round of talks with the US set to be held in Pakistan this week, according to the group's spokesman.

Neither Washington or Pakistan confirmed the latest round of talks the Taliban earlier claimed were set to take place in Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are both involved in a months-long push led by Washington aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.
Tickets for the Cat Linh-Hadong metro line will be free at the beginning

According to recommendations of the Hanoi Peoples Committee and the Chinese EPC (engineering procurement construction) main contractor, the test runs of the Cat Linh-Hadong line will last until the end of the first quarter, after a total of six months.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong said that the Cat Linh-Hadong urban railway will be put into official operation from April. In the early stages, the metro will be free for passengers.

Hanoi Railway Transport Company has proposed a fare of around VND10,000 ($0.43) for a five- to six-kilometre trip later on, which will be adjusted depending on the distance.

The fare will be subsidised by the government to persuade people to use the metro instead of their private vehicles, according to the company. However, the city is still appraising the fare options.

The metro line will be assessed for safety by the Vietnam Register and an independent French agency before launch.

According to the Ministry of Transport, some four per cent of the works related to pathways and terminals have yet to be completed. The Chinese main contractor will carry out test runs carefully and hand the line over to the city authorities for management and commercial operation.

Cat Linh-Hadong urban railway, developed by the Ministry of Transport, started construction in October 2011 and has a length of 13.1km. The total initial investment of the project was $552.86 million (in 2008), including $133.86 million from the Vietnamese government and $419 million borrowed from China. However, this has been adjusted to $868 million, with loans from China increasing by around $250 million to $669 million.

This metro line has 13 trains with four carriages each. The length of a train is 79m, with a height of 3.8m and width of 2.8m. The trains are painted green and sport the image of Khue Van Cac, a symbol of Hanoi.

Once completed, the trains will transport up to 2,110 passengers across 12 stations. The stations are Cat Linh, La Thanh, Thai Ha, Lang, Thuong Dinh, Ring Road 3, Phung Khoang, Van Quan, Hadong, La Khe, Van Khe, and Yen Nghia.
Destroyed houses are pictured after a fire broke out in a slum in Chittagong on Feb 17, 2019. (Photo: AFP / STR)

The blaze broke out in the port city of Chittagong at about 3.30am and raced through the district of bamboo, tin and tarpaulin homes, said local police chief Pranab Chowdhury.

"At least 470 shanties were destroyed by the fire. So far nine people have died. They included four members of a family," fire brigade official Hefazatul Islam told AFP.

Fires regularly break out in Bangladesh's slums, where millions live in squalid living conditions.

Rights groups have in the past alleged some shanty town blazes were deliberate acts of sabotage by developers seeking to free up property to construct multi-storey buildings.

"We have seen fires are used as a weapon to evict poor slum dwellers and squatters from government or private property," rights activist Nur Khan Liton told AFP.
Do Danh Thanh, technology consulting director at PwC Consulting Vietnam

What potential do you see in digital banking?

I think there is huge potential for digital banking to become the norm because of the core values that it delivers, such as simplicity, connectivity, and effectiveness. Many of us are already familiar with e-banking systems, which allow customers to make payments, transfer money or check their bank balances online. Digital banking is more advanced in that it enables the provision of all such and other products and services through mobile devices.

The high flexibility of digital banking products and services helps banks serve customers in a timely and highly interactive manner. This not only benefits banks and their customers, but also third-party partners and end users. Moreover, with a similar scale and investment, a digital bank can yield substantially higher economic benefits compared to the traditional operating model. One case in point is Indias Digibank, which amassed over 1.8 million customers and started making profit within only 18 months of its establishment.

According to PwCs 2018 Global Digital Banking Consumer Survey, 15 per cent of participants use their mobile phones as the primary device to transact with banks (up from 10 per cent in 2017). A survey by the State Bank of Vietnam in 2017 further showed that the number of financial transactions via mobile devices increased by 81 per cent, while Internet banking transactions rose by 67 per cent compared to the previous year. Despite the fact that many customers still stick with traditional banking, digital banking services have been growing rapidly and are expected to replace traditional banking gradually.

What do you think about the current digital banking transformation practices?

Aligned with the governments objective to create a cashless economy by 2020 and for at least two Vietnamese commercial banks to rank among the 100 largest Asian banks in terms of total assets, competition in the banking industry will boil down to one question: who will come first in the digital banking transformation, thereby winning in the high-potential domestic market and expanding internationally?

As per our assessment, most of Vietnams banks have started implementing digital core banking systems to accommodate Internet banking payment services and digital payments. Some banks have authorised payments via QR codes on mobile device applications, payments through social networks, and cash withdrawals from ATM without cards. Currently, some Vietnamese banks are using data analytics to synchronise data and support customer behaviour analysis. These are very positive developments showing that the banking sector is going digital.

How do you think banks should start their digital transformation journey?

We have come up with three main approaches based on our experience in delivering digital transformation projects. The first approach is to set up a digital team who reports to the CEO and fully takes part in the transformation process. With the advantages of direct involvement and deep understanding of the clients business, this approach puts customers at the centre and brings them new digital experiences. The second approach is to establish an entity separate from the traditional bank. With such segregation, the entity will focus on creative capabilities and piloting to generate new ideas that can be implemented at the original bank at a much larger scale. The third approach is to build an integrated transformation team tasked with solving current customers needs with digitalised solutions. With this approach, banks can focus on customers needs entirely and form partnerships with fintech startups to implement effective solutions.

Even though each approach has its own pros and cons, these are the three methods that have brought success to many banks around the world in practice. We believe that Vietnamese banks, subject to their own characteristics, should seriously consider one of these three approaches to start their digital transformations.

Objectively speaking, are Vietnam banks ready to undertake the digital journey?

Looking back at the successful digital transformations of some banks in the region, we have identified some common drivers, such as changing demographics, better and cheaper technologies, a need for optimising returns on investment, and open and flexible legal systems. These are the core drivers for banks to transform their operations to meet more complex and diverse customer needs.

Vietnam has all these drivers and is, in fact, a potential market for digital banking transformations. To achieve this, banks should start by building their digital strategies and visions. Then, they can assess their current digital state and select the appropriate approach for digital transformation with clear objectives aligned with financial effectiveness.
The average income of three telecom giants' employees. Unit: USD per month, Viettel has yet to publish its data 2018

VNPT: tripling in five years

At the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue and VNPT in the first working day after Tet (Lunar New Year), Pham Duc Long, VNPTs general director reported about the groups operations.

Accordingly, the average income of VNPT employees in 2018 was about VND28 million ($1,217) per month.

This is a very surprising number. Five years ago, VNPT began restructuring its operations and employees salary at the time was VND11.7 million ($509) per month.

During the restructuring, VNPT has focused on creating mechanisms to motivate employees, then synchronously deploying the 3P salary scale and BSC/KPI (Balance Scored/Key Performance Indicators) evaluation criteria throughout the corporation. This motivated employees to improve their efficiency, productivity, and income, Long said.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue lauded VNPT as for its multifaceted activities garnering success on all fronts, as the group conducted restructuring, continued manufacturing, and still reached high and stable profit growth, ensuring the lives of tens of thousands of employees, contributing to the nations e-government, smart education, smart healthcare, and smart city initiatives.

The salary of VND28 million ($1,217) per month multiplied with over 37,000 employees shows the great contribution of VNPT to society, the deputy prime minister assessed.

Viettel, the highest payer

VNPT employees income is high, however, Viettel pays even better. According to Viettels report, in 2017 the average income of the corporations employees was VND31.8 million ($1,383) per month.

This is also a spectacular 29-fold increase against 2000. The salary of VND650-700 million ($28,260-30,434) per year for Viettel's overseas employees might take other companies aback but is considered money well spent by Viettel.

At the beginning of 2010, when implementing the plan to manufacture a Vietnamese brand of phones, the Ministry of Information and Communication allowed Viettel to pay for foreign experts $23,000 per month, equivalent to nearly VND6 billion ($260,869) per year, an unprecedented salary.

In its development strategy to 2020, Viettel has set the target to increase productivity to VND3-4 billion ($130,434-173,913) per employee per year, and the average income to VND40-50 million ($2,139  2,173) per employee per month.

MobiFone not far behind

According to MobiFones president Nguyen Manh Thang, although in 2018 the corporation had many difficulties, MobiFone still achieved some good news. This corporation currently has 3,905 employees, 90 per cent of whom have bachelors degrees, 20 per cent have masters degrees, with the average income of VND22.79 million ($991) per month.

Compared to the previous years, MobiFones average income has decreased. In 2017, MobiFone had 4,109 employees with the average income per month of VND24.6 million ($1,069), higher than the average of VND22.9 million ($995.6) of 2016 and 2015.

It can be seen that telecommunications offers high average incomes and has thus become a dream for many. Nevertheless, the sector is also highly contested and is often complained of for the great pressure during work.
adidas collected feedback from thousands of runners to create the Ultraboost 19

In recent years, running has become a popular community sport around the world. In Vietnam, running clubs and runner communities are being established and are making running a popular freetime activity. Besides, charity runs are also held regularly with larger scale, making running a popular sport.

Along with the strong development of running, the demand for accompanying equipment is also becoming more focused. The runners are setting increasingly high expectations for their running shoes. They want to have a pair of lightweight running shoes with streamlined texture, with better fetaures than previous versions. The design is especially important: the shoes must catch the eyes at first sight.

Recently, adidas has unveiled the Ultraboost 19 model that promises to satisfy even the most demanding runners. To create these new rockets, adidas designers and developers have collaborated with thousands of runners worldwide to totally reinvent the running shoe. Via simplifying the original adidas Ultraboost, they created a lighter, reboosted silhouette with more responsiveness for a game-changing running experience.

Ultraboost 19  a lighter, reboosted silhouette with more responsiveness for a game-changing running experience

adidas Ultraboost 19 has been developed to fully satisfy all these requirements: they are beautiful, compact, light, and offer optimal support for every move on the track. The new running shoes most noticeable innovation is BOOST technology applied to the base with an additional 20 per cent increase in the midsole to inject more energy into each step, which is the "secret weapon" that puts power in each step.

BOOST technology is the "secret weapon" that helps to transfer enery better when moving

Along with the insoles, adidas upgraded the upper with Primeknit 360 technology  a seamless weaving technology that forms a seamless block from heel to nose to bring a sense of lightness and comfort absolute. With regards to the fit, the heel frame is applied 3D (Frame Heel) technology with a flip-over design that helps embrace the heel, fits and provides maximum support for each step, bringing advanced stability for a more confident run.

Moreover, a brand-new Torsion Spring system with flexible plastic frame connecting the base and the nose also helps the runner optimise each ground movement and create momentum to propel them forward effortlessly. The result of this high-tech configuration is a shoe that blasts back more energy and moves with you, so every stride is full of power and no energy is wasted in the transition.

The heel frame was produced with 3D (Frame Heel) technology with a flip-over design that helps embrace the heel, fits, and supports each step

Sam Handy, adidas Runnings deputy design director, said, Running is constantly evolving, so we designed the reboosted and re-energised adidas Ultraboost 19 to empower runners all over the world to keep challenging and changing what running is and what it looks like. We have created a shoe that provides more energy return than ever before so that all runners can run with power and confidence in whatever way their creativity takes them.

The adidas Ultraboost 19 was inspired by and created for a new running era, where running is more free, sociable, and open. To celebrate this, adidas will bring a series of exciting events to its markets around the world. In Vietnam, an unprecedented lifestyle party for the runner community held in March will combine realistic interactive technology, music, famous runners and, of course, the indispensable running challenges.

Ultraboost 19 will be launched with four colours, namely Laser Red, Dark Pixel, Refract, Bat Orchid. Available in limited numbers, it will definitely stagger sneakerheads. The new shoes will be officially available at adidas stores across Vietnam from the last week of February 2019.
Virginia Democrats play last man standing By Michael R Shannon

Note to White People: Whenever an interview or news conference contains the phrase: "I am not a racist" you've already lost the argument. The latest individual of the Caucasian persuasion to make this forthright declaration of stupidity is actor Liam Neeson. It was an attempt to defuse an earlier admission that he was once intent on attacking a random black person after a friend had been raped. Virginia Gov. Ralph 'Moonwalk' Northam was no doubt following Neeson's career suicide closely in hopes that this latest racial faux pas would overshadow his problem. Namely that Northam had not pursued a random black person, but instead had portrayed a random black person in a yearbook photo from the '80s. Northam  one of those rare individuals who when confronted with career conflagration goes to the store for more lighter fluid decided to hold a news conference and get everything out in the open. Crisis consultants advise clients that if they can change the subject it is sometimes possible to survive. What they dont advise is changing the subject by introducing an entirely new crisis. In front of a sea of reporters Northam denied he was in the yearbook photo, but volunteered that hed donned blackface in the 80s to portray Michael Jackson in a "Moonwalk contest". The only way the event could have been more damaging was if Ralph had entered wearing a sequined glove or claimed some of his best friends were black. He proved once again that Northam is so culturally tone deaf he didn't recognize that admitting to dressing like a pedophile might be an additional problem. While Northams political judgement is so bad he was only saved from demonstrating his version of the moonwalk by Mrs. Northams horrified intervention. Northams prospects for finishing his term were bleak. Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax is black and it would have created an elegant symmetry for a disgraced white man  guilty of a race crime  to resign in favor of a young, virile black man. Only now it seems that Fairfax may be a tad too virile. A California college professor accuses Fairfax of sexually assaulting her at the 2004 DNC national convention. Something about this charge reminds me of, what was it? OH, YES! Now I remember, the guiltyuntilproveninnocent attack on Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Vanessa Tysons sexual assault account is much different from Christine Fords. She knows the exact date, she knows the exact location, friends confirm she told them immediately after it happened and Tyson is a Democrat who has nothing to gain from going public. This means Fairfax should be toast, but in fact hes only feeling a little heat. The National Organization of Women called for Fairfax resignation, but none of the Democrats who were so eager for Kavanaugh to withdraw have said a word about Fairfax and his much more credible sexual assault accusation. The remarkable silence and absence of the usual blame game reminds you of the time when Democrats were either wearing white Klan robes or sporting blackface. Their contention then was when it came to sex, black folks just couldnt help themselves. But even if Northam and Fairfax are gone the AG is a Democrat so the seat stays in leftist hands, even if Mark Herring is unfortunately white. Then Herring admitted this week that he also did a temporary makeover and wore blackface during the 80s. Maybe Herring was trying to flood the zone. If every amateur Democrat minstrel show wannabe confessed in the same week, there might be too many of them for any one miscreant to be targeted. Herring could escape the blackface blackball in spite of the fact last week he demanded Northam resign for the same offense. What amazes me is the lefts enthusiasm for blackface. I grew up among rednecks in West Texas and the only blackface I ever saw was in really old movies. By the 70s even we had figured out a visit to the Shinola spa was a bad idea. As this is written the trio is still clinging to office. When I saw a Washington Post headline that read: Despite protests and isolation strongmen can cling to power I thought it was a story about Richmonds Democrat bitterenders. Northam appears to be taking the Gaddafi option. Social Justice Warriors will have to flush him out a culvert before Northam will surrender the governors office. Even if he leaves, the chances of the groper or the remaining goober resigning are slim. Thats because next in the line is Speaker Kirk Cox who is both white and a Republican. Weve learned when the left is presented with a choice between living up to its moral exhibitionism or retaining power, somehow power always seems to win. Michael R. Shannon is a public relations and advertising consultant with corporate, government and political experience around the globe. He is a dynamic and entertaining keynote speaker. He can be reached at mandate.mmpr (at) gmail.com. He is also the author of Conservative Christian's Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!). Home
Red old deal recycled as Green New Deal

By Mark Alexander



Marketing experts insist that the words "green" and "new deal" invoke a favorable consumer response. So do the words "rainbows" and "unicorns."

The Democrat Party's so-called "Green New Deal" (GND), better known as the "Rainbows and Unicorns Resolution of 2019," is, as I wrote previously, like a watermelon  "green on the outside, but red on the inside." It's the ludicrous Millennial effluent of the Leninist "Earth Day" mindset.

This behemoth "climate change" charade is, as are all others, about the implementation of socialist economic policies. That consequence is evident in the fact that the absurd mandates of the GND (as outlined in its FAQ document, which was quickly removed from public view) would result in catastrophic worldwide economic collapse.

GND is so colossally asinine that it's difficult to know where to start  so let's go back to the beginning, with a brief assessment of what ensued.

This example of abject ecofascist ignorance was fronted by the "new face of the Democrat Party," as DNC Chairman Tom Perez described Miss Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), the leftist Millennial heartthrob who arrived in Congress just three weeks ago. Perez must think Democrat voters are idiots and will buy into the fresh-faced facade.

Her sycophantic Leftmedia admirers now refer to her simply as "AOC," which, perhaps fittingly, is also an initialism for "American Organized Crime."

She and her cohort, Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), both chronically manifesting Trump Derangement Syndrome, described their plan as "a national, social, industrial and economic mobilization at a scale not seen since World War II," attempting to frame it as an extension of FDR's failed "New Deal" policies. (More on that in a moment.)

Their GND is the latest Demo "BIG Lie" for "fundamentally transforming the United States of America," a masterpiece of ignorant propaganda backed by the usual socialist deniers. But Ocasio-Cortez may ultimately be a socialist contagion.

Wall Street Journal political analyst Kimberley Strassel declared, "By the end of the Green New Deal resolution (and accompanying fact sheet) I was laughing so hard I nearly cried. If a bunch of GOPers plotted to forge a fake Democratic bill showing how bonkers the party is, they could not have done a better job. It is beautiful."

While it may be laughable, it's no laughing matter.

The GND is not the stuff of dreams but of socialist-induced nightmares. Democrat Party neophytes romanticize such nightmares, refusing to accept the reality that socialist governments, like those of the USSR and most recently Venezuela, are destined to empower tyrants and usher in economic calamity before they inevitably fail.

Columnist David Harsanyi outlined some of the most insane requirements of the GND, including its mandate to ban affordable energy, eliminate nuclear energy, eliminate 99% of cars, gut and rebuild every building in America, and eliminate air travel and substitute for rail (which, coincidentally, California just killed).

Of course, its replete with "social welfare" objectives to guarantee a job for people willing to work (and "economic security for all who are unable or unwilling to work"), and housing, free education, and healthy food for all. (You can read more details here and here.) Notably, the Bezos WaPo refused to do any of its vaunted fact-checking: "We won't be awarding any Pinocchios in this kerfuffle."

Enter Donald Trump. On the heels of his well-received State of the Union, in which he declared, "Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country. We are born free, and we will stay free. Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country." Trump was quick to offer an acerbic endorsement of the GND: "I think it is very important for the Democrats to press forward with their Green New Deal. It would be great for the so-called 'Carbon Footprint' to permanently eliminate all Planes, Cars, Cows, Oil, Gas & the Military  even if no other country would do the same. Brilliant!"

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell followed up with a commitment to call for a vote on the GND resolution to get Democrats on record: "I've noted with great interest the Green New Deal. And we're going to be voting on that in the Senate. Give everybody an opportunity to go on record and see how they feel about the Green New Deal."

Ironically, the Demo GND resolution may not even get a vote in the Demo-controlled House. Freedom Center Journalism fellow Bruce Thornton notes that it has turned into "The Democrats' Dangerous Gong Show."

Demo Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered this less-than-lukewarm reference to the GND after its unveiling: "The green dream, or whatever they call it  nobody knows what it is, but they're for it, right?" That is reminiscent of Pelosi's comment about Barack Obama's so-called Affordable Care Act: "We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it." Recall that Pelosi added, "In [passing this legislation], we will honor the vows of our Founders, who in the Declaration of Independence said that we are 'endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'" Seriously, she said that.

Of course, Pelosi is just using the GND as a political ploy to circle back with a "moderate" version as a consensus-building negotiation ploy. Laughably, Pelosi invoked "God" to justify the Democrats' "climate change" agenda: "We have a moral responsibility to protect God's creation for generations to come. That is why today, we named members to the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis." (Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley responded: "Does God's creation not include protecting babies as well Madame Speaker? A committee on that issue would be welcome.")

In fact, more than 65 House Democrats have already signed on to the resolution. And top Democrat lawmakers in the Senate, some of whom have committed to 2020 presidential runs, including Elizabeth "Fauxcahontas" Warren, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Cory "Spartacus" Booker, have also signed on. According to Spartacus, those not supporting the "10-year national mobilization" are not dreamers: "There's a lot of people now going back on the Green New Deal. They're like, 'Oh, it's impractical. Oh, it's too expensive. Oh, it's all of this.' If we used to govern our dreams that way, we would have never gone to the moon. 'God, that's impractical! You see that ball in the sky? That's impractical!' We are a nation that has done impossible things before." (Somebody should inform Booker about how much glorious fossil fuel we used to get to the moon.)

Leftist cadres insist the GND is a litmus test for 2020 Demo candidates.

In reality, it's a litmus test for identity-politics idiocy, and all the candidates who signed on are banking on the idiocy of their constituents.

Of course, the GND is also backed by leftist billionaires such as George Soros, Tom Steyer, Michael Bloomberg, and Jeff Bezos  who, along with their Leftmedia propagandists, form the archenemies of American Liberty. And, given their insatiable narcissistic pursuit of power, they're committed to promoting this socialist agenda.

Finally, as promised regarding FDR's "New Deal," let's take a quick stroll down History Lane...

The GND socialist charade is an attempt to re-warm President Franklin Roosevelt's populist "New Deal," but a quick review of the facts, such being anathema to Democrats, makes clear that FDR's statist policies failed  and that the so-called "Green New Deal" is destined to fail catastrophically.

Of course, Democrats never let pesky facts get in the way of their political agendas.

FDR's attempt to tax, spend, and regulate the nation out of the Great Depression between 1933 and 1936 largely failed with each new initiative. While his Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Civil Works Administration (CWA) provided labor jobs and sustenance to people willing to work, this didn't end the Depression. His Farm Security Administration (FSA), the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) provided support for farmers, the unemployed, youth, and the elderly, but did not end the Depression. FDR also ended the "gold standard" backing of currency in an effort to stop deflation, resulting in the fiat currency we use today, but that didn't work either. He then focused on bank reform by way of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which did improve banking confidence but did not end the Depression.

In his words, FDR defined his failed centralized government folly as "bold, persistent experimentation," adding, "It is common sense to take a method and try it; if it fails, admit it frankly and try another." That's crisis management by trial and error.

FDR even attempted to pack the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices in order to ensure affirmation of his extra-constitutional government programs, but fortunately, Congress reined in that effort. (Recently, after Trump's successful SCOTUS nominations of jurists who support Rule of Law, Democrats are again proposing to increase the number of justices in order to recover their rule-of-men tyranny by judicial diktat.)

After he'd purchased his reelection with massive government expansion and wealth-redistribution schemes, the nation was hit with the "Roosevelt Depression" of 1937. Clearly, his first-term "3 Rs" policies  government intervention to provide relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system  had failed, and unemployment then climbed to 22%. So FDR responded by wildly expanding government deficit spending from 1% of GDP to almost 5% of GDP, and that superficially stabilized the economy. But the simple fact is that the end of the Great Depression came with the massive spending increases we undertook to win World War II and the job creation that accompanied our wartime economy.

The net result of FDR's "policy solutions," however, was an irrevocable expansion of government bureaucracies defined by his "New Bill of Rights" in 1944 and a political realignment that gave the Democrat Party majorities in Congress and a stranglehold on the White House for seven of the nine presidential terms from 1933 to 1969. And in the 1960s, Lyndon Johnson's so-called "Great Society" programs proved to be yet another case study in failed socialist policies.

Ominously, LBJ said of his statist expansion, "We have built up new instruments of public power. In the hands of a people's government this power is wholesome and proper. But in the hands of political puppets of an economic autocracy such power would provide shackles for the liberties of the people."

Today's Democrats are little more than autocratic puppets.

For the record, FDR's response to collapsing confidence in our financial system in 1933 was similar to Obama's response in 2009  similar in that both Democrat presidents proposed socialist "policy solutions" that, in fact, served only to extend the economic misery. In the case of Obama, his solutions were in response to the 2008 financial crisis that was, ironically but not coincidentally, the direct result of prior Democrat statist regulatory policies related to mortgage markets.

As was the case with those statist policies, the "Green New Deal" in any portion is likewise designed to result in another crisis of economic confidence, opening a much grander opportunity to break the back of free enterprise and replace it with evermore socialist policies.

Mark Alexander is the executive editor of the Patriot Post.
San Francisco, CA (UroToday.com) As most renal cell carcinomas are a clear cell in origin, data directing treatment in the non-clear cell realm are limited. Often, a patient with non-clear cell histologies is excluded from clinical trials. Current treatment guidelines for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and non-clear cell histologies are to enroll in a clinical trial or consider utilization of a VEGF inhibitor (sunitinib). PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition (nivolimab + ipilimumab) was approved for patients with intermediate or poor risk previously untreated advanced RCC. Cohort A of KEYNOTE 427 demonstrates single agent pembrolizumab had promising antitumor activity as first line therapy for clear cell RCC.In this presentation, Dr. McDermott discussed the Cohort B of the KEYNOTE 427 trial, where patients with recurrent, advanced, or metastatic non-clear cell RCC (n=165) and no prior systemic therapy were given pembrolizumab 200mg Q 3 weeks. Endpoints included objective response rates, duration of response, progression-free survival, overall response, safety and tolerability.At a cutoff date of September 2018, median follow up in this cohort was 11.1 months. 110 patients discontinued treatment, primarily due to progressive disease (76/110) and clinical progression (16/110). Only 10 patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. 71% of patients had papillary RCC, 13% chromophobe and 16% unclassified. 68% of patients were in the intermediate or poor risk group and 62% PD-L1 positive.A blinded independent central review demonstrated an objective response rate of 25% for papillary, 9.5% chromophobe, and 35% for unclassified renal cell carcinomas. Furthermore, approximately 55% of patients experienced a reduction in tumor burden. Median time to response was 2.8 months. Favorable IMDC risk group had a 28% objective response rate compared to 23% for intermediate and poor risk. Stratified by PD-L1 expression, demonstrated a 33% objective response for PD-L1 positive compared to 10% for PD-L1 negative tumors. 65% of patients had any grade adverse events, and 18% high grade. Discontinuation due to treatment-related adverse events were reported in 6% of patients.In summary, Keynote 427 Cohort B results demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity with first line pembrolizumab monotherapy in non-clear cell advanced RCC. The safety profile was similar to other previously reported trials with pembrolizumab monotherapy. These results support further trials with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in non-clear cell RCCs.Presented by: David F. McDermott, MD, Dana Farber Cancer Center, Boston, MassachusettsWritten by: David B. Cahn, DO, MBS, @dbcahn, Fox Chase Cancer Center at the Annual ASCO GU meeting 2019, San Francisco, CA, Twitter: @shekabhishek at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, (ASCO GU) #GU19, February 14-16, 2019 - San Francisco, CA Further Related Content:
San Francisco, CA (UroToday.com) Up to 30% of patients with clinically localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will eventually experience recurrence. For this reason, multiple clinical trials with targeted agents have been performed to determine if adjuvant systemic therapy can reduce this risk in high-risk patients. While some trials suggested these agents did not confer any benefit, sunitinib is currently approved for adjuvant use in patients who are considered to be high-risk. There are several current risk stratification systems that are currently being used to help predict the risk of recurrence, however these systems may misclassify some patients. At the Localized Kidney Cancer Session at the 2019 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, Dr. Cedric Michel Lebacle presented on the UCLA Histo-Genetic Risk Classification (U-HGRC) model, which is aimed at more accurately predicting an individual patients risk of recurrence of RCC after surgical resection.He and his group evaluated 646 patients who underwent either nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy at UCLA for clinically-localized clear cell RCC who had tumor and cytogenetic analysis performed on their tissue post-operatively. Histopathologic features included in this analysis included T stage, tumor size, and presence of sarcomatoid features. They found specific cytogenetic abnormalities, including gain of chromosome 5q, loss of chromosome 10q, and loss of X or Y chromosomes provided additional prognostic information. Patients were stratified into U-HGRC groups 1 (low), 2 (intermediate), and 3 (high) based on the combination of their histopathologic and cytogenetic features. At a median follow-up of 55 months, they found that a patients U-HGRC group was strongly correlated with individual recurrence risk, particularly for the high-risk group. The risk of recurrence at 5 years for group 1 was 9%, group 2 was 25%, and group 3 was 62% (median disease-free survival of 47 months). These findings were then internally validated with two other random samples of patients and were again found to be statistically significant.The U-HGRC model was also predictive of overall survival, with group 1 patients having a 4% risk of death at 5 years, group 2 patients having a 9% risk at 5 years, and the group 3 patients having a 22% risk of death at 5 years. The addition of the cytogenetic information provided additional accuracy of recurrence prediction over prior models that took into account histopathologic factors alone.Dr. Lebacle concluded that the U-HGRC integrates cytologic alterations with clinical and pathologic features, and that this model allows for better risk-stratification of recurrence and overall survival over prior models. He believes that more accurate prognostication could help to better identify those patients who may benefit from enrollment into adjuvant clinical trials.Presented by: Cedric Michel Lebacle, MDWritten by: Brian Kadow, MD. Society of Urologic Oncology Fellow, Fox Chase Cancer Center at the Annual ASCO GU meeting 2019, San Francisco, CA, Twitter: @shekabhishek at the 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, (ASCO GU) #GU19, February 14-16, 2019 - San Francisco, CA
(@FahadShabbir)

MUNICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th February, 2019) Washington is calling for changes in the Syrian government's politics and not for the dismissal of President Bashar Assad, James Jeffrey, the US special representative for Syria Engagement, said on Sunday.

"We are not [calling for president Assad to go], we are calling for a major change in the behavior of the [Syrian] regime to bringing in line with a dozen UN and other international agreements on how to treat your own citizens and how to do with the neighborhood," the representative said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

The United States has been operating in Syria at the head of an international coalition since 2014 without securing approval from either Damascus or the United Nations Security Council. Assad has accused Washington of trying to overthrow the Syrian government and providing support to armed militants.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

MUNICH (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th February, 2019) There will be no ceasefire between the Syrian government and the terrorists operating in the Syrian province of Idlib with the latter remaining targets for airstrikes, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said on Sunday.

"There will be no ceasefire between the [Syrian] government or those, who are supporting the government, and terrorists. They are a common threat to everyone," Vershinin said at the Munich Security conference, adding that the terrorists in Idlib remained targets for airstrikes.

On Thursday, the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran held the fourth trilateral meeting on settlement of the Syrian conflict in the Russian resort city of Sochi.

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the meeting focused on the situation in Idlib.

Idlib remains the last major stronghold of radical militants in Syria. Despite rumors about the possible Syrian government troops' operation in the province, on September 17, Russia and Turkey reached a ceasefire agreement on the Idlib de-escalation zone.

However, on Saturday, Erdogan said that Turkey may conduct a joint military operation in Idlib together with Russia and Iran.
Reminders that Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on February 24 can be found at every corner in the country's capital

CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th February, 2019) Reminders that Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on February 24 can be found at every corner in the country's capital. However, it is hard to call ads on the streets annoying, since four years ago it was impossible to walk around the city without bumping into huge advertising billboards.

Today, the advertising space is not that big, and there are many fewer billboards. Small posters advertising in support of various parties hang in designated areas, while four years ago, they used to cover all the building fences, even in several layers.

However, there are kiosks here and there, in which young supporters of the candidates are ready not only to give out a newspaper or a brochure, but also to talk to you in an attempt to convince that it is their candidate that you should vote for.

The representatives of the ruling Democratic Party of Moldova have gone particularly far, placing their advertisements inside supermarket lockers, on the doors of cafes and even on the back side of heating bills.

A total of 14 parties and one electoral bloc intend to take part in the elections. The election campaign is focused on three parties, which, according to polls and experts' predictions, can get into the parliament. These are the ruling pro-European Democratic Party, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), which advocates a closer interaction with Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union, and the right-wing ACUM bloc.

Parliamentary elections in Moldova are held every four years. The parliament consists of 101 deputies. From this year forward, the minimum voter turnout requirement has been removed.

It is impossible to stay away from the elections when online as banners with party symbols pop up on every news portal and ads praising some candidates and vilifying the others can appear in the middle of any video content being watched online.

Social networks have turned into a so-called battlefield, with a variety of memes, caricatures, and collages depicting party leaders, their deputies, press secretaries and ordinary activists. Social networks as an advertising platform have become really popular, especially because they have an incredible coverage and it is easy to get an immediate feedback via them.

The issue of elections in Moldova is on the minds of many, especially since the elections will for the first time be held in accordance with a mixed electoral system, which implies that 50 deputies will enter parliament via party lists, and 51 will be elected under a single-representative constituency system.

These changes have also affected election campaigning. Four years ago, politicians paid more attention to large cities, while now they actively work with voters outside the capital.

The transition to a mixed electoral system has become an excellent opportunity for parties to communicate with people. Each constituency has its own candidate, but the majority of politicians running in the elections represent a certain political force and work as a team.

All in all, many people recognize only party leaders, and that is why they help their party fellows to draw the attention of the electorate. The democrats have been traveling across the country, trying to visit almost every state and private enterprise.

Neither doctors, nor teachers or economic agents have escaped their attention.

It is also impossible not to notice the socialists, as their bright red jackets and scarves make the party's candidates stand out in the crowd of voters. The leaders of the ACUM bloc, for their part, are ready to personally hand out leaflets with the party's program.

Future deputies approach the rest of the voters on an individual basis, reaching out to them from tv screens. Unfortunately, even political scientists call the debates, which are aired by various TV channels almost every night, kind of unconvincing. One possible reason for that is that they are most often attended by representatives of single-seat electoral districts, who are talking about a limited range of problems and do not want to spend airtime arguing with competitors.

According to the Independent Journalism Center of Moldova, monitoring the election campaign, the Democratic Party, the socialists and the ACUM bloc have been the campaign's most mentioned parties.

According to the polls, every sixth resident of Moldova has yet to decide on whom to vote for. But if asked, any passerby will pledge to definitely go to the polls.

"I always go to the polls and I am still naive enough to believe that I have the power to change something. I am really waiting for a new government, because nothing good has been done since 2009," Olga from Chisinau said.

Meanwhile, a man who was standing nearby at the same bus stop and heard what Olga was saying immediately started arguing that no changes were needed, as the necessary reforms had been just launched in the country.

"I would like to see new faces in the parliament, maybe this mixed system will make the deputies really represent the people and not just think about themselves. But I have not decided yet, whom to vote for. I still have time to think," Kirill, a student, said.

The issue of concern to all is how the parliamentary majority will be formed after the elections. Democrats, socialists and right-wingers say the same thing - that they do not see themselves in alliance with anyone because of totally different views on the development of Moldova.

"We should not trust the statements of politicians, made during the election campaign, suggesting that they intend to abandon coalitions. Now, both the left and the right want to dissociate themselves from the Democratic Party, they claim to be ideologically pure and believe that they cannot unite, but everything will change after the election campaign, it will be reasonable to begin the negotiating process," Moldovan political scientist Cornel Ciurea told Sputnik.

According to him, it will be really difficult for political leaders to abandon their previous positions in order to form an alliance with competitors, but there are also other options.

"The majority alliance can be formed not only by the union of several parties, perhaps it will be one party and fragments of other parties, I mean ordinary members, and not principal leaders of the parties," the expert explained.

Ciurea believes that the election campaign has had little impact on the balance of power and the things hardly differ from the way they stood before the start of the campaign.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, received today during IDEX 2019, Peter Gajdos, Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 18th Feb, 2019) Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, received today during IDEX 2019, Peter Gajdos, Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic.

Matar Salim Ali Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, also attended the meeting, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Slovakia, and means to strengthen them, particularly in the defence sector.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Senior officials from the UAE Ministry of Defence and members of a delegation accompanying Minister Gajdos were also present during the meeting.
How to defeat leftist outrage By Dr. Gregory Slysz

Few days go by without someone being subjected to trial by media, if not the state, for some transgression of some newly established hate crime. If its not a Christian baker (never a Muslim) being targeted by some self-righteous gay activists for refusing to bake them a cake, its a law-abiding taxpayer taken to task for causing outrage or expressing an unfashionable view or being warned by community cohesion police officers for incorrect thinking. If the accused is lucky, a grovelling apology might just be enough to save his skin, if not, professional ruin, blacklisting, bankruptcy or even imprisonment awaits. Celebrities and politicians are particularly ever ready to express faux outrage and to jump on the latest virtue signalling bandwagon that affords them opportunities for the Im so concerned po-faced photo-op. Hitting the headlines recently was the fit of collective leftist outrage , in America, from the Mainstream Media (MSM) outlets, to Democrat legislators, celebrities , liberal Catholics including bishops) , as well as an array of twitterati, against a group of Kentucky Catholic schoolboys wearing MAGA hats. After a viral video apparently showing the boys taunting Nathan Phillips, a purported Vietnam veteran and Native American elder on his way back from an Indigenous Peoples March, these social justice warriors released a torrent of abuse that ranged from the usual name calling to incitement to physical violence. Unfortunately for them, what seemed like a perfect Trump-bashing story turned out to be completely fake, the accused boys themselves having been on the receiving end of a vile racial attack from the hate group, The Black Hebrew Israelites and with Phillips , with a history of publicity stunts, himself confronting them aggressively. The fact that the boys were returning from the annual anti-abortion, March for Life, which the MSM largely ignored, further fueled leftist hate. Despite attempts by the accusers to put the record straight, albeit, as in the case of leading cheerleaders like CNN , with gritted teeth, the episode demonstrated the hypocrisy of leftist outrage. Quite extraordinary that the once great civilisation of philosophers and sages should have descended to todays dizzy lows. But the process that has led to this has been far from accidental. Rather, it has been planned and arranged, and its rooted to a leftist ideology that in popular parlance goes by its sanitised name of Political Correctness (PC), otherwise referred to by a term more befitting its pernicious intent, Cultural Marxism. Devised at the benignly named Institute for Social Research, at Frankfurt University, maturing in exile at American universities during the 1960s, following its ejection from Germany during the 1930s, it has engaged in decades of deceit in its quest to attack and destroy all the underpinnings of Western Judeo-Christian heritage, national cultures, Christianity, patriotism, marriage, sexual self-discipline, marital fidelity, the family unit, gender constancy, scholarly excellence, masculinity, femininity, personal virtue, and so on. A cadre of intellectuals has sought to provide scholarly justification in its task of imposing a uniform system of thought and behaviour across all public and private institutions that have been steadily captured from within, in an elaborate entryist action plan. The goal has been nothing other than to usher in a Communist utopia by stealth in societies which otherwise have been resistant to direct proletarian revolutionary action as seen in Russia and elsewhere, the workers having been too easily bought off by capitalist baubles. Replacing the bourgeois workers would be a new revolutionary vanguard, a coalition of victims, oppressed by the capitalist norms of tradition. And victimhood cannot be tolerated in a civilised society, can it? In fact, so dominant has Cultural Marxism become, having spread its influence from its burgeoning American academic bases, that no aspect of Western public (and increasingly private) life remains unmolested by its growing legions of acolytes, the products of the Western university systems, captured by the spirit of the Maoist Sixties, who fanatically strive to wipe-out victimhood wherever it raises its oppressed head. Participation in the public arena is conditional upon the full acceptance of these ideological designs. Volleys of increasingly vile, often violent abuse are guaranteed to greet any dissenting voice. Scenes of outraged and offended activists subjecting heretics to Maoist-style anti-rightist campaigns and struggle sessions either to extract from the accused grovelling apologies or inflict on them deadly repercussions have now become familiar in the Wests sociocultural landscape. Violence and intimidation comes with socialist territory and is intrinsic to the hubris of ideological certainty. Revolution is the means to power, silencing opponents is the means of maintaining it. Whether its outraged Antifa thugs near rioting on university campuses to silence speakers or the abortion industry and its political sponsors that relish the prospects of physically dismembering pre-babies or the grotesque sight of mainstream leftist legislators expressing solidarity with violent rape gangs, the aim of subverting erstwhile Western civilisation is the same. The irony in all this is that the Soviet Union avoided the worst aspects of this social crusade, as Stalin, an old fashioned Georgian peasant, eschewed the social disasters wrought by Leninist experimentation, analogous to subsequent Western PC that just didnt fit in with his plans of building an industrial and military super state. Instead, what emerged was a social model that was more akin to nineteenth century Prussian social discipline and hierarchy than socialist egalitarianism. For us in Russia, noted Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn during the twilight of the Soviet Union, communism is a dead dog, while, for many people in the West, it is still a living lion. Ironic indeed that the Soviet Cultural Marxism that died young, grew to a ripe old age in the West, or as the British social commentator Rod Liddle memorably put it recently, everything on television is policed by politically correct dwarves. But for all the gloom of the conservative lament there is resistance is in the air. Two reasons are responsible for this. First, the emergence of a polycentric world in which the political and economic power of the West has become relative and secondly, the inherent self-destructive contradictions of Cultural Marxism. Cultural Marxists have always relied upon the continuance of Western economic global hegemony with which conservative sociocultural models could be attacked. Marx did after all claim that the internationalism of capitalism lays much of the cultural groundwork for a successful revolution. With the growing influence of counter-hegemonic powers like China, Russia, India, and Iran, and to a certain extent Eastern Europe, all with more conservative sociocultural models than those in the West, the influence of the hitherto dominant Western cultural elites has been significantly diminished. Take for instance the diminishing ratings for the Oscar ceremony and its leftist virtue-signaling message. The succession of populist triumphs across the Western world, from Trump and Brexit to those sweeping across Europe, most recently in Italy and France, has demonstrated the extent to which establishment politics is despised. While once it was easy for establishment elites and their media allies, to dismiss, for instance, anti-immigration sentiment as bigoted and misguided, they now need to approach the issue with great care, so much so that the once unassailable German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, was confronted with political ruin due to her open border migration policy in the face of unprecedented opposition both inside and outside of Germany. The alternative media has played a significant role in the retreat of the establishment political class by mobilising a hitherto disenfranchised public. Safe spaces, snowflake tantrums, group think echo chambers, foolish political posturing, violent assaults and the un-ending invention of victimhood language hold little appeal outside of MSM urban cosmopolitan elite and celebrity bubbles. It is safe to say, without meaning offence, that the mainstream political representatives of the Left are losing their collective marbles. Their call for extortionate tax hikes on even moderate incomes, their juvenile political programmes, their increasing celebration of abortion-infanticide, or their call to violence and harassment of opponents exposes their risible nature when confronted with growing opposition. As the bankruptcy of the Cultural Marxist value system is increasingly exposed, its advocates find themselves ill-equipped to return fire against this new populist order that their hubris failed to foresee. Their subsequent relentless attempts to reverse it is indicative of the conceit with which they treat the populace, which they hold in utter contempt. The British leftist novelist, Howard Jacobson, summed up this attitude in a recent interview in which he admitted that although he believed that democracy is the only tolerable form of government, he declared that Were coming to the comeuppance of democracy You cant trust the people you can be certain that the people will get it wrong. Theyd already done it, as far as I was concerned, in Brexit  And then with Trump again, which was the result in his opinion of Their inability to distinguish true from false. The peasants have revolted, both collectively and individually. With the vacuity of the Cultural Marxist value system on full display, more will be willing to take it on. And with each triumph, another PC paper tiger will fall. The demolition by the renowned Canadian clinical psychologist, Jordan Peterson of Cathy Newman, the leftist presenter of the UKs Channel 4 News was most indicative of this. Why should your right to freedom of speech trump a trans persons right not to be offended, she asked smugly, assuming that her tactic of placing ugly words in Petersons mouth had succeeded. Because in order to be able to think, Peterson retorted, you have to risk being offensive  youre certainly willing to risk offending me in the pursuit of truth. Why should you have the right to do that? Its been rather uncomfortable. Boom! Peterson came to international prominence, for refusing to be bullied by his employers at the University of Toronto into using gender neutral language. Braving familiar torrents of leftist outrage and attempts at character assassination, he came out as a shining example of how to take on the Cultural Marxists. In a grim foreshadowing of history, Fyodor Dostoevsky predicted in his great anti-nihilistic work, Demons, published in 1871, the tyrannical end of the liberal quest to solve all the worlds problems. Starting with unlimited freedom, declares his chief social engineer Shigalyov, I conclude with unlimited despotism. And with it self-destruction as opposition mounts. We saw it in the Soviet Union, we are now seeing it in the West. The Cultural War is heating up. And for Cultural Marxists, who for so long assumed a self-arrogated entitlement to set the cultural agenda, the odds do not look good. They are intellectually weak, tactically inept, and morally bankrupt. Leftist outrage must, therefore be seen for what it is, overwhelmingly bogus, hypocritical and ludicrous. As such, it is deserving not of appeasement and apologies, as is often the case among terrorised victims, fearful of the consequences of doing otherwise, but of mockery, condemnation and confrontation. Based in London, UK, Dr Gregory Slysz writes on History and current affairs, specialising in Eastern Europe, Russia and Early Modern England. He is a graduate of Oxford and London universities where he read History and Politics. Home
FINALLY, a fine summer, which we Minnesotans appreciate, having endured winters attempts to depress us, and just when we were about to go into therapy and talk about how emotionally unavailable our dad was, summer came along and here I am on a sunny day with relatives on a porch enjoying a 
Canada  a country with an attenuated Right (Part One) By Mark Wegierski

On October 15, 2003, the prospects of the broader Right in Canada brightened somewhat for the first time in decades. Overcoming years of negativity, the Canadian Alliance (which had emerged from the Reform Party of Canada in 1998-2000), and the federal Progressive Conservative party agreed to unite themselves (pending the approval of their memberships by December 12, 2003), as the Conservative Party of Canada (the former name of the Progressive Conservatives from several decades ago). Under the leadership of Stephen Harper, this Conservative Party was able to reduce the Liberals to a minority government (a plurality of seats in the House of Commons) in the June 2004 federal election. Subsequently, the Conservative Party won a minority government in January 2006. Sticking mostly to centrist policies, the Conservative Party remained in power until 2008, when Stephen Harper himself called an election. Nevertheless, the majority still eluded him. The Conservative Party minority government was voted down in the federal Parliament in 2011, but they were able to win a majority in the ensuing federal election of May 2011. However, the centrist policies continued. In the October 2015 federal election, the Liberals came roaring back to power, under the leadership of Justin Trudeau. Justin is the son of Canadas long-serving Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. It was apparent that whatever fragmentary conservative measures Harper had been able to undertake, were now going to be swept away in a great tide of progressivism. The Conservative Party continues to face an uphill battle against the Liberal Party and the extra-parliamentary Left. And now, a more right-wing splinter group will be dividing the Conservative vote in the 2019 federal election, Maxime Berniers Peoples Party of Canada. It should be pointed out that Canada today may be seen as combining the most liberal aspects of America and Europe -- indeed, it may be world's most liberal society. Like some European countries such as the Netherlands, it is extremely socially-liberal, as demonstrated by the Canadian federal government's total acceptance of same-sex marriage. Although a vote on the issue took place in the Federal Parliament in 2005, it was with direct referral to the Canadian Supreme Court. What conservative critics call "judicial activism" is in Canada a comparatively late but now flourishing development, which only really got underway with the introduction of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) into the Canadian Constitution. The Charter, clearly a left-liberal rather than classical liberal document, essentially enshrined virtually the entire agenda of Pierre Elliott Trudeau (Canada's left-leaning Liberal Prime Minister from 1968-1984, except for nine months in 1979-1980) as the highest law of the land. After Brian Mulroney's huge Progressive Conservative majorities of 1984 and 1988 -- whose record in regard to social and cultural conservatism was indeed abysmal -- Canada's federal Liberal Party (headed by Jean Chretien) comfortably won the elections of 1993, 1997, and 2000. On the other hand, unlike some European countries, Canada is characterized by very high rates of immigration, and has whole-heartedly embraced multiculturalism, affirmative action (called "employment equity" in Canada), and diversity with a startling degree of unidirectional intensity. Canada's official immigration numbers are more than twice as large as those of the United States -- per capita -- and are probably among the highest in the world. With a population of about 37 million persons as of late 2018, Canada has been receiving every year about a quarter-million immigrants. (The Liberals recently raised the numbers to 300,000, and then again to 350,000.) At the same time, Canada has now embraced some of the more negative aspects of American society -- such as the excesses of pop-culture, the trend to political-correctness, and growing litigiousness. However, it lacks many aspects of America that may temper the aforementioned trends. In Canada, for example, the government accounts for about half of the GDP. (In contrast to about a forty percent in the United States.) Taxes are very high, relative to the United States. The Canadian medical system is stringently socialized to an extent unheard of in the United States. Canada's gun control laws are also extremely strict. Unlike the United States, fundamentalist Christianity plays virtually no role in Canada. The debate about abortion and many other social issues is considered effectively closed. In another extreme contrast to the United States, Canada has virtually no military (the entire armed forces, including army, navy, air force, and reserves, number about 92,600 personnel) and there is major disdain throughout much of Canadian society (and especially in elite opinion) towards the military. Canada's security provisions, refugee-policy, and control of its borders are also extremely lackadaisical, relative to what now appears to be the emerging trend in the United States. To be continued. Mark Wegierski is a Canadian writer and historical researcher. Home
Nine of the new P8 Poseidon aircraft will be delivered to RAF Lossiemouth in 2020 to fly reconnaissance patrols over a wide area, including the High North and North Atlantic.

British forces are to step up Arctic deployments to protect NATO's northern flank from Russia, UK Defense SecretaryGavin Williamson has announced.

The top defense official says the Royal Marines have launched a ten-year programme that will see over a thousand troops train each year with their Norwegian counterparts, building up to a Brigade-strength deployment in the near future, The Telegraph reported.

In addition, he announced that Britain's new fleet of submarine-hunting aircraft will fly over the Arctic next year in their first deployment. He said the new P8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft will fly in the Arctic to counter Russian submarine activity that is back to Cold War levels.

Read alsoNATO seeks to expand presence in Black Sea area  Stoltenberg

The defense secretary said: "Whether it' sharpening our skills in sub-zero conditions, learning from longstanding allies like Norway or monitoring submarine threats with our Poseidon aircraft, we will stay vigilant to new challenges."

Nine of the new P8 Poseidon aircraft will be delivered to RAF Lossiemouth in 2020 to fly reconnaissance patrols over a wide area, including the High North and North Atlantic. One of their roles will also be to protect Britain's nuclear deterrent submarines.
McCabe said he was shocked when he found about the presidents alleged comments.

Ex-FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe says U.S. President Donald Trump believed Russian leader Vladimir Putin over U.S. security agencies and a crime may have been committed over FBI Director James Comey firing.

McCabe has alleged Donald Trump dismissed advice from his own intelligence community on the threat posed by North Koreas missiles, saying I dont care. I believe Putin, The Guardian reports, noting that McCabe made the claims in an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes.

McCabe said Trump made the comments in a meeting about the weapons capability of North Korea. McCabe was not in the meeting with Trump and said his FBI colleague told him about it later.

The president launched into several unrelated diatribes. One of those was commenting on the recent missile launches by the government of North Korea. And, essentially, the president said he did not believe that the North Koreans had the capability to hit us here with ballistic missiles in the United States. And he did not believe that because President Putin had told him they did not. President Putin had told him that the North Koreans dont actually have those missiles, said McCabe.

I dont care. I believe Putin, Pres Trump allegedly said, rejecting U.S. intelligence regarding North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile capability. McCabe says he heard this from an FBI official who was at the meeting with POTUS. https://t.co/9zmoxrYNjmpic.twitter.com/lo0g9VOMAG  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) February 18, 2019

Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses, said McCabe in the interview. To which the president replied, I dont care. I believe Putin.

McCabe said he was shocked when he found about the presidents alleged comments. Its just an astounding thing to say, said McCabe, who added he was surprised at the dismissal of the work of his intelligence community.

To be confronted with an absolute disbelief in those efforts and an unwillingness to learn the true state of affairs that he has to deal with every day was just shocking, said McCabe.

McCabe also alleged a crime may have been committed when Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia.

Trump responded furiously on Twitter after parts of the episode were trailed late last week.

Disgraced FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe pretends to be a poor little Angel when in fact he was a big part of the Crooked Hillary Scandal & the Russia Hoax - a puppet for Leakin James Comey. I.G. report on McCabe was devastating, he wrote on Twitter. McCabe is a disgrace to the FBI and a disgrace to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

McCabe also told 60 Minutes the FBI had good reason to open a counter-intelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following Comeys dismissal in May 2017.

And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russias malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, Why would a president of the United States do that? McCabe said.

McCabe was fired in March 2018 by Jeff Sessions after McCabe released information to the media without authorisation, saying he had lacked candour when discussing it. His case was referred to the U.S. attorneys office for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought. McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said Sunday that he believes his firing was politically motivated.

I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States, he said.
Lies are a "powerful weapon," Linkevicius said.

The European Union must do more to defend itself from Russian propaganda, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linus Linkevicius believes.

"It would be naive to believe that only Eastern European countries would be exposed to direct or indirect influence on the part of Moscow," Linkevicius told Germany's Neue Osnabrucker Zeitung, Presseportal.de reports.

Lithuanians see the problem more realistically. "In the West, Russia's informational influence is still underestimated," the top diplomat stresses.

Read alsoThe West must learn from Ukraines experience of dealing with Russian provocateurs  media

Lies are a "powerful weapon," Linkevicius told the NOZ.

"Europe has to arm itself better against Russia's information war," he said.

Some EU partners are too naive toward Russian foreign policy, the minister believes, speaking in favor of maintaining robust sanctions against Russia.
Israel offered to host the meeting of the Visegrad group to strengthen ties with members of the European Union.

Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has canceled a trip to Israel following comments on the Holocaust by Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Netanyahu was quoted in Israeli media as saying "Poles co-operated with the Germans" during the Holocaust, according to the BBC.

He later issued a clarification saying he was not referring to the Polish nation or all Polish people.

Poland summoned the Israeli ambassador and on Sunday said Mr Morawiecki would not attend a summit on Tuesday.

It is a signal that the historical truth is a fundamental issue for Poland, and the defense of the good name of Poland is and always will be decisive, Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek explained, according to the Voice of America.

The meeting, hosted by Israel, is of the Visegrad Group that represents the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Read also"Ukraine nationalists" provisions in Act on Poland's Institute of National Remembrance declared unconstitutional

Polish government spokesperson Joanna Kopcinska said: "Prime Minister Morawiecki told Prime Minister Netanyahu in a telephone call that Poland will be represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz."

Israel offered to host the meeting of the Visegrad group to strengthen ties with members of the European Union.

In terms of the Holocaust, the country has for years objected to the term "Polish death camps", saying it implies complicity in the Nazi camps built on its soil during occupation.

In February 2018, Poland introduced a controversial law making it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in the Nazi Holocaust.

Israel challenged the legislation, its president, Reuven Rivlin, last year saying that while many Poles had fought the Nazis, "Poland and Poles had a hand in the extermination" of Jews during the Holocaust.

Poland agreed to change the law and it now no longer carries the threat of up to three years in jail.
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 
Russia-led forces used proscribed weapons in seven out of eight attacks during the day.

Four Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in hostilities in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Monday, February 18.

"Four members of the Joint Forces were wounded in action," the Ukrainian Joint Forces Operation (JFO) press center said in an evening update as of 18:00 Kyiv time on February 18, 2019.

"From 00:00 to 18:00 today, the enemy mounted eight attacks on our troops' positions, including those with the use of 122m artillery systems, as well as 120mm and 82mm mortars in seven instances," the JFO press center said.

Read alsoUkrainian military capture member of Russian occupation forces near Svitlodarsk on Sunday

A total of 94 projectiles and mines were fired.

In particular, Russia-led forces opened fire from 122 artillery systems, portable anti-tank missile launchers and large-caliber guns to attack JFO positions near the village of Lebedynske. They used 122mm artillery systems, 120mm mortars and anti-tank grenade launchers near the village of Vodiane. The village of Opytne was attacked by infantry fighting vehicles.

The villages of Katerynivka and Novotoshkivske were attacked with the use of 120mm and 82mm mortars, while large-caliber machine guns were used against Ukrainian troops near the village of Krymske.

"The defending units fired back, using allowed weapons," the JFO press center said.

There is no update on enemy casualties yet, it said.
The detainee is being interrogated.

One invader was captured and another four were killed during a skirmish as a Ukrainian special operations unit confronted an enemy recon group near Ukraine's position in Donbas on February 18.

"The special forces unit that is operating in the defense zone of one of our brigades in the northern line spotted the enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group moving toward our observation posts," the press center of the Joint Forces Operation wrote on Facebook.

Read alsoUkrainian army gets over 100 upgraded T-64 tanks (Video)

"The enemy retreated after a skirmish erupted. Four militants were killed and one was captured. A detainee is being interrogated now," the report says.
A video was uploaded on Facebook of Joint Forces destroying an enemy machine gunner's position.

Russia's hybrid military forces in the past 24 hours mounted 10 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action.

"One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, one invader was killed and another five were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on February 18, 2019.

Russian occupation forces opened fire from 82mm and 120mm mortars, weapons installed on infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms, attacking the defenders of the villages of Lebedynske, Pisky, Vodiane, Pavlopil, Katerynivka, Troyitske, Novoluhanske, and Stanytsia Luhanska.

Read alsoUkrainian military capture member of Russian occupation forces near Svitlodarsk on Sunday

Moreover, yesterday, an observation group of the Ukrainian members of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC) was attacked by Russian proxy forces who fired a tripod-mounted man-portable antitank gun as the observers were moving along the contact line near the village of Travneve.

"Since Monday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked Ukrainian positions near Katerynivka, using 120mm and 82mm mortars," the report said.

A video was uploaded on Facebook of Joint Forces destroying an enemy machine gunner's position.
He is being questioned by JFO members.

The Ukrainian military captured a member of the Russian occupation forces near the town of Svitlodarsk in Donetsk region on Sunday, February 17.

"An enemy subversion and reconnaissance group attempted to attack our positions in the area of defense of one of the battalions in the Svitlodarsk direction on February 17," the Ukrainian Joint Forces (JFO) press service said on Facebook. "Well-organized observation by Ukrainian defenders let them expose the enemy's plans in advance."

Read alsoCaptivity of Ukrainian soldier by "DPR" terrorists confirmed, his name made public

The attack has been repulsed, an enemy troop has been captured.

He is being questioned by JFO members.

As was reported, Russia-led forces mounted six attacks on the Ukrainian army's positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, from 00:00 to 18:00 Kyiv time on Sunday, February 17; proscribed weapons were used in five instances.
"DPR authorities" immediately stated it was the attack of Ukrainian drones, a claim RFE/RL journalist Christopher Miller says could be bogus and used as a pretext to launch a new military operation.

"'Donetsk. Center. A very strong explosion, similar to that in the Separ cafe [where ex-'DPR' leader Alexander Zakharchenko was killed],' 'Who was killed in our center of the universe?', 'The blast was powerful; walls were shaking,'" local residents wrote in social networks, as well as pro-terrorist online resources.

The blasts were followed by a shootout in the city center.

According to the Govorit Moskva [Moscow Says] Telegram-channel, the explosions occurred in the quarter where the self-styled "DPR" leader's residence is located.

RBC news agency cites "DPR authorities" as saying that it was an attack of Ukrainian drones carrying explosives.

The agency adds that a hotel hosting OSCE observers is also located in the area close to where the blasts were reported.

According to an RFE/RL journalist Christopher Miller, these claims "could be bogus and even pretext to launch new military operation."

"Worth noting that Ukrainians have increasingly used small drones to carry and drop grenades and IEDs on DNR positions, Miller wrote on Twitter.

Read alsoRussian invaders increasing pressure on Ukrainian nationals in Donbas  intel

According to preliminary data, no casualties were reported.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Alexander Zakharchenko was killed in an IED blast at a Donetsk restaurant on August 31.

The SBU Security Service suggested that his death could be the result of internal criminal conflicts among militants, primarily related to the redistribution of businesses.

The SBU did not rule out the involvement of Russian special services, for whom the rather odious Zakharchenko could become a nuisance.
The fact that there is no anti-Semitic violence in Ukraine and that Ukrainian Jews are not confronted with direct physical danger contradicts Russian narratives of "fascists" taking over power in Kyiv.

There have been no acts of anti-Semitic violence in Ukraine over the last two years and relatively little anti-Semitic vandalism. This lack of news would not be worth reporting if it wasnt for Russia's constant claims that the opposite is true, as well as evidence that provocateurs have been paid to simulate hate crimes.

Russias attempts from 2014 to justify its aggression against Ukraine by claiming that fascist and anti-Semitic hordes had seized control after Euromaidan ran into two major problems. One was the large number of prominent Jewish religious and secular figures who came out publicly to refute such lies. There was also the significant amount of monitoring carried out by Vyacheslav Likhachev and the National Minorities Monitoring Group he heads, that's according to the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.

In an important article for the Ukrainian newspaper Khadashot, Likhachev has reported of their 2018 monitoring results and provided an insight into changes in the situation and why so many reports are in conflict with the hard facts.

One of the problems with most reports is that they are prompted by one or two events which are then asserted to reflect an alarming increase or similar. Likhachev, however, has been both monitoring specific years and comparing them with others since 2004, and his findings are quite different.

Read alsoIntel of "enemy state" behind 2017 Uman blast  Police chief

The worst years for acts of anti-Semitic violence were from 2005 to 2007, where there was a wave of dangerous street attacks. In 2005, thirteen people became victims of such violence, while in 2004, and in both 2006 and 2007 there were eight victims. The number fell to five in 2008, then to one in 2009 and 2010 and none at all in 2011. In each of the following three years there were four victims, with this number falling to one in 2015 and 2016, and then none in 2017 and 2018.

Based on his evidence, Likhachev concludes that there is no anti-Semitic violence in Ukraine and that Ukrainian Jews are not confronted with direct physical danger.

The main anti-Semitic crime observed is that of vandalism, including desecration of graves, synagogues and memorials to victims of the Holocaust, with the methods including the breaking of windows, arson or anti-Semitic or neo-Nazi graffiti.

There were 12 such cases in 2018, though that figure may change very slightly as two cases are being checked. Even if these are added, the figure will still be half that of the previous year.

Read alsoRussian intel offering Ukrainians US$2,000 for setting on fire churches of former Moscow Patriarchate

The second factor Likhachev mentions is particularly interesting given Russias attempts to use the anti-Semitism card against Ukraine. A contributory cause for the increase in anti-Semitic vandalism in 2014-2017, he is convinced, was the active support for Ukraines government from the Jewish community and participation of prominent community members in defending Ukraines independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

This quite naturally provoked demonstrations of anti-Semitism on the part of pro-Russian separatists. Among people supporting Russian nationalism, anti-Semitic views are in any case quite widespread, he said.

At the beginning of 2016, in a study Two Years of War: Xenophobia in Ukraine 2015, the National Minority Rights Monitoring Group reported a dangerous increase in xenophobia only in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Read alsoPro-Russian German journalist implicated in arson attack on Hungarian Center in Ukraine  media

Another factor which Lichachev mentions is Russia trying to push the idea that all of Ukraine is a hotbed of separatist moods and using fake national minority movements which demand autonomy and claim to be victims of persecution. In the vast majority of such cases, real organizations representing the particular minority have publicly debunked their claims.

While there is less definite information available, recent criminal prosecutions, including one by the Polish authorities, suggest that many apparently anti-Semitic, anti-Hungarian, anti-Polish and other hate crimes have essentially been acts of provocation carried out for money. Such acts, Likhachev says, have been organized by pro-Russian forces in order to destabilize Ukraine and damage its reputation.
As reported earlier, Russian spies have been working to recruit Ukrainian nationals who would commit arson attacks on temples operated by Orthodox priests of what was until recently called the Moscow Patriarchate.

In Zaporizhia, law enforcers nabbed three perpetrators who intended commit an act of arson at the temple of the former Moscow Patriarchate on February 16.

The local Security Service unit has confirmed the report about the incident to a Radio Liberty correspondent.

SBU head Vasyl Hrytsak will elaborate on details on Monday, the report says.

The three individuals, who are believed to be an organizer and two performers of the crime, are being charged with terrorism.

Law enforcers are verifying information on the group's possible involvement in other crimes across the region.

Read alsoRFE/RL: Berlin prosecutors investigate German journalist named in Ukraine arson attack

As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian spies and Moscow-controlled "security services" in the occupied parts of Donbas have been working to recruit Ukrainian nationals who would commit arson attacks on temples operated by Orthodox priests of what was until recently called the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) prevented an attempt by Russian intelligence to have a Ukrainian citizen set on fire for a US$2,000 reward a temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, aiming to sow tensions and discord, provoking destabilization.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Moscow continues provocations aimed against the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine: the enemy seeks to incite conflicts on religious grounds. "The enemy aims to incite conflicts around the transition [of former UOC-MP parishes to the new church], make communities stand up against each another, and test our unity, again," he said.
A recent Russian attack on Ukrainian boats near the Kerch Strait is an attempt to occupy the Kerch Strait and the Azov-Black Sea basin.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he is convinced that the Kremlin is seeking not only to return Ukraine to its zone of influence, but also to destroy its statehood in order to create Soviet Union 2.0.

"The Kremlin's goal is not only an attempt to force [Ukraine] to return to the so-called zone of Russia's influence, to stop our steady movement towards Europe, its goal is to destroy Ukraine's statehood to create Soviet Union 2.0," he said at a meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk in Kyiv on February 18, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Read alsoUkraine's SBU chief: Over 130 Crimean Tatars persecuted by Russia's FSB since occupation of Crimea

Poroshenko mentioned a recent act of Russian aggression when Russia's security forces attacked three Ukrainian naval boats near the Kerch Strait on November 25.

"The attack on the Ukrainian boats was absolutely cynical  it was a blatant act of aggression against the Ukrainian Navy, it was an attempt to occupy the Kerch Strait and the Azov-Black Sea basin by the armed forces of the Russian Federation, the border troops of the Russian Federation's Federal Security Service," he said.

As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia's security forces attacked three Ukrainian naval boats in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait when the vessels were heading for the Sea of Azov on November 25, 2018. The boats were seized, 24 Ukrainian sailors were captured and taken to Moscow for trial. Three of the sailors were wounded.
The sanctions are related to Russia's attack on three Ukrainian boats near the Kerch Strait.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has announced that the EU has achieved political consensus on new sanctions against the Russian Federation.

"I can confirm that there is political consensus on some further measures to be taken  personal, targeted sanctions. I believe the formal adoption of the legal acts will be finalised in the coming days," she said at a press conference following the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on February 18.

Read alsoEU to decide on new sanctions against Russia in coming weeks

"I would not elaborate more on that for obvious reasons but political consensus is already there," she added.

The sanctions are related to an attack by Russian security forces on three Ukrainian naval boats in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait when they were heading for the Sea of Azov on November 25, 2018. The boats were seized, 24 Ukrainian sailors were captured and taken to Moscow for trial.

The approval of the decision on the sanctions is expected to take several days.
The newly established Orthodox Church of Ukraine is the Russian FSB's main target today.

Chief of Ukraine's SBU Security Service Vasyl Hrytsak says Russia's FSB has opened criminal cases against more than 130 Crimean Tatar activists since Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimea in March 2014.

"Every day we hear about the detention of a large number of activists, including religious activists throughout Russia, as well as in the occupied areas in [Ukraine's] Donetsk and Luhansk regions. About the persecution of Christians and members of other denominations. In particular, Jehovah's Witnesses, Baptists, members of the Pentecostal Church, the Charismatic Movement and others, as well as Muslim communities in the territory of the occupied Crimea," he said at a briefing, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

Read alsoRussia's FSB detains another three Crimean Tatars after raids (Photo, video)

At the same time, he stressed, the newly established Orthodox Church of Ukraine is the main target today.

"In addition, the Crimean Tatars who do not recognize the legitimacy of the Russian occupying authorities since 2014 are extremely persecuted, including for religious convictions. Since 2014, the FSB of the Russian Federation has opened criminal cases against more than 130 Crimean Tatar activists," Hrytsak said.

According to him, all 40 former parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate are closed in the Russian occupied districts in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

"Almost all clergymen were forced to flee to the Ukrainian-controlled territory mainly because of concerns about their own security," he added.
Law enforcers investigate possible breach of investigation secrecy within a journalistic investigation.

On February 4, judge of Kyiv's Pechersk district court Volodymyr Karaban has provided the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) with access to the internal documents of the Novoe Vremya editorial office and all the materials that journalist Ivan Verstiuk sent to their email addresses.

An investigator of the PGO officially handed over the relevant court decision to the editorial office on February 13, the Novoe Vremya weekly reported.

If the editorial office does not provide the information requested by the investigators, searches will be warranted.

Read alsoUkraine's SBU to block websites threatening national security

It is noted that Verstiuk authored a number of high-profile investigations, including corruption in defense procurement, while the PGO probe concerns his article "The Diamond Daughter." The story covered foreign studies of the daughter of former Deputy Prosecutor of Kyiv region Oleksandr Korniiets. At the same time, Novoe Vremya claims they relied on the data of the investigation conducted by the British criminal agency.

Korniiets is one of two so-called "diamond prosecutors," high-ranking prosecutors detained for allegedly receiving a large bribe in July 2015. He was fired, but the case against him is still under consideration by Kyiv's Holosiivsky district court.

An article published on the Novoe Vremya website in August 2016 said the deputy prosecutor of Kyiv region with a salary of UAH 200,000 (US$7,361) a year had paid over GBP 120,000 to have his daughter study in British schools. The Prosecutor General's Office considered the publication of these data to be in breach of investigation secrecy and had already interrogated Verstiuk in June 2017.

According to Novoe Vremya, providing the PGO with unlimited access to editorial materials violates not only freedom of speech, but also the right of journalists to protect their sources. The OSCE and a number of lawmakers have already been informed on this case.

"Novoe Vremya reserves the right to appeal the actions by the PGO and the Pechersk district court in the European Court of Human Rights," the editors said.

It is not the first time when the editorial board of the Novoe Vremya weekly is facing excessive attention on the part of the PGO.

In August 2018, the Pechersk district court granted the Prosecutor General's Office access to mobile traffic, correspondence, and location data for the 18-month period of another journalist, Kristina Berdynskykh.

On September 26, the Court of Appeal partially satisfied Berdynskykh's complaint on this decision and returned the case to the Pechersk court to judge Karaban, who had postponed its consideration three times since November 12. The next court hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2019.
Russia is playing a "religious card" to destabilize Ukraine and sow discord.

Head of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Hrytsak has said plans to destabilize the situation in Ukraine on religious grounds were drafted in the occupied territories and coordinated with Russia's FSB in Rostov region.

"We've been recently documenting how the 'religious card' will be played out... after Russia lost the 'battle for tomos' and the Orthodox Church was created in Ukraine. To destabilize the situation in Ukraine on religious grounds, our 'friends' resort to committing unlawful acts against the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the [former] Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP)," he said at a coordination meeting of the heads of state law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order during the electoral process, as well as the state of counteraction against crime, an UNIAN correspondent reports.

Read alsoThree persons caught trying to set Zaporizhia church on fire

He added that today, the SBU has no reason to believe that representatives of that church are involved.

"Rather the opposite: we have information that the task is to intimidate representatives of [former] UOC-MP ahead of any extremists and unlawful acts against the temples, to make sure their reaction looks more authentic," Hrytsak said.

He said the relevant illegal actions had been documented in eastern Ukraine, and today the SBU will publish this information.

Read alsoRussian intel offering Ukrainians US$2,000 for setting on fire churches of former Moscow Patriarchate

"The attacks on the temples of the [former] Moscow Patriarchate have been organized from the territory of the occupied Donbas. But we have confirmed evidence that plans to destabilize Ukraine, or to play a religious factor, to destabilize the situation on religious grounds were coordinated with Russia's FSB in Rostov office," Hrytsak added.
The textbook contains statements that question the generally accepted historical facts of violence and discrimination against Crimean Tatars during their deportation from Crimea.

Experts from the Crimean Human Rights Group (CHRG) say a History of Crimea textbook for tenth-graders, which was recently distributed in schools across the Russian-annexed peninsula, contains remarks that incite hatred toward the Crimean Tatar people.

The textbook emerged in January 2019. The so-called "Crimean authorities" are planning to introduce it into the curriculum from September 1, 2019, if approved by school principles, the CHRG said.

The book claims that during World War II, some Crimean Tatars welcomed German invaders with flowers and wine, and were allegedly more inclined to collaborate with the enemy compared to other ethnic groups living in Crimea. There are also allegations that in the areas where Crimean Tatars were deported, they were given food, household plots, and housing loans for free.

"These allegations are controversial and can't be proven by any massive evidence on the part of eyewitnesses and victims. Thus, manifestations of hate speech are seen in the general context of information presented in the textbook. Namely, the publication of statements that question the generally accepted historical facts of violence and discrimination during the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people," the human rights activists said.

Read alsoUNGA votes for resolution calling for end to Russia's occupation, militarization of Crimea

CHRG expert Iryna Sedova believes that the textbook should be immediately removed from the list of teaching aids.

"In our research on hate speech, we regularly record facts of inciting hatred toward the Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians and other groups by the Kremlin-controlled media. The use of a textbook for these purposes poses a more serious threat because children are even more susceptible to hate propaganda than adults," she said.

According to the head of the Center for Civic Education Almenda, Valentyna Potapova, such textbooks can lead to inter-ethnic conflicts.

"This is quite a large-scale influence since the number of children who may start studying Crimean history using this textbook is about 10,000-15,000 a year. And that's if only tenth-graders will be using this 'textbook.' If there are recommendations for other classes, their number will increase dramatically. Such mega manipulations with the minds of a younger generation will undoubtedly lead to serious consequences. As was the case with the tragedy of the massacres in Kerch  which was directly related to mass militarization of [children's] consciousness  the introduction of such textbooks could lead to hate crimes against the Crimean Tatars," Potapova said.

Human rights activists added that the Crimean lawyers had already sent an open letter to the so-called "Minister of Education of the Crimea" Natalia Goncharova, in which they stated that the textbook violates Russia's several laws, and it should be removed from the curriculum and declared as one that inciting interethnic conflict.
"Great that real friends remain truly committed and United For Ukraine," Klimkin wrote.

Speaker for the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine Kateryna Zelenko has said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin at the meeting in Brussels has briefed European colleagues about the ongoing Russian aggression.

"During the 'Ukraine + Group of Friends of Ukraine in the EU' meeting in Brussels, Pavlo Klimkin briefed the ministers about Ukraine's progress in carrying out reforms, the situation in the context of Russian aggression, thanking them for new anti-Russian sanctions," she wrote on Twitter on February 18, 2019.

Read alsoEU to decide on new sanctions against Russia in coming weeks

"Enjoyed sincere and inspiring atmosphere this morning in Brussels when meeting colleagues. Great that real friends remain truly committed and United For Ukraine. Security and freedom of navigation in Black Sea region and supporting further ambitious European reforms in Ukraine," Klimkin tweeted.

As UNIAN reported, today, February 18, the Council of the European Union at the level of foreign ministers will review Ukraine's progress in carrying out reforms before the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Organization is counting on Kyiv's "constructive engagement" with the OSCE.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia Miroslav Lajcak has once again reiterated his deep regret about the decision of the Ukrainian authorities, which de-facto denies accreditation to international observers from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) with passports from Russia  which is defined under the Ukrainian legislation as an aggressor state  to participate in Ukraine's presidential elections.

"I remain convinced that not accepting accreditation for all ODIHR's observers is not in line with the OSCE commitments and therefore not in the best interest of the OSCE, Ukraine or its people," the OSCE press service quoted Lajcak as saying.

During his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin in Brussels on February 17, he said that the OSCE heads of state were committed to invite observers from other participating States that are willing to observe the elections.

According to the official, the Organization is counting on Kyiv's "constructive engagement" with the OSCE, RFE/RL's Ukrainian bureau wrote.

Read alsoPoroshenko says he'll order border guards not to let Russian observers in for elections

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office also intends to discuss the situation in and around Ukraine, along with other issues, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov later this week in Moscow, the press service added.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin has not yet commented on Lajcak's statements.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on February 7 passed Bill No. 9524 "On Amendments to Certain Laws on Observing the Electoral Process in Ukraine" that bans citizens of the Russian Federation from coming to Ukraine as observers for the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine.

United States Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker says that Ukraine's security concerns about Russian observers at its elections are real.
Ukraine and Romania are in talks to find a mutually acceptable solution regarding the medium of instruction for the national minorities studying in Ukraine.

"I want to inform you that now Romania and Ukraine are in the negotiation process to find a mutually acceptable solution. As part of the meetings of our education ministers, our country expressed its readiness to offer our own model regarding the minority languages as the medium of instruction," First Secretary of the Embassy of Romania in Ukraine, Ion Naval said at the round table meeting "Medium of instruction as a tool for integration into society" in Kyiv on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He recalled that the conclusions of the Venice Commission of December 2017 regarding Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine "On Education" underscore the need to find a fair balance between minority languages and the state language in the educational process.

Naval stressed that the ethnic Romanians needed to learn their mother tongue for "preserving linguistic identity" and noted that, according to the estimates of the Romanian side, the ethnic Romanians "are integrated into Ukrainian society and know the Ukrainian language very well."

I would like to confirm Romanias support for the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine and the reform process necessary to modernize various sectors, including the educational one. Romania understands perfectly well the need to master the knowledge of the state language by all the citizens of Ukraine, but at the same time we believe that Ukraine should comply with its international commitment to ensure the right to education in native language for the persons belonging to the Romanian minority," Naval said.

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Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic Tomas Petricek considers it expedient to open an office of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Mariupol.

He wrote this on Twitter while taking part in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on Monday.

The EU must be more active and visible in the region. We support opening a regional liaison office of EU Advisory Mission Ukraine in Mariupol, the minister wrote.

He said that Denmarks Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen at the meeting had made a report on the visit to eastern Ukraine. Both ministers visited Mariupol at the same time. We were shocked by the serious humanitarian situation caused by the war, Petricek wrote.

The diplomat also announced his country's support for expanding the list of persons subject to sanctions, those who were involved in the armed action in the Sea of Azov in November 2018 and the illegal detention of Ukrainian sailors. He also reiterated the demand for Russia to release the sailors.

ish
EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday will hold a broad discussion on Ukraine during which they are expected to support the efforts of Ukrainians on the path of reform and express their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said this before the meeting on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"We will have a discussion on Ukraine. Particularly important, I've just met the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Pavlo Klimkin, again. Particularly important as we come to the fifth anniversary of the events on Maidan. I can share personal memory because I was myself also in Ukraine, more or less, five years ago and I remember very well the expectations, the hopes of the Ukrainian people, especially when it comes to the reform agenda, the work on anti-corruption. Long way has been done thanks to the determination of the Ukrainians and the support of the European Union," she said.

Mogherini emphasized that the European Union would continue to provide support to Ukraine, in particular, in the process of democratic transformations and reforms.

"Especially in a year like this one, an electoral year for Ukraine will be crucial to keep attention both from the EU but also from the Ukrainians on continuing reform agenda and, obviously, our unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," she said.

She recalled that she met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Munich last Friday and again proved the EU's position on Ukraine and the events surrounding the country.

"I made it very clear again our common European Union position about our expectations on that, for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and definitely some steps that we have not yet seen from the Russian Federation on the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait," Mogherini said.
The EU and the United States are interested in a democratic, economically strong Ukraine, with a stable political situation.

Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko said this to journalists on the margins of the 55th Munich Security Conference, the press service of Kyiv City State Administration reported.

Our international partners hope for stability in Ukraine and that the upcoming election will not bring on the turmoil and upheaval. The future development of Ukraine for the next five years will greatly depend on these results, Klitschko said.

The EU and the United States voice the interest in exporting the stability into Ukraine rather than importing upheaval. The name of the winner is not so important today. What is more important is that who will be the president that defends Ukraines freedom and guarantees continuation of reforms as well as pro-European and pro-NATO course of the country, the mayor stressed.

Klitschko attended the official opening ceremony of the conference and met with EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker, Chairwoman of Germanys Christian Democratic Union party Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Chairman of the Christian Social Union parliamentary group in the Bundestag Alexander Dobrindt.

The mayor of Kyiv also met with Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank Kristalina Georgieva and discussed further cooperation in Kyivs transport infrastructure development. Also, the World Bank considers further investment programmes of public private partnership.

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Russian occupation forces violated ceasefire agreements ten times, using weapons banned under the Minsk agreements seven times, in the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

The enemy fired a total of 55 120mm and 82mm mortars into positions of Ukrainian troops. In the zone of action of tactical force East, Russian-led forces used 120mm and 82mm mortars to shell Ukrainian positions near Lebedynske (16km east of Mariupol); 120mm mortars, weapons on BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles  in the area of Pisky (11km north-west of Donetsk); 82mm mortars, hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms  outside Vodiane (94km south of Donetsk); heavy machine guns and small arms  near Pavlopol (25km north-west of Mariupol), the press center of the JFO Headquarters reports.

In the zone of action of tactical force North, the enemy fired 82mm mortars and heavy machine guns on Ukrainian defenders near Katerynivka (64km west of Luhansk); 82mm mortars and mounted grenade launchers of different systems  outside Troitske (69km west of Luhansk); hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms  in the area of Novoluhanske (53km north-east of Donetsk); small arms  near Stanytsia Luhanska (16km north-east of Luhansk).

One Ukrainian serviceman was wounded in shelling.

According to the intelligence, one occupant was killed and another five were wounded.

Today, the enemy has launched one attack on Ukrainian troops in the zone of action of tactical force North, using 120mm and 82mm mortars in the area of Katerynivka.

The Joint Forces reliably control the enemy on the contact line, adhering to the ceasefire agreements.

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The Vietnam Poetry Day, from February 16-21 in Hanoi capital city, Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, is being held along with the 4th International Conference on Vietnamese literature promotion and the 2nd International Poem Festival. The events attracted the participation of nearly 200 writers, poets and translators from many countries worldwide.

Within the framework of the events, many exchanges between Vietnamese poem lovers and foreign poets, and exhibitions on life and career of great poets have been arranged.

Poet Huu Thinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers Association (VWA) said that the Poetry Day is expected to contribute to promoting friendship among countries.

He highlighted innovation in poetry and literature activities in Vietnam.

The VWA has established a translation centre, which is building a long-term plan for translating Vietnams literary and poetry works into English as an intermediary to translate other languages.

Since its debut on Nguyen Tieu (the 15th day of the first lunar month) in 2003, the Vietnam Poetry Day, the biggest poetry festival in the country, has become a national tradition, taking place in the spring of each year.

Starting out as an initiative of the Vietnam Writers' Association, the Poetry Day has been organised in many provinces and cities to honour poetry, which has been an integral part of Vietnamese culture for thousands of years.
An elderly man has died after reportedly waiting for close to two hours for medical care at the Scarborough General Hospital.
A mixture of freezing rain, sleet and snow is forecast for the area Tuesday, with up to 2 inches of snow in areas west of U.S. 75 in northeastern Oklahoma, forecasters said.

Tulsa and surrounding counties are under a winter weather advisory from 9 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

A mixture of freezing rain, sleet, and snow will spread across portions of northeast Oklahoma and far northwest Arkansas, the National Weather Service in Tulsa reported.

Any icing accumulations are likely to be less than one tenth of an inch, and most areas will experience no more than a light glaze, forecasters said.

Plan on slippery road conditions, including during the evening commute on Tuesday. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.

The Oklahoma City metro area was also under the advisory from 7 a.m. Tuesday to 1 a.m. Wednesday.

A winter weather advisory means periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said in a news release Monday that crews will be on standby.
An open Senate seat race in Oklahoma City was the most expensive legislative contest last year, though House Speaker Charles McCall easily led all legislative candidates in spending.

Candidates spent $651,381 on the Senate District 30 race, won by Democrat Julia Kirt in what had long been a Republican area. Kirt spent just more than $215,000, while her Republican opponent spent about $210,000, according to reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.

Kirt was making her first political race but said she knew at the outset that running for an open seat in an urban area would be expensive.

We knew there hadnt been a race in the district in a long time, so we couldnt really gauge or compare, she said. We knew we needed to reach a lot of voters, though.

Paul Tyrrell 918-581-8326 paul.tyrrell@tulsaworld.com
OKLAHOMA CITY  A bill that would criminalize abortion in Oklahoma wont be brought for a committee vote this year, according to the chairman of the Senate health committee.

We are not going to hear it because I am opposed to it as it is written, said Sen. Jason Smalley, chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which has been assigned the bill.

Senate Bill 13 would reclassify abortion as murder, and anti-abortion activists gathered at the state Capitol this week to encourage Republican lawmakers to support the bill.

At this weeks rally, Sen. Joseph Silk, the author of SB 13, accused Republicans of protecting the abortion industry.
Norris Streetman said the idea for a photograph he wanted to shoot had been rolling around in my head for years.

The Tulsa businessman and media producer wanted a photo of the five living chiefs of the Osage Nation.

His idea was inspired by a photo he saw of five former United States presidents.

There was a lot more prep work than you would think for one photograph, said Streetman. Then, when it came time to shoot the photo, we needed a little luck, too.

Streetmans photo has created a buzz among some local artists, museums and tribal leaders.

It is five Osage Chiefs  John Red Eagle, Scott BigHorse, Geoffrey Standing Bear, Charles Tillman and Jim Gray  standing on a ridge at The Nature Conservancys Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve north of Pawhuska.

In the background are a few of the 2,500 free-range bison that roam the nearly 40,000 acres of protected tallgrass prairie.

Everything just sort of came together, said Streetman. I had this idea of what I wanted, but I just didnt know if it was possible.
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Thunderstorms, some heavy this evening, then periods of rain late. A few storms may be severe. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some heavy this evening, then periods of rain late. A few storms may be severe. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Proposed measures range from criminal penalties for disrupting the Legislature to the mandatory loss of pay and teacher certification for those who strike or shutdown schools to resolve differences with state leaders.
Tulsa police have identified a man who was fatally shot at the Normandy Apartments on Saturday night.

Frankie Foster, 37, died at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa a few hours after he was shot at the complex near 36th Street South and Sheridan Road.

Officers found Foster shot about 6:15 p.m. on the ground outside a car in the complexs parking lot, according to a Tulsa Police Department news release. A small black SUV reportedly pulled up behind the car and shots were fired, according to the release.

The car could be seen with multiple bullet holes in the passenger door, as well as a small pool of blood outside on the ground beside the car. A woman also in the vehicle with Foster was reportedly not injured. Foster was transported by EMSA and police announced his death in a news release about 10:30 p.m.

Detectives had to contend with an altered crime scene and varying suspect vehicle descriptions while investigating the shooting scene Saturday night.

Police have not named any suspects or a motive in the investigation as of Sunday afternoon.

Stetson Payne 918-732-8135 stetson.payne@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @stetson__payne
For students, it gives clear expectations about what and how they should be handling their bodies and the decision that they are making, said Katherine Bishop, Oklahoma Education Association vice president. For teachers, it gives them the source material they need and the correct definitions of it and how they need to teach it.

Laying out those clear expectations, we see that as a very positive resource, not only for our students, but for the teachers as well.

Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Broken Arrow, vice chairman of the Senate Education Committee, explained that the lack of understanding of what constitutes consent is a big problem across the nation.

I would say people are not respecting others and so it is very important that if we teach sex education, that we really detail very closely how we give consent and what that means and the full responsibilities surrounding consent, Newhouse said.

Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, also on the Education Committee, wanted the bill to mandate students also be taught the importance of abstaining from sexual activity in addition to consent.

If you are going to teach the definition of consent, you need to teach just as strongly the definition of abstinence, Quinn said.
Oklahoma critics of Medicaid expansion have said the federal dollars are not reliable and that it could wind up costing the state more if federal dollars were not provided or reduced.

McCortney said his goal is to include a provision that says if federal dollars are reduced, the Legislature will have nine months to affirmatively vote to stay in the contract.

In the first year, the state would be able to obtain about $1.2 billion in federal dollars at a state cost of $141 million, McCortney said.

I fully believe that we can find almost all of it, if not all, of this money without increasing the appropriation, McCortney said.

He said the money would come from partnerships with providers.

I think the important thing here is they are looking to expand coverage and bring federal dollars back at the 90 percent match that is provided under the Affordable Care Act, said David Blatt, Oklahoma Policy Institute executive director. This is certainly not straight Medicaid expansion in that people would be enrolled in commercial health insurance plans and not in Medicaid. It is a different approach.

Blatt said the proposal is modeled after one in Arkansas that got federal approval.
The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee unanimously approved a bill by President Pro Tempore Greg Treat that would help more small business owners gain access to quality, affordable health plans.

Senate Bill 943 increases access to association health plans (AHP) by making state law more closely reflect federal rule changes that allow more employer groups and associations to form AHPs based on common geography or industry. An AHP allows small business owners to group together as if a much larger, single employer to obtain health insurance oftentimes at lower rates.

Association health plans could have a huge impact for small business owners and sole proprietors across Oklahoma  who drive much of the job creation that keeps our economy growing, said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. Senate Bill 943 lets small employers and sole proprietors in Oklahoma take advantage of AHPs to gain access to quality, affordable health care plans. This could save small businesses hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each year, resources that can be reinvested back into their companies and employees.

Senate Bill 943 now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

Follow me on Twitter @SkiatookJournal. E-mail lindsey.chastain@skiatookjournal.com

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For local kids looking to learn more about aviation, the skys the limit.

Eighteen Owasso students recently participated in the Oklahoma 2019 International Aviation Art Contest, sponsored by the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

The state-level competition, held every February, encourages youth, ages 6 to 17, to reflect on aviation by designing a piece of art based on the years chosen theme. This years motif was My Dream to Fly.

Students are given an opportunity to submit their dreamy creations based on what they imagine the world around them would look like if they had the ability to fly. OAC Director of Aeronautics Vic Bird said the contest is important for aspiring youth.

The annual Oklahoma Aviation Art Contest is critical to stimulating aviation interest among young minds, Bird said in a press release. If we can reach them at the earliest of ages, we can guide them into STEM-based education and aviation and aerospace careers.

This year, OAC received 1,220 entries from 86 schools, marking the most participating schools since the organization began hosting the contest.
Owasso and Collinsville will play host to four blood drives in the coming weeks, starting at the Owasso Family YMCA on June 25, followed by Collinsvilles Boots & Badges community challenge on July 1, and Lowes and Home Depot in Owasso on July 5.
- The traders said doing business with Somalia was like cementing a bad relationship with their country's enemy

- They said Mogadishu had slapped them with heavy taxes to suppress miraa imports from Kenya

- Somalia, they said, had already introduced cheaper miraa from Ethiopia with flexible taxes with an aim of neutralising dominance of the Meru crop

- The tiff saw Nairobi summon its ambassador to Somalia back home while Somalia's envoy to the country was summoned for consultation in Mogadishu

Miraa traders from Meru have said they are ready lose business ties in the diplomatic tiff pitting Kenya and Somalia.

In a statement, Nyambene Miraa Trade Association (NYAMITA) said they were strongly opposed to any idea supporting sacrifice of Kenya's sovereignty and territorial integrity just to cushion khat business.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Akothee leaves fans speechless after spreading legs wide open on stage during concert

Kenya exports about 500 tonnes of miraa to Somalia every day and this rakes in about KSh 100 million. The sister country remains the biggest importer of Kenyan miraa. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Miguna lashes at government over strained diplomatic ties with Somalia

The traders were responding to a claim by Kenya that Somalia had auctioned its oil and gas blocks located in the Indian Ocean to the UK.

The deal was allegedly struck in London on Thursday, February 7.

"We in the miraa industry can't urge our government to sacrifice our sovereignty and territorial integrity to save our trade with Somalia," said their strongly worded statement released on Sunday, February 17.

READ ALSO: 25-year-old woman gives birth to 7 babies at once

According to the traders, they were already under torment from stringent laws Somalia had slapped miraa imports from Kenya with.

They further claimed their market base had shrunk since the sister country introduced cheaper products from Ethiopia.

"With this new disclosure, things are now adding up because out of the blues, in the recent two months or so, we, in the miraa industry have been hit by several shocks by the governments of Somalia,"

"It is clear there has been a build up that has culminated into the current status. In Mogadishu too, the Somalia government has already brought in cheaper khat imports from Ethiopia at lower tax to tame our miraa's dominance in favour of Ethiopia," they farmers claimed.

READ ALSO: Police hunt for daring Nairobi thief climbing walls like 'Spiderman'

On Sunday, February 17, Somalia refuted claims it auctioned off the blocks.

In a statement, Somalia indicated it was waiting for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to make a verdict on the case before it could commence any projects on the disputed property.

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.

Would you vote for a heterosexual president? | Tuko TV.

Source: Tuko
- The lawyer accused Kenyan government of "hypocrisy" in the ongoing diplomatic wrangles with the Somali government

- He alleged the government was using "maginary war threats" in order to avoid dealing with real issues affecting the country

- Miguna also challenged president Uhuru Kenyatta to claim ownership of Migingo Island which he alleged has been taken over by Ugandan government

Controversial lawyer and author Miguna Miguna has sharply differed with the government's decision to abruptly cut off diplomatic ties with Somali over alleged auctioning of oil gas and blocks falling within the Kenyan maritime territory.

The self-declared National Resistance Movement (NRM) general took issue with the move accusing the government of engaging in diversionary politics aimed at blindfolding Kenyans from real issues affecting the country.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna announces his return to Kenya

Miguna Miguna has accused Kenyan government of 'hypocrisy' in the ongoing diplomatic wrangles with Somalia government

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Govt finally surrenders Miguna Miguna's passport to Court

Through his Twitter account, the lawyer wondered why President Uhuru Kenyatta had swiftly responded to the Somali issue yet he had done nothing about Migingo Island which he alleged has been taken over by Ugandan soldiers.

"Migingo Island has been occupied by Ugandan soldiers and police for more than five years. Many Kenyans who eke out a living on Migingo Island have been killed, tortured, harassed and humiliated. Yet President Uhuru Kenyatta has never cut off diplomatic ties with president Kaguta Museveni," read one of his tweets.

He further challenged the government deal with, corruption, poverty and high rate of unemployment in the country rather than engaging in wrangles with Somalia

He accused the government of reading from the script of dictatorial regimes that have used war to cover up their failure.

"Despots have used war or imaginary threats from foreigners as diversionary tactics in order to buy time or avoid dealing with real and concrete issues such as election frauds, high unemployment, poverty, corruption, tribalism and human rights abuses,"

The exiled lawyer accused president Uhuru Kenyatta's government of perpetrating injustices against her people reaffirming his resolve to return in the country in April, 2019.

Miguna was exiled in February 2018 after administering an oath to the then NASA leader Raila Odinga during Mock swearing-in ceremony at Uhuru park

READ ALSO: My return will be mother of all liberation wars - Miguna Miguna

On Saturday, February 16, the Kenyan government recalled its ambassador to Somalia, Lucas Tumbo, and equally ordered Somalia ambassador to Kenya Mohamud Nur, to leave Nairobi with immediate effect.

This was after the government through the Ministry of Interior accused Somali of auctioning oil gas and blocks falling within the Kenyan maritime territory near its border on February 7, 2019 in a deal struck in London.

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.

Kenyan most romantic man does it again Tuko TV

Source: Tuko.co.ke
A Tanzanian politician has raised eyebrows after he decided to tie the knot with his 25-year-old lover at the age of 73.

Juma Kapuya, the former parliamentarian at Urambo constituency, wedded his youthful lover on Sunday, February 17, in a low-key yet lavish ceremony.

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READ ALSO: Mohammed Bin Salman denies reports that he is interested in buying Man United

READ ALSO: Kenyans convinced gospel star Kambua is pregnant after spotting her with slightly bulging tummy

Photos and videos accessed by TUKO.co.ke showed the odd couple exchanging vows in front of a lively crowd as Juma said 'I Do' to one Mwajuma Mwiniko in the ceremony which was held in line with Muslim customs.

READ ALSO: Lulu Hassan's amazing Kikuyu speaking skills leave Kenyans in awe

A number of online users weighed in on the wedding, with some surprisingly saying it was fully within the moral standards especially since Mwajuma was an adult capable of making sound choices on her life.

There is, however, one peculiar way to look at the marriage which would perhaps place things in perspective a little.

READ ALSO: Zari Hassan finally moves on from Diamond, shares photos of herself with new lover

When Juma's bride was born, he was two years shy of clocking 50 and was en route to becoming a member of the National Executive Council of the then governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

READ ALSO: Patients clobber 2 Mama Lucy Hospital nurses

He went on to hold that position for eight years and was then appointed Minister of Defense and National Service.

His is not a very strange union particularly in an African setting as TUKO.co.ke has previously reported on a number of weddings involving old men popularly refereed to as 'sponsors' or 'blessers' and youthful women.

Trade unionist Francis Atwoli also has a youthful wife in the form of TV girl Mary Kilobi

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Somalia denies auctioning disputed oil blocks as row with Kenya deepens

Kenya's very own Francis Atwoli is another such example as he is happily married to KTN news anchor Mary Kilobi despite their huge age gap.

Prominent and controversial Uasin Gishu businessman Jackson Kibor, 84, divorced his wife of 51 years in the most confounding circumstances and went on to express his desire to remarry.

He settled for a younger woman.

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

HIV+ Man Surprise Proposal to Girlfriend | Tuko TV:

Source: Tuko.co.ke
Kenyan dailies on Monday, February 18, reported on different developments in the political field with referendum and 2022 succession talks cutting across.

The tiff between pitting Kenya and Somalia on alleged auction of oil and gas blocks was also a point of focus for the five dailies.

Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens

READ ALSO: Kenyans convinced gospel star Kambua is pregnant after spotting her with slightly bulging tummy

Kenyan dailies on Monday, February 18, reported on different developments in the political field with referendum and 2022 succession talks cutting across. Photo: UGC

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Government rejects 133 courses offered in universities

1. Taifa Leo

Taifa Leo brings to the fore plight of Martin Kamotho Njenga alias Githeri man who gained fame during the 2017 General Election.

Githeri Man, 44, has gone back to consumption of illicit brew despite concerted efforts by the government to rescue him from the menace.

He has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to come to his rescue again using any other means he can offer so that he can divorce liquor.

Taifa Leo brings to the fore plight of Martin Kamotho Njenga alias Githeri man who gained fame during the 2017 General Election. Photo: Taifa Leo

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Somalia denies auctioning disputed oil blocks as row with Kenya deepens

2. Nation

Somalia has dismissed claims by Kenya that it auctioned several gas and oil blocks on the Indian Ocean to the UK.

The daily reports that Kenya stands to lose the five contested blocks if the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in favour of Somalia

The sister country petitioned the ICJ to rule that the disputed blocks were in its territory.

On its part, Kenya wants the border between it and Somalia to run parallel to the latitude towards the east. Somalia wants it to run diagonally.

Somalia maintains that even if the borders was to be drawn in Kenya's interest, the block would still be in Somalia's territory.

The tiff saw Somalia ambassador to Kenya and Kenya's ambassador to Somalia summoned for consultation in Mogadishu and Nairobi respectively.

The daily reports that Kenya stands to lose the five contested blocks if the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules in favour of Somalia. Photo: Nation

Source: UGC

3. Standard

The Standard reports that the fate of 10,000 students enrolled in different universities and colleges is precariously hanging on the balance.

This after the Commission for University Education (CUE) rejected a total of 133 courses and termed them as useless.

Among the schools affected is Tom Mboya University College which offers 25 unapproved courses.

Garissa University offers 10 unapproved courses, Alupe University College (10), Kenya High Lands Evangelical University (7), Lukenya University (6), Kisii University (5), Kenyatta University (4), Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (4) and Kabarak University (2).

Leadership in the institutions have, however, faulted CUE claiming they are using this information to set students against them.

The Standard reports that the fate of 10,000 students enrolled in different universities and colleges is precariously hanging on the balance. Photo: Standard

Source: Original

READ ALSO: 25-year-old woman gives birth to 7 babies at once

4. Star

The Star reports that nurses in Nairobi have threatened to take to the streets in protests of the recent assault on two of their colleagues at Mama Lucy Hospital.

The medics insist that the spate of attack on nurses by patient is increasing and thus need urgent measures installed to forestall such developments.

Mama Lucy Hospital management has said it will deploy uniformed and plain clothed security officers at the facility.

The nurses have accused investigators of not expediting probes in such incidents and thus this has left them abused with no justice served.

The Star reports that nurses in Nairobi have threatened to take to the streets in protests of the recent assault on two of their colleagues at Mama Lucy Hospital. Photo: Star

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: We lied to Kenyans about UhuRuto in our campaigns - Boni Khalwale

5. People Daily

People Daily reports that a suit filed by Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho against Jubilee leaders linking to drugs trade has gained ammunition.

This is after the DCI, in a letter addressed to Joho, said Joho was not being pursued by Interpol for dealing in narcotics.

Joho had moved to court and sue MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Kimani Ichung'wa (Kikuyu), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang for defamation.

He wants a court to award him damages.

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.

His mother sold him for 700 shillings | Tuko TV.

Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest
Assistant Senior Editor

Nick is the assistant senior editor for The Record, The Saratogian, Community News and the Oneida Daily Dispatch.
Once again, this countrys entertainers, as well as the people behind their operations, have put on display their prodigious entrepreneurial capacity and energies in their efforts to work around the current Covid-19 restrictions.

In doing so, they have demonstrated the means by which this pandemic can be safely and creatively challenged. They have thus brought what is nothing short of light shining brightly into the long, dark tunnel that has been this inhibiting experience, 15 months on.
Washington, MO (63090)

Today

Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm late. Low near 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm late. Low near 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
The House of Representatives will debate a motion of no confidence in Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh at 1.30 p.m. today.

The Opposition motion is filed in the name of Caroni East MP Dr Rishad Seecheran. The Health Minister is expected to speak.

The motion is unusually short. It reads, Whereas the Minister of Health has persistently demonstrated his inability to effectively undertake his duties in the health sector for the welfare of our citizens, be it resolved that this House express its lack of confidence in the Minister of Health and call for his immediate resignation.
The total cost of Caribbean Airlines (CAL) severance payment is estimated to be in the vicinity of $110 million, Finance Minister Colm Imbert revealed yesterday.

Imbert said CAL did not have the required finances for the severance payment and therefore the payments would be financed by the Ministry of Finance.
A teenage girl with pre-existing medical issues is among 16 people who died from Covid-19 yesterday.

Covid-19 deaths in Trinidad and Tobago returned to the double digits yesterday, after two consecutive days of single digits.

There were seven Covid-19 deaths on Wednesday and on Thursday.
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Canton, GA (30114)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
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Montreal/Seoul, February 18

The United States has blocked efforts by a UN agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace to foreign flights, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The US move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes.

The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace.

Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights.

If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry.

The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Koreas aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to US-produced aeronautical charts, they said.

US seeks leverage

But the United States discouraged the UN agency from helping North Korea with its air programme as Washington wanted to pool all the leverages and incentives until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearisation, a third source said.

They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward, the source said.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states.

Asked for comment, a US State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations.

An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Koreas foreign ministry.

In 2017, the United States proposed the UN Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members.

Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 2,00,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation.

That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said.

The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers, including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA.

Denuclearisation pressure

The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearisation, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid.

South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted US officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearisation.

A fourth source told Reuters that the US move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions.

But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress, said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. Reuters
uttara@tribuneindia.com

AIRBASE IN NORTHEAST SYRIA, February 18

The commander of US-backed forces in Syria called on Monday for about 1,000 to 1,500 international forces to remain in Syria to help fight Islamic State and expressed hope that the United States, in particular, would halt plans for a total pullout.

The remarks by Mazloum Kobani, the commander-in-chief of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, followed talks with senior US generals at an airbase in northeast Syria and offered perhaps the most comprehensive view to date of his requests for an enduring military assistance from the US-led coalition.

"We would like to have air cover, air support and a force on the ground to coordinate with us," Kobani told a small group of reporters who travelled with the US military to an airbase at an undisclosed location in northeast Syria.

With US help, the Kurdish-led fighters are poised to seize Islamic State's last holdout in eastern Syria. At the height of its power four years ago, Islamic State held about a third of both Iraq and Syria in a self-proclaimed Caliphate.

But Islamic State still has thousands of fighters, who, now dispersed, are expected to turn to guerrilla-style attacks.

Kobani said there were discussions about perhaps French and British troops supporting the SDF in Syria. But he stressed he also wanted at least "a partial group of American forces, who now number more than 2,000 in Syria, to stay as well.

US Army General Joseph Votel, head of Central Command, said after the talks with Kobani that he was still carrying out President Donald Trump's December order for a complete US withdrawal of American forces.

"We certainly understand what they would like us to do, but of course that's not the path we're on at this particular point," Votel told reporters.

US Presence

Asked about any discussions on a continuing US presence in Syria, Votel said: "So the discussion really isn't about US forces staying here. We've looked at potentially what coalition (forces) might be able to do here".

Trump's surprise December decision to withdraw all the US troops from Syria has triggered deep concern among US allies about the risk of an eventual resurgence of Islamic State.

But the pullout raises an even more immediate threat to Kobani's SDF, which fears that Turkey will make good on threats to attack them. He warned of a "new genocide" in SDF controlled areas of Syria.

Kobani thanked Trump for publicly stating his intent to protect the SDF but said: "I want him to live up to his word". Without a deal with the US-led coalition, experts say Kobani may have to strike a deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to avoid a Turkish sweep or a resurgence of Islamic State.

Votel is recommending continued support to the SDF as long as it keeps up pressure on Islamic State militants.

But Army Lieutenant General Paul LaCamera, who is the commander of the US-led coalition battling Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, cautioned on Sunday that the United States would be legally unable to support the SDF if they partnered with Assad or Assad's Russian backers.

Kobani stressed he was not seeking a military deal with Damascus.

Perhaps sensing an opportunity to stoke doubt among the Kurdish communities, Assad warned on Sunday the United States would not protect those depending on it.

"We say to those groups who are betting on the Americans, the Americans will not protect you," he said. "The Americans will put you in their pockets so you can be tools in the barter, and they have started with (it)."

Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine, is among the US lawmakers expressing concern the US withdrawal could deal a devastating blow to Kurdish forces and warned that any sense of US betrayal could cast a long shadow for years to come.

"It will chill future potential groups from assisting us if we're going to treat the people who have been so stalwart on our behalf in this way. It is very dangerous in terms of national security," he has said. Reuters
editorial@tribune.com

Washington, February 17

President Donald Trump has demanded that the European nations take back more than 800 IS fighters captured in Syria and put them on trial, warning that the US otherwise will be forced to free the jihadists after it pulls out from the war-torn country.

President Trump surprised the world by announcing in December that he was withdrawing 2,000 American troops from the war-torn Syria.

He also warned the Islamic State (IS) that America would hit them hard from nearby military bases if the terror outfit regains momentum. US-backed fighters are set to capture ISs last tiny stronghold in Syria, bringing an end to its self-declared caliphate.

The US is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them, Trump said on Saturday.

President Trump warned that IS fighters could permeate Europe and called on European nations to step up efforts to put the prisoners on trial in their countries.

The US does not want to watch as these IS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much  Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory! he said in a tweet.

IS, which once controlled huge swatches of land in Iraq and Syria, suffered crippling defeats in 2017 when Iraq recaptured Mosul and the Syrian Democratic Forces seized its Syrian capital of Raqqa, and the Syrian government pushed it east to the Euphrates.

Trump has said he will pull US forces from Syria after IS territorial defeat, raising questions over the fate of the US Kurdish allies vulnerable to an attack from Turkey. Ankara views the Kurdish forces as terrorists aligned with insurgents inside Turkey.

Last month, Trump threatened to devastate Turkey economically if it attacks US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria following a pullout of American troops from the war-torn country. He also urged the Kurds not to provoke Ankara.

Ground troops first arrived in Syria in autumn 2015 when then US President Barack Obama sent in a small number of special forces to train and advise YPG fighters.  PTI

The rise and fall of IS in Iraq, Syria
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

ISLAMABAD, February 17

Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday kicked off his tour of South Asia and China with a high-profile visit to Pakistan, but the trip risks being overshadowed by escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

PM Imran Khan and army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa welcomed the prince, with Pakistan sending fighter jets to guide the incoming plane of Prince Mohammed, who is set to sign investment agreements of over $10 billion.

The tour is seen as a attempt by the prince to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi, analysts say. But his arrival comes amid a vow by India to isolate Pakistan internationally following the deadly attack in Kashmir.

The crown prince will arrive in India on February 19 on his first official visit. Counter-terrorism and energy security are expected to top the agenda.  Agencies
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Washington, February 18

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said in an interview that aired on Sunday that a crime may have been committed when President Donald Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia.

McCabe also said in the interview with 60 Minutes that the FBI had good reason to open a counter-intelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then FBI Director James Comey.

And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russias malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, Why would a president of the United States do that? McCabe said.

He added: So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia? Asked whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, McCabe replied, Absolutely. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment Sunday night.

McCabe also revealed that when Trump told Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Comey  a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing  the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo. Rosenstein did not want to, McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Comeys dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo, McCabe said. And the president responded, I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway. Trump said in a TV interview days after Comeys firing that he was thinking of this Russia thing when he fired Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed, McCabe said. The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey. McCabe was fired from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a news media disclosure. The allegation was referred to the U.S. Attorneys office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought. McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said Sunday that he believes his firing was politically motivated.

I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States, he said.

In the interview Sunday, McCabe also said Rosenstein in the days after Comeys firing had proposed wearing a wire to secretly record the president. McCabe said he took the remark seriously, though the Justice Department last September  responding last September to a New York Times report that first revealed the conversation  issued a statement from an unnamed official who was in the room and interpreted the remark as sarcastic.

McCabe said the remark was made during a conversation about why Trump had fired Comey.

And in the context of that conversation, the deputy attorney general offered to wear a wire into the White House. He said, I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldnt know it was there, McCabe said.

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, McCabe also described a conversation in which Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitutions 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. The Justice Department said in a statement that Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her partys nomination for president, told reporters after a campaign event Sunday in Las Vegas that if the people around Trump believe he cannot fulfill the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favorite target of Trumps ire, Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Trump from office but said that there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment.  AP
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Islamabad, February 18

Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has expressed optimism about the economic future of Pakistan, saying his country had been waiting for a leadership like that of Prime Minister Imran Khan to partner with Islamabad in various areas.

Addressing a reception dinner on Sunday night at the Prime Minister House hours after he landed here, the Crown Prince said Pakistan was a "dear country" to all Saudis and that the two countries "have walked together in tough and good times", Dawn news reported.

"We believe that Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he said.

"Pakistan today has a great future in store with a great leadership." The Saudi royal said his country would collaborate with Pakistan economically, politically and in terms of security. "We believe in our region, that is why we are investing in it." "This is my first trip (to the) east since I became the Crown Prince (in 2017) and the first country (that I have visited) is Pakistan," he added.

Before the dinner, the two countries signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation worth $20 billion.

The deals include exploration of investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical sectors; cooperation in the field of sports; financing agreement for the import of Saudi goods; power generation projects; and development of renewable energy projects.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan during his speech at the reception dinner said that Saudi Arabia had always been a "friend in need" to Pakistan.

He invited Riyadh to avail opportunities from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistan's close links with Beijing.

The Prime Minister also put forward two requests in front of the Crown Prince: First, he requested the Saudi royal to allow Pakistani Haj pilgrims to undergo immigration at the three major Pakistani airports before leaving for Saudi Arabia for their convenience.

Second, Khan urged the Saudi authorities to look into the hardships of the Pakistani labourers working in the Kingdom.

Also on Sunday, Khan and the Crown Prince held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by the inaugural session of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, Dawn news said.

Amid heightened security and arrangements in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the Crown Prince arrived at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening. He was received by the Prime Minister, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and other senior Cabinet Ministers.

The Crown Prince was given a 21-gun salute.

Breaking protocol, Khan personally drove the Saudi royal to the Prime Minister's House. The visit was initially scheduled for February 16, but was delayed by a day for unknown reasons.

After Pakistan, the Crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IANS
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Islamabad, February 18

The ad hoc judge for Pakistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) suffered a cardiac attack during the hearing of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav's case on Monday, according to a Pakistani media report.

Tassaduq Hussain Gillani, 69, suddenly suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital, however, his health was said to be stable, Abb Takk news reported.

Sources said he is being given treatment in hospital.

The ICJ began a four-day public hearing in Jadhav's case on Monday.

Under Article 31 of the Statute of the Court, a State party to a case before the International Court of Justice which does not have a judge of its nationality on the Bench may choose a person to sit as judge ad hoc in that specific case.

It follows that the composition of the International Court of Justice will vary from one case to another, and that the number of judges sitting in a given case will not necessarily be 15. - PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Dhaka, February 17

A major fire in Bangladesh gutted over 200 shanties, killing at least nine persons, including two children, in the port city of Chittagong Sunday. The devastating blaze broke out in the wee hours when most of the slum dwellers were asleep, Dhaka Tribune reported. The reason behind the fire was not immediately known.

Nine people, including two children, have been burnt to death at a slum in Chaktai area, the report said.

According to the officials, the fire, which destroyed over 200 shanties, started at Bhera Market slum around 3:32 AM (local time).

It took nearly five hours to control the raging fire, the report added.

A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

The local administration will provide 20,000 taka ($238) to the victims families for burial.  PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18

There was high drama in the Punjab Assembly on Monday as Local Bodies Minister Navjot Sidhu tried to give chase to Akali MLA Bikram Majithia after the war of words between the two turned ugly.

Sidhu was prevented by his party MLAs from doing so.

This happened as Finance Minister Manpreet Badal was presenting the state Budget.

Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa also expressed anger over the inability of his government to nail down Majithia.

An aggressive Sidhu told CM Capt Amarinder Singh, We should be ashamed that we are not taking any action against Majithia.

As Parminder Pinki tried to calm him down, Sidhu pushed him away.

As the House was adjourned till 1 pm, Randhawa and other Congress MLAs expressed their anger over the governments inability to nail down Akalis; attracting support from AAP and LIP MLAs.

Earlier, as the Punjab Assembly reconvened for the Budget session, SAD leaders raised slogans against Sidhu for his remarks on the Pulwama terror attack.

Majithia, Parminder Dhindsa and other Akali and BJP MLAs continued to raise slogans against Sidhu during Question Hour. Akalis wore black badges to register their protest against Sidhus remarks.

In reply, Sidhu slammed Majithia. Heated arguments ensued between Sidhu and the Akalis.
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Chandigarh, February 18

More than 300 Kashmiri students have reached Mohali from Uttarakhand and Haryana on their way to their homes, a student body arranging their stay in the Punjab town said on Monday, amid reports of harassment of students from the Valley in Dehradun after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Some Kashmiri youths studying in the Uttarakhand capital have alleged they were harassed and asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations fearing attacks on their properties after the terrorist strike in Pulwama on Thursday that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Over the past two days, nearly 280 students have arrived from Dehradun and up to 30 from Haryanas Ambala district, said Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation president Khwaja Itrat.

He said nearly 150 of the total students have moved towards Jammu, from where they will head to their homes in the Kashmir Valley.

The students told us they wanted to make a halt in Mohali as it was a safer place. We helped them arrange a temporary stay here, Itrat said.

Authorities here are cooperating and helping us out. It is a crucial time for many students with final examinations approaching and loss of studies at this time will impact their grades. But the students want the issue to settle down and then they will decide to return, he said.

One student has alleged that unknown people attacked him on Saturday night when he was returning to the university hostel in Mullana in Ambala district.

On Sunday, talking informally to reporters in Mohali, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Sing made it clear that all Kashmiri students will be given full protection by his government.

No one will be harassed, he stressed.

Meanwhile, the Haryana Police have registered an FIR after a video on social media showed some people asking Kashmiri students to vacate their accommodations in Mullana.

Another video has surfaced in which two students were threatened to vacate their private accommodation, Ambala Superintendent of Police Astha Modi said on Monday.

She said there were nearly 600 Kashmiri students in Ambala district, of whom 350-400 were enrolled in a private university in Mullana.

We reached out to the students and assured them about their security. We also spoke to their parents and assured them. Both the students (identified in the video) and their parents are satisfied with the steps we have taken, she said.

Mullana villagers are making announcements on loudspeakers, assuring Kashmiri students of their safety and security, she said.

Officials said the security around other educational institutes in Haryana, including in Panchkula district, where a large number of Kashmiri students are enrolled, has been stepped up. PTI
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 17

Cracking the whip over the laxity shown in the Ludhiana gangrape case, Punjab Police today dismissed ASI Vidya Rattan, who was initially suspended for dereliction, suspended SI Jarnail Singh and also shifted the SHO of Dakha police station, Rajan Parminder, to the Police Lines.

DIG, Ludhiana Range, Ranbir Singh Khatra said zero tolerance was shown to the cops who dealt poorly with the complaint of kidnapping of a girl and a boy, coupled with a ransom call at Issewal village.

Khatra said when a friend of the boy, who was held captive with his female friend by the six accused on Saturday night, reached the police station, the ASI was lax and careless. SI Jarnail Singh, the additional SHO, was suspended for not taking action despite knowing that the ASI was lax.

Though the SHO claimed he was on casual leave, being the head, it was his duty to keep tabs on the staff, DIG Khatra asserted.

He said taking a cue from orders of the Juvenile Justice Board, they planned to move an application to consider one of the six accused, who is more than 17 years old, to be treated as an adult.
harinder@tribunemail.com

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 17

The electoral battlefield in Punjab is dotted with fledgling parties that are trying to forge an alliance. Their common objective is to defeat the two main players  Congress and SAD-BJP  in the hope of emerging as the third alternative.

Dissident Akali veterans, who have formed the SAD (Taksali), have thrown their hat in the ring. They have zeroed in on former Army Chief JJ Singh as the partys Khadoor Sahib candidate.

On the other hand, hardline Sikh leaders, who led the Bargari Morcha on the issue of desecration, have announced the candidature of United Akali Dal (UAD) president Mohkam Singh, also from Khadoor Sahib. Morcha general secretary Bhai Gurdeep Singh will contest from Bathinda, former MP and SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann from Sangrur, and Bikramjit Sodhi from Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The agenda of both outfits is to rid the SGPC and Akal Takht of the Badals. But observers believe under the prevailing circumstances, it will be Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh who will have the last laugh. Prof Dr Kuldeep Singh, GNDU, says: Both SAD (Taksali) and Bargari Morcha are eyeing Sikh votes. Any division of Panthic votes will eventually benefit the Congress, despite the fact the Congress government does not have much to show in terms of performance.

I see a straight contest between the Congress and SAD-BJP. It is highly unlikely that Taksali leaders and other groups, even if they forge an alliance, will emerge as a force to reckon with, but they will surely eat into the Akali vote bank, placing the Congress in an advantageous position. As it is the influence of SAD (Taksali) is confined to a few constituencies in Majha. As far as the Bargari group is concerned, voters are seldom inclined towards parties whose chances of winning are negligible.

Nonetheless, the SAD (Taksali), BSP, Punjab Ekta Party, SAD (Amritsar), and Lok Insaaf Party have come together under the umbrella of Punjab Democratic Alliance. Taksali leader SS Sekhwan admits there are some irritants, but claims these will be sorted out amicably. Wary that a division of Panthic votes may benefit established parties, United Akali Dal general secretary Gurdeep Singh Bathinda says: We are open to any discussion and wont hesitate reviewing our list of candidates, if need be.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

The Cabinet on Sunday cleared the presentation of the Budget estimates for 2019-20, along with various accounts and CAG audit reports in the Vidhan Sabha.

In the meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, CAG audit reports, finance accounts and appropriation accounts for the year ending March 31, 2018, were approved to be presented in the Vidhan Sabha.

The Cabinet also gave approval to regularise the excess accumulated expenditure of demands for grants mentioned in the appropriation accounts for 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 in the ongoing Budget session.

To fill medical posts

The Cabinet approved filling of 153 direct quota posts of 42 professors, 46 associate professors and 65 assistant professors in government medical colleges at Amritsar and Patiala.

The vacancies would be filled by the selection committee, headed by former PGI Director Dr KK Talwar.

Foodgrain transportation

Nod was given to the Foodgrain Transportation Policy 2019-20 for the transportation of foodgrain from mandis to storage points at minimum rates through competitive tenders. For the ensuing season commencing from April 1, transportation of foodgrain beyond 8 km would be allowed through an online tender process.

The issue of bail to Akali leader Dyal Singh Kolianwali due to the failure of the Vigilance Bureau to file a challan against him was raised by the Cooperation minister. The CM is learnt to have assured him a probe into the matter.
editorial@tribune.com

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal will be beaming with confidence as he presents his Budget proposals for 2019-20 on Monday. After two Budgets that he has presented for the Capt Amarinder Singh government, his third Budget proposals are expected to finally give some positive direction to the states sagging economy.

Sources in the Finance Department told The Tribune that the Budget, which also reveals the fiscal performance of the government in 2018-19, would show that the state had managed to stem the fiscal deficit and revenue deficit at much lower level than what was projected in the Budget 2018 estimates.

The government had targeted its fiscal deficit at Rs 21,220.01 crore and revenue deficit Rs 14,039.41 crore. The fiscal indicators for the year in the first three quarters (April to December) are indicative of the deficits being controlled  fiscal deficit is Rs 11,079.14 crore (52 percent of the estimate) and revenue deficit Rs 8,822.83 crore (62 per cent of the target).

With results for January pouring in and just two months left for the financial year to end, it looks certain that the deficit will be much less than what was projected. By cutting down on expenditure and with the imposition of two new taxes in the ongoing financial year, the FM seems to have stopped the downward slide of the Punjab economy.

Manpreet is also expected to give a direction in his Budget on how he can revive the economy. During the ongoing year, he has managed to restrict spending at just 54.67 percent (Rs 47,207.45 crore) of the total spending that was targeted (Rs 86,351.26 crore). The FM is likely to announce that this year, the state is in primary surplus (after leaving the huge debt burden).

With deficits being reduced, it will leave enough room for the FM to announce higher allocation for agriculture (mainly crop loan waiver scheme and for crop diversification); irrigation, enforcement of law and order; increase state investment in public transport, besides making allocations for canal-based drinking water supply to Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Patiala.

For employees, budget provisioning is likely to be there for new pay scales, to be implemented by the Sixth Pay Commission and for regularising the services of employees. Provisioning for health and education sectors is also expected to see a substantial rise.

Sources say the focus of the Budget proposals will also be on the youth, giving them employment opportunities and increasing allocation for distributing smartphones, a poll promise of the ruling Congress.
amansharma@tribunemail.com

Ahmedabad, February 18

The wife of an Army jawan allegedly committed suicide in Gujarat's Devbhoomi Dwarka district as she had become anxious about his safety, the police said on Monday.

Meenakshi Jethwa (22) had become worried about her husband Bhupendrasinh's safety especially in the wake of the attack on a CRPF convoy earlier last week, they said.

She was found to have hanged herself from the ceiling of her house in Khambhaliya town Saturday.

Her husband, posted at Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, was visiting home on leave when the incident took place.

The couple had got married only two years ago.

Meenakshi did not want him to return to Kashmir, said a local police official.

Jethwa had told his wife about how he once narrowly escaped an avalanche while on duty. This, in addition to the February 14 attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed, made her all the more apprehensive, the police official said.

"As the date of his departure neared, she got depressed and hanged herself," the police official said, adding that further probe was underway. - PTI
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Patna, February 18

The Bihar Assembly plunged into turmoil on Monday, forcing adjournment till 2 pm within minutes of commencement of proceedings, as the Opposition MLAs created ruckus demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the Muzaffarpur shelter home sex scandal.

No sooner than the House assembled at 11 am, RJD MLAs led by Bhai Virendra and Lalit Yadav were on their feet demanding that the Chief Minister, who was not present in the Assembly, tender his resignation in the wake of an order passed by special POCSO court at Muzaffarpur last week.

The court had forwarded to the CBI an application filed by one of the accused in the scandal seeking investigation into the role of Kumar and a number of top bureaucrats in the release of funds to the shelter home from 2013 to 2018.

It was during this period that sexual abuse of inmates was flagged in a report of social audit conducted by Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary told the agitated Opposition members that as per his understanding, no questions have been raised by the court order on Kumars role and the application was forwarded to the CBI as part of a routine process.

When the RJD MLAs, who were joined by those belonging to other parties like the Congress and CPI (ML), persisted with their demand, the Speaker asked if they were in possession of a copy of the order and if so they may produce the same before him.

The Opposition members got more agitated over this and trooped into the Well, following which the Speaker adjourned the House till 2 pm.

Meanwhile, an adjournment motion on the issue was also moved before the House by CPI (ML) members Satyadeo Ram, Sudama Rai and Mehboob Alam wherein a demand for the CMs resignation was made alleging that until now, only small fry were being targeted in the investigation into the scandal.

Speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Council, former Chief Minister Rabri Devi, who is Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House, also demanded Kumars resignation saying he is quick to demand high standards of probity from others. He should live up to these himself.

Rabri Devis sarcasm was in the backdrop of Kumars exit from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) in 2017, leading to the RJD losing power in the state, following allegations of corruption against her son Tejashwi Yadav, who was then Bihars Deputy CM.

Rabri Devis demand was seconded by Congress MLC Prem Chandra Mishra, who alleged that under the circumstances, a free and fair probe would not be possible until Kumar resigns from the Chief Ministers post. PTI
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 17

Four days after a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into a CRPF convoy, leaving 40 jawans dead, the Jammu and Kashmir government today withdrew the security cover provided to four separatist leaders  Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former chairman Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Gani Lone and Shabir Shah.

Orders in this regard were issued by the Commissioner Secretary, Home, Shaleen Kabra this evening.

An official statement earlier in the day had carried Hashim Qureshis name too. But the final order read: As a first step, the security and allied arrangements awarded to the four separatists are being withdrawn immediately. There was no mention of Qureshi.

Regarding a decision on other separatists, the order said a security review meeting would be held in Jammu on Wednesday.

Mirwaiz, with Y security, had 26 policemen guarding him and his residence. He had been allotted three police vehicles. Bilal Lone, the brother of Sajad Lone, had X security with 10 policemen. Shabir Shah is lodged in Tihar Jail. His wife Dr Bilquees said he had no security cover and his name on the list was mere propaganda.

The Hurriyat said the separatist leaders had never sought security.

In fact, it was the government that insisted on keeping the personnel based on what they said was their assessment of threat perception. It was the governments decision at that time, today its their decision to remove it. Its not an issue for us, it said. Suspected militants had killed Mirwaiz Umars father on May 21 in 1990 and Bilal Gani Lones father in 2002.

Hashim Qureshi heads the Democratic Liberation Party. He was one of the main accused in the Fokker hijack incident just before the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

In view of the threat to their lives, the government provided security to the leaders affiliated with the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Srinagar on Friday, had said the security given to those getting funds from Pakistan and its snooping agency ISI should be reviewed.

Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed, he had said.

Protection to hurriyat leaders withdrawn

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Chairman of moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference, considered pro-dialogue. Several members of his party and family were targeted by militants for pro-dialogue stance

Security: Category Y (26 personnel)

Shabir Shah

In Tihar in terror funding case, heads Democratic Freedom Party, a constituent of APHC headed by Geelani. Considered pro-dialogue, was the first separatist leader to break ranks in early 90s to have a dialogue

Security: No PSO attached

Prof Abdul Gani Bhat

Was chairman of undivided Hurriyat. Close aide of Mirwaiz and considered pro-talks, heads Muslim Conference

Security: 6 personnel

Bilal Gani Lone

Executive member of APHC headed by Mirwaiz, Bilal re-christened Peoples Conference as J&K Independent Movement. Is elder brother of ex-minister Sajad Gani Lone, considered close to BJP

Security: Category X (10 personnel)
editorial@tribune.com

Bhadrak (Odisha), Feb 17

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday castigated Pakistan, accusing it of engineering the Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

He claimed that the neighbouring country backed the attack after finding out that the terrorists have become frustrated in the wake of the successful operations by the Indian forces in the past five years.

Pakistan, which has been patronising terrorism, realised that frustration and desperation had grown among the militants due to successful operations against them by our security forces in the past five years, Singh said at a public meeting on the outskirts of this north Odisha town.

Asserting that the security forces have been given a free hand to give a befitting reply to the attack, the minister said the sacrifice made by the CRPF jawans would not go in vain.

Declaring that all political parties have pledged support to the government and the defence forces, Singh said the entire nation stands behind the Army, who would certainly teach the enemy a lesson.  PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Islamabad, February 18

In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan on Monday called back its High Commissioner from India for "consultations" amid heightened bilateral tensions after the Pulwama terror attack, days after New Delhi asked its envoy in Islamabad to return.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said envoy Sohail Mahmood left New Delhi on Monday morning.

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations.

He left New Delhi this morning .  Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," he said on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear as to how many days he will stay in Pakistan. Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has already been called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

India has blamed Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group for the Pulwama terror attack on Thursday.

JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India has demanded that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

New Delhi, February 17

Pakistan came under pressure over its incubation of terrorism after Iran made a common cause with India and the US pulled out from talks with the Taliban that it was to host.

Iran joined India in berating Pakistan for sheltering terrorists after its security forces were hit by the deadliest attack in recent times. India and Iran say they have incontrovertible evidence about Pakistans complicity and have vowed that it will pay a heavy price for harbouring and funding these groups.

Iran and India suffered from two heinous terrorist attacks in the past few days resulting in big casualties. Today in my meeting with Sushma Swaraj the Indian FM, when she had a stopover in Tehran, we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!, tweeted the Iranian deputy foreign minister Syed Abas Araghchi.

Even as three of Pakistans neighbours  India, Iran and Afghanistan  now accuse it of being complicit with cross-border terrorists, its plan to be useful in the American scheme suffered a setback after Washington decided not to go ahead with the talks with the Taliban scheduled in Islamabad for Monday.

Both Iran and India have reasons to be worried about the bombing in Iran since it took place in an area where India has planned major investment in a port, a transport artery and industrial projects. The Iranian ministers comments about solidarity with India set off a social media war. He was reminded that less than a year back, Khamenei had bracketed Kashmir with six places where Muslims were oppressed and hoped their people will push their enemies back with the help of resistance in the near future.  TNS
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Patna, February 18

Moved by the Pulwama terror attack, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), an ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strike at the roots of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

In a letter written to Modi, LJP parliamentary board chairman Chirag Paswan pleaded that the drive against terrorism must not be halted this time, until even a single terrorist was alive.

Under your able leadership, the country has made all-round progress in the last five years. This has unsettled Pakistan. The neighbouring country has sponsored many cowardly acts so far, but the latest incident has left the nation, especially the youth, enraged, Paswan said in the letter, copies of which were shared with the media here on Sunday night.

I saw pictures of many of the martyred CRPF jawans in papers and experienced the pain of the bereaved family members. Our partys national executive meeting proposed in Ranchi was, in view of the tragedy, converted into a condolence meeting and the party programme cancelled thereafter, the LJP leader wrote in the letter.

The dastardly attack had caused much anguish among the LJP workers who were angry with the terrorist organisations and their bosses, he said.

I hereby convey to you a sentiment shared by party workers and the entire nation that expeditious action be taken to root out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and this time, such an operation must not be halted until even a single terrorist is alive, Paswan, whose father--Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan--is the founding president of the LJP, added.

On Sunday, at a public rally in Bihars Barauni where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Ram Vilas Paswan had shared similar sentiments saying his party workers were deeply aggrieved due to the terror strike but reposed faith in the prime minister to take a decisive action. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, February 18

Amid the ongoing political tussle between Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, the former IPS officer on Monday hoped the cabinet would soon return to their offices and the municipal park near the Raj Nivas, where the ministers are sitting on a dharna, be made available for morning walkers.

I am hoping that after the evening meeting on Monday, the cabinet will return to their offices. And visitors to Raj Nivas can come; also, petitioners for open house. And the municipal park across Raj Nivas is made available for morning walkers, Bedi told The Tribune.

In response to a question on the Kejriwal-type dharna politics becoming popular, she said, A journalist asked me an interesting question, Is dharna also yoga? I said, Yes, it is. It depends on the purpose for which you sit...what kind of asanas you perform and the sound you create.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy Manish Sisodia will be in Puducherry in support of Narayanasamy and protesting DMK MLAs against Bedis style of functioning.

Narayanasamy has said that his dharna outside the Raj Nivas, seeking Bedis approval for his governments proposals on welfare schemes and administrative matters would intensify into a jail bharo agitation from February 20.

He said, Our protest will continue till our demands, contained in the letter sent to the Lt Governor on February 7, are met.

He has accused Bedi of not approving his governments 39 proposals for welfare schemes, including a free rice scheme.

Terming the dharna unlawful, Bedi in turn offered to discuss all issues with him at a public forum on February 21.

The two have been at loggerheads on various administrative issues ever since the BJP leader was appointed L-G of Puducherry.
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Kolkata, February 18

A Kashmiri doctor, who has been living in Kolkata for 22 years, has claimed that he has been asked to leave the city or face "dire consequences" following the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF men.

The doctor, however, has decided to stay put after the West Bengal government came to his rescue.

The doctor, who did not wish to be named, said he was heckled but he had not paid much heed to the threats he had received initially. However, his concern grew when some men gathered outside his residence and threatened to harm his daughter unless he "returned to Pakistan".

On February 15, a day after the Pulwama attack, five men aged between 20 and 25 years came to his house after he returned home from his chamber, the doctor said, adding that they asked him to leave the city immediately and "go back to Pakistan as Kashmiris have no place in this country".

I was heckled by those men and threatened with dire consequences. Initially, I ignored those threats as I had never faced such a situation here in 22 years. The next morning, while I was leaving for my hospital, I again saw those men standing outside my house. They threatened me and said If I did not leave the city, my daughter would pay a heavy price," he said.

The doctor admitted that this time the threats sounded more serious and he even made up his mind to leave. However, before preparing to leave the city that he grew so fond of, the doctor tried reaching the West Bengal government as a last resort.

I decided to inform Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the incident through social media platforms and posted a message on Facebook. I also left a message on the chief minister's Facebook page," he said.

The next day, the doctor received a call from the chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The official assured him of all help, he said. When PTI contacted Ananya Chakraborti, Chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, she said all steps were taken to ensure that the doctor's family did not face any difficulty.

I had called the doctor after I came to know about his Facebook post. I told him not to worry and everything will be taken care of. Police protection has been provided to the family," she said.

The doctor and his family were provided with round-the-clock police protection, Chakraborti said, adding that officers of nearby police station were calling him regularly to ensure his well being.

"Initially, after the threat, I had decided to go back to Kashmir. But after receiving support from my neighbours and the administration, I have decided to stay back. The kind of love and respect I have received in Kolkata is unimaginable," the doctor said. PTI
amansharma@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 18

Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded architect of some of Indias biggest terror attacks, was an easy man to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times.

Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In custody, intelligence agencies did not have to use coercive method against Azhar to extract information as he started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely, former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistans espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him, he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, the officer said.

After his arrival in India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot, the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during interrogation sessions, Azhar used to give detailed answer to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with Sada-e-Mujahid, a tabloid published from Karachi, had in 1993 travelled with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries, drumming up support for Kashmir cause, he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan, the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in the 1999 exchange, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to free him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding to a new posting to which he wished me good luck.

I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant it when he said that we would not be able to keep him for long, he said.

The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistans Punjab province.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias Latram, in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.  PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

The Hague, February 18

India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts, he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay,"

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016, after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

In April 2016, an FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access  13 reminders were sent  but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said. Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said. PTI
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Mohali, February 17

Following threats to Kashmiri students, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today assured that all such students would be given protection in the state.

He said around 4,000 Kashmiri students were studying across the state. I assure full protection. They have nothing to do with the Pulwama attack, he said.

Meanwhile, around 125 Kashmiri students are said to have arrived in Mohali so far from other states, including Uttarakhand and Haryana. Around 70 students from Dehradun and Ambala had arrived in Mohali yesterday.

All have been put up at private places with the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation and a local religious body, sources said. A gurdwara has offered food and shelter.  TNS
pardeepdhull@gmail.com

Kolkata, February 18

A Border Security Force (BSF) constable drowned in the Padma river while chasing cow smugglers near the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengals Murshidabd district, an official said.

A BSF patrol party noticed miscreants along with cattle heads trying to cross over to Bangladesh on Thursday night, a BSF official.

The BSF troops challenged them to stop but they did not pay any heed and continued to move with cattle heads with intention to smuggle them to Bangladesh. The smugglers were armed with sticks and other sharp-edged weapons, a BSF release said.

During the operation constable Debashis Roy, who was part of patrol party, ran towards the smugglers to apprehend them.

During the chase, he ran after the smugglers and jumped into the Padma river to catch them. During this process he got entangled in mud and could not come out from the water and made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, the release said.

The BSF patrol team apprehended 11 Indian and one Bangladeshi miscreant and caught 74 cattle head during the operation, the official said.

The apprehended smugglers and the cattle were handed over to the police, he added. PTI
monicakchauhan@gmail.com

Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, February 18

After several weeks of grandstanding when it threatened to break off ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena agreed to tie up with the BJP largely on the latter's terms.



While the BJP will contest 25 of the 48 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena will contest in 23, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at a joint press conference with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. Other leaders including BJP president Amit Shah, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of the BJP and former Chief Minister Manohar Joshi of the Shiv Sena were also among those on the dais.



In a major climbdown, the Shiv Sena agreed to contest in as many seats as the BJP in the assembly elections due next year.

"After allotting seats to our allies, the BJP and the Shiv Sena will divide the remaining seats equally," Fadnavis told reporters.



Earlier Shiv Sena leaders had indicated that the regional party would contest in half the 288 seats in the state legislature while the BJP would have to accommodate smaller parties from its quota. However by evening, the Shiv Sena leaders had piped down.



At a press conference here, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis announced that both parties would be contesting this year's elections together. "We have had differences of opinions in the past, but we share the same ideology. At a time when those who believe in nationalism are being targeted, patriotic parties must come together," Fadnavis said.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray seconded him. "People

have seen us together for the past 30 years. As the Chief Minister

said there have been differences between us. I have also provided

guidance to the government whenever required," Thackeray said.



Later, Amit Shah told reporters that the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance would win 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.



Earlier on Monday, Amit Shah met Thackeray to seal the seat-sharing arrangements between the two parties in Maharashtra.

The Sena wanted the BJP to consider it the "big brother"or the senior partnerin the alliance, even demanding that the party give up the chief ministers position.
editorial@tribune.com

Jaipur, February 17

Four female paramedical students of Kashmiri-origin have been slapped with sedition charges after being suspended from a private institute here for allegedly celebrating the Pulwama terror attack by posting anti-national messages on an instant messaging app, officials said here today.

The second-year students of the National Institute of Medical Science (NIMS), Talveen Manzoor, Iqra, Zohra Nazir and Uzma Nazir, were suspended for posting on WhatsApp a picture in which they were purportedly seen celebrating the terrorist attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

The picture soon went viral, prompting the university administration to take action.

In the suspension order, the NIMS registrar said, You have posted an anti-national message on your WhatsApp for celebrating killing of Pulwama terrorist attack martyrs. The university will not tolerate and strictly condemns such activities. The act is grave and serious in nature.

Later, a case was registered against the four students following a complaint by the university administration, a police official said.

The students were booked under Sections 124A (sedition) and 153A (promoting enmity) of the IPC besides relevant provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Act. Senior officials are investigating the matter and appropriate action would be taken thereafter, SP (Rural) Harendra Kumar said.

The Aligarh Muslim University has also suspended an undergraduate Kashmiri student for his alleged objectionable tweet in connection with the Pulwama attack.  PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

New Delhi, February 18

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday termed the brutal murder of two Youth Congress workers in Kerala as shocking and said the party would not rest till the murderers were brought to justice.

Two Indian Youth Congress workers were hacked to death by unidentified assailants in the northern district of Kasargod on Sunday night, according to police.

The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala, is shocking. The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences, Gandhi tweeted.

We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice, he said.

The incident took place at around 8 pm on Sunday and the deceased were identified as Kripesh and Sarath Lal (24).

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala strongly condemned the incident and said political murders are unpardonable and reprehensible.

He expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed.

Congress shall continue to force CPM Govt in Kerala for action, so that perpetrators are brought to justice, Surjewala tweeted. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com

Srinagar, February 18

Three Jaish militants, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the nine people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

The gun battle took place in Pulwamas Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five.

The encounter claimed the lives of four Army personnel, three Jaish-e-Mohammed militants, a policeman and a civilian, officials said.

DIG (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar was injured during the ongoing anti-militancy operation. A Brigadier and a police constable were also injured in the gunfight. The policeman later succumbed to his injuries.

The slain militants were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said. The identity of the third militant was not known yet.

Kamrans role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators, a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers are Major VS Dhondial, Havildar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.

Militants fired at the forces as the searches got under way, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave. PTI
editorial@tribune.com

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 17

Normal life in Jammu and its outskirts was paralysed as curfew continued for the third consecutive day on Sunday after tension gripped the winter capital following the Pulwama attack.

Though the day remained peaceful, no relaxation was given in the curfew due to tension in some parts of the city.

Sources said a high-level meeting of civil and police administration was held on Sunday to review the situation but no decision was taken on relaxing the curfew.

All roads were blocked with barbed wires and no movement of vehicles or people was allowed in any locality of the city. The state administration has deployed police, CRPF, CISF and 18 columns of the Army to control the situation. (One column comprises an officer, two JCOs and 70 jawans).

Meanwhile, all shops, offices, banks, ATMs, petrol pumps and schools remained closed in Jammu. People are now deprived of basic amenities like ration, vegetables, milk, medicines and petrol.

We dont have any ration or vegetables as no shop has been allowed to open for the last three days. Moreover, ATMs are also closed and we are out of cash, said Ranjeet Kumar of Janipur.

The administration also snapped mobile internet services in Jammu late Thursday night after videos of celebrations by some people in Kashmir went viral on the social media.

Curfew was clamped on February 15 after violence erupted in the city during a bandh call by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry following the killing of CRPF men in the Pulwama attack.

Tourists have a tough time

Jammu: Tourists and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims had to face problems due to curfew in Jammu on Sunday. They were not able to reach the railway station. Tourists complained that the police didnt allow them to pass despite showing tickets. We had to reach the railway station early morning but the police didnt allow us to go at Muthi. It was after several minutes of pleading that we were allowed to go, said a tourist.
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Ishfaq Tantry

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 18

The cross-LoC bus service Karvan-e-Aman between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad has been suspended for Monday.

A senior police official in Baramulla said the bus service between the two capital cities of the divided Kashmir across the LoC in Uri has been postponed for a day.

As a precautionary measure, it has been postponed for today, he said without further elaborating.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have heightened over the past few days following the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in a suicide car bombing attack in south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Thursday.

On Sunday, the J&K government withdrew the security cover of four separatists, including Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
editorial@tribune.com

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 17

Even as the security of four separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was withdrawn on Sunday, the state administration was spending over Rs 1 crore every year to provide protection and other facilities to them.

On February 2, 2018, the then PDP-BJP coalition government headed by Mehbooba Mufti, had admitted on the floor of the Legislative Assembly that the cash-starved state had spent around Rs 11 crore on the security and transportation (fuel) of the Hurriyat Conference leaders in the past 10 years. The Central government had also informed Parliament in the same year that an amount Rs 10.88 crore was spent on the security of separatists.

BJP leader Pawan Gupta had raised the query during the debate on grants of the home department, headed by the then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in the last Budget session of the previous regime.

The written document tabled in the Assembly revealed details about expenditure incurred to provide security to 14 Hurriyat leaders from 2008 to 2017. The statistics said an amount of Rs 10.86 crore had been spent on their security and transportation facility of the Hurriyat leaders during the period.

Interestingly, the J&K Government was also providing security to Mirwaizs media secretary Shahid-ul-Islam till he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency in an alleged terror funding case.

The document further revealed the Hurriyat leaders who had been provided the security cover were Aga Syed Hassan Molvi, Molvi Umar Farooq, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Molvi Abass Ansari, Bilal Gani Lone, Fazal Haq Qureshi, Mohammad Yasin Malik, Saleem Geelani, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Shahid-ul-Islam, Abdul Gani Shah, Aga Syed Abul Hussain, Farooq Ahmad Kichloo and Masroor Abbas Ansari.

According to the document, Rs 19.51 lakh was spent on the salary of the guards of Mirwaiz in 2017-18. Besides, Rs 77.37 lakh was spent on the guards salaries in the current fiscal. Since 2008-09, Rs 1.27 crore had been spent on the salaries of Mirwaizs guard. Similarly, Rs 5.06 crore was spent on the salary of guards of Mirwaiz for the past 10 years.

Rs 11 cr spent on Hurriyat leaders in 10 yrs
editorial@tribune.com

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 17

Undeterred by the deadly suicide bombing in Pulwama district, the senior-most officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Sunday said the attack had not reversed the gains of the security forces in the last couple of years.

Director General (DG) of the CRPF Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, who has been camping in Kashmir for the past two days, said the force had resolved to face the security challenges with all its might.

I had been to field formations and met a lot of my officers and men. Their morale and determination is high. This loss has strengthened our resolve and we will work professionally in the best interests of the nation, Bhatnagar said in a telephonic interview to The Tribune.

Forty CRPF men were killed in the deadliest attack in the last 30 years when a local suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into a CRPF bus at Lethpora along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Pulwama district on Thursday.

The CRPF DG spent the entire Saturday with forces in various units in Kashmir to boost the morale of his men.

When asked if the deadliest attack had reversed the gains of forces in the last couple of years, he said it was a one-off incident. The attack has not at all reversed the gains. It is just one incident and our losses are of course heavy, he said.

In the wake of the deadly attack, the DG said the security forces were formulating strategies to minimise the (suicide bombing) threat.

Every tanzeem (outfit) has got foreign as well as local terrorists and we looking at the security scenario. The forces will be taking appropriate steps to deal with whatever inputs are there, he said.

While questions are being raised on whether there was a security lapse, the DG said prima facie it did not appear that any security lapse had led to the high number of killings.
editorial@tribune.com

Arun Joshi

There never was and never will be a consensus on what the definition of terrorism is. After the terror attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Thursday last, India thought that the world would join it viewing the attack from the same prism as it did.

But it did not. Pakistan has its own compulsions and obligations wrapped in its diplomatic, political and moral support to Kashmiris to deflect the attention from the terror attack. It may seek refuge in asking for evidence to act against the non-state actors if they were involved in the crime, but how can it wipe out the fact that the Jaish-e-Mohammad operates under its direct patronage on its soil? It is pointless to expect Pakistan to act against terrorists operating from its soil. It will never act against its strategic assets.

The point to ponder, however, is why within Jammu and Kashmir there is no unanimity in calling it a terror attack. There have been various definitions given to it, and some elements have justified it, for they think that the Indian might has been humbled. The ghastly scenes at the blast site in Lethpora, Pulwama, seemed to have been relayed from Iraq and other deadly places in the world. That is not something that makes any place or people proud of. Still there exists a class that sees merit in bloodshed.

Only a realistic investigation free from all the trappings of fairly tale conclusions can help the nation to get to the roots of the origin of the attack and the psyche that worked behind it. It is a question of the credibility of the investigating agencies.

The importance of an in-depth study of the circumstances in which Adil Ahmad Dar of Pulwama became a suicide bomber cannot be undermined. It needs to be studied both at the micro and macro level. Adil is a subject matter of a case study, while the attendant aspects should be probed with the intent to prevent the recurrence of such attacks. It is equally necessary to subdue the urge to die and kill among the radicalised elements.

To say that Pakistan and social media are radicalising the would-be militants or suicide bombers is too simplistic an explanation for what has gone wrong.

Some of the ugly incidents that have taken place in the days following the attack in some of the places across the country, including Jammu, are rife with ominous portents as it is not the reflection of the same spirit that calls for action against the perpetrators of the attack and their mentors sitting across the border.

It needs to be understood whether in the name of punishing the supporters of the attackers on the security forces, are wings being given to the aspirational militants currently busy with studies? The need is to tackle the sources of terrorism and not create new crucibles for the same.
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM

Srinagar, February 17

Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links with the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a CRPF convoy in which 40 personnel were killed, a top police officer said on Sunday.

The 23 men included members and sympathisers of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group which has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on security forces in decades.

The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan. India has demanded Pakistan close down the Jaish and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil.

Representatives of India's National Investigating Agency (NIA) questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said.

They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir chief,

one of the sources said.

Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said.

The officials say Umair had radicalised and motivated the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday.  Reuters
editorial@tribune.com

Shimla, February 17

The government has promoted 1989 batch IPS officer Sanjay Kundu from Additional Director General to Director General of Police (DGP) rank.

Kundu is presently posted as Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Principal Secretary (Vigilance). He is also holding the charge of Principal Resident Commissioner, New Delhi. The promotion has been done on the recommendation of the Screening Committee.

The government also promoted Dr Atul Digambar Fulzele, posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) North range at Dharamsala to the post of Inspector general (IG) of Police. A 2001 IPS officer Punita Bhardwaj, DIG (Tourism, Traffic and railways), has also been promoted as IG. However, their new postings are yet to be done.

Others who have been promoted to the rank of the DIG include 2005 IPS officer Sumedha, posted in National Human Rights Commission on proforma basis, Kangra SP Santosh Patial (IPS 2005) and Commandant of the 4th India Reserve Battalion (IRB) Sunil Kumar (IPS 2005)

Four other IPS officers of the 2006 batch- Ashok Kumar, Abhishek Dullar, Madhu Sudan and Rani Bindu have been given selection grade by the Screening Committee.  TNS
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Karnal, February 17

The Karnal district authorities have initiated revamping of district and public libraries to facilitate students.

To begin with, the district library on the Railway road, which had become a haven for mischievous activities and a place for stocking the junk due to lack of monitoring, has been revamped at a cost of Rs 25 lakh from the district plan. A sum of Rs 40 lakh will be spent by the Department of Higher Education for providing more facilities at the library.

Nishant Kumar Yadav, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), and Sakshi Srivastava, Chief Minister Good Governance Associate, are the brains behind making public libraries a centre to encourage entrepreneurship, creativity, experiments and research.

After this facelift, the number of students visiting the library has increased to an average of 200 students on a daily basis from the earlier over 50.

The library is supposed to be the centre of learning and inspiration, but the district library was a subject of neglect. We took this library on a pilot basis and revamped it, said Nishant Kumar Yadav, ADC. In next phase, the facelift of other public libraries would be done, he said.

He said the control of the public district libraries was with the Department of Higher Education at the state level, while an appointed principal of a government college controlled them at the district level.

Our main aim is to make the district library a hub of knowledge. Now, we have planned to create an open reading space at the terrace, said Srivastava.

She said they were planning to build an audio-visual room at one side of the terrace. The library would soon have computers and free Wi-Fi. We have also sent a proposal for 500 competitive books to Raja Rammohan Roy Library Funds Organisation. The library has been divided into various sections  for specially abled, girls, researchers and children. CCTV cameras, air conditioners and furniture will also be installed, the ADC said.

More in store
editorial@tribune.com

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

Taking cognisance of police failure to arrest an accused in a drugs case even five months after the FIR, the High Court has rapped the investigating officer before directing action by the competent authority.

The direction by Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu came on a petition filed by Manga Singh against the state. He was seeking anticipatory bail in an FIR registered on September 28 last year under the NDPS Act at the Pinjore police station.

Referring to an affidavit filed by the police, Justice Sindhu asserted that six cases were pending against the petitioner, including two under the NDPS Act. Justice Sindhu stated that the question to be decided at the current stage was whether pre-arrest bail was required to be granted to the petitioner.

Going into the principles of legal dealing, Justice Sindhu asserted that truthfulness of allegations in the FIR was not to be determined by holding a parallel trial in an anticipatory bail petition and rather, allegations were to be taken on face value, coupled with material available with the police.

Justice Sindhu added that pre-arrest bail was a relief not to be granted just at the asking of an accused in a routine manner and was to be granted in exceptional circumstances. Justice Sindhu pointed out that its purpose was not to save the accused from custodial interrogation, which resulted in extraction of relevant facts from his mouth, but to maintain balance between both sides.

Justice Sindhu added the petitioners custodial interrogation was necessary for an effective investigation. Justice Sindhu said that in case the same was denied to the investigating agency, it would leave several loopholes, affecting the administration of justice.

Drugs Case
vinaymishra188@gmail.com

There have been 40 funerals in 16 states. The nation is in a state of mourning. The Home Minister held a rare all-party meeting, which reaffirmed political unity in the face of dire adversity. At a public meeting at Dhule in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister advised sayyam, samvedansheelta aur shok (restraint, sensitivity and grief). But his advice seems to be getting lost on some of his supporters among the ultra-nationalists. While some of them are whipping up war hysteria, beating their breasts and tearing their hair on live TV debates, several others are virtually tearing apart the soul of the nation by isolating and attacking students from the Kashmir Valley.

The so-called nationalists seem to have forgotten that the Valley is an integral part of our country. The children of the Valley are the children of the nation as much as those from Kerala, West Bengal or Gujarat. In this hour of grief, instead of mourning the losses, being sensitive to the complexities of the situation and showing restraint against the highest degree of provocation, some miscreants are trying to force Kashmiri students out of their rented apartments. There have been reports from various places in north India about attempts to inject communal venom into the veins of agitated villagers and others. Such localised attacks over sub-regional sentiments can soon spiral out of control into a communal conflagration across the country. Our past experiences should make us sober, responsible and cautious.

The CRPF lost 40 men, yet as an institution it has set the highest moral standards for public discourse on the Pulwama attack by setting up a help desk and putting out an emergency telephone number to help Kashmiri students facing distress and harassment. We are a diverse nation speaking different languages, following different local and religious customs with mutual respect, and that lends us a unique strength as a nation. Masood Azhar will succeed in his mission if the Pulwama attack defeats our national spirit. While hitting hard at Azhar and Pakistans army-backed political leadership, let us remain united as a society. Also, let our political leaders not mindlessly give the clean chit to the neighbour.
Ajai Sahni

Ajai Sahni

Executive Director, Institute for Conflict Management

EVERY major terrorist attack in India, it seems, unleashes a flood of silliness. The utter foolishness of stock political responses  dastardly act, cowardly attack, munh-tod jawab, boastful threats of vengeance  has, in recent years, been compounded by TV anchors who play at being Generals, gaming retaliatory strikes and threatening Pakistan with unlikely devastation. Within this theatre of the absurd is the constant harping on novelty  the idea that a new tactic or terror modus operandi has suddenly manifested itself in the latest outrage.

The vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) suicide attack at Pulwama inflicted the highest fatalities on the security forces in a single incident in Jammu and Kashmir since the beginning of insurgency. There has been much commentary on this new type of attack, but this is nonsense. VBIEDs have been widely used in theatres of terrorism across the world for decades, and J&K has recorded at least seven such attacks in the past, the first of them dating back to April 19, 2000. However, the last such attack, preceding Pulwama, was in November 2005; the state had been free of such attacks for over 13 years. There was, however, no reason to believe that this tactic would or could not resurface.

Another species of self-serving nonsense is the assertion that the Pulwama VBIED attack is an act of desperation. This is far from the truth. While strategic inferences cannot be drawn from a single incident, there is a range of surrounding circumstances that suggest that Pulwama reflects an intentional shift in Pakistans strategy of terrorism in J&K. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad, which operates openly from Pakistani soil, was quick to take responsibility for the attack, indicating that it has the approval and sanction of the ISI to escalate violence in J&K, specifically targeting the security forces. This demonstrates a growing confidence in the military-intelligence complex at Rawalpindi, a likely result of anticipated outcomes in Afghanistan. It is perceived that the Pakistan armys terrorist instrumentalities were able to conclusively defeat one superpower (erstwhile Soviet Union) in Afghanistan, and are now on the threshold of inflicting defeat on the other one, the US (and its coalition allies), in that theatre. As Americas negotiated flight from Afghanistan approaches realisation, Pakistans confidence is likely to grow, as will its sense of complete impunity. If the US and a coalition of Western powers cannot act in concert against Pakistan-backed terrorism that directly affects them, these powers are hardly likely to take any extraordinary initiative or risk to protect India from rising terrorism in J&K.

It needs to be understood that Pakistans decision to de-escalate terrorism in J&K was a consequence of a combination of factors, most of which are now diluted or no longer in existence. The first was overwhelming US pressure for deployment along the Afghan border, purportedly to prevent terrorism. While the latter objective was never served, a significant redeployment of forces from Pakistans eastern borders with India did occur, necessitating a downward calibration of the terrorist campaigns as well. Pressure on Pakistans army and security forces was also greatly augmented by a surge in domestic terrorism, which has now been substantially contained. International pressure on Pakistan and an interest in keeping the US aid pipeline flowing also placed limits on any excessive adventurism in Kashmir; but with the US choking aid, a growing dependency on China, and the fragmentation of global will, these pressures have also diminished. Crucially, Afghanistan was the theatre which was given the greatest priority by the Pakistani strategic establishment, and its campaigns through Taliban proxies were thought to be existentially critical for Rawalpindi; these campaigns are now on the cusp of success.

At no stage has Pakistans strategic intent with regard to its objectives in Kashmir been altered; its objectives have merely been deferred. As Rawalpindi sees some relief along its Afghan front, and an environment of growing impunity, particularly with the encouragement and support of its all-weather friend, China, it will be tempted to redeploy resources, efforts and, crucially, tactics, from the Afghan adventure, back into J&K.

New Delhis belligerent rhetoric, in this context, is no more than boastful flatulence. While some tactical retaliation by the armed forces is likely  and necessary  it will have nothing more than transient impact essentially oriented to optics that will serve the BJPs increasingly uncertain electoral prospects in the General Election. It will leave Pakistans strategic posture and objectives unchanged.

It must be abundantly clear that no effective strategic options are immediately available to India. Strategy is a function of capacity, and there has been a sustained erosion of the capacities of the armed forces and the internal security apparatus over the past decades  and the past five years have done nothing to stem the rot. Annual budgets in the defence and internal security sectors have, in real terms, shrunk from year to year, particularly in the capital expenditure category which funds capacity-building. In March 2018, a report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence had observed that 68 per cent of all equipment with the armed forces was in the vintage category, and that the forces did not have the ammunition reserves to sustain 10 days of war with Pakistan.

Political leaders, the media and most experts talk of responses and strategies only in the wake of major terrorist outrages, and once the media circus has faded away, things return to what appears to be the national default setting of inertia. While it is right to blame Pakistan and its proxies for the evil they do, it must, equally, be recognised that these attacks and the persistence of terrorism in J&K is substantially the result of our own strategic and policy failures, and is, to that extent, self-inflicted.

Unless strategic issues are approached within a sustained and long-term strategic framework, unless doctrinal issues on the countrys major security challenges and security issues are settled, and unless there is a commitment of adequate resources across the entire spectrum of what is required to meet these challenges, we will continue to return cyclically to the directionless hysteria and posturing that we are currently engaged in after each self-inflicted disaster.
vermaajay1968@gmail.com

Amarjot Kaur

Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 17

Fearing a backlash and wrath from locals over the Pulwama attack, over 125 Kashmiri students studying in colleges and universities in Mullana and Dehradun have evacuated their hostels and rented accommodations adhering to the 24-hour deadline given to them by sarpanches and local residents of the area.

Aided by J&K Student Organisation (JKSO), more than 70 students, who arrived from Dehradun and Mullana on Friday, had sought temporary refuge at an undisclosed location in Mohali before some of them set off for Kashmir today. More students, approximately 35, including girls, arrived at the location tonight.

A few hours after the Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh, announced today that the state would look after the safety of Kashmiri students, local DSP (City 1) Amroz Singh rang up the authorities of the JKSO, asking them to stop more students from coming to Mohali. We have been hosting students from Mullana and Dehradun at this three-bedroom accommodation and most of them are traumatised. We got a call from the local DSP and he asked us to refrain from having more people come to the city. Asking us to make arrangements for students at any other city, be it Delhi or Leh, he said no more than 100 students should be allowed to seek refuge at this place due to security reasons and the volatile situation, said one of the students on condition of anonymity.

Besides, students claim that they have not been given any security. Students shared that they had vacated their hostels and PG accommodation in a rush. While the JKSO got in touch with most students, there were others who had contacted the student organisation for safe accommodation.

A student from Dehradun recollected, Processions and agitation marches were carried out right outside our houses and people raised slogans against Kashmiris. Some of them came banging on our doors and 12 cases of Kashmiri students being beaten up have apparently been reported from Dehradun. Some shopkeepers have even put up posters using objectionable words against Kashmiris.

Our landlords were also asked to have us removed from their houses. Fearing, we left the city and the local police accommodated our evacuation.

SSP HS Bhullar said, We will follow the orders of the Chief Minister and make sure that the Kashmiri students are safe here. Our patrolling teams are also doing the rounds of places where these students are staying.

Former SGPC member Amarinder Singh, who had arrived at the location, said arrangements for food and billeting students would be made at Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan, Sohana. We can make provision for 100 students at the gurdwara. Their food and stay will be taken care of here, he said.
editorial@tribune.com

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

The Pradesh Election Committee of the city Congress has unanimously recommended former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansals name for the party ticket for the city Lok Sabha seat.

Sources said all 10 members of the committee, including seven senior leaders, were asked by party in-charge Asha Kumari today to give their recommendations for the ticket. Sources said almost all members gave their nod in Bansals favour.

Party leaders Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Manish Tewari and Pawan Kumar Bansal had applied for the party ticket for the city Lok Sabha seat.

The sources said the committee members favoured Bansals name without discussing the names of the other contenders, making it clear that they wont accept any candidate from outside Chandigarh.

This time, the contest in the Congress for the ticket has become fierce after Manish Tewari and Navjot Kaur Sidhu expressed their desire to contest from Chandigarh.

Bansal has won the election from the city four times and has served as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Minister for Water Resources, Minister of State for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs and Railway Minister.

While the panel has recommended Bansals name, aides of Tewari and Navjot Kaur have raised questions over the way the recommendations have been made.

Poonam Sharma, a former Mayor and Sidhus supporter, said the recommendations had no value as no one-on-one meeting was held with members of the election committee.

Chandra Mukhi Sharma, a close aide of Manish Tewari, said as per the directions of the party high command, the local unit and in-charge would have to send all applications to the party high command, which would take the final call.






Philippines suspends pork imports from Vietnam over swine fever concerns



In response to revelations that pork samples from Vietnam had been tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) by quarantine authorities, Manny Pinol, Agriculture Secretary of the Philippines, has called for a temporary suspension of importing pork and pork products from that country to the Philippines, INQUIRER.net reported.



The ban went into effect immediately, Pinol announced on his Facebook page. The action was recommended by Dr. Ronnie Domingo, director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The bureau has been instructed to impose the ban with immediate effect even though the memorandum to implement it has yet to be signed, Pinol said.

"The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world which is free from livestock diseases, including foot and mouth disease," he added.

"Vietnam is the latest to be included in the list of countries which could not ship pork and pork products to the Philippines because of ASF."

- Inquirer.net
vermaajay1968@gmail.com

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 17

The Chandigarh Police have arrested the second suspect in the Dadu Majra firing incident. Baldev Singh had reportedly opened the fire before escaping, leaving local residents terrified.

Panic had gripped Dadu Majra on February 10 when the miscreants, who had arrived in a Bolero, escaped after thrashing two persons and opening fire. The suspects left the Bolero at the spot after local residents pulled the keys out of the vehicles ignition. The police had found that the suspects had affixed a fake number on the Bolero. The number turned out to be that of a scooter and the jeep was stolen from Gurugram.

One of the suspects, Amandeep Singh (25), a resident of Ludhiana, was arrested in the case on February 11. The police were conducting raids to nab the other suspects, Baldev, Sunny and Raju. Police officials said Baldev was arrested from Hoshiarpur this morning and brought to Chandigarh.

During interrogation, Baldev disclosed that he had fired the bullet shots that night.

The police produced Baldev before the duty magistrate and obtained his two-day remand.

The police said the suspect would be questioned about the whereabbots of the other suspects in the case, who are at large.
editorial@tribune.com

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 17

Anger continuous to simmer among the city residents over the deadly terror attack in Kashmirs Pulwama that snuffed out the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel three days ago. Since the attack, protests are being witnessed across the city. The protests continued in the city on Sunday as well with a number of organisations and individuals holding demonstrations.

Activists of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) held a protest against Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu outside the Hall Gate. Led by president of the district unit of the BJYM, Gautam Arora, they raised slogans against Sidhu and burnt his effigy.

Arora said that when the entire nation was seething with anger against Pakistan after the martyrdom of its brave 44 paramilitary soldiers in Pulwama, the statement of Sidhu lacked patriotic feeling. He said his statement displayed his love for his friend Imran Khan, Prime Minister Pakistan.

He announced that his party members would protest against him whenever Sidhu returned to the city.

It may be recalled that Sidhu had said on Friday, a day after a dastardly suicide attack in Pulwama, that nations could not be blamed for a handful of people. There are good, bad and ugly people in our lives. Every place, institution and nation has them. The ugly needs to be punished, but individuals cannot be blamed for a dastardly act, he had said.

Visually challenged kids organised a candle march at the Institute of Blind. Activists of Hindu Suraksha Samiti, too, staged a protest. Famous kite maker Jagmohan Kanojia made kites carrying remarks against Pakistans policy on terrorism, which were later burnt amid chants of anti-Pakistan slogans.
When she testified before the State Senate Education Committee last week, Sheila Hedstrom-Pegler held up a photo of her 16-year-old son Tyler, who took his life in July 2017 and was among the first of the 33 East Valley teens who have been lost to suicide since that month.
A ceremony was jointly held in Hanoi on February 18 by the Plant Protection Department (PPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Office of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in Vietnam, to announce the start of the fruit exports.

Mango has become the sixth Vietnamese fruit allowed to enter the US market, following dragon fruit, rambutan, lychee, longan, and star apple. To clear way to sell its mangoes in the worlds biggest economy, the PPD applied for a licence in 2009.

Vietnam has exported mangoes to 40 countries over the world. Its main importers are China, European countries, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said that the export of Vietnamese mangoes to the US market has affirmed the brand, quality, and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products in general and fruits in particular.

According to Deputy Minister Doanh, the US market has a very high demand for quality, food safety, and hygiene. With the diligence and efforts of Vietnamese famers alongside technical guidance and support from plant protection agencies and businesses, Vietnamese mangoes have met all the requirements of the US market.

He stressed the need for localities, enterprises, and farmers to strictly follow the cultivation process to create fruits that not only maintain productivity, but also ensure that regulations on quality and food safety are met.

To export fresh mangoes to the US, Vietnamese farmers, localities, and businesses have to meet strict requirements. The planting, processing, and packaging facilities must be granted codes for management and traceability by APHIS.

All pre-export shipments must be treated with irradiation, quarantined, and granted phytosanitary certificates by APHIS. At the arrival port, the APHIS will check each shipment.

Conrad Estrada, Regional Director of APHIS in Vietnam, said APHIS has worked with PPD to ensure that Vietnams high quality fruits are not contaminated with pests.

He also highly appreciated the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese mangoes in the US.

Mango is one of Vietnams fruits of strength with a total of nearly 90,000ha of farms nationwide, produce nearly 800,000 tonnes per year. In particular, Vietnam has nearly 50 delicious mango varieties.
Terre Haute, IN (47803)

Today

Cloudy in the morning with isolated thunderstorms developing later in the day. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 87F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 74F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph.
Zachary Coleman, Kira Verhovsek, Bailey Yon, Allie Gehlmann and Mattie Updyke have all stood before the Auschwitz concentration camp gate where visitors now see the same chilling words arbeit macht frei  German for work sets you free  that once greeted Jews and other people the Nazis deemed inferior as they were marched to lives of slave labor and often extermination.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
Jeff Edelstein is a columnist for The Trentonian. He can be reached at jedelstein@trentonian.com, facebook.com/jeffreyedelstein and @jeffedelstein on Twitter.
The Rotary club of Hamilton shared a little holiday cheer with residents of Brookdale Senior Living.
Service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Barcelona-El Prat Airport begins June 7, 2019; and service from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens International Airport begins July 2, 2019. Both new routes will be summer seasonal until October 26, 2019.

Norwegian will introduce new nonstop service from New York to Athens and Chicago to Barcelona for the 2019 summer season.

Service from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Barcelona-El Prat Airport begins June 7, 2019; and service from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Athens International Airport begins July 2, 2019. Both new routes will be summer seasonal until October 26, 2019.

"Norwegian is fully committed to the United States and have answered our passengers' growing demand for more destinations from both New York City and Chicago. Already serving most of Europe's top destinations, Athens is an exciting addition to our transatlantic route network. Barcelona, which we added two and half years ago from the U.S, is performing so well that we are adding both a new route, from Chicago, and increasing frequencies from both New York City and Los Angeles," said Matthew Wood, SVP of Commercial Long Haul and New Markets for Norwegian.

"Greece is a top holiday destination and Norwegian's exciting announcement allows for more Americans to experience all the magic that Greece has to offer. This news is a response to our call for enhancing air connectivity between Greece and the United States and we thank Norwegian for answering the demand. We welcome Norwegian to Greece and expect this new route to contribute in the growing numbers of tourists to our country," said Elena Kountoura, the Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic.

The new Athens service from New York JFK will operate four times a week, with fares from $159.90 in Economy and $669.90 in Premium one way, including taxes. With Athens, Norwegian now offers 13 European nonstop destinations from the New York City area this summer. Since July 2018, Norwegian is the largest non-North American airline to serve the New York City area, based on passenger numbers, according to data from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The new Barcelona service from Chicago will operate four times per week, with fares starting at $199.90 in Economy and $669.90 in Premium one way, including taxes. Additionally, Norwegian will increase the frequencies of its highly successful Barcelona route to daily service from Newark Liberty International Airport, while the Los Angeles to Barcelona service will increase to six flights weekly. In total, Norwegian now offers five nonstop routes to Barcelona from the United States: Chicago; Fort Lauderdale; New York City/Newark; Los Angeles; and Oakland/San Francisco.

Norwegian operates one of the world's youngest and greenest fleets, and has been named the Most Fuel-Efficient Airline on Transatlantic Routes by the International Council on Clean Transportation twice. These new routes will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliners, offering a Premium and Economy cabin. Premium includes a dedicated check-in counter, fast track security, wide recliner seats with more legroom than any other airline's premium economy, premium meals and select drinks, as well additional checked-in luggage and CashPoints. Premium Flex ticket holders can also enjoy lounge access.

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 2021 Travel Industry Wire
Seaborne Airlines on Friday returned to the Dominican Republic with nonstop service between San JuanAs Luis MuAoz MarAn International Airport (SJU) and Santiago de los Caballeros Dominican RepublicAs Cibao International Airport (STI).

Seaborne Airlines on Friday returned to the Dominican Republic with nonstop service between San Juans Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) and Santiago de los Caballeros Dominican Republics Cibao International Airport (STI).

The new flights operate three days per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and will increase to daily service on May 23, 2019.

In addition, the new service offers opportunities to experience nearby favorite vacation destinations, including the beaches of Puerto Plata, the birthplace of tourism in the Dominican Republic, and the peace, tranquility and nature of Jarabacoa, the countrys most popular eco-tourism destination.

We are thrilled that Seaborne has returned to the Dominican market, said Seabornes Chief Operating Officer Captain Jesus Medina. Santiago shares important historical, cultural and economic ties with Puerto Rico and we are delighted to be providing safe, reliable and customer-friendly service for travelers in the region.

With the start of this route Seaborne will transport hundreds of Dominicans and tourists through Cibao International Airport to enjoy the charms of the north and much of the country, said Cibao International Airports Public Relations Officer Santiago Gonzalez. We are happy to have Seaborne back at Cibao Airport and we appreciate Seaborne Airlines executives once again placing trust in our services for the reopening of their operations in the country.

Seaborne Airlines San Juan, Puerto Rico  Santiago, Dominican Republic service effective February 15, 2019  May 22, 2019:

Dates Departure Arrival Flight # Stops Frequency San Juan, PR  Santiago, DR 2/15/19  3/8/19 9:40 am 11:10 am 4620 0 Mon, Wed, Fri Santiago, DR  San Juan, PR 2/15/19  3/8/19 11:40 am 1:10 pm 4620 0 Mon, Wed, Fri San Juan, PR  Santiago, DR 3/11/19  5/22/19 12:15 pm 1:45 pm 4620 0 Mon, Wed, Fri Santiago, DR  San Juan, PR 3/11/19  5/22/19 2:45 pm 4:15 pm 4620 0 Mon, Wed, Fri

Service increases to daily on May 23, 2019.

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 2021 Travel Industry Wire
Crime Files: The Justin Rey Letters podcast KANSAS CITY -- A man now guilty of child endangerment in Johnson County after he was found in a Lenexa storage unit with his wife's dismembered body sent a series of letters from jail to FOX4's Kathy Quinn.

Local news considers the macabre deets of a local killer who fell through the cracks of the social safety net in one of the most affluent parts of town. Take a listent:
Kansas City's Flat Cup Confections Puts Your Favorite Cup of Coffee in a Candy Bar Michael Golden thought that a candy bar made with the roasty, toasty flavors found in a quality cup of coffee was an intriguing idea. He just didn't know how to make one.

A great many locals complain that local barista creations are nothing more than a "candy bar in a cup." This time, it's the other way around and offers yet another reason to grow embittered at the local creative class foodies . . . Checkit:
Police investigate after double shooting on 79th, Brooklyn KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police are searching for a suspect following a double shooting overnight Sunday. The scene took place near 79th Street and Brooklyn Avenue. According to police, two people were shot and taken to the hospital. The condition of either vicitm is unknown.

EPIC violence continues to plague frozen local streets as the arctic conditions can't stop nearly constant gunfire. Check the latest spate of bullets flying that thankfully hasn't resulted in another murder . . . Yet:
Seg. 1: Camp Magazine. Seg. 2: Running Superman Retires. Seg. 3: Teen Activism From a continent-wide softball competition, to a 'rainbow wave' in local government - there's a lot of news in Kansas City's LGBTQ community. We visit with the editor of Camp Magazine, to take a look at recent headlines. Segment 2, beginning at 13:20: A local icon hangs up his cape.

An important talk with one of our newsie favorites and a quick overview of insights into this town. Take a look & listen:
According to DigiTimes, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has revised its first-quarter 2019 guidance downward after it recently found some unexpected defects in its chip wafers.

A Bad Batch of Materials

TSMC said that the defects were due to a problematic batch of a photoresist material that contained a specific component that was abnormally treated by a chemical supplier. The treatment created a foreign polymer in the photoresist material that affected 12/16nm wafers at TSMCs Fab 14B.

To protect its customers, TSMC removed a higher number of defective wafers than expected when it first learned about the problematic batch. The company expects the incident to reduce TSMCs revenues for the first quarter by $550 million. However, the company expects to recuperate the loss in the second quarter.

The company has also moved some Q2 production into Q1. Therefore, the $550 million loss in the first quarter due to the bad batch is expected to be offset somewhat by an additional $230 million in revenue that was initially expected in Q2.

Slight Revenue Miss for the Year

TSMC has reached out to the customers affected by the reduced wafer production in the first quarter and said that it had reached an agreement with them for replacement chips. It has also assigned new delivery schedules.

For the whole of 2019, TSMC is expecting to see slightly lower gross and operating margins (-0.2p each), as well as earnings per share (EP), due to this incident (-$0.08).
Just after his first week of official practice, new transfer Jesse Miritello persuaded sever
iBuyPower has listed a Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti-based system on Amazon in what seems to be an accidental listing, as the GTX (not RTX) 1660Ti has not been announced yet. The GTX 1660 Ti is expected to be a mid-range performer at a much lower price point than other Turing GPUs thanks to its lack of RTX-compatible hardware.

The GTX 1660 Tis MSRP could be quite low considering that the iBuyPower listing has the entire PC, which also includes a Core i7-8700, 480 GB SSD, and 16 GB of RAM, priced at $1200. Similar PCs from iBuyPower featuring the RTX 2060 retail for roughly $100 more. HardOCP and later VideoCardz reported that the GTX 1660 Ti's MSRP is $279 ($70 lower than the RTX 2060).

The 1660 Ti is expected not to contain any RTX-compatible hardware, and even if it did, its 1536 cores probably wouldnt be enough considering that the 2060 struggles at 1920 cores. As a result, the size of the TU116 GPU (which the 1660 Ti is reportedly based on) is about 70% of the size of the TU106 GPU that powers the RTX 2060 and 2070, according to a leaked die shot from VideoCardz. Coincidentally, that makes the 1660 Ti almost the same size as the 1070 and 1070 Ti, and according to the Final Fantasy XV benchmark database, a leaked 1660 Ti also performs much like GTX 1070. However, considering the 1660 Ti has far fewer cores, it is very impressive.

The upcoming 1660 Ti could be crucial to Nvidias financial success after the company reported a staggeringly poor performance during the last half of the year. Revenues, margins, and income dropped intensely while operating expenses shot up. While Nvidia primarily blames Chinas economy, the company admitted that RTX sales didnt meet expectations. While Nvidias gaming revenue (Nvidias largest source of money) impressed for Q3 of last year, sales plummeted in Q4 which saw gaming revenue barely exceed half of what the company made in Q4 of 2017. Being a more mainstream GPU at a more reasonable price, the GTX 1660 Ti could give Nvidia the boost it needs after such disappointing sales.
Samsung executives will take to the stage today (Feb. 20) in San Francisco to finally unveil the Galaxy S10. But the real suspense is around how much the company will reveal about the Galaxy Fold.

After all, months and months of S10 rumors and leaks have painted a pretty complete picture about what Samsung's planning for the Galaxy S10.

We're expecting three phones, with an entry-level model joining the standard and plus-sized handsets. You'll get the usual processor upgrade (this time to a Snapdragon 855), improved cameras (including the addition of a third lens on the back of some models), and a new look for the front of the phone with a punch-hole display to squeeze in more screen real estate.

MORE: Galaxy S10E, S10 and S10+ Specs Leak: Here's What to Expect

Still, Samsung could always spring a surprise or two on us, not just with the Galaxy S10's features but with other products that could be announced on Feb. 20. Of course, teaser videos hinting at a folding phone are taking away some of the suspense there, too, especially now that we know what Samsung's going to call its flexible handset.

If you'd like to see whether Samsung has a shock in store on Wednesday, or even if you'd just like to see how correct all the S10 rumors were, here's how to watch this week's Unpacked event, along with some odds on what Samsung might show off.

How to live stream Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event

Samsung's S10 launch will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 20 in San Francisco. The event gets underway at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Samsung plans to live stream the event from its Unpacked website. Visit the page now, and you'll see the same "The Future Unfolds" teaser trailer that's tipping the company's hand about its foldable phone announcement.

What Samsung could announce



If you end up tuning into this week's Galaxy Unpacked, what are you going to see? Here's a rundown of the likely candidates.

Galaxy S10: Let's get the obvious one out of the way first. Samsung announces the new additions to its Galaxy S lineup this time of year, so this is going to be our first introduction to the Galaxy S10.

(Image credit: All About Samsung)

We're expecting three phones  the 6.1-inch Galaxy S10, 6.4-inch Galaxy S10+ and 5.8-inch Galaxy S10E. The first two phones are expected to have in-display fingerprint sensors and three rear cameras; the entry-level S10E will go with a flat display and move its fingerprint reader to the side of the phone while offering just two rear cameras. That's all in the name of offering a phone with a lower price tag.

Speaking of price, that's likely to be the biggest reveal about the S10 at the Feb. 20 event. Rumors have the S10E coming in at around the same price as last year's S9, which debuted at $720, while the S10 and S10+ look to have prices in the iPhone XS/XS Max range. A Samsung promotion that lets you reserve your phone order now has already confirmed that the new phones will ship March 8.

Expect more details on a special edition of the Galaxy S10+ that could boost on-board storage to 1TB and offer six cameras  four on back and two up front. That phone's likely to have a later release date than the other S10 models.

As if there was any suspense remaining about the Galaxy S10 announcement, a TV commercial airing in Norway just a day before tomorrow's big event confirmed many of the rumored features.

Chances You'll See It: You'll never make a safer bet.

Galaxy Fold: This also seems like a sure thing, especially in light of Samsung's teaser video hinting at a folding phone for the Feb. 20 event.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung's made no secret that a foldable phone is in the works, revealing the Infinity Flex display at its developer conference last November. But the version we saw then was clearly a prototype kept in a boxy case and never leaving the hands of Samsung executives. This week's event could give us a cleaner look at the phone, with more details on what it will cost and what it will be called. (Rumors have floated the idea of the Galaxy X or Galaxy F, though it's likely Samsung has something else in mind.)

MORE: Samsung Galaxy Fold Rumors

Releasing a folding phone at the same time as multiple S10 models could create some confusion, so our guess would be that Samsung will update us on the Galaxy Fold, which is apparently the name of the new device, at least according to leaker Evan Blass. A launch would likely happen sometime later in 2019, though the phone maker could always decide the more devices, the merrier.

Chances You'll See It: Pretty strong.

Galaxy S10 5G: This is the year of 5G networking, and Samsung is already committed to producing a 5G phone for both AT&T and Verizon. That's likely to be a variation of the Galaxy S10, since that phone's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 chipset, which can include the X50 5G modem.

MORE: 5G Phones: Every Known Phone and Release Date

Again, the question remains: Just how many phones will Samsung have the time to talk about on Wednesday? Our best guess is that there will be a nod to a 5G version of the Galaxy S10 coming out at some point during the Unpacked event, with the main focus staying on other models. Samsung could also wait until next week's Mobile World Congress to reveal more details about its own 5G plans.

Chances You'll See It: It seems likely.

Galaxy Buds: Apple has its AirPods. Google has its Pixel Buds. So why shouldn't Samsung's next phone get its own set of earbuds. Leaked images have already hinted at Galaxy Buds that look a lot like Samsung's existing Gear IconX earphones. And even Samsung itself is getting into the act, posting an image on its Galaxy Wearables app that included the in-ear wireless headphones.

(Image credit: SamCentralTech)

Chances You'll See It: Seems certain, after that Samsung leak.

Galaxy Watch Active: That leaked image on the Galaxy Wearables app didn't just include the Galaxy Buds. There was a smartwatch there, too, believed to be Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active.

The Galaxy Watch Active is rumored to be a rebranded version of the company's Samsung Gear Sport smartwatch. It would be a fitness-focused version of the Galaxy Watch Samsung released last year. That same report from January that hinted at a rebranded smartwatch also claimed Samsung had a brand new fitness tracker in the works called the Gear Fit.

The timing's certainly right for a new activity-focused smartwatch from Samsung. The Gear Sport has been around since late 2017, giving rival smartwatch makers plenty of time to update their own offerings. The only question is how phone-focused does Samsung want to keep its Unpacked event.

Chances You'll See It: We'd say it's 50-50 at this point.

Galaxy Home: Samsung first teased the Galaxy Home, a Bixby-powered smart speaker, last August when it unveiled the Galaxy Note 9. At the same developer conference where it showed off its foldable phone display, we found out a little bit more about the speaker, save for two conspicuously absent details  a price and a release date. Even now, the Galaxy Home's webpage still carries a lonely "Coming soon" message.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If Samsung's serious about ever rolling out this rival to the Amazon Echo or Google Home speakers, then we had better hear a firm ship date for the Galaxy Home sooner rather than later.

Chances You'll See It: We're beginning to have our doubts.
[February 18, 2019] ShareSpace Foundation Donates 60 Giant Mars Map Packages to Schools around the World

The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) today announced its ShareSpace Foundation has donated 60 Giant Mars Map packages to schools throughout the U.S. and two other countries to promote STEAM education and prepare the next generation of explorers. The donation is collectively valued at $300,000. "Giant Mars Maps are a means for sparking creativity in kids while they sit, stand, walk, play and learn together," said Dr. Andrew Aldrin, president and CEO of AFF. "Our aim is to put maps into the hands of schools where we think they can do the most good, especially in underserved communities. Our goal is to ensure all kids get the chance to be exposed to STEAM using the excitement of space exploration." Map packages will be distributed to 58 American schools in 23 staes, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and West Virginia. Two international Department of Defense schools in Italy and Germany were also recipients.



Each package includes a 25 foot x 25 foot map, a robot, 10 Welcome to Mars books, the Mars Map Curriculum package developed in collaboration with Purdue University (News - Alert) , and access to in-person and online program training from the ShareSpace Foundation. The value of each Giant Mars Map package is valued at $5,000. Each year, AFF works with donors to make Giant Mars Map packages available for distribution. Individual schools, school districts and informal education organizations submit applications, which are reviewed by an independent team of judges. Map recipients are selected with the goal of reaching people and places where the map can be used as an authentic teaching tool to help children develop an understanding for real-world, STEAM-based concepts using the Red Planet as the focal point.

About the Aldrin Family Foundation The Aldrin Family Foundation (AFF) strives to cultivate the next generation of space leaders, entrepreneurs and explorers who will extend human habitation beyond the Earth to the Moon and Mars. AFF's STEAM-based educational tools, curriculum and programs span from a child's first classroom experience through graduate school and professional programs. This vertical pathway unites explorers at all levels to learn from each other's vision for space, ultimately creating the first generation of Martians. About ShareSpace Foundation ShareSpace Foundation, one of the key organizations within the Aldrin Family Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating children's passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) by providing innovative, interactive educational tools to schools, teachers and information educations throughout the United States and abroad. Founded in 2016 by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, ShareSpace has reached more than 300,000 children and continues to grow its impact each year. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005396/en/

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[February 18, 2019]

General Dynamics Land Systems Receives Contract to Support Reset of U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle Fleet

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada has been awarded a $37.2 million (USD) contract to deliver 60 hardware kits for the U.S. Marine Corps' Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Reset Program.

The hardware kit addresses key obsolescence and readiness issues and consists of a modern powerpack, driveline system, driver's instrument panel and a new turret slip ring. The fully integrated kits will be procured by General Dynamics and delivered to the Marine Corps for installation at Marine Corps Production Plants.

The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, under the Defense Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA) between Canada and the United States.

Land Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics Land Systems prvides innovative design, engineering, technology, production and full life-cycle support for land combat vehicles around the globe. The company's extensive experience, customer-first focus and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies.







More information about General Dynamics Land Systems is available at www.gdls.com.





View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-land-systems-receives-contract-to-support-reset-of-us-marine-corps-light-armored-vehicle-fleet-300797358.html

SOURCE General Dynamics
[February 18, 2019] AppRiver Earns Indirect CSP Status in Canada

Gulf Breeze, Florida, United States, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) across Canada have more choices now as one of North Americas top two-tier Office 365 providers AppRiver, LLC, announced it has joined Microsofts Indirect Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) Program in Canada. The designation means that Office 365 resellers have another alternative to the Direct CSP program for which many lack the resources or qualifications to join.



One of Microsofts original Office 365 syndication partners, this announcement comes as AppRiver nears half-a-million Office 365 seats administered by the company or one of its 4,500 partners. The firms partner-led, security-first, and SMB-focused approach is tailor-made to serve Canadas 50,000 IT firms and enable them, in turn, to better serve the countrys one million small businesses.



Our Microsoft partnership allows us to extend our phenomenal care and services to partners looking to deliver a more secure modern workplace across Canada, said Chris Essex, AppRivers senior vice president of global sales. AppRiver and Microsoft have partnered for more than a decade to help thousands of IT professionals build more secure, cloud-first practices, and were excited about what this annoucement means for Canadian partners and their customers.







AppRivers cybersecurity solutions and Microsofts familiar, market-leading Office 365 cloud productivity tools drive digital transformation for AppRiver partners and customers in the U.S. and abroad. Bringing this proven combination to the Canadian market now becomes a top priority for AppRiver Canadas Ottawa-based team of cloud professionals.



The companys trademark Phenomenal Care means faster service from real experts, helping partners stay ahead of customers needs and emerging cyber threats. High-touch, white-glove support is one important reason the company has earned seven Stevie Awards for customer care and why it maintains a 94-percent year-over-year customer-retention rate.





Our Phenomenal Care is part of our companys DNA. The culture at AppRiver continues to produce employees that take pride in developing relationships as well as helping our customers, said James Wirth, director of customer care at AppRiver. We take pride in the fact that when you call AppRiver, you will speak to a real person who is knowledgeable, up-to-speed on trends and technology, and has the ability to solve your problem in minutes rather than days.



About AppRiver

AppRiver is a channel-first provider of cloud-enabled security, productivity, and compliance services, with a 4,500-strong reseller community that protects 60,000 companies worldwide against a growing list of dangerous online threats. Among the worlds top Office 365 and Secure Hosted Exchange providers, the companys brand is built on highly effective security services backed by 24/7 white-glove Phenomenal Care customer service. AppRiver is headquartered in Gulf Breeze, Florida and maintains offices in Georgia, Texas, New York, Canada, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Spain. For more information, please visit www.appriver.com.





Jim McClellan AppRiver 850-932-5338 jmcclellan@appriver.com

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[February 18, 2019] Global Knowledge To Provide Essential Tech Skills Training To US Military In Europe

CARY, N.C., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Knowledge, the worldwide leader in technology skills solutions, has been reselected to provide essential cybersecurity (CS) and Information Technology (IT) skills training to United States military personnel in Europe. The multi-year, up to $45 million contract, awarded under the U.S. Army Europe Information Technology Training Program (AEITT), will see Global Knowledge providing CS and IT training sessions at multiple sites throughout the area of responsibility. Global Knowledge CEO Todd Johnstone said, "We are honoured to have been entrusted with this vital work to support U.S. service personnel in Europe. The selection criteria included a strong emphasis on quality, effectiveness and value, and Global Knowledge met all of these needs. It is good to be back again!" Global Knowledge will provide training, testing, certification services, learning management, custom courseware development, program management and administration services. The training will ensure U.S. military CS/IT technicians have the necessary up-o-date skills and certifications to work on critical defense networks. Many of the courses will prepare them for essential certifications required by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8140.



Global Knowledge has been providing training to the U.S. military in Europe for over 12 years and has earned an exceptional Government Contractor Rating in the local theatre. About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge builds skills that enable success.



Global Knowledge is the worldwide leader in IT and professional training, helping develop the skills individuals and organizations need to succeed in the ever-changing world.

To meet customer needs, Global Knowledge is located in 15 countries, and has the unique flexibility to deliver a broad portfolio of courses in over 100 countries in classrooms, online, and through a worldwide partner network.

Established in 1995, Global Knowledge has 1,500 employees worldwide, including award-winning instructors widely considered the best in the industry.

Confirmed as the world's leading training provider, Global Knowledge enables the success of more than 230,000 professionals each year.

www.globalknowledge.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-knowledge-to-provide-essential-tech-skills-training-to-us-military-in-europe-300795180.html SOURCE Global Knowledge

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[February 18, 2019] PPG, PPG Foundation Invested More than $9 Million in Communities Worldwide in 2018

PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced that PPG and the PPG Foundation invested more than $9 million in communities worldwide in 2018. The funds, which support community sustainability and educational programming, will positively impact hundreds of community organizations in 28 countries where PPG employees live, work and play. "Since PPG's founding more than 135 years ago, we have been committed to giving back to the communities where the company has a presence," said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. "We are truly grateful to our community partners and employees around the globe who are the driving force behind PPG's community engagement efforts. We look forward to maintaining the positive momentum we have built for years to come." A selection of the grant recipients and funding purposes includes: Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh: For the PPG SCIENCE PAVILION, which houses science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning labs; a two-story, 14,000-square-foot exhibitions gallery, allowing for large touring exhibitions; PointView Hall, a conference and event space overlooking the city skyline; and new and expanded STEM education programs. With nine classrooms, the PPG Science Pavilion enables the Carnegie Science Center to offer more programs for children and adults, such as day camps for students and professional development programs for teachers. Click here to learn more.

enables the Carnegie Science Center to offer more programs for children and adults, such as day camps for students and professional development programs for teachers. Click here to learn more. Chinese universities: For PPG's University Talent Power Program, which offers scholarships and career counseling services at 11 Chinese universities.

Xbots Robotics in Santa Fe Springs, California: For the robotics team's GoBabyGo! outreach initiative, where members modify batery-powered ride-on vehicles to help disabled children with their rehab and physical therapy. The program also offers STEM training to underprivileged children from various participating Boys & Girls Clubs.

Alabama Aviation Education Center Incorporated in Mobile, Alabama: For the development of the Discovery Space Exhibit Hall at Flight Works Alabama, which will provide learners of all ages the opportunity to be inspired and learn skills applicable to advanced manufacturing and aviation specifically.

NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: For the development of STEM-related curriculum at Dutch primary schools. The curriculum helps students experiment with realistic technology challenges; sparks interest in technology and engineering; increases self-confidence and inquiry-based attitudes; makes connections with real engineering professionals; and challenges gender stereotypes in the field.

Junior Achievement in Sumare, Brazil: For Our Nation - STEM programming; Future of Work programming; and Innovation Camp.

Junior Uni in Wuppertal, Germany: For hands-on, educational after-school programming in technical and scientific areas of study for children and young adults in the region.



EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional information regarding PPG's community engagement efforts in 2018, visit our online newsroom at news.ppg.com/ppg-community-engagement-2018.

PPG and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested more than $9 million in 2018, supporting hundreds of community organizations across 28 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today's skilled workforce and develop tomorrow's innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving. Learn more at www.ppgcommunities.com. PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and materials that our customers have trusted for more than 130 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers' biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.4 billion in 2018. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com. We protect and beautify the world, PPG Science Pavilion, and Colorful Communities are trademarks and the PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005245/en/

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[February 18, 2019] Telemedicine Promises to Advance Healthcare in Latin America, but Faces Systemic Obstacles, Research from FIU Business Finds

Telemedicine holds great promise to address a wide range of health issues in Latin America. Yet its use hasn't reached broad national and regional levels. Research from Florida International University's College of Business (FIU Business) indicates that increased adoption of telemedicine in Latin America will further expand and boost efficiency in healthcare, leading to improved health and potential cost efficiency. However, without strong technical knowledge, leadership within healthcare organizations and increased cooperation within organizations around key health issues, efforts to implement telemedicine could remain scattered. "It will open possibilities for cost savings when it is viewed from a health system perspective and not as a collage of stand-alone projects aligned to the sometimes-conflicting interests of governments, donors, and private organizations," said Cynthia LeRouge, associate professor of information systems and business analytics at FIU Business, who conducted the research. Telemedicine refers to caring for patients remotely, often through a secure video connection, when the provider and patient are not physically present with each other. The study, published in the February 2019 issue of Health Affairs, profiled current levels of telemedicine use among hospitals in nine Latin American countries - Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. Among the key findings are that telemedicine adoption in public hospitals was 30 percent higher than in private facilities, suggesting the lack of a consensus on telemedicine systems within the healthcare sector in Latin America. Results also indicate that legislation alone may not promote adoption; however, additional legislation is necessary to protect valued patient confidentiality and privacy in telemedicine.



"It is very difficult to maximize the potential impact of telemedicine in any country without comprehensive approaches to addressing interrelated areas of concern including regulatory, financial, technological, and human factors," LeRouge said. Researchers analyzed data from the 2017 HospiScope database of Latin American hospitals and the 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Survey on eHealth. They found that the use of telemedicine ranged from 26 percent of hospitals in Colombia to 65 percent in Chile.

Of the countries studied, Chile has the highest rate of telemedicine adoption by hospitals and coverage of medical specialties. It was one of the first countries that transitioned from international funding to government funding for telemedicine services. In 2004 its Ministry of Health implemented a $6 million, seven-year program to accelerate health IT infrastructure nationwide. "Technical knowledge and leadership must accompany access to technology for telemedicine's long-term adoption," said LeRouge. "Interestingly, while results showed that hospitals with IT leadership were more likely to adopt telemedicine, the size of IT staffs was not a significant predictor of telemedicine use." The paper was co-authored by LeRouge with FIU colleagues Manjul Gupta (News - Alert) , assistant professor of information systems and business analytics; and Alejandro Arrieta, assistant professor of health policy and management at FIU's Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work; as well as Guillaume Corpart, CEO of Miami-based Global Health Intelligence. A copy of the research paper is available upon request. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005227/en/

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[February 18, 2019] FASTSIGNS International, Inc. Executives to Share Insights at the 2019 International Franchise Association Convention

CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Executive team members from FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS(R), the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise worldwide, will share their insights with attendees at the 2019 International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention being held in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 24 through February 27. Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Vice Chair of the IFA, Chair of the FranPac Task Force and a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), and Mark Jameson, the Executive Vice-President of Franchise Support and Development at FASTSIGNS International, a member of the IFA's International Committee and also a CFE, will both serve as Problem Solving Mentors during the "Emerging Franchisor Boot Camp." They will share insights that help people leading new franchise systems improve franchisee results, increase unit growth, foster positive franchisee relationships, overcome business challenges and much more. Monson will also moderate a breakout session titled "C-Suite Think Tank and Forum Exchange," where she will facilitate an interactive discussion focusing on the biggest challenges Franchisor C-Suite leaders are faced with and brainstorm potential solutions. Jameson will also host a Business Solution Roundtable with Natalie Barnes, President of Business Alliance, Inc., called "Outbound Franchisee Recruiting - Utilizing Brokers/Consultants". Drue Townsend, Senior Vice-President of Marketing at FASTSIGNS International, will serve on a panel during a Learning Lab session titled "Finding Balance Amidst Chaos: Learn How to Leverage the Best Tactics, Platforms and Channels to Satisfy Location-Specific Marketing Needs without Losing Focus on Your Franchise's Target Audience." Townsend will share digital marketing strategies and insights that can help brands market better online and help franchisees reach local prospects and customers. FASTIGNS International has seven Certified Franchise Executives (CFE) on the management team. Eight corporate team members are attending the IFA Conference this year.



"Franchising creates great opportunities for business owners and it creates positive economic growth for their local communities," explained Monson. "FASTSIGNS continues to experience record-breaking growth and we look forward to sharing our knowledge at this must-attend event for franchisors." Thousands of franchise business leaders and suppliers are expected attend the IFA's Annual Convention to hear the latest information about protecting and improving their brands with almost 50 compelling sessions and countless networking opportunities. For more information about the event and to register, visit: https://www.franchise.org/convention.

About FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of over 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS centers in nine countries including the US, Canada, England, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Chile and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE). FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including decor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or on LinkedIn. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679). About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 58 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development. Contact:

Vanessa Davidson

Corporate Communications

FASTSIGNS

214-346-5744 or Vanessa.Davidson@fastsigns.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fastsigns-international-inc-executives-to-share-insights-at-the-2019-international-franchise-association-convention-300796809.html SOURCE FASTSIGNS International, Inc.

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[February 18, 2019] The University of Luxembourg Launches a Unique Interdisciplinary Space Master in Line with the Government's SpaceResources.lu Initiative

In fall 2019, the University of Luxembourg launches a two-year Interdisciplinary Space Master program. This Master study program, set up in collaboration with the Luxembourg Space Agency, aims to provide students with the engineering skills required in the burgeoning space industry, along with in depth knowledge to manage space-related business activities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005215/en/ Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy ; Stephane Pallage, Rector of the University of Luxembourg ; Claude Meisch, Minister for Higher Education and Research  University of Luxembourg (Photo: Business Wire) In 1985, a public-private partnership effort launched Societe Europeenne des Satellites, today known as global satellite operator SES (News - Alert) . Over the last decades, frther space-related services and businesses have developed alongside SES shaping a vibrant space economy. As a leader in commercial space, Luxembourg is following a unique space strategy focused on creating an attractive ecosystem for NewSpace companies. The Grand Duchy launched SpaceResources.lu in 2016 to establish the country as a centre for the exploration and utilisation of space resources.



The Interdisciplinary Space Master is an integral part of this strategy while developing the specific skills needed to pioneer a new and sustainable space industry in Luxembourg. "With the new study programme, the University responds to the growing need for graduates who are uniquely qualified to contribute to a growing and dynamic industry," says Stephane Pallage, Rector of the University of Luxembourg. This unique Interdisciplinary Space Master clearly differentiates from master programs offered at other universities. It aims to give participants who already possess an engineering or scientific background the additional technical expertise in areas needed to support Luxembourg's space industry along with a strong grounding in business.

To ensure the programme to meet business requirements, the Master Course was developed with input from important public and industry players in the space sector. Some of these companies endorse the programme by offering internships to students. Etienne Schneider, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy said: "The Interdisciplinary Space Master further reinforces the dynamism of the national sector driven by the SpaceResources.lu initiative and the appeal of space and its potential. By training skilled and business-minded space experts, the Master programme blends in with the Luxembourg government's objective to become Europe's hub for NewSpace activities, in particular in the field of exploration and use of resources in space." Released by the Luxembourg Space Agency View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005215/en/

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[February 18, 2019] Harris Corporation's EWeek Celebrates Contributions of Engineers

Harris Corporation (News - Alert) (NYSE:HRS) employees across the country this week are celebrating National Engineers Week (EWeek) by participating in more than 80 events focused on innovation and engaging the next generation of engineers. The celebration is part of a national event organized by the National Society of Professional Engineers. Harris EWeek recognizes and celebrates the many achievements of the company's nearly 8,000 engineers and scientists - who make up more than 45 percent of the company's overall employment. Harris employees will use their technical expertise to compete in fun and friendly team challenges, such as guiding quadcopters through an obstacle course, building strong yet lightweight balsa bridges and flying gliders the furthest without breaking egg payloads. New this year, Harris' employee Intrapreneur Resource Group will host a team innovation competition for a new application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve current Harris capabilities, wit winners receiving company research and development (R&D) seed money. Harris invests an industry-leading 5 percent of annual revenue in R&D.



To foster a new generation of engineers, the company has invited students involved in regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs to participate in select events with Harris engineers, including building Lego robots and touring company campuses. "EWeek's 'Invent Amazing' theme mirrors the culture of innovation that we strive to cultivate at Harris," said William M. Brown, chairman, president and CEO. "I'm impressed every day by the ingenuity and excellence our engineers demonstrate in support of our customers and their critical missions."

As part of the week-long celebration, Harris named Ronda Henning the 2019 Harris Corporation Fellow, the company's highest recognition for engineering and technical achievement. She is the 27th employee to receive the distinguished award since it was established in 2000. Henning is a senior scientist in cybersecurity and information assurance who has spent more than 30 years at Harris. She is a highly accredited thought leader and mission-solutions architect, holds several patents and has been instrumental in advancing key Harris technologies in the industry. Henning also is a distinguished member of Women in Cybersecurity and mentors female engineers. About Harris Corporation Harris Corporation is a leading technology innovator, solving customers' toughest mission-critical challenges by providing solutions that connect, inform and protect. Harris supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue. The company is organized into three business segments: Communication Systems, Electronic Systems and Space and Intelligence Systems. Learn more at harris.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190218005029/en/

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[February 18, 2019] Mosaic451 Voted One of the Top 10 Cybersecurity Firms by Ranking Arizona

PHOENIX, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Mosaic 451, a bespoke cybersecurity services provider and consultancy, today announced it was voted one of the top 10 cybersecurity firms in the state by Ranking Arizona, the largest business opinion poll in Arizona. Ranking Arizona is an annual publication of top-ranked Arizona companies across various industry categories. The ranks are determined by public votes on their website. Over a million votes are cast annually by the general public on their vote site, which hosts close to 15,000 participating Arizona businesses. The votes are tallied, categories are produced, and the final product is a 500+ page publication released in early March. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Arizona, Mosaic451 offers a unique blend of deep technological experience and operational discipline. Mosaic451 protects and maintains critical infrastructure for Energy, Finance, Education and the U.S. Government. Focused on the triad of "people, process and technology," Mosaic451 offers its clients security services combining the best in advanced technology and personnel representing decades of experience in various cybersecurity, military and IT fields. Mosaic451 recognizes that while adoption of advanced and emerging technology is an important part of sound security strategy, no amount of technology can secure an environment without a strong foundation of smart, experienced, operationally minded humans to design, operateand optimize the technology.



Mosaic451's Hybrid solution combines 24/7 off-site monitoring with dedicated on-site personnel that act as a full security operations team to provide the most comprehensive level of information security. "It is a great honor to receive recognition from the community we strive to serve," said Cat Baker, Principal of Mosaic451. "We're grateful for this wonderful validation and we will continue to operate at the highest level for the companies and people we protect."

Mosaic451 has won numerous awards and been featured in InformationWeek/Dark Reading, USA Today, Harvard Business Review, CRN, Inc. Magazine, CIO.com, The Next Web and dozens of other media outlets. The 2019 Ranking Arizona issue will be available on March 2019. For more information, please visit https://azbigmedia.com/ About Mosaic451

Headquartered in Arizona, Mosaic451 is a bespoke cybersecurity service provider and consultancy with expertise in building, operating and defending some of the most highly secure networks in North America. Its Mosaic Hybrid is an industry first solution, providing monitoring service through its operations centers as well as specialized staff onsite during business hours to work alongside clients' in-house technology and security staff. This hybrid model gives Mosaic451 the unique ability to empower security analysts to provide advanced data analysis and determine threat vectors, threat actors and intelligent root causes for every incident. Mosaic451 aggregates and empowers intelligent humans in the service of information security and IT operations excellence for our clients. For more information, visit www.mosaic451.com . Media Contact:

Jennifer Rodriguez

Firecracker PR

209319@email4pr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mosaic451-voted-one-of-the-top-10-cybersecurity-firms-by-ranking-arizona-300796677.html SOURCE Mosaic451

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[February 18, 2019] Pratt & Whitney Delivers GTF PW1900G Production Engines for Embraer E195-E2 Program

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), and Embraer celebrated delivery of the GTF PW1900G production engines for the E195-E2 aircraft at Embraer's E2 final assembly line in Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The E195-E2 is expected to enter into service in the second half of 2019 with Azul Brazilian Airlines. "We are excited to receive the GTF production engines for the initial serial production of the E195-E2, as we know firsthand the advantages that these engines provide to our customers and the environment," said Fernando Antonio Oliveira, Embraer's E2 Program Director. Embraer's E190-E2 aircraft, which is also powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW1900G engine, entered service in April 2018 with Widere, followed by Air Astana in December 2018. "Delivering the first production engines for the E195-E2 is an important milestone for the program," said Graham Webb, vice president of Commercial Engine Programs at Pratt & Whitney. "We look forward to continuing to work together to support Embraer's second GTF-powered E2 aircraft model." In additon to being selected as the exclusive propulsion system for the E2 commercial aircraft, Pratt & Whitney's APS2600E auxiliary power unit (APU) is the sole-sourced APU for the E2 family. The APS2600E APU gives airlines greater flexibility, by increasing the altitude ceiling for ETOPS and other operations, and providing a significant increase in electrical power delivery to meet the needs of today's airlines.



The E195-E2 aircraft has more than 24% reduction in fuel burn per seat than the previous-generation E195, with NOx emissions 50% below the ICAO CAEP/6 regulation and 19dB to 20dB of ICAO Chapter 4 cumulative noise margin. About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft and helicopter engines, and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit its website at www.utc.com, or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC. To learn more about the GTF engine, visit pwgtf.com. To receive press releases and other news directly, please sign up here. This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business opportunities. Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to changes in levels of demand in the aerospace industry, in levels of air travel, and in the number of aircraft to be built; challenges in the design, development, production support, performance and realization of the anticipated benefits of advanced technologies (including our expected returns under customer contracts); as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those detailed from time to time in United Technologies Corp.'s Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Pratt & Whitney

+1 (860) 565-9600

media@pw.utc.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pratt--whitney-delivers-gtf-pw1900g-production-engines-for-embraer-e195-e2-program-300797192.html SOURCE Pratt & Whitney

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[February 18, 2019] Automotive Lighting Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 5.8% During the Forecast Period 2018-2028

VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The approximately US$ 35 billion market for automotive lighting is estimated to observe just-under 5% Y-o-Y growth in 2019, according to a recently published Future Market Insights (FMI) report. While passenger cars have significantly driven the LED Automotive Lighting Sales, bright prospects have been foreseen for sales in electric, in line with the rising trend of vehicle electrification. Nearly 60% of the automotive lighting systems installed are of headlights/front lights, which collectively capture more than 3/4th of the market revenue, with rear lights. Fog lights are gradually gaining ground in front and rear lighting systems, which is likely to shape the overall performance of automotive lighting market, as indicated by the report. Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-621 Lightweight automotive components have been a trendsetter over the past decade, will push the demand growth of lightweight automotive lighting in parallel. This growth forecast is predominantly owing to increasing vehicle electrification and surging demand for high-performance, fuel efficient vehicles. Halogen lamps continue to reign supreme, holding more than 65% share in the automotive lighting market. In line with tightening vehicle emission standards that demand reduced weight and improved fuel efficiency, the automotive lighting market will observe strong emergence of LED. Superior endurance and high energy efficiency are projected to provide an impetus to LED popularity over halogen and HID counterparts. The report envisages a preeminent push to LED automotive lighting from manufacturers of premium class vehicles. Preview Analysis of Automotive Lighting Market Segmented by (Application - Front Headlight, Fog Light, Rear, Side & Interior; vehicle type - Passenger Car, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV), Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV), Electric Vehicles & Two  Wheeler; light source - Halogen, Xenon & LED; sales channel - OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) & Aftermarket) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018-2028: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/automotive-lighting-market Enhanced aesthetic appeal of vehicles with innovative lighting features will remain priority strategy for leading automakers and OEMs. However, lighting technology innovators in collaboration with prominent market players are also strategizing on introducing economic range products, which is cited as another factor providing a strong push to LED automotive lighting products.



While compact and mid-size passenger car manufacturers remain prime consumer of automotive lighting solutions, the report indicates that this demand growth will be spectacular in EVs over the coming years. Hybrid EVs will further account for a considerable demand share in automotive lighting market. Moreover, billowing sales of motorcycles, particularly in developing economies, will bolster installations of a wide range of automotive lighting in the two-wheelers segment, says the report. In a fairly consolidated competitive landscape of automotive lighting market, a majority of players are based in North America, Europe, and China. Automotive lighting market leaders such as Koito Manufacturing, Valeo SA, Magneti Marelli, Hella, and Stanley Electric continue to dedicate a majority of investments in strategic acquisitions and new product launches.

Buy this report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/621 Valeo recently acquired a Japanese automotive lighting manufacturer, Ichikoh Industries, Ltd. Expansion has also been among the key developmental strategies in the competitive landscape of automotive lighting market. On the other side, Tier 2 companies including Osram, Varroc Group, Robert Bosch, LG Lightings, and Hyundai Mobis are focusing on collaborative ventures that prominently target product innovations and new launches in automotive lighting space. In the latter half of 2018, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. inked a collaborative agreement over the sale of their automotive components business - Magneti Marelli S.p.A. to the Japanese supplier CK Holdings Co., Ltd. (Calsonic Kansei Corporation's holding company). Osram has been actively introducing new automotive lighting product lineups in the market. While Europe retains the top consumer title in automotive lighting landscape, the report projects significant growth potential for automotive lighting market in emerging Asian countries. Automakers, OEMs, and other lighting product manufacturers will capitalize on a series of untapped opportunities particularly in East Asian market, attributed to soaring automotive sales, elevating acceptance for EVs and HEVs, and more importantly, improving purchasing power of consumers. East Asia is likely to represent just-under a third of the global automotive lighting market value, towards 2019 end. For more insights on the global automotive lighting market tracked for a decade-old period 2018-2028, write in to press@futuremarketinsights.com 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-621 More from Automotive & Transportation Market Intelligence: Retread Tires Aftermarket Sales Opportunity - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018-2028:

Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018-2028: Commercial Vehicle Foundation Brakes Market Analysis - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2027:

Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2027: Real Time Parking System Market Analysis - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016-2026: 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. Browse More Automotive & Transportation Market Insights Contact Us

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[February 18, 2019] Philips launches Zenition mobile C-arm platform for enhanced operating room performance and workflow efficiency

AMSTERDAM, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the launch of Philips Zenition, its new mobile C-arm imaging platform. Mobile C-arms are X-ray systems that are brought into the operating room (OR) to provide live image guidance during a wide range of surgeries including orthopedic, trauma and vascular procedures. The Zenition mobile C-arm platform brings together innovations in image capture, image processing, ease-of-use and versatility pioneered on Philips' highly successful Azurion platform. Zenition allows hospitals to maximize OR performance, enhance their clinical capabilities, and offer their staff an outstanding user experience. Zenition will be introduced in the U.S., Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the first half of 2019, and will subsequently be rolled out in further markets. The scope and complexity of surgical interventions  especially in the rapidly growing area of image-guided minimally invasive surgery  continues to increase, as does the number of patients requiring treatment. In order to treat more patients at a lower cost, hospitals require a versatile fleet of C-arms with varying capabilities that easily adapt to the needs of different types of surgery and different operators. Zenition mobile C-arms are easy to move between operating rooms, simple to position around the patient and intuitive to operate. "The Philips Zenition is a user-friendly system that's intuitive to use for both surgeons and nursing staff," said Nikolaos Bonaros, Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria. "Its simplified workflow means that we can convert a room from a conventional OR to a high-quality interventional room more quickly. At the same time the system provides high image quality at the level required for hybrid OR procedures." "As patient numbers rise and procedures become more complex, equipment up-time, utilization and usability become ever more important," said Ronald Tabaksblat, Business Leader for Image Guided Therapy Systems at Philips. "Our new harmonized Zenition mobile C-arm platform offers the poven performance and ease of use needed for surgical teams to work with confidence and precision, now and in the future."



Zenition: intuitive usability and enhanced operational efficiency

Philips Zenition supports increased OR performance across the healthcare facility. The platform's tablet-like user interface and simple 'Unify' workflow mean that once an operator has learned to use one system on the platform, it is easy for them to operate them all. The systems make point-and-shoot image capture fast and intuitive during any interventional or surgical procedure. Zenition's compact design, Position Memory feature [1] and BodySmart software, which captures fast and consistent images even at the edge of the image intensifier or flat detector, reduce the need for C-arm repositioning by 45% [2]. For crisp high-quality image viewing, Zenition C-arm systems incorporate the same image processing algorithms used on the company's Azurion platform, offering high-definition visualization of patient anatomies and a greater viewing area. Image quality is assured by features such as Philips' MetalSmart software, which automatically adjusts the contrast and brightness of images to improve image quality when metal objects such as implants are present in the field of view  a feature that makes Zenition systems especially useful in orthopedics.

The Philips Zenition platform is designed for the future, allowing for longer clinical relevance of the systems. With two different detector and image intensifier options and the ability to subscribe to Philips' Technology Maximizer program, Zenition offers users the latest software and hardware technology releases for a fraction of the cost of purchasing them individually. Zenition is the latest innovation in Philips' unique portfolio of systems, smart devices, software and services in image-guided therapy, which combine to provide healthcare providers with sophisticated, procedure-oriented solutions. Philips' Zenition C-arms are CE marked and have received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They will be showcased at the 2019 European Congress of Radiology (ECR) Exhibition (February 28  March 3, 2019, Vienna, Austria) on Booth 402, Hall X4. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for live #ECR2019 updates. [1] Only available on Zenition 70.

[2] Results obtained during user tests performed in November 2013 by Use-Lab GmbH, an independent company. The tests involved 30 USA based clinicians (15 physicians teamed up with 15 nurses or X-ray technicians), who performed simulated procedures in a simulated OR environment. None of them had worked with a Philips C-arm or with each other before. For further information, please contact: Mark Groves

Philips Group Press Office

Tel: +31 631 639 916

Email: mark.groves@philips.com

Twitter: mark_groves Fabienne van der Feer

Philips Image Guided Therapy

Tel: +31 622 698 001

Email: fabienne.van.der.feer@philips.com

Twitter: FC_Feer About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2018 sales of EUR 18.1 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/philips-launches-zenition-mobile-c-arm-platform-for-enhanced-operating-room-performance-and-workflow-efficiency-300796777.html SOURCE Royal Philips

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[February 18, 2019] IT Startup Launches Software Testing and Quality Assurance Jobs Platform to Help Companies Find Global Talent

HYDERABAD, India, February 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualitician Aims to Create a Unified Experience for Everyone in the Software Testing Industry With Its New Career Portal and HR Tools Qualitician IT Services Private Limited, a software startup based in Hyderabad, India, announced that they have launched the first, exclusive career portal for software testing and QA professionals. The Qualitician portal unifies the job and talent search process by combining advertising, networking, and training tools into a cohesive experience. Mr. Ram Uppalapati, Director of Qualitician, commented that his startup's job portal will promote innovation by bringing all people in the software testing industry together to share talent and ideas. Mr. Uppalapati went on to explain that an industry-exclusive platform can shorten the average time spent looking for jobs. The career portal is expected to match skilled software testing and QA professionals with job openings across the software testing industry. By targeting a single industry, the platform can use network effects to quickly share job and training opportunities. For example, software testing professionals and companies can meet together via a virtual job fair. Qualitician aims to integrate the best aspects of traditional networking into a digital medium. The portal also offers social media sharing through platforms like LinkedIn to increase engagement for a job post. The Qualitician portal gives employers tools to target skilled software QA professionals. One option for employers to increase their exposur is through featured listings. The jobs offered by featured companies take the top positions on search results pages. Employers can also use email campaigns to advertise job offers to relevant job seekers using the portal.



HR professionals often mistakenly hire applicants who overstate the skills on their CV. In other cases, the skills learned in four-year universities are often outdated for the demands of the current software testing industry. Qualitician hopes to eliminate this skill mismatch problem by giving employers the opportunity to train and test candidates before offering software QA jobs. Employers and other course-providers can upload courses in the career portal. These software testing courses teach job seekers more about the expectations of specific roles. Job seekers can use this information to adjust their studies to become more qualified in software testing labor markets. Meanwhile, companies that need software quality assurance professionals gain access to a pool of applicants who successfully completed their courses.

The global software testing market is projected to expand by a CAGR of 15 percent to reach $50 billion by 2020. The IT industry currently allocates 25 to 30 percent of its budget to QA and testing. Of this QA and testing budget, 20 to 25 percent of funds are allocated to HR. Mr. Ram Uppalapati said, "A large amount of time and resources that could be spent on testing and improving products in small software companies is spent on repetitive HR tasks. We aim to give small companies a shot at competing with industry leaders with our platform's tools." Startups and SMBs use valuable time on finding and evaluating job candidates. Qualitician plans to reduce the time and financial costs of filling software testing jobs by providing outsourced HR services. Employers can use the portal for tasks like resume screening, skill evaluation, and interview scheduling. Registrations open for employers, job seekers, and recruiters on February 18, 2019. During the initial phase, employers can post an unlimited number of jobs and courses. About Qualitician: Qualitician is a Hyderabad-based startup company that provides an exclusive job platform to companies and professionals in the software testing industry. The company aims to bridge the gap between talented software testing professionals and employers. For more information and to register, visit their official website: http://www.Qualitician.com Qualitician on social media: Twitter - @Qualiticians Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Qualitician LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/qualitician Media Contact :

Ram Uppalapati

ram@qualitician.com

+91-9160062220

Qualitician IT Services Private Limited



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[February 18, 2019] Ping An Good Doctor Significantly Expands the Capacity of its Supercomputing Platform to Boost the Development of AI Healthcare Technology

SHANGHAI, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- China's leading one-stop healthcare ecosystem platform Ping An Health Medical Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor", or the "Company", stock code: 01833.HK) has significantly expanded the capacity of its supercomputing platform. The platform now has the world's best parallel processor which can process massive data in a short period of time, improve the research and development ("R&D") efficiency of artificial intelligence ("AI"), accelerate iterated speed of AI applications and strengthen the AI healthcare technology of the Company through disruptive technological innovations. Computing power, algorithmic models and big data are the three foundations of AI development. By utilizing high-performance computing clusters like a supercomputing platform, Ping An Good Doctor can improve the efficiency of processing medical images and other information, and verify and optimize increasingly complex models in order to provide an accelerated engine for deep learning. The Company has also accumulated a large amount of healthcare big data. With the rapid growth of users on the Ping An Good Doctor App, the AI applications need to carry out in-depth learning in many fields such as image, voice and natural language processing to provide diversified medical and healthcare services. As a result, the original computing power struggled to meet data processing requirements. The expansion of the super-calculation platform provides basic technical support for the AI R&D team to achieve rapid development and efficient operation. "After the expansion, the R&D efficiency of our AI team will double. In the previous system, the AI model required several weeks to study the relevant information, but this can now be completed in a few days," a Ping An Good Doctor spokesperson said. For example, the smart traditional Chinese medicine ("TCM") diagnosis by tongue observation in the Modern Physician Hua Tuo Project requires images of a user's tongue to analyze information such as its color. After the comprehensive AI analysis, the integrated data is directly transmitted to the TCM docto's workplace and the AI doctor will recommend the TCM prescription. The R&D team needs a computing platform to assist in processing the massive number of tongue images, and relies on high performance computing to continuously optimize the model to obtain accurate analysis results throughout the process.



"Secondly, from the perspective of data security, a powerful supercomputing platform can prevent data theft by third parties," the Ping An Good Doctor spokesperson added, with more and more key business and important data being stored by the supercomputing platform, Ping An Good Doctor can now better manage and operate this unified platform to avoid any problems. As one of the first companies to build a supercomputing platform for internet healthcare, Ping An Good Doctor has already seized more opportunities in AI R&D and accumulated relevant experience. At present, the Company provides comprehensive medical and health services to users through its own medical team assisted by AI technology. The efficiency and accuracy of its online consultation have greatly improved with AI technology and big data analysis, reducing the unit cost of online consultation. In the future, Ping An Good Doctor will utilize the supercomputing platform to develop more AI medical technology applications and maintain its industry-leading innovation capabilities.

About Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited (01833.HK) Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor", stock code: 01833.HK) is the leading one-stop healthcare ecosystem platform in China. By combining "mobile health + AI technology", the Company strives to provide every family with a family doctor, every person with an e-health profile and everyone with a healthcare management plan. Ping An Good Doctor has established a comprehensive, one-stop healthcare ecosystem covering family doctor services, consumer healthcare services, a health mall as well as health management and wellness interaction. As of the end of June 2018, there were 228 million registered users and the Company's MAU reached 48.6 million. Ping An Good Doctor is today the largest mobile medical application in China in terms of user scale. Ping An Good Doctor employs more than a thousand medical personnel (Assistant Supervisor Level or above from Class III Grade A Hospitals) in its in-house medical team and contracts with 4,650 renowned external doctors. This in-house medical team, empowered by our proprietary AI technology, provides users with 24 x 7 online consultation services. In our offline partnership network, Ping An Good Doctor collaborates with approximately 3,100 hospitals (including more than 1,200 Class III Grade A hospitals) to provide services such as hospital referral, appointment and inpatient arrangements. Ping An Good Doctor also partners with more than 2,000 healthcare institutions, including physical examination centers, dental clinics, cosmetic surgery institutions and more than 10,000 pharmacy outlets, to provide relevant health and wellness services to our users. By integrating our AI-empowered medical team, external doctors and offline network, Ping An Good Doctor has established a closed-loop healthcare ecosystem which enables our users to enjoy online consultations and online drug purchases, as well as online consultations and offline follow-up treatment, thereby providing convenient, high-quality and efficient family doctor services. In April 2015, the App "Ping An Good Doctor" was officially launched. In May 2016, the Company completed an A round financing and raised US$500 million. In December 2017, the Company completed the pre-IPO financing from Softbank Vision Fund, during which it raised US$400 million. On 4 May 2018, Ping An Good Doctor became the No.1 listed internet health-tech company in the world when it joined the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, stock code 01833.HK. Our IPO cornerstone investors include Blackrock, Capital Group, GIC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Swiss Re and CP Group. SOURCE Ping An Good Doctor

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[February 18, 2019] Canada Invests in Energy Efficiency Improvements in Montreal

MONTREAL, Feb. 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Energy efficiency in industry strengthens competitiveness, lowers costs, maximizes profits and promotes a more sustainable environment. Promoting and rewarding energy-efficient practices are key components of Canada's approach to transitioning to a clean energy future. Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent, Emmanuella Lambropoulos, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, today formally announced a $10,000 investment for 3M Canada for an ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard that reduced the company's energy consumption and improved environmental performance. With funding from Natural Resources Canada and facilitated by the Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC), the project enabled 3M Canada to improve the energy performance of its Montreal Laboratory. <>CIPEC includes more than 2,300 facilities representing 20 industrial sectors and over 50 trade associations. An award-winning partnership between the Government of Canada and Canadian industry, CIPEC advances industrial energy efficiency by promoting the uptake of energy management systems, best practices and technologies.



Through Generation Energy, Canada's national energy dialogue, Canadians expressed that they want to see Canada continuing to be a leader in the transition to a clean growth economy. Canada will continue to support innovative projects that create jobs, improve industry competitiveness, cut pollution and act on climate change. Quick Facts

The ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems Standard is an internationally recognized voluntary standard that gives organizations a structured framework to manage energy. Organizations that have implemented ISO 50001 have reduced energy costs and increased competitiveness while minimizing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other environmental impacts. Quotes "With industry and government working together at all levels, we can create a more prosperous, competitive and sustainable Canada. Our government is committed to energy efficiency, and we are proud to work with 3M Canada to advance our clean energy future." Emmanuella Lambropoulos

Member of Parliament for Saint-Laurent "The funding, combined with 3M Canada's own investments, has helped us improve energy efficiency by 6.3 percent since 2015 at our Montreal facility." Andrew Hejnar

Energy Manager, 3M Canada Related Information

Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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Joint Armaments Projects: German-French Secret Paper Reorganises Arms Exports

(Source: Der Spiegel; published Feb 15, 2019)

(Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)

Germany will grant France extensive freedom in joint arms projects to sell jointly-developed weapons systems to third countries: This is the result of a secret agreement reached by the governments in Berlin and Paris on 14 January. "The parties will not oppose any transfer or export to third countries," according to the document available to Spiegel.



This is about joint projects such as the planned main battle tank or the new fighter aircraft that France and Germany want to develop together. For months, Paris and Berlin had been arguing whether Berlin could later veto French deals with difficult partners like Saudi Arabia.



There is no talk of a veto in the secret pact. Only if direct interests or national security are endangered, one of the partners can bring concerns, it is said. The two-page document, written in English, is entitled "Franco-German Industrial Co-operation in Defense - Common Understanding and Principles of Sales."



The agreement complements the new Franco-German treaty signed by Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron in Aachen at the end of January. In the treaty, arms exports are mentioned only in a general statement that states they want to establish common rules for the sale of armaments co-operations.



In the supplementary paper, the partners agree to inform each other "early on" when arms exports outside NATO are planned. If it comes to a dispute, Berlin and Paris want to open within two months "high-level talks for an exchange of views and the search for alternatives begin," the text of the agreement, in which a "permanent body" for advising fundamental export issues is agreed.



Common European line on the theme of arms exports?



The Federal Government did not want to comment on the confidential document. Foreign Minister Michael Roth told the Spiegel: "An even closer Franco-German cooperation offers the opportunity to make Europe more sovereign, but we too will have to compromise on this." A "United Europe" cannot mean that every national decision is automatically implemented one to one."



Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her openness to compromise with France. She demanded in an interview that Europe should "develop common ethical standards and principles" for armaments exports. But you have to approach each other. "The insistence on maximum positions does not create a strong community," says von der Leyen.



The eternal question: Can you ship weapons to Saudi Arabia?



Germany and France are very far apart in terms of arms exports. While Paris regards the sale of weapons throughout the world as an economic factor and provides massive political support, Berlin is pursuing a more restrictive policy. Every single delivery outside NATO must be approved by the Federal Security Council.



Currently, arms shipments to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are particularly controversial. While Germany blocked the delivery of shipments already approved following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Paris sees no reason not to continue supplying weapons to the Saudis. France forbade any criticism of this approach.





(EDITORS NOTE: The new secret arms export rules outlined above are very similar to those that currently govern the export of French-German weapons, enshrined by the so-called Debre-Schmidt agreements.

Signed in 1971 by the two countries then defense ministers, Michel Debre and Helmut Schmidt, and which stipulates that each country will allow the other to export weapons developed in common.

On the matter of joint arms exports, the Treaty of Aachen simply states in its article 4 that Both States will develop a common approach to arms exports with regard to joint projects, and suggests that the Franco-German Defense and Security Council is the political body to steer these reciprocal commitments.

Consequently, the issue is not what new rules can be agreed for the future, but how consistent successive German governments will be in applying the Debre-Schmidt agreements, which are still valid and applicable, both in letter and in spirit.)



(ends)



German Halt in Saudi Arms Sales Causing Serious Problems: Airbus (excerpt)

(Source: Reuters; published Feb. 15, 2019)

By Sabine Siebold and Andrea Shalal





Germany in November said it would reject future export licenses to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It has not formally banned previously approved deals, which would entitle companies to compensation, but has urged industry to refrain from such shipments for now.



Airbus Defence and Space chief Dirk Hoke told Reuters that uncertainty about the issue had undermined Germany's credibility, and could threaten future Franco-German defense projects, including a planned Eurodrone that was heading for an initial contract by the end of the year.



"This is a serious problem," Hoke said in an interview on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "We're facing constraints in many projects, and many problems have been put on ice," including what he called discussions about a sale of A400M military transports to Saudi Arabia. (end of excerpt)

We have to find a common defence and export policy in Europe. CEO @AirbusDefence @hodike on what has to be done in terms of #European cooperation in #defence #MSC2019 pic.twitter.com/1ofaCRZfs7  BDI (@Der_BDI) February 16, 2019







Click here for the full story, on the Reuters website.



(ends)









MUNICH/BERLIN --- Germany's halt of exports to Saudi Arabia is preventing Britain from completing the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon warplanes to Riyadh, and has delayed potential sales of other weapons such as the A400M military transport, a top Airbus official said Friday.Germany in November said it would reject future export licenses to Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. It has not formally banned previously approved deals, which would entitle companies to compensation, but has urged industry to refrain from such shipments for now.Airbus Defence and Space chief Dirk Hoke told Reuters that uncertainty about the issue had undermined Germany's credibility, and could threaten future Franco-German defense projects, including a planned Eurodrone that was heading for an initial contract by the end of the year."This is a serious problem," Hoke said in an interview on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. "We're facing constraints in many projects, and many problems have been put on ice," including what he called discussions about a sale of A400M military transports to Saudi Arabia. (end of excerpt)(ends)

Airbus CEO Tells Germany to Reform Arms Policy for Good of Europe (excerpt)

(Source: Reuters; published Feb. 15, 2019)

By Andreas Rinke
Andrew "Andy" J. Martin, 78, of Gastonia, NC formerly of Fairmont, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Tuesday, June 15, 2021. He was born on May 14, 1943 in Fairmont son of the late John and Mary Coughlin Martin. He is survived by his children: Vickie Lynn (John Raymond)
West Palm Beach, Fla.

President Donald Trump is prepared to issue the first veto of his term if Congress votes to disapprove his declaration of a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border, a top White House adviser said on Sunday.

White House senior adviser Stephen Miller told "Fox News Sunday" that "the president is going to protect his national emergency declaration." Asked if that meant Trump was ready to veto a resolution of disapproval, Miller added, "He's going to protect his national emergency declaration, guaranteed."

The West Wing is digging in for fights on multiple fronts as the president's effort to go around Congress to fund his long-promised border wall faces bipartisan criticism and multiple legal challenges. After lawmakers in both parties blocked his requests for billions of dollars to fulfill his signature campaign pledge, Trump's declared national emergency Friday shifts billions of federal dollars earmarked for military construction to the border.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra told ABC's "This Week" that his state would sue "imminently" to block the order, after the American Civil Liberties Union and the nonprofit watchdog group Public Citizen announced Friday they were taking legal action.

Democrats are planning to introduce a resolution disapproving of the declaration once Congress returns to session and it is likely to pass both chambers. Several Republican senators are already indicating they would vote against Trump  though there do not yet appear to be enough votes to override a veto by the president.

The White House's Miller insisted that Congress granted the president wide berth under the National Emergencies Act to take action. But Trump's declaration goes beyond previous emergencies in shifting money after Congress blocked his funding request for the wall, which will likely factor in legal challenges.

Trump aides acknowledge that Trump cannot meet his pledge to build the wall by the time voters decide whether to grant him another term next year, but insist his base will remain by his side as long as he is not perceived to have given up the fight on the barrier.

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told CBS's "Face the Nation" that he believes Congress needs to act to "defend" its powers of the purse.

"I do think that we should not set the terrible precedent of letting a president declare a national emergency simply as a way of getting around the congressional appropriations process," he said.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, a critic of Trump's border policies, said he would support legislation to review Trump's emergency declaration, saying, "It sets a dangerous precedent."

"My concern is our government wasn't designed to operate by national emergency," he told CBS.

Trump ally Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told ABC that he believes there are enough GOP votes to prevent the supermajorities required to override a veto.

"I think there are plenty of votes in the House to make sure that there's no override of the president's veto," he said. "So it's going to be settled in court, we'll have to wait and see."
Vatican City

Roman Catholics who were sexually abused by clergy are insisting that decisive actions to confront the decades-long problem of pedophile priests and church cover-ups must come out of an upcoming Vatican summit.

A founding member of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, Peter Isely, contended Sunday that Pope Francis is "facing resistance" from top Vatican officials as he prepares to convene bishops from around the world.

"Let me tell you what it was like to try and have to resist that priest when I was a boy who was sexually assaulting me," Isely said. "So whatever difficulty for him or discomfort this is for anybody in the papal palace, it is nothing compared to what survivors have had to undergo."

Isely offered his perspective in an interview with The Associated Press near St. Peter's Square shortly before Francis spoke of the importance of the Feb. 21-24 event on protecting children and teenagers in the church,.

Addressing faithful in the square, Francis asked for prayers for the gathering of the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences worldwide.

Francis said he wanted the summit, to be "an act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time."

Revelations in many countries about priests raping and committing other kinds of sexual abuse against children and a pattern of bishops hiding the crimes have shaken the faith of many Catholics.

They also test the pontiff's ability to ensure the safety of children and punishment for the abusers as well as any complicit superiors.

The Vatican announced Saturday that Francis approved the expulsion from the priesthood for a former American cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, for sexual abuse of minors and adults.

But survivor advocates also have demanded that Francis say what he and other top Vatican officials knew about the prelate's sexual wrongdoing, which spanned decades.

"You abuse a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood," Isely said. "If you cover up for abusing a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood, and this is the only thing that is going to turn the corner on this global crisis."

Another founding member of the group, Denise Buchanan, a native of Jamaica, said a priest raped and assaulted her when she was 17.

"That rape actually resulted in a pregnancy, and the priest arranged for an abortion," Buchanan said.

Veteran Vatican watcher Marco Politi told the AP he also sees the pope facing inside resistance.

"There is a struggle going on between the pope and his supporters who want a change, and a lot of people among the bishops and among the clergy who don't want transparency and applying law and order in the abuse issue in the world," Politi said.

Some of Francis' critics contend that as a product of the Catholic Church's hierarchical culture, he, too, has been slow to recognize the hierarchy's role in perpetuating abuse by pedophile priests.

Francis has tried to temper expectations for the summit, saying in January the "problem of abuse will continue" because "it's a human problem." Isely of Ending Clergy Abuse said the bar should be high and the participants "have to deliver for survivors."
Emile was a U.S. permanent resident, a student at Buffalo State College and a restaurant manager supporting his pregnant wife when he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In his last semester of college, he was offered a job as a financial advisor. When his employer ran a background check, ICE discovered he had a misdemeanor conviction. The agency arrested, detained and placed him in deportation proceedings.

A lawyer contracted by the state's Immigrant Family Unity Project, under Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Liberty Defense Project, took up Emile's case. An immigration judge granted Emile bond, releasing him from detention. He won his case and was granted permission to stay in the country with legal status.

Emile, whose name was changed to protect his identity, is one of more than 1,100 immigrants represented under the project in four immigration courts in New York.

The state announced Friday it will renew its two-year contract with the Vera Institute for Justice to continue representing detained immigrants facing deportation who can't afford a lawyer. Immigrants whose household income doesn't exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to get an attorney. The program is also expanding this year to give representation to immigrants detained under prior deportation orders.

Last December, the Vera Institute said it needed $4.55 million to continue its work this year.

Since July 2017, New York has been the first and only state in the nation to provide representation to all detained impoverished immigrants. In Batavia Federal Detention Facility near Buffalo, more than one in three clients in the program were released between July 2017 and June 2018.

Immigration attorneys in the Capital Region applaud the project but say that it stops short of providing legal aid for immigrants who aren't facing deportation  like the hundreds of asylum-seekers who were transferred from the southern U.S. border to Albany County Jail last summer  or who aren't detained.

The Vera Institute is also pushing for $5.45 million in the state's 2020 budget to represent 1,000 non-detained New Yorkers unable to afford counsel for their deportation proceedings. The Institute said nearly 19,000 immigrants in New York are not detained but facing deportation without counsel.

Vera subcontracts with three immigration legal service organizations to provide representation, including the Prisoners' Legal Services of New York in Albany.

"Immigrant communities are part of the fabric of our country, and we embrace them in New York," said Nick Turner, president of the Vera Institute, in a press release. "Not only does such public funding deliver on our country's promise of fairness and due process, it keeps families together, maintains trust within our communities, and increases public safety."

Cuomo, who started the project, has been outspoken about immigrant rights in his current term. Cuomo positioned himself against President Donald Trump's immigration policies in his inauguration speech on Ellis Island and espoused New York's love for immigrants in his State of the State address.
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has yet to put the state's money where his mouth is when it comes to counting every New Yorker in next year's Census.

For nearly a year, the governor has stressed the importance of a complete count in New York and criticized proposed changes to the Census questionnaire that might deter participation. The current state budget, negotiated by Cuomo and legislative leaders a year ago, set up the 16-member Complete Count Commission to prepare the state for the 2020 count, which will determine the size of the state's congressional delegation and affect the amount of funding that flows from Washington, D.C.

"Let's go out there and count every New Yorker so we get what we deserve in the state of New York," Cuomo said last month during his budget address, prompting abundant applause.

His budget proposal, however, failed to specifically identify any funding for outreach or infrastructure to prepare for the Census. Activists and state lawmakers were hoping for a targeted investment of at least $40 million.

The Complete Count Commission, meanwhile, was supposed to submit a report containing its recommendations by Jan. 10. That deadline came and went with no submission. One possible impediment: The governor didn't make his eight appointments to the commission until 18 days after the deadline passed, nearly 10 months after the passage of legislation creating the panel.

Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall said the state will launch a comprehensive campaign following the release of recommendations from the Complete Count Commission. "To support this effort, funds will be made available through Empire State Development," he said, referring to the state's economic development arm.

Conwall did not explain the delayed appointments from the governor.

The absence of a proposed investment and a seeming lack of urgency from the administration is "surprising" when contrasted with Cuomo's rhetoric on the issue, said Lauren Moore, who was appointed to the commission by the state Assembly's Republican conference.

Moore, chairwoman of the New York Library Association's Census 2020 Task Force, had hoped the budget would include at least $40 million to provide libraries with the resources they need to help the 20 percent of New Yorkers without internet access participate in what is considered the first-ever "digital Census."

Libraries could naturally fill this niche, as they're already the source of internet access for many rural communities and low-income households.

State funding would be used to train library personnel to assist New Yorkers completing the digital questionnaire and ensure the facilities are equipped with the appropriate technology, including data security.

"It's not as simple as directing someone to a computer," Moore said.

A statewide coalition of community organizations is also calling for a $60 million state investment in community outreach to promote Census participation. According to the group, targeted outreach on parts of Long Island for the 2010 Census resulted in a 21 percent increase in response rates.

A study by the progressive Fiscal Policy Institute calls for at least $40 million for local outreach, which would be in addition to separate state funding for outreach and media campaigns.

The FPI predicts New York's count will require more outreach than other states' efforts because of the disproportionate share of "hard-to-count" populations  including immigrants including refugees, low-income residents, rural communities, the homeless and non-English speakers.

"More than ever before, trusted community voices will be needed to help build bridges to maximize participation in the Census," reads the report.

Without a substantial investment by New York, Moore said, "It's going to be a mess in 2020."

The Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, a nonprofit focused on families living in poverty, warned that the state needs to allocate funding in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins April 1.

Other states are already beginning to spend on outreach and infrastructure, including California, which invested $90 million last year and proposed another $50 million this year.

It's not clear when the Complete Count Commission will produce its report, as the panel has yet to meet publicly and the state Senate's Democratic majority has not yet appointed its three members. Assembly Democrats made their appointments in August; it's not clear if Senate Republicans have tapped anyone yet.

Moore, who has been in contact with administration officials since her appointment last year, said staff in the governor's office begun working on the project for "several months" before Cuomo made his appointments.

"I hope we have an opportunity to make meaningful contributions," she said. "I hope it's not us just signing off on a document."

A group of Democratic state senators urging an investment in outreach funding maintain that the state didn't invest enough in the 2010 count, and the resulting undercount of 600,000 New Yorkers cost $1.5 billion in annual federal aid.

In a policy brief, the Schuyler Center warned that a failure to invest in these efforts now would make it "too late to undertake the concerted and widespread outreach efforts that will be needed" to avoid an undercount even worse than 2010's results.

Following that Census, New York lost two of its seats in the House of Representatives. The state's delegation is poised to shrink from 27 to 25 after the next Census, based on an analysis by Election Data Services of updated population estimates.

But the loss of a second seat is not a foregone conclusion, according to the analysis. Depending on what happens in other states, a robust count mean that New York only loses one of its representatives.

"The impacts of an undercount would haunt us for a decade," the Schuyler Center warned.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
GLOVERSVILLE  In rural communities nationwide, sexual assault victims seeking care and forensic examination from their local emergency department are often faced with two options  get it from someone untrained, or get it elsewhere.

The result is that evidence is sometimes overlooked, mishandled or lost, or the victim is deterred from seeking care or examination altogether.

United Concierge Medicine in Troy is hoping to correct this lack of choice at more than 40 hospitals around upstate New York with the launch of TeleSAFE, a new telemedicine program that provides hospitals with around-the-clock access to state-certified sexual assault forensic examiners, known as SAFE providers.

Nathan Littauer Hospital, a 74-bed hospital in rural Fulton County, is the first to partner with the virtual care company on the pilot project and the first hospital in the state to make use of virtual forensic care for victims of sexual assault.

"God forbid something ever happened to one of my family members," said Tina Bagley, a registered nurse and nurse educator at the hospital. "But if something did, I'd want them to be able to get help at their local hospital. The fact that we will have this service for our community of women 24/7, 365 days a year warms my heart."

Bagley has provided care to sexual assault victims since 1999, and helped launch a care program at Saratoga Hospital before she was employed by Nathan Littauer in 2016. Although she and several other colleagues are certified SAFE providers, it's impossible for them to provide 24/7 coverage, she said.

Now, she said, when another nurse is on shift and a victim comes in for a forensic exam, they can call United Concierge Medicine and contact one of their SAFE providers, who walks the nurse through the exam and answers any questions they might have. This would all be done with the patient's consent, and enabled by a mobile colposcope device  or, as Bagley puts it, "an Android on a stick."

"It's a phone that's been revved up," she said. "I can magnify and take pictures with it. I can communicate with the TeleSAFE nurse. I can document evidence with it and download it to the cloud."

Like other telemedicine technologies, data collected on the device is encrypted and secure, she added.

New York state requires every emergency department in the state to provide timely, compassionate and quality medical care to victims of sexual assault, but the level of that care typically varies based on the resources, staffing and training capacity of a given hospital.

Only five hospitals in the Capital Region are SAFE-designated, meaning they have a certified SAFE provider on-site or on-call and available within 60 minutes of a patient arriving to the hospital. They include Albany Memorial, Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, Samaritan Hospital in Troy and Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson.

SAFE providers are trained to provide comprehensive medical care and collect forensic evidence in a sensitive and respectful way that does not cause further trauma to the victim. They must also be able to provide expert testimony when needed if the patient chooses to report the crime to law enforcement.

"The data on this is really pretty sad," said Keith Algozzine, CEO of United Concierge Medicine. "Those who work on the front lines have known for years and years and years that patients are just not getting the care or justice they deserve because when they show up, their hospital just doesn't have the resources to handle it."

TeleSAFE pilot area The following hospitals are eligible to participate: Adirondack Medical Center - Lake Placid Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake Albany Medical Center Hospital Albany Memorial Hospital Alice Hyde Medical Center - Malone Aurelia Osborn Fox Memorial Hospital - Oneonta Canton-Potsdam Hospital Carthage Area Hospital Catskill Regional Medical Center - Harris Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center - Ogdensburg Clifton Fine Hospital - Star Lake Cobleskill Regional Hospital Columbia Memorial Hospital - Hudson Community Memorial Hospital - Hamilton Cuba Memorial Hospital Delaware Valley Hospital - Walton Elizabethtown Community Hospital Ellenville Community Hospital Ellis Hospital - Schenectady Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare - Utica Glens Falls Hospital Gouverneur Hospital Inter-Lakes Health (Moses Ludington Hospital) - Ticonderoga Lewis County General Hospital - Lowville Little Falls Hospital Margaretville Memorial Hospital Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital - Cooperstown Massena Memorial Hospital Medina Memorial Hospital Nathan Littauer Hospital - Gloversville O'Conner Hospital - Delhi Oswego Hospital River Hospital - Alexandria Bay Rome Memorial Hospital Samaritan Hospital - Troy Samaritan Medical Center - Watertown Saratoga Hospital Schuyler Hospital - Montour Falls Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital - Penn Yan St. Elizabeth Medical Center - Utica St. Peters Hospital - Albany St. Mary's Healthcare - Amsterdam St. Mary's Hospital - Troy Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital - Plattsburgh Tri-Town Regional Healthcare - Sidney See More Collapse

Forty-five other hospitals around upstate New York are eligible to join the program. Eighteen are federally designated critical access hospitals, meaning they're at least 35 miles away from another hospital. Hospitals can choose to supplement existing SAFE programs, or UCM can assist them in building their own.

The program is being funded by a $300,000 grant from the state Department of Health Division of Family Health and a $2.85 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime. The grants were administered by the St. Peter's Hospital Foundation.
CATSKILL  A man charged with killing a romantic rival told a Greene County jury he accidentally shot the man twice - with two different weapons - before entombing him in concrete, as a twisted love triangle came to a violent end in January 2017.

Despite Carlos Graham's insistence he used the handgun and shotgun in self-defense, the jury on Friday found him guilty of second-degree murder for killing Brandyn Dayne Foster, according to the Daily Mail in Catskill.

Foster, 31, the son of the renowned jazz drummer Al Foster, was a rapper who had built a fan base of his own. He was the father of a 10-year-son, Jazzon.

Graham was also found guilty of two felony counts of possession of a weapon, grand larceny, concealment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence, according to the report.

Greene County District Attorney Joseph Stanzione said he will pursue the maximum sentence for all the charges.

This was a horrific crime, Stanzione told the Daily Mail. Its something you dont see in Greene County, and something we never want to see again.

Grahams sentencing is set for 11 a.m. April 2.

The verdict was the result of a two-year saga that began the night of Jan. 26, 2017.

Graham, 32, and Foster were once close friends, according to Stanzione. Then Graham began dating Foster's former girlfriend, Sade Knox. All three lived next to each other on Tool House Road in Catskill.

The bad blood came to a head when Foster, who lived at 126 Tool House Road, walked over to Knoxs new home at 124 Tool House Road. Graham had recently moved out of his home at 128 Tool House Road.

Graham testified that Foster came over armed with a shotgun to confront Knox over her affair with Graham and became violent with her, according to the report.

Grahams attorney, Shane Zoni, told jurors that his client feared for his life and shot Foster to save his own life.

My client, Carlos Graham, did not murder Brandyn Foster, Zoni said at the trial. He did not plan to kill Brandyn Foster. The only thing he planned in the early morning hours of Jan. 27 was to survive.

But the prosecution laid out a case showing the killing was premeditated and that Grahams claim that the shooting was accidental relied on a series of near-impossible actions.

On Jan. 26, Graham, Knox and a friend, Ashton Adams, bought a revolver from a Hudson drug dealer, Byrce Hallback. Hallback, who pleaded guilty to federal drug crimes last year, testified she gave the group the gun because Graham was afraid of Foster, according to the report.

Prosecutors said that night Adams and Graham hid in a closet in Knoxs bedroom while Knox texted Foster to lure him over to her house.

Graham testified that he did not call police to report the domestic dispute because he believed it would take too long for them to arrive.

Instead, Graham jumped out of the closet when Foster walked into Knoxs bedroom and told the jury that while in the air he accidentally shot him twice, once with the revolver and a second time with a sawed off shotgun after Foster pointed a gun at him.

After shooting him, Graham hit Foster over the head with the butt of the gun, breaking it in half. Foster was not wearing pants or shoes when he was shot, according to the report.

Graham admitted that he cut away the blood-stained carpet, padding and flooring before shoving Fosters body and the guns into the crawl space below. He then covered the body in 9 inches of concrete, telling the jury he didnt think anyone would believe that the shooting was in self-defense.

Foster's mother, Bonnie Steinberg of Woodstock, reported him missing four days after he was last seen alive in January 2017. Steinberg had been close to Knox and believed the tale Knox fabricated about Foster going into hiding due to a dangerous situation. Knox warned Steinberg that revealing Foster's location would put him in more peril.

Investigators got warrants to eavesdrop on Graham, Knox and Ashton Adams.

"We believed listening in on these people would help us find Brandyn," Stanzione said last year.

Stanzione said the culprits drove Foster's car to a Connecticut casino, telling his mother that he had fled New York. But when investigators reviewed the casino security cameras, Foster's former friends were in full view but he was nowhere in sight.

State Police investigators searched for Foster's body on Tool House Road in October 2017 and returned there to find his remains on Feb. 6, 2018. Graham was arrested a week later.
ALBANY  New Yorkers might soon be required to wear a seat belt no matter how old they are or where they're sitting in a motor vehicle.

Tucked into the budget amendments released Friday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is language that expands the seat belt requirement for adults in the front seat of a vehicle to the back seat as well. The same proposal was part of the governor's budget last year, but dropped out during negotiations with the state Legislature.

Passengers under the age of 16 are already required to be buckled up or secured in a child restraint system regardless of where they sit in a car.

In 1985, New York became the first state in the country to require drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a seat belt. Police officers can pull a vehicle over for noncompliance, and adults can face a $50 fine for a first violation.

"New York, once a leader in occupant protection, has fallen behind," wrote the American Automobile Association in a 2016 report advocating a seat belt requirement for rear-seat passengers. At the time, 28 states and Washington, D.C., required all back-seat passengers to wear a seat belt.

The group wrote in a policy brief that "far too many adults are not buckling up in the back seat since it is not required under current New York state law."

More than 1,500 adults have died since 1985 in New York while not wearing a seat belt in the back of a vehicle, according to the AAA. Compared to rear passengers wearing a seat belt, an unbelted passenger in the back is three times more likely to be killed, and twice as likely to kill someone in the front seat.

A study last year by the governor's Traffic Safety Committee found nearly 93 percent of New York adults wear a seat belt while sitting in the front seat, but this is less likely to be true for the back seat. Only 72 percent of respondents in a national 2017 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said they always strapped in when sitting in the back.

Of the people who don't always buckle up in the rear of a car, 40 percent said it was because there wasn't a law requiring a seat belt. If a requirement was written into law, 60 percent of these respondents indicated they would be motivated to use one.

"For most adults, it is still as safe to ride in the back seat as the front seat, but not if you aren't buckled up," said Jessica Jermakian, an IIHS senior research engineer and study co-author, in a statement. "That applies to riding in an Uber, Lyft or other hired vehicle, too."

Cuomo's initial budget proposal included an elimination of the exception to seatbelt requirements for limousines, buses, taxis, livery vehicles and school buses. That provision was an element of Cuomo's package of reforms prompted by the deadly stretch limousine crash that killed 20 people  including all 17 passengers and the driver  last October in Schoharie County.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
ALBANY  Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has quietly used the threat of his veto power in recent years to pressure state lawmakers to give him control of commissions proposed by the Legislature that review issues ranging from cyber currency to prosecutorial misconduct.

A review of state records and interviews with legislators indicate the governor has used his leverage at least eight times in the past three years to secure additional influence over the proposed commissions. He only agrees to sign the initial legislation once the Legislature agrees to make subsequent tweaks, known as "chapter amendments."

"This has been a complaint of mine, even going back to when we were in the majority," said Sen. Robert Ortt, a Buffalo-area Republican. "I felt like the Legislature as a whole ... has really voluntarily ceded our authority and ceded our influence on matters like this. It's a continuation of a disturbing and bad trend if you care about checks and balances in state government."

Cuomo spokesman Jason Conwall asserted in a statement that because executive agencies administer the proposed boards, commissions, task forces and panels, it would create a significant separation-of-powers concern if the Legislature exerted control over the appointment process.

"Hence the chapter amendments fix these legal flaws," Conwall said.

"The insight of legislators and their appointees is incredibly valuable, but when it comes to ensuring the final recommendations and proposals are technically sound and able to be implemented, the executive branch must have significant representation," he added.

These concerns are not always spelled out in the memorandums issued by the governor when a deal is struck with the Legislature.

For example, Cuomo said last year that legislation creating a task force to review digital currency regulations would be "difficult to implement effectively," and negotiated a legislative tweak to "address these concerns." Yet, the only change in the legislation introduced last month is that the governor gets seven of 13 appointments to the task force, instead of three of the nine appointments in the original bill.

The change prompted Sen. Jim Skoufis, an Orange County Democrat, to oppose the amendment when it passed the Senate last month, despite having voted for the underlying bill last year and supporting the creation of the task force.

"I will not vote for any chapter amendments that seek to create an imbalance on a board, commission or task force by restructuring the number of appointments provided to each branch of government," Skoufis said.

An influx of chapter amendments last year drew the attention of Assembly Republicans, who spoke out against them during floor debates.

"Many of these are well-thought-out bills that members in this house worked with members in the other house on," Assemblyman Ed Ra, a Long Island Republican, said during the floor debate. "There's a reason we're putting (these panels) together ... and I don't think it's always necessary that we have to make sure the executive has control of those entities."

One of those bills created a council to make recommendations to the state Department of Health about rural health issues. Instead of the Legislature getting 14 of 21 appointments, it got to make 10 recommendations, with the governor getting the final say on all appointees.

Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, a North Country Democrat who sponsored the bill, said the initial proposal had a "fair break up of nominations" from the Legislature.

"While I am disappointed in the chapter amendments modifying this make up, ultimately having this commission in place was my highest priority," Jones said.

This is a recurring calculation for legislators, according to Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, a Westchester County Democrat, whose child abuse commission legislation in 2017 was amended last year to become a task force and give a majority of appointments to the governor.

"I've always been fine with it, because otherwise it doesn't get signed at all," Galef said.

Asked about the demand for the amendments, she said, "The governor is feeling like he needs to be in charge, I guess."

New York Public Interest Research Group Executive Director Blair Horner said the struggle for supremacy between the legislative and executive branches is nothing new in New York.

"Every executive looks for advantages and control, and this governor is no different than his predecessors," Horner said. "He is aggressive about it, and gets it where he can."

"The Legislature has its own power, and often chooses not to use it," he added.

That critique was raised last month during the debate over legislation amending a prosecutorial conduct board, which gives the governor four of 11 appointments  instead of just two  and stripped an appointment from each legislative leader.

"I'm very disappointed that this has been watered down to the point where the governor has almost complete and total control over this commission," said Assemblyman Charles Barron, a Brooklyn Democrat. "I don't think this was our original intent."

Barron said the Legislature "should have stayed strong" and demanded it retain its six appointments. "I convinced myself so much, I'm going to change my vote," he added. "I'm voting no."

The desire to stand up to the governor was echoed by Ortt, who said the Legislature should occasionally stand up to the governor on these issues.

"Go ahead and veto it, and explain your veto," he said. "Maybe we come back and override a veto once and a while."

It's possible the Legislature could be headed in that direction. The majorities in both chambers have expressed a willingness to demonstrate their independence this year and also taken steps that may put them on a collision path with the governor.

"These commissions, task forces and councils are important and we will ensure they are empowered to fulfill their responsibilities," Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy said.

Spokesmen for the Assembly Democrats and Senate Republicans did not respond to a request for comment.

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87
ALBANY  Ballroom, break and Afro-Brazilian dance converge in Ephrat Asheries daring and delightful Odeon, which her company performed Saturday evening at the University at Albany Performing Arts Center. Set to a selection of work by Ernesto Nazarethwith musical direction by Ephrats brother Ehudthe evening-length work is a nonstop celebration.

A 2016 Bessie Award winner, Asherie (known as Bounce) has roots in club and street dance, but shes infused her choreography with elements of jazz, tap, modern and West African dance. And shes assembled a fabulous group of performers (Manon Bal, Teena Marie Custer, Valerie Ms. Vee Ho, Matthew Megawatt West and Ousman Omari Mizrahi Wiles), each with their own distinctive flair and personality, to embody her hybrid style alongside her.

In Nazareth, Asherie seems to have found a kindred spirit. A Brazilian composer and pianist who was influenced by African rhythms, he is best known for his work in the genres of Maxixe (also known as Brazilian tango) and Choro, an instrumental style characterized by speed, improvisation and joyful rhythms. His music is a perfect match for Asheries movement, and in Odeon, she lets the score set the pace and moodfrom playful to poetic, from slower solos to exuberant ensemble sections.

Sometimes a piece begins with a single ripple of percussion, and the dancers respond to it note for note, gradually picking up speed and complexity in tandem with the layers of instrumentation. In the moments of silence in between selections, they build their own rhythmsclapping and snapping, jumping and stamping, the beat traveling through their bodies like sound waves made visible.

Asherie and her fellow performers can defy gravity with the best of them, but Odeon doesnt put the focus on handstands and headspins. Rather, the feats are indivisible from the flow, as the dancers connect and separate, gliding seamlessly from one shape or relationship to the next, and from one spatial plane to another. Their hands are on the floor almost as often as their feet; one liquid duet between Bal and West is almost completely horizontal, with the two of them folding over and around each other as they slide across the stage.

Odeon brilliantly showcases Asheries skillful melding of vocabularies, and her mastery of both nuance and physical humor. But its the dancers intimate relationship with the music that makes the piece so satisfying, and its their glowing energy that makes it shine so brightly.

Tresca Weinstein is a frequent contributor to the Times Union.
First Interim Fighter Jets Arrive in Cold Lake

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Feb 17, 2019)

The first two Royal Australian Air Force F-18A Hornets that are being sold to Canada flew into Cold Lake air base on Sunday from Nellis air force base, in Nevada, where they had taken part in a Red Flag exercise. (RCAF photo)

COLD LAKE, Alberta --- Today, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) marked the arrival of the first two interim fighter aircraft, an important milestone and investment in sustaining our current CF-18 Hornet fleet.



Canada is procuring 18 fighter aircraft and parts from the Government of Australia to rapidly increase availability of the CF-18 fleet in order to ensure the RCAF can meet all obligations simultaneously.



These aircraft are the same type as Canadas current CF-18 fleet and can be integrated quickly into our fleet. Modifications and technical work will begin immediately so they can be brought to a similar configuration to Canadas CF-18 aircraft. The work will continue to be done by Canadian companies.



Deliveries will continue at regular intervals for the next three years, and aircraft will be integrated into the CF-18 fleet as modifications are completed. The final aircraft are expected to arrive by the end of 2021.



Quotes



The interim fighter fleet is key to ensuring the Royal Canadian Air Force can continue to fulfill their missions and ensure the safety of Canadians and Canada. We are familiar with these aircraft and are confident that they can provide the additional support our current fleet requires. They were flown in yesterday by the Royal Australian Air Force and I look forward to seeing them fly again soon in our Canadian colours, said Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister.



The arrival of these aircraft will support our women and men in uniform to fulfill their missions and meet Canadas international obligations. As part of the procurement, we will make the necessary investments in these aircraft to ensure they meet the requirements of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said Carla Qualtrough, Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility Minister.



Quick facts



-- These first two aircraft are the F/A-18A model, which means they are single seat aircraft.



-- The aircraft were flown to Cold Lake, Alberta, from Nellis, Nevada, where they were participating in Exercise RED FLAG.



-- Modifications and maintenance of the current CF-18 fleet will continue to be required until the RCAF transitions to a future fighter. A review of combat capability improvements is currently underway.



-- Energized retention and recruitment efforts are underway to ensure the RCAF achieves the right number and experience levels of pilots and technicians.



-- The aircraft will be employed at 3 Wing Bagotville and 4 Wing Cold Lake.



-- Canada continues to make progress toward replacing its fighter fleet. The formal request for proposals for the future fighter fleet is expected to be released in spring 2019, with a contract award in 2021-22 and deliveries to begin in 2025.



(ends)



Delivery of First Two Classic Hornet Aircraft to Canada

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued Feb 18, 2019)

The first two Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 AB Hornet aircraft to be sold to the Royal Canadian Air Force have been delivered to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada, following their successful participation in Exercise Red Flag 2019.



Under a deal between the Australian and Canadian Governments, the two Hornets are the first of up to 25 aircraft that will be sold to Canada along with spares and support equipment.



Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, highlighted the mutual benefits of this sale to both Australia and Canada.



Australia and Canada have a longstanding defence relationship and this sale is an excellent example of our mutual commitment towards supporting our respective defence capabilities, Minister Pyne said.



These jets have served Australia very well and will now continue to make a positive contribution to the air combat capability of one of our closest allies.



Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Steven Ciobo MP, thanked members of Australia's defence industry for their significant involvement in the planning and preparation of the transfer of these aircraft.



Transfers of this complexity can only happen through a coordinated effort between Defence and our industry partners, Minister Ciobo said.



This deal is an example of the great strides the Government is taking to create an Australian defence industry which is globally competitive, innovative and export focused.



The Government is working with industry to maximise opportunities for Australian companies both here and abroad to build a stronger defence industry.



The stronger our defence industry, the more safe and secure the country is.



(ends)









Integrating Australian Jets into the Current Royal Canadian Air Force Fighter Fleet

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Dec 12, 2017)
Once Aubrey Plaza recovered from the shock of being asked to host the Film Independent Spirit Awards, she knew what had to be done.

"Cannot wait to summon the spirits of Indie Past and bring it back old school," she announced on Instagram. "Forget what you know. This one is for the freaks."

"I'm just so obsessed with indie filmmakers and films, and I've followed this show my whole life, so it's not just another gig for me  it's really meaningful," she said of the ceremony, airing from a Santa Monica, California, beach on Saturday on IFC. "At the first meeting with the writers' group, I gave a really cheesy spiel about how I actually care about independent films and would love to celebrate the beginnings of all of that."

That means a more intimate vibe akin to when John Waters hosted the pre-televised version and "it felt a little bit more janky of a show," she said. And a celebration of a time before the Indie Spirit Award nominees overlapped quite so much with the Oscars.

"In my mind, independent films are like $2 million movies that are a miracle that they exist," she said.

Plaza, who starred in and was a producer of "Ingrid Goes West," last year's winner for best first feature, also saw hosting as an opportunity to reveal another side of herself  the one not in character as April Ludgate, the eye-rolling deadpan political underling she played for seven seasons on "Parks and Recreation."

In a phone interview from Los Angeles, where she was nursing a case of strep throat with the ceremony less than two weeks away  "It's a live show, so I'll have to go there rain or shine, strep or not," she said gamely  Plaza, 34, spoke about the art of hosting and venturing to the dark side in the upcoming reboot of "Child's Play."

Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Q: You're spending a lot of time in the writers' room for this awards show. Does that mean you get to tell them what to do?

A: Oh yeah. This is my first time ever hosting a show of this size, and the first thing I learned very quickly is it really is most of all up to the host. Of course, you have writers in the writers' room, but the host is really leading the room, and everything comes from what we want to do. So it's daunting.

Q: So what do you have planned?

A: Of course, the show is about all the talented people that are being celebrated that night. But I thought it could be fun to pay tribute to the beginnings of indie film and highlight some of the heroes of mine. It would be nice to remind people that we are the room of artists, that these are the people that have made some really insane movies and inspired all the weirdos of the filmmaking community to experiment and do some really amazing things. To highlight the films and the people who don't really get the attention. Reclaim the punk-rock art vibe of it all.

Q: Is there such a thing as hosting fright?

A: Of course, I'm terrified, every day. It's an opportunity for me to humiliate myself on live television. Like, who knows what will happen? But that's what's exhilarating about it to me.

Q: Any favorite nominees?

A: I'm very excited that Richard E. Grant is nominated, and it's so great that he's getting all the love that I think he deserves. I love that we have some amazing female directors that were nominated. I do not think that that's the case with the Oscars. But [Debra Granik's] "Leave No Trace" was an incredible movie, and Josephine Decker's ["Madeline's Madeline," whose cinematographer, Ashley Connor, and lead actress, Helena Howard, have been nominated] is getting some attention, which I think is really amazing.

Q: The Oscars are going hostless this year. Your thoughts?

A: I think it's kind of sad. I mean, Billy Crystal hosted eight times when I was in my prime having Oscar parties as a dorky teenager, and he did that kind of classic thing that I have such a nostalgia for. I think it's helpful for the audience to have that person lead you through the ceremony  someone you feel like you're in good hands with  and to say the thing that you can't say but you're all thinking. And when you don't have one then it feels very like you're watching a machine.

Q: Would you ever host the Oscars if they asked?

A: Like, 100 percent. I would do it in a heartbeat. Why not? And at least they have the capability to put me on a harness and fly me in, like they used to do to Whoopi Goldberg. They can't do that at the Spirit Awards. That was the first question I asked, and they were like, "No, we're in a tent on the beach." I'm just going to wash up on shore from the water, in rags.

Q: Are people still finding "Parks and Recreation" out there?

A: It feels like it's gone in waves but it's so amazing the effect that the show has on people. Mike Schur and the cast, we all still share things with each other on a weekly basis. And there's so many instances where people have written and said, "This show got me through a really hard time." It's so rare to have a successful comedy rooted in positivity. You can feel that seep through the screen in a way. And the fact that we all genuinely love each other  and you feel that too  it created this thing that just keeps going and going and going.

Q: Your current show, "Legion," is returning for its third and final season this spring. What should we expect?

A: I can say that Lenny has gone on such an insane journey of dying multiple times and being tortured in the astral plane, and she finally gets a chance to be human again. So you find her and David Haller in a place where she's finally gotten what she's wanted, she finally has a second chance at life, and she is living her best life, as they say.

Q: Are you shopping for another series?

A: No, I don't think so no. I'm more interested in movies right now, even though I know it's not the popular thing to do. So I'll self-generate my next thing unless someone really great calls me up.
Albany

The Capital Region Chamber will honor a banker and a youth center director during its annual dinner to be held March 28 at the Albany Capital Center.

Honorees are Robert Curley, chairman, New York region for Berkshire Bank, who will receive the ChangeMaker Award for his leadership and impact on the Capital Region's economic vitality; and Nikki Caruso, Colonie Youth Center executive director, who will receive the Chamber Champion Award for her work to advance the Chamber's mission.

The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration and details: capitalregionchamber.com/events/capital-region-chamber-annual-dinner/
Schodack

Amazon is showing no sign of abandoning plans to build a $100 million fulfillment center in the town of Schodack after the online retail giant backed out of a $3 billion deal with New York state to build a massive new headquarters in Long Island City.

And a local neighborhood association isn't giving up its fight, either.

The Birchwood Association, a group of Schodack homeowners who live next to the Route 9 site where Amazon is planning to build a one-million-square-foot distribution center, is planning to keep fighting for the town to do an in-depth environmental study of the project, which was OK'd by the town planning board back in July.

Last month, Rensselaer County state Supreme Court Justice Patrick McGrath dismissed a lawsuit that the neighborhood association had filed against the town seeking to reverse the planning board's vote until a lengthy environmental impact statement could be completed.

The group believes that the planning board didn't adequately study the potential impacts the project could pose to drinking water, traffic and public safety.

The neighborhood association, which includes about 50 homeowners, has decided to press on with its case despite the setback.

"Birchwood filed a notice to appeal on Feb. 6," said Robert Jansing, the association's vice president. "The notice reserved our right to appeal. We are committed to fighting for the safety of our aquifer, our residents and our roads that are traveled by all."

That notice was filed a week before Amazon jolted state economic development officials by backing out of the Long Island City deal that was expected to create as many as 25,000 jobs. Amazon cited local opposition to the project for the change of heart. Amazon had already planned to put half of its HQ2 in Arlington, Va.

There is no indication that the split over the HQ2 in Queens will have any impact on Amazon's plans in the Capital Region. The Schodack fulfillment center is actually being built by a developer called Scannell Properties that would own the land and lease the massive building to Amazon.

And it is Scannell that is seeking $13.7 million in state and local tax relief for the project from the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency, although a final application has not yet been submitted. The facility would employ 800 people, and Amazon would spend tens of millions of dollars to equip the facility with sorting equipment and robotics.

Bob Pasinella, the Rensselaer County IDA's executive director, said Scannell was waiting for the Birchwood Association lawsuit to be decided in state Supreme Court in Rensselaer County until moving forward with the final application. Scannell was a defendant in the lawsuit along with the Schodack planning board.

"As of right now, they're committed to the site," Pasinella said Monday.

It's unclear how Scannell and Amazon will proceed with the IDA application process with a potential appeal of McGrath's decision down the road.

A Scannell spokesperson declined comment Monday.

The Schodack facility was originally expected to be completed by the end of this year. Scannell hasn't even purchased the 113 acres of vacant land off Route 9 where the center would be built.

It's unclear if Empire State Development, the state agency that negotiated with Amazon on the HQ2 deal, is prepared to offer additional state incentives to build the Schodack facility.

Amazon also appears to be behind a project in the Orange County town of Montgomery that is code-named Project Sailfish, and some have speculated that Amazon may be deciding between the two sites or hoping to get approvals and tax breaks for both.

Bluewater Development Partners, the developer of Project Sailfish, is seeking $4 million in state assistance for site and infrastructure costs from Empire State Development, but the money so far has not been awarded.

Bluewater also completed a 4,400-page environmental impact statement for the town of Montgomery similar to the document that the Birchwood Association wants Scannell to complete for the Schodack project.

Rachael Lighty, an Amazon spokeswoman, said the company wouldn't comment on speculation when asked if Amazon will move forward with either the Orange County or Rensselaer County projects.

"The company is constantly investigating new locations to support the growth and increase the flexibility of its North American network to address customers' needs," Lighty said. "However, Amazon is not yet commenting on any specific plans in New York."
E.J. Dionne: The real national emergency is the triviality of our politics
Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 89F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable.
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Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

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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Cedar Fair, L.P. owns and operates amusement and water parks, and complementary resort facilities in the United States and Canada. Its amusement parks include Cedar Point located on Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo in Sandusky, Ohio; Knott's Berry Farm near Los Angeles, California; Canada's Wonderland near Toronto, Ontario; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina; Kings Dominion situated near Richmond, Virginia; California's Great America located in Santa Clara, California; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Worlds of Fun located in Kansas City, Missouri; Valleyfair situated near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Michigan's Adventure situated near Muskegon, Michigan; Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort New Braunfels in New Braunfels, Texas; and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston in Galveston, Texas. The company also manages and operates Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California; and owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort, Hotel Breakers, Cedar Point's Express Hotel, and Sawmill Creek Resort. As of February 17, 2021, the company operated 13 properties, which included 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling approximately 2,300 rooms and 600 luxury RV sites; and an additional theme park in California under a management contract. Cedar Fair Management, Inc. serves as the general partner of Cedar Fair, L.P. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio.

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The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation.
What a vast gulf there is between Britains richest man, the chemicals mogul Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Bill Gates, the worlds greatest philanthropist.

When I interviewed Gates last week, he confided that he had paid $10billion in tax since he founded software giant Microsoft in the mid-1970s, but that he did not think even that vast sum was enough to fulfil his responsibilities to society.

Contrast that attitude, the maturity and modesty shown by a titan like Gates, with Ratcliffes tawdry plans to deprive the UK Treasury of huge sums in tax by moving to Monaco.

There, of course, his neighbours will include luminaries such as Sir Philip Green and his wife Lady Tina. She notoriously took a 1.2billion dividend completely free of tax from her husbands fashion empire in 2005, thanks to her residence in the principality which was famously described by novelist Somerset Maugham as a sunny place for shady people.

What a way for Sir Jim, the founder of Ineos, a multi-national chemicals company and a vocal Brexiteer, to behave towards Britain as it hurtles towards life outside the European Union.

Ineos, the business which he created from scratch, is Britains biggest private company with a turnover of nearly 47billion and 19,000 employees in 24 countries

In Monaco, of course, his neighbours will include luminaries such as Sir Philip Green and his wife Lady Tina. She notoriously took a 1.2billion dividend completely free of tax from her husbands fashion empire in 2005

What a way for Sir Jim, the founder of Ineos, a multi-national chemicals company and a vocal Brexiteer, to behave towards Britain as it hurtles towards life outside the European Union. He is following in the footsteps of fellow Brexiteer billionaire Sir James Dyson, who recently announced that he, too, is jumping ship by moving his company headquarters to Singapore.

Unlike the majority of Britons, the two businessmen have the luxury of spouting their pro-Brexit opinions safe in the knowledge they are insulated from any of the consequences by their vast wealth. They can hedge their bets and cut their tax bills by shunting their assets  or themselves  offshore.

And what a way for Ratcliffe to repay the honour of the knighthood bestowed on him by the Queen only last summer for services to business and investment. But in his mindset, patriotism and principle come a long way behind profit and personal enrichment.

Keeping afloat: Among his boys toys is the superyacht Hampshire II, which cost 130million

All of this is a terrible shame because there is much to admire about the 66-year-old tycoon.

He is the first UK-born industrialist ever to top the Sunday Times Rich List, which he did last year with a fortune of 21billion. In fairness to Ratcliffe, he also appeared in that newspapers list of the UKs biggest taxpayers for 2018 when he paid 110million.

Ineos, the business which he created from scratch, is Britains biggest private company with a turnover of nearly 47billion and 19,000 employees in 24 countries. Thats a success in any estimation.

Rooms with a view: Aerial view of Sir Jims Hampshire mansion, one of several properties he owns

The son of a joiner and an office clerical worker, he is living proof of how far determination, energy and hard work can take an entrepreneur. He is often described as self-made which is true  but he was in fact made in Britain  with the help of this countrys tax and social system. It was the public purse that paid for the council house, on Dunkerley Avenue in Failsworth near Oldham, where he spent his early years. Public money also financed the grammar school he attended, and his chemical engineering degree at Birmingham University in the days before student fees and loans.

He was part of a post-war generation for whom dramatic social mobility was possible, thanks to taxpayer-funded housing and education.

Now surely is his chance to acknowledge that, by paying taxes here with good grace. Instead, he is skulking off to Monaco. Unlike Gates, who acknowledges he does not deserve his great wealth, it came through timing, luck and people I work with, Ratcliffe shows no trace of humility.

Contrast that attitude, the maturity and modesty shown by a titan like Bill Gates, with Ratcliffes tawdry plans to deprive the UK Treasury of huge sums in tax by moving to Monaco.

The move looks like pure self-interest, and for what? He hardly needs the money: his wealth last year increased by an estimated 42million a day. He already has a superyacht, a grand home in Chelsea and an estate in Iceland, among many other assets.

And he has more than enough to fritter on a partnership with Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie to compete for the Americas Cup in 2021, on which he is reported to have spent 110million.

Surely there are only so many vanity projects, toys and baubles any man could want.

Sir Jim is a brilliant entrepreneur but does not seem to realise that with great wealth comes great responsibility.

Ineos declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail. There is a little I agree on with Marxist shadow chancellor John McDonnell. But when he says the greed of these super-rich tax avoiders seems to have no bounds, it is hard to demur.

Employing highly-paid accountants to avoid tax within the law plays straight into the hands of Labour under Jeremy Corbyn.

How sad that a man like Sir Jim, who has achieved so much for Britain, has chosen a course of disloyalty and ingratitude when he could have emulated Gates and made his country proud.
A number of airlines are said to have expressed interest in taking over collapsed Flybmi's Stansted to City of Derry airport service, the airport's operator said.

The development comes as Flybmi's administrators BDO confirmed the 'majority' of its 376 employees across the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium have been made redundant.

The airline had operated 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities before it cancelled all flights from Saturday.

City of Derry Airport is the third largest in Northern Ireland and was served by Flybmi

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded after the airline ceased trading.

Today, Scottish airline Loganair has already indicated an intent to tender for the now vacant publicly-financed route to Londonderry.

The budget airline went into administration blaming rising fuel costs and Brexit uncertainty hitting its operations and bookings.

Furious passengers pointed out that Flybmi had been advertising for trips to Munich only shortly before its collapse was announced.

British Midland Regional Limited, which operated as flybmi, employed a total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

The appointment of restructuring firm BDO as administrators was announced today, with a statement that the 'majority' of staff have been made redundant.

Tony Nygate, BDO business restructuring partner, said: 'As joint administrators, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure customers, staff and suppliers are supported through the administration process.

'Our job is to maximise recoveries and minimise distress for all parties, acting as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

'Customers can find information on the flybmi website regarding the steps they need to take to apply for a refund from their payment provider or travel company.

'We are also working with the companys employees to provide them with guidance on how to make a claim for monies which may be due to them.

'In addition, we are contacting suppliers to explain how to apply for monies owed to them.'

British regional airline Flybmi has cancelled all flights and entered administration, file photo

The demise of Flybmi is the latest blow to Northern Ireland's troubled third airport in Londonderry. It is owned by the local council and run by Regional and City Airports.

Clive Coleman, the contracts director at Regional and City Airports, said it would be 'challenging' to run the airport without the Stansted flight.

He told BBC Radio Foyle: 'A number of airlines contacted us saying they were interested.

'We are in discussions with a number of them now and we've been working with the Department for Transport on that.'

Coleman declined to indicate precisely how many airlines were vying to take over the service, which is supported by Government funding through a public service obligation (PSO).

The subsidy, which has been in place since 2017, was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the Government will continue to provide the PSO funding until 2021.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has said it is 'committed' to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route.

Flybmi operated two return flights a day from City of Derry to Stansted from Sunday to Friday, and one return flight on Saturdays.

Loganair and Ryanair are now the only airlines serving City of Derry airport.
A leading Barclays shareholder has ditched its 600 million stake in the bank  dealing a blow to boss Jes Staley as he battles a corporate raider.

US hedge fund Tiger Global's decision to pull out risks harming Staley's fight against activist investor Edward Bramson, who is seeking a seat on the board and a major overhaul at the lender.

But another major shareholder warned Bramson that he is heading for failure unless he sets out exactly what he hopes to achieve by getting a boardroom job.

A leading Barclays shareholder has ditched its 600 million stake in the bank  dealing a blow to boss Jes Staley (pictured) as he battles a corporate raider

Tiger owned 2.5pc of Barclays, making it one of the largest shareholders, and was seen as supportive of Staley's efforts to build up its investment bank and take on Wall Street.

The hedge fund's exit removes what could have been a valuable ally in the battle against Bramson, who has a 5.51 per cent stake in Barclays and has been deeply critical of the investment banking operation and is thought to want radical cutbacks.

Chris Ralph, chief investment officer at St James's Place Wealth Management, said: 'It weakens Jes Staley's position as chief executive and means the discussion they will be having with Bramson will be more challenging.'

Veteran City commentator David Buik, of trading firm Core Spreads, said: 'This waters down support for Barclays' current board. I don't think it augers terribly well.'

Tiger started reducing its stake last summer before ditching it entirely earlier this year.

The hedge fund was founded by 43-year-old Chase Coleman (pictured)

The hedge fund was founded by 43-year-old Chase Coleman, a trader who previously worked for legendary New York investor Julian Robertson. Robertson ran hedge fund Tiger Management, and his proteges have become known as 'Tiger Cubs'.

Meanwhile, Bramson faces calls from top shareholders to lay out his strategy in detail, after hinting he would like to see a radical shake-up of the lender's prized investment bank. Connecticut-based Bramson and his fund Sherborne have forced the bank to hold a vote at its annual meeting in May on whether he should join the board.

But a top shareholder in Barclays told the Mail they are deeply sceptical about the proposal because Bramson has said nothing public about what he would do with this power.

The shareholder said: 'I'm hoping Ed comes out with what his ideas are  it's an election for a board seat, and I've not seen his manifesto yet.

'This is generating great newspaper headlines, but I'm not sure it's the right thing for the bank.'

Sherborne and Barclays declined to comment.
Star cybersecurity firm Darktrace has been dragged into the bitter legal battle between tycoon Mike Lynch and US authorities.

Its boss, Nicole Eagan, has been interviewed by the FBI as part of its probes into Lynch's affairs, court documents show.

Under investigation: Mike Lynch faces criminal charges in America and civil charges in the UK

Lynch, 53, faces criminal charges in America and civil charges in the UK, with prosecutors accusing him of overseeing a massive fraud at his former software company, Autonomy, before it was sold for 7 billion to Hewlett Packard.

Eagan, 54, was Autonomy's chief marketing officer from 2005 to 2012, before founding Darktrace in 2013. She secured investment for it from Lynch's start-up fund, Invoke Capital.
US bank Citigroup is looking to buy its London skyscraper offices for a reported 1.2 billion.

In a boost to the capital ahead of Brexit, the firm is said to be in talks with property owner AGC Equity Partners about acquiring 25 Canada Square tower in Canary Wharf.

Staying put: Citi has been based at the 42-storey office in Canary Wharf since 2001

Citi has been based at the 42-storey office since 2001 and uses it as its main headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The bank's move is part of its new strategy to own rather than lease its buildings, in a bid to cut costs.

It employs around 6,000 staff in London.
Oil might not be what Colombia is best known for, but it has always been important to the South American country.

The sector has enjoyed a renaissance since the civil war ended in 2016 helped further by a rally in the crude price. Aim-listed oiler Amerisur Resources is at the forefront of this Colombian revival.

John Wardle, chief executive and who first went to the country with BP twenty-five years ago, says sentiment about oil in the country is really on the up.

Amerisur itself recently attracted US giant Occidental Petroleum as its partner to help develop a group of licences in the south-west, close to the border with Ecuador.

Aim-listed oiler Amerisur Resources is at the forefront of a Colombian oil revival

A drilling programme on its acreage in the north-east of Colombia, meanwhile, has already exceeded expectations.

That drilling started to attract attention in 2017 with the Mariposa-1 discovery on the CPO-5 Block in the Llanos Basin in the north-east of the country. Mariposa is now pumping at a steady 3,000 plus barrels of oil per day.

Last December, Amerisur revealed the next well at CPO-5, Indico-1, was even better. Indico was 'up dip' of Mariposa but proved to be a 283 feet oil column that has yet to hit the oil/water contact point (bottom). Indico is producing more than 5,100 barrels daily but there may be more to come.

Geological analysis classified at least 18million barrels in the 1P category at Indico. 1P is the most certain category there is, but those estimates might ultimately prove to be conservative.

An oil/water contact point 40ft lower (than 283ft) would lift reserves to 33million barrels, says Wardle.

If the contact point is even deeper, that total might rise 70million or even 100million barrels, which would be huge for a company the size of Amerisur.

The drill rig has now moved onto a third well, Calao-1, which will test the geology to the south-west of Indico. That will be followed by Pavo Real-1 to the north-east and in all, six wells are planned on CPO-5 this year.

That is a major development programme, but Amerisur has the funding in place and after the success at Indico, confidence is high.

'You don't find a 300ft oil column in isolation. It has to be part of a bigger trapping system,' says Wardle. His aim is to grow production and reserves substantially throughout the year.

Amerisur's net production is about 20 per cent of the gross once everything is included, which on their own generates some very good-looking numbers.

But this is only half the story. The company's extensive acreage in the south-west of the country at Putumayo in the shadow of the Andes is potentially an even bigger prize.

Amerisur received a huge boost in November when US giant Occidental farmed into a half share of four of the blocks at Putumayo through a $93.3million package of seismic and drilling.

For Wardle, it was validation of a strategy that as well as acquiring acreage saw it put in a pipeline known as the OBA to transport crude into Ecuador.

Amerisur now has almost 900million of resources in blocks close to the OBA. One of these is in production already but the deal with Occidental gives Amerisur the wherewithal to explore for a much bigger opportunity.

Billions of barrels have been discovered just over the border in Peru and Ecuador and Wardle believes there is scope for something similar at Putumayo.

Of course, the acid test will come when the seismic is done and drilling starts but if local knowledge counts for anything Wardle has good reason to be upbeat. He stayed put all through the troubles when the challenges were considerable but the upshot was Amerisur bought its assets at knock-down prices.

The Putumayo licences, for example, cost the company nothing effectively due to tax breaks. Now with relative stability, the large oil companies are coming back again looking for bargains.

Wardle believes the numbers from this year's drilling programme at CPO-5 alone will show Amerisur is substantially undervalued. He has backed this assertion with share purchases worth 1.25million over the past three months.

At Llanos, the economics are very attractive, he says, with wells paying back their cost to drill within 3-6 months.

While at Putumayo: 'Where else would you find a company with its own infrastructure, in a virgin basin where it owns 1million hectares that has just picked up a $100million farm-in.'

At 16.9p, Amerisur's market value is 207million.
It is now two years since the so-called HBOS Reading fraudsters were jailed for a callous scam on the owners of small firms.

That case, along with the appalling mis-treatment by the notorious GRG division at RBS of some business customers who fell into difficulty, shows a glaring need for new regulation.

The banks, which are in the midst of reporting their results, are putting the horrors of the financial crisis behind them.

Time for change: The appalling mis-treatment by the notorious GRG division at RBS of some business customers who fell into difficulty, shows a glaring need for new regulation

They have largely repaired shattered balance sheets, and are well on the way to resolving scandals including PPI mis-selling, money-laundering and sanctions-busting. Disgraceful behaviour towards small and medium business customers is the one big running sore that festers.

It urgently needs to be resolved. Some moves are afoot to fix the system but they do not go anywhere near far enough. The Financial Ombudsman, which primarily deals with grievances from personal customers against banks, is being expanded to deal with complaints from small businesses with turnovers of up to 6.5m. And banks will have a voluntary ombudsman scheme for firms with turnovers of 6.5m-10m.

But there is a relatively low limit of 350,000 on redress, which might sound a large sum, but is not necessarily for an entrepreneur who has lost their life's work and livelihood. Higher awards can be made, and the Chancellor has said he thinks the banks should honour them, but they don't absolutely have to.

In any event, the Ombudsman is not an adequate forum for resolving disputes.

It is already over-stretched and there are long delays in dealing with the burgeoning number of victims of fraudsters.

A huge issue  and one which is not widely known  is that business lending for loans over 25,000 is not regulated at all.

The assumption is that all entrepreneurs are financially sophisticated and therefore do not need protection. That flawed notion meant that the City regulators were powerless to punish RBS over GRG. Most entrepreneurs do not have vast knowledge of banking and its pitfalls.

Either the Ombudsman must be given a big increase in staff and funding so it can deal with the cases properly, or a tribunal system should be set up with real teeth.

On past cases, RBS and Lloyds have set up redress schemes themselves that have worked for a decent number of people, but there should be an independent arbitration process for those that have not been dealt with under these nets. Business lending to small and medium firms should be regulated to stamp out exploitative practices, such as milking firms in the pretence of helping them or insisting on unnecessary personal guarantees.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fair Business Banking says banks are selling loans on to unregulated vulture funds and that these are forcing borrowers into insolvency for their own profit.

If so, this must be outlawed. The lenders  in particular Lloyds and RBS  should each produce a frank report on what went wrong and who knew what, when. There is no place for defensiveness or cover-up.

This market must be fixed if trust is to be restored in banks. The amount of unregulated small firm lending is in the region of 14 billion. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy. The least they deserve is fair and transparent banking.
Uncertainty over Brexit negotiations undoubtedly played a part in the decision by the owners of Flybmi to call in the administrators over the weekend.

Passengers are increasingly nervous about booking with lesser known carriers in the run-up to March 29, despite the EUs agreement that British-based and British-owned airlines will be able to fly to and from the Continent and overfly Europe for at least nine months after the UK leaves.

The companys owner, Airline Investments, must also take a hefty share of blame for its financial travails, but Flybmis problems are also a reflection of a far broader malaise in the airline industry.

Budget British airline Flybmi collapsed on Sunday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded

The East Midlands-based airline had 376 staff and operated 17 planes that flew to 25 cities

The rise of a new generation of discount carriers, challenging the dominance of established no-frills players such as EasyJet and Ryanair, means that there is huge overcapacity in the industry.

In essence, the numbers of seats outstrips the volume of travellers. This has meant a bonanza for consumers who are able to travel to Europe, and more recently cross the Atlantic, at super low prices.

But it has been destructive for the discount carriers.

People were left in the lurch at airports across the country due to Flybmi's sudden collapse

Alex Brummer believes a new generation of discount carriers has led to an oversupply of flights

Transatlantic carrier Norwegian has, after initial success and growth, plunged into losses and is desperately looking for an injection of cash.

Hungarian-owned Wizz Air has plunged into losses. Even Ryanair, Europes most profitable airline, owned up to losses in the last quarter.

Meanwhile, tour operator Thomas Cook has put its profitable airline up for sale as part of a drive to raise new funds, while Monarch went bust last year.

Ryanair, Europe's most profitable airline, reported losses in the third quarter of last year

Hungarian-owned Wizz Air has plunged into losses, despite a growing presence in the UK

A rescue deal for much larger regional carrier Flybe has been launched by Richard Bransons Virgin and Stobart (owners of Southend airport) which together have pumped in tens of millions of pounds to keep its planes flying while they wait for shareholders to agree its sale to them for a nominal 2million.

This is being challenged by American investor Hosking Partners, which owns 16 per cent, and thinks Flybe is being sold too cheaply.

Flybmi and Flybe are also made more vulnerable because of the power of the banks behind the credit cards used to book flights.

If they fear that an airline might be in difficulty, the credit card firms withhold cash transfers to the airlines. They know if they go bust, customers will be entitled to a refund, depriving them of the capital needed to stay in the air.

Transatlantic carrier Norwegian Air has, after initial success and growth, plunged into losses

Adding to the problems are volatile prices for jet fuel on the global markets. The biggest players, such as International Airlines Group (AIG), which owns British Airways, have strong balance sheets which allow them to buy hedges  a form of insurance against fuel price changes.

This protects them against sudden movements. Such deals are less open to smaller players.

Of course, all of this is little comfort to the thousands of Flybmi passengers left stranded in Europe, or at UK airports by the companys demise this weekend, but they are victims of an industry in distress.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Monday sent a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government over reported deaths of 150 people in the last 15 years due to consuming "spurious liquor" in Pusaina village of Mainpuri district.

The commission, in a statement said it has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report which claimed that in Pusaina village, "out of 300 families, 150 have widows in the age of 25-65, whose husbands died after consuming spurious liquor in the last 15 years."

The NHRC has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, indicate "failure" on part of the concerned authorities in taking lawful action against culprits, forcing the distraught families to lead miserable lives violating their rights to life, liberty and dignity.

The commission issued the notice to the chief secretary, seeking a detailed report in four weeks.

"The report should be comprehensive, covering the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the state agencies along with status of benefits of the social welfare schemes provided to the aggrieved families," it said in the statement.

The illegal business of hooch has been thriving in the area for years together as mentioned in the news report and no action seems to have been taken to address the issue, it said.

Recently, around 100 people died due to consumption of spurious liquor in Saharanpur and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh and Haridwar district of neighbouring Uttarakhand.

According to media reports, the hooch was suspected to have been made in villages near the Uttarakhand-Uttar Pradesh border, the commission said.

"According to the media report, carried today, in Pusaina village there are families, which have lost more than one male member. The noxious alcoholic concoction, that sometimes comes mixed with deadly urea, battery fluid and chemicals, for an instant and extra high, is the main cause of deaths in such a large number," the statement said.

"Reportedly, according to local residents, of these, 600-700 litres is manufactured in Pusaina village alone, right under the nose of police and the excise department. It is mentioned in the news report that usually 60-80 litres of liquor is consumed by the villagers per day and the remaining is supplied to the nearby villages and adjoining districts," it added.

The liquor made in Pusaina is reportedly very popular due to mixing of urea in jaggery and yeast, to 'guarantee' a strong kick, the rights panel said, quoting the report.

"The village pradhan has also stated that the hooch business in the village has now declined in comparison with the past, but it still continues. He has further mentioned that he tried to stop the illegal trade in the village after many deaths occurred but he was threatened by the mafia," the statement said.

"Not only this, even children aged 10 years, are involved in the illegal hooch trade, with the passage of time, they also become the consumers of the spurious liquor," it said, quoting the report.

As mentioned in the report, the superintendent of police of Mainpuri has stated that police have been making sincere efforts to destroy the illegal business in the district and have seized property worth Rs 11 crore from some of the kingpins of the liquor mafia. Police parties are also conducting raids to destroy the network, it said. PTI KND DIV

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI) The RSS-affiliated SJM has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create hurdles for Chinese companies doing business in India as China continues to block New Delhi's attempts to designate Masood Azhar, whose JeM carried out the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, as a "global terrorist".

In a letter to Modi, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) co-convener Ashwani Mahajan Monday said the dastardly terrorist attack in Pulwama has shaken the conscience of the nation and at this time steps should be taken to prevent the economic gain of any nation that directly or tacitly supports such terrorists.

"It is widely known that the Chinese government continues to block our nation's attempts to designate Masood Azhar, chief architect of these terror attacks, as a 'global terrorist'.

"At such a time, we believe it is imperative that the government create similar hurdles for Chinese companies that are using India for their economic gain," Mahajan said.

Welcoming the government's decision to withdraw the most favoured nation tag and raise customs duties for all products imported from Pakistan, he said India should not allow Chinese companies to capture its user data without any restrictions and monitoring, as data is new oil.

He claimed that in the past two years there has been a proliferation of Chinese social media and e-commerce companies and other applications in India.

A number of them have in recent weeks been called out by the media as well as various concerned citizens for having undesirable content.

Such apps have been banned in various countries including Indonesia. These apps are known for sharing the details of children and being an open ground for child pornography and possibly anti-national activities.

Indian government should take necessary steps to ban Chinese apps, including TikTok and Helo, as they have undesirable content, he said.

India also needs to curtail the operations of Chinese telecom companies in India, which have already secured many vital and sensitive 4G contracts in India, he said asserting that there is a case for enforcing national security provisions in telecommunications.

A statement attributed to a ByteDance spokesperson said, "TikTok and Helo are committed to respecting local laws and regulations as well as maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment for our users in India. There is no basis for the factually incorrect claims raised by certain groups recently. We treat the safety and security of our user data very seriously. "Moreover, we have robust measures to protect users against misuse, including easy reporting mechanisms that enable users and law enforcement to report content that violates our terms of use and community guidelines."

Concluding the letter to the prime minister, the SJM said the government must stop supporting the companies of an enemy state and take a more comprehensive view of national security.

Forty CRPF jawans were killed in the terrorist attack in Pulwama. PTI JTR SMN







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New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) The Congress on Monday termed as "reprehensible" the alleged targeting of students from Jammu and Kashmir in various parts of the country in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack and said singling out students from the state would only help the "venomous" cause of separatist elements.

According to media reports, several Kashmiris living outside the state claimed they were harassed and attacked after the terrorist attack in Pulwama district in which 40 CRPF men were killed.

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said: "The unprovoked attacks on the students of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in different parts of the country are also reprehensible and unacceptable."

Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and neither Pakistan nor any terrorist force by any name can ever undo this reality, he said at a press conference.

Those who are attacking the students from J&K are attacking India's citizens, Singhvi said.

"Anyone attempting to question the martyrdom of our armed forces must be dealt strictly in accordance with law and strictly, but singling out J&K students actually only helps the venomous cause of such separatist elements, who are questioning the security and integrity of our country," he said.

On Thursday, 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. PTI ASK



ASK ANB

ANB

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New Delhi, Feb 18(PTI) The AAP's Chandni Chowk MLA Alka Lamba on Monday alleged that the party leadership was "weakening" her and said she is being accused of attempting to switch over to the Congress.

Lamba was sidelined after she claimed in December that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 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.

She claimed that Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal will hold a public meeting near Jama Masjid in her constituency on February 20 but she has not been informed of it.

The AAP is backing an old face of the party as a probable from Chandni Chowk for the assembly election in 2020, she claimed.

"How will the party gain by weakening me," she questioned in a statement.

Lamba said although she is being accused of trying to switch over to the Congress, but "someone else" in the party is ready to "go to any level" for alliance with that party.

She hinted at a possible alliance between the AAP and the Congress.

Kejriwal, however, said last week that Congress has "more or less" declined to have any truck with AAP for coming Lok Sabha polls.

He, however, expressed solidarity with his Puducherry counterpart V Narayansamy, currently on protest against Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, on Monday, and joined him in the demand for full statehood.

His meeting with the Congress CM of Puduchery was seen as his feeler to the party for alliance before Lok Sabha polls.

There was no immediate comment available from the AAP. PTI VIT SLB ANB

ANB
Srinagar, Feb 18 (PTI) Four soldiers, including an officer, were killed in an encounter with militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, defence sources said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Pinglan area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants fired upon them, triggering off a gun battle.

Defence sources said four soldiers, including an officer, were killed in the encounter.

A civilian was also reportedly killed but there was no confirmation so far.

The area is under cordon and the operation is still on.PTI SSB MIJ DV

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Four soldiers including an army officer killed in encounter in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, defence sources say. PTI MIJ CPS
Madhyamik question paper out after exam starts for 5th day

Kolkata, Feb 18 (PTI) For the five consecutive days,

images of Madhyamik Examination question papers were

circulated via social media shortly after the commencing of

the tests.

As in the four previous days, images of Mathematics

question paper were found being circulated on WhatsApp Monday.

Madhyamik, the class 10 school leaving examination, is

conducted by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education

(WBSEB).

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said

he has asked for a report about the ongoing investigation by

the WBSEB on the allegations of question paper leak.

Chatterjee was talking to reporters after holding a

high level meeting with education department officials and

president of WBBSE Kalyanmoy Ganguly here.

To a question if the meeting had anything to do with

reports of question paper 'leak', the minister said, "No. It

(meeting) was related to review the examinations which have

passed smoothly till this date."

Chatterjee had earlier said a question paper was

considered leaked when it comes out before the commencement of

the examination, and not after.

When asked if he has asked for any report about the

ongoing CID probe into the alleged question leak, he said, "I

have asked the Board to get the status of the probe."

Meanwhile, the Chhatra Parishad, students' wing of the

state Congress, demonstrated before the office of WBBSE in the

city to protest question paper 'leak' and handed over a

memorandum to the WBBSE president.

There were reports that the Bengali, English, History

and Geography question papers were 'leaked' on WhatsApp during

the last four days of the examination. PTI SUS

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TMC MP Santanu Sen claims getting death threats

Kolkata, Feb 18 (PTI) Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha

MP Santanu Sen Monday claimed that he has been receiving death

threats from unknown persons for the past several days.

Sen, however, did not specify the reason for the

threats.

He said that the number of calls threatening to put an

end to his life has escalated in the past few weeks which

prompted him to lodge a police complaint.

It may be recalled that the party's Krishnaganj MLA

Satyajit Biswas was shot from point blank range by

unidentified assailants in full public view on February 9

inside a Saraswati puja marquee at Phoolbari village in Nadia

district.

"I have been receiving life threats from unknown

numbers for the last one-and-a-half month. Initially, I had

ignored those threats since I am a politician," Sen told PTI.

However, in the last few weeks, the number of such

calls have increased sharply, he said.

"My family members and well-wishers suggested me to

intimate the police. So I had lodged a complaint at the local

police station," Sen said.

Sen is a key organisational leader of the TMC in North

Kolkata and its suburbs.

The TMC leadership has recently sought reports from

the party's district presidents regarding the security status

of MLAs and important leaders in the respective districts.

Apart from enhancing security of MLAs, the district

leaders are also keen on providing additional security to key

people in the organization's set up ahead of the elections.

PTI PNT

JM JM
Chopped body parts of child found near rail track in Thane

Thane, Feb 18 (PTI) Chopped body parts suspected to be

of a child have been found near a railway track in Thane

district of Maharashtra, a police official said on Monday.

A message was received by Kalyan police on Sunday

evening about some body parts lying in bushes adjoining the

railway track in Titwala area, he said.

The police rushed to the spot and seized the highly

decomposed head and legs, believed to be of a child around 10

to 12 years of age whose gender was yet to be ascertained, the

official at Kalyan police station said.

The other body parts were still missing, he said,

adding that a gunny bag was also found near the spot.

The official said they suspect that the culprit killed

the child, chopped the body into pieces, packed them in the

bag and threw it from a running train.

Efforts were on to identify the deceased, he said.

A case was registered under Indian Penal Code Sections

302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of

offence) and a search for the killer was on, he said. PTI CORR

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Pakistan calls back envoy from India for "consultations" amid heightened bilateral tensions after Pulwama terror attack: Pak officials. PTI SH CPS AKJ CPS
Ex-solicitor general Harish Salve Salve says only 2 broad issues in Jadhav case, including breach of Vienna Convention on consular access. PTI CPS ZH AKJ

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Mumbai, Feb 18 (PTI) Ajay Devgn on Monday announced that his upcoming film "Total Dhamaal" will not be releasing in Pakistan.

The decision comes in the wake of a terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers.

"In light of the current situation the team of 'Total Dhamaal' has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Devgn tweeted.

The actor later told PTI that the decision was taken to show their solidarity with armed forces.

"This is the only way we can show our solidarity. We stand behind our Army. The nation has put all kinds of sanctions on various things and this was the least we could do," he said.

The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack.

"Horrible and disgusting. Anger can't be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack," Devgn had tweeted.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, who was in the city to promote the film, said there is no need to overreact on social media.

"We all are sad about what happened. I feel we should only believe in our Army and there is no need to go on social media and give knee-jerk reaction. We are with our Army," Deshmukh added.

Actor Anil Kapoor said, "We stand behind the Army. Somewhere, we have to show our support to the people who have lost their lives. This is a really small step."

Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday.

The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Total Dhamaal" features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh.

The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn FFilms and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22. PTI RB BK

BK
New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Murad in Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy" could not be more different from the flamboyant persona of Ranveer Singh but director Zoya Akhtar says it was not difficult for the actor to play the sensitive rapper character of the film.

Zoya, who first worked with Ranveer in "Dil Dhadakane Do", says his flamboyant side often hides his depth and gravitas.

"Of course, we only see the flamboyant side but Ranveer is also very sensitive, extremely perceptive and nuanced. He is nuanced as a person and as an actor. I have a deep friendship with him and I know he is capable of a lot of sensitivity. So I found it easy to tap into that. He is a great actor and I don't think there is anything that he can't do," Zoya told PTI in an interview.

Asked whether his excessive energy maybe a part of an image, Zoya said, "No, that's him. He is a complete package."

The director said it was great to know that people were praising Ranveer, Alia and other actors' performance in the film because they had really worked hard on the project, about a budding street rapper. PTI BK BK

BK
(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

Mohali, Punjab, India  Business Wire India



 Collective inspiration of over 40 first generation entrepreneurs and business leaders



 Planned investment of INR 2000 Cr. over 15 years



 Academic Advisory Board comprises global engineering institute leaders



 First academic program to be launched in 2019 in partnership with UC Berkeley



Inaugurating Indias first next-generation engineering university in the country, Honble Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, today, laid the foundation stone of Plaksha Universitys 50-acre campus in Mohali. Plaksha University is founded on the collective vision of over forty technology entrepreneurs and industry leaders across five countries. Their vision is to build a Next Generation University at the intersection of technology, science and humanities to transform the world in the 21st Century.



Speaking at the inauguration, the Honble Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, said, India is at a cusp of a technology revolution and there is dire need to support initiatives that nurture a new generation of technologist who will have the knowledge, skill and the temperament to harvest the benefits of accelerated technology to leapfrog India in its journey to becoming a global superpower. He further added, Successful innovation-driven ecosystems are built around great universities, such as Stanford in the Silicon Valley, MIT in Boston, Technion in Israel. We are excited at the prospect of Plaksha replicating the same in Mohali and my government is committed to its success.



Plaksha Co-Founder and former Executive Vice Chairman, Tech Mahindra, Vineet Nayyar, who spent his formative years in Chandigarh as an IAS officer, said, As technology continues to deepen its impact on business and society, at Plaksha, we aim to create a playbook for a 21stcentury technology education in India, a paradigm shift to an interdisciplinary education that reimagines the pedagogy, curriculum, faculty, culture and process of learning. He added, In Mohali, we found the ideal destination for Plaksha and thank the Honble Chief Minister for his support and encouragement.



The vision of the founders is being guided by an Academic Advisory Board, which includes pre-eminent academic leaders at MIT, Princeton University, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, Purdue University, Harvard Business School and IIT Delhi. Dr. S. Shankar Sastry, former Dean of Engineering, UC Berkeley and Founding Academic Advisory Board member says, It is a time of change in higher education and this effort cannot come at a better time. Plaksha is truly reimagining higher education. In successful institutions globally, it is very hard to make big changes. Having a clean slate opportunity is an opportunity of a lifetime.



Speaking about a crucial aspect of the University, Co-Founder Plaksha, and CEO of Software firm Nagarro, ManasFuloria, said, New-age industries are relying on digital technologies to attain non-linear growth and gain competitive advantage. At Plaksha, we intend to foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship where graduates will be nurtured by industry leaders and incubation sessions to innovate at the bottom of the stack to address real-world challenges, transforming obligations to opportunities.



With a state-of-the-art campus being designed by American architect, Aaron Schwarz, Plaksha Universitys 50-acre campus is expected to be live in 2021 coinciding with the commencement of its first undergraduate programme. The project involves an investment of Rs. 2000 Crores over 15 years catering to a thousand students in Phase 1 with plans to expand to 8,000 students by 2035.



Emphasizing the commitment of the founders to Plaksha, Mohit Thukral, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Vivtera and a Founding Group member, said, We are fully committed to the success of Plaksha and recognize our responsibility in nurturing graduates who aspire to leverage technology to lead organizations, create trailblazing ventures, undertake research & innovation to impact the world at scale and become role models of possibility, for India and the world.



Founding Group members comprise business leaders from India, US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong including Boston Consulting Group Asia Chairman Neeraj Aggarwal, Genpact Founder Pramod Bhasin, Warburg Pincus Special Limited Partner Dalip Pathak, Jamboree Education MD Vineet Gupta, former Evalueserve COO Ashish Gupta, InfoEdge (naukri.com) Co-Founder and CEO Hitesh Oberoi, Royal Bank of Scotland Human Resources MD Anuranjita Kumar, Singapore based Mission Holdings Chairman Saurabh Mittal, Vivtera Co-Founder & Managing Partner Mohit Thukral, Nagarro CEO ManasFuloria, Mphasis CEO Nitin Rakesh and Clix Capital Director Anil Chawla. The founders also include Chandigarh based entrepreneurs Pranav Gupta, Karan Gilhotra and RoundGlass CEO Sunny Singh.



Chandigarh based Co-Founder Sunny Singh, also CEO of RoundGlass said, This university will provide a huge impetus to Mohali and its emerging technology eco-system. We are keen for a wider participation in this venture from Chandigarh-based business leaders.



The first academic program, the Plaksha Tech Leaders Fellowship in partnership with UC Berkeley will be launched in 2019 with undergraduate programme scheduled to commence in 2021. The University will also soon establish research centers to address some of the big challenges that India faces in urban mobility, sustainability, digital agriculture, factories of the future, health and education.



About Plaksha University



Indian scriptures state that the River Saraswati, synonymous with learning, originated from a 'world-tree' called Plaksha, which grew at the foothills of the Sivaliks. The name 'Plaksha' therefore reflects the idea of the university as a tree, from which a river of learning flows endlessly, constantly renewing itself and nurturing everything that it touches. Plaksha Universitys 50-acre campus is located at Mohali, near Chandigarh, the Capital city of the States of Punjab and Haryana, approximately 200 kms from the National Capital Region of India.



Website: www.plaksha.org

For further information, please contact us at info@plaksha.org PWR

PWR
Tripartite meeting fails to end Bengal's jute sector impasse

Kolkata, Feb 18 (PTI) A tripartite meeting to avert an

impending strike by jute sector trade unions in West Bengal

failed to reach any consensus on Monday.

The West Bengal government had called for the meeting

to resolve the impasse between jute mill owners and the trade

unions, which have threatened to go on an indefinite strike

from March 1 over unfulfilled demands.

The meeting was presided over by the state's Labour

Minister Moloy Ghatak, officials of Indian Jute Mills

Association (IJMA) and trade union representatives.

A bilateral meeting with the IJMA will be held on

February 21, and another tripartite meeting on either February

22 or February 25, officials said.

All trade unions in the sector, barring Indian

National Trinamool Trade Union Congress, have agreed to join

the strike from March 1 to press for their demands, including

wage revision and implementation of Minimum Wages Act.

The jute industry employs over two lakh workers in

more than 60 mills in the state.

The West Bengal government had on January 17 decided

to give an interim relief of Rs 70, raising the workers' wage

to Rs 327 per day till a new wage agreement was finalised.

IJMA sources on Monday said mills will not be able to

pay anything more than the revised wage of Rs 327 per day. PTI

BSM

RBT RBT
The Category 1 status is based on an August 2018 FAA assessment of the safety oversight provided by Vietnams Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said the US Embassy in Vietnam, adding that the Category 1 determination is a substantial achievement.

Arduous efforts

Category 1 is an aviation safety rating of the FAAs International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) programme and is a requirement for all countries with air carriers wanting to fly direct to the US.

Aware of the importance of the US market, Vietnam began working to achieve the Category 1 rating in 2012. But it was not a simple task. CAA Director Dinh Viet Thang said that the FAA conducted its first technical assessment in 2013 and found 49 problems, more than half of which are technical, including an incomplete aviation policy.

After several years of addressing these problems, the FAA conducted an official inspection of Vietnams aviation authority in 2018 and highly appreciated Vietnams remarkable progresses in complying with Category 1s standards. In this inspection, four areas received the FAAs good evaluation, namely the legal document system, standards, management instruments and civil aviation organisation.

The FAA found 14 problems, but they are individual and not systematic problems. It is noted that among these 14 problems, the only difficult one to correct concerned supervising the safety of seaplanes. With a great deal of efforts, two CAA pilots were trained by Canadian experts in two months and succeeded in being certified for seaplane supervision. To date, Vietnam has completed dealing with all the problems highlighted after the CAAs official inspection. On February 15, US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink awarded the Category 1 aviation safety rating to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

Potential yet fierce

According to experts, about 30,000 Vietnamese students travelling to the United States and millions of overseas Vietnamese frequenting between the two countries each year, and a thriving bilateral trade relationship, the US is a potential but also very competitive market.

In the past US air carriers such as United Airlines and Delta Airlines already operated flights to Vietnam but then terminated such flights because of inefficiency.

Vietnam Airlines CEO Duong Tri Thanh also noted that it could take the carrier 5-10 years to reach the break-even point with this route. There could be losses exceeding US$30 million for the early years of operating this route.

Although the door is already open for Vietnamese air carriers, they still have to deal with one problem, that is aircraft requires longer range than current ones.

The US market is highly competitive, so market development, cooperation and code-sharing plans also need to be given careful consideration by Vietnamese carriers. In addition, Vietnamese airlines need to thoroughly understand US laws in order to avoid needless costs when flying to this market.

According to Thanh, who has been pursuing the dream flying direct to the US, commercial feasibility depends on the technical capabilities of aircraft.

For now, Vietnam possesses no airplanes capable of flying non-stop to the US. If one stop is added, the costs and flying time will be much higher, making the route less competitive. Thanh said that in the time ahead, he will discuss the issue with aircraft manufacturers. Such aircraft will not be available until at least 2022 so Vietnam Airlines plan for now is to continue expanding transit and codeshare flights with US airlines.

Besides Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airways have also included flights to the US in their development plans. Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said that the carrier is taking steps to hire wide-body aircrafts for direct flights to the US. The budget carrier is expected to begin operating the first direct flight to California in late 2019 or early 2020.

There are always opportunities alongside challenges. Routes between Vietnam and the US with one stop are already crowded with many international airlines and there are few opportunities for Vietnamese carriers. Flying directly from Vietnam to the US is an entirely new market and it will be a great opportunity for Vietnamese carriers if they can take advantage of it.


West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh said the public should think before speaking against the government or the armed forces as there is a sentiment against Pakistan brewing across the country.



Ghosh was reacting to a question on how some were heckled or trolled for adopting an anti-war posture. "I would advise everyone to understand the sentiments in the country. No one should show sympathy to Pakistan. Today, we have a different government at the Centre. So, before making any statement, people should think about the consequences," said he.

Ghosh went a step further, asking those "negative-minded people" to consider their own safety and security if they decide to go against the wind. Later, however, he became a little guarded and asked people not to take the law into their hands.

Ghosh also criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not visiting the families of the CRPF martyrs who were killed in the Pulwama blast. "I am alarmed to see that, unlike other chief ministers in India, neither she nor her ministers went to the airport to receive the remains," said Ghosh.

Recently, Trinamool Congress youth leader Sanku Deb Panda, who was interrogated in Saradha chit fund scam, joined BJP. Ghosh brushed aside the issue, calling it a low-key affair. He said that it was the central leadership decision to absorb Panda. "Is he a big leader?" Ghosh asked. He said nobody could join the BJP to get relief from the CBI. "CBI is doing its own work and it will not spare anyone," he said.
Kerala witnessed 20 political murders since the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front came to power in the state in 2016. While nine people were killed in 2016, five murders were reported in 2017 and four in the following year. This year two people were killed in political violence in the state. In most of the cases, the accused are activists of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist). Data from the state crime record bureau shows 36 political murders were registered during previous United Democratic Front regime.

2019

Two Youth Congress workers were killed at Periya, Kasaragod

2018

An SFI student was hacked to death at Maharaja's College in Kochi. The accused are Campus Front activists.

A BJP activist was killed in New Mahi allegedly by CPI(M) activists.

A Youth Congress block secretary was killed at Mattannur in Kannur allegedly by CPI(M) workers.

A BJP man was killed at Peravoor in Kannur. The accused are Social Democratic Party of India activists.

2017

A BJP activist was killed at Sreekaryam in Thiruvanathapuram. The accused are activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India, the youth wing of the CPI(M).

A BJP activist was killed at Kadakkal, Kollam allegedly by CPI(M) workers.

A BJP man was killed in Guruvayoor. The accused are CPI(M) activists.

A BJP member was killed at Dharmadam in Kannur. The accused are CPI(M) activists.

A BJP activist was killed at Payyannur in Kannur. The accused are CPI(M) activists.

2016 (Since May)

A former CPI(M) member was killed allegedly by party workers at Erattupetta in Kottayam.

A BJP activist was killed at Kasaba in Palakkad. The accused are CPI(M) activists.

Two Muslim League activists were killed at Kuttiadi and Nadapuram in Kozhikode. The accused are members of the SDPI and the CPI(M) respectively.

A BJP activist was killed at Dharmadam. The accused are CPI(M) members.

A CPI(M) member was killed at Koothuparamba allegedly by a BJP worker.

Members of both the CPI(M) and the BJP were killed allegedly by rival party workers at Payyannur.

A BJP member was killed at Muzhakunnu in Kannur. The accused is a CPI(M) worker.

This story was first published on Manoramaonline
Lubbock, TX (79409)

Today

Some clouds. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph.
Noted journalist Barkha Dutt on Monday revealed that she had been receiving threatening calls and explicit pictures on phone and Twitter and WhatsApp. Dutt also took the unprecedented step of publicising the phone numbers of individuals allegedly sending such messages.

Dutt, who has been a constant target of the ire of rightwing groups throughout her career, had, on Sunday, posted on Twitter that, her doors were open to any Kashmiris who need help or feel vulnerable. The message came amid reports that ethnic Kashmiris in some parts of India were being harassed over the Pulwama attack.

Deluged with what's app messages since yesterday that are abusive and threatening. Seems an organized hate campaign against some of us. One sender confirms my mobile number being circulated in groups. @DelhiPolice bringing this to your attention. pic.twitter.com/7FAfPoYmm4  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 18, 2019

Early on Monday morning, Dutt posted on her Twitter account she was closing her direct message facility to general access, claiming, Its been unfortunately hijacked by the abusive mob and they have shown themselves up to be the scum that they are.

Dutt also tweeted that she was deluged by abusive WhatsApp messages in what she called an organised hate campaign. Dutt said one sender claimed her phone number was being circulated on WhatsApp groups. In a series of tweets, Dutt shared over a dozen numbers from which she received abusive calls and even explicit images of male genitalia.

Thank you Madhur. I have a list of 20 numbers that have stalked me since yesterday. I would like to add all numbers to my FIR. https://t.co/JCC5DG2ADw  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 18, 2019

Dutt tagged Madhur Verma, the DCP of New Delhi district, in her tweets. In a tweet to Verma, Dutt said she had a list of 20 numbers that had stalked her since yesterday (Sunday) that she wanted to add to her FIR. Dutt also tagged Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to highlight the harassment she had been facing. Dutt has spoken out against trolling and threats from rightwing handles over the past several years.

Dutt was not the only journalist to complain of abuse via phone on Monday. Noted Hindi language journalist Abhisar Sharma complained to police in Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai about threats made to him and his family. Sharma, too, has been targeted by rightwing groups over his consistent criticism of the Narendra Mod government's policies.

Like Dutt, Sharma also publicised screenshots of those abusing him on Twitter. Moreover, Sharma also alleged the "IT Cell" was targeting him, in an apparent reference to the BJP's social media operations.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan found himself in the middle of a controversy on Sunday after he referred to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir as 'azad Kashmir' and asked why India was afraid to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir. He was speaking at an event in Chennai, and made his statement in response to the attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Haasan, who founded the Makkal Needhi Maiam party in Tamil Nadu, said that soldiers wouldn't die if politicians behaved. The Line of Control will be under control, he said. Haasan spoke of an article he had written about the future of Kashmir, when he was running a magazine, Maiyam, earlier. I mourn this day because I forecast that this is what will happen, unfortunately, I should have predicted something else, Haasan said. Hold plebiscite and make people talk...why have they not conducted it? What are they scared of?, he said.

Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan at an event in Chennai yesterday: Why do the soldiers die? Why should our home's watchman die? If politicians on both sides (in India & in Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control. pic.twitter.com/ec7tDrQwIn  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

He also said that photographs of jihadis were put up on trains across the border. That much of attraction even the film stars here in India wont get. Thats also a foolish thing. But India is also committing the same. Its not fair, if we want to prove we are a far better country, we should not behave like them, he said. Haasan said that this where a new political culture should come in.

After the backlash, Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam issued a statement on Monday, clarifying his statement. The party condemned the media report and said Haasan's statements were taken out of context. The references made in the Times Now report were mentioned by our party president in the context of a magazine article published three decades ago about an option that available at one point in time of history, the statement said. This is no longer relevant and is no way an indication of his position or partys position today.
Argentinas President Mauricio Macri called on India Inc to invest in trade and commerce, saying there is an endless potential to invest and partner in the Latin American nation.

I spoke to PM Modi on energy efficiency and on tapping non-conventional energy sources, Macri said addressing the India-Argentina business forum organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on Monday. Earlier, addressing the meeting, Union commerce & industries minister Suresh Prabhu pointed out how areas ranging from agriculture to non-conventional energy had immense scope for collaboration between the two countries.

Argentina also became the latest nation to sign the International Solar Alliance, a pet project of India that hopes to tap this energy source as per UN climate change guidelines.

As his three-day state visit to India got underway, it was clear that both emerging economies were in a mutual admiration society sort of grip, exploring one after the other areas of common interest. India has made it clear that it wants to triple exports to this Latin republic.

Argentina has immense agricultural resources, in both produce as well as farming technology Modi hopes to gain favourable deals bilaterally. Argentina also has the biggest shale deposits in the world outside the US. That, and mining, particularly of lithium, is something that India is keen on investing in.

Then there is Argeninas prowess in manufacturing light combat aircraft (LCA). In fact, a defence delegation is expected to visit Buenos Aires right from the Presidential visit, according to reports.

Argentina, on its part, wants access to Indias burgeoning technology sector as well as non-conventional energy sources, including investments from industry majors from India in both sectors in Argentina.

Relations with the faraway South American country got a fillip two months ago during prime minister Narendra Modis visit to Argentine capital Beunos Aires for the G20 summit.
MPTB gets into collaboration with producers of Sherni shot in MP locales
The Office of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14,1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statuteof the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to leadand co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanentsolutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights andwell-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness,as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on theReduction of Statelessness.
Elimat Uganda is ahuman resource company based in Uganda Kampala with a great team ofresourceful HR professionals with over 15 years of experience in this field whoprovide HR services and support customized to meet the needs of your businessof all sizes.
The ISP Sales Associate will be responsible for all stages of the sales cycle, from cold calls and leads to closing deal, developing and implementing new account penetration strategies. Duties will include generating revenue by selling internet services.
Posted Monday, February 18, 2019 3:30 am

Dorothy Clark Thomason, 90, joined her Heavenly Father on Saturday, Feb.16, 2019.

Born in Kearney, Neb, Aug. 29, 1928, Dorothy grew up in Leeton, and lived in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and spent most of her retired years in Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Velma Cox Clark, and her sister, Mary V. Saxton.

Dorothy was a loving mother and devoted friend. She believed in living life to its fullest, and she did so, bringing levity and light into every room she entered. She literally saw the world, and a stranger never met a kinder soul. She will be remembered by all those who loved her by her smile, her wit, her love of nature, love of music, love of words and her delight in and devotion to Gods special creation: songbirds. Once a member of the Leeton Baptist Church where she served as pianist and choir director, her faith was foremost, and she considered her inevitable death to be a part of the stream of life and the pathway to her Father at the gates of a glorious Heaven.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Jacklyn Ann Landgrebe, Leeton; her son, Charles Clark Baker, Waynesville, N.C.; four grandchildren, Lorenz (Lisa) Richter, Suzanne (Eddie) Collins, Jason Landgrebe and Joshua Landgrebe; and great-granddaughter: Savanna Collins. She is also survived by two brothers, Dwight L. Clark and M. Dee Clark and a sister-in-law, Jane Clark, and many beloved cousins.

Dorothys casket will be closed prior to her funeral; her priority of visiting with the living far surpassed any act of mourning the dead.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Mineral Creek Cemetery in Leeton at 11 a.m.on Thursday, Feb 21, in celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be donated to the maintenance fund for Mineral Creek Cemetery in Leeton.

(Paid Obituary)
Five lucky readers are in with a the chance of winning a travel gift box including DK Eyewitness merchandise and one of their newly launched travel guides.

DK Eyewitness and The Travel Magazine are offering five lucky readers a bespoke travel gift box to help you get inspired for your next trip.

Each beautifully decorated box contains a DK travel guide of your choice from their new series, a DK Eyewitness tote bag and some yummy sweet treats.

The redesigned books were launched in September 2018 and you can pick from the following destinations: Amsterdam, Berlin, Ireland, Italy, London, New York City, Paris, Prague, Rome and Washington DC.

To be in with a chance of winning, join us live on Facebook on Thursday 28 February at 3pm GMT (10am EST) and submit a travel related question to our guest speakers from DK Eyewitness.

To submit a question, click on the link to your chosen topic and submit your question directly on the Facebook post. You can do this either on the day of the Facebook Live or in advance by clicking on one of the below links. You will then be automatically entered into the competition and 5 winners will be chosen at random after the Facebook Live has finished.

Emerging destinations with Georgina Dee

Georgina Dee, Publishing Director for DK Eyewitness, will discuss her top three emerging destinations for 2019: Japan, Seville & Andalucia, Englands South Coast.

CLICK HERE to post your questions to Georgina Dee

New York with Bess Daly

Bess Daly is DK Eyewitness Travels project jacket and designer. She is also a keen artist and one of her favourite cities is New York, which she knows like the back of her hand. Bess will share her insights on New Yorks hidden gems and how to visit must-see sights without having to deal with the crowds.

CLICK HERE to post your questions to Bess Daly

Becoming a guide book travel editor with Lucy Richards

Project Editor, Lucy Richards, has nearly seven years experience at DK Eyewitness and has just completed a new guide to Denmark. Lucy will talk about her role as a travel editor and what it takes to put together an inspiring travel guide, from interviewing locals to working with designers, cartographers and picture researchers.

CLICK HERE to post your questions to Lucy Richards

Terms and Conditions

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over, except employees or family members of employees of DK Eyewitness or any companies or agencies directly connected with the creation and administration of this promotion.

Competition closing date is 4pm GMT on Thursday 28 February 2019.

Five prize winners will be notified via email within 28 days of the competition closing date, and the prize sent within 14 days of confirmation of receipt of email.

The prize is any of the above listed DK travel guides, a DK Eyewitness tote bag and themed snack.

The prize is not transferable.

The competition organiser is DK, 80 Strand, London, WC2R 0RL

More about DK Eyewitness and Facebook Live

Meet the experts from DK Eyewitness live via Facebook on Thursday 28 February at 3pm GMT (10am EST). They will be chatting all things travel from how to get off the beaten track in New York, the emerging destinations of 2019 and what goes on in the day and life of a travel writer. They will be on hand to answer your travel related questions based on first-hand experience, and you will even be given the chance to win a bespoke destination pack for your upcoming travels.

Dorling Kindersley is the worlds leading illustrated reference publisher and is home to one of the worlds most well-known travel brands, DK Eyewitness. Publishing travel guides to more than 200 destinations, DK Eyewitness travel guides are filled with expert advice, beautiful photographs and detailed illustrations.

More about the authors

Georgina Dee: Georgina Dee is the Publishing Director for Travel and has been working for DK for over 16 years. She oversees the entire DK Eyewitness editorial and design team and is also responsible for the travel publishing calendar. Georginas time off is spent fulfilling her two young boys curiosity, which includes trips to the Cornish coast in search of fossils, and sparking their imaginations at the Science Centre in Singapore. Her favourite countries include Italy and Vietnam.

Bess Daly: Bess is DK Eyewitness Travels project jacket and designer. Bess moved over to the UK from Australia last year, and is currently working on guides to Berlin and Vietnam. She is a keen artist and enjoys seeking out art displays and exhibitions whilst travelling. Her favourite cities include Tokyo and New York, which she loves to visit time and time again.

Lucy Richards: Lucy is a project editor at DK Eyewitness and has worked here for nearly seven years. She has recently updated the brand new guide to Denmark and says she knows it better than her own home. Copenhagen is one of her favourite cities, where she loves to explore and enjoy cinnamon buns. Whilst travelling, Lucy loves to read novels set in the destination she is discovering and loves walking. Her favourite trips include Havana and Indias Golden Triangle.
Brenda Darlene (Burnett, Witt, Bollmer) Curtin, 52, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away June 21, 2021. She was born November 13, 1968, in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Gladys (Jones) Napier and the late Wilburn Burnett. Brenda was preceded in death by a daughter, Jennifer Witt and sisters Alta Ru
SPRINGFIELD  An Illinois advocacy group is pushing legislation it says would bring $50 million in new money to state mental health services over the next four years.

According to the Illinois Coalition for Better Mental Health Care, more than 2.5 million Illinoisans have a mental health condition.

But the state ranks only 38th in the nation for mental health investment, while 82 of its 102 counties are designated as mental health professional shortage areas by the federal government.

Two lawmakers, Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), are sponsoring legislation  House Bill 2486 and Senate Bill 1673  that would ramp up state mental health funding and change the funding structure to incentivize good results over flat service fees.

Thousands of Illinois families  are victims of our mental health crisis, Conroy, who heads the House Mental Health Committee, said Monday in a news release. By creating a multiyear solution to reinvest and restructure our mental health programs with targeted, federally matched dollars, we can provide renewed hope to the millions affected.

Most of the services targeted by the bills are Medicaid services, for which the federal government matches funding.

The phase-in of rates that would enable growth of [mental health services] would happen slowly over a four-year period, said Heather ODonnell, who drafted the legislation and is vice president at Chicago-based mental health group Thresholds.

In year one, Illinois would provide $3.4 million of new funding, to be matched by the federal government. In year two, $5.7 million; in year three, $10.7 million; and in year four, $13 million.

After four years, ODonnell said, the state would pay no more than $13 million in additional mental health funding in any given year, while the total new funding for state mental health services would reach more than $50 million with federal matching.

The state would also have to cover startup costs in years three and four, and bring additional funding to components of the bill that are not matched with federal funds.

So, although this federal matching would provide a much-needed funding boost, it is not clear where the new state money would come from.

Preferably it would be new revenue, ODonnell said. Some of it could come from the legalization of cannabis, but we are not specifying revenue sources [in the bills].

Conroy agreed, saying were all hoping for new revenue, particularly from internet gambling and legalized marijuana.

I know there is a commitment that some of the revenue from cannabis will go to mental health and addiction services, so thats on the table, Conroy said without discussing specifics. And I do believe the commitment [to mental health and addiction] is there from the governor. Hes made it clear thats a priority for him.

Without specific funding plans, the bills more or less just lay groundwork for the new funding and changed payment methods.

Those changed payment methods deal with how mental health providers get money for the services they provide.

Currently, nearly all Medicaid contracts with mental health providers in Illinois are fee-for-service  the providers provide the service, and get reimbursed a specified fee.

The bills claim that this structure allows for no innovation in providing better services, because there is no reward for better outcomes and efficiency.

If passed, the bills would create a working group of providers, managed care organizations and state health workers, to figure out a set of metrics to bring the regulatory structure in line with modern health care, ODonnell said.

These metrics would drive a new pay-for-performance structure, which providers could opt into each year, or opt out of after two years if they dont like it.

Both bills await further assignments to committee.
Summary of minutes

Jacksonville City Council meeting

Jan. 28, 2019

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Mayor Andy Ezard in the Council Chamber called the Jacksonville City Council Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. The meeting was publicly announced by posting and by written notice to the local newspaper and radio stations.

ROLL CALL: The following answered present: Aldermen Mike Bartlett, Don Cook, Jeff Hopkins, Karen Mudd, A. Scott, Mike Wankel, Steve Warmowski, Tony Williams; Mayor Andy Ezard; City Attorney Dan Beard; Deputy City Clerk Angela Salyer. Absent from the meeting were Aldermen Lori Large Oldenettel and Bill Scott; City Clerk Skip Bradshaw. A quorum was declared.

MINUTES: Motion was made by Williams, seconded by Hopkins, to approve the January 14, 2019 Minutes as presented in advance. By voice vote, motion carried.

PETITIONS: No discussion.

COMMUNICATIONS: No discussion.

CLAIMS: No discussion.

MAYORS REPORT: No discussion.

CA Beard advised that this evenings Executive Session was cancelled, but may be rescheduled to the next Council Meeting in February.

CITY ATTORNEYS REPORT:

1. Second reading of an ordinance amending the Jacksonville Municipal Code, Chapter 3 Alcoholic Beverages, Article II Retail Sale, Division 2 Licenses, Section 3-61 Classes, terms, hours and fees (a) (13). Motion was made by Hopkins, seconded by A. Scott, to accept the second reading of the ordinance. CA Beard read the ordinance as proposed.

2019-O-001 Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, that an Ordinance AMENDING THE JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 3 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ARTICLE II RETAIL SALE, DIVISION 2 LICENSES, SECTION 3-61 CLASSES, TERMS, HOURS AND FEES (Expanding the Fairground/Fair Board and Fairground/Speedway Licenses to include alcoholic liquor, allowing the Fair Board to sell alcohol during the fair and the Speedway to sell alcohol in conjunction with automobile races and any other events they schedule at the fairground), is hereby approved.

Mayor Ezard asked for discussion and there was none.

ROLL CALL: 8 Yeas; 0 Nays; 2Absent (Oldenettel, B. Scott)

Motion carried 8-0-2.

2. Resolution authorizing waiver of advertisement for bids and accepting proposals for demolition of property located at 203 and 205 East Morgan Street to be paid from TIF funds. Motion was made by Hopkins, seconded by Bartlett, to accept the resolution. CA Beard read the resolution as proposed.

2019-R-014 Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, that a Resolution AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS; AND ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR DEMOLITION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 203 AND 205 EAST MORGAN STREET TO BE PAID FROM TIF FUNDS  (Hood Demolition & Excavating - $238,000), is hereby approved.

Mayor Ezard asked for discussion and there was none.

ROLL CALL: 8 Yeas; 0 Nays; 2Absent (Oldenettel, B. Scott)

Motion carried 8-0-2.

CITY CLERKS REPORT: No discussion.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No discussion.

CONSENT AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA: (Items addressed under the Consent Agenda are routine or are brought forward at the direction of the Council and are enacted with one motion. If discussions were desired, that item would be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately under the Committee Reports.)

FINANCE/IT/PERSONNEL:

1. City Treasurers Report  December 31, 2018. City Treasurer Ron Smiljanichs report for December 31, 2018, in which totals for cash receipts, cash disbursements, investments, and balances for all City bank and investment accounts were given.

PARKS & LAKES: No discussion.

PLANNING & PUBLIC WORKS: No discussion.

PUBLIC PROTECTION: No discussion.

SPECIAL STUDIES: No discussion.

UTILITY: No discussion.

Motion was made by Cook, seconded by Williams, to accept the Consent Agenda. Mayor Ezard asked if there were any items to be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and there were none. By voice vote, motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE/IT/PERSONNEL:

1. Resolution approving the 2019 Operating Budget. Motion was made by Cook, seconded by Williams, to accept the resolution. CA Beard read the resolution as proposed.

2019-R-015 Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, that a Resolution ADOPTING THE 2019 OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, is hereby approved.

Mayor Ezard asked for discussion. Ald. Warmowski expressed his displeasure at pulling $1M from the Citys reserves to purchase pumper trucks for the fire department. He feels the City should have a plan in place to put aside money annually to better prepare for large purchases like this in the future and to save the Citys reserves. General discussion ensued regarding the implementation of Home Rule and how that affects monetary decisions; where to use revenue generated by the 3.5% tax levy; and as to why the decision was made to supplement the Capital Improvement fund for the purchase of these trucks.

ROLL CALL: 7 Yeas; 1 Nay (Warmowski); 2Absent (Oldenettel, B. Scott)

Motion carried 7-1-2.

2. Second reading of an ordinance making appropriations for corporate purposes for fiscal year 2019 for the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. Motion was made by Cook, seconded by Williams, to accept the second reading of the ordinance. CA Beard read the ordinance as proposed.

2019-O-002 Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, that an Ordinance MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORPORATE PURPOSES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, MORGAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 - $41,918,058.91), is hereby approved.

Mayor Ezard asked for discussion and there was none.

ROLL CALL: 7 Yeas; 1 Nay (Warmowski); 2Absent (Oldenettel, B. Scott)

Motion carried 7-1-2.

PARKS & LAKES: No discussion.

PLANNING & PUBLIC WORKS: No discussion.

PUBLIC PROTECTION:

1. Resolution waiving bids and accepting proposal for the purchase of one (1) Pierce Rescue pumper and one (1) Pierce Pumper fire apparatus and related equipment for the Jacksonville Fire Department. Motion was made by Williams, seconded by Bartlett, to accept the resolution. CA Beard read the resolution as proposed.

2019-R-016 Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, that a Resolution AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS; AND ACCEPTANCE OF PROPOSAL THROUGH HGACBUY FOR THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) PIERCE RESCUE PUMPER AND ONE (1) PIERCE PUMPER FIRE APPARATUS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT FOR THE JACKSONVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT - $1,343,417.00, is hereby approved.

Mayor Ezard asked for discussion. Ald. Warmowski will be voting no on this resolution in favor of establishing a plan for future purchases of this magnitude. Ald. Hopkins inquired as to the purpose of buying two trucks as opposed to only buying one truck at this time. Fire Chief Doug Sills explained that by buying two trucks prior to the end of the year there is a potential cost savings to the City of

Summary of Minutes

Jacksonville City Council Meeting

January 28, 2019

Page 4 of 4

approximately $130,000. Doing so will also decrease the average age of the pumper trucks on hand from 24 years to about 3 years.

ROLL CALL: 7 Yeas; 1 Nay (Warmowski); 2Absent (Oldenettel, B. Scott)

Motion carried 7-1-2.

SPECIAL STUDIES: No discussion.

UTILITY: No discussion.

OLD BUSINESS: No discussion.

NEW BUSINESS: Ald. Williams suggested drafting a resolution that encourages everyone to be kind to their neighbors. He feels this is important to let the citizens of Jacksonville know that the City cares about its residents.

Ald. Cook asked everyone to keep Ald. Oldenettel in their thoughts and prayers while she is undergoing a medical procedure.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No discussion.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further discussion motion was made by Williams, seconded by Hopkins, to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m.

Recorded by Deputy City Clerk Angela Salyer.
3 1 of 3 For the Intelligencer Show More Show Less 2 of 3 For the Intelligencer Show More Show Less 3 of 3





EDWARDSVILLE  The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted more than 200 young girls at its seventh annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Saturday, Feb. 16, in the SIUE School of Engineering building.

Girls from grades 5-8 attended the daylong event that offered exposure to the engineering field. Participants completed a total of five activities, covering the fields of civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial and computer science.
A Saudi mobile-phone app that's come under fire for perpetuating the kingdom's male guardianship system is drawing praise on social media as the government pushes back against the criticism.

Adopting the Twitter hashtag #i_support_ABSHER, some Saudis listed what they like about the e-government portal, which men can use to give permission for women to travel. Without male approval, Saudi women can't leave the country.

The app received plaudits for providing a simple route through complex bureaucracy that typically drags out applications for things like a passport or vehicle registration.

Some tweets referred to accusations made by human-rights defenders that Absher is cementing the guardianship system, saying those making the claims wanted to make life more difficult for Saudis.

A video shared on Whatsapp urges Saudis to counter the "fierce campaign" against Absher by giving the app five stars on Apple Store or Google Play and writing a glowing review.

Critics and human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have urged Apple and Google to review the app. The use of Absher "to curtail the movement of women once again highlights the disturbing system of discrimination against women under the guardianship system," the group said in a statement to The Washington Post.

The campaign against the app has won support in the U.S., where senior Democrat senator Ron Wyden said in a Twitter posting it's "unconscionable" that Google and Apple are "making it easier to track women and control when and how they travel." Apple CEO Tim Cook told NPR his company will "take a look at it if that's the case."

The kingdom's Interior Ministry said in a statement over the weekend that the allegations against Absher aim to "disable the benefits of more than 160 different procedural services to all members of the society."

Many Saudi women have pointed out that criticism of the app is somewhat misguided and should be directed at the guardianship system itself, not Absher, which simply provides an electronic way to navigate travel permissions.

Though Saudi women have gained more rights in the past couple of years, they're still shackled by the guardianship system that, according to Human Rights Watch, requires them to receive a man's approval to apply for a passport, travel outside the country, study abroad on a government scholarship, get married or even exit prison.

--With assistance from Bloomberg's Vivian Nereim.
Almost a year later, and they are no closer to getting an answer.

Despite a recent meeting with the attorney general, Ontarios rape crisis centres say they have no idea if additional funding will come through  and they are now simply asking the government to provide them with a timeline of when they might find out.

As the centres wait for information from the ministry, survivors of sexual violence, meanwhile, continue to wait for services, said Nicole Pietsch, co-ordinator of the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres, noting that yearly calls have shot up to more than 50,000 from 30,000 a decade ago.

The Feb. 6 meeting with Attorney General Caroline Mulroney and her staff was disappointing  we feel we are in the same place we were last October, which was the last time we spoke to policy advisers, Pietsch said.

Mulroney, she added, offered appreciation for the important work folks in our sector are doing. But she didnt give any new information; she didnt have anything to share about a gender-based violence action plan.

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There was nothing concrete for next steps.

Mulroney spokesperson Jesse Robichaud repeated an earlier statement on the issue, saying our government is committed to providing victims, their families and witnesses of violent crimes with the supports and services they need, in the communities where they live.

Our staff have met with the coalition and we will continue to engage with it on these important issues.

Ontarios English and French-language rape crisis centres had been counting on the 30 per cent increase over three years  announced by the previous Liberal government  which they now realize will likely not materialize for this fiscal year which ends next March.

Some still have the same staffing levels they did in the 1990s, and had been hoping to use the money to hire more front-line full-time and part-time staff, given the huge demand.

The Liberals had pledged $14.8 million over the three years as part of a gender-based violence strategy.

Even in Mulroneys own York Simcoe riding, the sexual assault centre serving the entire York Region has not been able to keep up with demand given the areas booming, diverse population.

What weve been receiving from the ministry just hasnt been enough for so long, said Jacqueline Benn-John, executive director of the Womens Support Network of York Region, where there is a wait-list of three to six months.

We are the only rape crisis centre serving all of York Region, said Benn-John, adding it took 2,129 crisis calls alone last year.

The outreach is challenging in a region of our size, and theres the added complexity of the regional diversity  geographically, there are very rural and urban areas, and we have parts with no bus service which limits access to services.

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The centre has been applying for provincial grants to help narrow the funding gap, and provide programs specifically for survivors of human trafficking or women who are in need of housing.

I think it bothers every sexual assault centre that we havent received the funding, Benn-John said. And thats because the need is there  the need has been there, and it has been demonstrated by research independently undertaken by the province.

Pietsch said the meeting with Mulroney on Feb. 6 was supposed to be face-to-face, but inclement weather forced a conference call instead, one that also included representative from the French-language rape crisis organizations.

The coalition of 37 centres is hoping to speak to ministry representatives in the future to outline the incredible demand they are dealing with amid the #metoo and #timesup movements.

Increased awareness about sexual assault and consent has seen so many people stepping forward, but we have received the level of funding to deal with the increase in referrals, said Benn-John.

The rape crisis centres also want to be involved in any new plans to address violence against women.

Weve asked to meet again, added Pietsch, because we want to see some progress on this.

MPP Suze Morrison, the NDPs womens issues critic and a sexual assault survivor, said the government is forcing front-line workers to beg for funding that was already promised and allocated, and were less than two months away from the end of the fiscal year.

The rape crisis centre serving the Muskoka area had been counting on $89,000 this fiscal year to hire more front-line counsellors to deal with three times the caseload  it currently has the same staffing levels as the 1990s.

The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape had been allocated $159,000 to help deal with an 18-month wait list.

Counsellor deb singhhas said services could be strengthened if this funding had been granted months ago.

Last year, Community and Social Services Minister Lisa MacLeod announced $11.5 million for 400 agencies, including shelters.

Rape crisis centres fall under the attorney general, which has said the government is reviewing all spending as it works to bring down the deficit.

We recognize that these organizations do important and valuable work in their communities, and this review will be an opportunity to align service levels with needs and better co-ordinate and deliver services in the most sustainable and effective way, Mulroneys office has said in the past.
OTTAWAPrime Minister Justin Trudeaus top political aide and longtime friend Gerald Butts resigned Monday, while denying allegations that senior officials in the Prime Ministers Office applied political pressure on former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to settle criminal charges against SNC-Lavalin.

The abrupt move by Trudeaus closest confidant since their student days at McGill University comes just days after the prime minister publicly defended actions by Butts and his staff in the growing controversy. The resignation stunned political Ottawa on a holiday Monday.

On Twitter, Trudeau praised his friend. Gerald Butts served this government  and our country  with integrity, sage advice and devotion. I want to thank him for his service and continued friendship, he wrote.

Liberals shocked by Buttss move said they respected his desire to defend the PMO against the accusations more freely from outside its official ranks.

But it did not quell the growing uproar over alleged political interference by the governing Liberals in a criminal prosecution.

On Monday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for a public inquiry.

The Conservative-led official Opposition did not go that far. Leader Andrew Scheer, in a written release, said Buttss sudden resignation  is the clearest indication yet that there is much more to the SNC-Lavalin affair than the prime minister has so far admitted.

The latest move settles nothing, said Scheer. He said Conservative MPs will pursue a thorough and public investigation at the Commons justice committee as it considers other options. Conservative justice critic Lisa Raitt said the committee will keep pressing to hear from Butts. And Scheer called on Trudeau to waive solicitor-client privilege so Jody Wilson-Raybould can tell her side of the story to Canadians.

Singh, the New Democrat leader, said Buttss resignation is a shocking admission of potential wrongdoing on the part of the party with respect to the SNC-Lavalin scandal, and more than ever, it bolsters our argument that we need to get to a public inquiry to have an independent investigation into what is going on.

Read more:

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Butts departure marks end of position rarely seen in Canadian political life

Wilson-Raybould did not raise concerns about the handling of the SNC-Lavalin case, Trudeau says

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In quitting, Butts insisted nobody in the PMO pressured Wilson-Raybould to offer any kind of deal to SNC-Lavalin, as was suggested by unnamed sources in a Globe and Mail report on Feb. 7.

That report said Wilson-Raybould was shuffled out of her job as justice minister into the Veterans Affairs Ministry  widely viewed as a demotion  because she resisted the PMO pressure. Trudeau later said he would never have moved Wilson-Raybould from her post if another cabinet minister hadnt quit for personal reasons, forcing a shuffle.

Wilson-Raybould has maintained her silence, and quit Trudeaus cabinet last week without specifying why.

I categorically deny the accusation that I or anyone else in his office pressured Ms. Wilson-Raybould, Butts wrote in a nearly 700-word statement the PMO released Monday.

We honoured the unique role of the Attorney General. At all times, I and those around me acted with integrity and a singular focus on the best interests of all Canadians.

Butts said the existence of the allegation, even if false, is an unwanted distraction.

It cannot and should not take one moment away from the vital work the prime minister and his office is doing for all Canadians. My reputation is my responsibility and that is for me to defend. It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away.

Butts made a point of highlighting the fact he encouraged Wilson-Raybould to run for the Liberal party under Trudeaus banner in 2015, and said he worked hard to support her as a candidate and as a cabinet minister. He also wrote he believed their relationship has always been defined by mutual respect, candour and an honest desire to work together.

Wilson-Rayboulds lawyer, former Supreme Court justice Thomas Cromwell, declined to comment on Buttss resignation or statement.

Longtime Liberal Scott Reid, a former aide in Paul Martins PMO, called Butts a friend and said on Twitter that it is impossible to overstate his commitment to Trudeau and his importance to this government and todays Liberal Party.

Yet Reid wrote that Buttss departure kills the snide speculation that Trudeau is trying to protect his office.

Reid said that the inescapable conclusion is that Gerry believes there is incoming fire and a) he wants to take that hit as personally as possible and b) he is freeing himself to wage the pushback as fiercely as possible.

Penny Collenette, a former senior director in the PMO under Jean Chretien, said resigning from the PMO is a very difficult thing to do but given the circumstances of the past week, it is appropriate that someone in the office take accountability.

Gerry Butts has done the right thing. Liberals need to take deep breath, and both cabinet and caucus need to have very forthright discussions and clear the air. This would not be the time for nerves, but for strength, said Collenette, adding that the Liberal party has a great depth of talent and organizational ability that will serve it well in the months to come.

Trudeaus office, through a spokesperson, had already admitted there were robust cabinet discussions around whether SNC-Lavalin could avail itself of a deferred prosecution agreement, and admitted that Butts and Wilson-Raybould spoke on Dec. 5 about the matter.

Their meeting happened some two months after the director of public prosecutions, Kathleen Roussel, rejected SNC-Lavalins attempt to negotiate a deal.

The PMO said Wilson-Raybould was the one who raised the companys problems in that conversation with Butts, and that he referred her to Privy Council clerk Michael Wernick.

Trudeau told reporters he spoke to Wilson-Raybould on Sept. 17 about SNC-Lavalin, but did not detail the whole conversation, citing cabinet confidentiality.

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When she asked me if I was directing her or giving her instructions in relation to this decision, I told her, No, assuredly not. Its your decision to take, Trudeau told reporters.

Cameron Ahmad, a spokesperson for Trudeau, said in an interview that Butts offered his resignation Monday, adding the prime minister will be in the Commons on Tuesday and will answer questions about the matter.

He said Buttss statement was quite clear about why he tendered his resignation  because of anonymous sources that have alleged that he has done something wrong, and he continues to vigorously deny those accusations.

Ahmad added, Everything weve said thus far remains totally true and we stand by what weve said. We stand by our actions as a government.

Jaime Watt, chair of Navigator, a crisis management and communication firm, said of Buttss resignation statement: What is interesting is while (he) is resigning, he is not admitting to any wrongdoing. It is reasonable to conclude from that hes expecting more to come on this story, and he wants to be free and unfettered in his defence of both himself, his reputation and that of the prime minister.

One of the things in politics is there always has to be someones fault. Thats one of the risks of being a political staffer. When someone has to take the hit, its not the leader, its the staffer. Mr. Butts has done what amongst his peers to be considered an honourable thing, which is to take responsibility for it and try to get the issue put behind the government.

SNC-Lavalin has pleaded not guilty to bribery and fraud charges related to its work in Libya, saying any wrongdoing or illicit payments made to the regime of Moammar Gadhafi between 2001 and 2011 was done by rogue employees without its consent.

It wants to enter a remediation agreement that could see it pay a heavy fine and comply with strict corporate reforms, but which would spare the company the costly fallout of a criminal conviction, which would include a ban on government contracts.

The departure of Butts from the PMO will not end the questions for the government.

The federal ethics commissioner, Mario Dion, is investigating whether any public office holder breached conflict rules in any efforts in the SNC-Lavalin affair.

SNC-Lavalin has been a big political donor to the Liberals, less so to the other political parties. But the parties returned donations once the company was found to have breached election financing laws.

On top of the ethics inquiry, the Commons justice committee will meet Tuesday behind closed doors to consider what witnesses they should hear from in a probe into whether there was undue influence. So far, the Liberals have succeeded in restricting the scope of that inquiry.

New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen, who has called for Butts, Wilson-Raybould and others to testify about the alleged political interference at the justice committee, said the principal secretarys resignation is huge.

He argued Buttss decision to step down adds credibility to the allegations that officials in the PMO pushed Wilson-Raybould to overrule public prosecutors and offer SNC-Lavalin a mediation agreement.

Theres nothing more serious than this. This goes to the very trust Canadians have in their government, Cullen told the Star by phone Monday.

He said the justice committee should subpoena Butts to testify about what happened, now that he has resigned.

Lets put him under oath, along with Ms. Wilson-Raybould and the others that were actually involved, Cullen said.

If everything was innocent, then why is he quitting now?

Butts, a native of Cape Breton, N.S., is a blunt-talking political operative who worked in the Ontario Liberal government of former premier Dalton McGuinty and as an environmental activist with the World Wildlife Fund.

He stickhandled much of the NAFTA renegotiation talks along with Trudeaus other close aide and confidante, chief of staff Katie Telford.

Raitt, the Conservative justice critic, said in an interview she was floored by the news and the Conservatives now expect Butts will be compelled to testify before the Commons justice committee.

Certainly this is a Pandoras box and we dont know what else is going to come out of it, Raitt said.

She said that we believe (Butts) is an important piece to the whole Wilson-Raybould issue.

With files from Nicholas Keung and Melanie Green, Star Vancouver

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The Supreme Court of Canada tackled a particularly pernicious modern-day privacy issue last week when it ruled that a teacher was guilty of voyeurism for secretly filming female students breast areas with a pen camera.

Such a creepy activity, involving a person in a position of trust targeting teen girls, may have sounded like a slam dunk for the prosecution. But it wasnt.

And that alone should sound an alarm that privacy rights need to be strengthened by courts and legislators alike as new surveillance technologies, such as spy cameras, drones and GPS tracking apps, come onto the market.

After all, the teacher in question, Ryan Jarvis of London, Ont., had been acquitted twice under the 2005 law that criminalizes voyeurism.

In the first instance, a trial judge found that Jarvis had violated the students privacy but wasnt satisfied he did it for sexual purposes. In the second, the Ontario Court of Appeal found that Jarvis had acted with sexual intent, but that the students had no reasonable expectation of privacy at a school.

That might have been the end of the case  this was the first one to be tried under the 2005 law  were it not for the fact that one of the appeal judges had dissented, giving the prosecution an opportunity to go to the top court.

Now the Supreme Court has given judges across Canada a clear guiding principle: A person doesnt lose his or her right to privacy the minute they step outside their front door.

Indeed, writing for the majority, Chief Justice Richard Wagner found that privacy is the concept of freedom from unwanted scrutiny, intrusion or attention, whether it occurs in a school or on a public street.

And the court alerted trial judges that privacy concerns are raised whether voyeurs are using a cellphone to capture so-called upskirt images of womens genitals or underwear, or drones to photograph sun bathers at public pools, or are surreptitiously video-recording a woman breastfeeding in a coffee shop.

In other words, while technology might make it easier to violate someones privacy, that doesnt mean a persons body is open fodder for someones sexual gratification.

That is especially important in this age of technology when sexual voyeurs can review photographs and videos in the privacy of their home or upload them to what are known as creepshot websites, where thousands of others may also view them.

Still, this decision and other cases arising around the world in this area underscore the fact that this is an area where legislators must be vigilant.

For example, the judges did not address the fact that studies have found voyeurism is predominantly perpetuated by men against women and girls.

As such, should it be considered gender-based violence and involve harsher punishment?

Legislators may also want to look at the issues raised by this case to ensure there are no loopholes that would allow other voyeurs to get away with their crimes.

For example, though the United Kingdom had a law on the books specifically stating that upskirting was a crime of voyeurism under its Sexual Offences Act, police there declined to prosecute a man accused of doing exactly that. Why? They deemed the shots not to be sexual because the victim was wearing underwear.

To ensure no one evades the intent of the law, Parliament had to pass a separate law specifically banning upskirting.

While the Supreme Court of Canadas decision will go a long way toward protecting the privacy and sexual integrity of Canadians, the Jarvis case sounds an alarm that must be heeded.

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First, MPs must ensure that Canadas 14-year-old voyeurism law will pass the test of time by anticipating possible new legal challenges to it and technological advances that should be covered by it.

And they should study what other laws must be strengthened or put in place to protect Canadians privacy in this digital age.

The Jarvis case shows that nothing can be left to chance.
MIAMI - The Latest on President Donald Trump addressing the political crisis in Venezuela (all times local):

7:30 p.m.

Venezuelas embattled president, Nicolas Maduro, is rejecting President Donald Trumps call for a new day in Venezuela and comparing the tone of the American presidents speech in Miami to that of a Nazi.

Trump said Monday that the U.S. stands behind opposition leader Juan Guaido and condemns Maduro and his governments socialist policies. Trump pleaded with Venezuelas military to support Guaido and warned of dire consequences for standing with Maduro.

Maduro responded to Trump in comments broadcast on state television. He accused the U.S. president of speaking in an almost Nazi style and lashed out at Trump for thinking he can deliver orders to Venezuelas military.

Maduro said, Who is the commander of the armed forces, Donald Trump from Miami? and added, They think theyre the owners of the country.

___

5:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump says the United States seeks a peaceful transition of power in Venezuela but all options are open.

Trump spoke on Monday in Miami about the monthslong political crisis in Venezuela and the dangers of socialism. The U.S. is supporting opposition leader Juan Guaido (gwy-DOH) as the rightful Venezuelan leader over President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump says he is asking every member of the Maduro regime to end this nightmare of poverty and death.

He says, Let your people go. Set your country free.

The Venezuelan military has largely remained loyal to Maduro. Trump says Guaidos government will not seek retribution against them, but if they continue to support Maduro, they will lose everything.

South Florida is home to the largest number of Venezuelans in the United States.

___

5:10 p.m.

President Donald Trump says socialism has ravaged Venezuela to the point that even the worlds largest oil reserves cannot keep the lights on in the country.

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Trump spoke on Monday in Miami about the political crisis in Venezuela and the dangers of socialism.

Trump welcomed onto the stage the mother of Oscar Perez, a Venezuelan police officer who flew a helicopter over the capital and launched grenades at the Supreme Court building. He and several comrades died in a gun battle with police after months on the lam.

The president says the U.S. is profoundly grateful to every dissident and every exile. He says what happened in Venezuela will never happen to us.

Trump says a new day is coming in Latin America.

___

12:25 p.m.

President Donald Trump will seek on Monday to rally support among the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S. for opposition leader Juan Guaido (gwy-DOH), saying Venezuelas current path toward democracy is irreversible.

Thats according to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, who says that Trump will use his Miami speech to express strong support for Guaido and condemn President Nicolas Maduros government and its socialist policies.

As the monthslong political crisis continues, Trump is to make a public case to Venezuelas military to support Guaidos government.

The Venezuelan military has largely remained loyal to Maduro. Sanders says Trump would warn the Venezuelan military that the U.S. knows where military officials and their families have money hidden throughout the world.
OAKLAND, Calif. - The Catholic Diocese of Oakland, California, has released the names of 45 priests, deacons and religious brothers who officials say are credibly accused of sexually abusing minors.

The San Francisco Chronicle said Monday that Oaklands list goes back to 1962  when the diocese was founded. None of the men are currently in the ministry. Of the 45 people named, 20 were priests.

Oakland is the latest in a series of dioceses across the country to release names amid a scandal involving pedophile priests and decades of church coverups.

Most of the listed abuse dates from the 1960s into the 1980s. Diocese officials say there have been no credible accusations of abuse since 1988, but acknowledge that the list may grow in the coming months.

I pray the public acknowledgment of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests, Oakland Bishop Michael Barber said in a letter.

The majority of those named have been previously identified through court filings or news articles. But five names have not been in the public domain until now, said Stephan Wilcox, chancellor of the Oakland diocese.

Wilcox said the diocese considers it a living list.

This isnt, Oh, thank God weve got the list out. Were done. This is now part of our process. And we know we have more work to do, he told the newspaper.

Wilcox said he has turned over the list of names and information to the Alameda County district attorney to determine if prosecutions are warranted. Aside from the fact that many of the accused have died, Wilcox said statutes of limitations may be an issue.

Wilcox said hes spent several weeks reaching out to survivors but hasnt yet spoken to all of them.

Survivors in general were pleased with the step but still think the church needs to do more, he said.

Some wanted a direct apology from the church, and others said the Diocese of Oakland needs to offer more services to victims.

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In October, a law firm suing bishops for records on abuse released its own list of names of alleged abusers, totalling more than 200 clergy in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Jeff Anderson & Associates list included more names of clergy than those released by the Diocese of San Jose, and named 95 tied to the Diocese of Oakland  more than double the dioceses own list.

Wilcox said the discrepancy lies in the standard used to qualify for a credible allegation.
WILMINGTON, Del. - The trial for four inmates charged with murder in a 2017 Delaware prison riot ended Monday with no convictions.

Jurors deliberated about five days before acquitting Abednego Baynes, 26, and Kevin Berry, 28, of all charges filed after the uprising at Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in February 2017, The News Journal of Wilmington reported .

Officer Steven Floyd died during the 18-hour standoff. The two other guards were released and a prison counsellor was rescued by police.

The jury could not reach unanimous verdicts on a riot and assault charge against John Bramble, 29. Jurors also didnt reach a unanimous decision on murder charges and a riot charge against Obadiah Miller, 26. The two were acquitted of all other charges.

Prosecutors must decide whether to retry Bramble and Miller. Deputy Attorney General John Downs declined comment as he left the courthouse after the verdict.

Each defendant proclaimed his innocence from the stand during the four-week trial, which was the second of four associated with the uprising and hostage standoff. The first ended in mixed verdicts.

Defence attorney Thomas Pedersen, who represented Bramble, said the state must give their case some serious thought and consideration.

The witnesses they have called have told so many different stories there are so many contradictions that I dont know how they will convince any jury beyond reasonable doubt, Pedersen said exiting the courthouse.

Prosecutors argued the men were soldiers in the deadly plot to take over Building C at the prison. Witnesses said inmates used violence to subdue the buildings three correctional officers into closets.

While it was unclear who struck the fatal blows, prosecutors argued the men were all liable for Floyds murder as accomplices participating in the takeover.

The main witnesses were other inmates, who defence attorneys said couldnt be believed. They said prosecutors ignored inconsistencies in the stories of their own witnesses.

The uprising led to reforms with how the state treats its inmates, a $7.5 million settlement between the victims and the state and ongoing civil rights lawsuits claiming inmates have been mistreated before and after.

Delaware Correction Department Commissioner Perry Phelps said he was disappointed in the verdict but respected the jurys decision.

Four more inmates from the building are set to go to trial on murder charges next month. Sixteen were indicted on murder charges and two were indicted on lesser charges. One took a plea to co-operate with the state.

Another killed himself after taking a plea late last year.

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Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - An anonymous donor has given $5,000 for college scholarships from the Annapolis Police Department in honour of the five people killed at the Capital Gazette last year, allowing five students to receive $1,000 college scholarships.

The five were killed when a gunman burst into the newspaper offices in June.

Lt. Kevin Krause tells the Capital Gazette the donor has asked the recipients learn about the person their individual scholarship is dedicated to: 65-year-old Wendi Winters; 61-year-old Gerald Fischman; 59-year-old Rob Hiaasen; 56-year-old John McNamara; and 34-year-old Rebecca Smith.

The students may use the money to study any field they choose. Last year, the police department gave out two scholarships.

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Information from: The Capital, http://www.capitalgazette.com/
WASHINGTON - In the nations capital, it can be hard for protesters to stand out. A group of 50 people  or even 500  holding signs and shouting hardly merits a second glance in this city of protests.

Thats why Washington activists have to get creative. Theres an ethos of performative prankster-style protest wired into the District of Columbias history, dating back decades.

This confrontational street-theatre school is flourishing with the Trump administration as its nemesis. Each month brings new acts of political theatre  some confrontational, some deliberately absurdist.

It can take a serious issue into more of a playful place, said Robin Bell, who regularly projects disparaging messages onto the outside of the Trump International Hotel. Oftentimes we visualize the absurdity of the situation.

In January, a group of activists associated with political pranksters The Yes Men passed out dozens of fake Washington Posts , with detailed articles depicting President Donald Trump resigning and fleeing the White House. For about a month last fall, a Robert Mueller investigation-themed ice cream truck roamed Washington, passing out free scoops with names like IndictMint Chip and Rocky Rod Rosenstein.

While some protests are designed to get attention, others hide in plain sight like Easter eggs for the observant. Within sight of the White House, a realistic-looking street sign declares the street Khashoggi Way, after Jamal Khashoggi, the dissident Saudi journalist killed inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. About 10 of these signs have been scattered around Washington.

Activist Claude Taylor said he planted his first sign in front of the Saudi Embassy, where it lasted 24 hours before being removed. But hes pleased the sign outside the White House has lasted so long  more than a month  since his protest is against both Khashoggis murder and what he considers Trumps soft response. Taylor also drives around town carrying an inflatable effigy depicting the president as a giant rat .

Its got to be art, its got to be creative. Thats what gets people hooked, said Adam Eidinger, perhaps Washingtons most high-profile political provocateur.

Eidinger is one of the Districts public faces for marijuana legalization and is known for disruptive protests. In 2017, his group passed out 1,000 joints on Capitol Hill, but only to ID-carrying congressional staffers. He says he still owns a small jail cell on wheels for use in political stunts.

Eidinger lists the advantages to this sort of theatrical approach. Its more enjoyable and inspiring for the participants, more likely to garner media attention and go viral. Equally important, its more likely to annoy opponents.

One of the goals is to have a psychological impact, to get into their heads, he said.

He says hes been arrested 23 times, although he emphasizes that usually isnt the point.

Just getting arrested is not creative. You should be willing to get arrested doing something else transgressive, he said.

The Trump administration is not the only target for these sorts of protests. On Thursday, two female activists disrobed inside the National Gallery of Art to protest what they say is a lack of diversity in the artists being featured. One led security on a brief chase before being subdued. The National Gallery of Art did not respond to a request for comment.

A day earlier, activists targeted the Philippine Embassy with a protest that was deliberately obscure. Around 7 a.m., several people strung swaths of red jute fabric on every tree, sign and lamp post surrounding the embassy, including the nearby statue of Daniel Webster. Last month, this group wrapped an enormous stretch of jute around the entire embassy fence, blocking both driveways.

Its an elaborate protest against Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs, in which human rights groups estimate more than 10,000 people have been killed by police and militias.

But there were no signs indicating that. In fact, given the date, most passers-by probably assumed it was related to Valentines Day.

Theres a deliberate mystery to what were doing said an organizer, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid prosecution. Our audience is the embassy. Hopefully the guy at the embassy is going to be like I dont know what this is about, but I better tell my boss.

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An embassy spokesman said local authorities had been contacted, but that all forms of peaceful freedom of expression are all welcome.

The godmother of this local protest ethos is Nadine Bloch, a resident of the historically liberal hotspot of Takoma Park, Maryland, located just over the Washington line. Blochs activism goes back to captaining a ship for Greenpeace in the 1990s seeking to disrupt French nuclear tests. Both Eidinger and Bell credit her with helping form their own sensibilities as part of the Washington Action Group.

Nadine gathered all these people in the late 90s and now theyre out there on their own doing it, Eidinger said.

Bloch speaks of the artist-activist and trains activists in a school of creative revolution known as beautiful trouble. She said simple public weirdness is not enough and counsels activists to think through their goals, their message and their audience.

A lot of people are in love with their clever tactics, Bloch said. But if you dont know what your goal is, then good luck if your message actually delivers.

In the institutional memory of Washingtons activists, December 1987 stands as an iconic moment. Thats when posters suddenly appeared across town with a brutal assessment of President Ronald Reagans attorney general, Edwin Meese: Experts Agree: Meese is a Pig.

Their origin was a local mystery at first, eventually revealed to be the work of Jeff Nelson, drummer for the Washington-based political hardcore band Minor Threat.

Nelson said his posters werent particularly clever or constructive but more like a vulgar scream of frustration.

I was just looking for some sort of megaphone to shout back, said Nelson, now 56 and living in Toledo, Ohio. Basically I did what I knew how to do, which was silkscreen posters.

But Nelsons legacy lingers.

When Bell, the projectionist, started targeting the Trump hotel after the 2016 election, he paid homage to his forebears.

His first projection said: Experts Agree: Trump is a Pig.
MIAMI - Prosecutors say Cincinnati Bengals running back Mark Walton is facing a marijuana possession charge in Florida.

Walton was arrested late Friday on an unrelated battery charge after police say he got into an argument with a Miami couple about his SUV blocking a parking garage entrance.

The drug charge came Jan. 16 after police said they smelled marijuana and found drugs in Waltons SUV during a traffic stop in Miami-Dade County.

The Miami Herald reports prosecutors did not make the drug charge public until Monday. Instead of being jailed in that case, the 21-year-old signed a document promising to appear in court.

Walton posted bond for the battery charge and was released from jail after Fridays arrest. Court records did not list an attorney for him.

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Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com
MILWAUKEEGregory Greiten was 17 years old when the priests organized the game. It was 1982 and he was on a retreat with his classmates from St. Lawrence, a Roman Catholic seminary for teenage boys training to become priests. Leaders asked each boy to rank which he would rather be: burned over 90 per cent of his body, paraplegic, or gay.

Each chose to be scorched or paralyzed. Not one uttered the word gay. They called the game the Game of Life.

The lesson stuck. Seven years later, he climbed up into his seminary dorm window and dangled one leg over the edge. I really am gay, Greiten, now a priest near Milwaukee, remembered telling himself for the first time. It was like a death sentence.

The closet of the Roman Catholic Church hinges on an impossible contradiction. For years, church leaders have driven gay congregants away in shame and insisted that homosexual tendencies are disordered. And yet, thousands of the churchs priests are gay.

The stories of gay priests are unspoken, veiled from the outside world, known only to one another, if they are known at all.

Fewer than about 10 priests in the United States have dared to come out publicly. But gay men likely make up at least 30 to 40 per cent of the American Catholic clergy, according to dozens of estimates from gay priests themselves and researchers. Some priests say the number is closer to 75 per cent. One priest in Wisconsin said he assumed every priest is gay unless he knows for a fact he is not. A priest in Florida put it this way: A third are gay, a third are straight, and a third dont know what the hell they are.

Two dozen gay priests and seminarians from 13 states shared intimate details of their lives in the Catholic closet with The New York Times over the past two months. They were interviewed in their churches before Mass, from art museums on the weekend, in their apartments decorated with rainbow neon lights, and between classes at seminary. Some agreed to be photographed if their identities were concealed.

Almost all of them required strict confidentiality to speak without fear of retribution from their bishops or superiors. A few had been expressly forbidden to come out or even to speak about homosexuality. Most are in active ministry, and could lose more than their jobs if they are outed. The church almost always controls a priests housing, health insurance and retirement pension. He could lose all three if his bishop finds his sexuality disqualifying, even if he is faithful to his vows of celibacy.

Read More:

Bombshell book alleges a Vatican gay subculture, hypocrisy

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick scandal inflames debate over gay priests

Catholic bishops call for a more inclusive, welcoming church

The environment for gay priests has grown only more dangerous. The fall of Theodore McCarrick, the once-powerful cardinal who was defrocked last week for sexual abuse of boys and young men, has inflamed accusations that homosexuality is to blame for the churchs resurgent abuse crisis.

Studies repeatedly find there to be no connection between being gay and abusing children. And yet prominent bishops have singled out gay priests as the root of the problem, and right-wing media organizations attack what they have called the churchs homosexual subculture, lavender mafia, or gay cabal.

Even Pope Francis has grown more critical in recent months. He has called homosexuality fashionable, recommended that men with this deep-seated tendency not be accepted for ministry, and admonished gay priests to be perfectly responsible, trying to never create scandal.

This week, Francis will host a much-anticipated summit on sex abuse with bishops from around the world. The debate promises to be not only about holding bishops accountable but also about homosexuality itself.

This is my life, a parish priest in the Northeast said. You feel like everyone is on a witch hunt now for things you have never done.

Just a few years ago, this shift was almost unimaginable. When Francis uttered his revolutionary question, Who am I to judge? in 2013, he tempted the closet door to swing open. A cautious few priests stepped through.

But if the closet door cracked, the sex abuse crisis now threatens to slam it shut. Widespread scapegoating has driven many priests deeper into the closet.

The vast majority of gay priests are not safe, said Father Bob Bussen, a priest in Park City, Utah, who was outed about 12 years ago after he held Mass for the LGBTQ community.

Life in the closet is worse than scapegoating, he said. It is not a closet. It is a cage.

You can be taught to act straight in order to survive

Even before a priest may know he is gay, he knows the closet. The code is taught early, often in seminary. Numquam duo, semper tres, the warning goes. Never two, always three. Move in trios, never as a couple. No going on walks alone together, no going to the movies in a pair. The higher-ups warned for years: Any male friendship is too dangerous, could slide into something sexual, and turn into what they called a particular friendship.

You couldnt have a particular friendship with a man, because you might end up being homosexual, explained a priest, who once nicknamed his friends the PFs. And you couldnt have a friendship with a woman, because you might end up falling in love, and they were both against celibacy. With whom do you have a relationship that would be a healthy human relationship?

Today, training for the priesthood in the United States usually starts in or after college. But until about 1980, the church often recruited boys to start in ninth grade  teenagers still in the throes of puberty. For many of todays priests and bishops over 50, this environment limited healthy sexual development. Priests cannot marry, so sexuality from the start was about abstinence, and obedience.

Priests in America tend to come out to themselves at a much later age than the national average for gay men, 15. Many gay priests spoke of being pulled between denial and confusion, finally coming out to themselves in their 30s or 40s.

Greiten was 24 when he realized he was gay and considered jumping from his dorm window. He did not jump, but confided his despair in a classmate. His friend came out himself. It was a revelation: There were other people studying to be priests who were gay. It was just that no one talked about it.

He reached out to a former seminary professor who he thought might also be a gay man.

There will be a time in your life when you will look back on this and youre going to just love yourself for being gay, Greiten remembered this man telling him. I thought, This man must be totally insane.

But he had discovered the strange irony of the Catholic closet  it isnt secret at all.

Its kind of like an open closet, Greiten said. Its the making of it public, and speaking about it, where it becomes an issue.

One priest, whose parish has no idea he is gay, remembered a backyard cocktail party a few years ago where fellow priests were saying vile things about a gay bishop. He intervened, and came out to them. He lost three friends that night. I broke the code by announcing to them that I was gay, he said. It was a conspiracy of silence.

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That is a reason many of the men are out to only a few close friends. The grapevine has taught them which priests in their diocese are gay, whom to trust, and whom to fear.

All priests must wrestle with their vows of celibacy, and the few priests who are publicly out make clear they are chaste.

Still, many priests said they have had sex with other men to explore their sexual identity. Some have watched pornography to see what it was like for two men to have sex. They ultimately found more anguish than pleasure.

One priest had sex for the first time at 62, no strings attached, with a man he met online. The relationship was discovered and reported to his bishop, and he has not had sex since. Another priest, when asked if he had ever considered himself as having a partner, wondered what that even meant. He paused, before mentioning one very special friend. I fell in love several times with men, he said. I knew from the beginning it wasnt going to last.

Though open, the closet means that many priests have held the most painful stories among themselves for decades: The seminarian who died by suicide, and the matches from a gay bar found afterward in his room. The priest friends who died of AIDS. The feeling of coming home to an empty rectory every night.

So they find ways to encourage one another. They share books like Father James Martins groundbreaking Building a Bridge, on the relationship between the Catholic and LGBT communities. Some have signed petitions against church-sponsored conversion therapy programs, or have met on private retreats, after figuring out how to conceal them on their church calendars. Occasionally, a priest may even take off his collar and offer to unofficially bless a gay couples marriage.

Some may call this rebellion. But it is not a cabal, one priest said. It is a support group.

Just over a year ago, after meeting with a group of gay priests, Greiten decided it was time to end his silence. At Sunday Mass, during Advent, he told his suburban parish he was gay, and celibate. They leapt to their feet in applause.

His story went viral. A 90-year-old priest called him to say he had lived his entire life in the closet and longed for the future to be different. A woman wrote from Mississippi, asking him to move south to be her priest.

To some church leaders, that outpouring of support may have been even more threatening than his sexuality. Greiten had committed the cardinal sin: He opened the door to debate. His archbishop, Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee, issued a statement saying that he wished Greiten had not gone public. Letters poured in calling him satanic, gay filth, and a monster who sodomized children.

We have to get it right when it comes to sexuality

The idea that gay priests are responsible for child sexual abuse remains a persistent belief, especially in many conservative Catholic circles. For years, church leaders have been deeply confused about the relationship between gay men and sexual abuse. With every new abuse revelation, the tangled threads of the churchs sexual culture become even more impossible to sort out.

Study after study shows that homosexuality is not a predictor of child molestation. This is also true for priests, according to a famous study by John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the wake of revelations in 2002 about child sex abuse in the church. The John Jay research, which church leaders commissioned, found that same-sex experience did not make priests more likely to abuse minors, and that four out of five people who said they were victims were male. Researchers found no single cause for this abuse, but identified that abusive priests extensive access to boys had been critical to their choice of victims.

Blaming gay men for sexual abuse is almost sure to be a major topic this week at the Vatican, at a much-anticipated four-day summit on sexual abuse. Francis has called the worlds most powerful bishops to Rome to educate them on the problems of abuse, after high-profile abuse cases in the United States, Australia, Chile and elsewhere.

The event has worried gay priests. A few years after the 2002 scandal, the Vatican banned gay men from seminaries and ordination. When the abuse crisis broke out again last summer, the former Vatican ambassador to the United States, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, accused homosexual networks of American cardinals of secretly working to protect abusers. And this week, a sensational book titled Sodoma in Europe (In the Closet of the Vatican in the United States) is being released that claims to expose a vast gay subculture at the Vatican.

A group of gay priests in the Netherlands recently took the unusually bold step of writing to Francis, urging him to allow gay, celibate men to be ordained.

Instead of seeing increased accountability on the parts of the bishops, it could become once again a condemnation of lesbian, gay, transsexual people within the church, John Coe, 63, a permanent deacon in Kentucky, who came out last year, said about the summit.

Sitting in his parishs small counselling room, Greiten reflected on it all. He wished he could talk to Francis himself. Listen to my story of how the church traumatized me for being a gay man, he asked, into the air.

Its not just about the sexual abuse crisis, he said, his voice growing urgent. They are sexually traumatizing and wounding yet another generation. We have to stand up and say no more sexual abuse, no more sexual traumatizing, no more sexual wounding. We have to get it right when it comes to sexuality.

For now, Greiten was getting ready for his 15th trip to Honduras with doctors and medical supplies. A shadow box hung on the wall behind him. It displayed a scrap of purple knitting, needle still stuck in the top. He calls it The Unfinished Gift.

What if every priest was truly allowed to live their life freely, openly, honestly? he asked. Thats my dream.
BEIRUT - The Latest on the Syria conflict (all times local):

4:45 p.m.

The International Rescue Committee says more than 60 people have died in recent weeks after making their way out of the last area controlled by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria.

Spokesman Paul Donohoe says exhaustion and malnutrition are the principle causes of the deaths. He said Monday that at least 62 people died, two thirds of them children under the age of one. He says they either died along the way or soon after arriving at the camp.

Over 30,000 people who left the last IS-held areas have arrived at the al-Hol camp in Syrias northern Hassakeh province in the last few weeks, raising the overall population of the camp to almost 42,000.

Kurdish-led forces continue to fight IS militants clinging to a tiny stretch of land.

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3:30 p.m.

Syrian opposition activists and paramedics say two bomb blasts have struck the northwestern city of Idlib, killing at least 10 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the blasts in the Qusour neighbourhood during rush hour Monday killed 13 people and wounded 25.

The Edlib Media Center, an activist collective, said the bombings killed 10 and wounded dozens.

The first blast occurred in the early afternoon and another followed seconds later. The oppositions Syrian Civil Defence, a group of volunteer first responders, said one of its members was wounded.

The city of Idlib is controlled by al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has wide influence in northern Syria.

The city has been hit with bombings in recent months that killed or wounded scores of people.

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3:15 p.m.

Syrian opposition activists and paramedics say two bomb blasts in the northwestern city of Idlib have inflicted casualties.

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The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the blasts in the Qusour neighbourhood during rush hour wounded about 30 people. It said there were unconfirmed reports of deaths.

The Local Coordination Committees and the Syrian Civil Defence, a group of first responders, also reported casualties. The bombs went off in the same area, just seconds apart.

The city of Idlib is controlled by al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has wide influence in northern Syria.

The city has been hit with bombings in recent months that killed or wounded scores of people.

The Observatory and the Syrian Civil Defence earlier reported government shelling of rebel-held towns south of Idlib, saying several people were wounded.

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12:30 p.m.

More than 300 Islamic State militants who are holed up in a tiny area in eastern Syria are refusing to surrender to U.S.-backed Syrian forces and are trying to negotiate an exit.

A person familiar with the negotiations says the militants are asking for a corridor to the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the talks, which he described as taking place indirectly.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group that monitors the civil war in Syria, says another request by the Islamic State group to be evacuated to neighbouring Iraq was also rejected.

The militants are making their last stand in eastern Syria, hiding among hundreds of civilians.
JERUSALEM - Israeli police say they have arrested five Palestinians for allegedly causing a disturbance at a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site.

The men took part in a prayer protest Monday outside a section of the hilltop compound that has been closed by Israeli court order for over a decade.

Muslim religious officials convened in the closed area last week, and Israeli police placed a lock on a fence in response. Videos purportedly of Mondays incident show several men damaging the fence.

The site  known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary  is considered the holiest place in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam. Any change to the status quo, no matter how minor, has the potential to ignite tensions.
TEHRAN, Iran - Irans president on Monday described U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran as an economic war being waged on his country and stressed that economic war is more difficult than military war.

Hassan Rouhani spoke as he inaugurated the third and final phase of the sprawling Persian Gulf Star refinery built in the Persian Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas. Construction of the refinery began in 2006 and it now has the capacity of 400,000 barrels a day, which amounts to about 20 per cent of Irans 2.1 million barrels of daily refining capacity.

Rouhani praised the inauguration, saying in a televised speech that it comes despite Americas imposing the harshest sanctions on Iran.

The Trump administration last year pulled the U.S out of Irans nuclear deal with world powers and re-imposed sanction on Iran, targeting its vital oil sector.

We have inaugurated huge national projects in this situation, Rouhani said at they inauguration, adding that this comes despite efforts by the U.S., Israel and their allies to increase pressures on Iran.

Also Monday, spokesman for Irans Foreign Ministry dismissed U.S. reports of a former U.S. Air Force counterintelligence specialist who defected to Iran despite warnings from the FBI. Monica Elfriede Witt, 39, has been charged with revealing classified information to the Tehran government, including the code name and secret mission of a Pentagon program.

I think it is not true, and that it is media propaganda aimed at Iran, said Bahram Ghasemi, he spokesman, without going into specifics.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - India on Monday accused Pakistan of breaching the rights of an alleged spy who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court, a case at the U.N.s highest court that has exacerbated tensions between the longtime rivals.

Indian lawyer Harish Salve told judges at the International Court of Justice that Pakistans claims of espionage and sabotage against Kulbhushan Jadhav have always been strong on rhetoric and blurry on facts.

Jadhav was arrested by Pakistan in March 2016 after he allegedly entered the country from Iran. Pakistani officials say he has been linked to 1,345 deaths in acts of terrorism in Pakistan, making secret trips to the country from Iran.

He was convicted in Pakistan by a military tribunal and sentenced to death in April 2017. The U.N. court last year ordered Pakistan not to execute him pending the outcome of the case in The Hague.

Mondays hearings played out against a backdrop of already high tensions between the neighbours over a deadly attack last week when a militant in the disputed Kashmir region rammed an explosive-laden van into a paramilitary bus, killing at least 40 soldiers. It was the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmirs history.

Four Indian soldiers, two suspected militants and a civilian were killed Monday in a gunbattle in Kashmir.

As hearings opened Monday in the Great Hall of Justice in The Hague, Salve said that Jadhavs court martial hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and ... should be declared unlawful.

He urged judges to declare Jadhavs continued custody unlawful and considering the trauma to which he has been subjected for over three years, it would be in the interests of justice, of making human rights a reality, to direct his release.

India says Pakistani authorities ignored repeated requests to grant Jadhav access to consular officials and let him choose his own lawyer for the trial.

Pakistan lawyers are to set out their case on Tuesday.

After Mondays hearing, a member of the Pakistan delegation told reporters outside the court said India had not answered key questions about the case in its presentation to judges.

You will hear what we have to say about this tomorrow, said lawyer Khawar Qureshi. Today, we are disappointed with Indias position. Theyve said nothing new.

The courts judges will likely take months to issue a ruling and their decisions are final and legally binding.
ISLAMABAD - A senior Saudi diplomat on Monday fired back after Iran initially blamed the kingdom for an attack last week that killed 27 members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guard.

Adel al-Jubeir, the minister of state for foreign affairs, called Iran a chief sponsor of terrorism, saying its allegations sought to divert the attention of the Iranian people from the countrys own troubles.

Saudi Arabia has been the victim of terrorism, he added, saying the kingdom would continue to be unmerciful in going after terrorists and those who finance and condone them.

The comments came as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was concluding a two-day visit to Pakistan. Al-Jubeir, the kingdoms former foreign minister, is part of the princes entourage.

Iranian officials had at first said that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were behind Wednesdays bombing near the Pakistani border, but later said the attack was planned from inside Pakistan. The militant Sunni group Jaish al-Adl, which claimed responsibility, is believed to operate from havens in Pakistan.

Pakistan has close ties to Saudi Arabia, which views Iran as a regional threat, and often balances between Riyadh and Tehran.

Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told his Iranian counterpart on Sunday that Islamabad would fully co-operate in the investigation into the attack on the Revolutionary Guard. Pakistan has also pledged to act if Tehran shares evidence against those linked to the attack.

On Monday, three Pakistani security officials said a search operation was underway in remote southwestern regions bordering Iran in an effort to arrest suspects linked to attacks in Pakistan and Iran. They said the security forces were searching areas where Tehran believed insurgents responsible for last weeks attack might be hiding.

The officials said the operation began Sunday and was expanded after militants killed six Pakistani paramilitary troops in two attacks in the southwestern towns of Turbat and Loralai.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief media, said Pakistani and Iranian officials have been in touch since the attack.

Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the head of Irans armed forces, said the Pakistani army had launched an operation near the border. He urged Pakistan to confront armed groups or let Iranian forces enter the battlefield.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia signed agreements worth $20 billion to help Pakistan overcome its financial crisis.

Pakistan voiced support for the prince during the international outcry after the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in October. The kingdom has long provided aid to Pakistan, and signed an agreement for a $6 billion assistance package after Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan attended an investment conference that month that saw a wave of cancellations linked to the Khashoggi killing.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi on Monday conferred the countrys highest civilian honour on the Saudi crown prince, who left Pakistan amid tight security. Khan drove the prince to the airport.

Prince Mohammad is expected to travel onward to neighbouring India, which has warned Pakistan of a crushing response to the suicide bombing of a paramilitary convoy in Indian-controlled Kashmir that killed 41 people on Thursday.

In a joint statement Monday, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reiterated their commitment to continue combating extremism and terrorism and promoting peace in Afghanistan.

The Afghan Taliban were scheduled to hold talks with the United States in Islamabad on Monday, but they postponed them, saying most members of their negotiating team were unable to travel because they are blacklisted by the U.S. and the United Nations. The Taliban maintain a political office in Qatar, where members of the negotiating team reside.

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Associated Press writers Abdul Sattar in Quetta, Pakistan, and Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran contributed.
SINGAPORE - World stocks mostly rose on Monday ahead of more trade talks between Chinese and American officials in Washington this week.

After Asian markets closed with strong gains, European indexes were more subdued. Frances CAC 40 gained 0.3 per cent to close at 5,168.54 but the DAX in Germany was flat at 11,299.20. Britains FTSE 100 fell 0.2 per cent to 7,219.47.

Wall Street was due to remain closed for Presidents Day.

On Friday, China and the U.S. announced plans to resume trade negotiations in Washington, fueling hopes that both countries were edging toward a deal.

We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi expressed hope for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Negotiators had just wrapped up two days of talks in Beijing. A tariffs truce expires March 2 and will leave the U.S. free to more than double import taxes on $200 billion in Chinese goods.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he may hold off on these if the country was close to a deal with China. Traders are waiting to see if enough progress was made on thorny issues like Washingtons unhappiness over Chinese technology and trade policies.

Achieving a deal is important to avert an escalation in the tariff war between the worlds two largest economies, DBS Group Research strategists Philip Wee and Eugene Leow said in a commentary.

It, however, does not imply that the U.S. would lower tariffs. China will still be looking at fiscal stimulus and monetary easing measures to cushion growth, they added.

THE DAY IN ASIA: Japans benchmark Nikkei 225 advanced 1.8 per cent to 21,281.85 and South Koreas Kospi jumped 0.7 per cent to 2,210.89. The Shanghai Composite index rose 2.7 per cent to 2,754.36. Hong Kongs Hang Seng was 1.6 per cent higher at 28,347.01. Australias S&P/ASX 200 index added 0.4 per cent to 6,089.80. Shares rose in Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia.

ENERGY: U.S. crude added 40 cents to $55.99 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It added $1.18 on Friday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, gained 22 cents at $66.47 per barrel in London. It picked up $1.68 on Friday.

CURRENCIES: The dollar strengthened to 110.56 yen from 110.48 yen late Friday. The euro rose to $1.1313 from $1.1293.
SRINAGAR, India - Tensions escalated after a suicide attack in disputed Kashmir, with nine people killed Monday in a gunbattle that broke out as Indian soldiers searched for militants.

Government forces surrounded a village in the southern Pulwama area on a tip that militants were hiding there, security officials said. As troops began conducting searches, they came under heavy gunfire, leading to a clash that killed four soldiers, three suspected militants, a police official and a civilian.

Three army officers, a senior police officer and three other soldiers were wounded in the operation, which follows the suicide attack last Thursday on a paramilitary convoy that killed at least 40 soldiers, the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmirs history.

India blamed the attack on Pakistan and promised a jaw-breaking response. Pakistan has warned India against linking it to the attack without an investigation, saying that it was part of New Delhis known rhetoric and tactics to divert global attention from human rights violations in Kashmir.

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the Muslim-majority region in its entirety.

The attack has led to a spike in communal tensions in Hindu-majority India.

Videos of anti-Kashmiri protests have gone viral on social media, including some in which Kashmiri students were beaten by mobs of Hindu nationalist groups and warned to leave colleges and universities.

On the outskirts of the northern city of Ambala, about 300 Kashmiri students were forced to leave their rented accommodations by local Hindu residents, at least three students reached by phone told The Associated Press.

One of the students who asked to be identified by only his middle name, Ahmed, due to fear of reprisals from his university, said he and his fellow students felt unsafe despite police security.

The Kashmiri students blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist ruling party for stoking anti-Muslim and anti-Kashmiri sentiment in India ahead of a general election due this year.

In another northern city, Dehradun, at least 20 Kashmiri students were forced to lock themselves in their hostel rooms for safety until police arrived, The Times of India newspaper reported. Police in Dehradun said the students were safe but refused to comment further.

Vijay Kumar, a top government adviser, said they received several complaints from students and businesspeople, and authorities were doing everything possible for the security of Kashmiris. He said authorities have spoken with officials in various cities and also set up help centres for Kashmiris living outside the state.

Reports of harassment elsewhere in India have triggered public anger in Kashmir, where authorities have suspended internet service on mobile phones and slowed other internet sources to try to stop the spread of videos or the organization of protests.

The Indian chapter of Amnesty International urged Indias federal and state governments to ensure that ordinary Kashmiri women and men do not face targeted attacks, harassment and arbitrary arrests following Thursdays suicide bombing.

We are at a dangerous moment, and authorities must do everything they can to uphold the rule of law, said Aakar Patel, head of Amnesty International India. Ordinary Kashmiris across India who are only seeking to improve their lives should not be singled out for violence simply because of where they come from.

The statement said many students are reported to have fled their universities in fear. Two colleges in Dehradun and one in Moradabad have stated that they will not admit new Kashmiri students, it said.

Mondays fighting in Kashmir triggered anti-India protests and clashes, with local residents, mainly youths, trying to march to the site of the gunbattle in solidarity with the rebels. Government forces fired tear gas at the stone-throwing protesters. No one was immediately reported injured in the clashes.

Residents said troops destroyed five civilian houses with explosives and gasoline during the fighting. Police said they recovered the bodies of the dead militants from the debris. A civilian was also killed in the crossfire, police said.

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The dead soldiers included an Indian army major. Police said two militants were killed in the initial fighting, which resumed after a lull of about four hours, leading to the killing of a third militant and injuries to several soldiers and a police officer.

Rebels have been fighting Indian control in Kashmir since 1989 and the uprising and ensuing crackdown have killed about 70,000 people.

Most Kashmiris support the rebels demand that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country, while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control.
SINGAPORE - Asian markets were broadly higher on Monday as traders looked forward to the continuation of trade talks between Chinese and American officials in Washington this week.

South Koreas Kospi jumped 0.7 per cent to 2,212.38 and the Shanghai Composite index rose 1.6 per cent to 2,724.23. Hong Kongs Hang Seng was 1.7 per cent higher at 28,359.81. Australias S&P/ASX 200 added 0.4 per cent to 6,089.90.

Japans benchmark Nikkei 225 advanced 1.8 per cent to 21,273.16. The country said its core machinery orders dropped 0.1 per cent in December from the previous month, beating forecasts of a 1.1 per cent decline. Shares rose in Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia.

After the markets closed on Friday, China and the U.S. announced plans to resume trade negotiations in Washington, fueling hopes that both countries were edging toward a deal.

We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi expressed hope for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Negotiators had just wrapped up two days of talks in Beijing. Investors were worried about progress on thorny issues like Washingtons unhappiness over Chinese technology and trade policies.

A tariffs truce expires March 2 and will leave the U.S. free to more than double import taxes on $200 billion in Chinese goods. President Donald Trump has said he may hold off on these if the country was close to a deal with China.

WALL STREET: Optimism surrounding U.S-China trade talks boosted indexes on Friday. The broad S&P 500 index rebounded 1.1 per cent to 2,775.60. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.7 per cent to 25,883.25 and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6 per cent at 7,472.41. The Russell 2000 index of smaller company stocks gained 1.6 per cent to 1,569.25.

ENERGY: U.S. crude added 28 cents to $55.87 per barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It added $1.18 to settle at $55.59 per barrel in New York on Friday. Brent crude, used to price international oils, shed 2 cents to $66.23 per barrel. It picked up $1.68 to $66.25 per barrel in London.

CURRENCIES: The dollar strengthened to 110.53 yen from 110.48 yen late Friday. The euro rose to $1.1317 from $1.1293.
ABADIANIA, Brazil - For over 40 years, spiritual healer Joao Teixeira de Faria drew people from all over the world to this small city in central Brazil, offering treatment for everything from depression to cancer.

His work was both praised  Oprah Winfrey called de Faria inspiring while visiting in 2012  and heavily scrutinized. Now, de Faria, who goes by the name Joao de Deus, or John of God, is in trouble with the law.

Since December, more than 250 women including his daughter have come forward to allege abuse that ranged from being felt up during treatments to rape. The mounting accusations are turning the 77-year-old spiritual guru into Brazils first major figure to go down in the #metoo era, which has been slow to take off in Latin Americas largest nation despite myriad problems with gender equality.

Meanwhile, the people in Abadiania, about a two-hour drive west from the nations capital of Brasilia, are in disbelief. They also fear for their futures without de Faria.

All of Abadiania depended on the work of Joao, said Claudio Pruja, the owner of a small inn who also sometimes worked as an assistant to de Faria. We dont have a beach. This isnt Copacabana.

Indeed, de Farias pull was so strong that the much more affluent new part of the town, built in the years since the healer opened his clinic in 1976, stands in sharp contrast to the older, run down part of town: There are brightly colored houses, swept streets, hotels with ATM machines inside  a rarity in small Brazilian cities  as well as specialty boutiques that cater to tourists and police constantly patrolling.

By some estimates, his casa spiritual, or spiritual house, attended to 10,000 patients a week. It was there that de Faria, who over the decades came under sharp scrutiny from critics who deemed him a charlatan, performed psychic surgeries that he said could heal a wide range of maladies.

Sometimes treatments were based on prayer, and sometimes they involved minor cutting into the body.

In 2012, Winfrey visited de Farias centre and interviewed him for her talk show, writing about the experience of seeing him cut into the breast of a woman without anesthesia.

An overwhelming sense of peace is how she described the experience in a column that has since been deleted on oprah.com.

Winfrey has issued a statement saying she sympathizes with the alleged victims and hopes they get justice.

According to more than 250 women, it was during the healing sessions that de Faria molested them or began grooming them for what would lead to forced sexual contact outside the clinic.

Luciano Miranda, a public prosecutor, told The Associated Press that his office had received testimony from women from six countries: Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Bolivia, the United States and Holland.

De Farias victims were of all ages, and he would often begin by turning off the lights and asking for a massage, Miranda said.

The biggest fear of victims was not being believed, Miranda added. He said some of the women said they held off talking publicly about it for years because of worry they could lose their husbands.

The scandal erupted when several women talked about their experiences on the show Conversa com Bial in December, leading to an avalanche of similar accusations in the weeks that followed.

The U.S. Embassy in Brazil published an alert asking Americans to contact Brazilian authorities if they had been abused by de Faria.

De Farias adult daughter, Dalva Teixeira, told Brazilian magazine Veja that her father frequently raped her between the ages of 10 and 14, all on the pretense of spiritual treatments.

My father is a monster, she told the magazine.

De Farias lawyers have noted that many of the allegations are decades old, and in some cases involved women who repeatedly visited the healer  putting into question the veracity of their abuse claims.

They argue their client, who has been arrested, should be released before a trial. They have called on Brazilians to know all the facts before judging.

Lynchings are always potentially unjust and lead a society to find scapegoats in individuals, lawyers Alberto Zacharias Toron and Luisa Moraes Abreu Ferreira wrote in a December op-ed in daily Folha de S. Paulo.

The accusations against de Faria come as cases of alleged abuse have emerged in several Latin American countries. In Argentina, a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff have been accused of sexual harassment to assault. In Costa Rica, a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault was filed against former president and Nobel peace laureate Oscar Arias, leading other women to come forward with accusations.

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Of the women who made the initial accusations on Conversa com Bial, only one agreed to be identified. Zahira Lieneke Mous, a Danish choreographer, recounted how she visited de Faria to deal with sexual abuse in her past.

During a first consultation, she said he placed her hands on his penis, and in a second encounter penetrated her from behind. After remaining silent for four years, she detailed her accusations in a Facebook post last year and told her story on the show. Contacted since then, Mous has declined to be interviewed.

Two other alleged victims reached by the AP have also declined to give interviews.

In Abadiania, where many express surprise at the allegations against de Faria, the married guru was seen around town as a ladys man.

Norberto Kist, another inn owner who often assisted de Faria, said the man he considered a father was attractive to women.

He had an energy, said Kist, waving his hands for emphasis. And that generated fascination in women.

A lot of things that happened, and others that are being presented in a ridiculous way (in the press), happened because of that strength, that energy, that magnetism, which is fascinating, Kist said.

Inside de Farias spiritual hospital is a picture of Jesus Christ next to one of de Faria. Signs in English and Portuguese give instructions like, Crystal bed in session. Silence please. Inside the centre, both workers and tourists dress in all white.

By all accounts, the number of visitors is way down, but the flow hasnt stopped entirely.

The energy is more pure. Its as strong as ever, if not stronger, said Tammy Pennington, an American from California recently in Abadiania for spa treatments.

Of the more than 250 cases, at least 112 have passed the statue of limitations, said Miranda, the public prosecutor. In such cases, its normally 20 years, but de Farias advanced age reduces the statute of limitations to 10 years.

No trial date has been set, but regardless of what happens, its unlikely de Faria will ever be able to practice again.

I feel sorry for the people suffering, said Angela Maria dos Santos, another healer who worked with de Faria for over 20 years at the centre, adding: Its a time of great pain.

___

Peter Prengaman reported from Rio de Janeiro.
BOGOTA - Gunmen killed two Colombian police officers Monday at a border bridge that connects the country with Venezuela, authorities said.

Police said the two armed men were walking along the river that divides Colombia and Venezuela and approached a customs and migration post at the Jose Antonio Paez International Bridge. The suspects then fired at the two officers on duty, police said.

Officials said 26-year-old Jeison Bejarano and 28-year-old Oscar Gonzalez were killed.

Arauca state Gov. Ricardo Alvarado said authorities had not determined who was responsible.

The border state of Arauca has been a hotbed for criminal activity and Colombian rebel groups like the National Liberation Army.
KANO, Nigeria - Nervous ahead of Nigerias delayed election, a group of young women picked up their cellphones and wished each other well.

Honestly Im so tensed and scared, one typed.

I feel like crying. This is so touching, another wrote.

What we are about to do is the beginning of an era, texted a third.

They are among dozens of first-time female candidates in a country where the percentage of women in parliament is one of the lowest in the world, under 7 per cent, and the idea of a woman as president brings a belly laugh from many men.

While Ethiopia and Rwanda in recent months drew global praise for announcing two of the worlds few gender-balanced Cabinets, Africas most populous nation and largest democracy has been largely stuck in a political culture heavy on cash and brawn.

You know how women are, explained Abdulaziz Maidubji, a 41-year-old businessman in the conservative northern city of Kano, in an interview with The Associated Press as others gathered and agreed. They are very weak. They cannot endure these challenges.

The nearly 50 female candidates for state and local seats who ping each other with emoji-speckled messages of support in a WhatsApp group are eager to prove a country of 190 million people wrong. When the election was delayed at the last minute until Feb. 23, they urged each other to stay focused.

God please let it come and pass because Im so exhausted, one typed, echoing many Nigerians.

The group including activists, entrepreneurs, a fashion designer and a lab technician was created as part of a youth electoral movement to break the grip of Nigerias two main political parties, which traditionally have been less about issues and more about seizing power at all costs.

Their chats on how to parse electoral data and polish talking points also created a safe space for venting frustrations about discrimination familiar to many Nigerian women, candidate or no, while a wide-ranging gender and equal opportunities bill has languished in the National Assembly for years.

One candidate from Zamfara state in the north was told her photo couldnt be on the same campaign poster as the governor because she is not his wife, though they share a political party. Another candidate was asked by a journalist, Who is your husband?

Look, no one asks men this! said Chioma Agwuegbo, a 32-year-old communications specialist who allowed the AP to join the group for the final push to election day.

She believes Nigeria can become more progressive once its legislative body sees new faces: Its not a retirement home.

Some female candidates have been asked, or ordered, to step aside for a man. Some have been booed out of events. Some have seen embarrassed family members distance themselves, though many have received warm support and even been told, What took you so long? Many struggle with the high costs of running.

Still, the number of female candidates in certain cases is growing. Among this years 73 presidential contenders, six are women, though former minister Oby Ezekwesili surprised many by dropping out in the final month after becoming the highest-profile female candidate in Nigerias history.

Of the more than 1,800 senatorial candidates, however, only 12 per cent are women  down from 17 per cent four years ago.

Stay strong, one candidate in the WhatsApp group urged in a rousing post that ended with the exhortation, Joy comes in the morning.

Among those checking in with good wishes was 26-year-old Zainab Sulaiman Umar, who is among Nigerias youngest candidates. Her goal is especially groundbreaking: If she wins a seat in Kano states house of assembly she would become its first woman.

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At one campaign rally, she was attacked by thugs and her brother was almost stabbed. Its something we just have to get used to as women to run for office, she told the AP, adding that it gave her more confidence to push on.

She left Nigerias ruling party for a smaller one when it became clear that without a godfather she would have no chance.

People talk negatively, but I answer them with positive answers, she said, although she hears Are you married? far too often.

As she goes door-to-door in her largely Muslim community, profiting from her access to female voters in their homes, she explains that she seeks to represent others, which religious leaders say is allowed for women, and not lead, which some see as taboo.

To her surprise, some local Muslim leaders have preached that women should be given a chance in office. Shes ready to seize it.

Of course Im going to win, she said with a smile. She plans to provide primary health care centres while combating domestic violence and empowering my people.

The spirit seemed to be catching. Across town at the electoral commission offices, a young woman boxed up polling materials for the vote.

Zainab Aliyu, 24, called this her first election and was excited, volunteering to help with preparations. She spoke glowingly of female candidate Hauwa Ibrahim al-Yacoub, a senatorial hopeful whose campaign poster had been spotted at a street roundabout, pink headscarf blazing amid a thicket of male candidates. I trust her, Aliyu said.

And where many Nigerians, even women, hesitate to predict a female president any time soon, she responded immediately.

2023, she said. Inshallah! If God wills.

___

Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday hurled sharp criticism at Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, accusing him of engaging in illegal and treasonous activity.

The president trained his ire on Rosenstein  a member of his own administration  and two bygone officials from the Trump Justice Department, former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, in a pair of morning tweets.

Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod J. Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught, Trump wrote. This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!

Trump was apparently referring to comments McCabe has made recently, amid a media blitz ahead of the release of his book about working in Trumps administration. McCabe told CBS Newss 60 Minutes that he and Rosenstein discussed removing Trump from office through the 25th Amendment, and the possibility of Rosenstein wearing a wire to collect evidence about the presidents motivation for firing former FBI Director James Comey.

To be fair, it was an unbelievably stressful time, McCabe said in the interview. I cant even describe for you how many things must have been coursing through the deputy attorney generals mind at that point. So it was really something that he kinda threw out in a very frenzied chaotic conversation about where we were and what we needed to do next.

Rosenstein has disputed this allegation, which The Washington Post has previously reported. The Justice Department also issued a carefully parsed response to the 60 Minutes interview, writing that Rosenstein never authorized any recording of the president and that he wasnt in a position to consider invoking the 25th Amendment.

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Fox News Channel contributor Dan Bongino appeared on Fox & Friends on Monday morning and said of the McCabe interview, What was laid out last night . . . was a coup attempt on the president of the United States.

Trump tweeted Bonginos quote, adding, True!

The three men  Rosenstein, McCabe and Sessions, all Republicans  have become some of Trumps favourite punching bags. As attorney general, Sessions was weak, beleaguered and bore a resemblance to the cartoon character Mr. Magoo, Trump has said. McCabe was a puppet, a disgrace and pretends to be a poor little Angel. 

But Trump has reserved some of his harshest criticism for the man still in his employ.

In late November, the president shared a meme from a supporters Twitter account that showed a bevy of who Trump considers to be nemeses locked up behind bars. There was Rosenstein, crowded into the back of the cell, near special counsel Robert Mueller and just behind former president Barack Obama.

Rosensteins crime? He should have never picked a special counsel, Trump told the New York Post. Rosenstein appointed Mueller to investigate the Trump presidential campaigns possible links to Russia.

McCabes book and recent interviews have reignited the long-running feud between Trump and one of his top Justice Department officials, and at least one senator has taken up the presidents case. Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham said Sunday that his panel would investigate McCabes comments about the 25th Amendment.

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The deputy attorney general was basically trying to do an administrative coup, Graham said, also invoking revolutionary parlance, on CBSs Face the Nation.

Rosenstein may already be on his way out. He told people close to him that he plans to leave the Justice Department if a new attorney general is confirmed, The Post reported in January. William P. Barr was confirmed as attorney general last week.

The Justice Department declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to questions about the presidents tweets and Rosensteins future.

Read more about:
During the early years of her career, Lori Anne Thomas would sit near the front of the courtroom, only to be told to move by court staff as the area was reserved for lawyers.

Except she is one.

Ive heard more than enough times, You dont look like a lawyer. I know exactly what that means, which is that Im not a tall, white man, said Thomas, a Toronto lawyer who specializes in criminal law and who recently became president of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.

It hits at you and just on top of dealing with everything else, being a recent call (to the bar), trying to figure out how to do everything and navigate the legal community and also build a practice, to then also have that obstacle of being constantly reminded that youre kind of not expected to be here.

Thomass story is one shared by other female lawyers and lawyers of colour, some of whom have been mistaken in courtrooms and other legal settings for assistants, interpreters and even an accused person.

Toronto criminal defence lawyer Janani Shanmuganathan said shes been mistaken several times for a Tamil interpreter at the Scarborough courthouse, where staff or a Crown attorney will approach her in the hallway telling her shes needed in a courtroom.

Other times, staff will approach her in the courtroom, even though shes seated in the reserved area for lawyers.

I dont think people are saying that to be mean or in a negative way, but I think the gut reaction for people is that I dont fit the stereotype of who they think a lawyer should be, she said.

Its very frustrating and sad. Im a child of immigrants. Im the first lawyer in my family. I worked really hard to get to where I am. Its unfortunate that I have to constantly be demanding my space and the right to be recognized for the lawyer that I am. Its disheartening.

According to the Law Society of Ontario, which regulates the legal profession in the province, about 43 per cent of lawyers are women. And the final report released in 2016 from the law societys Challenges Faced by Racialized Licensees Working Group noted that the proportion of racialized lawyers in Ontario had doubled between 2001 and 2014, from 9 per cent to 18 per cent.

Ottawa lawyer Erin Durant, who specializes in civil litigation, said shes become increasingly annoyed as the years go by, having been mistaken for a court reporter or an assistant.

Its tough. What I would like to say, especially if its an older male lawyer, is: No, are you an assistant? But I havent grown the guts to say that yet, she said. I think its more of a societal change and letting the public know that not only are there female lawyers, but were actually pretty close to being the majority.

Toronto lawyer Raj Anand, who co-chaired the law societys working group, told the Star that the issue of unconscious bias, and people assuming who are lawyers and who arent, was something heard loud and clear during his groups study.

I think its part of a culture change, he said. One would hope that both court offices and judges would clearly recognize that we're dealing with a changing demographic, and more than half of students graduating from law school are women, and something like 25 to 30 per cent are racialized in Ontario. That obviously plays a role in who appears in court.

He said education and greater awareness for the judiciary and court staff could be helpful  something that his group recommended be done for lawyers.

Thomas said its a systemic issue, highlighting that the court staff in Brampton who told her she couldnt sit in the lawyers area in the courtroom were also people of colour.

Its not just this perception of white or non-racialized individuals, she said. It is a systemic belief that is ingrained in all of us that people in certain positions look a certain way.

The Ministry of the Attorney General, which is responsible for staffing and operating the courts, takes this issue very seriously, said spokesperson Brian Gray.

Staff and managers receive training on a number of topics, including bias awareness, unconscious bias, diversity dialogues and anti-racism, he said.

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Lawyer Trevin David said he cant even count the number of times hes been confused for a Tamil interpreter at the Scarborough courthouse. He also recalls an incident at a Toronto courthouse where a Crown attorney confused him for an accused criminal.

I was in the Crowns office waiting to speak to somebody else and the Crown attorney runs in and starts yelling at me about how Im late, and I said, What are you talking about? And it becomes very clear that he thought I was a self-represented accused person, David said. And he didnt apologize. He just said he was really busy.

David said it takes a few moments to process what is going on in such exchanges, and sometimes the conversation is over by the time hes ready to react.

Even when youre confused with being the interpreter, youre still ultimately there for your client, so sometimes it might not be in your clients best interests to get really angry, even though thats what your initial reaction is. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and laugh it off, he said.

Its not that these are just other random members of the public. These are people that work in the courts every day. These are Crowns and clerks. If they cant imagine that youre a lawyer, what larger story does that tell?
A posting for a senior position at the citys new body overseeing its massive real estate portfolio appears tailored to former members of Mayor John Torys staff or that of previous mayors.

The job qualifications for CreateTOs senior vice-president of stakeholder communications and relations included this line: Experience at the highest level with regards to the City of Torontos political realm, ideally having had experience working in the Mayors office.

None of the other more junior postings, including for a director of development, included that qualification. The deadline for applications is March 4.

After being contacted by the Star, CreateTO changed the qualifications to say: Experience working within a political environment at either the municipal, provincial or federal level.

CreateTO spokesperson Susan ONeill told the Star on Friday the wording would be adjusted to the online posting to attract a larger pool of candidates. She said there was no involvement or influence from the mayors office.

This is a public posting and open to anyone who meets the qualifications, she said in an email. CreateTO works within a political context and the intention of the statement was simply to convey that we are seeking an individual with political acumen. This could include individuals who have worked at any level of government on either the staff or political side.

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In 2017, council voted to create a new super realty agency responsible for nearly 8,500 properties, representing more than $27 billion in public assets  which city staff reported then was one of the largest portfolios in Canada  as well as future real estate transactions.

As a public agency of the city, it folded together responsibilities from the citys real estate division, as well as the former Build Toronto and Toronto Port Lands Corporation. It was called the Toronto Realty Agency and later branded CreateTO.

Several senior members of Torys staff left the mayors office shortly before or just after his re-election last year.

They include chief of staff Chris Eby, who is now an executive at Downsview Metro Development. Asked if the posting was intended for him, Eby noted his new job in a message and said, Not for me.

Siri Agrell, the mayors former director of strategic initiatives, is now the managing director for OneEleven Toronto, a startup accelerator where she confirmed Friday that she is happily and productively employed.

Amanda Galbraith, who left her post as the mayors director of communications in 2016, is now a principal at communications firm Navigator. While Im flattered you reached out, Im happy in my role with Navigator, she said in a message.

Torys former principal secretary, Vic Gupta, has remained happily unemployed, he told the Stars David Rider last week. Gupta left the mayors office as the second most senior staffer at the beginning of the second term after co-chairing Torys re-election campaign.

Gupta, in an email, said: Ive just reviewed the job profile you forwarded and I can confirm that I have no intention of applying for that job.

Tory was invested in the creation of the new agency to better oversee the citys real estate portfolio, calling it one of the most vital, strategic assets that we have in the city and advocating for less bureaucracy in its governance.

As long as Im here, I will be watching this like a hawk, he told city council in May 2017 when the new body was approved.

Because I dont want to have had responsibility for creating something thats either a monster or that works worse, if theres such an expression, than what we had there now with that entangled system.

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Tory spokesperson Don Peat said Friday that the mayors office had no involvement in the posting and referred questions to CreateTO.

City spokesperson Brad Ross said the city does not provide recruitment support or advice to agencies, boards and commissions, when asked about whether there are hiring guidelines. Those matters are handled directly by the agencies themselves.

Councillor Gord Perks said a posting specifying someone with experience in the mayors office was outrageous.

Its fine to say that you have to have experience in government, Perks said. The list gets a lot smaller and a lot more intimate when its people who have dealt with Mayor John Tory . . . That narrows it down to about five people and thats the worst kind of cronyism.

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VANCOUVERA search and rescue manager says a missing hiker has not been spotted by rescuers who have flown above an area where an avalanche struck north of Vancouver.

Allan McMordie of North Shore Search and Rescue says its too dangerous for them to get near Runner Peak, where the avalanche hit Monday morning, possibly burying the man.

The rescuers were able to rescue the missing mans friend, who activated his emergency beacon and called for help on his cellphone after the avalanche struck.

McMordie says they reached the man with a long line around 4:30 p.m. Monday and he was with crews at the search and rescue station.

He says a team from Whistler Blackcomb dropped explosives from a helicopter to try to ease the danger of further avalanches in the area.

Crews were assessing safety on Monday evening and McMordie says its very dangerous to be in an avalanche area in the dark because its impossible to see whats coming.

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LAVAL, QUE.Police continue to search for a convicted murderer who escaped from custody at a minimum security federal facility north of Montreal last week.

Quebec provincial police, who are investigating the disappearance, believe Denis Begin was likely headed to Gatineau or the surrounding Outaouais region in western Quebec.

Correctional Service Canada said Begin, 58, was reported missing during a head count at 12:15 p.m. on Friday at the Federal Training Centre in Laval, Que.

He was sentenced to life after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in 2003 in the killing of 19-year-old Ricardo Gizzi on Halloween night, 1993.

Wearing a hockey mask, Begin walked into a bar and shot Gizzi, who had also been wearing a hockey mask as part of a costume. According to reports at the time, patrons initially thought it was a Halloween joke when Begin walked into the bar wearing a balaclava and hockey mask.

He was initially found guilty of first-degree murder by a jury in 1997, but that conviction was overturned and a new trial was ordered after he successfully argued that a statement he gave to police after his arrest was not voluntary. The appellate court judgment outlined that he had confessed while agreeing to become an informant for Quebecs anti-biker unit.

Read more:

Convicted murderer escaped from Quebec prison, officials say

Begin testified at a 1998 trial that he had a long history with gangs and had information that could help solve many crimes, including the 1995 bombing that killed 11-year-old Daniel Desrochers, according to a Montreal Gazette report at the time.

The child was killed while playing near his home when a car bomb meant for a gang member exploded. The death came at the height of Quebecs biker gang wars and is considered a turning point in the bloody battle between rival gangs. No one has been charged for the killing.

Begin is five-foot-seven, weighs 180 pounds and has a surgical scar on his left arm.

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CHARLOTTETOWNTiny Prince Edward Island has a chance to send a big message to the rest of the country about electoral reform when voters are asked to consider proportional representation in a referendum as early as this spring.

Voters in British Columbia rejected making such a change in December, and while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to abolish the first-past-the-post federal voting system during the 2015 election, he later abandoned the plan, saying Canadians were not eager for change.

Now, advocates hope Canadas smallest province will lead the way.

We were really counting on British Columbia. This was really devastating for our cause, said Real Lavergne, president of Fair Vote Canada, a group that promotes proportional representation.

We thought if a referendum was ever going to win, the conditions were good for that referendum to win. In the end, voters voted more along partisan lines, he said.

Information sessions are now being held across P.E.I. to educate the public on the pros and cons of switching from the current first-past-the-post system to a mixed member proportional voting system.

The P.E.I. vote will be binding.

But this isnt the first time P.E.I. voters have been asked to consider electoral reform.

In fact, they voted 52 per cent in favour of switching to mixed member proportional reform during a plebiscite in 2016, but Liberal Premier Wade MacLauchlan rejected the results because of a low turnout of about 36 per cent.

I think turnout will be much higher this time because the referendum is being held in conjunction with the next provincial general election. We usually get election turnout around 80 per cent, said referendum commissioner Gerard Mitchell.

This is a great exercise in direct democracy for the people. So they should vote and be informed what their choices are, he said.

In 2016, voters were given five choices, but this time it will simply be a chance to vote yes or no to the question Should Prince Edward Island change its voting system to a mixed member proportional voting system?

A No vote would see no change in the way members are chosen for the 27 seats in the legislature, while a yes vote would see 18 members chosen in redrawn electoral districts and nine others chosen in province-wide ballots.

Mitchell said under such a system, people would get two votes.

One for district MLA and the other would be for the party list candidate. The party list is used to top-up the seats of those parties who did not get enough seats at the district level to reflect their share of the popular vote.

About 90 countries use some form of proportional representation, while a few, including New Zealand, Germany and parts of Scotland, use a mixed member proportional representation system.

Lavergne said it has been difficult to convince Canadians to make the change because most politicians feel secure with the status quo.

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The interest of politicians is always for the first-past-the-post system because whoever is in power got elected by first-past-the-post. MLAs look at it and say maybe I wouldnt be re-elected if we changed the system, he said.

Still, he expects Quebecs new CAQ government, which campaigned in part on the issue, will adopt a mixed member proportional system in the next year or so.

Don Desserud, a political scientist at the University of Prince Edward Island, said many Islanders didnt pay any attention to the last plebiscite until the government decided not to accept the results.

Thats a question of trust in government, integrity and worrying whether governments are serious when they make these promises to have a vote and respect the results, Desserud said.

Lavergne said switching from the first-past-the-post system would give third parties a greater chance of winning seats, and would allow the results to better reflect the way people actually voted.

In Ontario you have a majority government that was elected with about 41 per cent of the vote. People have to ask themselves if they are really comfortable with that, he said.

No date has been set for the P.E.I. election, but Mitchell said the general wisdom is that it will be held this spring, and the referendum will be ready to go.

Desserud said he believes it could be as early as May.

The last election was May 4 in 2015, so four years from that would be a reasonable time to call an election and wont look like an early election or an opportunistic election. I expect there will be an election in May or early June, he said.

The Island government could wait until the fall, but most expect it to go early to avoid any conflict with the federal election in October.
HALIFAXThe failure of one of Sydneys largest employers set a Dickensian scene last December  hundreds laid off and stiffed out of pay just a few weeks before Christmas  but when a new owner swept in, the outlook quickly changed.

In the days after buying the bankrupt ServiCom Call Centre in a court auction and visiting Cape Breton for the first time, Anthony Marlowe relayed a message to its former employees: Were proud to be part of your family and thank you very much for the classiest of warm welcomes.

During a phone interview from Iowa about six weeks later, he told the Star that he continued to have the best interests of those employees at heart.

We have plans to do nothing but to treat everyone well and right, Marlowe said, with the voice of his GPS in the background telling him to take a U-turn. He gave the interview from his car in between other meetings.

Marlowe has been hailed as a saviour in the Sydney community for returning several hundred people to work  a reputation hes graciously accepted  but as the plaudits of his good deed fade, hes anticipating his business will grow. Cape Bretoners have pinned their hopes on it.

More than 600 people were suddenly unemployed when the ServiCom Call Centre announced Dec. 6 it was boarding up shop. It had been a fixture in the Cape Breton community for almost 20 years, and employees said they were blindsided by the closure.

Read more:

Cape Breton call centre gets $2.4-million payroll rebate from province

Cheers erupt as first paycheques handed out at Sydney call centre rescued from closure

Lots of hugs as shuttered Cape Breton call centre reopens under new ownership

The writing was on the wall  the call centres American parent company, JNET Communications, had filed for bankruptcy protection in October, and paycheques were delayed for weeks  but Canadian employees were given reassurances. Some were expecting bonuses, not pink slips.

When the shutdown came, people started scrambling. The public opened their pocket books and donated to local charities, which in turn handed out groceries and paid for heating oil and electrical bills. At the same time, an auction opened on the call centres remaining assets.

Three bidders jockeyed for the rights to the call centres contracts  an apparently lucrative opportunity that retained its sheen while the rest of JNETs American operations tarnished  but it was the founder and CEO of Marlowe Companies Inc. (MCI) who won it for $1.5 million.

I was fairly confident we were going to be victorious, Marlowe told the Star.

The day after the auction, he went to the nearest airport and flew to Nova Scotia for the first time, where hundreds of workers waited eagerly to meet the man who said he would give them back their jobs.

Marlowe renamed the operation The Sydney Call Centre Inc. and dressed it with a new logo, which features the austere face of a bald eagle staring out from a round, yellow frame.

The bird is a long-standing symbol of both Cape Breton and America  idealizing a proud islander culture and a zeal for freedom, respectively  but the connections between the two places dont end there.

American interest in the island was piqued in 2016 when a tongue-in-cheek campaign invited Donald Trump objectors to immigrate to Cape Breton, should the business mogul win the presidency. Marlowe said he does not fall in that camp  he voted for the current president  but he did see a major business opportunity.

Its very difficult to describe the community sentiment that exists in Cape Breton, Marlowe told the Star. Its something that were proud to be a part of, in a community that were privileged to have been welcomed to with open arms.

But hes benefitted from more than hospitality.

Of MCIs nine call centres  the rest of which are scattered around six American states  the Sydney Call Centre is currently the largest. According to Marlowe, it stands to be the most profitable.

After almost a month of inactivity, the call centre reopened on Jan. 2. In its first month, it brought in more than $1 million in revenue, Marlowe said. The sum didnt match prebankruptcy benchmarks, he said, but he still considered the results unbelievable.

Marlowe has been in the telemarketing industry for more than 20 years. He started on the phones at a call centre in Iowa City when he was a teenager and a college student.

I wasnt very good at it for a couple, three weeks, he said, modestly, then added that once he figured it out he became one of the best at the company.

The company was MCI  another MCI, not to be confused with the namesake enterprise Marlowe founded in 2015. Microwave Communications Inc. was founded in the 1960s and by the time it hired Marlowe in the late 1990s it was a major player in international telecommunications.

According to media reports from 1998, WorldCom bought the old MCI in a massive corporate merger worth $37 billion. By 2002, a major accounting scandal had come to light and ultimately led to WorldComs bankruptcy, putting Marlowe out of a job.

That experience gave him some extra sympathy for the workers of ServiCom, he said.

Without a saviour waiting in the wings, Marlowe used his layoff as an opportunity to become an entrepreneur.

He had dropped out of college when it became apparent that he had a knack for sales and telecommunications, and by the time most of his former classmates would have been graduating, he had started up his first venture: a call centre under the company name TMone.

Sixteen years on, the 39-year-old Marlowe is at the helm of MCI and its four subsidiaries, employing more than 2,000 people, including his new batch of Canadian workers.

The workforce in Sydney is probably the biggest asset this organization has, George Karaphillis, dean of the Shannon School of Business at Cape Breton University, said in an interview.

He said jobs at the call centre  despite most of them offering little more than minimum wage  are plum gigs. Ninety-three per cent of ServiCom workers returned to the call centre under its new ownership.

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Theyre not the best jobs, but theyre good jobs, said Karaphillis, making note of the health benefits and safe working conditions. We dont have that many of those lying around.

He estimates that the call centre is Sydneys third largest employer, after the school board and the health authority.

According to the Finance and Treasury Board of Nova Scotia, 15.1 per cent of Cape Bretons labour force was unemployed in December 2018 when the ServiCom workers joined the pool. That rate is eight per cent higher than the provincial average, and almost 10 per cent higher than the national average.

Statistics Canada figures show that even as unemployment rates have dropped in most of the country over the past five years, theyve held steadily around 15 per cent in Cape Breton.

The whole community has a vested interest in the success of such a major employer, Karaphillis said. Especially considering Cape Bretons unemployment rate, any individual or corporation that can secure several hundred jobs is guaranteed to win loyalty and acclaim.

Of course, the business professor noted, local ownership would be better for the resiliency of the Cape Breton economy, but thats a philosophical ideal and remains evasive. The communitys immediate welfare trumps all else, he said.

With those circumstances, Marlowes revival of the operation appeared to be a heroic act. From a business perspective, it was simply shrewd.

The bidding war over the ServiCom assets was, in and of itself, a good sign, said Karaphillis. Add to that an eager and capable workforce standing at the ready and a precedent of government incentives for the operation. (Marlowe secured an agreement with the province for a $2.4-million payroll rebate at the start of February.)

MCIs American status was an advantage, too.

Its a windfall that the Canadian dollar is so favourable, said Karaphillis.

There may have been a diplomatic chill between Canada and the U.S. in 2018, with international business relationships coming under scrutiny during NAFTA negotiations, but Marlowe said that was only a fleeting consideration in his purchase.

The new USMCA agreement, which took the place of NAFTA, has a chapter on telecommunications  but after a cursory review, Marlowe said, there was nothing that stood out at us that was either good or bad about how it would impact our industry.

And despite his countrys president regularly chiding and threatening Canada in the months leading up to the USMCA signing, Marlowe said his business remains apolitical, even if he personally is not.

The day after the 2016 presidential election, Marlowe posted a photo to his public Instagram account of him standing with Trump, both sporting large grins, Trump giving a thumbs up. In a February 2018 MCI release and again in his interview with the Star, Marlowe highlighted the fact that MCI was contracted to do phone banking for the Trump presidential campaign.

MCI made 79 million calls on behalf of the campaign, evidence of a legitimate election, Marlowe said. Its legitimacy has been questioned over claims of Russian interference.

Marlowe said hes aware of how polarizing Trump is  Canadians largely disapprove of him  but he thinks Cape Bretoners may differ.

Frankly, I wouldnt be very much surprised if the president of the U.S. would have a good amount of support from Cape Bretoners given his ethnicity, where he and his family are from and his kind of pragmatic approach about the workers first, he said.

Karaphillis said he didnt think many people in Sydney knew or cared about Marlowes political affiliation. Clearly, their focus is on the employment hes secured.

On Jan. 18, Marlowe was on his second and most recent trip to Canada for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the call centre. Marlowe told the hundreds of employees gathered at the event that he would meet them all at the local legion after  and the tab was on him.

But first, the operations vice-president offered gifts to Marlowe and his wife on behalf of the employees. She received a tartan scarf; he got a framed photo of The Big Fiddle, an iconic sculpture in downtown Sydney that stands almost 20 metres tall. Marlowe thanked the crowd, though he called it unnecessary.

After all, theyd be back on the phones for him when the ceremony was done.

With files from Haley Ryan and The Canadian Press

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OTTAWA - The Competition Bureau says its approved the transfer of Metro Inc.s interests in 10 retail pharmacies in Quebec to two other companies.

The bureau and Metro reached an agreement in 2018 to address competition concerns around the grocers $4.5-billion acquisition of The Jean Coutu Group Inc.

A bureau review found the deal would likely lead to substantially higher prices or decreases in services for consumers related to buying medications and other pharmacy products in eight regions in the province.

Metro agreed to sell properties or leases to another party, among other things, in those eight markets.

Metro transferred property lease rights for five pharmacies formerly operating under the Brunet banner to Familiprix Inc. in November 2018.

More recently, McKesson Canada Corp. acquired the property lease rights for five pharmacies previously operating under the Brunet and Jean Coutu banners.

All 10 pharmacies are located in the eight markets initially identified by the bureau.

Companies in this story: (TSX:MRU)
Montgomery County Community College has extended the deadline for applications for the 2019 Karen A. Stout Start-Up Accelerator Fund competition. Applicants now have until March 15 to submit their materials. In this photo, Greg Star, founding partner of Carvertise, delivers his pitch for funding at the 2018 Karen A. Stout Start-up Accelerator Fund Competition. Carvertise was one of the five companies that received funding during last year's competition.
Kristin Lam

Watertown Public Opinion

An 11-year-old student in Florida is facing charges after refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and creating a disturbance in the classroom, police said.

The boy was arrested for causing a disruption and refusing repeated instructions from school staff and law enforcement, Polk County Public Schools spokesperson Kyle Kennedy said in a statement. He was not arrested for refusing to participate in the pledge  even though students have the right to do so by Florida law and district policy.

The sixth-grader from a Tampa suburb allegedly told his substitute teacher the flag is "racist" and the national anthem is offensive to black people, Bay News 9 reported, citing a statement the teacher gave the district.

In response, the teacher said she asked the student why not go to another place to live if it was "so bad here." She said he answered, "They brought me here."

The substitute, identified by district officials as Ana Alvarez, said, "Well, you can always go back because I came here from Cuba and the day I feel I'm not welcome here anymore, I would find another place to live."

Alvarez said she called the office on Feb. 4 because she did not want to keep "dealing with him," according to her statement. An officer and a school administrator tried to calm the student, the Lakeland Police Department said in a Sunday night press release. The administrator asked him to leave the classroom more than 20 times, police said, and the student allegedly made threats while being escorted to the office.

Related:Student who refuses to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance expelled, Texas attorney general backs school

More:Atlanta charter school drops morning Pledge of Allegiance

Police transported the Lawton Chiles Middle Academy student to the Juvenile Assessment Center and charged him with disrupting a school function and resisting an officer without violence, the Lakeland Police Department said.

Officers would not arrest a student for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance, public information officer Gary Gross told USA TODAY on Sunday, but, in general, would arrest a student for screaming, yelling and making threats.

Dhakira Talbot, the boys mother, told Bay News 9 that she wants the charges dropped. She denied the arrest affidavit accusing her son of threatening to beat the teacher, the station reported.

She was wrong. She was way out of place, Talbot told Bay News 9. If she felt like there was an issue with my son not standing for the flag, she shouldve resolved that in a way different manner than she did.

Alvarez no longer works as a substitute in the district, Kennedy said, adding that the teacher did not know students weren't required to participate in the pledge. The district will also review training for substitutes, Kennedy said.

First Amendment rights prevent schools from requiring students to recite the pledge or salute the flag, the Supreme Court ruled in 1943.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida student faces misdemeanor charges after refusing to stand for Pledge of Allegiance
Dan Crisler

Public Opinion Staff Writer

Now that SkyWest Airlines has been selected to provide Essential Air Service for Watertown and Pierre, preparations are under way at Watertown Regional Airport to bring in North Americas largest regional commercial airline.

From a passengers perspective, perhaps the most notable beginning step will likely be completed this week when airline, in conjunction with airport, officials release the flight schedule. Flights are scheduled to begin April 3 and be taken on 50-seat Canadair CRJ-200 jets.

While the schedule is being finalized, Syhre said a draft of the schedule sees each day, with the exception of Saturday, fly a round-trip flight between Watertown, Pierre and Denver and a direct flight from Watertown to Denver.

A morning flight will leave Watertown and fly to Pierre and then Denver. An afternoon flight will leave Denver and return directly to Watertown before making a nonstop flight back to Denver. A second returning flight will take place late at night from Denver to Watertown with a stop in Pierre.

Syhre said SkyWest will also fly one round-trip on Saturday. That will give Watertown and Pierre 13 round-trip flights per week.

Syhre said the flight schedule will be set up in a way for Watertown area passengers to head to Pierre and return on the same day.

They can leave in the morning and then come back at night, he said.

With SkyWest flying under the United Express, which is the regional branch of United Airlines, banner, Syhre said an announcement from United will be coming in the near future specifying when passengers can begin booking tickets.

As potential passengers wait for the word on when they can book tickets, they can perhaps satiate their appetites for future air service by looking at the subtle changes coming to the airport in the next week or so.

SkyWest brings its own stuff in, Syhre said. Theyll have kiosks. Theyll have countertops, scales and new computers.

SkyWest officials are also beginning to hire staff and will soon commence training them.

While an announcement specifying how to book tickets is still yet to come, that hasnt tamped down the enthusiasm from likely passengers.

Since the United States Department of Transportation announced its EAS decision last Tuesday, Syhre said the airports phone has been ringing off the hook.

I get calls daily ranging from How do I book my ticket? to I want to go to I heard great things about Watertown, Syhre said.

That enthusiasm comes despite the irregular service Watertowns and Pierres previous commercial air service provider, California Pacific Airlines, provided in the last couple of months before ultimately shutting the route down in mid-January due to financial troubles. Under the cities previous EAS airline in Aerodynamics Inc., which was bought by CP Air last year, Watertown enjoyed a high degree of airline reliability and attracted over 10,000 passengers flying out as a result in 2017 and 2018.

The public is ready to come back. We just need to give them a direction on how to book tickets. That information will be coming, Syhre said.

Now with one of the big boys coming to town, and bringing a partnership with United Airlines along with codeshare agreements with Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, Syhre expects Watertown to economically benefit.

Its a game-changer for economic impact in Watertown, he said. All businesses could use this airline and go anywhere they want to go on United.com. There are baggage agreements all the way through. There are baggage arrangements with other airlines. This is a game-changer to have a major player like this in Watertown.

In remarks to reporters last Friday during her Priorities Tour appearance in Watertown, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem expressed similar sentiments and said having SkyWest serving Watertown and Pierre is a major piece to expanding South Dakotas economic outlook as the state seeks to attract more businesses and industries.

It makes a world of difference. To have the airline service is the key to showing and proving to businesses that our doors are open, we can facilitate their workforce needs and that we are ready to help them fly and grow, Noem said. I commend the leadership in the mayor and City Council and all the other folks who worked on this issue in Watertown. Thats very, very important to helping the city grow and to giving us a strong future.
Swedish man in hospital mental care after running in front of Phuket traffic

PHUKET: A 57-year-old Swedish man is under observation at the mental health division at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town after he was caught running in front of oncoming traffic on Thepkrasattri Rd early yesterday morning (Feb 17).

tourismtransporthealthpolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 18 February 2019, 01:57PM

Police and rescue workers brought the man safely into protective custody. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Thepkrasattri Rd was closed to traffic while police and rescue workers brought the man protective safely into custody. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Police were alerted to the mans actions and closed Thepkrasattri Rd to all traffic at 2:30am.

About 10 police officers, with assistance from Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers, took about 20 minutes to bring the man safely into protective custody.

Luckily, motorists had managed to avoid colliding into the man as he ran across the traffic about 500 metres north the Saladaeng Intersection (see map below.)

Col Thirawat Leamsuwan of the Thalang Police confirmed that the man had not suffered any physical injury in the incident.

He was taken to Thalang Hospital and then transferred to Vachira Hospital, he said.

Dr Chalermpong Sukonphonphol, Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital, told The Phuket News, The man appears to have some form of mental disorder, which we are currently providing treatment for.

Dr Chalermpong pointed out that the Swedish mans permit to stay expired yesterday.

Staff at the hospital are coordinating with the relevant agencies and the Swedish consular representatives to take care of this matter, he said.

Meanwhile, the man remains in care at the hospital, Dr Chalermpong added.

His condition has improved, but we are keeping him under observation for now, he said.
Police hunt killer of local beautician

PHUKET: Police maintain that they have yet to identify their prime suspect in the murder of a local beautician who was found battered to death in her rented room in Bang Tao on Saturday (Feb 16).

murderhomicideviolencepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Monday 18 February 2019, 01:38PM

Niramon Aewkaew was found battered to death in her rented room in Bang Tao. Photo: Courtesy of Tookta Massage for Health & Beauty Salon

Officers were called to the room, in Soi Bangtao 4, Cherng Talay, at 3pm after the body of Niramon Aewkaew, 43, from Phatthalung province, was found by her sister.

Ms Niramons sister had come to the room after she had failed to contact Ms Niramon for a week. Ms Niramon had not answered her phone or replied to messages sent, she said.

Officers arrived to find Ms Niramons hands and feet still bound and a black cloth stuffed into her mouth, police noted in their report.

Officers also noted that the scene looked liked there had been a fight in the room.

Ms Niramon had suffered a heavy blow to the forehead and had many bruises to her body.

Police are waiting for a post-mortem examination to determine whether Ms Niramon was sexually assaulted, Cherng Talay Police Chief Col Serm Kwannimit also said yesterday.

Officers estimated that Ms Niramon had been killed at least five days before her body had been found.

At this time we still do not have a clear idea of who the killer is, and so have not requested an arrest warrant, Col Serm.

The attacker could have been a person Ms Niramon knew, or a stranger, he pointed out.

We are waiting for the investigation to progress and for the results from doctors first. We are also waiting to question relatives and friends on Monday (today, Feb 18), he added.

However, police are keen to track down and question Ms Niramons former partner, 42-year-old Greek national Dimitrios Chairopoulos.

Police have yet to confirm Ms Niramons and Mr Chairopouloss marital status, Col Serm told The Phuket News today.

Mr Chairopoulos departed Phuket on Feb 11, about the time of Ms Niramons murder.

His permit to stay entitled him to stay in the country until Feb 27, Col Serm noted.

Staff at the guesthouse where Ms Niramon was staying confirmed to The Phuket News that Ms Niramon and Mr Chairopoulos were staying in the same room.

Right now, we cannot confirm whether the key suspect is Ms Niramons new partner, her previous partner or another suspect. But this crime is very cruel. The Greek man is a suspect, Col Serm said.

Ms Niramons sister told police that Ms Niramon and Mr Chairopoulos had argued intensely before, and that Mr Chairopoulos was prone to angry fits of jealously.

Ms Niramon had a Thai ex-husband. The couple had divorced three years ago, but on good terms, the sister told police.

The ex-husband had just come to visit Phuket and had stopped by to see Ms Niramon, she said.

This may have caused Mr Chairopoulos to be very angry, Col Serm concluded.

Ms Niramon was well known throughout the Bang Tao community as working at the Tookta Massage for Health & Beauty Salon, where she worked as a freelance beautician.
Ematt Thank you I know, but remark as one will be relatively useless against Delta and the other is...(Read More)
Do universities seek well-rounded students?

In my 30 years as a university counsellor, students and parents have often talked to me about a perception that colleges and universities are looking for applicants who have a bit of everything.

Education

By BISP

Monday 18 February 2019, 11:00AM

As a parent, help your children explore different activities and then let them settle on those they truly enjoy. Photo: BISP

They are under the assumption that to maximise the chances of admission, students should have a balance of excellent grades and test scores, along with a perfect spread of activities and involvement in a wide range of areas.

While its certainly true that academics and test scores are the first hurdle students must jump over to become viable university candidates, the issue of extracurricular involvement is more complicated.

In the US, universities are happy to admit academically able students who excel in a smaller number of areas. Well-rounded people and a well-rounded class are two very different things. A university is interested in building a class of students with varied perspectives and passions. They need student journalists, leaders, athletes and musicians  but they dont expect one individual student to be all of those things.

As a parent, help your children explore different activities and then let them settle on those they truly enjoy. Once they find their areas of interest, encourage them to join clubs and activities that relate to these areas. There is no need to overschedule and attempt to build a resume in the name of well-roundedness or as a strategy for enhancing university admission.

Students who follow their passions can become a big deal in a couple of different areas. It doesnt really matter whether that interest is in mastering the oboe, becoming a talented swimmer or providing service to the community. A side benefit to this approach is that your child (and your home) will be happier. A child forced to spend years practising an activity for which they have little interest is going to result in a home filled with adolescent angst.

Of course, if a student has multiple interests, its absolutely fine for all of them to be pursued. There is nothing wrong with being well-rounded instead of angular. But the reality is that its difficult to become a leader if students spread their time among a dozen different activities. Most successful university applicants have a relatively few number of extracurriculars that are somewhat related.

For the UK, if they are related in some way to the course to which the student is applying, even better.



Universities in most countries ask students to list their extracurricular involvement during the final four years of high school. Because of that, it is important that students find activities that interest them well before the end of high school. Doing that, while also having a good academic record and working with your schools experienced university counsellor, can make the application process a smooth one.



Are there any activities students should avoid? Yes, there are a few. No university admission officer would be impressed with Facebooking as an extracurricular activity.

 Dale Ford

Dale Ford is one of two University Counsellors at British International School, Phuket. For more information, visit them at www.bisphuket.ac.th
Cops crack down on criminal monks

THAILAND: The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has added a Suphan Buri temple abbot to a list of arrested criminal suspects on Valentines Day in its latest operation to purify Buddhism.

religioncrimepolice

By Bangkok Post

Monday 18 February 2019, 01:40PM

CSD chief Chiraphop Phuridet vowed his agency will make 2019 a year of sweeping temples clean. Photo: AFP

A day earlier the CSD announced it nabbed 18 monks accused of various wrongdoings, including murders and sexual harassment.

CSD chief Chiraphop Phuridet vowed his agency will make 2019 a year of sweeping temples clean by further unmasking criminals-turned-monks nationwide.

Investigators are identifying who they are and tracking down where they were ordained, getting clues from piles of arrest warrants.

Ive ordered CSD officers to conduct cross-country investigations by looking at each arrest warrant, Pol Maj Gen Chiraphop said.

The suspects cannot simply use the monkhood to shield themselves, he stressed. I want to purify the religion, so people will trust monks wholeheartedly again.

The latest case in Suphan Buri, the 19th on the list, came to light after police found Phra Sangkharak Kanatathamo, abbot of Wat Ro Charoen in Bang Pla Ma district, had escaped charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of weapons for 15 years.

The 40-year-old monk is actually Paphonsan Phetphun who, along with his friends, allegedly shot a rival in Nakhon Si Thammarats Tha Sala district in 2006, according to the CSD.

The following year, he again fired a gun at a person in Surat Thanis Koh Samui district.

The suspect entered the monkhood to escape arrest warrants issued by Nakhon Si Thammarat and Samui provincial courts and appeared to have got away with it until police caught up with him on Valentines Day.

Cases like this are dangerous as suspects often simply continue to offend. They exploit peoples faith to commit more wrongdoings, Pol Maj Gen Chiraphop said.

The problem is, people dont know [their past criminal records] and local police dont pay much heed.

If no immediate action is taken, not only will Buddhism be marred, but monks wearing saffron merely to hide their misdeeds will also raise concerns over the safety of temple goers, he said.

They do not know whether monks they wai, or pay respect to, are in fact involved in serious crimes.

A monk in a temple in the north-eastern province of Kalasin had been also on the run for a charge of attempted murder for 15 years, the CSD said.

The alleged wrongdoing of Phra Bunchu, or Bunchu Champasi, 48, after he, along with a female suspect, injured a rival with a broken bottle during a dispute in Rayong in 2007 was totally unknown to his followers in Kalasin.

The CSD says it needs help if it is to nab these monks.

Temples and people dealing with ordination must carefully check the criminal backgrounds of prospective monks, Pol Maj Gen Chiraphop said.

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ACT flags airport graft risk

BANGKOK: The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand (ACT) has warned of the potential for foul play during the upcoming auction of Suvarnabhumi Airports duty-free concession and the planned construction of a Terminal 2, as the country counts down to the election.

transporttourismeconomicscorruption

By Bangkok Post

Monday 18 February 2019, 03:12PM

An artists rendition of Suvarnabhumi airport Terminal 2, from blueprints. The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand has labelled it as a corruption magnet. Image: Airports of Thailand

The ACT is worried about the lack of transparency [of the projects], the anti-graft watchdog said on Sunday (Feb 17).

Both schemes are being pursued by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) and both have come under public scrutiny over the past year.

During a period when most people are paying attention to the election, concerns are being raised as to whether those in power will rush through approvals before political change happens, the watchdog said.

People and the media must not stand idly and they should help keep an eye on the matter for the sake of the maximum public benefit.

AoT as of Monday was to ask its board to approve the Terms o Reference (ToR) for duty-free concession bidding for Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday.

AoT President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn has previously told the media the outcome of the bidding must be concluded before Aug 27 this year, one year before the concession expires, so the current operator can deal with stocks and existing facilities.

King Power International Group has been the sole duty-free operator at Suvarnabhumi since the airports opening in 2006.

Academics and the public have voiced concern over the transparency of the bidding process and over which concession model will be applied. As Suvarnabhumi Airport has expanded considerably over the past decade, enabling only one operator to manage all the duty-free zone may not be the most effective business decision, according to observers.

Not only that, but some academics claim that granting one company sole control the duty-free business would also run afoul of the Trade Competition Act of 2017.

Meanwhile, the AoT board remains adamant it will press on with controversial plans to build Suvarnabhumi Airports Terminal 2 despite critics asking for the plan to be dropped.

The terminal was also to be deliberated by the AoT board on Wednesday.

Plans for Terminal 2 were shelved late last year following criticism from several organisations, including the Council of Engineers and the Architects Council of Thailand, who claim the facility would be poorly located and veers away from the original Suvarnabhumi master plan approved in 2003.

The original plan concerned the construction of only two terminals  the existing northern terminal and an identical southern one. However, the AoTs adjusted plan includes the construction of a new terminal in a north-easterly position, adjacent to the current terminal.

The new terminal is planned to be built on around 400,000 square metres of land within Suvarnabhumi airports grounds at a cost B42 billion. The construction is set to start this year and the terminal is expected to be completed in 2021.

The new plan was also challenged by the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), which wrote to the Transport Ministry on Jan 16, recommending the AoT stick to the master plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is in charge of economic affairs, said earlier this month that AoT was ordered to review its Terminal 2 plan and suggested the project could be dropped if irregularities are found.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the NESDB had pointed out that Terminal 1 must be expanded in both western and eastern wings first in line with an earlier 2010 cabinet resolution. The NESDB also cast doubt about the AoT's latest plan which aims to enable Suvarnabhumi to be able to handle 150 million passengers a year, according to Mr Arkhom.

AoTs president, Mr Nitinai, insisted the company is still committed to pressing ahead with Terminal 2 and its study of the project will be considered by the firms board on Wednesday before it is presented to the NESDB.

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Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech themed "Working for a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind by Promoting International Cooperation and Multilateralism" at the 55th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2019. (Xinhua/Lu Yang)

MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Facts have shown and will continue to prove that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative creates opportunities and benefits for all countries and serves the common interests of humanity, a senior Chinese official said here Saturday.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in his keynote speech themed "Working for a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind by Promoting International Cooperation and Multilateralism" at the 55th Munich Security Conference.

"The Belt and Road Initiative is an important international public good that China contributes to global cooperation for common development. It is also an important pathway toward building a community with a shared future for mankind," said Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

Guided by the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefit and the vision of green, clean and sustainable development, China will partner with all parties on the basis of universally accepted international rules, standards, laws and regulations to make the Belt and Road cooperation a road for peace, prosperity, openness, innovation and cultural exchange, he added.

Building on the successful first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2017, China will host the second forum in Beijing in about two months' time. With active participation and concerted efforts of all parties, the official believes that "the Belt and Road cooperation will achieve even greater progress to the benefit of all peoples."

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
AirAsia flights tickets are now available on Traveloka and Tiket.com after the airline was missing from both websites for several days.

Since Thursday, Feb. 14, AirAsia has received complaints from a number of Twitter users regarding its absence on the online travel agents.

AirAsia replied that users could book tickets through its official website or app, occasionally adding information on discounts if passengers became members.

Tribunnews.com reported that Traveloka PR manager Busyra Oryza said the absence could have been caused by its system upgrades. According to its official website, AirAsia announced on Feb. 11 it was to upgrade its Navitaire New Skies reservation system, making flight booking unavailable from Saturday, Feb. 16 to Sunday, Feb. 17.

However, Facebook posts from Rifai Taberi, AirAsia Indonesia commercial director, stated otherwise.

Read also: AirAsia opening restaurant based on its in-flight menu, says CEO Tony Fernandes

For those who have had problems booking AirAsia tickets via online travel agents for the last several days, the problem is not with the AirAsia system, Rifai wrote on Sunday. The development of the fleet industry in recent months has caused many incidents. In fact, theres an indication of unhealthy competition which, as usual, will upset the customers.

He also uploaded another post on the same day. [] Shutting down distribution channels wont beat your competitors, [but] preventing [online travel] agents from selling competitors products isnt the solution [either], Rifai wrote. Customers will always look for [tickets] on official websites if [they cannot find them through] travel agents.

We sensed an indication of an instruction forcing online travel agents [to stop selling AirAsia tickets], Rifai told Antara news agency, while dismissing a rumor about agents' special treatment for AirAsia in selling tickets. Its weird that all of a sudden they stopped selling our tickets [] we asked for an explanation and they said it was due to technical difficulties.

The Jakarta Post reached Traveloka on Monday for comments. While the online travel agent said AirAsia tickets were back on its website, it did not provide any comment on Rifai's statements on Facebook. (wir/wng)
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Linkedin Quinn Libson (Asia News Network) Bangkok  Mon, February 18, 2019 13:28 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0ad5f9 2 SE Asia ASEAN,millenials,young-voters,elections,Indonesia,Philippines,Thailand Free

More than half of the population of Southeast Asia is under the age of 30. Therefore, it stands to reason that this segment of the population will have an outsized influence in coming political contests. Candidates across the region have their eyes turned toward capturing young votes, and that mission is having an affect on their platforms, and the way they campaign.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, Millennials make up nearly half of the electorate, and as such, candidates are working hard to woo young people. But, according to research its a tricky voter segment to pin downand one that has traditionally been less politically engaged.

One Jakarta-based pollster, Alvara Research Center found in one survey that only about 23.4 percent of young respondents reported that they follow political news. And, these young people have historically stayed away from the polls.

The rate of abstention has been on the rise in Indonesia since the 1999 elections with as many as 30 percent of registered voters opting not to cast ballots in 2014. The majority of those that chose to sit the election out were young voters.

The major campaigns for the presidential contest have made repeated calls for millennials to choose their candidate and then get out and vote. Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subiantos running mate, former deputy Jakarta governor Sandiaga Uno has attended a number of youth-focused events, including the Indonesia Millennial Summit 2019.

And the incumbent, President Joko Jokowi Widodo has made use of some of his younger, hipper political allies to encourage millennial support. One of those allies, United Development Party (PPP) chairman Romahurmuziy has said the president is aiming to get at least 45 percent of the millennial vote.

But Millennials obviously arent just voters, as this generation ages, they are inevitably vying to become more directly involved in the political process, by becoming candidates themselves. Roughly 21 percent of the 7,991 candidates running for seats in the Indonesian House of Representatives are between the ages of 21 and 35.

Many of these candidates are making use of less traditional ways of connecting with potential supporters. Kirana Larasati, a 31-year-old television actress whos running for a seat in West Javas first electoral district for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, for example, posted a slickly edited YouTube vlogger-style video on her Twitter account answering questions from followers.

The video calls to mind the more viral stylings of another Millennial political campaign, that of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the United States, offering a glimpse into a future of digitally savvy candidates.

Philippines

More the one-third of the voters in the Philippines are in the 18 to 35 bracket, according to the Commission on Elections, or Comelec, spokesperson James Jimenez, with some 1.5 million Filipino youth will newly eligible to vote for the very first time in this years polls.

Officials and organizations are encouraging high youth participation in the upcoming elections. Jimenez, for example told young voters choosing a candidate to support that [the candidate] should know what you want, what your issues are. Thats what the youth should pay attention to, he said.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, a non-partisan, non-profit affiliated with the Catholic Church is working to encourage young voters to begin evaluating candidates. Their One Good Vote initiative seeks to implore youth voters to judge candidates based on three key criteria: character, competency and honestly.

Young voters have been turned off from political activity in the past. A report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer in early 2018 showed that youth who might otherwise consider participating in political lifeeither by running for office themselves, or by votingwere turned off by corruption and nepotism.

Thailand

Early research shows that election participation among young people in Thailand could be impressive this year. A survey of first-time voters carried out by Bangkok University found that 78.6 percent of the respondents said they would vote in the general election and 85.8 percent said they were monitoring political developments on social media.

While social media certainly isnt just the domain of the young, this election will likely take on a distinctly digital tone, more so than any Thai election before, giving young digital natives a different perspective on their nations politics.

Thailands 2019 elections will be the first time votes will be counted for a national contest in eight years. The world has changed a lot in that time, making this is Thailands first full-on social media election.

The last time Thailand held a national election, in 2011, internet penetration in Thailand was less than one third, Twitter had a niche user base, had 10 million users, but no political party or individual candidate had yet to gain 1 million likes.

Compared to today, the social media of 2011 looks quaint. According to a report by Hootsuite and We Are Social, in 2019, there were 57 million internet users in Thailand, making internet penetration 82 percent. Active social media users make up 74 percent of the population. Thailand now has more than 46 million Facebook users. While General Prayut Cha-o-cha enjoys less support on the platform (his Facebook page has 502,000 likes), the page of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has 6 million likes.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Tue, February 19 2019

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has responded to the recent expulsion of 14 elementary school students with HIV/AIDS in Surakarta, Central Java, calling on the relevant authorities to ensure the immediate re-enrollment of the students.

The Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician wants every relevant party, especially the Surakarta administration, to immediately provide assistance to the students. All citizens have the right to a good education. Children with HIV/AIDS should not be discriminated against, he said in Semarang, Central Java, over the weekend.

He also encouraged the parents of the expelled students to meet with Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo immediately, adding that the expulsion was probably a result of a lack of awareness among parents of other students.

I want the parents wh...
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, February 19 2019

Dozens of motorcycles were confiscated during a police raid on Saturday on an unfinished section of the Cinere-Serpong toll road in South Tangerang, Banten. Many of the motorbikes were left behind by illegal racers who fled the scene to escape the police.

We confiscated 82 motorcycles and apprehended many of the drivers. Some of them [were apprehended] when fleeing, some of them while they were still on their motorcycles, South Tangerang Traffic Police chief Adj. Comr. Lalu Hedwin said on Sunday as reported by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

They were arrested for questioning and are being accused of creating public unrest.



Lalu said his office had received multiple complaints from residents about an illegal race that was held on an unfinished section of the toll road.

Once completed, the to...
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Mon, February 18, 2019 13:15 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0abd48 1 National HIV-AIDS,HIV-positive-children,Ganjar-Pranowo,FX-Hadi-Rudyatmo,surakarta,Semarang Free

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has responded to the recent expulsion of 14 elementary school students with HIV/AIDS in Surakarta, Central Java, calling on the relevant authorities to ensure the immediate re-enrollment of the students.

The Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician wants every related party, especially the Surakarta administration, to immediately provide assistance to the students. All citizens have the right to a good education. Children with HIV/AIDS should not be discriminated against, he said in Semarang, Central Java, over the weekend.

He also encouraged the parents of the expelled students to meet with Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo immediately, adding that the expulsion was probably a result of a lack of awareness among parents of other students.

I want the parents who refused to have their children sit down in the classroom with the students with HIV/AIDS to have a discussion. They have to be given an explanation about what HIV/AIDS is, how it can be transmitted, and how to talk with them and so on, Ganjar said.

He also called on members of the public to refrain from being prejudice and acting in discriminatory ways against people and children with HIV/AIDS.

They should not be isolated. They need to be accompanied. Why exile people with an illness? he said.

Previously, it was reported that 14 children were expelled from Purwotomo 74 state elementary school in Surakarta following pressure on the schools management by parents of other students.

Read also: 'We had no choice': Surakarta school expels students with HIV/AIDS

The students had been enrolled in the school from the beginning of the year, but were forced to stop attending because of the protests. The schools management claimed it had no other choice.

The 14 students, who have not attended school for a week, are currently being given assistance by the Lentera Foundation.

Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo said he hoped a solution would be found by the end of the week.

Homeschooling was thought of as an option but that would be unfair. I hope they will be accepted in other schools, he said. (gis/swd)
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Linkedin Elizabeth Piper (Reuters) London, United Kingdom  Mon, February 18, 2019 20:08 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0bfe00 2 World #UK,#Brexit,Lawmakers,resign,Brexit,betrayal,anti-Semitism Free

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left."

The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide.

"The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

"Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say."

The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner 'The Independent Group'.

Labour won 262 seats at the 2017 election.

A Labour source close to the group, said Monday's departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

Corbyn said in a statement: "I am disappointed that these MPs (Members of Parliament) have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament.

His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do.

Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 percent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks.

The prospect of holding such a second referendum poses a challenge for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

But Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, has also been accused by some lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became leader in 2015.

Corbyn denies that he has allowed anti-Semitism to grow in the Labour Party and has pledged to stamp it out.
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Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 11:59 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0a4522 1 Business semen-indonesia,Holcim,acquisition,corporate-action,expansion,cement,cement-industry Free

State-owned cement maker Semen Indonesia is expecting to strengthen its position as a market leader following the purchase of shares of publicly listed cement producer Holcim Indonesia through its subsidiary, Semen Indonesia Industri Bangunan (SIIB).

In late January, SIIB finalized its purchase of 6.18 billion shares in Holcim Indonesia, making it the main shareholder with 80.64 percent ownership.

The shares were previously owned by Dutch cement maker Holderfin BV, a subsidiary of Swiss-based building material company LafargeHolcim. The change in controlling shareholder resulted in Holcim Indonesia changing its name to PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia (SBI).

Semen Indonesia corporate secretary Agung Wiharto said recently that the acquisition, worth Rp 12.96 trillion (US$916.3 million), was aimed at expanding the companys network of cement factories across the country.

It would also increase Semen Indonesias installed cement production capacity to 50 million tons annually from 38 million tons as it took over four factories under SBIs portfolio, he said.

The four facilities are located in Narogong, West Java; Cilacap, Central Java; Tuban, East Java; and Lhoknga, Aceh.

With ownership of more factories, he said, Semen Indonesia could expand its business to other regions, particularly Jakarta and West Java, as SBI had established a presence there. In 2001, Holcim acquired shares of local cement maker Semen Cibinong, which operated the plants in Narogong, Cilacap and Tuban.

With the takeover [of Holcim], Semen Indonesia can hopefully integrate its supply chain and get a foothold in Jakarta and West Java, which consume the most cement in the country, he said.

The acquisition, he said, was also aimed at making the businesses of Semen Indonesia and SBI more efficient as both would integrate their supply chains, resulting in reduced costs in distribution and raw material acquisition.

Mimi Halimin, an analyst with Mirae Asset Sekuritas, concurred in a research note recently that the new plants could reduce Semen Indonesias distribution costs, especially for delivery in northern Sumatra, Central Java and West Java as well as Jakarta.

Agung said the corporate action was also expected to improve SBIs finances and bottom line as it had been booking losses since 2016 due to fierce competition in the domestic cement industry against foreign cement makers that were mostly from China.

Under its previous name Holcim Indonesia, SBI booked Rp 630.3 billion in losses by the end of September 2018 despite seeing a 7.2 percent increase in sales to Rp 7.37 trillion.

The losses were caused by increased operating expenses in the third quarter of last year.

While expressing hope that SBI could post a profit immediately, Agung acknowledged that the new management needed more time to turn the companys finances around.

At least give us a year to see if we can book a profit, he said, referring to SBIs new management in which he was appointed director during the companys shareholders meeting.

Aside from improvements in efficiency, the acquisition would increase the market share of Semen Indonesia to 57 percent from around 39 percent, boosting its dominance in the domestic cement industry, said Mimi of Mirae Asset Sekuritas.

Binaartha Parama Sekuritas analyst Nafan Aji told The Jakarta Post that the acquisition would likely also help Semen Indonesia expand its business beyond producing cement, and become a provider for integrated construction materials.

Agung revealed that aside from supporting cement production, the acquisition would expand its ready-mix concrete business division.

While the acquisition might have a positive impact, Nafan warned of rising debt in Semen Indonesia as SBIs debt-to-equity ratio (DER) was already high.

But as long as the new controlling shareholder can improve SBIs performance over time, Im sure the high DER can be reduced, he said.
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Linkedin Tatiana Voronova (Reuters) Moscow, Russia  Mon, February 18, 2019 10:10 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a09e88c 2 Business #Russia,#VenezuelaCrisis,Gazprom,freezing,account,venezuela,PDVSA Free

Russian lender Gazprombank has decided to freeze the accounts of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and halted transactions with the firm to reduce the risk of the bank falling under US sanctions, a Gazprombank source told Reuters on Sunday.

While many foreign firms have been cutting their exposure to PDVSA since the sanctions were imposed, the fact that a lender closely aligned with the Russian state is following suit is significant because the Kremlin has been among Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros staunchest supporters.

"PDVSAs accounts are currently frozen. As youll understand, operations cannot be carried out," the source said. Gazprombank did not reply to a Reuters request for a comment.

PDVSA brandished the story as "fake news" on its Twitter account in capital red letters, but did not reply to a request for comment.

Reuters reported this month that PDVSA was telling customers of its joint ventures to deposit oil sales proceeds in its Gazprombank accounts, according to sources and an internal document, in a move to try to sideline fresh US sanctions on PDVSA.

Washington says the sanctions, imposed on Jan. 28, are aimed at blocking Maduro's access to the country's oil revenue after opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself interim president and received widespread Western support.

Gazprombank is Russias third biggest lender by assets and includes among its shareholders Russian state gas company Gazprom.

The bank has held PDVSA accounts for several years. In 2013, PDVSA said it signed a deal with Gazprombank for $1 billion in financing for the Petrozamora company. The source said that Petrozamora accounts were frozen, too.

Russian officials have said they stand by Maduro and have condemned opposition actions as a US-inspired ploy to usurp power in Caracas.

But Russian firms find themselves in a quandary, caught between a desire to endorse the Kremlin line and back Maduro, and the fear that by doing so they could expose themselves to secondary US sanctions which would harm their businesses.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 18:30 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0bc62b 4 City cap-go-meh,glodok,Chinatown,Chinese-New-Year,Chinese-New-Year-2019 Free

Authorities will temporarily close Jl. Pancoran in Glodok, Tamansari, West Jakarta on Feb. 19 and 20 for the Cap Go Meh celebration as part of the Chinatown Festival in the capitals famous Chinatown area.

Cap Go Meh marks the 15th and final day of the traditional two-week celebration of Chinese New Year.

We will [partly] close the street because the north side of Jl. Pancoran will be used for the Chinatown Festival, West Jakarta Transportation Agency head Leo Amstrong said on Sunday, according to wartakota.tribunnews.com.

To anticipate traffic jams because of the closure, we will divert the traffic to other streets, he added.

Leo said that during the closure, traffic from Jl. Toko Tiga to Jl. Pancoran would be diverted to Jl. Pintu Kecil and Jl. Asemka.

However, traffic from Jl. Pancoran to Jl. Toko Tiga Seberang and Jl. Pintu Kecil will remain open.

The agency had installed several banners in several spots to inform residents about the street closure.

He said the agency had also prepared parking spaces for visitors that wanted to go to the festival.

During the Chinatown Festival, we will prepare parking spaces in three spots, on Jl. Pintu Besar Selatan, Pancoran Chinatown Point building, and Glodok market, he said. (ami)
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Linkedin Dyaning Pangestika (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 18:54 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0bd679 1 National LIPI,restructuration Free

During a rally, researchers of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) have urged its chairman to call a halt to recent restructuring that they call unfair.

Hermawan Sulistyo, a political and military researcher from LIPI who represented LIPI's employees at the rally, claimed that the reorganization was carried out arbitrarily, highlighting that some employees were transferred to other departments without prior assessment.

All of our contract workers are being laid off without replacements being provided to fill the vacant positions, Hermawan said, lamenting the absence of the contract workers, who he said were very helpful to researchers.

Hermawan further claimed that a source had told him the layoffs were done for budgetary efficiency.

We already delivered our complaints to the House of Representatives and the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry. The Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister said he will send someone to talk about this, he added.

Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Syafruddin decided on Monday to step in, saying the ministry would form a team to assist with mediation.

The team is to comprise representatives from the Research, Technology and Higher Education Ministry, the National Civil Service Agency and LIPI.

"It has come to my attention that there is a misunderstanding between the chairman and the staff that needs to be sorted out as soon as possible," he said as quoted by Antara.

LIPI chairman Laksamana Tri Handoko had previously announced that the institution would be reorganized, citing management reforms and the improvement of the institutes competence as among the main goals of the move.

Through the reorganization, we aimed to reform the institutes supporting business sector to reduce the researchers clerical burdens, Handoko said in a written statement.

However, the decision was met with resistance by the workers, who turned to the House to express their grievances over and disagreement with it.

During the meeting with lawmakers, the researchers demanded Handoko call a halt to the reorganization and form an evaluation team consisting of research division deputies to assess it. They also demanded to be involved in a review to draw up a clear road map for LIPI.

The meeting, however, ended in deadlock after Handoko refused to accept the first and the last points, saying that some of the researchers and workers had already been assigned to new positions.

He argued that the restructuring was designed for the sake of the organization.

If we succeed, we will be able to improve our human resources and increase our budget at the same time. This [should be] done to boost our research productivity, as well as our service to the public, he said.

We also hope that every party who is involved will prioritize dialogue and follow the existing regulation so that we can build a better working environment, he added.

In a concession to the researchers, Handoko said he would establish a team to evaluate the reorganization.

However, we will continue the process, he said.
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Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 11:57 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0a433d 1 Business e-commerce,investment,digital-economy,restriction,data-center,foreign-ownership Free

Indonesias digital economy has soared over the past five years, but the governments restrictions on investment and innovation could stifle growth, experts have warned.

The countrys digital economy is projected to triple to US$100 billion by 2025, however Indonesia remains the fourth most restrictive country for digital trade out of 64 countries surveyed by the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE).

Indonesias level of restrictiveness is topped only by China, Russia and India according the ECIPE Digital Restrictiveness Index.

This biggest [factor that creates] economic impact is productivity, so the economies that stand to receive the biggest boost from relaxing regulations are these most restrictive countries, said ECIPE director Hosuk Lee-Makiyama in a discussion in Jakarta recently.

In its 2018 report, the ECIPE highlighted two policies that curb the growth potential of Indonesias digital economy: the restriction on foreign ownership in e-commerce businesses  which contribute 45 percent of the digital economy  and the requirement for companies to build data centers in Indonesia.

According to the prevailing regulation, foreign investors are only allowed to own up to 99 percent of shares in e-commerce businesses with valuations that exceed Rp 100 billion (US$7.07 million).

Foreign investors can also hold a maximum of 49 percent of shares in e-commerce companies with valuations between Rp 10 billion and Rp 100 billion.

However, e-commerce businesses with valuations below Rp 10 billion are still off limits to foreign investment.

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution was close to relaxing the restriction in November last year when he launched the 16th Economic Policy Package, which includes a plan to allow foreign direct investment into 54 economic sectors including e-commerce businesses.

However, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), backed by several business associations, pressured the government to revise the plan and President Joko Jokowi Widodo finally cancelled it in late November.

But not all Indonesian businesspeople oppose foreign ownership. Entrepreneur Edward Ismawan Chamdani, founder of venture capital firm Ideosource, expressed disagreement with such restrictions in Indonesia.

We have a pool of investors, especially for start-ups, but we dont have enough incentives, especially tax incentives, he said.

The growing pool of investors in Indonesia is shown in data from the Emerging Market Private Equity Association (EMPEA), which shows that venture capital investments in the country skyrocketed from $2.3 million in 2014 to $136 million in 2017.

Edward recommended that the government should reduce capital gains tax, which goes as high as 30 percent for individuals and 25 percent for corporations in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, the Communications and Information Ministrys information applications director general, attempted to revoke the requirement on data center localization last year in order to help companies  especially technology startups  reduce IT infrastructure costs.

The data center requirement is mandated under Article 7 of Government Regulation No. 82/2012 on the management of electronic transactions and systems.

Semuel, however, met heavy resistance from the Indonesian Information and Telecommunications Society (Mastel), which argued Indonesia still needed the requirement to protect internet users.

Relaxing the localization requirement will be detrimental for Indonesians because we do not have an alternative data protection law, said Mastel chairman Kristiono.

Makiyama explained that the data localization requirement was actually a common government approach to cybersecurity, but that it was insufficient without other measures including public awareness about digital hygiene practices, such as regularly changing passwords, and active cyber defense protocols.

He also concurred with Kristiono on the need for a data protection law before undoing data localization. Both a data protection law and the revocation on data localization are required under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to which Indonesia is not a signatory.

Using the CPTPP as a benchmark for an open internet policy, Makiyama calculated that Indonesia could boost its gross domestic product by 1 percent, which would equal a $10 billion increase, if it relaxed its digital trade regulations to a level seen in the regional agreement.
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Linkedin Annabel Bowles (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18 2019

Like many Indonesians, Australians have aired their concerns over the rise of political Islamism. Experts have pointed out its impact on bilateral ties and trade, and with an election coming up, religious issues may become a sensitive point for Indonesian-Australian diplomacy.



The influence of political Islamism in Indonesia became apparent in 2017, when then-Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian of Chinese descent, was sentenced to two years in prison after

Islamist groups called him out for blasphemy.



A more recent example points to President Joko Jokowi Widodos decision to choose conservative cleric Maruf Amin, who played a crucial role in Ahoks jailing, as his running mate for the 2019 election.



Along with last months brouhaha over the canceled release of Abu Bakar Baasyir, the spiritual leader of the 2002 Bali b...
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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Mon, February 18, 2019 18:16 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0bbf68 1 National accident,children,child-safety Free

Two young children were found dead on Saturday in a fishpond belonging to a neighbor in Simpang Gambir subdistrict, Lingga Bayu district of Mandailing Natal regency, North Sumatera.

Local residents found the bodies of the two siblings, Nazla Lubis, 3, and Ananda Riswan Lubis, 4, in the fish pond at about 6:15 p.m. local time on Feb. 16. The children were buried on Sunday.

Mandailing Natal Police criminal investigation chief Adj. Comr. Dhamos Aritonang said it was thought the two children could have fallen into the fishpond while they were playing.

When they were found, they were floating [in the water], Dhamos said Sunday. He said local residents took them to the nearest clinic but neither could be resuscitated.

We have questioned a number of witnesses to obtain information on the deaths of the two children, said Dharmos, adding that the owner of the fishpond had also been questioned.

Last November, the 16-month-old grandson of Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto drowned when he fell into a fishpond at the family's residence in Kebayoran, South Jakarta.

Indonesia does not have a water safety program for children.
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 15:48 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0b3412 1 Business New-Yogyakarta-International-Airport,operation,APRIL,2019 Free

The new Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA), located in a coastal area of Kulon Progo regency, will start operating its international terminal in April.

We hope that international flights [currently] served by Adisutjipto International Airport will be relocated to NYIA in April, state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) general manager for Adisutjipto International Airport, Agus Pandu Purnama, said over the weekend in Yogyakarta.

He said the flights that would be relocated were direct flights to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This is expected to reduce the burden of the old airport, which serves about 8.4 million passengers annually.

Construction of NYIAs runway and 12,900-square-meter terminal is 69 percent complete, Agus said, adding that work is being done 24 hours a day to ensure the facilities would be ready in April.

Meanwhile, development of the entire 210,000 sqm airport, which required a total investment of Rp 6.1 trillion (US$432.64 million), is 35 percent complete and expected to be fully finished by December 2019, he added.

According to PT AP I, NYIAs international terminal is equipped with four air bridges and parking facilities that are expected to accommodate 342 cars and seven buses.

Agus said airlines from Qatar, Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan and Australia had also expressed their interests to move to the new airport, which was designed to accommodate 300 landing slots when all its facilities are completed.

An airline from Australia has even said that it may open direct flights from the country to Yogyakarta, like from Sydney to Yogyakarta, because the slots to Bali are already full, Agus said.

However, before international services can start at NYIA, the Transportation Ministry will inspect the airport and verify that it is ready, he added.

Meanwhile, the head state-owned bus operator Perum Damris operational division, Suyamto, said to support the international terminal, the company planned to operate five shuttle buses to serve the NYIA-Wojo railway station.

In the future, we will also operate buses from NYIA to Wonosobo, Cilacap, Purwokerto and Yogyakarta, he added. (bbn)
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Linkedin Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18 2019

The governments recent signing of a mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement with Switzerland has been hailed by some as a step forward in the fight against graft.



However, activists and experts have been less complimentary, saying that domestic law enforcement needs a lot of improvement before such deals can be effective.



Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly signed the agreement in Bern last week, after two rounds of negotiations in 2015 and 2017. The Indonesian Embassy in Switzerland said in a statement that the agreement regulates legal assistance of tracking, freezing, confiscation and forfeiture of assets resulting from criminal acts.



The agreement is the 10th such deal signed by the government, after previously signing MLA agreements with ASEAN member nations, Australia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, India, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirate...
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 14:24 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0aebd0 4 Business Bintan,Riau-Islands,bouxite-mining Free

Unlicensed mining of bauxite continues on the islands of Angkut, Dendang and Bukit Batu in Bintan, Riau Islands, despite a government call to end the activities.

"I do not know why they still continue to mine the bauxite, said the head of Bintan and Tanjungpinangs forest management and production department when accompanying officials of the Environment and Forestry Ministry visiting Bintan on Sunday.

In fact, bauxite mining sites in Bukit Batu, for example, are located close to the Bintan district administration office, while workers of mining firm CV Gemilang used the main road to transport bauxite to the port and sell it to PT Gunung Bintan Abadi, he said.

The regulation states that mining trucks are not allowed to use the public road to transport bauxite.

Previously, Environment and Forest Ministry forest preservation director Sustyo Iriyono stressed that no bauxite mining was allowed on the small islands. He added that the ministry had sealed a number of mining sites and would file law suits against anyone engaged in illegal mining.

"We have the names of five companies that operate at 19 mining sites. Those violators could be prosecuted either in Jakarta or in Riau Islands," he said, as reported by news agency Antara.

Bauxite mining has escalated since the Trade Ministrys Foreign Trade Directorate General issued a license to PT Gunung Bintan Abadi to export bauxite in 2017.

The Riau Islands governor issued a mining permit for the company with a production quota of 1.6 million tons. The company cooperated with others to fulfill the quota and export the commodity to China. (bbn)
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Linkedin R. Berto Wedhatama (The Jakarta Post) Magelang, Central Java  Mon, February 18 2019

Its a long, long road: Hungry for Adventure 2019 group ride on Mercedes-Benz SUVs from Yogyakarta to Semarang.

A Mercedes-Benz adventure tour? Why not.

In January, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia organized its Hungry for Adventure 2019 event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The program ran from Jan. 13 to 15. It started in Yogyakarta and ended in Semarang.

All Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle (SUV) models were available during the event. These models comprised the GLA 200 AMG Line, GLC 200 AMG Line, GLE 250 d, GLE 400 AMG Line, AMG GLE 43 Coupe, GLS 400 AMG Line and the latest SUV model, AMG G 63, which is worth Rp 5.6 billion (US$386,6751).

The capabilities of the premium SUVs from Germany were put to the test by exploring such destinations as Widodaren Beach, Gumuk Pasir Park, Jomblang cave and...
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 19:01 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0be5b6 1 National disability,disability-equality,mosque,Padang,Malaysia,Indonesia,wheelchair,wheelchair-accessible Free

A Malaysian disability NGO has responded to a viral video posted by a wheelchaired man who was prohibited from entering a mosque in Padang, West Sumatra, because the mosque's caretaker was concerned about the dirt on the wheels.

The Pertubuhan Prihatin Orang Kurang Upaya 1Malaysia (Prihatin) organization had just the solution: a portable cloth cover for wheelchair wheels called kasoot wheelchair.

The product was invented by Prihatin president Noorulhuda Mohamed Asli so that Muslims in wheelchairs would not need to worry about bringing dirt from the streets into the sacred area of a mosque or having to clean the wheels before praying.

Abraham Ismed, who was told to pray outside the West Sumatra Grand Mosque because of his unclean wheelchair, made headlines in Indonesia and apparently in neighboring Malaysia after he posted his experience on his Instagram account (@boy1492).

Many condemned the expulsion, but the mosque management argued that the measure was intended to maintain the purity of the holy place of worship.

Noorulhuda, who visited Padang last Friday, said that providing a solution so people with disabilities could pray at mosques was very important, adding that it was a global issue that no one seems to care about.

Prihatin thus took the initiative in 2015 to create and start distributing the kasoot to people in wheelchairs in Malaysia. The Malaysian government, particularly the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, is said to endorse the product.

After reading The Jakarta Posts report about the expulsion incident, we decided to visit the Grand Mosque to offer a solution, [...] the kasoot wheelchair, Noorulhuda said in a recent phone interview, and that she and several Prihatin members had visited Abraham to hand him the wheel covers in person.

Abraham uploaded a picture of the NGO's gift on his Instagram account. He said the wheel covers were extremely helpful when he wanted to pray at a mosque. It allows me to enter a mosque without having to worry about the dirt, he posted.

The West Sumatra Grand Mosque, which was established in 2014, has been dubbed the most beautiful mosque in the province for its unique architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the roof, which is a contemporary interpretation of the roof of the traditional Minangkabau house called gonjong.

The 3-story structure can accommodate roughly 20,000 people, making it the biggest mosque in West Sumatra and a popular tourist destination.

The central mosque will be equipped with disabled-friendly facilities," said Noorulhuda. "What if disabled Muslims from abroad want to pray at the mosque? How will they address the issue? She also expressed hope that the grand mosque and other mosques in Indonesia that were tourist attractions could be a good example for other countries.

West Sumatra Grand Mosque chairman Yulius admitted that the mosque did not have proper facilities to accommodate disabled visitors.

We have yet to install disabled access facilities at the mosque. If there is anything we can do to address the problem, we will do so [as soon as possible], Yulius said late last month after a meeting with the Indonesian Disabled Persons Association (PPDI), reported Antara.
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Linkedin Winny Tang, Karina M. Tejusijarana, Riska Rahman and Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18 2019

Incumbent candidate Joko Jokowi Widodo came out strong in the second presidential debate on Sunday, fending off attacks launched by his rival Prabowo Subianto with confidence.



During the debate, Jokowi highlighted his achievements during the past four-and-a-half years, while Prabowo repeatedly pointed out Jokowis weaknesses, though he failed to deliver a knock-out blow to his rival.



It was the first encounter between the two rivals without their respective running mates. They...
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Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18 2019

For a better future: Harapan Jaya Halfway House residents prepare their meals.(Courtesy of Harapan Jaya Halfway House head Susan Jasmine Zulkifli)

Ahmad Dani, 21, worked on occasional construction projects in his hometown in Pamekasan regency, Madura island, East Java. With dreams of making a better living, he packed his bags and headed west to the capital city of Jakarta in 2017.



But things were not easy for him. As a junior high school graduate with no skills, there were not many options for him in the Big Durian. After several failed attempts to acquire blue-collar jobs, he ended up busking on the street to make ends meet.



Mere months after he arrived in the city, Dani was apprehended by officers of the Jakarta Social Affairs Agency in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, after failing to present his ID card during a raid.



However, his detention had a silver lining....
A General Elections Commission (KPU) officer helps voters residing outside Jakarta by processing the A5 form required to vote outside the initial constituency in the Central Jakarta KPU office on Sunday. The KPU processed A5 circulars until Feb. 17 for the first phase. A second phase will be carried out until March 15.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)(KPU) officer helps voters residing outside Jakarta by processing the A5 form required to vote outside the initial constituency in the Central Jakarta KPU office on Sunday. The KPU processed A5 circulars until Feb. 17 for the first phase. A second phase will be carried out until March 15.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 17:07 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0b6a61 4 Business SKKMigas,gas-reserve,discovery,South-Sumatera Free

The Upstream Oil and Gas Regulatory Special Task Force (SKKMigas) on Monday announced the discovery of new gas reserve in the Sakakemang Block, South Sumatra.

SKK Migas head Dwi Soetjipto announced that the new gas reserve was discovered by a consortium of Repsol, Petronas and Mitsui Oil Exploration.

The potential of the reserve is significant although we have not been able to mention the figure. Of course, in the near future, we will prepare the production, Dwi said in Jakarta as quoted by Antara.

Repsol started its second drilling project in the Sakakemang Block on Aug. 20, 2018, in the Kaliberau well 2X (KBD2X) with a fractured basemen target, Dwi said.

Located 60 kilometers from the Suban giant gas field, Repsol discovered the reserve in early February, Dwi added.

Since Feb. 10, Repsol had been carrying out a production test with an initial result of 45 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), he said.

The discovery paved the way for a fractured basement exploration target from South Sumatra to the central part of Sumatra, he said, adding that on Monday, Repsol signed a commitment to carry out exploration in WK South Sakakekmang. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Srinagar, India  Mon, February 18, 2019 13:23 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0accbc 2 World #India,#KashmirViolence,soldiers,killed,kashmir,gunfight Free

At least four Indian soldiers were killed Monday in a fierce gunfight with rebels in Kashmir just four days after a suicide bomber killed 41 paramilitaries in the troubled territory, officials said.

One soldier and one civilian were also critically wounded in the shootout as troops launched a search operation in Pulwama district where the suicide bomber struck on Thursday.

"Four soldiers were killed during the shootout and another one is injured," a senior police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The official said the soldiers fired warning shots and the militants fired back, unleashing the firefight in the district 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the Indian-administered territory's main city of Srinagar.

The official added that the rebels were believed to have escaped though a search operation was being stepped up.

Government forces launched a massive hunt for militants in the disputed region after Thursday's bombing that India has blamed on neighbouring Pakistan.

An explosives-packed van rammed a convoy transporting 2,500 security forces in the deadliest attack in Kashmir in 30 years.

Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the bombing it said was carried out by a local militant.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both countries, which have fought two wars over the territory, claim all of Kashmir.

New Delhi accused Pakistan of harbouring the militant group and has vowed to retaliate to avenge the deaths.

Within hours of the attack, New Delhi withdrew trade privileges for Islamabad and ended police protection to four Kashmiri leaders.

Pakistan has denied a role in the attack, insisting the Islamist group is a proscribed "terrorist organisation".

JeM is one of the several armed militant groups fighting Indian troops in Kashmir, which have seen a resurgence since 2016 after a popular rebel commander's death triggered months of mass street protests.

- Anger -

The shock attack has fuelled anger across India with demonstrations and TV news channels demanding military action against Pakistan.

More protests have been planned Monday, with trade unions calling for a nationwide shutdown by shops and small businesses.

Protesters in New Delhi on Sunday burned effigies of Pakistani and JeM leaders while attacks on Kashmiris were reported in different cities.

A Kashmiri man was beaten by a mob in New Delhi that accused him of chanting anti-India slogans. He was later detained by police.

A curfew remained in force for a fourth day in Jammu city, in the Hindu-majority part of Kashmir, where mobs attacked and set fire to properties belonging to Kashmiri Muslims.

Mobile internet has been shut down across the state.

Kashmir is the world's most militarised zone with some 500,000 Indian troops deployed to fight a rebellion that broke out in 1989. Scores of armed groups are now involved.

Tens of thousands of people, mainly civilians, have died in the conflict. Violence has spiked since 2016 with almost 600 killed last year, the highest toll in a decade.
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Zagreb, Croatia  Mon, February 18, 2019 08:38 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a097b4b 2 World #Croatia,#Crime,woman,killed,sister,freezing,body Free

A Croatian woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her sister 18 years ago after a body was discovered in a freezer in her home, prosecutors said Sunday.

Jasmina Dominic, 23, was studying in Zagreb when she went missing in 2000, according to press reports.

Police suspect her frozen remains have been found after the home of Dominic's sister was searched in the northern village of Mala Subotica.

A 45-year-old woman was arrested last Saturday in Mala Subotica in connection with the investigation, regional police spokesman Nenad Risak told AFP.

"We suppose that the body found in the freezer is that of a woman born in 1977 and whose disappearance was reported on August 16, 2005," Risak said.

Although the woman was missing since 2000, Dominic's family only informed police of her disappearance five years later, the daily Vecernji List reported.

Police believe the person in the freezer was murdered but are awaiting autopsy results, Risak added.

He declined to provide details about how the body was discovered, but the local prosecutor's office said the woman arrested was Dominic's sister.

She is suspected "of having killed her sister in 2000 or 2001 and hiding the body in a freezer that was in a corridor on the ground floor of the house," a statement said.

Dominic's father, who died a few years ago, said in 2011 that his daughter told him in 2000 that she was going to work on a cruise ship.
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Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 14:28 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0af7ac 1 Business coal-mine,mining-footprints,mining-sites,Regulations,supervision,energy-and-mineral-resources-ministry,environmental-damage Free

Last December, East Kalimantan Governor Isran Noor was criticized for dismissing offhand the possibility that a landslide in the provinces Kutai Kartanegara regency was the result of coal-mining activities that damaged roads and houses.

Local media reported at the time that Isran insisted that the coal mining operations had nothing to do with the landslide, even though the mining took place only a few hundred meters from the landslide area.

The distance [from the landslide to the impacted road and houses] is far; [the landslide did not happen] because of mining activities. The distance is about 200 meters, he said as quoted by news reports two days after the incident.

However, a week later, the East Kalimantan Energy and Mineral Resources Agency found that the mine had been too close to the road. The agency then slapped a penalty on the mining firm, PT Adimitra Baratama Nusantara (ABN).

The governors statement about 200 m being a safe distance contradicts the requirement that a mining site should be at least 500 m away from residential areas, as stipulated in Environment and Forestry Ministry Regulation No. 4/2012 on environmental indicators for miners.

The Kutai Kartanegara landslide was one of many accidents believed to be related to mining activities.

According to local NGO Mining Advocacy Network (Jatam), at least 30 people died after falling into abandoned former coal mines in the past eight years.

The requirement of mine reclamation for inactive coal mines is stipulated in Energy and Mineral Resources Ministery Regulation No. 26/2018 on good governance and supervision of mining operations, which threatens administrative penalties ranging from a warning to permit revocation for violations.

Data from the ministry show that, as of June 2018, only 60 percent of all mining companies with coal mining permits (IUPs) had paid mine reclamation funds to the government.

Business players compliance with rules to implement [mine] reclamation measures and conduct post-mining management is very low, said Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Indonesia, a civil society organization for the extractive industries, in its latest report on coal mining.

Bambang Gatot Ariyono, director general of mineral and coal at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, acknowledged that miners were only paying a small amount of reclamation funds. He blamed regional administrations for being lenient, even though they had the full authority to supervise mining companies in their regions.

Ive warned the mining firms that the environmental aspect is becoming critical and sensitive. [.]. We have also urged regional administrations to require better mitigation actions, like putting up warning signs at inactive coal mines, he said.

As of January, 539 of a total 3,384 mineral and coal miners had failed to obtain the clean and clear (CnC) status, which declares that a company has complied with all permit requirements, including those related to environmental aspects.

Several miners without the CnC status still ran operations, as the related regional administrations had yet to revoke their working permits for fear of being sued, Bambang of the ministry revealed.

Those kinds of permits should be cancelled, including the expired permits, he said.

However, he said that not all inactive mines should be restored to a natural state, as several of them still had some economic value.

According to government data, the area for planned mine reclamation totalled 6,950 hectares in December 2018, 0.7 percent higher than the initial goal. However, the ministry did not disclose the number of coal mines that should be reclaimed.

Bambang mentioned a lack of budget funds as part of the problem as to why local administrations were lenient in tightening the supervision, which was done through regional mining inspectors.

At least 1000 mining inspectors are assigned across the country under the authority of the central government, which in this matter is the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.

Bisman Bakhtiar, executive director of the Center for Energy and Mining Law (Pushep), concurred with Bambang on the supervision issue, saying weak mining inspections were a problem still overlooked by the central government.

Our mining inspectors are still insufficient in terms of quantity, capacity and equipment, he told The Jakarta Post. Therefore, I can say that the massive economic benefit from the mining sector is still not enough to cover the environmental damage it creates.

The extractive industries, including mineral and coal mining, are a major contributor to state revenue and exports, which are crucial for the government to maintain a healthy trade balance.

Throughout 2018, nontax revenue (PNBP) from mineral and coal mining contributed Rp 50.1 trillion (US$3.55 billion), or 12.2 percent, to the overall nontax revenue of Rp 407.1 trillion.

Yet, like a two-edged sword, the countrys economic dependency on the extractive industries and strong political connections in the sector have made the government generous and lenient with the companies operations, said Jakarta-based energy expert Fabby Tumiwa.

The coal industry has strong ties with our political system, both at the regional and top level. Some coal mine owners are even state officials themselves, said Fabby, who is also the executive director of the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR).

At the end of 2018, a coalition of NGOs named #BersihkanIndonesia, or Cleaning Up Indonesia, published a study titled Coalruption, which reveals politically-exposed persons (PEPs) in the coal industry.

Large capital, close links with regulators, royalties and taxes as well as a dependence on state infrastructure to market the coal render the [mining sector] prone to political corruption, such as in the form of trading influence or abuse of authority, said the coalition in its report.
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Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Bengkulu  Mon, February 18, 2019 08:30 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a097a8e 1 National Muhammadiyah,extremism,Haedar-Nashir,Islam,tolerance,propagation Free

Islamic group Muhammadiyah is planning to mobilize its members to campaign for wasatiyyah (religious moderation) in a renewed attempt to stem the tide of religious extremism.

Chairman Haedar Nashir said in Bengkulu on Sunday that major Islamic organizations, including Muhammadiyah, had neglected the issue, resulting in the rise of intolerance and hostility toward minorities.

It is the time for major Islamic groups to pay for their mistake by engaging the community more and instilling the values of religious moderation, which include fairness, kindness, mutual respect and tolerance, he said.

Muhammadiyah, which has millions of members nationwide, operates thousands of educational institutions ranging from high schools to universities throughout the country.

We now need to disseminate a counternarrative showcasing the tolerant and peaceful aspects of Islam to fight against rampant hoaxes and hate speech, Haedar said.

Muhammadiyah identified three groups who are vulnerable to radical or extreme values, which will be specially addressed by its mubaligh (preachers).

The first group are the people who are economically deprived and politically marginalized and are therefore looking for a messianic figure to save them. The second group is the upper middle class who are prosperous but spiritually empty. The last group is tech-savvy millennials who have a limited understanding of religion but are heavily exposed to radical ideas on social media.

Muhammadiyah has quite a strong network [to instill moderate values in society]. We want to make this movement massive, Haedar said.

The new antiextremism drive was announced on the sidelines of the Muhammadiyah leadership meeting held from Friday to Sunday in Bengkulu.

The meeting, attended by around 460 participants including executives of Muhammadiyahs central board and leaders of the organizations regional boards, produced a set of recommendation named Enlightenment Treatise that called on people to--among other things--be moderate, build peace and appreciate pluralism.

It also encouraged people to spread good literacy and avoid intolerance and hatred amid the rising use of digital technology.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who officially closed the meeting on Sunday, said Indonesian Muslims seemed to experience habluminallah (better relations with God), as more and more people go to mosques to perform and take part in pengajian (learning forums).

However, their relations among habluminannas (humans), particularly among those of a different religious or ethnic background, seemed to be deteriorating.

Kalla noted that according to a 2014 study by George Washington University, Indonesia--as a country with the largest Muslim population--had failed to embrace the values of Islam in various aspects of politics, business, law and society as it ranked 144 out of 208 countries.

Why does it happen? The answer is simple. Most of us only improve ibadah [worship] and put aside muamalah [relations among human beings], said the vice president.
It is rhubarb harvest season in the candle-lit sheds of northern England, where farmers are cashing in on a new trend for the vegetable in modern British cuisine.

Farmers in the Rhubarb Triangle, whose points traditionally are the industrial Yorkshire cities of Bradford, Wakefield and Leeds, have been growing the plant the same way for over a century.

Theres no way of improving, we grow it almost exactly the same way as we did 100 years ago, theres no other way to do it, Robert Tomlinson, a fourth-generation rhubarb farmer, told AFP.

Rhubarb is initially planted outside, where they grow slowly for two years in Yorkshires wet and cold soils before being taken into heated sheds in the autumn.

The purple stems then grow at a rapid rate, using the energy stored up during their time outside, and are picked in late winter.

Farm worker Marek Vojteck (R) harvests forced rhubarb with farmer Robert Tomlinson (L) by candlelight on Robert Tomlinson's farm in Pudsey, near Leeds in northern England on February 12, 2019. (AFP/Oli Scarff)

At certain times in the shed, you can hear it creaking and groaning because it grows that fast, it can grow six or seven inches in three or four days, said Tomlinson, whose farm is one of four in the region with protected designation of origin status for specialty produce.

The process, known as forcing, was developed in the late 1800s after the plant was initially brought over from Siberia for its purported medicinal qualities.

Read also: A royal reception feast for 600: langoustines, quail eggs and rhubarb tartlets

It then graced dinner tables for generations in a dessert known as rhubarb crumble, traditionally served with custard.

But a new generation of chefs were drawn to its deep red color and sharp flavor, combining it in savory and sweet dishes, and even making rhubarb champagne.

Its got its own unique flavor, its like nothing else, said Tomlinson.

It did go out of fashion but people are realizing its not just crumble now, you can use it with all sorts of stuff, he added, saying it paired particularly well with mackerel, venison, or any oily fish.

He credited more colorful and less acidic varieties developed in the 1960s for the plants resurgence.

Over the last 10 years, demand has increased massively, he said, explaining that he regularly ships the product to restaurants in Switzerland and New York.
The Jingju Theatre Company of Beijing is marking its 40th anniversary with performances by veteran and young Peking Opera artists.

Peking Opera, known as jingju in Chinese, has a history of more than 200 years and was declared as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2010.It combines a variety of art forms, including singing, dancing, martial arts and acrobatics.

From March 1 to 31, 88 shows will be staged at Chang'an Grand Theater and Star Theatre, including classic Peking Opera pieces The Jewelry Pouch and Mu Guiying Takes Command.

Read also: 'I Beijing Opera' shows glimpse of Chinese classic

New Peking Opera productions directed by young directors will also be showcased during the month-long celebration.

The Jingju Theater Company of Beijing, one of the largest and most prestigious Peking Opera troupes in the country, was joint founded in 1979 by Peking Opera masters, including Mei Lanfang and Ma Lianliang.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will return an ancient gilded coffin to Egypt after New York prosecutors determined that it had been looted from that country, the museum said.

The museum had purchased the prized coffin, dating from the first century BCE, in July 2017 from a Paris art dealer for a price of nearly four million dollars.

But the Manhattan district attorney's office determined that the mummy-shaped golden coffin had been sold with fake documentation, including a forged 1971 Egyptian export license.

It was not clear what had sparked the district attorney's investigation.

The statement Friday quoted Met CEO Daniel Weiss as apologizing to the Egyptian people and specifically to Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany.

"After we learned that the Museum was a victim of fraud and unwittingly participated in the illegal trade of antiquities, we worked with the DA's office for its return to Egypt," Weiss said.

Read also: New York's Museum of Modern Art to undergo four-month renovation

The museum said it would "consider all available remedies to recoup the purchase price of the coffin" and would commit itself "to identifying how justice can be served, and how we can help to deter future offenses against cultural property".

MoMA vowed to "review and revise its acquisitions process".

The elaborately decorated coffin, viewed by nearly a half-million visitors since it was made the centerpiece of a major exhibition in July, is sheathed in gold, which the ancient Egyptians associated with the gods.

It is inscribed with the name of Nedjemankh, a high-ranking priest of the ram-headed god Heryshef of Herakleopolis.

The Met took the coffin off view this week to deliver it to the district attorney's office for its eventual return to Egypt.
Edward Kaprov makes a final adjustment to the oversized, traditional-style camera perched on a heavy tripod aimed at an Israeli military jeep near the Gaza border.

Lets give it a shot, the 43-year-old says as he strides briskly to the tent that serves as his darkroom.

Kaprov, a professional photographer, says he took to the mid-19th-century wet-plate collodion process as part of an artistic project to create a dialogue between the past and future.

The method entails coating a glass plate in liquid substances, fixing it in the camera, exposing it for a few seconds and then developing it  all within 10-15 minutes.

Technological advances are all but ignored in the process which has remained nearly unchanged since it was invented in 1851  though Kaprov does use his smartphone as a light meter.

Kaprov unloads a table, basins, coolers and plastic jerrycans from the back of his panel van and deftly sets up his field darkroom in the tent.

He brushes clean the plate and carefully pours the collodion mixture on it.

Then he inserts it into a silver nitrate solution, which upon exposure would turn dark, with the collodion solidifying the forms to the plate.

Kaprov returns to the camera with the black magazine containing the wet glass. He inserts it, pulls out the magazine and leaves the glass in.

Covering himself with a blanket as he stoops over the camera, he opens the lens and counts out loud to three before retrieving the glass.

Back in the tent the plate is carefully removed and treated before being taken out into the sun, still immersed in liquid  as the images of the military vehicle and gate appear on the glass.

Read also: Adhi Kusumo: Portrait photography as art and therapy

Borderline disorder

The end product, a piece of glass roughly the size of A4 paper, doesnt reveal the labor put into the process.

And now, a cigarette, Kaprov sighs in relief as he pats his pockets for his rolling tobacco.

The outdated technique is worth its remarkable hassle to Kaprov, who began a series of Israeli border images nearly 10 years ago using a regular digital camera, and around the year 2015 had something of an epiphany.

I suddenly understood that I had to continue taking the pictures the same way the first images from the Holy Land were produced to create a dialogue between the past and future, he says.

He spent a year learning about the technique through books and internet tutorials, experimenting with potent chemicals and assembling the necessary equipment before he was ready to hit the road and resume work on what is now called the Borderline Personalities Disorder series.

Kaprovs interest in borders is part of his own quest to define or understand his place in Israel, the country he left his native Siberia for at 17.

I havent really found myself since leaving my homeland for my historic homeland. Im still searching, he says.

With his cropped hair, short beard and trim physique, Kaprov looks every bit the outdoor man he is, spending days in the field seeking interesting frames in the company of his mixed border collie Robin.

Even my dog is borderline, he says with a grin.

Read also: Riza Marlon: Pioneer in wildlife photography

Ancient novelty

Israels frontiers tend to be marked by ominous fences fending off the unknown dangers of the surrounding Arab states and entities.

The absence of hikers, tourists and industry in much of those areas afforded him not only the raw images that could correspond with the old ones, but also much-needed peace of mind to focus on his art.

I escaped one utopia only to find myself in another, he says of his move from Communist Russia to the Jewish state.

The slow pace of the wet plate technique, used by just a few other photographers professionally in Israel, necessitates a special focus not only from the artist but also from his human subjects, who enter a meditative state-of-mind, Kaprov says.

And while using this method deprives most the opportunity for spontaneity  one of modern photographys key characteristics  its ancient novelty attracts attention.

The soldiers who were in the jeep on the Gaza border approached Kaprov by the tent to see what he was doing.

A brief encounter led to the four paratroopers agreeing to pose for him on the same backdrop of their vehicle, accompanying him back to the tent again to see the outcome of the picture.

As much as Im result-oriented, theres no denying that the process is a very central part of the issue, Kaprov says later.

Its like magic taking place, to me and anyone around.
US military airlifted tons of humanitarian aid to a Colombian town on the Venezuelan border Saturday as part of an effort meant to undermine socialist President Nicolas Maduro and back his rival for the leadership of the South American nation.



Three scheduled Air Force C-17 cargo planes that took off from Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida had landed in Cucuta. That border city, swollen by a flood of migrants from Venezuela, is a collection point for aid thats supposed to be distributed by supporters of Juan Guaido, the congressional leader who is recognized by the U.S. and many other nations as Venezuelas legitimate president. He has called for the aid. This wasnt the first, and it wont be the last, said USAID Administrator Mark Green, standing on the tarmac in Cucuta at a ceremony to receive the aid. More is on the way.



Commercial planes had been used for earlier shipments of aid, which is aimed at dramatizing the economic crisis gripping Venezuela.



Maduro has been using the military, to aid from entering Venezuela, describing it as crumbs from a US government.



They hang us, steal our money and then say here, grab these crumbs and make a global show out of it, Maduro told The Associated Press on Thursday. With dignity we say No to the global show. Whoever wants to help Venezuela is welcome, but we have enough capacity to pay for everything that we need.



Cucuta, Colombia, (Hindustan Taimes), Feb 17, 2019 -
Nearly 74 years after gaining independence, Indonesia still fails to consider research and development a top priority.

With a population of some 260 million people, the lack of research and development is compromising Indonesias ability to compete in the global markets for goods and services.

Some of the most renowned scientific minds of the world have shed light on Indonesias lack of concern for research and development during a recent event commemorating 70 years of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Italy, a country that has brought forth so much innovation in science and culture over hundreds of years.

To mark the anniversary, a science seminar was held on Jan. 28 at the Eijkman Institute of Molecular Biology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) in Jakarta.

At the seminar, the director of research and community services at the Ministry of Research Technology and Higher Education, Ocky Karna Radjasa, said that, although Indonesia had continuously met its research and development targets and provided thousands of research grants and scholarships every year, there was still a big gap in spending and resources between universities when it comes to research and development.

According to the latest World Bank data available on the matter, from 2013, Indonesia only allocates around 0.08 percent of its GDP to research and development, compared to 2.19 percent in Singapore and 1.26 percent in Malaysia.

However, as of 2017, the Jokowi administration has raised R&D spending to 0.2 percent or around Rp 24.9 trillion (US$1.7 billion), the highest in the countrys history.

Although comparatively low, this figure is on an upward trend, with the 2017 Global Innovation Index showing that despite the fact that Indonesia only ranked 105th of 127 countries in terms of research and development spending, it was placed 27th for research collaboration, 28th for cluster development and 47th for science and technology graduates.

The figures show that the countries with the most advanced research capabilities are the ones that get the most support from the private industry.

In Indonesia, private sector support only makes up around 20 percent of total funding because of a lack of business incentives, policies and industry awareness about the importance of research.

Be that as it may, Indonesias competitiveness is on the rise. On to the World Economic Forums 2018 Global Competitiveness Report, Indonesia ranked 45th, two positions up from the previous years report.

However, a number of other countries in Southeast Asia are placed higher, including Singapore in second spot, Malaysia in 25th and Thailand in 38th.

During the seminar, Eijkman Institute director Amin Soebandrio described the areas of scientific research he believes would see significant growth if Indonesian and Italian researchers were to collaborate, which was also applicable to other countries.

What we expect to establish in the near future between Indonesia and Italy covers both fields of infectious diseases and genetic disorders, because Indonesias population consists of hundreds of ethnic groups and genetic diversity, so this is still a very wide area to be explored, Amin said.

Stem cell research and applied therapy was the field with the biggest potential for Indonesia when it comes to research and development, he added.

Unlike other nations in the region, such as Singapore, which has banned stem cell therapy, Indonesia has been developing the field, with a number of universities undertaking stem cell research and providing stem cell treatments to patients.

This potential was emphasized during the seminar, which raised two important topics  marine biology and stem cell research  led by two prominent Italian scientists  Mario Giordano, professor of marine biology at Marche Polytechnic University in Italy, and Elena Cattaneo, cofounding director of the University of Milans Center for Stem Cell Research and an internationally renowned Huntingtons Disease researcher.

Giordano spoke about the ability of algae to change carbon dioxide levels in the environment, which has significant ramifications for the planet, while Cattaneo discussed her work into Huntingtons disease, which is characterized by a lack of coordination and jerky body movements.

When asked whether they would be interested in pursuing research in Indonesia, both Giordano and Cattaneo responded positively.

We hope so, but the problem with research is always funding, so we need to find suitable funding to conduct research, said Giordano.

We do have a history of collaboration [...] but the main problem is finding a way of supporting this research, So [were] hoping that the two governments will be willing to support our work; there is no reason why they shouldnt  the interest is there, the topics of mutual interest are there, so there are good chances this will happen. (hdt)

-The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.
British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has joined the cast of Good Omens, a fantasy series to be released on May 31 on Amazon Prime Video, as announced by the platform at its TCA press briefing. The star of Sherlock and Doctor Strange will be working with Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Jon Hamm and Frances McDormand on the series which is inspired by a novel by its showrunner and writer, Neil Gaiman.

Its been a wait of almost two years for Good Omens, the new series from Neil Gaiman and Amazon Prime Video. First announced in August 2017, it finally has a launch date of May 31, and its lineup has been completed now with Cumberbatch. He will provide the voice for a giant animated Satan.

Somewhere between humor and fantasy, the series will tell the tale of an angel, in the form of Michael Sheen, and a demon, played by David Tennant, who are prepared to do anything, even join forces, to prevent the impending end of the world. These representatives of God and Satan on earth need to find the Anti-Christ, an 11-year old boy who is unaware of his destiny to bring about the end of the world, thereby saving it from the imminent apocalypse.

Read also: Roberts, Huppert star in new Amazon Prime Video series line-up

The series is an adaptation of a fantasy novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

To bring his novel to life, Neil Gaiman has enlisted high-caliber actors Michael Sheen (The Queen, Master of Sex), David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Frances McDormand (Fargo), Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Mireille Enos (The Killing, World War Z).

The six episodes will be aired on May 31 on Amazon Prime Video and will subsequently be screened in the United Kingdom on the BBC, which co-produced the series with Amazon.
Victoria Beckham looked back to the 1970s at London Fashion Week on Sunday, while Vivienne Westwood turned her catwalk into a stage to protest issues ranging from climate change to Brexit.

In front of an audience including Beckham's husband David and their children, models wore dresses and skirts slim fitted over the knee, some with abstract chain patterns.

In a collection rich in vibrant colors and patterns, Beckham stuck to her signature silhouette of fitted skirt suits, which were chequered, and wide-leg trousers.

The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer used to present her line in New York during the catwalk season, but moved to London in September to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her eponymous brand.

"For Autumn/Winter 2019 I have been thinking about what women want, about modern femininity and about how to curate those ideas into a collection for today," Beckham said in a statement.

"There are touches of retro, pinches of the '70s. Yet it's all brought together into something encapsulating what we call the modern feminine alphabet."

The designer used colors such as lipstick red, teal, pink, absinthe and lilac and her footwear consisted of high-heeled stretch open toe boots, in vibrant blue, red or leopard print. Heels came in hot pink or yellow.

Britain's dame of fashion Westwood gave models a voice on her "homo loquax" catwalk.

The 77-year-old, known for her environmental activism, allowed her models, which included actress and anti-harassment campaigner Rose McGowan and other campaigners, to address various issues as she presented an eclectic mix of creations.

Designer Vivienne Westwood on stage with models following her catwalk show at London Fashion Week Women's A/W19 in London, Britain February 17, 2019. (REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)

"We need more heroes," McGowan declared on the runway.

Read also: New-look Burberry tops the bill at London Fashion Week

Sustainable fashion, Britain's looming exit from the European Union and climate change were addressed as models presented oversized chequered coats, tailored jackets, silk dresses, fitted knitwear and clashing prints.

Loose tops bore playing cards Westwood said she designed to "illustrate a plan to save the world from climate change".

Both women and men took to the catwalk. Some wore Pinocchio-like long noses. Knotted headscarves were worn back to front.

Dozens of protesters from the Extinction Rebellion group also sought to shine a spotlight on climate change by temporarily blocking roads. Carrying flags and a "Rebel for Life" sign, they briefly stopped traffic outside the main London Fashion Week venue.

At Preen, designer duo Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi said they were "inspired by the culture of dance and music and the impact it has had on us".

The show opened with floral prints on outerwear and asymmetric layered skirts, before moving on to 1980s-style silhouettes - open neck decolletes and exaggerated shoulders.

Models present creations during the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi catwalk show at London Fashion Week Women's A/W19 in London, Britain February 17, 2019. (REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)

The outfits were accessorized with a type of harness on top, with rosette decorations and ribbons flowing at the side, sometimes with small backpacks.

Patterned silk shirts were frilly, fitted tops revealed mid-riffs and knits were also cropped. Coats were voluminous.

Models wore blue tights and clog-like shoes. For the evening, shiny black or lace dresses were on show.
Nestled in a valley in West Satarmese subdistrict, Manggarai regency, on Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Todo customary village is said to be the birthplace of the mbaru niang traditional houses. The neighboring village of Wae Rebo was bestowed the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2012 for preserving the mbaru niang, cone-shaped houses with roofs made of palm leaves over a wooden frame.

Titus Jegadut, 52, a Manggarai regency tourism office staffer and tour guide, told The Jakarta Post in early February that Todo village was once the center of the ancient Todo kingdom and the home of Minangkabau (Minang) migrants.

It is said that a group of Minangkabau people migrated from West Sumatra to establish Todo village when they arrived many centuries ago to the area now known as Manggarai regency. Mashur, a prominent figure respected among the Minang community for establishing the village, is buried in a grave at the heart of Todo village.

Foreign and Indonesian visitors frequently come to this traditional village [Todo] aside from Wae Rebo. Professors and students from many universities in Indonesia and other countries also come on cultural and anthropological research programs, said Titus.

He said that the traditional houses in Todo originally resembled rumah gadang, the traditional house of the Minang culture, but that they transformed over the centuries into the conical structures seen today.

Aside from Todo's historical and cultural heritage, whether of the Minang or the Manggarai cultures, the village's location is also one of its major attractions, as it appears suspended on the boundary between the heavens and Earth.

Read also: Weaving to preserve heritage, make ends meet

Center of handwoven textiles

Titus said that as well as visiting Todos unique and rare traditional houses, foreign and Indonesian visitors also came to Todo to explore its handwoven textiles. Many visitors bought textile products from shawls to lipa songke fabrics, which bear the unique motifs of Todo village.

One way to promote Todo textiles is by requiring visitors to wear textiles with songke Todo motifs when visiting traditional houses, said Titus.

The head of the East Manggarai cooperatives, industry and trade agency, Basilius Teto, told the Post that Todo village and Lamba Leda subdistrict were the handwoven textile centers of the greater Manggarai area. The textiles carried Todo motifs and Lambaleda motifs, as well as original motifs created by weavers in villages across the region.

There are 56 weavers groups in East Manggarai. The weavers produce 1,344 pieces each year, excluding shawls, said Basilius.

He also said that the East Manggarai administration had introduced a policy for all local civil servants to wear traditional East Manggarai textiles. Although the fabrics are expensive with prices ranging from Rp 400,000 (US$28.42) to Rp 2 million for their time-consuming production process, wearing the textiles is part of the regency's strategy to promote the local weaving culture.

Weavers work from Monday to Friday at the weaving [factory] provided by the East Manggarai administration, and they rest on Saturdays and Sundays. The regency administration has supported the weavers by providing thread and equipment. Today, a weaver can produce a 4-meter by 1.2-meter length of fabric in 14 days, Basilius said.

Professor Mohammad Hamsal of Bina Nusantara University Jakarta, who is Minangkabau, told the Post that some traditional houses in the Todo valley resembled traditional houses in Padang, West Sumatra. The textile motifs, wall paintings and traditional decorations in the Manggarai culture also resembled decorative elements in the gadang houses of Minang culture.

Despite their exterior cone shapes that departed from the shape of gadang, Todo's traditional houses were built with a central column that was also found in rumah gadang architecture. (mut)
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Linkedin Sambit Mohanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 13:14 858 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0ab7ac 3 Opinion oil-industry,OPEC Free

The oil sector has witnessed a series of developments in early 2019 that have clouded demand prospects and have sent out a signal to the market that the recovery in prices could be at a pace slower than expected earlier.



Fears are rising over slowing economic growth in Europe, the United States and China. That may potentially overshadow any potential disruption to supplies because of two key factors  the impact that Washingtons decision to impose sanctions on Venezuelan oil might have on trade flows, and secondly, if the US turns down requests to extend waivers on Iranian oil.



But market participants have been largely unanimous on one theme.



While economic growth concerns may slow the speed of a recovery in oil prices, the fall in the (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output to four-year lows  thanks to a late 2018 deal with non-OPEC countries  is likely to prevent a sharp slide in prices.



To sum up, while the rise in prices might be slow in the first quarter, the scope for a slide in prices may be limited.



S&P Global Platts Analytics expects dated Brent prices to hover around US$60 per barrel in Q1 2019.



However, that range will be still well below the near four-year high prices of $86.74 per barrel the market witnessed on Oct. 3, 2018, before crashing more than 40 percent to fall below $50 per barrel in late December.



According to an S&P Global Platts survey, OPEC in January pumped the lowest volume since March 2015, with crude oil production sharply falling to 30.86 million barrels per day (bpd), down 970,000 bpd from December.



The month-on-month fall was the biggest since December 2016. The 11 OPEC members achieved 76 percent of their required cuts in January, with their production falling 619,000 bpd from October, the benchmark month from which the quotas were determined, except for Kuwait, which is using November.



On the macroeconomic outlook front, S&P Global Ratings expects global gross domestic product growth to slow in 2018, led by the US. Chinese growth will moderate. Europes growth will remain relatively low and stable.



But it has added that slowing growth does not mean its the beginning of another global financial crisis.



Bank of England governor Mark Carney has, however, warned recently that the United Kingdom faces a 25 percent chance of recession this year and that the risk of a recession would be increased by a no-deal Brexit.



US sanctions on Venezuelas state-owned PDVSA are expected to affect crude markets in Asia as the South American country could be forced to redirect nearly half of its exports away from the US, its single largest customer.



PDVSAs Asian customers, such as private Indian refiners Reliance and Nayara Energy, and Chinese independents, are expected to show interest for around 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan heavy crudes, to replace Iranian grades.



The sanctions could also boost competition for heavy crudes from the Middle East, such as Iraqs Basrah Heavy, Bahrains Banoco Arab Medium and Saudi Arab Heavy.



However, if Middle Eastern producers choose to trim their allotments to Asia and boost supply to the US, the market will tighten.



It wont be easy for PDVSA to redirect all its displaced volumes to Asia, where oil refineries are configured to process mostly medium sour grades from the Middle East. In addition, only a few refineries actively seek heavy grades on the spot market.



PDVSAs crude exports were around 1.28 million bpd in Q4 2018, with the US taking in more than 40 percent of those exports, India nearly 20 percent and China about 22 percent.



While the sanctions have yet to affect global oil prices significantly, that could change if the crisis in Venezuela drags on.



Another big question hanging over the market is whether the US will agree to a second round of waivers for importing nations to continue buying Iranian oil.



A US special representative for Iran said recently that Irans oil customers should not expect new waivers to the US sanctions in May.



Many market participants, however, still expect the US to grant fresh waivers when the current exemptions expire in May. Oil prices will largely determine the extent of those waivers.



Iranian crude imports by South Korea, Japan and India have been slashed at least by half from levels before November, when the US re-imposed sanctions on Irans oil trade, according to S&P Global Platts calculations.



Platts Analytics expects Irans oil exports to average 1.2 million bd over January-April and fall to 860,000 by Q4 2019, compared with about 2.7 million bpd in early 2018.



Markets will be also closely watching another development in February.



Expectations are also growing that OPEC, after failing to close a deal last year, will try again this month to iron out a permanent pact with Russia and nine other key non-OPEC allies to manage the oil market and stabilize prices.



OPEC members will confer on Feb. 18-19 to finalize a draft charter and then present it to the non-OPEC partners on Feb. 22. The goal is to ratify the charter at the next full meeting of the coalition of OPEC and non-OPEC members over April 17-18 in Vienna.



Although the intensifying political crisis in Venezuela may complicate the plans, markets will be closely watching developments to get some signals on the direction for oil prices.

***

The writer is senior editor, Asia Oil News & Analysis, at S&P Global Platts.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin Arifi Saiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Mon, February 18, 2019 11:12 859 acca405afacc7201380025f21a0a25bf 3 Opinion Islam,Indonesia,Nahdlatul-ulama,Muhammadiyah,Islam-Nusantara Free

Islam, as widely practiced in Indonesia and much of Southeast Asia, has incorporated local cultures, traditions and local wisdoms to build an identity distinct from Islam found in the Middle East, where the religion originated.



Moderation and tolerance are among the distinguishing characteristics of the practices of Islam Nusantara (Islam of the Archipelago), as coined by the countrys largest Islamic organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).



Following the precept of Islam rahmatan lil alamin (Islam as a blessing for all creations), Indonesia, as the country with the worlds largest Muslim population, is embarking on spreading the peaceful message of Islam to the rest of the world. The NU and Muhammadiyah, two of Indonesias largest Muslim organizations, have started their campaigns. While the NU campaigns for Islam Nusantara, Muhammadiyah has been promoting the concept of al-wasatiyyah (middle path) in Islam, which also emphasizes on moderation and tolerance. More recently, Muhammadiyah has come up with the concept of progressive Islam.



The government could follow suit by promoting Islam Nusantara as an extension of its now well-known soft power diplomacy of organizing interfaith dialogues. Currently, Indonesia engages with no less than 31 countries in dialogues involving their religious leaders, including, among others, Russia, Finland and India.



The new terminology of Islam Nusantara actually shares the values of Islam that had taken root in this part of the world long before the establishment of Indonesia as a modern nation-state. The concept is not an alternative to Islams four main schools of thought  Shafii, Hanafi, Hambali and Maliki  but more about the way Islam is practiced, which emphasizes moderation, tolerance and non-violence. Amin Kurdi, a grand imam of the Lebanon State Mosque, said Islam Nusantara embodied the values of Islam rahmatan lil alamin.



These values have attracted religious leaders in Afghanistan to adopt Islam Nusantara as part of the peace process and conflict resolution in the war-torn country. With the support of the NU, Afghan clerics founded the Nahdlatul Ulama Afghanistan (NUA) in June 2014. The organization now has the support of some 6,000 clerics and has opened branch offices in 22 out of 34 provinces across Afghanistan.



The NUA has taken on the task of promoting peace and stability by spreading Islams messages of moderation, tolerance, justice, attawazun (balance) andal-musharaka (participation). The NUA works with other Afghan elements in promoting peace, reconciliation, tolerance, non-extremism and brotherhood.



They are countering extremism and radicalism that have perpetually disrupted peace there.



Other countries like Lebanon, Belgium, Russia, Sudan and Turkey have also shown interest in following the footsteps of Afghanistan, citing their impression of the NU as a role model thanks to its Islam Nusantara concept. Belgium is reportedly looking at the possibility of bringing the NU clerics to serve as imam in its 168 mosques for its small but growing Muslim community.



There is a growing recognition that Islam Nusantara as a concept can create an atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in a heterogeneous society, not only in Indonesia, but also globally. Islam Nusantara can help stem Islamophobia in many parts of the world, largely fueled by the rise of extremism often in the name of Islam.



By voicing moderation and tolerance, Islam Nusantara challenges the rigid and strict interpretation of Islam that often leads to radicalism and extremism.



An enabling environment that is free from any form of sectarian conflicts is a common concern among countries across the world.



Marsudi Syuhud, a prominent NU figure, said Islam Nusantara had become a reference for countries trying to practice the values of Islam rahmatan lil alamin. They are impressed by how moderate and tolerant Islam in Indonesia has helped to promote such values as peace, modesty and cultural respect.



The search for a more peaceful brand of Islam gives Indonesia the opportunity to promote Islam Nusantara globally. Already there are supporting elements for Indonesia to consider it a form of soft power diplomacy: Islam Nusantara as the guardian of pluralism and minorities is a proven model to counter religious extremism and radicalism; as a value system, it promotes coexistence with local cultures where it is embraced, and often benefits from local wisdoms; promoting Islam Nusantara will benefit from the NUs overseas special chapters in 27 countries, including Australia, Belgium, and Canada; and the International Summit of Moderate Islamic Leaders, which the NU leads, is pivotal in promoting Islam Nusantara abroad.



Promoting Islam Nusantara abroad can be part and parcel of building Indonesias image and intellectual leadership as the country with the worlds largest Muslim population. Further, Islam Nusantara can promote perpetual peace and world order as mandated by our Constitution.



Learning from Afghanistans experience, promoting Islam Nusantara can use the same mechanism, namely through citizen diplomacy. In this regard, the NU stands at the forefront in collaboration with its potential foreign partners.

***

The writer is the directorof the Center of Policy Analysis and Development on Asia Pacific and Africa Regions at the Foreign Ministry. The views expressed are his own.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
The ground-breaking struggles of the Little Rock Nine remain symbolic of the fight for civil rights in post-war America.

Many of those students later attended college in Illinois.

Five members of the Nine sought higher education in the Land of Lincoln, including Elizabeth Eckford, who is depicted in a photo that has become a hallmark of the Little Rock unrest. In the picture, Eckford, then 15, walks stoically to the school as a crowd of angry white students, including several girls, scream insults at her.

Eckford later spent her freshman year, in 1959-60, at Knox College in Galesburg. She left at the end of the spring semester, reportedly because she longed to be closer to home.

She was one of nine students who attempted to integrate Central High School, a public city school in the Arkansas capital of 2,000 students, none black. The move enraged many in Little Rock, including Gov. Orval Faubus, who steadfastly refused to allow desegregation at Central.

On Sept. 1, 1957, Faubus ordered the National Guard to surround Central to maintain order, though many believe the true reason was to prevent black students from entering. Two days later, a federal judge ordered desegregation, and the following day, the nine chosen students attempted to enter. Amid a threatening mob, soldiers blocked Eckford, who was the first to arrive, from entering. The other eight later were halted as well.

After much legal wrangling and more angry mobs, the students eventually began school on Sept. 25 with the protection of the 101st Airborne, finally sent by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Members of the Nine describe a miserable existence inside the school for the rest of the year, as they were tormented by emotional and physical violence.

According to a 2007 article in Vanity Fair, the tumultuous year exacted a traumatic toll on Eckford, described by the magazine as painfully shy. She remained under a glare, even after her first year at Central ended.

At Knox, she made the acquaintance of Mary Lu Aft, a senior who was chosen to serve as an adviser to a group of freshmen girls.

It was kind of a predecessor to the resident assistants of today, said Aft, who now lives in Cincinnati. We were to help freshmen adjust to college life. She was one of 12 girls in my group.

Aft recalled Eckford as a very quiet girl, very respectful. She never talked about her experiences from Little Rock, at least not to me.

Eckford subsequently enrolled at Central State University in Ohio but did not graduate. She later served in the U.S. Army and worked as a teacher and probation officer, despite struggles with depression and lingering bitterness from her Little Rock Nine days.

Ironically, she eventually became close to Hazel Bryan, one of the screaming girls from the iconic photo. The friendship was questioned by many for its sincerity and judgment, and later disintegrated. Now retired, Eckford lives in Little Rock and makes occasional public appearances, sometimes with the rest of the Nine.

Other members of the Nine who sought higher education in Illinois include Terrence Roberts, who earned a doctorate from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and Thelma Mothershed Wair, who earned a bachelors degree from the same institution. Minnijean Brown Trickey also attended SIUC as an undergraduate.

Wair went on to earn two additional degrees from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, while Gloria Ray Karlmark received a bachelors degree from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Aft has retained an interest in the Little Rock Nine and shakes her head at their ordeal at Central High.

What those students went through was unbelievable, she says. I mean, what prepares someone for that? And they were so young.
The Meredosia-Chambersburg school district is to receive $300,000 bond money in March.

David Pistorius representing First Midstate of Bloomington discussed bonds with the school board and said his company had sold the bonds to a bank.

He said the transaction process of the bonds was almost complete. The board members had to adopt a resolution of intent, have a 30-day petition and hold a public hearing for the community before the bonds could be sold.

School board President Jason Morton asked Pistorius what outlet his company used to find buyers for the bonds. Pistorius said that the company tries to sell the bonds to local banks. He said the banks like to buy bonds because the interest is federal tax exempt. They receive a government write off for taxes because the bonds are levied making them secured.

The bond money is to be used for projects or work done at the school. The school board is taking bids on several projects including asphalt and paving the parking lot, the two gym floors, and putting a metal roof in the small gym. Superintendent Thad Walker declared the school building has a sewer issue. He stated that there is an estimated 161 feet of broken clogged pipes.

In other business, the school is holding a fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars, at 7 p.m. Feb. 23.
EDWARDSVILLE  Two international students attending Edwardsville High School this year will be presenting Discovering the Cultures of Armenia and Bosnia during a program at the Edwardsville Public Library Wednesday night.

Join Alma from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Zoya from Armenia as they share their experiences with the community and discuss each countrys culture, schooling and what daily life is like.
The police team would leave soon after receiving approval from the Dubai government and were expected to remain in Dubai for several weeks to assist in the investigations

By Sujith Hewajulige

A six-member police team was appointed by Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to leave for Dubai to assist the Dubai Police in the investigations into the recent arrest of 31 Sri Lankans including drug kingpin Makandure Madush and singers Amal Perera and his son Nadeemal.

Police sources said the team included officials of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), Unsolved Crimes Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Special Task Force (STF)



They said the police team would leave soon after receiving approval from the Dubai government and were expected to remain in Dubai for several weeks to assist in the investigations.



According to reports, singer Amal Perera and his son Nadeemal were remanded till February 28 while the others arrested at the party hosted by Madush were being investigated.
But her talking points (even the watered-down version that was posted on her website) admit that wont come close to covering the full costs of her Green New Deal. The level of investment required is massive, the talking points declare. Even if every billionaire and company came together and were willing to pour all the resources at their disposal into this investment, the aggregate value of the investments they could make would not be sufficient. Her document says that funding the Green New Deal requires World War II levels of government spending of between 40 and 50 percent of gross domestic product.

Today, federal spending amounts to 21 percent of GDP, or $4.4 trillion annually. Increasing it to between 40 and 50 percent of GDP would require doubling government expenditures to between $84 and $105 trillion over 10 years (and thats without factoring in rising GDP). But Warrens wealth tax would raise just $2.75 trillion over 10 years. And according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Ocasio-Cortezs 70 percent marginal rate might raise at best $189 billion over 10 years, and could actually cost the federal government $63.5 billion in lost revenue by stifling economic growth and encouraging capital flight.
All of the cars at the Tri-City Street Rods auto exhibition look shiny and new. Some of them actually are.

A 1927 Ford T Roadster, owned by Gaylen and Judy Rainforth of Prosser, was just finished the second week in January.

Gaylen Rainforth had the candy red roadster built as a tribute to a car owned by his brother, Jerry.

Jerry, 80, now lives in Oregon. Jerry owned a similar vehicle for four years, beginning in 1956.

Gaylen, now 67, was 6 years old when his big brother brought the car home, and he thought it was the coolest car hed ever seen.

The car had been transformed into a hot rod in 1950 and 51 by Mick DeBacker of Hastings. He drove the vehicle 101.1 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Jerry Rainforth, who graduated from Hastings High School in 1957, raced the car at area drag strips after sending the engine to Denver to be balanced. It qualified for nationals in 1958, but Jerry didnt have enough money to make the trip.

He sold the car to get enough money to finish college. In succeeding years, the roadster changed hands many times.
William Henry Harrison took the oath of office as the ninth president of the United States on March 4, 1841, a damp, blustery day. Harrison, coatless and hatless, stood outdoors, on the Capitol steps, and delivered an inaugural speech lasting almost two hours. He soon contracted pneumonia and died.

He had served as president for 31 days. One hundred and seventy-eight years later, Harrison still holds the records for longest inaugural speech and shortest presidency.

Since then, eight other presidents have not finished the term to which they were elected. The longest period  22 years  between such departures was from William McKinleys assassination in 1901 to Warren Hardings somewhat mysterious, and fatal, ailment in 1923. Remember this number.

John Tyler, William H. Harrisons vice president, succeeded him.

(Full disclosure: I once dated a descendant of John Tyler, which is really not that big a deal since Tyler had 15 legitimate children [a record] so his descendants, by the time I got to one, probably numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands. [Ive written a short story vaguely inspired by this experience; should you desire salacious amusement as if there isnt enough of that these days  its called I THINK I CAN and you can find it here: AndreaHaasHubbell.com. Just click the link on my home page.])

Tyler, nicknamed His Accidency for the way in which he ascended to the presidency, is, aside from his record-setting fecundity, unremarkable ... except, maybe, in Presidential rankings, where he is often found near the bottom. Hes pretty sure to move up a notch real soon, which should please my old boyfriends family.

I bring this up because I have, for no particular reason, gotten interested lately in unfinished presidencies (Huh? You too? What a coincidence!), of which there have been nine (and counting?) so far.

Four presidents died in office of illness  the aforementioned W. H. Harrison in 1841; Zachary Taylor, 1850; Warren Harding, 1923; Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1944.

Four were assassinated  Abraham Lincoln, 1865; James Garfield, 1881; William McKinley, 1901; John F. Kennedy, 1963.

One resigned  Richard Nixon, 1974.

It might also be tangentially relevant to note that two other presidents (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton) have been impeached by the House of Representatives, but the Senate convicted neither, so each finished his term.

For many years, assassination theories surrounded the deaths, presumably by illness, of Taylor and Harding. Taylors body was exhumed in 1991, and a thorough examination of his remains concluded he died of natural causes. Zach originally presented with a real bad bellyache.

Harding also had a bellyache. Which eventually became a heart attack. Which doctors called a cerebral hemorrhage. Rumors (one: his wife, who was at his side when he died, poisoned him for serial adultery) swirled around Hardings demise as well, but exhaustive research has confirmed none of them.

Twenty-one years later, F.D.R. died of an actual (and massive) cerebral hemorrhage in March, 1944, after he had led our country completely out of the Great Depression and almost entirely through World War II. No conspiracy theories attach to Roosevelts death. He died pretty much from more than 12 years of brutally hard work. President Franklin D. Roosevelt truly did make America great again.

Nineteen years after FDR died, JFK was assassinated in 1963. Eleven years after that in 1974, Richard (I am not a crook) Nixon resigned. When we consider all presidents, from George Washington in 1789 to our 45th President, Donald (I never worked for the Russians) Trump, today, we have experienced an unfinished presidency once every 25.5 years.

But since Nixons resignation in 1974, every president has served out either the term he was finishing (Ford, after Nixon) or to which he was elected (all the others). Thats 45 years. (Number keeps popping up. An omen?)

And heres where you remember the record-setting 22 years between Harding and McKinley.

And that 45 is more than twice 22. (Cant resist showing off my math skills.)

So, by any measure, wouldnt you say were due?

Andrea Haas Hubbell is an Emmy-winning filmmaker and writer who lives in Washington, Connecticut. Find her uncensored story  I THINK I CAN  at AndreaHaasHubbell.com and connect with her on twitter @AndieHaas.
By Darshana Sanjeewa

A Gazette has been issued increasing annual free postal facility allowance for Members of the Parliament and for Provincial Council members.

Accordingly, the annual free postal facility allowance for parliamentarians has been increased to Rs 350,000 from Rs 175,000 while the amount allocated for Provincial Council members was increased to Rs 48,000 from Rs 24,000.

Minister of Postal Services and Muslim Religious Affairs M.H.A. Haleem issued the order in a special gazette notification under the section 8 (1) of the Post Office Ordinance.



During the cabinet meeting held on January 16, 2018, it was decided to amend the annual amount of free postal facility of MPs and PC members considering that the facility has not been increased since 2007 while postal charges have been increased on several occasions.



The postal facility will be in effect from January 16, 2018, according the gazette notification.
Ive been told that George Washington drank a pint of Madeira every day. Throughout his lifetime, he ordered it by the pipe (a barrel containing roughly 126 gallons) to be shipped from Portugal to Mount Vernon. As we celebrate his birthday, it seemed like a good time to bone up on his preferred drink.

Madeira, from the rugged Portuguese island of the same name, was the favorite wine of our founding fathers. With no wine grapes growing in the New World there was strong demand for imported wine. Fortified wines, those with added brandy like Madeira and Port, were the only ones that could survive the ocean voyage.

Ranging from dry aperitifs to sweet dessert wines, with a consistent streak of snappy acid across all styles, theres a Madeira for every occasion and taste. The wines can be enjoyed by themselves, pair very well with almost all foods, and are being discovered by todays mixologists as a flavorful cocktail ingredient.

The four traditional types of Madeira are named after the white grapes used to make the wines. Sercial is the driest, usually served chilled as an aperitif with flavors of citrus and almond. Medium dry Verdelho has smokey caramel notes and is often served with soup. Medium sweet Bual adds notes of stewed and dried fruit to the mix and pairs well with aged cheeses. Malmsey is the sweetest of the bunch, but its blaze of acidity makes it lovely to sip by the fire or enjoy with dessert.

In addition to the four single grape bottlings, blends from red or white grapes are traditional. Rainwater, a blended wine made from red grapes, is lighter, with more fruit flavor. Its a good introduction to Madeira. All Madeiras have about 19 percent alcohol, putting them a few points above table wine, but well below the 40 percent plus seen in spirits.

Not just Washington was a fan of Madeira. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and Hamilton were all regular imbibers. It is said that the signing of the Declaration of Independence was toasted with a tot of Madeira.

Madeiras unique flavor and popularity stems from its long, hot sea voyage across the turbulent ocean. The barrels of wine sloshing around in the steamy holds of sailing ships crossing the rough Atlantic were transformed from ordinary to great by the heat and motion.

These days, Madeira is deliberately heated as part of the wine-making process to mimic the effect of the square rigger voyages  the only wine treated this way. Because of this unique process, Madeira will last almost forever. Some 200-year-old bottles have been just fine when opened. A bottle opened at home will maintain its quality for months.

We have Bartholomew Broadbent to thank for returning Madeira to America. Its wide popularity continued from the 1700s up to prohibition. Since 95 percent of Madeira production was sent to the United States, temperance wiped out demand. Vineyards were ripped out and wine making stopped.

Still, there were cellars filled with barrels of wine all over the island. In 1988 Broadbent, now president of Broadbent Selections, was charged with rekindling interest in Madeira in the U.S. With a massive tasting he organized in San Francisco, Madeira got a new lease on life. Consumption has been growing ever since.

Eight companies, including Broadbent Selections, produce and export Madeira. You can find his wines at Stew Leonards in Norwalk and Francos wines in New Canaan. Rainwater, he said, is the biggest seller, both inexpensive and delicious. The much sweeter 10-year-old Malmsey is the second-most purchased.

The Broadbent Rainwater ($15), labeled medium dry, has a bright coppery color, a nutty aroma that wafts out of the glass, flavors of sweet and spicy dried fruit along with a fresh juicy acidity. It is delicious before dinner and even better accompanying chicken braised with capers and tomato.

I also enjoyed a butterscotch colored Cossart Gordon 10-year-old Bual ($35). Brown sugar and caramel aromas were followed by rich dried fruits and a nutty sweet-tart balance that was well matched with Cabot three- year cheddar.

At $35 the Cossart Gordon was a bit of a splurge, but these wines offer tremendous value. A top-level bottle can be $40 to $50 but each glass will cost less than a mid-range coffee at Starbucks and be more memorable. The highly rated Broadbent Rainwater ($15) is a real bargain. Look for Madeira on the dessert menu of better restaurants for a chance to try a glass.

Sipping on a glass of Madeira, I can imagine Washington enjoying the same on the veranda at Mount Vernon. As I raise a birthday toast to him, Im glad his favorite wine has made a comeback.

Frank Whitman can be reached at NotBreadAloneFW@gmail.com.
NORWALK  The local branch of the NAACP plans to speak in protest at Tuesday nights Board of Education meeting about an email chairman Mike Barbis sent to school board members urging them not to attend an NAACP fundraiser supporting Norwalk students.

The October email sparked outrage within the advocacy organization and triggered a public condemnation from State Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk.

Branch President Brenda Penn-Williams said she plans speak at the meeting in the Common Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, not only to express disappointment with the email but to condemn what she said were other instances of discrimination against people of color in the school district. She mentioned Lynne Moore, Marie Allen, Sara Legister and Pamela Augustine-Jefferson, all women of color she said, who were previously demoted, fired or publicly attacked.

I thought that was so inappropriate for Mike Barbis to encourage the board members not to attend the fundraiser, Penn-Williams said. That was so inappropriate, and or me, it was showing a whole lot of discriminatory practices that they have done on that board in the last few years. I just want people to be aware of whats going on and the negative impact that this all-white board has imposed on the minority community.

Penn-Williams recently distributed flyers to NAACP members, local churches and personal contacts on social media hoping people would support her message Tuesday night.

The Oct. 5 email Barbis sent discouraged fellow school board members from attending the NAACP Freedom Fund banquet later that month. The email came soon after he and Penn-Williams had a shouting match at a Sept. 25 Board of Education meeting. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Penn-Williams questioned the quality of education at Briggs High School, the continued employment of Chief of School Operations Frank Costanzo, who was facing sexual harassment allegations that have since been settled, and the equity of an all-white board in a diverse district.

Days later, Penn-Williams learned she had been removed from the districts substitute teacher list on allegations she had showed up unannounced at Norwalk High School on Sept. 14, causing a disturbance and demanding to see students files despite Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations, according to Superintendent of Schools Steven J. Adamowski. Penn-Williams disputes the schools narrative of her visit, which she said was planned with Principal Reginald Roberts and went off without incident.

Barbis did not want to comment Monday.

Were constantly accused of being racist with zero proof, Barbis said in early October. Its not my fault that its an all-white board. I didnt choose who was running for office.

He and the school district have denied allegations of retaliating against Penn-Williams.

tatiana.flowers@thehour.com
Heather Nauert, picked by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but never officially nominated, has withdrawn from consideration, the State Department said.



Nauert, a State Department spokeswoman, said in a department statement that "the past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw my name from consideration."

Nauert's impending nomination had been considered a tough sell in the Senate, where she would have faced tough questions about her relative lack of foreign policy experience, according to congressional aides.

A potential issue involving a nanny that she and her husband had employed may also have been a factor in her decision to withdraw, according to one aide. That issue, which was first reported by Bloomberg on Saturday, centered on a foreign nanny who was legally in the U.S. but did not have legal status to work, according to the aide, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The aide said some involved in the vetting process saw Nauert's inexperience and questions about her ability to represent the U.S. at the U.N. as a larger issue.

Trump's initial U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, served for nearly all the administration's first two years. She announced her resignation in October with plans to step down by year's end.

In December, Trump said he would nominate Nauert, calling her "very talented, very smart, very quick" and saying he thought she would be "respected by all." After the November elections that strengthened Republican control of the Senate, her confirmation appeared likely, if not easy. Yet Trump never put Nauert's name forward with the Senate and no confirmation hearing was scheduled.

The State Department said in its statement that Trump would announce a nominee for the U.N. post "soon."

Nauert was a Fox News Channel reporter when she joined the State Department as spokeswoman almost two years ago while Rex Tillerson was secretary of state. She rose to the upper echelons of the department's hierarchy after Trump fired Tillerson in March 2018 and Mike Pompeo replaced him.

In the department's statement, Pompeo said he respected Nauert's decision on the U.N. job and that she performed her duties as a senior member of his team "with unequalled excellence."

"Serving in the administration for the past two years has been one of the highest honors of my life and I will always be grateful to the President, the Secretary, and my colleagues at the State Department for their support," Nauert said in the statement provided by the department.

Before coming to the State Department, Nauert was a breaking news anchor on Trump's favorite television show, "Fox & Friends." With a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, she had moved to Fox from ABC News, where she was a general assignment reporter.

Nauert, who did not have a good relationship with Tillerson and had considered leaving the department, was appointed acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs after his departure. The appointment ended in October.

___

Follow Matthew Lee on Twitter at @APDiploWriter
Feb. 17

A 35-year-old Hartford woman was charged with disorderly conduct. She was given a court date of Feb. 27.

A 53-year-old Geneva Road man was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order. He was held on $2,500 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.

A 40-year-old Perry Avenue man was charged with second-degree unlawful restraint, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree breach of peace, third-degree assault and interfering with a 911 call. He was held on $10,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.

A 25-year-old Concord Street man was charged with second-degree failure to appear and failure to respond to a payable violation. He was held on $15,500 bond and given a court date of Feb. 26.

A 26-year-old Stamford man was charged with second-degree breach of peace. He was given a court date of Feb. 26.

A 31-year-old Fairfield man was charged with driving under the influence. She was held on $1,500 bond and given a court date of Feb. 26.

Feb. 16

A 69-year-old Ely Avenue man was charged with driving under the influence and improper parking. He was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 22.

A 22-year-old Sunrise Hill Road man was charged with second-degree breach of peace. He was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.

A 24-year-old California man was charged with second-degree breach of peace. He was held on $25,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.

Feb. 15

A 57-year-old Hunt Street man was charged with disorderly conduct. There was no listed bond or court date.

A 27-year-old New York woman was charged with possession of a controlled substance, evasion of responsibility, failure to drive in the proper lane and operating a vehicle under suspension. She was held on $2,500 bond and given a court date of Feb. 26.

A 58-year-old Hunt Street woman was charged with disorderly conduct. There was no listed bond or court date.

A 39-year-old Kossuth Street woman was charged with sixth-degree larceny. There was no listed bond or court date.

A 37-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a child and disorderly conduct. He was held on $75,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.

An 18-year-old Richards Avenue woman was charged with violation of a protective order and disorderly conduct. She was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of Feb. 19.
NORWALK  A new proposal from the Parking Authority would bring angled parking back to Wall Street.

According to Kathryn Hebert, director of transportation, parking and mobility for the Norwalk Parking Authority, the proposal would add 13 additional spaces  four on Main Street, three on River Street and six on Wall Street  and convert the existing parallel spots on the downtown streets to angled, back-in spaces.

The idea is that back-in, angled parking is safer, said Hebert, explaining drivers leaving spaces would have a clearer few of traffic as they pull forward onto the street.

The result would be eight spots on Main Street, 14 on River Street and 13 on Wall Street  a return to mid-20th century form for the area.

Many of you might have lived long enough in Norwalk to remember Wall Street, where they had pull-in angled parking many, many years ago, on both sides of the street, Mayor Harry Rilling said at a recent meeting of the Common Council, announcing the 5:30 p.m. informational Parking Authority meeting on the proposal this Wednesday in the Yankee Doodle Garage Conference Room.

Asked when Wall Street last had angled parking, Hebert guesses that it might have been as long ago as the 1950s.

I believe it was before I was born, Hebert said.

The estimated cost of the project is between $50,000 and $75,000, Hebert said, and the spaces could be painted as early as this summer. Additionally, the Parking Authority will look to add a series of multi-space parking meters in the area  a plan that has been discussed for several years that was first proposed as Norwalk Parking Authority Board Chairman Richard Brescia and Hebert surveyed area business owners for suggested improvements.

We talked to a bunch of people down there and they said weve got to come up with something that will create some turnover because cars are parked and they never move, Brescia said.

For the installation of meters, the Parking Authority has set aside $250,000 in its capital budget, Hebert said.

The authority still need to finalize the details of the parking plan and decide on the rates theyll charge to park. Brescia said he hopes the public will come to opine on the proposed spaces at Wednesdays meeting.

The plan is still fluid. We have our own thoughts on how we want to go forward, but it will be valuable to hear from the people, particularly business people in the area, Brescia said.

One positive consequence of the proposed plan, in addition to added spaces and increased safety, is a traffic-calming effect in the area.

It slows people down, which is really important in the Wall Street area. Most streets are very wide, so we have a lot of people who speed up and down, Hebert said.

I think thats what you want in a business district. You dont want it to be a thoroughfare, Brescia said.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
WEST HAVEN  A fire at the former Bilco Co. Sunday likely was arson and a reward of $2,500 is being offered for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Fire Marshal Keith Flood said that in light of evidence the fire was intentionally set, investigators are taking another, closer look at a fire on Richards Place last week that was still undetermined. Both properties are among many owned by a group planning to build the high-end outlet store project The Haven.
NAUGATUCK  An internal investigation has been launched regarding two videos of a town police lieutenant making racially motivated statements, according to a press release put out Sunday by the Naugatuck Police Department.

The release states that police chief Christopher Edson has found the content of these videos concerning and has initiated an internal affairs investigation to determine if Departmental policies have been violated. Chief Edson reiterates that the message relayed in these videos is in contrast to the values of the Naugatuck Police Department and not representative of the high level of public service the community of Naugatuck expects and deserves.

The videos were obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media Friday afternoon. The subject of both videos is Lt. Bryan Cammarata, the departments public information officer, who also issued a statement on Sunday. Cammarata said the posts, made on his personal Facebook account date as far back as 2017.

He apologized for the videos, which he claimed attempted to use satire to shed a humorous light on the issue of immigration that has been part of our countrys dialogue for the last few years.

In one video, which starts with Cammarata greeting his Facebook friends and family, he talks about having a lot of good luck recently, mentioning how hes been able to get to the front of the line at a walk-in clinic, Department of Motor Vehicles office and a Walmart store, all in the city of Waterbury.

Lately, no matter where I go, right to the front, I walk right to the front of the line, Cammarata says in the video. Im seen, everythings fine. Im in, Im out.

Im getting ready to go in the store now, people, he continued, putting on a hat with ICE written across the front, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And I want to make sure that, you know, you all understand this. I dont know whats going on but its incredible.

More News News CT police lieutenant posts racist Facebook videos

The second video begins with Cammarata saying, Today is day without an immigrant or some crap but I gotta tell you, this thing is working out great.

The video appears to be referring to Day Without Immigrants, which occurred Feb. 16, 2017, as a protest and boycott against President Donald Trumps stance on immigrants and his plan to build a border wall.

As the video continues, Cammarata said he went to a coffee shop and, spoke English, they understood in English. He goes on to say hes going to make phone calls to businesses and do everything to be able to speak to, and be understood, in English that day.

In the statement issued Sunday, Cammarata conceded that my attempt at humor missed the mark. I have offended folks in the community with my commentary. I am truly sorry for that. As a police officer, father, and community volunteer, I can do better.

According to the police department, Cammarata has been re-assigned from his duties as public information officer, and his other duties are administrative in nature.

In his statement, Cammarata said the thoughts conveyed in the videos are his alone and that he is sorry that the incident is putting the department in a negative light. I apologize to my brothers and sisters on the police force whose integrity and respect should not have been questioned because of my actions.

Cammarata said he needed to earn back the trust and respect of the community.

Our communities are strong because of the diverse views, opinions and cultures of the people who live in them. Naugatuck is a reflection of that diversity ... Broad disparagement of groups of people does not build community strength. My commentary and videos likely weakened the bonds that bring our communities together.

He added that he would commit to working harder for all the people that I serve and I will recognize the dignity of each person that I encounter.
Vegan Activist Attack Map Prompts Agriculture Minister to Call for Calm

A standoff between farmers and vegan activists in Western Australia (WA) has prompted the federal minister for agriculture to ask all involved to calm down.

Minister David Littleproud has called for calm after footage went viral last week, appearing to show Harvey farmer Jason Parravacini attacking Direct Action Everywhere Member James Warden who was filming cows on the rural property without permission. Parravacini later appeared on the same video and could be seen firing a shotgun.

Littleproud confirmed Parravacini had argued with the activists before firing a shotgun but the gun was never aimed at the activists.

I call for all to remain calm and respectful, the minister said in a public statement. Differences between sections of the vegan and farm communities will not be solved with confrontation.

The minister criticised those behind the recently launched Aussie Farms vegan activist website, which lists hundreds of family farms, their home addresses, and some incorrect details about their farming operations.

I again ask the owners of the Aussie Farms website to pull down its farm map, Littleproud said. Its an attack map for activists, its creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety on farms around Australia.

Littleproud is genuinely concerned the website might lead to unlawful acts that end in someone being seriously hurt or worse.

Farmers have a right to farm without being harassed. These people are just producing our food and should be left alone to do so, he said. Family farms are peoples homes, children live in these homes, farmers are good people just trying to live their lives, raise their kids and feed our nation.

The minister called for tougher penalties for trespassing because one serial farm invader only paid a $200 fine without a conviction recorded even though she was caught trespassing on farms three times.

I raised the issue of trespass with my state colleagues at the agriculture ministers meeting in Adelaide, and I again implore them to send a clear signal that trespass will result in charges and real penalties, Littleproud said. The activist section of the vegan community should make their case in the public debate and in the parliament, not by intruding on farmers privacy, property and lives.

WAs agriculture industry body previously expressed extreme disappointment after animal activists claimed footage showing acceptable conditions on the Awassi Express livestock export ship was fabricated.

WAFarmers is calling for a full investigation into these allegations and if any individual or group is found to have broken the law, then prosecution should follow, WAFarmers President Tony York said in a public statement. The livestock industry has put a huge amount of time, effort and money to improve its integrity systems to ensure the best practise [in] animal welfare standards possible for all animals going into the live export trade.

WAFarmers believes any groups or individuals found to breach animal welfare standards or give incentives to sabotage and compromise the standards in place should be prosecuted.

We now are questioning how the livestock industry can be given assurances that activists groups cannot hinder the trade moving forward without being held accountable for their actions, York said. These groups appear to be focused on the live trade out of Australia but WAFarmers believes the welfare of all livestock is paramount.

Meanwhile, WAFarmers previously questioned aspects of the latest Heat Stress Risk Assessment Report (HSRA) released by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Some of the heat stress modelling assumptions used in the report may have skewed some of the findings. More work now needs to be done before the industry can accept any final recommendations, WAFarmers President Tony York said in a public statement.

We have stressed that science must underpin any new changes and that more time is needed to establish new welfare indicators and this initial report is the first step in that process.

Since April 2018 several new conditions have been implemented and they have proven to be effective according to WAFarmers.

WAFarmers believes these measures have proven sufficient to allow the trade to continue whilst further welfare assessments are conducted, York said. The trade will also be implementing new standards as a result of the review into the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock, which will complement the welfare improvements already in place.

WAFarmers vows to continue to engage with the industry to consider possible outcomes of this initial report and said it will provide a comprehensive response in due course.

Our response will advocate in the best interests of WA sheep producers and the animals they produce, York said. It is important to get these parameters right, as once these are ascertained, the industry can employ new technologies to ensure the continuation of the trade for all livestock, given the importance of multi-species shipments.
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US Report: Chinas Biotech Industry Poses Threat to US National Security

Clinical and genetic data of U.S. citizens obtained by Chinese biotechnology companies through their partnerships with U.S. institutions could pose national security risks, according to a newly published congressional report.

The risks stem from the dual use of biotechnology information, the U.S.China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) said in a report published Feb. 14. For instance, genetic and medical analyses used in the biotech industry to develop tailored treatments for patients could be used for malicious purposes in the hands of a foreign state government, such as China.

In a hypothetical situation, foreign states such as China could possibly blackmail individuals with the threat of exposing their embarrassing medical information, according to the report. In another situation, the foreign state could use information on health conditions, such as allergies, to conduct a targeted attack against diplomats, politicians, high-ranking federal officials, or military leaders, to induce an allergic reaction or fatal injury.

Much like health records, genetic data could also be exploited as research about the links between genetic traits and personality traits becomes more advanced in the future. For instance, foreign intelligence officials, knowing in advance which individuals have genetic markers such as loyalty and susceptibility to flattery, would be able to know how to exploit or blackmail those persons.

Chinas biotech industry has grown rapidly in the last decade, according to the report, with the market now estimated at 30 billion to 40 billion yuan ($4.7 billion to $6.2 billion), compared to the U.S. biotech market at $118 billion.

As a major element of Chinas biotechnology growth, Chinese biotech companies are utilizing U.S. firms to acquire technologies and data that bolster their current capabilities through a variety of channels, the report stated.

Some of these channels included foreign direct investment, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, corporate and academic partnerships, and recruitment of U.S.-trained foreign and Chinese-born researchers.

The report also warned, Chinas biotech industry may have also benefited from illicit extraction of overseas technology through espionage or the theft of trade secrets.

One confirmed example was the case of Zhang Weiqiang, a Chinese national living in Manhattan, Kansas, who was sentenced in April 2018 to 10 years in prison for stealing samples of genetically engineered rice seeds from his employer Kansas-based Ventria Bioscience. Zhang intended to transfer the samples to a crop research institute in China. Zhangs case was one of 11 cases that occurred between from 2001 to 2017 involving Chinese espionage and trade secret theft in the United States identified by the report.

BGI

One example of China getting its hands on U.S. data is highlighted in the report: via BGI Group, a private genome sequencing center based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, with subsidiaries including BGI Genomics, which is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and a research institute. BGI was previously known as the Beijing Genomics Institute.

In 2011, BGI and University of California Davis announced a collaboration in which the Chinese company would set up a genetic sequencing facility at the universitys Sacramento campus. That same year, BGI and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia also established a collaborative genome center.

In 2013, BGI acquired U.S. sequencing company Complete Genomics for $117.6 billion, according to the report.

By collecting data across many efforts [partnerships with U.S. entities], BGI may be amassing a database of genomic and healthcare data on US persons that is greater than that achieved through any single research endeavor, the report stated.

While BGI is a private company, the company has definite ties to the Chinese Communist Party. In January 2018, Chinas state-run media Xinhua reported that Du Yutao, the Party secretary of BGIs research institute, spoke of the importance of learning and putting into action of the spirit behind the 19th National Congress, referring to the Partys once-in-five-years leadership transition event.

In China, companies and organizations are required to establish Party organizations to ensure they toe the Party line. Du had spoken at the institutes Party committee meeting designed to discuss Chinese leader Xi Jinpings speech at the 19th National Congress held in October 2017.

BGI has also received state support, including a ten-year, $1.5 billion loan from China Development Bank in 2010.

According to Chinese search engine Baidu, Du was selected as a provincial representative from southern Chinas Guangdong Province to attend the 19th National Congress.

The USCC report also warned that the Chinese regime has laws in place that require private companies to give up data at any time.

Two laws passed in 2015, National Security Law, Counter-Terrorism Law, and the Cybersecurity Law in 2016, were largely aimed at internet and telecommunications companies, but their broad scope of does not preclude their application to a wider range of companies such as those harboring genomic or other personal data, the USCC report said.

Chinas State Policies

Biotech is among several tech sectors the Chinese regime has named as a Strategic Emerging Industry in economic plans such as Made in China 2025 and the 13th Five-Year Plan.

China unveiled Made in China in May 2015 as a blueprint for transforming China into a high-tech powerhouse by 2025. Less than a year later, in March 2016, Beijing released its latest Five-Year Plan, which sets out to strengthen the implementation of Made in China 2025 from 2016 to 2020.

The USCC report identified several Chinese state-run tech R&D programs to boost the countrys biotech sector, including the 863 and 973 programs, with the former dating back to 1986 and the latter in 1997. According to the report, Beijing poured $630 million into funding the 973 program in 2013.

Biotech has also been a focus of Beijings talent programs in the past few years, the report stated, listing several national level programs such as the Hundred Talents Program and Thousand Talents Program. Regional governments in China also run hundreds of similar programs.

Out of the estimated 2,629 current recruits in the Thousand Talents program as of June 2018, 44 percent specialize in life sciences or medicine, the report stated, citing figures from a U.S. congressional hearing.

The report pointed out that the dangers lie in Chinas fundamentally different political system: China is a Leninist-style one-party state based on rule-by-law not rule-of-law. Chinas economic ambitions and intentions present challenges for more liberal economies.

The report recommended that the United States adopt policies to mitigate against economic and security risks posed by Chinas statist approach to innovation without stifling US innovation.
Laurie Holt holds a photograph of her son Joshua Holt at her home in Riverton, Utah on Jully 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

US Mother Who Helped Free Son From Venezuelan Jail Praised

SALT LAKE CITYThe family and friends of a Utah woman who spent nearly two years pushing to get her son freed from a Venezuelan jail was remembered for her fearlessness and determination at her funeral Feb. 16.

The 50-year-old Laurie Holt died unexpectedly Feb. 10 at her Riverton, Utah, home, less than one year after her son Josh Holt returned to the U.S. after being imprisoned for nearly two years on weapons charges that the Holts and U.S. politicians said were invented. Laurie Holts husband says she died peacefully but the family has not said what caused her death.

She fought so hard in every single thing she did, Josh Holt told hundreds of mourners who gathered inside a Latter-day Saints church in Riverton, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. She fought so hard for me.

Josh Holt said his family has received letters of support since his mothers death, including many from people who never met her but were inspired by her relentless efforts to bring her son and his new wife back to the United States, the Tribune reported.

That is my mother, Josh Holt said. She is my hero. She taught us so much.

Laurie Holt, originally from Pocatello, Idaho, is survived by her husband and four adult children.

Her family noted in her obituary that she always found laughter in small things, even in lifes darkest storms, and found a way to juggle work, family, and outside functions.

We have lost our biggest hero, but heaven has gained a mighty warrior, the obituary said.

Her son Josh Holt returned to the United States with his Venezuelan wife, Thamara Caleno, in May 2018 after he was imprisoned in June 2016.

Holt went to the South American country in June 2016 to marry Caleno, who he met online while looking for a Spanish-speaking Mormon to help him improve his Spanish.

He had planned to spend several months in Caracas with his new wife and her two daughters to secure their visas so they could move with him to the United States.

Instead, the couple was arrested and accused of stockpiling weapons. Venezuelan authorities suggested the case was linked to unspecified U.S. attempts to undermine President Nicolas Maduros rule amid deep economic and political turbulence.

Laurie Holt vehemently denied the accusations on her sons behalf and raised awareness about her sons incarceration by hosting rallies and fundraisers and doing media interviews.

Their release came after secret backchannel talks between an aide to Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and close allies of Maduro.

President Donald Trump hosted the Holts at the White House to commemorate the release.
Unruly Texas Protestors Vandalize Border Patrol Museum

A group of protestors briefly took over and vandalized a U.S. Border Patrol museum near El Paso, Texas, over the weekend, according to footage of the demonstration.

Dozens of protesters held up banners with phrases including No Deportations on Stolen Ground and entered the facility on Feb. 16 before defacing the privately owned museum. The protesters refused to leave for about 15 minutes, according to live footage of the incident, recorded by the group, which calls itself Tornillo: The Occupation.

Members of the group yelled out phrases such as Say it loud, say it clear, Border Patrol kills! Some of the members used face masks to hide their identities.

The museum is a nonprofit that relies on donations, contributions, and gift shop sales, according to its Facebook page, and has no political affiliation. Museum director David Ham said that staff and guests at the facility were worried about their safety.

That was really intimidating to our staff, plus their kind of aggressive attitude, Ham, a 31-year veteran of the Border Patrol, told the Washington Examiner.

Ham said that, before the incident, he had received a call from a staff member who was upset. He wasnt inside the museum at the time.

We have cameras, and we saw them gathering in the parking lot. We saw them come in the museum, and she had called 911, Ham said. They proceeded to set up a bunch of signs and just went all over the museum. They, of course, had an agenda, they were chanting and singing songs, and then a couple of them got on a bullhorn.

Protesters stuck images throughout the museum of three children who died after illegally entering the United States. An autopsy revealed that one of the children, named Jakelin Caal, died of sepsis. Members also pasted the stickers over the faces of fallen Border Patrol agents.

Police are investigating the incident. After the protesters left the museum, police arrived and gathered information from the members of the group. The museum said in a post that the group will be prosecuted once the damage is assessed.
UK Court Calls Facebook and Others Digital Gangsters

LONDONBritish lawmakers issued a scathing report Feb. 18 that calls for tougher rules to keep Facebook and other tech firms from acting like digital gangsters and intentionally violating data privacy and competition laws.

The report on fake news and disinformation on social media sites followed an 18-month investigation by Parliaments influential media committee. The committee recommended that social media sites should have to follow a mandatory code of ethics overseen by an independent regulator to better control harmful or illegal content.

The report called out Facebook in particular, saying that the sites structure seems to be designed to conceal knowledge of and responsibility for specific decisions.

It is evident that Facebook intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws, the report said. It also accused CEO Mark Zuckerberg of showing contempt for the United Kingdom Parliament by declining numerous invitations to appear before the committee.

Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like digital gangsters in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law, the report added.

United Kingdom parliamentary committee reports are intended to influence government policy, but are not binding. The committee said it hoped its conclusions would be considered when the government reviews its competition powers in April.

The government said it welcomed the reports contribution towards our work to tackle the increasing threat of disinformation and to make the UK the safest place to be online. We will respond in due course.

While the United Kingdom is part of the 28-country European Union, it is due to leave the bloc in late March, so it is unclear whether any regulatory decisions it takes could influence those of the European Union.

Facebook said it shared the committees concerns about false news and election integrity and was open to meaningful regulation.

While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago, said Facebooks United Kingdom public policy manager, Karim Palant.

We have tripled the size of the team working to detect and protect users from bad content to 30,000 people and invested heavily in machine learning, artificial intelligence and computer vision technology to help prevent this type of abuse.

Facebook and other internet companies have been facing increased scrutiny over how they handle user data and have come under fire for not doing enough to stop misuse of their platforms by groups trying to sway elections.
Trevor Loudon Visits San Francisco to Discuss Communism in America

On the rainy Wednesday night of Feb. 13, Trevor Loudon, an author and public speaker from New Zealand, attended a dinner hosted by Republican Women of San Francisco, Federated to talk about communisms threat to America.

From Clinton to illegal immigration and the Rainbow Coalition, Loudon spoke about how various groups and Democrats are currently following a communist agenda that will eventually lead to the fall of communist-free America. In order to stop this looming threat, people need to wake up and realize what is going on, and Republicans voters have to step up and cast their votes for the 2020 election.

Americans are generally against communism, yet why are there still communist elements in the United States?

According to Loudon, when people thought communism collapsed in 1991, everyones attention was focused on the Muslim terrorists. Communists disguised themselves as McCarthyists and no one was socially allowed to describe a communist as a communist.

They ridicule you if you do it, so even most law enforcement officials just put their attention on the Muslim radicals and dont really focus on the communists, said Loudon.

He described the current situation with an analogy.

If youve got cancer, and you cut out 60 percent of that cancer out of your body and then you stop treatment for ten years, whats going to happen to the rest of it? Its going to metastasize all through your body. So we cut out 60 percent of communism when the Soviet Union collapsed. Then we forgot about it; we thought we had won the battle. And so we stopped treatment and now its everywhere. Its all through us, he said.

Some groups he listed that are controlled by communists are Black Lives Matter, the Womens March, San Francisco politics, the Democratic Party, even some parts of the Republican Party.

How is it a threat? He defined the difference between socialism and communism.

Socialism is just a stage. Its like Stage Three cancer and Stage Four cancer. Stage Three is socialism and Stage Four is communism, said Loudon. Socialism is when the government takes control of the majority of the wealth and resources in the community. And it may redistribute some of them, but most of it, [it] keeps for itself. And so communism is just when that is gone to its maximum extreme.

He rates the United States at Stage two and a half and California at three and a half.

In San Francisco, the Chinese communist government has a lot of influence by controlling many groups in the city.

San Francisco used to have a very strong pro-Taiwanese community, said Loudon. But thats been pretty much driven out of the city by the communist elements.

One of the key points he wanted to bring to everyones attention is voting in the 2020 election.

I wanted the people in this room to understand how important they are, how the role of California can plan those elections, said Loudon. If we [Republicans] lose this election, and the socialists take power, that would destroy the economy, take away gun rights, and destroy the freedoms of America to the point they may never ever get them back.

He said if the forces of freedom win, taxes can decrease and the government can stay out of business, religion, and education. In its place, the Constitution and liberty will be restored.

We loved everything Trevor had to say. Its very scary, but its things we need to know, said Joan Leone, president of Republican Women of San Francisco.

If you look at the 45 declared goals of communism that were read into the, I think it was the House of Representatives or Congress in 1963, most of those communist goals to take over our country have been attained. Like taking over the universities, the media, the school publications  destroying the family unit  theres just so many things to list, said Judi Land, a registered nurse and member of the organization.

After listening to Loudon, she realized there are even more Democrats involved with the communist agenda.

She said many young people nowadays do not truly understand what communism means because the government controls the current education system.

She brought up Charlotte Thomson, author of The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America, who used to work for the Department of Education.

She saw the plans to change the country through the children and the students and training them to be more socialist-communist, which were seeing now with most of our young. And to make it so the children in schools would look up to the government, and take away the power that parents have over their children.

The organization only has dinner meetings that invite speakers to talk about issues with its members. Its goal is to educate the public and elect more Republican leaders.

One thing I really want to do, is mount a campaign in the next election cycle, said Loudon. President Trump do two things: remove us from the United Nations, totally, and abolish the Department of Education once and for all. So people in Idaho and California can educate their children and their own values. Imagine what that would do to our country, folks.

I think that there are a lot of conservatives but they may not really know that theyre conservatives, said Land. They may not know  that they really, truly, love our country and the way it is in our freedoms. They dont understand because they really havent been involved.

From NTD News
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey (R), D-Mass., speak during a press conference to announce Green New Deal legislation to promote clean energy programs outside the Capitol in Washington on Feb. 7, 2019. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

The Green New Deal: Welcome to a Command Economy

Commentary

The late, great Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises posited three categories of economies: unhampered, the capitalist ideal of a laissez-faire, private property order; hampered, a fundamentally market-based economy overlaid with considerable government intervention and redistribution of wealth; and command, meaning that the market economy has been obliterated and government has taken over the primary means of production.

As explained to me by my late mentor, Dr. Hans Sennholz (who grew up in Nazi Germany, later earned his doctorate in economics under Mises guidance at NYU, and became a tireless advocate for free markets), the command economy can be fascist or socialist. The primary difference is that under fascism, businesses remain nominally private, whereas under socialism, the state formally takes ownership. Under either variant, the state controls and mandates what and how much is produced, what wages to pay, what prices to charge, what suppliers are used, and so on.

With the unveiling of her Green New Deal, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has proposed that the United States be transformed into a command economy. Her fellow democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and a gaggle of Democratic presidential hopefuls all jumped on the bandwagon. This is a very helpful stephelpful in that it clarifies exactly how radical the Ocasio-Cortez/Sanders ideology is.

No longer should anyone be lulled into a false sense of security by Ocasio-Cortezs use of the adjective democratic. No longer will Sanders be able to soft-pedal his socialism by claiming disingenuously that he wants the United States to adopt the Scandinavian model of socialism. That was a bogus claim from the start, since the Scandinavian countries are not socialist. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen corrected the error in Sanders assertion, categorically stating: Denmark is far from a socialist planned economy. Denmark is a market economy.

The Nordic countries are not socialist, but they do have elaborate, expensive social welfare safety nets that require high taxes on virtually everyone, including the middle class. Its funny how Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez avoid saying that there will need to be massive tax increases on middle-class citizens to fund a Scandinavian-style welfare state.

But Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez want Uncle Sam to exercise far more control over the U.S. economy than simply expanding welfare programs.

Seizing Control

In the Nordic countries, the principle of private ownership of business is respected, and governments do not dictate to businesses how to spend their money. By contrast, Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, and their political cronies favor mandating a higher minimum wage. (Note: There are no minimum wage laws in Scandinavia.)

Further, Sanders joined with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) earlier this month to propose a plan that would impose various requirements, such as paying more money to their employees, in order to receive government permission to buy back their own stock. Let that sink in for a moment: The left seeks to dictate how private corporations arrange their own finances and deploy their own assets.

Proposed laws that dictate minimum wages and preconditions for share buybacks chip away at the principle of private business, but the Green New Deal would obliterate it. Clearly, Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders, and their gang dont want some watered-down version; they want socialism comparable to what Venezuela has today or what the Eastern Bloc had 30 to 70 years ago. If you dont think so, just read their wish list.

Ocasio-Cortezs campaign website called for government control over huge sectors of the U.S. economy: Medicare for all, a federal jobs guarantee, higher education/trade school for all, and housing as a human right.

The Green New Deal goes much, much further. It calls for the elimination of fossil fuels in 10 yearsthat is, the closing of all gas stations, replacing them with electric-charging stations; replacing or retooling tens of millions of vehicles that travel by land, sea, or air (with the alarming acknowledgment we arent sure that well be able to get rid of  airplanes [in ten years]; replacing all power plants that use fossil fuels with wind and solar; and eliminating all jobs involved in the exploration, extraction, refining, and transportation of fossil fuels.

The plan also wants to retrofit every building in America, overhaul transportation and agriculture, provide job training and education to all, guarantee a job with family-sustaining wages, provide high-quality health care, housing, and ensure universal access to healthy food.

In short, according to the FAQ that Ocasio-Cortez posted, the Green New Deal is the plan to build [a] new economy. (Notice the arrogance: the plan, not a plan.) Folks, this is a call for central economic planning, Soviet-style. It would require the government to seize operational control over economic production and press tens of millions of workers into service building what the government orders rather than what consumers wanta failsafe recipe for impoverishment.

Saving the World

This plan to mobilize every aspect of the American economy is pharaonic in its epic proportions. Just as the Egyptian pharaoh organized his people to build pyramids, Ocasio-Cortez regards the American people as worker bees who should compliantly accept their government-appointed role in the new economic order and build the equivalent of hundreds of pyramidsuneconomic monuments to the green gods.

If you think comparing Ocasio-Cortez to a pharaoh is over the top, her Senate co-sponsor, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), actually one-upped her. No mere pharaoh, Markey assumed the mantle of a mega-messiah, not content to offer salvation to the human race, but praising the Green New Deal as a mission to save all of creation by engaging in massive job creation. All of creationthe whole universe? Something tells me that man has been in Congress too long.

Setting aside comparisons to pharaohs and the messiah, Ocasio-Cortez is acting like a communist despot, exhibiting totalitarian tendencies. So fanatical is she in her desire to save the world from her fantasized fear of carbon dioxide, that she recentlyin collaboration with Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maineissued a thinly veiled threat to the CEOs of Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.

In the letter, Ocasio-Cortez and her colleague scolded the high-tech giants for having co-sponsored LibertyCon, a libertarian conference that included speakers from both sides of the what to do about climate change debate.

After acknowledging the companies past commitments  to address climate change and the example [they] have set promoting sustainability and evidence-based science, Ocasio-Cortez and Pingree then stated that the companies had compromised their past good behavior by [their] implicit support of the session that included a skeptical opinion. (Note: Computer models are not evidence-based science, both because they contradict actual observational evidence and because they are predictions, not facts.)

The letter went on to warn the tech titans that it was imperative to ensure that the climate-related views espoused at LibertyCon do not reflect the values of your companies. Not only is this a clumsy attempt to squelch free speech, it has the totalitarian flavor of denouncing certain thoughts or beliefs as unacceptable. One can imagine future inquisitions: Do you now or have you ever thought that carbon dioxide is not a threat to life as we know it?

As draconian and potentially totalitarian as Ocasio-Cortez and her Green New Deal are, we should be grateful that the socialist threat has come out from hiding and made its intentions so explicit and unmistakable.

For example, the newest declared candidate for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), has already shown how shameless she can be in speaking out of both sides of her mouth. On one hand, she has said that she would vote in favor of the Green New Deal. On the other, she affirmed on Fox News, I am a Democrat and not a socialist.  I believe in capitalism. Sorry, senator, you cant have it both ways. If you are for the Green New Deala socialistic central plan that would usher in a command economy in the United Statesyou are a socialist, period.

Thank you, Ocasio-Cortez, for helping to clarify who is a socialist and who isnt.

Mark Hendrickson is an adjunct professor of economics and sociology 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.
The Chinese Regimes Infiltration of the West Through Overseas Organizations

Commentary

Huang Xiangmo, a billionaire and prominent Chinese community leader in Australia, recently had his application for Australian citizenship rejected and permanent residency revoked.

Australian local media previously revealed that he made donations to politicians in an attempt to sway them into pushing policies friendly to Beijing. This is Australias first action against Chinese communist agents after the country adopted anti-foreign intervention legislation. In fact, this action is the first of its kind publicly documented in Western countries, and its significance cant be overstated.

Huang had been the president of Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC), a front group for the Chinese Communist Party, until the affiliation was exposed by Australian media in 2017.

Judging from the name of the organization, it seems harmless. After all, it appears to promote the peaceful unification of the mainland and Taiwan. But, in fact, its real motives and purposes are more insidious.

The Chinese regime considers Taiwan part of its territory, despite it being a self-ruled island. The former has promulgated a one-China policy to pressure other countries into recognizing only mainland China in diplomatic relations.

But diplomatic recognition and promotion of unification arent the same thing. Almost all the countries in which a CPPRC organization exists, only recognize the Chinese Communist regime diplomatically.

Unification, meanwhile, is a CCP policy to have Taiwan under mainland rule whether through means of peace or force.

If the purpose of CPPRCs was only to influence a countrys foreign policy, they wouldnt be needed in these countries. As for advocating unification, the organizations purpose isnt to promote diplomatic recognition, but to implement the CCP policies.

In addition, CPPRCs arent loosely-managed nongovernmental organizations that are familiar to Westerners, but are peripheral organizations of the CCP. That is, they have strict organization, discipline, and chain of command. Every organization in the world classified as a CPPRC has a common feature of not having a personal mission and agenda. They only follow Beijings orders, and can take actions unrelated to unification at any time, according to the needs of Beijing.

For example, the Northeast Chinese Community Federation (unofficial translation of its Chinese name) is one of three CPPRC organizations established in New York. On Feb. 11, 2001, its predecessor organization held a meeting slandering Falun Gong, a spiritual meditation practice that has been banned by the Chinese regime since 1999, after its popularity spooked the Party leadership. The Chinese regime and its front organizations around the world have spread hate propaganda against Falun Gong and its adherents in an attempt to justify the regimes persecutionin which practitioners continue to be arrested, detained, and tortured for their faith to this day.

Liang Guanjun, chairman of the organizations General Committee at the time, along with Zhu Qizhen and Li Daoyu, former China ambassadors to the United States; Zhang Wenpu, former China ambassador to Canada, and Zhang Hongxi, former Chinese consul general in New York, all attended the meeting and delivered speeches. In June of that year, Liang reported back to Beijing authorities at a meeting of overseas Chinese association heads held in Beijing: We are the first foreign association to come out against Falun Gong. This fully demonstrates the patriotism of overseas Chinese.

CPPRCs are listed as one of many local Chinese organizations in the United States that are the work of the CCPs United Front Work Department, in a detailed report on the CCPs infiltration of U.S. society published by the Hoover Institute at Stanford University in November last year. The United Front seeks to push Beijings agenda outside of Chinas borders.

As early as 1939, the United Front was named by former CCP leader Mao Zedong as one of the three magic weapons of the Chinese Communist revolution, with the other two being armed struggle and Party building. The principle behind the so-called united front is to draw forces from the enemy for ones own use.

Then who is the enemy in this united front? It can be said to be targets of the Chinese Communist revolution. Before 1949, it was the Kuomintang, or Nationalist Party, whom it fought againstand ultimately won, in Chinas civil war. It can also be those who have resisted the CCPs efforts for global expansion, such as Western democratic governments and political parties. But the enemy must be so strong that the CCP cannot eliminate or conquer them right away. Because if the CCP were at an absolute advantage, there would be no need for a united front.

Among the makeup of the Chinese Communist regime, there is one organization that is unique to the rest of the world: the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (hereafter referred to as Consultative Conference).

When the Chinese Communist Party first established its government in 1949, it still needed formal authorization. A political consultation meeting was held authorizing the CCP to rule.

Later, in 1954, Mao Zedong called his own National Peoples Congress, a rubber-stamp legislature, to authorize him to rule as head of state. Both bodies do not hold real power and only exist to provide a facade of legitimacy.

But the Consultative Conference does have one very real functionthe united front. After the Cultural Revolution, the CCP began to move towards economic development, and suddenly found a new use for old enemies; they could be manipulated to serve the interests of the CCP. Thus, Consultative Conference members, with extensive contacts abroad, got to work.

As the current chairman of the Consultative Conference, Wang Yang, is also in charge of united front work.

In the past, three departments belonging to the CCPs united front system were disguised as departments of the cabinet-like agency, the State Council, but were in actuality led by the United Front Work Department: the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the State Administration of Religious Affairs, and the National Ethnic Affairs Committee. In the restructuring of the Party that took place in March 2018, all three departments were reshuffled and placed directly under the administration of the United Front Work Department. In other words, they are directly a Party agency and not a state governance agency.

So these so-called overseas Chinese organizations like CPPRCs in different countries around the world, have registered in accordance with local lawsthough they have always been under Beijings command and are not independent operations.

Among Western countries, the United States has an advantage in the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires organizations and lobbyists working on behalf of foreign governments to register their business information with the U.S. Department of Justice. All that is needed is to strengthen law enforcement. Since the CCP regards CPPRC as its tool, CPPRC only serve to implement the CCPs orders. The U.S. government needs to acknowledge reality and require that all CPPRCs in the country, as well their presidents, register as foreign agents.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Chemi Lhamo, a Tibetan-Canadian who was recently bullied by Chinese international students after she was elected to become University of Toronto Scarborough's student union president. (Facebook)

The Chinese Communist Organizations Behind Recent Bullying on Canadian Campuses

Commentary

Perhaps the biggest news in Canadian-Chinese communities last week was two incidents involving Chinese students in Canada.

At the University of TorontoScarborough, Chemi Lhamo, a Tibetan-Canadian born in the Tibetan exile community in Dharamsala, India, received thousands of hateful messages from Chinese international students after she won an election to be the universitys student union president. Many Chinese students signed a joint petition that demanded Lhamos election be overturned.

The other incident took place at McMaster University in Ontario. Two student groups organized a seminar and invited Rukiye Turdush, a Uyghur activist, to give a speech. Rukiye talked about the concentration camps and human-rights crimes occurring in Chinas Xinjiang region, but an angry Chinese student verbally abused him on the spot, using foul language. Some Chinese international students staged a protest after the seminar.

While theres nothing wrong with protesting, what was abnormal was that these international students mentioned that when they were planning the protest, they had reported the incident to the Chinese consulate. In a joint statement condemning the seminar signed by the McMaster University Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA) and four other student organizations, these students once again indicated that they had already reported the situation to the consulate general in Toronto.

Western media reported on these two incidents intensively. The media reports recognized that these incidents are the result of long-term brainwashing by the Chinese Communist regime, growing nationalist sentiment among Chinese, and the ideological infiltration of communist China. However, the mainstream media didnt provide much clarification as to how these factors led to concrete actions.

There are approximately 12,000 students in total studying at the University of TorontoScarborough, and the petition to remove Lhamo has collected 11,000 signatures. Even if the number may include alumni in China and Chinese students at other universities, this number is still shocking.

Those who are familiar with Beijings workings would know that there must be a strict organization behind this campaign.

As these two incidents became the focus of attention in Western society, some people are concerned that all Chinese international students studying in Canada might be implicated. Should they all be treated as the same entity? Of course, they shouldnt.

The vast majority of Chinese international students just want to study abroad and find a good job in the future. So who is it that put Chinese students in such an awkward situation?

CSSA plays a key role in the CCPs mechanism for controlling and manipulating overseas Chinese students.

At the 2015 national United Front Work Conference, Party leader Xi Jinping named three new important targets for the United Front Work Department, overseas Chinese students being one of them. Here, CSSA doesnt refer to all Chinese students or ordinary members of CSSAs, but refers to this organization and its leaders. They arent treated as the targets of the United Front, but as a tool of the United Front. To put it more accurately, CSSAs are a tool for the CCP to control overseas Chinese students.

Take the protest at McMaster University as an example. The organizers made it clear that they had reported to the Chinese consulate about the Uyghur human-rights speech on campus and had received guidance from the consulate. This situation is similar to a 2017 incident at the University of CaliforniaSan Diego (UCSD), in which Chinese students protested the schools decision to invite Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to give a commencement speech. The CSSA at UCSD reported the invitation to the Chinese consulate as well.

When Australian television program Four Corners interviewed the president of CSSA at the University of Sydney in 2017, the reporter asked her what she would do if Chinese students on campus participate in activities advocating for democracy in China. Without hesitation, the CSSA president replied that she would report them to the Chinese consulate. Obviously, the relationship between the Chinese consulate and CSSA goes far beyond a certain degree of impact or control; instead, there is a clear chain of command. Of course, a lot more evidence out there tells us that CSSAs participate in pro-Beijing activities such as welcoming Chinese leaders, under direct instruction from the Chinese consulate.

These activities often fall outside the scope of campus activities.

The direct supervisors of CSSAs are the education division within the Chinese consulate. As far as I know, CSSAs in the United States all accept money from Chinese embassies and Chinese consulates, which is treated by the consulates as publicity funds for the education division. Chinese embassies and consulates are also the largest funding source for CSSAs. A relatively large CSSA group usually gets a few thousand dollars from the local Chinese consulate every year.

For the heads of various CSSA groups, they are actually very glad to receive this kind of attention from Chinese authorities. The fact that the Chinese consulate knows their names will make them feel overjoyed.

Students from China naturally become members of the CSSAs at their school. Although it is not mandatory, refusing to join requires some courage. When participating in various political activities organized by the CCP, most Chinese students are just following along with the group, some are even doing it against their own willlest they become blacklisted by the CCP, or their family members in China be implicated if they refuse to comply with orders.

Those who are truly active in these activities are limited to the few CSSA leaders. The number of Chinese students showing support on the internet always far exceeds the actual participants in a protest. For example, in the uproar against the Dalai Lamas UCSD speech, internet protests were intense, but there was no actual protest at the graduation ceremony when the Dalai Lama spoke.

Western governments should take action to support those Chinese students who are unwilling to work for the CCP, and impose some pressure on those unscrupulous student cadres who help the CCP to monitor and snitch on fellow Chinese students.

The current situation is that each CSSA is a student organization registered at a university and thus isnt subject to the regulations typically required of foreign government organizations. These universities, on an individual level, dont have the will or strength to counteract the Chinese communist regime. Therefore, its impractical to expect the universities to discipline the CSSA as an organization that implements the CCPs orders in another country.

In view of the special nature of CSSAs, Western governments should require them to be registered as foreign agents, to reduce or eliminate their control of overseas Chinese students. When these students are relieved from the threat of the CCP, they may be more open to the ideals and values of free democratic countries. This also is beneficial for the freedom of speech and freedom of belief in universities.
U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand in an area recently taken by SDF as fight against ISIS continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, on Feb. 17, 2019. (Felipe Dana/AP)

Taking Their Last Breath: ISIS Hides Among Syrian Civilians

BAGHOUZ, SyriaFrom a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the ISIS terrorist group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hillencircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the terrorists said on Sunday, Feb. 17, that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

They are taking their last breath, said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometers (1 miles) from the terrorists last spot.

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which ISIS were uprooted in recent weeks.

In Hajin, a major center for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes. Small shops selling tools and construction material have sprung up.

For weeks, the extremists fought desperately for their shrinking territory. Once in control of about a third of Syria and Iraq, they now are down to what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. But they are holding on to hundreds of civilianssome of them possibly hostagestaking cover among them at the edge of Baghouz, the village in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads, preventing civilians from leaving, said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, referring to ISIS by its Arabic acronym.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and the presence of possible captives could explain the slow final push, they added.

As civilians trickled out of the enclave in recent weeks, the SDF and coalition officials screened them. Women and children were transferred to camps miles away; men suspected of links to the militant group were taken into custody at other facilities.

SDF commanders said some of the hostages taken from their force have been freed in recent days. Fighters at the base said one of their colleagues was set free in the last two days.

Khatib Othman, an SDF fighter, came back from the front line a few days ago to take a break. His brother, also an SDF fighter, was taken hostage by ISIS in the last weeks of fighting. He is now believed to be held in Iraq as a suspected militant and negotiations are underway to free him.

We want to take revenge. We will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste, Othman said. We are waiting for the civilians to go out, and we will go in and attack. It is a matter of days. They are under siege, no food and no water. They are encircled from four sides. They have to give up.

He added that the extremists are running out of ammunition.

The capture of the last pocket of ISIS territory in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a 4-year global campaign to crush the terrorist groups, so-called caliphate. It has been a long and destructive battle. In decline since 2016, ISIS was stripped of its self-declared capital of Raqqa, in Syria, in the summer of 2017, leaving behind a destroyed city whose residents are still struggling to return.

In Deir el-Zour, the SDF and the coalition have battled to uproot ISIS from villages and towns on the eastern banks of the Euphrates since September.

Battle-hardened extremists, including some of the groups leading fighters and foreign commanders, had taken refuge in the area between Syria and Iraq. They fought back, dispatching suicide bombers from underground tunnels, deploying female fighters and launching counteroffensives that reclaimed many of the villages for weeks. Nearly 700 SDF fighters were killed in fighting that left at least 1,300 militants and over 400 civilians dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

We will very soon bring good news to the whole world, Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles from Baghouz.

But experts and U.S. defense officials warn that ISIS still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.

Thousands of ISIS extremists and their families have emerged in the past few months from the groups last enclave. The SDF is holding 900 foreign fighters in lockups and camps in northern Syria, and their fate is a major concern, particularly as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Syria. In a tweet on Sunday, President Donald Trump called on Britain, France, Germany, and other European countries to take back their militants and put them on trial at home.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

The Caliphate is ready to fall, Trump said. He suggested the alternative would be that the United States would be forced to release them.

We do so much, and spend so muchTime for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100 percent Caliphate victory! he added.

The Kurdish forces and officials have said the same in recent weeks, appealing to countries to take back their militants.

Bali, the SDF spokesman, declined to comment on Trumps statement.

By Sarah El Deeb
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at a press conference in Canberra on Aug. 24, 2018. (Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

Sophisticated State Actor Also Hacked Australias Major Political Parties

PM Says Attack Not Limited to Parliament Network

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the computer networks of political parties were also the targets of a recent foreign-based cyber hack of the parliament.

The computer networks of Australias major political parties were also part by a sophisticated cyber attack by a state actor that affected the networks of federal parliament, the prime minister has confirmed.

Scott Morrison says an investigation into a breach of the Australian Parliament House network on Feb. 8 found the networks of the Liberal, Labor and Nationals were also affected.

A state actor is believed responsible for the attack, Mr Morrison said.

Security sources indicated last week China could be the source.

I do not propose to go into the detail of these operational matters, but our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, Mr Morrison told parliament on Monday.

The prime minister says there is no evidence of any electoral interference.

But the government has put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral system regardless.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre is also available to help any electoral body or political party seeking support.

We have acted decisively to protect our national interests, Mr Morrison said.

The methods used by malicious actors are constantly evolving and this incident just reinforces yet again the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental part of everyones business.

A Liberal party spokesman said the party was working closely with security agencies on the matter.

In March 2011, it was reported China was suspected of accessing the email system used by federal MPs, advisers, electorate staff and parliamentary employees.

Mr Morrisons comments come after Senate President Scott Ryan confirmed there had been no more breaches of the federal parliamentary computer system since February 8.

Senator Ryan last week advised that there was no evidence that any data has been accessed, but that MPs and staff were required to change their passwords.

Labor leader Bill Shorten said the attempted hacking is of grave concern and comes after attempted infiltration of democratic processes overseas, including in the United Kingdom and the United States.

We cannot be complacent and, as this most recent activity reported by the prime minister indicates, we are not exempt or immune, he told parliament.
Says excessive red tape hikes production costs

Number of active clay roofing tile plants down to 200

By Nishel Fernando

Sri Lankas red clay roofing tile industry recently urged the government to reduce excessive regulations and procedures in place with regard to sourcing their main raw materialclay which has hiked the cost production, driving over 200 clay roofing tile plants out of business.



The number of active clay roofing tile plants in Sri Lanka has decreased to 300 from 500 while another 100 plants are in the process of being disassembled or have temporally halted operations. Each of these plants, has a history ranging from at least 25 to 100 years, Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council board member Susith Pathiraja said.



Pathiraja said that the cost of production has increased significantly mainly due to local government level barriers to obtain permits to mine clay deposits and to clear silt in tanks in order to source clay.

He noted that around 60 percent of the current clay requirement is currently sourced from tanks, as obtaining permits to mine clay deposits has become almost impossible.



Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Council Secretary Wipul Kularathne said that though the Central Environmental Authority and Department of Irrigation back clearing of accumulated silt in tanks to expand their capacity, it is quite difficult to obtain necessary permission from 15 State agencies for the task.



Pathiraja pointed out that clay tile manufactures would be able to bring down the cost by a solid 10-20 percent, provided a standardised permit system is in place.

He also believes that if necessary support is given to manufactures, clay roofing tiles exports also can be significantly increased.



According to him, Sri Lanka currently exports different variances of clay roofing tiles to countries such as Pakistan and the United Kingdom.



Meanwhile, Pathiraja pointed out that although the governments policy initially was to ban asbestos from Sri Lanka, asbestos is being used in almost all State-sponsored housing projects in the country.



Also, he charged that manufactures of asbestos roofing tiles give certain advantages over clay tiles, despite asbestos being labelled as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation (WHO).



He charged that asbestos is being imported duty-free to the country to manufacture roofing tiles, and the government is encouraging more plants to be set up in Sri Lanka with tax incentives despite a ban announced earlier.



He said two asbestos roofing tile manufacturing plants in Arachchikattuwa and Mathugama are under construction as BOI projects.

He blamed politicians for promoting asbestos for their own personal gains.



Politicians in the North dont allow asbestos roofing tiles for housing projects. They are demanding clay roofing tiles, since they know the damage that asbestos could cause to human health. However, it was not due to lack of awareness that the asbestos was encouraged for roofing tiles in rest of Sri Lanka, but for personal gains, Pathiraja said.



He also pointed out that Sri Lankas cement import bill keeps increasing due to increased cement imports to manufacture asbestos roofing tiles, which he identified as a main contributor for rupee depreciation last year.
PHILADELPHIAAs he was experiencing Shen Yun Performing Arts, lawyer Flavio Van Boekel quickly realized that it was not an ordinary dance and music performance. Van Boekel said he has seen many first-rate theater productions in his life, but he had never seen anything so original and inspiring as Shen Yun.

I have seen a lot of Broadway shows and I think this is one of the top-notch shows that I have seen in my life, Van Boekel said, who experienced the performance at the Merriam Theater during the matinee on Feb. 17.

He said the 3-D animated backdrop coupled with the aesthetics and artistry of the dancers stood out for him because they were things he had never seen before.

[These are] things we havent seen before, such as this technology being used in 3-D, but also the Chinese dance being so freely expressed, and the combination of colors, the dexterity of the danceits very complex. [But they] make it  seem so easy but its not that easy, the lawyer said.

Van Boekel, who is the founder of the Van Boekel Law Group, said whats more important is that the production brings a very positive message to the world that we need right now.

You know, to be in touch with your inner soul, and to believe more in humanity, he said.

And this is what Shen Yun aims to do by touring around the world with six equally-sized companies. Shen Yun was started with the mission to revive Chinas semi-divine culture, which is replete with universal virtues and values such as benevolence, kindness, and honor.

The ancient Chinese were deeply influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other spiritual disciplines. By having a strong reverence for the divine and belief in concepts like retribution, they strove to live upright and moral lives.

But this all changed after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seized power in 1949. The CCP sees traditional Chinese culture as its rival and sought to systematically eradicate traditional culture and replace it with Mao Zedongs way of thinking and style of discourse, as Shen Yun explains on its website. This has had a catastrophic effect on Chinese society and traditional culture.

Hence, this New York-based company tries to bring back these values, and aims to share it to all corners of the world, a mission Van Boekel appreciates and admires.

Actually, its an understatement to say this is a very good undertaking, Van Boekel said. This is an excellent undertaking.

[Chinese] history is unknown to the West, and actually even in the Easteven to the Chinese people around the world. I think this show should be a model for every show that attempts to, you know, divulge the Chinese culture, he added.

Performance That Inspires

Like Van Boekel, director and shareholder at the accounting firm BLS, Jordon Rosen, was among the audience and found the performance very inspiring.

Its inspiring [because] it shows the culture of the Chinese people from 5,000 years ago, and they do it so artistically, Rosen said.

Rosen said he could see how ancient Chinese culture was filled with morality and that the ancient Chinese were very spiritual in the sense that they really valued the unity of the spirit and body.

Meanwhile, his wife, Sharon, said she appreciated how Shen Yun was able to preserve the culture and bring this on stage to share it to generations to come.

I love it that [they] were able to preserve [their] culture for all the years it was suppressed and how [Shen Yun] were able to share and bring it through the generations so that nothing is lost, she said.

With reporting by Lijie Sun.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time and has covered audience reactions since the companys inception in 2006.
Lawmakers Ann Coffey, Karin Smyth, Chris Leslie, Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, and Luciana Berger announced they are leaving the Labour Party in London on Feb. 18, 2019. (Simon Dawson/Reuters)

Seven Lawmakers Quit UK Labour Party Over Brexit, Anti-Semitism

LONDONSeven Labour lawmakers quit the party on Feb. 18 over leader Jeremy Corbyns approach to Brexit and a failure to tackle anti-Semitism, saying Britains main opposition party had been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left.

In a direct challenge to Corbyn, the seven centrist MPs said they were courting others from across parliament to join their group, saying enough is enough in keeping silent over their doubts about the Labour leaders fitness for office.

United by a desire for a second referendum on Britains decision to leave the European Union, they acknowledged that their resignations wouldnt change the arithmetic in Parliament, where there is as yet no majority for such a vote.

But their move underlines the increasing frustration within Labour over Corbyns reluctance to change his Brexit strategythe leftist leader and longtime critic of the EU has stuck to his preference for a new election or his plan to leave the bloc.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new ad hoc coalitions.

The Labour party we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer todays Labour Party  it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left, lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

Evidence of Labours betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this governments Brexitconstantly holding back from allowing the public a final say.

The seven lawmakers are Leslie, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes, and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as members of Parliament under the banner The Independent Group.

Corbyns finance policy chief, John McDonnell, called on the lawmakers to stand down and try to win back their seat in Parliament.

But the partys deputy leader, Tom Watson, described the resignations as a wake-up call, saying unless we change we may see more days like thisa guarded suggestion that Corbyn and his team had taken Labour too far to the left.

Enough Is Enough

Britains 2016 EU referendum, when 52 percent voted to leave versus 48 to remain, has split not only British towns and villages but also Parliament, with both Conservative and Labour leaders struggling to keep their parties united.

Euroskeptics in Prime Minister Theresa Mays Conservative Party flexed their muscle by voting against her government in a symbolic Brexit ballot last week but have so far given little sign of formally breaking away.

But lawmakers in the new Labour independent grouping may hope to tempt away some pro-EU members of the governing party.

We believe that the entire political system is now broken  Weve had enough evidence to suggest that people out there will come forward, register their support, and help us  build a new political movement, Angela Smith said.

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum on the table if Mays government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can break an impasse in Parliament, preferring a new election or his own proposed deal.

The prospect of holding a second referendum poses a dilemma for Corbyn: While many of the partys members fervently back a so-called Peoples Vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

But it was clear that for the seven lawmakers, Corbyns wider beliefs had spurred them to leave the party.

Corbyn has cemented a shift to the left in Labour, taking control of a party that, under former prime minister Tony Blair, moved to the center to win and retain power for 13 years.

Some accused Corbyn of failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the Labour chief, a supporter of Palestinian rights and critic of the Israeli government, since he took over the party in 2015. Corbyn denies the allegation, saying he is stamping anti-Semitism out.

Luciana Berger, a Jewish lawmaker who has faced abuse, said the party had become institutionally anti-Semitic.

By Elizabeth Piper
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is seen during a meeting with U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S. March 27, 2018. (Reuters/Amir Levy)

Saudi Crown Prince Begins Asia Tour With $20 Billion Pakistan Investment Pledge

ISLAMABADCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Feb. 17 said Saudi Arabia has signed investment agreements worth $20 billion during his high-profile visit to Pakistan.

Kicking off his tour of South Asia and China with a far higher Pakistan investment than expected, the crown prince said the $20 billion figure represents only the start of an economic tie-up that would bring the historic Muslim allies even closer.

Its big for phase 1, and definitely it will grow every month and every year, and it will be beneficial to both countries, said the crown prince.

We have been a brotherly country, a friendly country to Pakistan. Weve walked together in tough and good times, and we (will) continue.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistans army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa greeted Prince Mohammed on the red carpet of a military airport in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, before Khan personally drove the crown prince to the capital Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia has always been a friend in need, which is why we value it so much, said Khan, while seated next to Prince Mohammed. I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in bad situation.

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistans economy afloat by propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Islamabad has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammeds trip as the biggest state visit since Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas global Belt and Road initiative.

He had also planned to visit Indonesia and Malaysia during the tour, but those trips have been postponed, according to Malaysian and Indonesian officials.

In Pakistan, most of the agreements signed focused on energy projects, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port. Memorandums of understanding were also signed for investments in minerals and agriculture, Khan said.

The two nations relationship has in the past centered on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistans economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistans powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

By Drazen Jorgic & Asif Shahzad
Russian President Vladimir Putin during a session of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on Sept. 12, 2018. (Sergei Bobylyov/TASS Host Photo Agency/Pool via Reuters)

Russia Carries Out Test of Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile: Reports

Russian state-run media reported that a nuclear-powered cruise missile has been successfully tested and will allegedly have unlimited range.

Officials said the Burevestnik, or Storm Peterel, missile has unlimited range and can get past known defenses, according to state-backed RT.

The missiles nuclear power unit was tested in January, said Russian media news reports on Feb. 15.

A major stage of trials of the cruise missile of the Burevestnik complex, the tests of the nuclear power unit, were successfully completed at one of the facilities in January, a source who works in Russias missile industry told state-run TASS.

Russian Defense Ministry officials have not confirmed the information provided by the source.

President Vladimir Putin previously said that Russia had developed a high-powered nuclear engine intended for cruise missiles that has an unlimited range along with the ability to penetrate missile and air defense systems.

The missile can 'fly forever, has an unlimited range and is IMPOSSIBLE to shoot down' Gepostet von Daily Mail am Montag, 18. Februar 2019

U.S. government sources familiar with the missile testing told The Diplomat that Russia carried out a partially successful test of the nuclear-powered missile.

The test, according to the report, occurred at Russias Kapustin Yar test range and is the 13th to date. The first Burevestnik test took place in June 2016.

According to U.S. military intelligence, only one test of the missile has been moderately successful to date. That test took place in November 2017 from Russias Pankovo test site in Novaya Zemlya and resulted in recovery mission involving specialized Russian ship crews to retrieve the missiles debris, wrote the Diplomat.

No country has deployed a cruise missile with an on-board nuclear reactor because of safety concerns and engineering challenges.

One expert said that the radioactive material inside the missile could leak.

It goes without saying that if you fire a missile with a nuclear engine or energy source, that nuclear material will end up wherever that missile ends up, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, CNBC reported last August.

If this missile was lost at sea and recovered in full, then you might hypothetically be able to do it without pollution, I would have my doubts about that because its a very forceful impact when the missile crashes. I would suspect you would have leaks from it, Kristensen added.

CNBC noted that the nuclear-powered test missile was lost somewhere in the Barents Sea before crews located it.

Update in Syria

Putin said on Feb. 14 that Russia, Turkey, and Iran had agreed to take unspecified extra steps to clear Syrias Idlib region of what he called a hotbed of terrorists, but the Kremlin said there would be no military operation there, according to Reuters.

Putin, one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads closest allies, was speaking after hosting a summit in southern Russia to weigh the future of Syria with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

All three countries have forces on the ground in Syria, where they have coordinated their efforts despite sometimes differing priorities and interests.

We should not put up with the presence of terrorist groups in Idlib, Putin told Erdogan and Rouhani. Thats why I propose we consider practical concrete steps that Russia, Turkey, and Iran can take to completely destroy this hotbed of terrorists.

Reuters contributed to this report.
President Trump: The Days of Socialism and Communism Are Numbered

In landmark speech on Venezuela, Trump says 'the twilight hour of socialism has arrived' around the world

By supporting a peaceful regime change in Venezuela, the United States has paved the way toward purging South America of socialism and creating the first fully democratic Western Hemisphere in history, President Donald Trump said in a speech in Florida on Feb. 18.

Trump, a critic of socialism and communism, told the Venezuelan community in Florida that recent changes in South and Central America suggest that the path toward democracy on the two continents is irreversible. The president pledged the support of the United States to Venezuelans who are standing for freedom and Democracy.

Were here to proclaim a new day is coming in Latin America, Trump said. In Venezuela and across the Western Hemisphere socialism is dying and liberty, prosperity, and Democracy are being reborn.

The president reiterated his support for Venezuelas interim President Juan Guaido. Trump was the first world leader to recognize Guaido as the legitimate leader of the South American nation. Guaido assumed the position of interim president shortly after the Venezuelan National Assembly declared socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro as illegitimate.

Trump told the crowd that Venezuela should cease to be a puppet state of the communist regime in Cuba. Nearly 92,700 Cuban communist proxies work in Venezuelas government apparatus, according to the Congressional testimony by a retired Venezuelan military official. Senior U.S. administration officials have said that Venezuela is being propped up by the communists in Cuba. White House Director of Strategic Communications Mercedes Schlapp told Fox News on Feb. 18 that Cuba has sent more than 20,000 security force personnel to Venezuela.

Maduro is not a Venezuelan patriot. He is a Cuban puppet. Thats what he is, the president said.

For decades the socialist dictatorships of Cuba and Venezuela have propped each other up in a very corrupt bargain. Venezuela gave Cuba oil. In return, Cuba gave Venezuela a police state run directly from Havana. But this is a much different day and those days are over.

Successful and peaceful regime change in Venezuela would spark change and promote democracy in Cuba and Nicaragua, Trump told the crowd. In 2018, the Trump administration dubbed Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua the troika of tyranny. In November 2018, National Security advisor John Bolton said that the socialist dictatorships in the three nations are the genesis of a sordid cradle of communism in the Western Hemisphere.

Trumps comments on Feb. 18 are the latest in an intense campaign of tightening sanctions and bold rhetoric which started early in his presidency. Although the Trump administration took steps to counter human rights abuses in Cuba and Nicaragua, the bulk of the pressure from the White House has so far fallen on Venezuela. Trumps comments suggest that Washington hopes that Caracas will be the first domino in a chain reaction akin to the fall of communism in Europe decades ago.

The twilight hour of socialism has arrived in our hemisphere and, frankly, in many many places around the world, Trump said. The days of socialism and communism are numbered not only in Venezuela but in Nicaragua and in Cuba as well.

During his presidential campaign, Trump did not focus on the threat of socialism and communism to the United States and the world. But, since taking office, the president has made the fight against socialism and communism a key part of his agenda. At this years State of the Union speech, he said that America will never become a socialist country.

Trump has also lambasted communism and socialism on the world stage. The president told the United Nations in September 2017 that anguish and devastation and failure followed wherever these ideologies were adopted. In November 2017, Trump told the National Assembly in South Korea that communism is to blame for the contrast between the desolation and famine in North Korea and progress and prosperity in South Korea.

Once an oil-rich nation Venezuela has been crippled by the socialist policies implemented by Maduro and his predecessor. Almost 90 percent of Venezuelas population live below the poverty line and more than half of families are unable to meet their basic food needs, according to Mercy Corps, a humanitarian group. The U.N. estimates that by the end of 2019, 5.3 million refugees and migrants will have fled the socialist regime in Venezuela.

Socialism has so completely ravaged this great country that even the worlds largest reserves of oil are no longer enough to keep the lights on. This will never happen to us, Trump said as the crowd cheered in response.

Socialism promises prosperity but it delivers poverty. Socialism promises unity but it delivers hatred and  division. Socialism promises a better future but it always returns to the darkest chapters of the past, he added. That never fails. It always happens.

Guaidos ascendance triggered a global referendum on socialism. Maduro received recognition from current and former communist nations like China, North Korea, Cuba, and Russia. Meanwhile, more than 50 free-world nationsincluding the United States, Germany, and Australiabacked Guaido.

Message to the Military

The United States is aware of the whereabouts of the wealth hidden abroad by military officials and their families, Trump said. Venezuelan military officials have a choice, he said: work toward democracy for the future of their families, or stand to lose their wealth.

If you choose this path, Trump said, warning Maduros backers, you will find no safe harbor, no easy exit and no way out. You will lose everything.

Two high-ranking military officials have already defected from Maduros regime: Jose Luis Silva, Venezuelas defense attache to Washington and Gen. Francisco Yanez, a high-ranking Venezuelan air force general. Guaido, in the meantime, has promised amnesty for military forces who defect.

The Trump administration previously said they were contemplating whether to lift sanctions on military members who side with Guaido. One U.S. official said the United States is directly communicating with members of Venezuelas military and urging them to defect, although the official noted that such discussions were very, very limited.

Venezuelan military officials have continued to remain loyal to Maduro, largely because of the wealth they have gained from corruption, drug trafficking, and revenues from the petroleum trade. A U.S. admiral said at a recent Senate Armed Services Committee that Venezuela has about 2,000 generals.

Today I ask every member of the Maduro regime. End this nightmare of poverty, hunger, and death. Let your people go. Set your country free, Trump said.

Humanitarian Aid

Maduro has continued to refuse to allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, which has been piling up in the Colombian border city of Cucuta. On Feb. 16, three U.S. military cargo planes landed in Cucuta carrying 180 tons of humanitarian aidit was the second such shipment from the United States.

He would rather see his people starve than give them aid, Trump said.

The heavily guarded warehouse in Cucuta is one of three points from where an attempt will be made on Feb. 23 to deliver the aid into Venezuela; Guaido hopes that will drive a wedge between Maduro and military forces who continue to support him, despite popular discontent. The United States has pledged $20 million to alleviate the suffering in Venezuela.

The other two locations are Roraima in northern Brazil, and the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao. When the day comes, military figures will face the choice of disobeying Maduros orders and letting the much-needed supplies into the country, or remain loyal to him and block the aids entry, potentially sparking a confrontation with crowds desperate for food and medicine.

Maduro claims the decline of his country is a result of U.S.-imposed sanctions and that Venezuelans are not beggars. His regime placed an oil tanker and shipping crates on Feb. 6 to barricade a bridge that was intended to be used to deliver the aid, sparking an international standoff about Venezuela at the border.

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Vice President Michael Pence gives a speech during the 55th Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 16, 2019. (Alexandra Beier/Getty Images)

Pence Urges Unwilling Europeans to Back Iran Sanctions, Quit Iran Nuclear Deal

Vice President Mike Pence called on European nations on Feb. 16 to support U.S. sanctions on Iran and to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Yet major European playersprominently France, Germany, and Britainappear unwilling to heed the call amid Europes financial entanglements with Iran.

After visiting the site of the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland during his trip, Pence framed Irans rhetoric and actions in terms of anti-Semitism.

When authoritarian regimes breathe out vile, anti-Semitic hatred and threats of violence, we must take them at their word, he said in his Munich Security Conference speech. The Iranian regime openly advocates another Holocaust and it seeks the means to achieve it.

Backing the position of President Donald Trump, Pence called Iran the greatest threat to peace and security in the Middle East, pointing to its sponsorship of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as extremists in Syria and Yemen.

Troubled Deal

Trump announced the United States withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in May 2018 and ordered the reimposing of sanctions.

The deal was signed in 2015 by the Obama administration along with Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. It required Iran to delay its capacity to build a nuclear weapon until 2026 in exchange for sanctions relief.

Trump had criticized the deal for asking too little of Iran, such as not addressing Irans ballistic missile program, its financing of terrorists, and more. Evidence has also emerged that Iran negotiated the deal in bad faith.

In April 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented what he said were Iranian documents obtained by Israeli intelligence that proved Irans development of nuclear weapons before the 2015 deal, while the regime claimed its nuclear program didnt seek to build arms.

Moreover, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Irans atomic agency, said Jan. 22 that the regime secretly bought components for its heavy water reactor near Arak, a critical component in the production of weapons-grade plutonium, even though the nuclear deal required the regime to disable it.

Irans belligerent behavior was supposed to fade away with the nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Instead, Iran announced in 2017 an intent to boost its military spending by 150 percent in five years. In recent weeks, it has tested a cruise missile, unveiled a cruise missile-armed submarine, boasted the capability to quickly restart uranium enrichment, and twice attempted to launch satellites, which use technology similar to intercontinental ballistic missiles. Both attempts failed.

EU Holding On

Pence called on European nations to abandon the Iran deal and join the United States in pressuring the Islamic regime.

The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime. The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region, he said. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region, and the world the peace, security, and freedom they deserve.

But the United Kingdom, France, and Germany continue to voice their commitment to the deal and have even set up a joint company with the aim of facilitating goods bartering between European and Iranian companies without the use of currency, thus dodging the U.S. sanctions. Yet the company is planned to initially only handle trade in food and medical supplies, which arent targeted by the sanctions.

Europe has been much more deeply involved in trading with Iran than the United States. After the sanctions were lifted in 2015, European trade with Iran nearly tripled, reaching $25 billion in 2017, according to Statista.

Trade between the United States and Iran, on the other hand, ranged between $200 million and $300 million a year.
Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort arrives for a hearing at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington on April 19, 2018. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Paul Manafort: A Time Bomb?

Commentary

Early in 2018, Franklin Foer published a cover story in The Atlantic titled The Plot Against America: Paul Manafort and the Fall of Washington. I think he inadvertently stumbled onto something.

Several points popped out that I cant stop thinking about, especially now that Manafort is back in the special counsels crosshairs, and potentially faces a prison sentence that could well be a death sentence for the 69-year-old. They made me wonder then and they make me wonder now: Was the introduction of Manafort into the Trump campaign itself a plot against America?

The Foer article opens with a shocking sequence about Manaforts time under medical care in 2015:

The clinic permitted Paul Manafort one 10-minute call each day. And each day, he would use it to ring his wife from Arizona, his voice often soaked in tears. Apparently he sobs daily, his daughter Andrea, then 29, texted a friend. During the spring of 2015, Manaforts life had tipped into a deep trough. A few months earlier, he had intimated to his other daughter, Jessica, that suicide was a possibility. He would be gone forever, she texted Andrea.

On March 29, 2016, less than one year after sinking to these dark depths, Manafort joined the Trump campaign as convention floor manager. He became chairman of the campaign on May 19, 2016.

What follows are the salient points from the Foer piece in chronological order.

In the spring of 2014, Viktor Yanukovych, Manaforts main meal ticket for nearly a decade, was forced from the presidency of Ukraine. Fearing for his life, Yanukovych fled to Russia. Manafort avoided any harm by keeping a careful distance from the enflamed city.

After Yanukovych was overthrown, Manafort suddenly had career problems. Money, which had always flowed freely to Manafort and which hed spent more freely still, soon became a problem.  He seemed unwilling, or perhaps unable, to access his offshore accounts; an FBI investigation scrutinizing his work in Ukraine had begun not long after Yanukovychs fall. Meanwhile, a Russian oligarch named Oleg Deripaska had been after Manafort to explain what had happened to an $18.9 million investment in a Ukrainian company that Manafort had claimed to have made on his behalf.

Manafort had domestic problems, too. In November 2014, Manaforts wife and grown daughters discovered he was conducting an extremely expensive extra-marital affair. Despite pledges and couples counseling, he continued the affair, which came to light again six months later.

According to daughter Andreas text, Manafort was by this time in the middle of a massive emotional breakdown. Foer wrote that Manafort entered a clinic in Arizona six months after the initial discovery of the affair in November 2014, which places his entry time around May 2015.

At the clinic, Manafort was allotted the daily 10-minute phone call to his wifein tears and possibly suicidal.

Foer didnt tell us when Manafort left the clinic. He backed into Manaforts departure in the context of the newly discharged patients reportedly desperate effort to gain access to Donald Trump.

He opened the section this way: I really need to get to Trump, Manafort told an old friend, the real-estate magnate Tom Barrack, in the early months of 2016.

Foer didnt get more specific about the date of this conversation; however, the distinctive quotation, I really need to get to, has its provenance in a Washington Post piece based on interviews with Barrack, who dated his conversation with Manafort as shortly after the Iowa caucuses, which were Feb. 1, 2016.

Barrack, a confidante of Trump for some 40 years, had known Manafort even longer. When Manafort asked for Barracks help grabbing Trumps attention, he readily supplied it. Manaforts spell in the Arizona clinic had ended, wrote Foer.

All of this is more than strange.

First, about Thomas Barrack Jr., an American billionaire of Syrian extraction. As an Arabic-speaking lawyer in 1972, the Washington Post reported, Barrack played some squash with a set of Saudi princes and thus became the American representative of the boys.  There was no word on whether Barrack had registered as a Saudi agent for this work for the Saudi family dictatorship. Barrack spent many hours listening to the Arabs discuss their world, which he said gave him great respect for the society and community,  the Post continued.

It sounds as if Barracks respect paid off. In 1979, he bought a California ranch just down a hill from Ronald Reagans Rancho del Cielo. (Quelle coincidence!) The Post continued: The Secret Service later boarded horses at Barracks ranch, and he occasionally went on trail rides and sat around campfires with Reagan. I loved him, Barrack said of Reagan.

Thats beautiful. Anyway, back to Manafort. Its early 2016. Manafort has debts, he has a Putin-linked-oligarch looking for that $19 million he invested, his family life is chaos, and what does he do? He calls up Barrack after Iowa and says:  I really need to get to Trump.

The Post story explained the ManafortTrump connection differently.

The story said Manafort and Barrack go back 40 years to Barracks Saudi princes days. They met in Beirut when Manafort represented a firm doing business with a Saudi construction company. Barrack has known Trump for nearly as long, and depicts himself as a huge loyalistalthough he is also openly horrified about Trumps politics, including his signature issues of immigration and the Muslim ban.

Gee, something isnt quite adding up here 

According to the Post: Barrack supported Trumps campaign, and shortly after Trump lost the Iowa caucuses, he [Barrack] reconnected with his old friend Manafort, a longtime Republican consultant.

Barrack reconnected with Manafort? The Atlantic had it the other way around.

In any case, its February 2016 and the two men are talking. At this earliest stage of the primary season, Manafort supposedly tells Barrack he wants to work as Trumps convention manager now that Trump has lost the Iowa caucuses. Does that make sense? Ill bet Deripaskas $19 million this is not the way that initial conversation went. Maybe it went more like this: You really need to get to Trump, and heres how were gonna do it 

According to the Post, Barrack next emailed Ivanka and Jared Kushnerwhom Barrack had assisted financially with Kushners albatross building, 666 Fifth Avenue, naturallyto urge Trump to hire Manafort.

The Atlantic did not report this intervention by Barrack. Instead, the Trump connection was almost entirely Manaforts doing as a matter of his professional salvation. Foer wrote: With the arrival of Donald Trump, Manafort smelled an opportunity to regain his losses, and to return to relevance.

Sorry to say so, but this sounds as absurd as Barracks claim that Manafort told him he wanted to be convention floor manager right after Trump lost Iowa. In the early months of 2016 and right up to election night, Trump was the political equivalent of the bubonic plague, refrigerator mold, and Hitler in the eyes of all Washington, including every member of the GOP establishment whom Manafort had ever billed or hoped toall of whom were endlessly predicting Trumps elimination and epic loss in a historic landslide.

Any political professional even contemplating a stint on the Trump campaign was immediately threatened with shaming, excommunication, ostracism, financial ruin, purging, even epuration sauvage. Thus, it seems highly unlikely that Manafort would look at Trump and see a meal ticket to big time.

According to Foer, financially flailing Manfort then offered his services to Trump free of chargenine long months before Election Dayto seem like a near-equal.

In the Post piece, Barrack is the author of an email he sent to Ivanka and Kushner that urged the campaign to hire Manafort. In the Atlantic piece, Barracks role was no more than conduit of a memo Manafort wrote to the Trump team.

The Manafort message? According to Foer, Barrack forwarded to Trumps team a memo Manafort had written  [told] Trump that he had avoided the political establishment in Washington since 2005, and [described] himself as a lifelong enemy of Karl Rove. 

Hook, line, and sinker, it would seem.

The instigating role of former Saudi representative Barrack in the hiring of Manafort is absent from the Atlantic piece; however, it brought to light information that might explain why Manafort was tapped for delivery to Team Trump in the first place: In his broken state of mind and career, Manafort was the perfect vehicle for someone else to crash the campaign.

To put it another way, after Manaforts 2014 financial smash and 2015 breakdown, this once high-priced Igor to Global Crookdom was shattered goodshumanly, financially, politically, and legally. He was a walking time bomb for any of Trumps political enemies to maneuver into the Trump camp and then wait for Manaforts toxic life story to explode all over Trump.

If this was the case, who set the trap?

Diana West is an award-winning journalist and the author of two books: American Betrayal: The Secret Assault on Our Nations Character and The Death of the Grown-Up: How Americas Arrested Development Is Bringing Down Western Civilization.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Kelsey Berreth, 29, was last seen in Woodland Park, Colorado on Nov. 22, 2018. (Woodland Park Police Department)

Parents of Kelsey Berreth Believe She Was Killed in a Custody Dispute

Its been almost three months since Kelsey Berreths toddler has seen her mom. Three months since anyone has seen the Colorado mother alive.

During that time, authorities charged Berreths fiance, Patrick Frazee, with murdereven though the body has not been found.

Photo of Patrick Frazee, Kelsey Berreth, and their daughter (taken in 2017) Gepostet von Missing Pieces Network am Montag, 10. Dezember 2018

Now, Berreths parents have updated a wrongful death lawsuit against Frazee, saying a custody dispute was likely a motive to kill Kelsey.

Upon information and belief, Frazee had motive to kill Kelsey in that he wanted full custody of [their daughter] KB and/or Kelsey to leave KB with him and Kelsey would not agree, said the amendment, filed in a US district court on Feb. 15.

The update was made to a January wrongful death lawsuit filed by Cheryl-Lee Ellen Berreth and Darrell Lynn Berreth.

The Berreths have been searching for answers since Kelsey vanished last Thanksgiving.

The parents grew concerned after the 29-year-old didnt respond to calls or texts for a week. So Cheryl-Lee Berreth called Frazee on Dec. 2 to ask about her daughter.

Frazee responded with heres the story  and proceeded to make a series of false statements, misrepresentations, and/or calculated omissions, the court filing states.

According to the document, Frazee told Cheryl-Lee Berreth that he and Kelsey broke up on Thanksgiving, and that Kelsey agreed to share with Frazee 50/50 custody of their daughter.

When pressed for more details about Kelseys disappearance, Frazee suggested that Kelsey may have flown somewhere with a friend or co-worker, the amended complaint states.

Attorney Ed Farry, whos representing Frazee in the civil case, declined to respond to allegations in the amended complaint because any such response will be made through a court filing, he said.

The Berreths are asking for a jury trial in the wrongful death lawsuit. The case was filed in a federal civil court because Frazee lives in Colorado, but the plaintiffs live in Idaho.

More Twists, Few Answers

As the civil case moves forward, the criminal cases involving Frazee and a woman from Idaho have taken some unexpected turns.

Frazee faces two counts of first-degree murder and three counts of solicitation to commit murder in the first degree.

Prosecutors filed two murder charges because they have different theories. One is that he acted alone to kill Berreth; the other is that he  either alone or with other people  killed her during a robbery.

The solicitation charges refer to three incidents in which someone was solicited to commit the crime and could mean Frazee is accused of soliciting the same person three times or soliciting three people on different occasions.

Frazee will have a preliminary hearing Tuesday. Adam Steigerwald, the public defender representing Frazee in the criminal case, has not returned CNNs requests for comment.

In a related case, Idaho nurse Krystal Lee Kenney told a judge on Friday that she threw away Berreths phone after Frazee committed a homicide.

I learned Patrick Frazee had committed a homicide on approximately November 22, 2018, Kenney said in a statement read in court.

I knew that law enforcement would be investigating that crime. I moved the victims cell phone, with the intent to impair the phones availability in the investigation.

The Berreth family cited Kenneys statement Friday in their updated civil lawsuit against Frazee.

What About Kaylee?

As adults prepare to battle in multiple court cases, a 1-year-old is missing both her mother and father.

Kaylee, the couples daughter, will keep living with Kelsey Berreths parents for now, a judge ruled February 7.

Kaylee technically remains in the legal custody of the Teller County Department of Human Services, though Berreths parents have been taking care of the girl since December.

But court records show Frazees mother tried to intervene.

The judge scheduled an April 4 hearing to determine the next steps in Kaylees custody case.

The-CNN-Wire

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Overweight Tiger Abandoned in Tiny Cage in Houston Garage Now Happy and Content

The overweight tiger found in a tiny cage in an unlocked garage in an abandoned Texas house has settled into a new home in a wildlife sanctuary, where they hope the 350-pound youngster has the space to walk off some of those extra pounds.

Authorities found the 2-year-old male after a call from an anonymous tipster who had stumbled upon the animal while seeking refuge in the house to smoke marijuana.

At first, the authorities wondered if the tipster hadnt been hallucinating. But when they went to investigate, the 350-pound tiger was all too real, trapped inside a rinky-dink cage in the unlocked garage that was secured with a screwdriver and a nylon strap.

The tiger was taken to the animal control shelter on Feb. 11but they knew all along that they were going to need a bigger cage.

Two days later, and the animalwhich appeared to suffer no ill-effects other than being overweight from a lack of exercisewas transported to a full-size enclosure at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch.

The new male tiger continues to do well in his habitat at Black Beauty Ranch. Yesterday, the caregivers caught sight of Gepostet von Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch am Sonntag, 17. Februar 2019

Keepers at the ranch said that the tigerthat they are holding back from naming until they get the legal green light on his ownership statusappears to be very comfortable around humans.

Abandoned tiger found in house in Houston, TX! WATCH! A tiger was found abandoned in a small cage inside of a house in Houston. Tuesday, he was transported to our Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas, where he'll be cared for. But, we need YOUR help! Please help us raise $24,000 in 24 hours to ensure he and other animals receive the care and protection they deserve: https://hsus.link/bo9uzi Gepostet von The Humane Society of the United States am Mittwoch, 13. Februar 2019

He comes right up to the fence every time a staff member is present, Noelle Almrud, the director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, told ABC.

Vide footage shows the moment the tiger was introduced to his 3-acre enclosure.

It was just amazing to see him walk out on grass and to see him explore and have that freedom of movement, Almrud said. It was just such a reward and fulfilling to us.

Almrud said that the tiger now spends his time rolling in apparent glee on the grass.

He seems to happy and content, Almrud said. Our staff is just falling in love with him.

Although the home where the tiger was found was abandoned, according to local reports several packages of meat were found with him.

The tiger population of Texas is second only to that of India, where the majority of animals live in the wild.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, the number of backyard tigers in the United States is greater than the total remaining wild tiger population (estimated at 3,500).

The WWF estimates the number of tigers in the United States is 5,000.

Only 6 percent of the U.S. captive tiger population resides in zoos and other facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said a WWF report in 2014. The rest are found in other private hands.
Excavators work at the site of a train derailment ten-kilometres south of St. Lazare, Man. on Feb. 16, 2019. (The Canadian Press/Michael Bell)

Officials Still Working out How Much Oil Leaked From Derailment in Manitoba

ST-LAZARE, Man.Canadian National Railway says it doesnt yet know how much oil leaked from a derailment in western Manitoba, but it says trains are now running on the line again.

The railway said Saturday there was a partial leak of crude oil south of St. Lazare, Man., but it was contained and none had reached a nearby river. They said in a statement that 37 cars carrying crude left the tracks early Saturday morning near St-Lazare, just east of the Saskatchewan-Manitoba boundary.

When asked on Sunday about how much oil spilled, and how many of the cars that derailed on Saturday leaked, a CN spokesman said its still being assessed.

Several of the cars were leaking but the product has been contained and has not entered the Assiniboine River, CN media relations director Jonathan Abecassis said in an email.

Abecassis said CNs environmental experts have begun the cleanup.

Transportation Safety Board spokesman Alex Fournier said investigators from the board spent Sunday at the site, but he didnt have information about the quantity of the spill either.

He said he expected further information would be available on Monday.

Barry Lowes, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Ellice-Archie, Man., which surrounds St-Lazare, said Saturday that quite a bit of oil had spilled and there was a foul smell in the area.

CN said no one was injured in the derailment and there was no fire reported.

The Manitoba government said in an email Sunday that a number of provincial agencies were responding to the derailment, but that CN is leading the cleanup.

While 37 cars have derailed, not all of them are leaking. There is no risk of contamination to the Assiniboine River, the government email said.

CN said the derailment is still under investigation.

St-Lazare is about 50 kilometres from Moosomin, Sask., where conservative leaders spoke at a pro-pipeline rally.

Barry Lowes, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Ellice-Archie, which surrounds St-Lazare, attended the Moosomin rally later Saturday after viewing the derailment from a distance.

I could see them off the track. I could see machinery working down there, said Lowes, noting there was a foul smell in the area.

He said quite a bit of oil had spilled in an area close to the Assiniboine River, and one farmer lives close to the derailment.

He said its not the first derailment in the community: in 1991, about 400 residents of St. Lazare fled their homes when a train derailment spilled dangerous chemicals. They returned six days later.

Lowes said that isnt happening with this derailment, but said theres always a risk for the community.

If youve got trains, youre going to have derailments, he said.
By Kelum Bandara

The government will obtain a US$ 48 million credit line from India for the development of Kankesanthurai Port, an official said yesterday.

Secretary to the Northern Development Ministry V. Sivagnanasothy told Daily Mirror that the Cabinet approval had been secured to proceed with the development of this Port in the North for commercial purposes.

He said further talks would be conducted with the Indian authorities for its development.



A fresh Cabinet paper will be submitted later seeking approval for the land acquisition for Port development, he said.



The Port was used during the war time to send supplies from Colombo to the north since road connectivity had been cut off.



Besides, Mr. Sivagnanasothy said the government had allocated two billion rupees to develop the Palali Airport for international flight operations. The runway, at the Airport, is 2600 metres in length. Of it, a stretch of 950 metres has already been developed.



The government is planning to develop 1350 metres of it in total. Also, the allocation of two billion rupees will be used to resurface the taxiway and to develop the aprons.



Our idea is to develop it as an airport to operate A320 aircraft, he said.



Later, he said Indian assistance would be sought for further expansion.



We have held initial talks with the Indian High Commission, he said.
NY Q&A: Is the Green New Deal Really Green?

The Green New Deal, an ambitious proposal by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), aims for the United States to be 100 percent greenhouse gas-neutral in 10 years, and also to completely change the way we live.

The proposal mentions plans to refurbish or replace all housing in the country, ban internal-combustion engine cars or cars altogether, limit or replace air travel with high-speed rail transportation, move away from nuclear energy, and rid the manufacturing and agriculture industry of affordable energy. On top of that, it promises to provide jobs, health care, and housing for all Americans, including handouts for those unwilling to work.

With an estimated cost of $13 trillionthree times more than the 2018 fiscal budgetit has received a mixed response among members of Congress.

The Epoch Times took to the streets of New York to ask people for their thoughts on the controversial new deal.

Michael Pospis, lawyer

Its a lot of goals, a lot of objectives, which is a good thing, but not much substance in terms of how those goals are going to be achieved.

I read the resolution, but dont know what the actual legislation would look like.

Im not sure if they are talking about completely getting rid of air travel, but significantly reducing air travel would be difficult, especially in our current society.

Refurbishing or replacing buildings, thats wildly optimistic. I dont think thats even in the realm of possibility or feasibility. Im not even sure what that means. Look around you. In a stones throw, theres probably 200-300 buildings.

Handouts for those unwilling to workthats absurd. When it comes down to it, nobody except movie stars really wants to work.

Theres a lot to unpack with all this, but the fact is that the price of living in a modern technological society is a dependence on fossil fuels, for better or for worse.

A lot of people talk about science, and science is important to address. But with this issue, you cant really talk about it in terms of pure science because there are other factors. I have an engineering background, so I think it needs to be discussed in terms of applied science and engineering. Because when you talk about this, youre necessarily talking about eliminating, modifying, or building infrastructure and you cant talk about science in the abstract. You have to talk about its applicationspecifically, feasibility and cost.

You cant talk about modifying existing infrastructure without addressing how its going to be paid for.

You can talk about building a solar power plant on the moon and transmitting it to earth. That sounds interesting, but if itll cost far beyond what the global economy can support, does it really make sense to keep talking about it?

I think a lot of the Green New Deal isnt grounded in reality. I think they need to go back and look at the details.

Peter, 42, market seller

A lot of peoples taxes are higher already. Theyre going to have more crime, more everything.

I think they have to come up with another plan. We cant make ends meet already, then theyre gonna triple taxes.

The thing I cant understand is, youre telling people its OK not to work, and then the person whos willing to work, youre not paying them enough. Thats one way of looking at it.

Jason, business owner

Heather, health care

Heather: Absolutely no. I dont think its achievable, itll never happen.

Jason: It aims to change the way of life for everyone as we know it. You have to weigh the pros with the cons, the world is what it is right now and weve evolved to that. Weve made our bed and we have to lie in it.

Heather: Its going to be very expensive to do, a lot of people cant afford that. Those electrical cars are really nice but they dont make them affordable.

Jason: People are too set in their ways.

You can go to college and take risks, people start businesses for risks. If they fail, its not the people that are getting benefits. We dont get benefits if we fail at our business; we take a risk, and either reap the benefit or not.

If I want to donate my own money, then great, thats my own prerogative, not the governments.

Chips, 24, construction

Its crazy. These are things we use throughout the day, and to just take them away? Thats kind of weird because, being used to the stuff Im going through, I dont want any new deal.

I dont like that.

Where is the money going to come from?

Andrew Foley, 37, real estate

I havent gotten to the details yet but Im excited about it. We need a big vision, so I support the thinking.

I hadnt heard about the replacement of cars and planes, thats interesting, I havent owned a car in almost 10 years; if there was a faster way of getting from Point A to Point B, then Id be all for that, too.

I support it. I think theres pretty good evidence that there would be a good return on investment on infrastructure. I assume youd get that back in jobs and wages.

Drake and Trinity, 19, students

I dont think I like that. It doesnt sound very logical.

All interviews edited for clarity and brevity.
Abel Osundairo (L), and his brother Ola Osundairo, in a file photo. The Nigerian brothers were arrested in connection with the alleged attack on "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett but were released after reportedly telling detectives Smollett paid them to stage the attack. (Team Abel/Instagram)

Nigerian Brothers Tell Police Jussie Smollett Paid Them to Stage Attack: Reports

The two Nigerian brothers who were arrested in connection with the alleged assault against Empire actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago are no longer suspects in the case after telling the police that they were paid to stage the attack, according to new reports.

The brothers, Ola and Abel Osundairo, reportedly told detectives Smollett paid them $3,500 before they left for Nigeria on Jan. 29, the day the attack was reported.

They were promised an additional $500 upon their return to the United States, sources told CBS Chicago.

The sources said one of the brothers held a rope and poured bleach on Smollett while the other wore a plain red hat and yelled slurs at Smollett.

New: SourcesThe brothers were paid $3,500 prior to leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return. @cbschicagohttps://t.co/22zRPCcYTe (Updated typo from previous tweet)  Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 17, 2019

Smollett allegedly rehearsed the attack with the brothers before it was staged on Jan. 29. He also gave the brothers money to buy the rope, which was purchased from the Crafty Beaver Hardware Store on Jan. 25, CBS reported. The hat was bought at a beauty supply store.

Sources also told Fox 32 that the brothers told detectives that Smollett paid them for the staged attack. The broadcaster said a receipt found by the police in the brothers apartment indicated they bought the rope at Ace Hardware.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the older brother pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in 2012 and was sentenced to two years of probation for being one of five people who stabbed a 17-year-old in 2011. The younger brother was ticketed for driving under the influence in 2015.

The brothers appear to have moved to the United States at different times, with one attending high school here, while both attended Quincy University, a small liberal arts college in Illinois. Both owe tens of thousands of dollars in student loans. They filed for bankruptcy in 2016, saying they had a party and decoration store but it was dissolved because it was operating at a loss.

NEW: Sources say at least one of the brothers purchased the rope used in Jussie Smollett incident at Crafty Beaver hardware store the weekend of Jan 25th. Plain red hats worn by brothers were purchased from an Uptown beauty supply store. @cbschicago https://t.co/22zRPCcYTe pic.twitter.com/69e47cCuxO  Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) February 17, 2019

Smollett initially claimed that he was attacked at 2 a.m. on Jan. 29 by two men who were wearing ski masks. He said the men were white and that they yelled this is MAGA country, apparently in reference to President Donald Trumps slogan Make America Great Again.

During an interview with Good Morning America last week, Smollett expressed frustration that some people didnt believe his account.

It feels like if I had said it was a Muslim or a Mexican or someone black I feel like the doubters would have supported me a lot much more, Smollett said. And that says a lot about the place where we are as a country right now.

The Chicago Police Department said amid the slew of reports that police havent found any evidence that the attack happened as described by Smollett but thus far havent confirmed the incident being a hoax. The spokesman, Anthony Guglielmi, has also described Smollett as the alleged victim.

One report over the weekend claimed the case could go to a grand jury but a police spokesman told Fox News that Smollett would need to be questioned before he could answer a question regarding the report.

Responding to the question about the #smollett case going to a Grand Jury, CPD Spox said: We have some information that needs to be corroborated and verified with Mr. @JussieSmollett before I can answer this question.  Mike Tobin (@MikeTobinFox) February 17, 2019

Police said on Feb. 17 that theyre seeking a follow-up interview with Smollett when the new evidence came to light after the brothers were questioned.

While we are not in a position to confirm, deny, or comment on the validity of whats been unofficially released, there are some developments in this investigation and detectives have some follow-ups to complete, which include speaking to the individual who reported the incident, Guglielmi said in a statement.

Smolletts lawyers said late Feb. 16 that the actor felt victimized by reports that he played a role in the assault, adding that, Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.

Smollett admitted to knowing one of the Nigerian brothers and his lawyers said he hired the man to help him train for a music video. Another brother has reportedly appeared in Empire.

It appears that Jussie Smollett tried to manufacture a hate crime to make Trump supporters look bad and most of the media not only uncritically accepted his lies as facts for weeks, but attacked those who questioned the validity of his false story.  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 17, 2019

Pamela Sharp, a spokeswoman for Smollett, said Feb. 17 that there were no updates as of now. Another spokeswoman, Anne Kavanagh, later said she couldnt comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

Among those reacting to the latest developments was Donald Trump Jr., President Trumps son, who noted that many people who initially issued statements on the attack quietly deleted them, including presidential contender Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).

In another Twitter post, he added: It appears that Jussie Smollett tried to manufacture a hate crime to make Trump supporters look bad and most of the media not only uncritically accepted his lies as facts for weeks but attacked those who questioned the validity of his false story.

From NTD News
Newlywed Texas Convenience Store Clerk, 51, Shot Dead in $200 Robbery: Police

A convenience store clerk in Texas was gunned down during an armed robbery, which needed about $200, according to reports.

Ashraf Lakhani, a 51-year-old woman who recently got married, was shot after midnight at a Valero gas station in Lewisville, Texas, the Lewisville Police Department confirmed in a Facebook post on Feb. 17.

One of the men said nothing to the woman before she was shot, according to video footage of the incident.

https://www.foxnews.com/category/tech/companies/facebook

It briefly shows the two suspects coming in, Lewisville Police Capt. Dan Rochelle told Fox4. The suspect wearing the blue zippered jacket immediately shoots her, and she falls to the ground. Then, he takes the money and they both run out of the store.

Officials released a photo of one of the suspects, who was wearing a blue zipper jacket with white stripes.

Police said they made off with about $200.

Any description of the killers beyond their clothing? There was an eyewitness. https://t.co/3R5Qw9CHh2  James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) February 17, 2019

Moneys not everything, store manager Abedin Mawani told Fox4. A life. Its very sad.

A family member said Lahkani has two sons.

She was a very friendly, compassionate person, family spokesperson Samina Hooda told the local news station. Really was ready to help out anybody in need. Hardworking person trying to make better of her life.

Two men went into the store and demanded money. The female clerk gave them the cash from the register, but they killed her anyway. Gepostet von FOX 4 News am Freitag, 15. Februar 2019

No store clerks would let you leave without paying in full, so that shows the type of person she was its sick that that happened. said Caleb Hughes, a customer, CBS Dallas reported.

Several months ago, at a liquor store next to the Valero station, a man was shot dead during an apparent robbery, it was reported.

Police said that detectives dont have evidence linking the two incidents.

Anyone with information should contact the Lewisville Police Departments tip line at 972-219-TIPS.

Violent Crime Up in Texas in 2017

In Texas, according to the FBI, the violent crime rate rose in 2017, reported the Texas Tribune.

The agency noted that there were only 1.5 officers for every 1,000 Texas residents last year, which is down from two Texas officers for every 1,000 residents in 2016.

In September 2018, the FBI said Americans committed fewer violent and property crimes across the United States in 2017, according to statistics. The violent crime rateincluding offenses such as murder, robbery, and aggravated assaultdropped by almost 1 percent and is still about 4 percent above the 2014 rate. The murder rate dropped by 0.7 percent.

There were more than 1.2 million violent crimes reported to [the FBI] 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 agency said.

Of the estimated 17,284 murders in 2017, more than half occurred in larger citieswith populations of more than 100,000.

There are fewer than 300 such cities in the United States, and while they account for less than 30 percent of the countrys population, many of them contribute far beyond their share to national crime rates and have done so for years, even decades.

While the national murder rate inched down to 5.3 per 100,000 residents, it spiked by 15 percent in Philadelphia, to a rate of more than 20 per 100,000 residents. Columbus, Ohio, saw a massive 54 percent murder rate increase, reaching nearly 16.3 per 100,000 residents.

The murder rate in St. Louis rose by more than 10 percent and reached 66 per 100,000 residentsthe highest among larger cities.

Baltimores murder rate rose by nearly 8.5 percent, reaching some 56 per 100,000 residents.

Texas woman shot dead in $200 gas station robbery, police say
More Than 1,500 Attend Vigil for Aurora Shooting Victims

AURORA, IllinoisMore than 1,500 people braved snow and freezing drizzle to attend a prayer vigil for five slain co-workers Sunday, Feb. 17, two days after they were fatally shot at a suburban Chicago manufacturing plant by a longtime employee who was fired moments earlier.

The Rev. Dan Haas told those who gathered near five white crosses erected for the shooting victims outside Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora that Fridays senseless killings left their families brokenhearted in the city about 40 miles west of Chicago.

All of these were relatively young peoplemany of them were very young people. We will never know their gifts and talents. Their lives were snuffed out way too short, he said of the victims, who included a 21-year-old university student on his first day as an intern.

Haas called on God to bring comfort to the families and Aurora. He then read the names and ages of the five shooting victims, prompting waves of sobs and cries from relatives attending the vigil.

The city of Aurora tweeted that about 1,700 people attended the vigil in a snowy lot outside the industrial valve manufacturer where several ministers and a rabbi called for healing.

THANK YOU, AURORA! More than 1,700 people came out for todays Community Prayer Vigil. We are #OneAurora and will forever be #AuroraStrong!  City of Aurora, IL (@CityofAuroraIL) February 17, 2019

Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin told the vigil crowd that the citys residents feel for the victims families with all our hearts.

When I thought about the words that I might share with our community and the families of the victims today, I thought to myself that just to simply offer condolences is not enough, he said. It doesnt measure the amount of pain that we feel, for the loss that weve experienced in this community.

Authorities said Gary Martin pulled out a gun and began shooting right after hearing that he was being fired from his job of 15 years at the plant for various workplace violations. Martin, 45, was killed in a shootout with officers, ending his deadly rampage. Five police officers and a sixth plant worker were injured in the shooting and are expected to survive.

Firearm Permit Despite Felony Conviction

Martin had purchased the murder weapon, a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun with a laser sight, in March 2014 from a local gun dealer, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman told reporters on Saturday.

Despite his criminal history, the weapon was lawfully sold to Martin two months after he was issued a state Firearm Owners Identification, or FOID card, a document used to designate people eligible to own and buy guns.

To apply, Illinois residents need only furnish a valid drivers license, a recent photo, and the $10 fee. State police then have 30 days to approve or deny the application.

Ziman said Martins 1995 conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi, which reportedly involved the bludgeoning and stabbing of a girlfriend, would not necessarily have shown up on a criminal background check conducted for the FOID card.

The conviction came to light only after his gun purchase, when Martin applied for a concealed-carry permit requiring him to undergo fingerprinting in a more extensive screening process, Ziman said.

The fact remains that some disgruntled person walked in and had access to a firearm that he shouldnt have had access to, she said at the news conference. This is a human issue.

By Robert Chiarito
Mom Who Didnt Know She Was Pregnant Gives Birth While in Coma: Reports

An English woman who was placed in a coma after she suffered seizures woke up to discover that she gave birth to a baby girl.

Ebony Stevenson said she wasnt suspicious that she was pregnant and was suffering from preeclampsia, a condition related to her pregnancy, Fox News reported.

Preeclampsia, which occurs in about 5 percent to 8 percent of pregnancies, affects the mother and unborn child.

According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the condition typically occurs later in a womans pregnancy. It said that delivering the child is the best treatment.

Waking up from a coma to be told I had been pregnant and had given birth to a baby girl was overwhelming to say the least, Stevenson said, adding that she was diagnosed with uterus didelphys, which is an abnormality that causes women to be born with two uteruses.

That could be the reason why she didnt realize she was pregnant.

Her mother and paramedics noticed a small bump and realized she was, in fact, pregnant, Fox reported.

She gave birth to her child, Elodie, at the Royal Oldham Hospital via C-section on Dec. 3.

A teenager who went into a coma after going to bed with a headache woke up four days later to discover she had given birth to a surprise baby girl https://t.co/mbwuruLrGx  BBC News England (@BBCEngland) February 18, 2019

Meeting my baby was so surreal, she was quoted as saying by Fox. It felt like an out of body experience. I worried I wouldnt bond with my daughter because I had no time to get my head around her arrival, but I think shes amazing.

Her mother, Sheree, cared for the girl as Stevenson was in a coma. She met her daughter three days later.

When I woke up I remember the nurses telling me I had a baby, and before I knew it theyd put her on my chest, she said.

Woman who didnt know she was pregnant gives birth while in coma, discovers she has 2 uteruses https://t.co/wtWJQmammB pic.twitter.com/NjlVteMmRe  Covensure Brokerage (@CovensureLLC) February 18, 2019

She said, It sounds awful now, but I asked them to take her away as I was so confused and sure theyd made a mistake. But my mum explained it all to me while the nurses were there and they gave my little girl back to me to hold properly for the first time.

Elodie was born with a weight of 7 pounds and 10 ounces, The Independent reported.

The doctors said that Elodie was a miracle baby, as women with her condition often struggle to conceive or carry to full-term, her mother told the news outlet.

Woman Gives Birth to Seven Children

An Iraqi woman recently gave birth to septuplets naturally, according to news reports last week.

According to the Daily Mail, the unnamed woman gave birth in the Diyali Province of eastern Iraq, which is the first septuplet case in the Middle Eastern country.

The 25-year-old gave birth to six baby girls and one boy  Gepostet von UNILAD am Freitag, 15. Februar 2019

The father, Youssef Fadl, said he and his wife werent planning to expand their family, and now they have 10 children, the Mail reported.

Preeclampsia

The American Pregnancy Association says that preeclampsia is a condition that occurs only during pregnancy. Some symptoms of preeclampsia may include high blood pressure and protein in the urine, occurring after week 20 of pregnancy.

Women older than 40 and women younger than 20 are more likely to develop it.

If preeclampsia is not treated quickly and properly, it can lead to serious complications for the mother such as liver or renal failure and future cardiovascular issues, according to the website.
McCabes Troubles Run Much Deeper Than 60 Minutes Interview Suggests

News Analysis

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabes interview with Scott Pelley of CBSs 60 Minutes aired on Feb. 15.

McCabe played a pivotal role in what has become known as Spygate. He directed the activities of FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page, provided an early approval of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) application on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page, and was involved in all aspects of the Russia investigation. He was also mentioned in the now-infamous insurance policy text message sent by Strzok to Lisa Page.

Notably missing from the 60 Minutes interview was any mention of these and other critical components regarding McCabes involvement in the investigation into alleged TrumpRussia collusion. Specifically, there were no questions asked regarding the following:

 McCabes ongoing criminal investigation before a grand jury

 The role of FBI agent Peter Strzok and FBI attorney Lisa Page, who was special counsel to McCabe

 The use of the so-called Steele dossier as the primary piece of evidence in the Page FISA application, despite the fact that the information was paid for by Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign

 The infamous insurance policy text, which references a meeting held in McCabes office between McCabe, Strzok, and Page

 The role of Justice Department (DOJ) official Bruce Ohr, who provided information from former British spy Christopher Steele to McCabe and the FBI

 The FBIs sudden attempts at re-engagement with Steele in the days immediately following the firing of FBI Director James Comey

 The criminal leak investigation into former FBI General Counsel James Baker

McCabe claimed he was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States.

This is patently untrue. McCabe was fired on March 16, 2018, for lying to both the FBIs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and to the DOJs inspector general. According to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, McCabe lied three times under oathand also lied to then-FBI Director James Comeyregarding his authorization of leaks to The Wall Street Journal.

On May 9, 2017, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote a memo to then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions, recommending that Comey be fired. The subject of the letter was Restoring Public Confidence in the FBI. Nowhere in the letter is the Russia investigation mentioned. Comey would be fired that day.

That same day, McCabe was being interviewed by agents from the FBIs Inspection Division (INSD) regarding media leaks that occurred in an Oct. 30, 2016, Wall Street Journal article, FBI in Internal Feud Over Hillary Clinton Probe, by Devlin Barrett.

McCabe would lie to INSD agents regarding his participation in the leaks, as later disclosed in a report by the inspector general. He is currently the subject of a grand jury investigation.

In the process of uncovering McCabes deception, the IG also would discover the massive series of text messages sent between Strzok and Lisa Page. McCabe had specifically denied to the IG that he provided Page, his special counsel, permission to leak to Barrett. This was untrue, as McCabe had directly authorized Page to share information with Barrettand Page did so thinking she had been granted legal/official authorization to do so.

Page, when confronted by the IG with McCabes denials, produced texts refuting the deputy FBI directors claim.

The FBIs Office of Professional Responsibility made the recommendation to fire McCabe, but it was Rosenstein who fast-tracked McCabes firing process. According to the FBIs OPR, the bureau would have been unable to reach a formal resolution before McCabes retirement on March 18, 2018, without intervention from the deputy attorney general.

McCabe responded to his firing with a statement that contained the claim that Comey had been aware of McCabes leaks to Barrett:

The OIG investigation has focused on information I chose to share with a reporter through my public affairs officer and a legal counselor. As Deputy Director, I was one of only a few people who had the authority to do that. It was not a secret, it took place over several days, and others, including the Director, were aware of the interaction with the reporter.

But there was a problem with McCabes response. On May 3, 2017, Comey testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee:

Sen. Grassley: Director Comey, have you ever been an anonymous source in news reports about matters relating to the Trump investigation or the Clinton investigation?

Mr. Comey: Never.

Sen. Grassley: Question two, relatively related, have you ever authorized someone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports about the Trump investigation or the Clinton investigation?

Mr. Comey: No.

Comeys testimony directly disputed McCabes claims.

During the 60 Minutes interview, McCabe referenced his memos detailing his interactions with President Donald Trump at several points. McCabe, however, had already discussed these interactions during a congressional hearing regarding the FBIs 2018 fiscal budget on June 21, 2017, where he testified that all his meetings with the president occurred with many other witnesses in attendance:

I have met with President Trump on very few occasions, and those have all been occasions where there were many other people present. I have not felt uncomfortable in those meetings.

Rosensteins Appointment of Mueller

On the morning of May 16, 2017, Rosenstein allegedly suggested to McCabe that he secretly record Trump. This remark was reported in a New York Times article that was sourced from memos from the now-fired McCabe. Rosenstein immediately issued a statement denying the accusations.

The alleged comments by Rosenstein occurred at a meeting where McCabe was pushing for the Justice Department to open an investigation into the president. Note that just five days earlier, on May 11, McCabe had publicly testified before Congress that there was no obstruction, stating, There has been no effort to impede our investigation to date.

Sen. Rubio: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. McCabe, can you without going into the specifics of any individual investigation, I think the American people want to know, has the dismissal of Mr. Comey in any way impeded, interrupted, stopped or negatively impacted any of the work, any investigation, or any ongoing projects at the Federal Bureau of Investigations?

Mr. McCabe: As you know, Senator, the work of the men and women of the FBI continues despite any changes in circumstance, any decisions. So there has been no effort to impede our investigation today. Quite simply put sir, you cannot stop the men and women of the FBI from doing the right thing, protecting the American people, and upholding the Constitution.

On the one hand, McCabe testified there was no obstruction from Trump, yet, just five days later, McCabe was attempting to convince Rosenstein to go along with his efforts to open an obstruction investigation into the president. Events suggest that McCabes efforts were met with alarm from Rosenstein, who responded by appointing Mueller as special counsel. Rosenstein may have also informed Trump of McCabes intentions.

At the same time that McCabe was attempting to open an obstruction investigation, Strzok and Page were texting about the lack of evidence of collusion. In a text that Strzok sent to Page, Strzok noted:

You and I both know the odds are nothing. If I thought it was likely, Id be there, no question. I hesitate, in part, because of my gut sense and concern theres no big there there.

Page was asked about this text during her July 2018 testimony by Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas). She initially answered, So I think this represents that even as far as May of 2017, we still couldnt answer the question. After a brief consultation with her legal counsel, Page continued: I think its a reflection of us still not knowing. I guess thats as good as I can answer.

On May 17, 2017, the day after Rosenstein and Trump met privately with Robert Mueller in the Oval Office at the White Houseand the day after Rosensteins encounter with McCabeRosenstein appointed Mueller as special counsel.

The May 17 appointment of Mueller shifted control of the Russia investigation to Mueller from the FBI and McCabe. Rosenstein would retain ultimate authority over the special counsel investigation, and any expansion of Muellers probe required authorization from Rosenstein.

In advance of McCabes 60 Minutes interview, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice released a statement that confirmed exactly thisRosensteins actions removed McCabe from the Russia collusion investigation:

The Deputy Attorney General, in fact, appointed Special Counsel Mueller, and directed that Mr. McCabe be removed from any participation in that investigation.

Testimony from former FBI General Counsel James Baker has been cited as corroborating McCabes version of events, but just like the FBIs use of an article by Yahoo News Michael Isikoff to corroborate the Steele dossier, Bakers testimony represented nothing more than circular reporting.

Rep. Meadows: Were you in the meeting when deputy AG Rod Rosenstein suggested to wiretap or record the President of the United States as has been recently reported allegedly in the McCabe memos?

Mr. Baker: I was not at those meetings, but I heard about those meetings.

Rep. Meadows: And how did you hear about those meetings?

Mr. Baker: I heard about them, I believe, from Andy and from Lisa.

Meanwhile, it appears that McCabe decided it might be best to distance himself from his reported comments regarding discussions of the 25th Amendment.

On Feb. 15, McCabes spokeswoman, Melissa Schwartz, issued the following statement:

Certain statements made by Mr. McCabe, in interviews associated with the release of his book, have been taken out of context and misrepresented. To clarify, at no time did Mr. McCabe participate in any extended discussions about the use of the 25th Amendment, nor is he aware of any such discussions. He was present and participated in a discussion that included a comment by Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein regarding the 25th Amendment. This anecdote was not included in The Threat, Mr. McCabe has merely confirmed a discussion that was initially reported elsewhere.

Jeff Carlson is a regular contributor to The Epoch Times. He also runs the website TheMarketsWork.com and can be followed on Twitter @themarketswork.
Kentucky Man Arrested After Allegedly Pulling Gun on Couple Wearing MAGA Hats

A Kentucky man was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on a couple because they were wearing Make America Great Again hats.

The MAGA hats are worn by supporters of President Donald Trump.

According to a police report obtained by WBKO, police officers in Bowling Green were called to a Sams Club on Feb. 16 about a person with a gun.

Terry Pierce, the alleged victim, said that the other man, identified as James Phillips, pulled a gun because he and his wife were wearing the hats.

Pierce said he was shopping in the Sams Club when his wife noticed Phillips making an expletive gesture at her and her husband. She asked him if he had made the gesture and he said he did because of the hats.

Pierce told the Gateway Pundit that he responded with the same gesture and said, It goes both ways, buddy.

Thats when Phillips pulled a .40 caliber out and stuck it in his face and said, This is a good day for you to die, Pierce said.

I told him to pull the trigger or put the gun down and fight me like a manand he repeated Its a good day for you to die. I repeated, Pull the trigger or put the gun down and fight me like a man. We had a very intense verbal interaction with each other and he started backing away, Pierce added.

13 News spoke with the alleged victim, Terry Pierce. Hear what he says happened in the story below. https://t.co/Kb231iABRc  WBKO Television (@wbkotv) February 18, 2019

Phillips fled the store. A Sams Club manager approached and asked Pierce if Phillips had just pulled a gun and when Pierce said yes, the manager called the police.

Pierce then went outside to look for Phillips.

I went out the front of the store to confront him again and thats when I got him in his car. He couldnt leave because his mother was still in the store. And we were having a verbal altercation outside, Pierce told WBKO. He tried telling me I assaulted him and I said, I never touched you.'

Police officers said video surveillance confirmed that Pierce did not touch Phillips. Witnesses in addition to Pierce said that Phillips pulled a gun on Pierce inside the store.

When officers arrived, they found Phillips with a Glock .40 caliber with a round chambered in his back pocket and two magazines in another pocket. He has a current concealed carry permit for Tennessee but not for Kentucky.

Phillips was arrested for first-degree wanton endangerment and booked into the Warren County Regional Jail. Pierce told the Gateway Pundit he and his wife would continue wearing the MAGA hats.

I have every right to support my country and my presidentand I proudly wear this hat as a symbol of trying to help Make America Great Again! he said. Im not ashamed or afraid to wear this hat. Im not a racist, xenophobe, sexist, or anything the left accuses our President ofwhich he isnt.

The incident came as a New York principal was replaced as the Sandy Creek High School principal after making comments about the culture in her

Emily Wemmer who went on multiple rants about culture in her school district, including saying she was fighting against an intrenched [sic] MAGA hat-wearing culture.

In another post, she said that girls have the right to walk bare [expletive] naked down the street and not be assaulted. They need to know that.

From NTD News
Officials in Imperial County, California, say a bubbling mud geyser is moving and is now dangerously close to railroad tracks, Highway 111, and optic cables. (Google Maps)

Geyser Near San Andreas Fault Moves 60 Feet in a Day, Says Report

Officials in Imperial County, California, say a bubbling mud geyser is moving and is now dangerously close to railroad tracks, Highway 111, and optic cables.

The county declared an emergency over the geyser, KYMA-TV reported in October, adding that officials are trying to prevent the geyser from reaching the Union Pacific tracks and the highway.

That geyser encroaching on the railroad also encroaching on the Kinder Morgan pipeline. And there some fiber optic out there and the highway, Imperial County Fire Chief Alfredo Estrada told the outlet.

The geyser has been in existence since 1953, said an Imperial County fact sheet about the phenomenon. In the past 11 years, the geyser has moved slowly however recently the rate of movement has increased and has been encroaching on the railroad, it says. Its located about a half-mile from Highway 111 and Gillespie Road.

The Los Angeles Times on Nov. 1 reported that recently, the geyser, which is also called a mud pot, moved 60 feet to the west in one day. Prior to that, it had moved 60 feet over a few months.

The spring is located near the southern end of the San Andreas Fault, but it isnt related to any seismic activity, U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Ken Hudnut told the Los Angeles Times.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said it has plans in case the geyser reaches Highway 111.

Caltrans will have to close state route 111 if that mud pot advances to a point where it impacts the state road. We obviously have to divert traffic, Caltrans Public Information Officer Ed Joyce told KYMA.

This isn't all that far from our home.. A Moving Geyser on the San Andreas Fault in California https://t.co/asZxaIrKHg via @weatherchannel  raynardo (@raynardo) November 3, 2018

While the geyser can produce dangerous gases, Kelley said that as long as people stay well away from any of its release, its not posing a direct threat to anybody.

Attempts to stop the geyser havent worked, LiveScience noted on Nov. 2. The mud pot slipped beneath an underground wall that was constructed by Union Pacific, and officials also tried draining its water but to no avail.

The spring is acting like a slow-moving sinkhole. It has a depth of 40 feet, LiveScience said.

Its a quirky thing, said David Lynch, a geophysicist, to LiveScience. If there was no railroad nearby, you wouldnt even know about it. This would just be something out there chewing out the desert.

The Seismological Society of America says mud pots and mud volcanoes are geothermal features produced when water or gas is forced upward through soil and sediments.

Mud pots can assume a variety of forms, typically being depressions or enclosed basins containing gas seeps, bubbling water or viscous mud. Mud pots can also be water-laden and appear as bubbling muddy water. Mud volcanoes, on the other hand, are elevated conical structures composed of accumulations of viscous mud extruded from a central vent. They range from finger-sized to several kilometers across, though the largest in the Salton Sea area are about 2 meters high. Small mud volcanoes on land, ranging from one to 10 feet in height, are usually called mud cones or gryphons and are usually associated with volcanic and seismic activity, it says.

Another Geyser Throws Up

Meanwhile, a geyser in Yellowstone National Park effectively threw up 80 years worth of trash.

On September 15, 2018 Ear Spring erupted and ejected lots of decades-old trash, Yellowstone officials said on Facebook. The last significant Ear Spring eruption was in 1957, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

After Ear Spring erupted on September 15, employees found a strange assortment of items strewn across the landscape Gepostet von Yellowstone National Park am Montag, 24. September 2018

Foreign objects can damage hot springs and geysers. The next time Ear Spring erupts we hope its nothing but natural rocks and water, park officials wrote on Facebook. You can help by never throwing anything into Yellowstones thermal features!

Said a supervisory park ranger to FourStatesHomePage.com: You might think that if you toss something in a hot spring or in a geyser that it disappears, but it doesnt disappear. It stays in that and what normally happens is you can actually plug up a feature and kill the feature. And thats happened in many places in the park.

An approximately 8-foot diameter area of surrounding ground is breathing  rising and falling by about six inches every 10 minutes, USGS experts said in a news release a few weeks ago.

The U.S. Geological Surveys Yellowstone Volcano Observatory wrote at the time of the Ear Spring eruption: Ear Spring, a normally docile hot pool, had a water eruption that reached 20 to 30 feet high on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018.

The eruption ejected not only rocks, but also material that had fallen or been thrown into the geyser in years past, like coins, old cans, and other human debris, it said.

The last known similar-sized eruption of the spring was in 1957, although smaller eruptions occurred as recently as 2004. As a result of these changes, Yellowstone National Park has closed portions of the boardwalk.

The geyser rarely erupts.

The USGS said the spring has erupted just four times in 60 years, most recently in 2004, LiveScience noted. The geyser is located on Yellowstones Geyser Hill near world-famous Old Faithful.

The Ear Spring geyser activity is not linked to the famed Yellowstone Supevolcano that has drawn clickbait headlines in recent years.
Gerald Butts, Trudeaus Principal Secretary Resigns Amid SNC-Lavalin Controversy

OTTAWAGerald Butts, Justin Trudeaus principal secretary and longtime friend, has resigned amid allegations that the Prime Ministers Office interfered to prevent a criminal prosecution of SNCLavalin.

In a statement, Butts unequivocally denies the accusation that he or anyone else in the office improperly pressured former attorney general Jody WilsonRaybould to help the Montreal engineering giant avoid a criminal case on corruption and bribery charges related to government contracts in Libya.

Nevertheless, Butts says the allegation is distracting from the vital work Trudeau is doing so its in the best interests of the Prime Ministers Office for him to step aside.

I categorically deny the accusation that I or anyone else in his office pressured Ms. WilsonRaybould  At all times, I and those around me acted with integrity and singular focus on the best interests of all Canadians, he says.

Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the attorney general is simply not true  But the fact is that this accusation exists. It cannot and should not take one moment away from the vital work the prime minister and his office is doing for all Canadians.

My reputation is my responsibility and that is for me to defend. It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away.

WilsonRaybould resigned from Trudeaus cabinet last week. She has not explained why and she has not commented on the allegation, levelled by anonymous sources in a Feb. 7 Globe and Mail story, that she was improperly pressured, citing solicitorclient privilege. She has hired a former Supreme Court justice to advise her on what she may legally say.

Butts is one of several top Trudeau aides the opposition parties had wanted to call before the House of Commons justice committee to testify on what happened. Liberal MPs on the committee last week used their majority to limit the scope of the committees inquiry.

Butts has confirmed that WilsonRaybould briefly raised the matter of SNCLavalin during a meeting in December; he advised her to speak with the clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Wernick.

In his statement, Butts writes positively of his relationship with WilsonRaybould.

I encouraged her to run for the Liberal Party of Canada and worked hard to support her as a candidate and then cabinet minister. From my perspective, our relationship has always been defined by mutual respect, candour, and an honest desire to work together.

Butts says hes served Trudeau to the best of my abilities and I have at all times given the prime minister free and unfettered advice.

I have served the public interest, not the interests of any individual or any narrow private interest of any kind, at any time. Life is full of uncertainties but I am absolutely certain of that.
Protesters wearing yellow vests take part in a demonstration by the "yellow vests" movement in Paris, France, January 5, 2019. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

French Police Fire Tear Gas as Latest Yellow Vest Protests Turn Violent

PARISFrench police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Feb. 16, as the 14th straight weekend of yellow vest protests took a violent turn in the afternoon.

In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said.

Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching toward the Eiffel Tower.

Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported.

In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed.

Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported.

A poll this week showed dwindling support for the yellow vests demonstrations, named for motorists high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end.

But some of the weekends protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country.

I can understand that some people have had enough, but were not doing this just for us, said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. Its a very humanist movement and were doing this for everyone. So if right now theyre fed up, then too bad for them.

The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates.

French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

By Bate Felix
We are also seeking Indian assistance for the proposed Mannar, Vavuniya and Trincomalee high way

By Yohan Perera in Mullaithivu

Marine transport service is to begin between Kankesanthuri (KKS) Port and South India while the Talaimannar and India Ferry service is to be expanded to accommodate goods transportation, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said over the weekend.

Speaking during a meeting in Mullaithivu, the Prime Minister said Sri Lanka is looking towards developing the KKS Port with Indian assistance. He said a new terminal will be set up at KKS with Indian assistance. The old cement factory will be removed and replaced with a modern terminal, the Prime Mnister said.



We are also seeking Indian assistance for the proposed Mannar, Vavuniya and Trincomalee high way, he said.



We will develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm with India. These tanks are too much for us. Therefore they will be used to store stocks of oil which India needs, the Prime Minister highlighted.



He also said the Palali Airport will be expanded into a regional airport. The airport will be expanded to handle A320/A321 aircrafts, he added



Coming up with more plans, the Prime Minister said the government has decided to plant coconuts in the North. Large plantation companies will be given the opportunity to buy lands and grow coconuts while they will also be made to rent lands from smaller scale land owners and run joint venture companies. The Palmyra plantations will be expanded in the same way.



With all these we will bring about a great transformation to the North.  You lost a great deal as a result of the war but you are going to have much because of peace, the Prime Minister also said. He urged the people and politicians in the North to support the government in its endeavour to develop the North.
Fort Trump, Nord Stream 2, and Poland Brexit? Exclusive With Polish Secretary of State Anna Maria Anders

Should the U.S. military build Fort Trumpa permanent base in Polandas Polish President Andrzej Duda has requested? The base, which has broad support in Poland, already faces pushback from other European nations.

During a visit to Warsaw last week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated that a Russian pipelinedubbed Nord Stream 2that would deliver natural gas from Russias reservoirs directly to Germany, is a threat to national security, a position that the government of Poland shares. Why are both the U.S. and Polish administrations so opposed to it?

The Epoch Times interviewed Anna Maria Anders, secretary of state for international dialogue for the government of Poland and representative of the Polish prime minister, who is also an elected senator for the Suwalki region of Poland, near the Russian border. We discussed the PolishAmerican alliance, Fort Trump, Nord Stream 2, the prospects of a Polish Brexit, and why the PolishAmerican alliance is valuable to both countries.

Jan Jekielek: Youre an American at the same time as representing the Polish prime minister?

Anna Maria Anders: Yes! In fact, I have three nationalities. I was born in the UK, I married an American, and I decided to get Polish citizenship in 2014. So, I have three nationalities, which is an advantage, I think, because I look at every international situation from three different points of view.

Mr. Jekielek: And the other distinction that Ive noted is that youre actually an elected senator, and that youre the senator for this very strategic region in the north of Poland called Suwalki, which abuts the Russian border. And all this combination of items, I think, gives you a very unique perspective on U.S.Poland relations.

Ms. Anders: Yes, I think so. I think its I who am so closely involved with the military, and have been all my life. My father was a general. My current husband was a colonel in the U.S. Army. And I have a son whos 25, whos also an officer in the U.S. Army. So, it seems almost my destiny that I should end up being a senator in a part of Poland that is really so involved in any kind of mutual defense issues.

Mr. Jekielek: I think many Poles see Poland as one of the, perhaps, biggest allies of the U.S. in Europe. Would you agree with that? And can you tell me why, and why is it important?

Ms. Anders: I would definitely agree with it. I think its important because I think the relationship between Poland and the United States has always been good. A lot of people left for the United States during hard economic times. They emigrated to the United States. There are, I would say, probably around 10 million people of Polish descent in the United States. So, that is huge. They are a huge support, I think, for the U.S. government; and the relationship between Poland and the United States is very important for them. Now, Poland relies on the United States a lot when it comes to security, which is really not surprising. Looking back at history in 1939, when Poland was attacked from both sidesGermany on one side and Russia on the other, nobody really rushed to save Poland. So, Poles will remain cynical on whether they could rely on Britain or France to save them. So, therefore, its natural that they would turn to the United States for their security. As we see the buildup of Russian forces in Kaliningrad Oblastwhich is very, very close to Polandwe are basically afraid. It is a fear that I think has become more noticeable worldwide since Crimea. I think before Crimea, everybody thought that Poland was exaggerating when they talked about Putin, and they talked about the dangers of Russia. Suddenly, we have the annexation of Crimea, we have the question of Georgia, and its, Oh, hey, maybe this is, in fact, a threat. So, for us, its a great comfort zone. For the United States, its also useful to have a friend in Europe. There is no secret, I think, at the moment the relationship between the present administration and the European Union has been a little strained; we have had differences on both sides. So, I think the fact that the United States has such a staunch ally in Poland is very, very strategically important.

Mr. Jekielek: So, Georgette Mosbacher, the U.S. ambassador to Poland, recently said that theyre going to deploy more troops to Poland.

Ms. Anders: I saw that, today or yesterday, in the news. Im a little surprised to hear that at this point, because we are hoping for a permanent base.

Mr. Jekielek: Fort Trump.

Ms. Anders: The decision on Fort Trump, from what I understand, was supposed to come from Congress, I think, towards the end of this month or next month. And the fact that shes now talking about a buildup of military makes me wonder whether maybe this is not an announcement that it will not be Fort Trump, but it will be just a buildup of forces. I think opinions are varied. I think Poland got fixated on the idea of a permanent baseof Fort Trumpbut talking to my military friendsof which I have manythe opinions were varied. There were certain people who would say that maybe more rotational forces or just more forces would be more advantageous than an actual base.

Mr. Jekielek: Some people have argued that the establishment of a permanent Fort Trump military base in Poland would actually be divisive. What would you say to that?

Mr. Anders: I think its divisive in the sense that, first of all, I think a permanent base means were afraid of Putin thinking that its too aggressive. Germany is not too keen on the idea. Other countries of NATO also have to give their approval, and the military itself, I think, is not entirely sure whether that is the best idea. All in all, and within the European Union, I think, as I was in Brussels a couple of weeks ago, they feel that Poland is relying too much on the United States. I hear more and more about the prospects of a European army, which personally I feel very skeptical about. But there is talk about that. And so its divisive in that sense. People who think that the Europeans should do their own thing, well, obviously they think that American interference in Europein Polandis not such a good idea.

Mr. Jekielek: But the president, obviously, who asked for this military base and presumably the prime minister, are backing it, and probably see it as a very valuable thing.

Ms. Anders: Yes. Let me say that this idea came up, I believe, the first time through the CEPA reportthe Center of European Policy Analysis. Ironically, I was actually here in Washington when it was in The Washington Post, which is not normally a paper that would cover that so much. But there was a long article about that, and it talks about the infrastructure in that area, which I could totally agree with. My office is in Warsaw because I have two jobs. And for me to get to Suwalki, because of the roads being so bad, it takes me over four hours. So, as we look at the Suwalki corridor, which is [about] 127 kilometers long and 65 or so wide; its a very narrow line. And the danger is that if there were going to be any kind of aggression from Putin and a tank even broke down from our side, the road we blocked we wouldnt have, and NATO forces would never get there in time. I think thats where the idea [started] that perhaps we should get something more permanent, closer, and not rotational forces that perhaps would be hindered in their approach.

Mr. Jekielek: Tell me about the importance of this region to Polish security, to European security, and perhaps as youre alluding, maybe even U.S. security.

Ms. Anders: Well, because its Polands securityany Russian forces could invade Poland very quickly through this corridor, if theres nobody to deter them.

Mr. Jekielek: Its as straight as that?

Ms. Anders: Its as simple as that. Theyre in Poland. And you know that Europe is around the corner. For the United States, it gives them a base in Europe for protection, so I think its a win-win all around.

Mr. Jekielek: I wanted to talk about Nord Stream 2, this proposed pipeline that will bring a lot more Russian natural gas into Europe. And actually, as we speak, Secretary Pompeo and the vice president are in Poland. Pompeo has been speaking about how the U.S. is against Nord Stream 2. I know the Polish government is very much against it. Can you explain this scenario to us? What is Nord Stream 2 and why is it important to both Poland and America?

Ms. Anders: Well, I think its another one of the security issues. One is the military; the other one is energy security. We dont want to be dependent on Russia for gas because actually they could just turn it off anytime, not perhaps so much to Poland, but to Ukraine. Ukraine was the most affected. Also, Ukraine, so far, has benefited from the pipeline that goes now through Russia, and they have been able to economically benefit from it. What happens if you have the direct line between Russia and Germany is that it cuts out Ukraine, it cuts out Poland, it goes directly to Germany. So, look at it this way: Looking back at the Second World Warthe alliance between the Soviets and the Germansthat, in itself, would make both Polish people think, Oh dear, this is another form of security threat.

Basically, also, I think its a way of looking at other forms of energy. We have signed contracts with energy companies in the United States. Theres Swinoujscie, which is the base in Poland. The liquefied natural gas comes to Poland directly by ship, and they are hoping to expand the terminal in Swinoujscie. So, Poland would be able to benefit from that and also be able to supply it to the rest of Europe as one-fourth, sort of, energy source for Europe.

Mr. Jekielek: So, you feel that the main reason for the U.S. opposition is more an economic reason or security?

Ms. Anders: Well, to a certain extent. But I think the main reason is its all part of their concern for Poland, their concern for European security, and their concern about Russian aggression. That is just another factor that could create a difficult situation.

Mr. Jekielek: So, one of the things Ive heard said about the Nord Stream, and I think you alluded to thisbecause basically, it goes directly to Germany, bypassing some other countriesis that it could basically change how the alliances work in Poland, and kind of break up the European Union to some extent?

Ms. Anders: Definitely, I think, for those who believe that Putin has his hand everywhere, they will say that is just another example of his interference in the European Union. It has been divisive because you have countries like Germany, obviously, who are for it, Austria who is for it, and a couple of other countries that I cant recall now. Then [there are] countries obviously like all of the Balkan states, and even the UK, who are against it. So, it has very cleverly divided Europe. In the last couple of days, there have been talks about Merkel and Macron talking about Nord Stream 2 and leaving it, I think, more or less up to Germany and the European Union to decide on a certain part of this gas line. So, again, you have this point of contention between, I guess, Poland and the European Union. And as we talk about Russian interference, Russian interference in U.S. elections, Russian interference in Brexit, Russian interference in Europe, a lot of people believe that its just yet another clever way of being able to put a spoke in European relations. Certain people believe that Putin is [pushing] for the Soviet empire to return, and is slowly making his way into Europe.

Mr. Jekielek: So, speaking of Brexit, you just made me think that Poland has been kind of asserting itself as a nation to some extent, and which has some people thinking, Hey, wait a second, is this the beginnings of a Polish Brexit? What are your thoughts on that?

Ms. Anders: No, I think the opposition has favored that opinion in order to criticize the government. Eighty-two percent of Poles want to remain in Europe.

The situation is different. Britain has always been a little bit on the outside. It hasnt accepted the euro. It never considered itself totally European. And its in a more secure financial situation than Poland. Poland has benefited an awful lot from the European Union, and continues to benefitwe cannot cut ourselves off. At the moment, the whole situation seems a little uncertain, you know, Brexitwill it happen? It will almost definitely happen. Will it happen by the 29th of March? Were not really terribly sure. So Poland doesnt want to be part of that. The concern of a Brexit, of course, is, with a hard Brexit, Poland is a little worried about its citizens in the UK. I think other European countries are worried about their citizens, what exactly will happen. So no, Poland right now is firmly in the EU, and I think we are basically quite irritated when it is suggested to us that we feel more American than European, that we really dont care about Europe, and we just want everything to do with the United States. That cannot be so. We have a wonderful relationship with the United States, but we are firmly in Europe, and we have to have a good relationship with the European Union.

Mr. Jekielek: So maybe a way to describe it would be, youre hoping that the whole European Union have a more positive relationship with the U.S.?

Ms. Anders: I think that the European Union should have a more positive relationship with each other. I recently attended a conference here in Washington, where we talked about trans-Atlantic alliances and so on. I stood up and I said, You know, Im a little bit worried about the European alliance, because it is so unbelievably divided. Thats another reason why I think Poland feels more secure with the U.S. Army. Its because the EU right now doesnt seem to be able to agree on very much. We have the whole uncertainty of Merkel leaving and not quite really sure how her successor will be, [with] the dire situation in France with the gilets jaunes (yellow vests), [and] with Macrons approval rating of 20 percent, [and] Merkel and Macron sitting down and forming a treatyyou knowits not exactly inspiring, I think.

So, no, I think right now were happy in the European Union. We want that to work better. I think the feeling is, though, that was one of the reasons for Brexit, that the EU has become too bureaucratic. And I think Poland also feels that, but I think it is not alone. So I think perhaps the European Union should do a little bit to get itself together. We have the European parliamentary elections coming up very soonin May. Well see how that goes. I know that the Law and Justice Party is hoping that we will have some more conservative people in the European Parliament to swing it a little bit the other way.

Mr. Jekielek: Well, thats actually quite interesting. Poland is a lot less secular than a lot of other European nations. Does that create some kind of tension?

Ms. Anders: I think you cant look at Poland without thinking about the number of years it was under communist rule. I think it really affects the views of any Pole. It affects our views on migration, definitely, because were afraid of being run over by another group of people. We are, on the whole, staunchly Catholic. The Catholic Church was what held the Polish people together during communist rule; it really was the only thing that gave them hope. I dont think Poland is totally alone; I think all the countries that were under communist rule will probably have the same fears as Poland does. But Poland is the most Catholic of the lot, and its also the largest. So yes, it does stand out as being just a little bit different.

With the number of its citizens scattered all over the world, to me, its incredible. It has been incredible in the last three years, when Ive been traveling so much, and people would ask me why there are so many Polish people all over the world. See, during the communist times, so much was said about the Holocaust, so much was said about Germany, so much was said about holding out Nazis. But it was inconvenient to talk about Russia; it was inconvenient to talk about deportations. You mention deportations to people who are in the United States, most people dont have a clue what its all about, and yet, 1.3 million people were deported from Poland to Siberia.

Mr. Jekielek: Under Soviet occupation 

Ms. Anders: Yes. My father, Gen. [Wladyslaw] Anders, was able to save over 120,000 people by taking them out of there, when amnesty came about. But some people remained. Some people came to England and then to other other areas, and then emigrated. Then, people left and managed to escape during communist rule and were received in other countries, and other people left when Poland joined the European Union. That is the main reason for so many Polish people in the UK today. So they are scattered all over the world, and pull this unbelievable force outside of Poland, with its interest in what is going on in Poland.

Mr. Jekielek: Thats actually very interesting that youre talking about this Polish diaspora. Youre actually from that Polish diaspora. I think you were born in the UK, youre married to a U.S. military man, youve lived in the U.S., and now youre representing Poland for international dialogue. What inspired you to do this?

Ms. Anders: I guess I just sort of fell into it, I think. There is no doubt that I did so well in the elections because of my name. My father, Gen. Anders, is considered one of the greatest heroes of the Second World War. So I think the name even today, and even in the opposition, there are people in the opposition who admire my father and, therefore, look at me in a perhaps slightly different way. So I was accepted in Poland as my fathers daughter.

I dont know, I think I was just probably just talked into running for the Senate. I thought to myself, why not? And then when I lost [my first election] I thought, well, its obviously not meant to be. But as I said before, the number of votes made people wonder. People would say, well, she got all these votes and got nothing [to show for it]. So I had to have something. Then, I won in the district in the northeastern flank, again because of my fatherbecause it is so close to Russia, because the deportations started there, because most of the people [deported] from Poland were actually deported from my district.

So, there are people in my district who escaped from Russia. There are people from my district who were in the Anders Army. Theyre very old now and were in Monte Cassino and returned. In fact, when I ran for the Senate and I was running for the second time aroundthe same thing, they had to talk me into it. But the first conference I had, or first meeting with my constituency, was in a little town called Podgorze, which is not too far from [the regional capital of] Lomza. It was, I think, one of the first places where the deportations took place. And, at the meeting, this elderly man came up to me, after Id spoken, and he took my hand. He said that it really must be your fathers spirit that sent [you] to us.

And I thought to myself, OK, well this is maybesort of my destiny. Maybe it was my fathers spirit that led me this way. And there are certain people who will still continue to say that. Now, after three years, its differentthe situation.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

American Thought Leaders is a new Epoch Times show available on Facebook and Youtube.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Technicians stand next to the SpaceIL lunar module, an unmanned spacecraft, is on display in a special "clean room" where the spacecraft is being developed, during a press tour of their facility near Tel Aviv, Israel. SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries told a news conference that the landing craft will take off from Florida, to its weekslong voyage to the moon. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)

First Private Israel Lunar Mission to Be Launched This Week

RAMAT GAN, IsraelA nonprofit Israeli consortium said on Feb. 18, that it hopes to make history this week by launching the first private aircraft to land on the moon.

SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) told a news conference that the landing craftdubbed Beresheet, or Genesiswill take off from Florida, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket on its weekslong voyage to the moon.

The launch is scheduled late Thursday in the United States, early Friday in Israel. It had been originally slated for last December.

An Israeli nonprofit says itll launch what it hopes will be the first private spacecraft to land on the moon this week. https://t.co/7EI7Uj4KA6  WCBD (@WCBD) February 18, 2019
Fairytale Love: Commoner Becomes Worlds Youngest Queen After Winning Kings Heart at Age 7

The content is not available due to expiration.
People line up to take the bus due to a collapse in the public transport system in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan. 31, 2019. (Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

EU Decides to Continue Diplomatic Efforts on Venezuela Despite Maduro Denying Entry to MEPs

BRUSSELSThe European Union has decided to continue diplomatic efforts to bring about a regime change in Venezuela despite the denied entry of a group of parliamentarians to Venezuela as a contact group of aid observers.

The 28 member states agreed at a meeting Feb. 18 to stand behind an international contact group amid outrage over Maduros decision to ban a delegation of EU parliamentarians from entering the country.

A group of four MEPs from the center-right European Peoples Party (EPP) had been invited to Caracas by the opposition-led Parliament to observe how EU-funded medical aid was reaching people in need.

However, they were refused entry at the Caracas airport and officials put them on the first flight back to Madrid after Maduros foreign minister, Jorge Arreaza, accused the group of conspiring against the government.

Spanish MEP Esteban Gonzalez Pons, who was part of the delegation and is head of the EPP, called for the EU to leave the contact group, which also includes a number of Latin American nations, and recall all its diplomats from Venezuela.

Dutch MEP Esther de Lange, who was also with the group, warned Caracas there will undoubtedly be consequences for its decision in a video she posted on social media from the airport lounge.

Its a real shame, because we werent here to provoke, de Lange said. We came here to see how medical help was getting to people on the ground and to plea for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the country for those who are suffering most from this situation.

German MEP Manfred Weber, a leading candidate to be the next Commission president, insisted it was time for the EU to recognize president of the Venezuelan National Assembly Juan Guaido as the countrys legitimate leader. The United States, along with a host of other nations in Europe and others, have recognized Guaido as Venezuelas interim president.

The Maduro regime is scared of what foreign observers will see, Weber said. He is denying people food and freedom. I expect the EU to act immediately and recognize Juan Guaido as the legitimate president of the country.

Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the pan-European liberal group the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, added: The barring of directly elected EU representatives from Venezuela is unacceptable. It is yet another sign that Maduro obstructs any dialogue which could show a path out of the current crisis.

However the blocs high representative for foreign affairs, Federica Mogherini, said foreign ministers from the member states agreed at a meeting in Brussels that diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis are crucial.

During the meeting with the ministers we discussed the case and expressed our common regret. We have not discussed the possibility of the EU interrupting the work of the international contact group, Mogherini said.

Speaking about the Venezuelan regimes decision to bar the group of MEPs, she added: I regret the fact that they were not allowed to enter the country. It would have been good for them to have the possibility to have talks.

The international contact group held its first meeting in Montevideo at the start of the month. At the talks, the EU and Uruguay had agreed to sent a technical mission to Caracas, which will arrive later this week.

Brussels has called for Maduro to stand down and call fresh elections. However, EUs attempts to exert pressure on Maduro have been fatally undermined by divisions within its own ranks over what action to take.

Earlier in February, Italy blocked a planned EU statement that would have formally recognized Guaido as interim leader of the country, with Rome saying the bloc should not meddle in another countrys internal affairs.
Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York.

Its not immediately clear when Weiner was transferred and where hes staying now, but Weiner will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The prison bureau, federal prosecutors in New York and Weiners lawyer didnt respond to emails seeking comment Sunday.

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts, in November 2017.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence on May. 14, a few months earlier than scheduled because of good conduct in prison.

A once-rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress, Weiner had a dramatic and sordid fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself to a college student over Twitter in 2011.

So now that Anthony Weiner is in a residential re-entry program, I get to ask the question Ive been thinking abouthow does someone like him go about their day? Hes so infamous and everyone recognizes himId change my name and move out of the country. pic.twitter.com/dElkQ9ulEB  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) February 17, 2019

#AnthonyWeiner getting credit for good behavior while confined in a place with no access to underage girls or texting devices is

like @BillClinton getting credit for being faithful to @HillaryClinton while stranded on a deserted island.

@stephensacks 2/17/19  Larry Elder (@larryelder) February 17, 2019

Weiner initially claimed his account had been hacked, then admitted hed had inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women while married to top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

Weiner resigned from Congress that year but mounted a campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.

But his personal behavior was again his undoing after it was disclosed he sent explicit photos under the alias Carlos Danger to at least one woman after resigning from Congress.

Weiner ultimately garnered less than 5 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

Trump: Hopefully Anthony Weiner stays off Vine  hes really sick! https://t.co/0S0dZWpnCH  Jack Posobiec  (@JackPosobiec) February 17, 2019

His final fall came in 2017 after prosecutors say he sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a North Carolina high school student. Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

At his sentencing, he said hed been a very sick man for a very long time because of his sex addiction.

Weiners attorney said the ex-lawmaker likely exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and was communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the teenager.

Abedin also filed for divorce from Weiner in 2017. But the two, who have a young son together, later agreed to discontinue the case in order to negotiate their separation privately.
Li Rui, former secretary to Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong, poses during an interview in Beijing on Sept. 5, 2006. (GOH CHAI HIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Mao Zedongs Personal Secretary Dead at 101; Declined Burial With Communist Party Leaders

Li Rui suffered political persecution and, in his later years, was a prominent critic of the dictator he served

Li Rui, Mao Zedongs personal secretary, died on Feb. 16 at the age of 101.

According to his family, Li declined a resting place at Beijings Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery, an honor traditionally reserved for high-ranking Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials and other prominent figures in the regimes history.

Li, who died of organ failure in Beijing, was not only once a high ranking Party official, but also suffered from the brutality of totalitarian rule, which saw him denounced multiple times and tore his family apart.



Mao Zedong was Party chairman and founded the CCP regime in 1949. His rule over China, which lasted until his death in 1976, caused the most deaths by any individual leader in human history. Following Maos death, Li stood out as one of his biggest critics, and even sought to distance himself from the Communist Party.

A Final Insult

Despite the objections of Li and his family, however, there are reports that authorities plan to go ahead with a high-profile funeral at Babaoshan on Feb. 20.

Gao Yu, a Beijing columnist, said on Twitter that Li will receive a ministerial-level funeral. He cited three officials from the Organization Department of the CCP Central Committee, the department that controls staffing positions.

The officials had visited Lis widow Zhang Yuzhen and informed her of the arrangements, adding that the ceremony would be mandatory.

Li Nanyang, Lis daughter, published a statement on Feb. 16 that her father didnt want to have his funeral or burial held at Babaoshan, nor be covered by a CCP flag.

On Feb. 17, she told Voice of America: I cant accept that my fathers body be covered in a flag that is drenched in the blood of the people. It would be a final insult to him.

A Revolutionary Betrayed

In the book Li Rui Talks About His Past, the elder Li described how he was born into a powerful family in Beijing. His father, who had been a legislator in the pro-communist Republic of China passed away when he was four years old.

According to Li Ruis memoirs and Lawrence Sullivans book, Historical Dictionary of the Peoples Republic of China, Li joined the CCP in 1937 when he was 20 and dedicated all his efforts to writing communist propaganda.

In 1939, Li went to Yanan, the revolutionary base area in northwest China, with his first wife, Fan Yuanzhen. Fan was known as one of the Four Beauties of Yanan, together with Maos fourth wife Jiang Qing.

In 1943, Li was detained after a comrade accused him of counter-revolutionary espionage during the political campaign and mass purge known as the Yanan Rectification Movement. Lis wife Fan distanced herself from him and became the mistress of Ye Liqun, the CCP revolutionary known by the epithet King of Leftism.

A year later, Li was released, and divorced Fan, whom he remarried after she begged him to forgive her.

In 1945, Li became a secretary of Party leaders Gao Gang, who administrates the northeast, and then Chen Yun, who became the first vice prime minister of the Peoples Republic of China and was one of eight top CCP leaders until 1992.

In 1958, Li was promoted to be personal secretary of Mao on industrial affairs, while also serving as vice minister of Water Resources and Electric Power.

In 1959, Li was removed from all his positions after he criticized the Great Leap Forward, a disastrous political movement and economic scheme led by the CCP that resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of people, mostly to starvation, but also political persecution and other forms of Party-sanctioned violence.

Li was condemned to work in a rural area, where he nearly became one of the famines victims. During this time, Fan Yuanzhen left him again, this time for good. In 1967, following the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, Li was again jailed after he criticized Chen Boda, one of the campaigns masterminds.

The Cultural Revolution led to the deaths of millions of people and the destruction of much of Chinas cultural heritage and artifacts.

Li was released in 1975 and was named vice minister of Electric Power and Industry in January 1979. He then visited the United States, of which he made the assessment, Looking at the whole [American] society and political system, [I concluded that] capitalism is more in line with the norms of human development.

In 1989, Li asked the CCP Central Committee to not impose martial law or open fire on the students demonstrating at Tiananmen Square that June. His words angered Deng Xiaoping, the CCP general secretary, and he was ousted from the CCP leadership. Following his retirement, Li worked to support the democratization of China.

Under Dengs leadership, the CCP deployed the Peoples Liberation Army against the demonstrators, killing and wounding thousands of people in the June 4 Massacre.

In an articled by Li Nanyang published by the New York Times on May 23, 2018, she said that Li told her after the Tiananmen Square Massacre: This Party has no taste. This country has lost its taste. If you have the chance, leave this place with your daughter.

Li Nanyang and her family left China and moved to California in 1990. She says that because the CCP ignored the wishes of her family and their family, she wouldnt attend the funeral at Babaoshan.
Security cameras are installed at the entrance to the Id Kah Mosque during a government organized trip in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. Picture taken Jan. 4, 2019. (Ben Blanchard/Reuters)

Chinese Regime Tracks Roughly 2.5 Million in Xinjiang Through Facial Recognition

The Chinese regime is tracking the movements of more than 2.5 million people in Xinjiang, a region where Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims are under heavy state surveillance, according to a data leak flagged by a Dutch cyber expert.

SenseNets Technology, a Shenzhen-based tech company that develops facial recognition software, collected about 6.7 million GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates in a 24-hour period through its surveillance camera system, according to Victor Gevers, co-founder of the cyber security nonprofit GDI.Foundation.

Gevers first noted the vulnerability in a series of online posts on his Twitter account on Feb. 13.

The location data points were linked to names, ID card numbers, birth dates, addresses, photos, and employers, and were also tagged with descriptions such as mosque, hotel, internet cafe, and other places where surveillance cameras were likely to be found.

This insecure face recognition/personal verification solution is built and operated for only one goal, Gevers wrote on Twitter. Its a Muslim tracker funded by Chinese authorities.

The information was stored on a SenseNets database that was accessible for months and was uncovered by Gevers.

It was fully open and anyone without authentication had full administrative rights. You could go in the database and create, read, update, and delete anything, said Gevers.

According to its website, SenseNets is a contractor for Chinas police across several cities. Its Shenzhen-listed parent company, NetPosa Technologies, has offices in a majority of Chinese provinces and regions, including Xinjiang.

Gevers said the foundation directly alerted SenseNets to the vulnerability, in line with GDI.Foundation protocol. He said SenseNets didnt respond, but its since taken steps to secure the database, as he can no longer access it.

Mass Surveillance

The Chinese regime, in recent years, has detained an estimated 1 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps in its northwest Xinjiang region, where they undergo political indoctrination and are forced to denounce their faith. Former detainees have reported cases of torture, forced medication, and rape.

Louisa Greve, director of external affairs at Washington D.C.-based advocacy group Uyghur Human Rights Project, said in an email that the data leak was proof of the breathtaking scale, and the governments use of the Uyghur homeland as a laboratory of repression.

Beyond the camps, more than 10 million Uyghur and other Turkic minorities in Xinjiang are subject to monitoring via a dense network of surveillance systems and security checkpoints, where their electronic ID cards are scanned.

The region has served as a testing ground for sophisticated forms of mass surveillance and control, made possible by the newest developments in digital technology.

Advanced facial recognition software allows police authorities to track the movements of just about every person through an extensive system of security cameras. There have also been reports of Chinese authorities collecting blood and saliva samples from Xinjiang residents for storage in state DNA databases, as well as fingerprints and voice samples.

In 2017, authorities forced residents to download a surveillance app called Jingwang Weishi, which translates to defender of a clean internet in Chinese. Researchers from the Open Technology Fund, a U.S. government-funded program, found that the app transfers all files on the smartphone for government monitoring.

The communist regime has used the pretext of extremist threats to justify its tight control of the region.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering sanctions against Chinese officials and companies involved in human-rights abuses in Xinjiang.

Last year, the U.S. Congress banned government agencies from buying surveillance products made by Hikvision, Chinas leading manufacturer of surveillance cameras. Hikvision has collaborated deeply with Beijing to develop AI-enhanced technology for monitoring its citizens, including in Xinjiang.

U.S. companies have also been called out for assisting the regime in building surveillance infrastructure that can be used for repression. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), at a congressional hearing last July, criticized Google for opening an AI research center in China, and Thermo Fisher Scientific for supplying DNA-sequencing equipment to Xinjiang police.

Reuters and Epoch Times staff member Annie Wu contributed to this report.
Water bottles with a BPA-free sticker hang on display at an outdoor supply store in Arcadia, California on April 16, 2008. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Chinese-American Charged With Stealing $120 Million Worth of Trade Secrets

A naturalized U.S. citizen from China has been charged with stealing trade secrets valued at roughly $119.6 million from American companies, for the purpose of setting up a Chinese company that would manufacture the involved product for the global market.

According to federal prosecutors, while You Xiaorongalso known as Shannon Youwas working at two U.S. companies, she stole trade secrets related to BPA-free (bisphenol-A) coating technology, which lines the insides of cans and other food and beverage containers to prevent flavor loss, corrosion, and reactions to the food or beverage content.



In recent years, companies have turned to developing BPA-free coatings as alternatives to BPA coatings, after scientists have found that BPA is potentially carcinogenic.

You, 56, was recruited to bring her stolen technology to China through a Beijing-run and -funded hiring program that focuses on scientists and engineers of Chinese descent.

The conduct alleged in todays indictment exemplifies the rob, replicate, and replace approach to technological development, Assistant Attorney General National Security John C. Demers said in a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) statement on Feb. 14.

You was indicted on seven counts of theft of trade secrets and one count of wire fraud. A co-conspirator, Liu Xiangchen, a 61-year-old man from Shandong Province, China, also was indicted, for allegedly forming a plan to bring Yous stolen technology to the Chinese firm that Liu would establish and manage. In return, Liu promised You ownership shares in the company.

Filipino media ABS-CBN reported on Feb. 15 that another co-conspirator, who was mentioned but not charged by DOJ, is a relative of Liu.

Although the indictment doesnt identify the U.S. companies, it mentions that You worked from December 2012 to Aug. 31, 2017, at an Atlanta-based company. That would match information on Yous Linkedin page, which says she began working at Coca-Cola as a principal engineer in December 2012.

A spokeswoman for Coca-Cola confirmed to ABS-CBN that You had been an employee.

You, who was born in China and lived in Lansing, Michigan, also worked at a Kingsport, Tennessee-based companywhere she also had access to relevant trade secretsfrom September 2017 until June 2018, according to the indictment.

Chinese media have previously reported publicly about You and Lius Chinese company. The news site KKnews reported on Nov. 3, 2018, that You is a bisphenol-A (BPA) and BPA-free expert who developed BPA-free technology successfully at the Coca-Cola lab in 2015 and wanted to set up a production line in China.

When You sought to find a partner to provide materials for a future manufacturing plant, Xu Dongguo, the chairman of Jinhong Group, which is based in Weihai City of Shandong province, contacted You in 2016. Jinhong, founded in 1997, mainly produces chemical materials, according to Qichacha, a Chinese database on the countrys private enterprises.

You signed an agreement with Jinhong in June 2017, for a production line manufacturing BPA-non-intent coatingwhich would be the first of its kind in Asia, the state-run Weihai Evening Paper reported on March 5, 2018. KKnews reported that in 2018, You became Jinhongs chief technology officer.

The company invested 180 million yuan ($26.58 million) for the production line, which was planned to be put into operation in 2020, with production of 30,000 metric tons. The annual output would be valued at 700 million to 900 million yuan ($103 million to $133 million).

Weihai Evening Paper further reported that Jinhong sponsored You in her application to join the Thousand Talents Plan in 2018, through which she was to be rewarded 3 million yuan ($443,000) from the central government, Shandong provincial government, and Weihai City government for bringing her stolen BPA-free technology to China. At the same time, the production line also received 50 million yuan ($7.4 million) in funding from those governments, according to the newspaper.

The Chinese regime established the Thousand Talents Plan in 2008 to recruit international expertsboth Chinese and non-Chinesein scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with incentives such as guaranteed employment at a lucrative job in China, and funding for their research. The program has been criticized by the U.S. administration as a program to encourage overseas Chinese to transfer technologies to China.

China continues to use its national programs, like the Thousand Talents, to solicit and reward the theft of our nations trade secrets and intellectual property, Demers said in the DOJ statement. The Justice Department will continue to prioritize investigations like these, to ensure that China understands that this criminal conduct is not an acceptable business or economic development practice, he added.
Tourists in front of a statue of Confucius in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, in this file photo. (China Photos/Getty Images)

Chinas Confucius Institutes Are Threat to Freedom, British Politicians Warn

LONDONConfucius Institutes threaten academic freedom and spread Chinese communist propaganda around the world, a British political group has warned.

Its the first time such a prominent group of British politicians has spoken out against Confucius Institutes (CIs), even though serious concerns have been raised for years by the United States and Canada.

Critics have long maintained that the institutes are part of Chinas soft power propaganda tools of the communist state. They say academic freedom in CIs is limited, their source of funding is opaque, and they discriminate against religious minorities.

Lawmaker Fiona Bruce said that evidence submitted to the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission raised very serious questions about Confucius Institutes.

We welcome and encourage language teaching and cultural exchange, but we believe a review is necessary to assess whether Confucius Institutes represent a threat to academic freedom, freedom of expression, other basic rights, and indeed national security, Bruce said in a statement.

She added that measures should be put in place requiring transparency and accountability in any future agreements between British institutions and Confucius Institutes.

The Chinese Communist Party, which claims that Confucius Institutes promote Chinese language and culture, have about 525 CIs worldwide and at least 29 in the UK. They are embedded at major universities such as Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Cardiff, and University College London, along with 148 so-called Confucius classrooms in high schools around the UK.

Their importance to the Chinese regime cant be overstated. In 2016, their budget was $314 million, and from 2006 to 2016, China spent $2.17 billion on CIs, according to their controlling agency, Hanban.

In 2009, former CCP propaganda tzar Li Changchun described Confucius Institutes as an important part of Chinas overseas propaganda set-up.

The Confucius Institute is an appealing brand for extending our culture abroad, Li said. It has made an important contribution toward improving our soft power. The Confucius brand has a natural attractiveness. Using the excuse of teaching Chinese language, everything looks reasonable and logical.

China plans to open 1,000 CIs by 2020, according to the Hanban website.

Tight Restrictions

Teachers at Confucius Institutes around the world are employed by China and are subject to Chinese laws, which include tight restrictions on speech.

The Confucius Institute is an extension of the Chinese education system, directly controlled by the state and having the same ideological and propaganda roles as schools and universities in China, Dr. Tao Zhang from Nottingham Trent University wrote in his submission to the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission.

The Hanban website states that Chinese-language instructors have to be aged between 22 to 60, physically and mentally healthy, with no record of participation in Falun Gong and other illegal organizations, and no criminal record.

Requirements such as these amount to discrimination against people of faith; and its possible, the commission noted, that given the crackdown on Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, and Uyghur Muslims in China, that employees who are Christian, Tibetan Buddhists, or Muslim could face the same discrimination.

Rachelle Peterson of the National Association of Scholars said in her evidence that Yin Xiuli, director of the New Jersey City University Confucius Institute, told her in 2016, We dont touch issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and Falun Gong.

Concerns over CIs have prompted some universities to end or review their relationships with them.

In December 2018, the University of Michigan announced it wouldnt renew its contract with its Confucius Institute, citing a desire to more broadly include the work of exploring and studying Chinese visual and performing arts.

In June 2018, Rob Stokes, a lawmaker for education in the Australian state of New South Wales, said he had concerns about the Institutes lack of transparency and possible inappropriate influences from foreign powers.

In February 2018, FBI Director Christopher Wray revealed that the bureau was investigating Confucius Institutes.

We do share that concern about the Confucius Institutes. Weve been watching that development for a while, Wray said.

In a declassified page from a CIA report, the agency warned that China coerces academics to self-censor by using financial incentives and disincentives.

The CCP often denies visas to academics who criticize the regime, encouraging many China scholars to preemptively self-censor, so they can maintain access to the country on which their research depends, the report said, according to the Washington Free Beacon.
By Sujith Hewajulige

The Police special task force said that they had identified a five-storeyed building in Maligawatte, Colombo 10 belonging to Kanjipani Imran who was arrested along with Makandure Madush, the underworld leader who was arrested by the Dubai police recently.

A top ranking official of the Police Special Task Force said that this building was due to be opened in the near future. Police investigations had found that this building had been constructed by a person named Azwar who was an accomplice of Kanjipani Imran who was understood to have sent the finances needed for the job.



Azwer had been arrested several days ago by the Police special task force while he was travelling in a super-luxury motor vehicle. The special task force said that the whereabouts of this building that belonged to Imran had been obtained after questioning Azwer who was scheduled to go to Dubai with Kanjipani but had been forced to stay back for reasons unknown. They said they were attempting to locate other buildings and properties that belong to the wanted criminal Imran, now in the custody of the Dubai police.



The police special task force and anti-terrorist squad are looking into properties owned by members of the underworld.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) meets with Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, during the 55th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2019. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi said here on Saturday that China and Germany should maintain strategic resolve and the steady and healthy development of bilateral relations in the face of today's complicated world.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel here on the sideline of the ongoing 55th Munich Security Conference.

Yang said China and Germany should expand their common interests through complementing each other.

Yang, who delivered a keynote speech on Saturday at the three-day Munich Security Conference, said China welcomes the active participation of Germany in the international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and will continue to provide a fair and transparent investment environment for all foreign enterprises, including those from Germany.

Yang expressed the hope that the German side will also continue to provide a fair policy environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Germany.

On her part, Merkel said that Germany and China are comprehensive strategic partners who enjoy frequent high-level exchanges, fruitful results of friendly cooperation in various fields and coordination on international affairs.

She said the German side has taken a positive approach towards international cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and is willing to strengthen communications and cooperation with China, and promote the interests of enterprises and peoples of both countries.

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
China and the New Start Nuclear Arms Treaty

News analysis

China is not a party in the 2011 New Start strategic nuclear arms limitation treaty between the United States and Russia, but a sober assessment of Chinas growing nuclear arsenal should be part of Washingtons decision on whether to renew or extend this treaty when it expires in 2021.

Consideration of Chinas growing arsenal of medium and intermediate range ballistic and cruise missilesalso not included in the 1987 U.S.-Soviet Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treatycontributed to the Trump administrations decision to withdraw from this treaty.

When considering reloads for most Chinese launchers for INF-range (500 kilometers to 5,000 kilometers) missiles, this analyst estimates Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) may have up to 1,800 of such missiles.

Neither Chinese nor U.S. official sources provide total numbers for the PLAs INF-range missiles, but 1,800 is the same number Russia destroyed back when it was complying with the INF Treaty. In contrast, the United States deploys no medium or intermediate range ballistic missiles in Asia to defend its allies or U.S. forces.

Negotiated by the Obama administration, New Start obligates Russia and the United States to limit their intercontinental nuclear forces to 1,550 deployed warheads, with 700 deployed missiles and bombers. Subsequently, some in the Obama administration wanted to reduce warhead numbers to 1,000, but this was rebuffed largely by U.S. military leaders.

While New Start does provide an inspection regime valued by the United States and Russia, actions by the latter are undermining the hoped-for stability. This year, Russia may arm an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with its Avangard, the worlds first intercontinental range maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead, which may be invulnerable to existing U.S. missile defense systems.

Russias Sarmat ICBM, which is currently under development, has sufficient range to conduct attacks around the South Pole, whereas most U.S. strategic surveillance is concentrated on covering attacks over the North Pole.

Russias estimated inventory of 10,000 tactical nuclear weapons, and its rapid development of small sub-kiloton nuclear warheads for use in support of offensive ground force doctrine, also undermines the deterrent effect of U.S. nuclear weapons.

Concern over Chinas nuclear forces starts with growing China-Russia cooperation in missile defense; both held strategic defense command post exercises in 2016 and 2017. This raises the question of whether Moscow and Beijing may already be exploring missile offense cooperation.

In 1969, U.S. nuclear missile threats deterred the Soviet Union launching nuclear attacks against China; might Moscow return the favor and join China in nuclear threats against the United States to prevent its defense of Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack?

Then there are questions regarding Chinas nuclear warhead numbers. Again, Chinese and U.S. official sources do not provide credible current numbers. Oft-cited open sources such as the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) credit the PLA with 280 nuclear warheads for intercontinental and lesser range missiles.

But just considering Chinese ICBMs, this number comes pretty close to a count of one unit of six missiles for each type of PLA ICBM, plus 60 single-warhead JL-2 submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) on five Type 094 nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

But for some PLA ICBM types there are two or three units, and then there is a question whether ICBM units utilize missile reloads, as do the PLAs medium-range and short-range missile units. If you count two units each with one missile reload for all PLA ICBMs, plus the 60 SLBMs, the potential number of warheads approaches 1,000.

Today, the PLA has deployed two variants of multiple warhead-capable liquid fuel ICBMs in silos, the DF-5B (3 warheads) and the DF-5C (ten warheads). Solid-fueled and mobile multiple-warhead ICBMs include the ten-warhead capable DF-41, in road-mobile and railroad-based versions.

In addition, China is now building theater, and perhaps even strategic, missile defenses. Chinas missile companies are also now building multiple types of mobile- and solid-fuel space launch vehicles (SLVs) the same size as existing PLA ICBMs. The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) KZ-11, and China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) LM-11 SLVs could be modified to carry five to ten multiple warheads.

One cannot help but suspect that if it desired to do so, China could by the early to mid-2020s deploy many additional intercontinental range missiles, with numbers of warheads that approach the limits set by New Start.

On top of this, it seems some Russian experts have similar concerns. In 2012, former Russian Strategic Rocket Forces Chief of Staff General Victor Esin estimated that the PLA had 800-900 deployed nuclear warheads on its ICBMs, medium, short range ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.

Over the last three decades, bipartisan U.S. support for strategic weapons modernization has, for many liberals, hinged on Washingtons continued pursuit of strategic weapons limitation agreements with Russia, today under stress from Russian nuclear developments.

China, however, has for decades rebuffed U.S. attempts to engage it in formal strategic weapons dialogues and rejects any measures that would limit its nuclear weapons. This continued on Feb. 17 at the annual Munich Security Conference, when Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Yang Jiechi turned down German Chancellor Angela Merkels call for China to join the INF Treaty.

With Beijings rejection of the arms control option, Chinas growing nuclear weapon inventory and its potential for rapid growth should prompt questions. Is it wise for the United States to persist with New Start warhead and missile limits after 2021 if there is a possibility that China, prone to nuclear weapons cooperation with Russia, could also have nuclear weapon numbers approaching those of Russia and the United States?

Does Chinas potential theater range nuclear missile inventory, and potential for increasing its intercontinental nuclear missiles, mean that the United States should in turn be looking to rapidly build up its theater range nuclear forces while preparing for an additional requirement to rapidly expand its intercontinental nuclear forces?

Richard D. Fisher, Jr. is a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center and author of Chinas Military Modernization: Building for Regional and Global Reach, Stanford, 2010.
Former Catalan leaders attend their trial at the Supreme Court in Madrid, Spain, on Feb. 12, 2019. (Emilio Naranjo-Pool/Getty Images)

Catalan Leaders Trial a Major Factor in Upcoming Spanish Election

Trial coincides with general elections, will play an important role in how people vote in the country's election

MADRIDPolitics is normally decided at the ballot box in modern democracies but, in Spain, its been events in the courtroom that have proved decisive.

Within a year, two governments have been brought down by two very different trials.

Last week, the minority Socialist government collapsed because their partners, two Catalan separatist parties, voted against the national budget. That forced Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, to call a snap election on April 28.

The Catalan Republican Left (ERC) and Catalan European Democratic Party, who have 17 legislators (MP) between them in the 350-seat Spanish Parliament, voted against the budget because a few miles away, on the other side of Madrid, leading members of these groupings were appearing before the Supreme Court.

Twelve Catalan politicians and civil activists stand accused of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public money, and disobedience over their roles in an illegal independence referendum and a failed secession declaration in 2017 that has polarized Spanish society.

In what has been hailed as the most important trial since Spain returned to democracy in 1978, the accused stand to go to prison for up to 25 years. They deny all the charges.

With unfortunate timing for Sanchez, the court case started the day before the vote on the budget.

Separatist MPs outside the court said they couldnt side with the Spanish government while their colleagues were facing trial. Sanchez insisted he couldnt interfere in the case, as the judiciary is independent from the government.

In June, Sanchez came to power through an unprecedented vote of no confidence, when the previous conservative government was linked to a major corruption case.

In that case, it was Catalan secessionists siding with Sanchez, who ousted the then-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.

As the trial of the Catalans rumbles on for the next three months, it will coincide with the general election and play an important role in how Spaniards vote.

The Catalan independence movement insists everything in Spanish politics revolves around resolving the countrys worst crisis for decades.

We made Pedro Sanchez prime minister as a result of the no-confidence vote for the exact same reasons that we have had to maintain our position (against) his budget bill, said Eduard Pujol, a leading member of Catalonias secessionist regional government. You cannot govern Spain without listening to Catalonia.

Separatists forces showed their strength on the weekend as about 200,000 protesters marched through Barcelona to demand a not-guilty verdict for 12 of their leaders.

While they claim that Catalonia has a right to self-determination, successive Spanish governments have said any vote on independence requires the Spanish parliament to change the constitution.

A succession of polls has pointed to the Socialists winning the most votes at the general election, but not enough to form a government. This could mean that the secessionists could wield power again over any future Socialist government.

The same polls show the right could form a coalition between the center-right Popular Party (PP) and Citizens with the help of Vox, a right-wing party which staged a dramatic breakthrough in December, winning 12 seats in regional elections in Andalusia. Should it repeat its victory in April, it means the right-wing has finally established a toehold in power for the first time in decades.

Pablo Casado, the leader of the PP, has promised to take a hard-line on Catalonia, attacking Sanchezs policy of trying to ease tensions by opening talks with the pro-independence authorities in Barcelona.

After the failed declaration of independence in 2017, Madrid sacked the Catalan government and brought in direct rule.

If elected in April, Casado has vowed to bring back indefinite direct rule.

The constitution and direct rule are not repressions, they are liberty, they mean the defense of Catalonia, he told a meeting.

The obstacle to living together is nationalism and the left-wing prefers to break Spain rather than agreeing with the PP.

The anti-Catalonia formula worked for the right-wing parties in the Andalusian election, when they managed to end the Socialists 36 years in power in Spains south.

Currently a little less than 50 percent of the voters in Catalonia support parties whose goal is independence.

However, few doubt that a crackdown from Madrid would push more Catalans into the separatist camp.
The footage was captured during a lightning storm in Australia (Broome Police / Twitter)

Australia Police Share Footage of Glowing Light During Thunderstorm

Police in Broome, Australia, shared unusual video footage that shows an object flying in the sky, and theyre not sure what it was.

After reviewing CCTV at town beach of last nights storm, it appears we were not alone, Broome Police tweeted, including emojis of flying saucers.

In the video, on the left side of the frame, an unusual white circular shape can be seen before it moves out of the picture.

After reviewing CCTV at town beach of last nights storm, it appears we were not alone  pic.twitter.com/Efh6SuPX7S  Broome Police (@BroomePol) February 17, 2019

The footage was captured during a lightning storm, but the white object doesnt appear to be lightning.

Users said that it was an alien spacecraft, but others were not so sure.

Its an [expletive] alien, one user wrote on Twitter, reported Newshub.

A nice bit of video! How does this optical illusion occur? Refraction, reflection, ionosphere? another person asked, the Daily Mail noted.

It is an optical artifact caused by the internal reflection of light inside the glass elements of the lens, said another. It is caused by the car reversing in the bottom right corner. It mirrors its movements exactly.

The person said, Aliens probably exist, but this isnt it.

Recent Sighting

Earlier this month, a man in North Carolina, spotted a pill-shaped UFO.

Bret Harrison Jones, a photographer, was out with his camera when he saw the object coming in an out of focus in Guilford County, according to the Daily Mail.

The footage shows the shape in the distance, and Jones thinks that it was the size of a commercial aircraft or larger.

Jones, 34, said he was blown away by the finding, saying it appeared otherworldly.

Harvard Scientist Claims Interstellar Object May Be of Alien Origin

Harvard University Astronomy Department chair Avi Loeb recently defended his hypothesis that a strange objectthe Oumuamuafound in the solar system might be an alien probe.

As soon as we leave the solar system, I believe we will see a great deal of traffic out there, Loeb told Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Possibly well get a message that says, Welcome to the interstellar club. Or well discover multiple dead civilizationsthat is, well find their remains.

Loeb, 56, and fellow researcher Shmuel Bialy published a paper saying that the object isnt a comet or asteroid.

Due to its strange trajectory, it might be an artificial light sail, they claimed.

According to the report, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence checked to see if the object emitted any radio messages or frequencies. However, none were found.

Loeb said he isnt discouraged by the finding.

I dont care what people say, he told the publication.

I say what I think, and if the broad public takes an interest in what I say, thats a welcome result as far as Im concerned, but an indirect result. Science isnt like politics: It is not based on popularity polls.
Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison arrives for APEC CEO Summit 2018 at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Nov. 17, 2018. (Fazry Ismail/Pool via Reuters)

Australia Accuses Foreign Government of Cyber Attack on Lawmakers

SYDNEYA cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Feb. 18, but did not name any suspects.

As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month told to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliaments computer network.

The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators.

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, he told parliament.

We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected.

Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference.

Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security.

Our political institutions represent high-value targets, MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra.

We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent.

Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits.

When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldnt rule out Russia either, said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display.

Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs. Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China.

Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network.

By Colin Packham
Woman Who Married Three ISIS Fighters in Syria Says She Wants to Return to US

A woman who went to Syria to join the ISIS terrorist group in Syria in 2014 now says she made a mistake and wants to return to the United States.

Hoda Muthana, then 19, left Alabama to join the ISIS. She later called for Muslims who live in the United States to spill all of the blood by launching terror attacks during events on Memorial Day.

In one missive posted on Twitter in 2015, she wrote: Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans, Patriot, Memorial etc Day parades..go on drive bys + spill all of their blood or rent a big truck n drive all over them. Kill them.

Muthana married an Australian jihadist, Suhan Rahman, the first of her three husbands. He died in battle. She later married a Tunisian ISIS fighter, who was killed in Mosul. She married her third husband, a Syrian ISIS fighter, last year. Its not clear if hes still alive.

Muthana, now 24, claims that she realized she made a big mistake by going to Syria, where she married three ISIS fighters and is now asking authorities to let her back into the United States.

The woman was captured by Kurdish forces after fleeing the last area controlled by ISIS after American forces and their allies left the terror group decimated.

Muthana is living in a refugee camp in northern Syria and has an 18-month-old son, she told the Guardian. She admitted she called for terror attacks in the United States but says shes changed her view of Islam since then.

We were basically in the time of ignorance [] and then became jihadi, if you like to describe it that way, she said. I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God.

She was one of Isiss most prominent online agitators, calling for the blood of Americans to be spilled. Now, stuck in a miserable camp in north Syria, 24-year-old American Hoda Muthana says she wants to go home. https://t.co/WnEyqH3AwC  Bethan McKernan (@mck_beth) February 17, 2019

She blamed her home environment for prompting her to leave, saying they wouldnt let her do everything she wanted to do when she was a teen.

I look back now and I think I was very arrogant. Now Im worried about my sons future. In the end, I didnt have many friends left, because the more I talked about the oppression of ISIS the more I lost friends. I was brainwashed once and my friends are still brainwashed, she said.

Western refugees living in the camp said that the other women are making life hell for us.

If you go outside the tent without your burqa, or say something to the management, they beat you or your children up. They threaten to burn your tent, said Lisa Andersson, a Swedish national.

Muthana said she has not contacted authorities in the United States but that she wants to return to the country.

Moral maze: They traveled to Syria as young women intent on marrying and having children with Islamic State group fighters. Now their husbands are dead or detained and they want to return home https://t.co/jx3y9ktq0p  Kim Hjelmgaard (@khjelmgaard) February 18, 2019

I would tell them please forgive me for being so ignorant, and I was really young and ignorant and I was 19 when I decided to leave. I believe that America gives second chances. I want to return and Ill never come back to the Middle East. America can take my passport and I wouldnt mind, she said.

In another post, she wrote: Im the most content I have ever been in my life.

The Program on Extremism at George Washington University said in a report published in 2015 that Muthana was one of 300 Americans using social media websites to recruit for ISIS.

The spectrum of U.S.-based sympathizers actual involvement with ISIS varies significantly, ranging from those who are merely inspired by its message to those few who reached mid-level leadership positions within the group, the studys authors, Lorenzo Vidino and Seamus Hughes, wrote.

Hoda Muthana is a peak Never Tweet. pic.twitter.com/CnNrhuhj5V  Seamus Hughes (@SeamusHughes) February 17, 2019

Muthanas online activity was detailed in the report. The researchers noted that she used Twitter to connect with ISIS terrorists before she traveled to Syria, connecting with Aqsa Mahmood, a Scottish 19-year-old who was one of the first Western girls to travel to Syria. Muthana ultimately modeled her secretive flight on Mahmoods.

One of Muthanas posts featured images of four burning passports. Bonfire soon, no need for these anymore, she wrote.

Hughes reacted to the Guardian interview by noting the discrepancy between Muthanas post on burning her passports and her new request for entry into the United States.

He also noted several other missives she wrote and compared them to what shes saying now.

President Donald Trump over the weekend asked European countries to take back the hundreds of ISIS fighters American forces have captured in Syria.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany, and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial, he said. The caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

He added, The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much  Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100 percent Caliphate victory!

.The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much  Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

From NTD News
Jussie Smollett, a cast member in the TV series "Empire," attends the Fox Networks Group 2018 programming presentation afterparty in New York on May 14, 2018.(Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

ABC Anchor Robin Roberts Defends Jussie Smollett Interview Amid Backlash

The ABC News anchor who sat down with Jussie Smollett for the first interview after he was allegedly attacked is defending her interview as Smolletts story is reportedly unraveling.

Robin Roberts said on Good Morning America on Feb. 17 that she relied on Smollett and the Chicago Police Department for her reporting.

When I sat down with Jussie it was Tuesday night [Feb. 11] in Chicago, at the time to give his first account, publicly give his first account of what he said happened, Roberts said.

At that time, on Tuesday, police officers were saying that his account was consistent, it was credible, and that he was being cooperative. This was all before the interview aired on Thursday, and then we found out about the brothers.

As Smollett Story Unravels, ABC Defends Robin Roberts Softball Interview https://t.co/OUEa1nXSkq pic.twitter.com/EAEzg0F3vP  MediaResearchCenter (@theMRC) February 18, 2019

Reports emerged over the weekend that two Nigerian brothers were allegedly paid by Smollett to stage the attack, which he then blamed on supporters of President Donald Trump.

Smollett claimed that on Jan. 29 two men wearing ski masks dumped bleach on him and wrapped a rope around his neck, telling the Empire actor that Chicago was MAGA country, apparently in reference to Trumps slogan Make American Great Again.

Police confirmed the brothers were arrested and then released but have not confirmed the reports that Smollett was involved in planning the attack or that he could face a grand jury, saying they want to speak with him again based on information they received from the brothers.

During Mondays show, ABC News legal analyst Dan Abrams told Roberts that comments Smollett made during the interview could be used against him if the story does indeed turn out to be false.

In that interview, [Smollett] specifically says, Yeah, those two guys on the surveillance footage, those are the guys that attacked me, so now hes sort of boxed in, Abrams said.

During the interview, Smollett repeatedly slammed people who doubted his story.

It feels like if I had said it was a Muslim or a Mexican or someone black I feel like the doubters would have supported me a lot much more, Smollett said. And that says a lot about the place where we are as a country right now.

He said he felt people doubted him not because of his story, but because he was a critic of Trump.

Many media outlets passed along Smolletts story without noting that the attack was alleged while the Chicago Police Department continued stating the attack was alleged and referring to Smollett as the alleged victim.

The most powerful female politician in the US @SpeakerPelosi was quick to describe the alleged attack on #JussieSmollett as an affront to our humanity, even before the facts were known. https://t.co/zwB0Meq8FV pic.twitter.com/A41xMehLWE  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 15, 2019

Canadian actress @EllenPage broke down in tears on @colbertlateshow talking about the alleged attack on #JussieSmollett. She also vented her hatred of the US President and VP. She blamed Pences traditional views for Jussies alleged attack. https://t.co/IgGESYSaCf  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 16, 2019

A slew of lawmakers, activists, reporters, and analysts reacted to the story by slamming Trump reporters and Trump himself and many have yet to apologize or retract their statements, noted Quillette editor Andy Ngo and Mediaite reporter Caleb Howe.

In her interview, Roberts neglected to refer to the attack as alleged. On Feb. 18, she did refer to the attack as alleged.

Among those criticizing Roberts was Curtis Houck of the media watchdog Media Research Center. Roberts gave Smollett a soft platform to spin his tall tale less than 24 hours before it was blown to pieces, Houck wrote, noting that ABC, CBS, and NBC spent a total of 101 minutes and 22 seconds on Smolletts alleged attack from Jan. 29 through Feb. 14.

ABC News gave Smollett a massive outlet with which to tell his story and they didnt push back at all. They allowed it to percolate. ABC News should be held accountable and you and I both know if Fox did this, wed have heard something different in this discussion, added Resurgent writer Erick Erickson.

Abrams was among those critics against Roberts, telling her on Monday: I have to say, Robin, even in the interview that you did, you were talking about the skeptics. He added later, You dont want to go out and publicly start questioning someone who talks about a horrific attack like this until youve got the goods.

From NTD News
6 Illegal Aliens With Ties to Mexican Cartel Arrested in Drug Trafficking Investigation

Six illegal aliens with ties to a Mexican drug cartel have been arrested in a massive drug trafficking investigation.

The suspects have been identified as Oscar Rangel-Gutierrez, Francisco Garcia-Martinez, Rodolfo Martinez, Raul Rangel-Gutierrez, Regulo Rangel-Gutierrez, and Rigoberto Rangel-Gutierrez, according to court documents.

They have been accused of conspiring with each other and other persons to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams (17.64 ounces) or more of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms (11 pounds) or more of cocaine. Court documents detailed how the operation included transporting such drugs across state lines, for example from Texas to Georgia and North Carolina.

Federal officials said the suspects were affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation cartel, a rival to the powerful Sinaloa cartel whose leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman was convicted last week in a federal court in New York.

According to the documents, a confidential informant (CI), who has been cooperating with authorities since March 2018, told investigators that he/she was working for the Jalisco New Generation cartel and had been transporting bulk amounts of money from drug trafficking sales. The informant said he/she met Oscar Rangel-Gutierrez approximately five years ago, who the CI said is a high-level member of the cartel.

Oscar told the informant that he transports about 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of cocaine and an unspecified large quantity of methamphetamine in a one-month period between states.

As part of the investigation, teams made multiple controlled drug purchases and payments from homes throughout the Charlotte-area in North Carolina. Through wire intercepts, surveillance, and other facts discovered from the investigation, officials alleged that the suspects were transporting illicit proceeds from the drug sales and large amounts of drugs between states.

Federal officials said more than 2,000 grams (4.4 pounds) of methamphetamine was delivered from Oscars home between August 2018 and November 2018, according to court documents.

The court documents showed Oscar and the five other suspects were in the United States illegally. Regulo also has a prior conviction for illegal re-entry.

Four of the arrests were made in North Carolina, while the remaining two were arrested in Florence, South Carolina, and Cleveland, Ohio, reported WSOC TV.

The Rise of Jalisco Cartel

According to the human rights group, Justice in Mexico, Jalisco New Generation cartel has started gaining power after El Chapo was arrested in 2016.

El Chapo, once the most powerful drug lord in the world, was found guilty of all charges including operating a continuing criminal enterprise, use of firearms, and various charges of conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine, heroin, and marijuana on Feb. 11. He faces up to life in prison, and his sentencing date is June 25.

The 61-year-old had previously broken out of two Mexican prisons before he was captured and extradited to the United States.

More than 50 witnesses detailed El Chapos involvement in making billions of dollars distributing drugs in the United States, including 14 former associates. They told the jury 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.

Moreover, they learned through the trial how El Chapo came to be known as El Rapido meaning the speedy one, in the 1980s by building cross-border tunnels that allowed him to move drugs from Mexico into the United States faster than anyone else.
4 Dead After Mississippi Hostage Standoff, Shooting

Authorities say four people are dead and a suspect is in custody after a domestic dispute in Mississippi led to a fatal hostage standoff.

Clinton city spokesman Mark Jones says the incident began about 2:30 a.m. local time Feb. 16 inside a Clinton home and lasted for about 12 hours.

Jones says four people were killed but did not provide any other details about the deaths in the Jackson suburb.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation says the suspect has been taken into custody. Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman says two small children who had been inside were released before the hostage situation came to an end.

Capt. Johnny Poulos says the MBI took over the case because the shooting involved police. He could not provide any information on what led to the shooting.

Oklahoma House Passes Gun Bill Removing License and Training Requirements

Violent gun crimes are a hot topic and a difficult challenge for law enforcement to deal with. Removing license and training requirements for handgun owners may make this challenge more or less difficult.

A bill that removes all licensing and training requirements for handgun owners has cleared the State House of Representatives in Oklahoma and is awaiting the governors decision to become law.

If the bill is approved by the governor, Oklahoma will become the 15th state to allow residents to carry firearms without a specific permitsometimes called constitutional carryhot on the heels of South Dakota, which passed legislation to lift restrictions on concealed carry of handguns two weeks ago.

Shortly after the Oklahoma bill passed in a 70-30 vote on Feb. 13, Republican state Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated that he would not be vetoing the bill.

The previous state governor had voted down a similar bill last year.

Under the proposed law, background checks would still be required, and, according to the local newspaper Tulsa World doesnt change where guns are allowed or, for the most part, who can carry them.

What this does is allow, as the Constitution states, that a person can carry a firearm without having to purchase that right, Republican state Rep. Kevin West told reporters, according to Tulsa World. The Constitution clearly states that we have the right to keep and bear arms.

Supporters of the bill said that the cost of training and licensing is an unconstitutional barrier to gun ownership.

The current cost of a 5-year license is $100 for 5 years. The mandatory training courses are available for $60.

West conceded that the bill, HB 2597, is not a pure constitutional carry measure, but was a permitless carry.

The Oklahoma state House is weighted 76-24 in favor of Republicans.

State Rep. Jon Echols (R-Okla.) said the bill actually increases the penalties for carrying them where they are not allowed.

Hypocritical and Plain Wrong

Stitt said in a tweet shortly after the bill was passed, I have said from the very beginning I would sign legislation that places Oklahoma in the ranks with 12 other states allowing Constitutional Carry. HB 2597 received overwhelming support in the House, and I applaud leadership for advancing a measure that supports Oklahomans #2A rights

I have said from the very beginning I would sign legislation that places Okla in the ranks with 12 other states allowing Constitutional Carry. HB 2597 received overwhelming support in the House, & I applaud leadership for advancing a measure that supports Oklahomans #2A rights.  Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) February 14, 2019

Gun control advocates, along with the state House Democrats said that the bill was hypocritical and plain wrong.

Before the vote, gun control advocates dropped off 2,400 signatures opposing the legislation, reported Fox News.

These are concerned moms all over the state that dont want to take peoples guns away but are very concerned for their children, their loved ones, Lauren Van Allen, with Moms Demand Action, told FOX affiliate KOKH-TV. They believe that if you have a gun, you should be well-trained, you should go through proper procedures just like you would with a car.

In January, South Dakota became the latest state to remove permit requirements on carrying and concealing handgunssomething supporters claim is implicit in the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kristi Noem.

Our Founding Fathers believed so firmly in our right to bear arms that they enshrined it into the Constitution. Tomorrow, I will sign SB47 into law. This constitutional carry legislation will further protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding South Dakotans.  Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) January 30, 2019

The much-debated Second Amendment states: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The 14 states that currently allow permitless concealed carry are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Technically, Connecticut requires a concealed carry permit, according to the NRA, but since it generally grants them to all law-abiding citizens it is sometimes included on the list.

Epoch Times reporter Simon Veazey contributed to this article
According to an article by behavioral science reporter Eric Jaffe in Observer, published by the Association for Psychological Science, it is not quite accurate to say that physical and social pain are the same. Some research suggests that social pain can be much worse over time. While the physical characteristics of pain (stabbing, aching, burning, etc.) may go away, the memory of lost love can linger over a lifetime. At the same time, for all the hurt love causes, it has an equally powerful ability to heal.

As WellBeing blogger Claire Richardson points out, the clinical community used to think the brain had a sort of blueprint  one part responsible for sight, another for hearing, another for sensation and so on. This blueprint was preset and mapped out the same in everyone. What has since been learned is that the brain is adaptable and changeable. If your brains area for taste is damaged, says Richardson, it has the capacity to change the neurons somewhere else to pick up where the damaged area left off. Pain is an output of our brain, she says. It is also a defense mechanism. The brain determines the emotion we attach to each painful experience. Feeling calm and safe and connected to others can minimize pain. Negative emotions tend to have the opposite effect.
Patreon has been our lifeline throughout this trip. Without the support weve received from our community of followers, we would never have achieved this goal, OShea said. Small as our community is, they are the true believers, and have offered us encouragement and support from the start. Taylor and I are both proud to say that an enormous chunk of that following is from Bryan-College Station. The university here, the school districts, our family and friends and friends of friends have all reached out to support us.

Facing pirates off the coast of Colombia was only one of many moments throughout this trip where we faced imminent danger. Somehow, though, and this might be my hindsight bias talking, very few of those moments felt out of our control, and thats one of the beautiful lessons I think the sea has to offer us, OShea said, You can be taking on water with a broken engine and a snapped furling line, but theres always something you can do to get moving again. And you have to do it. One of our epiphanies in the southern Pacific [Ocean] was that theres no I cant down here. You must, and so you do. And I think that kind of mentality will translate to all walks of life.
By Srinath Prasanna Jayasuriya

Another underworld crime boss named Maddumage Chandana Lasantha Perera alias Angoda Lokka, who fled when the Dubai police raided a birthday party thrown by underworld kingpin Makandure Madush in a luxury hotel there for his childs first birthday party, was arrested yesterday, a senior police official said.



It has been reported that Angoda Lokka had come out of the hotel for a smoke and at that moment the police had entered the hotel and placed many of those present at the event under arrest. They had failed to notice Angoda Lokka who was outside the hotel, enabling him to flee.



However after viewing footage from the security cameras mounted around the hotel police were able to launch an investigation which ultimately resulted in the arrest of the wanted gang lord. The impressive network of security cameras operating in the United Arab Emirates had been key to the authorities being able to identify and track down wanted persons in double quick time.

Police in Sri Lanka had launched a huge manhunt for Angoda Lokka here and abroad as he was instrumental in some high profile killings, with the daylight attack on a prison bus carrying one of his biggest rivals named Undugoda Pathirenhelage Aruna Udayantha Pathirana alias Samayan along with five of his accomplices and two prison officers at Ethanamadala in Kalutara being one of the more brutal and cold-blooded acts of violence seen in recent times amongst drug dealers.



Due to the police investigation he had fled to India with his close associate Athurugiriye Lasiya. Both of them were arrested by Indian emigration authorities and served time in jail. Once they were freed they had escaped to Dubai using fake passports.



It was found that of the 31 suspects arrested at the party in Dubai, most were in the country using fake passports and that these fake passports were being turned out for them in India after they fled there to escape from the local authorities.
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Melanie joined The Daily Times in the early 90s and has served as the Life section editor since 1993. A William Blount and UT alum, Melanie is generally the early arriver who turns on the lights in the newsroom.

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Steve Wildsmith was an editor and writer for The Daily Times for nearly 17 years; a recovering addict, he now works in media and marketing for Cornerstone of Recovery, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Blount County. Contact him at wildsmithsteve@gmail.com.
Frieda M. Scanlon, 85, of Westville, died Friday morning, June 25, 2021, at home. Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, at the funeral home wit
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Joplin, MO (64804)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 83F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
London: Facebook is a digital gangster that violated its users privacy for profit, exploited its market power to kill or prefer businesses and has resisted scrutiny by governments around the world, a British parliamentary committee has found.

The social media giant is doing this in a world where propaganda and misinformation threaten the very fabric of our democracy, according to a new report from the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.

The report focuses heavily on criticising Facebook, which it paints as a monopolist that urgently needs to be held accountable for its own misdeeds as well as the malign advertisers and influencers it hosts.

The report marks the end of the committees 18-month investigation into online disinformation that has covered privacy, "fake news" and online interference in elections.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen laying the foundation stone for a new housing scheme being built for IDPs in Myladi in Kankesanturai yesterday. TNA MPs M.A. Sumanthiran and Mavai Senathirajah were also present at the event.

Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

By Yohan Perera in Mannar

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday there was no point in asking for more powers if the local bodies dont use what is already devolved to the Provincial Councils.

He said this at the development review meeting held at the Kilinochchi Divisional Secretariat.



The Prime Minister referred to power devolution when TNA MP S. Sridharan complained that the pradeshiya sabhas have not received funds for housing from the central government and the provincial council.

It is the provincial councils which should allocate funds to the pradeshiya sabhas. It is pradeshiya sabhas that should request for funds from the provincial council. Talking of devolving power is useless if local bodies dont use them, he said.



The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for quick distribution of flood relief to the affected.



It was revealed that 22,000 houses were damaged and 3,783 head of cattle, 2,965 goats and 39,577 hens were lost in the recent floods.
Queenslanders lost more than $6 million a day, or a staggering $4572 every minute, to poker machines in clubs and hotels last year.

The year delivered a dark record for the Sunshine State, with $2.4 billion in total lost during 2018, the highest losses on record, with the data going back to 2004.

Losses on pokies in Queensland have reached a new record of $2.40 billion in 2018. Credit:Virginia Star

Alliance for Gambling Reform director Tim Costello said losses kept rising because machines were becoming more addictive and due to sophisticated loyalty schemes.

Mr Costello called on the Queensland government to reduce the maximum bet from $5 to $1, cut machine numbers, reduce trading hours and for councils to be given more powers over the approval process.
The major political parties are facing calls to comply with privacy and security laws that could assure millions of Australians their personal details are safe, almost two decades after politicians gained a rare exemption from the safeguards.

Former privacy commissioners have called for an end to the exemption in the wake of an online attack that left the parties exposed to fears that a sophisticated agency had obtained highly confidential records.

The exemption for political parties from the Privacy Act is not justifiable  it never was and should never have been legislated in the first place, said Anna Johnston, former deputy privacy commissioner in NSW and now the director of Salinger Privacy in Sydney.

It means not only that the political parties have no obligation to keep the data they hold secure, it also means we as citizens have no right to access the data they hold about us.
More than 800 people died after being told they owe a debt to Centrelink, but the government has said it would be "foolhardy" to link the notices with the deaths without further evidence.

New data shows 2030 people have died after receiving an initial robodebt letter, which doesn't set an amount to be paid back, but asks them to confirm their previously submitted income information. Of those that were told they did owe money to the department, 812 have died.

Human Services Minister Michael Keenan says new statistics don't show robodebt contributed to people's deaths. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Of the 2030, some 663 were considered "vulnerable" by the agency, which includes people who have serious mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, are experiencing homelessness or escaping family violence.

The figures cover a period starting in July 2016 and ending October last year, but those with vulnerability markers were only included in the robodebt process midway through 2018.
Labor has warned Australia's top bureaucrat public faith in government agencies is at risk following a series of episodes that have brought the federal bureaucracy's political impartiality into doubt.

Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus in a letter on Wednesday told Prime Minister's Department secretary Martin Parkinson parts of the Australian Public Service were being politicised.

Responding to the leak of classified Home Affairs Department advice, Mr Dreyfus said bureaucrats had been used to serve the Coalition's partisan causes, referring also to Treasury modelling the government employed to attack Labor's negative gearing plans.

Prime Minister's Department secretary Martin Parkinson. Credit:James Alcock

The Home Affairs Department had also failed to provide a number of answers to questions until after MPs had finalised a report into allegations regarding minister Peter Dutton's use of powers with respect to the visa status of au pairs, while the bureaucracy had disclosed the personal information of a Centrelink client who had criticised its welfare debt raising methods.
The Australian Federal Police has blamed a lack of access to visa records for its role in the months-long detention of refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi in Thailand.

Mr al-Araibi, a permanent resident of Australia, was arrested in Bangkok after Bahrain pursued him over allegations he vandalised a police station, which he denies.

Refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi on his arrival back in Melbourne. Credit:Joe Armao

He returned to Australia last week after spending more than two months behind bars, following a decision by Thai authorities not to pursue extradition proceedings against him.

Questions have been raised about what role Australian authorities played in his detention.
A loophole that could have seen elderly Canberrans charged thousands of dollars in land tax when they moved into a nursing home has been closed.

Land tax used only to apply to rented residential land or residential land owned by a corporation.

Elderly Canberrans who move into a nursing home will no longer be charged land tax if their home does not sell within three months. Credit:Louise Kennerley

But the charge was extended last July to cover any residential property that isnt the owners principal place of residence.

That change, which was heralded as a "win for housing affordability", was intended to penalise landlords sitting on vacant property.
Brisbane City Councils efforts to ban townhouses and apartments from low-density residential suburbs could come too late for a planned development of 25 townhouses in Holland Park.

Residents in the south-eastern suburb are protesting a development submitted in December last year for 25 townhouses on Eric Road, next to a childcare centre, and are upset the ban was not introduced earlier.

An artist's impression of townhouses planned for Holland Park's Eric Road.

In a recent council meeting, councillors agreed to submit a letter to State Development Minister Cameron Dick requesting he approve a temporary local planning instrument that would ban the development of townhouses and apartment blocks in low density-zoned residential suburbs.

The ban would last for two years, if approved.
A 53-year-old jogger who was hit by a car in the south Brisbane suburb of Tarragindi is fighting for life in hospital in an induced coma after suffering critical injuries.

Police said the Tarragindi man was jogging along Strathfield Street about 4.30am on Monday when he was believed to have been hit by a vehicle.

He was then taken to Princess Alexandra hospital.

Police were urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the area to come forward.

The man was shirtless and wearing navy blue running shorts and blue running shoes.
Settlements and houses

Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

TNA MPs Charles Nirmalanthan and Shanthi Sriskandarasa charged that Sinhalese and Muslims were given priority when giving relief

By Yohan Perera in Mullaithivu

TNA MPs and Minister of Trade and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen were engaged in a heated argument with regard to resettlement and providing housing during the district development progress review meeting in Mullathivu District over the weekend.

The argument flared up when TNA MPs Charles Nirmalanthan and Shanthi Sriskandarasa charged that Sinhalese and Muslims were given priority when giving these relief.

Minister Bathiudeen who denied the allegation said requests made by TNA have been considered when recipients are selected.



Your requests have been granted in return for your support to the government, the Minister said.



We have not made any demands, Mr. Nirmalanathan said hitting back at the Minister.



The argument ceased at that moment but flared up again when Ms. Sriskandarasa complained that priority were given to Sinhalese and Muslims. I dont know why you people talk this way. Your allegations are wrong, Minister shouted.



Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe then advised the TNA MPs to have a dialogue with Minister Bathiudeen and come to an amicable settlement.
Drop in support is about more than medivac There have been two major issues separating Labor and the Coalition of late, namely the refugee medivac bill and franking credits. David Crowe attributes the big shift in the polls to just one of them  refugee policy. I would have thought that was a blinkered assessment as I believe both had an influence. Alan Inchley, Frankston A baffling concern The Coalition fought tooth and nail to stop the banking royal commission, which will ultimately benefit us all, yet all voters care about now are non-existent boat people. I don't get it. Geoff Phillips, Wonga Park Secure me these, Mr Morrison

The Prime Minister should understand there are other securities that deeply worry the electorate as much if not more: full-time job security, water security and home ownership security come to mind. Brent Baigent, Richmond It seems to be working ... Congratulations to our federal politicians for the brilliant job they are doing "de-conscientising" the Australian citizen. Nothing more dangerous than a community possessed of moral outrage. Kenneth Ralph, Belmont

These are the real issues facing Australia Amazing to read of the sharp fall in the support for Labor according to the recent Ipsos poll. How can such a scare campaign over border protection trump such real issues as climate change, massive fish kills at Menindee Lakes, huge floods in Queensland, the banking royal commission, environmentally sustainable energy production, a non-transparent $440 million grant to the Barrier Reef Foundation ... the list goes on? Clearly, fake news trumps reality hands down. Scott Morrison appears to be channelling both Donald Trump and John Howard in a tried and tested attempt to yet again hoodwink the Australian people. Yet on the same day we read that convicted foreign criminals, including drug traffickers who have spent up to 10 years in jail, have had their visas reinstated by the Department of Home Affairs. Peter Dutton claims to be tough on border protection on the one hand, but with the other hand allows his department to open our borders to convicted foreign criminals  strange indeed! We can only hope the Australian electorate sees through the smoke and mirrors of the government spin doctors and considers the real issues facing this great nation.

Roy Burrows, Travancore THE FORUM Voting 101 With the federal election looming over Australians' heads, now is the perfect time to address Australia's biggest political threat: apathy among youth. Disenfranchised by the parties on which our political system is founded and disengaged with the impact voting has on our lives, the one group forgotten but still imperative to this election are the youth of Australia. As a newly turned 18-year-old, this election is like baptism by fire. Not only do I not have the slightest idea who to vote for  with the constant stream of hate-fuelled advertisements designed to tear apart the opposing party  but I also do not have the slightest idea how to vote, full stop. It is not that I don't want to care or that I am not trying to understand the barrage of politically charged articles littering Australia's newsfeeds, it is that up until now I have not had to care or understand our system.

I am not alone in saying Australia's education system is failing to teach its youth about the importance of voting and specifically how to vote for a government that represents your views. It is about time schools are forced to implement a program that properly educates young Australians on the political system and guides students through the process of filling out a ballot paper. After all, the future is in the hands of a generation of youth who think you "vote for the prime minister". Stephanie Lee, Beaumaris Talk about this instead When the Prime Minister has a model plane on his desk with an inscription that says "I stopped these too" I'll listen to him when he talks border security.

Meanwhile, let's talk about coal and climate change, or banks, or wages, or energy policy, or the aged (including pension levels), or the disabled, or homelessness, or pay-day lenders, or the inequality of education funding, or health funding. Or maybe infrastructure including the NBN and railways, maybe political donations and their effect on our system, and  heaven forbid  gender equality. Or taxation, trusts, phoenixing in business, the rorts involved in the administration and liquidation of failing businesses. And the power wielded by well funded lobby groups. There's plenty to talk about other than a few thousand desperate souls trying to escape politically motivated chaos in their home lands. And if the situations were reversed, Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten would be first on a plane to safety. Gary Sayer, Warrnambool

Result beggars belief It beggars belief that although we have the most dysfunctional government since the days of Billy McMahon, yesterday's Ipsos poll shows a growth in support for the Coalition, narrowing the gap to 2percentage points. A government split between moderates and the hard right that can't deliver any coherent policies on climate change, energy, etc is not deserving of any increased support. Could it be that the scare campaign only just begun over medivac from Nauru and Manus Island is already bearing fruit for the government? Surely not. Obviously the hoi polloi is easily swayed by mindless rhetoric. As Winston Churchill is reported to have said: "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter."

Hans Pieterse, Narre Warren North A change for the poorer I was gobsmacked at my fellow Australians when I read that the latest Ipsos poll, taken against the backdrop of the medivac asylum seeker bill, showed a sharp shift in sentiment towards the government. This is a decent bill, the only one we have enacted as a nation towards these poor people in over 15 years. It isn't even a proper response to a humanitarian issue but a fig leaf to cover our hard-heartedness over so many years. And this scares the populace enough for them to go scurrying back to the horrible attitudes of Peter Dutton and co? Hugh Mackay was indeed right in his Australia Day address when he said we have changed as a nation, and very much for the poorer.

Ramesh Rajan, Canterbury The only poll that counts It is for good reasons that sitting politicians say that election day is the only poll that counts. Election day results do not have the sampling error inherent in polls such as the Ipsos poll that reported a 3 point move in support for Labor (down) and the Coalition (up). The change from the December poll is on the edge of the "margin of error". In effect, nothing may have changed, just that the results reflect different samples. Maurice Critchley, Kenthurst, NSW

Are these the only choices? Is it really the case as suggested by Ross Gittins that in regard to economic policy we are condemned to flip-flop between a variety of neo-classical thinking and a variety of Keynesianism ("Stagnation? Time to call for Keynes", Business, 16/2). Given that both modes of thinking assume that growth, indeed endless growth  as measured through current national and corporate accounting definitions, systems and standards  is a necessary and desirable goal, we are indeed in trouble as the Murray-Darling empties, the insects disappear and the planet warms. Come on, Ross, give us hope, tell us there is a better alternative to the destructive dualism that you present. Stewart Sweeney, North Adelaide, SA

A matter of trust "The naive think we can believe everything we are told by doctors," says Amanda Vanstone (The Age, Comment, 18/2). I'm pretty sure I speak for most of the population when I say I'd trust the word of a doctor over that of almost any politician. Jill Rosenberg, Caulfield South An odious comparison

Amanda Vanstone had the audacity to compare the life-and-death struggle that the British people were engaged in against the Nazis during World War II with people coming by boat to Australia and the recently passed medivac bill. If she insists on making this odious comparison, she should at least use verified facts to make her point, and not rely on the fictionalised events from the movie Enigma or the largely discredited conspiracy theory that the British government allowed the German Luftwaffe to bomb the city of Coventry rather than tip them off that they had broken the enigma code. Martin McAteer, Burnside Heights It cuts both ways Amanda Vanstone's latest opinion piece makes a number of interesting assertions, blatantly aimed at the Labor Party.

Her statement that "thuggery and bullying can be found in all sorts of places" is spot on and applies to all sides of politics. She goes on to state "if you think the outcomes merit it, you can tell untruths in the interest of greater good". I am sure John Howard would totally agree. Further she goes on to say something the entire electorate would agree with, "you elect a government to govern". So if everyone agrees, could the politicians stop the grandstanding, photo opportunities, blatant politicking, scaremongering and get on with the governing of the country in the interest of all. Peter Roche, Carlton Justifiable disgust Many Liberal members and voters in the electorate of Chisholm must look on with disgust at images of Julia Banks gleefully cuddling up to other crossbenchers (Comment, The Age, 15/2) after she had voted to amend an important piece of government legislation  passed by the Coalition she was elected to be part of.

Kerryn Phelps and Rebekha Sharkie won their seats as independents fair and square. Ms Banks did not. Instead she chose to leave the party which had preselected her and which had funded her campaign to sit in Parliament. If she felt so strongly that the Liberal Party was going in the wrong direction, the right thing to do would have been to resign her seat and stand again as an independent. But she knows she would not have been re-elected. Hence her decision  at least this time as an independent  to contest the seat of Flinders, where she thinks that she has more of a chance. Ivan Glynn, Vermont Where hope truly lies My mate the late Ted Noffs, founder of the Wayside Chapel, had to deal with politicians many times in his human welfare work, but became so disillusioned he called them "tweedledum and tweedledee".

Yet we still send our frustrated letters to papers like this and often it's out of anger that not everyone sees things the same way as us. Ted was more interested in spiritual power than political power. He had little time for religion and the orthodox churches, but felt strongly there was an Australian spirituality that transcended religion or politics, and that it was there our true hope was to be found, not in the power structures of a sick society. Geoff Hinds, Merrylands, NSW A simple fix All this anger about franking credits can easily be stopped. If their cessation were not retrospective, the full benefit of the savings would be phased in as retirees, who are necessarily elderly, pass away.

Ralph Frank, Malvern East Goodwill squandered Why are Australia's conservative politicians so cloth-eared where Indigenous recognition is concerned? To be fair, Scott Morrison's and Tony Abbott's support for improved Indigenous educational opportunities, as detailed in Deborah Snow's article ("The elephant in the room on Closing the Gap", Insight, 16/2), appears well-intentioned. However, they fail manifestly to see the obvious nexus between such utilitarian initiatives and the broader agenda of the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, with its call for a Voice to Parliament, whereby there would be a constitutionally enshrined Indigenous body advising specifically on legislation pertaining to their concerns. Yet again, the potential goodwill engendered by the PM's "nuts and bolts" concerns about "Closing the Gap" deficits is squandered by his crude characterisation, like Malcolm Turnbull before him, of such a body as being equivalent to a "third chamber of Parliament".

Why not view it as a conciliatory and conservative proposal to fill the void left by this nation's lack of historic treaty arrangements, in contrast to other "settler nations" such as New Zealand and Canada? Jon McMillan, Mount Eliza AND ANOTHER THING Halt. Who goes there? Stop the blokes!

Ray Kenyon, Camberwell Scott Morrison Scott Morrison spreads his message to people smugglers far and wide: almost like his "where the bloody hell are you?" advertising campaign. David Fry, Moonee Ponds

Shame on us My heart sinks to read the Ipsos poll that Bill Shorten has lost support on the medical evacuation bill. What does this say about us as a nation. Eleanor Prout, Ringwood East When compassion can be twisted to border protection we've sunk to a very low place. Rosemary Faris, Torquay

It goes with the job While at it, Donald Mclean (Letters, 18/2), can we ban the ridiculous cry from our elected representatives that the rival party is "playing politics". Really? Tom Stafford, Wheelers Hill Missing links Could someone please explain how new housing estates are given planning approval without rail links

Bruce Love, East Melbourne Here's how to do it Adopt a climate change policy, demand Tony Abbott resign, then the Liberals will get over the line. Malcolm Cameron, Camberwell Amanda Vanstone

Amanda Vanstone's election/fear campaign is in full swing. The Collingwood cheer squad aren't that one-eyed. Bill Trestrail, St Kilda If the naive believe everything they are told by doctors, Amanda Vanstone, the extremely naive think we can believe anything we are told by politicians. John Edwards, Mount Waverley So we are at war, Amanda?
The pilot would build on the first and add to the evidence base, he said commending the ACT for being the only state or territory prepared to allow pill testing, despite the consortium offering free services around the country. Dr David Caldicott, who was set to appear on ABC's Q&A on Monday night to discuss pill testing among other issues, said he applauds the decision. "I think it's based on the evidence and the results that we were able to provide the last time [the trial happened]," Mr Caldicott said. "At a personal level, it's gratifying to be living in a jurisdiction where the science counts for something. Where there was a lot of anxiety and apprehension about the last event ... I think there's a lot more confidence going into this one and it's going to be epic." Mr Barr, who announced his decision on Monday evening via Facebook after the government did not respond to questions from The Canberra Times earlier in the day about whether a decision had been made, said the decision reflected the government's responsibility to not only try to prevent drug use but to support initiatives that reduced the harm associated with drugs.

"Pill testing does not make taking illicit drugs safe and our message to the community will always be, dont take drugs," he said. "However, pill testing provides a health intervention at the point when someone is making the decision to take a pill." Last year's trial saw 125 people visit the pill-testing tent during the Groovin the Moo festival. Of the 85 drug samples provided, 83 of them produced usable test results. Data from the trial showed that more than 80 per cent of participants believed they were taking MDMA, also known as ecstasy, when in reality less than half of the samples collected contained the substance in a relatively pure form. It found that patrons as young as 15 years old had brought pills to the festival, and 45 per cent of those taking part were 20 years old or younger. Only five festival-goers were seen to discard their drugs, but a final report later said "numerous discards" were found in the vicinity of the tent after the festival.

None of the people who had their pills tested in last year's trial ended up in hospital or presented for treatment. The trial also provided information about the types of illicit substances that are in the ACT, as well as two potentially deadly substances that were identified in two tested pills, Mr Barr said. One of the substances was responsible for the hospitalisation of 13 people in New Zealand a month earlier. "Given the increasing interest in pill testing, we consider this trial to be of enormous value to the debate and deliberations about harm minimisation," he said. "To build on the information we have, the ACT government is ensuring there will be an independent evaluation as part of the trial, which we will make available to other jurisdictions."

The trial will be run by Pill Testing Australia (rebranded from STA-SAFE) at this year's sold-out Groovin the Moo festival, which will be held on April 28 at Exhibition Park. Last year's festival was held at the University of Canberra, but the university decided not to host the festival this year, saying the campus was no longer "fit for purpose" to hold an event of that size. Late last year, the National Capital Authority refused to allow pill testing at the Spilt Milk festival at Commonwealth Park, which is land controlled by the federal government. "The government does not support decisions to use illicit drugs, and does not in-principle support pill testing, as it could imply that illicit drugs are safe," it said. "Importantly, there is no legal framework currently in place and the Commonwealth will not facilitate measures to enable pill testing to take place on Commonwealth land."
The lack of environmental water in the northern Murray-Darling Basin was the "root cause" of the massive fish kills near Menindee, and the "viability of the Darling" is at risk without urgent action, a study by the Australian Academy of Science has found.

The study, commissioned by federal Labor leader Bill Shorten, also calls for the repeal of the Northern Basin Amendment last year that cut the planned environmental savings for the region by 70 billion litres a year. It also backs the scrapping of a cap on water buybacks, and the suspension of a plan to re-engineer the Menindee Lakes.

The third and possibly largest of three big fish kills on the Darling River at Menindee, in a photo taken on January 29. Credit:Graeme McCrabb

Craig Moritz, chairman of the multi-disciplinary team that compiled the report, said the sight of millions of dead fish on the lower Darling River should serve as "a wake-up call", akin to a "coral bleaching event for the mainland".

While the region remains in the grip of a severe drought, conditions on the river were worse than could be attributed to the lack of rainfall because authorities had failed to take appropriate steps to prepare, said Professor Moritz, a biologist at the Australian National University.
Online reseller Viagogo has slammed venues cracking down on tickets sold on third-party websites, as state governments race to protect festivalgoers from suspected price gouging.

Last week, the Victorian government publicly announced the Melbourne International Comedy Festival had been granted major event status in a bid to give the annual event more tools to fight ticket scalpers.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, held at venues such as the Comedy Theatre (pictured), has said it won't accept tickets bought on websites such as Viagogo.

It is now illegal to promote and sell tickets to the Melbourne Comedy Festival that are 10 per cent more expensive than the original door price. Those caught flouting the laws could face fines of up to $400,000, depending on the offence.

The new regulations mean festivalgoers now have the same protections as attendees of the Australian Open and AFL Grand Final. NSW has had a 10 per cent cap on resold tickets since the middle of 2018.
For the first time in his life, Michael Moloney, 42, is excited to go to school.

After leaving Airds High School before his 15th birthday, Mr Moloney is studying again for the first time as part of a six-month course that has completely eradicated adult illiteracy in some rural NSW communities.

Literacy for Life facilitator Judy McGuinness talking to student Charles Booth, 63, at his first literacy class in Airds. Credit:Kate Geraghty

"I didn't sleep last night, I was too eager to come here," Mr Moloney said.

"I grew up here in the Campbelltown area and the elders approached me and thought I'd be a good candidate for this.
A worker was allegedly threatened with the sack after asking for compassionate leave to attend his father-in-law's funeral.

In a statement of claim filed in the Federal Court in Melbourne, the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) alleges the company director for a Victorian building company denied the labourer's request in November 2016 and threatened to terminate his employment if he did not return to work. The company director later sent the labourer a text message to inform him that his Saturday shifts would be withdrawn.

A worker was allegedly threatened with the sack after asking for compassionate leave to attend his father in law's funeral. Credit:Pat Scala

The statement of claim alleges the company director for SWAT Building Systems later withdrew the workers Saturday shifts via text message, resulting in a total loss of $6720.

The ABCC is taking the company to court for allegedly sacking the worker on March 22, 2017 after he asked when he would be paid for the past five weeks' work, amounting to back pay of more than $22,500.
Bill Gates is concerned about the high budget deficits being run by the US, and said if taxes are ultimately increased to make up the shortfall, then it's appropriate for wealthy people to pay much higher taxes.

"We only collect about 20 per cent of GDP and we spend like 24 per cent of GDP. So you can't let that deficit grow faster than the economy," the world's second-richest man said during an interview on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS" broadcast on Sunday. The US national debt climbed past $US22 trillion ($30.8 trillion) in the past week.

Proposals have circulated recently for the richest Americans to again face a top marginal tax rate of 70 per cent, as they did during much of the 1970s before it was lowered by President Ronald Reagan, and for other wealth-focused measures to be taken to address rising income inequality in the US.
Woolworths will stop selling $1-a-litre milk this week. Credit:Nic Walker

Woolworths will stop selling $1-a-litre milk in a move it says will help restore Australian dairy farmers' viability, while heaping pressure on rivals Coles and Aldi to also increase their milk prices.

Coles cut its home brand milk to $1 a litre in 2011 and Woolworths quickly followed suit as the two supermarkets waged a war on price to win customers.

The dairy industry has blamed cheap milk for devaluing its product and driving down farm-gate prices, with criticism growing as a crippling drought on Australia's east coast sends many dairy farmers out of business.
When Kelly Frisch started teaching in St. Bernard Parish 24 years ago, she hoped to inspire children in the same way as her most memorable teachers had inspired her.

She wanted to be like the ones who were tough but good, who made her think her future was filled with infinite possibility.

But now, two years after retiring from the Jefferson Parish school system, she is so disgruntled about her recent experiences that she no longer recommends the profession. When a young person tells her they are pursuing a teaching job, she advises them to think hard about whether to stay longer than a few years.

I tell them not to do it, said Frisch, who at 50 has a small business to supplement her pension. If theyre getting their stripes, so to speak, I tell them at year five they need to make a decision.

Frisch isnt alone. In recent years, with pay remaining largely stagnant and teachers facing mounting pressure to raise students' test scores with fewer in-house support systems  such as counseling for students and robust professional-development programming  the career has attracted fewer qualified candidates in most parts of the seven-parish New Orleans metropolitan area.

Meanwhile, those who do pick up teaching jobs are becoming less likely to stick around in the long term.

The problem has become so great that, despite proposed pay raises, local training programs and a myriad of other efforts, experts in recent months have said the need for more qualified teachers has become urgent.

"It is fair to say we have a teacher shortage in Louisiana right now," state Superintendent of Education John White said recently.

Officials in Orleans, Jefferson, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and St. Bernard parishes say they face a shortage of certified teachers in critical areas, including special education, high school science and math, and English as a second language. They've been ramping up their recruitment efforts at the local level.

At the same time, Gov. John Bel Edwards has been pitching a statewide teacher pay raise as one of his key priorities for the 2019 legislative session. That $135 million effort, which faces pushback from some House Republican leaders, would raise salaries by $1,000 for teachers and $500 for support workers across the state.

Teachers in Louisiana are now paid an average of about $50,000 per year, around $2,200 below the regional average. Edwards hopes to close that gap by 2022.

The statewide raise, if it passes, could incentivize more students to finish teacher-preparation programs, officials say. According to the Louisiana Department of Education, the number of students completing certification programs has dropped by nearly one-fourth since the 2010-11 school year. A total of 2,166 students completed their certification in 2015-16, down from 2,802 in 2010.

Competing local efforts

The local efforts to woo better teachers are independent from the state plan, and neighboring districts are often competing for the same candidates.

Perhaps the most ambitious local effort to attract more certified teachers is being spearheaded by Superintendent Cade Brumley of Jefferson Parish.

Brumley oversees the largest public school system in Louisiana, and its problems with recruitment and retention are especially acute. He said the Jefferson system loses 40 percent of its first-year teachers each year, and three out of every 10 teachers with more experience  the worst figures in the region.

On May 4, voters will decide whether to approve a 7.9-mill property tax to fund raises that the Jefferson Parish School Board says might slow the wave of departures that creates close to 400 classroom vacancies each year as some of the parishs best educators leave for more lucrative jobs elsewhere.

At just under $41,200 a year, the starting pay in Jefferson Parish for certified teachers with a bachelors degree is the lowest of the seven parishes in metro New Orleans. With the proposed increase, the pay would rank second-highest, just behind the $46,300 starting salary in Plaquemines Parish.

Officials in St. John, where starting pay is about $44,100, are also trying their hand at new incentives. Certified teachers who agree to teach at the parishs lowest-performing school will be given a $2,500 bonus next year, while special education teachers will get a $5,000 bonus.

Jefferson Parish is also planning to offer bonuses to teachers who go to the most challenging schools.

Other parishes have been working to increase recruitment efforts through college programs, in-house training efforts and even internet campaigns.

In St. Charles and St. Tammany parishes, officials are pushing STAR, or Students Teaching and Reaching, a program which allows high school students to learn about the teaching profession early and earn college credits towards their teaching degrees.

They are then given incentives, in the forms of stipends and other measures, to return to teach in their home parishes after earning their degrees.

Efforts have also ramped up in Orleans Parish, where teacher retention has been an issue since Hurricane Katrina, according to a study released in 2017 by Tulane University's Education Research Alliance.

In November 2017, six New Orleans universities and nonprofit groups announced a recruitment effort funded by a $13 million seed grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help recruit and train nearly 900 teachers by 2020.

Those efforts have been furthered by a New Schools for New Orleans recruitment campaign called Teach New Orleans.

That effort was launched in December with the citys first centralized website for teachers seeking jobs across the citys decentralized system of schools, which are overseen by the Orleans Parish School Board but operated by a collection of independent charter and nonprofit organizations.

So far, the initiative has gotten 6,000 unique visitors, and the organization has been able to send 60 resumes to charters throughout the city, according to Alex Jarrell, the organization's chief innovation officer.

Altogether, those efforts are expected to yield 450 new teachers ready to enter classrooms by this fall. But that number will cover only half the need. An estimated 900 teachers  roughly 29 percent of the teachers in the district  leave New Orleans annually for reasons ranging from low pay to lack of support systems.

'Just so disheartening'

As local parishes wait for more certified teachers to materialize, most open teaching jobs are going to younger educators with limited experience.

Even if the pay raise and recruitment efforts make a dent, Frisch says they may not solve the problem of teacher turnover, or teachers deciding to call it quits once they start. She thinks those trends are likely to continue without dramatic changes in individual school systems.

Looking back, Frisch fondly remembers what she calls "aha" moments, where she helped her students achieve their academic goals, grow as individuals and even become better citizens.

"It was fun and exciting, and those moments were great," she recalls.

But things started to go sour after Katrina, when she says local systems started downsizing, placing more work on teachers and offering less professional development, even as new curricula rolled in and standards got more stringent.

The pressure has only increased in recent years in Louisiana, where raising both standards and test scores has become a critical part of a controversial plan sparked by the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act, a federal law that demands greater accountability for systems with struggling students.

"It was all about testing and test scores, all about reading data and self-evaluation," Frisch said. "It was your salary based on student success  all of those things start coming down ... it was just so disheartening."

Frischs point of view is supported by a 2017 study by the Learning Policy Institute, which said teachers' most frequently cited reasons for leaving weren't pay but dissatisfaction with testing and accountability pressures.

Others have complained about lack of administrative support, lack of opportunities for advancement and dissatisfaction with working conditions.

At a recent discussion, Patrick Dobard, the CEO of New Schools for New Orleans and former superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District, conceded that local districts need to find ways to keep teachers happy besides raises and "kudos and pats on the back.

"We also have to make it where their quality of life is so significantly better that they really want to stay in the classroom and continue to do the work of educating our children," Dobard said. "Retaining talent is a huge thing we have to think about."

To help figure out how to better support teachers, New Schools for New Orleans has created a "robust" teacher survey so officials can get feedback about what to do to make teachers want to stay in their jobs.

Among the top suggestions were implementing retention bonuses and loan-forgiveness programs, as well as more classroom support, like counseling services for students, so teachers can focus on academics and not on problems like students' poverty.

"That data has come back to school leaders to help leadership teams get the right development, the right support to start to tackle teachers' happiness and engagement, and make sure they stay at the school for a long time," said Jarrell.

In Jefferson Parish, Brumley said, officials are working on retention by offering teachers two career tracks: one for those who want administrative roles and another for those who want to advance while staying active in the classroom.

In the meantime, experts say the risk of losing teachers remains high. Kate Mehok, the CEO of the charter organization Crescent City Schools, underscored that teacher retention is directly related to student performance.

"If were constantly turning over our second- and third-year teachers before they get really good, then how are we going to get beyond where we are academically?" she asked.

Additional reporting was contributed by staff writer Faimon A. Roberts III.
Five innocent bystanders were wounded at a bus stop in New Orleans Central Business District during a gun battle between police and an armed robbery suspect that left the suspect dead Sunday evening, according to authorities.

Four of the bystander victims were hit by bullets  one was undergoing emergency surgery for critical injuries, and three were less seriously wounded, police said. A fifth person injured in the shooting had abrasions that were not from bullets.

Members of the New Orleans Police Department as well as a Louisiana State Police trooper assigned to patrol the CBD exchanged gunfire with the suspect before he was killed at the end of a melee that unfolded over a couple of blocks, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said at a press briefing. Therefore, both agencies are investigating the incident.

+9 Five 'innocent bystanders' shot, suspect killed after New Orleans shooting near Tulane and Elk Five people were shot around 6:43 p.m. Sunday night during a shootout between New Orleans police, Louisiana State Police troopers and an armed

It was about 6:45 p.m. when a New Orleans police detective looking into a pair of armed robberies that occurred recently in Central City  in the 1700 block of Clio Street and at Carondelet and Josephine streets  approached a man near Canal Street and Elk Place who resembled a suspect in those hold-ups.

The investigator asked for uniformed officers to come and back him up while keeping their vehicles' lights and sirens off as they arrived, according to a recording of police dispatch communications.

That suspect fired a gun at an officer whom he noticed was approaching, Ferguson said. The officer couldn't return fire, but other NOPD members shot back, Ferguson said.

Five people at a bus stop near Canal and Elk were injured during that shootout. Ferguson said it was too early to tell who fired the bullets that hit them. NOPD couldn't rule out that the bystanders were hit by officers defending themselves.

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The gunman then ran a couple of blocks to the 1400 block of Tulane Avenue, near Tulane Medical Center, and hid in some bushes, police said. NOPD members and at least one Louisiana State Police trooper ordered the man to come out.

The man refused to surrender and fired at the officers, police said. Ferguson said a trooper who was returning fire hit the gunman, ending the threat.

The gunman was pronounced dead after arriving at University Medical Center, where the other gunshot victims were also taken, Ferguson said.

New Orleans Emergency Medical Services Lt. Jonathan Fourcade said one of the victims taken to the hospital by paramedics was 17 years old. Ferguson said he believed the rest of the victims were adults.

Both Ferguson and State Police Superintendent Col. Kevin Reeves expressed remorse for the injured bystanders. But Ferguson defended the officers actions, saying they were fired on first and shot back to defend themselves, their colleagues and members of the public.

Meanwhile, an officer responding to the chaos in the CBD got into an accident and flipped his cruiser near the corner of Napoleon Avenue and South Saratoga Street in Uptown, Ferguson said. The officer was hospitalized and listed in stable condition.

One person who was in the area at the time of the shooting recalled hearing more than 20 gunshots. Initially, that person  who asked not to be identified  believed the gunshots were fireworks but then grasped the seriousness of the situation when police scrambled onto the scene from every direction.

In addition to the NOPDs internal investigators as well as state troopers, the FBI and the citys independent police monitor will be reviewing Sundays gun battle, Ferguson said. Ferguson said the NOPD officers who fired their weapons Sunday would be placed on desk duty while internal investigators determined whether the use of force was justified.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell joined Ferguson and Reeves at Sundays press briefing. She was asked what message she had for the public after three separate deadly shooting incidents Sunday  including the bloodshed in the CBD  less than a week before the citys annual Mardi Gras celebration enters its peak period.

Cantrell said she would tell them that New Orleans police have shown through numerous Carnival parade seasons that they are absolutely  the worlds experts in crowd control and managing large-scale events.

Ferguson added, Our officers responded how they are trained to.

Police shut down several CBD streets surrounding Tulane Medical Center as they investigated Sundays incident. Ferguson didnt offer a timetable for when the area might be fully reopened.

The name of the man who was killed Sunday wasn't immediately released.

From Ferguson's remarks, it appears he was suspected of possibly stealing a bag, a cell phone and other items from a woman getting into her car in the 1700 block of Clio the morning of Feb. 8. Police said the robber in that case warned the victim to not "move or scream."

Police were also investigating the possibility that the man stole a silver 2007 Acura MDX at gunpoint from two women getting into the vehicle at the corner of Carondelet and Josephine streets about 1:05 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday marked the second time this year in New Orleans that a man had been killed in a gun battle with police.

On Jan. 4, NOPD officers fatally shot 33-year-old Zonell Williams after he fired two bullets into one of their protective vests during an encounter in Treme. The bullets didn't penetrate the officer's protective vest.
From Left: Hutch Head of Legal Sharmini Jayasuriya, CFO Lalith Fernando, Finance and Operations Advisor Bandhunath De Alwis, CEO Thirukumar Nadarasa CEO Hutch, BOI Director General Champika Malalgoda Director and Senior Deputy Director-Legal, Shama Herath

Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (Hutch) signed a supplementary agreement with the Board of Investments (BOI) to invest US $ 115 million to roll out its islandwide 4G network and support the growth of data and broadband in Sri Lanka.



Hutch will be the third 4G operator in Sri Lanka.



The company has been operating in Sri Lanka for over two decades and is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison of Hong Kong, which is a Fortune 500 Company based in Hong Kong.



Strengthening its network position, Hutch recently merged with Etisalat Lanka (Private) Limited and will operate under the new brand name Hutch.



By integrating the two networks, the combined business will provide Sri Lankan customers with a major boost in both rural and urban network coverage and a renewed commitment in offering superior communication services to all customers, Hutch CEO Thirukumar Nadarasa, said.



Hutch recently launched 4G services in the Western Province and nationwide roll-out has also begun. The Hutch 4G network will unleash incredible benefits and capabilities for all customers, he added.
The man who entered into a shootout with law enforcement officers before being fatally shot on Sunday evening has been identified as Reginald Romero Bursey, according to multiple law enforcement sources.

Five innocent bystanders were shot in the incident at Tulane Avenue and Elk Place. Bursey, 32, was approached by officers as a possible suspect in a pair of armed robberies before the shootout in the Central Business District.

Three of five victims in CBD shootout released from hospital; two people underwent surgery Three people hurt in the crossfire during a shootout in the Central Business District on Sunday have been released from the hospital, New Orle

Bursey doesn't have much of a criminal record in New Orleans  a marijuana arrest in 2004 resulted in him being accepted into a pretrial diversion program, and another marijuana arrest from the previous year did not result in charges. But police in Columbus, Texas, identified him as "a confirmed gang member of Houston's 59 Piru street gang" as well as a suspect in a Sept. 8 gunpoint robbery.

A bulletin from a Crimestoppers chapter in that area accused Bursey of tying up and robbing two people before stealing the car of one of the victims and ditching it at a motel in Houston. Police said they obtained two warrants accusing him of aggravated robbery, and he was also wanted by parole officials on allegations of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police described Bursey as armed and dangerous and warned that he had ties to Louisiana.

Authorities in New Orleans haven't officially released the name of the man killed in Sunday evening's gun battle.

According to New Orleans Police Supt. Shaun Ferguson, officers confronted the armed robbery suspect near the corner of Canal and Elk, and that person was fatally shot a couple of blocks away in the 1400 block of Tulane.

Two of the bystanders -- a 37-year-old man and a 33 year-old man -- had been released from the hospital as of Monday afternoon, while a 17-year-old woman had undergone surgery. None of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

Police said its too early to tell if the bystanders were struck by the suspect's bullets, police bullets or a combination of both.

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Check back for more.
Capping a violent weekend in the New Orleans area, one person was dead and three others were in critical condition after they were shot Sunday night near Tulane Avenue and Elk Place in the Central Business District, New Orleans police said.

The dead man was believed to be an armed robber who was shot and killed after an exchange of gunfire with police about 6:45 p.m. No officers were shot.

All the victims were taken to University Medical Center's trauma center, an Emergency Medical Services spokesman said.

A fifth person was taken to the hospital for abrasions, but not gunshot wounds. One of the victims was reported to be 17 years old.

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Earlier in the day, more than 40 markers showed where bullet casings lined Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near Freret Street on a warm Sunday afternoon that ended with a man dead.

A 34-year-old was killed in that incident in Central City, shot in the head about 1:30 p.m., according to the New Orleans Police Department, with a 79-year-old man wounded in the leg by a stray bullet.

Also on Sunday night, police said that someone was fatally shot in the 6500 block of Almonaster Boulevard, in New Orleans East. No other details were immediately available.

Those incidents were just part of a violent weekend that saw about several other people shot as the area moves toward the heart of Carnival season.

In addition, two people were killed and two more critically injured after a car crash Sunday morning on Airline Drive. Police suspect impairment was involved.

Three of the shootings happened outside of Orleans Parish  two of them in Kenner.

Harvey man arrested in fatal drive-by shooting in Kenner, police say; victim identified A Harvey man was arrested Saturday afternoon, accused of fatally shooting another man in a drive-by shooting Saturday morning in Kenner, accor

There, 22-year-old Arnold Matute-Vasquez, of Terrytown, was killed in a drive-by shooting early Saturday morning after a fight between two groups of people outside a bar on Airline Drive.

Kenner police arrested an 18-year-old man, Edwin Gomez-Duarte, of Harvey and booked him on counts of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice. They said he fired the fatal shots from a red Chevrolet Cobalt as it drove past the scene of the fight. Four other people were detained and a handgun was found nearby.

On Sunday, Kenners SWAT team was called out and fired tear gas into a residence in the 800 block of Champagne Street after a man who went to a hospital with a bullet wound to his arm said he had been shot there. Police believed the shooter might still have been in the residence, but no one was found inside.

Man shot at home in Kenner; SWAT team deploys tear gas in search of suspect A man was shot at a home in Kenner on Sunday, and members of the city police departments SWAT team later fired tear gas into the residence wh

To the west of Kenner, in St. Charles Parish, another fatal shooting was reported.

That shooting led to Interstate 10 westbound being closed from about 3:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, after a car crashed while crossing the Bonnet Carre Spillway in an apparent drive-by shooting.

According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office, first responders found a crashed 2006 silver Chrysler Sebring with several bullet holes in it. A man was found dead inside the car, and others were taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Man found dead in shot-up crashed car on I-10 over Bonnet Carre Spillway, officials say One person was killed in what appears to be a drive-by shooting on the Bonnet Carre Spillway early Sunday, according to the St. Charles Parish

In Orleans Parish, the first shooting of the weekend saw two teenage males  ages 13 and 17  taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds to the lower abdomen and buttocks, respectively. That shooting was reported about 8:45 p.m. Friday in the 3200 block of Louisiana Avenue Parkway, in Broadmoor.

Early Saturday morning, NOPD officers found a man lying face down under the Interstate 10 overpass near the intersection of Canal Street and Claiborne Avenue. Hed been shot in the head and body and died on the scene, police said.

Its the same intersection where a man was shot and killed less than a week earlier, on Feb. 10.

Man fatally shot Saturday morning at edge of Central Business District, NOPD says A man was shot early Saturday morning at the edge of New Orleans' Central Business District, according to a press release from New Orleans Pol

Another man was killed Saturday morning in the 600 block of Austerlitz Street, in Uptown New Orleans. Officers discovered the man inside a pickup truck with a gunshot wound to the head about 7 a.m. Police are investigating the incident as a homicide.

Saturday night, a 20-year-old man was shot while driving on Interstate 10 eastbound near Crowder Boulevard. Police said the man heard several gunshots shortly before 11 p.m. and realized hed been hit. He then drove to his mothers house, where he called 911 and was transported by EMS to a local hospital, police said.

Meanwhile, another man reported he was shot in New Orleans on Friday but did not initially realize it.

The 25-year-old man said he was near the 1000 block of Canal Street when he heard gunshots. He said he realized hed been shot while driving home to Covington, the NOPD reported. He said he poured peroxide on the wound but decided to go to a hospital early Sunday after the wound started to swell.
A violent weekend in the New Orleans area left seven people dead in eight separate shootings reported around the metro area.

An armed robbery suspect was also fatally shot after gunfire erupted Sunday night near Tulane Avenue and Elk Place. Five other people described as "innocent bystanders" by officials were wounded. One of the five is in critical condition at University Medical Center.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell addressed the violent and deadly weekend at a press conference about the Tulane Avenue and Elk Place shootings.

"It was a pretty tumultuous weekend that started on Friday evening, in particular on Louisiana Avenue Parkway, the street that I live on," Cantrell said. "So we're all impacted by the matter."

She also acknowledged that the deadly weekend happened as the city is ramping up Mardi Gras festivities.

"We're going to do what we do best in terms of hosting these large scale events in our city," Cantrell said. "So we're prepared, but these things do happen. We're going to do everything possible to make sure that they do not happen in the future."

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The following is a complete rundown of each reported shooting through Sunday afternoon:

Terrytown man killed in drive-by shooting in Kenner; Harvey man arrested

A Terrytown man was killed in a drive-by shooting just after the clock struck midnight on Saturday in Kenner.

Arnold Matute-Vasquez, 22, was found suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest in the 800 block of Daniel Street around 12:30 a.m.

Police said Matute-Vasquez was gunned down after a fight between two groups outside of the Enigma Bar on Airline Drive. Matute-Vasquez and his group of friends walked across the street to a parked car when the second group followed them and began shooting at them.

Matute-Vasquez was the only person shot, and Kenner Police later arrested 18-year-old Edwin Gomez-Duarte on counts of second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection to the shooting.

Read more here.

Harvey man arrested in fatal drive-by shooting in Kenner, police say; victim identified A Harvey man was arrested Saturday afternoon, accused of fatally shooting another man in a drive-by shooting Saturday morning in Kenner, accor

Man fatally shot Saturday morning at edge of CBD

Almost four hours later in New Orleans, a man was found lying face down under the I-10 bridge around 4:35 a.m. near the intersection of Canal Street and North Claiborne Avenue.

Police found the man suffering from gunshot wounds to the head and body. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

It was the second time within a week that someone had been found fatally shot under the I-10 bridge.

Read more here.

Man fatally shot Saturday morning at edge of Central Business District, NOPD says A man was shot early Saturday morning at the edge of New Orleans' Central Business District, according to a press release from New Orleans Pol

Man fatally shot in head Saturday morning near Irish Channel

Another fatal shooting was reported in New Orleans a few hours later around 7:04 a.m. in the 600 block of Austerlitz Street in the Irish Channel neighborhood.

Police found a man with a gunshot wound to the head inside of a pickup truck.

Read more here.

Man fatally shot in head Saturday morning near Irish Channel, authorities say A man was shot in the head Saturday morning near the Irish Channel in New Orleans, according to authorities.

Man found dead in shot-up crashed car on I-10 over Bonnet Carre Spillway

One person was killed in what appears to be a drive-by shooting on the Bonnet Carre Spillway early Sunday, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

First responders found a crashed 2006 silver Chrysler Sebring with several bullet holes in it on the interstate around 3:20 a.m. A man was found dead inside the car, and others were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Read more here.

Man found dead in shot-up crashed car on I-10 over Bonnet Carre Spillway, officials say One person was killed in what appears to be a drive-by shooting on the Bonnet Carre Spillway early Sunday, according to the St. Charles Parish

Man shot at friend's house in Kenner; SWAT team deploys tear gas in search of suspect

Later Sunday morning, Kenner Police's SWAT team went out to a home in the 800 block of Champagne Street after a man was shot there.

Police said the victim arrived at a local hospital to be treated for a bullet wound to the arm when he said he was shot while at a friend's home at the address on Champagne Street.

Police went to the home but were unable to find the suspect. Officers eventually fired tear gas into the residence and searched it early Sunday afternoon, but still did not find the suspect.

Read more here.

Man shot at home in Kenner; SWAT team deploys tear gas in search of suspect A man was shot at a home in Kenner on Sunday, and members of the city police departments SWAT team later fired tear gas into the residence wh

One dead, one injured in Central City double shooting

The fifth homicide of the weekend was reported Sunday around 1:30 p.m. at Freret Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in New Orleans' Central City neighborhood.

Police said a 34-year-old man was found lying in the street at the intersection with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 79-year-old man in the area was also injured in the shooting, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg from a stray bullet.

Read more here.

One dead, 1 injured in Central City double shooting Sunday afternoon; NOPD investigating The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a double shooting in Central City Sunday afternoon that left one man dead and another injur

Four people in critical condition after shooting near Tulane Avenue and Elk Place; suspect killed

Four people are in critical condition after they were shot Sunday night near Tulane Avenue and Elk Place, officials said.

After the shooting, all four patients were taken to University Medical Center trauma center, New Orleans EMS Lt. Jonathan Fourcade said.

Police were shot at and exchanged gunfire with a person at the scene. The person whom police shot at is now dead.

Read more here.

+9 Five 'innocent bystanders' shot, suspect killed after New Orleans shooting near Tulane and Elk Five people were shot around 6:43 p.m. Sunday night during a shootout between New Orleans police, Louisiana State Police troopers and an armed

One killed Sunday night on Almonaster Boulevard

One person was killed Sunday night on Almonaster Boulevard, New Orleans police said.

The fatal shooting happened in the 6500 block of Almonaster Boulevard, police said.

Read more here.
A group of New Orleans investors is putting in a bid to purchase African American news talk radio station WBOK 1230 AM from Los Angeles based-Bakewell Media.

The partnership led by New Orleans native and actor Wendell Pierce includes Spears Group President and Chief Executive Officer Cleveland Spears III; Henry Consulting Managing Partner Troy Henry; and Thomas Media founder Jeff Thomas.

If the bid is accepted, the group said the acquisition will be financed partially by the four partners and debt-financed through Liberty Bank, making the team 100 percent black-owned and financed.

WBOK's programming is targeted to African American and a wide variety of listeners. Community leaders, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell, New Orleans City Council members, and education and tourism officials, are among frequent guests of the radio station.

The investors said they are dedicated to racial equity and overall long-term growth of New Orleans and are evaluating all aspects of the station's operations and programming.

"It is imperative we do not lose this critical platform that serves as the voice of the African American community," Thomas said. "WBOK provides the city of New Orleans with black discourse without ulterior motives. As black-owned media continues to get absorbed, we must be steadfast in protecting the few platforms we have left."

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"Through all the substantial change New Orleans has faced in recent history, WBOK has served as a steadfast and indispensable platform for our community," Pierce said. "The people trust them, they depend on them, and they believe in them. WBOK Radio is the glue that brings and holds our city together."

"The radio format has gone through an evolution in the age of digital consumption," Spears said. "However, it is my vision that this station will always be an indispensable platform for all members of the black community and others to hear the black perspective with well-rounded and thoughtful discourse. This is a vehicle for African Americans in New Orleans to receive information about the news that impacts their day to day lives, and as a black New Orleanian, and a communications professional, I'm immensely proud to be a part of that process."

The group also announced plans to establish a partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, the only black and Catholic university in the country, and its mass communications department to use WBOK as a learning platform for communications and journalism majors through internship, mentoring and career opportunities.

"We see WBOK as a platform for future generations to learn and grow into their careers as journalists and media professionals in New Orleans," Henry said.

Pierce is known for his roles in Tom Clancy's "Jack Ryan," "Suits," HBO dramas "The Wire" and "Treme." Pierce was instrumental after Hurricane Katrina in the revitalization of the Pontchartrain Park Neighborhood and started a chain of neighborhood stores to increase access to healthy food options. Spears founded marketing and public relations firm the Spears Group in 2008 and is also the founder of the National Fried Chicken Festival, among other events in New Orleans and nationwide. Henry served as president of a Fortune 500 company and now leads a consulting firm. Thomas heads online black news platform Think 504.
This is a story about a courageous woman who found her voice and the dedicated man who wrote a book about it.

How do you decide to trust a writer with your life story? For Holocaust survivor Anne Skorecki Levy, it was clear. Tulane University historian Larry Powell had one quality she prized. His kindness, she said. He made it easier to talk about things that are not easy to talk about.

The two met in 1991, during what Powell called the race from hell, the gubernatorial faceoff between David Duke and Edwin Edwards, when Vote for the Crook, Its Important was the catchphrase.

Levy was working at a phone bank sponsored by the Louisiana Coalition Against Racism and Nazism, of which Powell was a founder. He was working on a book about the anti-Duke movement, and he originally thought Annes story would be a chapter in the book.

She had confronted Duke in the Louisiana State Capitol in 1989, when the then-lawmaker was viewing a Holocaust exhibit. Shaking, she asked him, What are you doing here? Why are you looking at this? I thought you said it never happened.

Book Signing When: 6 p.m. Wednesday (Feb. 20) Where: Octavia Books, 513 Octavia St.

As Powell learned more of Levys story, her journey from Lodz, Poland, to New Orleans, from surviving as a hidden child during the Holocaust to becoming an activist in Louisiana, he realized she deserved a book.

Eight years later, in 2000, Troubled Memory: Anne Levy, The Holocaust and David Dukes Louisiana, was published. This year brings a second edition in paperback, with a new preface by the author.

Sitting together in Levys comfortable home in Broadmoor, the two demonstrate the warmth and depth of a friendship that has lasted now for almost 30 years, finishing each others thoughts, sharing laughs.

The spine of the book, as Powell calls it, was a written memoir by Annes mother Ruth, the tale of the familys Holocaust experiences in Poland and Germany before emigrating to New Orleans.

Mark and Ruth Skorecki landed in New Orleans and were taken in by the Jewish community here, where they became involved in the New Americans Club. Ruths writing was a road map, Powell said. Even in broken English. It had dates and names and addresses. And I began doing deep reading in the field.

After reading Ruths memories, Powell set out to fill in the blanks, traveling to Poland in search of Annes past, reading and researching with the aid of a translator, looking for official documents like birth certificates, visiting important locations. He touched it all, Anne said.

There were long conversations between the two, as Anne recalled the miraculous survival of her nuclear family, perhaps the only nuclear family to survive the Warsaw ghetto.

Anne and her younger sister Lila survived as hidden children  sometimes under floorboards of the shoe factory where her parents worked, sometimes in vegetable bins, spending hours in silence and darkness.

Powell writes with compassion and insight about the difficulty of recovering such memories, and of how survivors cope. The bare facts of her story make her journey to a personal confrontation with Duke all the more remarkable.

Larry has given my family a legacy, Levy said. My brother Adam was 11 months old when we came to the United States, so he didnt have this history, and it was quite a revelation to him. It did us a world of good. We learned why our parents were the way they were, why they werent typical American parents.

I always wanted to be an American girl, Anne said. But I knew I was different somehow.

Anne traces her ability to speak her truth to watching World War II veterans talk and break down as they shared their experiences.

Now, she speaks to school audiences, no longer afraid of sharing her story even if the tears come. I tell them theyre my psychiatrists, she said. Talking about it has eased this thing that was in my heart. Talking to young people always helps a lot.

And over the years, the friendship that was begun over the book has only deepened, as the Levy and Powell families share holidays and experiences.

After their home took on 5 feet of water in the floods after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Levys moved into the Powells home while he was away teaching at the University of Michigan.

Powell is also the author of The Accidental City: Improvising New Orleans. He is currently working on the follow-up, New Orleans Unleashed: Revolution to Reaction.

But Troubled Memory has a special place for him.

I hope its a cautionary tale for these morally turbulent times, he said. Its my favorite, and its certainly my wifes favorite. Its the most deeply meaningful book Ive written.

In his preface to the new edition, he writes about the journey from reticence to resistance, summing up what he learned from his longtime friend.

Anne Levy didnt surrender," he writes. "She did something that I think was taught by St. Augustine: First you get angry, then you find courage.

Susan Larson hosts The Reading Life on WWNO-FM.
Deadlock is such a feature of state and national governance these days that we might be forgiven for thinking that we invented it.

But here in Carnival season, weve been thinking about another challenge with deadlock that occurred more than a century ago. It involved two iconic Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, and the resolution of the dispute might teach us a thing or two about how to resolve passionate differences today.

Thanks to New Orleans Carnival Balls, Jennifer Atkins lively 2017 book about the Crescent Citys elite Mardi Gras celebrations, we have a colorful account of a literal standoff at Carnival back in 1890.

That was the year that the Mistick Krewe of Comus announced that it would resume its Mardi Gras night parade after a five-year hiatus. But in the interim, the Krewe of Proteus had started parading on Mardi Gras night. When Comus announced that Proteus would have to return to its old spot on Lundi Gras night, Proteus refused, Atkins tells readers. The krewes subsequently proclaimed they would both take to the streets on Mardi Gras evening with their retinues of costumed, masked men on horses and floats.

Meanwhile, the local media fretted. Unless something is done, the Times-Democrat harrumphed, there will be a jarring rivalry, which will mar the pleasure of the thousands who come to visit us during the gay Mardi Gras season, and of the people of the city as well.

But then, as now, newspaper editorials urging civility had little effect. When Mardi Gras Night came, Atkins writes, the Comus and Proteus parades happened to intersect on Canal Street, blocking both krewes from proceeding. Mardi Gras came to a standstill.

Blakeview: Famous people who have visited New Orleans for Mardi Gras With thousands of people descending on New Orleans during the next two weeks for Carnival, we're reminded of some of the more notable names wh

Meanwhile, tensions flared. According to period accounts of the argument, a masker from the crowd  incidentally, a member of both Comus and Proteus finally intervened and led the mounted captain of Proteus away from his adversary. Comus and his krewe passed on into the French Quarter, and Proteus followed.

Even so, feelings were bruised. But by 1892, Atkins notes hopefully, tensions had subsided, and the krewe balls, for a time the site of further bickering, became realms of peaceful solutions, with the krewes ending their bitter fight with waltzes and wine . . . The enforced civility and etiquette of the ballroom was the de facto court where the dispute was resolved.

One wonders if a few waltzes and a little frivolity might help break the deadlock these days on Capitol Hill. Since nothing else has worked, it seems worth a try.
Antoine Bowie waited in limbo. For days, the 16-year-old sat in what was supposed to be a short-term holding cell in East Baton Rouge Parish P
Nikolas Cruz was just 18 years old when he legally bought the AR-15 he used to kill 17 people at a Florida high school in February.

Now some Louisiana lawmakers are pushing legislation that they say would keep people younger than 21 from being able to legally purchase similar weapons here.

The Senate Judiciary C Committee narrowly voted 4-3 in favor of Senate Bill 274 on Tuesday, after an impassioned debate among gun enthusiasts and people calling for laws meant to enhance public safety.

"This is not a panacea  this won't solve all of our problems, but I think we'd all agree if we save one life, two lives, three lives, then it's worth it," said Sen. Troy Carter, a New Orleans Democrat who sponsored the bill.

It now heads to the full Senate for consideration. While the idea has been embraced by some Republicans on the national stage, it's likely to face a big hurdle here if it makes it to the more conservative-leaning State House for consideration.

"My concern on this is this prohibits and handcuffs law abiding citizens," said Sen. Jonathan Perry, R-Kaplan, who voted against advancing the bill out of committee.

It's already illegal for people younger than 21 to purchase handguns from licensed dealers. Carter's bill would expand that age restriction to weapons specifically outlined in his legislation, including semi-automatic long rifles with fixed magazines that can take more than 10 rounds of ammunition and shotguns with revolving cylinder magazines or detachable magazines. Other types of weapons are also outlawed in the bill, but Carter said his goal isn't to hinder weapons used for hunting.

Bulletproof backpacks for public school students clears first hurdle in Louisiana Senate Bulletproof backpacks would be allowed in Louisiana public schools under a bill that breezed through a Senate committee Monday.

"I support the Second Amendment, but I support it with the kind of governance that will protect lives," Carter said.

Carter had initially proposed a separate bill that would have applied to all firearms and other defined dangerous weapons, but he dropped it from consideration to favor SB274.

Licensed dealers cannot sell handguns to people younger than 21 under federal law, but the age restriction in many places, including Louisiana, is only 18 to buy a long gun.

+5 Here's Gov. John Bel Edwards's take on four of session's hot-button issues Gov. John Bel Edwards marked the end of the regular session's second week touching on a variety of hot-button issues  from armed teachers to 

After Cruz' attack on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Florida passed a similar under-21 gun purchasing ban as part of a more sweeping gun reform effort. The National Rifle Association has filed a lawsuit challenging the measure. Illinois and Hawaii also require that people be 21 to purchase long guns, according to research from the Giffords Law Center.

The Associated Press reported Cruz, now 19, was able legally to purchase from a gun shop just miles away from the school an AR-15 about a year before the shooting.

Charlie Stephens, a 17-year-old student at Lee High School in Baton Rouge, testified to the State Senate committee Tuesday that he thinks the newly-proposed age restriction is reasonable.

"There are so many restrictions put on you before that age," he said. "I don't think it's necessary to buy assault weapons."

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But others said they see the move as an encroachment on a fundamental constitutional right.

"These are adults under Louisiana law," said Dan Zelenka, president of the Louisiana Shooting Association. "They have the right to vote ... They have the right to join the military."

"Each of them is entitled to exercise their right to keep and bear arms  to protect themselves in the way they see fit," he added.

Zelenka described Cruz as an "anomaly" and argued that gun crimes are more likely to be carried out with weapons that are obtained illegally.

National retail chains including Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods have announced that they will no longer sell firearms and ammunition to people younger than 21, following the shooting in Florida. And President Donald Trump has voiced his support on Twitter for raising the minimum age to purchase assault weapons to 21 on the federal level.

But the effort has faced strong push back.

A representative from the NRA spoke against the proposal in Louisiana on Tuesday.

"This legislation punishes Louisiana's law-abiding young adults," said regional NRA lobbyist Erin Luper.

Louisiana is generally seen as a gun-friendly state due to its hunting-rich culture and swaths of rural land.

Other gun bills that have been proposed this session seek to loosen restrictions, including proposals to allow specifically trained adults at schools and churches to carry concealed handguns.

New Orleans Police Chief Michael Harrison said that he couldn't recall a time when the types of guns that the bill would cover have been used in self defense in the city and he said he worries that they fall into the hands of gang members.

"In every last one of those cases, it was an assault weapon," he said.

Last year, a case out of Oklahoma made national news when a homeowner's 23-year-old son shot with an AR-14 and killed three teens in an attempted home invasion. The shooting was deemed justifiable, and no charges were filed.

How they voted:

In favor of SB 274: Sens. Barrow, Carter, Colomb and Mills.

Against: Sens. Claitor, Perry, White.
The Louisiana Republican Party is seeking information from Gov. John Bel Edwards' office about a business summit the Edwards administration will hold in Baton Rouge this week.

"This intersection of state officials and campaign donors raises the question: is the Governor using state funds and resources to host a campaign event?" LAGOP executive director Andrew Bautsch wrote in a public records request that the party released Monday.

The governor's office wasn't immediately able to confirm that it had received the party's request. Several people from the office were expected to be attending funeral services for Edwards' former campaign manager in Shreveport.

Edwards' deputy chief of staff Christina Stephens denied the GOP's insinuations about the summit's purpose and said it's the culmination of several round-table discussions Edwards has had with business leaders across the state since taking office in January 2016.

"Thursdays event is a chance for administration leaders and the Governor to interact with businesses, facilitate discussion on key issues and highlight some of the great work being done by companies and groups in Louisiana," Stephens said via email. "Thats what this event is about, period."

Gov. Edwards to put on statewide business summit in Baton Rouge Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration said Thursday it will put on the Louisiana Statewide Business Summit this month, an economic development

Edwards is currently campaigning for re-election in a race that's already drawn national interest from Republicans hoping to unseat the only Democratic governor in the Deep South and Democrats hoping to hold onto the Louisiana Governor's Mansion.

Two Republican challengers have already entered the race against him, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham of Alto and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone.

The election is Oct. 12. A Nov. 16 runoff will take place between the top two vote-getters if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary.

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+6 Louisiana economy well-positioned in 2019, but faces several of these headwinds Despite headwinds like trade wars, a tight labor market and volatile commodity prices, Louisianas economy is poised to continue growing in 20

The Louisiana Statewide Business Summit, an economic development-focused event that aims to connect business leaders with state government officials, is scheduled to take place from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. Past state-wide economic development summits that Edwards has addressed have been organized through Louisiana Economic Development, private businesses and local economic development groups.

With this Statewide Business Summit, we are uniting leaders from business with leaders from the public sector for open discussion on the ways that we can capture Louisianas economic momentum and build a lasting blueprint for future success, Edwards said in announcing this week's event.

Gov. Edwards on visits with Hollywood execs: 'They like doing business here' Back from a short trip to California to promote the generous subsidies Louisiana offers to film and TV productions, Gov. John Bel Edwards says

Edwards will deliver a keynote address. Other highlighted participants include CSRS President Tim Barfield, Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott, LED Secretary Don Pierson, Committee of 100 President and CEO Mike Olivier, Port of New Orleans President and CEO Brandy Christian, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, Department of Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson, LSU economist Jim Richardson, Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie, military consultant John Simmons of The Roosevelt Group, President Trey Burvant of Second Line Stages, Cyber Innovation Center executive director Craig Spohn and Justin Ehrenwerth, president and CEO of The Water Institute of the Gulf.

Our elected leaders should not be using taxpayer funds to further their personal political objectives," LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich said in a statement. "The timing and choice of speakers at this summit raises serious questions for Governor Edwards, and the people of Louisiana deserve answers.

The GOP's request seeks communication in state government regarding several of the participating companies, including CSRS, Entergy and the Cyber Innovation Center. It also seeks six months of planning records for the event and correspondence between Edwards' campaign and state government aides.
Three people were killed and nineteen others were injured when a Colombo bound bus from Vavuniya, skidded off the road and crashed into a transformer at Mahawewa Junction in Marawila early this morning.

Police said three women were among the injured and they were admitted to the Marawila Hospital.
Scientists will be scanning for colorful beads and other Mardi Gras throws that make their way into the Mississippi River after this year's Carnival season.

On the whole, beads are "a drop in the bucket" of plastic pollution, but they are a vivid reminder of the litter that can harm the ecosystem, said Mark Benfield, a professor with the LSU Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences.

Benfield's preparing to begin systematically flying a camera-equipped drone over the river  probably around the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge  to record floating plastic debris. The professor hopes to be ready in time to catch the Mardi Gras runoff.

To fish, colorful beads and glitter "would look like something pretty good to eat," Benfield said.

Bass, which pluck insects off the surface of the water, are an example of a species that could mistake a bead for food, especially once a chain breaks and individual links make their way downstream, Benfield said.

That's bad news, because plastic is inherently dangerous as it can block digestion or give animals a false sense of fullness. Chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants also cling to bits of plastic, forming them into poison pellets, said Stephen Midway, an assistant professor with the LSU Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences.

The pollutants are chemicals created or used in agriculture, industry, disease control and even the burning of medical waste, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Of particular concern is microplastic, pieces just millimeters wide or smaller. They can form when larger products break down, though many begin small. Microbeads are used in sandblasting and exfoliates, and bits of plastic are used in synthetic fibers that slough off clothes like "21st-century lint," Midway said.

He is collaborating with states that drain into the Mississippi River from Montana to Pennsylvania. Local agencies send him dead specimens, from bottom-feeding catfish to algae-eating carp to piscivorous gar, so he can cut open their stomachs and see where plastic is entering the food chain.

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Midway hasn't collected enough data to form any conclusions yet, but he suspects the issue is not whether plastic is entering the food chain, but how much is already there. Follow-up work could look at whether ingested plastic makes its way to fish meat, where it can be consumed by humans. Because fish  and humans  have all likely eaten some amount of plastic already, it's also worth figuring out if it has any toxic effects, even if the dose isn't large enough to kill, Midway said.

In Baton Rouge, Benfield is still focused on the bigger pieces. His local surveys will look specifically at large, floating plastic. It won't catch things like heavy, sunken PVC pipes, but he hopes to get a representative look at pollution. Not every scrap of litter is as glittery as Mardi Gras flotsam, though, so Benfield is looking to spread some trash on a practice field on campus so he can get used to spotting plastic from his drone's camera before it's time to put it out over the water.

Report: After Metairie krewes roll, paradegoers can now throw their beads back  to be recycled After the final floats of Metairie Mardi Gras parades pass, revelers can now toss their unwanted beads back so they can be recycled, according

Dusty Kling, head of the Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade, said his organization doesnt practice any particular anti-littering measures. Rather, krewes rely on attendees to properly dispose of their throws.

But if krewes are looking for environmentally friendly throws, they may someday turn to Naohiro Kato, an LSU assistant professor of biology. He's creating biodegradable beads out of algae.

The algae can be harvested, ground and formed into shapes. They biodegrade in soil after a year or two, the university wrote in a statement.

The lingering problem is cost.

The first batch of 3,000 necklaces is expected to run about $40,000  or $13 each. Kato believes costs will decrease dramatically in subsequent production runs, with each necklace dropping in price to $1 or less.
Louisiana students are paying more than the regional and national averages to attend community colleges and the issue needs to be addressed, Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed said Monday.

Families here pay 21.1 percent of their income when enrolled in the two-year schools compared to 17 percent in other Southern states and 18.2 percent nationally, according to data compiled by the Southern Regional Education Board.

"The bottom line is this: If you can't afford it you can't achieve it," Reed told the Press Club of Baton Rouge.

+9 Louisiana's new higher education leader starts job early to help head off potential budget cuts Louisiana's new higher education chief Kim Hunter Reed started her job three weeks early to help head off another round of crippling cuts for 

"When your point of entry is not affordable it is a real challenge in a state where we need to increase credentials," she said.

In 2010-11 students here used 17 percent of their income to attend community colleges.

Community colleges are celebrating their 20th year, and have long been touted as an affordable way for students to earn post-secondary education even if they do not attend a four-year school.

However, all colleges and universities have undergone a huge change in the past decade in terms of state support compared to what students pay in tuition and fees.

Tuition accounted for 64 percent of revenue at two-year schools in 2015-16 -- the latest available -- compared to 37 percent a decade earlier.

Monty Sullivan, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, said the board that oversees the schools has gone four years without raising tuition and three years without a boost in fees.

"We have been sensitive to this issue for some time," Sullivan said.

Southern, LCTCS leaders call for more need-based college aid The leaders of the Southern University and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems said Wednesday the state needs to spend more on n

Affordability at community colleges is especially significant amid new state goals for education attainment.

The state Board of Regents wants 60 percent of the population to have a credential by 2030 compared to 45.7 percent today.

One way to address affordability, Reed said, is to ensure that students take advantage of every form of financial assistance that can help them finish their degree requirements.

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While Reed focused on community colleges the same disparity exists for technical schools.

Families here use 20.6 percent of their income on technical school charges compared to 18.6 percent regionally and 18.2 percent nationally.

Louisiana has 12 community and technical colleges used by about 155,000 students.

The average yearly tuition is $4,250.

Sullivan said that, under a plan authorized by the Legislature last year, 120 students last fall and about 350 students in the spring semester attended schools without charge after meeting academic requirements.

He said the $175,000 to finance the program was raised privately.

The report also shows Louisiana spends less than average for need-based aid, which includes lots of community college students, compared to merit-based student assistance, which includes the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS.

Gov. John Bel Edwards says higher education a priority but stops short of vowing more dollars Gov. John Bel Edwards told the state Board of Regents on Wednesday that Louisiana's financial outlook is much improved but stopped short of pr

The state spends $161 on average for need-based aid compared to an average of $343 in the region and $376 nationally.

It spends $1,601 for merit-based assistance compared to an average of $416 in the region and $168 in the U. S.

Most TOPS dollars go to students attending four-year schools.

"The question is how do we make sure we have more resources so we can stop the increases in tuition and fees," Reed said after the meeting.

"We can stop that by trying to make sure we are addressing unfunded mandates and faculty increase," she said.

"We can increase need-based aid to make sure more people have access. We can leverage public benefits so more people have resources to do that."

"So there are a number of ways to try to think about it," Reed added. "My point is we have to think about it. The result of this report is we are moving in the wrong direction."
The president of student government and the student voted Mr. Lee High was recently expelled from the prominent Baton Rouge public high school, but hes persuaded the School Board to consider reversing that decision.

Charlie Stephens' hearing marks the first time since June 2011 that the board has agreed to review a student expulsion. Its scheduled for Thursday at the boards regular meeting.

School administrators are accusing Stephens of two offenses that lead to an automatic recommendation for expulsion. They say they found evidence of marijuana in a search of his car, as well as 2-and-three-quarter inch knife. Knives that are two inches or longer are prohibited on campus. He acknowledges the knife was his, but has not admitted to the marijuana.

Stephens said it wasnt easy getting his case before the board and wonders how many other students like him tried over the years and eventually gave up.

I feel like that theres no way there hasnt been some kid in the last seven years who wanted a hearing and they didnt get it because they didnt have the means to hire an attorney, he said.

His full name is Assaad Mawas Stephens but hes known to most of his classmates as Charlie.

Stephens alleges the school system repeatedly violated its own policies and failed to afford him due process. He said he plans to ask that his School Board hearing be held in public, though he has the right to opt for a private hearing.

A senior, Stephens, who turned 18 in October, is well known at Lee High, where students voted him this past spring to serve as president of the SGA and voted again to make him Mr. Lee High at the schools Oct. 26 homecoming dance.

He's also active politically in the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Legislation aims to prohibit people younger than 21 from purchasing assault weapons in Louisiana Nikolas Cruz was just 18 years old when he legally bought the AR-15 he used to kill 17 people at a Florida high school in February.

Stephens said he was one of four students who had their cars searched that Thursday and were expelled because of what was found. The hearing officer overturned two of those four expulsions, but Stephens said he does not know why.

According to documents provided by Stephens, the searches grew out of the investigation of another student who was allegedly seen openly vaping in a classroom on Dec. 6; that student denied the allegation, was searched and nothing was found on him.

School officials, however, reviewed video and noticed that earlier in the day that student walked into a bathroom, and that four other students, including Stephens, were in the bathroom with him for a good period of time, according to one administrators statement. The school then summoned the four students to the office for questioning.

Once in the office, administrators had the students empty their pockets and searched their backpacks. In Stephens backpack, they found what one administrator described as five or so pieces that are used for vaping. Stephens said they were empty pods for a JUUL e-cigarette he bought after his 18th birthday, the legal age to vape in Louisiana.

Nevertheless, that discovery prompted school administrators to search his car as well.

Part of Stephens' case centers around discrepancies in those statements.

For instance, one administrator said they found the following items in Stephens car: a cannabis vape, lighters, cigar packets, at least two rolled-up and partially smoked marijuana joints, traces of loose marijuana and a multi tool. Another administrator provided a different list: a lot of marijuana scattered around, cigarillos that smelled of marijuana, more JUUL materials, lighters and 2 -inch knife.

Stephens recalled that at his Dec. 12 hearing the second administrator said there was no cannabis vape in Stephens' car, saying the first administrator was mistaken.

Stephens said hes not been able to see for himself what was taken from his car or allowed to examine or obtain copies of any pictures of those confiscated items.

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At his hearing on Dec. 12, Stephens recalled, an administrator pulled up a picture on his own phone, showing all the evidence from all four cars mixed together, making Stephens wonder whether the evidence was commingled.

There are other discrepancies. For instance, an administrator claimed that the other student besides Stephens whose expulsion was upheld, had a folding pocketknife in his car. That student told The Advocate he didn't have a knife in his car.

In a statement, written on Dec. 6, Stephens admitted that the knife was in the car as were the JUUL items  he described them as the turn 18, lets see if I can buy this or not at the gas station type mentality. But he did not admit to the other items found, including the marijuana, saying I am not sure of their origin.

His dad, Clifford Stephens, a finance professor at LSU, said hes thought from the beginning that the expulsion would be reversed and is surprised its gone this far.

We werent given a fair shake here. We werent given any due process, Clifford Stephens said. (Charlie) was railroaded. They didnt follow almost any of the procedures that they have in their policy.

In his Dec. 18 letter, seeking a hearing before the board, the father argues that the school system failed in the following respects:

No written notification of the expulsion hearing was sent via certified mail.

Stephens parents were not notified of their right, prior to the hearing, to view and copy any evidence to be presented by the school at the hearing.

No meaningful chance was given to cross-examine witnesses at the Dec. 12 hearing, including the other accused students and an administrator who provided a statement.

Clifford Stephens disputes that the school had reasonable suspicion to search his son at all. He noted that the school was unable to make a case against the student originally accused of vaping.

This should have ended right there. No one else was accused of anything, he said.

The father is also unhappy how difficult it was to get a hearing before the School Board at all.

He shared with The Advocate a recording he made of a Dec. 17 phone conversation with Gwynn Shamlin, general counsel for the school system, and Associate Superintendent Adam Smith.

In the recording, after Shamlin and Smith make clear that they see no reason to modify or reverse the expulsion, Clifford Stephens asks if the School Board can now decide whether it wants to hear the case.

So will we be on the agenda for the next board meeting? he asked

Its not necessary that you be placed on the board hearing, Smith responded.

Clifford Stephens keeps pressing, prompting a long silence.

You have the right to seek the advice of an attorney at this point, Shamlin says. The call ended shortly after.

Upset, the father said he sent a letter to the board the next day requesting the hearing and hired an attorney. He said his attorney then called Shamlins office repeatedly before he was assured that the board would consider the case.
Four teenage inmates escaped from the state juvenile prison in Monroe over the weekend in a jailbreak so violent one guard was airlifted to Shreveport for medical treatment, state officials said Monday.

The escape late Friday marked the second in a week  and at least the fourth in 2018  from the Swanson Center for Youth, an understaffed facility that has become a cauldron of violence and dysfunction.

The state Office of Juvenile Justice scrambled to bolster security at the prison's porous perimeter, which youths have repeatedly breached by overpowering guards and using dormitory mattresses to scale the exterior razor-wire fences.

The agency said in a statement that those "enhancements" will be complete within the next two weeks, adding officials also are boosting mental and behavioral health programs to deter "criminogenic and violent behavior" among incarcerated teens.

The injured employee, whose name was not released, remained in stable condition Monday, and all four of the escaped youths had been captured by Saturday morning, said Beth Touchet-Morgan, OJJ's deputy assistant secretary.

But the latest escape raised new questions about the state's ability to secure its juvenile prisons  troubled facilities that have seen alarming rates of turnover and staffing levels that at times have run afoul of federal laws intended to protect inmates from jailhouse assault. Swanson also was the site of an inmate riot less than a year ago in which inmates reportedly escaped from their dormitory, flipped a security desk and began punching guards in their faces.

+3 New Orleans teen on lam after trio used trash can, mattress to escape juvenile detention center A New Orleans teen convicted of manslaughter remained on the loose Thursday, the subject of an intensifying search three days after he escaped from a Monroe facility during what authorities say was a premeditated jailbreak in which three youths used a trash can and a mattress to scale a razor-wire fence. The escape, which happened Monday night at the Swanson Center for Youth, came as the latest embarrassment for the state's Office of Juvenile Justice ...

The repeated jailbreaks have concerned residents in the area surrounding Swanson, a 124-bed facility that sits along the Ouachita River on Monroe's south side.

"People in the community are concerned," said John Sanders, a prosecutor in the 4th Judicial District Juvenile Court. "We've had good luck in getting (the inmates) back, but that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in the community."

The situation at Swanson also has drawn the attention of state lawmakers, including Rep. Katrina Jackson, who said she intends to meet with juvenile justice officials "before it spirals out of control any further."

"Nothing is perfect when you're housing juveniles," Jackson, D-Monroe, said in an interview. "But it's a concern of mine, and I believe it's the responsibility of OJJ to take all necessary steps to ensure this does not happen again."

Violence, 'frequent fighters' spiking in Louisiana's understaffed juvenile lockups, audit finds The prevalence of violence has increased inside Louisiana's juvenile prisons in recent years, even as the number of teens behind bars has fall

Touchet-Morgan, the OJJ official, declined to discuss the particulars of the Friday night escape, citing an ongoing State Police investigation and "the confidential nature of juvenile records." She said the state deployed a "Critical Incident Stress Debriefing" team over the weekend that remained on the prison's campus Monday. The investigation has not yet resulted in any criminal charges.

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"Additional physical security changes have been implemented to assure that the campus is secure," Touchet-Morgan said. "Staff are essential to security within the facility, so as always we are continually hiring and training staff, particularly on the proper levels of supervision needed on campus and basic operating procedures concerning safety."

A state law enforcement official said three of the escapees were 16 and one was 15. The official was not authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Victoria Anderson said one of the 16-year-olds who escaped Swanson on Friday was her son, Latrell Anderson, who grew up in Shreveport. She said she did not know her son was on the loose until she called the prison on Saturday asking to speak with him.

"My heart dropped," she said. "I wanted to say happy birthday to him."

Victoria Anderson said she eventually spoke with a prison official who told her the escape involved four teens who assaulted a guard and took his keys.

That description closely resembles an escape from Swanson earlier this month that also involved four youths. State records obtained by The Advocate show the June 9 escape happened after an assault in which four youths "assaulted staff, took the keys and took mattresses from the dormitory to be able to scale the fence and jump over."

"Swanson is understaffed because no one wants to work there," the state law enforcement official said. "It's just not worth it to come to work everyday and be  assaulted by these kids."

A legislative audit release last week found that staffing levels at Swanson have been frequently out of compliance with the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act, a 2003 law that requires a 1 to 8 staff to youth ratio during waking hours and a 1 to 16 staff to youth ratio during sleeping hours.

The audit also cited a 53 percent increase in "fights per youth" in Louisiana's juvenile prisons between 2013 and 2017  a spike that has come even as the state has drastically reduced the number of juvenile offenders it houses behind bars.

Juvenile justice officials have blamed budget cuts for their perennial lack of resources, a funding shortfall that also has prevented the Office of Juvenile Justice from opening a brand-new 72-bed youth prison that is sitting vacant in Avoyelles Parish. Another legislative audit released Monday warned that OJJ will have spent more than $900,000 "to maintain an empty building" if that facility has not opened by fiscal year 2022.

The agency is facing a further proposed budget cut of $11 million that would cause OJJ to shutter five regional offices and eliminate 114 positions.

Those proposed cuts come as the Louisiana's juvenile system prepares to absorb an influx of 17-year-old offenders who will no longer be tried as adults  the result of the 2016 "raise the age" law.
A Baton Rouge firefighter who was allegedly intoxicated and speeding when he crashed into a woman's vehicle, causing her to have her leg amputated, will be arraigned next week on felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from the November incident.

Christopher Michael Reese, 33, was off-duty and in his personal vehicle at the time of the crash in the 4000 block of Government Street, Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesman Curt Monte said last month after Reese was arrested.

Baton Rouge firefighter arrested on DWI count in crash that caused victim's leg amputation A Baton Rouge Fire Department firefighter was arrested Thursday on a slew of counts from a November crash that caused a victim's leg to be amputated.

A State Police search warrant affidavit says witnesses indicated Reese was operating his vehicle "at a high rate of speed with red flashing light bars on his front windshield."

Reese stated he was coming from a local bar, where he had consumed alcohol prior to driving, the affidavit says.

An arrest report says Reese's blood-alcohol content was 0.21 percent and he had been traveling 94 mph before the 10:55 p.m. crash on Nov. 5.

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A blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is presumptive evidence of drunken driving in Louisiana.

Reese, who was arrested Jan. 3, was charged Jan. 29 by the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office with first-degree vehicular negligent injuring, which is a felony.

He was also charged with several misdemeanors, including first-offense DWI, reckless operation of a vehicle and driving without automobile insurance.

Reese will be arraigned Feb. 25 by state District Judge Fred Crifasi.

Online court records do not indicate whether Reese has hired an attorney.

Monte has said Reese will remain employed until the criminal proceedings are finalized.
DONALDSONVILLE  In its first act, the sturdy building on the edge of a former high school campus in Donaldsonville served for decades as a school and community gym before eventually falling into disrepair and closing.

In its second act, the old gym that dates back to 1938 is shining as the new classroom building for three-year-olds in the Ascension Parish school district's Head Start program, the federal program that serves children from low-income families.

"This is one of my favorite projects ever," said Chad Lynch, planning and construction director for the school district.

Some $3 million was spent to transform the gym into a Head Start space for the district's youngest students  a project that required gutting the building, according to Jeremy Theriot, project manager.

The gym was a federal Works Administration Project of the Great Depression years that was built to last, Theriot said, with solid, cast-in-place concrete walls about 8 inches thick.

Bleachers and locker rooms were removed, as well as a performing stage that had been silent for years.

Now, the building on Lee Avenue in Donaldsonville is filled with more than 100 lively three-year-olds in seven classrooms, eager to learn. There's a lobby, staff offices and a conference room, as well as a new playground outside.

The Head Start staff and students moved into their new space before Christmas last year, leaving behind a smaller classroom building nearby that's now undergoing its own major renovation to add three classrooms and a cafeteria space to the Head Start campus. The two buildings will be joined by a hallway in the future.

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Currently, meals for the Head Start program are prepared at Donaldsonville High School, about two miles away on La. 1, delivered to hot trays at the Head Start site, then plated up into disposable lunch boxes and delivered to the children in their classrooms.

While the meals will continue to be prepared at the high school, once current renovations are finished, the kids will be able to eat their breakfast and lunch in a regular school cafeteria setting, Head Start Principal Martha Babin said.

"The renovations have not only transformed the physical location, but our spirits are uplifted, as well," said Babin, who also oversees Head Start programs for four-year-olds in the Ascension Parish school district at four primary schools: G.W. Carver, Pecan Grove, Gonzales Primary and Donaldsonville Primary.

Ascension Parish Head Start program prepares children for kindergarten The Ascension Parish school district's Head Start program is helping its students prepare for kindergarten in a number of ways, the program's 

During the renovation of the gym over the last year, workers uncovered a squarish, copper box, a "time capsule" that had been tucked away in a wall when the building went up 80 years ago.

The contents of the time capsule  local newspapers of the time, important school documents  will be displayed in the future in the lobby of the building.

The Head Start students, "the youngest scholars in Ascension Parish," as Babin calls them, will now make their own history in the historic old building.

"We have a school for early learners here forever," she said.
GONZALES  Defense attorney Jarrett Ambeau showed Ascension Parish jurors a disturbing photograph of a dying Todd "T.J." Toups Jr. during last week's closing arguments in the murder trial of Toups' admitted killer, Jacob Westbrook.

Toups lay unconscious, appearing ashen and lifeless, with his sleeves rolled up, his black top-shirt unbuttoned. Westbrook was shown in the photograph cradling Toups' head and applying pressure on his upper chest just minutes after their deadly encounter more than three years ago.

Ambeau's use of the potent image was one of the more emotional moments in Westbrook's second-degree murder trial, and it underscored his successful defense of Westbrook under Louisiana's "stand your ground" law.

+4 Jacob Westbrook not guilty in stabbing death of St. Amant High senior, jury decides GONZALES  Prosecutors and defense attorneys spent 3 days trying to convince an Ascension Parish jury which of the two teens instigated a fat

The photograph, Ambeau argued, depicted a needless and tragic outcome that could have been avoided. Things would have turned out different and Toups, the 18-year-old with a 5.5-inch deep stab wound in his chest, would still be alive had he not taken any of several opportunities to cease being the aggressor and not put the smaller Westbrook, then 16, in the position of having to defend himself with a kitchen knife.

"I don't want to attack the kid, but it makes me angry," Ambeau bellowed to jurors, that Toups did this.

A little over five hours later, the jury of 10 men and two women acquitted Westbrook, 10-2, of second-degree murder or any lesser charges in Toups' slaying on Oct. 10, 2015.

Ambeau's strategy might have seemed to turn the normal rhythm of a murder trial on its head, but some legal experts say it's in line with a justifiable homicide defense.

Taking the stand, Jacob Westbrook describes stabbing death of T.J. Toups GONZALES  The way Jacob Westbrook tells it, he and Todd "T.J." Toups stood face to face for about 8 to 10 seconds with their fists up as West

Under Louisiana law, people have the right stand their ground in their homes or public places where they have a legal right to be. When defendants in a criminal case invoke self-defense, state prosecutors bear the burden of proving the defendant wasn't reasonable in believing deadly force was necessary to prevent being killed or suffering great bodily harm.

Under an important legal concept known as the "aggressor doctrine," aggressors themselves can't claim self-defense unless they withdraw from the encounter in good faith and others should have known they were withdrawing.

"Any time self-defense is at issue, it really is about judging the actions of the victim of what would otherwise have been a crime," LSU criminal law professor Raymond Diamond said. "That's exactly what self-defense is about."

Still, the verdict acquitting the killer of Toups, a well-liked St. Amant High senior who was supposed to be hours from his homecoming dance, shocked many in the courtroom in Gonzales Thursday and has sparked predictable repercussions on social media.

Prosecutors in Ascension and members of Toups' family, through a family spokeswoman, didn't respond for a request for comment about how the "stand your ground" law played out in the case.

But E. Pete Adams, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, noted that Louisiana's "stand your ground" law passed with strong support more than a decade ago. And, he said, its application since then hasn't prompted major calls from local prosecutors that the law isn't working as intended.

The law expanded on Louisiana's longstanding "castle doctrine." It allows people to defend their homes and cars and to be in public places that they have a right to be in, and removed a previous legal duty to retreat from an aggressor in those areas.

+3 In trial of St. Amant student's slaying, 2 pictures emerge: fatal sneak attack or self-defense GONZALES  Two different pictures emerged Friday in the murder trial of a youth accused of fatally stabbing a St. Amant High School senior hou

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In a ruling during the jury selection phase of Westbrook's trial, 23rd Judicial District Judge Jason Verdigets rejected prosecutors' attempt to have the post-trial instructions say jurors could consider the possibility of Westbrook's retreat to see if his use of deadly force was necessary. In an emergency appeal from prosecutors, a state appellate court upheld that ruling.

Adams said each justifiable homicide defense "turns on the specific facts of the case," and juries normally convict defendants who try to claim self-defense without the facts to back it up.

"You know we kind of trust juries to do the right thing. You don't always get it right, but they get it right a lot," Adams said. "So I'm not sure that this is going to be ... the momentum for a law change."

At trial, prosecutors argued Toups was slain while stopping by the trailer home of a 14-year-old girl and fellow St. Amant High choir member whom he was giving a ride to homecoming that night.

During that visit, Westbrook, who had mused eight days earlier in text messages with his brother about wanting to hurt a random person and see blood, inexplicably pretended to shake Toups' hand inside the trailer and then stabbed him with the other, prosecutors told jurors.

+2 Accused killer Jacob Westbrook texted he wanted to hurt someone, 'see some blood,' prosecutors say GONZALES  Jacob Westbrook, the man accused of fatally stabbing a St. Amant High senior more than three years ago, mused by text about his "st

Ambeau countered that Toups was taking the young teen to a private dinner and date and, for reasons that remain unclear, showed up hours early at her home to pick a fight with Westbrook. Westbrook considered the Roddy Road trailer where his girlfriend  the 14-year-old's older stepsister  lived as his second home.

Ambeau seized on testimony by Westbrook and one other eyewitness that Toups was rolling up his sleeves and unbuttoning his shirt once inside the trailer home, saying he "had something for" Westbrook. Westbrook testified he took those actions to mean Toups was preparing to beat him up.

The then-16-year-old Westbrook testified that he'd never been in a fight before and feared the older and larger Toups would beat him severely. He testified that he grabbed the knife to scare away the larger teen but reacted when Toups punched him.

Diamond, the LSU law professor, said that if the testimony from Westbrook was that he feared a severe beating, he gave the jury factual grounds "on which it could conclude that Westbrook reasonably believed he was at risk of receiving great bodily harm," a key element for a justifiable homicide defense.

Assistant District Attorney Joni Buquoi tried to poke holes in the idea that Toups was a threat, noting Westbrook was able to walk past Toups without trouble to get the knife.

The prosecutor pointed to testimony from one witness indicating Toups was getting up from a seated position when Westbrook returned from the kitchen with the knife, not standing with his fists up as Westbrook testified.

In her closing, Buquoi also noted, dryly, that unbuttoning one's shirt might be the "universal" sign for a fight but suggested Toups' shirt could have been unbuttoned after the stabbing to get access to his stab wound, though there wasn't testimony to that effect.

It's up to a jury, Diamond and others noted, to weigh the evidence and decide who to believe. In an interview Friday, Ambeau said that part of his trial strategy was to have as many young men or women, or older men, on the jury as possible.

The older men, in particular, Ambeau said, would understand what it meant to get in a fight and also have the strong instinct not to back down when protecting one's home.

"I wanted some guys, guys who would understand 'stand your ground,' and they'd listen to 'stand your ground' and say, 'Yeah,'" Ambeau said.
Kentaro Sonoura who is the special adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday on a two-day visit. During his stay, he will hold meetings with government leaders to further promote bilateral relations between the two countries, including cooperation for realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He will also participate in the closing ceremony of Oil Spill Incident Management Training of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard under the Grant Aid of Government of Japan, to be held today at the Colombo Port. The training was held under the Maritime Disaster Measures and Marine Environment Protection Project. The Japan Coast Guard has provided short-term experts on oil spill incident management with relevant equipment which will be utilized to improve maritime safety and strengthen control of the maritime borders of Sri Lanka.



In addition, during his stay, he will attend the Japan-Sri Lanka Navy to Navy staff talks to be held for the first time.



The Embassy of Japan expects that this visit will help further consolidate the Comprehensive Partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka.
On Feb. 16, the Art Institute of Chicago announced the results of significant new research on five terracotta sculptures--so named Bankoni after a village in present-day Mali where they were found.

The objects date from between the 12th and 15th centuries. This places them "among the oldest surviving sculptures from sub-Saharan Africa and among the oldest works of African art in the Art Institute's collection beyond Egypt," according to Constantine Petridis, Chair of the Arts of the Americas and Africa and Curator of African Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Art Institute's Bankoni figures are exceptional, not only for their large size and fine detail, but also for the fact that they have remained as a group throughout history (whereas others have been dispersed). The group's inclusion in a major traveling exhibition, Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture and Exchange Across Medieval Saharan Africa, presented the Art Institute's Conservation & Science department with an unprecedented opportunity to expand on previous scientific analysis using cutting-edge technology made possible by the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

"Thanks to our long-standing relationship with Dr. Michael Vannier, a radiologist at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, we were able to use computed axial tomography or CT scanning--which is basically an X-ray but in 3D--to closely examine the ceramic," said Rachel Sabino, Objects Conservator in the Department of Conservation & Science at the Art Institute of Chicago. "As each figure went through the scanner we were able to see immediately that they had all been created with the exact same clay and with the exact same fabrication methods. This confirmed for us that our five were conceived as a group from the start and that they aren't figures from different places or different potters."

The results also verified that the sculptures were not "pastiches" made from unrelated fragments of the appropriate age, as is sometimes discovered to be the case with ancient ceramics. Additionally, 3D models generated from the CT data helped pinpoint locations for sample sites to use in thermoluminescence (TL) testing, a specialized technique for dating ceramics. The TL results revealed that the objects were fired between 500 and 800 years ago, older than previous testing had indicated.

These types of collaborations between museums and hospitals have expanded the conservator's toolkit by giving them access to the most advanced technologies and to equipment that would be otherwise unavailable. Their medical partners' specialized knowledge guarantees that conservators have the best instrumental protocol available to find answers to their questions and that the results will be interpreted accurately.

"The encyclopedic collection at the Art Institute of Chicago serves as a reference standard for both scholars and the general public, so it's crucial that the objects on display in service to a museum's educational and social mission be what they purport to be. To that end, we are absolutely thrilled at the extent to which this partnership has allowed us to see just how ancient, how unique and how exceptional our figures really are," said Sabino.

Source: Press Release
Although it's becoming clearer and clearer that foldable phones are bound to make waves this year and beyond, one company makes it clear that it won't be jumping aboard the foldable phone bandwagon just yet.

Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, plus a number of other phone manufacturers have made foldable phone announcements in recent months, some of them due to debut devices later this month. However, LG is sitting this one out.

LG Not Releasing A Foldable Phone

It's a bit surprising, to say the least, especially since LG seems very well capable of producing foldable phones. Heck, it showed off a rollable OLED TV just last month. Not to mention being granted a patent last year for a phone that can turn into a tablet in an instant.

The engineering is there, that much is clear. So, what gives? Well, According to Brian Kwon, LG's mobile and TV head, it's all about demand for smartphones in general. Here's Kwon's statement, as The Korea Times reports:

"The market demand for smartphones is expected to be at around 1 million but LG's main issue in smartphone business is to regain its market position," said Kwon. "Considering this situation, it is too early for LG to launch a foldable smartphone. In terms of technology, we are fully ready to respond depending on consumers' reactions (to foldable smartphones)."

The State Of Foldable Phones

It's not quite clear from Kwon's statement whether or not LG has actually tried developing a foldable phone concept or is simply not ready to launch one because it doesn't see significant demand. While unfortunate, it's a measured decision. After all, foldable devices are still somewhat gimmicky at this stage. Beyond the "wow" factor, no one has actually made a strong case about the functions and conveniences of a foldable design.

There are still lots of unanswered questions, chief of which is how a foldable phone would be practical in terms of real-world usage. Strength and durability are two other big uncertainties. How quickly would a foldable display degrade over repeated use? How fragile would it be?

LG has been looking at the foldable form factor for many years, according to a spokesperson.

Focusing on traditional smartphones is a smart move on LG's part  that is if they turn out to be a mere gimmick. Suppose the inverse is true and foldable phones are the future, then LG risks being irrelevant, much like when other companies insisted on QWERTY handsets when the iPhone was released and even doubted Apple's success in the smartphone space.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In context: A report by the Washington Post sheds light on the controversial practice by Google and others of using shell companies to negotiate incentives and land purchases for expansion across the US. Google calls this a "common industry practice," but others feel that the public in these communities is being kept in the dark until it's too late to debate Google's presence there.

According to a staggering report by The Washington Post, Google has used shell companies and fake brand names to obtain land and secure huge tax breaks for their expansion efforts across the US.

The report sheds light on how major tech companies, notably Amazon and Google, cut deals with local governments and secure both land and property without disclosing who they are. When the search giant approached the city of Midlothian, Texas, to build a data center there, it operated under a subsidiary called Sharka LLC. Other pseudonyms Google used for development projects included Jet Stream LLC and Questa LLC.

Often, Google forces both its development agencies and city officials to sign non-disclosure agreements that forbid them to announce who is actually behind the deal. This allows Google to secure potentially millions of dollars in tax breaks and other incentives without the public knowing who's moving in. In the case of the Texas data center, Google won $10 million in tax savings over 10 years.

Travis Smith, the editor in chief of the Waxahachie Daily Light, the local paper in Midlothian, sums up the problem with this practice.

Im confident that had the community known this project was under the direction of Google, people would have spoken out, but we were never given the chance to speak. We didnt know that it was Google until after it passed.

In a statement to the Post, Google defended its methods, calling them "common industry practices."

We believe public dialogue is vital to the process of building new sites and offices, so we actively engage with community members and elected officials in the places we call home, Google spokeswoman Katherine Williams said. In a single year, our data centers created $1.3 billion in economic activity, $750 million in labor income, and 11,000 jobs throughout the United States. Of course, when we enter new communities we use common industry practices and work with municipalities to follow their required procedures.

While the report focuses largely on the Texas data center, shell companies were also used to secure incentives and property in Iowa, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

In all of these cases, Google was revealed as the deal maker too late in the process for the public to debate their presence there.

While it's true that these new sites will create jobs, at the center of the debate over this practice is whether or not the public should have more say in the process. If Google, and others, are operating under shell company names, the public is kept in the dark until it's too late to do anything about it.

The Post report comes to light after the recent decision by Amazon to scrap plans for their new HQ in New York City. That project was subject to massive public outcry over tax breaks and incentives given to the company, prompting Amazon to pull the plug.
Big quote: "Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like 'digital gangsters' in the online world. Facebook is considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law" - British lawmakers on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, who concluded that Facebook should be subject to an investigation and a new code of ethics over their privacy breaches and inability to curtail false content on the platform.

Facebook's recent woes continue, with the social media giant now being the target of calls for an investigation into their business practices in the United Kingdom.

According to British lawmakers on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Facebook "intentionally and knowing violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws" in the UK, signaling their intention to investigate the company and adopt new regulations to stem these accusations.

The caustic rebuke was part of a 108-page report issued by the committee, concluding a study into Facebook and the spread of malicious and false content online that began in 2017. The study concludes that companies like Facebook should be held to a "compulsory Code of Ethics, overseen by an independent regulator," and calls for regulations to hold Facebook accountable for misdeeds and privacy breaches.

"Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like 'digital gangsters' in the online world," the report states. "[Facebook is] considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law."

The report also concludes that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg "failed to show leadership or responsibility" over the fake news that proliferated through the site during the 2016 election cycle.

Fake news and misinformation continue to be a problem on the platform, although Facebook has undertaken counter-measures to remove false or misleading content. Zuckerberg refused to testify before the committee, and the company issued a statement defending their recent focus on content integrity:

"We share the committee's concerns about false news and election integrity and are pleased to have made a significant contribution to their investigation over the past 18 months, answering more than 700 questions and with four of our most senior executives giving evidence. "We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform. But we're not waiting. We have already made substantial changes so that every political ad on Facebook has to be authorised, state who is paying for it and then is stored in a searchable archive for seven years. No other channel for political advertising is as transparent and offers the tools that we do."

In addition to the calls for regulation, the committee also called for a broad, compulsory code of ethics for all tech companies to follow, the power to launch legal action if that code is breached, a reform of electoral laws and overseas involvement in UK elections, and new taxes levied on tech companies operating in the UK to help fund the new oversight initiatives.

This news comes on the heels of Facebook negotiating a record-setting fine with the FTC over its privacy practices. This isn't the first time Facebook has been in hot water overseas; they could soon be slapped with a $1.63 billion dollar fine for violating the GDPR, and were already fined 500,000 for failing to protect user data under the GDPR.
In brief: Chinese television maker TCL is throwing their hat into the foldable device ring, with renderings of at least five flexible devices surfacing recently. The devices include two tablets and two smartphones, with the fifth device being a smartphone that snaps onto the users wrist becoming a smartwatch. While TCL isn't well-known for their handsets, they do manufacture both Blackberry and Alcatel devices, and could shake up the market against more expensive offerings from Samsung.

Foldable devices are where it's at so far in 2019, and now television maker TCL is jumping on the bandwagon. The Chinese company known for its budget but feature-rich televisions is reportedly working on at least five devices that will feature a flexible display.

The lineup includes two tablets, two phones, and a third phone that could bend into a smartwatch. The company released renderings showing examples of all five devices, and filed a patent for the phone-to-smartwatch design.

The foldable tablets and phones have two versions each. One tablet folds inward like a clamshell, while the other folds outward so that the screen is on the outside of the device, similar to the Royole Flexpai. Judging by the patent filing, the hybrid phone/smartwatch device seemingly snaps onto the users wrist like a snap bracelet, converting from a phone to a wearable with just the flick of the wrist.

TCL joins Huawei, Samsung, Lenovo, and others in the foldable device craze. Foldable devices are seen as the next big leap in mobile design, with manufacturers scrambling to be the first to market with a viable folding device.

At CES in January, TCL's general manager of global marketing said that their foldable dreams weren't just limited to smartphones, and that other products like appliances, TVs, and wearables could benefit from the new tech.

These images are preliminary renderings and are subject to change, so no word on specs, pricing, or timing. With a reputation for bringing high-quality consumer products to market at a lower price, TCL is an interesting entry into what is sure to be a very high-priced line of foldable devices once they hit the market.

While TCL isn't known for manufacturing handsets, they acquired the rights to the Blackberry brand in 2016, and manufactured the KeyOne and Key2 devices. The company also brands and manufactures Alcatel phones outside of the US.
What just happened? Australia's three largest political parties have been targeted by a sophisticated cyber attack only three months before the Parliamentary election in May. PM Scott Morrison addressed Parliament this morning, stating that the attack had been contained and that the integrity of voting systems has been ensured.

Australia's major parties have been targeted by a "sophisticated state actor," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced to Parliament this morning. First reported by The Guardian, the hackers accessed the networks of the Labor, Liberal, and Nationals parties. The Australian government is unsure what, if any, data was taken during the breach.

The breach was identified quickly, and efforts to negate it resulted in destruction of forensic evidence that may have helped identify the attackers, per Australian Cyber Security Centre head Alastair MacGibbon. MacGibbon stated that the agency was currently unable to answer whether or not data had been stolen because the agencies involved were "acting extraordinarily quickly and very openly, so we are piecing together all of the events."

PM Morrison said there was no evidence of any interference with the electoral balloting system, and that measures had been put in place to ensure its integrity.

The attacks are believed to carry the hallmarks and digital fingerprints of China, although it's possible that another state could be replicating Chinese methods in order to deflect blame towards them.

With the next Parliamentary election only three months away, there is fear that the attackers were able to obtain private correspondence that may be used for the purpose of election interference. This would echo the suspected Russian interference during the 2016 United States election, in which the Democratic National Committee had damaging information released during the presidential campaign.

The attack is believed to have occurred at the beginning of February, which led to House Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Scott Ryan releasing a joint statement reassuring Parliament that no data had been accessed or taken. This was not repeated by Morrison during his address today, fueling speculation that there may have been sensitive data stolen by the hackers.
A hot potato: Despite the United States warning its allies not to use Huawei equipment for their 5G networks, the UK believes it can limit any potential risks, making an outright ban unnecessary. The decision could see other European leaders follow suit and also use the Chinese firms technology.

The Financial Times reports that the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, has concluded that the risks posed by Huaweis equipment can be mitigated. The agency believes this is possible by, among other things, restricting some parts of the 5G networks and using several different suppliers.

Back in November, it was reported that the US had reached out to its allies, advising them not to use Huawei parts in their telecom infrastructure. The government has long accused the firm of spying at the behest of China, and US agencies last year warned Americans not to use Huawei or ZTE devices, else risk having their personal data stolen.

While Australia and New Zealand have banned Huawei from providing equipment for their 5G networks, the NCSCs conclusion would carry great weight with European leaders.

Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can also reassure their publics and the U.S. administration that they are acting in a prudent manner in continuing to allow their telecommunications service providers to use Chinese components as long as they take the kinds of precautions recommended by the British, the FTs source said.

A spokesperson for the UKs Digital, Culture, Media and Sport department said the review of 5G security was "ongoing." It will be up to the countrys government to decide whether to take the NCSCs advice on board.

The news will doubtlessly be unwelcome by the US, which has been clamping down hard on Huawei in recent months. The companys CFO was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States in December, and the firm is under investigation for allegedly stealing trade secrets.

Huawei last week said it was shocked or sometimes amused by the security allegations, and was willing to accept the supervision and suggestions of all European governments, customers, and partners.


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Authorities can't force people to unlock their biometrically secured phones or other devices, a federal judge in California ruled Thursday.

"The Government may not compel or otherwise utilize fingers, thumbs, facial recognition, optical/iris, or any other biometric feature to unlock electronic devices," Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore wrote in an opinion for the U.S. District Court for Northern California.

An attempt by law enforcement authorities in Oakland, California, to force two suspected extortionists to unlock their mobile phones with biometrics violated Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination, Westmore found.

Passcodes used to unlock devices already are protected by the Fifth Amendment, which prevents the government from forcing people to testify against themselves, she explained.

"Biometric features serve the same purpose of a passcode, which is to secure the owner's content, pragmatically rendering them functionally equivalent," Westmore wrote. "It follows, however, that if a person cannot be compelled to provide a passcode because it is a testimonial communication, a person cannot be compelled to provide one's finger, thumb, iris, face, or other biometric feature to unlock that same device."

More Than Physical Evidence

While compelling someone to give up their fingerprints or DNA to law enforcement is an accepted practice, Westmore argued they're not the same as compelling someone to unlock a phone with a biometric security feature.

"Requiring someone to affix their finger or thumb to a digital device is fundamentally different than requiring a suspect to submit to fingerprinting," she wrote.

"A finger or thumb scan used to unlock a device indicates that the device belongs to a particular individual. In other words, the act concedes that the phone was in the possession and control of the suspect, and authenticates ownership or access to the phone and all of its digital contents," Westmore noted.

"The act of unlocking a phone with a finger or thumb scan far exceeds the 'physical evidence' created when a suspect submits to fingerprinting to merely compare his fingerprints to existing physical evidence (another fingerprint) found at a crime scene, because there is no comparison or witness corroboration required to confirm a positive match," she wrote.

"Instead, a successful finger or thumb scan confirms ownership or control of the device, and, unlike fingerprints, the authentication of its contents cannot be reasonably refuted," Westmore found.

Step Forward for Privacy Rights

The protection of personal phone data and control over biometric information are two of the most important emerging privacy issues in the criminal justice system, said Alan Butler, senior counsel with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a civil liberties advocacy group in Washington, D.C.

"The decision from the Northern District of California is an important step forward for constitutional privacy rights," he told TechNewsWorld.

"The judge rightly recognized that traditional constitutional principles must be adapted as technology changes in order to preserve privacy and other rights ensured by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments," Butler said.

"Law enforcement officials are charged with upholding the Constitution and cannot act contrary to its limitations, so there cannot be any legitimate law enforcement activity that violates these important Constitutional rights," he maintained. "The government must use legitimate means subject to proper judicial oversight if they want to obtain evidence for an investigation."

Think Outside the Phone

Although Westmore rejected law enforcement's reasoning for forcing suspects to unlock their phones by using a part of their anatomy, she wasn't insensitive to law enforcement's position.

"While the Court sympathizes with the Government's interest in accessing the contents of any electronic devices it might lawfully seize, there are other ways that the Government might access the content that do not trample on the Fifth Amendment," she wrote.

In the case before the court, Facebook Messenger was used in a suspected extortion attempt. Law enforcement officials could have obtained the information they wanted from Facebook under the federal Stored Communications Act or through a warrant based on probable cause, Westmore suggested.

"While it may be more expedient to circumvent Facebook, and attempt to gain access by infringing on the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination, it is an abuse of power and is unconstitutional," she wrote.

"Law enforcement is creative and diligent," said Justin Kay, an attorney in the Chicago law office of Drinker Biddle & Reath.

"Law enforcement will find a way to get in even when they can't get in through cooperation," he told TechNewsWorld.

SCOTUS Bound?

Although Westmore's opinion doesn't have the weight of a higher court decision, it could be very influential.

"Defendants and potential defendants are going to be citing this," Kay said, "and other courts will invoke its reasoning."

For the most part, the issue of passwords and unlocking electronic devices has been kicking around lower federal courts and state courts -- but that could change.

"As the judge in this case acknowledges, there have been other decisions concerning compelled disclosure of passwords, and this decision is consistent with many earlier judgments," EPIC's Butler observed.

"However, this issue does come up more frequently each year, given the widespread use of mobile devices with biometric locks," he observed. "So I would expect that courts of appeals -- and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court -- will weigh in on this in the near future."

Legislative Inertia

The reason the courts have had to take an aggressive stance on electronic device privacy is that lawmakers have failed to address the problem.

"Our legislative system is not keeping up with the rate of technological change," said French Caldwell, CFO of The Analyst Syndicate, an IT research and analysis group based in Washington, D.C.

"The courts are saying, 'We can't wait for the legislature to sort all this out,' so they're being forced into a position of creating new law because there's no law on this," he told TechNewsWorld.

The issue eventually will land before the Supreme Court, Caldwell sid, and "it's going to take a long time before it gets to the Supreme Court, which gives legislators time to act."

Aside from protecting citizens' rights, there may be a security lesson to be learned from Westmore's decision.

"Biometric authentication is just one layer in what should be multifactor authentication," said Drinker Biddle's Kay. "The technology should be used with a passcode. It should be used to make sure that the person inputting the passcode is the person that should be inputting the passcode."

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.


Iyencar BHPian

Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Mumbai Posts: 279 Thanked: 1,060 Times

Contributing monetarily to our martyrs



The ministry of home affairs has set up a website called Bharat ke veer to pay homage and support to our martyrs. Click on the link below and then go to the contributions page.

Link

You can choose to either pay upto Rs.15 lakhs to a single martryr's family or contribute to a corpus fund. Here are the details from the website: You can donate directly to individual braveheart's account (upto max of  15 lakhs) or may donate to the Bharat Ke Veer corpus.

corpus. To ensure maximum coverage, a cap of  15 lakhs is envisaged per braveheart and the donor would be alerted if the amount exceeds  15 lakhs, so that they can choose to either decrease their contribution or divert part of the contribution to another bravehearts account, or to the Bharat Ke Veer corpus.

corpus. Bharat Ke Veer corpus would be managed by a commitee made up of eminent persons of repute and senior government officials, in equal number, who would decide to disburse the fund equitably to the bravehearts family on need basis. Not that it should matter but the contributions are also exempt under section 80(G). NRIs can also contribute and so can international debit/credit card holders.

The pictures and clips of the mourning families are truly heartbreaking. Once the grief passes the realization that their breadwinner is no more is going to hit them. Let us ease their pain in whatever small way we can.



These families truly deserve to know how much the nation values their sacrifice. We all must have read about the cowardly attack on our armed forces' convoy which has led to the tragic death of 42 soldiers. It takes a special kind of courage to go and put your life on the line every single day while facing an enemy who has no morals and won't fight you to your face. These were young men mostly from very humble backgrounds. The least we can do is support their families monetarily in this time of grief and crisis.The ministry of home affairs has set up a website called Bharat ke veer to pay homage and support to our martyrs. Click on the link below and then go to the contributions page.You can choose to either pay upto Rs.15 lakhs to a single martryr's family or contribute to a corpus fund. Here are the details from the website:Not that it should matter but the contributions are also exempt under section 80(G). NRIs can also contribute and so can international debit/credit card holders.The pictures and clips of the mourning families are truly heartbreaking. Once the grief passes the realization that their breadwinner is no more is going to hit them. Let us ease their pain in whatever small way we can.These families truly deserve to know how much the nation values their sacrifice. Attached Thumbnails



Last edited by Iyencar : 15th February 2019 at 15:19 .
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and Ports Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka taking a look at the development plan

Pic by Pradeep Pathirena

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said step would be taken to develop a vibrant economic hub around the Kankesanthurai harbour that would be transformed into a commercial port with Indian assistance.



Wickremesinghe visited the Kankesanthurai area on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the US$ 45.27 million development project for the KKS harbour. The Prime Minister instructed officials to work expeditiously to finalize land acquisition and other preliminary work of the three-year development plan.

Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Northern Province Development Minister, has also obtained Cabinet approval for the development work of the Kankesanthurai harbour.



Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka tweeted that the Kankesanthurai harbour, currently operated by Sri Lanka Navy, would be transformed into a port that can handle general cargo ships.



The transformation of the port is aimed to boost import and export sectors while generating a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Under this plan, the harbours basin will be deepened to 8 metres allowing it to handle general cargo ships. The current breakwater will be completely replaced as part of the transformation. One existing pier will be completely rehabilitated and a new pier will also be constructed, Ratnayaka stressed.



The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has already begun initial work on a 15-acre area within the KKS harbour premises, and it is expected to be expanded to a 50-acre area under the next phase.
Seminole, FL (33772)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. High 88F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms during the evening, then cloudy skies overnight. Low near 75F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
UK Urges Businesses To Prepare For VAT Process Disruptions

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

18 February 2019

The UK Government has released VAT guidance for businesses on how existing IT processes will be impacted should the UK leave the EU on March 29, 2019, without a deal.

The guidance explains that, in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal, from 11pm GMT on March 29, 2019, many UK businesses will need to apply the same processes to EU trade that apply when trading with the rest of the world.

The main changes for businesses will be to the processes for obtaining VAT refunds from EU countries and how to report sales of digital services to EU consumers.

After March 29, businesses must claim VAT refunds from EU member states by using the relevant member state's existing process for businesses based outside the EU. This includes outstanding claims that relate to 2018 expenses, and claims relating to 2019. Those wishing to use the EU VAT refund electronic system to submit a refund claim for 2018 will need to do so by 5pm on March 29, 2019.

The guidance says businesses must familiarize themselves with the process for each EU member state, as such can vary. For example:

the deadline for making a claim may be different;

taxpayers may need to supply a certificate of taxable status to support their claim;

taxpayers may need to appoint a tax representative in the EU member state of refund.

Next the guidance explains that suppliers of electronic services to EU consumers will no longer be able to use the UK's mini one stop shop scheme to simplify their compliance arrangements.

The guidance further notes that, when the UK leaves the EU, all supplies of digital services to consumers in EU member states will become liable for VAT in the consumer's member state. The GBP8,818 annual threshold for cross borders sales of digital services to EU consumers will no longer apply. That means that businesses will have to charge VAT at the rate where their customer is based and declare those sales to the relevant EU member state. To declare the VAT charge, the business must register for VAT in each EU member state where sales are made or register for the VAT MOSS non-Union scheme in an EU member state of their choice.

Businesses can use the UK's VAT MOSS to declare sales of digital services to consumers in the EU only up until the first quarter of 2019. This return should include supplies made between January 1, 2019, and 11pm on March 29, 2019. The normal submission deadline of April 20, 2019, will apply. However, they will need to sign up to a different EU state's MOSS service by April 10, 2019. Businesses will be automatically deregistered from the UK VAT MOSS from April 1, 2019.

Finally the guidance notes that those wishing to check the validity of UK registration numbers will be able to do so via the GOV.UK website from March 30, 2019.
Two weak weather systems will impact Upstate New York this week with some snow, ice, and rain.

The first of these systems moved in Sunday night and will pull out of Upstate New York today. Light snow will continue to move through Upstate New York, especially during the morning hours.

Another couple inches could fall across the Adirondacks with accumulations of an inch or less through most of the rest of Upstate New York.

Temperatures will end up in the low 20s this afternoon from Western New York into the Catskills with mid 20s in the Capital Region. Further north, temperatures will be in the teens.

Northwest winds behind the low will kick up light lake effect snow across the northern and eastern Finger Lakes and portions of Central New York Monday night into Tuesday morning. An inch or two of accumulation will be possible.

Outside of that lake effect, Monday night and Tuesday morning will be quiet with partly to mostly cloudy skies. Winds will turn to the south Tuesday afternoon, ending the lake effect and bringing partly cloudy skies to all Upstate New York.

Temperatures on Tuesday will be in the teens for the North Country and Adirondacks with low 20s elsewhere.

The second system will roll into Upstate New York on Wednesday with another round of light precipitation.

This precipitation will spread from southwest to northeast Wednesday afternoon and will persist through the evening. Initially, a little snow will fall, followed by a period of mixed precipitation. Eventually, the precipitation will turn to just rain for all by the mountain tops in the Adirondacks.

Temperatures will briefly get above 40 degrees Thursday morning before sliding back into the 30s during the afternoon. Skies will become a mix of sun and clouds as precipitation moves out.

Again, a brief flare up of lake effect snow will be possible, this time Thursday night over the Tug Hill region. No more than an inch or so should fall.

Friday will be partly cloudy and dry. Temperatures will range through the 30s with a few upper 20s in the Adirondacks.

Here are the details day-by-day:

Monday, February 18

Periods of light snow will gradually end. Additional accumulations should be limited to an inch or less for most areas.

Temperatures will back into the low 20s and upper teens this afternoon.

Tuesday, February 19



A few lake effect snow showers will be possible in the morning southeast of Lake Ontario. Otherwise, expect a mix of sun and clouds.

Temperatures will be in the teens across the north with low 20s to the south.

Wednesday, February 20

Light precipitation will move in during the afternoon, starting as snow before turning to some ice. Overnight, the precipitation will turn to rain.

Temperatures will spend most of the day near 30 degrees before rising overnight.

Thursday, February 21

A few rain or snow showers will be possible early on. The rest of the day will have a mix of sun and clouds. A little lake effect will briefly develop east of Lake Ontario during the nighttime.

Temperatures will reach a high in the low 40s early, then fall back through the 30s.

Friday, February 22

Dry conditions are expected with a mix of sun and clouds.

Temperatures will generally be in the low and mid 30s with a few areas warmer and a few areas cooler.

More from NYUP Weather

New York Upstate Weather
Syracuse- Another quiet, cool weekend is ahead for Central New York.

High pressure will be situated to the west over the Upper Great Lakes through the weekend. This will keep a fresh supply of cooler, but not too cold air moving into Central New York while also keeping the weather tranquil.

Saturday morning will start out with some clouds, but some sun should start to work out over the course of the morning. A mix of sun and clouds will persist into the afternoon.

Morning temperatures will get a start in the upper teens in the hills southeast of Syracuse and in the low 20s from Syracuse north and west.

A steady northwest wind will blow throughout the day, gusting to 25 mph at times. This will counteract any warming effect from the sun. Afternoon highs will mostly be in the mid 20s. With the wind, it will feel more like the teens.

Wind speeds will decrease Saturday evening. With partly cloudy to mostly clear skies, temperatures will fall into the single digits by Sunday morning.

Morning sunshine will be replaced by some cloud cover on Sunday as a weak weather system passes through the Mid-Atlantic region. There is a small chance snow may sneak into Central New York Sunday evening, but even if it does, it would be light and insignificant.

Otherwise, Sunday will be quiet like Saturday.

Temperatures will again settle in the mid 20s during the afternoon. Winds will remain light with top gusts at or below 15 mph. The wind direction will be from the north.

Sunday night's temperatures will again fall back through the teens and into the single digits.

Temperatures this weekend across Central New York will be a bit below normal, but most, if not all of the weekend will remain dry.

Here is a look at each day's forecast details:

Saturday

Morning Lows: Upper teens-Low 20s

Afternoon Highs: Mid 20s

Cloud cover: Morning clouds. Afternoon sun.

Precipitation: No precipitation expected.

Winds: Northwest 7-12 mph, gusting to 25 mph.

Confidence: Average

Sunday

Morning Lows: Mid 0s

Afternoon Highs: Mid 20s

Cloud cover: Becoming mostly cloudy.

Precipitation: Small chance for some light evening snow.

Winds: North 3-7 mph, gusting to 15 mph.

Confidence: Average
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday. George Mendonsa was 95.

Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal.

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States. People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mendonsa planted a kiss on Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century. It's called "V-J Day in Times Square," but is known to most as "The Kiss."

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple. It was years before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

In this July 2, 2009, photo George Mendonsa poses for a photo in Middletown, R.I., holding a copy of the famous Alfred Eisenstadt photo of Mendonsa kissing a woman in a nurse's uniform in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945, while celebrating the end of World War II, left. (Connie Grosch/Providence Journal via AP)AP

Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced. He has said Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.

Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl. She diedin 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said in an interview that aired Sunday that a crime may have been committed when President Donald Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia.

McCabe also said in the interview with "60 Minutes" that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, "Why would a president of the United States do that?" McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

Andrew McCabe says that Trump, according an FBI official, once allegedly said, "I don't care. I believe Putin," rejecting U.S. intel regarding North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile capability. Via CBS pic.twitter.com/uCve0mQLJx  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 18, 2019

Asked whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, McCabe replied, "Absolutely."

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment Sunday night.

McCabe also revealed that when Trump told Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Comey  a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing  the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo. Rosenstein did not want to, McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Comey's dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

"He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo," McCabe said. "And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway."

Trump said in a TV interview days after Comey's firing that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he fired Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey."

McCabe was fired from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a news media disclosure. The allegation was referred to the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought. McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said Sunday that he believes his firing was politically motivated.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

In the interview Sunday, McCabe also said Rosenstein in the days after Comey's firing had proposed wearing a wire to secretly record the president. McCabe said he took the remark seriously, though the Justice Department last September  responding last September to a New York Times report that first revealed the conversation  issued a statement from an unnamed official who was in the room and interpreted the remark as sarcastic.

McCabe said the remark was made during a conversation about why Trump had fired Comey.

"And in the context of that conversation, the deputy attorney general offered to wear a wire into the White House. He said, "'I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there,'" McCabe said.

Former FBI acting director Andrew McCabe tells Scott Pelley why he was troubled ... greatly by a conversation he had with President Trump after James Comey was fired as director of the bureau. Tonight on 60 Minutes. https://t.co/77XV2TLu6z pic.twitter.com/RCL9tzJUlr  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) February 17, 2019

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, McCabe also described a conversation in which Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. The Justice Department said in a statement that Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her party's nomination for president, told reporters after a campaign event Sunday in Las Vegas that if the people around Trump believe he cannot fulfill the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favorite target of Trumps ire, Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Trump from office but said that there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, N.Y. -- A Central New York man was the top hunter and won $2,280 in the 12th Annual Statewide 3-Day Coyote Contest hosted by the Federation of Sportsmens Clubs of Sullivan County.

The contest took place Feb. 8-10 and was open to hunters across the state along with five counties in Pennsylvania. A total of 652 hunters participated, killing 76 coyotes. Last year, 611 hunters signed up and 61 coyotes were taken.

Edward Wright, of Pennellville, N.Y., won this years competition by shooting a 50.60-pound male. He used a .223 caliber rifle and a predator call to lure the coyote within shooting range in Oswego County.

Wrights winning included the $2,000 grand prize for the heaviest coyote in the contest, $200 for the heaviest coyote taken on Feb. 10 and $80 for another coyote he shot. (Every hunter who weighed in a coyote won $80.)

Cody Fronckowiak, of Fleischmanns, N.Y., hunting in Greene County, took second place with his 50.15-pound male coyote. He used a .204 caliber rifle and a FoxPro predator call. He took home a $500 check for finishing second, plus an additional $80.

The third heaviest coyote (a 48.40-pound male) was turned in by Keith Burgher of Olive Branch, N.Y., hunting in Ulster County. Burgher, who won the competition last year, took home $250 for shooting the third heaviest coyote, plus an additional $160 for bagging two more. He used a .223 caliber rifle and hunted over bait.

Billie West, from Elizavile, N.Y., hunting in Columbia County, won the female hunter division with her 44.65-pound male coyote, winning $100, plus a $100 gift certificate from Fur, Fin and Feather Sport Shop in Livingston Manor. She also won $750 for bringing in nine coyotes during the three-day competition  the first time in the history of the competition that a hunter brought in that many coyotes.

Tanner Macumber, 14, of Deposit, N.Y., hunting in Broome County, won the Youth Division with a 33.95-pound male. He won $100, plus a $100 gift certificate from Fur, Fin and Feather Sport Shop in Livingston Manor, along with $80 for his coyote.

At the conclusion of the competition, more than 300 hunters and guests attended at roast beef dinner at the White Sulphur Springs Fire Department in Sullivan County, where the daily weigh-ins took place.

A $35 early entry fee ($45 after Jan. 25) covered the three days of the hunt, plus the dinner Sunday and a free $5 gun raffle ticket that was drawn at the dinner. Those attending the banquet paid $25.

Proceeds from the coyote hunt will go toward a wide variety of activities sponsored by the Federation of Sportsmens Clubs, including paying for fishing derbies and sending youngsters to the state Department of Environmental Conservations summer camp. Read more about coyote hunting in New York.

Are coyotes native to New York or an invasive species?

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, there are two hypotheses to explain the presence of coyotes in New York.

The first explanation is that coyotes were here before Europeans settled North America. The clearing of the forest for farms and homes forced coyotes to retreat to unsettled areas of the northeast. The return of forested habitats during the 20th century coincided with the return of the coyote.

The second and more widely accepted hypothesis is that Eastern coyotes are a relatively new species in New York. This explanation suggests that coyotes originally inhabited central North America and naturally extended their range throughout the continent in response to human changes to the land. Evidence indicates that coyotes reached New York and the Northeast in the early 1930s and 1940s, with coyote range expansion first reaching the state by passing north of the Great Lakes and into northern New York. Coyotes then spread rapidly across the state over the next 40-50 years.

Read more about coyotes in New York on the DEC website.
Services for the Most Rev. Thomas J. Costello, 89, who retired as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Syracuse, and died Friday, February 15, 2019, have been set. A reception of the body is 4 p .m. Thursday, February 21, 2019, in The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2019, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Burial will follow at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Rome.

If you have a suggestion for a feature obituary, please email the link and any other information youd like to share to bduncan@syracuse.com
Elizabeth City, NC (27909)

Today

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.
An Elbridge mom and son were critically injured Friday when a wheel/tire and partial axle came crashing through the family vehicles windshield on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, according to Pennsylvania state police.

The wheel hit Heather Griswold, 34, who was a passenger in the front seat, and continued through the vehicle, hitting Davis, 7, who was sitting in the third row, police said. the two were airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, police said.

The Griswolds, who were visiting friends in Pennsylvania for the long weekend, were about an hour away from their destination when the accident occurred, family members said.

Three other people in the vehicle were not injured: Heathers husband, Michael Griswold, who was driving; the couples other son, Reed, 6, and daughter, Violet, 4. Everyone was wearing seat belts, police said.

A tractor-trailer, driving north in the opposite direction as the Griswold car which was going south on the turnpike, was possibly hauling forklifts, and the wheel/tire came off of those, PA State Police Cpl/Patrol Supervisor Jeremy Franklin said. Police are following up on several leads, he said.

"It was a freak accident,'' he said.

See photos of the SUV after the accident

The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m. Saturday on the Pennsylvania Turnpikes Northeast Extension at mile marker 83.2 in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County.

Heather and Michael Griswold

Kimberly Culhane, Heathers younger sister, said Heather and Davis remain in the intensive care unit. She said shes been back and forth to see them. Michael remains there, and family members are caring for the children, she said.

Heathers parents, David and Barbara Nesci, also are in Allentown at the hospital, Culhane said. Also there are Michaels parents, Bob and Mimi Griswold of Cortland, Culhane said.

State police are searching for the driver of the tractor-trailer involved, and said today they are looking for a white tractor-trailer that was hauling a flatbed trailer with three yellow and black forklifts. The cab of the trailer had a skull-type image decal on the right side.

Your help is requested again in locating another vehicle of interest that was traveling on the PA Turnpike on 02/15/19 around 1636 hours around milepost 83 Carbon Co. PA Please call PSP Pocono at 570-443-8511 or 1-800 245-5640. Thank you for your assistance. pic.twitter.com/J92121VuUy  Cpl. Holly Reber-Billings (@PSPTroopTPIO) February 17, 2019

Witnesses said the tractor-trailer in question exited at the Pocono interchange and got on I-80 west.

Katie Frigon, a cousin, has set up a fundraiser to help the family, and more than $20,000 has been raised already.

Culhane, Heathers sister, said the family is living a nightmare. However, she said the community and strangers generosity is overwhelming.

Culhane said Michael told her "it all happened really quickly,'' she said. He said it was like an explosion hit their vehicle.

Davis Griswold, 7, of Elbridge.

Culhane said they were told the wheel/tire bounced off another vehicle before hitting the Griswolds Ford Explorer.

Michael Griswold is an engineer and the couple are both beekeepers, Culhane said.

"Im still waiting to wake up and find out this isnt true,'' she said. "Its terrible, and we are all still trying to process it.

We just need some good news,'' she said.
Editors note: After this story appeared on Feb.18, 2019, more information came out about the the initial discovery and use of the beer found in the wreck. Heres the followup story, focusing on Saint James Brewery of Holbrook, Long Island.

COBLESKILL, NY -- Back in 1886, someone in New York City expecting a shipment of English ale never got the delivery. Now, 133 years later, an Upstate New York brewery, working with a nearby college, is attempting to complete the beers long journey to someones glass.

A bottle of beer salvaged from the 1886 shipwreck of the SS Oregon off Long Island made its way to Bill Felter, owner and brewer at Serious Brewing Co. of Howes Cave in Schoharie County. He took it to nearby SUNY Cobleskill, where students in a biotech lab are working to extract, analyze and -- they hope -- re-generate enough of the yeast to re-create the beer.

Its exciting to think that this beer that sat on the ocean floor for 133 years might be something someone can drink today, Felter said.

Felter opened Serious Brewing and its tasting room in the community of Howes Cave, near the famous Howe Caverns, in January 2018.

One of Felters regular customers, Jeff Pagano, had participated in a dive to the site of the Oregon wreck from a ship called The Tempest in August 2017. Among other artifacts, the divers found three bottles of beer in the wreck, which was submerged under 130 feet of water near Fire Island.

Pagano brought one of the bottles to Felter, who immediately thought of the biotechnology program at SUNY Cobleskill.

Last week, Felter, accompanied by Cobleskill biotech professor Lynda McMasters-Schuyler and college president Marion A. Terenzio, witnessed the opening of the bottle with a group of biotech students.

Bill Felter, owner of Serious Brewing of Howe's Cave, watches SUNY Cobleskill biotechnology professor Lynda McMasters-Schuyler sample a beer salvaged from an 1886 shipwreck off Long Island.

Felter even took a taste.

The taste was like barleywine/vinegar/cider," Felter said. It was acidic. Were just hoping some of the yeast survived.

If the yeast did survive, and can be propagated, it could be used to ferment a new version of whatever beer was in the ship -- but without the acidity and off-flavor that came with aging for 133 years in the ocean.

It could be a close match, since beer takes many of its flavor components from specific strains of yeast.

Felter suspects the beer was an English ale, possibly even the famous Bass Ale, because the ship was British and en route from Liverpool, England to New York. The bottles have long since lost any labels, and had nothing embossed in the side to indicate their name or origin.

The beer in the bottle was a little dark, similar to the color of a Bass Ale today, he said,.

In addition to their efforts to preserve and propagate the yeast, the biotech class at Cobleskill can try to match its yeast to existing beer yeast strains, That may help them identify the beer in the bottles. Its not clear yet how long the process might take -- or whether it will be successful.

Pagano suggested to Felter that if he succeeds in creating a new version of the beer, he give it a name that pays homage to the wreck. (No one died when the Oregan sank).

So it will be something like Oregon Wreck Ale,  Felter said.

Using history to name and market Serious Brewings beers is natural for Feleter. His companys logo looks like one of New York states blue historic markers. The beers in his regular lineup have names that nod to history., such as Running Redcoat Red Ale and Schoharie Burning Wheat. Both reference incidents from the Revolutionary War in Schoharie County.

Propagating beer yeast from centuries-old bottles has been accomplished with success before, most recently last year in Australia. An Australian brewery called James Squire Craft Brewers made a beer from yeast found at a 220-year-old wreck off Tasmania.

Its all exciting, Felter said. We can possibly bring this beer back, reclaim a bit of history, and solve the mystery of what this beer really was.

Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Syracuse, NY -- Roughly 100 people attended a noon protest today in front of Syracuses federal building against President Trumps vow to build more walls along the Mexico border.

A coalition of grassroots groups tied the wall to the countrys history of imperialism and colonialism on President George Washingtons birthday. The local protest was among 200 planned across the country today, many organized through online venues like MoveOn.org.

Green Party activist Ursula Rozum served as master of ceremonies, beginning with a history lesson into how the countrys founders, including Washington, wiped out indigenous people in creating the nation. Later, Rozum also mocked Trumps emergency declaration, which the president is hoping to use to bypass Congress in building the wall.

A true emergency? That more than 50 percent of Syracuse children live in poverty. The hurricane in Puerto Rico," Rozum said, as others held signs decrying gun deaths and separated immigrant children.

Other speakers, representing minority communities from Mexico and Puerto Rico, among other places, also blasted the wall for separating people.

Revecca Fuentes, of the Workers Center of CNY, called it a racist wall targeting immigrants seeking better life.

The wall wont stop people until the underlying problems leading them to flee their homelands are addressed, she said.

No mas! she cried, the crowd repeating her in the Spanish phrase for no more."

Organizers for the Syracuse protest included CNY Solidarity, the Syracuse Peace Council, Workers Center of CNY and the Syracuse Immigrant Refugee Defense Network.
Syracuse NY - This year's CNY Jazz Black History Month Cabaret will celebrate the groundbreaking career of Sam Roberts, who will receive the 2019 "Pioneer Public Servant" award for his career achievements as an Onondaga County Legislator, New York State Assembly Member, and Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. The award is given by H.E.I.Y.P. (Helping to Empower Incarcerated Young People), a project of the Concerned Citizens Action Program that provides counseling and references to education and job training and employment to the recently incarcerated. Presenting the award will be Vicki Brackens, title sponsor of the event, and Mark Barbee, UAW Region 9 International Representative, in honor of Roberts' 30-year history with General Motors and leadership positions with UAW Locals 465 and 854.



The occasion will also mark the beginning of a new position for Roberts, that of Special Advisor to the President at SUNY Oswego for Neighborhood and Organizational Collaborations. He will be based in Syracuse at the college's Syracuse Campus at Clinton Square.



"Sam has been a fearless groundbreaker and staunch supporter of community advancement in every way possible, for his constituents in Syracuse, Central New York, and across the entire state, for three decades and counting. This accolade and recognition of his stellar career in service to the public is especially well deserved. We'll also be wishing him well in his new position and welcoming him back to Syracuse as a more permanent fixture, after his years of service in Albany."

The event will be held on Sunday February 24th starting at 4:00 p.m.in the Marriott Syracuse Downtown's Finger Lakes Ballroom. Saxophonist and vocalist Marcus Anderson, a veteran of Prince's New Power Generation Band, will perform, and a CNY Jazz youth combo will entertain in the Cavalier Room prior to the 5:00 p.m. show. A complimentary buffet is provided by Bill and Nancy Byrne, and a cash bar is available. $35 advance sale tickets are now available at www.cnyjazz.org.



Who: Sam Roberts Pioneer Public Service Award Presentation

What: Black History Month Cabaret with Marcus Anderson

Where: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202

When: Sunday February 24th, 4 pm Doors; 5 pm SHOWTIME

How Much: Admission $40 door, $35 advance at cnyjazz.org/subscribe or 315-479-5299. Door $10 w/student ID. Cash Bar & Free Buffet
Update: Ex-boyfriend identifies Syracuse woman shot by police after dispute

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A Syracuse police officer shot a woman Sunday night, city police said.

The officer, whose name has not been released, went to the 100 block of Frisbie Court at 6:03 p.m. for a dispute-type call involving a weapon, Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Matthew Malinowski said.

During the incident, an officer discharged their weapon striking a female suspect, Malinowski said.

Onondaga County 911 dispatchers were notified of the shooting at 6:35 p.m. The initial 911 call said someone had been shot at 118 Frisbie Court.

American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance drove the woman to Upstate University Hospital, where she was being treated for a gunshot wound and is in stable condition Sunday night, police said.

Syracuse police ask anyone with information to call them at (315) 442-5222 or use the SPD Tips app.
Update: Syracuse police say an officer shot a woman Sunday night in the 100 block of Frisbie Court.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse police were called to a reported shooting Sunday night less than a mile from Upstate University Hospital.

Someone called the Onondaga County 911 Center at 6:35 p.m. to report the shooting at 118 Frisbie Court, a dispatcher said.

City police and American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance responded to the scene.

When emergency crews arrived, they reported someone had been shot in the buttocks, dispatchers confirmed.

Upstate University Hospital, a trauma center where shooting victims are taken, is roughly three-tenths of a mile from where the shooting happened.

Police remain on the scene. Check back for updates.
HASTINGS, N.Y. -- The principal of Pulaski High School was charged with drunken driving on Feb. 9, according to New York State Police.

Michael W. Bateson, 47, of Brewerton, drove his vehicle off Interstate 81 in Hastings and into the median on Feb. 9, police said.

State Police responded to a disabled vehicle report, and found Bateson, police said.

Bateson was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated. He had a blood-alcohol content of .18%, police said, which is more than twice the legal limit.

Bateson is scheduled to appear in the town of Hastings Court later this month.

The Pulaski schools superintendents office did not respond to a request for comment, and neither did the high schools main office.

State Police also did not immediately respond to a request for more details about Batesons arrest.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- An officer-involved shooting Sunday night on Frisbie Court in Syracuse began as a domestic dispute, according to police and witnesses.

Anthony Weah and his brother said they called 911 around 6 p.m. because Weah was having problems with the mother of his child.

About a half-hour later, police had shot his ex, Tyiesha Fletcher, according to Weah.

We didnt see nothing, Weah and his brother said in unison after returning to the scene on Frisbie Court.

Syracuse police say the woman who was shot was in stable condition Sunday night at Upstate University Hospital.

Syracuse police had taken Weah and his brother to the Public Safety Building to find out more information after the shooting, but the pair said they did not see the officer shoot Fletcher. However, they did identify Fletcher as the woman shot by police Sunday night.

Weah and his brother said officers brought them to the police station because they had called 911.

My brother was having problems with his kids mom, Weahs brother said in a brief interview. We called the police.

Officers responded to the domestic dispute at 6:03 p.m. at the same Frisbie Court apartment building where Fletcher lives, according to public records. Police say someone involved in the dispute had a weapon, but it was not immediately clear who had the weapon or what happened after officers arrived.

The shooting was reported at 6:35 p.m., according to 911 dispatchers. A short time later, emergency crews told 911 dispatchers that someone had been shot in the buttocks. But police have not yet commented on the shooting. They also have not yet identified the officer who discharged his or her weapon, or named the woman who was shot.

Police remained in the 100 block of Frisbie Court throughout the night Sunday. Yellow police tape hung around the apartment building, and investigators continued to collect evidence.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call them at (315) 442-5222 or submit a tip using the SPD Tips app.
Two Smyth County natives were among the 80 new Virginia State Police troopers presented their diplomas during commencement exercises on Friday.

The 129th Basic Session celebrated its graduation at the state police academy in North Chesterfield County. During the trainees 30-week tenure at the VSP Academy, they received instruction in more than 100 different subjects spanning hundreds of hours. Academy training includes such areas as crime scene investigation, survival Spanish, judicial procedures, self- defense, cultural diversity and firearms.

The new troopers will report to their respective VSP Division Headquarters to begin the final phase of their training early next week.

Trooper Jonathan L. Cannon, 23, of Saltville, will be reporting to duty next week to the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Division. His first patrol assignment will be in Southampton County.
A Bluefield Va. Police officers condition has been upgraded to stable as police continue to search for the man suspected of shooting him.

The incident occurred at 11:45 p.m. Feb. 16 near exit three in the town of Bluefield when the officer pulled over an east bound 2008 Toyota Yaris for an equipment violation. The vehicle was occupied by two people, an adult male driver and a front seat passenger, Donquale M. Gray, 25 of Bluefield, W.Va.

During the course of the traffic stop, Gray began shooting at and wounded the Bluefield, Va. Police Officer as he was standing outside the vehicle on the driver's side. Both the wounded officer and a second Bluefield officer, who was backing the victim up returned fire.

The Toyota's driver got out of the vehicle and surrendered. Gray got into the driver's seat and drove off. The driver of the vehicle was cited for a traffic violation and released. He was not injured in the shooting. Nor was the other Bluefield, Va. Police Officer at the scene.
In an age of people posting on social media with the kind of openness and honesty better reserved for a unicorn-bedazzled diary, it has never been easier to dig up dirt and exploit the lonely and dumb. But for those internet-savvy people who reckon that those badly spelled phishing emails will never affect them, NATO wants to remind everyone that there are far more dangerous things than your divorced uncle's credit card info that people can get their hands on.

Recently, a NATO research group published a study on just how easy it is to target soldiers online and squeeze them for military intelligence. Posing as the enemy, the group was tasked with finding out as much as they could about an upcoming military exercise using nothing more than social media. Posting targeted Facebook ads as bait, they managed to lure dozens of soldiers into fake Facebook groups.

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While impostor accounts squeezed them for info, other researchers simply used Facebook's "Suggest Friends" feature to get information on their entire units. Having their names and details, the group could track them over other social platforms and mine for dirt -- like how one soldier was happily married on Facebook, but single and ready to mingle on several dating apps.
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Te Puna is launching a rodent attack next month to start the ambitious goal of a pest-free Te Puna.

Free rodent traps, free instruction, heaps of information and refreshments will be on offer at Waitui Reserve on Saturday March 2, from 3pm  4.30pm.

The pest-free initiative is an action in the Te Puna Community Development Plan and is supported by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Predator-Free Bay of Plenty and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Te Puna locals Judith Callow and Jo Gravit put together initial plans with the help of Karen Summerhays.

Pest Free Te Puna spokesperson Kim Edwards says the initial focus will be on the Snodgrass Road area but anyone who wants to start pest-free action on their road or neighbourhood is welcome to come along to the day at Wainui Reserve.

One trap per household will be supplied by Predator-Free Bay of Plenty to anyone who registers and undertakes to check their traps and report findings.

Its always good to catch a rat and its pretty good to find untaken baits after a while  meaning that the rats around your place are either dead or discouraged, says Kim.

The groups shag logo represents the reasons behind the pest-free movement to lend a hand to the bird life in the Te Puna bush and river areas which is under attack by pests.

Pest-free work already underway in Te Puna Quarry Park is proof of success. Bird life such as kereru which used to be incredibly rare in the Park, is now quite common and birdsong is heard everywhere.

Te Puna School also has a rodent trapping programme where student teams vie with each other to see how many catches they get in traps around the school.
Baycourt has the opportunity of a lifetime for anyone who has dreamed of playing a stunning Steinway piano.

The charitable trust is offering people the chance to play a Steinway D-274 grand concert piano during its Steinway Open Day at Baycourt Community and Art Centre Addison Theatre on Saturday March 9, from 10am.

Now into its third year, FOBs popular open day is open to people of all ages and abilities. There is no charge to play the Steinway but people will need to book a 15-20 minute timeslot before Friday March 8.

However, because of the open days enormous popularity with local musicians FOB Chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith recommends people reserved their spots quickly, to avoid missing out on a timeslot.

Its always a pleasure to see members of our community embrace the opportunity to enjoy some private time with the piano of such high quality.

For the FOB committee it is also exciting that the news of the Steinway Open Day is spreading further and further within the community.

The Steinway D-274 grand concert piano first arrived in New Zealand from Germany in March 2009, after then FOB chairperson Jane Mason had an ambition to see a Steinway piano at Baycourt.

The Tauranga Regional Concert Piano Trust was formed to raise the necessary funds, and as part of the fundraising, they came up with the novel idea of selling the black and white keys to the piano.

As a result, the Steinway keyboard was purchased and each donors name recorded against his or her chosen key. The keyboard is now proudly mounted on the wall in the small lobby that leads into the Addison Theatre.

Anna says the open day has been a massive hit with the community since its debut in 2017, so much so, FOB were encouraged to host two open days in March and October of last year due to public demand.

Across the two open days approximately 45 people booked in to make the most of the chance to perhaps fulfil their dream of playing the Steinway.

For the FOB committee, we are very happy the concept of holding these open days has proven as successful as it has.

The Steinway Open Day at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre is taking place on Saturday March 9 from 10am.

Entry is free.

To book a timeslot, email Friends of Baycourt chairperson Anna Finlayson-Smith at dameanna@talk.co.nz or call 027 477 4566 before Friday March 8.
Toi Ohomai has welcomed many of the proposed changes announced this week as part of the Governments Reform of Vocational Education.

Minister Chris Hipkins has proposed all 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics merge under a single entity to be call the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Chief Executive Dr Leon Fourie says the proposals give the sector an opportunity to make effective changes to ensure it delivers a world-leading system of vocational training for students.

Its a bold move with significant implications for polytechnics and industry training organisations, however were optimistic the proposed changes will bring about a strengthened and more sustainable VET and ITP sector. Ultimately the proposed changes are about improving the student experience and learner outcomes.

We are pleased the government is increasing the emphasis on vocational training to reflect the needs of the industry and the rapidly changing modern workplace. We also agree its time for a step change for the vocational education sector and for the value of vocational education to be fully appreciated across our society and still maintain a regional identity.

We therefore welcome many of the proposals, in particular the goal of expanded course delivery in more locations across the country and here in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato, the redefined roles of education providers and industry training organisations, the delivery of training through education providers and the proposal for a unified educational funding system.

We remain absolutely committed to improved regional delivery and this was also the key driver for the merger between Waiariki Institute of Technology and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in 2016. We are proud of the resilience Toi Ohomai staff showed in working through significant change over the past two years while continuing to ensure student experience and satisfaction remain over 90 percent. We will continue to embrace and live our values as we work through another potentially major process of change.

We also recognise it will be critical that the new system ensures the Treaty relationship with tangata whenua is protected and prioritised. The new system will also need to ensure the closest possible links with businesses throughout the country and that it is flexible enough to respond quickly to individual regional needs.

Its important to note that a consultation period until March 27, needs to take place before anything is confirmed and there is a great deal of detail to consider. The outcome of the consultation will be key.

Nationwide consultation will include, meetings with individual ITPS including separate feedback sessions for management teams, staff and students; six dedicated hui for iwi and Maori stakeholders including one at Rotorua; four community engagement days, including Rotorua, where a wide range of community stakeholders can engage with the Reform of Vocational Education team.

Leon says in the meantime, its business as usual on campus.

We would like to reassure existing students and those proposing to enrol from New Zealand or abroad that they will continue to receive the highest quality vocational training and education from Toi Ohomai while this proposal is being worked through. It should not, in any way, affect your decision to enrol into any of our programmes of study  it remains business as usual for our students.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) meets with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are here for a new round of China-U.S. high-level economic and trade consultations, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

BEIJING, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who were here for a new round of China-U.S. high-level economic and trade consultations, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, saying "important progress for the current stage" was made after the two-day talks.

Calling China-U.S. ties one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world today, Xi said the two countries share broad common interests and shoulder important responsibilities in safeguarding world peace and stability, as well as promoting global development and prosperity.

It serves both peoples' fundamental interests and meets the expectations of the international community to maintain sound and stable development of China-U.S. ties, Xi said.

Xi said he met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Argentina last December and reached important consensus as both countries agreed to jointly advance the China-U.S. relationship featuring coordination, cooperation and stability.

"I hope that both teams will strengthen communication, focus on cooperation and manage differences in the principles and directions set by President Trump and I, so as to promote the sound and stable development of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation and bilateral ties," Xi said.

The two teams have carried out intensive and conducive consultation since last December, Xi said.

"I have repeatedly said that China and the United States cannot be separated from one another. Only through cooperation can a win-win situation be attained, and confrontation will certainly lead to a lose-lose scenario," Xi said, adding that "cooperation is the best choice for both sides."

Regarding differences and frictions in trade, Xi said China stands ready to resolve them through cooperation and to reach a deal that can be accepted by both sides.

"Of course, there are principles in cooperation," he added.

Noting that the eyes of the world have been on Beijing these past two days, Xi said the two sides "have again achieved important progress for the current stage."

"Both sides will meet again next week in Washington. I hope you all will make persistent efforts and try to reach a mutually beneficial agreement," the president said.

Lighthizer and Mnuchin extended cordial greetings and best wishes from Trump to Xi.

The trade relationship between the United States and China is very important, they said.

Both teams involved in the consultation have been stepping up their efforts in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state after their meeting in Argentina, according to the two senior officials.

On the basis of previous negotiations, the two sides had in-depth discussions on economic and trade issues of common concerns in the past two days, and new progress was made on important and difficult issues, they said, adding that they have high hopes although a lot of work lies ahead.

The U.S. team is willing to work with their Chinese counterpart in the next stage to maintain communication and speed up their work in order to reach a deal that accords with the interests of both sides, they said.

They also told Xi that President Trump highly respects him and looks forward to keeping contacts with him.

Conveying his sincere greetings to Trump via Lighthizer and Mnuchin, Xi said he cherishes the good working relationship with Trump very much and is willing to keep in touch with him through various means.

The new round of China-U.S. trade talks kicked off in Beijing on Thursday morning.

The opening ceremony of the talks was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chief of the Chinese side of the China-U.S. comprehensive economic dialogue, Lighthizer and Mnuchin.

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]
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Stillwater, OK (74074)

Today

Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The war against Islamic terrorists continues to wear down the few remaining Islamic terrorist cells and keep them from doing much damage because all their time is consumed by efforts to avoid detection and arrest or death. A more important struggle is with the economy, which has been successful at coping with the collapse of oil prices after 2013. This struggle actually helped the cause of reforming the economy to make it less dependent on oil revenue. So there has been some progress there, but more out of necessity than government enthusiasm. Unemployment is stuck at 12 percent for the last few years and is much higher (nearly 30 percent) with younger Algerians. This is especially true with university trained professionals who have a low unemployment rate but see little opportunity for professional and financial growth because so many professionals are employed by the government. Since most of these doctors, engineers and so on speak French and/or English it is easier for them to get jobs in the West and a growing number are doing just that.

Little Miracles

Four several years now China has been the largest supplier of imports, providing $7.9 billion worth (17 percent, by value of the total) in 2018. On the plus side, those goods were generally cheaper than alternatives and helped Algeria cut its trade deficit in half during 2018 (down to $5 billion). The main reason the economy is looking good is the 15 percent rise in oil prices. Yet, despite all that GDP growth for 2018 was only 2.3 percent, not the four percent the government had predicted. In response, the government predicts 2.6 percent GDP growth in 2019. This is progress because in 2017 GDP growth was only 1.4 percent.

The increasing dependence on Chinese imports and departure of Algerian computer specialists is made worse by Algeria ranking as the least cyber-secure nation on the planet (Japan was the most secure). This is not a major problem because there is not as much to steal (via the Internet) in Algeria because of the stagnant economy. But it makes Algeria a less attractive place for foreign investment.

Crippled Leadership

With president Bouteflika incapacitated, but running for reelection his much less popular 60 year brother Said and Army chief-of-staff Ahmed Gaid Salah now appear to be in charge and that does not make the government any more acceptable. The younger brother has been a key aide, especially in supervising (and fixing as needed) his older brothers election campaigns since the 1990s. Because of that, it is not considered unusual that Said Bouteflika is the one who communicates with his older brother and passes on his instructions, or at least what Said believes are his brothers intentions. Efforts of the older brother to appear in public and speak, no matter how briefly, have not worked because the older brother, who turns 82 in March, is not recovering from his strokes.

One of Saids intentions is apparently to succeed his brother as president, although that seems unlikely as he apparently has pancreatic cancer and has been out of the country more often to get it treated in France. Meanwhile Said has continued to supervise the effort to ensure that all the senior military and police commanders who might oppose the stealthy government takeover by someone in the Bouteflika inner circle are arrested and accused of corruption. For the last six years this slow-motion purge has apparently been supervised by Army chief-of-staff Ahmed Gaid Salah. Said Bouteflika knows who is corrupt because one of his jobs was to see to it that there were no unseemly feuds among senior officials over who got what in corrupt deals. Said Bouteflika never managed to gain enough key supporters, or popular support, to run for high office. Until now he has been content to be the kingmaker. That has changed and it appears Said now sees himself as a prime candidate to succeed his brother. Many believe Said Bouteflika has too many enemies for that, which adds to the unease about how the Bouteflika era will end. Most Algerians would prefer honest government and a lot less corruption but the Bouteflikas would prefer to keep things as they are. That attitude, shared by most, but not all, of those running the country, is the major obstacle to meaningful change in Algeria. Corruption prevents rewarding the most capable people and generating enough economic activity to make Algeria a place most young Algerians would want to live and work. Even if the two Bouteflika brothers die in the next few years, they have many like-minded associates willing to carry on. It should be no surprise why for a long time too many young Algerians either rebelled (at great cost to themselves and Algeria) or emigrate.

Anti-Corruption Crawl

Algeria has been making some earnest efforts to reform its economy and government to cope with the long-term loss of oil income but actually changing the culture of corruption is proving difficult. One of the major problems is the government inability to clean up its own massive internal corruption. Despite positive press releases from the government, outside observers cannot see any real progress.

In 2018 Algeria ranked 105 out of 180 nations in a worldwide survey of corruption. Thats up from 112 in 2017. 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 Algeria score is 35 (up from 33 in 2017) compared to 17 (17) for Libya, 32 (31) for Mali, 43 (40) for Morocco, 43 (42) for Tunisia, 19 (20) for Chad, 34 (33) for Niger, 35 (32) for Egypt, 70 (71) for the UAE (United Arab Emirates), 62 (64) for Israel, 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, 61 (61) for Botswana, 72 (75) for the United States, 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. Algerias corruption score has not made much progress lately as it was 34 back in 2012.

The Fading Echoes Of Islamic Terrorism

Islamic terror groups are admitting they are losing the culture wars in North Africa all they can do is issue press releases condemning the unbelievers. The latest AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) Internet announcement decried the decline of Islamic education (learning to read Arabic, memorize scripture and not much else) in favor of what the unbelievers learn (a Western education). Meanwhile, Algeria, France and Mali used a secret 2017 amnesty agreement to persuade key AQIM and JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems) personnel to surrender. In Mali and neighboring states, most of the Islamic terrorists are not ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and are largely united. While Algeria has few active Islamic terrorists to the south, there are a lot more of them and most of the Islamic terrorist activity is in Mali and the work of JNIM, which was formed in early 2017. In part, this was a reaction to the growing threat from ISIL which is hostile to everyone who is not ISIL and will attack or recruit from the JNIM members AQIM Ansar Dine, FLM and al Mourabitoun (an al Qaeda splinter group). Another reason for the merger was to make it easier to pool resources (including information and advice) and coordinate with other Islamic terror groups in the area. This reduces friction and destructive feuding. Making a coalition like this work is always difficult, especially considering the importance of ethnic differences. The 2017 amnesty program was based on the one Algeria has been using successfully against AQIM, ISIL and other Islamic terrorists in Algeria. One interesting side effect of this is that many Mali Islamic terrorists seeking amnesty crossed the border to do so in Algeria.

February 13, 2019: President Bouteflika (or his handlers) fired the chief of the national police. Since 2013 there have been frequent firings like this. The security forces have a lot of competent commanders and the forced retirements of so many senior commanders provide promotion opportunities for those who appear most loyal (to the ruling families). The security services continue to be effective, making Algeria one of the safest (according to international security firms that monitor that sort of thing) in North Africa and the Middle East. Yet, the persistence of pro-reform officers in the security forces is a mixed blessing for the ruling families and a ray of hope for Algerians in general. The need for reform is also necessary to get the most out of being one of the safest nations in North Africa.

That designation does not mean being safe from the many corrupt practices that Algerian criminals (and local officials) impose on tourists and commercial visitors. One of the more visible examples of this is how many public beaches have been illegally taken over by criminal gangs that coerce tourists to pay illegal fees to park and be on the beach. Complaining to the police or local government often does not work because bribes are paid to ensure the gangsters are not interfered with. This sort of thing costs Algeria a lot of tourism income and efforts to clean up the corruption that makes it possible is still difficult.

February 10, 2019: President Bouteflika (or his handlers) have finally decided that the ailing (by strokes) 81 year old will run for a fifth term as president. The elections are on April 18th. The handlers said this would not be Bouteflikas last term and the opposition interpreted that as Bouteflika seeking to be president for life.

February 8, 2019: Neighbor Morocco is withdrawing its forces (six warplanes and ground support personnel) from the Arab coalition force in Yemen because a Saudi TV network recently broadcast a documentary that cast doubt on Morocco claims to the Western Sahara territory that Morocco and Algeria have been feuding about for decades. Algeria tends to ally itself with Iran but tries to maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia as well. Morocco refused to get involved with the feud between Saudi Arabia and Qatar (an Iranian ally).
In early 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine. This began with special operations troops, the so-called little green men appearing in Crimea and declaring that they were separatists who wanted to free Crimea from Ukrainian rule. This invasion and the subsequent effort (which stalemated) in eastern Ukraine were in response to the February 2014 Euromaidan revolution in Ukraine where a corrupt president was found to have been bribed by Russia to suppress economic and diplomatic links with the EU (European Union) and the West in general. By March 2014 Russian soldiers had seized control of the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, which Russia then annexed. During the invasion of Crimea, there was no effective response by the thousands of Ukrainian military personnel stationed there. This caused the Russians to think they might be as successful with this tactic in the two eastern Ukraine provinces that comprise the Donbas industrial region.

In March 2014 Russia found that Donbas was not like Crimea and would not be taken over by some little green men and intimidation of the locals. Donbas had a lot of ethnic Russians but the local Ukrainian Army units were more prepared to resist and they did. This was followed by a major mobilization of the Ukrainian military and development and production of updated Cold War era equipment that were largely built in Ukraine. Russia was not expecting this, nor did they expect so many of the ethnic Russians in the Donbas to favor Ukrainian over Russian rule.

Because of this mobilization Ukraine was able to concentrate a large enough force of infantry, armor and support units in the Donbas to fight the Russian backed rebels. Because so few Donbas residents were pro-Russian the Donbas rebel defenders were increasingly Russian soldiers pretending to be Ukrainian Donbas rebels. Russian advances in Donbas came to a standstill by the end of 2014. The Russian backed force only occupied about half the territory of Donbas and a ceasefire signed in 2015 has kept the front line largely static since then. The Russians keep violating the ceasefire, probing Ukrainian forces seeking a weakness. That has not worked because enough Ukrainians volunteered to join the army or militia units and received enough new equipment from a rapidly mobilized Ukrainian defense industry to contain the Russian backed efforts to advance.

The war has revealed the state of disarray Ukrainian Armed Forces had fallen into since they became independent of Russia in 1991. In early 2016 Ukrainian forces proved to be both untrained and underequipped to confront the Russian created United Armed Forces of Novorossiya in Donbas. That was only the first of many disappointments the Russians encountered in Donbas.

Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union and as part of the Soviet Army, Ukraines portion of the Soviet military, which became independent Ukraines Army, was one of the largest and most advanced militaries in the world. While Ukraine reduced the personnel in their post-Soviet military and they held onto all that Soviet era weaponry they inherited and that stuff became a key factor in stopping the Russians.

Since 2014, sporadic fighting has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced 2 million more from an area sliced through by a 500-kilometer long "line of contact". As Russian military supplies continue to enter Ukraine, it becomes harder by the day for Russia to deny that it is providing arms to the rebels. Russian support to the rebels has doubled since the 2015 ceasefire. Russian support for the separatists includes artillery, surveillance UAVs, and armored vehicles that would otherwise be nearly impossible for the rebels to obtain.

Ukraine took advantage of the fact the because of all those Cold War era arms factories and weapons stockpiles they inherited they had, by 2012 become the fourth largest arms exporter in the world. Most of these weapons were Cold War surplus although Ukraine had developed the ability to upgrade and refurbish these 1980s era armored, artillery and other designs.

Neighboring Poland had become a manufacturer of more modern weapons and took the side of Ukraine against their mutual enemy. Poland quickly became one of the largest weapon suppliers to Ukraine. This was also because most Western countries refused to supply Ukraine with weapons because of the fear it would escalate the war, perhaps even beyond Ukraine.

In an effort to sustain operations against rebel Donbas rebels Ukraine was forced to quickly undergo rearmament using existing weapons production capabilities in Ukraine and coordinating repairs and refurbishment of existing equipment. Ukraine did receive help from East European nations that had joined NATO since 1991 and still operated some Russian equipment from the Cold War era. Despite the European Union and United States vigorous rhetoric, they have been supporting Ukraine mostly diplomatically and economically, but their help in modernizing the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been token gestures. Most of the work has been done by the Ukrainians themselves with some help from East European neighbors.

Ukraine focused on the refurbishment of the most modern existing equipment. The Ukrainian Army was already using 250 T-64BM Bulat tanks and 350 T-64BV tanks. Ukraine also has 1,000 T-64B tanks in storage. The T-64BM and T-64BV are upgrades of some of the -64Bs placed in storage after 1991. Ukraine had been upgrading 12 to 14 vehicles to the Bulat standard each year since 2007. This cost about $600,000 per vehicle. Ukraine was also building the T-84 Oplot-M tank and currently has 16 in service and plans to acquire 160 more. The cost per unit is $3,700,000 but represented a huge achievement for the Ukrainian arms industry as these are very effective tanks that are equipped with state of the art tech.

Ukraine had so many Cold War era Russian tanks in storage that it could rely on these for a steady supply of replacement parts or components for refurbishing the 167 T-80 UD and 1,032 T-72 M1 tanks. Most of these tanks are still in storage. The vast majority of Ukraines T-80 and T-72 battle tanks were manufactured in Russia and therefore parts are not available.

Initial battles in Donbas led to heavy losses of the existing the T-64BV, so Ukraine began converting T-64B tanks to the T-64BM variant. Ukraine also began manufacturing key T-72 components and restoring the surplus (and in storage) T-72s to operational status. Ukraine noted that it could do an even better job of these T-72 refurbs and upgrades when they could depend on using components from Western firms. But those sources have been blocked since 2014.

Ukraine continues upgrading its military with locally made equipment. This was not just to deal with the de facto loss of half the territory in Donbas but to prepare for future Russian aggression and to increase Ukrainian exports of combat proven weapons. Israel, for example, has purchased Ukrainian EW (Electronic Warfare) equipment capable of detecting the presence and location of Russian air defense systems over a large area. No one else was producing anything like this and Israel needed it to deal with the Iranian and Russian threat in Syria. China is also an export customer as are a number of other nations in Africa and Asia. There is also help coming from outside Ukraine with a growing number of countries are considering selling, or donating, weapons to Ukraine. There are still a lot of older weapon systems and military equipment that has been retired but still usable and easily shipped to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Donbas remains a stalemate and a buffer zone between Ukraine and Russia, which may be wheat Russia wanted in the first place. There are other problems created by this state of war with Russia. NATO rules forbid a nation with such an existing territorial dispute from joining NATO. This is seen as a benefit by Russia, which does not want Ukraine to join NATO. Another former part of the Soviet Union, Georgia in the Caucasus, got caught in the same trap in 2008 when Russia backed rebels in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Since 2015, and in response to the continued Russian attacks, Poland and Western countries have slowly relented on their refusal to provide military assistance. Russia is seen as a persistent and growing threat to all of East Europe and the West. Poland is now selling weapons to Ukraine on commercial terms. While Poland is willing to sell weapons and equipment to Ukraine, it is not ready to provide credit. Ukraine has suffered financial troubles for years even before the 2014 revolution, and the current military conflict has only made the economic problems worse.

Poland was one of the first Western nations to provide defensive equipment. In mid-2014, Ukraine bought 6,000 Polish Wz.2005 helmets and 2,000 KWM-2 bulletproof vests for its army reserve forces. In part because this gear was for the National Guard which in peacetime is controlled by the Ministry of the Interior and not the Defense Ministry. Russia did not make an issue of this because it was for paramilitary troops who were also fighting in Donbas. The 2014 shipment cost Ukraine $5.75 million dollars. The vests and helmets were equal to the stuff most NATO nations, including the U.S., are using.

In addition to the arms sales from Poland, Ukraine is advancing significantly in the maintenance and development of Ukraines arms industry, which keeps the money in Ukraine. Also, Ukraine continues to refurbish and sell surplus equipment and spare parts for equipment that Ukraine is already using. Examples include decommissioned tanks, helicopters, and both transport and combat aircraft. Ukraine will need some of this equipment to monitor and guard key locations in Ukraine such as Mariupol and Odessa as well as the eastern border to Donbas. Once the lines on the map of Ukraine are redrawn, the time will come for the military of Ukraine to return to its Cold War posture of preparing for possible defensive action against an invasion. The only difference is this time; the threat is from the east and not the west.  Ryan Schinault
We observe with trepidation the House Democrats as they gear up to investigate President Donald Trumps business dealings and financial records. Since the Russian collusion plot has fizzled and Congress has no authority to investigate or prosecute crimes, we can conclude that the Democrats intend to use their majority status to continue to distract the president from the duties of office and to dispute his executive actions.

Up to now, they have had to depend on their accomplices in the Justice Department and media to create distractions and exert such pressures. With the appointment of a new attorney general, the assistance of their deep-state collaborators may no longer be a sure thing.

From the perspective of the Democratic progressive left, the president can do no good and will never further their causes: open borders, abortion rights, racial divisions, primacy of international law over the U.S. Constitution, the use of climate agenda to effect wealth redistribution.

Now that the president has come out against socialism, there can be no letting up on pressure to make life difficult for him.
A 100 percent cleanup remains just as urgent as ever, including contaminated groundwater that likely resulted from decades of seepage from the radioactive waste.

Considering that residents downstream have been demanding for years that the water issue be addressed, logic dictates that a thorough groundwater study would have been required long before the EPA signed off on the cleanup plan. After all, how can an appropriately thorough cleanup be implemented without first knowing whether groundwater deep beneath the site also requires remediation?

But Wheeler approved the $205 million process anyway. His September decision calls for reducing radioactivity at West Lake by 70 percent. Waste buried 8 to 20 feet below the surface would be excavated, but the remaining waste would stay in place. A cap on top is supposed to limit future seepage downstream.
Missouris Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently released report cards for public schools  traditional and charter  across the state. Just like parents who wait to see what school report cards show about their own childrens achievement at school, many in the community scan these report cards to assess school and educator performance. But what do these annual report cards actually tell us?

First of all, it is important to note from the start that the standardized exams, on which these report cards grades are largely based, have undergone many changes in recent years. This recent instability in testing regimes is due to the relatively recent adoption, and then the reversal, of Common Core standards and Common Core-aligned assessments.

In fact, there have been four different tests over the past five years. As a result, the test scores that were just reported are based on first administration of new Missouri exams, known as MAP, that students sat for in spring 2018.
Payless is the latest retail chain to close up shop in the United States.

The discount shoe store will close all 2,100 of its locations in the United States and Puerto Rico in the coming months, a spokesperson told CNN Business on Friday. Liquidation sales will begin on Sunday and stores will begin closing in March, though most will say open until May.

Payless also plans to shut down its online store. The company could file for bankruptcy for a second time by the end of the month, according to reports.

Founded in 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, Payless has more than 3,600 locations in 40 countries and over 18,000 employees, according to its website. A spokeperson said its international franchises and Latin American stores will not be affected.

The company first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April 2017 and closed roughly 400 stores at that time. It reorganized and cut millions of dollars in debt, but that doesn't appear to have been enough to save the company.

It's common for retailers to try to use bankruptcy to reorganize by shedding debt and closing stores. Often these companies end up with a second bankruptcy soon after. That's what happened with Gymboree and RadioShack.

Payless is the latest brick-and-mortar retailer to suffer in the age of Amazon, joining Toys "R" Us, Brookstone and clothing store Charlotte Russe. Online shopping has led to a drop in foot-traffic at US malls, which were a vital source of customers for stores like Payless.

Amanda St. Amand  314-340-8201 @mandystlpd on Twitter astamand@post-dispatch.com
While you might think the aircraft would run slower, "the drag is about the same," says Grosse. "What changes really is the behavior of the aircraft at the rear, at the bottom of the cargo bay.

"This is why we have lifted the vertical tail plane by more than two meters to get it out of the flow behind the cargo bay and we have also the special acceleration on the horizontal tail plane to give stability to the aircraft."

The Beluga XL is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, which, as with its wings, are also used on the A330.

Preparations for a very special guest

Airbus manufactures its wings in a large factory at Hawarden Airport.

The facility has undergone special modifications for the arrival of the Beluga XL, such as creating two sets of doors for the Beluga Line Station -- one to fit the Beluga and one to fit the Beluga XL.

Airbus also resurfaced the landing strip, erected blast fences (to safely redirect the engines' high-energy exhaust) and installed new turn pads -- necessary for when the Beluga XL turns around on Howarden's relatively short runway of around 1,600 meters.
The frantic calls started pouring in at 1:24 p.m. A gunman was shooting people inside a sprawling manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois.

Within four minutes, the first police officers rushed to the 29,000-square-foot building in the suburban Chicago city and were fired on immediately; one was struck outside and four others shot inside.

By the time the chaos ended Friday afternoon, five male employees of Henry Pratt Co. were found dead and the gunman was killed in a shootout with police after a 90-minute search of the sprawling warehouse. Five male police officers were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

"For so many years, we have seen similar situations throughout our nation and the horrible feeling that we get when we see it on the news. To experience it first-hand, is even more painful," said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said the gunman, 45-year-old Gary Martin, was being fired from his job Friday after 15 years with the company. It was not immediately known why Martin was being fired.

"We don't know whether he had the gun on him at the time or if he went to retrieve it," Ziman said.
ST. LOUIS  There are 300 homeless veterans in the region, but nine months from now  on Veterans Day  the number without a stable place to live will be zero.

Thats the ambitious goal of the St. Louis Area Regional Commission on Homelessness, a group formed about two years ago to figure out how to work together to tackle an issue that has been addressed before, but never in such a comprehensive fashion.

No veteran should come home and be homeless, said Yusef Scoggin, director of the St. Louis County Department of Human Services. I want to make sure every veteran in our region is cared for.

Scoggin was among a long list of speakers on Monday who helped roll out the new plan during a ceremony held inside the newly renovated Soldiers Memorial downtown.

The regional approach will ensure that veteran homelessness is a rare and brief occurrence, said St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger.

St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson repeated a popular quote from Michelle Obama.

If a single veteran returns home and doesnt have a roof over their head, thats an affront to everything this country stands for, Krewson said. The mayor added: Im confident well reach our goal. We have no choice.
What I am heartened about is that  at least cautiously optimistic about  theres a path to once and for all putting this measure, putting this issue to rest. Since Ive been here in 2013, weve discussed low-income housing tax credits every year without much movement on the issue, Haahr said.

Licklider said he has already begun working on members of the House on behalf of the realtors. He said there is no telling what might transpire in the lower chamber.

I dont know if there is anything easy about this issue, Licklider said.

Craig Porter, a housing developer from Kearney, was disappointed by the Senate vote. He had been appointed to a commission by Greitens that voted to end the program.

To me, I think there are better things to do with the money, Porter said.

In addition, he said the presence of rental units subsidized by tax dollars alter the market price for housing.

To me, it just doesnt make any sense, Porter said.
ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man has been accused of robbing eight businesses since June.

Jermel Rush, 36, was indicted Thursday on 12 federal robbery and gun charges.

The indictment, made public Friday, claims he robbed the following stores:

Family Dollar, 4487 Natural Bridge Avenue, June 21.

Save-A-Lot, 3645 Page Boulevard, July 6.

Family Dollar, 4314 North Grand Boulevard, Oct. 9.

Family Dollar, 5010 Enright Avenue, Oct. 28.

City Gear store, 1403 North Grand Boulevard, Oct. 30.

National Rent to Own, 334 North Sarah Street, Nov. 8.

Metro PCS, 4940 Delmar Boulevard, Nov. 14.

Family Dollar, 3731 Martin Luther King Drive, Nov. 15.

No lawyer is listed for Rush in the federal case. He has pleaded not guilty to pending charges in St. Louis Circuit Court of robbery and armed criminal action related to a Nov. 15 incident, online court records show.

Walker was convicted in St. Louis Circuit Court of burglary in 2000. In 2003, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on robbery, attempted robbery and armed criminal action charges.

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Authorities have identified a North County man found shot to death early Sunday morning on the parking lot of a north St. Louis County motel.

St. Louis County police said they responded to reported gunfire on the 1400 block of Dunn Road in Spanish Lake around 1:25 a.m. Officers arrived to find Kelvon Phillips, 19, dead of apparent gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the Budget Inn, at 1405 Dunn Road.

Phillips lived in the 11300 block of Rockgate Court, about two miles from the motel, police said.

The St. Louis County Police Departments Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is investigating the shooting.
An East St. Louis man was fatally shot in his vehicle outside a convenience store Saturday night.

Illinois State Police are investigating the death of Christopher C. Smith, 36. He was found found shot in the driver seat of his SUV about 11:40 p.m., according to Illinois State Police Master Sgt. Elbert Jennings.

He was taken to SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The shooting took place outside of the Gold Star Convenience Mart at 936 East Broadway. Jennings said someone fired shots from outside into Smith's vehicle.

"We have no suspects or motive," Jennings said. "We have identified a couple of witnesses and we are trying to locate them."
ST. LOUIS  A Hazelwood man was killed Friday morning when the car he was riding in overturned in the 5200 block of West Florissant Avenue, police said.

Timothy Bethany 24, of the 8600 block of Morningaire Circle, was a passenger in a 2008 Dodge Avenger driven by a 22-year-old man.

At around 4 a.m. the Avenger was traveling south when it swerved and struck a light pole and then a rock wall, causing it to roll onto the passenger side. Bethany was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was removed from the Avenger by first responders and taken to a hospital, where he is stable, police said.

The scene is in the Mark Twain neighborhood near Bellefontaine Cemetery.

The crash is under investigation.
Joe Holleman Joe Holleman is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Joe Holleman 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

Pratim Biswas, an engineering professor at Washington University in St. Louis, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, considered one of the highest honors in the field of engineering.

Biswas holds eight patents and has started two companies off his inventions. He is the recipient of the Fuchs Award, the highest in the field of aerosol science and engineering.

Biswas will be inducted into the academy on Oct. 6 in Washington.

Biswas came to Washington University in 2000 to help rebuild the environmental engineering science program, which had previously been eliminated. In 2006, he created the energy, environmental and chemical engineering department and now serves as its chairman.

Also, he is the school's vice chancellor of international programs and the director of the McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environmental Partnership, a consortium of 35 universities worldwide.

Your weekly capsule of local news, life advice, trivia and humor from Post-Dispatch columnist Joe Holleman. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD) calls on the politicization of the criminal investigation against Laura Codruta Kovesi to stop, pointing out that the prosecutors forming the new Magistrates' Investigation Section were selected and appointed by the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM), a body independent of political influences.

"Those who challenge the integrity of the new Judiciary Investigation Section are actually challenging the integrity of the whole Romanian justice system. The new Section is made up of the prosecutors who were already part of the judiciary. They were selected and appointed by the magistrates with the Superior Council of Magistrates - a body independent of political influences," a post on the PSD Facebook page shows.

The Social Democrats appreciate that if the prosecutors of the new section are not all right then nothing that happened in the justice system was all right.

"Stop the politicization of the criminal investigation against Ms. Kovesi! Let the evidence speak! If Ms. Kovesi is innocent, let her prove this in court," the PSD post also shows.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Monday said she will have a talk with Justice Minister Tudorel Toader on the dismissal of Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar and the possibility to notify the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) over the refusal by the President of Romania on this matter.

Viorica Dancila stressed in front of the journalists that she never wanted to talk about the Judiciary because "Justice should be served by the justices, by those with duites in this respect."

"I believe I shouldn't have options, be they positive or negative in connection with this matter. Mr. Tudorel Toader must come with his well-documented proposal so we can make a decision. And yet I cannot say anything a priori before seeing what the minister's arguments are. I'll have a talk with Mr. Tudorel Toader to see what arguments he has and afterwards we shall make a decision," the premier said at the end of the 22nd ordinary session of the General Assembly of the Association of Romanian Communes.

When asked if Augustin Lazar should be removed form the position of Prosecutor General, Viorica Dancila answered: "I won't discuss this topic until I have very strong arguments."

Justice minister Tudorel Toader stated on Monday that he will draw up a notification to the CCR regarding President Klaus Iohannis's refusal to dismiss Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar from office, if Prime minister Viorica Dancila asks him to do so.

"The decision to notify the Court is a political one and the content is a judicial one. And, if Mrs. Prime minister asks me to draw it up, I'll certainly draw up the notification," Justice minister Toader stated at the Parliament Palace where he attended a meeting of the coalition leaders, in the Deputies' Chamber Speaker Liviu Dragnea's office.
The Romanian Government will continue to help the Republic of Moldova and its members will advocate in favour of Moldova before European institutions, Romania's Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said on Monday at the 22nd ordinary session of the General Assembly of the Association of Romania's Communes.

She added that she agrees with the idea of a joint government meeting to be also attended by representatives of local administrations.

"We have a very good relationship with the Government of the Republic of Moldova. We have held a joint government meeting together, and your idea of holding another meeting of the two national governments and, of course, the local governments, is a very good idea. Romania tries to help the Republic of Moldova, both under government projects, with help from the government, and also through the efforts that we will deploy while holding the rotating presidency [of the Council of the EU], to show that the Republic of Moldova wants to walk down the European path, that Moldova wants to be closer to Europe, and we will be its advocates and we will speak up for it at European institutions," said Dancila.
Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar rejected on Monday the request filed by Laura Codruta Kovesi aimed at recusing the head of the Magistrates' Investigation Section, Gheorghe Stan.

"By the ordinance of February 18, 2019, the Prosecutor General of PICCJ [Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, ed.n.] has ordered the rejection of the request filed by the person in question [Laura Kovesi, ed.n.] as being suspect in a case filed by the Judiciary Crime Section, since Article 67 paragraph (2) of the Criminal Procedure Code the legislator expressly stipulated the impossibility to recuse the prosecutor called upon to decide on the recusal," reads a reply of the Prosecutor General's Office sent to AGERPRES.

Former head of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA), Laura Codruta Kovesi, said on 15 February that she had filed two appeals with the Prosecutor General's Office for the recusal of prosecutor Adina Florea and the head of the Magistrates' Investigation Section.

Kovesi said on the same day that she had never discussed with now fugitive media mogul Sebastian Ghita the extradition of disgraced businessman Nicolae Popa.

She went to the Prosecutor General's Office on February 15, when she was informed of allegations in a court file opened on her name following the submission of a complaint by Sebastian Ghita. Ghita claimed that in 2011 Kovesi asked him to pay 200,000 euros for Nicolae Popa, the disgraced manager of a bankrupted National Investment Fund (FNI) and internationally wanted now, to be flown in Romania.

The case in which Laura Codruta Kovesi is accused opened in December 2018 following a complaint by disgraced media mogul and a former lawmaker Sebastian Ghita. He fled to Serbia after being sued in several corruption cases.
Labor Minister Marius Constantin Budai said on Monday, at the General Assembly of the Association of Communes in Romania (ACoR) that people with disabilities and their carers have been used in politics way too much and contradicted the allegations that the payment of allowances for people with disabilities would move to local authorities.

"I have noticed with pain in my heart that a certain social category, namely the people with disabilities and their carers have been used lately way too much for a political purpose. As an old social worker, I clearly condemn this. I would like to clarify what has actually happened. It has also been said that the payment of the allowances for the disabled people will move from the Ministry of Labor to your care. Totally false. The allowances for these people will be paid through the Ministry of Labor, through the Social Inspection Agencies in each county. What will be left to you is what you have had since 2000, namely the allowances of disabled people's carers and personal assistants," the minister said.
Businesses in the postal and courier sector exceeded the 4 billion lei threshold in 2018 due to the spectacular increase in product sales on the Internet, KeysFin specialists estimate in an analysis published on Monday.

"The development of online shopping has brought a real breath of fresh air in the mail and courier services market. Seen by many experts as an area in decline, due to the development of technology (electronic mail, online support services, etc.), the Post continues to remain, in 2019 as well, an essential service for the economy. The courier is at the forefront with rising volumes from year to year, with the transport of product packages being one of the areas where there is still a significant potential, evidence of that being that many companies are finding it difficult to meet the demand for services coming mainly from the digital operators sector (online stores, online HORECA services, etc.)," KeysFin says in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

The cited analysis also shows that the number of mail and courier companies rose by almost 270 percent compared to 2007, to over 1,500 companies in 2017. Currently, the sector is in a process of maturation, cost optimization being the focus. Against this background, the number of companies dropped 5 percent from 2016.

Moreover, against the backdrop of the growth in logistics services and rising demand for freight transport, business in this industry grew by 8 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, or 130 percent over 2007, to 3.8 billion lei.

In spite of the logistical and staffing problems faced, the Romanian Post continues to remain the main player in the postal and courier market in Romania. The company, owned by the Romanian state through the Ministry of Communications and Information Society (93.5 percent) and Fondul Proprietatea (6.5 percent), registered a turnover of 1.1 billion lei (29.5 percent of the total).

Ranking second was Fan Courier Express SRL, a 100% percent Romanian private company with a turnover of 586 million lei, or 15 percent of the total. The podium is completed by Urgent Cargus S.A. (372 million lei, 10 percent of the total), DHL International Romania SRL (256 million lei, 6.7 percent) and TNT Romania SRL (253 million lei, 6.6 percent). On the whole, the top 10 companies generated almost 80 percent of the total turnover.
The Ombudsman announced on Monday that he called on the High Court of Cassation and Justice (ICCJ, supreme court, ed. n.|) and the Superior Council of Magistrates (CSM) to communicate on the way of constituting the three-judge panels, the "specialized" ones, as well as the criminal, civil and administrative litigation panels from the Supreme Court and from other courts, says a press release sent to AGERPRES.

According to the cited source, the Ombudsman also asked for the two institutions' point of view regarding the constitutionality of the regulations on the matter (the legal provisions, the Regulation for the organization and administrative functioning of the High Court of Cassation and Justice, respectively the Internal Rules of the courts, approved by the Decision of the Superior Council of Magistrates plenary, before and after the entry into force of Law 255/2013, and others) from the perspective of the considerations of Decision no. 685/2018 of the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR).

Addresses were sent after the Ombudsman was notified, through a series of petitions, with the request to consider the possibility of raising an objection of unconstitutionality on the provisions of Articles 19 (3) and 52 (1) of Law 304/2004 regarding the judicial organization, republished, with the subsequent amendments and completions, and other regulations on the matter, as well as the examination of the constitutionality of the way in which the judge panels are constituted, in the light of the considerations of Decision 685/2018 of CCR.
The meeting of the High Level Group (HLG) on Gender Mainstreaming of the European Commission is organised 18-19 February 2019 in Bucharest by the Ministry of Labour and Social Justice (MMJS), informs a release by the ministry sent to AGERPRES on Monday.

The event is staged on the sidelines of Romania's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, via the National Agency for Gender Equality (ANES).

High-level representatives with the EU member states, responsible for gender mainstreaming at national level will attend the meeting, chaired by Irena Moozova, director for Equality and Union Citizenship of Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers.

The HLG meeting's works were opened by Labour Minister Marius Budai, alongside the Secretary of State of ANES, Gratiela Draghici.

"In order to secure equal opportunities on the labour market, as far as the legislation is concerned, we have finalised the negotiations with the European Parliament on the Directive referring to the balance between the professional and the family life of parents and caretakers. As regards the non-legislative segment, we shall promote the Council's Conclusions regarding the elimination of the pay gap between women and men," Minister Marius Budai said.
The Minister of Social Equality from Israel, Gila Gamliel, currently on a two-day visit to our country, met with his Romanian counterpart Marius Constantin Budai on Monday.

The two dignitaries discussed issues of common interest, such as the situation of the labor force, workforce placement, unemployment, reduction of the salary gaps and the economic potential, according to a press release issued for AGERPRES by the Embassy of Israel in Bucharest.

At the same time, Gila Gamliel sent an invitation to Minister Buda to pay an official visit to Jerusalem when his agenda allows him to.

During the visit to Romania, the Israeli official will also have several high-level meetings with other ministers of the Bucharest Government and with MPs "in order to underscore the excellent level of the bilateral relations and to explore opportunities to develop them," the Embassy informs.
Deputy Prime Minister Ana Birchall attended the inauguration of the construction site for Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline at the invitation of Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip, the Romanian official stressing at the event that the Government supports the realization of the "an irreversible connection" of the Republic of Moldova to the European space and EU values.

Birchall conveyed the message of the Prime Minister, who welcomed the importance of the inaugurated project.

"Starting work on the Ungheni - Chisinau gas pipeline is of particular importance for the energy security of the Republic of Moldova because it will ensure the diversification of the natural gas supply sources and routes. Interconnection in the field of natural gas is a major priority of our bilateral cooperation and represents a strategic investment", the Romanian Deputy Prime Minister was quoted as saying by a press release issued by the Executive for AGERPRES.

On the occasion of her visit to Chisinau, Ana Birchall had meetings with Pavel Filip and with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Tudor Ulianovschi. During the discussions she conveyed a "firm" message bolstering the pursuit of the European objectives, reconfirming Romania's support for the European path of Chisinau, based on the bilateral strategic partnership for European integration of the Republic of Moldova and in consensus with the aspirations of its citizens, the release reads.

At the same time, Birchall pointed out that Romania has supported and will support the European path of the Republic of Moldova, a goal that our country promotes during the presidency of the EU Council as well.

"Romania upholds the efforts to strengthen the European path of the Republic of Moldova, which we want to be irreversible, including by stimulating an increased visibility of the Eastern Neighborhood topic during Romania's mandate to the Presidency of the Council of the European Union," said the Romanian Deputy Prime Minister.
Ester Peony will represent Romania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, performing "On a Sunday" as the winner of the national selection that took place in Bucharest on Sunday.

Opening the national selection show on Sunday evening was the Eurovision 2018 winner, Israeli Netta Barzilai. She performed "Toy", her 2018 winning act.

Attending the show, Israel's ambassador to Bucharest David Saranga told how he celebrated Barzilai's victory in Tel Aviv all through the night, confessing that Eurovision is a true phenomenon in Israel."I was with my friends, I watched the Eurovision show and said (...) 'If Netta wins, I go to the main Tel Aviv market square and immerse myself in a water pool.' At 02:00m, after learning about her win, I went there. The city was teeming with people. Tel Aviv is a city open around the clock but this time everyone was out and we stayed there and celebrated until the morning," the diplomat said.The order of play, decided by lot casting, was the following: 1. Linda Teodosiu, with "Renegades" 2. Olivier Kaye, with "Right now" 3. Laura Bretan, with "Dear Father" 4. Teodora Dinu with "Skyscraper" 5. Claudiu Mirea with "We Are the Ones" 6. Aldo Blaga with "Your Journey" 7. Ester Peony with "On a Sunday" 8. Letitia Moisescu & Sensibil Balkan, with "Daina" 9. Bella Santiago with "Army Of Love", 10. Trooper with "Destin",11. Dya & Lucian Colareza with "Without You (Sin Ti)" and 12. Mirela Vaida with "Underground."The Romanian representative at Eurovision was chosen by a jury composed of: Tali Eshkoli - Head of Event & Content Eurovision Song Contest 2019; Emmelie de Forest - 2013 Eurovision winner, Deban Aderemi and William Lee Adams - journalists and Eurovision Song Contest influencers; Serban Cazan - Head of Production HaHaHa Production, and Moldovan performing artist Alex Calancea.The audience was the seventh juror. In the final act of the national selection, the scores obtained by televotes equalled the score given by a jury member. The viewers could vote by sending in the number of their favourite in a text message (01, 02, 03, ... 12) to 1264.Sunday's show featured three presenters: Aurelian Temisan, Ilinca Avram and Alina Ionescu, and included recitals by Emmelie de Forest and Inis Neziri - the winner of the 2018 Golden Stag trophy.Under the slogan "Dare to Dream," the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will be held in Tel Aviv, with the semifinals on May 14 and 16, and the final on May 18. Competing in the 64th edition of Eurovision, besides Romania, are 41 countries.
AGERPRES special correspondent Loredana Ciobanu reports: The Competitiveness Council, which is taking place on Monday in Brussels will tackle aspects related to the single market, in view of finding solutions for its development, Economy Minister Niculae Badalau said.

"Today's meeting of the Competitiveness Council is focused on the internal and industry market. We will try to analyse the single market, to find solutions for the development of the single market. Moreover, we will continue with a public debate session regarding the most efficient way to use artificial intelligence. Furthermore, we will tackle aspects of the recent communication of the Commission "A clean planet for all," the working lunch will be dedicated to defence industry efficiency. We will also discuss the impact of the European semester process and, finally, we will discuss the progresses made in the legislative files form the beginning of this year," Niculae Badalau stated.

The high official chairs on Monday in Brussels the first meeting of the Competitiveness Council (COMPET), the internal market and industry section, since Romania took over the rotating Presidency at the EU Council.
President of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) Daniel Barbu announced that he tendered his resignation from the helm of the institution due to personal reasons.

"I tendered my resignation on Friday [from the helm of the AEP) for personal reasons," Daniel Barbu confirmed for AGERPRES on Monday.

According to some political sources, the AEP leadership might be taken over by treasurer of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Mircea Draghici.

On Sunday, the Pro Romania Party requested the immediate resignation of AEP President Daniel Barbu, "who is a possible candidate of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) to the European Parliament elections," because, as the party representatives argued, he would have breeched the principle of impartiality by participating in the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) youth political winter school.
The best solution after the upcoming elections in the Republic of Moldova would be a pro-European majority that will continue this country's European path, on Monday said Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu, at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)'s meeting in Brussels.

"I find it hard to voice a forecast on the elections outcome, yet from the analyses it seems pretty clear that a possibility exists for the Socialist Party to get the highest score in the parliamentary elections, but it will not have the necessary majority to rule by itself, which will lead to talks on shaping a majority. The best solution would be a pro-European majority that will continue Moldova's progress on the European integration path, but we must see what the electorate will say," the Romanian chief diplomat told a news conference.

Teodor Melescanu added that on his visit to Chisinau three weeks ago, he met the Moldovan Prime minister and the Foreign Affairs minister. Moreover, for the first time invited at the Romanian Embassy in Chisinau were all the leaders of the Moldovan's opposition non-parliamentary parties who aim to enter Parliament and get a large number of votes.

"In both situations, at gov't level, I have said very clearly that there are two essential things that we insist very much on: correct, free elections for everybody to participate in, without problems like those that happened in the local elections for the Chisinau Mayor position and I said that, considering all this, we recommend them to not cut bridges with the opposition, which is an opposition against the Democratic Party, but shares in fact the same objective, to continue the Republic of Moldova's European path. That was the recommendation I allowed myself to make to the prime minister," the Romanian official said.

In reference to the possibility of having the scenario of the elections being invalidated happening again, Melescanu stressed that one of his strong recommendations was to not use the judiciary to invalidate a candidate who was democratically elected by the population.
The private sector in Romania contributes almost 80 percent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) CEO Lucian Anghel told the launch on Monday of the third edition of a "Made in Romania" project.

"The share of the private sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Romania is almost 80pct, so this private sector is essential for creating wealth, jobs and added value. The private sector is the place where any projects of national interest can be funded. We want under the Made in Romania' project to develop private enterprise and this sector as much as possible because we are honoured to meet so many business leaders with so many beautiful stories that practically create welfare and added value in this country," Anghel said.

The Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) launched on Monday the third edition of the "Made in Romania: BVB League" project for the business, an initiative that started two years ago.

With the launch of the third edition of "Made in Romania: BVB League," BVB also released a book called "15 companies for the growth of the Romanian economy and their unique stories" that showcase the great experiences and inspirational stories of the 15 finalist companies of the second edition of this programme. Among them are Bebe Tei, Musette, Aqua Carpatica, iHunt, Cramele Recas, Technical Lead Qualitance, Tremend and Allview.

The first edition of the "Made in Romania" project was launched on February 6, 2017. A first in the history of the Romanian capital market, the project is supported by BVB; in 2017, BVB collaborated with 166 companies that were nominated in the initial stage of the project. Later on, during a training period, it is said to have succeeded in encouraging innovation and best practices at 50 Romanian companies, as well as promoting the success stories and the teams of the 15 finalists.

The second edition of the project started in January 2018, with 201 companies having been registered at the end of the nomination period (January 15- February 16), up 20pct from the first edition. BVB, together with the members of a nomination board consisting of 12 experts from different branches of the economy, elected 50 semi-finalists. In the next stage of the project, the jury selected 14 companies to enter the BVB League, while the 15th company was elected by public vote.

Information on how this project has been conducted is available on www.bvbleague.ro.

The Bucharest Stock Exchange manages markets for stocks, bonds and other financial instruments through regulated platforms or alternative trading systems and provides a wide range of services to financial market participants, having been traded on its own market since 2010.
By round eight it was down to Praneeth and Lina for the title.

After winning the bee last year at the district level, Praneeth continued on to win the Winston-Salem Spelling Bee and advanced to be the youngest speller in the National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C.

As a first-year participant of the district bee, Lina was very proud of her accomplishment during the competition.

"This is my first year participating in the district bee and I'm going to continue to work hard and come back again next year," she said.

Praneeth knows about working hard to reach that goal.

"I worked hard and am ready to take on the next steps," he said.

A speller like Praneeth must have a tip for spellers in these competitions.

I write on my hand and ask for all the information. I first think of the spelling, listen to the information, and then use that information to change my spellings before pronouncing the word, he said.
Countries & Areas

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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 
K atie Price has named and shamed trolls who shared a picture of her disabled son photoshopped onto an image of a jihadi bride.

Price shared a mocked up picture of Harvey as ISIS teenager Shamima Begum alongside the words, let me back you c****, in reference to the time Harvey swore on live TV.

Price called for the online abuse to be treated as a criminal offence, writing: This is why I need to get online abuse a criminal offence these people should be named and shamed saying stuff about my son @mrharveyprice.

The image was also posted on Harveys new Instagram page alongside the caption: Why do this to me.

Mother's love: Katie Price with her son Harvey championing Harvey's Law / Nick Ansell/PA Archive/PA Images

Fans were left disgusted by the abusive post, with one describing it as the saddest thing I have seen in a long time.

They posted: Im so sorry any mother has to see that about their child, no one, public eye or not, deserves that.

Another wrote: My God I am appalled and disgusted words fail me beyond belief!! And makes me ashamed to be in the same human race as these people. And whats worse is that you would probably walk passed these people in the street and not even give them a second look.

A third commented: Some people a so evil. And cruel leave Harvey alone x.

Katie Price considers putting Harvey into care

Price was previously criticised for allowing her son to have an account on the photo sharing platform with many claiming it would leave him open to abusive comments.

But Price defended her decision, questioning why her son should be prevented from using the app like other teenagers his age.

Able-bodied 16-year-old boys have Instagram so what is the exception for Harvey? a representative for Price told Mail Online.

Katie Price - In pictures 1 /46 Katie Price - In pictures Instagram/katieprice @katieprice Jeff Spicer/Getty Images Katie Price: Harvey & Me Glen Gratton SplashNews.com @zoejamesmua PA Wire/PA Images The Adventures of Katie and Carl Fluffy style Katie at a film premiere in London in February Dave Benett Crisis talks Katie Price and Derrick Pountney after crisis talks via Showbiz Bang Loved up Katie Price with husband Kieran Hayler, who had an affair with her best friend Katie Price Twitter Image Shining in silver The model pictured at a screening of a Lego film which she attended with her children (Picture: Sean Dempsey/PA) Sean Dempsey/PA Wire Extravagant Katie Price poses with a copy of her autobiography - Love, Lipstick And Lies - in one of her famously extravagant attires (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Angel Katie Price at aphotocall to launch her new venture KP Rocks (Picture: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images) Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images My Little Pony Katie Price wore a strange pink horse outfit for the fifth birthday of her equestrian school PA Riding in Katie riding a horse for a book launch in London Ferdaus Shamim/Getty Images Cooling off Katie Price poses in a bikini in the I'm A Celebrity shower ITV/Rex Features Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Bongarts/Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images

His friends at school, his family and his brother [Junior] are all on Instagram and he wants his own account to post things he loves. Why should he be stopped?

Price is championing Harveys Law, which she launched in response to the torrent of abusive messages targeted at her son.

More than 200,000 people signed a petition to make online trolling a criminal offence. It recently received backing from MPs, and Price is keen to take it worldwide.

The former glamour model recently revealed plans to put Harvey, who is blind, autistic and suffers from PraderWilli syndrome, into residential care as he is becoming a danger to himself.
Spanish warship 'orders ships out of Gibraltar waters

A Spanish warship with its guns manned ordered commercial ships to leave British Gibraltar waters, the territory's government has said.

The warship's crew could be heard in an audio recording of a radio exchange yesterday telling vessels anchored at the Rock to "leave Spanish territorial waters".

Royal Navy boats were deployed in response, while crews on the ships ignored the Spanish, on the orders of Gibraltar officials.

A Gibraltar government spokesman labelled the Spanish action as, quote, foolish games.

Veteran Labour MP dies

Tributes have been paid to long-standing Labour MP Paul Flynn, who has died at the age of 84.

Mr Flynn represented Newport West for 32 years and was described as an "independent thinker" who would be "greatly missed".

Mr Flynn held several shadow cabinet posts during his parliamentary career and was a strong advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis.

Brexit talks resume this week

Top-level Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European Union will resume this week as the Prime Minister prepares to return to Brussels to gain concessions on her withdrawal deal.

Theresa May will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days, while Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will hold talks with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier today.

They are expected to discuss proposals by MPs seeking a compromise to the controversial Irish backstop.

Tomorrow Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the insurance policy to avoid a hard border.

Fourth man charged over bouncer's death at New Year's party

Detectives investigating the New Year's Eve stabbing of bouncer Tudor Simionov in central London have charged a fourth man with murder.

Twenty-three-year-old Nor Aden Hamada was arrested on Sunday at Gatwick airport as he returned to the UK and will appear in court today.

Detectives said they are still hunting Ossama Hamed, 25, in connection with Mr Simionovs death.

10-year low in house price rise

The average price tag on a home has increased by the lowest rate in 10 years, according to a property website.

Across Britain, the average asking price in February increased by 0.2 per cent, just 714, to 300,715 compared to 12 months ago, Rightmove said.

That represented the most subdued price increase that the website has recorded at this time of year since 2009.

Pre-Oscar shock over winners at Writers Guild awards

Eighth Grade and Can You Ever Forgive Me? were the big winners at the Writers Guild Of America Awards, one of the final indicators ahead of the Oscars.

In a shock result, writer and director Bo Burnham won outstanding original screenplay in a category containing Academy Award nominees Green Book, Vice and Roma, as well as John Krasinski's A Quiet Place.

The other marquee prize of the night, outstanding adapted screenplay, went to Can You Ever Forgive Me?, which won ahead of BlacKkKlansman, Black Panther, If Beale Street Could Talk and A Star Is Born.

On this day

1478: George, Duke of Clarence, was murdered in the Tower of London. According to legend, he drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine.

1516: Mary I, Queen of England (1553-1558), daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, was born in Greenwich.

1546: Martin Luther, father of the Reformation, died at his birthplace at Eisleben, Germany, aged 62 - supposedly of overwork.

1564: The great Renaissance artist and sculptor Michelangelo died in Rome, aged 88.

1678: John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress was published.

1745: Count Alessandro Volta, physicist who devised the first battery, was born in Como, Italy. He gave his name to the electrical unit volt.

1911: More than 6,000 letters and postcards were flown five miles from Allahabad to Naini Junction in India by Henri Picquet - the first official airmail.

1930: American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto from a series of pictures taken the previous month at Lowell Observatory.
A Swedish activist has been fined for delaying a flight due to deport an Afghan asylum seeker

Elin Ersson, a student at Gothenburg University, was handed a fine of 3,000 Swedish krona (250) after being found guilty of violating the countrys air safety rules.

The 22-year-old broadcast footage from the plane live on Facebook last July. It has since had over five million views.

In the video, she can be seen refusing to take her seat or get off the Turkish Airlines flight as she announced that a man on the plane was being deported to Afghanistan by Swedish immigration services.

Airline staff can be heard in the footage attempting to take the womans phone.

She urges other passengers to stand up. As the footage continues, other passengers stand up in solidarity while others can be heard complaining.

Eventually Ms Ersson is told by a member of staff that she would be allowed off the plane with the asylum seeker.

The woman's actions divided opinions with some praising her for her protest while others choosing to criticise the delay of the plane.

After the incident Ms Ersson told Metro: It is time to talk about the situation, it is time to see the people whose life we are destroying, it is time to stand up.

Ms Erssons lawyer Tomas Fridh told the Guardian that he would appeal the courts decision.
I SIS bride Shamima Begum has said she believed air strikes in Syria "justified" the Manchester Arena bombing.

The 19-year-old, who wants to return to Britain, said she felt the terror attack which killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 was part of a "two-way thing really".

She told the BBC: "I do feel that it's wrong that innocent people did get killed. It's one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you, it's self-defence, but to kill the people like women and children...

"Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. It's a two-way thing really.

"Because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now and it's kind of retaliation. Like, their justification was that it was retaliation so I thought 'OK, that is a fair justification'."

Shamima Begum: 'They dont have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous'

The young mother-of-three, who gave birth to her third child at the weekend, left east London with two friends in 2015 to join the terrorist group.

Since she has been there, her two older children have died.

Despite a number of interviews from a refugee camp in Syria, she has insisted she does not want media attention.

She also said she did not want to become a poster girl for IS, who used her images to promote her.

Shamima Begum pictured at Gatwick Airport in February 2015 / EPA

"I didn't want to be on the news at first. I know a lot of people, after they saw that me and my friends came, it actually encouraged them," she told the BBC.

"I did hear, yeah, a lot of people were encouraged to come after I left but I wasn't the one that put myself on the news. We didn't want to be on the news."

She apologised to "all the families that have lost their husbands and sons and brothers" and said attacks in Britian were "unfair".

She said the victims of such attacks were "not causing any harm" but said "neither was I".

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She later told ITV News she did not see why Home Secretary Sajid Javid would see her as a threat.

"I'm a 19-year-old girl with a new born baby. I don't have any weapons; I don't want to hurt anyone even if I did have weapons or anything," she said.

"He has no proof that I was a threat other than that I was in ISIS, that's it.

"I don't know how I would be seen as a danger. I'm not going to go back and promote people to go to ISIS or anything, if anything I'm going to encourage them not to go because it's not all it seems in their videos.

"I do regret it because when I went I thought I was going to make a family and I didn't realise what the things they were doing that they weren't showing in their propaganda videos, and I actually do regret it, I do feel bad for anyone who was affected by the actions of ISIS."

Shamima Begum when she was 15 and ran away from Bethnal Green to join ISIS in Syria / PA

The then Bethnal Green schoolgirl was aged 15 when she left from Gatwick airport.

Begum's pleas to be allowed back to Britain have sparked a national row and been met with opposition in the UK.

However, her family has pleaded for her to be able to return, while her lawyer has also spoken in strong terms for her.

Tasnime Akunjee told the Times: The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old.

"Our politicians are saying that she should be denied protections and due process that would have been granted to Nazis.

He also compared her to shell shocked World War One soldiers when it was questioned whether she was truly traumatised as he spoke to Good Morning Britain.

Shamima Begum when she was 15 and fled to join IS / PA

He told BBC Breakfast: "The family have gone out of their way from day one to try to get her away from the IS narrative and the context which she finds herself in.

"She's been there for four years and we would be surprised if she hadn't been further damaged beyond the degree she had already been groomed into.

"The family are concerned, as they have been for the last four years, not just to get her away, but, as of yesterday, to make sure that their grandchild - her child - is not influenced by that sort of thinking."

Prior to having her latest child, a son named Jarrar, she had lost two children to illness and malnutrition.

In an interview at the weekend, Begum said she does not regret leaving the UK to join Islamic State in Syria, saying it made her stronger and tougher.

She also claimed people should have sympathy towards her and said she had a good time in Syria, stating she would not have met anyone like her Dutch jihadist husband Yago Riedijk if she had remained in the UK.

Sajid Javid said on Monday Brits who travelled to Syria or Iraq to join Islamic State "hate our country" and will be stripped of their British citizenship if the law allows.

He said more than 100 dual nationals have already lost their UK citizenship as he replied to an urgent question in the Commons.

MPs heard more than 900 people went to Syria or Iraq, with Mr Javid telling MPs: "Whatever role they took in the so-called caliphate, they all supported a terrorist organisation and in doing so they have shown they hate our country and the values we stand for."

He said: "Now this so-called caliphate is crumbling, some of them want to return and I have been very clear where I can and where any threat remains I will not hesitate to prevent this."
A mother was stunned after a group of prison inmates sprang into action to help save her baby from a locked car.

Shadow Lantry said her husband had put his keys on the front seat while he strapped one-year-old daughter Dallas into their Chevy Tahoe, before closing the door and realising his mistake.

The pair called for help, with police soon arriving, but the group struggled to unlock the door until a nearby group of prison inmates lent a hand.

They had been working near the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey, Florida, on Thursday when the situation unfolded.

Ms Lantry said: The baby was crying so I told Joe to bring the baby out to the car, I gave him the keys while he put her in the car seat.

He strapped her in, tossed the keys onto his seat and went to open his door but all the doors were locked.

She was only in there for maybe five minutes, all the sheriffs and these good people helped us, all the prisoners.

Them prisoners bust that s**t right open, so thank god for the criminals in the world, I respect all yall.

Sheriff Chris Nocco told ABC Action News that it was a unique situation and that the prisoners used their skill set for the right reasons.
T he lawyer of ISIS bride Shamima Begum has said the 19-year-old is being treated less fairly than Nazi war criminals.

Begum's pleas to be allowed back to Britain have sparked a national row and have been met with derision in the UK.

Bethnal Green schoolgirl Begum fled London for Syria in 2015 when she was 15 years old.

Her lawyer Tasnime Akunjee told the Times: The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old.

"Our politicians are saying that she should be denied protections and due process that would have been granted to Nazis.

Shamima Begum, right, after she gave birth in Syria amid the storm over her possible return to the UK / Sky News

However he did state that some of her comments, which have included her saying she does not regret leaving for Syria, have not been helpful.

He added: In terms of the political landscape what shes saying isnt helpful.

Shes somebody who was persuaded to go out there. She will need help. She will obviously have to be de-radicalised.

Begum, who was one of three so-called ISIS brides when she left Bethnal Green in 2015, first asked to come back to Britain so she could give birth here.

She has since given birth to a baby boy, in a refugee camp where she is living, who she has named Jarrar.

Shamima Begum pictured at Gatwick Airport in February 2015 / EPA

Prior to this she had lost two children to illness and malnutrition.

In an interview at the weekend, Begum said she does not regret leaving the UK to join Islamic State in Syria because it made her stronger and tougher.

She also said she believes people should have sympathy towards her.

She said she had a good time in Syria and that she would not have met anyone like her Dutch jihadist husband Yago Riedijk if she had remained in the UK.

Shamima Begum when she was 15 and ran away from Bethnal Green to join ISIS in Syria / PA

In regards to talk of her facing legal action should she return to UK shores, she said for four years she had been just a housewife and that British authorities had no evidence that she had done anything dangerous.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has warned that he "will not hesitate" to prevent the return of Britons who travelled to join Islamic State but Justice Secretary David Gauke told Sky News that "we can't make people stateless".

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Former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation Lord Carlile told the BBC if Ms Begum has not gained a second citizenship of another country she will have to be allowed back to her homeland.

This because under international law it is not possible for a person to be made "stateless".

Chief executive of counter-extremism organisation Qulliam Haras Rafiq said he thought it likely the pregnant teenager's family will find the money to fund her journey back.

Following this, he felt she would likely be allowed entry and then arrested.
B ritain's counter-extremism commissioner today described jihadist bride Shamima Begum as a remorseless supporter of Islamic State, as she called for schools and faith leaders to do more to challenge Islamist ideology.

Sara Khan said there was no doubt of the runaway teenagers support for Daesh but declared: What I am concerned about is what did radicalise her, what lessons have we learned about how she was attracted to extremist beliefs, whether our response to counter extremism is sufficient and what more should we be doing.

She called for more efforts to prevent young people becoming radicalised as the lawyer representing the family of Ms Begum claimed she is traumatised and likened her to a soldier who fought in the First World War.

Begum, 19, who left Bethnal Green in east London in February 2015 to marry an ISIS fighter in Syria, gave birth to a baby boy in a Syrian refugee camp on Saturday.

Today the teenagers lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, told ITVs Good Morning Britain that the Government had a moral duty to bring her back to the UK saying she was a traumatised person.

When presenter Richard Madeley said she didnt look traumatised, Mr Akunjee replied: You might have said the same thing about a First World War soldier in the middle of shell-shock... they are both [in] warzones.

Shamima Begum, right, after she gave birth in Syria amid the storm over her possible return to the UK / Sky News

Yesterday the schoolgirl, speaking in a refugee camp hours after the birth of her baby boy, told Sky News: I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything Ive been through.

I just was hoping that maybe for me, for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back. Because I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

Earlier Mr Akunjee also criticised the Met police and Tower Hamlets council for failures which led to four Bethnal Green schoolgirls to leave Britain and join Islamic State in Syria.

Shamima Begum when she was 15 and ran away from Bethnal Green to join ISIS in Syria / PA

Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK during a half term break in February 2015.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016, while the other two are reported to still be alive.

They followed their school friend Sharmeena Begum who fled to Syria three months earlier.

Today it emerged that a fifth schoolgirl, also aged 15, was taken off a flight at Heathrow in 2014 as she was also travelling to join Islamic State.

The girl was never prosecuted even though police found extremist material on her phone and other devices, including a video of a target said to be linked to the royal family.

Speaking this morning Met commissioner Cressida Dick hit back at claims that officers failed to prevent the schoolgirls from escaping after the arrest of the 15-year-old.

Amira Abase fled to Syria with Ms Begum

She said it was incredibly complicated and difficult to know about somebodys intentions, and said the schoolgirls - Sharmeena Begum and the 15-year-old - were in fact on separate flights.

Ms Dick said: The truth of the matter is its incredibly hard to know what somebodys intending.

The moment we informed the school about the girl who came off the flight, we did not know these girls were intending that, they were merely witnesses and we were talking to them as witnesses. These things are incredibly complicated.

(L-R) Kadiza Sultana, 16, Shamima Begum, 15 and Amira Abase, 15 going through security at Gatwick airport at the time they first fled to Syria

We try to stop people from travelling when we knew they were travelling with ill-intent.

Speaking on Radio 4s Today programme Ms Khan said there were a lot of questions over how Shamima Begum was radicalised.

She said : Firstly with Shamima, she is a remorseless supporter of Daesh but this is not just about Daesh and Daesh targeting young people this is about chronic Islamist extremism that has existed for decades in our country.

She added: We have to protect freedom of expression but I want to see more challenge of extremist beliefs and ideologies, schools can play a very important role in challenging and faith leaders have a very important role in deconstructing Islamist extreme ideologies. We need to question whether that civil society response is sufficient.

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said it had "some of the strongest measures in place to help prevent radicalisation and has been an integral part of the Governments counter terrorism Prevent programme since 2011."

Describing comments by Ms Begum's lawyer as "unfair and skewed" it said a multi-agency group had agreed the case did not meet the threshold for a serious case review.

It said : "Instead the council worked alongside the Governments Prevent team and the Polices SO15 counter terrorism team to conduct a wider review and provide in-depth support to the school, its staff, parents and pupils in order to investigate what had happened and stop others following in their footsteps.

"This work, which continues to this day, has been commended by the Government."

In another twist Danny Dyer joined the debate over the controversy - saying the teenager should be allowed back into the UK.

The EastEnders star said the runaway schoolgirl must have been lost within her soul to go to Syria.
N igel Farages newly adopted Brexit Party could move its headquarters from a 43-a-night bed and breakfast after its TripAdvisor page was flooded with malicious trolling.

The party is registered to a budget B&B called Annapurna, a set of converted barns near Norwich.

The guesthouse, which has a hot tub and a Buddha statue in its courtyard, is owned by Catherine Blaiklock who is registered as the new partys leader and treasurer. However, she now plans to move the HQ out of the family-run business after pranksters took to hotel review sites to poke fun at the party.

Trolls gave Annapurna one-star reviews after Mr Farage, 54, announced his support for the party on Twitter.

One was titled couldnt wait to vote leave while another punned breakfast meant breakfast and made a joke about an advert on the side of a bus that promised a lot.

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage / AFP/Getty Images

Some commenters even gave the name Gerard Batten, pretending to be the Ukip leader. The comments have since been removed. A spokesman for the Brexit Party said they contacted Tripadvisor, adding: This is transparent trolling. They are attempting to damage the business of somebody who dares to get involved in politics.

For people who like to claim the high ground on Brexit, this is malice. It is done in spite, not out of a sense of humour  but bullying.

The spokesman added: There were lots of positive reviews before last week. The ratings have gone down from eight to 3.5 in a few days. It is a concerted, co-ordinated campaign of destruction.

The spokesman said Ms Blaiklock was now planning to move the partys headquarters out of the family-run business following the abuse.

Former City trader Ms Blaiklock, 55, ran as Ukips candidate for Great Yarmouth in the 2017 general election, finishing third with 6.3 per cent of the vote. She has vowed that her new party will field 200 candidates in elections for the European Parliament in May and claims supporters have pledged more than 1 million in donations.

Brexit Party leader Catherine Blaiklock (Facebook ) / Facebook

In a tweet yesterday, Mr Farage claimed some 100,000 people have signed up to the new Brexit Party since it launched last week.

He quit Ukip in December after 25 years, saying he was unhappy with Mr Batten over his views on Islam and for welcoming far-Right activist Tommy Robinson into the party.
A Natwest worker told a customer who was applying for a loan all vegans should be punched in the face.

The customer, who asked not to be named, said she had approached the bank for a loan in Bristol.

She had hoped to get a loan in order to pay for a 400 nutrition diploma, the BBC reported.

The woman said the worker who dealt with her request told her all vegans should be punched in the face after he explained vegan activists had drawn pictures of animals with statements such as friends not food near his home.

He added he thought vegans were forcing their beliefs on him.

The bank has since apologised to the woman and offered compensation of just under 200.

The womans application for a loan was initially rejected, but Natwest have since offered to pay for the course.

She told BBC Radio Bristol the workers comments made her feel really uncomfortable.

She said: He wasn't happy to be speaking to me at all, his tone was really unpleasant. Being vegan is a lifestyle choice, I shouldn't be penalised for it, especially by a big organisation. It's extremely unfair.

Natwest told the BBC: We are extremely sorry for the way our customer was treated by a member of our staff and apologise for any distress and upset that this behaviour caused.

"These comments were wholly inappropriate and we have commenced disciplinary proceedings.
L uciana Berger has said she believes her "constituents and the country deserve better" as she explained her decision to quit the Labour Party in a frank interview with the Standard.

The MP for Liverpool Wavertree is one of seven MPs who resigned from the party on Monday to create a new Independent Group in the House of Commons.

Making the announcement today the group said they were leaving the party in protest over the future of British politics, Jeremy Corbyn's handling of Brexit and claims of anti-Semitism.

Ms Berger told the Standard: Its clear at the moment that politics is broken. There is very little trust and support for what we see from the main parties at the moment, including the Labour Party, where weve seen this gravitational pull towards the fringes of the main political parties.

"I believe that my constituents and the country deserves better."

Luciana Berger speaking to reporters on Monday (Stefan Rousseau/PA ) / Stefan Rousseau/PA

She added: Its very easy for us to continue and pretend that nothing is going on. But I think particularly at this moment in time where our country is facing some of its greatest challenges since the Second World War, we need to stand up and be true to the values that made me put myself forward in the first place for public office and to do something about it.

"Thats why Ive taken the very difficult and painful decision today.

Its been a very difficult and painful decision. Id never anticipated Id have made this decision today. Its been very very challenging but Im clear that Ive made the right decision.

Ms Berger has been critical of Jeremy Corbyn in the past / PA

Ms Berger, who is Jewish, has been highly critical of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn over his handling of anti-Semitism within the Labour Party.

She has also previously criticised his stance on Brexit.

Other MPs who are joining The Independent Group" are Chuka Umunna, Chris Leslie, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Mike Gapes.

In response to the seven MP's announcement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "disappointed to see these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions, at least at the election."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is deeply distressed by the Labour split, but admitted the party has been shockingly poor at dealing with anti-Semitism.
H onda is expected to close its Swindon plant with the loss of 3,500 jobs, it emerged today.

The Japanese car manufacturer, which is the UK's fifth biggest, is expected to make the announcement on Tuesday.

It is thought that the plant will close in 2022, but it is thought to be keeping its European headquarters in Bracknell.

The factory, which is Honda's only one in the EU, produces 160,000 Civic vehicles a year, more than 90 per cent of which are exported to Europe and the US.

3,500 jobs could be lost at the plant in Swindon / Andrew Matthews/PA Archive/PA Images

Local Tory MP Justin Tomlinson said he and fellow Tory MP Robert Buckland had spoken to the Business Secretary and the car firm about the decision.

He tweeted: "They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.

"Working with Honda, Gov (led by the Business Secretary), staff and Unions there will be a taskforce set up to provide support for all staff (as we did when jobs were lost previously at Honda).

"Honda will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021."

File photo: The factory is Honda's only one in the EU / PA

Green MEP Molly Scott Cato tweeted about the "shocking news" for her constituents.

She said: "Shocking news. My thoughts are with the many people I represent in Swindon who work for Honda. Well be finding out more details as soon as we can.

"Weve heard Hondas concerns about Brexit ever since the referendum but this has come totally out of the blue."

Lord Alan Sugar added: "Honda to leave UK with a potential loss of 3500 jobs in 2022. It won't be long for Nissan to make same decision.

"Sunderland you tipped the scales in 2016 vote and now you will pay with mass unemployment in your area not just Nissan factory but all the peripheral suppliers."

In a statement last month, Honda announced a six-day post-Brexit shutdown as part of its preparations for disruption.

They added: "This is to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts.

"These contingency provisions have been put in place to best mitigate the risk of disruption to production operations at the Swindon factory."

Last year, senior vice-president of Honda Europe Ian Howells told the BBC that a no-deal Brexit would cost the company tens of millions of pounds.

Ian Howells told the BBC that quitting the EU without an agreement would affect the carmaker's competitiveness in Europe.

In September, he said the Japanese firm was preparing for no-deal, but had not discussed relocating the Swindon plant.

Honda were not immediately available to comment, while the Government declined to comment.

Unite national officer for the automotive sector Des Quinn said: If these reports are confirmed, this would be a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing.

The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sector  and now it has been brought low by the chaotic Brexit uncertainty created by the rigid approach adopted by prime minister Theresa May.

We are seeking urgent clarification from Honda on the implications of these serious reports.

The 3,500-strong workforce do skilled, well paid jobs that the UK can ill-afford to lose.

We will be doing everything we can in the coming days and weeks to support our members at this grave time for them, their families and the UK economy. This will also affect thousands of jobs in the extensive supply chain across the country. This would be the single biggest automotive closure since Rover in 2005.

Business secretary Greg Clark needs to make an urgent statement on what the government intends to do to rectify this dire situation, if the reports prove correct. It appears that the chickens are coming home to roost big-time because of Brexit uncertainty.

If the government had advance warning of this dreadful news and did not alert the unions, this is an appalling and cavalier attitude by ministers.


I t can be confusing trying to keep on top of all the Brexit terms being thrown around as the deadline draws ever nearer.

After all, some terminology - such as the Irish border backstop or the Withdrawal Agreement - can be just as complex and contentious as Brexit itself.

So we've created this jargon-busting Brexit guide to help explain and try to demystify just what some of the most commons terms actually mean.

No-deal

Brexit: What happens next?

A no-deal Brexit would mean the UK cuts ties with the EU immediately with no agreement.

It Theresa May fails to pass a deal in the Commons or there is no move to delay or stop Brexit, the UK will leave with no-deal on March 29.

Britain would then follow World Trade Organisation rules to trade with the EU and other countries while trying to negotiate free trade deals.

The Irish border backstop

The future of the border that separates Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has been a key part of the Brexit negotiations.

EU leaders approved the withdrawal deal with the UK in November which included an agreement on the Irish border.

Both sides committed to avoiding the return of a hard border - physical checks or infrastructure - after Brexit.

Currently there are no barriers on people or goods crossing the Irish border, and the border has long been perceived as being invisible due to processes put in place by the Good Friday Agreement.

The backstop is a measure to ensure that continues after Brexit. It only comes into effect if the deal deciding the future relationship between the UK and the EU is not agreed by the end of the transition period (December 2020).

It would effectively keep the UK inside the EU's customs union with Northern Ireland still conforming to some rule of the single market.

Critics fear the backstop could become permanent and could threaten the existence of the UK.

Withdrawal Agreement

The Withdrawal Agreement was a proposed deal agreed between the UK and the EU after months of negotiations, setting out how Britain will leave the bloc.

It was published in November 2018 alongside the non-binding Political Declaration, which detailed what a relationship between the UK and the EU might look like after Brexit.

Key aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement include the controversial Irish border backstop, the end to free movement and citizens' rights for EU nationals in the UK and Brits living elsewhere in the bloc.

The deal also set out a plan for a "transition period" which means means that the UK will remain inside the bloc's single market and bound by its rules until the end of December 2020, while the two sides work out a new trade relationship.

But in January the agreement was historically voted down in Parliament by a majority of 230 votes.

Transition period

Brexit - what happens now?

The transition period, outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement, has been designed to avoid a "cliff edge" Brexit.

Also known as the "implementation phase", it will see EU law continue to apply in the UK and the continuation of Britain's inclusion in the EU's customs union and the single market.

The transition period is due begin when the UK leaves the EU on March 29 and run until December 31, 2020.

The UK could also have to continue to allow the free movement of people from the EU and keep making large payments to Brussels.

There is a one-off option for the UK to seek an extension of the transition period if negotiations on the future relationship are still continuing.

Customs union

A customs union is a type of trade deal between a group of states that agree to charge the same import duties on each other.

It usually allows for free trade between countries in the agreement.

The EU customs union includes 28 EU member states and some small non-EU members including Monaco and dependencies of the UK.

It forbids members from negotiating trade agreements separately from the EU.

Single market

The EU single market seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour between members.

The single market differs from a customs union because it includes the free movement of labour within the bloc.

The European single market consists of the 28 EU member states, plus other countries outside of the bloc. These include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Sweden.

Free trade agreement

A free trade agreement is a deal struck between countries that removes tariffs and restrictions on goods traded between them.

This means there is no cost for moving products between borders and no restrictions on how much one country can trade with another.

Free trade agreements are different to customs unions and single markets because they are highly regulated, with countries implementing their own safety rules and product standards.

And unlike the EU customs unions and single market, they dont include the promises of the free movement of services, capital and people that the EU offers.

WTO terms

Key Brexit moments of 2018: in pictures 1 /23 Key Brexit moments of 2018: in pictures Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Chequers in July PA The Cabinet thrashed out a Brexit blue print PA The away day meeting PA Boris Johnson leaves Carlton House Terrace in Westminster after he resigned as Foreign Secretary PA David Davis pictured after quitting the government, resigning his post as Brexit Secretary AFP/Getty Images New role: Jeremy Hunt was appointed as Foreign Secretary in July Getty Images Dominic Raab took over the role of Brexit Secretary in July AP/Matt Dunham Exotic spresm: Liberal Democrats Leader Sir Vince Cable following his speech at the party conference PA More than half a million protesters descended on London for the People's Vote March in October Sky News Demonstrators called for a People's Vote on Brexit during a march in Liverpool earlier this year Getty Images Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, presented the red Budget Box as he revealed the government's financial plans in October Getty Images It was the last Budget before Brexit AFP/Getty Images Mr McDonnell and Jeremy Corbyn listen as Chancellor Philip Hammond delivers his Budget statement AFP/Getty Images New Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay after Dominic Raab quit the post in November Getty Images Esther McVey also resigned as Work and Pensions Secretary Sir Keir Starmer opened the debate on a motion to hold the Government in contempt of Parliament on December 4 AFP/Getty Images Sir Graham Brady (centre), chairman of the 1922 Committee, announces that Theresa May has survived a confidence vote on December 12 PA Theresa May in Downing Street after winning the confidence vote Jeremy Selwyn The Prime Minister confronts Jean-Claude Juncker at an EU summit in December 'You called me nebulous' Philip Sime/Twitter Jeremy Corbyn was accused of mouthing the words "stupid woman" during the last PMQs of the year Jeremy Corbyn responds in the Commons amid the row PA Jeremy Corbyn denied reports he muttered the words "stupid woman" AFP/Getty Images

The World Trade Organisation governs international trade between its members. Those nations who do not have a trade agreement with each other would usually trade under its rules instead.

This would mean that if a trade agreement is not set during Brexit negotiations, the EU and UK would trade under the rules set by the WTO.

Under these rules, every WTO member agrees on "schedules", which are tariffs on goods that they then apply to other countries. If there was no agreement between the UK and EU, the UK would have to pay these tariffs on goods and services it exported to the bloc.

And some EU tariffs are high - dairy products for example could be subject to more than 35 per cent while cars would be taxed at around 10 per cent.

Article 50

Article 50 is the part of the Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2009, which gives member states the right to leave the EU and sets out how they can do so.

A country has two years to negotiate a deal with the remaining members of the EU after triggering Article 50.

Theresa May triggered the process at the end of March 2017, which means the UK is expected to leave the EU at the end of March this year.

The European Court of Justice ruled that a leaving country can revoke Article 50, and that the UK does not need the approval of other EU countries.
A boat carrying 34 migrants has been intercepted by Border Force officials off the coast of Dover.

Two Border Force cutters and a coastal patrol vessel were alerted at around 6.30am to the boat travelling acrosss the English Channel.

A spokesman for the Home Office said the boat - which was carrying 34 people including men, women and children - was intercepted and the group were brought to Dover.

They have now been transferred to immigration officials for an interview, the spokesman added.

Three men were also arrested by Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) officers on suspicion of immigration offences.

Britain has experienced a sharp rise in the number of migrants trying to enter the UK in recent months, with at least 221 trying to cross the Channel since November last year.

Responding to the migrants being picked up off the Kent coast on Monday, Dove and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said urgent measures are needed to tackle the sharp rise.

"We urgently need round the clock air surveillance along the French coast to catch the traffickers before they set off," he wrote on Twitter.

"It is vital to stop people trying to cross the English Channel in small craft before there is a tragedy."

A Home Office spokesman said that since Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a major incident in December "we have tripled the number of cutters operating in the Channel."

He also said the Home Office have agreed a joint action plan with France and increased activity out of the Joint Coordination and Information Centre in Calais.

"The number of individuals attempting to cross the Channel decreased from around 250 in December to around 90 in January, with roughly half of the January attempts being intercepted by partners in France before they could make it to British waters, the spokesman added.

A Coastguard spokeswoman said earlier this afternoon: "We are currently assisting Border Force with an incident off the Kent coast.

"HM Coastguard is committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.
T heresa May's de facto deputy warned today that a no-deal Brexit could encourage the break-up of the UK  piling pressure on Right-wingers to back the Prime Ministers plans if Brussels makes a concession on the Northern Ireland border backstop.

Cabinet Office minister David Lidington raised expectations that Tory MPs will be urged to support Mrs Mays Brexit blueprint if the European Union offers limited legal assurances on the backstop.

A codicil or addendum to the withdrawal agreement might enable Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to argue that the threat of the UK being indefinitely subject to EU rules has been curtailed.

But hardline members of the European Research Group believe Mrs May is simply trying to run down the clock so MPs are forced, just days before the March 29 EU departure date, to choose between her proposals or no deal.

Mr Lidington, though, insisted discussions with the EU are more than just courtesy calls and were scoping out room to strike a deal.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will today hold talks in Brussels with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Tomorrow Mr Cox will make a speech in London setting out legal tests to ensure the UK will not be trapped in a customs union by the backstop.

And on Wednesday Mrs May is expected to meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

Mr Lidington admitted it would be very difficult to re-open the withdrawal agreement, a move which EU nations have almost unanimously rejected.

However, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: MPs right across the Commons put great weight on the Attorney Generals legal advice last time around, I think they will do so again, which is why what he says in his speech and why his involvement in the negotiations ... will be very important in finding the right way forward.

Rejecting accusations of another Project Fear that warns of the risks of a no deal, he stressed: It would cause some serious damage to our economy and put strain on the union of the United Kingdom.

A Birds Eye boss told The Grocer magazine that no deal could spark price rises on popular products, including fish fingers.

Wayne Hudson, the firms managing director for the UK and Ireland, said manufacturers would have to pass tariffs of up to 20 per cent to retailers, which could lead to rises in stores. We buy fish on a global basis, we make fish fingers in our factory in Germany and we bring those into the UK, he said.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox flew to Jerusalem today to sign a deal to roll over the existing EU-Israel free trade agreement for the UK after Brexit. Trade between the UK and Israel is worth about 4 billion.

Todays agreement will further help ensure UK and Israeli businesses, exporters and consumers have the certainty they need to continue trading freely and in confidence as the UK prepares to leave the EU, Dr Fox said.
T he words between this and Brexit were f***** were picked up on a microphone during a live BBC broadcast of the press conference announcing the resignations of seven Labour MPs.

A male voice could be heard muttering the words as Luciana Berger paid tribute to the late Labour stalwart Paul Flynn then introduced a question and answer session.

The voice said: Not gonna lie, between this and Brexit, were actually f*****.

Its going to be so divided.

Labour Party split: Seven MPs quit 1 /9 Labour Party split: Seven MPs quit Labour MPs (left to right) Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker and Chuka Umunna after they announced their resignations during a press conference at County Hall in Westminster, to create a new Independent Group in the House of Commons. Matt Writtle Labour MP Luciana Berger Matt Writtle Labour MP Chris Leslie Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour Party MP Chuka Umunna Simon Dawson/Reuters Labour MP Angela Smith Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour Party MP Gavin Shuker Simon Dawson/Reuters Labour MP Ann Coffey Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour MP Mike Gape Stefan Rousseau/PA The website of The Independent Group, which has been formed by seven MPs who have all announced their resignation from the Labour party. PA

The rest of what was said was less clear but included the line the Conservatives are gonna win but

Commenting on the incident, a spokeswoman for the BBC said: "Due to an error, we inadvertently broadcast some background comments from another microphone during our coverage of the press conference this morning. We apologised on air once we realised our mistake.

After the words were aired, many took to social media in amusement.

Chuka Umunna was also among those who left Labour / REUTERS

One wrote: Watching via BBC and just wanted to give a shout out the people who are unaware theyre being picked up on a mic, giving us their thoughts during the press conference.

The blunder came as Labour was rocked by a historic split with seven MPs walking out amid savage criticisms of Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

The seven included Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Chris Leslie will sit as The Independent Group and are all fierce anti-Brexit camapigners.

Mr Umunna gave a strong signal that they aim to form a new centre party in future, and said: The established parties are not up to this challenge... they have failed to fulfil their duties with the competence the public deserves.
Just in case you thought this was merely a walkout by disenchanted Labour MPs, the invitation to County Hall made clear it was intended to be far more significant.

Announcement by a group of Labour MPs relating to the future of British politics, it declared in an echo of the Limehouse Declaration of almost four decades ago, when David Owen, Shirley Williams, Bill Rodgers and Roy Jenkins spelled out their vision of a realignment of British politics. The declaration of 1981 by the Gang of Four led to the formation of the Social Democratic Party and a bid to break the mould of politics. A young Vince Cable was among the Labour activists who turned to the new centre-party banner.

Chuka Umunna, who gave the strongest hints that the Gang of Seven plan a new party, appealed: Its time we dumped this countrys old-fashioned politics.

For those of us with dim memories of furtive meetings at David Owens home in Limehouse in 1981, the parallels are fascinating.Four ruinous policies brought in by the Left were highlighted by Owen and Co: withdrawal from the European Community; unilateral nuclear disarmament; a return to wholesale nationalisation; and rule changes to disempower ordinary Labour MPs.

Todays complaints by the Gang of Seven are similar in many ways: a refusal to stop Brexit; state interference in business; Labour MPs disempowered by left-wing members; and now the stain of anti-Semitism.

Did the SDP succeed in breaking the mould? Yes, but not perhaps in the way its founders hoped. The glory of high office went not to the Gang of Four but to those like a young Tony Blair who stayed to modernise from within.
C onstituents have hit out at a group of former MPs who announced they were leaving Labour today, claiming the politicians have abandoned" the party.

Streatham MP Chuka Umunna led the group of seven in announcing they would form a new group of independent MPs in protest over the future of British politics on Monday morning.

The seven MPs, who are calling themselves The Independent Group, quit over Jeremy Corbyns handling of Brexit and claims of anti-Semitism at a dramatic press conference.

The MPs who quit Labour are: Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Ann Coffey, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker and Mike Gapes.

The seven MPs made a joint announcement on Monday / Matt Writtle

Streatham residents criticised Mr Umunna, who has held the south London seat since 2010, for his choice to leave the party.

The Streatham Ethnic Minorities Forum tweeted it was disappointed at the announcement, with some calling for a by-election.

Martin Abrams said: Im a Labour member and constituent of Chuka Umunna in Streatham. I pounded the streets during #GE2017 to elect Chuka on a Democratic Socialist Labour manifesto. He should immediately resign his seat and call a by-election.

Pavel Itoje tweeted the MP to say: As a life-long constituent, I demand a second referendum and I demand your resignation as MP for Streatham and a by-election.

Some of Mr Umunnas constituents praised him for his announcement, however.

REUTERS

Helen Thompson said: I respect Chuka Umunnas decision to leave Labour. Asking Streatham residents to vote for a party he so publically disagrees with is an untenable position.

East London residents were also quick to criticise Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South.

Mr Gapes said he was "sickened" that the Labour party was now, as he called it, a "racist, anti-Semitic party".

He added that "a Corbyn Labour government would threaten our naitonal security and international alliances".

Gareth Branding said: You were elected on the 2017 Labour manifesto. By resigning from the party, you no longer represent the manifesto, and you should trigger a by-election to get your own mandate, rather than hanging on via the party youve now abandoned.

Others hailed the MP of 27 years brave for his choice to leave the party.

(Stefan Rousseau/PA ) / Stefan Rousseau/PA

MP for Liverpool Wavertree Luciana Berger was the first to announce a breakaway from the party, but has also had constituents lament her loss from Labour.

Ms Berger, who is Jewish, said: "I cannot remain in a party that I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic".

Toby Lynch said: I live in Liverpool Wavertree and am a lifelong Labour voter. I vote for party, not constituency. I am by no means anti-Semitic but did not vote for Luciana Berger (who I think is an excellent constituency MP, incidentally) as an independent. We clearly need a by-election now.

Other constituents of Ms Berger argued she was principled in her decision to leave. Warren Bradley wrote: I have respect for you and the decision you have taken.

If youre going to stand in Liverpool Wavertree again, you will get my vote. Well done for having a principled stand.

Residents in Nottingham East, Chris Leslie constituency, were also disappointed at the MPs announcement.

In a video announcement posted on Twitter, Mr Leslie was inundated with messages calling on him to hold an election.

Seven MPs quit Labour Party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn's leadership

One user replied: You were elected on a Labour manifesto, do the right thing and call a by-election.

Another replied claiming Mr Lesie was on the right side of history and did the right thing in leaving the party.

Melanie wrote: Youre principled and I agree with everything youve said. Thank you for fighting to stop Brexit. Youll be on the right side of history.

The packed press conference saw over 100 reporters attend today, as MPs made their announcement.

PA

In response to the seven MP's announcement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was "dissapointed to see these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions, at least at the election."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said he is deeply distressed by the Labour split, but admitted the party has been shockingly poor at dealing with anti-Semitism.

Mr Khan said: History tells us that when the Labour Party splits, it leads to the Conservative Party winning the next election and the one after that and the one after that.
The 37-year-old said: This is not a female thing, this is not an ethnic minority thing, this is an issue that is taking place in the UK that is clearly the abuse of children.

Fathers Against FGM is led by Mr Mercer as well as Invictus Games UK team captain David Wiseman, media accounts manager Mohammed Ali and Tom Chamberlin, editor of Rake magazine.
A fourth man has been charged with murder after a security guard was stabbed to death on New Years Day.

Tudor Simionov, 33, was hailed a hero for protecting colleagues who were attacked by a group of men trying to gain entry to the party at a 12.5 million townhouse in Park Lane.

Nor Aden Hamada, 23, of no fixed address, was arrested on Sunday at Gatwick airport as he returned to the UK, the Metropolitan Police said.

He was quizzed at a London police station before he was charged with murder, four counts of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

Police officers at the cordon in Park Lane / Nigel Howard

Mr Hamada will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police said in a statement they are still hunting Ossama Hamed, 25, in connection with the murder.

Three men have already been charged over the killing.

Haroon Akram, 25, Adham Khalil, 20, and Adham Elshalakany, 23, have all been charged with Mr Simionov's murder, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Victim: Tudor Simionov with girlfriend Madalina Anghel. She said the couple moved to London for a better life and had planned to marry

Two other security staff, both men aged 37 and 29, and a woman, 29, were also taken to hospital after being stabbed after the attack at around 5.30am on January 1.

The party was being held at a luxury three-bedroom house with views of Hyde Park, glass floors and a rooftop which is thought to be regularly hired out as a party venue.

Mr Simionov, who lived in Ilford, was allegedly not meant to be working that night but had agreed to cover a shift for a colleague who could not make it to work.

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Simionovs girlfriend Madalina Anghel revealed earlier that they moved to London for a better life and had planned to marry.

Police outside the Grosvenor House Suites in Park Lane, London, after a security guard was stabbed to death and three others injured as they tried to bar a group of men from entering a New Year's Eve party / John Stillwell/PA

She said: Right now I cant think about him in the past. He was my future husband and we came to London from Romania for a better life. I cant explain in words how much pain I am in.
H undreds of pounds have been raised for a father and son who were left traumatised after racist graffiti reading no blacks was spray-painted onto their front door.

Solicitor Jackson Yamba had the horrific abuse painted on the front door and entrances of the flats where he lives with his young son and friend Theo Baya in Salford, Greater Manchester.

He shared a photograph of his flats front door on Saturday with the words NO BLACKS visible, asking: How do I assure my traumatised 10-year-old that he is safe in his home?

Mr Yamba said his 10-year-old David was in tears and left traumatised by the incident on February 8.

Solicitor Jackson Yamba had horrific racist graffiti painted on his front door / Jackson Yamba/GoFundMe

It was only after Mr Yamba tweeted about the abuse and lack of police action, which sparked outrage, that the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and local politicians became involved.

Greater Manchester Police, which is now investigating the hate crime, has apologised for the delay and his housing association, Your Housing Group, has erased the graffiti.

Nearly 1,800 has now been raised online to show solidarity with Mr Yamba, a gesture which aims to offer reassurance, support and put a smile back on [Davids] face.

The GoFundMe page, which was set up to help Mr Yamba replace the door, smashed its 1,000 target in less than six hours.

Commenting on the fundraising page, one well-wisher wrote: I want that brave little lad to know that, whilst a lot of white people are racist idiots, we're not all like that.

I hope he can forgive the very sad and confused person who vandalised his door.

Another said: Standing with you both. Hate is not welcome here.

In response to the outpouring of support, Mr Yamba wrote: I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country. There is no word to describe my gratefulness.

My son and I want to thank you all, he added.

Mr Yamba, who works for a Leeds law firm, was not visited and did not received a call back from police more than a week after reporting the matter, which the force said was due to a lack of staff.

The fathers tweet about the incident, which has now been shared thousands of times, prompted chief constable Ian Hopkins on Sunday to say he had only just become aware of the appalling crime and apologised for the lack of police response.

When Mr Yamba said he was told there were not enough staff when he contacted GMP on February 8, Mr Hopkins replied: "That is frankly just not good enough.

"There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly.

A spokesman for GMP later said the force was aware of concerns about its response to the reports of racist graffiti at the flat in Irlams o' th' Height, northeast Salford.

The force added that it was sorry Mr Yamba had "received a service below what we would seek to provide" and that they had visited him on Sunday morning.

Speaking after picture of the graffiti went viral on Twitter, his friend Mr Baya said he had never experienced racism before in this country from anyone since coming to live in Britain in 2011.

Mr Baya said: "They may be stereotyping black people, we are both educated, we were both solicitors in Africa.

"It is ignorance, a lack of education. It is the first time this has happened to me. Before I was in Belgium and France and people there are not as mature in their attitudes. For me the UK is paradise.
P rosecutors are deciding whether to bring criminal charges against a group of men who filmed the burning of an effigy of Grenfell Tower while laughing.

Six men were arrested and a seventh interviewed under caution over the video, which sparked outrage when it was posted online in November.

The clip showed a model depicting Grenfell Tower being placed over a naked flame and set alight while the men jeered.

Disgusted viewers of the footage described it as "sick" and said that those responsible had "no shame."

'Disgusting': viewers of the clip have been left outraged

During the footage, a person can be heard saying "Didn't it start from the 10th floor, though?", while others add "Help me! Help me!" and "Jump out the window!"

Another says "Here we go" as the fire takes hold.

The Metropolitan Police passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service around 10 days ago and a decision will be made "in due course".

'Sick': A cardboard cut-out of Grenfell Tower is placed on to a bonfire

72 people died as a result of the tragedy at the west London block on June 14 2017.

The response to the fire is the subject of a new documentary, aired on Monday night, and will explore whether systematic mistakes at the Grenfell Tower fire "let both residents and firefighters down".

A CPS spokesman said: "The police have passed evidence to the CPS regarding a video which featured a model of Grenfell Tower on fire.

"The CPS is now considering the available evidence and will make a decision in due course on whether anyone should be charged with any criminal offences."
P olice have released an image of a man they wish to trace in connection with an assault on a bus driver.

The 55-year-old victim was attacked on a 279 bus after parking at its terminating spot outside South Africa House in Trafalgar Square on December 2 last year.

According to police, the suspect was asleep on the upper deck when the bus went out of service.

When the driver went to wake him up, the suspect pushed and punched him in the face.

The driver suffered facial injuries.

No arrest has been made.

The suspect is described as in his 30s with short black hair and a beard.
S ydney, Australias largest city, has seen a dramatic change in its nightlife scene in recent years.

After the Sydney lockout laws were introduced by the Government of New South Wales in February 2014, revellers migrated from the once party-centric Kings Cross towards the Central Buisness District (CBD), Surry Hills and Newtown.

Now, with a legislation that requires 1:30am lockouts and 3am last drinks, people are being smarter about their watering holes of choice and heading underground for a classy cocktail or three.

Below, we detail the best of Sydneys hidden bars, along with how to find them and what to order when youre there.

Shady Pines Saloon

Shady Pines Saloon is found behind an unmarked door off Oxford Street / Shady Pines Saloon

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How to find it: on Foley Street, just off Surry Hills Crown Street and parallel to the iconic Oxford Street, youll find an unassuming white door with no sign except for small print above that reads Shady Pines Saloon. Sometimes there is a bouncer outside, but if not just push the door open and follow the stairs down into the country music-playing saloon.

What to order: an Apple Whiskey, made with fresh apples juiced right in front of you.

Undoubtedly one of the best bars in Sydney, Shady Pines Saloon is a pure delight. Play spot the couple on a first date while you order an Apple Whiskey at the bar and crack open peanuts at the table. Packed on both weeknights and weekends, this bolthole is guaranteed to have a lively atmosphere no matter when you visit.

Ramblin Rascal Tavern

How to find it: head to the corner of Park and Elizabeth Street and look for a black sign with three skulls where youll find a door to the basement bar below.

What to order: the Twelve Gauge Grog combines rum, citrus and bitters to create a divine cocktail catered to a sweet palate.

Tucked away on the corner of two of Sydneys busiest streets, Ramblin Rascal Tavern is found below the Toni & Guy hair salon, the only hint to its location being a sign with three skulls above. The vibe is of an old school dive bar, with pin-ups on the walls next to vintage photos of Sydney sitting above the cosy booths. With a small but more than sufficient drinks list, here youll find local wines, craft beers and interesting cocktails.

Stitch Bar

Expect an extensive drinks menu and American diner-inspired food menu at Stitch / Stitch

How to find it: on York Street, just down from Wynyard Station, youll find a faux seamstress shopfront. Once you enter, head down the staircase to find Stitch.

What to order: order the Irn-Bro if youre missing the UK while Down Under and want a unique take on an old Scottish classic. Made with whiskey, vermouth and a zesty mandarin soda, this is guaranteed to delight.

A favourite of Sydney city workers, Stitch is full of Southern glamour with wooden barrels, hanging lanterns and an extensive drinks menu. Hungry? Try the American diner-inspired menu with pork crackles, hot wings, tacos and a snickers smores sundae. Yum.

The Soda Factory

This faux-hotdog joint hides the entrance to The Soda Factory / The Soda Factory

How to find it: at the top of Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills, enter the retro-looking Bobbys Boss Dogs before opening the faux 50s coke machine door to reveal the bar hidden behind.

What to order: try the Hollywood Scandal for a cocktail of bourbon, peach puree, sherry, lemon and bitters topped with salted caramel popcorn.

Not only is the Soda Factory one of the coolest secret bars in Sydney, but it also has one of the cheapest meals options in the city. Every Tuesday is $1 (55p) hotdog night, meaning you dont have to feel bad about scarfing down that fourth hotdog. Each night the bar hosts a different event, with bingo on Tuesdays, free movies on Mondays and soul music on Wednesdays. Youll find the bar packed with young revellers come the weekend.

Grandmas Bar

How to find it: at the lower end of Clarence Street, located underneath a guitar shop with no obvious signage other than the giant deers head on the wall. Follow the stairs down to the basement to find a bar oozing with retro and kitsch glam.

What to order: the peanut butter colada is a Grandmas Bar classic. Golden rum, coconut cream, roasted pineapple puree, fresh pineapple and peanut butter are blended to create magic.

As soon as you enter Grandmas Bar, the mood is set by the faded wall hangings, extensive rum collection and the well-worn chairs - its comforting, familiar and a tropical haven. The cocktail list is based on different countries  so try the pineapple express or the teas knees if youre missing the UK.

Baxter Inn

Specialising in whiskey, bask in the glow of Baxter Inn's impressive selection / Baxter Inn

How to find it: located in an unmarked alleyway off Clarence Street, youll likely hear the line of people waiting to get in before you see it. Go through an unmarked door, down the stairs to the cellar.

What to order: a whiskey neat. The impressive collection of over 800 whiskies is found on a backlit wall behind the bar so ask your bartender for a recommendation.

The brainchild of Anton Forte and Jason Scott  the guys behind the aforementioned Shady Pines Saloon  the Baxter Inn is an underground whiskey cellar hidden in a CBD basement. With scrolling library ladders, dim lighting, free pretzels, a lively mood and a concealed Whisky Room that stocks more exclusive whisky, this is a whisky lovers nirvana.

Old Mates Place

Old Mate's Place can be found up four flights of stairs in Sydney's CBD / Old Mate's Place

How to find it: another Clarence Street haunt, find the concealed ground-level entrance and take the lift or stairs up four floors to a generic office door. Push this open and youll find one of Sydneys newest and coolest bars.

What to order: the Pistacia for white rum and sherry mixed with green grape, rhubarb, toasted pistachio and lemon thyme. Fresh, citrus-y and delightful.

The split-level bar offers the best of both bar worlds with a rooftop offering cityscape views and dotted with foliage above the moody indoor bar filled with more greenery, leather booths and book-lined walls. Guests are offered an amuse bouche cocktail on arrival before choosing from the curated drinks menu and munching on a Philly cheesesteak.

Earls Juke Joint

How to find it: from the outside, youd be forgiven for thinking Earls Juke Joint was a butcher with the moniker Betta Meats strewn across the top of the facade and top quality meats displayed on the window. Yet, walking in the door youll discover its a cosy bar, waiting to welcome you in.

What to order: the Espresso Diabolique for a tantalising mix of bourbon, espresso, orange, chocolate and cinnamon.

Located in Sydneys inner-west suburb of Newtown on King Street, Earls Juke Joint is a hedonistic escape filled with delicious cocktails, blues music, Art Deco lamps and corners to curl up in. While theres no Earl on the premises  the name comes from New Orleans drummer Earl Palmer  there is an exciting cocktail list along with a range of craft beers and French wine.

PGs

PG's unassuming shopfront looks like a bookstore / PG's

How to find it: While the door to the bar is clearly marked PGs, the heavy velvet curtain and the bookstore facade can be misleading.

What to order: opt for the totally tropical spread it on for spiced banana rum mixed with passionfruit and coconut.

Another King Street haunt, PGs recently opened and has since made its mark on the Newtown drinks scene. With an ever-evolving cocktail list, potted plants, chandeliers and a daily happy hour, this place is lively and the food menu includes the must-try cheeseburger jaffle (Australian slang for a toastie).

The Barber Shop

Inside The Barber Shop / The Barber Shop

How to find it: located behind a fully-functioning barber shop on York Street, pass through the Barber Shop partition door into a secret cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

What to order: for something fresh and fruity, try the Pyrus Cobbler made with gin, pear, blueberry, bitter gentian liqueur and lemon. The ideal summer tipple.
" You awwwww-riiiiiiiight? The Cockney-esque wail of the indri lemur rings through the trees. Its a hauntingly beautiful sound. Fellow indri respond, their cries echoing through the rainforest. They sound all right to us. You cant always see them  but you sure can hear them.

At the risk of neckache, you look high up for a glimpse. And when you do, its borderline magical. When a lemur makes eye contact, you see how extraordinary they are: wide-eyed, monkey-esque in their manner, teddy bear-esque in their charm. Unique to Madagascar, an island mass separated from the African continent 165 million years ago while attached to India, lemurs have evolved in their own way (some were the size of gorillas).

But its not all fun and games. A report from 2018 says almost all 100 species are at risk of extinction, with the goblin-like, nocturnal aye-aye lemur on the brink of it. Habitat loss from logging and zebu cattle farming, and hunting are the greatest menace. Conversely, lemur parks have increased, though theyre not a long-term solution.

Its lemurs in the wild, though, that will sustain Madagascars tourism. Visitors travel four hours from the capital Antananarivo (Tana for short) to see indri, found only in the eastern rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, alongside other species including diademed sifakas, a majestic lemur known for its comical, dancing-and-jumping style on hind legs. Baby lemurs are plentiful in November and Mantadias dense primary rainforest is a reassuring sight  my travel companion and photographer cant change his lenses fast enough.

Our driver Toky says: There are more protected areas, some privately run, and thats good for wildlife. But threats remain: illegal logging of prized rosewood trees, for example. Theres a long way to go.

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Its a sentiment echoed by Florent, our guide at Analamazaotra forest and Mitsinjos community-run reserve within Andasibe-Mantadia. More than 90 per cent of Madagascars original forests no longer exist. Some loss was inevitable, he explains, but much was avoidable.

Hope comes by way of community and eco-tourism  although if not executed well, those can be dirty words. In theory, local people look after natural resources; tourist numbers rise and all benefit. Madagascars conservation, however, isnt always high on the national agenda, corruption is rife and development rushed. Responsibility often falls to NGOs, donors and wildlife charities.

Lush: the grounds of Le Relais de la Reine hotel bordering Isalo National Park / Ajay Shah

Some 400km south of Tana is Ranomafana National Park, by the Namorona river. Here, Professor Jonah Ratsimbazafy is adviser for the Lemur Conservation Network at ValBio primate research centre. Communities must feel theyre the owners of their natural resources, he says. But more than 50 per cent of Malagasy are illiterate. Conservation is difficult when theres little access to education, food and healthcare.

Madagascar is one of the worlds poorest countries  but the lemurs are our geese laying the golden eggs.

Ranomafana has been a protected area since 1991, after Dr Patricia Wright discovered endangered golden bamboo lemurs in 1986. Its towering ferns, ancient trees and plant life are home to 12 lemur species. Its here where we spot the two greater bamboo lemurs, a father and daughter; golden bamboo lemurs; and, by night, mouse (the smallest) and dwarf lemurs. Its astonishing how close you can get  with few predators, theres little to fear on home turf.

Theres a Womble in the tree, I whisper to my guide, Stefan. He looks puzzled. Wombles are endemic to Wimbledon, I tell him, and later, when I show him a photo on my phone, he gets it. Part-Womble, part-panda, part-dog, this black-and-white ruffed lemur is attempting a siesta, draped over a branch, legs dangling. Occasionally, he lifts his head and stares (you still here? Im trying to sleep). His companion is upside-down in a neighbouring tree.

The action isnt all in the branches. Madagascar, just 0.4 per cent of the planets landmass, has five per cent of the worlds biodiversity, of which more than 80 per cent is endemic. Brilliant red millipedes, painted Mantella frogs, comet moths, giant snails, tree snakes, bright-green geckos, multicoloured chameleons, teeming birdlife, a thousand species of orchid... With so many natural sightings, its easy to forget their predicament. And the solutions dont come easy. Many feel tourism money goes to people in the capital Tana, Stefan says. Local people dont always get the benefits.

In Anja reserve, along the scenic RN7 between Ranomafanas rainforests and the semi-desert of Isalo National Park in southern Madagascar, community tourism is working well.

A chameleon in Madagascar / Ajay Shah

The reserve is home to around 400 ring-tailed lemurs, and guides, restaurants and lodges have benefited, with visitors staying in nearby Betsileo or stopping en route to Isalo  close to our hotel, Le Relais de la Reine. Its like Hamleys released all its soft toys, says my partner, snapping away. Ring-taileds and their babies are on the ground, in the trees, everywhere. But for how much longer? Tell people to go now, Toky says. While everythings still here.

Ten days, a thousand kilometres and eight parks later, I understand this carpe diem. The research and initiatives are positive but nothings guaranteed. Madagascars lemurs (and reptiles, frogs, butterflies, birds, flora) must be seen: by as many as possible and as soon as possible.

Details: Madagascar

Rainbow Tours Classic Madagascar Overland: the RN7 Route and Andasibe trip costs from 4,575pp for 15 nights half-board including transfers, flights, driver and park fees. rainbowtours.co.uk
E very year, we are bombarded with the latest superfood fads that we need to invest in: goji berries, acai, flaxseeds... However, one appears to crop up again and again.

Manuka honey, a special variety produced in New Zealand and parts of Australia, is a superfood whose popularity just won't wane. You'll find it nestled up high on supermarket shelves, not just in corners of health food shops, and it has a wide variety of uses; a spoonful a day could just keep the doctor away.

With no escape from coughs and sneezes, especially on our daily commutes on the packed tube or condensation-laden buses, the best way to tackle getting ill this winter is to try and prevent it in the first place. Manuka honey's uses spread beyond prevention, and can even help once illness has taken grip.

Below, nutritionist Pixie Turner MSc looks at health benefits of Manuka honey.

1. It's antibacterial

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People can feel the benefit of Manuka honey almost instantly just by taking just a spoonful of high grade honey (300+ MGO) when they are feeling under the weather. However, it's important to look out for a high quality Manuka honey, as these effects have only been found in Manuka with an MGO score of at least 300 or a UMF score of at least 10+, so make sure to check the label.

2. It's anti- inflammatory

Eating Manuka honey can lower the amount of inflammation in your body. This quality means it is perfect for sore throats.

3. It's an anti-oxidant

Manuka honey comes loaded with anti-oxidants, which benefits your health and boosts your energy levels.

4. It boosts your immune system

Manuka honey encourages activation of certain types of immune cells, which can definitely come in useful in cold and flu season.

Superfood powders - in pictures 1 /6 Superfood powders - in pictures Scroll to see our pick of the best superfood powders... Shutterstock / bitt24 Aduna Baobab Powder The baobab has more antioxidants than any other fruit. It dries on the branch and produces a powder that is naturally rich in vitamin C so is great for strengthening immune system in flu season. 22.99 for box of 30 4.5g sachets, Aduna, Buy it now Arctic Power Berries Blueberry Powder Based on Kingsland Road, Hackney, but run by two Finns, this start-up makes powders from wild Scandinavian berries. They are raw, vegan and have no added sugar. Great for your hair, skin and metabolism. 5.49, Ocado, Buy it now Amazing Grass Superfood Berry Sachet The generous helping of acai and goji berries in this tasty sprinkle helps disguise the fact that its loaded with supergreens including wheatgrass and spirulina. 1.59 for 8g sachet, Roots Fruits & Flowers, Buy it now Pukka Vitalise Swap your morning double espresso for this power-packed powder, blended with 30 energising botanicals including bilberries and ginseng. From 1.45 for 4g sachet, Pukka Herbs, Buy it now Zingology Organic Carrot Juice Powder Raw carrots are dried using wavelengths of natural light rather than freezing or using heat, which can diminish nutrients. One serving is equivalent to the juice of three carrots and you can add to soups and casseroles for intense flavour. 2.95 for 12g tube, Zingology, Buy it now

5. It can banish winter skin

Manuka honey face masks have been used for thousands of years thanks to the hydrating and antibacterial effects, perfect for winter.

Pixie Turner MSc is a nutritionist at plantbased-pixie.com. She recommends Real Health's 100 % pure Australian Manuka honey, which you can buy here.
W hen it opens in the West End tonight, new musical Come From Away is bound to move many of its audience to tears - not least because it includes one of the most unusual love stories ever told on stage.

The show reveals how Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, welcomed more than half the number of its entire population when flights were forced into emergency landings on September 11.

The residents of Gander did all they could to welcome those who found themselves stranded in a place they didnt know - and many of the passengers found themselves striking up life-long relationships. Its unsurprising that the extraordinary events went on to inspire Canadian writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein to pen a musical.

Perhaps most memorable of all are Nick and Diane, portrayed by Rob Hands and Helen Hobson in the show. Nick, a British businessman who was travelling from Gatwick to Houston for work, met Houston-native Diane after they had been stuck on the same plane for 30 hours.

The Standard met the actors portraying the pair - and the real Nick and Diane, who unexpectedly found love in the most extraordinary circumstances (and now even have their own Twitter account: twitter.com/realnickandiane).

You have to ask yourself, why us? Every couple has their magical moments, and I guess that ours happened at a tragic time in the world, said Nick.

Come From Away is at the Phoenix Theatre, and is currently booking until September 14.
T his summer looks set to be a big one for Nile Rodgers.

The 66-year-old guitarist will be seen at at least five UK festivals this summer, as well as curating the Southbank Centres prestigious Meltdown festival in August  David Byrne, Yoko Ono and Robert Smith are among the previous incumbents.

Rodgers has been full-steam-ahead since 2013, when Daft Punk injected a healthy dose of rocket fuel into his resurgent career by asking him to co-write their best-selling single Get Lucky. It introduced the ground-breaking artist, and his band Chic, to a new generation of music fans and reshone a light on his groundbreaking career. But there was a man who this fresh legion of admirers might not have been aware of: Bernard Edwards, the other half of Rodgers musical brain.

He was the private, pragmatic and preternaturally talented bassist whose beguilingly simple grooves helped to turn Chic into a world-conquering band by the end of the 70s, in the process crafting what has become the "Nile Rodgers' sound".

Rodgers and Edwards met in 1970. The former was a fledgling musician, cutting his teeth in the house band of Harlems Apollo Theatre  and, bizarrely, the Sesame Street band  while the latter was a promising young bassist who held down a menial job at the local post office to provide for his young family. One night, they played together at a club in the Bronx and on the train home afterwards, they realised they had a mutual connection at Edwards workplace  Rodgers girlfriends mother.

They began to play together and, before long, it was obvious they had stumbled upon something singular: an effortless songwriting partnership, fortified by a kindred bond. The pair started playing around New York, performing under various guises  largely, it was as the soul-tinged Big Apple Band, but they cycled through numerous other names and styles, including a stint where they went new wave as Allah and the Knife-Wielding Punks. Finally, they settled upon Chic, and began a career as arguably the greatest disco band of all time.

20 European music festivals worth making the journey for 1 /20 20 European music festivals worth making the journey for Primavera Sound (Spain, May 30-June 1) Undoubtedly one of the finest festivals Europe has to offer, with incredible depth of quality on its line-up every year. Rap? Pop? Brazilian thrash metal? You can probably find it here. Interpol are among the 2019 headliners. AFP/Getty Images Rock am Ring/Rock im Park (Germany, June 7-9) Feeling like something of a Reading and Leeds throwback  before they booked rappers as headliners  this huge German festival is spread across two separate sites on one weekend. AFP/Getty Images Kala (Albania, June 12-19) With a successful debut last summer, this beachside dance music festival in Albania is receiving a fair bit of hype this time round. Honey Dijon leads the bill this year. Getty Images for Panorama Roskilde (Denmark, June 29-July 7) Reliably the best festival in Denmark, year after year, pulling in headliners to rival festivals anywhere else in Europe. AFP/Getty Images Open'er (Poland, July 3-6) Polands biggest festival, with a line-up split broadly between the most popular acts in rock and rap. AFP/Getty Images Love International (Croatia, July 3-10) A sun-drenched dance music festival on the Croatian coast, with plenty of boat parties and sunrise DJ sets. Shanti Celeste is a highlight in 2019. Ray-Ban via Getty Images Exit (Serbia, July 4-7) Another intriguingly eclectic festival, this time in Serbia, promising everything from tech house to ska to harcore punk. AFP/Getty Images Pohoda (Slovakia, July 11-13) A veteran festival with more than two decades experience, offering a hugely friendly atmosphere and some pretty massive acts from the worlds of pop, rock and beyond. Liam Gallagher headlines this year. Getty Images BBK Live (Spain, July 11-13) A festival that feels almost like a mini version of Primavera, with the same variety and quality, just not on the same massive scale. The Strokes headline in 2019. Getty Images Hospitality on the Beach (Croatia, July 11-15) A drumnbass extravaganza run by the legendary London label, Hospital Records, bringing together some of the scenes biggest names. Noisia are among the line-up highlights for 2019. Benicassim (Spain, July 18-21) A festival popular with both Spaniards and Brits, which has a focus on Latin artists as well as the more widely known international stars. AFP/Getty Images Sonar (Spain, July 18-19) Said by some to exist in Primaveras admittedly huge shadow, Sonar in fact carves itself a niche by focusing on bass-heavy sounds, from grime to techno. AFP/Getty Images Tomorrowland (Belgium, July 19-21, 26-28) Something of a Mecca for European fans of EDM, this festival promises the biggest names and some bombastic stage production across two weekends. AFP/Getty Images Dekmantel (Netherlands, July 31-August 4) Consistently one of the strongest dance music festivals on the continent, bringing together all the most sought-after selectors for a hedonistic few days. Jamie XX was a standout at last year's event. Getty Images Off (Poland, August 2-4) The antidote to Openers pop, this Polish festival focuses on the more obscure, experimental side of things. Gaslamp Killer will appear here in 2019. Getty Images ya (Norway, August 6-10) A Norwegian festival which proves just how strong its native music scene is, with plenty of homegrown acts headlining alongside international favourites. The Cure headline in 2019. Getty Images Flow (Finland, August 9-11) A varied festival, booking everyone from legacy rockers to cult favourites, held within the industrial surroundings of a disused power station. Tame Impala are set to appear this summer. Jussi Hellsten Rock en Seine (Paris, August 23-25) Paris biggest festival, delivering a crowd-pleasing blend of rock and pop music that draws an increasingly international crowd each year. AFP/Getty Images Sziget (Hungary, August 7-13) A Budapest blowout that seems to book bigger names each year. Expect internationally famous acts across the broad spectrum of rock and beyond. AFP/Getty Images Dimensions (Croatia, August 28-September 1) A collection of cutting-edge DJs and musicians, ranging from techno to jazz, based in a 19th century fort. Craig Richards was one of the big names in 2018. Getty Images for Prada

Talking about their songwriting partnership in the mid-90s, Edwards said: [Rodgers] used to come up with a lot of really great hooks so it always worked well together that way. Hes really commercial-minded, and I always tried to keep it solid  a nice foundation.

In many ways what he said is true  Edwards ever-dependable playing allowed Rodgers to douse each of the tracks in his trademark vibrancy  but its also a huge understatement. Edwards riffs were more than just foundational, they were utterly fundamental. He played with unwavering precision, crafting timeless bass lines that became just as recognisable as the melodies and vocal hooks that glided over them.

A prime example is on the 1979 track Good Times, in which the bass line doesnt so much walk as elegantly saunter. It was funky and sophisticated  sophisto-funk, as Rodgers aptly called it  and elevated the song from a solid slice of disco to an era-defining anthem. It even played an inadvertently seminal role in the formation of hip-hop, after being stolen by the Sugarhill Gang for their game-changing single Rappers Delight, widely credited as bringing the genre to a mainstream audience for the first time. After some legal wranglings, Edwards and Rodgers were eventually named as co-writers on the track.

Despite a string of hit singles  Le Freak, Everybody Dance and Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah) chief among them, all with stonking bass lines  released in under two years between 1977 and 1979, Chic eventually fell victim to changing trends. The pair found substantial success as a producing duo, though, working with Sister Sledge and Diana Ross, but by the early 80s, disco was truly out of favour. Both worked with Duran Duran too, the group Rodgers would later call his "second band".

Chic disbanded in 1983 and both Edwards and Rodgers pursued solo producing careers. Edwards work was impressive, lending his meticulous hand to albums by Rod Stewart, Debbie Harry and Robert Palmer. Commercially, he was eclipsed by Rodgers, whose production was integral to some of the most important albums of the 80s, with Like A Virgin by Madonna and David Bowies Lets Dance among them.

He couldnt do it all without Edwards, though.

When I was working with David on Lets Dance, Rodgers recalled years later, we ran into this one song and for some reason the bass player, who played brilliantly on the rest of the album, couldnt understand what we were doing. I said to David, because I could feel him getting a little frustrated: Bernard will be in here and out of here in 15 minutes, thats a promise.

Edwards was downstairs in the same building, working in the studio with Diana Ross. He came up and fulfilled that promise.

Bernard looks at the chart, plays right through it, puts down his bass and says: Is that what yall want? I said: Yeah! He picked up his bass, packed up and walked out, Rodgers recalled.

It was the same level of trust that, in the last gig the pair ever played together in 1996, led Rodgers to believe the short gaps Edwards was leaving in his bass lines were merely improvisations  and not, as it turned out, a symptom of the rare strain of pneumonia that would take the bassists life hours later.

That final show took place in Tokyo in April 1996, four years after a revitalised Chic reformed and released an album, Chic-ism. Edwards was showing signs of his ailments before the gig, but insisted it shouldnt be cancelled. Those pauses in his playing during the gig were a result of him momentarily passing out, before regaining his composure and carrying on. Once the music had stopped and the crowds dispersed, Edwards returned to his room, fell asleep and drifted away. Rodgers found the body later on that night.

Not only did I feel as if I'd lost my best friend, I felt as if my music was taken away from me  he's half of my music, Rodgers told the Independent in 2009.

In the years that followed, Rodgers hired new musicians and continued to tour with Chic. The Daft Punk smash, and the huge bookings that followed, were deserved rewards for Rodgers, whose own musical endeavour has rightly marked him out as one of the most influential American artists of all time. That said, he couldn't have got there without Edwards.
A series of candid photographs of Marilyn Monroe are on show in a new exhibition.

They were taken by US photographer Ed Feingersh, who spent a week with the star in March 1955.

Shot without a flash using only natural light, they show the actress on the New York subway and at a dress fitting.

The black and white images on display, many of which have never been printed or exhibited before, have been produced as silver gelatin darkroom prints.

Feingersh, who is best-known for his Monroe works, captured the photos during an assignment for Red Book magazine  having been recommended for the job by Monroe herself.

The photographic negatives from this period were recovered from a warehouse several decades after the Brooklyn-born photographer passed away in 1961.

The shots on display are available to purchase, with prices starting from 300.

A Week with Marilyn is at Galerie Prints in Wimbledon until March 30.
I f the European Research Group (ERG), that party-within-a-party, had a scrap of integrity about it, its members would resign their seats and fight by-elections, if necessary as independents [Hardline Brexiteers in the ERG accused of treachery by business minister Richard Harrington, February 14].

That would show the real level of support  or the lack of it  which it has.

Alan Pavelin

I will say one thing for Brexit. It has shown the failings of politicians of all shades in Westminster and the need for substantial reform. The problem was never really Brussels.

Nige Salter

EDITOR'S REPLY

Dear Alan,

THE weird thing about the last election was that almost everyone who voted backed one of the two big parties  87.5 per cent of voters in England supported either Labour or the Conservatives, the highest proportion for decades. You might think that showed they were strong. Instead, they are falling apart.

This morning a group of despairing Labour MPs announced they intend to walk out of their party. Several Conservatives may be thinking about doing the same and, as you write, the ERG has started behaving like a party inside a party, lining up hard Brexiteers against Theresa May.

The Commons is being reduced to a group of fractious gangs, only nominally linked to the parties for which their members stood. Its the logical reaction to a hung Parliament, which gives small groups clout, and to party leaders pandering to the extremes. Political revolution may be coming.

Julian Glover, Comment Editor

McCluskey loses the plot on Brexit

Could we ask Unite general secretary Len McCluskey [Labour MPs unite against McCluskey, February 14], who says Remain shouldnt be on another referendum ballot, how he would feel about the following scenario.

If the Tube held a referendum of its workers about running it themselves independently and the proposition was then enthusiastically supported, but then in the detailed negotiations City Hall revealed that its subsidy would probably have to be reduced, would it be sensible to let the workers think again?

Oscar Hill

Get the facts right on invertebrates

I know that factual accuracy has rather fallen out of fashion in Brexit Britain but Im afraid Richard Osmans Valentines Day poem (as reported in The Londoner, February 14) contains a real howler  specifically the line that Invertebrates are jointless.

May I remind the presenter of Pointless that one of the major invertebrate groups is the arthropods (comprising insects, spiders, crustaceans and more), whose name literally means jointed leg.

Dr Richard Milne

University of Edinburgh

JFK didnt hold his nerve over Cuba

Further to Matthew dAnconas article [Mrs May, youre no JFK ...Holding your nerve should mean country before party, Comment, February 13], I disagree with his point about JFK.
F or years, the caustic but admired Welsh radical Paul Flynn, whose death was announced today , was picked as a Labour candidate and won elections to sit as a Labour MP, even though he loathed many of the things Tony Blair and Gordon Brown did in government. Why? Because all three of them knew that political parties are not the same as exclusive sects.

Parties need the collective responsibility to sustain a broad coalition of views. Sects are narrow-minded and exclusive. Parties are representative and electable. Sects drive non-believers away.

When Labour was successful, it found a place for people such as Mr Flynn alongside the creators of New Labour.

So news this morning that seven moderate, able and committed MPs have walked out of the party should trouble anyone who wants to see another Labour government.

Its not just the loss of talent that matters. Its the fact that their departure is proof that Labour is well on the way to becoming a sect and is no longer acting as a serious party.

The MPs are sick of the refusal to do anything to confront anti-Semitism in the party. They are ashamed of a leader who claims to oppose Brexit but does nothing in Parliament to stop the slide towards a no-deal departure.

Their action is a cry of despair, as much as it is a call to arms. They are no longer able to stomach the narrow sectarianism of a Labour Party in the grip of people who do not agree that a political party must include a broad range of views and win the support of a broad range of voters.

The pledge that Labour MPs are now being asked to sign, to support Labour under whatever leadership members elect, is nothing more than a weapon to ban dissent  and they are right to defy it.

Where will this lead?

The gang of seven are not announcing, for now, a new movement but planning to sit as independents, where they will join other former Labour MPs who have already left. They are not yet forming an alliance with like-minded Liberal Democrats or unhappy, moderate Conservatives  much as some voters might want that.

TODO: define component type apester

By breaking ranks they are being brave and honest, refusing to pretend any longer that Labour, under Jeremy Corbyn, stands for progress.

It is a painful choice to have to make. But he has driven them to it.

Christian Adams' view of today's announcement

New-look tickets to ride

Rail fares are mess. The system is expensive, confusing, outdated, inflexible and unfair.

Get a return from London to Manchester and you can pay 48 or 350 for the same standard-class seat, depending on when you book and when you travel.

If you work at home one or two days a week, you still need to buy a costly annual season pass covering every day, paying up front. Lots of people dont bother trying the train because they think they will be ripped off.

So two cheers for the rail industry group, the RDG, which has published big and sensible ideas for reform today.

In particular, it says people should be charged simply for single journeys  as they are on the Tube  allowing them to get the best rate for each trip.

There will be less of a cliff-edge between peak and off-peak tickets and bargains wont only be available to those who can book far in advance.

The catch? Some people will pay more, its not clear how annual rises will be avoided and these are only ideas  its up to the Government to accept them.

But passengers deserve better  and at last the industry is trying to help.

Helping the homeless

London is a rich city, which only makes it more distressing to see growing numbers of people sleeping rough even on the coldest winter nights.

We should help, not look away. But whats the answer?
T ap in and tap out. Londoners have got used to contactless pay-as-you-go travel. But its not that simple once you leave the zones. Why is a single off-peak rail fare only just less expensive than a return? Hard to explain, and ask anyone what they think about fares and the chances are youll hear one of the following: they are complicated, confusing, theres no logic to them, theyre expensive, Im never sure if I have the right ticket.

Last week the Department for Transport launched a consultation on extending the successful PAYG system across the South-East  from Shoeburyness to Reading, from Brighton to Cambridge.

At a stroke millions of passengers journeys could become simpler and quicker. The spread of a PAYG-type system, which works well in London, is to be welcomed. Assuming it is backed up by the same robust technology, with a clear, single help point, trust in it will soon build. However, it will be important to understand how the detail will work. Passengers will want to know how prices might change  some prices may go up as well as others coming down.

Transport Focuss extensive passenger research tells us the case for changing all of Britains outdated, outmoded fares and ticketing system is overwhelming. Last year we joined with the rail industry trade association, the Rail Delivery Group, in launching the Easier Fares consultation  this also found an overwhelming desire for change.

The fares reform proposal out today and the PAYG consultation contain a lot of things that are sensible and long overdue: the spread of single-journey-based pricing will simplify the system and make it easier to explain.

New fares that match the way people want to travel today will make rail more attractive.

Current fares regulation does stand in the way of achieving much of this. But regulation also caps some prices, so talk of reforming it could make some people nervous.

At this stage, it is hard to work out the precise implications of these proposals  most people will think in terms of what does it mean for my fare? but, understandably, it will be some time before this is known.

Moving on before knowing this, therefore, is something of an act of faith, albeit a necessary one. It will be essential that the industry, in partnership with governments and working with passenger groups, embarks on a series of pilot schemes where these proposals can be trialled.

These will mean change can be worked through, mapped and understood. The pilots will provide a means to build up trust and confidence in any new structure. Transport Focus will ensure that the voice of passengers is heard in this process.

The current process is broken and its faults are well known. The time for piecemeal change has gone  we need root-and-branch reform to maximise the benefits and boost value for money.
T hose trade talks are going well.

The UK faces the near-impossible job of rolling over 40 deals struck between the EU and other countries, which well lose access to on Brexit day: but our negotiators seem surprised the rest of the world isnt bending over backwards to sign up.

Japan looks like the latest reality check to a UK trade department blithely assuming it could just cut and paste a major EU agreement which came into force at the beginning of this month.

Embarrassingly for Theresa May, who counts Japanese premier Shinzo Abe as one of her warmer international allies, the high-handed nature of our communications wound up the worlds third-biggest economy to the extent that it almost cancelled a round of trade talks due to take place this week.

Hamfistedly accusing it of dragging its feet on a deal, even if unintentionally, with comments that time is of the essence shows little awareness of the concept of face in Japanese culture, risking an affront to their dignity.

More to the point its actually one of the minority of countries we have a trade surplus with, around 1 billion in 2016, so even more reason to tread sensitively. The sooner the UK learns that a country of 65 million people has less economic heft than a trading bloc of 500 million, the better.

The Japanese will take their time, as we surely would if the roles were reversed, and see what further concessions they can wring out of us.

Since the Eighties, Japan has been one of the biggest investors in the UK, using it as a bridgehead into the much larger EU market. Dont underestimate the sense of betrayal at Mays red lines on the customs union and single market, forcing many to relocate.

Nissans recent production decision over the X-Trail model and Sonys decision to move its European headquarters to the Netherlands is just the tip of the iceberg.

When Abe came to London last month, tellingly he visited Europe first. Im wondering when the penny will drop for the colonial nostalgia-struck Brexiteers selling the vision of a Global Britain beyond the EU.

The Japanese ructions are Brexit in microcosm: tearing down something to replace it with something much inferior in the indefinite future. There is some good news though: that trade deal with the Faroe Islands is sorted.
I f you wanted to take a moment to say that the banking catastrophe of 2008/9 has found closure this week is as a good as any. Britains three biggest banks give their annual results: HSBC tomorrow, Lloyds on Wednesday and Barclays on Thursday. If the solid return to profits last week at RBS is any guide, these figures should signal the sector is back to some sort of normality. Some court cases rumble on but the endless string of fines and provisions is moving towards a close.

It has taken a decade for banking to recover from its own arrogance, greed, mismanagement and stupidity. However, investors in the sector, including the government, are still nursing losses. For many in Scotland, who thought the safe thing to do was to split their savings between RBS and Bank of Scotland shares, it has been a catastrophe.

So the question is how might investors avoid such systemic destruction of value in an industry in the future.

There are obvious candidates of entire sectors that may be devastated over the next decade. The motor industry is one. The combination of Elon Musks visionary use of laptop batteries to drive a car, coupled with the switch from diesel, precipitated by VWs manipulation of emissions testing, has utterly transformed the industry. All the skills of the German manufacturers in developing sophisticated internal combustion engines and transmission systems may be worth nothing. Instead the expertise (and low production costs) of battery technology developed in China will dominate the globe.

Of course Western car manufacturers will fight back, and will retain some market share. But note two facts. Last year China built more than half the worlds electric cars. And save for a couple of models, including the Mustang, Ford is stopping making traditional cars in North America.

Another sector facing seismic change, and I think destruction of shareholder value, is high-tech America. I am in awe of the way a clutch of West Coast companies have over one generation utterly transformed our lives: Apple, Google, Facebook, the old stager Microsoft, and so on. But while the high-tech revolution has many years to run, the dominance of these companies will ebb. The reassessment of their value began last autumn. Apple, the first company in the world to have a market capitalisation of more than $1 trillion (775 billion) is back down to $800 billion.

Facebook is being challenged for its ethical practices - today MPs said there needs to be independent ethical oversight of it - while Google and Amazon are under pressure over their accumulation and use of personal data. These companies have changed the world, but it is not hard to catch a sense that customers and governments will push them back. That has started already. Amazon being forced to abandon its plans for a New York headquarters was last weeks example of a reversal that would have been unthinkable a few months ago.

The question for anyone interested in building wealth through investment is: what do you do about the systemic risks that dominant sectors inevitably face?

One obvious response, and a wise one, is you spread risk. You spread investments geographically, including now at least some foothold in emerging markets. You spread between sectors. You spread between large corporations and smaller ones. And you have some stake in alternative investments and property. Had those Scottish families followed those rules 10 years ago they would not have come such a cropper over RBS and HBoS.

The more specific reaction to corporate disasters is to screen for environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. The screening does what it says on the tin. With environmental risks identifies specific dangers that management is ignoring, such as the damage from being caught cheating on emissions.

Among the social factors are the ways in which employees are treated, an area that Amazon seems to have fallen short. As for governance, one obvious red flag would be any weakness in accounting standards, and we have had in the UK a string of accounting/auditing failures, including Carillion and most recently Patisserie Valerie.

The big point is this is not governments or regulatory bodies requiring companies to carry out a box-ticking exercise. It is a framework that investors can use to require boards to have an orderly approach to identifying and managing the risks their enterprises run.
E urope stepped up preparations for a no-deal Brexit on Monday after giving key parts of the City of London temporary access to EU customers in the event of a cliff-edge departure.

The European Securities and Markets Authority, the EU financial regulator, has granted three UK-based clearing houses  LCH, ICE Clear Europe and LME Clear  licences to carry on doing business with European-based customers over the next 12 months even if politicians fail to strike an agreement.

London dominates clearing for derivatives traded by European customers and clears nearly all over-the-counter derivatives, mainly interest-rates swaps, traded in euros.

Clearing houses are a vital part of the financial infrastructure and ensure stability by acting as the buyer or seller of last resort in the event of a customer default.

LCH, owned by the London Stock Exchange, dominates the trade but American-owned ICE Clear Europe and the London Metal Exchanges clearing system LME Clear also form a key part of the plumbing in the EU financial system.

Without an agreement, UK clearing houses would have had to turn away customers with EU contracts, potentially driving up costs for companies and customers who buy financial products.

The approval, albeit widely expected, was greeted with relief and follows an information-sharing agreement signed between ESMA and the Bank of England to help maintain regulatory equivalence between the UK and EU. ESMA started accepting applications from clearing houses in mid-December after the European Commission said it would offer temporary equivalence.

From March 30, EU clients can continue to use the London-based trio to clear trillions of dollars of derivatives if there is no deal, maintaining the status quo and stemming fears of market chaos.

The last thing people need is uncertainty because you cant start moving the trillions of dollars of business overnight. This represents welcome common sense and practicality on what was a trillion-dollar game of chicken, said ION Markets Steve Grob.
Aerial photo shows members of a rural female dancing team performing wooden-bench dragon dance to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb. 19 this year, at Yaokou Village of Huyuan Township in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Feb. 17, 2019. Yaokou Village is famous for its wooden-bench dragon dance, which is originated from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The wooden-bench dragon is 130 meters long with 58 wooden benches linked together, on which various lantern decorations are installed. People dressed in traditional costumes would dance the wooden-bench dragon at major festival events to pray for good luck in a new year. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

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[ Editor: zyq ]
Washington Posts Fact Checker has documented more than 8,000 lies told by Donald Trump since he took office. Reading their highly misleading recent oped about the Connecticut budget, Republican state senators Len Fasano and Kevin Witkos appear determined to catch up with him.

In their Feb. 3 op-ed (Connecticut has momentum; lets not lose it), Fasano and Witkos claim that, While Connecticut endured years of massive tax increases that only led to bigger budget deficits, todays budget numbers look very different.

Theyre referring to Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloys administration, but the facts contradict them. According to Connecticuts Office of Policy and Management, state spending increased at an annual rate of 5 percent during Republican Gov. John Rowlands 11 years in office. Republican Gov. Jodi Rell increased spending 4.3 percent per year during her five years. By contrast, during Malloys 8-year administration, spending rose a mere 2.1 percent annually. Indeed, spending growth under Malloy would have been even lower, but for the Republicans forcing the state to spend more than half a billion dollars more than Malloy requested in his Fiscal Year 2018/19 budget proposal. Far from implementing massive tax increases, as Fasano and Witkos claim, spending under Malloy increased at the lowest rate in decades.

Fasano and Witkos claim that, Under one party rule led by Governor Malloys administration, Connecticuts bonded indebtedness increased by $6 billion.

That claim is misleading. According to the states Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), during the decade from 2001-2010 under Rowland and Rell, general fund debt expanded at an annual rate of 5.5 percent; by contrast, during the eight years of the Malloy administration, general fund debt rose at just 4.4 percent annually. But look closer. A more comprehensive accounting that includes other state debt affecting general fund debt reveals that outstanding borrowings rose 8.2 percent annually during that decade of Rowland and Rell, while, during Malloys tenure, debt rose less than half that rate, just 3.5 percent a year.

In 2008, Rell issued a $2.3 billion pension obligation bond and invested the proceeds right before the nations capital markets suffered a historic collapse. That bond increased state indebtedness by some 20 percent in one go, while the collapse in the value of its investments created a major drag on teacher pension fund performance for years. On her way out, Rell presented incoming Gov. Malloy with a welcome gift: a $900 million economic recovery bond which she issued to fill the hole in her last budget. In the last three years of the disastrous Rell administration, the states total debt rose from barely $10 billion to nearly $16 billion. So, far from Fasanos and Witkoss insinuation that debt rose fast under Malloys one party rule, bonded debt actually expanded dramatically more under Republican governors Rowland and Rell.

Fasano and Witkos claim that skyrocketing fixed costs are making it more difficult to fund core services. What they dont tell you is that the skyrocketing fixed costs are the fault of Rowland and Rell, who failed to fully fund Connecticuts pension funds for years, and dramatically increased bonded debt. Malloy fully funded the pension funds every year, and implemented the structural reforms that have put the state employees pension fund on a sustainable basis, with required contributions forecast to begin declining soon.

Fasano and Witkos make the misleading claim that their Republican budget has resulted in significant surpluses, economic growth and a historic amount of money in our rainy day fund. Their budget forces the state to put rising revenues into the rainy day fund, in the process creating a major deficit in the operating budget. And while taking credit for the rainy day fund surplus, Fasano and Witkos dont tell you Rell cleaned out the $1.4 billion rainy day fund on her way out of office, handing Malloy a balance of zero. And that was after spending more than $4 billion in federal stimulus dollars. By contrast, Malloy balanced the budget every year in office, while creating rainy day fund surpluses every year.

Fasano and Witkos falsely claim credit for fully funding Connecticuts Special Transportation Fund (STF), creating five years of projected surpluses. The truth, according to OFA, is that the major factor driving the projected surpluses in the STF is the increasing transfers of sales tax revenues from the General Fund to the STF, which Malloy began implementing in 2015.

Further, the Fasano and Witkos claims about the STF surplus are misleading. While the surplus is important, what is critical is STFs maintaining a ratio of revenues to debt service exceeding 2.5X in order to continue to access new borrowings. But planned important new projects, including replacing the I-84 viaduct in Hartford, renovating Waterburys Mixmaster, and widening I-95, will reduce STFs ratio below that critical mark by FY22. Fasano and Witkos fail to mention that critical fact, apparently because they want to maintain the fiction that the state doesnt need toll revenues.

Fasano and Witkos should not be competing with Trump in deceptive claims. Nutmeggers deserve the truth.

Greenwich resident Sean Goldrick is an investment professional.
The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II has died. George Mendonsa was 95.



Mendonsa's daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal Mendonsa fell and had a seizure on Sunday at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years.
A Texas couple is accused of soaking their 2-year-old daughter's body in acid after she drowned unsupervised in the bathtub, according to authorities.

Police said they found a five-gallon container in a bedroom closet with the 2-year-old's body inside at the Laredo apartment on Thursday.

Monica Dominguez told police that two of her children were unsupervised while bathing and that one of them, Rebecka Zavala, ended up drowning. She said she then recruited her husband, Gerardo Zavala Loredo, to help dispose of the body, Webb County District Attorney Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz said.

Alaniz said an examination of the girl's body will determine whether there were any "injuries consistent with a murder."

"We need to wait to see what the science tells us," he said. "Right now there's more questions than answers."

Authorities searched the couple's home after a concerned neighbor called police.

The couple, Zavala Loredo, 32, and Dominguez, 37, were each charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence by altering, destroying or concealing a corpse. Dominguez was also charged with two counts of endangering a child.

Zavala Loredo is being held at the Webb County Jail on a $125,000 bond and Dominguez is being held on a $175,000 bond , according to court records.

Child Protective Services has taken custody of four other children, ages 1 to 11, who lived at the apartment.
STAMFORD  A Stamford police officer spent the night in the hospital after a driver crashed into his police car Sunday afternoon.

Sgt. Richard Phelan was in his car in the southbound left lane on Summer Street when his car was struck by a driver in the middle lane who turned into Phelans car, crashing into the passenger side, according to Sgt. Robert Shawinsky.
More Connecticut municipalities than not would be affected by a bill proposed that would allow chief elected officials to pick local school board chairs.

The idea, from state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, would allow a mayor or first selectman to appoint the school board chairperson if the school budget equals one half or more of a municipalitys total budget.

Duff said were his bill to pass, state law would supersede local charters. He did not know what would happen in districts that, depending on the year, spend just above or under the 50 percent threshold. Stamford would seem to fit into that category.

In Stamford it can be something of a gray area because the city and the district share some functions, such as back-office expenses. Last year, $278,059,540 of Stamfords $564,128,203 operating budget went toward education, causing the city to fall just under the 50 percent threshold. In other years, it has been at or over 50 percent.

A spokesperson for Mayor David Martins office said the mayor was out of the office and couldnt be reached for comment. However, the spokesperson said the mayor has always had a productive working relationship with the Board of Education and its chairs.

Some local lawmakers and residents so far have not been in support of the idea. State Rep. David Michel, D-146, said he has not received any positive feedback from his constituents about the proposed bill.

All the people whove approached me about it from my district are absolutely against it, Michel said. Theyre already upset with the Board of Education and things going on with the schools and the mold. This is like adding oil to the fire.

Michel said he himself hasnt talked to Duff about the bill and wants to understand it better, but is hesitant about the idea.

Id like to know what this is about, he said. I think its undemocratic. I believe in an election process. Let the people decide, not one person.

Education spending counted for a half or more of local municipal budgets in nearly 60 percent of all Connecticut towns and cities for the fiscal year ending in 2017, according to the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.

Generally, the smaller the district, the larger the piece of the pie for education, according to Kevin Maloney, a spokesman for the organization, which represents Connecticut cities and towns.

Duff said he proposed the idea without really knowing how many towns and cities it could impact, though he expected it would be a considerable amount.

Many times, chief elected officials are held accountable to voters for tax increases, yet when you have a Board of Education budget that accounts for over 50 percent of the budget of the community that chief elected official usually doesnt have a lot of control on Board of Ed spending, Duff said.

Duff said Senate Bill 458, which has yet to be fully fleshed out, would simply give mayors and first selectmen a voice in board policy and budget.

Though not decided, Duff said it would be his inclination to allow municipal leaders to choose the board chairperson from among those elected to the board, rather than choose someone outside the electoral process.

He said he hopes the change would lead to a closer working relationship between the school district and municipality and encourage the consolidation of municipal and school district departments that perform similar function, such as payroll or human resources.

In all but two municipalities in the state  Hartford and New Haven  school boards are elected and members choose the chairperson.

In New Haven, the full board is appointed by the mayor. Hartford has a hybrid model with elected and appointed members.

In 2012, coming off a bitter state takeover of the Bridgeport school board that was later ruled illegal by the State Supreme Court, local voters rejected a proposed change to the Bridgeport City Charter that would have put school board appointment in the hands of its mayor.

City residents opted to keep control.

Duff said regional school districts there are 19 in the state that include two or more municipalities would be exempt from the measure.

The proposal would need to be scheduled for a public hearing before it could be fully fleshed out, said Duff who is also sponsor of a bill to encourage consolidation of school districts with 2,000 or fewer students.

lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck
On Tuesday, Feb. 19, you'll no doubt hear the mainstream media proclaiming that on that night Earthlings will witness a " supermoon ."

It's a term  or, more specifically, a branding  of relatively recent origin; it came not from astronomy, but astrology, and was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. Nolle arbitrarily defined a supermoon as a new or full moon that occurs when the natural satellite is at or near (within 90 percent of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit (perigee).

Interestingly, nobody paid much attention to Nolle's definition until March 19, 2011, when the full moon arrived at an exceptionally close perigee, coming within 126 miles (203 kilometers) of its closest possible approach to Earth.

Suddenly, the term "supermoon" went viral. But why? [ How the 'Supermoon' Looks (Infographic) ]

An airplane crosses the supermoon full moon of Dec. 3, 2017 as seen near Ronald Reagon National Airport in Washington, D.C. (Image credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA)

Likely, it was due to an event that happened eight days earlier, on March 11 of that year: the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami , which registered 9.1 on the Richter scale; in its aftermath, some speculated that the moon's gravitational pull could trigger earthquakes. And because the moon will be unusually close to Earth on Feb. 19, people have inferred that more potent quakes are possible with the upcoming supermoon.

Nolle, in his website back in 2011,said, there will be "a major geophysical stress window, centered on the actual alignment date but in effect from the 16th [of March] through the 22nd; you can expect a rash of moderate-to-severe seismic activity (including Richter 5+ earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions)." For many people, it seemed Nolle had presaged the deadly 2011 event in Japan.

Despite Nolle's comment, there is absolutely no solid scientific correlation between earthquakes and the moon's distance from the Earth. (And there were no significant quakes, tsunami or volcanic eruptions from March 16t to 22, 2011.)

Nevertheless, in anticipation of the March 19, 2011, full moon, somebody doing some research dredged up Nolle's "supermoon" definition and launched what I refer to as the "supermoon syndrome."

Supermoon branding "watered down"

For years, astronomers classified a full moon that coincided with perigee as a "perigean full moon," a term that received little or no fanfare.

Now, it seems that every time a full moon coincides with perigee, it is referred to as a supermoon. Once a year, the moon turns full within several hours of perigee; after next Tuesday, the next time this will occur will be on April 7, 2020.

And yet, last month's full moon, on Jan. 20, which occurred about 15 hours before perigee, and next month's full moon, on March 20, which comes nearly 26 hours after perigee, are also being branded as supermoons. That's seemingly because they fall within 90 percent of the moon's closest approach to Earth  or, in other words, within the top 10 percent of the closest full moons.

Even some reputable astronomy sites endorse this definition.

So now, in most years, we have not just one but three supermoons.

But just how "super" is that?

Unrealistic expectations

This image from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center shows how a "supermoon" full moon compares to the moon at its smallest in the night sky. To the casual stargazer, a supermoon looks similar to other full moons. (Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter)

If you step outside and look at the moon on Tuesday night and expect to see something special, you'll likely be disappointed. At least last month's so-called supermoon was accompanied by a total lunar eclipse. Still, tons of images are posted to the internet in advance of a supermoon, depicting exceedingly large, full moons from images taken with telephoto lenses, implying that the moon is going to look amazingly large in the sky.

At its closest on Tuesday, the moon will be 221,681 miles (356,761 km) from Earth. But that's only 7.2 percent closer than the natural satellite's average distance from our planet. So, while Tuesday's moon will indeed be the "biggest" in apparent size, unless you catch the moon when it's either rising or setting  and appearing briefly larger than normal because of the famous "moon illusion"  Tuesday's full moon will look pretty much like any other full moon.

In fact, in an "official" sense, that Tuesday night moon will not be full at all!

Full moon on Tuesday will occur at 10:54 a.m. EST (1554 GMT)  during the daytime, with the moon below the horizon  so Americans will not get to see the exact moment that the moon is full. When the moon comes above your local horizon on Tuesday evening, technically you'll be looking not at a "full" moon, but a waning gibbous moon. Though a full moon theoretically lasts just a moment, that moment is imperceptible to ordinary observation. And so, for a day or so before and after the moment of full moon, most will speak of the nearly full moon as being "full." During these times, the shaded strip on the moon is so narrow, and changing in apparent width so slowly, that it is hard for the naked eye to tell whether the darkened section present or on which side it is located. [ Full Moon Calendar: When to See the Next Full Moon ]

Then, there is the issue of the moon's brightness. Some think that they will see an exceptionally dazzling full moon come Tuesday night. Back in 2013, a friend of mine told me that she was expecting year's version of the supermoon"to look "radically brighter ..., like with those three-way lightbulbs, I thought it was going to be like turning the moonlight up a notch."

Some websites, including Spaceweather.com , speak of the supermoon as appearing "30 percent brighter than other full moons."

But that comes out to a minuscule increase of less than three-tenths of a magnitude ; the moonlight on Tuesday night will not be exceptionally bright.

Effect on the tides

About the only effect of Tuesday's supermoon that we'll be able to notice directly is its influence on the tides. The near coincidence of Tuesday's full moon with perigee will result in a dramatically large range of high and low ocean tides. Any coastal storm at sea around this time will almost certainly aggravate coastal flooding problems. Such an extreme tide is known as a perigean "spring" tide , the word spring deriving from the German "springen," meaning to "spring up." It's not a reference to the spring season.

The supermoon's influence on tides is explained by a simple physics equation. Tidal force varies as the inverse cube of an object's distance from the ocean. On Tuesday, the full moon will be 12.3 percent closer to Earth compared to the full moon of Sept. 14, which will most nearly coincide with apogee (the moon's farthest point from the Earth). Therefore, the moon will exert about 42 percent more tidal force during the spring tides of Feb. 19 than during the spring tides accompanying the September full moon.

A quick check at the tide tables bears this out. At Boston Harbor on Feb. 20, at high tide around 11:30 a.m. EST, the tide height is predicted to be 12.1 feet (3.7 meters). Compare this to the spring tides occurring on Sept. 16, which will run more than 2 feet (0.6 m) lower. Take note that there is a lag of approximately one to two days between the time of perigee or apogee and their effects on the maximum height of water levels at high tide.

For some places, the tidal differences will be less; for others, they will be greater; it depends chiefly on the topography of the seacoast.

Minas Basin, the eastern extremity of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, is especially sensitive to the perigee-apogee influence of the moon. As Roy Bishop points out in the 2019 "Observer's Handbook" of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, "To those living near the head of the Bay of Fundy, the 10- to 20-foot (3 to 6 meter) increase in the vertical tidal range makes it obvious when the moon lies near perigee, clear skies or cloudy!"

Editor's note: If you capture an amazing photo of the February Full Moon and would like to share it with Space.com for a story or gallery, send images and comments to at spacephotos@space.com.
This article was written by Tamlin M. Pavelsky , Associate Professor of Global Hydrology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and originally published at The Conversation . The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.

In 1889, near the remote border town of Embudo, New Mexico, John Wesley Powell, the famous explorer of the Grand Canyon and second head of the U.S. Geological Survey, started a quiet scientific revolution.

He knew that water would be increasingly important to the American West, but no one had developed a way to figure out how much was available. Powell set up a field camp with 14 students, three instructors, two laborers and a cook, and tasked them with developing the first gauge to measure how much water flows through a U.S. river.

With their success, it was possible to know how much water could be taken out of the Rio Grande for irrigation without it becoming unnavigable or, worse, drying up entirely.

More than a century later, the USGS operates more than 10,000 stream gauges around the country. They're remarkably similar to that first Embudo gauge. Other countries operate thousands more.

Today, hydrologists like me use the stream gauge network, along with similarly vast networks of sensors measuring rainfall, soil moisture, snow depth and other parts of the water cycle. These tools help show how much water is available to people and ecosystems and how that water moves from place to place.

A team member working on the Embudo stream gauge project in 1889. (Image credit: USGS)

Moving to space

In the last 30 years, hydrology has run into a sticky problem. There are simply not enough sensors for the questions hydrologists want to answer.

Try, for example, to measure how much snow is stored in a mountain range like California's Sierra Nevada. This water is a critical resource for the state. The Sierra Nevada contains about 130 "snow pillows" that measure the amount of water stored in the snow directly above them. But the area measured by the sensors is something like 2 millionths of a percent of the total area of the Sierra.

If you try to figure out the total water stored in the Sierras, you run into a methodological wall. There's no good way to get there directly.

This kind of problem crops up all over hydrology, from snow to soil moisture and rivers to reservoirs. Although putting out more sensors is an option, they are expensive to maintain, and it's impossible to put out enough to measure an entire mountain range. A better option would be to measure large areas all at once.

Starting about two decades ago, a small group of scientists suggested a new solution: What if they could measure the water cycle from space?

The University of Saskatchewan's Jay Famiglietti was one of these scientists. Much of Famiglietti's work has used the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission, a pair of satellites launched in 2002 . The satellites, nicknamed Tom and Jerry, chase each other around the planet and use tiny variations in the the distance between them to measure changes in Earth's gravity. Many of these variations come from water moving around. GRACE tracks changes in total water storage across groundwater, the surface and the atmosphere.

"[GRACE] paints a compelling picture, because it allows us to see the human fingerprint on water availability, and the climate change impact on water availability," Famiglietti told me. Some of his work with GRACE has shown deep losses of groundwater in northern India, the Middle East and other places that could be vulnerable to future water shortages. The original pair of GRACE satellites went offline in 2017, but a new pair launched the following year.

Artist's rendition of the GRACE follow-on mission. (Image credit: NASA)

A golden age

Other satellites designed to measure specific parts of the water cycle came online at around the same time as GRACE, though they had some limitations.

IceSAT , active from 2003 to 2009, measured the changing shape of glaciers and ice sheets, but its lasers had some technical problems that limited its lifetime. The Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission provided data on precipitation at low latitudes, but it worked poorly for snow and regions with strong thunderstorms. Scientists came up with improved ways to use data from passive microwave sensors , some of which were already in orbit, to estimate soil moisture, but they provided data only at relatively coarse scales.

Starting in 2014, a new generation of satellites has offered improvements. The Global Precipitation Mission , a constellation of satellites, has substantially improved on TRMM. IceSAT-2 , which NASA launched in 2018, has much better lasers than its forerunner. Dedicated soil moisture missions launched by the European Space Agency and NASA offer more finely tuned measurements than past sensors could.

I am part of an international team that will launch the first project dedicated to measuring Earth's most readily accessible water resources: rivers and lakes. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission is an active sensor that, starting in 2021, will send radar pulses down to Earth and measure how long they take to return to the satellite. Through finely tuned algorithms, SWOT will measure changes in the amount of water stored in millions of lakes and reservoirs around the world and estimate, from space, the amount of water flowing through most of the worlds major rivers.

(Image credit: NASA)

With all these satellites, hydrologists will be able to track many individual parts of the water cycle using observations from space. The next challenge will be putting all of those measurements together in a coherent way. Each satellite has its own idiosyncrasies. Scientists are working to integrate all of their past and present data with computer simulations of Earth's water cycle.

Together, these observations can help better predict drought, track floods and inform the world about how climate change is altering access to water resources. For example, a suite of satellites showed that the world's landlocked basins, already among the driest places on Earth, most notably the Aral Sea in Central Asia, are rapidly losing water .

Space agencies are also designing new missions to cover parts of the water cycle that current satellites can't yet adequately observe, like the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. Estimating evaporation also remains a real challenge. Current methods produce very different global patterns, and the path toward new solutions for reliably estimating evaporation from space remains uncertain.

Satellites have gone from curios on the sidelines of hydrology to central players in understanding the global water cycle. When John Wesley Powell sent 20-odd members of the new USGS to the banks of the Rio Grande, he likely couldn't have imagined that, 130 years later, water scientists like me would be following in his footsteps using satellites orbiting hundreds of miles overhead.
The Port of Georgetown has seen its traffic drop to virtually nothing in recent years. The harbors channel is not deep enough to support modern commercial ships.
Staff reports

South Bend Tribune

What was making news in our area during this week in years past? The History Museum offers these newspaper excerpts to give you an idea.

Feb. 17, 1913: Dan Pyle, democrat, was today elected county attorney to succeed Fred Woodward, republican. The post carries with it a salary of $1,800.

 The South-Bend Daily Tribune

Feb. 18, 1919: Rev. C. C. Jordan was elected president of the Perley civic club at the meeting held last night in the Perley school.  A committee was appointed to consider and help promote improvements on South Bend avenue. Eli F. Seebirt will speak on Americanizing America, at the meeting Thursday, Feb. 27.

 The South-Bend Daily Tribune

Feb. 19, 1929: Bremen Kiwanians have decided by an almost unanimous vote of the club membership to enter the intensive period of the attendance contest of Kiwanis international in an attempt to bring recognition to the town and club. For four years the club has turned in a perfect record during the 10 weeks of the contest.

 The South-Bend Daily Tribune

Feb. 20, 1938: The first annual display and sale of articles made by disabled war veterans sponsored by the womens auxiliary of South Bend post No. 50, American legion, will be Tuesday through Saturday on the sixth floor of Robertson Bros. Department Store, Inc. Handwork made by ex-soldiers in five hospitals in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana will be on display, Mrs. Martha Wallis, co-chairman of the service sale, said Saturday night.

 The South Bend Tribune

Feb. 21, 1944: The Portage Conservation club, the 30th in St. Joseph county, was organized by employes of Drewrys Limited, Inc., at a meeting and party held Saturday night at Drewrys clubrooms. Joseph Benko was elected president.

 The South Bend Tribune

Feb. 22, 1959: Mayor Edward F. Voorde announced Saturday night that he will seek renomination in the May 6 city primary elections. Although most observers have felt all along that Voorde was certain to enter the primary, his announcement Saturday was the first formal indication of his intentions.

 The South Bend Tribune

Feb 23, 1960: Two measures pertinent to the establishment of South Bends first industrial park  a 120-acre tract in the far northwest section of the city  are scheduled to come before the Common Council tonight. One is a proposed rezoning of 80 acres in the tract from residential to industrial.  The other is part of a proposed ordinance setting up a $1-million general obligation bond issue to provide funds for street improvements this year.

 The South Bend Tribune
Marshall V. King is a free lance writer and photographer who has worked in Elkhart County as a journalist for more than 20 years. You can read his Food For Thought each Monday and his Dining a la King column each Friday.
Physical access control: Critical steps to ensure a smarter future

Steven Kenny, Axis Communications, looks at the benefits of physical access control systems within smart environments, and how knowledge gaps and dated methods can inhibit adoption. Physical security is becoming more dynamic and more interconnected, as it evolves. Todays modern access control solutions are about so much more than simply opening doors, with digitalisation bringing multiple business benefits, which would simply not be possible using traditional models. Digital transformation While the digital transformation of processes and systems was already well underway, across many industries and sectors, it is the transformation of physical security from a standalone, isolated circuit, to a network-enabled, intelligent security solution that brings many benefits to the smart environment. Yet, with more organisations now looking to bring their physical security provision up to date, there are many considerations that must be addressed to maximise the potential of access control and video surveillance. Not least of which is that connecting physical security devices to a network presents risk, so it is increasingly important for IT teams to play a role in helping to facilitate the secure integration of physical and network technologies, as these two worlds increasingly converge. Improved access control in smart environments These urban constructs are capable of reducing waste, driving efficiencies and optimising resources The smart city offers significant benefits, reflected in the US$ 189 billion that is anticipated to be spent on smart city initiatives globally by 2023. These urban constructs are capable of reducing waste, driving efficiencies, optimising resources and increasing citizen engagement. Technology, which is increasingly being incorporated to protect access points within the smart environment, can take many forms. These range from simple card readers to two factor authentication systems, using video surveillance as a secondary means of identification, right through to complex networks of thermal cameras, audio speakers and sensors. Frictionless access control During the COVID-19 pandemic, frictionless access control has provided an effective hands free means of accessing premises, using methods such as QR code readers and facial recognition as credentials to prove identity. Frictionless access control brings health and safety into the equation, as well as the security of entrances and exits, minimising the risk of infection, by removing the need to touch shared surfaces. Such systems can be customised and scaled to meet precise requirements. Yet, an increasing integration with open technologies and platforms requires collaboration between the worlds of physical security and IT, in order to be successful. Barriers to adoption Traditional suppliers and installers of physical security systems have built up a strong business model around their expertise, service and knowledge. Network connectivity and the IoT (Internet of Things) present a constantly shifting landscape, requiring the traditional physical security vendor to learn the language of IT, of open platforms, IP connectivity and software integration, in order to adapt to market changes and remain relevant. Many are now beginning to realise that connected network-enabled solutions are here to stay Those who cannot adapt, and are simply not ready for this changing market, risk being left behind, as the physical security landscape continues to shift and demand continues to increase. With end users and buyers looking for smarter, more integrated and business-focused solutions from their suppliers, it is clear that only those who are prepared will succeed in this space. Time will not stand still, and many are now beginning to realise that connected network-enabled solutions are here to stay, particularly within smart constructs which rely on such technology by their very nature. The importance of cyber hygiene Connecting any device to a network has a degree of risk, and it is, therefore, imperative that any provider not only understands modern connected technologies, but also the steps necessary to protect corporate networks. Cameras, access control systems and IP audio devices, which have been left unprotected, can potentially become backdoors into a network and used as access points by hackers. These vulnerabilities can be further compromised by the proliferation of connected devices within the Internet of Things (IoT). While the connection of devices to a network brings many advantages, there is greater potential for these devices to be used against the very business or industry they have been employed to protect when vulnerabilities are exploited. Cyber security considerations Cyber security considerations should, therefore, be a key factor in the development and deployment of new security systems. Access control technologies should be manufactured according to recognised cyber security principles, incident reporting and best practices. It is important to acknowledge that the cyber integrity of a system is only as strong as its weakest link and that any potential source of cyber exposure will ultimately impact negatively on a devices ability to provide the necessary high levels of physical security. The future of access control There is a natural dispensation towards purchasing low-cost solutions There is a natural dispensation towards purchasing low-cost solutions that are perceived as offering the same value as their more expensive equivalents. While some have taken the decision to implement such solutions, in an attempt to unlock the required benefits, while saving their bottom line, the limited lifespan of these technologies puts a heavier cost and reputational burden onto organisations by their association. The future of access control, and of physical security as a whole, will, therefore, be dependent on the willingness of suppliers to implement new designs and new ways of thinking, based around high-quality products, and to influence the installers and others in their supply chains to embrace this new world. Cyber security key to keeping businesses safe In addition, cyber security considerations are absolutely vital for keeping businesses safe. The integration of cyber secure technologies from trusted providers will provide peace of mind around the safety or corporate networks, and integrity of the deployed technologies. As we move forward, access control systems will become data collection points and door controllers will become intelligent I/O devices. QR codes for visitor management and biometric face recognition for frictionless access control will increasingly be managed at the edge, as analytics in a camera or sensor. The future of access control presents an exciting and challenging time for those ready to accept it, to secure it and to help shape it, offering a true opportunity to innovate for a smarter, safer world.
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Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives Market was Valued at US$ XX Mn in 2018, Surge in Number of Livestock Industries

Analyst Speak:

The Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives Market was valued around US$ XX Mn by 2018 and growing at a prominent growth rate over the forecast years 2019-2025 owing to grow in number of livestock industries in the region

The Middle East and Africa specialty feed additives market was valued at US$ XX Mn in 2018 and increasing at a significant growth rate over the forecast years due to surge in number of number of livestock farms coupled with grow in incidence of disease outbreaks among the livestock species. Moreover, increase in the R&D activities for the development of newer specialty feed products, rise in demand for healthy meat and other livestock products, and increase in awareness about the animal health among the livestock farmers are boost the Middle East and Africa specialty feed additives market over the forecast years. However, stringent product approval for the feed products, fluctuations in raw material cost, and high cost of specialty feed additives are hamper the growth of specialty feed additives market over the future years.

A sample of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/the-middle-east-and-africa-specialty-feed-additives-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx

Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives market segmented on the basis of additive type, formulation, animal type, and country

Poultry Specialty Feed Additives Dominate the Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives Market

Based on the animal type, Middle East and Africa specialty feed additives market segmented into poultry, aqua, canine, equine, swine, bovine, and others. Poultry specialty feed additives growing at a significant CAGR owing to increase in the demand for healthy meat and other protein rich poultry products. However, increase in the aquaculture production in the Middle East and Africa region also propel the specialty feed additives market over the forecast timeframe.

South Africa Leads the Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives market

PBIs Middle East and Africa specialty feed additives market report analyses the market in different regions such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, Israel, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa. According to country analysis, South Africa accounted for larger revenue share through 2014-2018 and expected to dominate over 2019-2025 owing to establishment of feed mills in the country, increase in the awareness about disease outbreaks in livestock species, and grow in disposable income. Moreover. GCC countries specialty feed additives market projected to exhibit significant growth due to rise in demand for the healthy meat, diary, and other livestock products and launch of newer products into market are expected to bolster the specialty feed additives market over the forecast years.

To view TOC of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/the-middle-east-and-africa-specialty-feed-additives-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Launch of newer products, frequent product approvals, and strategic alliances are the key strategies adopted by market players

Middle East and Africa specialty feed additives market further reveals that the key players increasingly adopting strategies such as launch of newer products, frequent product approvals, and long term alliance to improve market revenue share and gaining significant geographic presence across the region. For instance. In July 2016, Nutrico acquired South African feed additive and feed premix company Advit to strengthen its business in the Middle East and Africa region

Key players profiles in the report are Archer Daniels Midland Co. (U.S.), Evonik Industries (Germany), Nutreco N.V. (Netherlands), BASF SE (Germany), Nutribase (South Africa), Larrem Pty. Ltd. (South Africa), Vitam International (South Africa), and Cargill, Inc. (U.S.)

Precision Business Insights (PBI) in its report titled Middle East and Africa Specialty Feed Additives Market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2014-2018 and Forecast 2019-2025 assesses the market performance over seven years forecast period over 2019-2025. The report analyses the market value forecast and provides the strategic insights into the market driving factors, challenges that are hindering the market revenue growth over forecast period.

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https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/the-middle-east-and-africa-specialty-feed-additives-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3

Detailed Segmentation

By Additive Type

Binders

Minerals

Vitamins

Flavours and Sweeteners

Antioxidants

Acidifiers

Enzymes

Carbohydrates

Others

By Formulation

Powders

Liquids

Pellets

By Animal Type

Poultry

Aquatic

Canine

Equine

Swine

Ovine

Bovine

Geography

Middle East and Africa

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Israel

South Africa

Rest of MEA

Get access to full summary @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/the-middle-east-and-africa-specialty-feed-additives-market/

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Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.

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PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin, together with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport and the St. Maarten Anti-Poverty Platform, are exploring the possibility of carrying out research that will benefit the rights of children and youth on the island.

Diverse groups such as trade unions and communities of faith will play an essential role in such research, said USM President Antonio Carmona, who is hopeful in leading a programme that would look into issues of poverty, violence, sexual abuse and the socio-economic conditions of families.

Social Action Research, used by sociologists whereby focus groups horizontally identify the problems and needs of a community, is one of the principal methods that will ensure a solid multisectoral participation of civil society groups in their quest for solutions that will secure the rights of children, said Dr. Carmona.

On Friday, 18 February, the Sint Maarten Anti-Poverty Platform (SMAPP), a coalition of trade unions, community leaders and social activists, welcomed former UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. Nils Kastberg, who voluntarily came to Philipsburg from Sweden to meet with USM faculty and local trade representatives. Kastberg, who is no stranger to the island, has a long history of working with churches and government in Sint Maarten, and is willing to serve as a consultant. On Saturday, he talked with representatives of the St. Martin Council of Churches and the St. Martin United Ministerial Foundation, which have agreed to support this research initiative.

A man of faith, Nils Kastberg exhorted local churches to consider that social action, like human rights activism, provides the space for Christians to practice the teachings of Jesus Christ by loving their neighbour. The gospel very clearly takes a stand on justice, we are called to take action for our children and youth.

Mr. Raymund Jessurun, who together with Mrs. Claire Elshot co-coordinates SMAPP, announced that a MOU between the Platform and USM is currently under review. USM would like to contribute to the community by establishing a poverty line on St. Martin and for the rest of the Kingdom. For that, we need access to statistics. By working together with the university and government, we can expose the reality our children face and from there work on improving living conditions.

Dr. Carmona stated that previous studies on the socio-economic condition of children and youth were conducted by UNICEF Nederland. However, only half of the island was considered, while we know that St. Martin is one island and everyone has family on both sides. Other surveys have been conducted by USM in collaboration with University ofthe Virgin Islands and the Collectivite of the northern side of the island. Through established networks, USM and SMAPP hope to receive support from the regional office of UNICEF and government. Research guidelines need to be developed regionally and St. Martiners need to conduct their own research. UNICEF Nederland, if responsible, can support such an initiative if its genuinely interested in serving the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, Carmona concluded.

On Monday and Tuesday Mr. Nils Kastberg, USM and SMAPP will hold talks with local teacher union WITU and again with Minister Wycliff Smith and the Ministrys Secretary General Shermina Powell-Richardson.
Trump's political rise has been replete with dark and scary imagery and perceived threats of his own making. Marauding street gangs. Rapists, drug dealers, murderers spilling across the country's border with Mexico. By invoking a socialist threat, he summons - at least for those of a certain age - the whiff of Red Menace, bread lines and an assault on democracy and the country's foundational free-enterprise system. "It's the sense of something foreign, something un-American," said Stephanie Mudge, a University of California, Davis sociologist and author of a book on left-of-centre politics in the US and abroad. It also divides Democrats in a way emotional issues such as immigration, abortion and gun control generally do not. Protesters march outside Trump's El Paso rally last week. Credit:AP For many younger Americans - saddled with college debt, struggling to find an affordable place to live - socialism has a more benign connotation, promising a fairer distribution of wealth and greater economic opportunity. A Gallup Poll last August found that 51 per cent of Americans between the ages of 19 and 29 had a positive view of socialism, compared with 45 per cent in that age group who viewed capitalism in a favourable light.

Loading "They don't have the legacy of the Cold War and that narrative about the West, freedom and capitalism versus the Soviet Union and authoritarian communism," said Maria Svart, national director of the Democratic Socialists of America and, at age 38, a millennial voter. She welcomes a debate over socialism as a chance to discuss social justice and economic inequality and ways to achieve both. "It's absolutely the moment to shine," Svart said. "The more people that hear our message, the better." That is not, however, a view that is widely shared, even among Democrats. Peter Hart cited a September NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll he conducted that overall found strongly positive sentiments toward capitalism and negative views of socialism - attitudes, he said, that could undermine support for popular Democratic positions like expanding health care coverage and fighting climate change if Trump manages to define the terms of the debate.

Loading "Simply put, no one wants to run on labels," said Hart, a veteran party strategist. "What they want to run on are programs, ideas and directions for the country. ... If the label is 'capitalism vs socialism,' capitalism wins and socialism loses." The centre of gravity within the Democratic Party has unarguably shifted leftward in recent years; polls show that Democrats have a much more favourable view of socialism than the rest of the electorate. Support for universal health care, higher hourly wages, increased taxes on billionaires and greater government oversight of the economy have all become standard orthodoxy among the party's leading White House contenders. But the consensus quickly breaks down when the question is how best to achieve those goals. Republicans would like to make the democratic socialists Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez avatars of the Democratic Party. But not every Democrat echoes the Vermont senator, whose 2016 economic populist campaign helped push the party left, or embraces the environmentalist Green New Deal unveiled to great fanfare by the freshman New York representative.

"I know that the easy thing to do is say, 'Yes, yes, yes,'" Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who is weighing a White House bid, said of the expansive and costly blueprint to fight global warming. But, he said, "I don't need to co-sponsor every bill that others think they need to co-sponsor to show my progressive politics." Mindful of the divide within their party, Democratic presidential hopefuls have tread a careful path. Capitalist: Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat and 2020 presidential candidate. Credit:Bloomberg "Look, I believe in capitalism," Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said on Bloomberg TV when asked whether socialism - an economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are substantially controlled by the government - is the best path to follow. "But let's be really clear," she continued. "Capitalism without rules is theft. ... What I believe is capitalism with serious rules and that means everybody gets a chance to play."

So they say his best chance of winning re-election is to repeat what he did last time: demonising his opponent. Pete Buttigieg, the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana, kept himself at arm's length even as he suggested the S-word has lost its political punch. "You can no longer simply kill off a line of discussion about a policy by saying it's socialist," he said on CNN. "If someone my age or younger is weighing a policy idea and somebody comes along and says, 'You can't do that; it's socialist,' I think our answer is going to be, 'OK, is it a good idea or is it not?'" The fact, though, that the question is even being asked of candidates speaks to one of the great advantages Trump enjoys as president: the power to shape the 2020 campaign agenda and frame the debate. Campaign buttons are sold at a rally for US President Donald Trump in El Paso, Texas. Credit:Bloomberg

Though he lost the popular vote, Trump has made precious little effort since 2016 to win converts. Some advisers believe the President's style is so popularising that he stands little chance of success, even if he tried. So they say his best chance of winning re-election is to repeat what he did last time: demonising his opponent - whoever he or she turns out to be - to rally support and frighten off any voters who may be uncertain or leaning the other way. "Elections, at the end of the day, are choices," said Raj Shah, a former White House spokesman working for Trump's re-election campaign. He rejected the notion that Trump is trying to distract from his performance by using scare tactics. "He can run on his accomplishments," Shah said, "and also contrast that with the vision and positions of his opponents." Which, Trump hopes to convince voters, reside just this side of Karl Marx and Mao's Little Red Book.
Poland pulled out of a planned summit in Israel after Israel's acting Foreign Minister said on Monday that "many Poles" had collaborated with the Nazis in World War II and shared responsibility for the Holocaust.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki branded the remarks "racist and unacceptable". He had previously said he would not join Tuesday's gathering of central European leaders in Israel, sending instead a lower-level delegation, but said on Monday that no Polish officials would now attend.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Polish complicity in the Holocaust in comments later echoed by Israel's acting Foreign Minister. Credit:AP

"Not only can we not accept such racist comments, but with all our strength we want to stress that we will fight for historical truth, for the honour of Poles," he told reporters.

The leaders of the other three 'Visegrad Group' nations - Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia - all still planned to attend the talks, Israel said, but Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said they would instead consist of bilateral discussions and that the summit would be rescheduled for later in 2019.
Islamabad: Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has begun a four-day regional visit, arriving in Pakistan on Sunday where Saudi officials signed agreements worth $US20 billion ($28 billion) to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and top government and military officials greeted him at Islamabad's airport, where he received a 21-gun salute. Earlier, Pakistan Air Force jets escorted bin Salman's flight when he entered the country's airspace.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, centre, greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, upon his arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Sunday. Credit:AP

At the airport, a young boy and girl in traditional Pakistani dress handed the prince flowers. He was greeted by a host of Pakistani Cabinet ministers and the country's powerful army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khan himself drove the prince to the prime minister's residence, where he was met by an honour guard.
Jakarta: The second Indonesian presidential debate was so boring it increased the chances of people not voting in the election on April 17, according to Australian National University academic Ross Tapsell.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and challenger Prabowo Subianto went head-to-head on Sunday evening over four topics  energy, infrastructure, food security and the environment.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, left, and his contender Prabowo Subianto shake hands after a televised debate last month. Credit:AP

The debate was marred by an explosion in a nearby park about 15 minutes after the debate started, where hundreds of supporters had gathered to watch the candidates debate.

Police claimed their preliminary investigations indicated a firecracker had gone off, although footage of the incident appeared more serious.
Beijing: With Germany and Britain poised to make a decision on Huawei and 5G, China has begun to hit back with new ferocity at claims its national intelligence law compels Chinese companies to obey its spy agency.

Despite Washington's public pressure on allies to bar Huawei, Britain's National Cyber Security Centre is reported to have decided the security risk is "manageable", while a German cabinet meeting last week is reported to have decided against an outright ban on Huawei.

Germany is said to be weighing up security conditions that could instead be placed on 5G participants.

The decisions of the two major European powers could be a tipping point for Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, which has suffered cascading rejections from US allies in recent months.
The state government's defence of a $206 million deal with controversial Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei has stumbled after the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation said it had only provided a "general security briefing early in the procurement process".

This is despite Premier Mark McGowan reassuring Parliament that "ASIO said there were no concerns" about the construction of a mobile data network by the company for Perth's public passenger train system.

A spokesperson for ASIO said it would not comment on the briefing it gave to the state government, but said it provided advice about the project to the federal government's Critical Infrastructure Centre and the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs.

The WA Opposition is calling for the government to release a redacted copy of advice it received from ASIO about Huawei's contract to build a data communications network for the Public Transport Authority. Credit:AP Photo/Andy Wong

On Tuesday, when defending the contract, Mr McGowan said the government had received advice from ASIO  which will see Huawei construct 80 mobile towers along the city's rail corridors  under questioning from the Opposition.
The NSW Labor Party has announced plans to build a new state-owned and run renewable energy company, to help supply half a million new solar systems on NSW roofs and to support investment in more than 7 gigawatts of renewable power ahead of the upcoming state election.

The three projects combined could provide enough renewable electricity to power between 3 and 3.5 million homes in the state, opposition energy spokesman Adam Searle said.

NSW Labor says it will build a state-owned renewable power company if it wins the upcoming state elections. Credit:Joe Armao

It will bring the new energy into the states grid by 2030, slashing carbon emissions in the process.

"This could power nearly every single home in NSW with renewable energy," he said.
Senior NSW Liberal women have warned the behaviour of young men in the Liberal Party has "set support for us backwards" in a scathing post in a private chat group.

In the Facebook group for the Liberal Women's Council, its president Mary-Lou Jarvis slammed the behaviour of four male Young Liberals who have been kicked out of the party.

"My view is that we must be prepared to stand up and say we don't want men in our party who treat women in such a demeaning manner," Ms Jarvis wrote.

The lewd comments made by the Young Liberals. Credit:Tinder

"At a time when we are looking to increase our female representation at the state level, we have young men in the party that set support for us backwards."
Once upon a time, in the land of Hope, there lived a senator who liked to put the public interest first. This senator, lets call him John Faulkner, issued a green paper in 2008 titled Donations, Funding and Expenditure.

The green paper called for reform of the federal political donations regime because the good senator understood that it needed to change. You see, election campaigns had become an arms race. Political parties (large and small) were, and still are, doing their best to spend their way to election victory.

Senator Linda Reynolds. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Now, you may be wondering what happened to the green paper and what outcomes it achieved. Well, its gathering dust somewhere in the vast region called Political Inaction. This region exists to protect personal and party interests and sadly it does so at the expense of another, much smaller region called the Public Interest. There was, however, one outcome from the green paper: taxpayers money was spent on achieving absolutely nothing.

But that is not the end of the story. People living in the land of Hope remained optimistic, as many knew that they paid for a parliamentary joint standing committee on electoral matters (JSCEM). It examines issues relating to federal elections, including the political donations regime.
A top aide to Senator Michaelia Cash has admitted an unsolicited tip-off about union raids had "obvious political implications" for federal opposition leader Bill Shorten.

The cabinet minister's former chief of staff, Ben Davies, told the Federal Court the significant tip about search warrants being executed on Melbourne and Sydney offices of the Australian Workers Union came unsolicited from Mark Lee, the media adviser to the Registered Organisations Commission.

The commission was investigating the union over allegations of document destruction linked to two donations made when Mr Shorten was the AWU national secretary.

Michaelia Cash arrives at the Federal Court last week. Credit:AAP

The October 2017 raids on two offices proved controversial when media arrived before Australian Federal Police officers, tipped off by Senator Cash's then- media adviser - David de Garis - who received the information from Mr Davies.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed Australia's political parties suffered cyber attacks alongside the Parliament House computer network several weeks ago by a "sophisticated state actor".

The announcement is likely to intensify speculation that China was behind the attacks, which come just three months before the federal election, though Mr Morrison said there was no evidence of election interference.

Sources are describing the level of sophistication as "unprecedented" but are unable to say yet which foreign government is behind the attack.

The attacks are understood to carry the digital fingerprints of China, though authorities are concerned that another state could be replicating the hallmarks of Chinese intelligence to deflect blame towards them.
Comcare will face a total legal bill of more than half a million dollars, after withdrawing an appeal to the Federal Court and accepting liability for a worker's compensation after a seven-year legal battle.

Less than 24 hours before Comcare was due in front of the full bench of the Federal Court for a second time regarding the bullying case of ABC producer Peta Martin, Ms Martin's lawyers were notified the insurer would be withdrawing its appeal and accepting liability.

Comcare had been locked in a legal stoush with Ms Martin since 2012. The aborted hearing was set to be the sixth court or tribunal to hear the case, after it went all the way to the High Court, to be sent back to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal last year.

Comcare has confirmed it spent $425,000 on the case, in which it attempted to deny liability for Ms Martin's claim for worker's compensation after she was allegedly bullied by her manager while working as a producer at the ABC in Renmark, South Australia.

The insurer is also now expected to pay legal costs for Ms Martin. These are expected to also reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Emergency services are fighting a serious house fire in Perths eastern suburbs.

The fire started in the back garage of a home on Clearwater Crescent in Ascot just after 11.30am on Monday morning.

Multiple crews have turned out to stop the blaze. Credit:Kate Hedley

The home is a semi-detached property, and firefighters are working to stop the blaze from spreading to nearby houses.

Crews from Belmont, Kiara, Kensington, Welshpool and Osborne Park have attended the scene.
The notorious bank robber and prison escapee dubbed the 'Postcard Bandit' by police is appealing his jail sentence that could leave him behind bars until 2033.

Repeat offender Brenden James Abbott appeared via video link in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday to argue the time he spent in a Queensland prison after fleeing WA on the run should be taken into account.

Notorious "Postcard Bandit" Brenden Abbott is appealing his latest jail sentence. Credit:Channel Nine News Perth

Abbott was extradited back to WA in 2016 and jailed after pleading guilty last year to escaping a Perth prison in a fake guard uniform almost 30 years ago.

Outside court, high profile defence counsel Tom Percy told 9 News Perth the amount of time Abbott could end up serving would be about double handed down to a murderer.
A nine-year-old boy who went missing from his home north of Perth on Sunday night has been found safe and well in Clarkson.

Chay, 9, is wearing superman pyjamas and thongs.

The boy named Chay, who was wearing black, red and white-coloured Superman pyjamas and thongs, was last seen at a petrol station near the corner of Marmion Avenue and Ocean Keys Boulevard in Clarkson about 10pm.

There were also uncomfirmed sighting of Chay around Clarkson Train Station on Monday morning.

Police posted the missing person alert on their Facebook page about midnight, and the post had been shared almost 3000 times by 7am.
A Narre Warren teenage girl who was killed in a horror three-car smash in Melbourne's south-east has been identified as 17-year-old Nikkita Wells.

It is believed Ms Wells' 20-year-old sister was driving a white Holden Calais that had Nikkita in the back seat and a male in the front when the deadly crash happened just after midday on Stud Road in Rowville on Sunday.

Nikkita Wells was killed in the crash at Rowville. Credit:Facebook

Nikkita's boyfriend Hayden Jordan commented on a post about the crash on Monday night with the words: "I love you".

Other friends have paid tribute to the teen, describing her as a happy and bubbly.
A woman who claims former CFMEU boss Dave Hanna raped her following a night out allegedly messaged a friend shortly before the incident asking her to "save me".

The union figure is accused of forcing himself on her at her apartment in the northern Brisbane suburb of Taigum on March 4, 2017.

Ex-CFMEU boss David Hanna (right) arriving at court on Monday morning with legal counsel. Credit:Dave Hunt/AAP

It is alleged he also took videos and photos of her genitals without her consent.

Mr Hanna appeared in the Brisbane District Court on Monday where he pleaded not guilty to three counts of rape and another of recording in breach of privacy.
A truck driver accused of failing to properly secure his amusement ride load is on trial for manslaughter after it swung out and killed another motorist.

Christopher Paul Hennessy formally pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter charge in the Brisbane District Court on Monday.

He also pleaded not guilty on the first day of his four-day trial to the alternative charge of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

Mr Hennessy was transporting the "Hurricane" ride back to its holding yard in May 2016 when a restraint failed and the stabilising arm "swung out" and hit a Commodore.

An 80-year-old motorist, Aldo Casasola, died.
Five south-east Queensland councils have united in a bid to issue a joint procurement for the regions waste management, hoping to attract national and even international bids.

Logan, Ipswich, Somerset, Redland and Lockyer Valley councils have applied to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the authority to begin a joint procurement process for waste management.

A joint regional waste management tender is being considered by five south-east Queensland councils. Credit:Gabriele Charotte

The aim was to create integrated services that cross council boundaries and find more sustainable ways of managing south-east Queenslands waste and resource recovery.

The five councils requested permission from the ACCC to explore different options, large and small, through an open expression of interest.
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A woman who crashed a car into a house north of Brisbane on Monday morning has been taken to hospital.

The car crashed just before 7.30am and was left perched on two wheels after being wedged into a retaining wall at the Keong Road property in Albany Creek.

A car has crashewd into a home at Abany Creek on Monday morning. Credit:Dave Andrews, Australian Traffic Network

Paramedics assessed the driver, believed to be in her 30s, after she was freed from her vehicle.

She was taken to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a stable condition with minor injuries.
The owners of a housing estate in Sydney's west have agreed to get the site tested for a potential leak of toxic chemicals more than three years after the possible contamination risk to thousands of residents was discovered.

Since 2015, Ford Motoring Company has suspected chemicals could have spread from a former waste dump at its old factory to the residential precinct at Centenary Park in Homebush West.

Centenary Park estate at Homebush West is home to about 2500 residents. Credit:James Brickwood

But the Herald revealed last week that the extent of any contamination from the former landfill site remains unknown.

That is because Ford and the developer, Telmet Ventures, have been locked in a dispute over Ford's access to test for the presence of any chemicals on the site.
The suspended chief executive of Parramatta Council has lost a court bid to have his employer legally restrained from firing him, after a judge found there was no "imminent threat" of him being sacked.

Mark Stapleton was appointed CEO of Parramatta Council in June 2018 and was suspended with pay 10 weeks later, after a series of stories published by The Sydney Morning Herald raised questions about his CV.

Parramatta Council's suspended chief executive Mark Stapleton.

Mr Stapleton, who says his qualifications and CV are impeccable, is suing the Herald for defamation in the Federal Court.

Last week, Mr Stapleton's lawyers were granted a temporary seven-day injunction in the NSW Supreme Court which prevented the council from terminating his employment contract.
Calling all boats: So where the bloody hell are you? It didnt work last time, Mr Morrison. - Sue Dowe, Croydon Do we want an ad man running

our country? - Janifer Fraser, Lismore Medevac bill seeks balance between firm and fair So thuggery and bullying can be found in all sorts of places ... the people on Manus and Nauru are an indispensable asset to some self-appointed heroes (Weve blinked on asylum seekers  and people smugglers know it, February 18). Oh dear, Amanda Vanstone, what a wonderful mirror image of government policy. Those refugees are government hostages, kept as a lesson both for the smuggling industry and for the electorate. - Susan Connelly, Lakemba Being tough is not easy, says Vanstone in her jaundiced piece. On the contrary, being tough is a doddle for any well-resourced thug with the power to do so. Whats not easy is striking a workable balance between being firm and being fair and humane, which the medevac bill seeks to do. Any principled, half-competent government would implement this change calmly and in a grown-up way. They would not fire off hysterical and reckless messages inviting the boats to resume, or engage in wanton scaremongering. - Brian Palfrey, Surry Hills

What a contrast between Vanstones column packed with innuendo and speculation, and Michael Bachelards two days earlier that cuts through the politics and wakes us up to the real horrors of seeking asylum by boat (I was there the last time Australian politics encouraged people smuggling. Lets not do it again, February 16-17). If this issue was really about the character of asylum seekers, surely we would hear a lot more about the 64,000 who have arrived by air in recent years, a much smaller proportion of whom were found to be genuine refugees compared to those arriving by boat. - Malcolm France, Haberfield The scaremongering over the medevac legislation, some of it by people who have been in Parliament and should know better, is regrettable. But supporters of the bill would do well to acknowledge the loophole in the process. Most who have been brought to Australia for medical treatment in the past have found ways to avoid being returned. It is unlikely this fact has been lost on those now seeking medical treatment in Australia. - Col Nicholson, Hawks Nest So many questions. So few answers in the firehose of political deceit. How many on Manus and Nauru have been charged with serious offences? Were the offences committed after their arrival? How long has it been since they were charged? Was the government happy to leave them living alongside other asylum seekers if they considered them dangerous? - Judith Fleming, Sawtell Someone please tell Vanstone were not at war, not even with people smugglers. - Rodney Crute, Hunters Hill

Voters tire of being taken for fools Why has Gladys Berejiklian just announced the largest workforce boost in the history of Australian healthcare to the tune of $2.8 billion in the marginal seat of Penrith when the LNP have already been in government for eight years (Premier pledges 5000 nurses, February 18)? Oh, yes theres an election coming up next month. - Judith Pellow, Black Head Dear Premier, it is wonderful news that you have pledged funding for 5000 new nurses but what about 5000 dentists to go with them ... oh, you didnt mean dental nurses? - Peter Duckmanton, Pennant Hills All the pre-election frenzied activity of these politicians is an amusing sight. The 21st century dictum of governance is to ignore inputs from the electorate, turn them into a desperate needy bunch and suddenly give them what is due in a bid to win their votes during the last few months in the lead up to elections. I hope the delivery of this promise is not contingent on election results. Being taken for fools is getting to be tiresome for voters. - Cristina Corleto, Stanmore

Lessons in the country While I applaud Labors plan to attract the best and brightest to teaching as a career (ALPs $40,000 bid to promote teaching jobs, February 18), I would also like to see something like the old transfer system implemented so that these new, excellent teachers would consider teaching in country areas for a time. Without a guarantee that they could move back to larger urban areas, many young professionals are wary of making that step. - Anne Szczurowski, Lambton High-rising to the occasion As a 26-year-old living in a St Leonards apartment I agree with North Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson (Drawbridge mentality unfair to young flat dwellers, February 18). How refreshing to hear an elected official stick up for young residents. - Mariana Oliveira, St Leonards Congratulations to Gibson on supporting the combination of high-rise and conservation areas that make up her constituency. Having lived happily in a terrace for 47 years, we appreciate that renovating a former slum is hardly possible for a young family. If we were to bring up children now in this area, it would more likely be in a high-rise apartment. I would add some children-friendly apartments without risky balconies and continued government support of public high-rise, like Kirribillis Greenway flats. - Elizabeth Jones, Kirribilli

Gibsons comments disparage the older residents and organisations who are concerned about overdevelopment (exploitation). We now have a position, particularly in the business and adjacent areas of North Sydney, where the area is over-represented by buildings of 40 storeys or more with little attention to aesthetics. North Sydney is one huge construction zone and is likely to continue for years to come. In spite of what Gibson professes, the areas character is gradually being destroyed by rampant overdevelopment. - Keith McDonald, North Sydney Paying for his sins I read with interest the cursus honorum of climbing the slippery pole of the Liberal Party described as the Camino de Santiago (Honest Jim gives back $4500 in travel costs, CBD, February 18). These spiritual journeys all encompass temporal punishments and I look forward to reading about those in due course. - Maria Conidaris, Hurstville League of their own Uplifting photo of the year (Theres a new game in town, February 18). Go the Stags! It was so good to have a brief alternative to the political fracas. More please. - Ken Follows, Erina

The two pictures of the Cherrybrook Stags made my day, especially the cute little fellow in the green boots, with the oversized top and head guard. Such determination. Congrats to the photographer and the parents. Nice to look at something positive about rugby league. - Ashley Berry, Toolijooa Other peoples money Gary Sullivan (Letters, February 18), is lucky if he was in a public ward of a public hospital and found the treatment satisfactory. My experience in public wards has been abysmal. I am happy to use my fund payment in the hope that somehow it might improve standards for those unfortunate enough to be uninsured and unable to transfer to private facilities. - Kevin Orr, Blakehurst I had always believed that membership of private health funds was intended as insurance to cover hospital and other medical costs. Now it seems that members voluntarily pay their huge premiums to create a pool of wealth for the funds and to ask the fund to pay those costs is to use somebody elses money. When hospital treatments are funded by Medicare is that not also using someone elses money? When we contribute to the Medicare levy it is involuntary, despite most of us being willing participants. If people can afford to pay for a private health fund then the altruistic and reasonable thing to do is use it to ease the strain on Medicare and state health budgets. Who is subsiding whom? - Jennifer De Lacey, Greenwell Point

US should ditch Europe The Germans, the so-called leaders of Europe, who spend less than 1.5 per cent of GDP on defence have a lot of hide to resist US pressure to get out of the Iranian nuclear deal while also complaining about the US leaving Syria and down-grading its presence in Afghanistan (Merkel leads charge at Trump, February 18). How many German troops are in both places? Europe wanting the US out? Merkels shot over Trumps bows reeks of hypocrisy. Time to call her bluff and let the Europeans alone deal with Russian expansionism and Iranian sponsorship of terrorism in the Middle East. The US continues to carry by far the largest burden of defending Europe, and Europes continued resistance to pressure from the Trump administration to fall in line on policy will ultimately be detrimental to European security. - Michael Clarey, Pyrmont Greens see red If Jenny Leong believes internal divisions for the Greens are exaggerated, can she explain why 13 per cent of the partys membership recently resigned (Ex-Green MP lashes party on corporate links, February 18)? - Peter Mahoney, Oatley

Wordplay hard to beat In Larissa Dubeckis household (Woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, The Guide, February 18), they prefer to say the thick plotenned. If the show Im watching takes a twist (often involving an emotional female) I say the ploy sickened. - Alicia Dawson, Balmain The letters regarding words and pronunciations were fun until a letter introduced the Irish woman with the beautiful accent and made fun of how she pronounced third. We Irish have been on the receiving end of this joke for a long time. Maybe a letter from the race discrimination commissioner will wipe the smile off his face. - Ciaran Donnelly, Lane Cove West On a recent British and Irish Lions rugby tour there was an English player named Billy Twelvetrees. The Irish called him turty-six. - Terry OBrien, Mollymook Beach Horrendous events are now described weakly as being unacceptable. Anything. Kids pushed to drugs, the disadvantaged being hit in nursing homes. Starvation. - Mary Julian, Glebe
A senior SES official has warned that Parramatta's CBD could be overwhelmed by a flash flood in as little as nine minutes, giving residents little time to evacuate.

George Jeoffreys, senior manager for risk reduction and avoidance at the NSW State Emergency Service, cited the difficulty of predicting flash floods.

Flooding on James Ruse Drive at Parramatta on February 8. Credit:Steven Issa

"The risk is the inability to get people out. Our warning times can be short," he warned.

"If a severe super cell develops over the [Parramatta] area, we would have nine minutes from when the rain starts falling before floodwaters hit the CBD. We would not have time to evacuate. It becomes a major rescue operation."
Within months, a 130-metre boring machine named Kathleen will begin one of the most complex parts of tunnelling for Sydney's multibillion-dollar metro railway.

And in the process, she will make history.

A part of the tunnel boring machine named Kathleen is lifted onto a barge from a ship at White Bay. Credit:NSW government

Churning through clay, sediment and rock, the 975-tonne borer will dig the first rail tunnels under Sydney Harbour from Barangaroo, on the western edge of the CBD, to Blues Point on the lower north shore. The twin kilometre-long tunnels will form part of the second stage of a $20 billion metro rail line that will transport passengers in driverless, single-deck trains.

After arriving at Sydney's White Bay from China last week, the fifth boring machine for the second stage of the rail line was barged to the site of a new metro station at Barangaroo for assembly.
Troops inspect the remains of a building following the raid. Credit:State Reference Library of the Northern Territory "The Government regards the attacks as most grave, and makes it quite clear that a severe blow has been struck on Australian soil. "In this first battle on Australian soil, it will be a source of pride to the public to know thal the Armed Forces and the civilians comported themselves with the gallantry that is traditional in the people of our stock. "As I have said, information does not disclose details of casualties, but it must be obvious that we have suffered. "We must face with fortitude the first onset, and remember that whatever the future holds in store for us, we are Australians and will fight primly and victoriously.

"Let us each vow that this blow at Darwin, and the loss that it has involved and the suffering it has occasioned, shall gird our loins and nerve our steel. "We, too, in every other city, can face these assaults. "Let it be remembered that Darwin has been bombed, but it has not been conquered." Map of Japanese attack of Darwin from the Sydney Morning Herald, February 20, 1942 Credit:Staff A communique about the first raid issued by the Minister for Air, Mr. Drakeford, earlier in the day stated that the town, shipping in the harbour, and Service installations were bombed, and there were some casualties. The raid lasted one hour.

"Some damage" was done to Service installations, but no details were available. The Postmaster - General, Senator Ashley, said later that cable services would not be interrupted, "even if the cable system were temporarily destroyed." Communication would be carried on through other channels. The first announcement of the morning raid was made in a statement issued by the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin, from St. Vincent's Hospital, where he is recovering from an attack of severe gastritis. Mr. Curtin said that he knew the people would "face it as Australians." "The statement that has been made is official and authoritative," he said. "Nothing has been hidden. There is no ground for any rumour. If rumours circulate, take no notice of them, and deal sharply with any person who circulates them.

"Total mobilisation is the Government's policy. Until the time elapses when the necessary machinery can be put into effect, all Australians must voluntarily answer the Government's call for a complete giving of everything to the Nation." Eye-witnesses tell of Darwin raid (February 21)



The first stories of the Japanese raids on Darwin were told by air passengers who reached Townsville last night. Men who were there during the raids declared it was worse than anything they had experienced in London. It was a blitz of the most ferocious kind. There was very little warning of the first raid. Within two minutes of the alert bombs were falling. The bombers came over in seven or eight waves. It was perfect formation-pattern bombing. There were nine machines to a wave, and they came over at intervals of about three minutes.

The machines kept their formation, dropped their bombs, and passed on their way. The raiders appeared to concentrate on the harbour, bombing from 8,000 feet or 9,000 feet and using probably 500lb bombs. The Post Office received a direct hit. It was in this burst that nine persons were killed. Some girls met their deaths at their post in the telephone exchange. Following the big bombers, two waves of dive-bombers came over. Some of these dived from a great height to within 100 feet of the ground, bombing and machine-gunning. Others were not so daring, and gave the impression that the pilots had one hand on the bomb-control and the other on the joy-stick, ready to rise again. When the alert was first sounded, people naturally ran for cover, but most of them were still running when the bombs began to fall.

Loading Some sought shelter in trenches, others ran for the bush, while others made for open paddocks. A.R.P. and ambulance organisations functioned well, and injured persons were hurried to the hospital, which, however, was hit by a bomb and damaged. The medical staff and nurses did wonderful work. Everyone had the warmest praise for the girls of the nursing services. There was another raid at 11 a.m., which lasted about 20 minutes. In this, said the eye-witnesses, 54 machines were engaged, two formations of 27 each. They added to the destruction previously caused.
A $2.6 million public housing development has sat empty for three years as the government and builder remain locked in a legal standoff.

The ACT government is currently pursuing legal action against the builder, certifier and structural engineer of the block which was deemed unsafe in early-2016.

The Braddon public housing has sat empty for three years because of a dispute between the government and builder. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos

The building, at 11 Lowanna St in Braddon, was built in 2012 but remains abandoned and fenced off since early-2016 due to fire safety and construction concerns.

A former tenant previously told The Canberra Times anonymously that within months of moving into the building after it was completed in 2012 conditions deteriorated.
Sands was just 27 years old. Isa Islam is almost twice his age and clearly isn't expecting any changes to his personal circumstances any time soon. Despite the ever-increasing threat of brain damage and his growing physical weakness, he remains lucid.

It's unexpected because back in 1981 one of the most famous hunger strikers in recent human history, the jailed Irish Republican Army activist Bobby Sands, died from malnutrition in the hospital ward of the notorious Maze prison after 66 days.

"Come back next week, I'm always happy to talk," the prisoner says, offering a thin, bony handshake.

Islam is taking only water, and looks even more drawn and emaciated than when The Canberra Times last spoke to him 18 long days ago. He remains manacled to a hospital bed in a small, private ward, several prison officers at his door, within the Canberra Hospital.

Human biological theory suggests that at this advanced stage of ketogenesis -the state in which the body has long finished consuming its stored fat reserves and begins to eat its internal organs - Islam should be at or near a comatose state.

But aside from complaints of abject tiredness during the day and an inability to sleep at night, he clearly believes he has the strength to continue his prolonged battle with ACT Corrective Services over claims of injustices committed during his incarceration. He admits to having experienced a "gradual decline" in his health in the past 10 days.

A green knitted beanie tight on his head and a thin hospital blanket drawn up over bent knees protruding like skeletal knobs, Islam has things he wishes to say, rather than straight answers to deliver.

There are developments in his case which he can't, or won't, discuss. He says he has legal representation but is unwilling to offer details.
The ACT government has signalled it will establish a management body for the Kingston Arts Precinct, which was scheduled to start construction early this year but has been caught up in an extended negotiation process.

The goverment has earmarked $1.8 million for design development, stakeholder engagement and the establishment of a management body for the precinct in the 2018-19 Budget review.

The 1948 switch room which may have been saved by moving the proposed car park for the Kingston Arts Precinct. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Of that funding, $1.14 million is budgeted for 2021-22.

But the government is unable to provide any more detail about the project or the funding, saying negotiations remain commercial in confidence.
On the inside of my left pinkie finger I have a tattoo of a fast forward symbol, and on my inner left arm, a stencil of the Sydney Harbour skyline is etched in ink.

Both tattoos are reminders to myself, celebrations I suppose, that I overcame redundancy in 2013 and 2017. And now, after my most recent job loss in October 2018, Im contemplating adding another to my collection.

Jenny Haward was made redundant three times in six years.

After my third redundancy at the age of 34, I spent much of the first two weeks of unemployment either on the balcony of my apartment with a bottle of wine, or sprawled on my couch, hungover and inhaling whichever UberEATS order Id placed (justifying McDonalds on the basis that it was a fiscally savvy choice).

Some days I woke up to a wave of nausea as I remembered I had to embark on a job hunt for the second time in less than a year. On those days, I didnt change out of my pyjamas and often didnt say a word out loud. In short, I didnt really cope very well.
One of Oba's colleagues, Ilana Ross, who spearheaded the company's Wikipedia project, told me the group had tried to submit a Wikipedia article on the New Zealand writer Alison Waley, but it was rejected. She showed me a screenshot of the rejection. Perhaps, it posited, Waley could just be part of her husband's Wikipedia article instead?

Half of progress is about recognizing women whose accomplishments were, as the Times puts it, "overlooked." But I think the other half of progress is something we consider even less: reframing our understanding of accomplishments. Asking ourselves to interrogate what events are important and questioning what counts as history at all.

This month, among others: a children's welfare advocate who helped more than 500 mixed-race orphans find homes after World War II and a clothing designer who outfitted Ella Fitzgerald and Eartha Kitt.

Last year, the New York Times launched a project titled "Overlooked," which retroactively writes obituaries for forgotten people  women and people of color whose deaths were not considered historic enough for obituaries when they happened.

It was complicated, Ross said, because Waley's most famous work was, in fact, a memoir about life with her husband. He was a noted translator whom Waley had known for years, though they only married shortly before his death. While Arthur was receiving public accolades for public work, Alison was cataloguing the private, quotidian parts of life: portraits of time, place, parties and people.

But wasn't that also valuable? Ross asked. Weren't those things also important contributions to history  a way of understanding how people lived and what the world looked like?

History can be rewritten. History can be rewritten, because it doesn't have to be contained in pages anymore, and the potential for expansion is unlimited. And because doing it better the second time around shows that we've learned from our incomplete job the first time.

I emailed Martha Mendoza a few days ago. She didn't know she had a Wikipedia page until I told her. And while she was pleased with it  it's a good, factual article, she said  her reasons didn't have anything to do with honor or recognition. She simply thought having one would make her job easier. Now, when she approached a source for a story and asked for an interview, she could direct them to her page to prove she was a real journalist, and to help them understand the kind of reporting she did.

For that reason, she'd wanted a page for a while. "I thought about asking someone to do it for me," she said. "But it's a little like asking someone to enter you in a contest."
Cash-strapped schools are sending parents invoices for voluntary contributions in a practice that the peak parent body says is exploiting vulnerable families who feel pressured to pay optional fees of more than $2000 at some NSW public schools.

"Schools are sending out a letter that says 'welcome back to school, the contribution this year is ...' and then they just send an invoice for the amount home," said Susie Boyd, president of the NSW Parents and Citizens Association, which is calling for an end to voluntary contributions.

Sydney Boys High School has one of the highest annual contributions of $2517 for a year 10 to 12 student in 2019

"Up to 80 per cent of the parents we have spoken to don't realise the contribution is voluntary, it's not clearly articulated at some schools and parents are taking on this burden that isn't their burden.

"Public schools should be free to all but with contributions and the rising cost of uniforms, stationery and excursions that parents also have to pay for, it's not a free education by any means."
The Australian Electoral Commission is relying on voters to dob in illegal election ads appearing in social media because it is not able to monitor individual news feeds.

The upcoming federal election, expected in May, will be the first where social media ads must disclose who is paying for the advertisement after a law was passed last year.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) said it was relying on people to report illegal ads, particularly if they are not posted by approved political groups and do not disclose who sponsored the post.

Australians are legally entitled to know who paid for a political ad before they vote. Credit:Justin McManus

"The nature of advertising on social media means that the AEC depends on tip-offs or complaints about the authorisation of electoral advertising on social media," an AEC spokesman said.
Small business advocates have welcomed the prospect of greater protection from court costs in legal disputes at the same time as other business leaders have warned the move had not been properly worked through.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg confirmed on Monday the government would wave through Labor's proposed small business access to justice laws after the government looked set to face another parliamentary defeat.

Shadow assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh championed the access to justice reforms. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

The laws will allow a small business to request a no adverse costs order early in a court case and if the judge decides the case is in the public interest, the small business wont have to pay the other sides cost if they lose.

Greg Miscamble, principal director of James Engineering which employs 60 people and turns over around $10 million a year, said the legislative reforms are "a good start".
A global Facebook executive in charge of the tech giant's policies governing the algorithms that choose the news and content its users see in its news feed believes the social media platform is helping to dismantle so-called "filter bubbles" rather than create them.

Facebook uses personalised algorithms to determine which posts from friends and liked groups shows up in a users newsfeed, with constant changes being made on the basis of what posts people interact with and how they use the social media site.

Facebook does not believe its platform contributes to "filter bubbles". Credit:AAP

The use of algorithms to determine what posts are put in front of a user has become contentious in recent years, with critics saying it creates echo chambers or filter bubbles where people are shown only content that agrees with their opinions regardless of the accuracy of the information.

Facebook manager of algorithm policy Andy OConnell, who is visiting Sydney, said the algorithms prioritise content that users find meaningful and not only "what engages you or keeps you there".
Blackmores investors knocked a quarter off the vitamins group's value on Tuesday after the company said sales in the burgeoning Chinese market had dropped 11 per cent and profit for the second half of 2019 would be weak.

The company has been a poster child for Australian exporters to China's growing health-conscious middle class, posting double digit growth in its sales to China last financial year.

Richard Henfrey, chief executive of Blackmores. Credit:Chris Hopkins

However, chief executive Richard Henfrey said a slowdown in the Chinese economy was affecting sales.

"We're certainly seeing some softening there [in China]," Mr Henfrey said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As part of Black History Month, ultra runner Todd Aydelotte recently ran 41.5 miles through all five boroughs. In order to understand the past, the athlete re-traced New York Citys black history, stopping to engage with people and sites along the way.

He began his route at Staten Islands Sandy Ground, which was established in the 19th century and is the oldest continuously free African-American settlement in the United States. The community was able to thrive through farming and harvesting oysters.

Free blacks founded Sandy Ground and built a beautiful community. Its an extraordinary tale of of community and inspiration," said Aydelotte.

To start of long journey, The Rev. Janet Jones of A.M.E. Zion Church in Rossville blessed Aydelotte, praying for the strength he needed in order to complete the nine-hour route. The church has been the center of the community since it was founded -- and is still celebrated by descendants of the original families of Sandy Ground.

It was a very unique way of observing Black History Month. I learned some new things from him, said Jones, who has been part of the church for 15 years. Anything we can do to highlight events that may not have been pretty but events that made up the history in America. [Todd] is doing what he loves and bringing light to something that wasnt just a southern issue.

Aydelotte said, I wanted to both remind New Yorkers of the horrendous history. Its our responsibility to remember the past. I spent 30 days studying these places. The history becomes something that carries me full distance. I came home so inspired, it was the best run Ive ever done."

The runner visited many historical areas during his five-borough run, including: the site of the New York Slave Market, the citys primary market for slaves in the 18th century; the Weeksville Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to preserving the history of the 19th-century African-American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn; the site of Charles Van Dorens former villa in Mott Haven, where the Bronx resident hid slaves in the basement.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD Harbor unit posted a photo of a seal swimming near Swinburne Island east of South Beach.

A photo posted on the NYPD Special Operations Twitter feed shows a seal surfacing with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in the background.

A harbor unit spotted the pod while on patrol near the island on Sunday.

This afternoon #NYPD Harbor welcomed a few special guests to New York Harbor, said the post. The crew was joined by several seals while conducting patrol in the vicinity of Swinburne Island.

Seals often are spotted swimming around the islands shores or sheltering on its rocks.

Swinburne Island

More and more seals can be seen visiting the New York coastline every year, from November through April, according to an article written a few years ago by Clay Wollney, an Advance nature columnist.

Of the three species that visit the New York coastline, the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) is by far the most common. Harbor seals have been seen on our shoreline from Conference House Park to Fort Wadsworth, and as many as 10 at a time have been observed on the rocks around Swinburne Island, from the fishing pier on South Beach.

A seal was resting on a rock in the waters off of Eltingville. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel)Jan Somma-Hammel

The island named for Dr. John Swinburne, a Civil War hero, played a major role in admitting immigrants to the United States before Ellis Island opened in 1892. Immigrants often failed the strict health test given by state officials. People who were ill often were quarantined on the island that had a crematorium on its grounds for those who died.

The man-made island was created when caissons were sunk into an offshore sandbar. Dirt was used to fill in the foundations and elevate the shoreline to about eight feet above sea level. Concrete sea walls protected the perimeters of the island. During World War II, Swinburne served as a fortified military base to house the operations control center for mines protecting New York Harbor, and, later was as anchorage sites for the anti-submarine nets that protected the harbor.

Today, Swinburne Island is operated by the National Park Service as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Swinburne is one of five islands that we are able to see from our shores.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Mars Opportunity rover has completed its missions after nearly 15 years of exploring the surface of Mars, NASA announced last week.

The Opportunity rover stopped communicating with Earth when a severe Mars-wide dust storm covered its location in June 2018.

After more than a thousand commands to restore contact, engineers in the Space Flight Operations Facility at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) made their last attempt to revive Opportunity. The rovers final communication was received June 10.

It is because of trailblazing missions such as Opportunity that there will come a day when our brave astronauts walk on the surface of Mars, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. And when that day arrives, some portion of that first footprint will be owned by the men and women of Opportunity, and a little rover that defied the odds and did so much in the name of exploration.

Opportunity landed on Mars on Jan. 24, 2004, seven months after its launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The rover was designed to last just 90 Martian days and travel 1,100 yards. It exceeded its life expectancy by 60 times and traveled more than 28 miles by the time it reached its most appropriate final resting spot on Mars in Perseverance Valley.

Opportunity made several achievements:

Set a one-day Mars driving record March 20, 2005 when it traveled 721 feet (220 meters).

Returned more than 217,000 images, including 15, 360-degree color panoramas.

Exposed the surfaces of 52 rocks to reveal fresh mineral surfaces for analysis and cleared 72 additional targets with a brush to prepare them for inspection with spectrometers and a microscopic imager.

Found hematite, a mineral that forms in water, at its landing site.

Discovered strong indications at Endeavour Crater of the action of ancient water similar to the drinkable water of a pond or lake on Earth.

NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are now collaborating on a mission to the surface of Mars to collect and bring soil samples to Earth. As part of the 2020 project, NASAs Mars Rover will collect surface samples in pen-sized canisters. Up to 31 canisters will be filled and readied for pick-up.

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(Island Government is a periodic roundup of Staten Island political and civic events.)

CITY HALL -- State Sen. Diane Savinos Deputy Chief of Staff Brandon Patterson has filed to run for the soon-to-be vacant 64th Assembly seat.

Last month, 64th District Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) filed with the Federal Election Commission, signaling a first move in running for Congress in 2020.

Malliotakis can continue to raise money for both offices, but will have to give up her Assembly seat she has held for nearly a decade at the end of her current term.

Patterson, a North Shore native and current Great Kills resident, said he wants to run because he wants his community to have a seat at the table when it comes to important issues.

Im running for the Assembly seat because as a lifelong Staten Islander, I know what my neighbors need. Im the son of a public school teacher, and a newlywed renter who knows the struggle most of us face daily," Patterson said. Im going to fight to get to Albany because this district and this Island deserve a tireless advocate focused on them.

Patterson, who has worked alongside Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) since 2015, said through his experience, he will be able to easily navigate through state government.

One of the main issues he said he wants to focus on making his district an affordable place to live, especially for young couples.

People in this district want to keep the quality of life issue at the forefront, he said.

MALLIOTAKIS INTRODUCES BILL TO PREVENT SAFE INJECTION SITES FROM OPENING

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) has introduced legislation to prevent safe injection sites from opening in New York City.

The bill, carried by State Sen. Fred Akshar (R-Binghamton) would amend the public health law and the education law and prohibit supervised injection sites across New York state from opening.

Sadly, we have seen firsthand that Mayor de Blasio has a complete disregard of our federal laws, so its necessary to spell it out in state law that his proposed injection sites are illegal. Instead of fighting to end addiction with smaller treatment centers that give individualized attention to peoples addiction, the de Blasio administration continues to enable dependency with its push for supervised injection sites and needle dispensaries bins in city parks. It is time for our government to take responsibility and end this epidemic by prohibiting supervised injection sites, educating our youth about the dangers of opioids, offering addicts effective treatment and focusing on getting hardened drug dealers who poison our children off the streets. Lets be proactive, not reactive. Malliotakis said.

Over the summer, the mayor endorsed safe injection sites arguing they can save lives and link drug addicts to treatment.

The de Blasio administration said it plans to launch a one-year research pilot programs known as Overdose Prevention Centers in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Midtown West and Washington Heights. So far, none have been planned for Staten Island.

REILLY PLANS BILL THAT WOULD MAKE IT ASSAULT IN FIRST DEGREE FOR HURTING PREGNANT WOMAN

Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) plans to introduce legislation that would make it an assault in the first degree if someone punches, kicks or strikes a pregnant woman causing her to miscarry the fetus.

The bill would also make it an assault in the second degree if someone punches, kicks, or strikes a pregnant woman with the intent to make her miscarry the fetus.

Reillys bill comes weeks after the passage of the Reproductive Health Act, which allows for late term abortions to be performed by most medical practitioners in New York State.

"One of the reasons I voted against that bill was that it removed protections for victims of domestic abuse and their unborn child," Reilly said.

CONGRESSMAN ROSE PUSHES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MOVE FASTER IN BUILDING EAST SHORE SEAWALL

Congressman Max Rose (D-Staten Island) is pushing the federal government to move faster in building the East Shore as soon as legally possible.

Last week, he spoke with the National Park Service to put pressure on the federal government. According to Rose, the Acting Director of the National Park Service, Danny Smith gave the congressman assurances that when the legislation is signed into law, the federal government will move quickly to build the East Shore Seawall.

Whether its by law or by administrative action, this seawall needs to be built  and Im not going to stop pushing this until families in my district have the peace of mind that theyll be protected from future storms and rising flood insurance costs, Rose said. Im pleased that the federal government has committed to moving quickly on this as soon as legally possible, whether Congress has to pass legislation or we find another path to cut through bureaucratic red tape.

Roses call to the National Park Service comes after Sen. Charles Schumer (D-New York) announced that construction of the East Shore seawall will move forward, pending a vote on a bill.

Schumer made the announcement on the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk in South Beach, joined by Borough President James Oddo, Rep. Max Rose (D-Staten Island) and Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island).

COUNCILWOMAN ROSE INTRODUCES PROCLAMATION TO HONOR SEA VIEWS BLACK ANGELS

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) introduced a proclamation this week to honor the African American nurses or -- Black Angels -- who cared for tuberculosis patients at Sea View Hospital when white nurses refused to do so.

In the early 20th century, Sea View Hospital was the largest TB facility in the nation.

White nurses at the hospital protested their working conditions, many refusing to work there, prompting the city to put out a nationwide call for African-American nurses to care for TB patients.
HARRISBURG  Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said Thursday that more than 1 in 5 school districts have not updated their policies to comply with one of the states keynote legal changes inspired by the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal.

The states landmark 2014 revision of child protection law required that mandated reporters directly notify a state child welfare tipline instead of just sharing information with their supervisors.

But 244,000 students across Pennsylvania attend school districts that either didnt update their policies or dont have any policy spelling out how abuse allegations are supposed to be reported, based on a review by Auditor Generals office.

Superintendent questions state findings WEST MIDDLESEX  After seeing the state Auditor Generals report on school district child ab

It is completely unacceptable for any district to have an outdated or missing policy dealing with suspected child abuse, DePasquale said. The fact that nearly a quarter-million Pennsylvania students attend school districts that lack updated policies is appalling.

In response to the Sandusky case, Pennsylvania took steps in 2014 to make sure that no one at the local level could sweep reports of suspected child abuse under the rug, DePasquale said. School districts have had more than four years to update policies that outline the steps staff must take to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and about 79 percent of school districts have done so, he said.

That leaves 21 percent of districts without an updated policy that requires staff to report child abuse and neglect concerns directly to ChildLine, the states child-abuse hotline, DePasquale said. This is important because it means their teachers and support staff might not be properly trained to act as the first line of defense against abuse and neglect.

Last fall, DePasquale began checking every school district to determine if updated policies were in place. As a result of his inquiry, 40 districts either implemented new policies or updated existing ones.

While I am encouraged that many districts got my wake-up call, I am very troubled to find districts in this situation after having more than four years to get it done, DePasquale said. Did these school districts learn nothing from the Jerry Sandusky sex-abuse scandal?

DePasquale said that hes seen no evidence that any child was harmed because a school district failed to report abuse.

Cathleen Palm, founder of the Center for Childrens Justice, said the failure to update district policies to reflect the change in law could have consequences, in particular, for staff. A teacher or other school employee who follows the districts outdated reporting policy and fails to report abuse allegations would be violating state law, she said.

Palm said the oversight is a reflection of how state lawmakers pass laws and and pay too little attention to whether the changes are adequately followed across the state.
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This was the morbidly satisfying moment a three and a half metre long Burmese Python shed its skin with the help of a local vet in Chile last Saturday (February 16).



The veterinarian lightly grips the body of the python, allowing the dead layer of scales to peel off slowly as it slithers out of its old skin.



The vet explained that the snake didn't have enough friction from where it was placed to get rid of the excess skin.



The filmer said: "Since its on a stand, it doesnt have enough friction to slither the skin off, so the vet is grabbing the skin, allowing the python to move freely and shed the skin more efficiently."
Police rescued three boys in southern China who were blown out to sea while paddling on a foam board at the seaside.



In the video, filmed in Zhangzhou City in Fujian Province on February 13, a policeman drives a fishing boat towards the three boys sitting on a small foam board in the middle of the sea.



Since the wind and the waves were quite rough, the rescue boat had trouble approaching the children. After an hour, the three boys were all rescued successfully.



According to reports, the three boys were playing on a foam board in the shallows at first, but strong winds and rough waves blew their foam board out to sea.



After a staff member working on the wharf saw the children, he informed the police. Fortunately, the boys were not injured and were taken home by their parents.
AL-OMAR OIL FIELD BASE, Syria  More than 300 Islamic State militants surrounded by U.S.-backed forces in a tiny area in eastern Syria are trying to negotiate an exit, activists and a person close to the negotiations said Monday.

The extremists are bottled up in the village of Baghouz, where they are hiding among hundreds of civilians and preventing them from leaving. The stalling tactics are likely to further delay a declaration of the end of the Islamic State groups self-proclaimed caliphate, which the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces were hoping to make last week.

A person familiar with the negotiations said the militants are asking for a corridor to the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib, and demand that they be allowed to leave along with the evacuated civilians. He spoke on condition of anonymity about the talks, which he described as taking place indirectly.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group that monitors the civil war in Syria, said another request by Islamic State to be evacuated to neighboring Iraq was also rejected. Islamic State released 10 SDF fighters it had been holding on Sunday, but it was not clear what, if anything, the extremists would get in return, the Observatory said.

The speck of land in Syrias remote eastern desert near the border with Iraq is all that remains of a self-styled caliphate that once sprawled across a third of both countries and included several major towns and cities.

In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, the militants are holed up in what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. There are civilians inside as well, possibly including hostages.

The SDF and the U.S.-led coalition have been fighting Islamic State in the surrounding region since September. In recent years, they and other forces have steadily driven the militants from nearly all the territory it once controlled, in battles that have killed tens of thousands of people and left entire towns and neighborhoods in ruins.

The DeirEzzor 24, an activist collective in eastern Syria, said several trucks loaded with food entered Islamic State-held areas in Baghouz on Monday. It also reported the release of the SDF fighters, without saying whether there was a quid pro quo.

DeirEzzor 24 said a truce reached last week has been extended for five more days as of Sunday. It added that in return several trucks loaded with food also entered the area on Sunday.

At least 62 people have died in recent weeks, mainly from exhaustion and malnutrition, after making their way out of militant-held territory, the International Rescue Committee said. Spokesman Paul Donohoe said two-thirds were children under the age of one. He said they either died along the way or soon after arriving at a camp for the displaced.

Over 30,000 people who left the last Islamic State-held areas have arrived at the al-Hol camp in Syrias northern Hassakeh province in the last few weeks, raising the overall population of the camp to almost 42,000.

Elsewhere in Syria, two bomb blasts went off in the northwestern city of Idlib, killing at least 13 people, opposition activists and paramedics said.

The Observatory said the blasts in the Qusour neighborhood during rush hour Monday killed 17 people and wounded about 50. The Edlib Media Center, an activist collective, said the bombings killed 13 and wounded dozens.

Sarah El Deeb is an Associated Press writer.
Three of Nevada Countys state parks let you imagine life unfolding between the mid-19th century, when the first pioneers crossed the Sierra in search of new beginnings, to the mid-20th century, when the countys last big gold operation closed.

Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park tells one of the most sensational stories of the pioneer West. In 1846, the Donner Party left Illinois for California, traveling by covered wagon. An ill-fated decision to take a shortcut cost them valuable time and they were trapped by early storms. When snow buried their camps, Donner Party members found it impossible to move their gear over the pass 1,000-foot-high bulwark. They hastily built shelters and hunkered down to wait out the weather. Their food supplies ran out within a few weeks. Their actions during the next gruesome months have never been fully explained.

The new 9,400-square-foot visitors center, which replaced the previous Emigrant Trail Museum in June 2015, puts what is known of the story into the broader context of Donner Pass history. Exhibits tell of wildlife in the area (taxidermy beaver, bobcat and squirrel, pine marten, raccoon and mole are energetically posed), Native American culture (view the re-created cooking site), the Chinese experience (learn how immigrants blasted railroad tunnels) and the 1913 Lincoln Highway construction (see photos of early autos crossing the mountains).

The Donner story gets the bulk of attention. You can read Patrick Breens diary entries, see a 25-minute movie (which rangers admit badly needs a remake), and inspect artifacts found in the camps. Despite abundant research, almost 170 years after the 81 group members entered the Sierra, questions remain about how the 45 who made it through the winter survived with so little available food. The story gets reasonable treatment under headings like Desperation, Starving and Final Struggles; but what gets only alluded to is a concern rangers say fascinates many visitors: Was there cannibalism at the camps?

If you want to see exactly where Donner Pass history was made, an annual weekend event is coming up on Oct. 8 and 9, the Donner Party Hike. In one of six guided hikes on Saturday and an interpretive walk on Sunday you can explore emigrant routes, railroad snow sheds and Native American petroglyph sites. Tickets cost $55 ($65 after Sept. 30) for the Saturday hike plus live music and an afternoon talk by Frank Mullens, author of The Donner Party Chronicles; and $80/$90 for both Saturday and Sunday events. (775) 746-4138. www.donnerpartyhike.com

If you cant go that weekend, park experts such as Greg Palmer lead free camp site tours every weekend (check at the visitors center information counter for start times), where you might pause by a boulder feathered with 170-year-old wood fire char, and discuss the question that has burned for well over a century: Were they cannibals? Admission free; parking $10/$9 for seniors. (Its possible to park on Donner Pass Road for free). 12593 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee. (530) 582-7892. www.parks.ca.gov

Malakoff Diggins State Park

A 45-minute drive along the San Juan Ridge northeast of Nevada City leads to a red-rimmed mountain cavity that could be a cousin to South Dakotas Badlands  hillsides are scalloped bare, their guts piled into Mars-like mounds in the rumpled flats below. Fortunately, trees and vegetation have grown to soften the piles, and these are at their best when their leaves burst with color in fall. The surreal 3,200-acre state park is called Malakoff Diggins.

Inside the park, the once-thriving township of North Bloomfield is now one of the best preserved early villages in the Gold Country. Carefully restored by E Clampus Vitus members, its buildings showcase the more civil parts of miners lives as lived in a remote forest such as this.

If you walk the 2.7-mile Diggins Loop Trail and tour the village, youll experience a quintessential California Gold Country tale. After gold surfaced on Humbug Creek in 1851, miners collected all they could find using simple mining methods. Starting in 1866, the North Bloomfield Gravel Mining Co. went after the deeper gold that was locked in the hills. The company built more than 100 miles of canals for delivering stream water into nozzles the size of cannons to blast away the sleeping hillsides. The dirt showered down into sluice boxes where the heavier gold caught in crevices. The area produced $2.3 million in gold before downstream farmers proved that silt was ruining waterways. In 1884, courts ordered the hydraulic operations to cease.

During the heyday, North Bloomfield grew to serve a 1,500 population with hotels, saloons, breweries and horse stables. One of the best of the restored buildings is the McKilligan & Mobley General Mercantile. Fresh and tidy as if the owner has just opened for the day, the stores merchandise ladders are ready to slide on ceiling rails to where a box of, say, Booths sardines waits to be sold or a ball of red yarn is looking for a sweater. Ceiling hooks dangle steel animal traps, tea kettles and a coffin-like wash basin. Softened floor planks by the wood stove are spiked with nails to keep miners from slipping on the snow melting from their boots.

If you want to sleep like a miner, rent an original cabin through Oct. 30 for $40 per night. (Bring your own bedding, sleeping pad and food.) Camping is available through most of November. Town tours begin at 1:30 p.m. daily. Gold panning is at 3 p.m. Saturdays. The park is open sunrise to sunset daily. $8 day use fee. The park is located 26 miles northeast of Nevada City. See website for driving directions. 23579 N. Bloomfield Rd. (530) 265-2740. www.malakoffdigginsstatepark.org

Empire Mine State Park

Empire Mine had been one of the most productive mines in California, but by the late 1870s it was on the brink of closure. Gold seemed to have petered out, and profits had fallen since the owner, William Bourn, had died suddenly in 1874. But fortunes changed in 1879 when Bourns 21-year-old son, William Bourn Jr., took over. He eventually was able to push tunnels deeper than ever before  almost a quarter of a mile into the ground. The effort paid off, and the mine went on to produce a total of $30 million in gold over 107 years. Its web of tunnels totaled 367 miles.

The mine closed in 1957, and the property is now the Empire Mine State Park. At the visitors center, a first stop should be a room off to the left where a model of the mines tunnels lurks in half light, looking like an explosion in a spaghetti factory; in fact, its many lines represent the lattice of tunnels underground beneath you. Push buttons on the model to light up sections corresponding to episodes in the mines history.

Outside, the mine yard unfolds, looking like an industrial version of a Greek temple ruin. You can tour many intact rooms, as well as the remains of structures like the stamp mill, which crushed the ore carted up from below. At a machine shop, see how water running through Pelton wheels generated electricity. In the blacksmith shop, see how workers fabricated tools and hinges. A spooky highlight is the shaft viewing area, where stairs descend to the start of a cavernous tunnel that, blocked by a gate, disappears into the earth. While the tunnel seems auto-garage huge, its wooden support beams seem table-leg small.

Back outside, retire in the afternoon as the Bourns may have done, on the soothing grounds of the familys cottage, designed by Willis Polk and built in 1897. In fall, the trees spread like golden flames above the steep-roofed, stone-walled house.

The Empire Mine holds regular tours year-round. Volunteers populate the Bourn Cottage on weekends, dressed up as family members to answer questions about early life at the mine. 10791 Empire St., Grass Valley. Adults over 16, $7; children 6-16, $3; children under 6, free. Cottage, Mineyard and Grounds and Gardens tours free. Living History Cottage Tour, $2 (free for children under 6). (530) 273-8522. www.empiremine.org
A mysterious illness induced by excessive marijuana use can cause bouts of uncontrolled vomiting and debilitating nausea, doctors say.

Doctors have only recently begun to recognize the prevalence of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition characterized by chronic cannabis use, cyclic episodes of nausea and vomiting, and the compulsion to take hot baths or showers. The syndrome typically affects just a small portion of the population  heavy, long-term marijuana users.

CHS has become so common in the emergency room of Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, some doctors refer to CHS as "scromiting," an amalgam of "vomiting" and "screaming."

"In my work, in the emergency room, I see at least one patient a day with the Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome," Dr. Roneet Lev, the director of operations at Scripps Mercy Hospital, told NBC.

Dr. Linda Nguyen, a gastroenterologist at Stanford Health Care, says she encounters about three to four patients a month with CHS. A more apt description of the syndrome, in her opinion, is "cromiting."

"I tend to see more crying and vomiting, less so screaming," Nguyen said.

In the past several years, Nguyen has noticed an increase in patients afflicted with CHS. It's hard to quantify such observations, because CHS can be difficult to diagnose and research around the syndrome is limited. A major epidemiological study has yet to be conducted.

"What percentage of marijuana users have CHS? We don't know, because we don't know the percentage of the population that uses marijuana," Nguyen said.

Nguyen typically treats more men than women with CHS, although "all types of people" can suffer from the syndrome, including high-functioning adults whose mental ability is not substantially affected by heavy marijuana use.

The only way to cure CHS, Nguyen said, is to "get off the marijuana."

The syndrome was first described by Australian researchers in 2004. Subsequent research has found that CHS coincides with increasing rates of stateside cannabis abuse.

"While the overall prevalence of marijuana use has remained stable in the United States at 4%, the prevalence of cannabis use disorders (i.e. cannabis dependence, cannabis abuse) has continued to rise," a 2011 paper by Temple University Hospital researchers found.

The same paper noted that the average duration of cannabis use prior to an onset of symptoms was 16 years. The earliest symptoms had developed was after three years of heavy marijuana use.

As for the excessive bathing, Temple researchers believe that it is a "learned behavior" that starts as an alleviating measure and "rapidly becomes a compulsive behavior."

It is not yet clear what causes CHS, though two theories prevail, according to Nguyen. Either marijuana slows the emptying of the stomach and, therefore, causes nausea and vomiting; or, more likely, cannabis accumulates in the brain and affects its thermoregulatory centers.

Common treatments for CHS include the administering of intravenous fluids, anti-nausea drugs and capsaicin cream.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.
With the signing of the MoU, Indonesian Language is now officially taught in USSH VNU Hanoi.

In his remarks, Indonesian Ambassador in Hanoi H.E. Ibnu Hadi conveyed his appreciation to USSH VNU Hanoi for its effort in promoting Indonesian Language in Vietnam and hoped that Indonesian Language could be taught continuously. Ambassador Ibnu Hadi then encourage the students who will enroll in Indonesian Language class to study further about Indonesia and its language through Darmasiswa scholarship. Furthermore, Indonesian Ambassador also invites 2 (two) students with the best result to have a study trip to Indonesia.

Photo: CPV

Following Ambassador Hadi's remarks, Rector of USSH VNU Hanoi Prof. Pham Quang Minh said that teaching Indonesian Language in USSH VNU Hanoi is part of the duty and mission of the university to contribute in increasing Vietnam's role in ASEAN through teaching the 4th most spoken language in the world and the first most spoken ASEAN. USSH VNU Hanoi feels proud to be the first university in Hanoi to have Indonesian Language in its curriculum.

The Indonesian Language course will be taught for the first time on February 18th, 2019 with the support of Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) teacher from the Center of Strategic Development and Language Diplomacy, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesian Language which is planned to be taught 4 (four) times in a week will be part of the Southeast Asia study program in the Faculty of Oriental Studies.

Teaching Indonesian Language in USSH VNU Hanoi is also one of the implementations of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Education signed in 2017 during the visit of Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong to Jakarta. This effort is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam by encouraging Vietnamese younger generation to become more familiar with Indonesia.

The Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi first opened Indonesian Language program at the end of August 2018 in 2 (two) places, namely the Indonesian Promotion Center  Umah Indo which open for public and Hanoi University as an extracurricular program. Indonesian language program in both places received a positive response with the number of students reaching 200 people./.
SF Chronicle Graphics

An armed suspect was shot and killed by a Napa County Sheriff's Office deputy in rural Napa County on late Sunday night, according to sheriff's officials.

MORE NEWS: CHP: Suspected impaired driver stabs officer in Colusa County



Police said a deputy was patrolling the 1100 block of Henry Road around 10:59 p.m. Sunday when they contacted a vehicle with a male driver, sheriff's spokesman Henry Wofford said. At 11:05 p.m., Wofford said the deputy reported that shots had been fired.



According to Wofford, the suspect, only described as a man, was pronounced dead at the scene and had a firearm in their possession. The sheriff's deputy wasn't identified.



There are no other suspects at this time and no other people were in the vehicle, Wofford said.



No further information is immediately available.
Authorities are advising against travel to the greater Lake Tahoe area Sunday because of a winter storm that is expected to bring signficant snowfall and long travel delays.



The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the region until 7 p.m. Sunday. The storm could bring periods of moderate to heavy snowfall, with possible whiteout conditions. Periodic road closures are possible.



Motorists could be stuck in their vehicle for many hours and should avoid traveling unless necessary, the weather service said. Those who must travel should prepare for long delays and carry chains and an emergency kit with extra food, water and clothing.



The Placer County Sheriff's Office posted a photo on social media Sunday morning of traffic at a standstill on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 before Applegate.



"Please stay home and avoid traveling to the Sierra unless you absolutely have to," the sheriff's office wrote.



The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5-1-1.







Police are investigating the death of a man who was shot Saturday night in the 800 block of Curtola Parkway in Vallejo.



Officers found the victim around 11:05 p.m. suffering from gunshot injuries, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.



No further information was immediately available. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Kevin Rose at (707) 651-7146 or Detective Rob Greenberg at (707) 648-4280.







Because of the Presidents Day holiday, BART will operate on its Saturday service schedule on Monday.



The transit service said it would run longer trains on the Antioch/Millbrae, Richmond/Warm Springs and Dublin/Pleasanton/Daly City lines in the morning for the start of service.



There will be no service on the Richmond/Daly City line most of the day because of work to repair and replace platform tiles at the Richmond station. Riders will need to take a Warm Springs train and transfer, according to BART.



BART will run eight trips from Richmond to San Francisco starting at 8:06 a.m. and continuing until 10:26 a.m. In the afternoon, BART will operate service from Daly City to Richmond from 4:13 p.m. to 6:33 p.m.



BART will not charge for parking on Monday, but all other parking rules will be enforced.



The Early Bird Express bus service, which began last week to accommodate the later weekday start time for BART service resulting from seismic retrofit work on the Transbay Tube, will not be available Monday.







The Hayward City Council will hold a public work session Tuesday to discuss ways to stabilize rent costs at its regular meeting.



Among the strategies that council members will discuss is a city staff recommendation to amend the Residential Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RRSO) to give tenants the right to mediation and potential binding arbitration when landlords attempt to raise rents by more than 5 percent annually. The proposed amendment would apply to all rental units constructed before 1979, the maximum allowable under state law, except for single-family homes and owner-occupied duplexes, triplexes and quadraplexes.



The council also is expected to discuss potential changes to eviction regulations and compensation for tenants forced to move due to no fault of their own.



No legislative changes will be made during the work session.



Tuesday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 777 B St.







A 57-year-old Solano County man was arrested last week following an eight-month investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse, according to the Solano County Sheriff's Office.



Sheriff's detectives arrested Johnny Bo Carabajal on Thursday morning on an outstanding court-issued felony arrest warrant for suspicion of various lewd and lascivious acts upon a child.



Carabajal, a resident of the unincorporated area of Vacaville, was arrested during a traffic stop in Dixon.



The sheriff's office, Dixon Police Department and Solano County District Attorney's Office continue to investigate Carabajal in an ongoing child sexual abuse probe. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Andrew Hendrix at (707) 784-7058 or contact Solano Crime Stoppers at (707) 644-7867. All information is confidential, and informants can remain anonymous.



Carabajal was booked into Solano County Jail, and bail was set at $405,000.







Emergency crews responded to the emergency landing of a hot air balloon carrying 10 passengers Sunday morning in the area of Skaggs Island near Vallejo, authorities said. No one was seriously injured.



The balloon pilot reported that high winds pushing the balloon toward power lines necessitated the landing around 11 a.m., Vallejo firefighters said on social media.



The Solano County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol and Vallejo Fire Department responded to the incident.







Former President Barack Obama will visit Oakland this week to mark the first national gathering of the Obama Foundation's My Brother's Keeper Alliance that supports boys and young men of color.



MBK Rising! will begin with a day of service Monday in partnership with Bay Area community-based organizations, followed by the convening of hundreds of youth and community leaders on Tuesday and Wednesday.



The event will open with musical performances by Ledisi and John Legend, and Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry will join Obama for a town hall with young men of color. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler and actor/producer Michael B. Jordan will discuss "the importance of narrative and storytelling in empowering boys and young men of color and changing harmful attitudes and systems," according to the Obama Foundation's website.



Other sessions will cover efforts to reduce youth violence, impactful mentoring, masculinity and perspectives from community-based leaders.



Obama launched My Brother's Keeper five years ago, following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Florida that drew national attention, "to build safe and supportive communities for boys and young men of color where they feel valued and have clear paths to opportunity - with a focus on encouraging mentorship and reducing youth violence."



The gathering will be held at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive. Mainstage sessions will be streamed live on https://www.obama.org



Sessions will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.



Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and San Francisco Mayor London Breed are co-chairing MBK Rising!'s host committee.





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Demonstrations are schedules throughout the Bay Area Monday as part of a national day of action to protest President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration.



On Monday at noon, activists and residents in Oakland, San Francisco and Walnut Creek will hold a "President's Day Protest to Fight Trump's Fake Crisis."



The Oakland protest will take place at Merritt College, the San Francisco protest will be held at the Federal Building and the Walnut Creek rally will be at the corner of South Main St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd in Downtown Walnut Creek.



The national day of action comes after the Trump administration declared a national emergency at the southern border. The movement was organized by MoveOn, ACLU, Public Citizen and more.



More information on the local protests and the national campaign, can be found at act.moveon.org.





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Protesters are gathering in three Bay Area cities for noon rallies on Monday to protest President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration.



The demonstrations in Oakland, San Francisco and Walnut Creek are part of a national day of action dubbed the "Presidents Day Protest to Fight Trump's Fake Crisis."



The Oakland protest will be held at Merritt College, the San Francisco protest will take place at the Federal Building and the Walnut Creek rally will be at the corner of South Main Street and Mt. Diablo Boulevard in downtown Walnut Creek.



The Trump administration has declared a national emergency at the southern border. The movement was organized by MoveOn, ACLU, Public Citizen and more.



More information on the local protests and the national campaign, can be found at act.moveon.org.





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Demonstrations are scheduled throughout the Bay Area on Monday as part of a national day of action to protest President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration to build a wall at the U.S.'s southern border with Mexico.



On Monday around midday, activists and residents in Oakland, San Francisco and Walnut Creek will hold a "Presidents' Day Protest to Fight Trump's Fake Crisis."



The Oakland protest will take place at Merritt College and starts at 11:30 a.m., the San Francisco protest will be held at the Federal Building and the Walnut Creek rally will be at the corner of South Main Street and Mt. Diablo Boulevard in downtown Walnut Creek, with the latter two protests starting at noon.



The national day of action comes after the Trump Administration declared a national emergency at the southern border on Friday in an effort to get more funding for a border wall with Mexico.



The movement is spearheaded by MoveOn, the ACLU, Public Citizen and additional grassroots and civil rights organizations.



More information on the local protests and the national campaign can be found at act.moveon.org.







An armed suspect was shot and killed by a Napa County Sheriff's Office deputy in rural Napa County on late Sunday night, according to sheriff's officials.



Police said a deputy was patrolling the 1100 block of Henry Road around 10:59 p.m. Sunday when they contacted a vehicle with a male driver, sheriff's spokesman Henry Wofford said. At 11:05 p.m., Wofford said the deputy reported that shots had been fired.



According to Wofford, the suspect, only described as a man, was pronounced dead at the scene and had a firearm in their possession. The sheriff's deputy wasn't identified.



There are no other suspects at this time and no other people were in the vehicle, Wofford said.



No further information is immediately available.







Only one lane of state Highway 37 in Marin County is open Monday morning as construction continues after heavy rains last week, according to the California Highway Patrol.



As of early Monday morning, both lanes of westbound state Highway 37 are closed from Atherton Avenue to U.S. Highway 101 and only the eastbound right lane is open in the same corridor. The CHP said although there has been progress, there have been no changes to roadway conditions after the roadway was partially shutdown on Friday.



Beginning Monday morning, the CHP said there will be extra units to control traffic in the area on Atherton Avenue.



The roadway is expected to be reopened around noon on Tuesday, per the CHP.







Regular Caltrain service to the 22nd Street and Fourth-and-King Street downtown stations in San Francisco is expected to resume in time for Monday morning's commute, according to Caltrain officials.



Regularly scheduled weekend work on tunnels to prepare them for future electrified trains finished around 3 a.m. Monday, the agency said in a statement. The repair work will enable electrified trains to run all the way into downtown San Francisco.



The tunnel work will take place every weekend into the spring, forcing weekend trains from San Jose and Gilroy to terminate at the Bayshore station, with SamTrans buses serving as shuttles connecting train riders with the 22nd Street and Fourth-and-King stations.



Caltrain's electrification is scheduled to be operational by 2022.



The agency will be running a modified schedule on Monday in observance of Presidents Day. The first train will be leaving San Francisco at 6:07 a.m. and the first northbound train from the Tamien station in San Jose will depart at 5:33 a.m.



For the full modified schedule, visit: www.caltrain.com/schedules/holidayservice/Modified_Schedule.html







The San Mateo County Department of Public Works will begin work to disinfect the water system in unincorporated Pescadero on Tuesday, according to county officials.



The water system was disinfected on Oct. 4, 2018 by adding chlorine as a precautionary step following the order of a new storage tank.



Since then, public works officials have been collecting samples throughout the water distribution system through the end of January and results showed that a potential risk of contaminants still exists.



The amount of chlorine added will be closely monitored and kept at accepted levels, county officials said. However, officials warn that residents may still taste chlorine in their drinking water for a few weeks.



To improve the taste of chlorinated water, residents can boil it for one minute and let it cool before using.



Anyone with questions about the process can contact Public Works at (650) 363-4100.





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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



Mayor London Breed signed new legislation that will allow the construction of Eagle Plaza in the Western SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco, Mayor Breed announced Friday.



Breed hopes the new public space will serve as a focal point for the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural Heritage District in the city.



"While our federal administration is attempting to erase members of the LGBTQ community, we in San Francisco take pride ion celebrating all those who bring diversity to our city," said Mayor Breed in a statement.



Eagle Plaza will be located on 12th Street between Harrison and Bernice Streets with open areas for recreations and gatherings, events, and performances.





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ROHNERT PARK (BCN)



Police in Rohnert Park arrested a man Saturday in connection with driving under the influence and resisting then felony evading an officer.



Around 10:25 p.m., an officer was walking into a gas station at 5060 Redwood Drive when he noticed a silver Volvo with no license plates. When he came back out of the store, he saw the car now had out of state license plates, according to police.



When the officers went to talk to the people in the car, the driver, 40-year-old George Lawton suddenly drove off and left behind one of the passengers.



Fifteen minutes later, a K-9 officer found the Volvo on 4990 Commerce Blvd. Lawton fled again as the officer tried to approach him. After a brief two-minute car chase down Redwood Drive and Milbrae Avenue, the Volvo tried to make a turn and went through a fence flying into a large trailer that was parked in front of a house. The trailer crashed into the house, police said.



The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. Police said he smelled of alcohol and looked to be under the influence. They determined the car was not stolen.



After being medically cleared by a doctor, Lawton continued to fight the officers in the hospital parking lot.





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All lanes of westbound Interstate Highway 80 in Pinole are currently blocked after a multiple-vehicle traffic collision early Monday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol.



The CHP said the collision was first reported around 4:19 a.m. There is no estimated time of reopening and all traffic is being diverted off at Appian Way.



No further information is immediately available.





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OAKLAND (BCN)



Calling it an "act of contrition," Diocese of Oakland leaders on Monday named 45 priests who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing children over the past six decades.



The list includes 20 priests of the Oakland diocese and 22 priests, deacons and brothers from 10 religious orders. Another three priests on the list are from other dioceses, but who worked or lived in the Oakland diocese.



Bishop of Oakland Michael Barber said his first reaction to seeing the list was one of deep shame.



"These are monstrous crimes, committed by priests who are supposed to model virtue and grace, not sin and harm. By publishing this list, I am making an 'Act of Contrition' on behalf of my Church," Barber said Monday in a letter to parishioners.



The bishop said he had met with survivors of priest abuse and witnessed the damage and devastation to those affected. The diocese has renewed offers of counseling, therapy, support and outreach to victims of abuse by clergy, he said.



"The needs of victims and survivors, and the protection of children and vulnerable adults is our first priority," Barber said.



The Oakland diocese spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with an estimated 500,000 Catholics in 84 parishes.



There are currently has 120 priests in the diocese and anyone who works with minors -- whether clergy, lay employee or volunteer - is required to undergo a criminal record check, Barber said.



In addition, those who work with children must receive training in recognizing predatory behavior and how to ensure safe environments for children. The training is required every three years, Barber said.



Diocese leaders said there has been no credible incident of abuse of a minor by a priest or deacon of the Diocese of Oakland since 1988.



The list includes priests, deacons and religious brothers credibly accused of sexual abuse, who have lived in the Oakland diocese going back to Jan. 13, 1962, when the diocese was founded.



Among 20 priests of the diocese who are credibly accused, 14 are dead. The remaining six men are not functioning publicly as a priests, diocese leaders said.



One is excommunicated and one is laicized; both are no longer affiliated with the Diocese of Oakland The other four have been directed to lives of prayer and penance. The Diocese is providing minimal sustenance for them and any retirement benefits required by law, Barber said.



The list will be updated as needed, diocese officials said. The release of names is one step in the diocese's efforts to investigate past abuses and bring justice to survivors, said diocesan Chancellor Steve Wilcox, who was appointed by Bishop Barber to review files and compile the list.



The Oakland Diocese was one of the first in the U.S. to work with clergy sexual abuse survivors and to develop support systems, going back to the 1990s.



The No More Secrets group was formed in 2002, preceding the US bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The group meets the first Saturday of every other month. Its next meeting is scheduled for April 6, 11 a.m., in the Santa Maria Parish Library, 40 Santa Maria Way, Orinda.



The list of names and facts regarding the Diocese's efforts to protect children and support survivors can be found at www.oakdiocese.org/credibly-accused or at the diocesan newspaper's website, www.catholicvoiceoakland.org.



The list was also published in the Feb. 18 issue of the diocesan newspaper, the Catholic Voice, and distributed to parishes and Catholic schools in the Diocese, in English and Spanish.



Anyone with information concerning an allegation of sexual misconduct by a clergy member or any diocesan employee should contact the local police and the chancellor for the Diocese of Oakland, Stephen Wilcox, swilcox@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8334.





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California and 15 other states filed a lawsuit Monday against President Trumps emergency declaration to fund a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

State Attorney General Xavier Becerra said the coalition argues the Trump administrations action violates the Constitution.

President Trump treats the rule of law with utter contempt, Becerra said. He knows there is no border crisis, he knows his emergency declaration is unwarranted, and he admits that he will likely lose this case in court.

Joining in the lawsuit filed in federal court in San Francisco are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Virginia.

Trump declared a national emergency to fulfill his promise of completing the wall. The move allows the president to bypass Congress to use money from the Pentagon and other budgets.

Protesters marched and demonstrated in cities around the country Monday to decry Trumps declaration. Organized by the liberal group MoveOn and others, the demonstrations took the occasion of Presidents Day to assail Trumps proclamation as undemocratic and anti-immigrant.

Trump is the national emergency! chanted a group of hundreds lined up at the White House fence, where some held up large letters spelling out stop power grab. In downtown Fort Worth, Texas, a small group carried signs with messages including no wall! #FakeTrumpEmergency.

Protests also took place throughout the Bay Area, including a gathering in San Francisco at the Federal Building on Seventh Street and a mass rally in Oakland on the shore of Lake Merritt.

At the noontime Oakland rally, about 600 people formed the word wall with their bodies while standing alongside a series of blue tarps to spell out the letter X in the middle of the word. An additional 100 protesters held up a 50-foot-long American flag.

Brad Newsham, the main organizer of the MoveOn event in Oakland, said it was important for him to include the flag in his human artwork display, because even though this is an oppositional thing about the wall, I really want to reach out to everyone.

I think this event really captures the mood of the country, even for people who voted for Trump, Newsham said. I think most people dont want this wall. We are Americans, and we have to find some way to move forward together, find some way back to each other. And I hope this event helped.

There were some counterprotesters, including in Washington, where there was a brief scuffle in the crowd.

Trumps declaration Friday shifts billions of dollars from military construction to the border. The move came after Congress didnt approve as much funding as Trump wanted for the wall, which the Republican considers a national security necessity.

His emergency proclamation calls the border a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics.

Illegal border crossings have declined from a high of 1.6 million in 2000. But 50,000 families are now entering illegally each month, straining the U.S. asylum system and border facilities.

Critics have argued Trump undercut his own rationale for the emergency declaration by saying he didnt need to do this but wanted to get the wall built faster than he otherwise could.

Chronicle staff writer Kevin Fagan contributed to this report.
In 1880, Rutherford B. Hayes made history when he became the first United States president to visit San Francisco.

Since then, every president  with the exception of Donald Trump and George W. Bush  has visited the Bay Area at least once during his presidency.
A woman in a bridal dress was posing for pictures under the dome at Westfield Mall in San Francisco on Sunday, while vendors surrounded the photo booth where she was posing.

She was one of three models at a wedding expo in the mall, but as photographers took photos of her, she had her hands clasped around a unique twist on the traditional wedding bouquet.

It was a table centerpiece that doubles as a flower vase and a bong. The piece was created by My Bud Vase, who's "Smoking Made Beautiful" motto aptly describes their product, so long as the wedding guests don't hack up a lung after taking a rip from one of their colorful bong vases.

The company was one of about two dozen vendors at the third annual Cannabis Wedding Expo. The expo was abuzz with enthusiasm and curiosity  both more about marijuana than matrimony.

The expo, which travels to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Denver, is the creation of Phillip Wolfe, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Denver. As he roved around the expo, he seemed as enthusiastic and curious as the people attending the event as guests.

Of course there were companies selling edible cannabis wedding treats, though their samples weren't infused with cannabis at the event. One of two such vendors, Mama Tee's Remedy, based in San Francisco, sold cupcakes and dipped berries that can come with a customized level of THC.

And there were other companies such as Mendocino CannaWeddings that offer complete wedding and honeymoon packages on pot farms in Northern California. One expo attendee joked that the wedding party should be forced to trim cannabis as part of the experiential package, but the representative from the company joked back that they would offer that, but it's illegal.

Ras Boss, a company that creates gold bud necklaces and strain-specific leaf pendants, and has fans in celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Damian Marley, was at the event.

One of the cooler nug and nuptial combos came from Cultivating Spirits, which was one of the sponsors in addition to a vendor. The company puts a pot remix on wine pairings and instead offers a three-course cannabis pairing dinner.

Check out the video above to see some of the more unique weed wedding vendors we found at the Cannabis Wedding Expo.
SACRAMENTO  California has struggled to enforce a unique state law that allows officials to seize guns from people with criminal convictions or mental health problems, leaving firearms in the hands of thousands of people legally barred from owning them.

Legislators first took notice of the problem in 2013, after the gun massacre of 20 children and six adults at a Connecticut elementary school, and set aside $24 million to reinvigorate the firearms-seizure program. A representative for then-Attorney General Kamala Harris said eliminating a backlog that had grown to nearly 20,000 people was her top priority and estimated it could be done in three years.

Six years later, the state has been able to cut the list only in half. As of July, the backlog of people whose guns should be confiscated totaled about 9,000.

Justice Department officials note that they have reduced the size of the backlog each year since 2013, even as new offenses prohibiting gun ownership and surging firearms sales land more people on the list.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra called it a phenomenally successful program, in terms of not only recouping weapons, but also never having an incident where anyones been hurt during a gun seizure.

Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press 2018

But the slow progress highlights the challenge of enforcing Californias tough firearms restrictions. In his January budget plan, Gov. Gavin Newsom  who has promised to raise the bar on gun control  proposed another multimillion-dollar funding increase to hire more special agents and support staff to cut the backlog.

This is just the unglamorous continual need to invest in the task and to see it through, said former state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, who carried the 2013 funding measure. It just does not go away, and the job is never done.

The states Armed and Prohibited Persons System is a database, unlike any other in the country, that checks gun sales against records of criminal convictions, mental health holds and domestic violence restraining orders to flag prohibited owners who have not relinquished their weapons. Field teams of Justice Department special agents go to subjects homes to seize their guns and ammunition.

The program is meant to serve as a backstop to the universal background checks that California adopted in 1991. It alerts authorities to people who became ineligible to possess firearms after legally acquiring them. Former state Sen. Jim Brulte, a Riverside Republican who wrote the 2001 bill that created the program, said it remains among his proudest legislative accomplishments.

We got all of the players who care about this issue to the table, Brulte said, including the National Rifle Association and what is now called the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. We had a lot of people who said it couldnt be done.

The database was completed in 2006, and enforcement began in April 2007. But the list kept growing as names were added faster than the Justice Departments Bureau of Firearms, hit hard by cuts during the recession, could track people down and take their guns.

The 2013 cash infusion paid for four dozen temporary positions, supplementing the 42 special agents the Justice Department already had. But retirements and transfers held the total number of agents to 57, and the department ultimately had to return $6 million of the $24 million increase. An additional $5 million appropriation in 2016, to contract with local law enforcement agencies to reduce the backlog, went unspent.

A spokesman for Harris, who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 and is now running for president, said she was a leader in getting guns out of the hands of those who shouldnt have them. The backlog of prohibited people was reduced to about 10,600 when she was attorney general, from more than 21,000 at its peak.

Under Becerra, her successor, the Justice Departments hiring problems have persisted  seven positions authorized for the program went unfilled last year. The department has made agents sign agreements to stay on the job for at least two years and required that they work overtime to get the backlog under control.

Alfredo Cardwood, president of the Justice Department agents union, said recent pension changes for new hires have made the agency less attractive for recruits who can find jobs with local law enforcement.

We get people straight out of college, with minimal law enforcement experience, and we have to train them for a year, Cardwood said. After we train them, they skip out and go work for the local D.A.s.

The starting salary for a special agent with the Justice Department is $50,844 to $66,852, though agents can eventually make up to $101,000. A recent report by the California Department of Human Resources found that in 2017, state detectives and criminal investigators, a category that includes special agents, made about 19 percent less than their local government counterparts.

Cardwood said agents are working 30 hours of overtime per month to keep up with the pace of prohibited people being added to the gun-seizure database.

We just dont have enough manpower to put it out, he said.

Becerra said the departments enforcement efforts were hamstrung by having to offer temporary employment to prospective agents for several years. About two dozen of those positions were made permanent in 2016.

Its hard to hire people to go out there and retrieve weapons, do a very dangerous job, if you tell them were only going to hire them for a year of work, Becerra said.

California is a big state, he added. When you have only a few teams to cover the entire state, its impossible to go after thousands of people who have fallen onto the list.

That has not satisfied the state Senate Republican Caucus, which requested an oversight hearing last spring to dig into what it said was a troubling drop in the number of investigations that the Justice Department completed. Even accounting for almost 3,500 people removed from the database because they died or their gun prohibitions expired, the backlog decreased by just 408 names in 2017.

State Sen. Jim Nielsen, a Gerber (Tehama County) Republican and vice chair of the budget committee, said the explanation about difficulty recruiting special agents was just a hail Mary, lame excuse if Ive ever heard one.

He blamed a lack of will by the Justice Department.

Although Republicans didnt get their hearing, several senators met with Becerra. Nielsen said the attorney general promised to provide a breakdown of how money for the program had been spent and a proposal for clearing the backlog. Nearly a year later, he said, they have yet to hear back.

The more money we give them, the slower they go, Nielsen said. Before we proceed with more money, we need a clear plan.

Craig DeLuz of the Firearms Policy Coalition, a gun rights organization, says the state should send a warning letter to everyone in the database. He believes many people are on the list erroneously, while others would voluntarily hand over their guns to a dealer or someone who is not prohibited if asked.

Special agents give no advance notice of their operations so as not to tip off people who might try to hide their guns, according to the Justice Department.

Proposition 63, which voters approved in November 2016, is supposed to help with the backlog by requiring that anyone convicted of a crime leading to a gun prohibition give up weapons through the court process before the case can be closed. That provision took effect last year.

Newsom, who sponsored the initiative, called it a mitigation strategy to reduce the increase of that backlog going forward. His spending plan for next fiscal year includes a $5.3 million increase for the gun-confiscation program.

Becerra said the money would allow his department to do two things differently: hire more permanent agents and expand its gun seizure teams across the state. He declined to say how quickly they could clear the backlog with the additional resources.

If its a real commitment, well tackle it, Becerra said.

Even with the programs struggles, advocates for reducing gun violence argue, it is worthwhile.

We have to make sure those guns are recovered, said Amanda Wilcox, legislative chairwoman of the California chapters of the Brady Campaign. We dont know which one of those is going to be the future mass shooter. Its hard to prove what youve prevented.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
Katy Butlers article, How to prepare for a good end of life (Open Forum, Feb. 18) is beautifully written and right on. It reminds me to take active steps to speak with my doctors about my health condition and to remind my children that I do not want any extraneous measures. I am an active supporter of Compassion & Choices should that be necessary. Thank you for writing such a valuable article.

Carole Cohen , San Francisco

Hold the line on spending

Dont pull from the rainy-day reserve in good times. Mayor London Breed should veto the supervisors spendthrift spending plan (How mayor, supervisors compromised on windfall, Bay Area, Feb. 18). Let the supervisors override her veto. I will remember who was responsible in the good times.

Chris Chidsey, San Francisco

Its all about power

The only emergency on the tip of our tongues is not what were willing to talk about. Immigration is a code word for political power. I think President Trump believes that every brown or black person who comes across our borders and eventually gets citizenship will vote Democratic for the rest of their lives. Actually, the Democrats probably believe the same thing.

Immigration and voting rights are locked in a Gordian knot. We have to ask ourselves two very different questions: When is immigration good for the immigrant and when is it good for the nation? The answers to these questions should be the root of our immigration policy and its regulations, not the preservation of power by one political party or another.

Greg Yuhas, Benicia

Oaklands town pride

Regarding William Drummonds piece on Frank Robinson, Huey Newton and McClymonds High School (2 Oaklanders with distinct Legacies: Newton, Robinson, Insight, Feb. 17): Another contemporary and Robinson classmate (at Westlake Junior High) was former longtime East Bay Rep. and Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums. Per Dellums, he started at McClymonds, but wasnt placed in college prep classes so his mother pulled him out and sent him to Oakland Tech instead. Interestingly, as a kid, Dellums was a pitcher and recalled that he had a pretty good outfield  Robinson, Curt Flood and Vada Pinson.

Dan Lindheim, Berkeley

Coming up next ...

I would think that the National Rifle Association is a little nervous about the presidents emergency declaration, given how many citizens are killed by guns every day. And come to think of it, I wonder how many citizens are murdered by Christians every day. That could be an emergency, too.

Paul Maltzer, Orinda

Congress stands up

Our Congress has finally decided to challenge presidential overreach. Lets hope they become as jealous guardians of their war powers as they have become protectors of the purse.

Paul Rosenberg, Albany

Symbols are the message

Editor, are some of your hat-loving readers being deliberately obtuse? I dont care if people wear hats in restaurants, and I suspect most people are indifferent on that fashion question. But walking into a restaurant prominently sporting a symbol of hatred and bigotry is another matter entirely. It doesnt matter if its a hat, pin or tattoo. Can we cap this debate now?

Katherine Falk, Oakland

Truth in labeling

An article I just read in Sundays Chronicle referred to socialist President Nicolas Maduro. To be fair would you please refer to the Russian president as fascist President Vladamir Putin and the Saudi prince as fascist Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both are murderers and have used their governments to enrich themselves and so certainly qualify in anybodys book.

Perhaps then we will eventually gain the courage to publish both names for our own politicians and not just the one.

Stephen Maffin, Berkeley

Baseless charge

Regarding Gavin Newsoms plan to sue President Trump for declaring a national emergency to fund the wall. Newsom says Trump is taking this action because his base must be fed. As must yours, Gov. Newsom. Hence, your lawsuit.

Belinda A Berry, Walnut Creek

Absence of vision

I am in complete agreement with John Diaz (Newsom blames media for muddled message, Last Word, Feb. 16) on Gavin Newsoms strangely Trump-like scapegoating of the media on his unfortunate and politically myopic statements on high-speed rail. Where is the great communicator and the visionary leader for the infrastructure and the mass-transit future needs of California? Thinking that the high-speed rail project can be limited to the Bakersfield-Merced corridor is a travesty. That would be a real waste of money. Why cant the new governor provide new ideas and leadership in this crucial area? We would like to hear from him.

Eugenio Frongia, Oakland

A great ballpark for As

The new As design concept is a 10. The mix of stadium, hotel and apartments is superb. With a spruced-up public esplanade from BART, direct ferry access, a promenade from Jack London Square and some cleverly inserted parking spaces below the field itself, the spin-off effects can benefit the entire Jack London Square area and the city of Oakland for generations. Those legitimate concerns of naysayers can be easily addressed. In no way should they stop a fantastic project like this.

Ian Davidson, Oakland
Concerning Trump is compiling a list of accomplishments for 2020 (Opinion, Feb. 15): Its laughable that columnist Andrew Malcolm is trying to rehabilitate the reputation of President Trump, a.k.a. Americas Worst President, ahead of next years presidential election.

Only Trumps base will crow about the nations low unemployment rate, which he inherited from former President Barack Obama. And Trumps assertion that the U.S. has defeated ISIS is, like so many other things hes claimed to have accomplished, pure hyperbole.

Trumps list of accomplishments is meager when compared with the damage he has caused to our countrys reputation overseas, his mistreatment of migrant families, his dismantling of environmental protections, and his inflaming of our nations race relations with his nationalist pride. That is the sorry record that Trump will be judged by when he runs for re-election in 2020.

Jeremy Davidoff, San Rafael

Remove incentive

If illegal immigration is really a crisis, why is President Trump proposing a solution which will take years to put into effect?

Instead, how about legislation to penalize employers of undocumented immigrants? Take away the incentive for illegal immigration.

Wallace Murfit, Menlo Park

Seeking help

Regarding When its deeper than a toothache (Bay Area, Feb. 15): I was so pleased to see a dental clinic screening patients and offering on-site mental health counseling.

The majority of people facing mental health challenges do not seek help, either because they cant define what they are experiencing or because the stigma of a diagnosis keeps them silent.

More Information Questions around Cow Palace Regarding "Cow Palace gun shows, facility itself targeted" (Bay Area, Feb. 14): I'm getting tired of the knee-jerk reaction to convert any and every piece of land for housing. Before the Cow Palace is handed over to a developer for housing, couldn't state and local lawmakers solicit ideas for other uses? Could part of the space be used for small industrial purposes? Or for indoor sports? For artists? Could part of the parking area be used for people living in their RVs? Could a test community of tiny houses be built? And in support of leaving it alone, wouldn't it be nice to have such a huge space available when the big one (earthquake) finally hits? Mary Gardner, San Francisco See More Collapse

As many as 1 in 4 people would benefit from professional or peer help; offering it in a variety of venues could alleviate a lot of pain. I hope this concept spreads to other agencies and businesses, but individuals, too, need to keep our eyes and ears open.

Just the other day, I dropped off my car to be serviced at the garage. I looked at the mechanic and asked, Are you OK? He wasnt. We talked. Be that person for someone else.

Vivian Imperiale, San Francisco

Paid to resign

I suggest we give President Trump his wall money but not for a wall. The $8 billion will be given to him directly if, and only if, he agrees to resign the presidency, leave the country and never be heard from again.

Hes only in the presidency for his own profit, so lets give him a reason to cut his stay short before he does any more damage.

Laura Jacoby, San Francisco

Ready for a change

Regarding High-speed rail reality check (Front Page, Feb. 13): Gov. Gavin Newsom is a man with no vision. China, Japan, Europe and Russia all have high-speed rail.

High-speed rail is a major cause for the environmental community. High-speed rail gets cars off the road and planes out of the air.

We have some of the worst air quality in the nation. Hopefully, we will get a Democratic candidate next time around who has the guts and vision to complete what our best governor ever started. The environmental community is ready for a change.

William Strojny, Walnut Creek

Trumps name

Anyone who watched President Trumps announcement regarding his declaration of a national emergency, his patently false statements, and his follow-up press conference should now understand why, when you mention the name Donald Trump anywhere in the world, people generally respond with derision and laughter.

Al Comolli, Millbrae

Easier to fly

Gov. Gavin Newsom is right that we shouldnt spend billions on a new high-speed rail system.

We already have a transportation system that travels twice as fast, without any rails at all.

It rides on free air, which is everywhere. Its the airlines.

Jim Heldberg, Pacifica
The weekend to honor American presidents provided disturbing reminders of how the current occupant of the White House is dishonoring the office. President Trump set the unsettling tone on Friday by declaring a national emergency to shift billions of dollars toward a U.S.-Mexico border wall that Congress refused to fund in a spending bill he signed that very day.

I didnt need to do this, Trump acknowledged, in a statement that undercuts his claim of an emergency and certainly will loom large in legal challenges. Other presidents have invoked their emergency powers, but never in a way that so brazenly attempted to defy the constitutional role of Congress to control the purse strings. Adding to the absurdity is his shifting of $3.6 billion from the Department of Defense: Since when does a national emergency call for seizing money from the military?

The craziness continued through the weekend.

Trump could not resist pulling out his phone to tweet shots at the special counsels investigation, the news media and even the satire of him on NBCs Saturday Night Live.

The Mueller investigation is totally conflicted, illegal and rigged! Should never have been allowed to begin, except for the Collusion and many crimes committed by the Democrats. Witch Hunt! he tweeted.

Lets review the status of the Mueller investigation: The special counsel has produced dozens of indictments and eight convictions  including charges against eight people affiliated with the Trump campaign. Who among us would argue that the public interest was not served by holding Paul Manafort criminally accountable for many millions of dollars in tax fraud? And who among us would want to stop Mueller from unraveling the extent of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and pursuing evidence that appears to be reaching high levels of the Trump campaign?

The weekend also brought the 60 Minutes interview with former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. Among the many startling revelations: Trumps dismissal of our own intelligence community conclusions about the capability of North Koreas ballistic missiles to reach the U.S. I dont care, Trump said. I believe (Vladimir) Putin.

The term not normal comes to mind when an American president takes the word of a leader of a hostile foreign power over the best minds of U.S. intelligence. Nor is it normal for a leader of any democracy to assert, as Trump did in an all-caps tweet, THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!

In modern times, presidents have shown an ability to laugh at themselves when satirized, as Lyndon Johnson did with the Smothers Brothers or Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush did with Saturday Night Live. Yet the thin-skinned Trump could not resist tweeting his anger at NBC for hit jobs such as his caricature by Alec Baldwin on SNL, which he said was very unfair and should be looked into.

Presidents Day weekend could not have produced more reminders that this norm-defying presidency is no laughing matter.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
NORFOLK, Va.  For nearly four years, Gavin Grimm has been suing his former school district after it banned him from using the boys bathrooms in high school.

Along the way, hes became a national face for transgender rights. His case almost went to the U.S. Supreme Court. He graduated and moved to California but kept fighting.

The school board in Virginia may finally be giving in, although not in court. It will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

I have fought this legal battle for the past four years because I want to make sure that other transgender students do not have to go through the same pain and humiliation that I did, he said.

The Gloucester County School Boards meeting comes just months before a trial is set to begin over its current bathroom rules.

Grimm said the proposed policy is far from perfect, but would represent an important first step for Gloucester. The policy would also send the message to school districts across (Virginia) and the country that discrimination is unacceptable, he said.

Grimm has also been expanding his case against the school board. A federal judge ruled last week that he can sue over its refusal to change the gender on his high school transcript, which still lists him as female.

Grimm said the unchanged transcript will stigmatize him every time he applies to a college or potential employer that asks for it.

I shouldnt have to be outed against my will in every situation where I would have to give that document, Grimm said during a phone interview from the Bay Area, where he moved after graduating in 2017.

A court order legally made Grimm a man. And he is listed as male on his birth certificate, passport and a state-issued identification card in California.

The issue of Grimms transcript highlights another concern in the transgender community that, like bathroom policies, remains far from settled across the nation.

Federal law does not directly address the issue. Some states, such as Massachusetts, provide explicit guidance to schools for updating records. Others, such as Virginia, do not provide a clear path forward to schools.

The issue is certainly rising as more students express their gender identity, said Francisco Negron Jr., chief legal officer for the National School Boards Association.

We would hope states offer clear guidance, he added. The alternative is that students would have to make the case on their own, and school districts would not have the benefit of clarity under state law.

Grimms lawsuit has followed a circuitous path that almost included a stop at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court had scheduled arguments for 2017. But they were scrapped after the Trump Administration withdrew recommendations from the Obama-era to allow students to use the bathroom of their chosen gender.

Grimm and the American Civil Liberties Union claim the policy violated his rights under the U.S. Constitutions equal protection clause and federal policies that protect against sex discrimination.

Ben Finley is an Associated Press writer.
The neighbor of an East Oakland man who was killed by police after spraying his neighborhood with bullets two years ago has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Oakland, saying officers repeatedly missed opportunities to detain a dangerous individual because of racial bias.

Attorneys for Andrea Jones say police were well aware of 32-year-old Jesse Enjaians armed outbursts in the days leading up to his gunbattle with police on Feb. 17, 2017, according to the federal suit filed last week. Despite shooting into the neighborhood on three occasions from Feb. 10 to 14  including into a parked car where a homeless man was sleeping  police allowed Enjaian to remain free.

Both the homeless man and Jones, who spoke to police about Enjaian on numerous occasions, are black. Enjaian was white.

The suit basically alleges that, implicitly, the OPD failed to properly investigate and detain and deal with Mr. Enjaian because of his race, said Charles Kelly II, the plaintiffs attorney. We believe there was a situation in which this African American complainant was met with deaf ears.

Oakland police referred all questions to the city attorneys office, whose spokesman responded in an email that typically we cant comment on lawsuits until we are served and have time to review.

Jones, who lived with her son on the 9500 block of Las Vegas Avenue, described one encounter with Enjaian on Feb. 11, 2017, after he shot out the windows of a parked vehicle near her home the previous evening. Jones said Enjaian twice witnessed her speaking to police and that police failed to take him into custody after he refused to speak to them.

The officers did not question or arrest Jesse Enjaian, the suit states. They simply left.

Jones describes a second encounter on Feb. 13, when she heard cracking noises outside her residence. When she opened her front door, Jones witnessed Enjaian standing outside wearing safety glasses and ear muffs and firing a long wooden-handled rifle aimed at oncoming traffic.

The next day, Jones said, she again heard cracking noises outsider her home. Enjaian was reportedly firing a gun at a parked car where a homeless man, Patrick Reddic, was sleeping. As Reddic fled, the suit states, he mistakenly approached Enjaian and begged for help.

Enjaian yelled at Reddic to get the f away from my door and used a racial slur, according to the lawsuit. After police arrived, Reddic was the only one detained.

Jones said she met with Officer Harold Castro on Feb. 15 at Oakland police headquarters to speak about all three incidents. She said she feared for her life because Enjaian knew she had spoken to police, but Castro assured Jones that an arrest was imminent, the suit states.

Finally on Feb. 17, Enjaian opened fire on Jones home while she and her son were inside. The two hid under the bed as bullets crashed through the windows for 40 minutes, the suit states, before police ultimately killed the gunman.

At a community meeting at Jones home a few days later, Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said the city and police dropped the ball and that mistakes were made leading up to the final shooting.

The suit names the Police Department and Castro as defendants along with the city, and it alleges violations of the 14th Amendment.

Jones and her son, her attorneys said, were unlawfully discriminated against because of their race.

marincounty.org

Two questions with Lori Frugoli, Marin Countys new district attorney

(1) What changes do you plan to make to the D.A.s office?

Theres lots of fear in our immigrant community. We need to be out there, and we need to have our investigators and advocates out there, going to cultural and immigrant rights events. I want a position of leadership in our office. There are so many people with even 20- to 30-year-old cases that are coming back to put people in jeopardy. And the immigration laws are so complicated, depending on what your status is, that different rulings can jeopardize somebodys status. We need to make sure were doing the right thing and were going to be speaking with the public defenders office on these cases, documenting how many times we take into account a persons immigration status and the consequences.

(2) What crimes are most often prosecuted by the D.A.s office?

It comes and goes, but right now the No. 1 is DUIs. I wish I knew why, but I think its people not thinking theyre impaired when they are. We have a lot of repeat offenders, but I dont think people realize the danger of alcohol abuse. Its legal, right, just like marijuana. Its easy, accessible and liquors cheap. And I think people dont think of the consequences. It always strikes me odd that alcohol is a depressant because it loses your inhibitions, and mostly, you see people acting silly. You might not realize at the end of the day that its a depressant theyre using and abusing. Weve had some nasty accidents. I dont know that were educating kids in our schools. Its an important thing we need to pay attention to.

Biggest crime news of the past week

 An hour-plus standoff with police ended with a San Jose officer shooting and killing an armed man who took a UPS driver hostage and led a chase across the city.

 The family of a young Vallejo rapper who was shot and killed by police last week are questioning the departments tactics after he was killed while waking up with a gun in his lap.

 A woman wrongfully accused by Vallejo police of faking her own kidnapping testified about the harrowing ordeal at her alleged kidnappers trial.

 The San Francisco Sheriffs Department is conducting a sprawling internal investigation amid allegations of inmate abuse and inappropriate strip searches.

 A homeless man who died of an apparent drug overdose while in Concord police custody was identified as 50-year-old Steven Hankins.

Megan Cassidy and Gwendolyn Wu are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com, gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy, @gwendolynawu
The Catholic Diocese of Oakland has released the names of 45 clergymen and religious brothers they say are credibly accused of sexually abusing minors, the latest in a cascade of dioceses across the country to take such a step amid a scandal involving pedophile priests and decades of church coverups.

Oaklands list includes priests, deacons and religious brothers who lived in the diocese as far back as 1962  when the Oakland Diocese was founded  and encompasses Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

I hope this will help bring healing to those who have suffered, Oakland Bishop Michael Barber said in a letter to parishioners and friends of Oakland Diocese. I pray the public acknowledgment of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests.

None of the men remains in the ministry. Most of the listed abuse date back to the 1960s, 70s and 80s, with the latest reported incident coming in 1988. Diocese of Oakland officials say there have been no credible accusations of abuse since 1988, but acknowledge that the list may grow in the coming months.

This is a milestone for us, Diocese of Oakland Chancellor Stephen Wilcox said in an interview Sunday in anticipation of publishing the list Monday. But we consider it  and the bishop (Barber) has said that in his statement here today  that this is a living list. This isnt, Oh, thank God weve got the list out. Were done. This is now part of our process. And we know we have more work to do.

A second, independent investigation is slated for completion this spring.

The diocese said it would publish its full list Monday at www.oakdiocese.org.

Of the 45 men named, 20 were priests in the Oakland Diocese, 14 of them deceased. Seventeen men on the list were religious priests and deacons or priests from other dioceses. Eight were religious brothers who lived in the Oakland Diocese.

Most have been previously identified through court filings or news articles. But five names have not been in the public domain until now, Wilcox said.

The Diocese of Oakland identified those men as:

 Thomas Duong Binh-Minh: Ordained for Diocese of Oakland on Aug. 24, 1990; alleged abuse occurred in 1987; removed from the ministry April 2002; last known location is Concord.

 Hilary Cooper: Incardinated for Diocese of Oakland on Oct. 1, 1976; alleged abuse occurred in 1978; removed from the ministry in 1995; status is listed as prayer and penance.

 Patrick Finnegan: Ordained for Diocese of San Francisco on Feb. 9, 1952; alleged abuse occurred in the 1960s and 1973; removed from the ministry Feb. 6, 1972; died Sept. 28, 1980.

 Daniel McLeod: Incardinated in Diocese of Oakland on April 16, 1970; alleged abuse occurred in 1969; retired Jan. 18, 1987; died Dec. 17, 2001.

 Virendra Coutts: A religious priest or deacon, or a priest from another diocese, who has lived in the Oakland Diocese.

Wilcox said he has turned over the list of names and information to the Alameda County district attorney to determine if prosecutions are warranted. Aside from the fact that many of the accused have died, Wilcox said statutes of limitations may be an issue.

The list did not include the name of Father Alex Castillo, a priest in the Diocese of Oakland who was placed on administrative leave last month after an allegation of sexual contact with a youth. Wilcox said Castillo doesnt meet the criteria for credibly accused because the investigation is not complete.

Diocese officials said there is no universal definition for a credible accusation. The Diocese of Oaklands standard includes an allegation involving sexual abuse of a person younger than 18; that the alleged perpetrator was a priest, deacon, religious brother or religious sister at the time of the alleged abuse or after; that the alleged abuse was committed within the Diocese of Oakland jurisdiction or by an alleged perpetrator who was affiliated with it or lived in the area; and that after review of the reasonably available, relevant information, there is reason to believe the allegation is more likely than not to be true.

Barber initially planned to publish the names in November but delayed the release to verify information and contact survivors in advance. The 20 Oakland Diocese priests alone accounted for 174 victims, Wilcox said.

Wilcox said hes spent several weeks reaching out to survivors but hasnt yet spoken to all of them.

Survivors in general were pleased with the step but still think the church needs to do more, he said.

Some wanted a direct apology from the church, and others said the Diocese of Oakland needs to offer more services to victims.

I come away with knowing that we have much more to do in terms of our outreach, he said. The Oakland Diocese at one point I know was a leader, and needs to get back to being leaders in survivor outreach and care. ... I think we got comfortable and we need to do more.

The Oakland Dioceses announcement comes on the heels of its counterparts in Santa Rosa and San Jose, which both released similar lists in the past few months.

The Catholic Church came under fire last year after a Pennsylvania grand jury found that church officials had covered up abuse by more than 300 priests over seven decades.

The revelations prompted several bishops around the country to take the unusual step of releasing the identities of alleged abusers in whats billed as an effort to reform the institution.

Critics have said the efforts often fall short and have called for a more thorough investigation that mirrors the grand jury report in Pennsylvania.

In October, a law firm suing bishops for records on abuse released its own list of names of alleged abusers, totaling more than 200 clergy in the Bay Area. The Jeff Anderson & Associates list included more names of clergy than those released by the Diocese of San Jose, and named 95 tied to the Diocese of Oakland  more than double the dioceses own list.

Wilcox says the discrepancy lies in the standard used to qualify for a credible allegation.

Church officials encouraged anyone with information concerning sexual misconduct by a clergy member or employee to contact local authorities and Wilcox directly. Wilcox can be reached at swilcox@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8334.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Cannabride-to-be Coral Reefer stepped into the sunlight beneath the Westfield San Francisco Centre dome at noon Sunday, modeling a white gown as a violinist played a romantic waltz.

Her wedding is not until October, but the Cannabis Wedding Expo comes only once a year and everything she could need was in this one-day marketplace, from vape bars to five-course cannabis pairing dinners, to the wedding suite at the bud and breakfast in Humboldt County, and on to a honeymoon canna tour of the Mendocino coast.

People think it is such a conservative moment, and here we are holding a bong or a joint just like wed be doing on our wedding day, she said, as her groom-to-be, Mio Kamstra-Brown, nodded approvingly. At a cannabis wedding, people can really be themselves. They arent sneaking behind the building to smoke or having to wait for the after-party.

The Cannabis Wedding Expo is a traveling trade show run by ponytailed cannapreneur Philip Wolf, 33, of Denver. The concept is to bring services that can be hard to source out into the bright daylight, and 50 vendors formed a ring in the rotunda, with shoppers circling round and round.

Im not interested in cannabis as a theme at our wedding, said Reefer, who was shopping for subtle tips, just having it available to enjoy, served in the way that alcohol is.

It is the second year that the tour has hit San Francisco, and the second visit by Kamstra-Brown and Reefer, who are both 30 and live in Santa Cruz. After last years expo, Kamstra-Brown was got down on one knee while looking for sea glass on the beach and proposed, and there were plenty of couples walking the loop looking for similar magic Sunday.

The organizers said 525 tickets were presold at $14 each and 40 more paid $18 as walk-ins from the mall. Wolf expected to clear $25,000 or $30,000, and thats not including bookings for Cultivating Spirits, the cannabis catering company he also owns.

The full experience could include cannabis bachelor and bachelorette parties, and purveyors of alcohol-free CBD mocktails, which use the medicinal part of the cannabis. Many of the vendors came from Mendocino, including Chelsea Kerwin and Danny Doran, purveyors of gold-plated jewelry, each piece embedded with a marijuana bud at its core.

Its a piece of art that breaks down barriers and opens up the conversation, Doran explained. Kerwin and Doran have been too busy to get married themselves, but it could be any day now.

Naturally, we are going to have a cannabis wedding, he said.

Reefer, who makes her living as a glass artist, uses that for business purposes. After her own engagement success after last years expo, she contacted promoter Wolf and was given free admission in return for modeling gowns. She was expected to circulate in several different dresses and was hopeful that one would be made of hemp.

Another model was Jessica Gonzalez, who went the route of a canna elopement on last years New Years Eve, at the moment hemp became legal. She has parlayed that into a career as a cannabis influencer, she said, with 10,000 followers on Instagram under the handle The Mommy Jane.

Gonzalez, who is 34 and grew up in Novato, said her use of cannabis helped her to lose 100 pounds and conquer the jitters before her surprise wedding at the Fairmont on Nob Hill.

I was vaping in the hotel room for my nerves, she said. At least I was not smoking bowls.

Stories like this abounded, and one eager listener was Chantel Davila, 30, of San Jose, planning a June wedding she wants to be cannabis-infused, she said. Everything from the theme to the food.

After a few laps around the circuit, she said she had been impressed by the package offered at Riverbar Pharms, advertised as an upscale atmosphere to consume and learn about cannabis in a Victorian-style farmhouse on 20 acres.

The Bud & Breakfast is awesome, she said after picking up a brochure. I wish there were more like it.

There were no samples and no aroma in the shopping center air. It was a clean and sober event.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF Instagram: @sfchronicle_art
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Even if you dont hear the hum, your neighbor may.

It could be crashing ocean waves, the wind whipping around the house or a nearby construction site. But those who hear a persistent low-frequency hum on Vashon  from pragmatists who say the hum must have an explainable source to those who believe it could be the Earths good vibes  say it isnt going away and may even be getting louder at times.

The Vashon Hum is a very low pure tone that people have heard all across the Island. Some hear it in their yards, while others have heard it in beachfront homes and at Island Center Forest. Its not a menacing or terribly annoying sound, Islanders report, but those who hear it are fascinated by it and wonder where the hum originates.

The cause of the hum  which is in good company with widely reported hums in places such as Taos, New Mexico, and Kent, England  hasnt been pinpointed, but experts and Islanders have weighed in on what it may be, and what it isnt.

I would describe it as a very low, deep sort of humming sound, with a vibration resonance quality to it, said Islander Tami Brockway Joyce, who has heard the hum at her westside home off Cove Road, in Island Center Forest and in Dockton. At first I thought it was the dishwasher running, or some kind of motor running in the background. But my husband and I are hearing it all the time now.

Intrigued but also annoyed by the noise, Brockway Joyce recently posted a comment about the hum on her Facebook page. More than 20 people from Vashon and around the country replied, with countless theories for what the hum could be  from wind tunnel testing to low-frequency military communication.

Im super-curious about it, Brockway Joyce said. It has definitely piqued my interest. Im constantly thinking, What could it be?

Patti McClements, who works at Vashons Puget Sound Energy office, said shes never heard, or heard of, such a hum. But she said staff at the utility office could investigate the hum if Islanders report where and when they hear it.

Sometimes the transformers do buzz, but if people are hearing it at the ground level and its not coming from above, then I dont know what to say, she said.

Described as The Hum by Wikipedia, the noisy phenomenon has been investigated in several continents and reported on by media including Time Magazine, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. Happening in such land-locked places as New Mexico, some believe the sound is land-based.

But it couldnt be coming from the earth, said geologist Greg Wessel.

There have been times Ive heard a sound like that and wondered what it was, but we live on the north end, and I assumed its traffic coming from the ferries, he said. It could be sounds due to atmospheric pressure or sunspots. But Im pretty sure theres nothing geologic thats responsible for it.

On the other hand, the hum couldnt be coming from underwater, according to oceanographers and mechanical engineers.

It would just not be physically possible for that to be an underwater-based source, said Peter Dahl, an associate professor in mechanical engineering at the University of Washington and a principal engineer at UWs Applied Physics Laboratory. I would say most likely its an industrial-based sound or a residential sound, a land-based source.

Though ships, marine animals and rain can cause sounds in water  some quite loud  its highly unlikely Islanders could hear a marine-based sound as deep inland as Island Center Forest, even something as loud as a container ship traveling on the west or east side of the Island, said Chris Bassett, a University of Washington mechanical engineering graduate student who studies underwater ambient noise.

Sound travels very well in the water, but very poorly in the ground, added Jim Thomson, an oceanographer at the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory. Sound in the ocean is complex, and it can propagate and do things that are audible to humans. ... But Id be surprised if that could make an entire Island hum or travel very far inland.

In 2009, a study was published in Geophysical Research Letters that identified a worldwide marine hum caused by ocean waves in the Pacific crashing together, colliding with the sea floor and creating a sound underwater. But the sound is likely too quiet to be heard at the surface or by humans, reported Wired.com.

Perhaps its the wind, said Islander and oceanographer Stefan Talke, whipping past large objects such as thick tree trunks or houses.

Wind velocities can easily get up to 10 meters a second, he said. You could easily hear the wind humming. ... I think its much more likely to have that kind of a sound with wind than with water as a low frequency.

Still, Islanders with normal hearing say theyve heard a hum under normal conditions with no explainable source.

Islander Jeff Hoyt recalled a time last week when he and his wife were watching television and both heard the hum.

We turned off the sound system, and I could still hear it, he said. Its almost like a motor or a thrum, and weve only noticed it in the past week.

Islander Amber Tjemsland said she never heard the hum when she lived on Cemetery, but since moving to Cove, she often hears a barely perceptible sound that shed describe as a pulsing noise.

I suspect it goes on all the time, and occasionally the sound goes up into the range where our human ears can hear it, she said.

Whenever she hears the noise, she said, her two goats seem to hear it, too. They act agitated and nervous, pawing the ground and retreating to their shelter.

Theyll look this way and that with their ears up, Tjemsland said. They just seem unsettled. ... They do the same thing if they see an eagle or hear an airplane.

Some Islanders, like Shelley van Spronsen, have heard the hum ever since moving to the Island. She first heard the hum seven years ago, right after she came to Vashon.

It wasnt really unsettling to me, she said. It sounds a little rumbly, but it doesnt sound like its coming from a certain direction. It doesnt seem like a bad noise.

Some, like Tom Dean, the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust director, say they havent heard the hum but suspect it has a practical explanation.

Could it be coming from the landfill? he asked.

But a King County official quickly debunked that theory.

The couple things weve got going (at the Vashon Transfer Station) are an aerator that runs 12 hours a day and a gas extraction system thats pulling out methane and other gases and runs 24 hours a day, said Doug Williams, a spokesman for the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, which oversees the countys Solid Waste Division. Both are running properly and have been running since the early 90s. I cant imagine them being loud enough to carry off the property.

In fact, the noise could be the Earth speaking to those spiritually tuned to hear such sounds, said Lorna Cunningham, a longtime Islander and intuitive who recently opened Vashon Intuitive Arts at a shop in town.

As soon as you mentioned it, I could feel a hum or a vibration in the Earth, she told a reporter.

This is a time of change in the world, and people who are attuned to it could possibly hear something like that. Its almost like music of the Earth. But it doesnt come to me as something thats mechanical at all.

This article was originally published in the Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber on April 14, 2010.
I have complained many times about the honesty and general quality of our elected officials. I would like to put forth my opinion about the presidents that we have elected in the past 50 years and how the American people have gummed up the works.

We have had a few really good men in the presidency in my lifetime. Unfortunately, because they put the good of our country ahead of their own political careers, we were not smart enough to re-elect several of them.

When Spiro Agnew resigned as President Nixon's vice president, Speaker of the House Gerald Ford was overwhelmingly confirmed by both the House and Senate to replace him. Ford had a reputation for honesty and decency. When Nixon resigned in 1974, Ford became president. Congress went after Nixon with a vengeance. The government came to a halt, and we had a lot of important work to do. Ford got Congress working again by pardoning Nixon. Ford sacrificed his political career for the good of the country.
But her talking points (even the watered-down version that was posted on her website) admit that won't come close to covering the full costs of her Green New Deal. "The level of investment required is massive," the talking points declare. "Even if every billionaire and company came together and were willing to pour all the resources at their disposal into this investment, the aggregate value of the investments they could make would not be sufficient." Her document says that funding the Green New Deal requires World War II levels of government spending of between 40 and 50 percent of gross domestic product.

Today, federal spending amounts to 21 percent of GDP, or $4.4 trillion annually. Increasing it to between 40 and 50 percent of GDP would require doubling government expenditures to between $84 and $105 trillion over 10 years (and that's without factoring in rising GDP). But Warren's wealth tax would raise just $2.75 trillion over 10 years. And according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Ocasio-Cortez's 70 percent marginal rate might raise at best $189 billion over 10 years and could actually cost the federal government $63.5 billion in lost revenue by stifling economic growth and encouraging capital flight.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Investigators with the Florence County Sheriffs Office are asking for the publics assistance to identify four burglary suspects.

Deputies responded to an alarm call at approximately 4:10 a.m. Sunday at a business located at 2108 S. Irby St. in Florence, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. When deputies arrived, they found that the business had been broken into and numerous items had been removed, but no one was located inside.

Surveillance video from inside the store revealed four suspects entering the store and removing items, according to investigators. The sheriffs office has shared that video with news organizations.

Anyone with knowledge or information regarding the identity of any of the suspects shown in the video is asked to contact Florence County Sheriffs Office investigators at 843-665-2121., ext. 373, Crime Stoppers of the Pee Dee at 1-888-CRIME-SC or Submit-A-Tip on the FCSO free app for I-Phone and Android telephones. You do not have to reveal your identity to leave information.
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The key to breeding disease-resistant honeybees could lie in a group of genes -- known for controlling hygienic behaviour -- that enable colonies to limit the spread of harmful mites and bacteria, according to genomics research conducted at York University.

Some worker honeybees detect and remove sick and dead larvae and pupae from their colonies. This hygienic behaviour, which has a strong genetic component, is known to improve the colony's chance of survival. The researchers narrowed in on the "clean" genes that influence this behaviour to understand the evolution of this unique trait.

The finding, published today in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution, could lead to a new technique for use in selective breeding programs around the world to enhance the health of honeybees.

"Social immunity is a really important trait that beekeepers try to select in order to breed healthier colonies," said Professor Amro Zayed, a bee genomics expert in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science. "Instead of spending a lot of time in the field measuring the hygienic behaviour of colonies, we can now try breeding bees with these genetic mutations that predict hygienic behaviour."

Statistics Canada estimates that honeybee pollination contributes between $3.15 to $4.39 billion per year to the Canadian economy including some of Canada's most lucrative crops like apples, blueberries and canola. In Canada, and around the world, beekeepers have experienced higher than normal colony losses. Last winter, Canadian beekeepers lost up to 33 per cent of their colonies.

"This study opens the door to using genomics to breed healthier and disease-resistant colonies that have higher social immunity," explained Zayed. "This is of huge importance to the greater community of geneticists who are interested in understanding the genetics of this novel trait."

Zayed worked on the study with 13 bee biologists from York University, University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

In the study, the biologists sequenced the genomes of three honeybee populations; two of them bred to express highly hygienic behaviour and a third population with typical hygiene. Brock Harpur, Zayed's former doctoral student who is now an assistant professor at Purdue University's Department of Entomology, examined the genomes of bees from each of these three populations and looked for areas that differ between the unhygienic and hygienic bees. Harpur pinpointed at least 73 genes that likely control this hygienic trait.

"Now that we have identified these candidate genes, we can look for the mechanisms of hygienic behavior and begin to develop tools for beekeepers to breed healthier colonies," explained Harpur.

The biologists are planning to pilot a marker-assisted breeding program for hygienic behaviour, in which bees are selected for breeding based solely on their genetic information.

"We think there is a lot of potential here of breeding disease-resistant colonies with a simple genetic test," said Zayed.
Those who set realistic goals can hope for a higher level of well-being. The key for later satisfaction is whether the life goals are seen as attainable and what they mean to the person, as psychologists from the University of Basel report in a study with over 970 participants.

Wealth, community, health, meaningful work: life goals express a person's character, as they determine behavior and the compass by which people are guided. It can therefore be assumed that goals can contribute substantially to how satisfied people are in life -- or how dissatisfied if important goals are blocked and cannot be achieved.

A team of psychologists from the University of Basel conducted a detailed examination on how life goals are embedded in people's lives across adult; the results are now published in the European Journal of Personality. The researchers used data from 973 people between 18 and 92 years old living in German-speaking parts of Switzerland; more than half of the participants were surveyed again after two and four years. The participants had to assess the importance and the perceived attainability of life goals in ten areas -- health, community, personal growth, social relationships, fame, image, wealth, family, responsibility/care for younger generations, and work -- using a four-point scale.

Life goals with predictive power

The findings of the study revealed that perceiving one's personal goals as attainable is an indicator for later cognitive and affective well-being. This implies that people are most satisfied if they have a feeling of control and attainability. Interestingly, the importance of the goal was less relevant for later well-being than expected.

Life goals also hold predictive power for specific domains: Participants who set social-relation goals or health goals were more satisfied with their social relationships or their own health. The link between life goals and subsequent well-being appeared to be relatively independent of the age of the participants.

Younger people want status, older people want social engagement

What are the goals that people value the most in a respective age period? The goals that people value in a particular life stage depend on the development tasks that are present at this stage: the younger the participants were, the more they rated personal-growth, status, work and social-relation goals as important. The older the participants were, the more they rated social engagement and health as important.

"Many of our results confirmed theoretical assumptions from developmental psychology," says lead author and PhD student Janina Buhler from the University of Basel's Faculty of Psychology. Life goals were strongly determined by age: "If we examine, however, whether these goals contribute to well-being, age appears less relevant." Hence, adults, whether old or young, are able to balance the importance and attainability of their goals.
Aloe sanguinalis, or Somali Red Aloe, forms large, conspicuous clumps and has blood red sap. Its can easily be spotted from the road, but the species has only just been named and described in the open access journal PhytoKeys.

It remains a mystery how this beautiful and showy aloe species has remained undescribed by science for so long, but one of the theory is that the plant was 'hiding in plain sight"' in an area not usually known for its hight biological diversity.

The locals in the area have long known that the plants were different from other kinds of "Dacar," (the Somali name for Aloes) in the region and were referring to them as "Dacar cas" or "Red aloe."

Similarly, the scientific name for the new species -- Aloe sanguinalis -- is based on one of its most distinct characters, its bright red color, coming from the peculiar blood-red sap the plant produces. The leaves also become reddish as they mature.

The story of the formal recognition of "Dacar cas" or Aloe sanguinalis, however, began when Ahmed Awale, a leading Somaliland environmentalist, spotted the large, reddish clumps plants, while driving through the country on behalf of Candlelight, an NGO focused on the environment, education, and health.

Later on, when the plant came to the attention of Mary Barkworth, a botanist interested in building botanical capacity in Somaliland. After listening to Ahmed, the two of them began looking formally into the possibility that "Dacar cas" was, indeed, an undescribed species. They were soon convinced it was. After the initial excitement, the next step required demonstrating that "Dacar Cas" differs from all the other 600+ known species of Aloe. That step took longer, but finally it has been done.

"This news comes from a region which had experienced periods of conflict and instability, climate change effects and accelerated environmental degradation, whereby much of the people's attention has been focused on promoting livelihoods and resilience. With this positive piece of information we hope that we inspire scientists to further explore the area," explains Dr Barkworth.

The new species is currently known from only two locations, but it is hoped that naming and sharing pictures of it online will encourage discovery and documentation of additional locations.
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The Shiromani Akali Dal lead by Bikramjit Singh Majithia, today disrupted the budget session while Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal was presenting the budget for fiscal year 2019-20. Akalis, with black bands on their sleeves, protested against Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. They were protesting against his statement after Pulwama attack.

The speaker tried to pacify the protestors and requested many times to sit and let the finance minister present his Budget speech, but they refused. After issuing a lot of warnings, the speaker informed the Akalis that they will have to be dismissed from the House. After the speaker asked Manpreet Singh Badal to halt his speech, an ugly spat took place between Majithia and Sidhu. The speaker then called in marshals to escort the Akalis out of the house, and adjourned the House.

It was resumed at 1o clock. Addressing the media during the adjournment, outside the House, Navjot Singh Sidhu said, The culprits of Pulwama attack should be given such a punishment, that it acts a deterrent for generations to come. This is a war against all the culprits, but a Gurus Sikh cannot fight against or blame a small child, or a woman, or any innocent for that matter. The ones giving shelter to the terrorists should be told to hand them over, I sand by this opinion always.
In a very appreciable step, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has assured and offered protection to Kashmiri students not only across Punjab, but also across nation. This comes after a Kashmiri student was attacked in a college in Mohali. Masroor Ahmed, 18, of Anantnag region in Kashmir, was attacked in his college campus in Mohali, by an unidentified assailiant. Student leader Shehla Rashid had reported the incident by tweeting about it.

Omar Abdullah Tweet

Replying to her tweet, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah addressed a tweet to Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh and requested his intervention to look into the matter urgently and take necessary step. Captain did respond to Abdullah and said that he has got the matter looked into, and preliminary investigation did not find it to be a hate crime, as being reported. He assured necessary action into the matter.

CM Captain Amarinder Tweet

Addressing the media, Captain Amarinder Singh said I assure full protection. They have nothing to do with the Pulwama attack. There are around 4000 Kashmiri students in various institutions of Punjab. After Punjab CMs reassurance, around 125 Kashmiri students have arrived in Mohali, to take shelter against the discriminatory attacks. The students have come from other states including Uttarakhand and

Haryana. Around 70 students had arrived in Mohali from Dehradun and Ambala yesterday. According to sources, all the students have been put up at safe places, with coordination among Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation and a local religious body. Gurdwaras have offered them food, shelter and safety.
In a major development in the Behbal Kalaan firing incident in this afternoon, IGP Paramraj Singh Umranangal was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Chandigarh. Two young Sikh protesting peacefully were killed in the firing. Umranangals arrest comes after Former Moga district police chief SSP Charanjit Sharmas arrest last month. Sharma was the first police officer arrested since the SIT probe started in 2015.

The SIT had summoned Umranangal on February the 13 th , for questioning. Till date, other officers including IG Jatinder Jain, IG Amar Singh Chahal, SP Paramjit Singh Pannu and SDM Harjit Sandhu have also been summoned, but Umranangal faced the longest questioning. All these officers were on duty on 14 th October 2015, when the police fired at peaceful protestors.

IGP Paramraj has been alleged to direct the police force under his orders to use fire arms on the

protesters, who were sitting at the main chowk of Kotkapura on 14 th October 2015.

Umranangal was reportedly trying to leave the country. He had visitors visa of countries like USA, UK,

and Canada, and was about to fly away from Chandigarh Airport.
Lisa Lombardi OReilly has lived in Carpinteria since 1997 and is a Personal and Family Historian specializing in making heirloom books out of life stories. She is a member of the Association of Personal Historians, the National Genealogical Society and the Association for Professional Genealogists. For more information, visit yourstorieswritten.com and facebook.com/lisa.lombardioreilly; send an email to lloreillybooks@aol.com; or call Lisa at (805) 680-7375.
Punjab Finance minister, Manpreet Singh Badal today presented the budget for the state, for the financial year 2019-20. He presented the budget speech amongst heavy protests from Shiromani Akali Dal, with Bikramjit Singh Majithia at the forefront. The minister continued his speech, but the speaker had to stop him midway, dismiss the Akalis from the House and adjourn the house for some time. After the House re-convened, the Finance Minister started his speech again, and presented the budget.

Total receipts expected: Rs 1,54,170 crore

Total budget size for 2019-20: Rs 1,58,493 crore

Agriculture gets Rs 13,643 crore. Allocation has been increased by Rs 159 crore.

Oustanding Debt likely to be Rs 2.29 lakh crore by March 31,2020. Whereas debt servicing for 2019-20 is a whopping Rs 30,309 crore.

Total outstanding debt on March 31,2018: Rs 2.12 lakh crore. It is 40 percent of GSDP.

Rs 3,000 crore for debt relief to farmers, landless farmers and families of farmers who committed suicides

Rs 355 crore to provide support to sugarcane farmers.

Rs 200 crore for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna.

1/4th cultivated area across Punjab to be brought under diversified farming

Horticulture industry gets a shot in the arm with Rs 60.49 Crore

Budget allocates Rs 8,969 for free power to agriculture sector.

Rs 375 crore for crop residue management. Rs 20 crore allocated for dairy development.

Finance Minster claims till date more than 1.13 lakh youth provided jobs

Rs 1,513 crore allocated for subsidised power to industries.

Rs 300 crore allocated for celebration of 550th Prakash Purab of Guru Nanak Dev

Rs 5 crore for centenary commemoration of Jalianwala Bagh massacre

Amritsar to be developed into an 'Iconic City' Rs 10 cr set aside for the project in the budget IT IS for international consultants and architects to be consulted to develop Amritsar

Rs 938.71 crore allocated for various scholarship schemes for SC/BC.

Rs 3,465.06 crore allocated for health care services, which is an increase of 10.87 percent over 2018-19.

15 new ITIs proposed at Rampuraphul, Raikot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Shuttrana, Amargarh, Tarn Taran with an allocation of Rs 15 crore.

Rs 5 crore allocated for establishment of Open University at Patiala, CM Amarinder Singh's home city.

Rs 189.15 crore for upgradation of medical colleges in Patiala and Amritsar.

Make In Punjab scheme to be started for developing Punjabi Industry

Rs 5 Cr allocated for Jallianwala Bagh Massacare centenary programs

Food Streets to be developed in Patiala, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur

Petrol to cost Rs 5 less and diesel Re 1 less per litre from midnight in Punjab. Decision taken to match rates with adjoining states, says FM Manpreet Badal

Provision of Rs 80 crore for relining of Rajasthan feeder and Rs 120 crore for Sirhind Feeder Canal.

Rs 22,842 crore kept for capital expenditure

Revenue Deficit for 2019-20 expected at Rs 11,687 crore

Fiscal Deficit at Rs 19,658 crore

GSDP at current prices - Rs 5,77,829 crore

Rs 26,979 crore to go into disbursement of salary and wages to employees

Rs 19.47 crore allocated for compensation of RS 10,000 per acre to the farmers of 6 districts whose land is situated between border fence and international border.

These districts are Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot.

Rs 86.33 crore for Swachh Bharat Mission

Under Smart Cities, Rs 296 crore for development of Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar

Rs 100 crore for development of 7 border districts and Kandi area

Rs 978.12 crore for National Health Mission.

Under Smart Cities, Rs 296 crore for development of Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar

Rs 700 crore allocated under AMRUT scheme

Rs 60 crore allocated for work on Tertiary Care Cancer Centres at Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, Amritsar

Rs 250 crore for Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana for providing Rs 5 lakh per family annual health care to 70 percent population of Punjab.

Integrated hospitals to be built in Mohali and Moga, Rs 60 Cr for Mohali Medical College

3 new medical colleges to be established in Punjab in PPP segment

Amritsar War Memorial assigned Rs 8Cr for completion

Saink School Kapurthala given Rs 5Cr

Rs 15 Lakh to be given for Sainik School Band Kapurthala

Rs 1 Lakh scholarship for all IMA and NDA entrants from Punjab

Three new chairs to be established in GNDU, Amritsar

Rs 50 Cr grant to Punjabi University Patiala

15 new ITIs to be established in Punjab, Rupnagar ITI to be upgraded

Rs 7 Cr allotted for upgrading Polytechnics

Government residences of Group C & D to get repairs

All in all, this budget has been focused at providing a shot in the arm to the marginalized, revamping the existing infrastructure, helping the landless farmers, providing benefits for the below poverty section. The much ignored education sector has received attention in this budget. The health sector has got relief too, with many hospitals and colleges being planned out, and the existing ones receiving aid.
The Hague, Feb 18 (PTI) India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said. "Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful."There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay,"

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav. "In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says."India reminded Pakistan for consular access 13 reminders were sent but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said. Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said.
This is already 253% higher than the number of incidences accounted in the same period in 2018, when 23 deaths were recorded. Majority of cases come from Calabarzon and Metro Manila. In an effort to abate the steep rise in number of measles cases, the government has pulled out all the stops to control the spread of the disease. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said on Monday a massive immunization drive that started last week in hard-hit Manila and four provincial regions may contain the outbreak by April.

23% of children 6 to 59 months old have been now vaccinated in Metro Manila. President Rodrigo Duterte urged children to be immunized. Measles may cause complications such as pneumonia and diarrhea in infected patients. It can lead to death if left untreated. There is an hesitation of some parents to have their children vaccinated, fearing this would harm them. The regular supplemental immunization program for measles called Ligtas Tigdas saw its vaccination coverage rates take a nosedive with 69% in Phase 1 and 29% in Phase 2 in 2018.
RICHMOND  The General Assembly has passed legislation to raise the states fee for annual vehicle inspections.

The bill from Del. Tim Hugo, R-Fairfax, allows the maximum inspection fee to be increased next year from $16 to $20. The bill has been approved with bipartisan support in both the House of Delegates and state Senate. It now awaits Gov. Ralph Northams signature to become law.

The inspection fee hasnt increased in 13 years.

All vehicles registered in Virginia have to be inspected annually to ensure they are working properly and comply with safety standards.

Sen. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, said on the Senate floor on Monday that the increase was too big a jump and opposed the proposal, while Sen. Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, called it a comparatively moderate cost and supported raising the fee.

Others in the Senate argued the value of vehicle safety inspections. Some states have dropped inspections or have tried to do so , arguing they dont make the roads safer.

Virginia is among 16 states that require safety inspections. The federal government stopped requiring them in 1976.
Members of a Roanoke County church arrived home Monday following a pilgrimage to Haiti, which has been rocked in recent weeks by protests and civil unrest.

The pastor and five parishioners of Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church landed at the Roanoke airport four days after the U.S. State Department warned Americans not to travel to the Caribbean nation.

The experience that weve had has been an opportunity to broaden the awareness of even our local Roanoke community here, said Cyndy Unwin, who has been blogging about the trip, which the parish has made regularly since 2010. I think that we are filled with gratitude, that if theres anything positive to come out of whats happening in Haiti, its that once again showing the world what this little place  thats actually very close to us  what theyre enduring.

Protests have paralyzed the country in recent days, after long-standing discontent over allegations of government corruption and the state of the economy bubbled up.
Block.one is dedicated to creating a more prosperous society by improving the integrity of business interactions, and blockchain is the key driver of this vision, Larimer said in a press release about the gift last year. If we are to achieve this goal, it is important to work with a leading institution such as Virginia Tech to provide students with the tools to succeed as the technology is developed.

In the classroom, students are putting together applications for EOS as part of their capstone class with assistance from block.one engineers who regularly work with them on campus.

Teams of students are looking at a number of applications, from an online music store controlled by artists, to secure voting to measuring classroom attendance.

Taking part in the class and studying blockchain is attractive for students, said Jiayi Wang, a junior from Vienna who is taking part in the project to measure attendance.

Youre not just doing a project for class credit, Wang said. This is a project that can be a real thing that helps people.

The university already has a number of blockchain courses, like the capstone course for computer science students.
Yep  its me. No denying it. Im the apparent Jerry Garcia impersonator with my hands on a married womans shoulders. The Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook photo speaks for itself.

After the controversy emerged about Ralph Northams photos in the 1984 EVMS yearbook, I called my friend, a 1982 EVMS grad and respected physician in the region. Whats in your photo? I asked.

Big joke, right? Riffing off the governors indiscretion.

Well, for one thing, you are, he said.

I had forgotten. I guess Northam and I have that in common. My married medical student friends populated their yearbook page with photos of family and friends, which explains how I came to be pictured in a medical school annual. No amount of Holiday Inn overnight stays could have turned me into a doctor.

Im gratified to report that the young woman whose shoulders I pawed in the photo  also a respected local physician and community leader  remains both married, almost 37 years later, and a friend.
A dozen rescued from Bacalar lagoon in two boat mishaps

Bacalar, Q.R.  A dozen people had to be returned to land by the Navy of Mexico in two separate incidences after their boats capsized in the Bacalar lagoon.

Personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico made both rescue missions on the Bacalar lagoon after a report from a citizen who said that a tour boat and a private sailboat were in trouble and appeared to be sinking.

Photo: la Secretaria de la Marina-Armada de Mexico

In a statement, navy personnel said they made a tour of the lagoon where they found both boats. One boat was carrying nine Mexican passengers, while the other had three Brazilians on board.

While there was no word on what caused the capsizing of the tour boat, the sailboat was reported to be performing improper maneuvers when its sailors lost control.

There were no injuries reported.
***

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, 12 years after Washington left office, and would become the 16th president of the United States. He was one of the greatest presidents in part because he embodied the American Dream  born in poverty and self-taught without formal schooling. His Christian mother acquainted him with the Bible, but when he came of age Lincoln chose not to join a church because he found denominational dogmas at odds with Christs essential teachings.

Lincolns address to the Young Mens Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, when he was just 29, conveyed concerns about internal threats to Americas sovereignty similar to those raised by Washington. Lincoln asserted: If [danger] ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide.

More significant than his humble upbringing was who Lincoln was in judgment and action  dealing with the greatest crisis in American history upon taking the oath of office 72 years after Washington. Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, Lincoln said, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty.
A New York activist supporting Virginias ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment exposed her breast to lawmakers outside the Capitol on Monday while she and another activist mimicked the great seal of the commonwealth in a performance art bit.

Capitol Police arrested her and charged her with indecent exposure after giving her a warning.

The protester, Michelle Renay Sutherland, 45, intended to be arrested when she and Natalie White, both of New York City, recreated the state seal. According to Virginia code, the seal shows the Roman goddess Virtus, who represents the genius of the commonwealth, holding a spear and sword and resting her left foot on the form of Tyranny, represented by the prostrate body of a man.

Sutherland, who goes by the name Sister Leona, is with a group called Radical Matriarchy, and White, who was arrested last week outside the office of House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, is with a group called Equal Means Equal. Capitol Police said the address listed on Sutherlands charge of indecent exposure is in Florida.

The Virginia Senate in January voted 26-14 to pass a resolution for Virginia to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, but it died in a state House subcommittee on a 4-2 vote.
Gov. Ralph Northam, while mired in scandal, hired an agency director who had been removed from his post by the General Assembly following an audit showing mismanagement.

The General Assembly voted in early February to remove Jay DeBoer, 65, as director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Days after the news conference in which Northam tried to explain a racist photo on his page from his 1984 medical school yearbook, he placed DeBoer in the governors office as an at-will employee.

DeBoers salary remained unchanged at $151,759, according to Northams press secretary, Alena Yarmosky.

He is currently assigned as a special assistant in the governors office while options continue to be assessed due to his abrupt termination from his former position, she said by email.

A vote by the state Senate on Feb. 1  the same day the yearbook scandal involving Northam began  was the final step in removing DeBoer from the job at DPOR, which regulates professions from architects to cosmetologists.

According to an audit last year by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the agency takes an excessive amount of time to fill vacant positions, which affected operations.
A 23-year-old California man was charged with misdemeanor vandalism and littering Monday after police say he threw red dye into a fountain near the state Capitol as activists marched in Richmond to demand the resignation of Gov. Ralph Northam.

Capitol Police said they caught Patrick E. Talamantes, of Sacramento, within seconds of the substance being tossed into the fountain around 12:20 p.m. The water in the fountain at the southeastern corner of Capitol Square turned completely red, prompting officials to shut it down for cleaning.

Police said they detained a woman at the fountain on the other side of Capitol Square after searching her bag and finding one red dye pack and several balloons filled with red dye. The woman was sitting on a bench near the second fountain, police said, and she was holding a lime-colored shopping bag similar to one Talamantes had. Police did not identify the woman, who was issued a written notice banning her from the Capitol grounds for six months.

Capitol Police said their investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible.
There will be a Q&A and book signing after each reading. The events are free to the public.

Henrico Public Schools schedules hiring event

HENRICO  Henrico County Public Schools will host a major hiring event March 2.

The county school system is looking for teachers in every content area for next school year along with school counselors, librarians, psychologists, social workers and nurses. The district will also be interviewing candidates for bus driver positions.

The event, scheduled to run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is at Glen Allen High School.

Registration on the school systems website is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome, the district said.

UR among nations top Fulbright producers

RICHMOND  The University of Richmond has been named a top producer of Fulbright scholars.

The university was included on the Fulbright list of U.S. colleges that produced the most Fulbright U.S. students and Fulbright U.S. scholars this year.
POWHATAN  For 33 years, Susan Bergquist worked to make sure that people dealing with mental health, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders had a place to turn for help.

In more than three decades working for Goochland Powhatan Community Services (GPCS), she served as a supervisor in its day support program for people with intellectual disabilities; director of its intellectual disability program, and, for the last 15 years, as executive director of the agency.

Coming on board about three years after the agency was established in 1982, Bergquist helped it grow from its infancy to serving roughly 1,200 people in the two counties today. In that time, she watched as the two communities helped shaped what the agency has become.

We try to respond to needs as we see them, and I think we have just grown over the years in the array of services we have been able to provide, she said.

In January, Bergquist passed the baton to new executive director Stacy Gill, who said she will build on the teamwork and collaboration of Bergquist and other GPCS employees to improve the lives of people in Powhatan and Goochland counties.
As Cyrano, Matt Bloch breathes ample panache into a man both lackadaisical and self-conscious about his looks; the characters outsized nose trains us, oddly, to focus ever more intently on Blochs limpid eyes, which skillfully communicate a vast array of conflicting emotions, especially when the story takes a poignant turn in the second act.

Cyrano de Bergerac does beg for a grander space than the Mill to breathe properly as well as showcase the grandeur of its setting and characters (Maura Lynch Craveys costumes are especially detailed and eye-catching), and a perfect script might trim the various sideline scenes and monologues that dont relate directly to the romantic through line.

But this Cyrano brims with glittering heart and bravado and draws the very best from its seasoned cast members, many of whom play multiple goggle-eyed roles and have their comic timing down to the tick. I laughed out loud a bunch of times.

Still, Cyrano never lets us forget that poetry itself serves as the coin of the realm here and might also even be thought of as the plays main character.

We poets drink directly from the river of our own love, says Cyrano. How better to remind us that poetry can serve as a way to overcome worldly imperfection, as a path we might take to find our uninhibited voices, and as proclamation that love may grace an unattractive face as long as the soul inside is beautiful?
The next Metro Business Live forum will talk about the commercial real estate hot spots mostly in Chesterfield and Powhatan counties as well as elsewhere south of the James River.
The Coastal Cos., a distributor of produce and dairy products and a processor of fruits and vegetables, will expand its regional presence this year by using the former Russell Stover candy warehouse in the Carmel Church Business Park in Caroline County.

The company, based in Laurel, Md., said its Coastal Sunbelt Produce subsidiary will lease the 123,575-square-foot building.

Coastal Sunbelt Produce officials said the company will hire 50 employees over three years, invest approximately $6 million and house its truck fleet serving the facility. Its average salaries will exceed the countys annual average, and it will provide benefits for its full-time employees, they said in a statement.

The Coastal Cos. operates a 330,000-square-foot facility located between Baltimore and Washington. The Caroline distribution center will be its second operational facility.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our second distribution center and we are excited to be partnering with Caroline County, John Corso, the companys president and CEO, said in a statement.
Termen extins: CJI anunta un concurs de grant pentru selectarea unei echipe care va crea un instrument sau instrumente ce vor fi utilizate la lectiile de Educatie pentru media
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The personal exemption and various deductions also were eliminated in the federal tax overhaul.

Potentially one of the most impactful changes is a new cap on deductions for state and local taxes. The new cap is $10,000.

The limitation of state and local tax deductions to $10,000 is having an impact on peoples decisions about whether they can or cannot itemize, Thomson said.

The standard deduction for married couples has increased from $12,000 to $24,000.

A lot of people would look at their deductions and say, I may still be able to itemize, he said. However, when you begin peeling out things like the limits on state and local tax deductions, people may see the standard deduction as favorable.

Joyce said he has at least one client who is going to be hit hard by the new cap on deductions for state and local taxes.

Overall, though, what we have found is despite the loss of those deductions, most people are going to come out slightly ahead, Joyce said. The reason is the tax rates are a little bit lower, but more importantly, the tax brackets were elongated, so you are going to get more money taxed in lower brackets.
School closings in and around Richland and Crawford Counties can be seen here. To view closings and delays in Ashland, visit ashlandsource.com, and if interested in closings and delays in Knox County, visit knoxpages.com.
It is a busy time in the Ohio Senate. The 133rd General Assembly is underway, with new bills being introduced and new legislative committees beginning their work.

I recently joined my colleagues to announce the Senates legislative priorities. We discussed the issues that matter most to Ohioans. We set out a vision for accomplishing our goals, and then we immediately got to work. Members of the Senate introduced dozens of bills, including priority legislation that focuses on the challenges we face together as Ohioans.

The Senate is focused on several significant, overriding themes as we begin our work. These include improving the economy, preserving Lake Erie and Ohios waterways, reforming our criminal justice system, protecting Ohioans from harm and abuse, and investing in our education system.

First, we believe it is paramount that Ohioans be able to find well-paying jobs. We have made significant progress during my time in the Senate, improving the business climate by lowering taxes and getting rid of unnecessary red tape and regulation. During that span Ohio employers have added more than 560,000 new jobs. In 2019 we will build on that progress, as Senate Bill 1 will cut government red tape by 30 percent over three years. We have also introduced bills to incentivize investments in Ohio Opportunity Zones (Senate Bill 8) and allow military members and their spouses greater flexibility with state licensing when moving to Ohio (Senate Bill 7).

Next, for the third straight legislative cycle, we are focused on protecting Lake Erie and our waterways. Senate Bill 2 will help accomplish that goal, as we establish a statewide planning structure for watershed programs to be implemented by local soil and water conservation districts. We are working with agricultural communities and others to find solutions that help protect and preserve our most important natural resource.

It is undeniable that the opioid epidemic is one of the most significant problems facing Ohio today. In the last legislative cycle, we raised penalties for drug traffickers, while increasing funding for drug addiction treatment and related social services. This year, we are tackling this problem from another angle, by proposing major criminal justice reforms. Senate Bill 3 will take a smart on crime approach that emphasizes rehabilitation and moves non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of incarcerating them in state prisons. This approach will offer many people a second chance. Equally important, it will reduce recidivism ratesmeaning our communities will be safer.

Finally, the Senate will work to improve our states education system. The budget process will involve substantial work on our school funding formula, as we seek to ensure that schools have the resources they need to provide a quality education to all students. This year, Senate Bill 4 will also increase our investment in school facilities by providing an additional $100 million for renovation or construction of school buildings across Ohio. Priority will be given to the lowest-wealth schools and those with exceptional needs.

I encourage everyone to be engaged in the legislative process as we work on these important issues. The Senate works for you, and we should be accessible to the people we represent. That is why I kicked off the last legislative cycle by expanding television coverage of the Senates work to include several important committees. The committees working on issues like the state budget, education, and health care policy can now be viewed on OhioSenate.gov, on the Ohio Channel online at OhioChannel.org, and on local public access broadcast stations.

As we begin the 133rd General Assembly, the Senate is focused on moving Ohio forward. My colleagues and I welcome your feedback. If you have any ideas about how to improve our great state, please give me a call. The best ideas dont come from government and they dont come from politicians  they come from you, from We the People.

You can reach me at obhof@ohiosenate.gov or by calling me at 614-466-7505. You may also reach me by mail at State Senator Larry Obhof, 1 Capitol Square, 2nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
MANSFIELD -- Three local advertising agencies have teamed up to hold a two-hour workshop for local business owners at downtown Mansfield's co-working facility.

Source Brand Solutions, Vinyl Marketing, and Graziani Multimedia have organized Stories that Sell, a Content Marketing Workshop that will kick off at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22 inside Idea Works, 40 W. 4th St.

"This happens to be the time of year when many companies are still planning and beginning to execute on their growth strategies and tactics," said Source Brand Solutions director, Jack Windsor. "So to me, the most powerful way to help someone is to give them an experience, and this workshop is designed to do just that."

The workshop will explore techniques to create effective marketing content and help business owners learn to tell stories about businesses in effective ways.

"The way it's set up, everyone will spend a good portion of the time thinking about who they are, who their customers are and why they deserve to do business together," Windsor said.

In his job, he often hears that digital advertising is confusing, and that it doesn't work. The first is true, he said, but the second isn't.

"Marketing and advertising can be a money pit, but done the right way, it can be the engine that drives growth within your organization," Windsor said.

"The stories we tell ultimately become our reality, and there are frameworks and methodologies and digital platforms to help you to hone your story, to make it compelling and to reach people who you want to do business with."

Last year, Idea Works hosted a workshop, called Donuts & Digital Marketing workshop, but this year's event, Windsor explained, will be even more "laser-focused" on what businesses' immediate needs.

Attendees should leave with connections to industry leaders and practical, actionable tools and techniques that can be implemented immediately.

"We want to help companies eliminate the guess work to accelerate," Windsor said. "People have the ability to generate more influence for their company or their cause than they've ever had in the history of the world, but it's really confusing. And so, we are absolutely committed to helping our customers succeed because we recognize that when businesses are successful, communities are better and we have solutions that can help businesses be successful and this is one of them."

Cost is $25 per person. To register, click here. Registration is required, and seating is limited.
U.S. senator Bob Menendez says the new Russia sanctions bill that he is cosponsoring will not affect the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany underneath the Baltic Sea.



The bipartisan bill that would impose drastic new sanctions on Russia over its meddling in U.S. elections and aggression against Ukraine is the latest congressional effort to push U.S. President Donald Trump to ratchet up Washington's response to Moscow.



It was introduced on February 13 by Democrat Menendez and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, as well as other members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez is the top Democrat on the Committee.



Menendez told a media briefing in Brussels on February 18 that there's no specific provision here on Nord Stream 2, let me start off with that, in terms of the sanctions that we have envisioned, and we seek to have a close collaboration with Europe on perfecting sanctions that can hit our ultimate target which is Russia for its violation of international law.



Nord Stream 2, scheduled to be completed in 2019, will run directly from Russia, under the Baltic Sea, into Germany, bypassing several European transit countries, helping Moscow avoid the transit fee disputes and other nettlesome politics that have plagued its existing pipeline network.



Some European leaders fear that without legal changes, the pipeline will deepen the continents dependence on Russian gas, and give Moscow more negotiating leverage over unrelated political issues.



Menendez said that our friends in Europe have to think about their security and the balancing of their security with economic issues that they often face with Russia, including the question of energy. That's why working with Europe to diversify their energy sources, I think it is incredibly important, so that they're not dependent upon [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Russia.



The bill cosponsored by Menendez is a tougher version of legislation he and Graham backed last year but which failed to pass.



It includes sanctions that would target Russian banks that support efforts to interfere in foreign elections as well as individuals deemed to "facilitate illicit and corrupt activities, directly or indirectly, on behalf of Putin."



It also envisages strict measures against Russia's oil and gas sector, including imposing sanctions against people who provide goods, services, or financing to support the development of crude oil in the country.



A similar bill, also backed by Menendez, was voted down in the Senate last year, but he believes the new package has a bigger chance of passing either as a whole or as amendments to other legislation, in the face of growing bipartisan anger over Moscow's interference in other countries' affairs.



Trump would have to sign the bill before it became law.



I think there is a growing sentiment in the Congress, having seen what Russia has continued to do, including most recently in the Kerch Strait, as being a continual violation of the international rules, Menendez said.



In 2017, Congress passed a sanctions law known as CAATSA, with strong support from both Democrats and Republicans who overruled Trump's reluctance to impose punitive measures on Moscow.

With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak in Brussels
For years, Irans morality police have harassed women who dont fully respect legislation requiring women to cover their hair and body in public, known as hijab laws.



Women deemed insufficiently veiled routinely get warned, detained, and sometimes fined or sentenced to jail terms.



In some of those cases, police resort to verbal and physical violence.



But on February 15, after such a vice squad in Tehrans Narmak neighborhood detained two young women, angry Iranians attacked their police van until they were forced to release the two suspects. One of the vehicle's doors was said to have been ripped off its hinges by the crowd.

First reported on social media and later confirmed by authorities, the incident appeared to highlight public frustration with the morality police, whose officers patrol city streets to enforce strict precepts including the hijab, which became compulsory after the 1979 revolution.



Many users on social media praised those who helped release the young women, although there were also warnings against the use of violence.



"The people stood behind the girls," tweeted Maryam Abdi, adding that people need to band together to combat hijab laws.



Another Twitter, user, Assal Banoo, said, "Bravo to all those who were not indifferent and ripped off the door of the morality police. If in the past 40 years we had stood with each other in this way, our situation would have been much better."





Meanwhile, Marzieh S. suggested that direct action -- in this case, damaging the police van -- might have been the only realistic option in a situation where dialogue was impossible.



Civil disobedience is for when it is possible to have a dialogue. Can you have a reasonable talk with the officers? she tweeted.



A widely shared video appeared to show a white van surrounded by a crowd. A woman is heard saying, "People are showing their protest by honking their horns."

A man is heard shouting, "Let her go!"



Then several shots can be heard.



The same woman says, "People defended two hijabless women. They fired shots in the air."



An unnamed police official was quoted by IRNA news agency on February 16 as saying that police on the scene had been forced to fire shots into the air to disperse the crowd, which had "disrupted" police work.



"Morality patrol police members had warned two young women who did not have proper hijab. Within a few minutes, a group of citizens gathered around to prevent the transfer of the two women [into custody]," the police official said.



He said the crowd had ripped off one of the van's doors.



"When the two women left the car, the crowd also dispersed, and the issue was over," the official said.



Over the past four decades, tens of thousands of women have been harassed and detained for not fully respecting the hijab rule.



Iranians have pushed the boundaries by wearing makeup or donning smaller scarves that reveal their hair, or by wearing shorter coats.



Over the past 15 months or so, dozens of women have removed their head scarves in public to protest the dress code, which is regarded by some as a key element of the Islamic establishment's efforts to control and discriminate against women. The hijab is seen as one of the pillars of the Islamic republic and is among its most visible symbols.



The popular news site Asr-e Iran has suggested it is time for Iran to reconsider the existence of the morality police. The site warned that the incident in Narmak could happen again and result in "bigger problems than a few hair strands or clothing of women" for the clerical establishment.



"People who are angry and tired of economic problems could take out their anger on the morality police, not because of the hijab but because of livelihood pressures," Asr-e Iran said.
The independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta says one of its correspondents and a human rights activist have been detained at an airport in Amsterdam.



In February 18 report, the Moscow-based paper says that its correspondent Yelena Milashina and Milana Bakhayeva of the respected Memorial human rights center planned to meet with human rights activists dealing with the Syria crisis, but were detained upon their arrival at Schiphol airport.



According to the newspaper, airport police refused to identify themselves and did not explain why the two women were detained. Milashina's mobile phone was confiscated, the newspaper says.



Milashina wrote on Facebook later that she and Bakhayeva were released and a police officer reluctantly apologized and returned the two women's passports and Milashina's mobile phone.



It remains unclear why the women were detained. Milashina suggested on her Facebook account that Bakhayeva's Chechen ethnicity must have been a reason.



Novaya Gazeta -- which has seen five of its reporters killed since 2000 for what human rights defenders say was their professional activities -- is one of Russia's leading independent newspapers, known for its unbiased reports and noted investigative journalists.

Based on reporting by Novaya Gazeta
The Russian prosecutors office has begun an investigation into accusations of illegal whaling. Activists claim 87 belugas and 11 killer whales, which are being held near Nakhodka in Russias Far East, have been captured for sale to aquariums in China rather than for legal scientific purposes.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov says the Kremlin is following the situation involving the detention of a prominent American investment-fund manager who is accused of large-scale fraud in Russia.

Talking to reporters in Moscow on February 18, Peskov said the arrest of Michael Calvey, the head of the of Baring Vostok investment company, has nothing to do with a deterioration in Russian-U.S relations.

"The state of Russia's ties with other countries has no impact whatsoever on the business activities of foreign investors here," Peskov said, adding that Russia has always been interested in creating "comfortable conditions for foreign investments."

Peskov also said that Calvey has been known in Russia as "a firm and serious investor in our economy," who "has always supported the idea of the Russian market's attractiveness."

Peskov also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had met Calvey many times at business forums and other gatherings in Russia in the past but that Calvey's detention was beyond Putin's competence.

On February 16, a court in Moscow remanded Calvey in custody until April 13 pending trial.

Calvey was detained in Moscow on February 14 along with three other Baring Vostok employees, former Vostochny Bank director Aleksei Kordichev, and Maksim Vladimirov, the head of the PKB debt-collection agency. All six defendants have now been remanded in custody.

Calvey denies any wrongdoing.

Russia's Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs Rights Boris Titov expressed concerns over Calvey's pretrial arrest.



"The case of Baring Vostok stems purely from a corporative differences and therefore the court's decision to choose incarceration as a way of pretrial restriction for Calvey is obviously illegal," Titov said, adding that in such cases a pretrial restitution may be house arrest, bail, or order not to leave the city.



Titov also said that he had received an appeal from Baring Vostok and is "starting to get acquainted with the case in details."

Founded in 1994, Baring Vostok is one of the largest private-equity firms in Russia and the former Soviet Union, according to the firm's website. It manages more than $3.7 billion in assets. It is particularly active in the technology sector and owns a stake in the Yandex search engine.

Before founding Baring Vostok, Calvey worked for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as for Salomon Brothers.

He is a member of the board of directors of the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, D.C.

Based on reporting by Reuters, TASS, and Interfax
Pakistan has conferred its highest civilian honor on the Saudi crown prince after he signed investment deals worth $20 billion the previous day on the first stop of an Asian tour that will also include visits to neighboring India and China.

President Arif Alvi awarded Muhammad bin Salman the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan) during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Islamabad on February 18.

The crown prince's next stop will be India, Islamabad's archrival, and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on February 18 that Riyadh would take steps to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from New Delhi for consultations amid growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said on February 18.

Pakistan is facing a balance-of-payments crisis and hopes the deals closed over the crown prince's two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will stimulate its flagging economy.

The crown prince said at the February 17 signing ceremony in Islamabad that the $20 billion figure "will grow every month and every year."

"Saudi Arabia has always been a friend of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a friend in need," said Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said on Twitter that the crown prince had "ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners."



However, Saudi Arabia has yet to comment on the Pakistani announcement of a prisoner release.



The situation of thousands of Pakistanis held in jails across the Middle East is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where there is a perception that the prisoners are mostly poor laborers who have no real legal recourse.

Most of the deals signed in Islamabad focused on energy projects, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the port city of Gwadar.

Memorandums of understanding were also inked for investments in minerals and agriculture, Khan said.

Pakistan enjoys close ties with oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has in recent months helped the Pakistani economy in propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign-exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Khan was one of the few foreign leaders to attend an international investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October that was largely boycotted after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic of bin Salman, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, but now claims the journalist was killed in an unauthorized operation.

After Pakistan, bin Salman will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on February 21 and 22.

His tour comes amid high tensions in South Asia, with India accusing Pakistan of having a hand in a recent suicide attack that killed at least 41 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. Islamabad denies involvement.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, Dawn, and Al-Arabiya
BRUSSELS -- Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius has said that EU sanctions in response to Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine are sometimes too little, sometimes too late.



Linkevicius was speaking on February 18 in an interview with RFE/RL in Brussels, where the EU foreign ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine.



The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its seizure of Ukraine's Crimea region in March 2014 and its support for separatists in a conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.



The measures, which mainly target the Russian banking and energy sectors, have since been extended every six months.



And last week, EU diplomats agreed to slap asset freezes and visa bans on eight Russians involved in the capture and detention of 24 Ukrainian seamen during an incident near the Kerch Strait connecting the Black Sea with the Azov Sea in November.

These sanctions are expected to be rubber-stamped later this month.



Linkevicius welcomed the decision but said: I would like to react to it more quickly, you know, because the incident was at the end of November.



We would be more efficient if we take measures quickly, promptly, and strongly, the Lithuanian minister also said. So sometimes it's not quickly and sometimes even not very strong.



Several EU member states, including Lithuania, pushed to quickly adopt the sanctions following the incident near the Kerch Strait, but RFE/RL sources at the time said that France, Germany, and Italy were opposed to such a move.



Linkevicius said that it was important to react, even late, because "the other option would be no reaction. I believe it's not the option."



Let's take what it is realistic to be achieved, and I hope we'll continue in this consensus manner and continue assessing the situation in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine.
Facebook has blocked a popular page run by Russias state-funded RT television channel, saying it was part of ongoing efforts to improve its transparency program.

RTs editor in chief Margarita Simonyan said on February 18 that Facebook had blocked a page related to her TV channel's project in English called In the Now immediately after CNN reported that the project had been sponsored by the Kremlin.

Simonyan said on her Telegram social-network account that the project In the Now was "wildly popular," with "2.5 billion views and 4 million subscribers on Facebook alone."

"We didn't violate any Facebook rules," she also said.

Facebook's rules do not yet require people behind pages to say who they are.

However, a spokesperson said that the U.S-based social media giant was doing a phased roll-out of an update for pages with large audiences to provide information on where the pages are run from.

"We'll be reaching out to administators of these Pages to ask that they disclose this additional information and their affiliation with their parent company to get back on the platform," the statement said.



"People connecting with Pages shouldn't be misled about who's behind them, it also said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that RT "must receive an explanation from Facebook regarding what exactly was the reason" for the page being blocked.



Unfriendly countries have been using large companies that provide services in the social-media sector and other platforms to put pressure on the Russian media," Peskov also said, adding that "RT will be able to protect its rights" and "the issue will be solved."

RT has been accused by U.S. intelligence agencies of being used by the Kremlin to interfere in the 2016 presidential election.



That charge led to an order from the U.S. Justice Department in September 2017 for RT to register its U.S. operator as a "foreign agent." The allegations also prompted Twitter to ban advertising from RT and Sputnik, a state-run news agency and website.



RT, formerly known as Russia Today, broadcasts in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.



Russia Today was set up in the mid-2000s to counter what Russian President Vladimir Putin saw as the dominance of U.S. and British media organizations, which he says have a pro-Western bias.



The channel is seen by analysts as giving a platform to conspiracy theorists as well as far-right or antiestablishment figures who attack what they portray as Western hypocrisy and corruption.

Based on reporting by Interfax, TASS, AFP, and CNN
Iran says it has arrested six people suspected of involvement in last weeks deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in the southern province of Sistan-Baluchistan.



The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said on February 18 that it had arrested three terrorists in safe houses in the cities of Saravan and Khash.



Sistan-Baluchistan Provinces public prosecutor Ali Movahedi said that three other people accused of being involved in the February 13 suicide bombing that killed 27 IRGC members were arrested, according to the semiofficial Fars news agency.



The IRGC said that 150 kilograms of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated in the raids in Saravan and Khash.



Those arrested had "produced, guided, and supported" the vehicle used in the attack, the Guards said.



In the attack, one of the deadliest on Iranian security forces in years, a suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus that was transporting IRGC troops.



A militant Sunni Muslim separatist group called Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed responsibility for the attack.



Sistan-Baluchistan is a volatile area near Iran's borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan where militant groups and drug smugglers frequently operate.



The province is populated mainly by Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchis.



On February 17, Iran's parliament speaker Ali Larijani said that the bombing was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan, as Irans Foreign Ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador to protest about the attack.

"We hope the Pakistani government can and wants to prevent such things from happening again," ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told reporters on February 18.



Islamabad has condemned the attack and vowed to cooperate.



Iran has provided Pakistani officials with "information on the terrorist groups' hidden and semi-hidden training centers," Iranian army Chief Of Staff Mohammad Bagheri told the Tasnim news agency.



In a phone call with Pakistani army commanders, Bagheri asked them to "either confront the groups or allow [Iranian] forces to enter."



Iran has repeatedly said that militant groups operate from safe havens in Pakistan and called on the neighboring country to crack down on them.

With reporting by Fars, PressTV, Reuters, and AFP
Pakistan has recalled its ambassador from New Delhi for consultations amid growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said on February 18.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter.

The move comes after dozens of Indian paramilitary troops and army soldiers were killed in two recent separate incidents.

In the latest occurrence, at least four Indian soldiers, including a top officer, a police official, one civilian, and three suspected militants were killed early on February 18 in a gunfight with rebels in Indian-administered Kashmir, just days after a suicide bomb attack that killed at least 41 paramilitary officers in the disputed territory.



Local officials said the battle occurred early on February 18 in Pinglan area of Pulwama and that another solider was also critically injured in the shoot-out.



Indian media reported that the gunfight broke out when the local branch of the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) fired on security forces.



They said a search was under way to track the militants, but the fate of the attackers was not immediately known.

The Pulwama area is the district where a suicide bomber killed at least 41 Indian paramilitary police officers in Kashmir on February 14 in the deadliest attack in decades on security forces in the region and sparking outrage across India.



The JeM claimed responsibility for the attack on a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force on Jammu and Kashmir's main highway, local news reports said.



India Today television said security forces believe the latest attackers might have links to the February 14 bombing.



Tensions rose sharply with neighboring Pakistan following the suicide bombing.



New Delhi demanded that Pakistan "stop supporting terrorists and terror groups" who use Pakistan as a base and "dismantle the infrastructure operated by terrorist outfits to launch attacks in other countries."



Pakistan said the suicide bombing was of "grave concern," but it denied having any involvement in the deadly attack.



India has long accused Pakistan of supporting militants in Muslim-majority Kashmir, a Himalayan territory divided between the two nuclear archrivals but claimed in full by both since independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and India Today
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun a hearing over the fate of an Indian citizen sentenced to death in Pakistan.



Deepak Mittal, joint secretary at India's External Affairs Ministry, told the court in The Hague on February 18 that the proceedings against former naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav were based on a "farcical case" and "malicious propaganda."



A lawyer representing India, Harish Salve, told the judges that Jadhav's trial should be declared unlawful because it "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process."



Pakistan, which is due to respond on February 19, has previously rejected such allegations.



The hearing is due to last four days, but no date was set for the verdict.



Pakistani authorities say Jadhav, now 48, was arrested in March 2016 in the southwestern province of Balochistan, which has been plagued by sectarian violence, Islamist militant attacks, and a separatist insurgency that has led to thousands of casualties since 2004.



A military court in Pakistan sentenced the man to death in April 2017 on charges of espionage.



New Delhi maintains Jadhav is innocent, and it won an injunction from the ICJ to stay Jadhav's execution, arguing he was denied diplomatic assistance during his trial.



The ICJ hearing comes amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan after dozens of Indian paramilitary troops and army soldiers were recently killed in the disputed Kashmir region.

Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
The former warden of an infamous prison in the Russian city of Yaroslavl, some 250 kilometers northeast of Moscow, has been arrested in high-profile torture probes, a human rights group says.



According to a February 18 statement by the Public Verdict NGO, Dmitry Nikolayev, a former warden of the Corrective Colony No. 1 in Yaroslavl, was detained by the officers of the Investigative Committee in torture cases in several penitentiaries in the city.

Several former and current inmates are regarded as victims in the investigations, the rights group says.



The probes were launched after Public Verdict in July made public a 2017 video via the Novaya Gazeta newspaper which showed at least 17 guards beating an inmate who lies on a table in colony No. 1 in Yaroslavl.

The video caused a public outcry. Russian law enforcement authorities arrested at least 12 guards at that prison and announced that prior complaints by inmates across Russia would be investigated.



Another probe was launched in November into the alleged torture of 25 inmates in a second prison in the Yaroslavl region.

The cases have brought into the spotlight what activists say is the widespread abuse and torture of Russian prison inmates.



Valery Maksimenko, deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN), said in November that the country needs more prisons to hold police officers, prison guards, and other law enforcement agents who have been convicted of crimes.

In Russia and some other former Soviet republics, convicted former law enforcement officers, prison guards, and prosecutors serve their terms in detention facilities that are separate from the regular prisons.
A new Crimean history textbook will be withdrawn after harsh criticism by human rights activists and Crimean Tatars, who said the book incites ethnic hatred by giving false information on an alleged collaboration between the indigenous, mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking ethnic group and the Nazis as well as on their deportation to Central Asia in 1944.



Ruslan Balbek, a member of the Russian parliaments lower chamber, the State Duma, told the RIA Novosti news agency on February 18 that the copies of the 10th-grade history textbook will be withdrawn from libraries and bookshops across the Russia-annexed Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula.



Balbek said earlier that the textbook contained erroneous allegations of mass collaboration between the Crimean Tatars and the Nazi occupiers during World War II.



The Kremlin-controlled Council of the Crimean Tatars had condemned the textbook earlier, saying it tries to justify the ethnic group's mass deportation by the Soviets.



The textbook was scheduled to be added to the curriculum in Crimea as of September.



The Crimean Human Rights Group condemned the publication, saying it incited ethnic hatred towards Crimean Tatars.



Iryna Sedova, a historian with the group, said the textbook "must be immediately withdrawn from schools in Crimea for promoting hate speech."



Valentyna Potapova, the head of the Almenda Civil Education Center in Crimea, issued a statement calling for the immediate withdrawal of the textbook from schools because "it will sow discord among Crimea's residents."



The self-governing body of the Crimean Tatars, which was branded as extremist and banned in Russia in 2016, also condemned the textbook, saying its content carries elements of extremism.



The textbook says that when Crimean Tatars were deported to Central Asia they were provided with decent food, housing, financial support, and land to construct homes, which human rights activists and historians say it is not true.



The Crimean Tatars were deported en masse from their native Crimea in May 1944, after Soviet dictator Josef Stalin accused them of collaborating with Nazi Germany.



Starting on May 18, 1944, some 250,000 people were put on trains and sent to Central Asia. Tens of thousands died during the journey or after they were left on the barren steppe with few resources.



Crimean Tatars were not allowed to return to Crimea until the late 1980s, when Mikhail Gorbachev implemented reforms in the years before the disintegration of the Soviet Union.



In November 2015, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law declaring May 18 the Day of Commemoration of Victims of the Genocide of the Crimean Tatars.

After Russia seized Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised the Crimean Tatars that they would be treated well and guaranteed equal rights.



But Crimean Tatars, rights activists, and Western governments say Russia has subjected Crimean Tatars and others who opposed the annexation to abuse, discrimination, and politically motivated prosecution on false charges.

With reporting by the Crimean Desk of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, RIA Novosti and Kommersant


YEREVAN -- Armenia is abuzz over its plucky national anthem since a prominent politician called for a return to the hymn that played under communism.



Alen Simonian, who was installed as deputy speaker just months after riding an antiestablishment wave into parliament last year, suggested late last month that the current Armenian national anthem, Our Homeland, should be discarded as simply bad.



He said the Soviet-era hymn, by world-famous Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian, should be reinstated because it is "a powerful anthem that meets all the requirements."

The anthem debate has bounced around for years but could take on added symbolism since a bloodless popular revolution last year dislodged an entrenched ruling party and helped recast the Transcaucasus country of nearly 3 million people in many international eyes.



Armenians have variously criticized one or another of the options as pandering to Armenian nationalism, serving as a sop to Moscow, or capitulating to misguided political correctness, among other arguments.



Opponents of a return to Khachaturian's Soviet-era composition have noted that its lyrics -- written by Sarmen, a pseudonym for poet Armenak Sarkisian -- include seemingly outdated lines like "Our wise party of Lenin, is victoriously leading us to Communism!"



Only a handful of national hymns around the world don't include lyrics, although that approach was once adopted -- then dropped -- by another post-Soviet state.



Russia under then-President Boris Yeltsin approved a wordless anthem that proved broadly unpopular until it was replaced once Vladimir Putin became president in 2000 -- reviving the old Soviet anthem with new words.

Worries About Russian Influence

Some critics on social media accused Simonian -- a member of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's My Step Alliance -- of advocating a return to the Soviet-era song to signal allegiance to Moscow amid Russian anxiety that Yerevan may be tilting too far westward.



"How could we not be changing our anthem, if our great Russian brother has changed its anthem?" Facebook user Ann Norikian quipped in response to Simonian's post on the topic. "Follow the Duma's website for more information [about the Armenian national anthem debate]."



Others accused Simonian of grandstanding.



"This is Simonian's individual move to bolster his own nationalist credentials and standing. It is obvious, as others in the government are dismissive [of the idea of changing the anthem]," Richard Giragosian, director of the Yerevan-based Regional Studies Center, told RFE/RL. "Others in government see it as a waste of time, with there being more pressing problems [for Armenia to deal with]."



But at least one minister in Armenia's government, Deputy Diaspora Minister Babken Ter-Grigorian, said he would seek the opinions of ethnic Armenian communities around the world on changing the anthem.



Decorated Armenian musician/composer Ara Gevorgian threw his support behind the idea, saying that Khachaturian's anthem "is a great hymn and we look forward to the decision to restore it."



Appeals to jettison Our Homeland appear based mainly on three arguments: 1) that it is not "Armenian enough" because it is based on a poem which, while authored by Armenian radical intellectual Mikayel Nalbandian, was called The Italian Girl's Song; 2) that it is simplistic musically; and 3) that its lyrics are dour and uninspiring.



"[The old hymn by] Aram Khachaturian, there is no doubt about that...it is inspirational and encouraging," commenter Anna Manukian wrote on Facebook. "The current anthem is pretty dismal and is a symbol of our hopeless struggles. It's time to get away from the status of being a victim."



Others have come to the defense of Our Homeland, which was adopted by the First Republic of Armenia in 1918 ahead of a Red Army invasion in 1920 and the short-lived state's absorption into the Soviet Union.

A key symbol of Armenian nationalism, Our Homeland was banned by Bolshevik officials and became an underground protest song against Soviet rule.



In 1991, newly independent Armenia -- like most of the former Soviet republics -- eagerly restored the hymn as its national anthem.



But Armenian officials also made several key changes to the lyrics from the original text, replacing a description of Armenia as "miserable and abandoned" for "free and independent." It also got rid of the line, "Let Austria be destroyed" -- to Vienna's relief, no doubt.



Armen Ohanian, the president of PEN International's PEN Center, tried to refute point by point the arguments of those supporting a return to the communist-era anthem.



"There is a misconception that the national anthem must be viable and optimistic, without touching upon the theme of death," wrote Ohanian. He suggested they read the lyrics of France's national hymn, La Marseillaise, or the lyrics of the anthems of "the United States, Italy, Argentina, and dozens" of others "where one can find an enemy, blood, and many pathetic calls for martyrdom."



Styopa Safarian, a political analyst and former legislator, threw shade at Our Homeland's detractors and chided Simonian and other politicians for not tackling more pressing issues.



"Is Armenia still a poor country without a high standard of living because we sing a sad and depressing anthem?" he asked. "Does the repatriation [of Armenians who left the country] fail because the anthem is bad? Is the disturbing demographic situation and projections...we have about the mortality rate becoming higher than the birthrate because the word 'death' is found three times in the lyrics of the anthem?"



But Simonian isn't content with merely changing the national anthem. He has also called for a cross to be added to Armenia's tricolor flag in a move reminiscent of what Mikheil Saakashvili did just weeks after coming to power during neighboring Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution.



It is a potentially shrewd move in a country whose ancestors were the first to have adopted Christianity as a state religion, where more than 95 percent of people consider themselves Christian.



Simonian has so far met with less public opposition to that proposal.

Written by Pete Baumgartner based on reporting by Harutyun Mansuryan and RFE/RL Armenian Service correspondents Gayane Saribekian and Siranuysh Gevorgian.
KENT  The focus of this springs book discussion is Nationality and War: four novels in which Asian women write about disturbing and violent national histories. The stories are set before, during, and after WWII. Most of us are probably unfamiliar with the complicated history they recount, but their novels allow readers to grasp the horrors and hopes of several nations, particularly as experienced by women.

Miss Burma is a story that takes place in the territory now called Myanmar, which is much in the news. But the novel presents a history we dont hear about, starting in 1926. White Chrysanthemums is set in Korea, but involves its complicated relationship with Japan. In Pachinko, the author updates the difficult relationship between these two nations. Ratners novel tells a grim story, but the poetic beauty of her writing keeps a reader going, plus the knowledge that the author survived.

For those who want to explore novels that deal with neighboring areas during the same time period, Gail Tsukiyama has two works focused on China: A Hundred Flowers, about the Chinese Revolution, and The Language of Threads, set in Hong Kong before, during, and after WWII. Lynne Kutsukakes The Translation of Love is set in Japan during and immediately after WWII.

This spring the book discussion series at Kent Memorial Library, Nationality and War, will begin in March. The 2019 program schedule: Thursday, March 21: Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig ; Thursday, April 18: White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht; Thursday, May 16: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee ; Thursday, June 13: In The Shadow of the Banyon Tree by Vaddey Ratner.

The Kent Memorial Library Book Discussion Group meets once a month on Thursdays from 5-6:15 p.m. in the Reading Room. The meetings are free and open to the public. The library makes every effort to supply books, but requests that people sign up for the meetings so that they know how many copies to order. Call the library to register at 860.927.3761.

Discussion is conducted by Betty Krasne, PhD, writer, professor emerita, and longtime Kent resident. Betty Krasne, Ph.D., a writer and retired professor of literature who lives in Kent, leads the discussions. Visit kentmemoriallibrary.org for more information.

Nursery school accepting registration

NEW HARTFORD  ,Bakerville Community Nursery School is accepting registration for the 2019-20 school year for both the 3-year-old and 4-year-old pre-school programs. Families who register by March 1 receive a discount.

BCNS, now entering its 53rd year of operation, is a community outreach program of the Bakerville United Methodist Church, 1087 Litchfield Turnpike in New Hartford. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact the school at 860-496-1852 or bcns1967@gmail.com, or visit bakervillecn.weebly.com or on Facebook.

Safety in the Home program offered

KENT  The Kent Memorial Library and the Kent Community Fund will co-sponsor a workshop, Tips for Maintaining Safety in the Home. Presented by the New Milford VNA, participants will learn many things about safe-proofing your home, how to avoid accidents, learn about the benefits of having a Lifeline in your home, and how to maintain safety with Body Mechanics - getting out of bed properly, walking down the stairs safely, getting up from a chair safely and tips on balance and movement, etc.

In the future the New Milford VNA will be presenting clinical/health-related workshops to educate the people of the Kent Community and funded by the Kent Community Fund, Inc. Tips for Maintaining Safety in the Home is the first of many future Kent workshops and we are delighted to use the Reading Room at the Kent Memorial Library, said Patricia Lawrence, Nursing Advisory Committee Chair, Kent Community Fund.

The Senior Center Shuttle will offer service from the Kent Senior Center following lunch on Monday, February 25. The workshop is from 1-2 p.m. in the Reading Room, Kent Memorial Library. This event is free and open to the public. Please register. For more information, call 860-927-3761 or go to kentmemoriallibrary.org.

A second program, Fraud Prevention, providing tools for awareness to protect personal information such as, phone, computer scams and more, will be held at the library on March 25, 1-2 p.m.

The Kent Memorial Library is located at 32 North Main Street, Kent, Connecticut.

Painting club to meet

NEW HARTFORD  Shades of Northwest Hills Decorative Painting Club will meet on Friday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the South End Firehouse on Antolini Road in New Hartford.

Former club member and local painting artist June Seiser will present a technique for creating a wooden look on a 16 x 20 canvas and her original design of a spray of forsythia. Painters should bring their regular painting supplies and small round and flat brushes.

The club will provide the canvas and paints for the project. There is a $5 charge for non-members.

Additional information can be found on the Shades Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shades-of-Northwest-Hills/328349210522724.

For more information contact Lori at 860-583-7540 or lorithib40@yahoo.com.

Goshen church flea market is Saturday

GOSHEN  The St. Thomas Chapel Committees 18th Annual Flea Market will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Shoppers will find more than 50 tables filled with treasures too numerous to mention. Jos famous chili, Terrys hot dogs+ and baked goods will be avaialble for sale

The flea market is held in Donahue Hall, 71 North St. (Rte 63) in Goshen. Snow date is Saturday, March 9. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the historic chapel.
NAUGATUCK  An internal investigation has been launched regarding two videos of a town police lieutenant making racially motivated statements, according to a press release put out Sunday by the Naugatuck Police Department.

The release states that police chief Christopher Edson has found the content of these videos concerning and has initiated an internal affairs investigation to determine if Departmental policies have been violated. Chief Edson reiterates that the message relayed in these videos is in contrast to the values of the Naugatuck Police Department and not representative of the high level of public service the community of Naugatuck expects and deserves.

The videos were obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media Friday afternoon. The subject of both videos is Lt. Bryan Cammarata, the departments public information officer, who also issued a statement on Sunday. Cammarata said the posts, made on his personal Facebook account date as far back as 2017.

He apologized for the videos, which he claimed attempted to use satire to shed a humorous light on the issue of immigration that has been part of our countrys dialogue for the last few years.

In one video, which starts with Cammarata greeting his Facebook friends and family, he talks about having a lot of good luck recently, mentioning how hes been able to get to the front of the line at a walk-in clinic, Department of Motor Vehicles office and a Walmart store, all in the city of Waterbury.

Lately, no matter where I go, right to the front, I walk right to the front of the line, Cammarata says in the video. Im seen, everythings fine. Im in, Im out.

Im getting ready to go in the store now, people, he continued, putting on a hat with ICE written across the front, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And I want to make sure that, you know, you all understand this. I dont know whats going on but its incredible.

The second video begins with Cammarata saying, Today is day without an immigrant or some crap but I gotta tell you, this thing is working out great.

More for you News CT police lieutenant posts racist Facebook videos

The video appears to be referring to Day Without Immigrants, which occurred Feb. 16, 2017, as a protest and boycott against President Donald Trumps stance on immigrants and his plan to build a border wall.

As the video continues, Cammarata said he went to a coffee shop and, spoke English, they understood in English. He goes on to say hes going to make phone calls to businesses and do everything to be able to speak to, and be understood, in English that day.

In the statement issued Sunday, Cammarata conceded that my attempt at humor missed the mark. I have offended folks in the community with my commentary. I am truly sorry for that. As a police officer, father, and community volunteer, I can do better.

According to the police department, Cammarata has been re-assigned from his duties as public information officer, and his other duties are administrative in nature.

In his statement, Cammarata said the thoughts conveyed in the videos are his alone and that he is sorry that the incident is putting the department in a negative light. I apologize to my brothers and sisters on the police force whose integrity and respect should not have been questioned because of my actions.

Cammarata said he needed to earn back the trust and respect of the community.

Our communities are strong because of the diverse views, opinions and cultures of the people who live in them. Naugatuck is a reflection of that diversity ... Broad disparagement of groups of people does not build community strength. My commentary and videos likely weakened the bonds that bring our communities together.

He added that he would commit to working harder for all the people that I serve and I will recognize the dignity of each person that I encounter.
Eleanor Elaine Withrow, 84, of Smoot, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her home, following a short illness. Born April 9, 1937, at Athens, she was the daughter of the late Virgil and Jessie Ball Beckett. Elaine was a wife, mother, and "Granny"; business teacher at Williamsburg High S
February 18, 2019 19:34 IST

Former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey interrogated the JeM chief many a times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau.

The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was an easy man to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first slap from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Azhar, who had used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In the custody, the intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Azhar who started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer had shaken him completely, said former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many a times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then Bharatiya Janata Party government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on the Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on the Central Reserve Police Force in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistans espionage agency Inter-Services Intelligence, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him, he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, he said.

After his arrival into India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar had travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot, the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during questioning sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed description to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with Sada-e-Mujahid, a tabloid published from Karachi, had travelled in 1993 with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries drumming up support for Kashmir cause, he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan, the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in exchange of the 1999 hijacking, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to release him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding out to a new posting to which he wished me good luck.

I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant that we will not be able to keep him for long, he said.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias Latram, in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.
Source:

February 18, 2019 14:35 IST

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Monday said his comment on demanding "plebiscite in Kashmir" was reported out of context by the media.

Kamal's party Makkal Needhi Maiam issued a clarification saying that the party president stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this hour of grief.

In a press statement issued by the Makkal Needhi Maiam dated February 18, the party said, "The Makkal Needhi Maiam strongly condemns the report in English news ehannel, which has completely twisted the words of our party president Mr Kamal Haasan out of context. Our president and our party stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this hour of grief."

Advocating Haasan, the party also said, "It is to show our respect and share the grief that our president spoke to Mr Vijay Kumar, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor and also to the bereaved parents of the martyrs from Tamil Nadu."

It added that the Makkal Needhi Maiam firmly believes that entire Kashmir is an integral part of India and stands firmly with our armed forces, para-military and central police forces who defend it selflessly.

"The references made in the English news channel report were mentioned by our party president in the context of a magazine article published three decades ago about an option that was available at one point in time of history. This is no longer relevant and is in no way an indication of his position or Party's position today," the party said.

At an event in Chennai on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Haasan batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and questioned the government as to what they are "afraid of".

He said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (government) afraid of?"

Referring to Pakistan occupied Kashmir as 'Azad Kashmir', he said: "In Azad Kashmir, they are using jihadis' pictures in trains to portray them as heroes. That is a foolish thing to do. India too behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it is not a correct thing to do. If we want to prove that India is a far better country then we should not behave like this. That is where politics begins, a new political culture begins, he said.

Talking at length about Kashmir and problems plaguing in the region, Haasan said that if India and Pakistan behave well, the Line of Control will be under check.

"Why do soldiers die? Why should those guarding our home (border) die? If both sides (India and Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control." he added.

On being asked about the ghastly Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy in which nearly 40 jawans lost their lives on February 14, the leader said: "When I was running a magazine called 'Maiyam', I wrote on the Kashmir issue and what is expected. Hold plebiscite and make people talk...why have they not conducted it? What are they scared of? They want to divide the nation, that's all. Why don't you ask them again? They won't do it?"
Last updated on: February 18, 2019 12:46 IST

If want to look at the world's most beautiful places, scroll down now.

The winners of the fifth International Landscape Photographer of the Year competition have been announced, with stunning shots documenting everything from magical mountains to glistening lakes and dark, forbidding forests.

There were almost 3,000 entries from photographers around the globe, leaving the judges with a headache to whittle them down.

Adam Gibbs from Canada has been revealed as the 'photographer of the year' (an award based on a folio submission of at least four images) with his hauntingly beautiful shots of woodland scenes around Vancouver Island.

Here's a selection of the photos that caught the judges' eyes.

(Click on the images for full-screen resolution)

A stormy day down at New Haven Harbour in East Sussex with waves smashing over the barriers and spray misting the air. Here, one wave looks like the head of a dragon. Photograph: Edward Hyde/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

A stunning evening sky unfolds over a field of lavender in Valensole, France. Photograph: Peter Lik/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Chung Hu from the US took this atmospheric aerial shot while exploring the area around Fjallsarlon in Iceland. Photograph: Chung Hu/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

A foggy image on the outskirts of Szigliget, which is a small village in the west of Hungary. Photograph: Gabor Dvurnik/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

John Finney from the United Kingdom took this stormy image while travelling between Waynoka and Enid in Oklahoma. Photograph: John Finney/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Thorsten Scheuermann from the US journeyed to the southern states to take this watery shot of tree trunks reflected in a still body of water. Photograph: Thorsten Scheuermann/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

This wave on the south-east coast of Australia is perfectly captured as it crests in this moody photo by Australian photographer Warren Keelan. Photograph: Warren Keelan/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Adam Gibbs from Canada was revealed as the 2018 International Landscape Photographer of the Year, which was awarded based on a folio submission of at least four images. He took the above shot while venturing around Vancouver Island. Photograph: Adam Gibbs/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Its difficult to see where these tree trunks start and where they end in this artistic shot taken in the south east of the US by American photographer Paul Marcellini. This single image landed him the International Landscape Photograph of the Year award. Photograph:Paul Marcellini/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Chris Byrne cast his camera over the otherworldly landscape in Iceland to get this awe-inspiring shot. Photograph: Chris Byrne/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Xiao Zhu from China photographed Mont Fitz Roy in Patagonia looking particularly majestic with a pink-hued sky swirling above. Photograph:Xiao Zhu/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

A ghostly group of frozen trees in Finnish Lapland was captured by Australian photographer Ignacio Palacios. Photograph: Ignacio Palacios/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Peter Svoboda took this image of story winds over the Torres Del Paine. Photograph: Peter Svoboda/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year

Miles Morgan took this image which he titled The Archer. Photograph: Miles Morgan/The International Landscape Photographer of the Year
February 18, 2019 14:21 IST

In a tit-for-tat action, Pakistan on Monday called back its high commissioner from India for "consultations" amid heightened bilateral tensions after the Pulwama terror attack, days after New Delhi asked its envoy in Islamabad to return.

Pakistan's foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said envoy Sohail Mahmood left New Delhi on Monday morning.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," he said on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear as to how many days he will stay in Pakistan.

Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force soldiers in Pulwama.

Indian high commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has already been called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

India has blamed Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group for the Pulwama terror attack on Thursday.

Jaish e Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India has demanded that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday.
Source:

February 18, 2019 10:36 IST

After drawing flak for allegedly posting a selfie with the mortal remains of a slain CRPF soldier, Union minister KJ Alphons alleged that some miscreants circulated his photograph on social media to reduce his reputation.

In a letter written to Kerala's director general of police, the Union minister said that he was attending the last rites of Vasantha Kumar at Wynad on February 16.

"I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on February 16 at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook," Alphons said.

"Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of IPC," he added.

Saying that it was "uncharitable", "unbecoming and illegal" to spread false news regarding a sensitive issue involving a CRPF soldier who laid down his life for the nation, Alphons said appropriate action should be taken against the culprits under the law.

"It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a Union Minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before the law," he urged.

A photo of Alphons standing next to the coffin of a CRPF soldier who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack had gone viral, with many condemning the minister for choosing to click a selfie at the funeral of a jawan.

Wayanad-based Vasantha Kumar was among the 40 CRPF personnel who were killed in Awantipora in an attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at Ladhu Modi Lethpora on February 14.
Punctured Heart Leads to 'Praying As One' Christian Cross Company

Company Designed to Provide Fundraising Income for all Christian Organizations and Missionaries

DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2019 / Christian Newswire / -- Cliff Gardner went into the hospital for a routine heart procedure and instead became the first patient in the history of the heart hospital to have his heart punctured. He came within seven minutes of dying.

"I knew I was saved for a very important purpose. Once I was gifted a "Hold Onto Cross" I knew exactly what my purpose was. It was as though God put his hands on my shoulders and said that he wanted me to use this unique and powerful hand-held prayer cross to help spread Christianity around the world" stated Gardner.

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February 18, 2019 14:23 IST

'Jaish is known for its fidayeen activities.'

'This well trained human resource backed by military-based training makes the JeM an obvious choice over the LeT and HM.'

IMAGE: Jaish e Muhammad terrorist Masood Azhar who is now reported to be seriously ill in a Pakistan hospital.

Jaish e Mohammed founder Masood Azhar is no stranger to India. He travelled to India on a Portuguese passport in the 1990s; he visited Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir where he was arrested by Indian security forces.

While he was lodged in an Indian prison, followers like Omar Ahmed Sheikh kidnapped foreign tourists to unsuccessfully secure Azhar's release.

On December 31, 1999, Azhar, Omar Sheikh and Kashmiri terrorist Mushtaq Zargar were released in exchange for the passengers and crew on Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 which had been hijacked to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Once he was back in Pakistan, Masood Azhar revived terror operations against India, launching an audacious attack on the Jammu and Kashmir assembly in October 2001, followed by the Parliament attack two months later.

After the Jaish was involved in two abortive plots to assassinate then Pakistan military dictator General Pervez Musharraf, Azhar went off the terror radar for 10 years from 2004 to 2014.

Jaish returned to terror's centrestage when it was accused of launching the attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January 2016, which it did not claim responsibility for. Jaish terrorists have thereafter been at the forefront of terror operations against India's security forces in the Kashmir valley.

After a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-filled SUV into a Central Reserve Police Force bus on February 14, 2019, the Jaish not only claimed credit for the horrific crime, it also released a video with the suicide bomber on it.

"The military grade logistic support, which is accessible exclusively to the military, clearly establishes the linkage of the ISI and its unending support to various terror organisations," Ramanand Garge -- associate fellow, Vivekanand International Foundation, who has been tracking Jaish e Mohammed's resurgence in the Kashmir valley -- tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

How did Jaish e Mohammed revive itself post-2014 after lying low for almost a decade?

If you see the systematic terror attacks in India by ISI-backed terror organisations, you will realise that a similar kind of attack was conducted by the Jaish on October 1, 2001, some days after 9/11, where a vehicle was rammed into the J&K assembly in which 39 people were killed and 60 were injured.

Since then, Jaish was prominently active in terror activities in J&K.

After JeM's alleged involvement in the suicide attack on then Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf on Christmas 2003, its activities were curtailed by the ISI.

Lashkar e Tayiba became the ISI's blue-eyed boy, conducting various terror attacks of higher volume like the Mumbai train attack of July 11, 2006 and the 26/11 siege etc.

The world is aware that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Operation Geronimo by the US. This highlighted the duality of Pakistan against terrorism and made them take action against the LeT, as they were listed as a terror organisation in the UN and USA.

The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) has also expressed on a number of occasions its anguish about Pakistan's inability to act against the curtailing of terror funds at home.

The worst security climate of 2007 and 2010 stands testimony to it as thousands of security personnel lost their lives. The number of terrorists neutralised during this duration also is in the thousands.

Since then, there is a rise in stone-pelting incidents recorded. In the recent past, the counter-terror operations were intensified, which has caused heavy casualties to militant organisations like Hizbul Mujahideen and LeT.

This includes prominent commanders of these organisations and their overground network.

That becomes another triggering point where terror handlers (the ISI) looked for another option, and the JeM became the suitable one.

What is the edge that Jaish e Mohammed has over the Lashkar and Hizbul Mujahideen? What expertise does JeM possess which the Lashkar and Hizbul don't?

Jaish is known for its fidayeen activities. This well trained human resource backed by military-based training makes the JeM an obvious choice over the LeT and HM.

LeT is known for big impact attacks like the Mumbai siege and gun battles.

What does the JeM do to condition the minds of youngsters to take up such dastardly attacks? What do they preach or, rather, how do they indoctrinate a 20 year old into giving up his life rather than thinking of living?

Ideology plays a crucial role in any terror organisation, which is equally important as monetary and logistic support.

In this regard, the rising trend of radicalisation in the valley is a matter of concern which triggers a rising number of local militants in the valley and their support system.

The local phenomenon is a major security concern emerging in the recent past.

And what about the Jaish's finances, how do they get funds?

Informal means of mechanism are prominently used by various terror groups. The recent crackdown by the NIA (National Investigation Agency in regard to terror funding cases is testimony to it.

In such informal methods it becomes challenging for agencies to identify the finance trail and take apt action to curtail it.

Do you feel Burhan Wani's death led to JeM's revival in J&K?

Burhan's encounter is considered one of the major incidents which triggered violence in the valley.

Is it true that Masood Azhar's nephew Talha Rashid was killed by our security forces and therefore Jaish extracted revenge with the attack on the CRPF convoy?

Various relatives of Masood Azhar who were facilitating terror activities in the valley were neutralised by the security forces recently.

The revenge of these terrorists intensifies the ultimate cause of terror against the State of India. This highlights the growing capabilities of JeM in J&K.

The military grade logistic support, which is accessible exclusively to the military, clearly establishes the linkage of the ISI and its unending support to various terror organisations.

A vehicle moving around with a huge cache of explosives went unnoticed -- can it be attributed to an intelligence failure?

It is challenging for intelligence agencies of any country to achieve zero mistake success. Certain incidents cannot be considered as a failure as such, and assist security forces to effectively deal with the threat profile of India.
Last updated on: February 18, 2019 16:04 IST

'A conventional war is not in fashion today and not seen as being able to deliver the objective.'

'Perhaps surgical strikes that are deeper, this time not on Pakistan's terrorist facilities, but on Pakistan army facilities.'

'The nation has to be prepared for losses.'

'War is not something that can be pussyfooted around.'

'If we go for limited number of posts in Kashmir, these are very difficult posts to capture and very difficult operations.'

'Be prepared for 200 to 300 killed.'

IMAGE: IAF aircraft strike a target during Operation Vayu Shakti, February 16, 2019.

Few people understand the unrest in the Kashmir valley and its intersection with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism as Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) does.

As commander of the XV Corps based in Srinagar, General Hasnain conceived the 'Hearts Doctrine' in Kashmir. The general has been hailed for 'the balance he brought between the employment of hard power in counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations and military soft power.'

"If Kashmiri students are going to be threatened in universities and cars of Kashmiris are being burnt in Jammu, that is not going to help us with what we wish to do across the border. Then, what is going to happen is that unlike 1965 and 1971 when the Kashmiri population was with the army and you did not have to look over your shoulder for the security of your convoys and garrisons, this time the army will feel more threatened in Kashmir on internal security -- the army will be looking rearward half the time!" General Hasnain tells Rediff.com's Archana Masih in the aftermath of the Pulawama attack on February 14, 2019.

What are the options that India can exercise against Pakistan?

There are both soft and hard options.

Soft options are in the diplomatic realm, both political and economic.

The government has already got its diplomatic machinery into action. Reactions like what came from US National Security Adviser John Bolton have been very positive.

It is important to have ongoing diplomatic pressure. We are very good at one time diplomatic pressure. We have embassies in the important capitals of the world, but our political presence is not felt internationally in the way it should.

I am going to London to speak at IISS (the International Institute for Strategic Studies) on Kashmir. For the first time in 5 years they are having a session on Kashmir.

You find the Pakistani presence and point of view in every other think-tank in London. The Pakistan political community, many of whom are citizens of the UK, are in overdrive to cultivate Kashmir into the minds of the British. This is something we never do.

There are important think-tanks in the USA, but where is the Indian voice there? I feel our diplomacy is concentrated towards only one time diplomacy when what is needed is ongoing diplomacy.

Economic: We have taken baby steps by withdrawing MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status. There is some threat emanating on the Indus Water Treaty. But we are hardly in a position to control the waters of the Indus.

It is difficult because we have to have the capability to divert, absorb etc. But it provides a good psychological leverage that India can look at choking the water supply.

And what are the hard military options?

It is very important to first set your house in order. In the army we have a system that if you go on an offensive the base from where you are launching your offensive has to be very strong.

There has to be political consensus and it is good to see temporary political consensus. We have to demonstrate a progressive political consensus on Kashmir and on national security.

Even more important is to demonstrate political consensus in J&K.

If Kashmiri students are going to be threatened in universities and cars of Kashmiris are being burnt in Jammu, that is not going to help us with what we wish to do across the border.

Then, what is going to happen is that unlike 1965 and 1971 when the Kashmiri population was with the army and you did not have to look over your shoulder for the security of your convoys and garrisons, this time the army will feel more threatened in Kashmir on internal security -- the army will be looking rearward half the time!

This aspect has to be strengthened first before the other military options.

What is the level of the military offensive that can be launched?

It can be from low to high end.

High end military option is all out war. I don't think we are looking at an Op Parakram situation, we are not looking at a general mobilisation of our strike corps.

In today's time, the world will not support it. A conventional war is not in fashion today and not seen as being able to deliver the objective.

Then what kind of military action can deliver the objective?

A slightly lower end military action like special operations.

Surgical strikes that are deeper, this time not on Pakistan's terrorist facilities, but perhaps on Pakistan army facilities.

If we hit Pak army bases along the Line of Control and capture 4/5 major posts dominating certain areas, Pakistan won't be able to deny it and be forced to respond.

What would be the scale of Pakistan's retaliation to such a strike?

A response restricted to J&K is manageable.

Pakistan will never use tactical nuclear weapons inside Kashmir because that will go against the idea of support to Kashmiris.

That is a place where the Pak response options are comparatively limited. They don't have enough troops for that.

We have a strong presence inside J&K. With our resources in J&K and with some additional resources we can go for selected punitive actions against certain posts and pickets which we should capture and integrate into our side of the Line of Control system.

What are the chances of this spreading to neighbouring Indian areas to the west?

We should be prepared for it spreading into the plains and the International Border, but I doubt that Pakistan would wish to do that because that is to their disadvantage.

We have to keep in mind the threat from China. It will make noises, but not do more than that. It will play out psychological and cyber warfare in a very big way.

What about an air borne offensive?

It doesn't have to be general air strikes against air fields etc, but across specific targets.

Pakistan will respond if India launches air strikes.

A lot is being discussed in the media about Bahawalpur (where the Jaish e Mohammed headquarters are based) and Muridke (where the Lashkar e Tayiba headquarters are based), these are the objectives one must look at.

A limited offensive will also result in losses for the Indian side.

The nation has to be prepared for losses. War is not something that can be pussyfooted around.

If we go for limited number of posts in Kashmir, these are very difficult posts to capture and very difficult operations.

Be prepared for 200 to 300 killed.

That is where the government has to ensure that it works on the system and prepares the people for it.

Air strikes escalate the offensive and are responded to by hard force. Does not this have the potential to result in a full scale war?

An all out war is classified as a non thinking war. It means putting all your military, economic, maritime resources.

Be prepared for everything, but start small and do it smartly.

Use diplomatic initiative, think of going to the extent of threatening Pakistan that we will starve you of the water of the Indus.

What are our capabilities for conducting covert operations?

No one can be certain of what India's covert capabilities are.

If it is covert, then it will have to be something deeper, looking for specific leaders and institutions etc.

That is an option, but I don't know if we have the capability to execute it.

How can the vilification of Kashmiris be curbed in these emotionally surcharged times?

Political consensus must emerge about sending appropriate messages. Unless cadres of the party down below are controlled and unless they are looking at consensus, there can really be no consensus.

These are primarily right wing groups. The university authorities are quiet, they don't have security, the police is not doing much.

They should have anticipated the trouble in Jammu, but the administration was not prepared.

Kashmiris have a great memory and they remind you of all this.

Indoctrination and defeating an ideology is a task that takes a number of years, how can the Kashmir youth be de-radicalised?

One of the experiments that has not been tried is the proactive role in bringing in the clergy.

Start small, in 2 or 3 villages. Bring well considered, respected elders from the clergy to speak messages of peace and the right virtues of Islam.

King Abdullah of Jordon has done this in Amman. He got Muslim scholars from all over the world and did the Amman message. Every sect of Islam was represented. Google it, it is a beautiful message.

Why can't we experiment with this? When he came here last year, there were 500 members of the Muslim clergy who attended the function at Vigyan Bhavan and he spoke the same message that day.

If you can get 500 clergy all together for a function like this, can't you get 50 to listen to the PM, the home minister?

Pay them money to come, win them over. Tell them it is your job primarily to preach the correct virtues of Islam to the wayward.

You have to create the grounds for it.

Alienation is 100% worse now than 2010-2012. The worst contributor to this is social media.

What kind of equipment is required for a short offensive?

An air attack does not require many aircraft. Four aircraft can be deployed for bombing. It may not result in killings, but will destroy facilities which has great messaging.

Simultaneously, doing 1 or 2 raids on Pakistani posts across the LoC at 2 or 3 major company level posts attacked by a brigade strength or so.

This will entail committing a division size of about 20,000 men.

It needs basic equipment already held by the army -- artillery, basic infantry and some missiles.

What response will such a strike generate?

They will strike 1-2 of our posts. We are much stronger and should be able to hold on to the posts.

We should integrate the areas we capture into our defences. Pakistan can't do it for an extended period because it has limited resources including financial resources.

You have to give the message that we will keep hitting you.

How has the manual for terror changed in J&K with the use of a vehicle-borne suicide bomber?

Lessons have been learnt from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Pakistan.

Capabilities of converting it into threats for the nation has enhanced tremendously. Pakistan has revisited those lessons and brought them back to the valley.

It is difficult to make car bombs and even more to deploy them. This car bomb is going to put everyone on caution mode.

More resources will be deployed for defensive purposes and there will be more population control methods.

There will be many car check points, people will get inconvenienced with the intervention in their lives. This will impact people's lives and add to the alienation and that is what Pakistan wants.

The whole idea is to put you in a Catch 22 situation.
February 18, 2019 10:37 IST

'The Pakistan army is trying to mainstream the LeT.'

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Soldiers stand guard near the site of the suicide bomb attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Lethpora, Pulwama district.

The car bomb attack on February 14 by a Jaish e Mohammed terrorist in which 41 Central Reserve Police Force personnel lost their lives in Pulwama is the worst attack on security forces in Kashmir.

Since it was a car bomb attack, drawing parallels to similar attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria is natural.

The attack brings into focus once again the increasing use of Jaish e Mohammed by the Pakistani establishment and its dependence on radicalised local youth to carry out acts of terror.

"I don't think the security situation has deteriorated in Kashmir. You only have to look at the effectiveness of the army action against terrorists over the last two years," Tilak Devasher, former special secretary, Cabinet Secretariat (aka the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency), and the author of two books on Pakistan, tells Rediff.com's Utkarsh Mishra.

India has withdrawn most favoured nation status to Pakistan. How does it affect the real establishment in Pakistan, the military?

Given the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries, the move is perhaps only symbolic.

But it is an important signal that indicates India's resolve to respond to terrorism from Pakistan in a holistic manner.

From the prime minister and home minister's statements it is clear that India is planning a counter attack. Do you see the possibility of a surgical strike-like action?

Is the government under pressure to behave more belligerently by the kind of narrative television news channels are creating?

The media is perhaps articulating the anguish of the people of India at being at the receiving end of Pak-sponsored terrorism.

Any democratic government has to factor in such sentiments in its policy options.

We will just have to wait and see what kind of action the government will take.

Despite NIA (National Investigation Agency) tightening its grip around Jaish and Lashkar e Tayiba over the past several months, how could such a big attack be executed, given the assault on terror funding?

It is perhaps too soon to pass judgement on this. The investigations into the entire tragedy have just begun.

Do you agree with the position that the situation on the ground in Kashmir has substantially deteriorated and radicalisation has increased manifold? Where does the government need to work to improve the internal situation in Kashmir?

I don't think the security situation has deteriorated. You only have to look at the effectiveness of the army action against terrorists over the last two years.

About radicalisation, the general impression is that this is increasing, but perhaps a more detailed study is required to identify the areas where this is happening and the reasons for the same.

A generalisation that radicalisation has increased manifold would convey the wrong impression.

Last week you remarked that 'radical, anti-India forces are entering the Pak electoral process'. Is the Pulwama attack a manifestation of this?

A distinction needs to be made between terrorism and radical forces entering the electoral process.

Since the Pak army is trying to mainstream the LeT, the JeM is being increasingly used for terrorist attacks in India.

Many experts say that this attack is very similar to suicide attacks in Kabul by the Taliban. Can the US withdrawal from Afghanistan affect India in such a way that the Taliban gets to play a role in Kashmir?

Media reports suggest that an Afghan veteran had trained the suicide bomber. So yes, the similarity with Kabul-type attacks is there.

US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the installation of its proxies in Kabul will have an impact in that it will allow Pakistan to focus much more on Kashmir.

As a truce with the Taliban seems unlikely, does the US need Pakistan on its side again in the subcontinent? What effect would it have on the US stand against Pakistan's support to terror?

The US is in a hurry to exit from Afghanistan. For this, it finds Pakistan useful.

As in the past, they will make noises about terrorism, but keep the focus on withdrawal.

Despite condemning the attack, China has made it clear that it won't change its position on Masood Azhar. Does that show China is not serious about post-Wuhan 'normalisation of ties'? What should be India's stand?

For China, its 'all-weather' friendship with Pakistan is of far greater importance.

While pushing China on the issue, we will have to depend on our own resources to deal with terrorism.

What options other than military can India exercise to avenge the attack?

There is a whole range of options that can be exercised that includes diplomatic, economic, social and so on.
February 18, 2019 10:57 IST

'The fact that a rural Kashmiri boy was brainwashed into killing himself and others means there is an active programme that exists which does such recruiting and there will potentially be other such individuals out there,' warns Aakar Patel.

IMAGE: Firemen spray water to wash away blood stains at the site of the suicide bomb attack at Lathepora Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, February 14, 2019. Photograph: PTI Photo

Jaish e Muhammad means army of Muhammad.

This is strange because the Prophet of Islam had no ambitions of conquest.

Arab expansion began under the Caliphs, particularly Umar, after Muhammad's death.

The Jaish is a Pakistani entity and its recruits are mostly rural Punjabis.

It is much smaller than Lashkar e Tayiba and has a different ideology.

The suicide bombing is not preferred by the LeT because in its particular belief of Islam, which is called Salafi, suicide is a grave sin.

Instead, Lashkar calls its terrorist acts fidayeen attacks, in which the individuals keep fighting till they are killed.

The Uri camp attack and the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008 were most probably conducted by LeT, though the organisation denied it was responsible.

The Jaish is a Deobandi organisation.

This does not mean that they have an association with the Darul Uloom madrasah in Uttar Pradesh's Deoband town.

But they follow the same fundamental teachings, which accept the jurisprudence of the 8th century scholar Abu Hanifa, but also consider Sufism and shrine worship, which the majority of the subcontinent's Muslims do, to be wrong.

The Jaish is associated with the Sipah e Sahaba Pakistan and Lashkar e Jhangvi, both of which are Punjabi organisations which have murdered Pakistani Shias.

Jaish wants Pakistan to be governed under full Shariah law (currently Pakistan has a legal system that is not very different from India's).

It also wants the US out of Afghanistan.

Jaish was formed in 2000 and most of the followers of the group Harkatul Mujahideen joined it.

Its leader Masood Azhar was caught in India, but freed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government and was one of three jailed militants whom Jaswant Singh escorted to Kandahar where an Indian Airlines plane was hijacked.

In 2002, Jaish's Omar Saeed Shaikh, a Britisher who was also freed with Azhar, kidnapped and savagely murdered the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Karachi.

Jaish was banned along with LeT by President Musharraf in 2002 after the fidayeen attack by four men on our Parliament in December 2001, for which India blamed both groups.

LeT, which has a big headquarters in Muridke town in Punjab and several associated organisations and charities, changed its name and continued.

Some Pakistani analysts believe that the control of the Pakistan army and the ISI was greater over Jaish than over LeT.

Jaish emptied its bank accounts before they were frozen and distributed its assets among its lower cadre and thereby survived.

In 2003, Jaish then organised two suicide bombings against Musharraf's convoy, though he survived both.

The first suicide bombing in Kashmir had happened on April 19, 2000, when a Jaish militant attacked the Indian Army's 15 Corps headquarters at Badami Bagh.

In October 2001, Jaish bombed the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, killing 38 people.

Since 2013, the group has been less active, particularly after the crackdown by the Pakistanis, who by now had suffered a blowback from the same forces they had created and backed.

However Pakistan thinks Masood Azhar is very valuable.

We know this because it has managed successfully (though China's veto) to prevent the United Nations security council from declaring him a global terrorist.

The attack on the CRPF sadly may be a sign of things to come.

Organising a suicide bombing requires extensive support and coordination of a high level.

The explosives have to be smuggled in or transported, the technical know-how has to be brought in and the device assembled, local assistance is needed for intelligence on troop movement and logistical support (like arranging for the car).

Local support is also needed for training and storage.

That Jaish was able to pull off this attack means that there are several people other than the suicide bomber who took part in the attack, are still around and want to harm us.

The fact that a rural Kashmiri boy was successfully indoctrinated and brainwashed into killing himself and others means that there is an active programme that exists which does such recruiting and there will potentially be other such individuals out there.

One sad reality is that because of the rift created in the relationship between religious communities, it is difficult for us to get informers (khabris).

R&AW, our external spying agency, does not hire Muslims as policy and we have very little ability to penetrate the Kashmiri social networks.

The Intelligence Bureau has a handful of Muslims.

Not many senior intelligence officials in India can even read Urdu.

When the Akshardham temple in Ahmedabad was attacked by two fidayeen in September 2002 (30 people were killed in the terrorist action, which was claimed to be avenging the Godhra riots), their note had to be read out to police by a local Gujarati imam.

The Mumbai police have had a similar problem after the 1993 riots and bomb blasts and they no longer have good local networks of khabris.

Jaish was banned by Musharraf under pressure from Vajpayee who mobilised the army on the Rajasthan border after the Parliament attack angered our nation.

Something similar is possibly being planned now if we are to go by the statements made by the Modi government.

It will have to calibrate how to do this because India does not want interference from the world in its dealings with Pakistan.

However when two nuclear powers are on the brink of war, the world will naturally want to interfere.

For Kashmiris this event will worsen their lives.

Already under central rule, they will see their civil liberties further curtailed as the government toughens its position.

Aakar Patel -- winner of the 2018 Prem Bhatia Award for Political Reporting -- is Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The views expressed here are his own.
February 18, 2019 08:45 IST

'The brainless 'fidayeen' you have been breeding are going to hell to rot and not to any heaven.'

'No one can get away after messing with the Indian Defence Forces,' Major Mohommed Ali Shah, an Indian Army veteran, tells the Jaish e Mohammed.

IMAGE: Central Reserve Police Force personnel lit candles to pay tribute to the CRPF jawans murdered in the Pulawama terror attack, at the Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal, February 16, 2019. Photograph: ANI Photo

How dare you bunch of cowards think of calling yourselves as believers of Islam. My name is Major Mohommed Ali Shah (Veteran). My family has had a tradition of soldiering for 200 years. My father retired from the Indian Army as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff and was the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University thereafter.

Because of his and his brilliant team's back breaking and tiring efforts AMU was ranked as the no 1 university of the country as ranked by the Times Higher Education Ranking London (The most reliable ranking of universities in the world). However, because of your ill actions such a fine university of the country too has to bear a brunt of having the name 'Muslim' in it.

My father's honest autobiography titled The Sarkari Musslaman, which talks very highly of a fine and secular organisation like the Indian Army was misunderstood because of having the word 'Mussalman' in the title.

My ancestors were veterans of both the World Wars. My family chose not to go to Pakistan but rather stay in India during Partition because of various reasons. We are the children of this soil. We are a family of proud Indians and have performed the pilgrimage of Haj.

There can not be a person more qualified and eligible to tell you cowards that nowhere in Islam does it say go kill anyone.

You people are truly the enemies of Islam, giving Islam a bad name, to the extent that the community is getting typecast.

Like in the old days every Hindi movie would have a vamp, shown smoking and drinking bearing a name like Susie or Marie, wearing a skimpy dress being shown as a lady of easy virtue and we all knew which community they belonged to. Today, every Hindi movie has a criminal or a gangster bearing a Muslim name.

Hailing from an army background I have seen my father fight insurgency in Punjab in the early 90s, in Manipur, in Nagaland and J&K. I have personally endangered my life on several accounts while serving in the army in J&K and the north east, both Muslim and non Muslim areas of insurgency. However, it is only one particular community being branded as a terrorist community because of ignorant fools like you.

My religion (Mind it I am not saying yours, because you are not Muslims -- You are terrorists, and terror has no religion) is actually a very peace loving religion and talks of unity in diversity.

The term 'jihad', which actually means struggle and not terrorism, has been misunderstood and misinterpreted by people who are non Muslims to the extent that the national media also have started misrepresenting the religion for which terror outfits like you are responsible.

Today, all the good work that the Muslim community is doing is being discredited because of the wrong doings of a few misled, uneducated, disloyal enemies of humanity like you.

The brainless 'fidayeen' you have been breeding are going to hell to rot and not to any heaven as you mislead and brain wash young, unemployed, ignorant youth who have absolutely no idea what the holy Quran says.

Islam is actually a very peace loving, scientific, logical and simple religion. There has to be an end to this madness.

You people have spoilt the name of such a beautiful religion that on one account and instance I, a right thinking citizen of my motherland India, personally too had to suffer. Fortunately, my parents had equipped me and given me the best gift a parent can give to a child, the gift of education.

I could stand tall, fight and teach the perpetrators a lesson that they would never forget in their life.

Lifting weapons and killing people is no answer to anything. Education is the only key to progress.

I am a proud Muslim and a very proud Indian and am qualified enough, not because of the fact that I was educated in the best school and college or an IIM, but because I understand the religion much better than you and appeal for peace in order to be a true Muslim.

Terror outfits like yours are uneducated and should make an effort to analyse yourself, do self introspection and face and understand the reality that you are not only doing a great disservice to a peace loving religion, but a great disservice to humanity.

Shame on you! You are non believers of Islam, in other words kafirs.

My reason for writing this open letter is so that somewhere and somehow this letter of mine reaches you and may be it can make a difference somewhere. I truly believe that the change won't begin and society will not change unless and until we change ourselves.

As Martin Luther King once said 'Darkness cannot fight darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot fight hate, only love can do that.' Muslim terror outfits must realise that they inflict casualty directly and indirectly on Muslims itself and any sensible person can see through that it is not the cause that you are fighting for, but it's a racket that you are running. You are manufacturers of hate.

The 'fidayeen' whose video I saw will certainly not be going to heaven to enjoy the hospitality of hoors as he claimed. He will rot in hell!

Quoting a line from the film Khuda Ke Liye which made a lot of sense to me as a Muslim. A great actor playing a maulvi declared: Deen mein daari hai, daari mein deen nahi.

There is no need to wear one's religion or patriotism on one's sleeve. People are intelligent enough to see through what is inside a person's mind.

To the Jaish e Mohammed, I say: Is ghenoni harkat ka tum kafeeron ko karaara jawaab milega. No one can get away after messing with the Indian Defence Forces.

JAI HIND!!!
February 18, 2019 16:04 IST

Although the RBIs open market operations have ensured sufficient system-level liquidity, some sectors are finding liquidity to be a challenge owing to their credit profile.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Liquidity is expected to remain constrained till the end of March owing to factors such as higher demand for money at the end of 2018-19, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and advance tax outflow, according to a survey of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Ficci) and the Indian Banks Association (IBA).

The survey said higher fiscal deficit too will be a factor in constraining liquidity.

It covered areas like current liquidity and suggestions to improve it and enhance credit growth.

This eighth round of the Ficci-IBA survey covered the period July-December 2018.

Twenty-three banks, covering 65 per cent of the industry and including public-sector, private-sector, foreign and small-finance banks, participated in the survey.

Respondent banks said the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had taken adequate measures by way of open market operations (OMOs) to maintain liquidity.

Although the RBIs OMOs have ensured sufficient system-level liquidity, some sectors are finding liquidity to be a challenge owing to their credit profile.

Banks want the RBI to continue with OMOs for the rest of the fiscal year.

The purchase of government securities through auctions held by banks will release much-needed funds in the system.

Banks have to invest a portion of deposits in government bonds to maintain the statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).

The minimum SLR stands at 19.5 per cent. Most banks SLR is higher than that.

So they may sell SLR bonds in the OMO auctions.

In FY19, the RBI has infused liquidity of about Rs 2.5 trillion by way of purchases in OMOs, of which Rs 672 crore was not via auction.

There have been no OMO sales this fiscal year.

A majority of the respondent banks said liquidity was in deficit in the third quarter of the fiscal year.

It, however, slightly improved of late, but could remain tight in the last quarter.

The reasons cited for tight liquidity include currency expansion due to the wedding season, festivals, forex interventions following higher oil prices and foreign portfolio outflows, stress in non-banking finance companies, and tax outflows.
February 18, 2019 15:28 IST

The weakness in the rupee and broader markets has led to evaporation in the market cap.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Indias market capitalisation is down by $274 billion, or 12 per cent, in dollar terms in the past one year.

In comparison, the Sensex is down four per cent in dollar terms and has risen six per cent in local currency terms.

The weakness in the rupee and broader markets has led to evaporation in the market cap.

The rupee has depreciated by 10 per cent against the US dollar since February 2018.

The broader market-based MidCap and SmallCap indices of the BSE are down 14 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively, during the same period.

The one-year Sensex returns are positive, thanks to gains in heavyweights such as Reliance Industries (up 44 per cent in one year), Infosys (up 43 per cent) and Tata Consultancy Services (up 25 per cent).

On the other hand, Sensex companies, including Tata Motors and YES Bank, have seen their market value drop by 60 per cent.

Returns for 13 Sensex stocks are positive, while 18 are in the negative territory. The scorecard is worse for the BSE 500 index, where only one of four stocks have given positive returns since February last year.

The benchmark indices are slightly higher but the broader market indices are down massively. We have witnessed a huge diversion in the large-cap and mid-cap performance, said Andrew Holland, CEO, Avendus Capital Public Markets Alternate Strategies.

The introduction of long-term capital gains, goods and services tax (GST) and the IL&FS default have weighed on the performance of small- and mid-cap companies, say experts.

On the global front, the rising US dollar and bond yields have led to risk-aversion among overseas investors.

Besides, rising tensions between the US and China, two of the worlds largest economies, have weighed on the mind of investors.

Overseas investors have pulled out close to $4.5 billion from domestic stocks in the last one year.

Further, some regulatory changes, including the re-classification of mutual funds, norms for lending against shares being made stricter, and additional surveillance measures adopted by exchanges, added to the woes of mid- and small-cap stocks.

Tightening liquidity conditions in the last one year compounded woes for smaller companies. Post the IL&FS crisis, those availing credit from NBFCs are finding it difficult to raise funds.

"That has affected the working capital cycle of quite a few companies. Unfortunately, all the negatives have coincided in a short-period leading to a rout in this space, said Deepak Jasani, head of retail research, HDFC Securities.

Indias share in the global market cap has declined from 2.8 per cent a year ago to 2.65 per cent at present.

Siddhartha Rastogi, managing director, Ambit Asset Management, said that in 2017 mid- and small-cap stocks had run way ahead of their valuations and hence correction was inevitable.

Experts said the situation could stabilise once the election-related volatility subsides.

In the second half of this year, you will see a reversion to the mean; there will be broad-based recovery. FPIs?(foreign portfolio investors) could come back after the political situation gets crystallised in June.

"The quarterly numbers, which came for December, were reasonably good, and I expect the numbers to be good for the quarter ending in March, Rastogi said.
Source:

February 18, 2019 22:23 IST

The interim dividend will help Narendra Modi-led government partly bridge the deficit its budget had developed after the announcement of a Rs 75,000 crore a year cash dole scheme for small farmers.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday announced the payment of Rs 28,000 crore as interim dividend to the government, which has been looking at resources to roll out populist schemes ahead of general elections.

The RBI has in the past transferred its surplus profit or dividend to the government in August every year, including in election years in 2009 and 2014, after considering audited accounts for the year.

RBI follows July to June year.

The central bank in a statement said its board approved Rs 28,000 crore payment to the government as an interim dividend after a "limited audit review".

This is the second straight year that the RBI has announced an advance payment to the government.

Last year, it paid Rs 10,000 crore in the interim dividend in March and a final dividend of another Rs 40,000 crore in August.

In August 2017, it had paid Rs 30,659-crore dividend, down from Rs 65,876 crore in the previous year.

The government has been seeking about Rs 27,000 crore in dividend withheld in the past two financial years.

Payment of interim dividend was one of the contentious issues between the government and the RBI under earlier Governor Urjit Patel.

Patel resigned in December and was immediately replaced by retired bureaucrat Shaktikanta Das who has been systematically addressing every single issue that the government had been raising with the RBI.

"Based on a limited audit review and after applying the extant economic capital framework, the Board decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 280 billion to the central government for the half-year ended December 31, 2018," the central bank said in a statement Monday.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed the meeting of the RBI's central board in Mumbai.

The interim dividend will help Narendra Modi-led government partly bridge the deficit its budget had developed after the announcement of a Rs 75,000 crore a year cash dole scheme for small farmers.

The scheme to give Rs 6,000 in three equal instalments to small farmers was announced in the Interim Budget 2019-20 and the first instalment is supposed to go out this month.

The government has budgeted Rs 20,000 crore for the scheme in the current fiscal year that is ending on March 31, 2018.

Fiscal deficit for 2018-19 is expected to be slightly higher at 3.4 per cent of the GDP instead of the 3.3 per cent Jaitley had budgeted when presenting the previous budget on February 1 last year.

The fiscal deficit for 2019-20 financial year also has been estimated at 3.4 per cent instead of previously decided road map of bringing it down to 3 per cent.

Last month, Turkey's central bank agreed to pay an early dividend worth 33.7 billion lira ($6.30 billion) ahead of municipal elections in March seen as a referendum on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule.

In his address to the RBI board, Jaitley outlined various reforms and policy measures taken by the government over the last four years and the effects thereof.

The central bank transfers its surplus amount to the government, under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.

Section 47 of the Act says: "After making provision for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contribution to staff and superannuation fund and for all matters for which provision is to be made by or under the Act or which are usually provided by bankers, the balance of the profits shall be paid to the central government.

According to the Budget document, the government expects Rs 82,911.56 crore as dividend/ surplus of RBI, nationalised banks and financial institutions during 2019-20.

The statement further said the Central Board, chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, also observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect for the security personnel killed in the terror attack at Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

Photograph: Reuters
February 18, 2019 16:36 IST

Nine lenders have exposure to the promoter entities and had taken listed operating companies shares as collateral from the promoter companies.

Promoter entities of the debt-heavy Anil Ambani-led Reliance group have reached an in-principle understanding with a little more than 90 per cent of its lenders.

The latter have agreed not to sell pledged shares in the group till September.

And, the group informed the lenders that it had appointed investment bankers to sell up to 30 per cent of the shareholding in Reliance Power (R-Power) to institutional investors, to repay the banks.

Road shows by the investment bankers will commence next week, a source said.

By the understanding, the lenders will not enforce their security holdings and not sell any of the promoters pledged shares on account of lower collateral cover or reduced margin due to the recent unprecedented fall in the share prices of the group's operating companies.

According to the source, the group has promised to pay the principal and interest to the lenders in line with the scheduled due dates specified in the loan agreements.

An ADA group spokesperson said: We are grateful to our lenders for believing in the intrinsic and fundamental value of our companies, and granting their in-principle approval to (these) standstill agreements.

The value of the promoter stake in R-Power before the unprecedented fall in share prices was a little more than Rs 2,500 crore. This would have cleared at least 65 per cent of the total promoter borrowing.

Reliance Infrastructure holds 40 per cent equity in R-Power. Even after placement of its holding by the promoters, the majority stake and control remain with the Anil Ambani group.

Nine lenders have exposure to the promoter entities and had taken listed operating companies shares as collateral from the promoter companies.

After the company's shares fell early this month, two of the lenders - Edelweiss and L&T Finance - had invoked the pledges and sold the shares in the open market.

This led to a domino effect, with some the listed group companies losing half of their value.

The group has sued Edelweiss at the high court in Mumbai for "illegally" selling the shares. L&T Finance does not now hold any shares in group companies; Edelweiss still has exposure of Rs 150 crore.

The next hearing of the case is on Monday and the ADA group was not granted any interim relief in the matter at the first hearing.

Domestic mutual funds have close to Rs 1,000 crore of debt exposure to the groups promoter entities.

Of this, Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund (MF) has Rs 871 crore or close to 90 per cent. On February 6, the latter had said, In our view, the transaction remains adequately covered, and we continue to engage with ADA Group to decide the future course of action".

On the recent development, a query e-mailed to Franklin Templeton MF did not elicit a response.

According to sources, DHFL Pramerica MF and Indiabulls MF, with combined exposure of close to Rs 100 crore, are likely to get their dues paid before March 31.

Sources suggested that fund houses with small exposure cannot decide on the pledged shares, as the debenture agreement requires MFs with a majority of the exposure to reach an agreement.

Between February 13 and February 14, group companies had a little more than Rs 6 crore of promoter shares seeing 'creation of pledge', as classified in the exchange disclosures.

Photograph: PTI Photo
February 18, 2019 14:29 IST

Can a stronger platform, an all-new design, a more powerful engine and an extended feature list make the third-gen WagonR a better car than its rivals? Let's find out

The Maruti WagonR has been among the top choices for buyers looking for a practical and utilitarian hatchback for over two decades.

The tallboy boxy design of the previous generation WagonR was a functional choice aimed at making it more practical than any other hatchback on sale.

But as market trends, customer preferences, as well as safety and emission norms evolve, so has the WagonR.

Naturally, we had to take the recently launched third-gen WagonR out for a short spin to find out whether it has only built upon its core values of practicality or if it has become a tougher all-rounder to take on its fierce rivals.

Exterior

The third-gen WagonR is underpinned by the latest version of Suzuki's Heartect modular platform. The new platform not only makes it longer but significantly wider as well. And the increase in size is quite apparent at first glance.

Dimensions New WagonR Old (VXI+, known as Stingray before) Old (Lxi, Vxi) Length 3655mm 3636mm 3599mm Width 1620mm 1475mm 1495mm Height 1675mm 1670mm 1700mm Wheelbase 2435mm 24000mm 2400mm Kerb Weight Upto 845kg Upto 895kg Upto 890kg Tyres Up to 165/70 R14 Up to 155/65 R14

As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Likewise, Maruti Suzuki has not tampered much with the WagonR's design.

The new hatchback continues to be tallboy, which not only makes getting in and out of it easy but also gives it more headroom than one could ask for.

The large windows make the cabin feel airier still. While new WagonR has carried forward the original design approach and continues to be boxy, it hardly resembles the past two generations that were on sale in India.

Maruti has taken advantage of the increased width by making the WagonR's front fascia relatively flatter. The flat rectangular grille amplifies the increased horizontal real estate.

The headlamps are chunkier than before and are equipped with regular multi-reflector units like all its rivals except the Tata Tiago, which gets projector units in its top-spec variant.

It's sad to note that the new top-spec variant, the Zxi, doesn't feature dual-barrel projector headlamps, unlike the older model's Vxi/Stingray variant.

And it seems like the WagonR is no longer Maruti Suzuki's Blue Eyed Boy' as it has ditched the blue tinted parking lamps as well.

Previous generations of the WagonR were always pretty plain-jane to look at. The third-gen model seems to be an anomaly as there are prominent creases on the wheel arches.

The new hatchback even gets a subtle, yet noticeable waistline. These enhancements make it look less slab-sided than the older model and also helps jazz up the exterior of the new hatchback tremendously.

Going with the latest trend, Maruti has incorporated a black plastic applique on the C-pillar to create a floating roof effect. There are trendy new colour options like Autumn Orange to choose from too!

Although the new tyres, which are wider and get thicker sidewalls, look more proportionate to the body, even the top-spec variant misses out on alloy wheels, like the Santro.

However, there's a set of optional multi-spoke alloy wheels, which are priced at Rs 4,900 per unit. It is worthy to note that there's an optional all-around body cladding on offer as well.

It definitely gives the new WagonR a unique character to it.

The rear profile is nearly as flat as before. However, the rear windscreen is slightly raked compared to the previous model.

The licence plate continues to find a place on the boot lid, while the tail lamps seem to have been inspired by the ones seen on Volvos.

Unlike the older model, the new WagonR's rear bumper doesn't feature a fog lamp. Like most new cars from Maruti, there are no badges at the rear. Except for the Suzuki logo, that is.

Interior

Thanks to its tallboy design, one only needs to walk into the new WagonR, which is quite a boon for elderly passengers.

What further aids convenience are the doors, which open at nearly ninety degrees. So getting in and out of the WagonR is a breeze, like always.

The WagonR's dashboard has been completely redesigned and features a dual-tone black and beige layout with dull silver accents.

The steering wheel is a straight lift from the Ignis, but doesn't get a leather wrap like the more premium hatchback.

The centre console is dominated by a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is a first for the WagonR in India.

It juts out of the console slightly and is flanked by vertically positioned centre AC vents. Below it, you find the controls for the manual AC.

The seats are upholstered in a greyish-beige shade with brown highlighters.

The lighter upholstery, dual-tone theme and plenty of headroom make the cabin feel lairy.

The front seats are comfortable with adequate side bolsters. As we'd seen with previous-gen models, there's an underseat storage compartment below the co-driver's seat.

The rear seat, on the other hand, lacks underthigh support even for average-sized passengers.

But rear legroom is more than sufficient and is easily among the best in the segment.

Thanks to the increased width, the middle rear passenger in the third-gen WagonR will feel a lot more comfortable than on the previous model.

The rear floor is also nearly flat, with just a mild hump in the middle.

With a boot space of 341 litres, the new WagonR is significantly more spacious than its rivals as well as several cars from higher segments.

In fact, it gets a bigger boot than the Vitara Brezza (328-litre) and Baleno (339-litre).

This makes the new WagonR among the few sub-4m cars that have over 340 litres of boot space. Other cars in this elite list include the Nexon (350-litre), Honda Jazz (354-litre) and WR-V (363-litre).

Thanks to a wide and accommodating boot as well as 60:40 split-folding rear seats, the new WagonR is more than capable of ferrying your family and friends to the airport.

It is hard to fault the WagonR's interior, but there are some ergonomic issues that we need to point out. First off, none of the headrests in the WagonR are adjustable.

Maruti could have at least provided adjustable headrests at the rear to make longer drives more comfortable.

Also, the placement of the centre-right AC vent (right behind the steering wheel and left-side control stalk) not only obstructs airflow but will also freeze your fingers when the AC is at full crank.

While the steering wheel can be adjusted for height, Maruti has sadly omitted height adjustment for the driver seat.

It could have at least offered it on the top-spec Zxi variant. The Hyundai Santro also misses out on height adjustable driver seat, but the Tata Tiago doesn't.

As for the rear half of the cabin, the hand rest on the rear doors are downright tiny, which makes the controls for the rear power windows hard to access, especially for adults.

Aside from these minors hiccups, the overall fit and finish inside the cabin feel like a step above the second-gen model.

And it's good to see that the new WagonR has retained its practical bits too.

Infotainment system

The third-gen WagonR gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Maruti likes to call the SmartPlay Studio.

It features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and there's even an app for your smartphone that supports various functions, including AHA radio by Harman (Aha Radio organises your favorite content from the web into a personalised, live, and on-demand radio station), MapMyIndia navigation, and more.

The unit features a capacitive touchscreen (smartphone-like) and packs a simple tile-type layout.

Although it is visible in direct sunlight, it causes a slight glare, which could have been avoided if the screen was tilted towards the driver like in the Swift. This new Harman-sourced unit will gradually replace the previous Bosch-sourced system in new Maruti cars.

Engine and performance

The third-gen WagonR is powered by a set of petrol engines with both manual and AMT options.

While it carries forward the existing 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine, there's a new, more powerful 1.2-litre, 4-cylider motor as well. We sampled it with the manual transmission.

The 1.2-litre engine is same unit that powers bigger hatchbacks like the Swift and Baleno.

1.0-litre 1.2-litre Engine 1.0-litre K10 1.2-litre K12 No of Cylinder 3 4 Power 68PS 83PS (+15PS) Torque 90Nm 113Nm (+23PS) Transmission 5-speed MT/AMT 5-speed MT/ AMT Fuel efficiency 22.5kmpl 21.5kmpl

Compared to the 1.0-litre engine on the older model, the 1.2-litre engine gets a healthy 23Nm boost in the overall torque, while the power output has been bumped by 15PS.

With the kerb weight reduced by as much as 50kg, the new WagonR powered by the 1.2-litre engine feels peppy compared to the previous model.

It doesn't require as many downshifts and picking up the pace is relatively easier. The 1.2-litre engine is capable of picking up speed from 15-20kmph in third gear without asking for a downshift.

Surprisingly, the engine is noticeably audible inside the cabin, unlike its siblings share the same powertrain. This could be due to the lack of adequate insulation.

Ride and handling

The ride quality of the third-gen WagonR has vastly improved over the second-gen model.

This is down to the new stiffer chassis, wider tyres and a relatively softer suspension setup. Unlike before, bumps and undulations do not upset the tallboy much.

The four-pot engine produces lesser vibrations when compared to the older model powered by the 3-cylinder engine.

The steering is slightly on the heavier side at city speeds and is a bit vague as well.

We would have preferred if the steering had a bit more feel to it. And while the front wheel well is partially covered, the rear doesn't get any cladding. Hence, debris that hit the wheel well are audible inside the cabin.

If these had adequate cladding, it would've polished off the overall ride experience even further. But these bits aren't deal breakers given the segment the WagonR competes in.

The WagonR still doesn't like sharp turns as it simply rolls. This is partly due to its height and softer suspension setup. Like other cars in the segment, it prefers to be driven in a gentle manner.

Driven in such a manner within city limits, the WagonR will impress you, especially with its new peppy 1.2-litre motor and plush ride quality.

The small turning radius of the WagonR also makes zipping past traffic in the city easy and will prove to be useful while parking in tight spots.

Variants

The third-gen WagonR is available in three variants: L, V and Z. While the base-spec L can only be had with the smaller 1.0-litre engine, the range-topping Z is offered with the new 1.2-litre motor.

The mid-spec V variant, on the other hand, is available with both the engine options.

Safety

The third-gen WagonR is available with a driver airbag, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear parking sensors as standard.

The top-spec Z variant adds co-driver airbag as well as front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. These two active safety features are available as optional extras on the L and V variants.

Verdict

The new Maruti Suzuki WagonR has evolved in almost every aspect, be it safety, performance, features or even design.

While the new design isn't striking, Maruti has made sure that it isn't boring to look at like the previous models. The design will eventually grow on you as it grew on us.

With the third-gen WagonR, Maruti aims to play its practicality card once again. The carmaker has taken its game a rung higher with the new WagonR.

The increased footprint has even resulted in a spacious cabin and a humongous boot. On top of this, it's also available with a more powerful engine.

That said, the new WagonR isn't perfect, especially when it comes to the rear seats. But it is better armoured than ever and is ready to challenge its rivals that have been setting new benchmarks one after the other.

Photographs: Car Dekho

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February 18, 2019 13:09 IST

Even if the same party returns to power, what is important to debate is that having introduced an entitlement, how challenging it is to reverse such decisions, says Mukesh Butani.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: PTI Photo

'This is not merely an Interim Budget, but a medium of the country's development journey -- FM'

In line with successive finance ministers who have presented an interim Budget, the vote on account for 2019, as presented by the interim finance minister (FM) is no different.

High on sloganeering, the FM highlighted achievements of the Narendra Modi government, trends on increase in tax base laying down 2030 vision as to where the Indian economy could possibly be heading in the next five to eight years estimating it to touch $5-10 trillion, respectively.

Highlighting accomplishments of the government's flagship schemes, the focus clearly was to continue pursuing transparency agenda be it by way of disruptive policy moves such as demonetisation or enforcement of tough laws such as Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, etc.

On predictable lines, rural distress appeared on top of the agenda, with FM using the term kisan or 'farmer' over 30 times in his speech.

The focus was to address agrarian crisis that I expected to have been achieved by capital investments; instead dole outs were announced -- a short term approach to revive the fortunes of a segment of the economy whose share in the GDP basket is witnessing consistent decline.

On broader policy aspects, there was a little of everything including for youth, women, national security, MSMEs, labour, etc in the Budget.

IMAGE: Farmers plant saplings in a paddy field in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.2019. Photograph: Jitendra Prakash/Reuters

Though only two pages were devoted to Part B of the speech, which dealt with tax proposals, an important announcement was on the digitisation project, Cabinet approval for which came a fortnight ago.

As a background, in 2009, the Department of Revenue, Income Tax in particular, embarked upon setting up a Central Processing Centre in Bengaluru to streamline the process of granting automated tax refunds.

The Budget announcement and Cabinet approval, rebranded as 'Integrated E-Filing and CPC 2.0', has increased the allocation three times.

The underlying objective being faster and accurate outcome for taxpayers, improving taxpayer awareness and education, e-assessments, etc besides accuracy to process tax refunds.

The digital drive is expected to roll out international best practices encouraging faceless and paperless interaction with the taxpayer.

This move will have far reaching impact on digitisation of records including real time data analytics for the administration to monitor taxpayer trends.

Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

An important highlight of direct tax proposals included focus on real estate sector, particularly for low housing projects.

Besides extending the sunset clause for tax exemption by a year, which was expiring on March 31, 2019, developers who were paying taxes on notional rent for unsold inventory have been exempted for a period of two years.

This has been a long-standing demand of real estate developers.

Following this trend, individuals with second residential house are exempted from taxability of such notional rent.

Similarly, though the overall limit of Rs 2 lakhs deduction towards housing loan remain unchanged, such benefit shall extend to second residential house.

Lastly, capital gains exemption up to Rs 2 crores by way of investment in the second residential house has been introduced.

The overall impact of tax proposals, insofar as, the housing sector is concerned shall positively impact segments that support the sector.

Cement, steel, paint, housing finance companies would benefit from these proposals.

Photograph: PTI Photo

The rebate for individual taxpayers is not as bold as it looked when it was announced.

It will benefit only if the taxable income is less than Rs 5 lakhs with relief of roughly Rs 900-1,000 per month.

The enhancement of withholding tax on bank interest and rentals shall save marginal taxpayers from the burden of compliance and seeking tax refunds, besides freeing up the tax administration's machinery to focus on important tasks.

Increase in standard deduction for the salaried class from Rs 40,000 to 50,000 and gratuity exemption from Rs 10 lakhs to 30 lakhs again is targeted to enhance disposable income of citizens.

The Budget documents on tax revenue receipts reveal a 13 per cent budgeted increase in Corporate Tax collection over the current fiscal year on the back of 17 per cent expected to be achieved for this year.

The individual tax collections that have shown an impressive trend of 23 per cent in the current year is estimated to increase by 17 per cent in the next fiscal year.

Not surprising, the goods and service tax target has been revised downwards by Rs 1 lakh crore in light of subdued collections, though estimated to increase by 18 per cent in the next fiscal year.

These are bold bets, and I guess, that's how the fiscal math adds up to.

The guiding philosophy on fiscal deficit target could be, "We shall cross the bridge when and if we get there".

Though this is a challenge for every new government, even if the same party returns to power, what is important to debate is that having introduced an entitlement, how challenging it is to reverse such decisions! Better leave this to the wisdom of economists!!

Mukesh Butani is managing partner, BMR Legal.
Since August, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been facing the worst Ebola outbreak in its history. Violence and armed conflict in the region have made outbreak response a complex and delicate operation.

I was speaking with some colleagues yesterday who have 35-40 years in the industry. And it was unanimous: this is the most complex humanitarian situation that theyve ever been on, remarks Jamie LeSueur from his post in the DR Congo. Were tackling an Ebola crisis in a war zone.

LeSueur, head of Ebola operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has been working to stem the outbreak alongside a skilled team of Red Cross staff and volunteers from DR Congo and around the globe. Listen to a short conversation between LeSueur and National Public Radio (NPR) at: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2019/02/12/ebola-congo-aid-worker.

The DR Congo Red Cross has a strong capacity to respond to Ebola, with skilled volunteers based across the country. Red Cross teams in DR Congo played a key role in containing the last Ebola outbreak, which ended in late July (Equateur Province), as well as all the previous ones since 1976. More than 400 local volunteers in Equateur Province received specialized training to respond to Ebola and support communities impacted by the disease. Their experience will be crucial in the fight against this outbreakthe tenth to strike DRC.

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness. It can cause fever, diarrhea and bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus spreads, it affects organs and the immune system.

The viral strain affecting DR CongoEbola-Zairehas the highest case fatality rate of any strain of Ebola. But there is hope: Ebola-Zaire is the same strain that affected Equateur Province, which health experts believe was successfully contained with the current vaccine used in North Kivu.

How is the Red Cross helping?

Red Cross staff and volunteers work with communities to ensure residents are informed of the risks from Ebola, conduct safe and dignified burials, and help to improve water and sanitation systems. The teams are also supporting hospitals and health facilities with infection prevention and control measures.

Misinformation about how the virus spreads remains a challenge. Sharing information with at-risk communities and listening to people remains the most crucial way to tackle rumors and encourage safe behavior. More than 360 Red Cross volunteerswho come from the Ebola-affected communitiesare active in fighting against misinformation. The volunteers regularly visit homes and communities in Ebola-affected areas to gather residents concerns, misconceptions and questions about the disease. The volunteers use this system to address fears, correct misinformation, answer questions, encourage people to protect themselves and their families against the Ebola virus, and urge residents to rapidly alert health authorities if there is a suspected Ebola infection. More than 716,000 people have been reached by the Red Cross teams through these risk communication and community engagement activities.

The Red Crosss response also includes protecting people in prisons from Ebola. Teams are working in prisons in the affected areas to improve infection prevention control measures, including hand-washing stations, improved water and sanitation infrastructure and providing digital thermometers so that people can be monitored for Ebola-like symptoms and isolated quickly if needed. The International Committee of the Red Cross is also providing food to detainees as supply chains managed by the prison administration might be disrupted during the current outbreak.

American Red Cross contributes to the Ebola response

For its part, the American Red Cross has contributed $250,000 to support the DR Congo Red Cross as it responds to the immediate needs of people impacted by the latest outbreaks of Ebola. The American Red Cross deployed a disaster response specialist following a different outbreak that began in May in DR Congo.

This isnt the first time Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have worked together to fight the virus. The world suffered its deadliest Ebola outbreak from 2014-2016. The nations of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone were hit hard by the crisis, which claimed more than 10,000 lives. The global Red Cross network deployed nearly 400 international staff to the region, trained more than 6,000 volunteers, and opened two Ebola treatment centers in Sierra Leone. The American Red Cross joined the response by deploying disaster specialists to the outbreak zone and providing financial & technical support. More information about the West Africa Ebola outbreak can be found here: https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/NHQ_PDFs/EbolaOutbreakOneYearUpdate.pdf

Safe and Dignified Burials

Safely burying people whose lives were claimed by Ebola is critical to controlling and containing the outbreak. The body of a person who died of Ebola is highly infectious and, if not properly handled during burial, can contaminate those involved.

Access constraints continue to challenge the Red Crosss geographic coverage for conducting burials. Despite these security challenges, Red Cross volunteers carry out safe and dignified burials where possible and train Civil Protection staff to conduct safe burials around Beni, Oicha and Butembo. More than 1,800 safe and dignified burials have been carried out by Red Cross or Civil Protection teams across North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Decontamination bases in Beni and other hubs allow Red Cross teams to prepare for the safe and dignified burials, destroy contaminated waste, disinfect vehicles and store their equipment.

Ebola knows no borders

There is risk that Ebola could spread to other large cities and into neighbouring countriesBurundi, Rwanda, South Sudan or Ugandaespecially as violence and insecurity push people to move and makes it more complicated to trace and isolate cases and hinders the response efforts in certain areas.

Cross-border activities are key to containing this outbreak. The Red Cross is supporting localized efforts to keep the outbreak from spreading to Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. This includes supporting local Red Cross societies to mobilize and train volunteers, procure equipment and put in place preparedness measures should the outbreak spread to these countries.

For more information about our global work, visit the American Red Cross International Services page.
Prior to the start of official campaigning, both Student Government Association executive campaigns received SGA Elections Committee sanctions for violations of SGA rules.

According to the Feb. 21 sanction notice, the Committee suspended ACT UGA from digital campaigning from midnight to 8 a.m. on Feb. 25 after ACT Vice Presidential candidate Charley Claudio was found to have access to multiple Instagram accounts associated with the word empower, such as uga_empower.
Four finalists will be publicly addressing University of Georgia students, faculty and staff over the next two weeks as part of the interview process to replace former UGA provost Pamela Whitten, the importance of a university provost may not be immediately obvious.

What exactly does the provost do, and why should you care about this decision?
To fire Osei-Frimpong on the basis of protected speech, especially when that speech has not been demonstrated to affect his job performance, would be a suppression of his rights. Though the University may lose some money through unsatisfied donors, the alternative option would leave them in violation of the constitution and facing possible legal consequences.
The Athens Cultural Affairs Commission found a new home for the Hot Corner: An Athens Legacy mural on Thursday after plans for the artwork to go on the side of the Morton Theatre fell through, according to a post on the organizations website.
Every week, we select the best police reports from Athens and the University of Georgia for our website and newspaper. Today, were selecting the best of this year so far. From alien abductions to a nude dude, here are our favorite blotters from January to now.
Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Showers and thundershowers in the morning, then overcast during the afternoon with occasional rain. High 78F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

A steady rain early. Showers with perhaps a rumble of thunder developing late. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%.
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I was struck by the confluence of two stories last week that reflected either directly or indirectly on how people in my profession -- journalism -- do their jobs.

One piece was an op-ed by David Harsanyi at The Federalist titled "Political Journalists Are Trying To Gaslight America." The second was an interview at Spiegel Online with President Obamas former adviser Ben Rhodes (pictured).

The premise of Harsanyi's piece is that "In the past week, Ive noticed a number of Democrats and liberal journalists refusing to concede inconvenient facts." Don't let the rhetorical device bother you. I'm pretty sure that Harsanyi didn't really just discover that liberal journalists refuse to concede "inconvenient facts." But he did find a plethora of examples in the news right now that showed stunning duplicity by journalists in covering up for left-wing politicians.

Gaslighting, in case you don't know, is the name given to the process of convincing an innocent person to disbelieve the truth (and doubt their own sanity) by promoting a lie through deception, manipulation and false claims of authority. It comes from the name of a 1944 movie about a woman being manipulated by her husband into thinking she is going insane, but it has seen a resurgence in use since the mass media have become such obvious tools of propaganda and social manipulation.

Harsanyi cites several examples of journalists covering up the truth in the current topics of late-term abortion and the Green New Deal, showing in both cases how the presidents blunt but accurate words in his El Paso speech were turned into apparent falsehoods by reporters misstating the facts (and they dont even have the benefit of Charles Boyers soothing voice).

No matter how many times ... you quote the plain language of the Virginia or New York abortion bills, they [Democrats and liberal journalists] wont acknowledge that both legalize the procedure until the moment of birth for virtually any reason, Harsanyi writes, and then gives examples.

Regarding the Green New Deal, Harsanyi again provides plain evidence that reporters were bending over backwards to cover up for the disastrous rollout of the revolutionary legislation on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs website. The contention that the FAQ document published by Ocasio-Cortez was simply an errant draft that was mistakenly posted online is met with appropriate ridicule by Harsanyi:

Supposedly, her chief of staff accidentally create[d] a PDF of a draft and then accidentally posted it and then accidentally left it up for hours and hours while critics were dissecting it and forgot to mention it was only a draft. Why someone would want to eliminate cars, planes, and beef in any draft of a policy proposal is still a mystery. In any event, Ocasio-Cortez also accidentally sent the very same FAQ to NPR, and then accidentally her staff interviewed for a piece that was built around the accidentally posted FAQ. No adult, much less a skeptical journalist, would believe such a ridiculous story.

The examples of gaslighting that Harsanyi provides are partly from social media, but many examples exist of mainstream media using sleight of hand to mislead readers that contentions by President Trump are to be disbelieved on their face. A common practice, for instance, is to quote an opinion uttered by the president in a speech or press conference, and then to describe the utterance as being offered without evidence. Hot Tip for Mainstream Media: Opinions dont need to be accompanied by evidence. If you dont want to know what the president thinks, dont ask him questions.

Which brings me to my thesis about good journalism: Ask the right questions and let the answers speak for themselves. The American people dont need to have reality filtered through the cannabis-enriched brain cells of our celebrity media elites, and most people have figured that out. President Trump certainly did, which is why he uses Twitter as his primary communication platform. While reporters and pundits (is there a difference anymore?) insist on translating and interpreting Trumps tweets, their participation in getting the story out is at best superfluous. With Twitter, the president doesnt even need to wait for reporters to ask questions, let alone translate his words for the poor befuddled common folk.

Yet we cant just leave elected officials and others in positions of power completely unaccountable. The free press is essential to eliciting information and distributing it to the electorate and to the citizenry in general. So, if we increasingly cant trust the mainstream media to report the facts without gaslighting the public, what are our best options?

The answer for me came in that story from Der Spiegel. The interview with Ben Rhodes took the form of a Q&A. Its not the most elegant form of reporting, but it has the distinct advantage of transparency. What exactly did the reporter ask, and what level of responsiveness did the subject of the interview exhibit? With a Q&A, we dont have to guess, whereas with any typical five-person-bylined story in the Washington Post or the New York Times, we have no idea what questions were asked, nor can we ascertain whether the reporters characterization of the answers is trustworthy. How much more enlightening it is to read the interview in whole.

What was most remarkable about the Spiegel interview was that the questions proved to be more interesting than the answers, and most interesting of all is how Rhodes spun every challenge to his left-wing orthodoxy into, well, another attack on Trump. Heres how it started:

DER SPIEGEL: Mr. Rhodes, would you agree that Donald Trump's foreign policy is much better than its reputation?

Rhodes: No. Trump's approach is rapidly accelerating the diminution of American influence, the spread of antidemocratic values and the increased difficulty in solving complex political problems, like climate change.

In truth the interview could have ended after the first declarative NO that Rhodes uttered after that first surprising question since he refuses to budge an inch toward giving Trump any credit for his many successes, but it is so much more entertaining to watch Rhodes come up with simplistic answers to Spiegels thoughtful questions. When exactly did Spiegel become a conservative Trump-loving newspaper, Rhodes must have been asking himself. The questions were indeed surprising, considering Der Spiegels reputation for leaning left. Listen:

[H]asn't [Trump] been rather effective on some issues? He has forced NATO member states to increase their defense budgets. He's tough on China, which could be beneficial not only for the U.S., but for Europe as well. And he is standing up to Iran's military ambitions.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is full of praise for Trump. He says that NATO member states will spend an additional $100 billion on defense by the end of next year.

Like Obama, he [Trump] has demanded that Europe -- Germany in particular -- do more in the Middle East.

Around two months after taking office, Trump ordered a limited strike against the Syrian air force after Assad's troops yet again used a nerve agent against civilians. Why did Obama never do something similar?

You get the idea. How refreshing to see a left-wing politico grilled instead of fed softball questions. Unlike their cousins in the American media, German reporters apparently prefer not to massage the egos of their interview subjects.

Interestingly, if Der Spiegel had written the story with a typical New York Times approach, it would have come across as Ben Rhodes lambasting President Trump as a buffoon and celebrating his ex-boss, but with the skeptical questions interspersed amid Rhodes rhetoric, you get the sense of a man out of touch with reality  and all without a single interpretation by a know-it-all reporter. Hear, hear!

Ask the right questions and let the answers speak for themselves.
In 1932, the League of Nations asked a number of intellectuals to confer with a peer of their choosing on a pressing matter of the day so that their correspondence might then be published. Albert Einstein wished to discuss the question is there any way of delivering mankind from the menace of war? He sought his answer from Sigmund Freud.

Over the last half-century, Freud has lost his status as the great sage of human psychology to whom the smartest man on Earth would turn for answers to the problem of war. But perhaps at this political moment, when an acute tribalism roils the globe, a return to Freuds ideas would after all do some good. Freuds great contribution was to bring rational understanding to irrational passions, and in so doing to help free us from them to make better, more rational choices.

The great science educator Carl Sagan believed that in the nuclear age a Freudian awareness of our unconscious and irrational passions was all that stood between us and extinction. The angry Us-Them rhetoric now resounding on both sides of the Atlantic will not, one hopes, lead to armed conflict, but the xenophobic atmosphere does bear some resemblance to the political climate that led to the World Wars of the 20th century. Can psychology offer us a way out of the extreme partisanship, ultra-nationalism, and in-fighting now afflicting Western democracies? This was the very question Einstein and Freud pondered in their letters. Their correspondence was published as an essay called Why War?

Its hard to imagine the predominant modalities in the mental health field today curing anyone of irrational political tribalism or helping to forestall the conflicts that may arise from it. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, the most widespread form of psychotherapy today, asks patients to practice new, healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Psychiatric drugs, which were prescribed to an estimated one in six Americans in 2013, work by tamping down emotions like anxiety and depression. Neither CBT nor drugs, however, clearly address the root causes of irrational thought or emotional interference. Instead, these treatments attempt to relieve symptoms after the fact. And while some may fantasize about putting an entire state on Zoloft, drugs and CBT arent practical solutions to the irrational behavior of large groups. Even if they did work magic on large groups, partisans of the left and right would of course never agree to such treatments. Red State or Blue, we can all agree that its the other side that has mental problems.

A psychoanalyst could no more put a million people on the couch than a cognitive-behavioral therapist could, but Freudian psychology does provide insights that may be more applicable to political irrationality. For one thing, psychoanalytic theory offers at least a running start at some cogent explanations of this sort of group pathology, where cognitive-behavioral psychology and biochemistry do not.

In his 1921 book Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego, Freud sketched an idea of certain group behaviors as byproducts of defense mechanisms. The theory of defense mechanisms is the cornerstone of Freudian psychology. It says, in essence, that people defend themselves from painful thoughts and feelings by lying to themselves in intricate ways, without being aware of it. Denial is a defense mechanism and, as Al Franken said on Saturday Night Live, it aint just a river in Egypt. Identification and displacement are two other defenses that Freud described and applied to his work on group psychology.

When individuals feel powerless to satisfy their aims, Freud said, they identify with a group that shares their needs and frustrations, and with leaders who they perceive to be in a stronger position than they are to do something about those grievances. In this way, through identification with a group or a tribe, aggrieved individuals abolish feelings of inferiority and envy, and empower themselves to achieve their aims vicariously through the group and its leaders. From group identification to racism and xenophobia is but a small step. When we feel aggrieved, ashamed, or inferior and we dont want to blame ourselves for our misfortunes (and who does?) we tend to want to blame a group with which we dont feel psychologically identified. We crave a villainous Them so that we can imagine a virtuous Us.

Is there anything we can do with this Freudian wisdom at the current political moment? I confess that my first instinct is to blame the other side for their partisanship, racism, xenophobia, and irrationality. But then its I whos quickly turned xenophobic and partisan toward my own countrymen. In that case, I myself fall prey to the irrational identifications and displacements that constitute group psychology.

Its no easy problem to solve, and Einstein and Freud did not necessarily end up in an optimistic place. In 1947, Einstein told photographer Philippe Halsman, As long as there will be man, there will be war. Freud wrote in 1933, There is no use in trying to get rid of mens aggressive inclinations. The only way forward he envisioned for civilization was discouragingly vague: a strengthening of the intellect, which is beginning to govern instinctual life, and an internalization of the aggressive impulses, with all its consequent advantages and perils.

But Freud had his own unconscious defense mechanisms, and they often manifested in unintended pessimism. Perhaps he was too bashful to suggest that his creation psychoanalysis could lend a hand in pacifying humankind. He neednt have been. Surely, the best way for humanity to succeed in governing its instinctual life is to follow the dictum of the Oracle at Delphi, Know thyself  and to try to do it even when it means acknowledging our own worst impulses. We must try to bring understanding and compassion to the conversation with our fellow human beings, too, even our enemies. But our understanding can only proceed so far without a knowledge of the pernicious defense mechanisms described by Freudian psychology.

Austin Ratner is an M.D. and winner of the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature. His latest book is The Psychoanalysts Aversion to Proof.
Scrutinizing the factors that propelled men to serve speaks to the limiting effect of manpower on strategy. Comparing McClellan and Grant, for instance, involves more than timidity versus bullheadedness. The sacrifices of the war weighed heavily on the Army of the Potomac and the North by 1864. Changes in Union policy attested to a public less eager to provide volunteers amid seemingly endless losses. Grant may have been the better commander, but his success was contingent upon the continued existence of a large, capable force. The question of why soldiers signed up is key to understanding how the armies carried out a particular strategy.

Lesson #2: Transforming Civilians into Soldiers Can Be Hindered by Culturally-Ingrained Beliefs and Behaviors

The amateurs who predominated in Civil War armies pushed back against a hierarchical, regimented lifestyle. Imbued with a Victorian ethos of masculinity, they asserted their individualism and only respected courageous officers who acknowledged their self-worth. Greenhorns did not simply become professionals over time, for they were rooted in the civilian world and arbitrated discipline with superiors. It was sometimes necessary to negotiate with men who, convinced their enlistments were finished, departed for home. Resistance to authority complicated training and could lead to instances of unruliness that ranged from the poor treatment of civilians and their property to unpredictable conduct in the field. Federal troops demonstrated this tendency at the Battle of Cold Harbor by ignoring orders to charge Confederate entrenchments. Through great sacrifice, they had learned that such tactics could be futile, but their behavior was nevertheless insubordinate. The failure of multiple Union assaults at the Second Battle of Petersburg led to the same phenomenon. Although the six weeks of fighting had been exhausting, soldier behavior generally betrayed the influence of prewar beliefs.

A poor state of discipline frequently put lives at risk. Recruits clueless about standard field craft often set up unhygienic camps that were especially dangerous for rural men with immune systems unprepared for life in crowded spaces. This contributed to the fact that disease killed approximately twice as many men as the enemy.[6] New combatants laden with excess equipment wore themselves out on long marches. The greater part of the Ninth Corps, for example, covered 40 miles in 36 hours to reach the Wilderness battlefield.[7] The combination of illness and extreme tiredness led to stragglingoften mistaken by officers for desertionwhich was an effort to recuperate through rest, food, and personalized medicinal treatments. During the 1862 Peninsula and Shenandoah Valley campaigns, at least one-fifth of the contending armies were absent without leave, and over two-fifths were ill.[8] While harsher discipline that winter curbed the practice of lagging behind, later rookies also contended with disease and intense fatigue.

The challenges of training and leading Civil War soldiers underscore that a strategy was only as good as those who made it a reality. Planning for victory meant accounting for both the merits and shortcomings of the combatants. The response of the rank and file to the challenges of the drill field , camp, and the march complicates the idea of a universal soldier. How those men learned and lived their roles cannot be understood without reference to their historically unique civilian cultures.

Lesson #3: Training Shapes, But Does Not Define, How Soldiers Fare in Battle

Even the most seasoned Civil War troops enjoyed only modest training according to the standards of today. Bravery and obedience did not invariably produce victory, as shown during the attack on the stone wall at Fredericksburg and during Picketts Charge. Those who would blame these defeats on poor tactics must reconcile that assertion with the successful assaults at Missionary Ridge and the Spotsylvania Mule Shoe. Granted the tactical differences among these offensives, the soldiers previous exposure to fire and amount of preparation did not always decide the result. Major General Ambrose E. Burnside planned to use fresh black troops in his ill-fated assault on the Petersburg Crater, convinced that drilled novices not yet made cautious by battlefield dangers were superior to tired white comrades who had faced enemy fire for an extended period.[9] This kind of thinking had already resulted in terrible casualties among heavy artillery units converted to infantry during the Overland and Petersburg campaigns. Still, Burnsides view reflected the unreliability of veterans during this most difficult stage of the fighting in the Eastern Theater. With little time between engagements, the troops had to contend with an increasing emphasis on field fortification that transformed set-piece battles into lengthy, attritional struggles. These developments taxed them beyond their endurance.

The 54th Massachusetts, the first African American regiment organized in the Army of the Potomac in 1863. (Public Domain)

Soldiers succeeded by maintaining unit cohesion, something affected by their cultural values and the characteristics of their military organizations. Displaying courage under fire was a civic duty that came almost automatically to men whose hometown reputations would otherwise suffer. Their companies were defined by interpersonal bonds that resulted from a common place of origin, a belief in the cause, widely-held Christian convictions, as well as regimental and state pride that steeled their resolve. These factors allowed Civil War armies to withstand devastating losses. Troops came to feel different from civilians, but did not act according to a formula defined by their training and level of practical exposure. Instead, those variables shaped the conduct of men whose backgrounds remained formative in combat. Conclusion Reappraising strategy from the ground level should not discount theoretical principles and command decisions. As historian John Lynn warns, Concentrating on the experience of war can lead us away from understanding the nature of the fighting and the conduct of the war.[10] The suggestion here, rather, is that using the soldiers perspective humanizes strategy by pushing analyses of generals and their plans to consider the number, condition, and performance of the rank and file. A new study of Civil War combatants shows they were not ideologically rigid or disillusioned by their experiences; the men pragmatically adapted their ideals to suit service realities.[11] In lieu of a simple cause-and-effect rationale, it is necessary to appraise the participants evolving attitudes over an extended period. Top-down strategizing cannot account for such variations in thinking, which point to the characteristics that distinguish soldiers from each other and the unpredictable role of the human element. Such ideas remain applicable today. In a survey spanning World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom, historian Adrian Lewis criticizes the dangerous fallacy that any individual could fight as well as another, and insists that people rather than technology are the arbiters of war.[12] The long-serving professionals of the modern U.S. Army may seem worlds apart from their citizen-soldier forebears. Yet, the three lessons outlined above have echoes in the present. A growth in military marketing and benefits following the rise of the all-volunteer force in 1973 testifies to the ongoing effort to satisfy the motivations of prospective recruits. The Army must convey a set of values and skills that efficiently transform civilians into soldiers, even as a shrinking percentage of the American population bears the burden of defense. An increasing number of combat tours is a reality for troops who are tasked with meeting the nations extended global commitments. Recognizing the long-term effects of service on the participants, strategists must assess their performance over time to maximize combat power.[13] A U.S. Navy corpsman and U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. (Reuters) In the twenty-first century, the focus cannot be on superior command and control or technological innovation alone, as these are necessary but not sufficient factors. General Stanley McChrystal, Jeff Eggers, and Jason Mangone write that leadership is a complex system of relationships between leaders and followers, in a particular context, that provides meaning to its members.[14] Granted the essential role of effective leadership, the lessons of history reveal that the soldiers experience has been a defining aspect of successful strategy. When Major General William Tecumseh Sherman declared that a good captain makes a good company, he neglected the flip side of this dynamic: the actions of effective subordinates could vindicate a leader and his grand plan for victory.[15] Alexandre F. Caillot is a Ph.D. Candidate at Temple University specializing in American military history. His dissertation assesses the experiences and contributions of Union soldiers who entered the Army of the Potomac in time to serve during the Overland Campaign.

This article appeared originally at Strategy Bridge.
By Angeline Benoit, Ellen Proper, Bloomberg News | Feb. 17, 2019

A conflict that threatened to undo a 15-year merger at Europe's largest airline may be unwinding.

KLM Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers signed off Friday on a governance plan proposed by Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith that reinforces cooperation between the airlines without changing their structures, La Tribune reported.

The plan includes appointing Elbers and Air France CEO Anne Rigail as Air France-KLM deputy CEOs and may be presented at Tuesday's Air France-KLM board meeting, according to the French newspaper, which didn't say where it got the information.

A person familiar with the plans, however, told Bloomberg News on Sunday discussions were on the right track to resolve the issue. There is no deal yet, the person said.

Air France-KLM has been facing a revolt from its Dutch arm just as it looks set to turn the page on crippling labor strife at its French entity last year. A tussle over the reappointment of Elbers at KLM sparked a noisy demonstration of support for him Thursday from staffers, managers and even Dutch officials, and a petition signed by more than 25,000 employees.

La Tribune's report suggests Smith is backing off from a prior plan to replace Elbers on the grounds that he might not be fully behind plans to strengthen ties between Air France and KLM. The controversy has brought to the fore long-simmering tensions between the French and Dutch carriers, which joined in a 2004 merger but operate semi-independently.

No decision has yet been taken on appointing an Air France-KLM manager to KLM's supervisory board, according to La Tribune. Still, Air France-KLM Non-Executive President Anne-Marie Couderc, rather than CEO Smith, is an option, it said. An Air France-KLM spokesperson declined to comment to the newspaper.

Air France-KLM reports full-year earnings on Wednesday. After securing an agreement with staff at Air France, Smith needs to complete further steps to pare costs and boost sales if the French unit is to close the profitability gap, not just with European rivals such as British Airways Plc but also with KLM.
The EAC Secretariat staff under the Directorate of Productive Sectors led by Director of Productive Sectors, Jean Baptiste Havugimana, conducted a one-day sensitization mission in Juba, South Sudan.

The EAC Secretariat team comprised of senior staff drawn from the departments of Agriculture and Food Security, Energy, Industry and SMEs Development, Tourism and wildlife management, Environment and Natural Resources management. The event attracted high level policy makers and technical officers drawn from key Ministries in South Sudan.

In his opening remarks, Havugimana noted that the RSS is a valuable and strategic member of the Community in numerous ways. If sustainably exploited, resources in South Sudan could contribute significantly to increased trade and socio-economic development of the Community.

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On his part, Leo Okwahi, Director General Ministry of Trade and Industry and East African Affairs, underscored the tremendous potential associated with Productive Sectors in the country. He applauded the EAC Secretariat for organizing the visit and for choosing this very hands-on and customized approach for South Sudan.

He said this kind of visit was much needed in order to try to match actions of EAC productive sectors with the real situations prevailing in those sectors on the ground in S. Sudan. He underscored the fact that the protracted civil war has led to among other many issues; loss of lives, displaced people, stopped all the activities in the productive sectors and other economic and social sectors and undermined the countrys progress since it gained independence eight years ago.

He however, expressed optimism that the peace agreement signed in 2018 was crucial for political stability and socio-economic development of the country.

During the event, EAC Secretariat team made elaborate presentations of key flagship programmes implemented under the Productive Sectors as well as backward and forward linkages across the productive sectors and other socio-economic sectors.

They highlighted in great details achievements and success stories registered so far while indicating where and how they think South Sudan can be immediately involved to achieve quick wins.

Interactive discussions that followed the presentations focused on the benefits that the EAC integration agenda offers and how the Republic of South Sudan can be fully engaged and integrated in the existing programmes, initiatives and projects under productive sectors.

Many observations were made during the meeting by South Sudanese experts and areas prone to quick wins in all the five sectors identified as follows;

Revival of agriculture and livestock sectors basing on the EAC Food and Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan. Agriculture was the main stay of the economy and the country was self-reliant in food and nutrition security until civil strife disrupted the sector. Currently, the country depends largely on imports of all sorts of food from the north Sudan, Uganda and Kenya. In addition, the huge livestock population in the country could be exploited to increase household incomes in areas such as dairy production, meat processing and hides and leather value addition.

South Sudan has vast energy reserves including oil. However, the energy sector is underdeveloped and under exploited. The little available electricity in Juba and other urban areas is produced using costly diesel generators. The EAC power pool and the ongoing interconnections arrangements can benefit RSS to mitigate this challenge. Solar energy can help solve much of this problem especially for urban households.

The country is a potentially lucrative tourist destination but a lot needs to be done in development of tourist facilities and laying down the necessary infrastructure to market tourism. RSS can benefit from EAC single tourist visa arrangements and joint regional marketing interventions led by EAC.

In the area of Industrial development, there is need to pay more attention to promotion of Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in order to create more employment opportunities for the youth in agro processing and manufacturing. The country had a number of agro-based industry factories that were running before the war. This could be revitalized to reduce reliance on imports.

Under Environment and Natural Resources Management, the first thing that can be done is the fight against lithering and Pollution. Plastics and all types of other paper waste are everywhere in the City of Juba. A customized awareness and fight against lithering and pollution Programme can be introduced first in the City of Juba and later on scaled up to other cities.

The one-day sensitization mission meeting ended on a high note with South Sudan Sudanese experts committing themselves to escalate the conclusions of the meeting to their principals to ensure that EAC programmes are embraced and mainstreamed in national planning and budgeting cycles of the Republic of South Sudan.

They also committed to prioritize implementation of Summit and Council of Ministers Decisions and Directives in order to contribute towards achievements of the goals of the Community.
South Africa: Gauteng eyes mega special economic zone

The Gauteng government will be more aggressive and decisive in pushing their vision of turning the province into a single, multi-tier, mega special economic zone.

The provincial government has already started a compact and highly integrated single economy, Premier David Makhura said on Monday.

He was delivering his last State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the Alberton Civic Centre, Ekurhuleni, ahead of the May general elections.

Makhura used his speech to reflect on the progress made by the province since the dawn of democracy.

The economy has grown five times - from R290 billion in 1996 to R1.5 trillion in 2017.

The number of people employed in the Gauteng economy has also doubled  from 2.6 million in 1996 to 5.163 million in 2018.

Township economy

The provincial government has made irrefutable progress in the township economy by providing financial and non-financial support, access to markets and invested substantial resources in industrial infrastructures such as agri-parks, industrial parks, automotive hubs and eKasi Labs.

Prior to 2014, Makhura said the provincial governments procurement spent on township businesses was R600 million and over the past five years has procured goods and services from township businesses, worth more than R22 billion.

Gauteng is the pioneer, laboratory and leader in the revitalisation and transformation of township enterprises into sustainable and job-creating businesses.

One of the great stories of the township economy is how the transformative partnership between Pick n Pay, Old Mutual Masisizane Fund, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller and township spaza shop owners moved 11 spaza shops from survivalist to sustainable businesses.

The programme, Makhura said, has enabled spaza shops to be converted into decent retail shops that have grown, on average from making R10 000 per month to R300 000 per month in profit.

In addition, the 11 township retailers have collectively created 220 new jobs in the townships as a result of their growth.

There is no doubt that our programme to revitalise the township economy has captured the imagination of millions of people. Township businesspeople are taking their destiny into their own hands, Makhura said.

The Premier committed that the province will continue to create an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of township businesses - while riding off illegal business spawning.

The people of Gauteng, let me make it clear: we will not allow global criminal syndicates to take over townships and displace genuine township businesses. We are determined to close any illegally operating business in every part of our province.

Already, law enforcement teams are moving in the municipalities, townships, suburbs and CBDs to put a stop to these criminal operations.

Bringing women into the mainstream economy

The Transformation, Modernisation and Re-industrialisation programme which aims is to bring women into the mainstream economy of the province - has also borne fruits.

Makhura reported, that his government spends 23% procuring goods and services from businesses owned by women while more than 7 000 women-owned cooperatives received financial and non-financial support.

Women constitute the majority of the beneficiaries of most of the programmes of this ANC-led administration  60% of the beneficiaries of the agri-enterprise programme; 55% of the bursary programme; 60% of Tshepo 1 Million and 65% of housing delivered.

Over the past two years, more than 100 000 women have benefitted from public employment opportunities through the Expanded Public Works and Community Works Programmes.

The success of Welfare-to-Work pilot programme has also transitioned close to 36 000 young mothers who used to depend on child support grants, to proper jobs and self-employment through training and skills development.

Makhura said the young women are taking their destiny into their own hands by doing things for themselves.

The successes of these young women represent the general spirit of the women of Gauteng. They dont give up. They want to live independent and fulfilling lives. We too will not give up the fight for gender equality and women empowerment.

Gauteng Economic Development Plan

Another key economic project that the provincial government introduced was the Gauteng Economic Development Plan which has eleven key sectors located in five corridors  Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western and Central.

This programme - jointly with industry leaders - has put a lot of efforts towards the revitalisation of the manufacturing industry, focusing on the automotive sector, machinery and capital equipment, mineral beneficiation, aerospace industries, food and beverages and pharmaceuticals.

Looking ahead, Makhura announced that six companies have committed to collectively invest more than R40 billion in the various corridors over the next twelve months.

These include the AB InBev planned investment in Emfuleni, TMH investment to revive DCDs train manufacturing operations, and ACSAs investment at O.R Tambo in Ekurhuleni planned investment by Cummins Engineering and CCL labs investments in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Car manufacture Ford is planning an expansion in Silverton and the Rainbow Junction investment mega investment in Tshwane, while the partnership with Reggio Emilia and Italian original equipment manufacturers (Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini), Chamdor is being developed into a township automotive hub.

Sibanye-Stillwater and Far West Rand Dolomitic Association made a commitment to release 30 000 hectares of land for the development of the agri-industrial cluster in West Rand.

Makhura said Gauteng is also leading the country in promoting intra-Africa trade with Gauteng based businesses having more than 300 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects, worth R356 billion, across the major regions of the continent.

These projects have created and sustained more than 45 000 jobs in Gauteng while contributing to Africas industrialisation.

All the afore-mentioned initiatives on the township economy, mainstream economy, infrastructure development and inter-Africa trade have helped us to create new jobs and sustain existing ones.

Job creation

With regards to job creation, Makhura reported that Gauteng had 4.7 million people employed in 2014 and now has more than 5.1 million people employed.

This means that there are over 469 000 net new jobs that have been added to the provincial economy over the past five years.

The scale and impact of what we are doing with our industry leaders in the priority sectors of our provincial economy are incomparable. But we need greater coordination and collaboration within the Gauteng City Region if we are to maximise the impact.

To keep the momentum, Makhura said the province needs to bring all social partners on board, especially labour. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
American policymakers must revisit the recent decision to spend over $100 million of taxpayer money on advanced weapons for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Conceivably these armaments could reinforce Hezbollah against Israel or other Iranian proxies threatening the United States and its allies around the Middle East.

The Trump Administration is now the third consecutively to presume such aid will reduce Hezbollahs influence in Lebanon. As highlighted in a recent report by the Hybrid Warfare Task Force at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Tehrans main terrorist proxy and Beirut have been growing closer politically and militarily for years.

Since the last war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, the United States has provided nearly $1.7 billion to the LAF. These funds help maintain and upgrade U.S.-supplied tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, aircraft and small arms. They also support security operations on Lebanons border with Syria and counterterrorism efforts against ISIS.

At the same time it has received U.S. funding, the LAF has come increasingly under Hezbollahs sway. When war broke out with Israel in 2006, the government in Beirut explicitly distanced itself from Hezbollah by calling for the groups disarmament and blaming it publicly for starting the conflict.

However, as the Syrian conflict erupted they coordinated deployments of weaponry and troops, shared intelligence and conducted joint operations against ISIS. In May 2018, Hezbollahs coalition won a majority in Lebanons parliament for the first time, compounding its political influence over the LAF.

Most glaringly, Beirut has conspicuously failed to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 prohibiting Hezbollahs rearmament in southern Lebanon  even as the LAF increases its deployments in this area near the Israeli border.

Principally alarming for the United States, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, has proclaimed as long as the Lebanese military lacks the power to stand up to Israel, [Hezbollahs] arms are essential, in that they complement the actions of the army and do not contradict them. They are a major part of Lebanons defense. Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah calls the LAF a partner and pillar against Israel.

Perhaps the best example of this relationship came in recent months, amid Israels discovery of Hezbollahs attack tunnels dug in violation of Resolution 1701. Despite being tasked with enforcing this resolution, LAF soldiers aimed their weapons at Israeli units neutralizing the tunnels  not at Hezbollah.

The failure of the LAF and U.N. peacekeepers to prevent Hezbollahs rearmament highlights the challenges Israel will face in the next war on its northern border. Dangerous as the tunnels would be, the main threat is Hezbollahs rocket and missile arsenal which has advanced by an order of magnitude since the last war  all under the radar of the U.N. and LAF.

Israel will confront significant operational challenges trying to neutralize these missiles before they can devastate Israeli infrastructure and cities. While Israel largely avoided targeting non-Hezbollah assets in 2006, that will not be the case if the LAF supports Hezbollah in the next round of conflict.

At that point, the United States effectively would be funding both sides of a major Middle East conflict that threatens the strategic viability of our closest regional ally Israel.

Hezbollahs growing influence over the LAF has alarmed key Lebanese leaders and elements of the military who seek a future for their country beyond Tehrans shadow. American political and economic support for these forces could help curb Hezbollahs influence in Lebanon.

More immediately, Congress should exercise its oversight role on security assistance and encourage these moderates by scrutinizing the LAFs relationship with Hezbollah. This could include making U.S. Foreign Military Sales cases and other support contingent on verifiable efforts by the LAF to assist U.N. peacekeepers in locating and removing Hezbollah armaments in southern Lebanon, as required by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2373.

To uphold the stated goal of helping the LAF secure Lebanons borders, Congress should also condition aid on demonstrable interdiction efforts against well-known routes for Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah, including Beirut airport, Lebanese ports, and key Syrian border crossings. Ultimately, American policymakers must be prepared to terminate assistance if U.S. weapons are being used by Hezbollah.

Moreover, hearings should be convened by both Armed Services Committees in Congress to review LAF-Hezbollah ties and implementation of assistance to the LAF. Building on recent measures against Hezbollah finances, the Treasury Department should consider sanctions for LAF and Lebanese officials that violate their countrys Resolution 1701 obligations by assisting Hezbollah.

Lebanon could indeed become an important U.S. security partner in a historically volatile region. This will only occur if American policymakers demand an appropriate return on the hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars invested in making the LAF a genuine force for counterterrorism.

LTG John Mick Bednarek, USA (ret.), is former Senior Defense Official, Iraq; LtGen Richard Natonski, USMC (ret.), is former Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and a former observer to U.N. peacekeeping operations in the Middle East. Both are members of the Board of Advisors of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA).
The U.S. Air Force has loudly and consistently proclaimed its commitment to acquisition reform. Part of that commitment is forging a closer working relationship with industry. However, its recent decision to indefinitely postpone procurement of a Light Attack Aircraft (LAA) calls into question that commitment. It also may cause industry to hesitate when it comes to investing its resources in support of future rapid acquisition initiatives.

On January 18, 2019, without warning, the Air Force announced the indefinite suspension of the LAA program. This decision was particularly problematic given that only weeks before the Air Force had been working with industry to refine a Request for Proposal (RFP) in anticipation of releasing the final version around the end of 2018.

The LAA program was viewed by many both inside and outside the Air Force as the test case for that services rapid acquisition capability for prototyping based on the use of non-developmental platforms and experimentation. The Air Force conducted two rounds of experiments that were deemed so successful that it canceled additional planned experiments. Instead, it moved to write an RFP based on the conclusion that two platforms, the Sierra Nevada-Embraer A-29 Super Tucano and Textron AT-6, could meet the Air Forces requirements within the Air Forces time frame without causing an unacceptable delay in meeting the needs of the warfighter. This seemed to be precisely the outcome that the Air Forces new acquisition practices were intended to produce.

Moreover, there was significant support in Congress both for the Air Force creating a light attack capability, and for the process, the Air Force had been following. In the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, $300 million had been set aside specifically to acquire a light attack platform and associated equipment.

Air Force leaders have offered a smorgasbord of reasons for suspending the LAA procurement. According to Chief of Staff General David Goldfein, after more than two decades of counterinsurgency operations on multiple continents, the Air Force still doesnt know what the right mix of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, manned and unmanned is that can do the business of light attack. He also seemed to suggest that the Air Force hadnt done its market research regarding the demand for a light attack capability and lacked a plan for convincing allies and partners to participate in the LAA program. Other Air Force sources suggested that the experiments which preceded the initial decision to acquire LAA somehow hadnt provided sufficient information on performance or the cost of operating these aircraft.

It is difficult to take seriously the Air Forces various and even conflicting rationales for its 11th-hour decision to suspend the LAA procurement. After all, the Air Force had been considering options for LAA for more than a decade and had conducted multiple tests, exercises and experiments with various platforms. It had spent hundreds of millions to design, develop, procure and sustain a fleet of A-29s for the Afghan Air Force and knew very well how that platform was performing in a challenging environment. The Air Force also knew that there was significant international interest in an LAA. Six A-29s had been sold to Lebanon, and Nigeria signed a contract for 12 of the aircraft.

There is lots of data on the costs of operating light attack platforms, particularly the A-29 and AT-6. According to a study by the Air Force Association Mitchell Institute, the platforms that were under consideration for the LAA program had per hour operating costs one-tenth or less that of advanced fighters. Then there are the costs associated with training pilots and aircrews, a considerable challenge for all Air Forces, but mainly for many U.S. allies and partners. The program to equip the Afghan Air Force with the A-29 makes a convincing case for the ability of even the most technologically-challenged allies to fly and maintain that propeller-driven light attack platform.

Fundamentally, the Air Force has the right to buy whatever platforms it wants and can afford. It also has the right to cancel a planned procurement for any reason. That does not mean that indefinitely suspending the LAA procurement was a wise move, particularly given the Air Forces desire to demonstrate that it can be a smart and agile consumer.

What the Air Force did on the LAA RFP impacted its credibility with the private sector. Industry had spent years responding to the Air Forces requests for information, supporting various experiments and preparing for the release of the LAA RFP. The costs to the companies that participated in these activities were substantial. Given the way the Air Force pulled the rug out from under them, it is fair to wonder whether they will be willing to put out a similar effort for a new, nebulously defined experiment. As retired Air Force General Michael Loh observed, there has to be a business case in order for private companies to play in the Air Forces experiments: Theres got to be a requirement or funding or both at the end of that, otherwise youve got guys in industry that are investing a lot of money, and theyre looking back at light-attack aircraft. What did you do? Nothing. You put it on the back burner.

There also has to be trust. The LAA decision may make it more difficult for the Air Force to get the best from industry when it restarts its light attack experiments. Moreover, the unfortunate lessons from the LAA RFP are likely to reverberate across Air Force acquisition. How confident should industry be that the Air Force can actually conduct rapid acquisition programs? How much credibility will the Air Force have when it asks industry to participate in experiments or prototyping efforts when even successful ones like those associated with the LAA lead to nothing?

Dan Goure, Ph.D., is a vice president at the public-policy research think tank Lexington Institute. Goure has a background in the public sector and U.S. federal government, most recently serving as a member of the 2001 Department of Defense Transition Team. You can follow him on Twitter at @dgoure and the Lexington Institute @LexNextDC. Read his full bio here.
The news follows the launch of Republic Media Networks Hindi news channel Republic Bharat, and comes ahead of Indias general election expected in April and May.The editorial team of TV9Bharatvarsh includes former India TV editor Hemant Sharma, former India TV managing editor Ajit Anjum, and former editor of Zee News Vinod Kapri.The Hindi channel will bring back issues that really matter and use the medium of television keeping the core values of humanity and peoples interests in the forefront. Unlike other Hindi news channels, TV9 Bharatvarsh will not promote superstitions like astrology, said ABCPL director Clifford Pereira.ABCPL plans to open its largest news studio in India to service the new channel, equipped with AR and VR technologies and BOT News Tracker for presentation.The company already operates six channels broadcast in different regional languages. These are broadcast under the brands TV9, News9 and TV1, in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.ABCL was started in 2003 by a group of young journalists lead by CEO Ravi Prakash.The companys revenue grew 19% to INR159.96 crore in the ninth month of FY2018 compared to INR134.73 crore in the corresponding period of FY2017.
RUSSIA: A non-binding memorandum of understanding to plan a high speed railway between Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg was signed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund sovereign wealth fund, Siemens Mobility and the Economic Partnership Ural High-Speed Rail on February 15, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference 2019.
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Tebby Kaisara, a survivor of human trafficking, speaks about her life on Friday at an event in the Purdue Memorial Union focused on mitigating human trafficking.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  Purdue Universitys College of Agriculture is partnering with Gerrish Farms to host the agBOT Challenge 2019, a three-day event May 16-18. The event includes the NextGen Expo, an interactive STEM event, and the agBot competition, an international showcase and competition of agtech unmanned machine innovations.

The events combine educational and competitive opportunities aimed at farmers, entrepreneurs, students and agtech innovators. The event will be held at the Agronomy Center for Research and Education (ACRE), 4540 U.S. 52 West, West Lafayette.

The agBot challenge, part of Purdues 150th celebration Ideas Festival, poses the question: What IF High-Speed Broadband Reached Everyone?

The agBOT Challenge was founded in 2015 by Steve Gerrish, owner of Gerrish Farms in Rockville and his daughter Rachel Gerrish, as part of an effort to bring awareness to the need for high-speed broadband in rural areas. Over the events three-year history, teams from across the U.S. and Canada have participated in the challenge at Gerrish Farms. The event showcased a variety of technologies, including those capable of automated seeding, weed identification and eradication, fertilizer application and watermelon harvesting.

The agBOT Challenge was designed as a symbolic event to provide a vision of what could be possible if we had high tech and high-speed internet on the farm, Steve Gerrish said. Competitions are a great way to drive innovation and create a cross-collaborative effort in the agtech space.

Several participants in previous agBot challenges have gone on to commercialize their competition entries or are in the process of doing so. In addition to highlighting the need for high-speed internet, Rachel Gerrish said another motivation of the challenge is to advance digital agriculture technologies.

Were delighted to bring the 2019 agBOT Challenge to Purdue, said Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue. This event will bring students, researchers and entrepreneurs together and will showcase innovative ideas and technologies that can provide solutions for the future.

On May 16, ACRE will open its grounds to the public, inviting youth, educators, alumni and agtech supporters to NextGen Expo. This event will create a unique interactive STEM fair that explores the interface of digital technologies and agriculture.

Digital agriculture, in its many different forms, is the future of agriculture across the globe, said Ronald Turco, head of Purdues Department of Agronomy. With a growing global population and a changing climate, tools like drones and other unmanned vehicles are going to be increasingly necessary to feed our world and support our farmers.

Event attendance is free with pre-registration at https://ag.purdue.edu/agBOT/.

Media contact: Emma Ea Ambrose, 765-494-2406, eeambros@purdue.edu

Sources: Ronald F. Turco, 765.494.4774, rturco@purdue.edu

Rachel Gerrish, 765.918.8666, agbotchallenge@gmail.com

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;

Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu

Agriculture News Page
Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency continue to be the subject of divisive conversations. While one side sees them as the road to new possibilities, the opposing side labels them as fake digital money. To offer a diverse viewpoint based on actual projects in a hypothetical setting, Mark Helfman wrote Consensusland: A Cryptocurrency Utopia.

The book is a work of fiction about a financial utopia called Consensusland that uses the Connie  a bizarre digital currency that is not controlled by any bank, person, or government. The book includes examples of actual cryptocurrency projects that already exist, providing the public with a better understanding of the promise and problems of cryptocurrency.

With a concept like cryptocurrency  novel technology thats very different than anything else weve ever used to do business with each other  I felt somebody needed to make this technology feel real, to put it into a real-life environment so everybody can see how it changes the way people think and interact, said Helfman.

Consensusland presents a fictionalized account of how a society would function with the full implementation of cryptocurrency. This includes how it would change the way people think and interact and how governments and businesses function.

Consensusland: A Cryptocurrency Utopia

By Mark Helfman

ISBN: 9781483491097 (softcover); 9781483491110 (hardcover); 9781483491103 (eBook)

Available at the Lulu Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author

Mark Helfman is a Quora top-5 writer worldwide for cryptocurrency and bitcoin topics. After graduating from University of Delaware, he worked on Capitol Hill for several members of Congress, including Nancy Pelosi. Helfman later worked in H&R Blocks government relations department and has consulted for several technology entrepreneurs. In 2017, he discovered cryptocurrencies, uses them regularly, and enjoys learning about new blockchain projects. To learn more, please visit http://www.consensuslandbook.com.

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Bryan Beach

480-306-6554

bbeach(at)lavidge(dot)com

Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Kiersten Woglom

480-998-2600 x 586

kwoglom(at)lavidge(dot)com
Wildwood Pizza is named best pizzeria in Louisiana by TripAdvisor. Known as the worlds largest travel site, TripAdvisor recently named the nations top pizzerias in every state based on diners site reviews through September 2018. The announcement of Wildwood Pizzas selection came in a feature article in USA Today. As Central Louisianas only authentic wood-fired pizza experience, Wildwood is excited and offered this message of thanks to their loyal customers, Thank you Cenla for making Wildwood the top pizza joint for the State of Louisiana.

TripAdvisor features more than 700 million reviews and opinions regarding accommodations, airlines, experiences, and restaurants worldwide, helping travelers determine the best places to stay, the best ways to get there, what to do on arrival, and maybe most importantly where to find the best food in the area. This year, pizza lovers across the United States now know where to go for the best pizza in every state.

TripAdvisors selection is based on the ratio and quality of pizza reviews based on overall ratings, as well as the quantity and quality of reviews from September 2017 to September 2018. To be chosen, featured pizzerias must have at least 100 reviews, a minimum of 4 out of 5 bubbles, and 10 locations or less as of the closing date. With only one pizzeria chosen in each state, Wildwood is proud, though humbled by its selection for the Louisianas best pizza. TripAdvisors diner reviews loved the unique menu options, wide assortment of fresh toppings, made from scratch crust, and the ability to personalize every pizza.

Wildwood Pizzas owner, Gary Perkins, offered, We are humbled by the reviews of our loyal customers who are enjoying the freshness you can taste at Wildwood Pizza. To be chosen by TripAdvisor is a great honor made more special because our customers made it happen! With that, wed like to offer our thanks and welcome those whove never visited to come into Wildwood and experience the difference of authentic wood-fired pizza featuring our delicious crispy, tender, crust topped with the freshest ingredients!

Wildwood Pizza is proud to be Alexandrias single locally owned wood-fired pizza restaurant where handmade dough is topped with the freshest ingredients available. Guests can choose from among the pizzerias signature dishes like The Beast, Kickin Chicken, or Just Cheese, to Build-Your-Own options featuring everyones favorite toppings as well as gluten-sensitive and dairy-free options to create the best pie ever. In addition, delectable menu options also include fresh and tasty salads which can also be customized.

About Wildwood Pizza: Wildwood Pizza was founding with the goal of delivering pizzas with Freshness You Can Taste. As Alexandrias first wood-fired pizza oven casual dining restaurant, the pizzeria offers the only authentic wood-fired pizza experience in Central Louisiana. Local owned, Wildwood Pizza promises exceptional pizzas with their proprietary dough recipe and the freshest local sourced ingredients.

For more information, please visit http://www.wildwood-pizza.com/.

Media Contact:

WILDWOOD PIZZA

1260 TEXAS AVENUE

ALEXANDRIA, LA,71301

(318)448-7121

wildwoodpizza@yahoo.com

For more information, please visit http://www.wildwood-pizza.com/.
Nova Filtration

Nova Filtration is based in The Villages proudly serving over 3,500 satisfied customers. Im looking forward to seeing the same great success in our new franchised Territory in the greater Tampa area selling and installing our popular Water Filtration Systems," says Bob Novak, President of Nova Filtration.

We have a demand in the area for our great Whole House Water Systems, the business opportunity is fantastic.

Be your own Boss for a total investment less than $20,000

About NOVA FILTRATION :

The founder Bob Novak in 1974 founded Pets Warehouse a successful company specializing in Aquaria and high tech aquarium filtration. This unique background developing filtration for delicate marine fish and corals has produced these unique and highly efficient filtration systems for in home use. Moreover, designed and assembled in the USA successfully using and upgrading the Nova filtration products throughout the years. These many years of hard work, learning and water filtration experience are the basis for the proprietary design techniques and manufacture of the Nova Filtration equipment fabricated and modified to meet the needs and requirements of Floridas water purification process.

For more information on The Nova Filters franchise opportunities, please visit: http://www.NovaFiltration.com

Call 352.566.2649

Email info@NovaFiltration.com
Vector Fleet Management will be presenting at DAV RecruitMilitary Fort Bragg Job Fair on March 6, 2019. Representatives from Vector Fleet will talk to attendees about available employment opportunities. Vector Fleet commits itself to recruiting the best professionals who strive for excellence and want to work with customers to satisfy their needs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Vector Fleet Management does not discriminate employees. Furthermore, the company offers a drug-free work environment for each employee.

Company advancement matters to corporate and field professionals. At Vector Fleet Management, we make sure every field and support expert has access to opportunities for education, career advancement, and compensation. Dont miss out on the opportunity to get on board with one of the fastest growing fleet maintenance company.

Available Career Opportunities:



Light Duty/Automotive Technicians

Class 8 Trucks & Trailers Technicians

Heavy Equipment Technicians

Mobile Fuel Truck Operators

Site Managers

Supervisors

Administrative Positions

Benefits Include:

Excellent Pay

Paid Vacation

Full Benefits (Health, Dental & Vision)

Employment Training & Certifications

And more

The job fair will be held at the following location:

Bragg Conference & Catering (formerly Iron Mike)

March 6, 2019 | 11:00am  3:00pm

2658 Reilly Road | Fort Bragg, NC 28310

About Vector Fleet Management

A dedicated service provider with corporate offices based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Vector Fleet Management is involved with industries ranging from government (including county and municipal levels) and commercial (including construction and mining) to utilities/communication, food service/beverage, energy and truck and tractor trailer, even offering custom fleet maintenance programs.

Additionally, the company is proud to be U.S. owned and operated, and has been a trusted partner for contract fleet maintenance since 1988.

Vector Fleet Management continues to invest in its employees, tooling, systems, diagnostics and additional products. With modern diagnostic equipment and its Fleet Management Information System and expertise with several other FMIS platforms, the company is able to provide customers with competencies that save time and money, with commitments governed by Performance Thresholds  accountability metrics which ensure the highest level of service excellence.

Vector Fleet Management corporate offices are located at 9300 Harris Corners Parkway Suite 350 in Charlotte and can be reached by calling (704) 912-0377. For more information visit http://www.VectorFleet.com.
Performance of AI system vs benchmarks Using HOLLY, traders and portfolio managers are poised each trading day to make better decisions, which over time consistently demonstrate the ability to produce returns substantially above indexes

Trade Ideas LLC, the global market leader in providing AI and machine learning strategies for financial instruments, announced today that it has been named as Best Machine Learning Development by Fund Technology and WSL in their annual 2019 Awards. The award recognizes Trade Ideas for innovative product development and performance over the last year.

Trade Ideas HOLLY is an artificial intelligence tool that generates active strategies each trading day optimized and tested to capture alpha. Over the last year HOLLYs performance was 94.1% after commissions in Risk-On mode. The portfolios gross return, before commissions and fees, measured 111%. These results compare to the S&P 500, measured by the $SPY index, which fell 4% over the same period. Risk-on performance reflects a bias towards staying in the positions beyond reward targets while strictly adhering to risk targets for each trade. Unlike risk-off mode, where reward actions do not deviate from trade plan parameters and risk management rules permit exits earlier if existing profits erode significantly, risk-on mode carries all trades the entire day until the close. This mode is often present during days of momentum which typify the majority of trading days in 2018. Note that Hollys risk-off performance for CY 2018 was 32%. Additional 2018 Risk-On performance metrics follow:



Total trades, 12 months 2018: 3,560

% Winning Trades: 46.3%

Profit Factor: 1.67

Sharpe Ratio: 5.61

Benchmark Return, SPY: -4%

David Aferiat, Managing Partner at Trade Ideas was In New York to accept the award on Thursday, February 7th. After accepting, David stated, Trade Ideas serves the professional trading community, which is driven by the need to consistently demonstrate alpha. In 2019 our emphasis is on, "Performance COUNTS!" 2018 certainly proved Trade Ideas' ability to see the market in ways others cannot. Using HOLLY, traders and portfolio managers are poised each trading day to make better decisions, which over time consistently demonstrate the ability to produce returns substantially above indexes. This award reflects the commitment our team has to serving clients with unparalleled service and products. The recognition that we have earned reflects the confidence our clients have placed in us.

About Trade Ideas

Trade Ideas creates actionable market intelligence for institutions, advisors, and self-directed investors to make consistently informed decisions mitigating risk and capturing alpha. As a SaaS fintech innovator for over 15 years, Trade Ideas leverages algorithms derived from recursive machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop trade plans and ideas and produce statistically optimized performance results. Trade Ideas' inputs include big data sets from U.S. and Canadian market feeds, technical, fundamental, and non-structured data sets such as news and social media. Trade Ideas' client base is from around the world totaling more than 8,000 with operations in the U.S., Canada, China, and Europe.

Sign up to receive Trade Ideas Trade of the Week every Monday with the trade details, charts, and the reason its chosen.

Next step: Schedule a demo or find out more about Trade Ideas LLC by calling (760) 230-0713 or visiting http://pro.trade-ideas.com/.

Also be sure to vote for Trade Ideas in the upcoming Benzinga FinTech Awards, May 2018 in NYC.

For additional information, contact

David Aferiat

(619) 821-8198

david(at)trade-ideas(dot)com

@TradeIdeas
My Journey to Heaven: a joyful testimony, is the creation of published author Tony Villanueva, a nondenominational Christian evangelist and retired Texas high-school teacher. He lives as a divorced grandfather in Austin, Texas, as well as a musician in Jalisco, Mexico.

Villanueva shares, My Journey to Heaven is a rags to riches story, as evidenced by the power of God in the authors new life in Christ. It is a journey filled with hope, signs, and wonders, as God answers his prayers one by one. It is a story of divine intervention, which transformed the authors life. Ironically, after thirty-eight years of a happy, married life, the author finds himself in crisis once again, forcing himself into a spiritual wilderness in Mexico and stays there until God rescues him from it.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tony Villanuevas new book is a buoying journey through a lifetime on the way to stability, spiritual wholeness, and peace of mind.

View a synopsis of My Journey to Heaven on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase My Journey to Heaven at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about My Journey to Heaven, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The most massive poisoning of the environment in the history of humanity.

Gary Ibsen, founder of TomatoFest Heirloom Tomato Seeds, grower of more than 650 varieties of certified organic, heirloom tomatoes and co-founder of World Tomato Society bemoans the dramatic loss of our honeybees and the wide scale poisoning of our environment.

Grieving the loss of my friends honey business, I was inspired to investigate WHY. I felt obligated to ring an alarm bell because I see an undeniable threat to our future food availability and diversity, says Ibsen.

In 1950 there were 6 million colonies of bees in the US. Since 2006 weve lost more than 12 million bee colonies due to what was initially described as Colony Collapse Disorder. We currently have only 2.5 million bee colonies in the US and we are losing and replacing almost all of these in the course of one season.

The honey crop in 2013 was the lowest since records had been kept. Before these colony loss problems began a typical national honey crop was 260 million pounds. This past season the crop was 115 million pounds.

Bees are responsible for about 1/3 of everything we eat from all of the plants that require pollination. Globally, the honeybee in collaboration with a wide variety of other bee species are responsible for pollinating 80% of all flowering plants. Honeybees through their duties of pollination are responsible for $15 billion/year in Ag production.

The most widely used pesticides of this kind are of the family called neonicotinoids. They are water-soluble, taken up by the vascular system of the plant. These pesticides not only kill the bees but also harm the soil, making it virtually inert, causing damage to 200 million acres of farmland and an equal area of urban and suburban land nationally. The effects of these pesticides have been persistent, pernicious, and dramatic and they have had a devastating effect on our global environment.

Tom Theobald, a friend of forty-six years, started beekeeping in 1975, creating the Niwot Honey Farm in Niwot, Colorado. In a couple years he was up to 200 colonies of bees. The largest honey crop he ever had was 15,000 pounds. Before all the problems began an average years harvest of honey was 6000-8000 pounds. By 1995 Tom started seeing bee losses from mites and over the next few years the losses continued in spite of his management. Theobald then stated to the media, What we are experiencing is the most massive poisoning of the environment in the history of humanity, and the people who have brought us this catastrophe, those who are profiting and regulating the use of these pesticides, are doing everything they can to make sure people dont know what is occurring.

How Bad Is It?:



Because of the damages to the environment DDT was banned in 1972. Its highest usage was in 1959 at 80 million pounds.

The EPA is reporting 4 million pounds of neonicotinoid use annually. This represents only 10% of the actual use. The other 90% is seed treatment which the EPA has chosen not to regulate, but instead hide from public view under what is called the Treated Articles Exclusion.

Of that 90% only 5-10% actually goes into the plant. The remainder goes into the soil and groundwater where it can remain poisonous for years.

Neonicotinoids are 5,000 -10,000 times more toxic than DDT for honeybees.

About 40 million pounds of neonicotinoids are used each year. This represents the toxic equivalent of approximately 400 BILLION pounds of DDT each year.

The End Result:

The groundwater throughout the US has been poisoned at many times the threshold established for the onset of environmental damage. The result is water contamination at toxic levels, the effects of which are cumulative and irreversible. This not only kills honeybees but many other species which are also in steep decline. The worlds insects are hurtling down the path to extinction, threatening a catastrophic collapse of natures ecosystems, according to the first global scientific review. More than 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction.

The loss of our honeybees is just an indicator of a much broader crisis. Between the agrichemical industry priority for profits with disregard for the consequences, and the corporate lobbying of the government to influence politicians and EPA regulators, we are all being poisoned for profit. Fines for these corporations do not adequately address the problem. What we need to do is prosecute those EPA and corporate decision makers as the criminals for knowingly poisoning us, and the planet.

Looking into the future, our planet must produce more food in the next four decades than all of the farmers in history have produced in the past 8,000 years. As Theobald said, We need to involve the younger generation, or our children will inherit these problems.

Tom Theobald, created the Niwot Honey Farm in 1975, was co-founder of Boulder County Beekeepers Assoc. and the last county bee inspector in Colorado (a position created in 1889 and retired in 2000). Tom had interviews that can be seen on UTube, with Dan Rather
Tiffs Treats, the original warm cookie delivery company, is excited to celebrate the opening of their Kingwood, TX store with a special Grand Opening event with Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus. The celebration will take place on Saturday, February 23rd , 2019 from 9am to 1pm and will benefit The WithMerci Foundation, Mercilus non-profit organization that provides advocate services and support to families of children with disabilities and special needs. Mercilus will be at the event to sign autographs from 9am  10am followed by a visit from Toro and the Texans Cheerleaders from 10am  11am.

Located at 4529 Kingwood Drive, Suite 160, the new store will service the Northeast Houston suburb with Tiffs Treats fresh, warm cookies. To celebrate opening day, the first 40 people in line at 9am will be given a $100 Tiffs Treats gift card. All others in line at 9am will get a $10 gift card (must be 18 or older). As an opening day perk, customers will be able to purchase a dozen cookies for only $5, filled with one of Tiffs Treats most irresistible flavors: chocolate chip, snickerdoodle or oatmeal raisin. No call-ahead orders will be taken and customers are limited to 6 boxes per person. Everyone who attends the opening day celebration will also have a chance to win free cookies for a year!

Customers are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped childrens book (ages 3-15) to donate to Easter Seals for use in their library. Everyone that contributes will get a $5 Tiff's Treats Gift Card.

We are so excited to be opening a new store in Kingwood and to have Houston Texans, Whitney Mercilus there to celebrate with us, said Tiffany Chen, co-founder of Tiffs Treats. We love the support of all of our Houston customers and are thrilled to be 10 stores strong in the Houston area!

Tiffs Treats will also be giving away prizes at the grand opening including gift cards donated from local area restaurants and shops, randomly inserted into boxes of cookies.

More About Tiffs Treats

Tiffs Treats created the warm cookie delivery concept. Tiffs Treats makes and delivers classic, baked-to-order cookies and brownies straight from the oven to the home or office, WARM, in about an hour. Founded in 1999, what started as two friends baking cookies at University of Texas at Austin to help fellow students get through exams has now grown to 48 stores in Texas, Georgia and Tennessee, with more than 900 employees, baking more than 100 million cookies since its inception. And the company is consistently focused on giving back: with grand opening fundraisers that fill needs for charities (and hungry bellies for Tiff's Treats fans!), Tiffs Treats has donated $150,000 to worthy causes. For more information, please visit http://www.cookiedelivery.com.
Attorney Eric T. Telander Wheaton, Illinois, lawyer Eric Telander has extensive experience in criminal law. He began his career in 2010 as an Assistant States Attorney in the DuPage County States Attorneys office.

The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. is proud to announce that attorney Eric T. Telander has joined the firm, representing clients in cases involving family law and criminal defense.

Wheaton, Illinois, lawyer Eric Telander has extensive experience in criminal law. He began his career in 2010 as an Assistant States Attorney in the DuPage County States Attorneys office. Upon leaving the office in 2013, he received an award for Outstanding Service to the Office of the State's Attorney and the Citizens of DuPage County.

Attorney Telander ran his own practice in Chicago from 2013 to 2014, primarily focusing on criminal defense. In 2014, he became a partner at Telander and Telander Attorneys and Counselors at Law, where he practiced until joining The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., at the beginning of 2019.

Telander has defended clients across Illinois in criminal cases ranging from traffic tickets to serious felonies. He has been involved in many high-profile cases as part of his practice.

Telander received a bachelors degree in tourism development and management from Arizona State University in 2005 and a juris doctor from Western Michigan University in 2009. He is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.

In his spare time, Attorney Telander enjoys traveling and playing sports. He is an active volunteer with the American Field Service and RefugeeOne Organization.

About The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C.:

The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. is a prominent family law office located in Wheaton, Illinois. In 2013, the firm received the award "Law Firm of the Year" for logging over 500 hours of pro bono service in the local DuPage County area. For more than four decades, the firm has provided high-quality legal services in DuPage, Cook, DeKalb, Kendall, and Will Counties, and all throughout Northern Illinois. For more information or to schedule a consultation with a qualified attorney, call 630-462-9500 or visit https://www.stogsdilllaw.com
The Night Helper Blog feel your brand would fit just right in our 2019 Baby Shower Gift Guide. Its such a blessing becoming a parent. Children are truly a precious gift and they deserve the best of everything a parent can offer. The Night Helper Blog will be showcasing wonderful baby gift ideas to our wonderful expecting moms from all over the globe from many well-known brands. Our tentative date to start our 2019 Baby Gift Guide will be second Monday in March.

The Night Helper Blog has a team of writers who will not only help to compose your brand in the guide but will also share via social media. The Night Helper Blog would love to include your brand and we look forward to a long-lasting relationship.

The Digital marketing can offer an exceptional return on investment in so many different areas. The Night Helper Blog strive to provide our loyal readers and brands with powerful, engaging, content from writers from all areas of life, Tech, Lifestyle, Product Reviews, Children, Babies and more! The Night Helper Blog Pride in our work and have successfully collaborated on many campaigns with small and large clients.

The Night Helper is open and ready to have you Work with Us in assisting you in reaching your business goals with exposure that might not otherwise be available to you.

We have had many great successful relationships with Top brands Like:



Hasbro

Best Buy

Nintendo

Mattel

Graco

Delta Kids

Microsoft

State of Michigan Tourist Bureau

Chicco and many others.

Not to mention having the honor of being featured on StartUp Nation, Pajama Radio Station, and Mom Millionaire Magazine, AtHome website, Detroit Auto Show, many Toy sites and on other brand companies. Night Helper Blog is very proud of these accomplishments and would desire to have you on board as well.

The Night Helper Blog goal is to showcase many gift guides so if this one does not fit your brand, dont worry.

The Night Helper team would like to say Thanks in advance and if you would like to be featured on the Night Helper Blog please reach out to Lisa Charleston for more information.

Media Contact:

Lisa Charleston

Email: Lisa@nighthelper.com
A formal relationship with the OPC Foundation is a natural fit for the IIC. The OPC Foundation OPC Unified Architecture standard is widely used in several of our IIC testbeds, which are generating feedback for standards organizations. Were happy to formalize this relationship.

The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), now incorporating OpenFog, and the OPC Foundation, announced they have agreed to a liaison to work together to advance their shared interests. The two organizations held a signing ceremony on February 13 at the IIC quarterly member meeting in Raleigh, NC. Under the agreement, the IIC and the OPC Foundation will work together to promote the digital economy by preventing fragmentation and harmonizing various aspects in the field of the industrial internet.

The IIC will supply IIoT requirements to the OPC Foundation, such as problem statements or use cases related to IoT and adjacent industry markets. The OPC Foundation will adopt these requirements in their specification development process and share use cases with IIC for consideration in IIC work.

The two organizations hosted a joint workshop on Thursday, February 14, 2019, in Raleigh, NC. This workshop: Building Industrial Internet Solutions with the OPC Foundation workshop featured speakers from both IIC and OPC Foundation and supported the joint work to gather requirements for tailoring and extending specifications to address specific IIoT scenarios.

A formal relationship with the OPC Foundation is a natural fit for the IIC. The OPC Foundation OPC Unified Architecture standard is widely used in several of our IIC testbeds, which are generating feedback for standards organizations. Were happy to formalize this relationship with the OPC Foundation, said Dr. Richard Soley, Executive Director, IIC.

There are a lot of opportunities between IIC and Industrie 4.0. Consequently, a formal liaison between the OPC Foundation and the IIC is strategic for the OPC Foundation membership, said Stefan Hoppe, President, OPC Foundation.

OPC Foundation is an important part of the Industrial IoT Ecosystem, said Wael William Diab, Liaison Working Group Chair and Secretary of the IIC Steering Committee. Its addition to our comprehensive portfolio of liaison partnerships with other SDOs, government initiatives, regional organizations and industry consortia will help accelerate market adoption of IIoT.

The OPC Foundation recognizes the important value of the IIC and of a close cooperation between our organizations. The OPC Foundation members are actively engaged in a multitude of initiatives and testbeds at IIC, and this liaison between our organizations formalizes our relationship, said Thomas Burke, Strategic Marketing Officer, OPC Foundation.

The IIC Liaison Working Group is the gateway for formal relationships with standards and open-source organizations, consortia, alliances, certification and testing bodies and government entities/agencies. For more information about the IIC Liaison Working Group, visit https://www.iiconsortium.org/liaisons.htm.

About the Industrial Internet Consortium

The Industrial Internet Consortium is the worlds leading membership program transforming business and society by accelerating the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The IIC delivers a trustworthy IIoT in which the worlds systems and devices are securely connected and controlled to deliver transformational outcomes. The Industrial Internet Consortium is a program of the Object Management Group (OMG). For more information, visit https://www.iiconsortium.org/.

About the OPC Foundation

Since 1996, the OPC Foundation has facilitated the development and adoption of the OPC information exchange standards. As both advocate and custodian of these specifications, the Foundations mission is to help industry vendors, end-users, and software developers maintain interoperability in their manufacturing and automation assets. The OPC Foundation is dedicated to providing the best specifications, technology, process and certification to achieve multivendor, multiplatform, secure, reliable interoperability for moving data and information from the embedded world to the enterprise cloud. The Foundation serves over 600 members worldwide in the Industrial Automation, IT, IoT, IIoT, M2M, Industrie 4.0, Building Automation, machine tools, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and Smart Energy sectors. For more information, visit https://opcfoundation.org/.

Note to editors: Industrial Internet Consortium is a registered trademark of OMG. For a listing of all OMG trademarks, visit http://www.omg.org/legal/tm_list. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Rick Figueroa The NRA has an excellent slate of board candidates for 2019.

Rick Figueroa is known in political and business circles across America. He has always been on the forefront, helping those fighting for liberty and their constitutional rights. His current involvement with NRAs outreach includes working with minority communities, which opened the door for his candidacy. He recognized early that the NRA needed more inclusion.

I am a person who believes in freedom and liberty, says Figueroa. The NRA is the last line of defense to protect our American right to have firearms without government constraint. Freedom is not just a slogan; it is a strategy that has kept this country prosperous, strong and a beacon of hope to the world. Without these rights, America could very well become a socialist, even a communist nation.

The Last Bastion of Freedom (announcement video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KogvfwE4Jk

There are many leadership challenges and issues that need to be addressed given the onslaught of attacks against our Second Amendment rights, he says. Thankfully we have an organization that is striving to address those issues on behalf of many diverse groups of people, reaching the next generation, and reinforcing the concerns with current active members who want a Board Leader who will fight for our gun rights like never before.

The NRA membership is a voice heard at the highest level of government and is comprised of 75 board members, with 25 rotating off the board each year. Mr. Figueroa is being considered along with 35 other candidates.

Reaching the Next Generation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h26HmzbOXAA

Figueroas campaign is being implemented by Charlie Alpha Consulting based in League City, with a focus on grassroots support, key endorsements, and social media.

Who can vote? NRA life-time members and 5-year-plus members (some restrictions may apply). Visit or call the NRA at 1.800.672.3888. Other requirements, be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. Citizen and active member for at least 50 days prior to voting.

When? Now, by mail-in through April 7 or at NRA Convention (http://www.NRAam.org) to be held in Indianapolis, IN, April 26-28, 2019 (All qualified members can vote at the convention if attending).

How? Via the ballot in American Rifleman Magazine and other NRA magazines, ballots must be submitted to NRA Headquarters by April 7, 2019.

If not an NRA Member, please consider becoming a Life-Member and voting after 50 days to meet deadlines or voting for Rick Figueroa at the convention. You may also endorse him or tell friend who is a voting member.

The Rick for NRA Campaign Facebook page: http://www.RickForNRA.com

###

About Rick Figueroa:

Rick Figueroa is a Native Texan, businessman, and community leader who offices in Houston and resides on a ranch in Brenham, with his wife of 23 years and two boys, while supporting his two girls who attend college. He is a graduate from Texas A&M University and has served people and causes across the state and nation.

Some of his recent accomplishments include:


Were incredibly excited to showcase how our ThinkHub Connect active learning technology has transformed engineering education at Texas A&M. But perhaps even more exciting - the tour participants will be able to exchange learnings and past experiences with one another.

In late 2018, T1V announced it would host a unique active learning grant for leaders in higher education. After making the announcement, T1V received an overwhelming number of applications. T1V originally planned to award 10 Universities a place on its Active Learning Technology Tour, however extended an invitation to 12 Universities total. The grant provides participants the opportunity to visit the Texas A&M University College of Engineering Zachry Complex in College Station, Texas.

The program kicks off Wednesday, February 20, and will include representatives from Universities from all over the country. Each of these participating individuals brings a unique perspective to the collective group, and will be asked to share their learnings in active learning classroom design.

Mike Feldman, T1V CEO says, Were incredibly excited to showcase how our ThinkHub Connect active learning technology has transformed engineering education at Texas A&M. But perhaps even more exciting - the tour participants will be able to exchange learnings and past experiences with one another. Feldman continues, Were eager to hear from these individuals and learn about key challenges and pain points in the active learning space - this is an extremely impressive group.

The Texas A&M Zachry Complex is one of the most advanced active learning technology deployments in the country with 18, 100-person learning studios and 14, 50-person learning studios. Award winners will experience the Zachry Complex and interact with the team responsible for this state-of-the art learning environment.

Adam Loritsch, T1V EVP of Sales and Marketing, continues, Since its inception, T1V has always had a foothold in the higher education market. With the creation of ThinkHub Connect, the company has experienced tremendous growth in the active learning category over the last two years. Because the technology is so cutting edge, many people have never seen it in action. Were grateful to the team at Texas A&M University for sharing their engineering education campus for our first Active Learning Technology Tour, and are excited for the reactions from participants when they see a deployment of this scale.

Participants will meet with Texas A&M Instructors and IT/Technology decision makers, all while touring the facility and observing the classroom technology in action. Theyll hear from fellow active learning professionals from around the country, and together - participants will experience and reflect on Texas A&Ms classroom technology.

About T1V

T1V is a visual collaboration company specializing in multitouch, multiuser software for enterprise and education markets. The companys collaboration platform includes ThinkHub multitouch collaboration, ViewHub wireless presentation, and AirConnect mobile app - all working cohesively to support a seamless, intuitive user experience for both in-room and remote participants. T1Vs suite of collaboration software represents total meeting room solutions that replace much of the hardware we equate meeting room technology with today.

T1V ThinkHub Connect active learning technology is designed to support a variety of teaching and learning styles, from traditional lecture to team problem-solving and group-based work. The solution also supports collaboration between students located at off-site locations and allows easy content sharing between remote locations.

All T1V solutions are Built for BYOD (bring your own device) to support the many devices, programs, and platforms of todays meeting and learning environments. T1V is a leading innovator in large-scale, interactive software technology, with four issued patents and two patents allowed in multitouch, multiuser software.

To learn more, visit t1v.com.


SunView Software, a provider of IT service management solutions for the enterprise, celebrate in the customer success statistics for adopters of its award-winning Willow AI and Machine Learning Platform built within ChangeGear.

With the launch of Willow in the fall of 2016, SunView became an innovator in the enterprise space for introducing a platform for AI and machine learning purpose-built for ITSM. Customers who have implemented the technology have experienced significant benefits such as saving time for staff in processing tickets, reducing workload and labor costs, and improving workforce efficiency by as much as twenty-five percent.

Support Desk Supervisor for St. Marys Medical Center, David Gentry, details how ChangeGears Willow AI Platform has drastically reduced the training time for new staff:

Before ChangeGear, we were spending a month or more to fully train our new staff hires. Now since weve started using ChangeGears intelligent automated capabilities, we have seen new employees quickly learn the system and get up to speed in less than three weeks.

Mr. Gentry also showed enthusiasm for using Willow in the future:

The value that AI brings to my team is unquestionable. Were excited to continue expanding our use of the platform.

In addition to speeding up user training, ChangeGear users see firsthand how valuable Willow is when they see the improvement in their service response times. Another ChangeGear customer reported saving an average of five minutes per ticket due to their ability to automatically create tickets from voicemail and deliver knowledge base answers to users.

Seng Sun, CEO of SunView Software, expressed the commitment his company has in developing and supporting innovative solutions for customers:

Our focus has always been to turn technology into tangible value for our customers. We have seen fast user adoption of our Willow AI technology, and this is just the beginning. I cant wait for everyone to see what we have in store for the future.

The Willow AI and Machine Learning platform is currently available for ChangeGear Service Manager.

About SunView Software: Founded in 2003, SunView Software is a provider of IT Service Management software that helps companies to better deliver, manage, and monitor IT services across the enterprise. SunView is pioneering innovations in artificial intelligence to drive smarter automation, predictive insights, and customer satisfaction. By combining cutting-edge technologies and a best-in-class software platform, SunView provides cost-effective and efficient solutions that enable more responsive IT for the organization.

SunView Software is a privately held company based in Tampa, Florida.

Visit https://www.SunViewSoftware.com for more information.
All Homeowners Collection properties are located directly in Seaside, a family-friendly beach community that feels like a step back to a simpler time.

The Homeowners Collection (https://homeownerscollection.com) one of Seaside, Floridas largest vacation rental companies, today announced extended dates for its popular Spring Fever travel deal. Guests booking a vacation during select dates in March, April and May can save up 15-25% on lodging.

Weve had such a great response to the Spring Fever promotion, we decided to add additional dates in March, says Amy Wise-Coble, General Manager of Homeowners Collection. Seaside is a great place to visit in the springtime.

The Spring Fever promotion is available for stays between March 2-30 and April 13  May 22, dates that include Easter weekend. Guests booking a 3-4 night stay will save 15% off normal vacation rental rates. Guests booking a 5-6 night stay will save 20%, and guests booking a stay of 7 or more nights will save 25% off normal rates.

The promotion means that a 2-bedroom property like the companys Leeward cottage is available for as little as $238 per night, plus taxes and fees, for guests booking a 7-night stay in April.

To received the Spring Fever discount, guests must use the promo codes SF15, SF20 and SF25 at the time of booking.

All Homeowners Collection properties are located directly in Seaside, a family-friendly beach community that feels like a step back to a simpler time. Visitors to Seaside can easily walk to local boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, and children can ride bicycles to the local ice cream shop.

Seaside also features the largest private beach access along Floridas famous Highway 30A.

The Spring Fever promotion is only available by calling the Homeowners Collection at 855.411.1557.

Travelers can visit the Homeowners Collection website to see rates for all available cottages. The promotion is not available for existing reservations, and discounts do not apply to lodging taxes and fees.

For a full list of rules and restrictions, visit the companys website at

https://homeownerscollection.com/specials or call (855) 411-1557.

About Homeowners Collection

Homeowners Collection is an exclusive collection of premier vacation rentals operated by the homeowners of Seaside, Florida. The company manages more than 85 vacation rentals directly in Seaside, one of Americas most celebrated beachfront communities.

For more information, call (855) 411-1557 or visit the collectives web site at https://homeownerscollection.com.


Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Healing Training

The Satyam Shivam Sundaram Meditation School India will provide a Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Healing Course in Rishikesh and Goa, India that will last for 4 days or 40 hours. This sound healing teacher training and certification course will be held under the guidance of Shiva Girish, a modern age Tantra Yoga & Sound Healing Meditation master who has taught 10000 students from different countries for the last 9 years. People from every field are welcome to join this unique and special course which infuses Indian and Tibetan healing techniques together to create peace and harmony among the minds and lives of people through the power of sound and vibrations.

This Tibetan Singing Bowls sound healing teacher training program has been designed in a way that during those 40 hours, the student will not only learn how to use the Tibetan singing bowls but also learn and understand how various sounds and vibrations can be used to heal a persons mind and body internally without the use of any medicines and surgery. The student will learn and practice with masters and students who have the desire to create a sustainable healing method which would suit everyone, regardless of their beliefs and backgrounds. By the end of the course, the students will be able to conduct his own 1 or 2-day group sound healing workshops and be able to provide private Tibetan singing bowls therapy sound healing sessions.

The Tibetan Singing Bowls Therapy Sound Healing Therapy Teacher Training at Satyam Shivam Sundaram Meditation School teaches how to use Tibetan Sound Bowls Therapy & Sacred Mantra Meditation techniques to create a therapeutic benefit at a physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual level.

Training Accreditation: SAMADEVA  International Academy of Sacred Sound Healing. Certificate issuer recognized: Internationally.

About SAMADEVA - International Academy of Sacred Sound Healing Academy.

SAMAVEDA is an international organization which connects meditation masters and practitioners from a variety of lineages and traditions. Each member receives support and advice on personal development and from the members of the global community and its founders. Responding to the growing interest in meditation all over the world,

SAMAVEDA developed a training program for teachers to ensure that spiritual seekers all over the world are guided expertly and safely on their journey.

SAMAVEDA ensures that spiritual seekers all over the world are guided expertly and safely on their journey.

SAMAVEDA certificate indicates that its holder has been trained according to a high standard set by expert meditators and experienced spiritual masters as well as lives up to moral and ethical norms.

WHO CAN JOIN

The Tibetan Singing Bowls Teacher Training Programs is dedicated to those noble persons who feel that they have a calling, a spiritual mission to do good and heal others. The course is highly recommended to:



Music lovers, alternative healers, tarot card readers, yoga and meditation masters and practitioners, Reiki healers and other holistic health practitioners.

Persons who look for an active way to help themselves and the persons around them. Practicing sound healing therapy will help people totally transform themselves, metamorphosing into spiritual guides, always ready to heal and serve a Greater Good.

Wisdom-seekers. Seeking and sharing wisdom will help creating spiritual bonds with other people that share the same interests.

PURPOSE AND BENEFITS

Students will be introduced to a profound spiritual, healing experience and learn to harness the power of vibration, in order to create a therapeutic benefit at physical, mental, emotional, energetic and spiritual level.

The main objective of this Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Healing Teacher Training at Satyam Shivam Meditation School is to learn and understand the core principles of Sound healing and meditation. No prior experience in the field of meditation or sound healing is required as the course covers all the basic fundamentals of sound healing therapy, thus providing an overall coverage of every technique and usage of sound and vibrations.

Apply this knowledge to help others in dealing with their mental, physical and emotional stress by conducting workshops and offering private sessions.

Alternative healing options that combine yoga meditation with Tibetan Singing bowls Sound healing provide the following mental and physical benefits:



The Tibetan Singing Bowls will induce a deep state of relaxation and serenity.

The Tibetan Singing Bowls can change the energy of the surrounding environment. It is an essential tool for space and aura cleansing.

The Tibetan Singing Bowls unite the body, mind, heart and soul.

The deep resonances of the bowls are capable of improving the blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.

Tibetan Singing Bowls emit a sound that brings a sense of calm, thus improving the quality of sleep or cure insomnia.

Sound healing provides relief from stress-related conditions, pain and depression, anxiety, fatigue,

It alleviates symptoms associated with digestive issues, joint problems and headaches.

It also increases focus and productivity and provides relief from deeply held tension in the body.

It reduces anger and irritability and gives a relaxed delivery during pregnancy and for birth.

Tibetan Singing Bowls healing provides better sleep, an improved memory, mental clarity, vitality and renewed joie de vivre.

TOPICS COVERED DURING THE TRAINING

During the courses, the student will learn:



The history and origin of the Tibetan Singing Bowls. Students will be presented hhe fundamentals of Tibetan sound healing, vibrational sound healing, types & history of Tibetan singing bowls and also the background & importance of Tibetan Singing Bowls in the field of sound healing therapy.

How to play the various types of Tibetan singing bowls and how the different types of bowls have different benefits on the mind, body and spirit.

How to combine Tibetan singing bowl healing therapy with Yoga Pranamaya, Meditation and other alternative healing modalities.

How to combine mantra sound Meditations with Tibetan Singing Bowls to give deep therapeutic healing sessions.

Learn why Mantra Meditations, Meditations with Tibetan Singing Bowls and Primordial Sound Meditation so powerful.

Experience different sound healing meditation techniques and the understanding of their application.

Receive the fundamental techniques aspects from Sound healing masters. A deep learning of the fundamental principles of meditation by sound healing practices from Western and Eastern Masters.

Learn how to use Sound Healing as one of the most useful tools for relaxation. Students will be taught how to manage stress level and get acquainted with powerful stress-relieving practices for facing life challenges with grace.

Learn how to overcome various obstacles while giving sound healing sessions.

Learn about the Chakras and the use of sound in Chakra healing and balancing. Students will learn how to give a Full Body Therapeutic Sound Bath Healing Session with just a few bowls or with all seven chakra Tibetan singing bowls.

Improve communication skills and intuition to become an insightful Sound healer. During the course, students will learn how to become a sound healer to inspire friends, family, people all over the world.

Get a deeper understanding and self-acceptance of yourself and a chance to change personal life. Students will learn how to achieve personal well-being, clarity and peace of mind and increase self-confidence, inner creativity, and grow spiritually.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram Meditation Teacher Training Centre is located in Arambol Beach North Goa and In Ram Jhula, Rishikesh, along the banks of river Ganges. It is in the close vicinity of Parmarth Niketan, the main organizer of daily evening Ganga prayer, a spiritual and religious gathering of people along the banks of the river and saying thanks for another beautiful day in their lives. Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World.

Contact: Satyam Shivam

Company: Satyam Shivam Sundaram Meditation & Sound Healing School

Address: Satyam Shivam Sundaram Meditation School, Anahata Yoga Hall, Hotel Arambol Arbour, Arambol beach, Goa

Contact: +917888206883

Email: satyamshivamsundaram2@gmail.com

Website: https://www.satyamshivamsundaram.net/

Training Accreditation: SAMADEVA  International Academy of Sacred Sound Healing. Certificate issuer recognized: Internationally. http://www.samaveda.net/

Students Who Are Interested To Join Trainings 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEH_6i4XujU&list=PLCp2P1zWmq7vfkMrCsozZy7PKkwt7g-SM

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_kSBHgq-dtgIkxAyvPKk6Q

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EverythingBenefits is excited to join forces with PrismHR to deliver the next-generation COBRA Administration experience to PrismHRs extensive network of HROs.

PrismHR, the leading HR software platform for human resource outsourcing (HRO) service providers, today announced a new partnership with EverythingBenefits. Through the partnership, PrismHR will offer its network of service providers access to EverythingBenefits COBRA Administration solution via PrismHR Marketplace.

EverythingBenefits offers a full-service COBRA Administration solution that enables customers to track qualifying events, meet coverage requirements, reduce non-compliance fees, and monitor and report adjustments in real time.

COBRA non-compliance is a huge issue that HROs face on a regular basis, with costs for inadvertent failures ranging from 10 percent of premiums to as much as $500,000, said Kraig Sanders, manager of strategic partnerships at PrismHR. Our customers are excited to have access to a quality COBRA Administration solution that will streamline the delivery of COBRA benefits and improve compliance.

EverythingBenefits is excited to join forces with PrismHR to deliver the next-generation COBRA Administration experience to PrismHRs extensive network of HROs. This reflects our commitment to deliver the best of breed solutions to corporate consumers seeking to reduce their compliance risks while reducing the operating footprint, said Rachel Lyubovitzky, CEO of EverythingBenefits.

EverythingBenefits COBRA Administration is seamlessly integrated with the PrismHR platform. PrismHR customers can learn more about EverythingBenefits by visiting the companys PrismHR Marketplace page.

About PrismHR

PrismHR creates exceptional software and services, empowering human resource outsourcing service providers such as Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and Administrative Service Organizations (ASOs) to deliver world-class payroll, benefits and HR to small and medium sized businesses. PrismHR software is used by more than 88,000 organizations and 2.2 million worksite employees, processing greater than $57 billion in payroll each year. For more information, visit http://www.prismhr.com.

About EverythingBenefits

EverythingBenefits is a leading provider of benefits technology and services, committed to creating and delivering next generation end-to-end benefits platforms that include COBRA compliance and administration software. This can be deployed as a standalone solution or in conjunction with other EverythingBenefits solutions. The companys philosophy is that technology should make life simpler, more rewarding, and more enjoyable. For more information, please visit our web site at http://www.everythingbenefits.com or connect with us via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
 Jose Enrique Suarez Y Toriellos new Spanish-language book, Recuperando las Raices: De la Mision a la Funcion, de la Funcion a la Mejora Continua (published by iUniverse), re-evaluates traditional concepts in the administrative process and discusses how to implement them intelligently to be more effective in nonprofits. The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/Recuperando-Las-Ra%C3%ADces-Funci%C3%B3n-Continua-ebook/dp/B07KQXYVMC.

Wanting to support the development of NGOs, Suarez addresses the fundamental parts of creating one to ensure proper development of them. Drawing from professional experience working with the organizations, Suarez examines the administrative process, the organizational mission and vision, the operational function and the role of supervisors to show how the execution of a series of consecutive steps can be structured to form a cycle of continuous improvement.

Suarez hopes his book shows readers The possibility of change to become a better and more participative society.

Recuperando las Raices

By Jose Enrique Suarez Y Toriello

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 220 pages | ISBN 9781532061684

E-Book | 220 pages | ISBN 9781532061691

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Jose Enrique Suarez Y Toriello is a medical surgeon graduated from the Faculty of Medicine from the University of Nuevo Leon with post-graduate studies in pediatrics from the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon and advanced studies from the Post-Graduate Division of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Medical Center La Raza, IMSS. Suarez also has studied in psychology. He has served as an assistant professor and chaired many departments in several Mexican universities as well as has been a tenured professor in over 50 training courses. Suarez has 20 published books and technical manuals as well as more than 60 research papers on various topics.
Dani Nichols, President of North American Polymer Company, Ltd, (NAPCO), celebrated her 23rd anniversary with the company on 14 February. Nichols has been serving as President since 2018, and her leadership has been essential to NAPCOs success over the years.

Nichols joined NAPCO in 1996 as a Sales and Customer Service Representative. Within a short time of her initial job as customer service representative for NAPCO, Nichols was leading the department. In 2004, she took on the role of Vice President at NAPCO and in 2018 she became President.

Danis commitment to service and exceptional professionalism has been extremely important in not only building and maintaining our customer base but also in driving our companys overall growth, noted Steven Coven, NAPCOs founder and CEO. Over Danis 23 years at the company, she has led pivotal projects including the launch of our industry first e-commerce website and been a main force behind our double-digit sales increases.

Under Nichols leadership, NAPCO has pursued many new growth opportunities and has received several awards, including being named one of Chicagos Best and Brightest Companies to work for in 2017 and 2018. NAPCO has also extended its product line with eco-friendly refinishing products and has expanded to include international distribution in Australia, UK, Netherlands, and in parts of Asia. Nichols management has also led to NAPCOs zero to 5% employee turnover within the company during the past five years.

23 years ago, I came to NAPCO with very little experience, but this company gave me the chance to develop my skills over time, said Nichols. I had the opportunity learn from others which laid the foundation for my success today. I now pass this on to our employees and customers by helping them develop and reach their goals. I am excited to continue growing alongside NAPCO over the next 23 years.

About NAPCO

Since 1979, NAPCO, Ltd. (North American Polymer Company) has provided products, supplies, and training to professional bathroom and kitchen refinishers. NAPCO is headquartered just outside of Chicago, in Skokie, IL and services all 50 states and 5 foreign countries. If you are interested in refinishing your tub, tile, or counter top instead of replacing, call 1-800-888-1081 or visit http://www.napcoltd.com today.
Toyotally and Presidents' Sales

Presidents Day is today, February 18th, 2019. However, the Manhattan Beach Toyota dealership is holding its annual Presidents Day sales event throughout the entire month of February. This offers drivers in the area incredible financing options to buy or lease brand-new 2019 Toyota models. For customers not in a position to purchase or lease a new and reliable Toyota model during end-of-the-year sales events in 2018, this creates an incredible opportunity once more for drivers to find the Toyota of their dreams for less.

As this sales event stretches across all of February 2019, Manhattan Beach Toyota has not branded this as a Presidents Day sale. Instead, it is officially titled as the Toyotally Sales Event.

2019 Toyota models included within the savings of the Toyotally Sales Event at the Manhattan Beach Toyota dealership include the Camry and Corolla sedans, the Tacoma compact pickup, the C-HR compact SUV and the rugged and powerful Highlander midsize SUV.

Offers within the Toyotally Sales Event include 3.9 percent APR financing on Camry and Corolla models, $500 bonus cash in addition to current offers and reduced pricing for a three year/36 month lease. This latter option varies heavily by model. The 2019 Toyota Corolla can be leased for $169 per month whereas the more spacious and powerful 2019 Toyota Highlander can be leased for $319 per month. For full details, please see to the dealer in question, which in this case is Manhattan Beach Toyota.

Residents of Los Angeles County, particularly those in the Southwestern area, can learn about additional specials and savings opportunities by contacting the staff of Manhattan Beach Toyota. To inquire further on any topic, the Manhattan Beach Toyota staff can first be reached by phone at 855-995-7001. Additional means of communication include email, online messaging and an in-person visit to the dealership location. The Manhattan Beach Toyota dealership is located at 1500 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, California 90266.
Dr. Doyle was wonderful during our Donor Egg process. He was detailed, warm, and honest throughout. He and his team did a great job, which led to a successful transfer, and now we have a beautiful baby girl after our first attempt! I highly recommend working with him.

Shady Grove Fertility invites information seekers interested in learning more about preconception health, assisted reproduction technologies, the benefits of egg freezing, and much more to attend the second annual Canadian Fertility Show, featuring keynote speaker, reproductive endocrinologist and Shady Grove Fertility Canada Program Director, Joseph Doyle, M.D. on February 23, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 5 PM at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON Canada.

The event will feature 60 exhibitors, three lecture halls running throughout the day on a variety of topics related to family planning and fertility, and a panel discussion on surrogacy and adoptiona new feature of this years program. Other featured speakers include Marjorie Dixon, M.D. who will discuss IVF 101, and Jodie Peacock, M.D. who will cover how to optimize your fertility with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Admission is CA$20.

Keynote speaker, SGFs Dr. Doyle, earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, USA. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Brigham and Women's Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA. Dr. Doyle then completed a 3-year fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Massachusetts General Hospital.

During his training, Dr. Doyle received several teaching and clinical excellence awards. His research efforts focused on oocyte cryopreservation; he presented numerous times at national and international meetings and has authored multiple publications. Dr. Doyle has also been the recipient of numerous excellence in patient care awards, including most recently the Washingtonians Top Doctors for Infertility, 2017 and 2018.

Following the Canada Fertility Show on February 23, attendees are invited to attend a more in-depth look at seeking donor egg treatment in America during SGFs informational patient seminar in Toronto on February 24 at the Marriott Toronto Easton Centre Hotel from 10 AM to 12 PM.

At the seminar, SGFs Dr. Doyle will outline the process and discuss the specifics about this unique program that enables patients from Canada to access treatment in the United States. Patients will have the opportunity to ask questions about donor egg success rates, traveling to the States for treatment, and whats involved in choosing a donor. Attendees will also learn about two of SGFs unique financial programs that make treatment affordable: Shared Donor Egg Program and Shared Risk 100% Refund Program for Donor Egg Treatment. Patients can qualify for SGFs Shared Donor Egg and Shared Risk 100% Refund Programs. Combined, these programs offer patients up to six donor egg cycles for one flat fee. If the patient does not take home a baby or chooses to opt out of the program before reaching six cycles, SGF gives a full refund.

Our International Donor Egg Program for Canadian patients offers concierge-level care, unparalleled support, and esteemed medical teams. Weve been fortunate to have more than 5,000 babies born and counting through this program, with many patients raving about their positive experience, shares Amanda Segal, International Donor Egg Liaison.

As part of Shady Grove Fertilitys International Donor Egg Program, patients work locally with select Canadian fertility centers, while gaining access to Shady Grove Fertilitys ready to cycle donors through their donor registry. Through this unique program, couples and individuals will have the ability to choose a medically, genetically, and psychologically prescreened donor, without having to wait. Furthermore, through SGFs program, only two visits to the U.S. are needed.

Our donor egg program provides patients with a highly effective treatment option to overcome infertility, with a 60 percent clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer, says Dr. Doyle.

To learn more about Shady Grove Fertilitys International Donor Egg Program, visit the practices website. Register for the Canadian Fertility Show here. To RSVP for the Donor Egg Treatment seminar in Toronto, Canada, visit the practices events page.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 50,000 babies born and counting. With 33 locations throughout MD, PA, VA, D.C., GA, and FL, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit shadygrovefertility.com.
The Tales of Lydia Lymkin & Americas Remarkable Declaration of Independence: an eye-opening history tale for kids. The Tales of Lydia Lymkin & Americas Remarkable Declaration of Independence is the creation of published author L. M. Trausch, a debut childrens writer with forty-five years of experience in advertising and business.

Trausch writes, Lydia Lymkin is inspired to learn about the Declaration of Independence while watching an Independence Day parade in her hometown. Lydias father explains the reasons for and the importance of this historic document that launched the founding of the United States of America.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, L. M. Trauschs new book is a straightforward, enlightening primer for young readers just as curious as young Lydia about why people in America celebrate Independence Day and what their country stands for.

Trausch lays out the values of patriotism, courage, family, and freedom in this wonderful introduction to the ideas that founded one of the greatest nations in the world.

View a synopsis of The Tales of Lydia Lymkin & Americas Remarkable Declaration of Independence on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase The Tales of Lydia Lymkin & Americas Remarkable Declaration of Independence at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about The Tales of Lydia Lymkin & Americas Remarkable Declaration of Independence, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Through The Fire answers many of the questions that we all struggle with such as: Where is God during our struggles? Do miracles happen today? Does God keep His promises? Is it possible to forgive the unforgivable? Why would we forgive? What happens to us as we are dying? Through The Fire is the true life account of published author, Katherine Stone.

Kidnapped and left in the hills to diethis was the headline the kidnapper expected to read after abducting twelve-year-old Katherine. However, God had a different plan. Join the author as she recalls the inspiring true story of suspense, survival, and miracles. You will be amazed as this determined little girl works side-by-side with the investigators to stop the kidnapper from hurting others in the future. The bravery she revealed at the trial as she stood face-to-face with the man who swore to kill her if she talked is extraordinary.

Have you ever wondered where God is in our suffering? Katherine shares numerous miracles, including a near-heaven experience. Through this story, she shows how God is with us in our darkest hour. God doesnt cause the struggles in our lives, but he is there to help us through the fire. You will be on the edge of your seat as you witness these miracles and Katherines description on how she finds her way to freedom.

After a traumatic event such as this, are we really free? Is it possible to forgive the unforgivable? You will be inspired to see how this young girl found strength beyond her own to survive and move past this traumatic event. Read how it is possible to break the chains of yesterdays suffering and move forward into a life filled with love and happiness.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Katherine Stones new book inspires readers to think about injustice and suffering in a new way. Stone gracefully encourages readers as she shares how to get through pain and to find peace after trauma. Stone reports, we have the choice to either let our pain break us, or to let it make us stronger. Through the authors description of life lessons that she learned through this event, readers are left with a sense of love, joy and tranquility. Readers are inspired to live a purposeful life taking action with love. This book will surely stir every readers heart and mind and instill a thought of freedom through the grace of God.

View a synopsis of Through The Fire: A young girl's extraordinary account of heaven and miracles throughout a kidnapping experience on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase Through The Fire: A young girl's extraordinary account of heaven and miracles throughout a kidnapping experience at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about Through The Fire: A young girl's extraordinary account of heaven and miracles throughout a kidnapping experience, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
The Jean Griswold Foundation, a nonprofit named for the founder of Griswold Home Care, awarded grants to 27 organizations for their work to improve the lives of seniors and others in the communities in which Griswold Home Care operates. The awards help subsidize health initiatives and home care services for those who otherwise couldnt afford them.

Each of these organizations have made such an incredible impact on the lives of countless seniors, disabled residents and those recovering from illness or trauma, said Cathy Howard, co-president of the Foundation and director of Griswold Home Care of Fairfield County, Connecticut. We are so proud to be able to support these local nonprofits that share Griswold Home Cares mission for helping people live healthy lives in the place they love  their homes.

Recipients of the Foundations 2019 grants include:



Will2Walk Foundation (Chandler, AZ)

Sun City Area Interfaith Services, Inc. (Surprise, AZ)

Oak Hill Connecticut Institute for the Blind (Hartford, CT)

Ridgefield Visiting Nurses Association (Ridgefield, CT)

Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association (Wilmington, DE)

Mid-County Senior Center (Wilmington, DE)

Senior Connection Center, Inc. (Tampa, FL)

Lutheran Counseling Services (Winter Park, FL)

Senior Services North Fulton (Alpharetta, GA)

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions (Indianapolis, IN)

ALS Association MA Chapter (Norwood, MA)

Rainbow Village (St. Louis, MO)

Well-Spring Solutions Day Advantage adult day center (Greensboro, NC)

Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry (Wilmington, NC)

Senior Services, Inc. (Winston-Salem, NC)

Greenwich House (New York, NY)

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (Cleveland, OH)

Chestnut Hill Meals On Wheels (Flourtown, PA)

Union-Snyder Agency on-Aging (Lewisburg, PA)

Federation Housing (Philadelphia, PA)

Senior Adult Activity Center Phoenixville (Phoenixville, PA)

Respite Care Charleston (Charleston, SC)

BakerRipley (Houston, TX)

Alzheimers Association - San Antonio & South Texas Chapter (San Antonio, TX)

The Green Urban Lunch Box (Salt Lake City, UT)

Arlington Neighborhood Village (Arlington, VA)

Insight Memory Care Center (Fairfax, VA)

The Jean Griswold Foundation is a private charity established by Griswold Home Care to further the companys belief that care for the elderly and disabled should be accessible to all. Every dollar donated is used to further its mission to support programs and services that allow seniors to age in place. Formerly the Griswold Cares Foundation, the 501c3 nonprofit changed its name in 2016 to honor the founder of Griswold Home Care, Dr. Jean Griswold, who passed away in 2017.

The application process for the next round of Jean Griswold grants will begin in fall 2019. For more information, please visit http://www.jeangriswoldfoundation.com/.

About Griswold Home Care

With more than 171 locations in 30 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the countrys top home care agencies, providing compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onset of illness through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founders profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. For more information, visit http://www.griswoldhomecare.com or call 215-402-0200.


Dao Foods Co-founder Albert Tseng, Dongsheng Co-founder Yajie Liu and New Crop Capital CIO Chris Kerr Unveil Next-Gen Food Accelerator in China's Silicon Valley As an early investor in alternative proteins in the U.S. and Europe, we at New Crop Capital see great growth potential in China in the next few years and have engaged Dao Foods to identify high potential opportunities that fit our investment thesis.

Dao Foods International, Inc., has recently been appointed by New Crop Capital as its exclusive financial advisor for sourcing and investing in China-focused plant-based and clean meat ventures.

Alternative proteins in the United States are the fastest-growing segment of the food industry, rising 20 percent from 2017 to 2018 (Bloomberg Businessweek). Recent investment activity such as Unilevers acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher and Beyond Meats upcoming $100M IPO listing indicate broad confidence in the segment from mainstream food companies and investors in the U.S. and Europe.

As an early investor in alternative proteins in the U.S. and Europe, we at New Crop Capital see great growth potential in China in the next few years and have engaged Dao Foods to identify high potential opportunities that fit our investment thesis, said Kim Odhner, Senior Venture Partner for Asia and Europe at New Crop Capital. New Crop Capital has so far made investments in 33 of the most innovative companies in the alternative protein space worldwide.

Established in February, 2018, Dao Foods is a collaborative effort between Dao Ventures, Moonspire Social Ventures, and New Crop Capital. This cross-border impact venture aims to transform the global meat, egg, and dairy markets in order to curb the environmental impact of meat production, fight the drug resistance that comes with the widespread use of antibiotics on modern farms in China and around the world, and thus address the health and safety concerns of meat consumption in China by introducing, promoting and investing in innovative and climate-friendly protein products, primarily plant-based and clean meat (PBCM), in the China market.

This agreement helps take the existing collaboration between Dao Foods and New Crop Capital to the next level. Under the agreement, Dao Foods will help New Crop Capital identify China ventures, plan the investment strategy, conduct due diligence and negotiations, among other things.

We believe that the growth we have witnessed in plant-based meat sector in the U.S. over the last five years will soon be repeated in China and are excited to work with New Crop Capital to accelerate investment in China-focused entrepreneurs who aim to increase the availability of great tasting plant-based meat and alternative proteins in China, said Albert Tseng, co-founder of Dao Foods.

The founding members of Dao Foods will be leveraging their existing relationships in both North America and China, including the nonprofit Good Food Institute, which co-initiated the formation of this new endeavor, as well as Dao Ventures local infrastructure to deliver solutions for Chinas skyrocketing meat consumption.

In 2018, Dao Foods co-organized the first fashion and fitness-themed plant-based food festival in Beijing where approximately 10,000 people visited. It also organized the Next-Generation Good Food Forum in Beijing in collaboration with its strategic partner Dongsheng Science and Technology Park, where the Dongsheng-Dao Foods International Next Generation Food Accelerator was launched to focus on accelerating and investing in China-focused PBCM ventures.

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Dao Foods International

Dao Foods International, Inc. is a cross-border impact venture established to promote and invest in plant-based and clean meat in China. Its aim is to mainstream alternative products into the China market to reduce the consumer demand for animal products from the traditional livestock industry, which has had growing negative environmental, climate, food safety and health impact. More information is at: http://www.daofoods.com.

New Crop Capital

New Crop Capital (NCC) is a U.S.-based specialized venture capital fund that invests in talented, focused entrepreneurs whose products or services replace foods derived from conventional animal agriculture. NCC provides early-stage investments to companies that develop clean meat and plant-based meat, dairy, and egg products, as well as service companies that facilitate the promotion and sale of such products. NCC primarily provides Angel, Seed, and Series A funding, with investments ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. More information is at: http://www.newcropcapital.com.

The Good Food Institute

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has a team of scientists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and lobbyists, all of whom are laser focused on using markets and food technology to transform our food system away from factory farmed animal products and toward clean meat and plant-based alternatives. More information is at: http://www.gfi.org.
Together we are leveraging our capabilities to help to ensure our clients are compliant with Federal and state regulations, and improve their protection from cyber-security lapses and attacks.

Asterion, a leading regional financial and economic consulting services firm, and Exelegent, a regional powerhouse in cloud-based cyber-security solutions, announced today an affiliation focused on preventing malicious cyber-attacks targeted at the healthcare and life sciences sectors, and others. The two companies joined forces to help organizations and their business associates to manage regulatory requirements more efficiently and comprehensively, and to improve data protection.

"Asterion provides our clients with experienced, insightful and strong business improvement and turn-around services, M&A support, compliance and privacy services, and litigation support, while Exelegent helps customers to satisfy HIPAA's information technology controls with an innovative HIPAA compliance program approach," says Asterion Managing Director, Jeff Miller.

"Together we are leveraging our capabilities to help to ensure our healthcare, life sciences and other clients are compliant with Federal and state regulations, and improve their protection from cyber-security lapses and attacks." John Beattie, Asterion Managing Director, further noted, "Asterion's affiliation with Exelegent further enhances our capabilities through expanded data mining, data analysis and e-discovery services."

"Our cyber-security programs and tools are based on strict adherence to NIST and CIS security frameworks. In addition, Exelegent's ISACA Certified Information Systems Security Professional and ISC2 CISSP professionals, 24x7 services and over 10 years of experience in the field maintain a very high standard in the cyber-security industry," said Vasil Vykhopen, Chief Executive Officer of Exelegent. "We are pleased to provide the technology foundation to couple with Asterion's domain expertise, to deliver a custom tailored solution to the healthcare industry."

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About Exelegent

Exelegent (https://www.exelegent.com) is a technology managed services company that specializes in security and compliance. With headquarters in Freehold, NJ a technology development data center and lab in Newark, NJ and a 24/7 NOC, call center, and R&D team in L'viv, Ukraine, Exelegent provides technology solutions, products and business development, healthcare services, cloud environments, and security and compliance services to medium-sized and enterprise businesses across the country.

About Asterion

Asterion (http://asterion-consulting.com) provides financial and economic consulting services to healthcare providers and suppliers, the life sciences, law firms, publicly and privately traded companies, governmental agencies and entrepreneurs. Asterion's consulting experience and technical skills are delivered through four integrated service lines: Forensics - Valuation - Intellectual Property - Performance Optimization.

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Press Contact

Lorraine Riley

(973) 732-5230, ext. 2004

Lorraine.Riley(at)Exelegent.com
How To Find Your True Identity: a gripping book that lays out insights that guide readers toward discovering their true characters through spirituality. How To Find Your True Identity is the creation of published author, Darla S. Clark, is a mother of four, a grandmother of three, and an ordained minister.

Clark shares, This book was written for anyone who is struggling with or even just trying to discover what their true identity is. Do you feel that you used to know but life traumas and circumstances buried it? Have you ever wondered what your true purpose in life is? I too have struggled to know this, and through prayer and faith, God helped me to rediscover it. He revealed to me what my true value was. It is my hope and prayer that this book will help you along that path. I believe that as you read this book it will begin to give you some keys to help unlock some of the closed doors that you may have had in your mind and heart that has kept you from knowing your true identity. There is no sin too bad that God will not forgive you for and there is nothing that you can do to make Him stop loving you. You are a treasure to Him, and He has put a treasure on the inside of you. May you be brave and go forward to discover it.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Darla S. Clarks new book contains reverberating wisdom of Gods mercy and compassion that assures forgiveness and healing in ones life.

This book will surely resonate inside every believers heart, allowing God to work his miracle of illumination that inspires esteem and discovering Gods value in you.

View a synopsis of How To Find Your True Identity on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase How To Find Your True Identity at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about How To Find Your True Identity, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Online quotes will help you compare prices and select the best car insurance provider, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Carinsuranceplan.org has released a new blog post that explains how drivers should compare car insurance quotes online in order to get better results.



Ask estimates for the same product. When a client compares different quotes from different websites, it's essential for him to choose the same coverage levels, the same limits and the same extra options. Even a single difference between coverage options can lead to significant price differences.

Provide the same data on each quote. Again, discrepancies between used data may cause significant price differences. Online forms will ask about the car maker and model, year of production, safety devices, driving experience, traffic violations, ZIP code, deductibles and other info an insurer might find it relatable.

Provide realistic mileage estimates. Some questionnaires will ask the user to provide a number, while other questionnaires will ask to choose a limit. It's important to choose the same range/limit on all questionnaires.

Do not try to hide the negative aspects of your profile. Aspects like traffic fines, at fault accidents, drunk driving, and even bad credit score have a significant impact on an insurance policy. Not adding these details when completing a questionnaire is pointless, as insurance companies already have access to all of this data.

Check all available discounts. Insurance companies offer different discounts for their drivers. The discounts can vary in value, and how long they last. For example, one insurer will provide a 15% discount for six months, while another insurer will provide a 10% discount for 12 months for the same service. Other insurance companies may offer discounts that other insurers don't. It's recommended to do careful research of the market.

Compare at least 3 online quotes. Multiple offers from different agencies are what the clients need to get a better idea of how his/her insurance rate might look like. It's recommended to get at least 3 online quotes before deciding which insurer has the best policy.

For more car insurance info, money-saving tips and free online quotes, please visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/

Carinsuranceplan.org 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.
On February 21st at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, an anticipated 1,000 guests, including the Minister of Education of Cambodia, officials in government and education field, and students will take part in the 2019 Grand Opening Ceremony of HWPL Department of Peace Education in the Kingdom of Cambodia. Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international non-governmental organization working for peace. Long Beach volunteers of HWPL plan to integrate peace education in the Cambodian community in Long Beach, California this year as well.

Cambodia citizens have looked forward to the opening of the peace department since last year, when the Ministry of Education of Cambodia and HWPL signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce nationwide peace education and develop related policies and programs.

From this launching ceremony, we step forward to the implementation level to integrate ideas of peace education into the curriculums in Cambodian schools, said H.E. Hang Chuon Naron, the Minister of Education.

Even on an international level, Cambodia is finding ways to enforce peace. Through the Ministry of Justice and Cultural Human Resources Council of Cambodia, the nation will host a peace forum called The Place of Cooperative Governance Building between Government and Civic Groups for the UN Adoption of the DPCW. Through this effort, government officials and civic groups will seek for ways to develop principles of peace into a binding international order based on HWPLs main initiative, the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

Within 10 articles and 38 clauses, the DPCW addresses principles of conflict resolution and international cooperation for peacebuilding such as prohibition of use of force, peaceful dispute settlement, and spreading a culture of peace.

This series of peace events strengthens cooperative partnership between the government of Cambodia and HWPL, international network for development through education, and overall facilitation of Cambodia-Korean friendship, said Sang-dae Lee. On 21st and 22nd, February, Chairman of HWPL and peace activist Man Hee Lee will appeal to Cambodia by urging that all people become messengers of peace to achieve a world without war.

This will be the third collaborative meeting between HWPL and the Great Supreme Patriarch of Kingdom of Cambodia, who had prior international exchanges including Religious Youth Peace Camp in Cambodia, in 2017 and the 2016 HWPL Peace Summit in South Korea.

We are now making plans and talking to school campuses in Long Beach to integrate the curriculum by the end of 2019 said Long Beach resident Debra Son.
Nova Filtration

Nova Filtrations franchisee business is set up to be simple, effective and straightforward as a low cost investment opportunity. Offering state-of-the-art equipment, advertising, marketing materials and many other ways to get the franchisee operations off the ground quickly and fruitful, reaping the benefits of high profits while being gainfully self-employed. A franchise that provides an ambitious, hands on owner/operator a lucrative income while setting their own schedules weekly enjoying a great work/rewarding life balance.

Based in The Villages we are too far to service Orlando so we are offering this franchise business opportunity to residents of Orlando.

About NOVA FILTRATION:

The founder Bob Novak in 1974 founded Pets Warehouse a successful company specializing in Aquaria and high tech aquarium filtration. This unique background developing filtration for delicate marine fish and corals has produced these unique and highly efficient filtration systems for in home use. Moreover, designed and assembled in the USA successfully using and upgrading the Nova filtration products throughout the years. These many years of hard work, learning and water filtration experience are the basis for the proprietary design techniques and manufacture of the Nova Filtration equipment fabricated and modified to meet the needs and requirements of Floridas water purification process.

For more information on The Nova Filters franchise opportunities, please visit: http://www.NovaFiltration.com

Call 352.566.2649

Email info@NovaFiltration.com
The Camino Made Easy: Reflections of a Parador Pilgrim: Three Walking Tours on the Way of St. James through Spain and Portugal to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre (published by Archway Press) by Olivia Pittet is a personal and practical narrative that considers the cultural history, spiritual diversity and medieval legacy of the Camino, also known as the Way of St. James, through a modern-day walkers lens. The book is available for purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/Camino-Made-Easy-Reflections-Compostela/dp/1480863475.

Revealing the Caminos physical challenges and its opportunities for personal growth, Pittet testifies to the practical advantages and relative ease of doing this increasingly popular long-distance medieval pilgrimage trail as part of a van-supported and guided small-group cultural walking tour. And by highlighting the Caminos historical background, taking a fresh look at its ancient legends, and telling Chaucer-style tales about herself and the people she meets, Pittet recreates the Camino anew for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Illustrated with maps, photographs and drawings, The Camino Made Easy will, Pittet hopes, enthrall readers with the natural beauty of the Caminos many varied landscapes and the splendor of its cityscapes and great cathedrals, and give them, as she goes on to say, an enhanced appreciation of walkings power to refresh body, mind and spirit.

The Camino Made Easy: Reflections of a Parador Pilgrim

By Olivia Pittet

Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 260 pages | ISBN 9781480863460

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 260 pages | ISBN 9781480863477

E-Book | 260 pages | ISBN 9781480863484

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Olivia Pittet was born in England and immigrated to America in 1963. She received her Bachelor of Arts from London University and her masters degree in English and comparative literature from Columbia University, specializing in medieval studies. Now a freelance editor, she previously worked for many years in book publishing. Pittet is also a dedicated walker who has taken walking tours throughout Europe and North America for over 20 years, on one of which she met her present husband. The Camino Made Easy: Reflections of a Parador Pilgrim, Pittets first book, was written  and walked  while the author was in her 70s.


The development of a blockchain-based search engine could completely change SEO as we know it.

ASEOHosting, a provider of SEO-friendly hosting, today examined the relationship between blockchain and SEO.

A distributed database that uses multiple systems to ensure security and data integrity, blockchain was originally created to serve as a public transaction ledger for bitcoin. The peer-to-peer was intended as a solution to the double-spending problem that could be implemented without requiring a central server. As cryptocurrency continues to grow in popularity, businesses have begun exploring other uses for blockchain beyond serving as a public ledger.

At a glance, it may seem like blockchain has relatively little to do with search engine optimization, explains Daniel Page, Director of Business Development at ASEOHosting. However, looking closer at the technology and its potential uses reveals that it has the potential to fundamentally change digital marketing and advertising. Moreover, it stands to upset the very core that defines SEO.

It is no secret that digital advertising is in dire straits, he continues. Malicious and fraudulent advertising has reached epidemic proportions and the usage of ad-blockers is at an all-time high. Blockchain offers a direct solution to this issue and blockchain-based identification systems provide a level of unmatched transparency and trust.

Many companies are already working to implement such systems, and not simply for advertising. Other areas of search engine marketing, such as product reviews, also stand to benefit. A company that validates all on-site advertisements, customer reviews, and product sales through blockchain is one that demonstrates care for its customers, says Daniel.

Believe it or not, all the applications of blockchain within the advertising space are only the tip of the iceberg, he continues. Through the use of distributed ledgers, we could see better keyword research, a higher premium placed on verified people and data, and an even greater crackdown on black hat SEO tactics like paid link building.

Beyond that, says Daniel Page, the larger impact of blockchain is as-yet uncertain. He does, however, estimate that the development of a blockchain-based search engine could completely change SEO as we know it. Such a search engine would, he said, serve results based on each persons identity; information available to and provided by them alone.

I doubt we will be seeing any significant market upsets from blockchain in the immediate future, he says. But its still something to pay attention to - because eventually, we will see a change.

About ASEOHosting:

ASEOHosting is the leader in providing all types of SEO Hosting, including Shared SEO Hosting, Dedicated SEO Hosting, US Dedicated SEO Servers, and EU Dedicated SEO Servers, based in Orlando, FL, and Detroit, MI, owned and operated by Ahosting, Inc., supplying hosting services that are truly beyond imagination. Since 2002, ASEOHosting has established one of the webs premier solutions for reseller web hosting, multiple IP hosting, dedicated servers, and VPS hosting. For more information, visit https://www.aseohosting.com.
Arrow has tripled in size in just four years, and the creation of our new national partnership promises continued expansion of our size, strength and capabilities.

Arrow Benefits Group, the third largest benefits firm in the North Bay, announces a series of expansions and status as a founding agency in a new national brokerage. Says Stephen McNeil, Managing Partner, Arrow has tripled in size in just four years, and the creation of our new national partnership promises continued expansion of our size, strength and capabilities. It also allows us to deepen our already substantial commitment to our North Bay communities. The expansion includes a merger with Scarborough Insurance of San Francisco and the addition of their principals Fred Naranjo, Kathleen Lemke and Barb Hendricks to the Arrow team. Arrow has also acquired four well-established independent agencies:



Advanced Benefits of Santa Rosa, Til West, Principal

Mission Benefits of Sunnyvale, Matthew Sohn, Principal

Copeland Insurance of San Rafael, Bob Copeland, Principal

Ahern Insurance of Novato, Michael Ahern, Principal

Bringing on these quality and respected agencies furthers Arrows footprint and mission. This growth in business and staff also aids the expansion of Alianza, Arrows Spanish Language Division. Alianza Director Rosario Avila says she is pleased with the growth in team and services dedicated to better serve existing and future clients.

While expanding regionally, Arrow is also a founding agency of a new national brokerage, Patriot Growth Insurance Services, Inc. (PGIS). With 17 other firms, PGIS will launch with approximately $52 million of annual revenue, ranking it in the top-60 privately held agencies in the United States, and in the top-20 privately held Employee Benefits agencies. Arrow will be in the top-10 in California agencies in Employee Benefits. PGIS has immediate plans to expand its presence in benefits, property and casualty, administration and wealth management. The new entity is poised for expansion and has already added firms to the fold since its founding.

PGIS, as part of its creation, expanded its market reach by purchasing TRUE Network Advisors (TRUE), an alliance of professional benefit firms with offices in over 25 cities. Arrow believes the purchase of TRUE provides a passionate dedication to employee benefits, with a greater ability to provide a series of innovative services and vendor partnerships that will help our clients offer benefits on a more comprehensive scale with greater efficiency and degree of dedication, said Senior Partner Jordan Shields. TRUE has numerous strategic partners around the nation who bring important and considerable expertise at preferred rates to all TRUE members and their clients (see http://www.truenetworkadvisors.com).

Senior Partner Keith McNeil says, two years in the making, the creation of Patriot Growth Insurance Services and its purchase of TRUE Network Advisors is a crowning achievement of Arrows long-term goal to create a major market footprint and deliver greater value to our clients and community.

The acquisitions and creation of PGIS expands Arrows existing products, tools and services, which include:

Human Resources (strategic partnership with The Personnel Perspective and Managing Partner Karen Alary)

Plan Administration (purchase of Shirrell Consulting Services and subsequent expansion)

Alternative Funding (creation of Self Insurance Expert)

About Arrow Benefits Group

Arrow Benefits Group is the single-source solution for managing the complexities of benefits with expert advice, customized programs, and personalized solutions. Arrows innovative programs control costs and give employees a greater sense of financial and emotional security. For straight answers to employee benefits call 707-992-3780 or visit: http://www.arrowbenefitsgroup.com.

Leadership Team of Arrow Benefits Group:


Eddie McAndrew "Eddie is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results," said AISN CEO Jay Atkinson.

AIS Network, a leading, SWaM-certified provider of advanced information security and other IT managed services to Virginia government agencies, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eddie McAndrew as chief operating officer.

Eddie is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results, said AISN CEO Jay Atkinson.

Hes uniquely qualified to drive strategic prioritization and operational excellence within AISN. He has been successful at managing multi-million-dollar projects, bringing them in on time, within budget and with high client satisfaction.

McAndrew will be responsible for managing internal and external operations, including managing the operations and Active Directory teams as well as all application development, contracts, and audit compliance. He will also lead project management for certain key projects, helping AISN expand its cybersecurity capabilities, and will be instrumental in building the new Governance, Risk and Compliance consulting practice.

McAndrew is an IT professional with more than 25 years of information technology and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) consulting experience in the public and private sectors. Most recently, he was with the Richmond-based Impact Makers, where he spent more than four years solving government agencies most complex risk management problems and as a lead in the public sector GRC consulting practice. His GRC experience includes transformation of the security programs in large healthcare and state government organizations. McAndrew has led large scale efforts for many of the worlds most successful companies, including IBM, Northrop Grumman and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

McAndrew earned a Master of Science in Information Systems, Finance and Network Architecture, from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, from the University of Texas at Austin. His postgraduate work includes a Masters Certificate of Project Management from George Washington University as well as certification in ITIL Fundamentals. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and certified Project Management Professional (PMP) are among other certificates McAndrew holds.

Executive branch agencies, counties, cities, towns, schools and all other public entities throughout the commonwealth can use AISN to build, host, operate and maintain their mission-critical applications, websites, portals, databases and more. AISN holds multiple commonwealth convenience contracts for Virginia government. They are CAI Virginia IT Contingent Labor Contract Statement of Work (SOW)  Application Development, Information Security and Infrastructure Services; VA-120416-AISN Hosting Services; and VA-120413-BPI Web Applications Maintenance and Operations. AISN is also a Unisys team member on the contract, VA-180815-UC Server, Storage and Data Center Services.

About AIS Network

AIS Network is a Virginia SWaM-certified leader in advanced information security, award-winning application development and cloud solutions with a wide footprint in Virginia state and local government. Solving complex IT challenges and managing digital risk to help clients thrive in an unpredictable world has been our core business for more than 26 years. As the trusted and reliable partner of the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2012, we drive exceptional value through our deep knowledge of state agency data protection, compliance, governance and internal auditing procedures and controls. Our unmatched customer experience is rooted in decades of expertise engaging with Forbes- and Fortune-ranked global corporations, government agencies and other large enterprise clients to deliver these solutions in addition to multi-cloud managed services for the worlds leading platforms, data visualization and analytics, high security hosting and consultative reviews. Visit http://www.aisn.net.


The safety of our patients is our number one priority, and we are committed to having the most advanced technology to deliver the best care possible, said Debi Martoccio, Chief Operating Officer of AdventHealth Connerton.

AdventHealth Connerton is the first specialty acute care facility in the nation to test the PathO3Gen Solutions Footwear Sanitizing Stations to maximize infection control for patients and their families. The patented, new technology uses proactive Solestice 3/15 TechnologyTM to kill superbugs such as MRSA and C. difficile, which can be transmitted from the bottoms of shoes to patients, visitors and staff. Within six seconds of stepping onto the station, a persons shoes are decontaminated, decreasing the spread of infectious illness. Nine of the innovative stations will be tested throughout the facility.

The safety of our patients is our number one priority, and we are committed to having the most advanced technology to deliver the best care possible, said Debi Martoccio, Chief Operating Officer of AdventHealth Connerton. These sanitizing stations allow us to establish new protocols that proactively prevent infections to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients while theyre in our care.

AdventHealth Connerton is excited to partner with St. Petersburg, FL company Green Earth Medical Solutions to bring this one of a kind technology to our facility.

"We are excited to work with the team at AdventHealth Connerton to positively influence the patient, employee and visitor experience, said Scott Beal, Chief Operating Officer of Green Earth Medical Solutions. Our patented technology is the only shoe sanitizing solution that combines the power of both UVC and ozone. Implementation of this technology will enhance all other safety protocols currently put in place by the forward-thinking team at AdventHealth Connerton. Our mission is to provide technology that both prevents infections and saves lives. We are honored that AdventHealth Connerton has chosen to join us in this mission.

AdventHealth is on the forefront of innovation and technology to elevate patient care. Other leading-edge equipment at AdventHealth Connerton includes the latest in cardiac monitoring, smart IV pumps and the BeSmart Safe Mobility and Reposition Transfer program.

About AdventHealth West Florida Division (Formerly Florida Hospital)

The West Florida Division of AdventHealth has some of the nations brightest medical minds making lifesaving breakthroughs with surgical pioneers, scientists and researchers using leading edge technology and innovation to deliver our brand of whole-person care. Our network of care includes AdventHealth Carrollwood, AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Lake Placid, AdventHealth North Pinellas, AdventHealth Ocala, AdventHealth Sebring, AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Wauchula, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as well as three freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including AdventHealth Central Pasco ER, AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER and AdventHealth TimberRidge ER. We are more than hospitals, as we have a robust system of care including specialty acute care, over 200 primary care and specialty employed physicians, Express Care at Walgreens clinics, urgent care centers, wound care, physical therapy and home health care. AdventHealth (remove comma) is a faith-based not-for-profit health care system with a mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. AdventHealth has hundreds of care sites and nearly 50 hospitals across the United States. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com, or Facebook.com/AdventHealth, and for West Florida Division, click here.

About AdventHealth Connerton

AdventHealth Connerton opened its doors in 2009. The primary objective of this acute care specialty hospital is to provide care to medically complex patients. By extending a patients hospital stay, the goal is to provide a longer time to heal in a hospital setting. AdventHealth Connerton is a 50-bed all private room facility providing services to patients and their families from a regional area encompassing a 50-mile radius from central Pasco County. Patients are admitted from a five-county area and from approximately 25+ acute care hospitals. The facility became part of Adventist Health System in 2010. The 48,000-square foot, facility has all private rooms, an operating room for minor inpatient procedures, a chapel, inner courtyard and dining area  all specially designed for an extended hospital stay.
An interesting series of charts was posted by Simon Pressley of Propertyology, showing how a number of Brisbane construction hotspots have seen the rental supply tightening back into balance.

Pressley showed tightening vacancy rates in Nundah (1.6%), Bulimba (2.8%), and Chermside (2.2%) as a few prime examples, while West End and Fortitude Valley were still chewing through the their glut in January 2019.

A bit closer in, here's New Farm and Teneriffe with the rental supply at the tightest level since 2013.

Source: SQM Research

Hamilton also recorded its lowest vacancy rate since 2013.

Commencements and units under construction have levelled off, while new approvals continue to slide back towards historic averages.

And while not all internal migrants head to the capital cities, as I write, this interstate migration to Queensland is at its highest level in about 13 years, those heady pre-crisis days when when the mining boom was in full swing.

While developers aim to manage risk as well as they can, there's always an element of forecasting of demand when strategies are put together.

For a while it looked as though the demand for units and rentals wouldn't keep up with the record rates of construction.

But it increasingly looks as though things have swung back into balance in the nick of time, as Queensland draws more and more internal migrants away from the major capitals.
Two Australian Chinese-language papers devoted their weekend front pages to an open letter backing exiled billionaire property developer Huang Xiangmo, whose permanent residency was cancelled for reasons including character grounds in early February.

It says the Morrison government's decision to cancel Mr Huang's residency was outrageous and calls for it to be overturned.

The letter appears to be a paid ad.

The letter, which appeared on the front pages of the Sing Tao Daily and Australian Chinese Daily and inside a third, the Daily Chinese Herald on Saturday.

They came with 128 community groups protesting the decision to effectively bar Huang from Australia after the Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) advised he was "amenable to conducting acts of foreign interference".

The letter features a smiling photo of Huang atop an image of the Australian flag.

The letter says Mr Huang is an innocent philanthropist and businessman, and that any member of the Chinese community in Australia could share his fate which sees the media and politicians using information from the security services to demonise Huang.
GUEST OBSERVATION

Australia is the sixth-largest contributor of household waste per capita in the world. We spend more than $A10.5 billion annually on goods and services that are never or rarely used.

One-quarter of Australians admit to throwing away clothing after just one use, while at the other end of the extreme, 5% of the population save unused items with such tenacity that their homes become dangerously cluttered.

If unnecessary purchases come at such a profound cost, why do we make them?

Why do we buy so much stuff?

We acquire some possessions because of their perceived usefulness. We might buy a computer to complete work tasks, or a pressure cooker to make meal preparation easier.

But consumer goods often have a psychological value that outweighs their functional value. This can drive us to acquire and keep things we could do without.

Possessions can act as an extension of ourselves. They may remind us of our personal history, our connection to other people, and who we are or want to be. Wearing a uniform may convince us we are a different person. Keeping family photos may remind us that we are loved. A home library may reveal our appreciation for knowledge and enjoyment of reading.

Acquiring and holding onto possessions can bring us comfort and emotional security. But these feelings cloud our judgement about how useful the objects are and prompt us to hang onto things we havent used in years.

When this behaviour crosses over into hoarding disorder, we may notice:

a persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value



that this difficulty arises because we feel we need to save the items and/or avoid the distress associated with discarding them



that our home has become so cluttered we cannot use it as intended. We might not be able to sit on our sofa, cook in our kitchen, sleep in our bed, or park our car in the garage



the saving behaviour is impacting our quality of life. We might experience significant family strain or be embarrassed to invite others into our home. Our safety might be at risk, or we may have financial problems. These problems can contribute to workplace difficulties.

Will the KonMari method help?

According to Japanese tidying consultant Marie Kondo, everyone who completes the KonMari Method has successfully kept their house in order.

But while some aspects of the KonMari method are consistent with existing evidence, others may be inadvisable, particularly for those with clinical hoarding problems.

Kondo suggests that before starting her process, people should visualise what they want their home to look like after decluttering. A similar clinical technique is used when treating hoarding disorder. Images of ones ideal home can act as a powerful amplifier for positive emotions, thereby increasing motivation to discard and organise.

Next, the KonMari Method involves organising by category rather than by location. Tidying should be done in a specific order. People should tackle clothing, books, paper, komono (kitchen, bathroom, garage, and miscellaneous), and then sentimental items.

Organising begins with placing every item within a category on the floor. This suggestion has an evidence base. Our research has shown people tend to discard more possessions when surrounded by clutter as opposed to being in a tidy environment.

However, organising and categorising possessions in any context is challenging for people with hoarding disorder.

Marie Kondo gives sage advice about whether to keep possessions we think well use in the future. A focus on future utility is a common thinking trap, as many saved items are never used. She encourages us to think about the true purpose of possessions: wearing the shirt or reading the book. If we arent doing those things, we should give the item to someone who will.

Another Kondo suggestion is to thank our possessions before we discard them. This is to recognise that an item has served its purpose. She believes this process will facilitate letting go.

However, by thanking our items we might inadvertently increase their perceived humanness. Anthropomorphising inanimate objects increases the sentimental value and perceived utility of items, which increases object attachment.

People who are dissatisfied with their interpersonal relationships are more prone to anthropomorphism and have more difficulty making decisions. This strategy may be particularly unhelpful for them.

One of Kondos key messages is to discard any item that does not spark joy.

But for someone with excessive emotional attachment to objects, focusing on ones emotional reaction may not be helpful. People who hoard things experience intense positive emotions in response to many of their possessions, so this may not help them declutter.

Think about how you get rid of things

Sustainability Victoria recently urged Netflix-inspired declutterers to reduce, reuse, and recycle rather than just tossing unwanted items into landfill.

Dumping everything into the op-shop or local charity bin is also problematic. Aussie charities are paying A$13 million a year to send unusable donations to landfill.

Ultimately, we need to make more thoughtful decisions about both acquiring and discarding possessions. We need to buy less, buy used, and pass our possessions on to someone else when we have stopped using them for their intended purpose.

Melissa Norberg, Associate Professor in Psychology, Macquarie University

Jessica Grisham, Professor in Psychology, UNSW

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Woolworths will scrap its $1 dollar-a-litre milk in support of a more sustainable Australian dairy industry.

From tomorrow, Woolworths will remove $1 per litre milk from all stores around the country with its own brand milk to sell for $2.20 and $3.30 respectively.

Woolworths has announced plans to permanently increase the price of milk with the extra cost to be passed onto dairy farmers.

Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said the move would deliver higher prices to more than 450 dairy farmers.

Dairy farmers have rallied against $1 per litre milk ever since the supermarket giants started their price war in 2011, arguing the cheap price was unsustainable.

There was an emotive video last week from the daughter of a South Australian dairy farmer who was farewelling the herd as they abandoned the farm.

Casey Treloar, from South Australia, a third generation dairy farmer saw her facebook go viral with emotional farewell video.

The supermarket giant and rivals Coles previously put up the price of their two and three litre milk varieties in September as a temporary drought relief measure.

Australian Dairy Farmers CEO David Inall welcomed Woolworths move, describing it as a game changer.

It is reassuring that Woolworths has committed to deliver the full 10 cent increase back to those farmers who supplied the milk into that product category, Mr Inall said.

Removing $1 milk is not just intended to restore farmers financial confidence, but it will also boost confidence in regional communities and small businesses that rely on the industry."

Coles is yet to announce if it will follow Woolworths lead.
The agricultural fund manager Growth Farms has bought the largest farming aggregation on Kangaroo Island from the billionaire media mogul Kerry Stokes.

Stokes and veteran cattleman Peter Murray sold their Cygnet Park Farms aggregation reportedly for about $25 million through Elders.

It was listed in late 2017.

The cattle, sheep and cropping aggregation on the 7,821 hectare Cygnet Park Farms, which Stokes and his long-time business partner had accumulated over the past decade, was being offered on a walk in, walk out basis in one line or in individual allotments

Murray is one of Australia's most experienced cattlemen.

With annual average rainfall ranging between 600-900mm, it was currently running approx 3,000 Angus cows, 2200 weaner calves and 300 yearlings/bulls.

NSW-based Growth Farms is headed by David Sackett who manages assets on behalf of a global network of high net worth individuals, family office and institutional clients.

It was established in 1999 by Angus Taylor and his brother Richard .

It has investments in sheep and cattle, cotton, sugarcane, winter crops with farms totalling more than 100,000 hectares.
Police are investigating the shooting down of a commercial drone in rural ACT, near Tennent last Thursday.

Evoenergy was using the drone to carry out surveying work when it was shot down.

Nine Entertainemt reported that local landholders had not been notified of the surveying work.
Below is an open letter to Australia written by rural real estate agent David Nolan to Prime Minister Mr Morrison (sent directly to him) and Opposition Leader Mr Bill Shorten (sent directly to him).

After what Gillard and Ludwig did in 2011 banning live cattle into Indonesia, you should be pledging billions to this disaster instead of promising to give our money (the tax payers) to the UN.

Leaders of all other Opposition Parties and all the politicians in these political parties and including every bureaucrat the TIME HAS COME !!!

Everyone must unite and get behind those affected by this tragic event in Far North Queensland.

Foreign Aid, Refugees, Boat People and every other overseas hanger on, the party and free hand outs have to stop until this situation is fixed, which may take a number of years.

I apologise to the bleeding hearts regarding the above but what has just happened on our back door is the greatest loss of livestock in a single event in the world's history.

Think about about that long and hard,

A Tsunami of water based on an unprecedented rain fall event which lasted over a week has taken the lives of 300,000 to 500,000 cattle.*

Think about that about long and hard. 300,000 to 500,000* head of cattle. Those numbers are unfathomable.

To put this in perspective so everyone gets an understanding of the magnitude of this disaster, the area covered in water in Far North QLD was the size of Victoria.

Now I ask this question, if Victoria went under water and suddenly there were 300,000 to 500,000* dead cattle lying around, every politician, agri expert etc and the world press would be over it like a rash.

Or is everyone going to say out of sight out of mind. This will be a real test of what sort of Nation we collectively are today.

Now what about the people, AUSTRALIAN FARMERS, our own. What about their health both mental and physical, both now and in the future. The pressure on them must be off the Richter scale.

No income, bank pressure and in some cases not one head of cattle left. Think about it long and hard,

Do these so called leaders of our great country do what all politicians have previously done? Get dressed up in their RM Williams gear with an Akubra Hat, go and visit for a day, kiss a baby, get a photo and then forget all about the people and the problem?

REMEMBER this is the greatest single natural animal disaster to ever happen in history.

These farmers, their families, the employees all loved and cared for these cattle. Think long and hard about them.

We as proud Australians must continue to keep this event from being swept under the carpet. This northern part of QLD is a long way from any major city, but the people and the land is still AUSTRALIAN. So lets never forget that.

So l ask everyone don't stop talking about it and don't stop reminding every politician you can. You can find your local member's contact details here.

Thank you.

David Nolan a proud Australian with a long bush heritage

It has never happened to so many animals in one event in the history of the world.

*There are forecasts these figures may even significantly increase in the coming weeks.
The Mount Sugarloaf Vineyard in the Grampians has been sold.

It has been bought by one of Victoria's oldest winemakers, Best's Great Western.

The sale of the 409 hectare estate was reportedly for $5.5 million.

Some 114 ha is under vine growing red grapes under the Hyde Park Wines label.

Hyde Park Wines is owned by David Wells, Michael Ramsden and Michael Tilley, who planted their initial vineyard in 1997, close to the Seppelt vineyards at Great Western.

It is set a two hour drive from Melbourne.

Founded in 1866 in the Great Western wine region of Victoria, Best's Great Western is one of Australia's oldest continually family owned and operated wineries.

Best's has only had two owners, the Best family who founded the winery, and the Thomson Family with a fifth generation Thomson is now running the winery.
International Workplace Groups (IWG) co-working brand Spaces has secured approximately 7,000 square metres of space across two buildings within Lendleases Melbourne Quarter precinct.

Spaces will occupy one floor at One Melbourne Quarter and more than 4,000 square metres over two floors at Two Melbourne Quarter.

They will also utilise the business lounge facilities in each buildings lobby as extensions of their workplace.

Spaces members will also have access to the precincts Wi-Fi enabled Sky Park.

There will be over 700 flexible workstations available when Spaces moves into One Melbourne Quarter (pictured above) in May this year and Two Melbourne Quarter (pictured below) once it is complete in mid-2020.

The precinct will also be the Victorian home of AMP and EnergyAustralia, which will join Arup and Lendlease.

Spaces model allows customers to pay only for the space they need, scaling operations up or down to boost employee productivity in their choice of work environments.

The Lendlease managed Australian Prime Property Fund (APPF) Commercial owns One Melbourne Quarter and has a 50% joint interest in Two Melbourne Quarter with First State Super.

"There is a workspace revolution underway in Australia and businesses of all sizes are waking up to the strategic and financial benefits that flexible office space can provide," said Damien Sheehan, Head of IWG, Spaces parent company in Australia & New Zealand.

"This will be the fourth Spaces co-working centre located in Victoria and we are extremely excited to be located in the new Melbourne Quarter Precinct."
La Paz, Feb 19 : Twenty-four people were killed and 11 others injured on Monday when a bus collided with a truck in western Bolivia, police told Efe.

The director of transit and transportation in the Oruro region, Col. Victor Hugo Lizarazu, said that while the causes of the accident were still under investigation, rain might have been "an important factor."

The injured were taken to various medical facilities in Oruro city, regional police commander Jose Pizarro told the media, adding that the death toll could rise.

Many of the survivors suffered serious injuries, he said, Efe reported.

Authorities have managed to conclusively identify 12 of the fatalities: six men, five women and a child, Pizarro said.

The collision occurred on the highway connecting the cities of Potosi and Oruro, Bolivia's interior minister said during a press conference in La Paz.

With 45 people aboard, the bus was travelling from Villazon, a town on the border with Argentina, to La Paz, Carlos Romero said.

He said that the other vehicle, possibly a dump truck, was traveling in the opposite direction and apparently swerved into the lane occupied by the Trans Inca bus, whose left front section was destroyed.

The "Health Ministry and other agencies are monitoring (the situation) to support the affected families," Romero said.

Radio Fides, citing a preliminary police report, said that the accident took place shortly before 4 am amid rain and dense fog on a stretch of road between Lake Poopo and Machacamarca.

President Evo Morales reacted to news of the latest deadly incident on Bolivian roads by ordering authorities to increase scrutiny of transportation firms and the drivers they employ.

"Our condolences and solidarity to the families. I have instructed the police to reinforce controls on companies and drivers, and told all authorities to be ready to collaborate in these emergencies," the president wrote on Twitter.

Monday's accident took place on the same highway where 22 people died and 37 others were hurt on January 19 in a head-on collision between two buses.

Every year, traffic accidents claim an average of 1,000 lives in Bolivia and leave another 40,000 people injured, according to official data.
Rabat: Rabat: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Moroccon Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during the joint press statement in Rabat, Morocco on Feb 18, 2019. (Photo: IANS/MEA) Image Source: IANS News

Rabat: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Moroccon Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita sign and exchanged four documents in the fields of counter-terrorism, easing of restrictions on business visas, housing and human settlement and youth matters Image Source: IANS News

Rabat, Feb 19 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Monday signed four agreements to cement bilateral cooperation.

The two foreign ministers inked four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the areas of security, housing, investments and youths, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking at a press briefing, Bourita said the signing of these agreements will strengthen the legal framework governing the relations between the two countries.

For her part, the Indian foreign minister stressed that India is committed to developing bilateral relations with Morocco.

Swaraj also met with several Moroccan officials, including the Prime Minister Saadeddine El Othmani.
Quito, Feb 19 : Ecuador could lose two of its seven glaciers over the next few years thanks to global warming, a phenomenon that worries experts because it would alter the paramo ecosystem and its effect on the nation's water supply and humidity, media reported.

The most imminent threat concerns the glaciers of Carihuairazo, in Chimborazo province, and the southern Iliniza, between those of Pichincha and Cotopaxi.

"Global estimates forecast a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees C (3 degrees F), a pattern that will not change in the next 12 years," Estefania Avalos, undersecretary of Climate Change at the Environment Ministry of Ecuador (MAE), told Efe.

This increase has already left obvious signs that temperatures are changing, but according to another expert, Bolivar Caceres of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (Inamhi), the threat is imminent.

Ecuador has seven glaciers: Antisana, Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, the Ilinizas (north and south), El Altar and Carihuairazo, all located on volcanic craters affected by the greenhouse effect.

In the case of Carihuairazo, 96 per cent of the glacier surface has melted, which means it could disappear in just five years, Caceres said, and while no exact forecast has been made for the southern Iliniza, the thaw there has also been noteworthy.

"Up to the end of 2018, an average nationwide loss of 53 per cent of glacier coverage was recorded," said the expert, who warned that it is hard to predict the glaciers' future because climatic conditions change at random, reports Efe.

"There are models that indicate they could disappear by late 2100, but they're just models. In the Andes, glaciers never disappear completely but they do shrink dramatically," Caceres said about the regional situation.

The effect of the thaw is most visible in the two glaciers previously mentioned because they are located at an altitude lower than the "line of equilibrium," the average altitude necessary for the glaciers' regeneration.

That line is at 5,120 meters (16,798 feet) above sea level, so these two glaciers are in a "state of loss for which no recovery exists."

Carihuairazo is 5,025 meters high, and the Iliniza is 4,750, which increases the threat.

The glacialist, who has spent more than 30 years studying both elevations, said the glaciers' shrinkage is a natural phenomenon that has always existed, but in the last 20 years it has increased dramatically due to human activities and the changes in temperatures around the world.

In Ecuador, the mountain peaks with the greatest glacial coverage are the Antisana at a height of 5,704 meters, and the Cayambe at 5,790 meters.

The location of the Ecuadorian glaciers is "strategic" because they gather the "atmospheric circulation from the Pacific" and the "humidity of the Amazon region," said Ruben Bazantes, glacialist at the National Polytechnic University.

This location makes them prone to powerful rainstorms that reach some 6,000 millimeters (236 inches) a year and makes Ecuador's glaciers different from others in the Andes.

Apart from their size, authorities follow very closely the secondary consequences of the meltdown, because these glaciers are true regulators of the water supply.

Though glaciers in Ecuador are not in any way indispensable for providing water to the population -- they contribute just 2 percent to the nearby towns -- their disappearance could affect supplies in the future.

Another of the consequences that most concern the experts is the extinction of native animal and plant species on the Ecuadorian paramos, and the possible arrival of invasive species because of changes in the ecosystem.
Jerusalem, Feb 19 : Aiming to become the fourth country to make a soft landing on the Moon, Israel's non-profit SpaceIL has announced it will launch a spacecraft from Florida's Cape Canaveral on Thursday on board a Falcon 9 rocket.

The unmanned craft, weighing 1,300 pounds and standing approximately five feet tall, will then begin an about seven-week journey to the Moon, from where it will send back images of the rocky surface and conduct experiments on the lunar magnetic field.

The spacecraft is called "Beresheet," a reference to the first words of the Bible in Hebrew: "In the beginning..."

For decades, the Moon was the exclusive domain of the superpowers. The Soviet Union landed Luna 2 on the Earth's nearest neighbour in 1959. Three years later, the US landed Ranger 4 on the Moon, CNN reported.

These were "hard landings," meaning the craft crashed into the Moon. The first "soft landings" for both countries came in 1966, when spacecraft made controlled descents to the lunar surface.

It would take nearly another 50 years for a third country to perform a soft Moon landing, when China's Chang'e 3 did it in 2013.

If Israel's spacecraft venture proceeds as planned, it would become the fourth -- and by far the smallest -- country to do so. It would also become the first private enterprise to make a controlled landing on the Moon, with the smallest spacecraft to do it, and by far the least expensive mission.

The total cost of the programme, raised from private donations, is $100 million, a small fraction of the billions of dollars invested in the US space program.

"This mission that we were talking about was really a mission impossible," said entrepreneur Morris Kahn, who donated $40 million to the project.

"The only thing is I didn't realize it was impossible, and the three engineers that started this project didn't think it was impossible, and the way Israel thinks, nothing is impossible... We are really making this dream come true," Kahn added.

SpaceIL was founded eight years ago to compete in the Google Lunar X Prize, an international competition to see whether a private enterprise could land a spacecraft on the moon, move 500 meters in any direction, and transmit live, high-definition video from the lunar surface.

The competition was cancelled in January 2018 when none of the five teams left in the competition was able to meet the March deadline for a launch.

But some of the teams persisted, determined to land on the Moon even without the incentive of $30 million in prize money.

SpaceIL pressed on, signing with Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch their craft to the Moon on board a Falcon 9 rocket, which is scheduled for launch on February 21.

Beresheet will travel approximately 4 million miles on its journey, circling the earth multiple times to gain speed before it slingshots towards the moon. It is scheduled to land on April 11.
New Delhi, Feb 19 : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Monday said that business worth about Rs 25,000 crore was hit due to the "Bharat Trade Bandh" that was called to protest against the recent Pulwama terror attack.

According to CAIT, the day-long bandh saw seven crore business establishments remain closed across the country, including Delhi.

"Business of about Rs 25,000 crore was hit due to today's 'Bharat Trade Bandh'," the confederation said in a statement.

"In the wake of tremendous and spontaneous voluntary response from traders across the country, the CAIT has decided to create a Special Relief Fund exclusively for the welfare of the forces," it said.

In the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989, a suicide bomber on Thursday rammed his SUV packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama district, killing as many as 40 troopers and leaving many injured.
Mumbai, Feb 18 : Ending weeks of speculation and tottering on the brink, the ruling NDA constituents - Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- finally sealed a pact for the ensuing 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Announcing the alliance formula, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP will contest 25 and the Sena 23 of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

However, in the 288-member Assembly, after finalising the share of other alliance partners, the two parties shall contest in the ratio of 50:50 for the remaining seats.

"We have been together for over 25 years because of our shared ideologies and spirit of nationalism. In 2014 elections, owing to certain reasons we had split, but later for the past nearly five years we are in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre," Fadnavis said.

IANS had first reported the formula that was expected to be finalised this morning.

BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and other senior leaders from both sides, made the announcement at a joint media briefing late this evening.

Fadnavis said: "We are confident of returning to power both in Maharashtra and the Centre based on our exceptional performance for the past five years."

He said the BJP has accepted all major demands of the Sena including expediting the process to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, farmers' issues and problems in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to benefit the peasantry.

The CM said the demand for giving tax benefits for those in Mumbai living in flats of up to 500 sq.ft will also be considered.

Terming it as a "new beginning" between the two parties, Thackeray said the "bitter experiences" of the past five years would not be repeated in future, and both parties will work and fight "shoulder-to-shoulder".

Shah said it was the long cherished desire of party workers from both sides to work out an alliance, and finally it has been done successfully.

He appealed to all workers that since the Sena is the oldest and most reliable ally, "to bury their bitterness of recent times" and start working for the elections with renewed vigour to ensure victory of the alliance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.

Shah also reiterated that the BJP-Sena will bag 45 seats in the Lok Sabha in view of the performance of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, none of the leaders took any questions from the media, especially pertaining to the Sena's claim for the post of Chief Minister in the next Assembly elections.

Reacting to the development, Congress Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the Sena was arm-twisted into forging the alliance under threats of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state spokesperson Nawab Malik claimed that the Sena, which had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Chowkidar Chor Hai" in the past, is now allying with the same BJP.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Filmmaker Indra Kumar says it was his team's decision to prevent the release of "Total Dhamaal" in Pakistan.

On Monday, the cast of the third installment of 'Dhamaal' franchise, announced that movie will not release in Pakistan in the wake of terror attack on CRPF jawans in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

Standing by the decision,Indra Kumar told IANS: "Being a part of Indian film industry, it's my and my team's way of protest against the heinous terror attack.

"It's our way of supporting our nation in hard time. Why should we release our movie in a country which is attacking our people?"

"The whole team including actors Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, mutually decided and came to the conclusion of abandoning the release of the film in Pakistan," he added.

Asked if he really feels that film trade with Pakistan must stop completely, he said: "I never want the two nations to fight or have hatred against each other. I always wish for peace but now looking at the situation, looking at those young martyrs and their families, how can I talk about trade with that nation.

"People are angry and their anger is justified. I am with my countrymen and to support them... I am not releasing my film in Pakistan."

The director also has high hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modiji is a great leader. I am sure he will find out some way," he added.

Apart from cancelling the release of the film in Pakistan, the team of "Total Dhamaal" has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the jawans who lost their lives in the attack.

In the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in the state in 1989, a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber on February 14 rammed his vehicle packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing 40 troopers.
Kolkata, Feb 18 : The West Bengal Police on Monday warned of strong action against "planned efforts" to create law and order problems in the state by some groups by taking out sudden processions in areas with mixed population and spreading fake message and rumours through social media.

"In our state, after the Pulwama terror strike (in Jammu and Kashmir), planned efforts are being made to create law and order problems. There have been specific incidents in Sreerampur of Hooghly district, North 24 Parganas district's Bangaon and Habra two days back," Additional Director General of Police Anuj Sharma told media persons at the state secretariat.

He said some groups were taking out flash processions and entering areas which had a mixed population of various communities and trying to foment unrest.

Sharma appealed to the people not to heed rumours or get involved in any disturbances, but inform the police if they have any information about trouble.

"We have instructed the officers-in-charge, Superintendents and Commissioners of Police to strengthen policing. We will take very strong action. We are identifying all mischief mongers.

"Some attempts are also being made through the social media by spreading fake news to trigger violence. We have already started strong specific cases. We will take strong action against all such people," he said.

Sharma said in parts of South Parganas district, rumours were being spread about child lifters roaming in the areas. "We are apprising locals through loudspeaker announcements that these are mere rumours," he added.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 18 : A woman from Turkmenistan was killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a speeding Bentley car rammed the auto rickshaw they were travelling in at Vinay Marg, a high-security area in Central Delhi's Chanakyapuri area, on Monday, the police said.

The driver of the Bentley, identified as Asees Singh Chadha, 19, was caught by the people and handed over to the police. He is nephew of liquor baron Ponty Chadha who was killed in 2012. He had two policemen from Punjab following him in an escort vehicle as security, the police said.

A motorist informed the police about the accident at about 1.45 p.m. When the police reached the spot, they found the car and the auto rickshaw in tatters following the accident.

"The passengers of the auto rickshaw were taken to a nearby hospital where Gulshat Alijanova, the Turkmenistan national, succumbed to injuries. The injured have been identified as Alma Gul Atayeba and Gulia Yyam, both from Turkmenistan, and Raghubir Singh, driver of the auto rickshaw. The Turkmenistan nationals were in India on tourist visa," said Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Asees, son of Rajender Singh Chadha, stays in a farmhouse in south Delhi's Mehrauli area.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The team of "Total Dhamaal" has decided to not release their film in Pakistan, said the film's director Indra Kumar.

On Monday, the cast of the film announced that the movie will not be released in Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Standing by the decision, Kumar told IANS: "Being a part of the Indian film industry, it's the team's way of showing protest against the heinous terror attack. It's our way of supporting our nation in hard times. Why should we release our movie in a country that is attacking our people?"

The whole team, including actors Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, decided not to release the film in Pakistan, said kumar who has directed 16 Bollywood films and has produced one movies.

"People are angry and their anger is justified. I am with my countrymen and to support them, I am not releasing my film in Pakistan," he said. "Modiji is a great leader. I am sure he will find out some way," he added.

Apart from cancelling the release of the film in Pakistan, the team of "Total Dhamaal" has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the attack.

In the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in the state in 1989, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber on February 14 rammed his vehicle packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the Pulwama district.

The attack claimed the lives of 40 troopers.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : With a view to ensuring better safety of women, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry will on Tuesday launch three initiatives, including safety tool "Panic Button" and DNA analysis facilities, said an official on Monday.

The initiatives will be jointly launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The Panic Button, which was conceived in 2015, will be launched across 14 states at a cost of Rs 321.69 crore made available from the Nirbhaya Fund, said an official statement.

This emergency response system was soft-launched in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland recently.

Safe City Implementation Monitoring (SCIM), a web portal developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will also be launched at Tuesday's event which will help online track deployment of assets and infrastructure created under the Safe City projects.

The DNA analysis centres will have facilities like refrigeration of samples, automated DNA extractor and sequencer, centrifuges and genetic analysers, among others. A sum of Rs 78.86 crore has been sanctioned for this initiative.

"WCD and Home ministries are collaborating intensively to ensure that women are safe in the country. Besides, the initiatives referred above, fast-track special courts for cases of sexual assaults are also being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Law for which Rs 767 crore has been sanctioned from the Nirbhaya Fund," Maneka Gandhi said in the statement.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : A 27-year-old youth was arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl here, a police officer said on Monday.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jasmeet Singh, the incident ocurred on Sunday night.

The victim, 10, later informed her mother that a youth staying in the neighbourhood -- identified as Rohit Shrivastava -- sexually assaulted her at his residence, in New Ashok Nagar of the national capital.

"The accused was arrested from his residence. He had also threatened the victim that he would kill her if she disclosed his crime to anyone," DCP Singh said.
Jaipur, Feb 18 : A woman student of Jaipur Dental College was suspended by college authorities on Monday after she updated her WhatsApp status to 'Miss You Bhai' in support of Aadil Ahmad Dar, the suicide bomber behind the Pulwama CRPF attack, which went viral, confirmed college authorities.

Dr Manohar Bhatt, a college official, told IANS: "We have informed the matter to police and they are looking into it. Such activities can never be tolerated in our college. We have suspended the student, Saniya, who also belongs to Pulwama where the attack took place."

As soon as Sanya's WhatsApp status went viral, college students raised slogans against her at the campus.

Many social organisations also backed students demanding her immediate suspension.

Aadil rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a CRPF convoy on Thursday killing 40 troopers.
Jaipur, Feb 18 : : A pall of gloom descended on the Tiba Basat village in Jhunjhunu on Monday, after reports of Havildar Sheo Ram succumbing to bullet injuries received in an operation with Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Pinglana village of Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir, reached the village.

Havildar Sheo Ram, Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Sepoy Hari Singh and Sepoy Ajay Kumar sustained bullet injuries during the operation that started on Monday morning.

They were provided immediate first aid and evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, but succumbed to injuries.

Three Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists, including a JeM commander Kamran alias Ghazi Rashid, were killed in the encounter.

The trio allegedly had links to Thursday's attack that claimed lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

He leaves behind wife Sunita Devi, five-year-old son and mother Sharli Devi.

The body is expected to arrive Jaipur from where they will be taken to the Tiba Basat village in Khetri tehsil of the Jhunjhunu district by road, said Col Sombit Ghosh, PRO Defence Rajasthan.
Mumbai, Feb 18 : Emami Group's promoters on Monday sold their 10 per cent stake in its flagship Emato boost the current low level of bilateral trade with India and take the relationship to a higher level.

New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS) Argentina on Monday invited Indian business to invest in the Latin American nation in a move to boost the current low level of bilateral trade with India and take the relationship to a higher level.

Following Macri's talks with Modi on Monday, the two sides signed 10 MoUs for greater cooperation in a range of areas including in information and communications technology, nuclear energy and agriculture.

Addressing the India-Argentina Business Forum here organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Mauricio Macri said Indian enterprise is "most welcome" in Argentina in a situation of "endless potential" for economic cooperation between both nations.

Macri, who arrived on his first official visit to India on Sunday, held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier on Monday.

"I invite you to participate in this process of integration between our two countries...to invest, partner and participate in the unprecedented pace of development that is taking place in Argentina," Macri said, addressing the business forum.

Declaring that Argentina wants to learn from India's experience in "innovation and sustainable development," the President said his delegation includes representatives from Argentina's MSME sector, as well as business representing all the 11 provinces in the country.

"There are many complementarities between both countries, for instance, that between India's EV (electric vehicles) programme target for 2030 and Argentina's lithium programme," he said.

Lithium is important for solar power projects and a key element of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, while, following Modi's meeting with Macri in Argentina last year, an Indian consortium has been to the South American country to explore mining of lithium and copper.

Macri pointed to potential areas of cooperation as being agro-industry, non-conventional energy sources, renewables and the knowledge economy, among others.

Argentina, which supports India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), will hold its first nuclear talks with India in Mumbai later this week through the mechanism of a joint nuclear group.

While the current bilateral trade stands at a modest $3 billion, Macri's visit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is part of efforts to upgrade the relationship to the "strategic level".

Addressing the gathering earlier, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said that India is looking to expand the current preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Argentina to a "higher level."

He also praised Argentina's efforts in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of a "new wave of protectionism."
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Union Home Ministry on Monday rejected as "untrue" some media reports suggesting that air transit facility on the Jammu-Srinagar sector for CRPF troopers has not been allowed.

It also said the movement of paramilitary convoys by road will continue in Jammu and Kashmir as it was necessary for logistical and operational reasons. This was also, it said, the case with the army.

"These (reports) are untrue. Over the last few years, MHA had significantly enhanced the air courier services for CAPFs (Central Armed Paramilitary Forces) in all sectors to help the jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and back from home on leave," the ministry said in statement.

Its clarification came in the wake of reports suggesting that the Central government has rejected a proposal to ferry personnel of paramilitary forces from the Jammu-Srinagar sector by chopper.

The ministry said air courier services for transportation of jawans are already in operation for quite some time and included initially the Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu sector. Later, at the request of the CAPFs in December 2017, the services were extended to Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi and there were 7 flights a week.

In addition, air support is provided by the Indian Air Force as and when required, it said.
Chennai, Feb 18 : Leaders of various political parties in Tamil Nadu on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict allowing Vedanta Ltd's copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi to remain closed.

The apex court also said the company can approach the Madras High Court while overruling the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) December 2018 order to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to give its consent to operate the plant.

The copper smelter plant is known as Sterlite Copper.

Speaking to reporters here, Tamil Nadu Law Minister C.Ve Shanmugam said: "The state government had argued before the Supreme Court that the NGT does not have jurisdiction in deciding on the government's closure order.

"It is a victory for the Tamil Nadu government. The state government will face the case if the company approaches the High Court for relief."

DMK President M.K. Stalin also welcomed the court order.

On his part MDMK leader Vaiko said he felt very happy at the verdict. Vaiko has been fighting against the copper smelter plant ever since it was set up in Thoothukudi.

Tamil Nadu Secretarty of Communist Party of India (CPI) R. Mutharasan termed the judgement as important for the sentiments of the people and for protection of environment.

The Tamil Nadu government had ordered closure of Sterlite Copper following protests in Thoothukudi in which 13 people died and several others were injured in police firing after the protest turned violent in May 2018.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had rejected the company's application to renew its "consent to operate".

On an appeal by Vedanta, the NGT set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order to close the plant and ordered TNPCB to issue the renewal of consent to the company within three weeks.

Ever since the copper smelter plant was permitted to be set up in Tuticorin several years ago, people have been protesting against it, calling it a polluting industry.

The apex court's decision came earlier in the day on TNPCB's plea against the December 15, 2018, NGT order directing it to give its consent.

The consent by the state pollution control board was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions by Vedanta.

The TNPCB had in the course of arguments asserted that the copper smelting plant was the cause of near irreversible ground water pollution and thus could not be allowed to resume operation.

On the other hand, Vedanta had described as "political" the decision to put the plant under the lock.

Vedanta had contended that the high-level ground water pollution was not limited just to Thoothukudi alone, and that a similar situation existed in other parts of the state.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : India and Saudi Arabia are expected to announce a ministerial-level 'Strategic Partnership Council' during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman beginning Tuesday with the the issue of terrorism expected to figure in a major way during the talks in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.

The Crown Prince, who is on his first state visit to India, will hold delegation-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to take forward the the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Crown Prince, who will reach India after his visit to Pakistan, will be accompanied by a high-level official delegation as well as a large business delegation.

Prince Mohammed is expected to fly back to Saudi Arabia after his visit to Pakistan in an apparent acknowledgement of India's sensitivities which has linked its western neighbour with the Pulwama terror attack.

Both sides are expected to sign five agreements during the visit in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information & broadcasting.

Talking to reporters ahead of the two-day visit, Secretary (Economic Relations) T.S. Tirumurti said the visit would "open a new chapter" in India-Saudi bilateral relationship.

He said the two countries are exploring the possibility of elevating their defence-related engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises.

Tirumurti said Saudi Arabia has shown greater understanding of India's terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering the global menace.

Saudi Arabia had strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed.

"We appreciate the Kingdom's cooperation in security and counter-terrorism areas over the years," Tirumurti said.

The 2016 joint statement made during Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016 had called on countries not to allow their territory being used for perpetrating terrorism.

It had called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructure where they happen to exist, and "cut off any kind of support and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their territories against other states, and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to justice".

A MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was also signed during Modi's visit.

Tirumurti said India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture.

"As part of this engagement, we are finalising the setting up of "Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner. We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said.

Tirumurti said that Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner in India's extended neighbourhood and the Riyadh Declaration of 2010 had forged a Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Referring to energy, he said India hopes to transform the buyer-seller relationship to a broad-based partnership.

He said fertilisers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, ICT, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, electronic and manufacturing facilities, and housing have been identified as areas of enhanced cooperation.

Tirumurti said there has been an intensification of engagement between the two countries since Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2016.

He said cooperation in defence sector will continue to be an important area of bilateral ties and meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee was held in January this year in Riyadh.

Modi had met the Crown Prince in November last year on the sidelines of G-20 summit in Buenos Aires.

The bilateral trade between the two countries was $27.48 billion during 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia India's fourth largest trading partner recording about 10 per cent growth compared to 2016-17.

Saudi Arabia is the key pillar to India's energy security being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements.

Tirumurti said Saudi Arabia has conveyed that it will be joining the International Solar Alliance initiative.

He said Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with the UAE's ADNOC has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and petro-chemical project, a joint venture of $44 billion. The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

India is also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel.

About 2.7 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia. They send a remittance of over $11 billion annually.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is all set to hand over the probe of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday.

"The MHA is likekly to issue a notification shortly," an MHA source told IANS.

The Jammu and Kashmir police has registered a case.

A day after the the February 14 terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF troopers were killed, an NIA team along with the explosive and forensic experts had collected the materials required for the probe.

It was the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989.

The suicide attack on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Victims of Johnson & Johnson faulty Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) hip implants have written to the central expert committee (CEC) raising objections to the compensation package proposed by the government.

In a 15-page letter to CEC chairman Dr R.K. Arya on February 13, a copy of which IANS has accessed, the Hip Implant Patients Support Group (HIPS) has raised objection to the compensation formula, along with other concerns like process of providing compensation, oversight of reimbursement programme, tracing ASR patients and punitive action against J&J.

The CEC was formed to examine the compensation formula for the patients.

The HIPS have also forwarded the letter to Health Ministry Secretary Preeti Sudan, Additional Secretary Arun Singhal, Joint Secretary Mandeep Bhandari and Drug Controller General of India S. Eswara Reddy.

"The proposed base amount value is inadequate as it would not even cover the direct financial losses incurred by patients such as the cost of the initial surgery, costs of follow-up procedures and medical attention due to complications (not reimbursed), loss of income, increased borrowings and interest payments to cover medical treatment," HIPS said in the letter.

The Agarwal Committee set up by the government to look into the case, had in August 2018, recommended compensation for ASR hip implant victims. Subsequently, in October 2018, the CEC was convened to start the compensation process.

In November 2018, the Health Ministry approved a formula for determining compensation for those who had received faulty ASR hip implants manufactured by DePuy Johnson and Johnson prior to August 2010.

However, the affected patients rejected the compensation proposed by the Centre stating that despite repeated requests, not a single consultation had taken place regarding the compensation process or the formula for determining the quantum of compensation.

The victims also raised serious concerns over the compensation formula, saying it had many deficiencies, exclusions and lacunae.

Last month, the committee met around 40 victims who had presented their views on the flaws in the compensation package proposed out by the Health Ministry.
Kolkata, Feb 18 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed the Narendra Modi government for "politicising" the Pulwama terror attack and demanded its ouster for its "failure" to take precautionary measures despite an intelligence alert of a possible attack.

Banerjee also accused the Rashtriya Swyamsevak sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to incite communal violence in her state.

"So many jawans have been killed. We seek punishment for the perpetrators, but responsibility for the negligence must also be fixed. There should be an investigation into the incident," said Banerjee while speaking to reporters at the state Secretariat - Nabanna.

Alleging that last month an American intelligence advisory had warned of communal violence in India in the name of elections, the Chief Minister asked: "Why was action not taken despite this intelligence report?"

"Why was a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting over 2,000 troopers allowed to go together when the government had information about a possible attack? Why were precautionary measures not taken? Why have so many people died?" asked Banerjee.

She further asked: "Why was the matter not taken seriously despite having intelligence inputs. Usually, such a large convoy is not allowed to pass through sensitive areas."

Banerjee said since Thursday's terror attack, the opposition has stood behind the government without asking any question.

"We have kept quiet, but we have seen Modiji and Amit Shah delivering speeches daily. And the way they are speaking, it seems as if they are the only patriotic leaders in the country. This is not right," she said.

"Modiji must tell us what action he has taken between the attacks in Pathankot and Pulwama. What action has he taken in the past five years?" she asked, adding "If he can't take control of the political situation in the country, he should resign."

She said the country wants to know who were behind the attack that killed so many people.

"The country will not pardon the BJP and the RSS if they use this opportunity and create violence."

Criticising the Centre's role in taking appropriate measures, Banerjee sought to know how much money is being spent for the government's publicity.

"There was a request from CRPF for airlifting. Why were 2,500 jawans not air-lifted? How much money is being spent for publicity (of the government)? Why was the entire area not sanitised?"

Banerjee accused right wing Hindutva organisations BJP, RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of fomenting communal tension in the country, including Bengal, and announced that she has instructed the police to take strong action against anyone trying to create mischief.

"Kolkata Police and state police forces have been asked to take strong action against the miscreants who try to trigger communal violence...and also communal propaganda by spreading rumour," she said.

She also alleged that the BJP and the RSS are circulating provoking messages and fake news.

Asked about threats to a doctor from Kashmir who has been residing in the city, Banerjee said: "I have heard about it. Steps have been taken."

Banerjee said terrorists have no religion.

"Terrorism does not have any religion and caste. People of this country are patriots and love their motherland. BJP should not do any politics to divide the country.

"Don't take advantage of the situation. The country will not pardon the BJP and the RSS if they take this opportunity and indulge in violence."
Mumbai: BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis during a joint media briefing regarding BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai: BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis during a joint media briefing regarding BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai: BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis during a joint media briefing regarding BJP-Shiv Sena alliance for upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Feb 18 : Ending weeks of speculation and tottering on the brink, the ruling NDA constituents - Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party - finally sealed a pact for the ensuing 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Announcing the alliance formula, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP will contest 25 and the Sena 23, of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

However, in the 288-member Assembly, after finalizing the share of other alliance partners, the two parties shall contest in the ratio of 50:50 for the remaining seats.

"We have been together for over 25 years because of our shared ideologies and spirit of nationalism. In 2014 elections, owing to certain reasons we had split, but later for the past nearly five years we are in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre," Fadnavis said.

IANS had first reported the formula that was expected to be finalized this morning.

BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and other senior leaders from both sides made the announcement at a joint media briefing late this evening.

Fadnavis said: "We are confident of returning to power both in Maharashtra and the Centre based on our exceptional performance for the past five years".

He said the BJP has accepted all major demands of the Sena including expediting the process to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, farmers' issues and problems in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to benefit the peasantry.

The CM said the demand for giving tax benefits for those in Mumbai living in flats of upto 500 sq. feet will also be considered.

Terming it as a "new beginning" between the two parties, Uddhav Thackeray said the "bitter experiences" of the past five years would not be repeated in future, and both parties will work and fight "shoulder-to-shoulder".

Shah said it was the long cherished desire of party workers from both sides to work out an alliance, and finally it has been done successfully.

He appealed to all workers that since the Sena is the oldest and most reliable ally, "to bury their bitterness of recent times" and start working for the elections with renewed vigour to ensure victory of the alliance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly.

Shah also reiterated that the BJP-Sena will bag 45 seats in the Lok Sabha in view of the performance of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, none of the leaders took any questions from the media, especially pertaining to the Sena's claim for the post of Chief Minister in the next Assembly elections.

Reacting to the developments, the Congress leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the Sena was arm-twisted into forging the alliance under threats of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state spokesperson Nawab Malik claimed that the Sena, which had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Chowkidar Chor Hai" in the past, is now allying with the same BJP.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Argentina on Monday invited Indian business to invest in the Latin American nation in a move to boost the current low level of bilateral trade with India and take the relationship to a higher level.

Following Macri's talks with Modi on Monday, the two sides signed 10 MoUs for greater cooperation in a range of areas including in information and communications technology, nuclear energy and agriculture.

Addressing the India-Argentina Business Forum here organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Mauricio Macri said Indian enterprise is "most welcome" in Argentina in a situation of "endless potential" for economic cooperation between both nations.

Macri, who arrived on his first official visit to India on Sunday, held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier on Monday.

"I invite you to participate in this process of integration between our two countries...to invest, partner and participate in the unprecedented pace of development that is taking place in Argentina," Macri said, addressing the business forum.

Declaring that Argentina wants to learn from India's experience in "innovation and sustainable development," the President said his delegation includes representatives from Argentina's MSME sector, as well as business representing all the 11 provinces in the country.

"There are many complementarities between both countries, for instance, that between India's EV (electric vehicles) programme target for 2030 and Argentina's lithium programme," he said.

Lithium is important for solar power projects and a key element of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, while, following Modi's meeting with Macri in Argentina last year, an Indian consortium has been to the South American country to explore mining of lithium and copper.

Macri pointed to potential areas of cooperation as being agro-industry, non-conventional energy sources, renewables and the knowledge economy, among others.

Argentina, which supports India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), will hold its first nuclear talks with India in Mumbai later this week through the mechanism of a joint nuclear group.

While the current bilateral trade stands at a modest $3 billion, Macri's visit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is part of efforts to upgrade the relationship to the "strategic level".

Addressing the gathering earlier, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said that India is looking to expand the current preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Argentina to a "higher level."

He also praised Argentina's efforts in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of a "new wave of protectionism."
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Monday affirmed his country's strong ties with Pakistan, saying it will be a very important country in the coming future, as Islamabad rolled out the red carpet for the royal and honoured him with its highest civilian honour.

As the Crown Prince left Islamabad for New Delhi amid rising tensions between them over the Kashmir suicide bombing that killed 49 CRPF troopers, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, travelling with the royal, said his country would try to de-escalate tensions between the two South Asian neighbours and see how their differences could be eased.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," the Minister was quoted as saying by Efe news.

Earlier in the day, President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his "outstanding support" for revitalizing relations between Riyadh and Islamabad.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa among others.

The Crown Prince, here on a two-day that started on Sunday, called Pakistan a "dear country" to all Saudis and said the two countries had "walked together in tough and good times".

"We believe that Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future and we want to be sure we are part of that. Pakistan today has a great future in store with a great leadership," he said at a dinner hosted at the Prime Minister's House on Sunday.

The Crown Prince said his country will collaborate with Pakistan economically, politically and in security matters. "We believe in our region, that is why we are investing in it.

"This is my first trip (to the) east since I became the Crown Prince (in 2017) and the first country (that I have visited) is Pakistan," he added.

Bin Salman also ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners languishing in the kingdom's prisons after the issue was raised by Khan.

Giving details, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted on Monday: "Cases of the remaining (Pakistani prisoners) will be reviewed. People of Pakistan thank His Royal Highness for responding immediately to (our) request."

Prime Minister Khan also urged the Crown Prince to look into the hardships of the Pakistani labourers working in the kingdom.

"Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman won the hearts of the people of Pakistan when he said 'Consider me Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia' in response to my asking him to treat the 2.5 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia as his own," Khan tweeted.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Sunday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation worth $20 billion. The deals included exploration of investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical sectors; cooperation in sports; financing agreement for import of Saudi goods; power generation projects; and development of renewable energy projects.

Also on Sunday, Khan and Bin Salman held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by the inaugural session of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council.

The Saudi royal's visit was initially scheduled for February 16 but was delayed by a day for unknown reasons.

The Crown Prince will meet in New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Monday took a hard line over the Pulwama suicide bombing. The royal will then fly to Beijing before returning home.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Venkat Chary, Chairman of 63 moons Technologies, formerly Financial Technologies, on Monday said his company will file for damages worth Rs 10,000 crore against former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and then Chairman of Forward Markets Commission, Ramesh Abhishek, and former Additional Secretary for Finance K.P. Krishnan.

The company on Monday served notices to the three individuals, Chary said.

He noted that the company believes they played proactive roles in perpetrating the crisis, destroying the exchange ecosystem to favour the competitor -- National Stock Exchange (NSE) -- which resulted in huge losses to shareholders of 63 moons Technologies and loss of employment.

"The company has decided to file damage suits of Rs 10,000 crore against P. Chidambaram and others, in their individual capacities for taking mala fide actions against 63 moons by abusing their powers. Notably, the company has already filed criminal complaints against these three individuals with the CBI along with supporting materials," a statement by the company said.

"Curiously, they did not come forward to participate in an open public debate that 63 moons offered on August 4, 2018 to bring out the truth," it said.

Speaking to reporters here, Jignesh Shah, the promoter of NSEL (National Spot Exchange Ltd) and currently the mentor of 63 moons Technologies said that the alleged Rs 5,600-crore NSEL scam could have been solved much earlier, if then market regulator, Forward Markets Commission (FMC) had acted in time.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the presentation of the interim Budget by the Modi government in the just concluded last session of the 16th Lok Sabha.

The bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna dismissed the plea after the petitioner lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma argued that there was no provision in the Constitution of an outgoing Lok Sabha taking away the jurisdiction of the coming Lok Sabha.

There was nothing of the sort, the court said even as the petitioner lawyer said that only the 17th Lok Sabha could deal with the budget for the coming financial year.
Male, Feb 18 : The Maldives Criminal Court on Monday ordered authorities to take into custody former President Abdulla Yameen until the end of his trial on money laundering charges, the media reported.

At a criminal court hearing, prosecutors alleged that Yameen who lost presidential election to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in September 2018 tried to bribe a witness in the prosecution's case to change testimony, news websites Mihaaru and Avas reported.

The former President is accused of benefiting from one of the biggest corruption scandal in the island nation's history as $90 million was allegedly laundered from the state tourism board. He was charged with money laundering last week.

Yameen has denied any wrongdoing.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked the court to take Yameen into custody to prevent him from influencing evidence against him. The judge granted the prosecution's request to detain the former President in a Male jail till the end of the trial, according to Xinhua news agency.

The court has frozen Yameen's local bank account holding nearly $6.5 million.

According to the police, a private company that laundered the money transferred $1 million to Yameen's account at the Maldives Islamic Bank.

The former President later refused to return the money despite an order by the country's anti-corruption watchdog, and instead "conducted financial transactions from which he obtained profit", the police said in a statement earlier this month.

Yameen has denied all the charges, including that funds from the tourism board were deposited into his bank account, and accused the government of trying to influence the parliamentary polls, scheduled for April 6.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday in connection with the probe into a money laundering case involving a London property worth 1.9 million pound.

"He (Vadra) has been asked to appear before the agency on Tuesday at 10.30 a.m.," a senior ED official said here on Monday.

The fresh summons have come two days after a Delhi court on Saturday extended Vadra's interim bail till March 2.

Earlier, the directorate had questioned Vadra for over 24 hours in connection with the case on February 6, 7 and 9.

The case relates to ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pound, allegedly belonging to Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East.

He was also questioned twice by the ED in Jaipur in connection with the Bikaner land deal case.

The ED on Friday attached Rs 4.43 crore immovable property at Vadra's Sukhdev Vihar house in Delhi. The house was in the name of Vadra's company Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited.

On February 2, the court had granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join the investigation on February 6.

The ED had lodged a money laundering case against Manoj Arora after his role came up during the the Income Tax Department probe into another case under the 2015 anti-black money law involving absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality, was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED had conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Modi government has "exposed itself" by trying to implement the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKSN) scheme "in the most callous and farcical manner", the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said on Monday.

It said in a statement that the government had issued an order that the application for the first instalment must be made by February 20 this year.

"However, the order was received only on 16th February in most states and intervening period also was a Sunday. There are over 12 crore households holding 2 hectares or below and to reach this section within this period is an absurd proposition.

"Clearly, the undue haste is to create false hope before the elections and try to reap electoral benefits," the statement said.

"In the process, the scheme, which already excludes vast majority of the peasantry, is also denying those who technically will fall within the ambit of the scheme.

"The Rs 6,000 a year announced for farmers holding up to 2 hectares under the scheme amounts to only Rs 500 a month or about Rs 17 per day. That is also being denied by the deadline announced.

"AIKS demands that the date for the same be extended and landless peasantry as well as tenant farmers also must be included within the ambit of the scheme."
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Supreme Court has sought Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) response on a plea by Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) subsidiary -- Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL) -- challenging the Delhi High Court order that set aside an arbitration award of around Rs 5,800 crore including interest.

The Division Bench, comprising Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, gave the DMRC four weeks to respond to the DAMEPL's plea.

"Issue notice on the prayer(s) for interim relief as well as in the special leave petition (SLP), returnable in four weeks," said the order passed by the Bench on Friday.

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and P.C. Chidambaram appeared for the DAMEPL.

The DAMEPL had challenged the Delhi High Court's January 15 order by which the Division Bench had set aside an arbitration award in favour of RInfra's subsidiary.

Earlier, the single-judge Bench of the high court had on March 6, 2018, ruled in favour of Anil Ambani's company by upholding the arbitration award and directing the DMRC to pay the money to the DAMEPL.

RInfra on Monday said the Supreme Court has admitted an SLP filed by its subsidiary challenging a Delhi High Court order that set aside over Rs 5,800 crore arbitral award.

In 2018, the high court had directed the DMRC to take over servicing of all debt liabilities of the DAMEPL.

RInfra had said 11 banks, which had lent to the DAMEPL to run the Delhi Airport Metro Express line, would benefit from the high court's order.

Noting the apex court's acceptance of the SLP, a RInfra release said a short notice was also issued to the DMRC on the DAMEPL plea for interim relief, so that the DMRC continued to service the debt of the DAMEPL, pending the plea disposal by the apex court.

"The Supreme Court has entertained the SLP filed by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd's SPV Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL) challenging the judgement of the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, which set aside the over Rs 5,800 crore arbitral award won by the DAMEPL against the DMRC," it said.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following last week's suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 49 CRPF personnel.

The remarks came as the Saudi Crown Prince, who was in Pakistan on a two-day visit, prepared to leave Islamabad for New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, who is travelling with the royal, told the media here that his country would try to de-escalate tensions between the two neighbours and see how differences between them could be resolved peacefully, Efe news reported.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," he said.

The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility for the February 14 attack. Islamabad has dismissed New Delhi's allegations of its involvement in the attack.

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" amid the tensions.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian honour on Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the end of his two-day visit to the South Asian country.

President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his outstanding support for revitalizing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa among others. It was telecast live on the state-run television and was held a day after the Crown Prince announced multi-billion dollar investments in Pakistan.

The Saudi delegation travelling with the Crown Prince signed seven trade agreements on Sunday and $20 billion investment deals in areas including mining, petrol and renewable energy.

The Saudi royal said the relationship between the two countries was based on the principle of Islamic solidarity. He met Alvi and Gen. Bajwa before the ceremony to discuss Pakistan's role in peace talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban.

Bin Salman's Pakistan trip came as his global image took a hit after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October at the kingdom's Embassy in Istanbul.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Infuriated at the Pulwama blast, retailers from across the national capital on Monday called for boycott of Pakistani and Chinese goods from being sold in the markets and observed a general "bandh" as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

According to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) secretary general Praveen Khandelwal, the bandh was observed in prominent Delhi markets including Chandani Chowk, Bhagirath Place, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Sadar Bazar and Karol Bagh.

"In the current scenario, the government should impose absolute ban on trade with Pakistan. Goods worth about Rs 3,500 crore are being imported from Pakistan annually.

"The CAIT has also demanded of the government to levy at least 300 per cent customs duty on goods being imported from China, so that import from China is discouraged," Khandelwal told IANS.

The traders also burnt the effigy of "Pakistani Terrorism".
Bengaluru, Feb 18 : Global software major Wipro on Monday launched QuMiC -- Quick Migration to Cloud -- a platform designed to transform the way organisations migrate to Oracle Cloud.

QuMiC migrates all aspects required for a Cloud implementation -- process definitions, configurations, data, and code to Oracle Cloud -- for a wide variety of software environments.

Enterprises can expect to save nearly 30 per cent in overall Cloud implementation costs and time by leveraging the QuMiC platform, Wipro claimed.

The time taken to design ERP (enterprise resource planning) processes, analyse and setup the configurations for each environment during the migration process -- testing, production and development -- will be reduced by up to 60 per cent, the company added.

Wipro is a Platinum level member of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN).

"Wipro's QuMiC demonstrates our expertise with Oracle Cloud and is an example of our continued investments in Oracle Cloud development," said Ravi Purohit, Vice President and Global Head - Oracle Service Line, Modern Application Services, Wipro Limited.

Irrespective of whether an organisation's original assets are in an on-premise platform such as Oracle E-Business Suite, a version management tool, or another Cloud software-as-a-service (SaaS) environment, QuMiC can automate and thereby, seamlessly accelerate the migration process, Wipro said, adding that the platform reduces the risk of manual errors and ensures a secure migration to Oracle Cloud.
Shimla, Feb 18 : Union Minister Gen V.K. Singh on Monday said it was not the time to indulge in a blame game on the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir without having knowledge of all aspects.

It would be too early to comment on the facts in the Pulwama attack, he said.

The attack on February 14 on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy left 49 troopers dead in the worst loss suffered by security forces at one go since militancy erupted in the state in 1989.

"Investigating agencies are probing the attack and all ground realities should be taken into consideration before commenting on the issue," he told reporters here.

"In this hour of grief, we should support the families of the martyrs."

The former Army Chief was here to take part in the BJP's 'Bharat Ke Man Ki Baat, Modi Ke Sath' programme.

He said the Kashmir issue "is a complex one and at present, we are fighting a proxy war in the valley which had several aspects, both internal and external".

"Success and failure of policy adopted in the valley could not be judged based on one incident. The South Kashmir area was quite peaceful during 2005-12 and the situation in districts surrounding Pulwama became violent after 2012.

"What were the reasons for such turmoil," he questioned. He said some decisions should have been taken in the past to prevent the present situation.

Singh said the Indian government's strategy is clear after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the statement to isolate Pakistan internationally on terror issues.
Bhopal, Feb 18 : In the past 73 days, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed 332 murders and 6,310 women faced various atrocities, Home Minister Bala Bachchan stated in the Assembly, here on Monday.

In a written reply to a query raised by Leader of Opposition Gopal Bhargav in the Assembly, Bachchan said during the period, 332 cases of murder and 6,310 cases of atrocities against women were registered in various parts of the state.

Bhargav in his query had asked the number of killings, robberies, atrocities against women and theft registered in the state between November 11 and January 22 -- 73 days.

Thus, on an average, over four killings and 86 cases of atrocities against women took place a day during the period.

During these 73 days, caretaker government of Shivraj Singh Chouhan was in the saddle during the first 31 days and in the remaining 42 days Kamal Nath-led Congress government was in power.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : More than 80,000 persons have came forward since February 14 to contribute over Rs 20 crore to the 'Bharat Ke Veer corpus for the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror attack, government said on Monday.

A total of Rs 46 crore has been collected and disbursed under the initiative to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers who lost their lives in the terrorist attack, the government said.

At least 49 troopers were killed and many more injured when an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on February 14.

The 'Bharat ke Veer' website and mobile application was launched by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in April 2017. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was also involved in the initiative.

Technically supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered by State Bank of India, the website and app allow anyone to financially support the brave hearts of their choice or donate to a general corpus.

A person can donate a maximum of Rs 15 lakh to an individual trooper or the next of kin.

If the amount exceeds Rs 15 lakh, the rest of the money is diverted towards the account of another trooper or the Bharat Ke Veer corpus.

The corpus is managed by a committee of eminent persons of repute and senior government officials who decide to disburse the fund equitably to the families of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel on need basis.

The CAPFs are armed forces under the Union Home Ministry and comprise of Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Security Guard (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Hanoi, Feb 18 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will arrive in Vietnam at the end of February for a two-day state visit, just ahead of his summit with US President Donald Trump, Vietnamese government officials said on Monday.

Kim's state visit will be the first one by a North Korean leader to Vietnam since its re-unification in 1975, Efe news reported.

He is expected to meet General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President Nguyen Phu Trong at the presidential palace in Hanoi on February 25.

The North Korean leader will also visit a unit of the South Korean tech firm Samsung, the report said.

Contact between Vietnam and North Korea has significantly increased in recent months, which is being interpreted as a possible interest by Pyongyang in exploring the model of economic openness adopted by Vietnam in the last three decades.

After the state visit, Kim will hold his second summit with Trump in Vietnam on February 27 and 28.

The Hanoi summit is expected to help move forward the stagnating talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The talks between Pyongyang and Washington have not progressed much since the first summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore in June last year when they agreed to work towards the denuclearization of North Korea in exchange for security guarantees for the regime.

Last week, the Foreign Ministers of Vietnam and North Korea, Pham Binh Minh and Ri Yong-ho respectively, met in Pyongyang amid ongoing preparations for the Kim-Trump summit.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected a plea challenging arrest and transit remand of Veewon Thokchom, advisor to the Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD), in connection with a sedition case.

The case was lodged against Thokchom for his comments on the Citizenship Bill on social media.

Justice Sunil Gaur said prima facie it appears the act committed by the accused was an attempt to spread hatred and create disaffection towards the government established by the law.

"Finding no infirmity in the impugned order, this petition and application are accordingly dismissed, while not commenting on the merit of the case," the court ruled.

Thokchom, arrested in Delhi on February 15, had filed the petition through his brother challenging arrest and transit remand. He was arrested by a joint team of Delhi Police and Manipur Police.

The court granted the transit remand and allowed Manipur Police to take him and present him before a court concerned by February 19.

According to the police, as Thokchom's messages on social media incited people, an FIR was registered against him under sedition charges.

The police said, "One message said 'the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 will be passed and in such a situation people of Manipur may seek self-determination.' Thokchom also referred to the incident of 'June 18, 2001 when the Manipur Assembly complex was burned.'"

He is the second person from Manipur to be arrested on sedition charges in recent times.

Few months ago, Kishore Chandra, a news anchor with a local channel, was arrested for speaking out against a government function to mark the birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, saying she had nothing to do with Manipur.

Though a district and sessions court ordered his release, the Manipur government rearrested him from the court complex and detained him for one-year under the National Security Act.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : While businesses in India are looking at several customer experience (CX) technologies such as customer analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital integration, most of them are not currently able to implement them properly, according to a new report on Monday.

However, the research from global ICT solutions and services provider Dimension Data showed that most business respondents in India recognise customer experience as an important competitive differentiator (92.6 per cent) that is also vital for driving loyalty (96.3 per cent), revenue growth (66.7 per cent), and cost reduction (59.3 per cent).

Despite this, the research revealed that 7.4 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with their own customer experience services, and only about 23 believe they are delivering experiences that would lead customers to recommend them to others.

Furthermore, only about 22 per cent respondents said their organisations take a fully integrated, centralised approach to customer experience, said Dimension Data's "2019 Global Customer Experience Benchmarking" report.

"Brands acknowledge how crucial customer experience is, yet so few are making it a board level responsibility, leaving it siloed or delegating it to individual managers," Pranay Anand, Solutions Director for Customer Experience, Dimension Data Asia Pacific, said in a statement.

The research also revealed that many brands are turning to technology to improve customer experience, but often without a clear strategy.

Some 28.9 per cent of businesses in India said the digital solutions they have rolled out (such as chatbots and AI) do not provide the functionality their customers need, while around 70 of the respondents said customer awareness of such technologies is the biggest barrier to adoption.

"Claiming that the technology doesn't provide the required functionalities or that customers are unaware of it, is a result of failed planning and communication not failed technology. Brands need to invest in technology, people, processes, and planning," Anand added.

The findings are based on insights from over 1,100 respondents across 13 industries.
Srinagar, Feb 18 : A Pakistani JeM terrorist who plotted the suicide bombing on a CRPF convoy and an Indian Major were among seven people killed in fighting between security forces and militants that also left a senior police officer and two Army officers injured in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities said on Monday.

In the biggest crackdown after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber killed 49 CRPF troopers in Pulwama district, the security forces ringed a militant hideout in Pinglena village, just 10 km from the terror attack site, triggering a gun battle overnight Sunday which continued intermittently till Monday evening.

A Major and three soldiers besides a civilian were killed in the initial burst of gunfire by the militants. The Army, the Special Operations Group of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) fought back, killing two militants of the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), one of them a Pakistani identified as Kamran.

The soldiers who died were identified as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Hawaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. The second slain militant was identified as Bilal Ahmed Naik, a Kashmiri.

The security forces recovered the bodies of the militants and were carrying out searches in the area when some hidden militants suddenly opened fire, injuring Deputy Inspector General of Police Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel and two soldiers.

All of them were rushed to the 92 Base Hospital of the Army where Kumar was said to be out of danger, police said.

The Pakistani terrorist reportedly masterminded the February 14 attack on the CRPF, inflicting the worst loss suffered by security forces at one go since militancy erupted in the state in 1989.

Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said: "One of the two slain JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) terrorists was a top commander and belonged to Pakistan." The civilian who died was identified as Mushtaq Ahmad.

As the fighting raged, civilians poured out of their homes in nearby areas and pelted stones at the security personnel in a bid to help the militants escape.

The security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

"Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since it is a prohibited zone and can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials," an official said.

"People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any."
Mumbai, Feb 18 : Rising global crude oil prices, along with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, dragged the Indian equity market on Monday, with the key equity indices closing lower for the 8th consecutive session despite optimism following the US-China trade talks.

The rising Brent crude prices weakened the Indian currency by 12 paise on Monday. Rupee closed at Rs 71.34 per dollar from its previous close of 71.22.

Besides, the equity market also reacted negatively to the outflow of foreign funds seen in the last few trading sessions.

The S&P BSE Sensex closed 310.51 points or 0.87 per cent lower at 35,498.44 from its previous close of 35,808.95, while the Nifty ended 83.45 points lower at 10,640.95.

"Domestic markets are seeing a decoupling from global markets that further indicates the fact that we are moving towards a macroeconomic event such as the general elections, one of the reasons why this decoupling is seen in the last 2-3 months," said Mustafa Nadeem, CEO, Epic Research.

"Crude oil prices (WTI) may further have an impact on the Indian equity market since it has been on the rise and taking well support over $50-mark for the last couple of weeks."

Lately, investors have also grown cautious due to the Indo-Pak tensions following the Pulwama terrorist attack. Indian withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan and imposed 200 per cent customs duty on imports from there.

Analysts said that worsening relation0s between India and Pakistan have a bearing on the captital inflow. This was one of the reasons for the acceleration of outflows of foreign funds.

"Market remained on a selling spree as reducing foreign inflows due to fear of escalation of tensions at the border impacted the sentiment," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

"Volatility in the market may continue due to lack of domestic triggers as investors are likely to remain cautious."

Top gainers on the BSE were ONGC, up 1.70 per cent at 137.40, followed by Tata Motors, Axis Bank, Vedanta and NTPC, which gained up to 1.15 per cent.

Among the top laggards were TCS, down over 3 pet cent, followed by Yes Bank, ITC, Sun Pharma, Reliance Industries and Coal India.

On Friday, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares to the tune of Rs 966.43 crore, while the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought Rs 853.25 crore worth of scrips.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 18 : The Kerala Police on Monday took two persons into custody in connection with the murders of two Youth Congress workers at Kasargode on Sunday night.

The activists - Krupesh, 19, and Joshy, 24 - were hacked to death by three assailants who came on motorcycles. While Krupesh breathed his last at the Kasargode district hospital, Joshy died en route to a medical facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka.

The authorities have also got in touch with the Karnataka Police chief over the case, Kerala Police officers said.

According to the First Information Report filed by the police, there was a 13 cm deep wound on Krupesh's head, while Joshy's neck was gashed.

Condemning the murders, Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargode, Kerala, is shocking. The Congress party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men and I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice."

Top Congress leaders, including state unit chief Mullapally Ramachandran, leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, have reached Kannur to pay their last respects to the deceased.

Ramachandran slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and accused him of having a "Stalinist mentality."

"The present situation in Kerala is such that none is safe. I am calling Pinarayi Vijayan a coward. If not, he should speak up and ask his party workers to lay down their arms," said Ramachandran.

Vijayan, however, avoided the media after he arrived at the airport here on Monday. He held a closed-door meeting with CPI-M state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to discuss the situation.

Balakrishnan termed the two murders as an unfortunate incident. "If any party member is involved, he should be named as accused. Anyone with a sense of politics will never commit such an act with the Lok Sabha elections fast approaching," he said.

Dismissing Balakrishnan's views, former Defence Minister and senior Congress leader A.K. Antony told the media in Delhi that the CPI-M is engaging in such gruesome acts because the party fears a huge backlash in the Lok Sabha polls.

The police have been put on high alert in Kannur and Kasargode districts, where the atmosphere is still tense. The last rites of the deceased will be held later on Monday near Kasargode.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Reacting to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's "job-loss growth" barb at the government, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday said there was no real job data available and the NSSO survey did not consider the measures taken to revitalise the MSME and informal sector.

Taking a dig at Singh, he also said that the survey will be used by some people since it is an election season.

"Let us be clear, there is no real job data in government historically because of the dominance of the informal and unorganised sectors in overall jobs," Chandrasekhar said in a statement.

"We must agree that that NSSO survey did not capture all the important measures that the budget 2018 did to revitalise the MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and the informal sector."

Noting that Singh was perhaps referring to the leaked draft survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which said the country's unemployment rate stood at a 45-year high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18, he said, "It must be understood that the NSSO data is a survey. A survey conducted at one point of time and is a snapshot of that period.

"That NSSO survey captured a period of churn, immediately after the demonetisation and the GST and even the government has admitted that post-demonetisation and post-GST there were a significant number of transitional issues with the informal sector," he said.

The Rajya Sabha member said that the public spending on infrastructure such as railways, ports, roads construction was done to the tune of Rs 10 lakh crore in the past five years of t a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

"An earlier encounter with Sutarji's work was when I was a Member of Parliament and used to pass by and appreciate his statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside Parliament. That statue, capturing Gandhiji in a meditative pose, has become a signature representation of not just the Father of the Nation but also of Gandhian philosophy," Kovind said.

The first Tagore Award was conferred upon Indian sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar and the second in 2013 upon music maestro Zubin Mehta.
Jaipur, Feb 18 : BJP President Amit Shah said on Monday that Indian security forces will give a befitting reply to the "cowardly" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 49 CRPF troopers lost their lives.

"Indian forces will hit back at the right time to avenge this cowardly attack. The BJP has always followed the policy of zero tolerance against terror. The party stands with the families of the CRPF troopers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland," Shah said.

The BJP President was in the city on a one-day visit to address the Bharatiya Janata Party's Shakti Kendra Sammelan and chair a meeting of party workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Shah said the opposition parties had decided to form a grand alliance to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls.

"However, I want to ask Rahul 'Baba,' who is the leader of the grand alliance? Every day a new name is emerging as the leader of this much-talked about alliance.

"Why is the opposition not declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate?" Shah asked.

The BJP President also took a jibe at the opposition by asking whether different leaders in their ranks plan to take turns to become the Prime Minister on different days of the week and whether Sunday will be a holiday.

Shah said the BJP's defeat in the Rajasthan Assembly polls doesn't affect the BJP. "We believe in a fighting spirit. We never get disappointed with defeat, nor do we become arrogant after victory."

Soon after the programme, Shah returned to Delhi to attend a meeting on security issues in the aftermath of the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, cancelling two other meetings scheduled in Jaipur for the evening, BJP sources said.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : India is a cultural treasure trove of thousands of years that has faced long periods of slavery and invasions unfazed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, adding that its different cultural 'beads' make the country multi-dimensional.

Modi spoke after President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Tagore Awards for Cultural Harmony.

The awards for 2014, 2015 and 2016 were presented to Manipuri dance exponent Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Bangladeshi cultural organisation Chhayanaut and Statue of Unity sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar for "outstanding contribution towards promoting values of cultural harmony".

Said Modi: "Culture is the oxygen of any nation, which powers a nation's identity and existence. Any nation's longevity and respect is determined by the strength of its culture's roots.

"India has a cultural treasure trove of thousands of years, has faced long terms of slavery and invasions unfazed. If this has been possible, it was because of intellectuals like Swami Vivekandanda and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and many like them," Modi said in his address.

"The cultural capacity of India is like a colourful string of beads (mala), with different beads giving it strengths of different colours. 'The water changes every mile, and the language every four miles' is what makes us multi-cultural and multi-dimensional," he added.

Pointing to Tagore, in whose recognition the awards were instituted in 2012, he said that Tagore understood this power and collated India's multiplicity in Rabindra Sangeet, which has colours from all of India and is without linguistic barriers.

"He was beyond every border, and was committed to nature and humanity. He thought of the world as his home and received love from all over the world. People from Afghanistan still speak of the story of 'Kabuliwala'."

Modi added: "Gurudev's creations and messages are beyond time, space and circumstances. His argument of protection of humanity needs to be strengthened today. Amid challenges the world is facing today, it is very relevant to read, and learn Tagore."

The annual award, carrying a prize of Rs 1 crore, was instituted in 2012 in recognition of Tagore's contribution and understanding of the role of culture in enriching the human spirit and in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary.

President Kovind said in his address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra that Tagore was a remarkable genius and one the world's foremost cultural icons.

Said the President: "He was more than just a writer - he was a musician, artist, educationist and spiritual scholar of rare sensitivity. He is remembered every day as the poet who gave India its national anthem. And he remains one of our foremost cultural icons."

He described Tagore "as an internationalist, a child of Ma Bharati and an advocate of Vishvabharati".

The 2014 winner, Singh, a Padma Shri (1986) recipient and Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (2011), has been a performer and a choreographer of Manipuri dance for over 60 years.

Awardee cultural organisation Chhayanaut, which was part of the movement for an independent Bangladesh, has promoted and preserved the philosophy of Tagore in that country which shares Tagore as the author of its national anthem.

The third recipient, 94-year-old Sutar, a sculptor and scholar, is now known for the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue and a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The first Tagore Award was conferred upon Indian sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar and the second in 2013 upon music maestro Zubin Mehta.
The Hague, Feb 18 : India on Monday contended before the International Court of Justice here the continued custody of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan jail was unlawful and demanded his release saying Islamabad has seriously violated various provisions of the 1963 Vienna Convention and other protocols.

India also insisted on consular access for Jadhav, awarded death sentence by a Pakistani military court in 2016 in an alleged espionage case, and accused Pakistan of denying him diplomatic access despite 13 reminders.

Arguing before the court, presided over by ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, India's counsel Harish Salve said Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful and the court should order his release.

"Among other things considering the trauma he was been subjected to for three years, it is in the interest of justice and making human rights a reality, the court should direct his release," he said adding Pakistan was using him as a propaganda tool.

Salve was presenting his arguments after India and Pakistan filed memorials and counter-memorials in the case in which the ICJ had in May 2017 stayed Jadhav's execution.

"I consider myself honoured to present India's case here to save an innocent Indian. The basis on which India is pursuing the case are: First issue relates to construction of the Vienna Convention, consular access was not granted," Salve said accusing Pakistan of raising issues that have no relevance to the case.

He said the trial by Pakistan failed in following even the minimum standards of natural and human rights. Pakistan asserts Jadhav was arrested, but India maintains he was abducted. Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay. On March 30, 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) and received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates.

"Pakistan did not disclose the date of detention as well. No document of Jadhav's trial was given to India. Despite repeated attempts for immediate consular access Pakistan has not done that so far," he said.

Salve said finding itself bereft of any substantive defence, Pakistan has raised a host of issues that do not have relevance to the issue. Pakistan runs unmerited defences. It mis-states the law, misreads commentaries and relies on material that is not recognised having any precedential value."

Having failed in its propaganda in a feeble attempt to counter global criticism of its role in cross-border terrorism, Pakistan has sought to raise issues like India's refusal to allow freewheeling inquiry into high functionaries without even disclosing the fundamental elements of the alleged offences that have been investigated, he said.

Referring to Jadav's passports, allegedly seized from him, the Indian counsel said it was India's case and did not call for resolution and decision by this court.

The relevant issues are first the Vienna COnvention, second in application of its language to the conduct of Pakistan "which leads us to the step of deciding the appropriate relief to be granted", he said.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : In an apparent message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that the time for talks was over in the wake of Pulwama suicide bombing and said the global community should unite and act firmly against terrorists and those supporting it.

His tough words came after discussions with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri at the Hyderabad House when India and Argentina came down heavily on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which killed more than 40 CRPF troopers.

"President Macri and I are agreed that terrorism is the a very big threat to world peace and stability. The Pulwama terror attack shows that the time for talks are over. Now the entire world needs to unite and take firm steps against terrorism and their supporters," Modi said.

"Hesitation in taking firm measures against the terrorists and those against humanity also amounts to encouraging terrorism," he said.

Modi said it was important for G-20 countries to implement the 11-point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration against terrorism later in the day, he added.

The Prime Minister welcomed Argentina as a new member of the International Solar Alliance.

Macri, in his remarks, condemned the terror attack. "I firmly condemn it. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. This goes against healthy co-existence. I am pleased to be able to work together to fight this scourge of mankind."

Macri is on three-day visit to India at the invitation of Modi. Accompanied by his wife Juliana Awada, Macri arrived in India on Sunday. He received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday morning in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind.

This was the fifth meeting between Modi and Macri and the Argentine leader said it "speaks of the very good chemistry we had since our first meeting".

Macri said Asia was seeing profound transformation and India had enormous importance in Asia and increasingly so in the world.

He said that visit of Rabindranath Tagore to Buenos Aires in November 1924 was "a milestone in the relationship."

On a personal note, Macri said he stayed in the same house for five years where Tagore was hosted by an Argentine woman, Victoria Ocampo. "I am imbued with Tagore's spirit to deepen the links."

Modi termed Argentina as an "agriculture powerhouse" and said India had set a goal of running 30 per cent of vehicles on electricity by 2030.

"Argentina is part of Lithium triangle and has 54 per cent of Lithium reserves," he said, adding that work had started in the field of mineral extraction in Argentina by a joint venture.

Modi said the two countries have given a "strategic partnership" to their relationship to boost ties.

The two sides signed 10 agreements including on agriculture, defence, tourism and broadcasting content.
Kolkata, Feb 18 : A 17-year-old boy from West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has been apprehended for his objectionable social media posts against the Indian Army, police said on Monday.

"The boy made some objectionable and derogatory posts on social media against the Indian Army following the Pulwama terror attack which created turmoil in Hijalpukur area. He was apprehended on Sunday. We have kept him under safe custody to prevent any sort of attack on him," an officer of Habra police station said.

He mentioned that, based on the initial findings, it seemed that the teenager made the comments without understanding the gravity of it.

The boy told the police that he was instigated by some people.

The matter is under investigation.

"As he is underage, we produced him before the Juvenile Board," the officer said.
What Shapes Public Attitudes Toward Hosting Syrian Refugees  And How They Can Change

Guest post by Tiffany S. Chu, Alex Braithwaite, Faten Ghosn, and Justin Curtis

Plans to fund a border wall at the U.S.-Mexico border are troubling D.C. politics. During his campaign for the presidency, candidate Trump promised a wall would be built to reduce security issues he associated with existing border policy. In the longest government shutdown in history, Democrats in Congress refused President Trumps demand for $5.7 billion in funding for such a wall. While the government eventually reopened, ongoing negotiations in Congress to reach a border security deal ahead of another shutdown seem unlikely to reach an agreement that will please the President. In the meantime, troops have been deployed to stop a so-called migrant caravan from crossing the border while anti-wall rallies are held only a mile away.

This is not the only case of political leaders scapegoating migration as a threat to national security. Proponents of Brexit claim it would end the freedom of movement and severely limit rights for migrants living in the U.K., beyond breaking free of the Common European Asylum System. From a more sympathetic perspective, the Pope, too, has been making a priority of highlighting the plight of refugees. Pope Francis met with a Spanish group rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean, and has plans to visit a training institute aimed at deradicalizing Muslims to counter terrorism in Morocco. Moreover, most terrorist plots in Europe are carried out by European citizens, not newly arrived migrants from these areas. Nevertheless, we have seen a rise in anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, and anti-Muslim attitudes manifested into policies treating terrorists and migrants similarly.

The issue with many of these policies is the West-centric focus of migration and security. The media attention tends to frame the higher than average flow of migrants as relentless, coming from both land and sea. Yet, managing migration is a far greater security challenge to weaker states than post-industrial Western countries. We believe the focus needs to be shifted to better understanding the considerable humanity of host communities who take in large refugee populations and often struggle under the burden this represents.

Over 80% of all refugees live in countries neighboring their home country; this is a fact that underscores the hyperbolic reaction to a refugee crisis in Europe and the United States. In the early years of the Syrian civil war, a great deal of heart and compassion was demonstrated by populations and governments next door to the crisis. However, public support for hosting has waned considerably over time, with cries of refugees overstaying their welcome and a perception of security concerns linked to their presence.

One state taking in many Syrian refugees is Lebanon, which hosts the largest number of refugees relative to its national population. Lebanese public opinion of hosting mirrored the trend of declining support: initially, most Lebanese felt sympathy toward those fleeing. However, due to a variety of attacks by Syrian militants, year by year the number of Lebanese individuals feeling unsafe because of the Syrian refugee presence rose from 25% in 2013 to 51% in 2017.

In two new articles, we ask what factors can affect public concerns about hosting refugees? Our first paper tests two theories of opinion formation of out-groups. The first is contact theory, which suggests interaction with an out-group helps reduce prejudice as well as improve prospects for integration and cooperation. This is what Pope Francis hopes his visits with migrants and Muslim leaders will bring about in attenuating fears of migrants who journey to Europe. The second is empathy driven, which draws upon a growing literature on how experiences of conflict, displacement, and repression can make individuals more compassionate in the future toward other groups going through similar situations.

We test both logics using a novel data set of 2,400 survey responses from Lebanese residents who were at least 5 years old when the Lebanese civil war began in 1975. The survey was conducted in the summer of 2017, five years into the period of hosting refugees from Syria. We compared individuals who experienced violence and/or became displaced due to the civil war that ended in 1990. We also asked respondents about the extent of their contact with Syrian immigrants and those who recently chose to settle in Lebanon.

Our results demonstrate that historical exposure to violence and experience of displacement have no discernable impact on individual attitudes toward hosting refugees. We find much stronger evidence that positive stances toward hosting refugees are identified by Lebanese who have contact with Syrians. We find robust evidence of these relationships drawing upon three indications of support for refugees: a general aggregate support for hosting, whether they would hire refugees, or allow their child to marry a refugee. Our findings suggest living through a civil war and being exposed to violence by itself are not associated with sentiments toward refugees. This is likely because Lebanon and its residents have been over-extended by so many years of hosting refugees.

Figure 1: Estimated effect of civil war experience and contact with Syrians on a variety of support for refugees. Points to the left of the center vertical line indicate less support while points to the right indicate more support

But contact alone is not the only way negative attitudes and concerns regarding the risk of hosting refugees can be attenuated. In our second study, we exploit exogeneous variation in the timing of violent events linked to refugee populations that occurred during the collection of our survey data. The key events in question are an attack against a refugee camp by Syrian militants on June 30, 2017 and an offensive on July 21, 2017 against these militants. The June 30th attack was comprised of five suicide attacks against the Lebanese military near Arsal, a town close to the Syrian border. The attack occurred during a raid on the Al-Nur refugee camp as part of an ongoing security sweep by the Lebanese army to arrest militants and seize weapons that had been smuggled over the Syrian border to be utilized in attacks elsewhere in Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah launched an offensive on July 21 to remove militants from refugee camps near Arsal.

We find those surveyed 15 days after the June 30 suicide attacks are more likely than those surveyed prior to the attack to believe refugees and Syrian rebels are a substantial security problem. Yet, within 30 days of Hezbollahs efforts to counter Syrian rebels, respondents report feeling that refugees, generally, and Syrian refugees, in particular, are actually less of a security problem. This suggests that violent events designed to secure the country can actually mitigate fears associated with hosting refugees.

Figure 2: Estimated effect of June 30 suicide attacks on whether refugees and Syrian rebels are a security issue. Points above the horizontal line indicate greater risk to security while points below indicate less of a risk.

Figure 3: Estimated effect of July 21 offensive on whether refugees and Syrian rebels are a security issue. Points above the horizontal line indicate greater risk to security while points below indicate less of a risk.

In sum, our studies suggest encouraging contact between local communities and refugees, as well as efforts to eliminate security threats can, respectively, serve to improve levels of support for hosting refugees and reassure a populations perception of the threat posed by hosting refugees. First, there needs to be a shift in attention toward states hosting the most refugees because they take on the largest burden yet have the fewest resources.

Policy makers should also strive to distinguish between actual security threats and innocent civilians, who might happen to share militants ethnicity, religion, or nationality. When there is a spillover of violence and an actual threat to security, meaningful policy is the ability to differentiate between the perpetrators and displaced individuals seeking safe haven. Indeed, we only find support for the argument that security forces efforts to root out militants from refugee populations effectively reassure hosting populations perceptions when security forces are acting in direct response to particularly violent, salient, and identifiable attacks by militants embedded among refugees. Thus, indiscriminate deterrent policies, like building a wall, are unlikely to affect a populations perception of threat.

Furthermore, demonstrating control over the security of their country and highlighting that attacks are isolated incidents can mitigate the perceived threat of providing safe haven for displaced populations and lower the number of attacks against refugees.

Note: The research reported here was funded by award W911-NF-17-1-0030 from the Department of Defense and U.S. Army Research Office/Army Research Laboratory under the Minerva Research Initiative. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Department of Defense or the Army Research Office/Army Research Laboratory.
Kolkata, Feb 18 : With jute millers not furnishing undertakings on payment of statutory dues to workers and prompt payment for raw jute supplies within the stipulated date citing ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Textiles, the Jute Commissioner has extended the deadline to February 20.

The office of the Jute Commissioner has, however, said the "unusual delay" on the part of the jute millers to submit the undertakings has been "taken very seriously".

The jute industry is predominantly dependent on the government, which annually purchases jute bags worth over Rs 6,500 crore for packing foodgrain and sugar. Some 3.7 lakh workers and several lakh farm families are dependent for their livelihood on the jute sector.

Following the approval of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the Ministry of Textiles had issued an order stipulating that 100 per cent foodgrain and 20 per cent of sugar is required to be compulsorily packed in jute packaging material.

And, to ensure that persons engaged in production of raw jute and jute packaging material derive beenfit from the mandatory packaging, the jute millers were asked to submit the undertaking to the Office of the Jute Commissioner by January 25.

"One month has already elapsed since the intimation to the all jute mills was made. The unusual delay by the mills in submitting an undertaking as per an order conveying the decisions of CCEA has been taken very seriously," an official told IANS.

The failure or delay or any hesitation on the part of the mills in submitting the undertaking has "the potential to raise question on the business practices" adopted by them and it may raise apprehensions that mills have defaulted on payment on account of raw jute purchase, payment of wages and statutory dues to jute workers," the official said, citing a letter sent to jute mills except those who submitted the same.

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani recently said here that the centre was committed to the welfare of jute farmers and workers.

According to Irani, the centre has made it mandatory that any packaging order that the industry receives from the central government is conditional on payments being made to farmers and workers and ensuring their welfare.

If the mills fail to fulfil their commitments, penal measures including deduction in the quantity ordered in the following months and debarment from government orders in future could be considered, according to a document IANS has accessed.

"We are in discussions with the Ministry of Textiles. Millers did not submit the undertaking on the statutory dues. All our issues have been brought to the notice of the ministry," Indian Jute Mills Association (IJMA) Chairman Manish Poddar told IANS.

Without divulging the details of the parleys, Poddar said the industry is hoping that "a solution would be brought forward".

He said the industry has "never supported" any provision of statutory dues with regard to payments to workers.

However, a government official said the undertaking was sought for implementing the CCEA's decision.

"The process of submitting an undertaking by jute mills is in line with the exercise for implementing the CCEA decision for ensuring payment of statutory dues to jute workers and prompt payment on procurement of raw jute," the official said, adding that they have been asked to submit this by February 20.

According to sources, mills procure raw jute from traders, suppliers and financiers, who buy it by paying cash to farmers or middlemen. The traders then supply it to different jute mills on different payment arrangements with the interest varying from 18 per cent to 36 per cent per annum.

(Bappaditya Chatterjee can be contacted at bappaditya.c@ians.in)
Puducherry, Feb 18 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday met his Puducherry counterpart V. Narayanasamy and vowed to "fight together for full statehood".

Kejriwal and his Deputy Manish Sisodia met Narayanasamy who is on a sit-in protest outside Lt Governor Kiran Bedi's residence.

"Visited Puducherry CM to express solidarity with the people of Puducherry. Narayanasami is fighting against dictatorship of Puducherry's LG. UT (Union Territory) status to Delhi and Puducherry is an injustice to their people. We will fight together for full statehood," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader tweeted.

Kejriwal had in June last year sat on a similar protest against Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal inside the Raj Niwas along with Sisodia and two other Cabinet Ministers.

Narayanasamy, a Congress leader, has been protesting alleged interference by Bedi in the functioning of the government and stalling of welfare schemes, saying he will continue the protest till his demands were met.

"People elect state governments to look into their affairs. But PMO (Prime Minister's Office) tries to make them defunct through LG. This is the only achievement of Modiji in last five years," Sisodia tweeted.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Reacting to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's "job-loss growth" barb at the government, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday said there was no real job data available and the NSSO survey did not consider the measures taken to revitalise the MSME and informal sector.

Taking a dig at Singh, he also said that the survey will be used by some people since it is an election season.

"Let us be clear, there is no real job data in government historically because of the dominance of the informal and unorganised sectors in overall jobs," Chandrasekhar said in a statement.

"We must agree that that NSSO survey did not capture all the important measures that the budget 2018 did to revitalise the MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and the informal sector."

Noting that Singh was perhaps referring to the leaked draft survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), which said the country's unemployment rate stood at a 45-year high of 6.1 per cent in 2017-18, he said, "It must be understood that the NSSO data is a survey. A survey conducted at one point of time and is a snapshot of that period.

"That NSSO survey captured a period of churn, immediately after the demonetisation and the GST and even the government has admitted that post-demonetisation and post-GST there were a significant number of transitional issues with the informal sector," he said.

The Rajya Sabha member said that the public spending on infrastructure such as railways, ports, roads construction was done to the tune of Rs 10 lakh crore in the past five years of the Modi government.

"All of this construction, creating downstream jobs and the formal sector, as confirmed by real EPFO data (not surveys), has expanded considerably," he said.

"So on the one hand, we have the real incontrovertible data through the EPFO that confirms job expansion in the formal sector and growth in formalisation of parts of the informal sector while on the other - with no real data on the informal sector - we are relying on the NSSO survey, which was done during transitioning of the GST and demonetisation."

Addressing a convocation at the Delhi School of Management, Singh on Sunday blamed the "slipshod" implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for damaging the vibrant small and unorganised sector.

Pointing to domestic challenges like agrarian crisis, declining employment opportunities and prevalence of divisive forces, the former Prime Minister had painted a grim picture of the Indian economy and said the jobless growth was fast turning into the "job loss growth".

Chandrasekhar said that the economy was in a far stronger and better place today than it was in 2014 when Singh demitted office.

"The damaged economy he left behind has been rebuilt slowly and surely and we are on a path of sustainably high growth. It's election season so expectedly some people will use survey data in a context that suits them, which is the case here with Dr Manmohan Singh," he said.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has said that Pakistan will be a very, very important country in the coming future and that his country had been waiting for a leadership like that of Prime Minister Imran Khan to partner with Islamabad in various areas.

The Crown Prince arrived in Pakistan on Sunday evening on a two-day visit after which he will travel to India to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a reception dinner at the Prime Minister House here, the Crown Prince called Pakistan a "dear country" to all Saudis and said the two countries had "walked together in tough and good times", Dawn news reported on Monday.

"We believe that Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future and we want to be sure we are part of that. Pakistan today has a great future in store with a great leadership."

The Saudi royal said his country will collaborate with Pakistan economically, politically and in terms of security. "We believe in our region, that is why we are investing in it."

"This is my first trip (to the) east since I became the Crown Prince (in 2017) and the first country (that I have visited) is Pakistan," he added.

Bin Salman also ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners languishing in the kingdom's prisons after the issue was raised by Khan at the dinner.

Giving details, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted on Monday: "Cases of the remaining (Pakistani prisoners) will be reviewed. People of Pakistan thank His Royal Highness Prince Salman for responding immediately to Prime Minister Imran Khan's request."

Khan had also urged the Crown Prince to look into the hardships of the Pakistani labourers working in the Kingdom.

"Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman won the hearts of the people of Pakistan when he said 'Consider me Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia' in response to my asking him to treat the 2.5 million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia as his own," the Pakistani leader tweeted.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Sunday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation worth $20 billion.

The deals included exploration of investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical sectors; cooperation in sports; financing agreement for import of Saudi goods; power generation projects; and development of renewable energy projects.

Also on Sunday, Khan and Bin Salman held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by the inaugural session of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council.

The Saudi royal's visit was initially scheduled for February 16, but was delayed by a day for unknown reasons.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Interspersed with colour photographs, a series of black-and-white stills on display here take one through the enrapturing Himalayan belt. Captured over 60 years by Deb Mukharji, a former Indian Foreign Service member and envoy to Nepal and Bangladesh, the images freeze the infectious charm of the mountains he dearly loves.

"Tall tales from the Himalaya", an exhibition of 75 images of mountains, forests, lakes and rivers - selected out of a body of thousands of photographs - showcase the beauty of Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and even California and the Western Ghats.

Exhibiting a landscape still from as early as September 1959, when he undertook a long trek mapping Alaknanda, Garhwal, Badrinath, the Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib as an 18-year-old, Mukharji feels privileged and blessed to having been able to walk the Himalayan valleys for over six decades.

"The Himalayas are particularly my fascination. The fascination is like love, you either feel it or you don't, but I do love the mountains," Mukharji, who has authored ' "The Magic of Nepal", "Visions of the Infinite", and "Kailash and Mansarovar: A Quest Beyond the Himalaya" told IANS.

On his photography, he maintains that his camera likes to capture almost everything.

"Finding that right moment to capture a dancer's movements or expression, imprinting the architecture of Delhi, Shiraz or Samarkand, is greatly satisfying. Or the fleeting instant in the streets of Kathmandu or Kyrgyzstan. The vast swollen rivers of the delta. Frozen Alaska or broken branches in the Death Valley. Women under the baobab tree in Chad. Life on the sea," Mukharji said.

"But the majesty and mystery of the Himalaya is for me the supreme subject matter."

Mukharji's photography, cited as "poetry through lens" by late Bengali filmmaker Mrinal Sen in 2004, has featured in solo exhibitions in Delhi, Kolkata and Dhaka, along with prominent journals.

He believes his preferred black and white medium allows for greater depth, texture and tonal qualities.

The exhibition will conclude on Tuesday at the India International Centre (IIC) here.
New York, Feb 18 : Researchers are developing a predictive model to help NASA anticipate conflicts and communication breakdowns among crew members and tick off problems that may make or break the Mission to Mars.

NASA has formalised plans to send a manned mission to Mars, a journey that could involve 250 million miles of travel on a small spacecraft.

To understand the psychological demands of this Mars journey, Northwestern University has charted a multi-phase study conducted in two analog environments -- HERA in the Johnson Space Center in Houston and the SIRIUS Mission in the NEK analog located in the Institute for Bio-Medical Problems (IBMP) in Russia.

The varsity will study the behaviour of analog astronaut crews on mock missions, complete with isolation, sleep deprivation, specially designed tasks and mission control, which mimics real space travel with delayed communication.

"Astronauts are super humans. They are people who are incredibly physically fit and extremely smart," said Leslie DeChurch, Professor at Northwestern.

"We're taking an already state-of-the-art crew selection system and making it even better by finding the values, traits and other characteristics that will allow NASA to compose crews that will get along," DeChurch added.

HERA's capsule simulator houses astronauts for up to 45 days -- a mock mission control outside the capsule -- that augments the realism with sound effects, vibrations and communication delays.

Those on the inside undergo sleep deprivation and try to perform tasks. The researchers collect moment-to-moment metrics about individual performance, moods, psychosocial adaptation and more.

According to results from the first eight analog space crews, presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the astronauts are able to successfully complete tasks between 20 and 60 per cent of the time.

The next phase of the research, which began on February 15, involves using the model to predict breakdowns and problems a new HERA crew will experience and making changes to "who works with whom, on what, and when".

The experiment on the SIRIUS analog in Moscow, will begin on March 15, where four Russians and two Americans, will undertake a 120-day fictional mission around the moon, including a moon landing operation.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Asserting that the time for talks is over in the wake of Pulwama suicide bombing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the world should unite against terrorism and those supporting it.

His tough words came after discussions with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri at the Hyderabad House when India and Argentina came down heavily on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which killed 49 CRPF troopers.

"President Macri and I are agreed that terrorism is the biggest threat to world peace and stability. The Pulwama terror attack shows that the time for talks are over. Now the entire world needs to unite and act against the terrorism and their supporters," Modi said.

"Not taking strict measures against the terrorists and those against humanity also encourages terrorism," the Prime Minister said.

Macri, in his remarks, condemned the terror attack. "We condemn any kind of terrorism. I am pleased to be able to work together to fight terrorism."

Macri is on three-day visit to India at the invitation of Modi. Accompanied by his wife Juliana Awada, Macri arrived in India on Sunday. He received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday morning in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind.
Damascus, Feb 18 : An American woman captured by Kurdish forces after fleeing the last Islamic State stronghold in Syria, has said that she "deeply regrets" joining the terror group and has pleaded to be allowed to return to her family in Alabama.

Once one of the IS' most prominent online agitators who took to social media to call for the blood of Americans to be spilled, Hoda Muthana, 24, claims to have made a "big mistake" when she left the US four years ago, saying she was brainwashed into doing so online.

Speaking from the al-Hawl refugee camp in northern Syria, Muthana told the Guardian that she misunderstood her faith, and that friends she had at the time believed they were following Islamic tenets when they aligned themselves with the IS.

"We were basically in the time of ignorance.. and then became jihadi, if you like to describe it that way," she said. "I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God."

Muthana is the only American among an estimated 1,500 foreign women and children inside the sprawling camp of 39,000 people, which is situated about two hours from Baghouz Al-Fawqani in Deir al-Zour province, where a final battle to oust the extremists is days from being completed.

She also has an 18-month-old son.

Muthana fled her home and took a flight to Turkey in November 2014 after several months of planning, which she kept secret from her family.

She settled in the Syrian city of Raqqa where she married an Australian jihadi, Suhan Rahman, the first of her three husbands. He was killed a year later in Kobani.

Soon after, she married her second husband, a Tunisian fighter, with whom she had her son, Adam. Her husband was killed in Mosul, and Muthana retreated with dozens of other women deeper into the IS' ever-shrinking territory, where she briefly married a Syrian fighter last year.

Muthana told the Guardian that her family in Alabama were deeply conservative and placed restrictions on her movements and interactions, factors she claims contributed to her radicalisation.

She described her experience with the IS as "very mind-blowing", saying she was "really traumatised by my experience".

Muthana has not been in contact with US officials since her capture.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : With a view to preventing infighting due to ticket distribution, the Congress has directed all its state units to expedite the process of candidate selection as well as state-wise electoral understanding for the Lok Sabha before this month which shall be then approved by the Congress Election Committee.

The recent Assembly polls, particularly in Rajasthan, saw a lot of infighting in the Congress over ticket distribution, causing embarrassment to the central leadership. Several disgruntled party leaders staged protests and over a dozen contested as independents, denting the party's showing.

In order to avoid a repeat of a similar situation, the state units have been told to expedite the procedure of candidate selection and submit the lists before the month end.

One of the major issues discussed during the recent Congress President Rahul Gandhi's meeting with general secretaries and state unit chiefs was ticket distribution.

"Ticket distribution has always been a contentious issue with all the parties. But this time it has been decided that ticket distribution will be finalized only after names recommended are approved. All state units will prepare their candidate lists before end of February," a Congress leader who did not want to be identified by name told IANS.

The leader also said that the Congress will announce most of its candidates by the end of March, allowing them sufficient time to campaign. The Lok Sabha election schedule is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the first week of March.

"Soon after the schedule is announced, the candidate lists will be published gradually and we expect to complete the process by the end of March," said the leader.

Besides giving more powers in term of candidate selection, the state units have been asked to provide details of local issues and feedback on the central issues that are to be included in the election manifesto.

Along with the key issues of unemployment, agrarian distress, attacks on democratic institutions and "Rafale scam", suggestions from the Indian diaspora across the globe has also been taken to incorporate their views in the manifesto expected to be released in March.

The Manifesto Committee, comprising key party leaders P. Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh, Salman Khurshid, Shashi Tharoor and Sam Pitroda among others, so far has held 176 consultations in 56 cities taking public feedback on the issues to be incorporated in the manifesto.

Among the major highlights of the manifesto will be Gandhi's mega poll promise of "minimum income guarantee". With consultations from renowned economists that reportedly include former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, the manifesto will provide the blueprint of the scheme touted by the Congress as a "game-changer".

Involving the party's various wings including women, students and youth, the Congress has also taken the views of transgenders. An advocate of transgenders rights, Apsara Reddy was appointed the General Secretary of the Congress women wing in January.

The party has also been seeking ideas from the public through a dedicated website for the manifesto where netizens can submit their ideas and issues.

The meeting of the CWC - the Congress' highest decision making body - will be held on February 26 in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat. The meeting, presided over by Rahul Gandhi, will also be attended by newly-appointed General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh among others.

Besides the strategies and roadmap for the election battle, the party leaders will also discuss and chalk out a draft of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the anti-BJP front of opposition parties.

Following a meeting on February 13, opposition parties decided to have a pre-poll pact and Rahul Gandhi was tasked to circulate a draft CMP among the opposition parties.

"As has been decided by all the opposition parties earlier, the major agenda in the CMP will be unemployment, agrarian crisis, attacks on democratic institutions and the abuse of central agencies to stifle the opposition and dissenting voices," said a Congress leader.

(Anurag Dey can be contacted at anurag.d@ians.in)
Pyongyang, Feb 18 : North Korea is at the cusp of a historical turning point, a state-run newspaper said on Monday.

Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in an editorial stressed on making efforts for a greater economic development and highlighted the recent advances made on a small island called Edo, off the country's western coast, in the fishing and shipbuilding sectors, which it said should serve as an example for the rest of the nation, Efe news reported.

"Our country is facing a historic turning point. It is time for us to tighten our shoe strings and run fast, looking for a higher target as we are facing a decisive moment," the article said.

The editorial comes ahead of the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump slated to take place on February 27-28 in Vietnam's capital city Hanoi.

The two leaders met for the first time in Singapore last June.

Kim will travel to Vietnam on February 25 - the first visit by a North Korean leader since the country's reunification in 1975 - and meet Vietnam's President and General-Secretary of the ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.
Los Angeles, Feb 18 : "Game of Thrones" star Lena Headey feels that refusing sex with Harvey Weinstein harmed a decade of her career.

In an interview to Sunday Times Culture section, the actress said that after refusing to have sex with the movie mogul, she was no longer offered any jobs with Miramax - Weinstein's highly influential production company, reports metro.co.uk.

"After he was discovered to be a slime ball, on a grander scale than me just knowing it, I did start thinking, 'Fuck, maybe because I didn't sh*g him, that's impacted a decade of my working life', because I did two jobs for Miramax before those incidents, and after that there was nothing," she said.

Weinstein made two unwanted advances to Headey, both of which she recounted on Twitter back in 2017.

The pair first met at "The Brothers Grimm" premiere at the Venice Film Festival in 2005. The film was distributed by Miramax.

She said: "At one point, Harvey asked me to take a walk down to the water, I walked down with him and he stopped and made some suggestive comment, a gesture, I just laughed it off, I was genuinely shocked. 'I remember thinking, it's got to be a joke, I said something like.. oh come on mate! It'd be like kissing my dad'."

She was never in another Miramax film again.

At the moment, the actress is looking forward to the final season, which is set to open in April this year. It will air in India on Star World.
Chicago, Feb 18 : Actor Jussie Smollet's case of homophobic attack will now come before a grand jury next week.

According to tmz.com, a panel will hear the case, but it is not clear who is facing charges or what they might be.

Last month, the "Empire" star told the police that he was attacked on January 29 by men who used "racial and homophobic slurs" against him.

Following an investigation, two brothers Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo were arrested by the police who viewed them as "potential suspects", but they were released later due to lack of evidences.

Law enforcement sources told the publication that the men who were arrested and then released are staying somewhere around the Loop in downtown Chicago under the watchful eye of police so no one gets to them.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Pakistan on Monday summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" following diplomatic tensions between the two countries after the suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir killed 49 CRPF troopers.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The February 14 attack in Pulwama district was claimed by the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

On Friday, New Delhi had summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner and lodged "a very strong demarche" or diplomatic protest over the bombing.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale told him that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against the JeM and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism and operating from Pakistani territory.

India also withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status given to Pakistan and also slapped a 200 per cent import duty on all goods originating from Islamabad.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Singapore-based social media platform BIGO Technology on Monday announced an investment of over $100 million to expand its business in India in the next three years, creating nearly 1,000 jobs.

As part of the investment, the internet company will start a regional centre by the end of this year in the country that will create employment opportunities for more than 1,000 tech professionals.

According to Jason Hu, Chief Technology Officer, BIGO Technology, as India is the second-largest market for smartphones amid growing internet infrastructure and has a huge young population, the company has taken the decision.

"India will act as a complementary centre to Singapore's Research and Development Centre. This step is the first-of-its-kind for BIGO, and a testament to the growing need for overseas centres as our user base grows," Hu said in a statement.

With over 40 patents in VoIP/video-related technology and over 60 patents under the process of application, BIGO Technology is one of the major companies globally in the field of app development and publishing of apps.

The company, which has built a strong team of over 100 Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts and engineers, recently received series D funding of $272 million.

In addition to the India Centre, BIGO would open two more regional research centres - one in the US and another one in MENA-Europe region by the end of this year.

The company's live-streaming app BIGO LIVE currently has a registered user base of 200 million globally.

Another short video app from the company called "LIKE" has hit 20 million daily active users around the globe.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Pakistan on Monday summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" following diplomatic tensions between the two countries after the suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 49 troopers.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The February 14 attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
San Francisco, Feb 18 : The hacker who earlier stole and posted data of close to 750 million users of various popular websites on a Dark Web marketplace has now put up the third set of nearly 93 million hacked databases for sale.

According to a report on zdnet.com late Sunday, the hacker this time is selling an additional 93 million user records from eight companies, including GfyCat which is a popular GIF hosting and sharing platform.

"The hacker is selling each database individually on Dream Market. Together, all eight are worth 2.6249 bitcoin, which amounts to roughly $9,400," said the report.

The stolen information mainly includes account holders' names, email addresses and passwords.

The hacker, who goes by the name Gnosticplayers, earlier posted a batch of 16 websites containing the data of 620 million users and a second batch of eight portals with the data of 127 million users, that included 18 million user records from travel booking site Ixigo and 40 million from live-video streaming site YouNow.

The hacker aims to sell over one billion user records and then disappear with the money.

His current total stands at roughly 840 million records.

"New leaks are coming, including one from a cryptocurrency exchange," the hacker told ZDNet.

Earlier, the same hacker claimed he had more than 151 million records from MyFitnessPal and 25 million records from Animoto and many other from several major sites.

It has been claimed that databases, which are aimed at making "life easier" for hackers, can be purchased from the Dream Market cyber-souk, located in the Tor network, for less than $20,000 in bitcoin.

While some of these websites - particularly MyHeritage, MyFitnessPal and Animoto - warned their customers last year that they had been compromised, several others have started notifying users about the hacks.
New Delhi, Feb 18 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the murder of two Youth Congress activists in Kerala.

"The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala, is shocking. The Congress prty stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men and I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice," he tweeted.

The activists - Krupesh, 19, and Joshy, 24 - were attacked by three assailants who came on motorcycles. While Krupesh breathed his last at the Kasargode district hospital, Joshy died en route to a medical facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka.

The Kasargode unit of the Congress has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown in the district on Monday to protest the murder.

While the state Congress president Mullapally Ramachandran alleged that CPI-M workers were involved in the murder, the Left party, has denied any involvement.
Washington, Feb 18 : Former Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe has said that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein "offered to wear a wire into the White House", the media reported on Monday.

In a TV interview on Sunday, McCabe said that Rosenstein had told him that he "never got searched" when he went into the White House.

"'I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there'," McCabe quoted Rosenstein as telling him.

In an earlier CNN report, the Deputy Attorney General denied that he pursued any recording and an informed source had said Rosenstein was only being sarcastic.

But according to McCabe's, Rosenstein "was not joking".

"He was absolutely serious," McCabe said on Sunday. "And in fact, he brought it up in the next meeting we had. I never actually considered taking him up on the offer.

"I did discuss it with my general counsel and my leadership team back at the FBI after he brought it up the first time."

The controversy nearly caused Rosenstein to leave the department when it was first reported last year, but he managed to stay and continue overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

CNN reported in September that Rosenstein discussed wearing a "wire" to record conversations with Donald Trump and recruiting Cabinet members to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the President from office.

Former FBI lawyer Lisa Page also documented Rosenstein's wire remark in her own contemporaneous memo, which corroborated McCabe's account.

McCabe was fired in March 2018 by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions after an inspector general report concluded McCabe misled investigators about his role in directing other officials at the FBI to speak to The Wall Street Journal about his involvement in a public corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation.
Mumbai, Feb 18 : The Sensex and Nifty declined after opening on a flat to positive note on Monday led by selling in auto, IT and FMCG stocks.

The Sensex of the BSE opened at 35,831.18 from its previous close at 35,808.95 on Friday.

At 9.20 a.m., the Sensex traded at 35,794.97 lower by 13.98 points or 0.04 per cent.

The Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) opened slightly higher at 10,738.65A from it's previous close on Friday.

The Nifty traded at 10,723.05 during the morning trade session, down 1.35 points and 0.01 per cent.

On Friday, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares to the tune of Rs 966.43 crore while the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought Rs 853.25 crore worth of scrips.
Bogota, Feb 18 : Republican Senator Marco Rubio arrived in Colombia to supervise the humanitarian aid that is being kept on the country's border with Venezuela, which is expected to be delivered to Caracas starting next week.

"I arrived in #Colombia this morning. Today another huge delivery of humanitarian aid for #Venezuela will arrive. I will be meeting with officials leading the effort to store this at the border and prepare it for delivery to the suffering people of #Venezuela," Rubio tweeted on Sunday.

During his stay in the border city of Cucuta, the capital of Norte de Santander province, the Florida Senator is also scheduled to meet Colombian government officials and tour the Simon Bolivar bridge, the main border crossing point between the two countries, Efe news reported.

Rubio travelled to Colombia with the US envoy to the Organisation of American States, Carlos Trujillo, and Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart who will also take part in overseeing the distribution of humanitarian aid via the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rubio said in a statement that Americans, Colombians and Venezuelans were ready to provide humanitarian aid needed by the people of Venezuela.

On Saturday, three C-17 US Air Force cargo aircraft arrived at the Cucuta airport loaded with tonness of nutritional supplements and hygiene kits, which will be added to the humanitarian aid already collected there over the past week.

The first wave of US aid arrived on February 8 and included locally purchased food kits, hygiene kits, medical supplies, ready-to-use supplementary foods and high-energy biscuits.

Cucuta, along with Curacao and the Brazilian state of Roraima, are the collection and staging points for the humanitarian aid, and Miami joined them as another collection and staging centre on February 15.

The US and Colombia were the first countries - later joined by most of the Western Hemisphere and European nations - to recognise Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled Parliament, as the country's interim president on January 23.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan opposition on Sunday set up about 10 camps around the country where it took a census of thousands of people who it promised to help with the humanitarian aid being collected in Cucuta.

The Venezuelan government, led by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, last week blocked a bridge connecting Venezuela to Colombia, effectively cutting off the humanitarian aid called for by Venezuela's opposition via that route.

Maduro has rejected the international aid, saying: "We are not beggars."
New Delhi, Feb 17 : Days after a major fire at Delhi's Arpit Palace Hotel left 17 dead, the Crime Branch has arrested its owner Rakesh Goel from the Indira Gandhi International Airport as he returned to India from Qatar, an officer said on Sunday.

"A team of the Special Investigation Unit headed by ACP Sandeep Lamba arrested Rakesh Goel at around 7.30 p.m. on Saturday while he was trying to move out of the airport premises. We had received a tip off that Goel was arriving in Delhi from Qatar from Indigo flight no 6E 1702," Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Deo said.

He said that a Look Out Circular had been issued to detain him on his arrival and police and intelligence officers were on alert.

The DCP said later Goel was interrogated to know the lseries against Bangladesh.
Islamabad, Feb 18 : Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has expressed optimism about the economic future of Pakistan, saying his country had been waiting for a leadership like that of Prime Minister Imran Khan to partner with Islamabad in various areas.

Addressing a reception dinner on Sunday night at the Prime Minister House hours after he landed here, the Crown Prince said Pakistan was a "dear country" to all Saudis and that the two countries "have walked together in tough and good times", Dawn news reported.

"We believe that Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he said.

"Pakistan today has a great future in store with a great leadership."

The Saudi royal said his country would collaborate with Pakistan economically, politically and in terms of security. "We believe in our region, that is why we are investing in it."

"This is my first trip (to the) east since I became the Crown Prince (in 2017) and the first country (that I have visited) is Pakistan," he added.

Before the dinner, the two countries signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation worth $20 billion.

The deals include exploration of investment opportunities in refining and petrochemical sectors; cooperation in the field of sports; financing agreement for the import of Saudi goods; power generation projects; and development of renewable energy projects.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan during his speech at the reception dinner said that Saudi Arabia had always been a "friend in need" to Pakistan.

He invited Riyadh to avail opportunities from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Pakistan's close links with Beijing.

The Prime Minister also put forward two requests in front of the Crown Prince: First, he requested the Saudi royal to allow Pakistani Haj pilgrims to undergo immigration at the three major Pakistani airports before leaving for Saudi Arabia for their convenience.

Second, Khan urged the Saudi authorities to look into the hardships of the Pakistani labourers working in the Kingdom.

Also on Sunday, Khan and the Crown Prince held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by the inaugural session of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council, Dawn news said.

Amid heightened security and arrangements in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the Crown Prince arrived at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Sunday evening. He was received by the Prime Minister, Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and other senior Cabinet Ministers.

The Crown Prince was given a 21-gun salute.

Breaking protocol, Khan personally drove the Saudi royal to the Prime Minister's House.

The visit was initially scheduled for February 16, but was delayed by a day for unknown reasons.

After Pakistan, the Crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mexico City, Feb 18 : At least six persons have been killed and three wounded in a shooting at a street party in the Mexico City suburb of Iztapalapa, the media reported.

The city prosecutor's office said in a statement that six persons including a woman were killed, while two women and a man sustained injuries, as a result of the shooting on Sunday in the Los Reyes Culhuacan neighbourhood of Iztapalapa, Xinhua reported.

A group of people was drinking at a party outside a church when four persons approached them and opened fire, reports in Mexican media mentioned.

The shooters fled the scene and authorities are reviewing videos from security cameras nearby.

The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident.
Pune, Feb 18 : Before making his fans dance to his foot-tapping numbers here, American electronic music producer and DJ Marshmello observed two-minute silence for the 49 CRPF troopers who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

With the Indian flag projected in the background, DJ Marshmello said here on Sunday: "Two minutes silence for the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in a terrorist attack."

As many as 49 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14, when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama.

A day after the incident, DJ Marshmello even took to Twitter to send out his prayers to "those affected by the Pulwama attack".

A lot of attendees, sporting oversized white buckets with black eyes and a wide smile -- similar to Marshmello's headgear, praised him for paying tribute to the slain CRPF jawans at Vh1 Supersonic 2019 on Sunday.

"So many artistes performed at the festival, but it was only Marshmello who remembered the jawans. I respect him even more now," a fan told IANS after his show that brought down the curtain on the two-day festival here.

Soon after the tribute and waving the Indian flag, Marshmello got people on their feet by playing "Aankh marey" from Ranveer Singh-starrer "Simmba".

His show had another Bollywood touch -- Kartik Aaryan, who made Marshmello dance to the song "Coca Cola" from the actor's film "Luka Chuppi".

That wasn't the only time he danced on the stage. He even showed some of the dance moves that featured in the video of his latest song -- "Biba" for which he had collaborated with Bollywood music composer Pritam.

The crowd cheering sound was in sync with the beats of his tracks like "Friends", "Everyday", "Silence" and "Wolves". He also won the crowd's hearts with his twist to songs like "We like to party! (The Vengabus)" by Vengaboys and "Livin' on a prayer" by Bon Jovi.

Though he had his helmet on throughout the performance and kept his identity a secret, he did encourage the crowd "to make some noise".

After his last song, "Happier", he thanked the audience by saying: "Thank you guys so much for making it so special. I'll see you next time."

The festival also had artistes like Jaden Smith, Bonobo, Anik Khan, Prateek Kuhad, Rudimental and Two Door Cinema Club.

(The writer's trip to Pune is at the invitation of the festival organisers. Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at Natalia.n@ians.in)
Warsaw, Feb 18 : Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has cancelled a trip to Israel following comments on the Holocaust by Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu was quoted in Israeli media as saying "Poles co-operated with the Germans" during the Holocaust.

He later issued a clarification saying he was not referring to the Polish nation or all Polish people, the BBC reported.

Poland summoned the Israeli ambassador, and on Sunday, said Morawiecki would not attend a summit on Tuesday.

The meeting, hosted by Israel, is of the Visegrad Group that represents the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Polish government spokesperson Joanna Kopcinska said: "Morawiecki told Netanyahu in a telephone call that Poland will be represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz."

Netanyahu was on a state visit to Poland on Thursday when his comments were reported in Israeli media, including Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post.

The Jerusalem Post said its version used the term "Polish nation", which it said it quickly amended.

Netanyahu's office issued a clarification, saying: "In a briefing, PM Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland."

Morawiecki took to Twitter to say there was "no Polish regime" during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

Israel's ambassador to Warsaw was summoned by the foreign ministry on Friday.

President Andrzej Duda said that if Netanyahu had said what was first reported "Israel would not be a good place to meet".

On Sunday, Morawiecki announced his trip would be cancelled.

Israel offered to host the meeting of the Visegrad group to strengthen ties with members of the European Union.

During World War Two, Poland suffered brutal occupation by the Nazi and Soviet regimes and more than five million Polish citizens, three million of them Jews, died.

In terms of the Holocaust, the country has for years objected to the term "Polish death camps", saying it implies complicity in the Nazi camps built on its soil during occupation.

In February 2018, Poland introduced a controversial law making it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in the Nazi Holocaust.

Israel challenged the legislation, its president, Reuven Rivlin, last year saying that while many Poles had fought the Nazis, "Poland and Poles had a hand in the extermination" of Jews during the Holocaust.

Poland agreed to change the law and it now no longer carries the threat of up to three years in jail.
DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "World Telecom Services & Players - Trends & Analyses - Markets at December 2018 & Forecasts to 2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global telecom services market's trajectory in 2017 and 2018 confirmed, and even amplified, the change in direction that began in 2016 on both sides of the Atlantic.



In the United States, mobile revenue has been on a downwards slide for three years, after hitting a record high in 2015, and dragging the entire telecom services market down with it. And despite a still solid momentum, fixed broadband revenue has not been enough to offset these losses.



In Europe, on the other hand, the mobile services market is slowly getting back on track, and even though growth in the fixed segment has been softer than in North America, the market as a whole is on an upwards swing.



Meanwhile, the growth revival in Latin America continues, after the major setback in 2016, while Asia-Pacific is widening its lead, thanks to emerging superpowers like India, and especially China, and its market value now outweighs North America's by close to 20%. Lastly, the Africa-Middle East region continues to be a real source of future growth, at least in terms of volume.



This study provides an overview of the market and includes two deliverables:



A datase t dedicated to service revenues and usage with data and forecasts up to 2022 for 26 countries, five regions & aggregate world figures.

t dedicated to service revenues and usage with data and forecasts up to 2022 for 26 countries, five regions & aggregate world figures. A report (ppt format) providing readers with the current status and 5-year forecasts of the telecom services market, along with analyses of global trends and growth dynamics by technology and by markets. It also provides a profile of the world's top telcos.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Key Trends: Growth will accelerate slowly



2. Markets & Trends by segment

2.1. Share of mobile revenue is increasing regularly

2.2. Growth in fixed data revenue just manages to compensate the losses in fixed telephony

2.3. Mobile services revenue grow despite ARPU decrease

2.4. The slight increase in revenue is due to a volume effect compensating the negative price effect



3. Markets & Trends by region

3.1. Revenues and growth

3.2 Europe - Towards recovery

3.3 North America - Decline in mobile revenue will be gentler than announced

3.4 Asia-Pacific - Leadership on the global mobile market both in volume and in revenue

3.5 Latin America - A very dynamic (fixed) broadband market

3.6 Middle East & Africa (MEA) - Mobile first



4. Top Telcos in World

4.1. The World leaders

4.2 EBITDA margins

4.3 CAPEX

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tn4zsd/world_telecom?w=5



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]



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


GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- February 2019 |UAE News

Strong government support over the past few years has led to the continuous growth of education sector by inviting private players to enter the market.

Establishment of new schools, increase in use of ICT has enabled the curriculum to compete in the international market. The use of eLearning and smart classes is expected to spread in the education market as an effective medium of a more engaging and interactive learning in all levels of education.

The vocational and technical education market in UAE is expected to witness a steady growth in revenues and enrollments in the future years. It will attract both male and female candidates as domestic participation in workforce improves.

UAE education market is at different level of maturity at different stages and type of education. K-12 segment is well developed with high participation of private players and government support. Scope of development and investment is highest in E learning, vocational and training programs and test preparation. E learning is the most attractive segment as it removes the age barrier and is accepted across schools as well as corporates. It provides a great source of tool for continuous education and development of skills while at work. Launch of programs such as Smart Learning and input of heavy investment along with strategic partnerships has helped in rapid development of technology based education. Programs like Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Programme under the Vision 2021 will continue to foster growth in the overall E-Learning market in the country.

The UAE government has also been looking forward to the development of new modern vocational courses to attract more Emirati students as a part of the Emiratisation strategy. Efforts from the Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) are also likely to augment the enrollments in vocational streams of education. Under Vision 2021 and other plans focused on diversifying the economy, the government is specifically focusing on developing more institutes for vocational training to fulfill the demand for skilled labor from industries.

Increase in student population, escalating competition at under-graduate and graduate levels of education will contribute to the growth of test preparation market. Rising number of students opting for higher education in international universities and competitiveness between centers providing training will lead to demand for hiring of better qualified instructors by the test preparatory centres. This increase in operational expenses may lead to a higher fee charged. It will also attract many established players to open new branches or hire experienced instructors with independent or private test preparation centers.

Analysts at Ken Research in their latest publication "UAE Education Market Outlook to 2023- By K-12, Higher Education, E-Learning & Test-Preparation, Adult Education and Vocational and Training)" believe that increased private participation will be a key for development of the market. E learning is expected to play a very crucial role in the overall development of the market. It will drive the quality and revenue in the market as it helps in better transmission of knowledge. UAE education market is expected to register positive CAGR during the period 2018-2023 with private players expected to gain further share in the market.

Key Segments Covered

By Type Education

K12

Vocational and Technical

Higher Education

Test Preparation

Adult Education

E Learning

By K12

Private and Public

Abu Dhabi , Dubai , Sharjah , Ajman , Umm Al Quwain , Al Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah

, , , , , Al Fujairah, and KG, Cycle 1 (1st to 5th std), Cycle 2 (6th to 9th std), Secondary (10th to 12th), and Religious

Non-Emirati and Emirati

By Technical and Vocational

Abu Dhabi , Dubai , Sharjah , Ajman , Umm Al Quwain , Al Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah

, , , , , Al Fujairah, and Male and Female

By Test Preparation Market

IELTS, GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and SAT

By E-learning

Technology and Content

Multimedia, Online Test, Open Courseware and online tutoring platforms and doubt resolution forums

Audio-Video Blend, Video, Audio and Text

Massive Open Online Courses, Mobile Learning, E-Books and Gamification

Universities, Schools and Corporate

K-12 Education, Higher Education, Corporate Training and Others

Learning Management System, Smart Classes, Smart Authoring Tools and Others

By Adult Education

Abu Dhabi , Ajman , Dubai , Fujairah , Ras-Al-Khaimah , Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah

, , , , , and Male and Female

First, Second and Secondary Stage

By Higher Education

Male and Female

Business & Economics, Engineering, Foundations, Human & Social Sciences, Communication & Media Sciences, Sharia & Law, Information Technology, Environment & Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Education, Arts & Design, Undeclared Major, Sciences, Foreign Languages, and Food & Agriculture

Private and Public

Abu Dhabi , Dubai , Sharjah , Ajman , Umm Al Quwain , Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah

Major Companies Covered:

Gems group

Taleem

Princeton Review

Blackboard

Amideast

Option Training Institute

The British Council

Brighter Prep

Meccademia

For more information on the research report, refer to below link:

https://www.kenresearch.com/education-and-recruitment/education/uae-education-market/182341-99.html

Related Reports

Kuwait Education Market Outlook To 2022 - By K-12 Education, Higher Education, E-Learning, Vocational Training, Teacher Training, Private Tutor And Test-Preparation Education Market

The report covers the K-12 private education market size (by revenue, number of schools, number of teachers, number of classrooms and number of students), current emerging trends and developments, major issues and challenges, customer pain points & decision making parameters, investment model, along with market segmentation by level of education (Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediate and Secondary), by gender (Male and Female), by nationality (Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis) and by region (Al Asema, Hawalii, Al Ahmadii, Al Farwaniya, Al Jahra Education and Mobark Al Kaber). The report presents competitive landscape of leading British, American and Indian schools and the major test preparation centers. Parameters such as type of curriculum, average fees per annum, class size, catchment area, student teacher ratio, number of students and others have been given prime importance. The report also covers government rules and regulation, future outlook along with SWOT analysis and analyst recommendation.

Saudi Arabia Education Industry Outlook To 2022 - By Higher Education, K-12 Education, E-Learning, Vocational Training And Test-Preparation Education

Ken Research provides a comprehensive analysis on education sector focusing on segments such as K-12 Education sector, Higher education, Vocational and technical training, E-Learning and Test Prep Sector. Detailed comparative analysis of major players in education industry has also been provided. Various marketing analysis factors such as trends and developments and SWOT analysis are also added in the study. The future analysis of the overall Saudi Arabia Education Industry has also been discussed along with recommendations from analyst view.

The stakeholders of this report include education institutes, schools, universities, training centers, companies involved in research, teachers and students in Saudi Arabia and the new entrants and venture capitalists who wish to invest in education industry in future.

US Executive Education Programs Market By Type (Open And Customized Programs), By Universities (Private And State), By Mode Of Delivery (Business Schools, Online, Foreign Collaborations) - Outlook To 2022

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of executive education programs market in the US. The report provides information on US Executive Education Programs market size (by revenue, by number of enrollments, number of programs), market segments (by open & customized programs, by type of courses, by universities and by mode of deliveries), US online executive education market, and competitive landscape of major players in the US Executive Education Programs market. The report also provides trends and developments in the market, key issues and challenges in the market, government initiatives for executive education in the US, Entry barriers in US Executive Education Programs market, SWOT analysis of the market and covering competitive landscape of major institutions including Harvard Business School, The Wharton School, MIT Sloan School of Management, Stanford Graduate School of Business, UCLA Anderson School of Business, Columbia Business School, Kellogg School of Management, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Stephen M. Ross School of Business and Baruch College. 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

[email protected]

+91-9015378249

SOURCE Ken Research
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas executives and economic developers are in San Francisco this week to entice California companies to expand or relocate to Texas. Led by Texas Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the mission is designed to carry the message that companies can "Go Big in Texas" among an audience of corporate executives, site selectors and others involved in expanding and relocating businesses.

"The Lone Star State is the ultimate destination for economic success," said Governor Abbott. "From our world class infrastructure to our strong right to work laws, Texas remains the envy of the nation. I am grateful that this delegation of business leaders and developers have the opportunity to share what makes Texas so great. Whether you're an entrepreneur in California or a business owner from the East Coast, I encourage everyone to consider making a fruitful investment in the Lone Star State."

"Texas has a strong track record of attracting companies from California to expand or relocate to Texas," said Robert Allen, President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Corporation. "Our business-friendly climate, overall lower cost of living, and skilled workforce are just some of the factors that appeal to companies like Toyota, Apple, Google, LiveOps, and Oracle, which have expanded in Texas since 2014."

While headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple, Inc. is a company that is investing in Texas. In December 2018, the tech giant announced plans to build a new $1 billion, 133-acre campus in Austin, initially creating 5,000 new jobs with the capacity to expand to 15,000 jobs. The investment is slated to establish Apple as the largest private employer in Austin, and continue to grow Texas' technology sector. Already, Texas leads the nation in exports and holds the title of the top tech-exporting state.

Toyota celebrated the grand opening of its $350 million North American headquarters in Plano, Texas in 2017, uprooting its longtime headquarters in Torrance, California. Jamba Juice (Frisco), Jacobs Engineering (Dallas), Pegasus Foods (Rockwall), and Kubota Tractor (Grapevine) are just a few other California-based companies that found a home in Texas in recent years.

Recently ranked by CNBC as America's Top State for Business, Texas offers the second largest civilian workforce in America, first-rate educational institutions, and world-class infrastructure that enables companies to operate profitably on a global scale. Governor Greg Abbott, re-elected as Texas Governor in November 2018, has been outspoken about California's over-regulation and his efforts to remove red tape and other barriers to business for Texas companies. In addition, with no corporate or personal income tax, Texas has one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation.

The delegation in California includes representatives from Texas Economic Development Corporation, the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, BNSF Railway, The Borderplex Alliance, City of El Paso, City of Schertz EDC, Greater Houston Partnership, Irving Economic Development Partnership and San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.

ABOUT TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (TXEDC)

Texas Economic Development Corporation is an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to economic development, business recruitment and job creation in the State of Texas. The public-private partnership markets Texas as a premier business destination to let corporate decision makers and site selection consultants know that they can Go Big in Texas. For more information about TxEDC, visit www.GoBigInTexas.com.

SOURCE Texas Economic Development Corporation

Related Links

http://www.GoBigInTexas.com


TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, Feb. 18, at 12:00 p.m., a coalition of Teamsters and their allies, including Governor Laura Kelly, will be holding a press conference and lobbying day at the Kansas State Capitol building. The coalition will be speaking to elected officials about the importance of passing SB 38 and HB 2315, The Unemployment Benefits for Privately Contracted School Bus Drivers Act, into law. By extending unemployment benefits to school bus drivers during the summer months, the legislation would improve equity, safety and retention in the school bus industry.

______________________________________________________________________

WHAT: Teamsters School Bus Drivers 2019 Lobby Day. Workers will be available for interviews with the press.



WHEN: Monday, Feb. 18, 2019

12 p.m. Central Standard Time (set up begins at 11:45 a.m.)



WHERE: Kansas State Capitol 4th Floor Rotunda

SW 8th & SW Van Buren,

Topeka, KS 66612



WHO: Governor Laura Kelly

Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau (D  Wichita)

Secretary of Labor Delia Garcia

Teamsters Central Region Political Coordinator Elizabeth Gonzalez

Teamster school bus drivers

Contact:

Galen Munroe, (202) 624-6911

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 696
A new entry in the world of awards for culinary excellence, The World Restaurant Awards is celebrating the excellence, integrity, diversity and rich culture of the restaurant world, rather than awarding for the pinnacle of achievement. The awards were created by IMG, in partnership with restaurant journalist Joe Warwick working alongside gastronomic writer and broadcaster Andrea Petrini.

The judging panel, with a 50/50 gender split, consists of some of the leading lights of the culinary world, including some of the most established and rising chefs, food writers and professionals. Chefs on the panel include luminaries such as Elena Arzak, Alex Atala, Massimo Bottura, David Chang, Helene Darroze, Daniel Humm, Dan Barber, Rene Redzepi, Ana Ros, Yotam Ottolenghi and Clare Smyth.

Guests at the Zacapa rum welcome event in Malro, Paris savoured exquisite Zacapa Old Fashioned cocktails and small plates curated by Malro head chef, Denny Imbroisi.

Zacapa Master Blender Lorena Vasquez said: "We are so pleased to be able to welcome the very best of the industry here tonight ahead of the first edition of the awards.

"I see clear parallels between what we do when crafting Zacapa rum in Guatemala, and what the best chefs do in the greatest restaurants around the world, which is why Zacapa's partnership with The World Restaurant Awards is such a good fit. It's about having the time, patience and skill to bring the richness of the flavours to the fore. Really, whether it's food or rum, we're all focused on letting the depth and layers of flavour speak for themselves.

"A huge part of the dining experience is a wonderful aperitif or digestif  incredible food deserves an exquisite accompaniment, so we're delighted Zacapa is the spirit of choice for The World Restaurant Awards.

"I hope our guests tonight enjoyed their little taste of Guatemala, sharing Zacapa with good friends. I wish them all great success, at the awards, of course, but also in everything that they do when they return home."

Cecile Rebbot, Director of The World Restaurant Awards, IMG, said: "It was great to get everyone together tonight for cocktails, all these talented restaurant people from around the world, ahead of the awards tomorrow. We can't do this event without great partners and it's a pleasure to get the chance to work with a quality brand like Zacapa as our spirit of choice for The World Restaurant Awards."

Winners of The World Restaurant Awards' 18 categories will be unveiled at a gala ceremony on Monday night.

Enjoy Zacapa Responsibly

DRINKiQ.com

SOURCE Zacapa Rum

Related Links

http://drinkiq.com/


HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- SMA Solutions, a Houston-based technology company founded by former NASA engineers in 1980, has changed its name to SMA Technologies. The name change is part of a major rebranding initiative for the company that also includes an updated website along with a new logo and tagline.

The global, privately-owned company automates business and IT processes for other organizations through its workload automation platform OpCon, which integrates with all major operating systems and hundreds of applications. The company describes OpCon as an "automation fabric" that bridges people, processes and business units, bringing workflows across the enterprise all together in a single point of control.

SMA's new identity has been carefully designed to reflect four brand pillars that will guide the company as it continues to lead the way in workload automation, according to Chief Marketing Officer Cynthia LaRue.

"With OpCon we focus on bringing simplicity, value, ease and speed to our customers. Our team worked hard to ensure our new brand reflects those ideals, and we're excited to show the world where SMA Technologies is headed," said LaRue.

Ever since SMA initially captured the attention of IT teams around the world with the release of its first automation solution, "The Scheduler," the company has continued to integrate the latest technologies and processes into its automation capabilities. To date, SMA Technologies has provided hundreds of clients in 20+ countries with custom-tailored automation solutions built in OpCon.

About SMA Technologies

Our founders met at NASA in the '70s while solving some of the toughest IT issues in the world. The work required lots of repetitive tasks, so they developed automated workflows to boost efficiency and simplify operations. Recognizing the huge potential of automation, they formed SMA Solutions in 1980 and eventually introduced OpCon, the world's first Windows-based, enterprise-wide automation platform. Today OpCon supports every operating system and hundreds of applications, and SMA Technologies continues to help organizations unlock their potential by automating tasks that keep employees from more-critical work. To learn more, visit us at www.SMAtechnologies.com .

SOURCE SMA Technologies

Related Links

https://smatechnologies.com


LAS VEGAS, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Signature Kitchen Suite, the new luxury brand that leads innovation in the high-end kitchen appliance market, unveiled a series of integrated column wine refrigerators with unique new technologies that redefine home wine preservation and storage.



Dark-tinted, triple-pane glass protects wine from damaging UV light, while humidity control helps preserve quality and taste. Signature Kitchen Suite, the new luxury brand that leads innovation in the high-end kitchen appliance market, unveiled a series of integrated column wine refrigerators with unique new technologies that redefine home wine preservation and storage.

The advanced new 24- and 18-inch wine refrigerators and a personalized wine sommelier app debuted during Design & Construction Week at the 2019 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (Booth #C5907). They further expand the portfolio of award-winning Signature Kitchen Suite appliances, which includes integrated column refrigerators and freezers, pro-style ranges  including the first-of-its-kind with built-in sous vide modality directly on the cooktop  along with cooktops, wall ovens and dishwashers.

Unique to these refrigerators is the brand's Wine CaveTM technology, designed for precise wine preservation, inspired by the traditional, historic old-world caves of wineries, located near Signature Kitchen Suite's new Experience and Design Center in Napa Valley, Calif. This first-of-its-kind facility highlights the intersection of technology and culinary innovation for the new generation of "Technicurean" food and wine aficionados.

Carefully tailored to mimic these ideal environments, the exclusive Wine Cave design significantly reduces vibration  a primary impediment to wine preservation, which causes chemical imbalances affecting the quality, flavors, aromas and texture  as well as minimizes temperature fluctuations, limits light exposure and locks in humidity. Unfinished beechwood interior shelving helps eliminate the possibility of oils, odors or other wood byproducts altering wine purity.

Coinciding with the launch of the integrated column wine refrigerator series, Signature Kitchen Suite's new True SommelierTM App helps wine collectors manage their personal collections. Powered by Wine Ring's patented machine learning, this mobile app is the first smart software that learns preferences and makes wine recommendations, including food and wine pairings, for individuals and groups based on the wines stored in the user's cellar.

Available in both 24- and 18-inch sizes, the new Signature Kitchen Suite wine refrigerators feature a range of noteworthy technologies:

Precise Preservation with Minimum Vibration : The inverter linear compressor developed by global home appliance innovator LG Electronics and metal interior minimize the vibration to less than 2 gal (cm/s2) as well as temperature fluctuations, keeping wine collections cool and still. Laboratory testing verifies 45 percent lower vibration in the Signature Kitchen Suite models compared with competitors' wine columns.

Superior Light and Humidity Control : Dark-tinted, triple-pane glass protects wine from damaging UV light, while humidity control helps preserve quality and taste. Multiple evaporators maintain steady moderate humidity.

Independent Temperature Zones : Independent temperature zones ( three in the 24-inch model and two in the 18-inch column) keep red, white and sparkling wines at the right temperature for optimum mouthfeel, aromas and flavor. The zones can be set between 41- and 64-degrees Fahrenheit to ensure ideal conditions for any wine variety or varietal.

Touch Display Lighting : Dark opaque glass doors with tap-on-glass controls limit interior lighting so an entire collection can be showcased with a touch of the door. LED lighting is activated by gently tapping the door or with the mobile app. Choose from four display settings including, Upper, Lower, All and Presentation.

TrueFit Integrated Design : Every integrated column features an intelligent, symmetrical design that allows for proud or flush installation.

Eco-Friendly : Engineered to reduce environmental impact with HFC/HCFC-free refrigerant and insulation as well as recyclable materials.

"Signature Kitchen Suite is setting the new standard for wine storage and preservation," said Zach Elkin, general manager of Signature Kitchen Suite. "Our new wine refrigerators combine tried-and-true old-world methods with state-of-the-art technology to address wine's four biggest threats of vibration, light, variations in temperature and moisture levels. And they include the first patented software that learns wine preferences. This debut is an absolute game-changer for the category and sets the stage for the next generation in wine storage."

To develop the True Sommelier app, Signature Kitchen Suite partnered with Wine Ring, the wine industry's leading AI-driven, personalization software. Its patented "Preference Intelligence Engine," powered by technology company RingIT, develops a comprehensive user preference profile to drive the most accurate recommendations in the wine industry, according to Wine Ring co-founder and CEO Pam Dillon.

"Signature Kitchen Suite is leading thinking in wine storage," Dillon said. "They are going beyond simply connecting kitchens to building kitchens that learn, and Wine Ring smart software helps power their vision." She said Wine Ring and RingIT also are working with Signature Kitchen Suite to incorporate LG's SmartThinQTM cloud-based functionalities into the True Sommelier app including when-to-drink vintage indicators and remote adjustment of wine refrigerator temperature.

Complementing the launch of the column wine refrigerators and True Sommelier app, Signature Kitchen Suite will be sponsoring the "Signature Kitchen Suite Wine Bar" at the Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge (#dmmtalks) in the Salon By KBIS, a new addition to the KBIS show. Signature Kitchen Suite also will host "KBIS Uncorked," the invitation-only official show event (Feb. 19, 3 p.m. in booth #C5907) that will feature a lively panel on all things wine.

Show attendees are invited to the premiere of the latest episode in the popular True to FoodTM film series, The Vintner, narrated by noted food journalist, author and educator Mark Bittman and featuring Jean-Charles Boisset, son of one of France's "first families of wine" (Feb. 19, 3:30 p.m.in booth #C5907). Throughout the show, KBIS attendees will be able to experience live demonstrations of the wine refrigerators and True Sommelier app at the Signature Kitchen Suite booth and in the DesignMilk X Modenus Talks Lounge.

For more information on the broad array of Signature Kitchen Suite innovations, visit www.signaturekitchensuite.com.

About Signature Kitchen Suite

Signature Kitchen Suite delivers innovation in the luxury built-in kitchen appliance market with leading-edge technology that provides more flexibility to prepare food in the best possible way, demonstrating respect for the food at every level. The new luxury brand from global home appliance leader LG Electronics, Signature Kitchen Suite is embracing a new generation of forward-thinking Technicurean cooks, combining their passion for food with their appreciation for innovation. From the first-of-its-kind built-in sous vide range to the industry's only built-in French Door refrigerator with a convertible middle drawer, Signature Kitchen Suite's versatile and high-performance appliances deliver the ultimate precision cooking experience. Visit www.signaturekitchensuite.com or follow the brand on social channels @SKSappliances.

SOURCE Signature Kitchen Suite

Related Links

https://www.signaturekitchensuite.com


ODESSA, Texas, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Saulsbury announced a renewed vision and strategic focus for the company's future. The company plans to focus on serving clients in the upstream and midstream oil and gas sector with its expertise in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) as well as continued growth in our field services business unit. In addition, Saulsbury will continue its pursuit of standalone electrical & instrumentation opportunities across all heavy industrial and oil and gas markets.

"Saulsbury is in a unique position to capture the powerful opportunities of the midstream and upstream oil and gas markets. In order to do that successfully, we must become a more focused company in the areas where we see the most opportunity to execute our business capabilities," shared Chat York, Interim CEO about the company's decision.

To demonstrate the commitment to the company's new focus, Saulsbury has entered into an agreement to divest a portion of its business in the Gulf Coast to Clough. The transaction was completed on February 15, 2019. For more information on Clough, please visit their website.

"By changing the way we do business in the Gulf Coast, we are better positioned to serve an expanded portfolio of clients that have come to know Saulsbury as the premier EPC contractor in the midstream and upstream oil and gas industry throughout the country," adds Mike Childers, SVP, Business Development and Marketing.

The company is well-known in the industry for its best-in-class safety performance and successful project execution capabilities in this area and is well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing opportunities the market is offering.

"With the current shortfall of midstream infrastructure across the country, we are seeing a race to build processing capacity and Saulsbury's speed to market mentality enables us to offer our clients' accelerated timelines for their projects," said Jimmy Matthews, Chief Operating Officer. "Saulsbury's success has always been a result of our ability to provide turnkey project execution consistently and we looking forward to continuing that tradition."

About Saulsbury Industries

Saulsbury Industries is a full-service engineering, procurement, fabrication and construction company that specializes in building the infrastructure necessary to fuel the future. Saulsbury serves its clients in the oil and gas industry by designing and building safe, well executed, capital-efficient projects nationwide. Headquartered in Odessa, Texas, the company's national office footprint includes, Dallas; Houston; Port Arthur; Henderson; Abilene, TX; Farmington, NM; Tulsa, OK; and Denver, CO. For more information, please visit www.saulsbury.com or follow Saulsbury on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

For information or inquiries, please contact:

Stephanie Gentry

Director, Marketing and Communications

2951 E. Interstate 20

Odessa, TX 79766

832-595-4882

[email protected]

SOURCE Saulsbury Industries

Related Links

https://www.saulsbury.com/


PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime MedSpa is implementing a non-invasive and drug free solution for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) called GAINSWave , which boasts a 75% success rate. GAINSWave is a premium brand of shockwave therapy designed to remove micro-plaque and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Erectile Dysfunction is a natural condition that affects every man with age. When men age, the vessels in their genitalia weaken as a result of built micro-plaque. This plaque restricts the blood flow that streams throughout the male member, resulting in a lack in the amount of blood required for erection. Subsequently, sensitivity declines along with the promotion of new blood vessels.

"For years, medical professionals have been searching for a concrete solution to treat the core of erectile dysfunction as opposed to just masking the symptoms with painful injections and pharmaceuticals," says Dr. Johnny Wyatt, NP. "From my experience, GAINSWave is that solution." The treatment is based on a series of over 30 clinical studies , and is supported by a network of over 320 urologists and medical professionals across the country.

Patients receiving GAINSWave have testified on their results, reporting improved erection quality, enhanced sexual performance and decreased refractory times between ejaculation. "It's also a powerful way to prevent ED. Until recently, most men were unaware that they could take their packages in for routine maintenance," adds Dr. Johnny Wyatt, NP.

This drug and surgery-free procedure only takes about 20 minutes and can enhance a man's sex life while addressing the root cause of Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie's disease. Prime MedSpa is now treating men with the GAINSWave Therapy in their offices located at 1410 NE 106th Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA.

Prime Med Spa is Portland's first all-inclusive medspa specifically crafted with men in mind. At Prime MedSpa, our primary goal is to help you look and feel at your prime! Located in NE Portland, our team of licensed professionals proudly offer the latest arsenal of age-reversing, wrinkle-reversing, fat-removing treatments to our clients. So, whether you're looking for the latest wrinkle-reducing injectables or you're searching for treatments to help you look, feel, and perform better, Prime Med Spa can help.

For More Information Contact:

Adrian Gonzalez

Social Media & PR Specialist

[email protected]

786-558-0338

SOURCE GAINSWave
NOVATO, Calif., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the QT Ultrasound team of scientists and researchers have authored and co-authored five presentations to be delivered at SPIE Medical Imaging 2019, February 16-21.

The QTscan can distinguish breast detail. QT Ultrasound Scanner Bed and Console.

The event is the internationally recognized premier forum for reporting state-of-the-art research and development in medical imaging and focuses on the latest innovations found in underlying fundamental scientific principles, to technology developments, scientific evaluation, and clinical application. During the conference, taking place in San Diego, quantitative transmission ultrasound technology will be among the cutting-edge research and innovations presented to attendees. Among those presentations is Radiologic-pathologic validation of transmission ultrasound tomography using microscopy with UV surface excitation (MUSE), findings that are an outcome of QT Ultrasound's collaboration with UC Davis. Correlation of ultrasound tomography to MRI and pathology for the detection of prostate cancer is a presentation of findings that are a result of the company's collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Mark Lenox, Ph.D, QT Ultrasound's Chief Technology Officer, explains, "this is an important opportunity for the company to present the only true 3D transmission ultrasound technology, and for the industry to understand the importance of this emerging trend."

QT Ultrasound scientists, Bilal Malik, Ph.D and James Wiskin, Ph.D have also been invited to be part of the SPIE Program Committee for Ultrasound Imaging and Tomography, a substantial honor that places QT Ultrasound's team members alongside esteemed scientists that are unquestionably considered the leaders in all aspects of ultrasound imaging.

Quantitative transmission ultrasound is an emerging trend and the only true 3D transmission ultrasound technology that uses biomarkers for early detection of breast masses  with no radiation and no compression. Transmission ultrasound together with reflection ultrasound provide highly complementary and synergistic information about breast tissue. With images that show clear information about breast tissue, QT Ultrasound's goal is to identify what is benign and what is problematic.

Conference attendees are encouraged to participate in these valuable learning opportunities:

3D full inverse scattering ultrasound tomography of the human knee

17 February 2019  4:10 - 4:30 PM | SPIE Medical Imaging

Correlation of ultrasound tomography to MRI and pathology for the detection of prostate cancer

17 February 2019  3:50 - 4:10 PM | SPIE Medical Imaging

Accuracy of quantitative breast density (QBD) score based on 3D ultrasound tomography

18 February 2019  5:30 - 7:00 PM | SPIE Medical Imaging

3D inverse scattering in wholebody ultrasound applications

18 February 2019  2:40 - 3:00 PM | SPIE Medical Imaging

Radiologic-pathologic validation of transmission ultrasound tomography using microscopy with UV surface excitation (MUSE)

19 February 2019  9:00 - 9:20 AM | SPIE Medical Imaging

About QT Ultrasound

QT Ultrasound  is a privately held company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of an innovative automated breast imaging system producing high-resolution transmission ultrasound images. The company has received FDA 510(K)clearance for its QTscan, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded over $15 million in funding to continue QT Ultrasound research. The company's clinical trials have been conducted at prestigious institutions in the US and Europe and include ongoing trials at the Marin Breast Health Trial Center in Novato, California. QTscans are now available commercially through the breast imaging centers of QTbreasthealth.

The QT Ultrasound Breast Scanner is indicated for use as an ultrasonic imaging system to provide reflection-mode and transmission-mode images of a patient's breast. The device is not intended to be used as a replacement for screening mammography.

For more information about QT Ultrasound, visit qtultrasound.com .

For more information about the commercially available QTscan, visit qtbreasthealth.com .

QT Ultrasound Media Contact:

Michaela Kalff

415-497-1339

[email protected]

SOURCE QT Ultrasound

Related Links

https://www.qtultrasound.com


Luxury travel experts from Protravel will be present on Saturday, Feb. 23 to offer travel advice and inspiration to approximately 8,000 attendees during the festival's Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village featuring Mastercard Grand Tasting Tents & Publix Culinary Demonstrations presented by Sub-Zero Group Southeast event on Miami's South Beach.

"Protravel is honored to be South Beach Wine & Food Festival's official travel agency once again this year," said Protravel Miami Branch Manager Stacey Gallagher. "It really shows how strong of a position in the travel industry Protravel International holds to consistently handle the travel for the largest culinary event in the nation."

For more than a decade, Protravel Miami advisor Carol Press has been booking travel for the celebrity chefs coming to SOBEWFF and, for the last three years her colleagues at Protravel have joined the event to share their expertise in designing wine-and-food focused travel experiences with attendees under the tents on South Beach at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village.

In keeping with its longstanding mission to give back, Protravel worked with its partners to donate close to $60,000 in travel experiences that will be used during silent and online auctions to benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center.

"Culinary experiences have become an integral part of the customized travel planning our luxury advisors do for clients at Protravel," said Protravel President Becky Powell. "As a result, our luxury advisors have a wealth of culinary travel expertise, as they regularly provide guidance about restaurants, arrange for private audiences with celebrity chefs, and classes with cooks focused on local food traditions. We're pleased to be a part of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and to share our expertise with attendees."

Protravel worked with its travel partners to donate 15 luxury vacation packages, five of which will be in a silent auction during the Tribute Dinner on Feb. 23 honoring Nancy Silverton & Rhonda Carano hosted by Master of Ceremonies Ruth Reichl presented by Bank of America part of The NYT Cooking Dinner Series. The other 10 luxury travel packages donated are part of the online auction open to the public and taking place now through March 6.

Protravel's donations to the Tribute Dinner include:

7-Night European River Cruise for Two on one of U by Uniworld's four new ships

8-Day All-Inclusive Tauck River Cruise for Two aboard the MS Savor along the Danube River

7-Night Alaskan Cruise for Two in a Balcony Cabin on Celebrity Cruises

2-Nights in a Suite for Two with Breakfast, Dinner and Complimentary Mini Bar at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs- Bay of Islands, New Zealand

7-Night Luxury River Cruise for Two with AMA Waterways on a wine-focused itinerary

Protravel executives and luxury travel advisors who will be in attendance at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village include:

Becky Powell , President Protravel

, President Protravel Michele Delgado , Vice President Operations Protravel

, Vice President Operations Protravel Stacey Gallagher , Branch Manager Protravel Miami

, Branch Manager Protravel Miami Honey Moss , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Ansley Bentley , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Lauren Beall , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Gina Lux , Protravel Miami

, Protravel Miami Paula Rybacki , Protravel New York

For more information about Protravel visit: https://www.protravelinc.com/

For more information about the SOBEWFF visit: http://sobewff.org/

About Protravel International, LLC

Protravel International, LLC is a Travel Leaders Group company. Founded in 1984, Protravel International, LLC is a full-service, dynamic travel company with an award-winning reputation. Protravel is headquartered in New York City and supports 22 locations throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, plus a network of hosted agents in all corners of the U.S. Today, approximately 1,000 people make up the Protravel organization. Our expertise in destination, international faring and competitive products  coupled with our superior network of contacts in the airline, hotel, cruise and hospitality industry  makes Protravel one of the most powerful selling forces in the travel industry. Protravel clients also have access to The Travel Collection by Travel Leaders Group, a selection of travel offers and discounts available at no additional cost to holders of select American Express cards. For more information visit www.TheTravelCollection.com.

About the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival

EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. All proceeds from the Festival benefit the students of the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management who also assist Festival organizers with sponsorship fulfillment, restaurant and exhibitor recruitment, logistics, and inventory as well as working alongside some of the world's greatest celebrity chefs and winemakers. To date, the Festival has raised more than $28 million for the School. In September 2018, BizBash named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in the United States for the sixth year in a row.

The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is produced by Florida International University and Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitors & Convention Authority and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information about the Festival, visit sobewff.org or call 877-762-3933. For more information about Florida International University visit fiu.edu, for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management visit hospitality.fiu.edu and for more information about Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits visit southernglazers.com.

SOURCE Protravel International

Related Links

http://www.protravelinc.com


BURGESS HILL, England, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ringdale, the provider of FollowMe, the leading print management solution for document security and compliance, today announces the results of new research in a report titled "Global Print Security Landscape, 2019" from the analyst firm Quocirca. It is evident from the report findings that businesses are justified in their concerns about their print infrastructure vulnerability with 59% reporting they had suffered a print-related data breach in the past 12 months. It is estimated that these print-related data breaches cost, on average, 313,000 per year. However, it is not just the direct financial cost that is an issue, as business managers cite a loss of productivity and loss of customer trust and confidence as being of equal concern.

While organizations appear to recognize the print-related risk with 66% ranking this area as a major concern, the report indicates that many businesses are still leaving themselves exposed to potential data breaches. The report shows only 51% have a formal print security policy in place and 52% admit to not applying regular firmware updates to their printers. In addition, when it comes to pull printing and secure mobile printing solutions the adoption rates are 40% and 37% respectively.

Other key findings include:

Print related data breaches account for 11% of all breaches with an average of 9 specific print related breaches taking place each year

Concerns regarding security and data leaks are highest in Retail, Public Sector and Finance

Three-quarters of those surveyed said they are increasing print security spending

"Physical documents continue to be an important part of daily office life with 91% of organizations rating document printing as important to their business. For organizations with a heavy reliance on paper processes, there are justifiable concerns regarding the security of their print infrastructure and how resistant it is to internal or external threats. Securing the print infrastructure to help prevent data loss and achieve industry compliance is a top priority for Ringdale and we are committed to the continued development of customer centric solutions that deliver secure FollowMe Printing in a multi-vendor printing environments," said Jan Bollmann, Executive Vice President, Ringdale.

The Quocirca Global Print Security Landscape, 2019 report is available on the FollowMe website. To get your free copy please click here.

About Ringdale

Ringdale is a leading innovator in workplace technology and for over three decades has been developing robust solutions that connect people and technology. Today our solutions are used by the world's leading enterprises to transform their business and empower their workforce.

With offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore and Japan, Ringdale has a strong global partner network and established relationships with the world's leading print manufacturers, including Brother, Canon, Hewlett Packard, Lexmark, Konica Minolta, Kyocera Mita, Oce, OKI, Ricoh, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba and Xerox.

Media Contact:

Bethany Thomas

Senior Marketing Executive

+44-1444-871-349

[email protected]

SOURCE FollowMe by Ringdale
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The nonwoven geotextiles market size in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific Region is expected to reach USD 6.91 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. Favorable government policies for the use and development of geotextiles is expected to boost product demand.

Key suggestions from the report:

Polypropylene accounted for 53.9% of the global market share in 2017 owing to excellent chemical resistance of the product to aqueous and alkaline environments coupled with favorable climatic conditions in Europe

Product consumption in road construction is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2018 to 2025 on account of increased product penetration in ongoing repair and maintenance of old roads in Europe

Middle East and Africa is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to application of NBR powder for enhancing groundwater level and reducing the risk of road damage

Asia Pacific accounted for 65.7% of the global market share in 2017 owing to the massive investments by most governments for railway, highway, and road infrastructure expansion and residential construction

Major players in the Europe , Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific nonwoven geotextiles market are focusing on increasing their sales through the development of new products and increased production through capacity additions, thereby obtaining a significant market share

Read 119 page research report with ToC on "Nonwoven Geotextiles Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Road Construction, Erosion Prevention, Drainage), By Material, By Region (EMEA, APAC), And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025" at: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nonwoven-geotextiles-market

China is anticipated to contribute majorly to the demand for geotextiles owing to its increasing penetration in the construction of new roads and drainage systems. In addition, the Chinese government has invested a large number of resources in infrastructure development, wherein major investments were made in the construction of highways and railways.

Geotextiles are used to control erosion owing to their reinforcement characteristics. In addition, the product aids in holding the soil particles together and also promotes vegetation growth, which reduces erosion in the long run. The use of geotextiles in drainage systems helps create a solution for consistent flow of water, thereby complementing the market growth.

Market participants are actively involved in forming joint ventures and licensing agreements with manufacturers and distributors to gain competitive edge. However, the lack of defined standards in Asia Pacific is anticipated to hamper the product demand over the forecast period.

Grand View Research has segmented the Europe, Middle East, and Africa and Asia Pacific nonwoven geotextiles market based on material, application, and region:

Nonwoven Geotextiles Material Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Polypropylene



Polyester



Polyethylene



Others

Nonwoven Geotextiles Application Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Road Construction



Erosion Prevention



Drainage



Others

Nonwoven Geotextiles Regional Outlook (Volume, Million Square Meters; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

Europe



Germany





U.K.





France





Italy





Spain



Asia Pacific



China





India





Japan



Middle East & Africa

&

UAE





Saudi Arabia





South Africa





Nigeria

Find more research reports on Glass, Ceramic & Fiber market, by Grand View Research:

High Performance Fibers Market  Global high performance fibers market size was estimated at USD 15.20 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 29.80 billion by 2025

Ceramic Filter Market  Global ceramic filter market size was valued at USD 1.08 billion in 2017. It is expected to register a CAGR of 13.5% over the forecast period

Para-aramid Fibers Market  Global para-aramid fibers market size was estimated at USD 2.2 billion in 2017 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.5% from 2018 to 2025

Gain access to Grand View Compass, our BI enabled intuitive market research database of 10,000+ reports

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.grandviewresearch.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter

SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc

Related Links

https://www.grandviewresearch.com


"Nish has always been an ardent supporter of fire fighters," said Harold A. Schaitberger, IAFF Foundation Chairman. "As a new member of our Foundation's board, he will bring fresh ideas, a unique perspective, and invaluable experience that is going to help our fire fighters and their families in their time of need."

Mr. Vartanian has more than 30 years of experience with MSA and has served the company in a variety of capacities. These include U.S. National Sales Manager; Director of North America Commercial Sales and Distribution; Vice President and Global Business Leader for MSA's Fixed Gas and Flame Detection business; Vice President of MSA North America; and Senior Vice President and President, MSA Americas.

Mr. Vartanian's election to the IAFF Foundation's Board aligns well with MSA's mission of protecting people at work. Additionally, both organizations share a direct connection to the fire service and both are committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of people. Most recently, when hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina, MSA and the IAFF Foundation were there, providing direct assistance to those impacted by the storm.

"Being elected to the Board of Directors for the IAFF Foundation is an incredible honor," said Mr. Vartanian. "As CEO of a company that has deep roots in the fire service, I am excited to have this opportunity and I look forward to collaborating with other Board members to further the work of the IAFF Foundation, and the positive impact they make on so many lives."

About MSA

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, fire fighter protective apparel and helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2017 revenues of $1.2 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA's web site at www.MSAsafety.com.

About IAFF

The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the leading advocate in North America for the safety and training of fire fighters and paramedics and represents more than 315,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect communities in the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. More information is available at www.iaff.org.

SOURCE MSA

Related Links

http://www.msasafety.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpha Variance Solutions a Microsoft Certified Cloud Solution Provider, today announces its New York City certification as a minority woman owned business enterprise by the New York Small Business Services (SBS).

Yuanming Chu, President- "We are excited and proud about this next step in our growth and development plan. As we look to the future and serve the needs of businesses with socially responsible community objectives and goals". We will seek opportunities to expand our markets while remaining true to our founding principles and goals for minority and women's representation in the technology space.

Our mission and goals continue to be: to enhance opportunities for Minority and Women Owned Businesses in this space. Alpha Variance Solutions has set a standard in providing exceptional capabilities and highly competitive cloud solutions to its clients. It is from this framework that we have validated our market position and delivered solutions that have impacted our clients and their businesses.

Governor Cuomo has set the nation's highest goal for the utilization of MWBEs on New York State contracts at 30 percent and under his leadership, the rate of utilization has increased nearly every year since 2011. For the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year, the rate of MWBEs participating in State contracts increased to 27.2 percent, totaling more than $2.2 billion in State contracts. This rate of utilization not only reflects the highest percentage of State contracts awarded to MWBEs in the nation, but also the largest dollar value of contracts awarded.

"Diversity and opportunity are critical to a vibrant and growing economy, and these goals are vital to our efforts to support the business community," Governor Cuomo said. "MWBE certification opens doors and generates opportunities for businesses across the state, and this momentum will continue to ensure that these businesses are fully represented in the Empire State."

This certification further validates our business plan and will serve to encourage others to work, follow and partner with us to expand and extend minority and women's reach and create more opportunities for engagement in the technology industry.

About Alpha Variance Solutions, LLC.: Alpha Variance Solutions is a women-owned, New York City based company. Founded in 2015, after a decade of providing successful implementation services to fortune 500 clients. Alpha Variance Solutions was created to address the most common and simplest need in this industry; a partner who listens and can lead clients through a well planned and executed implementation path.

SOURCE Alpha Variance Solutions

Related Links

http://www.alphavsolutions.com


Before long, Mercedes-Benz of Goldens Bridge customers will have the opportunity to see some of the cars from Maoli's vaunted collection when they visit the dealership on Route 22. The store is about to go through a massive makeover and Maoli wants to create an area where some of his cars will be on display.

"It will be like a museum," he said. "And given my history with classic cars, we will be selling some class Mercedes as well." Maoli said the pride of his collection is a 1955 Mercedes Gullwing. But his classic cars are not just for show. He loves to drive them as well. "I do drive them, but not every day," Maoli said. "I will take them out on weekends. I have them in my basement and get to show them during cocktail parties."

Maoli used to be a proactive shopper when looking for cars but notes now that he's known as a world-renowned collector, people call him and let him know when something comes on the market that he might like. Maoli notes that collecting cars is like collecting art. He enjoys the vehicles for their aesthetic appeal, but he also considers them an investment.

"The value of them has gone insane," he said. "One that I bought for $395,000 is now worth $1.6 million." But he's not going to sell it yet. "It will go up further," he said. Maoli took over the Goldens Bridge dealership in March 2017 and one of his immediate goals was to increase the level of hospitality he felt was missing under previous management. It's already begun to pay off. "It's worked in my other dealerships," said Maoli, who also owns Lexus, BMW and Maserati/Alfa Romeo dealerships in New Jersey.

"Sales and service are growing in Goldens Bridge." And when the new facility renovations are complete, it's bound to get even better. "Everything is before the Planning Board and Zoning Board right now," he said. "It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will attract many new customers and add jobs to the community. It will be an addition to the existing structure, which will have a reface. It will be all glass. It will be amazing and launch the dealership to a whole new level." When it's finished, besides the museum-like displays of classic Mercedes-Benz cars, the expanded store will also boast a coffee bar, a candy bar (with classic old fashion candy), a state-of-the-art carwash and a daycare center for when customers with kids bring their cars in for service. Maoli said he hopes to break ground this spring and hold a celebration for his customers replete with an outdoor barbecue. Maoli believes that when the renovations are complete, Mercedes-Benz of Goldens Bridge will be in position to become "one of the most prestigious Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the country."

He notes that its location adjacent to Interstate-684 is prime. More than 125,000 cars travel that highway each day. It's a perfect match, he says, for the dealership because of the prevalent wealth in Northern Westchesteran area he refers to as the "wealth belt." "This area is one of the wealthiest areas in the country," Maoli said. "The demographics are just unbelievable. It's the home of the star-studded, who's who of society." He said that Ralph Lauren visited the dealership last summer, and that the region is home to such luminaries as Martha Steward, Bill Gates, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Steven Tyler and many more. "It's an amazing area," he said. "In fact, it's the wealthiest county in New York, and what better brand to be there than Mercedes-Benz."

About Tom Maoli: Mr. Maoli is the President and CEO of Celebrity Motor Cars, LLC a luxury dealership group based in New Jersey and New York. These dealerships include: Lexus of Route 10, Maserati of Morris County, Alfa Romeo of Morris County, BMW of Springfield, as well as Mercedes-Benz of Goldens Bridge. In addition to his growing automotive empire; Tom is the president and CEO of Real Estate Opportunity Investments, LLC, a residential and commercial real estate company. Tom also hosts the "Go Big Or Go Home" radio show every other Sunday at 10 AM on iHeartRadio. Listeners may reach him via email him through his website at http://tommaoli.net/

Media Contact:

Melanie Borden

(973)319-7900

[email protected]

SOURCE Tom Maoli

Related Links

http://tommaoli.net


DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- La Madeleine, the French bakery and cafe with more than 80 locations across the U.S. has earned another national accolade for its achievements in 2018.

The Dallas-based, French owned concept has been recognized by market research firm Sandelman & Associates, emerging as one of the highest ranking brands in many categories of the 2018 Quick-Track Awards of Excellence. La Madeleine received the #1 excellent rating for availability of indulgent items and #4 overall excellence rating of all brands. In addition, la Madeleine earned high rankings in 7 other categories including #2 for variety of menu items, #2 for attractive and inviting restaurants, #3 for restaurant cleanliness, #3 for consumer relevance as 'a place for someone like me' and #4 rankings for high quality ingredients, healthy/nutritious food offerings and finally, appeal as being a 'restaurant I can trust.'

"La Madeleine's strong performance in the Quick-Track Awards of Excellence represents our commitment to deliver guests a truly unique and authentic experience," said John Cahill, President and COO of la Madeleine. "I am immensely proud of our la Madeleine family and thankful for our loyal guests. The accomplishments and accolades received are testament to the hard work our teams put in each day, ensuring our guests receive excellent service and high quality food in an unmatched atmosphere."

La Madeleine is the only French concept named in the 2018 Quick-Track Awards of Excellence. Seasonal menu innovation and the welcoming, unique French atmosphere of each bakery are major factors in the brand's growing appeal.

Sandelman's Quick-Track study monitors over 200 quick-service restaurants on 20 aspects for food, service, worth, facilities and brand appeal. For a complete list of winners, visit www.sandelman.com.

About la Madeleine

Dallas-based la Madeleine, founded in 1983 by Patrick Esquerre of Tours, France, is a convenient escape for guests no matter the time of day. Serving breakfast all day, lunch and dinner, the menu is rooted in approachable French cuisine using simple, fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees, crepes, pastas, handmade French desserts and more. Walking into la Madeleine, guests are transported to France with beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, cozy nooks, airy patios and a traditional French bakery display. In 2018, La Madeleine was recognized in the Nation's Restaurant News Consumer Picks, ranking #2 for True Brand Loyalty, received TDn2K's Heart of the Workplace Award, Greater Dallas Business Ethics Award and Fast Casual Top 50 Mover & Shaker. La Madeleine operates over 80 corporate and franchise bakeries in 10 states, and is owned by Rennes, France-based Groupe Le Duff, which was founded by Louis Le Duff in 1976.

SOURCE la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe
PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC (IFT) announced that it has initiated patent litigation in China (Shanghai IP Court) and Germany (District Court of Dusseldorf, Patent Litigation Chamber) against several parties in the automotive and networking industries for infringement of IFT's semiconductor fabrication and packaging patents.

Named as defendants in the Chinese lawsuit are Cisco Systems (China) Networking Technology Co., Ltd., Cisco (China) Co., Ltd. and a local distribution partner, Shanghai Huimai Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Defendants in the German lawsuit are Volkswagen AG, Ford-Werke GmbH and Texas Instruments EMEA Sales GmbH.

The Chinese defendants are accused of infringing Chinese Patent ZL200480035297.X and the German defendants are accused of infringing the related German Patent DE 11 2004 002 401 B4, both entitled, "Formation of Abrupt Junctions in Devices By Using Silicide Growth Dopant Snowplow Effect." These patents describes a device with abrupt shallow source and drain junctions with a high concentrations in integrated circuits, as well as a process for the highly efficient and economical manufacture of these devices.

"Although we are always open to discussions concerning the licensing of our extensive patent portfolio, when we are unable to achieve licenses, we will initiate targeted legal action to protect our intellectual property rights and to achieve our licensing objectives," said Warren Hurwitz, IFT's President and CEO. He continued, "We hope that these recent legal filings will encourage parties in the US and abroad to consider the scope, depth and strength of our portfolio, and to participate in licensing discussions without the need for legal action."

Noting that IFT has identified several other strong patents in its portfolio as likely subjects of future enforcement actions, Mr. Hurwitz stated, "While we will continue to engage in business discussions, we have to continue to execute on our licensing and litigation strategy, which may include additional litigation in the future."

IFT has retained the law firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C. (Boston, Massachusetts; www.mintz.com) to represent it in US-based litigation and to assist in the execution of IFT's global enforcement strategy. For its Chinese litigation, IFT has retained the law firm of King & Wood Mallesons (Beijing, China; www.kwm.com) and, for its German litigation, Peterreins Schley Patent  und Rechtsanwalte GbR (Munich, Germany; www.ps-patent.com).

ABOUT INNOVATIVE FOUNDRY TECHNOLOGIES LLC.

Established in 2017, IFT actively engages in the acquisition, development, licensing and protection of its intellectual property related to semiconductor fabrication and packaging technologies. At present, IFT owns over 125 US and foreign patents and patent applications acquired from a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, Advanced Micro Devices. This portfolio covers several key aspects of semiconductor design and manufacture, which enable leaders in the automotive, networking, Smart device and other industries to continue to deploy smaller, more powerful and cost-effective integrated circuits.

Warren Hurwitz, President and CEO

Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC

[email protected]

(603) 380-9121

Or

Michael Renaud, Division Head, Intellectual Property Section

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky & Popeo, P.C

[email protected]

(617) 348-1870

SOURCE Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC

SOURCE Innovative Foundry Technologies LLC

Related Links

http://www.ifoundrytech.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry, today announced a new strategic partnership with Montage, the single solution to engage, interview and hire better candidates, faster. The goal of this partnership is to allow both companies to leverage their respective platforms in bringing the next generation of predictive talent analytics and interviewing technology together during the hiring process. Infor and Montage want to provide candidates with a coherent interviewing and assessment experience while also empowering companies to move quickly between scheduling, assessment and interviews to help them make smarter, more informed hiring decisions.

The intent of this partnership is to help recruiters solve one of their primary challenges of quickly hiring the right people while maintaining a candidate-centric experience throughout the process. Montage works to deliver both efficiency and an interview experience that meets the needs and expectations of the modern candidate, while Infor Talent Science strives to deliver accurate, data-driven prediction to help ensure companies can identify the right candidates for the right roles.

"Since our inception, Montage has been dedicated to offering the better candidate experience and solving the challenges of talent acquisition in the enterprise," said Kurt Heikkinen, President and CEO of Montage. "We expect our partnership to take the recruiting process to another level by delivering the insight and information to help our clients make smarter hiring decisions without sacrificing the experience."

The integration is expected to allow clients to have quick access to candidate-specific data from the Talent Science solution which can be used to drive the development of candidate-tailored interview questions. In addition, both companies plan to work to expand the predictability model further to provide greater sophistication and predictability into the hiring process by incorporating natural language processing into the interview evaluation process.

"Infor's Talent Science solution can help recruiters and hiring managers place the right people in the right positions by leveraging large quantities of behavioral and performance data from both within client organizations and the broader workforce. The application uses a data-driven process to help uncover what drives real success within a business and then powers the selection of talent by identifying candidates who share the same drivers.

One goal of this partnership is to allow organizations a higher level of flexibility in the pre-hire phase as they seek to identify the right people for the right roles," said Jill Strange, vice president of Science Applications, Infor. "By leveraging machine learning combined with interviewing technology, we believe we can help companies to better on-board quality candidates. By integrating these two technologies we expect to offer a more coherent and unified candidate experience while introducing a higher degree of predictability to the customer."

For more information please visit: https://www.infor.com/products/talent-science

About Montage

Montage is the single solution to engage, interview and hire better candidates, faster. We partner with many of the world's most well-respected brands, including 100 of the Fortune 500, to create the high-tech, high-touch hiring experience the modern candidate expects. Montage is a pioneer of purpose-built video interviewing for global business. We are committed to market driven-innovation, incorporating applicable science and data in our solutions to speed the process and improve the predictability of talent acquisition. Our commitment to superior client service and support is unique. We help each and every client at every stage of our partnership because we sincerely want them to succeed  and believe in building relationships for the long term. A privately held company, Montage is headquartered in Wisconsin and located on the web at www.montagetalent.com.

About Infor

Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. With 17,300 employees and over 68,000 customers in more than 170 countries, Infor software is designed for progress. To learn more, please visit www.infor.com.

Infor customers include:

19 of the top 20 aerospace companies

9 of the top 10 high tech companies

18 of the 25 largest U.S. healthcare delivery networks

18 of the 20 largest U.S. cities

19 of the top 20 automotive suppliers

17 of the top 20 industrial distributors

15 of the top 20 global retailers

4 of the top 5 brewers

17 of the top 20 global banks

9 of the 10 largest global hotel brands

8 of the top 10 global luxury brands

This announcement reflects the direction Infor may take with regard to the specific product(s) described herein, all of which is subject to change by Infor in its sole discretion, with or without notice to you. This announcement is not a commitment to you in any way and you should not rely on this document or any of its content in making any decision. Infor is not committing to develop or deliver any specified enhancement, upgrade, product or functionality, even if such is described in this announcement and even if such description is accompanied by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should," "will," and/or similar expressions. Many factors can affect Infor's product development plans and the nature, content and timing of future product releases, all of which remain in the sole discretion of Infor. This announcement, in whole or in part, may not be incorporated into any contractual agreement with Infor or its subsidiaries or affiliates. Infor expressly disclaims any liability with respect to this announcement.

For more information:

Christina Ledger

Infor

(312) 662-2135

[email protected]

Kellie Flaherty

Montage Walker Sands Communications

312-561-2487

SOURCE Infor

Related Links

http://infor.com


THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today announced that it will hold its 2019 annual meeting of stockholders on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 8:30 a.m., local time, at The Westin at The Woodlands, 2 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, Texas 77380. Holders of record as of the close of business on March 8, 2019 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2018 revenues more than $9 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 75 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 10,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation

Related Links

http://www.huntsman.com


WANAQUE, N.J., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cynthia Hetherington, founder and president of Hetherington Group, will inspire young high school women from across the country on Feb. 19 at the 2018-19 Aspirations in Computing Awards ceremony hosted by CybHER at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, South Dakota. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) awards will be bestowed upon 35 high school women who are active and interested in computing and technology.

Hetherington Group

Ms. Hetherington's keynote address, "Try to Grasp," challenges young women to get active in the world and to try everything. "Young women are now the reality of the promises women before them fought so hard to obtain," said Ms. Hetherington. "As much as I seek to inspire these intelligent, curious young awardees, I get inspiration from them, too. All I ask is that they try cybersecurity and new technologies and enjoy the role they play in this special field. As they grow from youth and curiosity and mature in these roles, they will grasp the ring of successan accumulation of wisdom and expertise. I'm proud to be working with CybHER, whose mission is to empower, motivate, and educate girls in cybersecurity."

Dr. Pam Rowland and Dr. Ashley Podhradsky founded CybHER at Dakota State University (DSU) in 2013. From 2013 to 2017, DSU saw an overall increase of 296% of women enrolled in cyber programs in the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. CybHER conducts activities at K-12 schools, science centers, and libraries and has reached over 10,000 girls and women. Each summer it hosts a GenCyber Girls in CybHER Security week-long camp for middle school girls where they explore all things cyber.

"We are pleased to have Cynthia Hetherington as our keynote this year," said Dr. Pam Rowland, DSU assistant professor and director of CybHER Institute and GenCyber Girls Camp. "CybHER first met Cynthia at our Rocket Girls' event at the Space Center in Florida last summer. The high school students that met her wanted more! Cynthia has a passion for cyber investigations that is contagious, and she is a wonderful role model for young women."

"Such a strong commitment to encourage young women to enter the cybersecurity profession was unheard of a decade ago," Ms. Hetherington noted, "but CybHER has made an incredible impact in the shifting of gender representation in such a traditionally male-oriented profession."

"I can without a doubt say that Cynthia has been one of the most inspiring, hardworking, and motivated women I have ever met," noted Kelley Criddle, a Florida CybHER Camp participant, and 2018 OSMOSIS Conference attendee. "Cynthia had a genuine curiosity about what I wanted to do in my future and how I wanted to get there. She did nothing but encourage me to reach high for what I wanted in life and to not let anything stop me from reaching my goals. It did not take long for me to realize that Cynthia is an inspiration to many people, not only myself."

Ceremony Details: Feb. 19, 2019, 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Location: Beacom Collaboration Center, Dakota State University

Live Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JouLiaZ8FTE

About Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM, CFE, CII

Cynthia Hetherington is the founder and president of Hetherington Group, a consulting, publishing, and training firm that leads in due diligence, corporate intelligence, and cyber investigations by keeping pace with the latest security threats and assessments. She has authored three books on how to conduct investigations, is the publisher of the newsletter, Data2know: Internet and Online Intelligence, and has trained over 180,000 investigators, security professionals, attorneys, accountants, auditors, military intelligence professionals, and federal, state, and local agencies on best practices. In 2015, Ms. Hetherington founded the OSMOSIS Institute, which hosts the annual OSMOSIS Conference. Hundreds of investigators across the nation gain insights into Open Source Intelligence and receive training from the most recognized social media and open source experts in North America. Ms. Hetherington is the recipient of Enterprising Women Magazine's 2019 Enterprising Woman of the Year Award and is shortlisted for Information Age and Diversity Q's 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in IT Series.

https://www.hetheringtongroup.com/about/cynthia-hetherington

About Hetherington Group

With over two decades of expertise, the Hetherington Group is a leader in investigative due diligence, corporate intelligence, and cyber investigations. Headquartered in Wanaque, New Jersey, Hg's investigators and analysts track down and expose vital data on national and international investigations; train thousands of investigators in public and private sectors annually; and share their expertise in this increasingly data-intensive, cyber-focused world through the publication of an Industry Newsletter and recognized investigative reference books. Hg is a certified National Women Business Owned Corporation, a certified Women's Business Enterprise, a NJ Women Business Owned Corporation, and NY-NJ Port Authority Women-owned Business Enterprise.

About CybHER

CybHER's mission is to empower, motivate, educate, and change the perception of girls and women in cybersecurity. By providing resources for girls from middle school through collegiate programs and into professional careers, CybHER will allow women to foster positive and encouraging relationships within this industry through original and curated content that educates and motivates women. Ultimately, our goal is to increase diversity by introducing more girls to cybersecurity, who will then transition to women in collegiate programs, and finally highly trained professionals.

www.CybHER.org

Contact: Paul Atkinson

Phone: 973.706.7525

Email: [email protected]



Related Links

Hetherington Group

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing

SOURCE Hetherington Group

Related Links

http://www.hetheringtongroup.com


DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Molecular Diagnostics Market: Focus on Product Type (Kits and Consumables, Systems, Software & Others), Applications, Technologies, End-User, Country Data (15 Countries), and Competitive Landscape: Analysis and Forecast: 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The market is expected to continue to grow with a double digit CAGR of 10.89% during the forecast period, 2018-2028. Growing at a CAGR of 11.08% during the forecast period of 2018-2028, the kits and consumables product segment is anticipated to generate a value of $20.33 billion in 2028. However, the global market for software and other products is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 11.74% during the forecast period 2018-2028.

The increasing prevalence of chronic disorders and an overall increased demand for preventive medication with minimal/no side-effect are promoting the growth of the global molecular diagnostics market, providing platform for the designing and development of highly enhanced and optimum products that would direct patients to their appropriate treatment modules. These individualized care regimes are improving the quality of life of the patients and reducing economic, societal, and clinical burden, projecting a future of prosperity.

Presently, product categories within the molecular diagnostics market include kits and consumables, systems, and software and others. Till date, the healthcare industry has witnessed a number of successful products that have contributed significantly in enhancing the technological advancements in making molecular diagnostics more precise. However, the consistent evolution of the market has further necessitated the insurgence of more advanced research initiatives that look to devise the optimum assay with the confluence of multiplexing and low cost. Additionally, with systems being developed at the interface of different technologies, precision diagnostics is soon to become a widespread reality.

The answers to the following key questions can be derived from this report:

What are the major market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global molecular diagnostics market?

What are the underlying structures resulting in the emerging trends within the global molecular diagnostics market?

How will each segment of the global molecular diagnostics market grow during the forecast period and what will be the revenue generated by each of the segments by the end of 2028?

What are the key developmental strategies which are implemented by the major players in order to sustain in the competitive market? What are the key regulatory implications in developed and developing regions for molecular diagnostics?

Who are the leading players with significant offerings to the global molecular diagnostics market? What is the current market dominance for each of these leading players?

What would be the compound growth rate witnessed by the leading players in the market during the forecast period 2018-2028? Which molecular diagnostic product type is having the most promising growth?

What are the key applications in global molecular diagnostics market? What are the major segments of these applications? What technologies are dominating these application segments?

What are the major technologies that are employed in the global molecular diagnostics market? Which is the dominating technology?

Who are the primary end-users of the global molecular diagnostics market? Which is the fastest growing end-use segment in the global molecular diagnostics market?

Who are the key manufacturers in the global molecular diagnostics market, and what are their contributions? Also, what is the growth potential of each major molecular diagnostics manufacturer?

What is the scope of the global molecular diagnostics market in North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , Latin America , and Rest-of-the-World? Which molecular diagnostics application dominates these regions?

Key trends targeted in the report:



What are the emerging trends in the global molecular diagnostics market? How are these trends revolutionizing the diagnostic procedure?

Which technologies are anticipated to break-through the current molecular diagnostic regime?

Which companies are anticipated to be highly disruptive in the future and why?

What are the regulatory procedures that are required to unify the approval process for emerging molecular diagnostics? How will they enhance the reimbursement scenario?

What are the gaps in regularizing optimum molecular diagnostic adoption in regular healthcare routines? How are these gaps being tackled?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Market Overview

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Historical Perspective

1.4 Significant Technologies

1.5 Classification of Molecular Diagnostics

1.6 Global Footprint

1.7 Future Potential



2 Market Dynamics

2.1 Overview

2.2 Iceberg Analysis - Global Molecular Diagnostics Market

2.3 Impact Analysis

2.4 Market Drivers

2.4.1 A Highly Increasing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases and Various Types of Cancer, Globally

2.4.2 Growth in the Biomarker Identification Market and Advancements in Molecular Techniques

2.4.3 Increase in Awareness and Acceptance of Personalized Medicines on a Global Level

2.4.4 Significant External Funding for Executing Research and Development Exercises

2.5 Market Restraints

2.5.1 Uncertain Reimbursement Scenario

2.5.2 Lack of High-Complexity Testing Centers

2.5.3 Complex Regulatory Frameworks Delaying the Approval of New Molecular Diagnostic Tests

2.6 Market Opportunities

2.6.1 Massive Scope for Adoption of Molecular Diagnostics in Emerging Nations

2.6.2 Increase in the Adoption of Automation & Multiplexing of Technologies

2.6.3 Rise of Next Generation Ultrasensitive Molecular Diagnostics

2.6.4 Novel Revenue Streams



3 Competitive Landscape

3.1 Key Strategies and Developments

3.1.1 Synergistic Activities

3.1.2 Approvals

3.1.3 Product Launches and Enhancements

3.1.4 Acquisitions

3.1.5 Funding and Expansion Activities

3.2 Market Share Analysis

3.3 Growth Share Analysis (Opportunity Mapping)

3.4 Industry Attractiveness



4 Regulatory Framework

4.1 Legal Requirements and Framework in the U.S.

4.2 Legal Requirements and Framework in Europe

4.3 Legal Requirements and Framework in Asia-Pacific

4.3.1 China

4.3.2 Japan



5 Global Molecular Diagnostics Market (by Product)

5.1 Overview

5.2 Kits and Consumables

5.3 Systems

5.4 Software and Other Products



6 Global Molecular Diagnostics Market (by Application)

6.1 Overview

6.2 Core Molecular Diagnostics

6.2.1 Infectious Diseases

6.2.2 Genetic Testing

6.2.3 Blood Donor Screening

6.2.4 Oncology (Excluding Companion Diagnostics and Liquid Biopsy)

6.2.5 Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Testing

6.2.6 Other Applications

6.3 Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

6.4 Companion Diagnostics

6.5 Liquid Biopsy



7 Global Molecular Diagnostics Market (by Technology)

7.1 Overview

7.2 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

7.3 Sequencing

7.4 Microarray

7.5 In-situ Hybridization

7.6 Immunohistochemistry

7.7 Nucleic Acid Amplification

7.8 Isothermal Amplification

7.9 Others



8 Global Molecular Diagnostics Market (by End-User)

8.1 Overview

8.2 Hospitals

8.3 Diagnostic Centers

8.4 Out-Patient Clinics/General Practitioners

8.5 Research Laboratories



9 Global Molecular Diagnostics Market (by Region)

9.1 Overview

9.2 North America

9.2.1 The U.S.

9.2.2 Canada

9.3 Europe

9.3.1 Germany

9.3.2 France

9.3.3 Italy

9.3.4 The U.K.

9.3.5 Spain

9.3.6 The Netherlands

9.3.7 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 Singapore

9.4.6 Rest-of-APAC

9.5 Latin America

9.5.1 Brazil

9.5.2 Mexico

9.5.3 Rest-of-Latin America

9.6 Rest-of-the-World



10 Company Profiles



Abbott Laboratories

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

bioMrieux S.A.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Cynvenio Biosystems, Inc.

Danaher Corporation

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

GUARDANT HEALTH, INC

HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc.

Illumina, Inc.

Invivoscribe Technologies, Inc.

MolecularMD Corporation

QIAGEN N.V.

QuantuMDx Group Ltd.

Siemens Healthineers, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pmbqfz/global_molecular?w=5

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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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Genetic Testing Market is estimated to grow significantly in the forecast period due to the growing awareness and increasing investments in the domain. Genetic testing (DNA testing) is a form of medical test that determines any modification in the genes, chromosomes and proteins. The result of the test identifies any suspected genetic disorder or help decide an individual's chance of curing the genetic condition. Genetic testing also helps in detection of karyotype for medical purposes. The awareness of genetic testing is increasing because of numerous benefits offered by the procedure like determination of genetic deformities in early gestation period. Moreover, the test also helps to identify sex of the fetus while pregnancy. Owing to the increasing awareness and discoveries in the domain, genetic testing market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. From among all the tests conducted for genetic testing, (CFTR) Cystic Fibrosis Trans-Membrane Conductance Regulator with screening for gene mutations is widely conducted. In personalized medicines, where customization is done for patients with an understanding of molecular base of disorder has become prevalent over the years. To understand the molecular base of any disorder, genome sequencing and genetic testing are the essential tools. People are screened for numerous genetic disorders since early detection can prevent the growth of symptoms or minimize the severity of the disorder. For diagnosis of cancer, genetic testing can identify the predisposition of the disorder in the gene before its indication (symptoms), which helps the individual to take precautionary measures and avoid the further possible risks.

Currently, insurance is considered as an important asset for any individual. Unfavorable reimbursement by insurance firms prevents people from conducting genetic tests, which in turn might restrain the growth of genetic testing market. Also, the significant costs for genetic tests affects genetic testing market unfavorably. Furthermore, high-import duty by government for genetic test kits is yet another obstacle to the growth of genetic testing market. Modernization in techniques of genetic testing, increased accuracy and efficiency are predicted to bring new opportunities in the market. Additionally, flourishing market holds a promising growth of genetic testing market owing to increase in number of patients and rising awareness in the developed nations. Increasing popularity of modern techniques and focus from clinical science to bioinformatics are few major trends witnessed in genetic testing market, which leads to the high rate of adoption. Besides, a new genetic test has been developed that can envisage dementia risk in an individual prior 10 years. With the help of this technique, the patients can target for intervention and reduced risk. Genetic testing market is categorized on the basis of test type, service provider, application and geography. On the basis of test type, genetic testing market is divided into prenatal testing, newborn screening, predictive & presymptomatic testing, pharmacogenomic testing, and forensic testing. In terms of revenue, predictive & presymptomatic testing held larger share market in the past years. The segment is expected to propel genetic testing market in the forecast period owing to the early detection of disorders and increasing awareness about conditions like cancer.

Access 150 page research report with TOC on "Genetic Testing Market" available with Radiant Insights, Inc. @ https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/global-genetic-testing-market-outlook-2022

Based on service provider, genetic testing market is split into diagnostics laboratories, hospital-based laboratories, specialty clinics, and others. Owing to patient convenience and growing number of hospitals, hospital-based laboratories segment is expected to register significant growth in the coming years. In terms of application, genetic testing market is divided into oncology, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and others. Oncology segment is expected to lead the genetic testing market in future due to the rising prevalence of cancer across the globe. Geographically, genetic testing market is segmented as North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, few regions of North America like Germany, U.S and England are predicted to dominate genetic testing market owing to the developed infrastructure and rising investments in these nations. The major players of genetic testing market comprise 23andMe, Abbott Molecular, Biocartis, BioHelix, BioMerieux, Bayer Diagnostics, BGI, Celera Genomics, deCODEme, Genentech, HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Pathway Genomics, Genomictree, Genomic Health, IntegraGen, LabCorp Diagnostics, Luminex, MolecularMD, Myriad, Natera, PacBio, Qiagen, Roche Diagnostics, and Siemens, Cepheid, Counsyl, and Sequenom. The advent of genetic tests has revolutionized the molecular diagnostics and cytogenetic industry. It is one of the most rapidly growing segments in molecular diagnostics industry, which helps in delivering customized health services or personalized medicine. The share of genetic testing is incessantly increasing in the market. Growing awareness about genetic testing, technological advances in genetic sequencing, and rising incidences of genetic diseases especially cancer are some of the major factors propelling the genetic testing market.

The report "Global Genetic Testing Market Outlook 2022" provides a detailed analysis of the genetic testing market. The report also provides an insight regarding the current and future prospective of the market. This report covers the major trends and drivers, and their impact on the market. The report also discusses some of the restraints that can hinder the growth of the market, as well as rising opportunities which can provide new dimensions to the industry. The segmentation of genetic testing markets has been done in the report on the basis of applications, diseases, and geographical regions.

Based on application, the genetic testing market is divided into Diagnostic Testing, Newborn Screening, Prenatal Testing, Carrier Screening, and Others. Diagnostic testing and Newborn screening are the major application areas of genetic testing industry. The large shares of these applications can be attributed to presence of huge players in the segment, and to rising number of genetic tests performed for this purpose. The Carrier Testing market is expected to witness the highest growth during 2016-2022. This growth is likely to be driven by the huge population opting for carrier screening of cystic fibrosis, exhibiting unprecedented rise in the US. The report provides current and forecasted market for each of the application areas of Genetic Testing. The major disease profiles/conditions for which Genetic Testing is used include Alzheimer's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer, Down Syndrome, and Others. Cancer accounts for largest share amongst the diseases for which genetic testing is done.

Download PDF to know more details about "Genetic Testing Market" Report 2013-2028

This large share can be attributed to the rising prevalence of cancer, which is expected to increase as the global population ages. Approximately 75-80% of all cancers are diagnosed in people aged 55 or older, and this pattern is expected to increase by 2020. The report provides current and forecasted market for each of the genetic conditions of Genetic Testing. Moreover, the report also contains markets for the major regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. North America contributes the largest share in the global genetic testing market, followed by Europe. Presence of major players, increased awareness and higher disposable income, are some of the prominent factors that have led to North America being the market leader. The Asia-Pacific market is expected to witness the highest growth during 2016-2022.

The major reasons for the high growth are the increasing per capita income and gradual development of healthcare sector in countries, such as India and China. North America and Europe are expected to grow at modest rate due to launch of new and innovative products in these market. The company profiles segment in this report is entirely devoted to profiling leading companies of the genetic testing industry including some major players like Abbott Laboratories, Roche Diagnostics, Myriad Genetics, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Hologic, Inc., Cepheid, Agilent Technologies and QIAGEN. This segment provides you access to the new launched products, recent developments, and strengths and weaknesses of these companies to deliver a clear understanding/view of the competitive landscape. Overall, the report will prove to be a complete source of knowledge and analysis for clients and potential investors.

Browse reports of similar category available with Radiant Insights, Inc.:

About Radiant Insights, Inc.:

At Radiant Insights, we work with the aim to reach the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Our representatives strive to understand diverse client requirements and cater to the same with the most innovative and functional solutions.

Contact:

Michelle Thoras

Corporate Sales Specialist

Radiant Insights, Inc.

Phone: +1-415-349-0054

Toll Free: 1-888-928-9744

Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.radiantinsights.com

SOURCE Radiant Insights, Inc.

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The contract was signed through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, under the Defense Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA) between Canada and the United States.

Land Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics Land Systems provides innovative design, engineering, technology, production and full life-cycle support for land combat vehicles around the globe. The company's extensive experience, customer-first focus and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies.

More information about General Dynamics Land Systems is available at www.gdls.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics

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HELSINKI, Finland, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TM Forum today announced that FusionLayer has been named as a nominee in the TM Forum Excellence Awards for the Outstanding Achievement Award in the Open API category. Formerly known as TM Forum Digital World Awards, the TM Forum Excellence Awards 2019 honors global service and solution providers within the TM Forum member community that have made considerable contributions to advancing digital transformation within the telecommunications industry.

While network automation and hybrid cloud networks are becoming key drivers of Digital Transformation, the majority of large organizations continue to manage a bulk of their network data manually. Combining manual processes prone to human errors with network automation amplifies the risk of network downtime, as those errors will be propagated automatically into production. Gartner has estimated the cost of network downtime at USD $5,600 per minute, making old-fashioned network management processes an expensive business continuity risk.

To address these issues, FusionLayer has developed a cloud-native solution that allows all network data to be managed within a single system. By providing organizations with a single pane of glass into all their networks, FusionLayer allows large organizations to save up to tens of millions of dollars per year while ensuring reliable operation of tomorrow's automated business infrastructure.

"Nearly all telecoms companies continue to manage their network data manually in spreadsheets," explains Juha Holkkola, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive of FusionLayer. "These manual processes cause significant delays in network automation projects essential for digital transformation. They also open the door for costly network downtime as network automation pushes manual errors into production."

Thanks to an open Application Programming Interface (API) and an advanced business logic that has been patented in all major markets around the world, FusionLayer can function as the network backend for virtually any automation architecture. By abstracting all networks into a unified layer, it also facilitates seamless networking between enterprise networks and public clouds to accommodate hybrid multi-cloud scenarios. FusionLayer estimates that the solution will save large organizations tens of millions annually.

"Based on our estimates, an organization that operates 10,000 networks can suffer enormous financial losses due to network downtime" continued Holkkola. "Assuming that Gartner's estimate on the cost of network downtime is roughly in the ballpark, an organization that suffers only one minute of network downtime per network per year is going to lose more than 20 million dollars per year."

FusionLayer is participating at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona during February 25  28 2019 to showcase its patented invention to the press and the industry. To schedule a meeting at MWC 2019, please contact FusionLayer.

About FusionLayer

FusionLayer streamlines cloud and application delivery in next-generation data centers. The company's vendor agnostic technology bridges service automation work-flows that span across application and infrastructure silos. Nine out of 10 of the world's largest service providers leverage FusionLayer technologies. For further information, please visit www.fusionlayer.com.

Press Contact

Jeremy Stacy

Marketing Executive

[email protected]

+358 75 325 2992

Related Images

tmforum-excellence-awards-nominee.jpg

TMForum Excellence Awards Nominee Banner

FusionLayer Awarded Nominee Status in the TMForum Excellence Awards 2019.

gsma-mwc19-barcelona-banner.png

GSMA MWC19 Barcelona Banner

FusionLayer MWC19 at BUSINESS FINLAND PAVILION HALL 5 STAND 5C41

Related Links

MWC19 Exhibitor's Page

TMForum Excellence Awards

SOURCE FusionLayer, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fusionlayer.com


WESTCHESTER, Ill., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 45,000 college students from 35 institutions across the country have benefited from low-cost courseware based entirely on open educational resources (OER)  the result of a game-changing partnership between Follett and Lumen Learning. Established in 2017 and aimed at driving affordability, student retention and academic success at institutions served by Follett, the partnership has led to a cost-savings of approximately $4 million in 2018, compared to what students would have paid using traditional courseware and textbooks.

Follett, the largest campus retailer operating more than 2,850 physical and virtual stores across the country, is helping to drive adoption of OER through its strategic investment and partnership with Lumen Learning, the leading OER courseware provider in higher education. Currently, Follett offers Lumen Learning's OER course materials to more than 1,250 colleges and universities where Follett manages course materials delivery and makes the courseware available through its includED program and Follett Discover infrastructure.

Lumen courseware curates the best available OER and adds timely updates, learning design, and technical support to OER, making the transition to open content simple, reliable and effective for faculty and students. Through the includED program, students pay low-cost Lumen course support fees ranging from $10 to $25, far less than the average cost of a commercial textbook.

Lumen's OER course materials offer significant cost savings to students compared to traditional courseware and textbooks, as well as day-one access to courses such as College Algebra, Introduction to Business, English Composition and much more. For faculty members, Lumen's customizable materials save time and effort as they transition courses to OER. Peer-reviewed research shows that students using Lumen-supported OER course materials perform as well or better than their peers using traditional textbooks.

2018 Highlights and Success Stories

For more information about the partnership and Lumen's OER courseware, visit www.follett.com/lumen.

About Lumen Learning

Lumen Learning is a leader in the creation of well-designed and low-cost course materials using open education resources (OER). Lumen's OER course materials are engineered to improve subject mastery, course completion and retention. In 2008, Lumen provided support to 235,000 students at 200+ institutions using OER courseware to strengthen learning. For more information on Lumen Learning, visit www.lumenlearning.com.

About Follett Corporation | Follett.com

Follett Corporation is the world's largest single source of books, digital content and multi-media for libraries, schools and retailers. Headquartered in Westchester, Illinois, Follett provides education technology, services and physical and digital content to millions of students at 70,000 schools and more than 2,850 physical and virtual campus stores in North America. Through Baker & Taylor, Follett's reach also extends to the public library and global retail markets.

Media Contact:

Follett Corporation

Janille Likens

708-884-3552

SOURCE Follett

Related Links

http://follett.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- FM Distributing, Inc., launched in 2013 and recently featured in the segment of "This Is SF", rapidly grew to become the leading distributor for the Award Winning Neolith sintered stone in California and the Pacific Northwest. With the addition of Diresco their all natural Bio UV quartz line, they continue to transform themselves within the industry with their offerings of environmentally conscience surface materials. During KBIS and at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas on February 19, the FM Distributing evolution launches its new name, Evolv Surfaces.

The History

Established in 1986, Fox Merchandising International, Inc. reflects the passion that their founder Mr. Charles McLaughlin holds for natural stone. In his career he has visited the world's finest quarries and manufacturing plants to uncover the best techniques in both the art and science of stonemasonry. Mr. McLaughlin's desire to bring to this industry a unique line of surface materials that are naturally processed and can take on several different applications, allowed him to usher in FM Distributing. As the business expanded, the vision and growth made a natural progression into launching Evolv Surfaces.

The Offerings

Evolv Surfaces is the exclusive distributor of Neolith sintered stone throughout parts of the western United States. Neolith is a new surface material crafted using breakthrough technology to produce large slabs that are stain, scratch, chemical and heat resistant. With its large format, toughness and thin profile, there is no limit to its indoor and outdoor applications. Facades, countertops, flooring and furniture are just a few of Neolith's residential and commercial uses. Neolith is mold/mildew-resistant and performs perfectly in freeze-thaw environments making this product as unlimited as your imagination.

Evolv Surfaces is also an exclusive supplier of Diresco, the creator of the only engineered UV stable quartz slab product and a leader in BIO-UV Technology. Diresco's slabs are made from a bio-resin rather than a chemical resin, making it much better for the environment. Originating in Belgium, these inspired products are extremely stain, heat, scratch and UV resistant. Built to last on 100% Breton technology, Diresco slabs are fabricated to the highest standards by a responsible process that ensures all products contribute to a sustainable future. Diresco surface materials provide beauty and usefulness with environmental integrity.

The Launch

Evolv Surfaces comes into its own at KBIS with a mission to offer innovative surface materials that inspire creative design and only supply environmentally sustainable products that are reflective of its use. With a kick off launch on February 19th of their new name, Evolv aspires to be the curators of inspirational surface materials used with purpose and environmental thoughtfulness by designers, architects, and visionaries that touch and create your space. With a dedicated service-oriented team, visit them working with the Diresco team in booth in SL3225 and Neolith by The Size booth at SL432.

KBIS Expo 2019

Place: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas NV

Date: February 19-21, 2019

Booth: SL3225 & SL432

Media Contact

Evolv Surfaces

Marsha Harrison

(415) 767-4600 x7230

[email protected]

About Evolv Surfaces

EVOLV SURFACES formerly FM Distributing, Inc. is a direct source distributor for engineered quartz and sintered stone.Our service-oriented team focuses on supplying environmentally green surface materials throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and the Hawaiian Islands.

Evolv Surfaces provides innovative products that inspire creative designs. Evolv Surfaces is where creativity and innovation begins.

For more information visit www.evolvsurfaces.com

SOURCE Evolv Surfaces

Related Links

http://www.evolvsurfaces.com


Dr. Byas cites two very important reasons for the formation of this new program. "First, many of us dream of a health care system that provides the best care with the best outcomes possibleregardless of ethnicity, cultural background, or financial circumstances. As most know, our health care model falls short of achieving this.



Second, Union Institute & University's historic and unique commitment to experimental adult education prepares motivated adults who want to work to improve health care access and eliminate health inequities. Consequently, Union Institute & University has more than five decades of success in helping adult learners first transform their lives; and then transform their communities and promote social justice. Union Institute & University is nationally ranked as the fourth best university for adult learnersindividuals who work, support families, and have very busy lives while seeking to change the world."

Dr. Byas was instrumental in designing this accredited and 100 percent online program that includes the following unique program features.

Each student works with a senior health care executive who will be a mentor from start to finish. This feature is both unique and essential to the MS-HCL program because research shows that the most important determinant of long-term leadership success is mentoring. Subsequently, students will work with mentors in the field who can model behavior and help them navigate very complex health care settings. Such mentoring will help each student become an effective leader in today's rapidly changing health care field.



To encourage professionalism and to foster enthusiasm for life-long learning, each student in the MS-HCL program will be given a membership of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)the premier professional organization for health care leaders.



As part of the admission process, each student must identify a work-related project that is addressed throughout their coursework. At the conclusion of the program, each student will have a work plan or a finished project ready for implementation.



In addition, the MS-HCL program offers coursework that emphasizes population health, social entrepreneurship, and data analytics. After completing this program in 12 months on a full-time basis, each graduate will be prepared to provide ethical and creative leadership that promotes social justice in health care.

Unlike MBA programs that cost at least two to four times more that the MS-HCL program, this program is also distinct and different from MBA in health care, MHA, and MPH degree programs in this one key way: The MS-HCL Program trains participants to lead financially successful organizations and foster social justice in health care deliverynot study policy or develop research models. The MS-HCL program will impart practical knowledge and leadership skills for achieving social change, as well as fostering creative problem solving within an ethical framework. Ultimately, graduates of the MS-HCL program will drive success within their health care organizations.

For more information about this online MS-HCL program for adults with at least three years of health care-related work experience or to register, go to https://myunion.edu/academics/masters/healthcare-leadership//.

About Kim C. Byas, Sr., PhD, MPH, FACHE

Dr. Byas is Program Director, Union Institute & University's Master of Science in Health Care Leadership degree. Prior to accepting this position, he served for more than 16 years as the regional executive with the American Hospital Association working with hospitals on federal advocacy, health care system transformation, and health policy.

He has more than 40 years of successful leadership and innovation in health care settings ranging from his role as the interim president/CEO, Institute for Diversity in Health Management; CEO of Kailo Alliancea health care strategic consulting company; executive director of a multispecialty physicians group; and as adjunct faculty with DePaul University's Master in Public Administration program and Loyola University of Chicago's MBA in Healthcare.

Dr. Byas received his Ph.D. with a concentration in Ethical and Creative Leadership from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati; Master in Public Health from The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and B.A. from Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

He volunteers with many not-for-profit organizationsincluding the National Association of Health Services Executives; the HCA Corris Boyd Scholarship Committee; the advisory boards of the Master of Health Administration at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Master of Health Services Administration at Xavier University in Cincinnati; March of DimesChicago and Illinois; the Advisory Board to the Office of Equity and Inclusion at The University of Michigan, and the Multi-racial and Multicultural Council of the National Rural Health Association.

He is a former board member with Union Institute & University where he served as vice-chair; a board member of the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University; and a founding board member and past chair of the Asian Health Care Leaders Association.

ACADEMIC HONORS

Oncology Research Fellowship, HarperGrace Hospital; Detroit, MI

Philosophy Honor Society, Wittenberg; Springfield, OH

Summer Research Fellowship, Michigan Cancer Foundation; Detroit, MI

Indiana State Hoosier Scholar; Gary, IN

Federal Government

Grant Reviewer for HHS Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

Adviser to the HHS Office of Minority Health

HPSA & MUA Advisory Committee, HRSA

Professional Associations

American College of Healthcare Executives

American Public Health Association

American Society of Association Executives

Asian Health Care Leaders Associationfounding board member and board chair (2011-2013)

Chicago Health Executive Forum

Multi-cultural and Multi-racial Council of the National Rural Health Association

National Association of Health Service ExecutivesChicago Chapter

Speaker and Trainer

Presentations at state, regional, national, and international conferences such as International Conference of Nurse Practitioners and Advance Practice Nurses in Rotterdam, Healthcare Financial Management Association, American College of Healthcare Executives, American Hospital Association, Federal Office of Rural Health, Health and Human ServicesOffice of Minority Health, March of Dimes, National Association of Health Service Executives, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

About Union Institute & University

Union Institute & University is a non-profit, regionally accredited university specializing in providing quality higher education degrees for adults nationwide. Founded in 1964, Union's academic programs and services are the result of more than five decades of identifying and refining ways to structure and deliver education to meet the needs of adults. Distinguished as the pioneer in adult education, Union perfected the concepts now common in higher education such as the hybrid model, a blend of online and traditional classroom instruction, interdisciplinary studies, and student centered education with socially relevant and applicable learning outcomes in its undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs.

The university is guided by its core mission to educate highly motivated adults who seek academic programs to engage, enlighten, and empower them to pursue professional goals and a lifetime of learning, service, and social responsibility.

Union is a national university with academic centers located in: Ohio, Florida, and California.





For more information about Union Institute & University, visit www.myunion.edu or call 1- 800-861-6400.

SOURCE Union Institute & University

Related Links

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Prior to the release of year-end 2018 financial information to the public, Demotech has reviewed management's compilation of the year-end 2018 financial information of carriers, holding companies, affiliates and subsidiaries as well as sufficient interaction with management, including analysis of the assumptions underlying the financial data to announce the affirmation of 51 Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs).

Based upon the frequent communication and exchange of information by and between representatives of Demotech and representatives of the Companies as well as the assurances of management that their filed financial information will be consistent with the information presented to us, which met our requirements through the continued application of management's enterprise risk management protocols, consolidation, or the infusion of sufficient capital to permit management to continue to implement its business model, affirmations are applicable to:

American Coastal Insurance Company

American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida , Inc.

, Inc. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company

American Strategic Insurance Corp

American Traditions Insurance Company

Anchor Property and Casualty Insurance Company

ASI Assurance Corp

ASI Home Insurance Corp

ASI Preferred Insurance Corp

Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida

Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Bankers Insurance Company

Capitol Preferred Insurance Company

Castle Key Indemnity Company

Castle Key Insurance Company

Edison Insurance Company

FedNat Insurance Company

First Community Insurance Company

First Protective Insurance Company

Florida Family Home Insurance Company

Florida Family Insurance Company

Florida Peninsula Insurance Company

Florida Specialty Insurance Company *

Frontline Insurance Unlimited Company

Gulfstream Property and Casualty Insurance Company

Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Monarch National Insurance Company

Olympus Insurance Company

Omega Insurance Company

People's Trust Insurance Company

Prepared Insurance Company

Progressive Property Insurance Company

Safe Harbor Insurance Company

Safepoint Insurance Company

Security First Insurance Company

Service Insurance Company

Southern Fidelity Insurance Company

Southern Fidelity Property & Casualty Insurance Company **

Southern Oak Insurance Company

St. Johns Insurance Company, Inc.

Tower Hill Preferred Insurance Company

Tower Hill Prime Insurance Company

Tower Hill Select Insurance Company

Tower Hill Signature Insurance Company

TypTap Insurance Company

United Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Universal Insurance Company of North America

Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company

US Coastal Property & Casualty Insurance Company

Weston Insurance Company

*Florida Specialty entered into additional reinsurance agreements that effectively cede 100% of risk that would have been borne by the Company. Given that the reinsurance protection in place remains intact through May 31, 2019, policyholders and claimants are protected. The Company is evaluating a transition to an alternative business model.

**Southern Fidelity Property & Casualty Insurance Company will be merging into Capitol Preferred Insurance Company in 2019. Given that Southern Fidelity Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Capitol Preferred have strong balance sheets, realistic pricing, and excellent reinsurance in place, policyholders are protected.

As part of the year-end affirmation process, each carrier has demonstrated to the satisfaction of Demotech that their soon-to-be issued year-end 2018 financial statements will reflect:

Realistic estimates of gross and net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves related to claims arising from Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Michael (2018)

Realistic estimates of the impact of the assignment of benefits situation on gross and net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves

Realistic estimates of gross and net loss and loss adjustment expense reserves related to non-catastrophe claims outstanding as of year-end 2018, known and incurred but not reported.

Concurrently, these companies have demonstrated to Demotech that they have in place:

Reinsurance of sufficient quality and quantity to expect reimbursement for outstanding losses and loss adjustment expenses ceded to reinsurers, including insurance linked securities

Claims procedures, protocols, processes, and practices that are sufficiently responsive to enable the Company to detect and address the impact of any future adverse interpretations of contract wording in a timely manner

Policy pricing and rate level analysis capabilities to provide the Company with an opportunity to earn a reasonable rate of return during 2019 despite the assignment of benefits situation, with rate level reviews and analysis as an integral component of their enterprise risk management protocols.

According to Joseph Petrelli, President, Demotech: "Demotech has been actively reviewing and monitoring carriers and critical aspects of Florida's legislative, judicial, and carrier operating environment at least quarterly basis since 1996. Although many attempt to shape the discussions of the current operating environment based upon the challenges associated with addressing the abuses often applicable to assignment of benefits, our long-tenured, credentialed analysts have the requisite knowledge associated with more than twenty years of the ebb and flow of pricing, loss and loss adjustment expense, coverage interpretations, as well as the evolution and enhancements of catastrophe modeling along with the introduction of alternative capital and the impact on catastrophe reinsurance purchases. These affirmations reflect the on-going dialogue, communication, and analysis that we have had with management. Our review process does not start and stop with quarterly statements. Our first quarter 2019 operating results, review of 2019 reinsurance programs, and corporate responses to Florida's operating environment is a continuous and on-going process."

"Although carriers may not yet be affirmed, Demotech has had similar communication with those carriers. Given our carrier specific requirements associated with sustaining an FSR, in some situations it seemed prudent to await reported year-end 2018 financial statements that reflected final decisions of management prior to evaluating the efficacy of an affirmation. A final recap based upon a review of the year-end 2018 financial information filed by carriers will be forthcoming as soon as practical. As we have also had similar communications with the 350 plus carriers that we review and rate outside of Florida, a firm release date for Florida property writers is not yet available."

About Demotech, Inc.

Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers. Since 1985, Demotech has served the insurance industry by assigning accurate, reliable and proven Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurers and Title underwriters. FSRs are a leading indicator of financial stability, providing an objective baseline of the future solvency of an insurer. Demotech's philosophy is to review and evaluate insurers based on their area of focus and execution of their business model rather than solely on financial size. Visit www.demotech.com for more information.

SOURCE Demotech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.demotech.com


RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan Ryan Builders has grown to be the third-largest home builder in the Triangle thanks in part to the efforts of dedicated real estate agents. On Feb. 26, 12 of those brokers will be recognized as Dan Ryan Builders' top sellers in 2018 (each selling at least four homes).

Being recognized are:

Alina Karpenko

Angelina Corroo

Bala Krishna Kamuju

Charito Geneblazo

Daxay Malkan

Mary Ann Stephenson

Michelle Vega

Paul Haynes

Raju Gadiraju

Subhas Donthireddi

Suzanne Burton

Tiffany Richardson

"We couldn't do what we do without great Realtor partners," said Jay Lewis, president of Dan Ryan Builders - Raleigh Division. "Our mission is centered around building the right home for each buyer. These real estate pros help us connect buyers with the home that fits their need.

"I am truly grateful we have them as part of the team."

In total, Dan Ryan Builders paid $4.5 million in broker bonuses and commissions to more than 600 agents in 2018.

The Feb. 26 event with a food truck, beer and wine will be held at Dan Ryan Builders' new luxury townhomes in Pipers Crossing in Cary (313 and 315 Fenella Dr.) from 12 - 1:30 p.m. and is open to real estate agents and the general public.

Homes in Pipers Crossing start in the mid $300s, with three or four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and floor plans ranging from 2,253 to 2,310 sq ft.

About Dan Ryan Builders | www.danryanbuilders.com

Founded in 1990, Dan Ryan Builders offers new homes in six states (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina) and 12 metro markets. Dan Ryan Builders has built nearly 16,000 homes for families across the Mid-Atlantic predominantly for first-time and first-move up buyers.

Media Contact:

Andy Cagle

910.995.2122

[email protected]

Marketing Contact:

Peyton Davidson

Phone 919.747.4970 ext. 4039

[email protected]

Corporate Contact:

Char Kurihara

Phone 301-696-0200 ext. 1200

[email protected]

SOURCE Dan Ryan Builders

Related Links

http://www.danryanbuilders.com


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- During Engineers Week from Feb. 17 - 23, Collins Aerospace will host over 1,000 female students across the globe in support of 'Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day', a growing movement to inspire the next generation of female engineers. There are 21 Collins Aerospace locations participating in the day's events to support the company's commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Collins Aerospace is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, engineering activities that students will experience include building a prosthetic arm for a child in need, learning how circuits work, flying a drone and learning how to defend a system from cyberattacks. In Charlotte, North Carolina, students will hear from four female leaders at Collins Aerospace, including one former astronaut, about their careers in engineering. And in Chula Vista, California, a group of students will get up close to a nacelle to learn how it works and get to know what it takes to support its development and entry into service. These are some of the activities that will give young female students a first-hand look at how engineering careers can impact and improve our world.

"We know that girls' interest in STEM peaks at about age 11 but then falls off once they enter into high school," said Carrie Reeder, director, Corporate Social Responsibility for Collins Aerospace. "Events such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering are critical to keeping these girls engaged, many of whom are destined to be our next great innovators."

The Collins Aerospace locations hosting events include:

Annapolis, Maryland

Bellevue, Iowa

Bengaluru, India

Burnsville, Minnesota

Carlsbad, California

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Charlotte, North Carolina

Chula Vista, California

Decorah, Iowa

Houston, Texas

Hyderabad, India

Manchester, Iowa

Melbourne, Florida

Portland, Oregon

Richardson, Texas

Rockford, Illinois

Sterling, Virginia

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Windsor Locks, Connecticut

By engaging its 70,000 employees to serve as mentors and program volunteers in local communities, Collins Aerospace is positioned to make a positive impact on students' interest in the exciting careers available in STEM for years to come.

About Collins Aerospace

Collins Aerospace, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com.

About United Technologies Corporation

United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.

SOURCE Collins Aerospace

Related Links

http://www.CollinsAerospace.com


ROCKVILLE, Maryland, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Fact.MR recently published a comprehensive study, which found that the load monitoring systems market reached US$ 2.9 billion in 2018. The study features comprehensive information about the current market dynamics as well as future trends in the load monitoring systems market.

"With the palpable scarcity of natural resources, energy management has become a pivotal aspect of business management strategies across a wide range of industrial sectors. Many industry players are exploring opportunities to improve their product quality and to reduce power consumption for cost saving as well as for greener environment with help of the energy management trend. Thereby, load monitoring systems are witnessing burgeoning demand a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, construction, food & beverage, aerospace & defense, automotive, and healthcare," says the Fact.MR study.

The Fact.MR study finds that the automotive industry accounted for more than 30% revenue share in the load monitoring systems market in 2018. The study predicts that the automotive industry will retain its largest share in the load monitoring systems in the upcoming years, as the performance and safety of automobiles remains the primary focus for automotive manufacturers.

Request Sample Report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=2996

With the emergence of next-generation technologies in the automotive industry, the automotive industry is undergoing remarkable changes on multiple fronts. Meanwhile, leading automakers are aiming to mitigate their environmental footprint while without having to compromise their business productivity, which is primarily driving demand for load monitoring systems among auto industry players.

Taking into account the large market share of the automotive industry, leading manufacturers in the load monitoring systems market are introducing advanced vehicle load cell sensors that can improve various automotive features, such as tire design optimization, temperature compensation, and mechanical overload protection.

However, the Fact.MR report predicts that the increasing growth of the healthcare industry will become the fastest growing end-user industry in the load monitoring system in the upcoming years. Even though the automotive industry remains at the forefront of the load monitoring systems market, the healthcare industry will create more lucrative opportunities in the coming future.

Browse Full Report on Load Monitoring Systems Market with TOC- https://www.factmr.com/report/2996/load-monitoring-systems-market

Load monitoring systems are witnessing tremendous demand across the healthcare industry with an unprecedented rise in the manufacturing of medical devices. As the global medical devices market is estimated by The International Trade Administration (ITA) to surpass the US$ 400 billion mark through 2020, the healthcare industry is likely to redefine future prospects of the load monitoring systems market in the coming decade.

Stringent Calibration Standards and Certification Requirements Create Manufacturing Challenges

Even though the adoption of load monitoring systems is on the rise across various end-user industries, manufacturers are struggling to comply with high international standards while maintaining lower production costs. International organizations, including ASTM International, have set high verification standards for testing instruments such as load monitoring systems.

Furthermore, stakeholders in the load monitoring systems market have to obtain approvals and certifications from regulatory bodies before launching their products. For example, all the load cell manufacturers need to ensure accuracy of their products by providing necessary certifications to internationally recognized standards, which include UKAS, ASTM E74, and BS EN ISO 376.

Ask Our Industry Expert for more details on report- https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=2996

Raising international standards and lengthy approval procedures are precluding load monitoring system manufacturers from reducing the production cost to maintain competitive prices, making it difficult to scale up in the highly fragmented market.

Thereby, conforming to high calibration standards and strict certification requirements are create severe, albeit short term, manufacturing issues for load monitoring systems market players.

The Fact.MR study offers futuristic overview of development of the load monitoring systems market during the period 2019-2027. Based on thorough research, the study opines that the load monitoring systems market will grow at a healthy 3.9% value CAGR through 2027.

To Buy Load Monitoring Systems Market Report, Check- https://www.factmr.com/checkout/2996/S

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About Fact.MR

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SOURCE Fact.MR
Al Maeeni: UAE established and implemented the world's first Halal food system

A unified Pan-Arab framework for the mutual recognition of Halal products and services certificates was announced in the United Arab Emirates on Monday. A step aiming to enhance the competitiveness of halal food in international markets.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/822982/Arab_Halal_Program.jpg )



The announcement of the Program was made at the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization pavilion in the 4th Global Halal Industry Platform organized by Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, (ESMA).

The United Arab Emirates aims at globalizing the halal Industry. Halal food and beverages market is set to reach a value of USD 2.5 trillion this year, according to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

"The Global Halal Industry Platform, being held in conjunction with Gulfood Dubai, is considered a meeting point for the most prominent global players in the halal industry. It also represents a major opportunity to exchange ideas and visions of growth, with over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world consuming halal food products," said ESMA's Director General Abdulla Al Maeeni.

He added that the UAE has for years been leading efforts in this sector and launched the 'Dubai as the Capital of Islamic Economy' initiative in 2013. It also established the 'Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center' as well as the 'International Halal Accreditation Forum' which includes 32-member states.

Al Maeeni said that UAE also strengthened its ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, as part of its post-oil production vision. In fact, the country was the first to establish and implement the world's first Halal food system with standards and practices in the fields of accreditation, certification and evaluation.

The GCC countries alone import USD 50 billion worth of Halal products. Also, Muslim consumers around the world are expected to spend USD 3 trillion by 2023, according to a report by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center.

Contact: Mohamed Osman, E: [email protected], T: +971-50-268-2444

SOURCE Arab Halal Program
Andersen experts, along with renowned design, architecture and building industry leaders, will be on-hand at the show to share their personal experiences with Andersen's broad selection of custom windows and doors.

Highlights of the Andersen Windows booth include:

Andersen Easy Connect Joining System  a Best of IBS finalist in the Best Window and Door category. This new and innovative joining system will be on display as an expansive, 22-foot tall window tower, showcasing the unlimited design potential of this joining technology. Experience hands-on demonstrations with Andersen product experts and learn how this joining system allows smaller combinations to be joined together as you install them into the rough opening, reducing the number of installers needed up to 50%**.

 a Best of IBS finalist in the Best Window and Door category. This new and innovative joining system will be on display as an expansive, 22-foot tall window tower, showcasing the unlimited design potential of this joining technology. Experience hands-on demonstrations with Andersen product experts and learn how this joining system allows smaller combinations to be joined together as you install them into the rough opening, reducing the number of installers needed up to 50%**. Expansive Andersen MultiGlide and Weiland doors , including the Weiland Curved and Corner Doors, that blur the lines between indoors and out, and offer ultimate design freedom. To showcase these on-trend doors, the booth includes signature vignettes inspired by influential designer Becki Owens that showcase the versatility of Andersen Big Doors.

and , including the Weiland Curved and Corner Doors, that blur the lines between indoors and out, and offer ultimate design freedom. To showcase these on-trend doors, the booth includes signature vignettes inspired by influential designer that showcase the versatility of Andersen Big Doors. A new industry-leading Andersen Virtual Design Experience where you can explore the style options of our A-Series windows and patio doors and create your unique design in a photorealistic virtual environment.

where you can explore the style options of our A-Series windows and patio doors and create your unique design in a photorealistic virtual environment. Smart home technology including VeriLock security sensors and the Yale Assure Lock that allow homeowners to conveniently monitor the status of their windows and patio doors and improve home security***.

including VeriLock security sensors and the Yale Assure Lock that allow homeowners to conveniently monitor the status of their windows and patio doors and improve home security***. Andersen Architectural Collection products including E-Series and A-Series windows and patio doors and Weiland doors that work together to deliver ultimate design freedom by combining elegant craftsmanship with unlimited selections, unmatched performance and monumental sizes with unexpected precision.

Additionally, Marc Camens of Camens Architectural Group and Steve Hullinger of Morris Hullinger Design Build will host informative sessions on the Andersen booth stage on Tuesday, Feb. 19, to discuss how Andersen products elevate their work.

"With a focus on design and innovation, we look forward to inspiring building professionals and homeowners to explore the limitless potential of Andersen windows and doors," said Grant Davis, vice president and general manager of Andersen's Residential and Commercial Pro Division.

Andersen Windows will be at IBS in Booth C4507. Special presentations by architects and builders will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.andersenwindows.com/ibs.

Additionally, come see our Andersen Architectural Collection of products included in The Align Project by Green Builder Media on display in the KBIS Salon.

* 2018 U.S. Homeowner Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. 2018 U.S. Residential Contractor and Builder study of Andersen brand vs. competitive brands.

** 69% of 156 builders/general contractors in a 2018 survey said they could reduce the number of installers by half using the Easy Connect Joining System when comparing the installation of a 12' wide x 8' high pre-assembled window combination unit with four (4) 3' wide x 8' high window combination units.

*** When properly configured and maintained with a professionally installed security system and/or self-monitoring system compatible with Honeywell 5800 controls. See your dealer for more information.

About Andersen Corporation

Headquartered in Bayport, Minnesota, Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries manufacture and market window and door products under the Andersen, Renewal by Andersen, EMCO, Weiland, MQ and Heritage brands. Andersen, a privately held company, was founded in 1903 and employs more than 8,000 people with manufacturing sites in North America and Europe. Andersen has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2018 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year  Sustained Excellence Award. Visit us at andersencorporation.com.

Follow us on Facebook @AndersenCo, Twitter @AndersenCorp, and Instagram @andersen_corporation.

"ENERGY STAR" is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation and its subsidiaries.

SOURCE Andersen Corporation

Related Links

https://www.andersenwindows.com


NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AJC CEO David Harris issued the following statement today.

Polish-Israeli relations are undergoing another severe test. As in the past, it is about the past. This is most unfortunate.

Poland and Israel share a deep friendship and strategic partnership. Ties have grown across the board. Most recently, despite pressure from certain other countries, Poland agreed to host an intergovernmental conference on the Middle East, especially Iran, to which Israel attached the greatest importance.

And this week, leaders of the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) of which Poland is the largest country, were slated to hold a key round of meetings in Jerusalem with Prime Minister Netanyahu, but which, sadly, has now been canceled because of the latest dispute over history.

There is no nongovernmental organization anywhere that has devoted more time and attention to relations between Poland and the Jewish people than American Jewish Committee (AJC).

For more than four decades, we have worked to write a new chapter in the very complex links among us. There have been notable successes. Obviously, more work remains.

The main, though not the only, sticking point has always been varying assessments of the magnitude of anti-Semitism in Poland, especially before and during World War II, and often competing historical narratives. Indeed, not surprisingly, this is the trigger for the current tension, as it was last year with the regrettable Polish IPN law, since amended.

Our approach has always been to recognize that we may never fully agree on the past, which, by the way, is not unique to our links with Poland, even as we must all listen to each other as friends and examine the past with clear-eyed courage.

But there are certain things we should be able to jointly acknowledge:

Poland is central to our understanding of Jewish history. For centuries, it was the epicenter of Jewish life.

1000 years of Jewish presence on Polish soil cannot be reduced to a single headline or sound bite.

Like Jews, Poles have been targeted by their larger neighbors more than once and there remains a deep-seated sense of vulnerability. Indeed, just as Israel disappeared from the world map for centuries, so did Poland for 123 years.

Poland was the first target of the German army, leading to the start of the Second World War. It experienced a brutal Nazi (and, for a time, Soviet) occupation for nearly six years.

While Auschwitz is understandably associated with the Holocaust, it also held non-Jewish Poles, including many Catholic clergy.

Its soldiers continued to fight in the Allied forces, including its brave pilots in the British air force.

Its resistance in Poland was the most developed in Europe. Unlike France or Norway, for example, there was not a Polish collaborationist regime with the Nazis.

And, notably, there are thousands of Poles recognized by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations for risking their lives to save Jewish lives. Names such as Irena Sendler and Jan Karski ought to be hallowed for Jews.

To fast forward, past the laudably essential Polish role in bringing down Soviet-dominated communism, yes, there are certainly pockets of anti-Semitism in Poland. No doubt about it. They can't be denied or willed away.

But, and it's a big but, there is also a small but growing Jewish community, a remarkable Jewish museum in Warsaw, an electrifying annual Jewish cultural festival in Krakow, and, again, deep links between Warsaw and Jerusalem.

As friends, we need to be able to manage our inevitable differences. That begins with choosing our words carefully  knowing when to speak, how to speak, and where to speak. It means not allowing individual incidents to escalate out of control. And it means not ceding all the progress achieved to date to those who might wish to destroy it.

For our part, in other words, AJC seeks to help chart a brighter path forward for Poles and Jews alike.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Automotive Telematics Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global automotive telematics market is projected to reach values of approximately $130 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of more than 15% during 2018-2024. The market research report also offers market share analysis in terms of unit volume during the forecast period.



The increasing use of electronics such as collision avoidance systems, infotainment, connected systems, and drive-by-wire technologies will drive the demand in the global market. The players are providing fleet management systems as software-as-a-service which helps in critical business processes such as routing, maintenance, and mileage reporting to attract a maximum number of consumers.



The global automotive telematics market is driven by growing demand for anti-lock braking systems (ABS), engine control units (ECUs), electronic fuel injection systems, and automated locking systems. The increasing presence of manufacturers such as LG Electronics, HARMAN International, Denso, Continental, Robert Bosch, and Magneti Marelli will drive innovations in the global market. The market research report provides in-depth market analysis and segmental analysis of the global automotive telematics market by product, vehicle, installation, application, and geography.



Automotive Telematics Market - Dynamics



The increasing adoption of connected vehicle technology in commercial vehicle is playing an important role in automotive telematics market. The traditional approaches of maintenance are being reduced due to this approach. For example, BMW vehicles connect to Deutsche Telekom's SmartHome app to offer users control for their home heating and lighting. Sensors are connected to vehicles and these transmit data to the OEMs, this telemetry data will offer remote diagnostic services to fleet managers.



Some of the emerging sensor-based technologies are recognition of road signs, collision avoiding maneuvers, driver face-expression detection, pre-crash deployment of airbags and seatbelts, obstacle detection and so on. These sensors not only sense the obstacles but also react to them by avoiding it, taking control of vehicle etc. if needed. These sensors ensure the safety of the commuters.



There is a structural shift in terms of demand-side behaviour in the automotive industry. The new car ownership models such a carpooling, cab services, rentals are increasing in number due to several reasons like traffic congestion, environmental concerns and so on. To adapt to these changes, the OEMs are focussing on driverless, autonomous vehicle concept.



The OEM players like Audi, Ford, Bosch, Delphi and Continental has already started projects to commercialize the concept of autonomous vehicles. Also, other non-automotive companies like Google and Apple are also investing in development of autonomous vehicles.



Automotive Telematics Market - Segmentation



This market research report includes a detailed segmentation of the market by product, vehicle, installation, application, and geography.The global automotive telematics market by products is segmented into embedded devices, tethered devices, and integrated smartphones. The integrated smartphones segment dominated the global market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of over 15% during the forecast period.



The implementation of touch screens and advanced computing capabilities is driving the growth of the integrated smartphones segment. The introduction of modern-day smartphones with multiple sensors which bring intelligence and awareness will drive invention in the automotive industry.



The OEMs are integrating embedded telematics at a monthly monitoring fee is driving the growth of this segment in the global market. The growing demand for security & safety electronics and infotainment systems is fueling the adoption of embedded devices in the global telematics market. The embedded devices that are available in the global market are stolen vehicle recovery, light and horn activation, remote door unlocking, collision detection, roadside assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, and 24/7 emergency response.



The application segment in the global automotive telematics market is classified into remote diagnostics, navigation & infotainment, fleet management, safety & security, and others. Safety and security are the fastest growing segment in the global market, at a CAGR of around 16% during the forecast period. The growing number of road traffic accidents and the introduction of stringent safety regulations are the primary factors attributing to the growth of this segment.



The variation of terms of service requirements as for maintenance primarily depends upon the type of work, distance traveled, and operating environment in the market. The use of units that are plugged into the onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) which enables remote diagnostics features is gaining immense popularity in the global telematics market.



The global automotive telematics market by the installation is categorized into OEM and aftermarket. Aftermarket segment occupied the majority of the market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of over 14% during the forecast period. The constant requirement for services and diagnostics due to a rise in wear-and-tear and crash-relevant of parts is driving the demand in the aftermarket segment in the global market.



The vehicle type segment in the global automotive telematics market is divided into passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Passenger cars are the fastest growing segment in the global market, at a CAGR of more than 17% during the forecast period. The introduction of next-generation electronics sensors that are developed in sync with ADAS technologies will positively impact the growth of the passenger car segment.



Automotive Telematics Market - Geography



The global automotive telematics market by geography is segmented into APAC, Europe, North America, Latin America, and MEA. APAC dominated the largest market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of around 15% during the forecast period. The increasing penetration of 4G networks and the growing demand for productivity across the commercial vehicle sector is one of the primary factors propelling the growth of the APAC region in the global market.



The increasing investments in the R&D for product and system innovation is augmenting the growth of the European region. High spending power in luxury vehicles is fueling the demand in the automotive industry in the European region. The growing popularity and adoption of electric vehicles are one of the major factors leading to the development of the European region in the global telematics market. Norway, Germany, the UK, and France contribute to the highest revenues in the European market.



Key Vendor Analysis



The global automotive telematics market is witnessing the dynamic intensity of competition across regions. The high product reach, increasing product demand, and the presence of several players are driving the intense competition in the APAC market. The presence of productive domestic manufacturers and growing exports will encourage vendors to expand to other regions in the global market. The establishment of stringent emission norms and competitive pricing strategies will encourage players to launch new products in the global automotive telematics market.



The major vendors in the global market are:

LG Electronics

HARMAN International

Denso

Continental AG



Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Report Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of Study



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Inclusions

5.3 Exclusions

5.4 Currency Conversion

5.5 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance

7 Introduction

7.1 Overview

7.2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

7.2.1 System Components

7.3 Global Electric Vehicles Market



8 Market Dynamics

8.1 Market Growth Enablers

8.1.1 Increasing Use of ADAS and Telematics as a package

8.1.2 Growing Popularity of Truck Platooning

8.1.3 Increasing Demand for Efficient Connectivity in EVs

8.1.4 Increasing Sales of Luxury Cars

8.2 Market Growth Restraints

8.2.1 Increasing Risks of Cyber-attacks

8.2.2 Slow Penetration of Autonomous Vehicles

8.3 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.3.1 The Rise of Connected Cars

8.3.2 Increasing Use of Advanced Sensors and Cloud Technology in Vehicles

8.3.3 Growing Popularity of Autonomous Vehicles



9 Global Automotive Telematics Market

9.1 Market Overview

9.2 Market Size & Forecast 2018-2024

9.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis



10 By Application

10.1 Market Overview

10.2 Remote Diagnostics

10.3 Navigation and Infotainment

10.4 Fleet management

10.5 Safety and Security

10.6 Others



11 By Product

11.1 Market Overview

11.2 Integrated Smartphones

11.3 Embedded devices

11.4 Tethered devices



12 By Installation

12.1 Market Overview

12.2 Aftermarket

12.3 OEM



13 By Vehicle Type

13.1 Market Overview

13.2 Commercial vehicles

13.3 Passenger cars



14 By Geography

14.1 Market Overview



15 APAC



16 North America



17 Europe



18 Latin America



19 Middle-East & Africa



20 Competitive Landscape

20.1 Market Overview



21 Key Company Profiles

21.1 LG Electronics

21.2 Harman International

21.3 DENSO

21.4 Continental AG



22 Other Prominent Companies

22.1 Robert Bosch

22.2 Magneti Marelli

22.3 Visteon

22.4 Valeo

22.5 Laird Technologies

22.6 Ficosa Internacional

22.7 Agero

22.8 Airbiquity

22.9 AT&T

22.10 Delphi

22.11 Intel

22.12 MiX Telematics

22.13 Octo Telematics

22.14 TomTom Telematics

22.15 Verizon Telematics

22.16 AirIQ

22.17 Trimble

22.18 Actsoft INC.

22.19 Inseego

22.20 Daimler Fleetboard

22.21 Masternaut

22.22 CalAmp

22.23 Geotab

22.24 BOX Telematics

22.25 ORBCOMM



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kvf7hq/130_billion?w=5

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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STEVENAGE, England, Feb. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AKL Research and Development (AKLRD) today announces its investigational medicine for osteoarthritis (OA) has been awarded a prestigious grant from Innovate UK, the leading government innovation agency.

It has recognised that APPA is a potential "game-changing" OA treatment despite it only being at the Phase 1 trial stage, awarding AKLRD 675,000. This will contribute to the development of APPA in its Phase 2 trial, which is expected to commence later this year, based on anticipated favourable results in the Phase 1 trial. This is currently being conducted at Liverpool University and scheduled to finish this summer.

Chris Sawyer, Innovation Lead, at Innovate UK said: "This is an exciting area of research in a disease with a high prevalence and major debilitation in many sufferers. Supporting AKLRD to pursue the development of this important medicine is aligned perfectly with Innovate UK's objective to support UK business growth in the health and life sciences sector."

APPA is a combination of two synthetic secondary metabolites of plant origin, the natural versions of which have been used individually for centuries in traditional non-prescription medicines. Combining these two molecules in a unique ratio increases the potency and has resulted in a potential new, oral treatment for OA. APPA has demonstrated pain relief, improved functionality and slowed cartilage destruction in animal models of the condition and [1],[2], [3] it is hoped it will show similar results in human trials.

Innovate UK only awards grants to innovations it believes are clearly game-changing and disruptive. AKLRD underwent a highly competitive process, with five independent expert assessors evaluating its submission. The assessors praised the "strong" and "exciting proposal with large potential" and described AKLRD's work as an "exciting area of research in a disease with a high prevalence and major debilitation in many sufferers".

David Miles, Chief Executive Officer of AKLRD, said: "For APPA to be recognised as a disruptive innovation is incredibly exciting. The award from Innovate UK will allow us to secure the future development of what we believe could be an important medicine for OA patients who currently have limited treatment options. We believe APPA not only tackles pain but will also put the brakes on the inflammatory cascade that we know is responsible for the devastating consequences of OA."

Consultant Rheumatologist Professor Robert Moots, who is leading the APPA phase 1 trial at Liverpool University's Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, said: "Millions of osteoarthritis patients are suffering every day with severe pain because the current prescription drugs available are often not effective or cannot be used long-term.

"APPA has the potential to be an effective treatment for OA that could not only tackle the pain it causes but do so with excellent tolerability and also, we hope, stop the disease from causing further joint damage. It's incredibly exciting that Innovate UK has clearly recognised the potential of this new drug which could transform the lives of OA patients."

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation with a remit to drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy. Since 2007, it has committed more than 1.8 billion to innovation, helping 8,000 organisations with projects estimated to add more than 16 billion to the UK economy and nearly 70,000 jobs.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

APPA is a patented fixed combination of two synthetically produced, synergistic, secondary metabolites of plant origin which exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the pathways of intracellular signalling molecules NFkB and Nrf2. Related to innate immune responses, APPA inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

APPA is unique because it directly affects inflammation at its source by re-balancing NFkB and Nrf2. APPA regulates rather than blocks the immune response, allowing the body to maintain host defence mechanisms 1 . There are currently no licensed drugs available for human use that offer efficacy and long-term safety in OA.

rather than blocks the immune response, allowing the body to maintain host defence mechanisms . There are currently no licensed drugs available for human use that offer efficacy and long-term safety in OA. AKL Research & Development Ltd (AKLRD) is a UK pharmaceutical research and development company that is changing the way drugs are developed. http://www.aklrd.com

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. For more information visit www.innovateuk.ukri.org

Additional information on APPA, including a Mode of Action graphic, Osteoarthritis and AKLRD is available on request.



[1] Cross A, et al. Effects of APPA on human neutrophil function. 2016 OARSI, Volume 24, S335 - S336

[2] Larkins N, King C. Eectiveness of APPA for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: comparisons with placebo and meloxicam in client-owned dogs. 10.19185/Matters.201608000001

[3] Glasson S, Bendele A, Larkins N. APPA provides disease modification in preclinical osteoarthritis. Planta Medica. 78. 10.1055/s-0032-1320902

For more information, please contact:

David Miles Chief Executive Officer AKL Research & Development E: [email protected] Sarah Smith Associate Consultant The Difference Collective T: 07968 366526 E: [email protected]

SOURCE AKL Research and Development (AKLRD)

Related Links

http://www.aklrd.com


Operator Plans to Deploy Parallel Wireless' Virtualized HetNet and Core Solutions to Provide Mobile Broadband Services and Pave the Road to 5G

NASHUA, N.H., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Parallel Wireless, Inc., the leading provider of the world's first end-to-end software-based unified network solution across All Gs (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), today announced that Kalimat Telecom, a subsidiary of Kuwait's Trade Links, has selected Parallel Wireless to build out their mobile broadband network in Iraq.

According to the GSMA Mobile Economy: Middle East and North Africa 2018 report, Iraq has only a 52% wireless Internet penetration rate, presenting a great opportunity for telecom service providers in that market. Poor infrastructure and high operating costs are currently stunting development.

Kalimat recognized the inflexibility of legacy cellular solutions to bring digital services to the Iraqi population that is hungry for digital services. Parallel Wireless's fully-virtualized HetNet and core solutions enable Kalimat to deploy a distributed virtualized mobile broadband network delivering consumer and enterprise wireless services across the region cost-effectively and on an accelerated timeline. The Parallel Wireless software-based architecture delivers ease of deployment and the flexibility required to meet the changing needs of this market. This will be one of the largest fully virtualized commercial mobile broadband networks in the region.

With Parallel Wireless, the overall CAPEX, OPEX and complexity associated with building out and managing the network is significantly reduced through network automation. As a result, the high-speed mobile broadband network will provide the region with a range of advanced new residential and business voice and data services, helping with the digital society realization.

Supporting quotes

Wilson Varghese, Group CEO Trade Links and CEO, Kalimat Telecom, said, "We initially selected Parallel Wireless based on their innovation in the area of Open RAN and virtualization and their work with some of the world's leading MNOs. Our decision has been reinforced many times throughout the initial deployment, as we were continually impressed by the speed with which we were able to move from lab trials to roll-outs; a process that took very little time for us to virtualize the core services required for the success of the project to deliver a better service to our customers, rural, suburban or urban, across regions."

Amrit Heer, Head of Business Development, EME, Parallel Wireless said, "We are committed to our role to help eliminate the digital divide. We work with partners such as Kalimat Telecom to help them cost-effectively enable connectivity by simplifying installation and increasing flexibility and sustainability through our software for new wireless network buildouts. As a result, the costs associated with building or modernizing mobile networks is reduced and connectivity can be brought to every single person in the world."

About Kalimat Telecom

Kalimat Telecom Ltd. is known to be one of Iraq's leading telecommunications providers offering voice and data services to home, corporate and private sector customers across the country. Iraq is one of the world's most exciting high-growth telecom markets, and Kalimat Telecom is following through with the aim to employ and support the Iraqi people, we are helping to build an ever-improving international reputation for the new Iraq. Kalimat Telecom is a leading telecoms player that handles the voice traffic and data transfer needs of the Iraqi consumer between different regions of the country, ensuring improved call completion rates, prompt bill settlement and increased revenue for its operation. Follow Kalimat on Twitter

About Trade Links

Trade Links is a privately held global services company with business operations in the USA, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, China and Philippines. It caters to a variety of industries through several business divisions. These business divisions operate under the Trade Links name and provide multiple product lines and services including aviation, engineering and construction, communication, logistics, transportation, HVAC and refrigeration, housing and project support. With its mission to simplify the globe and redefine boundaries, Trade Links was established in Kuwait in 1997 and has grown into a multi-dimensional corporation with business interests in many industries. http://www.tlinksme.com/divisions/telecom/

About Parallel Wireless

Parallel Wireless' mission is to connect the 4 billion unconnected people by reimagining the networks. The unified end-to-end 2G GSM, 3G UMTS, 4G LTE, and 5G Open RAN solution enables operators to deploy any G cellular networks with real-time SON as easily and as cost-effectively as enterprise Wi-Fi whether for rural, enterprise, public safety, M2M, IoT, Smart Cities, or dense urban. The company is engaged with many leading operators worldwide and has been named as the best performing vendor across all Gs by Telefonica and Vodafone. Parallel Wireless' innovation and excellence in multi-technology open virtualized RAN solutions has been recognized with 50 industry awards including MWC19 GLOMO nomination for best mobile network infrastructure along with Huawei and Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC). Connect with Parallel Wireless on LinkedIn and Twitter.

SOURCE Parallel Wireless
SUZHOU, China, Feb. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune and other major diseases, today announced the signing of a collaboration agreement with Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences Co., Ltd. (Chipscreen Biosciences) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the combination therapy of Innovent's Tyvyt (generic name: sintilimab injection), a fully human anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody and IBI305, a biosimilar product candidate of bevacizumab and a recombinant humanized anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibody, with Chipscreen Biosciences' Chidamide, a benzamide-based selective inhibitor of class I (subtypes 1, 2, 3) and IIb (subtype 10) histone deacetylases (HDACs), in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chipscreen Biosciences and Innovent will jointly in China to explore potential applications of this combination on colorectal cancer and to evaluate its safety and tolerability.

"There are significant unmet medical needs for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, and the combination treatment with different targeted therapies may serve as an additional solution to these patients", said Chipscreen Biosciences's Executive Vice President, Dr. Zhiqiang Ning. "We look forward to partnering with Innovent to explore a potential clinical application with the combination regimen of immune check-point inhibitor, angiogenesis inhibitor and epigenetic modulator in this indication."

"Epigenetic aberrations appear to be one of the major causes of resistance to immune-oncological therapies. Chidamide, a novel epigenetic modulating agent discovered in China, seems to reverse patient resistance to immune therapy in early clinical studies," said Innovent's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Kerry Blanchard. "We are pleased to be partnering with Chipscreen Biosciences to explore combination therapy with Sintilimab, IBI305, and Chidamide in colorectal cancer. We hope this collaboration will eventually benefit those patients in need."

About Chidamide

Chidamide, a benzamide-based selective inhibitor of class I (subtypes 1, 2, 3) and IIb (subtype 10) histone deacetylases (HDACs), reverses epigenetic abnormalities related to tumorigenesis. Chidamide induces chromatin remodeling by inhibiting specific subtypes of HDACs which leads to increased acetylation of histones (i.e., epigenetic changes), therefore modifying gene expression in multiple signal transduction pathways. Chidamide directly inhibits the cell cycle and induces apoptosis of tumor cells from the blood and lymphatic system. It can induce and activate tumor killing by natural killer cells (NK) and antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cells (CTL), and modulates the anti-tumor cellular immunity of bodies. Chidamide also induces the differentiation of tumor stem cells and reverses epithelial mesenchymal phenotype transformation (EMT) of tumor cells through epigenetic regulation mechanisms, thereby playing a potential role in restoring the drug sensitivity of drug-resistant tumor cells, and inhibiting tumor metastasis and recurrence. It is a new molecular entity with global patent protection developed by Chipscreen Biosciences, China's first international-recognized subtype selective histone deacetylation enzyme (HDAC) oral inhibitor, and a national class 1.1 drug. In December 2014, it was approved for marketing by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Its first indication is relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Meanwhile, clinical studies on other blood tumors, solid tumors and HIV with either a single drug or combined with other drugs are being carried out simultaneously in the United States, Japan, Mainland China and Taiwan, as well as in other countries and regions.

About Tyvyt (sintilimab injection)

Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) is an innovative drug jointly developed in China by Innovent and Eli Lilly and Company. Innovent is currently conducting the clinical studies of sintilimab injection in the United States. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) is a type of immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody, which binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of T-cells, blocks the PD-1/ PD-1 Ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway and reactivates T-cells to kill cancer cells. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) is the only PD-1 antibody in China branded by both a local biopharmaceutical company and a global pharmaceutical company. Tyvyt (sintilimab injection) has been granted marketing approval by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (r/r cHL). There are currently more than twenty clinical studies of sintilimab injection, including seven registration studies, are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of sintilimab injection on other solid tumors.

About IBI305 (bevacizumab biosimilar)

IBI305 is a biosimilar product candidate of bevacizumab and a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody for injection. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor in angiogenesis that is highly expressed by endothelial cells in most human tumors. An anti-VEGF antibody binds VEGF selectively with high affinity and blocks its binding to VEGF receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells, therefore inhibiting signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt/PKB and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK. Bevacizumab produces anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the growth, proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, blocking angiogenesis, reducing vascular permeability, blocking blood supply to tumor tissues, inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. The new drug application (NDA) of IBI305 was accepted by the NMPA on 29 January 2019.

About Chipscreen Biosciences

In 2001, Chipscreen Biosciences was founded in Shenzhen, specializing in the research and development of original small molecule drugs. With the self-created "integrated drug discovery and early evaluation platform based on chemical genetics" as its core competitiveness, Chipscreen Biosciences has now become one of China's leading innovative drug enterprises, forming a modern biomedicine group company in Shenzhen, as its headquarters / research and development center / Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) production base, Chengdu, as a regional headquarter / research and development center / GMP production base, Beijing clinical research center and Shanghai commercial center. At present, the company has developed a number of original new drug product lines for tumors, diabetes, and endocrine and autoimmune diseases. In December 2014, the original anti-tumor new drug Chidamide was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for listing. For more information, please visit: www.chipscreen.com.

For inquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

+86-755-2695-2070



About Innovent

Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high quality innovative medicines for the treatment of major diseases such as cancer. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK.

Since it was founded, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built up a robust pipeline of 20 innovative assets in the fields of oncology, ophthalmology, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases. Fourteen have entered into clinical development, four have entered Phase III clinical trials, two monoclonal antibodies have their New Drug Application (NDA) under review and one, Tyvyt (sintilimab injection), is now approved for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (r/r cHL).

Innovent has built an international team of advanced talents in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many overseas experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab, Incyte, Hanmi and other international pharmaceutical companies. Innovent strives to work with all relevant parties to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability to ordinary people and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com.

For inquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

+86-512-6956 6088

SOURCE Innovent Biologics, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.innoventbio.com


SINGAPORE, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hummingbird Bioscience, a systems-biology enabled biotech company focused on the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics, today announced James P. Allison, Ph.D. and Padmanee Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., have joined its Scientific Advisory Board.

One of the world's most renowned scientists, Dr. Allison has spent his career studying the regulation of T cell responses. In 2018, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. Dr. Allison's work led to the development of an antibody to human CTLA-4 called ipilimumab which became the first immune checkpoint blockade therapy ever approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The approval of ipilimumab cleared the path for the emerging field of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in the treatment of cancer. His current work is focused on improving immune checkpoint blockade therapies and identifying new targets to unleash the immune system and eradicate cancer. Dr. Allison is a member of the National Academies of Science and Medicine and is currently Chair of the Department of Immunology, the Vivian L. Smith Distinguished Chair in Immunology, the Executive Director of the Immunotherapy Platform and Co-Director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A scientific leader in oncology, specializing in renal, bladder and prostate cancer, Dr. Sharma is focused on understanding resistance mechanisms within the immune system that impact anti-tumor responses. For more than a decade, she has been a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Dr. Sharma's work on new pathways to treat prostate cancer implicated for the first time in a human tumor the checkpoint VISTA in inhibiting immune responses. In partnership with Dr. Allison, Dr. Sharma is currently exploring combinations of immunological therapies and targeted drugs in preclinical studies to treat a variety of cancers more effectively. Dr. Sharma is a professor of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and Immunology in the Division of Cancer Medicine, the T.C. and Jeanette Hsu Endowed Chair in Cell Biology, the Scientific Director of the Immunotherapy Platform and the Co-Director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

"I am pleased to join the Scientific Advisory Board of Hummingbird Bioscience at this exciting moment in the development of its pipeline," said Dr. Allison. "We have a unique opportunity to explore the potential of its anti-VISTA antibody, which was identified through Hummingbird's rational antibody discovery approach to developing new oncology drug candidates."

Hummingbird Bioscience harnesses the power of systems biology to generate highly differentiated therapeutic antibodies for use in precision medicine. Among its anticipated first-in-class immuno-oncology drug candidates, Hummingbird has developed a novel anti-VISTA antibody, HMBD-002-V4, to target and inhibit a predicted functional domain on the immune checkpoint protein VISTA and unleash the body's immune response against cancer.

"It is wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Hummingbird Bioscience Scientific Advisory Board," said Dr. Sharma. "Among various VISTA molecules in development globally, Hummingbird's HMBD-002-V4 is particularly interesting because it binds a uniquely differentiated and species conserved epitope to neutralize VISTA activity and in doing so has the potential to potently inhibit tumor growth by remodelling an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment."

HMBD-002-V4 is wholly owned and developed by Hummingbird Bioscience.

"We are delighted and honoured to have Drs. Allison and Sharma join our board of scientific advisors," said Piers Ingram, Ph.D., CEO of Hummingbird Bioscience. "Their deep experience and tremendous track record in oncology and immunotherapy will undoubtedly strengthen and enhance our scientific development of new antibody therapies."

About Hummingbird Bioscience

Hummingbird Bioscience is an innovative therapeutics development company with a proprietary rational antibody discovery platform and deep experience in applying integrative genomics and proteomics. Hummingbird develops precision therapeutic antibodies to clinical proof-of-concept for patients with the highest unmet need. The company has a pipeline of first or best-in-class drug candidates. Within its pipeline, HMBD-001 (anti-HER3 antibody) and HMBD-002 (anti-VISTA antibody) are anticipated to start clinical trials in 2020. The company has locations in South San Francisco, Calif. and Singapore. For more information on Hummingbird Bioscience visit http://www.hummingbirdbioscience.com/

Press Inquiries:

McDougall Communications on behalf of Hummingbird Bioscience

Elizabeth Harness, [email protected], Tel: +1 (585) 435-7379

SOURCE Hummingbird Bioscience
TOKYO, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Niwano Peace Foundation will award the 36th Niwano Peace Prize to Dr. John Paul Lederach, Professor Emeritus of International Peacebuilding at the Kroc Institute for Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame and a Distinguished Scholar at Eastern Mennonite University in the United States.

An award presentation ceremony will take place in Tokyo on May 8 at 10:30 a.m. In addition to an award certificate, Dr. Lederach will receive a medal and a cash prize of 20 million yen.

In many war-torn settings like Colombia, Nepal, Northern Ireland and Somalia, Dr. Lederach has provided accompaniment for local communities most affected by decades of violence. As a practitioner-scholar, his academic work draws on this rich experience in the field as a mediator, negotiator, peacebuilding practitioner, trainer and consultant.

In selecting Dr. Lederach as a recipient for 2019, the Niwano Peace Prize Committee said he "has helped support and encourage evolving peace processes, give voice to those on the margins of society and empower ordinary citizens to transform ongoing and emerging conflict in a healthy and positive way."

Moreover, his "contribution on conflict transformation through his teaching, training, practicing and his own organizational network has given tremendous inspiration and courage to peace activists and practitioners around the world," it said.

Niwano Peace Prize:

The Niwano Peace Foundation established the Niwano Peace Prize to honor and encourage individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to inter-religious cooperation, thereby furthering the cause of world peace, and to make their achievements known as widely as possible. The foundation hopes in this way both to enhance inter-religious understanding and cooperation and to encourage the emergence of still more persons devoted to working for world peace. The prize is named in honor of the founder and first president of the lay Buddhist organization Rissho Kosei-kai, Nikkyo Niwano.

Niwano Peace Foundation:

The Niwano Peace Foundation was chartered in 1978 to contribute to the realization of world peace and the enhancement of a culture of peace. The foundation promotes research and other activities based on a religious spirit and serves the cause of peace in such fields as education, science, religion and philosophy.

Contact:

(Ms.) Natsuki Kudo

Niwano Peace Foundation

Tel: +81-3-3226-4371

Fax: +81-3-3226-1835

[email protected]

http://www.npf.or.jp/english/

SOURCE Niwano Peace Foundation
ALBANY, New York, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global base oil market is highly fragmented due to the presence of innumerable small as well as large-scale companies, observes Transparency Market Research based on a newly published report. Major industries participants in the global base oil market are Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Nynas AB, Russian Rosneft, BP, and China Petrochemical Corporation, among others. Among these, Russian Rosneft and BP that are likely to get into a tie-up to create a new joint Venture Company.

According to the research report by Transparency Market Research, the global base oil market was valued at US$33.2 bn in 2017 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% from 2018 to 2026. Based on type, the market is segmented into Group II and Group III. Growing adoption of these segments has increased ground transportation, aviation, and commercial road transportation. This is anticipated to support growth of the global base oil market over the next eight years. Region-wise, consumption of base oil in Asia-Pacific is expected to increase, owing to growth in industrial development, demand from the automotive industry, and stable economic growth.

Request a Sample of Global Base Oil Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=288

Less Polluting Automobiles is Boosting the Market

Base oils are a major constituent of any lubricant, which meets certain criteria such as viscosity, oxidation, pour point, seal compatibility, additive solubility, and thermal stability. The global base oil market is witnessing an uptick in demand owing to the stringent environmental regulations. Moreover, preference for finished lubricants, especially from the automobile industry is also growing. Automotive lubricants such as suspension oil and many more are driving the global base oil market. These automotive lubricants are becoming critically important to ensure smoother functioning and less polluting automobiles. Development in automotive business will raised requirement for finished lubricants. Fast industrialization in rising economies drives the requirement for lubricants with different end user segmentation.

The liquid's viscosity at various temperatures is one of the most essential factors of the global base oil market. Raw petroleum or crude oil is fitting to make base oil. Moreover, to identify it, the base oil molecules are tested to see just how effectively these can be separated.

Extraction of base oil is done by refining crude oil. For this, crude oil is heated to separate various distillate from one another. During the heating process, light and heavy hydrocarbons are separated. The light ones are further refined to make petrol and other fuels, while the heavier ones are suitable for bitumen and base oils.

Request For Multiple Chapters: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=288

Increasing Demand for Electric Vehicles Challenges Base Oil Market

Reducing crude oil values affects the base oil revenues that hamper the global base oil market. Moreover gradual move to weight and sour crude oil through refiners will harmfully forces base oil production. In addition, increasing demand and government subsidies in the European and Asian markets for electric vehicles are expected to hamper the demand for base oil in the end. Furthermore, the recent slump in crude oil prices has negatively affected the base oil market.

Nonetheless, the global shift from Group I base oils to Group II & III present numerous growth opportunities to market players.

Request For Discount On This Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=288

This review is based on Transparency Market Research's report, titled "Base Oil Market" based on (Group - Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV, Group V, Napthemic, Re-refined; Application - Automotive Fluids, Process Oils, Industrial Oils, Metalworking Fluids, Hydraulic Oil, Rust Prevention Oils, Greases, and Marine Lubricants) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2018 - 2026".

Global base oil market has been segmented as follows:

Group

Group I

SN 150



BS 150



SN 250



SN 500



SN 70



SN 130



SN 350



SN 900



SN 1200

Group II

N 150



N 500



N 600



N 70,



N 100



N 220

Group III

2 cSt



4 cSt



6 cSt



8 cSt

Group IV (PAO)

Group V (excluding Naphthenic)

Naphthenic

35-60 SUS



80-130 SUS



200-300 SUS



400-800 SUS



Above 1200 SUS

Re-refined

Global Base Oil Market, by Application

Automotive Fluids

Process Oils

Industrial Oils

Metalworking Fluids

Hydraulic Oils

Rust Prevention Oils

Greases

Marine Lubricants

Global Base Oil Market, by Region

North America

U.S.



Canada

Europe

Germany



U.K.



Italy



France



Spain



Russia & CIS

& CIS

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China



Japan



India



ASEAN



Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

GCC



South Africa



Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico



Rest of South America

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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.

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SOURCE Transparency Market Research
DUBLIN, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Transit Packaging Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2019-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global transit packaging market is projected to reach revenues of approximately $148 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of more than 3% during 2018-2024.

The retail sector is gaining momentum and is driving the demand for a variety of transit packaging products that are useful for packaging and transporting the goods in the sector. The implementation of stringent environmental regulations and laws are driving the demand for returnable and reusable packages in the market.

The global transit packaging market is driven by the growth of end-user industries such as food & beverages, retail, electrical & electronics, and industrial goods. The industrialization, trade, and urbanization in the European and North American region will drive revenues in the global market. The market research report provides in-depth market analysis and segmental analysis of the global transit packaging market by product type, end-user type, and geography.

Transit Packaging Market - Dynamics

Major players catering to the global transit packaging market are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions with market related organizations in order to expand their current reach. Several vendors catering to the global transit packaging market have opted for strategic acquisitions and certain divestitures enabling them to grow across geographies tactically.

The increasing penetration of local/regional vendors in the transit packaging market force the global level vendors to take up strategic initiatives for growth. Several global vendors opt for strategic consolidations across geographies, thereby engaging in acquisitions of certain local/regional vendors.The rise in technology adoption across geographies, a key market segment which has evolved significantly over the last few years is the e-commerce segment.

This market segment has evolved in a highly beneficial manner for the global transit packaging market. Although a part of the retail end-user industry, the growth in the market segment adds to an additional need for transit packaging of goods. Each online order correlates with an additional layer of transit packaging of goods thereby providing opportunity for the market to grow.

The concept of retail ready packaging (also known as shelf ready packaging at times) tends to offer a lucrative opportunity for the vendors catering to the transit packaging market owing to factors such as high demand across end-user industry customers and the innovative differentiating scope for the vendors in it. Brands today want to eliminate the high demand across end-user industry customers and the innovative differentiating scope for the vendors in it.

Transit Packaging Market - Segmentation

This market research report includes a detailed segmentation of the market by product type, end-user type, and geography.The global transit packaging market by product type is segmented into corrugated boxes, crates (wooden crates & plastic crates), pallets (wooden pallets, plastic pallets, & metal pallets), and other protective packaging (bubble wraps, air cushions, foam packaging, insulated shipping containers, tapes, & protective mailers). The corrugated boxes dominated more than half of the total market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of around 4% during the forecast period.

The extensive use of corrugated boxes across different industries in the European and North American region is driving the growth of this segment in the global market.The market for crates in the transit packaging industry is expected to witness a stable growth in the coming years owing to less available alternatives of the product across transit of end-user industries goods such as food, beverages, and other retail items among others.

The end-user segment in the global transit packaging market is divided into food & beverage, retail, electrical & electronic industry, industrial goods, and others. The retail sector is the fastest growing end-user segment in the global market, at a CAGR of approximately 4% during the forecast period. The exponential growth of the e-commerce industry is contributing to the revenues in the retail segment in the global market. With increasing penetration of smartphones and rise in the number of mobile users, the vendors are leveraging digital printing packaging solutions to promote product differentiation and attract the maximum number of consumers in the global market.

The growth in the sector is accompanied by certain variations across the geographic regulations necessary for packaging. Over the years significant directives have been issued by governments across geographies, ensuring that the packaging material used for storing the food products are as per the set standards. The products serving the F&B industry require to undergo various stages in a supply chain. A wide range of transit packaging products are used across the food & beverages sector depending upon the product being packed, nature of the product being packed, journey the product has to undergo and other durability and promotional factors.

Transit Packaging Market - Geography

The global transit packaging market by geography is classified into APAC, Europe, North America, Latin America, and MEA. APAC occupied more than 1/3rd of the total market share in 2018, growing at a CAGR of more than 3% during the forecast period. The economic development, rising number of investments, and increasing rate of consumption are driving the growth of the APAC region in the global market. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are among the largest revenue generators in the global market.

The development of various end-user industries such as food & beverages, retail, electrical & electronics, and industrial goods is propelling the demand for innovative products in the APAC market.One of the key drivers of growth for the market in Europe has been the consumer spending increase in the region. High consumer spending across end-user industry goods remains as one of the key factors for the growth numbers of the region in 2017. Structural reforms to encourage job development or contain wages have helped the employment statistic recover in countries such as France, Belgium, and Italy among others.

Key Vendor Analysis

The global transit packaging market is highly competitive due to the presence of various international and regional players. The factors such as innovative product offerings, mergers & acquisitions, sustainable packaging, and huge investments across R&D is fueling the competition among leading vendors operating in the global market. The top companies are expanding their businesses to different regions to gain a larger market share. Durability and looks are emerging as the main product differentiation factors in the global transit packaging market.

The major vendors in the global transit packaging market are:

Mondi

Smurfit Kappa

DS Smith

Greif

Sonoco Products Company



Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Research Objectives



3 Research Process



4 Report Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of Study



5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Inclusions

5.3 Exclusions

5.4 Currency Conversion

5.5 Market Derivation



6 Market at a Glance

7 Introduction

7.1 Overview



8 Market Dynamics

8.1 Market Growth Enablers

8.1.1 Protective packaging an elementary requisite

8.1.2 Substantial consolidation by global vendors

8.1.3 Higher demand for sustainable transit packaging solutions

8.1.4 Global exports pushing quality of transit packaging

8.2 Market Growth Restraints

8.2.1 Hindrance caused by microbrands

8.2.2 Environmental impact of transit packaging products

8.2.3 Political influences impacting transit packaging

8.3 Market Opportunities & Trends

8.3.1 Retail-ready packaging: a fast-growing segment

8.3.2 Technological advancements boosting transit packaging

8.3.3 E-commerce revolutionizing transit packaging

8.3.4 Innovations key to growth



9 Value Chain Analysis

9.1 Overview

9.2 Value Chain Analysis

9.2.1 Manufacturers

9.2.2 Packaging & Labeling

9.2.3 Warehousing

9.2.4 Shipments

9.2.5 Distributors

9.2.6 Customers



10 Market Landscape

10.1 Market Overview

10.2 Market Size & Forecast

10.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis



11 By Product Type

11.1 Market Overview

11.2 Corrugated Boxes

11.2.1 Market Size & Forecast

11.2.2 Market by Geography

11.3 Crates

11.4 Pallets

11.5 Other Protective Packaging

11.5.1 Market Size & Forecast

11.5.2 Other Protective Packaging: Market by Geography

11.5.3 Bubble Wraps: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.4 Bubble Wrap: Market by Geography

11.5.5 Air Cushions: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.6 Air Cushions: Market by Geography

11.5.7 Foam Packaging: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.8 Foam Packaging: Market by Geography

11.5.9 Insulated Shipping Containers: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.10 Insulated Shipping Containers: Market by Geography

11.5.11 Tapes: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.12 Tapes: Market by Geography

11.5.13 Protective Mailers: Market Size & Forecast

11.5.14 Protective Mailers: Market by Geography



12 By End-User Industries

12.1 Market Overview

12.2 Food & Beverages

12.3 Retail

12.4 Industrial Goods

12.5 Electrical & Electronics

12.6 Others



13 By Geography

13.1 Market Overview



14 APAC



15 Europe



16 North America



17 Latin America



18 Middle-East and Africa



19 Competitive Landscape

19.1 Competition Overview



20 Key Company Profiles

20.1 Mondi

20.1.1 Business overview

20.1.2 Business Segments

20.1.3 Mondi in Global Transit Packaging Market

20.1.4 Major Product Offerings

20.1.5 Key Strengths

20.1.6 Key Strategies

20.1.7 Key Opportunities

20.2 Smurfit Kappa

20.3 DS Smith

20.4 Greif

20.5 Sonoco Products Company



21 Other Prominent Vendors

21.1 Automated Packaging Co.

21.1.1 Business Overview

21.1.2 Key Strategies

21.2 Belmont Packaging

21.3 BillerudKorsns

21.4 Cardboard Box Company

21.5 Cascades

21.6 Cellofoam North America

21.7 De Jong Verpakking

21.8 Elopak AS

21.9 Eltete TPM

21.10 Georgia-Pacific

21.11 GWP

21.12 Huhtamaki

21.13 International Paper Co

21.14 iVEX

21.15 Macfarlane Group

21.16 Mecmesin

21.17 Nefab Ab

21.18 Nicklin Transit Packaging

21.19 NNZ

21.20 Packaging Corporation of America

21.21 Papier-Mettler KG

21.22 Pratt Industries

21.23 Pregis

21.24 Protective Packaging Solutions

21.25 Sealed Air

21.26 Smithpack

21.27 STI Group

21.28 Universal Protective Packaging

21.29 Weedon Corrugated Products

21.30 WestRock



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ws62lx/148_bn_transit?w=5

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ALGIERS, Algeria, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche, Novartis, Ipsen, Amana, Tango and Redmed group were recognized yesterday as the Best Places To Work in Algeria for 2019 according to the annual workplace survey driven by the global research firm Best Companies Group USA. The celebration event was held earlier in Sofitel Algiers with the participation of over 100 guests from government and leading national and multinational companies operating in Algeria.

Best Places to Work is an international program providing employers the opportunity to assess the engagement and happiness of their employees in order to recognize and honor those who deliver an outstanding work experience. Determining the Best Places To Work in Algeria is a two-step process: The first one is based on companies workplace policies and practices assessment. The second one is an employee's surveys aimed to evaluate the experiences and the engagement level.

This year research shows that engaged employees stay with their employers longer, serve customers more effectively and help to contribute toward a profitable company.

"Roche is a company naturally turned towards humans. Because of our activities, we develop our current and future well-being by meeting the medical needs of our patients. For this reason, we invest a lot of resources in human capital which makes the strength of our company," said Amine Riadh SEKHRI, General Manager for Roche Algeria.

"Proud being part of Novartis Algeria and to see that our employees are developing their skills in an attractive work environment. A shared vision, common goals, open communication and mutual respect mean that we appreciate coming to work every morning and this is in fact reflected in our performance," said Karim HARCHAOU, General Manager for Novartis Algeria.

"The performance of Ipsen Pharma Algeria is essentially based on people who work on a daily basis to advance scientific knowledge and provide access to treatment for patients. Our employees are the heart of our performance," said Yasmine ZIDANE General Manager for Ipsen.

"We were happy and proud to participate in the program. The results will be rich in lessons to continue to build a strong and successful company focusing on people," said Olivier DE LA GUERONNIERE, General Manager for Amana.

"The safety of our employees is paramount. We respect our values, passion for quality, respect for people and planet. In addition, we are proud to work with the most advanced methods and processes in the world," said Etienne SAADA, General Manager for Tango.

"At Redmed, we consider HR management as an important component of the Group's overall strategy," said Omar GRAINE, Chief Operating Officer for Redmed.

"Companies recognized this year in Algeria offer excellent employee conditions, outstanding opportunities for learning and development and best-in-class HR practices," said Hamza Idrissi, Program Manager for Algeria.

ABOUT BEST PLACES TO WORK PROGRAM

The Best Places To Work Program certifies and recognizes leading workplaces in several countries including leading programs in US, Africa, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The program focuses on 8 Workplace factors including culture, opportunities for growth and overall employee satisfaction with the company's people practices. An HR assessment is also conducted to examine HR practices within the organization. Further, the certification is only awarded to companies with the highest standards of excellence in regards to employee working conditions.

Contact

Best Places to Work in Algeria Program

Tel: +213 553 961 366

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CNBC

February 18, 2019

Seven U.K. lawmakers announced their resignation from the U.K.s main opposition Labour party on Monday.

Speaking first, lawmaker Luciana Berger said that from today the group would sit in the U.K. Parliament as a new group of MPs, known as The Independent Group.

Berger cited the party leaderships failure to address racism against Jewish people as her main reason for leaving as well as an ongoing culture of bullying.

I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party, the Liverpool Wavertree MP said. I have come to the sickening conclusion that it is institutionally anti-semitic.

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Voice Of Europe

February 18, 2019

More than 300 parents and children gathered outside Parkfield Community School, Birmingham, to protest against lessons on equality at the school including issues of homosexuality and gender.

Some Muslim demonstrators said they would rather leave the UK than allow their children to continue attending the school.

Pupils at the school have five of these lessons a year, covering areas outlined in the Act: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Parents anger is aimed at the schools assistant head Andrew Moffat, who is behind the No Outsiders lessons. He created the scheme to teach children about the Equality Act and British values.

The programme was first piloted at the school in 2014 and is now also taught at dozens of other schools in the country.

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Breitbart

February 18, 2019

The French Interior Ministry has announced that around 8,400 Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vest) protestors have been arrested since November, while the European Parliament has finally condemned police violence against the demonstrators.

Over a three-month period, the French authorities have arrested around 8,400 Yellow Vests, of which 7,500 were placed into police custody according to new figures released by French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, Le Figaro reports.

The announcement comes after Castaner revealed that there have, so far, been 1,800 convictions of Yellow Vest activists. Most recently Yellow Vest boxer Christophe Dettinger, who fought riot police with his bare hands, was handed a 30-month prison sentence with 18 months suspended earlier this week.

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Sputnik

February 18, 2019

Swedish Social Security Minister Annika Strandhall has sparked an international spat by making Nazi references in connection with Hungarys family policy, which is intended to boost birth rates.

Swedens ambassador to Hungary has received protests from the Hungarian government following Social Security Minister Annika Strandhalls incendiary tweet against Budapests policy to completely exempt mothers of four from taxes.

Strandhall wrote that Prime Minister Viktor Orbans demand for more genuine Hungarian children was offensive, reeked of the 1930s and effectively offset the benefits of feminism.

What is happening in Hungary is alarming. Now Orban wants more genuine Hungarian children to be born. The policy reeks of the 30s. A right-wing populist you need smokescreens for what this type of policy does to the independence women have been struggling for, Strandhall tweeted.

Det som sker i Ungern ar alarmerande. Nu vill Orban att fler akta ungerska barn fods. Politiken osar 30-tal och som hogerpopulist behover man skapa dimridaer for vad den har typen av politik gor med den sjalvstandighet kvinnor kampat for. https://t.co/xWlXrE3Ch5  Annika Strandhall (@strandhall) February 12, 2019

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Daily Caller

February 18, 2019

When Jussie Smollett claimed he was assaulted by two men wearing Make America Great Again hats, many Democratic politicians quickly came to his defense.

Those Democrats included Sens. Cory Booker and Kamala Harris, and Reps. Maxine Waters, Nancy Pelosi, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among others.

Waters blamed the attack on President Donald Trump and asked, Why all of a sudden do we have people unable to study while black, unable to mow a lawn while black, unable to have picnic while black, and being attacked?

Pelosi tweeted, The racist, homophobic attack on [Smollett] is an affront to our humanity. No one should be attacked for who they are or whom they love.

Kamala Harris tweeted that the attack was a modern-day lynching, while her fellow senator and presidential candidate Cory Booker used the same term to describe the alleged attack.

Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez tweeted that the attack was not possibly a racist and homophobic attack, but that it was a racist and homophobic attack.

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RT

February 18, 2019

Facebook has suspended several accounts operated by Maffick Media without prior warning, right after CNN ran a report about the companys perceived ties to the Kremlin.

In what seems to be a new step in the social media giants fight against perceived Russian propaganda, Facebook took down, without prior notice, several pages offering video content. The social media network said it would ask the administrators of Soapbox, Back Then and Waste-Ed to disclose their Russian affiliations.

People connecting with Pages shouldnt be misled about whos behind them. Just as weve stepped up our enforcement of coordinated inauthentic behavior and financially motivated spam over the past year, well continue improving so people can get more information about the Pages they follow, a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

However, no official requests were filed with Maffick Media, the German-based company operating all three pages. They were not notified before the fact, which prompted an angry response (posted on Mafficks front page at the time of writing) in which they branded Facebook policies new McCarthyism. All three pages remained offline on Monday.

The accounts were suspended shortly after CNN aired a report with the catchy headline Kremlin funds viral videos aimed at millennials, in which it listed all three pages as part of the Kremlins influence campaign targeting unsuspecting young American adults. CNN stated that German-based Maffick Media is mostly owned by Ruptly video news agency  a subsidiary of RT  and is thus in the Kremlins back pocket.

An open secret

CNN also repeatedly accused Maffick of concealing its suspected ties to Russia to mislead its audience. While, indeed, none of the pages bore a glowing stamp that said paid for by the Kremlin, they were never told that they were required to do so. Besides, no special effort was made to hide the funding sources  as proved by the CNN reporters themselves, who used an online commercial registers database to acquire documents showing that Maffick is 51 percent (which CNN generalized as mostly) owned by Ruptly.

The remaining near-half belongs to Maffick CEO Anissa Naouai, an American journalist of Tunisian descent. Before launching her independent project, Naouai founded the show In The Now, which was aired by RT International (and whose Facebook page was also suspended), and before that, worked as a reporter and presenter for RT. She says the company only fully employs people in Berlin and hires Americans as freelancers.

Incidentally, CNNs own report was based on a tip from the German Marshall Fund, financed by the US, German, and other governments. Among the Funds other accomplishments is the questionable Hamilton 68 Russian propaganda tracker  a website that labels Twitter accounts as Russian influence operations and tracks their activities based on an undisclosed methodology that is impossible to verify  but is still embraced by multiple US mainstream media outlets as a reliable tool.

Unexplained ban

Facebooks decision to shut down the pages run by Maffick has gone unexplained so far. The company did not break any of the social media networks rules, which as of now do not demand that anyone post funding details on their Facebook pages. On top of that, numerous other media companies supported with government money  including NPR, PBS, BBC, DW, CBC, and AJ+  never had to deal with similar treatment, Maffick notes.

Maffick was singled out for the sole reason that Russia is the supporting government, the company says.

Regardless of what you think of @RaniaKhalek, Russia or anything else, this trio  CNN, US-funded German Marshall funded, and Facebook  working together to selectively censor is highly disturbing. But this is the inevitable outcome of begging FB to censor https://t.co/OyElNWwoue https://t.co/xKbJ3l0Fsk  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) February 16, 2019

Maffick Media says it is editorially independent  but, as per the CNN report, much of [its] content seemed to be perfectly aligned with much of the propaganda coming out of the Kremlin  that is to say, the content does not align with the mainstream view of American policies.

If I oppose a US war, does that automatically mean I am going to be accused of being aligned with the Kremlin? With this Russia hysteria we are experiencing now I feel like this is a very, very dangerous McCarthyist tactic to start saying that leftist views, anti-war views are just the Kremlin governments talking points.

This is what Rania Khalek, the American host of Soapbox  one of the video shows Maffick ran on Facebook  told CNN when asked about her alleged connections to Moscow.

Each of the suspended pages had tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, while their videos were viewed tens of millions of times, according to CNN  a level of popularity which possibly spurred Facebook to take such drastic and swift measures to silence them.

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NY Post

February 18, 2019

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday that US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was wrong to have claimed the collapse of the Amazon deal would free up $3 billion to fix the citys subways and hire more teachers.

During an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press, de Blasio agreed when host Chuck Todd said that the tax breaks offered to Amazon werent money you had over here. And it was going over there.

Correct, de Blasio said.

He added: And that $3 billion that would go back in tax incentives was only after we were getting the jobs and getting the revenue.

To further drive home the point, Todd said, Theres not $3 billion in money 

Theres no money  right, de Blasio said.

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Lara Logan says the media has abandoned any pretense of objectivity

Paul Joseph Watson

PrisonPlanet.com

February 18, 2019

Lara Logan, chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News, admits that journalists have abandoned any pretense of objectivity and become political activists.

During an interview with the Mike Drop podcast, Logan agreed with host Mike Ritland that the media had become hyper-partisan in favor of Democrats and that this was a disaster for America.

The media everywhere is mostly liberal, not just the U.S., said Logan, adding that this made it impossible for the viewer to tell if they were being deceived at any given moment.

How do you know youre being lied to? How do you know youre being manipulated? How do you know theres something not right with the coverage? When they simplify it all [and] theres no grey. Its all one way. Well, life isnt like that. If it doesnt match real life, its probably not. Somethings wrong. For example, all the coverage on Trump all the time is negative.  Thats a distortion of the way things go in real life.

Acknowledging that, One ideological perspective on everything never leads to an open free diverse tolerant society, Logan said that many of todays journalists are in fact lobbyists for far-left political narratives.

A d v e r t i s e m e n t



Although the media has historically always been left-leaning, weve abandoned our pretense  or at least the effort  to be objective, today.  Weve become political activists, and some could argue propagandists, and theres some merit to that.

The war correspondent noted that this heavily weighted bias in favor of leftist perspectives was distorting reality.

When you turn on your computer, or you walk past the TV, or you see a newspaper headline in the grocery store If theyre all saying the same thing, the weight of that convinces you that its true, said Logan. You dont question it, because everyone is saying it.

Logan also blasted news reports that were based on single anonymous government sources, asserting Thats not journalism, its horseshit, while demanding that journalists are more accountable.

Responsibility for fake news begins with us, she said.

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Calls for actor to be arrested for allegedly staging hate crime

Paul Joseph Watson

PrisonPlanet.com

February 18, 2019

Black civil rights activist Najee Ali is calling for the arrest and prosecution of actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly lying about being the victim of a hate crime, saying Smollett could have unintentionally triggered a race war.

During a press conference yesterday, Ali, who is the director of Project Islamic HOPE, said Smolletts actions were an insult to real victims of hate crime.

Its a slap in the face. We have many members of the black community and the LGBTQ community who have been the victims of racism and hate crimes, so for Smollett to say that he was a victimand we believe is a liecertainly is an injustice to those true victims, Ali said. Jussie Smollett must be brought to justice for lying.

Ali also expressed concern that Smollett could have created a race war because more extreme members of the black community were so angry that they wanted to retaliate violently.

If Jussie Smollett really wants to do whats right, hell stop this campaign of lies, said Ali.

After initially believing the story that Smollett was attacked by racist Trump supporters who yelled, This is MAGA country, Ali said he changed his mind after Smolletts campaign of lies continued to be unraveled.

Alis response is more honest than most leftists reaction, the vast majority of whom have refused to address the issue despite vociferous initial tweets that blamed the attack on Trump and his supporters before any evidence was in.

Leftists after zero evidence of Smollett attack being carried out by Trump supporters; "This was definitely evil, homophobic, racist Trump supporters' fault!" Leftists after several pieces of evidence suggest Smollett staged attack; "We have to wait for the evidence!"  Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) February 18, 2019

As Michael David Smith highlights, it appears as though Smollett thought police had two innocent men in custody and was ready to testify against them for carrying out the attack.

Only when he found out that the two suspects in custody were the Nigerian brothers he allegedly paid to stage the attack did Smollett change his mind.

If this is true, it's horrific. The implication is that Jussie Smollett thought the police had two innocent men in custody and he said he would testify against them. Only when he realized the cops got the right guys-the guys he orchestrated the hoax with-did he refuse to comply. pic.twitter.com/7Ka7RSI7OW  Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) February 18, 2019

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Plattsburgh, NY (12901)

Today

Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with showers and scattered thunderstorms. Storms more numerous during the evening. Low 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
This is an uphill battle. Lets hope fairness overcomes the current system and the opposition to change from those who prosper from it.

Joseph Gundy

Mays Landing

Enjoyed work with Lopez at Stockton on his show

The recent story on Bert Lopezs Happy Place gave me two big reasons to smile. I had the pleasure of working with Lopez on his show, Latino Motion, while taking the TV production internship at Stockton University, where it is filmed. He is a very gracious and professional gentleman. He treated us kindly and with respect, and each one of our group looked forward to giving him and his program our best efforts, week in and week out. He even took us all out to dinner after the last show of the semester.

The second smile came when I saw the photograph of Lopez holding a bobblehead of himself sitting at a TV anchor desk. It was my internship group that gave it to him as a gift at the end of our time together, feeling that we needed to let him know how much we appreciated his patience and professionalism. That is the kind of impact he had on us, and its heartwarming indeed to see that he keeps our gift in his Happy Place.

Kenneth A. Kin

Galloway Township
The budget deal signed by President Donald Trump on Friday includes $6 million to help restore the Delaware River Basin.

The Interior Appropriations bill, passed to avoid another government shutdown, gives an extra $1 million to the Delaware River Restoration and Conservation Program compared to last year.

The program was created in 2016 through federal legislation and is overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It gives technical assistance and grants to New Jersey, nonprofits, municipalities and surrounding states to fight habitat degradation, invasive species and climate change.

The program is off to a strong beginning, and we look forward to seeing the second round of on-the-ground projects move forward, Sandra Meola said in a news release. Meola is director at New Jersey Audubon and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

The basin, home to hundreds of fish and bird species, is threatened by overdevelopment, flooding, stream erosion and other environmental challenges, Meola said. The Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, American kestrel and Pine Barrens tree frog are among several threatened or endangered species that depend on the body of water.

At the same time, she said, it provides millions of people with drinking water in major U.S. cities.
The choice facing voters is freedom or socialism, said NRCC Chairman Tom Emmer, who seemed to paint all Democrats with the broad brush of extremism.

Whether they are calling for open borders, refusing to denounce rampant anti-Semitism, advocating for a 90 percent tax rate or moving to legalize the murder of newborn babies, the new socialist Democrats are pushing an extreme agenda that is sorely out of touch, Emmer said in a news release.

Other New Jerseyans on the list include moderate Democrat Mikie Sherrill, D-11th, a helicopter pilot and veteran who became the first Democrat to lead the Morris County district in many years; Andy Kim, D-3rd; Josh Gottheimer, D-5th; and Tom Malinowski, D-7th.

On the Bartiromo show, Van Drew said he doesnt think Trump should have declared an emergency to move more money than Congress was willing to provide for a longer border wall with Mexico. Van Drew said Trump is overstepping the power of the executive branch.

He called the situation at the border serious and said a working group should continue to consider border security improvements. But he said it did not rise to the level required to take away the power of the purse from Congress under the Constitution.
Wendell Cherry, the Atlantic City Free Public Librarys Fade to Books coordinator, said that more than a dozen barbershops were approached about hosting book collections.

The library learned the school district also has a barbershop book program in five other shops throughout the city, but the library would love to see more city barbershops participate and become Fade to Books locations, Cherry said.

In visits to the shops, barbers tell me how pleased they are to have the books. I have been in shops when parents come with their children. Parents are happy to see the collections. The children head straight to the books, sometimes without prompting from mom or dad, Cherry said.

Dooney Nellom, the owner of Just Cuttn Up, loved the concept of the program. Thats why he agreed to have the books in his shop.

When the kids come into the barbershop, all they do is sit and wait for their haircuts, watch TV sometimes, watch cartoons. It was a good idea when he said can he bring the books in, so the kids can read while they are waiting for their haircuts, Nellom said. I said, Thats a good idea. Why not keep the kids minds sharp?

Javier Ulloa, the manager at Wallys Barbershop, also said yes when approached about the Fade to Books program.
Current high school juniors and seniors will have a clear path to graduation while the state develops a standardized testing plan to replace the graduation rules struck down by a state court in December.

On Friday, the Education Law Center announced an agreement had been reached with the Department of Education to allow students in the classes of 2019 and 2020 to graduate using the previous 2019 standardized testing rules, which were invalidated in the courts New Years Eve ruling.

We are pleased to reach an agreement that safeguards the graduation rights of seniors and juniors who relied on the rules invalidated by the court, said Jessica Levin, attorney for Education Law Center, one of several groups to sue the state over its 2016 changes to its high graduation testing rules. We look forward to working collaboratively with state officials to develop appropriate graduation policies for future classes.

According to Alyana Alfaro, deputy press secretary for Gov. Phil Murphy, the state Appellate Court is expected to accept an agreement this week.
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Suspected arsonists on Sunday night set five houses on fire at Igangan in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun.

The News Agency of Nigerians (NAN) reports that the hoodlums, who attacked the community at about 8.pm, also destroyed property worth millions of naira.

The assailants were also said to have shot one Miss Rukayat Balogun at Iwara in the early hours of Saturday.

The assailants had been on rampage in many communities in the local government in the last two weeks.

The Commissioner of Police in Osun, Abiodun Ige, who was on the spot assessment of the scene of the incident at Igangan on Monday, said the police would beef up security in the area.

The police commissioner also gave an assurance that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice.

Gbenga Ogbara, the Chairman of Atakumosa East Local Government, whose house was burnt, called on security agents to beef up security in the area.

NAN reports that both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in the state had been trading blames in the last two weeks on incessant politically-motivated attacks in the area.

(NAN)
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The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a woman, Iwuagwu Onyinyechi, for allegedly defrauding a church organisation of N100 million.

The police said she defrauded MIA Organisation under the pretence of assisting it raise funds for its charity programme.

The police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, made this known on Sunday.

He explained that the arrest of the suspect followed a petition written by the organisations lawyer, Godswill Ojakovo to the Commissioner of Police.

He said the church counsel complained that his client was defrauded by the suspect through forgery.

He added that the suspect who claimed to have gotten a local purchase order

(LPO) from a company known as Location 3 Properties had appealed to MIA organisation to fund the LPO.

The lawyer said N33.1 million was transfered online to the suspect by the church.

He said while the organisation was awaiting the repayment of the above amount, the suspect came with another LPO she purportedly got from Ancillia Catholic Hospital Iju and Holifull school Ikorodu upon which another N77 million was given to her.

The suspect reportedly showed relevant documents to back her claims.

The police spokesman said as soon as the suspect got the last payment in September 2018, she disappeared into thin air.

This prompted the church to make discreet enquiries about the LPOs submitted and found out that all the LPOs were forged ones.

Upon the petition, the Commissioner of Police Ogun State, Ahmed Iiyasu directed the CPs Monitoring team to go after the suspect and bring her to book. The team technically tracked the suspect and got her arrested on 21st of January 2019, Mr Oyeyemi stated.

He said on interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime.

She reportedly admitted that all the LPOs presented by her were all forged and that the companies where she claimed to have gotten them were imaginary.

The police spokesman said Mr Iliyasu has directed the monitoring team to arraign the suspect in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has accused a governorship candidate as the brain behind the recent development where a man was reportedly caught with sensitive election materials.

Hours to the postponed Saturdays general elections, a man identified as Felix Obisike was reportedly caught with already-written presidential and senatorial results sheets from the three senatorial zones in the state.

Abia government described the result sheets as fake and said it was planted by Uche Ogah, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state whom it accused of using federal might to cause violence.

But in a swift rebuttal, Mr Ogahs campaign team described the claims as false and barefaced fabrication.

The campaign team rather accused the state government of having a hand in the ploy.

According to Sun newspaper, Obisike was caught around the Methodist Church area in Umuahia, the state capital by security operatives following a tipoff from political party officials, near the APC office.

Two other men who were with him at the time. Their names were given as Gaius and Chinedu. They are said to be on the run.

Punch Newspaper reported that the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) later alleged that police arrested Mr Gaius also with already prepared result sheets showing that the states chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party won in the supposed Saturday polls.

In a three minutes and 21 seconds video of the ensuing event that was later circulated online on Saturday and watched by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Obisike had several other documents in his bag, including the letterhead of the office of the Executive Governor of Abia State.

Mr Obisike who claimed to be a beneficiary of N-Power, a federal government empowerment programme, said he worked under the focal person of the programme in the state, Chinenye Nwogu.

After being repeatedly questioned by certain voices in the background of the video, Mr Obisike accepted ownership of the result sheets and other documents, saying it was at the instance of his boss (Mr Nwogu) that he had them in his possession.

Poor forgery

Reacting, the government said it has reviewed the video, claiming it was shared online by Mr Ogah.

John Okiyi Kalu, the state commissioner of Information, in a statement sent to this medium Sunday evening said elementary review showed the INEC result sheets in Mr Obisikes possession was a product of poor forgery.

The entries were typed out as against the usual practice of writing out results in long hands, with ink. Only a candidate who has never contested general elections before will attempt to pass off such a poor forgery as INEC result sheet, Mr Kalu observed.

He said the fake result sheets were planted by thugs working for the governorship candidate after manhandling Mr Obisike and his two other colleagues inside the APC campaign office in the state.

The official noted that the video published online was edited to make it look like Felix (Obisike) confessed to being the one who owned the fake document whereas he never accepted ownership even under duress.

Plot

The commissioner explained his claim on how Mr Ogah masterminded the whole incident.

N-power programs is being anchored by the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais. Her office works with Mr Nwaogu, on the recommendation of our State Governor, as the States Focal Person. Felix Kennedy Obisike is a volunteer beneficiary.

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When beneficiaries of the program in Abia State received attached short messages purportedly from the office of Mrs Uwais, inviting them to a meeting at the Campaign Office of Uche Ogah in Umuahia on the 15th of February, 2019, the focal person in the state forwarded the message to Mrs Uwais to verify the authenticity and she responded that it did not emanate from her or the presidency. On that basis, Mr Nwaogu instructed his assistant, Mr Obisike, to send out SMS to beneficiaries to ignore the invitation.

As a result of that, only a handful of the beneficiaries attended the meeting which apparently irked the Uche Ogah team who identified a friend of Mr Felix in attendance, brutalised and tortured him before using his phone to call Felix and lured him to come to a location near the Uche Ogah Campaign Headquarters to pick his friend up in his car.

On arrival at the location, armed men from Uche Ogahs campaign office pounced on Felix, dragged him into their office and brutalised him mercilessly in the presence of a handful of online media persons who apparently were already positioned at the office to witness the unfolding nefarious act.

They went to Felixs car without him and took an official file belonging to his boss (Chinenye) which he was supposed to deliver in Aba same day and apparently planted the FAKE result sheet inside the file.

Mr Kalu said Mr Obisike was rescued by Department of State Services (DSS) through a tipoff from the N-power focal person.

The official further called for full investigation into the incident.

He (Obisike) disowned the fake document and we call on those investigating the matter to invite all those in the office, including the so-called media practitioners, and demand to see the whole video in its original form as well as get their statements under oath.

Ogah reacts

A member of Mr Ogahs campaign team, Chima Obiwuru, refuted all the claims and accusations by the commissioner, condemning the government in what he described as a failed ploy.

He said the commissioner knows he is lying to himself because the police and the DSS is (sic) involved in the arrests.

He noted that Mr Ogah is neither involved in any abduction or falsified result sheets.

The person that was caught should face his crime. The police and DSS are the ones investigating the matter. The Abia State government knows Uche Ogahs house and office address, Mr Obiwuru told PREMIUM TIMES Monday.

They should go get arrest warrant, if they are sure of what they are saying instead of issuing a lie in the name of press statements. They know what to do. They are just ranting.

The young man that was caught by police officers have (sic) confessed to the crime. They (government) know what they did and that is why they are running, issuing different types of statements because they know what they are running from.

What am telling you is that the long arm of the law will definitely catch up with them, Mr Obiwuru noted.

Police unaware

Meanwhile, according to a report in Daily Trust, the police command in Abia said it is not aware of the alleged arrest.

The spokesman for the command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, did not respond to calls for clarification from PREMIUM TIMES.

He, however, reportedly told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Saturday that he merely read the report of the arrest on a social media platform.

From our end here, we do not have such report. I only read the report in the social media, he said.

Old foes

Messrs Ikpeazu and Ogah have been on war path since the 2015 PDP governorship primaries in Abia where the former won the partys ticket.

While Mr Ogah who had rejected the outcome of the primaries went in and out of courts, Mr Ikpeazu contested the governorship election on PDP platform, won and was subsequently sworn in as the governor of Abia State.

Mr Ogah was to later discover an ambiguity in the tax papers filed by Mr Ikpeazu and he clung to it.

He headed to the court seeking for the disqualification of the governor for alleged falsification of tax documents, while at the same time praying the court declare him the authentic PDP candidate.

In his judgement, Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja High Court ordered Mr Ikpeazu to vacate the seat for Mr Ogah, on grounds of alleged tax offences.

Subsequently, INEC issued a certificate of return to Mr Ogah, despite a pending appeal filed against the judgment.

In its judgement however, the Appeal Court in affirmed Ikpeazus mandate, striking out Justice Abangs judgment. Mr Ikpeazu was ordered to retain his office.

However, the Supreme Court put a final seal on Mr Ikpeazus governorship when it struck out the appeal filed by Mr Ogah.

The old foes have found themselves in a new battleground.

Mr Ogah who left the PDP to fly the flag of APC in the March 9 governorship race in Abia is up against Mr Ikpeazu who is seeking a second term in office under the PDP.
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The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has countered claims by President Muhammadu Buharis campaign council and the Peoples Democratic Party on who is to blame for the postponement of Saturdays presidential elections.

The presidential and National Assembly elections were early last Saturday postponed from February 16 to 23 while state elections were postponed from March 2 to 9. The electoral commission, INEC, mentioned logistics challenges as a reason for the postponement.

After the postponement, Mr Buharis campaign council blamed the PDP for the postponement saying the opposition party seriously needed this breather to orchestrate more devious strategies to try and halt President Buharis momentum.

In its reaction to the postponement, the PDP also blamed Mr Buharis party, APC, for the postponement.

Having failed in all their nefarious options to enable them cling on to power, the APC and the INEC came up with the idea of shifting election an action that is dangerous to our democracy and unacceptable, PDP chairman Uche Secondus said in a statement.

Okorocha counters both

Mr Okorocha, however, counters both groups.

The Imo governor says no political party should be blamed for postponement of the elections.

The postponement of the election by INEC is an unfortunate development and also regrettable, but it is important to note that no political party should be blamed for the postponement, but rather on the challenges facing INEC.

This is also not the first time the nation will witness such development during elections, it happened in 2011 and in 2015 respectively, he said.

In a statement in Owerri on Sunday, Mr Okorocha attributed the postponement to challenges faced by INEC.

He said the ruling APC was ready for elections, describing the postponement as regrettable.

He urged INEC to ensure that all issues were ironed out within the week to ensure seamless elections in the country.

 I only want to urge INEC to use the week of postponement to resolve all the challenges it has and ensure that Nigerians have a smooth, free and fair elections.

APC as the ruling party is ready for the elections and it will be absurd to accuse the ruling party of being responsible for the postponement, he said.

He also urged Nigerians to show patriotism by maintaining peace and understanding.

Mr Okorocha, outgoing Imo governor, is a senatorial candidate of the APC. He has, however, been suspended by the party in the state for supporting the governorship candidate of another party and working against the APC in the governorship and House of Assembly elections in Imo.
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A new Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Dibal Yakadi, has assumed duty in the Zone 5 Command Headquarters in Edo State.

Emeka Iheanacho, a deputy superintendent of police and the Zones Public Relations Officer, disclosed this on Monday in a statement in Benin.

The zone comprises of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.

Mr Iheanacho said the new AIG had resumed office in the zone headquarters since February 11.

He said prior to Mr Yakadis deployment to the zone, he had held various positions in the Nigeria Police Force which included the Commissioner of Police, Benue Police Command.

He also said the new AIG was at one time a Commissioner of Police, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Force Headquarters, Abuja, Commandant, Police College Ikeja, Lagos State, and Commissioner of Police, Niger Police Command.

He further said that the new AIG wished to solicit for the co-operation of the good people of the zone, to assist the police with useful information that would help in checkmating crime and criminality in the entire zone.

The AIG also requests that the good people of the three states in the zone conduct themselves in an orderly manner in the forthcoming general elections, as any act of thuggery and hooliganism will not be tolerated.

He warned officers and men deployed for the election duties across the three states in the zone, to be professional and avoid any act that will tarnish the image of the force, he said.

(NAN)
The senator representing Zamfara Central, Kabiru Marafa, has accused his state governor, Abdulaziz Yari, of causing the postponement of the general elections.

Mr Marafa, who described the postponement as unfortunate, called on all relevant authorities to hold the governor responsible for it.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the early hours of Saturday, said it could no longer go ahead with the election.

The Chairman of the commission, Mahmoud Yakubu, announced the decision just hours before the opening of the polls, after repeatedly assuring Nigerians and international observers he was ready for the crucial elections.

The announcement followed a stakeholders meeting which lasted for hours.

The commission stated logistics and operational plans as reasons, noting that both elections would be shifted by a week each. The presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on February 23 while state elections will hold on March 9.

Angry lawmaker

Mr Marafa in a statement on Sunday said Governor Yari had boasted that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there will not be elections in the country.

During the grand finale of his illegal campaign rallies in his hometown, Talata Mafara, Zamfara on Friday, 8th February, he rained abuses and said unprintable things on the person of INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood, and swore that unless his candidates are enlisted to contest, there wont be elections in Zamfara state and the entire country. Now it has come to pass, what next?

Im calling on the authorities to hold Yari and his accomplices responsible for this treasonable sabotage against the country, Nigerians and humanity in general. Just search on the internet, including YouTube, you will see the stories and videos of where Yari stated emphatically that unless his candidates are accepted, elections wont hold in Zamfara state and Nigeria, he said.

The lawmaker further explained that when Mr Yari conducted illegal primaries, he drew the attention of Nigerians and the world on the dangers inherent in accepting the abuse of the laws.

Instead of being reprimanded, Yari went ahead to the courts to legalise his illegality. Today, the APC has abandoned its earlier position, that it only had a consensus, to supporting Yaris illegal election. This is very sad and unfortunate.

I am not surprised that immediately after the announcement of the postponement, Yaris boys rushed to the media, radio stations jubilating that they have succeeded. This unfortunate incidence should be probed and condemned by all lovers of the country.

This is the time to tell Yari and his co-travellers, that Nigeria is bigger than them and their collective ambitions, he added.

Mr Marafa, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said Mr Yaris notion of if he doesnt get it, nobody should, is against the teachings of Islam, the laws and morality combined.

He also said, Only a positive pronouncement from the court of appeal, not the desperation of a satanic lawyer and a mad governor or anybody can change the status quo of Zamfara APC.

Governor yet to respond

Efforts to get the reaction of Governor Yaris Special Adviser on Media, Ibrahim Dosara, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and a text message sent to him.

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The electoral commission had declined to accept APC candidates in Zamfara State because, according to the commission, the party failed to meet the deadline for holding primaries.

This prompted the justice minister, Abubakar Malami, to write INEC asking it to accept candidates of the APC for various offices in Zamfara State.

The letter dated February 13, 2019, was personally signed by Mr Malami where he also requested for extension of time to allow Zamfara chapter of the party to catch up.

He said he based his recommendation on Sections 38 and 39 of the Electoral Act.

Mr Malamis letter has been criticised by senior lawyers who said he has no authority over INEC, an independent organisation.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Niger State, has retrieved all sensitive materials for the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier distributed to the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

Samuel Egwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, who made the disclosure in Minna on Monday, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the retrieved sensitive materials have been kept in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safe keeping.

Mr Egwu said armed security personnel escorted the materials to the Central Bank, Minna, as directed by the commissions headquarters.

He explained that the sensitive materials, comprised ballot papers and result sheets, which were earlier distributed to the 25 LGAs for the conduct of Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The instruction from the INEC headquarters was that all sensitive materials should be moved back to the CBN, and this was done under tight security, he said.

According to him, all card readers earlier deployed to each local government area have been returned to the INEC office, Minna for reconfiguration.

Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Sabo Ibrahim, said all sensitive electoral materials earlier deployed for the February 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections had been retrieved and deposited at CBN, Minna.

Mr Ibrahim corroborated REC after inspecting the retrieved sensitive materials from the 25 Local Government Areas at the CBN office, Minna.

He said armed security personnel escorted the materials from the 25 LGAs to the CBN as instructed by the INEC.

The police chief said they started retrieving the material since Saturday and the last LGA was Rijau.

He said the Police and other security agencies had mapped out a comprehensive security network that would enable electorate participate peacefully in all the process without threats to lives and property.

He called for more working support from the residents by coming forward with intelligence information that would assist in apprehending miscreants in the society before, during and after the general elections.

(NAN)
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The police in Benue State have explained what led to the killing of Boniface Okoloho, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ohimini Local Government Area.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Okoloho was shot by unknown gunmen on Saturday.

The APC chieftain was reportedly killed on his way home from a party function in Ohimini.

Ohimini is an Idoma dominated area in the state which forms part of Benue South Senatorial District.

A deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations in Benue State, Olubunmi Oshoko, who earlier confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES, said Mr Okoloho died as a result of intra-party squabbles.

They had issues during an APC meeting and ended up fighting each other. Mr Oshoko said.

He dismissed speculations accusing opposition politicians of the homicide.

He said the police will come out with a more detailed report of the incident.

The Benue State chairman of the APC, Abba Yaro, when contacted on phone denied knowledge of the incident.

I dont know anything about it, whether it is an intra-party squabble or not, he said.

Nigerias presidential and parliamentary elections were scheduled to hold on Saturday. They were postponed in the dying minutes to next Saturday, February 23.

Benue is currently governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the state governor, Samuel Ortom defected from the APC to the PDP.

Mr Ortom is seeking re-election as governor.
Some senatorial candidates for next Saturdays general in Borno State have protested the relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from their camps in Maiduguri to unsafe locations.

They said the movement of the IDPs back to their local government headquarters, where Boko Haram attacks still occur, was a ploy to deny other candidates the opportunity to campaign to the IDPs.

They said the relocation is also endangering the IDPs lives.

Speaking at a press conference in Maiduguri on Monday, the Borno-North senatorial candidate of Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), Jubrin Mustapha, also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of not giving all parties the list of registered IDPs in the state.

Mr Mustapha spoke on behalf of the candidates of the YES Party, Nigeria Progressive Movement (NPM), Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), United Peoples Congress (UPC) and Nigerian Community Movement Party (NCMP).

The aggrieved politicians said they wanted to protest the development Friday last week but were told that it was too late because the campaigns had closed.

The rescheduling of the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections was a good omen for the state and us as candidates, said Mr Mustapha.

We the seven undersigned candidates contesting election for senator under Borno Central senatorial district wish to draw the attention of REC, Borno State and the entire world that we are opposed to the IDPs relocation arrangement made by the state government.

It is worthy to note that most of the internally displaced persons in Borno State were camped in various locations within the state capital Maiduguri. These people were brought to Maiduguri because of the security situation in their respective local governments. But to our astonishment, they were moved to other locations outside the state capital.

It was equally on record that the convoy of the state governor who happens to be the chief security officer of the state was recently attacked in Gamboru, one of the locations where the IDPs were relocated with a view to casting their votes.

As candidates, we have canvassed and mobilised these IDPs at their various locations within the metropolis. But sadly, INEC who supposedly was expected to be an unbiased umpire and its accomplices decided to frustrate our efforts.

The state governor who happened to be a candidate in the forthcoming election had already relocated the IDPs with vehicles owned by the state government as well as gave them stipend which invariably translates to vote buying under the watchful eyes of the commission.

We equally understand that one of the candidates for Borno Central senatorial district contesting under the platform of the ruling party claimed that we have endorsed him. His claim is absurd and false. We have never agreed with him.

A statement by Premium Times on February 15, 2019, credited to the Borno State INEC resident electoral commissioner that (there are) about 409,000 internally displaced persons are absurd and fabricated lies. It is a poly to rig the 2019 elections in favour of the ruling party APC.

It is on record that only 515,008 cast their votes during the 2015 presidential election.

Invariably the REC is now telling us that virtually 75% of people that voted were IDPs or the increase of about 400,000 from the total number of registered voters of 1,934,079 were IDPs? Display of voters register isnt enough. We must know the number of registered voters issued with PVC in all the local governments, wards and, polling units. It is equally worrying to note that the cost and risk of sending our party agents to these locations may not augur well for us.

The INEC resident electoral commissioner is supposed to publish the number of registered voters in the state and local governments, wards, units as well as the number of registered voters that were issued permanent voters card (PVC) before conducting an election.

As it is now we dont know the number of registered voters and the number of registered voters issued with PVC in local governments, wards and polling units. Invariably we are participating in an election in the abstract.

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In view of the foregoing, we categorically wish to state that we are repugnant to the relocation arrangement and non-publication of the number of registered voters issued with PVC. Accordingly, we have no confidence in the umpire in conducting free and fair elections in Borno State.

We, therefore, call on the Resident Electorate Commissioner of Borno State to as a matter of urgency to immediately direct the state government to bring back the IDPs to cast their votes here in Maiduguri as well as publish the list of registered voters and the number of registered voters issued with PVC in all the local governments wards, and polling units or else we will be left with no option than to withdraw from participating in the election.

The INEC resident electoral commissioner in Borno State, Mohammed Ibrahim, last week said the over 409, 000 IDPs to vote in the camps are the registered voters from the eight local government areas displaced by Boko Haram.

Mr Ibrahim also said the decision on where the IDPs will vote was decided by stakeholders in the local governments and not INEC.
The Nigerian Army has reacted to a controversial statement issued by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday that all those planning to snatch ballot boxes may be carrying out their last illegal acts.

The comment is already generating heated debates in the polity with many saying the presidents statement is a veiled sanction to security operatives to kill (extrajudicially) those who run afoul of the electoral law.

The president made the statement at the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting on Monday.

A leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has, however, defended the president saying President Muhammadu Buhari was misinterpreted.

The Electoral Act prescribes two years in jail, not death, for persons found guilty of snatching or destroying election materials.

Lawyers also argue that Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution gives instances where one may forfeit his/her life as a result of certain scenarios.

The Nigerian Army on Monday added another twist to the debate when it told PREMIUM TIMES it will obey totally and effectively such order if it is given by Mr Buhari.

If Commander-in-Chief has given order to the Nigerian Army to that effect, be rest assured that order will be totally and effectively obeyed without any ifs or buts, Army spokesperson Sagir Musa told PREMIUM TIMES when reached for comments about whether the military would review its rules of engagement if Mr Buhari gave an order for shooting of ballot box snatchers.

The Nigerian Army had earlier said it would deploy personnel for the elections, but only on contingent bases on the outer perimeter of communities rather than near polling units.

The police did not immediately return requests for comments about how they would treat any controversial directive by the president.

What Buhari said

President Buhari on Monday afternoon ordered security forces to be ruthless against anyone caught snatching ballot boxes after citizens had voted.

Anybody who decides to snatch boxes or lead thugs to disturb the election, maybe that would be the last unlawful action you would take. I have given the military and police the order to be ruthless.

I am going to warn anybody who thinks he would lead a body of thugs in his locality to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system; he would do it at the expense of his/her own life, the president said at a gathering of the ruling All Progressives Congress on Monday in Abuja.

The presidents order comes as Nigerians prepare to vote at the rescheduled general elections starting on Saturday.

Mr Buhari, who was elected in 2015, is standing for reelection, with Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party being his most potent challenger.

The presidents order has ignited nationwide uproar, with critics accusing him of heating up the polity at a time both local and international groups are suing for tranquillity.

Snatching of ballot boxes, which has been highly detrimental to the electoral process in the past, has been rendered largely futile in recent elections, following the introduction of technology.

Where ballot boxes are snatched, extant electoral guidelines require that the affected polling units be cancelled for a fresh election.

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Possible Abuse

Critics say the presidents order, even though it marked the clearest warning yet to potential political thugs, could be abused by security operatives for its blanket tone.

Nigerian security personnel are known to open fire on protesters and other civilians at the slightest provocation.

Only on Sunday, a video showing how officers of the Nigerian Customs Service killed a civilian at a checkpoint sparked nationwide condemnation.

The Customs spurned the incident as being provoked by persons who tried to disarm the officer, even though the video showed in circulation told a different story.
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Gunmen suspected to be banned drug dealers have killed four officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, police said.

The NDLEA officers were killed at a checkpoint along Ikon/Owo, area, under the Ifon Division of the agency in Ondo State.

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, said the police would collaborate with the NDLEA to bring the culprits to book.

He also said an investigation had begun.

He did not give further details.

Other sources said the officers were attacked on Sunday evening by a three-man gang who wielded AK47 rifles.

The assailants also set ablaze the Toyota Hilux patrol van used by the officers after the shooting.

It was gathered that five NDLEA officers came under attack, but one managed to escape.

The attackers made away with the rifles of the dead officers.

PREMIUM TIMES has withheld the names of the victims because it is not certain if the affected families have been contacted by the relevant authorities.
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concern over President Muhammadu Buharis directive to security agencies to be ruthless to anyone who try to snatch ballot boxes in the forthcoming elections.

The party expressed the concern in statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Monday in Abuja.

The party described the directive as a direct call for jungle justice, attempt to divert public attention from the APCs plot perfected elections rigging and political violence.

Mr Buhari, speaking during the emergency national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday in Abuja, warned that anybody who snatches ballot boxes during the forthcoming elections, would do that at the risk of his or her life.

Mr Ologbondiyan, who alleged that the directive was a threat to the lives of Nigerians, expressed hope that it was not a camouflage for mobilised fake soldiers to shoot at innocent Nigerians, snatch ballot boxes and execute the APCs rigging plans.

It is indeed a license to kill, which should not come from any leader of any civilized nation, he said.

He said the resort to threats would not deter Nigerians from coming out en-masse to vote APC out of office on February 23.

Intelligence available to us shows that the Presidency has directed the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately reshuffle the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in order to deploy compromised officials to manipulate the electoral process in President Buharis favour, as they did with the Police shortly before February 16.

Our party is also aware of the pressure being mounted by the presidency on INEC to cancel elections in some states and make others inconclusive so as to achieve the objectives of a staggered election not minding the crisis such will trigger across the federation, he said.

Mr Ologbondiyan, however, said Nigeria was bigger than anyone and that Nigerians would never allow the APC to rig the election.

Mr Buhari had said he did not expect anybody to make any disturbance.

I have briefed the law enforcement agencies and the military to identify hot-spots and flash-points. They should be prepared to move. They too would have made their own arrangements as possible.

And anybody who decides to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb it, maybe that would be the last unlawful action he would take. I have directed the police and the military to be ruthless.

We are not going to be blamed that we want to rig elections. I want Nigerians to be respected, let them vote whoever they want across the parties. Im not afraid.

As you said, I have gone round all the 36 states and Abuja. I think I have gotten enough support across the country.

Im going to warn anybody who thinks, he has enough influence in his locality to lead a body of thugs to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system, he would do it at the expense of his own life, Mr Ologbondiyan quoted Mr Buhari as saying.

(NAN)
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The ECOWAS Head of Election Observer Mission, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Monday returned to her country following the postponement of the February 16 general elections.

Mr Jonathan Bara-Hart of the Directorate of Communications, ECOWAS Commission, in a telephone interview, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf would be back to Nigeria on Thursday.

You are asking of the observers; they were given the option of staying, most of them are staying. I do not know if some left.

I do not think the delegation is without her, she is probably returning with her delegation on Thursday.

Mr Bara-Hart said that there were four members in her delegation from different parts of the region.

NAN reports that the United Nations, Commonwealth, European Union, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation were among international observers approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the elections.

INEC had rescheduled Saturdays presidential and National Assembly elections until February 23 and also postponed the governorship, state assemblies and FCT area council elections from March 2 to March 9.

The Heads of the international observation missions in Nigeria on Saturday in a joint statement urged INEC to strictly adhere to the new dates it had scheduled for the general elections.

They also called on Nigerians to continue to remain calm and supportive of the electoral process as INEC worked to implement its new timeline.

The missions also added that they would continue to closely observe preparations across the country.

(NAN)
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Tuesday hold an emergency national executive committee (NEC) meeting, a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, has disclosed.

The meeting is coming after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the presidential and National Assembly elections by a week to February 23.

Mr Ologbondiyan said the meeting will hold at the national secretariat of the PDP in Abuja at 12 p.m.

Expected at the meeting are the partys serving state governors and members of its National Working Committee (NWC), among others.

The agenda of the meeting was not made known by the party. But sources told PREMIUM TIMES it will be focused on issues surrounding the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday held its caucus meeting in Abuja to discuss issues connected to the development.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, a few hours to the commencement of the presidential and National Assembly elections announced the rescheduling of the polls by one week.

By the postponement, the presidential and National Assembly elections now come up on February 23 while the governorship and House of Assembly elections hold on March 9.

Mr Yakubu had said the decision to postpone the elections was taken after a meeting with INEC Commissioners, citing logistics problems as issues that prompted the postponement.

He said the decision was further necessitated after reviewing the level of the commissions preparedness for the exercise.

He stressed that postponing the elections was a difficult decision, but was necessary for successful delivery of the elections and to consolidate on Nigerias democracy.
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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and 11 governors are currently attending the national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

A national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu, is also at the meeting.

The party is meeting following Saturdays postponement of the general elections.

The chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, is launching scathing attacks on the Independent National Election for the shift.

Mr Oshiomhole says the commissions chairman is incompetent. He also accused the commission of hinting the opposition PDP of plans to postpone the polls, saying he could swear with the Koran.

The governors in attendance are governors of Zamfara, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Jigawa, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi, Niger, Lagos and Kaduna state.

Also in attendance are the Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan, senators, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), Boss Mustapha, ministers, among others.

More details soon
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The Kano State High Court on Monday granted bail to Deji Adeyanju, after spending 67 days in detention.

Mr Adeyanju was freed on bail when his matter came up in Monday morning, with a condition that he must provide sureties and N500,000, according to his lawyers.

Mr Adeyanju was arrested on December 13 over allegations he was involved in a murder in Kano in 2005.

The police did not formally arraign Mr Adeyanju for the alleged murder.

PREMIUM TIMES confirmed Mr Adeyanju was charged for murder in 2005 at the Kano State High Court, but was discharged and acquitted in 2009 after a lengthy trial.

The previous acquittal and polices failure to arraign Mr Adeyanju for several weeks after arresting him fueled speculation that his detention was politically motivated.

The police denied the allegations.

Mr Adeyanju spent over two months of his detention fighting for a bail at federal and state courts, because the police did not bring charges against which to defend himself.

Theophilus Agada, an associate of Mr Adeyanju, told PREMIUM TIMES the activist would meet the bail requirements today.

He was asked to provide a senior civil servant in Kano State, and two pieces of land with N500,000, Mr Agada said. We are confident that this requirement would be met and hell be released today.
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The Kaduna State Government is intensifying efforts to resettle survivors of the violent killings in Kajuru Local Government area, a state official has said.

To this effect, the government is working to put up an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp within the next 72 hours.

Ben Kure, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) made this known to PREMIUM TIMES Monday afternoon.

This followed a spate of violence in Gida Maro and Iri axis of Kajuru Local government.

The state government in a statement on Friday said 66 people died as a result of the violence.

A resident, who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday said there were two attacks: the first on the Adara people of Maro and a second, a reprisal on the Fulani in the community.

Mr Kure said he visited the troubled area on Sunday in company of his team and security agencies to assess the situation and plan for immediate intervention.

He said he had directed his men to dispatch items including mosquito nets, mattresses and food items to the area on Monday.

Apart from supplying these items, he said KADSEMA would set up an IDP camp in the area within the next three days.

The governor instructed that we should look for a safe place, like a IDPs camp. We have identified a government property that has been abandoned, not in good shape, he said.

We quickly see how we can put it into order. I had a meeting with chairmen of Kajuru and Kachia Local Governments yesterday. We are working together to quickly, in the next 72 hours, put up a place.

First thing tomorrow morning, my team will go round to do a census of the homes that were destroyed, with a view to quickly fix them so that they can go back, he told PREMIUM TIMES via telephone Monday afternoon.

Peace shuttles

Mr Kure said he met with members of the communities to discuss peace.

Each of the areas we went, we had a focus group discussion with the people urging them on the need to remain peaceful because killing will never solve any problem, he said. Telling them that before they can have any meaningful progress or development, peace is very important.

On long term resettlement plan, he said his agency will look into that and make recommendations.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ameh, says Nigerians are angry with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the postponement of the general elections by one week.

He said the commission now needs to regain the confidence of the people in its capacity to conduct the elections.

Mr Ameh said this on the Sunrise Daily programme of Channels Television on Monday.

Mr Ameh, who is the National Chairman of the , emergedProgressives Peoples Alliance the chairman of the council in September 2018.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that INEC postponed the presidential and National Assembly elections to February 23 and March 9 for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.

The chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement just hours before the polls opened for the first day of elections on Saturday.

The electoral body announced the dates for the elections and other activities in the process as far back as 2017.

But Mr Yakubu said logistics and operational problems forced the last minutes rescheduling of the elections on Saturday.

He said apart from the logistical challenges, there were attempts to sabotage the commissions preparations, listing fire outbreaks at INEC facilities in three states that destroyed smart card readers and voters cards.

IPAC in Oyo State had urged INEC to ensure that all sensitive materials distributed before the poll was postponed are secured.

Mr Ameh also spoke on the decision of INEC not to reopen electioneering campaigns, which closed on Thursday night, 24 hours to the day originally scheduled for the presidential and federal legislative elections.

While briefing major stakeholders on the reasons for the postponement, Mr Yakubo said campaigns for the presidential and national assembly elections remain closed.

It is not the responsibility of the INEC to say that there is no campaign, it is the responsibility of the law, the IPAC chairman said.

INEC should give Nigerians daily account of their activities in the preparation of the election, he also said.

He said that there are procedures and regulations to be followed before postponing an election.

Mr Ameh urged Nigerians to make enquires about the legislative problems that led to the postponement of the elections.

Nigerians should be concerned about the reasons for the postponement and the people behind it. INEC should realise that the fate of the country lies in their hand, he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday had pledged to direct INEC to explain why it postponed the elections on Saturday about five hours before polling opened.

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Mr Buhari, at a national caucus meeting of the APC in Abuja, said INEC had shown incompetence and inefficiency, and must explain to the nation what happened.

INEC had all the time and resources, didnt have to wait six hours to the elections to an announced postponement, he said.
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The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says he owes his appointment as minister to President Muhammadu Buhari and no one else.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the minister said it was laughable that anyone would seek to take credit for his appointment.

Mr Mohammed was reacting to a statement by Doyin Okupe, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, in which he gave credit to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki for the ministers appointment.

The minister said the entire statement by Mr Okupe, is nothing but fiction writing, for which he deserves a hall of infamy award (in the fiction writing segment).

Not one of the claims he made in his statement is true.

Mr Mohammed challenged Mr Okupe to make available to Nigerians any evidence he might have to support his assertion that the president sought the permission of Mr Saraki to appoint him as minister.

We understand that Dr Okupes cheap attempt at mud-throwing is nothing but a proxy fight, rooted deeply in the politics of Kwara State.

We are aware that Okupes boss is feeling the heat emanating from the `O To Ge (enough is enough) movement in Kwara.

And that even the strongest of men will become disoriented and disillusioned at losing the support of a people who once venerated them to high heavens.

But that is a self-inflicted wound for which Okupes boss, an acclaimed slave master, has no one but himself to blame, Mr Mohammed said.

The minister said he was very proud to lead the O To Ge movement that is set to finally bring down the Berlin Wall of political hegemony in Kwara State and send Mr Okupes boss into political oblivion.

He said the movement will also free Mr Okupe himself from merely being his masters voice, so he can fully devote his time to his new-found pastime  fiction writing.

(NAN)
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A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has sentenced 11 persons to three years imprisonment each, having found them guilty of a two-count charge of illegal dealing in petroleum products.

The charge was preferred against the convicts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourts Zonal Office.

EFCC spokesperson, Tony Oriola, in a statement gave the names of the convicts.

They are Ephraim Akpan, Agadagba Ochuko, Clement Tommy, Oyayefa Abonne, Bousou Kereotu, Dereye Harry, Lucky Abonne, Dapo Obdare, Friday Ibude, Ebi Ekokeme, and Vincent Elayegha.

He said officers of the Nigerian Navy arrested the convicts and their vessel, MT Petroitti, on May 23, 2014, around Ofoma oil terminal in Delta State following a tip-off.

Mr Oriola said about 272 metric tons of substance suspected to be crude oil were seized in the incident and handed over to the EFCC.

He said the convicts were first arraigned on March 4, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the case to go into full trial.

However, Justice M.S Abubakar in his judgment sentenced each of them to three years in prison on count one, with an option of fine of N200,000 each, while the vessel, MT Petroitti was also found guilty on count two and sentenced to a fine of N500, 000.

Meanwhile, the trial judge further ordered the forfeiture of the vessel and the cargo onboard (about 272 metric tons of crude oil) to the federal government.
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The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members nationwide to reduce petroleum pump price from N145 per litre to N140.

This was announced in a statement signed by the National President of the association, Chinedu Okworonkwo, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Sunday.

The statement was issued through the Chairman, IPMAN Kano state chapter, Bashir Dan-Malam.

Mr Okworonkwo said the marketers were expected to comply with the directive from February 20 to February 25.

He said the decision followed Saturdays last-minute postponement of presidential and National Assembly elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, Nigerians travelled to different places across the country to cast their votes. But to their dismay, the election was shifted to February 23.

IPMAN was prompted to slash N5 from the N145 per litre official Petroleum pump price in a bid to motivate Nigerians to return to vote again on February 23.

We urge all our members across Nigeria to immediately reduce the fuel pump price from N145 per litre to N140 per litre.

This is because of the political situation that hit the country after INEC suddenly announced the postponement of presidential and National Assembly elections after Nigerians were fully prepared.

We are all aware how Nigerians travelled to different parts of the country in order to exercise their civic duty; unfortunately, they heard a sad news of postponement of the polls, Mr Okworonkwo said.

He said, This made us deem it fit to reduce the pump price in order to ease their suffering, and to also motivate them to travel again to exercise their franchise on Feb. 23.

He, therefore, urged his members nationwide to immediately comply with the directive to enable Nigerians to travel to exercise their civic responsibility.

Mr Okworonkwo maintained that IPMANs decision followed President Muhammadu Buharis concern over the election postponement.

We decided to express our concern over the postponement, as President Buhari expressed concern over the development.

As Buhari apologised to Nigerians to show restraint and return to polling units on Feb. 23, IPMAN also calls on the citizens to exercise patience and come out en masse to cast their votes on the rescheduled date, Mr Okworonkwo said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of IPMAN in Kano State and the North-west zonal chairman, Bashir Dan-Malam and Bashir Salisu-Tahir, have urged their members to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

(NAN)
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has resolved to resume campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections, in defiance of the closure of campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ruling party announced the resolution on Monday at the end of at its expanded national caucus meeting in Abuja.

The meeting at the partys national secretariat was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and 11 state governors.

The party said INECs order that campaigns should remain closed is contrary to the Electoral Act, which stipulates that campaigns must end a day to the elections.

According to the INEC timetable, the campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections closed on Thursday, February 14, in anticipation of the elections holding two days later on Saturday.

However, INEC shifted the elections by a week but insisted it would not reopen the campaigns.

According to the APC, it would abide by the provisions of laws and end campaigns 24 hours to the new date of the elections.

The caucus urged all APC members to immediately commence campaigns in line with the provisions of Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, which states clearly that campaigns shall stop 24 hours to the elections.

That party expressed deep regrets over the unfortunate death of its members in the stampedes at some of its rallies.

The party reiterated its disappointment over what it described as the unfortunate action of INEC to postpone the election despite repeated assurances.

The caucus urged all party members across the country to rise above the temporary setback of the election postponement and recommit themselves to working for the victory of all their candidates.

The caucus alleged that the list of presiding officers in the states and local government areas published by INEC before the initial February 16 election date contained names of mostly PDP card carrying members.

The APC, therefore, urged INEC to take steps to correct this before the new date for the elections, to ensure fairness and credibility of the electoral process.

The caucus also urged security agencies to step up their activities by ensuring that all those involved in violence, ballot box snatching, and falsification of results should face the full weight of the law.

The part said the February 23rd new election date must remain sacrosanct and all issues of logistics or foreseeable challenges must be addressed before the date.

The party which had earlier accused INEC of giving the opposition Peoples Democratic Party prior information about the postponement of elections said it is curious how this happened when the sitting president was not aware.

The caucus, therefore, urged INEC to demonstrate its independence and neutrality beyond doubts in all its activities before, during and after the elections.
President Buhari says he is not afraid to lose the presidential election rescheduled early Saturday morning to February 23.

Mr Buhari spoke at a national caucus meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Monday at the partys headquarters in Abuja over the postponement of the election.

The meeting was attended by the president, National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, party leader Bola Tinubu, 11 APC governors, and Minister of Transportation.

I am not afraid to lose. I have gone around the 36 states and Abuja I think I have enough supporters across the country to look after me. Mr Buhari said.

Mr Buhari said he wants Nigerians to be respected irrespective of the outcome of the election.

He also urged Nigerians to come out and vote on the rescheduled date for the candidates of their choice.

We are not going to be blamed that we want to rig election. I want Nigerians to be respected. Let them vote whoever they want across the parties, the president said.

Buhari Warns INEC

Speaking on the postponement of the general elections, Mr Buhari warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to take Nigerians for granted.

He said the commission had all the time and resources to prepare for the elections.

He also said the postponement of the elections would be reviewed after the elections are held so that the nation could know what led to it.

INEC had all the time, all the resources, all they wanted. They did not have to wait for only six hours to announce the postponement.

This incompetence has to be explained to the nation after the elections and who is responsible. What is the use if we accept incompetence? The constitution and the laws protected INEC but they must not take us for granted.

If for example, the National Assembly did not approve what INEC wanted, then INEC could have had a moral reason why they could not perform.

We do not understand this inefficiency, and we have to get the details after the elections, Mr Buhari said.

Death To Ballot Box Thieves

Mr Buhari also said he has told the security chiefs to clamp down on anyone who wants to disrupt the electoral process. He said the security chiefs had briefed him on the possible hot spots and flash spots.

We have to tell our constituencies that they have to be patient and they have to behave in a very responsible way by going peacefully to vote again, he said.

Ballot boxes used to illustrate the story.

And they should depend on party representatives in each polling unit out of the 176,000 polling units and they should be there, those who have been given the responsibility to watch over the partys interest. I do expect anybody to make trouble.

I have briefed the law enforcement agencies and military. They have identified hotspots, flash spots and they should be prepared to move. And then secondly, they have made arrangements as possible and resources have been made as much as the country can afford it.

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Mr Buhari then warned ballot box snatchers that they risk losing their lives.

Anybody who decides to snatch boxes or lead thugs to disturb the election. Maybe that would be the last unlawful action you would take. I have given the military and police the order to be ruthless to anybody.

I am going to warn anybody who thinks he would lead a body of thugs in his locality to snatch boxes or to disturb the voting system. He would do it at the expense of his/her own life.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to direct the Independent National Electoral Commission to explain why it postponed elections on Saturday just about five hours before polling opened.

Mr Buhari said INEC had shown incompetence and inefficiency, and must explain to the nation what happened.

He said this on Monday at a meeting of the All Progressives Congress caucus.

The president said while INEC has constitutional independence, the electoral body could not take Nigerians for granted.

INEC had all the time and resources, didnt have to wait six hours to the elections to announced postponement, he said.

INEC must explain to Nigerians what happened, the constitution and the law protects INEC but they must not take us for granted.

The meeting was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and some APC governors.

Mr Buhari also ordered security agents to deal ruthlessly with thugs that try to snatch ballot boxes on election day.

He said he has directed security agencies to identify hotspots and be ready to move if they are suspicious of any attempt to cause problems  irrespective of party affiliations

He also expressed confidence that he has gathered enough supporters having gone round the country to campaign.

The meeting went into closed door at 12: 22pm.
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The National Chairman of Nigerias ruling party, APC, has again accused the electoral commission, INEC, of working in cahoot with the main opposition party, PDP.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the party chairman made a similar accusation last week.

Mr Oshiomhole made his latest allegation on Monday at the APC caucus meeting held in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice Presdient Yemi Osinbajo, 11 APC governors and other party leaders.

At the meeting, Mr Oshiomhole said INEC in states like Akwa Ibom and Rivers was working with the PDP.

He alleged that INEC ad-hoc staff in Akwa Ibom were appointed by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state in cahoot with the PDP.

He also said he was sure INEC notified the PDP of plans to postpone the presidential election. Mr Oshiomhole said he could swear by the bible and the quran of the authenticity of his claim.

The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, announced the posptonemenf of the presidntial election a few hours before the election was to commence.

The presidential and National Assembly elections were postponed to February 23 from February 16 while state elections were postponed from March 2 to March 9.
To ensure the integrity of the rescheduled presidential and parliamentary elections, the electoral commission, INEC, has retrieved sensitive materials already distributed in most states of the federation.

The materials were distributed last week in preparation for the February 16 election. However, hours before the commencement of the elections, the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, announced a postponement.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Yakubu gave challenges of distribution of materials as the reason for the postponement. The presidential elections were thus postponed to February 23 while state elections were postponed to March 9 from March 2.

Mr Yakubu said the postponement would afford the electoral body the opportunity to address the identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of Nigerias election. (NAN)

Prominent civic groups like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) raised concerns about the safety and integrity of the already distributed materials such as result sheets and card readers.

However, to ensure the materials do not fall into the wrong hands, INEC has withdrawn them from its various local government and offices for safe keeping. Some of the states where this withdrawal has occurred include Lagos, Anambra, Enugu, and Plateau.

Lagos

The INEC in Lagos State on Sunday said it had retrieved all sensitive materials for the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections earlier distributed to the 20 local government areas of the state.

INEC spokesman in Lagos State, Femi Akinbiyi, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that all sensitive materials had been retrieved and kept in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under security watch.

He said that the sensitive materials, which comprised ballot papers and result sheets, had been distributed at the three senatorial districts before they were later moved to the 20 LGAs.

Mr Akinbiyi said that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police had monitored the exercise in some local governments.

The instruction from the INEC headquarters was that all sensitive materials should be moved back to the CBN and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State was in Ikeja today to supervise such movement.

The movement across the state was done under tight security, he said.

According to him, all card readers earlier deployed to each local government area have been returned to the INEC office in Yaba for reconfiguration.

The INEC spokesperson added that all ad-hoc staff had been paid their training allowances for the postponed elections.

.

Anambra

The INEC in Anambra on Sunday said it has taken delivery of all the sensitive electoral materials earlier deployed for the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Leo Nkedife, INEC Head Voter Education and Publicity, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Awka that the action was necessitated to secure the materials.

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The spokesman said that all ballot papers and result sheets have been recalled and deposited at the CBN Awka branch while the smart card readers were returned to INEC office for safe keeping.

Plateau

The INEC in Plateau has retrieved all sensitive materials earlier distributed to the 17 local government areas of the state.

Osaretin Imahireogbo, Head, Voter Education and Publicity of the commission in the state, said this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Jos.

Mr Imahireogbo said that the retrieval, which began on Saturday night, was concluded on Sunday morning, adding that all the materials had been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Jos, the State capital.

With the change in the date of the general elections, we have retrieved all the sensitive materials that we earlier distributed to the 17 LGAs of Plateau.

All the materials are intact and now kept in the custody of the CBN where it was collected and distributed to the LGAs, he said.

The official said all card readers had also been retrieved and kept at the commissions office.

Enugu

In Enugu, Emeka Ononamadu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, said that all sensitive materials already distributed in the state were already being retrieved on Saturday night.

The official said the materials would be returned to the custody of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in the state.

Mr Ononamadu said this at a news conference on Saturday evening in Enugu.

We have been directed to return all the sensitive materials to the CBN, Enugu.

And the process is already on as I am briefing you now under heavy armed security to ensure that integrity of the materials will be ensured, he said.
At least 550,000 babies reportedly died as a result of armed conflict between 2013 and 2017 in the 10 worst-affected countries, according to a new analysis by Save the Children.

This is an average of well over 110,000 every year, the agency explained.

The infants succumbed to indirect effects of conflict and war such as hunger, damaged infrastructure and hospitals, a lack of access to health care and sanitation, and the denial of aid, the report said.

The babies probably would not have died if they had not been living in areas affected by conflict, it added.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, chief executive officer of Save the Children International, said the report showed the way todays wars are being fought is causing more suffering for children.

Worrisome statistics

Almost one in five children are living in areas impacted by conflict  more than at any time in the past two decades, said Ms Thorning-Schmidt.

The number of children being killed or maimed has more than tripled, and we see an alarming increase in the use of aid as a weapon of war.

It is shocking that in the 21st century, we are going backwards on principles and moral standards that are so simple  children and civilians should never be targeted.

The total deaths from indirect effects jumped to 870,000 when all children under the age of five are included. While imperfect, the estimates may be conservative, according to the charity.

By comparison, Save the Children estimated from available data that in the same five-year period, almost 175,000 fighters were killed in the conflicts.

The number of indirect child deaths is published in a Save the Children report: Stop the War on Children, launched ahead of todays opening of the Munich Security Conference.

For the second year in a row, the report included the most comprehensive collection of data on the number of children living in conflict-affected areas.

It reveals that more children  almost one in five are living in areas affected by armed conflict and war than at any time in more than 20 years.

The new research by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), commissioned by Save the Children, found that 420 million children were living in conflict-affected areas in 2017 (18 per cent of all children worldwide)  up 30 million from the previous year.

Afghanistan, Yemen, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Syria, Iraq, Mali, Nigeria and Somalia are the countries where children were hardest hit by conflict in 2017.

Situation getting worse

The analysis clearly shows the situation is getting worse for children and the world is allowing this travesty to happen, Ms Thorning-Schmidt said.

Every day, children come under attack because armed groups and military forces disregard international laws and treaties. From the use of chemical weapons to rape as a weapon of war, war crimes are being committed with impunity.

Part of the reason for the increased number of children living in conflict-affected areas is that todays conflicts are more likely to be protracted, urban and fought among civilian populations. Increasingly, international rules and norms are flouted.

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The Stop the War on Children report includes a breakdown of UN data on verified grave violations against children.

According to the figures, grave violations rose worldwide from just under 10,000 in 2010 to more than 25,000 in 2017the highest number on record.

Every day, children face the threat of being killed or maimed, recruited by armed groups, abducted, falling victim to sexual violence, seeing their school attacked or humanitarian aid denied. In many cases, children are specifically targeted, the report said.

Masika

Masika, from the DRC, is the youngest of seven children whose father died and left them unable to support themselves.

She left school and joined an armed group to survive.

Everything I had thought I could do and could be one day now seemed impossible. I thought my only option was to get involved with armed groups. [The soldiers] wouldnt stop asking me to satisfy their sexual urges and I found myself having to give in, she was reportedly quoted in the report as saying.

Save the Childrens report also highlights how efforts to keep schools safe, avoid the use of certain weapons, seek accountability for crimes against children or pursue new ways to support their recovery from the horrors of conflict can make a huge difference in their lives.

Recommendations

The charity included more than 20 recommendations for governments and other influential organisations to ensure children are protected during war and conflict.

The commitments range from signing a Safe Schools Declaration and a minimum age of 18 for military recruitment to the avoidance of using explosive weapons in populated areas and tightening conditions for arms sales.

Ms Thorning-Schmidt said when the rules of war are broken, the international community must be clear that it would not be tolerated and hold perpetrators to account.

And for the children whose lives are wrecked by conflict, we must do all we can to protect them from further harm and help rebuild their future.

Save the Children also called for an independent body to investigate and analyse all violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, notably childrens rights.
Poland pulled out of a planned summit in Israel after Israels acting foreign minister said on Monday that many Poles had collaborated with the Nazis in World War Two and shared responsibility for the Holocaust.

Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, branded the remarks racist and unacceptable.

He had previously said he would not join Tuesdays gathering of central European leaders in Israel, sending instead a lower-level delegation, but said on Monday that no Polish officials would now attend.

Not only can we not accept such racist comments, but with all our strength we want to stress that we will fight for historical truth, for the honour of Poles, he said.

The leaders of the other three Visegrad Group nations  Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia  all still planned to attend the talks, Israel said.

But Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, said they would instead consist of bilateral discussions and that the summit would be rescheduled for later in 2019.

Polands right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government has made what it sees as the defence of national honour over its wartime record a cornerstone of foreign policy since taking power in 2015.

Many Poles refuse to accept research showing thousands of their countrymen participated in the Holocaust in addition to thousands of others, who risked their lives to help the Jews.

They say Warsaws Western allies have also failed to acknowledge the scale of Polands own suffering under wartime occupation.

The diplomatic row between Poland and Israel has been escalating since Friday, when Israeli media reported remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday suggesting Polish complicity in the Holocaust.

Israels Acting Foreign Minister Israel Katz exacerbated the dispute on Monday when he told Israels Army Radio: Many Poles collaborated with the Nazis and took part in the destruction of the Jews during the Holocaust.

Katz also quoted comments attributed to Israels late prime minister, Yitzhak Shamir: Shamir said that every Pole suckled anti-Semitism with his mothers milk.

Nobody will tell us how to express our stance and how to honor the dead.

The Polish decision is a blow for Netanyahu, who had hoped the Visegrad summit would burnish his diplomatic credentials ahead of Israels April 9 election.

He sees the Visegrad-4 as a counterbalance to Western European countries, which tend to be more critical of Israels policies toward the Palestinians.

But Netanyahu has also faced criticism in Israel over what some see as a bid to win allies in central Europe at the expense of revising Holocaust history and whitewashing anti-Semitism.

There will be no full V4 meeting. Three PMs are arriving will hold meetings with (Israels) PM, Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for Israels Foreign Ministry, said in a text message.

The dispute also harms Polands ambitions to lead the V4 and give the region a bigger international voice, though many PiS voters will welcome Morawieckis decision.

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PiS leads opinion polls ahead of a national election due in the autumn.

Morawiecki had to call off the summit after the affront from Netanyahu because otherwise he would appear too soft, said Piotr Buras, head of the Warsaw office of the think-tank ECFR.

Before World War Two Poland was home to one of the worlds biggest Jewish communities but it was almost entirely wiped out by the Nazis who set up camps such as Auschwitz on Polish soil.

Tensions between Israel and Poland also rose in 2018 after Poland introduced new legislation that would have made the use of phrases such as Polish death camps punishable by up to three years in prison.

After pressure from the U.S. and an outcry in Israel, Poland watered down the legislation, scrapping the prison sentences.

(Reuters/NAN)
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The Theater Arts and Motions Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) has faulted social media reports that it has abandoned one of its members, Babatunde Omidina, popularly called Baba Suwe, who is currently facing serious health challenges.

The national president of the association, Bolaji Amusan, debunked the reports while speaking with journalists.

He described as falsehood, the story going round which he said was being sponsored by mischief-makers. He said the association has been up and doing as regards the healthcare of the ailing entertainer, as well as others.

Mr Amusan said the veteran actor has been on the health bill of the association since 2017, under the administration of immediate past president, Dele Odule and still much on it.

I can tell you that we have not abandoned Baba Suwe, as well as any of our members, as being speculated in some quarters by mischief-makers. Just three days ago, I was in touch with him, and as I am talking to you now, I have directed the Lagos State Executive of the association to go and check on him, for us to have an update on his health condition.

Mr Amusan stated that, as part of measures on the welfare of the over 10,000 members, the association will, effective from March, commence insurance scheme for them, and also encourage members to key into the scheme.

The national president also disclosed that the association has designed a new policy to discourage members of the association from living from hand to mouth, or going cap in hand to make ends meet.

It is shameful for the association to be going cap in hand to survive, and for members to be living from hand to mouth. We want to discourage this. Our profession is a noble one and we should not be seen as beggars.
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday reacted negatively to sudden election postponement, dropping by N196 billion as predicted by financial experts.

Specifically, the market capitalisation shed N196 billion or 1.61 per cent to close at N12.004 trillion against N12.200 trillion on Friday, due to the postponement.

Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 32,715.50 lost 525.43 points or 1.61 per cent to close at 32,190.07, amid loses by blue chips.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the equity market which climbed past a three-month high on February 15 reversed growth, following last minute postponement of the general elections.

NAN reports that INEC announced the shift of the Feb. 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections to February 23.

The Governorship and State House of Assembly as well as FCT area council elections have also been shifted from March 2 to March 9.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, at a news conference attributed the postponement of elections to logistics and operational problems.

Sola Oni, a chartered stockbroker and Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Lagos, said: The sudden postponement, few hours to election period, was a sad commentary.

It has deepened Nigerias political risk with dire consequences on investment decision, Mr Oni said.

He said the shock caused by the announcement might jolt foreign portfolio investors who had been apprehensive of the presidential election.

It is not unlikely that trading on the stock may be moderated by this development as it is capable of further eroding investor confidence in our market.

Every political decision has direct or indirect impact on the financial market, he stated.

Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd, had earlier told NAN that the postponement, few minutes to the Election Day would further slow down economic activities.

According to the expert, it will also cause cautious trading in the nations bourse.

Mr Omordion said investors confidence on the recent stock market rebound would be dampened with the development.

He said the development had heightened uncertainty in the market arena and economy.

Mr Omordion said investors who had started to pick up shares to position for a post-election rally were now dumping their shares due to INECs sudden decision to shift the polls.

An analysis of the price movement chart shows that Total recorded the highest loss, dropping by N15 to close at N190 per share.

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Mobil Oil trailed with a loss of N8 to close at N75, while Guaranty Trust Bank was down by N1.45 to close at N36.50 per share.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria declined by N1 to close at N20 per share.

Conversely, Nestle led the gainers table with a growth of N35 to close at N1, 800 per share.

Betaglass followed with a gain of N6.70 to close at N79, while Presco gained N6.60 to close at N72.60 per share.

Cap added N2.20 to close at N34, while Dangote Flour increased by 45k to close at N9.60 per share.

Also, the volume of shares transacted dipped by 71.13 per cent, while value of shares traded dropped by 48.23 per cent.

Consequently, investors bought and sold 233.42 million shares valued at N3.36 billion in 4,134 deals.

This was in contrast with a turnover of 808.65 million shares worth N6.49 billion traded in 6,177 deals on Friday.

Access Bank dominated trading activities accounting for 25.32 million shares worth N160.16 million.

Chams followed with an exchange of 21.70 million shares valued at N4.34 million, while United Bank for Africa traded 20.45 million shares worth N157.19 million.

Zenith Bank exchanged 15.68 million shares valued at N375.32 million, while Guaranty Trust Bank traded a total of 13.86 million shares worth N519.12 million.

(NAN)
By region, global Wrist Blood Pressure monitors market is segmented into five key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America has the largest share in wrist blood monitor market followed by Europe.

Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 14:55:45

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Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors are an easy and user-friendly device which measure the blood pressure. Wrist blood pressure is fully automated device in which all the work is done by a unit process.The wrist blood pressure monitors small size gives much more space critical design, The mechanism of wrist blood pressure monitor based on the signal from the pressure sensor is conditioned with an op-amp circuit or by an instrumentation amplifier before data conversion by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, and pulse rate are then calculated in the digital domain using a method appropriate for the type of monitor and sensor utilized. The resulting systolic, diastolic, and pulse-rate measurements are displayed on a liquid-crystal display (LCD), time/date-stamped, and stored in nonvolatile memory . Wrist blood pressure monitors are widely worldwide acceptable for the PHR purposes.Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market: Drivers and RestraintHigh incidence and prevalence of heart-related diseases and improving awareness of precautionary health checkup be the Drivers for wrist blood pressure monitor. Portability and compactness of the blood pressure monitor drive the revenue of wrist blood pressure market. Easy to use and small size make the wrist blood pressure popular globally which further act as a driver for the wrist blood pressure market. Wrist Blood Pressure monitors can be used for PHP purposes, and cost effectiveness may be the restraints for the Global Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3555 Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market: SegmentationThe global market for Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market segmented by modality, end user, and geography:Segmentation by Product TypePortableCompactSegmentation by End-userHospitalsDiagnostic laboratoryHome careOthersSegmented by geographyNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAsia PacificThe Middle East and AfricaWrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market: OverviewThe globalWrist Blood pressure monitorsmarket currently is one of the rapidly growing markets, and it is expected to show excellent opportunities in forecasted period.Revenue of the Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market increases day by day with good values. Wrist blood pressure monitors industry expanding tremendously in the positive figure due to various factors including the incidence of different blood pressure related disease, user-friendly nature of the wrist blood pressure monitors is working as a booster for the market growth of wrist blood pressure monitor. Several wrist blood pressure manufacturer working on innovation of product and advancement in technology, i.e., also play a role of fuel to the market of wrist blood pressure monitors.By modality, wrist blood pressure monitor can be categorized into two types such asportable and compact. Whereas, portable wrist blood pressure monitors are widely used in worldwide rather than other.Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor Market: Region-wise OutlookBy region, global Wrist Blood Pressure monitors market is segmented into five key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America has the largest share in wrist blood monitor market followed by Europe. Due to high awareness and high health expenditure North America leads the market. Whereas, Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing market for due to the adoption of advanced technologies.Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the major players stand in global Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors Market are Omron, Microlife, A&D Medical, HoMedics, Proton Healthcare and others.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3555
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:43:38

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# 748 Words

Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: abhishek.b@futuremarketinsights.comFMI Blog: https://www.fmiblog.com/Web: https://www.fuManager+1-347-918-3531

Womens Health diagnostic testing comprises of various testing and diagnostic procedures for ruling out fatal diseases such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, HPV, urinary tract infections and osteoporosis. Whereas some of the diagnostic procedures are used in prenatal screening and for evaluating pregnancy and fertility. These diagnostic tests also helps in diagnosing STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and infections. Womens health diagnostic testing procedures are available in hospitals, clinics mainly obstetrics and gynaecology clinics, pathology laboratories and radiology centres. Also increasing number of companies are providing point of care testing devices and testing kits for home usage.Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Drivers and RestraintsWomens health diagnostic testing market is growing, this is attributed to increasing prevalence of osteoarthritis, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer. Also the market is expected to expand with the fastest CAGR due to increasing number of prenatal screening tests and anti-natal ultrasound along with increasing product launch for point of care testing devices. Increasing sales test kits for home usage is also expected to drive the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market over the forecast period. In addition to this, growing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness and apprehension regarding various types of malignant tumors, infectious diseases, STDs also aids the growth of womens health diagnostic testing market as increasing number of patients are opting for the diagnostic tests to rule the underlying cause of their symptoms. Also, availability of newer and advanced diagnostic systems along with increasing strategic partnerships among the diagnostic device manufacturing companies also drives the womens health diagnostic testing market, giving enormous opportunities to the companies within this market. However cost of diagnostic testing procedures might hamper the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market over the forecast periodRequest Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3204 The Womens Health diagnostic testing market is segment based on the application type and end userWomens health diagnostic testing market is segmented into following types:By Application TypeCancer ScreeningBreast CancerOvarian CancerCervical CancerOsteoporosisPregnancy testPrenatal testInfectionsSTD testGynecological testOthersBy End UserHospitalsClinicsGynecology & Obstetrics ClinicsOrthopedic ClinicsDiagnostic LaboratoriesCancer diagnostic centersPathology LaboratoriesRadiology CentersCancer InstitutesWomens Health diagnostic testingMarket: OverviewWomens health diagnostic testing market is expected to grow at a significant rate, over the forecast period. The market is anticipated to perform well over the forecast period due to increasing number of patients suffering from osteoporosis. Also increasing prevalence of breast cancer and rising awareness about advanced breast cancer diagnostic techniques leads to more women opting for diagnostic procedures. Womens health diagnostic testing market is expanding globally due to increasing distribution partnerships among diagnostic testing device manufactures. The womens health diagnostic testing market is expected to grow with a fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to increasing number of people opting for endovenous laser ablation procedure for cosmetic purpose. Increasing competition among major companies in the market to develop advanced systems which provides increased precision and accuracy during treatment drives the Womens Health diagnostic testing market towards the growth curve.Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, the womens health diagnostic testing 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 various diagnostic testing procedures for women, increasing healthcare expenditure, reimbursement options and relatively larger number of R&D exercises pertaining new product launch and marketing etc. these factors contribute for significant revenue generation for diagnostic testing devices from the region.Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR because of increasing prevalence of breast cancer in women. Also increase in geriatric population leads to more number of cases with osteoporosis is expected to boost the revenue growth of womens health diagnostic testing market throughout the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3204 Womens Health diagnostic testing Market: Key PlayersSome players of womens health diagnostic testing market includes GE Healthcare, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Koninklijke Philips N.V., PerkinElmer Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Inc., Hologic, Inc., Siemens Healthcare GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG whereas some regional players also have a significant presence in Womens Health diagnostic testing market.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 07:05:40

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# 637 Words

Contact UsFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO3479183531

The global WebRTC end user base is likely to reach over 4.3 million by 2025, almost 50% of which is likely to be the B2B vertical user. A recent intelligence outlook by Future Market Insights forecasts stellar revenue growth for the Web Real-time Communication or WebRTC platforms market in coming years.Cost efficiency of WebRTC platforms over other legacy network technologies is primarily pushing adoptionManufacturing industry continues to hold an aggressive revenue share in deployment of WebRTC platforms, at a notable marginMobile applications enabled by WebRTC platforms gaining traction, uplifting market value share of the BFSI segment.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-743 The FMI report says, Superior capability to facilitate P2P communication across browsers without the need for specific browser plug-ins or software apps is the predominant booster driving deployment of WebRTC platforms. Towering demand for real-time and convenient online communication features such as HD voice and video calling will remain a strong factor pushing demand growth of WebRTC platforms market.WebRTC Platforms Firm up as Focus on Customer Experience Zooms inWith businesses adopting customer experience delivery as a prominent competitive strategy, WebRTC platforms are discovering lucrative deployment opportunities. Companies are even strategizing on delivering vertical-specific experience for an additional edge over competitors in the WebRTC platforms market.In the wake of a dramatic upsurge in the Internet and social media usage worldwide, the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) enterprise policy will also reportedly generate demand for WebRTC platforms. Lack of an efficienct networking framework will however remain a strong challenging factor facing competitors in the WebRTC platforms market.Latest GStreamer WebRTC Implementation Pushes FunctionalityWeb real-time communication had already gained ground in applications such as Discord, Facebook Messenger, and Google Hangouts for the past decade. The functionality however continues to extend owing to multiple open source implementations, with the continuous technological evolution.The most preferred real-time communication API implementation, WebRTC platforms are currently used by a majority of browsers. However, multiple flaws were discovered in case of native APIs that were reportedly responsible for the inefficient applicability of web real-time communication across an extensive range of platforms and devices.A new recently introduced GStreamer WebRTC implementation successfully omits a few longstanding concerns associated with the use of WebRTC platforms in IoT enabled devices, and server and native applications. This and more such developments are projected significantly contribute to the expansion of WebRTC platforms market over the course of next few years.Contact Centers Mass Shifting to WebRTC Enabled User ExperienceIn another effort to create superior user experience, contact centers are switching from on-premises legacy systems to cutting-edge technology enabled platforms  i.e. WebRTC platforms. With more than 65% of customers preferring a two-way video option on their mobile apps enabled by WebRTC platforms, contact centers are most likely to invest substantially in deployment of WebRTC platforms.Contact centers are rapidly adopting WebRTC platforms to provide efficient cross-media support to customers through a medium of their choice, superior cross-platform support using their preferred platform choices, and context-based support that can craft the best-ever, customized experience for customers. Moreover, the use of WebRTC platforms in real-time speech analysis that has recently become an attractive facet of customer support strategies can serve as an excellent way to spot the right sales opportunities.WebRTC Platforms Becoming a Go-Forward-Option for Defense Industry.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-743 Following widespread adoption of UC (unified communication) for efficiency connecting personnel at disparate locations, the defense industry is now on the brink of adopting WebRTC as another powerful assistant addressing the industry's challenging communication demands. The US Defense Department recently tapped in to functional offerings of WebRTC to upgrade collaboration and communication across multiple military bases, forward locations, command posts, and primary workstations.
Ultrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:19:24

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# 969 Words

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

Ablation is an advanced treatment option for various diseases such as cancers, cardiac arrhythmias, and other medical conditions. Ablation is the procedure to remove destroyed tissue, harmful substances or abdominal growth from the body. Tumor ablation on bone and soft tissue has gained wide acceptance for the treatment of benign and malignant lesions. Different types of ablation techniques are used such as radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, electrical ablation, cryoablation, microwave ablation, ultrasonic ablation, hydrothermal ablation and others. Mostly this procedure is used to treat atrial fibrillation either by catheter ablation or surgical ablation. During cardiac ablation small electrode (wire) is inserted to measure electrical activity, the tissue that causes the heart rhythm problems is detected by the electrode and is destroyed using ablation technique. For each application, ablation procedures differs according to ablation zone area, treatment period, and procedural method.Ultrasonic ablation is a noninvasive procedural technique that uses sound wave and is concentrated at the diseased area of the tissue, leading to heating and cellular destruction of the diseased tissue. Ultrasonic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed that directs the ablation device to the diseased tissue. Ultrasonic tissue ablation system is designed. Radiofrequency and ultrasonic ablation devices are considered the most preferred and selected products by doctors and physicians. Ultrasonic ablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves a local anesthetic and mild sedation. This procedure is primarily used to reduce chronic low-back and neck pain caused due to degeneration of joints (due to arthritis and other spinal conditions). The procedure involves heating a small area of nervous tissue under controlled temperature. This results in blockage of pain signal receptor from that area, thereby relieving the patient from chronic pain.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3702 Advancement in the ablation devices due to intense research and development supports the physicians for wide selection of surgical tips and handpieces, which allows the surgeon to select the right combination that is based on the surgical procedure. The advanced ultrasonic ablation tissue system optimizes the frequency delivered to each tip, enables simple user interface and allows immediate detection of the malfunction to reduce complications. According to National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Atrial fibrillation cost US $6 billion each year in the United States.Ultrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market: Drivers and RestrainsIncrease in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmia, paroxysmal, persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation; rising incidence of chronic pain, cancer and increasing demand for minimally invasive procedure are the factors favoring market growth over the forecast period. The use of ultrasonic technology in radiofrequency devices is gaining popularity and enabling surgeons the power, precision, and control needed for selective dissection of soft or hard tissue. The factors limiting the market growth is high treatment cost, less awareness about the devices and other optional treatment system and devices used for tissue ablation. Growth opportunities such as increasing market share through mergers and acquisitions and investing in emerging economics, technological advancement in ultrasonic tissue ablation system is boosting the growth of the target marketUltrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market: SegmentationThe global ultrasonic tissue ablation systemmarket has been classified on the basis of product type, application, end user and geography.Based on Product Type, the global ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is divided into following:High-intensity Focused Ultrasonic (HIFU) AblatorsMagnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasonic (MRGFUS) AblatorsUltrasonic Surgical Ablation SystemsShock wave therapy SystemsBased on the Application, the global ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is divided into following:Cardiovascular DiseaseCancerPain ManagementGynecologyUrologyOrthopedicOthersBased on the End User, the global ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is divided into following:HospitalAmbulatory Surgical centersClinicsSpecialty Care UnitOthersUltrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market: OverviewThe ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is segment based on product type, application, end-user and geography. Based on the product type, ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is segmented on the basis of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasonic (MRGFUS) ablators, high-intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) ablators, ultrasonic surgical ablation systems and shock wave therapy systems. Based on the application segment, the market is sub-segmented on the basis of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, pain management, gynecology, urology, orthopedic and others. On the basis oF end user, the ultrasonic tissue ablation system market is segmented on the basis of hospital, ambulatory surgical center, clinics, and specialty care units. Increase in the number of patient population will lead to rise in the procedures of minimally invasive surgeries that will increased the demand for ultrasonic tissue ablation systems.Ultrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global ultrasonic tissue ablation systems market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is estimated to account for major share as according to world health organization, growth rate of geriatric population will be higher in developed nations, especially in the U.S., Japan, and several countries in Europe. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 89 million people would be aged over 65 years in the U.S. by 2050. Furthermore, around 40% people in Japan would be aged over 65 years by 2060. Significant economic development has led to an increase in healthcare availability in Asia Pacific region providing an opportunity for ultrasonic tissue ablation devices companies to penetrate Asia Pacific regions. The rapid increase in the geriatric population is likely to fuel the growth of the ultrasonic ablation devices market during the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3702 Ultrasonic Tissue Ablation System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global ultrasonic tissue ablation market are Ethicon, Inc. is a (Johnson & Johnson),Misonix Inc., SonaCare Medical, LLC., INSIGHTEC Ltd, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEMS Co., Ltd., Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology Co. ltd and others
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:37:00

Legendary Industry Veteran and CEO of iStack Training, Eric Dyck, Will Be Hosting This Two Day Event, with Twelve Speakers and Over 300 AttendeesLOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 18, 2019 / The organizers of the iStack Training's Facebook and Ecommerce Live Mastery Event are pleased to announce that the "Godfather of Facebook Advertising," Tim Burd, is confirmed as a speaker during the upcoming iStack event in San Diego on February 28, 2019. The two-day event will also take place on March 1.To learn more about iStack Training and the upcoming event in San Diego, which will feature two days of intensive training from some of the world's most advanced Facebook Ad buyers and ecommerce entrepreneurs, please visit https://istacktraining.com/events As a spokesperson for iStack Training noted, internet marketers from around the world will descend upon San Diego to be in the audience and try to meet Burd, who is the Co-Founder and CEO of AdLeaks. Burd earned his "Godfather" nickname after founding some of the largest online advertising groups in the world."I have been running Facebook Ads since the only option was Right Hand Placements, before there were even News Feed ads" said Burd. An independent study polling a group with more than 80,000 of Facebook's most elite advertisers voted to name Burd "Godfather of Facebook Ads" solidifying the title for Tim Burd. He has generated over a billion dollars in sales for clients using the platform.The event is hosted by the CEO of iStack Training, Eric Dyck. In the past few years, iStack Trainings have become the premier event for advertisers and internet marketers to get advanced information about Ecommerce and online advertising. "While most other events focus on introductory information, iStack has carved out its own niche catering to intermediate and experts. Those considered the 1% of successful internet marketers are often in attendance," Dyck noted.With more than 15 years of experience in the internet marketing industry, Eric Dyck has earned himself the title of "The Robust Marketer", which is also the name of his Podcast. The Robust Marketer Podcast, hosted by Dyck since 2017, features him interviewing more than 50 of the world's most knowledgeable authorities on digital advertising.Other speakers at the two-day event will include Larry Kim who sold his company Wordstream for $150 million, Josh Elizetxe who founded the viral internet product Snow Teeth Whitening, up and coming media buying sensation Jordan Menard, PayCertify CEO Chase Harmer, and other speakers including Maxwell Finn, Van Oakes, Corey and Keegan Rush, Jordan Rolband and more."Following the iStack training event, those looking for the opportunity to work closely with Tim Burd and have a more one on one experience with some of the other iStack training speakers, will have the opportunity to attend the world famous Tim Burd MasterMind event, which takes place March 2 and 3 at a private location," the spokesperson noted. Eric Dyck was influential in orchestrating the collaboration between iStack Training and Tim Burd's masterminds. This will be the second mastermind that will be presented as a collaboration between Burd and Dyck's companies, AdLeaks and iStack Training.About iStack Training:iStack Training is an educational community that helps digital marketers and entrepreneurs level up their knowledge, skills, and personal network. Thanks to help from iStack Training, people can build their online empire by using the tactics and strategies from the world's best marketers. For more information, please visit https://istacktraining.com/events Contact:Eric Dyckeric@ istackholdings.com 250 580 7977SOURCE: iStack Training
Single Use Contact Lenses Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 14:57:45

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# 845 Words

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

Single use contact lenses are used once and then thrown away, their introduction in mid of 1990's in the world market has brought an advancement in eye care. The Contact lens is a curved thin lens worn over the cornea which covers the surface of the eye. The purpose of this medical device is to correct some vision impairment without affecting ocular health as well as for cosmetic use. The colored contact lenses allow correcting the vision and change in the appearance of the eye. There are different kinds of single-use contact lenses for various conditions like astigmatism which arises from the different curvature of the cornea, for myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and presbyopia near vision impairment). Cosmetic and aesthetic are the main reasons for the people who does not want to wear glasses and also some of the problems like aniseikonia and keratoconus are better corrected with single-use contact lenses then the glasses.Single use contact lenses offer several advantages like no need of chemistry set of rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting, lubricating, and enzyme removal solutions, elimination of the deposition of lipid, calcium and protein and other forms on lenses. In single use contact lenses each time a new lens is inserted users comfort is enhanced through fresh dosing. Because of health and convenience benefits, single-use contact lenses are gaining in popularity among practitioners and consumers.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3561 Single Use Contact Lenses Market: Drivers and RestraintsRevenue of Single use contact lenses market is expected to grow in upcoming period as they are very much comfortable, easy to handle and healthier to an eye which are the primary drivers for the single use contact lenses market. In WHO report, the uncorrected refractive error is most common cause of vision impairment and the second cause of blindness worldwide. The increase in a rate of ophthalmologic and uncorrected refracted eye error as well as single contact lenses are made of the new materials and designs especially for disposability are expected to increase the single-use contact lenses market. The high cost of single-use lenses over the lenses used for a longer period could be the primary restraint in the single-use contact lenses market. Regular use of contact lenses may give rise to problems like corneal allergy, photophobia, and severe perilimbal infection is the challenges for the growth of single-use contact lenses market.Single Use Contact Lenses Market: SegmentationThe single-use contact lenses market is segmented by material type, product type, and distribution channel.By material typeSoft contact lensesGas permeable lensesBy product typeSphere lensesToric lensesMultifocal lensesOthersBy distribution channelE-CommerceOptometristsHospital pharmacySupermarketThe soft contact lenses are preferred more over the rigid gas permeable lenses as they are easy to handle made up of soft and flexible plastics which permits oxygen to pass through the cornea.Single Use Contact Lenses Market: OverviewThe single-use contact lenses market is expected to grow at healthy CGAR as U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and Prevention estimated that contact lens wearers are 40.9 million in the United States age 18 years and older, which is 16.7% of the U.S. adult population. Globally, approximately 282 million people suffer from visually impaired disorders, and about 80% of these people can be treated if they take preventive actions.The use of single contact lenses is effective option for the treatment of these visually impaired diseases like ophthalmic diseases and disorders. Enhanced features of disposable contact lenses like an increase in water content in silicon hydrogel lenses have introduced high levels of comfort and surface lubricity. These innovation coupled with health benefits and greater convenience will continue to pull contact lens market to a single-use contact lens, and single-use contact lenses market will share over 80% of worldwide contact lens market by 2020.Single Use Contact Lenses Market: Region-wise OutlookGlobally, North America has the largest share in Single use contact lens market due to increase in ophthalmological patients and the rise in ophthalmic issues among the adults which have led to the increase in demands for contact lenses and well-built health care infrastructure. Europe shares the second largest market in single-use contact lenses and will show lucrative growth due to advancement in contact lenses technologies and rise in government funding for ophthalmic care.Asia Pacific and the Middle East is expected to expand at considerable CAGR in forecast period due to high population base, rise in disposable income, increase in health care awareness by educating the masses about the proper usage of single-use contact lenses as well as penetration of modern technology in contact lenses. Also, investments being made by major vendors in these regions will propel the growth of the single use contact lenses market.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3561 Single Use Contact Lenses Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the key players for the Single use contact lenses are Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Alcon Inc., Bausch & Lomb, CIBA Vision Corporation, Contact Lens Portfolio, Cooper Vision Inc., Johnson and Johnson, Lens Care portfolio, Novartis International AG and others.
Radioimmunotherapy Treatment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:19:04

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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

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and is projected to rise with an estimated 11.5 million deaths in 2030. The most common cancer is lung cancer, accounting about 1.59 million deaths, other types of cancer include liver cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, etc. Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, precision medicine, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. Immunotherapy involves the use of persons immune system to fight cancer; it involves the stimulation of immune system to attack the cancer cells or provide the immune system with a man-made immune system.Different types of immunotherapy include monoclonal antibodies, designed to attack the specific cells; immune checkpoint inhibitors, drugs that recognize and attack the cancer cells by removing the brakes of the T cell; cancer vaccines, used to trigger the immune response against specific disease and various other non-specific immunotherapy are used to boost the immune system. Radioimmunotherapy is the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Monoclonal antibody is engineered in the laboratory and paired with a radioactive material called radiotracers. When injected, radio labeled antibody to bind to the specific cancer cell and destroyed the cancer cell by its radioactivity. The radioactive agents used mainly are Yttrium-90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan, Iodine-131 Tositumomab, and others.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3701 Several clinical trials are ongoing to establish the potential of radio labeled monoclonal antibody. Radioimmunotherapy is also used to treat patients suffering from non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma, and other sub-types of lymphoma or patients who does not respond to chemotherapy. Generally, no side effects are seen during the treatment. In clinical field, clinical studies are done to enhance biological and chemical efficacy and treatment procedure improvements in radioimmunotherapy. Both direct and indirect method are used in the delivery of radioimmunotherapy molecules. Increasing discretionary funding for cancer research by government and federal agencies, increase in Medicare coverage, rising prevalence of cancer among growing population, availability of new cancer treatment, and various other factors are will booth the radioimmunotherapy market in the near future.Radioimmunotherapy Treatment 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. Governmental guidelines from American Society of Clinical Oncology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN /ASCO) are providing help to healthcare professionals in the management and treatment of cancer patients. Intense research and development in cancer therapeutics, the rise in the incidence of cancer cases, increased preference towards cancer research. In April 2016, the U.S. Government allocated US$ 5.2 Bn for the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a federal government agency, for cancer research and training. The budget increased by 5.3% as compared to the previous year. Insurance coverage and reimbursement issues, big companies are investing heavily in the cancer therapeutics involving both time and money, and there is no guarantee that the product will get coverage, radiation risk to healthcare professionals and patients are some factors that may decline the growth of radio-immunotherapy marketRadioimmunotherapy Treatment Market: SegmentationThe global radioimmunotherapy treatment market has been classified on the basis of drug type, procedure type, disease indication, target type and geography.Based on Drug Type, the radioimmunotherapy treatment market is divided into following:IbritumomabTositumomabRituximabEpratuzumabLintuzumabLabetuzumabTrastuzumabOthersBased on the Procedure Type, the global radioimmunotherapy treatment market is divided into following:Direct MethodIndirect MethodBased on the Disease Indication, the global radioimmunotherapy treatment market is divided into following:Non-Hodgkin lymphomaMyeloid leukemiaColorectal cancerBreast CancerMultiple MyelomaOthersBased on the End User, the global radioimmunotherapy treatment market is divided into following:HospitalsAmbulatory surgical centersCancer Research InstitutesOthersRadioimmunotherapy Treatment Market: OverviewBased on the drug type, the global radioimmunotherapy treatment market is segmented into ibritumomab, tositumomab, rituximab, epratuzumab, lintuzumab, labetuzumab and trastuzumab. On the basis of procedure type the radioimmunotherapy treatment market is segmented into direct and indirect method. O On the basis of disease indication, the market is segmented into non-hodgkin lymphoma, myeloid leukemia, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, multiple myeloma and others. Based on end user, the market is segmented into hospital, ambulatory surgical centers and cancer research institutes. 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 radio-immunotherapy treatment marketRadioimmunotherapy Treatment Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global Radioimmunotherapy Treatment 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 worlds 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 greater focus on early diagnosis, screening, monitoring and clinical development associated with radiotherapy treatment have been the major strategies adopted by major players in the global radioimmunotherapy treatment market.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3701 Radioimmunotherapy Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global Radioimmunotherapy Treatment Market are GlaxoSmithKline plc. Bayer AG, MabVax Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., Panacea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Nordic Nanovector, Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Immunomedics, Inc., Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.and others.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Treatment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:21:20

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Primary biliary cholangitis is also referred as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disease of liver that manifest into progressive cholestasis and lead to end-stage liver disease. Primary biliary cholangitis characterized by destruction of bile duct which transport the bile acid. Primary biliary cholangitis is detected in the late stage of disease. Primary biliary cirrhosis majorly seen in womens in fourth or sixth decades of life. Primary biliary cholangitis generally diagnosed during routine blood examination which presents symptoms like fatigue, pertussis, and right upper quadrant discomfort. In initial examination finding the disease is normal, as the disease advances present symptoms of liver cirrhosis. The hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis is the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) in the blood. Medical management of primary biliary cirrhosis mainly done to slow the symptom progression and to alleviate the symptoms.Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobal primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is expected to drive by highly unmet medical need owing lack of definitive treatment, advanced diagnostic process coupled rising awareness among healthcare professionals and patients alike across the globe. The Incidence and prevalence of primary biliary cholangitis vary geographically, ranging from 0.7 to 49 and 6.7 to 402 per million, respectively. The factors currently contributing to the revenue growth of the primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is increasing incidence and prevalence of the disease, increased exposure to environmental triggers to immune system such as pesticides. Furthermore, lifestyle changes like smoking, alcoholism, and obesity are expected to drive the market for primary biliary cholangitis treatment over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3773 Global primary biliary cholangitis treatment market hindered by the lack of definitive treatment for the disease and late diagnosis of the disease led to treatment deprivation to the patient. The market restrained by dearth of epidemiology data which helps to assess the product access and availability in various geographies which are expected to hinder market revenue growth of primary biliary cholangitis treatment over the forecast periodPrimary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment Market: SegmentationGlobal primary biliary cholangitis treatment market has been segmented on the basis of treatment type, end user and Region.Based on the treatmenttype, the global primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is segmented into the following:For TreatmentUrsodeoxycholic acidObeticholic AcidMethotrexateCorticosteroidsOthersFor Symptom ControlAntihistaminesCholestyramineAntibacterialsOpioid AntagonistsColestipolOthersBased on the end user, the global primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is segmented into the following:Hospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesPrimary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment Market: OverviewGlobal primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is witnessing significant changes due to recent approval of UDCA by several regulatory authorities across the globe. In May 2016, the FDA approved obeticholic acid in combination with UDCA for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in adult patients with an inadequate response to UDCA. U.Ks NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and European Commission granted the market authorization for Ocaliva (obeticholic acid) form Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the year 2017 and 2016 respectively.Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, Primary biliary cholangitis treatment market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America and Western Europe will remain key markets for primary biliary cholangitis treatment products due to increased regulatory approvals for treatment options, increasing awareness among patient advocacy groups regarding primary biliary cholangitis helps to maintain larger market share in the globalprimary biliary cholangitis treatment market by the regions. Asia Pacific is anticipated to present better growth opportunity owing to large untapped market, increasing out of pocket expenditure, and growing governments interventions for improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3773 Primary Biliary Cholangitis Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the global primary biliary cholangitis treatment market are Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Actavis, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc., Epic Pharma, LLC, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Axcan Scandipharm Inc. to name a few.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the POU Water Purifiers Market: MENA Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020 " report to their offering.

POU Water Purifiers Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 08:11:24

Future Market Insights (FMI) announced the release of a latest report titled, POU Water Purifiers Market: MENA Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020. FMI estimates that the Point of Use (POU) water purifier market in Middle East and North Africa is expected to reach US$ 471 Mn at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2014 to 2020.Residential water purification system includes point of use water purifiers (POU), point of entry (POE) water purifiers, portable water purifiers. Moreover, the demand for POU water purifiers is high among consumers in MENA region as compared to POE and portable water purifiers.In the POU water purifiers market, products with high purification capabilities such as combination of reverse osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet (UV) technologies are more preferred. It has also been observed that a majority of the demand is coming from urban centres in GCC when compared to the entire MENA region.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ma-30 Market SegmentsThe POU water purifiers market is segmented on the basis of technology which includes RO, UV and media-based. RO technology based water purifiers segment is estimated to account for slightly over 40% of the total POU water purifiers market in MENA region in 2014. Media-based water purification, which is a conventional water purification technology has also witnessed technological advancements, and is estimated to display a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, in terms of volume. The third technology, UV based water purifiers, is estimated to exhibit a sluggish growth rate during the forecast period due to its limitation in removing only organic contaminants from water. Additionally, UV-based water purifiers are also priced higher in comparison to media-based water purifiers and hence the product preference for UV based water purifiers is comparatively low.Region-wise, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Algeria are the promising markets for POU water purifiers. In addition, a cumulative scenario has been highlighted for rest of MENA (includes smaller countries like Kuwait, Jordan etc.). Among the aforementioned regions, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to be the prominent market for POU water purifiers, followed by Turkey, due to its growing population and rapid urbanization, and increasing awareness for safe drinking water forecast period.In addition, penetration of bottled water is a challenge for the POU water purifiers market in Anatolia. As a result, Anatolia is estimated to demonstrate a sluggish growth rate in the near future. Furthermore, POU water purifiers market in UAE is anticipated to reach 149.2 thousand units by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 10% between 2014 and 2020.Drivers and RestraintsDeteriorating water quality, rising cost of bottled water, increasing population coupled with increasing per capita income are some of the prominent factors which will catalyse the point of use water purifiers in the region. Though the MENA market is attractive in terms of absolute dollar opportunity, low awareness about safe drinking water and product unavailability are major challenges for the MENA POU water purifier market.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-ma-30 Competitive LandscapeKey players operating in the MENA water purifier market are LG, Eureka Forbes, Strauss Water, Panasonic, WaterLife and Coolplex. The report sheds light on their key growth strategies and recent developments. In addition, the report also discusses the value chain followed by multinational companies in MENA for POU water purifiers.
Photomedicine Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:07:08

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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

Photomedicine is an interdisciplinary branch of medicine that involves the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and other complications related to health by using photobiology and light. Photomedicine treatment is done by exposing the individual to light with specific wavelengths using lasers, fluorescent lamps, full-spectrum light, polychromatic polarized light, light-emitting diodes and dichroic lamps. Moreover, photomedicine also includes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of pharmacology, chemistry, physiology and pathology as they apply to photobiology. Photomedicine has found its application in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, cancer and several infections. This new treatment option of photomedicine helps better visualization and has outpaced the traditional method of diagnosing and detecting a disease.Photomedicine Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe market for photomedicine is expected to boom as there is more adoption of minimally invasive procedures, advances in medical aesthetic technologies, more augmented research funding for photomedicine, and the development of compact, versatile and multifunctional photomedicine devices. Researches in the field of photomedicine to explore newer application is bringing in more investments. Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital proved that by using low-level laser therapy there was enhanced platelet production in animals with thrombocytopenia as compared to normal control. Thrombocytopenia is caused due to side-effects of certain drugs, leukemia, and drugs used for chemotherapy. Platelet transfusion is the established treatment for this but only used in severe cases since its risks complications include immunosuppression, allergic reaction and infection.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3641 Photomedicine Market: SegmentationPhotomedicine market is classified on the basis of technology, application and region.Based on technology the photomedicine market is segmented into the following:Fluorescent LampsLasersPolychromatic Polarized LightFull Spectrum LightDichroic LampsLight Emitting DiodesCold lasers also known as low-level lasers emit through its low-powered laser light do not heat the target tissues. These lasers are used to improve conditions related to wound healing, pain management and conditions related to stroke and neurodegenerative disorders.Based on application the photomedicine market is segmented into the following:OncologyDermatologyDentistryOphthalmologySurgical proceduresOthersPhotomedicine Market: OverviewThe photomedicine market is expected to upsurge in the coming years owing to the number of new product approvals. Moreover, the photomedicine market is also experiencing consolidation with companies acquiring other market players. Syneron Medical Ltd. acquired New Star Lasers, Inc. to leverage on its CoolTouch family of aesthetic devices.Photomedicine Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding orthopedic trauma device market, it has been segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in the photomedicine market owing to the presence of major market player. Moreover, as compared to other regions the adoption of photomedicine in the use of treatment and diagnosis is higher. This is due to the higher rate of research undertakings and the grants received to explore this area of medicine. Asia Pacific is also emerging region due to the developing economies. Moreover as it has a strong presence for foreign tourism, there has been a growing adoption of photomedicine. For instance, Lumenis Ltd. who manufactures energy-based devices for ophthalmology, surgical and aesthetic application supported a mission to treat burn injuries in Armenia. Through its Lumenis UltraPulse to treat children with burn injuries. The companys 2015 mission included the establishment of medical laser center in Arabkir Pediatric Hospitals.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3641 Photomedicine Market: Some of the players in photomedicine market areLumenis Ltd., PhotoMedex, Inc., THOR Photomedicine Ltd, Asclepion Laser Technologies GmbH, Alma Lasers, QBMI Photomedicine, IRIDEX Corporation, Syneron Medical Ltd., AngioDynamics and Spectranetics.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:19:57

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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: abhishek.b@futuremarketinsights.comFMI Blog: https://www.fmiblog.com/Web: https://www.fuManager+1-347-918-3531

Diabetes has evolved as one of the primary healthcare epidemic characterized by high sugar levels and principle cause of mortality worldwide. In 2014, World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 8.5% of adults living with diabetes. A diabetic person cannot either synthesize enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or either does not make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin produced by the body (type 2 diabetes). Another type of diabetes that occur in women during her pregnancy is gestational diabetes. However, gestational diabetes is usually resolved after delivery but can precede towards type 2 diabetes later in a womens life. Most of the continuous glucose monitoring devices are invasive and involves use of needles leading to increased chance of infection. Furthermore, the invasive glucose monitoring device is considered to be discrete glucose measurement system which cannot be practically used for continuous monitoring of blood glucose. Certain evidences of hyperglycemia between measurements are however not recorded thus resulting in false or no representation of the blood glucose pattern. Noninvasive monitoring of glucose levels eliminates the need of painful pricking with increased risk of infection, and amount of damage caused to the finger tissue.Therefore, non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring devices are being widely investigated and studied over the past few years for their ability to monitor glucose continuously under highly controlled (e.g. in-clinic) conditions. Various techniques that involves measurement of blood glucose levels non-invasively includes, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), Mid -Infrared Spectroscopy (Mid-IRS), Raman Spectroscopy, Photo-acoustic Spectroscopy (PA), Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and many more.Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring DevicesMarket: Drivers & RestraintsRising prevalence of diabetes globally is expected to result in greater use of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring devices among the prevalent population. Owing to the several disadvantages imposed by the use of invasive blood glucose monitors and growing need to develop noninvasive glucose monitoring diagnostic techniques, the market for non- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices is expected to rise at a greater pace during the forecast period. For instance, in June 2015, researchers in U.K. developed blood glucose device that utilizes low-powered lasers in order to measure the blood glucose levels on the skin surface. Also a bench-top version of the system is currently in clinical trials studies which might land in the market over the next few years. This includes, a finger-touch device similar to a computer mouse and a wearable version for continuous blood glucose monitoring. In addition, increasing efforts by several startup manufacturers, for example, Prediktor Medical- a Norway based manufacturer is developing a wearable device for estimation of blood glucose levels based on the combination of several principles determining the noninvasive glucose monitoring including, advanced multivariate analysis and dynamic models for insulin or glucose interaction. The device is expected to be in the form of a watch or bracelet communicating with the mobile phone or a tablet for data presentation. This would enable patients monitor their glucose levels continuously without the need for an implant. Currently available blood glucose measuring devices lacks specificity and sensitivity due to the substantial physical and chemical interference. Non-invasive glucose monitoring devices use multivariate regression analyses converting optical signal to glucose concentration. Hence the device should be designed in such a way that it leads to accurate detection of blood glucose levels imperative for optimum therapy and disease management.Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: SegmentationNon- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices marketis segmented by technology, modality end user and geography:By TechnologyMIR/NIR (Mid/Near Infrared Spectroscopy)Raman SpectroscopyOcclusion SpectroscopyOptical Coherence TomographyThermal Emission SpectroscopyPhotoacoustic SpectroscopyImpedance/Dielectric SpectroscopyElectromagneticPolarimetryFluorescenceBy ModalityWearable Blood Glucose Monitoring SystemsNon-wearable /Table top Blood Glucose Monitoring SystemsBy End UserHospitalsHome Care SettingsClinicsNon- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: OverviewRising prevalence of diabetes worldwide imposes significant economic consequences on the individuals life. Currently, there are 350 million people worldwide estimated to live with diabetes. Thus continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential in order to manage the ever increasing prevalent population living with diabetes currently. For this reason manufacturers are focusing on developing diagnostic techniques that are highly reliable and monitors individuals blood glucose levels with greater accuracy with the capability to improve glycemic control and patient wellbeing. By integration of sensing elements, electronics along with a reliable power source in a single unit, noninvasive blood glucose monitors are offering immense opportunity for all the device manufacturers along with patients and various healthcare providers across the world. Accelerated regulatory approvals of blood glucose monitors is one of the another important factor leading to increased revenues of noninvasive blood glucose devices over the forecast period.Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region presence, Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia pacific excluding japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Growing number of diabetic population in U.S. is the leading factor contributing towards higher adoption of noninvasive blood glucose monitoring systems. Center of Diseases Control and Prevention estimated 29.1 million of U.S. population with diabetes in the U.S. The data also estimated adult population with diabetes are at 50% higher risk of death. Furthermore, growing need of continuous non-invasive method of blood glucose diagnosis among patients is expected to create higher demand for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring systems worldwide. The incidence of diabetes is higher in regions such as Asia Pacific, North America and Western Europe. Presence of several pipeline blood glucose monitoring systems and their expected launch is expected to drive the market for noninvasive blood glucose devices over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2613 Non- Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in the non- invasive blood glucose monitoring devices market are, Abbott, Animas Technologies, Bayer Healthcare, Cercacor, Pendragon Medical, OrSense, and Bayer Healthcare.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:21:11

Future Market Insights (FMI) announces the release of its latest report titled, Asia Pacific Flexible Glass, Market Opportunity; 2014 to 2020 Forecast." According to the report, the Asia Pacific flexible glass market is expected to account for $612.7 Mn by 2020, registering a CAGR of 36.5% during the forecast period. Incorporation of flexibility threshold in displays is expected to contribute to the growth of the Asia Pacific flexible glass market over the forecast period.In terms of application, Asia Pacific flexible glass market is mainly segmented into display and solar PV (photovoltaic). Currently, display application segment dominates the Asia Pacific flexible glass market. The display segment was valued at US$ 74.2 Mn in 2013, and is expected to reach US$ 417.3 Mn by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 33.4% for the forecast period. Moreover, the development of Roll2Roll process is expected to create a demand for flexible glass in solar PV application. As a result, solar PV is projected to be the fastest growing application segment for the forecast period.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb--60 The display application is further sub-segmented as smartphones and tablets, curved TV, building mounted displays and, wearables. Among all the aforementioned sub-segments, smartphones & tablets segment is expected to dominate the market with 50.1% of the total revenue share by 2020. However, curved TV is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR of 37.1% during the forecast period. Additionally, influx of new entrants is predicted to fuel the growth of curved TV application segment over the forecast period.Browse Full: "Asia Pacific Flexible Glass, Market Opportunity; 2014 to 2020 Forecast" Report at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/details/apac-flexible-glass-market Country-wise, the Asia Pacific flexible glass market is segmented into Japan, China, South Korea and others. Japan is the most lucrative market, followed by South Korea and China. Moreover, Japan is expected to contribute 40.0% market share to the Asia Pacific flexible glass market by 2020. The growth of South Korea market is supported by the strong presence of smartphone & TV manufacturers along with growing number of R&D centres in South Korea.Assessing the various factors driving this market, FMI lead analyst, Abhishek S. said, Incorporation of flexibility threshold in displays, development of Roll2Roll process for flexible PV and growing R&D investments in flexible glass by key glass manufacturers are expected to fuel the demand for Asia Pacific flexible glass market. Key players in the Asia Pacific flexible glass market are Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., Corning Inc., Schott AG and Nippon Electric Glass Company Ltd.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb--60
The global market for neuromodulation devices is primarily driven by the increase in geriatric population in developed countries such as, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Increasing incidence of neurological disorders is another factor responsible for the growth of neuromodulation devices market.

Neuromodulation Devices Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 14:26:36

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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

Neuromodulation is technology that is used for the alteration or modulation of the nerve activity by using chemical agents or electrical stimulation to the specific neurological sites in the body. Most of the neuromodulation devices work through electrical stimulation.Neuromodulation devices are used by the application of electrodes to the brain, peripheral nerves or the spinal cord. The electrode leads in neuromodulation devices are connected through an extension cable to a power source and pulse generator, which generates required electrical impulses. A low-voltage electrical signal passes from the impulse generator to the nerves, and work by either stimulating the neural impulses where they were not present previously or inhibiting the pain signals. Neuromodulation devices are used to treat or enhance the quality of life of people suffering from the conditions such as, chronic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, essential tremor, epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, dystonia and psychological disorders. The conditions which are being treated with neuromodulation devices are mostly permanent in nature so it requires a long term use of neuromodulation devices.Neuromodulation Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global market for neuromodulation devices is primarily driven by the increase in geriatric population in developed countries such as, the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Increasing incidence of neurological disorders is another factor responsible for the growth of neuromodulation devices market. Other growth factors for neuromodulation devices market are miniaturization of devices, new neuromodulation devices approval by regulatory bodies and increasing awareness among people.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3361 Neuromodulation Devices Market: SegmentationThe global neuromodulation market has been segmented on the basis of product type, end users and geography.Based on product type, the global neuromodulation devices market is divided into:Internal NeuromodulationDeep brain stimulationSacral nerve stimulationVagus nerve stimulationSpinal cord stimulationGastric Electrical StimulationExternal NeuromodulationTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulationRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationBased on end users, the global neuromodulation devices market is segmented as:HospitalsClinicsHome healthcareNeuromodulation Devices Market: OverviewNeuromodulation devices market is expected to witness significant growth due to the technological advancement of neuromodulation devices. Spinal cord stimulation is the largest segment of the neuromodulation devices market as this therapy is mostly used for the treatment of chronic pain. Deep brain stimulation is expected to be the fastest growing segment of neuromodulation devices market due to increasing prevalence of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinsons disease & dystonia and also due to lack of existing treatments. In case of the end users home healthcare is expected to be fastest growing due to miniaturization of neuromodulation devices and ease of use.Neuromodulation Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookNeuromodulation devices market is segmented into seven regions, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is the most attractive market due to increase in the end use of devices, awareness among people and high prevalence of disease conditions such as Parkinsons disease, chronic pain, epilepsy. Followed by which is Western Europe. Asia-Pacific region is expected to be fastest growing due to increasing population, change in lifestyle, and government initiative to aware the people regarding the neurological disorders and their treatments. Japan is also an attractive market for neuromodulation devices due to ageing population and increase in the approval rate of neuromodulation devices by Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3361 Neuromodulation Devices Market: Key Market ParticipantsSome of the market participants in the global neuromodulation devices market are Medtronic, Accellent, BioControl Medical, Boston Scientific Corporation, DynaMD, Nevro Corp, NeuroSigma, Inc., NeuroPace, Inc., St. Jude Medical, Inc. Soterix Medical, Inc. and Synapse Biomedical, Inc.,. These companies are focusing on miniaturizationof the neuromodulation devices and advancement of the technology.
Micro-Hospitals Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:20:34

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# 642 Words

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

Micro-hospitals are small scale In-patient facility that offers a variety of emergency medical services. They mostly focused on treating low-acuity patients and provides ambulatory and emergency services. Micro-hospitals can bridge the gap in care delivery and quality of healthcare in underdeveloped areas. Due to its economic nature, intimate delivery model, micro-hospitals are ideal in rural areas. Micro-hospitals differs from traditional hospitals in the range of operations done. It is also gaining importance to improve healthcare system by reducing cost and patient compliance. Micro-hospitals are typically composed of five components, namely a) Emergency Department, b) Imaging and Diagnostics, c) Surgery and Procedure Centers, d) Inpatient Nursing Unit and e) Medical Office. Micro-hospitals designed for both operationally and functionally to deliver the right care, at the right time. Micro-hospitals subjected to same rules and regulations imposed on large scale hospitals in the place they are built. Telehealth facilities are offered for integration of care continuity with micro-hospitals. Micro-hospitals providers are mainly concentrated on the single access point for multiple levels of care and specialty. The primary focus is on industry-leading clinical quality and patient satisfaction.Micro-Hospitals Market: Drivers and RestraintsDecreasing admission rates of large-scale hospitals and rising importance of micro-hospitals due to increasing patient compliance are expected to boost the growth of the micro-hospital market. The micro-hospital market is gaining traction globally due to the comparatively lower construction cost and higher reimbursement for services that large hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Rising health care demand due to the need for more intensive service offerings locally that cannot be provided by traditional hospitals. This unmet need for large scale hospitals acts as a driver in the burgeoning growth of the micro-hospital market. Growing technology along with increasing expectation of patients on healthcare system becomes a significant threat to large-scale hospitals and give the opportunity to micro-hospitals. All these factors are fueling the growth of the micro-hospital market. Micro-hospitals are shifting the healthcare landscape, as they become an integral component of health care system.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3704 Slower penetration of micro-hospitals due to slower adoption rate results in the slow growth of the micro-hospital market.Micro-Hospitals Market: SegmentationSegmentation based on LocationTier-1 CitiesTier-2 CitiesTier-3 CitiesSegmentation based on End UserInternational TouristsCorporatesIndividualsMicro-Hospitals Market: Market OverviewGlobal Micro-Hospitals Market has witnessed a burgeoning growth due to increasing adaptation due to increased ease of use. Increasing government support for healthcare development is encouraging private organizations to participate in funding and partnership. Micro-hospital cost is comparatively less than large-scale hospitals and more than urgent care units which act as a driver in the growth of the micro-hospital. Micro-hospital enables fast treatment for emergency cases and also offers primary care services which are competitive advantage over ambulatory surgical centers. The future of Micro-Hospitals Market anticipated with double CAGR during forecasting period.Micro-Hospitals Market: Region-Wise OverviewGlobal Micro-Hospitals Market segmented into following regions North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and the Middle East and Africa. North America is dominant in the Global Micro-Hospitals mainly due to the well-established health care system. In North America, USA is dominating because of increased of increased adoption of micro-hospitals. European region follows North America, growth fuelled by increased penetration of the micro-hospital market. Economic conditions in the APAC region are set to drive the Micro-Hospitals Market to new heights. APAC is fastest growing region due to increasing government support for healthcare system. Growth in the Middle East and African region is considerably less but still with significant growth.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3704 Micro-Hospitals Market: Key ParticipantsThe key participants in the Micro-Hospitals Market are Emerus Hospitals, SCL Health, Saint Lukes Health System, etc. The service providers are mainly focusing on the collaboration and partnership to increase the adaptation of Micro-Hospitals.
Key market players are broadening their product range in developed markets like the U.S to demonstrate the impact of meningococcal vaccines in infants and meningococcal carriage in adolescents

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 12:32:47

Partnerships between the private sector and public institutions have been the chief agenda of global public health initiatives. The last few years have witnessed an increase in several private-public partnerships specifically focussing on vaccine provision in developing countries. Partnerships like the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision for Epidemic Meningitis Control (ICG) help magnify the vaccine outreach to remote areas of the world with the maximum need. The governments of several countries across the globe initiate immunisation programmes periodically and these programmes are backed by global organisations such as UNICEF and WHO and private not for profits like the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).To Get Sample Copy of Report Visit at: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1252 A classic example of how private-public partnerships are helping boost vaccination programmes across deep regional pockets is Brazil. In 2010, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Brazil formed a strategic alliance with Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics for the sustainable supply of Menjugate MenC vaccines for Brazils National Immunization Program. By 2015, Brazil became self-sufficient in the production of the meningococcal C conjugated vaccine for the countrys public vaccination programmes. Such initiatives at the global level are anticipated to support global immunisation goals and at the same time boost growth of the meningococcal vaccines market.Factors Leading to Worldwide Adoption of Meningococcal Vaccination ProgrammesThe global meningococcal vaccines market is expected to be driven by enhanced access to vaccines in low and middle-income countries, growing investments by manufacturers and governments to cope with pandemic meningitis outbreaks, and rapidly growing consumption of meningococcal vaccines bolstered by immunisation alliances and mass vaccination campaigns among others. Partnerships and alliances between manufacturers and governmental healthcare organisations are facilitating the speedy introduction of vaccines in some of the economically challenged countries of the Middle East and Africa region. Enhanced access to vaccines in under-penetrated global markets is expected to accelerate revenue growth of the global meningococcal vaccines market.Approval of new vaccines in the U.S and Europe in 2015 and 2017 to treat meningococcal meningitis has revolutionised the global immunisation landscape. This is further boosting the growth trajectory of the global market for meningococcal vaccines.According to Future Market Insights projections, the global market for meningococcal vaccines is expected to reach US$ 6,008.9 Mn by 2028 end from a valuation of US$ 2,290.7 Mn in 2017  reflecting a CAGR of 9.2% during the 10 year period from 2018 to 2028.Methodology With Latest Advancements and Application @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1252 GlaxoSmithKline to Lead the Global Meningococcal Vaccines Market with About 50% Market Share Recorded in 2017The global meningococcal vaccines market is highly consolidated, with GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi together holding about 80% of the global market share in 2017. Pfizer is the third largest company in this market with just under 12% market share in 2017. Companies are expanding their production capacities through the acquisition of established vaccines production units of other global or local companies. Sanofi has a huge pipeline of 17 active meningococcal vaccines programmes and is targeting emerging markets; while GlaxoSmithKline has 5 active pipeline programmes for meningococcal vaccines, all of which are in the phase II clinical stage. Addition of the vaccine Bexsero has enabled GlaxoSmithKline to defend its brand against Sanofis aggressive portfolio in the paediatric vaccines space.
Global Internet of Everything (IoE) market is expected to register a strong growth of 15.2% in its CAGR during the projected period to reach US$ 7,130.4 billion by 2020.

Internet of Everything (IoE) Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 12:04:19

Future Market Insights (FMI), in its recent report titled Global IoE (Internet of Everything) Market Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20142020 indicates that the global IoE market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period.Vineet Kumar, a consultant at FMI, said, Proliferation of connected devices, increased technology budgets by leading countries such as Finland and Singapore, and rising uptake of ICT goods, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, will accelerate the growth of the global IoE market. Further, explosion of big data and a growing need for enhanced customer experience in public, telecom and media, and banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors are likely to increase the adoption of IoE solutions and technology in the near future.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-34 This report includes two segments, namely, business to business (B2B) IoE components and IoE verticals. B2B IoE components are further sub-segmented into intelligent systems, infrastructure enablement spending, and services enablement spending. Among all the aforementioned sub-segments, intelligent systems accounted for more than 80% of the global IoE market share in 2013; however, this is expected to decrease by 620 BPS by 2020. The global IoE market can also be segmented into consumer and B2B verticals. IoE B2B segment growth is 1.1 times of the IoE consumer segments CAGR in 2020.This report also covers eight types of B2B IoE verticals in the global IoE market. Among the B2B IoE verticals, manufacturing and public sectors dominated with over 50% share of the global market in 2013. However, the healthcare sector is anticipated to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 20.6% during the forecast period, followed by the utility sector. Improved eHealth delivery has contributed to the increased uptake of IoE solutions in the healthcare sector.Region-wise, North America dominated the market with over one-third share of the overall IoE market, followed by Western Europe, in 2013. However, among all the regions, the IoE market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR of over 18% during the forecast period. IoE market growth in Asia-Pacific is mainly driven by increased investment in smart cities and smart grid initiatives by the governments of India, China and Japan.Ongoing advances in ICT and embedded systems have given rise to a new disruptive technology: the Internet of Everything (IoE), which is transforming businesses in all aspects, Vineet Kumar added.Need more information about Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-34 Major participants in the global IoE market continue to focus on acquisitions and partnerships in order to enter new markets and strengthen their existing product portfolio. Some of the top players in global IoE market are Cisco Systems Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., IBM Corporation, Apple Inc. and Accenture Inc. These top players accounted for over 50% market share in 2013.
Synthetic camphor is conventionally prepared from the extracts of the camphor tree. While the one produced using chemical synthesis is known as synthetic camphor. One of the most important raw material employed in the manufacturing of synthetic camphor is turpentine oil.

Synthetic Camphor Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 09:47:40

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# 543 Words

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.comManager3479183531

According to the latest Future Market Insights (FMI) report, the volume sales of synthetic camphor are likely to exceed 36 thousand tons in 2019. Pharmaceutical industry has been a leading end-user of synthetic camphor, upheld by ongoing research activities on extending application scope of synthetic camphor in medicinal formulations.Pharma-grade synthetic camphor is extensively used in various topical analgesic products such as ointments, oils, gels, and chest-rubs. These pharma-grade synthetic camphor for topical pain management products are witnessing significant demand owing to consumer preference for self-medication, undergird by enhanced and easy accessibility of OTC products. According to the report, pharma-grade synthetic camphor is projected to account for more than 50% volume share in 2019 in the synthetic camphor market.Pharma-grade synthetic camphor sales are also significantly driven by growing demand for private-labelled camphorated medical products. For example, private labelled analgesic products have gained increased popularity in the US, as they are devoid of FDA approval, and witness strong promotion from retailer businesses.Request Sample Report@ Global Synthetic Camphor Market Is Anticipated to Register Significant GrowthA key factor restricting adoption is regulations on the use of synthetic camphor in pharmaceutical products, such as the US FDAs classification of certain camphorated oil products would require patients to hold doctors prescription for consumption. Moreover, rising costs of raw materials such as turpentine oil is emerging as a key concern for manufacturers producing pharma-grade synthetic camphor.Gains Remain Strong from Synthetic Camphor Sales in Plasticizer ProductionSynthetic camphor continues to witness robust adoption in plasticizer production, which prevails as a critical component for paint and coating formulations. Additionally, demand for plasticizers in PVC and cellulose fiber production, has significantly underpinned sales of synthetic camphor. The study estimates sales of synthetic camphor in plasticizer production to surpass 13 thousand tons in 2019.Rise in the construction sector, along with increasing demand for renovation and maintenance of existing structures, continues to drive demand for plasticizers in flooring and wall covering applications. Additionally, remarkable demand for plasticizers in flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) manufacturing, and to soften plastics used in wall covering and flooring, will remain a key sales determinant of synthetic camphor.East Asia to Hold Pole Position in Synthetic Camphor MarketAccording to the FMI report, East Asia is likely to remain lucrative in the synthetic camphor market. In East Asia, China is expected to account for the highest sales of synthetic camphor, surpassing 12 thousand tons in 2019. Owing to the presence of a large number of pharma-grade synthetic camphor manufacturers in China, the country is witnessing the growing demand for synthetic camphor.Growing overseas demand for synthetic camphor and significant growth in Chinese gum turpentine industry are the key factors influencing the market growth in the country. Additionally, with the development of Chinese gum turpentine derivatives such as synthetic camphor and synthetic borneol, overseas companies are eyeing use of these derivatives over gum turpentine.Need More Information about Report Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-8704 Majority of the pharma-grade synthetic camphor manufacturers are concentrated in China and India, exporting their products to Europe and the US. Due to the availability of raw materials and synthetic camphor on a large scale in China and India, global manufacturers of camphor and other related chemical are focusing on expanding their businesses in East Asia.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 21:10:44

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Pune, IndiaSales Manager+91-9764607607

Healthcare cyber security is a growing concern. Over the past few years, hacking and IT security incidents have steadily increased, and many medical institutions are struggling to defend their network boundaries and prevent cybercrime. Medical providers have to acquire more connected medical devices and IoT devices are spreading in the medical industry. Attacks are on the rise and cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated tools and techniques to attack medical institutions, access data, and retain data and networks.The healthcare industry is slow to respond and lags behind other industries in terms of cyber security. So, this will be growing industry in coming years.Ask for sample copy: https://www.qyreports.com/request-sample?report-id=90844 Top Key Players Included in This Report: FireEye Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., MacAfee Inc., Kaspersky Lab, IBM Corporation, Sensato, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumma Corporation, Symantec Corporation, Palo Alto Networks Inc.The global market has been meticulously and expansively evaluated in an in-depth market research publication added by QY Reports, titled Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market Professional Survey Report 2019. The analysts have put forth a brilliant and in-depth research about the current and future status of the global market. The forecast period considered by the analysts in this publication is 20192026 and the review period is 20132018.Six of the key geographies across of the world have been assessed in the report, viz. Asia-pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and North America. The progress of each of these countries and regions has been examined on the basis of share, price, local consumption, export, import, and local supply. Besides this, the report has provided a basic overview of all these geographies. The analysts have also discussed the growth trend of the Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market while considering account price, capacity, and value forecast, product and application trends, and depletion in different topographical markets.Get Discount on This Report: https://www.qyreports.com/ask-for-discount?report-id=90844 The analysis of the manufacturing cost structure of the Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market has been performed based on key aspects such as industry chain structure, manufacturing process, raw materials, and their suppliers. The manufacturing plants analysis and technical data of the market have been explained in the lights of raw material sources, technology sources, research and development status, manufacturing plants distribution, and commercial production date and capacity.Marketing strategies and marketing channels adopted by key companies are highlighted in the report. Corporations are concentrating on improving direct and indirect advertising strategies and develop various promotion channels, brand strategies, and pricing strategies. This statistical surveying report finds that major corporations functioning in the Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market are concentrating on acquiring a few startup companies in the near future. With this, the key companies will get a chance to focus on adopting new trends and innovations in the market products. Additionally, by merging with startups, leading companies are aiming to maintain their dominance in the global market.Get more information: http://qyreports.com/enquiry-before-buying?report-id=90844 Table of ContentsChapter 1 Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market OverviewChapter 2 Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Healthcare Cyber Security Market Forecast
The global electrical steel coatings market is expected to increase at an above average CAGR over the forecast period (20162026). The global electrical steel coatings market was estimated to be valued at over US$ 200 Mn by 2016 end and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.3%, creating an incremental opportunity of US$ 141.7 Mn between 2016 and 2026

Electrical Steel Coatings Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 09:28:22

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# 570 Words

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.comManager3479183531

Growing adoption of large power transformers in heavy industries as well as residential sectors is driving the sales of electrical steel coatings. Particularly in developed countries, a majority of electrical steel coatings are used for manufacturing the core of such transformers. Higher surface insulation resistance and thermal stability are some of the key advantages that promote the use of electrical steel coatings in such applications. Future Market Insights recently published its report on the global market for electrical steel coatings, excerpts from which also indicate how increasing sales of hybrid cars and EVs are factoring the growth in demand for electrical steel coatings. According to the report, the global electrical steel coatings market is presently valued at US$ 211.9 Mn, and is expected to expand at 5.3% CAGR to reach US$ 353.6 Mn by the end of 2024.Apart from their use in manufacturing large power transformers, and motors of hybrid cars and EVs, electrical steel coatings are also gaining applicability in energy conservation measures. Eco-friendly production of various electrical equipment has necessitated the use of electrical steel coatings, especially for spiking energy efficiency of such equipment. While the global electrical steel coating revenues are projected to grow at a steady pace, the market is estimated to witness downtrend in terms of global consumption. Decreasing end-use sales of electrical steel coatings among potential buyers is said to impact the global consumption count, which recorded sales of 34,563 tonnes of electrical steel coatings in 2016.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3103 In the report, titled Electrical Steel Coatings Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, the demand for electrical steel coatings has been projected to be considerably high in the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region. By the end of 2026, the APEJ electrical steel coatings market is expected to dominate by accounting for US$ 150 Mn revenues. While the region will register fastest revenue growth, Western Europes electrical steel coatings market is also predicted to grow robustly. Moreover, Japans electrical steel coating revenues will also soar at an impressive CAGR of 4.6%.US-based Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. is being profiled as one of the largest manufacturer & supplier of electrical steel coatings in the world. Companies such as AK Steel Holding Corporation, Proto Laminations Inc. and Polaris Laser Laminations, LLC are also contributing towards consolidation of electrical steel coatings market in North America. The global electrical steel coatings market will witness significant participation from APEJ companies such as Wuhan Iron & Steel (GROUP) Corp., and Filtra Catalyst and Chemicals Ltd., as well as Japans JFE Steel Corporation. Worlds leading steel manufacturer, ArcelorMittal SA, is also partaking in the growth of global electrical steel coatings market. Other companies profiled in this report include, thyssenkrupp AG, Rembrandtin Lack GmbH Ngf. KG, Cogent Power Limited, and Chemetall GmbH.Need More Information about Report Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3103 Key highlights of the report on global electrical steel coating market include:Development of water-based semi-inorganic coatings is slated to revolutionise the global electrical steel coating market.More than three-fourth of global electrical steel coating revenues arise from sales of C5 coatings.By 2026-end, nearly 80% of global electrical steel coating market value will be accounted by chrome-free coating materialsIn 2016, more than US$ 140 Mn worth of electrical steel coatings were globally consumed for non-grain-oriented applications.Over the forecast period, automotive motors will be remain as the most prominent end-use of electrical steel coatings in the world.
The global middle class is anticipated to double by the year 2034, particularly in emerging economies. With additional economic integration combined with labour mobility, Latin America and Asia are predicted to show consistent growth in air traffic, both within the region and outside it

Aircraft Refurbishing Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 09:33:37

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# 584 Words

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.comManager3479183531

Future Market Insights recently published report on global market for aircraft refurbishing projects that during a forecast period from 2016 to 2026, the market shall exhibit a steady revenue growth at 5.8% CAGR. The report estimates that in the years to come, the luxury quotient of airline interiors will surge as the number of wealthy air travellers is slated to increase. Frequent air travel by well-heeled people is also prompting aircraft companies to opt for refurbishing of VIP cabins. Setting aside the impact of wealthy travellers on refurbishment of VIP aircraft cabins, the demand for aircraft refurbishing is also expected to gain traction due to its benefits for the aircrafts operational efficiency.According to the report, airline companies aiming to improve performance of their aircrafts are refurbishing the interiors & lowering gross weight of the aircraft. This results in lesser fuel consumption and maximum power retention, thereby upgrading the aircrafts operational performance. Owing to such factors, the global aircraft refurbishing market, which is presently valued at a little over US$ 4 Bn, will bring in more than US$ 7.13 Bn revenues by the end of 2026.Middle East & Africa to Record Rapid Sales of Aircraft RefurbishmentsDuring this ten-year forecast period, around 890,000 units of aircraft refurbishments will be consumed across the globe. The demand for aircraft refurbishing is projected to remain relatively high across the US and Canada. Through 2026, North America is likely to dominate with more than 30% share on global revenues. However, in terms of volume, the aircraft refurbishing market in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will register a relatively rapid growth at nearly 6% CAGR.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1617 The report also projects that by the end of 2026, the demand for aircraft refurbishing will rise across Western Europe, Latin America and Japan. But, during this period, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) aircraft refurbishing market is expected to incur fastest revenue growth. Registering a value CAGR of 6.9%, the MEA aircraft refurbishing market will gain traction during the latter half of the forecast period. Higher concentration of wealthy individuals across Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia is likely to fuel the refurbishment of VIP cabins among aircrafts commuting through this region.Retrofit Refurbishments Likely to Garner Surplus DemandThe report, titled Aircraft Refurbishing Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, further reveals that more than half of the markets global revenues will arise from refurbishment of narrow body aircrafts. While large body and wide body aircrafts will collectively account for more than 40% share, refurbishing revenues emanating from narrow body aircrafts will register highest value CAGR  6.1%. Based on the type of refurbishment, commercial cabin refurbishing will hold the majority of global revenues with 83% share, while VIP cabin refurbishing will witness a marginal decline in terms of its contribution to global aircraft refurbishing revenues.Need More Information about Report Methodology@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1617 More than two-third of aircraft refurbishing revenues collected from across the globe are presently accounted by retrofit fittings. While this share is likely to incur a slight downtrend towards the end of 2026, the global aircraft refurbishing market will witness an uptick from fitting segments such as passenger seats and IFEC. The report has also profiled prominent manufacturers of aircraft refurbishments, which include B/E Aerospace, Inc., Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, Gulfstream Aerospace, Ltd., Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, JAMCO America, Jet Aviation AG, Lufthansa Technik AGm Sabreliner Aviation LLC, SCI Cabin Interiors, United Technology Corporation, SIA Engineering Co. Ltd, and Zodiac Aerospace SA.
Gas Chromatography Detector Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:21:00

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Gas chromatography detector is used to provide a quantitative measurement of a elute components of the mixture in combination with the carrier gas. The Gas Chromatography Detectors are designed to respond of minor quantities of vapor contained in the carrier gas. The physical and chemical properties of a carrier gas differ widely from there of vapor. Gas Chromatography Detectors are designed to work on a range of temperatures (-200 C to 4000 C). The detector consists of two parts namely sensor and signal conditioning electronics. They are three different types of detector responses, namely integral, differential and proportional. Proportional responses hard to attain in many sensors. Gas chromatography detectors classified into two types namely: bulk property detectors (measures bulk properties of the detector such as dielectric constant) and solute property detectors (measures physical and chemical properties of the solute). Another classification is specific detectors (e.g. Nitrogen Phosphorous detectors) and non-specific detectors (e.g., mass sensitivity detectors). The ideal gas chromatography detectors have a sensitivity of 10-12 to 10-11 g/ml. The detector should be insensitive to changes in mobile phase flow rate, temperature, and pressure.Gas Chromatography Detector Market: Drivers and RestraintsRising awareness about therapeutic application of gas chromatography detectors along with increasing adoption of advanced gas chromatography detectors driving the growth of the market. Manufacturers are focused on innovation and more towards End-Users to deliver high sensitivity, robustness, better selectivity and ease of use. Research is going forward to increase analytical power of gas chromatography market. As a result, total maintenance costs decreased which is alluring the End users to adopt new technologies in gas chromatography detector market. Rising government support and R&D spending of manufacturers are expected to boost the growth of the gas chromatography market. All these factors are driving the growth of gas chromatography detector market due to the immense potential of rising R&D funding and increasing number of biotechnological companies.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3728 Due to the complexity of gas chromatography, detectors the adoption rate is decreasing comparatively. It acts as a restraint on the growth of the gas chromatography detector market.Gas Chromatography Detector Market: SegmentationSegmentation based on TypeMass Flow Dependent DetectorsFlame IonizationNitrogen-PhosphorousFlame PhotometricElectrolytic ConductivityConcentration Dependent DetectorsThermal ConductivityElectron CapturePhoto-IonizationSegmentation based on End UserBiotechnological & Pharmaceutical CompaniesResearch OrganizationsCROs & CMOsResearch InstitutesGas Chromatography Detector Market: Market OverviewGlobal gas chromatography detector market has witnessed a burgeoning growth due to increasing adaptation among researchers. The Companies focus is shifting towards innovation to acquire market by uniqueness. Increasing government support for research is encouraging research organizations to participate in research and attracts the manufacturers in adopting innovative technologies. The future of gas chromatography detector market anticipated with double CAGR during forecasting period.Gas Chromatography Detector Market: Region-Wise OverviewGlobal Gas Chromatography Detector market segmented into following regions North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and the Middle East and Africa. Europeis dominant in the Global Gas Chromatography detector mainly due to higher investments in the research and increase number of pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies. North America is next to Europe and USA is dominating in North America region due to the high adoption of gas chromatography. Economic conditions in the APAC region are set to drive the gas chromatography detector market to new heights. APAC is fastest growing region due to increasing government funding for research. Growth in the Middle East and African region is considerably less but still with significant growth.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3728 Gas Chromatography Detector Market: Key ParticipantsThe key participants in the Gas Chromatography Detector market are Shimadzu Corporation, cmc Instruments GmbH Rudolf Dieselstrasse, Agilent Technologies, LECO Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., etc. The companies are mainly focusing on the strong line of distribution channels and marketing to increase the adaptation of gas chromatography detectors.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:45:51

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# 761 Words

Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: abhishek.b@futuremarketinsights.comFMI Blog: https://www.fmiblog.com/Web: https://www.fuManager+1-347-918-3531

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 Sample Report@ 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.
Enteral Stents Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 14:59:56

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Enteral stents can be defined as stents which are deployed in the stomach, colon and the small bowel. Enteral stents are designed to treat malignant luminal obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Although their use is for palliation of malignant obstruction, they can also be used within the colon as a pre-operative modality. Enteral stents maintain the lumen of hollow organs, vessels, and ducts. For colonic stents, preoperative stenting allows a one-stage operation and avoidance of colostomy. In patients undergoing palliation of obstruction, self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) allow avoidance of surgery. Newer stent designs for both upper and lower gastrointestinal use are needed which are covered while still allowing delivery through the endoscope channel, and are associated with low migration rates.Enteral Stents Market: Drivers and RestraintsExpanding use of stents in non-malignant applications, and the need for effective therapies that reduce the risk of complications, rising use of fully-covered, removable metal stents in gastrointestinal applications, technological innovations in stent technology with regards to stent design and delivery systems, movement towards the increasing use of minimally-invasive techniques augmented by rising patient demand and awareness are some of the drivers leading to the growth of enteral stents market. Although the current stent technologies provide mechanical support to the organ in which they are used, both short- and long-term complications still occur, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and endangering patient safety. Based on the shortcomings of the current stents, a newer generation of devices boasting innovative structures, durable metal alloys, biodegradable stent platforms, and bioactive coatings is in development. However unmet needs remain a challenge also adverse effects related to the products are likely to hinder the growth of the enteral stents market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3567 Enteral Stents Market: SegmentationBy product type, the enteral stents market is segmented into,Esophageal StentsGastroduodenal StentsColon StentsBy material type, the enteral stents market is segmented into,Self-Expandable Metal Stents (SEMS)Self-Expandable Plastic Stents (SEPS)By end user the enteral stents market is segmented into,HospitalsSpecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersOthersWhile all enteral stents were originally uncovered, partially covered and fully covered enteral stents have become more common, as covering helps to combat the complication of tissue and tumor ingrowth.Enteral Stents Market: OverviewIncreasing prevalence of cancer disease, changing lifestyles, rapidly growing population and new product innovation are some of the factors projected to drive the growth of global enteral stents market. Rising adoption and technological advancement in enteral stents are some other factors expected to fuel the growth of the enteral stents market.Enteral Stents Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically the market for enteral stents is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the enteral stents market due to growing prevalence of cancer, changing lifestyle, technological advancement, and early treatment adoption. Europe is the second leading market for enteral stents. Asia Pacific is also expected to grow at the higher rate in enteral stents market due to rapid population growth, developing healthcare infrastructure, increasing per capita expenditure, and increasing research and development. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa is also anticipated to create a significant opportunity in the enteral stents market due to private and government health care insurance coverage, increasing consumption of alcohol, growing awareness among people, and increasing investment by key manufacturers in this area.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3567 Enteral Stents Market: Key PlayersSome of the players operating in the enteral stents market include Abbott Vascular, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Biosensors International, Boston Scientific Corporation, Cook Medical, C. R. Bard, Cordis Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Taewoong Medical and Terumo Corporation. Cook Medical has established a strong presence despite a small product line, while Taewoong Medical has a more extensive product portfolio. Boston Scientific is also the leading company due to an extensive product line and presence in all the segments. Its presence in the enteral stents market is further strengthened by the acquisition of EndoChoice a former smaller player in this market.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:18:36

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Diabetes is a disease condition of high blood sugar level, caused due to malfunctioning of the pancreas. Nephropathy means kidney damage or impairment. Diabetic nephropathy is a kidney glomerulus disease which is one of the major complications in terms of morbidity and mortality for diabetic population. Symptoms and signs of diabetic nephropathy are unknown in early stages. However, in later stages major signs and symptoms occur which includes high blood pressure, ankle and leg swelling, vomiting, morning weakness, high level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), increased albumin secretion in urine, nausea, and itching. For treatment of diabetic nephropathy, disease modifying therapies (DMT) that employ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used. ACE inhibitors and ARBs provide superior protection to the kidney. Major ARBs are losartan, candesartan, and irbesartan while ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, captopril, enalapril, and ramipril decreases the amount of protein in the urine. The increasing investment in research and development for drug discovery followed by awareness of diabetes and kidney related disorder treatment are the major factors that are anticipated to boost the demand for products in the global diabetic nephropathy market. For instance, the American Diabetes Association organized regular programs to create awareness among diabetic population and it ensures all the patients are able to get the knowledge, best treatment and care for diabetes management.Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global market for diabetic nephropathy is expected to be driven by the increasing R&D investments in drug discovery and development and growing prevalence of diabetes. For instance, according to International Diabetes Federation 415 Mn people are currently affected by diabetes globally and it is expected to increase to 642 Mn diabetic people by 2040. Rising awareness for diabetes disease treatment and increasing usage of combination therapy are trending factor that is expected to influence the demand for global diabetic nephropathy market during the forecast period of 2016-2026. However, stringent regulations and lengthy product approval procedure for drugs are major concerns for the global diabetic nephropathy market.Diabetic Nephropathy Market: SegmentationThe global diabetic nephropathy market is classified on the basis of treatment type and geography.Based on treatment type, the global diabetic nephropathy market is segmented into the following:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme InhibitorsAngiotensin Receptor BlockersDiureticsCalcium Channel BlockersRenin InhibitorsConnective Tissue Growth Factor InhibitorsAntioxidant Inflammation ModulatorMonocyte Chemoattractant Proteins InhibitorEndothelin-A Receptor AntagonistG Protein-Coupled ReceptorsDiabetic Nephropathy Market: OverviewThe global diabetic nephropathy market is expected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period of 2016-2026. The growing incidence of diabetes has predominantly fueled the growth of the global diabetic nephropathy market. According to WHO, around 9% adults were affected by diabetes globally in 2014. By 2030, the diabetes is expected to be the seventh leading cause of death globally.Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global diabetic nephropathy market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to dominate the global diabetic nephropathy market in terms of value due to increased combination drugs usage along with rising awareness about the various kidney diseases. Europe is the second major contributor to the global diabetic nephropathy market in terms of value due to increasing prevalence of diabetes and increase in healthcare expenditure for diabetes treatment in the various parts of Europe. However, market in APEJ is expected to grow at rapid pace during the forecast period owing to increase in spending for healthcare treatment and increased awareness of new diabetic drugs in the market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2552 Diabetic Nephropathy Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global diabetic nephropathy market include AbbVie Inc., Bayer AG Merck & Co. Inc., ChemoCentryx Inc., GenKyoTex S.A., Mesoblast Limited, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Novartis AG, Sanofi S.A., Eli Lilly and Company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and others. The market for diabetic nephropathy is fragmented with presence of many vendors in international market. These companies are adopting strategy of increased emphasis on research and development for discovery of new drug combination.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:47:09

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Custom assay services, now a days, are highly trending among life sciences and biotechnology industries due to its cost effective and fit-for purpose nature. Custom assay are specifically designed biochemical or cell based assays provided by the manufacturers of assay kits upon request by the customer to satisfy their purpose or needs. Custom assay provide easy solution to the academic as well as industrial laboratories for qualitative as well as quantitative determination of various biological analytes such as proteins, enzymes, antibodies, biomarkers, antigens etc. Custom assay services are highly beneficial in biotechnology industries for genotyping, HLA tissue typing etc. where quick turn-around time is desired to screen large number of samples and avoid the wastage of chemicals & resources. Introduction of customized multiplex assays is further expected to cut-down the requirement of time and money in the complicated biological assays. Customized assays are also used in the research institutes, diagnostic laboratories, and contract research organizations for analysis of clinical parameters during new drug development or development of new treatment. Customized cell-based assays are used in cancer research institutes, government institutes, forensics, etc. Custom assays are also used in the pharmaceutical and food industries for quality testing.Custom Assays Market: Drivers and RestraintsCustom assays market is expected to be driven by increasing research and development activities in life science and biotechnology industry and growing number of academic and research institutes across the globe. Moreover, increasing demand for tissue diagnostic and cell based diagnostics for cancer, HIV, and infectious diseases is expected to fuel the global demand for custom assay products over the forecast period. Availability of custom assay and bulk purchase contracts for huge number of biological samples being screened is proving cost effective for biotechnological companies. Emerging biochip technology would create good opportunity for custom assay providers in the global market. However, challenges in assay optimization and standardization are some of the factors restricting the growth of global custo assay market.Request Sample Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3312 Custom Assays Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global custom assay market has been segmented on the basis of assay type, end user, and geography.Based on assay type, the global custom assay market is divided into following:Activity AssaysCompetitive AssaysELISA AssaysSandwich AssaysScreening AssaysOthers (conjugation assay, etc.)Based on technology, the custom assay market is divided into following:Flow CytometryMembrane Based/Planar AssaysSuspension/ Bead Based AssaysOthersBased on retail end user, the laboratory filtration devices market is segmented as below:Academic and Research InstitutesLife Science IndustriesBiotechnology CompaniesDiagnostic CentersContract Research OrganizationsFood and Beverage CompaniesCustom Assays Market: OverviewThe global market for custom assay is highly fragmented with presence of local and regional players. However, global players are expected to account for over 50% of the share in the global market. Based on assay type, custom ELISA assays are expected to contribute highest share in the global market owing to huge applications of ELISA assays in different industries. Based on end user, biotechnology industries and diagnostic centers are expected to hold considerable share in the global market for custom assays. Requirement of minimum skills and cost-saving products are the factors contributing high demand for custom assay products in academic and research institutes across the globe.Custom Assays Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, global custom assays 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 growing number of research institutes in countries such as India, Australia and Japan. North America will continue to hold largest share in the custom assays market as majority of the best academic and research institutes are located in the U.S. which are culture positive to innovation. Europe is expected to take second largest share in the global custom assay market due to large number of global players operating in Europe.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3312 Custom Assays Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players in the global custom assay market are Promega Corporation, Bioassay Systems, Sigma-Aldrich Inc. (Merck KGaA), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., R & D Syatems Inc. (Biotechne Inc.), Fluidigm, Luminex Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, QIAGEN N.V, Quansys Bioscience, BD Biosciences and others. Companies often provide custom assay services, where user can define their requirements and specifications and assay is built accordingly by the manufacturer.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:21:36

Future Market Insights (FMI), in its latest report titled, Global Coated Fabrics Market Analysis and Opportunities Assessment, 2014-2020, reveals that the global coated fabrics market accounted for US$ 17.3 Bn in 2014. The market is estimated to reach US$ 21.6 Bn by 2020, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period.Market segmentsThe global coated fabrics market mainly covers applications, regions and product type. By Application type, the global coated fabrics market is segmented into transportation, Industrial, protective clothing, furniture, commercial tents, and others. Amongst all the applications, transportation accounted for 34% of overall market share in 2014 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period, followed by Industrial and other applicationsRegion-wise, Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the coated fabrics market through the forecast period, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% over the forecast period, followed by North America and Western Europe. The growth is attributed to growing automobile and industrial sectors.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-288 By product type, polymer coated fabrics segment accounted for approximately 87% of total revenue market share in 2014 and is anticipated to hold a significant revenue share by 2020, displaying a CAGR of 3.6% over the next five years. Furthermore, rubber coatings and other segment are expected to demonstrate a significant growth in the near future.Browse Full: "Coated Fabrics Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" Report at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/details/coated-fabrics-market Market DriversThe Coated fabrics are widely used in end user industries include transportation due to its various features such as elasticity, water resistance, and ability to drape. Increasing government regulations about health and safety of employees at the workplace, and growing automobile sector in APAC are other factors, driving the global coated fabrics market.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-288 Competitive LandscapeReport profiles top 10 players in Coated Fabric marketplace which include 3M, Valspar Corporation, Saint-Gobain S.A., Sherwin-Williams, Bayer AG, AkzoNobel, PPG industries, Nippon Paints Co. Ltd., BASF coatings AG, and Dupont Coatings & Color Technologies Group. Currently, the key focus of the major players in the global coated fabrics market is on mergers and acquisitions to expand their geographical presence and customer base. Recently, the coated fabric market witnessed a major collaboration between International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Bayer AG aiming at improving innovations in apparel and footwear industry.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:20:22

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# 674 Words

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Biologics are genetically engineered proteins which originate from human genes. These drugs target the specific parts of the immune system. Biologics are entirely different from chemically synthesized drugs. There is wide range of biologics products include vaccines, blood components, allergenic, somatic cells, gene therapy and recombinant therapeutic proteins. Biologics are constituted as nucleic acids or proteins or may be cells and tissue from living entities. Biologics are isolated from different sources such as animal, human or microbes by using different biotechnological methods. Biologics are a complex mixture, and it is heat sensitive product and highly susceptible to microbial contamination. Therefore manufacturing of biologics needs very aseptic environment and skilled professional. Hence, the demand for biologic contract manufacturing has shown subsequent growth. The pharmaceutical companies are signing an agreement with CMOs for the manufacturing of biologics.Biologics Contract Manufacturing Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe factors driving the growth of biologics contract manufacturing are growing number of drug development by traditional pharmaceutical companies and the entrance of various small manufacturers in the pharmaceutical market. Increasing rate of drug approval by FDA and number drugs in the pipeline has also boosted the growth of biologic contract manufacturing market. Increase in generic drugs competition and rise in patent expiry has also propelled the growth of biologics contract manufacturing market. Increasing geriatric population and increasing the prevalence of diseases such as cancer are driving the growth of biologic contract manufacturing market. Production of biologics requires highly skilled professional and aseptic environment which will restrain the growth of this market. Beside that production of biologics are very complex and costly method which can again hamper the growth of this market.Biologics Contract Manufacturing Market: SegmentationBased on product type biologics contract manufacturing market is segmented into followingAntisenseCell TherapyGene TherapyGrowth FactorsInterferonsMonoclonal AntibodiesRecombinant HormonesRNA InterferenceVaccinesOthersBased on indication biologics contract manufacturing market is segmented into followingAutoimmune DisordersBlood DisordersCancerCardiovascular DiseasesDigestive DisorderEye ConditionGenetic DisorderInfectious DiseasesMusculoskeletal DisordersNeurologic DisordersRespiratory DisordersSkin DiseasesOthersBased on geography biologics contract manufacturing market is segmented into followingNorth AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific excluding JapanJapanMiddle East and AfricaBiologics Contract Manufacturing Market: OverviewBiologics contract manufacturing is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period. Biologics cover around 10-15% of revenue from overall revenue generated by leading pharmaceutical companies. Biologics contract manufacturing market is expected to show double growth in every five years. This market is growing because of traditional pharmaceutical companies are unable for meet the need required for the production of biologics, besides that they are also the lack of skilled professional. Biologic contract manufacturing market can be classified by product type and indication. On the basis on product type biologic contract manufacturing market is classified as antisense, gene therapy, cell therapy, growth factors, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant hormones, RNA interference, vaccines and others. From all product type monoclonal antibodies is expected to dominate the biologic contract manufacturing market.Biologics Contract Manufacturing Market: Regional OverviewRegion-wise contract manufacturing market is classified as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to dominate the biologics contract manufacturing due to rise in FDA approval in last decade. Western Europe and Asia-Pacific then follow this market. Western Europe is projected to show subsequent growth due to the high availability of skilled professional for the production of biologics. Asia-Pacific region is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period owing to rise in the number of CMOs.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2679 Biologics Contract Manufacturing Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in biologics contract manufacturing market are Boehringer Ingelheim, Lonza, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc., Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, Celonic AG, AutekBio Co. Ltd., WuXiAppTec, Kemwell Biopharma, Shasun Pharma, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Syngene, Piramal Pharma Solutions, AAIPharma Services, Alpax Pharmaceuticals, Cantab Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, 3P Biopharmaceuticals, and BIBITEC GmbH.
Biologic Response Modifiers Market is likely to proliferate in the future as per current trends of increase in the number of cancer patients and autoimmune disorder cases across the globe. Immunotherapy is considered an effective treatment for patients with different types of cancer that are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Biologic Response Modifiers Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 14:32:11

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Biologic Response Modifiers are the substances that modulate the immune response by either increasing or decreasing the immunogenic effect. These are used in immunotherapy or biological therapy for enhancing the activity of immune system to fight infection and disease. These substances are naturally produced in small amounts in the body but some of them such as interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, inetrferons and colony stimulating factors are now being manufactured in large units by the pharmaceutical industries. Depending on the disease type, synthetic Biologic Response Modifiers mimics the natural cytokines or inhibitors against a receptor and thus been used in the treatment to restore, boost or dampen the host immune response. Various research studies has increased the knowledge regarding the biological agents and the effective targets are being identified.Increasing prevalence of cancer and autoimmune diseases worldwide and upsurge in the success rates of immunotherapy treatment is going to increase the demand of Biologic Response Modifiers. Recently in 2015, a Biologic Response Modifiers Taltz (ixekizumab) is launched by Eli Lilly in Europe which made $261m in 2015.Biologic Response Modifiers Market: Drivers & RestraintsBiologic Response Modifiers Market is likely to proliferate in the future as per current trends of increase in the number of cancer patients and autoimmune disorder cases across the globe. Immunotherapy is considered an effective treatment for patients with different types of cancer that are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Some of the side effects such as increased risk of certain serious and opportunistic infections for patients receiving these Biologic Response Modifiers therapeutic agents, especially the risks of TB and viral infections restraints their market to grow. Some regulatory issues related to the manufacturing and export also limits the market to expand worldwide. High costs of biologics restricts its availability to all the section of population. Rituxan is one of the FDA approved Biologic Response Modifier drug having an average monthly cash price of more than $5000.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3421 Point-of-Care Genetic Testing Market: SegmentationSegmentation by Product TypeInterleukinsInterferonsColony stimulating factorsTyrosine kinase inhibitorsTNF-Angiogenic InhibitorsMonoclonal antibodiesTumor VaccinesSegmentation by Treatment TypeCancerAutoimmune DiseasesSegmentation by Distribution ChannelsHospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesMail Order PharmaciesBiologic Response Modifiers Market: OverviewBiologic Response Modifiers have become an important component for the effective management of patients with a variety of autoimmune/inflammatory conditions and cancer. It reduces the side-effects of various cancer treatments, which is favored by patients. Market for Biologic Response Modifiers has increased since the last decade with dozens of drugs been approved by FDA and several research studies in this area. Not only was biologic utilization growing, but the drug prices were also rising fast with a trend of more than 45%. Hefty prices and the increasing demand generated huge revenues for biopharmaceutical companies. The last decade has witnessed the development of various Biologic Response Modifiers, such as mABs, IFNs, TNF, ILs, CSFs, and antitumor vaccines but still there are many more opportunities to be explored. Increase in the clinical trials also expect more drugs in pipeline and thus the market will proliferate.Biologic Response Modifiers Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, North America dominates the market, followed by Western Europe and Asia Pacific. Presence of large number of biological drug and vaccine manufacturers, high per capita income, affordable treatment facility and good reimbursement scenario for life-threatening diseases proliferates the growth in North America and Western Europe segment. NIH estimates up to 23.5 million Americans have an Auto Immune Disease and cancer affects up to 9 million Americans. Western Europe is the second largest market from both the demand side and supply side scenario. Asia pacific is expected to grow at a highest rate due to increasing prevalence of cancer patient, improvement in the healthcare facilities, more establishment of pharmaceutical companies and growing number of insurance coverage. In Asia-Pacific, China has marketed the presence of large number of patients with autoimmune disorder.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3421 Biologic Response Modifiers Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key players in the market includes AbbVie Inc., Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Novartis, Janssen Inc., Roche Holding AG, Merck & Co., Eli Lilly &Co., Biogen and many others.
Android App

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 21:12:37

After listening to their customers feedback, Badger Maps completely revamped its Android app to offer a better solution to all their Android users. Each feature has been reworked to save users a lot of time on planning and scheduling. By reducing the number of steps and making it more user-friendly, the company expects to rank #1 in the Google Play Store in the route planner category as it does in the Apple App Store."I'm really glad Badger Maps has now brought the same great capabilities to Android users that Apple users have enjoyed. I'm really excited to continue to innovate and bring field salespeople more capabilities on both platforms in parallel." (Steve Benson, Badger Maps CEO)The Android app offers users a whole new experience.The app now incorporates redesigned functionalities such as an in-app Calendar and Route Mode. They allow reps to streamline their planning and scheduling, as well as arrive faster to all their appointments. The new Android app now makes it easier for managers and reps to collaborate and always be on the same page using the My Team feature, which was previously only available to iOS devices and the desktop application. The app also enables a high level of personalization by allowing the user to keep better track of their visits with advanced settings.Along with its top-tier web and iOS apps, Badger Maps updated Android app makes it the perfect solution for all salespeople on any platform.To learn more details about the new and redesigned features of Badgers Android app, check out this blog post ( https://www.badgermapping.com/blog/android-release/) . If youre interested in a first-hand view of the app, you can find it in the Google Play Store ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.badger.badgermap&hl=en_US) About Badger Maps:Badger Maps is a San Francisco-based SaaS company that provides a mapping and routing solution for outside salespeople. Badger visualizes data, optimizes daily routes, and generates meeting reports - helping users drive 20% less and sell 25% more on average. Learn more about Badger Maps by visiting www.badgermapping.com or calling (415) 592-5909.
Artificial Cartilage Implant Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:18:22

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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

Cartilage is the semi-rigid specialized connective tissue performing a range of functions in the human body. It is designed to give support, bear weight and withstand tension, torsion, and bending. Cartilage can be classified as articular cartilage, elastic cartilage or fibrocartilage. Each cartilage type has its function e.g. elastic cartilage help in the maintenance of shape and structure of the ear and trachea. Cartilage also acts as a binder between two bones, permitting smooth motion between adjoining bony segments. Articular cartilage is found in synovial joints such as hip, knee, and elbow and is concerned with the mechanical and functional behavior. Osteoarthrosis is the one of the leading disability in the United States. About 80% of people over the age of 65+ in the United States are suffering from osteoarthrosis. Most commonly, distal interphalangeal, first carpometacarpal, and knee joints are affected leading to physical disability.Damage to the cartilage impedes smooth movement of the joint increases the friction resulting in erosion of the articular surface causing pain and arthritis. Reasons behind cartilage damage may be due to daily wear and tear or injury, ligament injury or due to other disease condition such as oesteonecrosis and osteochondritis. As cartilage is devoid of blood vessels, the healing process is poor and leads to progressive pain, immobility, and arthritis. Cartilage Implantation also is known as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) method is used in repair and replacement of damaged articular cartilage. It is an advanced procedure that uses artificially grown cartilage cells from non-weight bearing regions of the bone and is artificially cultured in laboratories and is implanted at the region of damaged cartilage. The common symptoms of cartilage damage are pain, irritation, inflammation and limited mobility of the affected joint area.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3669 Several synthetic cartilage implants for the treatment of arthritis are receiving approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and generating significant revenue in the artificial cartilage implant market. The synthetic cartilage is composed of saline and synthetic polymer (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)). Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinking yields an inert and lubricating material that has mechanical properties same as human cartilage. During artificial implant of the cartilage, long-term follow-up is necessary to withstand complications such as subsidence, wear, and tear, loosening, inflammatory, or auto-immune attack.Artificial Cartilage Implant: Drivers and RestrainsAccording to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and it is estimated that in the United States about 54.4 million United States adults suffer some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and this number will rise with the increase in geriatric population and various lifestyle diseases such as obesity, and various fall injuries etc. The rise in prevalence of arthritis, fall injuries, and other lifestyle diseases, researchers focusing on innovative technologies for durable cartilage implantation and growing awareness about the same with recent product launches of artificial cartilage implant, mimics both strength and suppleness of native tissue is expected to boost the market revenue for artificial cartilage implant market. The major challenge associated with the artificial cartilage implant are cost associated with cartilage repair and implant, FDA stringent regulation that may hinder the growth of the artificial cartilage implant market. Pipeline and clinical research are on the way with new materials; that causes fewer complications and last longer. According to National Joint Registry about 160,000 total hip and knee replacement surgery are performed each year in England and Wales.Artificial Cartilage Implant: SegmentationThe global artificial implant market has been classified on the basis of surgery type, end user and geography.Based on surgery type, the artificial cartilage implant is divided into following:Autologous Chondrocyte TransplantationMeniscus TransplantOsteochondral AllograftCell-based Cartilage ResurfacingOthersBased on the End User, the global artificial cartilage implant is divided into following:HospitalsAmbulatory Care CentersOrthopedic ClinicsOthersArtificial Cartilage Implant: OverviewBased on the surgery type, the global artificial cartilage implant market is segmented autologous chondrocyte transplantation, meniscus transplant, osteochondral allograft, cell-based cartilage resurfacing and others. Based on the end user artificial cartilage implant market is segmented into, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, orthopedic clinics and others. The rise in incidences of orthopedic diseases and disorders, growing aging population, companies focusing on collaboration, acquisition, and merger with various manufacturers to expand their product portfolio are attributed towards the growth of artificial cartilage implants or the treatment of articular cartilage injuriesArtificial Cartilage Implant: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global artificial cartilage implant market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is estimated to account for major share followed by Europe. Increasing geriatric population, and rapid degenerative changes of the knees due to injury, healthcare insurance in United States are the reasons for the market growth in these countries. Increase in demand for elder care and treatment, increase in patient population base, huge government support for research and development and to modernize healthcare systems will contribute the growth of artificial cartilage market in Asia Pacific region.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3669 Artificial Cartilage Implant: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global artificial cartilage market are Biomet, Inc., Azellon Cell Therapeutics, Anika Therapeutics , DePuy (Johnson & Johnson), CellGenix, Advanced Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Medtronic Plc., Stryker Corporation, Smith & Nephew, Sanofi SA and others
Anti-Malarial drugs Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:23:57

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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

Anti-malarial drugs are the medicines used to prevent and treat malaria. The malaria is the disease caused due to the parasite known as Plasmodium, belongs to the organism group Protozoa. The malaria disease occurred in the tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. Around 3.3 Billion people as half of the worlds population are at a risk of contracting malaria. Every year near about 250 million malaria cases leads to the death of 1 million globally. The anti-malarial drugs are work in the treatment of malaria in individuals, prevention of infection in individuals and conventional intermittent treatment in the specific group in most prevalence endemic regions. Generally, malaria is treated by the single drug therapy as a first line therapy, and sometimes the combination drug therapy is for the second line of infection. Anti-malarial drugs are available in the market in the form of tablet, injectables, and capsules.Malaria is considered as a most dreadful disease as it causes of death due to limited availability of the anti-malarial drugs which has become the opportunity for the growth of the anti-malarial drugs market over a forecast period.The global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented on the basis of product type, solution delivery type, solution type and end user.On the basis of malaria type, the global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented into:Plasmodium FalciparumPlasmodium VivaxPlasmodium MalariaePlasmodium OvaleRequest Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3774 On the basis of drug type, the global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented into:QuinineChloroquineAmodiaquinePyrimethamineProguanilSulfonamideMefloquineAtovaquonePrimaquineArtemisinin and derivativesHalofantrineDoxycyclineClindamycinOn the basis of application, the global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented into:ResistancepreventionOn the basis of distribution channel, the global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented into:Hospital PharmacyRetail PharmacyE- CommerceOthersThe global anti-malarial drugs market is anticipated to register a significant CAGR over a forecast period. The increasing prevalence of the malarial disease globally is expected to boost the demand of the anti-malarial drugs and drives the global anti-malarial drugs market. The increasing research and development activities for the new drugs and new combinations of drugs due to resistance by the parasites to the currently available drugs, also anticipated to drives the global anti-malarial drugs market. The strong initiatives taken by the various state governments and regulatory bodies such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the prevalence of malarial disease throughout the world, also expected to fuel the demand for the anti-malarial drugs and has become the one of the factor drives the global anti-malarial drugs market over a forecast period.However, the possible side effects of the anti-malarial drugs such as insomnia, vivid dreams, mental clouding, dizziness, and anxiety may hamper the demand for the anti-Malarial drug and restrain the growth of the global anti-malarial drugs market. The availability of pure quality of drugs in the Southeast Asia and Saharan African countries leads to the inadequate treatment, which may pose a threat to the demand of the anti-malarial drugs and restrain the growth of the global anti-malarial drugs market over a forecast period.On the basis of regional presence, the global anti-malarial drugs market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Currently, North America is contributing the leading shares to the global anti-malarial drugs market in terms of value and anticipated to register a significant CAGR over a forecast period. The Europe is also contributing the moderate shares to the market due to the advanced medical facilities and availability of the anti-malarial drugs in the market. APAC is the most lucrative market for the anti-malarial drugs due to the highest prevalence of the malarial diseases in the region and expected to show a robust growth to the global anti-malarial drugs market. MEA is at a nascent stage to the global anti-malarial drugs market and anticipated to register a decent growth to the market over a forecast period. Overall, the global anti-malarial drugs market is expected to show significant growth over a forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3774 Market PlayersSome of the major market players in anti-malarial drugs market globally include Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Ranbaxy Laboratories, Ipca Laboratories Ltd., Zydus Cadila, Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Alvizia Health Care, Bayer AG and Roche Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 13:17:29

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Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders wherein there is an elevated level of blood sugar for prolonged period. In this disorder, the pancreas are not able to either produce insulin (glucose metabolizing hormone) or the body is not able to utilize the produced insulin (development of insulin resistance) to metabolize blood sugar. Diabetes is one of the biggest concerns globally and is estimated to affect more than 5% of the population in developed countries. Additionally, emerging economies with changing lifestyle increases the prevalence of diabetes. It is estimated that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing at the rate of 5% per annum. Thus, rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes across the globe is one of the major factors driving the growth of the diabetes care market. Alternative to injection diabetes care products such as insulin pumps and artificial pancreas help patients to manage diabetes treatment efficiently, without the need for support from the doctors. Moreover, due to the better results associated with the use of these alternative to injection devices, there has been a growing awareness regarding the utilization of these devices among both physicians and patients.Alternatives for Injectable Diabetes Care Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe globally increasing number of diabetic patients is fuelling the demand for diabetes monitoring, diagnostic and insulin delivery devices and drugs, which would consequently drive growth of the global alternative for injectable diabetes care market during the forecast period. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), globally around 382 Mn people were suffering from diabetes as of 2013, and this number is anticipated to increase to 592 Mn by 2035 end. In addition, needle phobia and rising needles stick injuries are compelling the preference for alternative for diabetes injection devices. Also, increasing adoption of technologically advanced products such as artificial pancreas and insulin pumps are some factors anticipated to boost the growth of global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market within the forecast period of 2016-2026. However, high cost of technologically advanced products in comparison to injectable diabetes care products can be the restraint for alternative for the growth of injectable diabetes care market.Alternatives for Injectable Diabetes Care Market: SegmentationThe global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market is classified on the basis of product type, distribution channel and geography.Based on product type, the global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market is segmented into the following:Insulin PumpsUntethered insulin pumpsImplantable insulin pumpTethered insulin pumpsArtificial PancreasInsulin PatchesBased on distribution channel, the global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market is segmented into the following:Hospital PharmacyRetail PharmacyOnline SalesDiabetes Clinics/ CentersAlternatives for Injectable Diabetes Care Market: OverviewIncreased efficiency with less side effects and ongoing researches on improving quality of diabetes care for continence is anticipated to create attractive growth opportunities for the global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market. Among the products, insulin pumps are expected to dominate the market in terms of value during the forecast period. The hospitals pharmacy distribution channels segment is expected to hold the highest market share in terms of revenue in the global market for alternative for injectable diabetes care products.Alternatives for Injectable Diabetes Care Market: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America dominated the global market for alternative for injectable diabetes care products in terms of value and volume due to a high adoption rate of advanced technological products. Western Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to propel demand for the global alternative for injectable diabetes care products at a rapid pace in forecast period from 2016 to 2026.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2548 Alternatives for Injectable Diabetes Care Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global alternatives for injectable diabetes care market include Animas Corporation, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Insulet Corporation, Medtronic plc, Valeritas, Inc. and others. Most of the providers of insulin pump products are adopting the strategy of providing these products through e-commerce, so that buyers can browse the products according to their needs.
Adoptive cell therapy for cancer treatment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2019-02-18 15:05:59

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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

Adoptive T Cell Therapy referred as lymphocyte transfusion, which is being tested for the cancer treatment and chronic infections. Adoptive T Cell Therapy can increase the Anti-tumor immunity, enhance vaccine efficacy, etc. There is three basic treatment for curing cancer: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The new technique or therapy, i.e., adoptive T cell therapy emerged as a fourth therapy for the cancer treatment. Because adoptive T cell therapy targeting cancer by natural mechanism, the immune system uses to distinguish between healthy and pathologic tissue rather than by its anatomic location or tendency to divide. Adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT) is a potentially powerful approach to cancer treatment that relies on the infusion of tumor-specific T cells. Anti-tumor immunity stimulates by two primarily different strategies which have been tested in humans: these are therapeutic vaccination and passive immunization. Adoptive T cell therapy also called as passive immunization. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that tumor infiltration by human T cells is a powerful predictive biomarker of survival for the various different type of cancers.The global adoptive T cell therapy market is categorized based on various modes of treatment, pipelines product and end users. The treatment segment is further sub-segmented into autologous adoptive T cell therapy and allogeneic Adoptive T cell therapy. The pipeline product segment includes various clinical trial phases such as phase I, phase II and phase III.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3569 Regarding geographic, adoptive T cell market is segmented into five major regions such are North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the global adoptive T cell therapy market due to a high number of ongoing clinical trials. The U.S. represents the largest market for adoptive T cell therapy followed by Europe.Adoptive T cell therapy for cancer market faced a critical situation wherein, several ongoing clinical trials still in pipelines such as adoptive T cell therapy in breast cancer after HER2 vaccination is under phase I and phase II clinical trials phase. Companies continue to evaluate the role of adoptive T cell therapy for the treatment of advanced stage cancers.Cambridge Healthtech Establishment's Fourth Yearly adoptive t cell Treatment occasion will concentrate on the means expected to convey receptive cell treatments to the patient. Clinical advance with Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CAR), T cell Receptor (TCR), and Tumor infiltering Lymphocytes (TIL) will be tended to top to bottom, and new procedures for target revelation will be looked into. Accentuation will likewise be put on clinical case investigations to promote the comprehension of T cell receptor receptors and their biology. Extra concentration will be given to assembling difficulties and answers for scale-up. Generally speaking, this occasion will address clinical advance, case analyses, and basic parts to make Adoptive T cell treatments feasible. Adoptive t cell market expands rapidly in forecasted period due to ongoing clinical trials and increasing rate of incidence and prevalence for various type of cancer, the adoption rate for adoptive T cell therapy will also increase due to its natural mode of mechanism against cancerous cells.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3569 Some of the major companies operating in the global adoptive cell therapy market areAmgen, Merck, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Genentech, Roche, Bristol-Myers Squibb and others.
George Will takes up the question. He notes that socialism once stood for state ownership of the means of production. Then, it stood for state ownership of the economys commanding heights  its most important entities.

Now, says Will, it stands for the proposition that the government [shall] distribute, according to its conception of equity, the wealth produced by capitalism. To this, I would add that the government shall exert significant control over the lives of Americans, curbing our ability to make a multitude of choices.

These formulations make the difference between socialism and the America we know seem like a matter of degree. As Will points out, the government already redistributes wealth according to its conception of equity. And it already exerts some control over our lives and our ability to choose.

These realities shouldnt make us sanguine about socialism, though. The difference between some redistribution and control and the massive amounts socialists desire is the difference between a first rate country that bears a resemblance to the America some of us love and a second rate county that bears little such resemblance.

But there may be even more at stake. Im not sure I can square the difference in degree, rather than of kind narrative with Bernie Sanders honeymooning in the Soviet Union and the sympathy of some congressional leftists for the horrid socialist regime in Venezuela.

Theres an authoritarian strand to the contemporary socialist movement in America. Will calls its advocates angrier than traditional American socialists like Norman Thomas and Michael Harrington. They are, and that anger makes them particularly threatening.

Will our angry socialists be content with only the amount of wealth redistribution that can be achieved democratically  potentially, a huge amount since, as Will reminds us, taxing the rich is a perennial temptation of democracy? I dont think so.

Will they be content with controlling the economy through the regulation of corporations? Maybe, but only as long as corporations dont balk.

Will they be content to let Americans choose what to write and say, where to live, what schools to attend, where to worship, and with whom to associate? Our angry socialists threaten each of these rights to one degree or another.
I dont think we have commented on Joe Bidens disgraceful performance at the Munich Security Conference yesterday. I havent seen a full transcript of his remarks, but he delivered a partisan stump speech to an audience of European leaders. It consisted largely of an attack on the President of the United States. Im so old, I can remember when that was considered bad form.

Speaking on German soil 75 years after the U.S. and its allies prepared for D-Day, Joe Biden described America as an embarrassment and its trade policies self-defeating. The America I see values basic human decency, not snatching children from their parents or turning our back on refugees at our border. Americans know thats not right, the former vice president and potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidate told the Munich Security Conference.

Well, Joe, at least they arent putting them in cages like they did when you were the Vice President.

The American people understand plainly that this makes us an embarrassment. The American people know, overwhelmingly, that it is not right. That it is not who we are.

Thats a terrible thing to say about your country. But the feeling is mutual, Joe: the country thinks you are an embarrassment, too.

Of course, the European elites lap this sort of thing up. But a former Vice President should be above pandering to their anti-American prejudices. Even if he is Joe Biden.
Steve Haywards post about an upcoming event with Tucker Carlson, which Steve will moderate, refocused my attention on Carlsons controversial monologue in early January. I wrote about it here .

I concluded my post, which praised Carlson for his insights and plausible, thought-provoking claims about the problems in rural America, by saying that he avoided the question of personal responsibility. I did not elaborate. I want to do so now.

Carlson said that in many ways, rural America now looks a lot like Detroit. This may be an exaggeration, but let us assume it to be true.

When conservatives discuss the plight of places like Detroit, we typically mention social pathology, as Carlson did in his monologue. Symptoms include kids leaving school early, girls having babies, fathers assuming little or no responsibility for these babies, youths choosing crime as a way of life, adults preferring welfare to work, and so forth.

Carlson blamed these problems on big government and conservatives agree that government policies have contributed to them. But each problem is founded on bad personal choices. Those who make these choices bear some responsibility for the adverse consequences they produce. Thus, conservatives typically insist that the concept of personal responsibility have a place in the discussion.

If were going to insist on personal responsibility in the context of Detroit, we should insist on it in the context of rural America. Arguably, we should be more insistent, since rural Americans were never subjected to systematic racial discrimination.

But the concept of personal responsibility didnt make it into Carlsons rant. Its absence became apparent to me when he complained that males in rural America are lagging behind their female counterparts. Carlson plausibly blamed the demoralization of the rural male population, and its inability to marry, on this phenomenon.

But why are white males lagging behind females? They attend the same schools. They come from the same families. In these families, I assume, parents expect their sons to achieve at least as much as their daughters.

Why arent they? Carlson notes that job opportunities in traditionally male jobs are shrinking in rural America, while jobs in traditionally female jobs are holding steady. But is that the entire story? Men are not barred from jobs in schools and hospitals. Nor are they barred from learning skills that will help them land jobs in other flourishing sectors.

Thus, to the extent that young males in rural and rust belt America arent doing as well as young females, I think its due in part to bad choices they make  e.g., using drugs, not taking school seriously, choosing leisure over work. J.D. Vances Hillbilly Elegy, a book that highlighted the crisis in parts of rural and rust belt America that Carlson picks up, is populated with folks who made such choices. But it also includes some, and not just Vance himself (a special case), who made better choices and thrived as a result.

Carlson blames the lack of thriving in rural America on market capitalism and greedy elites  mercenaries, he calls them. I believe that, just as with Detroit, some of the blame must reside with the people making choices that are inconsistent with success in life.

Is this point worth making or should we take the bad decisions people make as a given  something we must work around? The answer is that, philosophical concerns to one side, as a matter of policymaking we cant ignore, or work around, the concept of personal responsibility.

In the case of Detroit, we must decide how far to go in order to improve, in the short term, the material condition of the population. How much should we spend on welfare? How lenient should we be with criminals? Should there be monetary reparations? Should there be forced integration?

In the case of rural America, the policy questions prompted by Carlson are different. How much trade protection should certain American industries receive? To what extent should we limit legal immigration?

The answer in both cases depends in part on how much weight we place on the concept of personal responsibility. Those who take the concept seriously will be less inclined to transfer vast amounts of money, or to tolerate high risk associated with the early release of criminals, than those who dont.

They will also be less inclined to think Americans should pay more for consumer goods as a result of trade barriers and restrictions on the number of people who can work in the U.S. They may ask how much more they should pay for cars because males in rural America are making irresponsible personal choices.

The best answer might well be somewhat more. Even for conservatives, the concept of personal responsibility isnt absolute. We are willing to spend a considerable amount of money on welfare even though we know that if recipients made better choices, we would be able to spend considerably less.

Without some sense of empathy and national solidarity  some notion that we are all in this together  America is in big trouble. But were also in big trouble if we place the concept of personal responsibility off-limits in our policy discussions.
Yesterdays New York Times featured a headline that betrayed a stunning lack of self-awareness, even by that papers low standards:

A reader comments:

Its only fair and balanced to have headlines like this one. After all, it just makes up for all the headlines weve seen like this: Republicans Democrats Hope to Sway Voters With Labels That Demonize Democrats Republicans

The Times demonizes Republicans every day, but that is different becausetheyre Republicans, I guess.

Meanwhile, what does this alleged demonization consist of?

In the 116th Congress, if youre a Democrat, youre either a socialist

The House Democrats about whom the partys base is most excited are members of the Democratic Socialists of America, as is the 2016 presidential candidate who probably would have received the Democrats nomination if the DNC hadnt intervened on Hillarys behalf.

a baby killer

Yes, that is correct. When you deliver a baby and then kill it, as provided for in statutes Democrats have been passing, you are a baby killer.

or an anti-Semite.

Once again, that is a fair characterization of many Democrats, including those who support the BDS movement that seeks to destroy Israel, and which has officially been recognized as anti-Semitic.

The Times should consider the possibility that the Democrats are demonizing themselves.
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SHIPMENT: U.S. aid at a loading dock in Cucuta, Colombia, waits to be delivered in Venezuela. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has said he won't let the food and medicine enter the country, fearing that it's a pretext for a coup or armed invasion. Jim Wyss/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service
The attorney for Guam Regional Medical City on Monday called on Judge Elyze Iriarte of the Superior Court of Guam to dismiss the request for a restraining order filed by former GMRC CEO Margaret Bengzon.

Attorney Todd Thompson told the court that Bengzon's claim "must be dismissed" because she did not have a contract with Guam Healthcare Development Inc. which does business as GRMC.

Bengzon is seeking reinstatement as chief executive officer of the private hospital and a return to the "status quo" before she was ousted "until such time as the issue of shareholder ownership may be resolved by the (Philippine) SEC or Philippine Courts."

"There is no remedy for a contract breech," said Thompson, "because there is no contract."

He maintained that Bengzon was an "at-will" employee at GRMC and that left her vulnerable to dismissal at any time.

"The presumption in the law is that an 'at-will' employment relationship exists," the attorney said, "unless that is rebutted, and it hasn't been."

There "is no exception to the 'at-will' relationship," he argued. "Therefore, you haven't met your pleading burden."

'Not the way to do it'

Bengzon's attorney, Phillip Torres, acknowledged that "there is no contract," but "that doesn't explain the issue in this case," he said. The issue is "whether Ms. Bengzon has standing to be in this courtroom on the actions taken by the corporation."

"It's not an easy question," he said, because Guam "does not have a well-developed employment law."

But, he argued, "clearly directors have fiduciary duties to each director ... and to remove somebody without giving them proper notice and send them a letter after the fact ... is not the way to do it."

He pointed out that nine of the shareholders of the Philippine parent company, Professional Services Inc., "have been indicted in the Philippines for fraud." And he maintained that the actions taken by those shareholders to remove Bengzon were not in accordance with the bylaws and already have caused harm.

Torres said the $225 million loan tied to the Korean Investment Management Group cited in the original complaint has not yet gone through.

"It was pending back in November when we filed this action," said Torres.

"Does this court stay within the boundaries?" asked Torres, "or does it say that from a corporate standpoint your failure to adhere to bylaws and to take these actions makes them void?"

Thompson countered by arguing that Bengzon "is a shareholder of a foreign company, not before the court." And there is no doubt that she "is not a shareholder of the Guam company," he said.

Thompson accused Torres of "inviting this court to pierce the corporate veil and imply rights to the Guam corporation, not recognizing that these are two separate companies, even if they're wholly owned. They're separate," he said.

Iriarte took the arguments "under advisement" and will issue a decision at a later time.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero is on her first trip to Washington, D.C., since taking office in January. Leon Guerrero left for the national capital Sunday.

The governor's agenda will include meetings with Trump administration officials regarding an administrative resolution for the release of millions of dollars in war reparations checks for the island's World War II survivors, who endured atrocities under Japanese occupation. Federal law allows for the payments but it lacks specific language the U.S. Treasury Department needs in order to cut the checks.

Janela Carrera, the governor's communications director, said Leon Guerrero also will meet with White House officials regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ban on foreign workers from the Philippines holding temporary H-2B worker visas. The Leon Guerrero administration is pressing for the continued flow of workers from the Philippines.

Carrera said the governor also will seek reimbursement from the federal government toward the government of Guam's cost of tax refunds for Earned Income Tax Credit claimants.

The governor plans to attend the National Governors Association meeting before heading home on March 1.
Political Editor

Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
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.
Paul Bowers is an education reporter and father of three living in North Charleston. He previously worked at the Charleston City Paper, where he was twice named South Carolina Journalist of the Year in the weekly category.
It is a system of haves and have-nots born out of racism, white flight and school choice. Yet Charleston County School District leaders insist they are determined to tackle, once and for all, the huge disparities that have plagued their schools since a court order forced desegregation a half-century ago.

It won't be easy. People will get angry.

But if struggling schools dont improve, thousands more children will graduate reading far below grade level, ill-prepared for most jobs and having never sat in a desk beside a person of another race or income level.

People are going to be unhappy with some of the work that we do, school board Vice Chair Kate Darby said. But we have to do the real work that, in the end, is going to improve equity across the district and is going to give every child an opportunity  no matter where they live in this community  to go to a great school."

The board also has something its not often enjoyed: a majority that, so far, agrees.

A committee on Monday unanimously approved a list of critical actions aimed at boosting schools. They include things like:

CCSD Critical Action plan The Charleston County School Board approved a series of "critical actions" aimed at boosting school equity.

Adding a rigorous high school option downtown

Merging schools to create larger ones that can save money and offer more equitable programs

Extending early childhood education and school hours in North Charleston

Offering students college scholarships

Expanding Buist Academy so that all downtown Charleston students who apply and qualify can attend.

Its not optional. We are not asking the community whether they want to do this, Superintendent Gerrita Postlewait said. We arent going to talk about this for another two years.

Failing its students

In 1998, a Harvard University study warned that the district was heading for a lack of equity and excellence for all children.

The advent of school choice widened divides. In 2015, a Post and Courier investigation detailed those consequences in its series Left Behind, which chronicled how flight to magnets and charters created shrinking neighborhood schools with high concentrations of poverty and low performance.

Two years later, the district commissioned a new study by Clemson University researchers. Their report, released in August, blasted a clarion call in its opening sentence:

The Charleston County School District fails nearly half of its students.

The report pilloried school officials for failing to address the problem.

In effect, the district is comprised of two parallel school systems: one successful and predominantly wealthy and White; the other rife with failure, mainly poor, with mostly Hispanic and African American students.

Clemson University equity report Charleston County school leaders commissioned Clemson University's Division of Inclusion and Equity to study disparities in the district.

School trustees insist they are determined to tackle the problem now, starting with the critical actions.

The next step is figuring out how to enact them.

For guidance, the district is searching for local stakeholders to sit on three regional groups  one in North Charleston, downtown Charleston and West Ashley  that will recommend plans that diverse people in each area can embrace.

One case in point: Burke High School.

Plowing a path forward

Burkes alumni fiercely guard its long and rich tradition of educating black children while white school leaders have shirked them.

Yet the school, which sits in a sea of gentrification, has shrunk to 378 students in a structure that could hold 900 or more. Burke's test scores linger near the bottom, and it now costs almost $20,000 per student to run the school  more than twice the cost at Stall or West Ashley.

Burke is so small because more than half of students who live on the peninsula, namely white and more affluent ones, choose to attend other public schools. Still more go to private schools.

That's why one of the boards critical actions requires creating high school options on the peninsula that will provide rigor to challenge all students.

But what should that look like?

The downtown community group will tackle questions like this one.

Burke could move to a smaller building, freeing up the space it uses for a larger high school. Or it could close, with a method in place to honor its name and history, then fold into a new neighborhood high school that appeals to a larger student body. Or it could share space with another high school, such as a second Early College High School.

Or the group could recommend something wholly different. The point is to get a range of people to meet, study options and agree to answers.

Come to the table to do whats right for our children  and be willing to make compromises, Postlewait said.

The district is searching for outside moderators to run each group. They will start meeting in early March and present recommendations to the board by June 30.

Burke is one example of the challenges they will tackle.

Elementary and middle schools on the peninsula also are mostly small, low-performing and similarly segregated. There are six public middle schools on the peninsula alone serving 920 students.

Simmons Pinckney Middle has 276 students. It costs about $13,146 per student to run the school.

Compare that to Moultrie Middle in Mount Pleasant with more than 800 students. It costs almost half as much  $7,492 per student  to run that school. Or Morningside Middle in North Charleston where it costs $9,440 for each of its 670 students.

Larger schools also can offer more programs and classes.

Whether to merge schools, and which ones, are other questions for the community group.

"We're doing these things," board member Todd Garrett said. "The question is how are we going to make it happen."

North Charleston disparities

North Charlestons schools grapple with similar struggles. Eight of the states 30 lowest-performing schools today are in that city.

Elvin Speights sees the struggle from the front-row view of his living room. He opens his home to students in need and knows families that live in run-down hotels and children who sleep on floors  if they have places to stay. Many dont have cars and live in high-crime neighborhoods.

These children have been through some traumas. Poverty affects these kids, Speights said. These schools in North Charleston have to deal with that aspect before they can teach those children.

To address those needs, the community group in North Charleston will gather input and visit schools with similar students but yield better results. The district wants them to consider adding:

Early childhood education for children as young as six months old, given low-income students tend to arrive at kindergarten already behind their more affluent peers.

Extended school days and years. Long breaks disproportionately disrupt lower-income students, and after-school time can allow for tutoring and enrichment.

Different education models, including public-private partnerships. The city already is home to two Meeting Street Schools  Brentwood and Burns  that use private money to extend school days and years and place two teachers in each classroom.

New school attendance lines to create larger schools.

An early college middle school to bring more rigor.

Board member Kevin Hollinshead recently went to Spartanburg to look at a nonprofit program there and is joining a group traveling to Atlanta to visit a single-gender program, all in search of new ideas.

We can no longer sit and turn a blind eye, Hollinshead said. We have to find ways to get those kids in poverty areas the vital education they need.

Addressing choice

When Postlewait started imagining the future of downtown schools one day last week, she wondered what would happen if its middle schools combined into one building.

A large body of diverse students could arrive through the same front door and then, say, turn right to go to an arts school, left for a math and science school, straight for an academic magnet, then all come together for lunch and activities.

Those are the kinds of ideas she wants the community groups to consider.

We need people to be open-minded, she said.

That will include addressing school choice, a key factor in school segregation.

To fill demand for magnet schools, the downtown group will look at expanding Buist Academy to include a second campus. However, to ensure that students in lower-income neighborhoods have a better shot at filling those new seats, district leaders will examine using ZIP codes or other geographic cues in admissions.

They also will look at providing more transportation to choice schools to remove that barrier for low-income families.

Yet expanding high-performing magnets could simply drain more students from neighborhood schools. The core issue remains lifting all boats so parents dont view choice schools as life rafts from a failing system.

Weve got to make neighborhood schools strong enough that parents want to send their kids to them, Darby said.

Many parents want that, too.

Amy Walker lives near Burke and would like her children to walk there for high school. But something big will have to change.

She enrolled her sixth-grade son last year at nearby Simmons-Pinckney Middle. The principal impressed her, and its scores were improving.

"But it was a nightmare," she said.

She found little academic rigor. A student bullied her son and yelled threats to kill him, said Walker.

He came home and said, "Mom, why am I going here?"

The reason: she and her husband wanted to send their kids to the neighborhood schools.

"There is a huge appetite for that. People are craving change," Walker said. "It's just so sad. I'd love to say, 'Walk down the street and go to school.' "

In the meantime, her son attends a private school. Their fourth-grader goes to a magnet.

For high school? She's waiting to see what the district's efforts yield.
Jerrel Floyd is an Alabama raised reporter who covers Summerville and Dorchester County for The Post and Courier.
Do ask about different religions and listen in love
Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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The White House doesnt know what Mueller has, but they are worrying that he is going to bust Trump for obstruction of justice.

The White House is worried about obstruction of justice

The Washington Posts Robert Costa told MSNBC, The mindset on the Russia collusion front is pretty vague because theyre not really sure inside of this White House what Robert Mueller has found along with his investigators. What theyre more cognizant about is the obstruction side of the investigation, and they know so many White House aides and administration officials have been pulled before Robert Muellers team to talk about the presidents conduct, and thats where some of the worry is among my top sources. Whats going to be detailed about obstruction of justice, alleged obstruction of justice in this Mueller report? Could that really be something beyond the Russia questions that threatens this presidency?

Video:

The White House doesnt know what Mueller has found, but they are worried about Trump being busted for obstruction of justice. https://t.co/a9DzgL8Bnr pic.twitter.com/aotjuAHcEY  PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) February 18, 2019

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Mueller finding that Trump obstructed justice would form the basis for impeachment

Obstruction of justice is an impeachable offense. The White House is the same place as the rest of the country when it comes to Russia collusion. Trump hasnt been truthful with his own White House and the American people on the Russia question, but the administration does know who was interviewed by Mueller from the White House, and what they were asked about.

Should Mueller find that Trump obstructed justice, it would be immediate grounds for House Democrats to begin an impeachment investigation and draw up articles of impeachment.

The political calculus has totally changed since Democrats took back the House. When Republicans were in the majority, Trump had no concerns about impeachment. With Democrats in charge, Mueller finding evidence that Trump obstructed justice could be a political death sentence for this president.

The Trump presidency is teetering on the brink

The unstable and fragile Trump presidency is teetering on the brink, and one key finding by Robert Mueller will be more than enough to push it and this president over the edge.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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Newsweek Magazine is reporting this morning that Kamala Harris has leaped to the front of an already-packed Democratic 2020 race.

Kamala Harris surges into lead among Democratic party candidates https://t.co/KvXF244Qrm pic.twitter.com/PraOy0d493  Newsweek (@Newsweek) February 18, 2019

The report is based on information obtained from recent opinion polls and interviews with Democratic political strategists and major party donors.

Still, Harris is behind former Vice President Joe Biden and 2016 insurgent Bernie Sanders in recent polls. But the first-term California senator is first in polls that include only Democrats who have announced they are running for the 2020 nomination. These include recent polls from Monmouth University, New Jersey and Emerson College.

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Harris, however, has held the number one spot on CNNs Democratic power rankings for months. The rankings are done by CNN political analysts Chris Cillizza and Harry Enten who have offered effusive praise for Harriss campaign rollout so far. They said they admired the way she stretched out her campaign announcement over an entire week which gave her many consecutive days of positive press coverage.

Harris began a nationwide book tour for her memoir The Truths We Hold the week before she made her official campaign announcement, which allowed her to appear on all of the major television news and talk shows.

There have also been reports that prominent Democratic Party donors and strategists agree with the polls that Harris may be the Democrat to beat in 2020.

For example, donor Robert Wolf was quoted as saying that Harris used the attention surrounding her relatively early launch to her advantage:

Theres always been this motto, You have one day to launch and you have to get it right, and Kamala crushed it. Its the day that you have all the media buzz, the grassroots excitement and to tell your story. That is the one day all eyes are on you and she hit out of the ballpark.

According to Newsweek, since her official launch, Harris has run a very successful campaign.

She was already the favorite of many, and her early success has solidified and grown that support, said Jon Vein, a major Democratic donor.

Democratic strategist Maria Cardona pointed out how Harris stands out from the crowd, saying: She differentiates herself with her impeccable timing.

Since rival Elizabeth Warren has been involved in a difficult controversy about her claims to Native American heritage, Harris has been able to appear as a stable and attractive alternative to the Massachusetts senator. On Saturday Warren was interrupted at the start of a campaign speech in Georgia by a man holding a 1/2020 signa reference to the DNA results she shared last year indicating she has a very small amount of Native American heritage.

Harris is not completely immune from controversy, and she did recently admit past marijuana use, but this isnt expected to hurt her campaign.

The California senator made something of a stir this weekend while visiting stores on the campaign trail in South Carolina. She visited local boutiques set up by women, praising them as classic stories of American women achieving economic success, The Washington Post reported.

But for some reason she was criticized by conservative media outlets like Fox News when she tried on a brightly-colored sequin jacket at the suggestion of CNN reporters.

The secret of her strength may be that to many Democrats Kamala Harris looks like the full package.

She is smart, commercial, organized, Wolf said. I would not be surprised if she was the top fundraiser this quarter and viewed as one of the top three candidates.

With as many as 20 expected Democratic candidates vying for the 2020 nomination, the fact that Harris is able to stand out from the crowd is a major accomplishment. And if at this early stage she can compete with such elder party statesmen as Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, that is an indication that she has staying power and is not just a flash in the pan.

Its still a long way to the 2020 election, but the early buzz certainly favors Senator Kamala Harris as a legitimate contender to succeed the worst president in our history, Donald J. Trump.
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A group of guests on CNN on Monday discussed how shocked and dismayed they are by Donald Trumps strange deference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The panel discussed in detail former deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabes bombshell revelation that Trump trusts Putin more than his own intelligence agencies.

Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses, to which the President replied, I dont care. I believe Putin,' McCabe said.

"Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses, to which the President replied, 'I don't care. I believe Putin,'" McCabe said.https://t.co/S2BP7nT8Uc  Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) February 18, 2019

During the group discussion, former Republican congressman Mike Rogers said it was disturbing how willing the president was to take the word of a top international rival.

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Thats very, very concerning to me, he said. These are his intelligence folks who are culling lots of points of collection, meaning human and electronic and digital, every form of [intelligence] they take all of that information and then they come up with a policy or at least a proposal or at least an understanding of whats going on in the world. The president needs to have faith and trust in that information.

Legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, meanwhile, suggested there was something darker going on with the presidents often subservient attitude toward his Russian counterpart.

This is not just any leader, Toobin said, referencing Putin. This is Vladimir Putin, who he was trying to do business with, who was helping him win the election. I mean, there is something bizarre and perhaps sinister about the presidents relationship with Russia.

The entire political world seems to still be shocked this morning by the revelations made by McCabe on 60 Minutes last night.

At one point, McCabe described how concerned they were when Trump said he believed Putins word over the information he received from the U.S. intelligence community. This shows that the FBI and the Justice Department  as well as the CIA and other U.S. intelligence agencies  have been very aware of the presidents unusual and potentially dangerous relationship with Putin.

McCabe also explained why they felt compelled to open an intelligence investigation into Trump, believing he might be working as a Russian spy.

Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein "was absolutely serious" when he "offered to wear a wire into the White House" https://t.co/WdDjcUhpYD pic.twitter.com/N8lp9m95yT  CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 18, 2019

Last week we reported that Democrats in the House will soon launch a vast and comprehensive series of investigations into Donald Trumps ties to Russia.

We also reported that chairmen of several powerful committees in the House are preparing to force Trump to disclose the details of his secret talks with Putin, which have caused great concern.

Earlier this month we reported that the U.S. intelligence community is worried that Trump is sharing classified secrets with Putin, which could be considered both espionage and treason.

This morning Trump went into a rage on Twitter, accusing both McCabe and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein of treasonous behavior. As usual, he is projecting his own behavior onto others. Trump is the treasonous player in this drama, and the others are merely doing their jobs of protecting America from his bizarre and sinister behavior.

Hopefully they will be successful and Trump will be removed from office before he does further irreversible damage to our country.

CLICK HERE to watch the entire panel discussion on CNN.
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The ACLU explained that they are suing Trump because his national emergency is fake and a pretext for banning asylum to the United States.

Trumps illegal power grab is also about stopping immigration and asylum

ACLU Deputy Legal Director Cecilia Wang said on MSNBC:

To say that there is a necessity to use military construction funds already committed elsewhere in order to support the use of armed forces. There is no emergency there. Many of us have been talking about the fact that the president said in announcing his declaration, I did not need to do this. In addition to that, if you take a look at the text of his declaration, he talks about a quote, Long-standing problems with families seeking asylum. What the president is trying to do is declaring a fake emergency based on the fact along with his previous family separation and moms and dads and kids seeking asylum on the United States.

His declaration of asylum ban back in November that was joined and blocked by the court. This was part of his plan to block asylum, contrary to the will of Congress. It is a real key point here that Congress decided they wanted to spend $1.375 million on a border wall and the president said no. No, I want to spend $8 billion, I want to do it faster than Congress. This is unprecedented as an illegal power grab by the president and thats essentially the bases for our upcoming lawsuits.

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Video:

The ACLU explains why Trump's 'national emergency' is fake. https://t.co/LALMwZpGKR pic.twitter.com/K2I0XkotnP  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 18, 2019

There is no basis for Trumps national emergency

There is no legal basis for this emergency. Wanting money faster than Congress is willing to provide it, is not a national emergency. Lives are not in danger. National security is not at risk. The while declaration is a scam to get the wall. Trump is violating the Constitution by using previously appropriated funds for a non-intended purpose.

The national emergency is a power grab, and the courts must put a check on this president.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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On Sunday, Trump tweeted a Rush Limbaugh quote that suggested all of the investigators who are investigating the president should be jailed.

Trump tweeted:

These guys, the investigators, ought to be in jail. What they have done, working with the Obama intelligence agencies, is simply unprecedented. This is one of the greatest political hoaxes ever perpetrated on the people of this Country, and Mueller is a coverup. Rush Limbaugh  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

Innocent people dont try to get the people who are investigating them thrown in prison. This should be obvious to all, but with Trumps constant assault on law and order, it is vital to remind people that this not just abnormal presidential behavior. It is also not normal behavior from human beings who have not committed crimes.

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Donald Trump doesnt care about democracy and the rule of law

The President Of The United States does not care about the rule of law. The only thing that Trump cares about is saving his own skin. Trumps retweets are endorsements. The president is suggesting that people should be thrown in prison for investigating him. Donald Trump thinks that he is above the law, and anyone who tries to enforce the law as it relates to his crimes should be thrown in prison.

Trump wants the FBI and Robert Mueller locked up

Like any low-level crime boss, Trump has declared war on law enforcement. There is no way that the author of this tweet is going to let Robert Mueller do his job and release his report. Trump cant hide the truth, so he dreams of punishing anyone who seeks it. Robert Mueller is a hero for trying to uncover the facts. Trumps authoritarian impulses are shining through. Anyone who opposes him should be locked up, and this includes war hero Robert Mueller.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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A sure sign that bad news is coming for Trump is that the president is tweeting about the illegality of the Robert Mueller investigation.

Trump tweeted:

The Mueller investigation is totally conflicted, illegal and rigged! Should never have been allowed to begin, except for the Collusion and many crimes committed by the Democrats. Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

Trump has a habit of ranting about Mueller before bad news drops

Trump is a terrible political poker player. The president has tried to deflect and preemptively negate bad news for him from Mueller since the investigation began. It is a habit, almost a nervous tic, and certainly a tell.

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For example, Trump went on an extended rant in December about the Mueller investigation hours before Mueller delivered details about how Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen helped the investigation. With his own non-recused attorney general now overseeing the investigation, Trump has probably been told what is coming soon, and he is tweeting in an effort to discredit the special counsel.

Donald Trump went on a Twitter rant about Mueller on November 15, and on November 20th Trumps lawyers announced that he had submitted his written answers to Muellers questions.

It looks Trump is trying to prepare his supporters because another Mueller bombshell is ready to drop.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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It turns out that Japanese Prime Minister Abe didnt just nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. The White House asked Abe to nominate the president.

Trump claimed that Abe nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize

Here is what Trump said during his rambling Friday press conference:

In fact, I think I can say this: Prime Minister Abe of Japan gave me the most beautiful copy of a letter that he sent to the people who give out a thing called the Nobel Prize. He said, I have nominated you or Respectfully, on behalf of Japan, I am asking them to give you the Nobel Peace Prize. I said, Thank you. Many other people feel that way too. Ill probably never get it, but thats okay.

They gave it to Obama. He didnt even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, Oh, what did I get it for? With me, I probably will never get it.

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Video:

Trump made Japanese PM Abe nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. That is how jealous of Obama Trump is. https://t.co/iWOctzGjdS pic.twitter.com/yChZVWXxXv  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 17, 2019

The real story is that the White House asked Abe to nominate Trump

According to Reuters, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize last autumn after receiving a request from the U.S. government to do so, the Asahi newspaper reported on Sunday.

Trump wasnt nominated for the prize because that Japanese Prime Minister thought that he deserved it. Trump was nominated because his own administration asked the Japanese PM to nominate him.

Trump is insanely jealous of Obama

Trump couldnt be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize on the basis of his own work. In fact, it could be argued that no president has done more to undermine peace without starting a war than Donald Trump. The president made it clear in his press conference. He wants a Nobel Peace Prize because Obama has one. Trump is jealous of Obama. It is why he tries to both demean Obamas legacy, and take credit for Barack Obamas accomplishments.

Trumps Obama jealousy is petty and small that he arm-twisted Japan into nominating him for a Peace Prize that he should never be considered for.

Donald Trump is making the presidency smaller and less respected by the day.

For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group.

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Sinn Fein to meet PSNI over failure to reveal material on mass shooting

Disclosure regrets prompt accusations of confidence in policing falling to 'lowest level in years'.

Find: Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Macguire said the material has opened new lines of inquiry in its investigation into the Ormeau Road shootings

Date - 18th February 2019

By - Nick Hudson - Police Oracle - 18th February 2019

0203 119 3303

or alternatively get in touch via the Do you have an interesting news story? Contact the newsdesk onor alternatively get in touch via the contact form

Confidence in Northern Ireland policing is at its lowest level in years as Sinn Fein calls for UK government funding to proceed with legacy inquests ahead of todays planned talks with the national force. News of the discussions...
Sunday Briefing: PokerStars PKO Smashes Guarantee Despite Boycott

February 18, 2019 Matthew Pitt

It was a massive Sunday for online poker tournament players on Feb. 17 thanks to the partypoker KO Series and PokerStars Turbo Series concluding, 888poker running its RakeLESS events and the Natural8 Blade $10K and $5K events taking place.

One of the stories of the weekend was high stakes tournament player girafganger7 organizing a boycott of PokerStars $5,200 buy-in Turbo Series PKO event. The Belgian managed to get more than 200 fellow high stakes pros to promise they wouldnt play in this event, yet the $750,000 guarantee was still easily met thanks to 187 entries into the event.

partypoker responded to the planned boycott by adding a $5,200 event to their KO Series schedule, one with a massive $1 million guaranteed prize pool. This guarantee was also hit, making it a great day for online poker tournament players around the world.

PokerStars Turbo Series 108: $5,200 NLHE 8-Max PKO High Roller

Date February 17th Buy-in $5,200 Guarantee $750,000 Entries 187 Prize pool $935,000 ITM 23

Russias needdollarz walked away with a $239,695 prize after taking down the PokerStars Turbo Series 108: $5,200 NLHE 8-Max PKO High Roller event, a tournament that saw 160 players battle it out for glory. Twenty-seven reentries made for 187 entries total.

Nobody at the final table won less than $16,554 when bounties were taken into consideration, the prize awarded to GamadGADOL of Malta who busted in ninth-place.

Two British players followed GamadGADOL to the rail, despedespi33 and Magnus Giffordonian Martin before Finlands WRUUUM busted in sixth-place having not won a single bounty along the way.

Bounties were now massive and boosted the remaining players prizes. Fifth-place went to pvigar of Brazil who netted $42,984 in total with fourth-place finisher Pokeryugo netting a cool $60,692.

Mexicos tanganantor finished in third-place for $85,360 and Chinas huang33 turned their $5,200 investment into a combined $91,096. The Russian champion secured $92,742 for finishing in first place and also collected $146,953 worth of bounties to win over 2.6 times what the runner-up did.

Place Player Country Prize Bounty Prize Total Prize 1 needdollarz Russia $92,742 $146,953 $239,695 2 huang33 China $71,956 $19,140 $91,096 3 tangananator Mexico $55,829 $29,531 $85,360 4 Pokeryugo Netherlands $43,317 $17,375 $60,692 5 pvigar Brazil $33,609 $9,375 $42,984 6 WRUUUUM Finland $26,076 $0 $26,076 7 Magnus Giffordonian Martin United Kingdom $20,232 $5,312 $25,544 8 despedespi33 United Kingdom $15,697 $14,687 $30,384 9 GamadGADOL Malta $12,179 $4,375 $16,554

PokerStars Turbo Series 109: $1,050 NLHE Main Event High

Date February 17th Buy-in $1,050 Guarantee $2,000,000 Entries 2,343 Prize pool $2,343,000 ITM 341

Former EPT London champion Robin robinho Ylitalo triumphed in the Turbo Series 109: $1,050 NLHE Main Event High to get his hands on an incredible $322,429 after a heads-up deal with fellow Swede jamaica_11.

The final table members were guaranteed $23,015. Someone had to bank the smaller sum, and that person was publier of the Netherlands, who was joined on the rail by Chrobson of Poland, MrMaximize of Canada, and then Griffin Flush_Entity Benger. Benger busted when his ace-eight ran into the suited ace-ten of Ylitalo.

Argentinas Cristian progre69 Sampaoli was the next player to fall, his elimination locking up a six-figure score for the remaining four players.

Canadas carl_nash13 busted in fourth-place for $125,050 with third-place and $175,426 going to Belgiums Pontois2012, which left Yliatlo and jamiaca_11 to lock horns heads-up for the title.

The Swedish duo struck a deal that left $40,000 on the table, and this extra money went to Ylitalo when he flopped trip nines and value bet all streets and was called all the way by jamiaca_11s pocket queens.

Place Player Country Prize 1 Robin robinho Ylitalo Sweden $322,429* 2 jamaica_11 Sweden $268,907* 3 Pontois2012 Belgium $175,426 4 carl_nash13 Canada $125,050 5 Cristian progre69 Sampaoli Argentina $89,140 6 Griffin Flush_Entity Benger Canada $63,542 7 MrMaximize Canada $45,295 8 Chrobson Poland $32,288 9 pulbier Netherlands $23,015

Robin Ylitalo

partypoker KO Series #74-SHR: $1M Gtd 8-Max

Date February 17th Buy-in $5,200 Guarantee $1,000,000 Entries 206 Prize pool $1,050,000 ITM 32

The partypoker KO Series #74-SHR: $1M Gtd 8-Max hit its ambitious guarantee when 206 players bought in for $5,200 to create a $1,050,000 prize pool.

The lions share of this impressive sum is now nestled in the partypoker account of Swedens STORTjavlaGL who emerged victorious in the early hours of Feb. 18 with a massive prize worth a total of $193,935.

PokerBrothersTM of Belarus was the tournaments runner-up and the only other player to secure a six-figure payout, namely $109,982.

Earlier at the final table, Finnish superstars Lars LarsLuzak1 Luzak crashed out of the tournament in sixth-place for a combined score of $35,247 with Canadian high stakes guru TIMEXCNT busting in fifth-place for $61,060 in total.

Place Player Country Prize Bounty Prize Total Prize 1 STORTjavlaGL Sweden $83,029 $110,906 $193,935 2 PokerBrothersTM Belarus $82,926 $27,056 $109,982 3 SouhftfW Croatia $59,149 $27,787 $86,936 4 chaAat United Kingdom $43,731 $16,737 $60,468 5 TIMEXCNT Canada $30,836 $30,224 $61,060 6 Lars LarsLuzak1 Luzak Finland $23,547 $11,700 $35,247 7 ALiNeNok1617 Russia $17,380 $25,268 $42,648 8 TeamToxico United Kingdom $12,895 $5,525 $18,420

partypoker KO Series #74-HR: $500K Gtd 8-Max

Date February 17th Buy-in $530 Guarantee $500,000 Entries 1,154 Prize pool $591,425 ITM 152

Another big KO Series event was the KO Series #74-HR: $500K Gtd 8-Max that saw 1,154 players exchange $530 for the chance of glory and a huge cash prize.

The champion was none other than marjanko89 of Ukraine who got their hands on the $38,828 first-place prize and an additional $37,278 worth of bounty payments. That bounty payment included the scalp of runner-up GRRRIZZZLY of Belarus who was the tournaments bridesmaid, a finish worth a combined $54,293 when bounties were taken into consideration.

All but one of the players at the eighth-handed final table won a five-figure score, eighth-place finisher hasleloren of Sweden was the only one not to; he or she banked $4,761.

Place Player Country Prize Bounty Prize Total Prize 1 marjanko89 Ukraine $38,828 $37,278 $76,106 2 GRRRIZZZLY Belarus $38,770 $15,523 $54,293 3 Mr.Stagger Lee Hungary $25,473 $3,191 $28,664 4 Cr4zy_driver Poland $17,046 $7,950 $24,996 5 LordPuasonG United Kingdom $12,084 $9,003 $21,087 6 LintyontheLash United Kingdom $8,523 $3,228 $11,751 7 Machacente66 Finland $5,978 $4,429 $10,407 8 hasleloren Sweden $4,007 $754 $4,761

888poker $100,000 RakeLESS Sunday Mega Deep

Date February 17th Buy-in $200 Guarantee $100,000 Entrants 732 Prize pool $146,400 ITM 72

There was a great rags to riches story in the 888poker $100,000 RakeLESS Sunday Mega Deep event as the eventual champion won their place in the $200 buy-in tournament from a $22 buy-in satellite.

Latvias Rihards Rihard4a Dobelis turned that $22 satellite victory into a cool $27,669 by outlasting 731-opponents.

Rihard4a found themselves heads-up against kudesnik2012 of Belarus to lock up the top prize. The Belarusian had to make do with a $20,276 consolation prize when they fell in second-place.

SkallPer58 of Sweden and OneH1tWodner of Austria busted in third and fourth-place respectively to bank $14,932 and $11,272, the only other players to turn their $200 investment into a five-figure score.

Place Player Country Prize 1 Rihards "Rihard4a" Dobelis Latvia $27,669 2 kudesnik2012 Belarus $20,276 3 SkallPer58 Sweden $14,932 4 OneH1tWonder Austria $11,272 5 Prof_Plum Canada $7,905 6 Ilfris $6,222 7 LprMessiah Sweden $4,758 8 NoMamesWey33 Mexico $3,294 8 alexos888 Canada $2,239

Looks like I won Mega Deep on @888poker, satted from $22 @daraokearney style ##poker #pokerlife #pokerpro https://t.co/gIVLC2t6qp  Rihards Dobelis (@Rihard4a)

888poker $100,000 RakeLESS Sunday Main Event

Date February 17th Buy-in $300 Guarantee $100,000 Entrants 376 Prize pool $112,800 ITM 54

Russian grinder CalmRevolver was crowned the 888poker $100,000 RakeLESS Sunday Main Event champion, with first-place worth a cool $21,646. No rake was charged on this $300 buy-in tournament, and no reentries were allowed, making it a big freezeout competition that was hard fought throughout.

The top three finishers turned their $300 into five-figures. The champion banked $21,646, with Russian runner-up krakadiller walking away with $16,074 to console themselves with. Third-place was worth $11,844 and that went to kiskutya23.

CalmRevolver has a solid record at 888poker having won the $100,000 Mega Deep and an XL Eclipse title previously.

Place Player Country Prize 1 CalmRevolver Russia $21,646 2 krakadiller Russia $16,074 3 kiskutya23 $11,844 4 vzb_poker Brazil $9,024 5 77kol0bok77 Russia $6,316 6 toastmanQ $4,794 7 IlovePickles Romania $3,666 8 TooMuchRake $2,538 9 Yoshiaki97 Canada $1,872

Natural8 Sunday Blade $10K

Date February 17th Buy-in $10,000 Guarantee $200,000 Entrants 31 Prize pool $300,700 ITM 4

Natural8 had two massive events this week, one of them being a $10,000 buy-in affair that attracted a field of 31 runners, creating a $300,000 prize pool.

Lithuanias Laurynas LaurisL91 Levinskas was crowned champion, a finish with a massive $135,177 score after he defeated DownswingPete heads-up for the title. The British runner-up won $83,079 for their second-place finish, although they did fire three bullets at the tournament.

Both the third-place and fourth-place finishers fired two bullets each, too. Pihler13 of Ukraine finished in third place for $51,060 with carsonweltz collecting $31,381 when they busted in fourth-place.

Place Player Country Prize 1 Laurynas LaurisL91 Levinskas Lithuania $135,177 2 DownswingPete United Kingdom $83,079 3 pihler13 Ukraine $51,060 4 carsonwentz Mexico $31,381

Natural8 Sunday Blade $5K

Date February 17th Buy-in $5,000 Guarantee $200,000 Entrants 41 Prize pool $200,000 ITM 5

Natural8s Blade $5K saw 41 entries of $5,000 each and a $200,000 prize pool that was shared among the top five finishers.

After bursting the bubble in the $10K, B3ndTheKnee of Canada reached the money in the $5k, falling in fifth-place for $12,571. They were joined on the sidelines by MiMosa1 of Finland who collected $19,972 then by HE22 of Mexico whose third-place finish locked up $31,730.

Heads-up saw ImLividBuddy of Costa Rica and HogFish333 of Colombia fight for an $85,316 top prize, and it was the latter who got their hands on this huge sum, resigning ImLividBuddy to the $50,409 runner-up prize.

Place Player Country Prize 1 HogFish333 Colombia $85,316 2 ImLividBuddy Costa Rica $50,409 3 HE22 Mexico $31,730 4 MiMosa1 Finland $19,972 5 B3ndTheKnee Canada $12,571

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The gas station as we know it was not invented until the 1920s, more than a decade after the automobile came into popular use. Because it was a completely new building type  developed to accommodate a new technology, the gas pump  there were no design precedents for oil companies and their architects to follow. The form had to be invented from scratch.

You can still see plenty of examples of their experiments around Philadelphia, miraculous survivors from a time when filling stations were treated as real architecture. Spanish Colonial stations dominate in the city, as they do around the country, but a fine example of the English cottage style can be found at 33rd and Cecil B. Moore in Strawberry Mansion. Ironically, almost all these early filling stations were in residential areas. Just imagine if someone tried to build a gas station in the middle of a neighborhood today!

Oil companies were able to slip these diminutive buildings onto residential blocks because zoning laws were still in their infancy, and Americans were rushing to acquire cars. Before filling stations came into existence, car owners had to buy their gasoline in bulk and store it at home in barrels or metal drums. When they wanted to go for a ride, they dispensed the viscous substance from the barrel like beer from a keg, transferring it into a canister, and then pouring it through a spout into the cars gas tank.

With the invention of the gas pump in 1905, this messy process came to an end. Soon grocers around the city were installing gas pumps on the sidewalks in front of their stores. But city officials became concerned about safety and outlawed curbside pumps (just as Philadelphia did recently with curbside electric chargers). Oil companies responded by constructing their own purpose-built filling stations, typically on corner sites where they could attract customers from two directions.

To get around public resistance, oil companies used architecture to make their outlets more palatable to neighborhood residents. One of the earliest gas stations in Philadelphia appears to have been inspired by the Tempietto del Bramante in Rome. Designed by Pittsburgh architect Joseph F. Kuntz for the Atlantic Refining Co., it dominated the corner of 40th and Walnut. Its classical motifs would have mollified proponents of the City Beautiful movement, who were determined to root out ugly industrial buildings from Americas downtowns. Kuntz would go on to design 16 classical filling stations in Philadelphia. Sadly, all are gone.

Because there were dozens of gasoline manufacturers in those days, and there was virtually no difference among brands, these elaborate filling stations also served to differentiate their products. The same year that Atlantic built its Tempietto, the Gulf Refining Co. came up with a very different prototype: a miniaturized Spanish Colonial hacienda. Tricked out with terra-cotta roof tiles and arched windows, the prototype was just big enough to house an office and restrooms. Two other suppliers, Texaco and Ventura Refining Co., soon copied the design, further refining the details.

You can find several intact Spanish Colonial filling stations in Philadelphia. The best preserved, and most elaborate, is the tiny brick structure on North 20th Street, just south of Cherry, that is maintained by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Over the last century, the terra-cotta tiles on its broad hip roof have developed a lovely two-tone patina. An onion-shaped cutout in the roof marks the main entrance.

The Spanish Colonial station at Sedgley and Kensington Avenues, across from the Market-Frankford El, stands out for a different reason: It includes a garage bay. Until the late 30s, most filling stations were strictly places to gas up.

As oil companies added repairs to their businesses, the original filling station buildings became obsolete. Most were too small to accommodate garage bays for mechanics. Many early gas stations were converted to other businesses, such as used-car lots. In Philadelphia, those early filling stations proved to be perfect for water-ice stands. Both the English Cottage station in Strawberry Mansion, and the one at Fifth and Passyunk in Queen Village dispensed the summer treat after they stopped selling gasoline. Based on its sharply peaked roof, chimney, and white brick, the Strawberry Mansion station was probably built by Pure Oil, which specialized in cottage designs.

Because they are now entering their second century, it is amazing that so many early filling stations still survive in Philadelphia, especially given the voracious demand for potential lots by developers. One explanation for their continued existence may be that the stations sit atop old oil tanks and the sites would require expensive remediation to develop. Even so, the tiny Queen Village station is now up for sale.

What a shame it would be to lose these tokens of an age when a trip in an automobile meant an entertaining excursion into the countryside. Our cars have become faster and more powerful, but gassing up under the blaring neon of a plasticky canopy isnt half the fun of gliding up to a Lilliputian Spanish hacienda.
After a domestic terrorist with several firearms, including an AR-15 assault rifle, murdered 11 worshipers in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in October, Mayor Jim Kenney released a statement saying: We stand ready to help Pittsburgh in any way we can.

Its time to make good on that promise by enacting local gun-control ordinances against state law and marching to court with Pittsburgh.

In response to the massacre, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Pittsburgh Council members cosponsored a package of gun-control bills. Measures included in the bills are: a ban on assault weapons within city limits, a ban on bump-stocks, and a move that would allow courts to confiscate firearms from people who are a threat to themselves or others. Also in the package is funding for community organizations working to prevent gun violence.

There is only one problem  under Pennsylvania state law no county or city is allowed to regulate the lawful ownership, possession, or transfer of firearms. Gun-control opponents in Pittsburgh have been calling for Pedutos impeachment. Some met with Allegheny Countys district attorney to seek criminal charges against the mayor. Pedutos response: Arrest me. Sue me. Impeach me. I was elected to protect my constituents and that is exactly what I will do.

It seems unlikely that Peduto will be arrested. But it is likely that the city will be dragged to court over this law. It has happened before  with mixed results.

Philadelphia tried to ban assault weapons in the past. City Council passed an assault weapons ban in 1993 but the state responded by repealing the ban, and the Pa. Supreme Court upheld that repeal in 1996. The city passed a ban in 2007, which the court struck down twice  both in its first ruling and when the city appealed.

In 2015, the National Rifle Association sued both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh over ordinances that penalize gun owners if they fail to report when their gun goes missing. At the time, the ordinances were on the books but not enforced. The Pa. Supreme Court ruled that the state law that gave the NRA standing to sue was enacted in an unconstitutional manner. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2016. We have to wonder if part of that success was because the NRA went after more than one city.

Philadelphia should stand with Pittsburgh now.

Philadelphia is not afraid of implementing its own vision even when it goes against state or federal law. In the 1990s, Philadelphia authorized a syringe-exchange program to address the AIDS crisis in clear violation of federal law. Mayor Jim Kenney went head-to-head with the Justice Department in a lawsuit to protect Philadelphia sanctuary city status  and won. Most recently, the city has supported opening a supervised injection site, which the areas U.S. attorney argues violates federal law.

City Council and the mayor should stand with Pittsburgh  that means enacting the same gun-control package that Pittsburgh is introducing and signing it into law. Even if becomes only a symbolic gesture, it sends a strong message that the states two biggest cities are committed to protecting the lives of their residents.
In light of the very serious allegations levied against John J. Dougherty of the Electricians union, Councilman Bobby Henon, and a host of others in Local 98 in a 116-count federal indictment, the South Philadelphia Republican Coalition has grave concerns about the corruption and abuse of power uncovered in the U.S. attorneys report.

Due to these serious allegations, we call on Mayor Jim Kenney, City Council, and others to take the following actions.

First, we ask for the immediate resignation of Councilman Henon as majority leader until such time as he is found not guilty. His presumption of innocence certainly stands; however, with all of the information and intercepted communications gathered, we believe it to be prudent for Councilman Henon to step down as majority leader until the trial is over.

If he refuses to step down as majority leader, we call on Council President Darrell L. Clarke and the rest of Council to immediately remove him from his post. These allegations of corruption and abuse of power are so strong that we believe it to be a detriment to the city if he is allowed to retain this leadership post and potentially continue the abuse of his power. If these allegations are found to be true, we are witnessing one of the worst abuses of power and corruption this city has ever seen.

Particularly worrisome are the allegations of abuse of power and intimidation directed towards Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. That the medical needs of children apparently were subordinated to a desire to assert union dominance over such a revered institution is unconscionable.

We know that everyone who received campaign contributions from the Local 98 PAC was not involved in these horrible acts; far from it, in fact. However, we call on any elected officials and candidates who have been implicated in this indictment to donate any tainted contributions from the IBEW Local 98 PAC to Childrens Hospital.

We also echo the calls of our state chairman, Val DiGiorgio, for state and federal investigations into alleged Family Member No. 4, allegedly Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, to ensure that there is no fatal ethical taint on Justice Dougherty that would preclude him from carrying out the proper administration of justice in Pennsylvania.

We also call on District Attorney Larry Krasner to investigate Justice Dougherty and these allegations immediately. Members of our elected judiciary have a solemn duty to remain above even the suspicion of impropriety, and the allegations concerning Justice Dougherty must be thoroughly and dispassionately investigated before he hears another case.

Finally, were calling for immediate public hearings in Council on the political machinations behind passage of the soda tax, and for Mayor Kenney to make a public statement explaining exactly what happened behind closed doors during those negotiations. Was this union retribution to kill jobs? Was this a revenge tax? Philadelphians deserve answers.

After speaking with many Republicans in Philadelphia, we can attest that many are appalled by the nature and severity of these allegations. We believe that by embracing these suggestions, the rest of Philadelphias elected officials can show that they are serious about reform, good government, and rooting out corruption.

Josh Novotney and Joe Maiellano are members of the South Philadelphia Republican Coalition.
All 60 Phillies players have checked into Clearwater, and all 60 will take the field this morning for the teams first full workout of spring training. But as the players empty out of the Spectrum Field clubhouse, the attention will remain on the two players who are not here but soon could be here. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still free agents, but that could change soon.

Youre signed up to get this newsletter in your inbox every weekday during the Phillies season and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings during spring training. If you like what youre reading, tell your friends its free to sign up here. I want to know what you think, what we should add, and what you want to read, so send me feedback by email or on Twitter @matt_breen. Thank you for reading.

 Matt Breen (extrainnings@philly.com)

Bryce Harper to the Phils does not feel imminent

John Middleton did not look on Sunday afternoon like a man ready to sign the biggest free agent of his life as he milled around the Phillies spring-training complex. The teams owner moved through the back fields and hung around the cage as hitters took batting practice. He even ate lunch in the stadium cafeteria.

If talks between the Phillies and Bryce Harper were intensifying, as MLB Networks Jon Heyman reported, then Middleton was coolly playing his cards. Each day in spring training will be filled with more and more rumors as Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned. But a deal, based on the vibe Sunday at Phillies camp, did not feel imminent.

The Phillies, according to a source, still expect to end free agency with Harper or Machado. A source also said Sunday that nothing between the team and Harper was close. But that could change quickly. The Phillies deal last March for Jake Arrieta came together in a matter of days after weeks of rumors. The market for Harper and Machado will begin to move daily if not hourly.

The reasons are simple for the Phillies to remain confident they will sign one of the superstars: money. It is hard to imagine the Phillies being outbid, especially as traditionals powers such as the Dodgers and Yankees seem to fall out of the race. Middleton has given general manager Matt Klentak his full support to land a superstar. The owner, after seven straight seasons without a playoff berth, is hungry to win again.

The San Diego Padres, after signing first baseman Eric Hosmer last year to a $144 million deal, emerged Sunday as the Phillies biggest threat for Machado and Harper. The Padres, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune, offered Machado more than $250 million and have made an aggressive offer to Harper. The Phillies, after a long offseason, perhaps just needed a little push before they dipped into the superstar market. The mellowness of Sunday afternoon could soon be over.

The rundown

The Phillies need Bryce Harper and are willing to spend. The only way they miss out, David Murphy writes, is if Harper takes a lesser offer. The Cheese says the Phillies will not be outbid.

Speaking of free agents, David Robertson was one this winter before he signed with the Phillies. He talked to Scott Lauber about why he chose to be his own agent in an uncertain winter and how that process worked for him.

No catcher caught late Marlins star Jose Fernandez more than J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto has experience with greatness and now, Bob Brookover writes, hell get his chance to catch Aaron Nola. Brookie talked to Realmuto about catching Fernandez and his first impressions of Nola.

Jerad Eickhoff threw a pain-free bullpen session, which for him was enough to call Sunday a great day. The Phillies starter is working his way back from a difficult season as he tries to overcome nerve damage in his hand.

Important dates

Today: Phillies hold first full workout of spring training, 10 a.m.

Friday: Phillies open Grapefruit League play at the Rays, 1:05 p.m.

Saturday: Phillies first spring-training home game, vs. Pirates, 1:05 p.m.

Sunday: Phillies hit the road again, travel to the Tigers, 1:05 p.m.

Stat of the day

If the Phillies sign Bryce Harper, it will mark their 10th straight opening day with a new face in right field. Good luck naming the last nine: Nick Williams (2018), Michael Saunders (2017), Peter Bourjos (2016), Grady Sizemore (2015), Marlon Byrd (2014), John Mayberry Jr. (2013), Hunter Pence (2012), Ben Francisco (2011), and Jayson Werth (2010).

Werth started three straight years in right field before he signed with the Nationals. Perhaps it would be fitting if the Phillies restored stability in right field by signing Harper away from the team to which Werth went.

From the mailbag

Send questions by email or on Twitter @matt_breen.

Question: Why not consider an addition to your column? Each day select one player from the 40 man roster and write a paragraph or two about him?  John B., email

Answer: Well, this wasnt a question but, rather, a suggestion. But it was a good suggestion. Thanks, John. Well have more during spring training on Hector Neris, but we want to share some comments about Neris after the first week of pitcher-and-catcher workouts.

Team president Andy MacPhail said last October in his end-of-the-year address: God bless him, one of my favorite people on the team, Hector Neris, I mean, which Hector Neris is coming into camp: the one that since he came back from Lehigh Valley he struck out more than half the batters hes faced, or the guy who gave up eight home runs in 11 innings?

The Phillies added to their bullpen this winter by signing David Robertson and trading for Juan Nicasio, James Pazos, and Jose Alvarez. There is plenty of competition this spring, but Neris performance in last seasons second half  35 strikeouts against 69 batters faced  is enough to keep Neris in the thick of the race.

So what happened to Neris when he returned last season from triple A? Did he rediscover the splitter that was so dominant earlier in his career? No. Instead, it was his fastball. Neris used his fastball nearly 30-percent more often when he returned from triple A. The pitch was dominant, and it made his splitter that much better. He will be one of the more interesting pitchers to watch when games begin Friday.

What we saw is a guy who seemed a little bit more confident in his fastball, Gabe Kapler said Saturday. I think we saw a guy who was confident overall. The eye test tells me he used his fastball a little bit more and that he was even more effective with his split.
The distraught Temple University senior came to Stephanie Ives office on Jan. 25, just a couple days before the deadline to register for spring classes.

The young woman, who already works three jobs while attending school, couldnt afford to pay the few thousand dollars she still owed for the fall semester. That prevented her from registering for the spring. The student had recently become independent from her family and had nowhere else to turn for support, said Ives, Temples dean of students.

With help from other departments, Ives and her office were able to cobble together financial aid for the student, a Philadelphia resident, to pay the tab  effectively preventing her from having to drop out.

Some students arent so lucky. Temple wants to find a way to help more of them.

The university on Monday is to announce a new $1.5 million, need-based program called the Broad Street Finish Line scholarship, designed to help incoming students and current students near graduation who need a little help to complete their degree.

This is going to be so helpful for those students just short of the finish line, Ives said.

The scholarship will start in fall 2019. Its aimed at students who are the first in their family to attend college, with preference for Philadelphia residents, though even international students will be considered. About 10 incoming freshmen out of a class of 5,150 will be eligible for $5,000 awards that will be renewable each year. The rest of the money will go toward students near completion, who will receive awards ranging from $500 to $5,000.

We have such a socioeconomically needy student population, we could possibly obliterate this scholarship fund in a year, said Shawn Abbott, Temples vice provost for admissions, financial aid, and enrollment management, who noted that nearly a third of Temple students in fall 2018 received low-income federal Pell grants.

But, Abbott said, we wont do that. We want to use it as a seed to grow the scholarship fund.

Temple hopes the fund will become self-sustaining, with businesses, foundations, and alumni contributing and replenishing it. Students who receive the scholarship will be asked to contribute once they graduate and get a job, Abbott said.

The whole concept is getting students who are recipients to pay it forward, he said.

Other universities have similar aid programs, Abbott said. Temple specifically looked at programs at Georgia State University and the University of Pittsburgh, he said. Pitts Panthers Forward program awards 150 seniors $5,000 toward paying off federal student loan balances and then asks  but does not require  them to pay it forward" with monthly installments after they graduate.

Many colleges, including Temple, also have emergency aid programs to help students who experience a sudden change in circumstances, such as loss of a parent or homelessness. Sara Goldrick-Rab, a Temple education policy professor, has advocated for Philadelphia to start a citywide emergency aid fund and also has contributed award money she received toward aid for college students.

Tuition at Temple this year for in-state students is $16,080. Out-of-state students pay $28,176.

Temples new program is designed to keep students in school and boost graduation rates, Abbott said. Temples six-year graduation rate is currently 71 percent.

Ives hasnt forgotten about the student helped last month. She realizes the young woman may need help again in May, the time to pay her final bill. If shes short of money, she wont be able to get her diploma.

And there will be others, Ives knows.

The student who I met with on that day is not unique, she said. Knowing that shes not the only one means we have a lot of work to do.
An 18-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday night after a vigil for a teen who was slain on the same Southwest Philadelphia street Friday night.

Police have not yet said if they believe fatal shootings are related.

Officers responding to a call for a shooting about 7:25 p.m. Sunday found the 18-year-old victim on the 6000 block of Angora Terrace suffering gunshot wounds to his neck and right side of his head, police said. The officers loaded the young man into the car and rushed him to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, he was pronounced dead at 7:40 p.m.

The shooting came about an hour after a vigil had been held for Tauhid Collins, 17, who was shot and killed Friday night on the 5800 block of Angora Terrace.

About 100 people turned out for the vigil for the aspiring rapper on Angora Terrace, 6ABC reported.

During the vigil, the teens mother, Nikia Collins, appealed for an end to the violence.

If you feel like you have to go out and avenge my sons death  dont do it, dont do it, she said, according to TV station.

No arrests have been reported in either shooting.

The teens deaths were followed by two other separate shootings that left two teenage girls wounded Monday.

The first occurred about 12:55 a.m. inside a house on the 5600 block of Whitby Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.

Police said officers responding to a call for a shooting found a 16-year-old girl with gunshot wounds to her neck, left ear, left hand, and left wrist.

The victim was taken to Penn Presbyterian, where she was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

Police did not say if they had established a motive for the shooting.

Then, about 10:20 a.m., officers responding to the 2200 block of Glendale Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia found a 14-year-old girl who had been shot in the face standing outside a house.

Police took the victim to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where she was reported to be in stable condition.

Police also took a teen suspect into custody and recovered a weapon, officials said. Police said it appeared the shooting occurred when the teens were playing with a gun inside the house.
After Philadelphia Police Inspector Raymond Evers called a meeting in May 2017 to introduce Narcotics Bureau staff to a formal policy under which they could flip suspects into off-the-books confidential informants  a policy that would evolve to include falsifying paperwork and hiding information from prosecutors  he became the subject of a yearlong Internal Affairs investigation.

In the end, investigators laid blame on Evers and his supervisor, Chief Inspector Anthony Boyle, as well as two officers involved in falsifying incident reports, in an August 2018 Internal Affairs report obtained by the Inquirer.

Now, defense lawyers are trying to figure out just how widespread and longstanding the practice Evers outlined may have been  and how many cases theyll argue were tainted as a result.

Over the year since claims about that meeting became public  consequent to a lawsuit filed by the Guardian Civic League and narcotics personnel who said they faced retaliation for resisting what they called an illegal policy  public defenders identified half a dozen cases in which they said undocumented flipping was attempted. Most of those cases have been dropped or tossed out. One defendant in a drug case, Anthony Smith, produced a voicemail from a police officer threatening to arrest Smiths girlfriend if Smith would not become an informant; that case was later withdrawn. In another, an officer admitted under oath that hed withheld information about a potential suspect in a drug arrest; a judge quickly dismissed the case.

"Theres strong evidence to show that this is a pattern, and if you shine enough light it would show theres a bigger problem here, said Michael Mellon, a lawyer with the Defender Association who worked on those cases. Its not something we can do by ourselves. We need partnerships across the board, with the police department, with the DA, with the Police Advisory Commission.

A police department spokesman declined to comment on whether it will pursue any additional internal investigation, as did a spokesman for the District Attorneys Office.

Although sources familiar with the situation said that Evers had been subjected to a hearing by the Police Board of Inquiry, which determines guilt and any disciplinary action against officers, a police spokesman would not confirm the hearing took place. Evers did not respond to interview requests.

The executive director of the Police Advisory Commission, Hans Menos, said his independent watchdog commission was not aware of the hearing; the commission has limited access to internal documents and proceedings. He said he does not expect to be given the access he would need to conduct his own independent review: With a lawsuit, there is no chance anyone, including the Law Department, would cosign a public investigation.

Menos said he also has inquired about whether police were undertaking a review of narcotics arrests under Evers tenure. I hope it was all arrests during that time period were reviewed. I hope each property receipt during that time period was reviewed," he said.

But among the cases identified by the public defender, several predated Evers tenure in Narcotics.

And, based on the Internal Affairs investigation, its clear Evers saw his role as formalizing existing practices.

He also told investigators he saw flipping as explicitly sanctioned by the department under a newly revised police directive that covered how to release an arrested suspect even if there was probable cause to file charges.

In fact, Staff Inspector Fran Healy, a special adviser to Police Commissioner Richard Ross, had posted a revised version of that policy, Philadelphia Police Directive 12.11, on the very same day Evers called narcotics personnel in for the meeting on flipping. Healy added language  scrubbed from the directive in a subsequent revision  on how to code an arrest after a narcotics supervisor approved a decision not to charge.

Healy told Internal Affairs investigators the revised policy provided both authorization to release arrested suspects, and instruction on how to document the arrest. But he also told them the directive was not intended for flipping, and denied notifying Evers directly of the change. Healy did not respond to a request for comment from the Inquirer.

Menos said it raises questions about who approved the policy.

The chief inspector and the inspector seem to be saying in their aspect of the interview that they had consulted both the special adviser to the police commissioner, as well as the deputy commissioner, about what they wanted to do strategically, and this was more or less condoned. ... I dont know if [Evers] also said, Im intending to tell people to say, when they find small amounts of drugs, that they found it on the highway. But its concerning.

Without such a review, it can be difficult to identify problems arising from use of informants. Public defenders did so by following a series of red flags related to a single narcotics squad  including an instance when a public defender reported an officer told him he was transferring to Narcotics and intended to register a client of the defender, who was the officers relative, as an informant, in violation of department policy.

We dug on one case that was half based on luck, chance, and whistle-blowing ... and this is what we found," Mellon said. "That indicates to us that if we were to put the same time and energy into every squad, which we dont have the resources to do, we would find the same thing  and thats the problem.

In one of the cases, resolved in December 2018 with a plea deal for two years probation, a man named Matthew Jones was arrested in 2017 and charged with selling narcotics to a confidential informant in a house in West Philadelphia. But public defenders learned that police didnt actually observe the sale. And though police arrested and charged two men, it turned out that a third man was present, but missing from the paperwork.

In another case, public defenders combing through records of complaints against police noticed one about an incident that occurred at the same time and location that their client, Brandon Harris, was arrested. The claimant reported he was arrested and pressured to flip: If he did not cooperate with the officers, they would charge him," the complaint notes. "Since that time, the complainant states he has received multiple calls from the officers.

The problem was, there was no trace of that second person in Harris arrest paperwork. At his preliminary hearing, Narcotics Officer Kenneth Oglesby acknowledged there had been a second suspect arrested. A judge dismissed the case, and it would have ripple effects for other cases involving the same group of officers.

In July 2018, prosecutors dropped charges against Yousef Purdie, who was arrested by Oglesby in a different investigation involving an informant. Weve got witnesses to the alleged sales that are inside the house that we dont even know, a defender complained to a judge. In September, prosecutors dropped charges against another man, Derrick Smith, arrested by the same group of officers.

Similarly, after prosecutors dropped drug charges against Anthony Smith  the recipient of the menacing voicemail, allegedly from Officer James Coolen  they also decided, last September, not to prosecute Albert Willis, who was arrested by Coolen.

Oglesby and Coolen did not respond to requests for comment.

Temple Law professor Jules Epstein said some sort of assessment is needed to identify how many more arrests might be tainted.

We need a mechanism to identify those cases in which it happened...," he said. Its a problem we need to know the dimensions of."

Staff writer Mark Fazlollah contributed to this article.
July was a busy month for Mayor Jim Kenney.

He navigated two big controversies  the decision to evict, then reinstate the Made in America concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway and the nonrenewal of the citys data-sharing contract with federal immigration authorities. A massive water-main break in Center City shut down streets for weeks. And Philadelphias first-term mayor went on his first international trade mission.

But residents might never get a complete picture of how Kenney managed the city during those testing times. He deleted all text messages on his phone for the month of July. As he had, it turns out, during the months and years that preceded it.

The mayor, who has long eschewed a city-issued cell phone in favor of his personal cell phone, wasnt aware that he needed to retain texts on his personal device, according to his spokesperson, Deana Gamble. He habitually deletes items on his phone to clear space.

Habit or not, the move may violate state open records laws. Any communication  electronic or paper  as it relates to city business is subject to the states Right-to-Know Law and considered a public record. And those records are intended to be preserved to help citizens see and understand how public officials govern and tax dollars are spent.

Alex Abdo, an open records expert and advocate, called the mayors deletion of text messages extremely troubling.

Thats three years worth of Philadelphia history gone, said Abdo, a senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute.

Daniel Bevarly, executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, said public officials are increasingly using private cell phones as a way to circumvent open records laws. The use of private phones, its just something to get around open government laws," he said in an interview Friday. They will say, Well, I didnt know. Well, they need to be better trained in open records laws.

Gamble said the mayors staff werent aware he was deleting his text messages until the Inquirer and Daily News filed a Right-to-Know request in August that asked for Kenneys emails and text messages as they related to city business in July.

After months of providing batches of July emails  which suggested that the mayor barely uses email to discuss city matters  the administration late last month acknowledged it could not fill the text-message request because the mayor erased them.

Gamble said that by the time the newspapers request came in, the mayor had already deleted his July text messages and he had not backed them up to his iPhones Cloud.

As an elected official, he knows emails and all that cant be deleted. If he had a city-issued device he would know he couldnt delete anything," Gamble said. "But he didnt want to have two devices, so he only uses his personal cell phone.

And though Kenney, like most officials, often carts his phone with him and is routinely seen texting in public, she said the mayor doesnt use text messaging as his primary form of government communication. He mostly talks to people in person or on phone calls and gets briefing books every morning with the days talking points, agenda, and notes, she said.

Hes old-school. Hes 60 years old, Gamble said.

Still, courts have previously ruled that the same standards for open records should apply to private email and cell phone accounts if used for government business. In 2015, the Commonwealth Court said: If this Court allowed [c]ouncil members to conduct business through personal email accounts to evade the RTKL, the law would serve no function and would result in all public officials conducting public business via personal email.

Since 1992, the city has had a records retention policy that calls for the preservation of records regardless of physical form or characteristics and in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation as evidence of  activities of the City. Records have to be retained for a specific number of years depending on the subject or department. Some have to be kept permanently.

The citys current record retention schedule states that, regardless of format, all general correspondence and subject files within the Executive Office of the Mayors Office should be permanently retained.

Gamble said that since the Inquirers request, Kenney has been advised to not delete any more text messages. She added that the citys Law Department is looking at what other cities do and trying to come up with a policy specific to text-message retention.

Erik Arneson, director of the states Office of Open Records, said there isnt case law specific to text messages, but a good records retention policy makes it easy for citizens and taxpayers "to review what is done in the name of public business. He added: I dont think records retention policy should try to subvert that in any way.

The Inquirer has filed an appeal with his office over Kenneys text messages, asking it to ensure that the mayors office made a good-faith effort to retrieve the July messages, including contacting the mayors cell phone carrier to search for the deleted texts.

Abdo said that the issue of elected officials using private cell phones for government business isnt unique to Philadelphia.

Its increasingly common, Abdo said of the fight over records on a politicians private device. I dont think many agencies or many state governments have adequately dealt with the problem.
Philadelphias Market Street is home to some of American historys most iconic moments and figures.

Thomas Jefferson wrote a draft of the Declaration of Independence at Seventh and Market. Benjamin Franklin lived between Third and Fourth, and Quaker founders had their meeting house on Second. Five founding fathers lived along Market at some point, including James Madison.

Up at Sixth and Market is Presidents House, where both George Washington and John Adams ran the countrys first executive branch. Today, the site hosts an exhibition focusing not on our first presidents, but on the slaves who worked there.

And so it seemed the appropriate intersection for the honorary naming Monday of stretches on two of the citys most traveled roads. Two dozen people gathered outside the Independence Visitor Center for a ceremony christening Market Street between Front Street and Eighth Street as Avenue of Our Founders, in honor of the countrys founding fathers. At the same time Sixth between Race Street and Lombard Streets was renamed Avenue of Freedom to mark key sites of black American history.

City Council approved the changes in December after encouragement from the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, who are gaining national recognition among tour guides in recent years for their efforts to professionalize the trade.

The 10-year-old association was founded after some city guides were caught spreading historically inaccurate information  claiming, for example, that Washington and Lincoln walked Phillys streets at the same time.

Today, over 200 people have been trained by us to give historically correct tours around the city, said Joe Becton, a former National Park Service ranger and one of the handful of tour guides who attended Mondays ceremony. Weve come from the point where everyone was smacking our hand to today putting up signs to identify our stories and identify our history."

Councilman Mark Squilla, who sponsored the naming resolution, presented two new street signs to Ed Mauger, a founder of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. Another set of new signs were already installed at the intersection, with the new names on red backgrounds under the primary street names. Intersections throughout the designated area will see new honorary street signs as well.

America is an invention, Mauger said. America was invented in one generation, by the founding fathers, who occupied this street, and their colleagues. But they left out a race of people, Mauger said, calling historic black civil rights leaders another group of founding fathers.

The signs are important, said Bob Skiba, president of tour guides association, because they highlight the areas forgotten and ignored histories.

People come to Philadelphia, they look at the Liberty Bell, they look at Independence Hall, and they leave, he said. "But theres so many stories here. The more of those stories we can bring forward, the better.

A part of the Presidents House exhibition is dedicated to Ona Judge Staines, who came to Philadelphia from Mount Vernon as Martha Washingtons personal maid. She was never kept in the city for more than six months at a time, to prevent her from becoming a permanent, freed resident. But Judge Staines eventually escaped on a boat to New Hampshire, where she evaded George Washingtons attempts to recapture her, and where she learned to read and write, and lived with her family until her death.

Sixth Street is also the site of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a hub for the abolitionist movement, said Skiba. The church was founded by Richard Allen, a prominent black bishop, leader and abolitionist. Further north near Race Street was Pennsylvania Hall, the 19th-century abolitionist meeting place which was burned down by antiblack mobs three days after it was completed. The nations first stock market was at Market and Front Street  and it also held slave auctions.

Squilla said Philadelphias tour guides tell the true, and sometimes unpleasant, stories of the city. The new street signs commemorate the freedom and liberty that so many people fought for, and that were still fighting for today, he said.

Its important to remember that were not done fighting," he said, "and to remind people that we have to continue that fight.
Authorities say a shooter opened fire on two men who were sitting in a car on a Willingboro street, leaving one man dead and the other wounded.

The shooting occurred shortly before 1 a.m. Monday on Millbrook Drive.

Burlington County prosecutors say both victims were hospitalized after the shooting, but one man died a short time later. Further details on the other victim's injuries were not disclosed.

It's not yet clear what sparked the shooting. Authorities declined to release the names of the victims pending the notification of relatives.

No arrests have been made.

Further details on the shooting, including what type of weapon was used, were not disclosed.
They came. They clashed. They got over it.

Philadelphias Republican ward leaders, after days of strife over the endorsement last week of Daphne Goggins for mayor, met Monday night  and voted to change nothing.

Applause, raised voices, and shouts of No! could be heard during the hour-long, closed-door meeting in Kensington. And when it ended, Goggins was still the local party leaders pick for mayor.

All families fight, Goggins said after 29 ward leaders voted against reconsidering her nomination, 18 voted in favor of it, and four abstained. We made up. Its time for us to go out here and take it to these Democrats.

First, Goggins will have to face Billy Ciancaglini, a Democrat-turned-Republican mayoral candidate who paced outside the meeting and left in disgust when he heard Goggins had retained the endorsement.

I wish him well, Goggins said of Ciancaglini, who still plans his own primary bid for the GOP nomination. I just wish he would leave me alone, because Im not his enemy.

Ciancaglini last week questioned whether Goggins, a North Philadelphia ward leader who has been on federal disability payments since 2010, could handle the rigors of being mayor.

That prompted concerns in the party, and a call by Republican City Committee Chairman Michael Meehan on Friday for the meeting to reconsider the endorsement.

Meehan and Goggins said talk of her disability did not come up during Mondays meeting. Meehan said he was satisfied with the outcome.

Now the reality is, other people could file [to run for mayor], and they could run against the party, he said. I think people are looking for a good person who has some background. While Daphne is very enthusiastic, shes never been in government.

Goggins, a 56-year-old single mother of three and a longtime and vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, said last month that she has been on disability due to fibromyalgia, a chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Last week, Goggins said she would give up her disability payments if elected mayor, a defense that only seemed to inflame anxiety among some in her party about her candidacy.

On Monday, Goggins said she still has fibromyalgia but said it wasnt the condition that qualifies her for disability benefits. She three times declined to identify what disability is the reason for those payments.

In an email to ward leaders over the weekend, Goggins had threatened to sue the Republican Party if her endorsement was rescinded and vowed legal action against anyone in or outside of the party if they question her legal right to seek public office, adding she is physically, emotionally and mentally capable of handling the duties as mayor.

She also accused Ciancaglini, a former Democratic candidate for judge, of causing a ruckus in the party because no ward leader nominated him for the endorsement.

It would not be a stretch to say that he is a plant from the Democrats to attempt to destroy the party, and this will not be tolerated, Goggins wrote, suggesting she might also sue Ciancaglini.

Ciancaglini took to Facebook Saturday to mock Goggins accusation, noting that he has effectively attacked the Democratic incumbent, Mayor Jim Kenney, and claiming to have converted more than 200 Democrats to Republicans in the last 10 months.

Daphne, you have derailed, Ciancaglini wrote. You are now saying that you can work as mayor, but continue to collect disability checks from the state by claiming you are too injured to work. That is a disgrace. Forget the lawsuits, forget the inane threats, and simply get a job  because it aint gonna be mayor!
Sometimes political pragmatism can hurt.

Take the effort to resolve the mess surrounding Pennsylvanias General Assistance program.

The program provides small cash grants to the most vulnerable, those flat on the seafloor of the economic tide.

Qualifiers constitute a class to which no one wants to belong.

Roughly 90 percent have permanent or temporary disabilities. People who cant work. People with no income. Also, people in rehab. And victims of domestic violence displaced from their homes.

Theyre almost all adults with no dependent children or without custody of their children, though some child cases qualify, including orphans living with nonrelatives.

Grants range, depending on local cost of living, from $170 to $215 a month ($205 in Philly). Most are not ongoing. Theyre to help folks applying for Social Security disability income, a process that can take two years.

And grants to domestic violence victims and those in rehab are restricted to nine months over ones lifetime.

Oh, and the feds reimburse the state when disability applicants are approved.

The money is for basics. To rent a bed from a friend. Share a room somewhere. Buy over-the-counter meds. Or bus fare. Or soap or deodorant. Or to do laundry.

The program is humane. Its been around for decades.

Well, it was around, then it wasnt. Now its back, but looks like not for long.

See, the Republican legislature and then-Gov. Tom Corbett ended it in 2012 when it was a $150 million item in a $28 billion budget. It served about 68,000 folks -- more than half in Philly.

Ending grants put added pressure on local charities, shelters, places such as Project Home and others helping with the needs of those most in need. And who knows how much damage was done to how many.

But the state Supreme Court last June ruled that the legislation stopping grants was unconstitutional due to a legislative glitch. So grants were restored last fall.

People slowly started reapplying. The state Department of Human Services puts the current number at 5,913 -- more than half in Philly. And Gov. Tom Wolfs budget proposal includes $50 million for the program.

The mess?

The Republican legislature seems interested in killing the grants again, either through legislation or during the budget process. The sponsor of a bill to do so, Rep. George Dunbar (R., Westmoreland), wrote in a memo to colleagues that keeping the program would crowd out other important spending priorities.

(Im thinking like the $337 million to run the oversized, over-perked legislature.)

Four of the eight members of GOP House leadership are cosponsors of the bill.

So, Democrat Wolf is offering what his policy chief Meg Snead calls a counterproposal: roll the $50 million into a low-income housing program that has bipartisan support.

She says that would preserve funding for a vulnerable population that struggles with housing, and could provide help with housing-related issues, including transportation subsidies.

Couple things.

This is a deal based on politics, not principle. Get something (regardless of worth) rather than nothing (regardless of need).

Republicans can support a plan to expand housing since that means construction and since the construction industry gives to Republicans more than to Democrats. A lot more, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

So, such a deal serves politicians better than the people it impacts.

Advocates for general assistance (GA) argue a grants-to-housing swap simply takes benefits from one group of poor folks and gives them to another.

Itll certainly hurt people, says Philadelphia Community Legal Services attorney Maria Pulzetti.

She cites a years-long waiting list for low-income housing in Philly: Were very concerned that ending GA leaves our clients without a means of paying for lifes necessities, including housing, but not limited to housing.

State Sen. Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia, ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, also opposes the funds flip.

I dont think its the right direction to go, he tells me.

He says not only should GA funds stay in place, they should be restored for the six years during which they were unconstitutionally withheld.

The Wolf administration claims support for GA but is convinced the GOP will cut the grants. Wed like to see the program continue, says Wolf press secretary J.J. Abbott, but thats not the reality we exist in.

When I ask why not fight for the $50 million, an amount unlikely to be a game changer in negotiating a $34 billion budget, Abbott says the money is not the issue, its the ideological differences between Wolf and Republicans.

Spokespeople for House and Senate GOP leaders contend that no decision has been made regarding the grants, which they say will be part of negotiating a state budget by June 30.

But it sure seems as if were looking at an example of pragmatic politics. One that hurts people, unnecessarily, in the interest of government leaders -- and other important spending priorities.
Chet Henricksen lived closer to the office than any of his colleagues, and on one particular occasion that turned out to be to his great disadvantage.

It was the early morning hours of Feb. 19, 1979. The phone rang. The mid-Atlantic region was under extreme attack from nature  a snowstorm had exploded off the coast.

Being the lead forecaster nearest National Weather Service headquarters in Suitland, Md., he was desperately needed to come in and run the show. He quickly encountered a weather-related obstacle: What he saw from the windshield of his Chevy was a blinding snow that was falling and drifting so rapidly that it was almost impossible to drive through.

Henricksen, longtime head of the Philadelphia regions weather service office and now retired and living in Downingtown, was summoned because no one had seen this coming, thus no staffing contingency plans were in place.

What happened on Presidents Day 1979 was an absolute shock to some of the best minds in meteorology and computer models. By the time it ended, two feet of snow had creamed the Washington area, with just over 14 inches in Philadelphia and close to 13 in New York City.

The forecast whiff set off storms of criticism, finger-pointing, internal soul-searching, and analysis, and ultimately helped lead to significant improvements in forecasting, said Louis W. Uccellini, perhaps the nations foremost expert on winter storms, who in his spare time now runs the National Weather Service.

When it hits D.C., you know its going to get peoples attention, said Dave Dombek, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather Inc.

It certainly got Uccellinis attention. Uccellini, fresh from his doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin, had moved to Columbia, Md., six months before the blizzard to take a job at the Goddard Space Flight Centers Laboratory for Atmospheres. He has indelible memories of the storm.

On Presidents Day eve, a little under five inches of snow had fallen on Washington from a storm that was interacting with Arctic high pressure. The high that day was just 15 in D.C., and the snow resulted from warmer air climbing over the bitter-cold lower levels of the atmosphere. The snow shut off late that night, and the weather service took down its snow advisories.

Uccellini awoke around 5 a.m. to a shocking sight. I immediately went outside because I had never seen it snow so hard, he said. You didnt even have to put the lights on, it was snowing that hard. It paralyzed everything. He was seeing as much snow in an hour as the area had received all day the day before.

 READ MORE: So much has changed, but the magic and mystery of snow endure | Book excerpt

In Suitland, Henricksen and his team had to play catch-up. The black-and-white satellite images were stunning. Off the coast of Salisbury, Md., they showed an actual eye, similar to that of a hurricane, around the center of the furious circulation. By 4 a.m. they increased the forecasted accumulation to call for two feet in Washington, but by then the region was already at a standstill.

The forecasters had missed the offshore explosive development as the storm encountered relatively warm waters. They were relying on computer modeling that at that time was somewhere between infancy and pre-K. It did not handle the deepening, Dombek said; the storm went nuts. The models flaws were well known: There were certain things that always had problems, Dombek said.

One major factor was an ongoing Achilles heel for modeling, said Jim Eberwine, former marine forecaster for the weather service office in Mount Holly. He was in the Atlantic City area, where 17 inches fell, at the time. Computer models rely on observations to capture the initial state of the atmosphere. Using equations for the laws of motion, they look at how systems evolved in the previous six hours to calculate what will happen in the next six.

But the world and its 10-mile deep atmosphere are imperfectly observed, particularly over the oceans, and that was an issue in February 1979. There was a data void area off the coast that even exists today at the surface," said Eberwine.

Uccellini noted that since 1979, the quality and coverage of observations have become far better, but they still arent perfect.

We can now rely on remote sensing, said Eberwine. It helps some, but there is nothing like ground-sea truth.

Unquestionably, computer modeling has undergone quantum improvements since what the meteorological community affectionately calls PDI, to distinguish it from PDII, the Presidents Day storm of 2003, when Philadelphia was shut down under 18 inches of snow.

Warnings for PDII were issued well in advance, said Uccellini, thanks to global forecast models that have shown considerable success at seeing storms several days before they actually form. Model input is available from Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

Meteorologists can run ensembles, model runs that are tweaked to account for weaknesses, such as imperfect observations. That helps them arrive at likely solutions.

One side effect, however, is that many forecasters have complained about a certain paralysis of having too many possible solutions. Its chaos, said Henricksen.

In the 21st century, for the most part, the mid-Atlantic and Northeast have been spared surprise storms, but they have had issues with snow amounts that were over-forecast, last Marchs storm being a prime example.

Dombek said that, in 1979, simplicity had advantages, if you knew how to make adjustments. At least, he said, you werent over-modeled to death back then.

On a professional level, for Uccellini, coauthor of Northeast Snowstorms, PDI was an ultimate case study. On a personal level, it was an opportunity to savor the heaviest snow he had seen his life: He spent the morning outside.
Word of two food pop-ups this week:

On Friday, Feb. 22, Mike Mastrocola Jr. of Mastrocolas Famous Philly Roast Pork will join Jason Davis of Dock Street Brewery at the Whole Foods store at 929 South St. from 4 to 6 p.m. Theyll pair Mastrocolas pork with Dock Street beers.

The pork was a signature product sold at the long-ago delis operated by Mastrocolas late father; it is now distributed by Swedesboros Wellshire Farms and is carried at regional Whole Foods stores.

On Sunday, Feb. 24, Tria chef Brian Lofink will honor his mother, who was born in Mauritius, with a Mauritian-theme pop-up at the South Philly bar 12 Steps Down (Ninth and Christian Streets) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cuisine of Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off Africa, is a mix of Indian, French, and Chinese.

On the menu (pay as you go) will be dholl puri (flatbread stuffed with curried lima beans, pickled vegetables, cilantro chutney); eggplant and potato pakora (spiced tempura, dipping sauces); boulette soup (chayote and shrimp dumplings, seasoned chicken broth, scallions); octopus rougaille (grilled octopus, tomato curry, basmati rice, farata); and grilled pineapple with vanilla glaze, chili, and sea salt.
Matias Klein is a medical school dropout who is still out to save lives. Orlando Jahlil Beats Tucker is a hip-hop producer and songwriter trying to help breathe new life into his beleaguered Delaware County hometown of Chester.

Both are hoping a marriage gets them there.

That union is of two techie game-changers  artificial intelligence (machines making decisions) and the Internet of Things (machines talking to each other)  at the core of Kognition, a Manayunk start-up Klein cofounded two years ago to protect lives and businesses not with stethoscopes, MRIs and blood tests, but with AI, facial-recognition software, and smart devices that are capable of many things, including locking doors (without human activation) if a shooter is detected in a school.

I was always a computer geek, the 42-year-old son and brother of doctors said of his veering away from a career in medicine to one as a tech entrepreneur.

Launched commercially in August 2017, Kognition, its creators and other IT experts say, is unique from other security-oriented tech companies because its smart-property system is hardware-agnostic, meaning it can communicate with different types of systems without requiring special hardware adaptations.

Tucker, who, with partners Ra-Tah Johnson and David Doobie Elliott, are a development company doing business as Tandem Real Estate Holdings LLC, said Kognition will be integral to their plans for making a pocket  at least for starters  of Chesters largely desolate downtown known as Overtown a safe zone.

If you want to have thriving businesses and if you want the employees from the actual community to be safe, you have to have security, its a no-brainer, Tucker said. This is a poverty-stricken city and we understand that and were just trying to change that one step at a time.

Their current projects  on Avenue of the States, just down from City Hall  include a sneaker store, a clothing boutique, a diner and apartments. A block over, they intend to demolish a triangle of boarded-up commercial properties and erect a state-of-the-art community command center equipped with multiple cameras powered by at least $1 million in Kognition technology that will offer real-time threat alerts when, for instance, weapons or fighting are detected, or suspicious activity such as a break-in is about to happen. Completion is expected by summer.

Since signing with Jay Zs Roc Nation in 2011  Meek Mill is among the artists he produces  Tucker, born in Chesters Lamokin Village housing project in February 1988 and now a Chester County resident, has been trying to help fill the citys abandoned commercial properties and create jobs.

Its changing lives  people that might not have any hope, he said in an interview in a back room of Sunnys Cambridge Diner he and his partners now own.

With its real-time focus, Kognitions AI-IoT system turns information into knowledge and then ... into action, said Ashok Lulla, a retiree from Merck who now owns Marple Pharmacy and Mels Drug World, both in Broomall, Delaware County. He is among the investors in Kognition and expects to soon connect his store cameras to its system to turn them into a tool to track and monitor work flows, [and] engagement of patients so I have real data that is actionable and protect patients."

He criticized most security IT systems as retrospective, collecting data that is later analyzed.

Were just used to a very static model where we focus on forensics after the events. Thats not security, Lulla said. It doesnt help you avoid mistakes today.

Facial recognition with AI provides confirmation and confidence to our staff to discuss and personalize medical instructions, Lulla said, adding that such a system can capture this communication for continuity to improve medication literacy. 

In schools, said Klein, Kognitions president and CEO, the companys software can identify what appears to be a weapon being carried by someone walking the hallway and autonomously activate an alert and lock doors  in other words, see, think, act on its own.

Last fall, Kognition entered into a partnership with Kidio, a Florida-based provider of technology systems for student safety. The first installations are expected in the first quarter of 2019.

In New York City, Kognition is working with Silverstein Properties, owner and operator of 2 World Trade Center, among other sites, Klein said, unable to provide additional details because the deal is confidential and proprietary.

The business is really at the beginning of a major inflection point of growth, Klein said during an interview at Kognitions offices on Umbria Street.

Having raised $1.5 million in a seed round that closes this month, attracting funding from a dozen angel investors, Klein said the company of 10 employees and $250,000 in 2018 revenue plans to seek an additional $10 million this year from institutional investors.

He might have opted against a life in medicine, but that field informed his entrepreneurial early years.

Kleins first start-up, Ethidium Health Systems LLC of Huntingdon Valley, developed medical records management software and services and was purchased in 2008 by Blue Bell-based Portico Systems, a software solutions company, for an undisclosed amount. Portico, for whom Klein worked as senior vice president of technology, was acquired three years later for $90 million by McKesson, a medical distribution and health care information technology company headquartered in San Francisco. Klein was vice president of product management there for five years until cofounding Kognition with serial entrepreneur Eric Smith, 55, of West Chester, in 2017.

Smith most recently was sector vice president of global analytics for PTC in Wayne, which in 2015 acquired an AI and machine-learning start-up there, ColdLight Solutions.

Kleins work in health-care systems led him to conclude that the next big business was the convergence of artificial intelligence and the Internet of things, he said. How that translated to the creation of Kognition and its security focus had to do with his other job  as a parent.

Im seeing all the stuff happening on the news, all the violence in our culture, said Klein, the father of two girls, ages 8 and 9. I just started getting more into this idea the world can be much safer than it is. We just need to be smarter at what we do.

To help financially pressed schools, Kognition has established the Safer, Smarter World Foundation to provide advanced security for schools K-12 free of charge. Klein said 10 percent of Kognitions profits will go to the charity.
Electricians Local 98 wasnt quite absent when Mayor Jim Kenney addressed the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce at its yearly luncheon Thursday: The union helped pay for the business event, so its lightning-in-a-fist logo was flashed across oversize display screens at the programs opening, as it was when President Donald Trump addressed builders and union tradesmen at the Convention Center last year  another nod to the locals political clout.

But none of the days speakers addressed the weeks big news  the federal indictment of the unions business manager, John J. Dougherty, and his principal aides on corruption charges the day before.

The chambers executive director, former State Sen. Rob Wonderling, reminded the packed Marriott hotel meeting room how capitalism is hard, hard work that creates jobs, jobs, and more jobs.

Comcast senior executive vice president David L. Cohen, handing out a couple of college grants, delivered ringing support for Doughertys good friend Kenney, despite the indictments allegations that Comcast had been squeezed by the union leader.

And Kenney, gearing up for reelection, reminded the crowd that Target, Wawa and JPMorgan Chase have opened new Philly locations. He also defended his sweetened-drink tax, and bragged about police safety and job efforts, among other initiatives, without a word about the U.S. attorneys charges.

They werent asking the question, so I will: Who gains from Doughertys indictment? Besides developers, of course, there is, for example:

Comcast. While Verizon, Peco, and other major utilities in the Philadelphia area use union crews to hook up homes and businesses, the largest corporation based in town is resolutely nonunion in its area hiring and its installation contractors, except for a relatively small unit that Local 98 organized years ago when it was part of another company, and has held onto amid difficult contract renewals that included Doughertys 2015 efforts to publicly embarrass Cohen.

The local hasnt expanded that bridgehead, but it has pushed Comcast to use union construction contractors that employ IBEW members and those of allied unions, guaranteeing union working conditions, pensions, and health care.

A part of the indictment shows how Electricians leaders, from Dougherty through indicted City Councilman and Local 98 business agent Bobby Henon, delayed Comcasts Philadelphia city service contract while the union pressured the company.

With Dougherty and his team distracted, Comcast wont likely face the same combination of labor and political pressure over whom it hires, how much it pays them, and what it charges the public.

The Teamsters. The citys labor unions arent monolithic. While Dougherty is a loyal and leading Democrat, the citys former Carpenters leadership and key Teamsters locals backed Republicans in the early 2000s, in protest of City Halls support for tightening of work rules at the Convention Center. That struggle ran for years. Then, Carpenters chief Ed Coryell Sr. finally overplayed his hand in 2015 when he refused to sign a new Convention Center work agreement. The Teamsters also held out.

Convention Center leaders were grateful when Doughertys Electricians and three other unions signed the deal  including the Laborers local, the largest African American-led construction union. Those Dougherty allies ended up gaining jobs as the Carpenters and Teamsters were iced out.

Teamsters leaders loudly criticized Dougherty for cutting the deal at their expense. According to the indictment, Dougherty retaliated for the Teamsters' public criticism by backing Kenneys drink tax, which the Teamsters say cost union jobs because it cut soda consumption. Doughertys problems make it easier for his rivals to fight the soda tax and its prime backer, Kenney.

George E. Norcross III. The New Jersey Democratic power broker and Cooper Health boss used to say he steered clear of Pennsylvania Democratic politics because politicians west of the river have a long history of being overheard by investigators while discussing favors granted for favors received  one of the surest ways to get charged with corruption.

Its much safer, long-lasting politicians know, if you make a general habit of doing your friends favors, while letting them do you favors, without anybody crudely tying one to the other in ways that prosecutors can make a case from.

But Doughertys handling of the Convention Center issue made the Local 98 leader look like the kind of modern labor executive that businessmen and politicians could work with. Norcross adjusted his policy and began meeting with Dougherty to talk about mutual interests, including planning for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Last year my colleagues Jeremy Roebuck and Andrew Seidman reported that federal investigators had been collecting Norcross' conversations about Dougherty. Norcross was able to produce an unusual confirmation that he was not the target.

If Norcross has indeed acted with care, Doughertys fall might position him to help friendly forces move into any resulting vacuum in Philadelphia politics.

Union members. Prosecutors in their public statements tried to separate Dougherty from his cherished position as defender of the working man. He and other union leaders illegally spent members' funds at Target and on fancy meals, the indictment said.

Prolonged embezzlement has sunk a lot of careless politicians. If Dougherty goes down, will his members and allied unions elect new effective leaders? Will the national union impose new ones? And will Doughertys successors keep contractors union-organized, protect wage rates, and especially maintain the guaranteed pension and health plans that nonunion construction employers tend to lack?

As it turns out, Philadelphia is a laboratory for that kind of experiment. Three years ago, the Carpenters reorganized Coryells old district council under leaders more compatible with their national outlook. Around the same time, the Ironworkers' national union took over the Philadelphia local, following the conviction of the Philly locals leaders on charges of firebombing a scab-built Quaker meetinghouse.

The building-trades unions have prospered with Philadelphias apartment and hospital construction boom. The real test may come in the next recession. Thats when well learn if Local 98 and its allies prospered because of, or despite, the extensive political work of Dougherty in reshaping City Council, the state Supreme Court, and the climate of commercial construction in the Philadelphia area.
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The Petoskey News-Review

PETOSKEY  Applications for the 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award are now available from the Zonta Club of Petoskey.

The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Award Program is to encourage young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young womans commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women.

To request an application for the scholarship program, contact Toni Cone at tonilcone@gmail.com or 231-838-4294.

Applicants are asked to reflect on their voluntary commitment to their school and to their community and the problems limiting the empowerment of women in their own country and worldwide. The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award Program looks to the young women of today to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Applications are due to: Zonta Club of Petoskey, Attn: Toni Cone by March 1. Applicants who are age 16-19 as of April 1 each year  and who live in a Zonta district/region or who are citizens of a Zonta country at the time of application  are eligible to apply. Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district/region where no clubs are located will be eligible for the district/region and international awards.

One applicant from the Zonta Club of Petoskey will be recommended for a district/region award. There is a local award of $500. One recipient per district receives a district/region award of $1,000 and their application is submitted to be considered for an International Award. Ten district/region award recipients receive an additional $4,000 International Award.

Zonta Club of Petoskey was chartered in 1971 and is one of 45 clubs in the state of Michigan. Their members participate in service projects that support the mission of Zonta: to advance the status of women worldwide. More than $300,000 has been donated to local organizations since the clubs charter. Zonta Club of Petoskey meets on the first and third Thursdays at noon at North Central Michigan College.
Arielle Breen

(989) 732-1111

GAYLORD  The Gaylord Community Schools Board of Education approved a new career training program that starts in September for high school students to work with heavy equipment.

At the Feb. 11 meeting, the board approved a plan to collaborate with a Lansing-based company, AIS Heavy Equipment Technical Institute.

Katie Drzewiecki, school board member, introduced AIS as an organization specializing in heavy equipment operations maintenance and diesel equipment.

What this program will do is it will allow for students at GHS to participate in two different programs: operations and mechanics, Drzewiecki said. It will be a total of 22 students in two separate (sections).

The AIS Heavy Equipment Technology Program covers repair and operations, diesel engines as well as welding and cutting.

Drzewiecki said the heavy equipment technology program will also collaborate with the high schools existing automotive classes.

It will be a regional program, so it could potentially open up to other school districts and other students coming to our program, she said. It will be right here on-site so the equipment will be here.

Drzewiecki said AIS is providing the program instructor and GCS is supplying textbooks.

She said the program brings a lot of opportunity for future growth in general.

This is a unique job opportunity for our local community to benefit from this, Drzewiecki said. These students are going to be able to graduate and be able to get jobs in this career. So, a huge benefit to students that maybe dont if they want to go to college or arent sure what they want to do. Its going to open up another pathway for them to have this experience.

The program is under the larger umbrella of offerings around the nation known as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

CTE teaches skills found in different career focuses, according to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

GHS also has accounting, agriculture, automotive technology, business, computers and technology, culinary, marketing and medical occupations CTE programs.

According to the MDE, each of the different CTE programs has a series of courses that prepare youth for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers with a goal of strong academic foundations, as well as specific technical skills so that they may enter and succeed in their chosen career and/or postsecondary program.

CTEs introduce skills from specific careers to prepare youth by providing it in a hands-on context, reads part of the departments CTE description. The high school graduation rate for career and technical education students in Michigan in 2014-15 was 96.6 percent versus 79.8 percent for all students.

Ralph Hansen, training coordinator for AIS Training, said the partnership creates an opportunity for a job that is highly needed.

The goal is for us to provide opportunities for students to enter into the field of heavy equipment technician, he said. (That could be) someone whos working to repair bulldozers, backhoes, hydraulic pumps  so it is servicing that equipment that builds our roads, that builds our buildings.

This is the sixth high school or career center partnership for the Lansing-based business. The other AIS partnerships are with schools south of Gaylord in places like Bay City, Grand Rapids and Lansing.

According to the AIS-Gaylord schools pamphlet on the program, students can expect to learn about the heavy equipment industry, safety procedures, flood jack positioning, diesel operation, powertrain identification, electrical and electronics, hydraulic principles, inspections, welding and cutting basics as well as preventative maintenance.

Its a great opportunity, its a high-demand job right now, Hansen said. There are plenty of openings (for) heavy equipment technicians as there are in automotive technicians or any skilled trades in general.
Kurt J. Kolka

Special to the Herald Times

GAYLORD  The Rev. Ian MacInnes-Green recently became pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Gaylord. Since November, he has been settling in and getting used to his new home.

Of course, people are now asking him what he thinks of Northern Michigan winters. He is quick to point out, however, long, cold winters are nothing new to him. He came here from Alaska. In fact, most of the places he has traveled to in his life and ministry have been by way of Alaska.

He came most recently from Anchorage, located in the southern part of Alaska, where temperatures throughout the year are similar to Northern Michigan. However, he has also served a church in Barrow, the northern-most city in the United States, from 2007 to 2010.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, MacInnes-Green spent most of his growing up years in the Los Angeles area, before moving to Anchorage in his senior year of high school. He spent his next 13 years there, left for 20 years and returned to Alaska for another 12 years.

MacInnes-Green is a fourth generation Presbyterian pastor. However, being a pastor was not his initial goal. He started out going to college to become a teacher of math and history.

My sophomore year, I ended up having to have knee surgery. But [afterward] I ended up with blood clots and hemorrhaging as a 19-year-old. This was just before Christmas break. So, instead of being in the hospital for three days, I ended up in there for three weeks, MacInnes-Green said.

The next summer, he took a job with the Alaskan railroad and ended up going on some spiritual retreats. He asked God what he should do next. He felt God telling him to go into ministry.

Ministry? Im sorry. Youve called the wrong number, was his response to God jokingly.

By the end of that summer, however, MacInnes-Green did change his major and began studying for the ministry. In his senior year of college, he met his future wife, Kim, who was also studying to become a minister. During their life together, they always served separate churches. Kim tended to serve as an associate pastor at a larger church, while he usually pastored a smaller, rural congregation nearby.

Then, an accident happened. His wife, Kim, fell down a flight of stairs and was tragically injured. He took time off from the ministry for eight years to care for her until she passed away.

After a couple years of recovery, MacInnes-Green felt God calling him back into the ministry as a part-time pastor. He made his availability known through the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and finally took a call from First Presbyterian in Gaylord.

He said he likes what he has experienced of Gaylord so far. He is hoping to become involved in two of his favorite pastimes, volleyball and softball, in the near future.

MacInnes-Green invites anyone in the area seeking a church to visit First Presbyterian. The church is located at 513 Charles Brink Road, just south of Gaylord. It holds its traditional worship services every Sunday at 10 a.m.

God is already present in our lives, whether we want him there or not, MacInnes-Green noted.
We have a national emergency, all right. Its name is Donald Trump, and it is a force of mindless, pointless disruption.The presidents decision to officially declare an emergency -- to pretend to build an unbuildable border wall -- is not only an act of constitutional vandalism. It is also an act of cowardice, a way to avoid the wrath of Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and the rest of the far-right commentariat.

It is an end-run around Congress and, as such, constitutes a violation of his oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States -- which gives Congress, not the president, the authority to decide how public money is spent. It does not give Trump the right to fund projects that Congress will not approve. Authoritarian leaders do that sort of thing. The puffed-up wannabe strongman now living in the White House is giving it a try.

Lets be clear: There is no emergency. Arrests for illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border peaked in 2000, nearly two decades ago, at more than 1.5 million a year. They declined sharply under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and, in 2017, were at their lowest point since 1971. In 2018, apprehensions ticked up slightly -- but still barely climbed above 400,000.There has indeed been an increase in families presenting themselves at legal points of entry to seek asylum -- those groups of bedraggled Central Americans that Trump calls caravans. Under U.S. and international law, these people have an undisputed right to ask for asylum and have their cases evaluated. Again, they come to legal border crossings to seek admission. Only a literal handful try to navigate the forbidding rural terrain where Trump says he wants to build a wall.

What the administration really needs to do is expand and improve facilities for processing, caring for and, when necessary, housing these asylum seekers. But Trump doesnt care about doing the right thing, or even the necessary thing. He cares only about being able to claim he is following through on his vicious anti-immigration rhetoric, which brands Mexican would-be migrants as rapists and Central Americans as members of the MS-13 street gang.Trump had two years in which Republicans controlled both the House and the Senate -- and could not convince Congress to give him funding for a wall. He decided to make it an issue only after Democrats won the power to say no. The presidents negotiating strategy -- pitching tantrums, walking away from the table, venting on Twitter, provoking the longest partial government shutdown in history -- was never going to work. You might think hed have learned something about how Washington works by now, but you would be wrong.

Since there obviously is no legitimate emergency, Trumps declaration -- and the shifting of resources from duly authorized projects to the wall -- will surely be challenged in court. It is possible, if not likely, that any actual construction will be held up indefinitely.Indeed, legal briefs arguing against Trumps action practically write themselves. An emergency, by definition, is urgent. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, for example, were clearly qualified as a national emergency. But Trump has been talking about issuing an emergency declaration to build the wall for a couple of months. If such action wasnt necessary in December, some judge will surely ask, then why now?

Money for the wall will have to be taken from other projects, all of which have constituencies in Congress and among the public. Ranchers and others whose land would have to be taken by eminent domain for the wall will be up in arms.

Politically, Trump carelessly put Republican senators in a tough spot. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., may have the House pass a resolution of disapproval, which the Senate would be compelled to take up. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and his caucus would have to decide whether to support a presidential power grab they know is unwise -- or oppose Trump and risk the ire of the GOP base.

One of the most strident Republican criticisms of Obama was that he took executive actions that should have been the purview of Congress. But this action by Trump goes much further and sets a dangerous precedent.

What would keep the next Democratic president from declaring an emergency, in the wake of some mass shooting, and imposing a ban on assault weapons? Is that what McConnell wants as his legacy?

Trump cares only that his base is mollified. And that nobody remembers how Mexico was supposed to foot the bill.

--

Eugene Robinson is a columnist for The Washington Post. His work appears frequently on PennLive Opinion. His email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com.
The nation was bitterly divided over slavery in 1860, when this political cartoon was published. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

The idea of two Americas, or red and blue states, now dominates public discussion. Political polarization, the Pew Research Center reports, is a defining feature of American politics today.

But the idea that America is politically polarized isnt new.

In 1858 Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most important addresses in U.S. history, his House Divided speech, when he accepted the Illinois Republican nomination for Senate. The speech marked his entrance into national politics at a time when the nation was profoundly at odds over slavery.

Lincolns speech still offers timely lessons about the costs of deep-seated political polarization.

My research examines how communities remember  and sometimes fail to remember  the lessons of the past. Lincolns description of the Union as a house divided is well-remembered today. But many Americans fail to heed its deeper lessons about equality and the moral foundations of popular government.

The divided states of America

To cite the language of journalist Bill Bishops best-seller, The Big Sort, Americans have sorted themselves into distinct, homogeneous groups.

Complex social, moral, legal and even scientific questions are now filtered through the lens of opposing party identifications. Political scientists Daniel Hopkins and John Sides conclude that U.S. polarization has deep structural and historical roots with no easy solutions.

In his House Divided speech, Lincoln addressed a nation even more fiercely divided by partisan acrimony, regional differences and economic tensions than the U.S. of today.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Lincoln began his speech by attempting to predict whether a calamity was coming and if it could be prevented:

If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it  I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.

The alternative to bitter polarization that Lincoln offered didnt prevent the Civil War. But it shaped postwar understanding of the territorial, political and even armed conflicts that led to it and the lessons to be learned from it.

Union first

Above all, Lincoln stressed in his speech that a crisis over slavery was imminent. He asked Americans to choose the common purpose that would best serve their Union  a government of all free or all slave states  before the crisis chose for them.

Lincoln developed the idea that the Union is exceptional in public statements from 1858 until the end of the Civil War. In his First Inaugural in 1861, Lincoln called the Union perpetual, and much older than the Constitution  [N]o State upon its own mere motion can lawfully get out of the Union. For years, Lincoln held that Americans belong to the Union before they belong to political parties.

His reasoning purposefully echoed George Washingtons Farewell Address of 1796, which warned Americans that the spirit of party is a prime threat to Union  a main prop of your liberty. For Lincoln, Americans common identification with the guiding ideal of equality should transcend their affiliations with political parties.

Consider the symbolism of Lincolns main metaphor, the Union as a house:

A house divided against itself cannot stand  I do not expect the Union to be dissolved  I do not expect the house to fall  but I do expect it will cease to be divided.

Building and maintaining a house is familial and collaborative. Family conflicts are inevitable; households fall apart if families dont resolve those conflicts.

Shutterstock

The metaphor of a house emphasizes interdependence, cooperation and shared purpose. It asks how citizens might build and maintain something together, despite natural differences, rather than live and work separately.

These ideas have been lost in social and political debates today, which are dominated by competing party agendas and talk of irreconcilable red and blue state mentalities.

Lincolns central warning  A house divided against itself cannot stand  was rich in moral significance. A house should rest on a firm physical foundation for the safety of the family who lives in it. The Union, Lincoln implied, should rest on a firm moral foundation: a bedrock dedication to equality.

The Union, he believed, cannot be a compact of convenience or a loose-knit confederation. It was founded for a clear moral purpose: to extend conditions of equality to as many people as possible. The new nation that our fathers brought forth in 1776, Lincoln would say most memorably in his 1863 Gettysburg Address, was dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Commitment to the principle of equality was an essential, not optional, basis of membership within.

Beware false prophets

Bipartisan compromise sounds good  but it can erode fundamental commitments to equality. By 1858, the U.S. had witnessed decades worth of political compromises over slavery: the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. All of these measures maintained the institution of slavery while purporting to limit it.

According to Lincoln, such compromises only led to more intense conflict:

We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was initiated, with the avowed object, and confident promise, of putting an end to slavery agitation. Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only, not ceased, but has constantly augmented.

Lincoln warned of false political prophets who earned praise for short-term bipartisan compromises without taking a firm stand on fundamental forms of inequality. They aimed to build a political dynasty, not a strong union:

Our cause, then, must be intrusted to, and conducted by its own undoubted friends  those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work  who do care for the result.

Lincolns opponent in the Senate campaign, incumbent Democratic Sen. Stephen A. Douglas, claimed to not care whether territories voted to become free or slave states so long as the elections reflected the popular will in those territories. The machinery of such compromises over principles of equality, Lincoln said, constructs only temporary scaffolding, hastily fabricated to win elections before being kicked to the winds.

Equality over polarization

I believe Lincolns House Divided speech offers alternative ways to imagine the nation than as a patchwork of red and blue states.

Americans belong to a union first, parties second. Party machinery and false political prophets divide the house of the people; the people have the power to stabilize that house if they choose to do so. The union was founded on a dedication to equality. It retains a firm moral foundation by preserving commitments to principles of equality over region or party.

The primary offense against the principle of equality in Lincolns time was slavery. But Americans can apply the logic of his argument to contemporary inequities based on race, employment, gender, voting rights, criminal justice, religion and more. The nation is a house divided, many times over, in all of those cases.

Lincoln didnt claim that perfect equality could be achieved. But he saw broad commitments to the idea of equality as essential to the ongoing work of creating, as the Constitution puts it, a more perfect union  and a freer one for all.

The union must become all one thing, or all the other in order to be truly free. On this guiding principle, Lincoln declared, there can be no partisan dispute and no bipartisan compromise.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on June 14, 2018.

Bradford Vivian, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and Director of the Center for Democratic Deliberation, Pennsylvania State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Whatever one may think of the Mueller investigation, all Americans should agree it has gone too far to turn back. This investigation has spent nearly two years pursuing the truth, and everyone has the right to know all the facts behind Russian interference during the 2016 election.

DOJ regulations allow the report to be buried. When concluding the investigation, the special counsel must deliver a report to the attorney general, who then decides whether or not to release part of, all of, or a summary of the report to Congress and the American public.

President Trump and his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, have hinted that they might try and suppress the findings of the final report. This uncertainty is not healthy for our republic.

Everyone deserves to know what Mueller knows. The bipartisan Special Counsel Transparency Act would fix this problem by automatically requiring an immediate release of the investigations final report to Congress. This bill needs to be passed.

--

Stanley Twardy Jr. is the former United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. He is currently an advisor to the Republicans for the Rule of Law Committee and a partner at the Day Pitney law firm
A major system of wintery weather is expected to arrive in central Pennsylvania around daybreak on Wednesday. It brings the possibility of dangerous morning travel and school delays or closings.

As of about 8:45 a.m on Monday, the National Weather Service in State College expected the storm to begin with several hours of snow in southern parts of the state including the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York regions. Between two and four inches of snow is possible in those areas, meteorologist Barry Lambert said.

The snow is expected to continue until about noon. Then, because of warmer air in the upper atmosphere, the snow is expected to turn into sleet that will continue into the late afternoon before turning to freezing rain that could continue into the night.

With temperatures in the low 30s expected, it seems likely road crews will be able to keep roads in passable condition, Lambert said. Freezing rain could put a glaze on roads and sidewalks, he said.

As of Monday morning, Lambert said it looks like the upcoming bad weather wont be as bad as the storm that brought snow and ice to central Pennsylvania last Tuesday, resulting in widespread icy roads and school closings.

A big difference is that last weeks storm was bracketed by much colder weather than is expected this week, when the high is expected to reach about 47 in the Harrisburg region on Thursday.

Also, as of early Monday, the forecast calls for a little less snow, a little less ice than a week ago, Lambert said.

Lambert noted the angle of the sun has reached the point where it begins to limit the potential for severe winter weather, saying the angle is now comparable to mid-fall.

The southern part of Pennsylvania is expected to receive the most precipitation from the storm that that will affect the entire northeast.

Lambert expects the worst driving conditions in Pennsylvania on Wednesday will exist in the Laurel Highland region a few hours west of Harrisburg, which could receive up to seven inches of snow.
A month after her death, the search has resumed for the body of a 24-year-old woman police believe was thrown over a bridge and into the Susquehanna River.

Search teams were back out on the water in Wyoming County near the Falls Bridge Sunday looking for Haley Lorenzen, WNEP is reporting.

Officials have not yet said if anything was found in the search.

And its a search that was hamstrung in its early days by frigid cold temperatures and ice.

Lorenzen, of Falls Township, was first reported missing on New Years Day, and last month, her boyfriend, 31-year-old Phillip Walters, was charged with criminal homicide in connection with her death, according to reports.

Investigators believe Walters choked Lorenzen and hit her in the head with a hammer, killing her, before tying bag of rocks to her body and throwing her over the bridge and into the river, reports indicate.

Tunkhannock Township Police Chief Edward Morristell previously told PennLive the icy river had been taking a toll on their equipment, making the search more difficult.

It centered within a few hundred yards of the Falls River Bridge, where rescue crews in dry suits ventured out in boats. Dive teams and sonar equipment had been used to aid them in their search of the depths of the icy river, as well.

In the following days, crews walked the banks of the river and flew a state police helicopter overhead with no success.

Lorenzen is originally from Oregon and moved to Wyoming County after meeting Walters online, KGW 8 in Portland, Oregon is reporting.

All we can do is wait until they find her, Lorenzens aunt, Traci Dominguez, who lives in Hood River, Oregon, told KGW. Its just frustrating.

She said the family has been traveling back and forth between Oregon and Pennsylvania through the search, and community in Wyoming County has been supportive, even holding a fundraiser to help cover their travel expenses.

Just keep praying, Dominguez told KGW. Praying that we find her so we can bring her home and put her to rest. We need her home.
Robert Rocky Anderson Jr. showed no emotion Monday as a Cumberland County jury decided he shouldnt be executed for a June 2016 murder inside the Haines-Stackfield American Legion post in Carlisle.

Instead, the jurors decided Anderson, 41, should spend the rest of his life in prison with no possibility for parole for the slaying of Daniel DJ Harris.

The jury deliberated about 90 minutes before opting for a life sentence. The same panel deliberated more than 13 hours over three days last week before convicting Anderson on Friday of first-degree murder for Harris killing.

Defense attorney Heidi Eakin said the murder verdict will be appealed.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Metzger argued during the two-week trial that Anderson killed Harris amid a violent feud between their families. Harris was shot eight times as he sat in a booth in the legion on West Penn Street.

On Monday morning, Metzger argued that two aggravating factors justified a death sentence.

First, she said, Anderson committed another felony during the murder by having a firearm. A prior conviction barred him from having a gun, she said.

Secondly, Metzger said, Anderson placed others in the legion in the grave risk of death.

Michael Palermo, another of Andersons lawyers, countered that mitigating factors, including Andersons horrid childhood, weighed against a death sentence.

Questioned by President Judge Edward E. Guido, the jury foreman said the panel found one aggravating factor - Andersons illegal possession of a gun - was outweighed by several mitigating factors Palermo cited.

Those mitigators, the foreman said, were Andersons life experience, his apparent desire to protect his family, his strong work ethic and mentorship.

Guido is to sentence Anderson to life in prison in March.
A Dauphin County jury has acquitted two men of homicide charges stemming from a July 2016 murder committed in a Harrisburg alley.

The jurors deliberated about two hours before finding Kurt Tasker and Vernon King not guilty of murder counts for the slaying of 27-year-old Frank Whitlock in the 1200 block on Hunter Street.

Whitlock died from a gunshot wound to the chest, police said.

Kurt wasnt there, Taskers attorney, Bryan Walk, said of the acquittal Monday. The prosecution evidence didnt tie his client to the killing, he said.

The jury seemed very aware of the problems with the commonwealths case, Walk said.

Taskers acquittal was complete. King was acquitted of the homicide charge, but was convicted of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Tasker and King both are former employees of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuses Midtown Scholar book store.

King was charged with Whitlocks murder in July 2017. Tasker was apprehended by U.S. marshals in North Carolina in March 2018.

Whitlock, who went by the nickname Frank Nitty, was killed three months after being released from prison. He had served time for crimes ranging from robbery to theft.
A new federal courthouse thats been in the works for ten years isnt using local labor to build it the Rev. Earl Harris said, and hes trying to do something about it.

Harris, along with Rev. Frank E. Hairston-Allen, Harrisburgs NAACP president, want the federal government to influence its general contractor to hire local workers to build the new 243,000-square-foot federal courthouse in Harrisburg. To show theyre serious, theyve organized a Jericho March at the Sixth and Reilly streets job site.

The reference is Biblical, Harris explained. An inaugural march was held Feb. 11, he said, with participants walking around the site. They plan to add a lap every time they meet, up to seven.

This is not just a this city issue Posted by Shariah Brown Soriano on Monday, February 11, 2019

In December, Mascaro Construction Company of Pittsburgh, the projects general contractor, relayed to Harrisburgs local leaders that 70 percent of the projects construction contracts had already been awarded. None were given to local contractors.

Mascaro has maintained the idea that they can come in and be the Goliath, and not suffer the consequences of the David, Hairston-Allen said. We will march until something breaks, or until something appears that has not appeared, which is negotiation.

Thirty percent of contract work, as well as subcontract work, remains to be awarded, Hairston-Allen said. That work is expected to go to locals, he said. He emphasized that this is not a race issue.

Once the building has been built, and the ribbon has been cut, that building also has to be maintained, Hairston-Allen said. We need to have a seat at the table, especially for the families of Dauphin County. We will get what we are marching for.

The project has been on the drawing board for ten years, Harris said.

Weve been working to get it here, into the city, he continued. We were hoping it would economically impact the people who live in this city.

The federal General Services Administration, which is overseeing the project, used a wide radius to offer interested construction companies an opportunity to bid. Since its come to light that locals didnt receive any of the major bids, GSA has turned blame on Mascaro, Hairston-Allen said, who has been in meetings with the administration, city council President Wanda Williams, city officials and others.

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry also had representation at the most recent meeting, Harris confirmed.

The 10th congressional district includes Harrisburg, and the person who can influence the outcome of whether or not the people in Dauphin County, and the City of Harrisburg  the union workers, the iron workers, and the steel workers  could get contracts and work, will be determined greatly by Congressman Scott Perry, Harris said. We need him to work with Pennsylvanias congressional delegation to petition the White House, to petition the General Services Administration, to talk to the contractor  Mascaro  to open up opportunities in Dauphin County, and to offer contracts of value.

Organizers of the Jericho March said they expect locals to receive remaining contracted work for building the new federal courthouse that has not yet been awarded.

The people of Harrisburg have been ignored for far too long, and they arent going to be quiet about it anymore, Hairston-Allen said, adding that Mayor Eric Papenfuse has been silent on the issue as well.

He has an open invitation to march with us, Hairston-Allen said.

Between 40 and 50 people attended the first march, according to MLK Leadership Development Institute Co-Founder Reginald A. Guy, Jr.

This is not just a minority concern, Guy said. Dauphin County is locked out. There are serious social ramifications that should be considered. We are going to be there rain or shine.
An album from the group led by Kyle Yorlets got an early release Monday, with band members saying they did so to honor Yorlets, 24, who died Feb. 7 after being shot by a group of juveniles in Nashville.

Members of the group, Carverton, said in a letter released Monday that Yorlets was the spirit and soul of our band.

Although he may be gone, he will live in our hearts forever. Today, we wanted to share our full-length record that we have been working on for the past year. It was a dream for Kyle to have his art shared with the world, and we wanted to honor his legacy by giving everyone a chance to listen and own the record we have worked so hard on for all these months, the Carverton members wrote.

The band members said they have made the album available for download, with fans able to pay by way of a donated amount of their choosing. Half of donations will go toward setting up a scholarship and foundation in Yorlets name. Eventually the album will be available at regular price through services such as Apple Music and Spotify.

Carverton also includes guitarist and former central Pennsylvania resident Micheal Curry.

The latest version of Carverton had come together after Curry moved to Nashville to join Yorlets, who stayed there after attending college.

The album, Chasing Sounds, had originally been scheduled for release later this year.

The band members, which also include Christian Ferguson and Michael Wiebell, said the album has demanded all of our blood, sweat, and tears.

Yorlets was raised on a farm near Carlisle and was a 2013 graduate of Carlisle High School.
Two 15-year-old Clydesdales wandered away from their farm near Stroudsburg Saturday morning, and what started off as an adventure for Gunther and Wilhelm soon turned into a terrifying experience.

The massive draft hoses walked into the middle of a frozen lake and fell through the ice. But some quick thinking and resourceful rescue workers were able to pull them out of the Hamilton Township lake to safety, WNEP is reporting.

Nearby residents got some video of the daring rescue:

"There was no way we were gonna pick them up, put them on the ice, and slide them out on a boat," Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Fire Company Chief Leon Clapper told WNEP. They had to come up with another way to pull out the two horses, standing neck-deep in the frigid lake.

Using chainsaws, crews cut a trench in the ice from shore to where the horses had fallen through. They then led the horses back to dry land, where veterinarians were waiting to help them dry off and warm up.

"There were tears because we were worried. They are beautiful, beautiful animals. Everybody worked together and got these horses out safely, Arlene Reading, who lives near the lake, told WNEP.

The horses had no broken bones and are expected to be OK.

But thank heavens theyre in good shape, eating right away, which is typical of the guys, said Deborah DiPasquale of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, where the horses live.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said in an interview that aired Sunday that a crime may have been committed when President Donald Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia.

McCabe also said in the interview with "60 Minutes" that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, "Why would a president of the United States do that?" McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

Asked whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, McCabe replied, "Absolutely."

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment Sunday night.

McCabe also revealed that when Trump told Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Comey  a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing  the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo. Rosenstein did not want to, McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Comey's dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

"He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo," McCabe said. "And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway."

Trump said in a TV interview days after Comey's firing that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he fired Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey."

McCabe was fired from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a news media disclosure. The allegation was referred to the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought. McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said Sunday that he believes his firing was politically motivated.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

In the interview Sunday, McCabe also said Rosenstein in the days after Comey's firing had proposed wearing a wire to secretly record the president. McCabe said he took the remark seriously, though the Justice Department last September  responding last September to a New York Times report that first revealed the conversation  issued a statement from an unnamed official who was in the room and interpreted the remark as sarcastic.

McCabe said the remark was made during a conversation about why Trump had fired Comey.

"And in the context of that conversation, the deputy attorney general offered to wear a wire into the White House. He said, "'I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there,'" McCabe said.

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, McCabe also described a conversation in which Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. The Justice Department said in a statement that Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her party's nomination for president, told reporters after a campaign event Sunday in Las Vegas that if the people around Trump believe he cannot fulfill the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favorite target of Trumps ire, Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Trump from office but said that there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment.
It sounds like the perfect setup for a Golden Girls episode.

Flip Phone Events has announced a five-night Golden Girls-themed cruise for the end of February 2020, departing from Miami and making a stop in Mexico before heading back to the states.

Starting at just under $1,000, the cruise includes a karaoke party, a Golden Girls bar crawl through Key West, a cosplay contest and dinner, Shady Pines Craft Corner, a dance party that includes a game of Ugel and Flugel, trivia and more. Getting a cruise ticket will most likely be easier than trying to get a box of the limited edition Golden Girls cereal.

Flip Phone is also hosting a Golden Girls-themed bar crawl on the mainland, but youll have to head to Minneapolis to attend.

If Golden Girls isnt quite your thing, there are other themed cruises that are setting sail this year. Turner Classic Movies is hosting a cruise in October that is full, but the waiting list is still available. That cruise, which goes from New York to Bermuda, includes binge-watching classic films on a Disney Magic ship along with behind-the-scenes panels.

The Walking Dead fans are heading on a Walker Stalker Cruise. The cruise features cast members from the show including Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan), Melissa McBride (Carol), Chandler Riggs (Carl) and Khary Payton (Ezekiel). This is the fourth year for the star-studded cruise, and more than 2,500 fans are expected to sail alongside the cast to the Bahamas and back.
Patna: Just months ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday gifted Bihar with over Rs. 33,000 crore of schemes that promises to change the face of the state in the next decade.



https://www.patnadaily.com/index.php/news/14152-prime-minister-gifts-bihar-projects-worth-over-rs-33-000-crore.html#sigProId68e60c30ea View the embedded image gallery online at:

Just about an hour later, he reached Begusarai where he kicked off a slew of projects including the much-hyped 31.39-kilometer-long metro railway project for the state capital that is to be built at the cost of Rs. 13,365.77 to ease the city from perpetual traffic nightmare that Patna is known for.

Besides the Governor and the Chief Minister, Modi was accompanied by Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan, and other NDA leaders.

Other projects that Modi inaugurated on Sunday includes development and expansion of the Barauni Refinery, new sewage network in Patna, sewage treatment plant in Barh, Sultanganj, and Naugachhia; several projects under the central governments AMRUT scheme to the tune of Rs. 1424.14 crore, medical colleges in Chhapra, Bhagalpur, and Gaya; Gas Pipeline between Jagdishpur and Haldia and Bokaro and Dhamra; PNG pipeline at 9.75 homes in Patna, CNG pumps in Patna, a weekly train between Ranchi and Patna, development of 16 ghats in Patna as part of the Riverfront Development Scheme, and electrification of many rail lines in many parts of the state.

The Prime Minister began his speech in Begusarai by paying tribute to the 40 CRPF jawans who died in a terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir last Thursday.

I am as much pained and outraged by this attack. I salute the martyrs and pay tribute to all slain jawans including Sanjay Kumar Sinha and Ratan Kumar Thakur who belonged to Bihar. To the people who have gathered here today, I want to tell you that the fire that is raging within your heart is also burning in my heart. Our government is committed to keep our nation safe and we will do whatever is necessary to take proper action against those who perpetrated this terror on our soil, he said.

Both Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi also spoke on the occasion and hoped India would take stern action against the terrorists responsible for last Thursday attack in J&K.
Patna: With the push of a remote button, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, standing miles away from Patna, Barauni to be exact, inaugurated the Patna Metro Project at Gate No. 1 of Patna Zoo where he was represented by Union Housing and Urban Development Minister for state (Independent charge) Hardeep Singh Puri.

Speaking on the occasion, Puri said that with the ever-growing population of India and rapid urbanization of many cities, the need for a metro rail system had become imperative and Patna was no exception.

The work on this project will begin very soon, the minister said adding metro train will usher new level of development in the district that has been unprecedented so far. He further said that the central government will soon release its share of 20% of the total cost of Rs. 33,000 crore so work would begin without undue delay.

By 2030, the urban population of the country would exceed 60-crore which means we need to have a newer, better means of transportation within the city. Metro railway serves this purpose perfectly, he said.

Puri credited former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for introducing metro trains in the nation saying it was Mr. Vajpayee who began the first work on such project in 2002.

Today India has over 585 kilometer of metro trains and construction is underway on another 600 kilometers in various parts of the nation. Furthermore, Detail Project Report (DPR) for an additional 1000 km has been submitted by many states that the government is looking into, the Union Minister said.

Bihar Urban Development and Housing Minister Suresh Kumar Sharma, in his address, said February 17, 2019 would go down in the history of Patna and Bihar as one of the key dates that changed the face of the state capital forever adding the work on the proposed metro train would begin within the next six months during which period formalities, including floating tenders for various parts of the project, will be completed.
This past Friday, my home diocese of Brooklyn released the names of 108 men accused of sexual abuse through the years. Two were stationed in my home parish, at the same time, when I was young. One was eventually sent to Canada, for health reasons, we were told. The other was simply reassigned. Both were laicized, and one has passed away. Personally, Ive been struggling with my feelings on this. I have a great love both for my diocese and the Brooklyn presbyterate, but you cant defend the indefensible.

Let me make it clear this is not a problem confined to Brooklyn, but applies to every diocese in the country. Nor is it a problem confined to one faith tradition. Its also true of schools and secular institutions dedicated to the care of the young. Its not just a Catholic problem its a human problem. But as Catholics, the sex abuse crisis has affected us deeply, and we need to talk about that.

Victims live with shame. Although I wasnt subject to clerical abuse, at thirteen I was molested by a neighbor I trusted. It only happened once, but once was enough to generate shame, self-doubt, anger, fear, and resentment. In 1981, you still couldnt talk openly about this. You just carried it around inside and hoped nobody found out. So I do have some idea of what victims of priestly abuse have experienced. Thank God I talked to a high school counselor who helped me see it wasnt my fault, and that nothing was wrong with me.

From the 1930s through the early 1960s, many large dioceses ordained 30-35 men a year on average. The overwhelming majority turned out to be good, loving men, on call 24/7 for the people they served. But the fact is some men should never have been ordained. Some acted out their sexuality in a way harmful to others, especially the young. They relied on the fact that nobody would believe a priest could do something so vile.

Not to make excuses, but you have to keep two things in mind. First, for earlier generations, Catholic and non-Catholic, sex itself was just a taboo subject. You didnt talk about it under any circumstances. Second, the priest was a revered figure. The idea of a priest sexually abusing youth was disgusting, unthinkable, and unmentionable. It was almost impolite. Some even considered it a lie made up by anti-Catholics to discredit the Church.

The John Jay Report mainly looked at the period from 1966 to 1984, but any historian will tell you that this problem wasnt a product of the sixties. Instances of sexual abuse appear throughout Church history. They go as far back as the Bible; think of the Old Testament story of Susanna and the elders. Sexual scandals also played an undeniable part in bringing about the Reformation. Historian Eamon Duffy writes:

The Renaissance papacy evokes images of a Hollywood spectacular, all decadence and drag. Contemporaries viewed Renaissance Rome as we now view Nixons Washington, a city of expense-account whores and political graft, where everything and everyone had a price, where nothing and nobody could be trusted. The popes themselves seemed to set the tone.

What saved the Church? People working to reform it from within. Despite scandal and schism, the century following the Reformation saw some of historys greatest saints: Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Francis De Sales, and Vincent De Paul, to name just a few. Blessed (soon to be Saint) John Henry Newman considered this one of the great arguments for Christianity. Father James Kent Stone, a nineteenth century American priest, once wrote: Yes, there have been scandals if we look for them. But there have been saints and martyrs of whom the world knows nothing. And there are saints still.

Nobody in their right mind, thank God, believes any more that scandals are a tool used to discredit the Church. And thank God we have more information today on the nature of abuse and abusers, so we can take positive action to ensure such things never happen again. And lets hope that church leaders of all faiths have learned from all this to be more accountable for their actions, both public and private.

I thank God for the great priests Ive known and thats the majority. As my friend Gene McKenna used to say, I think most Catholic priests are what they say they are. But priests, deacons and religious cant do it alone. Maybe the scandals are a wake-up call to the laity to more fully live out their vocation in particular, of becoming saints, repairing a broken Church, and building up the Kingdom of God on earth. Together we can all make a difference. If reform in the Church is to happen, it has come from the People of God, and that means everybody.

(The drawing of St. Teresa of Avila is by Pat McNamara.)
of introducing us to the theology of Pope Francis:

In Gods gift of faith, a supernatural infused virtue, we realize that a great love has been offered us, a good word has been spoken to us, and that when we welcome that word, Jesus Christ the Word made flesh, the Holy Spirit transforms us, lights up our way to the future and enables us joyfully to advance along that way on wings of hope. Pope Francis, Lumen Fidei

It has been suggested before that Pope Francis is not a theologian, likely due to the stark difference in style while speaking or writing as compared to his predecessors, namely Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II. While answering a question about his relationship with the Pope Emeritus, Pope Francis himself admitted that he is not a theologian.Perhaps what he is referring to is that he is not a systematic theologian, especially vis-a-vis Benedict, which appears demonstrably true.

However, when others say that Francis is not a theologian, they usually mean to imply a lack of academic trainingin fact, he received several years of academic trainingand it also implies that Francis himself is not as smart or capable, theologically speaking, as his predecessors. (See here this article in which Francis is the denied the epithet intellectual shortly after the author denies he is a theologian.)

But this too appears to be groundless, even if the question itself is irrelevant to the legitimacy or effectiveness of his papacy. As Elise Harris helpful article from the Catholic News Agency reveals, Pope Francis was not too far removed from obtaining his doctorate and, in fact, was a brilliant, well-rounded student. However, before he could complete formal academic study, he was called to serve the Church in various leadership and administrative posts.

On the basis of the above, perhaps we can say that Francis has not devoted himself primarily (certainly not exclusively) to pursuits of the mind. But, even so, we should at least admit that Pope Francis is thoughtful, well-educated, and well-read. It is likely that Francis is not winging his theology while serving as the Vicar of Christ or writing and speaking without regard to various Catholic theological traditions. Assuming, therefore, Pope Francis has actually spent some time developing his own comprehensive worldview, we can and should ask the question: where does Pope Francis stand, theologically speaking?

As an 82-year-old man approaching the 50th anniversary of his ordination, capturing every possible influence on Pope Francis would be impossible. From Wim Wenders documentary, for example, its clear that personal interactions have and continue to have a marked impact on his life. Here, Im thinking specifically of the young terminally ill boy whom Francis called shortly before his death. In his writings, hes cited previous popes, previous councils, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, Therese of Lisieux, Augustine of Hippo, Bonaventure, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and so on. He cites Bishop conferences from around the world and remains close to a trusted Argentinian theologian, Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez.

And so, to answer the question of where Francis stands, here in these essays that will follow, I wanted to identify at least three major spheres of influence, of which there could be many more. These three are chosen not because they are entirely comprehensive, but because together these very different influences are likely to reveal deeper insights into Francis rich theology.

He often cites these figures, but I must acknowledge that Pope Francis exposure to these various theological traditions may have come primarily through indirect sources. For example, if Pope Francis inculcated the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and St. Paul VI, he would necessarily share many views in common with Romano Guardini, even if he had little familiarity with him directly. (He does, of course.) The point here is to acknowledge that Pope Francis is a unique figure within the Church, but also, as all Christians do, that he leans heavily on the contributions of those who have come before.

Who are these figures and what are these traditions? The three I explore in the following articles are Romano Guardini, his pastoral experiences in Argentina, and St. Ignatius of Loyola.
A thirty-five page letter was issued yesterday by six of the closest attendants of Mipham Mukpo (Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche) detailing their experiences of verbal, physical and sexual abuse in vivid detail. Recollections include female students being pushed to rationalize [sex] as a generous offering to their revered teacher, stories of Mukpo hitting his attendants and forcibly biting people, students crying in a circle in their underwear, a culture of fear, and this is just the first of the six stories.

The accounts are made by members of Mr Mukpos innermost circle, members of the Dorje Kasung, described in the letter as a quasi-military group in Shambhala tasked with protecting the teachings and the community. The Kusung, meaning body protectors, are a subset of the Dorje Kasung who are tasked with the direct care of Mr. Mukpos body, on all levels. Accordingly, the Kusung are witness to Mr. Mukpos private life. Membership in this exclusive group is by invitation (by Mukpo) directly and requires, according to the signers of the letter, loyalty, confidentiality, and allegiance. The full letter can be downloaded here.

Wider issues in Tibetan Buddhism in the West

For those watching Tibetan Buddhism in the West, the letter will be reminiscent of the letter by eight of Sogyal Rinpoches former students in 2017. That letter, as noted in the Sydney Morning Herald, recounted, Punching. Emotional abuse. Eye-popping sexual misdeeds. The accusations made against Sogyal Rinpoche  a key lama in the uptake of Buddhist principles by the West  have rocked devotees

Shortly after these eight students wrote there letter, H.H. the Dalai Lama spoke out on Buddhist teacher misconduct, specifically naming Sogyal, who had been close to the Dalai Lama. Yet this didnt curb all accusations against the Dalai Lama for failing to address abuse in Tibetan Buddhism, as Sogyals abuse was known widely as early as 2011, when British journalist and former student Mary Finnegan wrote of Sogyals sexual exploitation of students. And, even before that, Finnegan wrote of a 1994-5 lawsuit by an unnamed California woman charging Sogyal of sexual harassment, coercion, and abuse.

Excerpts from Shambhala Buddhists near Sakyong Mukpo

In their introduction, the authors suggest that Mr. Mukpo has has consistently shown a disturbing pattern of behavior and that given Mukpos continued authority in Shambhala, they feel a moral obligation to alert others in order to avoid further harm.

In struggling to come to terms with their place in the abusive system, the authors write:

We know Mr. Mukpo received feedback about his behavior from various key people at different times. He either dismissed or was unable to heed the warnings and continued to engage in these activities. We are concerned that Mr. Mukpo is unlikely to change. Most of us have been subjected to his abuse. At times we have also been inadvertent enablers of Mr. Mukpos behavior. We have each struggled to understand our blind spots. It is a bitter pill to swallow that we were enablers of this man As was true for us, many other Shambhala leaders may not recognize their role in the propagation of these harms. Indeed many are victims themselves. While we cannot undo the damage, hopefully we can speak to the truth of how his behavior has hurt many of his students. We seek to further validate those who have bravely named this pattern and who likely were subjected to gaslighting or minimization. We hope our personal statements will encourage others to speak and keep speaking.

A key to abuse: learning to discredit ones own experience

The authors write of being told to obscure the line between Mukpos spiritual teachings and his abusive behavior, believing (as is common in much of Mahayana Buddhism) that the teachers behavior is beyond our understanding. They were asked, they say, to regard such [abusive] activity as the gurus method of waking us up.

The authors display clarity about the ways that this and other insider experiences in Shambhala have shaped their perceptions and led to bias in their understandings.

Ben Medrano, whose account runs 9 pages in length, reflects on the fear, sexual violence, and discussions with one of Chogyam Trungpas students who was, he says, Knocked to the ground and kicked multiple times with boots on, by Trungpa. He notes that:

For those familiar with the stories of the Karma Kagyu Buddhist lineage tracing back hundreds of years, these kinds of assaults are considered brilliant moments of teaching: a complex philosophical rationale of making lemonade out of lemons.

And he blames himself for not being able to turn Mukpos abuse into spiritual progress, realizing only in the letter that my socialization into this tradition is the illogical root of this guilt.

I want my FUCKING Audi!

A theme running through many of the accounts is the way that money was wasted by Mr Mukpo and his inner circle. Medrano writes of working for years for a $750/month stipend as resident physician and the disturbing relationship that Mukpo had to money.

Repeatedly, he writes, I was amazed by the opulence, frequency, and duration of his luxury vacations. On one occasion, I recall a sober midday call demanding me to push for the unfeasible purchase of an Audi A8. I vividly remember his infuriated words being: I want my FUCKING Audi!

Shambhalas culture of exploitation

Craig Mormon, who was part of Shambhala from 1995 to 2015, with much of that time well within the inner circles of the tradition, writes, There is no way that I could possibly describe the entirety of Shambhalas culture of exploitation and abuse in a short statement.

Mormon was present for and witnessed certain parts of Mukpos alleged sexual assault of a woman in Chile while teaching there in 2002. That account is detailed in Andrea Winns Buddhist Project Sunshine (BPS) Report 3. Admitting that it was 15 years ago, Mormon recounts seeing the young woman go with Mukpo into a room and seeing a Shambhala student (now an Acharya or senior teacher) closing the door behind them. Later:

The woman came out of the room very upset. Somehow I wound up talking to her for a while on a balcony. She told me some of what had happened. I got the impression that Mr. Mukpo had forcefully tried to get her to have sex with him. I was not told that she had been locked-in, or that he had forced her to touch him. What she told me was bad enough, but she did not tell me that part. I only remember pieces of the conversation, mostly of me trying to rationalize the behavior in some tantric sense while still trying to be supportive. Again, I feel shame.

According to independent investigator, Carol Merchasin, the Chile sexual assault is listed in the BPS Report 3 as a key fact, meaning allegations that are credible, have credible corroboration and are relevant to the allegations.

1. In 2002, the Sakyong sexually assaulted a woman in Chile and this assault was known to David Brown, Jesse Grimes, and Mitchell Levy.

Victim Blaming and Hypocrisy

Laura Leslie writes of her anger at the community, which seemed warm and understanding, but instead harbored a, culture of abuse and rampant sexism [that] trickles down from Mr. Mukpo to all below him.

Leslie describes herself as a Kusung-in-Training, a Shabchi (attendant to Mr. Mukpos wife), and holder of several other positions in Shambhala from 2002 to 2016. She wrote of meeting the President of Shambhala, a man in his 60s:

He took hold of my arm, pulled me close, grabbed a strawberry, and while staring at my breasts, told me I was just as luscious as the fruit and how lucky were they that I was there to serve them. He stood with a male Acharya and the male leader of NYC Shambhala, all three laughed. The President, the civilian leader of Shambhala had just turned me into a sexual object and a joke. I was humiliated. Over the years I learned from other women that he frequently used his position of power to seduce and harass them.

She later recounts speaking to female leaders in Shambhala and being told, in Vajrayana Buddhism male and female did not exist, therefore every day sexism was empty and if I practiced more I would see this.

(Empty can refer to a key philosophical term in mostly Mahayana Buddhism, referring in part to the constructed nature of things so that we do not get too caught up on mistaken beliefs of their inherent existence.)

Leslie writes of leaving Shambhala in 2016 because, Mr. Mukpo was abusive and I no longer thought that the community could change. Most of the men surrounding him knew it. Most of the men in leadership roles were either abusers themselves or witnessed it and silently endorsed it.

Noting the Wickwire Holm investigation findings in which several allegations of abuse by Mukpo are confirmed, she says that the Interim Board of Shambhala immediately asked supporters for more money. As far as I can see its business as usual: The victims will be placated, then pushed out, then silenced or discredited and the King will shine hypocrisy from the throne As long as people keep funding and supporting this power structure, there is no true motivation to change.

No goodness or kindness without accountability and justice

Allya F. Canepa joined in 1992 to help with marketing and joined the Kusung-in-training program in 1994. She writes that:

At 36 I had convinced myself that I was out of harms reach because I managed to steer mostly clear of malignant personalities who seem to enjoy bad sex and late night drinking. Because both sides of my family had normalized and codified sexual, physical, and substance abuse for generations, I was an expert at reading between the lines. The context, the allowing blind eye, the inter-generational grooming, the abuse  it was all there. I came to Shambhala pre-groomed to see my brilliance as a gift for other and to fall into a kind of blank self-less persona when asked to serve. The only thing I was pretty clear about is that I thought alcohol was a problem. And I thought sex was a problem.

In her 25 years of service in Shambhala, she describes one incident in particular in which she was invited to Mr. Mukpos bedroom:

Being a Kusung I went immediately to kneel at his side of the bed and waited for his question or command. I was surprised when instead he put his hand down my shirt and fondled my breasts and said, please I just want to sleep, firmly directing my head to his cock. I obliged and shook it off. I buried and minimized my own experiences for over 20 years. Mostly I didnt tell anyone. Or I curtly summarized my experience as having been blessed enough to receive a quarter cup of bindus from my guru. I dont know why I described it that way. It was the best I could do as my mind scrambled to relieve pressure from the melodic dissonance. In the Vajrayana we are taught that all body fluids, or pieces of clothing, tufts of hair, or leftover food from the gurus plate are blessings gifted directly from the body of enlightenment. In the end, although I used those words to keep me from imploding, I was never able to discard my basic sense that this man had no idea, nor did he seem to care to have an idea, about how to create a shared space for intimacy.

Writing of her feelings today, she says she is not in hearing the mantra of goodness and kindness being used to lull me into an altogether too familiar stupor. There is no goodness or kindness available here without accountability and justice. None. She writes of seeing hundreds of women go in and out of Mr. Mukpos bedroom and often consoling them afterward.

Culture of Silence

Louis Fitch, who was a member from 2000-2016 and likewise held numerous roles in Shambhala, writes of regret.

I look back on that moment and I know that I am in part to blame for the harms he has caused. I wasnt there for the abuses described in the Project Sunshine and Wickwire Holm reports but I know that every time I said nothing, I played my part. And for that, I am deeply sorry.

Continuing, Fitch writes that some leaders in Shambhala still seem set on repairing the tradition:

But I look at my pretty uniform and my shiny pins and all I can see is a group of Shambhala Warriors ogling women. And I know that the sexual assault and abuses perpetrated in this community  scars that will never leave  is because people, including myself, didnt say anything.

*** Updated 2/20/19, photo of Sakyong receives gifts from students, 2005. Photo via Robertivanc, CC Flickr, removed at request of owner.

*** Updated 2/20/19, as reported in Think Progress, leading teachers in Shambhala have issued an official letter responding to the above allegations. Their letter, available here, says in part that, seeds of harmful and destructive behaviors became part of our Shambhala culture. Women in Shambhala experienced blatant sexism. Sadly, sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse, and abuse of power became all too prevalent. Over the years, we failed to address these issues directly as leaders and as a community, and therefore these seeds continued to ripen and produce further harm. As we are seeing in Shambhala, and in the larger social and political context, those things that have been habitually and collectively ignored are now coming to light.
Last Wednesday, the Democrat-controlled House of Representative passed a war powers resolution introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) to end U.S. involvement in Yemens bloody civil war between Ansar Allah (Houthi) and Saudi-led coalition forces. The measures success was not unexpected. Public pressure had been mounting for months, and in December, an identical resolution put forward by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) had made it through the GOP-controlled Senate. What wasnt so expected was that the Democrats, who hold a 38-seat advantage in the chamber, would alloweven helpthe Republicans to gut the legislation.

Ultimately however, 57 House Democrats, including a member of the leadership, crossed the aisle and voted for an amendment that did just that, ensuring its adoption. Their names can be seen here.

The original Khanna/Sanders resolution took specific aim at ending U.S. intelligence, refueling, and logistical support operations conducted with the Saudi-led coalition, which have enabled Americas allies to wage a brutal campaign in Yemen against civilians and militants alike. Already a compromisea testament to the Senate battleit contained language exempting joint operations with Israel and expanding presidential authority to conduct the War on Terror. Still, it represented the first tangible step towards ending U.S. involvement and complicity in war crimes and what is ostensibly an ongoing genocide.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), added language to Khannas legislation enshrining President Trumps authority to continue intelligence sharing operations with allies he deems appropriate with no check from Congress.

Speaking on the House floor, Buck said the purpose of his amendment was to limit civilian casualties. I want to make sure that were doing everything we can to avoid the humanitarian crisis there, he said, at the same time we recognize the geopolitical significance of our relationship with Saudi Arabia.

But the new language only serves to undermine the purpose of the original resolution. Of the Democrats who voted for it, a number of names stand outDemocratic Congressional Committee Chair Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), #resistance icon Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), and celebrated freshman Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS). After the vote, one Democrat went on record stating that hed mistakenly cast his ballot.

Madam Chair, during Roll Call Vote number 81 on H.J. Res. 37, the Buck Amendment, I mistakenly recorded my vote as Yes when I should have voted No, said Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL).

After it passed the Senate in December, the original war powers resolution died in the House without even so much as a vote. Then-Speaker Paul Ryan introduced an amendment to the annual farm bill stripping it of its privileged status under the 1973 War Powers Act. Democrats had had the numbers to stop it after 18 Republicans crossed the aisle, and they could have done so without killing the whole farm bill, but then-Minority Whip Steny Hoyer failed to whip the votes. Seven House Democrats broke ranks, giving Ryan a narrow victory.

For those invested in the fight, it was a bitter pill to swallow, but the promise of a newly-elected Democratic House majority lessened the blow. In an interview last month with Paste, Khanna outlined his months of coordination with Sanders to get to this moment and he expressed confidence that change was coming. I anticipate a convincing victory in the House, having it brought up right away in the Senate, and a convincing victory in the Senate, hed said.

This time around, however, the sting is most assuredly worse. Despite their advantagelarge enough to force through any legislative item without bipartisan supportHouse Democrats couldnt even pass the same war powers resolution the GOP-controlled Senate passed in December without first watering it down. Ironic.

While U.S. lawmakers deliberate, Yemen is in crisis. The civil war, which began in 2015 after Zaidi Shia Houthi rebels overthrew the internationally recognizedbut strugglinggovernment of Sunni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, has erupted into a sectarian bloodbath fueled by international powers backing both sides. The violence has claimed a shocking 80,000 lives by some estimates and hundreds of thousands more have died of starvation and disease. Millions are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance. The countrys medical infrastructure has been decimated and the coalition keeps tight control over the ports with a blockade.

A war powers resolution passed by the House and Senate demanding an end to U.S. involvement in Yemens civil war has the power to not only send a message to the world about Americas commitment to its values, but also to put immense pressure on Saudi Arabia and the other coalition states to find a meaningful resolution to the violence. For now, however, such legislation doesnt seem to be in the cards.

Paste reached out to each of the Democratic representatives who voted in favor of Bucks amendment for comment. The responses of those who got back to us are included below.

Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA): I firmly believe the United States must maintain strong cooperative alliances to effectively fight terrorism around the world. That means sharing information. But information sharing is a two-way street. We need partners whom can tell us whats going on around the world.

UPDATE: Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) was asked about her support of the Buck Amendment at a town hall. In her response, Porter claimed that the original resolution arguably did not prohibit the kinds of activities allowed by the amendment anyway and that it did not change the original resolution. The idea was that the Buck Amendment didnt really change the nature of the law, she said. Military intelligence sharingnot logistical support, not fly our planes, not were going to fuel you, not were going to tell you where to go and help you, but strict intelligence sharingthings like letting them know that there are civilian targetsthat kind of intelligence sharing was arguably already permitted under the resolution that Ro Khanna introducedand that I signed onto.

But the original resolution clearly specified intelligence sharing was an unauthorized military activity, stating that Since March 2015, members of the United States Armed Forces have been introduced into hostilities between the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis, including providing to the Saudi-led coalition aerial targeting assistance, intelligence sharing, and mid-flight aerial refueling. Moreover, looking at the language of Bucks amendment, it is clear that a court could interpret it to include activities that are not strictly intelligence sharing. Nothing in this joint resolution may be construed to influence or disrupt any intelligence, counterintelligence, or investigative activities, it reads, clarifying that such activities only need involve intelligence gathering, analysis, or sharing.
The best Young Adult books of February include action-packed reads, heartbreaking novels of lost love, epic fantasy talesand maybe one swoony book (we did celebrate Valentines Day, after all). Three of the titles below also earned spots on our most anticipated YA novels of 2019 list, so youre in for a treat!

Release Date: February 5th from Balzer + Bray

Why Youll Love It: The second novel from Angie Thomas, author of the absolute phenomenon The Hate U Give, is finally here! At the time of this writing, On the Come Up and The Hate U Give hold the #1 and #2 spots on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list, which should tell you all you need to know. Get. This. Book.

For Fans of: Authors like Tiffany Jackson and Brandy Colbert.

Description: Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. Or at least win her first battle. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bris got massive shoes to fill. But its hard to get your come up when youre labeled a hoodlum at school, and your fridge at home is empty after your mom loses her job. So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viralfor all the wrong reasons.

Bri soon finds herself at the center of a controversy, portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. But with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri doesnt just want to make itshe has to. Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be.

Release Date: February 5th from Salaam Reads

Why Youll Love It: Youve never read a YA novel quite like this one. Set during the race riots in 1969 Malaysia, The Weight of Our Sky is a stunning piece of literary fiction. Alkafs novel does more than tell a powerful story of resilience and friendshipit paints a picture of a turbulent time that isnt discussed enough.

For Fans of: Historical fiction authors like Stacey Lee and Gene Luen Yang.

Description: Melati Ahmad looks like your typical moviegoing, Beatles-obsessed 16-year-old. Unlike most other 16-year-olds though, Mel also believes that she harbors a djinn inside her, one who threatens her with horrific images of her mothers death unless she adheres to an elaborate ritual of counting and tapping to keep him satisfied.

But there are things that Melati cant protect her mother from. On the evening of May 13th, 1969, racial tensions in her home city of Kuala Lumpur boil over. The Chinese and Malays are at war, and Mel and her mother become separated by a city in flames.

With a 24-hour curfew in place and all lines of communication down, it will take the help of a Chinese boy named Vincent and all of the courage and grit in Melatis arsenal to overcome the violence on the streets, her own prejudices, and her djinns surging power to make it back to the one person she cant risk losing.

Release Date: February 12th from Tor Teen

Why Youll Love It: If youve been keeping up with Susan Dennards fantastic Witchlands series, youll be familiar with a Bloodwitch named Aeduan. The third book in Dennards New York Times bestselling fantasy series gives Aeduan his own gripping story. Unfamiliar with the books? Scoop up Truthwitch and prepare to fall in love.

For Fans of: Authors who write epic fantasy novels with great banter and memorable characters (like Leigh Bardugo).

Description: High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father and his past.

Release Date: February 12th from Simon Pulse

Why Youll Love It: A thrilling fantasy full of complicated families, epic betrayals and fiery phoenixes, Crown of Feathers is not to be missed. This gorgeous novel kicks off your new favorite series. (You can view the book jackets stunning wraparound art here.)

For Fans of: Authors like Sabaa Tahir and Natalie C. Parker.

Description: In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riderslegendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fireuntil a war between two sisters ripped it all apart.

Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old. After a shocking betrayal from her controlling sister, Veronyka strikes out alone to find the Riderseven if that means disguising herself as a boy to join their ranks.

Just as Veronyka finally feels like she belongs, her sister turns up and reveals a tangled web of lies between them that will change everything. And meanwhile, the new empire has learned of the Riders return and intends to destroy them once and for all.

Release Date: February 19th from Soho Teen

Why Youll Love It: A story of family and sisterhood, Lizzy Masons debut novel is a story that tackles grief and pain with so much heart. Its a powerful read, so dont miss out on this one.

For Fans of: Authors like Courtney Stevens and Rebecca Phillips.

Description: On one terrible night, 17-year-old Harley Langstons life changes forever. At a party she discovers her younger sister, Audrey, hooking up with her boyfriend, Mikeand she abandons them both in a rage. When Mike drunkenly attempts to drive Audrey home, he crashes and Audrey ends up in a coma. Now Harley is left with guilt, grief, pain and the undeniable truth that her ex-boyfriend (who is relatively unscathed) has a drinking problem.

So its a surprise that she finds herself reconnecting with Raf, a neighbor and childhood friend whos recently out of rehab and still wrestling with his own demons. At first Harley doesnt want to get too close to him. But as Audrey awakens and slowly recovers, Raf starts to show Harley a path forward that she never would have believed possibleone guided by honesty, forgiveness and redemption

Release Date: February 19th from Simon Pulse

Why Youll Love It: To read Shaun David Hutchinson is to read a novel thats weird in the best way possible. From stories of aliens to virgin births to vanishing friends, his books are some of the most unique YA novels being published, and youll adore every word. His latest is no exception, exploring what happens when a dear friend (kind of) comes back to life.

For Fans of: Authors like A.S. King

Description: Dino doesnt mind spending time with the dead. His parents own a funeral home, and death is literally the family business. Hes just not used to them talking back. Until Dinos ex-best friend July dies suddenlyand then comes back to life. Except not exactly. Somehow July is not quite alive, and not quite dead.

As Dino and July attempt to figure out whats happening, they must also confront why and how their friendship ended so badly, and what they have left to understand about themselves, each other and all those grand mysteries of life.

Release Date: February 26th from Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers

Why Youll Love It: Tanaz Bhathenas debut, A Girl Like That, was an absolute favorite last year! Her latest promises to be another novel of clashing cultures and challenging relationships, and youll want to get your hands on this one.

For Fans of: Authors like Lamar Giles and Maureen Goo.

Description: Susan is the new girlshes sharp, driven and strives to meet her parents expectations of excellence. Malcolm is the bad boyhe started raising hell at age 15, after his mom died of cancer, and has had a reputation ever since.

Susans parents are on the verge of divorce. Malcolms dad is a known adulterer. Susan hasnt told anyone, but she wants to be an artist. Malcolm doesnt know what he wantsuntil he meets her.

Love is messy and families are messier, but in spite of their burdens, Susan and Malcolm fall for each other. The ways they drift apart and come back together are testaments to family, culture and being true to who you are.

Release Date: February 26th from G.P. Putnams Sons Books for Young Readers

Why Youll Love It: Theres been a lot of hype surrounding this exciting fantasy debut from Astrid Scholte, who worked on visual effects for movies like Avatar, District 9 and more. When an author possesses got the kind of imagination that helps craft films like that, you can bet her novel is just as stunning.

For Fans of: Fantasy novels with politics (from authors like Kendare Blake) and heists (like Leigh Bardugos Six of Crows).

Description: Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington may seem harmless, but shes one of Quadaras most skilled thieves and a liar. Varin, on the other hand, is an honest, upstanding citizen of Quadaras most enlightened region, Eonia. He runs afoul of Keralie when she steals a package from him, putting his life in danger. When Varin attempts to retrieve the package, he and Keralie both find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that leaves all four of Quadaras queens dead.

With no other choices and on the run from Keralies former employer, the two decide to join forces, endeavoring to discover who has killed the queens and save their own lives in the process. When their reluctant partnership blooms into a tenuous romance, they must overcome their own dark secrets in hopes of a future together that seemed impossible just days before. But first they have to stay alive and untangle the secrets behind the nations four dead queens.

Release Date: February 26th from Crown Books for Young Readers

Why Youll Love It: Jeff Zentners quirky novel about friendship, family and changing dreams is already one of my favorite books of 2019. His first two novels (The Serpent King and Goodbye Days) delivered delightful splashes of humor, and his latest cranks that up with joy and romanceas well as his trademark moments of heartbreak.

For Fans of: Authors like Bryan Bliss and John Green.

Description: Every Friday night, best friends Delia and Josie become Rayne Ravenscroft and Delilah Darkwood, hosts of the campy creature feature show Midnite Matinee on the local cable station TV Six. But with the end of senior year quickly approaching, the girls face tough decisions about their futures.

Josie has been dreading graduation, as she tries to decide whether to leave for a big university and chase her dream career in mainstream TV. And Lawson, one of the shows guest performers, a talented MMA fighter with weaknesses for pancakes, fantasy novels and Josie, is making her tough decision even harder.

Scary movies are the last connection Delia has to her dad, who abandoned the family years ago. If Midnite Matinee becomes a hit, maybe hell see it and want to be a part of her life again. And maybe Josie will stay with the show instead of leaving her behind, too.

As the tug-of-war between growing up and growing apart tests the bonds of their friendship, Josie and Delia start to realize that an uncertain future can be both monstrousand momentous.

Release Date: February 26th from Katherine Tegen Books

Why Youll Love It: Tehlor Kay Meijas debut is a stunning piece of dystopian fiction, boasting diverse characters, social commentary and gorgeous prose. We Set the Dark on Fire is the first book in a duology, and youll be left hungry for the next one from this author to watch. (You can read an excerpt from the novel here.)

For Fans of: Authors like Malinda Lo and Lauren Oliver.

Description: At the Medio School for Girls, distinguished young women are trained for one of two roles in their polarized society. Depending on her specialization, a graduate will one day run a husbands household or raise his children, but both are promised a life of comfort and luxury, far from the frequent political uprisings of the lower class. Daniela Vargas is the schools top student, but her bright future depends upon no one discovering her darkest secretthat her pedigree is a lie. Her parents sacrificed everything to obtain forged identification papers so Dani could rise above her station. Now that her marriage to an important politicos son is fast approaching, she must keep the truth hidden or be sent back to the fringes of society, where famine and poverty rule supreme.

On her graduation night, Dani seems to be in the clear, despite the surprises that unfold. But nothing prepares her for all the difficult choices she must make, especially when she is asked to spy for a resistance group desperately fighting to bring equality to Medio. Will Dani cling to the privilege her parents fought to win for her, or to give up everything shes strived for in pursuit of a free Medioand a chance at a forbidden love?
The decision to postpone the planned Visegrad Group (V4) summit in Jerusalem shows that the V4 countries are united and refuse to accept unfounded, racist attacks on any of them, PM Mateusz Morawiecki said on Monday.

"This morning I informed the prime ministers of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia about our position regarding the Visegrad Group summit. The important decision to postpone the meeting (...) shows that the V4 group is united, and that we won't agree to unfounded racist attacks on any of us," Morawiecki tweeted on Monday afternoon.

A Visegrad Group summit scheduled on Monday and Tuesday in Jerusalem has been cancelled on Morawiecki initiative. Morawiecki announced the withdrawal of the Polish delegation from the summit on Monday morning.

The heads of government of the Visegrad Group (V4, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary) cancelled the Jerusalem summit in a gesture of solidarity with Poland and decided to hold the meeting after the parliamentary elections in Israel.

The decision was the result of a statement on Sunday by acting Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, referring to words ascribed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he mentioned that Poles had collaborated with Nazi Germans during the Second World War.

"Our prime minister expressed himself clearly," Katz said. "I am a son of Holocaust survivors (...) The memory of the Holocaust is something we cannot compromise about, it is something clear and we wont forget or forgive. Poles collaborated with the Nazis, and as (Israeli's former prime minister - PAP) Yitzhak Shamir, whose father was murdered by Poles, said, they suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers milk."

Following Katz's remarks, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Israeli Ambassador to Poland Anna Azari on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, Morawiecki suggested the Israeli side's remarks may have been motivated by the ongoing election campaign in Israel.

"I have been warning them (other V4 countries - PAP) that there is an election campaign in Israel, ahead of the elections scheduled for early April. That is this factor that raises the temperature of the political dispute, so there is a risk that our friends from the Visegrad Group will be attacked, will be insulted, just as Israel's foreign minister, Mr. Katz, in his racist statement, tried to offend Poles by falsifying history," Morawiecki said.

Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz on Monday in Brussels called Katz's words "unacceptable", and stressed that Poland awaited Israel's withdrawal from the statements.

"We believe these statements to be unacceptable, (...) we believe they nurture anti-Polish and anti-Semitic moods, are racist in character and serve neither reconcilement nor, generally speaking, Polish-Israeli relations," Czaputowicz observed.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek, Katz's remarks were "shameful and slanderous," and warranted a "decided and unambiguous" response by Israel. (PAP)

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A summit of the Visegrad Group scheduled to take place on Monday and Tuesday in Jerusalem was cancelled following an intervention by Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, PAP has learned from a source close to the government.

The heads of government of the Visegrad Group (V4, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary) decided that the summit will take place after the parliamentary elections in Israel.

On Monday morning, PM Morawiecki announced the withdrawal of the Polish delegation from the V4 summit in Israel. The decision was a result of a statement on Sunday by acting Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, referring to words ascribed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he mentioned that Poles had collaborated with Nazi Germans during the Second World War.

"Our prime minister expressed himself clearly," Katz said. "I am a son of Holocaust survivors (...) The memory of the Holocaust is something we cannot compromise about, it is something clear and we wont forget or forgive. Poles collaborated with the Nazis, and as (Israeli's former prime minister - PAP) Yitzhak Shamir, whose father was murdered by Poles, said, they suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers milk."

Following Katz's remarks, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Israeli Ambassador to Poland Anna Azari on Monday.

According to information from PAP, at the initiative of Mateusz Morawiecki, the V4 heads of government cancelled the Jerusalem summit in a gesture of solidarity with Poland. The V4 politicians will be in Jerusalem on Monday, but will only hold bilateral meetings with representatives of the Israeli government.

In addition, according to PAP information, the V4 leaders have decided the Jerusalem summit will take place only after parliamentary elections in Israel.

On Monday afternoon, Mateusz Morawiecki said: "I have been warning them (other V4 countries - PAP) that there is an election campaign in Israel, ahead of the elections scheduled for early April. That is this factor that raises the temperature of the political dispute, so there is a risk that our friends from the Visegrad Group will be attacked, will be insulted, just as Israel's foreign minister, Mr. Katz, in his racist statement, tries to offend Poles by falsifying history." (PAP)

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Government spokesperson Joanna Kopcinska confirmed on Sunday earlier reports by a news website that PM Mateusz Morawiecki will not attend a summit of the Central European regional group V4, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem this coming Tuesday.

The V4, or the Visegrad Group in full, comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Poland will be represented by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, Kopcinska said.

In a telephone conversation on Sunday, PM Morawiecki informed his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, who will attend the summit, of his decision.

The spokesperson said that "PM Netanyahu stressed that he remains fully committed to the joint declaration adopted on June 27, 2018, in which both heads of government stated, among other things, that such statements (implying Polish complicity in Nazi German crimes - PAP) are grossly erroneous and limit the responsibility of the real perpetrators of the crimes."

"PM Morawiecki stressed that he remains committed to the June declaration, as well. He also stated that the issues of historical truth and the sacrifices that Poland suffered during World War II are of fundamental importance for our country," Kopcinska said.

Micha Dworczyk, the head of the Prime Minister's Office, also confirmed that Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz will represent Poland at the summit.

According to him, the telephone conversation was "long and good." "PM Benjamin Netanyahu thanked PM Morawiecki for organising the summit that took place recently. Poland was its co-organiser, along with the United States."

Poland has recently hosted the Middle East peace and security summit, attended by officials from several dozen countries.

"There was also information on the change in Poland's delegation at the V4 meeting in Israel," Dworczyk said.

The Jerusalem Post reported on Thursday evening that during his stay in Warsaw, Benjamin Netanyahu had said that the Poles had collaborated with the Nazis in the Holocaust.

Israeli Ambassador to Poland Anna Azari was summoned by the Polish Foreign Ministry on Friday to offer explanations regarding the Israeli PM's words. The ambassador said PM Netanyahu was not talking about Poland or the Polish nation.

This was later reiterated by the Israeli Prime Minister's office in the following statement:

"In a briefing, PM Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland. This was misquoted and misrepresented in press reports and was subsequently corrected by the journalist who issued the initial misstatement."

Dworczyk noted that "PM Morawiecki takes very seriously the issue of accusing the Polish state or the Polish nation of acts that we did not commit during World War II." "These statements have generated further discussions, with a number of unjust and untrue accusations against Poland."

"This is why PM Mateusz Morawiecki has taken this decision," Dworczyk concluded.

The Polish delegation change was first reported by the wPolityce.pl news website. According to wPolityce.pl, the conversation was "very good". "Netanyahu assured Morawiecki that he completely accepts their joint declaration from last year."

Last June, Morawiecki in Warsaw and Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv signed a joint statement which emphasised that the contacts between Poland and Israel and between their societies "have been based on well-grounded trust and understanding" and on cooperation in the international arena, as well as on matters regarding preservation of memory and education of the Holocaust.

Morawiecki and Netanyahu also called for a return to "civil and respectful dialogue in the public discourse."

The announcement of the declaration came after Polish President Andrzej Duda signed into law an amendment to a January anti-defamation law. The amendment repeals a clause penalising with a prison term suggestions of Polish complicity in Nazi crimes during World War Two. The act in the previous form met with criticism from Israel and the United States among other countries. (PAP)

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100 years ago

Feb. 18, 1919: Former Bloomington newspaperman Richard Little writes in the Chicago Sunday Tribune that perception of society girls as war workers is changing. Not long ago they couldnt be accepted when trying to volunteer. But it turns out they work the hardest, he writes.

75 years ago

Feb. 18, 1944: Staff Sgt. Frank Bendschneider is home on leave on South East Street. He was part of the Marine landing at Guadalcanal in 1942, first on a tank crew and later on a fighter plane. He has been decorated, and said he reports to duty again in San Diego on Feb. 25.

50 years ago

Feb. 18, 1969: In a 3-2 vote, Normal City Council voted to allow the Normal Fire Department 11 full-time firemen. Originally the figure was going to be nine. Mayor Baugh hopes they can be hired and working by May 15. Minimum pay will be $500 per month.

25 years ago

Feb. 18, 1994: Normal got good news with word that a $300,000 grant for complete renovation of the Camelback Bridge on Virginia Avenue has been approved. But there was bad news too: grants were rejected for restoration of the Normal Theater and Cedar Crest subdivision.

Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com.
History reveals that great and noble leaders are forged in adversity. Valley Forge was that crucible for George Washington where the mettle of his character was tested to the limit.

During that winter of 1777-78, a German newspaper from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, perceived that formation of a statesman. It described Washington as Des Landes Vater, Father of the Country. And we have known him thus ever since.

Valley Forge was a place of squalid and horrendous conditions, as Bob Drury and Tom Clavin have written in their latest book Valley Forge. Men dying every day from famine, malnutrition, cold and disease. Like a poisonous gas, the stench of fetid air from the rotting carcasses of starved horses, nearby latrines and the daily collection of corpses hung over all.

Alexander Hamilton, never one to mince words, attributed these conditions to the government the Continental Army was fighting for. Congress, he said, was our greatest antagonist.

Talk about gridlock, Congress and state governments had become experts in kicking the can down the road. Solutions to crises such as feeding, supplying, recruiting, equipping and paying the army were shuttled off to 114 committees. A new Congress, noted Hamilton, of mediocre men had replaced the leaders of 1776. This self-destructive behavior was about to cause the first budding democracy since 500 B.C. to wither.

Yes, there was an external enemy to be driven off the continent. The British had the greatest, most skilled, experienced, disciplined and well-equipped military in the world. Just the things Washingtons outnumbered forces lacked. Yet internal enemies were the greater threat.

Washington had to contend with a dysfunctional Congress and a conspiracy among some legislators and three of his top generals to replace him. Civilian control of the military was invested in Congress to appoint top officers.

Washington honored the principle of a government legitimized by the consent of the people. Thats what the war was about. But democracy is different. The freedom it secures with one hand can be unwittingly used to destroy itself with the other.

The conspiracy failed. Yet the entire logistic system of military supplies including food, clothes and arms, was driven by corruption. War profiteering was pandemic among citizens and some legislators.

Was there any unity among Americans to win the War of Independence?

Historians estimated that 20 percent of the population were Loyalists, 40 percent followed self-interests and 40 percent were committed Patriots.

Furthermore, the newly proclaimed Free and Independent States could barely collaborate. Some state militias worked at cross purposes to the strategies of the Continental Army. At times, they were within a hairs length of a civil war.

Antipathies and animosities brewed among regiments from the 13 Colonies.

Virginians refused to fight with New Englanders, especially with free black soldiers. Ethnic and religious divisions plagued the army: Scots, Irish, German, Quakers, Catholics and Jews.

Divisiveness and discord are the deadly pathogens of every democracy. In this case, Washington was the only antigen.

Conditions were exacerbated at Valley Forge where hunger and cold ate at every man, every minute of the day. A week of famine coincided with Washingtons 46th birthday. Only 10 percent of the food necessary to feed the army was available. And several hundred officers resigned their commissions.

Washington was able to solidify and inspirit his army. He lived with them with fortitude and conviction on the campground and fought with them on the battleground. He risked his life for them and they for him. He forged the only unified body in a fragmented America. And at the end of the Revolutionary War, all Washington had to do was nod his head and his troops would have made him King.

But fame and fortune was not the vision for which Washington risked his life. His Great American Cause was to create a united nation of free and independent people. He touched the hearts of all and never resorted to inflaming their passions. Its what inspired the men he led and persuaded Congress to fulfill its responsibilities.

After the war, Washington humbly submitted his resignation to Congress.

The Valley Forge lesson: Good and effective governments depend upon the virtues possessed by those who lead it. Theyre called statesmen and stateswomen. But their elections depends upon the virtues of those who elect them.

John F. Gilligan, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, is president emeritus of Fayette Companies/Human Service Center. He resides in Groveland. He can be reached by email at jfgilligan@hotmail.com.

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SPRINGFIELD  Fathers rights advocates are making another attempt this year to push for a change in Illinois family law that sparked immense controversy in 2018, equal parenting time legislation.

Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, is the lead sponsor of a bill that would create a rebuttable presumption in divorce cases that both parties should be given equal parenting time with any children of that marriage.

It would also require that when judges in divorce cases deviate from the standard, they explain their decision in writing.

That would be a sharp departure from the current legal standard in Illinois, which allows judges wide discretion to assign custody and parenting time in a way that reflects the best interests of the child.

But James Bedell, a psychologist who practices in suburban Chicago and a proponent of the bill, said the best interests of the child standard is vague and flawed, and that equal parenting time actually is in the best interests of children.

Children have a fundamental bonding attachment to each parent, he said. They establish that in the course of the marriage. They establish that in the course of both parents (having) fundamental and equal involvement with the child. And when divorce occurs, there is no necessary reason why a child who has equal access to both parents should suddenly not have equal access to both parents.

A similar bill was introduced in the 2018 session but failed to make it through the House process.

It is essential that the well-being of children in custody proceedings remain focused on a childs best interests and not on a number, said Danielle Gomez, an attorney with the Cook County Public Guardian, an agency that represents children in highly-contested custody cases.

In particular, Gomez said, children of divorced parents would be adversely affected the most by any change.

They are the ones who will be exposed to additional conflict if they are shuttled back and forth between their parents homes, she said. Children are keenly aware of the discord among their parents, no matter what our best attempts are to alleviate that. They know whats going on, and they perceive that.

The subcommittee took no action on the bill.

According to information on the General Assemblys website, as of Thursday more than 2,500 individuals had signed up as supporters of the measure, while more than 3,300 have signed up as opponents.

The legislation is House Bill 185.

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URBANA, Ill. (AP)  A federal judge has denied a request to exclude evidence about a cadaver-sniffing dog from the trial of a former University of Illinois physics student accused of killing a Chinese scholar in 2017.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports that U.S. District Judge James Shadid ruled Friday that prosecutors can present evidence from McHenry County Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Bruketta's dog Sage. The judge found both Sage and Bruketta to be reliable.

The FBI says the canine "possibly indicated an alert" in the bathroom of Brendt Christensen's off-campus apartment in Urbana.

Prosecutors are trying to prove Christensen kidnapped and killed 26-year-old Yingying Zhang. The scholar from China is presumed dead, but her body hasn't been found.

Christensen faces the death penalty if convicted at his trial, which is scheduled to begin in April.

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BLOOMINGTON  A winter weather advisory is in effect until midnight Monday as first responders are reporting slick roads in McLean County.

The Illinois State Police are reporting multiple crashes on Interstate 55, mainly between Towanda and Lexington. There are no initial reports of injuries. First responders were called to the scene of a crash involving a school bus, but police said there were no injuries.

It was not immediately known what school district the bus was from, where it was coming from or where it was headed.

Temperatures were dropping throughout the area and the roads, wet with an early Sunday morning snowfall, were becoming slick in some spots, police said. IDOT snow crews were called in to treat the roads.

A Winter Weather Advisory means periods of snow, sleet or freezing drizzle will cause travel difficulties. Expect slippery roads and limited visibility, and use caution while driving, urges the NWS and first responders.

Snow began falling in the Twin Cities after 3 a.m. It ended late Sunday morning and snow plows spent much of Sunday on area roads, treating slick spots.

Early Sunday, the Bloomington Police Department assisted State Police with an accident on Interstate 55, southbound at mile marker 159. Traffic was re-routed, but at 10:15 a.m., BPD announced the accident was cleared. There was no immediate report on injuries.

A light glaze of ice from freezing drizzle is also possible south of Peoria and Bloomington, according to the advisory.

Once the system moves through the area, Presidents Day on Monday should be dry.

Sundays temperature will be between around the freezing mark, with wind coming out of the east blowing 10 to 14 mph. At times the gusts may reach up to 20 mph, according to the weather service.

At 10:15 a.m., the temperature was 27 degrees in Bloomington. After reaching temperatures near freezing, the temperatures dropped to 28 degrees by 5:30 p.m. in Bloomington.

For updates on road conditions over the Presidents Day weekend, visit gettingaroundillinois.com/winterconditions.

A second snow system will make its way into the region Tuesday night with similar accumulation expected. However, the temperature might exceed freezing so the snow could mix with rain by Wednesday afternoon.

Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer. Kevin Barlow contributed to this report.

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NORMAL  Major streets in Normal will get some much-needed attention this summer.

Parts of College Avenue, School Street and Vernon Avenue and more will be fixed up under a resurfacing plan before Normal City Council on Monday.

The full list is:

 Broadway Avenue from Vernon to Phoenix Avenue

 College from Beech Street to Blair Drive

 College from Kingsley Street to School

 Gregory Street from Main Street to Adelaide Street

 School from Mulberry Street to Willow Street

 Shelbourne Drive from School to Constitution Trail's central branch

 Vernon from Linden Street to Grandview Drive

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Work is expected to be bid this spring, start soon after that and continue into late August. Officials expect lane closures but no major disruptions, said Normal Assistant City Manager Eric Hanson.

"We make an effort to be cognizant of our road projects and other things going on in the community, (Illinois State University) or anything else," he said of whether the work was scheduled around ISU's school year. "This is just one piece of the total road program."

Resurfacing is expected to cost about $2.5 million, with $1.45 million budgeted from motor fuel tax proceeds, $772,000 from the town's roadway fund and $174,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant money. The exact cost will be determined after the project goes out for bids.

The town expects more resurfacing work to be done this summer that's not funded by motor fuel tax, according to a memo from City Engineer Ryan Otto.

The town planned to do some of the planned resurfacing work last year but was delayed, Otto said last fall. Crews finished work on North Towanda Avenue from College to Dustin Drive and Chadwick Drive to Fort Jesse Road; Dillon Drive from Waverly Drive to Towanda; Courtland Avenue from Bentley Drive to Towanda; Erin Drive from Parkside Road to Dwyer Court; Fell Avenue from Vernon to Irving Street and Cherry Street to Willow; and Bone Drive from Hovey Avenue to Bryan Drive.

The Normal City Council meets 7 p.m. Monday on the fourth floor at Uptown Station.

In other business, the council will:

 Consider detailed plans for Trail East, a new five-story building to be erected on the northeast side of Uptown Circle. Those plans cleared Normal's Uptown Design Review Commission last week.

The $30 million building is expected to open in 2020. The town has promised Iowa developer Bush Construction about $8.65 million in future property and sales tax revenues, which have a value of about $4.7 million in 2019 dollars.

 Consider approving lot changes needed for Menards to relocate its outdoor pickup area to the north side of the building and expand its warehouse east of the store. The business plans to close one entrance off Shepard Road.

 Hear a presentation on Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal's 2018 annual report. The organization fights bigotry, bullying and hate.

Contact Derek Beigh at (309) 820-3234. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_beigh

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Bloomington-Normal

Galleries, museums

ISU University Galleries; noon-4 p.m. Mon., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue., 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal; rotating exhibits in three galleries; free; 309-438-8321.

IWU Merwin and Wakeley Galleries; school hours, noon-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 7-9 p.m. Tue.; 302 E. Graham St., Bloomington; rotating exhibits; free; 309-556-3391.

Jan Brandt Gallery; 1305 Morrissey Drive, Bloomington; janbrandtgallery@gmail.com.

McLean County Arts Center; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tue., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., noon-4 p.m. Sat.; 601 N. East St., Bloomington; rotating exhibits, sales, rentals, art classes and lectures; free; 309-829-0011.

McLean County Museum of History; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. Tue.), 200 N. Main St., Bloomington; permanent and rotating exhibits; adults $5, seniors $4, students, children under 12 and members free; 309-827-0428.

Prairie Aviation Museum; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thu.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., 2929 E. Empire St., Bloomington; permanent and rotating exhibits and displays with aerial history themes; adults $5, ages 6-11 $3, 5 and under free; 309-663-7632.

Exhibits

Illinois With Altitude; through Feb. 15, Heartland Community College Joe McCauley Gallery, Normal; drone photographs by Ronald Douglas Frazier; artist reception, 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 12.

TWOgether; Jan Brandt Gallery; exhibit through March 30; viewed by appointment; artwork pairs artists working together in various collaborative mediums.

Mandy Roeing Fine Art; through February, IAA Credit Union main lobby, 808 IAA Drive, Bloomington; pastel pet portraits.

Sheila Allen paintings; through March 31, Normal Public Library.

"Leaving Home"; LizBeth Ogiela-Scheck, Dreams 2 Create Art House, 903 S. Allin St., Bloomington.

Pedal Power!; through spring 2020, McLean County Museum of History; exhibit of vintage pedal cars from the collection of Bruce Callis.

ImagineAir; Children's Discovery Museum, uptown Normal; permanent exhibit shows power of wind, wind energy, aerodynamics, fluid dynamics; $7 for age 2 and older, $3 for Museums for All passholders; free, CDM members.

Challenges, Choices & Change: Working for a Living; McLean County Museum of History; highlights more than 80 local workers and their daily on-the-job experiences.

Challenges, Choices and Change: Making a Home; McLean County Museum of History; permanent exhibit exploring experiences of people from around the world who made McLean County their home.

Abraham Lincoln in McLean County; McLean County Museum of History; permanent exhibit on Lincoln's life in Bloomington.

Challenges, Choices and Change: Farming in the Great Corn Belt; McLean County Museum of History; permanent exhibit on McLean County's agricultural history.

Central Illinois

Galleries, museums

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun., 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield; Lincoln-themed exhibits, historical displays, special events, more; adults $12, seniors and students $9, ages 5-15 $5, under 5 free; 217-558-8844.

Amity Township Museum; 1-3 p.m. first Sunday of month or by appointment, 510 Main St., Cornell; displays and artifacts relating to history of Cornell and Amity Township; free; 815-358-2973.

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., Riverfront Arts Center, 305 S.W. Water St., Peoria; rotating exhibits in two galleries; free; 309-674-6822.

Dickson Mounds Museum; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Road, Lewistown; displays, special exhibits; free; 309-547-3721.

Eureka College Burgess Hall Art Gallery; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and by appointment on weekends, third floor of Burgess Hall, Eureka College, Eureka; rotating exhibits; free; 309-467-6866.

Lincoln Heritage Museum; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 1-4 p.m. Sat., Lincoln Center at Lincoln College, 300 Keokuk St., Lincoln; Lincoln-era items, audiovisual displays, tours, exhibits, more; adults $7, children/tours $4; 217-735-7399.

Museum of the Gilding Arts; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun., April-Oct., and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sun., Nov.-March, 217 N. Mill St., Pontiac; displays, history and hands-on exhibits dedicated to the art of gilding and gold leafing; free (donations welcome); 815-842-1848.

Peoria Art Guild; Foster Arts Center, Harrison and Washington streets, Peoria; rotating exhibits, gift shop; free; 309-637-2787.

Peoria Riverfront Museum; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Wed. and Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu.-Fri., noon-5 p.m. Sun., downtown riverfront Peoria; permanent and rotating exhibits, planetarium shows, Giant Screen Theater and events; $9-$11 (free parking in museum garage); 309-686-7000.

Pontiac Community Art Center; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun., 209 W. Madison St., Pontiac; rotating exhibits; 815-419-2472.

Simpkins Military History Museum; 1-5 p.m. Tue., Thu., Sat., or by appointment; 605 E. Cole St., Heyworth; permanent and rotating military history exhibits; free (donations accepted); 309-319-3413.

Time Gallery; Fondulac Bank, 201 Clock Tower Drive, East Peoria; 309-467-2331

U of I Krannert Art Museum; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (until 9 p.m. Thu. during fall and spring semesters), closed Sun., 500 E. Peabody Drive, Champaign; paintings, porcelain, historical artifacts, traveling art exhibits; $3 donation suggested; 217-333-1861.

Exhibits

"Transposing Color"; through February, Pontiac Community Art Center Joe Bailey Gallery; mult-media artist Christine Bennett-Weber.

ExIconoclast: ReMaking Myth; an exhibit of assemblage art with found objects that connect with mythologies and classic literature, and photography exhibits emphasizing the Mackinaw River and rural America; Time Gallery, Fondulac Bank, East Peoria; through March 30; gallery talks, 10-11 am. March 2, What is found object art?; and 10-11 a.m. March 23, One view, two perspectives.

American Decoy: The Invention and 10 Medical Inventions That Changed the World; opens Feb. 9, Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Special exhibit; 1-5 p.m. March 16, Simpkins Military History Museum, Heyworth; celebrating 60 years of collecting military items and 40 years of an established museum (30 years at present location).

"The Art of the Brick," opens May 25, Peoria Riverfront Museum; LEGO art exhibition.

Da Vinci the Genius with The Secrets of Mona Lisa; opens Nov. 16, Peoria Riverfront Museum.
NORMAL  For Normal Mayor Chris Koos, Amazon's investment in Rivian is another sign that the community was right to bet on the electric car start-up.

"It's incredible news for Rivian and for the community," said Koos of an equity investment round of $700 million led by Amazon announced Friday. "It just validates that we all took the right step in the right direction to make this happen, and I'm including Rivian in that."

About two years after local and state officials promised more than $50 million in incentives for the fledgling automaker to take over the former Mitsubishi plant in west Normal, Rivian stands ready to put the finishing touches on the R1T pickup and R1S SUV to be made in Normal, with the R1T out in 2020.

Industry analysts believe Rivian has the potential to become the Tesla of trucks, creating a niche in a highly profitable sector of the auto industry coveted by consumers and automakers alike.

The company, which had previously raised nearly $700 million in funding, gains both additional capital and legitimacy through the partnership, even though it has yet to begin production.

"I'm impressed by the fact it's a significant commitment, and the fact that Amazon is doing it. Amazon recognizing the Rivian organization is of course kudos to Rivian," said Koos. "My question now is, will you be able to go on Amazon and buy a Rivian pickup?"

Adam Jonas, an equity analyst with Morgan Stanley, issued a bullish note on Rivian this week, calling it the "next serious competition" to take market share from Tesla in the electric vehicle segment.

This investment is an important milestone for Rivian and the shift to sustainable mobility," RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO, said in a statement on Friday. Beyond simply eliminating compromises that exist around performance, capability and efficiency, we are working to drive innovation across the entire customer experience."

He added that "delivering on this vision requires the right partners, and we are excited to have Amazon with us on our journey to create products, technology and experiences that reset expectations of what is possible.

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Michelle Krebs, a Detroit-based analyst for Autotrader, said the new partnership with Amazon makes sense for Rivian.

"Amazon is an obvious player. For them, it's not that much money, but it does fit into their ideas for a future commercial fleet," Krebs said. "I've always thought electric and autonomous make the most sense when you use them in commercial fleet, because you can plan rides and charging."

The online retail giant has been building its delivery capabilities to take more control of its massive shipping operations beyond the United States Postal Service and the UPS. Investments in cutting-edge technologies like autonomous and all-electric vehicles are seen as part of that strategy.

Were inspired by Rivians vision for the future of electric transportation, Jeff Wilke, Amazon CEO Worldwide Consumer, said in the statement. RJ has built an impressive organization, with a product portfolio and technology to match. Were thrilled to invest in such an innovative company.

Rivian will remain an independent company; Amazon is leading the round, which includes participation from existing shareholders. Additional details about the investment are not being disclosed at this time, said the statement.

The investment follows Rivian unveiling the R1T and R1S at the LA Auto Show in November. Koos attended, and the town has pre-ordered two vehicles.

Rivian, with a current workforce of 750, has development centers in Plymouth, Mich.; San Jose, Calif.; Irvine, Calif; and Surrey, England.

Photos: Rivian shows off its electric pickup truck at Los Angeles Auto Show

The Chicago Tribune contributed to this story. Contact Derek Beigh at (309) 820-3234. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_beigh

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Eckhardt joins Meyer Capel

BLOOMINGTON  Timothy A. Eckhardt has joined the Central Illinois law firm of Meyer Capel. He will practice out of the firm's Bloomington office.

His practice will concentrate in family law, including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, adoption and orders of protection. Prior to joining Meyer Capel, Tim worked in family law litigation and criminal defense in McLean County and the surrounding counties.

He graduated summa cum laude from Illinois State University and received his law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, graduating cum laude.

Tim is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the McLean County Bar Association, and is certified as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem. He was born and raised in Peoria and has called Bloomington-Normal home for seven years.

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Eric Washington of Palestine Texas, died June 17, 2021 at the age of 46. Graveside Service will be Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Jackson Quarter Cemetery in Tennessee Colony Texas. Elder R.C. Emanuel will be the officiant. viewing will be held, Friday, June 25, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. a
The Midland Public Schools are proposing adding three days to the end of the scheduled school year to make up some of the days postponed because of recent stormy, icy and frigid winter weather.

In a communique issued Thursday by Superintendent Michael Sharrow, MPS has proposed adding the days of Monday, June 10, through Wednesday, June 12. The school year is scheduled to end on Friday, June 7.

So far, Midland schools have been postponed 12 days during the current calendar school year. Sharrow noted the average is usually three or four days.

The Michigan Department of Education forgives up to six days that are postponed due to weather. Schools can apply for a waiver for three more days. In his message to the community, Sharrow wrote, "The granting of his waiver is not a given, but MDE has indicated they will be granting them because of this winter's unusual weather patterns."

The communique also notes that legislation is being drafted and possibly proposed at the state capitol in Lansing that would forgive school districts for the three days that schools were closed during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's State of Emergency that was declared during the week of Jan. 28 because of sub-zero temperatures and wind chills.

"It is my belief this legislation has a better than 50 percent chance of being approved. We must schedule the makeup days and inform our community and staff for planning purposes, however, we can cancel them if the legislation is approved," Sharrow wrote.

About 7,690 students attend the Midland Public Schools. About 460 teachers are employed by the district along with 550 support and part-time staff members.
"It's not easy for anyone."

That's how Craig Carmoney, superintendent of the Meridian Public Schools, summed up the impact of the recent winter weather on teachers, students, support staff, parents and communities. Meridian and Bullock Creek school districts have each postponed 12 days of schools so far this year, while Coleman has postponed 15 days.

The superintendents in the districts agree that the stretch of weather and postponements has been unprecedented, specifically the loss of a whole week of school in late January.

Jennifer McCormack of Coleman Community Schools noted that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requires "both 180 days of instructional time and 1,098 hours."

Like Midland Public Schools, each of three other districts in the county plan to apply for a waiver for up to three more days in addition to the six days that the MDE forgives under current policy. These districts each anticipate that they will have to extend their school year.

"Those days are important to us. Making them up is a good thing," said Shawn Hale of Bullock Creek Schools.

The last day of school for Meridian's 1,320 students is currently scheduled for June 6; Coleman's 680 students is June 11, while Bullock Creek's 1,830 students is June 12.

The educators share several concerns: safety, child care, instructional time, loss of wages for hourly staff, and budget.

"We'll make the best decision for the safety of our kids," Hale said.

When treacherous weather is either happening or threatening, Hale wakes up at 3:30 a.m. to go out driving on roads in the east half of the district while his facilities director drives the west half to determine whether or not to hold school.

Bullock Creek rolls out 24 buses each morning to cover a 77-square mile area.

McCormack explained her strategy in Coleman: "We try to make the decision as early as we can, but sometimes the situation changes overnight."

In a Special Edition Communique on Thursday, Michael Sharrow of the Midland Public Schools wrote: "When it appears schools may need to close the next day, would it be best to assume we are closing and make arrangements for your child's supervision/care? If we stay open, it may be easier to cancel the arrangement."

The intermittent school schedule since the first of the year also has had an impact on the classroom. Carmoney has significant concerns about the lack of consistency taking place and the contrast to the type of learning that usually goes on.

"Learning that occurs in January and February is different from what happens at the end of the school year," he said.

Many students and teachers across the county get support from paraprofessionals. Those staff members and other hourly, part-time employees aren't paid if they can't report to work. While there are provisions in some of the labor agreements for paid time off, many employees are feeling the pinch of lost wages.

In Bullock Creek, on occasion, Hale said these staff members have been given the opportunity to report to work for other assigned tasks.

On the budget side, Carmoney said Meridian is spending a lot more on snow removal, plus there's no more room to put the snow.

"I'm still looking at the calendar and we're not done with winter yet," he said.

McCormack said she is grateful to the Coleman community for its support.

"We just want the kids back in school."
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Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 80F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, mainly cloudy late with a few showers. Low 66F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Patchy freezing fog is reducing visibility down to a quarter of a mile and causing crashes in some spots around Portland Monday morning. Several vehicles were involved in crashes on Interstate 205 near Interstate 84 prior to 6 a.m. on Monday. The National Weather Service said areas near the Columbia River as well as Washington County and Clark County would experience foggy conditions on Monday.

Crows perch near the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland. Beth Nakamura/Staff

A weak system traveling south from British Columbia should stall out over the ocean Monday, but could produce a few very light snow showers in isolated locations on Monday morning. Freezing temperatures have the snow level down to about 500 feet. Most showers should remain offshore, but a few may make it in to the Columbia County area and areas near Longview/Kelso. Monday will be mostly cloudy in Portland with a high of 40.

Umbrellas were out in full force during a wet commute. Beth Nakamura/Staff

Rain rates will grow as we move into Tuesday morning. A front will bring a short period of lowland snow or snow/rain mix on Tuesday morning, but with winds shifting to the southwest, temperatures should warm quickly and turn everything over to all rain by midday.

Snow levels will rise to about 2,000 feet for most locations on Tuesday as heavier rain moves into the northwest corner of Oregon. Expect rain most of the day with a high near 40.

Oregonian file photo of snow on Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge

The exception to the rising snow levels will be the central Columbia River Gorge and Hood River valley areas. Again, cold air will remain trapped in the gorge and the long-suffering snowbound residents will see another 2 inches of snow accumulation. This will create hazardous driving conditions in the gorge. Be prepared with chains, traction devices and emergency supplies if you must travel through the gorge on Tuesday.

The Cascades and the foothills will also see snow through Tuesday afternoon. Forecasters believe 1-3 inches will fall in the foothills and in the higher elevations of the Coast Range.

Portland on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019.

Valley rain and mountain/foothill snow showers continue on Wednesday. Portland will see rain most of the day and a high of 42. A break in the showers will start on Wednesday evening as a high pressure system begins to build southward from British Columbia. It will be a short break, but at least some areas should see lowered precipitation rates Wednesday night into Thursday.
A Washington homicide suspect was arrested Monday at a Southeast Portland fitness center.

Portland police said 31-year-old Thomas Cooper was safely taken into custody at a 24 Hour Fitness gym on McLoughlin Boulevard. Authorities seized a loaded handgun from the locker he was using, according to police.

He was booked early Monday afternoon into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He had an out-of-state warrant and is now accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm in public, according to police.

The warrant is related to a Lakewood, Washington, police case, Portland police said.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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BOISE  Idaho Gov. Brad Little has issued a proclamation to recognize and remember the people of Japanese ancestry imprisoned at the Minidoka prison camp in south-central Idaho during WWII.

Little signed the proclamation Monday in the governor's ceremonial office in the Statehouse with a former prisoner from the Minidoka camp in the audience.

Ninety-three-old Sadami Tanabe of Boise lived at the camp for four years in the 1940s after being relocated with his parents and three siblings from Oregon when he was 16.

Starting in 1942, when the U.S. was at war with Japan, around 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were ordered by the U.S. government into prison camps around the country.

The camp in Idaho is now a national historic site managed by the National Park Service.
As a Jewish American, I am concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism epitomized by the horrific attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. However, Rep. Ilhan Omars, Its all about the Benjamins, tweet and the torrent of condemnation it has unleashed says much more about Islamophobia in our country than it does about anti-Semitism.

There is nothing anti-Semitic about calling attention to American Israel Public Affairs Committees outsized influence on American Israel policy and the role money plays in that influence. AIPACs supporters have openly bragged about it for years.

I find it curious the two current Muslim members of Congress and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the first Muslim member of U.S. Congress, have had their every word scrutinized for anti-Semitic tropes, while the comments of the champions of AIPAC dont raise an eyebrow. I commend Omar for telling it like it is. I wish she hadnt apologized. She did nothing wrong.

David Newman, Portland

Newman is a member of Portlands Congregation Havurah Shalom. His opinions are his own.
Annabelle Sukin is used to listening. The David Douglas High School junior volunteers at Lines for Life, where she works for the organizations youth crisis hotline, YouthLine.

But on Friday, Sukin was doing the talking as U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran met with her and a handful of volunteers at the Lines for Life headquarters in South Portland.

Oregons senior senator is lobbying the federal regulators to create a three-digit, like 911, for mental health emergencies.

A state youth safety task force released a report Tuesday showing a jump in teen suicide in 2017. One hundred and seven Oregon teens died of suicide in 2017, the most recent year data is available, an increase of more than 9 percent over 2016 and the highest rate since 2014.

That makes suicide among people between the ages of 10 and 24 the second-most common cause of death in that age group, behind motor vehicle accidents.

The task force, through a survey it administered last year, also found that 50 percent of LGBTQ youth contemplated suicide.

More than 30 percent of Oregon eighth-graders reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks in a row that they stopped doing some usual activities, the survey found.

Wyden told volunteers gathered Friday that the issue was a real Oregon crisis. So he and Meieran were in South Portland to ask the group of nearly a dozen teens from across the metro area how they help peers who call the youth hotline.

More than anything, the volunteers said, they listen.

I dont want to burden someone with my problems.

I cant talk to my parents.

Everyone else seems so happy. Why cant I be happy, too?

Those are just some of the things teen volunteers hear during their shifts at YouthLine. Listening to her peers and helping them steer through those feelings, Sukin said, feels like a duty.

Sukin decided to volunteer last year when she discovered one of her classmates was self-harming.

It made me realize it was real  its not just something people talk about, Sukin said.

Since then, shes spent between four and six hours a week at YouthLine, answering phone calls, emails, text messages and chat requests from youth who need someone to talk to.

Volunteers call those methods of communication contacts, and Sukin said she fields eight or nine contacts per shift on average.

During the summer, that number falls to as few as one or two. But about six months ago, Sukin told Wyden and Meieran, contacts suddenly spiked.

Contacts typically swell during times of stress, the teenage volunteers told the senator and county commissioner. Finals week is a trigger. So is back-to-school.

Its so demanding to ask students to be 110 percent perfect in school when they have so much else going on, Sukin said.

But beyond the academic stress, the YouthLine volunteers told Wyden and Meieran that their peers feel a sense of inadequacy when log into social media accounts and scroll through feeds full with perfectly curated photos of vacations and nights out and algorithm-friendly, peppy hashtags.

YouthLine volunteers said a social media environment that heavily features bright, cheery updates and photos but rarely addresses the realities of life makes some of their peers question why they arent happy more often.

People feel so isolated. They dont feel appreciated, Sukin said.

So she listens.

Sukin tells callers theyre not alone. That they have somebody to confide in and talk things out with.

Its peer-to-peer contact like that, Wyden said, makes programs like YouthLine valuable. Toward the end of the session, he asked Sukin and her peers for suggestions to take back to Congress, or possibly suggest to state legislators or local government officials.

YouthLine volunteers told him and Meieran that requiring middle and high schools to provide crisis hotline numbers on the back of each student ID would be one way to help. They also suggested providing resource booklets in school counseling centers and routine mental health check-ins throughout the year.

Wyden lauded the volunteers suggestions, as well as their work with YouthLine. He even appointed one of them, Myra Forester, chair of an ad-hoc committee to present those suggestions to the state legislature.

Forester, who is white, said her family has always provided a strong support system for her. The Southridge High School senior said she wanted to make sure other youth who needed a shoulder to lean on had one as well.

People of all races experience problems. People of all ages experiences problems. And I hope they all realize they have one thing in common: They can reach out for help, Forester said.
Its clear from the start of Skye Fitzgeralds half-hour documentary film, which begins at a checkpoint on a beach, that were in for a grim ride. The wind whips through the opening scene, giving it a raw immediacy; its punctuated by the sounds of volunteers, who scurry in the dark and through beach grass on their way to recover the corpses of migrants washed up on the north coast of Africa after attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea on their way to Europe.

Lifeboat, which Fitzgerald made in 2016, captures a small window into the work of the German nonprofit Sea-Watch, a search and rescue operation focused on humanitarian crises in the Mediterranean. The film is a nominee in this years Academy Awards short-documentary category.

Lifeboat offers a wrenching glimpse into the story of Syrian and North African migrants fleeing poverty, war and human trafficking. Its potent mixture of artistry and agony is as unsettling as it is humanizing and bears witness to a level of suffering that can seem often and otherwise incomprehensible in large scale humanitarian crises. The futility of small rubber boats attempting to cross the vast sea speaks to the desperation of their inhabitants, and the voyage can be deadly.

Lifeboat is the second in a trilogy of films the 48-year-old filmmaker hopes to complete by the end of this year.

Fitzgerald, who lives in Happy Valley, moved from California to tiny Monument, Oregon, as a teenager. The rural environment, he says, helped shape his perspective.

It was population 165 when I was in high school, he said of the Eastern Oregon community. School was a sixteen-and-a-half mile drive every day on a forest service road. We literally crossed over creeks in a jeep.

If the creeks froze over, Fitzgerald and his siblings would hike three miles to where the familys second vehicle awaited to take them the rest of the way to school.

So the simplest things took a lot of effort, he said.

It wasnt easy. Much of that period of my life was like that.

The experience, he said, deepened my empathy on some level.

Fitzgerald and his family got their drinking water not out of a faucet but from the creek.

I dont take things for granted, he said.

Fitzgerald embedded with Sea-Watch on a two-week rescue mission, and Lifeboat drops the viewer into the heart of the rescue experience. The captain of the Sea-Watch boat, Jon Castle, appears throughout the film and provides its moral voice.

When I read about the political state of the world or the environmental state of the world," Castle says toward the end of the film, smiling,  its all going to hell in the handcart.

The camera lingers on a nearby rubber boat packed with human beings, each wearing bright orange life-jackets and awaiting rescue.

"So maybe the hope in the humans is some totally mad, irrational thing weve got, Castle says.

"But weve got it anyway.

The rubber boat drifts through the water and across the cameras viewfinder.

"The brain and the mind, yeah, its a useful tool, he says.

But the heart is where your real thinking comes.

You can watch Lifeboat in its entirety here.

The 91st Academy Awards air at 5 p.m. Sunday on ABC. Full details and list of nominees at oscar.go.com.
Freezing fog blanketed Portland Monday morning causing several crashes near the confluence of Interstates 205 and 84. Three crashes were reported on I-205 prior to 6 a.m.  two in the southbound lanes near the ramp to I-84 westbound and one in the northbound lanes. Police closed the northbound ramp from I-205 to I-84 eastbound for a short time around 6:30 a.m. Police were advising caution via Twitter and some reports mentioned black ice.

Update 6:41 a.m.: A vehicle broke off a light pole on I-205 northbound at the exit to I-84 east. The pole is partially blocking a lane. Police are asking for help to block the lane.

Update 7:30 a.m.: All southbound lanes of I-205 have reopened near I-84.

Foggy conditions will lower visibility and with freezing temps around the city, could create slick conditions on roads and sidewalks. Use extreme caution.

Roads in the metro area may have #FreezingFog on them this morning and visibility is low. Please leave extra space between the car in front of you and clear your windshield of ice completely before leaving your home. pic.twitter.com/41UmtrDYUl  Multnomah Co Sheriff (@MultCoSO) February 18, 2019

***

MARQUAM BRIDGE 8:12 a.m.: Stall blocking the left merge lane on I-5 southbound on the ramp from the Marquam Bridge to I-5 south, near I-405 merge.

Update 8:17 a.m.: Quickly cleared.

***

DAMASCAS 7:56 a.m.: Crash on OR 212 just west of Damascas. Use caution.

Update 8:35 a.m.: Cleared.

***

EAST VANCOUVER 7:49 a.m.: Crash on I-205 northbound near 78th Street.

***

INNER SOUTHEAST PORTLAND 7:50 a.m.: Crash on Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at Clay Street.

***

SYLVAN 7:14 a.m.: Crash blocks a lane on the ramp from U.S. 26 westbound to Canyon Road.

***

Monday is also Presidents Day, a Federal holiday. Congestion should be lighter on area freeways as many state and federal agencies are closed on Monday. Also, schools are closed. Parking is free in Portland, except in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo and Willamette Park.

The National Weather Service has a warning for possible hazardous driving conditions again in the Columbia River Gorge on Tuesday. The central Columbia River Gorge and Hood River valley areas will again have trapped cold air on Tuesday when another wet system will approach from the west. The long-suffering snowbound residents of the gorge will possibly see another 2 inches of snow accumulation. This will create hazardous driving conditions in the gorge. Be prepared with chains, traction devices and emergency supplies if you must travel through the gorge on Tuesday.

Aldercrest Road in Milwaukie is closed Monday between Brekke Court and Southeast Theissan Road in the Oak Grove area for a road obstruction. A work schedule will be set after inspection and corrective action is determined. This is a 24-hour road closure; local traffic and emergency vehicles will have access.

Aldercrest Road to close until further notice between SE Brekke Court and SE Theissan Road in the @cityofmilwaukie and Oak Grove areas for a road obstruction #pdxtraffic https://t.co/ENY0jJdmre pic.twitter.com/y4oL8g5Us8  Clackamas County, OR (@clackamascounty) February 18, 2019

Expect detours for road work on Kuehn Road, south of the Southeast Lake Road intersection from 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 18, through 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. The road is closed for road reconstruction and paving in the Milwaukie area. This is a 24-hour road closure - local traffic and emergency vehicles will not have access.
Two more people have come down with measles, bringing the total to 61, according to Clark County Public Health.

The department warned that others may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus at two Clark County schools. Anyone who was at Image Elementary School between Monday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 15, or at Pacific Middle School between Feb. 11 and Feb. 13 should stay alert for any symptoms.

Its impossible to say whether the outbreak is in its waning days or just getting started. Measles infections go in 21-day cycles. Only when the area goes three weeks without a report of a new case can people begin to relax, according to Clark County public health officials.

County health officials are urging anyone who has been exposed at an identified location and believes they have symptoms of measles to call their health care provider. They added that people should notify their provider before they arrive so that they can make arrangements to avoid exposing other patients.

The vast majority were not vaccinated against the virus. One person had one dose of the vaccine, which is 93 percent effective.

Two doses are 97 percent effective, and public health officials in Washington recommend that everyone who is unvaccinated or only received one get both shots to avoid contracting measles. The vaccine can reduce the risk of infection if gotten within 72 hours after exposure to the virus.

For a complete list of exposure sites, visit the Public Health measles investigation webpage.

Public Health has established a call center for questions related to the investigation. Anyone who has questions about public exposures should call 360.397.8021. The call center is open daily.

If you are unsure of your familys immunization status, you can view, download and print your familys immunization information online at MyIR or request a copy of your immunization record from the Washington State Department of Health.
Plenty has been written about American workers' failure to plan adequately for retirement. Their employers seem to be doing an even worse job.

Only 1 in 10 large employers offers a formal phased-retirement program that lets workers cut back their hours or responsibilities before they quit work entirely, according to the 2018 Longer Working Careers Survey by professional services consultant Willis Towers Watson. Fewer than 1 in 3 of the companies surveyed offered their employees the option to work part time or switch to a less demanding job, according to the survey, which polled 143 large U.S. companies that employ 2.9 million people.

That's too bad, because flexible work arrangements don't just help people who need or want to work longer. These accommodations also could help workers who are starting families, pursuing degrees or caring for aging parents.

PROGRAMS VARY WIDELY

Formal phased retirement programs can take many forms. Examples cited in a 201 7 report by the Government Accountability Office include:

One program that allows workers who are at least 55 years old with 10 years of service to cut their hours by 20 percent with a 20 percent cut in pay, but keep health insurance and pension accrual benefits.

Another that allows employees 60 and older with five years of service to reduce their hours by 20 percent to 50 percent, or even more if they're willing to lose their health insurance benefit.

An employer that allows workers 55 and older with seven years of service to negotiate their own "glide path" to retirement, ramping down from full time to full retirement while retaining benefits.

Yet another company that allows any employee to switch to less stressful or complex duties or phase to part-time work, retaining health insurance if they work at least 25 hours a week.

Employers that offer phased retirement typically say the plans are good for business, the GAO report found.

Phased retirement allows both the company and the worker to adjust over time, rather than scrambling to deal with an abrupt departure. Businesses can plan better since they know well in advance when an employee plans to leave, plus they can arrange for experienced workers to train or mentor younger ones, transferring years (and sometimes decades) of employer-specific knowledge.

"Otherwise, years of institutional knowledge could be walking out the door," says Susan Weinstock, vice president for financial resiliency programming at AARP.

FOR EMPLOYERS, RETIREMENT CAN DRAIN TALENT AND KNOWLEDGE

Most employers realize retirement is a looming issue, with 83 percent of the large employers Willis Towers Watson polled saying significant numbers of their workers are approaching retirement age. In fact, 54 percent of employers believe the loss of talent from retiring workers will be more significant than other labor market risks in the next five years, the survey found.

Employers may not fully grasp, however, how many people may need to keep working because they haven't saved enough , says retirement trends expert Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of the nonprofit Transamerica Institute and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

For example, 7 out of 10 employers polled in last year's Transamerica Survey of Employers Were confident that their workers would retire with adequate retirement savings. But 6 out of 10 employees had similar confidence. (Studies by the Employee Benefit Research Institute have found that 57 percent of U.S. households headed by people ages 35 to 64 are on track with retirement savings.)

EMPLOYEES CAN BE AFRAID TO ASK

Another disconnect: Employers often think their employees aren't interested in more flexible schedules or phased retirements, because workers haven't asked. But employees may be afraid to inquire, lest they seem less than gung-ho about their jobs or get shoved out the door before they're ready, Collinson says.

"Employees may not want to tip their hands," she says.

Flexible schedules and phased retirements aren't panaceas, of course. For many, continuing to work simply won't be an option. The Employee Benefit Research Institute found that nearly half of workers retired earlier than they expected for reasons that included layoffs, health issues or the need to care for someone else.

You may think you'll work until you die, in other words, but chances are pretty good that you won't.

Those who do want to work longer, and can, may have to take matters into their own hands. Collinson says people can improve their odds of negotiating a phased retirement by keeping their job skills up to date and focusing on job performance.

"A superstar is going to have greater negotiating power than the average employee," she says.

________________________________________

This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of "Your Credit Score." Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston.

RELATED LINK:

Retirement calculator https://nerd.me/retirement-calculator

Liz Weston: Companies are also flunking retirement planning

By LIZ WESTON of NerdWallet

Plenty has been written about American workers' failure to plan adequately for retirement. Their employers seem to be doing an even worse job.

Only 1 in 10 large employers offers a formal phased-retirement program that lets workers cut back their hours or responsibilities before they quit work entirely, according to the 2018 Longer Working Careers Survey by professional services consultant Willis Towers Watson. Fewer than 1 in 3 of the companies surveyed offered their employees the option to work part time or switch to a less demanding job, according to the survey, which polled 143 large U.S. companies that employ 2.9 million people.

That's too bad, because flexible work arrangements don't just help people who need or want to work longer. These accommodations also could help workers who are starting families, pursuing degrees or caring for aging parents.

PROGRAMS VARY WIDELY

Formal phased retirement programs can take many forms. Examples cited in a 201 7 report by the Government Accountability Office include:

One program that allows workers who are at least 55 years old with 10 years of service to cut their hours by 20 percent with a 20 percent cut in pay, but keep health insurance and pension accrual benefits.

Another that allows employees 60 and older with five years of service to reduce their hours by 20 percent to 50 percent, or even more if they're willing to lose their health insurance benefit.

An employer that allows workers 55 and older with seven years of service to negotiate their own "glide path" to retirement, ramping down from full time to full retirement while retaining benefits.

Yet another company that allows any employee to switch to less stressful or complex duties or phase to part-time work, retaining health insurance if they work at least 25 hours a week.

Employers that offer phased retirement typically say the plans are good for business, the GAO report found.

Phased retirement allows both the company and the worker to adjust over time, rather than scrambling to deal with an abrupt departure. Businesses can plan better since they know well in advance when an employee plans to leave, plus they can arrange for experienced workers to train or mentor younger ones, transferring years (and sometimes decades) of employer-specific knowledge.

"Otherwise, years of institutional knowledge could be walking out the door," says Susan Weinstock, vice president for financial resiliency programming at AARP.

FOR EMPLOYERS, RETIREMENT CAN DRAIN TALENT AND KNOWLEDGE

Most employers realize retirement is a looming issue, with 83 percent of the large employers Willis Towers Watson polled saying significant numbers of their workers are approaching retirement age. In fact, 54 percent of employers believe the loss of talent from retiring workers will be more significant than other labor market risks in the next five years, the survey found.

Employers may not fully grasp, however, how many people may need to keep working because they haven't saved enough , says retirement trends expert Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of the nonprofit Transamerica Institute and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.

For example, 7 out of 10 employers polled in last year's Transamerica Survey of Employers Were confident that their workers would retire with adequate retirement savings. But 6 out of 10 employees had similar confidence. (Studies by the Employee Benefit Research Institute have found that 57 percent of U.S. households headed by people ages 35 to 64 are on track with retirement savings.)

EMPLOYEES CAN BE AFRAID TO ASK

Another disconnect: Employers often think their employees aren't interested in more flexible schedules or phased retirements, because workers haven't asked. But employees may be afraid to inquire, lest they seem less than gung-ho about their jobs or get shoved out the door before they're ready, Collinson says.

"Employees may not want to tip their hands," she says.

Flexible schedules and phased retirements aren't panaceas, of course. For many, continuing to work simply won't be an option. The Employee Benefit Research Institute found that nearly half of workers retired earlier than they expected for reasons that included layoffs, health issues or the need to care for someone else.

You may think you'll work until you die, in other words, but chances are pretty good that you won't.

Those who do want to work longer, and can, may have to take matters into their own hands. Collinson says people can improve their odds of negotiating a phased retirement by keeping their job skills up to date and focusing on job performance.

"A superstar is going to have greater negotiating power than the average employee," she says.

This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Liz Weston is a columnist at NerdWallet, a certified financial planner and author of Your Credit Score. Email: lweston@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lizweston.
3D Printed Drugs Market 2019 | By Leading Players: Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Hewlett Packard Caribe, BV, LLC, 3D Printer Drug Machine, FabRx Ltd.

3D Printed Drugs

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3D Printed Drugs Market report studies the market status and forecast, categorizes the global market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region.The global 3D Printed Drugs market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.Download PDF Sample of this Report @The major manufacturers covered in this report Aprecia Pharmaceuticals GlaxoSmithKline Plc. Hewlett Packard Caribe BV, LLC 3D Printer Drug Machine FabRx Ltd.and more.This 104 pages of report focuses on the 3D Printed Drugs Market in global market, especially in United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and more.Market Segmentation by product type: Rapid Growth Scenario Moderate Growth Scenario Low Growth Scenari Type IITable of Contents1 Industry Overview of 3D Printed Drugs2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs4 Global 3D Printed Drugs Overall Market Overview8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of 3D Printed Drugs8.1 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.3 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals 2017 3D Printed Drugs Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Aprecia Pharmaceuticals 2017 3D Printed Drugs Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 GlaxoSmithKline Plc.8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.3 GlaxoSmithKline Plc. 2017 3D Printed Drugs Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 GlaxoSmithKline Plc. 2017 3D Printed Drugs Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Hewlett Packard CaribeContinuedClick Here for Purchase Full @About Us:Report Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, and Industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of United States Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. We help in business decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, sales & revenue, technology trends, competitive analysis, product portfolio & application analysis etc.500, North Michigan Avenue,Suite 6014Chicago, IL - 60611United StatesContact UsMike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312 604 7084
Organic Skincare Products 2019 Global Market Key Players  Urtekram, Kiehls, Jason, BioSecure, Aubrey Organics, LOccitane, DHC, Jasmin Skincar......

https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3700040-global-organic-skincare-products-industry-market-research-report

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Organic Skincare Products Market 2019Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Organic Skincare Products  Global Market Growth, Opportunities, Analysis Of Top Key Players And Forecast To 2023 To Its Research Database.Description:Based on the Organic Skincare Products industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Organic Skincare Products 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 Organic Skincare Products market.The Organic Skincare Products market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important regions.Major Players in Organic Skincare Products market are:UrtekramKiehlsJasonBioSecureAubrey OrganicsLOccitaneDHCJasmin SkincarNUXENatures GateFanclPhytsOrigins Natural Resources, INC.JurliqueBurts BeesLogonaDow CorningUniliverRequest for Sample Report @Major Regions that plays a vital role in Organic Skincare Products market are:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaIndiaSouth AmericaOthersMost important types of Organic Skincare Products products covered in this report are:Type 1Type 2Type 3Type 4Type 5Most widely used downstream fields of Organic Skincare Products market covered in this report are:Application 1Application 2Application 3Application 4Application 5Enquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Content:Global Organic Skincare Products Industry Market Research Report1 Organic Skincare Products Introduction and Market Overview1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Definition of Organic Skincare Products1.3 Organic Skincare Products Market Scope and Market Size Estimation1.3.1 Market Concentration Ratio and Market Maturity Analysis1.3.2 Global Organic Skincare Products Value ($) and Growth Rate from 2014-20241.4 Market Segmentation1.4.1 Types of Organic Skincare Products1.4.2 Applications of Organic Skincare Products1.4.3 Research Regions1.4.3.1 North America Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.2 Europe Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.3 China Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.4 Japan Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.5 Middle East & Africa Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.6 India Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.4.3.7 South America Organic Skincare Products Production Value ($) and Growth Rate (2014-2019)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Drivers1.5.1.1 Emerging Countries of Organic Skincare Products1.5.1.2 Growing Market of Organic Skincare Products1.5.2 Limitations1.5.3 Opportunities1.6 Industry News and Policies by Regions1.6.1 Industry News1.6.2 Industry Policies..8 Competitive Landscape8.1 Competitive Profile8.2 Urtekram8.2.1 Company Profiles8.2.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.2.3 Urtekram Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.2.4 Urtekram Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.3 Kiehls8.3.1 Company Profiles8.3.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.3.3 Kiehls Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.3.4 Kiehls Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.4 Jason8.4.1 Company Profiles8.4.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.4.3 Jason Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.4.4 Jason Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.5 BioSecure8.5.1 Company Profiles8.5.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.5.3 BioSecure Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.5.4 BioSecure Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.6 Aubrey Organics8.6.1 Company Profiles8.6.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.6.3 Aubrey Organics Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.6.4 Aubrey Organics Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.7 LOccitane8.7.1 Company Profiles8.7.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.7.3 LOccitane Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.7.4 LOccitane Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.8 DHC8.8.1 Company Profiles8.8.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.8.3 DHC Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.8.4 DHC Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.9 Jasmin Skincar8.9.1 Company Profiles8.9.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.9.3 Jasmin Skincar Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.9.4 Jasmin Skincar Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.10 NUXE8.10.1 Company Profiles8.10.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.10.3 NUXE Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.10.4 NUXE Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.11 Natures Gate8.11.1 Company Profiles8.11.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.11.3 Natures Gate Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.11.4 Natures Gate Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.12 Fancl8.12.1 Company Profiles8.12.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.12.3 Fancl Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.12.4 Fancl Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.13 Phyts8.13.1 Company Profiles8.13.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.13.3 Phyts Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.13.4 Phyts Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.14 Origins Natural Resources, INC.8.14.1 Company Profiles8.14.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.14.3 Origins Natural Resources, INC. Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.14.4 Origins Natural Resources, INC. Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.15 Jurlique8.15.1 Company Profiles8.15.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.15.3 Jurlique Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.15.4 Jurlique Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.16 Burts Bees8.16.1 Company Profiles8.16.2 Organic Skincare Products Product Introduction8.16.3 Burts Bees Production, Value ($), Price, Gross Margin 2014-20198.16.4 Burts Bees Market Share of Organic Skincare Products Segmented by Region in 20188.17 Logona8.18 Dow Corning8.19 UniliverContinued..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 Fabric Booksnning 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
Europe Would Experience Huge Growth for Laboratory Information System (LIS) Market From 2017-2023

Laboratory Information System Market

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Laboratory information system (LIS) is a system designed to store, retrieve, modify, and record data and information in laboratories. It is used laboratories to track and manage audit trails of health services, integrate instruments & applications, and handle demographic information for associated clients. In addition, it is also used in medical related laboratories for processing and keeping records of data related to individual patients for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.Download PDF Report Sample @Increasing demand for improved laboratory efficiency, the need for integrated healthcare information systems, and hospitals prioritizing for laboratory information systems fuels the growth in the European laboratory information systems market. In addition, supportive government initiative and investments from healthcare IT manufacturers supplements the growth. However, scarcity experienced professionals and high maintenance & service expenses are factors hindering the growth of the market. On the other hand, demand for powerful IT systems in diagnostic and medical laboratories present opportunities in the market.The European laboratory information systems market is segmented on the basis of products, types, components, delivery mode, end users, and countries. The product segment is divided into standalone LIS and integrated LIS. The types included in the report are clinical LIS and anatomical LIS. The components covered in the report are services and software. On-premise, remotely-hosted, and cloud-based are delivery modes discussed in the report. The end users segment is further classified into clinical diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, anatomical pathology laboratories, blood banks, and molecular diagnostic laboratories. The countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., and France would experience tremendous growth.The major companies operating in the market are Epic Systems Corporation, McKesson Corporation, Merge Healthcare Incorporated, Medical Information Technology Inc., Compugroup Medical AG, Computer Programs and Systems Inc., SCC Soft Computer, Orchard Software Corporation, Comp Pro Med, and Cerner Corporation. These companies are adopting various strategies, such as expansion, new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and others to strengthen their position in the market.KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS: The report offers an in-depth analysis of key driving and restraining factors of the European laboratory information systems market. The report provides an extensive analysis of current and future market status of the European laboratory information systems market. This report offers an in-depth quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2015 and 2020, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities. An in-depth analysis of key strategies adopted by leading manufacturers helps in understanding competitive scenario. Comprehensive analysis has been done in this report by constructing market estimations for the key market segments between 2015 and 2020. An in-depth analysis of current research and clinical developments withinthe European laboratory information systems market is provided with key market dynamic factors that help in understanding the behaviour of the market. The European laboratory information systems market is segmented into Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., France, and Rest of Europe.Table Of ContentChapter: 1 INTRODUCTION1.1. REPORT DESCRIPTION1.2. KEY BENEFITS1.3. KEY MARKET SEGMENTS1.4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY1.4.1. Secondary research1.4.2. Primary research1.4.3. Analyst tools & modelsChapter: 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1. CXO PERSPECTIVEChapter: 3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1. MARKET DEFINITION AND SCOPE3.2. KEY FINDINGS3.2.1. Top investment pockets3.2.2. Top winning strategies3.3. MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS, 20163.4. PORTERS FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS3.5. MARKET DYNAMICS3.5.1. Drivers3.5.2. Restraints3.5.3. OpportunitiesAccess Full Summery @About usAllied 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.ContactDavid Correa5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb:
Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market to Reach Valuation of US$ 18600 Million by 2023 | Worldwide Top Key Players  Teva, Merck, Mylan, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, GSK, Otsuka, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb

Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market

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Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Report 2019 report provides the newest industry data and industry future trends, allowing you to identify the products and end users driving Revenue growth and profitability. The industry report lists the leading competitors and provides the insights strategic industry Analysis of the key factors influencing the market.Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Overview:The Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market has also suffered a certain impact, but still maintained a relatively optimistic growth, the past four years, Orally Disintegrating Tablet market size to maintain the average annual growth rate of 4.55% from 9800 Million $ in 2014 to 11200 Million $ in 2018, market analysts believe that in the next few years, Orally Disintegrating Tablet market size will be further expanded, we expect that by 2023, The market size of the Orally Disintegrating Tablet will reach 18600 Million $.Available Exclusive Sample Copy of this Report @According to the market report analysis, Drug delivery systems are becoming progressively sophisticated as pharmaceutical researchers obtain a good understanding of the biochemical and physiological parameters pertinent to their performance. Orally disintegrating tablets are becoming a choice of alternative for conventional tablets or capsules. They are uncoated tablets and they dispersed fast and are quickly absorbed. These tablets are intended to break down quickly in the mouth and the active pharmaceutical ingredients are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. They have been developed for various indications such as mental illness, migraine, and many other chronic medical conditions.The Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market is segmented based on Disease Indication, Distribution Channel and Region. On the basis of Disease Indication, the market is segmented into gastrointestinal diseases, central nervous system (CNS) diseases, oncology, and others. The CNS diseases segment is expected to gain high share of the market during the forecast period owing to increasing prevalence of CNS diseases such as depression, migraine, Parkinsons disease, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. Based on Distribution Channel, the market is sub-segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, drug store and online pharmacy.As per the geographic analysis, North America is expected to register a high market share during the forecast period owing to increasing acceptance for technologically advanced products as well as rising prevalence of CNS diseases. APAC and Middle East & Africa are expected to expand at high CAGRs during the forecast period owing to low cost of orally disintegrating tablets and rise in awareness about various dosage form of tablet.Purchase this report online with 125 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Report 2019 @Major Key Players:1 Teva2 Merck3 Mylan4 Pfizer5 Johnson and Johnson6 GSK7 Otsuka8 Eli Lilly and Company9 AstraZeneca10 Bristol-Myers Squibb11 Conquer and More...................Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers1 North America2 Europe3 Asia Pacific4 Latin America5 Rest of the WorldGrab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be?2 What are the key market trends?3 What is driving this market?4 What are the challenges to market growth?5 Who are the key vendors in this market space?6 What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?7 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?In the end, this report covers data and information on capacity and production overview, production, market share analysis, sales overview, supply, sales, and shortage, import, export and consumption as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin of Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Report 20191 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Product Definition2 Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Manufacturer Share and Market Overview3 Manufacturer Orally Disintegrating Tablet Business Introduction4 Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Segmentation (Region Level)5 Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Segmentation (Product Type Level)6 Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Segmentation (Industry Level)7 Global Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Segmentation (Channel Level)8 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Market Forecast 2019-20239 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Segmentation Product Type10 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Segmentation Industry11 Orally Disintegrating Tablet Cost of Production Analysis12 ConclusionAbout 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
Latest research on Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market With top key players: A1M Pharma AB, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Glenveigh Medical, LLC, LFB S.A., Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.

Latest research on Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market

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Up Market Research offers a latest published report on Global Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Research Report 2019 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 90 pages which highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Request Sample Copy Of this Report @Pre-Eclampsia Treatment 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.It 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 Scuba Diving Fins Market global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2019  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 clearunderstanding on facts and figures.The 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 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market analysis & forecast 2019- 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)For More Information On This Report, Please Visit @The Major Players Reported In The Report Are: A1M Pharma AB Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Glenveigh Medical, LLC LFB S.A. Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. VG Life Sciences, Inc.Global Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market: Product Segment Analysis: PLX-PAD RMC-035 ALN-AGT OthersGlobal Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market: Application Segment Analysis: Clinic Hospital Research CenterThe Report Covers In- Depth Analysis As Follows: Chapter 1 Overview of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Chapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions Chapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by Types Chapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry Chapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Chapter 6 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers Chapter 7 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data Chapter 8 Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Chapter 9 Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Chapter 10 Marketing Status Analysis of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Chapter 11 Report Conclusion Chapter 12 Research Methodology and ReferenceRequest Complete TOC Of this Report @Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market Analysis and Forecast 2019- 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 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market: Key Stakeholders: Manufacturers Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2019 Forecast Year 2019 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market 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 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market analysis and forecast 2019- 2025.Avail Discount On this Report @Customization of the Report:Up Market Research 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: Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  Global Market Status & Trend Report 2013- 2025 Top 20 Countries Data Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  North America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  South America Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  China Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  India Market Status and Trend Report 2013- 2025 Pre-Eclampsia Treatment Market  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.
Disposable Medical Supplies Market Trends and Forecast 2018 - 2028 : 3M, Covidien Ltd. (Medtronic PLC. Company), Molnlycke Health Care AB, Cardinal Health., Sempermed USA, Inc

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Disposable Medical Supplies Market  IntroductionWith the rising rates of disease diagnosis, demand for disposable medical supplies has surged significantly in the past half a decade. Growing demographic of the aging population and associated diseases is another factor contributing to the increasing prevalence of diverse disease and disorders, thereby leading to the rising demand for disposable medical supplies.Increasing emphasis on preventing the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and stringent regulatory standards from the healthcare organizations are expected to propel the demand for disposable medical supplies in the coming future.Disposable medical supplies include products that are used in wound management, drug administration and surgeries. Injection, infusion products, blood and dialysis product, medical implanting material, wound care products, disposable clothing, surgical supplies and other incontinence management supplies are covered under disposable medical supplies.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Disposable Medical Supplies Market  Notable DevelopmentsKey players in the disposable medical supplies market include 3M, Covidien Ltd. (Medtronic PLC. Company), Molnlycke Health Care AB, Cardinal Health., Sempermed USA, Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., ANSELL, McKesson Corporation, NIPRO and Halyard Health.In July 2017, Cardinal Health, a leading provider of disposable medical supplies acquired Medtronic's business of Patient Care, Nutritional Insufficiency and Deep Vein Thrombosis for US$ 6.1 billion.Solvay, a global leader in speciality polymers announced in October 2018 that the company has introduced new single-use surgical instrument kit - Redi-Spine kit designed for minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery.Disposable Medical Supplies Market DynamicsHealthcare Facilities Embrace Single-Use and Disposable Technologies for Cost SavingsSingle-use or disposable medical devices are considered as a significant cost saver as compared to cost-effective reusable medical supplies. In addition, single-use or disposable medical supplies help in avoiding chances of infection spread and labor-intensive and complex process for reusing the supplies. Thus, disposable medical supplies can help healthcare facilities in cost savings that are involved in logistics and reprocessing of reusable medical supplies.Request TOC of the Report @Manufacturers Focusing on Implementing Biodegradable Materials to Reduce Biomedical WasteWith the increased focus on patient-centered care and accountability, emphasis on reducing biomedical waste has led manufacturers to implement biodegradable materials in disposable medical supplies. Most of the commercially available single-use or disposable medical supplies are recyclable. Because of which disposable medical supplies that usually end up in unwanted places or landfills can be collected and can be recycled. Towards this, hospital facilities and ambulatory surgical centers have partnered with reprocessing and recycling firms for the management of medical waste.Disposable Medical Supplies Market to Grow with Increased Efforts of Healthcare Sector to Prevent HAIsHospital-acquired infections (HAI) present major challenges to the healthcare industry with CDC estimation of 1 in 25 patients suffering from HAIs. With the increasing penalty of HAIs in the healthcare infrastructure, demand for disposable medical supplies that aids in the prevention of HAIs is increasing in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.Also, in the United States, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others are prompting the hospitals and other healthcare facilities to follow standards and protocols with an aim to prevent patients exposure to potential and life-threatening pathogens. That combined with healthcare establishments proactive measures to prevent the spread of HAIs is likely to augur well for the disposable medical supplies market in the coming years.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Disposable Medical Supplies Market  Regional OutlookNorth America presents a prominent consumer of disposable medical supplies. The United States accounts for a significant bulk of disposable medical supplies in North America owing to the presence of established healthcare infrastructure and stringent regulatory framework. Utilization of disposable medical supplies in the developing economies of Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa is increasing with increasing investments in developing hospital infrastructure and improving living standards in these regions.Disposable Medical Supplies Market  SegmentationThe disposable medical supplies market is segmented on the basis of product type, end users and indication.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Travel Retail Market expected to reach $153.7 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 9.6% By Top Key Players Regstaer Duty Free, Baltona Duty Free, Le Bridge Duty Free, Autogrill, Dubai Duty Free

Travel Retail

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The global Travel retail market size is expected to reach $153.7 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. Rise in disposable income improves consumers lifestyle and shifts their preference toward apparels, luxury goods, premium fragrances, cosmetics, and other products. Moreover, developments in emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific and LAMEA is projected to supplement the growth of the global travel retail market. However, unorganized local market and stringent government regulations in airport retailing hamper the market growth.Get Sample Copy Of This Report @The global travel retail market is segmented based on product, channel, and region. The product segment includes perfumes & cosmetics, wine & spirits, tobacco, electronics, luxury goods, food & confectionery, and catering & others. In 2017, beauty products, namely, perfumes & cosmetics segment accounted for the maximum revenue with more than 31% market share. Based on channel, the global travel retail market is classified into airports; cruise liners; railway stations; and border, downtown, & hotel shops. Based on region, it is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Based on product type, the luxury goods segment is anticipated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period in the travel retail market. The purchase of these goods is totally dependent on the economic stability of any region, as the goods are majorly procured by the upper economic classes. Based on region, Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the global market during the analysis period, due to the presence of a large number of retail companies in China, India, Thailand, and others. In addition, the market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate due to increase in the number of high net worth individuals and growth of the tourism industry.Get Purchase Inquiry @Top Key Players: Regstaer Duty Free, Baltona Duty Free, Le Bridge Duty Free, Autogrill, Dubai Duty Free, James Richardson Corporation, DFS Group, Dufry, LS Travel Retail, Lotte Duty Free, King Power International Group, The Shilla Duty Free, Gebr. Heinemann, China Duty Free Group (CDFG), Aer Rianta International (ARI), The Naunace GroupKey Benefits for Travel Retail Market : This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global travel retail market to identify the potential investment pockets. It outlines the current trends and future scenarios to determine the potential of the travel retail market and enable stakeholders to gain a stronger market foothold. Key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their detailed impact analyses are elucidated. Quantitative analysis of the travel retail industry from 2017 to 2025 is highlighted to recognize the financial competency of the market. Porters Five Forces model illustrates the threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and strength of the buyers & suppliers.Travel Retail Key Market Segments :By Product Type Perfumes & Cosmetics Wine & Spirit Electronics Luxury Goods Food, Confectionery, & Catering Tobacco OthersBy Channel Airport Cruise Liner Railway Station Border, Downtown, & Hotel ShopBy Region North America Europe Asia-Pacific LAMEAGet Purchase Discount @About Us:Big Market Research has a range of research reports from various publishers across the world.Our database of reports of various market categories and sub-categories would help to find the exact report you may be looking for.We are instrumental in providing quantitative and qualitative insights on your area of interest by bringing reports from various publishers at one place to save your time and money. A lot of organizations across the world are gaining profits and great benefits from information gained through reports sourced by us.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United StatesDirect: +1-971-202-1575Toll Free: +1-800-910-6452E-mail help@bigmarketresearch.com
Electric Face Cleansers Market New Technology Growth and Trends 2018 - 2028

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Over the last few years, an increase in air pollution has been witnessed. Air pollution has significant effects on the human skin. Exposure to pollution damages leads to skin damage due to oxidative stress. That apart, air pollution also has other adverse effects on human skin, such as skin aging, pigmentation and skin cancer. Thus, due to increasing levels of pollution and its detrimental effects on human skin, consumers are opting for various skin care products, such as electric face cleansers, to protect against pro-oxidative chemicals and air pollutants.Electric face cleansers are a personal care device suitable for all skin types and provide a gentle cleanse. Electric face cleansers boost facial cleansing process, improve blood circulation and help in eliminating dirt, makeup and oils with help of oscillation technology.Reasons for Covering Electric Face Cleansers Market TitleRapid innovations in the cosmetic industry and growing consumer demand for portable devices with high battery backup are some important factors that will boost the demand for Electric Face Cleansers during the forecast period. Also, the growing concept of brand loyalty among consumers and increasing market penetration of prominent players dealing with the manufacturing of electric face cleansers in developing countries are other significant factors that will positively influence the growth of the electric face cleansers market in near future.Request to Sample of Report @Additionally, increasing demand for high-quality electric face cleansers and speedily growing online stores are some other factors that will add to the growth of the electric face cleansers market during the forecast period. However, availability of alternatives to electric face cleansers in the market and the high price of electric face cleansers compared to conventional products are important factors that will impede the growth of the market. It is also difficult to clean brushes and filters of electric face cleansers. That apart, limited government regulations in developing countries that cover electronic personal care devices lead to increase in the trade of false/imitation products in the market, which may also hamper the growth of electric face cleansers market during the forecast period.Global Electric Face Cleansers: Market SegmentationOn the basis of sales channel, the global electric face cleansers market has been segmented as Hypermarkets/SupermarketsMulti-brand StoresSpecialty Beauty StoresOnline StoresIndependent Small StoresOthersGlobal Electric Face Cleansers Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players operating in the global electric face cleansers market are Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc., The Procter & Gamble Company, Panasonic Corporation, The Proactiv Company LLC, DDF Skincare Company, Shenzhen Shidai Zhongchuang Investment Co., Ltd. limited company, Clinique Laboratories, LLC, Michael Todd, LP, Etereauty Innovations Limited, LAVO Skin Company, Koninklijke Philips N.V., LumaRx Company and kingdom Cares Co., Limited.Companies in the electric face cleansers market are adopting multichannel sales strategy to offer multiple touch points for consumers and also to create brand awareness. Also, a rise in merger and acquisition activities is being witnessed in the market. Major beauty companies are acquiring small-scale companies as they feel threatened by independent brands that consumers desire now. Moreover, the growing use of the dual motion technology in electric face cleansers that makes skin soft is expected to boost the growth of the electric face cleansers market during the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @Opportunities for Global Electric Face Cleansers Market ParticipantsThese days, there are various websites and online platforms to sell products, such as Amazon and Walmart, etc. These website provide manufacturers the opportunity to reach out innumerable end-use consumers. Thus, the revenue is expected to grow at a rapid growth rate in the global electric face cleansers market during the forecast period. Additionally, over the last five years, outdoor air pollution has increased by 8% worldwide. Various cities in the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions are dealing with the menace of air pollution and consumers are becoming more aware of the detrimental effects of air pollution. This is the primary factor that will accelerate the growth of the electric face cleansers market during the forecast period.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery 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.U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705
Thailand Medical Cannabis Market Research 2019, Industry Trends, Market Size, Share, Growth and Opportunities

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The Thailand medical cannabis market has immense potential in the coming years. Recently in December 2018, the Thailand government has legalized cannabis for medical purposes. While, it is still banned for recreational use. There are several factors that will drive the demand for cannabis in Thailand. Thailand possesses geographical advantage over the production of cannabis because of its annual tropical climate resulting in lower production costs as less artificial light needed and temperature control are required for the cultivation of cannabis. Some of the other major factors that will drive the market include foreign investments, ageing population, increasing number of clinical trials and R&D investments, etc. IMARC Latest report titled Thailand Medical Cannabis Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2019-2029 provide deep analysis of the Thailand medical cannabis market. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who are planning to foray into the Thailand medical cannabis industry in any manner.Request for a free sample report:Thailand Medical Cannabis Market Segmentation:Market Breakup by Species: Indica Sativa HybridMarket Breakup by Derivatives: Cannabidiol (CBD) Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) OthersBrowse full Thailand medical cannabis market report with Table of Content:Market Breakup by Application: Cancer Arthritis Migraine Epilepsy OthersMarket Breakup by End-Use: Pharmaceutical Industry Research and Development Centres OthersMarket Breakup by Application: Oral Solutions and Capsules Smoking Vaporizers Topicals OthersRelated Reports:Global Medical Cannabis Market Report:IMARC Group is a leading market research company that offers management strategy and market research worldwide. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.IMARCs information products include major market, scientific, economic and technological developments for business leaders in pharmaceutical, industrial, and high technology organizations. Market forecasts and industry analysis for biotechnology, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, travel and tourism, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the top of the companys expertise.IMARC Group309 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USAWebsite:Email: sales@imarcgroup.comUSA: +1-631-791-1145Follow us on twitter: @imarcglobal
Patient Simulators Market Competitive Analysis by Top Company, Region, Applications, Growth Factors, and Future Prospects and forecast up to 2025

Patient Simulators Market to 2025

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The report aims to provide an overview of global Patient Simulators Market with detailed market segmentation. Also, it analyzes the current market scenario of Patient Simulators Market and forecasts the market till 2025. The report covers market dynamics affecting the Patient Simulators Market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the report analyzes the competitive scenario, geographic trends, and opportunities in the Patient Simulators Market with respect to all geographic regions. The report also includes the detailed company profiles of the key players in the Patient Simulators Market along with their market strategies. The report also provides value chain along with the SWOT analysis for all company profiled in the report.The Europe patient simulators market is expected to reach US$ 718.1 Mn in 2025 from US$ 217.2 Mn in 2017. The Europe patient simulators market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 16.3% from 2018-2025.Patient Simulators Market to 2025 - Europe Analysis and Forecasts by Product (Adult Patient Simulator, Infant Simulator, and Childbirth Simulator); End User (Academic Institutes, Hospitals, and Military Organizations) and GeographyPatient simulators are incorporated with computer software which helps to replicate normal and abnormal responses of the body to events that include attack of asthma and therapeutic interventions, which include a drug side effect. Simulated blood can be propelled into the veins through an intravenous tube. Patient simulators are life-like manikins that react physiologically as they were alive. The report would be of an interest to various stakeholders operating in the patient simulators market. These stakeholders include academic medical centres, government research organizations, hospitals & clinics, research & consulting firms, insurers, medical devices companies, and professional societies.Request Sample Copy is Available at:The major players operating in the Europe patient simulators market include CAE Healthcare, Laerdal Medical, 3D Systems, Inc., VirtaMed AG, Altay Scientific Group S.r.l., Gaumard Scientific, Ambu A/S, SIMStation GmbH, Simulaids, and Mentice AB among othrers.Key Benefits - To provide detailed information regarding the major factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, and trends) influencing the growth of the global Patient Simulators Market To forecast the size of the market segments with respect to four major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (Latin America and the Middle East & Africa)Patient Simulators Market report aims to provide a 360-degree view of the market in terms of cutting-edge technology, key developments, drivers, restraints and future trends with impact analysis of these trends on the market for short-term, mid-term and long-term during the forecast period. Further, the report also covers key players profiling with detailed SWOT analysis, financial facts and key developments of products/service from the past three years.Patient simulators market is segmented by product and end user. Europe patient simulators market, based on the product was segmented into adult patient simulator, infant simulator, and childbirth simulator. The patient simulators market, based on end user was segmented into academic institutes, hospitals, and military organizations.Dont miss out on business opportunities in Patient Simulators Market. Speak to our analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow.The objective of the study is to describe, define, and forecast the patient simulators market by product, end user and country. The report also provide detailed information regarding the major factors influencing growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and trends). The report helps to analyze market with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and contributions to the overall market.North America to Dominate the Patient Simulators MarketThe report analyzes factors affecting patient simulators 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 countries namely; Germany, France, UK, Italy and Spain after evaluating political, economic, social and technological factors effecting the market in these countries.Patient Simulators Market SegmentationBy Product Adult Patient simulator Infant simulator Childbirth simulatorBy End User Academic Institutes Hospitals Military OrganizationsWhat our report offers: Save and reduce time carrying out entry-level research by identifying the growth, size, leading players and segments in the global Patient Simulators 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 Patient Simulators 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.TABLE OF CONTENTS1. INTRODUCTION 91.1 SCOPE OF THE STUDY 91.2 THE INSIGHT PARTNERS RESEARCH REPORT GUIDANCE 92. EUROPE PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET- KEY TAKEAWAYS 103. EUROPE PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET - MARKET LANDSCAPE 123.1 OVERVIEW 123.2 MARKET SEGMENTATION 123.2.1 Europe Patient Simulators Market- By Product 133.2.2 Europe Patient Simulators Market - By End User 133.2.3 Europe Patient Simulators Market - By Geography 143.3 PEST ANALYSIS 153.3.1 Europe - PEST Analysis 153.3.1.1 Germany 153.3.1.2 UK 163.3.1.3 France 173.3.1.4 Italy 183.3.1.5 Spain 194. EUROPE PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET - KEY MARKET DYNAMICS 204.1 KEY MARKET DRIVERS 204.1.1 Increasing Demand for Minimally Invasive Treatment Methods 204.1.2 Growing Technological Advancement 214.1.3 Rising Focus on Patient Safety 214.2 KEY MARKET CHALLENGE 224.2.1 High Cost of Patient Simulators 224.3 KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITY 234.3.1 Growth Potential in Emerging Markets 234.4 FUTURE TREND 244.4.1 Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Patient Simulators 244.5 IMPACT ANALYSIS 255. PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET- EUROPE ANALYSIS 265.1 EUROPE PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET REVENUE FORECASTS AND ANALYSIS (US$ MN) 265.2 EUROPE PATIENT SIMULATORS MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY - FORECASTS AND ANALYSIS 275.3 PERFORMANCE OF KEY PLAYERS 285.3.1 Product Matrix 285.3.1.1 Global Region: Performance of the Players 285.3.1.2 European Region: Performance of the Players 295.4 EXPERT OPINIONS 29Direct Purchase a Copy of this Report at:About UsThe Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services.We are committed to providing highest quality research and consulting services to our customers. We help our clients understand key market trends, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions by providing market research solutions at an affordable cost.Contact usThe Insight partners,Phone: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@theinsightpartners.com
Latest Research on Dental Practice Management Software (DPMS) Market With top key players: Patterson Dental, Henry Schein, Carestream Dental, Quality Systems

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Dental Practice Management Software Market size is set to exceed USD 2.4 billion by 2024.Rising prevalence of oral diseases including dental caries and periodontal diseases across the globe poses a huge healthcare burden. This is attributable to demographic changes such as rising elderly patient pool suffering from such diseases. According to oral health report by the U.S. Surgeon General, around 25% of people aged 65-74 years have severe periodontal disease that will augment the demand for dental practice management software in future.Request for a sample copy of this report @Dental Practice Management Software Market by Componento Schedulingo Patient communicationo Invoicing/billingo Payment processingo Insurance managemento Dental chartingo OthersIncreasing focus on oral health and rising awareness among the elderly patient pool will drive the global dental practice management market growth. Additionally, favorable government initiatives conducted by various organizations such as American Dental Association to increase awareness regarding the importance of maintaining oral health will favor market growth.Rising investments by venture capital firms along with government regulations encouraging adoption of various healthcare IT solutions such as electronic medical records, patient management and practice management solutions will fuel industry expansion.Development of cloud-based solutions along with the integration of dental imaging software into practice management software is a technological breakthrough that is set to drive the market growth. However, lack of skilled IT professionals across the globe to deliver software support and services will hamper business growth.Scheduling business segment dominated the DPMS market in 2017 and will witness robust growth over the coming few years. Rising elderly patient pool suffering from oral diseases will increase dental check-ups and visits, thereby propelling segmental growth.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Invoice/billing software business is predicted to witness significant CAGR of 11.6% owing to its advantages such as automatic record of payments and billings, ease of payment, reduced paper entry data work, filing dental claims and increasing efficiency of processes. Additionally, development of innovative software for easy invoicing and billing process by the key industry players will stimulate segmental growth.Web-based software business segment dominated the DPMS market in 2017, followed by on-premise solutions. Development of on-premise dental office practice management system by industry players allowing clinical paperless charting, patient scheduling and billing/accounting applications will favor industry growth. However, on-premise segment is expected to lose its revenue share to cloud-based delivery mode owing to cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency offered by these advanced solutions.U.S. market held over 35% of global revenue share in 2017. Soaring adoption rates of DPMS due to expansion in healthcare IT should drive industry growth. Rapid technological innovations and increased government funding will further boost market growth over the projection years.UK dental practice management software market was valued over USD 75 million in 2017 and is anticipated to witness significant growth owing to rising geriatric population and favorable government initiatives to raise oral hygiene awareness.Browse Report Summery @Japan dental practice management software market should grow at significant rate of over 12% owing to presence of geriatric population with oral problems coupled with greater oral health awareness among the patient pool.Some of the key industry players operating in global dental practice management software market are Patterson Dental, Henry Schein, Carestream Dental, Quality Systems and Curve Dental. The industry players resort to new product launch, distribution and marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and agreements and partnerships as their major strategies to stay ahead in the highly competitive market. For instance, in April 2015, Henry Schein launched upgraded version of its Dentrix G6 software. This upgraded software will offer customers new features that enhance the user experience and enables dentists to adopt paperless practices.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
Commercial Satellite Launch Service Market Statistics- Industry Growth and Regional Analysis key players- Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Boeing, Orbital ATK, Arianespace

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Communication commercial satellite launch service Market will dominate industry volume share owing to increasing usage of wireless technology and rising connectivity among various countries. Reconnaissance segment is anticipated to hold over 35% of overall revenue share owing to utilization of imagery SATs for improving farming techniques. Online web sources and GIS tools for farmers will further spur segment revenue over the forecast period.Get Sample Copy of This Report @The micro commercial satellite launch service market will experience more than 6% of growth rate during the projected time span. This growth rate can be credited to rising developments for enhancing affordability and reliability of the launching vehicles. Micro SATs penetration is observed in various industries owing to compact size.North America is predicted to dominate commercial satellite launch service Market and will be worth over USD 2.5 billion by 2024. This dominance can be credited to availability of robust infrastructure in the region and presence of multiple space organizations including SpaceX and NASA. Expansion of navigation industry demand to locate destinations is contributing significantly in regional revenue generation. Asia Pacific is anticipated to register robust growth owing to low launching cost offered by organizations such as ISRO.Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis: Lockheed Martin Airbus Space Exploration Technology Boeing Axelspace Corporation Orbital ATKContinuous R&D activities for cost reductions will aid developing countries such as India to strengthen its position., In 2018, ISRO launched 31 satellites and is planning for around 3000 in next ten years. Rising satellite manufacturing facilities will strengthen the commercial satellite launch service Market over the forecast period. For instance, in 2017, Airbus commissioned factory to manufacture One-Web SATs with annual investment of around USD 17 billion.LEO segment of commercial satellite launch service market will exhibit CAGR of around 3.2% during forecast period owing to less deploy time and low launching cost in comparison with other orbits. Additionally, the segment is the positive gateway for expanding connectivity in remote areas.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @Government agencies such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends and approves the regulations and procedures that govern commercial launch service industry. It satisfies infrastructure requirement for the companies located both domestically and internationally. European space organizations are exploring various alternatives for micro launchers for launching SATs for different applications including, telecom, technology demonstration, education, earth observation, and mobile applications.Commercial satellite launch service market players are Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Space Exploration Technology, Boeing, Axelspace Corporation, and Orbital ATK. Industry players are adopting mergers and acquisition strategy to enhance their industry share. In January 2018, ULA acquired Atlas division of Lockheed to reduce cost and enhancing business efficiency.About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
In the week ending February 15th 2019, Bloomberg's inaugural ranking of hedge fund manager income shows that the top 10 managers reaped approximately $7.7bn last year. The company said it used SEC filings, company websites and news reporting to determine assets under management (for the start of 2018) and then applied a standard 2 percent management and 20 percent performance fee unless another fee has been disclosed by the manager.

Meanwhile, hedge fund manager William Ackman told investors that his publicly traded portfolio has gained 24.7% this year, fueled by strong growth in Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Chipotle Mexican Grill stocks. The Stockholm-based hedge fund manager, Resscapital AB delivered a return of 9.9% in 2018, beating the average loss of 3.5% for the Nordic Hedge Index

Further in performance news, new data from eVestment show that hedge funds managed to reverse a five-month-long losing streak in January - and posted their best single-month return in nearly ten years; Global hedge funds started off strong in January 2019 with big winners like Equity funds, EM Funds, said eVestment's January 2019 hedge fund performance data and most hedge funds ......................

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How many more are going to have to die before Congress and state legislators finally take action to get guns out of the hands of people who should never have been approved for permits in the first place?
US-Taliban talks slated to be held in Pakistan postponed

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, Feb 18: The talks between the US and Afghan Taliban slated for Monday here have been postponed, according to the insurgent group which alleged that some members of its negotiating team could not travel to Pakistan for the meeting due to sanctions imposed by America and the UN.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid announced last week that talks with the US will take place in Pakistan's capital, while they will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"The Islamic Emirate had arranged for their representatives to participate but unfortunately, most members of the negotiations team were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist and the meeting was postponed, the Taliban said in a statement.

Security officials said that some of the members of the Taliban were still under sanctions but it was not the sole reason for the delay. They said Afghanistan was not comfortable with these talks and the delay in the arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visit was another reason.

Now the next round of talks between rebel and US will be held on February 25 in Doha as panned earlier. Last month the two sides held detailed talks and there were indications that they have come closer to end more than 17 years of conflict in Afghanistan. Afghanistans Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to the announcement of a meeting in Islamabad, saying it was in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

"#Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistans engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Govenrment is not consulted," Tweeted Sibghatullah Admadi, a spokesman for the Afghan foreign office.

[US in serious negotiations on Afghanistan for first time: Trump]

Previously, Afghanistan launched a similar complaint against Russia for allowing Taliban members to travel to Moscow for a conference in which nearly 50 Afghans, including various political leaders, were invited. However, the Afghan government was not invited to that conference because the Taliban have so far refused to engage with Kabul despite pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and others.

[Why the US withdrawal from Afghanistan will impact Kashmir]

The Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan, and are more powerful than at any time since the 2001 US-led invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently said after six days of talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha last month that the US has made "significant progress" in its peace talks with the Taliban.

Since being appointed in September, Khalilzad has met with all sides in an attempt to end America's longest war in which the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in more than 17 years. US President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut in half the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and the Taliban leaders have made a US withdrawal a key condition in peace negotiations.

PTI
Saudi Arabia signs deals to invest USD 20 bn in cash-strapped Pakistan

International

pti-PTI

Islamabad, Feb 17: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

At a ceremony in the Prime Minister House, Pakistan and Saudi officials signed MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a number of areas  a process overseen by Pakistan premier Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who arrived here late evening on a two-day visit. "Today we signed MoUs.

The amount of that kind of investment is USD 20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it (Saudi investment in Pakistan) will grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both the countries," the crown prince said.

Saudi Crown Prince arrives in Pakistan amid tensions over Pulwama attack

"Pakistan is going to be very, very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he added.

Seven agreements, including MoUs in power, petrochemical and mining sectors, were inked as Prince Salman launched his diplomatic trip to Asia in Islamabad.

After Pakistan, the crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday. Prince Salman said Saudi "cannot say no to Pakistan, whatever you (Pakistan) want we will do."

"For Pakistanis, this is a great day," the Pakistani premier said while addressing a dinner reception held in honour of the visiting Saudi guests at the PM House. He said Saudi Arabia has always been there when Pakistan needed friends.

"I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in (a) bad situation," Khan told the royal guest, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were now taking their relationship to a new level, where investment agreements would be mutually beneficial for the countries.

"The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.

PTI
Pakistan says India should avail its offer for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav

Kulbhushan Jadhav case at ICJ: Pak using Jadhav to build anti-India narrative, says Salve

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Hague, Feb 18: Putting forth a strong argument at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, India on Monday sought annulment of Jadhav's conviction and a direction that he be released from custody.

Amid tensions over the Pulwama terror attack, the final hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case were held on Monday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in The Netherlands.

The hearing in the ICJ was adjourned for the day after India's counsel Harish Salve put forth his argument opposing the death penalty awarded to Jadhav by a Pakistan military court. The hearing will resume on Tuesday.

While putting forth India's strong objection to treatment meted out to Jadhav, Salve argued at length explaining how Pakistan has been trying to build a narrative against India by using Jadhav.

"Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India," he said at the ICJ.

On the first day of the four-day public hearing at Hague in Neatherlands, Salve also said that India has always offered consular access to Pakistan, even when people were caught red-handed in acts of terror.

[Will tell UN court to Kulbhushan Jadhav off death row says India]

"I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court," Salve further said.

India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

India's counsel Harish Salve said that the Pakistan denied consular access to India which is in egregious breach of the Vienna Convention. "Pakistan has no substantive defence. Pakistan hasn't even divulged fundamental details of the so-called offence. Issues raised by Islamabad have no relevance," said India's Harish Salve at UN court. "Pakistan story was always strong on rhetoric and weak on facts," he added.

"Beginning from March 30, 2016, India sent 13 reminders for consular access (for Kulbhushan Jadhav) on various dates but received no positive response from Pakistan," said India's representative Harish Salve at UN court.

"The alleged "confession" was obtained from Kulbhushan Jadhav even before registering an FIR. Pakistan also didn't share any details of the investigation," said India's representative Harish Salve at UN court.

"Even the date of Kulbhushan Jadhav's arrest is not known, he was not even given a lawyer," he added.

Article 36 of Vienna Convention requires that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan didn't inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhav's "arrest", said India's Harish Salve at UN court.

According to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be given before the trial is over. India wasn't granted consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case even though India made multiple requests, said Harish Salve.

Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access,upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation,Pakistan hasn't complied treaty obligations.

India will ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday for consular access to former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan. India will make the first round of oral arguments from 10 am to 1 pm in The Hague (2.30 pm to 5.30 pm IST).

India took Pakistan to the world court on the grounds that Islamabad violated the Vienna Convention by denying consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Pakistan countered it with another argument questioning the jurisdiction of the ICJ in a case that involves, according to Pakistan, a spy. It added that India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement whereby consular access can be denied to those caught in acts of espionage.
Have fulfilled sanctions on Jaish-e-Mohammad says Pakistan

International

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Islamabad, Feb 18: Pakistan has said that Jaish-e-Mohammad, which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, was banned in 2002 and Islamabad was fulfilling its obligations on sanctions as per the law.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle with explosives into their bus. Pakistan-based terror group JeM claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy. In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Pak denies its role in Pulwama terror attack, says India should introspect

India has slammed Pakistan for stating that it had no role in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group JeM, saying Islamabad could not claim that it was unaware of the presence of terror groups on its soil as the links of such outfits to the country were there for everyone to see. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan." Pakistani ministers had shared the same podium with UN-proscribed terrorists, Kumar said. Kumar said India demands that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

But Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal rejected India's allegation that Pakistan was behind the attack. "JeM remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation," he said. Faisal said Pakistan rejected India's allegations because these were made within a short time from the attack and without carrying out any investigations.

"These knee-jerk and pre-conceived accusations were nevertheless consistent with well-rehearsed tactics from Indian playbook after such incidents in the past," he said.

As for Indian assertions about "JeM claims of responsibility" and purported "video of the attacker", he questioned the selective and self-serving standards that India adhered to in this respect. Faisal said on the one hand, India accepted the unverified social media content as "gold standard" but was not ready to accept the "confessions" by its national Kulbhushan Jadhav for perpetrating violence in Pakistan. He said India needed to introspect and respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack. India owes an explanation on reports of Adil Ahmed Dar's arrest and custody since 2017.

Have no official info, will take matter to world forums': Imran Khan's adviser on India's MFN move

Pakistan desired normalisation of relations with India and in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Imran Khan followed his intention of taking two steps if India takes one, with the proposal for both Foreign Ministers to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Faisal said.

"It was India which cancelled the meeting on baseless pretexts," he said.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 5:38 [IST]
Kerala floods: Why the road to recovery will be a very long one

Union Minister KJ Alphons draws flak over his selfie at CRPF jawan's funeral

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 18: Days after Union Minister KJ Alphons' 'selfie' at a Pulwama martyr's funeral in Kerala's Wayanad went viral, the Tourism Minister on Monday wrote to the Kerala DGP complaining that some miscreants circulated his photograph at the CRPF jawan's funeral as a "selfie".

"Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on my Facebook. Alleging that the photograph was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me in the social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of Indian Penal Code," he wrote. "Unless these vicious criminal vultures are brought to book the integrity of the country and society will be at stake," he wrote, requesting appropriate action against the culprits.

Pulwama attack could not have been staged by one man alone: Former R&AW chief

The Union Minister attended the funeral ceremony of jawan Vasantha Kumar VV at his house in Kerala's Wayanad district on Saturday. Vasantha was one of the 40 CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in the Pulwama suicide bombing on Thursday (February 14).

Soon after his 'selfie' surfaced on social media, KJ Alphons received massive flak for his insensitive nature of photograph.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 9:51 [IST]
In Pics: PM Modi meets J&K Leaders to chalk out future course of action

PM said he wants remove 'dil ki doori and Dilli ki doori': Omar Abdullah after meet on J&K

At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Chidambaram slams government for insisting on polls in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood

Time for talks have passed, must unite against terrorism: Modi

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 18: Reiterating that terrorism is 'huge threat' to global peace and stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also amounts to encouraging it.

PM Modi said this in a joint press address with Argentinian President Mauricio Macri at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. India and Argentina today signed ten MoUs in several areas including Defence, Tourism and agriculture. The agreements were exchanged following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Argentinian President.

Pulwama: Huge impact as Supergel-90 multiplied potency of main explosive

"I and President Mauricio Macri agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability. Brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama proves that time for talks have passed. Now the entire world needs to unite against terrorism & its supporters and take strong actions," Modi said.

"Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today," he added.

The two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral ties and explored new areas of co-operation. President Ram Nath Kovind will host a Banquet in honour of the Argentinian President. Macri will also address the Plenary Session of India-Argentina Business Forum. He is scheduled to visit Mumbai tomorrow.

Pulwama attack: 7 persons detained, planner said to be identified

Earlier today the visiting dignitary was accorded ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him. Macri paid homage to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 16:43 [IST]
Slap from Army officer shook him completely: Ex-cop on Masood Azhar

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 18: Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, was an "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an Army officer, prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, said a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Masood Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Jammu and Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 at Anantnag in south Kashmir.

While in custody, intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Masood Azhar, who started speaking after the first slap from an Army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, said the former police officer.

China again declines to back India's request on JeM Chief Masood Azhar

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an Army officer had shaken him completely," said Avinash Mohananey, former director general of Sikkim Police, who interrogated Masood Azhar many times.

Mohananey spent a two-decade-long career in the Intelligence Bureau.

After his release in exchange of passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines IC-814 flight in 1999 by the then BJP government, Masood Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and ordered many terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot Air Force base, Army camps in Jammu and Kashmir, including last week's suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama that killed over 40 personnel.

While in custody, Masood Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mr Mohananey, a 1985-batch Indian Police Service officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," the former police officer said.

Masood Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir valley and merger of the terror groups Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary.After his arrival into India from Bangladesh in 1994, Masood Azhar had travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mr Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the former police officer recalled the terrorist telling them, adding Masood Azhar used to give a detailed description to any question that was asked to him.

Mr Mohananey recalled that Masood Azhar would often boast that the police could not keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI. "You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying.

Some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release. The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in exchange of the 1999 hijacking, and was later involved in the beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

"I was at a new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814," said Mr Mohananey.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 19:22 [IST]
'Truth will triumph': Navjot Singh Sidhu sticks to his guns over rift with Amarinder Singh

In jolt to Amarinder Singh, former Punjab police officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap likely to join AAP

Punjab Cong infighting: Amarinder Singh in Delhi for another round of talks with AICC panel

Should get 82 of them': Amarinder Singh calls for tit-for-tat in wake of Pulwama attack

India

oi-Deepika S

Chandigarh, Feb 18: Asserting that the entire country was "fed up" with the senseless killings of Indian soldiers in Kashmir, Amarinder Singh on Monday said that India should get two of them for every soldier killed in the carnage.

Singh said the coercive action could be military, diplomatic or economic, or a combination of all the three.

Calling for the death of two "of them" for every Indian soldier killed in the attack on the CRPF convoy last Thursday, Singh said it's clear that the Pakistan Army was calling the shots, with Prime Minister Imran Khan also a "plant" of the military.

"We should get 82 of them since 41 of our men have been killed," asserted Singh, a former army captain, while demanding an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth".

Singh said it was for the Centre to decide what action should be taken, but it was clear that some measures have to be taken urgently. "India wants it now," he said.

"No one is asking anyone to go to war, but these killings of soldiers are not a joke. Something has to be done. I'm fed up, the country is fed up," he said, according to an official release issued here.

Can't support decision to withdraw security to separatists in Kashmir: Sajad Lone

The chief minister said the Indian government should take "whatever measures" are required and "we will support them."

"Pakistan can't hold India to ransom just because they are a nuclear nation, even we are nuclear," he said, asserting that Indian forces had defeated them during the 1999 Kargil war in spite of their nuclear capability.

In any case, Islamabad could never resort to use of nuke weapons, as international pressure would not allow that, he said, suggesting New Delhi should call Pakistan's bluff against such threats.

There is palpable anger across the country after the killing of CRPF jawans by a Jaish suicide bomber in Pulwama, he said.

"If they (Pak-backed terrorists) kill our soldiers, we have to do something," he said. The statement of the senior Congress leader came just days after his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu called for dialogue with Pakistan even after the Pulwama attack.

Sidhu had condemned the "cowardly" attack by the Pakistan-based terrorist group but he also called called for dialogue to find a "permanent solution" to end the bloodshed.

Calling for a proactive role in destroying the safe havens of terrorists, Amarinder Singh said terrorist organisations within Jammu and Kashmir have to be dealt with.

He said the Army should go after Jaish-e-Mohammad in Kashmir, instead of firing pellets and blinding youth. "Let's win their (youths) hearts and minds with love," he said.

The chief minister also said that questions are bound to be asked on intelligence failure in Pulwama attack and the central government will have to answer them.

He called for a global diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, mooting harsh measures to put a lid on Islamabad's anti-India actions.

The surgical strikes had not achieved the desired objective, he said, adding that Islamabad needs to be made to understand that Indian soldiers are not dispensable.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 21:54 [IST]
Security withdrawn, now lodge Separatists in South Indian jails says former R&AW officer

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 18: The government has scrapped the security provided to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir. The state administration withdrew the security cover and all other government facilities which were given to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah.

The notification said, "the government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the separatist leaders....All security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists."

"If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith. PHQ (police headquarters) will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately," the notification added.

Revenge for Pulwama: Let us begin with the separatists says Amar Bhushan

It was in the year 2004 that a decision to provide security for some of the separatists was taken. The S A S Geelani led faction was firm that it would speak with Delhi only if it was accepted that Kashmir was in dispute.

On the other hand, the Mirwaiz led group entered into a dialogue with Delhi. Following this security and other perks were offered.

Former officer with the Research and Analysis Wing, Amar Bhushan while welcoming the decision said that this ought to have been done long back. On February 15, while speaking with OneIndia, Bhushan had said that the government should start by withdrawing the security that has been given to the separatists. All of them should be arrested and lodged in jails down South. Bhushan further says that this policy of too much democracy in Jammu and Kashmir will not solve the problem.

He had also said that all benefits should be withdrawn from the separatists and they should be let to fend for themselves. Let us not kid ourselves and say that they work as our sources. That is a lame excuse to give, Amar Bhushan said.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 7:34 [IST]
AIADMK expels more than 15 party members for colluding with expelled leader VK Sasikala

SC sets aside NGT order to reopen Tuticorin Sterlite Plant

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

New Delhi, Feb 18: In a major setback, the Supreme Court on Monday set aside National Green Tribunal's order of December 15, 2018 which had allowed reopening of Vedanta Group owned Sterlite plant in Tuticorin.

The apex cpurt has asked Tamil Nadu government and Vedanta to approach Madras High Court on the issue.

The court also ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) lacked jurisdiction to pass orders that could pave the way for reopening of the plant.

Vedanta group had sought direction to the Tamil Nadu government to take steps to re-open the Sterlite copper smelting plant in Tuticorin in pursuance to an NGT order.

Alliance in Tamil Nadu: Decision soon says AIADMK

In December 2018, the NGT has ordered reopening of the Sterlite copper smelter plant at Thoothukudi by dismissing Tamil Nadu government's order to close the plant.

The Tribunal had also directed the Sterlite to spend 100 crore within a period of three years for welfare of the inhabitants in the area. The action plan prepared for utilisation of the amount be got approved from Ministry of Environment and Forest and, which may also oversee the compliance thereof.
Even if there is 1 fatality: SCs strong warning to AP on conduct of Class 12 exams

SC junks plea challenging I&B ministrys ban on using word Dalit

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea which challenged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B)'s order asking the media to refrain from using the word "Dalit".

The I&B ministry's order issued in August, 2017, had advised media companies to use only the Constitutional term, 'Scheduled Caste', and not 'Dalit', citing an order of the Bombay High Court.

I&B ministry advises TV channels not to use term 'Dalit', say 'Scheduled Caste' instead

Dalit rights groups had then opposed the I&B ministry's order, asserting that the term holds political significance and a sense of identity.

The petition filed in the apex court by individuals and organisations working in the field of protection and promotion of the cause of Dalits, submitted that the government's circular was arbitrary, irrational, unreasonable, discriminatory and contrary to Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India, said reports. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for the petitioner.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said it was not interested in entertaining a petition that challenged the 2018 advisory of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, reported PTI.

Now, Union Minister says Lord Hanuman was not Dalit, but Arya

Appearing for petitioner V A Ramesh Nathan, Sibal questioned the legality of the circular and said, "How can the Government of India issue such a circular questioning my identity". The bench remained unimpressed and said, "At this stage, we are not interested in entertaining this petition. Dismissed."

In March 2018, the Ministry of Social Justice too had issued a similar advisory to all the State governments and Union Territories that in all official transactions, the constitutional term "Scheduled Caste" should be used instead of the word "Dalit".

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 14:04 [IST]
Robert Vadra summoned for questioning tomorrow over London property case

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Robert Vadra to appear before it on Tuesday (Feb 19) in connection with the probe over properties in London which the Congress president Rahul Gandhi's brother-in-law allegedly owns.

The ED case against Vadra relates to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property located at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million GBP (British pounds), which is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had told a Delhi court that it has received information about various new properties in London which belong to Vadra. These include two houses, one worth 5 million GBP and the other valued at 4 million GBP, six other flats and more properties, said a PTI report.

Vadra is on interim bail till March 2 after a Delhi court extended the protection from arrest on Saturday. Vadra gave the assurance after the ED told the court that he was not cooperating in the probe and was required for questioning for at least four to five more days.

[Vadra's interim bail extended, accuses ED of 'witch hunt' after assets attached]

Robert Vadra was also questioned by the ED for three consecutive days last week in connection with a probe into allegations of money laundering to purchase assets abroad.

Last week, the agency had also grilled Vadra in Jaipur twice in a separate case related to land allotments. His mother Maureen was also asked to depose but was allowed to go after completion of brief legal procedures.

[Bikaner land scam: Robert Vadra appears before ED for second day]

Vadra has denied allegations of possessing illegal foreign assets and termed them a political witch hunt against him. Vadra has alleged he was being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

The ED had on Friday (February 15) said it has attached assets worth Rs 4.62 crore of a firm linked to Vadra in connection with a money laundering case related to a land scam in Rajasthan's Bikaner.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 18:26 [IST]
At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Chidambaram slams government for insisting on polls in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood

Pulwama attack updates: Police in Pulwama appeals locals to leave encounter site

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 17: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a nationwide trade bandh or shutdown on Monday (February 18). The bandh has been called to express solidarity with the families of security personnel who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

The traders body also said that the Bharat Trade Bandh across the country will be peaceful and only business establishments will remain closed. Essential items and public transport have been kept out of bandh.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the soldiers killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which were brought to Delhi on Friday evening, have started reaching their respective hometowns.

At least 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed after a suicide bomber rammed his SUV, laden with explosives, into a CRPF bus on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Kashmir's Pulwama district. Scores were injured in the Kashmir terror attack.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed the responsibility for the attack. The suicide bomber was identified as Adil Ahmed Dar, native of Kakapora tehsil in Pulwama district, who officials said joined the terror group in 2018.

Pulwama suicide attack: Both IB and police had warned of Jaish led strike

Here are the updates after terrorist attack on CRPF convoy at Pulwama:
Pulwama attack: Mehbooba, Omar urge Centre to ensure safety of Kashmiris

India

oi-Deepika S

Srinagar, Feb 18: In a joint appeal, Jammu and Kashmir's most prominent political leaders, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, on Monday said that it was the terrorists that attacked the soldiers, not "Muslims" of the state.

The appeal came in the backdrop of reports of attacks on Kashmiris in some parts of the country following the terror incident, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday.

The two leaders underscored the need to maintain communal harmony across the country.

By attacking, terrorizing, intimidating Kashmiris, the youngsters of Kashmir are implicitly being told that they have no future outside of the valley, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said.

'Should get 82 of them': Amarinder Singh calls for tit-for-tat in wake of Pulwama attack

"Intimidating Kashmiris is aimed at creating a wedge between different communities in India. We should not allow the terror to divide us. By using such incidents to divide us, we fall into the trap of those behind the attack on CRPF soldiers; we are wittingly or unwittingly playing to the tunes of our enemies," Abdullah and Mufti said in a joint statement.

Kashmiri Muslims or the Muslims of Jammu didn't attack our CRPF Jawans the other day, terrorists did. This violence is a convenient tool by some to shift the blame. Let us unite against terror, let's not allow terror to divide us, the NC and PDP leaders said.

They said it was tragic to see educated and civilized people spearheading vicious propaganda to paint Kashmiris and terrorists with the same brush.

The thought behind such attacks is to divide us. Our pain must not fuel such diabolical plans because eventually the axe forgets and the tree remembers, they said.

Expressing dismay over the continuous rhetoric being used against Kashmiris, the leaders said no mainstream political party would condone terrorism.

The ferocity of the rhetoric by certain media channels is also dangerous. They churn lies, hatred and divisive agenda by berating the national interests, they said.

The leaders while expressing concern over the reports of violence and arson in Jammu described the happenings as worrying and urged the political dispensation and civil society of Jammu to ensure that cooler heads prevail.

They made an appeal to the Centre to ensure the directions issued to all state governments to ensure safety and security of Kashmiris are implemented.

It doesn't augur well for a democratic country like India to hound its own people in its response to the heinous attack on our forces. Hounding innocent Kashmiris will indisputably disenchant them; the humiliation, suspicion, isolation will push innocent Kashmiris to the wall.

As a country, we need to stand together in this hour of grief and sorrow and not allow forces inimical to unity in our country to find any space Mehbooba and Omar appealed.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 22:16 [IST]
2 years of Pulwama terror attack: Will not forget, say Rajnath Singh, Shah

3 terrorists, including Jaish commander killed in Pulwama encounter

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Jammu, Feb 18:Three JeM terrorists, including two top commanders believed to be behind the Pulwama terror attack, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt. Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried out the operation suffered injuries, they said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran and Abdul Rasheed alias Ghazi, the so-called divisional commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir. The third one was Hilal, a resident of Pinglena in Pulwama, they said.

The house in which the terrorists were holed up was blasted by security forces. As per reports, top Jaish-e-Mohammed operative, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the Pulwama suicide bombing, is believed to have been inside the building which was blasted.

[4 army personnel, including Major martyred in encounter with JeM terrorists in Pulwama, J&K]

The security forces has also recovered one AK-47 & one pistol.

#UPDATE on Pinglana, Pulwama encounter: One AK-47 & one pistol recovered. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during encounter, yet to be confirmed. Search operation continues. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/CGYfIctxNL  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

ANI reported while quoting Army sources that Army is constantly briefing Defence Minister & other senior govt functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces.

''Pakistan Army positions across the border on the LoC are seeing heightened activities as they are on high operational alert,'' further said.

Kamran, the terrorist who was cornered by security forces is reportedly a Pakistani "chief operational commander" of the Jaish-e-Mohammad. He was a dreaded terrorist, known for radicalizing, recruiting and training terrorists in the Kashmir Valley.

The alleged mastermind of the 14 February IED suicide attack on a CRPF convoy by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Abdul Rashid Ghazi aka Kamran trained the attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar and was also responsible for many other attacks on security forces in recent times.

A fresh encounter in Pulwama broke out on Monday morning in South Kashmir's Pulwama after the Pakistan-based outfit's Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants fired upon security forces.

Reports said a joint team of Indian Army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and Special Operation Group launched a cordon in the wee hours on Monday.

Meanwhile,Internet services have been suspended in parts of the Kashmir valley in wake of the encounter between security forces and JeM militants. Internet services are also down in Jammu.

India has already begun efforts to isolate Pakistan on the international level. India will urge the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) an international monetary watchdog, to blacklist Pakistan. The FATF has already included Pakistan in its 'grey list'.

Pakistan on Sunday denied its role in the Pulwama terror attack, saying that accusations were India's tactics to put the blame on the neighbours for its security and intelligence failures.
Mamata attacks Modi govt over Pulwama attack, asks 'Why this happened before elections?'

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Feb 18: West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday attacked the Modi government over Pulwama attacks and said that it is an attempt to create communal tension. She also asked the Centre why it ignored intelligence reports and let the CRPF convoy pass through the area where the attack took place.

In a veiled attack on Narendra Modi-led government, Mamata raised questions on the Pulwama attack while addressing a press conference in Kolkata, asked,"Why the deadly attack happened right before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. It is an attempt to create communal tensions across the country."

Banerjee further questioned the Centre and said,"Why did the Centre not do anything to stop Pakistanis in carrying out these attacks all these years. Only when an election is knocking at the door, you thought of starting a shadow war." She also alleged that her phone is being tapped by agencies.

Meanwhile, Kashmiris are facing a backlash in the northern states of Haryana and Uttarakhand, forcing the federal interior ministry to issue an advisory to all states to "ensure their safety and security and maintain communal harmony".

Earlier, Mamata had lambasted the intelligence department saying," "People are asking what was NSA and intelligence doing? This is an intelligence failure. Why were so many vans going together when there is a security threat?"

Around 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district with a vehicle laden with explosives.

JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, has claimed the responsibility for the attack.
Pulwama attack: Convoy movement to continue by road with new features

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

Srinagar, Feb 18: Movement of paramilitary convoys by road for logistical and operational reasons will continue in Jammu and Kashmir as it is "necessary", the Home Ministry said, even though it has increased air support to carry troops to the state.

The statement came after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus, part of a 78 vehicle convoy, in the state's Pulwama district.

After Pulwama, Kashmiris from various parts of India allege harassment, CRPF launches helpline

In the wake of reports suggesting that the central government has rejected a proposal to ferry personnel of paramilitary forces from the Jammu-Srinagar sector by chopper, the ministry said it has significantly enhanced air courier services in all sectors to cut travel time of troops.

"Movement of convoys by road for logistical and operational reasons has been and will continue to be necessary. This is also the case with the army," the Home Ministry said.

Reports appeared in a section of the media that air transit facility in the Jammu- Srinagar sector for CRPF troops has not been allowed. This is "untrue", it said.

"Fact of the matter is, over the last few years, the MHA has significantly enhanced air courier services for CAPFs in all sectors to help jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and back from home on leave," it said.

In the Jammu and Kashmir sector, air courier service for transportation of jawans of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPFs) is already in operation for quite some time.

This initially included the Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu sector. Later, at the request of CAPFs in December 2017, the services were extended to the Delhi-Jammu- Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi sector with seven flights a week. In December 2018, the ministry had approved enhancement of air support by increasing routes and in the Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi sector, four flights in a week were added to the Srinagar-Jammu-Srinagar sector.

"In addition, air support is provided by the Indian Air Force as and when required. Several sorties were run for the CRPF in January 2019," the ministry said.

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in Pulwama killing 40 personnel, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday.

"We have decided to add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir," CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told PTI after undertaking a two-day tour of the Valley in the wake of the February 14 attack, the worst against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades.

"Apart from traffic control, there will be changes in the timings of convoy, their halt locations and movement in coordination with other security forces like the Army and the J-K police," he told the news agency.

He said two convoys have been run after the attack at Latoomode in Pulwama and these new measures are being tested and implemented as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Pak denies its role in Pulwama terror attack, says India should introspect

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after his tour to the Valley post the blast, had said it has been decided that movement of civilian vehicles will be restricted when convoys of security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir.

The DG said over the last two days he and his commanders in Kashmir have "discussed an laid down a new strategy" to not only secure the movement of convoys but also to enhance security measures for regular operations.

"I would not like to go into the specifics but we are formulating some strategies. This is something that we have done in the past and these things are dynamic. "In view of this new threat, where a suicide bomber is suspected to have come close to our vehicle and detonated explosives, strategies are being worked upon," Bhatnagar said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief said there was no ambush on any CRPF convoy in the last two years and the effort is to neutralise such threats as much as possible.

Asked if there was an intelligence input suggesting that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) could be used by terrorists in Kashmir to hit the forces, Bhatnagar said that he would not talk about things related to operations and intelligence." A senior official, however, said there was no "specific input" and such an attack was completely new for the security forces in the Valley.

The DG, when asked about sending all troops from Jammu to Srinagar on aircraft to avoid the vulnerability of road movement, said there is "no alternative" to convoys.

Air courier service for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been increased by adding flights from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu and back in 2018, he said.

Many times the helicopters and planes of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are also used to airlift CAPF troops to the Kashmir Valley, the DG said.

"As the Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed due to landslides, the convoy operated on February 14 after a gap of 10 days and there was a large backlog of personnel who were to be transported to Srinagar from the transit camp of the CRPF in Jammu," a CRPF official based in Srinagar said.

"Thus, running of the convoy has very little to do with the availability of air effort, which can only supplement the convoys and not replace them," Bhatnagar said.

The proposal for introducing Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi fight (seven days a week) and a separate Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu flight (four days a week) has also been sanctioned by the home ministry and would soon be operational, the DG said.

This would more than double the present capacity to 1,892 seats per week for the forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley, he said.

During his visit to the Valley, the CRPF chief also met his troops at various units in and around Srinagar and also went to the blast site, about 20 km from Srinagar.

The CRPF is the lead counter-terrorism force in the state and has deployed about 65,000 troops as part of 61 battalions there.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 5:47 [IST]
Why is Priyanka Gandhi's Varanasi visit politically significant?

India

oi-Vikas SV

New Delhi, Feb 18: With the Lok Sabha elections 2019 round the corner and Uttar Pradesh being the most important state politically, the Congress, which could manage to win just two out of the 80 seats in the state, does not want to leave anything for chance.

Priyanka Gandhi, who used to prefer staying away from the limelight, was last month made Congress' east Uttar Pradesh incharge, and since then she has been frequently visiting the stating, meeting the cadres and charting out strategies for the upcoming elections.

Will the Priyanka Trump Card' work?

Priyanka along with Jyotiraditya Scindia have been given a mammoth task to revive the Congress in a state that sends 80 representatives to the Lok Sabha. Priyanka Gandhi has 41 Lok Sabha constituencies under her charge. It is indeed a mammoth task given that one of the main reasons for BJP storming to power in 2014 was Uttar Pradesh from where the saffron party won 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, decimating every other party in the state.

Her next visit to the state is being planned for later this month (February). Priyanka will visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi as part of her four-day tour during which she will assess the ground situation in the region, reported HT.

Priyanka Gandhi has reportedly sought feedback of development works carried out at the Prime Minister's Lok Sabha constituency in the past five years. So, it is clear that she wants to visit Modi's seat with full preparation and may even give directions to the Congress workers as to how campaign there and take on immense popularity of the Prime Minister.

It would be interesting to see how Priyanka assesses the ground situation in Varanasi. The most important thing for her would be to find out what people feel about PM Modi's development work in his Lok Sabha and whether it has made a positive impact on their lies.

If Priyanka can identify disenchantment among people of Varanasi over development in the region which sent Modi to Parliament then she can really build a strong narrative around it. If she can leverage on it, then it can potentially be a political masterstroke.

Will Priyanka challenge Modi at Varanasi?

It's notable that Rahul Gandhi plunged Priyanka into active politics when his party didn't get a place in the political alliance between betes noires Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh (UP) for upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

In the past Priyanka has 'unofficially' been campaigning in Amethi and Rae Bareli for Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. But with her official entry, she will face the ground realities of Congress in UP.
Positive: Amid all the hate call against Kashmiris, netizens come forward offering help

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

New Delhi, Feb 18: Deaths of over 40 CRPF jawans in a suicide terror attack in Awantipora in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 has left the entire nation teething with anger.

While there have been calls to take revenge against Pakistan, several incidents of violence and harassment against innocent Kashmiris have also been reported from different parts of the country.

In Dehradun, 20 female students from Kashmir locked themselves up in a hostel room fearing a backlash from Hindu right-wing groups and this incident followed the alleged thrashing of 12 Kashmiri students by members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal.

4 army personnel, including Major martyred in encounter with JeM terrorists in Pulwama, J&K

According to an Indian Express report, the students were surrounded by angry people who had asked them to apologise for allegedly posting objectionable content related to the Pulwama tragedy on social media.

Even Kashmiri traders were threatened with dire consequences if they did not shut their businesses.

Mob attacks took place against Kashmiris in Jammu and other states and Kashmir-based trade bodies called for a strike on Sunday in protest to these attacks.

While the authorities promised full protection to the Kashmiris living outside the state and appealed to people to maintain peace, many also came forward on social media to express solidarity with those who were at receiving ends.

Govt has saved crores of Rupees in withdrawing security for Kashmir separatists

Netizens from various parts of the country were found extending help to the Kashmiris and even offering accommodation at their own places for their safety.

Here are some reactions that the Twitterati came up with over the instances of threat and violence against the Kashmiris:

Any Kashmiri brother/sister in Ahmedabad , if you fear/suspect harm at your place, you can come to my place. Can have 4-6 people. Can arrange for more. My DM is open. Drop your number. I'll call.#SOSKashmir  Sunshine (@surajdeshwal) February 16, 2019

If any kashmiri students want shelter in navi Mumbai, panvel, then DM me, my doors always open for you#KashmiriStudents#SOSKashmir  Ashish A Suryawanshi (@ashish20071208) February 17, 2019

Students & #Kashmiris living in mumbai can DM me if in case they need any help or feel unsafe. my door is always open. U can stay with me till the time u want. I will protect u guys. #SOSKashmir   (@Pooraanj_) February 16, 2019

Anyone needing help/shelter in Delhi can contact me.

Kashmiris are our people - family. And we will protect it. #SOSKashmir #SaveKashmiriPeople  saksham ranga (@sakshamr30) February 17, 2019

Kashmiris in lucknow, if you are in trouble please contact me. A kind, generous heart is willing to accommodate people facing problems. I can accommodate upto 5-6 people.@Shehla_Rashid #SOSKashmir  Aman Pandey (@hereisamanp) February 17, 2019

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 9:34 [IST]
Namaste, Indian Diplomat refuses to shake hands with Pak official at ICJ

International

oi-Deepika S

The Hague, Feb 18: Amid tensions over the Pulwama terror attack, Indian diplomats on Monday ignored the handshake gesture by senior Pakistani officials and instead greeted them with a 'namaste' on the first day of the hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Hague.

Ahead of the hearing this morning, Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan reached out to Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs, to shake hand but he responded with a namaste.

Khan then extended his hand to Venu Rajamony, the Indian ambassador to the Netherlands, who was sitting next to Mittal. Rajamony too greeted him with a namaste.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case at ICJ: Pak using Jadhav to build anti-India narrative, says Salve

The Pakistani official then moved to Harish Salve, the former attorney general who is representing India and Jadhav at the ICJ, who shook hands.

Mittal also greeted Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesman and the Director General for South Asia and SAARC, with a 'namaste.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 41 CRPF soldiers.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.
Kashmiri doctor claims he was asked to leave Kolkata, govt comes to his rescue

India

pti-PTI

Kolkata, Feb 18: A Kashmiri doctor, who has been living in Kolkata for 22 years, has claimed that he has been asked to leave the city or face "dire consequences" following the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF men.

The doctor, however, has decided to stay put after the West Bengal government came to his rescue. The doctor, who did not wish to be named, said he was heckled but he had not paid much heed to the threats he had received initially. However, his concern grew when some men gathered outside his residence and threatened to harm his daughter unless he "returned to Pakistan".

On February 15, a day after the Pulwama attack, five men aged between 20 and 25 years came to his house after he returned home from his chamber, the doctor said, adding that they asked him to leave the city immediately and "go back to Pakistan as Kashmiris have no place in this country".

"I was heckled by those men and threatened with dire consequences. Initially, I ignored those threats as I had never faced such a situation here in 22 years.

The next morning, while I was leaving for my hospital, I again saw those men standing outside my house. They threatened me and said If I did not leave the city, my daughter would pay a heavy price," he said.

Pulwama attack mastermind killed? Police says details being ascertained

The doctor admitted that this time the threats sounded more serious and he even made up his mind to leave. However, before preparing to leave the city that he grew so fond of, the doctor tried reaching the West Bengal government as a last resort.

"I decided to inform Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the incident through social media platforms and posted a message on Facebook. I also left a message on the chief minister's Facebook page," he said.

The next day, the doctor received a call from the chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. The official assured him of all help, he said. When PTI contacted Ananya Chakraborti, Chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, she said all steps were taken to ensure that the doctor's family did not face any difficulty.

"I had called the doctor after I came to know about his Facebook post. I told him not to worry and everything will be taken care of. Police protection has been provided to the family," she said. The doctor and his family were provided with round-the-clock police protection, Chakraborti said, adding that officers of nearby police station were calling him regularly to ensure his well being.

"Initially, after the threat, I had decided to go back to Kashmir. But after receiving support from my neighbours and the administration, I have decided to stay back. The kind of love and respect I have received in Kolkata is unimaginable," the doctor said.

PTI
Kamal Hassan asks why Govt of India afraid of plebiscite in Kashmir

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Chennai, Feb 18: In what may lead to major political controversy, actor-turned-politician Kamal Hassan demanded plebiscite in Kashmir. He asked why the Government of India is afraid of holding the plebiscite.

Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan at an event in Chennai on Sunday, asked, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (Indian government) afraid of?"

He has raised the issue of plebiscite when the country is in the shock of Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were martyred.

Kamal Hassan urged for dialogue between Pakistan and India is the only solution to stop the violence.

"Why do the soldiers die? Why should our home's watchman die? If politicians on both sides (in India & in Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control, " said Kamal Hassan.

Pulwama attack could not have been staged by one man alone: Former R&AW chief

"In Azad Kashmir, they are using Jihadi's pictures in trains to portray them as heroes, that is also a foolish thing to do. India also behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it's not fair. If we want to prove that India is a far better country, then we should not behave like this. There begins the politics, there begins the new political culture," he further said.

What plebiscite in Kashmir?

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on April 21, 1948, concerns the resolution of the Kashmir conflict. After hearing arguments from both India and Pakistan, the Council increased the size of the Commission established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 39 to five members (with representatives of Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Czechoslovakia and the United States), instructed the Commission to go to the subcontinent and help the governments of India and Pakistan restore peace and order to the region and prepare for a plebiscite to decide the fate of Kashmir.

Secondly, the Resolution recommended a three-step process for the resolution of the dispute. In the first step, Pakistan was asked to withdraw all its nationals from Kashmir. In the second step, India was asked to progressively reduce its forces to the minimum level required for law and order. In the third step, India was asked to appoint a plebiscite administrator nominated by the United Nations who would conduct a free and impartial plebiscite.

The resolution was adopted paragraph by paragraph; no vote on the resolution as a whole was taken.

Both India and Pakistan raised objections to the Resolution. However, they welcomed mediation by the UN Commission. Through its mediation, the Commission amplified and amended the Security Council Resolution, adopting two resolutions of its own, which were accepted by both India and Pakistan.
India will choose time, place to retaliate to Pulwama attack: Minister

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Feb 18: Union Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh on Monday said Pakistan has been isolated internationally after the Pulwama terror attack.

Speaking to mediapersons, the minister said more than 40 countries have issued strong statements against Pakistan.

This is a big success of our external and diplomatic policy as the number of countries supporting India's stand is higher than the number of countries which had supported India after 26/11 attack in Mumbai, he added.

Singh said, "India will choose time and place for retaliation to the recent terror attack on the CRPF convoy as it will be properly planned and well thought of."

He claimed to be unaware of what was being planned by the forces but said "any war, war-like or punitive action" must be planned for success. It should be a cold act and nothing is to be done in a hurry, Singh said.

"Even Osama (Bin Laden) was not killed in a day despite the fact that USA had known he was hidden in Pakistan. Let us wait and watch and support our forces."

When asked to comment on the angle of intelligence failure and connivance of some insiders behind the Pulwama attack, the minister said the entire matter was being analysed and then a comment could be made.

He said it should also be analysed why terror activities increased in south Kashmir after 2012 after a lull of several years.

Singh said the abolition of Article 370 needed support from all political parties.

Earlier in the day, Singh launched BJP's ''Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi Ke Saath'' campaign in Himachal Pradesh, as part of which the public's expectation in all 68 state Assembly segments would be noted by the party. Some of these suggestions would be included in the party's manifesto, a BJP leader said.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 18:26 [IST]
Name, patronage of PM Modi enough to win UP polls says aide

Holy alliance: Congress takes dig as BJP, Sena become friends again

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 18: Hours after BJP announced an alliance with Shiv Sena for the upcoming parliamentary polls, the Congress took pot shots at the BJP reminding the ruling party at the Centre of the number of times Uddhav Thackeray's party has criticised it.

"Just a few of the times Shiv Sena has criticised the Modi govt., even as recently as today. This is BJP's idea of a holy alliance," the Congress posted from its Twitter handle.

The tweet was accompanied by a few instances of Sena's acerbic criticism of the government.

Just a few of the times @ShivSena has criticised the Modi govt., even as recently as today. This is BJP's idea of a holy alliance. pic.twitter.com/RUgCZhxSrB  Congress (@INCIndia) February 18, 2019

Lok Sabha polls: BJP to contest from 25 seats, Shiv Sena gets 23

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative AssemblyRadhakrishna Vikhe Patil dared Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to reveal the reasons behind taking a U-turn on alliance with the BJP for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

"I have information that the BJP might have compelledShiv Sena to form an alliance by showing it fear of the Enforcement Directorate," Vikhe Patil told reporters in Pune, hours after the Sena and the BJP sealed a seat-sharing pact in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah in Mumbai.

The senior Congress leader said the tie-up underlines that the ruling allies have come together out of fear of losing polls.

Vikhe Patil wondered how could the BJP approach the Sena for an understanding when the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah by "crossing all lines".

BJP's alliance with Shiv Sena beyond politics: PM Modi

"The people of Maharashtra are mature enough and they will teach a lesson to both the parties. This alliance is a breach of trust of the people. It is ill-fated and opportunistic," he said.

In a tweet with a hashtag "GolmalReturns", Vikhe Patil stated, "As per my information, Shiv Sena is subjugated by BJP with by threatening the action by Enforcement Directorate.Therefore the declaration of alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena is taking place".

Vikhe Patil also said the Sena has proved again that "brokering a deal" was the only programme on its agenda.

Recalling that Thackeray had borrowed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" jibe to attack the PM, the Congress leader accused the BJP of "forgetting insults heaped on its leadership".

"BJP too has lost all its self respect as its President Amit Shah went at the door steps of Uddhav Thackeray with a begging bowl. This goes to show that BJP has already sensed defeat. #GolmalReturns," he added.

The Congress and the NCP also wondered if the Sena had forgotten the slogan that it wanted a Ram temple to be constructed first in Ayodhya before talking about alliance.

Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil questionned if Sena has forgotten its criticism of Modi government on a range of issues and its declaration that it would go solo in elections.

Patil referred to the Sena's constant criticism of the government through editorials in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"The Shiv Sena had compared the Modi government with Britishers...It, however, has forgotten it," Patil tweeted.

NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said that fear of losing the upcoming polls brought the ruling parties together.

"People will defeat the combine despite their coming together...the Shiv Sena will have to answer what happened to first temple and then government slogan," he said.

Referring to Thackeray's use of "chowkidar chor hai" slogan, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam asked if the Sena wanted the same "thief" to retain power.

"It is clearly seen that the Shiv Sena is yet again joining hands with the BJP for power and that this is a selfish decision by both the parties," Nirupam told reporters.

The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due later this year.

(with PTI inputs)
Are the clean chits to politicians linked to an alliance with the BJP

HC grants interim protection to Nalini Chidambaram in Saradha chit fund scam case

India

oi-PTI

Kolkata, Feb 18: The CBI claimed  1.3 crore was paid to Nalini Chidambaram from the money collected by Saradha chit fund illegally from investors.

The Calcutta High Court on Monday granted interim protection to Nalini Chidambaram, wife of former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, from arrest by CBI for six weeks in the Saradha chit fund scam.

Directing Chidambaram to cooperate with the investigation, a division bench headed by Justice Joymalya Bagchi kept her application for anticipatory bail pending.

The court directed the CBI and Chidambaram to file affidavits in support of their respective stands in the case in the meantime.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit Kumbh Mela as part of her four-day visit to UP

Appearing for Chidambaram, senior counsel Pradeep Ghosh submitted that the sixth supplementary charge sheet filed in the case on January 11 had mentioned her as an accused in the Saradha chit fund case, while the former charge sheet filed in 2016 did not name her as an accused.

The CBI claimed that the  1.3 crore paid to Nalini Chidambaram, a senior lawyer, was from the money collected by Saradha chit fund illegally from investors.

Denying the claim, her lawyer Ghosh submitted that the money was paid to her as a legal advisor of Manoranjana Sinh.

Manoranjana is the estranged wife of former Union Minister Matang Sinh.

PTI

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 17:11 [IST]
At all party meet, PM Modi says priority is to strengthen democracy at grassroots in J&K

Chidambaram slams government for insisting on polls in Jammu and Kashmir before granting statehood

Govt has saved crores of Rupees in withdrawing security for Kashmir separatists

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Feb 18: In a major decision the government scrapped the security provided to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.

The state administration withdrew the security cover and all other government facilities which were given to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah.

J&K administration withdraws security of 5 separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

The notification said, "the government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the separatist leaders....All security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists."

"If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith. PHQ (police headquarters) will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately," the notification added.

What the government saves:

The data available suggested that Rs 10.88 crore was spent on the security of separatist leaders. A sum of Rs 10.36 crore was spent on the salary of the policemen guarding and protecting the Hurriyat and other separatist leaders, while Rs 49.7 lakh has been spent on the fuel for the vehicles used for escorting the separatist leaders.

Rs 19.51 lakh was provided on the salary of the guards/escort of Mirwaiz in 2017-18. Besides, Rs 77.37 lakh was spent on the guard's salary in the current fiscal.

Since 2008-09, Rs 1.27 crore has been spent on the salary of the guards and escort personnel of Mirwaiz. Similarly, Rs 5.06 crore was spent on the guards' salary of Mirwaiz since last 10 years.

Security for Kashmiri separatists: Home secy begins assessment

Security of former Hurriyat chairman Bhat has cost the state exchequer Rs 2.3 crore in the last 10 years.

The state government was also providing security to Mirwaiz's media secretary Shahid ul Islam till he was arrested by National Investigation Agency in the funding case. His security was withdrawn.
No need to apologise to Goa people, spoke for their rights: TN Finance Minister Thiaga Rajan

Is Goa open for tourists? Is it mandatory to get vaccinated or carry negative RT-PCR report?

Banner in Goa tells tourists not to trust Google Maps to locate Baga Beach

India

oi-Shubham Ghosh

Goa, Feb 18: We hardly roll down our car glasses nowadays and ask people about an unknown destination because of Google Maps.

The handy app on our smart phones helps us locate spots that we want to reach - be it for tourism purpose or any other - without the slightest of hassle. Features like estimated time to reach destination or the traffic conditions expected make it all the more helpful.

However, like every other imperfect thing on this earth, Google Maps also has its low moments when it fails to track the correct routes, even leading to accidents.

Do you drive as per Google Map?These three men also did the same and their car tumbled into a ditch!

In December, a car carrying three persons fell into a ditch that had no bridge over it in Kerala after being guided by Google Maps.

Google Maps has in fact become notorious for its misreading of routes in the state of Goa, a hot tourist destination of the country.

The way to Baga Beach in North Goa from nearby hotels can prove to be tricky and tourists open try to locate it through Google Maps which again betrays them by showing a completely wrong direction.

A Good Samaritan has therefore come into action to ensure that tourists don't get lost while trying to take help of the app to reach the popular destination.

A banner has come up above a market place which is just a kilometre from Baga Beach warning visitors about a wrong route to the beach which is shown by Google Maps and it has gone viral on Internet.

The banner also tells people about the right route to be taken.

"You are fooled by Google Maps. This road doesn't take you to Baga Beach!!! Turn back and take a left turn, Baga is 1 km from here," read the banner.

One Samanth Raj Urs had first shared the picture of the banner and now it has received over 800 likes with over 250 retweets.

Reactions came in with people thanking Urs for sharing the necessary piece of information besides sharing their own experiences of taking the wrong route to Baga Beach.

Hahaha. @googlemaps what's the route to Baga beach? 

Photo credits: masud. pic.twitter.com/0K2wK2TQD2  Sumanth Raj Urs (@tweesumz) February 16, 2019

Nostalgia big time.  Passionately_yogi (@akanchharay) February 16, 2019

Wow so sweet of whichever good samaritan did this lol. I've never thought beyond raising an error report  Atulaa (@atulaak) February 16, 2019

 like this happened 2-3 times at different location in Pune with me also.  Shyam Thorat (@thorat_shyam) February 16, 2019

It is correct that google maps made our life very easy but number of times Google maps take you to wrong place. I'm the one victim of this.....Once taken to fields and second times in a closed street.  vikram singh (@vikramsjamwal) February 17, 2019

Yes it happened to us when we were in Goa. Finally decided to ask local shopkeeper s. Something good old fashion method works better.  Subramanian (@blrsubbu) February 17, 2019
Didnt refuse air transit facility for CRPF jawans, MHA clarifies

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Anuj Cariappa

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Ministry for Home Affairs has denied reports that suggested air transit facility for CRPF personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar sector was not allowed.

The MHA said in a statement, "over the last few years, MHA has significantly enhanced the air courier services for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in all sectors to help the jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and fro home on leave."

Will add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir: CRPF DG

Further the statement said that in the Jammu and Kashmir sector, air courier service for transportation of Jawans have been in operation for quite sometime. This included initially the Jammu-Sringar-Jammu Sector, which at the request of the CAPFs in December 2017 was extended to Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi with seven flights a week, the MHA also said.

In addition, air support is provided from IAF as and when required. Several sorties were run for CRPF in January 2019," the MHA also added.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 7:09 [IST]
Name, patronage of PM Modi enough to win UP polls says aide

Lok Sabha polls: BJP to contest from 25 seats, Shiv Sena gets 23

India

oi-Deepika S

New Delhi, Feb 18: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced that the party has forged an alliance with the Shiv Sena for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra assembly polls.

Addressing the presser, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Shiv Sena will fight on 23 seats and BJP will fight on 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Fadnavis, said that both (BJP, Shiv Sena) are ideologically similar. Some differences will not stop us from coming together, emphasised Fadnavis. Both Shiv Sena & BJP agree that Ram Mandir should be built, reiterated Fadnavis.

'Holy alliance': Congress takes dig as BJP, Sena become friends again

"We have been consistently in alliance with each other for the past 25 years. We had differences over some issues, but ideologically, we both have Hindutva agenda," Fadnavis said while addressing the media.

"Parties with nationalist thoughts should get together. We haven't taken this decision for power, but for the ideologies that we follow," Fadnavis said.Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray said that since the thoughts of both the parties are the same, they cannot "continue fighting on some misunderstandings."

"We cannot give back the nation to those who ruled the nation for 50 years. This is a new beginning. Every Hindu was waiting for this, and will be delighted by this announcement," Thackeray said.

BJP national President Amit Shah said the parties have come together on the basis of "cultural nationalism and Ram Mandir" and that the coalition would win "minimum of 45 seats in the Lok Sabha polls."

BJP's alliance with Shiv Sena beyond politics: PM Modi

The parties have also decided on a 50-50 arrangement for the Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said, adding that the remaining seats would be divided among other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members in the state.

The Shiv Sena is one of the oldest allies of the BJP, but off-late the Uddhav Thackeray led party has been extremely critical of the PM Modi-led government at the Centre. The criticism and bickering between the two had, at one point, reached such levels that speculations began making the rounds that Sena may severe ties with the BJP.

Shiv Sena and BJP are allies both in Centre and in Maharashtra, but in early 2018, the Sena had announced that it would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra Assembly elections separately over disagreements with the BJP.

In 2014, the two parties, along with their allies, had won 42 out of 48 seats. While the BJP had bagged 23 seats, the Shiv Sena had emerged winners in 18 constituencies.
Amit Shah, Uddhav Thackeray to address joint presser today: Why is it significant?

India

oi-Vikas SV

Mumbai, Feb 18: The Shiv Sena is one of the oldest allies of the BJP, but off-late the Uddhav Thackeray led party has been extremely critical of the PM Modi-led government at the Centre. The criticism and bickering between the two had, at one point, reached such levels that speculations began making the rounds that Sena may severe ties with the BJP.

Shiv Sena and BJP are allies both in Centre and in Maharashtra, but in early 2018, the Sena had announced that it would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra Assembly elections separately over disagreements with the BJP.

BJP not desperate: Fadnavis on Shiv Sena's 'big brother' claim

Maharashtra is politically a crucial state in terms of numbers of MPs it sends to the Lok Sabha. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP contested 24 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and the Shiv Sena 20 seats. The BJP won 23 seats and the Shiv Sena bagged 18, so collectively the alliance won 41 of the 48 seats in Maharashtra.

During the bypolls to Palghar Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra in May 2018, the Sena and the BJP contested separately and engaged in a bitter campaign against each other. After this, the rift between the two saffron parties had widened so much that many thought reconciliation was out of question and the parting of the two was on the cards.

But in June 2018, BJP president Amit Shah called on Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at the latter's residence 'Matoshree' and the meeting reportedly lasted for over two hours. Since then, the Sena seemed to have mellowed a little, but it was not that it totally speaking against the BJP. Since Shah's meeting the attacks, comparitively, seemed less scathing.

Both parties are, in a way, ideologically similar and are seen as right wing parties espousing Hindutva. Many political observers also feel that if the BJP and Shiv Sena fight it alone, right-wing votes would be split hurting both parties.

In a bid to end the differences, a meeting took place on Thursday (February 14) between Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis had earlier expressed that both parties would suffer if the alliance ends.

Both parties seem to have understood this and are working towards reconciliation. Indian Express reported that Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackeray have reached a broad understanding over the sharing of seats.

"BJP President Amit Shah and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray will address a joint press conference later today. An announcement on the alliance will be made in the press conference today," Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut told ANI today (February 18).

With 'EVM', lotus can bloom even in London and America: Shiv Sena

Shah is scheduled to address a party meeting in Jaipur on Monday. After that, he would fly to Mumbai to announce the deal along with Uddhav.

An Indian Express report while quoting sources said that Shah adopted a rather magnanimous attitude to keep the Sena aboard the NDA. The exact numbers of the two parties were yet to be fixed, but the Indian Express report claimed that the two leaders were working on the 50-50 formula for dividing Vidhan Sabha seats between themselves. This was in accordance with the Sena demand.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 13:52 [IST]
To stay in Grey List or downgrade to Black List: Key FATF decision on Pak this week

Pakistan will implement FATF's new action plan in 12 months: Minister after country retained on 'grey list'

All India Cine Workers Association bans Pakistan artists in film indutsry

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar P

Mumbai, Feb 18: All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry in the wake of dastradly attack on CRPF jawans in Pulwama. The association strongly condemned the brutal terrorists attack on soldiers at Pulwama.

The letter clearly states that despite the official ban if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artistes, the AICWA will ban them and strict action will be taken against them.

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) observed 'Black Day' on Sunday. No work was done between 2 pm and 4 pm. A prayer session was also held for the brave hearts.

Kamal Hassan asks why Govt of India afraid of plebiscite in Kashmir

The solidarity march organised by FWICE was held at 2 pm, where a lot of celebrities joined the march. Chief advisor to FWICE and chairman of Indian Television and film directors association (IFTDA) Ashok Pandit had also extended support to the today's march and added that by this solidarity march we want to send a message that the whole industry is behind its brave hearts.

Some other film organisations have also extended their support to FWICE for their solidarity march held on Sunday.

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Story first published: Monday, February 18, 2019, 14:00 [IST]
Abraham Lincoln in a photograph taken in 1865, shortly before his death.
Nebraska lawmakers need to safeguard residents property rights by setting effective notification requirements when property owners fall behind in paying their taxes. Some Nebraskans have lost their home or farmstead not through an inability to pay but because of a failure in communication.

This can be a particular problem for some elderly or disabled property owners, as explained in a series of World-Herald news articles last year. In one case, an infirm 94-year-old widow living in a nursing home in North Platte lost a farm worth $1.1 million to an outsider investor group after a series of communication failures led to repeated failures to pay a $50,000 tax lien. One State Supreme Court judge described the case as a windfall that borders on the obscene.

In another instance, an investor group paid $500 in back taxes and interest to obtain a home and acreage near Ravenna worth $60,000. The owner of the home, a 73-year-old disabled veteran, says he never saw official notices of the impending deed transfer until it was too late. Weve been here for 31 years, he told The World-Herald, and theyre going to screw me out of the property for $500 when I had the money at hand.
Trump's bizarre claim that the subject of an investigation has the right to circumscribe the inquiry into his conduct dates back to a July 19, 2017, interview Trump gave to the New York Times. Asked whether a Mueller probe of his finances would be a "red line," Trump answered, "I would say yeah." He then offered a rambling defense, saying at one point, "I don't do business with Russia."

Matt Whitaker, until Thursday the acting attorney general, became a Trump favorite before joining the administration when he echoed the president's line, telling CNN in August 2017 that if Mueller investigated the Trump Organization, "I think that would be crossing a red line."

Some of Trump's assertions about not having business dealings with Russia have since been shredded. Michael Cohen, Trump's former lawyer, admitted in a guilty plea last November that discussions about building a Trump Tower in Moscow continued until at least June 14, 2016, six months later than Cohen had told Congress they stopped.

(One clause in Trump's signed 2015 "letter of intent" for the Moscow project proposed that the fitness facility there would be called a "Spa by Ivanka Trump.")
If you like brunch, take note: Two Omaha spots have special meals coming.

Au Courant plans to welcome Alex Lund, from Krug Park, for a special "classic French" brunch on March 10. Lund plans to create drinks to go along with the menu, which will be released soon. Make a reservation at the restaurant, 6064 Maple St.

Visit facebook.com/events/840358356304676 for more information.

And at Farnam House, bacon will be the name of the brunch game for an event on Sunday, Feb. 24 in tandem with Omaha Beer Week.

The brewery will create various bacon-focused items to match with craft beer and serve them all day.

The brewery is at 3558 Farnam St.; visit facebook.com/events/1981523842151673 for details.
Mary Ninneman has seen the faces of human trafficking.

After her freshman year at Notre Dame, Ninneman, now a senior history and political science student, traveled to Thailand through Air Force ROTC to work with that nations military in rural areas. But thats not what affected her most: It was the orphanage filled with kids, teenagers, toddlers and babies who were trafficking victims or were at risk of being trafficked.

Ninneman, a graduate of Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha, said that even though she didnt speak their language, she understood their smiles.

You look in the face of a child, and its the picture of innocence, Ninneman said. It didnt make sense that any child would want to grow up this way.

That experience  along with an internship with Sen. Ben Sasse, a trip to Greece and a class on human trafficking in Africa  pushed Ninneman to look deeper at human trafficking at home.

She decided to write her thesis, Hidden Human Trafficking in the Heartland, for the Glynn Family Honors Program at Notre Dame to explore the history of Nebraskas current laws, past resolutions, enforcement strategies and educational programming.
Operating at night out of Qatar, Python 73s crew had to dodge thunderstorms once they reached the designated orbit for their mission, which included intercepting electronic signals as well as listening to and translating voice communications from the ground.

After the Rivet Joint had been flying its orbit for three hours, leaders at a ground-based combat operations center decided to scrub the airstrikes because of worsening weather and because several aircraft appeared to be dropping out.

Python 73s crew contacted the other aircraft crews and found that they were actually fit to fly. They informed the operations center, then quickly arranged for aerial refueling from the only tanker in the area so the attack could go ahead.

The crew managed that while limiting communication so enemy forces wouldnt be alerted, and with minimal lighting.

While the strikes continued, Python 73 listened to every aircraft in the area to determine whether they were friendly or hostile to the U.S. and its coalition partners. In one case, coalition fighter jets hurried to engage an unidentified aircraft.

The Offutt-based crew realized that it was from a friendly country and that it was leaving the area of the airstrikes.
Authorities were asking the public for help finding an inmate who walked out of a community corrections center in Lincoln and was found to be missing about 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Dominique Moody, 27, had been serving a six- to nine-year sentence for burglary and was being held at the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a press release.

Inmates at the facility are allowed to go to work, school and religious services with approval and without direct supervision, the department said.

Moody had a tentative release date of August 2021 and would have been eligible for parole in August of this year.

Anyone with information on Moodys whereabouts was asked to contact local authorities or the Nebraska State Patrol.
Gymboree Group Inc. will shut down after going bankrupt a second time, the victim of falling mall traffic and cheaper online sources of kids clothing. About 10,000 people could lose their jobs.

The retailer filed for protection from creditors owed about $212 million in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, according to a statement late Wednesday.

The San Francisco-based company, which operates 945 stores under three brands in the U.S. and Canada, plans to close its Gymboree and Crazy 8 chains after failing to find anyone willing to buy them, court papers show. A unit of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is leading bids for Gymborees higher-end Janie and Jack business.

(The Omaha metro area has three stores under the companys umbrella: Gymboree at Nebraska Crossing Outlets in Gretna, Crazy 8 at Oak View Mall and Janie and Jack at Village Pointe shopping center.

Potential closing dates for the Gymboree and Crazy 8 locations were not available Thursday.

Store managers or employees at those locations declined to discuss the status of their stores when contacted by The World-Herald.)
Journalists Katty Kay and Claire Shipman found that a shortage of competence is less likely to be an obstacle than a shortage of confidence.

Underqualified and underprepared men dont think twice about leaning in, they wrote. Overqualified and overprepared, too many women still hold back. Women feel confident only when they are perfect.

This resonated with me as I have watched my daughter start her academic trajectory. The idea of needing things to be perfect has already started to sneak its way into her approach to her schoolwork.

Mara seems to be more concerned with falling behind than I ever remember her older brother being. She doesnt seem to need any reminding to do her homework. In fact, she is usually the one reminding you that shed like to be quizzed on the weeks spelling words.

Declan, on the other hand, has a very laid-back attitude when it comes to school work. He studies, but not without reminding and prodding from us, which can sometimes lead to low-level threats. Its usually when limiting screen time enters the conversation that his full and undivided attention is finally given to the homework at hand.
In the screen-lit bustle of modern life, sleep is expendable. There are television shows to binge-watch, work emails to answer, homework to finish, social media posts to scroll through. We'll catch up on shut-eye later, so the thinking goes  right after we click down one last digital rabbit hole.

Brain research, which has pushed back hard against this nonchalant attitude, is now expanding rapidly, reaching beyond the laboratory and delving into exactly how sleep works in disease and in normal cognitive functions such as memory. The growing consensus is that casual disregard for sleep is wrongheaded  even downright dangerous.

Preschoolers who skip naps are worse at a memory game than those who snooze, even after the children "catch up" on sleep the next night. An alarming new line of research suggests poor sleep may increase the risk of Alzheimer's, as even a single night of sleep deprivation boosts brain levels of the proteins that form toxic clumps in Alzheimer's patients. All-nighters push anxiety to clinical levels, and even modest sleep reductions are linked to increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

"It used to be popular for people to say, 'I'll sleep when I'm dead.' The ironic thing is, not sleeping enough may get you there sooner," said Daniel Buysse, a professor of sleep medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
Artison said, The individuals in this exhibit tenaciously overcame setbacks and difficult circumstances in their quests for success and did so in the era of the Green Book.

Their goal is to have the profiles displayed so churches, schools and civic groups can expose black children as well as the greater Omaha community to these positive life stories from north Omaha.

We want to help instill a sense of pride in the young people from north Omaha as well as young black children living in other parts of Omaha, Artison said.

As parents, relatives and friends encourage young people and let them know they can achieve success, it is always good for them to see pictures and hear stories of black people who achieved so much while facing so many societal challenges.

Minnie Brown Patton was born in 1870 and was one of 13 children born to George and Rosie Brown. Five of their children died in childhood and her mother froze to death in the late 1880s. Minnie was the oldest surviving child and married Nicholas P. Patton. They moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and reared the remainder of her 8 brothers and sisters.
Creighton baseball coach Ed Servais said he hasnt brought up last year much at all with his already motivated ballclub. The Jays have star power, experience and a vision. They dont need disappointment and heartbreak to fuel their competitive spirit as they prepare for this new season to begin.
Local Election candidate Clare Claffey has called on the government to take stock of all options for the National Childrens Hospital following weeks of controversies over escalating costs and the recent offer by building contractor BAM.

Claffey, who is standing for the Social Democrats in the Birr/Ferbane area in the Local Elections in May said: There has been a series of bad decisions and poor management, but instead of doubling down, its now time for the Taoiseach, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance to produce full costings on all options for our new Childrens Hospital."

"Theres no point in throwing good money after bad, especially when there is rising evidence that the St Jamess site is not the best location for the hospital."

Claffey has three young children with long term health issues and said she is "only too aware of the urgent need for a new National Childrens Hospital," but insists, "this urgency should not be used to justify continuing with a failing project."

We have a once in a generation chance to get this right, for the children of today and for future generations. My family is very familiar with Our Ladys Hospital in Crumlin, having spent many weeks there with my daughter Nicole after her heart surgeries and again with my son Jayden who needed bowel surgery when he was just a few days old."

"For rural families, who may have just been told that their tiny baby is seriously ill, arriving to a hospital in Dublin is a frightening experience. This is hard enough, without having to face issues of how to get there through city traffic, perhaps not being able to find parking or accommodation nearby. The James Connolly site is far more suitable to the needs of all the families who will be using the new Childrens Hospital in the future," Claffey added.

"Now that the contractor responsible for the national children's hospital has offered to opt out from the project if the board responsible for it wishes to re-tender the contract, we have the opportunity to look at this again  building the hospital at the greenfield site available at Connolly will be cheaper and faster. I dont think Minister for Health Simon Harris should have been so quick to dismiss that option over the weekend, and I hope he will take the opportunity to discuss it with the cabinet."

Access to the Connolly site for parents coming from all over the country makes so much more sense. Its right by the M50 motorway away from city centre traffic, and its beside an existing major adult hospital and will be the new site of the Rotunda maternity hospital, which makes so much sense."

"Its even better for access by emergency vehicles like ambulances and helicopters. We need our politicians to remember that families from all parts of rural Ireland will use this hospital, not just the greater Dublin area. All the paediatric cardiology specialists for the country are at Crumlin and they will be moving to the new Childrens Hospital, whenever it is built, so I will be attending there with my daughter Nicole, along with thousands of parents from right across the country. Its important to us that it goes in the right place."

Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall TD said: The government needs to seize the opportunity to take stock of this hospital project and do a detailed costing of all options that were originally outlined. This must include calling a halt to construction on the St Jamess site and considering moving to a different site in order to guarantee the co-location of the childrens hospital with a maternity hospital. This is a critical issue and was originally promised as part of this project.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate the couple suspected of an attempted armed robbery and then the shooting of an Auburn police officer Friday night likely died as a result of a murder-suicide.

Investigators continue to search for the females next of kin before releasing her identity.

Authorities believe 38-year-old Christopher James Wallace shot the 36-year-old unknown female before turning the gun on himself, according to Lee County Coroner Bill Harris in a news release Monday afternoon.

Where each suspect was shot is not being released at this time, as the case is still very early in its stages and is ongoing, Harris said. Other details will be released when possible.

The incident remains under investigation by the Lee County Coroners Office, Auburn police, the State Bureau of Investigation, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The bodies of two suspects were found in a back room of an apartment that caught fire during a standoff with police that included a massive exchange of gunfire late Friday evening. The standoff occurred at an apartment complex located in the 1000 block of Stonegate Drive off Wire Road.
Third time a charm

Jack has taken the ACT exam on three occasions, and each experience gave the high school student valuable insight aiding his final attempt.

The first time I took the test, I studied a moderate amount, and I got a pretty decent score, he said. The second time I wanted to improve a lot, so I burned myself out. On test day, I was exhausted, and I wasnt able to do too well. For the test I took where I got a 36, it took getting into the right mindset and believing it is something that is possible.

Acquiring the right study materials was a factor Jack Norris attributed to his success, and he warns ACT participants to avoid unofficial practice tests.

They can often lower your confidence and abilities, so one of the most important things is getting your hands on official ACT study materials, which you can find anywhere online, Jack Norris said.

The teachers and curriculum within the Auburn City Schools system had a significant impact on his score, Jack said, and he recalls, as an eighth grade student, pursuing his fascination in computers developing good habits and independent study without the guidance of an instructor.
Satisfaction among New Zealand bank customers has increased in 2018, according to the latest Roy Morgans Single Source survey.

The survey shows consumer satisfaction with banks was at 79.1% in the year to December 2018, up from 78.2% in the December 2017 period. The increase was a result of eight of the nine largest banks showing improved satisfaction, with TSB the biggest improver (up 6.1% points).

TSB Bank was found with the highest customer satisfaction with 88.5%, followed by Kiwibank on 84.6%, The Co-operative bank (81.7%), BNZ (80.4%) and Rabobank (79.5%).

Meanwhile, the banks performing below the market average for satisfaction (79.1%) were ASB, ANZ, Westpac and SBS Bank with 78.1%, 77.1%, 76.5% and 75.1% respectively. ANZ was the only major bank to show a decline in satisfaction, down marginally by 1.9% points.

Of the TSB customers who consider it to be their main financial institution (MFI), 89.9% said they would be very likely to recommend TSB to a friend or colleague. This was followed by The Co-operative bank with 81.4% and Kiwibank 73.3%.

Satisfaction with New Zealand banks is generally positive and improving, according to Roy Morgan industry communication director Norman Morris. He noted results follow last years result wherein eight of the nine largest banks also showed increased satisfaction.

While the Finance Royal Commission in Australia has had a negative impact on bank customer satisfaction in Australia, particularly the big four, it appears that this has not generally been felt by the Australian banks operating in New Zealand, Morris explained. The ANZ was the only one of the big four to show a decline in satisfaction in both countries over the last year.

Banks need to understand their position on both of these metrics relative to their major competitors and learn from the best performers, he added.

Roy Morgans Single Source survey includes interviews with over 6,000 banking and finance consumers per annum.
VATICAN CITY  In the decades since the crisis of clerical sexual abuse of children first exploded, the Roman Catholic church has struggled to resolve a scourge that has eroded its credibility, driven away the faithful and stained its priests, bishops, cardinals and popes.

On Monday, as the Vatican prepared for a meeting that will include Pope Francis and the presidents of the worlds bishops conferences, the church was still looking for a way forward.

My hope is that people see this as a turning point, Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, said at a Vatican news conference. He said he hoped the meeting, titled The Protection of Minors in the Church, would be a rallying moment to make sure all the bishops were on the same page.

The four-day meeting, which begins on Thursday, will bring together 190 participants, including 114 presidents of bishops conferences or their delegates, representatives from 14 Eastern churches in communion with Rome, female and male leaders of religious orders and the chiefs of several Vatican congregations.
That will not be easy. The seven rebel lawmakers will sit as independents in Parliament, having decided not to establish a new political party, at least for now. Doing so is difficult in Britain because the countrys electoral system makes it hard for smaller groups to win representation in Parliament. A faction that splintered from Labour in the 1980s to form a centrist social democratic party ultimately failed.

Nevertheless, in some parts of Europe, new political forces have exploited the weakness of existing parties, including in France where President Emmanuel Macron successfully created a new centrist movement.

In Britain, Mr. Travers noted, there is a gaping gap in politics. Under Mr. Corbyn, Labour has both its most left-wing leader in decades and a lifelong critic of the European Union, who has resisted demands from some of his lawmakers and party members to support another referendum on Brexit.

The Conservatives have their schisms as well. Within the governing Conservative Party of Prime Minister Theresa May, Brexit has been embraced with enthusiasm by party activists, who tend to be older and more nativist. This has strengthened the hand of hard-liners, including lawmakers who meet as the European Research Group, some of whom are happy to contemplate leaving the European Union without any agreement.

That has left the partys more pragmatic lawmakers on the defensive, confronting the prospect of something they fear could be an economic catastrophe. Several of the more pro-European Conservative lawmakers have been threatened with deselection by their local parties, a development that mirrors the faction-fighting within Labour.

While there is a vacant space at the center of Britains politics, the middle-of-the-road Liberal Democrats have failed to recover the credibility they lost with voters during their coalition government with the Conservatives from 2010 to 2015.
ROME  Vincent Doyle, a psychotherapist in Ireland, was 28 when he learned from his mother that the Roman Catholic priest he had always known as his godfather was in truth his biological father.

The discovery led him to create a global support group to help other children of priests, like him, suffering from the internalized shame that comes with being born from church scandal. When he pressed bishops to acknowledge these children, some church leaders told him that he was the product of the rarest of transgressions.

But one archbishop finally showed him what he was looking for: a document of Vatican guidelines for how to deal with priests who father children, proof that he was hardly alone.

[Pope Francis opens a meeting devoted to the issue of clerical sexual abuse: We hear the cry of the little ones asking for justice.]
PARIS  He was one of Frances few public intellectuals to express support for the Yellow Vest movement at the beginning, but last week he said the protesters devastate without regard for anything or anybody.

Over the weekend, they turned their ire on him.

As Alain Finkielkraut, one of Frances leading essayists and critics from the right, walked by a Yellow Vest demonstration, protesters at its edge shouted insults widely condemned as anti-Semitic.

Fascist! they yelled.Palestine! Go home to Israel! Tel Aviv, back to Tel Aviv!

By Monday, the affair had snowballed into another episode of anguished national soul-searching over the problem of persistent anti-Semitism in France, and the evolution of the Yellow Vest movement from gas-tax protest to violent street revolt with hints of menace and hooliganism.

Some politicians and intellectuals accused others of not condemning the insults to Mr. Finkielkraut firmly enough. President Emmanuel Macron telephoned him to express his anger, but said he would not be attending a march in Paris scheduled for Tuesday to condemn anti-Semitism.
If it is China, then I think its important for the public to know that, said Alex Joske, a researcher at the International Cyber Policy Center in Canberra. Discussions about Huawei and influence will be issues during the election, and letting the public know that the Chinese Communist Party was in our system is important knowledge.

Mr. Joske said Russia, which interfered in the 2016 United States presidential election, had less interest in the Australian election.

After the American experience in 2016, Western democracies should be increasingly aware of the vulnerability of their institutions, said Roderick Jones, founder and president of the cybersecurity firm Rubica in San Francisco.

It is gross negligence to have any significant breach of a system at this point, given everything thats happened around the world, to have a penetration of a parliamentary system is just negligent, he said.

The Australian hack was above all designed to damage voter confidence, Mr. Jones said.

People are suddenly questioning electronic voting, some of those processes get brought into focus and people stop having trust in them. Every Western election has had interference, every one has been damaged in some way. Russia and China are more allied than ever to destroy confidence in the system, he said.

The prime ministers acknowledgment of the hack represented a departure from past policy, in which the government has been reluctant to single-handedly call out cyberattacks by foreign governments. Last April, Australia, the United States and Britain accused Russia of state-sponsored hacking. In December, Australia followed the United States in condemning Chinese hackers for trying to steal intellectual property.

The Australian governments conundrum now is what it will do once it has uncovered the identity of the foreign state actor, said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Center.
Taliban representatives have popped up everywhere from luxury hotels in the United Arab Emirates to bullet trains in China to conference halls a stones throw from the Kremlin in Moscow, even as violence linked to the group has intensified in Afghanistan. Afghan officials have expressed fear that in a rush to facilitate a peace deal, its international partners are emboldening the Taliban by giving the group more freedom of movement without receiving concessions in return.

Other reasons for the cancellation include internal disagreements over the issue among the Taliban, who were divided over how close they wanted to be seen to the government of Pakistan during peace negotiations, according to insurgent leaders who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the groups internal deliberations. The Pakistani military has long supported the Taliban and has provided Taliban leaders with sanctuary from American airstrikes and Afghan operations.

In a sign that the meeting with Mr. Khan had become a divisive issue within their ranks, the Taliban made no mention of it in the statement about canceling the trip, instead focusing on the meetings with American diplomats.

Pakistani security agencies were also divided about the benefits of meeting with the Taliban at a time when the country is under pressure from two other neighbors, Iran and India, following recent attacks against their forces by militant groups reportedly operating from Pakistan.

Two Afghan officials who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the news media said it was likely that Pakistan had called off the meeting because the country did not want to further complicate its international standing after being placed on the gray list of the Financial Action Task Force, an international body combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

The Talibans meetings in Pakistan would have fallen around the same time as a high-profile visit to the country by the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, raising rumors that he might also be involved in some of the peace meetings. Prince Mohammed arrived in Islamabad on Sunday at the start of a weeklong visit to Asia.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan  Saudi Arabias crown prince has pledged $20 billion worth of investments in Pakistan to shore up the countrys struggling economy while strengthening bilateral ties at a time when Islamabad is trying to revive its global standing.

The pledges made Sunday evening  about double what had been expected  would also help Saudi Arabias economy by setting up infrastructure, including an oil refinery, to secure Pakistan as a market for Saudi crude oil. The promised investments are nonbinding, however, and whether they will materialize remains to be seen. Riyadh has a long history of over-promising to please allies.

Kicking off a tour of Asia with a visit to Pakistan this week, the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, held separate meetings with Pakistans prime minister, Imran Khan, and the countrys army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, endorsing the countrys two levers of power. Pakistani security officials gave glowing reviews of the trip, which they said was an important opportunity to strengthen military ties with Saudi Arabia, a relationship that has come under strain in recent years.

Mr. Khan and General Bajwa met Prince Mohammed as his plane landed at Islamabads airport Sunday night to a 21-gun salute, and the prime minister then personally drove the prince to the capital in his Mercedes sedan.
SEOUL, South Korea  A senior North Korean official known as Kim Jong-uns butler has begun scouting hotels, factory sites and resorts in Vietnam ahead of the North Korean leaders highly anticipated summit meeting with President Trump in Hanoi next week.

The official, Kim Chang-son, who serves as Mr. Kims de facto chief of staff, arrived in Hanoi on Saturday to discuss logistics with his White House counterpart, Daniel Walsh.

The North Korean leader plans to arrive in Hanoi next Monday to meet with President Nguyen Phu Trong of Vietnam before a second summit meeting with Mr. Trump, slated for Wednesday and Thursday next week, Reuters reported, citing anonymous sources.

While in Vietnam, Mr. Kim plans to visit the Vietnamese manufacturing base of Bac Ninh Province, northeast of Hanoi, and the industrial port city of Haiphong, Reuters said.
NEW DELHI  Militants in Kashmir struck again on Monday, killing an Indian Army major and at least three other soldiers just days after orchestrating a devastating bombing that left dozens of Indian security forces dead.

Fears are now rising that Kashmir, a disputed region that lies between India and its regional rival, Pakistan, could be sliding into an especially deadly phase again.

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan are breaking down; Kashmiri students are being rounded up and attacked; other young people have been charged with sedition for criticizing the Indian Army; and Indians are lashing out at Pakistani civilians, including Bollywood actors.

The recent violence in Kashmir  a majority Muslim region that is mostly controlled by India, a predominantly Hindu nation  has uncapped a wave of jingoism that is sweeping across India. The orange, white and green national flag is going up everywhere, and many people say they want revenge.
In Curacao, opposition officials were buoyed by the willingness of the countrys foreign minister to stage aid along a sea corridor long used by Venezuelan migrants to flee the country. But in recent days, plans appeared to be falling apart as politicians in Curacao objected to the use of the aid as a political weapon.

The uncertainty has left some in Venezuela not counting on aid anytime soon.

They say they are in charge of the government, but the ones who are in charge are the ones who control the bridge, said Hector Cardenas, 52, who crossed the border to buys a months worth of cooking oil, vegetables, soap and medicines in Colombia. The opposition has no real power.

John R. Bolton, Mr. Trumps national security adviser, told reporters in Miami before the speech that Venezuelan volunteers would bring in all the donated supplies, with no assist from the American forces that have stockpiled the aid on the Colombian side.

Regardless, the outcome would not be ideal for Mr. Maduro, Mr. Bolton said, because if the Venezuelan military blocked the aid, the world would see Mr. Maduros true colors.

We hope that the press will be there to see the Maduro loyalists stopping humanitarian assistance from going to the poor people of Venezuela, Mr. Bolton said. People want to know why the Venezuelan people are rising up. That act by Maduro would be proof beyond words.

In Caracas, the Venezuelan government made its own attempt to turn the propaganda wars on food to its own advantage on Monday.

Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez said Venezuela would be sending 20,000 boxes of food into Cucuta, citing Colombias history of drug violence and poverty.

It seems that no one takes care of the Colombian people, especially those on the border, he said.
Most lingering coughs are the residual effect of a cold or flu, and they can last for weeks and weeks, get better or worse, and still not represent anything more than a nuisance, Dr. Edelman said. But the misery associated with coughs sends more than 30 million people to the doctor every year. And there are certainly circumstances under which a doctor should be consulted.

Among them, Dr. Edelman said, are patients with underlying medical conditions like C.O.P.D. (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma, even mild cases of asthma. People with asthma should have an action plan established in consultation with their doctor  what to do in case a cough develops, he said. Its best to catch it early, when the inflammation just starts because its harder to treat when its well established.

He added, People with a significant underlying health problem should not wait four weeks to see a doctor. Also, he said, if every winter you get cold after cold followed by a cough, you should see a doctor right away because it could represent an underlying problem.

Other circumstances that warrant medical attention include persistent coughs that interfere with the ability to sleep; coughs associated with fever, chills and feeling unwell; and coughs that produce blood in the sputum.

Then there are the coughs that become chronic, persisting beyond eight or more weeks. They could result from an irritated, inflamed airway that may require treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid to reduce the inflammation, Dr. Edelman said.

Writing in The New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Ashley Woodcock and Jaclyn A. Smith estimated that chronic cough affects as much as 12 percent of the general population. It affects more women than men, most often in their 40s and 50s, and can persist for years with substantial physical, social and psychological effects, they wrote.

In addition to respiratory diseases like asthma, possible causes of chronic cough include a persistent postnasal drip that may result from an allergy, sinus infection, airborne irritant, or even exposure to very dry cold air. Depending on the cause, the best treatment may involve an oral antihistamine, nose drops, a vaporizer or, if an infection is found, antibiotics. But Dr. Edelman warned against using a humidifier with a water reservoir that can become contaminated with a fungus unless it is thoroughly cleaned daily. Also, overly humidifying the air can foster dust mites, which are common allergens.
Good Monday morning. Here are some of the stories making news in Washington and politics today. (Note: The evening edition of On Politics With Lisa Lerer is off today for the Presidents Day holiday.)

_____________________

 President Trump mounted one of the most serious executive branch challenges to congressional authority in decades, circumventing Congress with an emergency declaration. The move left Senate Republicans sharply divided, and it remains to be seen whether they will act collectively to try to stop it.

 Senator Lindsey Graham, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vowed to investigate whether top officials at the Justice Department and the F.B.I. had plotted an attempted bureaucratic coup to remove Mr. Trump from office.

 Bernie Sanders struggled with black voters in 2016, in part because of turmoil between top aides and African-American staffers. Winning the crucial black vote in the diverse 2020 field could prove even harder.
A secret meeting of former President Barack Obamas financial backers convened in Washington early this month: Organized by David Jacobson and John Phillips, Mr. Obamas former ambassadors to Canada and Italy, the group interviewed an array of 2020 presidential candidates and debated whether to throw their wealth behind one or two of them.

[Barack Obama releases his first wave of 2020 endorsements.]

Mr. Obama had no role in the event, but it unfolded in his political shadow: As presidential hopefuls like Senators Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar and Sherrod Brown auditioned before them, the donors wondered aloud whether Mr. Obama might signal a preference in the race, according to three people briefed on the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

David Axelrod, Mr. Obamas former chief strategist, told the group they should expect no such directive. Mr. Axelrod confirmed in an interview that he briefed the gathering, recalling: They asked me about Obama endorsing. I said, I dont imagine he will.

Mr. Axelrod said he had been sharing his own perspective, not speaking as an official Obama emissary. But his forecast matches what Mr. Obama has told friends and likely presidential candidates in private: that he does not see it as his role to settle the 2020 nomination, and prefers to let the primary unfold as a contest of ideas. Michelle Obama, the former first lady, also has no plans to endorse a candidate, a person familiar with her thinking said.
Which tweet? What tweet? Ms. Harris said in response to the question about her use of the modern day lynching phrase. After a moment, she said, I think the facts are still unfolding and Im very concerned about the initial allegation by Mr. Smollett. She said there should be an investigation and declined to comment further until it was complete.



At Ms. Harriss town hall in Portsmouth, people squeezed in from wall to wall and lines stretched down the street for two blocks; there was an overflow crowd outside was turned away. Most members of the audience, which varied widely in age and was predominantly white, enthusiastically leapt to their feet repeatedly to applaud her liberal positions, even if she often lacked detail.

Ms. Harris said America was not working for working people, that health care costs were driving people to near bankruptcy and that she supported Medicare for all. She blasted the pharmaceutical companies for an immoral system in which they gouge the public and are more concerned with profits than public health. Although she was not asked about the states opioid crisis, one of the worst in the country, she brought it up a couple of times.

She railed against gun violence, described climate change as man-made and endorsed the Green New Deal. She lamented that money that should be spent on public education was instead going to mass incarceration. She endorsed comprehensive immigration reform.

In an answer to a question, she said she would support changes in voting laws that would allow for same-day registration and make Election Day a national holiday. In answer to another question, she said she supported renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day.

Some answers were more vague than others. One questioner, noting that the Democrats generally appeal to voters on the coasts, asked her how she would appeal to the heartland.

I reject the notion that depending on where you were born, you dont identify with someone else, she responded. This election will come down to who the American public believes will be a leader.
This time, we dont want to focus on the negativity, said Ms. Stein, who attended Ms. Harriss rally on Friday in Charleston. She said she felt that the talk of Ms. Warrens Native ancestry was driven by Mr. Trump.

Hes just so loud and gets people to focus on whatever he says, Ms. Stein added.

It was Ms. Warren who decided last year to highlight the ancestry issue, by giving interviews that repeatedly defended her familys story that they originated from Cherokee and Delaware tribes and by taking a DNA test that showed strong evidence that she has Native American pedigree 6-10 generations ago, according to results released by Ms. Warrens office. After some Native leaders said she dishonored tribal governments and citizens by using the DNA test to assert her own ancestry claims, and some critics on the left said that the test played into Mr. Trumps hands, Ms. Warren apologized multiple times this month for calling herself Native American for years.

Whether the ancestry issue could be a problem for Ms. Warren with general election voters if she won the Democratic nomination is unclear at this early stage. For now, the issue has become a familiar narrative among Washington insiders: Republican Party officials are trying to brand her as inauthentic, and some liberal activists have expressed dismay with her approach to the whole issue. Most painfully for Ms. Warren, some prominent Native Americans have soured on her, saying she exhibited unforgivable behavior consistent with cultural appropriation. (Other Native leaders have been more supportive.)

[Check out the Democratic field with our candidate tracker.]

Ms. Warren may well face new questions about the extent of her Native claims. But criticism of her has been cooling in some quarters recently, after Ms. Warrens apologies and her steps to consult privately with prominent critics to understand their concerns.

Ms. Warren briefly appeared at the National Indian Women Honor luncheon last week in Washington to support a Native leader from Massachusetts, who was winning an award. She is also working on legislation with Representative Deb Haaland, the New Mexico Democrat who last year became one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress; it would seek to address funding shortfalls in tribal lands.

Julian Brave Noisecat, a Native American journalist and activist who has criticized Ms. Warren previously, said: Based on my conversations with tribal leaders and advocates, the consensus position is that shes one of the strongest allies of Indian country in Congress. She has good relationships with tribes across the board. And I think thats relevant.

Mr. Noisecat said the ancestry matter had become double-edged: More than any other Democratic presidential candidate, Ms. Warren has caused the most upset among Native American communities, but has also probably done the most outreach and is more vocal on issues that effect tribal citizens than other presidential candidates.
WASHINGTON  Doug Evans, a white state prosecutor in Mississippi, has worked hard to keep black people off the juries that have heard his case against Curtis Flowers, who has been tried six times  yes, six times  for the 1996 murders of four people inside a furniture store in Winona, Miss.

Next month, the Supreme Court will consider whether Mr. Evanss use of dozens of peremptory challenges  ones that do not require giving a reason  to exclude black prospective jurors violated the Constitution.

Mr. Evanss track record is extraordinary, and the courts ruling may be narrow. But the justices could also use the case to put some teeth into Batson v. Kentucky, a 1986 decision that made an exception to the centuries-old rule that peremptory challenges are completely discretionary and cannot be second-guessed.

In the Batson case, the court ruled that racial discrimination in jury selection was different, and it required lawyers accused of it to provide a nondiscriminatory explanation.
The people of North Carolina believe that our voters must have trust in our process, believe their vote must be counted, and they believe that elections must be fair, Robert Cordle, a Democrat who chairs the elections board, said Monday. That is why we have hearings to try to determine these things here in North Carolina.

Mr. Cordle was the only member of the elections board to speak at length during Mondays hearing, and the regulators appeared impassive through hours of testimony. But if four of the boards five members ultimately conclude that irregularities or improprieties occurred to such an extent that they taint the results of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness, they may order a new election.

No matter what the board decides, Mondays revelations were an embarrassment for North Carolina Republicans, who spent years crusading against fraud  and were openly accused on Monday of underwriting misdeeds with tens of thousands of dollars in pass-through payments.

Ms. Strachs remarks, followed by just some of the dozens of potential witnesses who were called to the North Carolina State Bar building, signaled that investigators had corroborated many of the allegations that were detailed in affidavits, interviews and news reports in recent months. Mr. Dowless, seated three rows from the back of the crowded hearing room, sat quietly and sometimes closed his eyes or bowed his head.

Mr. Dowless was called to testify near the end of Mondays proceedings, but his lawyer said he would not address the board unless he received a form of immunity.

I dont think hes going to incriminate himself because I dont think hes done anything wrong, but I am just telling you, its just not a good situation from an attorneys standpoint to let somebody testify in a situation like that, Cynthia Singletary, Mr. Dowlesss lawyer, said after the hearing.

Although Mr. Harris acknowledged in December that he had directed Mr. Dowlesss hiring, the Republican candidates allies have depicted Mr. Dowless as something of a rogue operative.
The 10 black students in his incoming class were the largest group Caltech had ever enrolled, he learned when he wrote a paper on the little-known history of being black at Caltech for a summer research project. Only three of the others graduated with him four years later.

Most of his classmates, Dr. Goins quickly realized, had arrived with math training that went far beyond his own. In his freshman year, he sometimes called his high school calculus teacher for help with the homework. In his sophomore year, he watched from his dormitory television as the 1992 Los Angeles riots erupted a few blocks from his mothers home. But he also came to excel in applied math, which traffics in real-world problems, and, later, to immerse himself in pure math, which seeks to elucidate the questions intrinsic to mathematics itself.

Dr. Goins won two math prizes at Caltech, and in 1999 he received a Ph.D. from Stanfords math department  one of three African-Americans that have ever done so, according to an informal count by William Massey, a Princeton professor who received the second. In 2004, after holding a visiting scholar position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and another at Harvard, Dr. Goins joined the faculty of Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.

You are such an inspiration to us all, Talitha Washington, a black mathematician who is now a tenured professor at Howard University, wrote on his Facebook page when he received tenure in the spring of 2010.

Yet having emerged at the far end of the pipeline, Dr. Goins found himself unwilling to stay. Last fall, in a move almost unheard-of in the academic ecosystem, he traded his full professor post at Purdue, where federal resources are directed at tackling sciences unsolved problems and training a new generation of Ph.D.s, for a full professorship at Pomona, a liberal arts college outside Los Angeles that prioritizes undergraduate teaching.
McALLEN, Tex.  The former president of Mexico was accused of taking a $100 million bribe from El Chapo. A former sheriff in South Texas took far less from El Gallo  about $100,000.

El Gallo  Tomas Reyes Gonzalez, a drug trafficker now in federal prison  supplied the cash to the former Hidalgo County sheriff, Guadalupe Trevino, for his re-election campaign. Another former Hidalgo County sheriff took bribes to allow a convicted drug dealer to have conjugal visits at the county jail, including in the jail library and in the sheriffs private office. Yet another former sheriff in neighboring Cameron County protected and assisted cocaine dealers, and is now Federal Inmate No. 51689-179.

The corruption that took down those three border sheriffs in 1994, 2005 and 2014 continues today. Next month, the former police chief in the town of La Joya is scheduled to go on trial, after he was indicted on drug charges and accused by federal authorities of helping a drug-trafficking organization transport narcotics while working as a police sergeant in Progreso, Tex.

The much-watched trial of the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo  whose real name is Joaquin Guzman Loera and who was convicted last week in a New York courtroom  shed light on the hold that drug traffickers and their money have on the police and politicians in Mexico. One witness at Mr. Guzmans trial testified that the Mexican president had taken a $100 million bribe in exchange for calling off a nationwide manhunt for the drug kingpin.
The venue formerly known as the Mark Hellinger Theater  now operating as the Times Square Church  was the site of the librettist and lyricist Alan Jay Lerners greatest triumph. When My Fair Lady, the musical he wrote with Frederick Loewe, ended its six-year run in 1962, it had broken the record for the longest-running Broadway show. But nearly a decade later, the Hellinger became a reminder of Lerners most staggering failure.

Turning from his longtime collaborator Loewe to the younger, hipper composer John Barry  the man who gave us the James Bond theme  Lerner adapted Vladimir Nabokovs classic novel Lolita into a musical. But in 1971, before Lolita, My Love could make its Broadway debut at the Hellinger, it closed after two disastrous out-of-town tryouts in Philadelphia and Boston.

The main problem: the deeply uncomfortable subject matter. The show, much like the book it was based on, followed the notoriously unreliable narrator Humbert Humbert and his sexual obsession with the titular adolescent girl. Here was the most controversial novel of all time  now with musical numbers.

Almost 50 years after its unceremonious ending, Lolita, My Love is finally getting its New York debut as part of the York Theater Companys Musicals in Mufti series celebrating the Alan Jay Lerner centennial. (Lerner died in 1986.)
The experience will be no different from riding in an airplane with the shades drawn, and technical issues around maintaining the vacuum within the tube will be solved, he believes.

Instead, hyperloop projects will face more mundane challenges.

Getting innovative things through the regulatory and certification environments is very difficult, Mr. Reisman said. This could face an uphill battle in the U.S.

Which companies will succeed, if any, is anyones guess. Yet each main player is rooting for the others, knowing that one failure will put a pall over the technology as a whole.

The worst thing that would happen to us is if Virgin Hyperloop One is not successful, Mr. Ahlborn said.

Whether any company can garner the necessary finance is still an open question, leading Mr. Ahlborn to wonder if any one can ultimately go it alone. Maybe there could be a consolidation between our companies, he said.

Rick Geddes, professor in the department of policy analysis and management at Cornell University, sees a different challenge. The biggest problems for hyperloop will be securing rights of way and permitting, he said.

Still, Professor Geddes believes that hyperloop systems will become a reality, as the time is ripe.

Theres a sense that things are stale; were just adding to existing modes of transport, he said. Time is more and more a valuable commodity. The transportation industry is ready for a new way of thinking.
SAN FRANCISCO  Businesses and government agencies in the United States have been targeted in aggressive attacks by Iranian and Chinese hackers who security experts believe have been energized by President Trumps withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal last year and his trade conflicts with China.

[Related: Iranian hackers targeted Trumps re-election campaign.]

Recent Iranian attacks on American banks, businesses and government agencies have been more extensive than previously reported. Dozens of corporations and multiple United States agencies have been hit, according to seven people briefed on the episodes who were not authorized to discuss them publicly.

The attacks, attributed to Iran by analysts at the National Security Agency and the private security firm FireEye, prompted an emergency order by the Department of Homeland Security during the government shutdown last month.

The Iranian attacks coincide with a renewed Chinese offensive geared toward stealing trade and military secrets from American military contractors and technology companies, according to nine intelligence officials, private security researchers and lawyers familiar with the attacks who discussed them on the condition of anonymity because of confidentiality agreements.
Once the baseline data are established, in areas like this where its not yet arrived, we can form a predictive model based on ecology, physiology, genetics and skin chemistry, Dr. Reichard said.

Biologists have considered putting food in caves, or feeding bats probiotics or electrolytes or applying chemical skin treatments to kill the fungus. They have talked about dehumidifiers. In some places they have fogged the caves with antifungal agents such as B-23, which is made from the stems of wild pineapples.

Exposing infected bats to ultra violet light shows promise and is being tested. UV light can kill the fungus in the lab but we don't have a feasible deployment scheme," Dr. Reichard said.

Dr. Tuttle cautions that such experiments could go awry. Using something to kill the fungus is going to kill other fungi or microorganisms in the cave that will cause other chain reactions and problems that are far greater than what we started with, he said. Treated bats may also get reinfected.

While researchers are focused on the here and now, a warming world is expected to play a role in the future of bats, and perhaps this disease, though its too early to say how.

The temperature of a cave is the same as the mean outside temperature, Dr. Fuller said. So bats will use more energy while they are in torpor as it warms. Climate change will play a role.
Yes. I will do my part to conserve household energy usage, even if I'm uncomfortable in my home.

No. It is too hot to conserve household energy usage.

I already conserve, even before ERCOT requested it.

Maybe, depending on the reason ERCOT provides and whether or not I am home during that time.

Vote

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Some management companies also seemed wary about renting to three men in their mid-20s. At one luxury building, they were passed over for an apartment that they qualified for financially. We noticed that the building had an older demographic, Mr. Dellon said. I think they didnt want three young guys living there.

Then Mr. Cataldo toured an apartment at 20 Broad Street, a new rental building next to the New York Stock Exchange, in the financial district. (Before it was converted into apartments, it housed offices for the Stock Exchange.)

It was so much nicer than any other place we saw, Mr. Cataldo said. The building was also eager to have them: As it had opened just a month earlier, the management was offering concessions to tenants who signed while some of construction was still being finished.

In many ways, the space was ideally suited to their needs. At about 1,400 square feet, it was much larger than other places they had seen, with a large living room that had good natural light. The apartment also had a quirk that other renters might find unappealing, but that didnt particularly bother them: It was technically a one-bedroom, with a large master bedroom that had an en suite bathroom, and two windowless home offices.

We were skeptical at first about not having windows in two of the bedrooms, Mr. Livanos said. But we realized wed mostly hang out in the living room. And sunless alarm clocks are only, like, $20.
The vice presidents big line  The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal  met hostility. His speech ended not with a bang but a whimper. Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, leapt to their feet in the near silence. Pence had two fans in Europe. He did not take questions, unlike Merkel and the Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov.

The Munich Security Conference is rowing against the tide. Its raison detre is trans-Atlantic cooperation, albeit with some post-Cold War add-ons like Chinas presence. To sense animus to Americas vice president in this temple to Western unity is to measure how effectively Trump has taken a sledgehammer to Americas European alliances  abandoning shared strategy (on Iran, climate change, trade, Israel-Palestine, etc.), and making a mockery of shared values through his embrace of autocrats from Pyongyang to Riyadh. Words like dialogue and cooperation are not part of Trumps conception of alliances. The alliances therefore erode.

Europeans are not where Lavrov and Russia want them to be  thirsting to build a shared European house from Lisbon to Vladivostok, to the exclusion of NATO. They are, however, wondering how best to project the free worlds values now that its leader has gone AWOL; thinking hard about how to reinforce European defense (as the United States exits the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in response to Russias breaches of it but with no alternative plan discussed with those most vulnerable to Russian attack  European allies); and concluding that, whatever happens, America will not be back in the same form.

There is a strategic vacuum. Vacuums are dangerous. Yang Jiechi, a member of the Chinese Politburo, extolled the virtues of multilateralism, coordination, cooperation and the rule of law while telling America to give fewer lectures. This might have comforted Europeans if he had not also extolled Chinas human rights record and the way ethnic groups in China work together in beautiful harmony (Im awaiting the Uighur response.)

This is not the new Chinese world Europeans want to embrace. Nor is the world of Lavrovs cynicism attractive; nor Trumps diktats. Its not 1945 again but it is the moment for Europe to reassert itself in the name of values it knows are not abstract, but the guarantors of human dignity and freedom.

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NASHVILLE  This is an arts town, and artistic miracles happen here with some regularity, but last weekends miracle was not the usual kind. Watching John Prine, at the age of 72, dance onstage after a three-hour performance at the legendary Ryman Auditorium  thats a truly Nashville kind of miracle. Watching Lucy Negro, Redux, a poetry collection by an African-American woman, come to life as a ballet  a ballet scored by an African-American woman and danced by an African-American woman? Thats the kind of miracle Nashville has never seen before.

The project started with Caroline Randall Williams, who became fascinated as a graduate student with a theory advanced by Duncan Salkeld, a Shakespeare scholar at the University of Chichester, that the mysterious Dark Lady of Shakespeares sonnets wasnt a white woman with a dark complexion at all  she was a black woman called Black Luce, or Lucy Negro, who owned a brothel in Shakespearean London. When Shakespeare wrote in Sonnet 132, Then will I swear beauty herself is black, he meant, actually, black.

There are different theories about the identity of the sonnets Dark Lady  just as there is much speculation about the identity of the fair youth to whom so many of the earlier sonnets are addressed  but this one ignited the young poets imagination. Ms. Randall Williams descends from Nashville literary royalty: Her mother is the novelist and songwriter Alice Randall; her paternal grandfather was the civil-rights activist Avon Williams; a great-grandfather was the Harlem Renaissance poet (and later Fisk University writer-in-residence) Arna Bontemps. But Caroline Randall Williams also descends from white men who raped her black ancestors. She carries in her very DNA the conflict at the heart of Lucy Negro, Redux: What does it mean for a woman to be both desired and reviled for the color of her skin?
To the Editor:

Re Day Care for All (Sunday Review, Feb. 10):

Katha Pollitt writes about day care for working parents, but many parents prefer other income-earning and caregiving choices. And most parents want the freedom to change their choices over time.

It is misleading to lament the cost of day care without acknowledging policies that support families. Federal block grants subsidize the cost of child care for low-income families ($8.1 billion in 2018 ) . Families may be eligible for federal and state tax credits for a portion of child care expenses.

Inclusive legislation for families with children is pending in the Senate. The American Family Act of 2017 (S. 2018) would raise millions of families with children out of poverty. It would respect parents choices about their own lives and the lives of their children.

Catherine H. Myers

Durham, N.C.

The writer is executive director of the Family and Home Network, a nonprofit.
Consider some of the hate crimes that have garnered tremendous attention in the past two years.

A week before the 2016 presidential vote, a historic black church in Mississippi was spray-painted with pro-Trump graffiti and set ablaze, prompting a national spasm of anxiety amid the prospect that the bad old days were back. The Republican Party was hounded for comment on the episode, and reporters attributed the event to the tense state of American politics. The person charged in this crime was, however, a parishioner, and an official said the arson was designed to appear politically motivated, but was not.

Shortly after Mr. Trumps election, a woman in Ann Arbor, Mich., insisted that she was approached by a white man who threatened to set her on fire if she did not remove her hijab. A Michigan lawmaker tied the case to the president-elect, who he said empowered devastating racism, sexism and xenophobia. But the police came to the conclusion that the whole thing was a hoax.

A week after the election, an Episcopal church in Indiana gained national attention when it was painted with homophobic slurs, swastikas and pro-Trump language. The self-identified gay man who later confessed to the crime was the churchs organist. Investigators said he hoped to mobilize a movement after being disappointed by the election results.

A few weeks later, an 18-year-old Muslim woman alleged that a group of the presidents supporters attacked her at a New York City subway station and tried to rip her hijab off her head. New Yorkers rallied to her defense. Anti-racist demonstrations in Grand Central Station were organized, and significant police resources were devoted to investigating the case. She was later charged with misleading investigators.

All of these events occasioned deep dives by the press into the forces of racial animus Mr. Trump unleashed during his campaign. But there was no chastened soul-searching when the deceptions were exposed. And few entertain the possibility that the attention these allegations generate has created an incentive structure for prospective hoaxers.

Perhaps most damningly, the kind of scrutiny and anger reserved for incidents of racial hatred seem limited to episodes that confirm what social justice activists believe should constitute American bigotry. There have been no similar national paroxysms amid a sharp uptick in violence targeting New York Citys Jewish population. Maybe thats because Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn dont register for these activists as prototypical victims of violent prejudice.

The real tragedy in all of this is that hate crimes are, in fact, on the rise in the Trump era, particularly against Jews and Muslims. It is natural and noble to want to respond proactively to that condition. But well-intended observers risk indulging their biases by suspending disbelief. Whether it is Donald Trump implying that the criminal acts of one illegal immigrant are indicative of a plague of migrant violence or establishment Democrats citing one dubious story to indict half the country, there is no justice in treating individuals not as individuals but as representatives of their tribe.
Mr. Arrufat is no stranger to censorship in Cuba: In the early 1970s he was accused of spreading counterrevolutionary messages with his work The Seven Against Thebes. Based on the Greek tragedy by Aeschylus, the play  the story of a Theban who returns to his homeland with an invading army  was read as expressing support for the Bay of Pigs invasion, which was led by Cuban exiles. In the aftermath of the scandal, Mr. Arrufat lost his job at a Havana theater and no press or journal would publish his work until he was rehabilitated in the 1980s.

Mr. Arrufats troubles were the result of a large-scale government campaign at the time to rein in artists and writers and ensure their work upheld the values of the Cuban Revolution. The Cuban historian Ambrosio Fornet refers to this dark period as the five gray years (others believe it extended throughout the 70s and describe it as a black decade), and it was marked by widespread censorship and harassment. During this time, Heberto Padilla, a poet and friend of Mr. Arrufats, was jailed and forced to make a public confession, causing international outrage. The Padilla affair, as the case became known, led many staunch supporters of the revolution  including the author and Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa  to break with the Castro regime.

The effects of these restrictive policies were disastrous for Cuba: The vibrant cultural scene sparked by the revolution of 1959 collapsed as dozens of writers, including many of Mr. Arrufats friends, abandoned the island. Abroad, news of the ill treatment suffered by figures like Mr. Arrufat, Mr. Padilla and later Reinaldo Arenas darkened the image of Cuba. The nation went from being hailed as a center of creative freedom and experimentation  as it had been in the early 1960s, when Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Allen Ginsberg flocked to Havana  to being denounced for its oppressive bureaucracy and mistreatment of artists.

The tide began to turn for Mr. Arrufat and other blacklisted artists in the 1980s with the rise of Abel Prieto, a poet from a well-connected family who headed an influential, state-run publishing house and eventually rose to the position of minister of culture in the 1990s. Mr. Prieto undertook the project of rehabilitating figures who had been marginalized in the 1970s.

In 1984 Mr. Arrufat published a novel, La Caja Esta Cerrada (The Box Is Shut), an ambitious, 700-page bildungsroman inspired by his childhood in the 1940s, which he had written during his years as a pariah, when the only work he could find was in the basement of a dreary suburban library. Mr. Arrufats recollections of those years remain sharp: I could not publish a word in any government publication. My books were withdrawn from libraries across the country. But I kept on writing because that is the one thing they could not take away from me.
Ms. Castillo, a retired city office worker, said Mr. Diaz had an open-door policy and helped direct money from the budget for local causes. She said she did not agree with Mr. Diazs stance on homosexuals but added, I would vote for him again. Hes there for our community.

Bridget Felix, a for-hire vehicle driver from the Bronx, said she was upset that Mr. Diazs committee was dissolved because he was tackling issues such as excessive enforcement and wages. They are smart. They have power. Hes just stating the facts, Ms. Felix said about Mr. Diazs remarks about gay people. At the end of the day, its the taxi drivers that will suffer.

Told of some of Mr. Diazs earlier comments about homosexuals, Ms. Felix stressed that she was not in agreement. But if hes against gay marriage and abortion, this is his right. Thats freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Mr. Diaz remained unapologetic, and insisted that he was not homophobic. He introduced a granddaughter who is gay and a nephew from Texas whom he said was also a member of the L.G.B.T. community, and kissed both on their foreheads and cheeks.

He made one concession: He promised to stop using the word homosexual. The word homosexual has become unacceptable, he said in Spanish, his words translated over the public address system.

Mr. Diaz doubled down on his remarks about the power of gay people on the City Council, citing the involvement of Jimmy Van Bramer, a gay councilman from Queens, among those who fought Amazons now-quashed campus in Long Island City.
Incoming

Dear Diary:

I took the subway home to the Upper East Side after having dinner with some friends. I got off at 86th Street.

There is a bank on one of the corners there that is immediately visible when you come up out of the station. As I got to the top step, I noticed a young woman outside the bank who was clearly struggling to use her card to unlock the doors to the A.T.M.s.

An older woman with a cane was coming out of the bank. She opened the door from the inside, and then held it so that the younger woman could come in.

Rather than thanking the older woman, the younger woman began to berate her for letting someone who might not be a customer into the bank.
As Pete Hawk headed into a Paris Metro station early one morning, he crossed paths with an exiting passenger whose image would haunt him for years.

The man walked fast, head down, smoking a cigarette. His briefly glimpsed face suggested that reaching his 50s took hard labor, while the long-handled brushes he carried confirmed it.

He was a chimney sweep. A chimney sweep! Someone who tunneled through blackened silos and balanced on peaked rooftops, plying a centuries-old trade that counts fewer and fewer practitioners.

Mr. Hawk, a 34-year-old freelance photographer from Sydney, Australia, was captivated. He thought of old films and photos from the early and mid-20th century and wondered how chimney sweeps had changed, how he could document them.
The term in the travel industry is walked.

Thats when a hotel tells a traveler with a confirmed reservation that it does not, in fact, have an available room and instead books a room for the guest at another hotel.

Walking is not new. According to hotel industry experts, however, it has been on the rise as the strong economy drives up hotel occupancy rates. At the same time, hotels have been under pressure to maximize their revenues, experts say. To do that, hotels, much as airlines do, try to predict who will not show up or cancel at the last minute. Sometimes, they guess wrong.

While hotels are not under any legal obligation to the guests they walk, it is industry policy to book guests a room in a comparable property and pay for that room, according to Reneta McCarthy, a senior lecturer at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.

Still, some travelers, like Paul Lanyi, a marketing contractor from Los Angeles, argue that a free nights stay may not be worth the hassle. Mr. Lanyi said he had a confirmed reservation at the Waterfront hotel in Oakland, Calif., a couple of years ago. But when he tried to check in close to midnight, the front desk employee told him that the property was oversold and no more rooms were available.
The parliamentary report recommends the creation of a British watchdog to oversee the technology industry, similar to the countrys approach to regulating media companies. It also suggested legally requiring Facebook and other large internet platforms to remove what the government determines to be harmful content, or risk fines or other punishments.

Silicon Valley has long opposed making tech companies responsible for content on their sites. The industry argues that websites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter are simply unbiased platforms for others to share material, and that new restrictions could impede free speech.

Social media companies cannot hide behind the claim of being merely a platform and maintain that they have no responsibility themselves in regulating the content of their sites, the parliamentary report said.

Facebook acknowledged past mistakes and said it was open to meaningful regulation.

While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago, said Karim Palant, a public policy manager for Facebook in Britain. We have tripled the size of the team working to detect and protect users from bad content to 30,000 people and invested heavily in machine learning, artificial intelligence and computer vision technology to help prevent this type of abuse.

The blistering report concludes the committees work, which started as a study of how social media can be manipulated to influence elections like Britains 2016 vote to exit the European Union, but became a closer examination of Facebooks business practices. The committee held several hearings related to Facebooks relationship with Cambridge Analytica, the voter-targeting firm that gained access to 87 million Facebook users.
Tourgee was an Ohioan who, as late as 1860, had teased his fiancee for her antislavery views. He was radicalized by the war and even more by his experience after it as a judge in North Carolina. Tourgee was not uncritical of Reconstruction  he called his best-selling novel based on his time in the South A Fools Errand, by One of the Fools. But he agreed with his black friends that Reconstructions failures followed not from Northern overreach but from timidity.

Tourgee took the case challenging Louisianas law on behalf of the Comite des Citoyens  black, white and Creole  led by the New Orleans newspaper editor Louis Martinet. Tourgees client, Homer Plessy, was a shoemaker with skin as light as Robert E. Lees. Tourgee argued in his brief to the Supreme Court that even if there were a clear and simple way to distinguish black from white, which there wasnt, the law violated both the 13th and 14th Amendments, intended by Congress to make the Constitution colorblind.

Luxenbergs history contains so many surprises, absurdities and ironies that it would be a shame to spoil the final chapters by revealing which justice ended up on which side. One, writing for the majority, mocked the idea that the law was a violation of the 13th Amendment and insisted that the 14th Amendment, whatever its legal objectives with respect to equality, could, in the nature of things, hardly have been intended to abolish distinctions based upon color, or to enforce social, as distinguished from political, equality, or a commingling of the two races upon terms unsatisfactory to either.

The other justice, alone in his dissent, conceded that the white race was dominant and likely to remain so. But, he argued, when it comes to the law, there is no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. There is no caste here. Our Constitution is colorblind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. He predicted, correctly, that segregation laws would increase race hatred and that the decision would in time prove to be as pernicious as Dred Scott.

Along with the court cases and the three lovingly researched lives, Luxenberg devotes many lively and illuminating pages to race and politics in New Orleans. Thats a lot for one book. Still, the subtitle of Separate is misleading. Only the last section is about Plessy, and the book is not the story of Americas journey from slavery to segregation.

In fact, there was no such journey. There was slavery and segregation in antebellum Southern cities, just as there was segregation in the antebellum North. After emancipation, there was freedom and segregation (and exclusion and elimination).

The subtitle is also misleading because separate and unequal extended far beyond transportation and accommodations to education, employment, health care, credit, housing and criminal justice. Understanding the rash of late-19th-century segregation laws, like the rash of disfranchisement laws, means asking questions about who wanted them and why. For answers, historians have looked at the efforts (often those of liberals and progressives) to contain the explosive mixture of race, gender and political conflict in growing Southern cities; the emergence of the black middle class and the entry of black women into politics; the Woman Suffrage Movement; the Populist Movement; the determination of black people to hold on to the rights and power they gained during Reconstruction; and the determination of white people to take those rights and that power away.

Segregation is not one story but many. Luxenberg has written his with energy, elegance and a heart aching for a world without it.
At minimum, perhaps hes fantasizing about joining the ranks of autocratic leaders like Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government prosecuted people for sharing memes of him as Gollum, and Chinas Xi Jinping, who cracked down on comparisons of him to Winnie-the-Pooh.

It may be that this is all just blowing off steam, the virtual equivalent of Elvis shooting his TV. Maybe its a combination of authoritarian role-play and wounded celebrity ego. Maybe the federal authorities cant or wont act on the presidents yearning for retribution.

But that doesnt mean no one else is listening. Last fall, explosives were mailed to prominent political critics of Mr. Trump, the offices of CNN and the actor Robert De Niro, who assailed Mr. Trump in a speech at the Tony Awards. Mr. Baldwin said that Mr. Trumps Sunday tweet  echoing his labeling of the press as the enemy of the people  could be a threat to my safety.

Mr. Trumps complaint is also an oddly sensitive reaction for a man who not only ran for president as a tough guy but spent decades being satirized as a media figure.

Then again, that may be exactly why it stings him so deeply now.

Mr. Trump is used to dealing with S.N.L. as a celebrity, someone who might be mocked but would be in on the joke. Hes been a recurring character on the show going back to the 1980s, when Phil Hartman played him in a holiday sketch that embellished his brand by rendering his name in gold lettering.
On Dec. 13, a blind Manhattan resident named Henry Tucker filed federal lawsuits against 10 art galleries, saying their websites were not accessible to people who could not see. The galleries names included Adam Baumgold Fine Art, Adelson, Agora, Albertz Benda and Acquavella.

The next day, Mr. Tucker and his attorneys moved on to the Bs.

For decades, lawyers for the disabled have used the Americans With Disabilities Act to force businesses to make their spaces more physically accessible, by adding ramps, widening doorways or lowering countertops.

But the steady migration of commerce and culture to the internet has given rise to a new flood of litigation, over the accessibility of websites to the visually impaired. The number of such lawsuits nationwide nearly tripled in 2018 over the year before.

The businesses being served with website-access lawsuits include moving companies, colleges, insurance companies, sightseeing tours, restaurants and yoga studios. Representatives of practically every sector of the economy have been called to task, from the fashion company Anna Sui to Playboy.com to SoulCycle to Zachys Wine Auctions.
JERUSALEM  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, in the middle of a re-election campaign, seemed set to score back-to-back diplomatic triumphs in a span of just a few days, with Poland, of all countries, playing an important role in both.

This past week, Mr. Netanyahu attended a meeting in Warsaw, convened by the Trump administration, where five dozen nations discussed the common strategic threat posed by Iran.

Sunni Arab nations were also at the conference, and Mr. Netanyahu made the most of it, appearing behind closed doors alongside diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain and later leaking a video in which Bahraini and Saudi officials could be heard echoing his frequent warnings that Iran is the Middle Easts greatest danger.

And in Jerusalem on Monday night, Mr. Netanyahu had planned to welcome the leaders of Poland and three other East European countries whose support he has cultivated as a way to push back against interference by what they all perceive, to varying degrees, to be another common adversary: the European Union.
I have a rare and painful genetic respiratory disorder called primary ciliary dyskinesia. I was 23 when doctors diagnosed my condition, but I had been sick my whole life . Again and again, I was told that I was suffering from nothing more than stress  that it was all in my head.

This is a common experience for young women. We have long known that women with some conditions are more likely than men to be under-treated for pain, and that doctors are more likely to dismiss reports of illness as psychosomatic when they come from women. Now, a recent study from Yale researchers shows how early this gender bias starts. The study found that when adult participants were asked to rate the perceived pain of a child receiving a finger prick to draw blood, they attributed more pain to the child they thought was a boy than they did to the child they thought was a girl.

The studys authors associate these findings with explicit gender stereotypes that characterize men as more stoic about their pain and women as more emotional  and therefore, less credible.

An estimated 20 to 35 percent of adolescents experience chronic pain. According to a 2017 study, doctors are significantly more likely to dismiss the pain symptoms of young female patients than those of male ones. This can cause lasting damage to the relationships between doctors and their patients.
Also striking in the debates is lack of recognition that the European Union, which has a major say in how Britain is released from complex legal and economic bonds formed over more than four decades, must agree to any deal. The bloc has steadfastly insisted that the agreement reached with Mrs. Mays government, and rejected by the British Parliament, is not open to substantive change.

European leaders have become increasingly unbuttoned in their frustrations with the British, most notably Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, who openly mused at a news conference, Ive been wondering what that special place in hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, was equally blunt in an interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais when he warned Britain that outside the European Union, it would be a middling economy stuck in the Atlantic Ocean.

Mrs. Mays next confrontation with Parliament is set for the end of the month , when she must report on what progress she has made with the European Union, which is likely to be none. Following that, the Parliament may vote to take the management of the Brexit process away from her. Mrs. Mays last move may be to wait until the last minute and confront the Parliament with a choice between her negotiated deal and a long extension of the Brexit deadline. That, at least, is what her chief Brexit negotiator, Olly Robbins, was overheard telling colleagues in a Brussels bar.

The way the process has been going, counting on a reasonable vote at the last minute is seriously tempting disaster. There are several sites already displaying a countdown to Brexit, and their message seems to be that the 11th hour has struck, and getting an extension now might not be the worst idea.

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In the moment, the deals are often popular. Polls showed that most New Yorkers favored Amazons plans for Queens. Last week, the editorial boards of both The Times and The Wall Street Journal criticized the politicians whose complaints scuttled the deal. The front page of The Daily News thundered, AMAZON KILLERS : Shame on these so-called progressives for rejecting 25,000 high-paying jobs & billions in taxes tech biz wouldve brought to city . 

The deals supporters do make some good points. Amazons critics have used silly anti-capitalist rhetoric at times. And the deal would have modestly helped the Queens economy (and only modestly: New York is home to more than four million jobs, and Queens to more than one million) . But there is a larger picture here: Corporate-relocation subsidies are terrible policy.

They do nothing to lift the countrys economic growth  to create more cupcakes, as it were. The subsidies mostly redistribute income upward, from taxpayers to corporate shareholders. If every city and state justifies big giveaways based on its own immediate interests, the tragedy of the commons will never end.

Somebody needs to make a principled stand. In New York, a coalition of activists and politicians did so. They called attention to the grubbiness and secrecy of these subsidies, which are, in their own way, anti-capitalist. The deals collapse, Greg LeRoy, a longtime advocate on the issue, told Emily Badger of The Times, is absolutely a godsend to those of us who have been trying to reform economic development.

For decades, local politicians have felt pressure on only one side of this issue: To do whatever it takes to attract companies. As a result, those politicians have contributed, often unwittingly, to the radical rise in economic inequality.

Amazons messy departure from New York is a victory for the other side. It should remind politicians elsewhere that their private blandishments may later turn into public controversy. It should also remind politicians that they can say no. Northern Virginia gave Amazon much less money than New York but still won tens of thousands of new jobs.

And the whole episode should energize legal efforts to fight corporate handouts. Missouri and Kansas, for example, are talking about a cease-fire to keep local companies from playing the two states off each other. Officials in Arizona, Illinois, New York and several other states have talked about a multistate compact known as the End Corporate Welfare Act. The federal government, for its part, could offer financial incentives to states that refuse to play the handout game.
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Anthony D. Weiner, the disgraced former New York congressman, has been released from a federal prison in Massachusetts and moved to a re-entry center in New York City to serve out the remainder of his sentence for exchanging lewd texts with a minor.

Mr. Weiner, whose sexting scandals ended his tenure in Congress and then doomed his bid for New York City mayor, is scheduled to be released on May 14, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons records. Mr. Weiner, who served his first 15 months at Federal Medical Center Devens in Ayer, Mass., was supposed to serve a 21-month sentence, but was granted an early release for good behavior.

Mr. Weiners lawyers declined to comment, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not respond to a request for comment.

Mr. Weiner is assigned to the Brooklyn re-entry field office, according to federal prison bureau records. That office oversees halfway houses throughout New York City, and records do not specify where he is living. Officials at the field office could not be reached for comment.
He remained in ICE custody at the Irwin County Detention Center in South Georgia until Feb. 13, when he was released on $100,000 bond. The next day, he was in a hotel room in a suburb north of Atlanta, surrounded by several members of his legal team. Dressed in somber all-black, he spoke at length about his childhood, his time in detention, the Grammy Awards ceremony he missed and how growing up without legal status shaped the person he became. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Do you remember first arriving here when you were young?

Yeah, everything was like, bigger. I come from the poor side of London. My grandma house is real skinny. So when we first moved here, we was living in the hood still, but it was, like, way bigger. The toilet size, the bathroom size, it was just different. But I fell in love with it. Its all I know.

Did you have a British accent?

Yeah, I had a accent, cause my first day of school they was making fun of me so I beat somebody up, and they was calling me taekwondo kid. My mama whupped me, she made me stay in the house. So I know I had a accent, but I been here 20 years  I dont know what happened to it.

Do you remember when you became aware that your status wasnt settled?

Probably like the age when you start to get your drivers license. I couldnt never take drivers ed, I couldnt never go get a job. About that age.

Was it something you wanted to get taken care of?

It felt impossible. It got to the point where I just learned to live without it. Cause I still aint got it, Im 26, and Im rich. So, just learned to live without it.
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There they heard from EPA Remedial Project Manager Tom Alcamo, EPA attorney Rachel Zander and others about future site use and how that plays into the cleanup process.

Alcamo said several Superfund sites across the country have been remediated to make way for new housing projects. Residential redevelopment is possible, so long as proper institutional controls  such as physical barriers and deed restrictions  are in place, he said. Under their plan, EPA would also conduct five-year reviews of the site, he said.

Online EPA records show more than 180 contaminated Superfund sites across the U.S. have been redeveloped for housing post-remediation, including 25 in EPA's Region 5, which covers Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Some of the sites were also remediated to include a combination of recreational, commercial and industrial development.

Clamae Bullock, with CLM, told EPA she and others have already spoken "loud and clear" against EPA's preferred cleanup and in support of Alternative 4D.

The future of West Calumet remains unclear. Adding to the confusion are mixed messages sent by East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland in recent months to EPA  in both writing and in private conversations  about his vision for the property, agency officials have said.
SCHERERVILLE  Police are asking for the public's help in identifying suspects involved with recent vehicle break-ins near Sky Zone and Planet Fitness in Schererville.

Over the past few days, Schererville police have responded to numerous theft, suspicious person and suspicious vehicle calls in the area of the businesses, as well as nearby residential neighborhoods.

Some vehicles were found with broken windows and others were left unlocked.

Schererville residents who have home security system video footage and live in the areas of Sir Gawaine Drive, Charlevoix Way, Wellington Terrace, Bennington Avenue and Sky Zone are asked to review footage and report to police any suspicious people and/or vehicles.

Residents who live in the area of Sir Gawaine Drive can contact Schererville Police Detective Chris Goldasich at cgoldasich@schererville.org or at 219-322-5000, ext. 2319. Other residents can contact Detective Matthew Djukic at 219-322-5000 ext. 508.
In addition, the legislation now mandates current police officers and police recruits be trained in recognizing, investigating and reporting bias-motivated crimes, and requires all Indiana police agencies to regularly submit bias crime data to the state.

"It gets done everything I want to get done," Bohacek said. "We were always going to have a list. There were some key components to the list that to me were nonnegotiable, and the nonnegotiable pieces stayed in."

Critics of the measure, including Ron Johnson Jr., senior pastor at Living Stones Church in Crown Point, warned the committee that it will criminalize thought and compel religious organizations to violate their beliefs, particularly those concerning gender identity and sexual orientation.

"As soon as we create special classes among Hoosiers, we immediately weaponize the state to punish everybody who wants to speak out against what they happen to disagree with," Johnson said.

"Part of a healthy democracy is the freedom to publicly share our views and not have to worry about losing our jobs, not having to worry about watching our people be harassed and fined for simply believing what the Bible teaches about sexuality."
"I don't want to duplicate Odyssey. But right now Odyssey is not statewide," Head said. "This will make this information available statewide."

The legislation sunsets the felony registry on June 30, 2023, when all courts are expected to be using Odyssey.

Though, if the proposal is enacted into law, a future General Assembly could change that expiration date and keep the felony registry online indefinitely, no matter the status of Odyssey.

During the three minutes of Senate debate on the measure, Head did not acknowledge that Odyssey generally is not indexed by internet search engines and does not include photographs, as his felony registry would.

He also shrugged off concerns that people who have committed a crime, done their time and returned to civil society should not be hounded for life by their past mistakes.

"We're already there," Head told his fellow senators. "If you voted to fund Odyssey at all, you've already voted for this or something almost identical to it."

According to Head, the Office of Judicial Administration will not require any additional funding to compile and publish the felony registry.
VALPARAISO  A fatal drunken driving trial has been derailed just one week before its scheduled start date after the defense attorney discovered he has a conflict with the case.

Attorney John Vouga withdrew Monday morning as the attorney for Rachel Dover, telling the court he discovered while preparing for the Feb. 26 trial that he is representing one of the witnesses for the prosecution.

He said one sentence in the more than 300 pages of trial documents reveal that one of the county police officers who transported Dover's alcohol blood test was Roger Bowles, who is now 58 and charged with having a nude photograph of a 17-year-old girl with whom he reportedly was having a sexual relationship. Vouga said he is representing Bowles in that case, which was transferred to and is pending in Lake County.

Vouga said he was preparing to file for a motion to suppress the blood evidence in Dover's case when the discovery was made.

Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford said Vouga has a responsibility to step down from Dover's case as a result of the conflict.

Dover, of Westville, told the court Monday she is working on securing a new attorney and a status hearing was scheduled for March 4.
LAKE STATION  The city has started using a data-driven approach to help address crime in the community.

The Police Department has created the intelligence analyst position. Police Chief David Johnson said Shaun Simmons has been hired to fill the new role, and Lake Station received a Justice Assistance Grant through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to pay Simmons' salary and benefits for 2019.

Police data shows Lake Station police in 2016 answered about the same number of calls for service as Highland officers. The Highland Police Department at that time had a population nearly twice that of Lake Station and close to double the number of officers in place in Lake Station.

Johnson said the Lake Station Police Department currently has 23 officers, and he estimates the department should have 32 to create a full force.

Due to budget constraints our manpower is not where we would like to be, so this is a tool we can use to utilize our resources in the most efficient and effective way, Johnson said of creating the intelligence analyst role.

The position will focus on crime mapping efforts.
Centier Bank has named a new market president for greater Indianapolis, one of its major growth areas in recent years.

Troy Kafka, an Indiana University graduate with 25 years of banking experience, will head up the bank's Indianapolis operations, which have grown to six locations since Centier first opened a loan production office in Carmel in 2011.

I am excited at the opportunity to join such a strong community-oriented bank that empowers their employees to serve their clients with a personal touch, said Kafka, who specializes in business banking. I look forward to my role in helping expand the Centier brand throughout the Central Indiana region.

The family-owned bank, which started in Whiting in 1895, surpassed the threshold of $4 billion in assets last year and now has more than $4.4 billion in assets. Centier is the state's largest privately owned bank.

Having saturated the Northwest Indiana market with branches and ATMs, Centier has been expanding across the state. In the Indianapolis area, it now has branches downtown and in Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Whitestown and Westfield.
The BP Whiting Refinery sits right next to two steel mills: U.S. Steel's East Chicago Tin, and ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, which is often described as "the largest steelmaking complex in North America" and is actually two steel mills consolidated under one owner.

Gary Works, the largest individual steel mill in the country, lies a few miles down the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Despite being just down the street from several steel mills, the BP Whiting Refinery is asking the federal government for an exemption to the Section 232 tariffs of 25 percent on foreign-made steel that are intended to protect the American steel industry.

Why?

The BP Whiting Refinery is asking for tariffs to be waived on types of pipe of specific dimensions it says are not manufactured anywhere in the United States. BP is trying to buy it from Japan and is asking the federal government for a break on the duties that would increase the purchase price by 25 percent.

Its requests are pending.

A study by the Associated Press found 370 companies across the country have been granted more than 16,000 exemptions to the 25 percent steel tariffs and 10 percent aluminum tariffs. About 31,000 are still pending.
Zachary Hottel, archivist at the Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg, stands behind part of the traveling exhibit, Strong Men and Women in Virginia HIstory.
Jeff White, owner and winemaker at Glen Manor Vineyards, took home two gold medals and a silver medal in the preliminary round of this year's Virginia Governors Cup.
Peter Muhlenberg student Kaylee Yew, left, of Woodstock, and Del. Todd Gilbert, R-Mount Jackson, right, pose for a photo on the House floor in Richmond. Yew is serving as a page during the General Assembly session.
These folks dont learn.

Maybe they cant.

Both houses of Congress have arrived at a compromise deal that averts another federal government shutdown. It contains only about a quarter of the $5.7 billion President Donald Trump wanted to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

For that reason, the loudest and least thoughtful voices on the right  Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh  have yapped that Trump shouldnt sign the measure. That would mean another shutdown.

Given that the last shutdown sent the presidents and the Republican Partys public approval numbers not just into the toilet but all the way down to the sewer, there was no way the GOP stalwarts in the U.S. Senate were going to go along with another shutdown.

This created a political problem for the president.

He cant afford another shutdown, but he also needs the support of the people to whom Hannity, Coulter and Limbaugh speak. If his base abandons him now, as the investigations of Special Counsel Robert Mueller and other law enforcement agencies circle closer and closer, Trump will be like a hunk of fresh, bleeding meat in a tank full of sharks.

So, to get out of the mess hes made for himself, the president has decided to declare a national emergency and redirect $8 billion to building the wall.

Its an end run around the budget process, one thats unprecedented.

But it seems to have the blessing of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky. Perhaps condoning the national emergency stunt was the price McConnell had to pay to keep Trump from engaging in another shutdown, which would have created needless hardship for millions of Americans and been a disaster for the GOP.

Other Republicans have been less sanguine. They have expressed misgivings about the presidents attempt to circumvent the budget-making process, which the Constitution clearly leaves to Congress.

They should be concerned.

The presidents trumped-up national emergency should be and will be challenged in court.

The best-case scenario for both the nation and the GOP is that Trumps trick loses there.

If it doesnt lose in a court  if it stands and establishes a precedent  where we will go is no place good.

Thoughtful Republicans have said they worry the presidents plan to declare a national emergency to build a wall would create a justification for a Democratic president to declare an emergency regarding climate change.

Thats wishful thinking on their part.

Climate change never would have been the target of such a plan, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, made clear.

You want to talk about a national emergency? Lets talk about today. The one-year anniversary of another manifestation of the epidemic of gun violence in America. Thats a national emergency. Why dont you declare that emergency, Mr. President? Pelosi asked in her weekly press conference.

A Democratic president could, she added.

It would be worse than a mistake for a Democratic president to declare a national emergency to deal with our horrific national tragedy of gun violence.

It would be wrong.

I say this not out of sympathy for the gun lobby.

One of the problems we have in this country involves stifling honest debate and respect for the process. Legislators with a slavish obeisance to the gun lobby tout their devotion to the Constitution through selective readings of the Second Amendment. They use that as justification for denying other Americans the constitutional right to petition government for redress of grievances.

Like Trump, they use stunts to thwart the process.

As a result, we have government at the federal and state levels that exacerbates divisions as often as it bridges them.

Republicans should have learned by now how costly this sort of game-playing can be in the long run.

Their presidential candidate, Donald Trump, lost the popular vote in 2016 by nearly 3 million ballots. Two years later, in the congressional races, that number swelled to 10 million  and the GOP lost long-time conservative bastions such as Orange County in California, where residents voted for Democrats out of desperation.

A wise man once told me, Most people can learn from their own mistakes. Smart people learn from others mistakes.

Democrats now would be wise to heed that counsel.

John Krull is director of Franklin Colleges Pulliam School of Journalism,t and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

.
House Republicans defeated a Democrat lawmakers effort to take away state funding from nonpublic schools that discriminate against employees or students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and other characteristics.

Rep. Dan Forestal, D-Indianapolis, crafted the amendment to House Bill 1641 that would make the process quicker for a charter school to lease or buy unused buildings from public school corporations.



Forestal is a graduate of Roncalli High School, a private Catholic school where administrators made a decision to suspend longtime guidance counselor Shelley Fitzgerald after learning of her marriage to a woman. He noted that Roncalli has received more than $6 million in taxpayer funds as part of the states voucher program.



He said in order to receive publicly funded vouchers, all nonpublic schools should have to adhere to the same nondiscriminatory policies public schools already have to follow. As a student at Roncalli, he said he watched as many school faculty members were forced to hide their sexual orientation.



Public funds should not go to someone who discriminates, Forestal said. Im ashamed with my school and the way its behaved.



Republican representatives expressed concern that the amendment would infringe on the religious freedom of the nonpublic institutions. Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola, pointed out that Fitzgerald signed a contract to abide by the schools and the Catholic churchs religious beliefs on marriage, which prohibit same-sex marriage.



Wesco and Forestal engaged in a heated debate on the House floor that required an intervention from House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, who told the lawmakers to stop interrupting each other.



Is it discriminatory for Christian congregations to live out their sincerely held moral beliefs that they have held for thousands of years? Wesco said, his voice rising.



Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, said who faculty sleeps with is none of their danged business.



Are we going to support the choice to discriminate? he asked. What is the message were sending to our children?



Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, addressing the arguments, asked why tax dollars even have to go to religious-based schools and said the General Assembly is entangling the state with the church.



This is a textbook example of why it was ill-advised to provide tax funds to religious-based schools, Pierce said.



The amendment failed in 32-63 roll call vote along party lines, and Bosma said after session that Indiana has a policy that states the General Assembly will provide public funding to nonpublic schools while honoring the schools religious instruction and activities.



Another amendment, proposed by DeLaney, would have required a charter school to pay fair market value for a building being vacated by a school corporation. Under current law, charter schools can acquire a vacant school for $1 while the school corporation retains any debt on the property.



Author of the bill, Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, said DeLaneys amendment is against families rights to school choice. DeLaney said lawmakers have to stop using the word choice to dissolve arguments against charter schools and added that they should support public schools instead of voting for a fantasy.



How long is this joke going to go on? DeLaney said. These school districts are our responsibility. We fund the school districts.



DeLaneys amendment was defeated 33-60. The bill now goes to the House for a final vote.



Emily Ketterer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.








Feb. 3 was a busy day for veteran Indianapolis actor Rob Johansen. Not only did he perform as Andy Warhol at Newfields in Artist Encounters: Warhol on Stage that afternoon, he also performed the role of Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank at Indiana Repertory Theatre later that evening, and showing through Feb. 24.

For Johansen, a staple of the Indianapolis theater scene, it was indeed a big transition, but it was also a blessing, he says, because The Diary of Anne Frank ... theres some levity to it but its a really weighty story.

And its a long running performance. After The Diary os Anne Frank in Indianapolis on Feb. 24, the cast will pack it up to perform at The Seattle Childrens Theatre, opening April 4.

In contrast to his role as Mr. Dussel, Warhol on Stage was just a single performance. Warhol isnt the first artist Johansen has portrayed in the Artist Encounters series. Hes also portrayed Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.

Before playing Warhol, Johansen looked at some footage of the iconic artist, who died in 1987, on film. But finding such material to go on was much harder to do with Picasso, and, of course, impossible with Vincent Van Gogh.

With Van Gogh, my God, you could do whatever you want," says Johansen. "Except, it was widely documented that he was a horribly depressed man who had was completely hapless with women ... he just had a really bumpy ride with his personal relationships, his family life.

So I could build a character from there without worrying about [whether] I have to capture what he sounded like or how he walked. Now Picasso there was a little bit more to go on with him; a little more honest description of what he was like.

Johansen also had memories of seeing Warhol on TV, in his youth.

He liked to do cameos in things," says Johansen. "I would see this weird guy with a shock of white hair being kind of aloof. And then I started to learn a little about the Campbell Soup cans and the kind of mass produced look that he went for. But really, I didnt know anything about his beginnings. Or his crazy life that he had.

The Andy Warhol that the veteran actor portrayed at Newfields doesn't quite jibe with the Andy Warhol described by art critic Robert Hughes. For Hughes and other detractors, Warhol was an artist whose art became commodified, "feeble", and passe almost as soon as the 60s ended.

Instead the Warhol Johansen explores on stagedeveloped in a script with his collaborators Sharon Kaufman and Barbara Porteris more akin to the one portrayed in the groundbreaking 2010 Indianapolis Art Museum exhibition Andy Warhol Enterprises. This exhibition, curated by Sarah Urist Green, presented Warhol as an artist with a singular vision and a consistently-engaging output.

During the performance, Johansens Warhol spoke the following lines:

The thing I love about Pop art; you dont need a degree in fine art to understand pop art; Pop art is fun art. Pop artists put things in their paintings that anyone walking down Main Street USA would look up and say, Oh, I understand that.

Johansens portrayal, he admits, is a more verbose one than Andy Warhol was in real life (a fortunate thing for those who wouldnt want an actor staring at them blankly for several hours on-end).

I took bits of him that I saw early in his life and then magnified him into a little bit of a caricature at times, he says. And then I also thought, I played a little trick with myself: I thought, who would he want to be telling this story to that would make him honestly want to be a bit more verbose than he normally is.

Johansen, wearing a white wig during his performance unabashedly reflected Warhols love of money. (It is, after all Warhol who said, "good business is the best art.")

It was performance that led one audience member who to ask during the Q&A session after the performance whether Warhol really was that crass and "superficial."

But Johansen refuses to judge Warhol, or any artist.

My feeling is every artist has a different need, explains Johansen, speaking not just about visual artists or actors but artists in general.

Some of it is more about the story than themselves getting out there," he says. "Some people, theyre like, no damn it, Im going to use this as a vehicle fame wealth. And while thats not how I want to roll  I cant begrudge people for that being their motor. Look: people dont have to buy it. If that makes some people happy, thats great. Thats my take on it.

As for himself, he says the idea of doing what he loves for a living blows his mind. "The way that Ive promoted myself honestly is doing the best work that I can," he says. "My thinking is if people notice and people want to hire me they will. Ive chosen kind of a small market but everythings a trade off."

Johansen says there have been discussions about reprising the Warhol role although there is no date set as of yet. But of the three roles in the Artist Encounters series, he says, Warhol, he says, has been the most fun so far.

Mr. Dussel, however, was another thing entirely.

The hardest thing was, in The Diary of Anne Frank, is that there are two families living in hiding and then when things are getting so so bad, says Johansen. Hes in Amsterdam he is desperate and he needs place to hide and he has to go in with them So hes kind of the Fly in the ointment; theyve already figured out how theyre living and then this guy comes in; theyve got no room for him; so he has to sleep with Anne Frank in this teeny bedroom; its odd as hell.

During the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam, Dussel, who was Jewish, had to leave his place of an employment in the middle of a workday to go into hiding in the secret annex, and he hadnt been able to tell his lover his whereabouts.

In an effort to stay true to the Jewishness of the Anne Frank story, the cast worked with a local rabbi.

Some theatrical and film depictions of Anne Frank's diary have not been so careful to remain true to the Jewish identity of those portrayed.

(George Stevens 1959 film of The Diary of Anne Frank might as well have been titled Leave it to Beaver in Amsterdam.)

I remember that film, says Johansen. I was born in 65. I saw that film on network TV and I remember as a kid; the weight of what they were going through absolutely escaped me. I had seen that movie, and then I learned about the holocaust. And then I thought, wait a minute, is that what that movie all about?

The rabbi helped Johansen learn the Jewish blessing Sim Shalom in Hebrew.

Weve had a lot of talkbacks already and a lot of people from the Indianapolis Jewish community come to the show, says Johansen. Weve actually had a few weeks ago we had a Holocaust Remembrance Day and we had ceremony after the show and there were a lot of folks from the Jewish community came and the nice thing there were only positive things about what they saw ...

His experience with the rest of the Diary cast, he says, has also been great. Half the cast is from Indianapolis and half from Seattle; were one big happy family now, he says.
A Kentucky man was arrested after allegedly pulling a gun on a couple because they were wearing Make America Great Again hats.

The MAGA hats are worn by supporters of President Donald Trump.

According to a police report obtained by WBKO, police officers in Bowling Green were called to a Sams Club on Feb. 16 about a person with a gun.

Terry Pierce, the alleged victim, said that the other man, identified as James Phillips, pulled a gun because he and his wife were wearing the hats.

Pierce said he was shopping in the Sams Club when his wife noticed Phillips making an expletive gesture at her and her husband. She asked him if he had made the gesture and he said he did because of the hats.

Pierce told the Gateway Pundit that he responded with the same gesture and said, It goes both ways, buddy.

Thats when Phillips pulled a .40 caliber out and stuck it in his face and said, This is a good day for you to die, Pierce said.

I told him to pull the trigger or put the gun down and fight me like a manand he repeated Its a good day for you to die. I repeated, Pull the trigger or put the gun down and fight me like a man. We had a very intense verbal interaction with each other and he started backing away, Pierce added.

13 News spoke with the alleged victim, Terry Pierce. Hear what he says happened in the story below. https://t.co/Kb231iABRc  WBKO Television (@wbkotv) February 18, 2019

Phillips fled the store. A Sams Club manager approached and asked Pierce if Phillips had just pulled a gun and when Pierce said yes, the manager called the police.

Pierce then went outside to look for Phillips.

I went out the front of the store to confront him again and thats when I got him in his car. He couldnt leave because his mother was still in the store. And we were having a verbal altercation outside, Pierce told WBKO. He tried telling me I assaulted him and I said, I never touched you.'

Police officers said video surveillance confirmed that Pierce did not touch Phillips. Witnesses in addition to Pierce said that Phillips pulled a gun on Pierce inside the store.

When officers arrived, they found Phillips with a Glock .40 caliber with a round chambered in his back pocket and two magazines in another pocket. He has a current concealed carry permit for Tennessee but not for Kentucky.

Phillips was arrested for first-degree wanton endangerment and booked into the Warren County Regional Jail. Pierce told the Gateway Pundit he and his wife would continue wearing the MAGA hats.

I have every right to support my country and my presidentand I proudly wear this hat as a symbol of trying to help Make America Great Again! he said. Im not ashamed or afraid to wear this hat. Im not a racist, xenophobe, sexist, or anything the left accuses our President ofwhich he isnt.

The incident came as a New York principal was replaced as the Sandy Creek High School principal after making comments about the culture in her

Emily Wemmer who went on multiple rants about culture in her school district, including saying she was fighting against an intrenched [sic] MAGA hat-wearing culture.

In another post, she said that girls have the right to walk bare [expletive] naked down the street and not be assaulted. They need to know that.
North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. High 89F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low 72F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Norman, OK (73070)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms in the morning becoming more widespread in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low near 70F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
Legislation detailing the framework of how Louisiana adults will be able to wager on sporting events  perhaps as early as football season  cleared its final legislative hurdle Thursday and is on its way to the governor.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell released a statement Monday (Feb. 18) in response to a violent weekend during which seven people were killed and 10 injured in the greater New Orleans area.

In the statement, Cantrell took a stance against one witnesses depiction of last nights shooting incident near Tulane Avenue as being like the Wild Wild West, and sought to assure residents the city is prepared to protect the public headed into the peak of Carnival season.

It is important that we acknowledge and understand the work our New Orleans Police Department is doing to keep our people safe, Cantrell said. Far from being the Wild West, our City sleeps under that protection of an interconnected web of law enforcement agencies whose effectiveness is on display every day.

Trooper involved in fatal CBD shootout remains on active duty: State Police

Sundays shootout occurred after NOPD officers approached a man who was a person of interest in an armed robbery investigation about 6:45 p.m. at an RTA bus stop at Canal Street and Elk Place. Police say the man pulled out a weapon and started firing at the officers, who returned fire. A uniformed Louisiana State Police trooper responding to the scene also returned fire after he was fired upon, fatally shooting the man, State Police said.

The person of interest was fatally shot and five bystanders wounded in the shootout. New Orleans police said two of the five bystanders were released from the hospital early Monday afternoon. Three others remained hospitalized.

Cantrell said two of the shootout victims required surgery.

We are closely monitoring the victims and staying in contact with their families. They matter. Their lives matter, she said, adding that the investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing.

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Cantrells statement also addressed the condition of the NOPD officer injured in a car accident on his way to responding to the Tulane Avenue shootout. The crash occurred on Napoleon Avenue between Dryades and Saratoga streets.

Cantrell said the officer, who has not been identified by NOPD, was scratched up and shaken, but in good health." She thanked the good Samaritans at the scene who helped pull the officer out of the wreckage, adding he is in good spirits.

In fact his first comment to his commander: was sorry about the car,' the statement said.

Like Wild Wild West going on: 1 dead, 5 wounded in downtown New Orleans shootout

Cantrell added that her public safety team is pro-actively addressing some of the other violent incidents this weekend, including a homicide on Almonaster Avenue reported about 90 minutes after the CBD shootout.

I want to assure all of our residents and our guests that we are well-coordinated, well-trained and ready for Carnival, and that we will not allow this ugliness to mar our celebration or to endanger our people, she said.

Read Mayor Cantrells full statement here.
The company that makes a gripe water supplement for infants and adults for Dollar General has issued a voluntary recall. An undissolved ingredient in the product, citrus flavanoid, could result in difficulty swallowing for sensitive babies, according to a statement Friday (Feb. 15) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Kingston Pharma LLC is the manufacturer of the DG brand Baby Gripe Water herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts. Its suggested uses include treatment for gas, colic and teething. The company has received a complaint of a 1-week-old baby having trouble swallowing after using the product and three complaints about the undissolved citrus flavanoid, the FDA reported.

The recall covers all lots of of DG Baby Gripe Water, which is packaged in 4-ounce amber bottles, with white plastic camps. The product was distributed nationally through Dollar General.

Read the full FDA advisory.

Kingston Pharma is advising customers to stop using the product and throw it away. Consumers should contact their health care provider if they or their child have experienced any problems from using the gripe water.
When he formally announced his candidacy for St. Tammany Parish president last month, Covington Mayor Mike Cooper said he thought the primary campaign would cost in the neighborhood of $250,000.

It wont be known for months if Coopers estimate holds true. But finance reports filed with the state recently show that Cooper and incumbent Pat Brister, the only announced candidates so far, could be heading in that direction.

Brister, who is seeking a third term, had $159,473 on hand heading into this election year, the reports show. Cooper, who will wrap up his eight-year stint as mayor in June, had $96,746.

The election is Oct. 12.

Brister has faced multiple opponents in her two prior races and easily won both contests. But parish politics watchers have said Cooper will pose a more serious challenge, which likely will mean more spending and fundraising than in previous years. If additional candidates get into the race, they could push it into a November runoff.

The presidents race isnt the only one expected to generate heat this fall in St. Tammany. Two candidates, Tim Lentz and Nick Tranchina, have announced plans to challenge incumbent Sheriff Randy Smith.

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Bristers report shows total receipts of $132,000: contributions of $7,000 and a $125,000 loan she made to the campaign. Her campaign spent $43,464, the reports show. Of those expenses, Bristers campaign spent $17,475 with Buisson Creative for campaign and political consulting, the reports show.

Brister began 2018 with $70,937 on hand, reports show.

Coopers report shows total receipts of $54,655 last year. He did not loan any money to his campaign, which spent $25,911, including $9,775 with James Hartman and Associates for campaign and political consulting.

Cooper began 2018 with $68,157 on hand, reports show.

Brister and Coopers full reports are available on the Louisiana Ethics Administrations website. Click here to search.
The public comment period on Cornerstone Chemical Co.'s proposal to operate a new $100 million cyanide plant near Waggaman has been extended 30 days, after an outcry from Jefferson Parish residents. Interested parties now have until March 20 to file comments with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, agency spokesman Greg Langley said Monday (Feb. 18).

Cornerstone is seeking an air quality permit from the agency, and the governments extension of the comment period is seen as a setback for the company because it had applied for an expedited permit. The comment period had been scheduled to close at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

The company and its predecessors have been producing cyanide and other chemicals at the Fortier manufacturing complex since 1953 with little attention. But the proposal to increase cyanide production by 50 million pounds per year has alarmed many residents, particularly across the Mississippi River in River Ridge and Harahan. Residents there are increasingly sensitive to air emissions because a mysterious odor, partly blamed on the Jefferson Parish landfill at Waggaman, has been infiltrating their neighborhoods on and off for 18 months.

Cornerstone, which employs about 500 people, said the new plant would add 21 jobs at an average annual salary of $80,000 plus benefits, and keep the company competitive for decades to come. Company leaders insist the expanded plant will not present any public health threats.

West Bank cyanide plant proposal draws scores of worried residents

. . . . . . .

Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education plus other odds and ends. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1.
Louisianas proposed $800 million Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion has been added to the Federal Infrastructure Projects Permitting Dashboard, confirming the federal government is targeting the project for a faster environmental permitting process.

The diversion, which would be located at Wills Point in Plaquemines Parish, about 68 miles above Head of Passes, will be designed to capture sediment-rich water from the Mississippi River and move it eastward into Breton Sound Basin to restore wetlands.

The dashboard was created by Congress in 2015 as part of an effort to speed infrastructure construction projects by combining environmental reviews, where possible.

State officials say they plan on both feeding sediment mined from the river into the diversions entrance, and to use sediment pumped inland by pipeline into open water in the basin to increase the land-building efficiency of the diversion, once its complete.

State considers nearly doubling size of east bank sediment diversion

State officials in January announced that the projects capacity has been increased to a maximum of 75,000 cubic feet per second during high river events, similar in size to the proposed Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion that would be built on the Plaquemines west bank between Ironton and Myrtle Grove.

Bringing state and local officials into this process will make sure that this project is as unique in its heritage as are our citizens who contributed to it, said Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in a news release announcing the Army Corps of Engineers action. With this approach, we benefit from the experiences of those who live and work in Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes, and with their input we will make the best possible project for our citizens.

At the moment, there is little on the projects web page at the dashboard, other than a summary of its purpose and an explanation that corps is overseeing the permitting process and the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is the local sponsor.

The page will eventually be updated by the corps with information on the status of various permits, including estimates of when they will be ready for public review, and when they might be approved.

The $1.4 billion Mid-Barataria project was granted similar dashboard status by the White House Council for Environmental Quality in January 2017, during the waning days of the administration of President Barack Obama. The state entered into a separate agreement a few months later with the administration of President Donald Trump that confirmed the Mid-Barataria project was to be considered infrastructure under a Trump executive order also designed to speed environmental permitting of such projects.

Mid-Barataria Diversion permit finish line moved up to 2020

Both the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton projects were also granted approval by Congress of a permit under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

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In the case of Mid-Barataria, that step and the Trump agreement resulted in the corps estimated permitting completion date being rolled back from 2023 to the end of 2020.

In documents provided by the state in October to firms bidding on a contract for construction management services for the Mid-Breton diversion, CPRA officials estimated that construction would begin in October 2023 and be completed by June 2028.

In February 2018, CPRA selected a team of consultants led by Edmonton, Alberta-based Stantec to design the diversion.

The state hopes to select the construction management firm and award a separate contract to a company to be the states representative in producing a federal environmental impact statement by June of this year.

In its news release announcing the dashboard approval, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority included a comment from new Plaquemines Parish President Kirk Lepine that indicates his office will participate in the environmental assessment for the project.

Since taking office, I have had productive and frequent communication with CPRA, Lepine said. With this announcement, we now welcome the opportunity to be involved in the environmental review process.

Cormier letter flurry: stop Mid-Barataria Diversion

Thats a significant turnaround from his predecessor, former parish President Amos Cormier III, who refused to participate in the permitting process for the Mid-Barataria project when requested to do so by the corps and state, and who attempted to block efforts by the state to collect soil samples at the proposed Mid-Barataria location.

Cormier had raised numerous concerns to state and federal officials about the potential effects of the projects on commercial fisheries and its potential for causing flooding for some parish communities.

Lepine defeated Cormier in a Dec. 8 runoff for the parish president seat.

The release included a similar comment from St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis.

Our parish appreciates the opportunity to have a seat at the table with the State on this important process McInnis said. My team is excited to express its concerns as it relates to the impact to our community.
A plastics manufacturer with a growing presence in Louisiana has been fined and sued in Texas for polluting waterways with bits of plastic.

The Victoria Advocate reports that Texas environmental regulators fined the Formosa plastics company more than $121,000 for repeatedly failing to stop plastic pellets from ending up in a creek that flows into a bay on the Gulf of Mexico.

A group of residents sued Formosa in 2017 to force it to comply with the Clean Water Act, a federal law governing water pollution. This week, the company asked a federal district court judge to dismiss the lawsuit.

Environmentalists sue the Corps for not turning over records on Formosa Plastics

The pellets, also known as nurdles, are the raw material for producing many plastic products. Residents who live near the Formosa facility say thousands of pellets have been found in a creek, wetlands and the beaches of Lavaca and Matagorda bays.

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In Louisiana, Formosa operates three facilities in East Baton Rouge and Point Coupee parishes. The company plans to build a $9.4 billion petrochemical complex on the west bank of St. James Parish. The new facility would turn natural gas into polyethylene and other materials used to manufacture plastics.

Environmental groups and some St. James residents are fighting the facility. They say it would release harmful chemicals and generate plastic pollution.

Last week, the Center for Biological Diversity sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers saying the agency failed to turn over records related to the proposed St. James facility.

Read the Victoria Advocates full report.
Update: Chelceaun Moore turned herself in at the NOPD Second District station Monday night (Feb. 18).

New Orleans police are seeking a 24-year-old woman who allegedly threatened to blow up a doctors office in Uptown.

Police said they have obtained an arrest warrant for Chelceaun Moore in connection with the threat in the 900 block of Calhoun Street on Friday (Feb. 15).

NOPD 2nd District detectives accuse Moore of calling the doctors office around 10 a.m. and threatening to blow up the office and cause harm to the staff, the police department said Monday in a news release. When found, Moore will be booked on a charge of terrorizing, police said.

The news release did not say whether Moore had any previous connection to the doctors office.

Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of Moore is asked to contact NOPD 2nd District detectives at 504-658-6020, or to call anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP.
Note: This story has been updated. Read the latest here.

Five innocent bystanders were hit by gunfire after a man opened fire on police in downtown New Orleans on Sunday (Feb. 17), according to NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson. After exchanging gunfire with both NOPD officers and Louisiana State Police troopers, Ferguson said, the man was shot and killed.

Its not yet clear whether the five bystanders were shot by the suspect or by police, Ferguson said during a press conference Sunday night. Of those five people, four were in stable condition Sunday night, and the fifth was in surgery in critical condition, Ferguson said.

These officers were fired upon first, so to preserve life  they have to return fire, Ferguson said, adding that our officers did what theyre trained to do.

Ferguson said NOPD detectives were on Canal Street and Elk Place on Sunday following up on an investigation into an armed robbery in the 6th District when a man they were interviewing opened fire.

Few details were available about the identities of either the suspect or of the five bystanders, whom Ferguson described as five adults. New Orleans EMS spokesman Jonathan Fourcade said earlier Sunday evening that a 17-year-old had been transported to University Medical Center from the scene for treatment.

Watch the video above for the full update.
A Louisiana State Police trooper remains on active duty after he returned fire on a person of interest in a robbery, fatally wounding him, during a Sunday night (Feb. 17) shootout in the Central Business District. The shootout, which unfolded over two gun battles between the person of interest and police, wounded five bystanders at a CBD bus stop, authorities said.

Whether a trooper returns to active duty after firing a weapon at someone is determined on a case-by-case basis, said Trooper Melissa Matey, Troop B spokeswoman.

Every situation is going to be different, she said.

The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations is looking into the shooting, as is protocol for any incident in which a trooper fires a gun, Matey said. In this case, the Bureau of Investigations is working in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department.

1 dead, 5 wounded in downtown New Orleans shootout: What we know

The gunfire initially broke out about 6:45 p.m. Sunday, after NOPD officers approached the person of interest near an RTA bus stop at Canal Street and Elk Place. According to NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, the man pulled a weapon and began firing at two NOPD officers, who returned fire. The shootout continued down Elk Place toward Tulane Avenue.

The uniformed trooper was on-duty, patrolling, when the call came out Sunday night for a 108, the signal for an officer in need of assistance  life in danger.

While responding to the officer-in-danger call, the trooper crossed paths with the gunman and was fired upon along Tulane Avenue near Elk Place, Matey said. The trooper returned fire, and the gunman fell to the ground, Ferguson said. He was taken to University Medical Center, where he later died, Ferguson said.

No officers were injured in the shooting, but an NOPD officer was injured in a wreck on his way to the scene. The officers car flipped between Napoleon Avenue and South Saratoga and Dryades streets.

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Authorities have not identified the suspect, the trooper or the NOPD officers involved in the pair of gun battles.

When asked if any bystanders were struck by state police gunfire or how many shots were fired by the trooper, Matey said the answers to those questions remain under investigation, as officers continue processing evidence, including ballistics tests.

Investigators do not know how many troopers responded to the 108 call, she said, adding that police would need to check radio logs and other records.

On Sunday night, Ferguson said it was too early in the investigation to determine whether the bystanders were struck by bullets from the officers guns or from the gunmans weapon.

The NOPD officers involved in the shooting will be placed on desk duty, he said. In accordance with the NOPDs consent-decree requirements, federal monitors were notified, he said, and the independent police monitor was on scene conducting an investigation.

Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune Staff Reporter Heather Nolan contributed to this report.

Injuries of 5 bystanders hurt in CBD police shootout are non-life-threatening: NOPD
A 17-year-old shooting suspect who was the target of a three-hour Kenner SWAT roll Sunday has surrendered to authorities.

John Green was with his mother when he arrived at the Kenner jail about 12:15 a.m. Monday (Feb. 18), said Lt. Michael Cunningham, spokesman for the Kenner Police Department. Green was booked with aggravated battery.

7 killed, 10 injured across Greater New Orleans metro area in violent weekend

The teen is accused of shooting a man after interjecting himself into a conversation at a home in the 800 block of Champagne Drive in Kenner on Sunday around 9 a.m. Green was sitting on the couch in the living room while the victim, a man in his 40s, was speaking with a woman in the kitchen, according to Cunningham.

The victim is not related to Green. He is a friend of Greens family, authorities said.

Its not clear what triggered Greens ire, but he is accused of shooting the man in the arm after questioning the victims presence at the home, according to Cunningham.

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The man and the woman ran out of the house and drove to Ochsner Medical Center Kenner. Police went to the Champagne Drive home, but no one answered the door, Cunningham said.

The department made the decision to call the SWAT team because officers had assisted the New Orleans Police Department in serving a warrant for a homicide investigation at the same house in June 2018, Cunningham said.

Green, who was a juvenile at the time, was named on the warrant. But the teen was never arrested or charged with a crime related to that investigation, Cunningham said.

The SWAT team arrived just before 10 a.m. When they couldnt contact anyone inside the residence, they deployed gas, Cunningham said.

The team entered the house and determined that no one was inside. They cleared the scene about 1 p.m. and began searching for Green.

The teens mother handed over the pistol believed to have been used in the shooting when her son surrendered, Cunningham said. Green was booked into the Kenner jail. No bond information was available.
A man attacked a woman in her Marigny home Sunday (Feb. 17), choking and punching her before leaving - only to return hours later with a machete, New Orleans police said.

The incident began about 4 p.m. when the man choked and punched the 34-year-old woman, described as his acquaintance, in her home in the 1800 block of North Rampart Street. He took her cash and left but then started texting her, police said in a preliminary report.

The man returned about 10 p.m. and kicked in the victims door, this time entering her home armed with a machete, police said.

The victim was able to persuade him to leave, states an NOPD preliminary report.

Police did not identify the man or indicate whether he had been arrested.

The aggravated burglary was one of two reported Sunday in New Orleans.

Two burglars walked through the back door of a Gentilly Terrace home Sunday night and demanded money from two children inside. They fled when the minors parents arrived, according to New Orleans police.

One of the burglars carried a gun during the crime, which took place about 10:30 p.m. in the 2700 block of Gladiolus Street, police said. The suspects also demanded phones from the children, ages 12 and 13, according to an initial NOPD report. When the parents showed up, the burglars fled in a black Audi with a Texas license plate.

Two robberies were also reported overnight Sunday, including an armed robbery in which a gun was stolen in New Orleans East.

The robbery occurred about 9 p.m. when three men and a woman got out of a vehicle and approached the victim, a 30-year-old man walking near the intersection of Bullard Avenue and Curran Boulevard.

The trio demanded the victims property, and he complied, handing over a backpack that included his gun.

The group then drove off in a gold Toyota Camry, headed northbound on Hayne Boulevard.

In the other robbery, a 30-year-old woman was able to keep her purse during an attempted property-snatching in the French Quarter, police said.

The crime occurred about 12:40 a.m. Monday in the 400 block of Bourbon Street.

Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
The investigation continues into a standoff in Clinton, Mississippi, on Saturday (Feb. 16) that resulted in the deaths of four hostages and the suspected gunman, WLBT reports.

The standoff began early Saturday when police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. When police arrived, a suspect began firing at them, media outlets have reported.

Hours later, a SWAT team entered the home and found four people dead, WLBT reported. The suspected gunman was shot and later died at a hospital.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is conducting an officer-involved shooting investigation, WLBT reported.

Check out the complete WLBT story here.
Recently, ex-congressman Anthony Weiner was released from federal prison and transferred to a federal medical center. The New York Democrats next residence will be a residential re-entry facility in Brooklyn. Upon his expected release from the halfway house in in May, he will be subject to three years of supervised release and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

In September 2017, Weiner pleaded guilty to one count of transferring obscene material to a minor. What I find most disturbing is that the ex-congressman, (who reigned back in 2011 over a similar incident) is still eligible, should he reach age 62, for a sizable congressional pension that has been calculated at about $46,000 a year.

It is sad that so many of our government officials have seemingly lost the reality of right and wrong, but puzzling that Weiner could be able to live off the pension contributions of working taxpayers. Even though we elect legislators to represent us, it seems that many of them have disconnected themselves concerning this issue.

The fact is that Weiner was guilty of a truly dastardly crime and can still get a lifelong pension. This man took an oath, swearing to serve and abide by the laws of the land. He failed his responsibilities to uphold the office and to his constituents.

I can only wonder what the result would be if those constituents who elected Weiner had the opportunity to vote yes or no about him receiving a pension. It wouldnt be unreasonable to think the vote would be no.

Roger Greene, Pitman

Trump gets results thatll get him 2nd term

Seven previous presidents were aware of a trade imbalance that the United States had with many other nations  and did nothing.

With his tariff policies and negotiations, President Donald Trump is doing things that will correct past mistakes that have cost us billions of dollars in revenue and millions of jobs.

In another effort to correct past mistakes, Trump signed a law to reform imbalances in jail sentences in the federal criminal justice system. He has also overseen an economy that has brought more jobs for all, including women and minorities. He will also build his border wall to keep criminals from coming in illegally.

Meanwhile, Democrats want more free stuff. Some want open borders that allow criminals form other countries to kill Americans. They are also killing jobs, like the 25,000 that Amazon was bringing to to New York City until the partys most liberal wing fought the companys plants to build a headquarters there.

Trump will be re-elected in 2020, because we have no other choice  and dont want one.

Luis M. Perez, Glassboro

Send a letter to the editor of South Jersey Times at sjletters@njadvancemedia.com
We all know about the fight thats taking place over immigration and security at the U.S. southern border. We also know the conventional wisdom on both sides of the issue. But what if were all way off base?

What if it turns out that the narrative weve been told about illegal immigration as something thats victimizing us turns out not to be entirely true? What if our policies helped create our current circumstance? Would we reconsider our positions? Would we allow our legislators to compromise?

I ask these questions because there is more research than I ever imagined that suggests that some of what weve done in the name of border enforcement has actually made the problem of illegal immigration, mostly from Mexico, more problematic than it might be otherwise. Specifically, Im referring to an American Journal of Sociology paper originally published in 2016 with the title Why Border Enforcement Backfired.

Researchers Douglas Massey, Jorge Durand and Karen Pren set forth the idea that our militarized enforcement efforts over several decades were, first and foremost, an overreaction that bore little relationship to what was actually happening. Secondly, the authors contend there was another consequence to militarizing the border: It converted most illegal immigration from a circular flow back and forth of Mexican male workers, involving just three U.S. states, into a permanent population of 11 million undocumented persons in all 50 states.

The authors claim the reason that undocumented migrants stopped returning to Mexico is because a militarized border and enforcement of extremely harsh policies made it too difficult, too risky, and too dangerous to move back and forth  so these immigrants stayed here. The militarized border kept some people out of America, to be sure, but it also discouraged many who wanted to return to Mexico.

Its fair to ask why the crackdown came if there wasnt a huge problem to solve. Its also fair to ask why we continue these same policies today. The short answer is that no one ever lost an election by fighting an alien invasion that allegedly takes Americans jobs and creates havoc.

Immigration control is also a problem with a face and an identity that we can see and touch in our towns, as opposed to some abstract concept like globalism. Throw in homeland security in an age of terrorism and, as election issues go, its a no-brainer to embrace harsh solutions.

But, theres the research to consider. Between 1986 and 2008, estimates of undocumented persons in our country, mostly from Mexico, grew from 3 million to 12 million. This happened at the same time that we beefed up the Border Patrol and other enforcement, yet, this did little to stop the influx.

According to the research paper, the unintended consequence according is reduction in the rate of return migration by people who would have otherwise left the United States on their own accord. Knowing they couldnt go back and forth easily, many undocumented individuals and families stayed and made homes in towns across the country, including Bridgeton, which is near many agricultural employers.

The previous pattern for these workers was circular migration. On a seasonal, or even monthly, basis, they returned to their home countries when the local crop season ended. The pay they received here wasnt much by American standards, but it was much more valuable back across the border.

In the 1950s, about 50,000 people annually arrived to be permanent U.S. residents, and about 450,000 more entered on temporary work permits, Much of this was tied to U.S. employer demand and Mexican labor supply. By the late 1970s, these factors hadnt changed much, but government quotas had allowed for only 20,000 Mexican residents to come in legally each year, and no temporary work visas were authorized. When the legal path to enter and work tightened migrants crossed illegally and stayed. They were hired by employers, including local ones, who desired cheap labor.

Contrary to recent headlines, the number of undocumented persons crossing the southern border is now comparatively low. Researchers suggest this is due to demographic changes in Mexico more than than our own enforcement efforts.

Maybe its time to reconsider undocumented-labor issues in the context of reduced circular migration and the more recent changes to the labor cycle. Maybe theres a framework that can generate revenue for the government and also allows for improved security. That would be more realistic and humane than the expenditure billions of tax dollars on brick-and-mortar barriers designed only to keep people out.

Albert B. Kelly is mayor of Bridgeton. Contact him by phone at 856-455-3230 Ext. 200.

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The political fight over the PARCC exam has an important new stakeholder: The class of 2019.

Some 170,000 high school students, including juniors, thought they had fulfilled the requirements to graduate. Now, thanks to a court ruling striking down the use of PARCC tests as a graduation requirement, they cant be sure. Most have already taken the tests. Seniors are supposed to get their diplomas in June.

But the clash over this exam has left them all in limbo. It leaves their schools in chaos, too. More PARCC testing is scheduled for April, but guidance counselors and teachers dont know what theyre supposed to be doing. Will the governor fix this right away, or leave them all twisting in the wind?

Phil Murphy has long strained to appease powerful critics of the PARCC, namely the teachers union, which prefers we let kids graduate without the kind of tests that hold teachers accountable.

But we need the PARCC because an A in Millburn is not the same as an A in Camden. We have to ensure that all kids succeed, not just those in affluent districts.

The Boston Globe recently tracked 93 local valedictorians and found that one in four failed to earn a college diploma in six years. Their high schools left them woefully underprepared. Some lost their scholarships. Others dropped out in frustration.

We have the same problem in New Jersey. At Essex County College in Newark, 85 percent of incoming freshmen need to take remedial math. In 2017, only 13 percent graduated. While social promotion also happens in wealthier districts, those kids have a deeper safety net.

This is why we need an objective test. Yet because the PARCC is such a powerful diagnostic tool that can trace a students learning problem right down to a particular teachers lesson, it ran afoul of the union.

After a campaign vow to kill PARCC entirely, Murphys administration reached a sensible compromise: We would not eliminate it without finding a suitable replacement exam. And until then, we would pare down the test.

Students must take two PARCC exams to graduate, in math and English, or take a test like the SAT or submit a portfolio of other work. Yet a recent court decision cracked open a door for those who think we shouldnt require any exit testing at all. They are seeking to delay and sow more chaos, in the hopes of ginning up opposition.

The education committee chairs, Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, have stepped up to do the responsible thing: Grandfather in current seniors and juniors and let them graduate under todays rules, while DOE comes up with alternative tests.

Their bill is an elegant solution that should be passed and immediately signed by Murphy. It would also build more flexibility into an outdated law on graduation testing, fixing the problem identified by the court. An alternative, union-backed bill to put a moratorium on requiring any exit exams has no chance of passing in the Legislature.

If the Murphy administration drags the fight out, when we have legislation to solve this now, it would be at the expense of kids. Why would we delay when we have such a clear pathway toward fixing a small issue? asks Ruiz, who wonders: Is it based on protecting children, is it based on good policy, or is it based on politics?

Theres no sensible reason not to back her bill. Governor, be the adult in the room.
The Montvale deputy fire chief has been suspended after being arrested on drunken driving charges Saturday in Rockland County, New York, the Bergen County boroughs mayor said.

Deputy Fire Chief Chuck Lydon was driving a fire department vehicle on Red Schoolhouse Road on Saturday night in neighboring Ramapo, New York when he crashed into a tree, authorities said.

Lydon has been suspended until further notice, Mayor Mike Ghassali wrote in a message to NJ Advance Media on Monday. The deputy chief was not injured in the crash, Ghassali said.

Lydon became deputy chief earlier this year, according to a post on the Montvale Volunteer Fire Departments Facebook page.

Montvale Fire Chief Geoffrey Gibbons couldnt immediately be reached.

Lydons blood alcohol content was .18 - more than twice the legal limit, according to LoHud.com.

New Jersey Fire Department chief arrested by #Ramapo police. https://t.co/sKndiB4IVa  News12HV (@News12HV) February 17, 2019

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Commuters who drive near the Scudder Falls Bridge will be facing a major interchange closure starting Monday, one that is expected to last 18 weeks.

Part of the I-295 and Route 29 interchange on the New Jersey side of the Scudder Falls Bridge will close at 4 a.m. on Monday. It likely wont reopen until the summer, according to the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

Officials say the closure will impact drivers coming from three directions:

The eastbound/southbound exit ramp from I-295 to Route 29 northbound, which is the first exit in New Jersey after cross the bridge. See detour here

The I-295 northbound exit ramp to Route 29 southbound, which is the last exit in New Jersey. See detour here

The Route 29 southbound and northbound entry ramps to I-295 heading toward Pennsylvania. See detour here

Each of those routes have separate detours planned. Click on the links above to see the detours.

The bridge commission says that these closures will only affect drivers who use the interchanges. The bridge, I-295 and Route 29 will remain open to through traffic.

The project involves replacing the Scudder Falls Bridge, while also fixing up the interchanges and other upgrades. The bridge commission expects the work to be completed by 2021.

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Payton Guion may be reached at PGuion@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaytonGuion. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A 27-year-old man was arrested Friday following a fight and stabbing at a park in Monmouth County that left two people injured, authorities said.

Brennan C. Bland, 27, of Middletown, was charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats and two weapons offenses, police said.

Police arrived at McMahon Park in Middletown around 4:30 p.m. and found one of the stabbing victims, who gave officers a description of the assailant and his vehicle. Investigators soon found the second victim and located Bland minutes later, authorities said.

One of the people stabbed was treated at the park. The other was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center to be treated for a torso wound that is not considered life-threatening.

Bland was sent to the Monmouth County jail to await a court appearance.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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EDITORS NOTE: Entrepreneurs everywhere are eyeing the billion-dollar legal weed industry, an economic opportunity unrivaled in modern N.J. history. NJ Cannabis Insider features exclusive and premium weekly content geared toward those interested in the marijuana industry. View a sample issue.

With New Jersey possibly on the precipice of legalizing recreational marijuana, a new poll shows 6 in 10 residents support making pot legal, although only half are in favor of the details in the law currently proposed.

The Monmouth University Poll released Monday morning also found the number of New Jersey adults who say legalization will help the states economy and lead to a drop in other drug crimes has increased over the last year.

And three-quarters back letting people with past pot convictions clear their records.

The survey comes just days after media outlets, including NJ Advance Media, reported that after months of debate, Gov. Phil Murphy and his fellow Democrats who lead the state Legislature have reached a tentative deal on a bill to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana in New Jersey, according to multiple sources.

It may still be some time until weed is legal, though. The Legislature needs to pass the measure before Murphy can sign it into law.

Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said his group found widespread public support for legalizing marijuana, but the devil is in the details.

"A question mark for some New Jerseyans is whether the state can set up an adequate regulatory system, Murray added.

Mondays poll shows:

62 percent of New Jersey adults support legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, while 32 percent oppose. Thats a little higher than the 59-37 split Monmouth found last April but much higher than the 48-47 split from five years ago.

Support is strongest among Democrats and younger residents. Seventy-two percent of Democrats and 61 percent of independents support legalization, but only 47 percent of Republicans do. Meanwhile, 81 percent of people age 18 to 34 back it, compared to 56 percent of people age 35 to 54 do, and 53 percent of people age 55 and older.

But there is less support when people learn about the actual details of the proposed legislation, which would allow anyone over the age of 21 in New Jersey to purchase small quantities of marijuana for their own personal use from businesses that have been licensed by the state. Fifty percent say thats a good idea, 34 percent say its bad, and 17 percent are unsure. Still, the number of New Jerseyans who see that as a good idea has spiked 14 points since 2015.

Among those who say this plan is good, 40 percent cite more tax revenue and a boosted economy as the main reason. Another 28 percent say prosecuting marijuana possession and jailing users is a waste of resources, 21 percent say marijuana is not harmful or at least not more harmful than alcohol, and 14 percent say there are medical benefits to using marijuana.

Among those who say the plan is bad, 28 percent believe marijuana use is harmful or addictive, 21 percent cite a potential increase in car accidents and driving under its influence, and 9 percent see it as a gateway drug.

A major reason for public support of the current proposal is the expectation it will boost tax revenues," Murray said. The pressure is on, with nearby states also looking into legalization. New Jersey will need to stay ahead of the curve if it wants to maximize the expected economic benefits.

Overall, 68 percent of New Jersey adults believe legalizing weed would boost the states economy  up from 60 percent last April. Only 11 percent feel it would hurt, while 16 percent say it would have no impact.

Meanwhile, 29 percent legal pot would lead to an increase in other types of drug crime  which is similar to 32 percent from last year. But 32 percent say it would lead to a decrease in those offenses  up from 26 percent.

And 74 percent support giving people who had been convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana the chance for their records to be expunged, or cleared. Eighteen percent are against this, even if New Jersey was to legalize pot.

The poll was conducted via phone from Feb. 8 to 10 with 604 New Jersey adults. The margin of error was plus-or-minus 4 percentage points.

EDITORS NOTE: Entrepreneurs everywhere are eyeing the billion-dollar legal weed industry, an economic opportunity unrivaled in modern N.J. history. NJ Cannabis Insider features exclusive and premium weekly content geared toward those interested in the marijuana industry. View a sample issue.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday urged European powers to do more to save the nuclear deal with the Islamic republic, and accused Washington of having an "obsession" with Iran.

Europe has to do more if it wants to preserve relations with Iran, said Zarif at the Munich Security Conference. He added that Europe needs to "walk the walk" to match the talk of multilateralism.

"Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism," he told the conference, saying that Iran for now was committed to a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

Zarif's speech came a day after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged Germany, France and Britain to follow Washington in withdrawing from the deal and to "stop undermining U.S. sanctions."

The United States had an "unhealthy fixation" or "obsession" with Iran, said Zarif.

The United States withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in May last year and reimposed sanctions against Tehran. Other countries in the deal, including the major European powers such as Germany, France and Britain, have since tried to keep the deal alive.
The Melvin Santiago's Law, named after a Jersey City cop killed in the line of duty in 2014, could get an update to toughen penalties on attacks against private security guards.

New Jersey is the closest it's ever been to legalizing marijuana.

Former Newark archbishop McCarrick has been defrocked by the pope. The Rev. Alexander Santora, a Jersey Journal columnist, says the local dioceses' work is not done.

In Sports, Union City boys defeat Dickinson in the Hudson County quarterfinals.
Former Secaucus High School Principal Robert Berckes, suspended for his handling of a drug incident, will be paid through the end of the 2018-19 school year and resign under a settlement agreement with the school district.

The agreement, which was obtained through an Open Public Records Act, was finalized in December.

It calls for Berckes, who was hired in 2010, to be paid his back pay in full and his prorated salary of nearly $125,000 while he remains on leave in exchange for his 177.5 days of unused time accrued sick leave (129 days), vacation time (22 days), personal days (5) and banked personal days (22).

Berckes and his attorney could not be reached for comment and school board President Joan Cali and Vice President Jack McStowe did not respond to requests for comment. District Superintendent Jennifer Montesano declined to comment.

The suspension of the popular principal known by students and parents as Dr. Bob" (Berckes is also a chiropractor) divided the small town. A month into the dispute, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli urged the board to find a resolution quickly.

This has been going on much too long. End it now, he said at the May meeting.

Under the settlements confidentiality clause, all parties involved are barred from discussing the settlement. The Jersey Journal and the public are not barred from obtaining the agreement.

The entire episode began last April when a student was caught with a small amount of marijuana and a pocket knife in the high school. In consultation with the police officer stationed at the middle school/high school complex, Berckes had the drugs flushed down a toilet and the student was suspended five days.

At that time the police officer said the boy wouldnt be charged, since the state wants to help kids rather than give criminal records, Berckes quoted the officer as saying when he spoke at the May 10 board meeting.

Berckes contended that the punishment was approved by Montesano, but soon after he and Assistant Principal Jeffrey Case were suspended by the superintendent over the handling of the incident.

Last June, Berckes, while still suspended, was transferred to Clarendon School and Case resigned.

The Hudson County Prosecutors Office reviewed the case and found no criminality, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said roughly one month after the incident. The case was then referred back to Secaucus.

READ THE SETTLEMENT

The legal battle against Berckes cost the district roughly $80,000 in attorneys fees, which accounted for 42 percent of the $188,000 legal bill paid to the law firm Fogarty and Hara in 2018. Attorneys fees for the months of August and November alone totalled more than $31,000.

Thats crazy," Gonnelli, the mayor, said Monday. This could have been settled a long time ago."

The legal bill for the entire 2017 was $105,000.

The district filed multiple tenure charges against Berckes, while the suspended principal filed an ethics complaint against McStowe, who was president of the board of ed at the time. Through his attorney, Berckes also filed notice of a $5 million lawsuit against the district.

Under the terms of the settlement, all tenure charges and other legal claims are to be dropped, and each party is responsible for their own legal fees.
The last time I saw Theodore McCarrick was September 25, 2015, when Pope Francis led an interfaith service at the 9/11 Museum in Manhattan. I was covering the event for The Jersey Journal and McCarrick had arrived early. I approached him and he remembered me by asking, Are you still causing trouble? As it turns out, not as much or the kind McCarrick had.

On Friday, Pope Francis signed off on a ruling by the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to remove McCarrick from the Catholic clergy for alleged abuses of youth and for inappropriate relationships with seminarians under his care. Now 88 years old and reportedly feeble, McCarrick is not much of a threat to anyone any more. But this bold move by Francis is not the end of this ordeal. It is incumbent on the Catholic dioceses where McCarrick served  New York, Metuchen, Newark and Washington, D.C.  to reconstruct how McCarrick rose through the ranks when his seminarian liaisons were an open secret.

According to the widely reported allegations, McCarrick would bring seminarians to a Sea Girt house owned by the church and assign one of them to sleep in the bed with him. Just in Newark alone, seminary faculty, rectors, bishops and a score of priests were complicit in these abuses because they facilitated what McCarrick did or looked the other way. It was only the late Bishop James McHugh, a Newark priest who eventually led the Camden diocese, who alerted the Apostolic Nuncio in Washington. The shore house went up for sale, and the sleeping seminarian scenario ostensibly ended.

So how could this abuser become a prince of the church? Because the closed monarchy in the Vatican prized the millions of dollars McCarrick funneled into their coffers. The late Monsignor Walter Gorski, a Jersey City native and my first pastor in Linden, told me that McCarrick knew Gorski was close to Pope John Paul II and especially his secretary, Stanisaw Dziwisz, now a retired cardinal in Poland. McCarrick asked Gorski to either personally deliver a check to the papal quarters or call the secretary to confirm that the pope received McCarricks money. His red hat came from what was referred to as a parlor appointment. That is, he schmoozed the power brokers.

McCarrick was a master manipulator and had his finger in every aspect of the Newark archdiocese. He appointed his pets to plum posts and made them monsignors at early ages. He may have been shepherd to Newark. but he had a congregation of one in the Vatican to serve.

For example, the Vatican wanted women out of posts in seminaries, so McCarrick fired the late Ursuline Sister Agnes Mallner from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University after many years of faithful service as a spiritual director. (Seton Hall is wrapping up an investigation into McCarricks behavior.)

The pope wanted the controversial Neo Catechumenate Way to get a foothold in the U.S. McCarrick gave them a building in Kearny and tolerated their unorthodox liturgical practices.

McCarrick embodied everything that Pope Francis has railed against since he became pope: careerism, power aspiration and the old-boys network, which is why he has attracted so much criticism from within the Vatican and from conservative, monied networks all over the world.

Francis is too principled to be bought. That day back in 2015, Francis embraced McCarrick as he exited the museum. Now he has laicized him for the good of the church.

The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, 07030, FAX: 201-659-5833; Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; Twitter: @padrehoboken.
JERSEY CITY  The owners of a Kennedy Boulevard gas station want a judge to throw out the citys new West Side business district, saying the district was created improperly.

COB Gas Services, which owns the Exxon station at Kennedy and Communipaw Avenue, also objects to being included inside the West Side Special Improvement District, saying there is no rationale for extending the business district up Communipaw Avenue. Most of the properties in the district are on West Side Avenue.

The two-count lawsuit was filed in Hudson County Superior Court on Jan. 31. It alleges the city did not perform a preliminary assessment to determine if the SID is necessary.

The city produced a feasibility study on the then-proposed West Side SID in 2013.

Asked for comment, city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione referred The Jersey Journal to Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, who represents the West Side. Prinz-Arey declined to comment.

The City Council approved the creation of the new SID, the citys seventh, after a four-hour public hearing in December that saw dozens of residents and business owners urging the council to reverse course.

Commercial properties inside SIDs are hit with an extra tax that pays for increased security, added street and sidewalk cleaning, marketing and more. The city has argued that SIDs improve quality of life and offer an added boost to businesses in struggling areas.

Property owners who opposed the creation of the SID expressed tax fatigue. The city last year also approved a 1 percent business tax intended to help fund schools, while the 2018 revaluation led some tax bills to spike.

The SID will add roughly $3,400 to COBs $21,000 tax bill. COB has appealed the new assessment to the city and has not heard back yet, according to the lawsuit.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Q. I have three separate retirement accounts held at a single brokerage firm. The first is a traditional IRA on which I paid New Jersey tax on my contributions when I made them. I have a rollover IRA which was originally an out-of-state 401(k). I did not pay New Jersey tax on those contributions. Then there's a second rollover IRA that was originally a 457(b) account. Those contributions were taxed when I made them. In 2018 I converted $10,000 from the former 401(k) to a Roth. How do I value the year-end value of the accounts for my tax return?

-- Taxpayer

A. We're glad to hear you've saved over the years.

There are a few items to note.

When you take a distribution from an IRA, you must include all IRAs - except Roth IRAs - in the cost basis calculation, said Bernie Kiely, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with Kiely Capital Management in Morristown..

In your first traditional IRA, you received no New Jersey tax benefits when you contributed to the account, he said.

"Accordingly, all contribution to this account have cost basis for New Jersey tax purposes," he said.

For the account that was a rollover from an out-of-state 401(k) account, you say you did not receive a New Jersey tax deduction for the contributions.

"If you did not receive a tax deduction from any state, then you have basis in this account as well," Kiely said.

The third IRA account is a rollover from a 457(b) account from which you received no New Jersey tax benefit when you made contributions to it, so this account also has cost basis in it for New Jersey purposes, Kiely said.

"So when you do the cost basis calculations on Worksheet C "IRA Withdrawals," you must include all three IRA accounts in line #1," he said.

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.
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. High 87F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
We write to support Mayor Curt Lengs statement reminding us of the importance of Hamdens adherence to state law and the Connecticut Trust Act.

Immigrants are an important part of our social fabric, both here in Connecticut and throughout the country. The immigrant community has often been targeted by police and other law enforcement agencies, and this is the reason for Connecticuts adoption of the Trust Act in 2014. When local police stop acting as an arm of federal immigration authorities, police receive more trust from the community, which makes us all safer. (Proposed improvements to the Trust Act have recently been re-introduced in Hartford.)
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The incumbents of Downing Street and the United Kingdom Treasury are reportedly tearing their hair out at the injudicious words of the UK secretary of state for defense who has ruined a crucial trip by the chancellor of the exchequer to Beijing.

A trip considered "a vital part" of the United Kingdom's endeavors to cement global trading links as it struggles to bring home the bacon after Brexit. A trip that British media claim would be worth 10.2 billion pounds ($7.88 billion) over a five-year period.

The British Treasury has confirmed Philip Hammond, its chancellor, will not travel to Beijing, but it has sought to downplay the incident claiming "No trip was ever announced or confirmed".

Nonetheless preparations for that unannounced, unconfirmed visit were reportedly "well advanced". Until that is, British Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson torpedoed it with his remarks in London on Feb 11.

In a speech titled "Defense in Global Britain" outlining the British military's future direction, Williamson announced he would dispatch the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth to the Pacific and that Britain was prepared to use "lethal" force to deter countries that "flout international law". That rhetoric was broadly read as a less-than-subtle threat to China in the South China Sea, given it echoed that of the United States when referring to its naval operations in those waters.

It should come as no surprise then that Beijing would have second thoughts about committing to any trade engagement.

London has obviously realized the damaging potential of Williamson's remarks. Downing Street distanced itself from the statements, saying Britain has "a strong and constructive relationship" with China.

George Osborne, the former British Tory chancellor, is surely not alone in finding the British government's China policy baffling.

"You have got the defense secretary engaging in gunboat diplomacy of a quite old-fashioned kind at the same time as the chancellor of the exchequer and the foreign secretary are going around saying they want a close economic partnership with China," he told BBC Radio 4.

But of course the UK also wants a close economic partnership with the US and having spent 3.1 billion pounds on the warship, it needs to give it a purpose beyond the jingoistic nostalgia for a time when Britannia ruled the waves.

British officials were said to be in a "frantic round of diplomacy" to try to get talks back on track. But it will not be easy if its defense department insists on living in the past.

If Whitehall is determined to confront Beijing, it should not expect to profit from a warm relationship.
NEW HAVEN  Love has a lot to do with it.

Yale President Peter Salovey notes in his most recent Notes from Woodbridge Hall (thats his reflections and reports on his activities in a message to the Yale community) that he will be lecturing students on love later this week.

Salovey, the Chris Argyris Professor of Psychology, knows a lot about such matters and how they impact our behavior, as he also, since joining the Yale faculty in 1986 has studied the connections among emotion, health communication, and health behavior, with a special focus on emotional intelligence, according to the Yale web site.

Further, Salovey shares on his Notes from Woodbridge Hall sent today, that he will visit PSYC 110: Introduction to Psychology, to deliver my (nearly) annual love lecture. I taught PSYC 110 for many years, and I feel fortunate that Yale College Dean Marvin Chun, the Richard M. Colgate Professor of Psychology and professor of neuroscience, who teaches the course this year, has invited me back as a guest lecturer. Although my lecture, coming on the heels of Valentines Day, focuses on romantic love, being back in the classroom reminds me of another great love in my life teaching.

This lecture is for students, but because Yale has a program called open courses you too can learn about love, or the lecture that is called Evolution, Emotion, and Reason: Love, here. The Psyc 110 Lecture 9 overview (taught in the open course by Professor Paul Bloom) includes that Guest lecturer Peter Salovey, Professor of Psychology and Provost of Yale University, introduces students to the dominant psychological theories of love and attraction. Specific topics include the different types of love, the circumstances that predict attraction, and the situations where people mistakenly attribute arousal for love. (Of course Salovey was previously provost, but has been Yales president since 2013.)

You can watch the lecture Salovey gave to Blooms class here.

In his introduction of Salovey posted on the open course site, Professor Bloom notes Salovey is the founder and developer of the idea of emotional intelligence, an idea hes done a huge amount of research on. Secondly, Peter is or was an active and extremely well-known teacher at Yale College. He taught at one point, the largest course ever in Yale College  a course on Psychology in Law which broke every record ever had here.

In his notes Monday, Salovey (a musician) also says We are born to love, Billie Holiday tells us in one of her loveliest songs. That may be true, but love is far from simple. A variety of fascinating psychological processes make love a wonderful, confusing, and sometimes wrenching emotion.

Read about Saloveys bluegrass talents.
NEW HAVEN  The Yale School of Medicine has reduced the amount its students on need-based scholarships are expected to borrow from $23,000 to $15,000 annually, Dean Robert Alpern announced Monday.

The move, which takes effect for the 2019-20 academic year, follows a reduction in March 2018 from $30,000 to $23,000.

Reducing our students debt burden has been one of our highest priorities and I couldnt be more delighted at the progress weve made in this area, Alpern said in a press release. This latest change in policy means that starting with the class of 2023, students with demonstrated need should not graduate with more than $60,000 in debt, which is significantly lower than the current national average of $197,000 for all medical schools in 2018. This change further enhances YSMs ability to welcome top-tier students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who will go on to become tomorrows leaders in medicine.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 71 percent of medical students borrowed to finance their education in 2018, according the release. Yales release said it increased the minimum income level for expecting parental contributions from $100,000 to $125,000.

According to its website, tuition for 2018-19 is $61,140. When room and board, books and supplies, fees and travel expenses are included, the school estimates the annual cost ranging from $86,647 to $94,442, depending on which year in the four-year program the student is entering. In addition to financial aid in the form of scholarships and loans, the school offers a dependency allowance for students children.

We believe it is vital that the medical field reflects the population it serves, said NKenge Haines, the medical schools financial aid director, in the release.

Dr. Laura Ment, associate dean for admissions and financial aid, said, Our hope is that this initiative will encourage students of all backgrounds to pursue their passion for research, patient care, and education at Yale.
Suppose you were told that there is something responsible for nearly 1 of every 5 deaths of Americans, and that it is completely avoidable. Would you believe  today  that "something" is cigarette smoking?

If you're a college graduate, you might not believe it. You don't smoke. Your friends and colleagues don't smoke. You never see smoke in your workplace, nor in the restaurants and bars you frequent. Like many of the nation's most educated citizens, you may well regard the problem of smoking as largely solved. Because the educated population is also the most politically engaged, cigarette smoking has virtually disappeared from the nation's health policy agenda.

I'm not a smoker, although like many of you I was one (45 years ago, in my case). As a student of tobacco policy for over 40 years, I have helped to document the remarkable progress we have made against smoking. But I also appreciate why smoking remains our nation's most avoidable cause of disability and premature death. The lack of policy attention to smoking is a public health tragedy.

The good news and the bad news

No one can deny the extraordinary victories against smoking. Since the 1964 Surgeon Generals report on smoking and health, adult smoking prevalence has dropped by two-thirds, from 43 percent to 14 percent.

The decrease among young people has been even more substantial. For example, since smoking peaked among high school seniors 20 years ago, smoking prevalence in the past 30 days has plummeted by nearly 80 percent.

Prompted by tobacco control initiatives, Americans decisions to quit smoking and not to start in the first place avoided 8 million premature deaths from 1964 to 2012. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers tobacco control one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century and of the first decade of the 21st.

Thats the good news. The bad news is that 1 of every 7 adults still smokes. And smoking kills nearly 500,000 Americans every year. That number exceeds  by a lot  the sum total of all deaths caused by the opioids and other drugs, alcohol, motor vehicle injuries, homicide, suicide, HIV/AIDS and fires.

Who smokes now? The role of education

What accounts for the divergence between common perceptions about smoking and the dismal reality? In large part it is remarkable changes in who is smoking. Increasingly, todays smokers are those with lower education, lower income and - importantly - a higher incidence of mental illness.

Consider this: In 1966, the smoking rate of Americans who hadnt graduated high school was just 20 percent greater than that of college grads. By 2017, in contrast, the smoking prevalence of the least educated was nearly four times greater than that of the most educated.

Smoking has declined substantially at both ends of the education spectrum but to a much higher degree among college graduates: by half among Americans lacking a high school degree, but by 85 percent among college graduates.

For college grads, the rate of smoking in 2017 was vanishingly small. For those without a high school degree, and indeed for high school grads too, fully 1 out of 5 remain smokers. The difference matters. Research attributes a fifth to a third of a large education-related gap in life expectancy to differences in smoking.

Money matters

A similar pattern of smoking holds with respect to income classes, themselves highly correlated with educational attainment. According to the latest data, Americans who live below the federal poverty level were three times more likely to smoke than Americans with incomes at least 400 percent above the federal poverty level. The gap has widened since the early 1990s.

There is an enormous difference in life expectancies between the nations richest and poorest citizens. Smoking is again a significant factor in this disparity.

Mental health does, too

An enormously important factor in smoking today is that the smoking prevalence of people suffering from serious mental illness is more than double that of the population not so afflicted (28 percent and 13 percent, respectively, in 2014). People with mental health problems or substance use disorders constitute a quarter of the U.S. population but consume 40 percent of all cigarettes smoked. They have more difficulty quitting smoking.

Rates differ by mental illness condition. In 2007, nearly 60 percent of schizophrenics smoked. That was three times the rate of the general population. Smokers with serious psychological distress (SPD) lose 15 years of life expectancy. Nonsmoking victims of SPD lose five years. Research has thus attributed up to two-thirds of the life expectancy reduction of SPD victims who smoke to their consumption of cigarettes.

Sexual orientation, race and ethnicity

Smoking also disproportionately afflicts members of the LGBT community. Among racial/ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaskan Natives had the highest smoking rates in 2016, while Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders had the lowest.

In general, women have substantially lower smoking rates than men. The exceptions are American Indians/Alaska Natives, among whom women have slightly higher smoking prevalence than men, and non-Hispanic whites, among whom men smoke at slightly higher rates.

Marginalized smokers

As these data indicate, the principal victims of smoking are members of marginalized populations. Despite the enormous continuing importance of smoking in U.S. health, the issue is submerged. Smoking no longer afflicts the nations most economically advantaged population, and those it does burden lack an effective voice in the nations political life.

Besides, smokers tend to blame themselves for the behavior.

In point of fact, smoking is a tenacious addiction, one that the vast majority of smokers acquired in their youth. They were assisted in so doing by an avaricious tobacco industry that marketed aggressively to young people. Kids have been referred to as replacement smokers, the new smokers needed to replenish the industrys customer base as its most loyal customers succumb to smoking-produced diseases.

Restoring tobacco control to the nations public health agenda

What can be done? The simple  and incomplete  answer is more of the same. Public education has contributed to decreased smoking, as have policy interventions: cigarette taxation, smoke-free workplace laws, prohibitions on product advertising and promotion, and media anti-smoking campaigns. Evidence-based smoking cessation treatments can help as well. Interventions increasingly need to be targeted to specific high-risk groups.

These evidence-based measures are unlikely to be enough, however. A potentially complementary tool may lie in a highly controversial recent development: the emergence of e-cigarettes. Novel reduced-risk nicotine delivery products like e-cigarettes may serve as alternatives to smoking, especially for those smokers otherwise incapable of quitting cigarettes.

Vaping may hold the potential to help significant numbers of Americans to quit smoking. The risks of vaping are clearly substantially less than those of smoking. At the same time, however, there are concerns about the attraction of e-cigarettes to young people and uncertainty about the health effects of long-term vaping.

While the ultimate impacts of e-cigarettes and other novel non-combusted tobacco products remain to be seen, there is widespread agreement that it is the burning of tobacco  primarily in the form of cigarette smoking, with its 7,000 chemicals  that is by far the most deadly method of consuming tobacco.

The enormous successes of tobacco control notwithstanding, smoking remains Public Health Enemy No. 1. Today, the burden of smoking falls primarily on marginalized populations  the poor, the poorly educated, and those suffering from mental health problems. A compassionate public would renew the battle against smoking with a vigor not seen in decades.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit source of analysis from academic experts. Author Tiffany Mitchell Patterson is Assistant Professor of Secondary Social Studies at West Virginia University.
WEST HAVEN  The West Haven Black Heritage Committee will hold its celebration at City Hall Wednesday, this year honoring former 5th District City Councilwoman Millicent Huff Corbett and former Board of Education member Patricia Turner as African American Citizens of the Year, 2019.

The celebration will be held in the Harriet North Meeting Room at 11 a.m. New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp will be keynote speaker.

Both honorees were elected to office in West Haven in 1989, according to a release from Committee Chairman Steven R. Mullins.

Corbett, who had the name Huff at the time, was the first African American elected to serve on the City Council. A Democrat, Huff served one term. She is a para-professional at Harry M. Bailey Middle School and a communicant of the New Haven Seventh Day Adventist Church in New Haven, where she is involved in music ministry.

Turner, a Republican, served on the board until 1993. Turner is active with the Greater New Haven Chapter of the NAACP and is a communicant of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, where she serves on the board of deacons.

Both women were elected on an historic night when blacks were elected to key roles in state and local government throughout the United States, Mullins said in the release.

That night, Mullins said in the release, New Haven elected its first black mayor, John C. Daniels, The Commonwealth of Virginia elected Douglas Wilder as its first black governor, and New York City elected David Dinkins as its first black mayor.

Also as part of the celebration, West Haven High School seniors Brandie James and Cory Robinson will receive Academic Achievement Awards. Mullins son, May V. Carrigan Intermediate School sixth-grader Steven Christian Mullins, a Broadway actor, will receive a Youth Achievement Award.
NEW HAVEN  A new initiative by local advocates would put books with LGBTQ characters on the shelves of school libraries.

GLSEN-Connecticut, which supports making K-12 schools safe and inclusive for LGBTQ students, is leading a Rainbow Library initiative, which would give books for various reading levels with LGBTQ characters and themes to 114 school libraries in the state.

In my classroom, I had zero books that affirmed people of LGBTQ+ identities, said Michael Rady, a former third-grade teacher at a Newark charter school.

Rady, who now works for Achievement First, lobbied the New Haven LGBTQ+ Youth Task Force for its support in the Rainbow Library mission last week.

Some say its because schools arent going out there to get these books in their classrooms, and some schools are just choosing not to purchase these books, he said.

The initial aim of the initiative is to have a set of books in 10 percent of the states public school libraries before the end of the 2019-20 school year. Suggested titles range from Julian Is a Mermaid, a picture book about a young boy who immediately identifies with a group of women dressed as mermaids, to an anthology of 23 queer historical figures appropriate for a sixth-grade reading level, to The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Patrick Dunn, executive director of the New Haven Pride Center, said the centers own library is popular across the state. Once a month, he said, a young person from Waterbury visits the center to borrow queer literature.

In total, GLSEN-Connecticut is hoping to raise $16,000 from municipalities and queer resource centers from around the state. Rady said $4,000 of that would be requested of the New Haven LGBTQ Youth Task Force.

New Haven Youth Services Director Jason Bartlett verbally expressed interest in the project, telling the task force that the Pride Center currently has a request for proposals with the Youth Services Department that could be amended.

Rady said the idea for the Rainbow Library came from PJ Library, a nonprofit that works to add Jewish texts into childrens personal libraries. Within each text in the Rainbow Library would be an inset sticker, giving readers information about GLSEN and the institutions that funded the purchase of the book.

One ultimate goal of the project would be to incorporate LGBTQ content into the states school curriculum, according to GLSEN-Connecticut.

Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify who GLSEN-Connecticut serves, and the destination of books sent by PJ Library.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Feb. 14

A 54-year-old Portland Street man was charged with breach of peace and interfering with police. He was released on $2,500 non-surety bond and given a court date of Feb. 26.

Feb. 13

A 26-year-old Long Hill Road man was charged with interfering with police. He was released on a promise to appear and given a court date of Feb. 26.

Feb. 9

A 49-year-old East Hampton man was charged with disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons and given a court date of Feb. 11.

A 20-year-old East Hampton man was charged with disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons and given a court date of Feb. 11.

Feb. 8.

A 21-year-old Bristol man was charged with illegal sale of a controlled substance and possession of less than one-half ounce marijuana. He was released on $100,000 non-surety bond and given a court date of Feb. 21.

A 22-year-old Bristol man was charged with failure to display plates, failure to have headlamps on, a turn signal violation, weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal sale of a controlled substance and possession of less than one-half ounce marijuana. He was released on $100,000 non-surety bond and given a court date of Feb. 21.
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The 14th International Defense Exhibition and Conference and the fifth Naval Defense and Maritime Security Exhibition opened on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of UAE, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, attended the opening.

For the first time, the two exhibitions were held together with the aim of creating a comprehensively global event covering all defense and security issues.
MILFORD-It was no secret what happened.

Police arrested a 33-year-old East Haven woman for shoplifting at least $200 worth of items from the Victorias Secret store in the Connecticut Post Mall on January 26.

Alaina Cora of Bradley Street was arrested on a warrant Feb. 15. It charges her with sixth-degree larceny. She was detained on $7,500 bond pending an appearance in Milford Superior Court.

She was confronted by a loss prevention team member at the store and handed him an identification card. She then left before police arrived.
Retailers cant get a break in 2019.

The list of chain stores crumbling within the e-commerce era is increasing yet again, with Payless ShoeSource preparing to file for bankruptcy this month.

Friday reports by Reuters said that Payless was unsuccessful in finding a buyer for the company, prompting the Topeka, Kan.-based company to prepare for liquidation.

The discount shoe retailer is the latest in a series of companies to suffer a similar fate, including Charlotte Russe, Gymboree, Sears and Toys R Us, which have all left holes in malls and shopping centers and along commercial corridors.

Payless will shut down roughly 2,300 stores nationwide and get rid of its online platform. With dozens of store locations statewide, Connecticut will see even more vacancies brought on by an onslaught of retail chains calling it quits over the past year.

Collateral damage

Industry observers say that the shifting consumer trends to online shopping arent solely to blame for chain retailers faltering.

Failure to adapt to the shifting retail industry has also played a role, according to Professor Jose Mendoza of Sacred Heart University. Stores like Claires and Payless are suffering from big box stores closing, he said.

When you have the anchors like Macys and Sears closing, then the foot traffic in the shopping malls gets reduced and these stores get effected, Mendoza said. Its collateral damage from the big stores closing.

Many of the companies also failed to leverage their online presence properly, he said. Most of the retailers have websites, but the majority of their business had been from foot traffic in shopping malls.

Given the current wave of brands shuttering their stores, Mendoza said he expects more to come.

Certain shopping malls in southwestern Connecticut have also felt the sting of brand loss because they are left with vacant storefronts.

The fall of Sears last year dealt the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford its second major loss of a major retailer in the past couple years, behind JCPenneys departure. The latter was, fortunately, replaced by Boscovs, but finding a retailer of that size to step in is rare, experts say.

The Stamford Town Center has had five retailers that have either left or will leave in coming months, leaving vacancies. Mall officials and retail experts did not appear as concerned as some economic forecasters would expect.

Its a lot easier to backfill the spaces in a Class A mall than in a Class B mall, said Garrick Brown, vice president of Americas retail research for commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield in and interview with Hearst Connecticut Media.

That has been evident in regional shopping malls, which have managed to sustain and reinvent themselves with new attractions like movie theaters, gyms and more.

Property owner challenges

The continuing loss of staples like Payless certainly pose a concern for the property owners, according to broker Bruce Wettenstein of Vidal/Wettenstein in Westport.

There are not many new retail type businesses that are coming into the area, he said, which means finding replacement tenants for vacant retail spaces may prove to be a tough task.

The challenge, Wettenstein said, will be on the owners shoulders as they have to get imaginative with marketing their spaces, including lowering rents to attract new businesses.

The size of the space could make a difference in finding new tenants, too.

Buildings that once accommodated standalone Toys R Us and Sears stores are large enough and more apt to be repositioned for new business models, Wettenstein said.

Smaller storefronts, like Payless, could be tougher to fill, depending on the market.

As more retail is affected by the e-commerce business and the somewhat slowdown in the brick and mortar, there may be more stores in the future that will become vacant, Wettenstein said. The retail tenants are not as prevalent as a lot of the industrial companies and the office market, which is picking up a little. The retail sector is still suffering.

Contributions by Paul Schott.

Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com
Researchers at the OMEGA Laser Facility at the University of Rochester in New York improved the fusion yield by a factor of three compared with OMEGAs previous record. The OMEGA facility focuses 60 high-power laser beams are directed onto a millimeter-sized capsule that contains fusion fuel. The intense light produces large pressures, imploding the fuel at high velocities.

Nature  Tripled yield in direct-drive laser fusion through statistical modelling

A statistical approach was used to design and quantitatively predict the results of implosions of solid deuteriumtritium targets carried out with the 30-kilojoule OMEGA laser system. They achieved a tripling of the fusion yield to its highest value so far for direct-drive laser fusion. If this work scales to 63 times the power level then it would be at the power level of the National Ignition Facility. The National Ignition Facility can place 1.9 megajoules onto a fusion target. The OMEGA facility scaled result reproduced on the National Ignition Facility would produce fusion energy output of about 500 kilojoules. This would be several times larger than the fusion yields currently achieved at that facility.

This would only be 25% of the breakeven for plasma breakeven.

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory could produce 1,000 times more fusion reactions than the recent OMEGA laser experiments.

Researchers will perform two years of experiments on OMEGA using the same asymmetric laser configuration as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in preparations for scaled-up power tests.

SOURCES- Nature, OMEGA Laser Facility

Written By Brian Wang
Worries over election hacking have led officials in Europe and the U.S. to consider a return to hand-counting paper ballots. Switzerland, however, is moving in the opposite direction, toward absentee electronic voting. It's a useful way of keeping turnouts from falling, and the systems can be made secure and reliable.

Since the scare of 2016, when U.S. intelligence services asserted that malicious Russian actors came close to hacking electronic voting systems and even cracked some voter databases, at least one country - the Netherlands - went back to counting paper ballots by hand throughout the tabulation process, not just at local polling stations. Dozens of U.S. states used hand-counting either solely or for backup in the 2018 midterm elections, and the states that failed to do so were criticized for ignoring security.

Voting may be critical enough to democracies to justify trying to turn back technological progress. But it's also an area where progress is urgently needed. Turnout in some Western nations, including some where vote results have caused much turmoil lately, such as the U.S. and the U.K., is low, raising questions about the legitimacy of elected officials. Obligatory voting, which turnout-champion Belgium has introduced, is a controversial solution; intuitively, making it easier for people to cast a ballot is more attractive.

Recent research shows that electronic voting doesn't boost interest in elections by much. In Estonia, which introduced e-voting in 2005, more than 30 percent of the vote is now cast online but the total turnout has remained stable - and low. Yet studies have also shown that having e-voting as an option can arrest a decline in turnout: Easy absentee voting is habit-forming.

Switzerland relies on direct democracy and holds a lot of votes (last year, 10 nationwide referendums took place on four separate days). Turnout has been falling lately, and is consistently under 50 percent; in some recent referendums, less than 40 percent of registered voters expressed an opinion. Taking out some insurance against voter indifference looks like a reasonable move.

Since 2004, Swiss cantons have offered online voting, but the practice has been limited by law to 10 percent of the total turnout for referendums and 30 percent for constitutional amendments. In December, the federal government moved to end the "experimental phase" and make e-voting available throughout the country as an alternative to in-person and mail-in balloting. The final decision will be made by the end of April.

Technical experts and politicians who worry about security have been pushing back. That's why the Swiss postal service, responsible for the e-voting system, took the unusual step of announcing an open competition for hackers interested in finding vulnerabilities in the system. The total prize money is 150,000 Swiss francs ($132,000); the biggest bounty of 50,000 francs is reserved for the hackers who can achieve "undetectable vote manipulation." Smaller prizes will be paid out for less significant breaches.

The "public intrusion test" will run for a month starting Feb. 25. It won't, of course, produce a clean bill of health for the system even if no one takes home the big prizes: There is no way to be 100 percent sure about a complex computer system's security. But subjecting the voting software to such a public test - hackers are allowed to publish the results of their efforts - is a bold decision. An embarrassment would set back the e-voting cause in Switzerland, perhaps even ruin it altogether.

Swiss politics, of course, are of relatively little interest to state-backed malicious actors like the hacker groups U.S. intelligence services have linked to Russia's military intelligence. To the Kremlin, Switzerland is less important than European Union member states (say, the Netherlands), where a victory of Russia-friendly forces could be useful in blocking new economic sanctions or even lifting existing ones. Successful meddling in a Swiss referendum would produce less disruption than messing with congressional elections in a U.S. state. That makes Switzerland a relatively safe place to promote e-voting.

Still, Estonia, a U.S. military ally in Russia's immediate neighborhood, hasn't had its e-voting system hacked - even though U.S. researchers concluded in 2014 that it was possible. Hacking an e-voting system is a thankless enterprise: There's little chance that, with reasonable security precautions, an intrusion won't be discovered. Even if that happens too late to prevent damage, the election will be held again, but the hackers and their state sponsor will face major consequences.

From a skeptical, anti-establishment voter's point of view, e-voting hackers are less of a menace than government interference: The voter doesn't know what happens inside the system. In Switzerland, however, lack of trust in the government isn't much of an issue: According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 80 percent of citizens express confidence in the national government, compared with 30 percent in the U.S.

Mistrust in the U.S,, however, is a problem to be fixed by other means than sticking to a centuries-old voting technology. The recent technological backsliding may be psychologically justified, but then what about other systems like self-driving vehicles, which are more vulnerable to hacking than election systems? Should they be banned, too? The Swiss authorities are right: Progress cannot be held back forever.

- - -

Bershidsky is Bloomberg Opinion's Europe columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru.
The world is currently undergoing profound changes and facing growing uncertainty. The Munich Security Conference (MSC) is one esteemed global forum where these challenges are discussed. Although its inception dates back to the height of the Cold War in 1963, the MSC remains a critical platform for the exchange of views among politicians and diplomats. This year's MSC is perhaps the most crucial of this decade, according to its chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger.



China was represented at this year's forum by Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (CPCCC). This marks the third time that Yang attended the MSC. As the world endeavors to learn more about China, the country embraced this opportunity to analyze its priorities and to answer questions on some pressing issues. In that regard, one of China's advantages is its reliance on consistent positions in a period during which dilemmas are continually being raised between unilateralism and multilateralism, openness and isolation, and dialogue and confrontation.

To start with, China supports multilateralism. Being a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the country believes that international cooperation is a sine qua non parameter for dealing with world affairs. In his speech at the Conference, Yang focused on Beijing's role as a "promoter of world peace, contributor to global development and upholder of international order." These three characteristics reflect its general thinking. Beijing is not interested in starting a conflict, but will be prepared to fight one if it considers its national interest threatened. It acknowledges its obligation to boost prosperity across the globe, for example via the Belt and Road Initiative, because  in its view  this is the only way a community with a shared future might be created. And it advocates stability without renouncing the idea that adjustments to world governance are necessary to mirror the impressive development of emerging countries.

As opposed to Western theories of international relations, China proposes a "new type" to be based on mutual respect. The fundamental difference is that the latter does not encourage other states to replicate its political and economic model, whereas the West regularly forces others to embrace its own. Speaking at the Munich forum, Yang elaborated on the "new type" of international relations, placing particular emphasis on the principles of sovereign equality, win-win collaboration, international law and dialogue. At the same time, he rejected concepts such as hegemony and power politics and criticized the logic of double standards.

Of course, this "new type" of relations does not mean that China is not proud of its governance system and of producing internationally-recognized results. On the occasion of MSC 2019, for instance, Ischinger acknowledged its state capitalism has successfully lifted large parts of the Chinese population out of poverty and into moderate prosperity.

As far as specific countries are concerned, Yang reiterated China's commitment to working towards stability with the U.S. The current momentum seems promising indeed. Despite the unpredictability of President Trump, the two sides are making steps to bridge some of their differences. The recent meeting between Chinese and U.S. trade representatives in Beijing is indicative of progress and the mutual intention to find a win-win agreement.

Yang also talked, inter alia, about the common will of Beijing and Moscow to push their partnership to new heights, as well as about China's support of European integration. Both priorities are important parameters for Chinese foreign policy, but are often overlooked in the West. Western critics reveal serious disagreements between Beijing and Moscow and believe the alleged purpose of the Chinese administration is to divide Europe. Against this backdrop, Yang's commentary was enlightening. Moreover, he devoted part of his speech to China's support for regional integration on the grounds of globalization, free trade, openness and inclusiveness, with the enlargement of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) serving as a key example.

On the whole, Yang Jiechi's speech at the 2019 MSC articulated that the more China grows, the more demand increases for it to be an effective international presence. The country responds to those demands by acting responsibly in order to better address global challenges  such as the migration crisis and terrorism  in collaboration with its partners. Building a robust economy, developing its capabilities, improving relations with other countries and counting on the de-escalation of tensions in several parts of the world, China will continue to act in accordance with these principles in the future.



George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:





http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm





Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.





If you would like to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.




WEST HAVEN  At only 19, Roman Khondker , a Muslim immigrant who came to America with his mom after suffering political persecution in Bangladesh, is showing how much he loves this country and the city.

Khondker was recently appointed by Mayor Nancy Rossi to the Community Development Administrations Citizen Advisory Committee and in that role on the 9-member committee will help consider grant applications and allocate Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for programs that serve low- to moderate-income people.

I grew up watching so many terrible things, I dont want people to suffer, Khondker said.

Rossi told him during the swearing-in ceremony: You will learn a lot about the day-to-day needs of some of our most vulnerable residents. I hope you stay positive and will be a compassionate member of the committee.

Khondker, an honor student who holds many leadership positions at school, said: My 100 percent loyalty is to the United states. the U.S. has given me the freedom I never had. The freedom I never thought Id have. It allowed me to be myself.

Khondker, who spent his young years with his mom escaping Bangladesh through India, Nepal and Pakistan, before coming to the United States, became a citizen in 2017 and as soon as he turned 18, joined the West Haven Republican Town Committee and ran a primary for state representative in the 116th district. He lost to Republican Richard DePalma, but it was a close race.

Steven R. Mullins, a Republican Town Committee member who took Khondker under his wing when the high school student ran in the primary, said Khondkers path to success is, Truly an example of the American Dream.

Mullins said he was surprised when Khondker came to him at 18 saying he wanted to run for office.

Just to make sure, Mullins had dinner with Khondkers parents and came away thinking, Hes a nice kid, well-meaning and very well-spoken and as long as it didnt affect his grades I saw it as an opportunity for a young person to learn.

He said that through that primary run Khondker on his own made big strides and statewide connections that drew powerful legislators from around the state to his recent swearing-in.

Hes got a magnificent future no matter what he does, Mullins said. Im glad his parents moved to West Haven.

Khondker said hes a Republican because he likes small government, lower taxes, more individual liberties, more individual freedoms, but added, I do make friends across the aisle and I dont mind crossing the aisle.

Khondker said hes hoping to, Create a gateway to get more Muslims and more younger people appointed.

Khondker is focusing on ocean engineering at Sound School, but has an eye after that to have a career in constitutional law, so he can better help others.

At Sound School, he has a rigorous academic schedule including physics and calculous and also holds leadership positions that include, president of the Ocean Engineering Department, a club; president of the yearbook committee; captain of the math team. He is on the debate team and a member of the marine resources club.

Hes very driven, said Steve Joseph who has Khondker in his entrepreneurship class. I think hes already going places. I expect him to always be involved, Joseph said. He has something to offer.

Joseph first met Khondker four years ago during the school admission process and was struck then by how you would never guess by his demeanor how difficult the first part of Khondkers life had been.

It was that difficulty  being chased out of Bangladesh wit his mother  that got him interested in government, Khondker said.

He and his mother escaped in 2003 when he was about 3 , and lived in Pakistan, India, Nepal, with little food and resources, before coming to America when he was about 10.

The persecution was actually orchestrated by relatives who were high placed government officials, Khondker said.

Khondker said his mother was forced into marriage, decided to leave abuse and speak out against her husband, a government official whose own father was chief whip of Bangladesh, and in that role handled all the military functions of the country.

The government even went as far, Khondker said, to imprison and ultimately kill a close family member. At one point, Khondker was kidnapped.

I consider myself very lucky to be here, he said.

Once in America they lived in New York, Delaware, Virginia, before moving to West Haven where his stepfather got a job at the VA hospital.

In addition to helping decide on the $700,000 in grant money, Khondker has asked to volunteer on the executive board so he can get involved helping in the daily lives of clients in organizations such as WHEAT, FISH, and others.

Im able to help the low to moderate families here. I remember having no food or shelter, Khondker said.

Khondker said he would like to see more Muslims involved in municipal government, To bring diversity to the table and more ideas to the table  because America is about freedom.

He would love to bring more young people to the table too, because they bring new ideas.

The main reason I got involved in politics was my past, he said. I cant express how much I love this country.

Khondker said he hopes hes one of those helping to bring a new perception to the community of Islam and immigrants.

My involvement is changing things, he said. By setting an example Im showing people that Muslims care about the nation greatly.

Khondker said he sees bright things for the city and the nation, and theres nowhere hed rather be than West Haven. He hopes to stay in the area for college so he can continue his involvement.

Ive lived all over and one thing I notice about West Haven is that it has a big heart, he said.

Khondker said his mother, Rumana Rahman, is the strongest woman I know, and his stepfather has helped him through a lot and, I think of him as an actual father.

Khondker was appointed after he delivered a letter of interest on Jan. 11, 2018, Rossi said in a release.

In it he described West Haven as friendly and amazing. How great that these were his first impressions of this city, Rossi said.

Rossi showed her admiration for Khondker at the swearing-in.

How many new citizens make public service one of their first priorities? Rossi asked. I am still impressed by Romans enthusiasm and passion for public service.
BRIDGEPORT - Lambsy, a small, brown-haired rescued dog, has become the center of a three-state tug-of-war.

Saved from certain death in Cyprus by a New York-based rescue group, Lambsy was the subject of a search by police in Darien and Cheshire before being located in New Hampshire where former Darien resident Cheryl Baity, who initially fostered the dog, is refusing to give her up.

Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Recue Inc., of Bayside, N.Y., is now suing Baity to force her to return Lambsy.

I regret that emotions are overruling common sense and I hope on reflection the defendant would concur that her heart and her money should be spent in some other cause, said Kenneth Bernhard, who is representing the rescue organization.

Baity and her lawyer, Philip Russell, declined comment. They have asked a judge to throw out the rescue organizations lawsuit because the dog is now in New Hampshire.

The defendant took Lambsy to New Hampshire because of threats to her own safety such as unknown individuals trespassing on her property in Darien to look for Lambsy, Russell claims in court documents.

In October, Baity, who was then living in Darien, submitted an online application to Abandoned Angels to adopt Lambsy, according to court documents. In her application, Baity stated that she had previously owned three dogs, each which she said had died of old age.

Based on her application, a telephone interview, a veterinary reference and a video of her home, Baity was approved to foster the dog pending further approval for adoption.

Baity was instructed to keep Lambsy away from public places for two weeks while the dog settled to a new place and not to take the dog to a groomer during that time.

However, the lawsuit claims, less than 48 hours later the rescue organization learned that Baity had disregarded their instructions by not only having a groomer shave down the dog but taking her to various stores.

Then, less than a week after taking Lambsy, Baity notified the organization that she had lost the dog two days earlier while taking her for a walk, the suit states.

The suit continues that the organization tried to investigate Baitys story on the loss of the dog but Baity became hostile and erratic and blocked calls from the organizations volunteers.

The organization later learned from Baitys father that Baity had lied about the deaths of her previous dogs, the suit states. Baity ran over one dog and another dog died from renal failure because Baity refused to treat the dog with antibiotics for an infection.

The rescue organization then contacted Darien police in an effort to get Lambsy back. Cheshire police were later contacted when the organization learned Baity had taken the dog to an animal hospital in Cheshire for a massive tick infestation, the suit states.

But before volunteers could get to Cheshire, Baity and the dog were off again.

This time, the organization learned that Baity had taken the dog to New London, N.H.

Abandoned Angels contacted New Hampshire police to request assistance but other than confirming Lambsy was alive, they were unable to help secure Lambsys return, the suit states.
H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media

BETHEL  School officials will present their proposal for a 3.43 percent budget increase to the selectmen and finance boards on Thursday.

The education board has proposed an almost $46.7 million budget for 2019-20, which would be an increase of $1.5 million from the previous year. The boards version is identical to what the superintendent requested.
The man accused of killing Valerie Reyes and stuffing her body in a suitcase before dumping it in Greenwich called himself a bad person in an interview this weekend from his cell at the Westchester County Jail. Javier Da Silva told the New York Post he didnt call police because he feared being blamed for killing his 24-year-old ex-girlfriend.

In other news, Gov. Ned Lamont drew sharp criticism after announcing his budget this week will include a highway toll proposal. It caused outrage from toll opponents, while others questioned Lamonts integrity. An administration official said Lamonts proposal could generate $800 million each year, indicating the governor plans significant tolls on most of the states highways.

Here are some stories you may have missed this weekend:

Reaction swift and fiery as Lamont swings toward broad tolls

Jessica Hill / Associated Press

Opponents of tolls were angered this weekend when Gov. Ned Lamont revealed in a Hearst Connecticut Media Opinion page piece that his budget this week will include a toll proposal. Lamont said his budget on Wednesday will propose two options on tolls: interstate trucks only, which he had long favored, and tolling of all vehicles on highways and bridges. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano called Lamonts toll announcement a significant broken promise.

Accused killer of Valerie Reyes says he panicked, feared being blamed

Instagram

In a jailhouse interview with the New York Post, Javier Da Silva said he panicked and stuffed Valerie Reyes in a suitcase after he claims she fell and hit her head. Da Silva, a former boyfriend of Reyes who loved to travel and nature photography, told the Post he did not call police because he feared being blamed for her death. If law enforcements theory about how Reyes died proves to be true, the 24-year-old is among millions of women who have been seriously physically assaulted by a current or former intimate partner each year in the U.S.

Alex Jones defamation cases reach deep into free speech debate

Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press

Alex Jones, who claimed the Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax on his InfoWars program, is at the center of lawsuits filed by 10 of the victims families. The cases have the potential to shape the debate between free speech advocates who say outlying opinion is protected under the First Amendment, and civil justice advocates who say there is a price to pay for recklessly abusing the truth.

CT police lieutenant posts racist Facebook videos

Contributed Photo / Contributed Photo

A Naugatuck police lieutenant posted racially motivated videos on Facebook that Hearst Connecticut Media obtained on Friday. The videos, which target immigrants, do not appear to be in line with the core values of the police department, according to Naugatuck Deputy Police Chief Joshua Bernegger. The department released a statement on Sunday, saying an investigation has been launched.

CT vigilantes who target alleged child predators draw cheers, concern

PopSquad

The POP (Prey on Predators) Squad, a Connecticut group that has conducted dozens of pedophile sting operations, has drawn widespread criticism whether its work is ethical. While some support the group for protecting children from predators, others say there are perils of stepping around the legal system.

Mold, roaches cited in New Haven restaurant inspections

Peter Hvizdak / Hearst Connecticut Media

A total of 16 New Haven restaurants failed their health inspections in the past six months with violations that included roaches in a food prep room, lack of cleanliness and improper food temperatures. Six restaurants failed more than once and one has been closed until further notice.

Stamford or Norwalk? Cities market themselves to businesses, millennials

Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media

Stamford and Norwalk lead a so-called Fairfield County Five group of municipalities trying to lure businesses and millennials to Connecticut. Stamford Economic Development Director Thomas Madden said the new approach has been successful. The problem in the past is that every municipality was siloed out, he said.
After the December enactment of a new Connecticut law forcing online vendors to remit sales taxes for merchandise sold by other individuals and entities using their websites, the state registered a 34 percent increase in sales tax collections compared to December 2017.

Connecticut enacted the law on the heels of last Junes landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision South Dakota v. Wayfair that authorized states to require online sales tax collections, long an open question due to previous precedents limiting state jurisdiction in cross-border commerce.

Connecticut sales tax revenues in December increased by $97 million from a year earlier, pushing to $384 million the states haul, excluding taxes for lodgings. The state had seen dwindling December sales tax collections the previous three years, despite a 2013 agreement with online giant Amazon to levy sales taxes at the point of sales for purchases sent to Connecticut.

In December, the state Department of Revenue Services began requiring all marketplace facilitators with annual sales of at least $250,000 in Connecticut  some 600 in all  to file a business tax registration application to obtain a Connecticut sales tax permit. Marketplace sellers are required to report sales as well.

The legislation that ... passed last year  in terms of remote sellers (and) internet sellers that went into effect on December 1, 2018  is a fantastic tool, said Scott Jackson, commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services, speaking in late January in Hartford before a committee of the Connecticut General Assembly. We had already had written settlement agreements with more than 400 of the top 500 remote sellers. We (increased) the list of the 500 to 1,000  and were doing very well.

Theres a point of diminishing returns after about No. 600 (and)they dont meet the thresholds of the law, Jackson added. It doesnt mean we wont reach out to them and ask them to participate, because we expect them to grow.

Connecticuts December surge in sales tax collections came against the backdrop of a 1.2 percent drop in retail sales nationally that month, as estimated last week by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Online sales nationally was up 17 percent for the 2018 holiday season, however, including sales up to the Black Friday shopping weekend after Thanksgiving.

Assuming Connecticut retailers performed in line with national retail trends, then the state was able to collect sales taxes on as much as $1.5 billion in additional economic activity, presumably the large majority of it from online purchases.

In his second month in office, Gov. Ned Lamont has floated several ideas to increase sales tax collections by broadening the base of items to which they could apply. As of last July, Connecticuts 6.35 percent standard sales tax was the 12th highest in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation, not including a 7.75 percent sales tax on luxury goods.

The state ranked 33rd nationally if combining the average effect of local sales tax levies allowed in New York and many other states.

With Connecticut having seemingly plugged a major hole in its sales tax collections, DRS is turning its attention this year to use taxes that businesses and individuals are required to pay for goods or services purchased outside Connecticut but used within the states borders.

Last month, Jackson agreed with a description of use taxes as an honor system that many evade, costing the state needed revenue, but said his department is adding tools to discover violations.

We ... have cooperative agreements with the major credit card companies where we can validate certain information, Jackson said. It is an honor system, but because of the transformation to a digital economy, it gives us more pathways to track down information, to validate information and to ensure that the fair share is being paid.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
Pressed Juicery chose Greenwich Avenue for its first Connecticut location, with the company having expanded to dozens of locations nationally just eight years after it debuted as a juice truck in Brentwood, Calif.

The company is taking over the former Pinkberry frozen yogurt space at 369 Greenwich Ave., with Pressed Juicerys menu including soft-serve desserts in addition to cold-pressed juices, including some marketed under licensing agreements with Walt Disney Co.
New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump Sunday called on his European allies to take back alleged jihadists captured in Syria, as Islamic State group fighters defended the last scrap of their "caliphate". After years of fighting IS, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold hundreds of foreigners accused of fighting for the group, and well as related women and children. Syria's Kurds have repeatedly called for their countries of origin to take them back, but these nations have been reluctant. "The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial," Trump said in a tweet, using another acronym for IS.



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"The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them. The US does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go."



Earlier, Donald Trump surprised the world and his country as well when he suddenly announced that the US is pulling out its troops from Syria. "In Syria, Erdogan said he wants to knock out ISIS, whatever's left, the remnants of ISIS. And Saudi Arabia just came out and said they are going to pay for some economic development. Which is great, that means we don't have to pay. We are spread out all over the world. We are in countries most people haven't even heard about. Frankly, it's ridiculous," Trump added.

Trump's sudden decision sparked turmoil in his administration, prompting the resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, as well as of Brett McGurk, the special envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition.

His tweet prompted a reaction from Paris, Brussels and Berlin.

In Syria, "it is the Kurds who hold them (the French jihadists) and we have every confidence in their ability to keep them detained," French junior interior minister Laurent Nunez told the BFM news channel.

If suspected jihadists return to France, "they will all be tried, and incarcerated," he said.

Coalition member France this month opened the door to bringing back its citizens.

A French source told AFP an estimated 150 French nationals, including 90 children, could be brought back to France, but authorities have not confirmed any planned transfer.

In Belgium, justice minister Koen Geens called for a collective "European solution" to the problem of foreign fighters, urging a solution that carries the least security risks.



ALSO READ | ICJ to hold public hearings in Kulbhushan Jadhav case from today

"We currently have mothers and children in northern Syria, but also some fighters who are known," he told Belgian public television network VRT.

In Germany, foreign ministry sources said "the federal government is examining options to enable German citizens to leave Syria, especially in humanitarian cases".

Thousands of people have streamed out of the so-called "Baghouz pocket" in recent weeks, but hundreds of civilians are believed to still be inside.

At a collection point for new arrivals outside Baghouz on Sunday, dozens of tents and a few trucks sat empty.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Washington:

The US deputy attorney general discussed how many cabinet members would support removing US President Donald Trump from office in 2017, the FBI's former acting director said in an interview airing Sunday. Andrew McCabe said invoking the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution was raised by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein after Trump fired FBI director James Comey on May 9, 2017.

"Rod raised the issue and discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort," McCabe told CBS's "60 Minutes" news show. A clip of that part of the interview was run early Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation" show, the first time McCabe's actual comments on the explosive subject have been aired.

Rosenstein has dismissed reports that he discussed removing Trump from office -- and even pondered wearing a wire to secretly record his conversations with the president -- as a "joke," if indeed he made the comments. In the interview, McCabe was asked whether Rosenstein seemed intent on "getting rid of the president of the United States one way or another." "I can't confirm that," he said.

"But what I can say is the deputy attorney general was definitely very concerned about the president, about his capacity and about his intent at that point in time." The president abruptly fired Comey amid tensions over the FBI's investigation into possible links between Trump's 2016 campaign and a covert Russian effort to sway the US election in his favour.

Comey has said that Trump had been pressuring him to publicly declare that he was not a subject of the investigation. The firing set off alarm bells at the FBI, and McCabe told CBS he scrambled to ensure that the Russia probe was on "absolutely solid ground" so it could not easily be shelved.

He told CBS he did not remember how the 25th Amendment came up in the discussion with Rosenstein. "It was just another kind of topic that he jumped to in the midst of a wide-ranging conversation," he said.

The 25th Amendment sets out a process for the replacement of the president in the event of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation. McCabe himself was fired in March 2018 for "lack of candor" in an internal investigation into the FBI's handling of a 2016 probe into Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

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London:

A pregnant British girl of Bangladeshi descent who fled to join Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria as a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2015 has given birth to a baby boy in Syria. Shamima Begum, now 19, was traced in a refugee camp in Syria by a war reporter, who found her heavily-pregnant with her third child and keen to leave the war zone for the safety of her unborn child. Her family on Sunday said they had been informed that the child has now been born. Their lawyer released a statement saying the family had been told Begum gave birth on Saturday to a boy and that mother and son were doing well.

"They are obviously very happy and joyous that Shamima has successfully given birth and that she's healthy," Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee, the family's lawyer, told BBC. But he added that following the death of Begum's two children before this, the family were "very concerned" about the baby's health and wanted both her and the child to return to the UK.

He insisted that the baby was "no threat" and that legally Begum should be allowed to return as a British citizen. "But in the end, she will have to answer for her actions," UK culture secretary Jeremy Wright said in connection with the case.

"So, I think it is right that if she's able to come back to the UK that she does so, but if she does so she will do it on the understanding that we can hold her to account for her behaviour thus far," the Cabinet minister said. Fellow Cabinet minister, UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, had earlier said that he would everything in his power to ensure Begum faces full interrogation in the event that she is allowed back into the UK.

"I'm not the same silly little 15-year-old schoolgirl who ran away from Bethnal Green four years ago. I don't regret coming here," Begum told 'The Times' in an interview from Syria earlier this week. "I really want to get back to Britain because I know it (unborn child) will be taken care of - health-wise, at least. I'll do anything required just to be able to come home and live quietly with my child," she said.

Begum was a student of Bethnal Green Academy in east London alongside Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana when the three teenagers hit the headlines in February 2015 as on-the-run jihadi brides - women who choose to marry Islamist extremists to bear them children to carry on the fight. The girls flew from Gatwick Airport near London to Turkey after telling their parents they were going out for the day and later crossed the border into Syria.

After arriving in Raqqa, Begum recalls staying at a house with other newly-arrived jihadi brides-to-be. The jihadi bride was married off to Yago Riedijk, 27, a Dutch convert to Islam, 10 days after arriving in the city of Raqqa in 2015.

In her interview from the refugee camp in Syria, she talked about losing two babies - one to malnutrition and the other to illness - an experience she says was a big shock. With her third pregnancy at its final stages, she said it was her concern for her unborn child that led to her decision to leave Baghuz, the last ISIS stronghold.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
San Francisco:

Apple hoped to offset slowing demand for iPhones by raising the prices of its most important product, but that strategy seems to have backfired after sales sagged during the holiday shopping season. Results released revealed the magnitude of the iPhone slump a 15 per cent drop in revenue from the previous year. That decline in Apple's most profitable product caused Apple's total earnings for the October-December quarter to dip slightly to USD 20 billion. Now, CEO Tim Cook is grappling with his toughest challenge since replacing co-founder Steve Jobs 7 years ago. Even as he tries to boost iPhone sales, Cook also must prove that Apple can still thrive even if demand doesn't rebound.

It figures to be an uphill battle, given Apple's stock has lost one-third of its value in less than four months, erasing about USD 370 billion in shareholder wealth.



ALSO READ | Novel software may help detect heart diseases: Study

Cook rattled Wall Street in early January by disclosing the company had missed its own revenue projections for the first time in 15 years.

The last time that happened, the iPod was just beginning to transform Apple.

"This is the defining moment for Cook," said Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel Ives.

"He has lost some credibility on Wall Street, so now he will have to do some handholding as the company enters this next chapter."

The results for the October-December period were slightly above the expectations analysts lowered after Cook's Jan. 2 warning.

Besides the profit decline, Apple's revenue fell 5 per cent from the prior year to USD 84 billion.

It marked the first time in more than two years that Apple's quarterly revenue has dropped from the past year.

The erosion was caused by the decline of the iPhone, whose sales plunged to USD 52 billion, down by more than USD 9 billion from the previous year.

The past quarter's letdown intensified the focus on Apple's forecast for the opening three months of the year as investors try to get a better grasp on iPhone sales until the next models are released in autumn.

Apple predicted its revenue for the January-March period will range from USD 55 billion to USD 59 billion.

Analysts surveyed by FactSet had been anticipating revenue of about USD 59 billion.

Investors reacted positively, elevating Apple's stock by 5.5 per cent to USD 163.06 in extended trading after the report came out.

"We wouldn't change our position with anyone's," Cook reassured analysts during a conference call reviewing the past quarter and the upcoming months.

The company didn't forecast how many iPhones it will sell, something Apple has done since the product first hit the market in 2007 and transformed society, as well as technology.

Apple is no longer disclosing how many iPhones it shipped after the quarter is completed, a change that Cook announced in November.

That unexpected move raised suspicions that Apple was trying to conceal a forthcoming slump in iPhone sales fears that were realised during the holiday season.

Cook traces most of Apple's iPhone problems to a weakening economy in China, the company's second biggest market behind the US.

The company is also facing tougher competition in China, where homegrown companies such as Huawei and Xiaomi have been winning over consumers in that country with smartphones that have many of the same features as iPhones at lower prices.



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Although a trade war started by President Donald Trump last year has hurt China and potentially caused some consumers there to boycott US products, many analysts believe the iPhone's malaise stems from other issues too.

Among them are higher prices Apple's most expensive iPhone now costs USD 1,350 for newer models that aren't that much better than the previous generation, giving consumers little incentive to stop using the device they already own until it wears out.

"Eighty per cent of Apple's problem is pricing hubris and a lack of innovation," Ives said.
highlights Was the morning sanitization so full proof that no such effort was made prior to the movement of the convoy?

What happened to all the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure)?

Who decided against this and Why? If this was not factored in as an SOP, then also why?

New Delhi:

Images of waling mothers, shattered wives, devastated children and a six-month baby smiling in the wake of her father's tragic and dastardly death are hounding every Indian. Those 40 bravehearts were returning to their posts after their vacations. Absolutely unaware and clueless that their journey to their postings will be the last they will even know of the world of living. Had they laid their lives fighting the enemy, the domestic misguided or braving bullets fired by terrorists who had crossed over to their motherland, they would still have had a sense of accomplishment, but to lose their lives in a bus talking to each other, recounting their vacation, is hardly heroic for Men of Steel. But die they did, by the sordid act of a disgruntled youth who had barely crossed 20 years of his existence.



The images of mangled steel left behind after the bomb blast which could be heard over 10 km in either direction, leaves behind a series of questions which beg answers, no one is wiling to give or even ponder over. More than 2,500 men being transported in one go - is it usual? Every road through which a convoy has to pass through is sanitized, not just in the morning, but also continuously to prevent any untoward movement of hostile elements, what really happened when a convoy of 78 vehicles was passing through at 3:15 in the afternoon? Was the morning sanitization so full proof that no such effort was made prior to the movement of the convoy? When a convoy of such proportion is on the move, signal jammers, mine detectors, armada vehicles, drone air dominance or aerial surveillance, parallel reconnaissance is a norm, what happened to all these SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure)? Who decided against this and Why? If this was not factored in as an SOP, then also why? While covering American advances in Iraq as an imbedded journalist, had seen this entire above-mentioned tactic for convoy movement as basic. So to my mind the larger question is why Indian security forces have not made such practices as SOP.

#AvengePulwama | News Nation joins the country in paying tributes to the CRPF jawans, who lost their lives in #PulwamaTerroristAttack. Watch video pic.twitter.com/Z7dIQk0mQL  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) February 16, 2019

Questions apart, lets get to the basics. Over the past three years of operation all out, it has been witnessed by forces in the valley that insurgency and anti national hostilities have been spreading in the suburbs of Srinagar. Pulwama being the agricultural hub near Srinagar with its dense population was an ideal set up for such enhanced anti India activities. Various defence ministry reports and alleged ground reports have indicated towards growing alienation of the local population. Stone pelting had increased over 100 percent over the past three years in Pulwama and support from locals had dried up to a very large extent. The number of missing youths was in itself a big pointer towards losing ground support.

While experts sitting Delhi fretted over loss of public support in Pulwama, how could the security agencies be so blind as to not see the dastardly act happening on any given day? Be it separatists, be it the political parties who seek votes in the name of separate Kashmiri Identity, all had been attending funerals of dead terrorists or terror sympathizers in and around Pulwama. Still, our agency planners were so blinded in their outlook that they bypassed most basic SOPs as though they were transvering through friendly territory. Something here is so amiss, that even a non-strategist like me can smell a rat, so why isn't the government talking about its failure.



The day we get an answer to governments failures, we shall have answers as to how we can save the lives of our heroes who lay their lives not for a cause but for neglect.

Let me dwell a bit deeper on this issue of neglect.Do we recall, Uri attack where we lost 17 brave hearts, Pathankot airbase attack where we lost 7 and Gurdaspur attack where we lost 10 lives? What did we learn from any of these massive attacks? What did we change after any of these attacks? What have we done as a Nation to prevent such attacks? Please look at the inquiry reports filled after all these attacks and many more which have taken place before and after these terrorist attacks. They all have the same loopholes, the quantum may vary, but the gist remains the same. All armed installations are closely surrounded by illegal construction, intrusion, and mismanagement by local bodies and above all, corruption within the entire state machinery and also our defence establishments.

Its so damn easy to infiltrate our defence establishments that one feels like mocking the entire pretense of security and secrecy. And then we believe that we have secured our defence establishments. Come on, had this been the case in say Venezuela, we could have understood the imperatives of a weak and crumbling economy. In India we spend 3 lakh crore on our defence establishments.Let me put this bluntly, the Kargil Review Committee report submitted in 2000 is still gathering dust. Most of its recommendations have not even been read through, forget getting implemented. Parliament attack review report, J&K Assembly attack review report, 26/11 review report, you name all the reports hence prepared, all have met with the same fate, gathering dust. So why are we so crazed up now, when we have lost some more sons of the soil. After all, the report hence prepared on this dastardly act will also be gathering dust after its put out.



Had the pressure of Lok Sabha polls not been looming large over a government, which has tried its best to encash nationalism as an ideology, the sense of loss would have been left behind without any sense of remorse by the political class in no time. It would have been back to business as usual. At least this is what I saw at very close quarters in Mumbai during series of train blasts that killed over 150 people. While I as a journalist can still smell the stench of burnt flesh on the tracks of Mumbai local after more than 12 years, do our politicians and security agencies even remember what had happened in a train packed with evening home goers. This is the difference between a lay Indian and an Indian who belongs to the political, military, bureaucratic class. We feel the pain of the dead; they use the pain of the dead for their gain.
New York:

Exercise produces a hormone that may improve memory and protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study. Researchers have previously discovered a hormone called irisin that is released into the circulation during physical activity.

Initial studies suggested that irisin mainly played a role in energy metabolism. The latest study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, found that the hormone may also promote neuronal growth in the brain's hippocampus, a region critical for learning and memory. "This raised the possibility that may help explain why physical activity improves memory and seems to play a protective role in brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease," said Ottavio Arancio, a professor at Columbia University in the US.

Arancio and his colleagues at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Queens University in Canada first looked for a link between irisin and Alzheimer's in people. Using tissue samples from brain banks, they found that irisin is present in the human hippocampus and that hippocampal levels of the hormone are reduced in individuals with Alzheimer's.

To explore what irisin does in the brain, the team turned to mice. These experiments show that irisin, in mice, protects the brain's synapses and the animals' memory: When irisin was disabled in the hippocampus of healthy mice, synapses and memory weakened.

Similarly, boosting brain levels of irisin improved both measures of brain health, researchers said. The researchers then looked at the effect of exercise on irisin and the brain.

They found that mice who swam nearly every day for five weeks did not develop memory impairment despite getting infusions of beta amyloid - the neuron-clogging, memory-robbing protein implicated in Alzheimer's.

Blocking irisin with a drug completely eliminated the benefits of swimming, the researchers found. Mice who swam and were treated with irisin-blocking substances performed no better on memory tests than sedentary animals after infusions with beta-amyloid.

The findings suggest that irisin could be exploited to find a novel therapy for preventing or treating dementia in humans, Arancio said. The team is now searching for pharmaceutical compounds that can increase brain levels of the hormone or can mimic its action.

"In the meantime, I would certainly encourage everyone to exercise, to promote brain function and overall health," he said.

"But that's not possible for many people, especially those with age-related conditions like heart disease, arthritis, or dementia. For those individuals, there is a particular need for drugs that can mimic the effects of irisin and protect synapses and prevent cognitive decline," Arancio said.
New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Monday set aside the National Green Tribunals order and said that Vedanta Group-owned Sterlite Plant located in Tamil Nadus Tuticorin will remain shut. On December 15 last year, the NGT had allowed mining major to reopen the Sterlite Plant. The top court has asked Tamil Nadu government and Vedanta to approach Madras High Court on the issue. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday allowed mining major Vedanta to access the administrative unit inside its Sterlite copper plant at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.

In its December 15 order, the National Green Tribunal had overturned Tamil Nadu governments order and said that the plants closure was "non sustainable" and "unjustified".

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson A K Goel asked the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to pass a fresh order of renewal of consent and authorisation to handle hazardous substances, subject to appropriate conditions for protection of environment in accordance with law within three weeks from Saturday.

At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 when police had opened fire on a huge crowd of people protesting against environment pollution being allegedly caused by the factory.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a blistering attack against Pakistan and said that the time for talks with the neighbour is over. His comments came after recent attacks on the Army in Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing a joint statement with President of Argentina Mauricio Macri, PM Narendra Modi said, I and President Mauricio Macri agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability. Brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama (J&K) proves that time for talks have passed. Now the entire world needs to unite against terrorism & its supporters & take strong actions.

In his comments, President Macri called for united action to deal with terrorism. I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack (Pulwama) perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to working together to fight this scourge on mankind, President Mauricio Macri said.

The two sides finalised 10 MoUs providing for deeper cooperation in a range of areas including in information and communications technology, nuclear energy and agriculture.

PM Modi also slammed Pakistan for encouraging terrorism and said that countries hesitating to take action against terrorists are kind of encouraging them. Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today, PM Modi said.

Earlier today, while speaking at the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony event, PM Modi said, it was the contribution of men like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore that helped the country's cultural heritage remain unaffected by years of colonialism and external attacks.

"India has thousands of years of cultural heritage, which has remained unaffected by a long period of subjugation and attacks by external forces. It has been possible because of the contribution of learned men like Swami Vivekananda and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

"Gurudev recognised this strength of India and absorbed its diversity in his Rabindra Sangeet. Rabindra Sangeet has all the colours of our country and it is not bound by a language. He recognised the folk arts and traditional dances as indicative of the Indian culture," PM Modi said.

Tagore was the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in 1913.

President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony on Manipuri dancer-choreographer Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Bangladeshi cultural organisation Chhayanaut and eminent sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar -- known for the Statue of Unity -- for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

The awardees, selected by a committee headed by the prime minister, received an amount of Rs one crore each, a plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft item. Underlining the contributions of the award winners, the president said Rajkumar Singhajit Singh is one of our greatest exponents of Manipuri dance.

"He has bridged this age-old art form of Manipur with not only modern sensibilities but with other parts of the country. Chhayanaut is an organisation that has promoted and preserved the works and philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore in Bangladesh. And Ram Vanji Sutar is a sculptor and scholar who represents an art tradition that goes back thousands of years to our ancient past. These days he is most well-known for the Statue of Unity," he said.

Kovind added that the award celebrated the "Indian traditions of culture and our civilisational wealth". "...whether in literature or music, art or drama, sculpture or handicrafts, design or digital art -- each region in our country has a distinct cultural identity. Yet, in its essence, culture does not divide, it unites and harmonises all of India and all of humanity.

"All three of our award winners are not just emblems of the plural and singular beauty of India's culture and cultural harmony, but are also linked to the life and brilliance of Rabindranath Tagore. I am confident that the beauty of cultural harmony and the brilliance of Tagore will continue to help define our national life and our engagement with the world," the president said.

The first Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony was conferred on sitar maestro Ravi Shankar in 2012, followed by conductor of western and Indian classical music Zubin Mehta in 2013.

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New Delhi:

Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which four army personnel, including a major, a police head constable and a civilian lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday. The bloody gun battle also left Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit injured that carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on CRPF personnel which left 40 jawans dead.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police was on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir, after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a CRPF bus last week. The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.

Two of the killed terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

The soldiers were identified as Major VS Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said. Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area.

Uttarakhand: Mortal remains of Major VS Dhoundiyal who lost his life in an encounter in Pulwama earlier today, brought to his residence in Dehradun. pic.twitter.com/d4rx4vbPVT  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area. As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. Thereafter, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them -- Kamran and Hilal.

As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third terrorist started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said. The third terrorist, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps in Srinagar. Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

Srinagar: Earlier visuals from wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel- Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh, who lost their lives in terrorist attack in Pulwama earlier today pic.twitter.com/BTjk0nddmB  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by wife. Havaldar Ram, 36, had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh, 26, belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son. Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son.

Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Movement of paramilitary convoys by road for logistical and operational reasons will continue in Jammu and Kashmir as it is "necessary", the Home Ministry said, even though it has increased air support to carry troops to the state. The statement came after 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus, part of a 78-vehicle convoy, in the state's Pulwama district.

In the wake of reports suggesting that the central government has rejected a proposal to ferry personnel of paramilitary forces from the Jammu-Srinagar sector by chopper, the ministry said it has significantly enhanced air courier services in all sectors to cut travel time of troops. "Movement of convoys by road for logistical and operational reasons has been and will continue to be necessary. This is also the case with the army," the Home Ministry said.

Reports appeared in a section of the media that air transit facility in the Jammu- Srinagar sector for CRPF troops has not been allowed. This is "untrue", it said. "Fact of the matter is, over the last few years, the MHA has significantly enhanced air courier services for CAPFs in all sectors to help jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and back from home on leave," it said.

In the Jammu and Kashmir sector, air courier service for transportation of jawans of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPFs) are already in operation for quite some time. This initially included the Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu sector. Later, at the request of CAPFs in December 2017, the services were extended to the Delhi-Jammu- Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi sector with seven flights a week.

In December 2018, the ministry had approved enhancement of air support by increasing routes and in the Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi sector, four flights in a week were added to the Srinagar-Jammu-Srinagar sector. "In addition, air support is provided by the Indian Air Force as and when required. Several sorties were run for the CRPF in January 2019," the ministry said.

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New Delhi:

State-owned State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a special initiative to waive all outstanding loans taken by CRPF personnel who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. 23 CRPF jawans had availed loans from the bank. SBI, Indias largest bank by assets and customers, will also expedite payment of insurance amount of Rs 30 lakh each to the families of CRPF personnel killed. The bank is taking steps to expedite release of insurance money to the next of kin of the martyred soldiers, SBI said.

All the CRPF soldiers were customers of the bank under Defence Salary Package where the bank provides insurance of Rs 30 lakh to each of the defence personnel.

"23 soldiers had also availed loans from SBI and the bank has decided to waive off all the outstanding loans with immediate effect," it added.

SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar said it was extremely distressing and disturbing to witness the loss of lives of the soldiers who always stand for the safety of our country. In this moment of grief, our sincere thoughts are with the families of our brave hearts, he added.

Apart from this, the SBI has made and also appealed to all its employees to voluntarily contribute towards the cause through dedicated government portal Bharat Ke Veer 'https://bharatkeveer.gov.in'.

With PTI Inputs

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New Delhi:

Amid tension between India and Pakistan over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, there are reports that Pakistan Army positions across the border on the Line of Control are seeing heightened activities. According to ANI, the Pakistan Army has been put on high operational alert, which means that the troops can be mobilised in shortest possible time. The Indian Army has not only noticed such activities on the LoC but also briefed the defence ministry about the latest development.

Earlier, there were reports that Islamabad is relocating the terrorists from launchpads near the Line of Control fearing another surgical strike. According to a Times of India report, Islamabad has been anticipating a strong action from New Delhi. Hence, it has not vacated the winter posts in the forward areas. This has happened for the first time in many years. The report also said combined with the launchpads, the real number of the Pakistani troopers across the border cant be guessed. There are more than 50 such winter posts near the Line of Control, the report said.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan has recalled Sohail Mahmood, its High Commissioner to India, Islamabad announced on Monday. Dr Mohammad Faisal, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry, took to Twitter and said that, We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning. The move comes days after India recalled Ajay Bisaria, Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district. Before this, India had summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner and issued a very strong demarche.

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations.

He left New Delhi this morning .  Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

New Delhi had demanded verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale conveyed that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and that it must immediately stop groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories. India has rejected Foreign Ministry of Pakistan statement after the Pulwama attack. Islamabad has maintained that it was in any way not involved in the attack. "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations," the Foreign Office added. Moments after the attack, Jaish had taken the responsibility of the attack. Maulana Masood Azhar-led terror group released a video of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar soon after the attack.

As India grapples with the shock and grief of the Pulwama terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week issued a stern warning to the terrorists and said they have to pay heavy price. Addressing the media in New Delhi after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, PM Modi said: Our security forces have been given free hand. The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished, he said. If our neighbour which is totally isolated in the world thinks it can destabilise India through its tactics and conspiracies, then it is making a big mistake, PM Modi said without naming Pakistan.

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highlights While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province.

New Delhi:

Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded architect of some of India's biggest terror attacks, was an "easy man" to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times. Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir. In custody, intelligence agencies did not have to use "coercive method" against Azhar to extract information as he started speaking after the "first slap" from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely," former director general of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, the officer said.

After his arrival in India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during interrogation sessions, Azhar used to give detailed answer to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had in 1993 travelled with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries, drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI. "You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in the 1999 exchange, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to free him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding to a new posting to which he wished me good luck."

"I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant it when he said that we would not be able to keep him for long," he said.

The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.

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New Delhi:

While nation still reels under the horror of Pulwama terror attack, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday raised questions over the cowardice act by Pakistan-based terrorists group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), saying "I have doubts why the Pulwama attacks happened right before the elections". Addressing a press conference in Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress chief also came down heavily on the Narendra Modi government and questioned Centre's role to prevent Pakistan from carrying out such attacks in all these years.

Expressing her wonder over the timing of Pulwama terror attack, she asked whether the government wanted to go to war when Lok Sabha elections were round the corner. "Only when an election is knocking at the door, you think of starting a shadow war?" media quoted Banerjee as saying.

The chief minister also accused the government of ignoring intelligence reports and asked why the CRPF convoy was allowed to pass through the area despite repeated warning from the IB to sanitise the spot properly.

"The Govt had inputs from intelligence agencies on February 8 that such attacks might happen before elections. Why no action was taken? Why 78 convoys were still allowed? I also have intelligence reports that my phone is always taped, as you all know," she told reporters.

Mamata Banerjee on #PulwamaAttack:The Govt had inputs from intelligence agencies on Feb 8 that such attacks might happen before elections. Why no action was taken? Why 78 convoys were still allowed?...I also have intelligence reports that my phone is always taped, as you all know pic.twitter.com/KulUn9oUNe  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Banerjee further alleged that right-wing outfits, including the BJP, VHP and RSS, are "using" the situation to create communal tension and, therefore, appealed to people not to get provoked by these anti-social elements.

"Modi and Shah are giving speeches and trying to tell the nation that only they are patriots and the rest are not. That is not true. BJP, RSS and VHP are using this opportunity to create communal trouble in the state. I have remained silent for the last five day. But now I am forced to speak because I see attempts to create communal strife," the Trinamool Congress chief said.

Banerjee said she desisted from speaking against the Modi government after the incident but was compelled to talk about it now as "some people are trying to teach us what patriotism is".

There is a heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after as many as 42 CRPF jawans were killed and dozens of others injured in the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in nearly two decades. The blast was followed by gunshots by terrorists at around 3.15 pm on Thursday evening.

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Mumbai:

Ending months of speculation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have finally sealed an alliance for the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections. BJP chief Amit Shah and Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, made the announcement at a joint media briefing on Monday evening. The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

"We have been together for over 25 years because of our shared ideologies and spirit of nationalism. In 2014 elections, owing to certain reasons we had split, but later since the past nearly five years we are in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre," Fadnavis said.

The Ram temple has been the common thread for an alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena, Thackeray said. It has to be built at the earliest, he added. BJP and Sena are parties with national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said. In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, the Shiv Sena chief said.

Earlier in January last year, the Sena had announced its decision of going solo in future elections. However, the two parties contested some Legislative Council seats with mutual understanding, a BJP leader said. The Sena has been regularly hitting out at its ally BJP on various issues over the last few years.

The two parties had parted ways ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The BJP and Shiv Sena had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections jointly.

However, the BJP had parted ways with the Sena ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections held later that year. The BJP had then won 122 seats in the state while the Sena could bag only 63.

Check all the updates here:

20:22 pm: I am confident that in Lok Sabha elections, BJP and Shiv Sena will together win 45 out of total 48 seats in Maharashtra: Amit Shah

20:21 pm: We are hopeful those issues won't come up again: Thackeray

20: 20 pm: People are seeing Shiv Sena and BJP for past 30 years. For 25 years, we stood united, & for 5 years, there was confusion. But like CM said, I still provided guidance to government from time to time: Thackeray

20:19 pm: State assembly elections are also in four months, seats are divided equally for it. Responsibilities will also be divided in half: Thackeray

20:18 pm: Maharashtra CM has kept forward all the important things in this press conference. I don't think I need to add anything. Before going any further, I pay my tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack: Uddhav Thackeray.

20:15 pm: BJP agreed to one of Sena's condition - that those staying in houses measuring less than 500 sq ft will not be taxed: Fadnavis.

20: 13 pm: For Maharashtra assembly elections, we will hold discussions with our other allies. Leaving the numbers of seats taken by our allies, BJP and Shiv Sena will fight on equal number of seats: Devendra Fadnavis

20: 10 pm: We have taken this decision in the interest of the nation and we believe NDA will come to power in 2019: Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: We have taken this decision in the interest of the nation and we believe NDA will come to power in 2019 pic.twitter.com/JW1pxnCMZH  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

20:05 pm: Shiv Sena will fight on 23 seats and BJP will fight on 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

20: 02 pm: Farmers who have been left out of the loan waiver scheme, their cases will be studied again.

20:01 pm: We have tried to acquire 67 acres land for temple trust: Devendra Fadnavis

20:00 pm: Uddhav Thackeray has urged that Ram Temple should be built in Ayodhya. BJP supports this thought completely.

19:55 pm: BJP-Shiv Sena both are Hindutvawadi parties... Parties which share similar national interests, must come together. We have decided to contest LS and State polls together: Devendra Fadnavis.

19:50 pm: Amit Shah, Uddhav Thackeray, Devendra Fadnavis begin press conference over seat-sharing.

18:40 pm: Amit Shah reaches Matoshri.

18: 30 pm: The joint press conference is likely to begin soon.

18: 05 pm: The BJP had won 122 seats in the state while the Sena could bag only 63 in Assembly elections.

18: 00 pm: The two parties had parted ways ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

17: 30 pm: The BJP and Shiv Sena had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections jointly.

17: 10 pm: BJP leaders Chandrakant Patil, Pankaja Munde, Vinod Tawde, Piyush Goyal and others are present at the meeting.

17:00 pm: BJP chief Amit Shah begins meeting with party workers at Sofitel Mumbai BKC hotel.

16:55 pm: BJP Amit Shah reaches Mumbai Airport.

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New Delhi:

The literary and arts community of Pakistan has expressed disappointment over veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi and her lyricist-writer husband Javed Akhtar cancelling, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, their Karachi visit to attend Kaifi Azmi's birth centenary celebrations. On the other hand, a local BJP leader and two others were arrested in West Bengal's Birbhum district in connection with the "kidnapping" of his daughter, following her rescue from Uttar Dinajpur on Sunday, a senior police officer said.

21:35 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath today flagged off 52 ambulances for 108 services from Lal Parade ground.

18:29 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Sources: India and Saudi Arabia to sign 5 MoU during Crown Prince Mohammad -bin Salman's visit. Modalities of forming strategic partnership council will also be worked out. India and Saudi Arabia to deepen defence cooperation and hold joint naval exercises soon.

16:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Delhi: Cricketer Mohd Shami donates money to the wives of CRPF Jawans who lost their lives in Pulwama Terror Attack; says, "When we play for our country they stand at the borders protecting it. We stand with the families of our jawans, we will always be there for them".

14:14 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat on the murder of 2 members of Youth Congress in Kasargod, Kerala: Our party has strongly condemned it. We are against such politics. The government will arrest those involved. pic.twitter.com/90yqbzwLss

 ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019



12:10 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Guwahati traders call for bandh to protest against Pulwama attack

10:27 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Aircel-Maxis case: Delhi's Patiala House Court has extended the interim protection of P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram till March 8.

10:05 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In The cross-LoC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) has been suspended for today.

07:57 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Dy CM Manish Sisodia to visit Puducherry tomorrow in support of Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy

07:50 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Almost a month after a massive fire gutted a major portion of a five-storey building in Gariahat, panic gripped the area on Sunday night after smoke was seen billowing from the burnt debris there.

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New Delhi:

Kulbhushan Jadhav, the former Indian Navy officer lodged in Pakistan jail, appeared at The Hague as the International Court of Justice began the public hearing in the 2017 espionage case. The 48-year-old was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India moved the ICJ in May the same year against the verdict.

Catch LIVE updates here:

12:31 pm: Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for tomorrow.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/wHmjxvwqmi  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

12:29 pm: India submits that military courts of Pakistan can't command the confidence of this court & shouldn't be sanctify by a direction to them to review & re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhav's conviction, & directions that he be released forthwith: Harish Salve in ICJ.

17:27 pm: India invites court to restrain Pak from acting on conviction on ground that it was secured by means which was in violation of Article 36 of Vienna Convention & in the present case, relief of review & re-consideration would be highly inadequate, considering facts & circumstances, says Salve.

17:25 pm: Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...Pak used Jadhav to build a narrative against India, says H Salve.

17:24 pm: The Hague (Netherlands): Government of India's agent Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA greeted Pakistan's AG Anwar Mansoor Khan with a namaste instead of shaking hands, before the proceedings in Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice.

17:23 pm: Harish Salve representing Kulbhushan Jadhav in International Court of Justice: I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court.

16:25 pm: Government of India's agent Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA and Pakistan's AG Anwar Mansoor Khan before the proceedings in Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice.

The Hague (Netherlands): Government of India's agent Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA and Pakistan's AG Anwar Mansoor Khan before the proceedings in Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice. pic.twitter.com/QmZntyMFKG  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

16: 10 pm: The ICJ has been adjourned for a ten-minute break.

15: 50 pm: Pakistan should've provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access,upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation.Even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan hasn't complied treaty obligations: Harish Salve in ICJ

H Salve in ICJ:Pak should've provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access,upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation.Even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies,Pak hasn't complied treaty obligations pic.twitter.com/XCCcU5svJL  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

15:45 pm: Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed & the meeting was held on 25th December, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted & wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest: Harish Salve in ICJ

15: 30 pm: On 30th March 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) & received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates: Harish Salve

15:28 pm: There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay: Harish Salve

15:25 pm: Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful: Harish Salve

15:20 pm: It is an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention, Harish Salve representing Kulbhushan Jadhav in ICJ.

15: 15 pm: International Court of Justice (ICJ) starts public hearing in Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

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New Delhi:

Four Army personnel including a Major was killed in an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district in an overnight operation on Monday. According the news agency ANI, the army personnel; belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. The army men killed in todays encounter have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh. Apart from military personnel, one civilian was reportedly killed during the gun battle. There are reports that internet services have been suspended in and around Pinglan. The forces had got specific tip-off about 2-3 terrorists. The site of ongoing gun battle is barely 10 km away from the February 14 blast on the National Highway 1A, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

It was a joint operation launched by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF. The encounter comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indian armed forces have been given free hand to decimate the terrorists in the aftermath of Pulwama blast. India has been saying the non-state actors in Pakistan such as Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are sending sponsoring terror activities targeting India, especially Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid tension between India and Pakistan after Pulwama attack, latest reports suggest that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar planned the Pulwama attack and gave instructions from Rawalpindi hospital bed. The report by Times of India states that Azhar kept the plan hidden from United Jihad Council and secretly deputed his nephews to carry out the attack. In an audio tape, Azhar exhorted the Jaish men to avenge the killing of his nephew Usman, who was gunned down by Indian security forces in 2017. Previous reports had pointed out that Azhar had sent an Afghan war veteran  Abdul Ghazi  to Jammu and Kashmir to avenge the killings.

Pakistan has been maintaining that it has nothing to do with Pulwama attack. Hours after the blast, Islamabad issued a midnight statement condemning the attack. However, Islamabad rejected that it was in any way involved in the attack. "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations," the Foreign Office added.

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New Delhi:

Four including an Army Major was injured in an encounter that broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district in early hours on Monday. The forces had got specific tip-off about 2-3 terrorists. As of latest information, the gunmen are believed to be trapped inside a building in Pulwamas Pinglan area. The site of ongoing gun battle is barely 10 km away from the February 14 blast on the National Highway 1 A, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

The encounter comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indian armed forces have been given free hand to decimate the terrorists in the aftermath of Pulwama blast. India has been saying the non-state actors in Pakistan such as Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are sending sponsoring terror activities targeting India, especially Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid tension between India and Pakistan after Pulwama attack, latest reports suggest that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar planned the Pulwama attack and gave instructions from Rawalpindi hospital bed. The report by Times of India states that Azhar kept the plan hidden from United Jihad Council and secretly deputed his nephews to carry out the attack. In an audio tape, Azhar exhorted the Jaish men to avenge the killing of his nephew Usman, who was gunned down by Indian security forces in 2017. Previous reports had pointed out that Azhar had sent an Afghan war veteran  Abdul Ghazi  to Jammu and Kashmir to avenge the killings.

Pakistan has been maintaining that it has nothing to do with Pulwama attack. Hours after the blast, Islamabad issued a midnight statement condemning the attack. However, Islamabad rejected that it was in any way involved in the attack. "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations," the Foreign Office added.

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New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the security forces for successfully neutralising Pulwama attack mastermind Kamran in Jammu and Kashmirs Pinglan in an overnight operations on Monday. Good job, Singh said while hailing the encounter. Singh, who visited the Valley day after the attack, paid tributes to the jawans and turned pallbearer at the solemn event. Singh helped carry the coffin of a CRPF jawan before it was flown out of Jammu and Kashmir in a special aircraft, an official present at the function said. "The nation will not forget the supreme sacrifice of our brave CRPF jawans. I have paid my last respects to the martyrs of Pulwama. The sacrifice will not go in vain," Singh had said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had issued a stern warning to the terrorists and said they have to pay heavy price. Addressing media in New Delhi after the CCS meet, PM Modi said, Our security forces have been given free hand. The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished, he said. If our neighbour which is totally isolated in the world thinks it can destabilise India through its tactics and conspiracies, then it is making a big mistake, PM Modi said without naming Pakistan.

I exhort all to unite and fight against the scourge of terror. Our bravehearts put their lives on the line to achieve two things - security and development. I salute the them. 130 crore Indians will give a fitting reply to such an attack, PM Modi said at the launch of the Vande Bharat Express.

As condolences poured in from around the globe, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to all world powers. I am thankful to all nations which condemned Pulwama attack and urge them to come together to crush terrorism, the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan issued a midnight statement condemning the attack. However, Islamabad rejected that it was in any way involved in the attack. "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations," the Foreign Office added.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi:

Several Army and police officials were injured on Monday during an encounter at Pinglan in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district. According to reports, Brigadier Harbir Singh of 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range - Amit Kumar, a Lieutenant colonel, a Captain, and a sub-inspector have sustained injuries. Amit Kumar has been shifted to Army hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

According to reports, Kumar has received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and the Brigader Commander was hurt in the leg. The names of the other Army and police officials injured were not immediately known. All the injured are stable, officials said. Four army personnel also lost their lives in the exchange of fire. The army men killed in the encounter have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh. Besides the military personnel, one civilian was also killed during the gun battle. Head Constable Ab Rasheed Jammu and Kashmir Police was also killed in the encounter.

#ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families. @adgpi @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/qo8TzBJF89  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) February 18, 2019

Three terrorists have been gunned down by the security forces in the encounter. The encounter, which began late on Sunday night, has ended.

There are reports that internet services have been suspended in and around Pinglan. The forces had got a specific tip-off about two-three terrorists. The site of the ongoing gun battle is barely 10 km away from the February 14 blast site on the National Highway 1A, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

One of the terrorists killed has been identified as Hilal Ahmed, a local believed to be from the Jaish-e-Mohammed, officials said.

It was a joint operation launched by the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF. The encounter came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian armed forces have been given "free hand" to decimate the terrorists in the aftermath of the Pulwama blast. India has been saying the non-state actors in Pakistan such as Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are sending sponsoring terror activities targeting India, especially Jammu and Kashmir.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. Terrorists fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

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New Delhi:

Manoj Yadav, a 1988-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana on Monday. Yadav, a resident of Uttar Pradeshs Aligarh, returned to Haryana after nearly 16 years. He is known for his humble and straight-forward behaviour.

Yadav was working as a joint director of the Intelligence Bureau at the Union Home Ministry (MHA). He moved to Delhi in this department on deputation in 2003. With the completion of the tenure of the current DGP BS Sandhu on January 31, the post had been lying vacant since then, but due to a dispute over the name of the DGP, the state government had entrusted the duty of caretaker DGP to KP Singh till the new appointment.

Yadav will retire on July 31, 2025. His son was elected to the post of IAS in 2018 from Assam cadre. According to sources, Yadav got close to senior RSS leaders during his stay in Haryana in his previous term. After working as the SP traffic and SP Security in Chandigarh, he has worked as SP in many districts of Haryana.

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New Delhi:

One more terrorist was reportedly killed in the ongoing encounter, in which four army personnel also lost their lives, at Pinglan in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district that began late on Sunday night. With the latest death, a total of three terrorists have been gunned down by the security forces so far. According the news agency ANI, the army personnel belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. The armymen killed in the encounter have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh. Besides the military personnel, one civilian was also killed during the gun battle. There are reports that internet services have been suspended in and around Pinglan. The forces had got specific tip-off about two-three terrorists. The site of ongoing gun battle is barely 10 km away from the February 14 blast site on the National Highway 1A, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

One of the militants killed has been identified as Hilal Ahmed, a local believed to be from the Jaish-e-Mohammed, officials said.

It was a joint operation launched by the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF. The encounter came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian armed forces have been given "free hand" to decimate the terrorists in the aftermath of the Pulwama blast. India has been saying the non-state actors in Pakistan such as Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are sending sponsoring terror activities targeting India, especially Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid tension between India and Pakistan after Pulwama attack, latest reports suggest that Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar planned the Pulwama attack and gave instructions from Rawalpindi hospital bed. The report by Times of India states that Azhar kept the plan hidden from United Jihad Council and secretly deputed his nephews to carry out the attack. In an audio tape, Azhar exhorted the Jaish men to avenge the killing of his nephew Usman, who was gunned down by Indian security forces in 2017. Previous reports had pointed out that Azhar had sent an Afghan war veteran  Abdul Ghazi  to Jammu and Kashmir to avenge the killings.

Pakistan has been maintaining that it has nothing to do with Pulwama attack. Hours after the blast, Islamabad issued a midnight statement condemning the attack. However, Islamabad rejected that it was in any way involved in the attack. "We strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations," the Foreign Office added.

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New Delhi:

Rajeev Kumars tenure as Kolkata Commissioner of Police has come to an end. According to CNN News18, he has now been transferred to the West Bengal CID (Criminal Investigation Department). The development comes amid his grilling by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The apex investigation agency is questioning Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer, because he was heading the SIT formed by West Bengal government to probe Saradha and other ponzi scheme cases.

Rajeev Kumar has served as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police for three years. The CBI is relying on a 91-page letter from Ghosh, who was expelled by TMC, to the Enforcement Directorate, detailing the role of Kumar in handling the ponzi scam probe after the main accused Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee, both promoters of Saradha group of companies, had fled to Kashmir, officials said in Kolkata.

Earlier, CBI officials had to beat a hasty retreat from Kumar's residence after its officials were not only prevented by guards from entering the premises but were also detained by Kolkata police.

The incident had triggered an unprecedented tussle between the West Bengal government and the Centre as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sat on a sit-in against the CBI move. On Monday, the agency rushed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court later directed Kumar to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate into the investigation but made it clear that he should not be arrested.

The court said "to avoid all unnecessary controversy", it was directing Kumar to appear before the agency at a neutral place in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The CBI has temporarily attached 10 more officers with its Kolkata unit, which is probing the scam, to augment strength during questioning of high-profile persons, including Kumar, officials said.

With PTI Inputs

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New Delhi:

Navjot Singh Sindhu has been ousted from The Kapil Sharma Show following his comments on the Pulwama terror attack. He will be replaced by Archana Puran Singh on the show.

A source informed indianexpress.com, ''His remarks have not been taken kindly by most. Also, the channel and the show was getting dragged into the unwanted controversy. This is when the team amicably decided that Navjot make a distance from the show. The team has already shot a couple of episodes with Archana.''

Earlier, during a media interaction, Sidhu had said, ''Nations cannot be held responsible for the dastardly acts of terrorists. The terrorists do not have deen, mazhab (sect and religion). There are good, the bad and the ugly. Every institution has them. Every nation has them. The ugly need to be punished. But individuals cannot be blamed for the dastardly act.''

Now, Kapil Sharma has finally come forward and spoken about the whole incident. He said, ''I think Navjyot Singh Sidhu didnt take the name of Pakistan in his statement. If sacking Sidhu from the show would have ended terrorism, we would have asked him to leave the show.

Condemning the terror attack in Pulwama, Kapil said, ''We should avenge Pulwama attack and hunt down the culprits.

On sacking Sidhu from the show, Kapil said, ''I am not the producer of the show. This will be handled by the producer.

Sidhu recently uploaded a video on Twitter saying, I had to attend Vidhan Sabhas session due to which I couldnt go for the shoots of The Kapil Sharma Show and they got somebody else in my replacement for two episodes. I have no intimation about my termination from the channel. If it is regarding my statement, I will stick to what I have been saying yesterday, today and ever tomorrow.

Meanwhile, The Kapil Sharma show began with its new season in December last year, after it was pulled off air, following the dipping TRPs of the show.
Mumbai:

Ajay Devgn on Monday announced that his upcoming film Total Dhamaal will not be releasing in Pakistan. The decision comes in the wake of a terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers. "In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Devgn tweeted.

In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.  Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 18, 2019

Directed by Indra Kumar, Total Dhamaal features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor, and Riteish Deshmukh. The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn Films and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22.

The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack. "Horrible and disgusting. Anger can't be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack" Devgn had tweeted.

Horrible and disgusting. Anger can't be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack  Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 14, 2019

Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday. The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.





















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New Delhi:

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot on December 1 and 2 in a lavish wedding ceremony at Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur. Since then, the couple has been setting the internet on fire with their adorable pictures and romantic gestures.

Despite having busy schedules, the two never miss a chance to spend time with each other. Just recently, Priyanka and Nick were spotted in Los Angeles heading for a date night recently. Twinning in shades of grey, NickYanka looked great together. While Priyanka opted for a grey cardigan, Nick chose a grey coat, orange hoodie and a pair of casual denim.

Check out the latest pictures of Priyanka and Nick:

Earlier, during the promotions of her film Isnt it Romantic, PeeCee was asked how married life is treating her on the show Good Morning America to which the actor replied, Married life is different. Theres a big difference between a husband and a boyfriend. I didnt understand the gravity of that when I got married. But it is a good thing to be married to a good husband and that makes it easy.

Also Read: Is Priyanka Chopra pregnant? These pictures drop major hints

When a magazine asked Priyanka how she and Nick take time out for each other from their hectic schedules, she had said, "Yeah, good question. We don't! You have to accommodate and make time for each other, I think that's really important. We both are extremely hardworking people, we both love our jobs, we are extremely big workaholics but at the same, we know that we have to prioritise each other as well."

On the work front, Priyanka is gearing up for the release of her next Hollywood Film, Isnt It Romantic? On the other hand, her Hindi film Shonali Boses The Sky Is Pink is still being shot.

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New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is all set to meet its disgruntle alliance partner Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday in Mumbai. According to the sources, the parties may announce its tie-up for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha poll.

Earlier, there were reports that the BJP will contest on 25 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while the Shiv Sena will fight on rest of the seats. The Uddhav Thackerays party had contested on 22 seats, while the BJP fielded its candidates on 26 seats in the 2014 General Elections. The BJP has decided not to field any candidate from the Palghar Lok Sabha constituency from where Shiv Sena will now contest.

For the Assembly elections, the BJP will contest on 145 of the total 288 seats, with the Shiv Sena getting the remaining 143 seats, reported Zee News. Shiv Sena had earlier announced publicly to go solo in the elections. However, BJP chief Amit Shah had said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party would continue its alliance with BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls

"Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is frequently in touch with the Shiv Sena leadership at the state level. The Shiv Sena is already a part of the Central and state governments and it would continue its alliance with the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections", he had said in December last year.

The Sena, which is the oldest constituent of the NDA, had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the BJP, but severed the ties ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections held in October that year.

The Sena later joined the BJP-led governments in Maharashtra and Centre, though grudgingly, as it was averse to play second fiddle to BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in the polls.
New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray are all set to announce their alliance for the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha polls at a joint press conference today. BJP President Amit Shah and Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray will address a joint press conference later today. An announcement on the alliance will be made in the press conference today, says Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut.

Earlier, there were reports that the BJP will contest on 25 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state, while the Shiv Sena will fight on rest of the seats. The Uddhav Thackerays party had contested on 22 seats, while the BJP fielded its candidates on 26 seats in the 2014 General Elections. The BJP has decided not to field any candidate from the Palghar Lok Sabha constituency from where Shiv Sena will now contest.

For the Assembly elections, the BJP will contest on 145 of the total 288 seats, with the Shiv Sena getting the remaining 143 seats, reported Zee News. Shiv Sena had earlier announced publicly to go solo in the elections. However, BJP chief Amit Shah had said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party would continue its alliance with BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls

"Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is frequently in touch with the Shiv Sena leadership at the state level. The Shiv Sena is already a part of the Central and state governments and it would continue its alliance with the BJP ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections", he had said in December last year.

The Sena, which is the oldest constituent of the NDA, had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the BJP, but severed the ties ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections held in October that year.
Isatis root is a commonly used treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), taken to dispel pathogenic heat and relieve early symptoms of the common cold virus. The herbal remedy, typically sold in the form of dissolvable granules, may soon receive broader recognition worldwide, as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has deemed it a globally standardized medicine.

"The issuance of the ISO standards [for Isatis root] will promote wider understanding of TCM and guarantee knowledge about how it can be taken," said Wang Zhengtao, professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) and also the leading researcher of the standardized TCM program for the global market.

In December 2014, the research team initiated the program by submitting a proposal to the ISO entitled "TCM: The ingredients of Isatis root." After multiple question-and-answer sessions and voting, the program was officially launched in May 2016. With the concerted efforts of nominated experts from China, Germany, Canada, Australia, South Korea and Thailand, the standards for the herb were fleshed out before being published nearly three years later.

According to Wang, "Because the recognition of TCM varies in different countries, those of us who are familiar with the procedures to make the herbs have to explain them to experts of various nationalities at international conferences such as those held in Rome, Italy or South Korea."

The published ISO standards include the Isatis root's species, categories, definitions, technical requirements, quality testing protocol and the maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues and heavy metals.

The ISO-standardization of the herb signals China's proactive endeavor to bring TCM to the world.

"Goji berry, white peony root and dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula) are on agenda now," Wang said, adding that these upcoming ISO standards may be published by 2020.

In addition to medicinal treatments, SHUTCM is also applying for ISO recognition of TCM terminologies, facilities and clinical therapies, including acupuncture.

According to Wang, TCM in China should accelerate standardization, as it faces growing rivalry from South Korea and Japan to be the dominant emissaries of this centuries-old herbal culture.

Despite its leading role in TCM consumption and raw material supply, China has been impeded by disparities in technical, cultural, theoretical and legal resources from becoming the major country in terms of the global TCM trade.

Moreover, there is an emerging trend in the international community to attempt to "de-Chinese TCM," instead calling the practice Eastern Medicine or East Asian Medicine. This has been seen in the numerous ISO applications from South Korea, such as for electric acupuncture apparatus and intradermal needling.

So far, ISO has published approximately 35 standards for TCM, including pseudo ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum and Dendrobium officinale, and 41 additional applications are awaiting approval.
highlights In 2014 polls, the BJP and the Congress won a seat each in Arunachal.

The Congress won a massive majority in the 2014 Assembly elections.

Pema Khandu ditched the Congress and joined the BJP along with other MLAs.

New Delhi:

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has finally sounded the poll bugle and declared the schedule for the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 on March 10. The Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will be held in seven phases, starting from April 11. The results will be declared on May 23. 91 constituencies will go for polls in the first phase on April 11, followed by 97 constituencies in the second phase on April 18. The third phase will be held on April 23 and fourth on April 29, fifth on May 6, sixth on May 12 and seventh phase on May 19. 115 constituencies will go for polls in the third phase, 71 in the fourth phase, 51 in the fifth phase, 59 in the sixth phase and 59 in the seventh phase. We are also gearing up for the elections and are coming up with a series: 2019 Lok Sabha Election Analysis: What happened in 2014 Lok Sabha Polls? What will happen this year? Let us look at the political scenario in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The state will go for Assembly elections also along with 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. The BJP has been ruling the state since 2016 under the leadership of Pema Khandu. It may be noted that the Congress got the full majority in the 2014 Assembly elections but the rebellion in the party led to the downfall of its government led by Nabam Tuki. Several Congress legislators rebelled against the Tuki government and formed the government under Kalikho Pul in February 2016, backed by the BJP. However, the Supreme Court overturned it and installed Tuki as the chief minister again. Later, Pul found hanging from a ceiling fan after the Supreme Court verdict. The Congress party again grabbed the power this time under the leadership of Pema Khandu. However, Khandu also ditched the Congress in December and joined the BJP along with other legislators. This was BJP's second government in the state after the 2003 government of Gegong Apang. There are 2 Lok Sabha seats and 60 Assembly seats in the state. Let's discuss this in detail. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2019: When will you vote? Know poll dates of your seat here

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: When will Arunachal Pradesh vote?

The state will go for state elections for the 60-member Assembly along with the two Lok Sabha seats (Arunachal East and Arunachal West) on April 11. Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim are the other states which will have both the elections simultaneously.

What happened in Arunachal Pradesh in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections?



In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and the Congress won a seat each in Arunachal Pradesh. The BJP won the Arunachal West seat and the Congress retained its Arunachal East constituency. Kiren Rijiju defeated Congress party's sitting MP Takam Sanjoy from Arunachal West seat, while Ninong Ering maintained its hold and defeated BJP's Tapir Gao from Arunachal East seat. Kiren Rijiju received 1,69,367 votes and defeated Sanjoy by 41,738 votes. In Arunachal East, Ering defeated Gao by 12,478 votes. Rijiju became the minister in the Narendra Modi Cabinet after the elections.

The 2014 election in Arunachal Pradesh was held in a single phase on April 9. The BJP received 2,75,344 votes with a vote share of 46.62 per cent whereas the Congress got the backing of 2,46,084 voters with a vote share of 41.66 per cent. According to our analysis, the BJP was ahead in 35 Assembly segments during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Congress was leading on 22 and the PPA on 3.

What was the result of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Elections in 2014?

Arunachal Pradesh saw both the Lok Sabha Elections and the Assembly elections together in 2014. However, there was a major difference in the results of these two elections. The BJP was a bigger party in the state during the parliamentary polls but the Congress outperformed it in the simultaneously held Assembly elections. The Congress won a massive majority in the 2014 Assembly elections and won 42 seats in the 60-member Assembly. The party received 2,51,575 votes with a vote share of 49.50 per cent.

The BJP, on the other hand, received 1,57,412 votes with a vote share of 30.97 per cent. The party won only 11 seats in the Assembly and forfeited its deposit in 8 seats. The party saw a decline of more than 15 per cent votes as compared to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) won 5 seats with a vote share of 8.96 per cent.

What is the current scenario in Arunachal Pradesh in 2019?

The Congress and the ruling BJP will try to win both the Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections in 2019. The Congress, which came to power in 2014 in the state, will be hoping to get the state back in its fold. However, the BJP has been on a winning spree in the state over the period of time. The party had wrested the Pakke-Kessang and Likabali Assembly constituencies from the Congress party in bypolls held in 2017. In 2016 also, the BJP won the Anjaw Assembly seat as the bypoll was necessitated following the death of Kalikho Pul. The BJP has launched its Mission 60 in Arunachal Pradesh and already declared Pema Khandu as party's face for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Meanwhile, in a jolt to the BJP, former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang has recently quit the party and alleged that the party has become a "platform to seek power" and serves a leadership that "hates decentralisation or democratic decision-making." He had headed the Congress government in the state for 19 years between 1980 to 1999. Later, he founded his own party Arunachal Congress and supported the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. His son Omak Apang became the minister in the Vajpayee Cabinet. In 2003, he was instrumental in splitting the Congress party and merged the entire group with the BJP. The BJP finally got its first government in the Northeast under Gegong Apang. Earlier, seven of the nine MLAs of the PPA joined the BJP ally NPP. Later, two of these MLAs joined the Congress party.
New Delhi:

The candidates who had appeared for Allahabad High Court Group D examinations, we have some important news for you. The Allahabad High Court has announced the Result for the Group D Posts. The candidates can check the results on the official website of the court i.e. allahbadhighcourt.in. The selection procedure was based on Stage I & Stage II modes.

Allahabad High Court has invited applications for the filling up a total of 4386 posts.

For the convenience of the students, we have mentioned the steps through which the candidates can check the Allahabad High Court Group D Final Result 2018:

The candidates will first have to visit the official website of the high court i.e. allahbadhighcourt.in then they will have to click on the Allahabad High court Result link. Soon after clicking on the link, the result will appear in the PDF format. The candidates will then have to check the roll number. Qualified candidates will be called for their further documentation/respective posting locations.

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New Delhi:

Mithun Tikadar, Trnamool Congress (TMC) councillor, was allegedly shot at by unknown persons at the party office in Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on Monday. He has been admitted to hospital. While motive is unknown, the TMC has alleged that the BJP was behind the attack. The BJP, however, rejected the allegation.

The incident came days after Sunil Pathak, BJP booth president at Ward No. 40 in the Howrah Municipal Corporation, was shot at by an unidentified man on on February 10. Pathak was seriously wounded and had been admitted to Chittaranjan Hospital in Kolkata, the West Bengal BJP said. The incident came hours after BJP leader Mukul Roy and three other people were booked in connection with the killing of Trinamool Congress MLA Satyajit Biswas in West Bengal's Nadia district. Of the four people named in the FIR, two have been arrested, an officer of the West Bengal Police told news agency PTI.

Biswas, 41, who represented Krishnaganj constituency in the state assembly, was shot from point-blank range by unidentified gunmen on Saturday evening inside a Saraswati puja marquee at Phoolbari area in the district bordering Bangladesh.

He was immediately taken to a local hospital where doctors announced him "brought dead".

Roy, a former TMC member of Parliament, joined the BJP last year after his relations soured with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Claiming that the attack was a conspiracy by the BJP, TMC secretary-general Partha Chatterjee said on Saturday that those involved in the killing will be punished after a full-fledged inquiry. He also said the saffron party was trying to create disturbances ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and resorted to "politics of murder" by singling out leaders having mass bases. The allegations were termed "baseless" by Roy and BJP state president Dilip Ghosh.

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Shamokin, PA (17872)

Today

Considerable cloudiness. High near 85F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy in the evening with more clouds for later at night. Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Friends of an Australian woman who bit her ex-husband's tongue off are desperately trying to save her from three months in an Icelandic prison.

Nara Walker, 28, was arrested in Reykjavik in November 2017 after she and her husband got into an argument at their apartment while another couple was there.

She claims he pinned her down and forcibly stuck his tongue into her mouth. In response, she bit off the end of it.

"I was crying and he kept yelling that I was his and calling me insults," she told news.com.au.

"I was still finding it difficult to breathe and he forced his tongue into my mouth. I reacted without thought or intent."

A fight then broke out between her, her husband and the woman from the other couple in which Walker suffered a fractured rib, sprained vertebra and bruising. She also pulled the other woman's hair and bit her fingers.

Walker's husband's tongue was able to be reattached, but he says it is considerably shorter than it was and has left him with a permanent speech impediment.

The Sunshine Coast artist claims her husband had been physically and emotionally abusive throughout their marriage. She says he would give her a monthly allowance and withhold money to punish her, and also claims he raped and assaulted her.

Walker lodged a domestic violence complaint against him when she was arrested, but Iceland police have not laid any charges against him.

That's despite the court seeing Facebook messages in which her husband admitted hitting her and secretly spiking her tea with LSD.

Walker was charged with assault and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, including nine months as a suspended sentence. Her passport was confiscated and she has not been allowed to leave Iceland.

She was also ordered to pay her husband AUD$15,000 (NZ$15,600) in damages.

When she took her case to the appeals court, her sentence was increased to 18 months as the court ruled the tongue bite could not be classed as self-defence based on the evidence at hand.

In February 2019 the Supreme Court of Iceland rejected Walker's appeal. She is now facing the prospect of having to serve her three-month sentence in a maximum security prison.

Walker told The Reykjavik Grapevine she is "disappointed and disheartened" by the ruling.

"I truly believed in the Icelandic justice system as Iceland is on the forefront for women's rights and equality," she said. "I have not been recognised as a victim of abuse and that displaces my working towards healing from the years of abuse."

Her friends have created a petition addressed to the President of Iceland, Guni Th. Johannesson, asking that he grant Walker a pardon from her prison sentence and all criminal charges.

"We raise this case due to the fact that Common Law Principles of Self Defence have been overlooked by the Judicial System," the petition reads. "We ask you to allow this young woman to return safely to her home country and family."

The petition claims the Icelandic courts have ignored Walker's evidence of her husband's abuse.

"This includes medical reports, witness statements, photographic and written evidence and, most alarmingly, statements under oath admitting to such actions by the abuser himself. The abuser now walks free, living his life safely and freely, while a young woman faces imprisonment in a foreign country amongst the nation's most vile criminals."

A GoFundMe campaign has so far raised more than AUD$3000 (NZ$3100) to go towards Walker's substantial court fees.

Newshub.
The Agriculture Minister says a visit to the United Arab Emirates and Egypt will help strengthen important trade relations with New Zealand.

Damien O'Connor left on Sunday for the five-day visit, and will hold meetings on trade, food security and agricultural technology.

"Our relationship is growing with these important trading partners and my visit will be a chance to advocate for issues important to Kiwis, listen to Kiwi businesses operating there and grow the links between our economies even further," said Mr O'Connor.

The United Arab Emirates is New Zealand's 11th largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth more than $3.7 billion for the year ending December 2018.

"In Dubai I'm looking forward to going along to Gulfood, the world's largest food and beverage trade exhibition, to support New Zealand suppliers," he said.

Mr O'Connor will also meet with the Ministers of Economy, Climate Change and Environment and Food Security.

While in Egypt, he will meet with the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Minister of Trade and Industry, to discuss the diversification of our trade relationship as well as recent agriculture cooperation projects.

"Egypt is New Zealand's second largest market in Africa with two-way trade worth more than $350 million a year, mostly in dairy and meat."

He said it is an important time for the New Zealand-Egypt relationship as this will be the first trade-focused ministerial visit since 2006.

"Trade is crucial to our economies and so is ensuring that the benefits that come from trade are shared by all."

Newshub.


A tax expert is warning the Government that it will be tricky to slap taxes on digital giants.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced in a post-cabinet press conference on Monday a discussion document about taxes companies like Facebook and Google should pay will be released in later in 2019.

"Highly digitalised companies, such as those offering social media networks, trading platforms, and online advertising, currently earn a significant income from New Zealand consumers without being liable for income tax," Finance Minister Grant Robertson said at the same time in a statement.

"That is not fair, and we are determined to do something about it.

"The current tax rules also provide a competitive advantage to foreign companies in the digital services field compared to local companies who offer e-commerce, online advertising, and social networking services."

Victoria University Adjunct Professor John Shewan told Newshub it's a real problem area.

"The old-fashioned tax system's simply not coping with the modern economy and it's absolutely right that we look at shaking it up.

"Exactly how you do it is the problem and the devil will be in the detail."

Prof Shewan said implementing the tax could cause problems for New Zealand consumers.

"It may well be is those companies simply pass that back to the New Zealand users so the tax ends up actually being borne by New Zealanders, so that's a big issue."

Mr Robertson said cross-border digital services are worth around $2.7 billion in New Zealand.

A number of countries - including the UK, Spain, Italy, France, Austria and India - have enacted or announced a DST.

Australia is also considering a digital tax.

Newshub.
This livestream is now over.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is holding a media conference on Monday, where she's expected to address deteriorating relations with China.



In a sign of apparent tensions, China has postponed a major tourism promotion at Wellington's Te Papa museum, citing scheduling issues, and put a visit by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on hold.

The China People's Daily, considered a mouthpiece of the Chinese state, published an article claiming tourists are turning away from New Zealand.

And the Chinese consulate issued warnings in December and January saying travel to New Zealand is unsafe.

NZME reports Ms Ardern is also likely to announce plans to tax multinational companies on their digital revenues.

Newshub.
Chinese telecommunications company Huawei was never ruled out of building parts of New Zealand's 5G network, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) said it had concerns with letting Huawei run the network in November and plans hit a stumbling block.

Spark wanted to start using Huawei cellphone tower equipment from 2020, and notified director-general of the (GCSB) Andrew Hampton about the proposal last year, as is required by law.

But after carrying out an assessment, the GCSB identified major network security risks if the technology was to be implemented.

China's relationship with New Zealand appearing to sour significantly after the decision, although Ms Ardern said it was simply "complex".

Several other countries have had similar concerns, but on Monday it was revealed the United Kingdom may let Huawei install a network there after all, after work to mitigate security concerns.

Ms Ardern told The AM Show New Zealand was in a similar place to the UK, looking at how it can mitigate any concerns about security, although the process was different.

"How far down the track the UK already is with Huawei, actually is different to New Zealand... we have a different process.

"We have a piece of legislation that says that we go through a pretty rigorous assessment independently via the GCSB, they'll look at concerns or any security issues.

"They have done so and have gone back to Spark... and said to them there are concerns, your option now is to mitigate those and that is the place in the process where we currently are."

But she refused to say the GCSB decision meant the end of Huawei's plans to help build the network, rather it was delayed while Spark looked for a solution.

"They [Huawei] are back in the running for this?" host Duncan Garner said.

"They never were not, there was a very quick interpretation of what happened, but as I say, the legislation sets out a process.

"The GCSB have raised concerns, that is in the public domain, they have gone back to Spark with those concerns, now the ball is in Spark's court, that is literally where the process sits."

Ms Ardern said she supported the original decision on the network as the GCSB was the best organisation to make the judgement.

"The GCSB is in the best place to make these calls, and this exists for good reason."

A spokesperson for Spark told Newshub the company was still in discussions with the GCSB.

"We are working through what possible mitigations we might be able to provide to address the concerns raised by the GCSB and have not yet made any decision on whether or when we should submit a revised proposal to GCSB."

A difficult decision

Simplicity investment company founder Sam Stubbs told The AM Show the GCSB's decision on the network was likely not made lightly, but clearly embarrassed China.

"China takes these things very seriously, this is a loss of face for them and you know when they're displeased," he said.

"It was a very strong message, although I would also say, don't take it lightly, very rarely would the Government go out and do something like this, clearly there is some substance to this I think."

Commentator Richard Harman agreed the incident was severe and said diplomats he spoke to were concerned by the frosty relations.

"People were saying 'look, this potentially is as big a foreign policy crisis as the 1985 ANZUS crisis'," he said.

The 1985 crisis saw New Zealand's relationship with the US sour significantly over the use of nuclear weapons.

Newshub.


Shanghai ranks at the top among several regions that have just released local average life expectancy in 2018, and it remained the longest-living area in the Chinese mainland, according to National Business Daily.

The Shanghai Health Commission announced on Thursday that the life expectancy of Shanghai's registered population in 2018 was 83.63 years old, including 81.25 years for men and 86.08 years for women.

To date, three other regions, Northeast China's Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces, and Southwest China's Sichuan province, have publicized their 2018 figures as well, at respectively 77.52, 78.88, and 77.1 years old.

Life expectancy is defined as the average time a newborn is expected to live, based on stable death rates. Six places in China exceed 80 years old so far.

The six places, ranked from high to low, are Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, and Taiwan.

Hong Kong continues to be the region with the longest life expectancy in the world, with the 2017 average index for men and women at 81.7 and 87.7 years old, respectively.

Life expectancy is not directly related to natural environment factors, but largely depends on economic development level and medical care system. For this reason, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and the other regions' average life expectancy has exceeded 80 years old, according to National Business Daily.

Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan province is an example of a place where the 2018 average life expectancy exceeded 80 years for the first time, reaching 80.54 years old. That is 3.44 years higher than the per capita life expectancy of 77.1 years in Sichuan Province. This also is closely related to Chengdu's efforts to build a comprehensive information platform for disease surveillance and establish a major disease prevention and control mechanism.

"China's life expectancy is rising dramatically and it has now surpassed some high-income countries," World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Alison Clements-Hunt once told Reuters.

According to a report of a study by the US Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Chinese life expectancy will exceed Americans' by 2040. The average US life expectancy in 2017 fell from 78.7 to 78.6, the second decline since 2015.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its latest report, World Health Statistics 2018, showing that China's life expectancy is about 76.4 years old, including 75 years for men and 77.9 years for women, and ranks 52nd, which is higher than before.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has defended the decision to investigate implementing a new digital services tax (DST), saying it's the right thing to do.



Ms Ardern announced during Monday's post-cabinet press conference a discussion document about taxes companies such as Facebook and Google should pay will be released in later in 2019.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in a statement at the same time the tax would target "highly digitised companies" such as social media networks and online advertising.

"The current tax rules also provide a competitive advantage to foreign companies in the digital services field compared to local companies who offer e-commerce, online advertising, and social networking services."

Mr Robertson said cross-border digital services are worth around $2.7 billion in New Zealand.

Ms Ardern told The AM Show on Tuesday New Zealand was following the lead of several other countries.

"Internationally, you'll see that there's very specific forms of tax being developed and designed to deal with, especially, a growth in a part of the economy that our tax systems aren't designed to deal with."

International taxes tend to be around 2 to 3 percent and based on turnover, that's the kind of tax the Government will look into, Ms Ardern said.

She said it's important for the Government to look into the tax to make sure tax system is balanced and fair.

It's not fair to say corporations will pull out because of the tax though.

"Some [companies] have even said 'look, we will follow the law of the land', so any scaremongering around the fact that we might lose these services I would dismiss.

"We're not alone in this, Australia is currently looking at exactly the same thing as is the UK, as is Austria, as are a number of European countries, Germany and so on.

"This is the right thing to do."

"Potential hazards"

PWC tax expert Geof Nightingale told The AM Show New Zealand could implement a DST, but it comes with "potential hazards".

"There's always a risk whilst we might collect the tax from the multinationals the economic burden of it shifts to the consumer through the pricing," he said.

There's evidence of this happening in the past with previous taxes, and Mr Nightingale said it would be a risk.

"There was a bit of evidence that happened when we put GST onto digital services in October 2016, some of the companies changed their prices and some didn't.

"It's not clear, but that is a risk that this tax could [have]."

Victoria University tax expert John Shewan had the same sentiments, and told Newshub the devil will be in the detail.

"It may well be is those companies simply pass that back to the New Zealand users so the tax ends up actually being borne by New Zealanders, so that's a big issue."

Newshub.
A house in New Plymouth at the centre of an Armed Offenders Squad callout has been burned to the ground.

Witnesses say they were awoken by the smell of smoke and a sky full of flames as the fire in the suburb of Spotswood broke out.

Craig Jeffrey saw the event unfold and told Newshub it was "unbelievable".

"I looked out my window and there was this big red glow... The sky was just full of flames."

Mr Jeffrey says he jumped out of bed and took a series of pictures, but quickly became concerned the situation could take a turn for the worse.

"This could create all sorts of problems. The powerlines are right there. If the fire hits them, God knows what."

Two weeks ago, the Armed Offenders Squad surrounded the same house in an 11-hour standoff during what police described as a "domestic dispute".

A 31-year-old man was charged with breach of bail and threats to kill. Police say he wasn't involved in the fire.

But last night, one neighbour thought the man had come back.

"I heard the windows smashing. I heard some popping. I was in bed. I thought the bugger had come back and was smashing the house up," Spotswood resident Jason Fox says.

But what he saw was a house engulfed in flames.

"By the time I got to the gate here, I was only here for a couple of minutes. By that time the whole house was flashed over and it was well involved."

The people inside had a lucky escape, with one person treated for smoke inhalation.

Six Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews fought the blaze with extra crews brought in from Oakura and Inglewood.

Police along with FENZ staff sifted through the remains this morning.

Emergency services are treating the fire as suspicious.

Newshub.
Two large weather systems may merge over New Zealand later this week, bringing wild wind and heavy downpours of rain to northern regions.

Meteorologists remain unable to predict whether Cyclone Oma, a category three cyclone currently moving past the northern tip of New Caledonia, will hit New Zealand.

NIWA forecaster Chris Brandolino suggests there are two possible scenarios, with both ending with a likelihood of significant rain and wind for Aotearoa.

"One scenario has [Cyclone Oma] going towards the Queensland coast, kind of just loitering out for the next several days, not really making it down to New Zealand," he told The AM Show on Tuesday.

Mr Brandolino said, under that scenario some "moisture" from the cyclone will peel off and hit New Zealand's northern regions, with another incoming weather system adding to the wild weather.

"That scenario also includes a separate weather system which comes Sunday or Monday, a southerly change. That brings some pretty good wind or rain for New Zealand".

The second scenario would see Oma making its way to New Zealand and "merging with the aforementioned southerly change".

That could create a massive weather system over the country, with Mr Brandolino saying the "atmospheric synergy" would produce something that was "greater than the sum of its parts".

"You get a much larger system - either scenario is probably going to produce some pretty significant weather."
Married At First Sight Australia groom Bronson Norrish shocked the show's experts when he dubbed wife Ines Basic a "c**t" during a commitment ceremony.

"When we did the questionnaire thing, Ines was amazing that night, like, really amazing. I loved her to pieces that night," he began during his turn on the couch.

"Next morning, the Hulk came out. Straight back to a c**t. I'm not calling her a c**t, I'm saying she acts like a c**t."

Basic was visibly shocked, replying: "I don't think this could get any worse".

The 34-year old former male stripper appeared to snap after a week full of insults from his bride, starting the moment she saw him at the altar and asked him to remove his eyebrow piercing.

Basic also said she was getting "inbred vibes" from her new husband and called his past profession "disgusting". During their honeymoon, she screamed for Norrish to "shut the f**k up", and previously had labeled him a "dick".

Norrish was slammed by one of the show's relationship experts, Mel Schilling, who warned him: "Don't use language like that if you want any chance of a relationship with a woman".

Fellow expert John Aiken said the pair would need to attend counseling, and maintained Norrish needed to learn "respect".

"I won't drop the 'c**t' word," Norrish said later during a piece-to-camera, "if she won't call me a dick."

Reaction online to the confrontation has been mostly in defense of Norrish, with many fans claiming he was simply calling Basic out for her bad behaviour.

"I honestly can't believe the 'experts' going off at Bronson for using the word "c**t" ONCE when she's been literally abusing the shit out of him since day one," one Twitter comment read.

"Such a bloody double standard."

Married At First Sight Australia is currently airing on Sundays at 7pm and Monday -Wednesday at 7.30pm on Three. Previous episodes can be viewed online on ThreeNow.



Newshub.
Comedian and television host John Oliver has come up with a solution to New Zealand's frequent omission from world maps.

Earlier this month, in the latest in a long line of omissions from maps, Ikea apologised for leaving New Zealand off a large multi-coloured map being sold in the United States.

"Ikea is responsible for securing correct and compliant motifs on all our products," a spokesperson said.

"We can see that the process has failed regarding the product BJORKSTA world map - we regret this mistake and apologise. We will take the necessary actions and the product is now being phased out from our stores."

Now Oliver, who has previously ridiculed Kiwi politicians such as Steven Joyce and Bill English on his Last Week Tonight show, has poked fun at the mistake.

"New Zealand gets left off maps all the time. Now, do I think that is funny? Yes, yes I do," Oliver said.
Few benefits from paid parking

My family has enjoyed the Riverwalk, the Bluffwalk, the Community Market and restaurants in downtown Lynchburg. So, I am not convinced that the paid parking plan is warranted. The Lynchburg City Source newsletter, posted on the citys website, attempts to justify the new paid parking lots downtown. It states the following:

If a parking lot is free, people tend to park all day, and that makes it difficult for patrons coming downtown to shop, eat or do business. By converting them to paid lots, visitors will have an easier time finding open parking spaces because vehicles will be moving in and out of parking spaces more frequently.

Personally, I have an easier time finding parking downtown than at my local grocer.

I cannot buy into this notion that paid parking will suddenly make parking more convenient for Lynchburg residents. It is likely that paid spaces will just remain empty.

I have no personal association with the Water Dog and the Depot Grille, but their customers will now have to pay a parking fee, in addition to the highest meals tax in the commonwealth. The restaurants downtown are the biggest draw to that area.
Local police in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, busted a poaching ring involving 100 harbor seal cubs in the north part of Liaodong Bay in recent weeks, but 37 of the animals are confirmed dead, according to local authorities.

On Feb 11, local police at Changxing Island found 100 stolen seal cubs, with 29 dead, police said. Another eight that were in critical condition when found died later. The remaining 63 are being cared for by ambulance workers, and drugs are still needed during feeding.

Suspects identified in the incident are Changxing Island residents who police said sneak out in a boat to steal newborn cubs from the harbor seals' natural breeding zone.

The harbor seal is not only a Level 2 protected national rare animal, but also the mascot of Liaoning province.

There are eight harbor seal breeding areas in the world and the Liaodong Bay area, where the poaching occurred is the southernmost site.

The protected animals usually cross the Bohai Strait in November and enter Liaodong Bay at the Bohai Sea to breed until February, then drift south, usually leaving the Bohai Sea in May.

The China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, an NGO that focuses on animal protection and ecological conservation, said it is necessary to prohibit the aquarium from privately purchasing harbor seals.

The foundation also appealed to authorities that they register harbor seals raised in different places, and establish certain records for them, as wellas give the animals with distinctive spots an annual check.
Three men were arrested Thursday in what police said was a stolen vehicle and are accused of stealing a number of items from around the University of Lynchburg area.

Two Lynchburg men  Shawn Malik Rose, 19, and Shyheim M. Hamlett, 21,  have both been charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of petty larceny, three counts of grand larceny, two counts of grand larceny of a vehicle, and two counts of tampering with a vehicle, according to a news release from the Lynchburg Police Department. Matthew Lucas Creasy, 19, of Madison Heights, has been charged with two counts of burglary, one count of petty larceny and one count of grand larceny.

Court records indicate Rose and Hamlett have also been charged with credit card theft.

According to the release when police started investigating burglaries and stolen vehicles from around the University of Lynchburg and Memorial and Oakley avenues they learned the suspects in those crimes might be driving a stolen vehicle. Some of the defendants charges date to alleged offenses on Feb. 12 and 13.

Detectives saw the stolen vehicle Thursday evening and tried to stop it on Campbell Avenue, according to LPD.
People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) need more support when understanding and acting on new chest symptoms, a study in the journal Psycho-Oncology reports.

During this unique study, led by the University of Glasgow and University of Surrey, researchers investigated how the experience of COPD, influences how individuals understand new or changing chest symptoms and their decision to seek help from medical professionals.

COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which cause breathing difficulties. Incidence of lung cancer is four-times higher in those with COPD compared to the general population and patients often confuse early signs of the devastating disease with a deterioration of their existing condition and do not seek medical advice.

Interviewing 40 participants with COPD, researchers discovered that none of the participants were aware that having the condition put them at increased risk of developing lung cancer. Due to a lack of knowledge and support, participants often attributed chest symptoms to external factors such as the weather or illness.

Researchers found that some participants did not seek medical advice following the development of symptoms as they were keen to 'not make a fuss' and believed that poor health was something to be accepted when diagnosed with the condition. A stigma associated with continued smoking was also identified by researchers, as participants were found to be reluctant in seeking help as they felt the doctor would blame their symptoms on smoking.

Participants also spoke about barriers in accessing care, which included scheduling appointments outside of usual working hours and difficulties in getting to the GP's surgery, when symptoms present themselves.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is vital to improving survival. Figures from Cancer Research UK reveal that when diagnosed at its earliest stage, almost 6 in 10 people with lung cancer will survive their disease for five years or more, compared with almost 5 in 100 people when diagnosed at a later stage.

Dr Katie Robb, Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, said: "Healthcare professionals need to do more to educate those with COPD about their increased risk of developing lung cancer and be more vigilant when a patient with the illness presents changing symptoms."

Dr Katriina Whitaker, Reader in Cancer Care at the University of Surrey, said: "Early diagnosis of lung cancer is vital in improving survival rates, we need those with COPD to go to the doctor as a matter of course when they notice a change in their symptoms and not be concerned about wasting the doctor's time."

Jodie Moffat, Head of Early Diagnosis at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's vital patients and their doctors stay alert to signs of cancer to ensure that any potential cancer is diagnosed as soon as possible. Symptoms of other diseases can mask cancer signs, so it's important patients know what to look out for. Changes to existing conditions, as well as new symptoms, should be checked out by a GP, and GPs need to be ready to consider cancer as an option."
In two back-to-back symposia at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 1:30 and 3:30 PM respectively, a cross-disciplinary cohort of scientists will present the first comprehensive investigations of how humans interacted with plant and animal species in different cultures worldwide through time. By compiling and comparing detailed data from pre-industrial and modern societies, the researchers are sketching a picture of humans' roles and impacts in sustainable and unsustainable socio-ecological systems.

"Almost all food webs that have been compiled and studied have been put together without including humans," says Jennifer Dunne (Santa Fe Institute), an ecologist and complex systems scientist who is leading the project with archaeologist Stefani Crabtree (Santa Fe Institute and Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity). "It takes a lot of time and effort to put these kinds of detailed data together. So even though ecologists have been studying food webs for decades, we're only now in a position where we can start to rigorously compare human roles and impacts across different systems to understand sustainability in new kinds of ways," says Dunne.

What do we learn when we do include humans?

As part of her presentation during the second symposium, Dunne will reveal initial results from a comparison of food webs that explicitly include humans across several socioecological systems. Three are pre-industrial systems -- the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, the Pueblo U.S. Southwest, and the Western Desert of Australia, and one is modern -- the Tagus Estuary of Portugal. Given the diversity of cultures, ecologies, climates, and time periods represented in the data, Dunne suggests that we can start to learn "something more general about human roles in, and impacts on, ecosystems" by comparing these systems. For example, humans are often super-generalists compared to other predators -- they feed on a huge variety of different species.

In some systems, humans as super-generalist predators can fit into ecosystems without causing extinctions or major environmental degradation. For example, according to Dunne's pioneering analysis published in Scientific Reports in 2016, the Sanak Island (Alaska) Aleut fed on a whopping 122 of 513 taxa in the nearshore marine ecosystem. However, like other predators, they switched from their favorite prey -- sea lions -- to shellfish, kelp, or whatever was readily available when the weather did not allow them to hunt in open water. "Prey-switching is very stabilizing for food webs," Dunne explains, "because it allows prey taxa populations to recover from exploitation, as the predator's focus shifts to other prey that are easier to forage or hunt given current conditions." That, plus limited use of hunting technology and other factors helped to minimize potential negative impacts of humans on the Sanak ecosystem -- during approximately 7,000 years of human habitation, there is no evidence for any long-term local extinctions.

Humans also stabilized the desert ecosystem of Western Australia, where Crabtree and Rebecca Bliege Bird (Pennsylvania State University) are examining how the Martu Aboriginal foragers are embedded in their surrounding ecosystems. According to Crabtree, Martu Aboriginal foragers stabilized their ecosystem by providing several ecosystem services such as lighting small brush fires to expose the burrows of small prey. The scorched patches left on the landscape served as natural fire breaks against larger, more devastating wildfires. When the Martu were removed from their homeland in the mid-20th century, wildfires increased dramatically in size, and several small mammals, like the Rufous Hare-wallaby, went extinct.

Bird will present a newly published network analysis for the Aboriginal foragers during the first symposium, following Andrew Dugmore (University of Edinburgh) and George Hambrecht's (University of Maryland) presentation of how Norse people in Iceland and Greenland used governance to mitigate anthropogenic degradation of the ecosystem.

Just as humans can have a stabilizing effect on their ecosystems, they can also play a destructive role. In the first symposium, archaeologist Jennifer Kahn (College of William and Mary) will present her ongoing historical analysis of the French Polynesian islands, including two cases where human interactions with their surroundings led to markedly different outcomes -- both for the ecosystems and the societies embedded within them.

Crabtree, in the second symposium, will present her analysis of the 700-year trajectory of the Ancestral Pueblo people in the Southwest U.S., and the extent to which human interactions with the ecosystem eventually led them to depopulate the region.

Iain McKechnie (University of Victoria and Hakai Institute) will then present anthropological and archaeological data that illustrates the resilience of the indigenous peoples of the North American Northwest Coast as they interacted with both marine and terrestrial species.

In the final talk, Dunne will cross-compare these and other systems and synthesize what we know, so far, about humanity's roles across ecosystems and time periods. In addition to presenting new results about human roles in food webs, she will also discuss new work that moves beyond feeding interactions to consider the myriad ways that humans interact with biodiversity in both simple and complex ways, for example by using species for medicine, shelter, tools, clothing, fuel, ritual purposes, and trade.

"Understanding ecosystems with humans as part of them is essential," Crabtree says. "We're not going anywhere. We are here to stay. We are going to keep impacting ecosystems, and we need to understand the ways that our impacts can lead to more sustainable and resilient systems."
A new software tool has proved to be four times more reliable than current methods at predicting prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. The tool was also able to predict the most effective course of treatment for patients once they had been diagnosed.

Fancy Studio | Shutterstock

Ovarian cancer is the sixth common cancer in women and mostly affects those who have gone through the menopause or those with a family history of the disease.

The long-term survival rate is only 35 to 40%, since the cancer is often only diagnosed during the later stages, once symptoms have already started to present. The ability to detect ovarian cancer at an earlier disease stage is urgently needed and could improve patient survival rates.

Currently, diagnosis of ovarian cancer involves a blood test for a substance called CA125 (a cancer indicator) and a CT scan that generates detailed images of ovarian tumors. These tests can help doctors see how far the cancer has spread and whether a patient may benefit from surgery or chemotherapy, for example. However, these tests do not reliably indicate how effective that therapy may be or the likelihood of survival.

As reported in the journal Nature Communications, researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Melbourne have now used a piece of mathematical software to assess tumor aggressiveness using CT scans and tissue samples taken from 364 patients with ovarian cancer between 2004 and 2015.

The software assessed four tumor characteristics (structure, size, shape and genetic make-up) that are known to influence patient survival. This generated a score called the Radiomic Prognostic Vector (RPV) that serves as an indicator of disease severity.

On comparing the RPV score with the blood tests results and prognostic scores doctors currently use, the team found it was up to four times more reliable at predicting patient death. It was also able to reliably identify the 5% of patients that would usually only survive for two years.

Identifying those patients early on enabled the team to better determine the most effective therapy and improve prognosis.

Researchers say the technology could help clinicians optimize treatment earlier on and lead to a more personalized approach to therapy:
A new study has found a link between the number of push-ups a person is able to do and the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings show that middle-aged men who are able to complete 10 push-ups could reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by as much as 97 percent.

g-stockstudio | Shutterstock

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is well documented that smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and lack of physical activity are some of the main risk factors for developing CVD.

The narrowing of our arteries with fatty substances, which can eventually lead to heart attacks and strokes, starts early, often in our 20s and 30s. Keeping fit, no matter your age, is an important way to reduce your risk. Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director, BHF

The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of assessing levels of physical activity, both in the clinic and within the workplace. They also highlight the need for physicians to objectively assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), as current methods (patient questionnaires) are open to patient bias.

Accurate and objective CRF assessments that are based on exercise tolerance are often expensive and require professional facilities and specialist staff to carry out.

The new study led by Harvard University researchers suggests that a simple, free test based on push-up capacity could be a useful way to assess CRF.

The study, which is the first of its kind, was carried out under the hypothesis that higher fitness levels would be associated with lower rates of incident CVD.

The researchers used data from fitness tests from over 1,000 firemen in the US state of Indiana. Over a period of ten years, medical records were observed to measure the amount of cardiovascular disease diagnoses.

Each participant undertook baseline and periodic physical exams that included push-up capacity and maximal or submaximal exercise tolerance tests between the years 2000 and 2007, with surveillance lasting until 2010.

With an average age of 39.6 (the actual ages ranging from 21 to 66), the cohort also had an average body-mass index (BMI) of 28.7. Despite being occupationally active, the cohorts BMI score of 28.7 put them in the overweight range.

Out of 1,104 men, 37 experienced health problems related to CVD, including heart failure, sudden cardiac death, or receiving coronary artery disease diagnoses. The study claims significant negative associations were found between increasing push-up capacity and CVD events.

Professor Jeremy Pearson stated this study shows that fitter firefighters have less chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next decade.

Whilst the results may not be revolutionary, the study highlights that push-up tests could be a simple, universal, cost-effective way of predicting CVD, potentially with more accuracy than a treadmill based test.

Senior author of the study and a specialist in cardiovascular disease Stefanos Kales said that push-up capacity is positively correlated with aerobic capacity and physical fitness, and that these types of objective functional markers are generally good predictors of mortality.

It is important to note that this study dealt with only one group of people, and the studys results may not be reflected in different groups of people. Other cohorts, such as women or people who are less active, would need to be tested to definitively prove this tests findings.
Children living in homes with all vinyl flooring or flame-retardant chemicals in the sofa have significantly higher concentrations of potentially harmful semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in their blood or urine than children from homes where these materials are not present, according to a new Duke University-led study.

The researchers presented their findings Sunday, Feb. 17 at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C.

They found that children living in homes where the sofa in the main living area contained flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in its foam had a six-fold higher concentration of PBDEs in their blood serum.

Exposure to PBDEs has been linked in laboratory tests to neurodevelopmental delays, obesity, endocrine and thyroid disruption, cancer and other diseases.

Children from homes that had vinyl flooring in all areas were found to have concentrations of benzyl butyl phthalate metabolite in their urine that were 15 times higher than those in children living with no vinyl flooring.

Benzyl butyl phthalate has been linked to respiratory disorders, skin irritations, multiple myeolma and reproductive disorders.

"SVOCs are widely used in electronics, furniture and building materials and can be detected in nearly all indoor environments," said Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment, who led the research. "Human exposure to them is widespread, particularly for young children who spend most of their time indoors and have greater exposure to chemicals found in household dust."

"Nonetheless, there has been little research on the relative contribution of specific products and materials to children's overall exposure to SVOCs," she noted.

To address that gap, in 2014 Stapleton and colleagues from Duke, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and Boston University began a three-year study of in-home exposures to SVOCs among 203 children from 190 families.

"Our primary goal was to investigate links between specific products and children's exposures, and to determine how the exposure happened -- was it through breathing, skin contact or inadvertent dust inhalation," Stapleton said.

To that end, the team analyzed samples of indoor air, indoor dust and foam collected from furniture in each of the children's homes, along with a handwipe sample, urine and blood from each child.

"We quantified 44 biomarkers of exposure to phthalates, organophosphate esters, brominated flame retardants, parabens, phenols, antibacterial agents and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)," Stapleton said.

Stapleton presented her team's findings at AAAS as part of the scientific session, "Homes at the Center of Chemical Exposure: Uniting Chemists, Engineers and Health Scientists."

She conducted the study with Kate Hoffman, assistant research professor in environmental sciences and policy; research assistant Emina Hodzic; and PhD students Jessica Levasseur, Stephanie Hammel and Allison Phillips, all of Duke.
China will attract a large pour of foreign investment in 2019, as the country keeps widening foreign access to its capital market, China Securities News reported Monday.

In 2018, China's capital market welcomed a record-high overseas investment of 120 billion U.S. dollars, the newspaper said, citing a report released by the Citibank.

The bank also projects that foreign capital worth 200 billion U.S. dollars will flow to China's capital market this year.

The report attributes the rise to more channels open for foreign capital, including the expected rising inclusion factor for China's A-shares in MSCI and the inclusion of Chinese bonds to Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index.

Morgan Stanley's report echoes with that of the Citibank on the issue, revealing that both the bond and stock markets in China will see an enormous inflow of foreign capital.

China's A-share market is expected to embrace an overseas investment totaling in a range between 70 billion and 125 billion U.S. dollars this year, while its corporate bonds will see an inflow of 300 billion to 400 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, said Morgan Stanley's report.

An analyst with Japan's Mizuho Bank said that Shanghai-London stock connect program will also catalyze more foreign capitals to Chinese A-shares.

On Feb. 12 this year, China rolled out new rules to support equity incentives for foreign employees at domestic listed firms in its latest effort to further open up its capital market.
Seven years after the introduction of flat-rate payments at Swiss hospitals, a major study has revealed a slight increase in readmission rates. Researchers from the University of Basel and the cantonal hospital of Aarau reported the findings in the journal JAMA Network Open.

In January 2012, a flat-rate payment structure for inpatient hospital services was introduced across Switzerland in the form of the Swiss Diagnosis Related Groups (SwissDRG). Proponents of the new system hoped it would lead to a reduction in overcapacity, shorter lengths of stay, and slower cost increases. Critics, however, warned of the risks of early discharges from hospital.

Impact on healthcare

Researchers from the University of Basel and the cantonal hospital of Aarau have now conducted the first broad-based study on the impact of the new reimbursement model. Based on data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, they analyzed over 2.4 million hospitalizations throughout Switzerland from 2009 to 2015. The study period therefore includes three years prior to and four years after the change in the system.

Specifically, the study investigated the impact of the new hospital reimbursement model on length of hospital stay as well as on in-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates - important indicators of efficiency and quality of care.

No effect on length of hospital stay

It was clear that the length of hospital stay decreased steadily, from 8 to 7.2 days, over the whole study period - a trend that has not accelerated with the introduction of the new reimbursement system. Similarly, in-hospital mortality also decreased over the study period.

More readmissions

On the other hand, the rate at which patients returned to hospital within 30 days of discharge increased from 14.4% to 15.0%. "This slight but significant increase could potentially point to early discharges," says Dr. Alexander Kutz, author of the study, although he adds that it is difficult to establish causal relationships because the study did not take account of factors such as post-discharge mortality.

Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the study is the first to provide reliable insights into the impact of SwissDRG on the quality of care in Swiss hospitals. It highlights a need for additional and perhaps more sensitive analyses in order to investigate the effect on further quality indicators at the patient, staff, and hospital level.

Source: https://www.unibas.ch/en/News-Events/News/Uni-Research/Introduction-of-flat-rate-payments-accompanied-by-an-increase-in-readmission-rates.html
Brain-computer interfaces promise to restore communication for individuals with severe speech and physical impairments. Current brain computer interfaces share many features of high-tech, conventional augmentative and alternative communication systems, but via direct brain link. Choosing the "right" brain-computer interface that maximizes reliability of the neural control signal and minimizes fatigue and frustration is critical.

Jonathan Brumberg, assistant professor of speech-language-hearing at the University of Kansas, will present on this subject and demonstrate a variety of brain-computer interfaces in his talk, "Evolution in Technology to Aid and Restore Communication," at the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

What: "Talking without Speaking: Overcoming Communication Challenges with Technology," a scientific sessions panel at AAAS.

Who: Jonathan Brumberg, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS; [email protected]

When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Sunday, February 17, 2019

Where: Marriott Wardman Park - Thurgood Marshall Ballroom East, 2660 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, D.C., 20008

Background (panel description): Millions live with developmental or acquired communication disorders that significantly limit their ability to communicate with those around them. People can be left at a loss for words because of disorders such as autism, cerebral palsy, or intellectual disability, as well as acquired disorders such as stroke and brain injury. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) helps people overcome communication barriers via a range of high- and low-tech options. No longer simply science fiction, brain-computer interfaces can now be a plausible solution for acquired disorders. Evolving mobile technology has helped to normalize AAC use by making tablet and smartphones central to everyday interaction. However, the attitude that there's an app for everything creates its own problems. First, basic language challenges, such as aphasia and autism, require well-organized interface designs and partner support for successful AAC use. For people with relatively intact cognitive-linguistic skills, barriers include physical access to devices. The recipe for successful communication for people needing AAC requires the right technology as well as an understanding of user abilities and limitations. While possibilities are endless, considerations about the application of technology must always be at the forefront of AAC implementation practice. The session explores these scientific opportunities and pragmatic challenges.
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Police have released the names of two people who were fatally shot Sunday in an apartment in Henderson, along with two others who were injured.
Longview, TX (75601)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 92F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 74F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Perry Village government workers will be able to see what their employment actually costs th
The apartment and parking deck complex will possibly be next to Todd Field in downtown Willoughby.
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The U.S. Commerce Department on Sunday submitted a report to the White House on whether to impose tariffs on imported cars and auto parts on national security grounds.

"Today, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross formally submitted to President Donald J. Trump the results of the Department of Commerce's investigation into the effects of imports of automobiles and automobile parts on the national security of the United States," the department said in a statement, without disclosing any details of the recommendations.

The department launched the Section 232 investigation in May 2018 at the president's request, with the purpose of evaluating the effects of imports on national security.

Automakers and parts suppliers are expecting recommendations of auto tariffs of up to 25 percent.

In a report released Friday, the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) estimated that the cumulative effect of current and potential U.S. trade actions on automobiles and auto parts could cause new car prices to rise by 2,750 U.S. dollars on average.

"The vast majority of the estimated price impacts are attributable to the potential auto and parts tariffs that the Administration is considering imposing under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended," the report said.

The cumulative effect of the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, the potential 25 percent Section 232 tariff on imported autos and auto parts, along with other added tariffs and trade measures could lead to a 1.3 million drop in U.S. light vehicle sales and 366,900 fewer U.S. jobs.

In a statement earlier this month, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, which represents auto parts suppliers, also warned that auto tariffs would push up costs of production and lead to massive job losses.

"These tariffs, if imposed, would adversely impact the success and growth of American manufacturing businesses by placing manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage to their global counterparts and eroding U.S. jobs," the group said.

"Such actions would weaken our nation's economy by harming U.S. manufacturers of vehicles and vehicle parts, and would deter U.S. investments in new innovative technologies," it said.

Trump has 90 days to decide whether to adopt the recommendations and introduce tariffs on imported vehicles and auto parts.
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Norma K. Darragh, executive director of Shepherds Inc., will address the Senior Men's Club of New Canaan in Morrill Hall at St. Mark's Church on Friday, June 8, at 10 a.m. She will be accompanied by Timothy J. Stuart, president, and Wedney Morgan, one of Shepherds' inaugural students.

The Shepherds Program is a grassroots, nondenominational nonprofit organization, founded in Fairfield County that provides inner city Connecticut youth who are "at-risk," financially, emotionally or environmentally with a quality college preparatory education in a non-public high school environment.

Founded in 1998 with five students at one pilot school in Bridgeport, the program has changed the lives of more than 220 deserving students from Bridgeport, Danbury, Middletown, New Haven and Stamford, whom guidance counselors fear would fall through the cracks in an inner city public high school.

Shepherds' unique sponsor/mentor relationship has a proven track record. Individual benefactors, foundations and corporations support student tuition.

Each student is paired with a mentor who works one-on-one to fill a void in these young people's lives, providing direction, encouragement and support over the four-year journey.

To date, 156 students have earned their high school diplomas in areas where dropout rates are as high as 44.6 percent. More than 90 percent of Shepherds students have pursued higher education. The impact is far-reaching, affecting not only the students, but their families and their communities as well.

More Information Fact box See More Collapse

Wedney Morgan, a young man who grew up in "The Hollow" in Bridgeport, was one of the five inaugural Shepherds students to graduate from Kolbe Cathedral in 2002. Awarded the Maximilian Kolbe Award for leadership and service, Morgan earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Vermont in 2006. He is employed at Kohler Ronan LLC with offices in Danbury and Manhattan, and has returned to his alma mater as a Shepherds mentor.

To learn more about Shepherds, call 203-367-4273, or email info@shepherdsinc.com, or visit www.shepherdsinc.com.

The Senior Men's Club of New Canaan is open for new members. Applicants are welcome to attend this meeting. Visit www.smcnc.org for more information or call membership chairman Jerry Transue at 203-966-6050.
Alcoholic with a grudge started fire in assisted housing block

A MAN with a grudge against society who terrorised an entire community has been jailed for a potentially deadly arson attack.

It was sheer luck, said a judge, that Peter Higgins was unsuccessful in sparking a blaze which could have trapped around 50 residents inside an assisted housing block.

Higgins set out to make his local communitys life a misery and police were regularly called to Speenhamland Court in Newbury as a result of his drinking binges.

But it took the terrifying incident, in which he shoved flaming tissue paper through the letterbox of his long-suffering next door neighbour, 77-year-old Margaret Benger, to win the residents some peace.

Judge Angela Morris told him: You endangered everyone in that building.

[Residents] would have had to negotiate past the fire in order to escape.

Higgins was in the dock at Reading Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing, having admitted committing arson and being reckless as to whether life was endangered on November 14 last year.

The 60-year-old also has numerous previous convictions for offences including several counts of drink-driving, driving while disqualified, causing criminal damage, harassment and breaching restraining orders.

Lee Harris, prosecuting, said fire service investigators said that, had the blaze not self-extinguished because there were no letters or newspapers beneath, it could have rapidly spread to the entire complex.

By sheer chance, Mrs Benger had been out at the time and was horrified when she returned home to find the fire damage inside her home.

She said in a victim impact statement that her entire life had been blighted by Higgins and she was now living in terror.

The court heard that Higgins had also terrorised others in Newbury, threatening a woman with what appeared to be a pistol and warning: Ill make you suffer. Youll be sad when I burn your dog. Wait and worry...

John Simmons, defending, conceded that pre-sentence reports made unfortunate reading and said: One can only begin to appreciate the distress and anxiety this has caused.

n Continued on page 5

All sorts of things could have happened  but, thankfully, they didnt.

His said his client was an alcoholic who had an animus against society as a whole.

Judge Morris told Higgins: Speenhamland Court is an assisted housing block for the over 55s.

Some residents are vulnerable, to a greater or lesser degree, by reason of age or infirmity.

Shortly after you were provided a flat there by the local authority the police had to come on a number of occasions due to your behaviour.

There were a number of complaints about you as a result of the residents being upset.

You caused problems for your neighbours from the start by your alcohol dependency and irrational behaviour.

The consequences were that you were at odds with your neighbours, including Mrs Benger.

She said of the fire that it was more by luck than judgement that it had not ripped through the entire building, trapping the residents inside.

Judge Morris added: You were out of control. The most serious aspect is the level of risk your actions posed to life and property.

You appear to have little, if any, intention of curbing your drinking... alcohol has consumed you.

Turning to the dock officer, she said: Take him down, please.

Higgins was jailed for 33 months.

In addition, he was ordered to pay a statutory victim services surcharge of 170.
Benchmark oil prices posted weekly gains during the week ending Feb. 15, with the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for March delivery up by 5.4 percent and Brent crude for April delivery up by 6.7 percent.

In the previous week ending Feb. 8, oil prices fell. WTI and Brent crude decreased by 4.6 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. At the end of that week, WTI settled at 52.72 U.S. dollars a barrel, while Brent crude closed at 62.1 dollars a barrel.

The U.S. oil rig count rose by three this week, bringing the total count to 857. The number of active drilling rigs in the United States increased by two to 1,051, or 76 more than the same time last year.

On Monday, oil prices fell as rising U.S. rig count and energy demand concerns weighed on the market. WTI decreased 0.31 dollar to settle at 52.41 dollars a barrel, while Brent crude dropped 0.59 dollar to close at 61.51 dollars a barrel.

Traders fretted over signs of rising U.S. oil production and concerned about a slowdown in energy demand triggered by a weakening global economy, experts noted.

In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook released on Tuesday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that U.S. crude oil production averaged 12.0 million barrels per day in January, up 90,000 barrels per day from December 2018. It also forecast that U.S. crude oil production is going to average 12.4 million barrels per day in 2019 and 13.2 million barrels per day in 2020, with most of the growth coming from the Permian region of the state of Texas and New Mexico.

According to EIA, global liquid fuels inventories grew by an estimated 0.5 million barrels per day in 2018, and it is expected to grow by 0.4 million barrels per day in 2019 and by 0.6 million barrels per day in 2020.

Meanwhile, the European Commission cut its forecast for euro zone economic growth in 2019 and 2020 in its latest report, reigniting fears of global economic slowdown.

Furthermore, a stronger U.S. dollar made commodities priced in the currency, such as crude oil, less attractive to investors.

On Tuesday, oil prices climbed as latest data showed the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) significantly curbed the crude oil production in January, indicating a tightening global supply. WTI increased 0.69 dollar to settle at 53.10 dollars a barrel, and Brent crude climbed 0.91 dollar to close at 62.42 dollars a barrel.

OPEC reported on Tuesday that crude oil production decreased by 797,000 barrels per day in January to average 30.81 million barrels per day.

Preliminary data indicated that global oil supply decreased in January by 1.03 million barrels per day, month-on-month, to average 99.32 million barrels per day.

The report came after a meeting in December that OPEC and some other major oil producers, including Russia, pledged to cut production by 1.2 million barrels per day, effective from January 2019.

On Wednesday, oil prices gained as reports showed further reduction in global output, bolstering the market. WTI increased 0.80 dollar to settle at 53.90 dollars a barrel, while Brent crude rose 1.19 dollars to close at 63.61 dollars a barrel.

Global supply fell 1.4 million barrels per day to 99.7 million barrels per day in January, said the monthly report on Wednesday by the International Energy Agency.

On Thursday, oil prices extended gains as trade optimism and reports of further reduction in global energy supply bolstered the market. WTI increased 0.51 dollar to settle at 54.41 dollars a barrel, while Brent crude climbed 0.96 dollar to close at 64.57 dollars a barrel.

On Friday, oil prices continued to advance as the market was bolstered by signs of progress on U.S.-China trade talks and a tightening energy supply. WTI increased 1.18 dollars to settle at 55.59 dollars a barrel, while Brent crude rose 1.68 dollars to close at 66.25 dollars a barrel.

China and the United States held the sixth round of high-level economic and trade consultations in Beijing from Thursday to Friday.

The two sides earnestly implemented the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their Argentina meeting late last year, and had in-depth communication on topics of mutual concern including technological transfer, intellectual property rights protection, non-tariff barriers, the service industry, agriculture, trade balance and implementation mechanism; as well as on issues of China's concern.

Both sides reached consensus in principle on major issues and had specific discussions about a memorandum of understanding on bilateral economic and trade issues.

The two sides said they would step up their work within the time limit for consultations set by both heads of state, and strive for consensus.

They agreed that consultations will be continued in Washington in the upcoming week. The market will focus on the development of the talks.
Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURE
Five Democratic senators vying for their party's nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 fanned out across the country Saturday to campaign and meet voters.

Kamala Harris of California spent her second straight day in the pivotal early-voting state of South Carolina, holding a town hall meeting in Columbia, the capital. Also visiting the state was Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who met with an estimated 800 voters in Greenville before heading to Georgia  an unusual early stop for a White House hopeful but one that signals Democratic hopes to make inroads in the South.

Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York both focused on New Hampshire. Booker made his first visit to there since joining the race earlier this month, holding a question-and-answer session with more than 400 voters in Portsmouth.

Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, meanwhile, made her own uncommon choice for early campaigning by visiting Wisconsin before heading to Iowa, home to the nation's first caucus.

And a Democratic heavyweight who's yet to address his 2020 plans, former Vice President Joe Biden, made his own high-profile appearance at the Munich Security Conference.

The Democratic senators stepped up their campaigning during the long holiday weekend at the start of Congress' first recess this year. Their outreach to voters came in the wake of Trump's controversial decision to declare a national emergency in order to unilaterally redirect federal money for his promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Some highlights from the trail:

CORY BOOKER

The New Jersey senator plans to spend three days in New Hampshire, which casts the first votes in the 2020 primary, and he kicked off the swing with a freewheeling "conversation" that drew questions on health care, the environment and foreign relations.

Booker is one of several Democratic presidential contenders who back legislation that would transition the United States to universal health insurance coverage, but he acknowledged Saturday that compromise may be necessary to get major health care legislation through the Senate.

Booker told voters in New Hampshire there are a "lot of pathways" to achieving universal health coverage, noting that just lowering Medicare eligibility to age 55 would be "a step in the right direction." He said supporters of so-called Medicare for All are "going to have to find ways to advance the ball given the Congress that we have."

Booker brought a personal touch to his first official visit to New Hampshire as a presidential candidate, sharing his African-American family's story of struggling to buy a home in a majority-white neighborhood in the late 1960s as he urged the crowd to "put that indivisible back in this one nation under God." The famously social media-savvy senator stayed long after the event concluded to snap selfies and record videos with supporters.

KAMALA HARRIS

The California senator visited a handful of female-owned businesses in Columbia, South Carolina, on the second day of a swing through the early-voting state.

Harris walked along Lady Street and stopped in Styled by Naida, a black-owned business, and made several purchases, including a wide-brimmed teal hat. The candidate also met with a group of women leaders at a restaurant a block away.

Her visit was organized by Jennifer Clyburn Reed, whose father is Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the third-ranking Democratic leader in the U.S. House.

A prominent Democratic activist in the state, Clyburn Reed hasn't yet backed any of the Democrats running for president, and she's organized similar trips for other candidates.

At a town hall in West Columbia, a voter told Harris that most Democrats are looking for someone who will defeat Trump in 2020. The woman became emotional and said she feared the world she was leaving behind for her children and grandchildren, and asked Harris what sets her apart from other Democrats running.

Harris said she believes this moment is a time "that we need fighters on stage who know how to fight - I do - and who have a proven desire to lead."

KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND

Gillibrand, in her second day of campaigning in New Hampshire, issued a rebuke of what she called President Donald Trump's divisive language.

The New York senator and Democratic presidential candidate told a crowd of about 450 people Saturday at Dartmouth College  her alma mater  that the president's worst offense since he was elected has been to "dehumanize people" and create a climate of fear and hatred, especially toward immigrants.

Gillibrand said Trump wants Americans "to be afraid of one another." She insisted "that's not who we are."

Gillibrand, who took questions from the audience, said she favors a single-payer health care system modeled on Medicare and would take on climate change by incentivizing the creation of renewable energy. She added that she was optimistic that "common sense" gun laws would pass now that young voters are calling for change.

JOE BIDEN

The former vice president isn't officially part of the 2020 presidential race, but he bolstered his case for a potential candidacy by speaking to an international audience about the need to restore America's ability to claim leadership in the world.

Without saying President Donald Trump's name, Biden said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference that current policies do not reflect the country as he perceives it.

"The America I see values basic human decency, not snatching children from their parents or turning our backs on refugees at our border. Americans know that's not right," Biden said.

He said the U.S. doesn't want to turn its back on its closest allies and cherishes democracy, the rule of law and a free press, telling the conference that the America he sees "stands up to the aggression of dictators and against strongmen who rule by coercion, corruption and violence."

A former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden is likely to lean on his international-relations credentials should he choose to join the increasingly crowded field of Democrats running for their party's presidential nomination.

While he has yet to disclose any timetable for deciding whether to enter the race, Biden has two public events slated for later this month, the first at the University of Pennsylvania and the second in Delaware, his home state.

And he isn't the only well-known politician on the fence about the Democratic primary. Among the others are Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas congressman, and Sherrod Brown, an Ohio senator.

Associated Press writer Juana Summers contributed to this report.
New Hampshire authorities say a woman found dead had suffered "multiple sharp injuries."

Police said 42-year-old Melissa Hatch, of Madison, was found dead in a home on Friday. A juvenile was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said in a news release Sunday night an autopsy determined the cause of Hatch's death was "multiple sharp injuries including deep incised wounds of the neck."

The statement said the investigation into the circumstances of Hatch's death remain active and ongoing.
You are here: Business

China's banking and insurance regulator has given the country's largest lender the go-ahead to set up a wealth management subsidiary.



The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has got the approval from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC), the regulator announced Saturday.

Four other big lenders Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Construction Bank of China and Bank of China have gotten the nod for the business in the past two months.

China issued rules in early December 2018 for commercial banks' wealth management branches to strengthen their risk management and support the real economy.

The CBIRC has received wealth management branch applications of several commercial banks and more banks will follow suite.

Establishment of wealth management units will enrich the mix of institutional investors, bring more funds to the real economy and the finance market, and meet consumers' diversified needs, the CBIRC said.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles is updating driver's licenses and non-driver identification cards with advanced security features.

That means licenses and ID cards will no longer be printed during visits to a DMV office starting in July.

The DMV says the newly designed card will be printed and mailed from a high-security facility.

Vermonters who are getting a license or renewing one starting this summer will get a temporary paper license or ID valid for 30 days.

Officials say a secondary form of identification may be required to board a plane or cash a check until the permanent license arrives in the mail.

Current licenses and ID cards are valid until they expire.
Authorities are investigating the death of a University of Rhode Island student.

WJAR reports that URI campus police responded to a medical emergency around 8:30 a.m. Saturday at 4 Fraternity Circle on the Kingston Campus.

Dominique Franco was transported to South County Hospital where she was pronounced dead, WJAR reports.

Franco was president of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, according to the chapter's website.

School officials confirmed the student's death in a statement on Facebook, saying, "The University of Rhode Island is saddened by the loss this weekend of one of our community members."

The university also released a list of resources available to students in the coming weeks, including in the Greek Life offices and Dean of Students Office.

The list specifically stated that staff would be available to meet with groups of students in the Greek community and College of Nursing by arrangement.

State Police tell WJAR that the death was not the result of foul play.

Campus police, state police, and the attorney general's office are investigating.
Bedford High School and Ross A. Lurgio Middle School were closed Monday morning after the high school received a threat.

According to Mike Fournier, the superintendent of BHS, the school's administration received a written note with information about doing harm at a specified period of time at 10:00 a.m. Monday morning.

The Bedford, New Hampshire police as well as the administration at the two schools decided to dismiss students. Police assisted the schools with an orderly and safe dismissal, Fournier said.

"Our top priority is student safety followed by accurate parent communication," Fournier said.

The superintendent asks parents to speak with their students about the "see something/say something policy" so that their schools can continue to be safe and secure.

Fournier says BHS plans on having a normal school day Tuesday.
Two snowmobilers sustained life threatening injuries in New Hampshire over the weekend.

Brandon Quinn, 57 of Meredith, New Hampshire, was traveling at 45 m.p.h. from Alton Bay to Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee. Quinns snowmobile struck an ice pressure ridge causing him to be ejected about 75 feet.

Lakes Region Mutual Fire, Gilford EMS and police departments responded to the scene. Quinn was transported to Concord Hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Quinn was wearing a helmet at the time of his accident. No further details are available at this time regarding his status.

On Sunday, Michael Patti, 37 of Fitchburg, Massachusetts lost control of his snowmobile resulting it to roll on top of him.

Patti was operating his snowmobile on Lake Potanipo in Brookline, New Hampshire. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Patti was transported to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester where he is being treated for life threatening injuries.

Conservation officers, Brookline Police Department and Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division say speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors to the crash.

The incident is still under investigation and there is no further information at this time.
Senator Cory Booker continued his swing through New Hampshire Sunday, with three different campaign stops as he focused on a message of unity for the American people, regardless of party.

He greeted hundreds of voters in Rochester while promoting his work on criminal justice legislation. Booker played an important role in shaping the bipartisan deal to overhaul federal sentencing and prison laws, working with Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican.

Booker says he could write a "dissertation'' on his general disagreements with Grassley, but says the two were able to find common ground. The criminal justice deal was backed by President Donald Trump. He signed it into law in December.

After the Rochester meeting, Booker told reporters that he would reserve judgment on reports alleging actor Jussie Smollett is under investigation for possible involvement in his own assault "until all the information actually comes out from on-the-record sources.''

Booker had called the attack on Smollett a "modern-day lynching" after the actor first reported it.

The Democratic presidential candidate turned his focus back to combating hate crimes broadly. Booker called for a unified pushback against "attacks on people because they're different.''

While at a house party in Manchester where he spoke in front of a packed living room about his life growing up, the New Jersey senator shared how his family faced racism when buying a house.

As the senator made his pitch to become the next president, he said he is running because the country needs a revival of civic grace.

"I'm running for president not just to win an office, but there is a larger campaign for our country. Our nation is a moral moment. We are at a crossroad that's going to define who we are. We all have to accept the responsibilities that we are framers again. That we have to re-establish the ideals for this country in this generation," he said.

Booker also said the 2020 presidential primary race should not be about President Donald Trump or the democrats, but about the cause of the country, saying you can't fight a fire with more fire.

"People tell me if you're gonna beat Trump, you gotta bring it," Booker said. "Well, I believe in bringing it, but not bringing more of what Trump is bringing."

The senator says his political philosophy now is the same he had when he got started and won him election after election.

Booker's last event of the day was held at the Electric Avenue Arcade in Manchester with the New Hampshire Young Democrats, where he said many of the issues he has been talking about have been going on before Trump took office.

Booker stayed long after his speech was done, speaking with voters and taking selfies. He will now head back to his home state of New Jersey, but he was not the only candidate in the Granite State, which will hold the first primary next year.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wrapped up her three-day visit, California Senator Kamala Harris is campaigning there until Monday, and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is heading to Manchester on Monday.
Lowell Police say a man accused of kidnapping his 1-year-old son has been located in Mexico.

The police department said Monday that Fillemom De Lima, 37, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, is being held by Mexican authorities at an immigration detention center.

De Lima and his son were last seen on Jan. 9. Lowell Police and the FBI traced him to Mexico City.

The boy was reunited with his mother, Mahalia Alexander-Paggi, Sunday night at Logan International Airport in Boston.

It's unclear whether De Lima is represented by an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Police say if he made it to Brazil, they may not have been able to reunite the boy with his mother.

Several federal agencies helped with the investigation, including Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities are actively investigating after several tombstones were toppled over in a Massachusetts cemetery.

Boston police responded after receiving a complaint that more than a dozen grave stones were knocked over at Saint Josephs Cemetery in West Roxbury.

Some neighbors believe this is an act of vandalism.

The cemetery is the final resting place for many well-known Bostonians, including gangster Whitey Bulger.

Ken Martin says the damage doesnt look like a mob hit, though.

"I gotta think more than one person put their weight behind it," Martin said. "There doesn't seem to be any tire tracks or anything."

Martin says he saw the destruction Sunday morning and immediately called police before checking to make sure his parents gravestone was okay.

A lot of the headstones were knocked down on the outer edge of the cemetery.

"Whoever did it just kind of walked around doing it," Martin said.

Its unclear how this all happened but Martin believes this is vandalism.

"People are calling me asking, is my mother or my grandmas grave toppled over?" Martin said.

He has been checking and hopes police make arrests.

"Who could have done this?" Martin asked. "This is just, some things are just beyond comprehension, and this is certainly one of them."

Authorities say they have no suspect or suspects at this time.

This is an ongoing investigation.
Boston police say they have found a missing Dorchester man.

According to authorities, 77-year-old Joseph Rigueur has been found safe and sound.

Rigueur, who suffers from early signs of dementia, had last been seen at 2 a.m. Monday morning in the area of 162 Devon Street in Dorchester. He was driving a 1994 green Toyota Camry with Massachusetts license plate 134DE2.

Police thanked everybody who assisted in the search.

No other information was released.
Police are investigating a fatal shooting after a man was shot and killed Saturday night in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Authorities say they responded to a report of a shooting on Spring Avenue in the area of Walker Street just after 6:15 p.m.

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 30-year-old Lowell man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Lowell General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Right away I just went to the hospital, said Tony Iem, the victims brother. The doctor came out and announced that he was  that he didnt make it.

The victim's brother has identified the man as Jimmy Iem. According to Tony Iem, his brother leaves behind a girlfriend, a 3-year-old son and 5-year-old son.

My moms still hoping hes going to wake up, and I hope the same, said Tony Iem. Its hard to accept it; I cant believe it.

The Iem family gathered at the scene of the shooting Sunday to create a memorial.

"When you think of a big brother who you can go to and feel safe around, he was that guy," Tony Iem said.

Jimmy Iem had just returned from a Valentine's Day weekend trip with his girlfriend when he stopped by a friend's house, his brother says.

"He came out to grab his phone from his car, and it happened," Tony Iem said.

Investigators are working to determine what exactly happened and why. Lowell police haven't announced any arrests in the case.

The victim's identity has not yet been released by authorities.

The Middlesex District Attorney's Office will only say that the shooting was not random.

The fatal incident remains under investigation.
China's domestic smartphone shipments reached 32.06 million units, down 4.3 percent year-on-year, accounting for 94.2 percent of the total number of shipments, said a new report by China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT).



In general, China's smartphone makers shipped 34.04 million units in the first month of 2019, down 12.8 percent year-on-year, accounting for 95.0 percent of smartphone shipments of the same period last year, said the report.

Despite the shipment drop, the market share of China's domestic brands has witnessed a steadily growing trend since last October, which stood at 84.4 percent. Figures from November and December's read 86.4 and 90.2 percent respectively, according to the report.

The report showed that smartphone shipments stood at 32.15 million units in January, down 11.4 percent year-on-year, accounting for 94.4 percent of the same period of smartphone shipments. Android phones accounted for 93.2 percent of smartphones.

Besides securing the domestic market, China's smartphones also gained a foothold on the European market. Canalys reported that China's smartphones took a third of the European market with top smartphone maker Huawei seizing over 23 percent of the total.

The increased appetite for Chinese brands is not only limited to lower prices but also their high quality and performance.

An industry analyst told the Verge that the major factor of Huawei's success is its aggressive technological innovation that brings it to the same level as smartphone giants Samsung and Apple in the global market.

According to a report published by the Financial Times a week ago, the number of customers who have expressed their intention to buy a Huawei phone next has seen a 33 percent rise.



However, the US-based research company IDC warned that with China's smartphone market growing saturated, competition for customers will become an even more important challenge for vendors in 2019.
Two additional Salem, New Hampshire police officers are now on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Back in November, the attorney generals office launched an investigation into police practices following an outside audit.

That report outlined a trend of mismanaged internal investigations and highlighted a retaliatory culture inside the department.

In January, Deputy Police Chief Robert Morin was put on paid leave because he was named in the Attorney Generals probe. Now, a month later, the Attorney General has named Capt. Michael Wagner and Sgt. Michael Verocchi as part of that same criminal investigation.

The Attorney Generals Office refused to comment about exactly what the officers mayve done wrong, saying only that this is an open and active investigation.

Its frustrating, Capt. Joel Dolan said in an interview on Monday. We are trying to be as transparent in this as possible, but the information we have, and the information that can go out, is very limited.

Community members are shocked to hear that three of their police officers are now under criminal investigation.

Its a shame, but its also very surprising, said longtime Salem resident Gary Marino. Ive been here 44 years and theyve always been fantastic.

It really hurts because there are some real good police officers there, Bob Thistle, another Salem resident, said.

Capt. Dolan is encouraged by the community support, as he and the rest of the 60 full-time officers work hard to maintain the departments reputation.

Its a black eye, yes, but its also a time for us to shine and show how good the department really is, Dolan said.

Dolan is making it clear that Morin, Wagner and Verocchi have not been charged or convicted.

He says they are on paid administrative leave as part of department protocol during an investigation.
The Abington Fire and Police Departments responded to a head-on collision in Abington, Massachusetts on Monday morning.

Emergency crews arrived at Adams Street and Oak Street. Jaws were used for entrapment.

Two patients were transported to local area hospitals with non-threatening injuries.

There are no further details at this time.
Italian fashion house Gucci announced a major push Friday to step up diversity hiring as part of a long-term plan to build cultural awareness at the luxury fashion company following an uproar over an $890 sweater that resembled blackface.

Gucci also said it will hire a global director for diversity and inclusion, a newly created role that will be based in New York, plus five new designers from around the world for its Rome office.

It also will launch multi-cultural scholarship programs in 10 cities around the world with the goal of building a "more diverse and inclusive workplace on an ongoing basis."

The announcement came after Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri met in New York City's Harlem neighborhood with Dapper Dan, a well-known African-American designer, and other community members to hear their perspectives.

Dapper Dan, who collaborated with Gucci in 2017 on a menswear line, has emerged as a leading voice demanding accountability from Gucci over the sweater, which was black with a pull-up neck featuring a cutout surrounded by cartoonish red lips.

Bizzarri said Gucci has spent the past days conducting a "thorough review of the circumstances that led to this" and consulting with employees and African-American community leaders on what actions the company should take.

"I am particularly grateful to Dapper Dan for the role he has played in bringing community leaders together to offer us their counsel at this time," Bizzarri said in a statement.

Earlier Friday, Dapper Dan tweeted that the participants at the meeting "made great demands" of Gucci. He said he would announce a town hall meeting in Harlem "for us to talk about what they have proposed."

In May, Gucci said it will begin conducting annual one-day unconscious-bias training sessions for its 18,000 employees around the world.

The design scholarship program will be launched in New York, Kenya's capital of Nairobi, New Delhi, Beijing, the Chinese city of Hangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Beirut, London and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company described it as a 12-month fast-track program leading to full-time employment.

Gucci has apologized for the sweater, which creative director Alessandro Michele said was not inspired by blackface but by the late Leigh Bowery, a performance artist, club promoter and fashion designer who often used flamboyant face makeup and costumes.

"I look forward to welcoming new perspectives to my team and together working even harder for Gucci to represent a voice for inclusivity," Michele said in a statement Friday.
Paris police said a man on the city's subway was seriously injured Friday after being burned with an "unknown liquid" in what French media have described as an acid attack.

Paris prosecutors' office said an investigation for attempted murder has been opened.

The unidentified victim was attacked in the metro's line one, near the station of Bastille, during rush hour Friday morning.

The person is being treated for major burns to the face and hands after being evacuated by the emergency services.

Police said the perpetrator is at large.

On Wednesday, a man and a woman were burned by an "unknown liquid" spread on a seat and floor in the metro but police said there was no link.

In Sept 2017, two American college students were injured in a hydrochloric acid attack by a woman at a train station Marseille, southern France.
A family in Bowie, Maryland, is mourning after a father of two was killed in a wrong-way, DUI crash near Fort Meade on Saturday.

Anne Arundel police said 33-year-old Raymond McCarter Jr. died early Saturday morning when a pickup truck driver traveling the wrong direction on Route 32 struck McCarter's car head-on.

The driver of that pickup truck, 39-year-old Christopher Thomas of Glen Burnie, faces two charges of manslaughter and two charges of driving under the influence.

Police said they responded to the two-car crash east of Route 198 at about 2 a.m. and found McCarter dead at the scene.

His wife, Natalie McCarter, said McCarter was on his way home from a friend's house when the crash occurred.

"Imagine being called and being told 'I'm on my way home. I'll see you soon. I love you. I can't wait to see you and the kids,' and then have your life be taken away," she said.

McCarter had been married for 11 years and was a father to two children, age 7 and 9.

"He was a hard worker. He was a family man," Natalie McCarter said. "He was somebody that you wanted to be around. His spirit was infectious."

The family is devastated.

"My two children will never have their father again. He is completely irreplaceable, and his life is gone." McCarter's widow said.

McCarter's family and friends are now raising money online to cover his funeral costs.
What to Know The number of crashes investigated by Maryland State Police that were linked to marijuana nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018.

Over the same time period, the number of traffic violations linked to marijuana jumped by nearly 40 percent.

D.C. police records show a nearly 10 percent increase in all impaired driving arrests between 2017 and 2018.

As more states decriminalize marijuana, local police are catching more people driving while under the influence.

A News4 I-Team review of police records shows a sharp spike in traffic crashes and violations linked to marijuana use in Maryland. The I-Team also found an overall increase in people driving while intoxicated in Washington, D.C.

Maryland State Police told the I-Team they have increased their training for troopers in detecting drug impairment during traffic stops. Though police did not directly link the increase in incidents to decriminalization of the drug, law enforcement officials said marijuana can significantly impair a drivers abilities behind the wheel.

The number of vehicle crashes investigated by Maryland State Police that were linked to marijuana nearly doubled from 2017 to 2018. Over the same time period, the number of traffic violations linked to marijuana jumped by nearly 40 percent.

D.C. police records show a nearly 10 percent increase in impaired driving arrests between 2017 and 2018.

Theres a perception that marijuana does not impair you like alcohol. Thats not true. Youre impaired, said Mary Gaston, whose son was struck and killed by a driver who was under the influence of medicinal marijuana.

Colorado State Police told the I-Team theyve seen a 74 percent increase in fatal crashes in the time since the state decriminalized marijuana in 2013.

Marijuana has been a part of that, a trooper from Colorado said.

Local police said marijuana-impaired driving is not limited to late nights or weekends.

Maryland State Police said it provides troopers with advanced training for detecting impairment among drivers. The agency said confirming marijuana-related impairment is different than deciphering if a driver is impaired by alcohol.

Each drug is going to give you different clues of impairment, Trooper Samuel Jackson said. With marijuana were looking for the bloodshot red, glassy eyes, dilated pupils, drooping eyelids, slow exaggerated movements.

In a report to Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is working on efforts to help better measure impairment caused by marijuana. In its report, the agency said: There are no evidence-based methods to differentiate the cause of driving impairment between alcohol and marijuana. Given the increasing use of marijuana by drivers in the U.S., there are a number of efforts underway, including work by NHTSA, to develop ways of differentiating impairment by alcohol from marijuana. These efforts will take a number of years and a successful outcome cannot be guaranteed at this time.

Virginia State Police said they do not maintain data on the number of violations for marijuana-impaired driving in the commonwealth.

Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Steve Jones.
Looking for a job? NBC4 presents the "Working 4 The Community" job fair this Friday in D.C.

From health care to finance to engineering to law enforcement  employers hiring for a diverse range of career fields will be there.

The job fair will run from 6 a.m. to noon at the University of the District of Columbia Student Center at 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW.

News4's Molette Green will be there covering the event on air and on social media.

Below is a list of employers who will attend:

Stanley Black & Decker

Bobs Discount Furniture

Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Company

Anthem HealthKeepers

College Nannies, Tutors, and Sitters

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department

So Others Might Eat

Renewal by Andersen

MassMutual Capital District

Empire Today

Quantum Technologies

CroppMetcalfe

WMATA

NBC4 is hosting the job fair in partnership with National Career Fairs and UDC.

Be sure to check back as we continue to update this story with more employers.
A University of San Diego professor has launched a program to study and monitor a pandemonium of parrots that has lived within the local community for decades.

If you havent seen them, youve probably heard them. Thirteen species of wild parrots are living in Southern California, many of them in San Diego County.

The parrots have been spotted at the El Cajon Courthouse, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Escondido and Point Loma.

"Theyre living side-by-side with us and doing very well," said University of San Diego Biology Instructor Dr. Janel Ortiz.

Ortiz has launched a study called the San Diego Parrot Project to learn more about the birds, which likely ended up here as part of the exotic pet trade.

She said they come from the jungles of Mexico and Central and South America, but appear to be thriving in a much more urban environment.

That is something the study will examine.

"Seeing how their population is doing  are they staying stable? Are they increasing? Are they decreasing? Whats going on with them as far as being here in a very urban environment thats different from where they naturally come from," Ortiz said.

Ortiz said she and her students will also try to figure out where the birds go to forage for food, the types of food theyre looking for and other natural behaviors.

They plan to conduct their first survey in Point Loma on Wednesday and once a month after that to track the birds.

Linda Easton has lived in the Loma Portal area for about 25 years and said the birds have been there for as long as she can remember.

"I love them. I love to wake up to them in the morning. I love seeing them in our trees. Its just, its part of nature. Its part of the community, Easton said.

Point Loma resident Erin Lista said there, the birds are lovingly referred to as the "Point Loma Parrots."

"I just think its beautiful. Its nature in the neighborhood," Lista said.

Ortiz said there will be opportunities for members of the community to participate in their study.

"San Diegos a big area, so me and my students - we can only cover so much ground. So having extra people to help us on the ground to look for these birds is going to help us out tremendously, Ortiz said.

Ortiz created a Facebook page for the study. Click here to learn more about the San Diego Parrot Project.
Dozens of people gathered near the San Diego waterfront on Presidents Day to protest President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The rally was organized by liberal groups San Diego Indivisible and MoveOn.org, which brought several speakers to the San Diego County Administration Center to criticize the president's "fake" emergency declaration, according to rally organizers.

Protestors took turns speaking to a crowd, saying that the southern border should not be considered a national emergency.

Seems like taking focus from what really needs to be, like renewable energy and stopping violence from guns and having common sense gun control, said Tom Racanelli, one of the protesters.

During the rally, protesters were met with a small opposition group of Trump supporters that organized through social media.

Build a wall. Enforce the wall, absolutely, said Dan Russell. Its been a national emergency for decades.

Russell said he came out Monday to support President Trump and that the U.S. needs secure borders to have a sovereign nation.

However, Racanelli asked, How effective will a wall really be? We're talking 5 to 6 billion dollars. How about the education we need and all these other things we could use that money for?

While the groups briefly clashed, there were no reports of physical violence. Two San Diego County Sheriff's Deputies were standing by but did not need to intervene.

Protestor Jack Shu told NBC 7 he's taken peacemaking classes to deal with tense moments like this and hopes to deescalate any situations Monday.

To get in between those against and those who are here for the protest and try to avoid any further escalation of any confrontations, he said.

Counter-protestor Mary Redman agreed, saying, I believe in protesting in a more polite manner, have your signs, but arguing and engaging with people like that I don't think helps anyone, just gets everyone riled up.

MoveOn.org helped organize dozens of Presidents Day protests across the country.

This is a developing story. Details may change as more information becomes available. Please refresh this page for updates.
Students are learning how to weld, she said. They have the tools in their hands. The idea is that the program is aligned to career pathways. They will have certification once they finish the courses at Oakton, and the courses transfer here. They start here and finish at Oakton, and theyre prepared to be welders when theyre finished.
Prosecutors will have to decide whether they want to renew the effort to convict two inmates in the riot at the Delawares largest prison that killed one correctional officer.

The News Journal of Wilmington reports jurors returned no guilty verdicts Monday for four inmates charged with murder and riot during the uprising at Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in June 2017.

Twenty-six-year-old Abednego Baynes and 28-year-old Kevin Berry were acquitted of all charges after about five days of deliberation.

The jury could not reach unanimous verdicts on a riot and assault charge against 29-year-old John Bramble. Jurors also didnt reach a unanimous decision on murder charges and a riot charge against 26-year-old Obadiah Miller. The two were acquitted of all other charges.

Prosecutors must decide whether to retry Bramble and Miller. Deputy Attorney General John Downs declined comment as he exited the courthouse after the verdict.

Prosecutors will have to decide whether they want to renew the effort to convict two inmates in the riot at Delawares largest prison that killed one correctional officer.

The News Journal of Wilmington reports jurors returned no guilty verdicts Monday for four inmates charged with murder and riot during the uprising at Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in June 2017.

Twenty-six-year-old Abednego Baynes and 28-year-old Kevin Berry were acquitted of all charges after about five days of deliberation.

The jury could not reach unanimous verdicts on a riot and assault charge against 29-year-old John Bramble. Jurors also didnt reach a unanimous decision on murder charges and a riot charge against 26-year-old Obadiah Miller. The two were acquitted of all other charges.

Prosecutors must decide whether to retry Bramble and Miller. Deputy Attorney General John Downs declined comment as he exited the courthouse after the verdict.
What to Know A 17-year-old rapper from Southwest Philadelphia known as Tata Chapo was slain Friday night.

Police have not made any arrests in the shooting, which shook his neighbors.

The rapper's mother had graduated from nursing school on the same day that her son was killed.

An 18-year-old was shot and killed Sunday night just two blocks from where Philadelphia rapper Tata Chapo died earlier this weekend.

The victim's body was found in the 6000 block of Angora Terrace in Southwest Philadelphia. Tata Chapo, whose legal name was Tauhid Collins, died on the same street Friday night.

On Sunday evening, Collins' loved ones gathered for a vigil to remember the rapper. Moments after the vigil ended, more gunfire errupted.

The 18-year-old victim, identified as Raysonna Williams, was taken to a local hospital with gunshot wounds to the neck, ear and temple. He died shortly after.

It remains unclear whether the two shootings are related.

On Friday, residents told NBC10 they were shocked by Collins' death.

"To see him lifeless on the ground -- it shook me," Tamika Shipman said.

Collins' mother graduated from nursing school the same day that her son was killed, a family friend said.

"He had a lot of love even when he was alive. I've seen it through my neighbors which are his family and friends," Shipman said.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
The cold open on 'Saturday Night Live' this week saw the return of Alec Baldwin as President Donald Trump, who presented a parodied version of Trumps dubious declaration of emergency in order to fund a southern border wall.

Mirroring Trumps rhetoric, Baldwin said the simplicity of the wall was indicative of its effectiveness. Wall works. Wall make safe. You dont have to be smart to understand that, and in fact, its even easier to understand if youre not that smart.

Baldwin abrasively answered questions from reporters on a variety of issues including China, illegal immigration and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who he called a very cool, misunderstood guy.

Don Cheadle hosted the show, using his monologue to talk about his fame and how he handles fans. The Avengers actor spoke of his many roles and how he can judge what a fan knows him from purely on facial expression.

Cheadle, a masterful entertainer who has spent over 30 years in show business, played his audience well when he said he loved fans from New York City due to how direct they are.

But cast member Leslie Jones decided to illustrate this perfectly, crashing Cheadles monologue to ask for a picture with him - and for him to take a picture of her.

On Weekend Update, Colin Jost brings on Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, played by Kate McKinnon and Alex Moffat, to discuss President Trump settling for far less money than he had hoped to build his border wall with.

Pelosi and Schumer claimed they had no reason to gloat or be happy, but made sure to lay down some heavy sarcasm when it came to their dealing with the President.

Hes a very tough negotiator Moffats Schumer crooned with a smile.

The musical guest was Texas guitarist Gary Clark Jr., who gave a performance of his song This Land. The song is the title track from his latest project, which drops February 22.
What to Know George Mendonsa, the ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday at 95

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945

The photo, known simply as "The Kiss," is one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century

The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday. George Mendonsa was 95.

Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal.

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States. People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mendonsa planted a kiss on Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and is called "V-J Day in Times Square," but is known to most as "The Kiss." It became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century, and is a popular image used on posters.

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple. It was years before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced.

When he was honored at the Rhode Island State House in 2015, Mendonsa spoke about the kiss. He said Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

"I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurse," Mendonsa said, WPRI-TV reported .

Friedman said in a 2005 interview with the Veterans History Project that it wasn't her choice to be kissed.

"The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed," she told the Library of Congress.

She added, "It was just somebody really celebrating. But it wasn't a romantic event."

Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.

Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl. She died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.
What to Know Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison in Massachusetts

The New York Democrat was convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old North Carolina girl in 2017

He began serving a 21-month prison sentence that November at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles west of Boston

Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York.

It's not immediately clear when Weiner was transferred and where he's staying now, but Weiner will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The prison bureau and Weiner's lawyer didn't respond to emails seeking comment Sunday. Federal prosecutors in New York referred an inquiry to the prison bureau.

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts, in November 2017.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence May 14, a few months earlier than scheduled because of good conduct in prison.

A once-rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress, Weiner had a dramatic and sordid fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself to a college student over Twitter in 2011.

Weiner initially claimed his account had been hacked, then admitted he'd had inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women while married to top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

Weiner resigned from Congress that year but mounted a campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.

But his personal behavior was again his undoing after it was disclosed he sent explicit photos under the alias "Carlos Danger" to at least one woman after resigning from Congress.

Weiner ultimately garnered less than 5 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

His final fall came in 2017 after prosecutors say he sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a North Carolina high school student. Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

At his sentencing, he said he'd been a "very sick man for a very long time" because of his sex addiction.

Weiner's attorney said the ex-lawmaker likely exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and was communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the teenager.

Abedin also filed for divorce from Weiner in 2017. But the two, who have a young son together, later agreed to discontinue the case in order to negotiate their separation privately.
Automakers, car dealers and parts manufacturers have gone into high gear in a bid to derail the threat of new tariffs on foreign-made cars and car parts.

The tariffs, they warn, could backfire, raising prices for U.S. consumers and sending the domestic automotive market into a tailspin, NBC News reported.

The latest wave of concern was triggered by the Commerce Departments confirmation that it had delivered on Sunday a long-awaited report to President Donald Trump that looked at whether foreign autos and auto parts pose a threat to national security. Trump has indicated that if the report backs up that conclusion, he may impose tariffs expected to run as high as 20 to 25 percent.

While Detroits Big Three automakers have raised concerns about foreign-made vehicles over the past several decades, not a single company in the domestic auto industry requested this investigation, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing a broad alliance of automotive companies, said in a statement.
What to Know Prices range from just over $980 to nearly $1200 depending on your package with a $250 deposit and all money due by November.

Whether you identify more as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophia, fans of the hit 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls will get a chance to take a cruise next year based entirely on the show.

The Golden Girls at Sea will depart from Miami on February 24, 2020 for five days with stops in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico  giving fans a chance to share their love of the show that ran from 1985 to 1992 on NBC.

Events will include a sail away party complete with cheesecake  a longtime staple of the characters when needing to solve a problem  along with trivia, karaoke, crafts, a costume contest and a bar crawl.

Prices range from just over $980 to nearly $1200 depending on your package with a $250 deposit and all money due by November. For more information, click on this link.

[NATL] Top Entertainment Photos: Best of the American Music Awards, and More
What to Know Its Monday, February 18th  and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know to start your day.

Its Monday, February 18th  and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know to start your day.

Weather wise, it will be a warm and mostly dry Presidents Day holiday across South Florida as part of a pattern that will see highs near the mid-80s for most of the week.

No. 1 - Police from several agencies in Miami-Dade County, as well as a member of the US Marshals, took an attempted homicide fugitive into custody early Monday morning after a standoff in Miami Beach.

Officials were at the scene for hours near Alton Road and Dade Boulevard. Around 1 a.m., officers found the subject and took him into custody.

No. 2 - A family is looking for a place to stay after being displaced by a fire in Southwest Miami-Dade.

Thick smoke and flames consumed the second floor bedroom of a home on Southwest 271st Street and 120th Avenue. Inside the home were two children, their wheelchair-bound uncle and four cats.

No. 3  President Donald Trump is expected to speak on the campus of Florida International University this afternoon, affirming his administrations support of Juan Guaido as the president of Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio on Sunday visited a border staging point for U.S. aid to Venezuela and warned soldiers loyal to socialist President Nicolas Maduro that would commit a "crime against humanity" if they block entry of the packages that are being channeled through Maduro's rivals.

No. 4 - A sixth grader in Florida was arrested after his refusal to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance escalated into a confrontation with police and school officials, authorities said.

The unnamed boy was charged with disrupting a school function and resisting an officer without violence on Feb. 4, the Lakeland Police Department said in a news release.

No. 5 - Chicago police said Sunday they're still seeking a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett after receiving new information that "shifted" their investigation of a reported attack on the "Empire" actor.

The trajectory of the investigation "shifted" after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them late Friday without charges, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said

No. 6 - Whether you identify more as Dorothy, Rose, Blanche or Sophia, fans of the hit 1980s sitcom The Golden Girls will get a chance to take a cruise next year based entirely on the show.

The Golden Girls at Sea will depart from Miami on February 24, 2020 for five days with stops in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico  giving fans a chance to share their love of the show that ran from 1985 to 1992 on NBC.
From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill  encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

"They are taking their last breath," said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometers (1 miles) from the militants' last spot.

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which ISIS were uprooted in recent weeks.

In Hajin, a major center for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes. Small shops selling tools and construction material have sprung up.

For weeks, the militants fought desperately for their shrinking territory. Once in control of about a third of Syria and Iraq, they now are down to what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. But they are holding on to hundreds of civilians  some of them possibly hostages  taking cover among them at the edge of Baghouz, the village in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

"Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," preventing civilians from leaving, said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, referring to ISIS by its Arabic acronym.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and the presence of possible captives could explain the slow final push, they added.

As civilians trickled out of the enclave in recent weeks, the SDF and coalition officials screened them. Women and children were transferred to camps miles away; men suspected of links to the militant group were taken into custody at other facilities.

SDF commanders said some of the hostages taken from their force have been freed in recent days. Fighters at the base said one of their colleagues was set free in the last two days.

Khatib Othman, an SDF fighter, came back from the front line a few days ago to take a break. His brother, also an SDF fighter, was taken hostage by ISIS in the last weeks of fighting. He is now believed to be held in Iraq as a suspected militant and negotiations are underway to free him.

"We want to take revenge. We will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste," Othman said. "We are waiting for the civilians to go out, and we will go in and attack. It is a matter of days. They are under siege, no food and no water. They are encircled from four sides. They have to give up."

He added that the militants are running out of ammunition.

The capture of the last pocket of ISIS territory in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a four-year global campaign to crush the extremist group's so-called caliphate. It has been a long and destructive battle. In decline since 2016, the militant group was stripped of its self-declared capital of Raqqa, in Syria, in the summer of 2017, leaving behind a destroyed city whose residents are still struggling to return.

In Deir el-Zour, the SDF and the coalition have battled to uproot the militants from villages and towns on the eastern banks of the Euphrates since September.

Battle-hardened militants, including some of the group's leading fighters and foreign commanders, had taken refuge in the area between Syria and Iraq. They fought back, dispatching suicide bombers from underground tunnels, deploying female fighters and launching counteroffensives that reclaimed many of the villages for weeks. Nearly 700 SDF fighters were killed in fighting that left at least 1,300 militants and over 400 civilians dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"We will very soon bring good news to the whole world," Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles from Baghouz.

But experts and U.S. defense officials warn that ISIS still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.

Thousands of ISIS fighters and their families have emerged in the past few months from the group's last enclave. The SDF is holding 900 foreign fighters in lockups and camps in northern Syria, and their fate is a major concern, particularly as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Syria. In a tweet Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Britain, France and Germany and other European countries to take back their militants and put them on trial at home.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall," Trump said. He suggested the alternative would be that the U.S. would be forced to release them.

"We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!" he added.

The Kurdish forces and officials have said the same in recent weeks, appealing to countries to take back their militants.

Bali, the SDF spokesman, declined to comment on Trump's statement.
Thieves broke into a Southern California gallery last week, pilfering artwork depicting Charlie Brown and other characters from the iconic comic strip "Peanuts."

The Los Angeles Times reports a security guard patrolling an open-air mall in Costa Mesa discovered a glass door smashed at the Chuck Jones Gallery on Thursday morning.

Scott Dicken, vice president of retail sales for the gallery's parent company, says the break-in occurred when the mall was closed. He says no other art was taken.

"It's just a shame," said Carol Erickson, of the Chuck Jones Gallery. "We provide this art to people because they love it.

"It's, I guess in some way might be flattering that someone took all the trouble to do this, but we bring this art into people's lives because they love it."

The gallery's owner has priced the three stolen pieces at $7,900.

The stolen artwork includes "Wishful Thinking No. 8" that shows Charlie Brown slipping, and "Rats!" a limited-edition print of Snoopy unsuccessfully flying his doghouse.

The third piece, "Hey Linus, Guess Who's Back?" depicts the blanket-toting character fending off Snoopy.
Stranded drivers could only sit and wait overnight as snow, ice and several crashes forced an hours-long closure of the 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles.

Southbound lanes reopened early Monday morning. Northbound lanes were expected to reopen at about 7 a.m., but drivers were not allowed through the area until late Monday morning.

The extreme weather and several crashes forced the CHP to shut down the freeway, stranding drivers in the Lebec area. Phillip Gonzales says he was stuck for nearly two hours until he finally got off the freeway, looking for a new way home.

"It sucks to be in it, but it is a safety matter," he said. "So it's a good thing they closed it."

Some welcomed the hail and snow.

"It hailed pretty hard," said Fernando Olague, of Santa Clarita. "The windshield was full of ice. It was pretty neat."

Fernando Olague and his son, Anthony, drove right through the storm on the 14 Freeway on Sunday.

"It looked like snow, but it was ice," Anthony said.

Ketrina Guerrero and her boyfriend slept in their car outside of a Denny's. They were trying to get home to nearby Gorman.

"It was extremely icy," Guerrero said. "We had people losing control in front of us. It was crazy."

Drivers were urged to use caution or avoid travel altogether on mountain roads as the latest in a string of winter storms moved into Southern California. Transportation officials are still clearing mud and debris from a much more powerful storm that forced the closure of several highways last week.

Snow and ice also shut down the 15 Freeway near the Nevada state line. Several crashes were reported early Monday. The road reopened by the afternoon.

Recent storms pounding the region have forced some state highway and lane closures Sunday in the area of the Angeles National Forest.

Angeles Crest (2) Highway was closed in both directions from just east of Mount Wilson Road to just west of Upper Big Tujunga Road, according to Caltrans. The closure was ordered due to rock slides and unstable conditions. Emergency vehicles will be permitted and the public can bypass this closed section by taking the Angeles Crest Highway to Upper Big Tujunga Road, which is about a 20-minute detour.

The mountain road also was closed in both directions at Kratka Ridge to Islip Saddle due to snow and rock slides.

State Route 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road) was closed in both directions until further notice from Crystal Lake Road to Angeles Crest Highway due to mud and rock slides. State Route 39 is open in both directions been the San Gabriel River Bridge and Crystal Lake Road.

NBC4 Wire Services contributed to this report.
What to Know Wednesday, Feb. 20

$27 three-course menu

$7 Old-Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails

Staying power in the restaurant business?

You don't have to be in the business to know that any restaurant that can weather the decades must be quite the special and treasured spot.

There are many around Southern California, though, of course, not as many as history-minded eat-outers would like. But one of the titans of the prime rib scene, and the vintage cocktail scene, too, still shines brightly in the Santa Monica Canyon area.

And we do mean "shine," for "golden" is in its very name: It's The Golden Bull, a long-trucking chophouse that can trace its savory story back to 1949.

That means, yes, it is turning 70 in 2019.

To honor its hearty-meal'd legacy, and as a thank you to its fans, the restaurant is doing a couple of come-on-in things on Wednesday, Feb. 20, all to pay homage to a very long run. And more to come, of course.

If you're planning to dine?

There'll be a three-course menu available on Feb. 20, for $27. Keep in mind that The Golden Bull's famous prime rib isn't on the specially priced menu, though it will be available on the restaurant's classic menu.

So what can you order for your $27 three-courser? There are several selections to choose from, including Golden Chopped Salad, Steak Frites, Roast Chicken, and Croissant Bread Pudding.

And from the bar? It's a destination that's become known for its timeless libations, so bet that the Old-Fashioneds and Manhattans will play a part in the day.

Look for either classic cocktail to be priced at $7 on Feb. 20.

And on the wall? Why it's a new mural depicting Will Rogers, just in time for the 70th anniversary (cheers to artist Justin Never).

The legendary humorist was, of course, a local around the area in the years long before The Golden Bull's debut. Call it a fitting and neighborhood-proud tribute to the early days of the canyon, and a long-runner in the dine-out, raise-a-glass supper scene.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is set to speak Monday night in Glendale, California at what is billed as an organizing event for her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The doors will open at the Alex Theatre at 6 p.m., with the event beginning at 7 p.m. Admission will be first-come, first-served. Capacity at the Alex Theatre is 1,413.

Warren bills her campaign as "a grassroots movement to fight for big structural change."

In her final tweets Sunday, Warren said, "Our fight is to change the rules so that our government, our economy, and our democracy work for everyone in Nevada and across the country. "It's time for Democrats to declare who we are. We are the party of the people. We are the party that believes that every kid should get a fighting chance to build a future. We're going to take 2020 as our chance to build a movement and change this country for the better." California is the fourth state Warren will visit in just over a three-day span.

She was in South Carolina and Georgia Saturday and Nevada Sunday.

Nevada and South Carolina will hold early contests that could be crucial in deciding the nominee or at least winnowing down the field.

"As Elizabeth Warren brings her 2020 apology tour to the Golden State, she's desperately hoping voters will forget about the disastrous handling of her false heritage claims that has clouded her campaign," said Christiana Purves, a Republican National Committee regional communications director.

"Californians won't be fooled by her political ambitions and will reject her harmful agenda to raise taxes and push government-run healthcare."

California has moved its presidential primary from June to March to have more impact on the nominating process, although the vast majority of candidate visits over the next few months are expected to primarily be for fundraising.

Warren is the first candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination to have an event in the Los Angeles area that is open to the public without an admission charge.

California Sen. Kamala Harris conducted two fundraisers in the Westside Feb. 2, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand had a series of events with potential contributors in January and entrepreneur Andrew Yang held a fundraiser near the Beverly Center on Nov. 3.

Warren was elected to the Senate in 2012 and re-elected in November.

Warren was chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the Troubled Asset Relief Program from 2008-10 and an assistant to then-President Barack Obama and special adviser to then-Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from 2010-11.

Warren was an early supporter of creation of the bureau to hold Wall Street banks and other financial institutions accountable.

She was a law professor for more than 30 years, including nearly 20 at the Harvard Law School, teaching courses on commercial law, contracts and bankruptcy.

Several Democratic presidential candidates are closing out the long holiday weekend on the campaign trail, with stops planned across states key to securing their party's nomination. On Presidents Day, much of the campaign trail spotlight moved to New Hampshire, home to the first presidential primary.

Three candidates, Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, planned to campaign in the state.

Booker has been in New Hampshire for a few days and will wrap up his trip with a house party in Nashua. House parties are a staple of campaigning in the state.

Harris planned an afternoon town hall in Portsmouth and will participate in the Politics & Eggs breakfast on Tuesday.

Klobuchar will hold a meet-and-greet in Goffstown on Monday before a CNN town hall.

Meanwhile, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York was back in Iowa, the leadoff caucus state, with plans to meet voters in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

Former Rep. John Delaney of Maryland, who also is running for president, was campaigning in Iowa as well.
Chicago police said Sunday they're still seeking a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett after receiving new information that "shifted" their investigation of a reported attack on the "Empire" actor.

The trajectory of the investigation "shifted" after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them late Friday without charges, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Saturday. He said police also reached out to Smollett's attorney to request another interview with him.

NBC's Andy Blankstein reported a source familiar with the investigation said the investigation into the alleged attack has shifted to whether Smollett paid the two men who were questioned and later released by police to fake the attack.

Guglielmi said Sunday the interview had not yet been conducted. He declined to comment on published reports that police believe Smollett staged the assault or that a grand jury may hear evidence in the case. The reports cited unnamed police sources.

"We're not confirming, denying or commenting on anything until we can talk to him and we can corroborate some information that we've gotten," he said.

Smollett, who is black and gay, has said he was physically attacked last month by two masked men shouting racial and anti-gay slurs and "This is MAGA country!" He said they looped a rope around his neck before running away as he was returning home from an early morning stop at a Subway restaurant in downtown Chicago. He said they also poured some kind of chemical on him.

Pamela Sharp, a spokeswoman for Smollett, said Sunday that there were no updates "as of now." Another spokeswoman, Anne Kavanagh, later said she couldn't comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

Smollett's lawyers said late Saturday that the actor felt "victimized" by reports that he played a role in the assault, adding that, "Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying." The statement from attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor P. Henderson also said Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

Police said they combed surveillance video in the heavily monitored area where Smollett said the attack occurred but were unable to find any footage of the incident. They did obtain images of two people they said they would like to question.

On Wednesday, Chicago police picked up the brothers at O'Hare International Airport as they returned from Nigeria. They described them as "suspects" in the assault, questioned them and searched their apartment.

Then, late Friday evening they released the two men without charges and said they were no longer suspects. They said they had gleaned new information from their interrogation of them.

One of the men is Smollett's personal trainer, whom the actor hired to help get him physically ready for a music video, Smollett's attorneys said in their statement.

"It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie's complicity," the attorneys said.

Police have said they were investigating the attack as a possible hate crime and considered Smollett a victim. Reports of the assault drew outrage and support for him on social media from some politicians and celebrities. Smollett's account of what happened also has been met with skepticism, particularly in the wake of the latest developments.

Smollett, who is also a musician, gave an emotional speech during a Feb. 2 concert in West Hollywood, California, saying he went ahead with the show because he couldn't let his attackers win.

He also gave an interview to Robin Roberts of ABC News that aired Thursday in which he said he was "pissed" at people who did not believe he was attacked.

"I've heard that it was a date gone bad, which I also resent that narrative," he said. "I'm not gonna go out and get a tuna sandwich and a salad to meet somebody. That's ridiculous. And it's offensive."

Earlier this week, police said reports that the attack against Smollett was a hoax were unconfirmed.

Producers of the Fox television drama have supported Smollett, saying his character on "Empire," Jamal Lyon, was not being written off the show.

Smollett turned over redacted phone records that police said were not sufficient for a criminal investigation.
What to Know Dive teams are using sonar to search White Rock Lake a day after the body of a missing woman's boyfriend was pulled from the water.

Authorities pulled the body of Alfonso Hernandez, 28, from White Rock Lake Sunday morning. His car was found abandoned at the lake Feb. 5.

The couple's two children were reunited with family Sunday, a CPS spokesperson says.

The search at Dallas' White Rock Lake for a woman missing since Feb. 5 is being suspended.

Dive teams were back on the lake Monday morning searching for 26-year-old Weltzin Garcia, who was reported missing along with her boyfriend, 28-year-old Alfonso Hernandez, earlier this month. Hernandez's body was found in the lake Sunday morning. NBC 5 confirmed there were no obvious signs of trauma, though his cause of death was still being determined by the Dallas County Medical Examiner.

Dallas police will continue to fly their helicopter over the lake, looking for signs of Garcia, but the dive team only planned to return if something was spotted. In the meantime, officers planned to search other areas between the lake and Grand Prairie that the pair may have been, using information taken from cell phone pings.

Texas Game Wardens and the Dallas Police Department's dive team used three boats equipped with sonar to scan the lake, but so far have turned up no additional clues. Areas of the lake that are too narrow for boats were searched on foot and with metal detectors, police said.

They started searching at 8 a.m. Monday near the spillway where Hernandez's body was recovered. Dive team members said with the way the current was flowing, they were confident he drifted to that area. From there, they moved north, combing over the section of water surrounding where his car was found abandoned nearly two weeks ago.

The search was called off at about 2 p.m.

NBC 5 News

Dallas police confirmed to NBC 5 they were able to obtain mobile phone records for both Garcia and Hernandez and that both phones have pinged near White Rock Lake.

Garcia's twin, Atziry Garcia Mireles, told NBC 5 Monday morning that her sister's phone was found in Hernandez's pocket. His phone, police said, was found in his car.

Mireles is currently caring for Garcia and Hernandez's two children, ages 3 and 6. She said while both miss their mother, the youngest keeps getting confused seeing his mother's identical twin.

"He's thinking I'm his mom, but he's little you know. He's calling me mommy every time so it's like very emotional for me, but I'm not gonna break down because I need to be strong for them and they need to know that everything is going to be okay," Mireles said.

The children had been in the custody of CPS while the search for their parents was underway. Mireles asked a judge on Friday for custody of the children and they were reunited with family members Sunday night after Hernandez's body was pulled from the lake.

Grand Prairie police confirmed the body found in White Rock Lake has been identified as a man who has been missing and whose car was found abandoned at the lake earlier this month.

Family members said Friday that Garcia and Hernandez had relationship issues and that Hernandez had sought treatment for anger management. Mireles said Monday that he recently threatened to take his own life after a fight with Garcia.

"I know he had some suicide thoughts, but not this. I still do not understand why he'd do that to his family, to his kids. We don't know why," she said.

Grand Prairie police confirmed there was a warrant out for Hernandez's arrest, related to a January domestic assault incident involving Garcia.

Mireles said she's still holding out hope her sister will be found safe, leaning on her "twin sense" for comfort.

"I can feel when my sister is crying, so I know she's alive," she said.

But she remains torn, with few answers to the many questions her family holds.

"I just want answers because we don't know what's going on. I mean, were is she? Is she hiding? Is she dead?" Mireles asked.

NBC 5's Tim Ciesco, Vanessa Brown and Frank Heinz contributed to this report.
The flow of seniors headed to Florida edged out people moving to Texas to take new jobs, according to the latest nationwide relocation report.

Texas ranked second in the U.S. for moves with 524,511 new residents moving here in 2017, according to the latest relocation report by Texas Realtors, an Austin-based real estate trade association.

Florida was the top state for moves for the second year in a row with 566,476 migrants. California ranked third for relocations.

Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News.
Construction on a $930 million project to replace a Corpus Christi bridge is behind schedule despite reaching a major milestone this month.

Construction company Flatiron/Dragados recently acknowledged that the replacement of the 60-year-old Harbor Bridge likely won't be complete by its April 2020 deadline, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported. The first span of the bridge was put into place on the north side of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel this month.

Company officials cited weather conditions and permitting issues as reasons for the delays.

John Palmer, deputy project manager, said the company will consult with the Texas Department of Transportation to determine a new completion date.

The bridge replacement is part of the Port of Corpus Christi's plans to deepen and widen its ship channel to accommodate larger oil tankers. The new bridge will be taller than the aging hat-shaped bridge that served as a signature landmark of the coastal city, allowing for greater clearance of the larger vessels.

Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge said the delays won't affect plans to expand the ship channel from the Gulf of Mexico to Harbor Island.

The first phase of the channel expansion project is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. Port officials had hoped to complete the expansion by 2021, aligning with the scheduled demolition of the existing Harbor Bridge.
A Mesquite woman was adopted at birth into the Love family. Years passed, but curiosity about her birth parents never left.

Stacy Love was recently reunited with her father 36 years after her adoption and she grew up 50 miles away from her dad, David Epperson, without knowing it.

"There would be people in school that I looked just like. So youre always wondering 'Where do I come from?' As a child youre always wondering," Love said.

Because her adoption was closed, the searching seemed tough but she found her biological cousin and grandmother on the website Ancestry.com.

"[My cousin] called me and I said, 'Is David my dad? and she said, 'Yes, youre right!' After that I had so many emotions at once," Love said.

The time finally came for Love to lock eyes with her birth father, David Epperson, for the first time. The two met at a restaurant in Rockwall.

"I could not believe how much I looked like this person. I have his cheekbones, his eyes, his dimples," Love said.

When David Epperson was 18 years old he had his first child, a girl.

"Her mothers family urged us to give Stacy up for adoption. It was a closed adoption. All we knew was that her last name was 'Love.' I didnt know if her family still lived in Texas, but it is something that you always wonder about. Even though I was a young person at the time, you still feel guilty about giving up your child, and you hope to make that up some day," David Epperson said.

Love recently got married, and because of her experience, she is planning on adopting her own children.

"Thats selfless love. My birth parents didnt have to do that, but they put my life and another familys happiness above their own. Thats sacrificial love," Love said.

Since Epperson and Love met, they have talked and sent texts every day.

"Some people dont ever find their birth parents," Love said. "They search their whole lives and they dont know what to look for. I was very very blessed in that I found a huge family."

"Im on cloud nine," Epperson said. "Its hard to explain the way it makes you feel, but I feel whole again."
A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would authorize the U.S. Treasury to mint $1 coins honoring former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, for the year.

The Bushes, who lived in Texas and Maine, both died in 2018.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said the coin will pay tribute to the Bush legacy of "courage, duty, honor, and compassion" and serve as a reminder of their contributions to the country.

Sponsors include Collins and Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas, Rob Portman of Ohio and independent Sen. Angus King of Maine.

The Presidential $1 Coin Act requires the U.S. Treasury to issue new $1 coins in honor of the nation's deceased former presidents and directs the treasury to issue pure-gold bullion coins depicting first spouses.
Jury selection is set to begin in the trial of a Connecticut man accused of being part of a human trafficking ring that preyed on intellectually disabled and mentally ill boys and young men for more than 20 years.

The prosecution and defense in the case of Bruce Bemer are scheduled to begin picking jurors in Danbury Superior Court on Wednesday. The wealthy Glastonbury businessman has pleaded not guilty to patronizing a human trafficking victim and conspiracy to commit human trafficking.

Bemer is the owner of the New London Waterford Speedbowl.

Authorities identified 15 victims of the trafficking ring, but say there could be hundreds more.

Two other men were arrested in the case. Robert King, of Danbury, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. William Trefzger, of Westport, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year in prison.
Two fugitive bankers from Ecuador, whose relatives made political donations to Sen. Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) and other leading politicians in the hopes of avoiding extradition, have been arrested by immigration agents in Florida.

Homeland Security officials said William and Roberto Isaias have been in the U.S. illegally for years, living in Florida and running their businesses there after fleeing Ecuador, where they were convicted in absentia in 2012 of embezzlement.

The Isaias brothers have long been suspected of moving some of their ill-gotten millions into the U.S. The pair vehemently deny any wrongdoing.

Relatives and employees of the brothers have donated more than $300,000 to U.S. political campaigns since 2010 amid the brothers' ongoing efforts to avoid being sent back to Ecuador to serve their prison sentences. Their arrests this week come after NBC New York in 2014 first revealed the brothers' presence in Miami and the familys political donations.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested unlawfully present Ecuadorian nationals William and Roberto Isaias in Miami Feb. 13," said ICE Miami spokesman Nestor Yglesias. "Both men were then transferred to ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations and are presently in agency custody pending removal proceedings."

The spokesman would not say why the arrest took place now after years of their living in large homes and running businesses in the Miami area.

More than $100,000 in Isaias family donations went to members of Congress over the years, including Menendez and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. Menendez was among several congressional members who wrote letters to the State Department and the Department Homeland Security in support of the Isaias brothers amid their immigration struggles.

Menendez couldn't be reached for comment Friday, but in an interview on MSNBC on Saturday, the senator defended the bankers.

"This is a family that was persecuted by the then-president of that country, who took their television [stations] and took their free media, ultimately by state control, and ultimately took them," he said. "Everything our government has independently investigated found they were wrongly pursued. If they had been correctly pursued, then there would have been a grant of extradition by the Bush administration, a Republican administration or the Obama administration, a Democratic administration."

"So therefore, I think that it's pretty clear... on a bipartisan basis.. . that these are trumped-up charges," he maintained.

But several past U.S. ambassadors to Ecuador had called for the brothers to be deported. In 2005, then-U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney in a diplomatic cable said the brothers "...used their ill-gotten wealth to buy safe passage from Ecuador and later pressured prosecutors to reduce criminal charges against them."

Former U.S. Ambassador Linda Jewell also repeatedly voiced concern about the Isaias brothers' presence inside the United States. But Justice Department officials had said past extradition filings by Ecuadors government lacked sufficient proof.

In December, Floridas State Supreme Court let stand a civil suit by the government of Ecuador against the Isaias brothers. Plaintiff attorney Alvin Davis said they are seeking about $1 billion dollars in damages from the Isaias brothers for their banking crimes.

"Its about time," Davis said. "Someone has lifted the protective curtain around them."

Davis pushed back against Menendezs claims on MSNBC. He said it is not correct that past extradition requests were turned down because they were without merit. The U.S. Justice Department wanted additional information and the process is ongoing.

In 2012, Isaias relatives also gave $100,000 to the Democratic Party around the time another relative, Estefania Isaias, was accused of visa fraud by the State Department. She denies the allegations that she improperly smuggled maids into the U.S. from Ecuador to work at the Isaias Miami homes. Menendez wrote letters and made phone calls to try to help Estefania Isaias obtain permission to stay in the U.S. after the fraud allegations had surfaced. She was never charged and was permitted to stay in the country.

The Isaias family has said the charges against the bankers were politically motivated by a corrupt Ecuadorean government. Reached by phone, Xavier Castro, a close friend and one-time lawyer for the brothers in Ecuador, said the arrest is "unfortunate" and "disappointing" but that he did not know which attorney was handling the brothers immigration case in Miami.

A government source familiar with the Miami detention said William and Roberto Isaias are expected to remain in immigration custody pending removal hearings.

The Isaias brothers' presence in Florida has been a source of contention between the U.S. and Ecuador for years. The two governments have also been debating the presence of fugitive Wikileaks founder Julian Assange at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.
A cruise ship that was headed for Havana, Cuba on Friday was denied entry to the country. Now, customers are upset and travel organizers are working to figure out why they couldnt get into Cuba.

We didnt pay to sit in international waters, we paid to go to Cuba, to Havana! said one passenger yelling inside a theater on the ship.

Bahamas Paradises cruise ship, the Grand Classica, departed the Port of Palm Beach Thursday for her maiden voyage to Cuba. The ship would have arrived in Havana on 7 a.m. Friday. Some people would have gotten off the ship to explore the island, and some Cuban nationals would have been allowed to temporarily board to reunite with family and friends.

Its very sad, said Lily Wynter, who flew from Los Angeles to take the cruise with her mother. Its something we planned for a couple months. I have an uncle I havent seen in 17 years.

Wynters mother left Cuba in 1972. This would have been her first time back.

A spokesperson for Bahamas Parade Cruises said that Viva Travels, a travel agency, chartered the Grand Classica. The spokesperson said that despite prior approval from the Cuban government, they were denied entry for unknown reasons.

The ship left Cuba and made its way to the Bahamas. The ship is set to return to West Palm Beach on Monday.

Theres no activities, theres no performances, theres really nothing to do, said Wynter.

A State Department spokesperson released a statement to NBC affiliate WPTV saying, Every state has the sovereign right to regulate the entry, screening, and stay of foreign nationals in its territory, subject to its international obligations. For cases regarding into Cuba, we would refer you to Cuban immigration authorities.

WPTV said that a call to the Cuban embassy in Washington DC was not returned.
Just as President Donald Trump claimed last week, Japan's prime minister has, indeed, nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize  at the request of the White House  one of Japan's largest newspapers reported Sunday.

Trump boasted at a news conference on Friday that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had given him a copy of a five-page letter he'd sent to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which selects the annual Peace Prize laureates, NBC News reported.

At a meeting of the lower house of Japan's parliament on Monday, Abe said he wouldn't comment on the report because Peace Prize nominations are secret for 50 years. But he did say: "I'm not saying it's not true."

The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
After nearly two weeks, a teachers' strike at the Chicago International Charter Schools network ended early Monday after a tentative agreement was reached.

The strike began on Feb. 5 when negotiations between CICS and the Chicago Teachers Union stalled.

Around 175 teachers at four of the network's unionized schools went on strike after nine months of negotiations over a new contract.

The strike impacted roughly 2200 students at four CICS schools: Northtown High School, ChicagoQuest North High School, Wrightwood and Ralph Ellison High School.

The teachers wanted better pay and smaller classes, plus more counselors and social workers on staff. CICS offered a 31 percent increase in teacher salaries over four years, the network said in a statement, as well as maximum class sizes of 28 students and a reduced work year and work day.

CTU had previously said CICS' revenue increased with the 2017 revamp of Illinois' school funding model, from $82 million in 2017 to $93 million in 2018, and the organization increased spending on management expenses by 31 percent but only increased spending on student services by 3 percent.

This marked the second charter school strike in Chicago over the last two months.

In December, teachers at the Acero charter school network went on strike, marking the first-ever strike against a charter school operator in the country.

That strike, impacting 7,500 students at 15 schools, ended after six days.
Five people were killed in a shooting rampage Friday afternoon at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, and five police officers were wounded in an exchange of gunfire with the shooter, who was eventually killed by police. Full coverage of the tragedy below.

Employees Return to Aurora Plant After Deadly Shooting

No work was being done Monday, a spokeswoman for parent company Mueller Water Products said in a statement, but it was simply a day for employees to "seek counselling, be together, get information" and more. Read more here.

Employees returned Monday to the suburban factory where five people were killed in a workplace shooting on Friday. Susan Carlson reports.

Funeral Services Set for 1 of 5 Victims of Workplace Shooting in Aurora

Trevor Melvin Wehner, 21, will be laid to rest Wednesday in Sheridan, Illinois. A visitation will take place from 2-7 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 7 p.m. at the Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home Ltd., located at 333 W. Church St., according to the funeral home. After the service, visitors will also be invited to the Sheridan Fire Department "for further celebration of Trevor's life." Read more here.

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Aurora Shooting Victim Sent Final Text to Wife Before He Died

Terra Pinkard, whose husband Josh Pinkard was killed in the shooting, posted a long message to Facebook on Sunday, saying she learned of the shooting in a text message from him. Read more here.

Aurora Police Give Update on Health of Officers Injured During Friday Shooting

All but one of the Aurora police officers injured in Fridays fatal shooting at a local industrial complex have been released from area hospitals, the department said on Sunday. A total of six officers suffered injuries during the shooting, which claimed five lives and ended with the gunman being shot to death in a gunfight with police.

Aurora Shooter's Permit Was Revoked But Gun Wasn't Seized

An initial background check failed to detect a felony conviction that would have barred the man who killed five co-workers and wounded six others at a suburban Chicago manufacturing plant from buying the gun.

Its been an emotional 24 hours for the friends and families of victims killed in Fridays shooting at an Aurora plant, and NBC 5s Chris Hush has the latest details on how they are coping.

Autopsy Results Released for 3 Aurora Shooting Victims

Authorities released autopsy results for three of the five men who were shot to death during Fridays rampage at a factory in west suburban Aurora. Officers responded at 1:28 p.m. to multiple calls of an active shooter at the Henry Pratt Company at 641 Archer Avenue, according to Aurora police. Five officers were then wounded during an ensuing exchange of gunfire with the shooter, 45-year-old Gary Martin, who was eventually shot and killed by police. Read more here.

'I'm Never Going to See My Dad:' Family Seeks Help, Demands Answers After Father's Death

A suburban family is left pleading for answers and demanding action after Vicente Juarez, an employee at the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, was among five people shot and killed on Friday afternoon. Juarez, who leaves behind three children and eight grandchildren, had worked for the company for 13 years, and was working as a Forklift Operator when he was gunned down by a former employee. Read more here.

FBI, ATF Among Massive Response to Aurora Active Shooter Situation

'You Couldn't Be Mad at Him:' Shooting Victim's Brother Relying on Faith for Support After Tragedy

Trevor Wehner was beginning to prepare for life after graduation as he started a spring internship with the Henry Pratt Company on Friday, but that life was cut short as he was one of five victims killed at the facility on Friday.

Wehner, a student at Northern Illinois University, was set to graduate in the spring of 2019, but now his family is left with only grief and sadness as the young mans life was cut tragically short. Read more here.

Families, Friends Speak Out After Devastating Aurora Shooting

Its been a gut-wrenching 24 hours for the families of the victims of Fridays fatal shooting at an Aurora industrial complex.

As the news has slowly began to sink in for those families, the victims are being remembered for their loyalty, their kindness, and the impact they had on the lives of many, many others. Read more here.

Aurora Facility Where Fatal Shooting Took Place Will Re-Open Soon, CEO Says

The plant where a deadly shooting left five people dead on Friday will re-open, the companys CEO announced on Saturday afternoon.

During a press conference, Mueller Water Products CEO Scott Hall said that the company will provide grief resources to employees, including counsellors, beginning on Sunday afternoon. Read more here.

Aurora Pizza Place Donates Food to First Responders, Plant Workers After Shooting

In the aftermath of Friday's shooting at an Aurora business, a local restaurant opened its doors, and its heart, to first responders and employees of the Henry Pratt Company.

Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center, which is located near the industrial complex where five people were shot and killed on Friday afternoon, offered its facility up to first responders as a staging area while the investigation was ongoing, and didn't stop there. Read more here.

Timeline: Police Detail, Minute-by-Minute, How Aurora Shooting Unfolded

During a dramatic press conference on Saturday morning, Aurora Deputy Police Chief Keefe Jackson described in painstaking detail what happened as officers responded to Fridays fatal shooting at a local industrial complex.

In that shooting, five people were killed, and the gunman was killed in an exchange of gunfire with authorities. Here is the timeline of what happened, according to investigators.

There were a slew of updates on the fatal shooting at an Aurora industrial complex, and NBC 5s Lexi Sutter has all the details on this evolving story.

Gunman in Aurora Shooting Was Rejected for Concealed Carry Permit

Police say that the gunman in Friday's fatal shooting at an Aurora industrial complex purchased his gun legally, but that he was rejected for a concealed carry permit for the weapon. Gary Martin, 45, identified as the shooter by police, applied for an Illinois Firearm Owners Identification card in Jan. 2014. He was approved for that card, and applied to purchase a handgun, the same one used in Friday's shooting, in March of 2014. Read more here.

A sheriffs bomb unit used a remote control robot Friday night to make sure there were no booby traps in Gary Martins apartment. Charlie Wojciechowski reports.

Aurora Police Identify Victims of Fatal Shooting at Industrial Complex

Police in Aurora, Illinois have identified the five victims of Fridays fatal shooting at the Henry Pratt Company building. Read more here.

President Donald Trump to City of Aurora After Shooting: 'America is With You!'

President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting at a west suburban industrial complex that left at least four police officers injured as Illinois elected officialsincluding Gov. J.B. Pritzkermonitored details and praised the bravery of first responders. Trump tweeted gratitude for the police response shortly after 5 p.m. Read more here.

6 Dead, Including Gunman, in Aurora Industrial Complex Shooting

Six people are dead, including the alleged gunman, and five police officers were wounded following an active shooter situation at a sprawling industrial complex in Aurora.

Aurora police have confirmed that five police officers were also shot as they tried to get to the shooter inside the 29,000-square-foot building. All five have been transported to local hospitals, and a sixth officer suffered a knee injury. Read more here.
Funeral services have been announced for one of five people killed in a workplace shooting in Aurora last week.

Trevor Melvin Wehner, 21, will be laid to rest Wednesday in Sheridan, Illinois.

A visitation will take place from 2-7 p.m. with a funeral service beginning at 7 p.m. at the Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home Ltd., located at 333 W. Church St., according to the funeral home. After the service, visitors will also be invited to the Sheridan Fire Department "for further celebration of Trevor's life."

Wehner was an HR intern at the Henry Pratt Company, where a recently-fired employee opened fire, killing five people and wounding several others, including numerous police officers.

Wehner, a student at Northern Illinois University who was set to graduate in the spring of 2019, was at his first day as an intern at the Aurora company when he was gunned down. Police believe that Wehner was sitting in on the meeting in which gunman Gary Martin was fired before he pulled out a pistol and began shooting.

During the spree, the recently-fired Martin also shot five other Henry Pratt employees, authorities said. The men who died have been identified as Wehner, Russell Beyer, Clayton Parks, Josh Pinkard and Vicente Juarez.

He just wanted to care for others and be there for them and make everything better, Wehners brother Thomas said. God tells us to forgive and I think thats what Im going to do.

Officers responded at 1:28 p.m. to multiple calls of an active shooter at the Henry Pratt Company at 641 Archer Avenue, according to Aurora police. Five officers were then wounded during an exchange of gunfire with the shooter, who was eventually shot and killed by police.

Employees returned Monday to the suburban factory where grief counselors were made available for all workers at the company, located at 641 Archer Ave. in Aurora.

No work was being done Monday, a spokeswoman for parent company Mueller Water Products said in a statement, but it was simply a day for employees to "seek counselling, be together, get information" and more.

The company was discussing when Henry Pratt would return to full production, the spokeswoman said, but had not set an official date as of Monday morning.

Another vigil was planned for Monday, organized by the group Indivisible Aurora and scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Water Street Mall. Hundreds attended two vigils held Sunday for the victims.
One person is dead and at least nine people have been wounded in shootings across the city of Chicago this weekend, according to authorities.

The city's first homicide occurred on Sunday evening in the 5000 block of South Maplewood, according to police.

At approximately 6:36 p.m., an 18-year-old man was standing on a street corner when a light colored van pulled up and a person inside opened fire, striking him in the head.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Another man, a 20-year-old, was shot in the groin and the left thigh, and is in stable condition at a local hospital.

Early Saturday morning, a 22-year-old man was driving in the 4400 block of South Archer just after midnight when a gray Acura SUV pulled up alongside his vehicle. Three men were inside, and according to witnesses, one of the men inside the SUV began flashing gang signs.

After a moment, someone in the vehicle opened fire, striking the victim in the lower backside. He was taken to Holy Cross Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.

Here are the rest of this weekends shootings:

Saturday:

Just before 4:30 a.m. in the 500 block of North Hamlin, a 25-year-old man was standing on a sidewalk when four men walked up to him, police said. He tried to run from the scene, but all four men opened fire, striking him in the arm. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.

In the 2500 block of East 106 th Street at approximately 7:40 p.m., a 20-year-old man was walking when a group of men walked up to him and opened fire, striking the victim in the left foot and right calf. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in stable condition, according to Chicago police.

Street at approximately 7:40 p.m., a 20-year-old man was walking when a group of men walked up to him and opened fire, striking the victim in the left foot and right calf. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in stable condition, according to Chicago police. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a 38-year-old man was walking on a sidewalk in the 7800 block of North Paulina when he heard shots. The victim was shot in the right ankle, and he was taken to St. Francis, where he is listed in stable condition, according to police.

A 21-year-old man was sitting in a car at a gas station in the 7600 block of South Chicago when a person in another car fired shots at him, police said. The man was taken to the University of Chicago in stable condition with a graze wound to his back.

No one is in custody in any of these shootings unless otherwise noted.

Sunday:
The controversial Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook was "shut down" Friday evening following new test results showing emissions of "the highest levels of [ethylene oxide] recorded in the area," the mayor of the suburban Chicago town said.

"As a result of Willowbrooks new testing, I have been notified by the Illinois EPA that Sterigenics will be shut down this evening," Mayor Frank Trilla said in a statement.



The IEPA confirmed it has issued a Seal Order on the facility at 7775 S. Quincy St. "to prevent the commencement of any new sterilization cycles using ethylene oxide to prevent emissions which present an imminent and substantial endangerment to residents and off-site workers in the Willowbrook community."

Sterigenics said the EPA's decision was "indefensible."

"Unilaterally preventing a business that is operating in compliance with all state permits and regulations from carrying out its vital function sets a dangerous precedent," the company said in a statement. "The Illinois EPAs decision will place the health and lives of thousands of patients who rely on the critical medical products sterilized at Willowbrook at risk."

Sterigenics also said they would comply with the order but also take legal actions to reverse the decision.



New readings from an independent 30-day air monitoring test commissioned by the village showed outdoor levels of 21 parts per billion at the Willowbrook Village Hall and 89 parts per billion at the Willowbrook Police Department. Indoor readings at those locations were "even higher in some cases."



"These new test results prove one thing: Sterigenics needs to be shut down," Trilla said in a statement.

Governor JB Pritzker said that the decision shows the Illinois EPA's committment to "protect the health and well-being" of residents.

"His office has been in regular contact with the Illinois EPA about exercising their authority to seal the operations of the Sterigenics plant that uses ethylene oxide as an extraordinary measure because the U.S. EPA and the company have refused to take immediate action," Pritzker's office said in a statement.

State and local officials recently called on the EPA to immediately shut down the Willowbrook Sterigenics following reports of elevated levels of ethylene oxide concentrations surrounding the facility.

In a joint statement, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul urged the EPA to "protect the health and safety of families living near the [Willowbrook] facility."

"Recent media reports of alleged improper handling of dangerous chemicals at the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook and reports of elevated EtO levels within the Willowbrook community are deeply disturbing, and we urge the United States EPA to take swift and effective action to protect the health and safety of families living near the facility," the statement read.

Recent air-quality metrics released by the U.S. EPA revealed that the two sites closest to the suburban Chicago Sterigenics facilities have the highest ethylene oxide concentrations.

The EPA posted the results of 12 days of air-quality testing from late November into mid-December. One of the two locations with the highest concentrations include the Willowbrook Village Hall.



Average readings were a little over 2 micrograms per cubic meter, with readings as high as 10 or 11. Environmental health experts said the data confirms prior modeling data that went into the calculations, indicating the cancer risk at more than six extra cancers per 1,000.

The EPA considers one extra cancer per million as acceptable.

The EPA said that downwind of the Sterigenics facility, the concentrations in the community have been as high as 1.7 micrograms per cubic meter.

"They need to do what's right and protect this community and these children," said Sri Rao of Stop Sterigenics. "Levels at these schools are hundreds of times higher than the acceptable actual levels. This has to stop. Our children are being poisoned. We are being poisoned."

"We don't need any more tests," said Neringa Zymancius of Stop Sterigenics. "We are not lab rats for them to conduct testing to see how far they can keep releasing emissions until we all start dying."



The U.S. EPA previously said the data was too limited to determine the long-term health risks of the levels and expects to issue a full risk assessment in the spring.

Residents have also demanded an immediate shut-down of the facilities.
With Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stepping aside, and a number of young progressive challengers vying for aldermanic seats, City Council could look quite different after the Feb. 26 municipal elections. Here's a look at 12 big races happening across the city 

MAYOR

Before Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced in September 2018 that he would not seek a third term in office, there were already about a dozen other candidates vying to take him on. After he dropped out of the race, even more threw their hats in the ring - making the field of candidates running to be Chicago's next mayor the largest in city history.

In total, 14 mayoral hopefuls made it to the ballot after a long and contentious series of petition challenges - an old tradition of filing legal objections to opponents' petition signatures in an effort to knock the competition out of the race. They include, in order of their appearance on the ballot:

Jerry Joyce, an attorney and lobbyist who previously served as a Cook County assistant state's attorney. Joyce is the son of former 19th Ward Ald. and state Sen. Jeremiah Joyce, who worked closely with former Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Paul Vallas, the former Chicago Public Schools CEO who led the district from 1995 to 2001 and has served as superintendent for multiple other school districts in New Orleans; Bridgeport, Conn.; and Philadelphia. Vallas also served as the citys budget director from 1993 to 1995, and previously ran for Illinois governor in 2002, losing in the Democratic primary to now-disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Vallas later unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor alongside then-Gov. Pat Quinn in 2014.

Willie Wilson, who ran for mayor in 2015 as well as president in 2016. Wilson is a millionaire businessman who owned several McDonalds franchises and founded a medical supply company. Shortly after announcing his candidacy, Wilson donated $100,000 to his own committee - lifting the self-funding limit to allow candidates to contribute any amount to their own committees throughout the election. In 2018, Wilson came under fire for giving away cash from his charitable foundation at church and community events to help Cook County residents with property taxes. Opponents said the stunt was designed to buy votes, though the Illinois State Board of Elections ruled that it did not violate any campaign finance laws.

Toni Preckwinkle, the current Cook County Board President and chair of the Cook County Democratic Party. Preckwinkle has been board president since 2010, and prior to that was elected to five terms as alderman of the 4th Ward on the city's South Side. In April 2018, she became chair of the Cook County Democratic Party after Assessor Joe Berrios lost his primary election. Preckwinkle enjoys significant support from organized labor, particularly Service Employees International Union Local 1 and the Chicago Teachers Union. She championed the ill-fated soda tax, which was repealed amid public outcry just months after it went into effect in August 2017. If Preckwinkle were to win, she would become the first mayor to also chair the Cook County Democratic Party since Richard J. Daley.

Bill Daley, the son of one mayor and brother of another. Richard J. Daley, who served as mayor for 21 years, is Bill Daleys father, and his brother Richard M. Daley became the longest-serving Chicago mayor before declining to run for a seventh term in 2011. Bill Daley was U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2000, and White House chief of staff for President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2012. A familiar name in Chicago politics, Bill Daley briefly entered the race for Illinois governor in 2013 before taking himself out of the running, and most recently worked in finance - enabling him to quickly build a multimillion-dollar war chest, the largest of all the candidates in the race.

Garry McCarthy, the former Chicago police superintendent who was fired by Emanuel during the fallout after the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. The Bronx native was a New York City police officer from 1981 to 2006, spending the last six years as deputy commissioner for operations before he was hired to lead the police department in Newark, New Jersey. Emanuel then brought him to Chicago in 2011, where he was CPD superintendent until Emanuel asked for his resignation in 2015, days after video was released showing then-Officer Jason Van Dyke shooting 17-year-old McDonald 16 times. A self-described conservative Democrat, McCarthy currently works in consulting.

Gery Chico, an attorney who was former Mayor Richard M. Daley's chief of staff as well as board president of Chicago Public Schools. Chico unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2004, then served as president of the Chicago Park District and chairman of the City Colleges of Chicago board before running for mayor in 2011. Chico came in second of six candidates, earning 24 percent of the vote, behind Emanuel's 55 percent. In a statement announcing his run this time around, Chicago said he will focus on "violence, education, jobs and economic development."

Susana Mendoza, who officially announced her campaign eight days after she was re-elected to a second term as Illinois Comptroller. She insisted for weeks prior that she was focused on the midterms - even after a portion of her announcement video was leaked. She had long been rumored to be considering a run for mayor, with supporters circulating petitions in the months before her announcement. Mendoza previously served as an Illinois state representative from 2000 to 2011, then as Chicago city clerk through 2016 when she was elected comptroller.

Amara Enyia, an attorney and community activist who also ran for mayor in 2015. She exited that race to back then-Ald. Bob Fiorettis unsuccessful bid. With a doctorate in education policy, she has worked as a public policy advisor in various capacities, and is currently the director of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps her most notable campaign moment came when she nabbed the endorsement of Chicago's Chance the Rapper, who also donated $400,000 to keep her campaign afloat.

La Shawn Ford, an Illinois state representative who has represented portions of the citys West Side since 2007. He is a licensed real estate broker and insurance agent, according to his biography on the General Assembly's website. He ran unopposed for re-election to the 8th House District, winning a sixth term in the post he hopes to abandon should his run for mayor be successful.

Neal Sales-Griffin, a tech entrepreneur who is currently the CEO of Code Now, a nonprofit that teaches low-income students how to code. Sales-Griffin also teaches at Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, and serves on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations.

Lori Lightfoot, the former Chicago Police Board president. Emanuel appointed Lightfoot to head the board in 2015, and to chair the Police Accountability Task Force in 2016, in the wake of the McDonald shooting. A former federal prosecutor from 1996 to 2002, Lightfoot has also held various roles in city government, including as chief of staff for Chicagos Office of Emergency Management and Communications in 2005. She most recently was a partner at Mayer Brown LLP and entered the race before Emanuel dropped out - criticizing the candidates who launched their bids after his announcement.

Bob Fioretti, a former alderman who also ran for mayor in 2015. He represented the citys 2nd Ward from 2007 to 2015, when the redistricted map pushed him outside the wards boundaries. He then decided to run for mayor instead, but eventually dropped out and endorsed Emanuel's re-election bid ahead of the runoff vote against Jesus "Chuy" Garcia. Later that year, Fioretti launched an unsuccessful campaign for state Senate in the 5th District. Most recently, Fioretti made an unsuccessful bid for Cook County Board President against Preckwinkle in 2018.

John Kozlar, an attorney who is currently part of the risk solutions team at Aon plc. He unsuccessfully ran for 11th Ward alderman at age 21, then mounted another bid for the same position in 2015, forcing a run-off against Patrick Daley Thompson, a member of the powerful Daley family who ultimately won. Kozlar is last of all the candidates when it comes to fundraising, with just over $1,000 on hand.

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TREASURER

Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers, often seen as a rising political star, unexpectedly announced in 2018 that he would not seek re-election. Summers was Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles ex-chief of staff and served just one term.

Three candidates are hoping to take his place as what could be seen as the citys accountant, managing Chicagos operating funds, controlling the citys investments and overseeing the citys increasingly-troubled pension funds. The candidates include, in order of their appearance on the ballot: Melissa Conyears-Ervin (right), Ameya Pawar (left) and Peter Gariepy (center).

Conyears-Ervin is currently an Illinois state representative, serving the 10th District since 2017. She has a masters degree in business administration from Roosevelt University and has garnered some key endorsements, from the likes of SEIU Local 73, the Chicago Teachers Union, and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

Ameya Pawar is currently the 47th Ward alderman, running for a new office after vowing to only serve two terms on City Council. He ran on a progressive platform for Illinois governor last year, but dropped out of the Democratic primary early on, citing a prohibitive lack of funding. Hes floated the idea of creating a publicly-owned bank, which would aim to provide low-interest loans for residents and would essentially cut private banks out of the business of handling the citys finances. His progressive approach to ethics and transparency in particular has earned him the endorsements of both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, as well as SEIU Local 1 and Rep. Mike Quigley.

Accountant Peter Gariepy, who unsuccessfully tried to unseat Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas last year, is also running. His campaign is largely self-financed, after he loaned himself just under $40,000 last quarter.

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13TH WARD

Chicagos 13th Ward has a David and Goliath-style battle playing out, as DePaul University freshman David Krupa (left) hopes to topple Ald. Marty Quinn (right). The recent Fenwick High School grad and part-time FedEx forklift operator cashed in savings bonds and used graduation gift money to open a campaign office. But hes not taking on just any alderman - hes got his sights set on powerful House Speaker Mike Madigans hand-picked alderman. Quinn is perhaps Madigans most senior political operative and has represented the 13th Ward on the citys Southwest Side since 2011.

In early 2018, a series of allegations of sexual harassment against various aides rocked Madigans organization, the first of which was against Marty Quinns brother Kevin Quinn. Alaina Hampton, a political consultant who also previously worked for Madigan, accused Kevin Quinn in February of making multiple unsolicited advances and sending her dozens of inappropriate text messages. Kevin Quinn, who Hampton said was her supervisor at the time, was fired the day before she went public with her allegations. She claimed that when she had previously told Marty Quinn and Madigan of the alleged harassment, they both attempted to sweep her complaint under the rug and refused to hire her for a campaign in retaliation.

Kevin Quinn, Marty Quinn and Madigan - the countrys longest-serving statehouse speaker and the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois - all denied the allegations and Hampton filed a lawsuit against DPI and Madigans political organization the following month. It was those allegations in part that prompted 19-year-old Krupa to make his first run for office - one in which he has also filed a lawsuit against Marty Quinn, his political committee, Madigan and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization that Madigan controls as the wards Democratic committeeman.

That lawsuit is over Quinns efforts to knock Krupa off the ballot. Krupa filed roughly 1,700 petition signatures to run, only needing 473. To get him off the ballot, Quinns campaign filed more than 2,700 affidavits from residents claiming to revoke their signatures on Krupas petitions - 1,000 more affidavits than signatures Krupa even collected. Krupas campaign alleged that this constituted fraudulent behavior, and Quinn ultimately dropped his petition challenge. Still, Krupa filed his lawsuit accusing Quinn and Madigan of a deprivation of his civil rights.

Having pulled in roughly $12,000 in campaign contributions and in-kind donations, with more than $5,600 of that coming from his own pockets, Krupa doesnt quite have the cash to stack up to Quinn. A prolific fundraiser, Madigan has dumped $200,000 cash from the 13th Ward Democratic Organizations coffers into Quinns campaign, in three installments since December. Hes also covered thousands of dollars in Quinns campaign payroll with his Friends of Michael J. Madigan committee, state Board of Elections records show.

While that amount of money seems primed to overwhelm Quinns rather unlikely opponent, the race remains one to watch if only to see just how power in Illinois is preserved.

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14TH WARD

The longest-serving alderman in Chicago history faces his toughest electoral battle yet. Ald. Ed Burke (center) is running for a 13th term representing the citys 14th Ward, despite being charged with attempted extortion for "corruptly soliciting business" for his law firm, federal authorities allege. Burke was indicted on Jan. 3, weeks after federal agents conducted raids at his 14th Ward office and his finance committee suite on Nov. 29, and then again at City Hall on Dec. 13.

The unsealed complaint revealed that authorities claim Burke was using his official position in an attempt to stymie renovations on a restaurant in his 14th Ward  later identified as the Burger King near the scene of the high-profile police shooting of Laquan McDonald  in an alleged effort to direct the companys business to his own law firm for personal gain.Burke runs a law firm specializing in property tax appeals, and had previously worked for President Donald Trump on lowering taxes for his namesake Chicago tower. His firm, Klafter & Burke, stopped representing Trump earlier this year. Burke, who first took office in 1969, has previously been subject to scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, as well as federal investigations over allegations of ghost payrolling. With regard to the January charge of corruption, as he has in the past, Burke has repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

He faces two opponents in the predominantly Hispanic ward: Jaime Guzman (right) and Tanya Patino (left), who both have ties to Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. Guzman was a legislative analyst for Garcia when the congressman was a Cook County commissioner and has since worked at the Pilsen Law Center. Patino is a civil engineer and nabbed the endorsement of Garcia - who called for special monitors for the 14th Ward election, claiming that Burke flouted rules against electioneering at a polling place back in November.

Burke has long been arguably the most powerful alderman in the city, as chair of the Chicago City Council Committee on Finance, though he resigned from that position after he was indicted. Still, he is far and away the most prolific fundraiser on City Council, with more than $12.2 million in his war chest, across three campaign committees, as of the most recent reporting period ending on Dec. 31. Will that cash be enough to topple both his opponents? With three candidates, it will certainly be more difficult, but not impossible, for any one of them to reach the 50 percent needed to win outright without forcing an April runoff.

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20TH WARD

The campaign to be Chicagos 20th Ward Alderman is wide open, with no incumbent in a race thats tied for the highest number of candidates at nine, all vying to replace Ald. Willie Cochran, who was indicted on federal criminal charges in December 2016. The candidates include: Jeanette B. Taylor, Nicole J. Johnson, Maya Hodari, Jennifer O. Maddox, Andre Smith, Dernard D. Newell, Quandra V. Speights, Kevin M. Bailey and Anthony Driver, Jr.

Taylor led a hunger strike to protest the closing of Dyett High School and is a strong proponent of a Community Benefits Agreement for the Obama Presidential Center. Johnson is an education consultant and has worked, among other roles, as a policy and program manager at Chicago Votes.

Hodari is the former director of development at the Chicago Housing Authority and a founding member of the Woodlawn Neighbors Association.

Maddox is a Chicago police officer, currently working in the departments Office of Community Affairs, and the founder of a non-profit organization focused on after-school and summer programs for children.

Smith is the founder and CEO of Chicago Against Violence and previously ran for alderman in 2010.

Newell has worked as an assistant states attorney for the Cook County states attorneys office, as well as an investigator for the Independent Police Review Authority and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

Speights is an attorney and NAACP member, as well as a member of the board of directors of SheVotes Illinois.

Bailey is a civil engineer by degree, works at IBM and is the 20th Ward Democratic committeeman who ran against Cochran in 2015, forcing him to a run-off in which Bailey earned 45 percent of the vote.

Driver has a background in policy, has previously worked for the Chicago Mayors Office of Public Engagement and is an advocate against gun violence after losing two friends in shootings.

Cochran was charged with a total of 11 counts of wire fraud, two counts of federal program bribery and two counts of extortion, authorities said. Authorities allege Cochran, a former Chicago police officer, used money from a charitable fund in part to pay for his daughters college tuition and roughly $25,000 on gambling at casinos. He was also accused of soliciting a bribe from a liquor store owner in exchange for the passage of an ordinance allowing liquor sales in the stores two-block area, plus the solicitation of a bribe from an attorney representing real estate developers with properties in the ward.

Cochran originally entered a plea of not guilty in 2016, then rejected a plea deal in 2018, setting the stage for a trial this summer. He announced in 2017 that he would not run again, though he said his decision had nothing to do with his indictment. Cochran is the third 20th Ward alderman to face charges, with two of his predecessors - Cliff Kelley and Arenda Troutman - imprisoned for fraud. The ward includes parts of the Woodlawn, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, Washington Park and Englewood neighborhoods on the citys South Side.

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22ND WARD

The 22nd Ward will soon have its first new alderman in more than 25 years. Ald. Ricardo Munoz announced in July that he would not seek re-election after serving since his appointment to the office in 1993, when he replaced now-Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia after his departure for the Illinois Senate. The race to replace Munoz - in which four candidates are vying to take over - is one of several across the city in which Garcia is involved.

The chosen candidate of both Garcia and Munoz is Michael Rodriguez (left), the 22nd Ward Democratic commiteeman. Rodriguez is the executive officer of the Cook County medical examiners office and previously worked as director of Enlace Chicago, a nonprofit organization aimed at violence prevention.

A former challenger to Munoz is running as well. Neftalie Gonzalez (second from left) is a former Chicago police officer who founded nonprofit organization OpportUnityOportUnidad, focused on employment opportunities. Gonzalez ran against Munoz in both 2011 and 2015, earning 36 percent and then 13 percent of the vote, respectively.

Lisette Liz Lopez (right) is an outreach director for Oak Street Health, a health clinic for seniors on Medicare. She previously worked for the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Women Infant and Children program and founded Imago Dei, a young violence prevention program.

Richard Juarez (second from right) is currently the director of long-term services and support at Lawndale Christian Health Center, a nonprofit health organization.

All four, including his chosen successor, have called on Munoz to step down before the end of his term, after the longtime alderman was charged with domestic battery for an alleged attack on his wife on New Years Eve. Munoz, who has been open about his past gang ties and battle with alcoholism, checked into an Indiana rehabilitation facility in January but has said he has no intention of resigning. The Southwest Side ward includes parts of the Little Village, South Lawndale and Archer Heights neighborhoods.

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25TH WARD

The race to represent Chicagos 25th Ward changed drastically after Ald. Danny Solis announced in November that he would not seek reelection - leaving the field wide open for five candidates seeking to replace him. They include, in order of their appearance on the ballot: Hilario Dominguez, Alexander Alex Acevedo, Troy Antonio Hernandez, Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Aida Flores.

Dominguez (center) is a former special education teacher and community organizer who has worked on issues of housing and volunteered for candidates including Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, who has endorsed him.

Acevedo (second from right) is a former registered nurse who currently works as a community relations manager at Oak Street Health, a clinic for senior citizens. He is the son of former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo and unsuccessfully ran for his fathers seat in 2016.

Hernandez (second from left) is a data scientist who works for IBM and volunteers as director of the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization. He unsuccessfully attempted to run against Solis in 2015 but did not make the ballot.

Sigcho-Lopez (left) is an educator and public policy researcher at the University of Illinois-Chicago, as well as the director of the Pilsen Alliance, an organization focused on social justice for working class and immigrant communities on the Lower West Side. Sigcho-Lopez was one of four candidates who challenged Solis in 2015, coming in second with 19 percent of the vote - falling about 80 votes short of forcing Solis into a run-off election.

Flores (right) is a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and principal who currently works as a management consultant.

Solis has represented the ward since he was appointed in 1996, meaning this election will mark the first time in nearly a quarter-century that the 25th Ward will have a new voice on City Council. Each of the candidates are about half the age of 70-year-old Solis, meaning that no matter who wins, the 25th Ward will, for the first time, be represented by a millennial.

Solis has gone silent since late January, when the Chicago Sun-Times reported that he secretly recorded conversations with embattled Ald. Ed Burke as part of a criminal investigation that resulted in a charge of attempted extortion against Burke on Jan. 3. Solis himself became the subject of a federal criminal investigation in 2014, according to a source familiar with the probe, which is why Solis cooperated in the investigation into Burke. No charges have been filed against Solis, who resigned from his position as chair of the powerful City Council Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, which votes on where developers can build multi-million to multi-billion dollar projects across the city.

Solis has been a major flash-point in the race, as candidates for the 25th Ward - which includes parts of the Lower West Side, Pilsen, Greek Town, Chinatown and University Village neighborhoods - have attempted to distance themselves from him and paint themselves as reformers.

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30TH WARD

The 30th Ward race is one that has pitted two longtime allies of outgoing Mayor Rahm Emanuel against one another, as incumbent Ald. Ariel Reboyras (center) hopes to defend his spot against a challenge from former Rep. Luis Gutierrez's daughter Jessica.

Reboyras chairs the City Council Committee on Public Safety, which oversees the Chicago Police Department, and has backed Emanuels agenda items on multiple occasions, including police reform. Emanuel offered Reboyras his support at a fundraiser in September, according to a video Reboyras posted on his Facebook page, in which Emanuel gives Reboyras credit for bringing a new elementary school to the Belmont-Cragin neighborhood. Reboyras, who was first elected in 2003, has also earned the endorsements of the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.

His main challenger is Jessica Gutierrez (right), daughter of former Rep. Luis Gutierrez, another Emanuel ally who chaired the mayor's re-election campaign in 2015. Luis Gutierrez announced in 2017 that he would not seek re-election the following year, engineering the victory of his chosen successor, now-Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia - who was Emanuels mayoral opponent in 2015 . Jessica Gutierrez most recently worked as a field director on Garcias Democratic primary campaign for her fathers Congressional seat. Shes running to Reboyras left, with the Chicago Teachers Unions endorsement, a vow to join the Progressive Caucus, and hope that Emanuels support will prove detrimental to Reboyras.

Also running is Edgar Edek Esparza (left), a 22-year-old college student who also attempted to run against Reboyras in 2015 but did not make the ballot.

The 30th Ward includes parts of the Belmont-Cragin, Portage Park and Irving Park neighborhoods on Chicagos Northwest Side.

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33RD WARD

In 2015, Ald. Deb Mell (right) ran for the first time to defend her appointment to her fathers old seat. She avoided a runoff election by 17 votes, the slimmest of leads that materialized thanks to absentee ballots counted after Election Day. This time around, she faces perhaps an even tougher challenge from a Democratic Socialist that the Chicago Reader said could be the next Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The woman drawing that comparison is Rossana Rodriguez (center), a Puerto Rican activist who currently works as an internship and career advisor for theater and dance at Columbia College. When Mells last opponent Tim Meegan, a member of the Chicago Teachers Union, lost in 2015, the remnants of his campaign operation - including Rodriguez, a founding member - turned into the 33rd Ward Working Families independent political organization. That organization is, in part, whats propelled Rodriguezs campaign, plus the backing of unions like CTU and SEIU.

Mells father Dick Mell was once the Northwest Side kingmaker, as 33rd Ward alderman beginning in 1975, the wards Democratic committeeman starting the following year and the father-in-law of disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich. After 38 years, Dick Mell resigned as alderman in 2013, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed his daughter - then a state representative in her third term - to fill his seat. He lost his position as the wards Democratic committeeman in 2016, meaning this time around, he wont be able to give his successor as big of a boost.

This time, Deb Mell earned the endorsement of the Chicago Sun-Times, pointing to her upgrades to parks in the ward and her more progressive-leaning voice on the City Council. Also in the mix is Chicago Tribune-endorsed Katie Sieracki (left), managing director of a conference organizing company.

Seemingly the most important issue in the 33rd Ward - which includes parts of the Albany Park, Irving Park, Avondale and Ravenswood Manor neighborhoods - is affordable housing.

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44TH WARD

The race in Chicagos 44th Ward has shaped up to be a battle between Lake Views longtime alderman and the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs-owning Ricketts family has been vocal in their frustrations with Ald. Tom Tunney (center), Chicagos first openly gay alderman who has served since his appointment in 2002. The 44th Ward includes Wrigley Field and the surrounding area - often putting the Ricketts at odds with Tunney over night games, parking, zoning and various projects as the family continues to aggressively buy up and redevelop areas around the stadium.

Late last summer, anti-Tunney mailers began to pop up in the ward, paid for by a group called Neighbors for a Better Lakeview, which Crains reported was financially supported by the Ricketts.

Tunney is facing a challenge from two opponents: Austin Baidas (right) and Elizabeth Shydlowski (left).

Baidas previously worked in finance and as the associate director for Gov. Pat Quinns Office of Management and Budget. He also worked as an adviser in the U.S. Department of Transportation under former President Barack Obama, and was a relatively prolific political donor prior to his own campaign, into which hes dumped $200,000 of his own money. Baidas also conceded to Crains that he has long been friends with Laura Ricketts and consulted with her before jumping into the race.

Shydlowski is a business and nonprofit consultant who has previously worked in government and politics for both Democrats and Republicans, most recently as an administrator for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services under former Gov. Bruce Rauner. Shes not nearly as well-funded as Tunney or Baidas, though most of her contributions have come from Cubs-connected donors - including $10,000 from Tom Ricketts and $5,000 from Todd Ricketts wife.

Tunney nabbed the endorsements of both the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times, both citing his pushback on the Cubs as a good thing for the area - but the race will be one to watch to see how far the billionaire Ricketts familys influence can reach.

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47TH WARD

The North Sides 47th Ward - Mayor Rahm Emanuels home turf - has no incumbent running this time and is tied for the most candidates in the race. Nine people are vying to replace outgoing Ald. Ameya Pawar, whos making good on his vow to only serve two terms and is now running for treasurer instead.

The candidates include, in order of their appearance on the ballot: social worker Eileen Dordek, Chicago Public Schools teacher Angela Angie Maloney, Cubs lobbyist Heather Way Kitzes, attorney and ex-staffer for former President Barack Obama and Mayor Rahm Emanuel Michael A. Negron, civil rights lawyer at the Illinois attorney generals office Matt Martin, restaurant owner Gus Katsafaros, firefighter Thomas M. Schwartzers, physician Kimball Ladien and nonprofit organization Midnight Circus in the Parks founder Jeff Jenkins.

With so many candidates, many of whom are well-connected, this race could just end up being the most expensive in the city - and will likely head to a runoff. The 47th Ward includes parts of the Ravenswood and North Center neighborhoods on the city's North Side.

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49TH WARD

The race for the 49th Ward is a battle that gets to the very heart of progressivism in Chicago.

Ald. Joe Moore (left) has represented the ward, encompassing the Rogers Park neighborhood on the citys North Side, since he claimed victory over former Mayor Richard M. Daleys appointed alderman in 1991. Under Daley, Moore flexed his progressive muscle - fighting for a living wage ordinance and implementing the first participatory budgeting program in the country. But critics now say hes grown too close to Mayor Rahm Emanuel to still call himself a progressive.

Enter Maria Hadden (right), an activist who boasts her previous experience as a board member of The Participatory Budgeting Project, as well as her current work as the founder and director of Our City Our Voice, a nonprofit aimed at increasing democratic participation. Hadden is also on the board of directors for the Black Youth Project 100, an organization focused on racial justice. Shes nabbed some big endorsements from the Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU and Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia, among others.

As with several other wards, the number one issue here is affordable housing - perhaps even more so, as Moore chairs the City Council Committee on Housing and Real Estate. With just two candidates, this one wont go to a runoff. Moore has beaten his opponents outright since a 2007 runoff, but now its winner-take-all with no chance for a do-over.
Election Day in Chicago is here, with voters across the city heading to the polls. Here's a look at some essential resources to help you prepare for the big day 

WHEN IS CHICAGO'S ELECTION DAY?

Chicagoans will head to the polls on Feb. 26 to vote for a new mayor and for their ward's City Council seat. Election law dictates that in races where no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote outright, voters will then have to cast their ballots once more in a runoff election.

With the largest field of mayoral hopefuls in Chicago history, and some aldermanic races boasting as many as nine candidates, the city is all-but-certain to have a runoff election, which would be held on Apr. 2.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR CHICAGO MAYOR?

Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent shockwaves through the city when he announced in September that he would not seek a third term in office. Now, 14 people are running to be Chicago's next mayor, the largest number of candidates in city history.

Know the Mayoral Candidates

Get to know the candidates in Chicago's crowded mayoral race: click the photos below to read more about each candidate.

WHERE DO THEY STAND ON CERTAIN ISSUES?

To help cut through the campaign noise, we asked all 14 candidates for mayor seven questions to help inform voters on who they are and where they stand on certain issues the city faces.

Three candidates - Garry McCarthy, Neal Sales-Griffin and John Kozlar - did not respond to multiple requests for their responses, while some others gave written answers but did not submit videos to explain why they are uniquely qualified for the role.

You can find the rest of the candidates' answers below, in the order they appear on the ballot. Click the candidate's name to find their responses.

WHO'S ENDORSED?

If you're still undecided, it can be helpful to known who's backing whom. Click here for a breakdown of the 14 mayoral candidates' endorsements.

WHAT OTHER OFFICES ARE ON THE BALLOT?

There are 50 wards in Chicago, each represented on City Council by one alderman. All of those aldermanic seats are up for a four-year term, with 45 of the 50 races contested - meaning there is more than one candidate on the ballot.

Click here for a full list of candidates running in each of the 50 wards.

Two other offices are also on ballots across all of Chicago: city clerk and city treasurer, each with three candidates vying for the roles.

WHAT ARE THE RACES TO WATCH?

With Emanuel stepping aside, and a number of young progressive challengers vying for aldermanic seats, City Council could soon look quite different. Here's a look at 12 big races happening across the city 

12 Races to Watch in Chicagos Municipal Elections

SEE WHO'S ON YOUR BALLOT

Enter your address below to find out your ward, and all the candidates running to be your alderman.

WHAT QUESTIONS WILL BE ON THE BALLOT?

Nearly every election includes some sort of referendum, and this year is no different. In addition to voting for your chosen candidates, you can weigh in on issues specific to your ward and even down to your precinct. Click here to find the questions that will be asked of various Chicago voters.

WHERE TO VOTE EARLY

If you want to avoid the rush and cast your ballot before Election Day, you have plenty of options. Click here for the full list of early voting sites across Chicago, as well as early voting hours for every day through Feb. 25. You can vote at any of them across the city, even if you don't live in that ward.

HOW TO FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE

If you prefer to cast your ballot on Election Day, you have just one option: your designated polling place. If you don't know where that is, enter your address below to find it 

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You can also click here to search for your polling place (and make sure you're registered) through the Chicago Board of Elections' website.

WHAT TIME POLLS ARE OPEN

Polls open at 6 a.m. and will stay open through 7 p.m. But remember - if you are IN LINE when polls close, you can still vote! So if you're rushing to your polling place at the last minute, don't worry if you see a line - and don't let anyone try to dissuade you from casting your ballot.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

While a government-issued photo ID is not required to vote under Illinois law, it can be helpful to bring one should any questions about registration, address, signature, or more arise during the voting process.

It's important to remember: you legally do not need any form of identification to cast your vote, unless you are registering for the first time or changing your registration.

NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE?

If you're not registered in Illinois but still want to vote, it's not too late! You can take advantage of grace period registration through Election Day. You simply have to bring two forms of identification, one with your current address, to your polling place and be prepared to vote at the same time.

SHOULD YOU TAKE A BALLOT SELFIE?

NO. In Illinois, ballot selfies are prohibited by state law. It's a felony to mark your ballot so another person can see how you voted, carrying a potential prison sentence of one to three years.

State election officials have said it's "unlikely" anyone would be prosecuted for a ballot selfie, but you should play it safe and take a picture of your "I Voted" sticker or pose next to the polling place sign instead.

HOW TO GET LIVE RESULTS

Live Election Day coverage will air on NBC 5 throughout the evening and at 10 p.m. You can also track up-to-the-minute race results live in the NBC Chicago app - where you can turn on notifications to get alerts on winners of the biggest races - and right here on NBCChicago.com.
I am heartened that because of the support of our U.S. Senators, the entire Indiana Congressional delegation, and numerous Northwest Indiana organizations, we have successfully titled the first National Park in our state, Visclosky said in a prepared statement. This action provides our shoreline with the recognition it deserves, and I hope further builds momentum to improve open and public access to all of our regions environmental wonders.
A sixth grader in Florida was arrested and charged with disrupting a school function and resisting an officer without violence after his refusal to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance escalated into a confrontation with police and school officials on Feb. 4, authorities said.

A local news outlet, Bay News 9, reported that the confrontation began after the student at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, near Tampa, called the flag racist and described the national anthem as offensive.

Citing a statement provided to the Polk School District by the boys substitute teacher, the station reported that the teacher asked him, why if it was so bad here he did not go to another place to live." The boy replied, They brought me here, according to the statement. After the teacher told him he could always go back, she called the school's office because I did not want to continue dealing with him, the station reported.

A school spokesman told the Ledger that students are not required to participate in the pledge, but the teacher, Ana Alvarez, wasnt aware of that policy and would no longer work with the district. The Lakeland Police Department said in a statement that the boy was not arrested for refusing to recite the Pledge Allegiance, but for "the student's choice to disrupt the classroom, make threats and resisting the officer's efforts to leave the classroom."
A seventh grader from San Jose is on his way to the Scripps National Spelling Bee after winning a regional competition Sunday in Pleasanton.

Rashik Gandhasri, from Chaboya Middle School in the Evergreen School District, won the 2019 Bay Area Regional Spelling Bee title in the 14th round when he correctly spelled guanabana.

Vayun Krishna, a sixth-grader from Challenger School-Middlefield in Palo Alto, came in second.

The Bay Area region includes schools in the following counties: Alameda, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Sonoma.

Gandhasri wins an expenses-paid trip to the Scripps National competition in Washington, D.C., in May.
A convicted felon was back behind bars Sunday after deputies say they found weapons in his car.

Aaron Haygood, 31, a convicted felon on probation for dangerous drugs, was arrested after an alert deputy spotted a car with a broken brake light Saturday night in unincorporated Gilroy, the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies pulled over Haygood at Masten Avenue and Monterey Highway at about 5:35 p.m. Saturday. They searched the car and found a loaded, unregistered gun with a high-capactiy magazine and a billy club, sheriff's officials said.

Haygood, a convicted felon and on probation for drug charges out of Nebraska, faces weapons charges and a parole violation, sheriff's officials said.He was booked into county jail without incident.
While recent rounds of rain have boosted the state's water supply and helped bring additional green to the landscape, they also opened up new problems for Bay Area drivers: potholes.

Caltrans said the combination of water and hydrolic pressure causes potholes to pop up during stormy weather.

"Water seeps into the cracks in the road," a Caltrans official explained. "Cars and trucks drive over that, and the hydrolic pressure of the water being squeezed pushes against the road itself. There's a lot of cars and trucks driving over it. It just squeezes and squeezes and eventually the road breaks apart and you get a pothole."

The good news for California drivers is that the state is about to release $360 million of Measure B funding. A $9.5 million chunk will go toward repaving in Santa Clara County alone.

Drivers who spot potholes can report them to the transportation department for the city or county where the potholes are located.

Motorists with vehicles damaged by potholes on a roadway maintained by Caltrans can file a claim with the agency.
(Natural News) A scientific paper published by a team of Australian researchers has revealed a startling find: Scientists at the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL) have been adjusting historical data regarding tide levels in the Indian Ocean. Their highly questionable activities have depicted rapidly rising seas  but the truth is that there is no reason to be alarmed at all. Scientists have found that sea levels are stable  and have been for the entirety of the 20th century.

To put it simply, these PSMSL scientists have been arbitrarily changing their data in order to create the illusion of a problem that doesnt actually exist.

According to the Australian research team, sea levels in the Indian ocean have remained stable for decades. Dr. Albert Parker and Dr. Clifford Ollier recently published their astounding research in the journal Earth Systems and Environment; their extensive research gives an in-depth look at how this massive deception was undertaken.

PSMSL realigned stable sea level trends

As the researchers report, there are multiple lines of evidence that show sea levels in the Indian Ocean are completely stable. Further, the scientific duo explains that the data-adjusters at PSMSL were taking misaligned or incomplete sea level data (which showed no rise in sea levels, or even decreasing sea levels) and realigning them.

As Parker and Ollier contend, It is always highly questionable to shift data collected in the far past without any proven new supporting material. But what makes the PSMSLs data shifts even more questionable is the fact that older datasets were adjusted to look lower while all newer sets of sea level data were re-configured to appear higher. When these arbitrary adjustments are taken together, it creates the appearance of a significant and concerning rise in sea levels  one that is entirely artificial.

As reported:

The sea levels in India, including Mumbai, and in Karachi, Pakistan, have been recently analysed and discussed in Parker and Ollier (2015) and in Parker (2016). In both cases, it was shown that the latest positive trends in the PSMSL RLR [revised local reference, adjusted] data are only the result of arbitrary alignments, and alternative and more legitimate alignments reveal very stable sea-level conditions.

Further, the researchers state that there are even greater concerns regarding the PSMSLs so-called findings. They wrote:

What are more dangerous are the corrections recently introduced to the past to magnify the sea-level trend or the acceleration. As shown in the prior section, the adjustments introduced by PSMSL to make the RLR [revised local reference, or adjusted data] are arbitrary in Aden, Karachi, and Mumbai.

In one instance, Parker and Ollier referenced a 1991 study which showed that sea levels in Mumbai were falling by an average of 0.3 millimeters per year between the years of 1930 and 1980. The duo states that in PSMSLs latest report, they declare that sea levels in Mumbai were rising by 0.52 millimeters per year during the same time period.

In other words, PSMSL completely changed data collected decades ago to show an increase in sea levels, rather than the decrease that was actually reported at the time.

To sum it up, Ollier and Parker have found there is no reason to believe that sea levels are rising  and that PSMSL has been wantonly adjusting sea level data to create the appearance of a problem that doesnt actually exist.

Scientists use real data to show sea levels are stable

The Australian researchers declared in their paper, Contrary to the adjusted data from tide gauges and the unreliable satellite altimeter data, properly examined data from tide gauges and other sources such as coastal morphology, stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, archaeological remains, and historical documentation indicate a lack of any alarming sea-level rise in recent decades for all the Indian Ocean.

In other words, a non-biased look at the original data from the tide gauges indicates that there is nothing to be worried about; current sea levels are well within normal ranges. In fact, the pair states in the conclusion that sea levels across multiple sites of the Indian Ocean have been stable for all of the 20th century.

The pair of scientists also state in their paper that all key data collection points have shown a sea level rise of 0.0 millimeters for at least the last 50 years  which is an indicator of stability in ocean levels.

A recent report by NASA even showed that sea levels are actually taking a downward turn for the last few years  findings that lie in stark contrast to PSMSLs alarmist report on sea level data.

There has been much controversy and fanfare over the alleged threat of rising sea levels, but it seems that much of this excitement is based on fiction rather than reality.

Ultimately, Parker and Ollier concluded that sea levels are, and have been, quite stable during the past century.

Sources for this article include:

NoTricksZone.com

Link.Springer.com
(Natural News) The Swedes will soon have a way to purify their water supplies of mercury contaminants. Their new electrochemical water treatment method can remove almost all traces of the heavy metal.

Heavy metals are some of the most common, deadly, and persistent pollutants found in water. Mercury, in particular, is considered to be extremely dangerous by the World Health Organization (WHO), because it spreads with ease and gets into the food chain just as easily.

The silvery heavy metal often targets the nervous system and the developing brain. This makes it especially bad for children, who could get exposed to toxic levels as early as the fetal stage if their mothers happen to have high amounts of mercury in their bloodstream.

Fortunately, the electrochemical method developed by the Chalmers University of Technology was able to eliminate almost all of the mercury in water. It did so by using a metal that attracted and bonded with the heavy metal ions, binding the mercury inside the resulting alloy.

Our new method makes it possible to reduce the mercury content in a liquid by more than 99 percent, claimed lead researcher Bjorn Wickman. This can bring the water well within the margins for safe human consumption. (Related: More than 10 million Texans are drinking water contaminated with atrazine, a toxic herbicide with gender bender effects.)

Using a noble metal to bind plenty of toxic heavy metals

The new water treatment method employed a metal plate as an electrode for binding heavy metals. The plate was made out of platinum, a noble metal that is very good at attracting and binding mercury.

When it was submerged in contaminated water, the platinum electrode attracted and bonded with mercury ions to form an alloy. The high stability of this alloy ensured that it will not degrade and release the mercury back into the water.

A single platinum electrode could hold a lot of heavy metal ions. Each of its atoms was capable of bonding with four mercury atoms. In addition, the heavy metal atoms were not limited to bonding with their noble metal counterparts on the surface of the electrode. Mercury atoms could also reach deeper into the plate to react with platinum atoms found there.

This led to the formation of very thick layers of alloys that contain lots of mercury. As a result, an electrode could be used for long periods of time before it gets filled up and needs replacement.

Once removed from the water, a fully-loaded plate could discharge its contents at a controlled rate. The mercury would be safely disposed of while the platinum can be recycled for use in other applications.

A reusable and energy efficient way of removing mercury from water

In their paper, the researchers stated that their electrochemical water purification process also conserved energy by being very picky with the ions it bonded to. It targeted mercury and ignores other pollutants that can be handled by other treatment methods.

Even though there may be many different types of substance in the water, it just removes the mercury, Wickman noted. Therefore, the electrode doesnt waste capacity by unnecessarily taking away other substances from the water.

The platinum-based water treatment technique can be adapted into a mobile and reusable means of cleaning contaminated water in areas that are difficult to access and too small for larger facilities. Since the electrochemical process will only activate if it finds mercury, it uses less power than more generalized treatment methods. Solar energy or wind energy will be enough to provide power to a water purification system that can turn mercury-tainted water into safe potable water.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

Nature.com
(Natural News) On Thursday reports noted that former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, who was fired last year on the recommendation of the Justice Department inspector generals office for lying to officials, revealed in interviews that he one of the ringleaders involved in an attempted coup against POTUS Donald Trump.

To be clear, McCabe didnt come out and say, Hey, we tried to oust a duly elected president and have our preferred candidate installed, but given actions he has admitted to and deeds he claims to have done or orchestrated, its obvious a coup is precisely what he was attempting.

As The National Sentinel notes:

According to excerpts of an upcoming 60 Minutes interview, McCabe not only said he ordered the obstruction of justice probe into POTUS Donald Trump, allegedly because he was concerned about Russian collusion, but he also admitted that he was involved in discussions with the Justice Department to remove our duly elected president under terms outlined in the 25th Amendment after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey over his pathetic handling of the Hillary Clinton classified email probe.

In order to convince Cabinet members that POTUS Trump was unfit to serve, McCabe and others, specifically Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, conspired to entrap the president by sending Rosenstein to see him while wearing a wire. The objective was to get the president to say something outrageous and unhinged, or something that could be spun that way, and use it to trigger his removal under the Constitution.

There were meetings at the Justice Department at which it was discussed whether the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet could be brought together to remove the president of the United States under the 25th Amendment, CBS News correspondent Scott Pelley said Thursday on CBS; Pelley interviewed McCabe for the 60 Minutes segment.

Rosenstein and the Justice Department are, of course, denying McCabes account, but the former FBI official has not only insisted that the wire idea was actively and seriously discussed, but he also claims Rosenstein brought it up repeatedly.

Either McCabe is fabricating everything in his book and, thus, will need to reimburse his publisher  or hes being honest, which means he just laid out a case for being charged with sedition, at a minimum, The National Sentinel suggested.

Lets remember Obama was smack-dab in the middle of this

McCabe also told 60 Minutes that he was responsible for ordering the counterintelligence investigation against the president after Trump fired Comey (on the recommendation of Rosenstein  which now smells suspiciously like a set-up from the get-go) because he was allegedly concerned about Russian influence. This is the same line of reasoning that led Rosenstein to appoint Robert Mueller, a long-time friend and ally of Comey, as special counsel to investigate Trump-Russia collusion.

All of this came after the FBI under Comey launched a probe against Team Trump 2016 based on allegations contained in the now-infamous Russia dossier compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele, who relied on Russian sources. The dossier was paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign and Comey knew all along it was garbage  a prop used to justify FISA court surveillance warrants against Team Trump advisor Carter Page. The FBI knew it too.

And lets never forget that this attempted coup began under the administration of one Barack Hussein Obama, who was well aware it was taking place and, according to former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, ordered it. (Related: Its time for the American people to declare our own national emergency and remove destructive Dems from power.)

There are a number of figures  McCabe, Clapper, Comey just for starters  who took an active role in attempting to pull off a coup against a president who was chosen lawfully and constitutionally. Its patently obvious now. A ringleader has arrogantly admitted it.

If newly appointed Attorney General William Barr doesnt prosecute McCabe and those involved in the coup attempt, the Deep State will try this again with the next president they dont approve of.

And maybe next time theyll be successful.

Read more about the Deep States corruption at Corruption.news.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

CBSNews.com
(Natural News) After her latest attempt to incite sedition, violence, and rioting on the streets of America, its time to hold Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) criminally responsible. Let us count the ways.

When our founders designed our Constitution they included a provision whereby members of Congress could be removed from office if they were found to have violated the law or committed another egregious act.

As noted in a 2012 assessment (.pdf) by the Congressional Research Service:

Under Article I, Section 5, clause 2, of the Constitution, a Member of Congress may be removed from office before the normal expiration of his or her constitutional term by an expulsion from the Senate (if a Senator) or from the House of Representatives (if a Representative) upon a formal vote on a resolution agreed to by two-thirds of the Members of that body present and voting.

The Constitution does not spell out specific grounds for expulsion, but such actions have generally concerned cases of perceived disloyalty to the United States, or the conviction of a criminal statutory offense which involved abuse of ones official position.

According to the Houses Enforcement of Ethical Standards in Congress guidelines:

Members of Congress, like other citizens in the United States, are subject to investigation and prosecution for criminal misconduct and other statutory violations through the criminal justice system, initiated by Federal, State, or local public prosecutors, and conducted through the courts.

Which bring us back to Waters.

For the second time in less than a year, the crazed California Leftist has called on supporters and political opponents of POTUS Donald Trump  and Americans who back him  to take to the streets and disrupt or destroy the civil society as a means of protesting his decision to declare a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border.

During an appearance on MSNBC, Waters called for Americans to send the president a message that they believe his declaration is fake.

How long will this incitement to violence be allowed to continue  until Americans die?

I really expect were going to have a growing number of Republicans that are going to join with us in this disapproval. Yes, theyre concerned if a Democratic president gets elected then they can use emergency powers to do a lot of the things they dont like, she said.

Ive been talking about impeachment for a long time. Im absolutely stunned and amazed that the American people have taken so much off of this president. This president has lied, I think its been documented, 8,000 times in the last two years, Waters continued.

The Americans have taken too much off of this president. He is dishonorable. He does not deserve to be president of the United States. As a matter of fact, he loves Putin, dictators, loves Kim Jong-un, talking about theyre in love now, she charged. (Related: Maxine Waters supporters burn the America flag while chanting black power.)

And so its time for everybody to stand up. All hands on deck to refuse this president these fake emergency powers that he would like to have. And so Im urging everybody get together  rally in every community across this country all this weekend, send a message to Washington, D.C., No, Mr. President, were not going allow you to do this, she said.

Refuse him how, exactly, congresswoman?

You may recall last summer, Waters called on supporters to physically confront Trump Cabinet members at restaurants, in public, and even at their house, offering them no peace, no sleep.

You get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them, and you tell them theyre not welcome anymore, anywhere, she said, The National Sentinel reported.

This kind of incitement will not only result in mass chaos it is liable to lead to physical confrontations and death.

Maxine Waters is no longer just advocating political opposition, shes advocating civil unrest, violence, and physical resistance. If the cowards in Congress wont do anything to her, then the Justice Department should consider charging her with inciting violence.

Do Americans have to die before this crackpot is held responsible?

Read more about the civil war Maxine Waters and other Democrats are fomenting at CivilWar.news.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

TheNationalSentinel.com
(Natural News) During past periods of mass immigration to the United States, native-born Americans often warned of dire consequences to our culture, traditions, and founding. They worried that too many immigrants would water down American mores, values, and customs.

For the first 100 or so years of our existence, Congress did not place many restrictions on immigration. In those years, scores of migrants from Germany, Ireland, and even China streamed to America, VOA News reported.

Eventually, Congress placed restrictions on immigration and from about 1920 or so until the mid-1960s, America absorbed the wave of migrants who had mostly come from the Old World and they assimilated.

In recent years, however, migrants have increasingly come from other parts of the world where Islam is practiced. And, warns one Egyptian woman, they are bringing with them a culture, a religion, and values that so conflict with Western mores and traditions observed in the United States that she fears a major upheaval is coming.

Writing under the pseudonym Magda Borham, she penned a letter recently to the U.S. and the West in general with a dire warning about an Islamic invasion under the guise of immigration.

Nobody else in the world knows Islam and the mentality of Muslims more than those who have suffered by having Islam as part of their life, Borham  who says shes lived in Egypt for more than three decades  wrote.

If you listen to the [Christian] Copts of Egypt, the Christians of Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Pakistan, and all the other Muslim countries, you will hear descriptions of the horrors of Islam, Borham continued. See and feel the tears of the minorities in every Islamic society. These tears will tell you the true stories of Islam. Hear the blood of the ex-Muslims pounding. Its their blood that is shouting out every single second, asking the rest of the world to Wake up! (Related: Facebook sides with radical Islam, bans gay magazine.)

Borham goes on to to say that most Americans dont understand that Islam isnt a religion so much as its an authoritarian political construct that does not comport with the individual liberties and freedoms recognized and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Indeed, she says, Islam is Americas biggest danger.

The Left as useful idiots to radical Islam

She notes that as Egypt has transformed into an Islamic country, religious minorities like her have increasingly suffered.

Like so many others, I have been burned by this transformation, Borham writes. This transformation has seen me witness and experience Islam turn my home country to ruins and its followers are now threatening to bring the same fate to your own country.

Islam is a supremacist, racist, political and social ideology wrapped in a thin peel of religious rituals. It seeks domination and supremacy over all other systems and religions. Islam is worse than Nazism and fascist systems combined without any doubt, she warned.

In fact, Hitlers Nazi Germany courted Muslim governments during the early part of World War II and many of them sided with Hitler because they shared his hatred of the Jews.

Today, it should be noted that Christianity has been essentially eradicated from the Middle East even though thats where it has its origins.

As for the U.S., Borham issued a dire warning  especially to the American Left.

Muslims use your own democratic laws and values against you, and they do it successfully while you keep sleeping as if as in a deep coma. This is why the leftists are the people who are worthy of the title useful idiots. They are in a perpetual state of shame and self-loathing and will be the first victims of Islam once it takes over, she wrote.

Leftists, liberals, progressives, Antifa, Code Pink and so on are all appeasers of Islam. Appeasing evil is cowardice. They are fooled people who feed crocodiles, hoping they will eat them last. They are the enemy within your countries, she added.

Read more about how the Lefts social justice movement is abetting Americas enemies at JusticeDemocrats.news.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

VOANews.com

IsraelIslamAndEndTimes.com
We hope that attendees are able to engage with other film fans while watching the Oscar telecast, said Cecilia Cygnar, adult services librarian for the Niles-Maine District Library. Instead of watching the Oscars at home, we hope were giving people an opportunity to mingle, discuss, and share their feelings about the show, as well as about the nominated movies.
(Natural News) Democrats and some Republicans repeatedly warned President Donald Trump last week not to use existing federal law to declare a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border if Congress didnt give him funds to build new walls and barriers.

Not only did Congress fail to deliver, lawmakers passed a bill containing all sorts of in your face restrictions designed to not only deprive Americans of legitimate border security but to punish POTUS (and his supporters).

As conservative talker Rush Limbaugh described the budget deal, The attempt  is to send a message to you Trump voters that its worthless voting for him, that it is a waste of time supporting him because they are demonstrating that he cant get anything done.

The president anticipated a bum deal from Congress and as such threatened repeatedly to declare an emergency under the National Emergencies Act to build new fencing and walls designed to thwart illegal immigration and slow the importation of dangerous drugs that are killing Americans in epidemic proportions.

So, with such an obvious need for a declaration, given Congress partisan inaction, why shouldnt have Trump declared an emergency? Well, because Democrats might do the same thing someday over a fake emergency, according to the presidents naysayers.

Fair enough. And in fact, leave it to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to threaten just that.

As reported by The Hill, Pelosi warned that a Democratic president could someday declare an emergency over gun violence, the implicit warning being that under such a declaration he or she could then ban certain guns. Or all guns. Or maybe even suspend the Second Amendment.

A Democratic president can declare emergencies, as well, Pelosi told reporters in the Capitol. So the precedent that the president is setting here is something that should be met with great unease and dismay by the Republicans.

Namely?

Lets talk about today: The one-year anniversary of another manifestation of the epidemic of gun violence in America, Pelosi said. Thats a national emergency. Why dont you declare that emergency, Mr. President? I wish you would.

But a Democratic president can do that, she added.

Its telling that Democrats always want to go for our guns

Another Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, tweeted out a whole Left-wing laundry list of national emergencies that could be declared: Gun violence, climate change, income inequality, and access to healthcare.

Gun violence is a national emergency Climate Change is a national emergency Income inequality is a national emergency Access to healthcare is a national emergency Building a wall on the southern border is not.  Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) February 14, 2019

Obviously, none of the things Cleaver claims are national emergencies really are. But, according to The Atlantic, which is no fan of this president, POTUS has access to emergency powers contained in 123 statutory provisions, as calculated recently by the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law. (Related: John Whitehead: Its time to fight for America and take it back from the corporate tyrants, the lobbyists and the deep state traitors.)

Granted, thats a lot of leeway for a president.

But is what POTUS Trump is doing really that outrageous and improper? Not if we consider actions taken by his three immediate predecessors.

President Bill Clinton said in 1996 during his State of the Union Address that one area the federal government should address and address stronglyis the problem of illegal immigration. He was strong on illegal immigration because his administration deemed it a priority.

President George W. Bush signed the Secure Fence Act of 2006 because he, too, thought the problems posed by illegal immigration were severe enough that additional protections were necessary.

Most recently, President Obama warned of an actual humanitarian crisis on the border in 2014, when he was attempting to deal with a surge of illegal immigrants from Central American, urging Congress to take action.

So in these contexts, POTUS Trump is exactly right that what is currently taking place along the border is indeed an emergency.

Whats telling in all of this is that Pelosis fallback argument against Trumps declaration is that a Democrat president someday might target guns, because its always about the guns for Democrats. Keep that in mind the next time one of them lies to you and says, I support the Second Amendment.

No, they dont.

Read more about how Democrats endanger our gun rights at Guns.news.

Sources include:

RushLimbaugh.com

RealClearPolitics.com

TheEconomist.com

NewsTarget.com
(Natural News) Its becoming clearer by the day  nay, by the hour, practically  that Empire actor Jussie Smollett very likely fabricated an attack on himself by supporters of POTUS Donald Trump. Now, lets see if the perpetually triggered Hollywood Left  so ready to pile on the Trump hate  has the guts to stand tall and issue some major apologies.

To review, Smollett, 36, initially claimed Jan. 29 he was attacked around 2 a.m. by two white males who shouted racial and homophobic slurs, poured a bleach-like substance on him, and who said he was in MAGA country while placing a noose around his neck.

After the alleged attack, security video at his upscale apartment complex caught him entering the building holding his Subway sandwich and sporting the noose (which he still had on when police arrived to take his statement). Whats also noteworthy is that Smolletts manager claimed to have heard the MAGA country slur, which makes him part of this story.

Early on, however, holes began to appear in Smolletts story. He wouldnt let police have his phone so they could check aspects of his story (such as his claim he was talking with his manager during the attack). While police discovered video of him traveling to the Subway and back to his apartment, strangely  in a video camera-heavy part of town  they couldnt find any of the attack.

The big break came after police released video of two suspects seen walking away from the attack site; eventually, those suspects were arrested and questioned. They turned out to be Nigerian-born brothers Abimbola Abel and Olabinjo Ola Osundairo, one of whom is Smolletts personal trainer and who was an extra on the set of Empire.

As the story began to seriously fall apart, Smollett doubled down claiming, in a statement, that he was angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with  the Nigerian brothers.

Jussie Smollett update: Friends of Jussie, Abimbola 'Abel' and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo, are cooperating with investigators and @cbschicago says they reportedly told detectives that they did a practice run a few days before. They are claiming this was premeditated and rehearsed.  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) February 17, 2019

But, as Breitbart News reports, Chicago PD now believe they have evidence to support that Smollett paid Abel and Ola to fabricate the assault  just so he could stoke fake outrage against POTUS Trump.

Dont hold your breath for Hollywoods lunatic liberals to apologize for being wrong  again

Chicago Police believe Jussie Smollett paid two men to orchestrate the assault. The sources tell CNN that the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement, tweeted CNN crime and justice reporter Shimon Prokupecz late Saturday.

CNN: Chicago Police believe Jussie Smollett paid two men to orchestrate the assault.

The sources tell CNN that the two men are now cooperating fully with law enforcement.  Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) February 16, 2019

Earlier in the day, reports noted that police confirmed with the two brothers that they had done a practice run before the staged assault and that they purchased the rope later found around Smolletts neck. Whats more, police have confirmed that the brothers were paid $3,500 each before taking a trip to Nigeria, then another $500 apiece when they returned.

Due to new evidence as a result of todays interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the Empire case have now been released without charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete, said Chicago Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.

It was all a sick, twisted hoax, in other words. Now, where are the apologies from Hollywood after they all piled on the Blame Trump Train? (Related: Isnt it time Chicago PD charged Empire actor Jussie Smollett with filing a fake hate crime report?)

Cher screamed on Twitter, VILLAINY, RACISM,HOMOPHOBIA, PROMOTED BY MOST INFAMOUS [clown] IN [the world],IS THE POISON THAT KILLS [America].

[America] IS PPL OF COLOR, she added. GOP GOES DOWN WITH SHIP djt.

Claimed actress Olivia Munn, sans evidence, Jussie Smollett was violently attacked by two white men who poured bleach on him and put a noose around his neck. He was targeted for being black and for being gay. THIS is why we have to have zero tolerance against homophobia and racism. Jussies life matters.

Heartbroken and furious reading about the attack on @JussieSmollett. I want Trump and all MAGA lunatics to burn in Hell, screeched Billy Eichner.

Were advising readers not to hold their breath for apologies.

Read about the sinking reputations of Hollywoods Left at CelebrityReputation.com.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com
Dutch and Czech forces from one of NATOs battlegroups in the eastern part of the Alliance are taking part in cold weather training in Lithuania. This month, soldiers are learning how to survive in extreme weather conditions.

Allied troops focused on building shelters to protect themselves from the elements. It is important not to build your shelter too high. Hot air rises and cold air goes down. To keep warm with these temperatures you want to stay close to the heat, said a Dutch private in the infantry company. The Dutch soldiers also practiced ice diving, being immersed in freezing water with their equipment.

The Czech troops learned how to camouflage their positions. We are training in this weather because we need to be prepared for all conditions, said a Czech first lieutenant and deputy company commander. The benefit is especially good for the younger soldiers. There is a 16 years age difference between the youngest and oldest soldiers. And that also goes for experience. In these trainings we are all getting to the same level, added a Czech first lieutenant and platoon commander.

NATOs enhanced forward presence consists of four multinational battlegroups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. These battlegroups, led by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the United States respectively, are multinational, and combat-ready, demonstrating the strength of the transatlantic bond. Their presence makes clear that an attack on one Ally would be considered an attack on the whole Alliance.
On Tuesday, 19 February 2019, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will meet the Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Single Market of the European Union, Mr. Andrus Ansip.

During his visit to NATO Headquarters, Mr. Ansip will also meet the North Atlantic Council.

Still images will be available on the NATO website after the event.

Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg)
From 16 to 17 February 2019, the Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Steven Shepro attended the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Attending the Intentional Defence Conference was an opportunity for Deputy Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Steven Shepro to participate in a panel discussion focused on Security and Stability: Next Generation Stabilization and Reconstruction Missions. During his remarks, Lieutenant General Shepro stated,

NATO is not just concerned about what occurs within its borders but what is happening beyond its borders. The complexity and volatility of the global security environment makes it difficult to predict the challenges ahead. We need partners to address these complex challenges and this requires trust.

It is also important that we listen to each other. We need to work and train together to increase interoperability as well as coordinate strategic communication.

NATO and the United Arab Emirates partnership has grown in strength over the last fifteen years. While visiting Abu Dhabi, Lt Gen Shepro took the opportunity to meet with senior government and military officials to discuss areas of mutual cooperation such as crisis management, civil emergency planning, capacity building, counter-terrorism, education and training.

The Deputy Chairman met with Cabinet Member and Minister of Defence, his Excellency Mohammed bin Ahmad al Bawardi, Major General Falah Al Qahtani, the Assistant Undersecretary for Policy and Strategic Affairs, and Brigadier General Hamdan Ahmad Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Deputy Commander Joint Operations Command. The Deputy Chairman expressed NATOs gratitude for the support United Arab Emirates has shown to NATO-led operations around the world. Lt Gen Shepro stressed,

The UAE is one of NATOs most active partners in the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. The practical cooperation developed together helps NATO project security and stability abroad. The Alliance recognises that the security and stability of the Gulf region and of the Euro-Atlantic area are inextricably linked, NATO and the United Arab Emirates share the same aspirations for peace and stability in region and beyond.

During IDEX19, Lieutenant General Shepro also interacted with leading aeronautical companies, exchanging views on developing technologies and NATO requirements. Lieutenant General Shepro underscored the important partnership NATO has with the Industry and academia to keep pace with technological advances through innovation.

Advancements in technology overall are now driven by the commercial sector which exceeds military investments in research and development. We need close relationships with industry so we can rapidly adapt to emerging challenges across all domains, so that we can deter and defend against the all, stressed the general.
Members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) visited NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Monday (18 February 2019) for an exchange of views with the North Atlantic Council.

This annual joint meeting is part of the regular consultations between NATO and the NPA. The NPA is an inter-parliamentary organisation, bringing together parliamentarians from NATO Allies and associate countries to consider major security and policy issues facing the Alliance.

The meeting focused on the Alliances priorities, including strengthening deterrence and defence, stepping up efforts in the fight against terrorism, and continuing to modernise NATO to meet new challenges. It was also an opportunity to address arms control, progress towards fairer burden sharing across the Alliance, and NATO-EU cooperation.

Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the new President of the NPA Madeleine Moon. He underlined that the NPA provides a vital link between the Alliance and parliamentarians, helping to build awareness and understanding of NATO policies.

The Secretary General also met with the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. He welcomed the strong bi-partisan support for NATO in the United States. Mr. Stoltenberg noted that US leadership remains key as NATO marks its 70th anniversary and prepares for the Leaders meeting in December.

At the weekend, the Secretary General met two US Congressional Delegations at the Munich Security Conference. The delegations were led by the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator James M. Inhofe, and Senator Lindsey Graham, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Committee on Appropriations, Foreign Relations and Budget. The discussions focused on NATOs continuing adaptation, fairer burden sharing across the Alliance, arms control and peace efforts in Afghanistan.
Lambert here: Measuring happiness I can see dystopian possibilities, depending on whos doing the measuring. And why happiness as an index of wellbeing? As opposed, say, to contentment?

By Sriram Balasubramanian, Consultant Economist, International Finance Corporation. Originally published at VoxEU.

There has been considerable criticism of the general reliance on GDP as an indicator of growth and development. One strand of criticism focuses on the inability of GDP to capture the subjective well-being or happiness of a populace. This column examines new growth models, paying particular attention to Bhutan, which has pursued gross national happiness, rather than GDP, since the 1970s. It finds evidence of the Easterlin paradox in Bhutan, and draws out lessons for macroeconomic growth models.

New Zealands Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, recently proposed the idea of a wellness budget for the country, and suggested that wellbeing should be incorporated into their growth agenda (Arden 2019). In a similar vein, William Nordhaus incorporated climate change into traditional growth models, efforts for which he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics (Gillingham 2018). In a famous article, Easterlin (1974, revised 1995) asked whether raising the incomes of all will raise the happiness of all?. This question was raised following the observation that reported happiness levels remained flat over the long-run in countries which had experienced high rates of real income growth. This anomaly was subsequently dubbed the Easterlin Paradox. How relevant is this in todays times? The following table provides some interesting clues.

Table 1 World Happiness Rankings

Source: Helliwell et al. (2018)

In Table 1, the World Happiness Rankings for different years are compared with their respective real GDP per capita outcomes. According to the Easterlin Paradox (ceteris paribus), the change in World Happiness Scores should not be proportional to the change in real GDP per capita (year-on-year difference) in any given year. If this is the case, then the country with the highest per capita income will not necessarily be that with the highest levels of happiness.

As can be noted in the table, countries such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Australia seem to be in line with the Easterlin Paradox. Bhutan seems to follow a similar trend. Interestingly, the US seems to be following the Easterlin Paradox. This has been largely attributed to the reduction in Americas social capital and the fact that certain non-income determinants of US happiness are worsening alongside the rise in US per capita income, thereby offsetting the gains in subjective well-being that would normally arise with economic growth (Helliwell 2018). As such, it is quite apparent that there is a discrepancy at some level between the perceived positive proportional relationship between the notion of incomes (input) and happiness (outcome). Not only does this introduce the need to look beyond income levels, it also reasserts the need to look at other well-being measurements, such as happiness, as key measures of growth outcomes.

How can this discrepancy be bridged? More importantly, how can these elements be incorporated in a systematic manner into the policymaking ecosystem, rather than merely being proclamations from higher moral ground?

In a new working paper, my co-author and I explore Bhutans gross national happiness (GNH) index and its impact on macro-indicators (Balasubramanian and Cahsin 2019). The paper investigates the correlation and causality operating between GNH and GDP, the relevance of the Easterlin Paradox, and the broader lessons that countries can learn from this exercise. The idea of GNH was first proposed by the Bhutanese King in the 1970s (Government of Bhutan 2015), with goals of preserving the environment and emphasising the importance of happiness and collective well-being in the lives of the Bhutanese people. This notion has been followed continuously in Bhutan for almost 40 years. Bhutans policymaking is not driven by GDP  it is driven by GNH and the parameters that encompass it. Bhutans GNH index tool is a conglomeration of more than 50 indicators encompassing four pillars: sustainable and equitable social development, preservation and promotion of culture, conservation of the environment, and good governance (see Table 2) (Columbia University 2016).

Table 2 The pillars of Bhutans GNH index

Source: Centre for Bhutan Studies; Columbia University (2016).

The GNH Commission (GNHC) serves as the central organisation that uses the GNH tool to assess projects and ensure seamless inclusion of GNH at all levels of governance in Bhutanfrom the dzongkhags (administrative and judicial districts), and gewogs (residential blocks), to cabinet level deliberations. In a practical sense, it is almost impossible for any big-ticket development project in Bhutan to go through without the assessment of GNHC using the GNH tool. Moreover, the GNHC along with the Government of Bhutan runs a series of GNH surveys at periodic intervals, which help to measure the levels of happiness among the populace, and lessons from these surveys are used in governance and in the administration of the GNHC.

An analysis of the evolution of GNH and corresponding macroeconomic growth over a longer period suggest a positive correlation between the twoindicating that the introduction of GNH indicators actually grew alongside macroeconomic growth. Rather than serving as a deterrent, the two notions seem to have grown alongside each other. While causality cannot be established with existing data, the introduction of GNH clearly didnt inhibit economic growth.

Is the GNH a perfect model for the rest of the world? Of course not. Bhutan is a much smaller country than most other developing nations, and its economy is much less complex than many other countries. Moreover, completely negating GDP as a measure of growth is moving too far towards the other end of the spectrum. Can GNH serve as a complementary tool to current GDP measures in bigger countries? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. There are three ways in which the concept of GNH could be incorporated into policymaking:

The first way would be to introduce a concept similar to what Prime Minister Arden proposed  a wellness budget which is underpinned by a scientifically-driven system that measures wellness indicators similar to GNH, which is used to drive policy. A second way could be to use a happiness index in each ministry within government as an overriding tool for policymaking. In essence, this could serve as a necessary yet non-intrusive tool to ensure that policies in individual ministries are in line with the broader happiness parameters of the country. This is the current practice in Bhutan. A bottom-up approach presents a third option, where a huge awareness drive is created among people of the need for happiness policies. An example that comes to mind is Indias Swaach Bharat initiative to promote cleanliness and sanitation across the country on a large scale. This initiative resulted in rural sanitation increasing to almost 90% (Government of India 2019) in 2018 compared to 35% in 2014. Such initiatives could trigger people to demand such measures in policymaking and could make it an integral part of governance from the grassroots level.

The importance of wellbeing measurements in new growth models cannot be overstated. If we really want to affect the outcomes that people seek, it is important to look beyond GDP and income levels, and incorporate such wellbeing measurements as GNH into policymaking and governance at all levels.

Authors note: All views mentioned here are personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of IFC or any other organisation.

References available at the original.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired four top military generals who served under former President Robert Mugabe and were once direct subordinates to then defence forces commander and now Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

In a Monday statement, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda said Major Generals Martin Chedondo, Douglas Nyikayaramba, Anselem Sanyatwe and Air Vice Marshal Shebba Shumbayaonda had been retired and reassigned to diplomatic missions.

The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr D J M Sibanda, today announced the decision by His Excellency the President Emmerson Mnangagwa to retire and reassign senior military officers to diplomatic service in line with governments critical global engagement and re-engagement strategy, said Sibanda.

The fours accreditation credentials will be announced in due course, according to the statement.

The re-deployments could be viewed as an attempt by Mnangagwa to further dismantle his ailing deputys crumbling military base while consolidating his own hold on power.

Even outside military service, Chiwenga is seen as still having influence within a security system that ousted Mugabe November 2017.

Vice President Chiwenga, currently receiving treatment in India for an undisclosed ailment, harbours ambitions to succeed Mnangagwa. In January, reports emerged of a military-backed attempt to impeach Mnangagwa who was at the time on a tour of Eastern Europe.

Major General Nyikayaramba is a former Mugabe loyalist while Major General Sanyatwe, who was recently promoted before being assigned to oversee the governments Command Agriculture programme, is known to have been Chiwengas closest ally in the military.

Moyo, who tweeted news of the military shake-up even before the official announcement was made, said Mnangagwa had told Sanyatwe that he was being sent to Tanzania as ambassador, but Sanyatwe was resisting.

The presidency did not say where the generals are being deployed. A statement, signed by Cabinet Secretary Misheck Sibanda, only said they had been retired and reassigned to the diplomatic service in line with the governments critical global engagement and re-engagement strategy.

It is not clear if Chiwenga approves of the changes. Brezhnev Malaba, the assistant editor of the privately owned Zimbabwe Independent newspaper said it was evident that the move was aimed at eroding Chiwengas remaining influence in the military.

Its part of Mnangagwas calculus to outflank internal Zanu PF resistance to his controversial rule and to consolidate power, he said.

Since taking over, Mnangagwa has painstakingly gone about untangling the countrys security structure built over decades by Mugabe to become heavily involved in partisan politics both within and outside Zanu PF.

Sanyatwe, was commander of the crack Presidential Guard at the time of the coup and is believed to be one of Chiwengas key allies with great influence within the militarys rank and file.

Mnangagwa last December promoted, Sanyatwe the man who commanded the military unit that shot at unarmed protesters, killing at least six civilians on August 1 last year, as post-election violence rocked Harare.

Insiders say Sanyatwe has since been replaced by one Brigadier Mhonda, formerly Commander 2 Brigade.

Mnangagwa has already made key changes within the Air Force of Zimbabwe where Air Marshall Elson Moyo took over from the now Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri after the coup.

General Philip Valerio Sibanda is now Commander Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Edzai Chimonyo was recalled from diplomatic service to take charge of ZNA, Isaac Moyo was brought back from South Africa where he was Zimbabwes envoy to take over as Central Intelligence Organisation chief.

Sibanda, Chimonyo, Elson Moyo and Isaac Moyo all hail from Mnangagwas home province of the Midlands and are believed to be closely related to the President.

In November last year, Mnangagwa also retired Police Deputy Commissioner Generals Innocent Matibiri, Josephine Shambare and Levi Sibanda who were reportedly linked to Mugabe.

Sources said current Deputy Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba who was subsequently elevated from being a Senior Assistant Commissioner is tipped to take over charge of the police from current boss Godwin Matanga.

 NewZimbabwe

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In a surprise move which betrays anxiety about President Emmerson Mnangagwas safety, authorities have once again reshuffled his personal security team while also expanding it to include Air Force personnel, the Daily News on Sunday can report.

This comes as investigations into last years Bulawayo bombing  in which Mnangagwa narrowly escaped an apparent attempt on his life when an explosion rocked a Zanu PF rally that he was addressing at White City Stadium  have seemingly hit a dead end.

After the Bulawayo incident, the government hastily moved the 76-year-old Zanu PF leader from his modest private home in Harares leafy suburb of Helensvale to State House, which had been under-going renovations at the time.

Authoritative sources told the Daily News on Sunday yesterday that Mnangagwa had rejigged his team again, following wholesale changes that were made to the security sector when he first took over the reins from ousted former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017.

The Police Protection Unit (PPU) had traditionally provided the presidium with aide de camps, but this role had been delegated to the Presidential Guard which falls under the Zimbabwe National Army, after Mugabes stunning fall.

In the latest changes, Mnangagwa is said to have removed members of the army who had been his aide-de-camps since November 24, 2017.

According to the well-placed sources, Mnangagwa had moved to promote his former security aides to the ranks of brigadiers, before reassigning them elsewhere.

The changes were evident last week when Mnangagwa held a reception at State House for diplomats accredited to the country.

You will have noticed the new team of aide-de-camps last week who had become part of his close security  and they were wearing suits, except for the uniformed Air Force bodyguards whose presence there may have taken some people by surprise.

There are always regular reviews of the security of VIPs, and these kinds of changes of security personnel happen after such assessments, one of the sources said.

Mnangagwas spokesperson George Charamba told the Daily News on Sunday that there was nothing amiss about the new changes to his bosss security arrangements, including the addition of Air Force personnel.

The commander-in-chief is exactly that, namely for all the pillars of the ZDF (Zimbabwe Defence Forces).

That means his support team is a microcosm of the arms of the ZDF, Charamba said.

But it also emerged yesterday that apart from shuffling his team again, Mnangagwa had also added elaborate security measures and protocols which were evident last week at the State House function for diplomats.

Apart from going through body scanners, his own staff  including all security details  now also have to pass the test of sniffer dogs, which have been introduced to vet people around him.

At his rallies, Mnangagwas security team has also lately introduced fences and barriers to keep the partys supporters as far away from their leader as possible.

Over and above this, the government has also introduced other advanced security measures, including the use of drones at political rallies to protect Mnangagwa and to secure the lives of all attendees.

Mnangagwa narrowly escaped injury when an explosive device was detonated as VIPs left the stage at a Zanu PF campaign rally at White City Stadium on June 23 last year.

Then, he had just finished his address to thousands of party supporters, at the same venue of his penultimate humiliation on November 4, 2017 by Mugabe and his then influential wife Grace.

The explosive device, suspected to be a hand grenade, went off moments after Mnangagwa had just stepped off the stage  seriously injuring one of his deputies Kembo Mohadi and senior Cabinet minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, as well as a host of other people.

Both Mohadi and Muchinguri-Kashiri were later airlifted to South Africa for specialist treatment.

That explosion killed two close security aides.

Mnangagwa, who has survived multiple attempts on his life, blamed the Bulawayo attack on the vanquished Generation 40 (G40) Zanu PF faction  which was involved in a war of attrition with him in the ruling partys deadly succession wars of the past two decades.

I dont know whether it was one individual  I would think it is broader than one person.

I would think this is a political action by some aggrieved persons, he told the British Broadcasting Corporation in an interview after the explosion.

Asked further whether he trusted Grace or not, he retorted: On what basis would I trust someone who was used by a cabal to say things that had no basis?

The annihilated G40 was, before the military coup of November 2017, locked in a bitter war with Mnangagwa and his supporters for the control of both Zanu PF and the country.

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has retired four senior army generals from active service and redeployed them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The four, include three Major Generals, Martin Chedondo, Douglas Nyikayaramba and Anslem Sanyatwe, as well as Vice Air Marshal Shebba Shumbayawonda.

According to a government statement, the ex-military officers will join the diplomatic service.

Nyikayaramba became famous following the 2008 election, where opposition supporters claimed he had led the military campaign to prevent Morgan Tsvangirai from taking power.

Sanyatwe became famous later last year during the commission of inquiry into deadly post election violence. He had been the tactical commander of an army unit that was accused of killing protesters and civilians.

Zimbabwes government is currently on a global re-engagement exercise, and it is expected that the four will be deployed to friendly countries.

A source in government claimed that at least one of the four would be deployed as Zimbabwes ambassador to China.

Other analysts who declined to be named, stated that the move to re-deploy these four was meant to weaken Vice President Constantino Chiwengas vice grip on the army.

Unconfirmed rumours claim there is tension between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa, something which the government rejects.

More to follow 

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President Mnangagwa has warned MDC-Alliance merchants of violence who are planning to stage a second round of illegal and violent demonstrations, meant to destabilise the country, that Government will deal decisively with them.

The President said Zimbabwe was a peaceful country and Government would not brook any mischievous acts bent on causing anarchy.

President Mnangagwas remarks came in the wake of threats by MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa that he was planning to call for another demonstration in Harare ostensibly to force dialogue with President Mnangagwa.

Ironically, Mr Chamisa spurned an invitation extended to him by President Mnangagwa to join other opposition party leaders in a dailogue meeting he convened two weeks ago.

Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters attending the third leg of his Meet the People rallies at Rutenga Business Centre in Mwenezi on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said the violent activities by MDC-Alliance were in sync with their campaign message last year that they would make the country ungovernable if they lost the elections.

Iko zvino vari kurongazve kuti vaite mhirizhonga, said President Mnangagwa.

Aihwa, ndiri kuudza vanhu vose munyika yose zvayo kuti vasingade runyararo moita izvozvo, moenda kumhirizhonga. Asi vanoda runyararo garai kudzimba dzenyu titarisane nevanenge vachida mhirizhonga tigovagadzirisa. We want to thank you Masvingo province for not taking part in the national violent shutdown. Makati kwete, kwete isu kuno kuMasvingo tinoda rugare, kuMasvingo tinoda budiriro.

President Mnangagwa continued: There was violence in January which was organised by MDC-Alliance for a long time with the support of non-governmental organisations. We are compiling evidence on those NGOs that were involved in that violence  destroying property in the country especially in Harare and Bulawayo. The violent protestors looted businesses and were blocking roads with stones and logs.

They burnt police vehicles and killed police officers on duty. This was in fulfilment of what they were saying during their campaign for the harmonised elections that we held last year. As Zanu-PF, we were saying we want free, fair and transparent elections, we were saying we want peace, non-violent campaign. We want to thank the people of Zimbabwe that we managed to have peaceful campaigns throughout, he said.

MDC-Alliance, on the other hand, was saying we should win the contest at all costs and if we fail to win tinoda kukanda jecha musadza. This is what they meant  the violence that we are seeing now ndiko kukanda jecha musadza. Now, is there anyone here who wants the country to have violence? As Zanu-PF we will continue to preach peace and unity. This is the only way we can develop our country.

 In Harare and Bulawayo these violent protesters were blocking people from going to work and burning buses and police stations. Where ever have you seen that? We said no, we dont want violence. We deployed the military to restore law and order and now we have peace in the country.

President Mnangagwa said the countrys erstwhile enemies were not resting and were still keen to reverse the land reform programme.

He said they were now sponsoring some local opposition functionaries to foment anarchy in the country.

During last months MDC-Alliance-instigated protests, one police officer was killed while 78 others were injured countrywide.

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ZANU PFs controversial Chegutu West member of parliament (MP) Dexter Nduna must resign immediately after appearing to threaten a rival legislator with death, the opposition MDC has said.

Nduna rowed bitterly in during a parliamentary committee hearing with independent Norton MP Norton Mliswa with the latter repeatedly calling the Zanu PF legislator a thief.

A furious Nduna then mattered that he had killed many people, in an apparent threat to Mliswa.

Commenting on the unseemly row, MDC deputy national spokesperson Bekithemba Mpofu demanded Ndunas resignation over the fracas.

The man (Nduna) is not supposed to be in parliament in the first place; he lost an election and benefited from Zimbabwe Electoral Commissions (ZEC) incompetency, said Mpofu in a statement.

He (Nduna) threatens to kill another MP, promising to deal with him outside of Parliament.

As if it was not enough, he boasts of killing several other people saying he didnt even remember their names.

He clearly makes a point of some Zanu PFs invincibility; a reckless statement which encourages other Zanu PF members to be assured of immunity if they commit a similar offence.

The MDC legislator said it was ominous that Nduna made his boast at a time the country was just emerging from a deadly government crackdown which left more than a dozen people dead.

This is wrong especially in a season where the failed (Zanu PF) partys members confirm of getting guns from their headquarters whereas some were fingered in killing people during the State enforced internet blackout, said Mpofu.

During the run up to the 2018 election, Nduna drew a gun at a public place, threatening to kill opponents. He also made suggestions that citizens must be brought before a firing squad.

He continued; Given this evidence of recklessness, we thus condemn (justice minister Ziyambi) Ziyambis attempt to trivialise the matter.

Ziyambi must understand that the right to life is absolute; therefore, any threat on it must be taken seriously.

He must also understand that he comes to parliament in his undeserved role as minister of Justice.

So far, he has confused the role with the one of being the Chief Election Agent of (president) Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

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THE MDC party has threatened to unleash more protests as part of efforts to pile pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently engage with opposition party leader Nelson Chamisa to resolve the countrys political gridlock.

MDC national organising secretary Amos Chibaya told party members at a feedback meeting held in his Mkoba constituency on Saturday that they were determined to force dialogue through countrywide demonstrations.

Chibayas call came as Mnangagwa at the weekend threatened to crush any further demonstrations against his administration.

Do not be afraid. Zimbabweans cannot continue to suffer because of politics. We cannot continue to chant slogans when our people are suffering due to this failed economy.

So, the position of the MDC is that despite all the threats to crush demonstrations by the regime, protests will continue. We will not be shaken. Mr Chamisa and Mr Mnangagwa must sit down for a moment of truth on each other and find a way forward on this crisis. The coming protests will be held, to send this message to Mr Mnangagwa, Chibaya said.

The legislator, who spent two weeks in remand prison following his arrest over last months violent protests against fuel price hikes, vowed to confront the State security.

I was a member of a team of people which led the crafting of this existing Constitution. I am, therefore, aware that section 59 allows us to stage demonstrations on any matter we will not be happy with. So no one can intimidate us from enjoying that right. The people of Zimbabwe must not be instilled with fear that they will be targeted if they come to the streets. So the position is that we are going ahead with the demonstrations on a date to be announced, Chibaya said.

Our protests are going be peaceful. Anyone caught burning buses or destroying property will not be a member of the MDC. The coming protest is for the whole of Zimbabwe to come together and send a message to Mr Mnangagwa that its time to talk to Nelson (Chamisa) and map the way forward. According to the contested election results, Chamisa got over two million votes. So yes, Mnangagwa cannot wish him away, the two must dialogue, Chibaya said.

Mnangagwa told a Zanu PF rally in Masvingos Mwenezi district on Saturday that he was ready to deploy soldiers again to quell protests being planned by the MDC.

In a related development, Chitungwiza South legislator Maxwell Mavhunga (MDC Alliance) has vowed to continue helping victims of arbitrary arrests in politically-related issues, as they do not have the capacity to challenge court decisions coming from the lower courts.

The legislator hogged the limelight recently after he handed himself over to the police weeks after last months three-day stayaway, which turned violent.

Mavhunga, who is also a lawyer, told NewsDay last week that his recent brushes with the law would not deter him from championing the cause of democracy.

There was disproportionate use of excessive force. I foresee a lot of litigation coming out of this  the use of live ammunition on civilians and the abduction of people from their homes, he said.

He said as a lawyer, he did not fear representing victims of State crackdowns on dissent, even if it means him being arrested.

Most of the people appearing at the courts do not have access and the capacity to challenge the decisions that are coming from the lower courts, especially going through microwaved trials, where you arrive at a police station and dont even know the witness, he said.

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UFIC Leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has warned Zanu Pf Government of an inevitable international army intervention over Zimbabwes soil should there be any bloodshed, like the past incident which recorded 17 citizens dead, arguing that only talks between the two main parties will rescue the situation.

Contrary to recent statements by President Mnangagwa that he will heavily pounce on the next protest, Makandiwa warned the move will heavily backfire.

In his sermon addressing thousands of congregates today, Makandiwa said seeing blood in the street should be sacred and death of a single person must disturb the whole nation as life is vital and only God should give it and take it away. He said already, what he had prophesied in 2010 is now coming to fulfillment.

If this happens for the third time it will not be good. We dont want anything that will provoke the bees (military) from outside. It wont be our army against civilians, this time they will get an equal opponent, it is going to be army against army. We dont want that to happen because where we are now, theres still a chance.

Makandiwa also explained that in his 2010 prophecy where he said a soldier ran out of bullets while shooting civilians, the real interpretation to that was a national secret, where our armory reserves had actually depleted to low levels and the government was not even aware and not ready, should the international community be deployed against the country.

Makandiwa also stated that he did not have a close relationship with politicians since they turn to order around man of God at the time they are supposed to be asking for the word of God.

If you had a relationship with the current system you would not come here and complain over issues. What makes the relationship absent isnt that, neither they or I dont want it, but its because I dont want to be told around what to do. In the relationship I should be the one telling you because youre the one who cannot hear from God. I can spend ten years with you and never tell you a word from God, as long as you like to talk.

Makandiwa also sensitively noted that there was a third force which makes it very unsafe for those who think they are in power and safe.

Makandiwa said that he was not comfortable with such prophecies as they make him more powerful enemies, stating that also speaking positively about the current system makes you an enemy of those against it.

If youre an outsider its easy to give such a prophecy but when youre here its different. And I once said this one who is loyal (VP Mnangagwa) will be poisoned. Ah! Its not because you want any favour. Proof that it was a terrible prophecy, dont go by what I said or how I said it. Im talking about you say something that even the victim himself was afraid to admit publicly that he was truly poisoned.

There are times when you clearly deserve to hear the heart of God, not in parables, this is not prophetic, its an advise, this is already in the public domain, the house of commons is discussing this alternative already.

The UFIC leader said that it was not too late for our politicians to make good and must take the opportunity to dialogue and sit down in the best interest of the nation if we are to move forward.

Unity is recommended at all the times, it does not matter you call it dialogue, from the word go, working together has always been the best option and you need advise towards this. 

Makandiwa also castigated the looting that saw goods worth thousands of dollars going up in smoke and stated that this discouraged investment and makes Zimbabwe a very bad country for any potential investor

You cannot be looting from your own neighbors and friends after they spent their hard earned money to stock, if you say the government is evil, how much more evil are you when you loot from your own, There is no serious investor coming into Zimbabwe with such an attitude. If you are here and want to do something for the nation in the future, when you get to the position, do it with all your best.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces was also advised to completely remove soldiers from the streets and rather equip the police force with all necessary tools to give a good national outlook.

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It's currently the lowest-priced home in Oakland, and might offer a patient, ambitious buyer who wants to squeeze into the Bay Area real estate market an opportunity.

The tiny, ramshackle 364-square-foot house 7010 Herbert Guice Way near the Oakland Coliseum is priced at $235,000  which requires a $47,000 down payment if you put down 20 percent.

The roof leaks and the exterior paint is peeling, but the interior is clean and tidy, if unassuming.

RELATED: The salary you need to earn to buy a home right now in San Antonio

Listing agent Robert Collett of Berkshire Hathaway says there's the opportunity to build a two-story home on the 2,299-square-foot lot. He admits the profit from a quick flip would be slim, as the price of a major renovation would be high and the average sale price in central East Oakland is about $575,000.

In the Alamo City, however - $235,000 can get you a nicer piece of real estate.

After some research, a home the far West Side of Bexar County was spotted for the same price as the Oakland home. The house has 4 bedrooms, nearly 3 full bathrooms and has more than 2,000 square feet. And unlike the California counterpart, the home also has running water.

RELATED: 19 San Antonio homes for sale at every budget going into 2019

According to Collet, years ago squatters took over the Oakland home and, when the city kicked them out of the property, they pulled out the water pipes. To reinstall water, Collet says the cost will be about $7,000 for a one-story house and $10,000 for a two-story.

Continue comparing the vast difference between the two homes in the gallery above.

Staff writer Candice Garcia contributed to this article.
The San Antonio Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying a woman who officials said may be a person of interest in a North Side slaying on Sunday.

According to a preliminary police report, paramedics discovered the victim's body after they were waved down while on another call at about 9:30 p.m. and directed to the 18900 block of Redland Road to check out an unconscious man in the area.
We have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens. This includes our obligation to the millions of immigrants living here today who followed the rules and respected our laws. Legal immigrants enrich our nation and strengthen our society in countless ways, he said.
Two men were hospitalized late Sunday after they were shot in a Northwest Side apartment complex, police said.

Authorities responded to the shooting at about 11:45 p.m. in the 9800 block of Fredericksburg Road.
A San Antonio Police officer was arrested and charged with assault after allegedly pushing and injuring his girlfriend, SAPD said Sunday.

Stephen Melton, who has been placed on administrative leave, was arrested Sunday morning while he was off-duty, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Preliminary details indicate that Melton and his girlfriend had an argument, police said. During the argument, Melton pushed his girlfriend, causing her to fall to the ground and sustain visible injuries to her head.

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Melton, 41, has been with SAPD for 11 years, the department said. He is assigned to patrol at the East Side substation.

He was charged with a class A misdemeanor of assault causing bodily injury, police said.

I am disturbed at the allegations made against this off-duty officer, Chief William McManus said in a statement. Im satisfied with the quick work of the SAPD patrol officers and detectives who immediately began investigating and quickly made an arrest once probable cause was developed.

The case will be taken to the Bexar County District Attorneys Office, and Internal Affairs will conduct an administrative review, McManus said. When those findings are completed, the appropriate discipline will be administered.
Police are asking for the public's help identifying and finding a suspect in a 2017 homicide.

On Feb. 16, 2017, officers responded to a shooting call at about 8 p.m. in the 800 block of Lee Hall Street, where they discovered blood stains indicating someone had "sustained serious bodily injury," according to police.
A car matching the vehicle of a missing Houston woman was pulled from the Trinity River on Sunday with a body inside, authorities said.

Members of Texas EquuSearch found the submerged vehicle with the help of sonar at about 1 p.m. while looking for Jennifer Scott-Perkins, who was reported missing on Jan. 2, Liberty County Sheriffs Office spokesman Capt. Ken DeFoor said.
Feb. 8

An Officer was dispatched to the 4100 block of Tennyson to speak with a reportee in regards to a criminal mischief that already occurred.

Feb. 9

An officer was dispatched to a burglary of a motor vehicle that already occurred in the 6600 block of Sewanee Ave.

An Officer observed a vehicle with an expired registration in the 6000 block of Buffalo Speedway. The Officer conducted traffic stop and after further investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Subsequently the driver agreed to be enrolled into the Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program (MMDP) and was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

An Officer was dispatched to the 3100 block of Georgetown in reference to a welfare check. The officer arrived on location and upon further investigation, it was determined family violence occurred between two parties. One subject was subsequently arrested for the misdemeanor offense of assault-family member.

Feb. 10

An Officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regards to found property.

Feb. 11

An Officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in reference to a delayed report concerning theft of lawn equipment.

Feb. 12

At 7:43 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the Missouri City Police Department to pick up a prisoner (Travis Burden) with outstanding warrants with the West University Place Police Department. The prisoner was transported to the West University Place Jail for booking without incident.

An officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby to meet with the victim of identity theft that had already occurred.

An Officer was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle in the 2600 block of Fenwood. The officer arrived and ran the vehicles registration it showed the vehicle was listed as a stolen vehicle through HPD. The officer confirmed the stolen listing and had the vehicle towed to storage for safe keeping. A report was generated and the information forwarded to HPD.

An officer was dispatched to the 7800 block of the Katy Fwy to pick up a prisoner in custody with outstanding West University Place warrants. The prisoner was transferred to the West University Jail Facility and booked without incident.

Feb. 13

At 7:56 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the West U PD Lobby in regard to a walk-in report of identity theft that had already occurred.

At 2:32 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the intersection of 610 and Main Street in order to obtain custody of a subject with West University Place warrants. Upon arrival, the officer obtained custody of the wanted subject from a Missouri City Police Officer. The subject was transported to the West University Place jail.

An Officer was dispatched to the 14000 block of Williams Way, Fort Bend County, in reference to a subject that had outstanding warrants with the West University Place Police Department. The subject (Ronnishia Berry) was subsequently taken into custody and transported to our jail facility without incident.

Feb. 14

An Officer was dispatched to the 6600 block of Weslayan in reference to a theft that had already occurred.

An officer observed a vehicle being operated in a public roadway with a defective license plate light in the 5400 block of Buffalo Speedway. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver (Evonia Wilmore) was then arrested for possession of marijuana and for one active warrant.
More than a couple weeks into the new year, those resolutions tend to start backsliding a bit. Healthy eating goals may crumble on a blustery winter evening when the call of carbs is too much to bear. Dry January gives way to "Just one happy hour drink!" Your fitness intentions start to sweat in the face of those January gym crowds. And so on and so on.

Netflix might seem like an unlikely source for getting yourself on track, what with the go-to connotation of binge-watching with snacks in hand. However, a slate of new shows on the streaming service aim to help you keep your New Year's resolutionsand entertain you in the process.

The Goal: Make More Home-Cooked Meals vs. Eating Out

Netflix Show: Salt Fat Acid Heat

Based on the bestselling cookbook, Salt Fat Acid Heat, this food and travel show's four hour-long episodes prompts you to reevaluate everyday ingredients and understand why good food tastes the way it does. During her tenure in the kitchen at Berkeley's famed Chez Panisse, host Samin Nosrat realized that great cooks use the elements of salt, fat, acid, and heat as a compass to guide them through the kitchen. In her show, she demonstrates how these fundamentals apply to cuisines all over the world.

We love host Samin's infectious joy for what she tastes and learns. You'll in turn be inspired to make focaccia from scratch, throw a dinner party featuring buttermilk chicken, taste-test local salsas, learn the difference between brands of salt, and simply get cooking. Each episode ends with a cozy feast, bringing home the idea that the goal of cooking is to share good food with the company you keep.

The Goal: Tame the Chaos in Your Home, Once and for All!

The Show: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

Planning to get more organized in 2019? Get inspired by the person behind the world-famous decluttering method phenomenon. Kondo's show takes the methods from her bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and applies it to real families and their homes.

Each episode helps a different family with a different needone is preparing for a baby to arrive, one is a family that's moved into a smaller space, another is a couple becoming empty nestersand each episode watches them decide what sparks joy in their lives, and the result of removing all that doesn't from their homes. It also reviews specific organizing tactics from Kondo's book, like how to fold fitted sheets, organize dishware, and other handy methods. After seeing the end result of each home, you'll be itching to start tidying up your ownarmed with a trove of tips.

The Goal: Tackle That Home Renovation Project That's Been Haunting You

The Show: Stay Here

This new series gives the traditional home renovation show an Airbnb twist. Stay Here follows a designer and marketer duo who help homeowners renovate their properties for future guests through vacation rental sites. The episodes range from a Seattle houseboat and a Paso Robles wine country cottage to a Palm Springs 70's throwback disaster, and are packed with plenty of inspiration to use in your own home.

We dig the show's fresh angle on the home makeover model with the business and vacation host mindset, including backstories on what some of these families are hoping their future renters can help them accomplish (like sending a kid to college.) If you're looking to redecorate, or even become a host this year, this could be the show for you.
Using solar and wind power in the Midwest to generate clean energy seems the way to follow if the nation eventually weans itself from fossil fuels and the attendant emissions of carbon gases. That path is also the foundation of the ambitious and questionable Green New Deal  dismissed by others as the Green Dream  offered by some national Democrats to eliminate U.S. use of fossil fuels by 2030.
The $1 billion, 60,000-barrel-a-day refinery Meridian Energy Group is planning for Winkler County could benefit local producer as well as local consumers.

"If the full-slate Meridian refinery project is built to produce 60,000 barrels per day of finished refined products, then Meridian will be the Midland region's best option to lower local pump prices that have are on average the highest in Texas and above national averages," said Greg Haas, Houston-based director of integrated oil and gas with Stratas Advisors, a global energy consultancy and forecasting firm.

"More refined fuel supply should definitely help lower refined fuel prices in the Permian region," he said in an email. "Meridian's plans take advantage of regionally discounted crude and regionally elevated premium fuel prices. There's no reason other than low regional refinery capacity as to why the Permian region, the capital of the unconventional oil revolution, should suffer simultaneous locally discounted crude prices and locally higher fuel prices than other regions with neither crude production or refining capacity, such as the State Capital of Austin or the Nation's capital in Washington D.C."

OIL REPORT: Solaris Midstream launches Pecos Star System serving Delaware Basin

Producers active in the Permian Basin, such as Parsley Energy Operations, are offering their support for any initiative that enhances the infrastructure needed to move Permian crude to market.

William Prentice, Meridian chairman and CEO, told the Reporter-Telegram by email that the Meridian Pecos Refinery is being engineered as a full-conversion refinery with a full slate of refined products, predominantly gasoline and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

"The local markets will have a reliable source of high-quality and cost-effective refined products to work with," he said.

The site that has been secured by Meridian can accommodate up to four such facilities side-by-side, he said.

"Meridian will simply initiate permitting and design as the market response indicates that it should do so."

He said the refinery will likely take less than a year to permit and approximately two years to build and commission, conservatively estimating it will begin full commercial operations three years from now, "although it could be less." Its fuel oil products will be compliant with the International Maritime Organization's clean fuel requirements that take effect in 2020.

The refinery will create up to 100 new direct-hire jobs. Prentice cited job creation studies by the state of Washington for refineries in Anacortes that show a job multiplier effect of up to 12:1.

"If the same held true in Winkler County, this means there will be total job creation, including indirect and induced jobs, of up to 1,200 new jobs for the local community. The benefits to the local community will also include tax benefits from the refinery itself and from those employed there," he said.

OIL REPORT: One-day conference to examine parent-child well dynamics

In announcing the refinery, part of an agreement with a Winkler Company subsidiary, Prentice said Meridian believes crude supply and strong demand from the refined products market indicate the Permian Basin was the next place for Meridian to locate a crude refinery.

It will be the company's second, following the Davis Refinery under construction in Billings County, North Dakota. The Davis Refinery is a full-conversion greenfield refinery permitted for air quality purposes as a synthetic minor source, demonstrating substantially lower emissions on a per-barrel basis than the industry average. The Permian refinery will also be permitted as a synthetic minor source, meaning it will voluntarily accept enforceable limits to keep emissions below major source thresholds.

Prentice said is his email that "by designing the facility to meet the threshold emissions levels that define Synthetic Minor Source means it can be issued a permit to construct by a state's air quality lead agency pursuant to that state's State Implementation Plan with the Environmental Protection Agency rather than going through the EPA itself for an air quality permit.

"This saves substantial time obtaining the Permit to Construct and commence operations while ensuring very low emissions and less impact to the environment," he said.

Indeca Crude Express, a sister company to the Winkler companies and regional crude hauler, will be tapped to facilitate the gathering of trucked barrels of oil as well as distribute product to market.
President Donald Trump View Photos

President Trump spoke about the National Security and Humanitarian Crisis on the Southern Border.

Trump was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words:

Im announcing several critical actions that my administration has taken to confront a problem that we have right here at home. We fight wars that are 6,000 miles away; wars that we should have never been in, in many cases. But we dont control our own border.

So were going to confront the national security crisis on our southern border. And were going to do it one way or the other  we have to do it  not because it was a campaign promise, which it is. It was one of many, by the way; not my only one. Were rebuilding the military, our economy is thriving like never before.

You look at other economies  theyre doing terribly, and were doing phenomenally. The market is up tremendously today, not that thats anything, but, you know  because Ill go back in and theyll say, Oh, the market just went down. But the market is getting close to the new highs that we created. We have all the records. We have every record. But were getting close to that point again where well create new records.

So our country is doing very well, economically. And weve done a lot. But one of the things I said I have to do and I want to do is border security, because we have tremendous amounts of drugs flowing into our country, much of it coming from the southern border. When you look and when you listen to politicians  in particular, certain Democrats  they say it all comes through the port of entry. Its wrong. Its wrong. Its just a lie. Its all a lie.

They say walls dont work. Walls work 100 percent. Whether its El Paso  I really was smiling, because the other night I was in El Paso  we had a tremendous crowd, and  tremendous crowd. And I asked the people  many of whom were from El Paso, but they came from all over Texas. And I asked them. I said, Let me ask you, as a crowd: When the wall went up, was it better? You were there, some of you. It was not only better; it was like 100 percent better. You know what they did.

But thats only one example. There are so many examples. In El Paso, they have close to 2,000 murders right on the other side of the wall. And they had 23 murders. Its a lot of murders, but its not close to 2,000 murders right on the other side of the wall, in Mexico.

So everyone knows that walls work. And there are better examples than El Paso, frankly. You just take a look. Almost everywhere. Take a look at Israel. Theyre building another wall. Their wall is 99.9 percent effective, they told me  99.9 percent. Thats what it would be with us, too.

The only weakness is they go to a wall and then they go around the wall. They go around the wall and in. Okay? Thats what it is. Its very simple. And a big majority of the big drugs  the big drug loads  dont go through ports of entry. They cant go through ports of entry. You cant take big loads because you have people  we have some very capable people; the Border Patrol, law enforcement  looking.

You cant take human traffic  women and girls  you cant take them through ports of entry. You cant have them tied up in the backseat of a car or a truck or a van. They open the door. They look. They cant see three women with tape on their mouth or three women whose hands are tied.

They go through areas where you have no wall. Everybody knows that. Nancy knows it. Chuck knows it. They all know it. Its all a big lie. Its a big con game.

You dont have to be very smart to know: You put up a barrier, the people come in, and thats it. They cant do anything unless they walk left or right, and they find an area where theres no barrier, and they come into the United States. Welcome.

Weve detained more people. Our border agents are doing such incredible work. Our military has been incredible. We put up barbed wire on top of certain old walls that were there. We fixed the wall and we loaded it up with barbed wire. Its very successful.

But our military has been fantastic, and I want to thank them. And its very necessary. Weve broken up two caravans that are on their way. They just are breaking. Theyre in the process of breaking up. We have another one that we havent been able to break up yet.

Weve been actually working with Mexico much better than ever before. I want to thank the President. I want to thank Mexico. They have their own problems. They have the largest number of murders that theyve ever had in their history  almost 40,000 murders. Forty thousand. And they got to straighten that out, and I think they will.

But I just want to thank the President, because hes been helping us with these monstrous caravans that have been coming up. We had one that it was up to over 15,000 people. Its largely broken up. Others have gotten through. And, in Tijuana, you have a lot of people staying there. If we didnt have the wall up, and if we didnt have the wall secured and strengthened, they would have walked right through; theyd be welcomed to the United States.

One of the things wed save tremendous  just a tremendous amount on would be sending the military. If we had a wall, we dont need the military because wed have a wall.

So Im going to be signing a national emergency. And its been signed many times before. Its been signed by other Presidents from 1977 or so. It gave the Presidents the power.

Theres rarely been a problem. They sign it; nobody cares. I guess they werent very exciting. But nobody cares. They sign it for far less important things, in some cases, in many cases. Were talking about an invasion of our country with drugs, with human traffickers, with all types of criminals and gangs.

We have some of the greatest people I know. Theyve been with me from the beginning of my campaign  almost from the first week. The Angel Moms. Unfortunately, we have new Angel Moms. One incredible woman just showed me her daughter who  were talking about killed, in the year of 18. I said, I havent seen you before. She said, No, Im new. I said, Thats too bad. Its too bad. Its so sad.

Stand up, just for a second. Show how beautiful your girl was. Thank you.

I have such respect for these people. Angel Moms, Angel Dads, Angel Families. I have great respect for these people. These are great people. These are great people. Theyre fighting for their children that have been killed by people that were illegally in this country.

And the press doesnt cover them; they dont want to, incredibly. And theyre not treated the way they should be. Theyre fighting for other people because they dont want what happened to their children or husband or anybody.

We have one young lady whose husband  please, stand up. Your husband was just killed in Maryland. Incredible man. Just killed. Beautiful children  wont be seeing their father again.

These are brave people. These are people that  they dont have to be here. They dont have to be doing this. Theyre doing it for other people. So I just want to thank all of you for being here, okay? I really do. I want to thank you. Incredible people.

Last year, 70,000 Americans were killed, at least  I think the number is ridiculously low  by drugs, including meth and heroin and cocaine, fentanyl. And one of the things that I did with President Xi in China, when I met him in Argentina at a summit  before I even started talking about the trade  it was a trade meeting. It went very well, but before I talked about trade, I talked about something more important.

I said, Listen, we have tremendous amounts of fentanyl coming into our country. It kills tens of thousands of people  I think far more than anybody registers. And Id love you to declare it a lethal drug and put it on your criminal list. And their criminal list is much tougher than our criminal list. Their criminal list  a drug dealer gets a thing called the death penalty. Our criminal list, a drug dealer gets a thing called, How about a fine?

And when I asked President Xi, I said, Do you have a drug problem? No, no, no. I said, You have 1.4 billion people. What do you mean you have no drug problem? No, we dont have a drug problem. I said, Why? Death penalty. We give death penalty to people that sell drugs. End of problem.

What do we do? We set up blue ribbon committees. Lovely men and women  they sit around a table, they have lunch, they eat, they dine, and they waste a lot of time. So if we want to get smart, we can get smart. You can end the drug problem. You can end it a lot faster than you think.

But President Xi has agreed to put fentanyl on his list of deadly, deadly drugs. And its a criminal penalty. And the penalty is death. So thats, frankly, one of the things Im most excited about in our trade deal, if you want to know the truth. I think maybe theres no more important point.

Were going to make billions of dollars with this trade deal. Its going to be great for our country and great for China, I hope. Their market is down close to 40 percent. Our market is way up. Weve picked up, since my election, trillions of dollars of worth. Trillions. Many trillions. And China has lost trillions of dollars. But I want it to be good for China and I want it to be good for the United States. So well see what happens.

China is coming here next week, by the way. Theyre coming home, the traders. And then China is coming here next week. And then Ill be meeting with President Xi at some point after that to maybe  for some remaining deals. Well make them directly, one-on-one, ourselves.

So, were going to be signing today, and registering, national emergency. And its a great thing to do because we have an invasion of drugs, invasion of gangs, invasion of people, and its unacceptable.

And by signing the national emergency  something signed many times by other Presidents  many, many times. President Obama  in fact, we may be using one of the national emergencies that he signed, having to do with cartels. Criminal cartels. Its a very good emergency that he signed. And were going to use parts of it in our dealings on cartels. So that would be a second national emergency. But, in that case, its already in place.

And what we want  really want to do  is simple. Its not like its complicated. Its very simple: We want to stop drugs from coming into our country. We want to stop criminals and gangs from coming into our country. Nobody has done the job that weve ever done. I mean, nobody has done the job that weve done on the border.

And in a way, what I did by creating such a great economy  and if the opposing party got in, this economy would be down the tubes. You know, I hear a lot of people say, Oh, well. But maybe the previous administration Let me tell you, the previous administration, it was heading south, and it was going fast. We would have been down the tubes. The regulations were strangling our country. Unnecessary regulations.

By creating such a strong economy  you just look at your televisions or see whats going on today; its through the roof. What happens is more people want to come, so we have far more people trying to get into our country today than probably weve ever had before. And weve done an incredible job in stopping them, but its a massive number of people.

If we had the wall, it would be very easy. We would make up for the cost of the wall just in the cost of the fact that I would be able to have fewer people. We wouldnt need all of this incredible talent, some of whom are sitting in the first row. You wouldnt need all of this incredible talent. We would get  we would get thousands of law enforcement people, including Border Patrol. You put them in different areas, you have them doing different things. Law enforcement and Border Patrol.

And I want to thank law enforcement, and I want to thank Border Patrol, and I want to thank ICE. ICE is abused by the press and by the Democrats. And, by the way, were going to be taking care of ICE. You know, we talk about the new bill. Were going to be taking care of ICE. They wanted to get rid of ICE. And the bill is just the opposite of that. A lot of good things happened.

So, thats the story. We want to have a safe country. I ran on a very simple slogan: Make America Great Again. If youre going to have drugs pouring across the border, if youre going to have human traffickers pouring across the border in areas where we have no protection, in areas where we dont have a barrier, then very hard to make America great again.

But weve done a fantastic job, but we havent been given the equipment. We havent been given the walls. And in the bill, by the way, they didnt even fight us on most of the stuff. Ports of entry. We have so much money, we dont know what to do with it. I dont know what to do with all the money theyre giving us. Its crazy.

The only place they dont want to give as much money  $1,375,000,000. Sounds like a lot, but its not so much, although were putting it to much better use than it used to be. A lot of the past administrations, they had  it was easy to get, and they didnt build or they didnt do what they could have done. It would have been great. It would have been great to have done it earlier, but I was a little new to the job, a little new to the profession.

And we had a little disappointment for the first year and a half. People that should have stepped up did not step up. They didnt step up, and they should have. Would have been easy. Not that easy, but it would have been a lot easier. But some people didnt step up. But were stepping up now.

So we have a chance of getting close to $8 billion. Whether its $8 billion or $2 billion or $1.5 billion, its going to build a lot of wall. Were getting it done. Were right now in construction with wall in some of the most important areas. And we have renovated a tremendous amount of wall, making it just as good as new. Thats where a lot of the money has been spent  on renovation. In fact, we were restricted to renovating, which is okay. But were going to run out of areas that we can renovate pretty soon. So  and we need new wall.

So I want to thank everybody for being here. I want to thank, in particular, the Angel Moms and Dads for being here. Thank you very much. We have great respect for you. The real country, our real country  the people that really love our country, they love you. So I just want you to know that. I know how hard you fight and I know how hard a fight youre having.

I also want to thank all of the law enforcement for the job you do. Believe me, our country loves you and they respect you greatly. And were giving you a lot of surplus. Were giving you surplus military equipment, which a lot of people didnt like giving, previous to this administration. But hundreds of millions of dollars of surplus equipment. And as we get it, as you know, we send it down. And you have much better protection. But I really appreciate you being here.

So the order is signed. And Ill sign the final papers as soon as I get into the Oval Office. And we will have a national emergency, and then we will then be sued, and they will sue us in the Ninth Circuit, even though it shouldnt be there. And we will possibly get a bad ruling, and then well get another bad ruling. And then well end up in the Supreme Court, and hopefully well get a fair shake. And well win in the Supreme Court, just like the ban. They sued us in the Ninth Circuit, and we lost, and then we lost in the appellate division, and then we went to the Supreme Court, and we won.

And it was very interesting, because yesterday they were talking about the ban. Because we have a ban. Its very helpful. Madam Secretary, is that right? Without the ban, wed have a bigger problem. We have a ban on certain areas, certain countries, depending on whats going on in the world. And we won.

But somebody said, President Trump lost on the ban. Well, he was right; I lost at the lower court. He  he didnt say that we ultimately won at the United States Supreme Court. They didnt want to say that. They didnt want to go that far. They were saying how I lost. The person sitting right up here  Donald Trump lost on the ban. Yeah, I did. And then I lost a second time; you should have said that, too. And then it went to the Supreme Court and I won. Didnt want to take it that far. But we won on the ban and we won on other things, too.

The probably easiest one to win is on declaring a national emergency, because were declaring it for virtual invasion purposes: drugs, traffickers, and gangs. And one of the things, just to finish: We have removed thousands of MS-13 gang monsters. Thousands. Theyre out of this country. We take them out by the thousands. And they are monsters.

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.
In particular, recent years have seen sharp increases in the number of family units entering and seeking entry to the United States and an inability to provide detention space for many of these aliens while their removal proceedings are pending, Trump states in the proclamation. If not detained, such aliens are often released into the country and are often difficult to remove from the United States because they fail to appear for hearings, do not comply with orders of removal, or are otherwise difficult to locate.
Commissioners have now asked Altamanu to produce a formal design on the scope of the changes, Brooks said. Other elements, such as fitness pods and a childrens hand-powered train, could be part of the final design, but incorporated over time, she said.
Efia Odo, more than 10 other #FixTheCountry ...
She said that some residents have had some concerns about parking on Grand Avenue, but the village lot will remain open. She said there will be development on additional parking areas close to Grand and Thatcher.
Representatives from Jacksonville- and Arenzville-based Burrus Seed will discuss genetically modified organisms in a presentation Tuesday at Illinois College.

GMO is not just particular to Illinois or the midwest. It relates to the whole world, said Terry Denison, board member and program chair for the World Affairs Council of West Central Illinois, which is sponsoring the program.

Todd Burrus, an owner of Burrus Seed, and Josh Gunther, product lead for the company, will give a talk titled What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and How Do They Affect Me? as one of the World Affairs Councils series of programs held throughout the year. Denison said the organization chose to feature Burrus Seed in the GMO program because the company is locally owned and could shed light on the timely topic, which he said many people dont fully understand.

In preparing for the program, Burrus said they discovered that people who know the least about GMOs are the most concerned about the safety of using them.

The goal is just to help bring clarification about what they are, what they do, what are the advantages, why have there been some concerns and how those concerns are managed, he said.

Gunther added that they will discuss the impact of GMOs on local and global ecosystems.

Burrus Seed is a family-owned business that sells seeds to farmers, primarily in Illinois and Missouri. The seeds are developed by companies like Bayer or Corteva, Burrus said.

One significant way plants are modified is to give them traits that allow farmers to reduce the use of insecticides, Gunther said.

Were making a safer product by using these GMOs because were lowering insecticide usage. Out in the field where were growing this grain, theres always going to be insects present and feeding on the crops. So, the way we manage those insects now is primarily through GMO traits, he said.  And that helps us not spray as much insecticide, which is damaging to a lot broader scale of insect pests and beneficial insects, as well.

With that kind of advantage, Burrus said use of genetically modified crops can lower the cost of food, improve the quality of the grains farmer raise and sell, and be more environmentally friendly.

Other types of modifications aim to increase crop yields or health outcomes by giving plants traits that cause them to use water more efficiently or carry more of a necessary nutrient.

Burrus said the presentation will address some common concerns about GMOs and seek to give people a better understanding of them. He explained that developing a new GMO and bringing it to market is a highly regulated process. It takes about 13 years, many studies and costs around $130 million. Companies must do studies on the new products impact on humans, animals and environment.

Thats just a huge safety network around the assurance that it wont cause human issues, Burrus said.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Pratt Classroom in the Illinois College Schewe Library. The even is free and open to the public.
Horry County Council recently approved tax and fee hikes that will raise the bill of an owner-occupied $200,000 home by $105.80 in most of the unincorporated areas. Inside the city limits, the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $20 more per year (those residents pay separate city taxes). The hikes in the countys nearly $600 million budget will help pay for raises for county workers, additional 911 dispatchers, firefighters and patrol officers, and new stormwater equipment. Do you think county council should have increased taxes? Choices are:

You voted:
Muskogee, OK (74401)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 76F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms developing overnight. Low 76F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Is there a threshold an entire industry crosses when it does more harm than good? Michigan Technological University researchers set out to examine the question with numbers.

A new paper published in the journal Social Sciences (DOI:10.3390/socsci8020062) explores two case studies focused on industries that kill more people than they employ. The study lays out the rationale for establishing an actionable threshold and offers insights into solutions. Using case studies, it calculates the number of deaths attributed to the coal and tobacco industries and finds surprising results.

The Value of Life and Employment

Joshua Pearce led the study and is the Richard Witte Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering as well as a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Michigan Tech. He explains that he first became interested in the idea of corporate death penalties  disbanding or eliminating companies following judgement by governmental justice systems  during a study that determined the number of American lives saved from converting from coal-fired electricity to solar. Pearce wondered at what point do the number of deaths caused by an industry become too many for society to tolerate.

The unwritten rule with industry is you get to make money if youre a benefit to society, Pearce said. He adds that most industries are primarily good. However, numerous studies have documented increasing corporate corruption and the externalized costs of environmental and health impacts that can lead to human mortality. For industries that do cause extensive harm, and perhaps warrant an industry-wide corporate death penalty, identifying that threshold requires an apolitical, clear and concise metric based on public data.

To set an ideal metric, Pearce used three assumptions: First, everyone has the right to life; second, everyone has the right to work; third, human law should give corporations the right to exist if they benefit humanity.

If we know that life trumps employment because you have to be alive to work, then for a company or industry to exist it must employ more people than it kills in a year, Pearce said. What this paper has done is set the minimum bar for industry existence.

"Surprisingly, it also showed that there are at least two industries in America right now that are killing more people annually than they employ." Joshua Pearce

Case Studies: Coal and Tobacco

The coal industry employs 51,795 people based on data from the United States Energy Information Administration.

The total number of annual U.S. premature deaths from coal-fired, electricity-based air pollution is 52,015, using U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data.

The tobacco industry employs 124,342 people based on data from the North American Industry Classification System.

The total number of annual U.S. deaths from direct and second-hand smoke is 522,000 using US Department of Health and Human Services data.

Pearce says, After running the numbers the results are shocking. Every coal mining job in the US demands literally one American life every year. For tobacco jobs it is four times worse. The study concludes both industries warrant corporate death penalties.

Yet, Pearce points out: The vast majority of jobs and industries involve no human sacrifice.

Solutions

No industry could be dissolved without consequence. However, for both coal and tobacco, Pearces research group had previously examined solutions for shifting away from the industries. In a 2016 study published in Energy Economics, Pearce and his co-authors catalogued training required for coal workers to transition them to solar occupations.

Joshua Pearce contends coal workers could be retrained to work in the solar industry.

Electricity is an essential resource that keeps society running, however there are alternative technologies that can easily replace coal to do it  and wed be saving lives and money, Pearce said. If the barrier is employing those specific coal workers, we can easily retrain them and put them to work in solar and it turns out they would even earn a little more money on average.

Likewise, in a 2018 study published in Land Use Policy, Pearce and his team showed that tobacco farmers, who make up the largest group of people employed in the industry, have economic incentive to swap a cancer-causing cash crop for more profitable solar farms.

Changing employment, therefore, is not as much of a hurdle as some might fear. While other industries may not have the same kind of transitions available, Pearce hopes that by identifying a minimum standard for corporate accountability, other industries can also be assessed.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.
WASHINGTON  After three terms in Congress and an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate, El Paso Democrat Beto O'Rourke has made clear his view that immigrants should be welcomed as "human beings" and that "walls end lives."

Now, signaling that he may soon announce a 2020 White House run, O'Rourke is putting a finer point on his immigration agenda, releasing a 10-point plan that calls for citizenship for both "Dreamers" and their parents, as well as for "millions more" who now live in the U.S. illegally.

O'Rourke, long criticized for a lack of specifics in an otherwise sunny vision of cross-border relations, appears to be doubling down on the formulation he offered in a television interview last week in response to President Donald Trump's pro-wall rally in El Paso.

BATTLING RALLIES: Trump goads O'Rourke in El Paso, for subscribers only

Not only does the 46-year-old El Paso native oppose new wall construction, he would like to see an end to the physical barriers that already divide his home town from neighboring Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

"Yes, absolutely. I'd take the wall down," O'Rourke said in an MSNBC interview.

Amid reports that his team is talking to national Democratic campaign strategists about a presidential run, O'Rourke's willingness to remove existing barriers could put him on the liberal edge of a burgeoning field of potential Trump challengers who oppose a border wall.

"That is fairly to the left of where most of the people in the Democratic field are," said University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus, noting that O'Rourke, as a border candidate, has been uniquely framed by the immigration debate.

O'Rourke's list of policy proposals, however, does not include tearing down border barriers, an omission that is likely to raise new questions about his border policy positions.

Even as he remains on the sidelines of the 2020 race, O'Rourke has kept up a national profile over the past week, beginning with a large counter-rally during Trump's visit to El Paso, major interviews on MSNBC and Oprah Winfrey's network, and then a weekend trip to the Midwest battleground state of Wisconsin.

Trump's decision to use El Paso as the background for his hardline on immigration also provided a national forum for O'Rourke, who argues that the city was and remains one of the safest in the U.S. His contention on the city's crime rate is backed up by FBI statistics, but his statement about the wall also has put him in the line of fire of Trump and a host of GOP critics.

"Beto O'Rourke, someone who should be well aware of how much Texans need protection, promised to 'absolutely' take the wall down in El Paso," said Texas U.S Sen. John Cornyn, in a campaign statement that seemed to treat O'Rourke as a potential 2020 Senate challenger. "That's backwards, and that's dangerous."

STUMPING, NOT STUMPING: O'Rourke still weighing 2020 presidential bid while in Midwest

For some Republicans, O'Rourke's remark laid bare what they see as the central weakness in the Democrats' opposition to Trump's wall. "At least Beto is honest about his open border policy," tweeted U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican from Houston. "Most Dems claim to support a secure border while simultaneously undermining it at every turn."

With his views on border security front and center, O'Rourke responded with seven-page statement laying out a 10-point immigration policy to combat what he called "the 'Latino threat' narrative."

Footnoted like a college paper, it cites academic studies chronicling the "unintended consequences" of federal immigration policy, one argument being that hardening the border encourages illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S. rather return home. "Here's why," O'Rourke wrote, "as we made it harder for people to cross into the United States, we made it less likely that once here they would attempt to go back to their home country. Fearing an increasingly militarized border, circular patterns of migration became linear."

But O'Rourke's plan does not specifically call for tearing down border walls or barriers. Instead, it calls for beefing up infrastructure, technology and personnel at ports of entry, where the majority of drug and human trafficking takes place. He also calls for better tracking of visa overstays, which studies show account for more than half of illegal entries into the U.S.

His plan also calls for extending citizenship to more than one million Dreamers, or those who came or were brought into the U.S. illegally as children. He would also extend citizenship to their parents, whom he calls "the original Dreamers."

The plan, however, does not lay out what O'Rourke would do about the more than 10 million people living in the U.S. illegally, other than to say that he would bring "millions more out of the shadows and on a path to citizenship by ensuring that they register with the government to gain status to legally work, pay taxes and contribute even more to our country's success."

While efforts to legalize the status of Dreamers have broad support among Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, extending legal protections to others living in the country illegally has proven a tough sell politically.

"He is now showing even more how out of touch he is and how little he cares for American citizens and those who have followed the law to seek to become citizens," said Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey. "Creating a whole new class of citizens whose status is a direct reward for breaking the law is just his latest dangerous extremist position."

Conservative pundits have long maintained that O'Rourke rarely if ever talks about enforcing current immigration laws, how to stop illegal immigration, or say exactly who he would deport and who he would not. His new policy statement is unlikely to silence those critics.

"There's still a lot of confusion about where exactly he stands on this," Rottinghaus said. "He's been too ambiguous about what he would do, and his positions tend to be on multiple sides of the issue."

Rottinghaus cited O'Rourke's remark during his 2018 Senate campaign saying he would be "open" to doing away with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), then immediately walking it back and saying he was talking about abolishing "tactics that instill fear."

At other times he has criticized the Trump administration policy of separating families but said that abolishing ICE "does nothing to solve any of those issues."

O'Rourke's new policy paper does not call for abolishing ICE, but it does call for and "end to the global war on drugs" which he says has accelerated the erosion of civil society in Latin America and helped produce the resulting flow of immigrants and refugees.

His paper is also a plea for ending what he calls the scapegoating of immigrants, a sentiment that is popular with the Democratic base that views Trump's national emergency declaration as a ploy to circumvent Congress on wall money.

"The fear stoked by politicians," O'Rourke wrote, "produced the intended paranoia and political constituency demanding ever tougher immigration measures."

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There is an updated gallery that combines older slideshows: ID 182713 (Gallery: Nearly 100 years of crossing the Mexico-U.S. border)
The Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance reported this week that crashes in Texas Department of Transportation Odessa District increased by 67 percent and fatalities are up by 97 percent from 2016-2018.

MOTRAN also reported commercial motor vehicle-related crashes have increased by 160 percent, and CMV-related fatalities are up 122 percent.

In 2018, the Odessa District with 1.6 percent of the state population was responsible for nearly 15 percent of all statewide CMV fatal crashes, according to a MOTRAN statement. It would take all of the CMV related fatal crashes in the Houston and Fort Worth districts to equal the number that occurred in the Odessa district.

RELATED: Meeting planned to discuss overpass project at I-20, Midkiff

We realize there is a lot more that needs to be done at the regional level by groups like ours, companies, and citizens to address safety and driver behavior, but the rapid growth in the Odessa district has led to capacity constraints that have not been addressed by the state, said James Beauchamp, MOTRAN president. If even a small part of the increasing revenues generated by the Permian Basin could be re-invested in area infrastructure, ultimately that investment will create even greater rewards for the state.

From 2005 to 2018, the Odessa district, recorded the seventh largest increase in registered vehicles and was ninth in increased population among the 25 Texas Department of Transportation districts around the state.

During that same time, the Odessa district ranked fifth in the increase in the number of daily vehicle miles (DVM) among those same 25 districts and was the only district in the state that saw more than 100 percent increase in daily vehicle miles.

Keep in mind, we arent playing a percentage game, all the data referenced is based upon raw numerical increases, Beauchamp said. Yet, despite our increased revenue generation for the state and enormous growth, the Odessa district has ranked 20th among the 25 districts for added lane miles.

Much of the response by the state in our region, and specifically, the Odessa district, has revolved around maintenance and pavement conditions. We certainly understand and share those concerns. But just as pipeline companies have fast-tracked plans to more than double existing pipeline capacity for the area in the next few years, we need immediate action to begin providing added capacity roadway improvements here in the Odessa district to match that industry activity and growth.

Beauchamp estimated about $500 million is needed to address critical issues in the Odessa district, excluding improvements now being planned for the Interstate 20 corridor.

RELATED: Mayor: City wants $45M flyover at Loop 250, SH 191

$500 million over the next two to five years in the Odessa district sounds like a lot of money, but when you look at $835 million in increased severance taxes from this same area just between 2017 and 2018, and over a $700 million gain in sales tax revenue during that time, this is probably one of the best investments the state of Texas could make, Beauchamp said.

***

The Permian Basin is seeing unprecedented economic growth.

--Severance taxes

From 2011 to 2018, the area produced 25 percent of all state severance taxes, and the oil and gas production that go with it. During the last five years (2014-2018), that percentage grew from 20.7 percent to 38.2 percent. More than a third of all Texas severance taxes relate back to the 12 counties in TxDOTs Odessa District.

--Sales taxes

The Odessa district has also seen impressive growth in gross sales and state sales tax generation. In 2017, the 1.6 percent of the states population that resides here generated 3.23 percent of all state sales tax. In the first two reported quarters of 2018, that number grew to just more than 4 percent.

To put that in perspective, in 2017, Midland and Odessa, alone, generated $100 million more in state sales tax than Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock and San Angelo, combined, and Midland and Odessa generated $200 million more than El Paso. In the first two quarters of 2018, Midland and Odessa have generated 60 percent of the state sale tax revenue collected in Travis County (Austin).

--Hotel/motel revenue

Over the last 10 years, hotel/motel revenue has increased by more than $200 million annually in the Odessa district and grown from 1.7 percent of the states total hotel/motel revenue to nearly 3 percent. Midland and Odessa, combined, generated revenue on par with places such asCorpus Christi and Galveston.

--Infrastructure demands

Area infrastructure has not kept pace with the economic, population and workforce growth.

The lack of infrastructure has negatively affected the quality of life in the Permian Basin, but it has also resulted in a devaluation of West Texas Intermediate (WTI). That devaluation has cost the state an estimated $1.3 billion in state severance revenue during the current biennium.
Maria del Pilar Chapa said she found yoga through meditation with dancing, photography and playing her flute. Her meditation has led her on a journey from Odessa to Colombia and back.

Chapa graduated from Odessa High School and Texas Tech University, where she studied Spanish and political science. She moved back to Odessa and taught at Ector CISD for three years and worked as a beauty consultant.

She started taking photography classes at Odessa College from Steve Goff and Beckwith Thompson, which allowed her to explore her more creative side, she said. Her grandfather passed away while she was in Odessa. She said she developed anxiety from dealing with his death.

"I started playing music to help me sleep," Chapa said. "I focused on a certain note that would help me feel the most calm, or I would play waves, and I would inhale and exhale depending on the waves coming in or out. Little did I know that I was meditating."

She said meditation changed her life and helped her find spirituality and allowed her to find God in every part of life. She traveled to New York City and stayed for a month to pursue photography and fashion. When she got back to Odessa, she said she felt lost and that her nerves were overstimulated after living in New York.

"I thought, 'How am I going to get a handle on myself, and what can I do that's not a big impact on my body?'" Chapa said. "I looked up yoga, and I came across Midland Yoga Works."

She then decided to teach English language arts at an international school in Colombia. While in Colombia she found a community of people practicing yoga. Chapa was trained in the yoga practice in Spanish.

In March she went on yoga retreat at Vanadurga Ashram Yoga Sanctuary. She said during that time a nearby river flooded. She was pushed out of her living arrangements and into a room full of women.

She said the women asked her to be a karma yogi, which is someone who gives service with intention, and to take photos for the nonprofit yoga sanctuary. A yoga professor told her about an opportunity to do the teacher training course, which is three-month long program.

"Now, I have come back to Odessa as part of my spiritual, emotional journey," Chapa said.

Chapa said she wants to share her knowledge of yoga and having inner peace. She said there isn't a lot for people to do here besides spend time on their phone or watching television.

"They are never dealing with their inner turmoil, and meditation is the way to do it," she said.

Chapa's classes are mostly in Spanish but can also be taught in English. The classes are in the Sivanada style and are hatha flow. During the classes, Chapa focuses on strengthening the body and breathing, which helps people to meditate for longer periods of time.

Chelsea Eyler, co-owner of Roming Yoga, said she saw a need for yoga taught in Spanish when the studio used other facilities in Odessa.

"Before we opened our studio space we had classes on a Sunday at Tae Kwon Do Studio in Odessa," Eyler said. "I noticed we had a group of women coming to our classes that spoke Spanish as their predominant language. They would set up in the front of the studio so they could see our teachers. The power of yoga is that it can transcend language. You can watch movement and flow, but what was missing was the intention the inspiration of the class."

Chapa said she was nervous before teaching her first class at Roming Yoga but after the class ended she got out her yoga manual and went over poses that the students would like to work on learning in future classes. Chapa said that the students have been patient with her teaching style and with the progress they will make over the session of classes.

"They were really excited about it," Chapa said. "They were grateful and thanked me."
Moultrie, GA (31768)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds from time to time. Low 71F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.


Rate of the day is what we consider the best value mortgage rate for a loan with a loan-to-value ratio below 80%, that is available to new and existing borrowers, and is not limited by the size of the loan.
Its that time of year  the sun is out, the weather is warming up and you finally have a reason to break out the grill in your backyard. While there are so many great dishes to cook on the grill, few things beat a backyard burger. Now, maybe youre a tong-twirling grill master who makes your own marinades from scratch , but if youre like most folks, your grill skills may be a little rusty after a long, cold winter and a gray, dreary spring. Though burgers seem like they should be easy to cook on the grill, there are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure you have a restaurant-quality patty on your bun.
A rusting ferryboat is docked next to an aging industrial warehouse on Long Island City's Anable Basin in the Queens borough of New York in November 2018. Amazon said Feb. 14, 2019, that it will not be building a new headquarters in New York, a stunning reversal after a yearlong search.
@MJ_JournalRick on Twitter

Richard Payerchin covers Lorain City Hall, business news and other interesting stories for The Morning Journal. Reach the author at rpayerchin@MorningJournal.com or follow Richard on Twitter: @MJ_JournalRick.
"Every day when I go home, I can say weve seen the change in lives that weve had for the people that we serve.

Lorain County Probate Judge James T. Walther

Pull Quote
This is the best news we all hoped for and prayed for and worked for and waited for, Alvarado said. Now our families are safe. But we have to work to make sure they dont reopen. We need to ban ethylene oxide emissions, Alvarado said.
From left: Lorain County Metro Parks Assistant Director Jennifer Bracken; Chief Ranger Paul J. Hruby, Lorain County Board of Mental Health Executive Director Dr. Kathleen Kern and Metro Parks Director James E. Ziemnik, were recognized, along with fellow staff members, in early February, with a first place award for their collaborative suicide prevention campaign with Lorain County Board of Mental Health.
The Young People Praise Team of Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Elyria kicked off a Black History Celebration on Feb. 17 at Mount Zion Baptist Church at 632 W. River Road North in Elyria. The event welcomed many from Lorain County to celebrate African American history, heritage, contributions and accomplishments.
Plans to turn a former mill into a hotel has changed. A new Pizza Hut is being proposed and it looks like the former Sagebrush building will s
The North Carolina author may be known best for his humor-infused style and his Buryin' Barry series about an undertaker and part-time deputy who solves murder mysteries in western North Carolina. His most recent novel, Secret Undertaking, is the seventh in this series. De Castrique said in a recent interview, "Barry's hometown of Gainesville is modeled after towns like Hendersonville and Waynesville." The author spent his childhood in Hendersonville, where his father owned a funeral home.

De Castrique has authored 18 novels: seven with Buryin' Barry, six in the Sam Blackman series, two middle grade novels, one futuristic thriller set near Raleigh and two thrillers set in Washington, D . C.

After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, the author worked at WBTV in Charlotte producing and directing shows such as Betty Feezor's cooking and home decor program.

"We did everything: news, professional wrestling, and a country and western show, among others," he said.

He worked with former Author's Luncheon speaker, Bob Inman, for many years. De Castrique enjoyed a career in television and film production for more than two decades. He has received an Emmy award for his documentary film work.

Why did he decide to become a writer?
Of all the histories that are out there and have been told, black history is one of the least ones that comes to the forefront, Roseboro said. Ideally, it should be included in your history books. Children should know about the Native-American history and the African-American history, along with traditional European history and the other immigrants that came to this country, but its not taught. In my opinion, if it was taught on a younger level all the way through, some of this racism that we have going on, I dont think it would be like that, because you would have more understanding and appreciation of each individuals contribution to our United States.
Earlier this morning, the share price of Creso Pharma Limited [ASX:CPH] hit 41.5 cents per share.

At time of writing it is up 1.3%, trading at 39 cents.

Creso Pharma has been in a slide over the past 12 months:

Source: marketindex.com.au

The latest news out of the company is a crucial license to cultivate approval for its facility in Nova Scotia.

Thinking of adding a pot stock to your portfolio? Get our research on the Top Four Pot Stocks for 2019 for free here.

Creso Pharma share price reacts to news

In an announcement released this morning, Creso Pharma hailed the achievement saying:

[We are] pleased to announce that [our] wholly owned subsidiary Mernova Medical Ltd (Mernova Medical), has been granted a license to cultivate by Health Canada, making it the only ASX-listed company that has a 100% ownership interest in a company that has a license to cultivate cannabis in Canada, and only the fifth licensed producer in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Creso Pharma outlined its plans for expansion with some particular highlights related to the state of the art facility:

The facility has the potential to expand from 24,000 sqft to 200,000 sqft

Potential to produce 4,000 kgs in its current state, and an expansion capability of 10-times this amount

It has a supply agreement in place with TerrAscend Canada, a Licensed Producer to make its product

The facility can store $100 million in concentrated product

The company is the fifth licensed producer in Nova Scotia

John Griese, Creso Pharmas North America Chief Operating Officer hailed the news:

We are excited to achieve this much anticipated milestone. The license makes Creso one of only a handful of companies with a license to produce cannabis in Atlantic Canada. It opens up substantial revenue opportunities given the high demand suppliers face following legalisation in Canada last year. Our strategy of locking in sales revenue ahead of granting of the license means we can hit the ground running and capitalise on the capabilities of this premium growing facility.

You can see what the facility looks like below:

Source: Creso Pharma Limited

Whats next for Creso Pharma?

The strategy for Creso Pharma is potentially a two-step process.

Build revenue through its Canadian operations and reinvest that into their product pipeline.

Recently we have covered how Creso Pharma had entered into a strategic partnership with Burleigh Heads Cannabis to bring its cannaQIX50 to market in Australia.

CannaQIX50 is a pharmaceutical grade, CBD-based lozenge that also contains niacin, B vitamins and zinc. It is designed to dissolve in the mouth and is intended to support the management of chronic pain.

Going forward, investors will likely be waiting to see how their two ongoing negotiations proceed with regards to a spin out of its nutraceutical and CBD business into a new ASX-listed company, as well as an acquisition of a European-based health food business.

Regards,

Lachlann Tierney,

For Money Morning

PS: Get our analysis and research on our Top Four Pot Stocks for 2019 in a free report which is available here.
The major indices of the Indian stock markets suffered a correction on Monday. On the NSE, there were 575 advances, 1,145 declines and 359 unchanged. The trends of the major indices in the course of Mondays trading are given in the table below:

The Sensex and Nifty declined after opening on a flat note on Monday led by selling in auto, IT (information technology) and FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) stocks. On Friday, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold shares to the tune of Rs966.43 crore, while the domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought Rs853.25 crore worth of scrips.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may impose monetary penalty on Yes Bank for breaching the confidentiality norms of its communications exchange with the private bank which the central bank is said to be treating as a market-related information slip aimed at boosting the stock. Yes Bank made an exchange between it and the RBI public where it said that the central bank had not found any divergence in its non-performing asset recognition for 2017-18. Soon, after its stock soared and it attracted the attention of the apex bank, which in a first-of-its-kind criticism told Yes Bank that the risk assessment report was intended to a be a "confidential" document and that disclosures made by the lender was viewed by the regulator as a "deliberate attempt to mislead". Yes Bank shares closed at Rs214.00, down 2.28% on the NSE.

In a setback to Vedanta, the Supreme Court refused to order the re-opening of its Sterlite Copper Smelting plant located in Tamil Nadu as it set aside the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) December 15 order on the grounds of jurisdiction. Setting aside the NGT order on maintainability, a bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Vineet Saran asked Vedanta to approach the High Court and since the Thoothukudi plant has been locked up for quite some time, they could urge the High Court Chief Justice for an expeditious hearing and interim relief. The plant was shut down permanently on May 28, 2018, when the state government had ordered the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to seal and "permanently" close the plant in the wake of protests over pollution concerns. The protests had turned violent, resulting in the death of 13 people in police firing on May 22-23 in Tuticorin, officially called the Thoothukudi port city. The top court verdict came on the TNPCB's plea against the December 15, 2018, NGT order directing it to give its consent. The grant of consent by the state pollution control board was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions by Vedanta. The TNPCB had in the course of arguments asserted that the copper smelting plant was the cause of near irreversible ground water pollution and thus could not be allowed to resume operation. On the other hand, Vedanta had described as "political" the decision to put the plant under the lock. Vedanta had contended that the high level ground water pollution was not limited just to Thoothukudi alone, and that similar situation existed in other parts of the state. Vedanta shares closed at Rs147.95, up 0.44% on the NSE.

RInfra said that the Supreme Court has admitted a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by its subsidiary challenging a Delhi High Court order that set aside an over Rs5,800 crore arbitral award won by the RInfra minor against the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). In 2018, the High Court had directed the DMRC to take over the servicing of all debt liabilities of Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL). Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) had said that 11 banks, who had lent to DAMEPL to run the Delhi Airport Metro Express line, would benefit from the High Court's order. Noting the apex court's entertaining the SLP, a RInfra release said a short notice was also issued to the DMRC on DAMEPL's plea for interim relief, so that the DMRC continued to service the debt of DAMEPL, pending the plea disposal by the apex court. "The Supreme Court has entertained the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd., SPV Delhi Airport Metro Express Pvt Ltd (DAMEPL) challenging the judgement of Division Bench of Delhi High Court, which set aside the over Rs5,800 crore arbitral award won by DAMEPL against DMRC," it said. Reliance Infrastructure shares closed at Rs122.70, up 6.74% on the NSE.

The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below:

The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below:
A major shortcoming of banking reforms was exclusion of a significant section of the population from the formal financial services. The united progressive alliance (UPA) government tried to address the problem by introducing the no-frills, basic savings bank deposit accounts (BSBDA) scheme. The national democratic alliance (NDA) government repackaged this in August 2014 as prime ministers Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). The massive network of branches of public sector banks (PSBs) was harnessed to bring people into the formal banking sector. PSB branches were given targets of accounts to be opened within a timeframe.

More than four years down the line, has the challenge of financial exclusion been met successfully? What do the official reports say? What lessons should the policy-makers learn from the massive exercise? What is the way forward?

Well-documented studies have regularly appeared during the past two years indicating that there is a wide gap between the claims and the ground realities. Now two reports of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) throw considerable light on the whole exercise. One is the latest Report on the Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018 (RoB) and the other is RBIs Annual Report 2018 (AR).

The RoB narrates the methodology adopted in popularising PMJDY. It was implemented in two phases. Phase I, spread between August 2014 and 2015, was intended to provide universal access to banking with facilities for remittance, overdraft and debit card , together with built-in accident insurance cover of Rs1,00,000. In Phase II, covering the period August 2015 to 2018, new features like increased overdraft up to Rs5,000, insurance and pension schemes and creation of a credit guarantee fund for covering defaults in overdraft accounts were added. Last September, the scheme was further extended increasing the overdraft to Rs10,000 and insurance to Rs2,00,000. Every adult, instead of the household, became the target. These are, indeed, commendable strategies.

As a consequence of these efforts, RoB claims, during the four-year period (2014-18), the number of accounts opened under PMJDY expanded to 328 million and the deposits to Rs851 billion. Notably, 59.1% of the new accounts were opened in branches located in rural and semi-urban centres. Coverage-wise, RBI says, "between 2011 and 2017 the proportion of people joining the formal financial system in terms of an account at financial institutions has more than doubled, reaching about 80% of Indias population."

Structured Approach

With a view to translating the goal of reaching out, RBI adopted a structured approach to implement the plan of financial inclusion. The approach had three action points: at the individual bank level, a board-approved financial inclusion plan (FIP); at RBI level, a revisit to the branch opening policy and at the sector level, steps to promote financial literacy.

The FIP was intended to capture historical data as well as the proposed plan of individual bank in relation to specific activities connected with financial inclusion like the number of Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDAs), overdrafts availed, credit or debit cards issued, transactions through such cards and the business promoted through IT-enabled banking correspondents (BCs). Given the current reluctance on the part of the banks to entertain customers of small means, FIPs would enable the RBI to nudge them to shed their reluctance.

Considering the continuous shift away from uneconomical brick and mortar branches in the countryside resulting in steady decline in the number of rural and semi-urban branches in the reforms era, it was necessary to revisit the branch licensing policy. Banks have been mandated to open at least 25% of the new outlets in a year in the unbanked rural centres (URCs). The state level bankers Committees are required to identify and maintain lists of URCs with periodic advice to member banks to give priority to URCs with a population above 5,000.

As educating people is crucial to develop banking habit, RBI, has laid great emphasis on promoting financial literacy across the country through what it claims as innovative approaches to financial literacy. A National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), supported by financial sector regulators has been put in place with the task of devising different strategies to enhance awareness about the benefits of formal banking among the public.

A Mixed Picture

Ironically, the RBI reports themselves reveal that the progress made is tardy and the claims of reaching out are far-fetched. And, to an extent the regulator deserves to be complimented for its candidness in admitting the shortcomings, when it says,"during 2017-18, proximate indicators of financial inclusion presented a mixed picture."

The data provided by RBI on the progress of FIP between 2010 and 2018 are self-explanatory.

Financial Inclusion PlanProgress Report: 2010-2018

While the emphasis is on reaching out to unbanked villages, the number of outlets including BCs in those target areas has declined during the latest year from 5,43,472 to 5,15,317. Even the conventional branches have come down from 50,860 to 50,805.

In opening new branches, a pattern is visible. Banks preference continues to be overwhelmingly in favour of cities with population of 1 million and above: during this period the share of new branches in such centres has been ranging between 35.3% to 40.3% as against a sustained decline in the share of newly opened branches in centres with population of less than 5,000 to 15.8% from 27.7%.

It can also be observed that the number of accounts at the branches has come down to 247 million from 254 between March 2017 and 2018.

RBI attributes this decline to rationalisation of branches by banks through closing down of branches which were either unviable or located in close proximity to each other (emphasis added) and merger of associate banks with State Bank of India (SBI). The latter raises another issue: one account-holder could have opened accounts in different banks thereby inflating the overall figures!

RBI further says that some banks disengaged corporate BCs because of poor performance. Such disengagement can create a serious confidence crisis among the financially illiterate citizens. This underlines the need to operate through brick and mortar outlets whose physical presence with regular personnel enhances the reliability of an institutional mechanism. In strengthening financial inclusion, viability of branches cannot be the deciding factor.

A second issue relates to the operations in the Jan Dhan accounts. A 2017 report by World Bank had said that 48% of the accounts were inoperative (The Global Findex Database 2017: Measuring Financial Inclusion and the Fin-tech Revolution). This finding gets echoed in the RBI reports where it confirms the decline in the average balances in PMJDY accounts during 2017-18. It also says that up to August 2018, only 23% of the accounts have received the direct benefit transfers (DBTs)- a process that was intended to eliminate the role of middlemen in giving the benefit of government subsidies directly to the beneficiaries through bank accounts.

Emphasis on IT-enabled Services

Successive RBI reports have laid great stress on pushing financial inclusion through technology drive. The exhaustive reports on promoting financial literacy through diverse institutional network and self-help groups bear testimony to such emphasis. That approach, however, overlooks the ground realities.

The target group of the campaign comes from geographically, socially and economically marginalised segments of the society. Most of them do not use the automatic teller machine (ATMs) and credit or debit cards. Those who venture into the bank branches do so for simple services like depositing or withdrawing cash, sending or receiving small amounts of money and, much of that is still guided by their wave lengths with the staff of the branch.

Where customers are tech-savvy, the services said to be available in the bank could be utilised only if there is connectivity and power supply.

The Challenges Ahead

In addressing the challenge of reaching out to the segments, which are still outside the formal financial sector, the three major players, namely, government, RBI and the banks need to take a series of measures to win the confidence of the uninitiated. Some of them are listed here.

a. Focus on the conventional brick and mortar network. The very sight of an institution with knowledgeable and responsible people manning them creates confidence in a hesitating mind.

b. Focus on dealing with them in their own local language. This necessitates posting of staff familiar with the language and local customs to enable them to be part of the local milieu.

c. Make the documents to be filled and signed as simple as possible and in a language the local people are familiar with. Most PSBs have neither simplified the documents nor are they in the local language. Even the ubiquitous challans for depositing, withdrawing and remitting money and the menu of services offered are in Hindi and English. The PSBs obsession with official language causes practical problems to the small customers.

d. Focus on building their confidence in banking institutions through more frequent informal interaction between the staff and the people in the locality and extending guidance on financial matters.

The challenge cannot be met by loud declarations of intent and goals or through unfamiliar machines that print the pass books, dispense cash or accept deposits; it is the institutional integrity with a staff driven by a service motive that brings a hesitant by-stander into the portals of the bank.
In this file image taken from a video recording, Omar Khalid Khorasani (C), a top Pakistan Taliban commander, gives an interview in Pakistan's Mohmand tribal region on June 2, 2011. General Asim Bajwa, director general of the Pakistani army's media division, reported the death of Umar Narai, also known as Khalifa Umar Mansoor or Khalid Khurasani, in a message on Twitter on July 13, 2016. REUTERS/Handout/File Photo

The talks between the US and Afghan Taliban slated for Monday here have been postponed, according to the insurgent group which alleged that some members of its negotiating team could not travel to Pakistan for the meeting due to sanctions imposed by America and the UN.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid announced last week that talks with the US will take place in Pakistan's capital, while they will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"The Islamic Emirate had arranged for their representatives to participate but unfortunately, most members of the negotiations team were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist and the meeting was postponed, the Taliban said in a statement.

Security officials said that some of the members of the Taliban were still under sanctions but it was not the sole reason for the delay.

They said Afghanistan was not comfortable with these talks and the delay in the arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visit was another reason.

Now the next round of talks between rebel and US will be held on February 25 in Doha as panned earlier.

Last month the two sides held detailed talks and there were indications that they have come closer to end more than 17 years of conflict in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to the announcement of a meeting in Islamabad, saying it was in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

"#Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan's engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Govenrment is not consulted," Tweeted Sibghatullah Admadi, a spokesman for the Afghan foreign office.

Previously, Afghanistan launched a similar complaint against Russia for allowing Taliban members to travel to Moscow for a conference in which nearly 50 Afghans, including various political leaders, were invited.

However, the Afghan government was not invited to that conference because the Taliban have so far refused to engage with Kabul despite pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and others.

The Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan, and are more powerful than at any time since the 2001 US-led invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently said after six days of talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha last month that the US has made "significant progress" in its peace talks with the Taliban.

Since being appointed in September, Khalilzad has met with all sides in an attempt to end America's longest war in which the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in more than 17 years.

US President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut in half the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and the Taliban leaders have made a US withdrawal a key condition in peace negotiations.
Bill Gates | In a 2015 TED talk, Gates had said the world was not ready for the next epidemic. Not just once, he talked about this again in a discussion hosted by Massachusetts Medical Society and the New England Journal of Medicine, where he clearly said that a pandemic could impact humanity in the next 10 years killing 30 million people within six months. (Image: PTI)

Bill Gates is in favour of "more progressive" taxes on the rich but feels Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's proposed top-rate tax of 70 percent misses the point.

Ocasio-Cortez has supported the idea of close to doubling the tax on income over $10 million to 70 percent from the current 37 percent. The Microsoft co-founder, in an interview with The Verge, said this approach is a 'misfocus'.

"In terms of revenue collection, you wouldn't want to just focus on the ordinary income rate, because people who are wealthy have a rounding error of ordinary income. They have income that is just the value of their stock, which if they don't sell, doesn't show up as income at all. Or if it shows up, it shows over in the capital gains side," he said.

He added that lawmakers should focus on taxes on real estate and capital and social security. His view comes closer to Elizabeth Warren's tax reform which promotes taxing net worth on households worth more than $50 million.

"You do start to create tax dodging and disincentives, and an incentive to have the income show up in other countries and things. But we can be more progressive without really threatening income generation," he said.

Wealthy people faced a similar tax in the 1970s before it was lowered during the term of President Ronald Reagen. Gates, who was the world's richest man on and off before Amazon's Jeff Bezos took the mantle, said this practice doesn't work very well.
SoftBank

Japan's SoftBank Group has provided nearly half the cash for the new $400 million fund by Abu Dhabi's state-owned Mubadala Investment Co that aims to back European start-ups, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

Mubadala, which is a big investor in SoftBank's Vision Fund, will use the fund to invest between $5 million and $30 million in European start-ups, FT reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter.

A company executive said last week Mubadala Ventures was planning to launch a technology-focused, $400 million European fund this year.

The European venture fund, which has already made a few undisclosed investments, will be run from a new office in London, the FT said.

SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment, while Mubadala was not immediately reachable for comment.
Rawalpindi : In this photo released by the Press Information Department, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, left, with to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left, leave from Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began his four-day regional visit on Sunday, arriving in Pakistan where he is expected to sign agreements worth billions of dollars to help the Islamic nation overcome its financial crisis. AP/PTI(AP2_18_2019_000078B)

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Monday held a joint business conference to strengthen bilateral economic ties, a day after they signed seven agreements worth USD 20 billion to promote trade and investment in the cash-strapped South Asian country.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is also Saudi Arabia's defence minister, arrived on his maiden trip to Pakistan on Sunday.

He will arrive in India on February 19 on his first official visit. Counterterrorism and energy security are expected to top the agenda for discussions during the two-day trip.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped Pakistan.

Foreign Office said the signed MoUs and agreements cover areas such as standard specifications, mineral resources, investment in refining and petrochemical sectors, power generation, development of renewable energy projects, and cooperation in the field of youth and sports.

"These agreements will lay the foundation for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," according to Pakistan Foreign Office.

Though no figure of the volume of investment was given in the documents signed, Crown Prince Salman while addressing the inaugural session of the Supreme Coordination Council said his country was initially investing about USD 20 billion in Pakistan.

"Today we signed MoUs. The amount of that kind of investment is USD 20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it will grow every month every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both countries," he said.

He also said Pakistan was an important country and his country was keen to build future ties with it.

"We believe Pakistan is going to be very very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he said.

Speaking on the same occasion, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the future of the bilateral cooperation was very exciting.

"The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood while addressing the Pak-Saudi Business Conference in Islamabad said a new chapter began in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi investment in Pakistan is highly significant for positive trajectory of Pakistan's growth and economy...Saudi Arabia is a partner of Pakistan in its journey of prosperity," he said.

Dawood said investment in mining and mineral development from Saudi investors will be highly appreciated.

"Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is escalating in a different direction and at a different level. The Saudi announcement of huge investment in various sectors of Pakistan will improve our economy," he said.

Saudi Minster for Commerce Majid Al-Qassabi said the Crown Prince wanted to turn the relations with Pakistan into a strategic partnership.

"Our bilateral trade volume stands at 3.7 billion dollars but we need to improve it. We need to market things rightly and attract investors from both sides," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan Monday tweeted that the Crown Prince won the hearts of the people of Pakistan.

"When he said 'consider me Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia' in response to my (Khan) asking him to treat the 2.5 million Pakistanis working in KSA as his own," he said.

Khan had urged the Crown Prince to look into the problems of 3,000 Pakistanis held in Saudi prisons and allow completion of immigration process of Pakistani pilgrims in Pakistan.

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced on Twitter that the Crown Prince in response to the request about jailed Pakistanis said his country will release more than 2,017 prisoners.

"As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails," Chaudhry said.

The Saudi embassy had already announced a massive reduction in the visa fees for Pakistanis ahead of the start of Crown Prince's visit.
A Maldives court on Monday ordered the arrest and detention of former strongman president Abdulla Yameen on money laundering charges.

The court agreed to a prosecution request to detain Yameen who was charged last week with laundering nearly $1.5 million before he lost his re-election bid in September.
Union Minister Alphons Kannanthanam (File Photo)



The best part of the Alphons tweet (now deleted, of course) was that he tagged his masters on it too - marking his attendance lol. pic.twitter.com/g95LZZiEvR

 Vikalp (@20ncounting) February 17, 2019

Junking all claims of clicking a selfie with the coffin of a Pulwama martyr, Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam, on Sunday said he wants the miscreants to be punished for tarnishing his image. In the picture, he can be seen standing near the coffin of the slain CRPF personnel and looking at a camera. After the photo broke the internet, he was slammed by netizens for his insensitivity.

Explaining what may have happened, Alphons wrote a letter to the Kerala DGP. He said he was attending martyr VV Vasantha Kumars last rites on Saturday at Wayanad, where thousands of people had gathered to pay homage to the slain soldier. He alleged that some miscreant must have taken the photo while he was standing near the coffin. He added that his media secretary had shared the same on Facebook.

The Union minister stressed on the fact that he didnt click the selfie and that some truant person is spreading false news against him on all social media platforms and toying with his reputation. Stating that such an act is punishable under the Indian Penal Code, he said it is uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news, especially when it concerns a jawan who laid down his life for the nation.

He added: Unless these vicious criminal vultures are brought to book, the integrity of the country and society will be at stake.

Shameful : BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj smiling On Truck carrying mortal remains of Jawan Ajit Kumar Azad who lost life in Pulwama Attack pic.twitter.com/8hrs12WxBq  Sanjaykumar Singh (@Sanjayk56853030) February 17, 2019

Earlier, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj was thoroughly critised on social media for having a good time while taking part in the last rites of slain CRPF jawan Ajit Kumar Azad in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The MP is yet to issue an apology or clarification for the same.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on February 17 issued orders to withdraw security of five separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, officials said.

Besides Mirwaiz, the security cover for Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn, they said.

Who are these separatist leaders?

Abdul Gani Bhat: A senior leader of the Muslim Conference in Kashmir, Bhat is a former teacher of Persian. Muslim Conference is a part of the Hurriyat, but he has previously made statements which go against the separatist line.

Bhat has batted for a peaceful, dialogue-based settlement to the Kashmir issue, and has said dialogue is "only effective and civilised way of addressing issues bedeviling relations between nations or peoples". Bhat had made the statement while meeting Dineshwar Sharma, the Special Representative of central government for Jammu and Kashmir.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq: Farooq is one of the most controversial of the Valley's separatist leaders. Farooq's father, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, also a prominent separatist, was assassinated in Srinagar in 1990, when Umar Farooq was 17. This had triggered anti-India agitations across Kashmir.

In 2014, the Royal Islamic Strategic Study Centre of Jordan had listed Umar Farooq as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world. He was also featured in Time magazine's 25 most outstanding Asians.

Umar Farooq has been given the title of 'Mirwaiz', which means a prominent religious leader in Kashmir.

Hashim Qureshi: Hashim Qureshi has had an eventful career as a separatist leader.

Qureshi has gone from hijacking an Indian Airlines flight in 1971, founding the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) one of the most prominent militant organisations active during the insurgency in the Valley to batting for peace and declaring Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King as his idols.

Although made out to be a hero by Pakistan, Qureshi was tried by a special court in the country and imprisoned. Qureshi was released in 1980 and, a decade later, he founded the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Liberation Party (JKDLP). In 2000, Qureshi returned to India, and has since batted for a non-violent separation for Kashmir.

Bilal Lone: Lone is the elder brother of Sajjad Lone, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally in the Valley. The elder Lone heads 'Peoples Independent Movement' in the Hurriyat Conference. Lone's father, Abdul Gani Lone, was assassinated in 2002. Gani Lone was one of the tallest separatist leaders in the state. Another leader on the list, Bhat, was present at the spot when Gani Lone was assassinated.

Shabir Shah: Shabir Shah is also a veteran of separatist politics in the region. Shah was arrested for the first time in 1968 for organising a demonstration and has spent 30 years of his life in jail. Shah heads the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has accused Shah of being in touch with terrorist networks in Pakistan, including with Hafiz Saeed.

Most of the leaders on the list had stated that they did not need the security detail vehicles provided to them in the first place, and that the leaders had requested the government to remove them before.
Stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena's "core beliefs" are the same, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on February 18 announced an alliance between the two parties.

For the Lok Sabha polls, the BJP will contest on 25 seats while Shiv Sena will contest on 23 seats, Fadnavis said.

The parties have also decided on a 50-50 arrangement for the Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said, adding that the remaining seats would be divided among other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members in the state.

Maharashtra has the second largest pool of Lok Sabha seats at 48 after Uttar Pradesh at 80. The state has 288 Assembly seats.

"We have been consistently in alliance with each other for the past 25 years. We had differences over some issues, but ideologically, we both have Hindutva agenda," Fadnavis said while addressing the media.

"Parties with nationalist thoughts should get together. We haven't taken this decision for power, but for the ideologies that we follow," Fadnavis said.



Our association with the @ShivSena goes beyond politics. We are bound by a desire to see a strong and developed India.

The decision to contest together strengthens the NDA significantly. I am sure our alliance is going to be Maharashtras first and only choice!  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2019

The Chief Minister said that in Lok Sabha polls, the two parties have come together primarily on the issue of Ram Mandir while for the Assembly elections, issues such as farmers' distress and problems facing the common man were considered.

Stating that building the Ram Mandir is a long-standing demand, Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray said that since the thoughts of both the parties are the same, they cannot "continue fighting on some misunderstandings."

"We cannot give back the nation to those who ruled the nation for 50 years. This is a new beginning. Every Hindu was waiting for this, and will be delighted by this announcement," Thackeray said.

BJP national President Amit Shah said the parties have come together on the basis of "cultural nationalism and Ram Mandir" and that the coalition would win "minimum of 45 seats in the Lok Sabha polls."

"BJP's oldest allies are Shiv Sena and Akali Dal, and both the parties have stood with us in both good times and bad. I admit that there were some differences in the middle, but I am happy that we have let go of those differences and are fighting together," Shah said.

The Sena had reportedly sought Big Brother status in Maharashtra and demanded a return to the 1995 seat-sharing formula, wherein the Thackeray-led party had contested 169 seats, while the BJP was given a much smaller chunk (116 out of the 288 seats) in the Maharashtra Assembly.

The Sena has been publically criticising the BJP on a number of issues. In early 2018, the Sena had announced that it would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra Assembly elections separately over disagreements with the BJP. However, there has been a thaw in their relationship in recent months.
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during a meeting, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Jan. 09, 2019. (PTI Photo/Vijay Verma) (PTI1_9_2019_000024B)

India and Iran, after suffering from two "heinous" terrorist attacks in the past few days, have agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region as External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the country's Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi here.

The meeting between Swaraj and Araghchi came hours after Iran's Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, referring to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish al-Adl, said the government of Pakistan must pay the price of harbouring these terrorist groups and this price will undoubtedly be very high.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards accused Pakistan's security forces of supporting the perpetrators of a suicide bombing in which 27 troops were killed on Wednesday.

India has also blamed Pakistan for the Pulwama terror attack on Thursday that killed 40 CRPF troops.

Swaraj, during a brief stopover in Tehran on her way to Bulgaria, met Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi and discussed bilateral issues on Saturday.

The two countries agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region.

"Iran and India suffered from two heinous terrorist attacks in the past few days resulted in big casualties. Today in my meeting with Sushma Swaraj the Indian FM, when she had a stopover in Tehran, we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!" Araghchi said in a tweet.

In Iran, tens of thousands of people called for "revenge" at the funeral of the troops killed in a suicide attack by terrorists. Tehran has accused Pakistan of supporting them.

In India, at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle with explosives into their bus.

Pakistan-based terror group JeM claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
Its an answer I heard repeatedly from those who huddled in the cold around five white crosses and a wall of microphones set up to carry the prayers from local clergy and a Catholic bishop for the five murdered employees of Henry Pratt, and for the six police officers who were injured responding to the active shooter later killed in the Aurora warehouse.
Ramdas Athawale

With reports indicating finalisation of a tie-up between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena, smaller allies are pushing forth their demands in the arrangement, according to a report by the Times of India.

The report states that Ramdas Athavale's Republican Party of India (RPI), part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is seeking one Lok Sabha seat and 16 Assembly seats. Athavale, according to the report, has demanded the one Parliamentary seat of South-Central Mumbai for himself. The seat is currently held by Shiv Sena.

"Our party leader is planning to meet and request Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to leave the South-Central Mumbai seat for RPI against Satara Lok Sabha constituency," RPI leader Avinash Mahatekar told the newspaper.

Read Also | BJP-Shiv Sena in final round of seat sharing talks; tie-up announcement likely today

Maharashtra has a pool of 288 assembly seats and 48 parliamentary seats.

The Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP), led by Mahadev Jankar, meanwhile, wants six Lok Sabha and 15 Assembly seats in the state. Jankar, who is a state cabinet minister, hails from the Dhangar community.

Of the six seats demanded by RSP, Madha and Baramati are Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) strongholds. Reports indicate that the NCP is set to tie-up with Congress in the state for both the assembly as well as Lok Sabha elections. According to the report, NCP chief Sharad Pawar might contest from Madha constituency.

"We want six Lok Sabha seats including Madha, Baramati and Mumbai North-east. Talks have not yet started, but we will meet the BJP state functionary soon," RSP president Jankar told the newspaper.

The report states that the Shiv Sangram party, one of the smaller allies, has not made any demand yet.
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Ashok Leyland, flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has launched new offerings in the sub-heavy truck segment as it seeks to fill product gaps.

The Chennai-based truck and bus maker launched the Guru 1010 in the intermediate commercial vehicle (ICV) segment and Boss 1616 and Boss 1916 in the medium duty vehicles (MDV) segment.

Anuj Kathuria, President, Global Trucks, Ashok Leyland, said: "Our trucking portfolio has been growing at a fast pace, leading to our customers wanting more options and customisations in their vehicle. The new vehicles are a result of customer feedback and market requirements."

Brand Guru was first launched in early 2017 in the ICV segment. Ashok Leyland has sold more than 3000 Guru branded trucks till date. Since the start of current financial year the ICV segment has gained prominence. Commercial vehicle market leader Tata Motors launched the Ultra range while the second largest CV maker Mahindra & Mahindra launched the Furio range of ICVs.

"We have carried forward this successful platform for the new versions and added more features that our customers want delivering profitability and driver comfort," added Kathuria.

Meanwhile, Boss is a higher payload truck compared to the Guru with tonnage of 16 and 18.5 ton. Powered by a 160hp engine the trucks are designed for enhanced axle-load as per the new regulations. The Boss comes in four different loading spans to cater various applications.

Last week the company said it is looking to invest Rs 1000 crore as capital expenditure for in areas of electric vehicles, light commercial vehicles and capacity enhancement programs. In the current financial year the company has already spent Rs 600 crore towards capex by end of December and further Rs 200-300 crore is earmarked for the current quarter.

Light and intermediate commercial vehicle segment will gain more significance in the coming period for Ashok Leyland. Through an investment of Rs 400 crore, the company is preparing a roll-out of a series of products including a new model range under a new brand between now and end of FY21.

In about one and half years, a new brand Phoenix will be launched which will sport completely different vehicle range. These will come powered by Bharat Stage VI engines and will be Ashok Leyland's first all-new truck range under the new emission norm.
Representative Image

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on February 18 visited the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Maurya, who was killed in the Pulwama terrorist attack, in Deoria district in eastern Uttar Pradesh and stayed there for 20 minutes.

Vijay Laxmi, the slain CRPF jawan's wife, had refused to cremate the body till the chief minister visited them. She later allowed the last rites to be performed on February 16 night.

Adityanath paid floral tributes to the martyr as Jaidev Chapia villagers raised anti-Pakistan slogans.

He met the slain soldier's wife and his father Ramayan Maurya and promised them that India will give a befitting reply to Pakistan for the terrorist attack carried by a Pakistan-based group in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14.

Adityanath said the sacrifice of Vijay Maurya will not go in vain.

The soldier's wife said although Adityanath visited them, he did not talk to her.

"I am happy the chief minister visited my house, but I am very sad he did not talk to me. I am the martyr's wife and I was sitting there. But he didn't even ask what will I do with my one-and-a-half-year-old daughter," she told reporters after the visit.

The soldier's father, however, expressed satisfaction after the chief minister's visit.

"I requested him to provide a job to my (other) son at a nearby place, so that he could take care of us. He has done M.Sc. and is a manager in a private company. My daughter-in-law is not happy with the visit as she says the chief minister didn't talk to her.

"But a CRPF personnel who had come from Delhi talked to the CM on her behalf. She had asked him (the personnel) to do so, in case she was not able to talk to the chief minister."
Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is leading in Bhokar.

Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan accused the BJP-led government in the state of "holding common citizens and farmers to ransom" and said the time has come for people to vote it out of power.

Addressing aBanjara community rally in Solapur district, around 350km from here, the former chief minister said the Fadnavis government has "failed" to solve the problems being faced by farmers.

Chavan said the BJP-Shiv Sena government has "held common citizens and farmers to ransom" by making false promises.

"At a time when farmersare committing suicide, the government is in deep slumber," the Lok Sabha MP from Nanded alleged.

Chavan said the Banjara community has always supported the Congress and assured the party would stand by them.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the community's youths have rallied behind the opposition party.

"Youths in the community are educating themselves and doing well," he said.
Amit Shah

Asking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to announce the name of the leader of the opposition alliance, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said the grand alliance was moving forward only on the slogan of "Modi hatao".

Addressing party workers here after the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed, he said the Narendra Modi government will not let the sacrifice of jawans go in vain.

"We have a zero tolerance policy against terrorism," Shah said at the Shakti Kendra Sammelan of BJP workers from Jaipur and Sikar.

The BJP, he said, doesn't get disappointed by defeat or arrogant in victory and is in politics only to serve the people, he added.

The 2019 general elections are important for the BJP as well as for India, Shah said.
A Pakistani policeman keeps watch near a Pakistan-China friendship billboard in Islamabad February 3, 2002. Pakistan denied having received assistance from China in developing missiles, saying its missile program was "totally indigenous". REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV CC/CP - RP3DRHYAYOAD

Jabin T Jacob

In the wake of the Pulwama attack in Jammu & Kashmir against Indian paramilitary forces (CRPF), the Indian government has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for Pakistan. This status had been accorded to Pakistan on the basis of Indias obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). The former had, however, never reciprocated and it is only now that New Delhi has sought to respond in kind.

While this is seen as a strong signal of sorts to the Pakistanis, it is unlikely to be so given the abysmally low level of India-Pakistan bilateral trade.

According to the UN Comtrade Database, India-Pakistan trade stood at $1.992 billion in 2015, just about crossed the $2 billion threshold in 2016 and in 2017 had not increased by more than a few tens of millions of dollars over the previous year. Pakistani exports to India in this period stayed between $310 million and $350 million.

By contrast, Sino-Pak trade in 2015 stood at nearly $13 billion with Pakistan suffering a deficit of some $11 billion. In 2016, trade went up to $15.3 billion with not just Pakistani imports rising but its exports to China also falling, worsening its deficit. This trend continued even as Sino-Pak trade rose to nearly $17 billion with Pakistani exports to China constituting just a shade over $1.5 billion.

Clearly, the figures are nothing to write home about in the case of India-Pakistan trade and this is not for want of trying on the Indian side.

Pakistan maintains a large negative list of over 1,200 products not allowed in from India and allows less than 150 items to be exported to India. It has also consistently failed to implement measures to facilitate trade despite agreeing to these at bilateral talks.

While the Sino-Pak trade, too, is but a drop in the bucket for China, the large trade deficit adds to concerns in Pakistan over a potential debt burden that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) too might entail. Against this backdrop, if New Delhi further attenuates Indias economic ties with Pakistan, this then only creates more space for China to fill in Pakistan. This is exactly what happened with another such move made by New Delhi in 2015  the fuel blockade of Nepal. The resultant ill-feeling in the Himalayan state has been such that the Chinese are now well and truly ensconced there as a counterweight to Indian influence.

Pulling the MFN status for Pakistan only risks reducing whatever little connections Pakistans business community has with India, pushing them to either look for substitutes from other countries, resort to illegal smuggling or to use the more expensive option of routing their trade with India through third countries such as the United Arab Emirates. In the process, the Indian government also risks losing whatever links it has to the Pakistani establishment.

Contrast this with what the Chinese are doing. Not only does the CPEC ambit cover cultural and people-to-people exchanges in Pakistan, it also involves discussions between China and various provincial governments in the country. Despite complaints on the Pakistani side about the CPEC, and Chinas own annoyance at its slow pace of progress, Beijing is nevertheless also willing to work to improve the implementation of CPEC projects.

Note also how Beijing quickly moved past Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans statements against the CPEC both before and during the election campaign in Pakistan last year, and sought to build bridges with him. China has, in fact, showed a remarkable ability to work with new governments in Indias neighbours despite previously being identified closely with the previous regime. This has been true of Sri Lanka post-Mahinda Rajapaksa and is soon to be seen in the Maldives as well post-Abdullah Yameen.

The problem of Pakistan, therefore, requires a political economy approach from India that in the first instance identifies potential constituencies in that country that will voice support or seek engagement with India, builds them up and sustains them, and then gradually expands attention to and works with all actors. This is a long-term process and might seem counter-intuitive, especially at this particular juncture. However, it is necessary and inevitable if Indian policymakers and strategic commentators are serious when they claim that China is the bigger challenge than Pakistan and if they are realists as they so often claim to be.

Jabin T Jacob is associate professor, department of international relations and governance studies, Shiv Nadar University, and China analyst, National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi. Twitter: @jabinjacobt. Views are personal.

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Subir Roy

The outcome of the coming Lok Sabha elections will critically depend on how well the various seat sharing arrangements between the opposition parties work, preventing the kind of vote splitting that enabled the BJP to win a resounding victory and absolute majority in 2014 with only 31 per cent of the popular vote.

Towards this end these parties have done two things right. By seeking to forge a grand alliance before the elections, no matter how imperfect, they are not just trying to prevent vote splitting but also post-poll confusion and unnecessary haggling in a situation in which they may have the numbers but not the working arrangement for a coalition to function.

The second is to give priority to working out a common minimum programme. This is most elementary as they have to be able to tell the voters what they stand for and will try to do if they come to power. This process will clear their minds of a lot of cobwebs  that is what is unacceptable to many or simply impracticable.

Right now some leaders are in  notably Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) Chandrababu Naidu, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Mamata Banerjee, Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Sharad Pawar and Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal  and other are out, such as Biju Janata Dals (BJD) Naveen Patnaik and Telangana Rashtra Samithis (TRS) K Chandrasekhar Rao. However, the key is held by those who are neither in nor out  notably Bahujan Samaj Partys (BSP) Mayawati and Congress Rahul Gandhi.

Mayawati with her BSP is officially not in at all at the national level, having preferred to forge a definitive alliance with Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh, from which the Congress has been left out. However, few believe this is the end of the story as two traditional seats of Congress leaders have been left aside for the party.

What is important foremost is whether the BSP-SP alliance will deliver in UP, which going by past vote-share arithmetic it should. If the wind blows in favour of the opposition, then Mayawati, after having delivered UP, can be expected to strike a hard bargain at the national level. She is known to have prime ministerial ambitions.

The Congress position across most of the country is that after being decimated (in some areas virtually obliterated) it is seeking to stage a comeback. A lot of this pivots on Gandhi. After the dramatically better showing by the party in the assembly elections late last year, BJP campaigners have stopped calling him pappu. He is now visibly more confident and those meeting him in small groups come back with the impression that he is a humble and patient listener.

As against the positives, what is obviously holding back the Opposition from coming out with a powerful and comprehensive alliance is the many differences among the parties at the grassroots level. This is tellingly illustrated by the relationship between the TMC and the Congress in West Bengal, and AAP and the Congress in Delhi.

The TMC has come to power in West Bengal by trampling upon the Left Front and over time been able to do away with its alliance with the Congress. Both the Left Front and the Congress are shadows of their former selves and matters are not helped by Banerjees abrasive personal style. The Congress is a house divided in the state on the issue of forging an alliance with the TMC, again things not being helped by continuing defections from the Congress to the TMC.

There is a parallel between the situations in West Bengal and Delhi, as also a critical difference. AAP under the leadership of Kejriwal decimated the Congress in the last assembly elections and roundly defeated the BJP in what was its traditional pocket borough. The animosity between the victor (AAP) and the vanquished (Congress) is powerful. However, unlike in West Bengal where Banerjees hold remains extensive, AAP has been turned into a shadow of its former victorious self. The irony is that it is now eager to form an alliance with the Congress which appears unwilling. In opposition politics where personalities matter, the Congress in Delhi is led by Sheila Dikshit who will find it difficult to forget the defeat inflicted on her government by Kejriwal.

It is because of complexities like these that opposition leaders such as Banerjee and Mayawati have been speaking of an understanding at the national level but state units being free to go their own ways.

However, will the Congress leadership in West Bengal, implacably opposed to the TMC, acquiesce to asking its followers to vote for TMC candidates for the Lok Sabha under a seat-sharing arrangement forged by national leaders?

Also, what happens in the states where assembly elections are also due during April-May? For example, the TDP supporters in Andhra Pradesh may have to end up voting against the Congress candidate for the assembly but for the Congress candidate for the Lok Sabha.

Its because of such complications that the emerging opposition alliance at the Centre looks distinctively untidy but the situation is evolving  leaders public statements symptomatic of the hard bargaining over seat sharing going on behind the scenes. There is time yet for a credible opposition alliance to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP soon.

Subir Roy is a senior journalist and author. The views expressed are personal.

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Congress

There would be no KCR or TRS factor in the coming Lok Sabha elections as it was about electing the Prime Minister, Telangana Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy said asserting that the party would sweep almost all the 17 seats in the state.

Voting for Parliament is not about Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao or Telangana Rashtra Samiti. It will be a vote to elect the next Prime Minister and people would certainly prefer Congress president Rahul Gandhi over BJP's (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi, Reddy said in a press release here.

"Brainstorming sessions held in the last three days have proved that all the Congress cadres were rejuvenated to win the Lok Sabha elections," the release quoted Reddy as saying while addressing party leaders from the constituencies of Chevella, Malkajgiri, Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Medak at separate meetings.

He further said the Congress would field a strong candidate in Hyderabad constituency currently held by AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. "...we've hadserious introspection into the factors that led to party's defeat in last (December 2018) Assembly elections," he said in the release.

The Congress leaders from all the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state have come up with many constructive, valuable and practical suggestions which would be incorporated in the final strategy of the party for the Lok Sabha elections, he said.

The Lok Sabha elections could be won only through proper planning, coordination, monitoring and execution of strategy, he noted. Alleging that the NDA government at the Centre did nothing in the last five years except for making tall promises, he said, "India needs a visionary like Rahul Gandhi, not Modi who cheats the nation with lies and deception."

Reddy said the Congress would take steps to empower the cadres at the booth-level and involve them in running the election campaign in an effective manner. AICC Telangana in-charge R C Khuntia directed the leaders to focus on strengthening the party at all levels and said the appointments upto the booth-level should be completed at the earliest.
Moved by the Pulwama terror attack, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), an ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strike at the roots of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

In a letter written to Modi, LJP parliamentary board chairman Chirag Paswan pleaded that the drive against terrorism "must not be halted this time, until a single terrorist was alive".

"Under your able leadership, the country has made all-round progress in the last five years. This has unsettled Pakistan. The neighbouring country has sponsored many cowardly acts so far, but the latest incident has left the nation, especially the youth, enraged," Paswan said in the letter, copies of which were shared with the media here late Sunday night.

"I saw pictures of many of the martyred CRPF jawans in papers and experienced the pain of the bereaved family members. Our party's national executive meeting proposed in Ranchi was, in view of the tragedy, converted into a condolence meeting and the party programme cancelled thereafter, the LJP leader wrote in the letter.

The dastardly attack had caused much anguish among the LJP workers who were angry with the terrorist organisations and their bosses, he said.

"I hereby convey to you a sentiment shared by party workers and the entire nation that expeditious action be taken to root out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and this time, such an operation must not be halted until a single terrorist is alive," Paswan, whose father -- Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan -- is the founding president of the LJP, added.

On Sunday, at a public rally in Bihar's Barauni where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Ram Vilas Paswan had shared similar sentiments and said his party workers were deeply aggrieved due to the terror strike but reposed faith in the prime minister to take a decisive action.
File Pic: BJP President Amit Shah meets Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are in final stages of seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The two parties may announce a formal alliance as early as February 18, according to media reports.

BJP National President Amit Shah, who will be in Jaipur on February 18, is expected to fly down to Mumbai if talks were to conclude in time. Shah and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray are then expected to formally make an announcement.

However, it is unclear if the alliance has been finalised only for the general election or is it also for the state election expected to happen in September-October.

Reports also suggested that while Shah was looking to finalise the seat-sharing arrangement for the Lok Sabha polls, Thackeray was keen on brokering a deal for the Assembly elections too.

The Sena had reportedly sought a Big Brother status in Maharashtra and demanded a return to the 1995 seat-sharing formula, wherein the Thackeray-led party had contested 169 seats, while the BJP was given a much smaller chunk (116 out of the 288 seats) in the Maharashtra Assembly.

This would mean that the Sena would get to choose the chief minister in the event of an alliance's win. During the 1995 election, the Sena had bagged 73 seats while the BJP had won 65, and Sena's Manohar Joshi was appointed as Chief Minister.

According to media reports, the basic structure of the alliance has been worked out but the final numbers could see last-minute adjustments.

The Sena has been publically criticising the BJP on a number of issues. In early 2018, the Sena had announced that it would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the Maharashtra Assembly elections separately over disagreements with the BJP. However, has been a thaw in their relationship in the recent months.

Political experts believe that both parties would loses significant number of seats if the alliance does not materialise.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis too had expressed that both parties (BJP and Shiv Sena) would suffer if the alliance ends.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won 42 out of the 48 seats in the state. BJP and Shiv Sena bagged 23 and 18 seats, respectively. Their then ally Raju Shetti-led Swabhimani Paksha secured one seat.

In terms of vote share, BJP and Shiv Sena bagged 27.56 and 20.82 percent of the votes, respectively. Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) polled 18.29 and 16.12 percent of the votes, respectively.

Maharashtra has the second largest pool of Lok Sabha seats at 48 after Uttar Pradesh at 80. Winning a significant chunk of seats in the state would improve chances of either the NDA or Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) of forming the government at the Centre.
When Hain started as sheriff in December, he said the retrieval letters from Illinois State Police were being sent to three different locations in the sheriffs office. The first task was to compile all of the letters, then consolidate the files and build a database. He hopes the database will serve as a model for other local police agencies to follow.
Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is leading in Bhokar.

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has submitted a list of 26 probable candidates to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May.

The list was submitted to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the in-charge for Maharashtra on February 17. According to a report in The Hindu, seven seats have only one proposed candidate name.

Work done by the campaign an election committee was reviewed during the meeting. The political mood in the state and demands of alliance partners were also reviewed.

The meeting was attended by Congress state unit President Ashok Chavan, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and other senior leaders.

Ashok Chavan kept aside for state polls?

Amita Chavan, wife of former chief minister Ashok Chavan, has been included for the Nanded constituency. Nanded is a bastion of the Congress and is currently held by Ashok Chavan.

Listing Amita Chavans name for the seat has sparked speculation that Ashok Chavan may not contest the Lok Sabha polls and may instead contest the assembly polls.

Maharashtra is expected to head for Assembly elections in September-October.

Many of Ashok Chavans supporters had urged him to not contest in the general election, so that he could be a front runner for Congress chief ministerial candidacy.

The list also quietens reports that Congress President Rahul Gandhi could contest from a seat in Maharashtra (possibly Nanded) other than his current seat Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

Milind Deora, Sushil Kumar Shinde included

The submitted names include former Union minister Milind Deora for Mumbai South and former Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for Solapur.

Rajeev Satav (Hingoli), Charulata Tokas (Wardha), Mukul Wasnik (Ramtek), Manikrao Thakre (Yavatmal) and Amita Chavan (Nanded) are some of the other names on the list.

All of the aforementioned Congress members are the single proposed candidates from their constituencies.

According to the report, the party has 31 aspirants in the Latur Lok Sabha constituency -- the highest.

Deora had earlier this month said that he may not contest the general election over infighting in the party and clashes with Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam.

Currently as part of Congress publicity committee for the Lok Sabha polls, Deora had told News18 that 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.

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.

No action against Nirupam

The party high command also asked party leaders in the state to keep internal issues aside and concentrate on the Lok Sabha polls. According to media reports, this instruction was issued in relation to complaints against Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam as the party doesn't want to antagonise its crucial North Indian vote bank and usher a change of guard so close to the poling date.
Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh asserted that the country's "chowkidar (watchman) is pure and not a chor" (thief) while lashing out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his frequent barbs against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a rally on the outskirts of the north Odisha town of Bhadrak, the BJP stalwart said that Modi will continue to serve as prime minister after the Lok Sabha polls for his "honesty, integrity and performance".

In reference to Gandhi's oft-repeated jibe of 'chowkidar chor hai' (the watchman is the thief) made in the context of the Rafale fighter jet deal, Singh said, "No one can raise question on the intention and integrity of the prime minister."

"The Congress chief says 'chowkidar chor hai', but he should realise that the country's chowkidar is not chor but pure."

Hitting out at Gandhi, the home minister said the Congress chief can comment on the performance of the incumbent government, but he should refrain from levelling unfounded allegations.

"He (Modi) is sure to to be prime minister again, he is the cure to all problems," Singh said.

All political parties and leaders should maintain the dignity of the chair of prime minister and president, he said, adding "but you (Gandhi) have no concern... you speak whatever comes to your mind."

Accusing the Congress of misleading people on the Rafale deal issue, Singh said it is unfair to level corruption charges against the prime minister as he has no one for whom he would require money.

"Who will Modiji grab money for? He has no family," the BJP leader said.

Singh stated that his party was not into politics for the sake of forming government, but for developing the society and the nation.

"We do not want to make India an economic superpower, but a nation which can be economically strong and a leader in 'gyan' and 'vigyan' (knowledge and science). We want to make India a 'vishwa guru' (global leader). Only the BJP and your prime minister are capable of achieving this."

Coming down heavily on the Congress leaders for ridiculing the BJP and terming it as a "party with limited influence in national politics", Singh said the saffron party, which once had two members in the Lok Sabha, has demonstrated its strength over the years to secure absolute majority.

"If (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee and (L K) Advani had laid the foundation of the BJP's growth, it was Modi who consolidated the momentum and gave it an absolute majority in 2014 elections," he said.

Hailing the prime minister's leadership, the home minister said India has made rapid strides since Modi became the PM and the country is poised to be among the top three nations in the world by 2030.

At the beginning of his speech, Singh paid tributes to two CRPF soldiers from the state who were among the 40 killed in Pulwama, and accused Pakistan of patronizing the Thursday terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir.

He claimed that the neighbouring country backed the attack after finding out that the terrorists have become frustrated in the wake of the successful operations by the Indian forces in the past five years.

"Pakistan, which has been patronising terrorism, realised that frustration and desperation had grown among the militants due to successful operations against them by our security forces in five years," Singh said.

Those present at the meeting observed a two-minute silence tin memory of the 40 CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

Asserting that the security forces have been given a free hand to give a "befitting reply" to the attack, the Union home minister said the sacrifice made by the CRPF jawans would not go in vain.

Mounting a scathing attack on the BJD government in Odisha, he said even though the state has a stable government for the past 19 years, but has been no development.

"I am unable to understand as to why Odisha has failed to progress despite having a stable government," he said, adding that states ruled by BJP have witnessed rapid growth.

Slamming the Odisha government for rejecting the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme, Singh said the development of the state will be possible only if BJP is voted to power.

"Odisha will see rapid progress if BJP forms government both at the Centre and in the state," he said and assured the farmers that they will get remunerative prices for their produce if the saffron party forms government.
Viju Cherian

On Sunday, February 17, actor and reluctant politician Rajinikanth announced that he would not be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The news has not come as a surprise to many given that the matinee idol is yet to form a proper political party.

In a statement Rajinikanth said that his target was the assembly elections (scheduled for 2021) and that he was not extending support to any political party. However, he asked his fans to vote for anyone who could solve Tamil Nadus water crisis and provide a stable government at the Centre.

Rajinikanth announced his entry into active politics on New Years Eve on December 31, 2017. Then too, he did not name his party (he still hasnt) and spell out his politics. To his credit he had then said that he would be focusing on the 2021 assembly polls.

However, by not contesting the upcoming general elections he has given the impression that he is waiting to see how the contesting parties do, and then take a decision.

Be that as it may, Rajinikanth came late to the party. More than two decades ago, in 1996, he had an opportunity to enter politics  but choose not to. Then he was at the height of his stardom and there was a political window with Jayalalithaa on a weak wicket. Today, the political landscape has changed and no longer does the matinee idol enjoy a credulous fan following.

Now, by taking a rain check on contesting this election, the Superstar, as his fans call him, has missed yet another opportunity in politics.

By sitting this one out, Rajinikanth has taken a considerable political risk. When the 2021 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu take place, Rajinikanth will be 70 years old. Unless there are tectonic shifts in Tamil Nadu politics, its difficult for Rajinikanth to get a party up and running in such a short while.

The upcoming general elections will also be the first major polls after the demise of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa. It will be the first time in 50 years that Tamil Nadu goes to the polls without a prominent actor-politician in the fray.

Of course, there is Kamal Haasan who has announced that he will be contesting the 39 seats in the state. Like the Superstar, Haasan too plunged into politics following Jayalalithaas death in 2017. However, Haasan is yet to show signs of gathering critical momentum of bringing about a change or making a considerable difference to the electoral balance by contesting all the seats in Tamil Nadu.

For Rajinikanth to miss out on such an occasion does not appear to be a politically shrewd one. If the political flux seen now is resolved before 2021, it would be difficult for him to make an entry and leave an impression.

At the moment, given how things stand, Rajinikanth has a long shot in Tamil Nadu politics  if the political uncertainty in Tamil Nadus ruling AIADMK continues, if the DMK does not do well in the Lok Sabha polls, if Kamal Haasans party manages to break some ground, if the BJP does well in select pockets in the state and if the Superstar manages to capitalise on these opportunities. Its a long, long shot.

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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on February 18 demanded statehood for both the national capital and Puducherry, saying people in these two union territories should not be discriminated against.

Kejriwal, who was en route to Puducherry to express solidarity with Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy -locked in a turf war with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi- alleged that the situation in the two union territories was the same.

Narayanasamy, his cabinet colleagues and MLAs of both Congress and DMK have been staging a dharna against Bedi in front of the Raj Nivas in Puducherry since February 13 in protest against the her "negative stand" towards various proposals of the territorial government.

"The LG of Puducherry is creating a lot of obstacles in the development work and creating problems for the elected government...we are facing exactly similar problems in Delhi," Kejriwal, the AAP chief, told reporters at the airport here.

The Lieutenant Governors in both Delhi and Puducherry were appointees of the BJP-led government at the Centre, he said. "I have come to express solidarity with Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy. We will demand that both Delhi and Puducherry be made full (fledged) states. There is no reason why people of these states should be discriminated against," he said.

Asked if the Aam Aadmi Party would contest from Tamil Nadu or offer support to other parties, he said it would be made known later.
PM Modi only no. 1 in party | Asked who was the number 2 in the party, Shah said: There is only number one in our party and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Were you to look for a number two after him, you would not find any. As far as the leadership of the party is concerned, I am very happy to be leading the worlds largest party and often seek suggestions from my seniors whenever occasion arises.

Days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to pass the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill through the Rajya Sabha, party president Amit Shah pushed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) at a public meeting in Assam.

Shah addressed a rally in North Lakhimpur, Assam and attended another party event in capital Guwahati.

"We will not allow Assam to become another Kashmir. That is why we have brought NRC (National Register of Citizens). We will deport each and every infiltrator with the help of NRC. We are committed to that," Shah said.

The aim of the NRC is to filter out illegal migrants residing in Assam. Anyone who cannot prove that they or their ancestors entered Assam before midnight on March 24, 1971, stands to be declared a foreigner.

A final draft of the register was published on July 30, 2018. It had left out around 40 lakh people. The people left out were given another chance to produce relevant documents to prove their citizenship.

The Supreme Court of India (SC) on January 24 refused to extend the July 31 deadline for publication of the final NRC in Assam.

The president of the saffron party also attacked the Indian National Congress and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) for not implementing the Assam Accord despite ruling most of the period since signing of the pact in 1985. AGP quit the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) in January over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The bill had faced strong resistance and sparked widespread protests across the Northeast, especially in Assam.

The BJP president said misinformation were being spread as if it was only for Assam and other parts of the Northeast.

Also read: Opinion | The dangers of politicising the NRC

"It was not only for Northeast, but for all refugees in the entire country. The way demography is changing in Assam, without the Citizenship Bill, the people of the state will be in big danger," Shah added.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to make illegal immigrants (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan) eligible for Indian citizenship.

The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in the Winter Session. However, it was not passed by the Rajya Sabha. As the 16th Lok Sabhas last sitting on February 13, the bill now stands to lapse. It would officially lapse on June 3.

(With inputs from PTI)
Bikaner: Union minister BJP senior leader Sushma Swaraj during a party meeting, in Bikaner, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. (PTI Photo) (PTI12_2_2018_000148B)

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived at Moroccon capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will met the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.

Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit to the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health.

In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccon counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki.

"The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said.

Three MoUs in the areas of counter terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said.

Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.
February 21, 2019 / 02:09 PM IST

MHA allows entitlement of air travel for all CAPFs personnel

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the entitlement of air travel to all the personnel of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces on the Delhi-Srinagar, Srinagar-Delhi, Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Jammu sectors.

The MHA has said that the decision will immediately benefit approximately 7.80 lakh personnel of the CAPFs in the ranks of Constable, Head Constable and ASI who were otherwise not eligible earlier. This includes journey on duty and journey on leave, i.e. while going on leave from Jammu and Kashmir to home and return.

This facility is in addition to the existing air courier services for CAPFs that have been steadily extended in all sectors by the MHA to help the jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and fro from home on leave, MHA has added in a tweet.
Visitation for Josh Pinkard, 37, will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Loft 212, 212 4th Street SW, Cullman, Alabama. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, with a funeral service following at 2 p.m. at Loft 212. A burial will follow in the cemetery of Redan Baptist Church. Pinkard, of Oswego, was a plant manager and transferred to Henry Pratt last spring after a dozen years in Alabama.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri here, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.

After the talks, the two sides signed ten agreements in diverse areas like defence, nuclear energy, tourism, information and communication technology, and agriculture.

"I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed.

"Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci .

The Argentine President is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir last week.

Condoling the death of the CRPF personnel, Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism.

Referring to the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations, Modi said this will give new a dimension to bilateral ties.

Modi said India and Argentina have been cooperating at different international fora.

Argentina, Modi said, has strongly backed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement. Of the four groups, India has gained entry in three export control regimes, except the NSG.

Modi also welcomed Argentina's entry into the International Solar Alliance.
hardeep singh puri

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri has written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying the whole process of regularising unauthorised colonies in Delhi was stalled due to "apathy and inaction" of the AAP government, which vehemently rejected his claim. In a three-page letter to Kejriwal, Puri asked him to advice his colleagues not to spread "misinformation" on this issue and instead, focus on completing the survey of these colonies, required for their regularisation.

Hitting back at Puri, a Delhi government spokesperson alleged that the BJP-led central government had been sitting on the file of regularisation of unauthorised colonies "since last two years".

"The central government doesn't like unauthorised colonies in Delhi that's why a chargesheet was recently filed against Delhi Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain who was regularising these colonies," he claimed.

There are over 1,650 unauthorised colonies in the national capital where migrant population plays a vital role in deciding the fate of any political party during elections.

In the letter, the housing and urban affairs minister cited news reports involving a charge sheet against Jain as he was regularising these colonies. Puri also cited another report of Kejriwal alleging that if the BJP comes to power again at the Centre, it will "demolish" unauthorised colonies.

"I have allowed sufficient time to lapse in the hope that there would be some clarification from your side at the patent misinformation being spread. Since, that is not forthcoming, I will put on record the facts as they are," he said.

He alleged it also appeared to be a concerted "smear campaign" unleashed to divert attention from the real issue and "mislead" Delhiites instead of making efforts to regularise all unauthorised colonies as per the guidelines issued by Centre in 2008.

He said as per the regulations of March 24, 2008 and subsequent modifications thereof, the AAP government had to play the lead role in identifying and carrying out the Total Station Survey (TSM), but it was stopped in March 2018.

According to the Union minister, on January 29, the Delhi government had informed that it is yet to finalise award of contract for fresh study and that might take four months.

"The study is likely to take another two years. This means Government of Delhi had been delaying the report continuously and it may go beyond July 2021. These are all facts on record but are being conveniently suppressed from or misrepresented before the public," the letter stated.

"The Centre is keen to regularise all unauthorised colonies of Delhi which are covered under the regulations, but the whole process is stalled due to the apathy and inaction on the part of your government to finalise the boundaries after survey of these colonies," Puri told Kejriwal in his letter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Tuesday, where he will address a public meeting and inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, BJP leaders said.

Modi will also visit the Sant Ravidas temple on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti and lay the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali (birthplace) area development project. As part of the project, a grand park will be constructed with a statue of the seer, the leaders said on Monday.

The prime minister will arrive at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport at Babatpur at around 9 am on Tuesday. He will head straight to Diesel Locomotives Work (DLW) to flag off an electric locomotive converted from a diesel engine, the leaders said.

From there, he will head to the Sant Ravidas temple to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of the mystic poet of the Bhakti Movement.

Modi will then inaugurate the Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Institute at Banaras Hindu University, where he will also interact with the beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Lastly, the prime minister will address a public meeting at Audhey village in Rohaniya area before flying back to Delhi in the afternoon, the leaders said.

At the public meeting, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, they added.

The projects which will be inaugurated include super speciality and casualty blocks of 150-bed ESIC Hospital, 100-bed maternity wing of government women's hospital, upgradation of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and city community health centre at Shivpur.

Modi will also inaugurate a virtual museum at Man Mahal astronomical observatory and the long-awaited sound and light show at Sarnath.

A sewage treatment plant at Goithaha, drinking water project under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, dairy food project at Ramnagar, and three beautified parks under the Smart City scheme will also be inaugurated, the leaders said.

A senior police official said security has been tightened in and around the places which will be visited by the prime minister.
India Pakistan

Pakistan has recalled its ambassador in New Delhi for consultations amid escalating tensions with nuclear-armed neighbour India, Pakistan's foreign office spokesman said on Monday.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter.

India recalled its ambassador to Pakistan last week to discuss Pakistan relations in the wake of a suicide bombing in the disputed Kashmir region that killed 44 Indian paramilitary police. New Delhi says Pakistan had a hand in the attack, which Islamabad denies.
Kulbhushan Jadhav

The International Court of Justice began on Monday a four-day public hearing in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18 to 21 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.

While India will argue first on February 18, Pakistan will get its chance to make submissions on February 19. Then India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21.

It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

While maintaining that India remains committed to make all possible efforts to secure and protect the rights of Jadhav, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar did not make public New Delhi would take at The Hague.

"India will present its case before the court. Since the matter is sub judice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court," Kumar said last week in New Delhi in response to a question.

Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor would lead the Pakistani delegation at the ICJ while Director General South Asia Mohammad Faisal would lead the Foreign Office side.

Ahead of the hearing, a senior Pakistani official said that his country is committed to implement the decision of the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"We are fully prepared with our strongest evidence being the valid Indian passport recovered from Commander Jadhav with a Muslim name," the official said.

Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy".

However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017.

The hearings at the ICJ is taking place four days after one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 41 CRPF soldiers. The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday.
India asked the World Court on Monday to order the release of Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, an Indian national sentenced to death by Pakistan, saying Islamabad had failed to allow him diplomatic assistance before his conviction, as required by an international treaty.

The hearings at the U.N. court, formally known as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), revolve around the case of Jadhav, a former Indian navy commander who was arrested in Pakistan in March 2016 and convicted of spying.

Hearings in the case, which will run for four days, come at a time of intense tension between the nuclear-armed neighbours, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned of a "strong response" to a suicide attack on a convoy in Kashmir last week that killed 44 Indians.

"It would be in the interest of justice, of making human rights a reality, to direct his (Jadhav's) release," said Harish Salve, India's senior counsel.

Pakistan is due to respond at the ICJ on Tuesday. Officials in Islamabad said ahead of the hearing that India was trying to use the court intended to resolve international disputes as a criminal appeals court. They also said the relief sought by India is disproportionate even if the treaty were violated, and at most Jadhav's case could be reviewed.

India filed a claim against Pakistan before the ICJ in May 2017 arguing Islamabad had breached the 1963 Vienna Convention by not allowing diplomatic assistance to Jadhav during his secretive trial. India won an injunction that ordered Jadhav's execution stayed while the court looked into the case.

No date has been set for a ruling, which will likely come months after the close of the hearings.

The ICJ is the UN's highest court, and its decisions are binding -- though it has no power to enforce them and they have been ignored in rare instances.

The 1963 treaty has been a frequent source of cases before the ICJ. A 2004 ruling led the United States to review the cases of dozens of Mexican citizens on US death row after they were found not to have been granted consular access.
Representative Image

Jagyaseni Biswas

In the wake of multiple attacks unleashed by terrorists on Indian security forces and the consequent backlash, the fake-o-meter in the country is high, with posts talking of valour, martyrs, and spewing hate against Pakistan doing the rounds.

From the fake image of an injured soldier to reports on sniffer dogs attaining martyrdom during the Pulwama attack, social media platforms and messaging app WhatsApp is rife with such rumours at the moment.

Lets take a look at some of them.

1. The picture of an injured army man in combat outfit and bandages on his body went viral on social media. The post claimed that the man in the picture is an Indian Army personnel who left his treatment mid-way to teach terrorists a lesson after hearing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Army a free hand to retaliate. However, the viral photograph is of a Russian soldier and was taken during a 2004 terror attack in Russia.

2. Pulwama blast: Facebook page 'Rajsthani Media' posted a video of a blast stating it is the CCTV footage of the Pulwama terror attack. In reality, this video dates back to 2007, and was taken in Baghdad. The 29-seomd video claims to be of the recent terror attack on a CRPF convoy, which claimed the lives of over 40 servicemen.



Heart-wrenching

Cost of Freedom and Pain of loosing brothers !#RIPBravehearts pic.twitter.com/up9OorwxgT

 Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) February 15, 2019

3. In another post that went viral after the Pulwama attack, army veteran Major Surendra Poonia posted two pictures with #RIPBravehearts and caption "Cost of freedom and pain of losing brothers!" The first picture is that of coffins wrapped in tricolours and the other soldiers wiping their face. The post was shared a hundred times since as people mistook them to be the coffins of the martyred CRPF jawans.4. The other fake news that was shared widely on Twitter was that 13 sniffer dogs were also martyred during the Pulwama attack. However, a CRPF officer told The Quint that no sniffer dogs were killed in the attack as there were no dogs in the convoy.

5. This one is even more bizarre. The video of a mock-drill conducted in D-mart was circulated stating a terrorist has been nabbed in Mumbais Virar. The video shows a man with his face covered, being escorted by the police to a van. The video that was circulated, however, was that of a mock drill conducted by Palghar district police last week.

6. The next fake video in question claimed China has opened an 880-km highway connecting itself to Pakistan. The four minute long video with close to 2 million views shows the aerial shot of an elevated corridor with many vehicles plying on it. The truth is, the video is of Axi Highway, a 240 km-long highway in China.

7. Another video showing a brawl has been circulating on Facebook, claiming Kashmiris were beaten up in Chandigarh after the Pulwama attack. The video shows people smashing crockery in a hotel and roughing up the staff members. While it is true that Kashmiris are facing intimidation at the moment, the video is fake and is actually of a wedding held in Delhi.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told party workers from Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region that they should not expect a "miracle" from her and the party's performance depends on its booth-level organisation.

The AICC General Secretary Uttar Pradesh East warned the party workers that anyone found indulging in anti-party activities will be shown the door, a leader who attended the meeting said.

During the meeting, held at the Congress' war room at 15 Gurudwara Rakabganj Road, Priyanka Gandhi reviewed the booth-level organisation of the party in the region -- under which 19 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats fall.

The four parliamentary segments in Bundelkhand are -- Jhansi-Lalitpur, Jaluan, Banda and Hamirpur.

She asked the Congress workers to strengthen the booth-level organisation of the party.

"I cannot do a miracle from above, the workers need to strengthen the party at the booth level and I need your support for strengthening the party in the state," the leader quoted Priyanka Gandhi as saying during the meeting.

The leaders told Priyanka Gandhi that she reminded them of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

They also presented a statue of Rani Laxmi Bai to Priyanka Gandhi, who said she was inspired by the erstwhile ruler of Jhansi, the leader said.

Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia were appointed AICC general secretaries for UP east and UP west respectively in January and took charge earlier this month.

The Congress leader has held a series of discussions with party workers last week in Lucknow, with at least one session lasting through the night.

The Congress is trying to revive itself in the state where it faces a challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as an alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's sit-in against the CBI's attempt to question the Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scams continued for the third day on February 5. (Reuters)

Kolkata Commissioner of Police Rajeev Kumar, who was recently embroiled in a controversy over the investigation of the Saradha scam by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has been transferred to the West Bengal CID (Criminal Investigation Department), CNN News18 has reported.

Kumar, who has served as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police for three years, was due for a transfer ahead of the Lok Sabha polls as per norms slated by the Election Commission of India.

Sources in the state government have informed CNN News18 that Kumar will be posted as Additional Director General of Police (Crime).

Sources have also indicated that the Kolkata Police is set to undergo a reshuffle and that the new Commissioner is likely to be announced today.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.
Uday Kotak, the executive vice chairman and managing director of Kotak Mahindra Bank, started the bank in 2003, which is now among India's top four banks in the private sector. Kotak, 59, was appointed as non-executive chairman of the beleaguered Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) by the government to resolve the crisis faced by the company.

In an exclusive interview to CNBC-TV18, Kotak said the time has come for consolidation in the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and he expects a significant shake-out in the sector. On banking sector, Kotak said, India need a long-term solution to public sector banking in the country.

On IL&FS crisis, he said, "We have made some progress in terms of figuring out the nature of exposures of each of these companies and has put a lot of the assets for potential resolution or monetisation."

He also talks about the volatility in the market, economy, and upcoming election, among a raft of other topics.

Source: CNBC-TV18
It doesnt imagine the amount of pain that we feel for the amount of loss that weve experienced here in Aurora, he said. Now is a time to heal. Now is a time to forgive. Now is a time to move together as a stronger community. To the family of the victims, I love you from the bottom of my heart, and I open my heart and the city to you.
Systematic investment plans (SIPs) may have lost some of its sheen after Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) disallowed Aadhaar-based authentication to complete Know Your Client (KYC) norms.

Data collated by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) reveals that since November last year the mutual fund (MF) industry on an average added 7.23 lakh SIP accounts each month. In the early part of the financial year, the industry added more than 10 lakh SIPs each month.

Similarly, the number of SIP discontinuations in FY19 has increased from 3.99 lakh in April to 5.36 in December 2018.

While AMFI refused to share the data, Moneycontrol talked to fund managers who highlighted this trend.

On October 12, 2018, the UIDAI wrote to the MF industry  the registrar and transfer agents (R&T) and some online distributors -- asking them to discontinue using Aadhaar-based authentication to complete KYC norms.

In September 2018, the Supreme Court verdict banned the use of Aadhaar data for financial transactions. This means a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for every investor KYC.

On the rationale behind the fall in SIP accounts, Viral Berawala, Chief Investment Officer, Essel Mutual Fund, said, Disallowing Aadhaar is one of the reasons for the drop in SIPs. Also, if one looks at market returns in the last 12 months, it is negative. So, that may have also prompted investors to discontinue SIPs.

Concurring with Berawala, another fund manager from a bank-sponsored fund house said, Our fund house has also witnessed investors opting to move out from SIPs. This has impacted gross inflow of investments as well as new SIP investments.

Most fund managers agree that the MF industry has seen a drop both in terms of new SIP registrations as well as the number of discontinuations.

Going by AMFI data, the overall industry saw net MF inflows fall 6.7 percent month-on-month to Rs 6,158 crore. Also, redemption into equity schemes stood at Rs 11,397 crore in January from Rs 11,234 crore in December

Asset managers said that investors may also be desisting to invest ahead of the general elections scheduled in April-May due to political uncertainty.

Indian MFs have currently about 2.57 crore SIP accounts through which investors regularly invest in schemes.

Systematic Investment Plan, or SIP as it is commonly known, is an investment plan offered by MFs, wherein one could invest a fixed amount in a scheme periodically at fixed intervals -- say once a month instead of making a lump-sum investment.

The SIP instalment amount could be as small as Rs 500 per month and is similar to a recurring deposit, where you deposit a small/fixed amount every month.

SIP is a very convenient method of investing in MFs via standing instructions to debit your bank account every month, without the hassle of having to write out a cheque each time.

AMFI data shows that the MF industry had added about 9.31 lakh SIP accounts each month on an average during FY19, with an average SIP size of about Rs 3,150 per SIP account.
State Bank of India (SBI) on February 17 announced an immediate waiver of all loans availed by 23 CRPF soldiers who were martyred in the dreadful terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

All the martyred CRPF personnel were banking with SBI under the financial institution's defence salary package, which provides insurance cover of Rs 30 lakh to all CRPF personnel. SBI has expedited the release of this insurance money to the next of kin of the martyred soldiers.

Further, in an appeal to its employees, the banks has sought voluntary financial contribute towards supporting the families of the soldiers through the government of India portal  Bharat ke Veer. To ease the process of contributing to the initiative, SBI has created a unified payments interface (UPI) id.

SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar said, "It is extremely distressing and disturbing to witness the loss of lives of the soldiers who always stand for the safety of our country. In this moment of grief, our sincere thoughts are with the families of our brave hearts."

"These initiatives by the bank is a small gesture towards the families who have faced irreparable loss" he added.
Security forces gunned down the mastermind of the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF men in the wee hours of Monday. Ghazi Abdul Rasheed was among the two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists killed in the encounter, which claimed the lives of four army personnel, including a major.

Kamran alias Ghazi Rasheed was captured by the Indian Army along with two other terrorists. A joint team of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF, and Special Operation Group launched a cordon and search operation early on Monday, after receiving inputs on terrorists taking refuge in the area.

India intensified its operations to hunt down terrorists after the Pulwama IED attack on February 14; JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The 32-year-old, a Pakistani national, was a close and trusted aide of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. He was an Afghan war veteran and an IED specialist and joined the terror group in 2008. Reportedly, Ghazi had trained Pulwama suicide bomber Adil Dar and was commanding all Jaish operations in India. Ghazi was trained by the Taliban in Afghanistan and would train Jaish recruits in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Intelligence agencies said Ghazi infiltrated into India through Kashmir along with two of his associates towards the end of last year. It is believed Masood Azhar sent him to Kashmir to avenge the death of his nephews  Talah Rasheed and Usman  killed in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Usman, a Jaish sniper, was killed in an encounter with the security forces in Tral last year.

Intelligence sources added that Ghazi had a narrow escape in an encounter in Pulwama's Ratnipora village, days before the February 14 attack.
Kotak Mutual Fund has sought the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias approval to launch Kotak International REIT Fund, according to a draft offer document on the SEBI website.

If it gets SEBI approval, this will be the first REIT fund to be available to Indian investors.

The open-ended fund of fund scheme will invest 95 percent of assets in units of SMAM ASIA REIT Sub Trust fund and /or other similar overseas funds, while the balance will be allocated to debt, money market instruments, or units of liquid schemes, the offer document stated.

The underlying fund is an open-ended series trust of SMAM Global Investment Trust, based in the Cayman Islands.

The scheme will be benchmarked against FTSE EPRA Nareit Asia Pacific Index, which is designed to track the performance of listed real estate companies and REITS in both developed and emerging markets. The index value would be converted into Indian rupees, using RBI reference rate, the document said.

Other features:

Plans: Direct and regular

Options: Growth and dividend

Minimum application: Rs 5,000 and in multiples one rupee thereafter

Exit load: 1 percent if redeemed within one year from the date of allotment of units.

--Nil if redeemed after one year from the date of allotment.

Fund manager: Deepak Gupta
Yes Bank

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Yes Bank dropped nearly 8 percent on NSE in morning trade on Monday, after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) warned the private sector lender of regulatory action for disclosure of nil divergence report in violation of the confidentiality clause.

The stock though recovered a bit later. At 09:33 hrs, the stock was trading at Rs 210, 4 percent lower, on NSE.

Yes Bank in a press release earlier this month had said the RBI has not found any divergence in the asset classification and provisioning done by the lender during 2017-18.

In a regulatory filing on January 15, Yes Bank said it has received a letter from the RBI which noted that the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) was marked 'confidential' and it was expected that no part of the report is divulged except for the information in the form and manner of disclosure prescribed by regulations.

"Therefore, the press release breaches confidentiality and violates regulatory guidelines. Moreover, NIL divergence is not an achievement to be published and is only compliance with the extant Income Recognition and Asset Classification norms," the RBI said in its letter.

Jefferies, which mainatined buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 275, said that the private sector lender seems to be a casualty of the RBI defending its decision not to extend Rana Kapoor's term by alluding to lapses and regulatory breaches, despite supplying a clean chit on NPL divergence.

"Yes could face penalties (it remains to be seen what form these might take), but we do not view its disclosure as out of line with peers. In our view, 'nil' divergence is a major positive and ticks an important box in terms of investment rationale," it said.
Praveg Communications (India) Ltd.

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Japanese brokerage house Nomura has retained its buy call on Ipca Laboratories and raised price target to Rs 1,005 from Rs 915 apiece after revising earnings growth estimates upward.

Company's sustained revenue growth should assist EBITDA margin expansion and hence it revised earnings estimate for FY19/20/21 by 29 /13 /11 percent, the brokerage said.

It expects company to deliver 43 percent earnings CAGR over FY18-21, but it has not factored in warning letter resolution & commencement of supplies to US.

Nomura, however, reduced its valuation multiple from 20x earlier to 18x.

Ipca Laboratories reported a massive 51.7 percent on year growth in its third quarter profit to Rs 160.2 crore, and 10.2 percent increase in revenue from operations to Rs 947.6 crore YoY, aided by domestic and branded formulations, and APIs exports.

Ipca had said domestic formulations business, which contributed 45 percent to total revenue, registered a 10 percent growth during the quarter YoY.

Branded exports revenue grew by 41 percent and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) exports increased 40 percent YoY, it added.

At operating level, EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) jumped 43.4 percent to Rs 231.7 crore and margin expanded by 540 bps to 24.2 percent in quarter ended December 2018 YoY.

: The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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Akash Jain

The outcome of general elections in May is seen as the biggest local event that will set a direction for markets. Until then, equity gauges are expected to react to progress on global developments such as Brexit and US-China trade talks.

Foreign portfolio investors have pumped in a net of $767.77 million into Indian equities so far in February.

In a key economic development, India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $14.73 billion in January after hitting a 10-month low of $13.08 billion in December, data released by Commerce Ministry showed. The deficit was $15.67 billion in January 2018. Merchandise exports grew 3.74 percent on year to $26.36 billion, mainly due to growth in textiles, drugs and pharmaceuticals as well as organic and inorganic chemicals.

The Reserve Bank of India has warned Yes Bank of regulatory action for making public its report on divergence in violation of the confidentiality clause, the private sector lender said on February 15. The private sector lender in a press release earlier this week had said the RBI did not find any divergence in the asset classification and provisioning done by the lender during 2017-18.

In a regulatory filing on February 15, Yes Bank said it has received a letter from the RBI that noted that the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) was marked 'confidential' and it was expected that no part of the report be divulged except for the information in the form and manner of disclosure prescribed by regulations.

"Therefore, the press release breaches confidentiality and violates regulatory guidelines. Moreover, NIL divergence is not an achievement to be published and is only compliance with the extant Income Recognition and Asset Classification norms," the RBI said in its letter. This may adversely impact the stock price in the coming week.

Globally, all eyes would be on ongoing tussle between the US and China. The recent slowdown in Chinas economic growth is also a cause of concern for global investors. Growing confidence that the United States and China will resolve their ongoing trade dispute will help boost global investor sentiments. Those talks will restart next week in Washington, with both sides saying this week's negotiations in Beijing showed progress. Clarity on Brexit would also act as a key trigger for investor interest.

Investors have turned cautious ahead of the forthcoming general election. Investors sentiments were dampened by the steep decline in shares of certain large-cap and mid-cap companies amidst mixed earnings performance in Q3FY19. All the sectoral indices lost value over the last seven sessions.

The equity markets have turned very volatile and even massive companies are not spared. The recent volatility in stock prices of Tata Motors, Dr Reddys, Sun Pharma, Yes Bank, Vedanta, Essel group companies, Anil Ambani group companies is a matter of concern as retail investors are getting trapped with every newsflow.

As a result, we advise investors to be cautious on the newsflow in markets, do proper analysis and neither rush to take fresh positions or square off the existing positions or holdings on disturbing newsflows unless getting a proper clarity of a particular event or on companys performance.

We believe domestic bourses would remain volatile till general election results are out. There would be temporary headwinds for investors but on the long term, we believe the Indian equity markets are in a structural bull run as the benefits of implementation of GST, Insolvency and Bankruptcy code, digitisation, thrust on Make in India and improving relations with key foreign countries would augur well for the economy.

The strategy at present should be to invest in a phased manner only in companies that are not connected to any political party, have a robust business model, strong earnings and cashflow visibility, low debt and backed by quality management especially on the corporate governance front.

Considering the above factors, investors can have a stock specific approach in mid-cap and small-cap space as there are many companies that are trading at a discount of 50-70 percent to their peak price in early 2018.

On a safer side, we would suggest investors look at consumption stocks, top quality pharma companies, NBFCs having strong parentage, auto and auto ancillary stocks, gas companies, PSU banks (looking better after the cleanup of NPA mess, progress made under IBC), IT sector and private insurance companies at the current moment.

Here are the top stock trading ideas that can give good returns:

Indraprastha Gas: CMP: Rs 282| Target: Rs 350| Upside: 24 percent

We like Indraprastha Gas as it is a structurally strong story on CNG distribution. Initiative to substitute crude oil with natural gas to reduce Indias import bill also has the potential to give a boost for extensive gas usage.

In this backdrop, we are of the view that the anticipated increase in gas demand would come mainly from the retail segment or from the city gas distribution sector.

The company boasts of strong consistent financial performance in the last few quarters and even Q3FY19 result displayed strength with volume growth of 12.2 percent and realisation growth of 13.6 percent.

The management expects to win around 3-4 geographical areas (GA) in the latest city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round where the company has bid for 15 GA. Owing to the expectation of wionning 3-4 GA, the company envisages a capex of around Rs 3,000-5,000 crore, which is expected to be funded through internal accruals.

The management remains positive of achieving double-digit volume growth even in upcoming quarters. The Companys expansion in Gurugram, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli is expected to drive volume growth. Expansion in Rewari and Karnal are expected to drive incremental industrial volumes.

There are temporary headwinds like margin pressure owing to increase in operating costs and margins to OMCs. In an interview, ES Ranganathan, Managing Director, said IGL always maintained double-digit growth and this year also the company may record 11 percent.

Although the stock has rallied, we still find value in the company as it is a structurally strong company operating in a sunrise sector with impeccable execution record with zero debt. At CMP of Rs 282 (Face value: Rs. 2), the stock trades at a P/E of 29x on FY18 EPS of Rs 9.58. 9MFY19 EPS stood at Rs 8.02.

We recommend a buy with a target price of Rs 350 (25x on FY20 estimated EPS of Rs 14) implying an upside of 24 percent for investors with a horizon of 12 months.

GAIL India: CMP: Rs 317| Target: Rs 390| Upside: 23 percent

The company is creating value across the entire gas value chainnatural gas (around 11,000 km of pipeline network, and expanding to 15,000 km), liquid hydrocarbons (seven gas processing units producing LPG, propane, pentane, naptha etc.), LPG transport capacity of 3.8 MMTPA (2,038 km), petrochemicals (domestic market share of around 20 percent), exploration and production (participation in 15 blocks with presence in Myanmar and the US), city gas distribution (serving over 1.4 million vehicles and 1.4 million households through subsidiary and joint ventures).

GAIL has signed multiple long-term LNG supply contracts, supplies from which have commenced from 2018 up to 2020. The company has signed around 30 Master Sales Purchase Agreements with all reputed LNG suppliers including BG, Shell, Total, etc. under which it has been importing LNG cargoes from time to time. In addition, GAIL is importing LNG under term deals signed from time to time with various suppliers.

The company witnessed decent Q3FY19 result due to higher revenue from its natural gas marketing and liquefied petroleum gas business. In Q3FY19, the company witnessed 33 percent yoy PAT growth to Rs 1,681 crores. On a nine-month basis, GAILs PAT is Rs 4,903 crore, signifying an increase of 36 percent against the corresponding period of FY18.

The company management said GAIL is expected to achieve capex outlay of around Rs 7,000 crore during 2018-19, which is more than 70 percent increase from last year.

At CMP of Rs 317, the stock trades at a P/E of 16x on FY18 EPS of Rs 20.48. We recommend a buy with a target price of Rs 420 (15x at estimated FY20 EPS of Rs 28) for investors with a horizon of 9-12 months.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation: CMP: Rs 135| Target: Rs 162| Upside: 20 percent

The companys Q3FY19 results were above our expectations. Gross Revenue was up 20.4 percent QoQ to Rs. 27,694 crore.

Net profit witnessed a growth of 64.8 percent QoQ to Rs 8,263 crore. The companys written-off cost for exploratory witnessed a rise of 79 percent YoY and 120 percent sequentially to Rs 2,388.42 crore during the quarter.

The company got $66.38 for every barrel of crude oil it sold in the quarter, 13.6 percent higher than $58.42 per barrel realisation a year ago. Gas prices were 163 percent higher at $3.36 per million British thermal unit.

ONGC said crude oil production dropped 4.8 percent to 6.03 million tonne but gas output rose 6.6 percent to 6.7 billion cubic metre. During the first nine months of this fiscal, oil production dipped 4.7 percent to 18.33 million tonne and gas output was up 4 percent at 19.25 billion cubic metres.

In terms of exploratory performance, two new basins, i.e., Vindhyan and West Bengal have been upgraded to Category II during the current financial year. The appraisal plans are drawn to further upgrade them as producing basins. ONGC has notified a total of 11 discoveries so far in FY19 (4 discoveries after November 3, 2018).

At CMP of Rs 135, the stock trades at a P/E of 9x at FY18 EPS of Rs 15.54 and at a P/E of 6x at annualized 9MFY19 EPS of Rs 23.56. We recommend a buy with a target price of Rs 162 (6x at estimated FY20 EPS of Rs 26).

The author is Vice President, Equity Research at Ajcon Global Services.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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The market fell sharply on first day of the week starting February 18 and continued its downtrend for seventh consecutive session on Monday with the Nifty falling below 10,700-levels, dragged by Reliance Industries, TCS, ITC and HDFC Bank.

Reducing foreign inflows due to fear of escalation of tensions at the border also impacted the sentiment.

The benchmark indices opened flat, but immediately started consolidating. The recent profit-taking phase in private banks and IT majors, which were holding the benchmark indices, are adding to the negatives.

At close, the 30-share BSE Sensex was down 310.51 points at 35,498.44 and the Nifty50 fell 83.40 points to 10,641.

"Contrary to past statistical evidence, Nifty is showing signs of decoupling with the US market. Almost all Asian markets were up today and US too was up on Friday but still Nifty slipped deep in the red. Such decoupling is good in the long-term interest of the Indian markets. The bears have tightened their grip in the market," Umesh Mehta, Head of Research at Samco Securities told Moneycontrol.

Jayant Manglik, President at Religare Broking feels traders have no option but to follow the prevailing bias and prefer hedged positions instead of naked trades.

Here are five factors which pulled the market lower:

Geopolitical concerns

The devastating terror attack last week in Pulwama which took lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel left the nation in a shock. Tremors of the same were felt on Dalal Street as the Indian market observed its worst week since October 19, 2018, when Nifty fell 2.65 percent.

Both Sensex and Nifty are trading below their crucial psychological support levels which were broken in the week gone by. The S&P BSE Sensex slipped below 36,000 while Nifty50 broke below 10,700 levels.

Consistent selling seen in the Indian market last week pushed the indices towards crucial support levels. Most experts feel that a technical bounce back could be on the cards, but escalating tensions between the two nations could put fresh money on the sidelines.

There is a palpable sense of nervousness in case the situation at the border continues to deteriorate, and this comes at a time when there is heightened sense if risk aversion among investors with respect to equities in the run-up to general elections, Ajay Bodke, CEO & Chief Portfolio Manager (PMS), Prabhudas Lilladher told Moneycontrol.

The confluence of these two factors will keep investors on the edge, and hence, one needs to tread cautiously in the short term, he said.

The tensions between the two nations are on the rise, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech on February 15 said those responsible will pay "a very heavy price" and security forces will be given a free hand to deal with terrorists.

Crude Oil

Crude oil prices rose to their highest levels since November 2018 lifted by OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.

International Brent crude futures hit a high of $66.78 per barrel before easing to $66.40 per barrel. For both benchmarks, these were their highest levels since November 20, 2018.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as some non-affiliated producers like Russia, agreed late last year to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to prevent a large supply overhang from swelling more.

Further pushing up crude prices have been US sanctions against oil exporters and OPEC-members, Iran and Venezuela. (with inputs from Reuters)

Technical View

The Nifty50 formed a bearish candle on the daily charts on Monday. It slipped below crucial short and long term moving averages which is not a good sign for the bulls.

The index recently broke below its crucial support placed at 100-days moving averages at 10,691, and a close below 10600 could fuel further selling in the index, fear experts.

Mid & Smallcaps under pressure

The broader markets continued to be under pressure and fell more than benchmark indices. The Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices declined nearly a percent each.

The market breadth, too, continued to be in favour of bears. About two shares declined for every share rising on the BSE.

Bears continued to have tight control over mid-smallcaps as Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices fell 10 percent and 12 percent respectively year-to-date, in addition to 15 percent and 29 percent decline in 2017.

Sectors in bear trap

Sell-off was seen in all leading sectoral indices. Nifty IT, FMCG and metal fell the most, down a percent each while auto and pharma dropped 0.8 percent each.

Nifty Bank shed half a percent.
The devastating terror attack last week in Pulwama which took lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel left the nation in a shock. Tremors of the same were felt on Dalal Street as Indian market observed its worst week since October 19, 2018 when Nifty fell 2.65 percent.

Both Sensex and Nifty are trading below their crucial psychological support levels which were broken in the week gone by. The S&P BSE Sensex slipped below 36,000 while Nifty50 broke below 10,800 levels. The index is trading well below its crucial short and long-term moving averages.

For the week ended February 15, the S&P BSE Smallcap index and the S&P BSE Midcap index dropped 2.96 percent and 2.71 percent, respectively, compared to S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50 which fell by about 2 percent each in the same period.

Consistent selling seen in Indian market last week pushed the indices towards crucial support levels. Most experts feel that a technical bounce back could be on the cards.

There is a palpable sense of nervousness in case the situation at the border continues to deteriorate, and this comes at a time when there is heightened sense if risk aversion among investors with respect to equities in the run-up to general elections, Ajay Bodke, CEO & Chief Portfolio Manager (PMS), Prabhudas Lilladher told Moneycontrol.

The confluence of these two factors will keep investors on the edge, and hence, one needs to tread cautiously in the short term, he said.

The tensions between the two nations are on the rise, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a speech on February 15 said those responsible will pay "a very heavy price" and security forces will be given a free hand to deal with terrorists.

In a hard-hitting speech, Modi said the "blood of the people is boiling" and forces behind the act of terrorism will definitely be punished.

Over the weekend, the government hiked the basic customs duty on all goods imported from the neighbouring country to 200 percent with immediate effect. India also revoked the 'Most Favoured Nation' (MFN) status to Pakistan on February 15.

Most experts feel that investors should tread with caution and maintain a strict stop loss below 10,620-10,600 in case they are long on the index. After six straight sessions of decline, there is a high probability of a technical pullback.

After recording an Evening Star formation at the end of the previous week, traders were encouraged to take short positions and as a result, Nifty saw a deeper correction at the end of this week.

In a short view, Nifty has to sustain around 10,700 level but the attack on CRPF on weekend created new sentiment towards downside in Nifty futures on the concern of govts hawkish stance, Debabrata Bhattacharjee, Head of Research, CapitalAim told Moneycontrol.

More shorts were created on breaking of every support level on Friday (February 15), and as compared to the cash market, the futures market corrected more. This happened due to a sentiment pull over the attack on CRPF caravan in J&K, he added.

Bhattacharjee further said that the benchmark index, Nifty50, has support zone at around 10,600-10,500, which is multi-day support since November 2018. It is likely if this range breaks we will hit 10,200 in the very short term.

India VIX moved up by 5.72 percent at 16.46 levels in the last week while Put Call Ratio fell from 1.59 to 1.30 levels, the spurt in VIX with a decline in PCR OI suggests that supply pressure is intact in the market at every important resistance zones.

On the options front, maximum Put OI is placed at 10,700 followed by 10,400 strikes while maximum Call OI is placed at 11,000 followed by 10,900 strikes. Put writing is seen at 10,300 followed by 10,500 strikes while Call writing is seen at 10,700 then 10,800 strikes.

Option band signifies a lower shift in the trading range between 10,600 and 10900. Nifty has to negate the formation of lower highs by moving above 10,785 zones to witness a bounce back towards 10,850 then 10,929 zones while on the downside support exists at 10,620 then 10,580 zones, Chandan Taparia, Associate Vice President, Analyst-Derivatives, Motilal Oswal Financial Services told Moneycontrol.

The index is now near major support zones and lower part of the range which could decide the next leg of the rally, so either there could be a small bounce or else the next leg of fresh break down, he said.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
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A manic Monday for D-Street as bears pushed the index deep in red for the seventh consecutive day in a row on February 18 that resulted in the erosion of over Rs 6 lakh crore of the market capitalisation of investors on the BSE.

The average market capitalisation of BSE listed companies fell from Rs 142.74 lakh crore recorded on February 7 when Sensex hit an intraday high of 37,172 to Rs 136.33 lakh crore on February 18.

The last time when Sensex fell for seven consecutive days in a row was back in January 2018. The index fell from January 30 to February 7, 2018.

Both Sensex and Nifty slipped below their crucial support levels. The Nifty broke below 100-day moving average (DMA), as well as 10,650 and the next big support is placed at 10,550, suggest experts.

Geopolitical concerns, the rise in crude oil prices dented market sentiment. Persistent selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) seen in the last few trading session added to concerns, they say.

Market remained on a selling spree as reducing foreign inflows due to fear of escalation of tensions at the border impacted the sentiment. The rupee weakened and 10-year bond yield inched up. Rising oil prices are expected to weaken domestic macros, Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services Ltd said.

Volatility in the market will continue due to lack of domestic triggers and investors are likely to remain cautious. Global market stands positive supported by hope in US-China trade deals, he added.

The fall in the Sensex was led by losses in RIL, TCS, ITC, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, as well as HUL. The S&P BSE Sensex closed 310 points lower at 35,498 and the Nifty50 ended 83 points down to close at 10,640.

Sectorally, the S&P BSE FMCG index slipped 1.3 percent, followed by the Energy index which was down 1.38 percent, and the Consumer Durable index saw a cut of 1.39 percent.

The S&P BSE Mid-cap index was down 1.04 percent while the S&P BSE Small-cap index dropped 1.01 percent, underperforming the benchmark indices.

The big carnage was seen in the broader market as more than 300 stocks on the NSE hit a fresh 52-week low that includes MRF, Dymatic Tech, BASF India, Solar Industries, Tata Elxsi, Steel Strips, Wheels India, Godrej Consumer, MCX, M&M etc. among others.

More than 500 stocks on the BSE hit a fresh 52-week low that includes Polson, Wabco India, Cera Sanitaryware, Force Motors, TTK Prestige, Bharat Forge, Finolex Industries, TVS Motor etc. among others.

Stocks in news:

Yes Bank ended 2 percent lower as RBI threatened action for disclosing NIL divergence report.

Shares of Lumax Auto Technologies advanced 2 percent after the company secured LOI from one of the OEMs for the supply of integrated plastic parts.

Shares of Glenmark Pharma added 1 percent after it received final approval by the USFDA for Clobetasol Propionate Foam.

The share price of Titagarh Wagons surged 5 percent as company secured orders worth of Rs 1,740.60 crore.

Global market update:

European markets were trading mixed, with DAX and FTSE down marginally, while CAC was flat.

Major Asian stock markets closed higher as the trade talks between the US and China will begin in Washington.

The Nikkei gained nearly 2 percent to close at 21,281.85, Shanghai ended 2.7 percent higher at 2,754.36, while Hang Seng ended 446.17 points higher at 28,347.01.
We have a tremendous opportunity to further our commitment to diversity and inclusion by joining the Chicago Muslim community in its efforts to eradicate bigotry and Islamophobia, Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. My family and I want to thank Ahmed Rehab and Chicago Muslim leaders for the opportunity to meet and have a frank and constructive dialogue about building a better future.
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking quashing of the February 1 interim Budget on the alleged ground that there was no constitutional provision for an interim Budget.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said it was not inclined to entertain the petition by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, filed in his personal capacity.

Sharma in his PIL said there was provision for only a full annual Budget and a vote-on-account under the Constitution.

A vote-on-account is an approval taken in an election year for a limited period for government spending; a full-fledged budget is presented later by the newly elected government.

The interim Budget was presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1, proposing an array of incentives for both middle class and farmers.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place within a few months.

In December last year, the top court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on Sharma for filing a public interest litigation against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over an issue related to the Reserve Bank of India's capital reserve.
Average salaries of B-school students rose by 20 percent as placements, the key indicator of the jobs scenario, concluded for the current year. Consulting dominated placements with the maximum number of jobs being offered to students.

The rise in salaries was witnessed across management institutes. While some of the premier Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not reveal salary details, sources told Moneycontrol that there was an 18-20 percent increase in compensation packages offered by top companies.

Offers in investment banking made a comeback, which was negligible over the past two years.

IIM Ahmedabad

The final placement process for the Class of 2019 of the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) in Management at IIM Ahmedabad was successfully completed.

Overall, 139 firms made 184 offers during the placement process at IIM-A. Accenture Strategy made 24 offers (including pre-placement) which was the highest by a company, followed by BCG with 20 offers. Among investment banks, Avendus was the largest recruiter, making nine offers, closely followed by JP Morgan that made eight.

At IIM Ahmedabad, Private Equity & Venture Capital (PE/VC) witnessed a 200 percent increase in participating firms as compared to last year, with recruiters like Matrix Partners and SAIF Partners joining the bandwagon.

Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) recruiters included firms like American Express and FinIQ. Sales and marketing roles were offered by companies like HUL, Nestle, P&G, Reckitt Benckiser and Wipro Consumer Care among others.

The general management cohort saw participation from Aditya Birla Group, C K Birla, RPG Group and Tata Administrative Services among others. Consumer Services saw participation from firms like Etihad Airways, IndiGo & Tata Sky. The consumer technology cohort saw participation from firms like Microsoft, Ola, Oyo Rooms, Paytm, Uber and Zomato among others.

According to Kautuk Kushansh, Recruitment Secretary at IIM Ahmedabad, "This placement season, we saw a lot more students exercising their options to pursue their target sectors through dream applications. Further, in line with the demand from the batch and in continuation of the summer placement process, we strengthened cohorts such as PE/VC and asset management by adding newer firms."

XLRI-Xavier School of Management

XLRI-Xavier School of Management completed final placements for students of the 2017-19 batch in just two days. The average salary increased to Rs 22.35 lakh per annum from Rs 20.1 lakh per annum last year.

A total of 104 recruiters with 362 domestic and international positions hired students from XLRI- Xavier School of Management. The highest offer stood at Rs 50 lakh, which was from the BFSI sector.

There were 19 first-time recruiters that visited the campus. Some of them include Allianz Global Investors, Bain & Company, Adani Group, Jubilant Foodworks, Rivigo, Experion, Belden, Xiaomi, Google, Udaan among others.

Uday Damodaran, professor and chairperson, placements (2 year PGDM programmes), XLRI- Xavier School of Management said that this has been a good year for both summer and final recruitments.

Boston Consulting Group made the highest number of offers among other regular recruiters such as Microsoft, Amazon, P&G, Aditya Birla Group, ITC, Avendus Capital, Hindustan Unilever and others.

IMI Kolkata

International Management Institute Kolkata (IMI Kolkata), an initiative of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, concluded final placements for the class of 2019 with over 32 recruiters participating in the campus recruitment process, making offers to 110 candidates who had opted for final placements in the seventh batch.

For the second consecutive year, IMI Kolkata's students bagged Rs 20 lakh domestic offer. There has been an increase in the average annual compensation by 5.6 percent as compared to the last academic year. The domestic average compensation stood at Rs 6.90 lakh. Eight students opted out of the placement process and decided to pursue startup dreams or join family businesses.

Companies such as JSW, HDFC Bank, Deloitte, CESC, Mahindra Finance, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, BYJU'S, Randstad India, Reliance Industries, OYO, Mahindra Finance, Marico made offers to the students, which was 31 percent higher as compared to last year. Some of the new recruiters on campus included the Philips Lighting  Signify, HDFC Life, Treebo Hotels, Zomato, eTrans Solutions and Godrej & Boyce.

IIM Kozhikode

The institute was the first among the IIMs to complete its final placements. IIM-K saw a 16 percent increase in salaries offered compared to last year. Majority offers were made by marquee consulting companies.

The mean salary increased from Rs 17.8 lakh per annum to Rs 20.6 lakh in 2019. Around 50 percent of the students bagged an average CTC of Rs 23.73 lakh, a 13 percent increase over last year.

In a batch of 373 students, IIM-K witnessed 100 percent placements for the 366 students participating students, with 390 offers from 107 recruiters. Major recruiters included Amazon, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, EY, Goldman Sachs, HUL, PwC and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

This season, 21 new recruiters participated in the placement process. Bain & Co, Citrix, Exide, Everest Management Consulting, HSBC Securities, IQVIA, Of Business and State Street were a few of the new entrants.

Debashis Chatterjee, professor and director, IIMK, said that they got top three consultancies like McKinsey & Co, BCG and Bain & Co on day zero.

All these companies together offered 117 job roles in the consulting domain, covering 30 percent of the batch.

Other major companies participating in the process included American Express, Asian Paints, Bajaj Auto, Cipla, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Flipkart, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Nestle, Samsung and Wipro.

Overall, institutes saw a 15 percent rise in the number of job offers. This was not restricted to e-commerce companies like the previous years, but was also true for large corporates.
The fate of tens of iron ore mines in Goa hang in balance, a year after the Supreme Court banned mining in the state, and no legislative window, except a central ordinance, left before a new government assumes office after the Lok Sabha elections.

Last year, the Supreme Court had cancelled 88 iron ore licences in Goa where these lease holders were told to stop operating by March 16, 2018.

Over the last 12 months, the government had mulled multiple options including amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDRA) to enable extension of leases to mines.

Besides, appropriate amendments in the Goa, Daman & Diu Mining Concession (Abolitions & Declaration of Mining Leases) Act  Abolition Act, have also been considered.

However, with the Parliaments last session before the Lok Sabha elections getting over, the feasibility of bringing the necessary amendments in both these legislations appear dim, unless the Centre promulgates an Ordinance.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at judicial solutions to find a way out of the impasse for Goas mining sector where operations remain shut since March 2018.

Modi, who was addressing state BJP workers through video conference, said that he was aware of the mining crisis and its effect on those dependent on the sector.

The people working in the (states) mining sector are worried and it is natural for them to feel this way. We will work out whatever judicial solutions there are for the problem, PM Modi had said on January 19.

An estimated 300,000 people, including truckers, barge owners, thousands of labourers besides mining companies are directly and indirectly dependent on the mining sector in Goa.

The state government is also learnt to be considering to push for auctions to restarting mining operations. Auction of mines, however, could run into procedural hurdles as most of the land on which the mines are located belong to private landowners.

Also, any amendments in the MMDR Act and extend leases only to resolve the Goa mining crisis could run counter to the Centres stated policy of auctioning natural resources.

Goa Mining Peoples Front (GMPF), an umbrella organisation representing the affected people, has already approached Supreme Court, seeking justice and protecting their right of life and livelihood guaranteed under the Constitution.

The Centre, effectively, has about three weeks to promulgate an ordinance before the Lok Sabha elections for 2019 are notified and the model code of conduct kicks in. The Election Commission is likely to notify the elections by the first week of March.

The matter is stuck in a judicial maze that hinges on the outcome of a 20-year-old case with the Abolition Act. The main point of contention is whether mining concessions granted by the erstwhile Portuguese government can be considered as leases under the Mines and Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), which was extended to Goa on October 1, 1963 after its liberation from Portuguese rule.

While Bombay High Court had allowed the government to collect levies retrospectively from 1987, the issue of changing the concessions to leases remain unaddressed.

In 1998 Supreme Court directed that these appeals would need to await the decision of another set of litigation and referred it to a larger bench that remains pending till date.

GMPF has appealed the Court for early adjudication on the 1998 appeals, which it feels is possibly the last strand of hope if the Centre fails to bring an ordinance to amend the MMDRA or the Abolition Act.
Manipal Hospitals, backed by US private equity investor TPG Capital had entered into negotiations with heart surgeon Naresh Trehan and other investors in October 2018 to acquire their stake in Medanta. Even after four months, it seems like the deal could take more time to close.

A top executive from the Manipal-TPG camp told Moneycontrol that there is "still some time before the deal could close".

The executive didn't specify how much time it would take for the deal to come through. Manipal, led by Ranjan Pai was in race to buy Fortis Healthcare, but Malaysia's IHH Healthcare outbid rivals to buy the troubled healthcare provider.

Pai is believed to be aggressively pursuing Medanta as the deal would help Manipal expand its footprint in north India. The CEO and MD is reportedly seeking support from the world's largest private equity fund Blackstone to conclude the deal.

On February 18, Economic Times reported that Blackstone will be joining Manipal and TPG, to invest about Rs 3,200 crore in a deal that is likely to cost Rs 6,000 crore, making it the second-largest transaction after Fortis Healthcare's sale to IHH.

According to RoC filings, Medanta's holding company GHPL was valued at Rs 4,330.8 crore as of April 2018.

Dr Trehan, his family members and co-founder Sunil Sachdevan own 55 percent, while the rest is held by Carlyle Group (27 percent) and Temasek (18 percent).

Medanta runs a flagship super-specialty tertiary-care hospital in Gurugram called Medicity. It commenced operations in November 2009 and has a 1544 bed capacity as on March 31, 2018.

Along with Medicity, Medanta operates a 120-bed hospital in Indore and a 174-bed hospital in Ranchi on lease. Medanta is in the process of doubling its bed count in the next two-three years by setting up hospitals in Lucknow, Patna and Noida.

Why Medanta is up for sale?

Medanta is not a loss making company, but its profits have been dwindling on account of macro and internal factors. While Medanta's revenues grew just 4 percent to Rs 1,392 crore in FY18 YoY, its net profit dropped 35 percent to Rs 33 crore during the period.

The debt fueled expansion is eating into company's profits as finance costs go up and new hospitals take time to settle down and mature.

According to an executive of a large trust-based hospital who didn't wish to be named, Medanta aggressively hired some top specialists from rival hospitals, by offering hefty salaries.

"That hurt their bottom lines, some of them have eventually left, including a highly renowned cardiologist," the executive added.

Rating agency Crisil pointed out that the hospital over relied on a single hospital and cardiac segment to drive business.

"Revenue is marked by significant concentration risks in terms of geography and therapeutic segment. Post the increase in beds to 1,250, Medanta is the largest single-location hospital in the private sector in India," Crisil pointed out.

Dr Trehan, 72, appointed his son-in-law Pankaj Sahni as CEO in September 2017. At the macro level, apart from temporary disruptions such as demonetisation and GST, competition, price controls, spiraling cost of hiring specialist doctors, expensive medical technologies and real estate costs, trust deficit between providers and patients, are posing operational nightmares for private healthcare providers.

Private hospitals hope of getting volumes through the government's health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat didn't turn out as anticipated due to low package rates.

Further, alleged medical negligence cases that made headlines sometime back sparked outrage forcing state governments to react has unnerved hospitals.

Medanta too figured in one such case, but it was able to settle the case arresting the snowball.

To wither the storm, hospitals are looking to merge with big players, hence consolidation is gathering pace with the IHH-Fortis Healthcare deal and Radiant Life Care-Max Hospital deals over the past year.
DHFL

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Baring India, Bain Capital and Hero FinCorp are said to be in talks to acquire a 10 percent stake in Dewan Housing Finance Corporation (DHFL).

"DHFL promoters are looking to sell a 10 percent stake to strategic investors through various ways, including an open offer. PE firms including Bain Capital, Baring India and Hero FinCorp are likely to bid after they lost out on Aadhar Housing Finance," a source told The Economic Times.

According to the newspaper report, DHFL Chairman Kapil Wadhawan may step down from active management after the stake sale. "Kapil Wadhawan has taken additional charge as CEO and he will remain in the position until a strategic partner comes in. He will step down once the sale process is concluded," a person aware of the development told the newspaper.

The move follows a February 13 announcement by the company that CEO Harshil Mehta has decided to resign from his position with immediate effect.

Holding company Wadhawan Global Capital owns 37.3 percent stake in DHFL. BNP Paribas holds 4.65 percent stake, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) 3.44 percent and Lazard Emerging Markets Small Cap Equity Trust 1.44 percent are the other major shareholders.

The stock has been battered after Cobrapost alleged on January 29 that the company had siphoned off Rs 31,000 crore out of the total bank loans of Rs 97,000 crore through layers of shell companies. The expose alleged that the scam has been pulled off mainly by sanctioning and disbursing astronomical amounts in secured and unsecured loans to dubious shell or pass-through companies related to DHFL's primary stakeholders Kapil Wadhawan, Aruna Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan.

It alleged that this was done through their proxies and associates, which have in turn passed the money on to the companies controlled by the Wadhawans. The stock fell 33 percent between January 29 and February 15.

After the allegations of wrongdoing emerged, Wadhawan on February 4, said DHFL was looking to rope in a "strong strategic partner who can not only add value but also alleviate any concerns the market might have on the business and also bring in fresh equity and capital." He added that the board had appointed an external auditor to carry out a thorough probe and submit a report in three weeks and also one more auditor in a panel cleared by banking industry lobby IBA to assuage lenders' concerns.

DHFL had been hit by liquidity woes emanating from defaults by Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) even before the Cobrapost expose.
Reacting to the death of her 37-year-old husband, Josh Pinkard, at the hands of a man who never shouldve had a gun, Terra Pinkard wrote on Facebook: I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Josh was! He was brilliant! The smartest person Ive ever met! My best friend! The man I would have leaned on during devastation like this who would tell me its ok Terra, it is all going to be fine. The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me. This unbelievable person was robbed from us.
That very day, the EPA did act  although it wasnt the U.S. EPA, the agency we had hoped to roust from slumber. No, Fridays action came from Gov. J.B. Prizkers Illinois EPA. As the Tribunes Michael Hawthorne summarized: Invoking rarely used authority in state law, Illinois EPA Director John Kim prohibited Sterigenics from pumping ethylene oxide gas into massive chambers used to sterilize medical equipment, pharmaceutical drugs, spices and food. Kim's order cited a federal study that said the chemical is so toxic that even tiny concentrations routinely leaking from the company's two buildings pose a significant health risk.
There are gun laws on the books designed to keep weapons away from dangerous people. Then there is enforcement. In this instance, there was a deadly lapse. Martin should never have received a FOID. Once that error was discovered, Illinois State Police apparently would have notified Martin by letter that he was not legally eligible to own a gun. Obviously, he either never got notification or ignored it. And no one took his gun away.
He was a man with a wonderful heart, his wife said. The police officers used to tell me that he was able to take care of these juveniles  they would come into the room and sit opposite him at his desk and were scared to death. But the policemen said that as soon as Dar started to talk, he had a way of getting (juveniles) to talk and showing that he cared for them, and they got that message.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  A brick of suspected cocaine was recovered at a Quezon shoreline Monday morning, police said.

Reports said Brgy. San Jose, Mauban watchman Johnel Escudero found the suspected illegal drugs wrapped in packaging near the boundary of Brgy. Rosario and San Jose around 9 a.m.

Escudero unwrapped the package, and upon seeing the white substance reported to the Brgy. San Jose village chief, Lorenzo Ambon.

Police took the package to the Quezon Crime Laboratory to verify if it is illegal drugs. Mauban police were also ordered to monitor packages drifting ashore.

If found to be cocaine, this would be the latest in cocaine packages spotted on Philippine shorelines since February 10. A bag of cocaine worth 5,242,919 was recovered on a Camarines Norte coast on Saturday. Over the past few days, more than 70 blocks of cocaine worth almost half a billion pesos were also discovered on the shores of Siargao and Dinagat Islands.

Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency showed that almost 486 million pesos worth of cocaine has been recovered since February 10.
South Africa: SA to market itself in the US

Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Bulelani Magwanishe is set to highlight trade and investment opportunities in South Africa at the 22nd Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit in New York.

Magwanishe is expected to outline trade and investment opportunities at the summit that gets underway in the United States on Tuesday.

Globally, the US accounts for 7% of South Africas total exports to the world and is ranked second as an export destination for South African export products in 2018.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and the US has shown tremendous growth in the past few years. Total trade has increased from R141 billion in 2014 to R161 billion in 2017 but declined slightly to R157 billion in 2018, said Magwanishe.

Bilateral trade between the US and South Africa is almost balanced with South Africa mostly enjoying a trade surplus against the US mainly due to exports of primary products and commodities.

However, Magwanishe said in terms of manufactured exports, the US continues to enjoy a trade surplus.

The Deputy Minister said the US remains as one of the key sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for South Africa, with bilateral investments at approximately R2.2 trillion in 2016.

In addition, there are about 800 US companies doing business in South Africa with an increasing number of South African companies also investing in the US.

Of the $4.2 billion foreign direct investment stock in the USA from Sub-Saharan African, $3.1 billion originated from South Africa.

The three-day summit, which concludes on Friday, will focus on how to expand wealth opportunities; supplier diversity opportunities; and diversity and inclusion for minorities and women.

It will bring together entrepreneurs, corporate executives and leading US members of Congress. Speakers at the summit include the host, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver and Gregory Meeks as well as Reverend Al Sharpton, among others.

The summit will be held under the theme: 400 Years Later: Closing the Wealth Gap, Expanding Opportunity.

Market access through the AfCFTA

While in the US, Magwanishe will also meet with existing and potential investors into South Africa that are looking to take advantage of the market access created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Last week, on the sidelines of the 32nd Ordinary Session of Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over South Africas deposit of instruments on the ratification of the AfCFTA.

The AfCFTA, as one of the flagship projects of the African Unions Agenda 2063, aims to build an integrated market in Africa that will see a market of over one billion people with a combined GDP of approximately US$3.3 trillion. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
A six-member European delegation that sought to meet with self-proclaimed Venezuelan 'interim president' Juan Guaido is getting expelled from Venezuela after being accused by Caracas of coming with "conspiratorial purposes."

The European MPs arrived in Venezuela on Sunday and were supposed to stay in the country until Tuesday to carry out a series of meetings, including with Guaido, the leader of the opposition recognized by a number of European governments as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

Also on rt.com US is openly pushing Venezuelas army into a coup - Russian FM

These plans, however, went awry shortly after their landing, when the MPs got a cold welcome from the Venezuelan authorities that are now deporting them back to Europe, according to delegation member Esteban Gonzalez Pons.

Pons tweeted that upon arrival, their passports were seized and the deportation procedure was launched. The politician, who hails from Spain's liberal conservative Peoples' Party, said that he was part of the "first international delegation invited by president Guaido."

"We are being kicked out today. Tomorrow we will come back to a free Venezuela," he tweeted, calling their looming expulsion from the country "the final proof that options are over, and the EU shall withdraw from the Contact Group."

The "International Contact Group" comprising the EU, eight European and four Latin American countries was set up early February to push for snap elections in Venezuela. In a joint statement with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez, the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini stated that the group aims to contribute to "a political and peaceful process" allowing Venezuelans to "determine their future."

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said that the parliamentarians had been warned they would not be let into the country "several days ago" through "official diplomatic channels."

"The Constitutional Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will not allow the European extreme right to disturb the peace and stability of the country with another of its gross interventionist actions," Arreaza tweeted.

Pons said that the parliamentarians had been aware that they might be turned down at the border, and had been notified that they would be "either retained or expelled," but chose to proceed with their journey anyway.

Washington has heavily backed Guaido, handing him control over Venezuelan assets in the US and sending humanitarian aid, which Caracas believes might mask covert preparations for an invasion  drawing on the recent historic example when the current American special envoy to Venezuela used supposed 'aid' shipments to send weapons to Nicaraguan rebels.

READ MORE: US Venezuela envoy confronted by RT America correspondent over past war crimes (VIDEO)

The US has been doing the bidding for Guaido in Europe. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, US Vice President Mike Pence urged the EU to "step forward for freedom and recognize Juan Guadio as the only legitimate president of Venezuela."

READ MORE: US military planes with humanitarian aid bound for Venezuela after new sanctions

The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution to recognize Guaido on January, 31. The document which was adopted by a majority of 439 votes, with 104 MPs voting against and 88 abstentions, called on the EU and its member states to recognize him as the only legitimate head of the government.

Russia, China and Turkey, all are major investors in the Latin American countrys cash-strapped economy, continue to stand by the Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro's government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denounced Washington for openly pushing for a military coup in Venezuela, saying the US has lost all sense of shame in its handling of the Venezuelan crisis.

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George Galloway claims the seven Labour MPs who have resigned from the party are motivated by a desire to thwart a Corbyn-led government, insisting such a move will only benefit the Tories, in an interview for RT.

Galloway, who was a Labour MP for 16 years, was reacting to the announcements made by several Labour parliamentarians that they are quitting the party to become Independents, having lost trust in leader Jeremy Corbyn over the issues of Brexit, foreign affairs and anti-Semitism.

The former London mayoral candidate told RT that the new grouping of centrist MPs have little chance of success but have big money supporting them. He believes that a certain British electorate that is looking for fundamental socio-economic changes to Britain will not be taken in by this new centrist group, because they represent the status quo.

Electorally they will only serve the Conservative Party, because they have very little chance of being elected amongst a public which is sick of the prevailing orthodoxy, Galloway told RT.

The veteran socialist firebrand claims the MPs, which include prominent Peoples Vote advocate Chuka Umunna, are not driven by a desire to become electable, but instead destroy any chances of Corbyn becoming PM.

The point for the backers is to wreck Labours chances of being elected and wreck Jeremy Corbyns chance of being Britains Prime Minister.

The seven Labour MPs who announced their defections to The Independent Group in Westminster on Monday morning were Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker, and Ann Coffey.

All of the MPs gave their own personal reasons for quitting Labour, which included Corbyns position on various foreign affairs issues such as his alleged hostility to NATO and supposed over-closeness to Russia.

On this, Galloway suggested, They implied that Mr Corbyn is an agent of Russia. They attacked implicitly his opposition to Israel. These are all very familiar tropes and they dont just exist in Britain.

He added that British citizens suffering from poverty dont care enough about topics such as NATO and Russia to cut through, and instead want a government that can improve their lives.

Galloway has revealed (via an online video on social media) that he has officially asked to be readmitted into the Labour Party  having been expelled under Tony Blairs New Labour government.

On MP claims that Corbyns Labour is now rife with anti-Semitism, Journalist and RT contributor Neil Clark argues that such grievances are not genuine. He claims this was clearly shown in data released by Labours general secretary last week, and suggested Corbyns pro-Palestinian stance was the overriding issue for many of these MPs.

Many of these MPs are members of the Labour Friends of Israel grouping. Labour doesnt have an anti-Semitism problem... the number of complaints made against Labour members of anti-Semitism is incredibly small.

Clark argues that the Blairite MPs want to sabotage Corbyn and are not driven by a desire to change British politics for the better, as claimed by Umunna, insisting the Streatham MP represents broken politics.

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The UN- and Saudi-backed Yemeni government has struck a deal with Houthi rebels to redeploy troops from the Red City port of Hodeidah, the main entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial goods to Yemen, the UN spokesman's office announced on Sunday. The UN said that the warring parties have agreed on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces, without providing further details on the breakthrough. It is hoped that the pull-out would bring a relief to the millions of Yemeni people, suffering from an acute shortage of food and medical supplies. The ongoing hostilities, fueled by the Saudi-led bombing campaign in support of the Yemeni government, has brought the impoverished country on the brink of famine and into the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the UN.

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Saudi-backed Yemen govt & Houthi rebels reach deal to withdraw troops from key port city  UN

Saudi-backed Yemen govt & Houthi rebels reach deal to withdraw troops from key port city  UN

Source : RT - Daily news
Private space tourism is taking off in Russia with plans to send tourists to near-Earth orbit in spacecraft capable of launching from ordinary airfields, chief designer of NPO Aviation and Space Technologies Aleksandr Begak said.

He told Sputnik news agency the first flights may start in five years and will cost about $200,000 to $300,000 per person.

According to Begak, a number of private companies are currently working on the unmanned spacecraft dubbed Selena Space Yacht. The works are conducted with the support of the National Technology Initiatives (NTI) AeroNet and SpaceNet working groups.

Also on rt.com Floating 5-star hotel: Russias 1st cruise liner to be ready for tests in 2019

We have an opportunity to land on any airfield, the device lands like an airplane... We now calculate the optimal time for space travel, a comfortable flight path, because experience shows that people do not need to be in zero-gravity condition for as long as 10 minutes, Begak said, adding that the development of the spacecraft began two years ago.

He explained that three space yachts will be produced, with six passenger seats and one pilot seat each. Though the spacecraft will be unmanned, a pilot will be present for the convenience of passengers, he said.

The vehicle will enter space at a maximum speed of 2,685 miles per hour to a height of 75 to 87 miles (120-140 kilometers).

READ MORE: Out of this world: Crimeas cosmic spaceship hotel welcomes first guests (VIDEO)

Earlier, the co-leader of the working group of the National AeroNet Technology Initiative, Sergey Zhukov, said that Russia could see the start of private space tourism in around five years. Participants will be flying for several minutes to a height of 100km before descending by parachute or engine-powered aircraft, he said.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
Historical tensions have reignited as Poland pulls out of talks in Jerusalem following racist comments by Israel's new FM implicating Poles in anti-semitism and the Holocaust, resulting in the Visegrad 4 summits cancellation.

Polands PM Mateusz Morawiecki issued Israel an ultimatum Monday, telling Tel-Aviv that if they didnt apologize for the comments, Poland would pull out of the V4 talks scheduled to take place in Jerusalem the following day. Shortly afterwards, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced that the summit would not take place at all without Polands participation, and would be replaced by bilateral talks between the remaining nations.

Israels interim Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz issued the controversial comments on Sunday not long after being appointed to the position. In conversation with Israel's i24 news, he echoed Netanyahus earlier claims of Polish collaboration with Nazi Germany, and even upped the ante with a quote from former Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir that, Every Pole suckled anti-Semitism with his mother's milk, adding that, Nobody will tell us how to express our stance and how to honor the dead.

Morawiecki called the comments racist and unacceptable, issuing his ultimatum with a vow not to leave the insult unanswered.

In response to the insulting statement, Israels ambassador to Warsaw, Anna Azari, was summoned by the Polish Foreign Ministry for the second time this week.

It was only yesterday when Morawiecki personally called Netanyahu to say he would not be attending the talks himself in protest of his Israeli counterpart's comments last week in Warsaw.

Unperturbed by Morawiecki's decision not to participate, Katz initially answered casually, saying that there is no crisis, as the foreign minister will attend. Since the Czech Republics announcement, however, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has responded confirming the cancellation: There will be no full V4 meeting. Three PMs are arriving, will hold meetings with (Israel's) PM.

Also on rt.com Mass Holocaust-denial infecting Eastern Europe  study

Todays events are only the latest development in ongoing tensions between Israel and Poland. Relations have suffered since Poland passed its controversial Holocaust law last year which prohibits implicating the Polish government in the historical crimes of the Nazi regime.



Responding to Israels accusations, the Polish PM pointed out on Twitter that 6 million Poles were killed during the Nazis occupation of the country, including 3 million Poles of Jewish origin.

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A Spanish newspaper has published an article lauding the heroism of volunteers who fought for Hitler against the Soviet Union. The piece highlights only the hardships they faced  and doesnt bother to tell the whole story.

The article was published by one of the countrys major newspapers  the ABC  early in February. It came just ahead of the anniversary of Spains main WWII battle. No, Spain did not partake in it  but its volunteers did.

The Blue Division  named after blue shirts of Francisco Francos Falangist movement  was officially known as the 250th Infantry Division of Nazi Germanys Wehrmacht. It was created in 1941 as a volunteer unit, to show Spains devotion to Hitlers cause without openly drawing the country into the war.

The division designation is quite misleading and downplays the scale of Spains participation. At least 47,000 Spaniards served in it over the years as the unit had numerous rotations and reinforcements.

ABCs article focuses on the Battle for Krasny Bor, an episode from the largely unsuccessful Operation Polar Star, when the Soviet Army tried to push the occupying forces away from besieged Leningrad early in 1943.

While the attack failed in most directions, on one of them the Soviet soldiers faced the Blue Division. The article lauds the heroism of the Division, highlighting the harsh weather conditions and bad logistics the Spaniards had to endure while defending the settlement of Krasny Bor on the outskirts of the city of Leningrad and stopping 38 battalions of Stalin, as the article puts it.

The Spaniards managed to resist the assault, despite being heavily outgunned and outnumbered. The Division, however, ultimately lost the settlement of Krasny Bor and sustained heavy casualties, yet this did not help the Soviet offensive which had stalled.

The Soviet Polar Star Operation was largely a failure and the Siege of Leningrad continued for another year. Overall, the siege claimed the lives of at least 650 thousand civilians, yet some historians believe the figure could be twice as large. None of these facts are even merely mentioned in the article.

The Spanish volunteer unit was eventually disbanded in 1943. The most hardcore Falangists, however, were eager to continue fighting and a smaller group of volunteers, Blue Legion, was formed instead of the Division. The last Spaniards among the German ranks fought until the end of the war and took part in the Battle for Berlin.

Such one-sided approach to the Blue Division is nothing new in Spain. The story of Spanish participation in Hitlers war against the Soviet Union was not forgotten or condemned by any means  just merely swept under the rug just a bit after the defeat of the Nazism.

Many veterans of the Division have enjoyed successful careers with the Spanish Army and held top posts with the countrys military  and some even enjoyed pensions from non-Nazi Germany long after the war.

The monuments for the fallen of the Blue Division stand tall, streets in many cities bear its name, last surviving members proudly give interviews  and media goes all nostalgic about it, focusing on the hardships the brave Spaniards faced in snowy and distant Russia.

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The arrest of the founder and senior partner of Baring Vostok private equity fund, Michael Calvey, wont harm the confidence of foreign investors in Russia, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Calvey is really a very big investor in the Russian economy, Peskov said, stressing that the Kremlin is closely watching the case.

According to the latest ruling by a Moscow district court, Calvey, a US citizen, was detained for two months after his bail of five million rubles (US$75.5 thousand) was denied. The businessman was taken into custody on Friday along with several other suspects, including partners of the Baring Vostok fund. Calvey is suspected of embezzling 2.5 billion rubles ($37.5 million) from Vostochny Bank via a fraudulent scheme.

Also on rt.com Moscow court orders US investor of Baring Vostok to be held in custody over $37mn fraud allegations

The Kremlin spokesman added that current political tensions between Moscow and Washington cannot be considered as a factor in the case.

According to the investigators, Calvey and his associates persuaded the board of Vostochny Bank to accept a package of shares of an enterprise instead of paying off a debt. While the shares were said to be worth over three billion rubles, their real cost was merely 600,000 rubles.

Russias business ombudsmen, Boris Titov, stood up for the arrested investor, saying that the case shouldnt have come under criminal jurisdiction with the allegations looking dubious.

The decision to keep Calvey behind bars is surely illegal, Titov wrote in a commentary for the Russian business daily Vedomosti. The Baring Vostok situation has rocked the business community.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
Questioned if President Donald Trumps plan to divert funding for his border wall with Mexico out of existing budget commitments would deprive Kentucky children of a new middle school, Lindsey Graham would not give an inch.

The White House announced last Friday that $8 billion would be spent on constructing the barrier, out of which only $1.4 billion has been allocated by Congress. This means that over $6 billion will have to come from other sources, with most of that money likely reallocated from military construction plans.

On Sunday, Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, was asked on CBS whether it would be appropriate for other projects "including construction of a middle school in Kentucky, housing for military families, improvements for bases like Camp Pendleton [in California] and Hanscom Air Force Base [in Massachusetts]" to be sacrificed for Trumps pet project.

Also on rt.com Trump declares national emergency over border crisis

"The president will have to make a decision where to get the money, Graham told host Margaret Brennan.

"I would say it's better for the middle-school kids in Kentucky to have a secure border. We'll get them the school they need. But right now we've got a national emergency on our hands.

Noting the role of the wall in preventing the opioid crisis  a favored recent justification deployed by Republicans  Graham bemoaned the recalcitrance of lawmakers to give extra funds to the White House.

"I think that every member of Congress has watched three presidents send troops to the border: Bush, Obama, now Trump, Graham said. Not one of us have complained about deploying forces to the border to secure the border. It's pretty hard for me to understand the legal difference between sending troops and having them build a barrier."

Also on rt.com Id take the wall down: 2020 hopeful ORourke says hed absolutely knock US-Mexico barrier

Once considered a middle-of-the-road, if hawkish, Republican, Graham has become one of Trumps most vocal advocates since his election in 2016, and told Brennan he endorsed his decision to declare a national emergency to allow himself more leeway on spending federal funds.

"Unfortunately, when it comes to Trump, the Congress is locked down and will not give him what we've given past presidents. So, unfortunately, he's got to do it on his own and I support his decision to go that route," Graham said in reference to the national emergency declaration, which critics have attacked as a precedent-setting abuse of executive power.

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Israel to host Czech, Slovak, Hungarian leaders after Polish pullout over Holocaust rhetoric

Israel to host Czech, Slovak, Hungarian leaders after Polish pullout over Holocaust rhetoric

Israel said on Monday that it would host bilateral meetings with the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian leaders this week after Poland withdrew from a planned five-way summit in Jerusalem in protest at Holocaust rhetoric. There will be no full V4 meeting, Reuters quoted Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for Israels Foreign Ministry, said, referring to the central European bloc. Three leaders of are arriving and will hold meetings with Israels PM, Reuters quoted the spokesman as saying. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier that his country is not sending a delegation to a meeting in Jerusalem after the acting Israeli foreign minister said that Poles collaborated with the Nazis.Source : RT - Daily news
Geopolitical and trade tensions along with US sanctions have shaken trust in the US dollar over recent years. As a result, a number of global central banks have been boosting their national reserves of gold bullion.

In 2018, world central banks added 651.5 tons to official gold reserves, as a greater pool of regulators turned to the precious metal as a diversifier, according to data released by the World Gold Council. Some countries, like Russia and Turkey increased their gold reserves while dumping US dollar holdings at the same time. India, China, Kazakhstan, Iraq, Poland and Hungary were among the other big purchasers of the yellow metal.

Also on rt.com Where does Russia keep its huge gold reserves?

Net sales of gold from central banks reportedly remained insignificant, totaling less than 15 tons with Australia, Germany, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Ukraine accounting for almost the entire figure.

While some countries opt to hold their bullion reserves domestically, others still trust their precious reserves to the central banks of other nations. Vaults in Paris, New York and London have become popular gold storages for many developing countries.

The Bank of England has kept a reported 80 tons of Australian gold for years. However, the UK regulator has not allowed Australia to carry out a proper audit of its bullion holdings. In an attempt to find out what happened to Australia's gold RT talked to Ronan Manly, a precious metals analyst with BullionStar in Singapore.

Also on rt.com Bank of England refuses to hand over Venezuela's gold  report

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) claims to have 80 tons of the precious metal. Nearly all of the country's gold bars are reportedly stored in a bailment arrangement, in an allocated gold account, at the Bank of England vaults in London, with a very small amount of gold stored at the RBA headquarters in Sydney. However, there are questions whether the gold is still there, according to Manly.

There have never been any independent physical audits of this gold, which means that there is no way to verify the RBA's claim that it has all the gold it claims to have, Manly told RT.

The latest, partial, audit of Australia's gold holdings was reportedly conducted in 2013, but the results of the checking have never been released neither by the Bank of England nor by the RBA, with a freedom of information request for the findings and the final report denied by both.

Throughout the last 20 years, the RBA also admits that a lot of its claimed gold holdings have been lent out in the secretive London Gold Lending Market, but there is no information whatsoever available on any of these lending transactions or the bar numbers involved, Manly said.

Also on rt.com East trusts in physical gold while West prefers 'mindless optimism'  Claudio Grass to RT

That the RBA and Bank of England refuse to do any of these things is highly suspicious. Therefore, there is no way to say that the RBA has the 80 tons of gold it claims to have.

The RBA participated in the gold lending market at times lending almost all of its gold holdings for over 30 years, according to the regulator. The lending activity has reportedly deteriorated over the past decade. Earnings from gold loans amounted to just $0.71 million during the last financial year.

According to Manly, providing the documents on the latest audit of the holding would, or could reasonably be expected to, cause damage to good relations between the Bank of England and the RBA.



The real reasons that the Bank of England does not allow proper gold bar audits and the real reason it will never provide central bank customers with proper weight lists of refiner serial numbers is that the Bank of England wants total secrecy about gold lending and where the lent gold goes to, the expert told RT.

Also on rt.com If you want to preserve your wealth, buy physical gold  precious metals expert to RT

According to Manly, the Australian government should reconsider its approach to the national gold holdings, as the country's gold industry and infrastructure is perfectly good for storing and handling its precious metal on its own territory. The RBA could easily store the gold in Canberra, Sydney or Perth like the Bank of Russia's gold is held in Moscow and St Petersburg.

The rationale claimed by the RBA that it stores its gold in London so as to be in proximity to the London Gold Trading market is also wearing thin given that the Bank of England has now confiscated the gold of Venezuela's central bank, the Banco Central do Venezuela, the analyst pointed out.

This is sovereign gold of another nation which was placed into custody storage by a foreign central bank. It is also absolutely extraordinary that the Bank of England has succumbed to US Government and State Department bullying to use, said Manly, referring to the refusal by the Bank of England to return Venezuela's gold.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
With Brexit looming, Spain has ramped up its claims to Gibraltar. Its patrol boat ordered British vessels anchored there to abandon the enclave, forcing the Royal Navy to send an inflatable vessel to defuse the situation.

In an audio recording from Sunday that has been made public, a Spanish patrol ship, Tornado, tells two British vessels, the Ivor Accord and the Great Victory to leave Spanish territorial waters.

Confused, the radio operator of one of the British ships, stationed on the east side of the Rock, tells the Spanish navy boat we are at anchor now and asking to verify you are referring to our ship before being told a second time to vacate Spanish territory.

Also on rt.com EU irks London by branding Gibraltar Colony of British crown

The port authority told the commercial vessels to ignore the orders and stay put.

The Royal Navy deployed a launch and a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to the scene, said a statement from the government of Gibraltar.

After being challenged by the Royal Navy, the Spanish warship sailed slowly along the Gibraltar coast with its weapons uncovered and manned."

A spokesman for the Gibraltar government said the provocation flouted international law and highlighted the extremism of some parts of the Spanish political spectrum.

Also on rt.com Spain will veto Brexit 'if there are no changes'  PM

There is only nuisance value to these foolish games being played by those who don't accept unimpeachable British sovereignty over the waters around Gibraltar as recognised by the whole world in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the spokesman said.

Spanish military sources told the local media that the 94-meter military vessel did not violate any rules, insisting that all waters around the Rock, located at the southern tip of Iberia, belong to Spain.

Gibraltar was ceded by Spain to Great Britain in 1713, and has remained under its control ever-since, despite several attempts to recapture it. The majority of the 30,000 residents of the prosperous territory speak English.

Spain, which has increasingly disputed its status, has made the enclave a major negotiating obstacle during the Brexit talks. In the latest draft of the UK visa-free travel agreement that will come into force once Britain leaves the European Union, the territory is referred to as a British colony that is subject to decolonisation.

Late last year, the UN urged the two European states to find a definitive solution for the stand-off but London believes there is nothing to discuss, and has repeatedly cited a 2002 referendum in which 99 percent of local residents expressed desire to remain subjects of Queen Elizabeth II.
Berlin reportedly told officials in Brussels that it will halt extradition of its citizens to Britain after Brexit. London has little over a month left to strike an exit deal with the EU.

Last week, Berlin formally notified the European Commission that it will stop extraditing its citizens to Britain once London leaves the EU, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The decision was "not a surprise" and is in line with the Brexit procedures, one EU official told the publication.

He also said that Germany halting extradition is a "sign of things to come" when the sides continue talks on securing cooperation in law enforcement, as the UK is formally set to exit the EU by the end of next month.

Under current German law, its citizens can be handed over either to fellow EU nations or to an international court.

The painstaking Brexit negotiations segued into another crisis last month when the UK Parliament firmly rejected Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit plan. The setback forced the authorities to frantically seek an additional bargain with the EU leadership.

The vote against the deal agreed upon by the EU prompted irritation from European politicians. European Council head Donald Tusk said the situation makes him wonder what "the special place in hell looks like for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan to deliver it safely."

His comments were met with pushback in the UK. Theresa May stated that such tirades are "not helpful and have caused widespread dismay."

Britain is scheduled to formally leave the EU on March 29.

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George Galloway says he has formally asked the Labour Party to let him rejoin after his ridiculous expulsion by Tony Blair over his opposition to the Gulf War.

The former Labour MP revealed his application in a nine-minute-long video commenting not only on his hopes for the future of the Labour Party, but criticising the partys breakaway MPs, dubbing them the Seven Dwarfs.

Also on rt.com We are actually f***ed: BBC airs swear-laden voiceover during Labour split (VIDEO)

Galloway made reference to other rebel Labour MPs who may join their colleagues in exiting the party as a whole raft of rats who are about to jump ship in the hope it will sink that ship, but that Labour will not only survive the departures but be the more resplendent for being rid of them.

Galloway, who was an MP for 30 years, also spoke of when the so-called Gang of Four quit the party back in 1981. The key difference between then and now, according to Galloway, is that while the four who left almost 40 years ago had gravitas and political heft, the same cannot be said of the seven dwarfs on parade this morning.

Chris Leslie delivered an honest statement as a supporter of the status quo when the breakaway MP opined that Labour could not fulfil its election promises due to economic constraints, Galloway said, however:

Jeremy Corbyns program can only be afforded if there are radical changes in the British economy, if the rich pay more for living in in Britain in the way that they have been dodging doing over many, many decades

The plan can only work if there is a redistribution of wealth and ownership of the British economy, which is something Corbyn and Galloway think is justified. However, he said that Leslie and people like him do not want any fundamental change.

READ MORE: These people date back to Tony Blair: Livingstone glad to see Labour rebels leave party

He dismissed accusations of anti-Semitism in Labour, Corbyn or those around him as a lie, adding that Corbyn has been fighting anti-Semitism and racism all of their lives. Further to that, Galloway said that all seven of the MPs who confirmed leaving Labour on Monday are associated with a group called the Labour Friends of Israel and that their concern is not anti-Semitism, but anti-Israelism, and Corbyns recognition of injustices against the Palestinian people.

Touching on Brexit, Galloway accused the group of trying to thwart the referendum result and spit in the face of the millions who voted in their encouragement for another vote: The worst possible thing for social peace in Britain would be a political elite of which they are perfect quintessential examples to stab the British peoples decision to leave the EU in the back.

Also on rt.com 'Dumped old fashioned politics': 7 Labour MPs resign from the party over Brexit, 'anti-Semitism'

A vocal opponent of the Iraq war, the ex-MP was officially expelled from the Labour Party in 2003 for inciting British troops to disobey what he described as illegal orders, and for bringing the party into disrepute.

In his video statement on Monday, Galloway said that unlike those who ditched the Labour Party today, I believe in Labour. The people who kicked him out of the party almost killed Labour, he claimed, but Jeremy Corbyn has brought it back to life.

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Facebook has suspended several accounts operated by Maffick Media without prior warning, right after CNN ran a report about the companys perceived ties to the Kremlin.

In what seems to be a new step in the social media giants fight against perceived 'Russian propaganda', Facebook took down, without prior notice, several pages offering video content. The social media network said it would ask the administrators of Soapbox, Back Then and Waste-Ed to disclose their Russian affiliations.

"People connecting with Pages shouldn't be misled about who's behind them. Just as we've stepped up our enforcement of coordinated inauthentic behavior and financially motivated spam over the past year, we'll continue improving so people can get more information about the Pages they follow," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

However, no official requests were filed with Maffick Media, the German-based company operating all three pages. They were not notified before the fact, which prompted an angry response (posted on Maffick's front page at the time of writing) in which they branded Facebook policies new McCarthyism. All three pages remained offline on Monday.

The accounts were suspended shortly after CNN aired a report with the catchy headline Kremlin funds viral videos aimed at millennials, in which it listed all three pages as part of the Kremlins "influence campaign" targeting unsuspecting young American adults. CNN stated that German-based Maffick Media is mostly owned by Ruptly video news agency  a subsidiary of RT  and is thus in the Kremlins back pocket.

An open secret

CNN also repeatedly accused Maffick of concealing its suspected ties to Russia to mislead its audience. While, indeed, none of the pages bore a glowing stamp that said "paid for by the Kremlin," they were never told that they were required to do so. Besides, no special effort was made to hide the funding sources  as proved by the CNN reporters themselves, who used an online commercial registers database to acquire documents showing that Maffick is 51 percent (which CNN generalized as "mostly") owned by Ruptly.

Also on rt.com Dirty little secret: Think tanks are among top culprits in media disinformation crisis

The remaining near-half belongs to Maffick CEO Anissa Naouai, an American journalist of Tunisian descent. Before launching her independent project, Naouai founded the show In The Now, which was aired by RT America (and whose Facebook page was also suspended), and before that, worked as a reporter and presenter for RT. She says the company only fully employs people in Berlin and hires Americans as freelancers.

Incidentally, CNN's own report was based on a tip from the German Marshall Fund, financed by the US, German, and other governments. Among the Fund's other accomplishments is the questionable Hamilton 68 'Russian propaganda tracker'  a website that labels Twitter accounts as 'Russian influence' operations and tracks their activities based on an undisclosed methodology that is impossible to verify  but is still embraced by multiple US mainstream media outlets as a reliable tool.

Unexplained ban

Facebooks decision to shut down the pages run by Maffick has gone unexplained so far. The company did not break any of the social media networks rules, which as of now do not demand that anyone post funding details on their Facebook pages. On top of that, numerous other media companies supported with government money  including NPR, PBS, BBC, DW, CBC, and AJ+  never had to deal with similar treatment, Maffick notes.

Maffick was singled out for the sole reason that Russia is the supporting government, the company says.

Maffick Media says it is editorially independent  but, as per the CNN report, much of [its] content seemed to be perfectly aligned with much of the propaganda coming out of the Kremlin  that is to say, the content does not align with the mainstream view of American policies.

If I oppose a US war, does that automatically mean I am going to be accused of being aligned with the Kremlin? With this Russia hysteria we are experiencing now I feel like this is a very, very dangerous McCarthyist tactic to start saying that leftist views, anti-war views are just the Kremlin governments talking points.

This is what Rania Khalek, the American host of Soapbox  one of the video shows Maffick ran on Facebook  told CNN when asked about her alleged connections to Moscow.

Each of the suspended pages had tens of thousands of followers on Facebook, while their videos were viewed tens of millions of times, according to CNN  a level of popularity which possibly spurred Facebook to take such drastic and swift measures to silence them.

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An ad for an upcoming documentary about The First Swedes, who were dark-skinned and blue eyed, has prompted fear and denial on Twitter.

The series will start to air on Swedish television this Wednesday, and when channel SVT began promoting it last week, some people reacted on social media with disbelief and anger.

The documentary will look at DNA technology which has revealed more about how Sweden was populated after the Ice Age and detailing how the first pioneers in the country were dark-skinned with blue eyes and came from the south.

Another population of people who had paler skin and a variety of eye and hair colors arrived around the same time from the east. The two peoples are thought to have mixed fairly quickly, and Nordic people eventually became lighter skinned, allowing them to increase their vitamin D production to survive in the dark winters.

Some Twitter users took the information advertised in the documentary as some sort of conspiracy aimed at making people more open to immigration. Indoctrination continues, one said.

Others were quick to challenge the skepticism.

One person joked it was simply impossible, as his ancestors were frozen in the ice sheet before it melted.

Also on rt.com Climate-smart eating? Swedish professor calls for vegetarian pets, gets blasted online

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Chinas Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to create 53.3 million hectares of connected farmland to ensure the country's food security. More than five million hectares of farmland will be developed this year.

The country which has to feed nearly 1.4 billion people has been building drought and flood resistant farmland since 2011. By the end of 2018, China had developed 42.6 million hectares of such land.

It aims to have 53.3 million hectares of high-standard farmland developed by 2020, and 60 billion hectares by 2022. The area will be bigger than the country of Spain.

Also on rt.com China to make it rain over area 3 times the size of Spain

The construction of more high-output fields, coupled with higher agricultural mechanization levels and improved varieties of crops, will help ensure China has an advantageous position in the global grain market, Zhang Xiaoshan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told Xinhua News.

More than 40 percent of China's arable land is suffering from degradation, according to the ministrys statistics. Currently, two-thirds of China's arable land consists of medium- and low-yield fields. Half of the arable land lacks irrigation facilities.

Since 2013 the country has been creating 55 billion tons of artificial rain a year. In an attempt to induce extra rainfall over the Tibetan Plateau it was embarking on the largest artificial rain experiment in history. The project includes tens of thousands of fuel-burning chambers installed across the Tibetan mountains in order to boost rainfall in the region by up to 10 billion cubic meters annually.

Also on rt.com Made-in-China diamonds ready to rock global market

The plan, which is an extension of a project called Tianhe or 'Sky River' developed by researchers in 2016 at China's Tsinghua University, is hoped to force extra rain over some 1.6 million square kilometers, an area roughly three times the size of Spain.

For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section
Trump's call upon European countries to "take back" and prosecute jihadists captured in Syria, has met quite a mixed reaction, with Germany expressing legal concerns over such a move and Denmark firmly rejecting it altogether.

The bold demand was tweeted by the US President on Sunday. The options for Europe are simple  to take Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) fighters "back," or the US and its subordinate militants in Syria "we will be forced to release them."

The call was heard, yet some countries flatly rejected it.

"We are talking about the most dangerous people in the world. We should not take them back," a spokesperson for Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has said. The official described Trump's call as premature, claiming that the situation in Syria was far from stable.

Also on rt.com Trump tells Europe to 'take back' 800 ISIS fighters or US 'will be forced to release them'

Germany was more subtle in its dismissal of Trump's demand, explaining that in theory German nationals who fought in IS ranks have the right to come back. Certain legal obstacles, however, prevent their immediate return.

"In principle, all German citizens and those suspected of having fought for so-called IS have the right to return," a spokesperson for the German interior ministry said, explaining that proper consular access to such individuals is required before a decision on taking them back can be made.

The Belgian government was taken off guard by the tweeted ultimatum, with justice minister Koen Geens accusing Trump of blindsiding his European allies with his demand.

"It would have been nice for friendly nations to have these kinds of questions raised through the usual diplomatic channels rather than a tweet in the middle of the night," Geens told a local broadcaster on Sunday, while urging for a pan-European solution to the problem.

Without responding directly to Trump's remark, French Secretary of State Laurent Nunez instead said that France believes that the US-backed Kurdish militias would not let the captured French jihadists roam free.

"It's the Kurds who hold them and we have every confidence in their ability to keep them," Nunez told French broadcaster BFMTV on Sunday. However, he appeared to accept the possibility that France might have to deal with returning foreign fighters eventually.

"Anyway, if these individuals return to the national territory, they all have ongoing judicial proceedings, they will all put on trial, and incarcerated," he said.

In the UK, where the unfolding saga over British jihadi bride Shamima Begum reignited the debate whether or not to take back British citizens that had been embedded with terrorists in Syria, there seemed to be two polar opinions.

READ MORE: Pentagon resists US withdrawal from Syria, claims ISIS might rise again

In the column in the Sunday Times, British Interior Minister Sajid Javid advocated for stripping "dangerous individuals" coming back to the UK of their British citizenship, noting that that option, one of several available, "has been so far exercised more than 100 times." Another option, Javid wrote, was to prosecute the returnees "regardless of their age and gender."

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright was softer in his rhetoric, telling BBC on Sunday that it was the government's obligation "at some stage at least, to take them back."

Begum, who fled the UK at the age of 15, is now 19 and had her third child in Syria on Sunday. While stating her desire to return to the UK, Begum showed little repentance, saying that she was glad to live under the Sharia law and to have married her husband, an ISIS fighter, there.

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SAGINAW, MI  The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw on Monday issued a strongly-worded statement supporting a move by the Vatican to defrock Theodore McCarrick, a former cardinal and archbishop of Washington, D.C., who is accused of sex crimes.

Its the first time a U.S. cardinal or bishop has been removed from the priesthood in connection with sexual abuse, according to a Monday, Feb. 18, press release from the Saginaw Diocese.

"I join today with all who refuse to tolerate the sexual abuse of minors, or any individual, in support of the decision announced by Pope Francis to remove Theodore McCarrick from ministry, finding him guilty of sexually abusing minors and others, said The Most Rev. Walter Hurley, apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Saginaw.

"This action is confirmation that the church will not tolerate the abuse of minors nor will it cover for those who have credible accusations against them.

We are fully committed as a diocese and church to protect children and the vulnerable, and to unwaveringly ensure their safety. Our prayers continue for victims, their loved ones and families as they work to heal from these unconscionable acts, Hurley said in a statement.

Hurley, who is serving as interim bishop of the 100,000-member mid-Michigan diocese, said the diocese continues to urge any victim of abuse by the Catholic Church to step forward and make a report to law enforcement.

The Saginaw Diocese in 2018 named 18 former clergy as credibly accused of sexual abuse. In addition, the Rev. Robert DeLand Jr. faces trial in March on several sexual misconduct charges.
SAGINAW, MI  Police are investigating shots fired near the campus of Saginaw Valley State University.

Students received an email at 7:18 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, regarding gun fire that involved two vehicles at 5:40 a.m. that morning near Pierce and Bay roads, according to Saginaw Valley State University.

A Chrysler Sebring and a Jeep were believed to be in a road rage incident and were believed to be involved in the incident, the statement sent to students said.

Both vehicles were last seen driving west on Pierce Road from Bay Road and south on Bay Road, the SVSU statement said.

University officials said they do not think the shots fired was related to the university and referred further questions to the Saginaw County Sheriffs Office.

MLive could not immediately reach Sheriff Bill Federspiel for comment on Monday.
BAY CITY, MI  The Bay Area Community Foundation, along with other community foundations and conservation partners, are looking for public input on creating a regional plan of action to ensure the long-term health of Lake Huron and the other Great Lakes.

We have been working over the past year developing strategies to protect our waters, said Diane Fong, president and chief executive officer of the community foundation. We want the community to understand how important this resource is to us  Lake Huron.

They have a survey that community members can take online to share their thoughts about the Lake Huron Forever Project and what they would like to see. Some of the questions ask how important it is to residents to have Lake Huron be healthy, have their community experienced any water quality issues or concerns about it, among other questions.

At the heart of the Lake Huron Action Agenda is a three-stage approach to long-term Great Lakes protection that includes engaging in dialogues in the communities about the resources they need to take action, activate and connect communities to resources to deepen their understanding through learning opportunities and sustain long-term action and protection of the Great Lakes, according to their website.

The project has a goal of raising $550,000 with the project with $300,000 seed grant money coming from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, along with $200,000 being regionally supported for the project.

The team that the Bay Area Community Foundation is a part of also consists of the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan based in Alpena and the Community Foundation Grey Bruce based in Ontario  also making it the only bi-national team that is part of the Great Lakes One Water Partnership.

Fong said the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy were very helpful in the development of the Lake Huron Action Agenda as well.

What we are looking at is creating, really, a concept of Lake Huron forever, Fong said, so that water is protected for all future generations.

She added that the project will do is to help identify and implement high-impact projects that will aim to reduce the amount of polluted water that enters inland lakes and streams and provide resources and education related to stormwater management.

Water is critical to every community, especially in the Great Lakes region, and regional foundations can be powerful catalysts for change, Dave Rankin, executive director of the Great Lakes Protection fund, said in a news release.

The partners in the Lake Huron Forever Project are one of six regional teams surrounding the Great Lakes in the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes One Water Partnership, shepherded by the Council of Michigan Foundations and designed to help communities around the Great Lakes region develop and implement projects that will secure the regions water future, according to a news release.
ST. CHARLES, MI  A 33-year-old Kansas man is in jail after police allege that he drove to mid-Michigan to have sex with a minor.

Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel said the incident occurred about 11:44 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 17, at a hotel in St. Charles.

The man, who is now lodged in the Saginaw County Jail, drove from Kansas to Saginaw County to meet a 13-year-old girl, police said. Somehow, the girl ended up at the hotel with the man, Federspiel said.

The girl told her parents after returning from the hotel and they alerted police, Federspiel said.

5 Saginaw sheriff describes arrest of man who drove 20 hours to meet teen for sex

The teen currently is in the hospital and the man is being held on third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, which involves penetration.

Federspiel said police believe the man and girl first met online.

Know what your children are doing online, Federspiel said. Its a dangerous, dangerous place.

The mans vehicle has been impounded and he is expected to face a judge this week.

His name is being withheld pending arraignment.

The investigation is ongoing.
BAY CITY, MI  A judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit filed against the Bay County sheriff by a former deputy who previously received an out-of-court settlement of nearly $500,000.

U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington on Friday, Feb. 15, signed the order of summary judgment granting Bay Countys request for the dismissal of Jason N. Holsapples lawsuit.

Holsapple in April filed his suit against Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham, alleging political affiliation discrimination, free speech retaliation, and retaliation in violation of the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. After news of the suit broke, the suit was amended to include allegations of defamation, breach of contract, and false light invasion of privacy.

Holsapple, currently a Frankenmuth police officer, sought damages exceeding $75,000. While a probationary deputy in March 2012, Holsapple had been fired from the department by Cunninghams predecessor, John E. Miller. Holsapple then filed a federal lawsuit alleging his firing was retaliation for his support of 2012 sheriff candidate Robert C. "Bobby" Lee and that his First Amendment rights were violated.

Miller's attorneys filed motions saying Holsapple's termination was for "misconduct, his apparent disregard for the sheriff's office and commanding officers and his probationary status."

All those matters were dismissed in May 2014 as part of an out-of-court settlement that saw Holsapple receive a check for $480,000 from the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, the sheriff's office's insurer. The agreement was signed by Miller, Cunningham, Stewart, and then-Bay County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ernie Krygier.

As part of that agreement, Holsapple was not to apply for Bay County employment before Dec. 31, 2016. Holsapple on Jan. 4, 2017, applied for a posted full-time deputy position. In his subsequent lawsuit, Holsapple alleged Cunningham did not acknowledge his application or interview him, even though he had "superior qualifications than those selected for the position.

Ludington on Friday, though, ruled Holsapple had not identified sufficient evidence upon which a reasonable jury could find that there was a causal connection between his protected activity  and the decision not to hire him.

In his ruling, the judge referenced a prior deposition of Cunningham, in which he said that while being named in a prior lawsuit by Holsapple influenced his opinion of him, he could set that aside and work with him if he thought he was a good candidate.

The judge also wrote that no determination had been made that Holsapples 2012 firing was unlawful.

Irrespective of whether Sheriff Cunningham knew of the reasons for that termination or personally had any problems with (Holsapple), there is no apparent reason why (Holsapple)s termination was not a relevant fact for Cunningham to have considered in comparing (him) to the other road patrol applicants, Ludington wrote. Three other applicants had not been fired from previous jobs and Holsapple certainly was not significantly more qualified than them, Ludington wrote.

The judge also wrote Holsapple provided no evidence of a connection between a prior Disabilities Civil Rights Act lawsuit and Cunninghams decision not to hire him.

Regarding the issues of defamation that arose after the parties respective attorneys were quoted in a previous MLive article, Ludington wrote Holsapples counsels statement is, at a minimum, equally as disparaging as Defense counsels statement.

The judge concluded by writing the lawsuit is dismissed with prejudice.
MUSKEGON, MI - A construction boom is underway in a downtown neighborhood on Muskegon Lake where 27 homes currently are being built.

The homes are in different stages of construction -- and not all are sold -- at Terrace Point Landing, which has single-family homes and duplexes.

When its finished, there will be 70 homes on the development that has been rising since 2015. Forty-three lots are sold, including all 28 on the waterfront.

We hit the nail on the head  everyone seems to like what we have to offer, said Tom Monette, one of the Realtors handling sales at Terrace Point Landing.

Of the 27 units under construction, some are nearly complete and some are foundations; some are sold and some arent; and some are single-family while others are duplexes.

There are 21 waterfront and 5 non-waterfront homes occupied now.

In all, there are 27 home sites, including 24 planned for duplexes and three planned for single-family homes, available for sale.

Originally, the condominium development was expected to consist of all single-family homes, but it proved difficult to sell non-waterfront homes for $300,000-$400,000, said Jon Rooks, of Parkland Properties, which owns the development.

The change to duplexes allowed a price drop into the $200,000 range, he said. Thirty-four  nearly half of all the units at Terrace Point  are duplexes in that price range.

That price point is a big advantage, Rooks said.

The duplexes are single level with two bedrooms and two bathrooms or two stories with three or four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

While the views from the non-waterfront homes may not be as desirable, the occupants can still enjoy community waterfront amenities, including a shared dock and a pool, hot tub and bathhouse that overlook the lake. The waterfront lots all can have their own private docks.

Buyers choose from several cottage-inspired styles for the homes that can be customized. The homes are constructed by Dave Dusendang Custom Homes. The concept is one of small lots with common areas including a forested courtyard in the center.

Some homeowners are full-time residents, while others are not. The development has attracted buyers from Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Kalamazoo, Chicago and New Jersey, said Alyssa Wiederhoeft, of Greenridge Realty.

Terrace Point Landing is in a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone, which means each owner can apply for a 12-year, 50-percent break on most property taxes assessed on the structure provided it is a primary residence.

The development is in downtown Muskegon, which is in the midst of a rapid redevelopment. Housing development, especially apartments, is booming. In 2018, Highpoint Flats, Berkshire Muskegon and Terrace Flats opened to residents. Lake View Lofts, The Leonard, Hartshorn Village, The Watermark, Jefferson Apartments, Midtown Square and the former Ameribank building are in various stages of development.

Restaurants are also on the rise in the downtown with Rad Dads Tacos and Tequila, Drip Drop Drink Coffee Bar, Morats Bakery and Cafe 557 opening in 2018. Dr. Rolfs BBQ opened during February 2019, and Nipotes Italian Kitchen wont be far behind. Cool Kids ice cream and frozen yogurt shop is expected to open in time for this summer.

About $1.7 million in renovation projects at the city-owned L.C. Walker Arena wrapped up during fall 2018. Another round of improvements for $1.05 million is expected soon.

A $17 million, 45,000-square-foot convention center is planned for downtown. It is expected to be built between the L.C. Walker and the Holiday Inn, which is undergoing a $6 million renovation to become a Delta by Marriott.
GOLDEN TOWNSHIP, MI  A $24 million public sewer project has been proposed to protect Silver Lake, a popular tourist spot, but some residents think the plan stinks.

Officials with Oceana Countys Golden Township, home to the popular Silver Lake State Park, have proposed to construct a new sanitary sewer system to replace on-site septic systems for homes and businesses around the lake.

The $23.8 million sewer network would include underground pipes, updated septic tank effluent pump (STEP) systems for each piece of property in the service area, and a new township-owned wastewater treatment facility. The township is also considering installing settling lagoons as part of the project.

Construction could begin in 2020 and be completed by 2021, according to a preliminary engineering report drafted by Fleis & Vandenbrink, an engineering firm hired by Golden Township to help spearhead the project.

Township trustees began exploring a new sewer system in 2017 as a way to curtail excessive algae blooms and improve poor water quality at Silver Lake. Township and county officials believe that the use of individual septic tanks exacerbated both issues due to a process called nutrient loading  or the harmful introduction of nutrients into an ecosystem via industrial or wastewater runoff.

Not all of the 600 residents living around the lake believe the project is necessary. Many of them said on Facebook that lake quality is a persistent problem, but cite a recent study that shows the algal blooms are starting to wane and that the overall water quality improved in 2018. Some believe there are less expensive alternatives to a new sewer system. Others say that septage runoff isnt to blame, and that poor lake management is the real culprit.

Golden Township Supervisor Carl Fuehring said a solution to the lakes health woes is long overdue.

The need for or the acquisition of a sewer project has been going on for over 40 years, Fuehring told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Two years ago, when the lake took a dump, and had all sorts of problems, we had a huge outpouring of people that wanted something done. The township board was approached by a huge number of people and businesses that deemed it was about time, and the engineering studies suggested that this would help a whole lot.

Financing could come from a number of sources, including but not limited to county-issued bonds, a private loan, special tax assessments on residents, user and connection fees, or all of the above.

Fuehring said the township was approved for a $23.8 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan to pay for the project pending a decision from the board to move forward. The township board wants to wait to see Fleis & Vandenbrinks final design plans before it signs on the dotted line, Fuehring added.

A public meeting to discuss the project and possible financing is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 13 at Grace Adventures, a camp located at 2100 N. Ridge Road in Mears.

Low- or fixed-income residents also may be able to apply for USDA grants to pay for special assessments or increased user fees, details likely to be discussed at the April meeting.

Concerns float to the surface

Fuehring and residents commenting on a local Facebook group agree that Silver Lake needs attention, but a growing number of property owners are starting to turn up their noses at a new sewer system.

Residents have since formed the Silver Lake Dunes Area Property Owners group on social media to vent their frustrations. The group of 800, which includes some who are in support of the project, is now collecting donations to retain an attorney if the township decides to move forward with its ambitious yet controversial plan.

Residents were lead to believe the installation of a STEP sewer system would be the only a way to mitigate unhealthy nutrients responsible for the lakes decline in health, but it has since come to light that this is not necessarily true, reads a news release the Silver Lake Dunes Area Property Owners issued in January. The disagreement on how the restoration is implemented appears to be between local business owners, Upper Silver Lake residents, whose water drains directly into Silver Lake via Hunter Creek, and ... homeowners (in the proposed service area) directly adjacent to lower Silver Lake.

One major concern expressed by residents is the overall cost of the project. The township would likely take out a loan or ask Oceana County to sell bonds to pay for upfront engineering and construction costs, Fuehring said. That could lead to the township taxing residents and charging connection and usage fees to pay back a loan or county-sold bonds.

An exact accounting of potential fees and assessments is currently unknown.

Others worry that the township is ignoring the real problem, which some say has nothing to do with septage runoff at all. A 2014 study conducted by Progressive AE, which previously managed Silver Lake, states that chemicals used to kill off invasive plant species may have unintentionally killed off Silver Lakes natural vegetation.

The mass of decaying plant matter may have created what opposition leader Eric Hubel called a venerable buffet of nutrients for algal blooms -- a claim supported by a 2018 study conducted by Restorative Lake Services, which currently manages the lake.

The same study pointed out that at least 50 percent of the nutrient load is coming from the Hunter Creek tributary.

From silver to green

Since nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from untreated septic sewage is known to promote algae growth  or eutrophication  Golden Township wants to eliminate individual septic systems. The systems currently used by the property owners feed into a drainage field, which has been known to contaminate area groundwater with excessive nitrogen and phosphorus deposits, according to an engineering study conducted by Fleis & Vandenbrink.

While the eutrophication of Silver Lake has been on the townships and Oceana Countys radar for four decades, it was in 2014 when immediate action was deemed necessary to preserve the lake, Fuehring said.

In 2016, Silver Lake had again come under scrutiny for poor lake management, according to a section of the Oceana County master plan regarding lake health. The report also said excessive nutrient runoff from homes, campgrounds, businesses and farms in municipalities had made the problem worse.

At the time, the master plan recommended building a new wastewater treatment facility or funneling septic sewage to one of four nearby facilities in Hart, Pentwater, Shelby and Hesperia.

Silver Lake is located on a 679.2 acre basin bordered by dunes to the east of Lake Michigan. Three tributaries feed into the lake, including a natural spring located to the north, the Hunter Creek inlet to the east and a small drainage area near the south shore of Silver Lake State Park.

Upper Silver Lake, another popular tourist destination to the north of Silver Lake, would eventually be connected to the new sewer system during the second phase of the sewer project.

A new way to manage waste

The township settled on a plan to replace on-site septic tanks at residences and commercial buildings with a new septic tank effluent pump (STEP) system, according to a project website created by Fleis & Vandenbrink,

The system consists of a holding tank, a pump, discharge line and electrical control panel at each property.

Sewer mains would be placed under the roadway using an underground drilling process to prevent heavy road work, detours or traffic delays, according to the website.

The new wastewater treatment facility to be built in the southeastern portion of the township would either be owned and maintained by Golden Township or an independent utility authority. Both options are currently being discussed by the township board.

Scott Dean with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said his department has the authority to review any plans for a proposed wastewater treatment facility.

Maintenance on the proposed system would be handled by the township. STEP tanks would still need to be drained, work that would be performed by the township at no additional cost to residents. Any maintenance on the tank itself or piping leading to the sewer main would be left up to residents or property owners.

Fleis & Vandenbrink noted that a STEP system would be the most cost-effective for Golden Township, as opposed to the more common gravity sewers used by most municipalities across Michigan.

The website states that Golden Township and its dune-addled geography is in short supply of large swaths of flat available land which is required for gravity sewers to function properly.

Fuehring also said that many roads in Golden Township were recently resurfaced with fresh pavement and tearing those up would be costly and unsightly.

Im not an engineer, but a gravity system when youre that close to the water table can be very formidable and could likely double the expense, he said. That would be a lot of work. And when you start digging up huge trenches, it really puts the kibosh on life for a couple years.

A blooming controversy

Some residents who agree with the countys urgency to clean up Silver Lake, dont believe a STEP system is their best option. They also believe some of the blame for excessive algae rests with Progressive AE.

During a Golden Township board meeting on Jan. 8, Hubel, called out the township for ignoring the report from Progressive AE in 2014 that put some of the blame on its lake management practices.

However, a separate study commissioned by the township through the United States Geological Survey did not consider that as a possible cause for Silver Lakes algae problem. The USGS laid the blame on septic sewage runoff.

Hubel argued that the lake quality was likely improving based on the USGS own calculations.

Mary Hubel, Eric Hubels wife, said the township should consider more advanced and typically less expensive on-site septic systems that mimic the process of a wastewater facility. Similar systems are already in use and have been approved by the Oceana County Health Department, Mary Hubel added.

The Hubels also cited a 2018 Silver Lake study produced by Restorative Lake Sciences that shows a majority of the nutrient load may be coming from runoff into the Hunter Creek tributary. The study commissioned by residents also says that part of the issue with algae and poor water quality came from decaying plant matter at the bottom of the lake, not septic runoff.

In response, Fuehring said the project is far from a done deal and the township is taking its time to collect input before it makes a decision. And while he welcomes the public input, Fuehring said the continued health of Silver Lake is his top priority.

Were waiting to hear what the engineers say and waiting to hear what the wishes of the people in the township are, Feuhring said. The ultimate bottom line, whats on everybodys shoulders, is whats best for the community and whats best for Silver Lake.
CASS COUNTY, MI  A man who fled police in Indiana led police on a chase before he stopped at an Edwardsburg home and barricaded himself inside for nearly an hour before giving up.

The incident happened Sunday, Feb. 17.

Elkhart County, Indiana, sheriffs deputies were pursuing the suspect who had multiple outstanding felony warrants. The chase crossed into Cass County around 2:25 p.m.

The pursuit ended when the suspect stopped at a residence in the 21000 lock of Channel Parkway in Edwardsburg. The suspect, believed to be armed, barricaded himself inside the home.

Police negotiated with the suspect by cell phone for about 50 minutes before the man came out of the house and gave himself up, police said.

The vehicle he was driving was stolen, police said

The investigation continues.
CASS COUNTY, MI  Four people are facing criminal charges after detectives found drugs and stolen cars during a search of a Mason Township home Sunday.

Detectives found over an ounce methamphetamine, a bag of cocaine, a gallon-sized plastic bag of marijuana, over $4,000 in cash and methamphetamine paraphernalia during the search of a house on the 21000 block of Channel Parkway in Cass Countys Mason Township Sunday, Feb. 17, according to a news release. Two vehicles reported stolen in Indiana were also recovered outside the residence, police said.

The search was conducted after sheriffs deputies from Elkhart County, Indiana, chased a 34-year-old man with multiple outstanding felony warrants. Deputies crossed the Indiana border into Michigans Cass County around 2:25 p.m. Sunday.

The man eventually stopped at the Mason Township home and barricaded himself inside, police said. Almost an hour later, he surrendered to officers and was taken back to Elkhart County by deputies.

A search of the home was conducted and four additional subjects were detained, police said. Three of the four residents detained in he home are facing charges, according to the news release.

A 40-year-old Elkhart man faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a 30-year-old Elkhart woman faces charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine and an 18-year-old Goshen, Indiana, woman faces a charge of possession of methamphetamine. All three were taken to the Cass County Jail.

Charges are also being sought against the 34-year-old man who fled police, police said.

The names of those arrested by police are being withheld pending their arraignment.

Anyone with information regarding this case or any other criminal activity in the area is asked to call the Cass County Sheriffs Office Tip Line at 1-800-462-9328 or contact the Sheriffs Office through the Anonymous Web Tip Line.
BLACKMAN TWP., MI  A wayward cat looking for a spot to stay warm trapped herself inside a car engine on Valentines Day, but was rescued by a group of mechanics.

A woman starting her car Thursday, Feb. 14, felt something was wrong and quickly turned the car off to see what it was, only to find a cat wedged deep in her cars engine compartment, Jackson County Animal Shelter Director Lydia Sattler said.

Not wanting to hurt the animal, the woman had a tow truck take her car to Art Moehn Chevrolet, 2200 Seymour Road, where the mechanics pushed it into a service bay and worked to free the cat, Sattler said.

Chevy -- now the cats name because she trapped herself inside a Chevrolet Trax -- was handed over to the shelter once she was free, Sattler said.

Chevy, a domestic longhair, was trapped close to the cars serpentine belt. Cats that find their way inside an engine compartment rarely survive once the engine is started, the mechanics told the shelter.

Having the vehicle towed to the dealership saved (Chevys) life, Sattler said.

Chevy has injuries that will take time to heal, but she is expected to make a full recovery, Sattler said. Once she is feeling better, she will be available for adoption. Thats expected to take several weeks, Sattler said.

The Jackson County Animal Shelter reminds residents to check under their vehicle hoods before driving during cold weather.
JACKSON, MI -- After 33 years, Frosty King had outgrown its classic red-roofed location in Horton. So, it moved into the old Brown Cow building down the road at 7434 Moscow Road.

When the company opened in 1986, it only sold ice cream and coney dogs, said manager Ashley Callan-Bearden. The menu has doubled since then, which requires more inventory space.

Frosty King slid open its new service windows for the first time on Feb. 2. It was cold, but still busy with customers, Callan-Bearden said.

A lot of the reason people love Frosty King is just the experience, she said. They like the small-town feel and we have a great reputation after so many seasons.

Another Jackson County classic, Rudys Drive-In, 4061 Page Ave., opened Feb. 13. The car-hop service, which opened 48 years ago, had about 370 customers on opening day, Rudys manager Dariann Loynes said.

People are looking forward to spring and are really optimistic about the weather that is coming, Loynes said. People are in a better mood so they arent letting snow get in the way.

While the general menu remained the same, Rudys has added a Rudy Sauce, which is like a sweet honey Sriracha. Its a little sweet with a little hot, she said.

The community loves Rudys because its consistent, said Loynes, who has worked at the drive-in for 33 years. Whether they got a hot dog 10 years ago or yesterday, itll be the exact same, she said.

No matter who is cooking, we make sure its the same," she said. "We freak out when someone isnt happy because we go above and beyond. We arent exactly fast food.
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 23-year-old man named by police as a suspect in a teens shooting death at a Holland area hotel has been cleared and detectives say witnesses gave misinformation.

Police on Saturday, Feb. 16 named the man as a suspect in the shooting death of Troy TJ Wells Jr. at the Hampton Inn hotel. Police responded to the hotel just after midnight Saturday on a report of shots fired.

Ottawa County sheriffs investigators say the man turned himself into police in Hildago, Texas, when family members alerted him that warrants had been issued against him.

Detectives interviewed him and conducted other investigative work and now believe he was not in Michigan at the time of the shooting.

The man was released from custody in Texas after being held a short time, police said. MLive is no longer naming the man because police have cleared him.

Detectives also say they now believe that some witnesses interviewed on Saturday gave false or misleading information that led police to name the man as a suspect.

Police say they now have identified a different person as a suspect, an 18-year-old Holland man. They are not naming that person and say he is not in custody.

Sheriffs detectives expect to meet with Ottawa County prosecutors Monday to look at possible charges against those who gave false information as well as warrants against the 18-year-old.

Anyone with information about the death can call Silent Observer at1-877-88-SILENT or tips can be sent to www.mosotips.com
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Quinn James, accused of killing East Kentwood High student Mujey Dumbuya, 16, after she accused him of rape, is on trial this week charged with first-degree murder.

James, 43, is serving 20 to 30 years in prison for the summer 2017 rapes. A jury convicted him of third-degree criminal sexual conduct despite the lack of testimony of the victim.

He is on trial this week in Kent County Circuit Court in Dumbuyas January 2018 killing.

27 Quinn James convicted of raping teen later found dead

She went missing Jan. 24, 2018, after going to her bus stop. She did not show up for school, which worried her family who reported her missing. Her body was found four days later in a wooded area near North Prairie Avenue in Kalamazoo.

She had been strangled.

Grand Rapids police, who investigated with Kalamazoo police, contend Quinn killed her to prevent her testimony in the rape case.

Prospective jurors on Monday were asked about their knowledge of the case, and if they could set aside any feelings they may have.

One prospective juror felt sick and was excused. Another said he did not feel comfortable standing in judgment of others.

A woman in the jury pool who was not seated told Judge George Quist that her daughters go to school with a cousin of the victim while a friend is close to the victims family.

She said she would not be able to be fair to James.

Defense attorney Jonathan Schildgen, whose client is black, noted that the woman was one of the few black people in the jury pool. Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Kellee Koncki responded that she did not oppose the woman being on the jury.

The judge then excused the woman based on her relationships with the victims family.

Opening statements are expected Tuesday morning, with testimony to follow. The trial is expected to go all week.

Three others with ties to the case had their trials cancelled, court records showed.

Gerald Bennett, 59, of Detroit, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and perjury.

He did not know James until a mutual friend, Daren Eckford, 51, of Detroit, provided Bennetts contact information after James allegedly asked if he knew someone who could help take care of a problem, Eckford has testified.

Eckford is charged with perjury for allegedly lying to a prosecutor during an investigative subpoena early on.

Tiara Burnett, 27, James fiancee, is also charged with perjury.

Dumbuya was born in war-torn Sierra Leone and came to the U.S. to escape the violence in the western African country that often targeted girls.

Testimony showed that James raped Dumbuya while she dated the nephew of his fiancee. The nephew lived with James and Burnett.
FLINT, MI -- New independent testing of Flint water for lead matches results of both independent and city testing last year.

A report posted online by the state Department of Environmental Quality this week says the 90th percentile for 51 high-risk homes tested in Flint from May through December was 4 parts per billion of lead -- less than half the current federal and future state action level.

Professors from Michigan State University and the University of Notre Dame supervised the testing, which is the result of a settlement agreement reached after a lawsuit filed by the Concerned Pastors for Social Action and others against the city of Flint and the state.

Dated Jan. 21, the report by professors Susan J. Masten and Kyle Doudrick says the number of homes tested with lead service lines dropped from the first independent round of testing from 92 to 51.

The number of residents ... to participate decreased over the summer" and fewer homes with lead service lines were available to test as the city continued its program to remove and replace lead and galvanized steel connections, the report says.

The Concerned Pastors and Natural Resources Defense Council were among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit that led to the third-party testing.

Flints 90th percentile for lead has been 4 ppb in the last four rounds of testing -- two by the city and two by the independent testers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency action level for lead is 15 ppb, and the state limit starting in 2025 will be 12 ppb. The 90th percentile is a formula used by EPA to measure the prevalence of lead in public water systems nationwide.
ANN ARBOR, MI - About 120 people took to the snowy streets of Ann Arbor on Presidents Day to protest President Donald J. Trumps declaration of a national emergency to justify building a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Protesters gathered at noon Monday, Feb. 18, on East Liberty Street to voice their disapproval of what they called a fake national emergency and an overstep of presidential power.

This is at the same time scary, because this is a real page from a dictators playbook," said Jessica Prozinski, of Stop Trump Ann Arbor, who helped organize Mondays protest. To declare a national emergency about something that is strictly political because you couldnt get it through Congress is a very dangerous play."

Trumps national emergency over the border not only circumvents Congress, but also the will of the people, Adam Nash, a Stop Trump Ann Arbor co-organizer, said. He said it would be just as dangerous for a Democratic president to use a state of emergency to implement single-payer healthcare or gun control.

No, a benevolent dictatorship is not the answer here. The power has to come from the people," Nash said.

The group marched up Main Street, chanting Stop Trump, end tyranny now." Some held signs that read Trump is the national emergency.

A similar protest was planned in Ypsilanti, too, as part of a national Presidents Day protest campaign coordinated by MoveOn.org, a progressive advocacy organization and political action committee.

Trump declared a national emergency on Friday, Feb. 15, in an effort to bypass Congress and access billions of dollars to build his promised border wall. He said the drugs, criminals and illegal immigrants coming to America from Mexico constitute a national emergency.

A government spending bill passed by Congress earlier last week included $1.375 billion for fencing and other physical barriers on the Mexican border. Trump wanted $5.7 billion for the border wall.

The border wall was a key point in Congress inability to reach consensus on a spending bill, which led to a 35-day partial government shutdown going into 2019, the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

The federal government temporarily re-opened for three weeks while negotiations over spending on border security continued, and Friday was the deadline to reach an agreement or face another shutdown.

Many have questioned whether Trumps use of a national emergency to bypass Congress spending bill violates the Constitution. The point will be decided through litigation after several groups said they plan to file a lawsuit seeking to block the declaration of an emergency at the border.

Theresa Reid, of Ann Arbor, hoped Mondays protests prompt lawmakers to vacate the national emergency declaration and impeach Trump. She marched with her daughter and her daughters friend, who are both high school seniors.

There is no national emergency," Reid said. "If we dont protest, whos going to stop him. We have to stop him.

Maxwell Miller, of Ann Arbor, also said he wanted Congress to nullify the national emergency.

This is an authoritarian step, he said. The president of the United States should not be circumventing the entire legislative system in order to get something that was denied rightfully.
The daughter of George Mendonsa, the sailor shown kissing a woman in the famous photo taken in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II, says her father died Sunday at the age of 95.

In the photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt on Aug. 14, 1945, Mendonsa is shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform whom he had never met, after the Japanese surrender was made public. The Associated Press reports that people spilled into the Big Apples streets, and Mendonsa celebrated the news with a kiss on the woman dressed as a nurse.

The photo is known as V-J Day in Times Square or more simply as The Kiss.

A.P. dubs it as one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, which first appeared and gained mainstream recognition in Life magazine. Mystery surrounded the photo for most of its existence as several people claimed to be the couple before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed as the two actually shown.

The Navy Times reported back in March 2018 that Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed as the pair in the historic photo through forensic science. The two reunited years later in 2012 to recreate the famous photo.

Mendonsa served on the destroyer The Sullivans during WWII as part of the commissioning crew. He rose through the ranks to quartermaster 1st class, and was said to be at the helm of a 1945 mission that saw the rescue of 166 sailors after two Kamikaze attacks.

At the time the photo was taken, Mendonsa was back in the U.S. on 30 days of leave when the end of the war was announced, according to the Navy Times.

Sharon Molleur, Mendonsas daughter, told The Providence Journal that the 95-year-old died two days before his birthday after falling and suffering a seizure at a Rhode Island assisted living facility.

Friedman died back in 2016 at the age of 92 from complications of old age at a Virginia hospital, according to the news organization.
LANSING, MI  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was most of the way through her first State of the State address last week before she mentioned lowering auto insurance, filling the legislative chamber with applause.

Well I finally got you up! she shouted over the cheering, turning around to shake hands with House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering.

It was a bipartisan moment in a speech that sought to strike chords with two very different groups: the voters who supported her platform and the Republican lawmakers she needs to make it a reality. And to political experts, it signaled the return of an inherently political governor.

Lansing needs to get used to having a more political governor again. I mean, Rick Snyder was unusual in that way. Whether you buy this or not, he was selling himself as a sort of neutral umpire, said Adrian Hemond, partner and CEO at political consulting firm Grassroots Midwest.

John Truscott, CEO and Principal of public relations firm Truscott Rossman, said a friend of his described Whitmer like a little bit of former Gov. Jennifer Granholm in her public speaking ability and a little like former Gov. John Engler in her toughness and legislative smarts  a comparison he agreed with.

He said the two sides are staking out their positions right now, and there is no ambiguity about where Whitmer stands.

With her State of the State speech, he said, I think what she did is let people know shes in charge.

A speech with something for everyone

In her speech, Whitmer brought up some priorities that appealed to her true-blue base, like increasing education funding, fixing the roads and expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to cover LGBT Michiganders. Some Republican lawmakers were put off.

Honestly, I didnt think it was that bipartisan, Rep. James Lower, R-Cedar Lake, said after the Governors speech.

It seemed like there was there was an overtone of trying to be bipartisan but there was a strong undertone of very partisan rhetoric that I didnt personally care for.

To others, it seemed like there were parts of the speech meant for Democrats and parts meant for everybody.

It was a mix. Thats part of why I think the speech was so good. She was very clear about progressive priorities she has... but also there was a lot of bipartisanship in the speech, too, Hemond said.

David Dulio, Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Oakland University, said the speech did set that tone, speaking to both her Democratic base and legislative Republicans.

Any time a governor or a president is dealing with divided government, they have to pay attention to both of those sides, Dulio said.

Right now, he said, Whitmer needs the legislature after campaigning on lofty goals which she needs their help to accomplish.

Working together

House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, said after Whitmers speech that the Democratic base probably took it better than the Republican base.

But the fact is, we need to stop thinking about what the bases of our parties think and start realizing that we need to put partisanship out the window and check it at the door when we enter the chamber to work together, Chatfield said.

Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, said after Whitmers speech that it set a tone for Michigan's path forward.

I think that what is true across the state is that these are issues that affect everybody, McMorrow said.

Its not Republican, its not Democratic, and were going to have to work together and work together quickly, but voters are depending on us to do that.

Working together, ultimately, is what Truscott expects to produce results. It is the honeymoon period right now, he said, but budget season will inevitably bring more clashes and conflicts.

Yes, there will be some tough fights. But in the end, there will be some pragmatic solutions, he said.
If Martwick was serious about reforming the system, Lightfoot said, he should have included Kaegi in that discussion rather than filing a bill to take Kaegi off the ballot after one term. You could have called him at any point. You could have called him during his transition period to have that discussion, she said. Instead, what you did is you dropped the bill on a Friday afternoon and you called him afterward. That smacks of cronyism.
A Michigan representative is continuing his quest to make ballot selfies legal.

Michigan law currently prevents voters from taking photos of their ballots, and if enforced, the penalty can be having the ballot thrown out. Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, reintroduced legislation last week that would remove that restriction for both in-person and absentee voters.

The bill, House Bill 4196, is identical to a bill Johnson introduced last session that cleared the House Elections and Ethics Committee last year. The latest version was referred to the same committee, and would have to pass the House, Senate and be signed by the governor to become law.

Around the country, people increasingly are sharing pictures of their ballot as a way to show support for candidates and issues, Johnson, R-Wayland, said in a statement. The Founding Fathers felt so strongly about our freedom of speech that they protected it with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect this form of free speech in Michigan.

The question of whether voters should have the right to take pictures of themselves and their ballots in Michigan voting booths came into sharper focus when Joel Crookston, of Portage, challenged the ban in federal court. The lawsuit is ongoing, but as it stands the ban is still in place.

According to CNN, Michigan is one of 18 states that ban ballot selfies outright.
Krystal Jos Diner in Flint was part of the search for Michigans Best Diner, and got a visit from Amy Sherman and John Gonzalez on Tuesday February 12 2019. The tiny little spot that has been a restaurant since 1946, serves breakfast and lunch all day in a old school, tiny little place.

Enter owner Tony Tuckers domain, and be prepared to enjoy the banter and jokes that he and his staff easily throw back and forth. Hes owned the diner since 2008, and named it after his lovely wife. You can grab a seat at the well polished counter for a front row show, or sit at one of the four tables crammed into the front.

Its a super straightforward menu at Krystal Jos, with burgers, fries, breakfasts and sandwiches available. This does not mean its a simple menu, however. Tuckers prides himself on making it all homemade, and his attention to quality really shows. The food is very well made here, across the board.

While Tucker will claim that he is actually just a burger joint, after trying his massive and delicious breakfasts, we would have to respectfully disagree. The Country Classic Omelette comes out on what might be considered a platter in some families. Fluffy eggs embrace huge pieces of sausage, crunchy bacon, sauteed onions, and cheese, and then gets a ladle of sausage gravy, that actually has tons of porky bits in it. The American fries that accompany the dish are crispy and tender, and perfectly seasoned.

Tonys Spicy Chicken Wrap sounds pretty straight up, with fried chicken strips nestled in a fresh grilled pita, with lettuce and tomato. However, with the inspired additions of house made hot sauce, haystack onions, cheddar cheese, briny banana peppers and spicy ranch, this sandwich becomes a thing of beauty. A sum greater than its parts, it hits all the right notes.

Tony is correct in saying that his burgers are pretty great. The meat is fresh, with a great crumble and flavor all on its own. We tried the Deer Camp Burger, a spicy little bomb that features jalapenos stuffed into the burger, and then topped with fried onions, jalapeno cream cheese, lettuce and tomato. Its hot, and we mean that in all the right ways.

Fries are hand cut here, and fried to order, and delicious. Pro tip: Dip them in that spicy ranch. Onion rings are hand cut, extra thick, hand battered and fried to a shattering salty crisp.

Come for the food, stay to enjoy the chatter. Tucker takes Mondays off, but youll be equally entertained by his cook Shane, who sounds like quite a character. Server John Little Wing Grayson finally got hired in June, after yearning to work here for years. I walk out of here with a smile on my face every day, he told us. After a visit to Krystal Jos, we are pretty sure youll be doing the same.

Krystal Jos Diner

3616 Fenton Road

Flint, Michigan 48507

(810) 424-3272
Spain: Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri addresses a spiritual training workshop

Minhaj Sisters (Spain) were happy to have a spiritual training workshop with Chairman Supreme Council Minhaj ul Quran Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri.

The workshop commenced with the melodious recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Nasheed which was read by young Sisters.

Minhaj Sisters also presented their one-year performance report which was really appreciated by Dr Hassan. He then took to the stage to enlighten and awaken the hearts of the audience with his powerful and inspirational talk. He started his talk by explaining the importance of having belief and deep relationship with Holy Quran.

Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that the Holy Quran is a Word of Love from Allah Almighty, so we should open it every day to understand the message of Allah Almighty that He has sent for us.

Later on he explained that we are fortunate to have Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri as our Quaid who is a reviver of this century and who has taught us nothing but love and kindness. He said that it is now our duty to spread the message of Islam with love and kindness as we are the representative of Islam and Minhaj-ul-Quran.

Dr Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri prayed to Allah to give us the ability to attach ourselves to the Holy Prophet (saw) and fill our hearts with the love of Allah and the Holy Quran.
The patrol boats, which have been in the Persian Gulf region since 2003, have been replaced by two of the service's newest...
CROMWELL  Town officials remain hopeful they will win Board of Finance approval for the proposed new highway department/Water Pollution Control Authority office/garage complex.

The proposal calls for construction of a 38,792-square-foot complex on a 13.5-acre parcel of town-owned land off County Line Road.

If approved by the finance board and then by residents, the new facility would replace the out-moded and inadequate highway garage and the WPCAs rental space both located off Community Field Road.

The Town Council has given its approval to the project, first in a vote in which the three Democrats on the council abstained, and then in second vote in which two of the Democrats cast yes votes for a 6-0-1 outcome.

Late last month, the finance board split 3-3 on the proposal when three board members said they did not have sufficient information on which to make an informed decision.

The tie vote meant the proposal was not approved.

Town officials recently returned with additional information for a special finance board meeting.

In addition to an extensive written explanation of the proposed project, the director of finance, the director and deputy director of public works, the town attorney, and the towns bonding agent joined the town manager at the meeting, ready to answer any questions board members might have had.

But action was delayed once again, when the discussion broke down over a procedural issue.

The meeting did not go well, said former finance board Chairman Edwin J. Maley, who is perhaps the most prominent no vote.

Maley noted again, as he had after the first meeting on the issue, about what he said was his and fellow Democrat Bob Milardos inability to get sufficient information in a timely manner.

Maley also said Milardo, who cast one of the initial no votes, needed more time to digest the data,

Despite the array of officials who were present, including the bonding agent, Maley said, It felt like the town administration was trying to shove this thing down our throats.

And yet, following the meeting, Maley also said, This [project] is something that needs to get done.

The board has now scheduled a third meeting on the issue on Feb. 28.

We sent each member a packet with all the information the board said they required, Town Manager Antony J. Salvatore said Monday.

Its our hope that with that information and with the bonding agent available to answer any questions the members may have that we will get a favorable vote so we can move this project forward, he added.

There is a need for this project, finance board Vice Chairman Julius C. Neto said Monday.

Its up to the folks who voted no if they feel they have sufficient information and that they understand it so, hopefully, we can get a positive result.
In 2014, as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, Oberweis was defeated by Durbin 53.5 percent to 43 percent. A dozen years earlier, he finished second in the GOP primary for the right to challenge Durbin. In 2004, he finished second again in the GOP U.S. Senate primary to challenge future President Barack Obama.
MIDDLETOWN  Middletown Police Officer Jay Bodell, a 14-year military veteran and former Cheshire detective, thought he was ready for just about any challenge thrown his way.

But when it comes to running into icy waters after a tough New England winter, he very quickly learned being capable of a physical feat is less about physical fitness and all about strength of mind.

For the third year in a row, Bodell, 34, will be diving into freezing cold Long Island Sound, attempting a Super Plunge for Special Olympics Connecticut: 24 plunges in 24 hours at the end of next month. The last two years he participated in the Rhode Island event. For 2019, the plunge is in the Nutmeg State.

Its all for a cause, to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes.

Last year, the air temperature was the equivalent of -17 degrees considering the windchill.

I thought it was going to be a fun night  a bunch of first responders hanging out, and every hour we jump in the water, and maybe there were adult beverages. It was brutal, Bodell said. Just as the plungers feet hit the sand, volunteers stood at the ready with a big towel to envelop them.

Youre not sleeping, you start to warm up, get your core temp back to normal, and then its time to go back in. I didnt know if could get through it, Bodell admitted. You have to be mentally strong, because it really gets in your head.

Bodell was a shipboard rescue swimmer in the Coast Guard, but that was many years ago, many pounds ago.

The plungers have use of hot tubs, and, mercifully, an indoor warming area in the Elks Lodge.

Jackie Turro, senior director of special events, has volunteered for the Super Plunge in Rhode Island for the past two years. Theyre incredibly dedicated. Every hour, they run back in the water right after theyve finally warmed up, maybe gotten a couple minutes of sleep.

The thing that struck me the most was the camaraderie theyve built. A lot of them went into this as strangers. For the past couple of years, theyve gotten really close. Theyre kind of like a small family, she said.

Its heartwarming to witness these plungers supported by the Special Olympics athletes theyre doing this feat for, as well as the communities and other first responders who come out en mass to support a good cause, Turro said.

Bodell is using the Middletown Penguin Plunge March 2 at the Elks Lodge at Crystal Lake as a practice run.

I ask them every year: I love that you guys and gals are doing this, but Why? Have you lost your mind? Turro said with a big laugh.

They always come back with something along the lines of Weve gotten so much from supporting all of these Special Olympic athletes and this is nothing compared to what theyve had to overcome. Its their little way of doing whatever they can to make the world a little bit of a better place, she said.

Its a tough time to be in law enforcement, she acknowledged.

Its not always the greatest environment for law enforcement these days. You dont call the cops when youre having a good day. Its nice people can see them in a different way: soaking wet, freezing, plunging in again and again. It sends a really good message were all in this together, Turro said.

Bodell has raised $726 toward his $2,000 goal, which hed like to meet  and maybe even surpass.

When he heard about the challenge, he was all gung-ho. It was July and 90 degrees when they asked: 24 hours? It sounds like a party. Im in. The weekend before, it was 70 degrees. It was oddly warm, he said.

But then a deep freeze descended on the area. That was just the worst possible weekend for it, but we pushed through and motivated each other and did it, said Bodell, who brings along about six pairs of swimming trunks, 10 T-shirts and an inversion chair, all in the hopes of getting even five minutes of shut-eye.

Middletown Police Chief William McKenna has been very supportive  not only of Bodells efforts, but that of all those who take part in Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run events.

Every June, athletes run across the state, carrying the torch for the Olympic Games in New Haven. Its something Im very passionate about, and he was all for it, Bodell said.

The event takes place March 30 and 31 at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, and all money raised supports Special Olympics year-round sports, health and fitness programs for people of all abilities.

Medical personnel are on scene with divers ready in the water. The community support is probably the biggest motivator besides the athletes themselves. It gets trying once darkness falls because the crowds diminish to about five people by 3 a.m. Its ridiculously cold, he admitted.

Volunteers are there with food. Youre constantly eating all night  and then you wonder how youre still hungry. But your body is burning so many calories from the extreme cold. Its an absolute shock to the bodys constitution, Bodell said.

It hits you and you freeze up and you warm up and you do it again, so your body is constantly fighting, he added.

You start to really hit the wall at 4 or 5 a.m. The sun comes up, and it really hurts more, because its morning. Its at its coldest time, but that last couple of plunges, when people start coming back, the adrenalin kicks in and pushes you through, Bodell said.

The plungers are there to support the more than 12,000 Special Olympics athletes in Connecticut.

We dont hear about their struggles. We dont hear about them getting picked on at school or just being laughed at. They deal with that. Their families deal with that every single day, Bodell said.

The community is invited to join the final plunge March 31 at noon after raising a minimum of $100. Those interested may contact Turro at jackiet@soct.org.

To donate to Bodells efforts, visit https://bit.ly/2GuPyhL. Check out the CT Super Plunge page on Facebook.
Contributed photo

Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce will host U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney as its guest speaker for the Member Breakfast Meeting on Feb. 22. Courtney was elected in 2006 to represent the Second Congressional District of Connecticut in the House of Representatives. He serves on the Armed Services, and Education and Workforce Committees, and is chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. The event is sponsored by the Mohegan Tribe. Cost is $22 for members of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and $32 for non-members. Advance registration required; go to www.middlesexchamber.com.
HARTFORD  Two bills that could have a big impact on Connecticuts multi-million dollar commercial fishing business were the subject of an Environment Committee public hearing last week.

One of the bills would require the commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to allow fishermen who are licensed in more than one state to engage in dual landings of fish.

The legislation would allow commercial fishermen to take one days catch and bring them across state lines  to Rhode Island and New York  not just Connecticut.

Fishermen in Connecticut are not allowed to cross state lines with their catch. That means they have to make multiple trips even if they carry commercial fishing licenses in neighboring states.

The other bill would prohibit the possession and trade of shark fins in the state. The aim is to protect sharks from skinning for trade but commercial fishermen are worried that the bill may lead to a complete ban on shark fishing.

The dual landing fishing bill is sponsored by Sen. Heather Somers, R-Groton.

This is a very important bill for commercial fishermen, Somers told the committee. They have been faced with unfair quotas compared to other states.

She said fishermen who have commercial fishing licenses in Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island have to make three different trips. Those trips are in dangerous waters, extra fuel has to be used. Under this bill they could just go once, Somers said.

Committee member David Michel, D-Stamford, said he had concerns about the bill, however.

It seems like a risky bill for conservation, he said. It seems like a huge risk that it would be encouraging more fishing and we have lost more than 90 percent of our fish and planetary animals already, Michel said.

But Sen. Paul Formica, R- East Lyme, who testified in support of the bill, said that he didnt think the bills passage would mean that extra fish would be caught.

Instead, Formica maintained, the additional fish that a fishermen can not bring to Connecticut shores could be taken to neighboring states with dual landings. Now, he said, those fish are often just thrown into the sea.

There was a lengthy discussion about who should take the lead on enacting such a fishing initiative - the state legislature or regulatory agencies of the different states.

DEEP Commissioner-Designee Katie Dykes submitted testimony stating that DEEP supports the dual landing concept behind this bill, but suggested that legislators let DEEP work with sister agencies on formalizing a program.

She said: The proposed legislation would apply to all fish species for which commercial harvest is permitted. Several commercial fishers have expressed the opinion that while a dual landings program may be advantageous for a species like summer flounder, it would not be for other species and fisheries.

Dykes added: DEEP currently has regulatory authority to implement a dual landing program, and has been working in concert with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to formulate a dual landings program, with a target implementation date of 2020.

On the shark finning bill, of which Michel is a co-sponsor, many submitted written testimony in support.

Among them was Jo-Anne Basile, executive director of Connecticut Votes for Animals (CVA).

She called it a cruel and heinous practice.

In finning, a living sharks fins are cut off, and the rest of the shark is usually thrown back into the water to die.

This grisly practice is driven by the cheapest and most profitable way to meet the demand for shark fins, mostly for soup, Basile added. Although finning is prohibited by federal law, it is impossible to determine whether the fins entering the U.S. market are coming from legal and sustainable practices and so fins sold in the U.S. may be the result of finning and even derived from endangered species.

But legislators such as Somers, Formica and commercial fishermen told the committee to tread carefully if they move forward with the legislation to protect the shark fishermen.

Joint testimony submitted from the Connecticut Charter and Party Boat Association, which is comprised of 40 professional charter boats sailing from 10 different Connecticut ports covering the Western, Central and Eastern Long Island Sound, stated: If this bill is written and interpreted to ban possession of sharks, that would prevent us from being able to perform our work/charters.

The intention of the legislation is not to ban possession or fishing of sharks, but the organization worries if thats the case there would be an immediate impact on their business.
Miami, FL (33127)

Today

Mixed clouds and sun with scattered thunderstorms. High around 85F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Variable clouds with scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly overnight. Low 79F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Under Valencias watch, the city implemented a municipal ID program that has helped undocumented residents and others obtain a form of government identification. And as the election approached in recent months, she ordered a review committee to determine if Chicagos fines, fees and collection practices should be changed to help struggling residents get out from under debts accrued from unpaid parking tickets and city sticker fines. She also created a four-month city vehicle sticker that costs less than the full-year sticker so residents can have an affordable option to keep their cars legal.
The opening bid was $15,000 and the vase, which is several feet high and rests atop a base about 2 feet high and 4 feet wide, is believed to have been one of three rare vases made with the enamel technique known as cloisonne that Japanese artists produced for display at the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Before Torres uncovered its history, the vase first was appraised at $10,000 to $15,000. The auction house later increased its estimated value between $30,000 and $50,000.
"Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with," read the statement from his attorneys. "He has been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth."
Martin should not have been in possession of a gun, authorities said. His firearm owners identification card was revoked when authorities discovered a conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi in 1995. Martin bought the Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun after he was issued a FOID card in January 2014. Authorities only discovered the felony conviction when he applied for a concealed carry permit a few months later, and the state revoked the license.
Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos will participate in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council taking place in Brussels on Monday, 18 February.

he High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini is expected to refer to entry into force of the Prespa Agreement. For his part, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs will present to his counterparts the specific aspects of the implementation of the Agreement.

Subsequently, talks will revolve around international and regional developments, focusing on the situation in the Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, as well as recent developments in Syria.

During the Working Luncheon which will follow, the situation in Venezuela will be discussed, based on the briefing with regard to the outcome of the first meeting of the International Contact Group, the establishment of which Greece has strongly advocated.

On the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
CITY OF APPLE VALLEY RESOLUTION NUMBER 2018-126 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLLS IN THE CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Apple Valley will meet at the Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street W., on the 11th of October, 2018, at 7:00 oclock p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, to hear and pass upon all objections, if any, to the proposed assessments for delinquent tree removal charges as hereinafter described. The proposed assessment roll is on file with the Clerk and open to public inspection by all persons interested therein. The assessments against each piece of property will be payable, unless prepaid, in one installment as hereinafter described. The installment is to be payable with the general taxes collectible during the year 2019. Interest shall be added at the per annum rate specified on the entire assessment from the date of the resolution levying the assessment until December 31, 2019. The assessment may be prepaid to the Apple Valley City Clerk, without interest within thirty (30) days following the date of adoption. Roll 656 One (1) Installment at 8.0% 01 63300 02 020 PALOMINO HILLS 6TH REPLAT $1,098.92 Written or oral objections will be considered. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of any assessment unless written objection, signed by the affected property owner, is filed with the City Clerk prior to the hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. An owner may appeal an assessment to the district court pursuant to M.S.A. 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City of Apple Valley within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court of Dakota County within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk. DATED this 13th day of September, 2018. /s/ Pamela J. Gackstetter Pamela J. Gackstetter, City Clerk City of Apple Valley 7100 147th Street W. Apple Valley, MN 55124 Published in the Apple Valley Sun Thisweek September 21, 2018 859367

Ad details CITY OF APPLE VALLEY RESOLUTION NUMBER 2018-126 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLLS IN THE CITY OF APPLE VALLEY, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Apple Valley will meet at the Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street W., on the 11th of October, 2018, at 7:00 oclock p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, to hear and pass upon all objections, if any, to the proposed assessments for delinquent tree removal charges as hereinafter described. The proposed assessment roll is on file with the Clerk and open to public inspection by all persons interested therein. The assessments against each piece of property will be payable, unless prepaid, in one installment as hereinafter described. The installment is to be payable with the general taxes collectible during the year 2019. Interest shall be added at the per annum rate specified on the entire assessment from the date of the resolution levying the assessment until December 31, 2019. The assessment may be prepaid to the Apple Valley City Clerk, without interest within thirty (30) days following the date of adoption. Roll 656  One (1) Installment at 8.0% 01 63300 02 020 PALOMINO HILLS 6TH REPLAT $1,098.92 Written or oral objections will be considered. No appeal may be taken as to the amount of any assessment unless written objection, signed by the affected property owner, is filed with the City Clerk prior to the hearing or presented to the presiding officer at the hearing. An owner may appeal an assessment to the district court pursuant to M.S.A. 429.081 by serving notice of the appeal upon the Mayor or Clerk of the City of Apple Valley within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the assessment and filing such notice with the District Court of Dakota County within ten (10) days after service upon the Mayor or Clerk. DATED this 13th day of September, 2018. /s/ Pamela J. Gackstetter Pamela J. Gackstetter, City Clerk City of Apple Valley 7100 147th Street W. Apple Valley, MN 55124 Published in the Apple Valley Sun Thisweek September 21, 2018 859367
What were asking you is to give us some time, he said. Give us time to look at the failures, to dig deeply into what we have done wrong, give us the chance to fix this. If we havent done anything in 30, 60, 90 days, if this team is not able to push us forward, then I will walk with you hand in hand and we can leave. But I want you to stay with us now.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  The new law easing import restrictions on rice will take effect on March 3, as approved by the policy-making National Food Authority (NFA) Council Monday.

A statement from the Department of Finance, a Council member, on Monday said NFA's functions, including its Food Development Center, will be turned over to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Council also ordered the NFA to submit a restructuring plan within 30 days instead of its earlier 180-day proposal.

According to the statement, Finance Secretary Carlos "Sonny" Dominguez III presided over the meeting as "endorsed" by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol. Pinol was absent.

Others in the meeting were Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, and representatives of the National Economic Development Authority.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill into law on February 15. He had certified the bill as urgent in October in response to rising commodity prices.

The law removed from the NFA its power to implement negotiable warehouse receipts for grains, inspect grains for inventory, register, license and supervise warehouses and mills, and to regulate the grains trade.

Businesses and individuals can now buy rice from foreign sources and just pay the 40 percent tariff. Tax proceeds will fund programs to help farmers such as mass irrigation, rice storage and research initiatives.

NFA employees earlier opposed the law's passage, but their officer-in-charge Tomas Escarez allayed fears of layoffs.

Pinol, in a Facebook post Sunday, said he will support the rice tarriffication law amid claims he is against it.

"My personal views will not matter on whether these twin moves should be implemented or not," Pinol said. "The Philippine Government made these commitments to the World Trade Organization negotiations many, many years ago and these are commitments that we must honor or else we will face trade disputes from other WTO member countries."

Vice President worries about 'safety nets'

Vice President Leni Robredo, however, expresed concern over the so-called "safety nets" for farmers.

"Sana, unang una, ayusin iyong IRR, iyong implementing rules and regulations, siguruhin na iyong mawawala sa mga farmers, mayroon tayong pampalit -- mayroon tayong pampalit na subsidies saka assistance, para maihanda iyong ating mga magsasaka. Tapos ayusin iyong implementation. Kasi kapag hindi natin naayos iyong IRR, kapag hindi natin naayos iyong implementation ng safety nets, kawawa iyong ating mga magsasaka," Robredo said in a statement.

[Translation: Hopefully, first, we fix the IRR (implementing rules and regulations), ensure that whatever the farmers lost, we can return. There should be subsidies and assistance ready for our farmers. And it must be properly implemented. If we don't set the IRR up properly and we don't implement the safety nets properly, our farmers will suffer.]

Economic managers said the law would lower rice prices, which at a time hit 70 per kilogram in some areas last year. Farmer group Kilusan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas wants the law scrapped, calling it a "death warrant" for the rice industry and deny farmers of their livelihood.
Services for Charlie Hardy Jr. will be Monday, June 28, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Fellowship Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m. To view the full obituary go to www.jamesfwebb.com.
Lupron is the brand name for leuprolide acetate. This drug is a type of hormone therapy that doctors typically use in combination with other treatments to treat people with prostate cancer. Lupron belongs to a class of drugs called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists. These medications block the production of LHRH in the body, which results in the testicles producing less testosterone. Lupron is one of several drugs that doctors may prescribe to help fight prostate cancer by reducing testosterone levels in the body. In this article, we explore how Lupron works, how effective it is, and what to expect during treatment. We also discuss testosterone flares, side effects, and the outlook for people with prostate cancer.

How does it work? Share on Pinterest A doctor will administer Lupron as a small implant injected under the skin. Lupron and other LHRH agonists are forms of hormone therapy. For people with prostate cancer, the aim of hormone therapy is to reduce testosterone levels in the body. Male hormones, such as testosterone, encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, lowering testosterone levels in the body can help slow the progression of prostate cancer. Doctors typically prescribe hormone therapy for people with late-stage prostate cancer or prostate cancer that returns. Some doctors use hormone therapy when the disease is in the early stages, but the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend watching and waiting as the best approach for early-stage prostate cancer.

How effective is it? Hormone therapies, such as Lupron, are often effective in combination with other treatments for people with late-stage prostate cancer. Many doctors do not recommend hormone therapy during the early stages of this disease. One potential issue is that prostate cancer can become resistant to LHRH agonists over time in some people. According to the ACS, doctors may recommend hormone therapies, such as Lupron, for: cancer that comes back after radiation therapy or surgery

cancer that has spread too far for radiation therapy or surgery to cure it

people who cannot have radiation therapy or surgery

shrinking cancer before radiation therapy

people who are having radiation therapy and have a high risk of cancer returning after treatment

What to expect during treatment Doctors often use hormone therapies, such as Lupron, in combination with radiation therapy or other treatments. They may also use it following surgery. Healthcare professionals administer Lupron as a depot, which is a small implant that they inject under the persons skin. The individual can often choose an injection site that is suitable for them. Common injection sites include: upper arms

outer thighs

buttocks The treatment regimen for Lupron will depend on the individuals circumstances, and a person can work with their doctor to determine the best dosage. Some typical dosages include: 7.5 mg  one injection every 4 weeks

22.5 mg  one injection every 12 weeks

30 mg  one injection every 16 weeks

45 mg  one injection every 24 weeks When a person first starts treatment with Lupron, they may have a testosterone flare. Later on, they may experience side effects due to having very low testosterone levels in their body. After treatment stops, testosterone levels begin to return to normal.

Testosterone flares When a person first takes Lupron, their testosterone levels may rise, or flare, before dropping to very low levels. For some people, particularly those with advanced prostate cancer, a testosterone flare can temporarily cause their symptoms to worsen. The symptoms of a testosterone flare can include: blockage of the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder

bone pain

worsening nerve symptoms

spinal cord compression

issues with urination To help prevent a testosterone flare, doctors may also prescribe an anti-androgen drug during the first few weeks of treatment with an LHRH agonist.

Side effects Share on Pinterest Side effects of Lupron can include hot flashes, depression, and fatigue. As with any medical treatment, Lupron and other hormone therapies can cause side effects. Many of these side effects are symptoms of having very low testosterone levels. Possible side effects of hormone therapies, such as Lupron, can include: loss of muscle mass

hot flashes

fatigue

skin irritation at the site of injection

erectile dysfunction or loss of sex drive

shrunken testicles and penis

changes in blood lipids

depression

osteoporosis

mood swings

breast tenderness

weight gain

the growth of breast tissue

anemia A person should discuss any side effects that they are experiencing with their healthcare team. If the side effects are severe, the doctor may recommend changing the dosage or trying a different treatment.

Alternative treatment options There are several treatment options for prostate cancer, including other LHRH agonists and various types of hormone therapy. Other LHRH agonists include: goserelin (Zoladex)

triptorelin (Trelstar)

histrelin (Vantas) Alternative hormone therapies include: Orchiectomy . Also known as surgical castration, this is a surgical procedure to remove a persons testicles. The testicles produce most of the bodys testosterone.

. Also known as surgical castration, this is a surgical procedure to remove a persons testicles. The testicles produce most of the bodys testosterone. LHRH antagonists . These drugs work in a similar way to LHRH agonists, but they lower testosterone levels much more quickly. LHRH antagonists are a form of chemical castration, and doctors use them to treat people with advanced prostate cancer.

. These drugs work in a similar way to LHRH agonists, but they lower testosterone levels much more quickly. LHRH antagonists are a form of chemical castration, and doctors use them to treat people with advanced prostate cancer. CYP17 inhibitors . In addition to the testicles, other cells in the body produce small amounts of testosterone. CYP17 inhibitors block these cells from making testosterone.

. In addition to the testicles, other cells in the body produce small amounts of testosterone. CYP17 inhibitors block these cells from making testosterone. Anti-androgens. These drugs prevent testosterone from working in the body. Doctors usually prescribe anti-androgens in combination with other hormone therapies. The first treatment for people with prostate cancer is often watchful waiting, where a doctor closely monitors a person to see how the disease progresses. Prostate cancer can progress very slowly, and some people may never require any treatment. If a persons cancer does progress to more advanced stages, treatment options can include: radiation therapy

surgery

cryotherapy

chemotherapy

vaccine treatment Doctors often use hormone therapies either in combination with or following one of these treatments.

Outlook Share on Pinterest Survival rates for prostate cancer are generally very high. As prostate cancer often progresses very slowly, the survival rates for this disease are generally high. According to the ACS, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is 98 percent. This statistic means that people with prostate cancer are 98 percent as likely to live for at least 5 years following diagnosis as those without the condition. However, a persons outlook can depend on how advanced the disease is when a doctor diagnoses them with prostate cancer. For people with cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or has only spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is nearly 100 percent. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones, the 5-year relative survival rate is 30 percent. It is important to note that everyones outlook is different and that doctors have based these estimates on the data of men who received a diagnosis between 2008 and 2014.
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Essential oils are scented liquids that manufacturers derive from plants, flowers, and fruits. Research suggests that aromatherapy with some essential oils may help promote relaxation and relieve anxiety. In this article, we discuss some of the best essential oils to try for anxiety and the evidence supporting their use. We also cover how to use essential oils, oil blending, risk and considerations, and when to see a doctor for anxiety.

Bergamot orange Share on Pinterest Essential oils can aid relaxation. Bergamot orange essential oil comes from the Citrus bergamia tree. Producers extract the oil by cold-pressing the rind of the oranges. Bergamot orange is a popular aromatherapy oil for relieving anxiety. According to one 2015 systematic review, inhaling bergamot orange essential oil has an anxiety-reducing effect in rats. Also, a 2013 study found that compared with inhaling water vapor, aromatherapy with bergamot orange essential oil reduced anxiety in people awaiting minor surgery. A range of bergamot orange essential oils is available to purchase online.

Chamomile Chamomile is a daisy-like herb. Manufacturers use steam distillation to extract a fruity, sweet-smelling essential oil from the flowers of this plant. According to the National Cancer Institute, a 2-week clinical trial investigated the effects of massage with Roman chamomile oil in people with cancer. The study found that massage with this diluted oil helped decrease anxiety and other symptoms more than massage alone. People can purchase Roman chamomile essential oils online.

Clary sage Clary sage is a medicinal herb that many people believe to have anxiety-relieving properties. A small study from 2013 explored the effects of essential oil in 34 females with urinary incontinence. The participants inhaled either clary sage, lavender, or almond essential oils while having a bladder examination. The study found that compared with those who inhaled lavender and almond essential oils, participants who inhaled clary sage oil experienced significant decreases in blood pressure and respiratory rate. The researchers concluded that inhaling clary sage oil may help a person relax during a bladder examination. Many products containing clary sage essential oil are available to purchase online.

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia is a purple flowering plant with a fragrant scent. Aromatherapists commonly use essential oils from lavender, claiming that they have anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing, and anxiety-relieving properties. According to a 2017 review , several clinical trials suggest that aromatherapy with lavender oil can help reduce anxiety before surgery and cosmetic procedures as well as during a stay in an intensive care unit. However, the authors also emphasized the limitations of the current evidence base. Many lavender essential oil products are available to purchase online.

Lemon Share on Pinterest A person should use essential oils with care, as they are potent. Essential oil from lemon rind or leaves has a rich citrus scent. A 2015 systematic review found that maze studies in rats and mice suggest that exposure to lemon oil may have an anxiety-relieving effect in these animals. However, the reviews authors also say that another study found that continuous exposure to lemon oil had the opposite effect in animals and may cause a stressful response. So, it may be best for people to use lemon oil in lower doses or for shorter periods of time. It is also worth noting that citrus essential oils increase sensitivity to sunlight. A person should protect their skin from all sun exposure when using lemon essential oil. A range of lemon essential oils is available to buy online.

Neroli Neroli essential oil, or orange blossom essential oil, comes from the bitter orange tree, or Citrus aurantium. Manufacturers typically extract the oil from the blossoms of this tree. The scent of the oil is sweet and citrusy, and it may have anxiety-relieving properties. A 2015 systematic review notes that research suggests that aromatherapy with neroli oil has a calming effect and can help treat insomnia. People can purchase neroli essential oils online.

Rose Some animal studies suggest that essential oils from the flowers of rose plants may be beneficial for anxiety. According to a 2015 systematic review, conflict tests and maze studies in mice suggest that essential oil from Rose centifolia and Rose damascene may have an anxiety-relieving or relaxation effect in these animals. However, the review notes that results from a different mice study contradict these findings. Several essential oils from rose are available to purchase online.

Ylang-ylang Ylang-ylang essential oil comes from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. Many aromatherapists believe that ylang-ylang oil can help reduce stress and anxiety. In a small 2015 study involving 34 nurses, researchers found that aromatherapy with ylang-ylang did not have a significant effect on anxiety but did improve the participants self-esteem. People can buy ylang-ylang essential oils online.

Other essential oils The American College of Healthcare Sciences recommend some other essential oils for providing anxiety relief and lifting mood. Although there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, some people may find aromatherapy with these oils beneficial. These essential oils include: basil

geranium

grapefruit

lime

sandalwood

sweet orange

How to use essential oils Share on Pinterest Reed diffusers can distribute essential oil aroma in a room. Essential oils are very pure, concentrated oils. Many of these oils are toxic, so a person should not ingest them. Most manufacturers will recommend diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil. Always read the label before using and carefully follow the directions for diluting the oil. A person may also wish to consider doing a patch test before applying essential oils to their skin or fabrics. Some may stain or cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. There are several different ways that a person can use diluted essential oils, such as by: using the oils in special diffusers

applying the oils to fabrics and soft furnishings, such as bedding, pillows, or cushions

massaging the oils into the skin

mixing oils in with bath salts or lotions

Oil blending A person may wish to experiment with blending essential oils to create different fragrances and effects. For example, a person can try blending bergamot, frankincense, and lavender essential oils with a carrier oil. Another blend option is mixing bergamot, lavender, and ylang-ylang oils with a carrier oil. According to one 2015 review, inhalation aromatherapy with a blend of rose and lavender essences helped reduce anxiety in a group of female college students.

Risks and considerations Pure essential oils are highly concentrated, and many are potentially toxic. For this reason, it is vital to dilute them in carrier oil before use. Manufacturers usually provide advice on how best to dilute the essential oil. Diluting the oil reduces the likelihood that it will irritate a persons skin, eyes, or lungs. A person should never apply undiluted essential oils to their skin or eyes. Signs of skin irritation or an allergic reaction to an essential oil can include: blotchy skin

itching

pain

redness Before applying the diluted essential oil to the skin, it is generally best to test it on a small patch of skin. If a reaction occurs, clean the skin with soap and warm water and stop using the oil.

When to see a doctor Some people may find that essential oils can help promote relaxation and relieve stress. However, chronic anxiety can have a detrimental effect to both a persons mental and physical health. If anxiety is causing significant distress or disruption to a persons daily routine, they may wish to consider seeing a doctor. Symptoms of anxiety can include: difficulty sleeping

irritability

muscle tension

avoiding public places

wanting to stay at home

trouble concentrating There are many interventions that can help a person manage anxiety, including: psychotherapy, such as counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy

medications

relaxation techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga

support groups

lifestyle changes, such as stress avoidance and regular exercise
Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that causes symptoms when a person is around certain triggers, for example, pet dander. These allergens lead to an immune system response that affects the lungs and makes it harder to breathe. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, allergic asthma is the most common asthma type. Allergies can be dangerous if they cause a life-threatening response known as anaphylaxis. In allergic asthma, as well as nonallergic asthma, an asthma attack, or exacerbation, can also be fatal occasionally. As a result, a person may wish to talk to their doctor about identifying asthma triggers to reduce the likelihood of an attack.

Symptoms Share on Pinterest Asthma can cause breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some of the symptoms include: chest tightness

coughing

problems breathing

shortness of breath

wheezing People will usually notice these symptoms become worse when they have exposure to certain triggers, which can include allergens. A serious asthma attack can cause severe airway swelling that makes it difficult to breathe at all. A person may then require emergency medical treatment to help them breathe.

Causes Doctors do not know exactly why some people have allergic asthma, and others do not, although it can run in families. People with allergic asthma are also more likely to have atopic dermatitis, eczema, and allergic rhinitis or hay fever, as are other family members. Researchers continue to study information on different gene variations that may make a person more prone to allergic asthma. They are also examining how people with different genes respond to treatments. For example, people with specific genes may not respond to certain treatments. Each individual with allergic asthma may have different triggers. For some people, these allergens cause no symptoms. In others, they can make breathing difficult and trigger an asthma attack. Some of the most common allergens are: cockroaches, including their saliva, feces, and body parts

dust mites

mold

pet dander, such as from dogs or cats

pollen from plants, including grasses, trees, and weeds When a person is sensitive to a particular allergen and experiences exposure to it, their immune system starts releasing the compound immunoglobulin E, or IgE. Excess IgE in the body can then trigger the release of other substances that may cause airway inflammation. Excess amounts of IgE can lead to a process that makes the airways smaller. Breathing through smaller airways is more difficult than through larger ones. The result can be an asthma attack.

Diagnosis Doctors will begin diagnosing allergic asthma by asking a person about their symptoms, including what makes these better or worse. Next, a doctor may perform respiratory function tests to determine the impact on the airways. They may also undertake skin testing to determine if a person has a reaction to specific allergens. Allergic asthma is different from other types of asthma because it triggers an immune system response. Other asthma types are a reaction to other irritants that cause the airways to get smaller or open and close more easily. Physical activity, exposure to smoke, or having a respiratory infection can lead to an asthma exacerbation in these asthma types. The most definitive sign of allergic asthma is when an individual tests positive for an allergen, along with having asthma symptoms after exposure to that allergen. Finding this out can help a doctor determine whether allergic asthma is the cause.

Treating allergic asthma at home Share on Pinterest A vacuum with a HEPA filter can help manage dust levels. Avoidance of triggers is the first and most important way to prevent allergic asthma symptoms. If a person is allergic to pet dander, they should avoid the pets known to cause allergic reactions. For people allergic to dust mites, there are other steps they can take at home to reduce their risk of exposure to these mites. Examples include: Placing allergen-proof bed coverings over pillows and mattresses : These help to keep dust mites that might trigger an allergic reaction away from bedding.

: These help to keep dust mites that might trigger an allergic reaction away from bedding. Using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter : This reduces the amount of dust present when cleaning.

: This reduces the amount of dust present when cleaning. Washing bedding regularly : People should do this using a high water temperature to remove dust mites as well as other potential allergy-causing substances.

: People should do this using a high water temperature to remove dust mites as well as other potential allergy-causing substances. Keeping dust to a minimum: People can do this in the home by washing clothes and toys regularly, especially stuffed toys, as well as dusting with damp rags to minimize dust in the air. Keeping the home clean and mold-free can often help reduce the potential triggers for allergic asthma.

Medical treatments There is no cure for asthma. However, there are medical treatments that can prevent allergic reactions as well as treat asthma symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe treatments to reduce airway irritation if a person experiences an asthma attack, and to prevent asthma symptoms and airway inflammation over the long term. Examples of these treatments include: Short-acting inhalers : These medications quickly open up the airways, helping a person breathe more easily. Doctors often call them rescue inhalers because a person can use them quickly when they are having a hard time breathing.

: These medications quickly open up the airways, helping a person breathe more easily. Doctors often call them rescue inhalers because a person can use them quickly when they are having a hard time breathing. Long-acting inhalers : People use these medications to keep the airways open for a longer period than short-acting inhalers.

: People use these medications to keep the airways open for a longer period than short-acting inhalers. Inhaled corticosteroids : This medication helps to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms.

: This medication helps to reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Leukotriene modifiers: These drugs reduce the amount of airway swelling in some of those with asthma. They can also relax the airways, ideally making it easier to breathe. In addition to medications to treat breathing symptoms, a doctor may recommend taking medications to reduce the bodys response to allergen exposure. These drugs are more helpful for people with other allergy symptoms in addition to asthma. Many medications are available over the counter. Examples include: cetirizine, brand name Zyrtec

fexofenadine, brand name Allegra

loratadine, brand name Claritin

levocetirizine, brand name Xyzal These medications help to block the bodys response to allergens. While they will not cure allergic asthma, they may help reduce the severity of an allergic response. A doctor may recommend allergy immunotherapy to help someone who has allergic asthma. This is a process that exposes the body to small and increasing amounts of an allergen. Exposure in this way can desensitize a person to the allergen, reducing the chances of their immune system triggering an asthma attack or other symptoms. Doctors give immunotherapy treatments via shots or tablets that dissolve under the tongue.
New research examines the potential of stem cell therapy in the replacement of damaged neurons in Parkinsons disease. The authors say that stem cells could provide superior treatment, possibly using different types of cells to treat different symptoms of Parkinsons.

Share on Pinterest Could stem cell therapy one day help treat Parkinsons disease?

Parkinsons disease affects around half a million people in the United States, and the number is only expected to rise given the progressive aging of the population.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that doctors diagnose the condition in around 50,000 people each year.

The NIH warn that the prevalence of this neurodegenerative condition is only going to increase unless researchers come up with new and better treatments.

Currently, the most common therapy uses the drug levodopa to stimulate dopamine production in certain neurons associated with motor skills.

These dopaminergic neurons are situated in the nigrostriatal pathway, which is a brain circuit that connects neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta with the dorsal striatum.

However, levodopa has a wide array of side effects, from physiological to psychological ones. Also, in the long-term, the benefits of such dopamine-regulating drugs are limited.

So, it is crucial that scientists come up with more effective strategies for repairing the brain damage that Parkinsons disease causes.

New research, which now appears in a special supplement to the Journal of Parkinsons Disease, evaluates the potential of stem cell therapy for treating this neurodegenerative condition.

Dr. Claire Henchcliffe, of the Department of Neurology at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, NY, co-authored the study with Malin Parmar, Ph.D., a professor in a research group called Multidisciplinary research focused on Parkinsons disease at Lund University.

We are in desperate need of a better way of helping people with [Parkinsons], say the scientists. It is on the increase worldwide. There is still no cure, and medications only go part way to fully treat[ing] incoordination and movement problems.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 18, 2019

A Missouri state lawmaker must face claims that she violated a resident's First Amendment rights by blocking him on Twitter, a federal judge has ruled.

The decision, quietly issued earlier this month, stems from a lawsuit filed by Missouri resident Mike Campbell against Missouri House of Representatives member Cheri Toalson Reisch.

Campbell alleged in a complaint brought last June that he was blocked on Twitter by Reisch after he re-tweeted one of Reisch's critics.

The dispute started when Reisch tweeted that a political opponent put her hands behind her back during the Pledge.

A separate lawmaker, Kip Kendrick, then criticized Reisch's tweet, calling it a low blow.

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Campbell re-tweeted Kendrick's criticism. Shortly afterwards, Reisch blocked Campbell on the microblogging platform.

Campbell then sued Reisch, alleging that she violated his free speech rights.

Reisch retaliated against Campbell for engaging in fully protected political speech by permanently blocking him from accessing or commenting on her Twitter account, he alleged in a lawsuit brought in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Reisch sought to dismiss the lawsuit at an early stage for several reasons, including that her Twitter use was personal conduct, not governmental action.

The First Amendment prohibits the government from censoring speech for political reasons.

U.S. District Court Judge Brian Wimes rejected Reisch's argument and ruled that Campbell could proceed with his lawsuit. Wimes noted that the complaint alleged that Reisch used her Twitter to address her constituents, tout her accomplishments as a state representative, and promote her political agenda.

Campbell's allegations and reasonable inferences from them are sufficient to plead that Reisch acted under color of state law, he wrote.

The ruling is one of several recent decisions centered on whether politicians are allowed to block critics on social media.

Earlier this year, a federal appeals court said an official from Loudon County, Virginia violated a constituent's rights by briefly banning him on Facebook.

In its decision, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals said the ban -- in effect for around 12 hours -- marked unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.

And last year, a federal judge in New York ruled that President Trump violated the constitution by blocking Twitter users based on their political views. That ruling is currently being appealed by the Department of Justice.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 18, 2019

A battle over net neutrality is heating up in Vermont -- one of at least eight states that recently moved to restore the Obama-era rules.

Vermont's net neutrality law, passed last May, prohibits broadband access providers that contract with state agencies from violating the former rules -- including ones prohibiting blocking or throttling and charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. The Vermont law also prohibits companies from violating a general conduct standard -- which prohibits carriers from unreasonably impeding the ability of consumers and content providers to reach each other.

Last year, industry associations including the American Cable Association, CTIA, NCTA, and USTelecom -- which represent broadband carriers -- sued in federal court to block Vermont's law.

Vermont officials fired back that broadband industry groups shouldn't be allowed to proceed in court, given that their members made well-publicized promises to refrain from violating net neutrality principles. The state argues that if the providers aren't violating net neutrality, they won't be harmed by the new law and therefore, have no grounds to sue.

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But the broadband groups counter that their definition of net neutrality may differ from Vermont's.

Comcast will be harmed by any application of the state's prohibition on blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization in a manner inconsistent with Comcast's stated commitments, Mark Reilly, senior vice president at Comcast Cable, stated in a declaration filed last month with the U.S. District Court in Vermont in Burlington.

Comcast also has not publicly promised to follow the general conduct standard -- which the company has criticized as too vague.

Reilly stated in his court papers that Comcast delayed the launch of Stream TV, while the Federal Communications Commission investigated to determine whether the service would violate the general conduct standard.

In November of 2015, Comcast said it was going to launch Stream, which enables broadband-only subscribers to access many of the same programs that cable customers can watch.

The introduction was controversial -- and led to FCC scrutiny -- because Comcast said videos watched through Stream would be exempt from usage-based billing; at the time, accounts subject to usage-based billing could only consume 300 GB of data a month before incurring overages. (Comcast later increased its the the maximum to 1 TB a month.)

Although the FCC ultimately closed the investigation without taking any enforcement action, the substantial uncertainty led to an 18-month delay in the launch of Stream TV, Reilly stated. Comcast is now subject to these types of harms again to the state's re-imposition of the Internet Conduct Standard.

Last week, Vermont officials asked U.S. District Court Judge Christina Reiss to reject the broadband industry's arguments. The state argues that Reilly's statements about Stream TV don't establish that Vermont's law is interfering with any current plans.

Mr. Reilly does not state or suggest that Comcast is currently being investigated by anyone, or suggest that any potential future offerings Comcast is considering are likely to imminently be investigated by anyone, the state argues.

Vermont officials add that Comcast bid on a state contract last July, and certified at the time that it was in compliance with the new law.

The FCC voted in December of 2017 to revoke the Obama-era rules and to prohibit states from passing their own measures. Tech companies, advocacy groups and others are challenging that decision in court. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments earlier this month, and is still considering whether to uphold all or part of the December 2017 order.

After the FCC voted to repeal the former rules, the governors of Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Montana and Hawaii signed orders similar to the one in Vermont, while the state legislature in Oregon passed a bill banning state agencies from contracting with broadband providers that violate net neutrality principles.

Washington State passed a more comprehensive law that prohibits broadband providers operating in the state from blocking or throttling traffic and from charging companies higher fees for prioritized delivery.

California enacted a broad net neutrality law that prohibits broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, charging higher fees for fast-lane service, and from exempting their own video streams from consumers' data caps. That measure faced an immediate court challenge by the Department of Justice, American Cable Association, CTIA, NCTA, and USTelecom. In October, California agreed to hold off on enforcing that law.
Dont expect lines like during the mid-terms: The number of people voting early will pick up heading into the weekend, Allen says. We should have well north of 18,000, 19,000 per day. But youll spend more time getting checked in than voting. Theres the mayor, the clerk, (treasurer,) alderman and boom, he said. There might be one referendum at most, he said adding, Its not like the mid-terms where you have a line waiting for a machine because of the long ballot (with) the governor, 80 judicial candidates  the county board, state senator and all of that.
by Ray Schultz , February 18, 2019

Influitive Corp., provider of a cloud-based customer advocacy platform, has secured $10 million in equity and debt financing.

The financing was led by Georgian Partners and Comerica Bank. Also participating were Relay Ventures and Export Development Canada.

The funding will accelerate investments in the firm's AdvocateHub platform, a product that facilitates the creation of communities in which customers and prospects can participate as advocates, the company says.

The firm hopes to build in better usability, streamlined administration, scalability and performance improvements that could presumably affect marketing via email and other channels.

The company concedes that it is acting in response to client demand.

We founded Influitive based on the idea that the most successful sales and marketing comes from advocates, states Mark Organ, CEO of Influitive. But only through listening to our own customers, have we come to appreciate that we were focused too narrowly.

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He adds: We needed to think bigger to understand the impact that customers can have across nearly every function within an organization.

Influitive also plans to add team community managers and advocate managers. In addition, is expanding its Canadian operation to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The firm hopes to invite more customer advocate and go beyond marketing and sales.
by Ray Schultz , February 18, 2019

At a time when data use of all types is under scrutiny in Europe, InfoDepots is offering a European business list containing 115 million opt-in email addresses.

The reaches key decision makers in what the firm says is the largest economy on earth.

The announcement does not list selects, basic pricing or other pieces of information typically contained in a traditional list promotion.

However, the company, which is based in New York, specifies contact information, including email addresses and telephone numbers, on its website.

In addition, InfoDepots says its lists can be customized by company size, geographic location, job titles/functions, technology tracking, assets size and revenue size.

Industry verticals include cloud computing, healthcare, insurance, construction, architecture, life science, banking & finance, oil and gas, biotechnology and other types of businesses.

The company also has email addresses of several B2B tech brands, including Microsoft Dynamics NAV, containing 101,800 email addresses and a total postal universe of 107,974 contacts.

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Summarily, it offers 68,786 IBM Informix email addresses, out of a total universe of 91,750 names.

Counts for these lists are available by country, U.S. region, industry, revenue and number of employees.

The firm says its lists are regularly updated and cleansed, and claims that they have a deliverability rate.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 18, 2019

Asian-Americans represent about 5.6% of the U.S. population. Despite the fact that non-Hispanic and Pacific Islanders account for the smallest multicultural segment, they represent the second fastest-growing ethnic group at about 20%.

Analysis from Claritas, a custom audience-targeting company, estimates about 13.4% of Asian households will earn more than $200,000 in 2019. And during their lifetime, Asian households will spend $1.2 million more than non-Hispanic white households.

In fact, the U.S. Asian household earns an estimated $116,319 annually -- about 36% more than other U.S. households, and 22% greater than income for white households.

The company expects to release the findings from the study this week.

In this second report of the New American Mainstream series, Claritas studied the Asian-American population in terms of growth, household income, acculturation, countries of origin and cumulative lifetime spending.

Asian-American households spend about $3,000 annually on apparel -- 15% more than average U.S. households for all apparel subcategories including mens, womens and childrens clothing and footwear.

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This group also spends roughly $5,000 annually on food at home -- about 6% more than average U.S. households, especially for rice and seafood products.

And they spend nearly $12,000 annually on transportation -- about 10% more than average U.S. households, including for new cars and trucks.

Although many Asians in the U.S. are acculturated, 62% retain their culture of heritage at least to some degree.

The analysis found that most of the Asian population in the U.S. live in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, D.C., Chicago and Seattle. Recently, there has also been significant growth in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

The report also calls attention to the diverse group.

Asians in America come from more than 40 different countries such as India, China, Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines.

This group represents a wide variety of cultures, languages, and preferences. Unlike Latinos, Asian Americans dont share one language, which makes it difficult to deliver a consistent message.

Chinese plus Taiwanese form the largest Asian country of origin segment at 23%, followed by slightly decreasing portions of Asian Indian, Filipino, Korean, Vietnamese and Japanese.
The current research and development activities that are coordinating the two technologies, sensor-augmented and sensor-driven to develop pumps with completely automated & independent sensing and delivery system are expected to escalate the market on the ascending global heights.

Acknowledging the burnished growth, the market perceives currently, Market Research Future (MRFR) in its recently published study report asserts that the Global Insulin Delivery Devices Market is expected to accrue exponentially by 2020, registering 7.9 % CAGR between 2014 and 2020.

Additional factors fostering the growth of this market include the rise in the obese population, the prevalence of diabetes that is rising significantly, and the spreading awareness towards diabetic care, worldwide. The wide uptake of technological advancements in drug delivery devices is acting as a major tailwind that is pushing up the market growth.

The number of the population diagnosed with diabetes is projected to increase at a tremendous rate. Thus, if these trends linearly continue over the next couple of years, it will dramatically increase the number of populations diagnosed with diabetes which, in turn, will substantially foster the demand for insulin delivery devices.

With the rising number of diabetic patients, the demand for insulin delivery devices is expected to surge, thus resulting in exploding the size of the global insulin pumps market.

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Insulin Delivery Devices Market  Key Players

Some of the key players in this market are:

Hoffmann-La Roche

Eli Lilly and Company

Sanofi

Medtronic, Inc

Novo Nordisk A/S

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Braun Melsungen AG

Animas Corporation

Ypsomed Holdings AG

Insulet Corporation

Insulin Delivery Devices Market  Segments

The MRFR analysis is segmented into two key dynamics for the convenience of understanding;

By Type: Insulin Syringe, Insulin Pumps, Insulin Pens, Insulin Jet Injectors and others (jet injectors, transdermal patches, and inhalers).

By Regions: Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Rest-of-the-World (RoW).

Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:

December 14, 2018  Eli Lilly and Company (US), a leading global pharmaceutical company announced its expanded collaboration with Evidation Health, Inc. (US), a technology company involved in the development of digital tools and technologies especially for the healthcare industry. The collaboration with a multi-year agreement will provide Lilly with global access to Evidations Andromeda data platform to analyze the data through Smartphones & Connected Sensors.

Studying Evidations data platform will help Lilly to analyze data from continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and real-world information to build a connected ecosystem that includes an automated insulin delivery device and connected insulin pen.

Insulin Delivery Devices Market  Key Finding

The Insulin Delivery Devices Market and is expected to reach $14.21 billion by 2020.

Insulin syringe hold the largest share of the market.

Globally, Asia-Pacific the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the rate of 7.9% during the forecast period.

Insulin Delivery Devices Market  Regional analysis

The developed regions of North America and Europe are expected to lead the insulin delivery market. The U.S is expected to lead the world due to its higher per capita income and its faster uptake of technology. U.S. also spends a higher GDP on its healthcare which accounts to a whopping 16% in 2016.

Europe is expected to be led by Germany due to presence of its large medical device industry. However, it has to be noted that southern Europe has a higher prevalence of diabetes. Countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal are expected to have a higher growth of the insulin delivery devices market. Another nation which has a large unserved market is Turkey.

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However, the market is expected to shift towards the developing regions of Asian Pacific in the near future. The Asia pacific region is expected to be led by India. India is called the diabetes capital of the world with as many as 50 million diabetes patients. Of the two types of diabetes India has a greater number of patients with type-2 diabetes. India has also witnessing an alarming rise in incidence of diabetes. The World Health Organizations estimates the global burden of type-2 diabetes to increase to 438 million by 2030 from 285 million people. For the diabetes treatment players in India this means a pie of 87 million patients in 2030. Other Asia Pacific nations expected to drive growth in the future are Vietnam, Indonesia and China.

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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.

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Electric Wheelchair Market  Competitive Landscape

GF Health Products Inc., Drive Medical Ltd., MEYRA GmbH, Karman Healthcare, OttoBock Healthcare GmbH, Medical Depot, Inc., Sunrise Medical Limited, Pride Mobility Products Corp, Quantum Rehab, Invacare Corporation, Permobil AB, Hoveround Corporation, LEVO Ag, Whill Inc., and Permobil AB are the eminent players operating in the global electric wheelchair market.

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Electric Wheelchair Market  Highlights

The growth of the global electric wheelchairs market is sustained by the rise in geriatric population. Equipped with sensors and other assistive technology, electric wheelchairs help to alleviate the problems of mobility in the elderly populace. In addition, they are also beneficial to those who are unable to use manual wheelchairs.

The need for smart wheelchairs for disabled people is a significant factor boosting the growth of the market. People with motor, sensory, or cognitive impairment are unable to use manual wheelchairs or joysticks and find it extremely advantageous to use smart electric wheelchairs.

The superior advantage of convenience acts as a motivating force for the growth of the market. Being user-friendly, they can be easily operated by aged people or consumers with disabilities. Other than patients with mobility issues, they can also be of use to accident patients and patients suffering from other chronic conditions.

The sophistication of technology and ready availability, and the development of prototypes have influenced the growth of the market to a great extent. To accommodate the pool of users who are unable to operate wheelchairs, massive efforts have been made by researchers to develop assistive technologies and make improved electrical wheelchairs which have further helped the global electric wheelchairs market progress. Other driving factors include the rise in incidences of road accidents, a growing number of patients with spinal deformities and rising purchasing power of consumers. However, the growth of the market might be hindered by the high cost of electric wheelchairs, and lack of awareness in the developing regions.

Electric Wheelchair Market  Segmentation

The global electric wheelchair market has been segmented based on product and end use. By product, the market has been segmented into an electric indoor chair, electric outdoor chair, dual-purpose chair, rear wheel drive chair, front wheel drive chair, center wheel drive chair, standing electric wheelchair, and others. By end use, the market has been segmented into home care settings, hospitals/clinics, and others.

Electric Wheelchair Market  Regional Analysis

The Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa are the key markets for an electric wheelchair. The Americas is an established market and has been posting continuous growth owing to the inflated demand for electric wheelchairs due to higher affordability, high awareness regarding the product and greater inclination towards technologically advanced equipment. Favorable reimbursement scenario and government support for the aged population in the form of subsidies for medical equipment and medical facilities also support the growth of the market.

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Europe too is a strong market and has been exhibiting steady growth due to high investment in research & development activities. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a rapid pace on account of rising purchasing power and awareness in the region. In addition, the rise in geriatric population, increasing penetration of electric wheelchairs, and increasing interest from manufacturers in investing in the developing economies of China, and India also create a conducive environment for the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. The Middle East & Africa market is anticipated to exhibit fast growth due to the development of the medical facilities in the region.

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Latest Industry News

Immunexpress has received a Notice of US Patent Allowance for its patent application for validating biomarker measurement. This is part of its SeptiCyte technology and is expected to prove useful in the diagnosis of sepsis.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), has provided a positive qualification opinion regarding the use of biomarkers as a vital tool to increase clinical trials on Parkinsons Disease. The biomarker tool in this purpose would assist trials by providing measurements which allow medical professionals to choose people most suitable for Parkinsons clinical trials.

QIAGEN N.V has partnered with multiple organizations to support the set up of a global genomics campus in Manchester U.K. to promote innovation and research of molecular diagnostics.

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Biomarkers Market  Overview

Biomarkers have a broad spectrum of clinical uses and in medicine. It is critical in both diagnostics and ascertaining the best treatment route. Largely used for cancer, biomarkers and biomarker technology is growing in use and is experiencing increasing demand. Market Research Future has performed a detailed study on the market and all its factors to ascertain that the market is likely to witness a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023 and reach an estimated USD 78 bn by the end of the review period.

Biomarkers are effective for various medical applications besides diagnosis. They can be helpful in disease prevention, drug target identification, and several others. The growing global prevalence of chronic diseases, neurological disorders & diseases, and cardiovascular diseases; these are the result of growing urbanization, and changing global environment. The high demand for biomarker technologies is driven primarily by the advancement of medical technologies, and the growing investments in healthcare and medical sectors across the world. Moreover, governments and the associated government health, medicine, & drug bodies are highly supportive of biomarkers and biomarker technologies research and development. The increasing use of biomarkers in an effort to produce accurate diagnoses is additionally expected to support market growth over the assessment period.

The high capital investments required for the development of biomarkers and discovery of the same combined with the high cost of the use of biomarker technology is expected to restrain market growth. However, growing research and advancement in the field has brought biomarker technology a long way and is expected to contribute significantly to a wide scope for future growth.

Competitive Tracking

Market Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Biomarkers Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe.

MRFRs analysis of the competitive landscape of the market reveals several key players that are driving the market with their research & development, patent filing and use of other market driving strategies. Prominent market players include Waters Corporation, Danaher Corporation, Shimadzu Corporation, Seimens Healthcare, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and Abbott Laboratories among others.

Segments

MRfRs segmental assessment has been performed on the basis of product type, profiling technology, disease application, research areas, and region. By product type, the market is segmented into instruments, consumables, services, and software/informatics.

Based on profiling technology, the market is segmented into PCR, imaging technology, Biomarkers, mass spectrometry, chromatography, NGS, cytogenetics, and other technologies. Further sub-segments are available for Biomarkers in the report.

By disease application, the market is segmented into infection diseases, neurological, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other disorders.

Based on research areas, the market is segmented into proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and other research areas. Metabolomics is sub-segmented to include lipidomic and others.

Geographical Analysis

The Global Biomarker market is analyzed globally and divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Led by North America, the Americas account for the largest share of the global biomarker technologies market. There are a high prevalence of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, and autoimmune diseases which have led to a skyrocket in demand for effective diagnostic and treatment technologies. Moreover, the presence of steadily rising geriatric population , increased initiatives from the government, increasing funding for research and the growing availability of favorable reimbursement policies is expected to drive demand, and development of the technology. High growth is expected from the region in the coming years as health care spending has risen and the availability of ample opportunities for growth.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific is projected to witness rapid growth at the highest CAGR, globally. The presence of a massive population pool, with growing incidences of chronic diseases, has proven to be a significant driver of growth. China and India are two of the most highly affected countries with a high diabetic population. These countries are fast emerging markets, due to the highly supportive government policies surrounding healthcare, increased funding for investment, and health care and the growing, rising disposable income which has led to increased healthcare spending by patients.

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During our fourth week of session, the Senate was busy at work with several committees hearing and vetting legislation. We also voted on our f
Hiram, GA (30141)

Today

Partly cloudy. High near 85F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. A few clouds from time to time. Low near 70F. Winds light and variable.
South Fulton County seniors who need help with their taxes can visit the the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility and the Harriet G. Dar
Atlanta, GA (30342)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

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A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy skies. Low around 70F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Payless ShoeSource locations began liquidation sales Sunday following the chains bankruptcy filing.

All Sales Final and No Returns notices are posted at Payless locations. The discount is now 20 percent off, but that is expected to grow as the sale continues and inventory shrinks. The stores are accepting gift cards, but they are not accepting any exchanges or returns.

The chain has 34 Massachusetts locations including shops in Westfield, West Springfield, in Springfield  at both the Springfield Plaza and on Boston Road  the Holyoke Mall, Chicopee, Webster, Worcester, Auburn and Milford.

All told, there are 2,100 Payless locations across the country. All will close as part of the liquidation.

Payless follows a number of high-profile retail bankruptcies, including Toys 'R Us and The Bon-Ton. The Bon-Ton, which closed in 2018, had one of its few New England stores in the Westfield Shops, a few doors down from the soon-to-close Payless.

This is Payless second bankruptcy. In April 2017 it used bankruptcy to slash $800 million in debts, emerging 18 months ago under the control of its creditors, including the hedge fund Alden Capital LLC.

Consumers with Payless gift cards should redeem them as soon as they can, according to advice from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

In a bankruptcy liquidation, gift card holders are treated like all the other creditors.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts has information on its website for what steps to take.
FORT MYERS, Fla.  Red Sox principal owner John Henry was asked about whether his thinking on re-signing pitchers 30 and older has evolved when he met with the media here at JetBlue Park on Monday.

Chris Sale, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2019, turns 30 in March 30. They Red Sox have had private extension talks with Sale.

One reporter brought up the Red Soxs reluctancy to re-sign Lester before his free agent year in 2014.

The Red Sox reportedly presented Lester with a low-ball offer of four years, $70 million. He didnt accept and Boston traded him to Oakland at the 2014 trade deadline. Lester signed with the Cubs for six years, $155 million that offseason.

I think we blew the Jon Lester (negotiations), Henry said. We blew re-signing him in spring training. So for reasons that are pretty apparent now  which I wont go into  but theyre apparent now.

You can see whats gone on in free agency is that the price of WAR has gone up so radically that its difficult whether its a pitcher or a position player to enter into really longterm contracts at high dollars, Henry said. Weve havent had a great Weve done better with pitchers perhaps than weve done with hitters in really longterm contracts.
U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Boston, progressive activists and others will take to the streets across the state Monday for a Presidents Day protest against the White Houses recent decision to declare the situation at the United States southern border a national emergency.

Pressley will take part in an afternoon Cambridge rally against what organizers called President Donald Trumps fake crisis and racist deportation forces.

The Harvard Square protest is one of many set to take place in Massachusetts and across the country Monday as activists urge Congress to overrule Trumps emergency declaration and rein in the presidents deportation force and humanitarian abuses.

Pressley said shes proud to stand in solidarity against this administrations racist, xenophobic and hateful agenda.

My fellow residents of the Massachusetts 7th know that our diversity is our strength and together we can both reject hate and chart a bold progressive path forward, she said in a statement.

In addition to the Cambridge event, activists will hold Monday protests at: Waltham Common, the Sudbury Town Green, Shawsheen Square in Andover, downtown Haverhill, Market Square in Newburyport, Worcester City Hall and Fall River Government Center, according to MoveOn.org.

In Western Massachusetts, meanwhile, protests will take place at Northampton City Hall, Forest Park in Springfield and the Greenfield Town Common.

The protests come just days after Trump announced in a Friday speech that he would sign an executive order declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border to address what he called an invasion of the United States.

White House officials told reporters that the national emergency declaration would allow the president to access about $8 billion for border security, including funding for his proposed wall along the United States southern border -- an issue at the center of the recent 35-day government shutdown.

Democrats, including Pressley, were quick to criticize the presidents move and suggested they will take legal action against the order, which they argued called unconstitutional.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat and 2020 White House hopeful, again offered support this week for the idea of Trump administration officials using the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office if they believe he cannot fulfill his job duties.

Warren told reporters after a Sunday rally in Las Vegas that while she doesnt have any special knowledge of whats happening in the White House, she believes federal officials are obligated to invoke the amendment -- which lays out the procedures for replacing the president in cases of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation -- if they are concerned about Trumps ability to lead the country, campaign officials confirmed.

Im not the one who hangs out in his office, and sees him every day, and sees how well or how poorly hes able to manage from day to day with the decisions that he faces. But what I do know is that there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day, who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th amendment, she reportedly said. "And my point here is that they -- if they believe that Donald Trump cannot fulfill the obligations of his office -- then they have a constitutional responsibility to invoke the 25th amendment."

Warren reportedly added that administration officials "loyalty under law is not to (Trump) personally, their loyalty is to Constitution of the United States and the people of the United States.

The senators comments, which echoed those she made last fall, came in response to former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabes reported suggestion that former acting Attorney General Rod Rosenstein considered using the amendment against Trump.

Melissa Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the former acting FBI director, said that while at no time did Mr. McCabe participate in any extended discussions about the use of the 25th Amendment, nor is he aware of any such discussions," he was present and participated in a discussion that included comment by Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein regarding the 25th Amendment.

The New York Times reported in September that Rosenstein discussed recruiting cabinet members to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office over concerns of him being unfit for the job. Those discussions occurred in early 2017 after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, according to the newspaper.

Warren previously urged support for invoking the 25th Amendment against Trump after the New York Times published an anonymous September 2018 op-ed from an alleged administration official, which raised questions about the presidents leadership and fitness for office.

The senator argued that if senior officials believe the president is unfit, they should stop hiding behind anonymous op-eds and leaking information to Bob Woodward boasting that theyre trying to save our country, and instead do what the Constitution demands they do: invoke the 25th Amendment and remove this president from office.
It would be easy to dismiss former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Welds plans to explore a run at the Republican Partys presidential nomination as posing no threat whatsoever to President Donald Trump.

Easy, but not necessarily correct.

Though no one who is even a bit aware of Trump's hold on today's Republican Party would rationally argue that the president could lose his grip on GOP primary voters and caucus-goers on the way to the 2020 nomination, that's not where the real threat to Trump lies.

Rather, what could matter is this: If Weld, or another GOP candidate, could put together a campaign that generates a good degree of enthusiasm among anti-Trump Republicans, the president could emerge from the nominating contest weakened going into next year's general election.

A look back at a few decades of presidential history shows how this can happen.

In our nation's bicentennial year, 1976, President Gerald Ford had to fend off a challenge from Ronald Reagan to secure the Republican Party's nomination. A weakened Ford lost in November to Democrat Jimmy Carter.

Four years later, Carter secured his party's nomination only after a fierce battle with then-Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who battled all the way to the national convention. A weakened Carter, of course, lost resoundingly to Reagan in the 1980 general election.

In 1984, Reagan faced no real opposition on his way to winning both his party's nomination and a second term in the White House. His vice president, George H.W. Bush, was easily elected in 1988, but was challenged for the GOP nomination four years later by Pat Buchanan, a right-wing syndicated newspaper columnist.

Though one might argue that the nationalist Buchanan was much less than a formidable opponent, it's important to remember that he won more than one-third of the vote in the New Hampshire primary, showing that Bush was much weaker than had been previously thought. Thereafter, the upstart Buchanan hung around as the primary season continued. That November, a once-little-known governor from Arkansas named Bill Clinton was elected president, sending a weakened Bush packing. Clinton faced no real opposition four years later and was re-elected. It was much the same with his two successors, Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama.

There's been a clear trend: Presidents who face no opposition on their way to being renominated get re-elected; those with a primary opponent don't fare so well.

Which is why Weld's candidacy, though it might seem on the surface to offer no real problem for Trump, may, in fact, put the sitting president on shakier ground for the general election next year.

Not necessarily, of course. Weld may not even end up launching a bid for the GOP nomination. And if he does, his campaign could founder.

But if he kicks off his campaign, gains some support, shows that Trump isnt, in fact, as strong as hed like folk to believe, the onetime Bay State governor could end up setting up Trump -- like Ford, like Carter, like the first President Bush -- to serve just a single term in the White House.
BOSTON -- The commonwealth will participate in the development of a national pilot rating system designed to measure quality in addiction treatment programs, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The rating system is being developed by the New York-based-nonprofit Shatterproof, which is also conducting the pilot, and will primarily use data from insurance claims, provider surveys and consumer experience surveys, according to a DPH release.

Information obtained will be available to consumers.

The undertaking is begin funded with $5 million from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and six health insurers - Aetna, Anthem, Inc., Beacon Health Options, Cigna, Magellan Health and UnitedHealth Group.

Shatterproof, whose founder lost a son to substance use disorder, and its data analytics contractor Research Triangle Institute are scheduled to work with the DPH and other state agencies in collaboration with treatment providers on the pilot which will begin in March 2019 and continue through 2020.

Evidence-based specialty addiction treatment providers including residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs that are licensed, certified or approved by states to provide substance use disorder treatment will be rated.

Programs managed by federal agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and begin collecting and analyzing data will be included in the system as well.

The rating system is scheduled to launch nationwide following completion of the pilot.

In August, Governor Charlie Baker signed "An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction" whose provisions include expanding the use of medication assisted treatment.

Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has doubled spending to address the opioid crisis in the state and added more than 1,200 treatment beds, including 768 adult substance use treatment beds at different treatment levels, and certified more than 168 Sober Homes accounting for an additional 2,242 beds.

Figures released last week by the Department of Public Health show a continuing decline in opioid-related overdose deaths in the commonwealth.

There were 1,974 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths in 2018, compared to 2,056 overdose deaths in 2017 and 2,099 in 2016.

Nationally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioids were involved in 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017 or 67.8 percent of all drug overdose deaths.
When National Grid locked out 1,250 steelworkers for six months during a labor dispute, Massachusetts lawmakers scrambled to act.

On Christmas Eve, weeks before the workers unemployment benefits were set to end, the Legislature passed and Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill extending unemployment benefits for those workers.

A deal was reached before the extended benefits went into effect.

Now, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, and Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru, have introduced a bill that would avoid similar scrambles in the future, by guaranteeing unemployment benefits for workers who are locked out during a labor dispute.

Sabadosa said the bill was inspired by the National Grid dispute. It is a way of ensuring that lawmakers do not have to pass another one-time solution if a similar labor dispute arises in the future.

What we want to do is ensure workers have their rights protected, so if they do end up locked out, that cant be used as a negotiation tool against them, Sabadosa said.

Mark said currently, companies have too much power in labor negotiations.

Sabadosa and Mark are also teaming up on another bill that they consider part of a workers rights agenda. That bill would require an employer to provide a reason for terminating an employee, rather than the current at-will system, where an employee can be fired with no reason provided.

Montana is the only other state that requires an employer to show good cause for terminating someone. Good cause can include a business reason, such as budgetary layoffs.

Right now, Mark said, You can be fired for absolutely no reason.

The idea of workplace labor and employment management is to create harmony, to create a good workforce that wants to give their best work effort, Mark said. You have that by making sure employees feel theyre treated fairly, and they want to give a fair shake to the employers, and vice versa.

This is one in a series of stories about bills filed by Western Massachusetts lawmakers.
Two Massachusetts residents were rushed to hospitals with what authorities called life-threatening injuries and another two people were injured in New Hampshire snowmobile crashes over the weekend.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division detailed various crashes across the state Saturday and Sunday.

A 37-year-old Fitchburg man was flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester Sunday after a snowmobile crash in Brookline, New Hampshire.

Authorities responded to Lake Potanipo around 3:47 p.m. Sunday for a single snowmobile crash.

The victim was identified as Michael Patti, 37, from Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Patti was operating a snowmobile on Lake Potanipo when he lost control of the snowmobile causing it to roll on top of him, according to a news release.

Patti, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was flown to a Worcester hospital with what authorities called life-threatening injuries.

Speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division said. The crash remains under investigation.

A second crash that left a Massachusetts woman with potentially life-threatening injuries happened Saturday around 4 p.m.

Michelle Brouillard, 54, of Attleboro, was riding a snowmobile northbound on Jefferson Notch Road in Low and Burbanks Grant was she struck a tree, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division said.

The crash happened when she failed to navigate a sharp turn. People with Brouillard called for help and helped bring her back to the trail.

Rescue crews helped take Brouillard out of the woods. She was taken to a New Hampshire hospital. Authorities said she was wearing a helmet and believed the crash was caused by rider inexperience.

Two other Massachusetts residents were also injured on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, around 11 a.m., a woman from Lowell, was hurt in Gorham, New Hampshire when her snowmobile collided with a tree. Jennifer Topping, 38, drove off the groomed portion of Corridor 19 and into a ditch, authorities said.

The snowmobile then struck a tree. Authorities rescued Topping and took her to an area hospital for treatment. Topping was wearing a helmet. Rider inexperience is the main factor in the crash.

A Saturday crash left a 47-year-old Swampscott woman injured when her snowmobile tipped over in Gorham, New Hampshire around noontime.

Daniela Fomin was riding on a section of Corridor 19 when she rolled over her snowmobile in attempting to traverse a small hill, authorities said. The snowmobile landed on Fomin.

Family members immediately rushed to her aid, calling for emergency assistance at that location, according to a news release.

Rescue crews took Fomin to an area hospital for treatment. She was wearing a helmet. Authorities believe rider inexperience is the reason for the crash.

Along with the New Hampshire crashes, a 17-year-old Amesbury High School student died in a Maine snowmobile crash.

Troy Marden, 17, of Amesbury, was riding a snowmobile on Thompson Lake in Poland, Maine when he crashed around 10:50 p.m. Saturday, the Maine Warden Service said. He died from his injuries at the scene.
LUDLOW - Two people were injured after a minor kitchen fire caught the clothing of one woman on fire Sunday morning.

The fire was reported at about 9:20 a.m., Sunday, at 26 Lawton St. When firefighters arrived, the flames had been extinguished but both women were suffering from burns, Capt. Richard Machado said.

A woman was cooking when her clothing ignited. Her daughter then ran to help her and was burned while putting out the flames, Machado said.

The first woman suffered serious burns. Both were taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment, he said.

The fire itself was small and caused minor damage to the house, he said.

We wish these two a speedy recovery and remind people that when your clothing catches on fire the best thing to do is stop what youre doing, drop gently to the ground, cover your face, and roll to put out the flames," Fire Chief Ryan Pease said.

Cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home and is the leading cause of fire injuries overall and to people over 65, according to data from the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System, Machado said.

Seven firefighters with a fire engine and two ambulances responded to the call. Police also assisted, he said.

Ludlow Fire and Police departments and the State Fire Marshals Office are investigating the fire, he said.
A mother was reunited with her 14-month-old son Sunday night a month after the child was kidnapped by his father and taken to Mexico, Lowell police said.

Fillemom De Lima, a 37-year-old Lawrence man, was caught in Mexico after authorities tracked him to Mexico City. Lowell police and the FBI located the boy and De Lima.

Police said De Lima is now currently being held at a Mexican immigration detention center.

De Lima and the boy disappeared on Jan. 9. Authorities believe De Lima planned to travel to take his child to Brazil.

De Lima had a 9-day lead on this investigation and had he made it to Brazil, this reunion may never have occurred, police said.

Authorities brought the boy back to Massachusetts. The child reunited with his mother, Mahalia Alexander-Paggi, Sunday night at Logan International Airport.

Lowell police, United States Embassy-Citizen Services, the FBI, Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security and the State Department were all involved in the investigation.
SPRINGFIELD - Tarana Burke, founder of the first #MeToo movement, will speak March 26 at the MassMutual Center during the 150th celebration benefit from 6 to 9 p.m. for the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.

The YWCA runs the largest shelter for battered women and children in New England.

Burke founded a nonprofit in 2003 to empower young women of color and after talking with a victim of sexual abuse in 2006 and wanting to give support that such victims are not alone coined the phrase Me Too, something subsequently recognized by the actress Alyssa Milano who promoted the #metoo hashtag to encourage sexual abuse victims to tell their stories following the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017.

In 2017 Burke and other influential female activists were named "the silence breakers" by Time magazine. She currently serves at the Girls for Gender Equity in Brooklyn as its senior director.

In her talk Burke will address what survivors need to move beyond the trauma of sexual violence.

The YWCA, whose original building facade as the Springfield YWCA on Howard Street has been re-created as part of the MGM Springfield complex, receives more than 10,000 calls each year on its sexual abuse/domestic violence hotline, and provides emergency shelter to more than 300 women and children annually.

Its 11-acre campus at 1 Clough St. in the East Forest Parck section of the city includes a 58-bed emergency shelter as well as a 28-apartment, supportive housing project for parenting teens and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Its Springfield shelter is open to residents of Hampden County with the average stay around three months.

Its supportive housing is for low-income women from Hampden County with a history of domestic violence who are allowed to stay in their units for up to two years.

Its teen parenting program is statewide.

It also has a residential program for 14 parenting teens and their babies in Holyoke and has support services in several other communities including Northampton, Huntington, Belchertown and Palmer.

The organization has a residential substance abuse and mental health program for victims of domestic violence and their children in Westfield.

Elizabeth Dineen has served as YWCA executive director since January 2016.

She was an assistant district attorney in the Hampden County district attorney's office for 27 years, where her her caseload focused primarily on sexual assaults, domestic violence, physical and sexual child abuse and child homicide cases.

Tickets are $150 for the March 26 event can be purchased online .
Mercy Grief group

SPRINGFIELD - Mercy Medical Center, 299 Carew St. will hold a weekly grief support group for people who have experienced loss of a spouse, partner, family member or friend. All are welcome. The group meets every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (excluding major holidays) in the Deliso Conference Center, O'Hare Room on the lower level.

Weekly support group

AGAWAM - NAMI-Western Massachusetts offers weekly support groups run by trained Connection facilitators along the guidelines of their successful national program. Join dozens of people throughout Western Massachusetts in sharing the unique challenges of living with mental illness. Support groups are not therapy groups, but offer hope and support through sharing of ones own experience in a recovery environment. Individuals with any diagnosis are welcome. A diagnosis is not required to attend any group. Anyone with mental illness is welcome to attend any group without prior registration. Family members of persons with mental illness can find family support groups in their area by calling the office at 413-786-9139. For Agawam, there is a support group that meets on Tuesdays, 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the NAMI-WM Office, 324A Springfield St., call for more information.

Informational program for families struggling with the effects of substance use

WEST SPRINGFIELD - AdCare offers a wide range of alcohol and drug treatment options from hospital level of care in Worcester to impatient residential treatment in North Kingstown, Rhode Island and outpatient and family services at offices throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

AdCare West Springfield Outpatient Family and Friends Informational Program meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. at 117 Park Ave. AdCares Family and Friends Informational and Support Programs are designed to educate loved ones about substance dependency and provide support for family members. Family groups are facilitated by knowledgeable and experienced professionals and are open to anyone concerned with substance use of a family member or friend. For more information or questions call 413-209-3124.

Aquatic fitness program

SPRINGFIELD - The City of Springfields Aquatics Department will be hosting an aquatic fitness program called O2H," for those who are overweight or obese. With trained professionals on site to help, this program offers a safe, supportive, and effective way for those individuals to begin to develop a healthier lifestyle in a protected environment with other people who are also overweight. This fitness program is designed to meet the specific needs of those who are overweight or obese. Exercising in the water allows for low-impact movements that increase range of motion and circulation. whether you are simply walking or using the aquatic fitness equipment for extra resistance, they can offer a personalized workout for you at your own pace. No swim experience is needed, and there will be a trained lifeguard on staff for everyones safety. The O2H program will be offered at Milton Bradley School on 22 Mulberry St. There is a walk-in ramp for easy access to the pool. It will run twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning Feb. 25 until April 24. Registration is required, and there is a cash or check only fee of $50 per person for city residents and $70 per person for non-city residents. There is also a special rate for Baystate Weight Management patients, available at only $50 for the entire session (which includes 16 classes). All fees are due on the first day of class. The capacity for the program will cap at 25 swimmers,. For more information about the O2H program or any other aquatics program, call Joe Federico, Aquatics Director, at 413-787-6298.
HOLYOKE - Sister of St. Joseph of Springfield Kathleen Keating, president emerita of Elms College in Chicopee, will be honored with the Christian Charity Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians James A. Curran Division One and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties.

Keating, former president of her community of women religious, will receive the award as part of the Hibernians' Annual Communion Breakfast March 10.

The Mass will be at 8 a.m. in St. Patrick's Chapel at St. Jerome Church, 169 Hampden St., with breakfast to follow at the Wherehouse?, 109 Lyman St.

Brigadier General John J. Driscoll, land component commander of the Massachusetts National Guard and 2015 Springfield Veteran of the Year, will be featured speaker at the event that is open to the public.

Keating, who holds a doctorate in history from Fordham University, is being honored for "truly improving the lives of the people" in the counties of Hampden and Hampshire.

It was during her tenure as the seventh president of Elms from 1994 through 2001 that the college, founded by her order, expanded to become fully co-educational.

She has said that it was a difficult decision because of the college's "unique spirit" as an institution that empowered women, but that it was necessary to "bring us into the future" and that as a result "we have increased enrollment, grew and varied our programs, worked harder at developing our sense of mission derived from the Sisters of St. Joseph, including more outreach efforts."

During her time, the college added four new undergraduate majors and a new master's degree program. Keating is also credited with doubling the school's endowment from $2.3 to $5.8 million.

A second generation Irish American, Keating was instrumental in helping to establish an Irish cultural center at the college whose legacy in particular was to highlight the history of the Irish language speakers who immigrated here from the West of Ireland.

In writing about the center in The Republican's 2012 heritage series book, "The Irish Legacy: A History of the Irish in Western Massachusetts," Keating said she viewed the center as "a way for me not only to advance the Irish arts and culture, but to help ensure the historic economic and political struggles that shaped the lives of our Irish ancestors and ourselves were not forgotten."

The center has since become the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England and is based in West Springfield.

Keating joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1953 after graduating from Elms College where an area near the main administration building is now called Keating Quadrangle.

She worked as a teacher at the former St. Joseph High School in the Berkshire County city of North Adams and was assistant professor history at Elms College from 1966 to 1975. She also served as chair of the college's social sciences division.

From 1975 to 1978, she served as president of the National Assembly of Women Religious, and she served as president of her congregation from 1979 to 1987.

From 1989 to 1993, she ministered in Nicaragua as an associate member of the Maryknoll Sisters, working as a pastoral minister and a professor English at the Jesuit University of Central America in the city of Managua.

She has said that the "thread" uniting what she has done is that "fundamentally" she is a teacher, and that she has devoted her life as a Sister of St. Joseph to being faithful to "discover what God wants of me."

A native of Springfield who grew up in the section of the city known as "Hungry Hill," Keating has also written of living in a neighborhood of not only Irish families but also those of "German, Greek, Polish, English, Czech, French and Italian origin.

The Polish Center of Learning and Discovery was also founded at the Elms during her presidency there.

Driscoll serves as the chief adviser and principal assistant to the The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.

The Boston native was commissioned through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in 1989 and served during the early 1990s in Southwest Asia and in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm and later with the U. S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Driscoll holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, a master's degree in strategic studies, and a master's degree in defense management.

He was a 2016 National Security Fellow at The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse (N.Y.) University.

Driscoll lives in Springfield with his wife of 26 years, Merribeth J. Morin.

The Curran chapter of the Hibernians also presents the annual Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship.

Its website says the purpose of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to which it belongs "is to promote friendship, unity and Christian charity among its members; to aid and advance by all legitimate means the aspirations and endeavors of the Irish people for complete and absolute independence; to foster the ideals and cultivate the history and traditions of the Irish race throughout the world; and finally, to encourage civic-mindedness among our members."

For tickets, $25 per person, to the breakfast contact Attorney John J. "Jay" Driscoll at (413) 534-0445 by March 8.
NORTHAMPTON  President Donald Trumps push for a border wall  and his willingness to declare a national emergency to get it funded  is merely a distraction hes undertaken as Special Counsel Robert Mueller probe closes in, according to protesters gathered Monday at Northamptons City Hall.

This is not a national emergency, said organizer Debby Pastrich-Klemer of Indivisible Northampton. The only emergency is to his own presidency.

A few hundred protesters from around the region gathered for the noontime demonstration on the steps of Northamptons City Hall. Organized locally by Indivisible Northampton, the local MoveOn.org and the Pioneer Valley Womens March, this protest was one of more than 340 demonstrations to take place nationwide on Presidents Day.

There is power when communities all over the country act with the same voice at the same time, said Rachel Maiore of the local MoveOn.org chapter. I mean, you expect demonstrations in Boston and New York, but o see them in communities all across the country really sends a message.

Speakers included Andrea Schmidt of the Pioneer Valley Workers Center; state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton; state Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst; Northampton City Councilor Alisa Klein; and former Springfield City Councilor Amaad Rivera.

"Sabadosa  in a theme echoed by many Trump opponents here an elsewhere  said the real national emergencies are issues like education funding, health care and environmental degradation leading to befouled drinking water and global climate change.

Klein characterized the national emergency declaration as a power grab with ramifications beyond this political moment.

It normalizes white supremacy as a rational for national action, Klein said.

Schmidt became emotional as she described the current plight of former Hampshire College student and immigrant rights activists Eduardo Samaniego, who was also active at the Workers Center.

Back in December, Samaniego was detained by immigration authorities and hes currently back in Mexico pressing his case to return.

People say Im free, she said quoting Samaniego. But this isnt freedom.
AMHERST  Hampshire Colleges president reiterated Monday the need for what she called significant restructuring of the school, including layoffs of staff and faculty.

But, President Miriam E. Nelson wrote in a letter to the campus community Monday, Hampshire may be able to remain independent by means of transformative financial support from our community of alums and other long-engaged donors."

The letter followed a weekend meeting with the Board of Trustees that saw Nelson present several strategic approaches for the schools future. The Board has authorized me to move forward with investigating these options, Nelson wrote.

The colleges Board of Trustees issued a statement in support of President Miriam Nelson following the weekend meetings.

The letter came as layoffs are expected to begin Tuesday, Feb. 19. College officials have said the first round will include staff cuts, with faculty layoffs to follow.

Hampshire employs approximately 250 staff members and 150 faculty, so some 400 employees total. It hasnt released numbers on the layoffs, but faculty have estimated the cuts to all employees could run 30 percent to 50 percent.

The suggestion that donations could help Hampshire survive and remain independent is apparent bow to mounting pressure from students, alumni and parents whove said Nelsons plan for a smaller Hampshire College that is partnered with another institution go too far and are an overreaction.

Hampshire has seen its enrollment fall from 1,300 in 2014 to 1,120 in 2019. There was a budget gap of $2.3 million in 2018 and a gap of $5.9 million for the current fiscal year.

In January, Nelson said she was pursuing a strategic partner for Hampshire. That option remained on the table following the latest meetings. The approaches we are considering include different kinds of engagement and governance structures with an outside strategic partner, she wrote Monday.

President Miriam Nelson reports on yesterday's meeting with the Board of Trustees, including several possible strategic approaches for securing the future of #HampshireCollege: https://t.co/at92tVKYD0 pic.twitter.com/peAiIu1jFm  Hampshire College (@hampshirecolg) February 18, 2019

Three weeks ago, the trustees voted to admit only 77 first-year students in fall 2019, down from a class that totals 300 or more in most years. Those 77 students have either signed early admission contracts or deferred their admission last year to take a gap year.

Nelson said she fears if the college admits a full first-year class, it wont be able to guarantee that they can finish their four-year degrees at Hampshire.

The cutbacks make the potential merger inevitable, said William Goldstein, a Hampshire alum who is affiliated with an opposition group called savehampshire.com. No freshman class means no income from fees and tuition, Goldstein says, and layoffs of staff and faculty mean the colleges biggest asset  its talent  is diminished.

She is going to leave the college no other choice, he said in a phone interview Monday. There wont be any other way forward at that point.

He called the situation a manufactured crisis.

The Hampshire College Board also voted not to admit any new students for the spring semester of 2020. The college has not yet made a decision on the fall 2020 class.
By Kay Simpson, Springfield Museums

Renowned as a unique cultural complex in the heart of downtown, the Springfield Museums have deep roots in the city's history. However, the museums are not only keepers of the past, the museums are constantly evolving to reach new generations of visitors and ever-expanding audiences.

As part of a progressive program of innovation and collaboration with partners near and far, the Springfield Museums are being transformed into an experience destination that enables children and adults to make memories as they explore our galleries.

In the immortal words of Dr. Seuss's mischievous protagonist the Cat in the Hat, "It is fun to have fun. But you have to know how."

In June 2017, the museums opened the long-awaited Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and made learning fun for a record-breaking number of national and international tourists who traveled to Springfield to pay homage to Springfield-born icon of children's literature, Theodor Seuss Geisel. In the first year alone, we increased our visitation by 110 percent and attracted media attention from across the country and around the world.

The success of the Dr. Seuss Museum has built the foundation for this year's exhibition program. In January, Toytopia opened in the Wood Museum of Springfield History. Even the Cat in the Hat would be impressed by this immersive and interactive extravaganza of toy-filled exhibitry.

In Toytopia, visitors of all ages discover a variety of participatory displays from working arcade games to a life-sized doll house. Visitors also encounter the world's largest Etch-a-Sketch, Lincoln Logs and an inventive LEGO landscape.

The exhibition is an appropriate tribute to the legacy of legendary entrepreneur Milton Bradley, whose board games and toys are featured in the museum. More importantly, Toytopia will set the stage for a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Wood Museum of Springfield History which opened to the public on Oct. 10, 2009. Funded through a mix of grants from local, state and national governmental agencies and private foundations, the full scope of the museum project was realized through a major gift from philanthropists Lyman and Merrie Wood. To this day, the history museum is a shining example of the power of public funding and private philanthropy in economic development and community building.

Other collaborative relationships will play important roles in the ongoing evolution of the Springfield Museums. This year, our MassMutual Foundation-funded partnership with the Smithsonian Institution brought the dynamic exhibition, Pop! Icons of American Culture, to the D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts. The exhibition enables visitors to view objects they never dreamed they would actually see in person, including the Superman and Lois Lane costumes worn by Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, Eddie Van Halen's guitar and an original drawing of the Peanuts cartoon by Charles Schulz.

Later this year, the Smithsonian's Spark!Lab will open in the Science Museum. A dynamic learning space where children and families can create, innovate, problem solve and invent, Spark!Lab activities incorporate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with art and history. Not only will Spark!Lab position us as a regional center for informal STEM learning, it will launch a multi-year initiative to reinvent the museum for 21st century audiences.

In addition, we will launch a series of exhibitions and programs through our new partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and cohort art museums throughout New England. On a more local level, a collaboration with Make-It Springfield has resulted in an array of wonderful artisan-crafted merchandise that is now available in our newly launched online store.

We are especially excited that this summer, the D'Amour Museum will serve as the premier East Coast venue for Van Gogh for All, an interactive and multi-media exhibition that enables visitors to explore Van Gogh's creative genius through three-dimensional environments that bring his unparalleled paintings to life.

The work of the Springfield Museums is supported by a strong coalition of community partners, funders, governmental agencies and public officials. We are grateful to state Sens. Eric Lesser and Jim Welch and the entire regional legislative delegation for enabling us secure state funding for the expansion of bilingual interpretation in the Dr. Seuss Museum. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and Mayor Dominic J. Sarno continue to advocate for the museums on the national and local levels.

As we move ahead with their help, the museums' seriousness of purpose will also be balanced by advice from our own beloved Dr. Seuss who continues to entertain generations of young readers. A visit to the museums will educate and enlighten but will also be filled with "lots of good fun that is funny."

Kay Simpson is president and CEO of the Springfield Museums, home of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. To lean more about the museums, go online to springfieldmuseums.org.
While chanting not my president and people united cannot be defeated about 100 people gathered in the snow in Cambridges Harvard Square Monday to protest the presidents declaration of a state of emergency.

This is a fake emergency. This is constitutional vandalism. This is an over reach ... an abuse of power and we will do everything we can to stop it, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Boston Democrat said to dozens of supporters.

The rally was organized by Cambridge Area Stronger Together, an organization dedicated to promoting and defending human rights.

On Friday President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency at the US-Mexico border, a controversial move that would allow him to circumnavigate Congress and secure more funding for his proposed border wall. Trump and leaders of Congress have sparred over the necessity of such a wall, leading to the longest government shutdown in history earlier this year.

Those gathered in Cambridge Monday rebuffed the idea that people, many of whom are asylum seekers fleeing violence in their native countries, are a threat to the United States.

The national emergency: theres a lunatic in the White House, read a sign held by one protestor.

Pressley, who represents Massachusetts 7th Congressional District, urged protesters to keep fighting for the immigrants who are trying to find refuge in the United States. Seeing the dozens of people turn out is a sign that the movement is working, she said.

You all are cold and uncomfortable, but we know our immigrant friends, family and neighbors are uncomfortable every day because of the fear that they live in.

Patty Nolan, a school committee member in Cambridge, also defended immigrants in her remarks.

The real emergency is the denial of fact and science and critical thinking, she said.

Rebecca Riccio, a professor at Northeastern University, spoke to protesters about the constitution and the presidency. She said she uses Presidents Day to take a hard look at whats happening in our country.

Its starting to be a long list. Some might say one name too long on the list of our presidents. There are a couple things Id like to change on the list of our presidents. I would like to have someone on that list who uses the pronouns she, her, hers, she said.

She said while the constitution is not a perfect blueprint it is a good launching point.

We know we have a lot of work to do. Are we ever going to become as great as we can if the president believes the constitution does not apply to him? Riccio said.
More than 70 people detained by federal immigration officials at the Suffolk County House of Correction in Boston are refusing meals, according to immigration advocates.

The 72 people being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the jail are participating in a hunger strike that started on Friday, according to advocates from Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance and the Fighting Against Natural Gas (FANG) Collective, two community groups based in Rhode Island.

Arely Diaz, an organizer for the FANG collective, told MassLive she is in contact with several people with pending immigration cases currently being held in the Boston jail. Those people have described inhumane conditions within the jail.

Detainees said correction officers do not respond to complaints about the lack of proper plumbing and bathroom access, meals, and grievance procedures.

Whenever we request grievance forms, the C.O.s would tell us it wouldn't matter because it would just go in the trash, detainees wrote in a letter sent to the FANG Collective.

Diaz said she and other organizers have tried to reach ICE and Suffolk County Sheriffs Office officials to discuss these and other problems raised by the people in custody. They have not received a response.

A spokesperson for the sheriffs office told WBUR that there was no hunger strike in effect.

As organizations in contact with people currently being detained, we demand that Sheriff Steven Tompkins address the demands of all those currently detained in Suffolk County. We also demand an explanation for how the Suffolk County House of Correction has any authority to detain anyone. Regardless of any explanation, we demand they release everyone back to their families, Diaz said.

Boston ICE office did not respond to a message and an email from MassLive requesting comment Monday. The sheriffs office also did not respond to an email and voicemail message.
Democrats gained 40 seats in the House, in part because Ben McAdams in Utah, Kendra Horn in Oklahoma and Joe Cunningham in South Carolina took districts that favored the Republican Party by double digits. In fact, 30 of their newly elected were in Republican-leaning districts.

In routinely pushing highly controversial policies, Jayapal doesnt seem to understand why more Democrats dont heel to her commands. She was never too keen on immigration enforcement, but she jumped overboard with a call to pay reparations to families separated at the border. The separation policy is indeed brutish. Immigrants, including those without papers, deserve humane treatment. But sending checks to people who entered illegally? Her district may tilt plus-33 Democratic, but, you know, most Democrats want secure borders.

The lefties threatening incumbent Democrats not on their program should know this: They, too, can be primaried. They should also know that many Democrats, including very liberal ones, are growing tired of radical attacks on other Democrats. (Many remain bitter over Bernie Sanders savage trashing of Hillary Clinton long after she was the obvious Democratic presidential nominee.)
Pittsylvania leaders say there's misinformation being spread about fire and rescue funding; A Martinsville man held without bond after a motorcycle chase; A busy road closed for three days next week; Over 100 local students get scholarships.
President Donald Trump argues that keeping immigrants and refugees out of our country is a matter of vital national security. He has made it his campaign thesis and shut down the government over it. Here in Storm Lake, Iowa, where the population is about 15,000 and unemployment is under 2 percent, Asians and Africans and Latinos are our lifeline. The only threat they pose to us is if they werent here.

Thats been the case for years all over rural Iowa and southern Minnesota, in the heart of the Corn Belt, where anyone who wants a job cutting hogs or laying block or working as an orderly can get one.

One part of the rural condition in American today is that, after college, our young people go to Des Moines or some city beyond for a job in finance or engineering that simply doesnt exist in the old, county-seat towns of 5,000 people. Everybody has to go someplace else, Iowa State University regional trade economist Dave Swenson says of the youth exodus. There isnt a Plan B or Plan C.

As rural counties are drained of young people with higher educations, immigrants flow into the vacuum. The influx began 40 years ago and continues today. First, Laotians from Thai refugee camps (they fought alongside us in Vietnam) came to Iowa in the 1980s. A land debt crisis later that decade blew up the family farm and foreclosed the future of so many young people and small businesses. The farm boys who once raised hogs by day and worked the night shift at the packing houses lit out for Texas and the oil rigs. Young Latino men, mainly from the Mexican state of Jalisco, came in to work the meatpackers kill floors. Now, the pigs are raised in huge confinement buildings, not family farms, and Latinos keep them clean.

So long as there is corn, there will be hogs and turkeys and eggs in Iowa. Somebody will have to do that work. Now, the Storm Lake Elementary School is 90 percent children of color, and about three-fourths of those are Hispanic  mainly from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. We could employ 500 more workers easily if we could find, and find housing for, them.

Without the newcomers we do have, Storm Lake would be half its current size. Next door, the population of Pocahontas County has been nearly halved since 1970; if the current trend continues, there will be nobody left to turn out the lights by 2050. Were fortunate by comparison. Storm Lake grows its own welders, nurses and food processing machinists. A student who attends high school for five years can take vo-tech or college-prep classes through a unique, charter-school program involving the local high school, Iowa Central Community College and Buena Vista University. Those kids graduate with a training certificate or an Associate of Arts degree. Those students enter the workforce as teacher aides, machinists or certified nursing assistants. The pay is about $25 an hour.

The big agricultural processing companies will bid for low skills until there simply is no one left to bid for. The demand for meat cutters seems endless. Smaller towns run buses to Storm Lake to pick up immigrants for day work in those factories. Theyll pay you $18 an hour at Tyson to slice pork, plus a hefty signing bonus. The workforce is overwhelmingly immigrant, well over half Latino. Tyson insists they are all legal, yet we figure about a third of the immigrant community in general here might be without papers  who knows? If the meatpackers cant find workers here, they will pick up shop and move somewhere else, like so many Iowa manufacturers before them.

In keenest demand here are health-care workers  orderlies, nursing assistants and cafeteria workers to toil for about $12 to $15 an hour in one of Iowas largest industries: nursing homes. Iowa has more than 510,000 residents over the age of 65. The average age of an Iowa farmer is 63.

The need for workers has made it hard for those who cant find them to stay in business. Masonry contractor Steve Tate has decided at age 63 to wind things down. If I were 20 years younger, Id stick my neck out, said Tate. But even when jobs are out there to bid now, I dont know how I could bid them if I didnt know I could get reliable help.

Storm Lakes crime rate last year reached a 27-year low. It is more diverse than ever. Some 30 languages or dialects are spoken here. But the community knows it will wither up and blow away without its young people. Like it or not, legal or not, our young people are predominantly Latino. If there is to be a wall, there will have to be a door for immigrants to find their way here as the better-educated leave for the brighter lights and greener urban pastures.



Cullen is the editor of the Storm Lake Times in Northwest Iowa. He also recently wrote the book  Storm Lake: A Chronicle of Change, Resilience, and Hope from a Heartland Newspaper .
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Two Seriousy Injured in Hempstead Shooting, According to Authorities

Local News, Crime, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: February 18 2019

NCPD: Both victims were transported to area hospitals; the investigation is ongoing.

Hempstead, NY - February 18, 2019 - The Homicide Squad is investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 2:47 a.m. in The Homicide Squad is investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday, February 18, 2019 at 2:47 a.m. in Hempstead

According to detectives, police responded to a call for two males that had been shot in front of a residence on Terrace Avenue. Both victims were transported to area hospitals with serious injuries.
The passing of a family member, or a close friend, is sad at any time, but when it happens around the Christmas season theres an added poignancy.

When Peter Kelly, former councillor and TD, died in early January, it quickly hit home that the Longford-Dublin association had lost a really good friend, as had I personally. Indeed the same may be said for the Longford associations in London and New York and, of course, a huge array of people all over the Midlands and well beyond.

Among many messages received by this organisation was one from Mullinalaghta native, Margaret Brown, now living in Sandycove, who in a phone call said with sincere feeling, You know, Peter will be missed enormously by all who knew him. He helped everyone who asked for his help and he lived life to the fullest, she said.

And in an email from a good friend of ours, a Longford man long living in Dublin who wrote He was extraordinarily generous and helpful to me when got the diagnosis. I shall never forget his kindness, or his encouragement. He was quite a character but with the proverbial heart of gold, concluded the email.

They are but a microcosm of many positive messages which undoubtedly criss-crossed, not only the county and his former constituency, but also many parts of the country.

Peter was a great supporter of our organisation and when he would arrive at our annual dinner, which he did practically every year, he brought a sense of energy, joy and fun. His buoyant and positive personality suffused the room from the moment he arrived. Invariably, by the end of the night, he would have gone around to all the tables, a practice he continued even when he had left politics!

Without doubt, the London and New York association committees would report similarly. I witnessed Peter in action at the London dinner on many occasions, but I have a wonderful memory of the event two years ago.

Although he had come through surgery and a period of treatment he was as upbeat as ever and I had a most joyous evening in his company in the famous Crown bar in Cricklewood!

On another occasion during the weekend of the London association annual event  in fact it was the year Longfords Colm Moloney was elected Mayor of Brent council  Peter and his wife, Maura, Gerry Quinn and I were guests of Mayor Colm in Brent council chambre on the Monday morning before returning home, the whole visit having been generously arranged by Peter. You just couldnt buy experiences and memories of that nature.

Peter, being a proud Longford man, just loved his role as a public representative, both as a Longford councillor and later as a TD. And in that context he was well served by his genuine interest in people and his warm personality.

Also read: Emotional tribute as mourners told of how grandson told Longford's Peter Kelly: 'You're a fantastic man Grandad'

Not only did he know most people in his constituency, but he knew their families and wider connections  as someone joked their seed, breed and generation, - for which he had an impressive memory, though of course not in a prurient way! None of this was driven by politics, but was innate, having been well honed working in the family business in Main St with his father, Joe, when he was a young man. Joe himself was quite a character, and indeed the apple didnt fall far from the tree!

Fianna Fail of course was his party, but Peter wasnt at all tribal. He made friends across the political spectrum. Indeed he was fondly remembered by many of the Dail administrative staff, as I found out about two years ago when introduced to a group from there. There were many mornings, I was told, that Peter got their day off to a bright start with a joke or a funny story.

nyone who knew Peter wouldnt be at all surprised.

Peters happy-go-lucky, sunny disposition very much reflected his inner belief that he was born under a lucky star, as Peter jnr reminded the congregation in a touching eulogy to his father at his funeral Mass in St Mels Cathedral.

Sadly, we wont have the privilege of experiencing his sunny, larger-than-life personality again, and on the occasion of our final annual event, Peters absence will be sorely felt. However, we feel sure hell be with us in spirit.

To his wife, Maura, daughter Emily, sons Peter and Joseph, brothers Pat, Vincent, John and Frank, sisters Mary and Claire, extended family, relatives and a wide circle of friends, The Longford Association tenders our sincere sympathy.

The meeting also remembered all recently bereaved families, known to association members, including the families, relatives and friends of Tom Davis, Ballinamuck; Roy Fitzsimons, Lanesboro; Michael Hughes, Longford town; Mary Culhane, Dublin, formerly Tarbert, Co Kerry and Drumlish; Seamus Kiernan, Legan; Karen Clarke-Curran, Newtownforbes; Frank Kelly, Drimnagh, Dublin, formerly Drumlish; Mel Bohan, Ardagh, formerly Bohey, Drumlish; Jimmy Reilly, Newtownforbes and Drumlish; Mairead Begley, Killoe, who died in England; Marie Brady (nee Reilly), Cartron, Drumlish; Mary Noonan, Drumlish and Martha Gunshinan, Drumlish.

Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anamacha dilis.

Also read: Peter Kelly, Longford, was a 'larger than life' character
The ESB apprenticeship programme is now open to Longford applicants.



ESB announced this morning (Monday, February 18) that applications to its highly-regarded ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme are being sought for 2019.



* Candidates must be over 16 years of age on June 1, 2019

* Applications remain open until March 25

* This years campaign is part of ESB's drive to recruit 380 apprentices between 2015 and 2020

This year will see ESB Networks recruit up to 70 new electrical apprentices. Applications will be accepted online from today, Monday, February 18 and will remain open until March 25.

Also read: Longford Leader Jobs Alert: Stucco Veneziano are recruiting a Business Development representative

ESB Networks is known for its high-quality apprenticeship programme, which offers a mix of on-the-job experience as well as classroom based learning. Successful apprentices obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate over four years, with a utility that serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton T.D. welcomed the announcement: Apprenticeships offer embedded learning and are an important path to innovation which have been undervalued in Ireland by enterprise and by the community. Many new fields of apprenticeship are opening up in Ireland. The ESB has steadfastly recognised the importance of apprenticeships. Now more than ever as the energy sector is transformed to meet the challenge of global climate disruption, apprenticeships in this sector are more valuable than ever.

Also read: Supermac's chief vows to bring four star hotel to Longford as part of second phase of multi million euro project

Speaking about the announcement, ESB Chief Executive Pat ODoherty said: The apprenticeship programme has always been of paramount importance to ESB. It ensures we have the skills and expertise necessary to maintain a world-leading electricity system, capable of meeting societys rapidly increasing needs for clean energy. I look forward to welcoming our latest cohort of apprentices to ESB later in the year.

Mr ODoherty, who also chairs the Governments Apprentice Council, adds: Apprenticeships are invaluable in developing high quality skills which are needed in a modern economy. It is encouraging to see apprentices span an ever-widening range of sectors, given that ESB has been very well served by our investment in apprenticeships over many decades.

GALLERY | Spot yourself in the crowd as Mullinalaghta made the trip to Tipp

Katie Hynes, who recently successfully completed the ESB Networks apprenticeship programme, strongly recommends this career path: "My apprenticeship journey with ESB Networks has been nothing but positive, educational and enjoyable. My workmates and management have been extremely helpful by passing on as much knowledge and hands-on skills as possible. I really enjoy the physical and electrical aspect of my job. I would highly recommend both young women and men to apply for this apprenticeship like I did, you will have no regrets."

To apply, click HERE
Longford dairy farmers are being urged to engage with the SEAI efficiency (Dairy Farm Grant) scheme.



Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD today (Monday, February 18) announced funding for energy efficient dairy farm equipment.



Up to 500,000 is available for high efficiency milk pumps, saving the average farmer 1,440 in energy bills and 1.6 tonnes in reduced carbon emissions annually.

Also read: Getting ready for your Bord Bia audit



The government are committed to making Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. Minister Bruton recently received government approval to develop an all of government plan, to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. The Plan will have actions across all areas such as heat, electricity, transport and agriculture according to strict timelines.





Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said, It is vital that every sector of our economy seek ways to reduce their carbon impact. This is a great opportunity for dairy farmers to become more efficient and save money. It is one of the many practices in a farm where new ways of working can make a significant impact.



Welcoming the investment, Minister Creed said, This is an excellent example of a collaborative approach to driving the national sustainability agenda. Not only does this dairy equipment make climate sense but also sound economic sense at individual farm level and I urge farmers to engage fully with the scheme.



The Scheme is administered through Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Up to 40% of total technology and installation costs may be covered by the grant. The technologies covered under the scheme include Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Vacuum Pumps and VSD milk pumps.



Commenting on the grant, Jim Gannon, Chief Executive of the SEAI, said: Over 1,000,000 of Government money has been made available to dairy farmers over the last three years. Variable speed drive vacuum pumps can reduce energy consumption by 60% resulting in savings of over 10% on total farm energy costs. Energy efficiency can strengthen dairy farms by freeing up resources that can be invested in more productive activities and increase resilience to volatile milk prices.



WATCH | Pat Walton is a fourth generation dairy farmer in Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, who has installed a new vacuum pump. Pat says, The new system is much quieter and cheaper to run. It is an investment at the start, but over four or five years it will have paid for itself and after that it is saving you a lot of money. It is worth doing for the savings. It is also more environmentally friendly, cleaner and safer. I would encourage other dairy farmers to think about a new vacuum pump. The SEAI grant is important in helping install this new equipment.

The Dairy Farm Grant complements the range of investment items available under the suite of seven measures that form the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Also read: IFA to hold major lobby of all TDs and senators on beef crisis



Grants under the TAMS scheme can also include equipment to drive on-farm energy efficiency savings and the scheme remains open to applications. DAFM and SEAI have worked closely to ensure that their respective schemes are complementary and to give farmers options when considering these kinds of investments.

For more information on the SEAI Dairy Farm Grant scheme click HERE

For more information on TAMS II click HERE
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. High 86F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.
Baghouz, Syria

From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill  encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

"They are taking their last breath," said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 1 miles from the militants' last spot.

In Hajin, a major center for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes.
YOLA, Nigeria - The borders were closed. Shops. universities, offices and airports too. Tens of thousands of soldiers and observers and election officials were deployed around the country. Nigerians spent their savings, and risked the lives in some cases, to travel back to their hometowns to vote. And when they went to sleep on the eve of election day, everything seemed to be in order for a day that was expected to reaffirm the transition to democracy in Africa's most populous country.

The reality to which they awoke deflated much of that excitement and risked fanning the flames of unrest. At around 3 a.m., just five hours before polls opened, Nigeria's election commission announced a postponement of the vote until next Saturday, after apparently realizing that large quantities of voting materials were not in place.

"Nobody knows what is going on," said Muhammed Hammidu, a pepper farmer reached by phone in his home village of Pariya, near the northeastern city of Yola. "Rumors are flying like crazy."

Both of Nigeria's biggest political parties have condemned the delay, claiming that they were unaware of the election commission's unpreparedness.

President Muhammadu Buhari said he was "deeply disappointed" and appealed to Nigerians to "refrain from all civil disorder and remain peaceful, patriotic and united to ensure that no force or conspiracy derail our democratic development."

His main challenger, Atiku Abubakar, also called for calm and said he would join Buhari at a meeting on Saturday afternoon in the capital Abuja convened by the election commission to address next steps.

This year's election is seen as a chance to shore up Nigeria's democratic institutions, 20 years after the country formally transitioned to civilian government after decades of military rule. Many here are suspicious of Buhari's commitment to free and fair elections and the delay has already elicited a deluge of conspiratorial theories on social media and the popular WhatsApp messaging platform.

"This dents the credibility of the election, because at best the election commission was incompetent," said Amaka Anku, a Nigeria analyst at the Eurasia Group. "They couldn't figure this out until 3 in the morning? Like, there are no excuses. How could they not know? That's what everyone will be asking."

Anku and other analysts have maintained that the likelihood of political violence is low in this election as Buhari and Abubakar are both Muslims from the same ethnic group, lessening the sense of rivalry that has driven bloodshed in the past. The delay slightly raises those fears, said Anku, but the larger concern is greatly depressed turnout.

"People have spent their money to go home this one time to vote and many won't do the same again, especially with a postponement being announced so suddenly," she said.

Each of Nigeria's past two elections have been delayed, though the election commission had assured voters as recently as last week that there was "no room" for postponement this time.
Meredith Watson, who has accused Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax of sexual assault, wrote in an opinion piece for The Washington Post that said: "I'm willing to testify in public. Justin Fairfax should, too."

In the op-ed published online Monday afternoon, Watson, one of two women who have accused Fairfax, of assault, criticizes the General Assembly for not holding a public hearing on the allegations.

Watson earlier this month accused Fairfax, a Democrat, of sexually assaulting her in 2000, while both were undergraduate students at Duke University.

Fairfax has strongly denied both allegations, but after Watson came forward, many Democratic Party leaders said they would no longer support him, including those in the influential Virginia Legislative Black Caucus.

Watson and Vanessa Tyson, who alleges that Fairfax sexually assaulted her in 2004 while at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, have called on the Virginia General Assembly to hold public hearings into the allegations.

Shortly after Watson's piece posted online, House Speaker Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, tweeted, "Meredith Watson is courageous for speaking out. I'm still hopeful we can develop a bipartisan consensus on the best way to look into these serious allegations."

Cox, who has called for Fairfax's resignation, said last week that he would not rule out some form of investigation by the legislature.

"We need to be truly slow and deliberate about anything we do, but I don't think you can foreclose that (as) an option," he said. "Now what form that takes - as far as an investigation, impeachment - you have to look at very carefully, but I think that's something we're going to have to look at and keep our options open."

Watson wrote that since telling her story, "I have endured relentless scrutiny of my personal life and an unending, bitter flood of hurtful misinformation trumpeted by the media. . . . My privacy has already been violated, yet I am still willing to testify publicly under oath. Tyson has made the same offer. Our plea to the Virginia General Assembly to require the same of Fairfax has been met with inaction."

After coming forward, Watson wrote, "in a single week, my life was probed, exposed, examined and picked over. This is what women who come forward know to expect, and to fear. . . . The rapists shake free what soon becomes just a slight taint, and they move on."

Watson declined to comment for this story.

The allegations against Fairfax came as the state's Democratic leaders were engulfed in scandal after revelations about a racist yearbook photo of Gov. Ralph Northam and the use of blackface by Northam and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, both Democrats, while they were in college.

On Monday, several dozen protesters carrying signs and banners calling for Northam to resign marched outside of Capitol Square in Richmond. Some made comments about having a guillotine as they marched.

The roughly 50 protesters stood outside a closed metal gate at an entrance near the Executive Mansion, where Northam lives, holding signs, some of which said "Resign Governor Northam" and "End white supremacy" as more than a dozen police officers stood around them. Protesters also put red dye in one of the fountains outside the Capitol.

And on what turned out to be an unusually lively Presidents' Day, a woman was detained by officers after baring her breast to re-enact the scene on the Virginia state seal in which a female warrior stands over a slain king to the words, "sic semper tyrannis," or "thus always to tyrants." She and several other women were calling for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.
Jan. 28

At 3:36 a.m., Officer Barrientos was dispatched to the 5200 block of IH 610 northbound in reference to an intoxicated driver. Ofc. Barrientos located the vehicle at 6130 Southwest Freeway in Houston. The driver and a passenger were placed in custody for driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled substance, and public intoxication.

At 10:55 a.m., Officer C. Barber with the Bellaire Police Department was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Department lobby regarding an identity theft in the 100 block of Calvi. The victim states he was informed his identity was used to file a false unemployment claim.

At 9:40 a.m., Officer Liccketto conducted a traffic stop in the 5400 block of Bellaire Boulevard on a vehicle for expired registration. During the investigation the driver was found to have no drivers license and no proof of financial responsibility. The driver was arrested for traffic charges and transported to the Bellaire Police Department for booking and processing. During the booking process, the suspect was found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana and will be charged pending lab results.

At 8:30 p.m., Officer Carson was dispatched to the 5400 block of Bissonnet in regards to meeting with an ATM service technician. The service technician was servicing the Comerica Bank ATM in which he found a card skimmer inside the ATM.

Jan. 29

At 10:33 a.m., Officer Schwausch was patrolling the 5900 block of the IH610 WSR when he observed a white Honda Accord in front of him with expired registration. Officer Schwausch initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and further investigation found the driver to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and liquid THC oil. The driver was arrested for the drug paraphernalia, and charges are for the THC oil are pending based on positive lab results.

At 1:27 p.m., Officers Lysack and Quimby were dispatched to 5300 Braeburn Drive in reference to an incident where the suspect was demanding payment for fixing an elderly females wheel. Officer Lysack arrived on scene and made contact with the parties. During the investigation the suspect fled the scene in a motor vehicle. The suspect was placed into custody for evading with a motor vehicle.

At 5:22 p.m., Officer Clisham initiated a traffic stop in the 5300 block of IH 610 northbound on a vehicle for having an unreadable temp tag. While making contact with the driver, Officer Clisham could smell the strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The driver stated there was marijuana in the vehicle. Officer Clisham located the marijuana and the driver was also found to have 7 confirmed warrants out of HPD. Harris County District Attorneys Office declined POM charges even with the active confirmed warrants. Driver booked on poss. drug paraphernalia and 7 confirmed warrants with HPD.

At 6 p.m., Officer Carson was dispatched to 4439 Bissonnet in regards to meeting with the reportee. The reportee (cashier) reported an unknown male stole the cash register from the countertop. The suspects are also believed to be theft suspects in a Houston Police case.

At 8:11 a.m., Officer Quimby was dispatched to the 5100 block of Aspen Street in reference to a theft that occurred between Jan. 16 and Jan. 22. The victims stated they believe the housekeeper or family members she has brought with her took cash from their vanity drawer. At the same time this was being dispatched the suspect arrived at the Bellaire Police Department. The suspect denied the claims and this incident will be investigated by Bellaires Criminal Investigations Division.

Jan. 30

At 8:24 a.m., Officer D Rocha initiated a traffic stop on a brown Chevrolet four door vehicle for failing to obey sign. This stop was in the 6800 block of IH610 West Loop South East Service Road. Driver was subsequently found to be operating a motor vehicle with her license currently suspended/invalid and also driver had four outstanding warrants out of Bellaire Police Department. The driver was arrested and taken to the Bellaire Jail where she was booked for the charge of driving while license suspended / invalid / enhanced. Officer T. Quimby assisted on this scene.

At 8:47 a.m., Officer Jenkins was patrolling the 8100 block of South Rice and observed a white Dodge traveling northbound with an expired registration sticker of 06/17. Officer Jenkins stopped the vehicle in the 5000 Block of Holt and made contact with the driver. The drivers license was checked and it showed her license was invalid for fail to appear. At the time of the stop she was unable to show proof of financial responsibility. She also has 3 outstanding warrants with Bellaire PD, 2 outstanding warrants with HPD, and 1 warrant with Southside PD.

At 5:12 p.m., Officer D. Norman was dispatched to 5133 Bellaire Blvd. in reference to a robbery of a person. Officer Norman was assisted by Officers G. Carson, J. Clisham, Sergeant D. Kerr and West University Place Police Officer Munoz. Officer Norman, Carson and Clisham arrived on scene at approximately 1913 hours and made contact with the victim who advised three or four black males came up to her at the night deposit drop slot. One of the males displayed a knife and told her to give them the bags. The victim did not see if the suspects got into a vehicle or if they left on foot. There was a 15-minute delay in reporting the incident.

Jan. 31

At 4:14 a.m., Officer Vorhees initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 5400 block of Bissonnet Street for a suspicious vehicle and having a defective left tail lamp (white light illuminating to the rear of the vehicle). The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and led Bellaire, Houston Police, and Katy Police Officers on a pursuit for approximately 43 miles before crashing and fleeing on foot. After further investigation, the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody and charged with evading arrest/detention by use of vehicle.

At 10:28 a.m., Officer Schwausch was patrolling the 6800 block of IH 610 ESR when he observed a black Mercedes travelling in front him with expired registration as of 01/2015. Officer Schwausch initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and further investigation found the driver was driving with a suspended license and a fictitious registration. The driver was arrested and charged with fictitious registration.

At 5:02 p.m., a male subject was purchasing items at 5020 Bellaire Blvd. and set his wallet on the counter. After making his purchase the subject left the store accidently leaving his wallet. A Hispanic suspect then made a purchase at the same counter and before leaving, took the wallet and placed it in his pocket and left the store.

Feb. 1

At 4:35 p.m., Officer D. Norman was dispatched to the Bellaire Police Department Lobby in reference to a burglary of a habitation in the 5100 block of Maple Street. Officer Norman made contact with the victim who advised sometime between 5 p.m. Jan. 26 and 10 a.m. Feb. 1 an unknown suspect(s) entered the residence and stole a dishwasher, sink and tools. The residence is not occupied due to it currently being remodeled.

At 10:50 p.m., Officer Younger observed a vehicle displaying a stolen rear bumper license plate in the 4700 block of Bissonnet. Officer Younger initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, seized the stolen plate and placed the two occupants into custody for the misdemeanor marijuana diversion program after locating marijuana.

Feb. 2

At 4:02 a.m., Officer Bellard was on patrol in the 5400 block of Bellaire when he observed a green Nissan Maxima traveling with no head lights when required. Officer Bellard initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and after further investigation the driver and passenger were arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

At 2:28 p.m., Officer Andrade was dispatched to meet with a reportee in the police department lobby in reference to an identity theft in the 4900 block of Jessamine Street. Officer Andrade made contact with the reportee who stated sometime on 01/27/2019 at unknown hours, an unknown suspect used her identifying information to get into her payroll account and rerouted her funds into another unknown account.

At 2:27 a.m., Officer Younger initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for failing to stop at a designated point in the 5000 block of Bissonnet. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Feb. 3

At 3 p.m., Officer Carson was dispatched to the 6300 block of IH 610 West Service Road in regards to unknown person(s) painted names and or words on the red brick wall of the West Loop.

At 5:48 p.m., Officer Schwausch was patrolling the 4700 block of Bellaire Boulevard when he observed a gray Chevrolet in front of with expired registration. Officer Schwausch initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and found the driver was driving with a suspended driver license and without proof of financial responsibility. The driver was arrested for driving while license invalid - enhanced and transported to the Bellaire Police Department without incident.

Feb. 4

At 12:18 a.m., Officer Ortega observed the suspect vehicle to have a defective headlight at 6130 Bellaire Blvd. Officer Ortega observed the vehicle pull in to the parking lot of 5130 Bellaire Blvd and stop in a parking spot. Officer Ortega observed the driver exit the vehicle to urinate. The driver was placed into custody for disorderly conduct, and the passenger for an escape and ice immigration violation. Corporal Clawson assisted with this case.

At 1:08 a.m., Officer Schwausch observed a white Nissan traveling on IH 69 with two flat tires just before it spun out, almost striking another vehicle and the highway median. Further investigation found the driver to be driving while intoxicated. The driver was charged with driving while intoxicated. Officer Younger assisted with this investigation.

At 12:01 a.m., Officer Younger initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a defective passenger side headlight at 5300 Bellaire Blvd. During the investigation Officer Younger developed probable cause to search the vehicle and located narcotics in the vehicle. Officer Younger charged the driver of the vehicle with possession of a controlled substance and processed him in the Bellaire Jail without incident. Officer Schwausch assisted with this investigation.

At 2:23 p.m., Officer C. Barber was dispatched to 5000 Mimosa in regards to an abandoned vehicle. The unknown caller stated to Bellaire Police Dispatch the vehicle has been sitting in the 5000 block of Mimosa since Wednesday, Jan. 30, at an unknown time. The vehicle had been taken in a robbery in the City of Houston. The vehicle was released to HPD.

At 4:26 p.m., Officer Trujillo was patrolling the IH610 east service road and observed a blue four door passenger vehicle bearing an expired paper plate. Officer Trujillo initiated the stop and the driver gave Officer Trujillo false information of his identity. The driver was arrested and charged with failure to identify/fugitive from justice.

Feb. 5

At 12:38 a.m., Officer Vorhees initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding and failing to signal lane change in the 7500 IH 610 southbound. After a brief pursuit, the driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving while intoxicated and evading by vehicle.

At 11:49 a.m., Officer D. Rocha initiated a traffic stop in the 4800 block of Bellaire Boulevard on 2009 silver in color BMW X5 for an obscured Texas temporary tag. The driver was identified by her Texas Drivers License number. Driver was subsequently found to be driving while her license was invalid / suspended. Driver was also found to have outstanding warrants out of Houston Police Department. Driver was arrested for the charge of driving while license suspended / enhanced, with no valid insurance, and two confirmed Houston Police Department warrants. Officer H. Lopez assisted on the scene.

At 5:45 p.m., Officer Carson was dispatched to the 5100 block of Locust Street in regards to a victim reporting a check was forged and was cashed by the suspect(s) at an unknown Bank of America.

At 1:23 p.m., Officer Quimby was dispatched to the 4300 block of Compton Circle, in reference to a burglary of a habitation. Officer Quimby arrived at 1328 hours. The victim stated she left her residence secured at 8 a.m. on this date, but did not set the alarm. When the housekeeper arrived at 12:30 p.m., she found the back door glass broken out and the house rummaged through.

Feb. 6

At 8:36 a.m., Officer H. Lopez was dispatched to the 6800 block of IH 610 East Service Road in reference to a motor vehicle accident. One of the parties involved in the accident stated the driver that hit her fled the scene and she was following her. The suspect driver eventually stopped a few miles away and was subsequently placed under arrest for leaving the scene of an accident and not providing information. Officer A. Lysack and Cpl. K. Kramer assisted in this investigation.

At 10:49 a.m., Officer Jenkins was dispatched to a criminal mischief in the 5200 block of Braeburn Drive. The owner of a GMC Yukon saw the window broken on passenger side door.

At 9:12 p.m., Officer Trujillo was dispatched to 4601 Glenmont Drive in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle. Upon the Officers arrival Officer Trujillo spoke with the victim who stated an unknown person(s) broke into their vehicle and removed a purse.

Feb. 7

At 3:39 p.m., Officer Clisham was investigating a minor accident in the 4700 block of Cedar Street and smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from one of the involved vehicles. Officer Clisham detained the subject and requested another police unit. Officer Andrade arrived to assist with the search of the vehicle. After further investigation, the driver was placed in custody for possession of a controlled substance. The subject was placed in custody and transported to the Bellaire Jail for further processing.

At 2:01 p.m., Officer Andrade was dispatched to the 4900 block of Bellaire Boulevard in reference to criminal mischief. Upon arrival, Officer Andrade met with the victim who stated between 8 p.m. Feb. 5 and 1 p.m. Feb. 6, an unknown suspect used an unknown weapon to shoot through the front double paned window of the home. This is an ongoing investigation.

Feb. 8

At 1:37 p.m., Officer C. Barber was dispatched to the Police Department lobby regarding an identity theft in the 4500 block of Pin Oak. The victim states an unknown person attempted to access his retirement account using his identifying information. The suspect was thwarted in the effort.

At 9:36 p.m., Officer Norman was dispatched to Bellaire Police station to meet with a victim regarding burglary of a motor vehicle at 4601 Bellaire Blvd. Officer Norman arrived on scene at 9:42 p.m. The victim advised Officer Norman unknown suspect(s) broke a front drivers window and entered the victims vehicle without consent or permission and stole items from his vehicle. Officer Bellard and Officer Bailey will be the reporting officers in this case.

At 11:25 p.m., Officers Bellard and Bailey were dispatched to the 4400 block of Mildred to meet with a resident regarding a burglary of a habitation. On Feb. 8, between 7:10 and 11:24 p.m., unknown suspect(s) made entry through an unlocked door of the residence. Officer Younger assisted in this case.

At 3:32 p.m., Officer Andrade was patrolling in the 4600 block of Bellaire Boulevard and observed a blue Ford F150 pickup truck displaying a fictitious Texas Dealers Tag. Officer Andrade initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver who stated he did not have a drivers license or any form of financial responsibility. After further investigation, the driver was placed in custody for failure to identify-false information. During the booking process the suspects AFIS results revealed he had an open warrant out of Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Officer Barber assisted with this arrest.

Feb. 9

At 4:53 a.m., Officer Younger attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 8400 block of IH 610 West Loop South. The vehicle refused to pull over for approximately 3.4 miles. The driver of the vehicle was charged with driving while intoxicated and evading with a vehicle.

At 10:49 p.m., Officer Guerra was patrolling the 4700 block Bellaire Boulevard when he observed a gold Lexus in front of him with expired registration. Officer Guerra initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and found the driver was driving with a suspended driver license and could not provide financial responsibility. The driver was arrested for driving while license invalid - enhanced and transported to the Bellaire Police Department without incident.

At 10:52 p.m., Corporal D. Clawson observed the defendant stopped in the 4700 block of Bissonnet at the West Service Road past the designated stopping point. I conducted a traffic stop on the defendant for that offense. During the traffic investigation, it was determined the defendant was in possession of a controlled substance and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Officer Bellard and Officer Bailey assisted with this case.

Feb. 10

At 2:37 a.m., Officer Younger initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving with its hazard lights on and failing to maintain a single lane in the 8400 block of IH 610 Loop South. During the traffic investigation the driver was placed into custody for driving while intoxicated (2nd offense) and transported to the Bellaire Jail for processing.

At 6:55 a.m., Officer Jenkins was dispatched to 4300 Bellaire Blvd. concerning a white Ford pickup that was blocking a moving lane of traffic with two subjects in the vehicle. The driver was removed from the vehicle and he became combative. The driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest and the passenger was arrested for public intoxication.

At 5:11 p.m., Officer Clisham responded to a major accident in the 7500 block of West Loop South where a vehicle had left the roadway and crashed into a front yard of a residence. After making contact with the driver of the vehicle and further investigation, said driver was placed into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated.
The Rev. Charlene Robbins of Delmar, a Gold Star mother active in veterans circles, has been selected to receive the 54th annual Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award from the Albany Post 105 of Jewish War Veterans.

Robbins will receive the award during a Four Chaplains Award and Remembrance ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the First Reformed Church, 8 N. Church St., Schenectady.

The honor commemorates the sacrifice four military chaplains made after a German submarine torpedoed the USS Dorchester, a troop ship, on Feb. 3, 1943, off the coast of Greenland.

One of the four was Army Chaplain 1st Lt. Clark Poling, who ministered at the First Reformed Church just before he enlisted.

The other chaplains were 1st Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish rabbi; 1st Lt. George Fox, a Methodist minister; and 1st Lt. John Washington, a Catholic priest.

The chaplains gave up their life jackets to others. Of the 902 troops, seamen and civilians aboard, only 230 survived the sinking.

Since 1966, Albany Post 105 of the Jewish War Veterans has led an effort to recognize a local resident in honor of the chaplains.

The Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award exists to promote the cause of "unity without uniformity" by encouraging good will and cooperation among all people, according to Richard Goldenberg, post adjutant. The vision of the Four Chaplains Award is to impart the principles of selfless service to humanity without regard to race, creed, ethnicity or religion.

"Charlene inspires us in her devotion to others, and in particular her focus on serving veteran organizations," said Fred Altman, Post 105 commander. "As a Gold Star mother, Charlene stands among our veterans as a cherished and honored family member. Her sympathy and enthusiasm to give back to the many veteran groups and causes is a shining example of the commitment to others that the Four Chaplains gave their lives for."

She has led a life of service to others in various forms since her ordination on Sept. 9, 2001, at the Holistic Studies Seminary Institute in Albany. Robbins first ministered to and comforted first responders and aid workers for two days following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City.

She is also a Gold Star mother of Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Robbins, who died in action in Iraq on Feb. 9, 2004, attempting to save the lives of his soldiers during a mortar explosion while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment (Stryker) near Mosul, Iraq.

Robbins serves as chaplain of numerous veterans organization and at veterans events and ceremonies throughout the Capital Region.

She was recognized in 2005 as a grand marshal by the City of Albany Memorial Day Parade, participating on her son's behalf. Her introduction to the wider veterans community 13 years ago sparked her action and support, bringing spiritual leadership, empathy, comfort and peacefulness to the many veteran events.

She serves as chaplain of the Tri-County Council of Vietnam Era Veterans as well as part of the group's board of directors. She is chaplain for countless community programs and events, including the monthly Albany County Honor-A-Veteran program, the Albany County Honor-A-Living Veteran program, Albany High School Junior ROTC, the City of Albany Memorial and Veterans Day Parades and the Town of Colonie annual Memorial Day Service.

The event is open to the community.

Helping veterans

Norman C. Massry, a Gulf War veteran and Colonie town justice, will be the keynote speaker during the second annual free "On the Home Front: Helping Veterans Prepare for Civilian Life" forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Hearst Media Center at 645 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany.

Jennifer Audette, chief of social work at the Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albany; Jevon Schmitz, a College of Saint Rose student and former Army airborne infantryman; and Massry will be panelists at the event presented by the Veteran Center at The College of Saint Rose, Albany.

Families of veterans and people who care about veterans' issues are encouraged to attend. Registration is required. You can sign up at https://timesunionvets.eventbrite.com. Light refreshments will be served.

News of your troops and units can be sent to Duty Calls, Terry Brown, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany, NY 12212 or brownt@timesunion.com.
As the National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the Feb. 6 gas line explosion on Geary Boulevard, the city of San Francisco is working to get two beloved businesses back on their feet: Hong Kong Lounge II and Huckleberry Youth Programs.

The road back from a fire is a long one, rife with insurance claims, rebuilding the business, possible relocation and more. Among the immediate services the city is offering the two businesses is giving them access to up to $10,000 through San Francisco's Small Business Disaster Relief Fund, to serve as a stop-gap until insurance money is paid out.

The hope, said Joaquin Torres, director of the city's Office of Economic and Workforce Development, is to support the businesses' needs, including relocating, supporting affected employees and helping them find work (and everything else in between).

"In the case of Huckleberry and Hong Kong Lounge II, we were there on the ground engaging with both organizations as quickly as possible, so we can assess what their needs are going to be and let them know that the mayor's disaster recovery fund was going to be available to them," Torres told SFGATE.

Among the more crucial steps following the fire is finding work for employees of the two impacted groups. Fortunately, Huckleberry employees were shifted to other locations of the nonprofit. The Hong Kong Lounge II, however, employed 25 workers who were left without a job.

"We know that about half of the 25 employees in Hong Kong lounge are responding and have been able to find some employment pretty quickly, but we are working with [the rest of] them to set up a time collectively to make sure that they are aware of our resources that are available to them," said Torres.

"We're working with them; we want to understand what the business owner wants to do," Torres later added. "The immediate priority is around the needs of the employees and our focus will be on making sure that the remainder of the 25 have a centralized space that they can go to, to find new jobs."

The building at 3300 Geary Blvd., which housed the popular dim sum restaurant and two apartments above, bore the brunt of the flames during the 140-minute ordeal. The building has since been red-tagged by the Department of Building Inspection.

Huckleberry Youth Programs, situated next door to Hong Kong Lounge II, also sustained damage to its building. The nonprofit is currently working with the city and Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer's office to find a new location.

Money from the city's disaster relief fund generally lands within 30 to 45 days after an event like the gas explosion, according to Torres, as the city  as well as Hong Kong Lounge II's many, many customers  is hoping that influx of cash will pave the way for a swift return for the restaurant.

"When you talk about being able to replace inventory, being able to store inventory that was saved ... future equipment purchases, security deposits for a new lease, employee salaries; we just tide them over for a time, but all of that goes a long way in keeping the economy humming, especially for them," said Torres.

SFGATE reached out to Hong Kong Lounge II owner Annie Ho for comment, but was unable to contact her for this article.

Read Dianne de Guzman's latest stories and send her news tips at ddeguzman@sfchronicle.com.

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PROPOSALS to open a micro-brewery in the medieval quarter have been approved by city planners.

Up to seven jobs look set to be created after the Conradh Brewing Company, trading as Treaty City Brewery, secured permission to refit 24 and 25 Nicholas Street to provide micro-brewery facilities at the ground floor, with office facilities and an observational deck on the first floor of the facility.

The move comes after metropolitan district councillors last year approved plans to lease the two units  one of which was a bakery in a past life  to Limericks very own beer company.

Stephen Cuneen, of Treaty City, said: Its great for us. We are a small artisan business manufacturing in the city. Its great for the medieval area which is on the up at the moment, being the oldest medieval street in this part of Europe.

He said the two units will be turned into a brewing experience.

We will have small batch production of different seasonal and speciality beers, and well also have tours of the facility and the equipment as well as tasters, Stephen said.

He also hopes Treaty City can pair with other local small firms to highlight the best of what Limerick has to offer.

Coupled with the business and some decent input from the council, there are massive possibilities for that street. I think it should be pedestrianised, and wed like to see more and more tourists. Almost like Shop Street in Galway, Stephen added.
GARDAI discovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation when they searched a house in Limerick city, a court has heard.

Bartlemiej Konoieczko, 34, has pleaded guilty to a number of charges relating to the discovery of two dozen plants which was made on September 14, 2016.

Detective Garda Declan OHalloran of the divisional drugs unit told Limerick Circuit Court that 24 mature cannabis plants were found when gardai searched the defendants semi-detached home at Castlewell, Courtbrack Avenue, Dock Road during an intelligence-led operation shortly before 5pm.

The plants, he said, had been growing for around eight weeks and the cannabis seized had a potential street value of around 19,200.

Det Garda OHalloran said two upstairs bedrooms at the house had been converted and that each of the rooms was equipped with growing tents, hydroponic filtration systems and lighting.

Holes had been drilled in walls and the house adapted to facilitate the growing of the plants.

It was a sophisticated set up, said the detective, who added that engineers from ESB Networks were quite impressed with the way the Polish national had diverted the electricity supply to bypass the main meter.

They were quite surprised, it was very dangerous what he did.

He said the defendant was a cannabis user at the time and that he told gardai that he had learned how to grow the plants on the internet.

He also told gardai he had paid for the equipment with monies he received as damages after he was involved in a road accident in County Clare in 2011.

Andrew Sexton SC, said his client has a good work ethic and has been in custody since his arrest as he is awaiting extradition to Poland on foot of a European Arrest Warrant which was executed on the same day.

Detective Garda OHalloran agreed that charges were only preferred in relation to the cannabis seizure last summer as there had been a delay securing the results of forensic analysis.

Mr Sexton said Mr Konoieczko has been in Ireland for some time and that he accepts his behaviour is not acceptable.

He has put his hands up, he said, asking the court to note his clients admissions and his guilty plea.

The barrister said Mr Konoieczko, who has a young son, was a user at the time and that he made admissions at the scene and again during interview.

A number of written testimonials were submitted to the court on behalf of the defendant and Judge Tom ODonnell said he needed some to time to get his head around matters given the extradition proceedings.

The case was adjourned for sentencing in June.
MENS SHEDS in Limerick continue to attract new members and progressive men across the county.

There are now fifteen sheds in County Limerick with new ones being opened every few months. Sean Dalton and Seamus Scott are regional Coordinators for the Irish Mens Shed association. Sean explained how the sheds have grown in Limerick

Herbertstown is one of the latest groups who have decided to get together and start a new shed. Dan McInerney and Pat Curtin are part of the group whose first project is to arrange defibrillator training for the men, said Sean.

Doon Mens Shed only started a little over a year ago and now has over forty five members. Pakie OBrien, Tom Hayes, Denis Moloney and company have secured a lease on the old convent in Doon and have turned the previously unused building into a working mens shed, he added.

The Mens Shed movement was founded in Australia and began in Ireland around a decade ago. Ireland has now a dedicated website Menssheds.ie that provides information on the location and workings of all the sheds in Ireland.

I visited the shed in Doon recently and the friendship and camaraderie was palpable. One of the lads out there cooks a big pot of soup and with home made brown bread it provides a wholesome meal on a cold winter night, said Sean.

Sean is the chairman of the Dooradoyle/Raheen Mens Shed committee. He gave a breakdown of what's happening in some of the Sheds across Limerick.

Mulcair Mens shed is one of the most active sheds in Limerick. Once again food tastes always tastes a little better in the shed and the lads in Abington wont go home hungry, said Sean.

Galbally Mens shed sadly lost its founder member Joe Moran last year. He is a huge loss but the Danny Cronin and the lads out there will keep it going, he added.
LIMERICKS annual Festival of Kindness, organised by the volunteer group Pay It Forward, is back for a fifth outing this March.

Locals can expect plenty of free events organised by Pay It Forward Limerick (PIFL) which are designed to encourage people to undergo acts of kindness, no matter how big.

With support from business such as Starbucks, EBS William Street and Bus Eireann, the festival hopes to be bigger and better than ever, PIFL board representative Michael OMahony said at the launch at King Johns Castle.

Michael, speaking passionately about the work PIFL does, explained: Theres no wrong time to be nice, you dont know when someone is having a bad day. its good to know somebody is looking out for you.

He is hoping a ripple becomes a wave in terms of people doing kind acts for each other.

When asked what people can do to get involved, he said: You can get involved by simply paying it forward, when someone does something for you, be sure to thank them and also importantly, pass it on to someone else.

He added that it is innate in us to be kind, sometimes we just need to be reminded of that.

Kicking off this years festival is the Family Fun Day which takes place on Bedford Row on Saturday, March 9 from 11am. The Fun Day will involve groups such as the Indian community and St Pauls Scouts, among others, who will be seeking to spread awareness of how important it is to be kind, with events such as face painting, while they will also be handing out flowers, balloons and other fun activities.

Michael and the rest of the PIFL board are already looking to the future. Long term goals include making Limerick Irelands kindest city which he believes is achievable if everyone simply gets on board.

Pay it Forward are already doing great work with schools, organisations and business, with the introduction of the Kindness flag. Recipients of the award include Castletroy College and King Johns Castle, with Bus Eireann and Starbucks also about to receive the flag, Mr OMahony added.

See www.pifl.ie for more.
A MAJOR concert series in Limerick city has been given a huge pop boost with confirmation that the iconic Madness have been added to the line-up.

Dolans Live at the Docklands Series on the June Bank Holiday weekend will welcome the British music giants, it was announced this Monday morning.

Madness with join the already announced 2FM Live with Jenny Greene and the RTE Concert Orchestra at the Docklands concerts, set to take place in a specially erected Marquee on Limerick Docks.

Madness will play the series on Friday, May 31 in the specially erected six pole marquee that will be installed as part of the weekend-long series of concerts on Limericks waterfront.

The Nutty Boys, as they are commonly known, enjoy an unrivalled reputation as one of Britains greatest and most enduring live acts. They headlined The House of Common Festival in Londons Clapham Common in 2016 and 2017 and wowed audiences when they played the main stage at Electric Picnic.

They are one of the top 20 selling UK groups of all time, with seven top ten albums to their name and concert promoter Mick Dolan said securing Madness to play Live at the Docklands in our first year is a real coup.

The band achieved massive success in the mid-1980s spending 214 weeks in the UK singles charts over the course of that decade. This is a band that never fails to raise the roof and we are certain that audiences from Limerick and further afield will have the time of their lives on the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Greene and the RTE concert orchestra will play on Saturday, June 1 and it is anticipated that further musical acts will be announced over the coming weeks.

The events will be hosted in a specially erected Marquee, giving Dolans the largest capacity venue it has brought to Limerick city to date, understood to be in the region of 3,500 people.

Dolans Presents sees an opportunity to be more ambitious when it comes to the planning of large-scale events that put the city on the map, said booker Mick Dolan, of the family run venue based on the Dock Road who also book gigs at King Johns Castle, which has a capacity for around 2,000 people.

Dolans is striving to continue to improve and to invest heavily in our programming as well as developing our off-site production spaces under the brand of Dolans Presents.

As Limerick grows in confidence and witnesses continued job creation and investment, it is our belief that there is now significant opportunity for Limerick to capitalise on this story using culture, music and festivals to complement the physical and economic revival, he added.

Working closely with the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), Dolans have identified the area of Limerick Docks located just off Atlas Avenue as a location for the first year of the Live at the Docklands series.

As plans to redevelop the Dockland area located in the vicinity of the Dock Clock and James Casey Walk/Clayton Hotel come to fruition it is proposed that the concert series would have an opportunity to relocate to this space as it grows in size.

SFPC unveiled its Limerick Docklands Framework strategy, a multi-million euro plan to transform Limericks Docklands, in March of this year.

Mick Dolan said the Live at the Docklands shows in 2019 would act as a warm up for further growth in 2020  which also coincides with Dolans 25th anniversary. It is understood that the intention is to have annual gigs at the riverside location.

With the delivery of this new concert series in 2019, we are convinced that year one will give us a superb opportunity to grow further in June 2020. The reintroduction of the JP McManus Pro Am at Adare Manor and the fact that 2020 is also the year Galway celebrates its year as European Capital of Culture presents us with an opportunity to capitalize on a new audience base right on our doorstop, he said.

With good planning, programming and marketing we believe the new Live at the Docklands concept has the potential to become an annual event that attracts significant audiences to Limerick from across the country are further afield, he added.

Tickets for Madness Live at the Docklands in Limerick will go on sale this Friday morning.
Each year the Berlin International Film Festival selects emerging filmmaking talent from each European country to showcase rising talent.

Sean Clancy from North Leitrim is one of three Irish film makers selected to attend Berlinale Talents.

Sean Clancy has directed both commercials and music videos extensively and is best known for his short film Cavalier which he wrote and directed. His debut feature film Locus of Control will be released later this year.

Sean Clancy said: "I'm going to try and attend as many of the talks and screenings as I can as it's a great chance to meet filmmakers from all backgrounds and disciplines."

The Irish candidates will join 248 others across Europe to partake in a weeklong talent development programme. Selected from 3,400 applicants, by an internal selection committee on the basis of their prior achievements, resonance and relevance of their work as well as their demonstrated and exceptional promise.

The Berlinale Talents programme will comprise of masterclasses and panels with top tier figures within the international film industry. In addition, there will be workshops, networking sessions and case studies of successful films: covering development of a project, through to distribution.

Also read: Leitrim's new film premieres at Cork Indie Festival
Following the collapse of airline, Flybmi, last week fears had been expressed with regard how this would impact on local services.

A statement issued by Flybe confirms they are separate companies and flights operating out of Ireland West Airport will not be impacted.

A statement issued by Flybe said: "Flybe, who operates from Ireland West Airport to Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester wishes to advise passengers we are very sorry to hear about the situation with the competing British regional airline Flybmi and our thoughts are with their employees during these difficult times. Flybe has NOTHING to do with Flybmi and our flights continue to operate as normal.

"The two airlines are completely separate carriers and Flybe services are in no way affected by the situation relating to FLYBMI."

We are very sorry to hear about the situation with the competing British regional airline Flybmi and our thoughts are with their employees during these difficult times. Flybe has nothing to do with Flybmi and our flights continue to operate as normal.  Flybe  (@flybe) February 16, 2019

The situation is less clear for City of Derry Airport (CoDA) who have issued the following statement on their website: "CoDA has been informed that flybmi has been placed into administration. Therefore flybmi will with immediate effect no longer operate the London Stansted service. If you have seats booked on this service please do not travel to the airport."

"We are reviewing options for resuming the service with another airline as soon as possible."

flybmi has issued advice for those due to fly.



- Direct flybmi booking: Contact card issuer to seek a refund.



- Travel Agent/Partner Airline booking: Contact to check options.



- Those with travel insurance should see if they are eligible to claim for cancelled flights. pic.twitter.com/ZPDgT6Bqj2  City of Derry Airport (@CoDerryAirport) February 16, 2019

On Saturday Flybmi issued a statement announcing it had ceased operations and is filing for administration

A spokesperson for flybmi said: "It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today. The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit. Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe. Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

"Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40m in the last six years. We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable."

Read Also:

Lough Allen Hotel seeking new staff to reopen on March 15
Kildares commercial property vacancy rate was 13% in Q4 2018, down from 13.2% the same period in 2017 according to the latest GeoView Commercial Vacancy Rates Report, published by GeoDirectory today.

In total, 13 counties registered a decline in vacancy rates, with the remaining 13 counties recording an increase. The report shows that there are 348 fewer retail and wholesale units in the country compared to the same time last year, which may be an indication of the growing consumer preference for online shopping, said GeoDirectory.

The report, prepared by EY-DKM economic consultancy, said that while the economy has improved significantly in recent years it is mainly centred around urban areas with Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, accounting for 33.2% of all commercial properties in the State.

It found that in county Kildare, Naas at 15% was the town with the highest commercial vacancy rate in Q4 2018. Maynooth was the town with the lowest commercial vacancy rate in the county at 7.9%. It was 14.5% in Newbridge, 13.3% in Leixlip and 10.6% in Celbridge.

SEE ALSO:New coffee shop and roastery on way in Naas

Edenderry, frequented by many in west Kildare, in particular, with a 25.6% rate was the highest vacancy rate in Leinster outside of Dublin.

Of the total commercial properties in county Kildare GeoDirectory said 10.6% are involved in the accommodation and food services sector. The number of these increased by 6% from 596 to 632 in the between Q4 2017 and Q4 2018.

Commenting on the report, Kildare South TD, Fiona OLoughlin (Fianna Fail) said the report is further evidence Kildare needs investment from Industrial Development Authority and Failte Ireland. Despite proclamations from government ministers that the recovery is being felt across the country, the reality in our towns and in many rural areas, is that many communities have been left behind.

Deputy OLoughlin while the situation may be much improved in Dublin, the effects of any economic boom are not being felt in Kildare. Fianna Fail is working to develop new, innovative proposals to stimulate the regeneration of Irelands small towns and villages and welcomed the funding of 2.7 million granted for Athy upgrade to Emily square and Athy Heritage Centre and 75,000 towards development of a master plan for the Dominican lands.

Maynooth based Cllr Naoise O Cearuil (FF) said: The report is generally good news for county Kildare shows that Maynooth continues to be one of the most attractive towns in Ireland in which to do business. Leixlip and Celbridge appear to be doing well and this shows how the north east of the county is doing well from a commercial point of view. Maynooth is the town with the second lowest vacancy rate in Ireland just behind Greystones. Celbridge comes out well and Leixlip is a bit behind. He said Maynooth has lower commercial vacancy rates than many affluent parts of Dublin, including Dublin 2 and 4. We need to continue to provide the infrastructure to meet that demand."
Bishop Denis Nulty of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese has paid tribute to the "trailblazer" Fr Pierce Murphy as the popular priest was laid to rest on Monday afternoon.

Fr Murphy, a long serving priest in the Diocese - spent time in Clonegal and Bagenalstown in the 1960s and 1990s - and passed away in the Blackrock Clinic, in Dublin, last Thursday night.

He has been described as a priest who loved each parish he served in and had "enduring friendships in every one".

In delivering his eulogy to Fr Murphy at St Andrew's Church in Bagenalstown, Bishop Nulty began by saying it had been a "lonely" couple of weeks for the Diocese with the death of Fr John Cummins recently and now another great priest had passed on.

Bishop Nulty said: "Pierce was, in essence, a bridge builder. He always found the way around things no matter how complex or complicated.

"He was someone from Dublin who rooted himself into the heart of Kildare and Leighlin. He loved each parish and had enduring friendships in every one.

"He was a trailblazer," the Bishop said, and Fr Murphy labelled himself a "floating curate" as well as being a published author and keen photographer.

A Dublin native, Fr Murphy was educated in Knockbeg and Maynooth College and ordained for the Diocese 1966.

He served as a Curate in SnowHill, Wolverhampton 1966-1968 and in Clonegal 19681974. He went for further studies in Mount Oliver, Dundalk 1970-1971 and was Diocesan Advisor for Religious Education in Primary Schools from 1971-1988.

He was on the staff of St Patrick's College, Carlow from 1974-1983.

He was curate in Monasterevin until 1992 and transferred to Prosperous from 1992-1996. Appointed to Muinebheag in Carlow July 1996.

In 2006 he stepped down from administration duties as parish priest of Bagenalstown to assume a unique role then, as a "floating curate" to the Borris Deanery.

Bishop Nulty said Fr Murphy loved to celebrate mass on Christmas Eve in Leighlinbridge and continued that tradition until last Christmas.

The hundreds gathered heard how Fr Murphy believed in children and had a brilliant way of explaining things to them with a "great way of thinking outside the box".

"He loved to keep things simple, so simple that a child could understand and comprehend, it was the teacher in him," Bishop Nulty said.

Fr Murphy was described as a great friend, who loved helping people.

"Whatever will be, will be," Bishop Nulty said were the words of Fr Murphy on the Tuesday before he died.

He put value in being "being present with people, present in schools, in clubs, in parish halls, for Pierce being present was key", the Bishop said and told mourners how he loved sweets and desserts.

"Pierce was never without friends, we can be confident that the Lord was with him as he slipped into eternity," Bishop Nulty concluded.

Gifts brought up during the Funeral Mass included a camera which portrayed Fr Murphy's love of photography; photos were given as a symbol of his love of travel and desire to visit friends and family all over the world.

Fr Murphy's watch was also brought up as a reminder of his love of precision and attention to detail.

He once told his aunt that he would be arriving on the bus at 11.05pm approximately, a detail which was met with laughs by the mourners.

Fr Murphy was buried afterwards in St Mullins Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.
With most schools shut Monday for the Presidents Day holiday, the Belvidere School District will have a delayed opening due to icy weather overnight, according to the district website.

Hope Township and Harmony Township schools announced two-high delays.

Non-public school transportation is not running Monday in the Salisbury Township, Whitehall-Coplay and Catasauqua Area school districts while non-public school transportation is on a two-hour delay in the East Penn School District, according to WFMZ. None of those districts has classes on Monday.

Hackettstown-based WeatherWorks meteorologist Zach Murphy said before 5 a.m. that some sidewalks and railings were ice-covered after a small amount of sleet and freezing rain overnight in that Warren County town, but most main, treated roads were wet. Some side roads were slick, he added. The National Weather Service has the region in a winter weather advisory until 10 a.m. due to potentially slippery conditions.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey state police in the region said there were few traffic problems overnight and that was echoed by a Northampton County dispatch supervisor. There was a crash on Interstate 80 West near Allamuchy Township that took a couple of hours to clear, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

There was still the chance for some light drizzle that could freeze over the next few hours, Murphy said. The day should eventually turn sunny and warm into the 40s, he said.

Another storm, which should have greater impact, arrives Wednesday afternoon as snow before turning to sleet and freezing rain overnight leading to a dense accumulation similar to last weeks storm, Murphy said.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter@TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Pennsylvania State Police are searching for a white tractor trailer traveling north along the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 476) at the time of a crash Friday afternoon that has left a mother and her 7-year-old son critically injured.

State Police in Pocono Monday also shed a little more light on what led to the accident around 4:30 p.m. on the Turnpike (Interstate 476) between the Route 903 E-ZPass and Mahoning Valley interchanges, in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, as well as identified the victims involved. Police said 36-year-old Michael Griswold, of Elbridge, New York, was headed south in the right lane of the Turnpike when a tire/wheel and partial axel from a Caterpillar forklift went airborne, struck the windshield of Griswolds 2015 Ford Explorer, went through the glass and hit his wife, Heather Griswold, 34, and 7-year-old son.

Heather Griswold was sitting in the front passenger seat and the 7-year-old boy was strapped into a carseat in the third row of the SUV, police said. Michael Griswold was able to pull onto the western shoulder of the highway following the impact. Both mother and child were flown by Medevac to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township; Michael Griswold suffered minor injuries from broken glass and also was take to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment, state police said.

Two other children strapped into rear car seats -- a 4-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy -- were not injured, according to state police. Police previously said both Heather Griswold and the 7-year-old boy suffered critical injuries as a result of the accident. Lehigh Valley Hospital spokesman Brian Downs said Heather Griswold remained in critical condition Monday and Michael Griswold has since been released.

The Griswold family

Everyone in the SUV was wearing seat-belts at the time of the accident, police said.

Investigators are searching for a flatbed trailer with three yellow and black forklifts that appear in photographs to be stationed on top of the vehicle. The cab of the trailer left the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Pocono Interchange and then headed onto I-80 west. Also assisting in the investigation are members of the Troop N Forensics Services Unit and Collision Accident Reconstruction units, as well as Lehighton Ambulance and Turnpike maintenance personnel.

A cousin of the Griswolds who organized an online fundraiser to help the family stated on the page they were traveling from New York to visit friends in Pennsylvania when the accident happened. By 2:15 p.m. Monday, $21,090 was raised by 237 people toward a goal of $25,000 to help with medical expenses.

They are both fighting very hard to heal from injuries. The have several surgeries, hospital stay and recovery ahead of them, the fundraising page states.

What you can do:

Those with information about the vehicle of interest possibly tied with Fridays crash are asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at Pocono at 570-443-8511 or 1-800 245-5640.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Metro Manila (February 18, CNN Philippines)  The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) is currently in Europe for what it calls "Press Freedom Caravan" which includes explaining the case of Rappler chief executive officer and executive editor Maria Ressa to the European media.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in his radio show on state-run Radyo Pilipinas on Saturday that PCOO officials Kris Ablan, Joel Egco and Lorraine Badoy are in Brussels for the caravan.

"Ngayon nandoon din sila ngayon sa Brussels  Bosnia muna tapos Brussels, tapos Switzerland. So ito ay para naman kausapin iyong mga European media, for example marami silang tanong about the press freedom sa Pilipinas," Andanar said.

[Translation: They're now there in Brussels  Bosnia first, then Brussels, and then Switzerland. So this is to talk to the European media, for example, they have a lot of questions about press freedom in the Philippines.]

He added, "Ngayon ay nandoon si Usec. Joel Egco at nandoon si Asec. Kris Ablan, si Usec. Badoy para ipaliwanag kung ano talaga iyong nature ng kaso ni Ms. Ressa at kung bakit walang kinalaman ang Duterte administration dito dahil maliwanag naman na ito ay kaso between a private individual."

[Translation: Now, Undersecretary Joel Egco is there and Assistant Secretary Kris Ablan and Undersecretary Badoy is also there to explain what is the real nature of Ms. Ressa's case and why the Duterte administration has nothing to do with this because it is clear that this is a case between a private individual.]

In a statement on Monday, Andanar clarified he was only using Ressa's case as an example of what might be raised during the caravan, adding they did not know much about the Rappler chief's case when they prepared for the Europe trip.

Andanar said PCOO officials were sent to Europe as part of the government's official delegation to clarify issues including involuntary disappearances and the government's efforts against communist rebels.

"The arrest of Ms. Maria Ressa happened two days after the official delegation left for Europe. Nobody from the delegation was aware it was coming. In any case, it is just natural for me to instruct the PCOO officials in Europe to answer possible queries about Ms. Ressa," he said.

He added the Press Freedom Caravan is a side event in between official meetings with European Union Parliament officials, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, the European Commission and leaders of the Filipino community.

Meanwhile, opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan said the government's resources should be used "judiciously."

"Why is the government suddenly interested in clearing its name before the international community on the arrest of Maria Ressa when before, when before it has ignored criticisms on extrajudicial killings as a result of the drug war?" Pangilinan said in a statement.

"Could it be that Secretary Andanar and the PCOO people just want a whiff of winter, thus, the sudden urge to go into this information caravan?" he added.

However, Andanar said no public funds were wasted in the trip which was in line with a directive from the National Security Council.

PCOO has been criticized over its officials' travels. The agency was questioned in the House on then Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson's trips with Duterte.

According to the Commission on Audit, the PCOO spent 162.32 million in 2017 in travels, with 119.96 million for local travels and 42.36 million for foreign travels.

In his radio show, Andanar said the Press Freedom Caravan had been to Bangkok, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Dipolog, Dapitan, Cebu and Digos.

UN rights commissioner 'very concerned'

Local and foreign organizations slammed Ressa's arrest and her overnight detention at the National Bureau of Investigation's headquarters in Manila over a cyber libel case filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng, calling it an attack on press freedom.

But Andanar, a broadcaster before being appointed to the PCOO by President Rodrigo Duterte, said in his radio program that it is "disinformation" to claim that the administration is denying press freedom.

Andanar, who is also co-chair of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, insisted that Ressa's case is only between her and Keng, who sued over an article claiming he lent his vehicle to former Chief Justice Renato Corona and linked him to illegal drugs and other illegal activities.

He also shrugged off statements of media groups that Ressa's arrest will create a chilling effect among journalists.

READ: Philstar.com deletes 2002 article on Wilfredo Keng

However, UN High Commission for Human Rights Rupert Colville said attempts to "intimidate or muzzle" the press seriously affects freedom of opinion and expression.

"We are very concerned about the arrest on libel charges of Maria Ressa ... which appears to be the latest element in a pattern of intimidation of a media outlet that has fiercely guarded its independence and its right to conduct in-depth investigations and to criticize the authorities," Colville said in a statement.

The UN Human Rights Office has called for an independent and thorough review of all charges against Ressa and other media workers in the Philippines and urged the Philippine judiciary to throw out cases that are clearly politically motivated.

Colville is the latest UN official to speak out on Ressa's arrest, following UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Agnes Callamard, and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Michel Forst.

But Andanar is not bothered by criticisms against Ressa's arrest, even calling libel "a badge of honor for every journalist and every broadcaster."
Thirty-five-year-old Antonio Santiago of Allentown had just got off work and was headed to meet a friend in the 1000 block of Turner Street when two masked assailants attempted to rob him, authorities said Monday.

The robbers pepper sprayed his face and he was pistol whipped, causing injury, Santiago reported to police.

That was then he decided to fight back, grabbing his own 9-mm handgun and fired off a single bullet that eventually killed one of the identified robbers, 30-year-old Shane Gesnaker of Williams Township, authorities said.

City officers responding to the crime scene found Andrew Eberts, 31, another identified robber, performing CPR on Gesnaker while Kaitlin Acierno, 28, the third identified robber, screaming that her "boyfriend was dead, authorities said.

Investigators later seized a black BB handgun in a nearby trash can believed to have been used in the crime.

Eberts, no known address, and Acierno, 28, of Dublin, Bucks County, are each charged with felony robbery and felony conspiracy to commit robbery. Acierno additionally is charged with evidence tampering. Both area awaiting preliminary arraignments on the charges.

Investigators connected the pair to the alleged robbery after Gesnaker was pronounced dead at 3:41 a.m. Saturday, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office. He was found outside a home in the 200 block of North Hazel, an alley near North 10th and West Turner streets. The cause of death was a gunshot wound and ruled a homicide, First Deputy Coroner Eric Minnich had said.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin and Allentown Police Chief Tony Alsleben said Monday in a joint statement the investigation determined Santiago had just parked his car when he was approached by the assailants, who forced open Santiagos car door and demanded money, authorities said.

One of the assailants, later identified as Gesnaker, was holding the black pistol and whipped the left side of the victims face with it, authorities said.

Santiago reported after being sprayed with pepper spray, he told the attackers to hold on while he searched for cash. Santiago, who is a licensed gun owner with a permit to carry, then grabbed his 9-mm handgun and fired, authorities said. Gesnaker was struck by the bullet, fell to the ground approximately 50 feet from Santiagos car and eventually, succumbed to injuries, according to authorities.

An investigation later determined Gesnaker, Eberts and Acierno were all allegedly involved in a plan to commit a robbery at that location. Acierno was carrying the BB gun and pepper spray, authorities said, but once Gesnaker was shot, she discarded it into a trash can near Russel and North Hazel streets.

That homicide was one of two city police investigated this past Saturday.

Christopher Sappah, 28, was pronounced dead inside his apartment on the 700 block of Walnut Street at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office. An autopsy is scheduled sometime Monday to determine Sappahs exact cause of death. The manner was ruled a homicide, according to the Lehigh County Coroners Office.

There also was an earlier, nonfatal shooting at about 1 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of North Penn Street, police Capt. Glenn Granitz Jr. had said. The adult male victim in that incident was taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. Charged in the nonfatal shooting is 20-year-old Joshua Roman, who is listed in court records as an Allentown resident.

Roman was arraigned Saturday morning before District Judge Ronald Manescu on felony counts of aggravated assault and criminal trespass, in addition to reckless endangerment and carrying a firearm without a license. He was sent to Lehigh County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail and faces a preliminary hearing before Manescu tentatively scheduled Feb. 25.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
- Following the postponement of the 2019 general elections, INEC in Niger has retrieved all sensitive materials for the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections

- The materials earlier distributed to the 25 local government areas of the state were retrieved and deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria

- The disclosure was made by the resident electoral commissioner, Professor Samuel Egwu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger has retrieved all sensitive materials for the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections earlier distributed to the 25 local government areas of the state.

Professor Samuel Egwu, the resident electoral commissioner, who made the disclosure in Minna on Monday, February 18, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the retrieved sensitive materials had been kept in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safe keeping.

Legit.ng gathers that Egwu said armed security personnel escorted the materials to the Central Bank, Minna, as directed by the commissions headquarters.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

He explained that the sensitive materials, comprised ballot papers and result sheets, which were earlier distributed to the 25 LGAs for the conduct of presidential and National Assembly elections.

Egwu said: The instruction from the INEC headquarters was that all sensitive materials should be moved back to the CBN, and this was done under tight security."

According to him, all card readers earlier deployed to each local government area have been returned to the INEC office, Minna, for reconfiguration.

Also, Alhaji Sabo Ibrahim, commissioner of police, Niger, said that all sensitive electoral materials earlier deployed for the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections had been retrieved and deposited at CBN, Minna.

Ibrahim corroborated the REC after inspecting the retrieved sensitive materials from the 25 local government areas at the CBN office, Minna.

He said armed security personnel escorted the materials from the 25 LGAs to the CBN as instructed by the INEC.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the National Electoral Commission in Lagos state, on Sunday, February 17, said it retrieved all sensitive materials for the rescheduled presidential and National Assembly elections earlier distributed to the 20 local government areas of the state.

INEC spokesman in Lagos state, Femi Akinbiyi, said all sensitive materials had been retrieved and kept in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under security watch.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Nigerians express total disappointment with INEC over election postponement | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
A Tanzanian politician has raised eyebrows after he decided to tie the knot with his 25-year-old lover at the age of 73.

Juma Kapuya, the former parliamentarian at Urambo constituency wedded his youthful lover on Sunday, February 17, in a low-key yet lavish ceremony.

Photos and videos accessed by Legit.ng showed the odd couple exchanging vows in front of a lively crowd as Juma said 'I do' to one Mwajuma Mwiniko in the ceremony which was held in line with Muslim customs.

READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com)

READ ALSO: Outrage as 70-year-old man from Niger state allegedly marries underage girl

A number of online users weighed in on the wedding, with some surprisingly saying it was fully within the moral standards especially since Mwajuma was an adult capable of making sound choices on her life.

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There is, however, one peculiar way to look at the marriage which would perhaps place things in perspective a little.

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When Juma's bride was born, he was two years shy of clocking 50 and was en route to becoming a member of the National Executive Council of the then governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better

He went on to hold that position for eight years and was then appointed minister of defense and national service.

His is not a very strange union particularly in an African setting as stories had previously being reported of a number of weddings involving old men popularly refereed to as 'sponsors' or 'blessers' and youthful women.

Trade unionist Francis Atwoli also has a youthful wife in the form of TV girl Mary Kilobi

PAY ATTENTION: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com)

Kenya's very own Francis Atwoli is another such example as he is happily married to KTN news anchor Mary Kilobi despite theirhuge age gap.

Prominent and controversial Uasin Gishu businessman 84-year-old Jackson Kibor, divorced his wife of 51 years in the most confounding circumstances and went on to express his desire to remarry. He settled for a younger woman.

Meanwhile, reports reaching Legit.ng claim that a 70-year-old man identified as Alhaji Yakubu (Nafsi-Nafsi) married an underage girl in Lapai local government area of Niger state on December 10. A certain Facebook user in the name of Aliyu Umar shared the photos on his page and congratulated Alhaji Yakubu for successfully marrying the young girl who many are claiming is barely 15 years of age.

I got married as teenager when I lost my parents | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
It appears all hope is lost for the marriage of Nollywood sweethearts, Yvonne Jegede, and her now estranged husband, Kunle Fawole, as the actress seems to have confirmed this herself.

Earlier on, Legit.ng reported the speculations circulating the internet which suggested that the marriage of Nollywood actors, Yvonne Jegede and Kunle Fawole, may have hit the rocks. This was fueled by the fact that the actor did not acknowledge the birth of 'their' son on social media.

Following months of speculations by fans and cryptic messages individually posted on social media by the estranged couple, it appears their split might just be for real. Yvonne who used to go by the Instagram username, @yvonnejegedefawole has yanked off her husband's name and is back to @iamyvonnejegede.

READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (former NAIJ.com)

See screenshot below:

The actress has now reverted to her maiden name

Source: Instagram

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While neither party has come out to address the issue of their failed marriage, sources claim the issue has to do with the paternity of her child as Fawole is yet to acknowledge him as his own.

Meanwhile, the Nollywood actress recently dedicated her three-month-old son, Xavier, in church and in the spirit of celebrating, shared several photos of him online. As expected, pictures of her estrange hubby at the dedication were no where to be found on her page.

Get the hottest gist on Africa Love Aid

HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better

Who cheats more in a relationship, the man or the woman? | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
- Politicians have been blamed for the postponement of 2019 general election

- Mike Igini claims that a plethora of petitions against the commission with regards to primaries was one of the main reasons

- The INEC REC in Akwa Ibom also accused politicians of not sticking to the commissions timetables

Mike Igini, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom has revealed that the failures of political parties to stick to INECs timetables and a plethora of petitions against the commission with regards to primaries, was one of the main reasons why the 2019 general elections was postponed.

Igini made this known when he appeared as a guest on Channels Televisions Sunday Politics.

Today within this period we are talking about, we have had a total of 640 cases joining INEC, and a total of 14 court orders either asking INEC to add or remove a name, Igini stated.

READ ALSO: Busybodies trying to deny Kajuru killings - El-Rufai replies critics

According to him, issues stemming from various party primaries caused a delay in the printing of ballot boxes which indirectly added to the rescheduling of the elections.

He also claimed that INEC was left with just one month to produce over 400 million ballot papers due to the way the parties handled their primaries.

Going further, he added that following the issues with ballot papers, the commission was also faced with the issue of moving the heavy pallets across the country by air and by road and as a consequent of this, the time was not enough.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Dr Kechi Ogbuagu, president of Conversations for Change (C4C), an NGO, urged Nigerians not to be deterred by the postponement of the 2019 general elections, but vote on Saturday, February 23, to avoid voter apathy.

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Ogbuagu, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Sunday, February 17, said that the postponement of the Saturday presidential and National Assembly elections was unexpected.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Will postponement of election have any effect on the outcome?| Legit TV.

Source: Legit
- President Buhari has been lauded for rescuing the country when he took over power and steering it in the right direction

- According to Boss Mustapha, the country was heading in the wrong direction before Buhari became president

- Buhari was said to have inherited a collapsed economy, decayed infrastructure, and economic sabotage but has been able to resuscitate it

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari rescued the country as it was heading in the wrong direction before he took over power.

Daily Trust reports that Mustapha spoke at the 2019 National Policy and Development (N-PoD) Summit which took place in Abuja.

Represented by the permanent secretary in charge of general services, Olusegun Adekunle, the SGF said President Buhari was able to steer the country to the right direction. He said the presidents integrity has defined him despite resistance from those used to looting the countrys treasury.

READ ALSO: APC demands 7 things from INEC ahead of rescheduled elections

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, who represented President Buhari, said: The achievement of the present government is a proof that Next Level is assured."

Brig. Gen. Muhammed Buba Marwa who is the former military governor of Lagos said the federal government saves N42 billion monthly from the Treasure Single Account (TSA) which President Muhammadu Buhari implemented when he assumed office."

Represented by General Yakubu Muazu, he said apart from the monthly savings in the TSA, the federal government now retains unspent funds that before now were unaccounted for my Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)."

He said President Buhari inherited a collapsed economy, decayed infrastructure, and economic sabotage but has been able to resuscitate it.

READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the APC presidential campaign council condemned the postponement of the general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The spokesperson for the presidential campaign council, Festus Keyamo, in a statement, condemned the postponement of the elections but urged the APC supporters to remain patient and determined.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better.

Even God in Heaven is unhappy about the postponement of the election| Legit TV:

Source: Legit Newspaper
- A Nigerian man reportedly died protecting his mother in Gombe state

- The young man's home had been allegedly invaded by gunmen who shot his mother

- Engineer Haruna Hassan Haruna took the bullet for his mother and died

Friends of a young engineer identified as Haruna Hassan Haruna have taken to social media to mourn his death. They shared tribute messages to celebrate his life and mourn his death on several social media platforms.

According to reports, the young man had reportedly died while protecting his mother. It was gathered that his mother was shot at in their home in Gombe state.

Engineer Haruna Hassan Haruna reportedly took the bullet for his mother to save her while they were in their home.

Friends mourn young engineer who reportedly died taking a bullet for his mom in their home Twitter/Facebook source: Ahmed Inuwa Ph.D/Kingsley Imoudu

Source: Twitter

READ ALSO: Father of late Benaiah reveals why his baby's treatment was delayed

The deceased's friend Ahmed Inuwa Ph.D said: "My Friend Haruna took a bullet that was meant for his Mother yesterday,it is with a very heavy heart i post this..RIP my friend."

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Another friend Kingsley Imoudu said: "I was shocked wen d news got to me dis morning dat u wer shot @ home....who so Eva wz involved in dis..may d same tin locate dem n dia family too in Jesus name...i know hw we struggled @ FUTY just to end dis way.... R.I.P Haruna Hassan Haruna  feeling sad."

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READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported the story of a young man who was killed by a mob after he was falsely accused of being a thief. The deceased's friends took to social media to demand justice for their dead friend.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

Nigeria News Today: SS2 Student Arrested, Paraded by the Police Wants to Become an Engineer -on Legit TV

Source: Legit
- Senator Kabiru Marafa says Governor Abdulaziz Yari is responsible for the sabotage that led to the postponement of the 2019 general elections

- The APC senator says the Zamfara governor should be held responsible for the shift in election dates

- The senator cited the governor's recent comments that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there won't be elections in the country

Chairman of the Senate committee on petroleum (downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, has alleged that Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state is responsible for the sabotage that led to the postponement of the 2019 general elections.

In a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, February 17, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator described the postponement as unfortunate, while insisting that Governor Yari is the cause of the shift in dates.

The senator cited the governor's recent comments that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there won't be elections in the country.

The senator and the governor are currently battling for the soul of the Zamfara APC chapter, after disagreements over primary elections last year.

READ ALSO: Please mount more pressure on INEC- Wike tells international community

The disagreements were subjected to legal disagreements, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare that the APC won't be fielding candidates for the election.

Part of Senator Marafa's statement read: During the grand finale of his illegal campaign rallies in his hometown, Talata Mafara, Zamfara on Friday, 8th February, he rained abuses and said unprintable things on the person of INEC chairman Prof Mahmood, and swore that unless his candidates are enlisted to contest, there won't be elections in Zamfara state and the entire country. Now it has come to pass, what next?

I'm calling on the authorities to hold Yari and his accomplices responsible for this tresaonable sabotage against the country, Nigerians and humanity in general. Just search on the internet, including YouTube, you will see the stories and videos of where Yari stated emphatically that unless his candidates are accepted, elections won't hold in Zamfara state and Nigeria.

Marafa recalled that, When Yari conducted illegal primaries, I drew the attention of Nigerians and the world on the dangers inherent in accepting that abuse of our laws, instead of being reprimanded, Yari went ahead to the courts to legalise his illegality.

Today, the APC has abandoned its earlier position, that its only had a consensus, to supporting Yari's illegal election. This is very sad and unfortunate.

I am not surprised that immediately after the announcement of the postponement, Yari's boys rushed to the media, radio stations jubilating that they have succeeded. This unfortunate incidence should be probed and condemned by all lovers of the country.

This is the time to tell Yari and his co-travelers, that Nigeria is bigger than them and their collective ambitions.

READ ALSO: US reacts to postponement of Nigerias election

Meanwhile, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and its partners have expressed disappointment over the postponement of the 2019 general elections, saying the decision of INEC has socio-economic and political consequences for all stakeholders.

This was the position of the group at a press briefing on Saturday, February 16 in Abuja, even as it urged Nigerians not to be discouraged but to come out en masse on 23rd February and 9th March 2019 to exercise their civic rights.

WANEP also called on the international community, partners and domestic observers not to be deterred or lose faith in Nigeria's electoral process, urging them to remain resolute in their support to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

Some of our people traveled for this election, Anambra residents lament| Legit TV

Source: Legit
How much do you know about the current religious crisis in Nigeria? How does it find its reflection in society? What factors may cause a crisis in a religious environment? Do religious leaders know how to stop the religious crisis in Nigeria?

Image: pexels.com

Source: UGC

The religious crisis is one of the main recurring problems in Nigeria, and it is often followed or preceded by ethnic clashes.

The dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria threaten each other from time to time; violent clashes between ethnic groups and religious groups in Nigeria are no longer uncommon. Every problem has a cause, and the crisis of religion in Nigeria is not exempted. What are the causes of a religious crisis in Nigeria and the possible solution?

Religious crisis in Nigeria: causes and solutions

There are two primary religions in Nigeria  Islam and Christianity. They compete with each other for centuries, causing intolerance and social-political crises not only in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: What is African traditional religion?

Image: pexels.com

Source: UGC

It is evident that religion is a type of means that is called to unite people worldwide. However, rather often this matter is got involved in conflicts, being the most influential weapon in the hands of some leaders.

Thus, as you see, the religious crisis is a disagreement between two groups of different religions that struggle against coherent existence without themselves.

What are the key reasons why a crisis of religion occurs in the country? Lets find out!

Top 5 causes of the religious crisis in Nigeria

Image: pexels.com

Source: UGC

High rates of unemployment. People, who have no constant work, are easy to bribe and rule. Widespread poverty. Poverty results from a lack of education. Most of the people in the country are illiterate or have a poor amount of knowledge. Thus, they are easy to teach what is needed. In most cases, these studies are based on doctrines, aiming at violence and killing people in the name of God. Those citizens, who believe and join, are assured that after committing the necessary action, their families will get money, while these people themselves will obtain a heavenly reward. Lack of security. Nigeria has no well-organized systems to maintain a safe and secure environment. Its disorganized and cant cope adequately with mass disorders when they occur. The fear of domination. When one of the dominant religious groups sees that another one starts to prevail within a particular area, it uses plenty of means to draw the share of opponents' powers to a minimal amount. The division between native residents and the new-comers. It is evident that local citizens are more likely to appreciate the presence of settles of the same-religion in a specific area rather than individuals who are involved in the other community. When people with different religious views start defending their rights, it may cause conflicts, social harassment, and violence.

One will probably ask the question How to stop religious crisis in Nigeria? Is there any way out? Lets find out!

How can the religious crisis be solved in Nigeria?

Current religious crisis in Nigeria is possible to overcome. However, it requires the unity of the government, administrative organs, and inhabitants of a country.

Here are four possible solutions to cope with the religious crisis:

Image: pexels.com

Source: UGC

Improvement of education and religious awareness. One of the reasons why the crisis of religion is observed in Nigeria is a lack of education. Thus, one has to mobilize the powers of administrative organs and direct them on reducing the number of illiterate people. Creating new jobs. An opportunity to obtain a job, earn money and provide proper well-being for a family is one of the primary goals for every citizen. Furthermore, a person who has enough money will hardly ever undergo the influence of terroristic organizations trying to buy his life or convince him to commit violent actions. Take new reforms to change the current bodies, which are in charge of the protection of citizens and conflict regulations, and make this structure more efficient to protect human life and private properties. The government should establish special organs that will maintain equal rights to all ethnic groups, their religions, and hold a constructive dialogue. They will be a kind of regulator, who can find the best solution for the resolution of disagreements based upon the needs of different ethnic groups.

As you see, the current religious crisis is a fault not only of one specific side of the population. It is a complex matter that was formed under pressure of opposed religious groups, a lack of knowledge and administrative regulations. Only when they cooperate and hear each other, they will be able to cope with the crisis.

READ ALSO: Political crisis in Nigeria from 1960 till date

Source: Legit Nigeria
Johannesburg, February 18: South Africa has dropped an arrest warrant issued against India-born businessman and head of Gupta family -- Ajay Gupta, formerly a close aide of South Africa's former president Jacob Zuma.

South Africa's National Prosecution Authority (NPA) decided on Thursday to scrap the arrest warrant issued in February 2018 for Ajay Gupta, who was considered a "fugitive from justice" after he and his family fled South Africa for Dubai a year ago.

The decision was taken "so that we can give more credence into the ongoing investigation as well as to make sure that the team that is working on the other matters that been presented to the Hawks, country's elite police force, so that they are able to deal with them," NPA spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi told the media on Friday. He said lack of conclusive evidence was the reason behind scrapping the fugitive status of the India-born businessman. "Once everything has been done, I think it is the decision of the NPA to be able to see whether that matter will still go on or not," he said.

Mulaudzi was referring to the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture which is still going ahead, where a number of allegations have been made against the Gupta family of colluding with former President Jacob Zuma to capture key public assets and build the familys empire. Gupta and his younger siblings Atul and Rajesh are accused of attempted state capture and corruption through alleged irregular contracts running into billions of rands by using their close relationship to President Zuma.

Ajay was accused of offering the then Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas a bribe of 600 million-rand (USD 42.6 million) to take on the post of Finance Minister in Zuma's Cabinet. In return, Jonas was expected to give priority to the Gupta businesses in the IT, mining and media sector for government tenders.

This NPA decision follows the one taken by it last month not to prosecute Duduzane Zuma, son of the former president, who allegedly was the link between Jonas and the Guptas. According to analysts, this left the prosecutors with little choice but to provisionally withdraw the charges against Ajay.

Questions are now being asked whether Ajay will appear before the Commission since he no longer faces the threat of arrest if he sets foot on South African soil. Commission head Judge Raymond Zondo has refused to allow any Gupta testimony at the Commission via video link, citing that this would amount to preferential treatment, but agreed to personal submissions.

In an earlier interview with the New York Times, Ajay said he is willing to return to South Africa and speak to the Commission to clear his familys name. Im not saying that Im not coming to the commission. I will, but not at this moment. I want to clear my name. Was Ajay Gupta or Gupta family proven guilty? One place? One smallest thing? Forget Nene We never asked any minister for any commercial benefit.

The Gupta family arrived in South Africa from Saharanpur in the 1990's as the new democracy under former President Nelson Mandela opened up opportunities to establish the Sahara IT company. They soon expanded their business interests to other sectors. The Gupta family now owns a range of business interests, including computing, mining, air travel, energy, technology and media.

Their media company comprising The New Age daily and the TV Network ANN7 was controversially sold through vendor financing to an associate, who was forced to shut them down within months of taking over. A number of Gupta-owned mining companies are either in business rescue or facing closure.

The Gupta family, the three Gupta brothers are known friends of former President Zuma - and his son, daughter and one of the president's wives reportedly worked for the family's firms.

Zuma's links to the Gupta family and allegations of bribery is one of the reasons he had to resign before the 2019 general election. The Guptas and Zuma have denied all allegations of wrongdoing.
Jaipur, February 18: BJP President Amit Shah said on Monday that Indian security forces will give a befitting reply to the "cowardly" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 49 CRPF troopers lost their lives. "Indian forces will hit back at the right time to avenge this cowardly attack. The BJP has always followed the policy of zero tolerance against terror. The party stands with the families of the CRPF troopers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland," Shah said.

The BJP President was in the city on a one-day visit to address the Bharatiya Janata Party's Shakti Kendra Sammelan and chair a meeting of party workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Shah said the opposition parties had decided to form a grand alliance to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls. Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Amit Shah Takes Swipe at Priyanka Gandhis Entry in Active Politics, Says Brother Not Married, So Sister Has Come.

"However, I want to ask Rahul 'Baba,' who is the leader of the grand alliance? Every day a new name is emerging as the leader of this much-talked about alliance. "Why is the opposition not declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate?" Shah asked.

The BJP President also took a jibe at the opposition by asking whether different leaders in their ranks plan to take turns to become the Prime Minister on different days of the week and whether Sunday will be a holiday. Shah said the BJP's defeat in the Rajasthan Assembly polls doesn't affect the BJP. "We believe in a fighting spirit. We never get disappointed with defeat, nor do we become arrogant after victory."

Soon after the programme, Shah returned to Delhi to attend a meeting on security issues in the aftermath of the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, cancelling two other meetings scheduled in Jaipur for the evening, BJP sources said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 18, 2019 07:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Milky Way Farm's herd is about 70 head of Red & White and Black & White Holsteins, 35-40 of which are the milking herd.
ORLANDO, Fla.  Margaritaville, the global lifestyle brand known for fun, escapism and premium guest experiences, recently announced that it has earned top national honors as both the best new hotel in 2018 (Gatlinburg location) and the best 55+ Residential Community (Daytona Beach location).

Margaritaville is an expanding lifestyle brand including hotels, resorts, casinos, vacation ownership properties, restaurants, consumer products, retail shops, and a national radio station on SiriusXM. The brand has more than 20 lodging projects in the pipeline  from New York's Times Square to Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks.

At the Lake of the Ozarks location, dubbed Margaritaville Lake Resort, the Margaritaville brand took the iconic Tan-Tar-A Resort and has given it a top-down makeover, transforming the resort's rustic-lodge style into the brand's "casual-luxe" feel. A brand-new lakeside restaurant, LandShark Bar & Grill, was also built. The full unveiling of the transformed Margaritaville Lake Resort is planned for some time in the spring of 2019. Read more about about Tan-Tar-A's transformation into Margarataville.

"As a true lifestyle brand, Margaritaville stands for a way of living that crosses all categories of real estate, so it is particularly gratifying to be recognized in two of our important lodging categories," said John Cohlan, Margaritaville's Chief Executive Officer.

Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg won the top spot in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, named "Best New Hotel." The resort was nominated by a panel of industry experts with USA TODAY readers ultimately voting on the winners. The resort, which opened to rave reviews in June 2018, is one of four Margaritaville properties open or in development in Tennessee. The brand's portfolio also includes Margaritaville Island Inn and Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge and a hotel under construction in Nashville.

"It is such an honor to be recognized Best New Hotel in the country by USA TODAY," said Bob McManus, president and developer of Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg. "This award is a testament to the universal appeal of the Margaritaville lifestyle brand, our amazing team and their quality of service, as well as the unique atmosphere that we provide guests of our beautiful resort."

In addition, Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach earned the 55Places.com 2018 55+ Community of the Year Award. The leading resource for information about active adult communities determined the most popular communities around the country through research data, including online interest and homebuyer inquiries. Built in partnership with Minto Communities, Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, which welcomed its first residents in 2018, beat out many long-standing communities for the top spot. The communities' authentic laid-back Margaritaville lifestyle, encouraging homeowners to grow older, but not up, distinguished it from the competition.

"It's an honor for Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach to be named 2018 Community of the Year by 55Places.com," said William Bullock, Minto's Latitude Margaritaville division president. "This award reinforces what our prospective buyers have been telling us and what our current residents are enjoying. We are honored by this recognition."

"We want to congratulate and thank our team members who work so hard every day," said Tamara Baldanza-Dekker, chief marketing officer of Margaritaville. "These awards are a true reflection of their dedication to delivering the Margaritaville lifestyle to every guest, every time."
Rome, February 18 - The Lazio regional administrative court (TAR) has rejected an appeal filed by Airbnb, which refused to implement a law on occupancy taxes for short-term rentals, the Federalberghi hotel association said on Monday. The association said it has estimated that in the first 18 months since the tax was originally implemented the online rental platform ''has omitted paying over 250 million euros''. Under the occupancy tax for short-term rentals, real estate intermediaries need to collect occupancy taxes due by owners and provide tax data to the revenue agency.
Paris, February 18 - A second complaint of sexual assault has been filed against the Vatican nuncio in France, Le Monde said Monday. Another Paris city council clerk, 39-year-old Benjamin G, has reported Monsignor Luigi Ventura, the French daily said. On Friday Le Monde said Ventura had been placed under investigation by Paris prosecutors on suspicion of "sexual attacks" on a young functionary on the Paris council. The "aggressions" are said to have taken place during a reception at the Hotel de Ville on January 17, the French daily said. Originally from Lombardy, Ventura is 74 and has been the Vatican's envoy to Paris since 2009. Interim director the of the Vatican press office Alessandro Gisotti told journalists: "The Holy See has learned from the press that an investigation has been launched by French authorities into Msgr Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio in Paris. "The Holy See is awaiting the result of the investigations".
Rome, February 18 - 5-Star Movement (M5S) members on Monday started online consultations to decide whether M5S lawmakers on a Senate panel should vote to lift League leader and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's parliamentary immunity to face kidnapping charges over migrants held on board the Diciotti coast guard ship in a standoff with the EU last August. Magistrates in the Sicilian city of Catania have requested authorization from parliament to proceed against Salvini, who is also deputy premier. Salvini has said the case should not be allowed to proceed as he was doing his job as minister. The M5S is the League's senior partner in Premier Giuseppe Conte's coalition government. The movement appears split on whether to vote on the immunity panel for or against allowing the kidnapping charges against their ally Salvini to proceed. "I can guarantee that the government will not collapse," Salvini said. "I don't fear the court of the people". Salvini also said that "we're all in the same boat" referring to Conte, fellow Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio, the M5S leader, and Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, also of the M5S, who wrote in statements to the panel that the interior minister was implementing the policy of the whole government. Sources said the result of the vote would be known at about nine thirty on Monday evening. Salvini said he is "not asking for favours or help from anyone" in the vote. "If, to defend the borders of my country, the safety of Italians, to defend the national interest, it brings me and will bring me other charges and other investigations, I'm very ready to face them," Salvini said. Salvini has also threatened to take legal action if reports of a possible deal within the government over the Turin-Lyon TAV high-speed rail line and the Diciotti cases continue. "I'll sue the next person who talks about that," League leader Salvini said during a visit to the central city of Terni last week. Salvini says the project should go ahead but the M5S are opposed to it.
Naples, February 18 - Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris said Monday that a referendum will be held to vote on whether the southern city should have more autonomy. "By the end of the year we'll have a referendum for the total autonomy of the city of Naples," de Magistris said via Facebook. "In this way we'll have more economic resources, fewer financial limitations, more wealth, more development, less inequality. "Successively we'll try to have a referendum for the differentiated autonomy of the whole of the south of Italy, if the other peoples of the south want it". Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of Campania, the region Naples belongs to, on Friday wrote to Premier Giuseppe Conte to request autonomy for the southern region after applications from the northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia Romagna. Conte's government is examining legislation for greater autonomy for those three regions. Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini is said to be ready to support the three regions' bids for greater autonomy in the cabinet, but his coalition partners in the 5-Star Movement (M5S) are reportedly concerned about the danger this would create "top flight and second-tier citizens". Autonomy Minister Erika Stefani, a League member, said the M5S should drop its reservations. "Autonomy is in the contract of government and it necessary to be coherent," Stefani said. "If there is an agreement (for autonomy) signed by the premier, how can it be possible to amend it and force one of the parties to change the contract?".
Rome, February 18 - 5-Star Movement (M5S) members on Monday started online consultations to decide whether M5S's lawmakers on a Senate panel should vote to lift League leader and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's parliamentary immunity to face kidnapping charges over migrants held on board the Diciotti coast guard ship in a standoff with the EU last August. Magistrates in the Sicilian city of Catania have requested authorization from parliament to proceed against Salvini, who is also deputy premier. Salvini has said the case should not be allowed to proceed as he was doing his job as minister. The M5S is the League's partner in Premier Giuseppe Conte's coalition government. The movement appears split on whether to vote on the immunity panel for or against allowing the kidnapping charges against their ally Salvini to proceed. "I can guarantee that the government will not collapse," Salvini said. "I don't fear the court of the people". Salvini also said that "we're all in the same boat" referring to Conte, fellow Deputy Premier Luigi Di Maio and Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli, who wrote in statements to the panel that the interior minister was implementing the policy of the whole government. Di Maio is the M5S leader and Toninelli is also a member of the movement.
Northwest Louisiana Spelling Bee set for Saturday at LSUS

Streaming Live at 10 a.m. on ktbs.com with edited-for-time version at 4 p.m. on KTBS 3
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  Employees of the National Food Authority (NFA) donned black on Monday in protest of the new law which removes import limits on rice and strips off the agency's regulatory powers.

Speaking to NFA employees during the agency's flag raising ceremony, NFA officer in charge Tomas Escarez said the rice tariffication law "broke the hearts of millions of Filipino farmers, consumers, small grains businessmen, and employees who rely on NFA for support, livelihood, affordable rice, food safety, food security and order in the grains industry."

However, Escarez told NFA employees they will keep their jobs.

"The NFA management assures you, our hardworking, dedicated, highly competent professional employees, that no one will be adversely affected by this Act," said Escarez in a speech that was read to NFA employees nationwide.

He assured employees that the NFA will fight for the "best deal" for them, the farmers and consumers in drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the rice tariffication law.

He also said the NFA has created a Change Management Team which will handle the transition to whatever role the agency would get once this is defined under the IRR.

"Whatever role will be given to us, we must accept wholeheartedly, change gears, but still provide the best brand of service that NFA has always been known for," Escarez said.

The law removed from the NFA its power to implement negotiable warehouse receipts for grains, inspect grains for inventory, register, license and supervise warehouses and mills, and to regulate the grains trade.

It retains the power to maintain a rice buffer stock which will be used in emergency situations and to sustain the government's disaster relief programs. Rice for this purpose will be sourced solely from local farmers.

"Buffer stocking and local procurement are still major responsibilities that require a lot of manpower and logistics to handle," Escarez said.

Meanwhile, the NFA Council has instructed the NFA to submit a restructuring plan within 30 days, instead of its original proposal of 180 days.

"Our objective in liberalizing rice imports is to bring down the costs of the staple. Our price is 50 percent higher than the others, including Singapore, which does not produce rice. Will it take us 180 days to effect a reduction in the cost of living our the people?" Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez was quoted as saying in a statement about the Council's meeting on Monday.

Dominguez also proposed that funds be freed up as a result of the NFA's restructuring to support local farmers while the 10-billion a year Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund is still being set up.

The Finance department said new duties on imported rice will be implemented beginning March 3.

Farmers and rice retailer groups have criticized the law, with the Kilusan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas even calling it a "death warrant" for the rice industry.

Malacanang assured farmers they will have safeguards that will benefit them. The law contains a provision earmarking 10-billion every year for six years to assist farmers.

CNN Philippines Digital Producer Alyssa Rola contributed to this report.
Woman becomes 1st known attorney with autism to practice law in Florida
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Thunderstorms likely in the morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
In a series of tweets, President Donald Trump has said European countries should take back and put on trial hundreds of ISIS fighters who have been captured in Syria.
This 2-year-old deaf girl loves people - so her whole neighborhood is learning sign language
The FT reports:

British intelligence has concluded that it is possible to mitigate the risk from using Huawei equipment in 5G networks, in a serious blow to US efforts to persuade allies to ban the Chinese supplier from high-speed telecommunications systems. The UK National Cyber Security Centre has determined that there are ways to limit the risks from using Huawei in future 5G ultra-fast networks, two people familiar with the conclusion, which has not been made public, told the Financial Times.

So why have we banned Huawei from the 5G network?

In theory it is just a draft ban, so now would be a good time for the Government to reconsider.

Robert Hannigan, former head of GCHQ, the UK signals intelligence agency, recently wrote in the FT that NCSC had never found evidence of malicious Chinese state cyber activity through Huawei and that any assertions that any Chinese technology in any part of a 5G network represents an unacceptable risk are nonsense.

As far as I know, no one has ever pointed to anything Huawei has done wrong in terms of cybersecurity. The only issue is they are based in China and owned by Chinese.

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ROCHESTER, Minn.  On Sunday, people came to Bowlocity in Rochester for Strike Out Homelessness.

The official Winterfest event raises money for Family Promise Rochester, the only shelter in the Med-City for families needing a roof over their heads.

I think this brings great awareness that this is a need in our community, Amy Baker, a guest who came to the event, said.

Thats exactly what organizer and President of the Board of Directors for Family promise, Rudy Naul, hoped the bowling day would do.

I think it's just a good way for families to appreciate what they have and have that family fun time, and hopefully understand that not all families are as blessed and lucky to have that, he said.

He also hoped it gave families a new view of what homelessness actually looks like.

People maybe have a stereotype, picture of what homelessness is in their mind, Naul said. Majority of our families are working, it's just something happened, whether it be medical, car repair, or something that took away from their rent money.

Its a realization that Baker saw when she started coordinating family states at a local church.

You think older gentleman on the corner with a sign, she said. And for me it was like families and working families working full time.

With Sundays even raising awareness and the new task force created by Mayor Kim Norton, both Naul and Baker said theyre hopeful Rochester is headed in the right direction to tackle the issue.

I think more and more people are realizing and understanding that something needs to be done about it, Naul said. It's unfortunate we have to have those conversations but I think it's important that we do.

I'm grateful that it feels like we're starting to open our eyes to it and really be thinking about as a community, that's seen as one of the most giving communities, that we'd be giving to everyone, not just some, Baker said. These are our kids and our families, not those kids and those families.

Strike Out Homelessness raised about $2,000 for Family Promise Rochester.
WEST UNION, Iowa  A Fayette County man accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing three children is pleading guilty.

Roger Allen Kline, 53 of Hawkeye, was arrested in April and charged with three counts east of 1st degree kidnapping and 2nd degree sexual abuse. Authorities say he took three children from their home in April 2015, put them in a semi, took them to a park area in Oelwein, then handcuffed them and abused them.

Fayette County prosecutors say the victims were under the age of 11 at the time of the abuse.

Kline pleaded guilty to three counts of lascivious acts with a child and was sentenced Wednesday to two to five years of probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender, spend one year in a residential facility, and be on lifetime parole after his probation ends.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  A woman accused of threatening her brothers with a knife has been acquitted on all charges.

Chenda Prom, 35 of Rochester, was arrested in July 2018 and charged with 2nd degree assault, threats of violence, and domestic assault. One of Proms brothers told law enforcement she asked him Do you want me to cut your throat?

Court documents state Prom has now been found not guilty on all charges due to mental illness. Police said at the time of the incident, Prom had a problem with methamphetamine and was delusional and paranoid.
ROCHESTER, Minn.  Cocaine and methamphetamine are sending an Olmsted County man to prison.

Marshall Michael Galbreath, 40 of Rochester, pleaded guilty to 1st and 3rd degree possession of drugs. Rochester police say he was arrested on February 28, 2017, with 91 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of meth. Police say a search of a car belonging to Galbreath on November 15, 2018, then found 122 grams of meth.

Court records say Galbreath has multiple past convictions for drug crimes.

Hes been sentenced to nine years and two months in prison, with credit for 305 days already served.
OSAGE, Iowa - An Osage middle school principal is on paid administrative leave after being charged with OWI over the weekend.

Jay Marley, 42, who is the middle school principal, was arrested this weekend in Charles City after being pulled over for a turning violation. OWI-first offense is a serious misdemeanor. Marley had a blood-alcohol level of .152, according to court documents.

Osage Superintendent Barb Schwamman released the following statement to middle school parents Monday.

The Osage Community School is aware of the charges filed and are following standard procedures. Mr. Jay Marley is on administrative leave, with pay, while we investigate the situation. We expect no disruption of the Middle School learning environment as HS Principal, Tim Hejhal, will assume 5-12 duties. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email.
WORTH COUNTY, Iowa - A Lake Mills man who plead guilty to six crimes in Freeborn County in 2018 is in more trouble with the law.

Jacob Segura, 20, is facing a felony burglary charge in Worth County stemming from an incident in Sept. of 2018.

A call was received from 4550 Evergreen Ln. in Joice reporting a burglary.

Several pictures were taken of the suspect vehicle from a camera. Later that day, Freeborn County officials located the defendant in possession of tools from the residence.

Shoe prints also matched evidence that was found at the scene of the Joice burglary, court documents state.

When arrested in Freeborn County in October, Segura had to be Tased three times.

Segura was sentenced to 20 years of supervised probation for his crimes in Freeborn County.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa  The State of Iowa and an Iowa DNR officer are being sued over a fatal shooting in Humboldt County.

Shane Allen Jensen, 19 of Humboldt, was shot and killed on November 17, 2017, in Dakota City. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said Jensen fired a 9-milimeter handgun into the air and then pointed it at officers. According to the lawsuit, thats when DNR officer William Spece fired a rifle at Jensen, hitting him in the chest and killing him.

Law enforcement had been looking for Jensen after he reportedly expressed thoughts of suicide by cop and stole a motor vehicle. They found him after responding to a call of someone hiding under a deck in Dakota City.

A federal lawsuit has now been filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa by Jensens mother, Krystal Wagner. It claims Jensen suffered from numerous mental health issues like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and was well known to local law enforcement because officers had used Jensen to make controlled buys of drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes for minors.

Wagners lawsuit states other law enforcement officers at the scene were familiar with Jensens mental condition and followed the proper steps to calm the situation while Spece used deadly force because he had not been correctly trained and informed on how to handle someone like Jensen. The lawsuit states that Jensen did not point his gun at anyone except himself and also claims Spece had a history of using excessive force before being hired by the Department of Natural Resources and the DNR did not check his background to find that out.

The lawsuit is accusing Spece and the State of Iowa of wrongful death, excessive use of force, violation of Jensens due process rights, and failure to train an officer in the use of deadly force.

Online court records do not list any criminal charges filed against Spece for the shooting.
NORTHWOOD, Iowa  A man accused of stealing from a convenience store is pleading not guilty.

Justin Richard Ivey, 24 of Lake Mills, is charged with 2nd degree theft. Authorities say that while he worked at the Kum and Go store near the Diamond Jo Casino, Ivey would take items from the store and ring them up as returned, always giving the cash to the same person.

Hes accused of doing this 12 times in November 2018 for a total of $2,293.95.

Ivey, who was fired from the store, is now due to stand trial starting April 3.
Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce will welcome a cohort of dignitaries, past Chamber presidents and Newstalks Bobby Kerr to the Newpark Hotel on Wednesday, February 20 for a special business networking event.

The lunch, which is open to both Chamber members and non-members will celebrate 70 years of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, being in business, for businesses across Kilkenny. With a diverse line-up of guests, it will offer excellent networking opportunities and no doubt, intriguing insights. Past president Donie Butler has also assisted in compiling a commemorative booklet which looks back over 70 years of economic development in Kilkenny and the South East.

Marion Acreman, President of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce says, This event is a unique opportunity to celebrate all that Kilkenny Chamber does for business members and to acknowledge the important of the relevance of the Chamber to support business in Kilkenny. As we celebrate 70 years in existence we have invited past Presidents to join us as well as important dignitaries who actively support the Kilkenny Chamber and we will be hearing from them in relation to how we can continue to work together to cement Kilkennys important place in the region and the nation.

Tickets are just 35.00 for Chamber members and 39.00 for non-chamber members and will include lunch along with a panel discussion hosted by Bobby Kerr with His Excellency, Mr Robin Barnett, the British Ambassador and Her Excellency Mrs Deike Potzel, The German Ambassador.

Contact admin@kilkennychamber.ie for tickets.
Photo: The Canadian Press Gemma Hickey

Just over 14 years ago, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador issued the province's marriage commissioners an ultimatum: agree to perform same-sex marriages or resign.

At least seven commissioners, many of them mayors, chose to quit, arguing overseeing such marriages would contradict their religious beliefs.

But one former commissioner, Desiree Dichmont, also filed a human rights complaint, claiming discrimination based on religious creed. The case has been snaking its way through the courts ever since  and even though Dichmont has died, the case remains alive.

An Alberta-based free speech advocacy group, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, recently won the right to intervene in the appeal proceedings, arguing the public has an interest in the outcome. The latest appeal in the case will be heard next month.

LGBTQ activists who championed the issue of same-sex marriage more than a decade ago say the case's renewed life speaks to lingering homophobia in Canada that has since moved under the surface.

"I feel like I'm in a time warp," said Newfoundlander Gemma Hickey, who was president of advocacy group EGALE Canada in 2004 when same-sex marriage was legalized and fought for legalization across Canada.

"I wasn't surprised back then and I'm not surprised now," Hickey said in an email from Tokyo.

Should the case set a precedent for future objections based on religious belief, Hickey said the consequences would be dire for LGBTQ people in rural parts of the province.

For example, then-mayor Claude Elliott was Gander's sole marriage commissioner when he resigned his duties as a marriage commissioner in 2005.

"My concern is for same-sex couples in rural areas who don't have a choice between marriage commissioners. They shouldn't have to travel elsewhere to find someone to marry them in a civil ceremony," Hickey said.

"A wedding is something to celebrate and regardless if someone agrees or disagrees, same-sex marriage has been a reality in the province of N.L. since 2004 and in Canada since 2005."
Weather Alert

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions will develop into this weekend and persist through much of next week. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho. Portions of Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 7 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Unprecedented heat and unusually warm overnight temperatures will make it difficult to control the build up of heat in homes without air conditioning. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This event will likely be one of the most extreme and prolonged heat waves in the recorded history of the Inland Northwest. Unprecedented heat will not only threaten the health of residents in the Inland Northwest but will make our region increasingly vulnerable to wildfires and intensify the impacts our ongoing drought. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. &&
EUGENE, Ore. -- Eugene police responded at 10:42 p.m. on Saturday to a report of a death at a home in the 4000 block of Avalon.

The Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the case. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community at this time.

Neighbors told KEZI 9 News that they heard a gunshot and saw a body.

Another neighbor told KEZI he was returning home Saturday night when police arrived in the neighborhood and told him and his family to get inside for safety.

Some neighbors said they are shocked to hear about the investigation and others said they are not.

Those neighbors said the neighborhood has been declining over the years as new people move in.

We will continue to bring you the latest information on this investigation.
Photo: The Canadian Press Federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna

The much-delayed and politically fraught decision on a proposed multibillion-dollar nuclear-waste storage bunker near Lake Huron now appears certain to fall to Canada's next government.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna paused the process in August 2017  the latest in a string of delays for the deep geologic repository  to ensure buy-in from Indigenous people in the area. However, members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation have made it clear they are in no rush to give Ontario Power Generation their blessing for the proposed facility.

"Both parties have committed to getting toward a decision, ideally this year, but there's a lot of work to make sure that happens," Randall Kahgee, a lawyer and lead adviser to the First Nations on the file, said in an interview.

During community meetings in recent months, a basic "Nuclear 101" was offered. The result, Kahgee said, is that people have begun asking pointed questions about the project that Ontario's publicly owned utility will have to answer.

About two dozen sessions are planned for the coming months to allow Ontario Power Generation to explain why it believes the repository is the best way to go. A "period of reflection" will follow those sessions leading to a community decision, perhaps by the end of this year, Kahgee said.

A key step is to decide how Saugeen Ojibway Nation gets to express its collective will, who in the community gets to have a say, and when. That includes deciding the role of young people, who must ultimately help implement whatever decision the community makes.

McKenna had no comment but the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency called it important that Ontario Power Generation has the flexibility to engage with Indigenous peoples.

"Any decision that is made will be based on science and Indigenous knowledge," said agency spokeswoman Lucille Jamault.

Currently estimated to cost a total of $2.4 billion over a planned 50-year operational cycle, the project calls for a bunker to be built at the Bruce nuclear power plant near Kincardine, Ont. Hundreds of thousands of cubic metres of low and intermediate radioactive waste  not spent fuel bundles but still toxic for centuries  would be buried 680 metres deep rather than stored above ground at the site as now happens.

Politicians and scores of communities in Canada and the United States have denounced the project as an eco disaster in the making given its proximity to Lake Huron. The utility insists exhaustive science shows a repository in stable and impermeable rock would be perfectly safe for centuries.
MINDEN  The Nebraska State Fire Marshal has been called to the scene of a structure fire in Minden.

At 3:56 p.m. the Minden Volunteer Fire Department was called to a trailer court at 110 W. Campbell St. No. 1 for a structure fire. According to emergency radio traffic smoke was coming out of the windows and doors of the house.

At 4:25 p.m. the Axtell Volunteer Fire Department was called for mutual aid. Volunteer firefighters from Hildreth and Franklin were also called to the scene.

It's unclear if anyone was home at the time of the fire.

A representative from the fire marshal's office was called to investigate the cause of the fire.
MILLER  A Saturday morning fire has displaced a family of five from their rural Amherst home.

Miller Volunteer Fire Chief Brock Elsen said his department was called to the one-story house fire at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday at 23575 Watertown Road, Amherst. The house is four miles east of Miller.

When the fire department arrived on scene the house was fully engulfed.

All five occupants escaped the house before the fire crews arrived on scene. Elsen said the occupants called in the fire.

No injuries were reported, and Elsen did not release the names of the occupants. No damage estimate was available. The Amherst, Eddyville and Kearney volunteer fire departments were called for mutual aid.

Elsen sent fire crews back to their stations at about 10:30 a.m. According to the Buffalo County Geographic Information System, the house is owned by Misty Baker of Broken Bow.

Nebraska State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Alyssa Sanders said the cause of the fire still is under investigation. The American Red Cross is assisting the family in their recovery.

@erikadpritchard
Paul McDowell had put his lifes work into the grocery industry. He began his career 35 years ago at the now closed Bobs Super Store in Kearney. He and Kim bought Ravenna Super Foods in 1996.

The McDowells raised their three daughters in Ravenna, donated to the schools, senior center and other local causes. They remodeled their store in 1998, allowing them to offer more frozen foods, produce and meat. At the time, they had about four sets of freezers and coolers, each with five or six doors.

In the end, several broken coolers were filled with greeting cards and other nonperishable items because Paul said he couldnt afford to fix them.

The McDowells operated Ravenna Super Foods much like he managed Bobs Super Store  purchase a pallet of an item at a lower cost and pass the savings on to the customers. However, Kim said, it was a challenge selling food at competitive prices without buying in bulk.

The store wasnt always able to sell enough of the bulk product, resulting in outdated foods, which caused some negative comments. The McDowells said they had seen the online reviews and told people they would correct a problem if they were made aware of it.
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. 

UPDATE: Tips called in over an Oregon State Police hotline helped investigators identify the woman found dead north of Road's End in Lincoln County, the agency said.

OSP has identified her as 63-year-old Satin Fever Star (AKA Kahrin Jean McDonald) of Lincoln City. According to the information received, Star was last seen on February 11.

"The investigation remains active but at this time there is no known threat to the community and her death does not appear suspicious," OSP said in a statement.

The agency thanked everyone who called in with information on the tip-line.

(Updated 2/19/19 at 2:20 p.m.)

INITIAL REPORT: The discovery of a woman's body on Sunday in a cove along the Oregon coast has left investigators with more questions than answers.

Oregon State Police (OSP) worked with the U.S. Coast Guard and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to recover the body in the water of a cove just north of "God's Thumb" around 5 p.m.

The woman is described as a white female adult with long, dark brown hair. She was about 5'7" and 190-200 pounds.

OSP said that it is continuing to investigate "the specifics of her death," but the agency is looking for help from the public in identifying the woman.

"If anyone has any information on a recent missing female, matching this description, please call (800) 452-7888 and reference case number SP 19-058230. Detective Carla Urbigkeit is the lead investigator," OSP said.
SALEM, Ore. -- Cancer patients, survivors and others urged lawmakers Monday to increase taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products in an effort to fight cancer.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network held its annual Cancer Action Day at the Capitol to give people a voice with lawmakers and an opportunity to push for policy change.

Advocates pushed for a $2 tobacco tax increase to raise the price of cigarettes and all other tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes. The increase was included in Governor Kate Brown's 2019 budget to help fund the state's Medicaid program.

The American Cancer Society said if the tax went up by $2 per pack, more than 31,300 smokers would quit and more than 19,000 kids under the age of 18 wouldn't start. It would also decrease youth smoking rates by nearly 21 percent.

The group said tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and smoking causes nearly 28 percent of cancer deaths in Oregon. They pointed out that overall 13,700 lives would be saved from a premature death.

Oregon hasn't raised its tobacco tax significantly since 2002. Right now, it's $1.33 a pack. That's 32nd in the nation.

The group also urged lawmakers to increase funding for the state's Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program to provide life-saving cancer screenings for low-income and uninsured women and improve clarity around prescription drug costs, so cancer patients can afford their treatments.
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV/AP) -- Separate shootings in Kansas City left three people dead and at least five others injured over the weekend.

The deaths raised the number of homicides this year in Kansas City to 19.

Kansas City has seen a violent weekend with six shooting incidents and a total of eight people shot.

Three of those shooting victims died.

The first shooting took place at 9:15 p.m. Saturday in the 5700 block of Manchester Avenue.

Officers found a male victim who was pronounced dead a short time later. The suspect fled on foot but was found Sunday morning.

Terrell Parker, 29, was identified as the victim in that shooting.

Kansas City police investigate homicide, suspect in custody The police in Kansas City, Missouri are investigating a homicide that happened on Saturday night.

Another shooting took place after a disturbance inside a nightclub in the 8700 block of Troost Avenue at 2:15 a.m. Sunday. When police arrived on the scene, they found a man who was dead and a woman who was wounded by gunfire with serious injuries. The suspect fled the scene.

On Monday, the victim was identified as 26-year-old Anthony D. Williams.

Police identify man killed outside Kansas City nightclub on Sunday KANSAS CITY, MO. (KCTV) -- One person was shot and killed early Sunday morning in the 8700 b

The third fatality of the weekend was at 9:15 a.m. Sunday in the 6400 block of East 12th Terrace. Authorities found a victim with no signs of life when they arrived on the scene. There is no suspect description.

Lakeasha Taylor, 22, was identified as the woman killed in the shooting.

Kansas City police identify woman killed in shooting The police said it happened at about 9:15 a.m. in the 6400 block of E. 12th Terrace.

A person who was shot at Anderson and White avenue about 3:40 p.m. Sunday has non-life-threatening injuries.

Another shooting was in the 1700 block of Topping Avenue about 5:45 p.m. Sunday. One person has non-life-threatening injuries. A dog was also shot, but the extent of the injuries are still unknown at this time.

In the final shooting, police are searching for a suspect following a double shooting overnight Sunday near 79th Street and Brooklyn Avenue. According to police, two people were shot and taken to the hospital. The condition of either victim is unknown.
A large storm that came through Thursday night has caused some damage at the Country Stampede Festival Grounds. Organizers say they will be assessing the damage and whether this will delay Friday's festival schedule.
Kansas State University veterinarians offer advice on booster vaccinations for pets



Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019

Kansas State University veterinarians say a pet's health and lifestyle should be considered when it's time for booster vaccinations. But the veterinarians also say the rate of serious reactions to vaccines is low, and the risk of not having immunity to common infectious organisms far outweighs the risk of the pet developing serious illness as a result of vaccination.

MANHATTAN  When it comes to booster vaccinations for dogs and cats, Kansas State University veterinarians say most are safe and necessary for the majority of pets but that several factors, including the pet's health and lifestyle, should be considered.



"Vaccines were developed to help prevent infectious disease, and they do," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the university's Veterinary Health Center. "Some vaccines, known as core vaccines, are essential and every dog or cat should receive them because of widespread prevalence and severity of the diseases that they prevent."



Rabies is a core vaccine that is required for dogs and often cats in most states and/or municipalities as part of rabies control and prevention policies, Nelson said. The DA2P vaccine, which is for canine distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus, is also a core vaccine for dogs. For cats, the core vaccine is FVRCP, which is for feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia.



Along with these core vaccines, Nelson said veterinarians administer noncore vaccines, or lifestyle vaccines, based on risk determined by geographic location and activities. Common lifestyle vaccines for dogs include leptospirosis, Lyme, Bordetella, parainfluenza and canine influenza. FeLV, Chlamydophila  or Chlamydia  and Bordetella are often administered to cats that have a greater risk of exposure to the diseases.



Today's vaccines are much safer and effective for pets, Nelson said.



"Vaccine technology has advanced tremendously since the inception of vaccinology, and many vaccines are no longer made with ingredients such as aluminum, mercury, formaldehyde and foreign proteins that often have been the source of adverse vaccine reactions in some dogs and cats," Nelson said. "The rate of serious reactions to vaccines is low, and the risk of not having immunity to common infectious organisms far outweighs the risk of developing serious illness as a result of vaccination."



But Nelson said there are some disease conditions or situations where vaccines may not be in the best interest of a dog or cat.



"For example, owners of animals that have experienced severe, adverse reactions to vaccines, have impaired immunity, or are undergoing some cancer treatments should discuss vaccination with their veterinarian," she said.



In these cases, the veterinarian and pet owner should reassess the pet's lifestyle to determine essential vaccines. Options can include allowing longer intervals between core vaccine doses after completing an initial series and then a booster one year later; administering a different brand of vaccine for the next scheduled booster; not giving all the vaccines at the same visit; and the use of premedications before giving a vaccine for which the pet previously has had a bad reaction.



Another option can be checking the vaccine's titer for some diseases to see if a booster is necessary. A titer test measures the amount of the vaccine's antibodies in the pet's blood.



Vaccine titers have been gaining more acceptance over the past few years to reduce the frequency of vaccination, said Susan Moore, clinical assistant professor and director of the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory's Rabies Laboratory in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.



Annual titer tests for the core vaccines are proving useful in determining the need for continued boosters, Moore said.



"Such testing shows that many cats and dogs have titers to these diseases lasting many years," Moore said. "In fact, several years ago the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association recommended increasing the vaccine interval for DA2P and FVRCP from one year to three years based on titer testing results."



Titer tests also can help detect if a booster is needed before the recommended time frame, which is usually every three years.



Titer testing for rabies, however, faces several challenges, Moore said.



"Currently, there is no agreed standard titer value that is considered protective," Moore said. "And while state and local laws require rabies vaccinations, they do not yet include the use of titers in place of vaccination."



Moore said that some states are starting to consider laws in support of the use of titers in those animals that have experienced severe adverse reactions to vaccines or have other health issues that would preclude vaccination. But these states still require the vaccine in normal circumstances, she said.



Nelson and Moore both recommend pet owners talk to their veterinarians about their vaccination concerns and if some lifestyle vaccinations are truly needed. While titer testing is not yet an option for the lifestyle vaccines, pet owners should check with their veterinarians about annual titer testing for DA2P and FVCRP.






The process of memory, truth and justice on crimes against humanity committed in Argentina during the military dictatorship (1976-1983) is one of the most active and remarkable in Latin America and beyond. It may even be considered the birthplace of contemporary transitional justice. On December 11, 2018, another significant verdict was issued in an Argentine court. It addressed the responsibility of business officials in human rights violations carried out under the dictatorship.

The process of memory, truth and justice on crimes against humanity committed in Argentina during the dictatorship is one of the most active and remarkable. It may even be considered the birthplace of contemporary transitional justice.

The reckoning of the crimes perpetrated by those in power in Argentina started with the report issued by the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons (CONADEP) in 1984, entitled Nunca Mas, and the so-called Trial of the Military Juntas in 1985. This process included times of impunity, achieved first by laws restricting the legal process during the 1980s, and later by means of presidential executive pardons issued by President Carlos Menem between 1989 and 1990. However, the process regained strength in 2001 when there was a judiciary decision reopening the trials, backed by the Legislative Power in 2003 and the Supreme Court of Justice in 2005. Since then, criminal trials prosecuting those responsible for thousands of forced disappearances, murders, torture and illegal detention began to take place throughout the country. As of September 2018, according to official information, these trials for human rights violations had 862 perpetrators convicted and 122 acquitted. Over half of the convicted are under house arrest.

A 15-year legal battle

Since the end of the dictatorship, researchers, activists and lawyers collected strong evidence showing that several factories had been territories of labor repression and proving that workers, labor leaders and shop-stewards had been primary targets of repression, with military and business participation. When the judiciary process reopened after the turn of the century, one of the issues under scrutiny was the level of responsibility of corporations and business executives in human rights violations. Among many other academic studies, a book published in 2015 by the Latin-American School for Social Sciences (FLACSO), the Center for legal and social studies (CELS) and two offices of the National Ministry of Justice and Human Rights analyzed 25 cases of companies directly involved in human rights violations, many of which were already under investigation in legal processes.

A particularly important case was labelled Muller, Pedro And Others Concerning Illegal Arrest. It became known as the Ford case, and sought to determine the responsibility of a military leader and of Ford Motor Argentinas executives in the kidnapping, torture and illegal detention of 24 former Ford workers (some of them also trade union representatives) between 1976 and 1977. This judiciary process started in 2002. It derived from an investigation focused on military chief Santiago Omar Riveros, who was between 1976 and 1978 in charge of the defense zone Campo de Mayo where the Ford plant is located. Since 2002, victims and their families have constantly demanded justice in every forum and instance they could find. The Ford case was investigated in three different departments of the federal justice system, and took over eleven years to get to trial stage. In 2014 the case was assigned to Federal Oral Court N.1 in San Martin (Province of Buenos Aires) and the trial finally began on December 19, 2017. Three plaintiffs participated in the debate: the Human Rights Secretariat at the national level, that of the Province of Buenos Aires, and the victims.

Four company executives had allegedly been involved in the events. Among them, the former president of the company, Juan Maria Nicolas Enrique Julian Courard, could not be prosecuted because he had died in 1989, as well as the Manager of Labor Relations Guillermo Galarraga who died in 2016, before the oral proceedings began. Only two executives stood trial: Pedro Muller, manager of production of the plant, who acted as President in Courards absence, and Hector Francisco Jesus Sibilla, who was the Chief of Security at the time.

Corporate participation

The public hearings included the testimonies of the surviving victims, those of their families (spouses, some of their children, and other relatives), as well as those of witnesses called by the defense, and expert witnesses (archivists and social scientists). There were also site visits to the two police headquarters where the workers were held prisoner and to the Ford Motor Argentina plant, including the premises that were used as a detention and torture center for some of the kidnapped workers.

After a year of trial hearings, a panel of three judges found the three accused guilty, and gave sentences of 15 years of effective prison (not house arrest) to Santiago Omar Riveros, 12 years to Sibilla and 10 years to Muller. Judges found Sibilla and Muller to be necessary participants (participes necesarios), which means that their action and contribution was crucial (necessary) for the illegal detention and torture to occur.

Ford executives made lists of workers to be arrested, targeting them due to their trade-union activism, and made available the firms premises for torturing the prisoners.

The closing statements of the Prosecution underlined that the criminal acts, which began the same day as the military Junta seized power, on March 24, 1976, can only be understood when taking into account the shared concern by the armed forces and the companys leadership about trade union activity and the strength of labor organizations at the plant and beyond. They emphasized that the kidnappings between March and August 1976 happened in a context of increasing presence of military personnel inside the Ford plant. Corporate participation was crucial, it said, as Ford executives made lists of workers to be arrested, targeting them due to their trade-union activism, and made available the firms premises for torturing the prisoners, and their vehicles for transferring them to police headquarters.

After many of the victims suffered torments within Fords premises, they were later transferred to police stations in nearby locations where their illegal detention and torture continued, including in some cases mock executions. Finally, through different presidential decrees, workers were deemed prisoners dependent upon the National Executive Authority and transferred to other prison units. Workers families received telegrams from Ford Motor Argentina shortly after the detention of their relatives, and while they were captives, demanding victims to show up at the factory. Then, later, they received telegrams advising that workers had been dismissed for failing to show up at work and fulfill their obligations, despite the fact that most of them had been abducted at their working posts on the assembly line.

According to evidence presented at trial, it was during that time, in 1979 and 1980, that Ford Motor Argentina was for the first and last time in its history the second firm in terms of sales in Argentina, after the national oil company YPF.

The power of multinationals

Defense lawyers did not challenge the facts concerning the human rights violations, but they argued that these were the sole responsibility of the armed forces. Disputing different parts of the evidence accumulated against the two accused business executives, they denied the involvement of their clients in any of these crimes. Also, Ford Motor Argentina made no official statement, referring only to a 2007 press release that essentially blamed the military at the time.

The verdict was announced on December 11, 2018 at a venue packed with the victims, their families, important political leaders and trade unionists, and a massive crowd waiting in an adjacent room and in the street. Forty two years after the events and sixteen years after the case was initiated, the judges ruled that the three accused were responsible for these crimes. Their decision had immediate repercussions in the media around the world. This contrasted with the striking silence of important sectors of the mainstream Argentine media, a clear sign of the power multinational corporations like Ford have as sponsors.

This trial finally allowed the voices of workers and their families to be heard in open court, and their painful and courageous stories to be recorded. Their testimonies and a multiplicity of sources analyzed during the trial reminded us that working class struggle and trade union organization was at the center of this historical process and that the repressive policies and human rights violations aimed at disciplining it. It also illuminated that there was, in this case, direct involvement of companies and business executives in the crimes committed during the repressive policies carried out by the military dictatorship. Thats what makes the Ford case crucial in the field of human rights, because it underlines that the severe violations perpetrated by the State can also involve other responsibilities, particularly that of business corporations and officials, that need to be acknowledged and prosecuted.

The Argentine judiciary system does not allow the prosecution of companies, so it was only possible to analyze the responsibility of two top business executives. But even within these limits, this case is a step forward in this path, which is essential not only to better understand a particular historical process, but also to deliver justice, give some sense of reparation to the victims, and prevent such patterns of corporate behavior in the future.
Im proud of my colleagues who joined me in this fight, and I look forward to the House passing this legislation soon, he said.

Burr deserves a lot of credit for making the program permanent, a goal hes worked toward for years.

Its also a rare bipartisan victory, with 92 senators voting in favor and only eight opposed. The bill is expected to pass the U.S. House with equally strong support.

But this legislation is being passed at a time when our environment is under attack from other quarters. The Trump administration is working aggressively to strip away protections on public lands and open them to mining and drilling. The administration is also threatening our shores, in North Carolina and elsewhere, by pushing efforts to drill offshore, a proposition that endangers our environment and a thriving tourism industry.

While most advanced countries are increasing their investment in renewable and clean energy, the U.S. lags behind. This hurts us environmentally and economically.
WASHINGTON  When House Speaker Nancy Pelosi learned that President Trump would declare a national emergency to shift around money to finance his border wall, her denunciation was predictable. But her way of expressing outrage was not. The issue she used to make her point was important on many levels.

Observing the unease even among many Republicans over Trumps abuse of his power, she noted that if the president can declare an emergency on something that he has created as an emergency  an illusion that he wants to convey  just think of what a president with different values can present to the American people.

And then she recalled the slaughter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018, when 14 students and three staff members were gunned down. You want to talk about a national emergency? Pelosi asked. Lets talk about today, the one-year anniversary of another manifestation of the epidemic of gun violence in America. Thats a national emergency. Why dont you declare that emergency, Mr. President? I wish you would.

Our nations deadly permissiveness toward firearms was very much on Pelosis mind because the House Judiciary Committee had voted 21-to-14 the night before to send a bill requiring background checks for all gun sales and most gun transactions to the House floor.
As far as crimes go, is unlawfully tampering with an electric meter worse than illegally keeping livestock within the city limits?

In 1952 in Alexander City, Ala., it appears that it was.

I draw this conclusion after happening upon a copy of a police report from the night the great Hank Williams, the doomed hillbilly Shakespeare with a bad back and a deep thirst, ended up in the pokey, charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct for running wild in the halls of the Russell Hotel in Alex City.

I found an authoritative account of the incident and the police report on the great website Saving Country Music (www.saving countrymusic.com), part of an essay on the origin of a photo of Hank emerging from jail, shirtless and looking like he could use a hot shower and a good meal or three.

I had heard the story (a lodge owner and fishing buddy paid his $25 bond and $10 fine) and seen the photo (its frightening) before, but the copy of the police report, which looked more like a citation than the police reports I perused during my days on the cops-and-courts beat, was new to me.
During a recent class of the Walkertown High School Fire Academy, a loud buzzer sounded as Eddie Bottoms was instructing his students on the basic components of the incident command system and how to be an incident commander.

Moving quickly away from their desks and chairs, the five students reached for their turnout gear that was nearby  hoods, coats, pants, helmets, gloves and boots.

Once fully outfitted, the students made their way, one by one, into the hallway and stood against the wall for inspection.

Ryan Meadows, 17, and Joseph Coalson, Cruz Del-Real, McCray McGee, and Mirelzi Pelaez, all 15, had just gone through a simulation of a fire station that had received a dispatch.

A minute and 31 seconds, said Bottoms, the teacher of the fire academy, as he referred to the amount of time it took the students to respond to a fire bell.

Whats our goal? said Bottoms. Sixty seconds, right? Thats kind of a fire department industry standard. No matter where you are in the building, no matter what youre doing in the building, the bell rings, youre to the truck. Youre in your gear. Youre on the truck and hopefully out the door in 60 seconds.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  Members of a fishermen's group took to the streets to protest the government's plan to reclaim 500 hectares of Baseco and Isla Puting Bato in Manila amid the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA-Pilipinas) along with the Anakpawis Party-list group staged a protest in Mendiola, Manila on Monday, proclaiming that the reclamation project will do more harm than good to fishermen and the environment.

"Pangunahing epekto nito ay ang pagwasak ng ecosystem o ang normal na daloy ng pangingisdaan ng ating bansa at kapag ang isang lugar ay nireclaim o tinambakan, hindi na maibabalik sa dating anyo o sa dating pangigisdaan ang mga tinambakan na mga pangingisdaan sa ating bansa," PAMALAKAYA Chair Fernando Hicap said during the rally.

[Translation: The main effect of this is the destruction of the ecosystem or the normal means of fishing in the country and if one place if reclaimed or filled with land, we cannot return this to its original state.]

Hicap explained that Manila Bay used to be abundant with clams, sea grass and other sea life prior to reclamationprojects implemented in the area.

"Napakayaman ng Manila Bay napakaraming iba't-ibang klaseng shells ang matatagpuan dito sa mga lugar na nireclaimMarami pong nakukuhang halaan diyan," he said.

[Translation: Manila Bay was abundant. Different kinds of shells can be found in the places that were reclaimedYou could find lots of clams there.]

The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) earlier defended the reclamation effort saying it would transform the bay's expanse into an economic hub that would create more jobs. PRA Assistant General Manager Joselito Gonzales argued that it could also solve Metro Manila's flooding problem.

However, Hicap maintained it would add to pollution in the area amid the massive cleanup being implemented by the government. He also clarified that they are not opposed to the rehabilitation of the bay.

"Yes to rehabilitation, no to reclamation," he said.

As of February 11, there are 22 reclamation projects pending under the PRA. This could affect nearly 10 percent of the bay's total area. Lawmakers have also expressed doubt on the benefits of reclamation saying the PRA have not expounded enough on the possible negative impact of the projects.
For more than a decade, an innovative office has coordinated community engagement and service learning for the Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Nursing, and Medicine.

Known as SOURCE, the office's mission is to engage the Johns Hopkins University health professional schools and Baltimore communities in mutually beneficial partnerships that promote health and social justice. SOURCE partners with more than 100 community-based organizations in Baltimore City.

Since its founding in 2005, SOURCE has coordinated volunteer experiences for nearly 13,000 JHU volunteers, who have logged 372,000 hours of service with Baltimore nonprofits.

All of SOURCEs work reflects its four core values:

ReciprocityTo exchange with others for mutual benefit

JusticeTo promote fair and equitable treatment for all

ServiceTo be of service to others

CollaborationTo work with others intentionally

This work happens via a series of initiatives and projects coordinated by SOURCE, including service-learning courses, social justice efforts and student engagement programs.

Service-Learning Courses

SOURCE-supported service-learning courses blend rigorous academics with community partnerships that push beyond the conventional days of service. In these courses, faculty and students work with local nonprofit organizations to design projects that support the organizations goals of serving their communities.

These projects, which run eight to 24 weeks, leverage the training our graduate students gain in their academic study to support public health efforts across the city. Recent projects include partnering with local Baltimore City schools to improve the availability of fresh foods to communities in food deserts, analyzing volunteer data to increase retention and commitment to the nonprofits mission and researching and presenting on state policy reform for LGBT health.

Sample service-learning courses supported through SOURCE:

Learn more about our service-learning model based in collaboration, critical reflection and justice.

Social Justice Efforts

Working toward a more equitable and just society lies at the core of SOURCEs mission. This has never been more evident as we lead a task force of faculty, staff, students and community leaders invested in a more socially just Baltimore. We have established Social Justice Action Teams that are creating guidelines for equitable partnerships with local organizations and communities, establishing university processes that value community assets and support community-led collaborations, and instituting development practices and pedagogies to help faculty make social justice a core part of their teaching practice.

In addition, SOURCE offers Practicing Justice forums where faculty, students and community members can engage in in-depth conversations of justice and health equity. In these spaces, we explore our own identities and work to understand the perspectives of others, recognize the value of collaboration and examine systems of power and privilege while empowering participants to be change agents.

Learn more about our Practicing Justice series.

Student Engagement Programs

At SOURCE, we support all service efforts with our local community partners, but we intentionally look for ways to deepen service opportunities beyond one-time events. We have established a number of long-term and recurring opportunities for our graduate students. Among the co-curricular student experiences are:

The SOURCE Service Scholar program: This yearlong program partners students with community organizations to identify and manage sustainable programs that build organizational capacity. Past projects include volunteer training modules, health education series and volunteer recruitment efforts.

Baltimore Action Projects: A collaborative effort with the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, Baltimore Action Projects are community-identified projects that directly connect to the Initiatives five focus areas: addiction and overdose, obesity and the food system, violence, risks to adolescent health, and environmental challenges.

HIV Counseling and Testing Program: This program trains students to serve as certified HIV counselors at one of three participating community clinics: STAR (Sisters Together and Reaching), Harriet Lane Clinic and the Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department.

Connection Community Consultants: Student consultants work in teams of three to five students to complete short-term projects for partnering community-based organizations.

A Strategic Plan for the Future

In October 2018, the Bloomberg School released The Power of Public Health: A Strategic Plan for the Future with ambitious goals to address social, economic, political, environmental and other forces challenging human health.

The plan lays out five strategic goals in the areas of Education, Science, Partnerships, People, and Advocacy.

The third goal, Partnerships, is where SOURCEs collaborative and collective work helps provide opportunities to embed community engagement into teaching and learning at the Bloomberg School.

At the Bloomberg School, we value health as a human right and are committed to promoting health equity. We translate these values into action by partnering to protect the populations health and advance equity and social justice worldwide, with a special commitment to Baltimore. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Strategic Plan

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOURCE

CONNECT WITH SOURCE FACULTY AND STAFF

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The N.C. National Guard plans to close the armory in Morehead City, pictured here at 3413 Bridges St., within the next two years as part of a statewide consolidation effort. (Dylan Ray photo)
Yes. Our bridges and roads are crumbling.

No. It is too expensive.

Yes but the current price tag is too high. I support it but for less money.

No. States should pay for this, not the federal government.

I haven't really thought about it.

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This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Zoho has updated its office productivity suite, adding AI capabilities and introducing a new note-taking app, Notebook.

Zoho has been rolling out AI features under the Zia brand in recent years; Zia now acts as a smart assistant in Zoho's sales and customer support tools, for instance.

Last week, the Chennai, India-based firm announced that Zia AI has been incorporated into its office productivity tools, too.

For Zoho's word processing tool, Writer, Zia can highlight grammatical errors and style inconsistencies, provide a "readability score" for a document and suggest ways to improve writing quality. In the Zoho Show presentation software, Zia offers contextual suggestions for readability, grammar and formatting.

And in Zoho Sheets, the AI assistant recommends relevant chart and pivotal tables for use and use Zia Voice - Zoho's conversational AI platform - to let users ask questions about data sets.

David Smith, founder and principal analyst at InFlow Analysis, said the AI features should enhance the effectiveness of Zoho's productivity apps.

"Organizations need intelligent tools that can be integrated into business processes, provide automation and increase worker efficiency and productivity across all channels," Smith said. The new AI capabilities "will bring intelligent context to streamline business workflows and processes for better efficiency."

Zoho also unveiled a new Notebook app, which lets users create a variety of text, checklist, audio, photo, file and sketch note "cards." The app, which is available for free, automatically syncs to the Zoho cloud to backup data for use across devices.

Other updates to the company's Office Suite apps include a "focus" mode in Writer that highlights a particular paragraph and dims everything else in the document, as well as a retro option to enable typewriter sounds when typing. Writer now works completely offline on web, mobile and iPad editions.

Zoho Show users can now run presentations on Android and Apple TV-enabled devices, with a smartphone used as a controller to flick through slides. And Zoho Sheets users will be able to create their own personalized functions, such as the ability to automatically pull from an accounting app to fill in a Sheets report.

Zoho faces stiff competition from Microsoft and Google, both of which have also been adding AI features to their respective productivity products.

Zoho's strength lies in the breadth of its offerings, which is likely to be attractive to small- and mid-sized business in particular, said Smith.

"Zoho is pushing the envelope with respect to having a full digital workplace platform that covers all business domains from sales to marketing to HR," said Smith. "That's their differentiator. This will challenge larger players like Microsoft and Google and the industry as a whole to fill gaps in their own portfolios."

Zoho Office Suite is for free for individual use, $3 per user/month for small and mid-sized businesses, and $6 per user/month for enterprise customers.
Yohan Ramasundara: "We cannot just shrug our shoulders and let this stand. This kind of behavior has unfortunately become business as usual, and it needs to end."

The president of the Australian Computer Society, Yohan Ramasundara, has said the Federal Government needs to take cyber security more seriously, claiming that it was seen as a "boutique issue" that was very often out-sourced or delegated to "a couple of techies in a backroom".

His statement came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Parliament on Monday that a sophisticated state actor was behind the recent attack on the Parliament network, which also affected the three main political parties that are part of government and the Opposition.

"We need real skills development and acquisition in the Australian Public Service," Ramasundara said. "We need accountability, and more priority given to projects like the Australian Cyber Security Centre to ensure that Australias institutions are as well protected as is feasible."

He called for "real and serious consequences" for those who perpetrate these attacks but did not specify what those consequences should be.

Ramasundara said the hack went beyond the bounds of regular work by spies and should be considered an act of aggression.

"Our response shouldnt end with naming and shaming. We should be very public about who hacked us and why," he said.

"But beyond that, we should be working with international partners to formulate a real response, with real teeth, to deter these kinds of actions in the future. This should not be the new normal."

He said in the interconnected world with more than millions of IoT devices, one was only as strong as the weakest link.

"Greater collaboration among government entities, key service providers and stakeholders is extremely important. At the same time we need effective programs to increase the awareness and educate staff, general public and our next generation to improve our cyber hygiene," Ramasundara said.

"The fact is that digital services, data and information management is a core function of government. State-sponsored and other hackers have access to various cyber arms at low cost and they continue to evolve their tactics. Our government need an immediate and comprehensive longer term plan to manage this accelerating risk.

"We have to raise the skill levels in critical technology roles, and demand enhanced capability and ICT professionalism within the public sector, which has become even more important and a matter of national security as cyber-attacks emerge as major threats to the nations worldwide.
Scott Morrison says the networks of all three major political parties were attacked.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a sophisticated state actor was behind the breach of the Parliament network that was announced on 8 February, but stopped short of naming any country as being responsible.

He told Parliament on Monday that the networks of the Liberal, National and Labor Parties had also been breached and that security agencies were working on bolstering defences.

Morrison said there was no evidence of any danger to electoral systems and that the Australian Cyber Security Centre was across the task of beefing up security.

He said the ACSC's resources would be available to all political parties in the run-up to the federal election which is expected to be held in May.

There has been no attribution of the attack by any technical agency, with the Australian Signals Directorate saying at the time that "proper and accurate attribution of a cyber incident takes time".

In 2011, the network was breached by attackers who were said to be from China and its defences were upgraded thereafter.

Morrison said there was no proof there had been any attempt at electoral interference, but said the Australian Electoral Commission was being advised and all political parties would be provided support if needed.

Let me be clear ... there is no evidence of any electoral interference, he said.

We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system. I have instructed the Australian Cyber Security Centre to be ready to provide any political party or electoral body in Australia with immediate support, including making their technical experts available.

They have already briefed the Electoral Commission and those responsible for cyber security for all states and territories. They have also worked with global anti-virus companies to ensure Australias friends and allies have the capacity to detect this malicious activity.

We have acted decisively to protect our national interests.

David Higgins, technical director for security firm CyberArk in the EMEA region, supported the conclusion that a nation state was involved.

Whenever something of this nature affects a political party, nation state involvement must be considered as likely, given what has been reported," he said in a comment after Morrison made his statement.

"While the motive is not yet clear  and motive is, of course, key in determining who might have accessed these systems  the fact of who has been targeted and the level of sophistication involved indicates some kind of nation state involvement or sponsorship."

Higgins said often the objective was to gain competitive market advantage  "government policies that could be seen as likely to provoke trade wars are very likely to trigger a new round of nation-state attacks designed to steal intellectual property and other trade secrets".

"But this is just one of many potential reasons. Destabilisation, experimentation, information wars, policy influence and myriad other possibilities also exist.
Customer data that leaked from property valuation firm LandMark White, which is now known as LMW, was available on the dark web for more than 10 days before the company became aware of it, the company says in an update about the breach on Friday.

LMW said it did not know how many people had accessed the data while it was available to the public gaze. The company said independent security consultants had confirmed that the data was accessed via an exposed programming interface on one of our valuation platforms.

The firm is currently in a market halt and it is not known when it will return to trading on the ASX. "As a result of this [the breach], on 14 February, we felt we needed to move into a market halt so we could get some clarity around what this incident means for our business," it said.

The company said that the leaked dataset contained:

Approximately 137,500 unique valuation records, and approximately 1680 supporting documents.

Approximately 250,000 individual records in total, but many were duplicates.

The date range of the documents was between 4 January 2011 and 20 January 2019.

LMW announced the breach on 5 February, where it announced that it had shut down a security vulnerability on 23 January but was not aware at that point that data had leaked. It said in the latest update that it had become of the breach on 4 February.

ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and NAB have acknowledged that data about their clients were included in the dataset that was leaked on the Web.

In Friday's update, LMW said: "On 10 January 2019, our team received an email from the Australian Cyber Security Centre alerting us to a vulnerability. At that point in time, LMW was in the process of undertaking pre-planned systems upgrade work on the valuation platform the subject of the incident.

"LMW also separately received a post from a user on our Twitter account at that time relating to data that we now know was publicly available on the dark web. Our Twitter account was not actively monitored over the holiday period, and we have only recently become aware of it.

"The full extent of the incident was not apparent to us at the time of any of these communications, and we were not aware that there had been a disclosure of data at this time.

"On 23 January, we closed off Internet access to the valuation platform the subject of the incident. We believe it was the closure of the access to the platform that prompted the disclosure of the dataset by the unknown third party."

LMW was founded in 1982 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2003. It employs 450 staff across the country and 99.7% of its shareholders are in Australia.
Ron Gauci: "The Act is likely to negatively impact the competitiveness of Australian software and hardware manufacturers in international markets."

The Australian Information Industry Association has expressed disappointment that amendments proposed to the encryption law were not passed by Parliament last week.

In a statement, the AIIA, the peak body representing the ICT industry, said the new law  officially known as the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018)  passed on 6 December, contained compliance requirements that could have a negative effect on both foreign and Australian technology companies operating Down Under.

It said the top two amendments included clarifying the definitions of "systemic weakness/vulnerability" and "target technology", and ensuring judicial oversight over the issuance of technical assistance notices and technical capability notices.

Soon after the law was passed, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security began a fresh review which it is scheduled to conclude this year and submit a report by 3 April.

AIIA chief executive Ron Gauci said: We are disappointed that the amendments proposed were not passed by Parliament. However, we are heartened to see that some members of Parliament are starting to focus on the economic impact of the legislation on Australias ICT innovation and export activities.

The Act is likely to negatively impact the competitiveness of Australian software and hardware manufacturers in international markets.

"We believe this could result in declining employment and export revenue, and consequently a significant reduction in local R&D and manufacturing.

We need to ask how the legislation will impact on the exportability of Australian ICT products and services  there is a real risk they will be perceived as less secure than those in other jurisdictions.

"We are particularly concerned that Australian SMEs and start-ups  those companies that form the backbone of Australias economy  will be locked out of global markets as trust in their products is compromised.

Any changes to the law will only be possible in April  the Senate has nine sitting days that month and the House eight  and an election is expected in May.
New Zealand says it will carry out its own risk-assessment to make a final decision on whether to use equipment from Chinese telecommunications gear maker Huawei Technologies in its 5G networks.

The comment by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a regular weekly news conference on Monday came after a report said Britain's National Cyber Security Centre had found that any risk posed by Huawei to 5G networks could be mitigated.

In November, New Zealand's General Communications Security Bureau, the country's main spy agency, said it had refused telco Spark permission to use Huawei equipment in its 5G network after the two companies demonstrated the technical implementation of access and core separation for 5G.

Ardern said the GCSB had given Spark options to mitigate the security concerns over the use of Huawei equipment. "The ball is now in their court," she said.

Huawei has set up a Cyber Security Evaluation Centre in the UK where its staff work alongside members of the NCSC to sort out any issues perceived as causing security issues for British networks. Each year, the CSEC's Oversight Board issues a report, outlining issues, if any.

The British Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport is also carrying out a review of the country's telecommunications infrastructure and it is likely to contain recommendations on the Huawei issue.

Ardern said that the GCSB would look at the country's legislation and its own assessments while making a decision.

She said while it was fair to say that the Five Eyes nations  the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand  shared intelligence information, Wellington made its own independent decisions.

Contacted for comment, Spark Corporate Relations lead Andrew Pirie said the company was not commenting on the British situation as it had no specific insight into the conclusions of the NCSC, nor what implications it held for the final UK decision on Huawei.

"In New Zealand, we are still in discussions with GCSB officials," Pirie added.

"We are working through what possible mitigations we might be able to provide to address the concerns raised by the GCSB, and have not yet made any decision on whether or when we should submit a revised proposal to GCSB."

iTWire has also contacted Huawei for comment.
"We're providing SMBs with a sending platform" capable of handling letters, packets and parcels, Pitney Bowes ANZ country manager Stephen Darracott told iTWire.

SendPro+ is designed to work with multiple carriers, and at launch supports Australia Post (for letters) and Sendle. "The client's going to have a choice [of carrier]," he said.

Pitney Bowes has served Australia's SMB sector  which accounts for 99% of all businesses in the country  for decades, and understands that they need help dealing with the complexity of choosing the most appropriate carrier for a particular delivery.

Considerations include price, delivery time, whether pickup and delivery times are guaranteed, and whether tracking is offered.

So SendPro+ provides shipping options and prices, prints labels and tracks parcels, using an integrated scale to help calculate the correct charge. Shipping rates are automatically updated, and a single address book can be used with any available carrier.

It also generates standardised spending and usage reports for effective cost management.

"Our clients are shipping parcels more than ever and they want to select the smart sending choice  every time. SendPro+ takes the complexity out of shipping through a simple user interface, delivering shipping options, optimal pricing and cost savings," said Darracott,

SendPro+ is suitable for businesses sending around five or more parcels a day, he explained. (Pitney Bowes already offers a SaaS-based shipping system for businesses sending as few as two items a week.)

"If you're a maker or a shipper, this [SendPro+] is an excellent way to take complexity out of both," he said.

The functionality of the Android-based device is set to increase over time through additional applications and services designed to add value to Australian SMBs. One example could be a shipping calendar that includes planned shipments and also indicates when an item needs to be shipped in order for it to arrive on a particular day.

"We will be going out to the development community" for applications and ideas suited to the local market, Darracott said.
A rendering of the trash-burning, electricity-producing generator that was proposed for 48 acres of the former Seneca Army Depot in late 2017.
Monday, February 18th, 2019 (12:01 am) - Score 4,700

The latest online survey of 2,110 ISPreview.co.uk readers has found that 65.9% of UK respondents think spending up to 5bn of taxpayers money to ensure nationwide coverage of full fibre (FTTP) broadband by 2033 is a better bet than putting the same money toward public services. But most people expect a long wait.

The survey, which was conducted between 2nd January and 14th February 2019, found that most respondents do not expect to see full fibre FTTP broadband arrive in their area for many years and 17.4% even fear it may NEVER reach them.

The Governments Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) proposed that nationwide availability would require public funding of up to 5bn, which could be used to support private investment in the final 10% of areas (mostly rural locations). Clearly this has some good support, even if many people doubt the currently quite aspirational time-scale.

How long do you think it will be before full fibre (FTTP) broadband reaches your area (pick closest)?

5-10 Years  23.3%

2-5 Years  18.7%

NEVER  17.4%

10-15 Years  17.2%

I can get it now!  11.5%

1 Year  5.8%

2 Years  5.8% The UK gov may have to invest c.5bn of taxpayers money to ensure nationwide coverage of FTTP by 2033. Do you support this cost?

Yes  70.4%

No  16.9%

Maybe  12.6% Some say such funding would be better spent on hospitals or other public services. Do you agree?

No  FTTP fuels growth  65.9%

Yes  Forget FTTP  17.5%

Unsure  16.5%

Deploying better broadband connectivity has in the past been shown to deliver an economic boost (example) and its thus hoped that investing to ensure nationwide coverage of FTTP may eventually pay for itself by fuelling more economic growth. All this could in turn help to support public services, possibly even more so than if 5bn were to simply be thrown at them as a one-off.

However we do still have our doubts about the commercial markets ability to deliver the majority of that FTTP coverage and within the proposed time-scale. Were also sceptical about whether ISPs would have much interest in match-funding such an effort to the final c.20-30% of premises, let alone the final 10%, particularly if the 5 year business rates holiday on new fibre isnt extended.

The previous Broadband Delivery UK scheme largely focused upon supporting cheaper hybrid figure services (FTTC) via 1.6bn+ of public investment, although nearly half of that came from local authorities. Trying to replicate the same approach with FTTP in the future would be a lot more expensive and we suspect that local authorities may struggle to support it due to their already cash strapped budgets.

Nevertheless, full fibre is the future, but the question of delivery and investment is one that will probably only end up being answered by a different government in the future. The country is likely to go through several governments before 2033 and inevitably policies, as well as investment priorities, can change. Planning beyond a single parliamentary term is often fraught with difficulty.

NOTE: ISPreview.co.uk surveys are likely to receive a higher proportion of tech-savvy respondents than most, although the majority of our visitors are normal consumers (i.e. they come to this site for help and assistance with basic broadband problems / questions or when hunting for a new ISP).

UPDATE 7:38pm

Rural fibre optic ISP TrueSpeed, which is entirely supported by commercial investment, has sent in a comment that offers a different perspective.

Evan Wienburg, co-founder and CEO of TrueSpeed, said: Its surprising to see two thirds of respondents believe that 5bn of taxpayers money on nationwide FTTP rollout is a better bet than putting the same money towards public services. This is especially the case when we have so many examples of national providers wasting taxpayer funds on building FTTC/FTTP networks where rollout is already complete or in progress by privately funded providers. We wholeheartedly endorse the Governments proposal to ensure FTTP rollout by 2033, but we should consider whether this 5bn is an effective deployment of public funds, when theres a number of public services that dont see the same private investment as broadband in the UK. We found that 46% of people in the South West of England believe better broadband connectivity would be the most beneficial infrastructure development for their local economy  ahead of new rail or bus transport links  in our recent survey. While better broadband is clearly a crucial concern for many, the Government must ensure that local economies can truly thrive by ensuring public funds are invested only where private funds could not just as easily yield the same results.

One slight problem here is that weve yet to see any commercial providers commit the investment needed to cover all rural areas across the UK. Some have found ways to tackle certain limited areas, but scaling this up has proven difficult (e.g. Gigaclear) and delivering at pace remains even harder.

Most other commercial providers have generally required match funding with public money in order to make it more economically viable at scale. But past a certain point even the match-funded model can begin to breakdown without ever bigger subsidies (e.g. Openreach in Wales  the Phase 2 contract).

Rural areas dont want to wait another generation for full fibre connectivity to arrive and if its going to hit the 2033 aspiration then more public investment seems inevitable.
Monday, February 18th, 2019 (1:36 pm) - Score 2,396

The UK Space Agency has awarded funding of 18 million to SpaceX rival OneWeb, which is currently in the process of building a huge constellation of 882 small Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites that will be able to supply fast broadband speeds at a lower latency to almost any part of the world.

At present many GEO Stationary Orbit (GSO) Satellites are huge (size of a large bus) and struggle to deliver latency times of less than 600ms (milliseconds). On top of that broadband speeds can vary due to limited capacity, although youd be lucky to get much above 30Mbps at an affordable consumer level (often heavily throttled at peak times). Speeds should improve with new spacecraft, but latency will always be a problem.

By comparison the new generation of LEO Satellites sit considerably closer to the earth (around 1,200km+ LEO vs 35,000km+ GSO) and have a much shorter lifespan, after which they will disintegrate into the atmosphere. As a result its predicted that latency times for both SpaceX and OneWebs rival constellations could be around 25-35ms, which is pretty fast for such a network.

In terms of speed, SpaceX has often boasted that their LEOs could offer peak speeds of up to 1Gbps (here), while OneWeb seems to have a subscriber target of 100Mbps (50Mbps upload) but weve also seen them talk about peak speeds of 500Mbps. However SpaceXs spacecraft seem to be bigger and weigh about 400kg, which compares with 150kg+ for OneWeb (i.e. height wise theyd come up to an adults waist).

As part of all this OneWeb, which was founded in the US but is currently registered in the United Kingdom, expects to create 200 jobs at its new White City office in London. A lot of the key R&D and manufacturing work is set to take place in the UK (Airbus have built the initial spacecraft). We believe their spacecraft will harness the Ka (20-30GHz) and Ku (11-14GHz) frequency bands for communications.

Adrian Steckel, CEO of OneWeb, said: Providing access to people everywhere has been the mission and vision of OneWeb since the very beginning. We will be able to realize this vision in part because of important partnerships like this one with the UK Space Agency, ESA and a range of other important partners including our European and Canadian partners. Thanks to this support, we will focus together on next generation technologies that will be game changers for realizing global 5G connectivity. We are excited about the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to develop novel automation techniques that could help manage our constellation in future and ensure we do so safely and responsibly so that we can protect space for future generations.

Chris Skidmore, Science Minister, said: Fast internet access is something many people take for granted but in many areas of the world connectivity is still hit and miss. This new 18m investment will go towards meeting the significant technical challenges of the project, putting the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development. The commercial potential for a cost effective worldwide telecoms satellite system is huge, and the UK space sector is playing a leading role in delivering it. It is made possible by our ongoing commitment to the European Space Agency and our world-leading capabilities in space and telecommunications, which we are supporting through our modern Industrial Strategy.

OneWebs first 10 satellites have already successfully arrived in Kourou (French Guiana) and are due to launch on 26th February 2019 at 18:37 GMT-3 on an Arianespace Soyuz rocket. Meanwhile SpaceX has so far launched a couple of trial Satellites, although the main bulk has yet to follow.

The company claims to be on a mission to bridge the digital divide with affordable broadband access by 2027 and they say it will be possible to use their platform to connect every school to the internet by 2022. Apparently this has already been quite popular because most of the capacity on their initial constellation of 648 spacecraft has been sold. In the future they may get nearly 2,000 into orbit but for now the aim is nearly 900.

Aside from the sheer complexity of managing such a huge constellation of spacecraft (tricky to avoid breaks in data coverage), there are also on-going concerns about the rising levels of space junk in orbit and ensuring that all of these new LEOs decay out of orbit correctly so that they dont add to the growing problem.
Monday, February 18th, 2019 (10:16 am) - Score 370

Bristol and Nottingham have come top in a new table of the best ten UK cities for house share investments, which was conducted by broadband ISP Glide (formerly CableCom). This examined various factors such as local connectivity, house share opportunities, rental cost, job prospects, amenities and affordability.

A house share simply reflects a general term that is most often used to describe the act of renting out (sharing) one of the rooms in your house or flat to another individual, with all occupants typically then sharing the propertys communal areas (e.g. kitchen and lounge). The increasingly high prices of property have seen this type of property become much more common, although its often more associated with student accommodation.

Apparently Bristol, which lies between Somerset and Gloucestershire in England, came top of the list due to the number of house shares available (945), strong University rankings, job opportunities (229 advertised per 10,000 people), good coverage of public WiFi and general broadband speeds. On the flip side it was the third highest city in the list for rental costs, which nearly stopped it claiming the top spot.

James Villarreal, Director of Glide, said: With so many students and young professionals choosing to house share, we wanted to find the best cities across the UK to suit their needs. When looking for a new house share, there are some important considerations to think about before signing, including location compared to your university campus or workplace, transport links and monthly bills.

Sadly London didnt make the top 10 and instead came 17th, which was predictably due in no small part to the citys extremely high property costs (e.g. the average rent in London is 3278 per month, compared to just 499 in Bradford).

Top 10 UK House Share Hotspots

Bristol

Nottingham

Birmingham

Manchester

Liverpool

Derby

Southampton

Brighton and Hove

Leicester

Portsmouth

Unfortunately its not clear how much of a weighting the study gave to the broadband and WiFi side of things. In terms of Bristol, we know that superfast broadband (24Mbps+) is almost at a universal level of availability thanks to Openreachs (BT) FTTC network, while ultrafast broadband is available to the vast majority via Virgin Medias cable (DOCSIS) infrastructure. Full fibre (FTTP) coverage is also on the rise via Openreach and various other operators. In fairness most of the cities listed do quite well on this front.
World Saudi Crown Prince Begins Asia Tour With $20B Pakistan Investment Pledge

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends the opening of the G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Nov. 30. / Reuters

ISLAMABAD  Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday said Saudi Arabia has signed investment agreements worth $20 billion during his high-profile visit to Pakistan, where tensions were flaring up with nuclear-armed rival India.

Kicking off his tour of South Asia and China with a far higher Pakistan investment than expected, the crown prince said the $20 billion figure represents only the start of an economic tie-up that would bring the historic Muslim allies even closer.

Its big for phase 1, and definitely it will grow every month and every year, and it will be beneficial to both countries, said the crown prince.

We have been a brotherly country, a friendly country to Pakistan. Weve walked together in tough and good times, and we [will] continue.

But Prince Mohammeds visit is at risk of being overshadowed by Pakistans growing tensions with India. Earlier this week a suicide bomber killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement.

Cash-strapped and in need of friends, Pakistan welcomed the crown prince with open arms and in grandiose fashion, including sending fighter jets to guide his incoming plane once it entered Pakistani airspace.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistans army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, greeted Prince Mohammed on the red carpet of a military airport in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, before Khan personally drove the crown prince to the capital Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia has always been a friend in need, which is why we value it so much, said Khan, while seated next to Prince Mohammed. I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in bad situation.

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistans economy afloat by propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Islamabad has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammeds trip as the biggest state visit since Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas global Belt and Road initiative.

The tour is seen as an attempt by the crown prince to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi, analysts say. Many in the West blamed Prince Mohammed for the killing, which triggered the kingdoms biggest political crisis for a generation. He has denied being involved.

He had also planned to visit Indonesia and Malaysia during the tour, but those trips have been postponed, according to Malaysian and Indonesian officials.

In Pakistan, most of the agreements signed focused on energy projects, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port. Memorandums of understanding were also signed for investments in minerals and agriculture, Khan said.

The two nations relationship has in the past centered on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistans economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistans powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious clout in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mainly Muslim nation of 208 million people.

What is happening in this relationship is a renewal of Pakistans commitment to help protect the royal family and the order as it exists in Saudi Arabia, said Mosharraf Zaidi, Senior Fellow at Tabadlab, a Pakistani think tank focused on global and local public policy.

On the flip side, there is reassurance that Saudi Arabia will not only continue to serve as a strategic friend who will help shore up Pakistans finances when needed, but its also going to become a participant in the wider investment in Pakistan.

Prince Mohammed was also set to meet representatives of the Afghan Taliban militant group to discuss peace negotiations to end the 17-year civil war in Afghanistan, Pakistani government and militant sources said.

But that was unlikely after Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the groups planned meetings with Khan and U.S. officials in Islamabad were called off.
Burma Military, USDP, ANP Withhold Nominees For Constitution Amendment Committee

USDP and military-appointed lawmakers attend Parliament in Naypyitaw. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  The Myanmar military and two political parties have not submitted lists of nominees for a pending committee to draft amendments to the Constitution, which the Union Parliament is due to form on Tuesday.

U Myat Nyana Soe, a lawmaker for the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), said Parliament had yet to receive lists from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), Arakan National Party (ANP) and the military, which is guaranteed 25 percent of national and local legislative seats by the Constitution.

Twelve political parties and independent representatives have submitted lists of nominees. If those parties and that institution do not submit name lists, we can exclude them and share their quotas with the other parties to form the committee. But we wont do that, he told The Irrawaddy on Monday.

According to a draft plan distributed to lawmakers, the committee will comprise 44 members: 18 from the NLD, eight from the military, two from the USDP, one independent representative, and one each from ethnic minority parties.

USDP lawmaker U Thaung Aye told reporters on Monday that no decisions could be made at two preliminary meetings on how to form the committee and that the NLD was being arrogant in pushing ahead with it.

The Tatmadaw [military] is also not happy with it, and the Tatmadaw representatives and I held talks with the speaker and deputy speaker this morning. The speaker said he is just implementing the proposal by taking everything into consideration, U Thaung Aye said.

Mondays Lower House session was delayed about 20 minutes by the discussion.

U Thaung Aye said his party had yet to decide how to proceed.

U Myat Nyana Soe, who will serve as the committees secretary, said the body was being formed in line with parliamentary laws after legislators overwhelmingly approved a proposal to form the committee on Feb. 6.

This is the proposal approved by the Union Parliament. As Ive said, we cant switch into reverse gear. We have to implement the proposal. The other side says we are democratic dictators and that we bully democratically. It is not true, he told The Irrawaddy.

ANP lawmaker U Pe Than said his party did not submit a list of nominees because it was designated only one seat on the committee but wanted two.

In general we decided to join the committee. But we are confused about the tasks of the committee. We are still discussing about its tasks, he said.

U Pe Than cited a section of the Constitution that says amendments must be proposed to Parliament with the support of at least 20 percent of lawmakers. The military and USDP have cited it to object to the committees formation, but the NLD says the section has no bearing because the committee is only meant to draft amendments that would go into a formal proposal at a future date.

The NLD holds 59 percent of the seats in Parliament, ethnic parties hold 11 percent, the USDP holds 5 percent, and the military holds 25 percent.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
News Lawyers Group Slams Light Sentence for Ex-Officer Who Aided U Ko Ni Killers

Zeya Phyo leaves the Yangon Northern District Court on Feb. 15, 2019 after the verdict against him was announced. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

YANGONThe Independent Lawyers Association of Myanmar (ILAM) has denounced a Yangon courts light treatment of a former military intelligence captain who had been accused of conspiring to kill prominent lawyer U Ko Ni, only to be sentenced on a lesser charge at the last minute.

Yangon Northern District Court on Friday sentenced Zeya Phyo to five years in prison with hard labor for destroying evidence in the case. Gunman Kyi Lin and conspirator Aung Win Zaw were sentenced to death for the lawyers 2017 killing. Kyi Lin also received an additional 20-year prison term for killing taxi driver U Ne Win as he tried to apprehend the shooter. Aung Win Tun was given a three-year prison term for harboring one of the men.

The association said it would submit a legal report on the verdict, including its recommendations, to the President, State Counselor and parliamentary speakers in the coming weeks.

The alleged mastermind of the killing, former Lieutenant-Colonel Aung Win Khaing, remains at large after evading authorities. His last known whereabouts were in Naypyitaw.

In a statement released on Saturday, ILAM welcomed the death sentences handed to Kyi Lin and Aung Win Zaw. But the lawyers group said a mere five-year sentence for someone involved in a coordinated crime that shocked and frightened the nation was too light in the publics view.

Zeya Phyo initially faced charges of premeditated murder and of aiding and abetting an offender by giving financial support to the conspirators to carry out the murder. He was first identified in connection with the case at a press conference given by the Home Affairs Ministry and police in February 2017.

Myanmar Police Chief Major-General Zaw Win said at the press conference that Aung Win Khaing asked Zeya Phyo for financial assistance to carry out the murder. Zeya Phyo handed over 100 million kyats to Aung Win Khaing in August 2016, Maj-Gen. Zaw Win said at the time.

In Fridays verdict, however, he was acquitted of the previous charges and sentenced for a different violation under the Penal Codes Article 201.

Lawyer U Thein Than Oo, a senior member of ILAM, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the light sentence given to Zeya Phyo, who was identified as a main conspirator by police, is totally unacceptable and not justified.

The 65-year-old lawyer said never in his career had he heard of a court reaching a decision that contradicted the findings of the police chief and the Home Affairs Ministry.

Even Article 201, he said, allows for a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, but the court only sentenced him to five.

ILAM also called for a separate investigation of U Ko Nis killing under the Counter-Terrorism Law, saying the crime met the definition of terrorism under articles 13, 15, 16 and 17 of the law.

It said the four men should be investigated under the law for assassinating the lawyer in broad daylight outside Yangon International Airport on Jan. 29, 2017.

The plaintiffs lawyers also told the media after the verdict that they were not satisfied with the courts decision regarding Zeya Phyo and would appeal to a higher court.
Burma Karenni Activists Threaten to Destroy Aung San Statue as Talks Collapse

Karenni rights activists and members of a committee tasked with putting up a statue of Gen. Aung San meet in Loikaw on Feb. 17, 2019. / Progressive Karenni Peoples Force / Facebook

Karenni activists threatened to tear down a statue of General Aung San in Loikaw, Kayah State on Monday after negotiations with a committee overseeing the monuments construction broke down, according to local sources.

Six representatives of a group that has been protesting the placement of the statue of the independence hero in a park in the city met with members of the Gen. Aung San Bronze Statue Implementation Committee on Monday, but the meeting came to an abrupt halt at around 11.30 a.m. when members of the Implementation Committee walked out.

The meeting was supposed to find a compromise solution to the conflict over the statue, which many in the Karenni community see as a symbol of the central governments authority and an attempt to impose on them an official historical narrative. The Implementation Committee comprises members of local civil organizations that support the presence of a statue of Gen. Aung San in Loikaw.

Di Di, a spokesperson for the anti-statue group, said, We discussed the background of the statue; we even told them why are protesting against it, but when we tried to discuss the future of the statue project, they left the meeting.

He added, They told us at the meeting that their involvement [in the project] was limited to bringing the statue to the town, and putting it up. So, their job was done. [They said] if we want to remove the statue, we need to negotiate with the government.

According to a statement released by the activists, the meeting was canceled without any agreement being reached because the Implementation Committee did not want to take responsibility for the future of the statue, and its members walked out.

Implementation Committee member U Win Aung told The Irrawaddy on Monday that, [The activists] focused their discussion solely on how they could remove the statue. For our part, we were the ones that built it. So, we could not accept their idea.

He added that the pro-statue side had many supporters, as well.

We walked out of the meeting as we did not believe it could produce any positive results, he said.

U Win Aung said his team initially solicited donations to fund the project from local residents. The effort raised 20 million kyats (about US$13,000). However, this would not cover the cost of the statue, so the committee sought funding from the state government.

He said the state government donated 40 million kyats to the project.

I wanted to tell to persons who oppose the project that Gen. Aung San was a respected leader both internationally and inside the country. Allowing the statue will be positive for our region, U Win Aung said.

I call on them to stop protesting against the project, he said.

In light of the protesters threat, U Win Aung called on the state government to protect the statue, saying he and his committee had done what was asked of them by delivering the statue.

Saying negotiations had proved fruitless, local right activists vowed to launch another protest in the town soon. They renewed their call for the state government to remove the statue.

They said they would issue another statement soon to inform the public of their plans regarding the statue.

If the government refuses to remove the statue, we will do it ourselves, Di Di said.

This is an important issue. The government needs to resolve it as soon as possible. But the governments recent actions show a lack of responsibility. We feel that by their actions they are ignoring our voice, and even insulting us, he said.
Burma Court Fines Weekly Journal Over Satirical Article

An illustration accompanying the satirical article "Electioneering Smile" published by the Tanintharyi Journal on Nov. 20, 2017.

YANGON  A court in Tanintharyi Region on Monday fined a local weekly 500,000 kyats ($327) for a satirical article it published more than a year ago that offended the regions chief minister.

It is not a fair decision, Tanintharyi Journal editor-in-chief U Myo Aung said of the Dawei Township Courts decision, especially, he added, given the governments efforts to establish a liberal democracy that respects the freedom of expression.

The journal was sued by the deputy director of the regional government office over a Nov. 20, 2017, article that referred to an unnamed female incumbent planning to contest a coming election for ward and village administrators. The complaint said the article was targeting the regional chief minister, Daw Lei Lei Maw, and damaged the governments reputation.

In December 2017, the journal was charged under Article 25 (b) of the Media Law  which carries a maximum fine of 1 million kyats for news that deliberately affects the reputation of s specific person or organization.

U Myo Aung, who has appeared before the court 36 times in the case, said he would consult with a lawyer before deciding whether to appeal.

U Myint Kyaw, a member of the Myanmar Press Council, said the court decision was unjust.

It is like enforcing censorship of the media  to not write anything critical about the authorities, including the chief ministers, he said.

U Myint Kyaw noted that the article only raised the same complaints about local authorities that residents themselves voiced when State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visited Tanintharyi Region last week.

Some residents had earlier handed the government a formal complaint accusing the chief minister  along with her brother-in-law U Aung Soe, a regional Lower House lawmakers, and regional Planning and Finance Minister U Phyo Min Tun  of awarding public contracts and a government job to relatives.

The publics complaints and the public feeling toward her are more harsh than this satirical piece, so in reality the journal should not be found guilty,  U Myint Kyaw said.

The Irrawaddys ZUE ZUE contributes to this report.
Burma Bodies of Three Murdered Ethnic Daingnet Found in Maungdaw

The bodies of the three victims were recovered in Kun Thee Pin Village, Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State on February 16, 2019. / Daingnet Association / Facebook

SITTWEThree missing members of the Daingnet ethnic community of Thinbaw Hla Village in Rakhine States Maungdaw Township were found dead on Saturday according to the village administrator.

The three men were reported to have gone out crabbing on Friday, and their buried bodies were recovered the following day, said village administrator U Maung Sein Tun.

They went to catch crabs and didnt come back, so we searched for them the following day and found an earth pile in the bush near the village of Kun Thee Pin. We dug the earth pile and found their bodies, he told The Irrawaddy.

Maungdaw Township administrator U Myint Khaing, who together with the township judge and a forensic doctor recovered the bodies, confirmed that the three victims had had their throats slit.

The three victims, aged 29, 30 and 40 respectively were cremated in Thinbaw Hla on Saturday evening.

These frequent killings of ethnic people in Maungdaw highlight the lack of rule of law and security here, said U Khin Maung Than, chairman of the Arakan National Partys Maungdaw Township chapter.

[Government] leaders dont seem to be very interested in the problems facing ethnic people in Maungdaw. There is no rule of law and the culprits have never been arrested. I feel like [government leaders] dont care at all about the safety of locals, U Khin Maung Than told The Irrawaddy.

In October last year, a 14-year-old boy was killed while traveling from Kha Maung Seik Village to his home village of Aung Zan in northern Maungdaw Township.
Revamp the Department of Public Expenditure and re-establish it as a separate entity to give it real teeth to rein in overspending, says Kyran Fiztgerald

There is much about the business of Government that bores the average citizen silly.

The plumbing of the State, the business of the transformation of taxpayer funds into tangible buildings and services, the day to day stuff, those rows of numbers with lots of zeros attached, millions and billions, a transformation occurring by means of a process, involving plenty of paper pushing, known as public procurement.

Nobody cares until the plumbing, the procurement, ceases to work properly and then, it really starts to matter and people start noticing.

The unfolding saga of the Childrens Hospital project represents one of those moments when a collective lack of attention to dull matters of cost control and resource allocation on the part of top politicians and officials shines out in harsh relief.

Of course, at the end of the day, the buck  and much of the blame, too  stops with us. If we care little about such matters, if we show by our inattention that we have other priorities, most of the politicians whom we elect and later dispose of, will do likewise.

Over a long period of time, it would appear, a lot of people were asleep at the wheel as the great black hole down near St James Hospital grew in size.

Not literally sleeping of course. Presumably, those involved were kept pretty busy  just not paying attention to some of the stuff that really matters.

Earlier this month, Fianna Fail spokesman on health Stephen Donnelly sought a breakdown on the costs of the project from his Government counterpart, Simon Harris.

The response sets out, in some detail, the cost architecture of the Childrens Hospital. Here, we learn about the difference between gross construction costs, capital build and what is known as the grand total.

Gross construction costs include Vat payable back to the State. These amounted to 717m in 2017, but had risen to 1.09bn by 2018  less Vat which had jumped from 85m to 130m. Are you still with me?

Next, we have the capital build, surging from 983m in 2017 to 1.43bn last year  this includes planning costs at 13m, design team fees, up from 43.7m to 71m and a catch all category called other costs which rose from 221m to 290m.

Finally, we have the grand total which has soared like an angel, or a swallow, from 1.26bn to 1.7bn.

Here we have included, 52m for electronic health records and a separate heading of 88m for ICT expenditure.

Opposition politicians have focused on timelines seeking to establish evidence of evasiveness on Mr Harriss part.

Lets not go there except to express some regret at not being a fly on the wall in the Taoiseachs office when Mr Harris broke the bad news to his boss, early last November.

The wringing of hands must have been mighty.

Cost overruns on projects are hardly new. We had plenty of them during the years of the Celtic Tiger. Abroad, the Germans have sunk untold millions into an airport in Berlin that remains empty and way over budget a decade after its opening.

The first two Luas lines were initially costed at 330m. They ended up costing around 800m back in 2004.

At the time, a report by the National Institute of Transport and Logistics questioned why new roads in Ireland were costing far more than in the UK.

That said, Irish construction and engineering firms have proved themselves more than capable of bringing complex projects, commissioned by multinational clients, in on time and within budget. They built up a strong export business during the downturn.

Are we losing out as a result of a failure to put in place a strong corps of experts whose daily job is to serve the Irish State in bringing to fruition public projects In a satisfactory manner?

It has been done in the past. Witness the impressive programme of public housing building carried out in the cash-strapped 1930s and 1950s.

Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin served for five years as the countrys Minister for Public Expenditure  in effect as the second Minister of Finance working alongside Michael Noonan from 2011 to 2016. His job was to ensure that there was a minimum degree of financial slippage in Government.

As the key aim was national recovery and an escape from the clutches of the Troika, Mr Howlin had the full backing of his Government colleagues.

He believes that a strategic error was made when the task of expenditure control was absorbed back into the Department of Finance.

This was arguably done, in part to help create a new Ministry of Children, ironically.

Paschal Donohue acquired a new bureaucratic empire and soon suffered from issues of imperial overstretch, a problem greatly aggravated by the UK referendum result. Brexit really has distracted people around the cabinet table.

Mr Howlin believes that re-establishing his old department as a separate entity is the way to go as it would ensure restoration of focus on key areas of expenditure control.

We used to have presentations on capital programmes across all departments every week, or fortnight, he said.

It is clear that there has been no such ongoing oversight over the past year. We are almost undoing the lessons learned in the crash.

He would also like to see a revival of the New Era concept under which reviews of the operations of independent State companies were initiated.

Reports were issued containing assessments as to which quangos or bodies should be left to stand alone, and which should be reabsorbed into Government departments.

There has been no such reform initiative in the current administration, he said.

He agrees that the real concern is that the notion of true value for money has disappeared and that we are back to where we were a decade or so ago.

Certainly, the tendency of the Government to unveil grand PR strategies posing as capital plans has re-emerged.

Last week, the Taoiseach was back with his hard hat chucking sods up at Dublin Airport. Old habits die hard.

The Children Hospital saga, rather like the recent rugby match in the Aviva stadium, is literally one of those back to the drawing boards moments, but will real lessons be learned?

We have had plenty of recrimination. Some opposition politicians have been more constructive, but the sound of crowing, in particular, from certain hurlers on the political ditch is almost as hard to take as the self-serving waffle emanating from the Department of Health high command.

We need a cold analysis of how best to ensure no repetition of this fiasco.

Re-establish the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as a separate entity. Pack it with plenty of sharp minds given free rein. Lets restore those old accounting officers of bygone days.

With a booming economy, recruiting experts combining engineering and financial nous will be no easy task, but it must be done, arguably through a body that is not subject to central civil service pay limits and diktats.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) model has worked well in the field of national debt management.

Its activities have grown with the addition of NAMA, the National Asset Management Agency, the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) and New Era.

The NDFA acts as statutory financial advisor to State bodies on public investment projects.

It has its critics. Some say that NDFA officials are insufficiently aware of the need to ensure timely completion of projects. New Era provides a dedicated centre of corporate finance expertise.

Elsewhere, there exist successful models such as the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and IFSC. There have been failures, too, such as the docklands development authority.

That said, it surely cannot be beyond the wit of man to put in place a body which attracts into Government service at an arms length, the bravest and brightest willing to help politicians national and local, and permanent

officials to put in place the sort of high-end infrastructure which a country at our stage of development both requires and demands.
The 1976 act invoked dozens of times by US presidents, and now used by Trump to build his US-Mexico wall, has never been successfully challenged, write Alison Frankel and Tom Hals.

Democratic lawmakers, states, and others mulling legal challenges to US President Donald Trumps national emergency declaration to obtain funds to build a US-Mexico border wall face an uphill and probably losing battle in a showdown likely to be decided by the conservative-majority Supreme Court.

After being rebuffed by the US Congress in his request for $5.7bn (5.05bn) to help build the wall that was a signature 2016 campaign promise, Mr Trump last week invoked emergency powers given to the president under a 1976 law.

The move, according to the White House, enables Mr Trump to bypass lawmakers and redirect money already appropriated by the US Congress for other purposes and use it for wall construction.

Peter Shane, a professor at Ohio State Universitys Moritz College of Law, said challenges to the emergency declaration could end up as a replay of the legal battle against Mr Trumps travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority nations.

The US Supreme Court last year upheld the travel ban after lower courts had ruled against Mr Trump, with the justices giving the president deference on immigration and national security issues.

Mr Trump has painted illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the border as a national security threat.

Courts are reluctant to second-guess the president on matters of national security, said Mr Shane.

Democrats, US state attorneys general, and at least one advocacy group have vowed to take the Republican president to court over the declaration.

Ill sign the final papers as soon as I get into the Oval Office and well have a national emergency and then well be sued, said Mr Trump at the White House.

The US National Emergencies Act of 1976 has been invoked dozens of times by presidents without a single successful legal challenge. Congress never defined a national emergency in the law.

The legal experts said Mr Trumps declaration could be challenged on at least two fronts: that there is no genuine emergency and that Mr Trumps action overstepped his powers because under the US Constitution Congress has authority over federal appropriations, not the president.

Mr Trump made the declaration after asking Congress to appropriate $5.7bn for wall construction and lawmakers gave him none.

The Supreme Court has a 5-4 conservative majority that includes two justices appointed by Mr Trump: Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch.

US Chief Justice John Roberts has emerged as the courts swing vote, and the decision on the legality of Mr Trumps action could come down to him.

The handwriting is on the wall here, said Steven Schwinn, a professor at the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

The Supreme Court is almost certain to uphold President Trumps emergency.

Legal experts said the 1976 law gives presidents vast discretion. Mr Trump plans to redirect $6.7bn in federal funds to pay for a wall, money that would come from a US treasury forfeiture fund, a defence counter-drug programme, and the military construction budget.

The odds favour the president by a significant majority, said George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley.

He has the authority to make the declaration and he has the money.

But the administrations defence of Mr Trumps action may not be a smooth ride. Lawsuits could delay the use of funds the president is planning to tap, and legal experts said the bulk of funds may be tied up for years.

Mr Trump is running for re-election next year and a loss would mean his presidency ends in January 2021. It is possible the legal fight over the emergency declaration might not be resolved by then.

My guess is the money, the significant amount of money, wont flow before the 2020 election, said Harvard Law School professor Mark Tushnet.

Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Republican-led Senates top Democrat, said Mr Trumps actions clearly violate the Congresss exclusive power of the purse.

The US Congress is unlikely to muster a veto-proof majority to vote down Mr Trumps emergency move. The Democratic-led House could try to sue, but courts generally do not allow Congress to litigate after lawmakers fail to legislate, said the legal experts.

States may lead the fight. California governor Gavin Newsom and state attorney general Xavier Becerra, both Democrats, said they anticipated they would sue, saying the state would be harmed because Mr Trumps action could drain money from its drug-fighting efforts, endangering its residents.

One possible advantage for California is that its case likely could at some point go to the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which has dealt Mr Trump setbacks on previous policies including the travel ban and potentially could impose or uphold an injunction against the emergency declaration.

Legal experts said landowners along the border could sue because they face the imminent threat of land seizure by the federal government to build the wall.

Opponents may have more traction arguing that the president is unlawfully trying to tap funds Congress appropriated for the Pentagon, said the experts.

The Defense Department construction money that Mr Trump wants has almost never been used for domestic construction.

In addition, Congress required the money be spent supporting military operations, and opponents could argue the border wall fails to qualify.
After another defeat last Thursday, Andrew Hammond asks how often Theresa May can ask for more time, before it finally runs out.

Theresa May suffered another significant defeat on Thursday in a UK House of Commons motion on her Brexit strategy.

While the British prime minister is still in power, her authority is now further undermined, in what is becoming a growing leadership crisis for her government.

The defeat on Thursday is an embarrassing rebuke to May who, on Tuesday, asked for more time, until February 26, to find acceptable, legally-binding changes to the so-called backstop, including potentially putting a time limit on how long it can stay in place.

Yet, there are growing signs that her ultimate tactics on her Brexit withdrawal deal, of which the backstop is a key part, are to run down the clock potentially right up until the March 28/29 political wire, increasing prospects of significant political miscalculation, market volatility, and a chaotic no-deal exit.

The growing unlikelihood that Brussels will budge on the backstop before February 26 is the reason why many are now looking to March. If any further compromise is made, this now appears most likely at the European Councils summit on March 21-22, which could now become the Brexit withdrawal end-game moment.

By any standards, London and Brussels kicking the can down the road in this way to late March would be brinksmanship diplomacy of the highest order, and it remains possible that the UK parliament could yet re-assert itself in the process, especially after Thursdays vote.

For now, however, a growing number of Mays critics are accusing her of deliberately seeking to run down the clock.

Critics charge here that, by the prime minister sticking to her multiple red lines over issues such as the United Kingdom leaving the European Customs Union, what she is really trying to do is get to the stage where parliament ultimately faces a binary choice between her unpopular withdrawal agreement and no-deal.

Remarkably, such a stark choice might encourage enough MPs to back her plan, despite widespread antipathy toward it, rather than risk the potential chaos of the alternative.

With political and economic angst rising over Brexit, there are several other important deadlines on the horizon this month, both economic and political. On February 20, for instance, there is a key international treaty ratification deadline for the United Kingdom.

This stems from the fact that about 80 of around 100 post-Brexit international treaties remain to be ratified by parliament, a process that  barring exceptional cases  require 21 sitting days of legislators to complete.

Moreover, on the economic front, UK exporters are being increasingly inconvenienced by ongoing Brexit uncertainty. Take the example of exporters to Asia whose goods can take 5-6 weeks to get to markets like Japan.

After February 17, ships setting sail for Japan from the United Kingdom, and vice versa, could arrive after March 29 and find themselves in the middle of no-deal tariff mayhem.

This raises the prospects of goods being stuck in ports or facing hefty fines. This potential problem is already a reality for ships that have departed in recent days for even further-flung destinations like New Zealand and Australia  a journey of around 50 days from the United Kingdom.

Yet, despite this significant political and economic pressure to secure a deal in February, many are already turning to the March summit of EU presidents and prime ministers.

This is very likely the last-chance saloon for concessions from the EU, or indeed an Article 50 extension request from the United Kingdom which would require the unanimous consent of all other 27 member states.

In such circumstances, where the outcome of EU-UK talks is still not clear by Marchs summit, there are at least three main scenarios. The first is the prospect of no-deal, which both sides are now ramping up preparations for, given the chaos that could ensue.

A second possibility, should May get final concessions from the EU-27, will be expediting votes from March 23 through both the House of Commons and the Lords.

While primary legislation of this sort can be rushed through quickly, in principle, the government cannot rule out a significant number of amendments being tabled that could still make the March 29 departure date unattainable.

The withdrawal deal would also need to be ratified by the European Parliament. Here, a Strasbourg meeting of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from 25-28 March would probably be the last opportunity for them to vote through the agreement, leaving EU ambassadors only hours to potentially rubber-stamp the deal.

However, given the possibility of last-minute problems, or even political miscalculation in these circumstances, it seems increasingly likely that the United Kingdom would ask for an Article 50 extension so close to the March 29 wire. Should the EU27 grant this, the UK parliament must also vote to allow the legally binding exit date of March 29 to be changed.

Taken together, there is a growing political likelihood that May and Brussels will kick-out the Brexit withdrawal endgame until March, unless the UK parliament re-asserts itself.

This could see maximum pressure placed on the week between March 21 and 28 which, so late in the day, would be brinksmanship diplomacy of the highest order that could yet yield the no-deal exit neither side wants.

Andrew Hammond is an associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics
Paddy Kennedy is easy to spot in the cafe where weve agreed to meet in Kildare - the puffy red Jessica Harrington Racing jacket the clear giveaway.

He approaches the table with a broad smile, much like the one he has been wearing since recording his biggest career victory to-date just four days earlier.

Kennedy claimed the 73,000 winners purse aboard Whisperinthebreeze at Leopardstown a fortnight ago, carrying the famed silks of the late Ann and Alan Potts to victory in the Abbey International Handicap Chase.

Kennedy had three and three-quarter lengths to spare over the Ruby Walsh ridden, livelovelaugh but the 29-year-old insists the run-in was by no means a precession he could enjoy,

I didnt realise it was Ruby behind me until I jumped the last and took a quick look at the big screen. I just thought, Oh jeez, of all the lads to be following me, not Ruby with the day he is having. He was already after getting two horses up on the line but thankfully my lad kept going.

Its a win that surged the emotions for Kennedy as he regurgitates personal struggles unknown to most. He casts his mind back to the Galway racing festival of 2017 where two winners fell his way.

On the face of it, it was the stuff of dreams but Paddy had far more pressing issues to contend with.

2017 was my best year yet and I had two winners in Galway but I had a lot of things on my mind that week. They (doctors) had just found a tumour on my bladder and I was due to go for surgery the following week so while it was great to get the wins I just couldnt really enjoy them.

I go for regular check-ups now and have been given the all clear. I didnt say anything about it at the time because I didnt want people feeling sorry for me but touch wood, all is okay now.

"It certainly puts things into perspective for me, I try and enjoy the likes of that Leopardstown a lot more now, he states.

It was an obstacle Kennedy would rather not have faced but even if he is tempted to look back he barely has the time.

His day begins at 5.45am with his first port of call being the pre-training yard of Kevin ORyan. He then schools a few lots in the majestic surrounds of Jessica Harringtons Moone operation before returning to base in Kildangan where he is joined by younger brother Jack.

Aside from being siblings, they are best friends and last year joined forces to buy a farm. Since then they have established a pre-training yard  a move made with one eye on life after race-riding.

Dingle will always be home but our lives are up here now and it just made since when the place came up. You see lads retiring at 38 and then doing it, so, we just thought, why not just do it while were not committed to it full time? Were hoping to have a solid business by the time we are both retired.

Paddy Kennedy and trainer Jessica Harrington. Picture: Healy Racing

Given the nature of the pre-training game, they are reliant on trainers sending them horses for the business to remain viable, so far so good in that regard,

Jessie (Harrington) has been very good to us, she has given us an awful lot of horses to break and theyre all quality stock too which is nice to work with.

At the centre of the life he has built in Kildare are his girlfriend Ciara and baby son Eoghan, the Irish spelling he reminds me.

Its clear his arrival has shifted the perspective on racing for Paddy - a loving welcome from his son is not dependent on whether he has graced the winners enclosure on a given day.

I come home from racing and he cheers me up, smiling away in the corner. My girlfriend is very supportive too, when things arent going well I am very difficult to deal with, she could have jumped ship a long time ago.

Would he advise his son to pursue a career in the saddle?

To be brutally honest, if I didnt think he was any good Id tell him straight. I would never put him down the route of being a journeyman jockey and struggling because I have been down that road myself.

However, his experience of traveling that often rocky road, hasnt been in vain: I would have made a lot of mistakes since moving up to Kildare as a 15-year-old and Im able to steer Jack clear from making the same ones.

Paddy has been exposed to a higher calibre of horse in recent years, largely down to his association with Jessica Harrington.

The affiliation has thrived for eight years now  a length of service that certainly wasnt anticipated at the outset.

He has come a long way since the days of riding his grandfathers pony,

He had a pony on the farm but I was too small to ride it so Id get on with my older brother, Michael and he would hold onto me, he recounts.

Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Michael now trains horses, for a living in Co Cork and saddled his first winner at Killarney in July of 2017, with Paddy aboard.

That victory came courtesy of Touch of Gold that is owned by an enthusiastic bunch of lads from Dingle - that one was special.

With the Cheltenham Festival drawing ever closer, Paddy remains unsure of what mounts he may partner at Prestbury Park.

I only found out during the week that I can still claim three pounds in England so someone may think its valuable. Some will and some wont, you wouldnt know.

Of the Harrington string however, he is specific on one that may be worth keeping an eye on.

I think Walk To Freedom will run a big race in the Pertemps Final.

He has had some good runs this year and was unlucky the last day. Hes a horse that you need a lot of luck on as he needs to be dropped right out but he goes on any ground really and adapts to different situations, which is what I like about him.
Every year sees more and more delayed autism assessments. The HSE has a proposal to fix the problem, but is it simply a case of lack of resources? Michael Clifford reports

On Friday, February 7, the latest case about children being denied their rights was before the High Court.

The case concerned three boys who have displayed symptoms consistent with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Their mother urgently wants her sons needs assessed in order to access treatment, if required.

Early intervention is vital in attending to ASD. It can make the difference between somebody making giant strides towards functioning emotionally and socially or retreating into an often impenetrable cocoon.

This reality is acknowledged in law. The 2005 Disability Act provides that children be assessed within a tight timeframe so that tailored treatment can be identified and started expeditiously.

However, the HSE has consistently failed to comply with the law. Repeatedly, children have not been assessed within the legal timeframe, thus exposing them to a greater threat of not receiving treatment in a timely manner.

The recent case before the High Court illustrates the point. Under the 2005 act, children must be assessed within three months of applying. A report of the assessment must be completed within another three months.

The High Court heard that an application to have the three boys assessed was lodged in late March 2018. Yet nearly one year later, they are still waiting.

Judge Seamus Noonan was told that the HSE is now committing to having the assessments completed within eight weeks. The outcome would suggest that only when a court ruling looms does the HSE manage to get its act together.

The three siblings also have an outstanding claim for damages and aggravated damages for the delays to which they have been subjected. The case is one of dozens coming before the High Court and circuit courts in recent years on behalf of children in similar predicaments.

To the greatest extent, the failings in the HSE is down to resources, but a question arises as to why priority is not given to this area.

Another typical example of how children are being denied their rights occurred in the case of Dylan Diamond, which featured on these pages last month. Dylans father Ian applied for the assessment of needs in late August 2015. He was due to receive a final report at the end of January 2016. Yet it never came. Despairing, he sought a private assessment in July 2016, which he received quickly.

Deadline missed

Ian Diamond lodged a complaint over the failure to furnish him with his sons assessment in August 2016. The complaint was upheld with an instruction that the final report be completed within a month. Again, this deadline was missed and he appealed the failure to comply with his appeal in November.

Finally, on December 21, 2016, nearly a year after he was entitled to be told what needs his son has, he received the assessment report.

The importance of early intervention cannot be overstated. In another High Court action taken last year, involving two similar cases, Dr Rita Honan, a chartered psychologist and authority on autism, laid out the stark reality for the court.

Diagnosis is the gateway to treatment and the subsequent reduction of symptoms and increased cognitive and adaptive functioning for the majority of children on the Autism Spectrum, she said in an affidavit.

Every day this is delayed leads to missed learning opportunities. She went on to relate how the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) treatment had shown how early intervention can make all the difference.

Some pre-schoolers who participate in early intensive ABA for two or more years, acquire sufficient skills to participate in regular classrooms with little or no additional support.

And she noted that the considerable body of clinical and literature-based research was not a big secret.

All of the foregoing is well-established, widely-known and accepted andthe respondent (the HSE) is well aware of the critical need for early diagnosis and dedicated interventions.

Yet thousands of children are being denied their right to timely assessment.

According to HSE figures, the number of assessment applications not completed in the designated 90-day timeframe in 2008 was 1,143. By 2017, this figure had risen to 2,154. By October of last year, 3,662 assessments were overdue.

Inevitably, this failure to observe the rights of children is going to lead to legal actions for damages.

In December, the Irish Examiners Noel Baker reported on one such case. In this instance, a High Court judge gave the family of a four-year-old boy with autism leave to pursue aggravated damages against the HSE over its failure to deliver an assessment of needs for him within the required timeframe.

The ex parte application for judicial review is seeking aggravated damages on behalf of the boy, claiming that without the proper resources, there is a serious risk that his development may be permanently affected.

It also hit out at the futile complaints mechanism and claims the HSE uses it as a delaying tactic.

Childrens rights solicitor Garth Noble is convinced that these kind of cases are going to multiply. Parents who believe that a deterioration in their childs condition because of a failure in early intervention are bound to seek restitution in the courts.

You will have a host of civil actions from children seeking damages because of the late delivery of the assessment of needs, he says. Early services are vital for children with conditions like autism, but if you have a system that kicks the can down the road this will inevitably lead to legal actions at some stage.

Streamline assessments

Management in the HSE is acutely aware of how it, a State agency, is not meeting the requirements of the law. To that end, a new method of assessment  or Standard Operating Procedure  is being proposed. This will, according to the HSE, streamline assessments, ensuring demand is met.

The (Disability) Act does not define this assessment and the process is not standardised across the country, the HSE said in a statement issued to the Irish Examiner. This lack of standardisation and clarity has contributed to significant delays in the Assessment of Need process.

Thats a position that wouldnt find much favour with many parents, health professionals and legal advocates.

The widespread belief is that the mounting delays are down simply to a lack of resources.

Theyre trying to shift the goalposts as a result of the legal actions that have been taken, Gareth Noble says.

He is of the opinion that the proposed Standard Operating Procedure is constructed in a manner that might allow the HSE to undermine the law.

As the HSE has noted, the assessment is not properly defined in law. If a process is designed that narrows the definition of an assessment of needs, it may remove the legal obligation under the 2005 Act.

Health professionals also have concerns. Bodies representing psychologists, speech-and-language therapists and occupational therapists all appeared before an Oireachtas committee looking into the matter.

All expressed concerns that the HSEs new model would be flawed as it would not reflect a proper assessment, according to their professional opinions.

The Oireachtas Health Committee has taken all these concerns on board. In a report issued earlier this month, the committee recommended that there be further talks between these bodies and the HSE before proceeding.

Everybody agrees the current model is not working. Childrens rights are being abused. Increasingly, recourse is sought in the courts, eating up time and money. The prospects of wholesale actions for damages looms.

But a large question mark hangs over the HSEs proposed solution.

Is the health executive primarily motivated by doing things right by children?

Or is the driving force to make the law, and childrens rights as defined within, go away?

A simple solution might be to apply the required resources.

While the call on resources within health are many and varied, surely the needs of the most vulnerable children should have a high priority.

System failing thousands of children with autism  and their parents

There are at least 13,700 children of school-going age who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, according to a recent report.

The report, Estimating Prevalence of ASD In The Irish Population was commissioned by the Department of Health and published last November.

The report concluded that there were no definitive figures for ASD, but one of the most accurate estimates came from those accessing services through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The NCSE data does not take account of the number of four-year-olds that are not in school, or children aged four or older who are on the Home Tuition scheme and not included in overall school population figures.

With those caveats, the data shows that the NCSE has recorded 13,703 children as diagnosed with ASD. This represents 1.5% of the school-going population of 883,903.

Last year also saw the publication of a review of services in the area of ASD. The review, commissioned in 2017, pointed to a wide range of problems and shortcomings in services. It also dealt with the impact on parents of children living with ASD.

Approximately 70% of mothers and 40% of fathers of children with ASD experience high levels of stress. Parents have also been reported to have higher levels of daily life hassles and stressors, anxiety and depression and diminished overall well being, it reported.

In addition to the emotional impact which ASD can have on a family, it has also been found to negatively impact on the livelihoods of parents.

This significant impact on the lives of parents and families of those with ASD undoubtedly warrants attention.

Six years ago, a similar review of autism services pointed to a number of areas that warranted attention. The report said there were gaps in services and referenced the imperative for a clear focus on the individual and their family in ensuring that the needs of the individual remain at the centre of service provision.

The 2017 review which contained no analysis of the failure to provide the services since they were recommended five years previously.

The HSE needs to ensure that people with ASD and their families have easy access to various healthcare providers so that they get the right service at the right time.

Teams which consist of different professionals should function as teams rather than individual practitioners and services should work in an integrated fashion. People with ASD and their family members should be engaged in service design and service delivery.

There is no indication that the recent review will be any more useful in filling the yawning gaps that still exist in the provision of services.
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 9:26PM

TCL might be known as a TV maker, but the brand has also been making phones through its BlackBerry Mobile and Alcatel phones. And it looks like the company has plans to get into the foldable device game. CNET got access to company renders and patent image filings that show a number of foldable device concepts. These include two tablets with one clamshell-like inward folding display and another that folds outwards; two phones that also have inward and outward folding motion from the center; and one phone that folds into a smartwatch.

According to CNET, these images are still preliminary renders, and these could still change. TCL might not even produce these at all. But an executive from the company has told CNET that it plans to release its first foldable device in 2020. This was said before these images surfaced, so there might be more than one device coming out next year.
Bob Johnston, originally from Brighton, is the owner of the Gutter Bookshop, one of Irelands leading independent bookshops, which has two branches in Dublin, in Temple Bar and Dalkey, writes Marjorie Brennan.

How long have you been in business?

We opened our Temple Bar shop in November 2009 so well be turning 10 later this year.

Im a bit shocked myself to be honest  we opened in the middle of the recession because it was the only time I could find a property I could afford to rent but in a way it helped us out because we got the difficult years out of the way early on. We opened a second branch in Dalkey, South Dublin in 2013.

How did you get into the book business?

Ive been a bookseller for nearly 30 years.

I started in my local bookshop as a teenager working weekends and holidays and once Id finished my degree  in English literature, of course  I found a job in a big bookshop in Stoke-on-Trent in the UK where I was living at the time.

From there I moved around various bookshops and spent 10 years working for Waterstones in London and Dublin. I then worked as a book buyer for a large chain in the UK.

Eventually, I ended up back in Dublin as the buyer for Hughes & Hughes bookshops before jumping ship to open the Gutter Bookshop.

How has business changed over the years?

When I first started we still had the Net Book Agreement which meant that we didnt have to deal with the heavy discounting you see these days. That made it much easier for smaller independent bookshops to keep going

And of course, Amazon didnt exist either. Computerised stock systems were in their infancy and we used to look up book information on a microfiche and phone the orders through to publishers on a daily basis.

Customer orders were written on little cards and filed away in a box. So quite a lot has changed, really. But lots of things are still the same too  talking to customers, finding books that youll know people will love reading, and the sheer joy of reading something brilliant that you know youll be recommending to everyone who walks through the door.

What challenges have you faced?

Running a small business is tough.

You have to do everything  from being behind the counter serving people to doing the monthly accounts to ensure all your suppliers and services are paid. You have to market your business effectively, manage your staff and also find time to maintain a life outside of the business.

Larger companies have people to fill specific roles but you have to be an expert at everything and customer expectations are high  you cant just be as good as the large companies, you actually have to be better and shout louder about your business to make sure people know about you. And all on a tiny budget.

But working for yourself and running your own company is hugely rewarding, I can honestly say that opening the Gutter Bookshop is the best decision Ive ever made.

What has helped you stay in the business for so long?

Our customers. When it comes down to it, people choose to buy their books from us and thats what makes my business work  wed be lost without them.

Theres so many choices for customers these days so Im always immensely grateful when people choose to spend their money with us. I hope that in return they get the satisfaction of supporting an independent Irish business, as well as some great books.

How have you countered the Amazon effect?

I think that we offer something different. Bookshops are places of discovery and browsing  places where you can find something that you didnt even know existed because computer algorithms cant replace the oh, you really have to read this experience.

We also have a lot of community involvement  a busy events programme and seven bookclubs across the two shops. I think, I hope, that people are beginning to realise value is about so much more than the cheapest  although were often cheaper than Amazon especially when you factor in postage  but also about the experience and the desire to support local. Oh, and we pay our taxes and decent wages too.

What genres are popular?

Fiction and childrens books are our biggest sellers by far. Its great to see that there is still so much enthusiasm for getting physical books into childrens hands, especially in this age of never-ending screens. We also do well with our signed first editions  we ask contemporary Irish writers to pop in and sign books for us and then offer them both online and in the shop for purchase. Weve shipped some great Irish books all across

the world.

What books do you enjoy reading?

I read mainly fiction with a smattering of non-fiction thrown in. Books Ive enjoyed so far this year include Anne Griffins When All is Said, Pat Barkers The Silence of the Girls, a brilliant childrens book called The Murderers Ape by Jakob Wegelius and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. Currently Im reading How To Lose a Country by Ece Temelkuran about the current threats against democracy.

Its both fascinating and deeply worrying.

What are the rewards of being a bookseller?

Free books is one. Its never been a hugely well paid job but Im lucky enough to get sent reading copies of new books so, if I like them, I can recommend them to our customers.

But the biggest reward is getting to talk to people about books all day, Ive always been a big reader and telling people about a fantastic new book that Ive just read is one of my favourite things to do.

It sounds a bit twee, but making people happy is also very rewarding  people love bookshops and I feel that were doing something that brings a little bit of joy into the world, I think we need a bit more of that to be honest.
Blackbirds seem to be in full voice now, perhaps making the most of lengthening daylight hours to enchant us with their song at dawn and dusk.

Looking out the window, I see a few males poking their beaks under dead leaves for worms and insects, hopping restlessly around the place while darting their heads in a curious way.

Each year, a melodious blackbird perches on the same branch of the same tree beside the house, warbling away until darkness falls. I wonder is it the same fellow returning.

With coal black feathers, an orange bill and yellow rings around the eyes, the male stands out. The female has a brown coat with some speckles on the breast. The species is among the most numerous in Ireland, though not all are Irish.

During winter, some experts say, visiting blackbirds outnumber the natives. Many migrants come from Scandinavia, as well as Scotland and the north of England. According to leading Belfast bird-watcher Anthony McGeehan, breeding birds from Norway to the Russian border show a strong tendency to wing it west.

They winter from Britain and Ireland south to Spain, with some reaching as far north-west as Iceland or south-west to Morocco, he writes in his well-researched book, To the Ends of the Earth  Irelands Place in Bird Migration.

Their travels can be traced through information gleaned from the ringing of hundreds of thousands of birds over the past 90 years. McGeehan says most migrants will be leaving here by the end of this month. The blackbird breeding season is from March to July and they can be heard singing from February to April.

They nest in hedgerows, brambles and ivy.

Being territorial birds, you can occasionally see two males in fighting mode, with one trying to frighten off an intruder.

They hop around one another, sometimes going to face to face and bowing as if about to attack. It never gets physical, however.

Given its distinctive warble, the blackbird has long been associated with music and an eponymous Irish traditional tune has always been popular.

The renowned Sliabh Luachra fiddler, Denis Murphy, for example, is fondly remembered for the way he played The Blackbird and danced at the same time.

Also featuring in folklore, omens of good luck for the remainder of the year were the sight of two blackbirds together or a blackbirds nest near your home.

A downside was that the blackbird could be a messenger of death. And, yes, there are white blackbirds. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says this is caused by partial albinism, a hereditary defect.
With Donald Trumps plans, and the shenanigans of the Brexiteers, frontier barriers are in the news. Now the Danes are building a fence along their southern border.

It wont stop people from crossing, so theres no need for a back-stop.

The aim is to prevent German wild boars from entering the country. Mr. Trump believes that refugees bring drugs and weapons into the United States. Danish farmers fear that immigrant boars may carry African swine fever.

Two cases of the disease, lethal to wild and domestic pigs, were identified in Belgian boars in September. Of 390 boars tested there, 294 were found to be carriers. How the virus got to Belgium isnt known.

The disease, although highly contagious, doesnt infect people. Of 48 boars, suffering during a Latvian outbreak of swine fever in 2015, 37 died. Eradicated in Western Europe 10 years ago, it has remained endemic in the East. No vaccine exists and infected animals cant be treated effectively.

Boars wont be able to jump the 1.5m high fence.

Nor can they burrow under it; the structure will be embedded half a metre in the ground. Paths wont be obstructed, gates and cattle grids being provided where required. Ladders, incorporated into the design, will enable people to cross. The 70km-long steel barrier will cost about 12 million.

However, if it prevents the Danish domestic pig herd from infection, the money will have been well spent.

Erecting barriers is less Draconian than other options. The Poles, its reported, plan to cull up to 185,000 wild boars, a measure which hunters there consider excessive. French authorities have designated a white zone along their border with Belgium. Any boar entering the zone will be shot on sight; up to 600 animals are likely to be killed. A restraining fence is to be erected there also.

Some conservationists, however, are critical of the barrier approach. They point out that African swine fever is a viral disease and physical barriers are no defence against viruses.

The bug can be carried in contaminated meat, such as sausages and other pork products, or transported on hunters clothing footwear or vehicles.

Animals can move along rivers, boars being able to swim. Building a fence, its claimed, is an expensive stunt to give the impression that politicians are taking action, rather than genuinely attempting to deal with the swine fever threat.

The wild boar, found throughout mainland Europe, much of Asia and parts of North Africa, is one of the worlds most widely distributed mammals. Its bones have been found at Mesolithic sites in Ireland, and the animal features prominently in the Fiannaiocht. However, we dont know when it became extinct here.

The ancestor of most domestic breeds of pig, it is not endangered worldwide.

Danish and French wild boars may welcome the protection the barrier offers but theres a downside; boar hunting will be intensified as a disease-prevention measure.

Small openings, at regular intervals along the Danish fence, will allow hares foxes and otters to cross the frontier but some wild creatures may not be so happy.

Badgers, notoriously set in their ways, dont like their traditional paths being blocked. Will they try tunnelling under the fence?

Five wolves, including a female, were recorded in Denmark in 2017. They had arrived from Germany.

Will the barrier prevent further such arrivals? Probably not; wolves are highly intelligent and resourceful animals. They will surely find a way through.
Waterford blogger and new mum Sarah Dwan writes about beauty, health and lifestyle on her popular website, beautyandthemasseuse.com and has a passion for holistic therapies.

Im a qualified body and beauty therapist for the past 12 years. I was running my own little beauty and holistic therapy business for five years up until Danny was born, she says.

The 31-year-old from Dunmore East says she tries to support local businesspeople through her writing.

Im a big advocate for supporting local businesses, makeup artists, spas and salons and try my best to use my platform to help promote the ones I love.

On the blog, I run different series including Makeup Artist Focus, Salon/Spa Focus, andSupport Local.

Helping people is a huge bonus for Sarah.

I love to share what Ive learned and experienced, as regards skincare and looking after your body. Theres no better feeling when I receive a message from someone to say Ive helped them with their skin, or their aches and pains, or whatever the issue may be.

Two-and-a-half years ago I gave up alcohol and I wrote a post called 10 Reasons to Quit Alcohol.

"I received a message a couple of weeks later from a person who read it and gave up the next day.

They said it was the eye-opener they needed. They were much happier, sleeping better, and explained how they were just going to take it a day at a time.

"They thanked me for being so open and sharing my story to help others.

I cried after I read the message because I know just how hard it can be to reach out.

Blogging has brought new friends and business opportunities into Sarahs life.

Ive made some brilliant friends through blogging. Ive been approached by amazing brands to collaborate with. Ive been asked to be brand ambassador for an incredible skincare brand I adore. Ive been asked to do events, massage, and skincare days for businesses, and Ive been asked to consult with business owners on improving their social media.

It was a great way to promote my beauty business, and I got some fantastic clients through my pages. Two years running Ive made the finals of The Irish Beauty Blog Awards, and although I never won, I was delighted to have even made it that far.

In particular, Sarah has high praise for fellow blogger, Sinead Kavanagh.

I adore Sinead from The Beautiful Truth. Id consider her the best blogger in Ireland. Even though shes one of the bigger influencers, she always takes time to reply.

"She helped me massively on my blogging journey.
The Government would be very foolish if it allows the onus for a solution to Brexit to switch from London to Dublin, Tanaiste Simon Coveney says.

Speaking in Brussels after a meeting with the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, Mr Coveney said Ireland will not be "steamrolled" into giving ground on the border backstop.

He again made clear that the backstop as agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement can not be changed, given it has the approval of 28 governments: "There is a deal on the table. The British Government signed up to it. Jeremy Hunt was part of that government. They haven't been able to sell that to their own parliament."

"And I accept that has created a lot of uncertainty, but it is certainly not Ireland's fault.

The responsibility to resolve this problem in terms of the way forward needs to lie where the problem is, which is in London, not Dublin.

"We would be very foolish if we allowed the onus to solve that problem to switch away from Westminster to Dublin. We have been consistent, we have been fair, we have negotiated as part of an EU team with the British Government in good faith and we will continue to do that, but we will not be steamrolled in this process," Mr Coveney said.

Mr Coveney also rejected any suggestion that Ireland is to blame for the Brexit deadlock, insisting that responsibility lies in London.

His comments came amid efforts by the British Government to gain concessions from the EU on the contentious backstop mechanism.

Mr Coveney outlined Ireland's position as he met with British Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, on the fringes of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Tanaiste @simoncoveney is in Brussels today to attend the Foreign Affairs Council.



Pictured here with Minister Zaharieva  Minister Pejcinovic Buric  Minister Abela  Minister Lajcak  as important discussions continue on  issues



Read more https://t.co/BrgzZ7Vnek pic.twitter.com/eqfYrKJSQl  Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) February 18, 2019

Under the terms of the withdrawal treaty, the backstop would come into effect if a wider trade deal between Britain and EU fails to materialise at the end of the Brexit transition period.

It would ensure a free-flowing Irish border by tying Britain to the customs union while, in addition, Northern Ireland alone would continue to adhere to EU single market regulations on goods, meaning the region would operate under a different legal framework to Great Britain.

The backstop is the primary reason MPs voted down the withdrawal deal at Westminster.

Mr Coveney said any attempt to change the backstop with "keyhole surgery," by either adding an expiry date or handing Britain the ability to withdraw unilaterally, would continue to be opposed by Europe.

The Tanaiste said the review mechanism that already exists in the Withdrawal Agreement would test alternative arrangements before they are introduced: "Unfortunately what some in London seem to be advocating for now is that we would talk about alternative arrangements and replace the backstop with those alternative arrangements without them standing up to scrutiny. That is a very unreasonable ask."

Mr Coveney held a one-hour meeting with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his team earlier this morning.

He said: "Their position is the same as ours: that the Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened, that of course, people want to find ways of giving clarity and reassurance to the British prime minister, to help her sell what is a sensible and pragmatic series of compromises that makes the Irish protocol and the Withdrawal Agreement. But certainly there is no appetite to reopen that agreement and that negotiation again."
A West Cork woodland should remain in forestry, following its sale to a private buyer, Coillte has said.

The commercial semi-state body, which is responsible for managing the States forests, has confirmed that the sale of some 1.5 hectares of woodland, just outside Kilbrittain, has been completed. The buyers identity has not been disclosed.

We understand the site will remain in forestry. Forest lands in Ireland are regulated by the Forestry Act 2014, which requires that if trees are felled, then they must be replanted, Coillte said.

Concerns had been voiced locally about Coil Bhan Aodha, Garranearagh, following the erection of for sale signs outside the woods. It is alongside the R603, which runs from Kilbrittain to Harbour View.

The site, which has been part of the Coillte estate since 1989, is a mixed woodland, comprising conifer and broadleaf tree species.

Kilbrittain Tidy Towns urged people to write to Coillte, expressing concerns about the sale.

The group described the mature, established woodland as a haven for wildlife, especially for the protected red squirrels and for pine martens.

Coillte defended the sale and said part of its core business is to manage the buying and selling of land.

Our property sales and acquisition team are responsible for the acquisition and sale of lands as part of Coilltes sustainable management of the national estate, and facilitates a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, agriculture, sporting bodies, industry, public utilities, community groups, adjoining landowners, neighbours, and private individuals, said Coillte.

We undertook an extensive local consultation programme, notifying all neighbours living in the locality that the land was being put on the market.

The tidy towns group said that, following correspondence with Coillte in recent weeks, they had been told the woodland was offered for sale after a request from a local community member to be afforded the opportunity to acquire.

The group said they were told that, without this local interest, the lands would not have been brought to market. But they said they have also been told that the recreational element of the remaining property will not be affected.

Despite the conclusion of the sale process and the various assurances, the group is still urging people to write to Coillte to voice their concerns for the future of the site.
Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 8:01PM

Samsung has been the first to introduce Blu-ray player in the industry, but now the company is ready to let go of the segment. It has announced that it would no longer release any new Blu-ray hardware. The last time Samsung released a new Blu-ray player was in 2017. There were reportedly plans to release a new model this year, but that isn't going to happen now.

Source: Tech Spot
A no-deal Brexit would mean a certain return to violence along the Irish border a UNESCO backed report has warned.

As the Brexit deadline looms, UNESCO chairs Professor Pat Dolan and Professor Mark Brennan say a border on the island of Ireland would lead to conflict and the only question would be the scale of that violence.

It comes as the Government prepares to publish the omnibus emergency legislation which would be required if Britain crashes out of the EU at the end of March.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Hugh Orde, the former chief constable of the PSNI, have already warned that the return of a hard border in the North could risk peace as customs and border posts would become targets.

The report firmly concludes that, in as little as six weeks it is possible that a hard border could materialise due to a no-deal Brexit, triggering a return to violence in Northern Ireland.

All indications are that without direct efforts to engage youth and citizens of all backgrounds, there will also be a return to violence in the event of rushed border poll on the island of Ireland the researchers have found.

The study was carried out by both professors along with Senator Mark Daly and Michael Ortiz, who served as a US diplomat on Countering Violent Extremism in the US State Department during the Obama administration.

This research and report, we have just published, identifies and highlights the responsibility of the UK government to stand by the backstop that they agreed to. This will ensure that the peace process on this island is not jeopardised by a no deal Brexit related hard border.

The EU need to ensure there is no return to a hard border in light of the facts outline in the UNESCO chairs report, Mr Daly said.

The research highlights the issue of Loss of memory of harm, among the Agreement Generation a term which applies to the generation born just before or since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

This generation has no first-hand knowledge of the horrors of conflict and some will have been given a romanticised account of the Troubles.

Professor Dolan said: The human harm and damage that can be done by a small population of dissident youth from either or both communities can lead massive harm to people up to and including tragic death. So, this is not a simple matter of scale.

Meanwhile, Minister for Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan said that the Government dont accept that there will be a hard border and are not planning for that scenario.

This is a really difficult time for the UK and for Ireland but he most important thing as far as we are concerned is that the backstop is maintained and that is kept and the only way to guarantee that is to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement otherwise there has to be some sort of regulatory alignment, she said.

I dont know how Theresa May is going to achieve that when on one hand she says that she wants to see negotiations and changes to the backstop and at the same time she is acknowledging that the EU wont make any changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, she told RTEs The Week in Politics.
Some of Ireland's main hospitals are banning people from bringing flowers for safety reasons.

According to the Irish Times, all of the State's major hospital groups are clamping down on bouquets in wards over concerns about hygiene, allergies, vase breakages, water spillages and extra work for staff.

There are concerns that patients will be negatively affected if flowers are banned from all hospitals.

But some groups say that flowers improve patients' mood and there are studies to suggest that the presence of flowers on wards reduces time in hospital.
A 48-year old sex offender has told the woman he sexually abused over a four-year period that he hopes she gets justice for what he did.

In a letter read out at Ennis Circuit Court, native of Barefield, Ennis, Co Clare, Johnny Galvin (48) told the woman: I cannot undo the hurt you have suffered as a result of my abuse of you.

He added: I understand completely having to go through this legal process must be equally painful but I honestly hope you find justice through it.

Garda Mary Fahy said that the complainant in the case wanted Mr Galvin with an address of Ballinagaddy, Ennistymon, Co Clare to be identified knowing that it may identify her.

Mr Galvin sexually abused the female when she was aged between 12 and 16 years of age.

Mr Galvin first confessed to the sexual abuse when he showed up at Ennis Garda Station in early October 2017 before any complaint was made against him.

Counsel for Mr Galvin, Michael Collins SC said such was Mr Galvins distress on that date, he was admitted to psychiatric care and remained under psychiatric care for three weeks though he has no psychiatric disorder.

When arraigned on the charges in October 2018, Mr Galvin cried as he repeated the word guilty 23 times in response to the counts of sex assault from September 1st 2006 to June 30, 2010.

Mr Galvin, who has an adult son from a previous relationship and had a full time job with a company in Ennistymon, was then remanded on bail pending sentence but voluntarily surrendered his bail later that month to go into custody and commence his prison term.

Mr Collins said: This is a very sad case and has devastated a number of families and a number of lives.

Mr Collins said that Mr Galvin has done everything humanly possible to minimise the stress and distress to the complainant and is only too willing to pay the price to society.

Mr Collins said that Mr Galvin commends the courage and the fortitude of the complainant and hopes that she can rebuild her life.

Mr Collins pointed out that there are a number of unusual features of atonement in the case.

He said: The remorse and atonement is supported and substantiated by admissions and co-operation throughout the investigation process."

Garda Fahy said that Mr Galvins first statement to Gardai did not show the full extent of his sexual abuse but when re-interviewed by gardai, Mr Galvin said that whatever the complainant told gardai, it is true.

In her victim impact statement, the woman - now aged 24 - said her anger has been out of control because of the abuse stating that she has broken her wrist three times including one time punching a wall.

The woman said that the abuse has resulted in excessive drinking and that she has suffered from breakdowns and panic attacks.

She said: His actions have not only hurt me for years - they have devastated my family as well.

She later added:

Every day, I am going to feel like the girl who let a man who she loved and trusted take advantage of her. Every day, I am going to feel the pain, embarrassment and confusion as to why he did it and why I didnt stop it when I had the chance.

Judge Gerald Keys said he would reserve judgement and remanded Mr Galvin in custody for sentence.
Third-level graduates stand both the best chance of securing a job and the highest starting salary, with 94% of the class of 2017 in employment or due to start a job within nine months of leaving college.

Arts and humanities graduates, however, have the lowest starting salaries and the lowest employment numbers.

The findings are contained in the Graduate Outcomes Survey carried out by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), which is the most detailed and comprehensive study on life after third-level education ever carried out in Ireland with 30,000 people with undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications surveyed.

Health and welfare graduates fare well, with 88% in employment or due to start a job, followed by ICT graduates (82%), engineering, manufacturing, and construction graduates (82%), business, administration, and law graduates (79%), graduates in services including tourism and hospitality (80%), agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary graduates (74%), social sciences and journalism graduates (72%), natural sciences, maths, and statistics graduates (67%), and arts and humanities graduates (63%).

The lower employment figures for arts and science graduates are linked to higher rates of postgraduate study in these disciplines with, respectively, 24% and 25% moving on to further study.

The survey found that 78% of all graduates, including levels six, seven, eight, and postgraduates at levels nine and 10, were in employment or due to start a job within nine months of leaving college, with 14% engaged in further study and 5% looking for work.

However, whereas 67% of honours graduates were working full-time, 86%of those with a postgraduate diploma, 78% with a taught masters, and 84% with a research degree were in full-time work.

The survey found that third-level graduates are increasingly staying in Ireland rather than moving abroad, with 90% of all jobs secured by the class of 2017 based in Ireland.

Dublin is sucking up the majority of new graduates, with 43% of graduates based in the capital compared to 14% in Cork, 7% in Galway, and 6% in Limerick.

The average full-time starting salary for 2017s third-level graduates is 33,574 although this varies significantly by sector, region, and degree type.

Salaries in Dublin are, on average, 34,153 compared to 33,437 in the south-west. University graduates earn an average of 34,759 within their first year of work whereas those who graduate from institutes of technology earn 31,998.

Overall, 75% of honours degree graduates are working or due to start a job, 18% are in further studies or training, 4% are unemployed, and 3% are engaged in another activity such as overseas travel.

The latest survey follows on from the previous HEA First Destinations report but, as it uses a significantly different method to collect the data, cannot be directly compared.

However, it does show that there are higher employment and lower unemployment rates than at any time since the downturn.

The figures are in line with the most recent migration data from the Central Statistics Office, which shows that the number of people emigrating fell from 64,800 in the year ending April 2017 (1.35% of the population) to 56,300 in the year ending April 2018 (1.16% of the population).

Employment rose by 1.2% in 2017. Overall, graduates with a third-level education are twice as likely to be employed as those without a formal education, and three times less likely to be unemployed.

Meanwhile, the Government will today announce ambitious targets to train more than 47,000 graduates in high-level ICT skills by 2022.

With an increasing number of multinationals now based in Ireland, it is expected that there will be 18,000 high-level ICT job openings a year by 2022.

Education Minister Joe McHugh and Business Minister Heather Humphreys will today announce plans which include reskilling people from diverse backgrounds and providing high-level ICT apprenticeships.
Bord Pleanala has upheld plans to convert a former 19th-century bank in Dungarvan into a bar and restaurant as West Waterford salutes the success of the countys greenway project.

The 46km greenway on a former railway line linking Waterford and Kilmacthomas has attracted more than 283,000 visitors in the last two years, forcing a demand for increased accommodation and food businesses.

There are also calls from several quarters to extend, and expand amenities on the greenway, amid spawning challenging such as parking.

The route has accommodated more than 20 festivals and events including a Valentines Day promotion, a Sean Kelly dawn cycle, and a Halloween celebration.

Meanwhile, millionaire stud farm owner Michael Ryan had acquired planning last May for the former Provincial Bank building, known as Bridge House, a prominent site on Dungarvans Davitts Quay.

The development forms part of a major regeneration of the quay area coinciding with the success of the nearby greenway.

An appeal, however, was lodged by Dublin-based consultant Bernard Dee on behalf of Michael Burke from Abbeyside, Dungarvan.

The appellant had expressed concerns of over-development of a protected structure, insufficient parking provision, demolition of a rear extension and south annex, archaeological issues and right-of-way access.

Bord Pleanala dismissed the appeal but imposed 12 conditions, including the preservation, recording, and protection of archaeological materials, including original, interior and exterior fittings/features, joinery, plasterwork and staircases. A conservation architect is required to manage, monitor and implement the works.

The two-storey, Italianate style building stands close to Dungarvan town centre.

It was built in 1860 as a town hall and society house following fundraising by the local curate, Fr Mooney, but instead served as a cultural centre and small museum. It was sold to the Provincial Bank in 1870 and served as a bank up to 40 years ago.

Next door, Mr Ryan is proposing to create a 10-storey holiday apartment project and leisure complex in the adjacent former Glanbia laboratory and office block. He is appealing the councils refusal to grant planning.

Meanwhile, also on Davitt St, work has begun converting the former Aras Brugha office block into a hostel.
A West Cork island which was a global leader in clean energy over 30 years ago was today selected for a European Commission-backed energy transition initiative to make offshore communities more self-reliant.

Cape Clear, already planning to introduce electric buses this summer, was one of 26 locations - out of the EU's 2,200 inhabited islands - earmarked as torchbearers in the clean energy process.

Mairtin O Mealoid, manager of Comharchumann Chleire Teoranta, welcomed the announcement by the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat.

"It's very important for us that this project has an EU aspect to it," he said, noting the Commission's initiative was aimed at kick-starting an energy transition process to support islands in becoming more self-reliable, prosperous and sustainable.

He also said the initiative will tie in with the National Transport Authority's green public transport strategy. Currently, Cape Clear has a Local Link rural transport scheme and, through it, the NTA is hoping as a pilot scheme to introduce two electric buses which are scheduled to come into operation in the summer ahead.

The island, with a resident population of just under 150 and more than double that during the summer, is 13 kilometres off Baltimore. The NTA is hoping to test the electric buses on the island's near-14kms hilly roads network.

Meanwhile, Mr O Mealoid said along with the Irish Islands Federation, the cooperative on Cape Clear has for a number of years been pressing for and encouraging the formation of a project with the European Commission. The Aran Islands are included in a first phase project with Cape Clear yesterday announced for a second phase, effective from 2020.

The co-op manager recalled, in 1987, Cape Clear had been a world leader in wind energy when then taoiseach Charles Haughey and the German Minister for Technology Heinz Riesenhuber officially launched two new wind power generators in a German government-financed 500,000 project.

"The windmills' project fizzled out in the 1990s due to a lack of continued funding," said Mr O Mealoid, "but we are hoping to erect new windmill heads on the towers and, with the support of the Commission's secretariat, make the island as energy efficient as possible."

Dominique Ristori, director-general for Energy at the European Commission, said the objective of the Clean Energy for EU Islands Secretariat was to help as many islands as possible embark on, and advance, their clean energy transition in a way that includes the whole island and its stakeholders.

The islands selected have displayed a remarkable potential and enthusiasm for developing strong and lasting multi-stakeholder collaborations around the clean energy transition," he said, "and by embarking on this path, they become inspiring examples for other islands."
Community Employment supervisors seeking security over pensions will strike today at six locations across the country.

They will protest in Letterkenny, Galway, Athlone, Waterford, Cork and Dublin at Department of Social Protection offices from midday.
The alert system which protects elderly people in their homes could be put at risk by a hard Brexit, Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has warned.

As the threat of a hard Brexit intensifies, the everyday impacts for the general public are becoming clearer, with Mr Ring warning of issues with supplying alarms to those in the Senior Alert Scheme.

With just 39 days until the critical March deadline, all Government departments have been working on easing the potential fallout from a no-deal Brexit and have drafted emergency legislation that would be required if Britain crashes out of the EU.

This omnibus legislation, which takes in nine departments and covers 16 areas, will be brought to Cabinet tomorrow and is due to be published on Friday.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney will also meet with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on the fringes of an EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels today.

British prime minister Theresa May is due to travel to Brussels later in the week as she tries to gain concessions around the backstop. However, EU leaders remain adamant that the protections must remain in place.

Ms May has written to all 317 Conservative MPs in a bid to get them to unite behind a Brexit deal and warned her party members that history will judge us all over the process.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Ring said the Senior Alert Scheme, which provides security and comfort to elderly people living alone in isolated areas across the country, is one of the areas that have been identified by his department.

He said that some of the pendants worn by elderly people, which are used to raise an alarm if they get into difficulty, are sourced in the UK and so the supply of these could be impacted.

There are one or two issues that we would have concern about; one is in relation to the Senior Alert Scheme, a lot of that equipment comes from Britain, said Mr Ring.

However, Mr Ring said his department would work hard to find alternative suppliers if required and said funding could also be reallocated in the wake of Brexit to tackle specific issues.

I have a good bit of flexibility with funding and I need it because at times I need to target money, he said.

With Brexit, where the need will be, we will have the flexibility to put the funding in where it is needed. We cant do anything at the moment because we dont know where we are, we will do whatever we have to do when the time comes.

Fianna Fails spokeswoman for older people, Mary Butler, said she would be very concerned about any disruption to the Senior Alert Scheme and said it shows the massive impact a hard Brexit would have on almost every aspect of life in Ireland.

It is worrying because this particular scheme works very well. Its run by Pobal and it provides great comfort to older people living alone or in isolated rural areas, said Ms Butler, whose 82-year-old mother lives on her own and has availed of the scheme.

I dont think the ordinary person on the street realises what will happen and the extent to which we will be impacted if there is a hard Brexit.

Mr Ring also warned that there could be difficulties with the supply of library books after a no-deal Brexit.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which sources books, said the supply of services by UK suppliers to the public libraries is being assessed.

The LGMA will continue to work with our UK suppliers to ensure that any necessary changes to processes conform with any new requirements imposed.

Meanwhile, Mr Coveney will host a meeting of EU and Arab foreign ministers tomorrow on Tuesday to discuss the Middle East peace process. Mr Coveney met with the Egyptian minister last night after he arrived in Dublin, and a reception will be held tonight in Aras an Uachtarain.
Activists have targeted the home of Minister Richard Bruton a week after staging a similar protest outside the family home of Health Minister Simon Harris.

Around 10 people, claiming to be part of the Fingal Battalion Against Austerity, gathered outside the minister for communications, climate action and environments house in north Dublin yesterday afternoon.

In a video posted on social media the group said they were protesting against the proposed introduction of carbon taxes.

Gardai attended the protest which ended after around two hours.

It comes as Mr Harris said a similar protest which took place outside his Co Wicklow home last weekend was a clear attempt to intimidate my family and my neighbours.

This was not a protest, this was a clear attempt to intimidate me and my neighbours. I think it was intimidation and thuggery. It felt like a violation, it was a violation.

Imagine being in your house on a Sunday afternoon and feeling that you cant leave. My wife is not a public figure. My three-week-old baby is not a public figure, said the Fine Gael TD.

Mr Harris claimed that the group had used his wife and newborn baby to identify his house when they spotted her returning home from a walk.

Around a dozen protestors gather at the home of Environmment Minister Richard Bruton in Drumcondra in North Dublin. It comes a week after a similar protest at the home of Health Minister Simon Harris in Wicklow @rtenews pic.twitter.com/rPKaeaF3uJ  Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) February 17, 2019

I think my wife and baby had been used to identify where my house was. Its clear to me that people had a rough idea where we lived but didnt know specifically which house we lived in and they saw my wife walking home, he told Brendan OConnor who was hosting RTEs Marian Finucane Show over the weekend.

Within seconds of my wife coming in the door they had gathered outside my house. The thing that keeps coming back to me is that they didnt know I was in the house so all they saw was my wife and three-week-old baby.

Meanwhile, a separate group of yellow vest activists protested at the Taoiseachs home in Castleknock on Saturday night.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said Mr Varadkar was not at home at the time of the protest but added: In a free country, people have the right to protest so long as it is not violent and does not unduly inconvenience others.
| BY Ricki Green |

Not for profit health insurer, Navy Health, has launched a campaign highlighting the disenfranchisement Australians are feeling towards big for profit health insurance companies.

The TV, radio and digital campaign developed by behaviour change specialists, The Shannon Company, contrasts the experience of Navy Health members with policy holders of the major health insurers.

The Shannon Company, managing director, Ian Forsyth, said while health insurance levels recently reached decade lows nationally, Navy Health was bucking the trend.

Says Forsyth: While more Australians are signing up with Navy Health, our research identified that confusion about eligibility was an impediment to even more people jumping ship to Navy Health.

Navy Health has been around for more than 60 years, and this campaign highlights very clearly that you actually dont have to be in the Navy to join Navy Health.

Just like weve seen a major backlash against the big banks in recent times, the big for profit health insurers are also coming under the spotlight, and people are becoming more aware that theres a range of alternative not for profit providers out there, with Navy Health leading the way.

Client: Navy Health

Damian Ramondetta: Head of Marketing

Alexandra Spiby: Marketing Manager

Creative: The Shannon Company

Andrew North
A $1m gift from a US banking giant just months after its pre-Brexit switch to Ireland has created a new philanthropic fund that aims to help 1,000 disadvantaged women find better jobs.

Charity and social enterprise groups which empower women through education, training and upskilling are now being invited to apply for a slice of some 1.8m in funding under the new Mna na hEireann  Women of Ireland Fund over the next three years.

The fund has been launched by Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI), which will manage it in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

With the establishment of this pioneering fund and working closely with Bank of America and the department, we aim to empower 1,000 women to find and secure sustained employment over the course of three years, SIFIs CEO, Deirdre Mortell, said.

SIFI is a charity created by the government to establish a philanthropic fund to drive the development of social innovation here. Every euro it raises in philanthropy is matched by a euro from the department through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Bank of Americas $1m contribution, the single largest received by SIFI, has led to the creation of a 1.8m fund to support charities and social enterprises that work to improve the economic mobility of women.

Grant winners will also receive a place on an accelerator programme, which will include bespoke training from experts, as well as further mentoring and specialised training from some of the banks own staff.

News of the gift comes just months after the bank completed the relocation of its main EU banking operations and up to 100 staff from London to Dublin ahead of Brexit.

The banks vice president, Anne Finucane, and chairman of Bank of America Merrill Lynch Europe, is one of the most powerful and influential figures in US business and global banking and can trace her Irish ancestry through one of her grandfathers to Newmarket, in north Cork.

The bank has backed philanthropic projects in Ireland before, including the national music programme, Music Generation, and peace projects in the north.

Ms Finucane, who is a powerful advocate for women in business, said: Fostering sustainable growth, economic mobility and social progress within the communities in which we operate is at the heart of our business. This new fund aims to support organisations which provide women with the tools needed to gain sustainable employment.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the fund has the potential to create a lasting impact on the lives of women.

According to CSO figures, the 14% gender participation gap in the Irish labour market is one of the widest in Europe.

The fund is now open for applications until April 18 at www.socialinnovation.ie/mna-na-heireann-fund.
How do you make a profit from selling vegetables or nuts? Pretend they are animals.

We are revolutionising dairy products by making them from plants instead of cows, says food entrepreneur Miyoko Schinner, based in California.

Having raised more than 12 million in start-up funding, her company, Miyokos Kitchen, has its products in an estimated 10,000 stores in the US, has entered the Canadian market, and has ambitions to sell in Asia, several Latin American countries, and possibly Europe.

It claims to make radically real cheese and butter, but without cows.

Billing her company as tomorrows creamery for a dairy-free future, Schinner says: The evolution of dairy is phenomenally vegan.

Its a growing trend, with consumers around the world being given the choice of soy, almond, coconut, hazelnut, rice, oat, macadamia and even walnut milk.

Multinational food giant Unilever has launched the Magnum Vegan ice cream in some markets, made from vanilla-flavoured pea protein and dairy-free chocolate made from coconut oil and butter.

UK high street bakery Greggs has launched a vegan-friendly sausage roll made from a vegetable oil-based pastry and a bespoke Quorn filling.

Dutch manufacturer Vivera was first last year to bring a 100% plant-based steak to the European market via 400 Tesco UK stores. It arrived in Ireland last November.

UK start-up Yumello has developed a range of nut butters, with a marketing emphasis on sweet argan oil and other ingredients from Moroccos Atlas Mountains.

This food industry trend has grown to the point where the European Court of Justice ruled that terms like milk, cream and butter should only be used for animal products, and must not be used to describe plant-based foods.

However, the global food industry is not too worried about bending the rules of language, when faced with a great opportunity to add value to cheap commodities such as fruit, vegetables and nuts.

High prices for animal commodities such as meat and milk are an important factor driving the food industry to products which can be marketed as vegetarian and vegan.

With the global milk price oscillating from under $20 (17.7) in 2009 to over $55 (48.7) per 100 kg in 2014 (IFCN Combined World Milk Price Indicator), it was noticeable that use of non-dairy ingredients increased markedly in the years when milk prices were high.

Food company profitability is limited by what consumers are willing to pay, based on their perceived value of a product. Thats the upper limit, but when the price of the base commodity doubles, in the case of milk, processors cannot be blamed for looking for cheaper ingredients.

The same has happened globally in the beef industry.

EU prices are fairly well insulated from the global beef price; nevertheless, that global average price nearly doubled in 2015, compared to most of the preceding decade.

Modern food companies first determine what attributes consumers want in their food products, and then start looking for ingredients.

They spotted increased consumer demands regarding health, nutrition and convenience, and the trends to veganism, vegetarianism and flexitarianism, and investigated how to satisfy them, using the full gamut of advanced modern food processing technology to add value to competitively priced ingredients.

The continuous shifting to a global economy accelerated this trend, because it is growing the international market for value-added products.

In this evolution of the food industry, relatively unprocessed products such as meats and dairy foods have lost out, to some extent.

How strong is that trend?

Global launches of dairy- alternative beverages have more than doubled since 2012.

US sales of milk alternatives rose by 9% in 2015 alone.

Its probably not a coincidence that 2014 global milk prices had reached their highest ever monitored level.

The US is reckoned to be the leader by far in this sector for product innovation. It is estimated dairy sales decreased by 7% in the same year, costing the US dairy industry $17.8 billion (15.7bn).

Australia is a strong dairy consuming nation, with figures from Dairy Australia showing the average Australian consumes 105 litres of fresh milk per year. Non-dairy milk sales make up 6% of total supermarket milk sales, with an increase of only 0.5% in the last three years.
After a tough week last week, Dancing with the Stars Johnny Ward turned it around and landed a score of 27.

Last week fans hit back at the judges lover the actors low score. He took on a quick step with new partner Ksenia for switch-up week and earned 19 points - a score that fans thought was too low for his impressive moves.
43-year-old Mairin Ni Bheachain has shared her story of how she taught herself to read and write after suffering a stroke during brain surgery.

The former Dublin teacher and mother-of-two, told the Ray D'Arcy show that she began feeling odd symptoms as she taught her class in the Mary, Mother of Hope school, where she had been teaching for 14 years.

"I was in class one day and tried to say something, but the words just wouldn't come out, as if my tongue was swollen or something," she said.

For five years, Mairin said she knew something was wrong, but didn't know what it was. Sometimes she would suffer from migraines and lose feeling down the entire right side of her body.

"I would be walking down the corridor and go limp, and in class my hand would start to tremble and I wouldn't feel it."

Eventually, Mairin went to a neurologist who said there was a chance she might be suffering from Hemiplegic migraines, the symptoms of which mimic stroke, but despite taking the medication, it didn't help.

You just get on with it because there's no alternative.

Mairin took a year and a half off teaching and began seeing a psychotherapist, but it wasn't until she went back to teaching and got a scan, that doctors diagnosed her with Moyamoya.

Moyamoya is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain.

"Only 50% of oxygen was getting to my brain, so that's why I was having these, like, little mini strokes, so apparently I was like a ticking time bomb and the only way you can treat it is by having brain surgery, because they have to cut you open and then just see can they create other pathways to let the oxygen in."

Mairin had a stroke during the surgery, but can remember waking up and feeling like herself, and being delighted, even though she couldn't speak.

I remember thinking, I can't feel my hands, and I can't feel my face, but I'm really lucky because you can't tell that and it doesn't show.

It was only when a friend handed her a fashion magazine that she realised she couldn't decipher any of the words and that she could no longer read.

"My mum came every single day and we would do, I'd call it homework I guess, and we'd do some reading, writing, spelling, all that."

However, as she recovered, she was frustrated at not being able to do the things she used to be able to, such as making a cup of tea.

"Even getting a bus in to town, people would be afraid to let me off on my own, because you can't explain that you're fine.

"Obviously I was broken in some ways, even getting the bus, trying to recognise the letters."

With the help of her sister, Mairin wrote a letter to Dress for Success, founded by Sonya Lennon, which helps people get back into work.

Mairin was taken on as a stylist and not long after, Mairin began her own company, MoStyle.

"Strokes affect people in different ways, so you know, I could have been paralysed and I know some people have, so that's why I say I am grateful, because I know how much worse it could have been. I could have died, basically."
The EUs trade surplus with the US reached a record level in 2018, increasing the risk that US President Donald Trumps annoyance could ignite a fresh trade war.

The EU official statistics office Eurostat release on Friday showed a surge in the trade surplus with the US by 20bn.

It brings the total surplus for the year to a record high of 139bn. Ireland has been a significant contributor to this export surplus with the US, accounted for 17% of the total in 2018.

Mr Trump has been a furious critic of Europes high trade surpluses, accusing the EU and particularly Germany, of unfair practices against US workers, much like he does with China.

Last year, the Trump administration imposed punitive tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe and other partners.

This was met with countermeasures by the EU, including duties on US motorcycles and denim jeans.

This new trade data comes as the US Commerce Department is reported to have found that auto imports into the US threaten national security, the first step toward possible auto tariffs by Washington.

The report was expected to be delivered to the White House in the past few days and will be seen as a major risk for EU automakers.

The US Commerce investigation team is already on record recommending a 25% duty on foreign-built vehicles including on cars shipped from EU members, if they are deemed to threaten US national security.

Mr Trump would have 90 days to decide on taking the measures, with the latest surplus data likely to impact his decision.

Despite the tense situation, exports of goods from the 28 EU states last year reached  406bn, according to Eurostat.

This was an increase of 8% compared to the previous year, whereas Irish exports to the US was over double this increase rising to 39bn.

Imports from the US into Ireland fell during the year, adding to the rising Irish trade surplus

The EU Commission has been seeking to defuse the dispute with Mr Trump through a trade agreement with the US.

In the last round of negotiations last year, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Maelstrom had proposed abolishing all customs duties on industrial goods, including cars, and removing barriers to trade in technical standards.

The Eurostat data has come at a most inopportune time for Europes economies, which in the last quarter have once again shown virtually no growth.

Five of the eurozone largest economies are clearly struggling to gain momentum going into 2019.

Germany and Italy, two of the most exposed countries in the event of the US pressing on with its threat to increase import tariffs on cars, had negative quarterly growth last year.

Most growth initiatives are been hampered by the never-ending Brexit negotiations, sanctions with Russia and Iran and the China disputes with the US.

Any escalation in the trade disputes between the EU and the US will be worrying for European exporters and very worrying for Irish exporters, who have been faced with a slew of tariff, quotas and sanctions last year and are now grappling with the implications of Brexit.

John Whelan is managing partner of The Linkage-Partnership, an international trade consultancy with offices in Ireland, Holland and Switzerland.
Brexit has been blamed for the collapse of a British airline, which has seen flights cancelled for hundreds of shocked passengers.

British Midland Regional Limited, which operated as Flybmi, announced on Saturday that it was filing for administration.

Some 1,500 passengers had been scheduled to fly with the airline yesterday. A total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium are employed by Bmi Regional.

The East Midlands-based airline had operated flights on routes to 25 European cities, including Aberdeen, Bristol, Derry, East Midlands, London Stansted and Newcastle. It was claimed some passengers were still able to make bookings on Saturday, hours before the announcement of the collapse came.

A tweet from the airline a day earlier invited people to book a trip with Flybmi to Munich for winter sports.

Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, said: Some customers have claimed that tickets were being sold in the hours before the airline went bust, knowing full well those tickets would never be honoured, and passengers will rightly be outraged if this is proved to be the case.

In a statement, the airline said difficulties which led to the collapse had included increases in fuel and carbon costs, and challenges particularly those created by Brexit.

It said: The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around Bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe. Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40m (45.6m) in the last six years.

We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

One passenger said he had already gone through security at Bristol airport when his flight was cancelled, while civil engineer Danny McLaughlin, who lives on the Irish border, said it is the first direct effect of Brexit he has felt. He had 14 flights booked through his job over the next seven weeks between Derry and Stansted.

Just two days earlier, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling had announced the route between Derry and Stansted would be subsidised by the Government, in partnership with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland for another two years until May 1, 2021. Discussions are now underway to find an airline to operate the route, which is a public service obligation.

A DfT spokesman said: We are fully focused on supporting those affected and are in contact with airports, airlines and other transport providers to ensure everything possible is being done to help them.

Meanwhile, Airbus said it would have to make difficult decisions about future investment if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal, adding it had already spent tens of millions of euros in preparations.

There is no such thing as a managed no deal, its absolutely catastrophic for us, senior vice president Katherine Bennett told the BBC.

Some difficult decisions will have to made if theres no-deal... we will have to look at future investments, Ms Bennett said.

She said Airbus had already spent tens of million of euros on preparing for Brexit, for example on stockpiling parts and securing IT systems.

Press Association and Reuters
So thats Monday nearly wrapped up. Heres some of the stories we published on irishexaminer.com today which we hope will help you make sense of it all this evening.

TO INFORM

Brexit: The Government would be very foolish if it allows the onus for a solution to Brexit to switch from London to Dublin, Tanaiste Simon Coveney says.

Abortion intimidation: The National Women's Council of Ireland has called for a "zero tolerance approach" to any attempt to intimidate women aiming to access an abortion.

Love triangle trial: The tank containing Bobby Ryan's remains was opened weeks before the man accused of his murder said he discovered the DJ's decomposing body, an insect expert has told the Central Criminal Court.

Shamima Begum: A teenage girl who fled Britain to join Islamic State has compared the Manchester Arena bombing to military assaults on Syria.

Sterling rates: Sterling was little bruised by the departure of seven UK Labour MPs today despite it potentially making coalition-building in the UK even more uncertain.

GAA podcast: Anthony Daly and PM O'Sullivan review the Allianz League weekend with Colm O'Connor.

TO ENGAGE

Autism assessments: Every year sees more and more delayed autism assessments. The HSE has a proposal to fix the problem, but is it simply a case of lack of resources? Michael Clifford reports

Under the influence: Times, technology and media are changing. For the first time since the advent of the internet, brands' ad spending on digital media is expected to overtake traditional media in 2019, writes Joyce Fegan

TO ENTERTAIN

Digital decluttering: Anna ODonoghue shares her tips on how to tidy up those files, folders and apps on your phone, PC and tablet.

Relearning to read: 43-year-old Mairin Ni Bheachain has shared her story of how she taught herself to read and write after suffering a stroke during brain surgery.

MOST READ SO FAR TODAY

Irelands butterflies and bumblebees are dying off at an even faster rate than the catastrophic global decline.
Here is Monday's lunchtime bulletin.

GET INFORMED...

IRELAND: Dublin City Councils Chief Executive, Owen Keegan, has defended comments he made at the weekend in which he said that homeless numbers would drop if homeless services were cut.

IRELAND: A Fianna Fail TD has said "medical elitism" was at play in choosing the site for the new National Children's Hospital.

IRELAND: American anti-abortion activists are making major plans to try and talk women in Ireland out of having an abortion.

BREXIT: A no-deal Brexit would mean a certain return to violence along the Irish border a UNESCO backed report has warned.

WORLD: Seven Labour Party MPs have resigned from the party this morning to form a new independent group. Jeremy Corbyn said he was disappointed at their decision.

SPECIAL REPORT: Every year sees more and more delayed autism assessments. The HSE has a proposal to fix the problem, but is it simply a case of lack of resources? Michael Clifford reports

BUSINESS: The EUs trade surplus with the US reached a record level in 2018, increasing the risk that US President Donald Trumps annoyance could ignite a fresh trade war.

SPORT: Rob Kearney hopes to have his contract situation sorted in the next month or so and the veteran full-back admits he has a big decision to make as he contemplates the closing chapters of a glittering career.

SPORT: The Limerick machine just cranked into top gear, writes Anthony Daly.

...SOME DISTRACTION

SHOWBIZ: Demi Isaac Oviawe opens up about losing both her parents after being eliminated from Dancing with the Stars.

FEATURES: Anna ODonoghue shares her tips on how to tidy up those files, folders and apps on your phone, PC and tablet.

VIRAL: Davy Fitzgerald upheld the promise he made to 11-year-old Michael OBrien on the Late Late Toy Show in November of last year.
| BY Ricki Green |

Today Absolut has announced the launch of Absolut Love, a campaign developed by Cummins&Partners Sydney, that celebrates the stories of Australian marriage equality since the historic YES vote in 2017.

As part of the campaign, Absolut has created one of its iconic posters aligned to its major partnership with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

The campaign will see Absolut create one of its iconic posters. Instead of featuring its bottle, Absolut will be featuring the names of 282 of the LGBTQI Aussies who have created history and said YES. The poster will be unveiled at Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sunday 17th Feb.

Couples were invited to submit their names to Absolut, as well as share their stories of what the YES vote meant to them. Absolut has also partnered with celebrated Australian visual artist Scott Marsh, to paint two of the loved-up couples at sites in Chippendale and Surry Hills.

Says Eric Thomson, marketing director, Pernod Ricard Australia: Absolut is a brand that has a long history of championing equality and acceptance globally. We wanted to bring this to life in an authentic way which celebrates real stories of marriage equality marriage ahead of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, who we are proud to be a major partner of for the second year.

Says Kirsty Muddle, managing director, Cummins&Partners Sydney: There are 6,000+ people in this country that married someone they love since the YES vote, its a signal of Absolut Love in Australia and thats something worth celebrating.

Starting today, the fully integrated campaign is supported with work from One Green Bean, Blue 449, AKQA and PIM Group.

As part of the Absolut Love campaign, Absolut are showcasing the core theme of equal love and celebrating what this means for the LGBTQI community and beyond.

Says Terese Casu, SGLMG CEO: Were excited to be partnering with Absolut again for our Fearless 41st Festival. Absolut has a long-standing legacy of supporting the LGBTQI community across the world, and we are proud to be celebrating the achievements of marriage equality with them this year.

The 2019 Absolut Love posters will be on display throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth from Feb 18th. Each couple featured will receive their own copy of the poster. Additionally, Absolut has donated $20,000 to Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras community programs that go towards grants, scholarships and creating greater access for disadvantage LGBTQI people to participate in the festival.
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To Win the War for Talent

In todays passive, candidate-driven market, employers do not have the upper hand in the recruitment process. Despite the rising rate of retirement among experienced professionals, which is forcing organizations to increase their hiring efforts, real wages have remained virtually stagnant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average real hourly earnings increased by only 0.7 percent for insurance employees between December 2017 and December 2018, compared to 1.3 percent for the general economy. As a result, professionals today feel more and more inclined to switch jobs for higher salaries.

The problem is only going to intensify. With industry unemployment virtually nonexistent and organizational plans to increase staff this year, the insurance talent marketplace will become even more candidate driven as demand continues to outpace supply. It is crucial that the insurance industry start proactively revising its compensation plans in order to gain a competitive position in the talent marketplace.

Yet, many insurance organizations are unprepared to compete. Some still try to hire new employees without offering an increase in salary; however, lateral compensation is simply not motivating for candidates. Neither are minimal salary increases. In fact, candidates usually demand a 15-30 percent pay raise to even consider an offer. Often companies look inward for a cost-effective solution, utilizing their in-house resources and making internal promotions. But as the war for talent intensifies and the retirement rate increases, there may not be enough qualified candidates on those internal benches.

Many companies also make a practice of counteroffering when their employees resign in favor of another job offer. They believe by providing higher salaries, employees will not only stay but will be more motivated and show more productivity. Although this strategy may work some of the time, contrary to popular belief, counteroffers are rarely effective. A survey also shows more than half of all employees who accept counteroffers eventually change employers within the following two years.

Cost of Vacancy

The cost of vacancy needs to be considered as well. When a position goes unfilled, employers are at risk of shifting workloads and compromising morale, while losing competitiveness and market share. The burden increases once organizations consider the additional cost of recruiting, onboarding and training new hires as replacements. Depending on the position, it may take up to a full year for new hires to fully adjust and fill the shoes of their predecessors.

It is important to remember adjusted salary levels should be aligned not only with industry competitors, but also with the general economy.

Competitive pay allows insurance organizations to retain their employees and avoid the burden of vacancy. Attractive compensation will also help organizations draw interest from more qualified candidates in less time, ensuring those roles are not left vacant for long. Salaries must be high enough to entice passive individuals to not only leave their current jobs but also to motivate current employees to stay in their positions. It is critical to view wage increases from a long-term perspective, as it may eventually be inevitable to maintaining their workforces.

The Future of Work

It is important to remember adjusted salary levels should be aligned not only with industry competitors, but also with the general economy. The future of work will increasingly blur the lines between industries, prompting non-insurance organizations to attract insurance talent with transferable skills. It is best to adjust salary levels appropriately to ensure professionals are not inclined to leave the industry altogether.

Unfortunately, organizations are often faced with making critical compensation decisions with limited resources and information. Some organizations rely on their competitors online jobs postings. But keep in mind there are no set standards in providing salary information for job postings. Advertised salaries are sometimes inflated with sign-on bonuses, anticipated commissions and other benefits. While they are a good place to start, they cannot be the ultimate resource for compensation research.

Thankfully, many industry associations and research firms regularly conduct compensation surveys and provide the results to participants for a minimal fee. These can be valuable and accurate tools for employers to benchmark salary levels with that of their competitors.

In addition, insurance organizations can gain substantial insight into compensation by establishing a relationship with a professional recruiting firm.

The nature of their profession requires recruiters to have a deep understanding of the labor market and its up-to-date trends. Partner firms can offer guidance on how to develop competitive compensation packages that will allow carriers to stand apart from the competition.

Revisit Compensation Strategies

In the rapidly evolving talent marketplace, it is important to revisit compensation strategies to attract and retain top professionals. The war for talent is only going to continue and only those who are willing to pay the right price for top talent will have access to them. To meet the expectations of their candidates and employees, organizations need to offer enticing salaries and thereby have a better chance of outperforming the competition for years to come.

Topics Talent Training Development
A broker fee is a fee in addition to premium and commission that is charged by retail and wholesale insurance brokers and that ultimately is paid by the insurance buyer. Such fees are subject to two overriding rules: (1) they must be fully disclosed to the insurance buyer and (2) they must be reasonable.

In addition, broker fees may be subject to specific state insurance regulatory restrictions. For example, Florida caps retail broker fees at $35, whether admitted or non-admitted. In the surplus lines market, some states like Minnesota treat broker fees as surplus lines premium and subject those fees to surplus lines premium tax.

(The authors assume that the retailer has a broker fee agreement with the insurance buyer making full disclosure of all charges for all services, along the lines of broker fee agreements discussed in two previous Insurance Journal articles that address rebating.)

Retailers

Retail producers are busy people. A retail firm can get itself in trouble if no experienced broker is tasked with reviewing the firms existing broker fee agreements at least annually.

Not only do regulatory requirements change over time, it is surprising how many inconsistencies, poor wording, and other glitches one will find that can give rise to consumer complaints, market conduct exams, other regulatory action or litigation because no one was really paying attention.

Disclosure

Retailers bear the main burden of disclosure of fees and any other charges because they directly interface with the insurance buyer.

Disclosure means full disclosure. Any retailer that tries to hide the ball by lumping commissions, broker fees, inspection fees or other charges together for the insurance buyer is setting itself up for regulatory scrutiny, as well as detailed audits, substantial refunds, fines and penalties.

As a retail producer knowledgeable in the insurance business, what would you expect for broker fees and other fee disclosures if you were the insurance buyer? Do unto others what you would want them to do for you and you are probably home free.

Consumer complaints to insurance regulators about failure to fully disclose fees are serious and costly business. They also affect the brand and reputation of the producer. In addition to complaints lodged by the insurance buyer, such complaints can also be made by or stimulated by competitors. These complaints can tarnish a retailers otherwise sterling reputation in the marketplace, so the retailer almost certainly will require services of outside counsel. Not fun.

Reasonableness of the Fee

As an example, regarding inspection fees associated with inspections of the subject property, if the insurer requires an inspection, the retailer can charge a reasonable markup over the actual cost of the inspection. Charging the insurance buyer $1,000 for an inspection that cost $125 would be way off the mark. As a broker one should charge an amount you would consider to be reasonable if you were paying it.

Some states may claim that there is a going market rate for inspections. That is not always true, but a reasonable markup should be in order. That markup may be somewhat higher if we are talking about cat-prone risks or other risks requiring a greater degree of underwriting. Applying common sense to such charges goes a long way.

If the retailer pushes the envelope on charging unreasonably excessive fees, that eventually will come to the attention of insurance regulators.

Remediation of a compliance issue will cost a lot more to fix than the value of the inspection or similar fees, plus the retailer will also have to refund those amounts.

The retailer typically is not directly placing complex risks. Instead, retailers turn to wholesale brokers for market access and underwriting expertise.

Wholesaler Fees

Where retailers are not equipped to vet a specialty risk, they turn to wholesale brokers. The wholesaler is a specialist that knows how to package a risk so that it is suitable for insurance underwriters.

Generally, the wholesaler does the bulk of the work to ensure that underwriters are provided with the appropriate information. And wholesalers are entitled to charge a wholesale broker fee for their underwriting efforts as well as access to insurance markets likely to entertain the risk.

The retailer is primarily responsible for disclosure to the insurance buyer of wholesaler fees and charges. But, if the retailer fails to properly disclose, the wholesaler may be at risk for the retailers failure to disclose. In practice, most states are satisfied if the wholesaler fully discloses its fees and charges to the retailer. See, e.g., California Insurance Code Section 1623.

There are few constraints on wholesale broker fees so long as they are not outrageous. But if the wholesaler charges exorbitant fees, it likely will lose retailer clients to the competition.

In conclusion, lest you not be misled, states have varying regulations concerning broker and related fees. They also vary on whether these fees are subject to premium tax. States also have differing regulations regarding stamping office fees and whether these also are subject to premium tax.

Topics Agencies Legislation Abuse Molestation
A University of Missouri researcher is teaming up with scholars in Kansas and Georgia to develop drone technology to monitor and potentially predict the spread of wildfires. The $1.2 million project will use drones to collect real-time data and send it to firefighters to help them contain wildfires, the Columbia Missourian reported.

Currently, the (nations) firefighting, or fire management system, is not very effective and efficient, said professor Ming Xin. One of the main issues is we cannot predict where fires spread.

Xin is working with University of Kansas professor Haiyang Chao and Georgia State University professor Xiaolin Hu in the wake of nearly 56,000 wildfires across the country last year.

The Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation are sponsoring the project.

Xin said the drones follow a simulation that can precisely predict where a fire will spread for the next 10 to 30 minutes. The drones collect real-time data with thermal imaging cameras and sensors that help estimate the wind field.

The most significant factors affecting the spread of a wildfire are an areas terrain, vegetation and weather, Xin said.

While information on an areas terrain and vegetation can be collected from a geological survey, the areas weather patterns are more difficult to determine.

Xin hopes the technology will help firefighters see the scene of a fire on a larger scale. The researchers plan to launch test flights this summer.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
In the world of autonomous vehicles, Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley are bustling hubs of development and testing. But ask those involved in self-driving vehicles when they might actually be seen carrying passengers in every city, the almost universal answer is: Not anytime soon.

An optimistic assessment is 10 years. Many others say decades as researchers try to conquer a number of obstacles. The vehicles themselves will debut in limited, well-mapped areas within cities and spread outward.

The fatal crash in Arizona involving an Uber autonomous vehicle last March slowed progress, largely because it hurt the publics perception of the safety of vehicles. Companies slowed research to be more careful. Googles Waymo, for instance, decided not to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in the Phoenix area and will rely on human backup drivers to ferry passengers, at least for now.

Below are five problems that researchers must overcome to start giving rides without humans behind the wheel.

Snow and Weather

When its heavy enough to cover the pavement, snow blocks the view of lane lines that vehicle cameras use to find their way. Researchers so far havent figured out a way around this. Thats why much of the testing is done in warm-weather climates such as Arizona and California.

Heavy snow, rain, fog and sandstorms can obstruct the view of cameras. Light beams sent out by laser sensors can bounce off snowflakes and think they are obstacles. Radar can see through the weather, but it doesnt show the shape of an object needed for computers to figure out what it is.

Its like losing part of your vision, says Raj Rajkumar, an electrical and computer engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

Researchers are working on laser sensors that use a different light beam wavelength to see through snowflakes, said Greg McGuire, director of the MCity autonomous vehicle testing lab at the University of Michigan. Software also is being developed so vehicles can differentiate between real obstacles and snowflakes, rain, fog, and other conditions.

But many companies are still trying to master the difficult task of driving on a clear day with steady traction.

Once we are able to have a system reliably perform in those, then well start working toward expanding to those more challenging conditions, said Noah Zych, Ubers head of system safety for self-driving cars.

Pavement Lines and Curbs

Across the globe, roadway marking lines are different, or they may not even exist. Lane lines arent standardized, so vehicles have to learn how to drive differently in each city. Sometimes there arent any curbs to help vehicles judge lane width.

For instance, in Pittsburghs industrial Strip District, where many self-driving vehicles are tested, the city draws lines across the narrow lanes to mark where vehicles should stop for stop signs. Sometimes the lines are so far back and buildings are so close to the street that autonomous cars cant see traffic on the cross street if they stop at the line. One workaround is to program vehicles to stop for the line and creep forward.

Is it better to do a double stop? asked Pete Rander, president of Argo AI, an autonomous vehicle company in which Ford has invested heavily. Since intersections vary, its not that easy.

Dealing with Human Drivers

For many years, autonomous vehicles will have to deal with humans who dont always play by the rules.

They double-park or walk in front of cars. Recently in Pittsburgh, an Argo backup driver had to take over when his car stopped during a right turn, blocking an intersection when it couldnt immediately decide whether to go around a double-parked delivery truck.

For many years, autonomous vehicles will have to deal with humans who dont always play by the rules.

Even if the car might eventually figure something out, its shared space, and its socially unacceptable to block traffic, Rander said.

Humans also make eye contact with other drivers to make sure theyre looking in the right direction, something still being developed for autonomous vehicles.

Add to that the antagonism that some feel toward robots. People have reportedly been harassing Waymos autonomous test vehicles near Phoenix. The Arizona Republic reported in December that police in suburban Chandler have documented at least 21 cases in the past two years, including a man waiving a gun at a Waymo van and people who slashed tires and threw rocks. One Jeep forced the vans off the road six times.

Left Turns

Deciding when to turn left in front of oncoming traffic without a green arrow is one of the more difficult tasks for human drivers and one that causes many crashes. Autonomous vehicles have the same trouble.

Waymo CEO John Krafcik said in a recent interview that his companys vehicles are still encountering occasional problems at intersections.

I think the things that humans have challenges with, were challenged with as well, he said. So sometimes unprotected lefts are super challenging for a human, sometimes theyre super challenging for us.

Consumer Acceptance

The fatal Uber crash near Phoenix last year did more than push the pause button on testing. It also rattled consumers who someday will be asked to ride in self-driving vehicles.

Surveys taken after the Uber crash showed that drivers are reluctant to give up control to a computer. One by AAA found that 73 percent of American drivers would be too fearful to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle. Thats up from 63 percent in late 2017.

Autonomous vehicle companies are showing test passengers information on screens about where the vehicles are headed and what its sensors are seeing. The more people ride, the more they trust the vehicles, says Waymos Krafcik.

After they become more and more confident, they rarely look at the screens, and theyre on their phones or relaxing or sleeping, he said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Arizona Sharing Economy Ridesharing Uber Autonomous Vehicles
Court Says Only Congress Can Extend the ADEA in Ruling Involving 58 Year Old Law Firm Job Seeker

A divided U.S. appeals court has dealt a setback to older job applicants, saying they cannot invoke a federal law against age bias in employment to challenge hiring policies they believe have a discriminatory impact.

In an 8-4 decision, the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said the plain language of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which forbids discrimination against people 40 and older, showed that Congress intended that law to cover current employees, not outside job applicants.

The decision reversed a 2-1 ruling last April by a panel of the same court.

It also reinstated a federal district judges dismissal of Illinois resident Dale Klebers disparate impact claim against CareFusion Corp., a unit of medical device maker Becton Dickinson and Co.

Kleber claimed in his lawsuit that CareFusion decided not to interview him after he applied for a job as a lawyer in 2014, when he was 58 years old, and instead hired a less qualified candidate who was only 29.

The job description required that applicants have no more than 7 years of relevant experience, less than Kleber had.

Lawyers for AARP Foundation Litigation, which represented Kleber, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Becton Dickinson spokeswoman Kristen Cardillo said the company was pleased with the decision and is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination.

People 55 or older comprised 22.4 percent of U.S. workers in 2016, up from 11.9 percent in 1996, and may account for close to one-fourth of the labor force by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The majority opinion was written by Circuit Judge Michael Scudder, an appointee of President Donald Trump.

Scudder distinguished the ADEA from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which Congress has amended to cover job applicants. He said that body remained free to similarly extend the ADEA, which the judiciary cannot do.

Circuit Judge David Hamilton, an appointee of President Barack Obama, dissented, saying extending ADEA protections to job applicants tracked the U.S. Supreme Courts view of Title VII.

Hamilton also faulted the majority for offering no plausible policy reasons to ignore the more sensible and less arbitrary interpretation of the ADEA.

The case is Kleber v. CareFusion Corp., 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 17-1206.

Topics USA Talent
The National Liability & Fire Insurance Co. and the Boat Owners Association of the United States are suing a Vermont man in federal court in Rhode Island and are seeking to deny his claim on an $85,000 policy for his boat after it sank near Cape Cod, Mass., during a 2016 trip with his mother.

After Nathan Carmans boat, the Chicken Pox, sank, he survived for a week on a life raft, while his mother, Linda Carman, disappeared and has since been presumed dead.

The two insurance companies argued that criminal wrongdoing bars Carmans insurance claim, as he allegedly made faulty repairs to the boat the day before it sank and knew it was unseaworthy, according to the Associated Press.

Carman has previously said he believed his boat was safe.

In a separate action, The AP reported Carmans family filed a lawsuit in New Hampshire accusing him of killing his mother as well as his grandfather years earlier to collect an inheritance.

In the New Hampshire lawsuit, Carman is accused of being responsible for the 2013 shooting death of his 87-year-old grandfather, John Chakalos, a nursing home administrator and real estate developer, according to the AP.

The National Liability & Fire Insurance Co. has suggested that Carman may have thrown the gun used to kill his grandfather into the ocean.

The Boston Globe reported the company said in a filing that Carman and the rifle were criminally involved in his grandfathers murder, and the weapon lies at the bottom of the sea.

In a Jan. 29, 2019, hearing, The Providence Journal reported that U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan agreed to allow Carmans testimony from the New Hampshire case to be used in court proceedings over whether Carmans insurance claim on his boat must be paid.

Sullivan allowed National Liability & Fire Insurance Co. and the Boat Owners Association of The United States to receive Carmans sworn statements in that case as well as a Windsor, Conn., police investigation into the unsolved shooting death of Chakalos, the Providence Journal reported.

Carman has denied claims of wrongdoing and has never been charged with the death of his mother or grandfather.

National Liability and Fire Insurance Company is a Stamford, Conn.-based provider of P/C insurance and a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Group. Boat Owners Assoc. of the United States is a marine insurer based in Springfield, Va.

Topics Carriers USA
Idling in a long highway line of slowed or stopped traffic on a busy highway can be more than an inconvenience for drivers and highway safety officers. It is one of the most vulnerable times for secondary accidents, which often can be worse than an original source of the slowdown, according to the Federal Highway Administration, which reports that secondary crashes go up by a factor of almost 24 during the time that highway safety officials are assessing and documenting the crash site.

In 2016, there were more than 7 million police-reported traffic crashes in which 37,461 people were killed and an estimated 3,144,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Researchers at Purdue University say these crash assessments could be safer, faster and more accurate if responders used a drone technology they have developed.

Its the people at the back of the queue where you have traffic stopped who are most vulnerable and an approaching inattentive driver doesnt recognize that traffic is stopped or moving very slowly until it is too late, said Darcy Bullock, Purdue professor of Civil Engineering and Joint Transportation Research Program director. The occurrence of these secondary crashes can be reduced by finding ways to safely expedite the clearance time of the original crash.

Conventional mapping of a severe crash can take two to three hours, according to Bullock. Our procedure for data collection using a drone can map a scene in five to eight minutes, allowing public safety officers to open the roads much quicker after an accident, said Ayman Habib, the Purdue professor of Civil Engineering who developed the procedures.

The technology is already in use. The Tippecanoe County, Indiana sheriffs office used drones to map crash scenes 20 times in 2018 and another 15 times in the same year to support specialty law enforcement teams. Overall, it can cut 60 percent off the down time for traffic flow following a crash, said Capt. Robert Hainje of the Tippecanoe County sheriffs office. Hainje said the drones can also help with search and rescue, aerial support for search teams over water or in wooded areas and for fugitive apprehension.

John Bullock, a student in the School of Mechanical Engineering, worked with public safety colleagues to develop procedures for processing images that illustrate the position of vehicles, infrastructure and general terrain adjacent to the crash site. The drones record about 100 photos in two-second intervals. This data is used to develop an accurate scale map that with photos at the scene provides enough data to create a 3D print of the scene.

The technology is so much faster than traditional ground-based measurements and provides a much better comprehensive documentation that it opens up all different kinds of research, Habib said. It can provide high-quality maps, imagery, and models for post-crash investigation by engineers and public safety officials.
Beginning in April, Louisiana customers of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. will see a decrease in their auto insurance rates, the insurance department announced.

The department reported that Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon approved the third rate decrease filed by the company over the past nine months.

With the rate drop set to go into effect in April, more than one million policyholders in Louisiana will see a decrease of 3.2 percent. The two previous State Farm rate decreases that took effect within the past year are a 2.7 percent decrease for State Farm coverage on private passenger vehicles, effective in July 2018, and a 1.8 percent decrease that was effective in September 2018.

Taken together, the total impact of State Farms recent rate changes is -7.7 percent, the department said.

These decreases are directly attributable to competition in the auto insurance marketplace and again demonstrates that competition is truly the best protection for policyholders, Donelon said in a departmental media release. He added that State Farms actions will pressure other insurers to take similar steps.

Louisiana has some of the high auto insurance rates in the U.S. Donelon has previously attributed rising rates in the state to more crashes and insurance claims, the greater expense of repairing vehicles that have newer, sophisticated technology, as well as high litigation rates related to auto accidents.

Louisianas rates are the highest among the South Central states. According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Louisiana in 2016 (the most recent year for which NAIC data is available) had an overall average auto insurance rate of $1,302, compared with $1,009 in Texas, $851 in Oklahoma and $772 in Arkansas. The national average expenditure per insured vehicle in 2016 was $936.

The average auto insurance rate has risen since then, according to the 2017-2018 Annual Report for the Louisiana Property and Casualty Insurance Commission (LPCIC). That report shows the average auto premium per vehicle in Louisiana had risen to $1,921, and that the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas have the highest auto rates in the state.

In August 2018, Donelon formed the Louisiana High Auto Rates Task Force, with the aim of investigating the states auto insurance market and making recommendations to the Legislature for actions to lower rates.

Topics Auto Louisiana
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, Louisiana, 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) 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.

The money was used for purposes for which it was not intended.

Gaudet served as vice president of the Port Commission until he was defeated on Nov. 6, 2018, 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 Abuse Molestation
In response to a filing by North Carolina insurers for a 17.4 percent rate increase in homeowners insurance rates, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has set a Sept. 4, 2019 hearing date, saying he does not think the rate request is justified.

There is a pervasive lack of documentation, explanation, and justification of both the data used, as well as the procedures and methodologies utilized in the filing, Causey said in his hearing notice to the North Carolina Rate Bureau, which files rates on behalf of insurers in the state. The proposed rates appear to be excessive and unfairly discriminatory.

The hearing will be held unless the North Carolina Department of Insurance and NCRB are able to negotiate a settlement before that date. State law gives the state insurance commissioner 45 days to issue an order once the hearing concludes.

Once the order is issued, the NCRB has the right to appeal the decision to the N.C. Court of Appeals. A Court of Appeals order could then be appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court.

NCDOI and NCRB can settle the proposed rate increase during litigation.

The NCRB filed the average statewide 17.4 percent increase on Dec. 20, 2018. The filing covers insurance for residential property, tenants, and condominiums at varying rates around the state.

Under the NCRB proposal, the biggest increases would be felt along the coast. The NCRB has requested certain areas in western North Carolina receive small rate decreases. These areas include Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, and Macon counties. Rates for tenants and condominium insurance would see proposed decreases in other counties.

According to NCDOI, the NCRB attests the increase is needed to cover increased losses, hurricane losses and the net cost of reinsurance.

The NCRB represents insurance companies that write the states homeowners, auto and workers compensation policies. It is a separate entity from NCDOI.

The public comment period for the proposed rate hike is open until Feb. 26, 2019. People can comment at the public comment forum on Feb. 26; via e-mail to 2018Homeowners@ncdoi.gov; or by mail to Tricia Ford at 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1201.

All public comments will be shared with NCRB.

Topics Carriers North Carolina
Upgraded Ratings for Northwest G.F. Mutual Insurance

AM Best upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to bbb from bbb- of Northwest G.F. Mutual Insurance Co. (NWGF), a farm and personal lines insurer in Eureka, South Dakota. The outlook has been revised to stable from positive.

The ratings reflect the property/casualty insurers balance sheet strength, which is categorized as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The operating performance assessment was revised upward to adequate from marginal. NWGF has shown a clear trend of improved operating return measures over the past five years. The improved results have been driven predominantly by improved underwriting performance, particularly incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses. NWGFs improved operating results have fueled robust growth in policyholders surplus over the past five years.

The balance sheet assessment of strong reflects risk-adjusted capitalization being at the strongest level and improving underwriting and reserving leverage measures, which are offset by the companys limited financial flexibility and scale of operations.

The limited business profile assessment is driven largely by NWGFs geographic concentration in North and South Dakota, which exposes results to frequent and severe weather-related events, as well as potential judicial, economic or regulatory challenges.

The appropriate ERM assessment is driven by an evolving risk management framework, and risk management capabilities that remain appropriately commensurate with the complexity of the business.

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Upgraded

AM Best 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 continues to monitor pricing.

Grinnells balance sheet strength level reflects its strongest level of overall risk-adjusted capitalization, conservative investment portfolio, favorable liquidity and prudent reserving practices.

The group 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. It 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.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Credit Ratings Downgraded

AM Best downgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to a- from a of Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co. (Brotherhood) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.The outlook is stable.

The ratings reflect Brotherhoods balance sheet strength, categorized as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The rating actions reflect deterioration in Brotherhoods overall balance sheet strength due to a decline in its risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and the instability of its loss reserves following a significant increase in net carried reserves in third-quarter 2018.

Beginning in late 2017 and continuing in 2018, Brotherhood strengthened its reserve position across all core business lines following several consecutive years of adverse development reported on prior accident years. According to management, the underlying factors supporting this strengthening process were to develop a more conservative reserve position and to adopt industry best practices.

Overall, the companys strong balance sheet is supported by a very strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization, high quality assets with adequate liquidity, partially offset by ongoing adverse reserve development that spiked in 2018, and above-average common stock leverage.

Operating performance has been adequate in most years, derived from generally profitable underwriting results and supported by a steady flow of net investment income.

In 2018, despite the negative impact from Hurricanes Florence and Michael, as well as the California Camp Fire, underwriting losses were driven primarily by the companys reserve strengthening actions.

Brotherhoods neutral business profile reflects its geographic diversification, as it operates in most states and serves a market niche providing coverages to churches and related ministry organizations. AM Best considers the ERM program to be appropriate for the companys risk profile, with enhanced capabilities in assessing risk tolerance levels. Brotherhoods catastrophe exposure is managed through a comprehensive reinsurance program to mitigate losses.

That stable outlooks are based on AM Bests expectation of Brotherhood maintaining a strong balance sheet and operating performance returning to pre-2018 levels despite its ongoing exposure to weather-related events, with approximately 60 percent of loss exposures being property related.

Topics Profit Loss Underwriting Reinsurance AM Best Risk Management
National

AmWINS, The Flood Agency

Specialty insurance broker AmWINS Group has agreed to acquire The Flood Insurance Agency, a Florida-based managing general agency that specializes in private market flood insurance. The Flood Insurance Agency, operating as a program administrator for surplus lines carrier Lexington Insurance Co., provides access to a private market alternative to the government-run National Flood Insurance Program. Evan Hecht is founder and chief executive officer. According to the MGA, its program insures more than $4.5 billion of property in 37 states. More than 3,000 agencies are registered to use the program.

Generali Global, A. J. Gallagher

Generali Global Assistance has acquired Trip Mate from Arthur J. Gallagher. Trip Mate is incorporated in Kansas and domiciled in Missouri. It is licensed in all states. Its plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Co., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. and Arch Insurance Co. GGA said Trip Mate will continue to trade under its current brand but is now under the umbrella of GGA companies in the U.S.

SunTrust, BB&T Corp.

SunTrust Banks and BB&T Corp. have agreed to merge in an all-stock merger of equals valued at approximately $66 billion. The combined company will be the sixth-largest U.S. bank based on assets and deposits. The pro forma company will have approximately $442 billion in assets, $301 billion in loans, and $324 billion in deposits serving more than 10 million households. The combined company will operate under a new name and brand. A new corporate headquarters will be established in Charlotte, N.C. BB&T shareholders will own approximately 57 percent and SunTrust shareholders will own approximately 43 percent of the combined company. BB&T Insurance Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T Corp., is the fifth largest insurance broker.

East

Solutions Insurance, Gloron Agency

Solutions Insurance & Financial Services of Fairfield, N.J., has joined personal and commercial lines insurance agency Gloron Agency Inc. of New York, N.Y. The headquarters for the newly combined firm will remain in Manhattan, and the Fairfield, N.J., office will continue to operate. Solutions President Jon Maizel brings 25 years of agency ownership to Gloron.

Hub, Rubin Group

Hub International Limited has acquired the assets of The Rubin Group Inc. President Michael Rubin, along with his team, will join Hub International Northeast. Headquartered in New York, N.Y., The Rubin Group specializes in real estate, retail, construction and transportation.

Hilb, Aloisio Associates, DCamera Group

The Hilb Group has acquired Rhode Island-based Aloisio Insurance Associates, a property/casualty insurance agency located in North Providence. AIA and its associates will join THGs regional operations in New England following the acquisition.

The Hilb Group has also acquired DCamera Group in Annapolis, Md., a property/casualty agency serving the Mid-Atlantic region. DG Agency President Dean DCamera and his associates will join THGs Mid-Atlantic operations following the acquisition.

Kaplansky, KW Insurance

Kaplansky Insurance in Massachusetts has acquired KW Insurance, an agency with locations in Dedham and Cambridge, Mass. The KW Dedham location will merge with Kaplankys corporate headquarters in Needham. The KW Cambridge location will continue to operate under the Kaplansky name. Kaplansky currently operates 13 locations throughout Massachusetts.

XPT Group, SVA Underwriting

XPT Group has acquired New York City-based SVA Underwriting Services, a trucking and transportation MGA and Lloyds coverholder that specializes in physical damage and cargo cover. The firm was founded in 2013 by Steven Vallejo. SVA Underwriting will continue to operate under its established brand name. This is XPTs third investment preceded by Western Security Surplus and WE Love & Associates.

Ensurise, Reese, Yeatman

Independent insurance agency Ensurise has merged with the property/casualty insurance brokerage operations of Reese, Yeatman & Associates. Reese Yeatman will continue to operate as Reese Yeatman Insurance from its Bethesda, Md., location. Founded by Michael G. Reese Sr., Reese Yeatman is in its second generation of leadership under Michael Reese Jr. and Thomas Riley. Ensurise partners with insurance agencies in the Washington, D.C. area.

Ryan Specialty, Boston Specialists

Ryan Specialty Group has acquired the assets and operations of Boston Insurance Specialists, a wholesale insurance brokerage with offices in Mansfield and Westfield, Mass. The BIS team is now a part of R-T Specialty, the wholesale brokerage unit of RSG. BIS is a family-owned business led by founders Debbie Murphy and Peggy Giancola.

Midwest

Greenlight Capital Re, AccuRisk

Reinsurer Greenlight Capital Re is again investing in the Chicago-based managing general underwriter AccuRisk Solutions. Greenlight Re made an initial investment in AccuRisk in 2017. With the new investment, Greenlight is the largest shareholder in AccuRisk. The new investment will enable AccuRisk, which is focused on employee benefits, to expand through acquisitions.

Sichko Agency, Smith & Leavitt

Ohio-based David Sichko Agency has affiliated with Smith & Leavitt Insurance Services and will now do business as Leavitt Group Midwest-Smith, Molino & Sichko. The agency will continue to offer Nationwide products. The same personnel will continue to serve clients from the office in Columbus.

K2 Insurance, Mid-America Managers

K2 Insurance Services has acquired the assets and operations of Mid-America Risk Managers, a Nebraska-based farm and agricultural specialty general agency that is one of the largest program managers of coverage for Center Pivot Irrigation Sprinklers in the U.S. It underwrites on behalf of members of Great American, Travelers and Century. Paul Friskopp will continue as president of MARM going forward.

Kerry Besnia, formerly of Great American Insurance, has joined MARM to help facilitate future growth of this program. This acquisition complements other acquisitions in the agricultural industry by K2, a holding company in San Diego.

South Central

A.J. Gallagher, Interstate Insurance

Global insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher has acquired Shreveport, Louisiana-based Interstate Insurance Underwriters. Founded in 1963, Interstate Insurance Underwriters is a managing general agency with a focus on general liability, property, garage and inland marine risks. Lawrence, Taylor and Logan Calhoun and their associates will remain in their current location as a satellite of Risk Placements Covington, Louisiana, office, operating under the direction of Joel Stinson, head of RPSs South Central region.

A.J. Gallagher, Chapman Group

Global insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher has acquired Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based The Chapman Group, an employee benefit consultant and retail property/casualty broker. Bill and Will Chapman and their associates will continue to operate from their current location under the direction of Robby White, head of Gallaghers South Central region, and Bumpy Triche, head of Gallaghers Mid-South region retail property/casualty brokerage operations.

Hub, US Insurance Source

Insurance broker Hub International has bought the assets of US Insurance Source and certain affiliates. Based in Spring, Texas, USIS is a commercial independent insurance agency specializing in trucking coverages. Mark Walton, owner of USIS, will join Hub Transportation and report to Jerry Gillikin, executive vice president of Hub Transportation.

Southeast

Marsh & McLennan, Bouchard Insurance

The middle market agency subsidiary of Marsh has agreed to acquire Clearwater, Fla.-based Bouchard Insurance, an independent agency in Florida. Bouchard has 260 colleagues in its Clearwater, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Maitland, Sarasota, and Tampa, Florida offices. The firm specializes in agribusiness, community associations, construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, staffing and social services industries. Bouchard will maintain its office locations and operate as Bouchard Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency company. Doug Bishop, who has served as CEO of Bouchard since 2009, will continue to lead the operation.

Hub, Fortenberry McNamara

Hub International has acquired a book of business from Fortenberry McNamara of Jackson, Miss., an affiliate of Executive Planning Group, an employee benefits consulting firm. William McNamara, one of the owners, will join Hub Gulf South. H. Larry Fortenberry will continue to operate Executive Planning Groups wealth management and individual insurance operations.

West

Alliant, Public Sector Pension Board

Newport Beach, Calif.-based Alliant Insurance Services Inc. announced that a Canadian pension investment manager has invested in the firm. The investment by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board is joined by an additional investment from funds managed by Stone Point Capital. Following the transaction, funds managed by Stone Point will remain Alliants largest institutional shareholders while the companys management and producers will continue to own the majority of the firm. Alliant provides property/casualty and employee benefits products.

Topics USA Florida Louisiana New York A.J. Gallagher
The tool works by listing all the major insurance products that are being searched online daily, then pointing customers to agents based on their proximity and relevance to the customers search terms. Frank Medinas tool utilizes a search algorithm based on users current IP address to check which agents are nearby.

We wanted to do something that addresses the challenges that customers face in finding local insurance agents, said Frank Medina, who made the tool.

With a lot of insurance services moving online, over 70% of customers search online when trying to find insurance products. However, because most customers lack the time or expertise to study the different types of insurance policies available and decide exactly what they need, they still rely heavily on insurance agents for advice and guidance. The problem arises when they need to decide who is the right agent, he added.

According to Medina, a Google search for insurance agent near me usually returns more than 400 million results  and the first results on each page are typically for big-name top national insurance carriers. Such results could be frustrating for customers who are looking for truly local agents close to them.
D&O claim trends remain averse to the insurance carriers. The number of claims is increasing and theres a backlog of claims unsettled, Norton told Insurance Business. However, my analysis shows that, at least temporarily, claims dont seem to be costing more. Is that because easier claims are being settled faster, or is it because theres a trend that the average claim size might be levelling off?

I seem to be alone in the camp of even making the suggestion that claim severity might be levelling off, but I stand by that theory and for good reason, which is that were seeing more and more medium-sized companies being sued than ever before. The size of a mistake or alleged mistake that a medium-sized business can make is going to be much smaller than a Fortune 500 firm. Simply put, smaller alleged mistakes mean smaller settlements.

Despite the potential levelling out of severity in D&O claims, insurers remain concerned about aggregate costs rising alongside the frequency of claims. In order to counteract that, theyre shifting their focus from growing market to growing profitability by raising rates, Norton explained. What that means for brokers is that theyre going to be under pressure to deliver rate increases in the range of 5% to 15%, or carriers will let someone else take the business.

This is going to be the first year in a long time where my clients will see a rate increase, unless we do something creative, said Norton. By creative, we might have to change the layers in their program, the size of the layers, and the size of the retention or deductible. In some cases, the right thing to do might be to pay more money to ensure you have a rock solid D&O program with the right carrier and the right structure.

One of the key market trends Norton has identified is that medium-severity D&O claims are on the up. He attributes this to the emergence of a new breed of plaintiff attorneys who are focused on operational and event-based claims. According to Norton, this emerging plaintiffs bar is wreaking havoc for medium-sized business because the associated defense costs are proving unduly high versus historic levels.

Event-driven claims are dramatically on the rise. They can trigger from anything like missed earnings, product-based issues and operations oriented situations, as well as claims generated from cyber breaches and sexual harassment or discrimination, Norton commented. If you turn back the clock 10 to 15-years-ago, these claims werent as clear cut. A company might have caused an environmental problem, or had allegations of sexual harassment within its workforce, but it didnt automatically translate into a D&O claim.

In the 2019 D&O Market Conditions whitepaper, Norton highlighted two event-based D&O claims relating to fires. The first was a claim filed against Arconic, the manufacturer of the cladding panels used to refurbish the Grenfell Tower in London, which tragically went up in flames in June 2017, resulting in 72 deaths. The second claim Norton highlighted was brought against Anadarko Petroleum Corporation after a fire at an oil tank battery on May 26, 2017, led to the shutdown of approximately 3,000 vertical wells.

The report states: With people killed in both instances, liability suits are not unexpected, but D&O suits are historically unlikelynot so this time. We attribute the change to the newer mix of plaintiff attorneys testing D&O liability theories and expecting to be paid for their efforts as well.

The logic of the plaintiff attorneys is something along the lines of: the directors and officers should have had more safety protocols in place to protect from fires, Norton commented. In the Anadarko case for example, the plaintiff attorneys can argue: If you didnt have that fire, you wouldnt have had the damage to the plant, you wouldnt have had to shut down the wells, you wouldnt have lost money, and your stock prices wouldnt have gone down. Theyre trying to set up this causal strategy and theyre the likely champions of these claims. These types of cases may be harder to prove, but the new plaintiff attorneys are testing the waters all the time.

Its important for brokers to understand this dynamic so that they can educate their clients about the changing market. Were certainly trying to do that at Gallagher, but when it comes to a lot of the market, I dont think they really understand the big picture at all.
Our thoughts are with the individuals, families, and businesses who have been impacted by the catastrophic events in north Queensland, said Vivek Bhatia, QBE Australia Pacific CEO. We know when the rain hits its just the beginning and theres a great deal to do to get these communities back on their feet and relief from organisations like the Red Cross is critical to aid response and recovery.

Bhatia said the insurer had enacted its catastrophe management plan, bolstering claims teams and response efforts over the last two weeks to support impacted customers.

Our catastrophe management plan has been activated and were processing claims from customers impacted in north Queensland as a priority, with additional team members in place to take calls and support lodgement, Bhatia said. Weve also mobilised our assessors and tradespeople and have people on the ground in Townsville to provide support to our customers.

The insurer urged impacted customers to prioritise their safety as they inspect damage to their properties and to lodge their claims as soon as possible.

Well continue to work closely with our customers throughout the claims process to get them back on their feet  assessing damage and actioning repairs as soon as its safe and possible, Bhatia said.

To make a claim, customers insured directly with QBE can call on 133 QBE (133 723), while customers who have bought policies through an intermediary or financial institution can contact them or QBE directly on 1800 023 387.
Financial lines is a fundamentally important part of our business, and I am delighted that Kyle will be leading our team in Continental Europe, commented Adrian Matthews, chief operating officer, head of property and casualty, Continental Europe. Kyle has a proven track record as a leader, achieving tremendous success in his role as regional cyber underwriting manager.

He has been instrumental in creating a powerful cyber proposition for Chubb throughout Europe by providing our clients with the comprehensive and holistic protection they need in this evolving risk area. Kyle is expertly placed to ensure we continue to grow our financial lines portfolio through new agile solutions and methods of delivery for our customers and brokers.

Effective immediately, Bryant will report not only to Matthews but also to Steve Goldman, head of financial lines, Chubb Overseas General. He will be in charge of leading the financial lines team in the region  overseeing strategic development, execution, and financial performance.
As we previously reported, Cloutier left Brit Limited  where he also served as executive chairman  to make the switch to the Bermuda-headquartered insurance group.

I am honoured to be appointed as the next CEO of Aspen, he said in the latest announcement. I truly believe that the company benefits from strong underwriting talent and specialised expertise, which makes it ideally positioned to deliver innovative solutions to the increasingly complex risks faced by its customers.

I am very excited about what Aspen can achieve in the coming years. I would like to thank Chris for his key role and support over the last few months and for making the transition from public to private so seamless. He has built an impressive franchise over the past 17 years and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Aspen shares have ceased trading on the New York Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange, with all of the outstanding ordinary shares snapped up by the Apollo funds for US$42.75 per share in cash. The acquisition represents an equity value of approximately US$2.6 billion.

Seventeen years ago, with 38 colleagues, US$600 million of assets, and a vision, we formed Aspen, stated OKane, who wishes his successor and the company success. As a result of hard work, determination, and an unwavering dedication to our clients, Aspen is now a force in the reinsurance and insurance markets with over US$12 billion of assets and around 1,150 employees.

I am extremely proud of our accomplishments and I cherish the relationships and friendships, both within Aspen and in the broader market, which we formed along the way. I would like to thank all my colleagues at Aspen as well as our clients and brokers for all their considerable support over the years, and it delights me to see Aspen poised to go from strength to strength under the new leadership of Mark Cloutier.

Meanwhile, directors Albert Beer, Matthew Botein, Gary Gregg, Heidi Hutter, Karl Mayr, Bret Pearlman, and Ron Pressman are also leaving the board effective immediately. John Cavoores and Gordon Ireland remain and will be joined by Josh Black, Alex Humphreys, Gernot Lohr, Gary Parr, and Michael Saffer.

We are excited for our funds to be acquiring Aspen as it embarks on the next chapter of its development, commented Apollo partner Alex Humphreys. We are delighted to be working with Mark again following our successful investment together in Brit Insurance.

Mark has a long and successful track record in the insurance sector and we believe he is ideally placed to lead Aspen through a period of transition to substantially improved profitability. We look forward to working with him and Aspens talented management team to drive value creation over the coming years.
Local Twin Cities artists Enzyrose, Eyenga Bokamba, Noah Lawrence-Holder, LeShon Lee, and Meadow Gillispie, talk about their reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and life as a black artist during this time.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  An Iranian national is facing direct assault charges after reportedly punching, kicking and burning a policeman's hand with a cigarette Sunday in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

According to a spot report by the local police, the 31-year-old Iranian, identified as Fereshteh Najafi Marbouyeh, was brought to the municipal police station after causing a commotion along Tabinay village. It was unclear what the cause of the said scandal was.

After receiving a phone call from the barangay's chairperson, police personnel headed to the vicinity and attempted to pacify the suspect. The woman was then brought to the police station for investigation.

The Iranian, however, reportedly became more aggressive and berated uniformed officials in the police station. She allegedly kicked and punched PO2 Ferr Henrick Mangarin, and also scorched his left hand with a cigarette.

Marbouyeh was charged with direct assault upon person in authority. She remains under custody of the municipal police for "proper disposition."
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ArtBAB 2019 (Art Bahrain Across Borders), Bahrains foremost international art fair, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain, is going to be organised from 6th to 10th March 2019. Six artists from two galleries of India will be showcasing their artwork in this highly anticipated exhibition this year.

The theme of this fourth edition of the Middle Easts youngest and most promising art fair is Legacies which will explore the nearly 50 year-old Bahraini contemporary art scene and its foundation in the Kingdoms rich art heritage.

Art aficionados will be thrilled after visiting the fair this year as they will be taken beyond the canvases of the artists through the Virtual Reality Corner, the first of its kind in the region. This incredible Virtual Reality tour will allow exploration of some of the worlds leading private museums.

There will also be a diverse Speakers Programme, during the Fair, which will bring together art foundations, cultural districts and museums with fintech, blockchain, AI and VR specialists.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Director of the Office of Her Royal Highness Wife of the King of Bahrain said, We are proud of the unique conversations that we have started about Bahraini art around the world  in 2018 alone, our supporting project Artists Across Borders has taken few Bahraini artists to Paris, Moscow, Singapore, India and the UK. In the 2019 edition of the Fair, we shall explore not just the heritage and legacies that inspire Bahraini contemporary art but also the new directions of art on the global stage. We shall also have a beautifully curated Artisanal Room featuring special installations and large masterpieces rooted in the traditional skills of Bahraini crafts heritage.

CH Gandhi, 41x57 inches



Talking about the participation of Indian artists in ArtBAB 2019, Kaneka Subberwal, Fairs and Programme Director of ArtBAB 2019, said Indian galleries and artists generally have prominent presence at the fair every year. This year also, I am delighted to announce that we have received confirmations from six Indian artists to take part. The art fairs 2019 edition would be an exciting amalgam of Bahraini art and cutting-edge trends from the art industry.

Our Virtual Corner at ArtBAB 2019 will take the art experience beyond borders  the public will be able to have three different VR experiences using Vive Pro Headsets and literally touch celebrated contemporary Chinese art collections, 17th century Dutch and Flemish masterpieces as well as millennial VR artwork, added Kaneka.

Two artists from Cosmic Heart Gallery of Mumbai - Natasha Lalla and Shailan Parker, with a flair for contemporary, abstract art will be displaying their work at ArtBAB 2019. Painting for over two decades, Natasha Lalla has developed a distinct style of her own, which involves painting with her fingers.

The artist has never owned a paintbrush and makes use of vivid colours to create stunningly abstract pieces that unleash a host of creative and universal energies. Shailan Parker is a versatile photographer with over thirty years of experience in varied photography disciplines. He brings a keen understanding of design concepts and digital technology to his work.

His spontaneous expression results in conscious and remarkable abstract imagery of nature. These alluring works are a balance of skill, technique and art. Cosmic Heart Gallery established by Jalpa H Vithalani, is a platform for young artists and veterans in art, photography, printmaking and sculpture where every show is curated with empathy and meticulous attention to detail.

Rohit Sharma, 14X 14 Inches, Water Colour on Paper



Four emerging contemporary artists from Seed Art Gallery (Delhi) will be showcasing their artwork at ArtBAB 2019. Each of these artists will bring together a synergistic mix of pop, quirky artworks that fit into a world platform of contemporary art whilst holding on to its cultural routes.

Pratik Sharmas work will offers a quirky perspective into an auto-mobile world. His forte lies in his ability to create high contrast. CH Gandhis work will be reflection of his perception in the realm of understanding the society. Farhad Hussain's colourful work will include drawings and watercolours besides paintings on canvas, and will feature day to day visual experiences of the middle class urban India.

Rohit Sharma imbibes his empirical experiences of the roads of Delhi and brings out the various nuances of everyday life associated with the roads. His work will be the reflection of his intimacy with his city, his love of its various simple aspects from the roads, the cows, the old cars, inviting all of us to look at the obvious with a new understanding and sensibility.

In its effort to decode the intersection between art, culture and technology, ArtBAB 2019 will also host an impressive array of speakers through a series of panel discussions, debates and interviews.

Natasha Lalla, Horizon XXVI, 140cms x 104cms, Acrylic on Canvas



ArtBAB 2019 will also redefine Bahrains rich crafts heritage through a contemporary design exhibit. Visitors can view large modern installations of Bahraini crafts and explore contemporary Bahraini arts and crafts that will present Bahrain as a country which is open to modern thought, without losing the essence of its timeless traditions.

This Artisans Across Borders initiative will open new creative channels, making the arts and crafts relevant in the new millennium. The project will be headlined by acclaimed Indian fashion designer JJ Valaya, who will work closely with the Bahraini craftspeople.

ArtBAB aims to reinforce Bahrains position in the Gulf as a regional arts hub, inspiring entrepreneurship, art education and local skills development. Strategic Partner of the event is Tamkeen, Bahrains change management agency which supports the building of human resources and the Kingdoms industrial and knowledge growth management.

ArtBAB is the flagship project of Art Select, the international Bahrain-based art advisory, consultancy and curator of art events. The fourth edition of the annual art fair shall take place from March 6-10, 2019 at the Bahrain international Exhibitions and Convention Centre.
By Maria Tanatar

New car sales in Europe totaled 1,195,665 units in January 2019, compared with 1,253,596 vehicles sold in the corresponding month of 2018.

"The European passenger car market saw a slow start to the year, posting a 4.6% decline compared with one year ago,"...
Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswami (left) was the speaker Feb. 13 at the naturalization ceremony for 200 new citizens at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts. The Indian American angel investor shared the story of his own path to U.S. citizenship. (photo courtesy of Indiaspora)
Scientific American recently published an article stating that a breathing technique called Cardiac Coherence Breathing can make life better. Indians around the world reminded the publication that the above-mentioned technique is just a rebranded version of a yoga exercise called Pranayama. (pixabay.com photo)
Even as the nation is still mourning the death of CRPF jawans who were killed in a suicide attack on their convoy, terrorists have struck once again.

Five army personnel, including a major, were killed in a gunfight between terrorists and the security forces in Pulwama.

The encounter broke out after a joint team of the police and Army's 55 RR launched a search operation overnight at Pingilana village in Pulwama after receiving inputs.

ANI

According to reports, two or three militants are believed to be trapped at the site.

The slain soldiers were Major DS Dondial, Head Constable Seva Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh.

ANI

Another Sepoy, Gulzar Mohammad who was critically injured in the encounter was evacuated to Army's 92 base hospital Badamibagh Srinagar for treatment but succumbed to his injuries.

There are also reports that at least two civilians, in whose house the terrorists had taken shelter have also been killed.

Also Read: Ex-Armymen Stage Protest At Jantar Mantar, Blame Politicians For Loss Of Jawans' Lives To Terrorist Attack In Pulwama

Monday's encounter comes even as the region has been on high alert following the killing of 44 CRPF personnel by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed.
White House emergency declaration starts the next battle in Congress, courts

Fight will determine the powers of Congress versus the executive branchBy Mark TrahantIndian Country Today

President Donald J. Trump made good on his promise Friday to declare a national emergency on the southern U.S. border.

And thus begins a huge fight about presidential power, the border, and the Constitution.

The president said the action will be challenged by the courts that will go to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. We will possibly get a bad ruling, and then we'll get another bad ruling and then we'll end up in the Supreme Court," Trump said. He said the issue will end up at the Supreme Court where the administration will get a fair shake and we'll win in the Supreme Court, just like the (travel) ban.

He said this emergency order survive a court challenge, possibly the easiest one to win" because there is a virtual invasion along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Happily we'll win, he said.

We have a president who wants to spend billions of dollars on a wall. Wouldnt that money be put to better use investing in a #GreenNewDeal? #ActOnClimate pic.twitter.com/8gFJhq2FUS  Rep. Deb Haaland (@RepDebHaaland) February 17, 2019

The president said the action was necessary to build the wall faster. The administration will reprogram more than $6 billion from the Department of Defense and Treasury. The White House said the military projects could be repaid the following fiscal year. But that requires an appropriation from Congress.

In addition to any litigation, the emergency power authority of the president can be challenged by the Congress. That would be a motion of disapproval that would start in the House and, if passed, the Senate would have to vote on that measure.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the presidents action a power grab. The Democratic leaders said it clearly violate the Congresss exclusive power of the purse, which our Founders enshrined in the Constitution.

The Brennan Center for Justice issued a statement that said the emergency declaration highlights the need for reform of presidential authority. Currently, ending an emergency declaration requires Congress to muster a veto-proof supermajority. But there are alternative systems  for example, in many other democracies, the head of state declares a state of emergency, but the declaration is strictly time-limited, and only the legislature can renew it.

While not perfect, the funding package I voted for yesterday is a good bipartisan, bicameral compromise that keeps our government open, funds smart &effective security at our borders, & funds many other important investments in our communities. Read more: https://t.co/voSgTdbEFf  Congresswoman Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) February 15, 2019

Rep. Deb Haaland, D-New Mexico, Laguna Pueblo, called the presidents action the next battle.

Make no mistake, this administrations treatment of asylum seekers is abhorrent and goes against everything we hold dear in this country. During my trip to the border last weekend, I saw children separated from their parents whose lives will be forever changed by this trauma. Never did the border feel unsafe, and it is by no means a national emergency, she said

As we move forward, House Democrats will hold the administration accountable for any attempts to increase detention or inhumane treatment of immigrant families," Haaland said. "I will fight against President Trumps senseless emergency declaration and for a comprehensive approach to fix our broken immigration system that recognizes the humanity and dignity of the people seeking a better life in our country.

Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, Ho Chunk, said the money being used is intended for the military and to help us after natural disasters like tornadoes and flooding. It is dangerous to national security and its dangerous to our democracy."

The security of the Americans inside our country is the responsibility of #Congress & @POTUS. President Trump did what needed to be done in declaring an emergency at our border. He has my complete and total support. #WeeklyWrapUp pic.twitter.com/obeW2YzHFo  Markwayne Mullin (@RepMullin) February 15, 2019

On the other side of the question, Rep. Markwayne Mullin , R-Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation, said he supports the president. We can no longer ignore the influx of deadly drugs, human trafficking, and criminal activity at the U.S.-Mexico border, he said. The president is our commander-in-chief. If he deems the crisis at our southern border an emergency, I am confident it is. I am proud to stand behind President Trump as he builds the wall to protect the law abiding citizens inside the United States.

Earlier this month, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, Chickasaw, said on MSNBC that he agreed there is a national emergency at the border but warned of an unwelcome precedent.

I think declaring emergencies where youre going to immediately go to court  its going to be litigated for months where its not immediately obvious to everybody in America is a high-risk proposition.

Tribes on the southern border have said the federal government should not act unilaterally to build a border on tribal lands. A resolution passed by the National Congress of American Indians says border officials must act as partners in border security in a way that treats tribal governments and First Nations communities as equal, yet sovereign governmental partners.

Much of the lands on the border is on tribal lands, including at least 62 miles on the Tohono Oodham Nation. Last year the tribe said a letter from the Border Patrol informed tribe members that neither the FY17 nor FY18 budget has wall funding that would affect the nation. Its not clear if the emergency declaration changes that position.

video from the Tohono Oodham Nation said: Long before there was a border, tribal members traveled back and forth to visit family, participate in cultural and religious events, and many other practices. For these reasons and many others, the Nation has opposed fortified walls on the border for many years.

We visited the site where a child migrant, Felipe Alonzo-Gomez, was apprehended. He later died in the Administrations custody. We must ensure the safety of children seeking refuge in our country. #DemsAtTheBorder #JusticeforFelipe pic.twitter.com/uON9EnR7iG  Steny Hoyer (@LeaderHoyer) February 10, 2019

Mark Trahant is the editor of Indian Country Today . He is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes . Follow him on Twitter @TrahantReports

This story originally appeared on Indian Country Today

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And now a good word about Elizabeth Warren

By Professor Elizabeth Cook-LynnNative Sun News Today Columnist

Its more than a hobby, I would suspect, but I am not sure what DNA tells us.

I have friends who are curious about what Internet sources say DNA is supposed to tell us about where we came from as well as what traits are embedded in our genetic makeup. There are now scholars across the country who are studying about this phenomenon.

Like our current President Donald Trump and his party of dis-agreeable folks there seems to be an interest in this, since he recently criticized Elizabeth Warren, a senator from Oklahoma, saying that she doesnt know who she is, and should not claim to be a native. Trumps roots are in Europe, (a purist, his thinking goes), and that means that hers must be, too, yet talk to any Oklahoman about it and the plot (to say nothing about blood) thickens.

Elizabeth Cook-Lynn. Courtesy photo

Elizabeth Warren is a brilliant lawyer, and an outstanding senator. Whether she is a Cherokee is debatable. But, she was born and raised in Oklahoma and the truth is, today half the population in that state claims what she claims. That doesnt mean that without Sovereign Citizenship in a federally recognized tribal nation you can claim whatever you want to claim!!

She was wrong to do so, and she has apologized. None-the-less, Warren took on the bankers and shamed them for their greed which is more than President Trumps group has done. She is a defender of all the things that her party, the Democrats, have a long history of defending, mostly defense against the power of the good old boys.

But, history follows itself. Many of us remember the college days when if you could make the claim to be a native, you could be eligible for financial assistance and that is, apparently, what Warren did. It was a sleazy thing that many white students did and if that didnt work, you could file a law suit against the school for denying your entrance in order to give preference to minority students.

And many white students did. They got jobs that way, too. Too many of them are now running our Indian based school systems and governmental entities.

Contact Elizabeth Cook-Lynn at ecooklynn@gmail.com

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Sinema joins GOP, two Democrats, to confirm Barr as attorney general

By Andrew HowardCronkite News

WASHINGTON  Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema was one of just three Democrats who crossed party lines Thursday and voted to confirm William Barr as attorney general, despite critics concerns that Barr might interfere with probes of the Trump administration.

The Democrats were not the difference for Barr, who was confirmed with a nine-vote margin, and Sinemas vote was no surprise  besides announcing her intentions this week, she campaigned on a pledge to cross party lines as needed.

Kyrsten Sinema has shown she is a very smart politician, and knowing that she is a recently elected senator in a traditionally Republican-heavy Arizona, I think its not going to be much of a surprise  where she breaks with party ranks, said Mike Noble, a political analyst based in Scottsdale.

Sinemas office declined to comment Thursday, instead referring to her statement after her Tuesday meeting with Barr. She said then that she evaluates nominees based on whether he or she is professionally qualified, believes in the mission of his or her agency, and can be trusted to faithfully execute and uphold the law as it exists.

After meeting with Mr. Barr and thoughtfully considering his nomination, I believe Mr. Barr meets this criteria, her statement said.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), far right, discusses water issues with leaders of the Gila River Indian Community in her office in Washington, D.C., on February 14, 2019. The Gila River Indian Community has been critical to advancing the Drought Contingency Plan. Im grateful for Governor Lewis leadership, and I look forward to working together as we advance the plan through Congress, Sinema said. Photo: Office of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Sen. Martha McSally, R-Arizona, also voted to confirm Barr, whom she previously called well-qualified to be attorney general, particularly given his exemplary service as attorney general for President George H.W. Bush.

Only one Republican, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, opposed Barr in the 54-45 vote while Democrats Sinema, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Doug Jones of Alabama supported his confirmation. Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, did not vote.

Barr came in for sharp questioning from Democrats during his Senate Judiciary Committee hearing over concerns that he might protect the White House against Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Many were like Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, who questioned Barr on a 2018 memo he wrote that was highly critical of the Mueller investigation. She said the next attorney general must be willing to resist political pressure and be committed to protecting this investigation.

When asked if he would release the findings of the Mueller probe, Barr testified that under the current rules, that report is supposed to be confidential  (as) in any other criminal case.

The attorney general, as I understand the rules, would report to Congress about the conclusion of the investigation, he said in testimony to the committee on January 15. And I believe there may be discretion there about what the attorney general can put in that report.

Welcome back to the Department of Justice, Attorney General Barr!https://t.co/b5TOfr3msf pic.twitter.com/rGNfxkuboA  Justice Department (@TheJusticeDept) February 14, 2019

That did little to satisfy advocates like People for the American Way, which said Barr has declined to give concrete assurances about the fate of the investigation.

With Barr in place, it is also absolutely critical that Congress does everything that it can to protect the Mueller investigation and to ensure that the findings are shared with the public, said a statement from Marge Baker, the groups vice president.

Sinemas predecessor, former Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake, unsuccessfully pushed a resolution last fall to protect the Mueller probe from interference. But that measure never got a vote, even though Flake joined Democrats to block the confirmation of all judicial nominees in an attempt to force a vote.

But Sinema is following in Flakes footsteps in at least one way, said Jason Rose, an Arizona-based political consultant. Just as Flake crossed party lines to confirm President Barack Obamas nominee for attorney general, Loretta Lynch, Sinema crossed the aisle to confirm Barr.

Once upon a time, the criteria was, is someone qualified, Rose said. Whether you agree with them or not, the principle of presidential prerogative was understood. But now presidential prerogative has become so partisan.

But partisanship is no reason to oppose a nomination like Barrs, he said.

For crying out loud, who do they expect Trump to nominate? Rose said. She succeeded Senator Flake, and he took a similar approach.

Noble said voters should expect Sinema to remain predictably unpredictable.

You could see more votes like this, Noble said. However she will be a wild card frankly when it comes to certain issues.

Even though Sinema will not face re-election for another five years, Rose said. its never too early to start defining yourself on your own terms.

This story originally appeared on Cronkite News and is published via a Creative Commons license . Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University

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The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Monday announced a ban on Pakistani artistes in the country, saying they will resort to strong action against anyone who collaborates with talent from Pakistan.

The announcement comes in the aftermath of the February 14 terror attack on CRPF troopers in Pulwama, Jammu, and Kashmir.

In a notice undersigned by Ronak Suresh Jain, General Secretary, AICWA, it said: "All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with the nation in confronting such as terror and inhumanity.

"We are officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in (our) film industry. Still, if any organization insists on working with Pakistani artistes, (it) will be banned by AICWA and strong action will be taken against them. The nation comes first, we stand with our nation."

The announcement comes a day after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said Indian filmmakers must not work with Pakistani artists and must not even release their films in Pakistan.

The "Total Dhamaal" team has already said the movie will not release there.
US President Donald Trump has suggested that key officials involved in the Russia probe were engaged in treasonous behaviour.

Mr Trump hit out at former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, whose new book details his concerns about potential foreign influence over the president, and deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who initiated special counsel Robert Muellers investigation.

Mr Trump said Mr McCabe and Mr Rosenstein look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.

In an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes, Mr McCabe, who was fired last year by the FBI, described Mr Rosenstein as having raised the prospect of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Mr Trump from office.

Mr Trump tweeted: This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!
TPO customers will not be able to make calls, send texts or use the internet after February 26 (Lauren Hurley/PA)

Charity-focused mobile network The Peoples Operator is to cease trading by the end of this month after falling into administration.

The operator, also known as TPO Mobile, informed customers last week that its operations will cease on February 26.

After this date, existing customers will no longer be able to use the network for calls, texts or internet access.

Customers are being offered a free month of membership to the SIM-only network Smarty Mobile, which is powered by Three.

TPO was launched in 2012 with the stated aim of being an ethical mobile network by donating a proportion of profits to charities and other causes.

Its founders included the late Andrew Rosenfeld, who was the co-founder of property developer Minerva and a major donor to the Labour Party.

Were proud that together weve helped the charities and causes you care about and provided 100,000s to organisations across the country to help their missionsTPO

In 2014 Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales joined the companys board as it geared up for a stock market debut later that year. Mr Wales left in early 2017.

The firms share price collapsed by mid-2016 amid disappointing growth in the UK and US.

Its shares were suspended last year after it failed to file financial accounts and it was de-listed early in 2019 after its broker resigned.

TPO secured a funding lifeline from Lycamobiles parent company WWW in December, but the deal later fell through and the company was pushed into administration by the funding crisis.

In a statement posted to the companys website, TPO said: Were proud that together weve helped the charities and causes you care about and provided 100,000s to organisations across the country to help their missions.
US President Donald Trump has warned EU countries to repatriate their captured Isil fighters and put them on trial - or face the terrorists being set free to "permeate Europe".

In a strongly worded message tweeted late on Saturday night, the US president warned he would have little choice but to release approximately 800 "jihadists" currently held by American-backed Kurdish forces in Syria.

He said now was the time for the anti-Isil coalition partners to "step up" and take over ownership of its rogue citizens who threaten the safety of Europe.

"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial," Mr Trump wrote.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them.

"The US does not want to watch as these [Isil] fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100pc Caliphate victory!"

Time is rapidly running out to establish a coherent strategy with Isil fighters now controlling a pocket of land measuring just 700 metres square in eastern Syria.

In a final gesture of defiance, surviving Isil militants laid down roadblocks yesterday around their final redoubt to prevent an estimated 1,000 civilians trapped with them from leaving.

Mr Trump predicted victory would come on Saturday, but commanders of the Syrian Democratic Forces have slowed a push on the village of Baghouz with fears that civilians were being used as human shields.

On Saturday, the French army revealed a senior officer was facing punishment after publicly criticising coalition tactics.

Colonel Francois-Regis Legrier said an emphasis on minimising risk to coalition personnel resulted in unnecessary civilian deaths and destruction of infrastructure that could feed resentment, leading to another insurgency in future.

Sajid Javid, the British Home Secretary, insisted last week he would "not hesitate" to prevent the return of anyone who supported terrorist organisations abroad.

But General Richard Dannatt, the former head of the British army, said the UK had an obligation to accept its citizens.

"Usually I disagree with Donald Trump, but on this occasion I think he's right. If there are... a large number of foreign fighters in captivity in Syria who originate from countries like the UK, then they are our citizens and we have a responsibility to act responsibly towards them. That means they have got to come back to this country."

Germany's interior ministry said yesterday it can take back Isil fighters only if the suspects have consular access.

"In principle, all German citizens and those suspected of having fought for so-called IS have the right to return," said an interior ministry spokeswoman, who added that the condition for that was consular access for suspects.

She said Iraq had shown an interest in having some Isil fighters from Germany put on trial.

"But in Syria, the German government cannot guarantee legal and consular duties for jailed German citizens due to the armed conflict there," she said. ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
A protester stands next to an impersonator of U.S. President Donald Trump during a demonstration against Trump on President's Day near the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

People hold signs during a demonstration against U.S. President Donald Trump on President's day near the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

A protester wearing a mask depicting U.S. President Donald Trump holds a sign during a demonstration against Trump on President's day near the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Activists in Washington, Chicago and dozens of other US cities protested on Monday's Presidents Day holiday against President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to secure funding for a US-Mexico border wall.

Calling Trump's declaration an abuse of power and usurpation of Congress, organizers with the nonprofit advocacy group MoveOn.org and other participants said it was important to let the outrage over the move be heard.

We disagree with the state of emergency declared by the president and stand with our immigrant colleagues and friends, said Darcy Regan, executive director of Indivisible Chicago, which co-hosted the protest there.

Trump invoked the emergency powers on Friday after Congress declined to fulfill his request for $5.7 billion to help build the wall that was his signature 2016 campaign promise. His move aims to let him spend money appropriated by Congress for other purposes.

Expand Close A woman holds a sign during a demonstration against U.S. President Donald Trump on President's Day near the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts / Facebook

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Whatsapp A woman holds a sign during a demonstration against U.S. President Donald Trump on President's Day near the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

The Republican president says a wall is needed to curb illegal immigrants and illicit drugs coming across the border. Democrats and opponents of the wall say it is unnecessary.

The protests in Chicago and Washington each drew a few hundred people on Monday afternoon.

Protesters gathered in Chicagos Federal Plaza carried signs that read Dump Trump and Fake Emergency" and chanted No wall, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.

Cheryl Krugel-Lee, a 32-year-old student, said she brought her 4-year-old daughter to the protest in freezing weather to set an example for her.

"This was a power grab by the Trump administration, and its immoral and illegal," Krugel-Lee said.

Organizers said 250 events were planned, including in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Expand Close An impersonator of U.S. President Donald Trump stands in front of the White House during a demonstration against Trump on President's Day in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts / Facebook

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Democrats have vowed to challenge the national emergency declaration as a violation of the U.S. Constitution. California state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in television interviews that his state and others would sue the Trump administration on Monday.
A former FBI deputy director has said that a "crime may have been committed" when Donald Trump sacked the head of the organisation and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia.

Andrew McCabe also said in the interview with CBS' 60 Minutes that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Mr Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI director James Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, sacked the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, 'Why would a president of the United States do that?'" Mr McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

Asked whether deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein was on board with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, Mr McCabe replied: "Absolutely."

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on Sunday night.

Mr McCabe also revealed that when Mr Trump told Mr Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Mr Comey - a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing - the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo.

Mr Rosenstein did not want to, Mr McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Mr Comey's dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Mr Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

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"He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo," Mr McCabe said. "And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway."

Mr Trump said in a TV interview days after Mr Comey's firing that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he sacked Mr Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Mr Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," Mr McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey."

Mr McCabe was sacked from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a news media disclosure.

The allegation was referred to the US Attorney's office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought.

Mr McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said on Sunday that he believes his sacking was politically motivated.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, Mr McCabe also described a conversation in which Mr Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Mr Trump from office.

The Justice Department said in a statement that Mr Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Mr Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

On Sunday Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her party's nomination for president, told reporters that if the people around Mr Trump believe he cannot fulfil the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favourite target of the president's ire, Ms Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Mr Trump from office but said that "there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment".
A US delegation including Senator Marco Rubio visited the Colombian border city of Cucuta yesterday, where humanitarian aid is being stockpiled for planned delivery to economically crippled Venezuela next week.

While Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is refusing to allow in the food, medicine and other supplies, opposition leader and self-declared president Juan Guaido has vowed to move hundreds of tonnes of the aid into the country on February 23.

Mr Guaido, who argues Mr Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham, invoked constitutional provisions to declare himself the country's leader last month.

Most Western countries and many of Venezuela's neighbours have recognised Mr Guaido as the legitimate head of state, but Mr Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military.

Mr Guaido has said he will announce details of how he plans to get the aid into the country from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao today, despite Mr Maduro's opposition.

The February 23 deadline sets the stage for a showdown with Mr Maduro, who has said the aid is not needed. Mr Maduro calls the aid a US-orchestrated show and denies any crisis despite many Venezuelans' scant access to food and medicine. It is unclear whether the military will allow aid to cross the border.

Expand Close Marco Rubio: US senator at Colombian border with Venezuela. Photo: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Mr Rubio of Florida is considered to have played a major role in convincing US President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican, to ratchet up pressure on Mr Maduro. The senator has long been a harsh critic of the Venezuelan leader, who he regularly refers to as a dictator on social media, and has urged support for Venezuela's opposition.

Standing near a pedestrian bridge on the border between the two countries as hundreds of anti-Maduro protesters chanted and waved flags, Mr Rubio said the United States and the world would not abandon Venezuelans.

"One thing is to see human suffering, another is to see it up close and personal and to meet the people and hear their stories," he said.

"What is happening in Venezuela is a man-made crisis of epic proportions. A criminal regime that is willing to starve and kill its own people before it gives up power." The delegation, including Carlos Trujillo, the US ambassador to the Organisation of American States and US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, visited tents providing medical care to migrants and the warehouse where aid is being stored.

Meanwhile, Russian lender Gazprombank has decided to freeze the accounts of Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and halted transactions with the firm to reduce the risk of the bank falling under US sanctions, a Gazprombank source said yesterday.

While many foreign firms have been cutting their exposure to PDVSA since the sanctions were imposed, the fact a lender closely aligned with the Russian state is following suit is significant because the Kremlin has been among Mr Maduro's staunchest supporters.

"PDVSA's accounts are currently frozen. As you'll understand, operations cannot be carried out," the source said.

PDVSA branded the story as "fake news" on its Twitter account in capital red letters, but did not reply to a request for comment.

Reuters reported this month that PDVSA was telling customers of its joint ventures to deposit oil sales proceeds in its Gazprombank accounts, according to sources.
George Mendonsa holding a copy of the famous Alfred Eisenstaedt photo of him kissing a woman in a nurses uniform in Times Square on August 14 1945 (Connie Grosch/Providence Journal via AP)

The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of the Second World War has died aged 95.

George Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter Sharon Molleur told The Providence Journal.

Mr Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, on August 14 1945.

Expand Close This close-up shot of the pair kissing was taken by Victor Jorgensen from the US navy (Victor Jorgensen/US navy) / Facebook

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Whatsapp This close-up shot of the pair kissing was taken by Victor Jorgensen from the US navy (Victor Jorgensen/US navy)

Known as VJ Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States.

People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mr Mendonsa planted a kiss on Ms Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.

It is called V-J Day In Times Square, but is known to most as The Kiss.

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple.

It was years before Mr Mendonsa and Ms Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Mr Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced.

When he was honoured at the Rhode Island State House in 2015, Mr Mendonsa spoke about the kiss.

I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurseGeorge Mendonsa

He said Ms Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurse, Mr Mendonsa said, according to WPRI-TV.

Ms Friedman said in a 2005 interview with the Veterans History Project that it was not her choice to be kissed.

The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed, she told the Library of Congress.

She added: It was just somebody really celebrating. But it wasnt a romantic event.

Mr Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday.

Ms Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl.

She died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.
Paris judicial authorities opened an investigation yesterday into anti-Semitic remarks hurled at a noted philosopher during a yellow vest protest, an incident that has heightened national concerns about the ascendant radical fringe of the populist granssroots movement.

The Paris prosecutor's office said the investigation was being conducted into "public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion".

A band of men taunted philosopher Alain Finkielkraut on the sidelines of a protest through Paris on Saturday.

"Go back to Tel Aviv", "dirty Zionist" and "France is our land" were among the insults captured on video.

Mr Finkielkraut, a member of the prestigious Academie Francaise, told French television station LCI yesterday he doesn't intend to file a complaint.

The scene was a vicious verbal interlude as thousands of protesters made their way through the Left Bank for the 14th Saturday in a row of demonstrations by the yellow vest movement.

Several thousand protesters gathered again in Paris yesterday to mark the three-month anniversary of the yellow vest movement's protests, which started on November 17 with nationwide protests of fuel tax increases.

The movement, which takes its name from the fluorescent safety vests many protesters wear and French motorists are required to carry, has lost steam and participants amid weekly vandalism and violence.

Police fired tear gas to disperse yellow vest protesters on Saturday in Paris and other cities.

In Lyon, a police van was attacked with two officers inside, shattering the windows.

An online invitation to yesterday's main Paris march said, "Let's stay peaceful".

The verbal attack on Mr Finkielkraut could risk further eroding the movement's initially strong public support.

The movement has become the top domestic challenge for President Emmanuel Macron, who is accused by demonstrators of favouring the haves over the have-nots.

Mr Macron was quick to condemn the verbal attacks on Mr Finkielkraut, along with other government officials.

Mr Finkielkraut once showed sympathy for the movement but criticised it in a recent interview with daily newspaper 'Le Figaro'.

"I want one thing, I want to know who they are....What movement do they belong to? That interests me," Mr Finkielkraut said on LCI.

"I'm neither a victim nor a hero," he said, noting he was not physically attacked.

Arrests will be made based on France's anti-racism law, said Laurent Nunez, the second-ranking official at the Interior Ministry. One suspect has been identified, he said.

The insults came days after the government reported a huge jump in incidents of anti-Semitism last year, 541 registered incidents compared to 311 in 2017.

Swastika graffiti was found on February 11 on street portraits of Simon Veil, a Holocaust survivor considered a French national treasure for her life's work.

The yellow vest movement has broadened to include a range of concerns about France's living standards and the economic stresses facing ordinary families.

It is now marked by growing divisions within its ranks.

One yellow vest protester who has tried to put together a candidates list for the European Parliament election was heckled yesterday by detractors.

Polls, and diminishing numbers during weekly marches, suggest public support is fading for the weekend protests, which often descend into shocking violence between demonstrators and police.

Many French are asking aloud how long the yellow vest movement will keep up its protests, which drain security forces and have dented the French economy.
Social media companies could face criminal sanctions under plans being considered by the UK culture secretary.

Jeremy Wright said he would look at "all possible options for penalties" in the government's forthcoming White Paper on online harms as pressure mounted on internet companies to take action to safeguard vulnerable people.

Mr Wright said there was "no doubt" internet companies cannot be relied upon to take action themselves. His comments follow pressure on to take action in safeguarding vulnerable people, highlighted by the case of Molly Russell, who took her life aged 14.
Shamima Begum caught on CCTV as she left the UK to travel to Syria

The Isil bride who travelled to Syria to marry a terrorist is "traumatised", according to her lawyer, who likened his client to a World War One soldier.

Shamima Begum, 19, flew to the Middle East four years ago to join the terror group. There, she married a Dutch-born fighter with whom she had three children.

Her two eldest children have died, but she gave birth at a refugee camp in northeastern Syria on the weekend and now wants to return to Britain.

In an interview over the weekend, Ms Begum said that people should be feeling sympathy for her, and her lawyer Tasnime Akunjee defended her attitude.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I think it's difficult to take what she's saying in the current circumstances and try to draw from the lack of emotion that she has.

"She's a traumatised person. She finds herself in a camp and was clearly quite attached to her husband, it would seem, and suddenly he's not by her side."

When confronted with the fact Ms Begum does not seem traumatised and instead appeared to be composed, Mr Akunjee said: "You might've said the same thing about a World War One soldier in the middle of shellshock."

Presenter Philip Madeley said this comparison was "a bit of a stretch", to which Mr Akumjee responded: "It's a warzone. They're both warzones."

The Begum's family lawyer, Mr Akunjee, said he understood some of the responses to her pleas for sympathy.

He told BBC Breakfast: "The family have gone out of their way from day one to try to get her away from the Isil narrative and the context which she finds herself in.

"She's been there for four years and we would be surprised if she hadn't been further damaged beyond the degree she had already been groomed into.

"The family are concerned, as they have been for the last four years, not just to get her away, but, as of yesterday, to make sure that their grandchild - her child - is not influenced by that sort of thinking."

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Mr Akunjee said he anticipated that Ms Begum would probably face criminal proceedings upon any return to the UK, but said it was the family's hope that she would be given professional help following her experience in Syria.

Ms Begum was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK for Syria in February 2015.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016, while the other two are reported to still be alive.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
A huge Russian flag was draped over scaffolding at Salisbury Cathedral yesterday nearly a year on from the Novichok attack in the city.

Workmen were spotted removing the flag yesterday morning after it was reportedly hung overnight.

The stunt was branded a "slap in the face" after former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok on March 4 last year.

Jo Broom, Conservative councillor for the St Martin's and Cathedral Ward, said: "My initial reaction was just one of shock and sadness that someone would choose to do this at any time, but particularly as we're leading up to the first anniversary of the incident and the city is very much trying to be positive.

"Residents will just be very upset, it's just a little bit of a slap in the face."

Mocking

Salisbury MP John Glen said: "Thankfully it has been removed - what a stupid stunt - mocking the serious events sadly experienced in Salisbury last year."

Dawn Sturgess (44) died after coming into contact with a perfume container used to carry the Novichok on June 30.

A police inquiry found the two agents from the Russian secret service, the GRU, carried out the attack. Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov travelled from Russia to Salisbury, in Wiltshire before spraying the nerve agent on Sergei Skripal's front door.

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, said: "This was a remarkably stupid thing to do and makes light of the huge personal tragedies involved, and the damage done to the city by the unprecedented nerve agent attacks on Salisbury last year."
Plea for help: A family snap of Shamima Begum, the teenage mother who ran away to join Isil in 2015. Photo: AFP

A British schoolgirl who ran away to join Isil has appealed for public "sympathy" following the birth of her son, as a row develops over whether she should be allowed to return to the UK.

Shamima Begum (19) went to Syria in 2015 and was discovered there in a refugee camp last week, heavily pregnant and insisting she wanted to return to the UK.

The birth of her child over the weekend prompted calls for the baby to be subject to care proceedings should Ms Begum return from Syria, as it emerged that the Family Division of the UK High Court had presided over cases involving at least 150 children deemed at risk of radicalisation in the last five years.

In an interview with Sky News recorded yesterday at the Kurdish-controlled camp she fled to from the last pocket of Isil-controlled territory, Ms Begum said there was "no evidence" she had done anything wrong and she could not see "any reason" why her child should be taken from her when she had simply been living as a housewife.

Speaking just hours after giving birth, her newborn baby at her side, she said she had no regrets about fleeing the family home in Bethnal Green, east London, to support Isil, claiming the experience had made her "stronger, tougher".

She said she could see a future for herself and her son, whom she has named Jarah after one of the two children she lost to malnutrition and disease in the last three months.

Expand Close Under guard: Veiled women, wives of fighters and members of Isil, are guarded by a woman fighter of the Syrian Democratic Forces at the al-Hol refugee camp in north-eastern Syria. Photo: Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Under guard: Veiled women, wives of fighters and members of Isil, are guarded by a woman fighter of the Syrian Democratic Forces at the al-Hol refugee camp in north-eastern Syria. Photo: Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images

"If the UK are willing to take me back and help me start a new life again and try and move on from everything that's happened in the last four years," she said. "I wouldn't have found someone like my husband [Yago Riedijk (26), a Muslim convert from the Netherlands] in the UK. I had my kids, I had a good time there."

Her other children, Jarah and Surayah, a daughter, died aged 18 months and nine months.

Asked how she felt about the debate over whether she should be allowed to return home, she said: "I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything I've been through. I didn't know what I was getting into when I left, I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back. I can't live in this camp forever. It's not really possible."

In the interview, Ms Begum apologised for the first time to her family for running away. She said she was attracted to Isil by videos that she had seen online, which she said showed "how they'll take care of you".

She said she knew that the group carried out beheadings, but that she "was OK with it at first. I started becoming religious just before I left and from what I heard Islamically that is all allowed".

"At first it was nice," she said of life in Isil. "It was how they showed it in the videos, you know, you come, make a family together, but then things got harder.

"We had to keep moving and moving. The situation got fraught. I'm still in that mentality of planes over my head, emergency backpacks, starving... it would be a big shock to go back to the UK." ( Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Climate demonstrators blocked roads outside London Fashion Week yesterday to protest against the "unsustainable" industry.

More than 100 campaigners joined the Extinction Rebellion group's march as they urged fashion brands to tackle an "ecological emergency".

Demonstrations began when a crowd rallied outside Victoria Beckham's morning event at the Tate Britain. A larger group then moved to the event's main venue at The Strand where it blocked roads carrying a banner with the message "Rebel for life".

Nuala Gathercole Lam, from Extinction Rebellion, said: "We ask the fashion industry, 'who do you want to listen to, the youth and the future, or the words of our current prime minister, whose government is criminally neglecting the UK's agreed responsibilities under the Paris agreement in the face of the ecological emergency?'"
Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a malicious intrusion (AP/Rod McGuirk)

A sophisticated state actor was behind a cyberattack on the Australian parliaments computing network, the countrys prime minister has said.

Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a malicious intrusion, that also affected the network of major political parties, on February 8.

A joint statement from House of Representatives speaker Tony Smith and Senate president Scott Ryan said at the time there was no evidence that data had been accessed in the breach, but lawmakers were advised to change passwords.

Mr Morrison revealed on Monday that the computer networks of the government parties  the Liberal Party and the Nationals  as well as the opposition Labour Party had also been affected.

Australias security agencies were securing those systems and protecting users, he said.

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity.Scott Morrison

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity, Mr Morrison told reporters.

Let me be clear, though  there is no evidence of any electoral interference. We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system, he added.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, the governments main cyber security agency, had briefed federal and state election authorities, Mr Morrison said.

New South Wales, Australias most populous state, will hold elections on March 23. A federal election will be held on a date to be set in May.

Although Australian officials have not blamed any country, in 2011 it was reported that China was suspected of accessing the email system used by lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

Election interference has been high on the international agenda ever since Americas 2016 presidential vote.

Russian hackers stole and published more than 150,000 emails from various Democratic targets in what US spymasters and senior lawmakers described as a wide-ranging effort to help elect Donald Trump.
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.
Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a malicious intrusion (AP/Rod McGuirk)

A "sophisticated state actor" was behind a cyberattack on the Australian parliament's computing network, the country's prime minister has said.

Scott Morrison did not identify the state behind what he described as a "malicious intrusion", that also affected the network of major political parties, on February 8.

A joint statement from House of Representatives speaker Tony Smith and Senate president Scott Ryan said at the time there was no evidence that data had been accessed in the breach, but lawmakers were advised to change passwords.

Mr Morrison revealed on Monday that the computer networks of the government parties - the Liberal Party and the Nationals - as well as the opposition Labour Party had also been affected.

Australia's security agencies were securing those systems and protecting users, he said.

Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," Mr Morrison told reporters.

"Let me be clear, though - there is no evidence of any electoral interference. We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system," he added.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government's main cyber security agency, had briefed federal and state election authorities, Mr Morrison said.

New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, will hold elections on March 23. A federal election will be held on a date to be set in May.

Although Australian officials have not blamed any country, in 2011 it was reported that China was suspected of accessing the email system used by lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

Election interference has been high on the international agenda ever since America's 2016 presidential vote.

Russian hackers stole and published more than 150,000 emails from various Democratic targets in what US spymasters and senior lawmakers described as a wide-ranging effort to help elect Donald Trump.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Endeavour Fund awards at Drapers' Hall on February 7, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Tolga Akmen - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Meghan chats to guests at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards at Drapers Hall, London. Photo: Tolga Akmen/PA Wire

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

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 at the Drapers' Hall in London, Britain. Photo Tolga Akmen/Pool via Reuters

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle drive off in an E-Type Jaguar after their wedding

Meghan Markle: the soap opera. In this week's omnibus instalment the Duchess of Sussex (previously Rachel in Suits) is thrilled to discover that a group of anonymous friends have talked to a US magazine describing her as kind and nurturing.

They also tell the mag how she'd written a loving and conciliatory letter to her estranged father.

Inevitably, news of this disclosure enrages Da Markle, who hits back saying that the letter was nothing of the sort. To back up his claims he spills its contents.

Meanwhile Meg's friend George Clooney (star of the Nespresso ad) enters the fray, blasting the media who, he says, have "vilified" her.

This only provides further fuel for Clan Markle with Meg's bitter half-sister lashing out telling him to "be quiet Georgie".

Will George do as she says? Will Thomas Markle reveal more?

And will the royal family ever learn?

It's not as if the royals don't have considerable previous experience. Back in the era of annus horribilis Prince Charles famously lamented how events chez the House of Windsor were being viewed as soap opera.

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And now, like the rebooted Cold Feet, the Warring Windsors may be back for a whole new series.

At the centre of this updated drama is the duchess and the dilemma of how to deal with her indiscreet family. The royal family have any number of experienced advisers to call upon. It is bewildering how the current drama has been allowed to spin so out of control.

Meghan has attracted some truly vicious and vile online abuse which no one should ever be subject to. That must be very difficult to deal with, particularly for a young, pregnant woman still learning the ropes of her royal role.

But she is also a public figure. Interest in her comes with the territory.

Despite what Mr Clooney says, she has not been vilified by the media. Coverage is generally positive, kindly and very often gushing.

Meghan mostly makes headlines because of her family fall-out. And how this has been so woefully mishandled.

Did it not occur to her friends when they talked to the US magazine about the contentious letter that this would most likely prompt Thomas Markle to release the thing?

Or - dark thought - was that actually their intention?

Markle Senior has been roundly condemned for making the letter public. In his defence, though, it is not the loving "reaching out" claimed by Meghan's mates.

In parts it reads more like a "cease and desist" notice.

Meghan is known to be keen on calligraphy and her missive is written in a particularly ornate cursive script. But all those careful, measured, fussy little flicks swirling from consonants seem somehow at odds with a spontaneous outpouring purportedly from a broken heart. A heart broken indeed, "into a million pieces".

Unlike her father's heart which merely required stents.

Which brings us to the bewildering bit ...

You're writing to your beloved father whom you haven't seen since his hospitalisation and your marriage. Angry at him or not, wouldn't your first words be 'Dear Daddy, how are you?'

The letter is all about Meghan's hurt. Not her father's health.

And why did she choose to write to him instead of, say, giving him a call? Or, perish the thought, flying over to see him?

I don't think Thomas Markle has behaved at all well. But it's truly puzzling why no effort appears to have been made to bring the man on board.

Prince Harry has never met his own father-in-law. Meghan hasn't been near her "dear daddy" since her wedding.

The likelihood now is that the transatlantic sniping between Meghan and the Markles will only escalate.

And the mystery is why the royals - and their advisers - are, like the rest of us, just sitting back and watching what happens next.
From a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba to a tour of Indias rural delights, an agricultural holiday is a perfect option for anyone who wants to combine travel with their love of farming.

You can see all the famous tourist spots while also discovering more about farming techniques and traditions in other countries. Guided tours are a great way to see a new country and get a real insight into how the locals live and work.

Its a chance to join like-minded people on an amazing adventure with an agriculture twist.

As Irelands leading agricultural tour specialists, GTI offer trips to a variety of incredible destinations. Here are just five of the great guided tours that you could try in 2019.

Cuba

This unique Cuban tour gives you the chance to explore the island and its history, meet the people, and sample the culture and traditions of Cuba. Youll enjoy guided tours around tourist hotspots like Havana while also taking a deep dive into Cubas state-run agricultural system. Take in the research and development centres of Cuban agriculture and see the "finca", on which bananas, avocados, lettuce, mint and much more are grown.

The tour also features a trip to a tobacco farm, a visit to the infamous Bay of Pigs, the Che Guevara museum and much more. The tour runs from November 18-28 and costs 2,999pps.

The Baltics

This tour of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia takes you through some of the regions most breathtaking landscapes and lets you dip your toe in the local culture and traditions. Youll visit the historical cities of Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, with their countless tourist attractions, famous old towns and impressive architectural delights.

Agricultural highlights will include a trip to agri firm Tervete to find out about Latvian milk and crop production and a visit to a Lithuanian ecological dairy farm. You will also take in iconic locations like the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and the beautiful Gauja National Park. The tour runs from October 1-9 an costs 1,399pps.

South Africa

Imagine taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, visiting the Cape of Good Hope, and seeing where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. If that sounds good, this South African tour is for you. Youll also travel to a penguin colony, go looking for humpback whales at Hermanus, do a tour of the famed Cango, and enjoy morning and evening safaris.

Get up close to some ostriches at the High Gate Ostrich Show Farm and see cauliflower and broccoli production on a local farm. Another farm visit takes in local dairy farms and theres the chance to see a mixed farm that includes a flock of commercial ostriches, Dohne Merino sheep, Nguni beef cattle and crops. Thats just the tip of the iceberg on this packed tour, which runs from 29 November to December 12 and costs from 3,385pps.

India

Starting in Dehli, this tour of the Indias farms and villages will immerse you in the cultural, architectural and natural beauty of Delhi, Agra, Karauli, Ranthambore and Jaipur. Day trips will include the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), which is dedicated to developing higher crop yields and new hybrid varieties of seeds and plants. Youll also visit farmlands near Karauli to meet farmers and try out traditional ploughing techniques, and see how a dairy farm works in India.

This is a rare chance to explore Indias rich culture and history with a guide and to see famous tourist sites like the India Gate, Agra Fort, the City Palace, Ganesh Temple and more. You could get up close to a live tiger on the tiger reserve at Ranthambhore National Park, ride an elephant and go out into smaller villages to meet the locals and see how they live. The tour runs from November 19-December 3 and it costs from 2,469pps.

New Zealand and Australia

This trip of a lifetime will take you to New Zealand to see its sweeping scenery, rugged coastlines, vast beaches and dramatic mountains. Youll experience Maori culture and see how beef, dairy and tillage farms operate in the Land of the Long Cloud. Then its on to Sydney and a tour of its spectacular harbour.

The tour includes visits to dairy, beef and tillage farms that use innovative methods to deal with the heat and other adverse conditions. Its also a chance to see how they run huge farms like a 4,300ha property overlooking Lake Taupo in New Zealand, which has 2,500ha of effective grazing land. This extensive tour runs from November 24 to December 13 and costs from 5,099pps.

For more information or to book a holiday, call (01) 843 4734 or visit the GTI website.

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Greta Thunbergs idealism is hard not to admire (Take action on climate, children urge politicians, Irish Independent, February 14).

One is reminded of the Childrens Crusade of the year 1212. Her leadership skills have already been noted and no doubt when she leaves school she will be head-hunted by big companies and her career assured.

However, her fellow student strikers may not be so lucky. Their ongoing absences from school are unlikely to change the political mindset, but will surely impact negatively on their education. One protesting student carried a placard reading, Im missing science class for this. Indeed. Any normal, well-adjusted child would rather crawl a thousand miles over broken glass than spend a minute extra in school  no matter how brilliant the classes or teachers.

The worlds leaders and richest elite have so far shown themselves to be impervious to the plight of millions of the worlds poorest threatened with displacement or death because of climate change. They hardly even seem to care about the water rising around their own ears.

What makes these latter-day crusaders so sure they will be listened to? Keep the protests for Saturdays. By sacrificing your personal free time you will both demonstrate your seriousness and maintain your important education.

Nick Folley

Carrigaline, Co Cork

Taxpayers left to carry the can over coffee cup hat stunt

Will Josepha Madigan and Katherine Zappone stop at nothing to self publicise? (Creative flair: 6m fund to help students be imaginative, Irish Independent, February 15). Wearing hats made of coffee cup lids and empty soft drink bottles makes them look ridiculous: spending 6m of our money to encourage this kind of activity makes us taxpayers look like right mugs.

Michael Anderson

Balgriffin, Dublin 13

We should not rejoice as UK wrestles with Brexit turmoil

As a citizen of a state whose political institutions were overwhelmed by an existential crisis between 2008 and 2010, and severely shaken by the farce that was the water charges issue between 2014 and 2016, I have great sympathy for the current political difficulties faced by our neighbours.

The fact that politics is not an exact science is a complicating factor as the UKs political elites must divine what exactly was meant by that Leave vote on the June 23, 2016.

Perhaps 100 years ago Englands difficulty was our opportunity, but that adage no longer holds, thankfully.

While our modern relationship has been a complex and, at times, fraught one, it should be remembered by all that the UK, under a Tory government, contributed 7bn (8bn) to an international rescue package for Ireland, in October 2010, at a time when we were relying on the kindness of strangers.

PJ OMeara

Cahir, Co Tipperary

Varadkar and Harris to pay most for hospital cost fiasco

The spiralling cost of the childrens hospital has the potential to undermine the Government. Apart from blowing a big hole in its glossy capital development plan, more significantly perhaps the controversy has blown a big hole in the Governments public relations image. In particular it has taken the sheen off two of its star performers. From now on the Taoiseach will be seen as Low-balling Leo and the Health Minister as Im Sorry Simon.

John Glennon

Hollywood, Co Wicklow

How simple words of wisdom can carry so much meaning

Just a little quote to add to the spirituality of letters of late. From the Dalai Lama as follows: My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. Hard to beat that.

Brian McDevitt

Glenties, Co Donegal

Trumps hopes of peace prize are demolished by his wall

It appears that President Trump thinks he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize just like former president Obamas one. The Nobel should go to only the best of the best, although sometimes hindsight adds more to the story.

With the Mexican wall now a possibility the idea of peace is being challenged. Peace cannot ever be enforced or imprisoned, it must be earned and especially protected by all. Sorry, Mr President. No prize for you.

Dennis Fitzgerald

Melbourne, Australia
The recent nurses strike was supposed to be all about retaining healthcare graduates and we shouldn't just forget about that now. It's clear that the money we spend training young doctors and nurses is going to Brisbane and Dubai.

A recent survey of more than 2,000 students at the six medical schools by NUI Galway found almost nine in 10 plan to leave or are "contemplating" leaving Ireland when they qualify. Career opportunities, working conditions and lifestyle were the top three reasons.

We have a huge generational wealth divide in this country that is forcing health workers and other young people to choose emigration. The good news, though, is that it doesn't have to be like this.

If you peek behind the sensational headlines about rocketing house prices and snowflakey millennials, it's true that young people are more likely to earn less than their parents did, are less likely to own their own home and are more likely to be childless for economic reasons.

Young people just can't afford to scrape together ever-increasing deposits and it's not because we would rather splash out on fancy brunches than save up for a house. Living costs are increasing and wages are being squeezed. Zero-hour contracts, low-paid work and patchwork careers are on the rise, and they mainly affect the under-40s. All the while, rents skyrocket and all of these things have serious implications for Ireland's future.

Last year, the UK's Resolution Foundation - an independent think-tank - recommended abolishing inheritance tax and replacing it with a lifetime receipts tax that is levied on recipients with fewer exemptions, a lower tax-free allowance and lower tax rates. The extra revenues it said should support a 10,000 (11,416) "citizen's inheritance" - a restricted-use asset endowment to all young people to support skills, entrepreneurship, housing and pension saving.

The suggestion is radical but imagine if income-tax bands were set out not only by the amount you earn but by age too. I think it's worth looking at. Now is the moment to recognise that the intergenerational financial gap is the policy challenge of our time. Bigger than Brexit and bigger than public sector strikes, with consequences that could be more far reaching.

If we sit back and ignore it, we risk an entire generation under 40 leaving Ireland never to return, and the remainder of us never being able to afford to grow up and achieve life's usual milestones.

It's time for the Universal Social Charge (USC) to be dropped for the under-40s. When the recession first hit, there was much made of the need to broaden the tax base; to ensure that as many people as possible are making some contribution to the national kitty. But we've paid enough and more than half of Irish people want to see it gone, according to a 2016 survey by Taxback.com.

It's a massive chunk out of wages every month that the Government can't justify anymore. There were USC and income tax cuts announced in Budget 2019 and they took effect from January 1, 2019, but most of us won't even notice them.

For PAYE workers, after the 2019 USC and tax cuts, a single person on 25,000 a year will see just a 27 annual take-home pay increase. To put that into perspective, that's 10 times less than the annual increase to pensions and social welfare.

If there is one thing opening up the intergenerational gap just that little bit further, it's home ownership. The latest figures point to what we already know - that home-ownership rates in Ireland have hit their lowest levels in 46 years. The rate dropped from 69.7pc to 67.6pc, the lowest it's been since 1971. The levels are lowest in urban areas, where just 59.2pc of homes are occupied by the person who owns them.

Many millennials are now spending everything they have on renting properties from older generations. It's impossible to save up for a deposit. If they have money set aside it sits in a savings account with little interest. Where are their SSIAs?

The latest RTB Rent Index reports the national average rent was 1,122 per month, up from 1,044 one year ago. Dublin remains the most expensive place to rent with average monthly prices now at 1,620, an increase of 141 from the same period last year. We need tax relief for those paying over 50pc of our income on rent. And while we are looking at tax breaks we need tax relief on the crippling childcare costs that are pricing young parents out of the workforce, and we need to rethink the unfairness of taxing the already paltry maternity leave benefit.

The only downside, unfortunately, is that it almost certainly isn't going to happen. The political odds are stacked against such radical ways of closing the wealth gap between young and older generations, and not just because the Government will never antagonise the grey vote.

We do need to start looking to the future of our young, or we might find out, sooner rather than later, that we are paying a very high price for our short-sightedness.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is not famed for 'working the room' - but he is going to have to take on the British prime minister in a game of schmoozing this week.

Theresa May plans to speak to the leader of every EU country in a final bid to deconstruct the backstop.

There's no evidence that any of them are enthused by the idea of reopening the Withdrawal Agreement, although a minority of the easterly capitals will listen attentively to her arguments.

Comments form Estonia's President Kersti Kaljulaid yesterday were very reassuring.

Speaking in Germany, she simply told reporters that change to the backstop, which will ensure no hard Border on this island, "is not possible".

Asked if a time limit could be put on the backstop, she replied: "Then it is not a backstop any more. We agreed that there will be an Irish backstop. It can't be changed."

Tanaiste Simon Coveney could not have written a better script for Ms Kaljulaid.

But there's no doubt that politicians across the EU27 are increasingly worried about the prospect of a no-deal.

Mrs May will look to stoke that fear during a series of phone calls where she will tell colleagues that if they give concessions on the backstop, she will get her deal through the House of Commons.

Of course her defeat last week on a basic motion of support for that strategy shows the prime minister is in no position to make such a sweeping commitment.

Mrs May is fast running out of political capital at home and political goodwill from abroad.

The Taoiseach faces a very different challenge. He has been bathing in generosity from EU leaders, not least presidents Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk.

He told the all-island Brexit forum last Friday: "One of the most striking things about what has unfolded since the UK's decision to leave has been the remarkable solidarity and unity on the EU side. It has been strong and resolute.

"Ireland's concerns on the Border have become EU concerns. Our insistence on a legally binding and operable means to avoid a hard Border has become an EU insistence."

Mr Varadkar travels to Egypt at the end of this week for an EU-League of Arab Nations summit.

Brexit is not on the agenda, but he must use the event to counter any advances Mrs May might make during her charm offensive.

One question that is likely to come up is what Ireland will do in the event that the UK crashes out. European countries will expect us to protect the single market, which in layman's terms means: patrol the Border.

To date the Irish Government has struggled to answer this question except to say that a Border on the island is not acceptable and a border to the continent could never happen. It seems a hard reality check is needed on both sides of the Irish Sea.
The ease with which graduates walk straight into a job, and one for which they have been educated, is a key barometer of national fortunes.

The overriding message from today's report is of a healthy economy, one that is matching growing numbers of third-level students with jobs that require ever higher levels of skills and knowledge. It is a win-win, both for the graduates and the country.

Overall, 78pc of graduates were working nine months after leaving college in 2017 and 90pc of them in Ireland.
Ministerial careers are not that long. Before he became Taoiseach at the age of 60, Enda Kenny had spent only two and a half years as a full Cabinet minister in his entire life, and that was as Minister for Tourism and Trade in the 1990s.

Simon Harris is only 32, and is already coming up to his third anniversary as Minister for Health. There are two ways of looking at this. One is that the former Baby of the Dail is a brilliant politician who is set on a long career occupying the great offices of State. The other is that he may already have enjoyed his allotted share of good fortune.

Just because the health minister has flown high doesn't mean that he will get to fly long. Think of it as "Icarus Syndrome". Even when they do occupy a succession of positions in Cabinet, the average length of time a minister stays in one job is rarely more than two or three years, the thinking being that, if you haven't done what you set out to do in that period, then it's unlikely that you'll suddenly blossom into the role, and, if you have chalked up some achievements, then it's best to bank them and move on to another Cabinet position before your luck runs out. It always does. The Taoiseach might even be doing Harris a favour long-term by reshuffling him out of the firing line.

The inherent insecurity that comes from being a Cabinet minister may be why they tend to huddle together, like sheep in a snow storm. It stops them being picked off one by one by roaming wolves. Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney certainly leapt to his fellow Simon's defence, as pressure built on the health minister over what he knew about spiralling costs at the National Children's Hospital, when he knew it, and what he chose to tell, or not tell, his colleagues and the Dail.

Harris supported the Corkman for the Fine Gael leadership, so he was probably owed some loyalty in return; but Coveney's argument that it is out of order to "apportion political blame to Simon Harris personally" is so curious as to bring the casual observer up short.

Politicians under the heat of public scrutiny are rarely squeamish about apportioning blame on to opponents or convenient scapegoats. Did Coveney leap to the defence of Tom Costello, chairperson of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, when he was left with no option than to resign as public disquiet grew over the rising costs of the NCH project?

Everyone insists that Costello was not pressurised to do so, but no one denies that he was left in little doubt that he had no future on the board. Some might say that's splitting hairs. Either way, full-voiced declarations of support for the now former chairperson were notable by their absence, as they were also for the now former HSE Director General Tony O'Brien when he stepped down last May following criticism of his role in the cervical cancer scandal. Speaking at the time, the Taoiseach immediately made it clear he was "never informed of any patient safety concern or potential scandal". So that was him off the hook.

But if O'Brien was in the wrong for having seen a memo in 2016 which acknowledged the problem long before it went public, then why is Simon Harris not equally culpable for the current NCH crisis when it's now clear he also saw a memo showing a 391m overrun last August, but failed to inform Cabinet colleagues before November, one month after Budget 2019 had been presented to the Dail? Isn't that a tad inconsistent?

One can only imagine that these figures would have been of some interest to Public Expenditure and Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe, as he did his sums.

Harris has apologised and admitted he "should have added further detail" to a parliamentary question in September, and that seems to be the end of it, as far as the Government is concerned, but it doesn't really answer the charge of hypocrisy. Why do other people under pressure for failing to disclose the full extent of their knowledge of mistakes being made not get the same benefit of the doubt? All that Minister Donohoe will say is that Harris did exactly what he would have expected in the circumstances, namely to "quantify, give me the exact figures, which he did". If the argument that other ministers would have done exactly the same thing is meant to be reassuring, it isn't. If anything, it raises much more widespread worries.

While the Tanaiste piously condemns those who would personally blame Simon Harris for the things over which Simon Harris was supposed to have control, the Taoiseach showed no hesitation in throwing certain bidders for large capital projects under the bus last week by saying that the Government had a "real concern" - they do love that language, like headmasters putting on a disappointed face when ticking off a naughty pupil - that "some companies are low balling" in order to get contracts, knowing full well their estimates are inaccurate. If that's not personally blaming people, what is?

He even suggested that some of them should be excluded from future bids. He refused to name any, prompting BAM Ireland, the company awarded the NCH contract, to ask the Taoiseach to clarify that he was not referring to it; BAM has since offered to withdraw from the project if the board no longer has confidence in it.

Contractors are responsible for the estimates, but it's ministers who sign off on the project. At the very least, they must be expected to have a working BS detector in place when faced with rival claims about who can best bring in huge capital projects on the cheap. In Harris's case, he may have taken on responsibility for existing projects when assuming his new role, in the manner of stepchildren picked up during a second marriage, but, when they do get into trouble, it's not possible to wash one's hands of them on the grounds that you didn't have a part in their conception. They're your problem now.

Incredibly, the Taoiseach had the cheek to say last week: "Accountability is not about giving in to the baying mob, witch hunts and the almost weekly demand for a head, any head, somebody's head."

You'd think butter wouldn't melt in these people's mouths. They're more than happy to provide heads if doing so ensures their own are safe. Last December, Varadkar blamed the courts for delays in hearing personal injuries cases related to the cervical cancer controversy. At the party's Galway think-in last September, he blamed homelessness on left wing-dominated councils. In what Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin called a "narky" intervention, the Taoiseach also suggested that nurses taking time off over Christmas were responsible for winter overcrowding. "It was classic 'blame someone else'." he chided the Taoiseach.

As for his determination to blame the Brits for all potential negative consequences of leaving the EU, that led one unionist newspaper in the North to pen an editorial saying that he seemed to be acting "as if Brexit, not terrorists, will be to blame for violence".

The Taoiseach himself tends to take the moral high ground, telling the Future Jobs Summit in Dublin last November that people who "feel forgotten or left out" are being "seduced by populism and the politics of the easy answer and someone to blame or hate", adding: "We know where that ends."

We do indeed. It ends in the tawdry spectacle of senior politicians deploring a culture of blame whilst sneakily seeking to shift responsibility for their own errors on to everybody but themselves.
Executive suite in four-star Clayton Whites Hotel turns out to have a fab view over Wexford town and harbour which is stunning, especially at night

We weren't the only ones thinking about a good catch-up, because while we are checking in to Clayton Whites Hotel, we stand looking at the groups of women seated at tables in the lobby/cafe and who are bowed over in conversation. Someone's ears are burning.

The tables are weighed down with cups and nibbles, and it looks like some people are on their second or third tea or coffee. There's a lot of the world being put to rights mid-week in Wexford, and never mind the elusive sun lounger by the pool, we're going to have to be exceedingly quick off the mark to get a table in here. And it's horrible hurrying a buffet breakfast.

There's also a very large and attractive bar area where seats are available, not to mention a luxurious spa where we could hang out, but on this first impression, all the action seems to be in the lobby, so we reckon we should be there too.

We are booked in to an executive suite in this four-star hotel, and it turns out to have a fab view over Wexford town and harbour. The window frames the scene invitingly.

You might happily lie on the extremely comfortable bed and look at the picturesque housetops tumbling down to the water. Or you could do as we did and head to Green Acres, a restaurant slap bang in the centre of Wexford town, for lunch.

This restaurant has a great reputation among regulars at the Wexford Festival Opera, and it seems the upstairs art gallery has been the venue for some great parties held during the festival. The owner, James O'Connor, comes from a well-known Wexford legal family, and the building once housed his parents' law firm. The dining area is surrounded by shelves of the finest wines, giving this modern restaurant a very welcoming feel. And the food tastes as good as the restaurant looks; seafood thermidor bake with basil and garlic crumb, and a burger with herb Mossfield cheese. Let's not forget the shared chocolate cake which was scrumptious.

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After lunch it's off to the Creative Hub in the Bullring Mall, the location of The Makers House which is considered to be the home of Wexford craft. There are specially designed units where craftspeople work, plus a very come-hither shop where they display their wares. I dare you to get out of it without something you could have done without but really shouldn't have to.

Following our tour, potter Mairead Stafford invites us to visit her workshop at Ballyelland Pottery, The Old Mill, Castlebridge, so we can make some art. It feels a little intimidating to be in a real potter's studio. Less Ghost and more 'what a big wheel you have'. When Mairead offers us paper and pencils so we can draw, we do have to marvel at her optimism. But it turns out to be an incredibly fun afternoon. She even throws in tea and cake as we design ourselves some pretty tiles. Mairead runs a Creating Beach Inspired Pottery Workshop which apparently is a big hit with groups visiting this part of the world.

Wexford, with its narrow winding streets, inviting shops and great restaurants is compact and compelling. This evening we eat dinner in La Cote Seafood Restaurant, Ferrybank South, a contemporary seafood restaurant owned and run by Michelin-trained chef Paul Hynes and his wife Edwina. Elegant and cosy, it's a pleasure to be in. The food is delectable; Comeragh Mountain lamb, with provencal sauce, and sea grass and lemon sole with gratin potatoes and fresh vegetables, and for dessert, a shared 70pc chocolate cremeux, with chocolate tuiles and malt ice cream.

The staff are so friendly too, and if there is one vibe to Wexford, it is a relaxed, no-worries, friendly one, like you might expect from the town lucky enough to be by the sea and surrounded by pretty countryside.

You can walk everywhere in Wexford too, and Clayton Whites Hotel is just a short walk from everywhere, which makes it an ideal base.

The following morning after a terrific buffet breakfast, we head to the National Opera House on Wexford Street for a short tour of what is our first custom-built, multi-purpose opera house and home to the world-famous Wexford Festival Opera which returns in October.

You don't see the opera house coming as its exterior is deceptively plain, but once inside its American walnut-lined auditorium is magnificent and has been described as calling "to mind the interior of a stringed instrument". It has hosted all sorts from the Royal Moscow Ballet to Tommy Tiernan.

Wexford has a spot of unsunny weather while we're there unfortunately - referred to on-and-off as 'bloody Storm Diana' - and sadly we're chased around the place by a steely grey sky and a wind with a very unfriendly attitude.

It means that regrettably a trip to the Irish National Heritage Park is cancelled when part of the park is closed due to the angry weather.

But as a consolation we lunch in The Yard restaurant on Lower Georges Street, which has a reputation for using its own seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruit, eggs and fresh cut flowers.

The portions are the most generous I've seen in quite a while, and we feast on two very tasty mains; chicken korma and monkfish in batter and skin-on fries. We didn't need them but thoroughly enjoyed the Portuguese custard tarts with smoked warm fudge sauce and autumn pear with white chocolate and pear sorbet.

Bloody Storm Diana doesn't win out in the end because we have our togs and enjoy a swim in the 20m swimming pool at Clayton Whites. There's a sauna and steam room poolside too.

Afterwards, we finally manage to nab seats in the cafe/lobby, which we now know is in fact the coffee dock - seats are hard to get as on both days there are wedding receptions in the hotel - and enjoy a bit of 'go away/get away out of that/she never/does she EVER listen to herself?/what do you think of the wedding dress?'

Once we've whipped up a good appetite we dine in the hotel's Terrace Restaurant which is bright and airy and overlooks the hotel's courtyard.

On our plates are a 10oz Hereford prime striploin steak with pepper cream sauce and mushroom, tomato and balsamic shallots skewers, plus a main course made up of two starters; duck spring roll topped with Asian salsa and salmon terrine served with citrus aioli and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Desserts are banoffee roulade served with toffee sauce and a selection of ice cream served with fresh cream and fruit coulis.

On the way back to Dublin we chat about how friendly Wexford is and how great the food is and how the town is ideal for a long overdue catch-up and how the next time we're there it's bound to be sunny.

Getting there

For information on Wexford where simple moments become priceless memories visit www.visitwexford.ie.

Clayton Whites Hotel

www.claytonwhiteshotel.com

Green Acres Restaurant

www.greenacres.ie

La Cote Restaurant

www.lacote.ie

The Yard Restaurant

www.theyard.ie

Ballyelland Pottery, The Old Mill, Castlebridge

www.maireadstaffordartist.com

This feature originally ran in The Sunday Independent.
You might hate Monday, but you'll love our weekly pick of Ireland's top travel offers...

70pp: Laze by Lough Ree

The four-star Hodson Bay Hotel has a 'Medieval Triangle' package including B&B, a Viking Boat trip to Athlone, a visit to Athlone Castle and a visit to Sean's - said to be one of the world's oldest bars - from just 70pp. Add dinner and a short spa treatment from 124pp. 090 644-2005; hodsonbayhotel.com.

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171pp: City breaks in Budapest

GoHop.ie has several city break deals at the moment, including three nights in Budapest from 171pp. The price includes flights and accommodation at the 3-star Korono Pension departing March 26. 01 241-2389; gohop.ie.

113pp: Summer wonders in Wicklow

The BrookLodge Hotel at Macreddin Village has a one-night summer special including B&B and an hour's spa treatment from 113pp midweek. It's available May to August. A three-night summer special also includes two dinners, from 350pp midweek. 0402 36444; brooklodge.com.

399pp: Kick back in Bodrum

ITAA member Navan Travel has a seven-night, all-inclusive Turkey package from 399pp. It departs May 4, including flights from Dublin, seven nights at the 3-star Sami Beach Hotel and transfers. 046 906-8600; travelaue.ie; itaa.ie/offers.

1,769pp: All-inclusive Maldives magic

Tropical Sky is offering savings of up to 1,050pp on an all-inclusive, seven-night holiday at the five-star Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in the Maldives. Book before February 28 for travel in 2019. Flights and transfers are included. 01 664-9999; tropicalsky.ie.

PS: 2-for-1 tickets to top family attractions

The Irish Independent and Sunday Independent have teamed up with Heritage Island to give readers 2-for-1 admission to a number of family attractions this mid-term break - from Airfield Estate to Wicklow's Historic Gaol. Vouchers are valid until 30th April 2019, and you can find out how to collect and use them here.

NB: All travel deals subject to availability/change.
Theia Stripes, from 344 per sqm. In a variety of colours and finishes  including lustre, these tiles bring a new dimension to

Theia Tile Panel, 1,210 Cant commit, wont commit? A tiled 3-D panel might be just the thing. Hang it, move it, make it work in any

Pastel de Nata custard tarts, peri peri chicken and glorious sunshine: Portugal - and its associated exports - is something we just can't get enough of in Ireland. In fact, we love the country so much that in 2017, 35.4pc more Irish people visited than the year before, and our destinations of choice were Porto, Northern Portugal and Lisbon.

But what does that have to do with interiors? Well, here's another thing Portugal is famous for: its beautifully intricate, decorative tiles - or azulejos. Lisbon's streets are awash with colourful tile-clad buildings and you'll also see them in metro stations, bars and restaurants.

There's nothing like seeing something in situ to inspire you to use it yourself, so it's small surprise that back at home, we're beginning to bin the large-format, boring beige porcelain tiles that feature in so many of our kitchens and bathrooms, in favour of something a bit braver.

The shift started with the trend for colourful, patterned encaustic and Moroccan-style offerings, which were arguably helped into fashion by the @ihavethisthingwithtiles Instagram account and its associated hashtag. Showcasing feet and floors, decorative and elaborate tiles contrast with designer duds to create visual cues that are seriously compelling for any wannabe interior designer.

"I think social media has played a huge role in people being braver with tiles," agrees interior designer Sally-Anne Bennett (@theinteriorsoc). "Instagram and Pinterest are like virtual magazines, full of inspiring ideas to use in your home. The use of cool tiles in restaurants and hotels has also made us want to recreate that look at home," she says. "The likes of Press Up group's amazing designs, and great use of tiles, from floors to walls, inspires people," she adds.

It's precisely that exposure that's giving us scope creep when it comes to the colours and materials we use in our own homes. Might as well face it, we're addicted to grey, but fresh inspiration and, thinks Bennett, a generational divide, are finally changing this.

"The younger generation are braver and more modern in their approach to decorating. The traditional look of a fake marble, magnolia porcelain tile that goes floor to ceiling is hopefully a thing of the past," she says.

So if we've embraced encaustics and gone potty for pattern, what's next? Three-dimensional, architectural tiles are the next frontier. Think high-relief ornamentation such as waves, circles and organic shapes inspired by nature. And, while they're not suitable for floors, they look fantastic on walls and push the boundaries of where we find it 'acceptable' to use tiles.

"I definitely think we'll see them being used more," says Bennett. "People are far more design conscious now, they like the architectural element of these tiles. However, subway tiles are still stiff competition, but I think adding that extra dimension is worth it."

Brands to know include Theia, a new sister brand to the very cool lighting and furniture brand Mambo Unlimited Ideas, and Wow Designs, a renowned Spanish manufacturer.

They've got the look we love alright, but there's an elephant in the room when it comes to three-dimensional tiled surfaces. And that's cleaning - so could you be bothered? "

The fact that they have more surfaces will obviously create more areas for dust and dirt to land on," Bennett agrees. "It's nothing a damp cloth can't handle."
Far from being gone, never to be seen again, todays Irish emigrant to New York comes home for weddings, birthday parties and summer holidays and welcomes a steady flow of Irish visitors at their door. Ireland is home, but NY is where they are making their lives, and it's where theyve found their passion, these four emigrants tell Chloe Brennan - in bars, in business and in creating events. And while they agree that theres no place like home, theres no place like the Big Apple, either.

Angela Frawley

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Originally from Slane, Co Meath, Angela moved to New York four years ago and hasn't looked back since. "I find myself heading back to Ireland a lot for weddings, especially in the summer, which is nice to keep in touch with family and friends, but I love the crazy life in New York," she says.

How does she escape the hectic New York lifestyle? "You have to have a good balance between work, fitness and the inevitable partying that happens when you live here," she says. "I like to run along the East River to get a bit of headspace, away from the craziness. It's important to take time for yourself or you will get worn-out so quickly in this environment."

Before moving abroad, Angela worked in marketing for 98FM and she was captivated by the media industry. "I love the variety in working in media and its fast pace and exciting environment," she says. "I couldn't imagine sitting in an office doing the same job every single day."

Angela is the events and partnerships manager for DailyMail.com in North America. When I meet her in the busy East Village, she tells me that she had a 5am start that day for an exclusive shoot.

"You're never off the clock - it's too fast-paced. When you walk out your door every day, you don't know what's ahead of you, or what way your day will go. It has that magic spark to it," she says. Angela travels a lot for work, as she oversees all of the media site's event partnerships. "We have had the likes of Martha Stewart and Lindsay Lohan at our events, which is really exciting," she says.

Thanks to cheaper transatlantic flights, Angela welcomes lots of visitors from home these days. "People's work can sometimes land them in New York for a few days, too," she says.

Married to Rob Mahon (pictured below), Angela was born for the New York lifestyle, and while she doesn't rule out moving home, she can't see it being any time soon, saying, "I love the energy, the excitement and the endless possibilities. There is something going on all the time."

Rob Mahon

Expand Close Rob Mahon pictured outside Broadstone, one of his 13 bars and restaurants. Photo: Daragh Cogley / Facebook

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Whatsapp Rob Mahon pictured outside Broadstone, one of his 13 bars and restaurants. Photo: Daragh Cogley

Rob - who was born in New York to Irish parents, John and Geraldine, but raised in Dublin - began his career as a finance broker. He compares his time in that high-powered profession to The Wolf of Wall Street: "It was like what you see in that movie," he says. "It's very intense, and you're sitting at your desk for 6am every morning. You can do what you want, just as long as you're making money." He fondly recalls his time as a stockbroker, but seems more content with his current role - taking over Manhattan, one bar at a time.

It's a family affair dating back to the late 1960s, when Rob's father, John, pooled his tips with the late Pete McGee, and they opened their first pub in New York, the Pig 'n' Whistle.

Fifty years later, Rob is continuing in his father's footsteps. Along with his father's long-term business partners, Rob knows how to successfully operate bars and restaurants, and has 13 of them under the Pig 'n' Whistle group. Twelve are in Manhattan - including The Flying Cock, PJ Moran's and Foxy John's - while Kennedy's Bar and Restaurant, primarily run by his brother John, is on the corner of Westland Row in Dublin. They seem to put everything into each new venture they take on. Since taking over Kennedy's two years ago, Rob says they have doubled the trade.

Last August, Rob married his long-term girlfriend Angela (pictured left) in the small village of Mougins, just outside of Cannes, surrounded by 150 of their closest family and friends. "The venue was beautiful, a small castle on the water," Rob says. "It was more of a three-day affair!" The Cote d'Azur holds a special place in both Rob and Angela's hearts, as it's where Rob proposed the previous year. Now, they live in a penthouse in midtown Manhattan.

Rob credits the prime locations of the bars - think Times Square, the Rockefeller Centre and Wall Street - for the success of the group, but an entrepreneurial nature and the ability to bring unique angles to the fiercely competitive New York hospitality scene are vital elements of that success. "You need to differentiate yourself, and stand out from the crowd," he says. "There is a saturation of Irish-style bars in New York, so we have decided to go down different routes." He provides a day-time burlesque show to the workers on Wall Street in his new Mexican-themed restaurant, Toro Loco, and he hosts private events for clients in Broadstone, his three-story American-style bar and kitchen on the corner of Broad and Stone Streets.

As well as regulars and tourists, some well-known faces have passed through the doors over the years. "Last year, we welcomed Leo Varadkar to PJ Moran's, one of our pubs near the Rockefeller Centre, for breakfast on St Patrick's Day. Muhammad Ali stopped by Langan's any time he was in town, and Liam Neeson and Jimmy Kimmel have been in, too," Rob says.

Rob shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. He spends some of his weekends in the summer relaxing and catching up with friends in Montauk, and playing GAA in Brooklyn.

Will he ever return to Ireland? "I wouldn't rule out moving back," he says, "but the ideal scenario would be commuting between here and Ireland every few weeks."

Patrick Greene

Expand Close Patrick Greene who moved to New York from Sligo. Photo: Daragh Cogley / Facebook

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Patrick, from Carraroe in Sligo, is the average person's key to gaining access to Manhattan's most exclusive clubs.

Like many Irish 20-somethings, Patrick moved to New York on the J-1 graduate visa, after completing his master's degree in e-commerce in DCU. During his first few months, he found himself socialising in the same Irish bars every other weekend. The so-called 'city that never sleeps' wasn't living up to his expectations. He says he "Googled 'best clubs in New York' and I got myself and a few friends on the guest list for 1 OAK nightclub [famous for its celebrity clientele]. I realised that being on the guest list doesn't really get you anywhere, and it was still $100 to get in.

"I was working in a bar at the time, and I made a contact one night with a promoter from that same club we didn't get into - 1 OAK. He said if I started sending people down from the bar, he would pay me. So I had some business cards made and I started sending people down to him."

Although Patrick was getting paid to send crowds to the club from the bar he was working at, it didn't work in his favour at the time, and he got fired the week before Christmas.

"From then, I had no job apart from promoting," he says. "So I had to go out into the Meatpacking district and get people into nightclubs as my source of income. My Irish accent was definitely an advantage, and it kept me going, but I was living from pay cheque to pay cheque."

In the meantime, he landed a job as an intern for an ad agency called The Mill. "I was on an intern's salary earning 15 bucks an hour, which doesn't get you far living here, so I kept up the promoting on the side, usually on Fridays and Saturdays," he says.

After just a couple of months, Patrick's promoting gigs took off: "Things started going hell for leather and more venues started to reach out," he says. Now, under his PR and Events company, The Greene Room, he works for the biggest nightclubs in New York, holding events seven nights a week, with Saturdays and Sundays amounting to 14-hour days. The company covers everything from restaurant venues to rooftops and brunch parties to nightclubs.

So how does the average person get entry to these parties, without having to fork out thousands for a table? "In a nutshell, there are 55 nightlife venues [in New York]competing for the best crowd," he explains. "If a club has a client paying several thousand for a table, they don't want to sit in an empty club. They want to be surrounded by a fun and energetic crowd. My job is to bring that crowd. We bring out up to 500 people a week."

The Greene Room was hired to promote a party for a Prince of Saudi Arabia, who throws an exclusive party in a bowling alley every other year. Patrick and his friends were playing pool, when they were interrupted by a guy asking if he could he play next. "When I looked over, I saw it was Leonardo Di Caprio. He invited us to join him and his friends in a nightclub after. That was definitely a cool night."

They have also had members of the Dublin hurling team, the Irish rugby team and cast members from Michael Flatley's Lord of The Dance when they were on Broadway. "I want to try to be a link between the Irish here and the Irish at home and build a community spirit in New York," Patrick says.

Is moving home on the cards in the near future? "For the time being, New York is where it's at," he says. "We are looking at growing and maybe hitting up Miami or Vegas. But no, we aren't thinking about going home - we are thinking about going bigger."

Elaine O'Brien

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In 2010, in the midst of Ireland's recession, Elaine graduated from Trinity College Dublin, followed by a three-year stint working in KPMG before becoming a qualified accountant. With the world at her feet, Elaine embarked on a new life in London, where she met her husband, Craig.

Elaine is adamant she wasn't forced to emigrate. "A lot of people don't think there are many opportunities in Ireland, which I think is sad," she says. "It wasn't that I thought there weren't opportunities for me at home. I left because I was looking for different opportunities, and to broaden my horizons. Ireland is the centre of so much in the business world and I'd go back in an instant if there was the right opportunity."

Having asked herself, "What would I like to do in finance in an industry that's interesting to me?" Elaine went to work for L'Oreal, one of the world's biggest beauty brands.

After a year in London, Elaine and Craig, who had recently tied the knot in Stellenbosch in South Africa, decided to move to New York. "We both got really lucky," she says, "One of the things that has always been important to me in my career is global mobility. Thankfully, both of our companies supported our move. Craig works for Goldman Sachs and their headquarters is in New York. L'Oreal has an office in New York, too." Elaine says that being flexible on the role made her transition to the States easier.

Elaine's commute to work is slightly different to most New Yorkers' typical fraught rush-hour journey. "I live in the Meatpacking District, and my daily commute is a one-mile walk on the High Line - the most beautiful walk in the city," she says. The High Line is a public park built on a historic railway line above the streets on Manhattan's West Side.

Elaine has no plans to move home yet. "Ireland is always home," she says, "But I always want to go where the adventure is and explore. I'm Irish, Craig is South African, we met in London, and now we are living in New York - who knows what the future holds?"

Photography by Daragh Cogley
Viktor Orban of Hungary is at odds with the EU on migration. Photo: REUTERS

Fine Gael's links to the hard-right party of Viktor Orban in Hungary have been heavily criticised by a potential rival candidate in the forthcoming European Parliament elections.

Wexford councillor Malcolm Byrne, who is seeking a nomination for Fianna Fail in the South constituency, said many people would be horrified that Fine Gael was in the same political grouping as Mr Orban.

"These European elections will be a debate on the values and direction of Europe and we need to stand up for democracy, the rule of law and citizens' rights, especially against populist extremists," Mr Byrne told the Irish Independent.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously defended meeting Mr Orban, saying that people should "not be afraid to raise issues where you don't agree".
A group of protesters who targeted Health Minister Simon Harris have carried out a similar demonstration at the home of Richard Bruton.

On this occasion, the self-styled 'Fingal Battalion' claimed to be objecting to the introduction of a carbon tax.

Thirteen 'anti-austerity activities' demonstrators arrived at his north Dublin home shortly after 2pm yesterday and stood outside it for two hours.

It is understood that Mr Bruton was not at home at the time. He posted a photograph on social media of himself with the Sam Maguire Cup at an event in Kilbarrack.

The protesters refused to talk to the Irish Independent, one smirking when asked for a comment and to state why exactly they were there.

In a video posted online, the protesters complained about the imposition of a carbon tax.

They described Mr Bruton as "another pillar figure" in this Fine Gael-led country and claimed that Ireland was a "failed free state".

Gardai monitored the situation throughout.

Yesterday's event follows a demonstration by another group, describing themselves as the Yellow Vest movement, on Saturday evening outside an apartment block where Taoiseach Leo Varadkar lives.

A spokesperson for Mr Varadkar said he was not home at the time.

"In a free country, people have the right to protest so long as it is not violent and does not unduly inconvenience others. The Taoiseach lives in an apartment block. He apologises sincerely if any of his neighbours felt intimidated or were inconvenienced in any way."

Gardai are carrying out a review of ministerial security arrangements.
Former minister Barry Andrews has used his first speech as a party candidate for the European elections to call time on the Confidence and Supply arrangement.

The Dun Laoghaire politician won a hotly contested selection convention last night, beating fellow ex-ministers Mary Hanafin and Conor Lenihan, and LGBT activist Tiernan Brady.

Speaking to delegates immediately after the vote, Mr Andrews strayed from the party line on the Confidence and Supply agreement to say that it should end as soon as there is clarity on Brexit.

He said the "overwhelming message" during the husting was that it could not be sustained for much longer.

Party leader Micheal Martin has signed up to keeping Fine Gael in power for one more budget.

However, Mr Andrews said there was now a "real frustration" within Fianna Fail and that once there was clarity on Brexit "the logic of the extension of this arrangement really will evaporate very quickly".

Expand Close Defeated: Conor Lenihan and Mary Hanafin, both of whom failed to secure the nomination at the Fianna Fail selection convention at Lansdowne Rugby Club. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins / Facebook

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Whatsapp Defeated: Conor Lenihan and Mary Hanafin, both of whom failed to secure the nomination at the Fianna Fail selection convention at Lansdowne Rugby Club. Photo: Gareth Chaney, Collins

Quizzed by reporters afterwards, Mr Andrews said: "There's no question of collapsing the Government through the fog of Brexit."

But he added: "I would say there would have to be a serious question about that [propping the Government up for Budget 2020]. I'm not sure that we can maintain this for another budget." More than 800 delegates voted at the convention yesterday, which party chiefs believe is evidence of a revival in the capital.

Fianna Fail has not had a Dublin MEP since Eoin Ryan lost his seat in 2009.

Mr Andrews received 340 first preferences, followed by Ms Hanafin with 199.

Tiernan Brady, the only contestant not have served as a minister, finished third with 191. Conor Lenihan got 108.

Mr Lenihan gave a passionate speech after the result, in which he called on party members to "put those posh boys out of office".

He said: "There'll be a general election very soon and we have to be in a position in Europe and at local level to take them out. The confidence is not there. Competence is not there."

He said Fianna Fail needed to "win the next general election and bring proper government back to this country".

Ms Hanafin, who has been involved in constituency disputes with Mr Andrews in the past, said she would be fully behind him in the campaign.

Mr Brady said the competition to be on the ticket was "a real warning shot to anybody who thinks they are going to take us on this May".

Fianna Fail chiefs will be pleased with Mr Andrews's nomination - but the level of anxiety over Confidence and Supply will be a concern. Deputy leader Dara Calleary told the convention at Lansdowne Rugby Club: "We're wearing the Ireland jersey in the way that it has been worn with pride on these grounds for many years. We have to put the Irish jersey on and get the best deal for Ireland over the course of the next 40 days."

Kildare TD Fiona O'Loughlin, who chaired the event, said there was "more supply than confidence in the current arrangement. But to suggest that our esteemed leader Micheal Martin could walk away from Confidence and Supply would be to suggest that he should act like Jeremy Corbyn over in Westminster."
THE sister of missing Esra Uryun has admitted her hopes of finding her alive have all but faded away.

Berna Fidan will return to Dublin on Wednesday in another bid to solve the mystery of her younger sisters disappearance eight years ago.

Esra, a 38-year-old married mother-of-one, disappeared after leaving her home in Clondalkin on February 23, 2011.

Ms Fidan (53) has campaigned tirelessly ever since, travelling to Ireland from her London home on dozens of occasions in a bid to uncover a lead into the case.

Expand Close Berna Fidan with a poster of her missing sister Esra. / Facebook

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Whatsapp Berna Fidan with a poster of her missing sister Esra.

Speaking only days before the eighth anniversary of Esras disappearance, mother-of-two Ms Fidan admitted she is finding it harder to believe her sister could still be alive.

Its now almost eight years since Esra disappeared, she said.

Thats a long time and its getting harder and harder for me to believe that shes still alive.

The longer this goes on, the more I have to accept that she cant be alive, but I wont rule it out completely.

I still have a glimmer of hope that she might be alive, and I will not give up that dream of being reunited with her until Im told otherwise.

Esras family believe she was abducted between the time she set off from her home and the discovery of her car in Bray later that morning.

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Although the grey Renault Twingo was captured on CCTV travelling towards a car park in the seaside town, efforts to enhance the grainy footage and identify the drivers face  believed to be Esras abductor  have been unsuccessful.

However, Ms Fidan is praying her four-day visit to Ireland, during which she will meet with gardai and put up posters of her missing sister, will finally lead to some sort of breakthrough.

Her campaign is all the more urgent as her frail mother, who is 75, is battling a serious illness and literally holding on for news of Esra.

Mum has gone through hell since Esra disappeared and its really taken a terrible toll on her health, Ms Fidan said.

She cries all the time about Esra, but she gets excited when I go over to Ireland. It gives her hope.

But then when I came back its heartbreaking not to be able to give her good news.

Ive got to keep going. Im baffled and the gardai are baffled too. I know someone out there knows something, and I beg them to come forward.
Police described accident and emergency (A&E) departments at two Northern Ireland hospitals as like "an EastEnders Christmas Special meets Jeremy Kyle" on Saturday night.

Extra police were required at Craigavon Area Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital to support medical staff.

Nineteen police officers were required to deal with individuals whod been arrested for drink driving, domestic abuse, assaults and road traffic collisions due to drink or drugs.

A PSNI spokesperson said that their Saturday night policing operation was "one of great frustration, and yet again a major strain on our resources".

"Thats nineteen officers many miles away from district, nineteen officers removed from Policing your area, nineteen officers unable to respond to calls and carrying out anti burglary patrols," the spokesperson said.

"The A&E department itself was like an EastEnders Christmas Special meets Jeremy Kyle, with additional local police required to deal with that side of things."

The spokesperson said that such operations were putting a strain on police resources.

"Its part of a wider debate about police resources and police being a general catch all service expected to plug endless gaps," the spokesperson said.

"As is so often the case most of these boil down to individuals and personal responsibility - or rather a severe lack of it, with the expectation that police will just pick up the pieces.

"The mindset needs to change, it is not sustainable."
The Catholic diocese of Waterford and Lismore has said it had no money to pay its priests' wages at Christmas as a result of a major downturn in the amount of funds collected from parishioners.

Administrators already had to borrow from diocesan funds to pay the 60-odd priests last September and had to raise money from parish reserves in December for the last quarterly salary payment.

Now they are waiting for collection returns to see if there will be enough for the next due payment in March or if diocesan funds will have to be used again.

There are three envelope collections each year that are supposed to fund the priests' salaries, held at Christmas, Easter and in autumn, but the amounts being raised by this method have dwindled in recent years.

"There was no money at Christmas and we had to get 5,000 from each parish out of parish funds," Waterford and Lismore spokesman Fr Liam Power said on Monday afternoon. "Long term, it's not sustainable... it's seriously depleted, that fund."

The parish funding used in December was just to pay the priests' latest quarterly salary instalment.

Priests in Waterford and Lismore receive a basic salary of 21,000 per year and this can be added to by up to 5,000 per year because of allowances for certain ceremonies.

Fr Power was on WLR FM's Deise Today programme on Monday morning to discuss the issue of using contactless card payments to collect money from parishioners.

The customary "basket collection" is used for church maintenance and upkeep and has always been kept separate to the "envelope collection" held three times yearly to pay priests.

However, he said on Monday afternoon that the envelope money hasn't been enough in recent times to make up the priests' salaries. It is possible that each parish will be set a minimum amount of money to raise, to ensure the payments can be maintained.

"Each parish should be contributing enough to the common fund to support its own priests. If not, maybe they would have to contribute from the basket collection."

Fr Power said that "over a number of years, it [envelope collection] has seriously depleted."

There are a number of reasons why fundraising from traditional sources is down, he said: a decrease in the amount of people attending Mass, an increase in the amount of people who have turned away from the church and younger people who do attend Mass from time to time for special occasions or funerals not being in the habit of making contributions.

He accepted that scandals within the Catholic church in recent decades has "undermined our credibility and our moral authority" and said many people's attitude to the church has "radically changed" in the last few years.
Gardai issued a warning about the activities of online "paedophile hunting" groups as a video was posted online of a man who appears to suffer an assault after being confronted on the street.

The incident happened in Ballyfermot yesterday at around 4.30pm.

A group recorded its confrontation with an individual, who they accused of sending sexually explicit images to a 14-year-old girl.

In the clip, broadcast live on Facebook, the man then appears to be set upon by a mob that gathered as the 'paedophile hunters' questioned him.

The attackers do not appear to be connected to the paedophile hunter group.

A Garda spokesman said they do not comment on the specific activities of such groups, or videos and material published online by third parties.

However, he raised concerns about the activities of such groups, which he said were a concern for An Garda Siochana and other police services.

"The activity engaged in and the manner of confrontation between such groups and their targets has the potential for violence and could result in harm to persons present," he said.

"There are also concerns over the legality of the actions of such groups operating in Ireland.

"The manner in which such groups operate and how they interact with their chosen targets prior to and during the arranged meeting has the potential to affect future criminal proceedings."

He said it was the role of the gardai to investigate crime and enforce legislation.

He urged anyone with information relating to the potential sexual exploitation of children to report it immediately to An Garda Siochana where it will be investigated by professional investigators.

"Our priority at all times is the safety of children, and to use all lawful means to fully investigate and prosecute crimes which jeopardise the safety of a child."

Ballyfermot councillor Hazel De Nortuin said she had passed the incident but wasn't aware at the time what was happening.

"I only became aware afterwards," she said.

"There was a large crowd gathered. I would say up to 20 people in a garage on the opposite side of the road.

"As I understand it, people became aware of what happened and they started coming out.

"It mobilised the crowd very quickly," she said.

"I just saw the footage. It's a difficult situation. It kind of got out of hand."

Ms De Nortuin said she didn't condone the violence and questioned whether such groups had the proper training or resources to carry out such sting operations.

The Garda press office did not respond when asked if anyone had been arrested arising from the incident or if it had information on the condition of the man.

However Ms De Nortuin said she had heard locally that he was "in a very bad way".
The number of people presenting with symptoms of narcolepsy from the swine flu vaccine Pandemrix has soared by more than 20pc in the wake of an Irish Independent expose.

Support group Sound said they were dealing with around 100 families whose children had taken Pandemrix but more than 20 new families have contacted them in the past six months.

A major Irish Independent investigation in August revealed some children received a double dose of Pandemrix when swine flu vaccine stocks were used from January 2011 amid fears of a winter flu jab shortfall.

Thousands received a single vaccine dose in 2009/2010.

But the 2011 re-issue was almost two years after research data showed indicators that Pandemrix had, in the case of narcolepsy/cataplexy, up to 13 times higher rate of adverse incidents than other vaccines.

"We still do not know how many Irish children received Pandemrix when it was re-issued in 2011," Sound co-founder Tom Matthews said. "After 10 years we were shocked to find that some of the new cases involved previously undiagnosed narcolepsy.

"Despite assurances given eight years ago, the route to rapid diagnosis has clearly not been streamlined, as is proved by the emerging number of sufferers."

Untested

A test case is due before the High Court in October with many of the 75 actions being handled by solicitors Michael Boylan and Gillian O'Connor.

"The fact that the general public were not made aware by the Health Minister or HSE that Pandemrix was untested, prior to or even during the vaccination programme as adverse data emerged, is one of the reasons why we have now served the State defendants with claims for aggravated and exemplary damages," Ms O'Connor said.

"It is a scandal and totally unacceptable that our clients have had to fight tooth and nail for appropriate redress for the dreadful injuries caused for the past eight years given that this information has been within the defendants knowledge all this time."
Missing: Noel Leeson (left) and Anthony Keegan (right) have not been heard of for a fortnight since they went to Birmingham

Two Irishmen who have been missing in the UK for more than a fortnight had gone over to Birmingham to do some business, according to friends.

Noel Leeson (34) and Anthony Keegan (47) are believed to have travelled by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in a black Audi A3 that Mr Leeson had bought only days earlier.

From there, it is thought they drove to Birmingham, where they had arranged to meet with someone.

Both men are from the Russell Square area of Tallaght in Dublin and their families are now deeply concerned for their welfare.

Gardai have been liaising with their police counterparts in the UK to try to trace the men, but so far the authorities have turned up no leads.

"I last heard from them on January 27, when Noel said they got to where they were going. It was between 12 and 1am and they said they'd got there," said Mags Murphy, the mother of Mr Leeson's two children.

"He had rung me before they went. He wouldn't tell me where exactly they were going but said it was a bit of business and they'd be fine. We haven't heard from them in two weeks. I'm worried about them and trying to be positive for the kids.

"Our 14-year-old knows about it, but the six-year-old is too young," she said.

Worrying

"Noel is always good at keeping in touch, to say goodnight to the kids and things, so it is worrying that they haven't been in touch and we can't get in touch with them."

Photographs and identifying details of both men were circulated by gardai at the weekend.

Noel Leeson is 5ft, 9ins tall and of slim build, with short brown hair.

He has blue eyes, usually has stubble or a beard and speaks with a Dublin accent. He has a distinctive scar on his neck.

Anthony Keegan is about 6ft tall, of slim build, with short brown hair. He has brown eyes, usually has stubble or a beard and also speaks with a Dublin accent.

Anthony Keegan has a number of distinctive ink dots on his knuckles.

When last seen, he was wearing a brown leather jacket, navy jeans and black shoes.

Anybody who has any information in relation to the whereabouts of either man is asked to contact gardai at Tallaght garda station on 01-666 6000.
A murder accused told gardai that he repeatedly struck a 90-year-old pensioner in self-defence, a jury is to hear.

Ross Outram (28), of Ferryland, Waterford Road, Clonmel in Co Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Paddy Lyons (90) at Loughleagh, Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co Waterford, at a time unknown between February 23 and 26, 2017.

His trial got under way this afternoon at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul Coffey and a jury of eight men and four women.

The trial is expected to last two weeks, the court heard.

Opening the prosecutions case, Mr John OKelly SC told the jury that a couple selling second-hand clothes - of whom Mr Lyons was a customer - went to his home at around 4pm on February 25, 2017. The front door was not locked and they found his body inside.

Counsel said: It was immediately obvious that this man was either dead or in a bad way.

Mr OKelly said: He had injuries that were described by the pathologist as blunt force to the body with a traumatic brain injury, haemorrhage and shock.

Mr OKelly also said that one of Mr Lyonss hip joints and ribs were fractured and these injuries were the result of blunt force.

He also said there would be evidence that a blood-stained hoodie was later found in Mr Outram's bedroom and analysis of this showed the hoodie contained DNA of Mr Lyons.

Mr O'Kelly said Mr Outram initially told investigating gardai that he knew nothing about Mr Lyons but "subsequently admitted that in fact he had been in Mr Lyons's house" on either February 24 or February 25.

Counsel told the jury that Mr Outram claimed he had asked Mr Lyons for money but that Mr Lyons refused and then started attacking him [Mr Outram] with a stick.

Mr OKelly said Mr Outram said he struck Mr Lyons repeatedly in self-defence and that when he left Mr Lyons's home, the pensioner was still alive and that Mr Lyons locked him out of the house.

Mr OKelly said that, at the time of his death, Mr Lyons had retired from farming but he still lived alone on his farm while his land had been let out for some years.

He was a healthy and fairly active for a man of his age, Mr OKelly said.

However, he noted Mr Lyons had a frozen right arm which he couldnt really use any more.

The jury heard the deceased had been receiving home help and his meals would be cooked for him but he also got out from time to time and he met people.

Mr OKelly said when Mr Lyonss body was found he had been dead for some time.

He told the jury that Mr Lyons was alive the day before his body was discovered - as his home help had visited - and therefore the death had to have taken place somewhere between 4pm on February 24 and 4pm on February 25 when his body was found.

The trial continues tomorrow at 11am.
A Lithuanian man who stabbed his housemate in the torso, neck and ear during a physical altercation over domestic matters has avoided a jail term.

Garda Rob Nolan told a previous sentence hearing last December that he was on duty when neighbours alerted him to a dispute between Arturas Bulksas (55) and his then housemate.

Bulksas, of Burnside, Magenta Crescent, Santry, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting the man causing him harm at his address on December 23, 2017. He has no previous convictions.

Judge Melanie Greally had adjourned sentencing after hearing evidence last December and ordered community service and probation reports. She accepted that this was a case with some peculiarities favourable to the accused.

She warned that given where the injuries were inflicted, an accused person can usually expect to get a custodial sentence regardless of their point of life.

Today Judge Greally said Bulksas' pleas of guilty were significant considering evidence that the victim refused to make a victim impact report, provide a medical report and didn't want to proceed with the prosecution.

The judge acknowledged that the report from the Probation Service indicated that Bulksas was suitable for community service.

She ordered that he carry out 240 hours community service in lieu of two years in prison and complete it within 12 months. The judge also imposed a two year sentence which she suspended in full.

Gda Nolan told Joseph Barnes BL, prosecuting, at the earlier hearing, that Bulksas got a kitchen knife during the altercation and stabbed his housemate in the torso, neck and ear.

He was initially unfit to be questioned by gardai as he was so intoxicated, but he later made admissions. The court heard the injured party, who spent two days in hospital with his wounds, refused to make a victim impact statement or provide a medical report.

Gda Nolan told Judge Greally that the injuries were not life threatening.

He said the man made a statement to gardai to say he was leaving the country and didn't want anything further to do with the case.

The garda agreed with Emmet Nolan BL, defending, that Bulksas admitted in interview that he had drunk a bottle of vodka prior to the dispute.

Mr Nolan submitted to Judge Greally that it was unusual for someone in their first outing in criminality to use a knife. He said his client had come home that day and had an argument with the injured party about household matters. He said the dispute then turned physical.

Mr Nolan submitted that his client had not attempted to wriggle out of the case by taking a trial date, in light of the injured man wanting nothing more to do with the matter.

He said Bulksas had come to work in Ireland ten years ago, but now suffers from a stomach ailment which will require surgery. Counsel asked Judge Greally to take into account his client's early plea, his genuine remorse, his previous good record and that he has no family in Ireland.
A FRIEND told an inquest on Monday he had hoped to confiscate a driver's car keys moments before he drove into the path of an articulated lorry, killing him and leaving his son fighting for his life.

Frank Walsh (61), a building contractor from Treenlaur in Kiltimagh, died in the crash on the the N5 near Swinford, Co. Mayo on February 13, 2018.

His blood alcohol level was subsequently found to be five times above the legal limit.

His student son, Mark, was found slumped beside him in the wreckage of the UK registered Cadillac car. Mark Walsh survived after being rushed to hospital.

PJ Cronin told the inquest in Castlebar today that he spotted his friend Frank Walsh on the Kiltimagh/Swinford road but felt he should not be behind the wheel as his driving was swervy.

He had earlier spotted the deceased at the back door of his house and had advised him to go inside the house as he seemed to be drowsy.

About a mile from Swinford Mr Cronin had witnessed a switch of drivers with Mark getting out of the drivers side and his father taking over the wheel.

When they pulled off again I followed them and Franks driving was a bit swervy," he said.

I decided at this stage that if they pulled into Applegreen Service Station I would pull in after them and take the keys off them.

Frank continued to drive past Applegreen and up to the T-junction on the N5.

I saw brake lights and he stopped at the junction. I did not see an indicator.

Franks car seemed to take off at pace. It was like he misjudged that a lorry coming from his right was so close to him and he accelerated quickly to get out of its path.

He had turned to the right and the lorry hit his side of the car. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch on the opposite side of the road.

I pulled in and ran across the road to find Frank and Mark slumped in the car. Other people arrived on the scene and tried to get the windscreen out.

The fire services, ambulance personnel and gardai arrived then and took over.

The truck involved in the impact was owned by Donovan Transport and driven by Eugene Casey.

Mr Casey, in a statement read to todays inquest, explained that as he approached the junction where Applegreen is located he spotted a silver car coming from the Swinford/Kiltimagh road past Applegreen with a black jeep behind it.

The silver car kept coming out in front of me. I sounded the horn to warn him to stop," he said.

He kept coming so I looked to the opposite side of the road to make sure there was nothing coming the opposite way.

It was clear so I tried to go out and around the silver car but ended up hitting it on the drivers side, I think.

From the force of me hitting the car, the lorry kind of jack-knifed and I ended up being faced into the bank on the opposite side of the road.

I couldnt believe what had happened. I switched off the lorry and rang my boss. I was in pure shock.

If there was anything I could have done to avoid the collision I would have done it. There was nothing I could have done.

One of the witnesses to the crash, Andrea Cully told the inquest the grey/blue Cadillac appeared not to stop at the junction but kept going.

The driver of the truck coming from the Charlestown direction was "beeping his horn constantly", she testified.

Ms Cully continued: The Cadillac went out in front of the truck and I heard a loud bang. The truck seemed to hit the car and then swerve.

Both vehicles ended up on the opposite side of the road.

The lorry driver did all he could to avoid the Cadillac.

Ms Cully alerted the emergency services by ringing 999.

Mark Walsh, the survivor of the impact, was unable to attend todays hearing.

Sergeant Gabriel McLoughlin, PSV Inspector for Mayo, carried out an examination of the crash vehicles.

He said it was not possible to calculate the speed of the car at at the time of the collision.

Also, it was not possible to determine whether the car braked prior to the collision.

Both vehicles were in a roadworthy condition and the road was good.

Dr Fadel Bennani, consultant pathologist, gave the cause of death as multiple fatal injuries including skull fracture with subarachnoid haemorrhage and multiple rib fracture sustained in a road traffic accident.

The level of blood alcohol was determined at 377mgs.

Coroner Pat OConnor noted the blood alcohol level of the deceased was five times the legal limit.

After a short period of deliberation, the inquest jury returned a verdict of misadventure.

Sympathising with the Walsh family, the coroner said he had known the deceased well.

I knew him personally. He was a lovable man and ran a very good business.

He will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A FATHER-of-four told gardai investigating a domestic incident that he would have them killed by the Russian Mafia.

Officers were called to the home of Raimondas Zajancauskas (47) last St Stephens Day when he made the threat.

A court heard he had been drinking far too much on the night.

Judge Paula Murphy fined him 150 at Blanchardstown District Court after he admitted a public order offence.

Zajancauskas pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour in the incident at his home on Cherrywood Drive, Clondalkin.

Sgt Maria Callaghan said officers were called to the scene of a reported domestic incident.

The accused was one of the occupants of the address and became very aggressive towards gardai.

Sgt Callaghan said gardai were speaking to the defendants partner when Zajancauskas was verbally abusive to them and was shouting.

Children were present in the house at the time, she said.

Gardai left the house and the defendant followed them on to the road.

He threatened he would have them killed by the Russian Mafia, Sgt Callaghan said.

There were neighbours out on the street at the time. The accused was arrested.

The court heard he had previous convictions.

He was originally from Lithuania and had been in Ireland for 15 years with his partner and family, his solicitor Valerie Buckley said.

The accuseds partner was in employment, but Zajancauskas was not working and was at home minding their children.

He did not have a full recollection of the events, but accepted what the gardai said and wanted to apologise, Ms Buckley said.

When he was shown the evidence he was very embarrassed.

Zajancauskas had been drinking far too much on the night and there were issues with alcohol, the court heard.
Upset: Residents of Gurteen, Co Sligo, show their support for keeping their post office open. Photo: James Connolly

A thriving Sligo community is to consider taking a judicial review to save its local post office, after accusing An Post of ignoring its own viability guidelines with a controversial closure campaign.

Hundreds attended a protest meeting last night in Gurteen, amid local fury over An Post's decision to close the village post office on February 28.

The decision followed a six-month campaign in Gurteen to save the post office, which prompted An Post to concede three deadline extensions.

Fiona Tansey, of Tansey's Centra Supermarket, said that the decision made absolutely no sense and threatened the area with a devastating economic blow.

"An Post is ignoring its own guidelines - that is what we cannot understand," she claimed. "Last year, when An Post said that 159 rural post offices would close, it promised no office would close where there was a local population of 500 people or more.

"There are 512 people living here in Gurteen, the local school has expanded over recent years from three teachers and 90 students to five teachers and 116 students.

"We have just got a new chemist shop and carried out a study which showed that there were 1,500 transactions carried out per week at our post office."

The threatened closure of Gurteen post office will force people to travel more than 12km to Ballymote for services.

Ms Tansey claimed that An Post "has refused to engage with us. A study was carried out on Gurteen post office and we believe it was favourable. But we have been refused all access to the study".

Ms Tansey pointed out that An Post had even refused to engage over plans for an outlet co-location.

"We are pleading with people to see sense. We have lobbied politicians, staged public protests and even spent 3,000 on a legal opinion."

Now Gurteen community is considering a judicial review.

Last year, the local community organised a campaign to save the local post office, with the theme: "Post office - not ghost office - don't let their threat become a reality."

An Post unveiled the rural post office closure campaign last year after a deal had been hammered out between the semi-state company and the Irish Postmasters' Union following years of disputes.

A spokesman for An Post last night said the protocol in coming to the decision was adhered to.

"There's an established protocol there to help us make a decision like this. It was followed in the way the decision was made," he said.

"There's a step-by-step process and that was all followed."

He added: "There's 152 post offices that closed under that scheme, Gurteen will close at the end of this month."
More than 60 members of the Defence Forces were discharged from service in the past decade after testing positive for drugs.

A total of 78 Army soldiers failed drug tests, testing positive for substances such as cannabis and cocaine, during routine drug tests between 2008 and 2017, according to information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Of those who tested positive, some 62 were discharged from duty, while 16 others held on to their positions.

The latter opted to undergo targeted drug testing and continued their service after completing the programme.

In recent years, there has been a spike in the number of personnel testing positive for drugs, as well as those who being discharged as a result.

The Defence Forces are made up of Army soldiers, the Air Corps and the Naval Service. In 2017, a total of eight people failed the test, six of whom were shown the door as a result.

Two years before this, in 2015, that figure hit 15, which led to 14 members leaving the services.

In 2016, a total of 11 soldiers failed drug tests, which saw 10 of those being discharged.

In 2014, four members failed drug tests, of whom just one was discharged. In the previous year, 10 members tested positive and nine of these were discharged from service.

In 2011, the figure was almost half of that, as six soldiers failed tests and three were forced to call time on their service with the country's Defence Forces.

Several of those who were discharged since the programme was established in 2003 have also challenged the decision in the courts.

Gardai launched an investigation in December 2017 after cocaine worth about 3,000 had been discovered at an Army barracks in Dublin.

Along with officers in Rathmines' Garda Station, the Military Police - who are responsible for investigating offences within the Defence Forces - were drafted in to investigate the discovery made at Cathal Brugha Barracks.
There is a reason Ardal O'Hanlon called his new tour The Showing Off Must Go On. Because in rural Ireland, whence he came, that was the very worst thing anyone could do. "I remember one time my mother made spaghetti bolognese and she told us not to tell anyone in case the neighbours thought we had notions, like 'the O'Hanlons have gone all Italian, next they'll be opening chippers!' It was a very head-down background. I suppose everything I've done since then has sort of flown in the face of that."

It's difficult to imagine him really showing off. In person, he is modest - "the career stumbles along" is how he puts it - but in fact it has encompassed enduring stand-up brilliance, some surprisingly affecting acting moments (his back catalogue also includes Neil Jordan's The Butcher Boy) and, of course, the comedy behemoth in whose shadow he contentedly lives his life - Father Ted.

It has endured like few other sitcoms, and, two decades after it went off the air, it's cultural reach has been seen everywhere from the Pope's visit to the Repeal marchers who held aloft ironic signs saying: "Down with this sort of thing."

O'Hanlon used to feel pressure to "pander" to the "Ted Heads" and those who "saw me in terms of Dougal" but now he just enjoys the sitcom's never-ending legacy.

"I remember the day I went to do the first reading for the show. Arthur [Mathews] and Graham [Linehan] and the director general of Channel 4 were there - and as I read some of them were laughing, and some of them were very stony-faced. Sometimes I think that my whole career hung on those 20 minutes."

The seeds of his instincts for comedy were sown in adolescence, however. There were few enough comedy influences - Laurel and Hardy is the only thing he remembers on RTE of the era, but the arrival of Xtra Vision into Carrickmacross meant sudden access to the material of American comics like Robin Williams, Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy.

Being funny - "showing off" - was a type of rebellion against his father, Rory, a doctor who became a Fianna Fail minister in various governments. Like David McSavage, whose father was also a politician, Ardal pushed back against this.

"I felt very stifled by that background and my father's high profile in politics," Ardal explains. "My father was a typical Irish father. He was a nice, hard working, driven guy. His politics were very conservative and I was just a very different kind of kid to that. I was very shy and bookish."

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He was educated at Blackrock College, but it was after school in Dublin's very nascent early 1980s comedy scene that he really began to find his feet.

"I remember my first ever gig in town, I was very nervous," he recalls. "I had a big red shiny face. But that all disappeared after 30 seconds and I settled down and got a great lift from that. I really didn't know what to do with my life until that point. It wasn't like I saw a distinctive career path, but I knew there was a potential there.

"And I was into the whole aura of comedy and art. I had just read W Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage and Joyce's Portrait Of the Artist and I liked the idea of leading a bohemian life."

After four years of doing weekly gigs in Dublin he decided to take the plunge and "scarpered" to London. There, he won the Hackney New Empire Act of the Year prize in 1984.

In a sense this was all a boon for his confidence, but in another sense he remained the shy, cerebral chap he'd been before the stand-up bug bit.

"I was so crap with women anyway that comedy didn't make a difference," he says. "I think my first girlfriend and I hardly spoke to each other in the year we were going out. In fact we never even spoke to each other to formally break it off. For all I know she still thinks we're together. Maybe in a parallel universe we're very happy."

If success didn't improve his prospects with women, it did gain him the attention of television writers, however. Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan both came to his gigs and spoke to him about a sitcom they had written for Channel 4. By then, O'Hanlon was touring all over the UK and hesitant to get involved as working on a sitcom was seen, to an extent, as "selling out".

After the initial readings it was decided he would join the cast, however. A huge selling point was the involvement of Dermot Morgan, whose career he had followed from afar.

"He was a very lively character, very loud and outgoing, very scatterbrained and always on his phone and fidgeting," he recalls of Morgan. "He could be hard to rehearse with. In this context we were acting properly for the first time.

"There was a giddiness about the whole thing: we were in a British sitcom and we'd grown up on British sitcoms like Fawlty Towers. I think he thought of Father Ted as payback for all of the s**t he'd had to put up with over the years."

The first inkling he had of how successful the show would become came during the tapings before a live studio audience - those nights were "magical" he says.

"Then, after it was all recorded, I went around to Arthur and Graham's flat in Kilburn and we watched all six episodes back-to-back. I was blown away and I didn't really see myself in it. There was a tremendous sense of satisfaction."

The celebrity that went with being Fr Dougal wasn't instantaneous, but when it came, it changed his life forever. "Being recognised took a while because the first series kind of went under the radar a bit. It was the second series when it really caught fire. After that it was a treadmill of press and publicity and going to parties."

Morgan's death, in 1998, precipitated a bout of soul searching on Ardal's part.

"It was a wake-up call in many ways. Me and my wife and child went to a hotel down in Limerick and just tried to take it all in. I felt terrible for his family. Maybe Dermot didn't look after his health.

"I took a big step back after that in terms of priorities. I was a thirtysomething comedian in London, living that lifestyle, I had stopped doing exercise. After Dermot's death, I said to myself: 'I'm going to enjoy my life and enjoy my family, because who knows how long any of us will be here'."

The tears of a clown are something of a cliche, but when Ardal mentions difficulties with the sometimes solitary nature of comedy, I wonder if he ever had mental health issues? "It's hard to say. I think a certain amount of depression is sort of a normal state of mind to have. Deep depression is another story - and I wouldn't say I've been quite there, but you know I have been quite down at times, I have not wanted to leave the house for days on end. With the type of work I do, you can get insecure about things people say about you. You are a one-man band in a way and strangely, sometimes, the only relief from that is when you are alone up there on stage."

After Father Ted, Ardal's stand-up career took off as he toured in front of sold-out crowds across the world, and filmed his own stand-up special for Comedy Central, released films of several shows, and appeared on Live At The Apollo. Meanwhile, in 1998, he published a bestselling novel, The Talk Of The Town, which was translated into several languages and voted as one of the 1001 Books To Read Before You Die.

I wonder what he makes of the recent controversy around Graham Linehan and his opinions on transgender rights.

"I feel for Graham, because I know the kind personality he is and he doesn't let things go. He's a bit obsessive and I don't understand why he has waded into that debate to the extent that he has. I think you can be passionate and outspoken without it getting as personal as it has with him."

Ardal lives in Rathmines in Dublin now, but spends roughly half the year in the Caribbean, where Death in Paradise, the BBC crime drama in which he stars, is filmed. His family - wife Melanie and their three kids - travel there with him as much as they can.

"Melanie has an incredible sense of humour. I knew her slightly in my youth. We started hanging out over a summer and things were casual for a while, but then became more serious, and when I moved over to London she came over too. She is a brilliant judge of my stuff. I'd be more your tortured artist type, whereas she knows everything and everyone within a 10-mile radius."

Despite the fact that his youngest is now 21, he says he still sometimes feels like he's learning about fatherhood. "I was always a little bit of a fogey but I still feel very youthful. Sometimes, I think I don't have a clue how to be a parent. I still look at my wife behind closed doors and go 'what the f**k? How do we solve this problem?' I still feel like a newly-wed in that regard."

He understands that as a comedian he is "obliged but to be informed about pop culture and politics and who's who in news", but his kids, he says, are the reason he doesn't need to be on Twitter. "The reason I'm not on social media is that I have my own live-in trolls. They are great at telling you where you went wrong with your life. There is that old saw that the Irish are the only race in the world who can't be psychoanalysed. I think Freud probably didn't say it; it's just a line from a movie but I also think psychoanalysis is a bit redundant here because any Irish person will tell you what's wrong with your psyche."

He describes his new show as "sort of a love letter to the English" and there will be lots about the absurdity of Brexit in it. "There was a time when I didn't want to rock the boat and be too controversial," he says. "Now I'm totally over that, I'll say whatever comes to mind."

He's in his "very very early 50s now" and says there may be signs he is enjoying becoming a little more sociable.

"I was at home the other night and someone called to the door. And when he was gone my youngest said to my wife, 'Daddy was very nice to that man', like she was surprised or something. So maybe there's hope for me; I am mellowing."

Ardal O'Hanlon's tour, 'The Showing Off Must Go On', kicks off on March 19 in Leeds. He plays Dublin's Vicar Street on November 9 and Belfast's Waterfront on November 30. Tickets from Ticketmaster and usual outlets

Three Irish comedians walk into a bar... three of our lot who struck sitcom gold

Sharon Horgan

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Catastrophe just pulled off what The Guardian called "the greatest ending since the Sopranos" and the showstopping conclusion was just the latest triumph for a woman who has been as busy as Dame Street in rush hour lately.

A witty, prolific Tweeter, Horgan was, thanks to Pulling, a voice of Generation Rent long before Girls. She writes about difficult subject matter - witness Catastrophe's storyline about an ultrasound that reveals possible foetal abnormalities.

No less than Sarah Jessica Parker recently told The New Yorker that Horgan's "affection for the dark, sad, and ridiculous that reveals itself in painful circumstances" were what drew her to the Irish comedy writer. We couldn't agree more.

Chris O'Dowd

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A man of Chris O'Dowd's wit was always destined to be a comedy star - the Roscommon man's brilliant performance in The IT Crowd made it one of the best comedies of the noughties. His subsequent transformation to Hollywood love interest, in Bridesmaids and Girls, was a little less likely, but he embraced megastardom with aplomb via many hilarious chat show appearances.

His creation of the wonderfully funny Moone Boy, which ran for three years, was proof of what most of us suspected - that O'Dowd is as fine a writer as he is a comic actor.

Brendan O'Carroll

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Critics might sniff at Mrs Brown's Boys - Brexit has taught us that the great British public can't necessarily be trusted - but you have to respect a man who hauled himself up from a local cabaret scene to become one of the great sitcom stars of all time.

Mrs Brown's Boys doesn't try to make clever comments on the zeitgeist, it settles for just making people laugh. In an era when complex geopolitical matters seem to dominate the relentless 24-hour news cycle, perhaps it's no surprise that's what people want.
Back to school: Jamie-Lee O'Donnell with her fellow class-mates in Derry Girls

Hit comedy Derry Girls returns with a special premiere in Derry city.

The cast - including the 'wee English fella' - will be in the city for a special screening event on Monday night.

Derry native Lisa McGee's nostalgic series depicts the lives of a group of teenagers growing up in the Maiden City in the 1990s amid the Troubles.

Delighting both critics and audiences, Derry Girls became an instant classic and Channel 4 commissioned a second series after just one episode.

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For the second series, we may not know what's happening, but we've had a few clues.

Will the whole cast be returning?

Yes, Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, wee English fella James, Ma Mary, Da Gerry, Granda Joe, Aunt Sarah and Sister Michael will all be returning for the second series.

Ardal O'Hanlon, who is best known for his role as witless priest Dougal Maguire in Father Ted, is set to make a guest appearance as Eamonn, the awkward, middle-aged mummys boy of the Quinn/McCool extended family.

What can we expect from the new series?

Channel 4 released a 60-second trailer last week, which opened with familiar sights of Northern Ireland in the 1990s - with a cheesy pop tune - and a teaser of the girls - and that wee English fella - heading off on a possible cross-community venture.

Despite Ma Mary's warning that there's to be "no funny business with those Protestant lads," we can't imagine that rebellious Michelle will be able to stay away.

Actress Nicola Coughlan, who plays Clare Devlin, confirmed on Twitter that there will be six episodes in the second series and "theyre absolute crackers".

Filming got underway in October when the cast were spotted at the Dockers Club in Belfast, shooting what appeared to be a wedding as extras donned tailcoats and fascinators.

In November, the cast and crew caused quite a commotion when they returned to the Maiden City to film in Guildhall Square where US flags were hung across the front of a corner shop alongside hula hoops, a shop dummy and some tricolours as former President Bill Clinton's famous visit to the city in 1995 was replicated with exacting detail for the TV comedy.

When will Derry Girls return to our TV screens?

The latest trailer promises that the nostalgic comedy series is "coming soon" to Channel 4 and it has been earmarked for a March 2019 release.

Will love be in the air for any of the Derry Girls?

Series writer Lisa McGee previously told Radio Times she would love one of the characters to get a boyfriend or for Clare, who came out during the last episode of series one, to get a girlfriend.

Coughlan told the Radio Times it would be an interesting story.

She said: I cant imagine Clare trying to be like, on a date.

I dont know what the hell she would wear, the flat Doc Martin shoes and all this stuff. I was chatting to Cathy Prior, our costume designer, the other day and we were talking about looks for Clare. Theres just so much, its such a great period for costumes, as long as I dont have to wear the ski pants again Ill be super happy.

Will there be a third series of Derry Girls?

So far Channel 4 have not looked beyond a second series, but McGee has said she would be happy to do a third, telling Radio Times: Id love it to get them to finish school.

They have three school years left if we do it year by year so maybe, well see.
It's testament to her dogged heroic determination that legendary Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin filed one of her stories from a Sri Lanka hospital bed after shrapnel had blinded her in one eye (hence her iconic eyepatch).

That some of the conflicts Colvin was covering still smoulder today gives this biopic from Matthew Heineman (his dramatic debut) a level of immediacy.

And yet, Colvin, quaking here via Rosamund Pike's performance, seems of a different era in war journalism, one where satellite-phone signals were patchy and a world without the internet meant reporters had to bed-down in warzones until it was safe to contact Fleet Street with their copy. Two thumbs and a smartphone would've been the stuff of make-believe.

Based on a Vanity Fair article (Marie Colvin's Private War) that ran following her death in February 2012 while covering the Siege of Homs, Heineman shoots this complex individual warts-and-all, balancing the heroism in the field with a conflagrant side fuelled by adrenaline, nicotine and danger. We see Colvin boozing hard and cavorting in bars and bedrooms, as much to decompress as to keep judders of PTSD at bay.

Between the eye-patch, American drawl and chain-smoking rakishness, Colvin is a real-life gun-slinger who befits a big-screen portrait. The horrors that she encountered in places such as Chechnya, Sri Lanka, and across the Arab Spring are not hidden from view, but segments of nightmarish PTSD hallucination sit awkwardly in the mix.

Jamie Dornan and Tom Hollander (as photographer Paul Conroy and editor Sean Ryan, respectively) provide support.  Hilary A White

Instant Family

Cert: 12A; Now showing

Between its kooky poster image and wry title, this tale of a settled professional couple embarking on the rocky road to adoption could be assumed to be a wacky comedy about adult fish out of water. It doesn't take long, however, for it to become clear that Instant Family has been misrepresented by the marketing men, and has a little bit more going on than mere playing for laughs.

For starters, the meatiness of the central theme - strangers learning to trust one another and form a familial bond - is explored from a variety of angles and situations, all stemming from the personal experiences of writer/director/producer Sean Anders and his wife. The naff white middle-classness of Ellie (Rose Byrne) and Pete (Mark Wahlberg) is the central joke but one used where needed to keep an air of lightness about an emotionally wrought subject. They finally cave from childlessness, thinking that adopting up-and-running kids will make up for lost time. After thorough training with agency workers (played by Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro), they take in a surly 15-year-old (Isabela Moner) and her younger brother and sister. The learning curve is bumpy to say the least.

Lumps form in the throat and attention is held as Anders treats the issue with the dignity it deserves, even if the odd lashing of mawkishness gets through. Byrne leads the cast with hearty comedic charisma.  Hilary A White

Happy Death Day 2U

Cert: 15A; Now showing

Mixing slasher horror, college romance and zany comedy, 2017's Happy Death Day was something of a surprise hit, falling just the right side of critical favour while taking millions of dollars from its hordes of young viewers.

With juvenile abandon, it saw a gutsy college babe (Jessica Rothe) endure her final day on earth on loop in Groundhog Day style. The difference was that a masked killer is her executioner each time, and as she gets closer and closer to unveiling the stabber, she also sorts out some personal jinks en route.

Watching this equally sassy and invigorated sequel play out, it becomes difficult to entirely justify its existence given its plot seems to be just another spin on events in the first film. As if the parts had just been reassembled to see what it would look like.

Tree (Rothe) is once again dying-waking-repeat and trying to solve the overarching riddle at the same time.

This time around, she learns that fellow students Carter (Israel Broussard) and Ryan (Phi Vu) are playing with time-loop technology that has caused the whole rumpus in the first place. Not only is the killer different in this loop, however, but other details of Tree's personal affairs are starkly altered. Christopher Landon's sequel is not guilty of lacking gusto, guffaws, or a spirited and comically spry leading lady (Rothe's ensemble co-stars deserve a mention too). It's just that it feels like we were through all this 18 months ago with the much better original.  Hilary A White

The Kid Who Would Be King

Cert: PG; Now showing

The legend of King Arthur gets a new, suburban, child-centred outing this midterm break. A simple, pleasant, live-action film aimed mostly at tweens, it works well enough but is unlikely to become a kid movie classic.

Twelve-year-old Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) lives with his mother (Denise Gough) and in defending his best friend Bedders (Dean Chaumoo) from school bullies Kaye (Rhianna Dorris) and Lance (Tom Taylor) makes himself their target. This in turn leads him to a sword on a building site, Excalibur.

A strange boy (Angus Imrie) with elaborate tricks and a habit of morphing via a sneeze into either an owl or an old man (Patrick Stewart) proves to be Merlin (who lodges in Boorman Street, a nod to "our" Excalibur) and warns that long dead Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) is coming back to claim the sword and enslave humanity. Cue kids uniting for an adventure. It feels like an old school kids' adventure film, the characters are a bit bland, there is no great sense of peril and it is a little earnest, but it's fun and light and not a bad midterm outing.  Aine O'Connor
Homeland scored an early victory at the Writers Guild Of America (WGA) Awards.

The awards show, one of the final ceremonies before the Oscars, honours the best writing in television and film each year.

Host Chelsea Peretti opened the show by taking aim at nominee Bradley Cooper, poking fun at him for his comments about dreaming of A Star Is Born before writing it.

The film is a remake, with the original arriving in 1937 and follow-ups in 1954 and 1976 before Coopers version with Lady Gaga last year.

Peretti said: There could be 100 remakes of A Star Is Born in the room, and Bradley will still think hes the only person whos thought about it.

Expand Close Bradley Cooper is among the nominees (Jonathan Brady/A) / Facebook

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The first prize of the night, outstanding episodic drama, was awarded to spy drama Homeland for the episode Paean To The People.

Outstanding animation went to The Simpsons for the episode Barts Not Dead while the award for episodic comedy went to Alec Berg and Bill Hader for Barry episode Chapter One: Make Your Mark.

The prizes were handed out at dual ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York on Sunday.

The marquee prize of the night, outstanding original screenplay, includes nominations for Roma, Green Book and Vice, which are all nominated in the same category at the Oscars.

A Quiet Place and Eighth Grade complete the films in contention at the WGA Awards.

Outstanding adapted screenplay contains four Oscar nominees in BlacKkKlansman, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, If Beale Street Could Talk and A Star Is Born, while Black Panther also earned a WGA nod.
An artist's impression of the trial of Myles Joyce for murder in 1882

This month sees the 136th anniversary of the sentencing of Myles Joyce who was convicted in 1882 for the infamous Maamtrasna murders and awarded a posthumous pardon earlier this year. In August 1882, five members of the Joyce family were brutally murdered in their home near Lough Mask; the ensuing trials and executions continue in notoriety due to the miscarriage of justice involved.

My book The Maamtrasna Murders: Language, Life and Death in Nineteenth-Century Ireland, just published by University College Dublin Press, examines the role that language played in the unfolding and reporting of the case and in the events that followed.

My interest in this subject began some years ago when the treasure-trove of 1901 and 1911 census data became available online from the National Archives.

Like countless others, I discovered family information I hadn't known. In 1911 my great-grandparents Michael and Mary Kelleher, living in Dromahane, Co Cork were, to my surprise, bilingual speakers of Irish and English, but their son Michael, my paternal grandfather, spoke only English.

Five miles away, Margaret Ahern (future wife of Michael and my grandmother) was listed as "scholar" and as speaking "Irish and English"; this was clearly a matter of great pride to her parents, listed as speaking English only.

Too often, the story of language change in Ireland is told as an inevitable shift from Irish to English, but cultural changes are never experienced as inevitable by those who live through them.

In many families like mine, bilingualism - inherited or acquired - continued into the early 20th Century.

In many regions, monolingual speaking of Irish was prevalent still in the closing decades of the 19th Century.

Myles Joyce spoke only Irish in 1882, as was the case at that time for just under half of the population of Ross barony (on the border of counties Galway and Mayo) where he lived.

As I researched the case of Maamtrasna, I discovered a startling range of language competence among the accused, with fateful results.

Patrick Joyce, the first man convicted and later executed, spoke English well, as did Patrick Casey, the second man tried.

However Patrick Casey's brother, John, and his uncle Michael spoke Irish only, as was the case for Myles Joyce and his two brothers, Martin and Paudeen.

Most significantly for the outcome of the trial, two of the 10 arrested, Anthony Philbin and Thomas Casey, were fluent speakers of English, having spent time working in England.

They turned "Queen's evidence" and became State informers against their neighbours.

At the end of the trial, three men were sentenced to death and five to life in prison.

Most famously, or infamously, Myles Joyce was denied the services of an interpreter during his trial. When sentenced, the eloquence of his protests in Irish, translated into English for the court by a RIC constable, made a remarkable impression on those present.

On the eve of their execution, Patrick Joyce and Patrick Casey confessed to having been part of the murder party, but emphasised that Myles Joyce and four of the men sentenced to life were innocent of any part in the crimes.

This was not considered enough to stop the hanging and Myles Joyce was executed in Galway jail on December 15, 1882.

But what of the other five men? In my research into the conditions they experienced in prison, I discovered that here, too, language played a large part in their gross isolation.

In Maryborough jail (now Portlaoise) where the men spent a large part of their prison lives, far from their western homes, only one Irish-speaking warder was on the staff.

In 1891 the Roman Catholic chaplain (who spoke English only) wrote to the Dublin prison board asking for the assistance of an Irish-speaking priest to attend to the men's spiritual needs; his requests, made repeatedly, were refused.

The Maamtrasna case, both in the events that made headlines and in the hidden stories, is a salutary reminder of what can transpire when a judicial system fails to recognize linguistic diversity or to ensure that its proceedings can be understood by all.
Flight plan: Norwegian Air's CEO and its chairman agreed to sell some of their subscription rights to a share issue at a discount, in a deal that will help the loss-making carrier raise cash

Norwegian Air's chief executive and its board chairman agreed to sell some of their subscription rights to a share issue at a discount, in a deal that will help the loss-making carrier raise cash, they said on Monday.

The sale of the subscription rights, which had been expected, will dilute the 24.66pc stake held in Norwegian by chief executive Bjoern Kjos, chairman Bjoern Kise and their families, via their HBK Holding vehicle, although it was not clear by how much.

Norwegian Air on January 29 announced plans to raise 3 billion Norwegian crowns (308m) in a share sale, just days after British Airways owner IAG ruled out a bid for the budget airline.

"HBK has agreed to sell the subscription rights at a price of 70pc of the theoretical value of the subscription rights at the time of pricing of the rights issue, expected on or about February 18," HBK said in a statement.

The buyer or buyers of the rights, who were not named, have committed to a total investment of 500 million crowns, including the purchase of subscription rights and subscription in the rights issue, it added.

"The number of subscription rights to be sold (by HBK) will be determined based on the subscription price and number of new shares to be issued in the rights issue," HBK said.

Norwegian Air said last month billionaire investor John Fredriksen was among those who agreed to take part in its share issue.
If, amazingly, you have no interest in hearing more about Leonardo de Vinci, arguably the greatest artist, engineer and scientist of the last millennium, then plan to turn off your telly and scrap your magazine subscriptions for the next ten months.

Because this is the 500th anniversary of the death of the great Tuscan who died in central France in 1519 when he was court painter to the French King Francis.

Leonardo did more than just paint priceless pictures, he also created plans for great schemes and machines which would have made him a lot of cash, if he'd managed to be born say, 400 years later.

His study of birds had given him insights into the phenomenon of flight which had him sketching plans for helical rotors (as in helicopters) and he is even credited with designing a parachute.

Although he never made money from his inventions, there is little doubt that if he was chief designer for Airbus, it would have been a breeze for Leonardo.

So when I heard that the French infrastructure conglomerate, Vinci SA was taking over the UK's second biggest airport, Gatwick, I thought it was a neat fit.

Vinci, our target company today, is indeed called after Leonardo. And appropriately it operates airports in France, Portugal, Japan, Cambodia and Latin America.

Control of Gatwick (which cost it 2.9bn) means it now handles its 46 million passengers each year.

Vinci, under different names, has been around for a long time but at the beginning of this century it was hived off from its then parent company Vivendi, and renamed Vinci. While the majority of its business and profits are generated in France; it has a global footprint and operates in 100 countries, with 194,000 employees and a market value of 47bn.

Vinci's construction arm is one of the largest in the world and is the workhorse of the group. It employs 90pc of its workforce, generates the bulk of the group's revenue but its profits are modest.

The building business has some notable achievement to its credit like the Aswan Dam, the Pompidou Centre and the Channel Tunnel.

The 'core' of Vinci's business and the source of much of its profits, is winning and operating government infrastructure concessions.

This includes car parks, airports, stadiums and toll roads. The latter is the groups' number one profit source with its long term contracts to run half of the French motorway toll system, throwing up an impressive profit margin of 28pc.

The group's present strategy is to focus on airport concessions which are extremely profitable with margins of 24pc. Vinci wants to build up its longer term revenues to compliment its shorter term ones like construction.

After snapping up Gatwick, Vinci is turning its attention to Airport de Paris (ADP) owner of Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports. However ADP will not come cheap having a market value of 16bn.

Vinci has a small stake in ADP and has made it well known it would like to purchase the state's 50pc but it faces headwinds.

The French government is willing to sell its stake but it also wants more than just Vinci as a bidder. It is still smarting over the sale of its motorway licenses 14 years ago which saw Vinci grab most of them on the cheap.

An added problem is the anti-government street protests which rule out immediate sale of any state assets.

Vinci is big and profitable. It made a profit of 2.7bn with margins of 6.7pc on revenues of 41bn a healthy profit rate for the business it operates in.

The share price today is just over 80, a rise of 40pc over the last six years. Investors are pleased with the policy of giving half of all profits back to shareholders.

Investing in Vinci is still a bet on the French economy but with the company diversifying geographically; it could be a worthwhile bet in a downturn.

I wonder what Leonardo would think.

Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit to buy any of the shares mentioned.
Japanese carmaker Honda is set to announce the closure of its Swindon car plant putting 3,500 jobs at risk, Sky News reported on Monday.

Sky News said that the announcement by Honda could come on Tuesday, and that the plant was scheduled to close in 2022.

Spokesmen for Honda were not immediately available to comment on the report.

"That's speculation so we wouldn't comment on that," a spokeswoman for Britain's business ministry said.

Honda built just over 160,000 vehicles at its British factory last year, where it makes the Civic model, accounting for just over 10 percent of Britain's total output of 1.52 million cars.

The firm said last month that it will shut its British operations for six days in April to help it counter any border disruption from the Britain's departure from the European Union.

It has also said it was preparing to front-load some production at its plant to ship overseas or build up inventories.
Changing gas price dynamics caused by an influx of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe have played into Russian producer Gazprom's hands and enabled it to increase pipeline flows to the continent so far this year.

Gazprom is moving determinedly with spot gas sales in Europe due to a near-fivefold spike in United States LNG sales to the continent in October to January compared with a year earlier.

But sales within Gazprom long-term contracts are also rising. In January, Gazprom gas flows to Europe totalled 17.6 billion cubic metres (bcm), an almost 0.5 bcm rise from the same month a year earlier, Gazprom data shows.

One reason for the rise is a change in time spreads on European wholesale gas contracts, which is enabling some traders to increase purchases in long-term deals with Gazprom or through spot auctions by the company.

This trend shows how LNG, which has flooded Europe since October, is reshaping gas prices and flows in the continent, with traders still adjusting to the new market environment.

"LNG has really changed the situation," a gas trader said. "We have to write new textbooks."

A jump in LNG supplies contributed significantly to oversupply in the European gas market, leading to high storage levels and pushing down price spreads.

Day-ahead gas prices in most European countries are almost on par with summer contract prices, which makes it more profitable to buy gas on the prompt market rather than withdraw it from storage sites.

"When you look at storages, due to the day-ahead pricing (being) flattish (compared) to the summer, it makes sense not to withdraw as you can't cover the withdrawal fees with the spread between the day-ahead and summer," a London-based trader said.

This week, the day-ahead price on the Dutch hub has traded slightly below the summer 2019 contract price. A year ago it was trading almost 10pc above the summer contract.

"At the current day-ahead to summer spread it makes sense to reduce withdrawal and keep (the long-term contract with Gazprom) running," a trader in continental Europe said.

Gas traders have a bearish outlook for both contracts, meaning Gazprom's flows could remain high until the end of March, with Europe entering the summer season with multi-year-high storage levels.

Gazprom's trading arm, Gazprom Marketing and Trading, has also been more active on European hubs selling gas, traders said.

In the spot market, Gazprom has been selling gas in auctions it launched in September.

In February, the majority of gas in auction has been sold for prompt delivery so far, while in January traders bought more February contracts, expecting cold weather.

Traders said the price in auctions is usually very close to that on European hubs, showing Gazprom is becoming more flexible with its price strategy to win buyers on the continent.

Refinitiv analysts expect storage in northwest Europe, excluding Britain, to close the winter season at around 190 terrawatt hours (TWh), against 50 TWh at the end of March 2018.

This would be the highest stock level since 2016 and pressure summer gas contracts further. The Dutch summer price is 8pc cheaper this week than a year ago and is showing the biggest discount to the next winter contract in seven years.

Summer contracts in Europe are widely forecast to be very weak this year, a trader said.

"(But) what everyone expects is not usually what happens as it's priced in well."
Facebook intentionally breached data privacy and competition law and should, along with other big tech companies, be subject to a new regulator to protect democracy and citizens' rights, a damning UK report has said.

The report from the British parliament's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee singled out Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg for what it said was a failure of leadership and personal responsibility.

It also said tech firms had proved ineffective in stopping harmful content on their platforms.

This included disinformation, attempts by foreign countries to influence elections, and risks to personal data.

"We need a radical shift in the balance of power between the platforms and the people," committee chairman Damian Collins said.

Collins said the age of inadequate self-regulation must end, following an 18-month investigation that concluded Facebook had "intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws."

"The rights of the citizen need to be established in statute, by requiring the tech companies to adhere to a code of conduct written into law by Parliament, and overseen by an independent regulator," he said.

Facebook rejected the suggestion it had breached data protection and competition laws, and said it shared the committee's concerns about false news and election integrity.

"We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform," Facebook's UK public policy manager Karim Palant said.

"We also support effective privacy legislation that holds companies to high standards in their use of data and transparency for users."

Legislators in Europe and the United States are scrambling to get to grips with the risks posed by big tech companies regulating the platforms used by billions of people.

Germany has been at the forefront of the backlash against Facebook, fuelled by last year's Cambridge Analytica scandal in which tens of millions of Facebook profiles were harvested without their users' consent. Earlier this month, it ordered Facebook to curb its data collection practices in the country.

U.S senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill last month aimed at giving Americans more control over data collected by online companies like Facebook and Alphabet's Google.

The British committee does not propose legislation, but does have the power to summon witnesses for its investigations.

ZUCKERBERG NO SHOW

Facebook became the focus of its inquiry after whistleblower Christopher Wylie alleged that political consultancy Cambridge Analytica had obtained the data of millions of users of the social network.

Zuckerberg apologised last year for a "breach of trust" over the scandal.

But he refused to appear three times before British lawmakers, a stance that showed "contempt" towards parliament and the members of nine legislatures from around the world, the committee said.

"We believe that in its evidence to the committee Facebook has often deliberately sought to frustrate our work, by giving incomplete, disingenuous and at times misleading answers to our questions," Collins said.

"Mark Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone who sits at the top of one of the world's biggest companies."

Facebook, however, said it had cooperated with the investigation by answering more than 700 questions and putting forward four senior executives to give evidence.

It said it had made substantial changes, including the authorisation of every political advert, and it was investing heavily in identifying abusive content.

"While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago," Palant said.

The committee said it had identified major threats to society from the dominance of companies such as Facebook - which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram - Google and Twitter.

Democracy was at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised adverts from unidentifiable sources, they said, and social media platforms were failing to act against harmful content and respect the privacy of users.

Companies like Facebook were also using their size to bully smaller firms that relied on social media platforms to reach customers, it added.
A good friend of mine was caught out by a scam before Christmas. He received a call on his home phone from an individual who claimed to be from Mastercard. The individual told him that a fraudster had got his hands on his debit card and used it to steal money from his account.

My friend was, however, assured that the fraud had been caught and that it was still possible for his money to be refunded - as long as he quickly bought iTunes gift cards and passed on the serial codes of those cards to the caller. He was instructed to withdraw money from his bank - and to use that money to buy the iTunes gift cards. The caller advised my friend to lie to the bank if queried about the withdrawal - and to tell the bank that the money was for Christmas gifts.

The caller was a fraudster. There had been no unauthorised use of my friend's debit card and no money stolen from his account - the story was a fabrication. The money spent by my friend on the iTunes gift cards was lost. The serial codes of the iTunes gift cards were used by the fraudster to buy expensive products - or sold onto others.

The conmen behind these scams can be very convincing, often instilling panic into people so that rash decisions are made to rectify a non-existent problem - with money ultimately then being lost to the fraud. Many Irish people have lost thousands after falling for this scam.

Other scams have duped people out of larger sums, even tens of thousands of euro.

Scams have become increasingly pervasive in recent years. Three out of four Irish internet users have been targeted by online scams, according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Google. "From our involvement with the corporate sector, we are constantly getting calls about cyber attacks," said Patrick D'Arcy, director of forensic and investigation services with Grant Thornton. "Fraudsters are always seeking opportunities to generate income."

Here are some scams which Irish people have fallen prey to in recent weeks:

Broadband scam

There has been an increase in incidences of a phone scam where people receive a call about a 'problem' with their broadband or PC.

"The fraudster claims to be from Eir or another well-known telco," said Niamh Davenport, head of fraud awareness with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). "The fraudster tells you there's a problem with your PC or broadband - and talks you through some steps [on your computer] to fix the 'problem'. While you're doing this, the fraudster loads malicious software [known as malware] onto your computer. That malware can then track your activity online, and get your bank card details. This scam was stepped up in the last few weeks. Some bank customers have fallen for it."

Contact your bank immediately if you have received a call like this - even if no money has been taken from your bank account or card. You may need to have your bank card cancelled and a new one sent to you. You should also get your computer checked.

You will often be unaware that malware is on your computer - until you notice money stolen from your bank account, unauthorised transactions on your credit or debit card, or you simply have problems using your computer. As well as getting your bank card details, malware can get other personal and financial information.

In another version of this scam, several people in Wicklow have received a call from a fraudster claiming to be from a local broadband provider. The caller demands money over the phone for unpaid bills and threatens to disconnect the broadband service unless paid.

Free smartphone scam

The consumer watchdog, European Consumer Centre (ECC) Ireland, has received a number of complaints about a website based in Denmark. "The website is contacting consumers asking them to enter into a competition or to complete a survey to be in with a chance to get a very expensive smartphone," said Martina Nee, spokeswoman for ECC Ireland. "In some cases, it seems to the consumers that it is in conjunction with a well-known Irish supermarket chain and in other cases, it seems that it is in conjunction with a telecoms provider." Consumers who fall for this scam agree to pay a small fee to cover the postage of the smartphone to their home -but they never win or receive the phone, and the consumer then finds that further money is taken out of their account without their knowledge or permission.

This paper spoke to a number of people who lost money as a result of this scam. One man explained how he received an email telling him he had won an iPhone and in order to claim his prize, he needed to pay 3.95 in postage. The name and logo of a well-known Irish telecom company was used in the email - leading the man to assume that the email was from this telco. However, the email did not originate from the telco - it had come from a completely different company [the Danish-based website]. The man noticed 3.95 was taken from his account for the 'postage' but heard nothing after that. However, a few days later he noticed another 44 had been taken out of his account by the same company.

"When I called the company, I was told I had subscribed to its service," said the man, who did not wish to be named. "I said I had done no such thing and certainly did not authorise them to take the second payment. They agreed to cancel my 'subscription', but refused to give back the money."

A woman who was duped by a similar scam run by the same company received a text message telling her she had been selected to receive an 'exclusive reward'. The logo and brand of a well-known supermarket was used in the email, giving the impression that this message was from the retailer. To claim her 'reward' (a smartphone), the woman was invited to complete a marketing survey "about her experience" with the supermarket. However, the supermarket had nothing to do with this survey. The woman paid about 3 postage to get her smartphone delivered - only to have another 44 taken from her account a few days later. "I work beside the supermarket and I trust this supermarket - plus the supermarket would have my phone number so I thought it was completely safe," said the woman. The supermarket however had nothing to do with the messages or the scam.

Romance scam

Romance scams - where an individual feigns romantic interest so they can con someone out of money- are common in the run-up to, and weeks after, Valentine's Day. "Typically what happens with these scams is that a lonely or vulnerable individual meets someone on an online dating website - and very quickly, the communication starts to take place outside the website, such as through personal emails," said Davenport. "After a few months, the fraudster might say he or she wants to visit you - but is having difficulty getting a visa. The fraudster will ask you to transfer money to them so they can get their visa." Another version of this scam is where a request is made by the fraudster for money to pay for the urgent medical treatment of a relative. Like the visa story, this is simply a lie designed to fool people into sending money on.

Technology has made it easier for fraudsters to concoct scams - and to target people. One of the best ways to defend yourself against scams is to be able to recognise them. Hang up the phone, or delete the text or email, if one such scam makes its way to you. Better safe than sorry.

Other scams & what to do if youre duped

TV Licence & Tax refund scams

Scammers have sent emails to residents in Northern Ireland and the UK in recent months claiming the TV licence authority there has been trying to get hold of individuals to arrange a refund of an overpayment  but due to invalid bank account details, the refund has not been paid. The fraudster requests bank account and personal details so the refund can be paid  but this is simply a ploy to drain money from an individuals account. UK scams usually make their way to Ireland so watch out for this one. A common version of this scam in Ireland is where fraudulent emails or text messages are sent which purport to come from the Revenue Commissioners  and which request personal and financial information so a tax refund can be paid to the individual.

Bank hacking scam

With this scam, you receive a phone call from an individual who claims to be from your bank  or another reputable organisation. During the call, the fraudster will try to trick you into giving personal, banking or security information. They may also convince you to make a money transfer to them or inform you that you have won a prize and need to send money to release it. You may be told there is a problem with your bank account and tricked into believing you must move your money into a safe account. The safe account however is the fraudsters account and youll lose money if you transfer any into it.

Rental scam

One of the most common rental scams is where the scammer copies genuinely advertised rental accommodation  and then re-advertises that accommodation with their own email or phone number. They will often refuse to show you the property  or will say theyre out of the country and so unable to show it to you. Instead, they send you photos and fake documents or keys in exchange for payment of rent and deposit. You usually dont realise youve been scammed until you arrive at the property to find someone else living there. Another version of this is where the scammer rents a home for a short while. They then advertise it as being available for rent and show potential tenants around while they live there. They agree to rent the house to you, look to collect the deposit along with the first months rent  and then disappear with your money.

Cheap iPads

A number of Irish holidaymakers to the Canary Islands have been conned out of thousands after buying cheap tablets for around 30. The holidaymaker is typically asked for their bank card details to either buy the tablet or so additional services (such as broadband and software) can be bought to ensure it works correctly. However, some holidaymakers have found thousands have been taken from their accounts after handing over card details.

What to do if youve been scammed

Contact your bank immediately. The bank may for example be able to stop a money transfer to a fraudster if it gets to it on time. It may also need to cancel your bank card. Report the fraud to your local Garda station too. Sometimes if youre not successful getting a refund of money lost from your bank, you may be able to get a refund from the Garda, said Niamh Davenport, of BPFI.
Leading lender AIB is facing a legal challenge over its decision to refuse customers a tracker rate.

The bank has given some 6,000 homeowners compensation of just 1,600 each as they were denied a tracker mortgage. It admits the customers were wrongly denied the option of moving to a tracker contract when their fixed-rate contracts expired from 2008, but the bank won't put them back on a low-cost rate.

It argues it abolished trackers by the time the customers came off a fixed rate, so they would not have benefited from a low tracker rate. It claims the "prevailing tracker rate" they would have been entitled to at the time was 7.9pc due to high funding costs.

This is much higher than the prevailing variable rate at the time. This means, the bank argues, the customers are only entitled to a small level of compensation and are not due to get a tracker rate. It said it was paying them 1,615 each due to a "service failure".

Now consumer advocate Brendan Burgess has begun fundraising to mount a High Court challenge to force the bank to pay more and restore customers to trackers.

"We intend to take a High Court challenge. Customers could take a case to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman, but any decision there will not set a precedent. But if we win a High Court challenge it will apply to all the cases."

Mr Burgess said a committee had been formed and has taken legal advice. He has advised the customers affected to appeal the compensation payment to AIB's Tracker Appeals Panel, in a bid to keep their options open.

He has written a guide to how to appeal on the Askaboutmoney.com website he founded. Someone with a 300,000 mortgage could be due a refund of 40,000 in interest and 6,000 in compensation, assuming their fixed rate ended in 2010. They would get a tracker rate of the European Central Bank base rate (which is 0pc) plus 1.25pc. This would mean a mortgage rate of 1.25pc instead of the bank's variable rate of 3.15pc, which would amount to a saving of 4,000 a year.

AIB had withdrawn its tracker mortgage products, which tracked the ECB's base rate, in October 2008 just before the customers emerged from their fixed-rate contracts.

AIB Group said it is in the final stages of the tracker mortgage examination with payments issued to the vast majority of customers. More than 99pc of affected customers have received payment.

It said its review is ongoing and is subject to continuous engagement with the Central Bank.
Samsung Electronics has entered into discussions with An Garda Siochana to supply the entire force with new handsets which will double as their personal computers.

The devices operate on a secure system known as "DeX", which transforms a smartphone into a powerful desktop computer. Samsung is hoping to reach a similar agreement with the gardai to its arrangement with the UK Home Office where more than half of the police force only use Samsung devices.

In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Samsung's recently-appointed vice president for the UK and Ireland, Conor Pierce, said: "I think we can be confident that we have the best security, military grade. With that confidence we are now engaged with the gardai and other emergency services in Ireland to try and roll that out." Negotiations with the gardai and Samsung remain at an "early stage".

Pierce also said that he is in talks with the country's major networks to bring 4G technology to smartwatches, a service that is available to customers in the UK and the US.

Expand Close Conor Pierce, Corporate Vice President Samsung UK and Ireland. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook

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The Dublin native said that the service will arrive in Ireland "within the year". Samsung employs 55 people at its head office in south county Dublin with further hires expected this year.
City of Derry Airport is reviewing its options to replace its route to Stansted after the collapse of flybmi (PA Archive)

A number of airlines have expressed interest in taking over flybmi's Derry to Stansted service, the airport's operator has said.

Scottish airline Loganair has already indicated an intent to tender for the publicly financed route vacated by flybmi after its collapse.

The demise of flybmi is the latest blow to Northern Ireland's troubled third airport in Derry.

It is owned by the local council and run by Regional and City Airports.

Clive Coleman, the contracts director at Regional and City Airports, said it would be "challenging" to run the airport without the Stansted flight.

He told BBC Radio Foyle: "A number of airlines contacted us saying they were interested.

"We are in discussions with a number of them now and we've been working with the Department for Transport on that."

Mr Coleman declined to indicate how many airlines were vying to take over the service, which is supported by Government funding through a public service obligation (PSO).

The subsidy, which has been in place since 2017, was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the Government will continue to provide the PSO funding until 2021.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has said it is "committed" to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route.

It engaged in emergency talks with the airport and Department of Transport over the weekend.

Flybmi operated two return flights a day from City of Derry to Stansted from Sunday to Friday, and one return flight on Saturdays.

British Midland Regional Limited, which had operated 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities, cancelled all flights from Saturday.

Loganair and Ryanair are now the only airlines serving City of Derry airport.

On Sunday, Loganair confirmed it has expressed an interest in the flybmi route, with a spokesman saying the airline has an "extensive track record as a public service obligation (PSO) provider and knowledge of the Derry market given they already operate to Derry from Glasgow".

In 2016, the Northern Ireland Executive pledged 7m to the loss-making airport, stressing the need to maintain air connectivity from the north-west of the region.
Plastic waste has become one of the great problems of modern life but one Irish company believes that it has the answer. Laois-based Butterfly Cups reckons coffee drinkers around the world will soon be enjoying their beverages from its innovative new products on a daily basis.

It has unveiled what it says is the world's first 100pc plastic-free and fully recyclable all-in-one coffee cup, solving a global problem that has plagued the beverage industry for decades.

The company is in talks with at least five of the 10 biggest beverage retailers in the world about introducing the Butterfly Cup to their outlets, with a number already testing the product.

Tommy McLoughlin - the main investor in Hanpak, which trades as Butterfly Cup - believes that the product is set to revolutionise the beverage world with its unique design.

"The Butterfly Cup is the most environmentally friendly disposable cup in the world," he said. The plastic that pollutes the environment from the 250 billion disposable cups used every year has become a massive issue for both consumers and for the global fast food and beverage brand that are selling many of the cups.

This, according to McLoughlin, means that the Butterfly Cup has come to market at the ideal moment to solve and capitalise on the problem.

"It will take a while to feed that massive supply chain but all the indications that we are getting are that the big brands are looking to change," said McLoughlin.

Consumer pressure as well as taxes and bans on single-use plastic are driving a change that McLoughlin hopes will see us all drinking out of Butterfly Cups in a relatively short period of time.

"This is beginning to really catch fire. Plastic straws and the damage they do to the environment became a huge issue for people last year and that has really put a focus on the issue of disposable plastic straws and cups," he said.

"We are talking to most of the big guys in the world and we are at various stages in the approval process. One major quick service restaurant is to trial the coffee cup in the UK and the cold cup in Indonesia to see what customer reaction is."

Now, Butterfly Cup has been shortlisted in a worldwide competition organised by the world's leading beverage retailers to deliver the holy grail of a plastic-free and fully recyclable beverage cup.

The NextGen Cup Challenge is a worldwide collaboration between Starbucks, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Yum! (owner of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut), and the World Wildlife Fund to solve the environmental challenges surrounding single-use plastic-coated paper cups.

Butterfly Cup has been shortlisted from the 480 entries received from 53 countries.

"Of all the five concepts that have been shortlisted we are actually the only one with a fully developed product that eliminates both the plastic lid and the straw so we are in with a great chance of winning," said McLoughlin.

The design - invented by McLoughlin's partner Joe Lu - eliminates the need for lids or straws and it works for both cold and hot beverages. Another advantage of the cup is that if it is shaken it does not splash or leak, said McLoughlin.

Lu, who is originally from China but who has lived in Ireland for 25 years, was looking at ways of getting rid of the plastic lid that has become ubiquitous in coffee shops and fast-food outlets.

Back in 2012 Lu was looking for investment for the idea and McLoughlin - a chartered accountant by trade - had just sold his share of a value added food products business he was involved in with family members. "A mutual acquaintance put myself and Joe in touch and as soon as I saw the cup I knew it was high-risk but potentially high reward."

Since then the pair have invested "millions rather than thousands" developing a modified cup-making machine to produce the cup on an industrial scale and further refined the design.

Another investor, Brian Ranalow, has come on board. Ranalow has industry experience and is the chairman and retired CEO of H&K International, an Irish company which is a major supplier of kitchens to McDonald's and similar companies worldwide. The eco-friendly nature of the cup has been further enhanced by a development in the Finnish paper industry where a huge magazine plant has been converted at a cost of 170m into a new paper mill to produce a special kind of paper that can be used in drinking cups without using any added plastic or resin.

That means that the Butterfly Cup biodegrades quickly and can be recycled along with regular paper - unlike any disposable coffee cup product currently available. This, says McLoughlin, is the holy grail that no other disposable cup manufacturer has yet to bring to market.

Two patents underlie the design and are the key to stopping it being quickly copied by cheap imitators. The company, which raised 800,000 in EIIS funding last year, has invested over 500,000 to obtain these patents in the world's main consumer markets, said McLoughlin.

The first patent is for the design of two curved paper flaps - which give the cup its name - and create a seal using nothing more than the countervailing pressure of one against the other. The second patent is for a paper insert inside the cup that stops splashes and spills. The simplicity is impressive.

"We spent a lot of time and effort getting the patents right and making them as broad as possible. It was a key investment," said McLoughlin.

"Why work on something for years if some other guy is just going to make a minor adjustment and use the idea. We are very confident that the patents are good because they are utility patents, which are much harder for others to work around than design patents."

McLoughlin said the company does not have a huge requirement for cash to fund expansion.

"Our business model right from the outset has been to license rather than to go into production ourselves. Production is very capital and knowledge intensive and the big guys are massive and are all multibillion-dollar companies. Rather than go into competition with them our business model is to make the design available to everyone and get a small license fee per unit."

Given that the disposable cup market accounts for 250 billion units a year, capturing even a small percentage could be lucrative for the company.

"The reward could be massive. This is a volume-driven proposition. To date we have three licensees to manufacture the cup - one in China, one in Indonesia and one in South Korea - and we have three more in the pipeline that are well advanced."

Already the company is selling five million cups a month. "That sounds a lot but compared to the overall market it is not even a drop. But we've sales in about 10 countries now, including Germany, South Africa, the US, Japan and small amounts in the UK, Canada and Ireland," he said.

"Up to now most of our sales have been with smaller operators but it is the big guys that can really burst this market open for us but they take a little longer to move. But if one of the big guys has it then the others will follow."

To guard against counterfeiting, the company has signed a deal with UK company Microfocus - previously a unit of Hewlett Packard - to use technology that gives each cup a code that can be scanned, allowing the company to identify whether a cup is the real thing or a copy.

For McLoughlin, the key thing is to get the cup into the hands of consumers after years of bringing it to fruition: "People do have an inherent resistance to change," he said.

"The example I always use is the smartphone versus the Nokia and the idea of using a phone with no buttons. All of our feedback is that once people use this cup they adjust very quickly."
Car component-makers here would be hit by US tariffs

We might not make cars any more, but any move by President Donald Trump to impose auto tariffs would trigger a deep trade war between the European Union and the United States, in which the economy here would be hurt.

President Trump has to weigh up whether he will impose the tariffs, now that an investigation into whether imports are damaging US security has been completed.

For the EU economy, the direct effect of higher US import taxes on cars would be small, with a hit of just 0.1pc of gross domestic product, according to investment bank ING.

Even in Germany, cars are no more than 4pc of gross domestic product, ING says.

The risk to Ireland comes from EU retaliation. If Washington imposes $23bn (20bn) in tariffs on cars, then Europe will respond in kind.

There are also some component-makers here that could be caught in the crossfire.

Carlow-based Autolaunch sells interior lighting units to car manufacturers in the US, Galway's Valeo Vision Systems makes rear camera and surround view systems and autonomous driving products, while Mergon in Westmeath moulds materials for cars.

The economy's strong recovery since the crash has largely been down to exports, 80pc of which come from chemicals, pharmaceuticals and electronics. These have a high degree of dependency on the US, whose multinationals have also been behind a surge in tax payments that generated a budget surplus in 2018.

If a 'hard Brexit' cuts economic growth here to just 1.5pc, as the Central Bank believes, then a trade war on top of that would push us into recession.
The absence of high-quality rural broadband in Ireland is holding back farming

Eir says by June of this year some 30,000 farms will have access to high-speed fibre broadband under its fibre to the home rural rollout.

Eir chief executive officer, Ms Carolan Lennon, told the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee, that as of last month, the programme is 76pc complete and more than 228,000 of the specific 300,000 were passed.

"We have also passed an additional 30,000 rural premises.

"People refer to the 300,000 premises but these are not just statistics: 800 people have laid 22,000 km of fibre across the State from Drumcliff in Sligo to Rathmoylan in Waterford.

"When we are completed in June this year, some 900,000 people in rural Ireland will have access to high-speed fibre broadband, as will 30,000 farms, more than 1,000 schools, 300 business parks and 50,000 small businesses," she said.

Ms Lennon stressed that Eir's rural fibre programme is an investment of 250 million by Eir shareholders, connecting rural communities with high-speed future-proof technology.

"We believe this is the single largest investment in fixed fibre technology in rural Ireland and is unmatched in scale and scope by any other operator. I reiterate that our rural fibre to the home investment is Eir's own private capital. It is not subsidised in any way by the Government.

"Consequently, by June of this year more than 335,000 homes and businesses that originally required a subsidy under the national broadband plan will be able to avail of high-speed broadband without any contribution from the taxpayer," she said.

Eir has rejected a suggestion its roll-out of high-speed internet to more than 300,000 rural homes contributed to difficulties for the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

The NBP process has been hit by delays, while two bidders for the contract, including Eir, dropped out.

Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said Eir's roll-out represented the most commercially viable homes, making those remaining in the NBP area less attractive.

He asked whether it was part of the reason there were "difficulties" with the NBP.

"I don't believe so," Ms Lennon said. She said Eir remained in the NBP bidding process even after its plan to provide broadband to 300,000 homes on a commercial basis.
Should the Government ditch the National Broadband Plan and trust a wireless operator to follow through on a promise to connect 400,000 rural homes and businesses? This is now a big question for Richard Bruton, the Taoiseach and more than a million Irish people in badly-served broadband areas.

Imagine Communications, the wireless broadband provider well known for its previous WiMax service, now says it plans to connect 400,000 of the 540,000 rural homes earmarked for state-subsidised rural broadband connection.

Chief executive Sean Bolger said this is to be a 300m commercial roll-out, with no state subsidy required. It will, he said, deliver speeds of 150Mbs to rural homes and business, a level currently in excess of the Government's high-speed broadband criteria.

A home or business will get access by an antenna on the roof, which will connect to a nearby mast. It will be faster than current roof-aerial broadband because of new spectrum Imagine is using.

So can the State now save 1bn of taxpayers' money? Is there any need for us to subsidise a buildout in rural regions? After all, this wireless company says it will do almost all of it, right?

But will it? Before the State decides to walk away from a guaranteed fibre broadband network for anyone who wants it in rural Ireland, it should ask some very detailed questions about the exact detail of what's being proposed.

I did exactly that last week and found a roll-out schedule that may be much less ambitious, or certain, than commonly reported.

Here's what's actually being proposed - 325 wireless 'sites' (such as masts) are to be put up in various locations, each touching an NBP intervention area, by June of next year. Imagine Communications is restricting the number of households it will connect per site to "between 300 and 400", even where there are many more homes in the area, because of 'contention' (where the service slows down if too many people use it, something that largely doesn't happen using fibre).

So there looks set to be a maximum of 130,000 homes (possible fewer) able to access the planned broadband service when its main phase will be rolled out by June of next year. That's a maximum of about 25pc of the area that needs to be covered under the NBP.

And that is as far as Imagine's guarantee seems to go. So how does it all get to the 400,000 figure touted in the headlines, you might ask?

"We'll be led by demand," Bolger says. "It's like in-fill. We can add more sites with the demand." This is the system that Imagine uses at present. As its website makes clear, Imagine asks local communities to let the company know that there's a certain quota of homes ready to pay for its broadband. Then it builds a site or a mast and offers the service.

So it's not a question of the network being built as a basic piece of infrastructure. It's a case of it being built only if individual communities can convince Imagine to build it based on what will make a commercial return. And beyond the initial maximum of 130,000, it seems it will all be on a very piecemeal basis.

In terms of a guarantee to rural Ireland, there are none under this system.

Bolger himself acknowledged this last week, when he told an Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee that the NBP as constituted might actually be needed "if we don't deliver".

Should the State halt or change a long-term concrete plan based on this?

There are some who believe we should. The National Broadband Plan will, after all, probably cost somewhere between 1bn and 1.5bn. Should the Government be continuing with this projected spend if there's a chance that the private sector might do some of the job on its own commercial terms?

This is where tough decisions may have to be made.

Right now, the lack of proper broadband in rural areas is bleeding the land dry of young people and community-sustaining businesses.

This is why the concept of a National Broadband Plan, even one subsidised by the State to the tune of 1bn, has been broadly supported since its inception seven years ago. It really is something of an infrastructural emergency.

While Imagine says that it supports the concept of a National Broadband Plan, it is reserving its position on whether or not it might now challenge the process under EU state aid rules.

Bolger said as much to the governmental Public Accounts Committee on Thursday. "There is a risk that unnecessary market intervention and cost could lead to difficulties with State Aid Approval," he told the Committee on the subject of the NBP.

The risk here is that Imagine might follow through on this, arguing that its 130,000-home rural roll-out should prevent the Government's 540,000 rural roll-out for EU state aid reasons.

So what should the Government do? How, or at what point, should it stand the current process down while Imagine tests the rural market to see if communities will ask it to set up masts?

In Ireland, we have a precedent for this: Eir's famous (or infamous) 300,000 rural fibre build. To take the 300,000 out of the NBP intervention area, the Government insisted that Eir sign a binding contract with penalties if the company didn't follow through. The company signed and, two years later, those 300,000 rural homes almost all now have proper fibre broadband.

There's no such arrangement likely here. Indeed, a Communications Department spokesperson said Imagine has not even formally submitted plans for their NBP area roll-out.

So what is the Government's duty, here? Imagine believes a compromise is possible, where the NBP is changed to become a backhaul-only rollout, allowing private operators like Imagine to connect households. This would be a sea change for the Government and might send a tender back to the drawing board, with years more to wait for another.
Johnny Ronans docklands-situated Project Waterfront will be among the schemes in the capital vying to accommodate KPMGs 2,500-strong Dublin workforce as tenants

The revival of a plan by KPMG to relocate its 2,500-strong Dublin workforce is expected to become the subject of intense competition.

Many of Ireland's biggest developers will be vying for the deal to deliver the 350,000 sq ft (32,500 sq m) headquarters that the accounting giant requires.

Developer Johnny Ronan's Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE), Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group, beef baron Larry Goodman's family firm Ternary, Hibernia Reit and the Kenny family's Clancourt Group are just some of the names already being mooted by industry sources in relation to meeting KPMG's potential requirements.

The firm currently occupies two buildings in Dublin city centre, one at Stokes Place on Harcourt Street, and another in the IFSC.

While KPMG signalled its intention in 2012 to secure a new headquarters in the capital, in 2014 its managing partner, Shaun Murphy, said the company would continue to operate from Stokes Place until 2026.

The decision followed what Murphy described at the time as a comprehensive analysis of KPMG's future needs and feedback from clients indicating their preference for the firm's existing location.

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Speaking to The Irish Times last week, the KPMG chief said it was now "time to look to the future and plan accordingly" in relation to the firm's accommodation requirements.

The 180m acquisition last September by developer Johnny Ronan's RGRE and partners Colony Capital of 'Project Waterfront', the last remaining waterfront site in Dublin's north Docklands, could prove to be especially timely in the light of KPMG's commencement of its search for a new headquarters.

Located within the Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) next to the 3Arena and Point Village, RGRE's 4.6 acre holding comprises two adjacent sites.

It comes with planning permission for 300,216 sq ft (17,891 sq m) of offices distributed across four blocks, alongside 420 apartments.

The commercial element of the scheme was granted a 10-year planning permission in December 2017, while the residential scheme has a five-year permission, also granted in December 2017. Developer Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group is also expected to be a strong contender when it comes to securing KPMG's business.

Taken together, Marlet's developments on the site of the former Apollo House and the adjoining College House give it the capacity to deliver a massive 404,960 sq ft (37,622 sq m) of office space immediately next to Trinity College Dublin, and at the heart of the city centre.

The Apollo House site has full planning permission for an 11-storey over-basement office building extending to 12,622 sq m (135,863 sq ft), while the College House site has planning permission for a 25,000 sq m (269,097 sq ft) Grade A office scheme.

The family of beef baron Larry Goodman could also be in the running when it comes to meeting KPMG's need for a new HQ.

The 100m plan by Goodman family firm, Ternary Ltd, to redevelop the Setanta Centre on Nassau Street, will however have to make it through An Bord Pleanala following an appeal of its planning permission by retailers, the Kilkenny Group and three other parties.

Should An Bord Pleanala uphold Dublin City Council's approval of the scheme, the Goodman family would be in a position to build out some 406,036 sq ft (37,722 sq m) of space, or some 56,036 sq ft (5,206 sq m) more than KPMG believes it will require for its staff.

Hibernia Reit's plan for the development of Harcourt Square, a 315,000 sq ft (29,264 sq m) office scheme at the current Dublin regional Garda headquarters on Harcourt Street, also puts it in a strong position to secure KPMG as its tenant.

A specialist in the delivery of city centre office space, the developer is expected to begin construction of the Harcourt Square scheme in January 2023 following the relocation of about 500 Garda staff to a new command and control centre, which is being built on Military Road near Heuston Station.

And Clancourt Holdings, the property group owned by the Kenny family, could well be in the mix should it secure permission for its latest plan for a 371,355 sq ft (34,500 sq m) office scheme on a partly-derelict site it owns at the junction of Charlemont Street and Harcourt Road.

Should Dublin City Council approve the project, it would involve conservation works being carried out on four protected buildings at Nos 5 - 8 Charlemont Street, and see the construction of a new office block ranging in height from seven to nine storeys.
This is a major boost to London's battle to remain the central market for euro clearing

Europe's financial markets regulator has given UK-based derivatives clearing houses permission to continue serving EU clients in the event of a no-deal Brexit - a major boost to London's battle to remain the central market for euro clearing.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) said the decision to allow LCH Limited, ICE Clear Europe and LME Clear to continue operating was to limit disruption and avoid potentially negative impacts on financial market stability.

The recognition of the clearing houses as so-called "third-country central counterparties" under the EU's European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR), would come into effect on the day after Britain leaves the bloc, ESMA said in a statement.

The move, which had been expected after a draft decision in December, follows efforts by EU rival Deutsche Boerse to woo clients to its clearing house, Eurex.

Clearing involves passing stock, bond, derivative and repo trades through a third party backed by a default fund to ensure completion of the transaction even if one side of the deal goes bust.

"We are pleased to receive this recognition, which means that ICE Clear Europe can continue to service all its clearing members and customers, Finbarr Hutcheson, President of ICE Clear Europe, said in a separate statement.
No Brexit deal is better than a bad deal, a leading Democratic Unionist MP has told his party conference.

Nigel Dodds was speaking just days after MPs voted down British Prime Minister Theresa May's approach to the Brexit talks.

MPs voted by 303 to 258 against a motion endorsing the British government's negotiating strategy.

With just over 40 days to go until the United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union, the DUP deputy leader said Mrs May will have their support if "necessary changes" are made to the backstop.

He told his party's spring conference in Omagh, Co Tyrone, that they want a Brexit deal, "but we are very clear that a no-deal is better than a bad deal.

"As we leave the EU - for us the guiding star is the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," he said.

"We will do nothing to undermine that Union. The only way to a majority in the House of Commons is with DUP votes. With necessary changes to the backstop, the Prime Minister will have our support."

In her speech to the conference, Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said her party will say no when the deal is "not suitable", but will also "not be afraid to yes when the deal is right". "We will measure any new draft Withdrawal Agreement against our own tests of both protecting the Union and respecting the referendum result," she said.

Mrs Foster added: "We must work for a sensible deal which works for every part of the United Kingdom."

Meanwhile, a British Cabinet minister has warned that crashing out of the European Union without a deal would have a "very adverse effect" on the UK's economy, security and union with Northern Ireland.

Justice Secretary David Gauke suggested he would back an extension to Article 50 if a deal between the UK and EU was not reached, and said he expected the Government to act "responsibly" if the current deadlock prevailed.

And the Justice Secretary told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he hoped it would be made clear in the next 10 days that the UK is in a position to leave with a deal on March 29.

But he said: "If not, then we will have to, in my view, act responsibly and make sure that this country, the economy is protected, our security is protected and the integrity of the Union is protected.

"I have very grave concerns about the consequences of leaving without a deal. I think the consequences would not be in the national interest."

Earlier, Mrs Foster also warned Sinn Fein that the restoration of devolution is "no game".

She blamed Sinn Fein for the continued lack of self-government in Northern Ireland more than two years after the powersharing institutions collapsed in January 2017.

This came less than 24 hours after the five local parties met with the British and Irish governments to discuss the resumption of political talks to revive Stormont.

There has not been a functioning devolved government in Northern Ireland since a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein over a botched green energy scheme.
In the past: Future violence can be prevented with stronger law enforcement. AP photo

Young people in Northern Ireland will be "groomed into violent activity" if a hard Border emerges after Brexit, a stark new report has warned.

The return of violence on this island is inevitable with the "only issue" being on what scale. The study compiled by the chairs of two Unesco committees also warns that rushing into a referendum on a united Ireland would also result in conflict.

A key problem identified by Professors Mark Brennan and Pat Dolan is that the 'Agreement Generation' has no memory of the harm caused by the decades of bloodshed.

They say older people have not shared enough about 'the horrors of war' that is termed 'the period of the troubles'. Instead some of the violence has been 'romanticised'.

"This lack of capacity to discuss in real ways what happened can unintentionally act in favour of those who would prefer to give youth (and particularly vulnerable and impressionable young people) a false, almost romantic, retrospection of the past up to and including a very sectarian analysis," the report states.

It adds that nationalist youths, who are marginalised, will be susceptible "to being groomed into violent activity by dissident republicans including the 'New IRA'".

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The dissident 'New IRA' group is believed to have planted a car bomb which went off outside the courthouse in Derry last month.

The professors say the deconstruction of a Border "swiftly after its creation could become the absolute raison d'etre for youth becoming engaged in violence".

In stark terms, the report states: "In as little as six weeks it is possible that a hard Border could materialise due to a no-deal Brexit triggering a return to violence in Northern Ireland."

It says that "all indications" that pushing for a Border poll against this backdrop - as advocated by Sinn Fein - would also spark violence.

"The only question in both scenarios will be the scale of the violence."

Prof Brennan is the Unesco chair for community, leadership, and youth development and professor of leadership and community development at the Pennsylvania State University.

Prof Dolan is director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and holds the Unesco chair in children, youth and civic engagement.

Read more: France denies British media reports that Macron offered concessions on Irish backstop

They were assisted by Michael Ortiz, a renowned expert in counter-terrorism and former security adviser to the Obama administration in the US.

According to the study, which was complied in conjunction with Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly, the British and Irish governments have done little to ensure social or economic security since the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

The flag protests which took place at the end of 2012 and throughout 2013 as a result of a decision to fly the union flag at Belfast City Hall only on designated days is cited "past evidence" of how quickly problems can escalate. Dozens of police officers were injured and scores arrested during the loyalist demonstrations.

The report says a return to violence would result in increased security costs, damage to property, a jump in prison numbers and loss of life.

Among the recommendations is anti-extremism campaigns aimed at young people.

The authors also say a "critical part of preventing violent extremism is to be found in community level leadership".

However, they say in some areas in Northern Ireland "those community leaders are the ones who are involved in the radicalisation of the youth, an issue that has to be tackled as a matter of urgency".

Senator Daly said last night that the report highlights the need for the UK government to stand by the backstop which is currently being blamed for the Brexit impasse.

"This will ensure that the peace process on this island is not jeopardised by a no-deal Brexit-related hard Border. The EU needs to ensure there is no return to a hard Border in light of the facts outlined in the Unesco chairs report," he said.

Mr Ortiz says future violence can be prevented but there is a need to strengthen counter-terrorism and law enforcement efforts.

He also calls for extra supports for civil society organisations, and religious and educational institutions.
Top ten Irish construction contractor Flynn has shrugged off Brexit concerns and opened a new London office to lead a major UK expansion.

Kevin Flynn, co-founder of a family business that last year posted turnover of 142m, told the Sunday Independent he is confident the contractor can benefit from pent-up demand in the UK once the political situation is resolved.

Flynn has appointed a London-based managing director, Paul Dennis, to lead its new office in Charing Cross.

"The UK office is ready for business in 2019 and we've a team of five in place with a strong pipeline of opportunities identified," Flynn said.

The firm has worked across the construction sector in Ireland but in recent times has won major data centre fit-out contracts both here and in the Nordic region.

A small percentage of its turnover currently comes from outside of Ireland but Flynn said that the UK move would ultimately help to generate as much as 50pc of turnover abroad.

"We are confident that a [Brexit] deal will be done and the uncertainty that has negatively affected corporate investment in London will be lifted," he said. "There is certainly a pent-up demand of corporate capital spend in the UK as the uncertainty over Brexit has dampened confidence. The UK is a great opportunity for us and I see it as a coiled spring."
The British prime minister may not seek to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement after all, a senior member of her Cabinet has indicated.

Theresa May is now considering the possibility of getting a legally binding statement from the EU on the backstop rather than changing the deal itself.

Irish ministers have always said they would be open-minded about offering clarifications on the backstop through a codicil - but insist that cannot extend to adding a time limit or unilateral exit mechanism. It comes as French President Emmanuel Macron's office was forced to downplay reports in the UK media that his government had offered concessions on the backstop.

Mr Macron has championed the EU's refusal to reopen the Brexit deal but it was claimed this position was softening.

However, the Elysee Palace said last night: "These [reports] are without any foundation... The French position is that of the European Union: the Withdrawal Agreement is not renegotiable."

Normal EU business continues today with a meeting of foreign ministers due to discuss the situations in Ukraine, Syria, the Horn of Africa and Venezuela. Brexit is not on the agenda but Tanaiste Simon Coveney is likely to continue lobbying his counterparts for support.

Elsewhere in Brussels, UK Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will meet the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier to discuss the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise solution to avoid the need for a backstop.

EU officials will be carefully watching to see if there is any substance to statements made by Mrs May's culture secretary on the BBC yesterday.

Jeremy Wright implied the insurance policy to prevent a hard Border could be amended via a codicil, saying the "objective" mattered more than the "mechanism".

His comments came hours after Mrs May wrote to Tory MPs assuring them the government would continue its work to secure changes to the backstop, pleading with them to unite and deliver on Brexit.

"I think what's obvious is that parliament, and I think probably people well beyond parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop," Mr Wright said.

"That's why we've got to do something about. I don't think it's the mechanism that matters, it's the objective: if you can get to a place where the potential longevity of the backstop, the potential that the backstop lasts forever can be adequately dealt with, that's what we're all seeking to do."

Meanwhile, the UK's Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the backstop, in a speech tomorrow.

Mrs May will hold further talks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker later in the week.
Former Irish president Mary Robinson launches Trinity Colleges Green Week in the Front Square, Trinity College Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Former Irish president Mary Robinson has said sustainable development goals should form part of the school curriculum as a holistic approach is needed to combat climate change.

Mrs Robinson said: I would like to see the sustainable development goals begin to be part of the curriculum here in Trinity and in the curriculum in schools so that we begin to make this part of our life in a lived way that really makes a difference.

She made the comments at the launch of Trinity College Dublins Green Week.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals form the focus of this years Green Week, which runs until February 22.

The goals include ending poverty, ending hunger, achieving gender equality, taking urgent action on climate change and ensuring responsible consumption and production.

Mrs Robinson described the goals as very relevant to our world.

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The important point is the interconnection between the 17 sustainable development goals, thats their strength, she said.

They dont portray gender equality as somehow separate from climate action or ocean pollution, or ocean pollution separate from consumption and production.

The fact that the goals are indivisible and interrelated makes them very relevant to our world because we live in a complex world and we need a holistic approach.

She added that the goals need to be interpreted together with the climate change goals.

She said scientists had learned last year that there was a significant difference between the effects of 1.5 degrees of warming and 2 degrees of warming.

The big difference is that between 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees things happen: coral reefs disappear, the arctic ice melts and the permafrost seriously melts and that means we will have blow-backs and climate changes of a significant sort.

The scientists are telling us unequivocally that we have to stay at or below 1.5 degrees and if we happen to go above 1.5 degrees we have to suck that carbon out of the atmosphere and come back and stay at 1.5 degrees to have a liveable world, she said.

So we have to live sustainably.

Senator David Norris detailed the highlights of the week-long celebration, while a cappella ensemble Trinitones sang on the steps of the Public Theatre in the colleges front square.

Students and members of the universitys green campus committee attended the launch.

Senator Norris paid tribute to Mrs Robinson, saying she was one of his heroes.

She has been, without any doubt, the greatest political figures produced by this college since Edmund Burke, he said.

Shes a truly remarkable woman and we should take great, great pride in Mary Robinson.

Mr Norris said action needed to be taken because the signs for this planet are really pretty, pretty grim.

Dr Robinson became the first woman elected as President of Ireland when she was inaugurated in 1990.

She is also a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In 2014, she was appointed to oversee UN efforts to tackle climate change.

Last November, she was appointed chair of peace and human rights campaigning group The Elders.

In doing so, she became the third person to chair the group, following in the footsteps of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the late Kofi Annan.
Former Irish president Mary Robinson said she has no regrets over getting involved in the case of a Dubai princess who had tried to flee the UAE.

Mrs Robinson, a former UN High Commissioner for human rights, was criticised by human rights groups after she travelled to Dubai to meet Sheikha Latifa, the daughter of the ruler of Dubai Sheikh Al-Maktoum last December.

Following the meeting, Dr Robinson described the 32-year-old princess as a troubled young woman.

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Speaking after an event in Trinity College Dublin on Monday, she defended her decision to get involved saying she went to help a friend.

Asked whether she regretted visiting the princess, Mrs Robinson replied: No because I went to help a friend.

She is the only member of the royal family that I met, or that I know, and were friends.

Mrs Robinson added that she had spoke out before about human rights violations and she would do so again.

I have spoken out before on human rights in the UAE. I havent changed my spots. I will speak out again where appropriate. Nothing has changed, she said.

Since the meeting, Mrs Robinson said she had reported to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet about the matter and that she had appealed to her to follow up on the case.

I gave a written report just after I went and then I saw her in mid January when I went to Geneva for a meeting on sustainable development goals and human rights, Mrs Robinson said.

I gave her a full account and I asked that her office would follow up on it. Thats what should happen in so far as possible.

Mrs Robinson said previously that she was dismayed by the commentary over her visit and that she had been invited by the family.

Authorities in the UAE released pictures of the December 15 meeting.

The release of the photos came months after friends and supporters said she disappeared following commandos storming a boat carrying her off the coast of India after she fled the Emirates.

Sheikha Latifa had previously appeared in a 40-minute video saying she was imprisoned off and on for several years and abused.
Today I, along with several colleagues, took the painful and hard decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party which I joined 22 years ago. This has been one of the most difficult decisions Ive ever had to make in life, but its the right one.

As I said in my speech at our event announcing our decision, the values which have driven us to take this step are shaped by who we are, where we are from, and our experiences.

I am of mixed heritage  a quarter English, a quarter Irish and half Nigerian. My forebears came to this country driven by the hope and optimism that if you put in the effort, you can get on and lead a good life in Britain. My father arrived from Nigeria with no money and worked his way up to become a successful entrepreneur. In spite of the prejudice he experienced, the platform this country gave him to succeed was Britain at its very best.

But weve had our ups and our downs. He, the only breadwinner in the family, was killed in a car crash when I was just 13. His death taught me that regardless of your circumstances, people need one another. We want our families to get on in the good times; but we need to support each other through the bad times.

Too many face barriers in fulfilling their dreams and potential in modern Britain and people do not get the support they need. We believe it does not have to be this way  fundamental change is needed but Labour can no longer be its agent.

In light of what we have witnessed these past three years, I do not support the Labour leader taking the office of prime minister of the United Kingdom, nor do I have confidence in him and his team to make the right decisions to safeguard our national security.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

The partys collective failure to take a lead and provide sufficiently strong, coherent opposition to Tory government policy on the UKs relationship with Europe, with all the adverse implications this poses for the working people of this constituency, is a betrayal of the Labour interest and Labours internationalist principles. This started with the leaderships halfhearted effort to campaign for Remain in 2016, followed by its refusal even to commit to the UK staying part of the single market and now its offer to facilitate a Tory Brexit. So many families in my constituency, like me, have relatives from EU countries and feel grossly betrayed by the party.

I support the liberal, international rules-based order underpinned by Nato, which Clement Attlee and Ernest Bevin were instrumental in establishing in the wake of the Second World War. This demands the UK plays an active role on the international stage. Through its lukewarm attitude towards Nato, reluctance to act where necessary, and willingness often to accept narratives promoted by states hostile to this country, the partys leadership has turned its back on this history.

Since before the last election I have made it clear in my public interventions that I had differences with the leadership of the party on these issues, so much of this will not be news to regular readers of this column. There is no doubt these differences have become much more pronounced since then.

Above all, I have observed with great alarm the changing culture within the party. Visceral hatred of other people, views and opinions  something completely contrary to progressive values  is now commonplace in the party. Bullying behaviour by supporters of the leadership on and offline is tacitly sanctioned.

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I have been ashamed of the antisemitism which has been allowed to percolate through the party at all levels. Not only does it fly in the face of the partys history of fighting racism but it has revealed attitudes which are anything but respectful, liberal or open minded. I no longer wish to be part of such a culture.

This, however goes far beyond the Labour Party. These last few years have shown all the established, main parties are simply not up to this challenge. They cant be the change because they have become the problem.

They have failed to provide the leadership and clear direction which the UK desperately needs. They are deeply divided. They have failed to fulfil their duties with the competence the public rightly deserves. They have put their own party political interests before the national interest. They do not represent the complex tapestry which is modern Britain.

There are those who say there is no alternative. That we are doomed to be saddled with the same old politics. That we have to settle for voting for the least worst option or simply to make sure the other lot dont get in. That no matter how incompetent they are, we have no option but to vote for them. We reject this.

When our democracy is failing, the British people have overcome the hurdles to build a better future. Over history we demanded elected MPs take precedence over unelected Lords. We insisted working men and women have the vote. We said our parliament should look more like the country in terms of gender and ethnicity. And now we must change our politics again.

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It is time we dumped this countrys old-fashioned politics and created an alternative that does justice to who we are today and gives this country a politics fit for the 21st century  not the last one.

So we have taken the first step in leaving the old, tribal politics behind and we have invited others who share our political values to do so too. They may come from a Labour background but they may also come from other political traditions. Yes, its a difficult decision but you do not join a party to spend years fighting those in it; you get involved in politics to change the world. We invite them to leave their parties and help us forge a new consensus on way forward for Britain.

We will sit together as an Independent Group of MPs in the House of Commons from here on.

If youre sick and tired of politics-as-usual, well, so are we. That is why we have done what we have today  and why we commit to doing things differently. We dont have all the answers. So well treat people like adults and be honest about the tough choices facing the UK.

Building a new politics cannot be done in Westminster, so we want to invite you, the British people, to join in this endeavour  if you want an alternative, help us build it. The bottom line is this: politics is broken. It doesnt have to be this way. Lets change it.
Airbnb is being sued by the city of Paris for up to 12.5m (10.9m), according to the mayor.

The French capital is taking action against more than 1,000 illegal rental listings on the accommodation platform that do not comply with French law.

Homeowners in France can only rent out a property for up to 120 days a year, and ads must include a registration number to ensure this rule isnt being violated. Some 1,000 Airbnb Paris listings are thought to have broken this rule.

A law passed last year in France means companies such as Airbnb can be fined up to 12,500 per illegal listing  if each of the 1,000 ads were to get the maximum penalty, the US platform could be facing a 12.5m bill.

The goal is to send a shot across the bows to get it over with unauthorised rentals that spoil some Parisian neighbourhoods, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo told Journal du Dimanche newspaper of the move to pursue these fines.

Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Show all 10 1 /10 Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Airbnb's most liked Instagram post of 2018 is located at Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand @chachi86/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 the Lazzarella Room in Old Mill on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Italy @jugglesatparties/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 The Willow Treehouse in Upstate New York @cristinarnieto/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 The Joshua Tree Campover Cabin is situated in more than 22 acres of land @alalam100/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 The Beautiful Riad in Marrakesh, Morocco, was the fifth most liked post of 2018 @theresatorp/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 The only way to reach the Boat House in New South Wales, Australia, is by boat @sarahlianhan/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Vintage Design and Contemporary Art, Trastevere, Italy @jonisan/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Perledo, Lake Como, Italy @sssoph90/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 Piano di Sorrento in Italy offers incredible views of the Amalfi coastline @lizbedor/Instagram Airbnb's most liked properties on Instagram in 2018 General Luna, Siargao Island Philippines @thetriangle.siargao/Instagram

Other cities have instituted caps or require permits for Airbnb and other accommodation platforms.

When Ada Colau, Barcelonas first female mayor, took office in 2015, one of her first moves was to freeze licences for all new hotels and holiday rental apartments and go after short-term rental sites, slapping Airbnb with a 30,000 (24,000) fine.

Meanwhile, in 2016 Berlin banned tourists from renting entire apartments through Airbnb and its competitors in an attempt to protect affordable housing.

With the help of large fines, the German citys authorities hoped to protect the property supply and keep rents as low as possible.

The new law, entitled Zweckentfremdungsverbot, banned the short-term let of entire apartments to tourists without a city permit.

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If found flouting these rules, Berliners could be fined up to 100,000 (78,371).

The Independent has contacted Airbnb for comment.
Every night when Thomas, 13, goes to sleep the screams of the people he was forced to burn alive two years ago punch through his nightmares.

He was just 11 years old when rebel forces in Yambio, South Sudan, gave him a torch and told him to set fire to a familys hut.

Just a few months previous to that, the little boy had been abducted at gunpoint from a nearby farm by fighters in the South Sudan Liberation Movement (SSLM), a rebel group which later signed a peace deal and joined the government forces.

But it has taken until this week for Thomas to finally be freed.

He was one of 119 girl and boy soldiers who were officially released on 12 February, which coincidentally marked Red Hand Day  drawing attention to child soldiers.

Local authorities, together with the United Nations child agency and other human rights groups, hope to use a tense five month truce currently holding in the war-ravaged country to free a staggering 19,000 children like Thomas believed to still be in military camps. But with clashes still flaring in parts of the country, the economy in tatters and a hunger crisis on the horizon, many fear children will only continue to be lured into the myriad armed factions unless there is proper intervention now.

They gave me the fire, they said go and burn those people in that hut, so I went and I lit the grass [roof], says the little boy, his shoulders hunched, as he sits dwarfed by a plastic blue chair.

Then it started burning. I heard the people screaming. From the voices, I thought there must be five people in there, he adds, his voice trailing off.

He explains how he was told if he did not follow orders he would face a similar fate, and so for two years was forced to commit horrific acts of violence.

They shot dead one boy in front of me because he refused to do the work. I was worried they would do the same thing back to me if I refused anything.

Children have long been used by all the warring factions in South Sudans devastating five-year civil war, which has killed more than 400,000 people, including more than 2,000 children, and sparked one of the worlds worse humanitarian crises.

The children are often abducted from their homes or lured into recruitment with promises of rank and wealth by armed groups who see them as an expendable force.

In the isolated rural bush camps, they are brutalised, brainwashed, beaten and forced to take drugs. Many of the child soldiers The Independent has spoken to say they were used as cannon fodder on the frontline, or deployed as spies to watch rival armed groups. They were taught to assemble and disassemble rifles, and patrol the surrounding areas. Many of the girl soldiers are raped and married off to the fighters.

This year the UN hopes that a lull in fighting, due to a peace deal brokered in September between South Sudanese president Salva Kiir Mayardit and rebel factions, will finally allow all sides to release their children.

There have been positive signals: the South Sudanese government agreed last autumn to sign a UN treaty committing to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Unicef says that since last February at least 1,000 children have been released by various groups.



But despite assurances child recruiting has ended, there are still thousands of soldiers like Thomas who have yet to be freed from military camps.

Meanwhile, both South Sudans official army and the oppositions forces confusingly deny the use and recruitment of child soldiers.

Brigadier General Santo Dominic Chol, the armys deputy spokesperson, tells The Independent that children seen with guns in government-held areas are likely cattle herders or youths protecting their communities.

Brigadier General Santo Dominic Chol claims there are no child soldiers among their ranks (Bel Trew)

We dont have child soldiers, he says from the capital Juba.

Within [our forces] there is a huge department for child protection that works in collaboration with Unicef and other stakeholders during recruitment so that minors are never enlisted But now there is no more recruitment in the country. We are no longer recruiting anybody, he says.

Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesperson for the opposition forces, issues a similar denial.

I can tell you clearly that the SPLA IO [opposition forces] does not recruit kids. Those children in our controlled areas, they are there to protect cattle and their families, he says, adding that it is unfortunate they are presumed to belong to the opposition army.

Aid agencies working on supporting and rehabilitating former child soldiers warn that, even if children are sent home, with the current instability many are subsequently vulnerable to re-enlistment.

South Sudanese security forces outside a military court in Juba (Bel Trew)

Case workers at Veterinaires Sans Frontieres (VSF), which runs vocational training programmes for former child soldiers in the remote town of Pibor, northeast of the capital, says up to a quarter of the children released end up back in military camps, after receiving training and aid packages.

The training is supposed to help the children re-enter society and offer them an alternative source of funds. But the problem is trying to keep them in the programmes after years of indoctrination and trauma.

While there is no active recruitment of children since the peace deal was signed, we would say nationwide around 25 per cent who are released end up returning to the camps, VSFs Wani Richard tells The Independent from Pibor.

Around 20 or so have returned from the 300 we have personally seen released, his colleague Joseph Naythu adds.

It is this phenomenon that Unicef is trying to tackle with a monitoring programme that offers former child soldiers three months of vocational training in skills like tailoring, carpentry and welding before they are then monitored for three years by social workers.

In a dirt-track playground in Yambio, Thomas and other recently freed children line up to start the process, beginning with receiving official release certificates  documents the authorities hope will at least provide some safeguard against their redeployment. They are then given a medical and psychological assessment before leaving with an aid package.

Former child soldiers wait for a medical assessment before receiving an aid package in Yambio (Bel Trew)

The traumatised children are often difficult to manage because of their violent pasts: they speak of suffering from angry outbursts and needing to use force.

Several say their local communities shunned them for the acts they were made to perform while in the army.

One 16-year-old boy, who was forced to execute captives in a firing squad, says he dropped out of school because he was afraid of what he might do to anyone who confronted him about his past.

The support from social workers is vital to help ease the tricky re-entry into civilian life.

Unicef aid packages are distributed to the children after their release from bush camps (Bel Trew)

But the problem Unicef and its partners are facing is a lack of funds. Overall last year the humanitarian response for South Sudan was only two-thirds funded. In 2019 they actually need to reach more people and so need more money, yet targeted funding is $200m (155m) less than last years projected $1.72bn.



One of the programmes impacted is the efforts to rehabilitate child soldiers.

We can for sure see donor fatigue, says Unicefs Helene Sandbu Ryeng.

If we dont have money the programmes will stop.

We can for sure see donor fatigue. If we dont have the funds the programmes will stop Helene Sandbu Ryeng, Unicef

One 15-year-old girl, Martha, who was first captured by the SSLM two years ago, says she is regularly approached by children who want to return to the bush camps. She says she uses her own story to try to discourage them from leaving their families.



Once a month, every couple of weeks girls come to me to ask how to go back. I tell them what happened to me, she says.

Martha queues up with other children to receive an official document in Yambio saying she has been released from the army (Bel Trew)

Martha was just 13 when she was captured by rebel forces while playing with her siblings by a bridge outside Yambio.

She was taken to the sprawling rebel camp where she joined hundreds of other teenage girls who slept outside and were put to work fetching firework, cooking and cleaning as well as being trained in weapons and sent on patrol.

The young and vulnerable girls were often preyed on by the fighters, who take their pick from the abductees as wives. In the Yambio playground, nearly all the teenage girls juggle new babies born during their years in the camp.

We went to fetch water and these three men in their 20s with guns said if we didnt have sex with them we would be killed, Martha says with a matter-of-fact manner.

That man had me for the entire year and even after I escaped he tried to find me, she adds.

A former child soldier receives a tool kit and a certificate after graduating from training in Yambio (Bel Trew)

Another former girl soldier called Mary was abducted from her school aged 15. When she arrived in the camp she was assigned to a particular commander. In the camp she says the children were raped and given drugs to make it easier to commit the brutal acts they were ordered to do.

After three months I got pregnant and so they sent me home to deliver  I never went back but it was hard,  she says, explaining how she escaped.

She was later officially released and is two months into Unicefs vocational programme to become a tailor. As she talks, her social worker, who checks in with her once a week, sits by her side.

I want to help other children escape and start a new life Thomas, former child soldier

At the end of the training she will be gifted a sewing machine which she hopes will mean she can look after her son who is disabled.

I want to set up my own business and go back to school to support my son, she says.

One day I hope it will all better.

Children collecting water in Yambio, South Sudan (Bel Trew)

But a shadow hangs over the group, who have been through unspeakable violence.

Thomas talks about how hard it is to be a little boy and how he is shunned by the local community which fears he will brainwash other children.

I get angry because of the bad things that happened to me in the bush. There are some people who dont like me because I was with the military. They tell me they think I will spoil their children, he says, kicking the dust on the dirt floor.

But all I want to do now is go to school and get a job. I want to help other children escape and start a new life.
Warring factions in Yemen have agreed to the first stage of a withdrawal from the strategic city of Hodeidah, potentially breaking the deadlock in talks that crippled a ceasefire deal and the flow of aid into the country.

The UN said the breakthrough was hammered out during two days of meetings in the war-torn port city, which is Yemens main entry point for food and aid but had become the frontline of the four-year civil war.

Yemens government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels had originally agreed in December to a prisoner exchange and truce, which would see both sides leave the city.

But the plan was never implemented and collapsed into skirmishes as both sides accused each other violations, strangling vital aid to at least 10 million people on the brink of starvation across the country.

The UN statement on Monday said both sides had made important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces as envisaged in the Hodeida agreement.

Food aid for Yemenis stolen Show all 21 1 /21 Food aid for Yemenis stolen Food aid for Yemenis stolen People walk in a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen People stand near their rooms inside a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A baby sleeps inside a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A woman sits with her baby inside a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen Sisters play in their room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen The entrance of the hangar of the United Nations in Aden, Yemen, in this 23 July 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A man sells aid supplies at a market in Aden, Yemen, in this 23 July 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen The entrance to the port where aid is received, in Aden, Yemen, is shown in this 23 July 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen This 24 July 2018 photo shows a gas station on a road in Shabwah, Yemen. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A worn-out list of registered names for aid by Relief International, part of the World Food Program, is posted in Aden, Yemen in this 23 July 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A truck carries aid on a road in Aden, Yemen, in this 23 July 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A man fixes his scarf at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen Children play in a room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen Children look out of their room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A woman holds her baby as she leaves her room in a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A family poses for a photograph in their room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A family sits in their room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A bucket filled with bread at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, is shown in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A family poses for a photograph in a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A child stands in a room at a shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty) Food aid for Yemenis stolen A shelter for displaced persons in Ibb, Yemen, is shown in this 3 Aug 2018 photo. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

The statement added that they had reached an agreement on phase one of the mutual redeployment of forces without giving details on what was agreed.

Under phase one, the Houthis would withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Isa. In exchange, government forces would withdraw from the eastern outskirts of the city.

A UN source told Reuters that phase one would also see the two sides agree to reopen main roads linking Hodeidah to the Houthi-held capital Sanaa and Yemens third city of Taiz.

They also agreed to enable access to the Red Sea mills, which holds some 50,000 tonnes of World Food Programme grain, enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month, the source said. Access to the site has been cut off since September due to the fighting.

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt welcomed the breakthrough and urged all sides to swiftly implement the agreed deal.

Good progress made by Yemeni parties on plan for redeployment of troops from Hodeidah, he wrote on Twitter. Agreement must be swiftly finalised and implemented. Crucial that parties also engage constructively in discussions on prisoner exchange to build confidence, he added.

Yemen has been torn apart by war since 2015 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels swept control of the country ousting recognised President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies launched a bombing campaign to re-instate their ally but four years on the fighting shows little sign of abating.

The conflict has sparked the worlds worst humanitarian crisis with nearly half the population of the country  just under 14 million people  at risk of starving to death.

Crucial to a long-term peace deal is negotiations over Hodeidah.

The UNs statement on Monday said the two sides also agreed in principle on phase two of the Hodeidah plan, entailing full redeployment of both parties forces in the province.

However, a source close to the negotiations added that a withdrawal timeline has yet to be agreed, and there was disagreement over how to choose the local forces which will take control of the port and city once the warring factions leave.

The UN says the negotiating committee, led by Danish Lt Gen Michael Lollesgaard, plans to reconvene within a week.

Additional reporting from Reuters
A lawyer working for Shamima Begums family has said any attempt to deny her due process would mean she was being treated worse than Nazi war criminals after the Second World War.

Tasnime Akunjee said Ms Begum, who was 15 when she left the UK to join Isis in Syria, had been brainwashed and would have to be de-radicalised to return to the UK.

He said: The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old. Our politicians are saying that she should be denied protections and due process that would have been granted to Nazis.

His comments, reported by Reuters, come after the home secretary Sajid Javid said he would not hesitate in blocking her return to the UK.

Writing in The Sunday Times, he said: My message is clear: if you have supported terrorist organisations abroad I will not hesitate to prevent your return.

If you do manage to return you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

He added: As a father I feel compassion for anyone born or brought into a conflict zone. But in considering what actions need to be taken now, I have to think about the safety and security of children living in our country.

Ms Begum, who is now 19, gave birth to her third child over the weekend. Her other two children died last year from illnesses compounded by malnutrition and poor healthcare and as Isis lost ground.

Her husband, a former Isis soldier who she married within 10 days of arriving in Syria in 2014, was captured by Syrian forces outside the eastern city of Baghouz earlier this year.

Ms Begum has said she now wants to return to the UK, but has also said she doesnt regret going to Syria.

Speaking to Sky News since giving birth to a son in a refugee camp in northern Syria, Ms Begum said: I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything I have been through.

I didnt know what I was getting into when I left.

I was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child theyd let me come back. Because I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

 UK can't make runaway Isis bride Shamima Begum 'stateless' says justice secretary David Gauke

Mr Akunjee said the birth of the child had increased the pressure on the government to allow Ms Begum and her child to come into the UK.

We are now dealing with an innocent baby who we would like to get out of the camp and back to the UK, he said.

Ms Begum remains a British citizen, and the UK cannot strip her of her citizenship. Jeremy Wright, the culture secretary, said Britain would be legally obliged to allow Ms Begum to return at some stage.

Speaking on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show, Mr Wright said: I think its clear that if youre dealing with a British citizen who wants to return to this country  and theyre not a dual citizen, so their only citizenship is British citizenship  then we are obliged at some stage at least to take them back. That doesnt mean that we cant put in place the necessary security measures.

Ms Begum told Sky News she had just been a housewife during her four years living under Isis, and the UK had no evidence her return could pose a threat.

She said: They dont have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous. When I went to Syria I was just a housewife, the entire four years I stayed at home, took care of my husband, took care of my kids. I never did anything. I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria.

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In a statement released on Friday, Ms Begums family in London said her apparent lack of regret for joining Isis should be regarded as the words of a girl who was groomed at the age of 15.

They said: Now we are faced with the situation of knowing that Shamimas young children have died  children we will never come to know as a family. This is the hardest of news to bear.

The welfare of Shamimas unborn child is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby who is entirely blameless in these events.
European countries have pushed back on a US demand to repatriate citizens who went to Syria to join Isis, deepening a split between Washington and its allies on the issue.

More than 800 European citizens are currently being detained in Syria on suspicion of fighting for Isis  many of them were captured in the last two months during the battle for the terror groups last remaining territory.

President Donald Trump called this weekend for European governments to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing by taking the suspects back.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them, he wrote on Twitter.

But the UK, France and Germany have been reluctant to bring home Isis suspects, fearing that they would pose a security threat upon their return.

It is certainly not as easy as they think in America, German foreign minister Heiko Maas said in response to Trump. These people can come to Germany only if it is ensured that they can immediately be taken into custody.

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

Germanys interior ministry said on Monday that Germany citizens have the right to return in principle, but suggested that would only happen with consular access, which isnt in place in Syria at the moment.

France and the UK also appear to be in no rush to bring them home. But the planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria has made the issue more urgent.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed militia that is holding the suspects, has said it does not have the capability to continue holding them indefinitely. When US forces go, its resources will be stretched even further.

Abdulkarim Omar, co-chair of foreign relations in the Kurdish-led region, told Reuters on Monday that the detainees were a time bomb, and that they could escape in the event of an attack that may follow the US withdrawal.

That prospect was addressed by Frances justice minister Nicole Belloubet on Monday.

There is a new geo-political context, with the US withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy, Ms Belloubet, told France 2 television. At this stage France is not responding to (Trumps) demands.

Statista

Both France and Germany have suggested that Isis suspects be tried in Syria or Iraq, but the mechanisms for doing so do not currently exist.

The fate of British Isis suspects held in Syria has been thrown into the spotlight in recent days following the discovery that Shamima Begum, a 19-year-old British woman who left the UK to join Isis four years ago, was among those detained in the country.

The home secretary, Sajid Javid, has previously said that he would move to block any British citizen suspected of joining Isis from returning.

Mr Javid said of her case: My message is clear: if you have supported terrorist organisations abroad I will not hesitate to prevent your return.

If you do manage to return you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted, he told The Times.

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But the justice secretary David Gauke has said that the UK may be powerless to stop her returning.

Obviously we have to act within the powers that we have, he told Sky News. It is the case we cant make people stateless, but without getting too drawn into the specifics, the approach that we take as a government, which is the responsible one, is to ensure that we protect the British public. That is the key thing.

There are an estimated 800 foreign fighters being held in prisons by the Syrian Democratic Forces, along with around 700 wives and 1,500 children in camps.

Among them are around 20 British women and children, and seven British men. A total of 150 French citizens are thought to be held, including 50 adults, according to military officials cited by Reuters.
Less than 24-hours after Isis bride Shamima Begum asked to return to the UK from Syria, an American woman in the same Syrian refugee camp has has pleaded to return home.

Hoda Muthana said she deeply regreted joining the terrorist group.

The 24-year-old left her home in Alabama four years ago and is now living with her 18-month-old son in the al-Hawl refugee camp  the same facility where Ms Begum is being held.

The American became a high-profile advocate of Isis campaign of violence across Iraq and Syria on Twitter, but has claimed she was brainwashed by the group.

Ms Muthana told The Guardian she and other recruits had misunderstood the Islamic faith

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

I look back now and I think I was very arrogant," she said. "Now Im worried about my sons future... I was brainwashed once and my friends are still brainwashed.

We were basically in the time of ignorance. I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God.

Ms Muthana told the newspaper she married three times in Syria; both her first and second jihadist husbands died in the fighting.

She said she and her son fled from Susa, close to the current frontline in Baghuz, around six weeks ago.

The American slept in the desert for two nights being before captured by Kurdish forces and taken to al-Hawl.

Ms Muthana is reportedly the only US citizen among an estimated 1,500 foreign women and children at the huge camp for Isis family members, now home to almost 40,000 people.

She is begging US authorities to allow her to return home to Alabama.

I would tell them please forgive me for being so ignorant, and I was really young and ignorant and I was 19 when I decided to leave, she said. I believe that America gives second chances. I want to return and Ill never come back to the Middle East. America can take my passport and I wouldnt mind.

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An intense debate has erupted in Britain over the fate of Ms Begum since was tracked down by reporters at al-Hawl earlier this week.

Several ministers, including the home secretary Sajid Javid, have insisted she will not be permitted to return to the UK.

Others, including the head of MI6, Alex Younger, have warned she could still be a potential threat.
Artyom had been minding his business, waiting for a friend near a metro station in Moscows lugubrious suburbs.

The Russian winter had already hung its evening shadow on the city, so the 26-year-old computer technician did not immediately notice the three officers who made their way from the underpass. By the time the men were in sight, it was already too late. Artyom, who had a joint in his top pocket, knew the encounter would not end well  they never do. So he ran.

Freedom ended a minute later with the embrace of a dozen policemen, a broken nose and a serious head injury.
The body of a Croatian woman who disappeared in 2000 has been found more than 18 years later in her sisters freezer.

Jasmina Dominic was last seen at the turn of the millennium when she was 23 years old.

Her family took until 2005 to report her missing and had previously told police she was living overseas.

But police officers found her remains inside a freezer in the hallway of the family home in the village of Pavlovec, northeast of the capital Zagreb, on Saturday.

Officers have arrested Ms Dominics sister, 45-year-old Smiljana Srnec, and ordered an post-mortem be carried out on the body.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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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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Although the results of the autopsy are not yet known, police said they believed Ms Dominic had been murdered.

A police spokesman said the family had hoodwinked detectives investigating the disappearance more than a decade earlier.

They turned us in other directions, he said. Ive never had a case like this.

We checked the house [at the time] ... but didnt have information anything could have happened at home.

A missing persons poster Croatian police produced when Jasmina Dominic was finally reported missing (AP)

The case has shocked Croatia, with many wondering how it was possible that the family had lived for so long with a body hidden in the house.

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Ms Dominics father, who died several years ago, reportedly said in 2011 his daughter had told him in 2000 she was going to work on a cruise ship and then live in Paris.
A Spanish warship with its guns manned ordered commercial ships to leave British Gibraltar waters on Sunday, the territorys government said.

The warships crew can be heard in an audio recording of a radio exchange telling vessels anchored at the Rock to leave Spanish territorial waters.

Royal Navy boats were deployed in response to the incident.

Boats which were ordered to leave remained at the port during the incident, which was branded foolish by a spokesman for Her Majestys Government of Gibraltar.

There is only nuisance value to these foolish games being played by those who dont accept unimpeachable British sovereignty over the waters around Gibraltar as recognised by the whole world in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said.

It seems there are still some in the Spanish navy who think they can flout international law. This probably accounts for the state of extremism of some parts of the Spanish political spectrum these days.

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 ship was accused by the government of trying to take executive action against the commercial boats, which were anchored on the eastern side of the Rock.

Commercial boats which were told to move were ordered to remain by the Gibraltar Port Authority.

A crew member is heard in the recording asking the Spanish ship to verify you are referring to our ship because they are anchored in Gibraltar.

We are not adrift, we are at anchor now, he says, before being told again to leave Spanish waters.

A statement released by the Gibraltar government said: The Royal Navy deployed a launch and a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to the scene. After being challenged by the Royal Navy, the Spanish warship sailed slowly along the Gibraltar coast with its weapons uncovered and manned.

The government sad it was verifying every aspect of the incident in order to ensure that appropriate action was taken as soon as possible.

Press Association
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  The police investigating the ambush along EDSA that killed two men and wounded one woman on Sunday said it may have been connected to the businesses of the victim.

Mandaluyong City Police Chief PSSupt Moises Villaceran on Monday said one of the victims of the shootout, 63-year-old businessman Jose Luis Yulo, was the clear target of the two unidentified gunmen on board a motorcycle.

"He has a lot of businesses in Metro Manila and Laguna. We are now looking baka ito ay related to his business," he told CNN Philippines.

He added there are no leads that the van driver Nomer Allan Santos nor Yulo's companion Esmeralda Ignacio were the targets.

"Ang target na nakita namin is Mr. Yulo. Aside from that, the allegation na meron siyang kagalit," the police chief said.

Yulo is only the namesake of Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands President Jose Luis U. Yulo Jr.

Yulo and Santos died in the shootout that happened at around 3:30 p.m. of Sunday at the southbound lane of EDSA-Reliance near VRP Medical Center. Ignacio is recovering at the hospital.

Police said the group came from Pampanga where Yulo participated in a drag race competition. The vehicle filled up at a gasoline station along EDSA then exited toward the innermost lane of the main thoroughfare where two men riding a black motorcycle approached and shot the van.

The Eastern Police District has created a special investigation task group to fast track the investigation.

Police is also adding more personnel along the eastern part of EDSA, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the country.

"We will deploy district mobile force battalion to increase visibility, patrol, and crime prevention," Villaceran said.
Saudi Arabias embattled leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reportedly announced the release of 2,100 Pakistanis from the kingdoms prisons during a visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan is the first stop on an international tour which is widely regarded as being part of an attempt to rebuild his reputation after the murder of the Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Fawad Chaudhry, Pakistans information minister, said on Twitter the Crown Prince had ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners, after a request by Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan.

The fate of thousands of Pakistani workers locked up in jails across the Middle East is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where there is a perception the prisoners are mostly poor labourers who have no real legal recourse.

Huge numbers of Pakistanis travel to the Middle East every year, with many working on construction sites or as domestic helpers.

Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Show all 10 1 /10 Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Street protests greeted Mohammed Bin Salman during his visit to Tunisia AFP/Getty Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A mural depicting Mohammed Bin Salman washing his hands of blood Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A protester holds a banner accusing Mohammed Bin Salman of being a war criminal AP Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A Tunisian man holds up a cartoon that depicts Donald Trump assisting Mohammed Bin Salman in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi AP Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit A poster depicting a war ravaged Yemeni child Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters hold up saws in reference to the reportedly gruesome manner in which Jamal Khashoggi was disposed of AFP/Getty Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters chant slogans as they move down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Reuters Tunisians protest against Saudi Crown Prince's visit Protesters pass down Habib Bourguiba avenue in Tunis Simon Speakman Cordall

The remittances they send back are vital for Pakistans dollar-starved economy.

Saudi Arabia is yet to comment on the Pakistani announcement of a prisoner release.

The crown princes visit marks a deepening of ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centred on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistans economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistans powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

Recommended Saudi crown prince to meet members of Taliban on trip to Pakistan

As the guardians of some of the most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious influence in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mostly Muslim country of 208 million people.

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistans economy afloat by propping up rapidly dwindling foreign reserves with a $6bn loan, giving it breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammeds trip as the biggest state visit since one by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative.

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The Saudi leader has seen his reputation across the world plummet after he was linked to the brutal slaying and dismemberment of Mr Khashoggi inside the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul in October last year.

The murder was planned and perpetrated by Saudi officials, according to the UN special rapporteur leading an independent human rights inquiry into the killing.

Prince Mohammed has been accused of personally instigating the killing, reporedly telling senior aides he wanted to use a bullet on the journalist in 2017, according to leaked Western intelligence reports.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
The Colombian border city of Cucuta, already grappling with a mounting migration crisis, is bracing for a tense showdown that will likely mark a new chapter in the unfolding crisis of its neighbour, Venezuela.

US military planes continue a buildup of humanitarian aid on the Venezuelan border, a development spotlighted on Sunday in an appearance by Republican Florida senator Marco Rubio. More than 100,000 people are expected at a concert here on Friday to protest the Venezuelan government. And on Saturday, Venezuelan opposition figures with US backing plan to lead thousands of protesters, dressed in white, to the border to confront the countrys national guard.

All of this has made Cucuta, a city of 750,000 people, overwhelmed by the massive Venezuelan migration that has flowed over its border for years, very nervous.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to block the aid, calling it a pretext for US intervention in his crisis-stricken country. Venezuela is in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis, and the relatively small amount of aid is meant to begin to relieve a severe shortage of basic goods that has fuelled malnutrition and disease. But opposition leaders and US officials also hope to elicit the first public mass defection of Venezuelan troops if the soldiers disavow their orders and accept the shipment.

During a visit to Cucuta on Sunday, Mr Rubio encouraged members of the Venezuelan armed forces to defect, calling the Maduro government a criminal regime willing to starve and kill its own people.

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

There comes a time in many peoples lives when they have to make a decision that will define them forever, Mr Rubio said. That time has come for the Venezuelan soldiers.

Other American officials have also been clear they want Mr Maduro out of power and they see pushing aid into the country as one step towards achieving that outcome. Some major aid organisations have refused to participate, objecting to the use of humanitarian aid for political ends.

Maduro has got to go, said Mark Green, the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, at a news conference on Saturday in Cucuta while 80 tons of food and hygiene products were unloaded from a C-17 cargo plane behind him.

Officials say Cucuta will be the entry point of an operation that will breach Venezuelas border with humanitarian aid from all sides, with other staging spots in Brazil and the island of Curacao.

But planners have not said how they will do that. On Sunday, Venezuelan opposition officials handed out fliers on the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, where thousands of desperate Venezuelans cross each day to buy food or to migrate across South America.

Opposition leaders called on Venezuelans there to join the effort to move the aid over their border but could not say exactly where or when.

We still havent decided which border crossing to use, said Alcides Monsalve, mayor of the Venezuelan city of Merida, who travelled to Cucuta to help the effort. We dont have any idea.

In a speech to volunteers in Caracas this weekend, Juan Guaido  head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, who has evoked the constitution and declared himself the nations president because Mr Maduro is a usurper  said more than 600,000 Venezuelans had already agreed to join the massive effort on Saturday. He said volunteers would receive further directives via email on Monday.

There will be mobilisations in all cities around the country on 23 February, Mr Guaido told a cheering crowd on Saturday. Not just caravans going to the border. It will be a whole country in the street.

Leaders in Cucuta insist that the Venezuelan soldiers guarding the border crossings will accept the food aid, motivated by the hunger of their own families. But Venezuelans living on the Colombian side of the border expressed doubt.

They wont let it pass, said Victor Mora, a Venezuelan sitting near the border with the eight members of his salsa band, who all nodded in agreement. The military structure has them really indoctrinated. They are scared to disobey.

But many said they would join the effort to confront the border guards.

If Venezuelans can walk 20 days to Peru, then of course we can walk across the bridge to accompany the aid, said Julio Campos, 45, who has lived in Cucuta for a month.

 Venezuela's Maduro claims 'warmongering' Trump administration controlled by KKK

Four years ago, he said, he was member of his town council in the Venezuela coastal city of Puerto La Cruz, with a family, an apartment, a 2010 Chevrolet Optra and his own business in wholesale cheese distribution. He then watched the economy tank as food became scarce and his business folded.

Now, like thousands of others, he pays about $1 per night to sleep on the floor of a large room with dozens of other Venezuelans in Cucuta, where he makes a small commission bringing bus passengers to travel agencies. He aims to send money home to his wife and three kids, but since arriving in early January, he has only been able to do so once.

He did not think the guard would let the aid pass, but he pledged to join the effort anyway.

For us Venezuelans living in Colombia, its better to die without fear than to live crying, he said.

Wilfredo Canizares, an activist in Cucuta and director of Fundacion Progresar, which tracks organised crime in the border zone, said local leaders have felt powerless as the big week looms.

Its all being driven by the national government and the US, he said.

He also raised alarm about next weeks concert, announced on Thursday by British billionaire and airline magnate Richard Branson, set on a highway a little over a mile from the Venezuelan border. Its aim is to raise $100m (77m) for the humanitarian crisis there.

A spokesperson for the Cucuta police on Sunday said local authorities had not met with concert organisers.

It seems supremely inconvenient to organise a concert at this moment, Mr Canizares said. We are very worried by everything.

In Venezuela late on Sunday, five members of the European Parliament invited by the opposition to meet with Mr Guaido in Caracas were barred from entering the country at Simon Bolivar International Airport, according to the opposition and members of the delegation. They were subsequently deported by Venezuelan authorities.

Attention, our passports have been taken and were being thrown out of Venezuela, tweeted Spains Esteban Gonzalez Pons. Were being mistreated and the only explanation were given is that Maduro doesnt want us here.

The Washington Post
Donald Trump has appointed the son-in-law of his next attorney general to the White House legal office, sparking fresh conflict-of-interest concerns in an administration that has increasingly become a family affair.

Tyler McGaughey, who is married to attorney general William Barrs youngest daughter, left his post in the Justice Department for the new role.

News of the transition broke just as the US Senate voted to confirm Mr Barr as the nations next chief law enforcement officer on Friday afternoon.

The attorney general refused to commit to recusing himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, despite previously describing the probe as fatally misconceived in an unsolicited memo sent to the Justice Department.

His son-in-law will now join a division of the White House legal team whose work reportedly intersects with the Russia investigation. However, he has not been assigned to the team responsible for defending the president in the special counsels probe.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

Mary Daly, Mr Barrs oldest daughter who also worked at the Justice Department within the deputy attorney generals office as the director of Opioid Enforcement and Prevention Efforts, has also found a new role at the Treasury Departments financial crimes unit. She will now work at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), though her specific role was not immediately clear.

Ms Dalys husband  who also works at the Justice Department  was expected to remain in his post within the departments national security division, CNN reported.

Walter Shaub, former director of the Office of Government Ethics, described the attorney generals son-in-law joining the White House legal team as concerning, though he said it was a good idea for Mr Barrs family to leave their posts in the Justice Department in order to avoid the bad optics that could come from the appearance of them working for him.

Thats troubling because it raises further questions about Barrs independence, Mr Shaub told the network about Mr McGaugheys new role in the White House.

When questioned about the 20-page memo he sent to the department denouncing the special counsels probe, Mr Barr said he would request counsel from the Justice Departments career ethics officials, but said he would make my decision based on the law and the facts.

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There were at least 20 families in which multiple members held federal positions across Mr Trumps administration, according to a Daily Beast report published in 2017.

Many of the presidents own family members either hold senior White House positions or top roles in his 2020 re-election campaign, including his daughter-in-law Lara Trump, whose White House meetings with administration officials have also sparked controversy.
In the 116th Congress, if you are a Democrat, you are either a socialist, a baby killer or an antisemite.

That, at least, is what Republicans want voters to think, as they seek to demonise Democrats well in advance of the 2020 elections by painting them as left-wing crazies who will destroy the American economy, murder newborn babies and turn a blind eye to bigotry against Jews.

The unusually aggressive assault, which Republican officials and strategists outlined in interviews last week, is meant to strangle the new Democratic majority in its infancy.

It was set in motion this month by Donald Trump, who used his State of the Union address to rail against new calls to adopt socialism in our country and mischaracterise legislation backed by Democrats in New York and Virginia as allowing a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth".

Then last week, Republicans amped it up, seizing on a Twitter post by freshman representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, which even some Democrats condemned as antisemitic, and ridiculing the Green New Deal, an ambitious economic stimulus plan unveiled by representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a self-described democratic socialist.

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

Suddenly, even Jewish Democrats were abetting antisemitism and moderate Democrats in Republican districts were Trotskyites and Stalinists.

Socialism is the greatest vulnerability by far that the House Democrats have, representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in an interview, adding that he had also instructed his team to spotlight all the extreme wild ideas that Democrats espouse, on a daily basis, on an hourly basis if its available.

House Republicans have identified 55 Democrats they regard as vulnerable, including many freshmen. Some flipped Republican seats last year, some represent districts carried by Mr Trump in 2016, and some are in districts held by Republicans until recently.

Bruised by their losses last year, Republicans are determined to start earlier and be more aggressive on the offence in 2020, and are hoping to exploit the Democratic presidential candidates courtship of the left.

Recommended Trump claims Democrat supports executing babies in wild El Paso rally

An advertising offensive is already underway. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a political action committee affiliated with House Republican leaders, began running digital ads last week that link two freshmen who flipped Republican districts, representatives Colin Allred of Texas and Antonio Delgado of New York, to Ms Ocasio-Cortez and her radical Green New Deal assault on the American economy".

The spots are the first in what will be a national campaign, according to Zach Hunter, a spokesperson for the fund. The stark ads, featuring stern-looking images of Ms Ocasio-Cortez, offer a preview of how Republicans intend to vilify her in much the same way they have vilified speaker Nancy Pelosi, caricaturing her as a radical from San Francisco.

Democrats see an insidious effort to use women and minorities, especially women of colour, as the new symbols of the radical other". And they are calling out Republicans as hypocrites, noting that Mr Trump and other Republicans trafficked in antisemitic tropes and racist dog whistles long before anyone noticed Ms Omars Twitter feed.

I guess they used that argument to its end, and so they have to find someone new, Ms Ocasio-Cortez said in a brief interview. And who else to use except folks like myself and other freshmen congresswomen? Were least like them in every way possible, so I think its a potent symbol.

But Republicans like Mr Emmer say they are simply repeating Democrats own words, and they have been aided by Democratic stumbles. Ms Ocasio-Cortezs team published an early draft of the Green New Deal  which has been backed by several top-tier Democratic presidential candidates  that contained phrases those candidates did not endorse, including a call for economic security for all who are unable or unwilling to work".

 Donald Trump says Ilhan Omar should resign over Israel comments: 'Anti-semitism has no place in Congress'

Ms Ocasio-Cortez deleted the draft from her website, but Republicans took it and ran.

Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, called the plan  endorsed by 70 Democrats in the House and about a dozen in the Senate  a fantasy and insisted the erroneous draft be placed in the Congressional Record.

Sean Hannity, the Fox News commentator, called it a form of insanity". The Republican National Committee issued a briefing paper headlined, The Democrats Burgeoning Love Affair With Socialism".

In the Senate, where five Democrats are already running for president, Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, announced he would force a vote on the measure, drawing howls from senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, who slammed the move as a cynical stunt intended solely to put Democrats, including the presidential candidates, on the spot.

A vote in favour of the Green New Deal could help them court progressives in the primary vote, but hurt in a general election.

Democrats have handed Republicans this messaging on a silver platter, said Andy Surabian, a Republican strategist and former Trump White House official, adding he believed socialism and Democrats stance on abortion were more powerful lines of attack than antisemitism.

All these controversies dovetail perfectly with the presidents messaging at the State of the Union," he said.

Democrats dismissed the messaging as par for the course.

We are not going to abandon socialist policies like Social Security  or is that socialist security', is that what they call it? senator Richard J Durbin of Illinois, the number two Democrat in the Senate, said wryly.

The bottom line is the president is in campaign mode  maybe hes always in campaign mode  and I just expect a lot of this to be thrown over the transom.

Democrats say they intend to counter the offensive by talking about the issues they ran and won on: reducing health care costs and prescription drug prices, passing an infrastructure package and rooting out corruption in Washington.

We have an agenda to help families, and we have ideas, said representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, who is among those being targeted. Washington Republicans are set back now, and all theyre playing on is exaggerations and fear.

But Democrats must be careful not to let those exaggerations take hold. They are well aware that their path to keeping the majority runs through districts like Ms Bustos, which the president carried in 2016.

Of course I can see them trying to drive a wedge between the people in our districts, the people who are in more moderate districts, said representative Josh Gottheimer, a centrist Democrat from New Jersey and a chairman of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Thats why its really important that we make sure that we govern from the middle.

The New York Times
A key ally of Donald Trump has decried alleged efforts by senior officials to depose the president as a bureaucratic coup and pledged to hold a congressional investigation.

Republican senator Lindsey Graham said it was stunning the former acting director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, had admitted in a TV interview he had discussed invoking the 25th Amendment  which allows the cabinet to remove a president from office  with the deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein.

Was this an attempted bureaucratic coup? I dont know. I dont know whos telling the truth, he told CBS News.

I know Rosenstein vehemently denied it but were going to get to the bottom of it.

I promise your viewers the following; that we will have a hearing about whos telling the truth, what actually happened.

Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Show all 7 1 /7 Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate President Trump Donald Trump, whose firing of the FBI director James Comey in 2017 sparked concerns among senior government officials Getty Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James Comey The former director of the FBI, James Comey, whose firing by Mr Trump sparked the crisis in 2017 EPA Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate James McCabe James McCabe, the former acting director of the FBI, who has made the explosive accusations in a TV interview AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Rod Rosenstein The deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who allegedly discussed which cabinet members might back invoking the 25th Amendment Reuters Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Lindsey Graham Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally who has pledged to hold an investigation into the affair AFP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Christopher Wray The new director of the FBI, Christopher Wray, who took over after Mr Trump fired Mr Comey AP Will Trump fall to the 25th Amendment? The key players in the debate Mike Pence The vice-president Mike Pence, who has dismissed suggestions Mr Trump is not capable of discharging his duties AFP

Mr Graham is the chairman of the Senate judiciary committee.

Mr McCabe said last week Mr Trumps sacking of FBI boss James Comey had so disconcerted Justice Department officials they openly spoke about whether he might be deposed through the 25th Amendment.

The 50-year-old, who was himself fired by the Trump administration last year just days before his scheduled retirement amid accusations he had misled an internal inquiry into leaking to journalists, also ordered an investigation into whether the president had obstructed justice by dismissing Mr Comey.

Mr Rosenstein has disputed allegations he discussed removing Mr Trump and connected claims he proposed wearing a wire to secretly record Oval Office conversations.

Recommended FBI lawyers confirm senior officials discussed removing Trump

But on Sunday it emerged at least two senior FBI lawyers had testified in private to congressional committees about the 25th Amendment episode, corroborating Mr McCabes account.

Mr Graham, a one-time critic of Mr Trump who is now one of the presidents loudest defenders, told CBS News any effort to use the constitutional mechanisms in the 25th Amendment would amount to an administrative coup.

Im going to do everything I can to get to the bottom of the Department of Justice FBI behaviour toward President Trump and his campaign.

If it happened we need to clean it up. The FBI has gotten off track in the past. There is no organisation that cant withstand scrutiny.

 'I will be shocked' Donald Trump's former lawyer predicts that there will be no Mueller report

When asked if he would even issue legal summons to force Mr McCabe and Mr Rosenstein to give evidence in Congress, Mr Graham said: How can I not, if thats what it takes?

Were going to find out what happened here and the only way I know to find out is to call the people in under oath and find out, through questioning, whos telling the truth because the underlying accusation is beyond stunning.

But a Democratic member of Mr Grahams committee, Chris Coons, said his colleague was overreacting.

I dont think that this frankly rises to the level of some deep state conspiracy or a serious attempt at what Senator Graham called an administrative coup.

I suspect that once this is fully discussed, itll be clearer that this was a brief or passing conversation thats been taken out of context.

Shortly after Mr McCabes TV interview aired, Mr Trump replied via an angry series of tweets.

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Disgraced FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe pretends to be a poor little Angel when in fact he was a big part of the Crooked Hillary Scandal & the Russia Hoax  a puppet for Leakin James Comey, he said.

Many of the top FBI brass were fired, forced to leave, or left. McCabes wife received BIG DOLLARS from Clinton people for her campaign  he gave Hillary a pass. McCabe is a disgrace to the FBI and a disgrace to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

He will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York.

Its not immediately clear when he was transferred and where he is currently staying.

The prison bureau, federal prosecutors in New York and Weiners lawyer didnt respond to emails seeking comment.

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

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, in Ayer, a small town around 40 miles west of Boston Massachusetts, in November 2017.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence on 14 May, a few months earlier than scheduled because of good conduct in prison.

Once a rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress, Weiner had a dramatic fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself to a college student on Twitter in 2011.

Weiner initially claimed his account had been hacked, but later admitted he had inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women while married to Hillary Clinton's senior aide Huma Abedin.

Weiner resigned from Congress that year but mounted a campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.

But his personal behaviour was again his undoing after it was disclosed he sent explicit photos under the alias Carlos Danger to at least one woman after resigning from Congress.

Weiner ultimately garnered less than 5 per cent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

Recommended Anthony Weiner begins prison sentence for sexting underage girl

His final fall came in 2017 after prosecutors say he sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a North Carolina high school student. Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

At his sentencing, he said hed been a very sick man for a very long time because of his sex addiction.

Weiners attorney said the former politician likely exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and was communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the teenager.

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Ms Abedin also filed for divorce from Weiner in 2017.

But the two, who have a young son together, later agreed to discontinue the case in order to negotiate their separation privately.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Elena Sergie sat for the news that her family had waited a quarter-century to hear, shifting in the chair as the details of her daughter Sophies brutal slaying were again put into words.

The impact of her murder was felt statewide, a public safety official said from the lectern.

Elena Sergie pulled a tissue from her jacket pocket and wiped tears from underneath her dark glasses. She winced as authorities repeated how much time had passed since the bloody discovery in a Fairbanks dormitory bathtub  nearly 26 years, or six years more than Sophies age.

The April 1993 slaying of Sophie Sergie, an Alaska native, was one of the states most notorious cold cases until Friday, when authorities announced that DNA genealogical mapping helped triangulate a genetic match with Steven Downs, 44, a nurse in Auburn, Maine.

Mr Downs was charged with sexual assault and murder, the Alaska State Troopers said. He is also charged in Maine with being a fugitive of justice, said Sergeant Tim Lajoie of the Androscoggin County Sheriffs Department in Maine. Mr Downs did not yet have an attorney, Mr Lajoie said on Saturday, and extradition to Alaska will be addressed when the charge in Maine has been resolved.

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

Justice is finally within reach, said Colonel Barry Wilson, Alaska State Troopers director.

An Alaska district court filing recounts the long arc of the investigation.

Sophie Sergie, who aspired to be a marine biologist, was a student at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks but left school to save money for orthodontic work. She took three flights to Fairbanks from Pitkas Point  a tiny, verdant town on the Yukon River in western Alaska  to have the work performed.

Shirley Wasuli was happy to have her friend in town. Sergie was happy, too: A photo taken that night shows her with a wide smile, her arms stretched out wide against a ground cover of snow.

Ms Wasuli prepared a bed in her room on the female-only second floor of Bartlett Hall and, with her boyfriend in tow, hosted Sergie for a night of pizza and catching up. Sergie stepped out for a smoke. It was cold, Ms Wasuli told her, and she suggested huddling by the bathroom exhaust vent to avoid going outside.

Recommended Golden State Killer genealogy technique helps crack other murder cases

Witnesses later said she smoked with a group outside, wearing a brightly coloured striped sweater poking out from the fringes of her jacket in the photo.

By 1.30am, Sergie had not returned. Ms Wasuli left a note on her door, explaining she and her boyfriend were sleeping in another dorm. When Ms Wasuli arrived the next morning, she found the note still on the door. The bed was undisturbed. She called the orthodontist; Sergie had missed her appointment.

University janitors found her body that afternoon in a bathtub on the second floor, her sweater and pants half-removed. She had been sexually assaulted, stabbed in the face and shot in the back of a head with a .22-calibre firearm. Investigators found her cigarette lighter when they moved her body. She still wore her socks and shoes.

Investigators canvassed the area and interviewed students who had been at Bartlett Hall, including Mr Downs, then an 18-year-old student, and his roommate Nicholas Dazer, who also worked as a security guard on campus and helped secure the scene. They denied having any knowledge of the crime.

Police recovered the suspects DNA from Sergies body. At the time, the district court filing said, DNA processing technology had not been introduced in Alaska. A DNA profile confirming the suspect as male was uploaded in 2000, but it did not match anyone in the FBIs database.

The case went dormant for years. In 2010, a cold case investigator sought to re-interview everyone who lived at Bartlett Hall.

They asked Mr Dazer about weapons. He denied having a gun that fired .22-calibre rounds, but he did recall his roommate Mr Downs had an H&R .22-calibre revolver. But the markings, a forensic scientist concluded, were consistent with many other firearms of the same calibre. The Alaska State Troopers did not respond to a question asking whether investigators followed up with Mr Downs in 2010.

The case spiralled back into an unsolved mystery.

Then the alleged Golden State Killer was captured.

In the years since Sergies slaying, DNA public databases emerged as potent investigative tools. Until recently, DNA samples were passively checked against other records and produced matches only when two sets from the same person were linked.

Today, public databases like GEDmatch are filled with genetic codes volunteered by people with hopes of building out their family trees.

That helped authorities find Golden State Killer suspect Joseph James DeAngelo, accused of killing 12 people and raping 45 in California in the 1970s and 80s.

The publicity of the feat, state troopers said, sparked the idea for investigators in the Sergie case. Why not try the same?

A forensic genealogist prepared a report on 18 December, comparing the suspects genetic material from the crime scene to likely relatives. A womans DNA profile emerged in the search.

Investigators found their link: She was an aunt of Mr Downs.

Maine State Police visited Mr Downs on Wednesday at his home. Mr Downs denied any knowledge but said he remembered posters of Sergies face on campus, according to the police. I remember the pictures. Its terrible, poor girl, he told officers, suggesting that soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Wainwright at the time should be investigated.

A cheek swab was taken the next day for DNA testing. It was a match with the original DNA sample, police said. Mr Downs was arrested without incident.

Fridays news conference ended after a brief summary with no questions taken from reporters. Elena Sergie, appearing unable to stand, remained sitting in an office chair.

Stephen Sergie held the back of the chair, and with the help of Colonel Wilson, wheeled his weeping mother out of the room.

The Washington Post
An Alabama jury has awarded $151.8m (117.4m) to a young man paralyzed in a 2015 rollover accident involving a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, Ford and lawyers in the case said on Sunday.

The jury awarded $100m in punitive damages and the rest in compensatory damages after finding that the 1998 Ford Explorer did not meet the companys own safety guidelines, according to a court document seen by Reuters and lawyers for plaintiff Travaris Tre Smith.

The document, released on Friday, said Ford acted wantonly in designing the vehicle.

Mr Smith was riding in the SUV when its driver swerved to avoid an animal and the vehicle rolled over twice, attorneys at law firms Beasley Allen and Gamble, Gamble, Calame and Jones said in a statement.

Ford said it plans to appeal to the ruling.

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

Monique Brentley, a spokesperson for the car company, told Reuters:

Our sympathy goes out to Travaris Smith and his family. At the same time, we disagree with the jurys conclusion in this case as well as with a series of rulings by the Alabama court that kept the jury from hearing critical evidence  and will appeal.

Ford said it has redesigned the Explorer since 1998.

Mr Smiths attorneys said the verdict would give him access to home care and assistance.

We represent a 24-year-old young man who cannot be left alone to care for himself in any way, Kendall Dunson, a lawyer at Beasley Allen, said.

This verdict represents justice for Tre and his family. Thanks to a courageous jury, he will now be able to access basic necessities within his home and have access to the care he needs.

Reuters
People who eat deer meat could be at risk of contracting a deadly infectious disease that is spreading across the animals US populations, experts have warned.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) dubbed zombie deer disease  has infected deer, elk and moose across 24 American states and two Canadian provinces.

The disease attacks tissues including the brain and spinal cord, causing dramatic weight loss, loss of coordination, listlessness, drooling, excessive thirst or urination and intense aggression before the animal dies.

Up to 15,000 infected animals are eaten each year, a number that could rise by 20 per cent annually, according to Michael Osterholm, an expert in infectious disease from the University of Minnesota.

It is probable that human cases of chronic wasting disease associated with consumption with contaminated meat will be documented in the years ahead, he said.

London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Show all 5 1 /5 London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals PB the tokay gecko 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Nasi the big-headed turtle 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Cornelius the corn snake 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Marion the large hairy armadillo 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA London Zoo releases x-ray photos of animals Jill the Gila Monster 18,000 animals have been x-rayed as part of routine health checks at London Zoo in Regent's Park PA

Its possible the number of human cases will be substantial and will not be isolated events, he told state lawmakers, USA Today reported.

Mr Osterholm compared the situation to mad cow disease in Britain, when 177 people died in the UK between 1986 and 2014.

A red deer farm near Ontario in Canada has had 11 confirmed cases.

CWD was seen in captive deer as far back as the late 1960s but was first spotted in the wild about 40 years ago.

There have been no documented cases so far of humans contracting it, but recent research shows it can be transmitted to other animals, including primates, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Eating infected deer meat would be the most likely way for people to catch it, the centres say, but there are no certainties.

Mr Osterholm said: Its like a throw at the genetic roulette table.

If you put this into a meat processing plant, this is kind of a worst-case nightmare Michael Osterholm

If you put this into a meat processing plant ... this is kind of a worst-case nightmare.

Chronic wasting disease belongs to the same family of diseases  known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies  as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
A group of prison inmates on day release have been praised after they broke into a car to rescue a toddler who had been locked inside.

The prisoners had been doing construction work on a road near Tampa, Florida, when a father accidentally locked his car keys, and one-year-old daughter, inside his SUV on Thursday.

As he and the babys mother, Shadow Lantry, began to panic a crowd formed, which attracted the attention of sheriffs deputies, who were guarding the inmates.

The group, wearing their distinctive striped prison uniforms, then rushed to help free the infant.

The whole episode was filmed by Ms Lantry, who later posted the footage online.

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

Using a wire coat hanger, the small group of offenders can be seen levering open the front door of the vehicle.

While the clearly practised felons got to work, the police officers encouraged the babys father to continue talking to his daughter through the glass so she was not alarmed by the commotion and strange faces.

Ms Lantry said in her video it took the inmates only a few minutes to pop open the doors and release the unperturbed child.

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[We were] surprised when somebody had a wire coat hanger, [and] we were able to get the door open enough to get it in there, unlock the door, Richard Stanger, from the Pasco County Sheriffs Office, told local media.

His colleague Chris Nocco added: Our trustees are people who have made mistakes, were trying to rehabilitate them to get back into society.

A lot of them, like these individuals, they know they made bad mistakes, bad choices, but they want to do the right thing in life.

Despite having such a unique skillset, Mr Nocco joked they must not use their abilities to break into cars again, unless given permission by law enforcement.

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Once the baby was freed the crowd which had gathered around the vehicle to watch the drama erupted into celebration.

Thank God for the criminals in the world. I respect all yall, Ms Lantry added.

The parents also confirmed their daughter was unharmed by her short stay inside the locked car.
Sometimes an artists biography can work on two levels, providing both the sweep of history within the subject matter of the artists own output and a grand view of American art history in the artists working life.

In Mary Schmidt Campbells absorbing biography of the painter, illustrator and collagist Romare Bearden, we get to look at the New York City art world of the 20th century with insights into the life of an African-American painter who managed to remain relevant in a career of almost 60 years.

In An American Odyssey: The Life and Work of Romare Bearden, Campbell emphasizes Beardens role as a seminal New York City figure  an artist who projected the citys vitality and sometimes even its geography into his work.

Campbell, currently the president of Spelman College, knew Bearden leading up to her role as executive director of the Studio Museum in Harlem in the 1970s and 80s. (The appendix features copies of handwritten letters from Bearden written on stationary from his Canal Street studio. That alone gave me chills.)

Beardens body of work is unique in that it reflects, in its longevity, both the changing tides of 20th century art and his own conflicts with depicting the American black experience on his canvas.

He came of age in Harlem in the 1920s, among the creative swirl of the Harlem Renaissance, even as his formal training came from the famed Art Students League in Midtown Manhattan. His mother Bessye Bearden was a noted journalist whose connections to such Harlem figures as Duke Ellington and ALelia Walker introduced Romare to a new world of possibilities for black creators. She not only found her way into Harlems inner circle, writes Campbell, but she also helped define and expand its perimeter.

Young Students  Romare Bearden, 1964  Romare Bearden Foundation

Romare developed into both an renowned artist and an insightful critic of the art world, setting up a studio right above the most famous place in Harlem  the Apollo Theater. It was here that he later pivoted his style away from concrete representational forms, finding his own path into the world of abstract modernism.

The Block by Romare Bearden, 1971  Romare Bearden Foundation

By the late 1940s he oddly found himself an outsider  wanting to break out from shows that only featured black artists but eventually excluded from mainstream galleries for not being sufficiently abstract.

It took a revitalizing intellectual journey to Paris, a change of scenery within New York City (to the newly developed artists enclave in SoHo) and a shift to collage work to reinvent Beardens role in the art world. His groundbreaking 1964 show Projections also established him as an artist in conversation with the American civil rights movement.

Bearden in his Long Island City studio

By 1987, when Ronald Reagan awarded Bearden the National Medal of the Arts, the artist had secured his legacy. Yet today his body of work  including some of his most profound collages  often remains unseen.

As Campbell explains, Despite Beardens care in the assemblage of materials, his collages with their multitude of different materials are a preservationists nightmare. Major museums exhibit his works infrequently because they are so perishable.

Beardens legacy is as complicated as his art; he would become many things to many people  all at once.

At top: Three Folk Musiciansby Romare Bearden / Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
A victim of the shooting in Aurora, Illinois, shooting managed to send one last heartbreaking text message to his wife before becoming one of the latest victims to gun violence in the US.

Just a day after Valentines Day, Terra Pinkard says she received what would be the last text she ever received from her husband, Josh.

I love you, Ive been shot at work, the text read.

Ms Pinkard wrote on Facebook that the meaning behind those eight words took a moment to sink in.

It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real, she wrote on Sunday. I called his hone several times, text, FaceTime, nothing.

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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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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. 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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

After exhausting those options, she said she called the plant where her husband worked and learned that the police were there. So, she drove there, then to the hospitals nearby, and discovered her husband was one of five people to be killed in the shooting.

Police have named Gary Martin, a disgruntled employee, as the man who opened fire in the Illinois town.

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Martin, who also died during the shooting, reportedly began shooting after learning that he had been fired from his job.

The rampage started just as Martin found out he had been terminated from his job, at which point he pulled out a pistol he brought to the meeting and opened fire.

The shooting lasted some 90 minute before Martin was killed during a shootout with police who responded.

So far in 2019, there have been at least 1,841 deaths from guns in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive, and at least 3,175 injuries from guns during that time.

Those deaths have come as a part of nearly 7,000 incidents reported involving gun violence, including at least 43 mass shootings where four or more people were shot and injured or killed.
A man who shot five people dead and left six wounded began his shooting rampage the moment he was fired from his job at a factory in Chicago on Friday.

Gary Martin, 45, reportedly brought the loaded weapon into the meeting at Henry Pratt Company, opening fire immediately after he was told of the decision, police said.

During this meeting he was terminated and my understanding from the witnesses is that he opened fire right after the termination, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said in a statement. We believe that several people who were involved in that meeting are the ones who are deceased.

Martin was killed following a shootout with the police.

His state gun license permit had revoked in 2014, the police chief said. But Martin never gave up the .40-calibre Smith & Wesson handgun he used in the attack.

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

An initial background check failed to detect a conviction that should have stopped him from being able to purchase the gun he used in the killing spree.

Months later, a second background check revealed an aggravated assault conviction in Mississippi in 1995 in which he had stabbed his ex-girlfriend. But it only prompted a letter stating his gun permit had been revoked and ordering him to turn over his firearm to police  raising questions about the states enforcement to ensure those who lose their permits also turn over their weapons.

Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what measures law enforcement agencies took after that letter was sent, Ms Ziman said.

Recommended Gunman kills five at his Illinois workplace before he is shot dead

Illinois lawmakers who support stricter gun control measures said he was able to keep the weapon because of a flaw in the 1968 law that requires residents to get a Firearm Owners Identification card, or FOID card, to purchase firearms or ammunition. They must pass a background check, but the law does not mandate that police ensure weapons have been removed if a red flag is raised later.

Legislation was introduced in 2016 to require police go to the homes of gun owners who have their FOID cards revoked and search for the weapons, but it failed over concerns it would overtax police departments, said Democratic lawmaker Kathleen Willis. She wants to see a similar measure introduced again.

Lets use some common sense. If you have someone with a felony, obviously they are not the best law-abiding citizens who are going to follow through when they get the letter and go, oh yeah, heres my gun, no problem, Ms Willis said. We have to have oversight. Thats the biggest flaw in the whole system. Were asking people who already have done something wrong, to do something right.

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Last year, Illinois joined other states like California in passing a law that allows family members to petition to have a gun removed from a home and a persons permit revoked if they believe they might use it to harm themselves or others.

A vigil for the victims, including a university student on his first day as an intern and a longtime plant manager, was held on Sunday outside the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, about 40 miles west of Chicago. More than 1,500 people braved snow and freezing drizzle to attend.

Additional reporting by AP
Students are still being detained and are living in terror after being wrongly caught up in Theresa Mays hostile environment crackdown five years ago, MPs and campaigners say.

The Home Office is accused of failing to act on the plight of more than 35,000 people accused of cheating in English language tests  after a flawed investigation  so they can clear their names.

The department is also criticised for refusing to provide up-to-date information about how many students have been deported, or refused permission to stay in the UK, over the past two years.

Now MPs are set to investigate the scandal themselves, amid fresh evidence that some are still being detained, while others are living in poverty or have mental health problems.

Stephen Timms, a Labour MP, said ministers must allow the students to sit a fresh test, grant visas to those who pass and allow them time to complete their studies and to clear their names.

He said Sajid Javid, the home secretary, had pledged to investigate individual cases, but had not yet replied to letters he sent before Christmas.

Students living all over the UK have been victims of this scandal and have been left in a dire situation as a result, Mr Timms told The Independent.

One of those I wrote to the home secretary about was detained by the Home Office last week and was released subsequently only after I contacted his office.

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

With growing concern across parliament about this shocking episode  and about the extreme hardship being faced by completely innocent students affected  we are establishing an all-party parliamentary group to investigate more fully what happened, with its first meeting next month.

The move was welcomed by Migrant Voice, which has campaigned for the students, as offering fresh hope for exposing the Home Offices mishandling of the scandal.

It is appalling that the Home Office is continuing to detain international students as recently as Wednesday, they need to stop this now, said Nazek Ramadan, its director.

This is not something that can be dealt with in a year or even a month  it needs to be rectified now.

However, the Home Office stood by its hardline approach and refused to say what, if any, arrangements the students could make to resit their English-language tests.

The controversy broke in 2014 when a BBC investigation alleged systemic cheating in the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), which is contracted by the Home Office.

The test was used to determine whether a prospective foreign student understood English well enough to qualify for a student visa in the UK.

The affair is seen as an example of the hostile environment policy because Ms May, the-then home secretary, acted swiftly to cancel, cut short, or refuse, the visas of 35,870 students who had taken the test.

However, it then emerged the automated system used by Educational Testing Services (ETS)  a company called in by Ms May to investigate  was flawed, suggesting the allegations of cheating were false.

ETS had found that 33,725 results were invalid, because a proxy had been used, while a further 22,694 were questionable.

Ms Ramadan has called it a Windrush-style textbook example of thoughtless decision-making, while Mr Timms attacked very clearly an aspect of the hostile environment.

Migrant Voice said that among students living in terror after being detained, often after routine Home Office meetings, were:

A woman from India, who came to the UK to study hospitality management, held for a month in April 2018, who takes medication for kidney problems and described her situation as hell

A Pakistani man, detained for a month in November last year and given notice of deportation. He was released, but fears being detained again at any time; and

Mr Timmss constituent, arrested by police just days ago and due to be taken to a detention centre the next day, before the MPs intervention

When Mr Timms asked for up-to-date information on visa refusals and deportations, the Home Office told him: The data was last published in February 2017 and only contains data to December 2016.

Among the MPs who have signed a parliamentary motion tabled by the MP are Conservative Peter Bottomley, Jim Shannon, of the Democratic Unionist Party, and Green MP Caroline Lucas, as well as 11 Scottish Nationalists and 17 Labour MPs.

But the Home Office said hundreds of colleges which had sponsored students linked to ETS had had their licences revoked.

The investigations in 2014 into the abuse of English language testing revealed systemic cheating which was indicative of significant organised fraud, a spokesperson said.

The scale of this is shown by the fact that over 20 people who facilitated this fraud have received criminal convictions, with prison sentences totalling 68 years.
Jeremy Corbyn faces a historic Labour rupture after being warned that more MPs are ready to follow the seven who dramatically quit his party on Monday.

The leader publicly appealed for unity while his supporters launched savage attacks on the MPs, branding them cowards, traitors and splitters and demanding they give up their seats.

But as the crisis deepened, deputy leader Tom Watson said other MPs are also considering leaving Labour, a party he admitted he sometimes no longer recognises, amid visceral anger over antisemitism, Brexit and Mr Corbyns leadership.

The breakaway MPs headed by prominent backbenchers Chuka Umunna and Luciana Berger said they would form a new Independent Group in the House of Commons and invited people from other parties to join.

There were some early signs on Monday evening that they might attract support from disenfranchised Conservatives to the new centre-ground anti-Brexit grouping in the chamber.

Recommended Rebel MP says lack of Final Say on Brexit contributed to Labour split

The group who left Labour, in the first major split of a British political party since the SDP were formed in 1981, also included Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Chris Leslie and Ann Coffey.

Shortly after the announcement, Mr Corbyn wrote to every party member expressing his disappointment that a small group had left and urged the party must be united.

But in a longer filmed statement, Mr Watson lamented their departure and in particular the antisemitic abuse suffered by Ms Berger that had preceded her announcement.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

He said: Even a single incident of antisemitism in the Labour Party shames us. Now we have lost Luciana, one of our most dedicated and courageous MPs.

If someone like Luciana no longer believes there is a home for her in the Labour Party then many other colleagues will be asking themselves how they can stay.

If someone like Luciana no longer believes there is a home for her in the Labour Party then many other colleagues will be asking themselves how they can stay Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson

Thats why time is short for us. To confront the scale of the problem and meet the consequences. To keep others from leaving.

One source involved in the split on Monday told The Independent that other MPs were close to quitting and would follow depending on what happened over Brexit in the coming weeks.

In his statement, Mr Watson said that a virulent form of identity politics has seized control of Labour, and said Mr Corbyns team now must reflect the balance of opinion across all MPs in the parliamentary party.

He also lashed out the hard Left, who he claimed can be too easily tempted into the language of heresy and treachery.

 Luciana Berger announces Labour MPs quitting to form Independent Group

It came after the MPs faced a wave of abuse in the wake of their decision to leave, including fellow MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle who compared them to cowards.

The Young Labour twitter account posted a line from the partys anthem, The Red Flag, reading: Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, well keep the red flag flying here.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell called on the breakaway group to do the honourable thing and fight to retain their seats, while Unite union boss Len McCluskey hit out at the splitters who had no stomach for a fight for Labours core values.

The decision to quit the party had been the result of months of soul searching for the MPs, with one telling The Independent: Ive been getting out of bed every morning for the past two years thinking, Shall I resign from the Labour Party today or tomorrow?

The most recent Brexit votes on 14 February appear to have been a tipping point for some angered by Mr Corbyns reluctance to support a second referendum.

One source in the breakaway group said: We were looking at the amendments that the Labour Party was putting down and hoping, I was hoping anyway, on the 14th we would have had a little more movement on a Peoples Vote but in fact we ended up going backwards and it wasnt referenced at all.

 Mike Gapes: 'I am sickened that the Labour party is now a racist, antisemetic party. I'm furious that the Labour leadership is now complicit in facilitating Brexit'

Clearly a lot of us have had issues with the leadership of the party going back quite some time ... We tried everything to save the Labour Party.

Mr Corbyns response to the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal also crystallised concerns, another MP said, arguing they were not prepared to sponsor a government led by him.

As she resigned, Ms Berger said Labour had become institutionally antisemitic, while Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference Labour is now a racist, antisemitic party.

He added: Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues  from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela. A Corbyn Labour government would threaten our national security and international alliances.

Mr Umunna called on MPs from Labour and other parties to leave the old tribal politics behind and join the new independent group.

He said: It is time we dumped this countrys old-fashioned politics and created an alternative that does justice to who we are today and gives this country a politics fit for the here and now, the 21st century not the last one.

Weve taken the first step in leaving the old tribal politics behind and we invite others who share our political values to do so too.

As well as other Labour MPs, there has been speculation that some Tories may consider joining the new group, with several facing deselection moves in their local associations due to their soft-Brexit stance.

 John McDonnell says former Labour MPs who quit party should contest by-election

Among those is the Tory MP for Grantham, Nick Boles, who said: Theyre all good people and I understand completely why they felt driven to leave Labour.

I have not spoken with any of them about their plans and am totally focused on working with MPs of all parties to stop a no-deal Brexit on 29 March.

Work now begins in earnest on framing what the Independent Group stands for and how it will be run, with its first meeting due in the coming days.

A source said they needed to get moving quickly or the machines of the existing parties are going to come after us in a very significant way.

Its D-Day today, the MP added.

Sources were keen to emphasise their independence from pro-EU campaigns such as Peoples Vote and also from prominent figures like ex-Labour prime minister Tony Blair  despite their support for a Final Say referendum.

Scant detail has emerged about how the group is going to be funded, apart from a crowdfunding page which crashed when the announcement was made.

Asked whether they had union funding, one MP said they respected the union movement but joked it was nice to be free as most were run by a tiny clique.
A group of Labour MPs have dramatically resigned from the party in protest at Jeremy Corbyns leadership on Brexit and antisemitism.

Prominent figures including Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger and Chris Leslie dramatically announced their decision at a press conference in Westminster on Monday morning, which came after widespread speculation of a Labour split.

Ms Berger said the party is now institutionally antisemitic, while Mr Leslie accused the party leadership of undertaking a betrayal over its policy towards Brexit.

Angela Smith MP, who told how she was born into a Labour working-class family, attacked the left-wing intellectuals she claimed now dominate the party and its leadership.

Other Labour figures involved included Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey, with the MPs now opting to sit as an independent group in the House of Commons.

The announcement is another sign of the deep and powerful undercurrents coursing through British politics and constitutes the first major split of a party since the SDP broke away from Labour in 1981.

Ms Berger initially introduced herself as the Labour Party MP, before correcting herself and saying: I am the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

She said: This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.

We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values.

From today, we will all sit in Parliament as a new independent group of MPs.

I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country Ex-Labour MP Mike Gapes

She went on to say that she could not remain in a party on which she has come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally antisemitic.

Nottingham East MP Chris Lesie said: British politics is now well and truly broken and in all conscience I cannot look you in the face and honestly urge you to support a Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour government.

A website for The Independent Group was also launched and promoted by several of the MPs, under the banner Politics is broken. Lets change it.

Mr Umunna called on MPs from Labour and other parties to leave the old tribal politics behind and join the new independent group.

 Chris Leslie: 'British politics is now well and truly broken'

He said: It is time we dumped this countrys old-fashioned politics and created an alternative that does justice to who we are today and gives this country a politics fit for the here and now, the 21st century not the last one.

Weve taken the first step in leaving the old tribal politics behind and we invite others who share our political values to do so too.

You might come from a Labour background but you might come from other political traditions. Yes, its a difficult decision  make no mistake about that.

Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference Labour is now a racist, antisemitic party.

He went on: I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country.

Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues  from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela. A Corbyn Labour government would threaten our national security and international alliances.

 Angela Smith: 'I have made the very painful decision to resign my membership and become an independent MP'

Ms Smith launched a stinging attack on Mr Corbyn and the team around him, which points to a widening gap between the leaders party and Labours working class support base.

She said: For my parents, working-class pride was not about enjoying poverty and wearing it as a badge of honour. It was about self-respect and believing that we could do better, that there was nothing wrong in getting on in life.

This is one of the values that has underpinned my political affiliation all my life. I believe in aspiration and know that people do not want to be patronised by left-wing intellectuals who think that being poor and working class constitutes a state of grace.

Labour leader Mr Corbyn said: I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was deeply distressed over the split, but said he believed the divide will make it more difficult for the party to be elected to govern.

Mr Khan said: History tells us that when the Labour Party splits, it leads to the Conservative Party winning the next election and the one after that and the one after that.

What people I care about need is a Labour government. One thing thats going to make that more difficult is Labour splits.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry posted on Facebook that Labour should not and will not be distracted and divided by the defections of seven MPs.

She said: If you criticise or abuse these individuals, if you impugn their motives, and if you encourage any others to join them, you are helping them not hurting them, because you are taking your eyes off the prize and allowing our movement to be distracted and divided, which is exactly what they want.
In what is being seen as the most significant split in British politics since the breakaway of the Social Democratic Party in the 1980s, a group of seven Labour MPs announced on Monday they have resigned.

Calling themselves the Independent Group, they appealed to MPs from all parties to leave the old tribal politics behind. They did not have to wait long.

Joan Ryan, the chair of the Labour Friends of Israel group, announced she would be the eighth MP to resign the next day, while three pro-European Conservatives - Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen - joined the group on Wednesday.

Here is everything we know so far about the new group:

Who are the MPs who have resigned?

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey and Chuka Umunna announced they were quitting the Labour party in a dramatic press conference on Monday.

All the MPs campaigned for Remain during the referendum and have been vocal critics of Mr Corbyn's leadership.

Ms Ryan, the Enfield North MP, announced her resignation from Labour on Tuesday night.

Why have they split from Labour party?

The MPs have left the party due to Mr Corbyns stance on Brexit and his handling of allegations of antisemitism.

In the past they had routinely criticised the Labour leader and they have now said none of the current political parties in Westminster are fit to provide the leadership and direction needed by our country.

Mr Leslie, a former shadow chancellor, said Labour had been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left, while Ms Berger said she had come to the sickening conclusion that the party is now institutionally antisemitic.

Ilford South MP Mr Gapes said he was sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, antisemitic party and furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit.

The former Foreign Affairs Committee chairman said that a Labour government led by Mr Corbyn would threaten our national security and international alliances.

Stockport MP Ms Coffey, who has represented Labour in the Commons since 1992, said the party was no longer a broad church.

Any criticism of the leadership is responded to with abuse and accusations of treachery, she said: Antisemitism is rife and tolerated.

Luton South MP Mr Shuker said Labour was riddled with antisemitism, it presents a threat to our national security and its perfectly content to enable the hard Tory Brexit that will directly and negatively affect people in Luton.

Separately, Ms Ryan said she was "horrified, appalled and angered" by Labour's failure to tackle antisemitism, saying its leadership allowed "Jews to be abused with impunity".

Mr Corbyn said he was disappointed at their decision to leave.

I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election and saw us increase our vote by the largest share since 1945, said the Labour leader in a statement.

Why have some split from the Tory party?

Three MPs quit the Conservative benches over the PM's "disastrous" handling of Brexit.

Ms Soubry, MP for Broxstowe, fought back tears as she explained her decision, saying the battle for the soul of the Tory party was over and it had been taken over by "the right wing, the hardline anti-EU awkward squad".

Health committee chair Dr Wollaston said "the party, that was once the most trusted on the economy and business, is now marching us to the cliff-edge of a no-deal Brexit."

Ms Allen, the South Cambridgeshire MP, also said the party was turning a bling eye to the "suffering endured by the most vulnerable in society".

What does the Independent Group stand for?

In a statement of independence, setting out their values and approach, they promised to pursue policies that are evidence-based, not led by ideology, taking a long-term perspective to the challenges of the 21st century in the national interest, rather than locked in the old politics of the 20th century in the parties interests.

As an Independent Group we aim to recognise the value of healthy debate, show tolerance towards different opinions and seek to reach across outdated divides and build consensus to tackle Britains problems, the group pledged.

The Independent Group is due to hold its first formal meeting later this week.

 Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Will there be by-elections?

If an MP resigns from their party but wishes to continue on as an independent candidate there is no formal requirement for a by-election to be held.

Labour sources said the departing MPs should submit themselves for by-elections as they were elected on a Labour manifesto.

Pressed on the issue, Mr Leslie said by-elections are absolutely not what is needed right now due to the national upheaval that has been caused by Brexit.

A Downing Street source said that Conservative Associations in Ms Allen, Ms Soubry and Dr Wollaston's constituencies were now free to select new general election candidates, but said he was not aware of any central directive for them to do so.

He said that Number 10 does "not believe there is a great deal of merit" in Labour proposals for recall petitions for MPs who switch sides.

Who is their leader?

None of the MPs were introduced as the leader but Mr Umunna has been touted by most as a potential candidate.

However Ms Berger, who is eight months pregnant, took the lead during the press conference.

When asked if they had a leader, the MPs noted that meetings would be taking place this week to determine what individual roles people will take.

Are they an official party?

Not quite. As it stands they are just 11 independent MPs as they have not registered as a party.

This may however change over the time and steps might be taken to form an official party.
Seven MPs have announced their resignations from the Labour Party and will be sitting in parliament as The Independent Group.

Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey and Chuka Umunna all said they have left the party.

Annoucing the move, Ms Berger said: This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.

We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values.

From today, we will all sit in parliament as a new independent group of MPs.

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Here is everything you need to know about the seven MPs quitting the Labour Party:

Chuka Umunna

(Getty) (Getty Images)

Elected as the MP for Streatham in 2010, his majority was just under 14,000 in 2015 and increased to more than 26,000 in 2017.

He campaigned for Remain in the referendum and his constituency was one the highest supporting Remain areas in the country.

Following Labours defeat in 2015 Mr Umunna was touted as a potential leader and announced his candidacy for the leadership.

Three days later he withdrew from the contest noting the added level of scrutiny was not something he was comfortable with.

Under Ed Miliband he was the partys shadow business secretary but after Jeremy Corbyns election as leader of the party Mr Umunna resigned from the shadow cabinet.

He has since been an active campaigner for a Final Say referendum and been a vocal critic of the party leadership.

Chris Leslie

(Getty) (Getty Images)

Elected the MP for Shipley in the 1997 election and served until 2005, when he lost his seat to Philip Davies.

He returned to parliament in 2010 in Nottingham East with a majority of just under 12,000 in 2015, and increased it to more than 19,000 two years later.

Mr Leslie has served as the partys shadow chancellor, shadow chief secretary to the treasury and shadow employment minister.

In September of last year Mr Leslie lost a vote of no confidence brought against him by his local constituency party.

Luciana Berger

(PA (PA)

The MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, her majority increased from 24,000 to just under 30,000 from 2015 to 2017.

She was previously the shadow minister for climate change, then under Mr Corbyn was appointed shadow minister for mental health.

Ms Berger resigned from the post in 2016 in the mass resignation of shadow ministers from the Labour frontbench over concerns about Mr Corbyns leadership.

She campaigned for Remain and her constituency backed staying in the European Union during the referendum.

Ms Berger has been a vocal critic of the alleged antisemitism in the Labour Party and attended and spoke at a demonstration in Parliament Square about the issue.

Earlier this month it was announced two no-confidence motions had been submitted against Ms Berger by her local party. After widespread criticism these were later withdrawn.

Mike Gapes

(PA (PA)

The MP for Ilford South has held the seat since 1992, his majority growning from 402 to more than 31,000 in 2017.

He supported Remain and continues to campaign for a Final Say referendum.

He has been a long-term critic of Mr Corbyn and has publicly criticised a number of the leaders policy positions.

When Mr Corbyn initially refused to meet with Theresa May to discuss the Brexit negotiations, Mr Gapes tweeted: Apparently Corbyn is prepared to hold talks with Hamas, Hezbollah, Assad and Iran without preconditions. But not with the UK Prime Minister. Why?

Angela Smith

(PA (PA)

The MP for Penistone and Stockbridge for the past nine years, before boundary changes she held the seat for Sheffield Hillsborough from 2005 to 2010.

She served as the partys deputy leader of the House of Commons under Ed Miliband.

Ms Smith has been a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn and in 2016, following the Brexit referendum, backed a vote of no confidence against the party leader.

She campaigned for Remain in the referendum and voted against triggering Article 50.

Her local constituency party passed a motion of no confidence in her due to her lack of support for the party leadership, her support for fracking and her opposition to water renationalisation.

Ms Smith said the move was due to a cabal of hard-left members.

Gavin Shuker

Will Gavin Shuker give his Luton South constituents a chance to back yesterdays resignation? (PA)

The MP for Luton South since 2010, his majority has increased from just over 2,000 to 14,000.

He supported Liz Kendall to be Labour leader in 2015 and has been critical of Mr Corbyn.

Last year his local constituency party passed a vote of no confidence against him.

In response he tweeted: At a local Labour Party meeting last night a motion of no confidence in me was passed. Its not part of any formal procedure, so it changes nothing about my role as Labour MP for Luton South.

Ann Coffey

(PA (PA)

The MP for Stockport since 1992, her majority increased from 10,000 to more than 14,000 from 2015 to 2017.

She served as the private secretary to chancellor Alistair Darling from 2007 to 2010.

Ms Coffey campaigned for remain in the Brexit referendum and two days after the result, alongside Margret Hodge, she submitted a letter requesting a motion of no confidence in the party leader Mr Corbyn.
Theresa May must launch an independent investigation into foreign influence and voter manipulation in the Brexit vote, a committee of MPs says today, amid growing evidence of lawbreaking by Leave campaigners.

A highly critical report  which warns democracy is at risk from rogue practices on social media  turns its fire on the prime minister for the failure to probe their effect on the referendum result.

No wide-ranging investigation has taken place, despite the main Vote Leave campaign, fronted by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, being found by the Electoral Commission to have broken the law.

The National Crime Agency, meanwhile, has launched a separate investigation into evidence of multiple criminal offences committed by Arron Banks and the Leave.EU campaign.

But Downing Street has fought off calls for a Mueller-style inquiry, on the scale of the US probe into alleged collusion with Russia by Donald Trumps presidential campaign.

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Now the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has insisted an inquiry must be carried out, also looking into the 2017 general election and the 2014 Scottish referendum.

It would establish what actually happened with regard to foreign influence, disinformation, funding, voter manipulation, and the sharing of data, so that appropriate changes to the law can be made and lessons can be learnt for future elections and referenda.

Damian Collins, the committees Conservative chair, urged the prime minister to come clean about whether Russian interference in UK politics was being probed.

We want to find out what was the impact of disinformation and voter manipulation on past elections including the UK referendum in 2016, and are calling on the government to launch an independent investigation, he said.

The call comes in a hard-hitting report into so-called fake news, which also:

* demands an independent regulator with the power to prosecute social media companies that fail to tackle harmful or illegal content.

* calls for tougher rules on overseas involvement in UK elections and electoral communications laws.

* demands a requirement on social media companies to take down proven sources of disinformation.

* brands electoral law not fit for purpose because it fails to cope with microtargeted online political campaigning.

* finds Facebook intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws.

* calls for its use of users and users friends data to be fully investigated.

* attacks Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg for his contempt in refusing to appear before the committee last year.

Mr Collins added: Democracy is at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised dark adverts from unidentifiable sources, delivered through the major social media platforms we use every day.

Much of this is directed from agencies working in foreign countries, including Russia.

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The crisis emerged after the Brexit referendum, leading to the finding against Vote Leave which has been referred to the police for busting spending limits

Crucially, the cash was used to pay data firm Aggregate IQ and  a whistleblower and an Oxford professor argue  potentially enabled it to precisely target enough voters on social media to have swayed the Brexit result.

Mr Banks, Nigel Farages ally, could receive a two-year prison sentence if he is found to have knowingly concealed that an Isle of Man company handed up to 8m to Leave.EU  which would have been outlawed as a foreign donation.

However, Ms May has repeatedly downplayed the commissions findings  even though they were to a criminal standard of proof  and has hailed the referendum as a great exercise in democracy.

Only three of 42 recommendations in the committees interim report last year were accepted, in a response that ducked pressure for an independent investigation entirely.

Earlier this month, the commission asked the government for beefed-up powers to prosecute parties and campaigners, to keep pace with social media, a call backed by the committee.

However, Brandon Lewis, the Conservative party chair, claimed there were doubts about the regulators impartiality, suggesting it was not a fair arbiter.
Labour has moved a step closer to backing another Brexit referendum after it demanded MPs be allowed to vote on whether to give the public the final say.

The party has tabled a Commons motion that would give parliament the chance to debate and vote on alternatives to Theresa May's deal.

It said these should include a softer Brexit and a public vote on whatever option parliament decides to pursue.

Labour's motion is one of several alternative proposals tabled by MPs ahead of next week's vote on Ms May's Brexit plan.

The prime minister is expected to try to persuade the EU to make changes to the controversial Northern Ireland backstop after her deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs last week.

The Labour proposal is unlikely to pass, with Conservative supporters of a fresh referendum understood to believe the motion confuses matters. They are likely to back alternative motions that simply call for a public vote.

Jeremy Corbyn has so far refused to agree to MPs' and party members' demands that he back a Final Say vote, but said the option should be considered by MPs.

He said: "The prime minister is both refusing to change her red lines or take the threat of a no deal exit off the table. MPs must now act to break the deadlock.

"Our amendment will allow MPs to vote on options to end this Brexit deadlock and prevent the chaos of a no deal.

"It is time for Labour's alternative plan to take centre stage, while keeping all options on the table, including the option of a public vote."

Labour supporters of a fresh referendum welcomed the party's motion. Ben Bradshaw called it "important progress" and David Lammy tweeted: "This is a big step foward. I hope this amendment can be the beginning of the end of years of argument over Berxit in this country."

But while more than 70 Labour MPs have publicly called for another referendum, dozens of others are strongly opposed, including shadow ministers who would likely resign in order to vote against any proposal for going back to the public.

Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters

Soon after the party's motion was tabled, shadow housing minister Melanie Onn announced that should would step down if she is ordered to vote for another referendum.

In a letter to constituents, she wrote: "I am not in favour of a People's Vote and will not vote for it. If it comes before parliament as it is expected to in the next few days/weeks, I will instead vote for a better 'Labour' deal.

"This may mean that I am required to step down from my frontbench housing role if it is a whipped vote. I would be very disappointed if this were the case, as I am very proud of the work I have been doing alongside John Healey and Sarah Jones, but recognise that I cannot vote against the frontbench and remain a part of it."

Rebecca Long-Bailey, Labour's shadow business secretary, said the amendment would simply "widen the debate and put all options on the table to avoid a no-deal scenario" but that the party's "priority" remained securning a different Brexit deal, including a customs union with the EU and a closer relationship with the single market.

Asked if Labour's motion makes a second referendum more likely, she told Sky News: "Well, no. In line with our conference policy...our priority is to secure a deal but obviously all options need to remain on the table and that includes a public vote."

She added: "There's no guarantee that it will pass even if our amendment passed and certainly right across the Conservative Party and in the Labour Party there's divided opinion as to whether a second referendum should be a preferred option at this stage."

Ms Long-Bailey suggested that, even if its amendment passes, Labour would not necessarily instruct its MPs to vote for another referendum, saying: "That's something that the party would need to decide at the time."

 Conservative minister Richard Harrington urges PM to rule out no-deal Brexit

With parliament still deadlocked over Brexit, former Conservative leader William Hague said a fresh public vote was now "quite likely".

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said: "It will probably produce only a narrow victory for either side despite a long struggle, and leave a wounded country to limp on afterwards.

"But it's coming, unless some extraordinary turn of events prevents it. It's coming by a process of elimination, not because it's a good idea in itself."

MPs will vote on 29 January on amendments to Ms May's proposed plan.

Commons home affairs committee chair Yvette Cooper has tabled a motion that would delay Brexit until the end of the year if no deal is in place by the end of February. With significant cross-party support, the motion is likely to pass if Labour agrees to support it.

Hilary Benn, chair of the Brexit commitee, has put down a separate amendment calling for MPs to hold a series of "indicative votes" on various Brexit outcomes.

And Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, is expected to propose giving parliament to right to seize control of Brexit if the government cannot pass its deal.
The UK government has been roundly condemned for failing to ratify a pan-European convention tackling violence against women, almost seven years after signing up to it.

Campaigners say cuts to services for women in abusive relationships and those who have been raped mean the government will not be able to meet the guidelines outlined in the Istanbul Convention.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition accused the government of serious footdragging  saying it was extremely disappointed and arguing the UK was in the midst of a crisis for victims of sexual violence.

The convention is the most comprehensive legal framework that exists to tackle violence against women and girls, covering domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, so-called honour-based violence and forced marriage.

Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Show all 70 1 /70 Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The 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in London Reuters Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The Independent Womens March  bread and roses rally in London Angela Christofilou/The 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Former prime minister David Cameron signed the convention in 2012 but it still has not been ratified  meaning it is currently in limbo and the UK is not legally bound to follow it.

The UK is one of the last EU members  along with Bulgaria, Hungary and a handful of others  to ratify the convention. Turkey, Albania, Serbia and Romania are among the 33 countries which have ratified it.

Rachel Krys, co-director of End Violence Against Women, said the Istanbul Convention sets out a clear level of provision in terms of both crisis and long-term support but the UK fails to meet it.

She said: No objective observer would argue that we meet that test. There just isnt that provision. We are a long way off. Lots of rape crisis centres have closed their waiting lists  they are comically underfunded and underinvested.

The convention requires countries to set up a sufficient number of shelters to provide women and girls experiencing violence with safe accommodation and to also establish adequate rape crisis or sexual violence referral centres that provide medical and forensic examination, trauma support and counselling for survivors.

Recommended Corbyn pledges to ratify convention on preventing domestic violence

It also requires survivors of violence to be able to access legal and psychological counselling, financial assistance, housing, education, training and assistance in finding employment. It necessitates free country-wide 24/7 telephone helplines.

Ms Krys noted there were only 44 rape crisis centres in the UK and insisted this was not enough to comply with the convention. She said there were over 6,000 women on waiting lists for services in the last year, waiting between three and 14 months.

Last December, MPs warned specific support services for victims could cease to exist due to a simultaneous lack of funding and a rise in the number of people needing help.

Ms Kyrs said the governments delay in ratifying the convention showed a lack of real commitment to properly address violence against women and girls.

She said: Cameron wanted to send a signal the UK cared about womens rights. We dont tend to sign conventions like this without ratifying them. Why is it the important convention, that women fought for, which really protects them, that has been put on the shelf?

The convention is at loggerheads with an ideology that doesnt think investing in womens services is a priority. We are living with a mismatch between stated aims and what happens on the ground for women.

Ms Krys argued the UK would still be in breach of the convention even if was ratified. There is a monitoring body, known as Grevio, which has started producing country-specific reports monitoring how well nations are implementing the convention.

She also said the UKs policies towards migrant women would also make it incompatible with the Istanbul Convention. The convention marks a milestone for undocumented women and for women with precarious residence status because it expressly forbids discrimination based on migration status, and requires states to make it possible for women whose status is dependent on a violent partner or spouse to gain an independent residence status.

(Council of Europe)

(Council of Europe)

Chiara Capraro, Amnesty International UKs womens rights programme manager, said: The UK government has made out that the new Domestic Abuse Bill will be the final step towards making the UK eligible for ratifying the convention. Yet in its current state, the bill falls short of meeting the conventions requirement to provide protection to all women without discrimination, as it neglects the specific needs of migrant women and risks further marginalising them.

The Council of Europe, a human rights organisation made up of 47 member states which drew up the convention, raised alarm bells about how long the UK was taking to ratify it.

Liri Kopaci-Di Michele, the head of the councils gender equality unit, said: They are taking a lot of time to ratify  especially in view of UK authorities saying they have everything in place.

She said it was normal for countries to take some time to ratify  noting the convention was demanding  but added that there was no practically strong justification for this length of delay and there was a recurring question around the governments inaction.

I think it takes a lot of political will and political commitment to ratify, she said. The general public might have forgotten about it but it is high on the agenda of womens rights organisations.

She said Brexit could be overshadowing the convention and pushing it down the political agenda, but argued Britain would send a strong signal to other countries which have not ratified the convention by doing so.

The world is witnessing growing attacks on womens rights  whether that is controlling womens bodies or limiting services for women who have experienced violence or growing online and offline sexism, she said. Every day violence against women makes the news. Ratification been suffering from this backlash. It is very important to rally around the convention.

At the end of last year, a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual Violence found sexual assault victims are waiting up to 14 months for counselling because specialist support services are finding it difficult to keep up with unprecedented demand. It also found some centres had to close their waiting lists completely due to a shortfall of funding.

Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, an organiser of Womens March London, said: It is beggars belief that the UK is dragging its feet on this pivotal issue several years after signing up to the Istanbul Convention.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Our measures to protect women and girls from violence are already some of the most robust in the world. In virtually all respects we comply with, or go further than, the Istanbul Convention requires.

We have always been clear on our commitment to ratifying the convention. The landmark Domestic Abuse Bill will extend extraterritorial jurisdiction over offences required by the convention which, for England and Wales, is the final legislative step necessary for ratification.

We have pledged 100m to violence against women and girls services between 2016 and 2020. We will soon be publishing a refresh of our VAWG strategy, which will look at further ways we can support victims.
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A litany of failures by Tower Hamlets Council, the Metropolitan Police and Bethnal Green Academy led Shemina Begum and two other schoolgirls to join Isis in 2015, her lawyer has claimed.

Tasnime Akunjee, who is representing the Begum family, said it was almost inconceivable that to date no agency had been investigated or held to account over the Bethnal Green schoolgirls departure for Syria.

The lawyer said the Met Polices counter-terrorism departments inadequate handling of the schoolgirls case was one of the key reasons they were pushed to joining their friend Sharmeena, who was already in Syria.

He also said that while counter-terrorism police interviewed the schoolgirls over the disappearance of their friend, they failed to directly notify the parents of the schoolgirls that these preliminary interviews were taking place in the school, instead giving letters to the girls to pass onto their parents.

When approached for comment, the Met Police admitted that the letters were not passed on in every case, but said the parents were already aware that one girl had been reported missing, and that there was "nothing whatsoever" to indicate that the other girs were planning to travel to Syria.

Mr Akunjee claimed Bethnal Green Academy never informed the parents as to why the Police wanted to speak with the young girls in February 2015, nor mentioned to them that a missing persons case had then become an issue about radicalisation.

He accused Tower Hamlets council of either severe negligence or a cover-up because no serious case review had been carried out by the council when the girls left the UK.

When approached for comment, the council said they had found that this case did not meet the threshold for a serious case review, and they instead worked alongside the governments Prevent team and the polices SO15 counter terrorism team to conduct a wider review and provide in-depth support to the school.

It comes after a fierce debate erupted in Britain when Ms Begum was tracked down by reporters in a refugee camp last week. Several ministers, including the home secretary Sajid Javid, have insisted she would not be permitted to return to the UK and others have warned she could still be a potential threat.

In her first interview since giving birth in a refugee camp in Syria, Ms Begum said she had a good time while living in the country, but now wants to bring her newborn son back home to Britain.

Mr Akunjee said: It is almost inconceivable that to date no agency has been investigated let alone held to account for the litany of failures that resulted in the Bethnal Green schoolgirls managing to travel to Isis.

(Statista https://www.statista.com/chartoftheday/ (Statista https://www.statista.com/chartoftheday/)

To my knowledge, neither the Begum family nor any of the other families affected have ever been contacted as part of a formal inquiry that led to these failures. We need an urgent inquiry into how Shamima Begum ended up in Syria along with her school friends.

There are serious questions that Tower Hamlets Council along with its Mayor John Biggs, the Police and the former leadership of the Bethnal Green Academy must answer for.

Dal Babu, former Met Police chief superintendent, said it was shocking to learn of the claims that actions taken by the police and the failure of the school led to the Bethnal Green schoolgirls joining Isis.

Timeline of the Isis caliphate Show all 19 1 /19 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Timeline of the Isis caliphate ISIS began as a group by the merging of extremist organisations ISI and al-Nusra in 2013. Following clashes, Syrian rebels captured the ISIS headquarters in Aleppo in January 2014 (pictured) AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi declared the creation of a caliphate in Mosul on 27 June 2014 Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis conquered the Kurdish towns of Sinjar and Zumar in August 2014, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Pictured are a group of Yazidi Kurds who have fled Rex Timeline of the Isis caliphate On September 2 2014 Isis released a video depicting the beheading of US journalist Steven Sotloff. On September 13 they released another video showing the execution of British aid worker David Haines Timeline of the Isis caliphate The US launched its first airstrikes against Isis in Syria on 23 September 2014. Here Lt Gen William C Mayville Jnr speaks about the bombing campaign in the wake of the first strikes Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis militants sit atop a hill planted with their flag in the Syrian town of Kobani on 6 October 2014. They had been advancing on Kobani since mid-September and by now was in control of the citys entrance and exit points AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Residents of the border village of Alizar keep guard day and night as they wait in fear of mortar fire from Isis who have occupied the nearby city of Kobani Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Smoke rises following a US airstrike on Kobani, 28 October 2014 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate YPG fighters raise a flag as they reclaim Kobani on 26 January 2015 VOA Timeline of the Isis caliphate Isis seized the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on 20 May 2015. This image show the city from above days after its capture by Isis Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces are stationed on a hill above the town of Sinjar as smoke rises following US airstrikes on 12 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Kurdish forces enter Sinjar after seizing it from Isis control on 13 November 2015 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi government forces make the victory sign as they retake the city of Fallujah from ISIS on 26 June 2016 Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Iraqi forces battle with Isis for the city of Mosul on 30 June 2017 AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of the Iraqi federal police raise flags in Mosul on 8 July 2017. On the following day, Iraqi prime minister Haider Al Abadi declares victory over Isis in Mosul Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Members of Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces celebrate in Al-Naim Square after taking back the city of Raqqa from Isis. US-backed Syrian forces declare victory over Isis in Raqqa on 20 October 2017 after a four-month long campaign AFP/Getty Timeline of the Isis caliphate Trucks full of women and children arrive from the last Isis-held areas in Deir ez-Zor, Syria in January 2019 They were among the last civilians to be living in the ISIS caliphate, by this time reduced to just two small villages in Syrias Deir ez-Zor Richard Hall/The Independent Timeline of the Isis caliphate Zikia Ibrahim, 28, with her two-year-old son and 8-month-old daughter, after fleeing the Isis caliphate, on Saturday 26 January 2019 Richard Hall/The Independent

The school failed to explain the seriousness of the situation to the parents and also what an appropriate adult meant when they assumed that role, he said.

This has been a cataphoric failure in safeguarding. It is extremely concerning that there has been no independent review and nothing to suggest that lessons have been learned or that safeguards have been put in place to ever stop this happening again.

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: We find the accusations by the family lawyer to be unfair and skewed.

Tower Hamlets has some of the strongest measures in place to help prevent radicalisation and has been an integral part of the governments counter terrorism Prevent programme since 2011. We have a Prevent education officer that works in every school in our borough."
A group of 34 migrants have been intercepted in a boat after trying to cross the English Channel.

Two Border Force vessels and a coastal patrol boat spotted the group at around 6.30am on Monday.

Today Border Force responded to an incident in the Channel involving a small boat containing 34 people. The group were brought to Dover and have been transferred to immigration officials for interview, a Home Office spokesperson said.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, the spokesperson added.

The nationalities of the intercepted people, who are thought to be refugees, remains unclear. All have been medically assessed and are believed to be well.

In December, Sajid Javid, the home secretary, declared a major incident following an increase in attempts to cross the English Channel in small boats.

In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden

More than 500 refugees tried to travel to the UK on small vessels in 2018, with four in five of them attempting the journey in the last three months of the year.

Mr Javid ordered two Border Force boats to be redeployed in the Channel from overseas, in response to the increased number of crossings.

The number of individuals attempting to cross the Channel decreased from around 250 in December to around 90 in January, with roughly half of the January attempts being intercepted by partners in France before they could make it to British waters, the Home Office spokesperson added.

Around 40 per cent of the attempted crossings were either disrupted by French officials or saw the refugees returned to France.

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The Home Office has tripled the number of boats patrolling the Channel since December.

Officials have also developed a joint action plan with France to tackle the issue.

Additional reporting by agencies
Detectives are hunting for a man after three teenagers were sexually assaulted at a shopping centre in London.

Police have released an image of a man wanted for questioning over the incidents which took place at Westfield Stratford on three separate days in July last year.

In the first incident on 7 July the suspect followed a 15-year-old girl around the shopping centre before sexually assaulting her over her clothing.

The following day, on 8 July, he again followed a 15-year-old girl before approaching her and indecently touching her over her clothing.

During the third offence on 21 July the suspect followed an 18-year-old woman around the shopping centre before sexually assaulting her over her clothing.

Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Show all 7 1 /7 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Leslie Stone Shoe prints recovered by police from murder scene of Ruby Keen, 1937 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum The Smith & Wesson .38 revolver used by Ruth Ellis to murder David Blakely, 1955 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Death Mask of Robert Marley, 1856 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Shrapnel from an unexploded Fenian bomb 1884 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Acid Bath Murderer 1949 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Masks used by the Stratton Brothers 1905 Metropolitan Police Crime Museum Metropolitan Police Crime Museum The Richardsons Electrical generator used to administer electric shocks by the Richardson gang, 1960s

None of the victims required medical treatment but were distressed at being targeted, followed and sexually assaulted.

DC Paul Newton, from Newham police, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone who recognises the man or has also been a victim to get in touch.

He said: This was a hideous set of sexual assaults on young girls out enjoying a day in the shopping centre.

The suspect has deliberately targeted women alone and has gone to some length to pursue them.

If you know who he is or have also been a victim, I would urge you to get in touch.

Anyone with information about the identity of the man pictured is asked to call police on 07564 613 966 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also contact the police through the Twitter account @MetCC.
A group of soldiers have been been reprimanded for posting abusive comments on social media about one of their colleagues who appeared in army recruitment adverts.

Corporal Kerry-Ann Morris featured prominently in the Your Army Needs You campaign and the armys recruitment magazine The Locker.

The six male Royal Artillery troops who discussed the 28-year-old on Facebook reportedly accused her, without foundation, of playing the race card to get ahead at work.

They also claimed  again without foundation  that she had accused colleagues of racism.

The junior soldiers were given a warning about the offensive comments, The Independent understands.

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Stationed in Germany, the group of soldiers who wrote and liked the comments were interviewed by senior officers, The Mail on Sunday reported.

It was to Cpl Morriss credit that she requested the soldiers should be dealt with lightly on this occasion, a defence source told the newspaper. As the victim she could have pressed for more severe sanctions to be imposed but she was adamant that should not happen.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman told The Independent: Discrimination and bullying have no place in the armed forces and will not be tolerated. All allegations are taken very seriously and are thoroughly investigated. Anyone found to have fallen short of our high standards can expect disciplinary action to be taken.

The UKs armed forces have faced criticism for its lack of diversity and failure to recruit enough people from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

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Only 8.7 per cent of junior service personnel and just 2.4 per cent of officers come from BAME backgrounds, according to the latest statistics.

The armys latest poster campaign  which pays tribute to the famous Lord Kitchener images while targeting millennials, games and self addicts  proved an immediate success following is launch at the start of 2019.

In the first three weeks of January, applications to join the army rose to 9,700, a five-year high. It is almost double the number of applications for January 2018.
A man whose front door was daubed with racist graffiti has said he still thinks Britain is paradise, even after it took police more than a week to respond.

Five days after Theo Baya moved into a flat in Salford with his friend Jackson Yamba and Mr Yambas ten-year-old son David they found no blacks had been sprayed on their door.

It was reported to the police on 8 February, but no officers came to see the men until Mr Yamba posted a picture of the abhorrent racist graffiti on Twitter.

My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti  after reporting it to @gmpolice they still havent been here to investigate. How do I assure my traumatised 10-year-old that he is safe in his home, Mr Yamba said.

But despite their ordeal, Mr Baya said British people had a more mature attitude to people from other ethnic backgrounds than countries such as France or Belgium.

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

It is the first time this has happened to me, he said.

Before I was in Belgium and France and people there are not as mature in their attitudes.

For me the UK is paradise. I still believe people in the UK are more mature and fair than in Belgium and France.

After Mr Yambas tweets went viral online, the chief constable of Greater Manchester and local politicians became involved.

A senior police officer visited the flat and the graffiti has subsequently been cleaned off by the housing association which runs the development.

Mr Baya said he assumed the people who spray painted the door were simply ignorant.

They may be stereotyping black people, we are both educated, we were both solicitors in Africa.

It is ignorance, a lack of education.

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Greater Manchester Police has apologised for the delay, which they said was down to a lack of officers available, and the pair have become a cause celebre.

The local rugby team, the Salford Red Devils, have invited them to be special guests at an upcoming match and a crowdfunding campaign has raised almost 2,000 in just one day.

The money will be given to Mr Baya and Mr Yamba to help them replace their door, or be spent on whatever they choose, the man behind the crowdfunder, Mark Donne, said.

In response to the messages, Mr Yamba tweeted: I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.

There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all.
Tomi Ungerer, the award-winning French artist and satirist, published more than 140 books in German, French and English, criss-crossing genres.

His oeuvre included anti-Vietnam War posters, darkly comic childrens books, a mischievous rethinking of The Joy of Sex, childrens literature and a 1986 collection titled Guardian Angels of Hell, featuring interviews with sex workers at a Hamburg brothel.

Ungerer was also a sculptor, printmaker, painter, caricaturist and antique toy collector, an ad man for the Ice Capades (travelling ice-skating shows that started in the US in the Forties and died out in the Nineties), and a food editor for Playboy magazine.

In the German city of Karlsruhe, he designed a kindergarten in the shape of a cat, with a whiskered nose, windows for eyes, a door for a mouth and a slide for a tail.

Raised in the Alsace region, Ungerer lived under Nazi occupation and hitchhiked across Europe before moving to New York in 1956. He found work as an illustrator for publications including The New York Times, Life and Harpers Bazaar, while creating posters for films such as Stanley Kubricks Dr. Strangelove.

Ungerer's work included posters for films such as Kubricks Dr. Strangelove

Ungerer became best known for his childrens books, including the illustrations for Jeff Browns 1964 classic Flat Stanley, about a boy who is crushed flat by a bulletin board, slips inside envelopes to travel by mail, and restores himself to proper size with the aid of a bicycle pump.

Writing about outcast characters such as Emile the octopus and Crictor the boa constrictor, he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the highest honours in childrens literature, in 1998.

Among his most celebrated works were 1961s The Three Robbers, a moody, blue-hued tale of highway bandits who terrorise the countryside, and 1966s Moon Man, in which the title character falls to Earth, enjoys the flowering landscapes, and is promptly thrown into prison, only to slip through the bars as he grows smaller as part of the lunar cycle.

While writing the childrens books that made him famous, Ungerer began working on erotic art and designing political posters, including pieces protesting against segregation and the Vietnam War. One 1967 image, titled Eat, showed a disembodied hand force-feeding the Statue of Liberty to a yellow-skinned man; another, Choice Not Chance, showed a pilot decorating the nose of his plane with images of crying children.

Ungerers social life included poker games with the Cuban representative to the United Nations, and his political views seemed to catch the attention of federal investigators, particularly after he requested and was denied a permit to visit China.

In interviews, he often recalled being picked up by FBI agents and taken in for questioning after returning from a trip to France in 1960. He said they later tapped his phone and opened his post.

Ungerer at a preview of an exhibition of his work in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, 2010 (Getty)

For the most part, however, his political work was eclipsed by his erotic drawings, particularly those in Fornicon, a self-published 1969 book, described as a nightmare vision of mechanised pleasure.

Ungerer once attended a conference where angry librarians asked him why an illustrator of childrens books would also depict graphic sex acts.

He was then effectively blacklisted in the United States, with many of his books removed from libraries and lost to American readers until about a decade ago, when Phaidon Press began reissuing his work. In Europe, his popularity soared; he sold millions of books in Germany and France. In 2007, a museum dedicated to his life and work opened in Strasbourg, France. The Council of Europe named him ambassador for childhood and education that same year.

He believed adults should accord children great respect.

They understand the world, in their way. They understand adult language, he said. There should not be a limit of vocabulary. In The Three Robbers I dont use the word gun. I say blunderbuss. My goodness, isnt it more poetic?

The youngest of four children, Jean-Thomas Ungerer was born in Strasbourg in 1931. His father was an artist, engineer and designer of astronomical clocks who died when Tomi was three; his mother moved the family to Logelbach, near the Alsatian city of Colmar. During the war years, he said he was forced to join the Hitler Youth and dig trenches for the German army, and he filled his notebooks with battlefield scenes.

Ungerer failed his high school graduation exams  his headmaster was said to have described him in a school report as a willfully perverse and subversive individualist  and subsequently travelled to northern Finland. He served with the French camel cavalry in Algeria and slowly made his way to New York, with $60 in his pocket and a trunk full of drawings and manuscripts.

A meeting with editor Ursula Nordstrom, of what was then Harper & Brothers, led to his first childrens book, 1957s The Mellops Go Flying, about a family of acrobatic French pigs. The book became a hit and spawned several sequels.

Ungerer moved to Nova Scotia after his spat with the librarians and in 1976 settled in Ireland, where he died. His later books included 1985s The Joy of Frogs, a comic sex manual for amphibians, and childrens tales such as 1999s Otto: The Autobiography of a Teddy Bear, about a stuffed bear in 1930s Germany.

His first two marriages ended in divorce, and in 1971 he married Yvonne Wright. In addition to his wife, survivors include a daughter from an earlier marriage to Miriam Lancaster; three children from his third marriage; a sister; and two grandchildren.

Ungerer was the subject of a 2012 documentary Far Out Isnt Far Enough, which took its title from a 1983 illustrated memoir about his years in Canada. The title, he said, referred to an artistic imperative to push ever further into the unknown.

Thats whats really fantastic about death, thats why death has to be welcomed, he once said. And when I die, Ill find out whats behind the far out. Maybe theres nothing, but nothing is fantastic, too. Because if youre faced with nothing, you can fill it up with your mind.

Jean-Thomas Tomi Ungerer, artist and writer, born 28 November 1931, died 9 February 2019

 Washington Post
The water kept rising. The air pocket around his head kept shrinking. And nearly two days after his ferry capsized, no one seemed to realise that someone was still alive, trapped in the pitch black of the engine room. So Augustine Charahani, the engineer, simply waited, helplessly, clinging to a staircase in the capsized vessel, caught between hope and hopelessness.

I am going to die, but maybe I will be rescued, he remembers telling himself during the more than 40 torturous hours he survived inside the overturned hull. He was alone down there. When the ferry capsized last September, it was nearing its destination: the small island of Ukara in Tanzania. The ferry  the main link between remote islands in Lake Victoria  was overcrowded, with more than 265 passengers and crew members on board. Many were returning from shopping trips to a larger island about an hour away.

In the initial moments after the ferry flipped, about 40 people were able to swim ashore or stay afloat long enough to be picked up by fishermen and other rescuers, Tanzanian officials said. In all, 228 people drowned, including many caught inside the main passenger cabin.

But long after everyone else had drowned or made it ashore, Charahani managed to stay alive  trapped beneath the ferry, often in complete darkness, for two nights and three days. I knew it was my turn to die, but I remained hopeful that someone out there was coming, he remembers thinking.

It is still unclear why the ferry, the Nyerere, flipped as it neared the island. Some survivors say the sudden rush of people toward the front, as they jockeyed for position to disembark, caused the boat to tip. Other survivors quoted in local news articles have said the captain made a sharp turn after realising he was approaching the dock from the wrong side.

When the ferry overturned, Charahani was in the engine room, filling out paperwork about a journey that should have been minutes from ending. He was knocked to the ground. It took him a moment to get his bearings. The engines, he realised, were upside down. He heard an inrush of water. And he heard passengers wailing.

Mother, we are dying, people called out.

The engine room is tall, with a meter or two of clearance above his head. Steep stairs run along one wall. There are a couple of windows and panelling on the door that let light through. The room had flipped over, no longer so familiar. He put on a life jacket. He could no longer hear any voices. The silence came on so quickly that it confused him. Their screams were so loud, Charahani remembers. I think they struggled and drowned almost immediately.

Water began trickling into the engine room.

Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Show all 18 1 /18 Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Seventeen people died after a duck boat capsized in Branson lake, Missouri. Nine out of 11 members of the same family died during the accident. Tia Coleman, far left, and her nephew, far right, were the only survivors from the Coleman family on the boat Belinda Coleman/Facebook Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Emergency responders work at Table Rock Lake after the boat accident AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake People pray by a car thought to belong to a victim of Thursday's boating accident AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, left, and Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader hold a press conference at Table Rock Lake about fatal accident. St. Louis Post-Dispatch/AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Emergency workers patrol an area near where the duck boat capsized AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Crews working at the scene where a tourist boat capsized and sank Southern Stone County Fire Protection District/AFP/Getty Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Rina Bernard, left, and Keri Johnson leave flowers on a car believed to belong to a victim of a last night's duck boat accident AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Brandon Webb and Carlye Michel participate in a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of Ride the Ducks AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Rescue personnel REUTERS Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Flowers and a note rest on a car believed to belong to a victim AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Southern Stone County Fire Protection District responding Southern Stone County Fire Protection District/EPA Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake People pray during a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of Ride the Ducks AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake People pray next to a car believed to belong to a victim AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake A woman writes a message during a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of Ride the Ducks AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Ducks boat sits idle in the parking lot of Ride the Ducks AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake People pray around a van believed to belong to victims of a duck boat accident AP Missouri boat crash: 17 dead after duck boat capsizes in Branson lake Russ McKay looks at a cross left in a makeshift memorial for his friends before a candlelight vigil AP

It was dark. At some point, Charahani says, he fell asleep and dreamed of Jesus. He awoke thinking he would live through this ordeal, knowing there must be divers looking for survivors. He guessed that the room was half-submerged. Help me, he remembers screaming, banging on the wall with his fists.

At first, Charahani assumed there were other survivors who had found air pockets like he did. But as the silence deepened and his shouts went unanswered, he began to think he was the only one. I alone am stuck down here still alive, he thought. Using his keys, he began rapping on the wall, three knocks at a time. Once  he believes it was during the second day  he heard someone knocking back. He was elated.

But no one came for him. Charahani slept some more, curling up on the steep stairs, his head resting on a second life jacket. Anytime I sleep, there is a good chance of me sliding and falling back into the water, he remembers thinking.

As the hours passed, Charahani could see faintly at times, the light seeming to come through the panel on the door. The engine rooms windows were underwater. He tried to guess how submerged he was, unable to tell whether the boat was still floating on the surface, or had sunk far beneath it.

He began to feel faint with hunger. His thoughts turned away from drowning, toward starvation and heat exhaustion. The room was growing warmer and warmer. With his cupped hands he began to pour water over his head. But there was so much oil that soon he was covered in it. He banged on the walls, three strikes in quick succession.

A father of four, Charahani thought of his family, wondering what he could have done to make things better for them. How would his family survive after he died, he asked himself. He thought of all the time he had spent on the ferry, leaving every morning and returning later in the day.

The ferry was vital in the lives of the islanders, and people were always happy to see it. On land, everything was stop and go. But on the water, Charahani felt free. The way you could move purposefully, unimpeded.

He had loved his job. What a fool he had been, he thought. Why had he chosen a dangerous job on the water, he wondered. He had never thought of his work as particularly dangerous before. But here he was, trapped.

The water crept higher, and he moved higher up the stairs. But he was running out of room above him. Soon, there would be no air and the engine room would be filled all the way up with water, Charahani remembers thinking.

The room was perhaps three-quarters full of water, he guessed. He wondered if he would have the strength to find and break one of the windows. His heart began to race as he imagined the final moments, when he would have to leave his ladder and try to get to the surface. He poured more water on himself trying to keep cool. Oil coated his face.

On Saturday morning, about 42 or 43 hours after the ferry overturned, he felt a hand grasp his ankle. It was a scuba diver, part of a team recovering bodies. Charahani gave his leg a shake, he said, so the diver would know that he was alive.

The diver greeted him. Salaam alaikum. Or peace be upon you.

Are you OK? the diver wanted to know. Charahani nodded. The diver looked around for other survivors in the engine room. Im alone, the engineer said.

The diver disappeared, returning sometime later with others on his team. The divers conferred among themselves, planning the route out. Charahani felt himself growing irritable and impatient. Why is it taking that long? he wondered.

The engineer was given a mask and oxygen. He was told to close his eyes and breathe. The sunlight overwhelmed him as he reached the surface, some time, he believes, before 10am on 22 September. Ukara Island, the ferrys destination, was there right in front of him. On shore, he was loaded into an ambulance, which rushed toward the nearest health clinic, sirens blaring.

The ambulance came to a stop. A scrum of soldiers and medical workers lifted him up and carried him feet first toward the clinic. He was taken past coffins that lay on the dusty ground, through throngs of relatives still waiting for the bodies of their drowned loved ones.

This is my second chance to live, he thought.

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Orton Kiishweko and Dotto Bulendu contributed reporting from Mwanza, Tanzania. Alain Delaqueriere contributed research from New York.

 New York Times
The turmoil over Brexit raises big questions about the ability of todays politicians. Would their predecessors have done a better job, and prevented the drama of the 2016 referendum result turning into a crisis? In my time as a political journalist, the calibre of our political class has changed, and for the worse.

When I landed in the Westminster village in 1982, some big beasts from the past still roamed  among them Denis Healey, Roy Jenkins, Edward Heath, Tony Benn and Enoch Powell. They, and contemporaries who had already died  such as Rab Butler, Iain Macleod and Anthony Crosland  have been called the golden generation.

Many were intellectual heavyweights. Some had expected a career in academia, but went into politics after distinguished service in the Second World War, with the noble ambition of preventing a repeat. Similarly, some had seen the deprivation of 1930s Britain and vowed never again. Politics was a natural path for the nations brightest and best.
Any risk posed by Chinese technology firm Huawei to the UKs telecoms infrastructure can be contained, cybersecurity bosses have concluded.

Huaweis equipment is set to be used in the next generation of mobile networks which will connect billions of devices from tablets to smart home appliances, prompting fears that could be used by Beijing for mass data gathering and espionage. But the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on Monday that it can mitigate any potential spying risks.

The findings are a blow to US government aims to freeze Chinas technology champion out of the global rollout of 5G technology, a goal which Huawei says is motivated by trade policy rather than security fears.

Australia and New Zealand have blocked or banned Huawei from involvement in their 5G networks while the US has restricted federal funding to buy Huawei equipment, and Canada is reviewing the potential threat posed by the companys products.

An NCSC spokesperson said: The National Cyber Security Centre is committed to the security of UK networks, and we have a unique oversight and understanding of Huawei engineering and cybersecurity.

As was made clear in Julys [Huawei] oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huaweis engineering and security capabilities. We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make.

A report on the issue will be published in the near future, the spokesperson said.

Former GCHQ boss Robert Hannigan suggested last week the issue was too complex to simply ban the firm from the UKs super-fast mobile infrastructure, despite defence secretary Gavin Williamson expressing very deep concerns about the Chinese company.

The tech giant said it was committed to working with governments around the world and that its sharing of source code with GCHQs Huawei oversight body had left the firm naked.

Huaweis president Ryan Ding has denied the firm has any links to Chinese spying operations. In a letter to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee this month, he insisted the firm was not involved with such practices.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

But a 2012 US House Intelligence Committee report outlined Huaweis links to the Chinese state, has since been picked up by other western governments.

Since the report, Beijing has taken a more authoritarian turn under president Xi Jinping, who has abolished term limits in place since the death of Mao Zedong, launched a severe clampdown on domestic dissent, and harnessed the power of online technology to do so.

FBI director Christopher Wray has suggested that Huaweis smartphones could be used to maliciously modify or steal information.

Mr Ding insists that Huawei has never and would never assist any country in gathering intelligence on other countries. However, the assurances have not proved enough to stem the tide of governments and institutions seeking to cut ties or re-evaluate their relationships with the company.

Oxford University suspended research grants from Huawei last month while German chancellor Angela Merkels administration is looking at ways to exclude Huawei from the countrys 5G networks.

It follows a concerted push by the Donald Trumps US administration, which Huawei argues is motivated by trade policy rather than genuine concerns about national security.

In August, Mr Trump banned US government officials from using Huawei devices and those made by another Chinese company, ZTE.

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Tensions escalated significantly after the arrest of Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou in Canada at the behest of the US government, sparking an unprecedented diplomatic row between Beijing and Washington.

Huawei is a leading supplier of the equipment that underpins the fifth generation of mobile networks. The new infrastructure is 100 times faster than current 4G and will allow billions of devices from cars to gadgets to traffic lights to connect and share data.

Huawei last year surpassed Apple to become the worlds second-largest smartphone manufacturer behind Samsung.
Honda is preparing to announce the closure of its Swindon plant in 2022 with the loss of 3,500 jobs.

The Japanese car manufacturer announced earlier this month it would cut 350 jobs at the factory, citing a global fall in demand for diesel cars.

That followed an announcement in January that Honda would shut down production at Swindon for six days in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Last year Honda warned that crashing out of the EU could cost the company tens of millions of pounds.

Sky News reported on Monday that the Swindon plant will close with an announcement expected as soon as Tuesday. Brexit is thought to be a factor in Hondas decision, however the company declined to comment.

Des Quinn, Unite national officer for the automotive sector, said the job losses will be a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing.

Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Show all 5 1 /5 Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Jaguar Land Rover Britain's largest automotive manufacturer announced in January that it plans to cut 4500 jobs from its 40,000 workforce Getty Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Nissan The Japanese car company announced early in February that it would no longer be making the new X-trail model at its Sunderland factory Getty Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Honda Honda has announced that it is planning to close its Swindon plant with the loss of 3,500 jobs PA Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Michelin Michelin announced in November that it will close its Dundee tyre factory which employs over 800 people by 2020 PA Car manufacturers cutting UK jobs Schaeffler Shchaeffler's Llanelli plant is to close by the end of 2019. The company provides automotive and and industrial parts worldwide and the Llanelli plant employs over 200 people. Juergen Ziegler, chief executive for Europe, said that while Brexit was not the only factor, it has "brought forward" the decision to relocate Google

The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sector  and now it has been brought low by the chaotic Brexit uncertainty created by the rigid approach adopted by prime minister Theresa May, he said.

Production changes in Swindon are not expected until 2021, according to local Conservative MP Justin Tomlinson.

He tweeted: Honda are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit, as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.

However, the company is the latest in a string of car manufacturers to cut jobs or shift production out of the UK. Nissan announced this month that it would build its new X-Trail model in Japan rather than Sunderland, while Toyota has also sounded the alarm, stating it has no contingency for no deal.

A Toyota spokesperson said this month: We need a deal. We will have peak production in March because we have a new model, the Corolla.

There is no planned production stop. No deal is not an option for us. We operate lean manufacturing and hold hours of inventory at the plant.

Japan recently signed a trade deal with the EU, which will introduce zero tariffs on car imports, whereas vehicles exported from the UK to Europe face a 10 per cent tariff after a no-deal Brexit.

Carmakers have been hit hard by uncertainty surrounding the UKs departure from the European Union, new diesel emissions rules and a slowdown in a number of key markets such as China.

Recommended Car industry workers want to leave the EU

Jaguar Land Rover has also stated it will cut thousands of jobs, while Ford last week warned no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic for the firms UK operations.

Rachel Reeves, chair of the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, said the Honda job cuts were devastating for Swindon and the UK car industry.

The threat of Brexit is already having a damaging impact on investment decisions in the UK, Ms Reeves said.

The PM now needs to rule out no deal immediately and keep us in the single market and customs union rather than risk further fatal damage to our car industry. Japan and the EU have a free trade agreement, guaranteeing tariff free access. It would be an act of folly to toss that away, along with friction-free access to the EU market, in the forlorn hope that we could negotiate a better deal.

Investment in the British car industry fell by 50 per cent in 2018, as firms held back spending due to Brexit, while UK car production fell 9.1 per cent to a five-year low of 1.52 million units in 2018.

With eight out of 10 cars exported, weak demand in many markets  including the eurozone, the UK and China  has depressed production.

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Confusion over new official fuel consumption figures and mixed messages from governments about diesel added to the industrys problems. It was the second consecutive annual fall as the sector faces multiple challenges.

A Honda spokesperson said the company could not comment on speculation.

We take our responsibilities to our associates very seriously and will always communicate any significant news with them first, the spokesperson said.
A vital part of the City of London supporting tens of thousands of jobs has been spared the worst effects of a cliff-edge Brexit after European regulators recognised clearing houses, which process trillions of pounds worth of transactions each year.

Londons three main clearing houses, LCH, ICE Clear Europe and LME Clear, have been recognised by the European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma), just 39 days before the UK is set to leave the EU  with or without a deal.

The three companies process deals in commodities, securities and derivatives and underpin Londons dominance in the European clearing business.

Paris, Frankfurt and other European financial hubs hope to prise much of that lucrative business away from London after Brexit.

But Esma said recognising Londons clearing houses for twelve months after Brexit would limit the risk of disruption in central clearing and to avoid any negative impact on the financial stability of the EU.

Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Show all 12 1 /12 Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Liverpool Subverting the message of peace preached by one of the citys favourite sons. War continues and is never really over Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Bolton A boarded-up shop front painted with Friday night vomit. Regurgitated food and liquid and bile adorn British weekend streets. Its the sign of a body saving itself from self-poisoning Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Preston The bus station is a grade II-listed building. There are wonderful frames, with leading lines, repetitions of numbers and angles, soft light, hanging clocks. People wait to be taken elsewhere Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Carlisle The first thing I see in the city is a drunk man lying on the floor of the train station. He cant walk, is completely unresponsive, and has a blank, vacant expression on his face, as if hed just had his memory erased Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Liverpool Dismantling the tree of love, one heart at a time, until its bare and loveless and wintry. The city has made love one of its symbols since the Beatles told the world its all you need. I wonder what will become of these plastic hearts Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Blackburn Making a joint with one arm under angels, the other in a sling. I dont stick around to find out how he rolls it, singlehandedly or otherwise Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Preston People browse the outdoor market, tempted into sales. Im there to look at them, and in this scene they mix with boxes of music in working order, a Disney wink, and a limp Union Jack Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Liverpool Im impressed how humans are dwarfed by human-made structures in the urban environment. The building is gigantic, geometrically solid and powerfully symmetrical, while the tiny man slouches, humanly imperfect and asymmetrical Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Blackburn The play on words for this new development is a footer to the towns skyline, along which run the grey heights of a multi-storey carpark, Chapel Street Church spire, and the faint tops of houses Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Carlisle Im led into the train station by a man on his mobility scooter. I photograph him and his sign, then take the train to Preston. I thought it was strange how someone could be so proud of a city, with all its details and complexities Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Bolton Its one of the sickly contradictions of advertising: you can save money by spending it. Here it is presented as the headline of Bolton market, put so simply, yet still so complicated Richard Morgan/The Independent Britain Before Brexit: Northwest England Liverpool When people stop to speak to rough sleepers it always looks so unbalanced. The different social positions of the interaction are exaggerated by the visual dimensions, with passer-by almost always standing above, leaning over, talking down Richard Morgan/The Independent

Miles Celic, chief executive of lobbying group The City UK, said: These permissions for clearing are a helpful step forward, but they are only a partial and temporary fix.

Time is running out to resolve these technical issues, and while such temporary fixes are essential, long-term stable solutions are needed to provide the certainty that customers and clients across the whole of Europe and beyond need.

A report for the London Stock Exchange in 2016 found that up to 83,000 jobs related to clearing could be lost in a worst-case Brexit scenario.

The European Commission put forward proposals in 2017 which would impose stricter supervision of clearing houses by EU central banks and Esma, and in some cases force bigger organisations to move operations to the bloc.

However, moving euro clearing would be costly and complex which experts predicted would make transactions more expensive and the financial system less safe.

Clearing houses are a crucial part of the plumbing of the financial system. They act as middleman between buyers and sellers of derivatives  financial contracts tied to the underlying value of a share, index, currency or bond.

Buyers and sellers deal with the clearing house rather than each other, absorbing losses if one counterparty fails to pay up.

This helps to prevent a domino effect of losses spreading through the financial system when one company defaults.
On Sunday, fashion industry heavyweights descended upon London as the third day of the Autumn/Winter shows provided a heady mix of emerging talent and sartorial stalwarts.

While all eyes were peeled for Riccardo Tiscis hotly anticipated second collection for Burberry, other members of the establishment  Vivienne Westwood, Victoria Beckham, Margaret Howell and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi  drew in legions of loyal fans.

What we saw on the runway was an elevation of the everyday. Here, streetwear and office-appropriate tailoring were given an inventive twist, while a number of designers modernised traditional woven textiles with the addition of lace, slinky silk and sequins.

But, while whatever was on the catwalk certainly captured our imagination, it was the front row  or FROW as its otherwise known  that really caught our eye.

You see, this season, more than any other, London Fashion Weeks benches were dominated by the industrys super-influencers.

London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Show all 36 1 /36 London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Blogger Susie Lau donned an intricate gown by Erdem for day four of LFW, which she paired with a sprightly coat from Roksanda. Her companion, on the other hand, opted for a more somber aesthetic, wearing almost all-black aside from a sunshine yellow handbag. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Fashion influencer Lucy Williams paired her vinyl Rejina Pyo jacket (perfect for the rainy weather) with a pair of vibrant green wide-legged trousers. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Vogue editor Anna Wintour pairs her turquoise patterned dress with a full-length black coat complete with a furry collar. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This guest was channelling quintessential Burberry from head to toe when she attended the British luxury designer's show, wearing a light brown ensemble with a tartan shirt visible underneath. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Nina Suess was ready to brace herself for the cold as she made her way to the Victoria Beckham show. The fashion blogger wore an oversized, multicoloured scarf with a long, cream cardigan and white wide legged trousers, complete with a brown, corset belt. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks The unofficial queen of fashion herself, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, embraced the current trend for cow print while attending the Burberry show, opting for a brown and white coloured coat with matching brown boots. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Editor-in-chief of British Vogue Edward Enninful cut a chic figure on his way to the Burberry show, adding a splash of colour to his monochrome ensemble with a pair of emerald green loafers. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This guest brought a splash of colour to the streets of the capital, wearing a bright, multicoloured striped dress and bold gold accessories. She completed her look with a sporty touch, wearing a pair of grey trainers. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks They say good things come in threes, and this trio are the picture-perfect explanation as to why. All-beige on the far left gradually becomes all-grey before taking an olive turn in the final look. The micro handbags add flamboyant flavour. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks There's nothing like pop art-inspired leggings. They're not the easiest item to work with, but this street styler clearly knows what she's doing, having paired hers with some fluffy black stilettos and a purple plaid blazer. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks You can never have too many patterns at once, as this intricate floral-heavy look aptly demonstrates. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Oversized tailoring is a popular trend this season. Here, this Fashion Week guest pairs her navy suit with a plaid button shirt. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Journalist and podcast host Pandora Sykes paired her candy-coloured pink dress with an oversized camel jacket and white knee-high boots. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Perhaps inspired by the quintessential style of the Old West, this guest's springtime look is dominated by its blue and orange hues. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Proving the longevity of 1980s fashion trends, this guest paired an oversized red coat with a wide-brimmed hat, large earrings, white ankle boots and a mini black pleated skirt. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This attendee of LFW has mastered the art of stylish layering, combining a white, polo top with a pleated, blush-pink skirt, high-heeled boots, a plaid trench coat and 1970s-esque orange shades. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Sometimes, a simple look can have a far greater impact than an extravagant one. Take this ensemble for example - a bright orange polo neck, navy pinstriped trousers, white Nike trainers and a see-through backpack. A winning combination in our books. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks The power of leopard print continues to prevail. While attending LFW, blogger Masha Sedgwick wore a long leopard print slip dress with an olive green polo top underneath, finishing her look off with a black beret, aviator sunglasses, black Dr. Martens and a Jimmy Choo handbag. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks With springtime officially just around the corner, why not celebrate the changing of the seasons with a bright burst of colour? A bold fuchsia co-ord, royal blue coat, orange polo neck, tan clutch and red and purple heels - everything about this outfit is utterly joyful. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks If you're prone to wearing black all day every day, then adding a touch of colour to your look with a striking coat, as this guest has done, can add a much-needed dose of versatility to your wardrobe. Add an extra dash of colour with a vivid lipstick and voila! Your fashionable look is complete. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Blogger Masha Sedgwick was all about the glamour when she was papped at LFW, wearing a chic grey power suit, gold heels and carrying a red clutch. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks With tartan rising steadily as one of this season's most popular prints, this guest's ensemble proved a hit at LFW. She accessorised with a stylish leather jacket, a pair of PVC ankle boots and a black, studded purse. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Blogger Rayer Van Ristell made the streets of the capital his catwalk when he made his way to LFW, wearing a Kenzo jacket and Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This guest seemingly took inspiration from the 1990s when putting together her LFW outfit, donning a blue and white checkered co-ord with a white polo top, white trainers and a Dior Oblique Saddle Bag. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks It was all about flower power when this guest struck a pose on the streets of London, matching a long, floral dress with red velvet heels and a pair of grey-tinted sunglasses. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Interest in boiler suits has surged in recent months, having appeared on the catwalks at the Alexa Chung and Emilia Wickstead SS19 shows last year. The boiler suit merges practicality with high fashion, as demonstrated by this guest, who finished off her denim outfit with an oversized navy coat and black heels. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Few garments are as joyful as a full-length, multi-coloured coat. And this piece, as worn by Karen Grace of Eclipse Magazine, shows us why. Paired with a bright blue tote bag, it's the ultimate springtime look. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks The former "Love Island" star Eyal Booker arrived for the proceedings wearing black skinny jeans and a checked red and black jacket. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Blogger Laura Blair channeled a gothic aesthetic on Friday, pairing her bohemian lace dress with a simple black hat. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks A Fendi baguette bag needs no introduction, having had a renaissance in recent months, but it's worn with distinct elegance here, thanks to the all-beige-everything look. The red and blue fluffy embellishments on the jacket add a heady dose of eccentricity. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks "Made in Chelsea" star Heloise Agostinelli opted for an all-black ensemble on Friday, adding a pair of box-fresh white trainers for monochromatic flair. Getty Images London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks If you're going to don a white suit, you might as well accessorise with a white shoulder bag and a crimson polo neck underneath for a pop of colour. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This foursome each channeled very different looks that paid homage to the street wear trend that has been on the rise in recent years. Here, it's illustrated with puffer jackets, camo trousers and comfortable footwear. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks This is a very "Clueless" look. Maybe it's the pink tweed jacket that conjures up fond memories of protagonist Cher Horowitz, or perhaps it's the mini pink handbag. It could, of course, be a combination of the two. Take note, "Clueless" fans. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks Couples who accessorise well together stay together. The hats and sunglasses would be more than enough to propel these two fashion week attendees into street style stardom, but the logomania jackets and fitted white blazer bring things up a notch. PA London Fashion Week AW19: Best street style looks There's a lot going on here between these three guests. One has opted for a multi-coloured, flared suit. Another has chosen a multi-coloured knitted coat. And the guest in the middle has kept things floral and fluffy with a yellow dress and matching shoes. More is more, at least it is in this case. PA

No longer the reserve of editors, models and Hollywood stars, these days it seems influencers and their digital followings are valued more than ever.

Smartphone wielding Insta-stars including Victoria Magrath (In The FROW) and triplets Elnaz, Tanaz and Golnaz were today sitting pride of place.

And if this season is any indication, they are here to stay.

Whether you favour the old or the new, there were no signs of slowing down on day three, and the good news is theres still plenty more to come with big names like J.W. Anderson, Erdem and Roksanda come Monday.

Heres everything you need to know about day three of London Fashion Week autumn/winter 2019.

Preen by Thornton Bregazzi celebrates the political power of dance

Preen By Thornton Bregazzi (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

Partners in life as well as business, husband and wife team Thea Bregazzi and Justin Thornton sought to bring communities together through the power of dance, music, and of course, fashion this season.

A room decorated with a cross-section of colourful may poles set the tone, while guests were greeted at their seats by a range of books from which the duo had sought inspiration.

The list of literature included everything from a book on Irish dance tunes to the history of Morris dance and famous Manchester nightclub The Hacienda.

The inspirations were referenced quite literally with scopped necklines and ruffle hemmed mini dresses referenced from Irish dancing costumes, graphic glitter chevron knits inspired by the Hacienda interior and ruffles of lace, taken directly from the Welsh textile weavers aprons.

But, what really stole the show here were the pieces that called to mind Timothee Chalamets harness at this years Golden Globes.

Many of Preens models sported said body harnesses but, unlike Chalamets which many believed was a reference to sex dungeon culture, these ones committed to the womens bodies loosely, leaving a wistful trail of fabric behind them and fastening with an award-winning Morris Dancer rosette. Best in show for sure.

Roland Mouret moves towards a gender fluid future

Roland Mouret is a designer thats forged a successful career dressing women.

But last season we saw Mouret backtrack on the body-oriented garb he has become known for in favour of a more laissez faire attitude  a move he said came in the wake of #MeToo.

On Sunday, he took this one step further with an exploration of sizing, gender and sustainability.

In the last 20 years we all have become prisoners of sizing and gender, and I see this collection as a way to free ourselves, he said. I really want to challenge the way we wear clothes and reduce the way we insatiably consume.

Musing on his own experience of shopping in flea markets as a teenager, Mouret presented a considered collection of oversized coats, louche trouser suits and punchy prints. The suggestive details were still there  think sheer blouses, shoulder baring dresses and thigh-high slits  but this season there was more of a focus on styling and womans ability to wear what she wants, regardless of whether or not it fits.

The show also gave us a diverse cast of models including, for the very first time, a handful of men.

But it was Sabrina Dhowres presence that really captured the crowds attention. A model, former beauty queen and the fiance of actor Idris Elba, Dhowre commanded the catwalk in yet another testament to Mourets ability to dress women according to how they want to, and not how theyre expected to, look.

Margaret Howell sticks to what she does best

A creation from British designer Margaret Howell (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

For autumn/winter 2019, Margaret Howell returned to the minimalist showspace of the Rambert Dance Company, with a collection that offered more riffs on traditional tailoring.

Not one for obvious statements, the clothes were predictable to a point with Howell sticking to what she does best.

From button-down shirts to roomy trousers, loose knits, pleated skirts and slouchy shorts, all of the designers trademark pieces were present.

But this time they did come with a utilitarian spin. Among the standouts were those you could imagine real men and women wearing, such as corduroy collared jackets, chunky cardigans, padded vests and shearling-lined coats.

The designer also branched out from her usual palette of navy, black and crisp white with earthy tones of brown emphasised by dusky pinks, burgundy and, the must-have colour of the moment, pistachio green.

Ashish prescribes a repeat prescription for sequins

Weve come to expect a certain level of sparkle from Ashish but for autumn/winter 2019 the brand went above and beyond.

So much so, that it delivered a six-month prescription for the stuff with an invitation that read: Sequins 5mm. Warning do not swallow  prolonged use may cause addiction. Common side effects  user may experience feelings of euphoria. A wise warning indeed.

Presented within the insipid concrete walls of art gallery Ambika P3, Ashish let the clothes do all the talking this season as models walked the runway under a single spotlight to nothing but the sound of a live gong.

Evidently inspired by the Sixties, the women sported retro-inspired beehives and glitter lips as they sashayed in everything from sparkly crochet mandala dresses, stripy jumpers and pussybow blouses.

But, the most elaborate of pieces were still to come. Expanding into 3D floral embellishment, Ashish covered floor-length smock dresses, mini skirts, jumpsuits, face masks and even denim jeans in a rainbow of blooming beads.

While this collection was unmistakeably fixated on glitter, the designer also continued his regard for tongue-in-cheek slogans as seen in previous seasons.

This time, with a royal purple hoodie that saw the word romance emblazoned above a drawing of a love-sick frog perched on a giant water lily.

A departure from the hustle and bustle fashion fans have come to associate with an Ashish show, this season the designer let his now instantly recognisable aesthetic of sequin-soaked garb take centre stage for what felt like a pure celebration of his career thus far.

Read all of our London Fashion Week content here.
Frances National Assembly has passed a law that will see the removal of the labels mother and father from forms used in the countrys schools.

The amendment made to the nations School of Trust Bill would see the terms be replaced with parent 1 and parent 2 in a move designed to avoid discriminating against same-sex parents.

The decision was widely supported by the majority La Republique en Marche Party, which was founded by French President Emmanuel Macron.

This amendment aims to root in law childrens family diversity in administrative forms submitted in school, said Valerie Petit, an MP who tabled the amendment, claiming that the previous law did not take into account the existence of same-sex parents.

We have families who find themselves faced with tick boxes stuck in rather old-fashioned social and family models. For us, this article is a measurement of social equality, she added.

Alec Baldwin's angry dad guide to parenting Show all 2 1 /2 Alec Baldwin's angry dad guide to parenting Alec Baldwin's angry dad guide to parenting 53715.bin GETTY Alec Baldwin's angry dad guide to parenting 53716.bin

However, some French conservative MPs disagree with the principle of the ruling.

MP Fabien Di Filippo, for example, who is deputy general secretary for The Republican party, described the amendment as a frightening ideology, reports The Daily Telegraph, which in the name of limitless egalitarianism promotes removing points of reference, including those regarding the family.

Meanwhile, MEP Nicolas Bay, member of Frances right-wing National Rally party expressed his views on Twitter, writing: "One father, one mother! Stop theis pseudo-'progressive' delirium! #Parent1Parent2.

Right-wing Twitter users concurred, with one person writing that the concept of abolishing "mother" and "father" labels is "dehumanising".

Others queried how parents would decide who was number one and who was number two.

The amendment says: "To prevent discrimination, school enrolment, class registers, parental authorisations and all other official forms involving children must mention only Parent 1 and Parent 2."

It was first mentioned by French government officials in 2013, when same-sex marriage was legalised in the country.

The amendment could still be rejected by the French Senate, but would then go back to the National Assembly for a final reading.
Nasa engineers said goodbye to the Opportunity rover with a touching final message.

The little robot spent 15 years exploring the surface of Mars, sending back unprecedented amounts of information to engineers back on Earth.

But months ago the signals it was sending back started to look worrying. It told Nasa its batteries were running low and it was getting dark  before it was swallowed by a dust storm that took over the entire planet.

Since then, Nasa has been sending messages to the rover in the hope of waking it up and bringing it back to life. But last week Nasa decided to stop, bringing the mission to an end and declaring Opportunity dead on Mars.

Before it did, engineers sent a final message to the rover, as a way of saying goodbye. After sending its last series of recovery commands, flight controllers sent one last wake-up song.

Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427  more commonly known as WR 124  and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead  sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later  having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region

The tune was Billie Holiday's 'I'll Be Seeing You', which ends with the words:

I'll find you in the morning sun

And when the night is new

I'll be looking at the moon

But I'll be seeing you

But no response came back from space. Nasa flight controllers only heard silence.

Thomas Zurbuchen, head of NASAs science missions, broke the news at what amounted to a funeral at the space agencys Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, announcing the demise of our beloved Opportunity.

This is a hard day, project manager John Callas said at an auditorium packed with hundreds of current and former members of the team that oversaw Opportunity and its long-deceased identical twin, Spirit. Even though its a machine and were saying goodbye, its still very hard and very poignant, but we had to do that. We came to that point.

It meant Opportunity's final message was made in June 2018, to the effect of "my battery is low and it's getting dark".

For many, it was simply too much to take.

Writer Jocelyn Rish tweeted: "I never imagined I'd be sitting at my computer crying over a last message from a robot on Mars, but here I sit wiping away tears. Job well done, Oppy."

Former Star Trek actor George Takei said: "A sad, sad development for Opportunity and for NASA. Perhaps one day we shall find you again, friend, when humans finally set foot on Mars."

Others felt compelled to offer a message in terms the rover itself would understand.

Twitter user dutchess-becky wrote: "Dear Opportunity, 01000111 01101111 01100100 01110011 01110000 01100101 01100101 01100100 00100000 01001111 01110000 01110000 01111001, from A Martian Fan."

Converted from binary to English text, the message reads: "Godspeed Oppy."

Similar sentiments were shared among space professionals themselves.

Dr Tanya Harrison, director of research at ASU NewSpace, said she spent the evening at Nasa's jet propulsion laboratory as the final commands were sent.

She tweeted: "There was silence. There were tears. There were hugs. There were memories and laughs shared."

One Nasa scientist who worked as an engineer on the Opportunity project since 2007 revealed she had a tattoo made up in tribute to it.

"This tattoo means more to me than just Oppy. Of course, the biggest significance is this is Oppy's final measurement. I studied tau (atmospheric optical depth) as a student researcher. Don't worry, I consulted my advisor on the value before committing to the ink," said Keri Bean on Twitter.

One of the more eloquent tributes on Twitter came from poet Dylan Thomas, via graphic designer Dan Mason.

"Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light," he tweeted.

"Projected mission lifespan: 90 days. Achieved lifespan: 15 years. You had a good innings, Oppy."

Additional reporting by agencies
The website run by former Labour MPs who have resigned from the party has completely broken just moments after it was announced.

The politicians, calling themselves The Independent Group, established a new website as part of a plan to split from the Labour Party that was announced at a press conference this morning. The website was referenced on a podium that the MPs stood in front of as they made the announcement.

But while the launch was still happening, the website stopped working. Instead of showing the planned messages about politics being broken, the website was simply entirely broken.

Some users reported seeing messages referencing 503 errors, which suggest the website's servers have broken. Others saw blank screens or long lines of code.

The website is apparently unable to withstand the interest among those viewing it, though it is unclear whether that is because there are high numbers of people attempting to access it or if it has been poorly built.

Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Show all 12 1 /12 Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Change UK Details on the individual MPs are in the following photos Reuters Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Heidi Allen Anti-Brexit MP for South Cambridgeshire resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chuka Umunna MP for Streatham since 2010 and prominent People's Vote supporter PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Anna Soubry The prominent anti-Brexit MP for Broxtowe resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Luciana Berger MP for Liverpool Wavertree since 2010, resigned from the Labour Party over bullying and anti-semitism PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Sarah Wollaston Anti-Brexit MP for Totnes resigned from the Conservative party on February 20 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Joan Ryan MP for Enfield North resigned from the Labour party on February 19 citing its tolerance of a "culture of anti-Jewish racism" PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Ann Coffey MP for Stockport since 1992 Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South since 2010 Getty Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Chris Leslie MP for Nottingham East since 2010 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Mike Gapes MP for Ilford South since 1992 PA Which MPs defected to form Change UK? Angela Smith MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge since 2010

The Independent Group's Twitter feed, which went public at the same time as the announcement, continued to link out to the group's website even as the site was not working at all. The tweets made repeated references to "broken politics" but no mention of the broken website it was linking out to.

The rebel MPs also made reference to the website during the speech, encouraging interested people to visit it to understand more about the group.

Before it stopped working, the website included a statement that attempted to make clear why the group of MPs had quit, which it described as "statement and values of the Independent Group of MPs, who have resigned from their traditional Westminster parties to seek an alternative to Britain's broken politics".

Recommended Everything you need to know about the seven MPs quitting the Labour

It also included options to sign up to support the group, as well as a host of messages explaining why the schism had happened and who was involved.

It is not clear who is running the website or how it was set up, as the records that are usually stored as part of the registration have been hidden. Websites are able to include information about who will be responsible for their administration as part of the "WHOIS" registration they make when they are bought, but The Independent Group opted to redact all of that information.

But filings show that the domain was bought through a company called "Namecheap" on 10 February, and that the site was updated five days later.
The price of bitcoin has shot up by hundreds of dollars in recent days, following the surprise announcement from JP Morgan that it is launching its own JPM Coin cryptocurrency.

Other leading cryptocurrencies, including ethereum and EOS, experienced significant gains, building on a major market surge earlier this month.

The investment bank's decision to launch its own cryptocurrency comes less than three years after JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon declared bitcoin a "fraud" and threatened to fire any trader found to be dealing with cryptocurrency.

"The apparent U-Turn is interesting as it now means that wide audiences that have to date been distant from blockchain and cryptocurrency, are now sitting up and taking notice, with many feeling this announcement will trigger many more like it," David Thomas, director of Mayfair-based cryptocurrency exchange GlobalBlock, told The Independent.

"When all is said and done, and irrespective of what it actually does or doesn't do, the simple act of announcing something like this is great for demonstrating that views are changing and big players are active in the space. It will also do wonders for expanding the thirst for education in the space, which for us is one of the key barriers right now to making the crypto and blockchain market grow, along with regulation that we all now is imminently upon us."

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

Bitcoin was trading at its highest level since the beginning of January, rising by more than 4 per cent over the last 24 hours to a price of $3,780 at the time of writing.

Ethereum saw the largest gains of all the major cryptocurrencies, shooting up by more than 13 per cent with the space of just a few hours.

Depsite the positive market movement, the latest levels still represent a major downturn since cryptocurrency markets spiked in late 2017, when one bitcoin was worth close to $20,000. Since then, prices have slid on a consistent basis, only recently showing moderate signs of recovery.

"These optimistic price movements, combined with a strong volume of apprximately $27 billion in the market, may well suggest that the long-awaited bull market is not far away," Mati Greenspan, a senior market analyst at the online trading platform eToro, told The Independent.

"Still, until bitcoin sees a strong breakout above the psychological level of $5,000, the longest bear market in cryptocurrency's short history continues."
Steven Spielbergs crusade against streaming services continues.

Accepting the Filmmaker Award at the Cinema Audio Society (CAS) awards in Los Angeles, California, the influential director praised the theatrical experience, saying theres nothing going to a big dark cinema.

I hope all of us really continue to believe that the greatest contributions we can make as filmmakers is to give audiences the motion picture theatrical experience, he said, according to Variety. Im a firm believer that theatres need to be around forever.

Spielberg  who has directed box-office blockbusters of Indiana Jones, ET, Jurassic Park and Jaws  did not name any singular streaming service, but did praise the quality of writing on television.

47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Show all 47 1 /47 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination American Psycho (2000) Starring future Oscar-winner Christian Bale, Mary Harrons adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel  in which the Vice star plays the psychopathic Patrick Bateman - didnt receive a single nomination. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Before Sunrise (1995) While the final two chapters of Richard Linklaters Before trilogy earned screenplay nominations, the film that introduced the world to future married couple Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) was criminally overlooked. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Heat (1953) Fritz Lang had a number of films overlooked by the Academy; this noir, starring Glenn Ford, Lee Marvin and and Gloria Grahame, was one of them. Columbia Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Big Lebowski (1998) The Academys generosity to the Coen brothers peaked when No Country for Old Men beat There Will Be Blood in one of the ceremonys closest Best Picture races of all time. It remains surprising that one of their few films to evade any nominations is this endlessly quotable mistaken identity comedy starring Jeff Bridges as The Dude. PolyGram Filmed Entertainment 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Blow Out (1981) Brian De Palma doesnt exactly make films in the hope of winning award, but his political thriller - based on Michelangelo Antonionis Blow Up  would have deserved any Oscar it was nominated for. Filmways Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Breathless (1960) Breathless' failure to receive a nomination is proof that the Oscars cant be trusted. Despite being one of the most studied films in the world, Jean Luc-Godards French masterpiece has an Academy Award tally of zero. Films Around The World 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Bringing Up Baby (1938) The Academy rewarded many notable screwball comedies, though this Howard Hawks-directed standout starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn - whod go on to hold the record for most wins - wasn't one of them. Courtesy of BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Don't Look Now (1973) Nicolas Roeg, who directed this Venice-set chiller, is one of the most unfairly overlooked directors in Oscars history. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Donnie Darko (2004) Richard Kellys science-fiction mind-bender, which made a star of Jake Gyllenhaal, was a festival favourite upon its debut in 2004. Many expected a screenplay nomination to manifest. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) It wouldnt be until the 1990s that western films found favour with the Academy. It was ironically thanks to Unforgiven, a film directed by Clint Eastwood whose career flourished after starring in this Sergio Leone film that many consider to be the genres peak. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination La haine (1995) Mathieu Kassovitzs black-and-white drama  translated in English as Hate  follows three young friends and their struggles living in the suburbs of Paris. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Halloween (1978) The Academy may not be frothing at the mouth to nominate horror films, but do have previous (see: The Exorcist and The Silence of the Lamb), which makes the absence of John Carpenters influential Halloween a glaring oversight. Aquarius Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Harold and Maude (1971) This offbeat romantic drama was a critical and commercial flop at the time of release, which probably accounts for its lack of Oscar nominations. Today, though, its cult following ensures it remains in good favour with film fans. Paramount Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Heat (1995) On paper, the big screen union of Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Michael Manns cop drama was a shoo-in for awards, but no Oscar nominations manifested. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination His Girl Friday (1940) Yet another Howard Hawks screwball comedy starring Cary Grant that criminally failed to secure a single Oscar nomination. L/Columbia/Koba/Rex/Shutterstock 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Insomnia (2002) While falling short of Christopher Nolans best, modest drama Insomnia  made years before Batman Begins  had enough strong performances (Al Pacino, Robin Wiliams, Hilary Swank) to warrant acting nominations. Alas, it received none. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Local Hero (1983) Bill Forsyths beloved comedy-drama follows the mishaps of an American man sent to buy up a Scottish village where the oil company he works for wants to build a refinery. Forsyth won the Bafta for Best Director, but the film received no such love from the Academy. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination M (1931) Youd be mistaken for thinking the M stands for masterpiece in Fritz Langs German drama that follows the manhunt for a serial killer - not that the Academy agreed. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Man Escaped (1956) Robert Bressons adaptation of Andre Devignys memoirs charts the French Resistance members time as prisoner of the Germans during World War II, and is even more enthralling considering Bresson himself was held captive years before. Gaumont Film Company 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Margaret (2011) Kenneth Lonergan would go on to win an Oscar for Manchester but he Sea, but Margaret - his three-hour plus drama featuring a searing performance from Anna Paquin - failed to secure a single nomination. Fox Searchlight Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar-wai set the benchmark for romance in film with his acclaimed Hong Kong drama following a man and woman (Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung) who develop feelings for one another after suspecting their respective spouses of having an affair together. defd Deutscher Fernsehdienst 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The King of Comedy (1982) It may have taken him decades to win an Oscar, but the Academy has rarely balked at nominating Martin Scorsese films  especially for films starring Robert De Niro. The King of Comedy was an exception. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Long Goodbye (1973) Robert Altmans superior thriller stars Elliott Gould as Raymond Chandlers private investigator Philip Marlowe in one of the directors most entertaining films. The director would go on to be the recipient of the Honorary Award in 2006. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Man With Two Brains (1983) He may have hosted several times, but Steve Martin has never been nominated for an Oscar. One film he deserved recognition for was Carl Reiner's 1983 sci-fi comedy, The Man with Two Brains. Warner Bros. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination A Matter of Life and Death (1946) The Academy Film Archive may have preserved A Matter of Life and Death in 1999, but voters failed to recognise the Powell & Pressburgers fantasy-romance at the time of its release in 1946. Eagle-Lion Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Mean Streets (1973) It may not be credited as his debut, but Mean Streets is very much the first true Martin Scorsese film. The director would go on to win a belated Oscar for The Departed in 2007, but hed have to wait until 1975 for his first nomination (Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Melancholia (2011) No Lars von Trier film has ever been nominated for Best Picture, though Dancer in the Dark came close (it settled for a Best Original Song nomination). He came close with Melancholia, but ultimately, the drama didn't get Canal+ 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Miller's Crossing (1990) Despite being revered as a Coen brothers favourite, not to mention its notable performances from Gabriel Byrne and Albert Finney, Millers Crossing is one of few Coen brother films not to receive a single Oscar nomination. 20th Century Fox 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Once Upon a Time in America (1984) Though it's by no means a masterpiece, its staggering to think that Sergio Leones gangster epic - starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci - didnt acquire any Oscar nominations (the film's music was disqualified from consideration after Warner Bros accidentally omitted the composer's name from the opening credits when trimming the films lengthy running time for its American release). Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paterson (2016) Critics assumed Jim Jarmuschs Paterson would have been a shoo-in for awards recognition - most notably in the Best Actor category, thanks to a quietly fantastic performance from Adam Driver - but no such luck. Amazon Studios 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Paths of Glory (1957) Stanley Kubrick never won Best Director despite being nominated four times. One of his films that didnt make the Oscars cut in any category was his black-and-white anti-war film, Paths of Glory. United Artists 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Play Misty for Me (1971) Clint Eastwood would go onto become something of an Oscar darling thanks to Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby and Mystic River, but his directorial debut was ignored by the Academy. Univeral Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Reservoir Dogs (1992) Reservoir Dogs may not touch Quentin Tarantinos best, but it remains a surprise that the filmmakers debut didnt get recognised in the screenplay category, at least. Miramax Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Rider (2018) Of all the 2018 films to be snubbed at this years Oscars, Chloe Zhaos drama - which stars a real-life rodeo cowboy and his family - smacks as the most unfair. Sony Pictures Classics 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Searchers (1956) The role of Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards might be considered John Waynes best role, but the Academy didnt agree: he would win his sole Oscar for True Grit in 1970. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shining (1980) Another Kubrick film that was completely ignored by the Academy is the directors Stephen King adaptation, The Shining. Today, its considered one of his finest works as well as being one of the most revered horror films of all time. Warner Bros 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination The Shop Around the Corner (1953) It may have endured as one of the best loved romcoms of all time, but it has zero Oscar nominations to its name. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Still Walking (2008) Japanese director Hirokazo Kore-eda's portrait of a family over roughly 24 hours as they commemorate the death of the eldest son was a glaring oversight by the Academy. IFC Films 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Swingers Before he became Disney's go to, Jon Favreau (Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the forthcoming live-action Lion King) wrote this independent film about the lives of single, unemployed actors living in Hollywood, California during the 1990s swing revival. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination This Is England (2006 The 2007 ceremony would have been far better had Shane Meadows' coming-of-drama been in contention for awards. Optimum Releasing 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Three Kings (1999) The Academy deemed Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle worthy of nominations, but not David O Russells Three Kings, which remains one of his greatest films to this day. Warner Bros Pictures 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tokyo Story (1953) Tokyo Story is deemed Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu's masterpiece and was named Sight & Sound's best film of all time in 2012. Rex Features 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Touch of Evil (1958) Orson Welles' classic noir wasn't as well loved at the time of release as it is today. BFI 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Tyrannosaur (2011) Olivia Colman may be in contention for Best Actress at this years ceremony, but the fact she failed to earn a nomination (or Bafta, for that matter) for her role in Paddy Considines hard-hitting drama Tyrannosaur is one of the biggest oversights in awards history. StudioCanal UK 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Walkabout (1971) Another exceptional achievement in filmmaking from Nicolas Roeg that somehow failed to receive any Oscar nominations. 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination You Were Never Really Here (2018) Notch it down to bad timing, but Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here - starring Joaquin Phoenix - is a sensational piece of work worthy of reward. Amazon Studio 47 brilliant films that didn't receive a single Oscar nomination Zodiac (2007) Three years later, David Fincher would go head-to-head with The King Speech's Tom Hooper for The Social Network. In truth, serial killer drama Zodiac is every bit as good as the Facebook drama. Warner Bros Pictures

I love television, he continued. I love the opportunity. Some of the greatest writing being done today is for television, some of the best directing for television, some of the best performances [are] on television today. The sound is better in homes more than it ever has been in history but theres nothing like going to a big dark theatre with people youve never met before and having the experience wash over you. Thats something we all truly believe in.

Bradley Cooper was on hand to present Spielberg the Filmmaker award, thanking him for consistently pushing the envelope over decades of incredible work and for appreciating the contributions that sound has made not only to your films but to movies.

In March last year, Spielberg said that Netflix films should not be awarded Oscars.

Once you commit to a television format, youre a TV movie, he said at the time. You certainly, if its a good show, deserve an Emmy, but not an Oscar. I dont believe films that are just given token qualifications in a couple of theaters for less than a week should qualify for the Academy Award nomination.

This years Oscars look likely to award a Netflix film one of their top awards, as Roma heads into the ceremony with 10 nominations. While released worldwide on Netflix, the film had a limited run in select countries.

Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime VideoSign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Follow along with all The Independents Oscars coverage here.
When Google first announced that they planned to shut down Google+, many people thought little of it besides to make a joke at Google's expense. However, as the planned shutdown date gets closer, it's finally starting to dawn on people that they do use Google+ and its integrations on their website. Google has begun warning website owners that Google+ integrations will stop working in around two weeks.

Though Google+ was never as widely used as other social media platforms, many websites have Google+ services built into their website. With the platform coming to a close, business owners will need to have their sites updated to remove these integrations.

Google recently sent out an email to website owners stating, Google has announced that Google+ for consumers will be sunset. As part of the sunset, all Google+ web integrations will stop serving on March 7, 2019. This has the potential to affect website layouts and/or functionality if no action is taken by website owners.

For the most part, unless your website was created before 2018, there is a good chance that the site has at least one Google+ integration. The most common elements that will need to be changed are Google+ like and share buttons that are on many website pages. Though it won't affect the layout much if these buttons are still there, they won't function when people try to use them. Even if it doesn't modify the layout, having buttons for defunct platforms can make a site seem old and out of date. It would be like having links to an old MySpace page or Vine account.

Besides the like and share buttons, there are other common Google+ integrations that website owners will need to address before March 7th. For example, some businesses allowed customers to reach them through Google Hangouts. That feature wont work after the March 7th, so having it on your website could result in missed opportunities if someone tries to use it.

Some Google+ integrations will greatly affect site layouts once they are shut off by Google. Businesses that were displaying the Google Badges they had earned will need to have those sections changed. Similarly, if you had interactive Google+ posts shown on a site, that section will soon stop working. Depending on how the site is set up, these changes could leave huge blank sections in the design or mess up the alignment of the other elements on the page.

The most important change that will need to be made involves using Google+ authorization for websites. As Google explained in their notes to website developers , Beginning March 7, all OAuth token requests with scopes starting with "plus." (i.e. "plus.me", "plus.login", "plus.profile.emails.read", etc) will fail upon request, and may start to intermittently fail as early as February 15, 2019.

Google+ Sign-in feature will also be shut down on March 7, 2019. This change doesnt mean there are no ways to use Google for sign-ins. However, it wont be though Google+. Developers can migrate their current Google+ Sign-In, to the more comprehensive Google Sign-in authentication system.

With only a couple of weeks left until the end of these integrations, its vital that business owners and webmasters take a look over their sites. Broken features and messed up layouts can damage the impression a site gives to visitors.
(The Center Square)  There are a few more weeks for landlords and their tenants in Illinois who havent paid rent because of the eviction moratorium to apply for some of more than $1.5 billion in rental assistance, but not every situation is eligible.The Illinois Housing Development Authori
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iciHaiti - DR : Denial of the Dominican Chancellery !





Dominican Chancellor Miguel Vargas has denied the rumor published by some Haitian media, which suggests that the Dominican Embassy in Haiti has been closed, or that its staff has been evacuated.



In an official statement, Chancellor Vargas said "the Diplomatic Mission remains open and its Ambassador Alberto Despradel, as well as his diplomatic, administrative and military staff are still at headquarters. Adding that due to the situation of violence and insecurity in Haiti, services to the public are temporarily suspended, but the Embassy and consulates continue to operate.



Note that the Dominican Consulate in Ouanaminthe was briefly closed last February 11 and the staff evacued https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26915-haiti-security-dr-strengthens-border-and-evacuates-consular-staff-in-haiti.html



IH/ iciHaiti


















Mount Greylock Notifies Families of Missed Water Test

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  A mistake by an environmental testing service at the Mount Greylock Regional School led the district to having to provide a notice to all of its families about the spring 2018 lapse in procedures.

At Thursday's School Committee meeting, Superintendent Kimberley Grady informed the committee of the omission in the campus's regular testing protocol for radium.

The error was discovered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which is requiring the district to distribute the notice, seen here.

Over the weekend, Grady sent the same notice by email to students' families.

Grady said the school's water supply, which comes from onsite wells, has never tested for concerning levels of radium and was tested on schedule both before and after the missed test in April.

She also emphasized that the school's water continues to receive its regular monthly testing for other issues without any negative reports or interruptions.

Grady made no excuses for the oversight to the committee but said the vendor, Lee's Housatonic Basin Sampling & Testing "owned" the mistake. She later confirmed that Mass DEP advised her that the district needed to take no action with respect to the testing service, no increase in testing is required and regular monitoring could be continued as scheduled.

Drinking Water Notice; Moun... by on Scribd
And those kind of scenarios will be under the spotlight from some of New Zealands top legal experts as they gather for the upcoming Employment Law Masterclass event series.

The program will cover in-depth insights on procedural requirements for conducting disciplinary meetings, how many warnings should be provided prior to dismissal, common mistakes that employers make during the disciplinary process, how to avoid constructive dismissal claims and how to handle personal grievances that are lodged during disciplinary proceedings.
Upon learning about his termination, the gunman immediately started shooting at the attendees, killing three of his victims inside the room, another nearby, and a fifth on a different floor.

After the initial rampage, Martin headed to the warehouse and began shooting at other co-workers, police said.

A manhunt operation ensued and escalated into a shootout inside the large complex. The gunman allegedly fired back at officers and wounded two. He was later located and shot dead inside the premises. The police operations lasted for about an hour and a half.

Martin had been an employee at Henry Pratt Co. for 15 years, CNN reported.

The gunman was likely to have been fired after mounting several workplace violations, according to Scott Hall, CEO of Mueller Water Products, owner of the Henry Pratt Co.
The findings revealed demographic nuances as well. For example,

employees with children were 37% more likely to be concerned about their connection to company values than non-parents

millennials in management are 55% more likely to have concerns

New things to worry about

Zenos research also explored specific areas of concern in todays workplace, based on prominent topics in the media. Respondents across all markets confirmed accelerating technology, work-life imbalance and information overload as major stressors in their jobs.

- Automation anxiety

Employees are worried that new technologies could put them out of work. The study found that 40 percent globally shared this concern. Singapore workers had the greatest level of concern at 59%.

- Work-life imbalance

Despite flexible workplaces, the concept of balance remains a mirage for many workers. Notably, across all markets, its millennials who are most concerned about the issue

- Information overload

As communication channels expand and volume grows, respondents say they have trouble keeping pace. In the US, for example, 44% of respondents are concerned about information overload  with millennial managers most concerned at 51%.
The proportion of foreign workers a firm can employ, or the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), will be cut from 40% to 38% by 1 January 2020, and a further 35% by January 2021.

For S Pass workers, the quota will be cut from 15% to 13% on 1 January 2020. It will be reduced further to 10% the following year.
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Houston, MO (65483)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms late. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms late. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
By the Republican response to the three most-famous Democratic freshmen in Congress  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (or AOC) of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan  youd think these women were Shakespeares Three Witches rather than the three amigas seen chumming and laughing in countless photographs.

But then, youd also infer from Democrats counter-response that the GOPs reaction has been solely an expression of racism, misogyny and anti-Muslim sentiment, rather than the result of legitimate observations of concern.

Lets break it down.

First, shame on the media for giving these three women oh-so-much attention. Yes, theyre unique and interesting. AOC, 29, is the youngest woman ever elected to the Congress. Omar is the first representative to wear a hijab. And Tlaib, also Muslim, is the first Palestinian-American woman to serve in the chamber.

Bravas all around. Their elections, as well as those of two Native-American women, are all news- and noteworthy. After just a few weeks in office, AOC miraculously produced a big bill  the Green New Deal, a joint resolution co-introduced by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. Of course, such bills dont just happen overnight. Undoubtedly, lots of planning, strategy and little elves with pockets of political savvy pulled the legislation together and handed it off to Markey and the youngest member of Congress, ensuring a Big Green Splash and further burnishing AOCs star.

In a brief sidebar: Texas Beto ORourke is experiencing a similarly sudden star turn. Its easy to see why so many are attracted to him. Hes young (46), charismatic, has a beautiful family, and appeals to a cross-section of Americans. But something about him seems manufactured. A leaner, lankier version of two likely role models, Bobby Kennedy and Barack Obama, his practiced performances tend to make one wish for the real McCoys. With unmistakable echoes of Obamas cadences and Kennedys mannerisms, ORourke seems to have been created by an artificial intelligence that was informed by polls and demographic projections.

Tlaib, too, became newsworthy when the Detroit lawyer was caught on video early last month telling a MoveOn.org gathering that she had come to Washington to impeach the mother, referring to President Trump. Like AOC, shes a declared democratic socialist, and she has been a harsh critic of the Israeli government, calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.

Not least, Omar, too, has invited accusations of anti-Semitism for recently tweeting that Washington politicians push pro-Israel policies because theyre funded by lobbying organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC. After incurring a firestorm from nearly all corners, including the Democratic leadership, she issued an apology that was both quick and appropriate, even though the American president declared it lame.

Omar said she meant no offense to Jewish Americans and that we have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. Trump, meanwhile, said she should resign, which is ridiculous. She, like Trump, was duly elected.

Regarding money, AIPAC, though a pro-Israel lobbying group, does not actually finance politicians. Omar was also quite wrong about the nations pro-Israel stance being all about the Benjamins baby, a reference to $100 bills. As most readers know, the U.S. supports Israel in large part because it is surrounded by countries, including Iran, that deny its right to exist, as well as other states that harbor or support terrorism or are, in the case of Gaza, run by a terrorist organization. It is, in other words, in our national interest to support Israel.

But Omar is right on the money when she expresses broad concern about the degree to which legislators do receive contributions intended to curry favor. In her apology, she said she is being educated on anti-Semitic tropes  and is listening and learning, which is good advice for all concerned. Republicans, rather than trying to villainize these three new congresswomen and make them the faces of the Democratic Party, should bow to the positive while drawing important distinctions.

And isnt it time Democrats discarded their own arsenal of tropes about Republicans? It isnt racist to openly worry that Democratic newcomers are expressing anti-Israel views. The fact that the three are female is irrelevant to those concerns. And, it certainly isnt anti-Muslim to observe that expressed sentiments might be influenced by ones heritage or religion.

A diverse country requires that all voices and perspectives be heard. An intelligent future demands that the best ideas, not the personalities presenting them, win the day.

Parker is a Washington Post columnist.
John Bolton did not get his wish. A few months before he was appointed National Security Adviser last year, Bolton wrote a commentary that said: "America's declared policy should be ending Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution before its 40th anniversary."

The anniversary is upon us and the revolution remains, stubbornly resisting 40 years of war, sanctions, flashes of internal dissent and any number of bellicose commenary. But if things haven't changed much in Tehran throughout that period, they certainly have in the industry that defines its economy and its neighborhood: oil. American dependence on Middle Eastern oil has waned, along with U.S. interest in engagement with the region. The latter may look like a victory for Iran, but it portends a more turbulent future for the Islamic Republic and threatens its economy.

First, a reminder of where it all began. The fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979 touched off the sharpest price shock of the past 40 years, with oil more than doubling in real terms that year. That shock, along with the crisis provoked by the seizure of more than 50 American hostages inside the U.S. embassy, panicked and humiliated a superpower already reeling from Vietnam, Watergate and, coincident with Iran's turmoil, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Iran also menaced Middle Eastern oil supplies to the U.S. and its Cold War-allies in Europe and Asia. Little wonder the Islamic Republic got so deep under the skin of Washington's hawks.

Iran has since settled into a strategy of disruption, using direct action or proxies against a regional order underwritten by American power. This has paid off in some respects; Iran now has influence across a broad swath of territory stretching across Iraq, Syria and into Lebanon.

But in the meantime, the U.S. has had a revolution of its own, in shale.

As a result, U.S. oil imports from the Persian Gulf are now less than 10 percent of consumption, and dependence on foreign barrels has fallen in general, with net imports heading quickly toward zero.

This doesn't mean the U.S. is immune to the vagaries of the global oil market. Its producers want to export and its refiners prefer some foreign types of crude (such as Venezuela's) to the homegrown kind. But we are a world away from 1979, when the U.S. relied on imports for almost half its oil demand and OPEC produced almost one in every two barrels. Peter Zeihan, whose book "The Absent Superpower" traces the links between the shale boom and the end of the post-World War II order, sums up the new situation like this:

This [U.S.] administration and all future administrations will use disruption in oil. The U.S. is emerging as the biggest disrupter in oil - and that's by design.

In just the past year, President Donald Trump pulled out of his predecessor's nuclear deal with Iran, persuaded Saudi Arabia to open up the taps, granted waivers that blunted the impact of Iranian sanctions, and announced the U.S. was done in Syria. He kicked off 2019 by effectively blocking imports of Venezuelan oil. In other words, shale has emboldened the White House to sanction not one but two major OPEC producers at once. Whether the oil market can absorb this without a price spike is an open question. As Helima Croft, head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, described Trump's approach: "We're about to find out: Are you lucky, or are you good?"

Meanwhile, U.S. disengagement from the Middle East is having an impact on another regional power, Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has undergone something of a revolution of its own as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has centralized power into his own hands. Riyadh's sudden interest in economic reform and a notably more aggressive foreign policy owe at least something to its realization that American support may not remain rock-steady. In the short term, with Washington on its side, Saudi Arabia will try to weaken its Iranian adversary as much as possible. In that sense, U.S. retreat may actually increase the risk of turmoil for Tehran.

And lest we forget, even as Iran's revolution has endured, the domestic oil industry that helps fund it has never fully recovered, with production around half what it was before the revolution. Sanctions are an obvious reason. Another is the regime's prickliness with foreign oil companies during periods when they could invest; most were deterred by Tehran's terms. (Contrast that with how Russia courted the likes of BP PLC to revive production after the Soviet Union's collapse.)

Even if sanctions were suddenly lifted, oil majors are unlikely to beat a path to Iran unless offered generous inducements. Concerns about climate change and long-term oil demand have intersected with an investor backlash and the shale boom to discourage multi-billion-dollar, multi-year bets on new projects in inhospitable climes. And while further turmoil in the Middle East might advance Iranian regional objectives and boost oil prices, it would both discourage international investment and encourage conservation of oil demand.

So, even as Iran celebrates its 40th anniversary, the ground is shifting in ways that threaten the regime. Reduced American engagement in the Middle East has expanded Iran's influence, but it also spurs other regional players to pressure the Islamic Republic. The changes in oil flows weaken Iran's position in a market vital to its economy. And the global oil market is itself confronting existential pressures that will keep building. Tehran has resisted regime change, but changes in the wider world should temper any celebrations.

Denning is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy, mining and commodities.
Two police officers were injured after a lengthy chase in Houston's Third Ward early Monday morning.

Both officers suffered minor injuries, and they have since been released from the hospital, police said.

The chase started around 12:30 a.m. when an officer reportedly tried to stop a 53-year-old driver for traffic violations near Texas Southern University. Police said the driver fled, leading them on a chase for about 45 minutes.

RELATED: Houston police to start using new driving tactic to end vehicle pursuits

The driver was mostly going in circles in the area, Metro Video reported. At one point, the driver reportedly got onto the Highway 288 feeder road when an officer attempted to do a PIT maneuver, which forces a fleeing car to abruptly turn sideways.

The officer lost control and crashed into some trees, police said.

The driver was eventually stopped on Cleburne Street. He fled on foot, but a police canine caught up and bit him, according to police. He was treated for a dog bite at Ben Taub Hospital.

The suspect likely faces felony charges of evading in a motor vehicle and failure to stop and render aid, police said.

Houston police originally started using PIT maneuvers in 2017, according to a previous story in the Houston Chronicle.

At the time, state and local law enforcement leaders expressed their support for the tactic.

However, Former Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland said he prohibited the maneuvers because of concerns they endangered the safety of police officers, suspects and the public while putting more wear and tear on police cars.

"I just didn't think it was worth it," McClelland said at the time.

It's unclear how fast the Houston police officer was traveling on Monday when he attempted to maneuver. A 2008 study by the Ford Motor Co. recommended only using PIT maneuvers at low speeds, according to an investigation by the Intercept published in 2016.

The investigation found that more than two dozen deaths and almost 300 injuries were attributed to PIT-related pursuits between 1998 and the time of publication.

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.
Between time spent in outer space and at the bottom of the ocean, Dr. Dave Williams worked a ho-hum job as an emergency-room doctor.

Williams CV actually sounds like something a child might make up: businessman, author, scientist, physician, aquatic adventurer and astronaut. His life in adventure truly began around age 7, when he watched Alan Shepard become the first American launched into space.

With parents who nurtured his interest in science and technology, Williams followed a path that took him very far from his native Saskatchewan. Hes been to space twice, and his 17 hours of space walking are the most ever by a Canadian. He also lived and worked in an undersea research habitat. Hes saved lives in the ER and written some books for young readers about science and technology. Williams publisher recently urged him to write about his life for an adult readership. That assignment yielded Defying Limits: Lessons From the Edge of the Universe.

Williams returns to NASA this week to discuss his book and extraordinary life.

Dr. Dave Williams When: 1:20 p.m. Monday Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkwway Details: More information at spacecenter.org See More Collapse

Q: Theres a line in the book early on. You said your mother invited me to the table of adulthood by nurturing your curiosity for science early on.

A: Yes, she was great in the sense that she fostered our curiosity. My sister and I showed interest in science, so she went out and bought science books, chemistry sets, electronic kits. Both of our parents worked hard to fuel those passions. And that was a different era. My mother gave up her career as a nurse to raise her kids. But the most important element was that she and my father were willing to spend time with us: looking through microscopes, building a radio. My father got me started with scuba diving when I was 12. And it wasnt always great. On a dive in Maine, somebody died. And he told my friend and I that it was a terrible tragedy, but you still have to learn from it and move on. That lesson, at such a young age, it held when I became an astronaut. The Challenger was a terrible loss. I wasnt in the program at the time. But I understood what happened, and how NASA had to respond to it. When I became an astronaut, we lost Columbia  a tragedy beyond words. Its not easy, but you have to continue.

Q: So both space and sea called to you early on?

A: Oh, yes. I mean, it was the 60s. What a decade for exploration. Not only outer space but the undersea world Jacques Cousteau brought us. Even on a small black-and-white TV. And National Geographic, with its spectacular images. It was an incredible decade. And I was told as a Canadian kid growing up it would be impossible to be an astronaut. So for a time, I focused more on the undersea world.

Q: Are there any weird similarities between those very different types of adventure?

A: They are quite different. But both are spectacularly beautiful. Both are potentially life threatening. The interesting thing about going underwater, we were just 60 feet. Not far at all. Obviously, if you go up there too quickly youll die of decompression sickness. But both have these stark contrasts. Like the beauty you see in the Earth from space, theres a similar feeling lying on the bottom of the reef and watching the sun come up.

Q: Theres a harrowing moment in the book, and it wouldnt have occurred to me had you not written about it. But you administered CPR to a girl in danger shortly before you had a spaceflight. The push-pull between the instinctual need to help and the potential quarantine problems that arise from doing so must have been striking.

A: Yes, I dont know how things like this happen in life. Weird journeys that cross at different points in time. As an emergency-room physician, Ive resuscitated  I cant count the number of people. Its different, obviously, doing it on the street with no equipment. Add that it was 10 days before a spaceflight, it was an interesting moment.

Q: You dont say.

A: (Laughs.) There was a moment I didnt put in the book. But when I was training for my second spaceflight, I was in the park with my kids. And another kid fell off the monkey bars and broke his elbow. It was a bad fracture. It was a supracondylar fracture, which is right above the joint. And there was no pulse in his hand at all. So I had to reduce the fracture in the park, with no anesthesia, or he could have lost all function in his forearm. When theres no pulse, those muscles can get damaged.

Q: At 64, is there a pull to return to space?

A: (Laughs.) We have to thank Sen. (John) Glenn for that, right? At 77, he went up there. I like to keep my options open. Obviously, Id love to go.

andrew.dansby@chron.com
Think pink. Never has an old trope had a better fit than its contemporary application to Bravo reality-television star Lisa Vanderpump. Not only do her friends call her Pinky, Vanderpump is often seen dressed in many shades of pink, from the palest blush to house-on-fire magenta.

And pink is what brought Vanderpump to Houston recently. The star of Vanderpump Rules and cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills teamed with H-E-B for the local launch of the 2017 vintage of Vanderpump Rose, the third rollout of her signature sipper. H-E-B originally scheduled Vanderpumps appearance and bottle signing for the companys new Heights store but changed locations to the bigger store in Katy with more parking.
The students in Jason Bradleys seventh-grade robotics class on a recent Thursday were buzzing.

Bradley had just divided his classroom of 20 or so students at Stevenson Middle School into groups and given them rules for the engineering race they were about to dive into  15 minutes to put together a Lego robot, then start programming it.

On your mark, get set, go! he announced, and the students, chattering in a few different languages  Spanish, English and Vietnamese  got to work.

At Stevenson Middle School, the STEM magnet school where Bradley teaches robotics, engineering and algebra, the scene isnt surprising.

Nearly a quarter of the sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students at the school in southeast Houston, near Pasadena, are English-language learners, according to Houston Independent School District records. Schools like Stevenson help put a face to a recent study from Duke and Stanford universities that shows how U.S. immigrant children go on to study more math and science in high school and college than U.S.-born children, which leads to their greater presence in science, technology, engineering and math-related careers.

The study, published in January in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that immigrants who come to the U.S. as young children from countries whose native languages are dissimilar to English take more science- and math-intensive courses in high school, and about 36 percent of that group end up majoring in STEM subjects in college, compared to 20 percent of U.S.-born college students.

Drawing on data from the American Community Survey, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the National Survey of College Graduates, the research was intended to provide a different kind of outlook to immigrant assimilation in the United States, said Marcos Rangel, assistant professor of Dukes Sanford School of Public Policy and one of the authors of the report.

Theres sometimes a lot of talk about immigrants in the education system and how theyre a drag on resources, Rangel said. We wanted to rethink the issue. Coming here without English is difficult for students, but it doesnt need to be considered a drag. It simply tends to put them on a path where theyre investing more in technical skills.  We wanted to highlight that theyre not falling behind, theyre just going ahead in a different direction.

This is the case for Trinh Dang, an eighth-grader in Bradleys engineering class who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam. Trinh, 14, decided to attend Stevenson Middle School because of its geometry and engineering programs, she said. Its one of the only schools in the district to offer geometry to seventh-graders, and she always preferred that subject over English.

It just came easier to me, Trinh said, going on to describe an assignment she took on recently in Bradleys class that she particularly enjoyed. The project had students designing a simple device out of metal or plastic that would allow them to lock a door from the inside, and Trinh appreciated how it gave her the chance to put her interest in geometry to work.

It was challenging, she said. It might be the type of thing I want to do for a career one day.

Plenty of the schools immigrant students feel the same way, said Huy Bui, the schools STEM magnet coordinator and dean of instruction. Although the school doesnt track how many of its students were born in the U.S. versus how many arrived here from another country, a related statistic  how many English-language learners attend the school  is a solid method for getting at such a number.

Ninety-one percent of the schools students are Hispanic, and 5 percent are Asian  the two dominant demographic groups in attendance, according to Houston Independent School District data  and a little less than 25 percent of the overall student body is considered English-language learners.

Considering the school is a magnet school  that is, a campus where students who are interested in certain topics can apply to attend  its a safe bet that a majority of those English-language learners are enrolled in one of the schools STEM offerings, Bui said.

It just makes sense, and we see it in all of our classes, he said, adding that his own family moved to the United States from Vietnam. For us, being an engineer or a scientist, you dont need the same verbal skills you would if you were going to major in business. Its natural for students who are learning English to gravitate to subjects where they can excel.

Back in the classroom, the seventh-graders were putting the finishing touches on their robots while Bradley showed off some of the engineering work his eighth-graders had been up to. In seventh grade, the students are typically learning how to work together on pre-made robot kits, but in eighth grade, the students actually used the classrooms woodworking tools and 3D printer to create their own engineering projects. He picked up one of the devices the students in Trinhs class made to lock the door from the inside.

This one is a really solid design, he said. The kids just have a knack for these kind of projects.

Aaron West is a writer in Houston.
Owners of flooded property may feel a second financial loss if Texas lawmakers approve new disclosure requirements that will likely drive down home prices and leasing rates.

Home buyers and renters, though, need to know if they are moving into a dangerous location. These disclosures are necessary if we are to ever bring an end to reckless development and the misery that follows.

Every time a flood sends people fleeing, residents complain they had no idea that they lived in a flood plain, flood zone or floodway. If only theyd known, they would have never bought the property, rented the apartment, or perhaps, they would have bought flood insurance.

Texas law currently requires only that home sellers disclose whether a property is in a 100-year flood plain. The disclosure is intended to comply with federal law, which requires property owners to purchase flood insurance to qualify for a federally-backed mortgage.

On HoustonChronicle.com: System rigged against homeowners when it comes to floods

Texas law does not require disclosure of whether a property is within a 500-year flood plain, a floodway or a reservoir basin.

Landlords are not required to disclose whether a property is at risk of flooding. The soonest a renter may know their building is in a flood plain is when water crosses the threshold.

State Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican, has introduced Senate Bill 339 to require full disclosure of all known flood risks when selling a property.

If the seller doesn't immediately disclose this information before a contract is signed, the buyer can terminate the contract after the seller discloses this information, she explained in a statement. If the seller fails to disclose this information before a sale and had actual knowledge of these facts, the buyer can initiate a civil action against the seller for misrepresentation.

Houston State Rep. Garnett Coleman, a Democrat, has introduced House Bill 993, which would require landowners to make similar disclosures before offering a lease, including whether a property has flooded before.

Existing homeowners are going to have an issue when they go to sell their homes, particularly in the 500-year flood plain, said Stacy Thompson, an insurance attorney with Perry Law. Youre going to drive down the property values in those areas.

Lawmakers should expect an army of lobbyists representing real estate agents and developers to fight against anything that could lower property values. Texas has a long history of putting the onus on buyers to figure out risks, even if it means spending taxpayer money to help flood victims afterward.

We have a lot of people moving to Texas, especially to the Houston area where you are at sea level, virtually, who do not know this information, Thompson said. The buyer isnt going to know where to go to get the information.

Developers continue to build in the 500-year flood plain across the state, knowing that most buyers will not identify the danger. Rather than hiding the risks, landowners should work with lawmakers to reduce them.

Statewide flood mitigation costs over the next 10 years are estimated to be more than $31.5 billion, according to the State Water Development Boards annual report. They do not account for projects associated with Hurricane Harvey recovery, other large federal projects such as the Coastal Spine or the third reservoir being discussed for the Houston area, or rehabilitation of high hazard dams within the state.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Unscrupulous developers will strike back against flood measures

Flooding is a statewide problem, but the Legislature has failed to set clear goals. For example, do lawmakers want to protect lives and property from 100-year flood events or only 500-year flood events. The choice determines how many people die or how much taxes must rise.

The decision will also determine property values in flood zones.

The water development board made nine recommendations to the Legislature to improve mapping, planning and funding for mitigation. Lawmakers have introduced bills to implement some, but not all of the recommendations.

If the state is committed to protecting lives and property within the 500-year flood plain, then there is no need for disclosure. If state officials will guarantee that reservoir basins will never flood, there is no need for disclosure. If were going to remove all homes from the states floodways, then no need to add another box to the sellers disclosure form.

We all know, though, that Texas lawmakers will never spend enough money to remove all of those risks. So the only alternative is to require property sellers to disclose them, buyers and renters deserve to know.

Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy.

chris.tomlinson@chron.com

twitter.com/cltomlinson
YNW Melly has been regarded as one of the hottest emerging artists to come out in the past six months. Unfortunately, legal troubles have set his career back. The rapper turned himself in to authorities this week following allegations of his involvement in a double murder that occurred in October 2018. After he was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, fans began to deconstruct the lyrics to his hit song, "Murder On My Mind." Clearly, the interest in the song was high as it managed to make its way to the top of the iTunes chart.

The charges against YNW Melly might put his budding rap career to a halt if he's convicted but the rapper's breakout single hit #1 recently. According to chartdata, "Murder On My Mind" has soared to the top of the iTunes chart following news of his arrest. Complex reports that the song is also climbing up Spotify charts.

"Murder In My Mind" sparked a hip-hop conspiracy on social media. Fans began to believe that he detailed his alleged involvement in the murder of his two best friends and fellow YNW members. However, there was a major hole in this theory since the song was released in 2017 while the death of YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy.

Before turning himself in to authorities, the rapper shared a message on Instagram suggesting his innocence. However, police believe that he and YNW Bortlen -- the other person arrested with Melly -- staged the murder to make it look like a drive-by shooting.
Travis Scott recently kicked off the second leg of the Astroworld tour. The rapper's been touring relentlessly since the fall following the release of his Grammy-nominated album. You could only imagine that with such a hectic tour schedule, it's hard to keep track of where you are sometimes. Clearly, that was the case for Travis Scott who thanked the wrong city at the end of his show in Kansas City.

Travis Scott seems to be stuck in Astroworld himself. During last night's show in Kansas City, the rapper exited the stage after thanking the wrong city. "St. Louis, I love you. Get home safe," he said. The rapper may have been a bit ahead of schedule in his own mind since he is performing in St. Louis tonight.

Speaking of Astroworld, the Mayor of Houston blessed Scott with a key to the city after announcing that a new amusement park will be coming to H-Town.

"We owe so much to this guy for keeping Houston on the map," Mayor Sylvester Turner said about Travis Scott. With 'Astroworld,' man, and those of us that remember Astroworld, and because of him, we're gonna bring another amusement theme park back to the city. This city loves you."

The second leg of the "Astroworld" tour is set to conclude on March 24th in Charlotte, NC. Peep the dates here.
Legal issues have haunted Mystikal for the better part of his career. The rapper turned himself in to the authorities in August 2017 on allegations that he raped a woman. He was released earlier this week after he posted $3M bond as he awaits trial. The New Orleans rapper took to Twitter to issue a thank you to his fans for standing by him.



Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Mystikal had a few things to say after his release from prison this week. The rapper thanked his fans for holding him down, saying, "Thank you to everyone for all the prayers and support." Additionally, he also clarified the information to contact him. It seems like while he was away, there may have some people who've been pretending to represent him. "The only emails you should contact for business is 504southcoast@gmail.com and info@dreammgmtco.com," he wrote.

Mystikal was accused of raping a woman in Louisiana in 2016. The rapper pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, his trial is expected to commence in May.

His lawyer said that he believes the rapper will be proven innocent in a court of law.

"Based on all of the evidence we have, we strongly believe that an amicable resolution is not only possible but probable as an outcome in this case and that Michael Tyler will never be made to return to jail for a crime he didnt commit," Pearce said in a statement.
Just five months after his public breakup with Noah Cyrus, Lil Xan is expecting a baby with his new girlfriend. The divisive rapper announced that his girlfriend is pregnant on social media with a photo of the two embracing on a balcony. "I wanted to wait but i just cant leave my fans in the dark," said Xan. "Its official im going to be a father."

The news comes shortly after the artist revealed his latest string of tour dates. Lil Xan and his girlfriend, Annie Smith, have been showing off their love online since almost immediately after his split with Cyrus. The two appear to be inseparable, posting couple photos on the regular. Annie even got a face tattoo to match her boyfriend.

Diego is excited to welcome his first child into the world, inviting his fans along for the "crazy journey." In the social post, he invited his fans to attend a gender reveal party once they know the sex of the baby. Annie and Diego will be going on tour in Europe soon, accompanying Nicki Minaj and Juice WRLD as an opening act. Lil Xan is also continuing to tease the arrival of his sophomore album Be Safe, promising that it will be here soon.

Congratulations to Lil Xan and Annie Smith!
Jussie Smollett's hate crime case is reportedly on its way to court next week, according to law enforcement sources who spoke to TMZ. These sources, who are connected to the ongoing investigation, claim the police department is keeping the initial suspects, Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo, within reach in downtown Chicago in efforts to shield them from external influence. Apparently, they insist on blocking any contact between the Osundairo brothers and Smollett.

According to previous reports, the brothers named Smollett as part of the attack's orchestration. Given this development, the measures to keep Smollett from contacting them point to a reversal. While the Chicago Police Department continued to affirm Smollett's treatment as the victim in this case, the Osundairo brothers' testimonies could be leveraged to dismiss the complaint and even lead to Smollett's own indictment for filing a false police report.



Theo Wargo/Getty Images

If Smollett is found to have fabricated planned the scenario and fabricated his story, he could earn felony charges given the severity of the accusations. The penalties for this kind of false report ranges between probation to a prison sentence between 1 to 10 years. The police have already stated that Smollett would be held accountable if required.

Police are said to have found torn magazines in the brother's homes, which could account for the threatening letters sent to Jussie 8 days before the attack, along with other evidence. The Osundairos were arrested shortly after the raid but later released without charges.

Sources say the brothers purchased the rope that was tied around Smollett's neck. There is no video footage to prove this purchase because the surveillance footage is automatically purged after one week.

This comes after reports of Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo admitting to rehearsing the attack with the Empire actor and accepting a payment of $3,500 of the promised $4,000 to follow-through with the attack.
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre are one of the most consistent and iconic duos in hip-hop history. With countless collaborations, including "Nothin But A G Thang," "Fuck With Dre Day," "Deep Cover," "Still D.R.E., "Just Dippin," "The Wash," "Chin Check," "The Next Episode," and many more, Dre has been a dominant force in shaping Uncle Snoop's musical legacy. Now, on Dr. Dre's 54th birthday, Snoop took to Instagram to pay respects to the good Doctor.

"Happy c-Day," writes Snoop, sharing a picture of the pair's recent jaunt across the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Snoop also threw up another one for good measure, encouraging Dre to enjoy his day appropriately. Seeing as it's "All In A Day's Work" for Dre, who knows what his birthday itinerary might entail? Dre's former NWA groupmates Ice Cube and MC Ren also sent some birthday love to the Doctor, taking to Twitter to share their own messages and pictures. Cube kept it simple, sharing a picture of the two legends, a testament to how far they've come since "Fu*k The Police."

MC Ren came through with a nostalgic message, proudly declaring his "NWA brotha" Dre to be the "dopest producer ever." Though we have yet to receive any new music from the classic group, the Next Friday cut "Chin Check" is the closest thing to what might have been.
Saturday Night Live caught president Donald Trump's attention with its latest "Weekend Update" segment. The show poked fun at the politician's recent press conference during which he addressed a few concerns including the border, the national budget. President Trump declared a national emergency yesterday and argued that we need a wall to stop the flow of drugs into our country, Colin Jost reported. And to demonstrate how bad the problem is, Trump spent 21 minutes doing his impression of a coke addict.

The insinuation upset the president, prompting him to address the issue via social media. "Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into, " Trump tweeted. "This is the real Collusion!"

While many have dismissed the president's remarks as indignant yet inconsequential, Peter Baker of The New York Times noted that "no other president in decades publicly threatened 'retribution' against a television network because it satirized him."
It looks like the 2015 "Doernbecher" Nike Air Max 95 won't be the only classic DB sneaker collab to re-release in 2019.

According to sneaker source @Py_News, the beloved Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher" will also be up for grabs later this year, as Nike celebrates 15 years of the Doernbecher Freestyle Collection.

The limited edition Doernbecher 6s originally released in 2009 and are now only available at consignment shops where they carry a $1,500+ price tag. The 2019 version will reportedly look just like the OG, featuring a Midnight Navy/Varsity Red-Metallic Gold-White color combo.

The exclusive 6s were originally rumored to drop last Fall, and it remains to be seen exactly when they'll re-release.

Check out some images below while we await official details.

(Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher": Image Via Py_News)

(Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher": Image Via Py_News)

(Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher": Image Via Py_News)

(Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher": Image Via Py_News)

(Air Jordan 6 "Doernbecher": Image Via Py_News)
While 50 Cent is no stranger to doling out digital beatdowns, he recently found himself contending with a powerful, real-world foe: The NYPD. Unfortunately for the beloved rapper, lines were undoubtedly crossed. A Commanding Officer by the name of Emanuel Gonzalez apparently requested that the rapper be "shot on sight." It's unclear whether there was validity in his threat, or if the comment was merely a poor case of gallows humor. Either way, it didn't sit well with 50, who summoned the legal eagles in retaliation.

Steve Miller/Getty Images

Despite the possible severity of the Officer's "open season" comment, 50 has since adapted in his usual fashion. Which is to say, turning everything into a farce. This morning, he took to Instagram to have a laugh about the situation, bringing his son Sire Jackson into the equation. "Wait so why the Cops want to shoot my dad?" writes 50, captioning the photo as if his own son. He then switches to dad mode, wondering "shit how do I explain this?"

While it's good to see 50 in high spirits, the notion that a police officer can casually issue a violent threat without repercussion is disturbing, to say the least. Yet it would appear the ongoing saga has revived 50's dormant "get the strap," which suggests, above all else, it's business time. More updates on this story to come as they develop.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today it has acquired global hotel brand WorldHotels representing a collection of approximately 300 hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world.

Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced today it has acquired global hotel brand WorldHotels representing a collection of approximately 300 hotels and resorts in premier destinations around the world.

"There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels. By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies," said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. "I have the utmost respect for WorldHotels and believe in its vast potential."

The acquisition of WorldHotels was completed last week. The WorldHotels brand will play a critical role in enhancing Best Western's portfolio of offerings to include the upper upscale and luxury segments.

WorldHotels will maintain its distinctive personality and individuality while benefiting from Best Western's robust and scalable E-Commerce platform, strong partnerships, award-winning loyalty program, effective sales and marketing support, global distribution network, and powerful revenue engines.

"Best Western is one of the largest, most respected and trusted hotel brands," said Geoff Andrew, CEO, WorldHotels. "As we join forces, the combined power of our brands sets the stage for a bright future for both Best Western and WorldHotels. Through its established senior leadership team and regional presence in each market, Best Western brings a new level of expertise that will undoubtedly help grow the WorldHotels brand in key markets."

Best Western has been on a journey of amazing transformation over the past several years. In the last year alone, Best Western was named one of the world's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, expanded its portfolio to 13 dynamic brands reaching new guests in new segments, and won a record number of industry awards and accolades. The acquisition is a testament to Best Western's commitment to growth, modernization and continued progression, bolstering the company's position as a trusted leader in the global hospitality industry.

"In the coming months, our focus will be to unlock WorldHotels' potential by improving revenue delivery to its hotels while protecting its independent identity. We truly believe our platform and revenue engines will benefit WorldHotels and attract many more independenceminded, quality hotels to join the brand. We are very pleased that Geoff Andrew will continue as CEO of WorldHotels for the foreseeable future," concluded Kong.

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Supplier News

18 February 2019

According to the World Economic Forum, digitisation in the aviation, travel and tourism industries is expected to create up to USD305 billion in value through increased profitability up to 2025. This should make digitisation a key priority for the travel industry, however, achieving a strong platform to do so is proving difficult for travel brands. This is one of the findings from the new Understanding Customer Behaviour Through Demand-Based Analytics white paper from EyeforTravel and Datumize, which is free to download now.

In a major survey of the industry featured in the white paper, travel suppliers (accommodation, car hire, cruise, ground transport, airlines & tour operators) said that their greatest internal issue is digital transformation (34.4% of respondents). This is followed by technological alignment (30.5%) and the perennial concern of data siloes and internal data quality (29%), both of which are critical to achieving a digital brand fit for the 21st Century.

"Our data and the industry interviews conducted for this white paper suggests that a significant proportion of the travel industry is struggling to construct the necessary infrastructure to create strong digital brands," said Alex Hadwick, Head of Research for EyeforTravel. "Stringent data practices increasingly underpin the modern travel sector, which is emphasised by our finding that the most important trend for travel suppliers right now is GDPR and cyber security, followed by big data and analytics. There is huge value to be unlocked but brands need to get the basics right first by complying with regulations, creating secure, structured and accessible databases and measuring the right metrics."

The research recommends that brands move data into the cloud and focus on getting a picture of total demand. This is the approach of hotel giant IHG: "Before we had a big data platform, we weren't able to store and analyze our availability requests," said Jeff Garber, vice president of revenue management systems at IHG during the EyeforTravel 2018 Digital Data Europe conference. "We had a lot of information about reservations, and customers that had made reservations. As we bring more data into that big data platform, we can really understand the choice model. Our next step is merchandising and being smarter about what people aren't buying so that we can reduce the clutter we are showing to them."

Demand-based analytics promise a step-change in travel brands' capabilities, unlocking huge insights that will allow brands to better target consumers, build superior products and adjust faster to changing patterns. To understand how to unlock the value contained in demand-based data, download the Understanding Customer Behavior Through Demand-Based Analytics white paper now! It includes:

Real-world examples and case studies

Industry survey data

Data-based techniques and areas of focus that can improve business performance immediately

Expert insight.

This white paper features insights from:

Europcar

IHG

The Travel Corporation

Thomas Cook Hotels & Resorts

Vueling

Click here to download your copy of the white paper for free!
Now Open

18 February 2019

Located in the heart of Dubai, and a stone's throw from the water's edge, the resort is set to bring a new wave of chic design and luxury experiences to the shores of the city. Designed by acclaimed international designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the property features spacious and elegant guest rooms and suites, most with private balconies and terraces, offering pristine ocean views or the dynamic city skyline.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has six unrivalled restaurants and bars, all of which are noteworthy additions to Dubai's dining scene. The two signature restaurants are Tasca by Portuguese celebrity chef Jose Avillez and Netsu, a Warayaki-style Japanese steakhouse by Australian-born chef Ross Shonhan.

As the closest beachfront resort to Dubai's financial and business districts, the hotel boasts exceptional meeting and event facilities, providing a wonderful setting for weddings and social celebrations. A 650-square-metre glass-walled ballroom features a beachfront terrace and is complemented by four elegantly appointed meeting spaces and an expansive private Bridal Room.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai takes wellness experiences to another level, with its focus on locally inspired experiences. All nine treatment rooms feature individual changing and bathroom facilities, and some have private terraces overlooking the ocean. This welcoming oasis offers exceptional heat and water experiences, and an unrivalled range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation treatments.

There is also a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and a Little Nomads kids' club with a range of fun activities for younger Mandarin fans.
Bloomington, IN (47401)

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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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  President Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed a provision under the newly-signed Tax Amnesty Act of 2019 which provides for a general amnesty program for taxpayers with deficiencies.

Duterte has nixed the "general tax amnesty" section under Republic Act 11213. The program would have given immunity to citizens from paying taxes, "arising from the failure to pay any and all internal revenue taxes for taxable year 2017 and prior years."

In his veto message, the President said he disagrees with the amnesty provision which may be prone to fraud in the future.

He asked Congress to pass a tax amnesty bill with more safeguard measures, including lifting bank secrecy, improving the automatic exchange of information, as well as provisions to ensure truthful declaration of net worth and assets.

"I believe that, ultimately, the original objective will not be met under the proposed framework. Without the provisions breaking down the walls of bank secrecy, setting the legal framework for us to comply with international standards on exchange of information for tax purposes, and safeguarding against those who abuse the amnesty by declaring an untruthful asset or net worth, a general amnesty that is overgenerous and unregulated would create an environment ripe for future tax evasion, the very thing we wish to address," Duterte said in his veto message.

He said while the program is meant to give a fresh start for taxpayers, it should not be used for the "gain of the few and the loss of the citizenry."

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Friday announced the President has vetoed parts of the bill, but did not immediately list down the provisions and why they were struck down.

The Tax Amnesty Act aims to enhance revenue administration and collection in the country. It also seeks to make the tax system more" equitable" by simplifying compliance requirements.

The law is said to complement Republic Act 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday said Malacanang is confident lawmakers will respond positively to Duterte's request on the tax amnesty bill.

"Ayaw niya ng general tax amnesty. Kasi nga, that will encourage them not to pay taxes in the future," Panelo said in his weekly media briefing.

[Translation: He does not like general tax amnesty. Because that will encourage them not to pay taxes in the future.]

He added Duterte's request to lifting the bank secrecy rule will help make sure taxpayers applying for amnesty will not get away with paying less than they should.

"Sinama niya yun kasi nga, because of the confidentiality, hindi mo malalaman kung totoo o hindi," he said. "Pero kung ili-lift mo nga naman 'yun, hindi ka makakapagsinungaling kasi madali tingnan 'yung deposits mo sa bangko."

[Translation: He included that because of the confidentiality, you won't know if what they're saying is true or not. But if you lift it, you won't be able to like because your bank deposits are easily accessible.]

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III meanwhile slammed the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) regarding the tax amnesty veto. He said the development is a "testament that we need to revitalize or even upgrade" the PLLO.

"This is the Nth time that we do not know what the Executive dept (department) wants from us," Sotto said.

"Like all the other bills vetoed, we could have addressed the provisions that (the executive department) does not want to execute. The (legislative department) does not consult a crystal ball to know," he added.

Aside from the tax amnesty, Duterte also recently vetoed the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund bill, as well as the bill reconstituting the Philippine Coconut Authority.

CNN Philippines' Ina Andolong, Joyce Ilas, and Luchi de Guzman contributed to this report
Anchor/Multimedia Journalist

Hello! I am the weekend anchor as well as a reporter for Your News Now! You can reach me with news tips (or just to say hello!) at khonigford@wlio.com.
Lima, OH (45805)

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A measure to ban abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected is again being proposed in the Ohio legislature. Similar measures approved by Republican lawmakers twice before and then vetoed by former Governor John Kasich. But new governor, Mike DeWine has encouraged supporters of the Heartbeat Bill by saying he would sign it.
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City has averaged 263 housing permits being pulled in the last five years, and theres more than 1,000 lots available
T he average asking price for a London home rose by 3.4 per cent in February due to a seasonal uplift in new sellers and a influx of international buyers returning to the capital as the temptation of the weak pound overrides Brexit uncertainty.

The monthly price rise, which took the London average to 614,000, is expected at this time of year as people start to put their homes on the market as the spring selling season approaches, according to Rightmoves latest house price report.

The price bump was also driven by more expensive homes being put on the market, with inner London asking prices rising five per cent in the month.

However, central London's Zone 1 was also the only travel zone to record an annual price rise, with asking prices one per cent higher than a year ago. Across the rest of London, prices in Zones 2 to 6 fell by an average of 2.2 per cent compared to this time last year.

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The biggest price rises were in two of the most expensive boroughs in the country: Westminster, where sellers raised average asking prices by 5.2 per cent in a year to 1.48 million; and Camden, where asking prices were up 3.9 per cent to 1.01 million.

There had been some substantial price falls in these areas following even larger price rises in the last boom, said Rightmoves Miles Shipside.

Buyers realisation that there is now relative good value in these boroughs has helped to stabilise prices, underpinned by fewer properties coming to market preventing a glut of competition.

International buyers return to London property market

The prime central London property market  driven by central London boroughs such as Camden and Westminster  is strongly affected by international buyers, who now account for a higher proportion of prime property buyers than they have in six years.

International buyers bought 57 per cent of homes in prime central London in the second half of 2018, attracted by the weak pound, Hamptons International research found.

One of the biggest reasons prices have very gradually started to rise in Zone 1 is because that market has been bumping along the bottom for some time now, said Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons International.

In addition, a weaker pound makes it cheaper for many international buyers, which can outweigh Brexit uncertainty when it comes to foreign buyers making a decision on where to buy a home.

For example, a property that would have cost an EU buyer 1million in the first half of 2016 effectively cost 124,000 less by the second half of 2018 due to sterlings depreciation, says Beveridge.

Brexit still affecting buyer confidence across the rest of London

Across the rest of London asking prices are still affected by political uncertainty as the Brexit deadline of March 29 gets ever closer with no clear outcome yet in place.

The average asking price for a property in the capital fell by 2.1 per cent in a year, to 614,000, which is 13,400 cheaper than this time last year.

The biggest falls were in Lambeth (-6.7 per cent); Hackney (5.8 per cent); Hounslow (-5.4 per cent); and Tower Hamlets (-5.2 per cent).
J onathan Reekie CBE is the director of Somerset House Trust. Previously he was chief executive at Aldeburgh Music for 16 years.

Where I live: North London

I live in a lovely early Victorian house in a really wonderful area of north London that is slightly elusive because people know it by different names.

Its De Beauvoir but sometimes I say Haggerston or the Hackney/Islington border or even halfway between Shoreditch and Dalston. We bought the house from my sister so my family have lived in it for 20 years.

My decor

The house is tall and thin so not very practical. My partner is a writer so there are a lot of books. Inside it is quite minimal, with a bit of muted colour. It probably has echoes of a Scandinavian aesthetic.

Best homeware stores

Homeware store: SCP

Near our house, theres SCP and Goodhood for homeware and fashion. There is a really good, quite old-fashioned hardware shop called Chas. Tapp (111 Southgate Rd, N1; 020 7359 9118). He was actually namechecked in artist Sarah Lucass Venice Biennale exhibition catalogue because she lives near us and for that show she was always going there to buy buckets and gauze and plaster.

Great for hardware: Chas. Tapp, good old-fashioned hardware shop in Southgate Rd, N1

My favourite of all is Goodbrey in Framlingham, Suffolk (01728 621191), the most amazing, tiny antiques/bric-a-brac shop, run by somebody with an extraordinary eye.

Best markets

I love food markets. Ridley Road Market in the heart of Dalston, youve got to shout out for that. You can find very strange parts of animal bodies there. As an experience, theres nothing else like it.

Most coveted object

I have a very treasured occasional table by a friend and furniture designer, Tom Hannam. It has a marble top with red veins and legs that look like splayed devil spears. And I treasure the bird box my kids made me for a parrot, painted in very bright stripes, though we never did have parrots.

Arty enclave

Dalston. In one street youve got two of my favourite venues: the Arcola Theatre and music venue Cafe Oto. For more than 25 years Ive been involved in experimental music, and how theyve generated this new, hungry audience for completely mad experiences is anybodys guess, its so exciting. The Rio Cinema nearby is another favourite.

Favourite gallery

Favourite gallery: the ornate gate to the garden of the Estorick Collection in Canonbury / Alamy Stock Photo

I adore the Estorick Collection. Its completely bizarre that its there in Canonbury, covering the niche area of 20th-century Italian art, which happens to be part of art history that I am particularly interested in.

Green space: Lee Valley and Epping Forest

Green space: Lee Valley Regional Park / Alamy Stock Photo

Im a very keen cyclist and often cycle up the Lee Valley and then go into Epping Forest. Theres a favourite loop that I have and its an amazing trip through a watery wilderness, completely deserted, and then into dense forest. Twenty minutes later I can be back home. You find urban wildness in London quite quickly.

Design workshop

Open-air cinema: Bussey Building, Peckham. Bussey Studios house local artists / Alamy Stock Photo

I love Peckhams Bussey Building open studios and also Cockpit Arts in Holborn and Deptford. When I started at Somerset House, we decided to create studio space for artists in the underground offices, and in the vaults under Waterloo Bridge. The idea was to stop them fleeing to Margate, Hastings, Berlin and Athens, which would be a big loss for London. We now have 85 artists and 300 makers. Theres a fantastic collection of jewellery made out of coal by Something & Son, who are based there. Id love something by artist Christian Marclay. His installation The Clock is at Tate Modern.

Secret space: the Thames foreshore

I walked with an archaeologist in the City and its an absolute revelation, so much historical detritus just sitting there on the mud: burnt pottery from the Great Fire, for example. Because of the action of the river, its constantly being brought up.

Dream property: contemporary house in Hackney

Dream property: Sunken House by David Adjaye in Hackney / Alamy Stock Photo

Id love to live in a contemporary house. Theres a David Adjaye house, the Sunken House, on the next road from us and the Hopkins House is at 49b Downshire Hill, by architects Michael and Patty Hopkins. My dream would be to build a house.
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A sunny day, the Constitution ratified, rivers of ale, and marching societiesthe only thing missing was ticker tape

THE TRADITION OF THE PARADE in the United States has among its origins a July 23, 1788, extravaganza in New York City. The Grand Federal Procession featured citizens from all levels of society: foresters, farmers, weavers, lawyers, professors, and many others. New Yorker William Alexander Duer, who attended as a small boy, remembered the event 60 years later as a memorable exhibition  of which all similar celebrations since attempted have proved but feeble imitations.

One point of the big parade was to drum up support for the Constitution, ratified by 10 states but, as yet, not New York. Federalists there hoped a celebratory procession would prod foot-dragging state legislators; Rhode Island and North Carolina were the only other holdouts. The federal government adopted the Constitution on June 21, when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, but organizers proceeded with their plans, which also included an emphasis on showcasing American self-reliance and progress. Representatives of nearly all the citys trades and professions took part. Marchers proudly carried the tools of their trades or demonstrated their crafts while riding on elaborately decorated floats. Trade guilds representing particular skills flew their banners, and many marchers wore costumes designed for the event. Every entry displayed a

patriotic message.

As a tribute to the ten states that had ratified the Constitution, wealthy New Yorker Richard Platt, the events grand marshal and a colonel in the Continental Army, organized marchers into ten divisions. In an advertisement he placed in the July 22 edition of the Daily Advertiser, Platt asked residents and businesses along the parade route to sweep and water their respective streets that evening and the next morning. Residents embraced the spirit of the request, clearing debris and sprucing up their neighborhoods.

The morning of the procession, participants started assembling early at the foot of Manhattan in the Fields, a parcel at Park Row and Broadway that is now City Hall Park. At 10 a.m. trumpeters on horseback, ahead of a company of light artillery, began marching south on Broadway. The body of the procession followed. A man carrying a white banner led each division; the ten units, comprising perhaps 5,000 people, stretched for about a mile and a half. The route covered most of lower Manhattan, wending south to Fort George at the tip of Bowling Green, site today of the U.S. Customs House, then turning north on Pearl Street. The march was to end with a banquet at Alderman Nicholas Bayards farm, a 200-acre spread between the Bowery and Broadway.

The event was a model of what was to become a nationwide tradition, presenting fraternal organizations, patriotic sentiments, and displays of the latest technology. Farmers towed a newly invented threshing machine

able to separate and clean 72 bushels of grain in a single day. Brewers pulled a 300-gallon cask bearing the motto Ale, proper drink for Americans. Using an entire barrel of flour, bakers had made a Federal Loaf 10 feet long, 27 inches wide, and eight inches thick, with the ten ratifying states listed along one side. Butchers towed a 1,000-lb. ox carcass to be cooked and served at the banquet. A float celebrating printers included a press inked up, its type cased and ready to run; the days broadsheet was an ode composed for the occasion, with copies handed out to onlookers as soon as the ink dried.

The citys tailors had run up a striking banner 10 feet by 11 feet showing a nearly life-size Adam and Eve, naked but for aprons of fig leaves and posing against a landscape with the slogan, And they sewed fig leaves together. The names of the ratifying states appeared as links of a chain stretching across the land. The pewterers orange silk banner featured the American flag at the upper left corner. Below appeared the guilds coat of arms and the phrase Solid and Pure alongside an image of a pewter workshop.

Groups marching ranged in size from a few dozen people to a few hundred, usually walking behind a float, as did the 100 white-aproned butchers trailing their guilds cart. Identifiable by their blue cockades and blue sashes, 70 hatters walked together. So did 31 breeches makers and glovers, clad in buckskin breeches, waistcoats, and gloves and flying a flag reading, Americans, encourage your own manufactures. The ranks included 200 carpenters, more than 100 bricklayers, and 70 cabinetmakers. A contingent of about a dozen fur traders included two Native Americans in traditional dress. One carried raw furs on his shoulders; the other led two horses loaded with pelts. Journeyman furriers followed, carrying the finished products of their labors.

Cordwainers, or shoemakers, had the third division to themselves. Their leader carried a flag bearing the guilds crest and the motto Federal Cordwainers, followed by 12 master cordwainers preceding four white horses

drawing a cart on which ten cobblers plied their craft. The division ended with 340 rank-and-file members and a flag bearer.

The symbolic numbers 10for the number of ratifying statesand 13all the statesrecurred repeatedly. The bakers dressed ten apprentices in white with blue sashes and had them carry roses, followed by ten journeymen holding bakery implements. The guild of coopers, or barrel makers, positioned at its lead 13 apprentices dressed in white set off by green ribbons. Each carried a keg under his left arm. The stonemason banner portrayed a temple whose portico rode on ten finished pillars, with three more unfinished. The banner being carried by the paper strainers, or wallpaper makers, featured ten gold stars and three silver.

The upholsterers guild went all out. On a handsomely carpeted float pulled by six horses and accompanied by 13 pedestrian upholsterers rode the Federal Chair of State, seven feet high and four feet wide, finished in light blue satin accessorized with white fringe and shielded by a sumptuous deep-blue satin canopy fringed with gold. To the right of the chair, a man dressed as the Goddess of Liberty held up a scroll boldly inscribed Federal Constitution 1788. On the big chairs left stood Justice, blindfolded and holding a sword and scales.

Besides tradesmen, the event incorporated municipal officialdom. The ninth division included the sheriff, the coroner, and a number of robed judges and lawyers. Law students followed, the first ten in single file to symbolize the ratifying states and the rest arranged two by two. The Philological Society, whose members interest was words, came next, soberly clothed in black, with the secretary carrying a statement in support of a federal languageAmerican English. The regents of Columbia College marched with that institutions president and students, all in medieval academic garb. The tenth division, flying a blue flag with the motto United we stand, divided we fall, gathered together clergymen, physicians, scholars, and distinguished visitors; one may have been Count Lionel Desire-Marie-Rene-Francois de Moustier, the French ambassador.

The most spectacular display was a nautically themed float, the Federal frigate Hamilton, named for the New Yorker who had been a prime mover behind the Constitution. The Hamilton was an actual shipgangs hauled the vessel ashore from its anchorage in New York harbor for the parade. Pulling the 32-gun frigate and its crew of 30-plus mariners through the streets required a team of ten horses. At Fort George, crewmen noticed atop the ramparts the president of Congress, Cyrus Griffin, and several members of Congress. Immediately calling a halt, the seamen fired a 13-gun salute. On the north leg of the parade, cresting and descending the hills leading to Bayards farm, Hamilton presented an appearance beyond description splendid and majestic, a witness said.

All New York turned out for this momentous occasion. Spectators crowded the streets and hung out of doors and windows along the parade route. As this splendid, novel, and interesting exhibition moved along, an unexpected silence reigned throughout the city, which gave a solemnity to the whole transaction, grand marshal Platt wrote in his official report. No noise was heard but the deep rumbling of carriage wheels, with the necessary salutes and signals. A glad serenity enlivened every countenance.

The subdued mood carried through to the banquet, attended by more than 6,000, including members of Congress, foreign ministers, and clergy. Given the ration of ale consumed, the orderliness startled the French ambassador. William Dunlap, who sat at the same table as the Count de Moustier, recorded in his diary that the count asked his American tablemates how the organizers expected to get so many well-served men to return home afterward without riots, intoxication and disorder. His companions told him the sense of propriety would make the meanest American blush at disorderly behavior on this public and joyful occasion, Dunlap reported. At banquets end, organizers signaled the completion of the festivities by firing a gun. Guests quietly walked back to lower Manhattan. No instance of rowdiness was recorded.

Three days later, on July 26, New York became the 11th of the United States to ratify the Constitution. The parade seemed to increase New Yorkers enthusiasm for the new government. When news of New Yorks ratification arrived, the July 28 edition of the Packet newspaper reported, a general joy ran throughout the whole City, and several of those who were of different sentimentsdeclared that they were now perfectly reconciled to the new Constitution.
The family of a British teenager who ran away to join the Islamic State group and now wants to return to the U.K. said Sunday she has given birth to a baby boy.

The familys lawyer said 19-year-old Shamima Begum and the baby are in good health. In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Begum said she had previously lost two babies to illness and malnutrition.

News about Begum and her desire to go back to Britain have ignited a debate in the UK about how to deal with citizens who joined IS and want to leave Syria now that the extremist group is on the verge of collapse.

Begum was one of a group of schoolgirls from Londons Bethnal Green neighborhood who went to Syria to marry IS fighters in 2015 at a time when the groups online recruitment program lured many impressionable young people to its self-proclaimed caliphate.

Speaking to Britains Sky News from Syria, where she has been living in a refugee camp, Begum said she didnt know what she was getting into when she left and wants to bring her baby back to Britain with her.

I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything Ive been through, she said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

I just was hoping that maybe for me, for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back, the young woman said. Because I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

I dont want to take care of my child in this camp because Im afraid he might even die in this camp, she said.

Begum said she had been only a housewife during her time with IS militants.

I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria. So theyd only have proof I didnt anything that is dangerous, she said.

She added she had been OK with beheadings carried out by Islamic State adherents because she had heard it was allowed under Islamic law.

While it is unclear whether Begum committed any crimes and her legal status is uncertain, its possible Begum could face charges for supporting IS if she returns to Britain. Some people in her native country have focused on her apparent lack of remorse and argue she would be a security threat to Britain.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who oversees immigration, wrote in the Sunday Times he would not hesitate to prevent the return of Britons who traveled abroad to join IS.

If you do manage to return, you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted, Javid said.

Asked during the Sky interview if she felt she made a mistake going to Syria, Begum said: In a way, yes. But I dont regret it because its changed me as a person. Its made me stronger, tougher, you know.

Two days before the babys birth was announced, Begums relatives in Britain said they were shocked by her comments but thought she should be brought back and dealt with by the British justice system.

The welfare of Shamimas unborn baby is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby, who is entirely blameless in these events, the family had said.

The family said it is concerned about Begums mental health and characterizes her as having been groomed by Islamic State fighters.
India should focus on redrawing its anti-terrorism policy rather than blaming Pakistan without evidence for the Pulwama attack and holding China responsible for blocking efforts to list JeM chief, Masood Azhar, as a terrorist at the UN also without proof, Chinese state media has said.

India has failed to provide solid evidence against Azhar and China has rightly practised caution against listing him as a terrorist, the state media comment piece said.

It advised quiet diplomacy on Indias part to better address the Azhar issue.

At least 40 Indian soldiers were killed in Pulwama in the worst suicide bombing in Kashmir, an attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), proscribed as terror group since 2002 by the UN.

The comment piece published in the nationalistic tabloid Global Times  affiliated to the Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) mouthpiece, Peoples Daily  dismissed New Delhis assertions.

Without solid evidence, India has long accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorist attacks by JeM and other militant groups and China of providing uncritical support for Pakistan, the article said.

It asked a rhetorical question: Instead of simply blaming other countries, especially Pakistan and China, shouldnt the Indian government make more self-introspection on its anti-terrorism policy and dwell more on how to better administer the India-controlled part of Kashmir?

As for the issue of listing Azhar, Beijing has reiterated its stand several times that New Delhi should provide solid facts and proofs for banning Azhar.

The article added that China has reason to cautiously handle the issue. Observers worry that blacklisting Azhar could be used by India to increase its military pressure on Pakistan, thus risking exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

It also dismissed the argument that by blocking Indias bid to proscribe Azhar, China was supporting terrorism.

Citing Chinas refusal to support the bid to have Azhar blacklisted by the UN, India in recent years has aggressively blamed China for allying with Pakistan in shielding terrorists. It disregards the fact that as a victim of terrorism itself, China has pledged to support the international communitys anti-terrorism efforts and stands ready to work with India and all other countries to fight terrorism, the article said.

The article did acknowledge that some Chinese scholars think that China take Indias concerns more into account on Azhar, advising quiet diplomacy to resolve the issue.

Should New Delhi resort to quiet diplomacy instead of extensively directing aggressive rhetoric to pressure Beijing, the Azhar issue could have been better addressed.

Blaming China and Pakistan for the terrorist attack will arouse Indians anxieties over neighboring countries. A tough stance by the BJP government may help the ruling party win more support. But this will risk anti-terrorism cooperation being sabotaged for the political interests of parties in India.

Blaming Pakistan and China could also disrupt the anti-terrorism efforts under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which admitted New Delhi and Islamabad in 2017, the Global Times said.

Also Watch: Jaish commander who plotted Pulwama killed, security forces pay heavy price
Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in the Kingdoms jails, Pakistans Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan at a ceremony held to welcome the Saudi crown prince at PM House on Sunday night had made a special request to him on the Pakistani prisoners.

There are some 3,000 [Pakistani] prisoners there and we just would like you to bear in mind that they are poor people who have left their families behind, Khan said.

The Crown Prince, who was here on a visit, responded by assuring Khan to consider him Pakistans ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

We cannot say no to Pakistan ... whatever we can do, we will deliver that, said the crown prince, who has been bestowed Pakistans highest civil award  Nishan-e-Pakistan  for his outstanding support for reinvigorating Pak-Saudi bilateral relationship, the Saudi crown prince announced, according to news agency PTI.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had told him that the prisoners are mostly poor labourers who have no real legal recourse. A large number of Pakistanis travel to the Middle East every year, with many working on construction sites or as domestic helpers.

Information Minister Chaudhry in a tweet said: As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistans request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also noted that the crown prince had graciously agreed to free the Pakistani prisoners with immediate effect.

Cases of the remaining will be reviewed, he announced.

The Saudi crown prince had arrived in Pakistan on Sunday on a two-day visit. He will also visit India and China.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion, soon after Prince Mohammed arrived in Pakistan on Sunday at the beginning of an Asian tour, which will include China. The visits are seen as an attempt by him to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Pakistan has treated the crown princes visit as the biggest state visit since one by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative, according to news agency Reuters.

For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed gave a strong endorsement of Khan at a dinner held in his honor Sunday night. Khan faces increasing opposition at home while Pakistans alliance with the United States has weakened under President Donald Trump, who accuses the country of harboring terrorists to use as military and foreign policy tools. Pakistan denies those charges.

Pakistan is facing a really great future today, with a great leadership, Crown Prince Mohammed said, noting that the visit was his first trip east since becoming crown prince, and that Pakistan was the first stop on his itinerary. We believe Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the coming future, and we want to be sure that we are part of that.

Imran Khan and army chief, General Qamar Javed met Prince Mohammed as his plane landed at Islamabads airport Sunday night to a 21-gun salute, and the prime minister then personally drove the prince to the capital in his Mercedes sedan. At the end of his visit on Monday, Imran Khan also drove the prince back to the airport.

Before Sundays dinner, the two countries signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation worth $20 billion in deals that would help cash-strapped Pakistan get some relief from a serious balance of payments crisis

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistans economy afloat by propping up rapidly dwindling foreign reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving it breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.
When US President Donald Trump sits down to talk peace with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this month, one of Americas closest allies -- Japan -- will be looking on with apprehension.

Like the first time Trump met Kim in June, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has found himself on the outside peering in before their second summit set for Feb. 27-28 in Hanoi. The meeting brings both the promise of a less-dangerous North Korea and the potential peril of a weak deal that leaves Japan exposed to Kims weapons of mass destruction and does nothing to help ease Tokyos own hostility with Pyongyang.

Mitoji Yabunaka, who served as Japans envoy to six-party talks with North Korea more than a decade ago, said the country feared a half-baked, deceptive agreement which leads to the Trump administration taking a soft line on North Korea by removing economic sanctions without serious progress on disarmament. That would be the nightmare scenario, Yabunaka said.

While Japan and the U.S. -- which guarantees the countrys security under a 1960 treaty -- both want North Korea to give up its weapons, their interests could diverge as talks progress. Kims short- to medium-range rockets pose the most immediate danger to Japan, not the intercontinental ballistic missiles that now threaten the American homeland.

Moreover, Trumps unilateral decision to grant Kims request to suspend joint military exercises with South Korea during their first summit has raised concerns about a potential U.S. pull-back after the second. The presence of some 28,500 American troops on the peninsula provides Japan a valuable buffer against a rising China, as well as North Korea.

We want the U.S. forces to remain in South Korea for as long as possible, said Rui Matsukawa, a diplomat-turned lawmaker with Abes ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Japan must keep reminding the U.S. of what it needs from the U.S.-North Korea deal.

Sworn Enemy

North Korea fired two missiles over Japan and tested others that landed in the countrys exclusive economic zone as tensions between Washington and Pyongyang rose in 2017. But Tokyo has been largely shut out of the subsequent thaw, with North Korean state media still churning out screeds denouncing the Japanese as island barbarians, the sworn enemy of the Korean people, and other insults.

Meanwhile, Abes efforts to build a personal rapport with Trump -- even recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to the U.S. president -- have shown their limits. Trump has accused Japan of falling short on troop payments, hes withdrawn from a shared Pacific trade pact and imposed tariffs on the countrys metals exports on national security grounds.

Japan was also forced to accept bilateral trade talks with the U.S. after Trump threatened similar tariffs on its vital auto industry. The U.S. Commerce Department was expected to deliver a report as early as Sunday on the security risk posed by auto imports.

Our advantage up until now has been the strong personal relationship between the leaders, said Motohiro Ono, a former parliamentary secretary for defense and lawmaker for the opposition Democratic Party For The People. It doesnt look as though we can use it now.

The White House National Security Council declined to comment Friday. The State Department Department didnt respond to a request for comment.

There have been no calls or meetings between Trump and Abe since Nov. 30, according to the Foreign Ministry website. By contrast, they met twice and spoke by phone five times in the three months leading up to the first Trump-Kim summit in June 2018, including calls the day before and the day of the meeting.

Abductee Issues

In parliament Monday, Abe praised Trump for acting decisively toward resolving the issues of the North Korean nuclear and missile problems, while declining to say whether he nominated the U.S. leader for the Nobel Prize. Earlier this month, Abe told lawmakers that he wanted to speak to Trump before the summit.

I want to coordinate our policies on the nuclear, missile and -- most important of all for our country -- abduction problems, Abe said, according to the Sankei newspaper.

Japan has long sought U.S. support for the return of a dozen of its citizens believed kidnapped and taken to North Korea in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo have pledged to help, the issue hasnt featured prominently in talks between the U.S. and North Korea.

Abe has urged Trump to maintain a hard line on international sanctions against North Korea, including by clamping down on suspected transfers of fuel to its ships at sea, to push for a deal that includes shorter range missiles. Many of North Koreas shorter range missiles are capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction, but experts are not sure what sort of warheads the secretive state can affix to the missiles.

Former chief South Korean nuclear negotiator Chun Yungwoo -- one of the few people who helped broker a deal that temporarily rolled back North Koreas nuclear program -- said that Japan and his own country share an interest in making sure the regime gives up all its fissile material.

Just eliminating intercontinental ballistic missiles could be perceived as a US-first policy at the expense of Japan and the Republic of Korea, Chun said in an interview. That would be very bad. Japan has to make sure that denuclearization doesnt end there.
A top adviser to Donald Trump said Sunday that the presidents emergency declaration could allow hundreds of miles of barriers to be built on the Mexican border before the 2020 election.

Youre looking at hundreds of miles, Stephen Miller said on Fox News Sunday, probably a couple hundred miles by September 2020, two months before the election.

Trump has made clear he plans to exploit the issue in his re-election campaign, even amid sharp criticism from Democrats, rights groups, border-state landowners -- and several prominent Republicans.

The US president on Friday invoked a national emergency to justify tapping military and other funds for barrier construction, after Congress approved less than a fourth the $5.7 billion he had sought for border security.

Miller, echoing Trumps arguments, said that an unsecured border allowed drugs and criminals to pour into the country. He dismissed government statistics showing illegal entries had fallen.

You cannot have uncontrolled, unsecured areas of the border where people can pour in undetected, he said.

But asked to cite an example of a past president invoking an emergency after being denied funds by Congress, Miller could not do so. If people dont like that, they can address it, he said.

- An imminent challenge -

Given the near-certainty of legal challenges and of a possible blocking move in Congress, it is far from clear how quickly barrier construction can advance on the 1,950-mile (3,140-kilometer) border.

Xavier Becerra, the attorney general of California, told ABC his state would be filing a lawsuit against the project definitely, and imminently.

He said California and other states had legal standing in the case because they risked losing moneys intended for military projects, disaster assistance and other purposes. Several states will be harmed, he said.

Another Democrat, Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, said she thought Congress could pass a resolution to block Trumps action but might not be able to summon the votes to override a likely Trump veto.

Miller stopped just short of predicting a Trump veto, saying simply, He will protect his national emergency declaration -- guaranteed.

Several Republican senators have decried the emergency declaration, saying it establishes a dangerous precedent and amounts to executive overreach. How they might vote on a resolution is unclear.

But one well-known Republican, former Massachusetts governor William Weld, is even entertaining a 2020 primary challenge to the president.

While his chances would appear slim, he argued Sunday on ABC that Americans cannot afford six more years of a president who wants to divide the country and is reckless in running up trillion-dollar deficits.

He said the emergency declaration was an example of Trump trying to make himself seem indispensable, then added, Hes not indispensable at all.
On Sundays episode of Koffee With Karan, host and filmmaker Karan Johar welcomed three guests on his show. The cast of Student of the Year 2  Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday -- promoted their upcoming film on the hit talk show and talked about their personal relationships, their social media personas and answered some awkward questions without really revealing much.

Also read: Prateik Babbar deletes risque Valentines picture with wife Sanya Sagar after heavy trolling

First up, Tiger was called on the show and Karan congratulated him on the success of his last film, Baaghi 2. However, as is the norm, Karan couldnt keep himself from asking Tiger about his rumoured girlfriend and actor, Disha Patani. He denied being in relationship with her but said that they are friends.

We dont talk about it that much. I am great friends with her and I love her company. We are keeping it at that. We have similar interests and I dont have many friends in the industry. She is one of the few friends I have, and whom Im comfortable with, he said. The two have been rumoured to be dating for a while now but have not confirmed their relationship.

Soon, Tiger was joined on the couch by his co-stars Tara and Ananya. The latter said she had always wanted to be a part of the show. However, when Karan said that some might think that she doesnt deserve to be on the show, she said she thinks so too. Ananya very candidly accepted that there are more talented and hardworking actors out there and that she has got the film because her father (Chunky Panday) is an actor. I agree with this section because I havent done anything. I dont deserve to be here. There are so many people out there who are talented...I am just lucky that my dad was an actor and this is what I had wanted to do, she said.

The school's in session and it's time to brush up your millennial lingo. #KoffeeWithStudents #KoffeeWithKaran pic.twitter.com/S68ECr09PG  Star World (@StarWorldIndia) February 17, 2019

Even Karan appeared to be in shock with how she accepted that she is benefiting from nepotism in Bollywood. He tried to diffuse the situation by suggesting that she will have to work hard to sustain her place in the industry.

He then moved on to Tara who said she doesnt feel like an outsider in the industry and that people are sweet towards her. She said she is more reserved and shy in nature and finds it hard to be comfortable at parties.

Talking about his co-stars, Tiger said he thinks Ananya and Tara are fake with each other, something their films director Punit Malhotra would agree with. However, he accepted that he too isnt as innocent in real life as he appears to be. He said he uses some really colourful language when he is with friends, something that tells him he takes after his father, Jackie Shroff.

Tara was also asked about her rumoured relationship with actor Ishaan Khatter who made his Bollywood debut with Dhadak in 2018. He is currently rumoured to be dating his co-star from the film, Janhvi Kapoor. Tara said that Ishaan and her are just childhood friends and his mother was a sweet person to wish her on her birthday.

Karan then showed the three a video message from their director Punit. It was revealed that Tiger is scared of sleeping alone. He sleeps with his mother at home and with a member of his team on outdoor shoots. Ananya uses swear words for Punit and Tara has a crush on an ex-student.

The ex-students also shared heartfelt messages for the three. Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra wished all of them good luck and suggested they better know the name of the President of India, something that landed Alia in a soup when she made her Koffee debut years ago.

In the rapid fire round, Tiger revealed he isnt a good dancer and started dancing only five years ago with his debut film. He said he would make Disha his bae and said she was pretty hot. He said he would want Alia from Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone from Ranveer Singh and Natasha Dalal from Varun Dhawan. When asked what he would take from Sidharth Malhotra, he made a sly face at Tara. Karan asked them what is cooking between them and Tara later revealed she is neighbours with Sidharth.

On their turn, Ananya said she has a crush on Kartik Aaryan because he is damn cute. When reminded now Sara Ali Khan also chose him as her crush, Ananya said she would watch them on their date. Ananya and Kartik will soon be seen together in Pati Patni Aur Woh. The film also stars Bhumi Pednekar.

Tara said she would love to have coffee with her neighbour Sidharth and work with Varun Dhawan. When asked what does the young batch have that Alia, Varun and Sidharth dont, the girls said that they can hopefully name the President of India.

Ananya ended up winning the hamper. In the Koffee Quiz, all three of them answered the big question: Ram Nath Kovind is the President; Tiger won the round.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Parth Pawar, son of Ajit Pawar, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, said that he will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the Maval constituency, if the party decides to field him. Party workers from Pimpri-Chinchwad, which was once the stronghold of Ajit Pawar and a part of Maval constituency, are backing Parths candidature.

In an interview to Hindustan Times, the third generation Pawar family member, said that he is more interested in working at the Centre rather than in the state, since it will provide him with a broader canvass to work on national issues. It was for the first time Parth openly talked about his possible candidature for the general elections.

The 28-year-old young gun, however, clarified that if the party decides to field some other candidate from the Maval constituency for the general elections, he can wait till 2024, since age is on his side.

If the party gives me a ticket, I would like to contest the polls from Maval. The simple reason behind this decision is that people and party workers from Pimpri-Chinchwad feel that this region will also be developed like Baramati, where Ajitdada (my father) worked. This is a fact even though the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now claiming credit for the development works there, said Parth, a commerce graduate from HR College in Mumbai.

Parth has been actively participating in various social as well as political programmes in Pimpri-Chinchwad. In 2014, Shiv Senas Shrirang Barne won the Lok Sabha polls from Maval by a margin of at least 1.70 lakh votes with the NCPs Rahul Narwekar at the third position.

If the NCP fields him, Parth will be the third member from the Pawar family to enter the Lok Sabha polls fray. NCP president Sharad Pawars daughter Supriya Sule is a sitting member of the Parliament from the Baramati constituency and is all set to contest 2019 elections while Sharad Pawar has also indicated that he might contest the Lok Sabha polls from Madha following a request from senior party leaders. Parths father is a member of the state legislative assembly and not the Centre.

It is true that there will be three people from the family contesting the polls (if the party decides on my name), but Pawar saheb (Sharad Pawar) will take the final call. I am still 28 and will turn 29 in March and hence, I will have the chance to contest the next general elections in 2024, if I am not given the ticket, said Parth.

Currently handling his fathers social media campaign, Parth, a suave English speaking Pawar family member, said that he will actively campaign for whoever the party decides to field. Whoever gets the ticket, I will actively participate in their campaign and ensure that a NCP candidate wins from Maval, Parth said.

When asked whether he would also think of contesting the state assembly polls, if the party does not field him for the 2019 polls, Parth said that between the Centre and the state, he would like to work at the Centre as it will provide a broader canvass to him.

I am inclined to work at the Centre than in the State

Parth Pawar, 28, a third generation member of the Pawar family and the elder son of Ajit Pawar, senior leader, National Congress Party (NCP) in is an aspiring politician. In his interview to Yogesh Joshi, Pawar expresses his inclination to work at the Centre rather than in the State. Excerpts from his interview.

What are the chances of you contesting the Lok Sabha polls this year?

It all depends on the party, it is the party that will decide whether I should contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Currently I am campaigning for the party.

If you do not get a ticket will you still campaign for the party candidate?

Even if I do not get a seat to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, I will be actively campaigning for the party this time.

Are you willing to enter into polls fray, given a chance?

If the party gives me a ticket, I would like to contest the upcoming polls from Maval. The simple reason being people and party workers there feel that Maval will be developed on the lines of Baramati and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Ajitdada (Ajit Pawar) has taken a lot of efforts to develop both Baramati and Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is now claiming credit for it.

Why would you like to contest the polls from Maval?

Although National Congress Party has a stronghold in Maval, it is the different fractions within the party that are not allowing each other to work hand in hand and hence, there are issues. It is for this reason that the part workers are pushing my name forward to contest the upcoming polls from Maval. They feel, I am would be a perfect representative from Maval. My father and grandfather will pay close attention and support me to develop this region.

Since NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also showed inclination of contesting the polls from Madha, you will be the third person to contest if the party fields you from Maval. How do you look at this?

It is true that there will be three people from the family contesting (If party decides on my name). But this decision will only be taken by Pawar sahib (NCP chief). I am just 28. Even in the next election which will take place in 2024, I will still be very young to contest the polls.

After Lok Sabha polls, Maharashtra will go for assembly polls. Given the option between Centre and the state, where will you prefer to represent the people?

Being a Lok Sabha member will give me an opportunity to broaden my horizons at younger age. Also, I have been visiting Maval and have seen that people there have an enormous love for my father and grandfather.However, I am inclined to work at the Centre rather than in the State.

How do you see NCPs chances in Maharashtra in the upcoming elections?

BJP may have won previously but I have been campaigning for the party at various locations and have seen that the people are angry. The results of the last few assembly elections in various states have shown that people have started to oppose the BJP. As far as Maharashtra is concerned, I am 100 per cent sure that NCP and Congress will win the polls here. People are fed up and angry.
A 56-year-old class four employee of a government hospital in south Mumbai was arrested by Agripada police on Saturday for allegedly cheating the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for over 30 years by submitting a forged school leaving certificate in order to obtain the government job in 1984.

According to police, the accused, Bijendrasingh Birsingh Vaidya was in line for the post of head of cleaning staff at Kasturbha Hospital near Arthur Road Jail, in August 2018. For the same, the hospital administration sent his school leaving certificate to the school in Uttar Pradesh (UP) for verification.

The principal of the school replied to the hospital stating that the school leaving certificate was forged.

After receiving the letter, the complainant, Chandrakant Pandurang Pawar, the hospitals medical superintendent, wrote to the government on January 19 informing them of Vaidyas forgery. Pawar gave a written complaint to the public health department, claiming that Vaidya had submitted a forged document in 1984 when he applied for a job at the hospital and had been enjoying all the perks given to government employees, since 1988 when he was given the post.

Agripada police arrested Vaidya on charges of forgery and cheating. The police found that Vaidya was a Class 7 drop-out from a school in UP. We arrested Vaidya and presented him before the court on Sunday, said an officer from Agripada police station.

Police are now trying to find out the source from where Vaidya had obtained the forged certificate and whether government officials were involved in the fraud as the accuseds credentials should have been verified at the time of his employment in 1988.
Once considered a Congress bastion, Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha seat has been experiencing change of guard every five years since 1998 when the BJP won here for the first time, with the support of SAD. The Congresss free run was interrupted by the then Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Kanshi Ram in 1996 when he won this seat with SADs support, a political combination which was never tried again. The political landscape of the constituency, however, altered with the entrance of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the arena which polled around 2.13 lakh votes in 2014. Union minister of state for social empowerment Vijay Sampla is the sitting MP.

AAP has fielded Ravjot Singh, its Doaba zone in-charge, as its nominee this time. Partys 2014 candidate Yamini Gomar has switched loyalties to the Congress and has applied for its ticket. Ravjot had contested the last assembly elections from Sham Churasi reserved constituency and had finished a close runner-up. He has been rewarded for standing behind the party high command when a flurry of MLAs and senior leaders revolted against it.

Sampla vs Som

Sampla is the front-runner for the BJP ticket but a strong lobby within the party is opposing his candidature on the ground that a strong anti-incumbency sentiment will work against him. When he was the state BJP president, he is alleged to have further polarised the party. Alliance partner SAD is also not very happy with him as he had not taken its leaders in confidence while distributing grants. His alleged arrogant ways alienated him even from some of his own trusted lieutenants.

His visibility in the constituency has increased only recently. Prior to his nomination from Hoshiarpur, Sampla had no link with Hoshiarpur but reservation of the seat for SC/ST class proved a boon for him and he toppled many potential candidates in the ticket race. His caste credentials also played a major role in getting him the ministerial berth. Yoga guru Ramdev had lobbied hard for his candidature in the previous elections and this time too, he is putting his weight behind him.

Some senior RSS leaders are also said to be in his favour.

Apart from Sampla, Phagwara MLA Som Parkash is also a serious contender for the BJP ticket. Parkash had fought the 2009 election from here and lost in a close contest. Som Parkash is considered close to state BJP chief Shwait Malik and SAD leadership. He also enjoys support of Union finance minister Arun Jaitley. He and Sampla are bitter political rivals, belonging to the two strong factions of the state BJP.

Sources said the party may consider a third option if it gets a potential vote puller. At one point of time, options of swapping this seat with SAD in lieu of Jalandhar were also being considered, but it is almost certain now that it will remain with the BJP. Currently, the saffron party has only one assembly segment (Phagwara) with it, of the nine falling in the Lok Sabha constituency, while SAD has none. The latter had last contested this seat on its symbol in 1985 when former SGPC member Kabal Singh had polled around 1.6 lakh votes.

Tug of war in Congress

After Kamal Chaudhary, who won three elections on its ticket from this constituency, the Congress has struggled to find a strong local candidate. In 1999, it brought in Charanjit Singh Channi from Nawanshahr but after his five-year tenure, when the party tied up with CPM and gave the seat to the latter, he left the party and contested on a BSP ticket. When the constituency was reorganised and reserved for SC/ST candidates in 2009, the Congress fielded Santosh Chowdhary, an ex-MP from Phillaur. She won the election, but in 2012, she was replaced with Jalandhars ex-MP Mohinder Singh Kaypee who lost to Sampla. Chowdhary, 75, has again applied for the ticket and has also got her daughter Namita apply so as to keep the seat within the family in case the party rejects her claim due to her age.

Former ministers Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Joginder Singh Mann, Balbir Rani Sodhi from Kapurthala, a retired engineer Mohan Lal Sood from Phagwara, Sham Churasi MLA Pawan Adia and Chabbewal MLA Raj Kumar have also applied for the ticket.

Names of the sitting MLAs, however, would be considered in tune with the party policy only. Gomar has her eyes on the gender quota and expects reward for quitting the AAP.
Allies BJP and Shiv Sena, often seen taking potshots at each other, finalised a seat-sharing pact for 2019 Lok Sabha elections on Monday. The deal was reached after BJP president Amit Shah met Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai.

The BJP will contest 25 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra while Shiv Sena will fight on the remaining 23.

Shiv Sena and the Akali Dal are among our oldest allies. We had some differences but they are a thing of the past now. Our alliance will win at least 45 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, said BJP chief Amit Shah.

Uddhav Thackeray said the Shiv Sena and the BJP are old allies. People have seen the Shiv Sena and the BJP for the past 30 years. For 25 years, we stood united, there was confusion for five years. But like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, I still provided guidance to government from time to time, Thackeray was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact saying the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra.

Inspired by the vision of Atal Ji and Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non corrupt and proud of Indias cultural ethos.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2019

In 2014, the BJP contested 24 Lok Sabha seats and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena 20. Four seats went to other allies, the Swabhimani Paksha of Raju Shetty, the Republican Party of India of Ram Das Athawale and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha of Mahadev Jankar.

The Sena-BJP alliance fell apart in the assembly elections held in 2014, after the BJP refused to accept the Sena as the senior partner in the state. They fought separately and the BJP fielded candidates in 260 out of 288 assembly seats; the Sena contested 282 seats. The former won 122 and the latter 63.

They came together after the election to form the government in Maharashtra, but the relationship has remained strained.

The parties contested separately in the subsequent local body elections and the BJP dominated the local polls, winning 15 out of the 27 big city corporations in the state. The Sena retained control of Mumbai but managed to win just two more seats than the BJP in the city.

The assembly election is supposed to be held six months after the Lok Sabha polls this summer.

Shiv Sena, the ruling partys cantankerous ally, had hinted to the BJP that it expects at least half the Lok Sabha and assembly seats in the state if the partnership between the two is to continue, leaders familiar with informal negotiations between the two parties said. The Sena had also told the BJP about its preference for simultaneous polls.

The Sena had announced in January that it would go solo in the next Lok Sabha and state elections and has since then built pressure on the BJP on issues such as the Ram temple and demonetisation.
Rajasthan energy minister BD Kalla has said relief work for drought-affected Barmer district will start from April 1, but for Thar farmers reeling under dry conditions, its a long wait.

Kalla, minister in-charge of Barmer district, chaired a meeting here on Saturday to take stock of the progress of welfare schemes and programmes.

Of the total 2,775 villages in the district, 2,694 have been declared drought-affected; a government report has called it the severest drought of the decade.

The district received scanty rainfall for the fifth year in a row. According to official data, 1600 villages of the district were drought-affected in 2014; 1470 in 2015; 2478 in 2016 and 1900 in 2017. Sawairam Mali, a farmer from a village near Barmer, said, Despite failure of monsoon about six months ago, government has not yet launched relief activities.

After monsoon failure in September, people started facing shortage of drinking water and fodder for cattle. People of many villages have started migrating towards safer locations to get drinking water and fodder, Mali said.

Officials asked for crop assessment on September 15 last year and the report was submitted on October 15. The report revealed that Barmer received 128 mm rainfall this monsoon against the average of 275 mm. In 2,191 villages, crops have been fully damaged and 503 villages recorded 75% crop loss, the report said.

In December last year, a central team visited the drought-affected areas in the district and took stock of the situation. On the basis of reports and recommendations, the state government in the first week of January declared 2,691 of the 2,775 villages in Barmer as scarcity hit.

After the governments declaration, people were hopeful that relief work would begin soon. Government is preparing reports. When there is no rainfall, why doesnt the government start relief activities? asked Mali. Now government has announced to launch relief from April 1. But how to manage our drinking water needs till then? Where will we go with our cattle? We are unable to cope up with the difficulties.

Barmer district collector Himanshu Gupta said the government has issued a circular announcing that drought relief activities would be carried out from April 1. He said government has planned two types of relief activities -- cattle camps and fodder depots, and sanctioned a contingency plan worth Rs 4.50 crore.

Following the governments directive, block officials have been asked to send proposals regarding relief activities. The state government will sanction relief on the basis of the proposals, Gupta said.
Guess snakes on a plane is a thing of the past. Now, pictures and videos circulating online show the exact moment a passenger onboard an aircraft discovered a huge scorpion crawling out of the overheard luggage compartment right above his seat. And just the size of the creature is enough to make anyone shudder.

The incident took place on February 14 during a Lion Air flight from Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport in Riau to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, reports The Jakarta Post.

A passenger noticed the creature right above his seat near the storage compartment. He took pictures and a video and shared them online.

While the post has been circulating online, a spokesperson for Lion Air has said that the airline is investigating the incident, reports Daily Mail.

From the observations according to the photograph and video, the animal resembles a spider. Ground service officers and technicians immediately carried out an in-depth search and thorough handling of the aircraft after the passengers and cargo were removed, but no animals were found, spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro said.

In another similar incident recently, a woman in Thailand spotted a live snake hiding inside her bus seat. After the scary discovery, the bus was halted on the side of a road and help was called in. A video shared online shows a snake catcher removing the snake from its hideout  and the video is definitely not for the fainthearted.
Getting flak for his comments in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Punjab minister for local bodies and tourism Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday hit out at the BJP by reminding it of the release of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar 20 years ago during the Kandahar standoff in 1999. The minister also sought exemplary action against those behind terrorist activities.

Those who are branding me as anti-national should tell the people as to who had handed him (Massod) over to Pakistan. What they (BJP) had been doing all these years to get at him, he asked.

He said his statement had been distorted by people with vested interests. Nationalism is the highest religion and I stand by my nation, he said. I echo the sentiments of my country. Indias voice is my voice and I strongly stand by my partys stand, he added.

Reiterating his stand, he said, Innocent people, women, children, elders should not be punished for the acts of a handful of rogue elements. This is against the teachings of the Sikh gurus and humanitarian law. At the same time, I call for exemplary punishment to the perpetrators of the attack.

If you have the guts, bring the guilty back and hang him publically, he said. Indias peace and development should not suffer a set back because of a handful of terrorists, he added.

In the aftermath of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama last week, Sidhu had said that for a handful people, you cannot blame an entire nation.

Will not be cowed down

Reacting to BJPs protest on his arrival in the city on Sunday, he said that he was not the one to be cowed down by such acts.

These are dirty tactics to deter me from campaigning in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Such things have happened in the past but every time I came out even stronger, he remarked.

Meanwhile a major showdown was averted by the police by intercepting BJP workers who wanted to protest outside zila parishad office where Sidhu had to address a public meeting.

A large number of Congress workers had also gathered outside the venue to counter the demonstrators.

Slogan raising BJP workers were packed off to a distant place in a police bus and were released after Sidhus departure. Police personnel had barricaded the area not allowing even the normal traffic to pass through.

Read | Pulwama attack: What has this bloodshed got to do with Kartarpur corridor, asks Navjot Singh Sidhu

Never said anything in favour of terrorism

In another event at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur, he said that the clamour by his opponents over his statement on the incident is politically motivated, and he had not said anything in favour of terrorism.

He, however, evaded queries when asked if there was Pakistans hand in the Pulwama IED blast, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans.

Sidhu also rubbished the rumours that he has been asked by the Sony TV to leave The Kapil Sharma Show. He said that he had not received any communique in this regard and added that he is still very much part of the comedy show.

Sidhu also visited the house of CRPF jawan Maninder Singh, who was martyred in Thursdays terrorist attack, in Dinanagar and extended his sympathy to the members of the bereaved family. He said that Maninder and his other colleagues had sacrificed their lives for the country and the whole nation stands by their families in this hour of crisis.

Later, Sidhu laid foundation down stones for Rs 36-crore sewerage treatment plant and development works of sewerage and water supply near Daburji village in Dinanagar.

Sidhu informed the locals that the state government will be spending a sum of Rs 100 crore to give a face lift to Dinanagar.

Punjab transport minister and Dinanagar MLA Aruna Chaudhary, former Gurdaspur district Congress committee president Ashok Chaudhary and officers from the sewerage and water supply department were also present.

Also Read | Punjab cabinet mum on Sidhus comment on Pulwama attack
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of Budge Budge Municipality, 35 km south of Kolkata was critically injured after he was shot inside a party office Monday night, police said

Mithun Thikadar was rushed to a private hospital in south Kolkata where his condition was stated to be serious. He was shot in the chest and abdomen. The two assailants also hurled bombs at him while escaping.

Trinamool workers who were present inside the party office during the attack identified the assailants as Kamal Khan and Muhammad Kaif.

Kamal and Kaif were involved in the attack. Mithun named them while he was still conscious. The attack must have been planned by Bharatiya Janata Party because they are our biggest rival, alleged Gautam Dasgupta, district Trinamool leader and vice-chairman of Budge Budge municipality.

The BJP dismissed the TMCs charge.

Trinamool leaders have realised that their regime is coming to an end. All these clashes are results of infighting over personal interests. The names of the alleged assailants should make it apparent that BJP cannot be involved in this, said BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha.

Incidentally, Thikadar too allegedly opened fire at local youths during a dispute during Durga Puja in October last year. We are investigating whether there is a link between the two incidents, said a district police officer who did not wish to be identified.

This is the second attack on a Bengal Trinammol leader in less in nine days. On February 9, Krishnaganj MLA from Nadia district Satyajit Biswas was shot dead by some assailants while he was watching a cultural programme near a Saraswati Puja pandal, not far from his home. Avijit

Pundari, the prime suspect in the murder was arrested in West Midnapore district on Monday morning.

Hours before he was attacked, Thikadar attended a programme organised to mark the inauguration of a road bridge by Trinamool MP and chief minister Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhisek Banerjee. He was seen beside Banerjee on the dais.
What do the flower seller on the corner of your street, the food app-based delivery man, the person tasked to pick up garbage from your home, and the growing army of professional freelancers, have in common? Two things: One, they are all unorganised or informal workers  a labour force which doesnt have access to a steady salary, often based around gigs, short-term contracts or part-time work, as opposed to permanent jobs. Two, they all work without social protection benefits, like pension or health insurance.

The changing nature of work is upending traditional employment globally, and with it, social protection systems. Take for instance, insurance, made possible through mandatory contribution and payroll taxes on formal wage employment.

New working arrangements outside standard contracts mean that such protection is not available to an increasing share of people. And while highly skilled and well-paid freelancers can save and buy insurance from the private sector, poor unorganised workers cannot. In fact, only 10.3% of the working population in India report contributing to social insurance plans.

Alongside the recent focus on unemployment in India, it bears repeating that in terms of absolute numbers, there are more unorganised sector workers than unemployed people. As per the 2012 National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data, while 10.6 million people were unemployed, nearly 391 million  over 90% of all workers in India -- were employed in the unorganised sector. Combined, thats a lot of people with no access to social security benefits.

Though India halved the share of the population in extreme poverty from 45% in 1994 to 22% in 2012, it has failed to generate enough stable jobs for its burgeoning working-age population. For instance, in manufacturing, employment has been shifting towards greater informality as production is outsourced and new hires are taken on as contract workers.

As per the latest National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data, the share of contract labour in organised manufacturing reached 34% in 2011, up from 14% in 1996.

Its clear that new ways of protecting people are needed. A new social contract and greater investment in people are required. Our analysis in the flagship 2019 World Development Report released in January offers three salient findings that can help shape the future of social protection in India and around the globe.

First, informality, which currently engulfs around 80% of labour markets in developing countries, is a premier bottleneck. India can teach the world many lessons toward creating a viable architecture for unorganised workers  the recently announced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan aims at providing a monthly co-contributory pension, past budgets have expanded social insurance programmes such as Atal Pension Yojana and the new health insurance scheme. These programmes de-link social protection benefits from payroll contributions and reliance on a steady employer.

Second, social assistance programmes which transfer benefits to protect the poorest from risk and ensure equity in societies, could be adapted and enhanced to include larger swaths of informal sector workers. In developed countries, there are a range of options starting with a means-tested Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) programme and ending with a Universal Basic Income (UBI).

An intermediate option could be a Negative Income Tax that has relatively high threshold and gradual withdrawal of benefits, or a smaller GMI supplemented with other programmes, such as universal child allowances and social pensions.

The recent budget announced an assured monthly income for small and marginal farmers. Various states also have different models of income support. For example, Sikkim recently announced the intention to implement a full UBI, while states like Odisha are investing in farmer income assurance through the recent Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation or the KALIA scheme.

However, the challenge in India is one of implementing such mechanisms at scale, not least due to fiscal constraints and weak state capability. Implementing universal transfers requires strong administrative building blocks for cash delivery and targeting to minimise exclusion.

Also, India has too many schemes. For example, the government has identified nearly 440 benefit transfer schemes for direct benefit transfer (DBT) at present. A strategy on how these different schemes can be consolidated in a way that preserves fiscal balance is urgently needed. The solution to a fragmented 400 scheme system cannot be to add a new income transfer scheme, without consolidating other programmes.

Third, the notion of progressive universalism can help guide a social protection strategy in India in ways that benefit the poor and vulnerable first. India must define a core basket of social security benefits relying on a mix of its current programmes. Once guaranteed basic protections are in place, people could enhance their social security package with various progressively subsidised schemes with contributory social insurance, or an array of voluntary options that the state and markets can offer them.

Globally, states face the formidable challenge of financing investment in social protection. But there are options  payment and identification technology can facilitate tax collection by increasing the number of registered tax payers and social security contributions. Reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) can go a long way in bolstering state revenues.

Over the next few days, a series of articles will suggest pathways of reform to some of Indias largest social protection interventions, including pension programmes, health insurance, the Public Distribution System and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The latter two are among the largest anti-poverty measures in India and indeed the world, while the former are relatively new instruments for unorganised workers. However, all of them are relevant for Indias future welfare architecture as they attempt to de-link social security benefits from a persons place of work.

(Michal Rutkowski is Senior Director of the Social Protection and Jobs Practice at the World Bank)
The Supreme Court on Monday said the Sterlite plant in Tamil Nadus Tuticorin will remain shut . The court set aside the National Green Tribunals order and said it has no jurisdiction to order reopening of the plant.

The court directed Vedanta, the company that owns the plant, to approach the Madras High Court against the Tamil Nadu governments order to close it down. A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman said it is allowing Tamil Nadus appeal against the NGT order only on grounds of maintainability.

The top court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the governments decision to close the plant.

There were violent protests in May last year against the closure of the Sterlite unit. Thirteen protesters were killed when the police opened fire on a demonstration against the copper smelter. Six days later, the Tamil Nadu government ordered the state pollution control board to seal and permanently close the plant.

Also read: Anti-Sterlite protesters allege NGT order was leaked; Vedantas PR firm denies

On December 15 last year, the NGT had set aside the state governments order for closure of the Sterlite copper plant, saying it was non-sustainable and unjustified.

The Tamil Nadu government had moved against the NGT order and said it had erroneously set aside various orders passed by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). It had said the tribunal had consequentially directed the TNPCB to pass fresh orders of renewal of consent and issue authorisation to handle hazardous substances to Vedanta Limited.

On January 8, the Supreme Court had stayed the order of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court which had ruled for status quo with respect to re-opening the plant. The top court also sought response from Vedanta on the state governments appeal against the NGT order to reopen the plant.
Hundreds of Kashmiris stranded in a Muslim-dominated area of Jammu have appealed to the governor to send them back to the Valley as soon as possible amid a curfew in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir following last weeks attack in Pulwama.

Though the administration sent more than 700 of them in a convoy under police protection from Mecca Masjid in Bhatindi around 11pm on Saturday towards Srinagar, their number has been swelling as Kashmiris from other parts of the country have poured into the mosque following a backlash at them after the Pulwama terror attack.

Habibullah, a 71-year-old Budgam resident, said hundreds of Kashmiris from the Valley like him have been left stranded in Jammu city due to the closure of Jammu-Srinagar national highway for a week and also because of the curfew imposed in the aftermath of violent protests over the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel on February 14, since Friday.

Authorities clamped the curfew after violence was reported from Gujjar Nagar and other Muslim-dominated pockets of Jammu during a massive anti-Pakistan protest against the Pulwama attack.

Hundreds of Kashmiris from various parts of Valley have been left stranded here and we all want to go back to our homes. Late last night around 11pm, over 700 Kashmiris left in a convoy of SRTC buses and other vehicles under police protection towards Srinagar, he said.

Also read: MHA asks states to ensure safety of Kashmiris, CRPF shows the way

Auqaf along with other mosque committees and locals have been providing food and shelter to the stranded Kashmiri passengers.

Habibullah said that some mischievous elements deliberately created the problem. Tell me, a common Kashmiri or a Dogra has to earn a two square meal for his children or indulge in violence? he asked.

He said that following the Pulwama attack, Kashmiris from other parts of the country continued to pour into Mecca Masjid. They are coming back from other parts of the country and they are reporting at Mecca Mosque and other camps in Bhatindi, he said.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather link Kashmir has with the rest of the country, remained closed due to heavy snowfall and landslides from February 5 to 11. The highway was restored partially on February 12 for stranded vehicles.

And, after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, Kashmiris including students were targeted in various parts of the country and as a result, they all started reaching curfew-bound Jammu.

Last Friday, when violence broke out in Gujjar Nagar area of the walled city, a Hindu hotel owner resisted attackers and saved around 20 Kashmiri students, who had rented rooms on its second floor.

Also read: Arson, stone pelting by mobs in Jammu, curfew extended

After appearing in GATE exam we went to Delhi where came across news of Pulwama attack. We came back to Jammu and checked into Hotel Star near the bus stand. The next morning on February 15 some mischievous were out on the street, who smashed window panes on the first floor and came to know about us, Arif Hussain, one of the students at the hotel, said.

They tried to storm the second floor. They also beat up the Hindu hotel owner but he didnt allow them to enter the second floor and hence saved us.

On Sunday, there were minor incidents of stone pelting at Janipur. Around 150 people have already been detained under preventive custody to maintain law and order, including a Kashmiri couple.

The curfew is likely to be relaxed for an hour or two on Monday as authorities said the situation in the city was peaceful and under control.
The opposition Congress has called a 12-hour shut down in Kerala on Monday to protest the killing of two Youth Congress workers in north Keralas Kasargode district, notorious for political murders, on Sunday.

The Congress party has alleged Kripesh, 21, and Sharath Lal, 24, were waylaid and hacked to death by a group of CPI(M) workers.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi condemned the murder of the two party workers. The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them mu deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice, he tweeted.

They were attacked by unknown men when they were returning to their homes in Periya village on a motorcycle. Kripesh died on the spot and Lal succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in neighbouring Mangaluru, police said.

Initially, the Congress party called a shutdown in the district but later decided to extend it to the entire state.

Police said there were some skirmishes between Congress and CPI(M) workers a couple of days back and they suspect the latest murders as a fallout of them. Two weeks ago, the CPI(M) Periya branch secretary P Peethambaran and two workers were injured in a clash between Congress and CPI(M) workers.

CPI(M) activists are behind this dastardly attack. Going by accounts of witnesses it is well-planned and executed political murders. It is sad the party still feels it can silence its political opponents by annihilating them, chief of Congress Kerala unit Mullapally Ramachandran, who suspended his statewide Janmaha Yatra in the wake of murders and rushed to Kasargode, said.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala also condemned the murders and said he will visit the district on Tuesday.

It is sad the ruling party is systematically annihilating political opponents. The CPM(M) will have to pay a heavy price for its politics of dagger, said Chennithala.

The ruling CPI(M) denied any role in the deaths, saying some personal enmity between two groups led to the killings but the Congress reiterated that they were cold-blooded political murders.

The ruling party said in a statement that it condemned the murders and demanded a high-level probe to book the real assailants.

The murders come at a time when the Congress observed the first death anniversary of Youth Congress activist Shuhaib, who was hacked to dead allegedly by CPI(M) men. Though the ruling party distanced itself from Shuhaibs murder, all those arrested were active workers and office-bearers.

Shuhaib, Youth Congress Mattanoor block secretary, was attacked by a group of alleged CPI(M) workers with sharp-edged weapons after hurling country-made bombs on February 12 last year and a day after he succumbed to his injuries. During the post-mortem examination, it was found that he received 37 stab wounds.

North Keralas Kannur and Kasargode districts have witnessed many political murders, often triggered by intolerance. In Kannur, more than 300 workers of both Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and CPI(M) have been killed in a bloody race for political supremacy in the last three decades.

During a visit to Kannur in October last year, BJP president Amit Shah had said a visit to the district was a pilgrimage for party workers because many had laid down their lives for believing in an ideology dear to their hearts.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday conferred the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony on Manipuri dancer-choreographer, Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Bangladeshi cultural organisation, Chhayanaut, and sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The award was instituted in 2012 as part of the commemoration of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagores 150th birth anniversary.

Kovind called Singh one of the greatest exponents of Manipuri dance. He has bridged this age-old art form of Manipur with not only modern sensibilities but with other parts of the country. Kovind added Chhayanaut has promoted and preserved Tagores works and philosophy in Bangladesh. He said Sutar represents an art tradition that goes back thousands of years. These days he is most well-known for the Statue of Unity, he said, referring to the statue of the countrys first Union home minister, Vallabhbhai Patel.

A PM Narendra Modi-led committee selected the awardees, who received 1 crore, a plaque and a handicraft item each.

The award is a celebration of Indian traditions of culture and of our civilizational wealth  whether in literature or music, art or drama, sculpture or handicrafts, design or digital art. Each region in our country has a distinct cultural identity. Yet, in its essence, culture does not divide. It unites and harmonises all of India and all of humanity, Kovind said. Gurudev Tagore is remembered every day as a poet who gave India its national anthem. He belongs to the entire world as he was a nationalist as well as an internationalist.

Modi congratulated the awardees and said: Gurudev is respected internationally. In view of the conditions which prevail in the world today, it has become even more relevant to propagate the message of harmony and peace of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
Paramraj Singh Umranangal, a senior Punjab police officer, was arrested on Monday by a special team set up to probe the 2015 crackdown on anti-sacrilege protesters in October 2015. Two young Sikhs were killed in the police firing in Behbal Kalan of Faridkot district.

The special investigation team set up to probe the case had last month arrested former Moga district police chief SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma. On Monday, SIT member Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh confirmed that inspector general of police, Paramraj Singh Umranangal, had also been arrested from Chandigarh.

Charanjit Singh Sharma was the first officer to be arrested by the SIT since October 2015 when the case was incident took place.

Sharma was leading the police party that allegedly opened fire at the anti-sacrilege protesters at Behbal Kalan.

The development came after the Punjab and Haryana high court upheld the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission of Inquiry report on the 2015 sacrilege and police firing and dismissed petitions by some retired and serving policemen to hand over the probe to the CBI.

The former Moga SSP, according to the SIT, was about to leave the country when he was arrested. It had been alleged that he had got himself visas to travel to UK, Canada and USA and was trying to abscond.
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday called for coercive action against Pakistan, which, he suggested, could be military, diplomatic or economic, or a combination of all the three.

We should get 82 of them since 41 of our men have been killed, the chief minister asserted, demanding an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

According to an official release, He said it was for the Centre to decide what action should be taken, but it was clear that some measures have to be taken urgently.

Third terrorist killed

A third Jaish terrorist was killed in the Pulwama encounter.

Operation ends in Pulwama

Operation in Pulwama has ended. A total of four army personnel including a Major, one policeman and a civilian were killed and five others were injured in the gun battle.

Lieutenant colonel, Captain injured in Pulwama encounter

Lieutenant colonel, Captain, injured in the Pulwama encounter, are being provided medical care, reports ANI.

MNS asks private FM channels not to play songs of Pakistani artists

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Monday asked private FM channels in Mumbai not to play songs of Pakistani artists in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

A leader of the Raj Thackeray-led party also asked international apparel brands not to sell clothes made in Pakistan

Just one slap from army man rattled Maulana Masood Azhar, says his interrogator

Former police officer who interrogated Maulana Masood Azhar after his arrest in 1994 says he was an easy man to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first slap from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements.

He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer had shaken him completely, former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many a times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

DIG receives gunshot wound in abdomen during the encounter

DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander was hurt in the leg, reports PTI.

Why did govt not act on inputs from intelligence agencies: Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee on #PulwamaAttack:The Govt had inputs from intelligence agencies on Feb 8 that such attacks might happen before elections. Why no action was taken? Why 78 convoys were still allowed?...I also have intelligence reports that my phone is always taped, as you all know pic.twitter.com/KulUn9oUNe  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Pakistan isolated globally after Pulwama terror attack: VK Singh

Union Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh Monday said Pakistan has been isolated internationally after the Pulwama terror attack. Speaking to mediapersons here, the minister said more than 40 countries have issued strong statements against Pakistan.

This is a big success of our external and diplomatic policy as the number of countries supporting Indias stand is higher than the number of countries which had supported India after 26/11 attack in Mumbai, he added.

Another senior officer injured

During the ongoing encounter in Pulwama, another senior officer has been injured. Early today four army men and a civilian were killed in the encounter.

Will not play with Pakistan unless government gives nod: IPL chairman

Our position and policy are very clear. Unless the government gives a nod we will not play with Pakistan, said IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, according to news agency ANI.

CIL subsidiaries to donate Rs 1.75 cr to CRPF jawans family

Two subsidiaries of Coal India Limited - Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) - have decided to donate Rs 1.75 crore to martyred CRPF jawan Vijay Sorengs family, an official release said Monday.

Vijay Soreng was a resident of Pharsma village in Jharkhands Gumla district and he was among the 40 CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

Who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident, asks Sidhu

I am firm on my stand. Terrorism shouldnt be tolerated. I want to ask who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident? Whos responsibility is it? Our fight is against them.Why should a soldier die? Why cant there be a permanent solution? said Navjot Singh Sidhu.

#WATCH Navjot Singh Sidhu says,"I am firm on my stand. Terrorism shouldn't be tolerated. I want to ask who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident? Who's responsibility is it? Our fight is against them.Why should a soldier die? Why can't there be a permanent solution?" pic.twitter.com/7Oe73dVqP5  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Total Dhamaal team donates Rs 50 lakh for Pulwama martyrs kin

The team of Total Dhamaal has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the CRPF personnel who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

In the light of the recent attacks, the makers and the actors got together to help out the families of the Pulwama martyrs. It is a sad thing to see the Indian soldiers suffer through this event and the team was keen on doing their bit to support them, a spokesperson of the film unit said in a statement.

Time for talks over, need to act now: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday the Pulwama terrorist attack has showed that the time to talk about tackling terror is over and the world is now required to unitedly take concrete action against terrorism and those behind its spread.

After talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Modi said dithering to take action against terrorists and their supporters will be like encouraging terrorism.

In his comments, Macri called for united action to deal with terrorism.

Curfew relaxed in some areas of Jammu

Curfew has been relaxed in Jammu between 2 pm to 5 pm at locations in South Jammu, however, there is no relaxation has been given in Digiana, Balicharana and a few other areas, said deputy commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, according to news agency ANI.

Pakistan on high operational alert: ANI quoting army sources

Pakistan Army positions across the border on the LoC are seeing heightened activities as they are on high operational alert, reported news agency ANI quoting army sources.

Jaish terrorist have moved from hideouts to populated areas: ANI

Army is constantly briefing the defence minister and other senior government functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces reported news agency ANI, quoting army sources.

Punjab Budget session heats up as Akalis protest against Sidhu

Angry scenes were witnessed in the Punjab Assembly in a war of words between state cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLAs, especially Bikram Singh Majithia, which forced adjournment before the budget could be presented in the House here on Monday.

Sidhu and Majithia could be seen gesturing angrily at each other and calling each other names like chor (thief), daku (dacoit), deshdrohi, badmash (miscreant) and chitta (white powder drug) trader, forcing Speaker Rana K.P. Singh to adjourn the session amid Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badals speech.

Personal attacks flew across the benches between Sidhu and Majithia. The SAD MLAs also wore black ribbons on their arms.

All India Cine Workers Association bans Pakistani actors

All India Cine Workers Association has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the Indian film industry.

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Jaish commander killed

Jaish commander Kamran, suspected to be the bomb maker and mastermind of Thursdays attack in Pulwama, has been killed in encounter with security forces, says police.

Till when will mourning period keep getting extended: Akhilesh Yadav

Till when will the 3 day period of mourning keep getting extended?

Everyday we get news of the brave martyrdom of our jawans while smiling BJP politicians accompany their funeral processions. Why is the govt waiting and watching? tweeted SP chief Akhilsh Yadav.

Akali leaders burn photos of Sidhus Pak visit

The Opposition Shiromani Akali Dal Monday sought dismissal of Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his utterances in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack even as Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia and the cricketer-turned-politician exchanged barbs in the House.

Before the start of the Punjab Budget session, Akali leaders led by Majithia burnt the photographs of Sidhu including those in which he is seen hugging the Pakistan Army chief, outside the House.

Congress condoles death of 4 soldiers

We condole the death of the four soldiers who lost their lives earlier today in a terrorist encounter and Major Chitresh Singh Bisht who lost his life yesterday while defusing an IED. We pray for the strength of their families & stand with them in this difficult time, tweeted Congress.

Pakistan calls back High Commissioner in India for consultations

Pakistan has called back its High Commissioner from India for consultations amid heightened bilateral tensions after the Pulwama terror attack, officials here said Monday.

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama.

We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning, tweeted Dr Mohammad Faisal, Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations.

He left New Delhi this morning .  Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

Search operation begins in Krawora village of Shopian

A cordon and search operation by security forces has started in the village Krawora of Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian Monday, reported news agency ANI.

AK-47, pistol recovered

An AK-47 and a pistol have been recovered as the search operation continues in Pulwama, reported news agency ANI.

Leave site of Pulwama encounter: Police to locals

Police in Pulwama has appealed to locals to leave the site of the encounter underway in Pingilana village, reported news agency ANI.

#WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

2 suspected Jaish operatives killed

Two suspected Jaish operatives have been killed in the ongoing gunfight between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, said Army spokesman Rajesh Kalia. The police is yet to ascertain the identity of the militants killed.

Navjot Singh Sidhu reminds BJP of Kandahar

Getting flak for his comments in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, Punjab minister for local bodies and tourism Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday hit out at the BJP by reminding it of the release of Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar 20 years ago during the Kandahar standoff in 1999. The minister also sought exemplary action against those behind terrorist activities.

Those who are branding me as anti-national should tell the people as to who had handed him (Massod) over to Pakistan. What they (BJP) had been doing all these years to get at him, he asked.

He said his statement had been distorted by people with vested interests. Nationalism is the highest religion and I stand by my nation, he said. I echo the sentiments of my country. Indias voice is my voice and I strongly stand by my partys stand, he added.

Cross-LoC bus service from Poonch to Rawalkot suspended

The cross-LoC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been suspended for today, reported news agency ANI.

Blast in house where 3 trapped in Pulwama encounter were hiding

The house where three including a Jaish commander were hiding blasted during the ongoing encounter in Pulwama.

Civilian killed

Along with four army personnel, a civilian was killed on Monday in the ongoing encounter between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama

Jaish commander among 3 trapped

Three militants, including Jaish commander is trapped in the ongoing encounter with security forces in Pulwama.

Was asked to leave city: Kashmiri doctor in West Bengal

A Kashmiri doctor, who has been living in Kolkata for 22 years, has claimed that he has been asked to leave the city or face dire consequences following the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF men.

The doctor, however, has decided to stay put after the West Bengal government came to his rescue.

The doctor, who did not wish to be named, said he was heckled but he had not paid much heed to the threats he had received initially. However, his concern grew when some men gathered outside his residence and threatened to harm his daughter unless he returned to Pakistan.

On February 15, a day after the Pulwama attack, five men aged between 20 and 25 years came to his house after he returned home from his chamber, the doctor said, adding that they asked him to leave the city immediately and go back to Pakistan as Kashmiris have no place in this country.

Heavy firing in Pulwamas Pinglina village

Heavy firing between militants and security forces is going on in Pulwamas Pinglina village. Announcements have been made advising locals to stay indoors.

Jaish-e-Mohammed commander linked to Pulwama attack trapped in encounter: ANI

A top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander linked to Pulwama attack is believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter with security forces in Pulwama, reported news agency ANI quoting sources.

BJP ally LJP shoots off letter to PM

Moved by the Pulwama terror attack, the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), an ally of the ruling BJP at the Centre, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strike at the roots of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

In a letter written to Modi, LJP parliamentary board chairman Chirag Paswan pleaded that the drive against terrorism must not be halted this time, until a single terrorist was alive.

Under your able leadership, the country has made all-round progress in the last five years. This has unsettled Pakistan. The neighbouring country has sponsored many cowardly acts so far, but the latest incident has left the nation, especially the youth, enraged, Paswan said in the letter, copies of which were shared with the media here late Sunday night.

Major among 4 army men of 55 Rashtriya Rifles killed in encounter

4 Indian Army personnel of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost their lives in encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama on Monday have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh, reported news agency ANI.

Curfew in Jammu enters day 4

The curfew in Jammu continued on Monday for the fourth consecutive day with authorities likely to take a decision on its relaxation later.

The curfew that was imposed on February 15 in Jammu city will continue today, the police said.

A decision on its relaxation will be taken later in the day.

The police said that no untoward incident occurred anywhere in the city on Sunday night.

The curfew was imposed after miscreants torched vehicles and damaged several others carrying number plates of the Kashmir Valley in protest against the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama that killed 49 CRPF troopers.

4 army men killed in encounter in J-K

Four soldiers, including an officer, were killed in an encounter with militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, defence sources said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Pinglan area of Pulwama district of south Kashmir during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.
Against the backdrop of mounting tension with Pakistan over the Pulwama terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the time for talk is over and that any hesitation in dealing with terrorism and its supporters will only exacerbate the threat.

Modis remarks came after a meeting with Argentine President Mauricio Macri amid growing speculation about Indias response to the terrorist assault by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed that killed 40 troops on February 14. India and Argentina also issued a special declaration denouncing terrorism.

President Macri and I agree that terrorism is a very big and grave threat to world peace and stability. The cruel terror attack in Pulwama shows that now the time for talks has passed, Modi said without naming Pakistan during a joint press interaction.

Now, there is a need for the whole world to unite and take firm steps against terrorism and its supporters. Any hesitation in acting against terrorism and its supporters, who are opposed to humanity, is akin to encouraging terrorism, he added.

With reports suggesting that the Indian leadership is weighing various options to respond to the terror attack, minister of state for external affairs VK Singh said the country will choose the time and place for retaliation and that this will be properly planned and well thought of.

Any war, war-like or punitive action must be planned for success. It should be a cold act and nothing is to be done in a hurry, Singh, a former army chief, told reporters in Shimla. Even Osama (bin Laden) was not killed in a day despite the fact that the US knew he was hiding in Pakistan. Let us wait and watch and support our forces, he said.

The India-Argentina special declaration to fight terrorism condemned the attack in Pulwama and said Modi and Macri agreed on the need for concerted action by the world community against terror. They stressed that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever, particularly emphasising the scourge of cross-border terrorism, it said.

They said strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide safe haven to terrorists and terror groups. They said the world community should ensure terrorist organisations do not get access to weapons of mass destruction or technologies or finances and committed themselves to cooperation in specialised multilateral forums.

They also pledged to strengthen cooperation against threats from terror groups listed under UN Security Council resolutions. The leaders gave a call that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, the declaration said in a tacit reference to Pakistan.

BJP chief Amit Shah told a gathering of party workers in Jaipur that the government will ensure that the sacrifices of the troops are not in vain. He said no political leader in the world has Modis political will to tackle terror.

Meanwhile, the Congress, while reiterating Indias long-standing position on Jammu & Kashmir, and condemning the terror attack, also spoke out against attacks on students from Kashmir in various parts of the country. J&K is an integral part of India. Neither Pakistan nor any terrorist force by any name can ever undo this reality. The unprovoked attacks on the students of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in different parts of the country are also reprehensible and unacceptable, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in a press conference on Monday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the time for talks were over and the world needed to act on terrorism now, days after the Pulwama attack which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Pulwama terror attack showed time for talks over. Now, world will have to act, Modi said after talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri.

Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, its also important that we implement 11-point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today, he said.

Macri supported his view and said he was pleased to be working with India to fight terrorism.

I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel (Pulwama) attack perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to working together to fight this scourge on mankind, Macri said.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri (ANI/Twitter)

At least 40 CRPF personnel, on their way to a posting in Srinagar, were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed affiliated terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into the bus they were travelling in on Thursday.

The attack drew strong condemnation from across the world and triggered protests in several parts of the country.

Also Read: Top Indian security officials suspect Masood Azhars nephew to be the mastermind

Modi has said that his government will give a free hand to soldiers to punish the masterminds of the attack.

On Monday, security forces killed two Jaish terrorists in Pulwama district, close to the site of the attack. One of them was reported to be a Pakistani, who was the bomb maker and mastermind of the convoy attack.
Security forces in Kashmir killed a top commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammed suspected to have plotted last weeks terror attack in Pulwama that killed more than 40 CRPF soldiers. But Mondays victory came at a heavy cost. Five jawans including an Army Major were killed and six more  a Brigadier, Captain and DIG-rank police officer  were injured in the 17-hour-long gunfight that started some time after midnight.

A joint team of the armys Rashtriya Rifles and the state police were out on the streets of a village in south Kashmirs Pulwama for a cordon and search operation. They had received a tip-off about the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists. The intelligence input had indicated that a top Jaish commander was one of them.

As the searches were going on, an army spokesman said terrorists from inside one house fired indiscriminately. In the initial burst of fire, five including four army jawans sustained gunshot injuries. They were moved out for medical attention but did not survive. Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal was one of them.

In the gunfight that followed, two terrorists were killed and their bodies retrieved. Police said one of them was Jaishs Abdul Rashid Gazi, a Pakistani national who goes by the alias Kamran and is a Pakistani national. Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, was the second. By late evening, security sources said a third terrorist had also been killed but were yet to identify him.

Read more| Jaish chief Masood Azhar was rattled by slap from army man: Interrogator

Kamran is said to have been a key plotter of the terror attack that targeted a CRPF convoy on Thursday, nearly 15 km from todays encounter site. News channel NDTV, quoting security sources, described him as a top aide of Jaish chief Masood Azhar and the Jaishs chief operational commander who would recruit young men for the terror group. The news channel identified the second terrorist killed in the encounter as a local bomb specialist Hilal Ahmed.

Adil Ahmad Dar, the young Kashmiri man who drove a car packed with nearly 60 kg of explosives into the CRPF convoy and detonated the explosives, had died in the blast that left a trail of bodies of mangled steel. It was the deadliest single attack on security forces in Kashmir.

Jaish, the terror group that runs out of Pakistan, had rushed to claim responsibility for the attack. Pakistan government, which was severely criticized for giving terror groups a free run, denied it had anything to do with it. But New Delhi has firmly rejected the effort.

In retaliation for the bloody attack, India withdrew the most favoured nation status to Islamabad that allowed it to export goods, mostly fruits and cement, at low customs duty to India and imposed a prohibitive 200 per cent duty.

Read more| Stop blaming China, Pakistan for terror attacks, show proof: Chinese state media
A day after residents of Mullana village in Ambala asked some Kashmiri students of Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU) to vacate their rented accommodations following the Pulwama terror attack, students say they fear for their lives and want to go home.

Kashmiri students leader Junaid Mubarak said that nearly 30 students have already left for their native places even as the district administration and police assured them of safety. Junaid, who is a second year BSc student at MMU, alleged that some men had even thrashed him and his friend on Saturday afternoon. We are terrified and want to go our home state. We have requested the administration to provide security so that we can go home. If they fail to do so, we will go in our own private vehicles and return only when the situation improves, he said.

Read | Kashmiri student arrested in Dehradun for comments on Pulwama attack

Azhar-ul-Islam, another BSc student, who appeared before the district administration officials with stitches on his forehead, said, My parents are concerned for me. I dont want to file a complaint against my attackers as it will only affect my studies.

Ambala superintendent of police Astha Modi said she had deployed extra security outside the hostel. We are also asking the students to give us written complaints so that we can take action against the miscreants, she added.

Ambala deputy commissioner Sharandeep Kaur told Hindustan Times they have given full assurance to aggrieved students and are persuading them not to leave the campus.

Also Read | AMU asks Kashmiri students not to move out of campus in the wake of Pulwama attack protests
India on Monday said its national Kulbhushan Jadhav was sentenced to death by a farcical trial by a Pakistan military court without giving him consular access to India in breach of international law and convention.

Senior lawyer Harish Salve, appearing for India at the International Court of Justice that will hear the case for four days, said Pakistan has no substantive defence in the case and hadnt even divulged fundamental details of the so-called offences for which Kulbhushan Jadhav had been convicted.

The face off comes against the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack last week. Over 40 CRPF jawans were killed in the suicide bombing in south Kashmir that has led to national outrage and provoked Delhi to scrap the most favoured nation status to Pakistan.

Watch Death sentence awarded to Jadhav by Pak court farcical: India to ICJ

The world court had stayed Jadhavs execution in a unanimous order in May 2017 after it was approached by New Delhi. India and Pakistan have submitted written pleadings on several occasions last year.

Jadhav, a former Navy officer, had started a business and was reported to be in Iran in this connection when, according to India, he was kidnapped in March 2016. He turned up in Pakistan a few weeks later in custody of the Pakistani military that claimed to have arrested him from Baluchistan and accused him of spying and espionage.

Salve, a former solicitor general, told the UN court that India had sent 13 reminders for consular access to Jadhav on various dates but had received no positive response from Pakistan.

Also Read : Kulbhushan Jadhavs story amounts to a deja vu of India-Pakistan diplomatic lows

He told the court that Pakistan also didnt share any details of the investigation and the alleged confession was obtained from Jadhav even before registering an FIR.

Considering the trauma he (Jadhav) has been subjected to over the past three years, it would be in the interest of justice of making human rights a reality, to direct his release, Salve told the 15-judge court.

Also Read: Pakistan will present evidence against Kulbhushan Jadhav in ICJ : FM Qureshi

India seeks relief in declaring that the trial by the military court in Pakistan... hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and should be declared unlawful, he said, attacking the Pakistani government to use the case as a means of propaganda.

Pakistan will present its arguments at the ICJ on February 19. India will reply to Pakistans argument on February 20. Pakistan will make its closing submission on February 21.

The ICJ is expected to deliver its judgment a few months later.
Pakistan has called back its High Commissioner from India for consultations amid heightened bilateral tensions after the Pulwama terror attack.

We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning , Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter. (Follow live updates)

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 CRPF soldiers in Pulwama.

Also read: Two terrorists killed in encounter in Kashmirs Pulwama, 15 km from CRPF attack spot

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was also called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.New Delhi says Pakistan had a hand in the attack, which Islamabad denies.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist rammed a car filled with explosives into a convoy carrying jawans on Jammu-Srinagar highway in Lethpora of Pulwama district.

Also Watch: Army officer, 3 jawans die in Pulwama encounter that killed 2 terrorists
Pakistan said on Monday it had recalled its high commissioner in India for consultations, a move that comes amid increasing tension between the two countries over a suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama that killed 40 troopers of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy.

Sohail Mahmood was earlier summoned by Indias foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale, who lodged a strong protest over the killing of the CRPF soldiers by a 22-year-old Kashmiri man trained by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan has denied Indias charge that it harbours the Masood Azhar-led terrorist group that claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted on Monday: We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning. It wasnt immediately clear when Faisal would return to India.

India recalled its ambassador to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria last week to discuss relations with the neighbour after the Pulwama attack, which prompted the government to say that strong action will be taken against the perpetrators. Thursdays attack triggered widespread anger across the country, with street protests demanding military action against Pakistan.

Also read | Jaish commander behind CRPF convoy attack killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama

On Sunday, Islamabad said: India needs to introspect and respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack.

India has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200% on goods being imported from Pakistan with immediate effect.

Union minister of state for external affairs VK Singh said that as its diplomatic strategy, India was exposing Pakistans misdeeds to the international community. He added that about 40 nations came forward to support India against Pakistan after Pulwama attack.

The weekly Poonch-Rawalakot cross-LoC bus service was suspended on Monday amid tension in Jammu following street protests.

(With agency inputs in New Delhi)
Security forces killed on Monday three Jaish-e-Mohammad militants during a gun battle in south Kashmirs Pulwama district, including a top commander of the terror outfit who is believed to have played a crucial role in last weeks attack on a paramilitary convoy that killed 40 troopers.

Four army personnel, one of them a major, a policeman, and a civilian were also killed while a group of senior security officials, including south Kashmirs deputy inspector general of police and an Indian Army brigadier, was wounded during the nearly 18-hour operation in Pinglena village. A police spokesperson said one of the militants killed was Kamran, a Pakistani citizen who is believed to have entered India last year and who took over as Jaishs operational commander in March, 2018. Of the three, two were Pakistanis while the third, a Pinglena resident.

Kamran was responsible for recruiting people to terror outfits... His role in the recent terror attack on CRPF at Lethpora is being probed as well, a police spokesperson said.

On Thursday, 40 men of the Central Reserve Police Force were killed when Jaish operative Adil Ahmad Dar, 22, allegedly detonated his car bomb alongside a bus carrying the troopers on a busy highway. The attack, the deadliest strike on security personnel in Kashmir, has triggered calls for retaliation against Pakistan, where Jaish founder Masood Azhar is known to be living.

Mondays developments took the total number of lives lost by Indian security forces since the February 14 attack to 46. The recent casualties include major VS Dhoundiyal, havaldar Sheo Ram, sepoy Ajay Kumar and sepoy Hari Singh  all part of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles that began the operation to nab the militants on Sunday night.

South Kashmir deputy inspector general of Police Amit Kumar, a brigadier from Rashtriya Rifles, an army captain and two soldiers received gunshot injuries when one of the militants came out of a house set on fire by the security forces and opened fire.

The terrorist rushed out of the house and sprayed bullets in the direction where all senior officers were standing. DIG Amit Kumar was shot in the back and the bullet exited from his abdomen, said a security official, who asked not to be named.

Identities of the other injured were not disclosed by officials.

Kumar was evacuated to the Army base hospital in Srinagar where he was operated upon. His condition is stated to be stable.

According to another official in one of the security forces deployed in the Valley, Armys Special Operations Group reached Pinglena around midnight after a tip-off that Jaish militants were hiding in the area.

For 18 hours after that, villagers reported hearing machine gun fire and explosions as forces attempted to flush out the suspects hiding in a building.

We heard the firing around midnight, then there was a lull through the night, but firing and blasts began again at 8 am and continued till afternoon. We were asked to stay inside homes by the soldiers, said Abdul Qayoom, who lives close to the encounter site. A neighbour of Qayooms added three houses were damaged in the operation.

According to police officials who asked not to be named, Kamran was active in Pulwama and Tral area. He was operating with Shahid Baba and Mudasir Khan, the local module heads of Jaish, said the official.

South Kashmirs Pulwama district is considered as one of the hotbeds for insurgency. Lethpora, where the CRPF convoy was attacked, is roughly a 30-minute drive from the village where Kamran and the others were killed on Monday.

Officials from National Investigation Agency (NIA) are leading the probe into the Thursday bombing which used explosives so powerful that much of crucial evidence  including the militants vehicle  has been found in small fragments.

According to an official from the agency who did not want to be named, a team from automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki reached Kashmir on Monday to help identify the vehicle.

NIA is likely to be officially given charge of the investigation in a notification that may be issued on Tuesday.
The current NDA governments wildlife clearance rate was 65% (519 of 794), compared to 45.5% (260 of 571) of the previous UPA-II government, according to data from the State of Environment 2019 report released recently by a research and advocacy group, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

Wildlife clearances involve authorities at the national and state-level for projects related to linear infrastructure, transmission lines, hydroelectric power, seismic surveys, exploration for oil, drilling, and different types of mining activities. After being reviewed by the state board of wildlife and the state government, the standing committee of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) scrutinises and clears proposals.

The rate of rejection of the NDA government was negligible, with 1.1% projects disallowed between June 2014 and May 2018. While the sanctioned proposals impacted 24,329 hectares (ha) of forest and wildlife zones in the country, both inside and outside protected areas (PAs), 249, or 31.3%, were deferred for additional details or requirements, 17 projects were de-listed and nine projects rejected. It can be said that practically no proposal has been denied clearance under this government, the report read. What is clear from the trend is that the process of seeking clearances is increasingly becoming a formality, read the conclusion of the report.

From allowing coal mining projects in eco-sensitive areas to recommending numerous linear infrastructure projects across wildlife habitats in northeast India and central India, the entire process to study and issue clearances has been diluted, said Srestha Banerjee, programme manager, environmental governance unit, CSE.

On some occasions, projects have been cleared despite the minutes recording arguments against them, and on some others, the committee has not waited for the detailed findings of the project site inspection committees before granting its approval, the CSE report said.

The Union environment ministry explained the rise in approvals, saying earlier NBWL clearance was needed only for protected areas. However, the Supreme Court declared a 10km buffer area outside national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-sensitive zones, and proposals in these areas needed to be examined by NBWL also. As a result, the number of proposals rose to more than double, said Siddhanta Das, director general of forests, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Secondly, we have a much more transparent web-based system that allows people to apply for clearances easily. Most proposals are public utility projects and they are rigorously scrutinised at the district, state and then by NBWL, which further weighs each application by providing appropriate recommendations for its feasibility.

Congress leader and former union environment minister Jairam Ramesh said many proposals that were rejected during UPA-II tenure have been cleared under the current government. There is a lopsided obsession with ease of doing business, which proved disastrous for ecological protection.

Current NBWL members said project clearances now come with certain mandatory conditions, which were not there before. As India is going through a rapid phase of development, all road projects across the country causing fragmentation or loss to wildlife are being approved with compulsory wildlife mitigation plans. Such stringency was never there before 2014, said VB Mathur, director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and NBWL SC member. In August 2018, the environment ministry notified the animal passage plan, which also makes it mandatory to provide wildlife safety measures before drafting the plan passing through PAs.

Ecologists said that irrespective of which government is in power, clearances have always been issued regardless of their merit. Clearances are being filled with wrong information and incorrect analysis to suit the needs of those in power. However, the impression is the current administration has a shoddier record in protecting what is at stake, said Madhav Gadgil, ecologist and founder of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
A woman was allegedly raped at her birthday party organised at a friends house in Waliv in Maharashtras Palghar district, police said Monday.

The hosts boyfriend was also present at the party, which was held on February 13, and the two spiked the victims drink, a Waliv police station official said.

The woman host pinned the victim down when she was drowsy and her boyfriend raped her. The duo also threatened the victim to not reveal the incident to anybody, he said.

The 27-year-old victim, a resident of Kandivali in the northern part of Mumbai, later filed a complaint with Waliv police on Sunday.

Following the complaint, the woman host and her boyfriend, both in their mid-twenties, were booked for rape and criminal intimidation, said Palghar polices public relations officer Hemant Katkar.

Also read | Unregistered driver rapes 26-year-old tech firm employee in Uber in Greater Noida
The weekly peace bus service and border trade between India and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) have been suspended following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre has already withdrawn the most favoured nation (MFN) status to Pakistan granted in 1996 and also removed the security of five separatist leaders after the attack in Pulwama.

Also read: RDX mix, more than one militant behind Pulwama attack

It also moved to isolate Pakistan globally with an aggressive diplomatic outreach to more than 25 countries including P5 - the US, the UK, France, Russia and China after the attack claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Due to the prevailing law and order situation (after the Pulwama attack), weekly LoC bus service and trade have been put on hold, Poonch deputy commissioner Rahul Yadav said.

It has been learnt that the instructions to suspend trade and travel between Jammu and Kashmir and PoK has come from the Union home ministry.

Also read: Pulwama terror attack probe to focus on vehicle, terrorists

The weekly bus service and trade via Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and Rawalakot in Pokiest was the brainchild of the then chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. The bus service on June 20, 2006, to facilitate easier trade and travel between the divided families of Jammu and Kashmir and PoK and was seen as a major confidence-building measure. The border trade and travel also takes place via Salamabad in Uri of Baramulla district.

The border trade on barter system takes place four days a week from Tuesday to Friday while bus service takes place once a week on Monday for the divided families.

On Monday, the Indian Army lost four its soldiers in a gun battle with Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in Pulwama area.
India on Monday made a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the release of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former naval officer sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court, assailing Pakistan for convicting him in farcical proceedings that violated his rights under the Vienna Convention.

Representing India at the ICJ at The Hague, senior advocate Harish Salve argued Jadhavs conviction in a secret trial must be set aside as Pakistan never made the charges or the judgment public, nor granted consular access to Jadhav in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017 after being charged with alleged involvement in espionage and subversive activities. Pakistani officials said he was arrested in Balochistan in March 2016. India denied these charges and accused Pakistani operatives of kidnapping Jadhav from the Iranian port of Chabahar, where he was running a business.

The final hearing of Jadhavs case at the United Nationss highest court is being held against the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the terror attack in Pulwama last week that killed 40 troops.

After Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed it was behind the attack, New Delhi demanded that Islamabad crack down on all terror groups operating from its soil.

Also read | Pakistan using Kulbhushan Jadhav case as propaganda tool, India tells UN court

The tensions were reflected in the Indian teams refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani delegation at the start of proceedings.

As the Pakistani officials extended their hands, they were greeted with a namaste from the Indian side.

The hearing follows Indias petition which said Pakistan deliberately denied numerous requests for consular access to Jadhav despite being under an international obligation to do so. This amounted to a violation of the Vienna Convention, Salve argued.

The ICJ stayed Jadhavs execution in a unanimous order in May 2017, and India and Pakistan submitted several memorials or written pleadings last year.

Addressing a bench of 15 judges, Salve said Jadhavs conviction was based on a farcical trial and the judgment must be set aside, and his custody declared illegal.

Attacking the Pakistani defence that consular access between India and Pakistan depends on a 2008 bilateral agreement, Salve said, This treaty doesnt subvert Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as it is a multilateral treaty, and the 2008 treaty is irrelevant in the case at hand.

Salve further argued Pakistans contention that consular access can be denied in cases involving security and espionage issues is wrong. The exception of espionage cannot be taken for denying rights under the Vienna Convention. Moreover, states [that have signed the convention] did not want the Vienna Convention to be hostage to allegations of espionage and charges of espionage and terrorism cannot jettison Article 36 on consular access, he said.

Recent instances of arrests by China and Russia and the conduct of states have been in compliance with Article 36 and this shows consular access cannot be denied to an individual and a state, Salve added.

During the hearing that lasted three hours, the Indian side lambasted the procedure followed by military courts in Pakistan. Relying on a report on the state of military courts, Salve said, In the last few years, army courts in Pakistan have convicted 274 civilians, including children, of which 161 have been given death penalty. And almost 90% of the convictions are based on confessional statements.

Concluding his first round of arguments, Salve said, Pakistani courts do not inspire confidence and we believe Jadhav will not get justice in Pakistan. Review and reconsideration of the case will be inadequate and India seeks annulment of Jadhavs conviction and his release.

Pakistan will present its first round of oral arguments on Tuesday. This will be followed by the second round of oral arguments, first by India on February 20 and then by Pakistan the next day. The ICJ is expected to give its ruling after several months.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) commences oral hearing on Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, 48, on Monday at The Hague. India is likely to ask the top UN court to direct Pakistan to revoke the death sentence awarded to Jadhav on allegations of espionage.

Coming soon after a terror incident in South Kashmirs Pulwama, where at least 40 security personnel lost their lives in a suicide attack apparently by Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, the hearing on Jadhav case could stoke fresh tension between the two countries.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar refused to make any comment on the ICJ hearing in Kulbhushan Jadhav case but hinted that Indian side is prepared for the legal battle.

Since the matter is sub-judice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court, news agency PTI quoted him as saying in New Delhi on Thursday, the day when terrorists attacked the Central Reserve Police Force convoy carrying more than 2,500 jawans in 78 vehicles.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack, which prompted India to revoke most favoured nation MFN) status to that country. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan in 1996. It also moved to isolate Pakistan globally with an aggressive diplomatic outreach to more than 25 countries including P5 - the US, the UK, France, Russia and China.

Also Read | Pulwama shadow on Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Pakistan visit

A Pakistani military court sentenced Jadhav, in a closed hearing, to death in April 2017 on charges of spying and terrorism. Pakistan claimed that Jadhav was arrested from its restive province Baluchistan in March 2016.

India rejected the claim saying that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran. A former navy officer, Jadhav, India has maintained, had gone to Iran on a business trip. India accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by refusing consular access to Jadhav.

Pakistan also released a video of Jadhav presenting it as his confessional statement to prove that he was a spy and had entered the country on an espionage mission. India rejected the confessional video saying it was recorded under extreme duress.

Following his conviction, India moved the ICJ seeking a stay on the death sentence awarded to Jadhav by the military court of Pakistan. In May 2017, the ICJ ordered stay on execution of the death sentence till final adjudication of the case at the UN top court.

The ICJ has set a four-day hearing schedule beginning Monday for the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. Harish Salve, who is representing India, is likely to begin argument on the first day.

Pakistan will present its arguments at the ICJ on February 19. India will reply to Pakistans argument on February 20. Pakistan will make its closing submission on February 21. The ICJ is expected to deliver its judgment in summers this year.

Jadhavs case is the first instance when India and Pakistan are fighting a legal battle in the ICJ. The last time, the countries faced each other in the UN court in 1999, when a Pakistani navy plane was shot down by the Indian forces. All 16 members onboard were killed.

Pakistan alleged Pakistani navy plane was within its air space. India rejected the claim and said that when intercepted, the pilot did not respond in accordance with international protocol, and behaved in a hostile manner.

The ICJ had ruled on Pakistans complaint that it was not the competent authority to adjudicate the dispute and the closed the case.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu at the latters Undavalli residence in Amaravati on Monday to discuss a pre-poll alliance of opposition parties for the Lok Sabha elections.

At the meeting which lasted more than 90 minutes, both the leaders agreed to prioritise a pre-poll alliance on the agenda at the meeting of opposition parties scheduled in Delhi on February 26.

Also read: Tyranny of dictator: Arvind Kejriwals pitch for opposition unity ahead of rally

Kejriwal came to Amaravati after meeting Puducherry chief minister V Narayanaswamy earlier in the day to express solidarity with him in his fight against Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

Over 20 opposition parties involving regional and national players like Congress and Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress met in Delhi recently with Naidu as a fulcrum. But a formal opposition alliance is yet to materialise.

Sources said that during the meeting with Kejriwal, Naidu proposed to hold an opposition summit in the first week of March and called up leaders from different parties to find out their availability. The TDP supremo also plans to stage an anti-BJP dharna like the one Mamata Benerjee staged in Kolkata in the first week of February.

Read more: Ahead of Opposition show of strength, Chandrababu Naidu sketches broad contours of alliance

Sources at the chief ministers office said Naidu and Kejriwal proposed to entrust the job of preparing common minimum programme (CMP) to Congress president Rahul Gandhi. They also underlined the need to iron out differences within the opposition camp and build the alliance as a formidable force to put up a united fight against the BJP-led NDA.
Mexico & Canada to Take Part in USDA Outlook Forum

Agriculture leaders of Mexico and Canada are scheduled to speak at the USDA's 95th Agricultural Outlook Forum, set to be held Feb. 21-22, 2019 in Arlington, Virginia.

The Department of Agriculture recently announced Secretary Victor Villalobos Arambula of Mexico and Minister Lawrence MacAulay of Canada will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for the forum's keynote address on February 21.

The session will mark the first time the three ministers have spoken jointly at a public forum since the signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement in November 2018.

Secretary Perdue says the forum will focus on how USMCA will facilitate agricultural trade among the three countries.

The USDA says this year's Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed "Growing Locally, Selling Globally," will highlight important current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets.

The two-day event will also offer a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday alleged that the BJP-led NDA government was trying to suppress democracy and demanded statehood for Delhi and Puducherry as he flew in to support his Puduchery counterpart V Narayanasamy in his turf war with Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi.

Puducherry, a former French enclave, has been witnessing an unprecedented protest with Narayanasamy launching an indefinite dharna on February 13 demanding the recall of the LG, alleging that she is interfering in administration as well as preventing developmental work by not clearing files. The Congress has claimed that support for Narayanasamy has been swelling.

Kejriwal took a swipe at Bedi who was the BJPs chief ministerial candidate in the Delhi assembly elections 2015 which the Aam Admi Party won handsomely.

Defeated and rejected by the people of Delhi, Kiran Bedi is ruling Puducherry. She has been appointed by the Centre and is not an elected leader to represent the people, Kejriwal said, sharing a stage with Narayanasamy in front of the Raj Nivas.

Kejriwal who was accompanied by his deputy CM, Manish Sisodia, held aloft a placard which read Go Back Kiran Bedi.

Addressing the media along with Narayanasamy, Kejriwal said I have come here to express my solidarity with chief minister Narayanasamy. The LG is no substitute for an elected government that enjoys the peoples mandate. There is no reason why people of the two regions should be discriminated against.

He demanding statehood for both the national capital and Puducherry.

Like Narayanasamy, the Delhi CM, heading the Aam Aadmi Party Government, has been engaged in a prolonged turf war with the Lt Governor. He had resorted to many protests to secure more powers for the elected government.

Kejriwals visit was a morale booster for Narayanasamy in his fight against the LG. Earlier, DMK president MK Stalin had visited the Puducherry chief minister to express his support.

Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry is creating a lot of obstacles in the development works and creating problems for the elected government. We are also facing similar problems in Delhi, Kejriwal told reporters after landing at the airport.

By the evening, Narayanasamy accepted an invitation for talks with Bedi to resolve the impasse. The LG had returned Puducherry on Sunday evening from Delhi, cutting short her visit to the national capital from where she was to return on February 21.
Worried for their safety amid the brewing tension following the Pulwama terror attack, Kashmiri porters in Shimla are leaving for their native places.

Popularly known as the Kashmiri Khans, these porters form a crucial part of Himachals economy but are now living in fear. With reports that a Kashmiri shawl vendor in Baijnath was thrashed a day after the Pulwama attack, many have started packing their bags.

Kashmiris not just in Shimla, but in other parts of the state are anxious. I have seen many social media posts targeting our community. It is unfortunate that we are being targeted, said Bilal Ahmed Shah, district president of the Rashtriya Muslim Sangh.

Read | Shutdown in Valley after Kashmiris harassed over Pulwama attack

The community has over 8,000 people scattered in different parts of the state, including Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Solan and Chamba districts. Police have issued an advisory to all police stations, directing them to adopt measures to avoid any untoward incident. The intelligence agencies too have expressed their apprehensions about the communitys safety. The local police has deputed men in civil dress to keep vigil in localities inhabited by the Kashmiri population. We have put in place precautionary measures to protect the Kashmiri population and are keeping a close eye on their localities, said SP Omapati Jamwal.

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation has suspended all its bus services to J&K, after a high alert was issued following the attack.

Read | Madadgaar to any Kashmiri in distress in aftermath of Pulwama attack, tweets CRPF helpline
Maulana Masood Azhar, the dreaded architect of some of Indias biggest terror attacks, was an easy man to handle in custody with one slap enough to make him blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him several times.

Azhar, who used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In custody, intelligence agencies did not have to use coercive method against Azhar to extract information as he started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer shook him completely, former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

Read more| Pulwama attack showed time for talks over, world will have to act on terror, says PM Modi

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50s now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistans espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him, he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, the officer said.

After his arrival in India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot, the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during interrogation sessions, Azhar used to give detailed answer to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with Sada-e-Mujahid, a tabloid published from Karachi, had in 1993 travelled with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries, drumming up support for Kashmir cause, he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not be able to keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI. You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan, the police officer recalled him as saying.

Read more| LoC Peace bus, trade between India and Pakistan suspended over Pulwama attack

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release. The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in the 1999 exchange, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to free him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding to a new posting to which he wished me good luck. I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant it when he said that we would not be able to keep him for long, he said.

The JeM chief is now believed to be in his native Bahawalpur in Pakistans Punjab province.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias Latram, in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan. After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)
Union Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh Monday said Pakistan has been isolated internationally after the Pulwama terror attack.

Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla, the minister said after the attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for complete isolation of Pakistan which has been made possible with the countrys diplomatic policy.

More than 40 countries have issued strong statements against Pakistan. This is a big success for us as the number of countries supporting Indias stand is higher than the number of countries which had supported India after 26/11 attack in Mumbai, he said.

Singh said India will choose time and place for retaliation to the terror attack as it will be properly planned.

What is being planned, I do not know. Any war, war-like or punitive action must be planned for success. It should be a cold act and nothing is to be done in a hurry. Let us wait and watch and support our forces, he said.

Even Osama (Bin Laden) was not killed in a day, despite the USA knowing the Al-Qaeda terrorist was hidden in Pakistan, he said.

When asked to comment on the angle of intelligence failure and connivance of some insiders behind the Pulwama attack, the minister said the entire matter was being analysed and then a comment could be made.

He said it should also be analysed why terror activities increased in south Kashmir after 2012 after a lull of several years.

Singh said the abolition of Article 370 needed support from all political parties.

Earlier in the day, Singh launched BJPs Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat, Modi Ke Saath campaign in Himachal Pradesh, as part of which the publics expectation in all 68 state Assembly segments would be noted by the party. Some of these suggestions would be included in the partys manifesto, a BJP leader said.
India on Monday suspended two bus services to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) because of the volatile situation following the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF troopers last week, senior government officials said.

One of the bus services is between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad via Uri and the other is between Poonch and Rawlakot. Both the buses ply once a week on Mondays.

Trade facilitation officer, Bhagwan Singh informed that as per telephonic conversation with the passport officer, Srinagar, the bus service stands cancelled for today, said Baseer-ul-Haq, sub divisional magistrate (SDM) of Uri in north Kashmirs Baramulla district.

There was no clarity on whether the service would remain suspended next week and whether the cross-LOC trade would also be suspended.

Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav also confirmed that the bus service was suspended. There was apprehension of protests and law and order situation in the wake of the Pulwama incident, he said.

Also read: India moves to isolate Pakistan globally after Pulwama attack

The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service was launched by the governments of India and Pakistan on April 7, 2005 to allow the relatives, living in the two parts of Kashmir and divided by the line of control (LoC) for decades, to visit each other.

Following the success of bus service, trade between two parts of Kashmir also started on October 21, 2008. Since then traders from both sides have been engaged in barter owing to lack of banking facilities and mode of currency. The border trade on barter system takes place four days a week from Tuesday to Friday at Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and Salamabad in Uri district.

We have not yet received any communication about whether trade would go ahead on Tuesday, SDM Baseer-ul-Haq said.

The weekly bus service and trade via Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch district and Rawalakot in Pok was the brainchild of the then chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed. The Poonch bus service began on June 20, 2006 and was seen as a major confidence-building measure.

Indo-Pak ties have nosedived after a suicide bomber of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus in a CRPF convoy on Srinagar-Jammu highway at Lethpora, Pulwama killing at least 40 CRPF troopers on February 14.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre has already withdrawn the most favoured nation (MFN) status to Pakistan granted in 1996 and also removed the security of four separatist leaders after the attack in Pulwama.
India seeks annulment of Jadhavs conviction

India submits that military courts of Pakistan cant command the confidence of this court and shouldnt be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhavs conviction, and directions that he be released forthwith.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for tomorrow

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for tomorrow.

India invites court to restrain Pakistan from acting on conviction

India invites court to restrain Pakistan from acting on conviction on ground that it was secured by means which was in violation of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and in the present case,relief of review and re-consideration would be highly inadequate,considering facts and circumstances, says Harish Salve.

Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India: Harish Salve

Pakistans conduct doesnt inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India, says Harish Salve

Would invite court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court: Harish Salve

I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court, says Harish Salve.

India has always offered consular access to Pakistan: Harish Salve

India has always offered consular access to Pakistan, even when people were caught red-handed in acts of terror. It is another matter that Pakistan never availed it, Harish Salve added.

Premise of Pakistans case is Kulbhushan Jadhavs confession: India

The premise of Pakistans case is Kulbhushan Jadhavs confession. This confession was obtained even before the case was put in motion, says Harish Salve.

Harish Salve argues on Article 36 of Vienna Convention

Harish Salve representing Kulbhushan Jadhav in International Court of Justice: If article 36 grants rights of consular access in all cases including where allegations of such kind are levelled, then demanding those cant be an abuse of those rights, reports news agency ANI.

Tone and tenor of Pakistans counter against India is an abuse of their right: Harish Salve

Pakistans conduct of trying to play doctored video in the case is nothing but propaganda. The tone and tenor of their counter against India is an abuse of their right, says Harish Salve.

Jadhavs military trial was a farcical case based on malicious propaganda: India

Jadhavs military trial was a farcical case based on malicious propaganda, says India.

Jadhavs trial by military court should be declared unlawful: India

Jadhavs trial by military court hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and should be declared unlawful: Salve.

Nothing to suggest that providing consular access in the case would have hampered investigations: India

India said in the International Court of Justice that there was nothing to suggest that providing consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case would have hampered investigations.

India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhavs family was conducted: Salve

Harish Salve in ICJ: Pakistan offered to allow Jadhavs family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25th December, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhavs family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest.

Pakistan hasnt complied treaty obligations: Harish Salve in ICJ

Harish Salve in ICJ:Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access,upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation,Pakistan hasnt complied treaty obligations.

India accuses Pakistan of misusing ICJ for propaganda

India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

India was dismayed at how meeting with Jadhavs family was conducted: Harish Salve

Pakistan offered to allow Kulbhushan Jadhavs family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on December 25, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhavs family was conducted and wrote a letter on December 27 marking its protest, said Harish Salve at UN court.

Pakistan didnt inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhavs arrest: India

Article 36 of Vienna Convention requires that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan didnt inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhavs arrest, said Indias Harish Salve at UN court.

According to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be given before the trial is over. India wasnt granted consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case even though India made multiple requests, said Harish Salve.

Pakistan sought evidence Kulbhushan Jadhav case after trial was over: India

Harish Salve says Pakistan refused to divulge under what specific offences Kulbhushan Jadhav has been sentenced.

Pakistan used the case as a means of propaganda. Pakistan sought evidence in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case after the trial was over, he added.

Alleged confession obtained from Kulbhushan Jadhav even before FIR: Harish Salve

The alleged confession was obtained from Kulbhushan Jadhav even before registering an FIR. Pakistan also didnt share any details of the investigation, said Indias representative Harish Salve at UN court.

Even the date of Kulbhushan Jadhavs arrest is not known, he was not even given a lawyer, he added.

India sent 13 reminders, no response from Pakistan: Harish Salve

Beginning from March 30, 2016, India sent 13 reminders for consular access (for Kulbhushan Jadhav) on various dates but received no positive response from Pakistan, said Indias representative Harish Salve at UN court.

Pakistan has no substantive defence: Harish Salve

Pakistan has no substantive defence. Pakistan hasnt even divulged fundamental details of the so-called offence. Issues raised by Islamabad have no relevance, said Indias Harish Salve at UN court

Pakistan story was always strong on rhetoric and weak on facts, he added.

Pakistan denied consular access to India: Indias Harish Salve

Indias counsel Harish Salve says Pakistan denied consular access to India which is in egregious breach of the Vienna Convention.

Kulbhushan Jadhav awarded death by farcical trial: India

India begins argument in International Court of Justice, says the death sentence awarded to Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistan court was farcical.

Deepak Mittal presents Indias case

The International Court of Justice has begun with four-day public hearing in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, and Deepak Mittal presented the case.

Hearing begins

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague, Netherlands, will hold public hearings in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former officer of India Navy currently in jail here, on February 18.

According to Dawn newspaper, Pakistans delegation would be led by Attorney General Anwar Mansoor whereas Director General South Asia Dr Mohammad Faisal will lead the Foreign Office side.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the West Bengal police continued to trade charges as they filed their respective affidavits before the Supreme Court on Monday, explaining their stand on the unprecedented events that unfolded in Kolkata earlier this month.

On February 3, a team of CBI officers was allegedly detained by West Bengal police after it reached Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumars residence to question him in connection with the 2013 Saradha chit fund scam. Later, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government of trying to organise a coup in West Bengal and sat on a dharna to protest against the incident.

West Bengals chief secretary, director general of police (DGP) and Kumar on Monday denied committing contempt of court, as alleged by the CBI in a petition filed before the top court. The CBI, on the other hand, scaled its attack against Kumar and the Mamata Banerjee government.

The central agency claimed its preliminary investigation into the chit fund scam, as per the top courts direction, had unearthed a large-scale conspiracy involving top government officials and those running the Ponzi schemes.

The Saradha scam, which came to light in April 2013, was worth over 10,000 crore.

The CBI on Monday claimed inputs by central government in November 2009 flagging the possibility of such a scam were ignored by the state administration and the police, which have for more than four years ignored persistent requests to hand over crucial documents related to the case. The last communication the CBI received from the state police claimed the said documents could not be located.

A bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on February 5 ordered West Bengal chief secretary, DGP and Kumar to file their responses to CBIs petition seeking contempt action against them. The CBI rushed to the top court after its officers were kept in illegal custody by the local police when they reached Kumars residence to question him in the Saradha scam. The apex court will peruse their affidavits and then take a call on Tuesday whether their personal presence is needed for a hearing on February 20.

At the outset, Kumar tendered his unconditional apology for any inadvertent disobedience of the orders passed by the top court. He said he was never in possession of evidence, material or documents and was not in a capacity to hand over the same to the CBI. In its affidavit, the central agency has claimed that Kumar continued to evade and escape being under the CBI scanner and refused to share documents recovered during the initial probe conducted by states SIT led by him.
Soon after terrorists attacked an Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Punjabs Pathankot on January 2, 2016, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to declare war against Pakistan.

The attack, in which six soldiers and an officer were killed, was allegedly carried out by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which has now claimed responsibility for last weeks suicide bombing of a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel that killed 40 men.

In contrast with the aggressive reaction to the Pathankot attack, the response of the Sangh Parivar to the car bombing has been muted. The VHP and RSS, the ideological fount of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have toned down calls for retribution and statements issued by key functionaries convey their faith in the government to do the right thing.

Both the Sangh and VHP have asked the government to hold the perpetrators to account, but the bombast is missing. The change in tone comes at a time the BJP is preparing for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and has showcased the surgical strikes carried out against terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) in 2016 as proof of its muscular policy against Pakistan and zero tolerance for terror.

The surgical strikes were carried out in retaliation for a terrorist attack on the Indian Armys brigade headquarters in Uri, near the LoC in September 2016, that left 19 soldiers dead.

Following the Pulwama attack, VHP working president Alok Kumar on Friday called for destroying terrorist bases in Pakistan. Jaish-e-Mohammad is a Pakistan-based and -backed outfit... The nexus must be broken and terrorist bases in Pakistan destroyed, he said.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat dubbed the attack cowardly and said Thursday, We expect action in response to this. We have tolerated a lot and are still doing so, as seen from todays incident.

Have the statements been toned down to reduce the pressure on the BJP?

A senior functionary of the Sangh, on condition of anonymity, said, There has been no solution to the Kashmir problem. Taking harsh action has not been successful and weve seen taking a soft approach has also not fetched results. There is a feeling that the government is doing the best it can and it must be left to them to take action.

In the past, the Sangh had on several occasions underlined the need for a robust policy to deal with Pakistan and China, which has blocked Indias bid to get JeM chief Masood Azhar declared a global terrorist by the United Nations. It has pointed out that Indias overtures for peace in the region have been rebuffed.

The Sangh has also advocated caution in taking ties with Pakistan forward. While it supported PM Modi when he called on his then counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Lahore in 2015, it asked the government to not overlook the Kargil war and the Pathankot attack.

Similar caution was advocated on ties with China. After the military standoff between India and China at Doklam in 2017, and Chinas One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a move that New Delhi has objected to, affiliates of the RSS pushed for a ban on import of Chinese goods.

Affiliates that demanded reclaiming PoK and lending support to the separatist movement in Balochistan in the past are now content with governments announcement that India will withdraw the most favoured nation status accorded to Pakistan. The Sangh realises the constraints of launching an armed aggression so they hoping that the government will investigate and punish the perpetrators of the crime at the earliest. That would be a good start, said a second functionary, also requesting anonymity.

The balanced response of the Sangh was welcomed by commentator Dilip Deodhar. The Sangh knows that this government will not take things lying down. They know ultimately there will be a reaction. So there is no point in a show of emotion now. A balanced approach shows that the Sangh has taken a mature view, which is the need of the hour, he said.
Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha on Sunday hailed the Patna Metro Rail and other projects worth over Rs 33,000 crore launched in Barauni by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying they would usher in progress for Bihar.

I welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM of Bihar Nitish Kumar for the Patna metro project. Great move forward in terms of development and progress in Bihar along with other projects... highly appreciated and applauded, Sinha tweeted.

Sinha is a second-term BJP MP from Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat, and served as a Union minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
Two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, in a joint statement, urged the Union government on Monday to ensure the safety of Kashmiri people amid continuing reports of attacks and threats in the aftermath of last weeks suicide attack in Pulwama that killed 40 security personnel.

The statement by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, underscoring the need for communal harmony, came on a day two Kashmiri students were arrested in Himachal Pradesh and one in Jharkhand for alleged anti-national activities.

Police raided the houses of three more people in Jharkhands Jamshedpur for allegedly shouting Pakistan zindabad.

Intimidating Kashmiris is aimed at creating a wedge between different communities in India. We should not allow the terror to divide us. By using such incidents to divide us, we fall into the trap of those behind the attack on CRPF [Central Reserve Police Force] soldiers; we are wittingly or unwittingly playing to the tunes of our enemies, the leaders said in a statement.

The former chief ministers said it was tragic to see educated people spearheading vicious propaganda to paint Kashmiris and terrorists with the same brush.

The thought behind such attacks is to divide us. Our pain must not fuel such diabolical plans because eventually the axe forgets and the tree remembers, they said.

Kashmiris in some parts of the country have reported threats and intimidation since Thursday, when a 22-year-old Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant rammed his explosives-laden car into a CRPF convoy on Thursday afternoon.

In Jammus Muslim-dominated Bhatindi area, hundreds of Kashmiris are stranded because of an influx of people attempting to return to Kashmir from other parts of the country. The administration transported 700 people in a convoy to Srinagar on Saturday night, and the rest have appealed to the governor to arrange for their transport. Kashmiris are coming from all parts of the country, said Habibullah, a 71-year-old man from Budgam.

Between February 5 and 11, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only all-weather surface link between Kashmir and the rest of the country, remained closed because of heavy snowfall and landslides.

The highway was restored partially on February 12 for stranded vehicles, but was closed again two days later after the suicide bomb attack, triggering clashes and stone pelting in various parts of Jammu.

In the Gujjar Nagar area of Jammus walled city on Friday, Kashmiri students staying in a local hotel reported that a mob smashed window panes and tried to barge in and attack the residents, but were thwarted by the owner of the property.

After three days of curfew, the administration on Monday decided to relax the restrictions for three hours in the afternoon. Army personnel continued to patrol the city and police detained 150 people to maintain law and order, and the region was being monitored by army helicopters.

Police in Dehradun registered a case against student leader Shehla Rashid for allegedly promoting enmity between communities for tweeting about Kashmiri women allegedly trapped in a city hostel.

Confirming the case registered against Rashid, senior superintendent of police Nivedita Kukreti said, It was registered after a local resident named one Devraj lodged a complaint stating that she is spreading rumours about attacks on Kashmiri students and trying to disturb the communal harmony. Following the complaint, a case was registered followed by investigations.

In Mohali, at least 300 Kashmiri students were camped on their way home from Uttarakhand and Haryana. Some Kashmiri students in the Uttarakhand capital have alleged they were harassed and asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations, fearing attacks on their properties after the strike in Pulwama. The students told us they wanted to make a halt in Mohali as it was a safer place. We helped them arrange a temporary stay here, said Jammu and Kashmir Students Organisation president Khwaja Itrat.

Over the past three days, police in various parts of the country have booked people, often for sedition, for allegedly making anti-India comments. Bihar police have arrested and charged with sedition at least five people in the last three days for allegedly posting objectionable remarks on social media. Police said those arrested on Sunday include a Katihar-resident Mohammad Tausif Alam alias Bashir, Muzaffarpur-resident Mohammad Mazhar Hashmi, Gaya-resident Mohammad Wakil and Samastipur-resident Mohammad Imran. Earlier on Friday, Gopalganj police arrested Mohammad Majhar Hashmi, 22.Police said all those accused had posted objectionable remarks and written pro-Pakistan slogans and hailed the suicide bomber.

Assam Police have charged three men with sedition and another with promoting riots for allegedly hailing Pakistan.

In Ledo town of Tinsukia district of upper Assam, Khairul Alam, 18, was arrested for allegedly writing Pakistan Zindabad in a Facebook comment. We have arrested Khairul Alam and two others including Saikul Alam and Riyazul Haq whom we suspect were part of the conspiracy, said Shiladitya Chetia, superintendent of police (SP), Tinsukia. In Goalpara district of lower Assam, Shahnawar Islam was arrested because he allegedly appreciated the suicide bombing. He wrote well done on his social media account, said SP Sushanta Biswa Sarma.

In Jamshedpurs Mango locality, police charged a 22-year-old Muslim man with sedition was looking for three more.

We had arrested Anas Razi on Sunday night on charges of shouting Pakistan slogans along with three of his associates after local people caught them and a scuffle ensued. We produced Anas in a court today on sedition charges from where he was sent to judicial custody. Raids are on to nab his three absconding associates who have fled from their houses, Bishnu Raut, Azadnagar police station officer-in-charge (OC), said.

In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, two Kashmiri students were arrested in Solan district on Sunday night. Pirzada Tawish Fayaz and Aakib Rasool were arrested, said Himachal Pradesh Police spokesperson Khushhal Sharma, on the basis of a complaint from a local resident who alleged that the duo posted anti-national comments on Facebook.

Another Kashmiri student, Tahseen Gul, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly writing anti-national remarks on photo sharing app Instagram.

(With inputs from Jammu, Srinagar, Jamshedpur, Guwahati, Patna, Shimla, Chandigarh)
Circo de los Ninos de San Pancho 2019 Performances

San Francisco, Nayarit, Mexico - The Circo de los Ninos de San Pancho, (San Pancho Children's Circus) a social and artistic program founded by the co-creator of Cirque du Soleil, Mr. Gilles St. Croix, will present their new show from March 20th through 23rd at 7:30 pm in the Circo Bodega in San Francisco, Nayarit (aka San Pancho.)

About Circo de los Ninos de San Pancho

In March 2011, Gilles St. Croix and his wife Monique Voyer created a circus school for the children of the village of San Pancho. This non-profit organization supports the development of local children from 8 to 17 years old. Through circus arts and techniques, the children build confidence, focus, determination and physical capacities.

Each spring, the Circo de los Ninos team and students prepare an awe-inspiring presentation to raise funds for the children's program and, every year since their inaugural fundraising performance in 2011, everyone in the greater Banderas Bay area eagerly anticipates this annual spectacular.

This annual performance is a very special experience for everyone who is part of this unique community project. The students always look forward to demonstrating the beauty, energy and magic of Circo de los Ninos de San Pancho, and the audience always leaves inspired and wanting more!





This year's performance, which demonstrates the powerful creative and collective outcome of this unique community project, is inspired by the German legendary character, Faust. Produced and directed by the school's founders, Gilles Ste-Croix and Monique Voyer, Fausto tells a story of human striving for the divine and salvation through grace.

The story unfolds through graceful acrobatic ensembles, daring feats, and classical numbers that are part of Circo de los Ninos' short history. The children who are part of this year's production are very excited about this year's show and are looking forward to showing off the many different technics of circus art that they've learned. Tiered bleacher seating ensures that everyone has a great view!

Make plans now to attend one (or all!) of the 4-day performances. Tickets are $550 pesos (general seating) and $2500 pesos for Dream Catcher Fund Benefactors' preferred seating. Dream Catcher tickets are on sale now at CircoDeLosNinosDeSanPancho.mx. General tickets online sales begin February 21.

These benefit performances support the ongoing activities of Circo de los Ninos and keeps fees accessible for the families of the 150 kids enrolled in the program. A pair of Dream Catcher tickets sponsors a full year of training and playing in a safe, supportive environment for one child at Circo de Los Ninos de San Pancho.

Each year, more than 35% of the children enrolled receive full or partial scholarships thanks to the support of Dream Catcher Sponsors. Click HERE to find out more about being a Dream Catcher Sponsor.

If you are planning to be in the Banderas Bay area in March 2019, BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW so you don't miss this year's incredible show!

For more information, visit CircoDeLosNinosDeSanPancho.mx, their Facebook page, or send an email to circotickets(at)gmail.com.

Bodega Circo is located between the Colectivo San Pancho and the Entreamigos Centro Comunitario in San Francisco, Nayarit.
A top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commender, suspected to be the bomb maker and mastermind of Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, was among two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in the same districts Pingilana village on Monday.

Police were yet to confirm the identities of the two terrorists, but IANS quoted defence ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia as saying: One of the two slain JeM terrorists was a top commander and belonged to Pakistan.

Read live updates here

According to sources, the slain Jaish commander is believed to be behind the suicide attack in Pulwama that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel travelling in a bus to Srinagar on Thursday.

Watch: Army officer, 3 jawans die in Pulwama encounter that killed 2 terrorists

A Jaish operative had rammed a car filled with explosives into a convoy of buses carrying CRPF jawans on Jammu-Srinagar highway in Lethpora of Pulwama district.

Forces looking for the masterminds of the attack launched a cordon and search operation in Pingilana village, about 15 km from the site of the attack, early on Monday. When surrounded the militants opened fire at the forces, triggering retaliation.

In the ensuing 11-hour gunbattle, four army personnel, including a major, and a civilian were killed.

The slain personnel  identified as major VS Dhoundiyal, havaldar Sheo Ram, sepoy Ajay Kumar and sepoy Hari Singh  belonged to the 55 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army.

Heavy exchange of fire was reported and villagers were appealed to stay indoors. The house where the terrorists were hiding was blasted. An AK47 and a pistol were recovered from the site of the encounter.

Recently, two militants were killed on February 13 in a gunfight with the security forces in Badgam district during a cordon and search operation.

Before that, Hizbul Mujahideen militant Hilal Ahmed Rather, the main accused in planning the escape of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Naveed Jhutt last year, was gunned down by Jammu and Kashmir police in Pulwama on February 12. An army jawan also lost his life in the encounter in Ratnipora.

As many as five terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul Mujahideen were killed in another encounter in Kulgam.
A day after the government withdrew the security cover of four separatist leaders, former chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, Molvi Abbas Ansari wrote to the Jammu and Kashmir Police asking them to withdraw his protection.

Police said they are yet to receive the communication.

Abbas Ansari, who is part of moderate Hurriyat Conference currently led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been provided six police personnel including two personal security officers (PSOs) and a vehicle for his safety.

The letter written by Ansaris personal secretary urged the senior superintendent of police, (security) to withdraw the protection provided by the government.

We will not provide any kind of accommodation to the security personal henceforth, it read.

A spokesman for Ansari said that police had sought more accommodation for their personnel on the security duty of the leader which he denied.

We told them that on one hand you are withdrawing security of other leaders and on the other you are asking us for more accommodation. We wrote to them that we will not provide any kind of accommodation to the security personnel, the spokesman said.

Additional director general of police (ADGP), security, Muneer Khan said that they have not received any communication as yet. When I receive it, I will withdraw the security, he said.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday withdrew the security cover of four Kashmiri separatists, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, following a suicide attack in Pulwama on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 troopers on February 14.

Besides the Hurriyat chairman, the security details of Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Shah were also withdrawn, according to an official order issued in Srinagar.

The Peoples Democratic Party has termed the move hasty. Withdrawal of security to separatist leaders is a hasty step and will not yield much, said PDP youth president, Waheed Para.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh had issued a veiled warning to the separatist leaders on Friday saying officials were asked to review the security provided to those who take money from Pakistan and ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence).

A Hurriyat statement dismissed the significance of the governments decision. With or without these police personnel at Hurriyat residence, all remains the same. Whenever the issue has been made centre stage, Mirwaiz has repeatedly said from the pulpit of Jamia Masjid that the government can withdraw it.

The Mirwaiz was provided protection after his father was assassinated in 1990.

On Monday, many young men volunteered for the security of the Mirwaiz, the leaders party Awami Action Committee (JKAAC) said.

AAC tweeted pictures of hundreds of boys swarming the party headquarters at Mirwaiz Manzil in old city to register for Mirwaizs personal security.

Moved by the love and affection of these young men, my gratitude to their selfless love, Mirwaiz tweeted.

Joint Resistance leader Farooq, Bhat, Lone and Ansari are part of the moderate faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. In 2004, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government held talks with these leaders, then under the headship of Ansari on over the Kashmir issue.

Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani does not have any government security and has intermittently been under house since 2010. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik also does not have any security cover.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told party workers from Uttar Pradeshs Bundelkhand region that they should not expect a miracle from her and the partys performance depends on its booth-level organisation.

The AICC General Secretary Uttar Pradesh East warned the party workers that anyone found indulging in anti-party activities will be shown the door, a leader who attended the meeting said.

During the meeting, held at the Congress war room at 15 Gurudwara Rakabganj Road, Priyanka Gandhi reviewed the booth-level organisation of the party in the region -- under which 19 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats fall.

The four parliamentary segments in Bundelkhand are -- Jhansi-Lalitpur, Jaluan, Banda and Hamirpur.

She asked the Congress workers to strengthen the booth-level organisation of the party.

Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2019: Priyanka Gandhi to visit Varanasi as part of her four-day visit to UP

I cannot do a miracle from above, the workers need to strengthen the party at the booth level and I need your support for strengthening the party in the state, the leader quoted Priyanka Gandhi as saying during the meeting.

The leaders told Priyanka Gandhi that she reminded them of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

They also presented a statue of Rani Laxmi Bai to Priyanka Gandhi, who said she was inspired by the erstwhile ruler of Jhansi, the leader said.

Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia were appointed AICC general secretaries for UP east and UP west respectively in January and took charge earlier this month.

The Congress leader has held a series of discussions with party workers last week in Lucknow, with at least one session lasting through the night.

The Congress is trying to revive itself in the state where it faces a challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as an alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.

Also read | Mumbai Congress wants Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as star campaigner for east UP connect
The body of Indian Army Major Chitresh Bisht, who was killed on Saturday while defusing a landmine near close to the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, reached his home in Uttarakhands Dehradun on Monday morning as a large crowd turned up to offer their respects.

Major Bisht, who was supposed to get married on March 7, was in the armys Corps of Engineers and posted in Nowshera sector. The 31-year-old had defused one mine but the next one exploded grievously injuring him. He was rushed to a nearby army hospital where he succumbed to injuries during treatment. Another jawan who was with him was injured. The Sena Medal winner for exemplary service is survived by his parents and elder brother.

His body was brought by army personnel in Dehraduns Old Nehru Colony on Monday at around 8.30am amid large crowds including chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, ministers, politicians, army, police and administrative officials who paid their last tributes to the major.

Also read: Army major killed near LoC in Kashmir dreamt of Shaurya Chakra, funeral today

Chief minister Rawat reached Major Bishts house at around 9.30am to offer his condolences to his family members. Senior Congress leader and former CM Harish Rawat, who also hails from majors fathers native village, also reached there to offer his condolences.

A large crowd thronged his house since 8am in the morning. Many were seen holding placards with his portrait and shouted slogans like Chitresh Tera ye Balidan, Yaad Karega Hindustan and Chitresh Hum Sharminda Hain, Tere Kaatil Zinda Hain.

They also raised anti-Pakistan slogans apart from shouting Indian Army Zindabad, Indian Army Badla Lo, Hum Tumhare Saath Hai.

Also read: Army officer killed while defusing mines was to get married next month

Major Bishts body was kept at his house for about one hour after which it was taken for the last rites in the holy town of Haridwar at 10.45am.
Even as Major Chitresh Bisht was cremated with full state honours in Haridwar on Monday after being killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Kashmirs Nowshera on Saturday, another Army officer from his home town Dehradun, Major Vibhuti Singh Dhoundiyal, was killed in an encounter with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants in Pulwama.

Three other soldiers and three militants were also killed in the day-long encounter, about 15km away from the spot where 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were killed in a suicide attack on a convoy by JeM militant Adil Ahmed Dar last Thursday.

Dhoundiyals wife Nitika - the two wed last April - was on her way to Delhi, where she works in a multinational firm, when she was told about her husbands death.

He was supposed to return home to celebrate his first wedding anniversary, said cousin Ayushman Dhoundiyal, who said that he had last visited home over the Christmas holidays.

Dhoundiyals mother Saroj, grandmother Shakuntala and sister Vaishnavi live in the family home in Dehrudun, while two other sisters are married. According to the family Dhoundiyals father, OP Dhoundiyal, who retired as controller of defence accounts, died in 2015.

Dhoundiyal graduated from the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 2012.

Bisht, who was from the 2010 batch of Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, was in the Indian Armys Corps of Engineers and was posted near the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir.

His body was brought by army personnel in Dehraduns Old Nehru Colony on Monday evening, where it was received by large crowds including chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, other ministers, political leaders, and army, police and administrative officials.
The curfew in Jammu, imposed in the aftermath of violent protests over the Pulwama attack on CRPF personnel since Friday, is likely to be relaxed for an hour or two on Monday, as authorities felt the situation was peaceful and under control.

Jammu region inspector general MK Sinha said the situation is normal in the city. We are in a meeting discussing relaxation in the curfew. Once we concretise, a decision on relaxing the curfew will be taken. It (relaxation) is expected today.

The curfew was imposed on Friday after violence was reported from Gujjar Nagar and other Muslim-dominated pockets of Jammu during massive anti-Pakistan protest against the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Columns of the army which were deployed in the curfew bound areas remain deployed with the police and paramilitary forces on the streets of the city.

Their strength has been increased in Gujjar Nagar, Janipur, Bhatindi and Subhash Nagar areas.

On Sunday, there were minor incidents of stone pelting at Janipur.

Around 150 people have already been detained under preventive custody to maintain law and order, including a Kashmiri couple.

The city is being also monitored from air through army helicopters and UAVs.

The curfew has caused great inconvenience to travellers and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims as they had to move on foot towards railway station, airport and the bus stand.
The Lucknow Barauni Express was delayed by more than an hour on Sunday night after a station master received a call about a bomb on the train, officials said.

The station master at Piparsand station, about 25km from Uttar Pradeshs capital Lucknow, informed the Government Railway Police (GRP) and other officials, including the bomb disposal squad, who rushed to the spot.

The train, heading towards Lucknow, was detained at Piparsand station for a search. However, following the search, it turned out to be a hoax call.

It was detained for more than an hour at the station, for the search operation.

We found nothing onboard. It was a hoax call, GRP superintendent of police (Lucknow) Saumitra Yadav said.

Barauni is a town in Begusarai district of Bihar.
Shortly after bickering allies BJP and the Shiv Sena finalised a seat-sharing pact for 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra on Monday, the Congress took pot shots at the BJP reminding the ruling party at the Centre of the number of times Uddhav Thackerays party has criticised it.

After facing a relentless attacks from the BJP about an unholy alliance of alliance parties, the Congress returned the compliment saying the tie-up with the Shiv Sena was the BJPs idea of a holy alliance.

Just a few of the times @ShivSena has criticised the Modi govt., even as recently as today. This is BJP's idea of a holy alliance. pic.twitter.com/RUgCZhxSrB  Congress (@INCIndia) February 18, 2019

On the last day of the Budget session of Parliament on February 7, Prime Minster Narendra Modi took a swipe at the opposition parties dismissing their attempt to present a united front against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliace (NDA) in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. PM Modi said the elusive grand-alliance is a mahamilawat (adulteration), which the people will reject in the elections.

The BJP rank and file has been labelling the oppositions alliance plans as an effort to oust the Modi government for its anti-corruption stand.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact saying the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra.

Inspired by the vision of Atal Ji and Balasaheb Thackeray Ji, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will continue working for the well-being of Maharashtra and ensuring the state once again elects representatives who are development oriented, non corrupt and proud of Indias cultural ethos.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2019

But the BJP itself has had an uneasy relationship with the Shiv Sena for much of the last five years. The Sena has regularly targeted the BJP over a range of issues including the Ram Temple, Kashmir and Rafale and flexed its muscles, insisting that in Maharashtra it was and will always be the big brother.

In January, BJP chief Amit Shah said the party would defeat the Sena hands down in Maharashtra if it does not enter into an alliance before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It drew a sharp response from the Sena which said Maharashtra will see to it that you will be routed in the election.

BJP alliance with the Sena appeared to be unravelling in the assembly elections in 2014, after the BJP refused to accept the Sena as the senior partner in the state. They fought separately and the BJP fielded candidates in 260 out of 288 assembly seats; the Sena contested 282 seats. The former won 122 and the latter 63.

They came together after the election to form the government in Maharashtra, but the relationship has remained strained.
The Assam Police arrested three youth on Monday on charges of sedition and another person for promoting rioting with social media posts in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack and hailing Pakistan, officials said.

In Ledo town of Tinsukia district of upper Assam, Khairul Alam, 18, who runs a small paan shop wrote Pakistan Zindabad in a comment on his Facebook account. As the news of the comment spread, Alam was manhandled by the locals and a complaint was lodged, police said adding that a law and order situation was developing because of the post.

We have arrested Khairul Alam and two others including Saikul Alam and Riyazul Haq whom we suspect were part of the conspiracy, said Shiladitya Chetia, Superintendent of Police, Tinsukia. They have been arrested under Sections 120(B), 121, 121(A), 124(A), 153, 153(A), 153(B) of the IPC read with Section 67 of the IT Act, said Chetia. All three have been charged with sedition and waging war against the state among others.

Also read: Four students face sedition charges, man thrashed in aftermath of Pulwama attack

In Goalpara district of lower Assam, Shahnawar Islam was arrested by the police which registered a suo moto case over his Facebook post where he appreciated the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir which targeted CRPF personnel. He wrote well done on his social media account, said Sushanta Biswa Sarma, adding he has been arrested under Sections 120(B), 153, 153(A) of the IPC for promoting enmity and rioting. Islam (21) is unemployed, the police said.

Meanwhile, in Guwahati, an assistant professor of English who was being interrogated by the Guwahati police has gone missing, the police said after she failed to turn up on Monday for further questioning.

Papri Banerjee (37) was suspended by the Ikon Commerce College in Guwahati on Saturday as her Facebook post which was critical of role of the security forces in Kashmir and said they rape and kill went viral. She was also interrogated by the Guwahati police was asked to report to the police station again on Monday. A case under the IT Act and other sections was registered against her.

Her parents said she is missing since yesterday, said Biren Chandra Deka, in-charge of Chandmari police station. Now that she has not turned up, we will have to look for her and she will be arrested, he said.

Earlier, the police registered a case against All India United Democratic Front MLA Aminul Islam over a Facebook post on the Pulwama incident.

On February 16, the MLA wrote how attacks in Kashmir only happen before parliamentary polls.

We have registered a case based on a complaint. We have asked Facebook for details of the said profile before we take further action, said Upen Kalita, in-charge of Latasil police station in Guwahati.

Speaking to journalists, Aminul Islam said his post has been misinterpreted He said there is a conspiracy by vested interests and that he had condemned the incident.
Indian army major Chitresh Bisht, 31, who was killed near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir in an IED blast, was awarded a Sena Medal for exemplary service but aspired for a Shaurya Chakra while serving the country, his father said on Sunday.

Major Bisht from Dehradun was with the armys Corps of Engineers. He died on Saturday evening in Jammu & Kashmirs Nowshera sector while defusing an improvised explosive device (IED).

His mortal remains were brought to his house on Monday morning, from where it would be taken for last rites in Haridwar.

Major Bisht was to marry on March 7 and supposed to come home on February 28. He is survived by his parents and an elder brother. His father SS Bisht is retired from the Uttarakhand police as an inspector; his elder brother is married and settled in the United Kingdom where he is working as a software engineer.

He (major Bisht) was awarded the Sena Medal after he ensured his men escape an ambush safely a few years ago in Kupwara. His commanding officer had then admired him for his valour following which he was awarded Sena Medal. He had then said that he wanted a Shaurya Chakra while serving the country, said his father while remembering his sons bravery with tears rolling down his cheeks.

Bisht senior said he had asked his son not to take the posting at LoC but he refused. Fearing for his safety, his mother and I had asked him to make some excuse and not take the posting as he was going to marry soon. But he refused and said he will take the posting. He said he wants to serve at LoC at least once, SS Bisht said, adding that his son was good at studies and always wanted to join the army.

Had got call to join NSG twice

Speaking about his sons determination to serve the country, Chitreshs father said, Considering his enthusiasm, he had twice got the call for joining elite force, National Security Guards, but he couldnt join due to a medical issue.

He was a premature child as he was born in the seventh month only. But it never hampered his growth as he got fit after two months of birth and started walking when he was just 10 months old,  his father recalled.

Used to call me Big Boss

SS Bisht said his son major Chitresh used to call him Big Boss instead of papa.

He was a very sincere boy and always used to enquire about my and his mothers health. He used to call me Big Boss and not papa. While talking to his mother over the phone, he would ask her, Where is Big Boss, what is he doing? He was my courage and the successor of my family but now everything is gone, SS Bisht said.

He talked about how he had planned to get his married in a grand way. I had thought to get him married with grand celebrations as he was my younger son. I was happy that all our friends and relatives from my native village would attend the marriage and celebrate. He was also happy that all his friends and cousin brothers would be there to enjoy. But now everything is gone. I am just devastated.

Passion for cars

SS Bisht said his son had a passion for cars and he would drive down home from his posting in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was a very simple boy. His mannerism never hinted that he was an army officer. He used to wear simple clothes but had passion for cars. He would come home driving all the way from his posting place in Jammu & Kashmir. He was about to buy a new car after a few months and had asked me to keep his current car, he said.

Hitesh Kumar Singh, a school friend of major Bisht, said, He never indulged in any arguments, let alone brawl or fight. He would sit silent in the school and quietly listen to what the teachers taught. Singh and Major Bisht studied in St Joseph School, Dehradun.

He (Major Bisht) always dreamt of joining the army and did it with excellence as a few months ago, he got selected among top 9 army officers out of 540 in a training course. He was planning to pursue another training course abroad but before that he made the supreme sacrifice, Singh said.

Earlier on Sunday, Uttarakhand assembly speaker Premchand Agrawal, director general of police Anil Kumar Raturi, finance minister Prakash Pant, Congress state president Pritam Singh and army and administrative officials went to major Bishts house and offered condolences to his family members.
BJP president Amit Shah is holding a meeting with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree in Mumbai on Monday evening.

Senior Sena leader Sanjay Raut said Amit Shah and Uddhav Thackeray will announce the alliance for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in a joint press conference at 6:30pm.

The development comes as the Sena has been openly critical of the BJP leadership and its policies over the last couple of years. The two allies had even directed party cadre to prepare to contest the elections solo.

Also Read | Surgical strike alone wont do: Shiv Sena on Pulwama terror attack

After a nearly a month-long informal talks over the alliance, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had met Thackeray last Thursday for a face to face poll negotiations.

The Hindustan Times had reported that the Sena has sought 50-50 seat sharing for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra and in the 288-member state assembly election slated to be held later in the year. The party also wants to split the chief ministers post and tenure between them if they win in the assembly polls.

This is said to be a sticking point in clinching the deal.

In the previous Lok Sabha election in 2014, the BJP had contested 24 Lok Sabha seats and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena 20. Four seats went to other allies, the Swabhimani Paksha of Raju Shetty, the Republican Party of India of Ram Das Athawale and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha of Mahadev Jankar. There are 48 Lok Sabha seats in the western state.

The alliance fell apart in the assembly election in 2014 over seat sharing negotiations after the BJP refused to concede 151 seats to the Sena. They fought separately and the BJP fielded candidates in 260 out of 288 assembly seats; the Sena contested 282 seats. The former won 122 and the latter 63.

They came together after the election to form the government in Maharashtra, but the relationship has remained strained.

Also Read | Shiv Sena eyes hard bargain as talks with BJP begin

The parties contested separately in the subsequent local body elections and the BJP dominated the local polls, winning 15 out of the 27 big city corporations in the state. The Sena retained control of Mumbai but managed to win just two more seats than the BJP in the city.

The assembly election is supposed to be held six months after the Lok Sabha polls this summer.

The Sena in a bid to justify its climb down has also sought some administrative decisions by the ruling government over farmers welfare.

A BJP senior leader had told HT that the party is willing to concede equal seat sharing in the assembly polls and near equal in Lok Sabha (23:25) election during this summer. He said the Bharatiya Janata Party would also grant the Palghar Lok Sabha seat that Sena had demanded which was as in the BJP quota.

However, the BJP is not willing to split the CMs post.

The final seat and power-sharing formula may be decided upon in the meeting on Monday.

We have placed our demands before them, now it is up to them. Both leaders are expected to meet today and discuss further and announce it, a Sena functionary said.
A man was arrested in Gujarats Ahmedabad for allegedly posting objectionable message glorifying the Pulwama attacker, who rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus killing at least 40 soldiers last week, on social media late on Sunday night.

Police said that Vijay Patel had posted the message on Facebook and also forwarded it to WhatsApp groups he is the member of. Patel later deleted the post from Facebook on receiving backlash from other users.

We have to pay the price for suppressing Kashmiris. We might call the attackers terrorists, but for them they are separatists, who sacrifice their life. They see our soldiers as terrorists, the post in Hindi read, according to police.

A spokesperson of Ahmedabad Police said Patel, a resident of Chandkheda area of the city, was arrested by the cyber security cell.

The 37-year-old, who works at a medicine shop, had later deleted the post (on Facebook). The cyber cell team traced the posts origin to his account, the spokesperson said.

Police said that after the Pulwama attack, the cyber cell has been keeping a close watch on social media posts that can potentially lead to untoward incidents.

Gujarat  which shares the land and marine borders with Pakistan  has stepped up security across the state after the Pulwama attack, the worst in decades in the restive state, on February 14. Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Monday overruled the order of a single bench of the same court, and allowed a woman to abort her 29-week-old foetus, which, according to the petitioner, has a severe brain anomaly.

The court also ruled the abortion could be done at any private facility.

The bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder and Justice Arindam Mukherjee, while allowing the womans plea for abortion, observed that the mother has the right to live a life of dignity since the state has refused to come forward to offer her any kind of financial and medical assistance.

The foetus is suffering from Downs Syndrome apart from problems in the heart and oesophagus, said the lawyer for the petitioner.

Arundhati Mukherjee, assistant professor of paediatrics of National Medical College and Hospital, said, Problems of the heart and oesophagus are quite common in children suffering from Downs Syndrome. Downs Syndrome can be of different degrees. If its acute, life becomes extremely painful not only for the kid but also for the parents.

On January 29, a single judge bench of Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty turned down the 42-year-old womans petition to terminate what was then a 26-week-old foetus.

The judge observed that at that stage, abortion was impossible and if the baby was born with Downs Syndrome, it could be treated.

Downs Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is associated with delayed physical growth, and impaired intellectual growth apart.

According to the Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, the permission of a high court is required for the abortion of a foetus which is more than 20 -weeks old .

The upper limit of legal abortions in Indias Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill 2016 is 20 weeks, but the health ministry is finalising a proposal to increase it to 24 weeks, and, in cases of substantial foetal abnormalities, do away with the upper limit altogether.

The petitioners counsels  Kallol Basu and Apalak Basu  argued in court that her 48-year-old husband is an employee of a private firm with a modest salary, and it would be impossible for them to bear the cost of sustained treatment of a baby born with Downs Syndrome.

They also emphasised the constant mental agony that the family would undergo in raising the child.

The couple has a 13-year-old daughter.

Earlier, a medical board of the state-run SSKM Medical College & Hospital [Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata], submitted a report to the single bench and said there is a possibility that the condition of the baby could improve if it is delivered after completion of the full-term of pregnancy.

The single bench order was based on the report of a medical board, constituted by the West Bengal government that the foetus was suffering from Downs Syndrome and the baby would be born with grave abnormalities.
In just a decade, the number of women who opted for a Caesarian section (C-section) more than doubled across India, especially in the cities, according to a new study that attributes the rise to reasons such as fear of pain and complications among mothers, and a rise in maternal age.

Nearly 17% women in 2015-2016 underwent a C-section, compared to the 9% in 2005-2006, the study by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS) found. This rise includes both first-time mothers and those opting for a C-section for subsequent deliveries. The researchers used data from the National Family Health Survey. While the rise in C-section deliveries is a global trend, what is concerning, according to experts, is how women were opting for it even when there is no medical need to undergo the procedure.

Across the world, C-sections are associated with higher rates of maternal morbidities such as obesity, and complications in subsequent pregnancies. In fact, the World Health Organisation says C-section rates in any population should ideally not exceed 15%. When we looked at the demographics of the women who chose the C-section, we found the rates had risen across states, among the poor and rich, educated and illiterate alike, said Sanjay Mohanty, professor at IIPS and the author of the study.

The fear of pain, increase in the number of older mothers, which is known to increase complications, may also be reasons, said Mohanty, adding there were also those cases where mothers wanted to have the baby at an auspicious day and time.

Senior doctors, however, pointed out that women were not the only ones asking for the procedure, and that many doctors themselves suggested it fearing litigation if the delivery fails.

Dr Nozer Sheriar, an obstetrician in Mumbai, said doctors often suggest C-section as they are worried of the consequences if something goes wrong. There is least acceptance among people if things dont go as expected in obstetrics, when compared to any other speciality, Dr Sheriar said.

Senior doctors said C-section deliveries need to be done judiciously as it poses risks associated with anaesthesia and surgery-related infections, as with any other procedure. Women often request for a C-section as it usually has a shorter admission time compared to normal deliveries, where a woman may need eight to 10 hours of hospitalisation, said Dr Ashok Anand, head of the gynaecology department at the state-run Sir JJ Hospital in Byculla. Dr Anand said another concern was the dying art of vaginal delivery  using forceps  among doctors.

The younger breed of doctors do not get enough opportunities to learn forcep delivery from their seniors. There are women who initially opt for normal deliveries, but when in labour, ask the doctors to perform a C-section. It is our responsibility to motivate them to continue with the normal deliveries, Dr Anand said.

Another way to stem C-sections is by targeting first-time mothers. Dr Arun Nayak, professor and unit chief at the civic-run Lokmaniya Tilak Muncipal General Hospital, Sion, said C-sections among first-time mothers can pose a threat to their subsequent deliveries.

Mothers who opt for a normal delivery in their second pregnancy after a C-section in the first are at greater risk of uterine rupture, he said.

Dr Pankaj Desai, the former president of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, said one of the gravest risks with C-sections is a complication called invasive placenta, where the placenta infiltrates the walls of the uterus, resulting in up to 20% mortalities.

Better communication with mothers is the key, said Dr Sheriar. If a woman undergoes C-section during her first pregnancy, she is most likely to opt for it in subsequent ones. We need to target and counsel first-time mothers to ask for normal deliveries, to reduce the numbers of unnecessary C-sections.

The study additionally found that out-of-the pocket expenditure of C-sections in 2015-16 was four times higher in private facilities (Rs 30,000 on an average) compared public health centres (Rs 6,500).

The author, Mohanty, said the data suggested a growing commercialisation of the procedure. The results of the study were published in the scientific journal Social Science and medicine in February.
Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will begin the matriculation examinations (Class 10) from February 21 at 1418 exam centres across Bihar. A total of 16, 60, 609 candidateshave filled the form to appear in the exam. The exam will begin with English paper on February 21.

Out of the 16 lakh candiates, 8 lakh 42 thousand 888 candidates including 4, 28, 273 girls and 4,14, 615 boys will appear in the first shift exam while the other 8 lakh 17 thousand 721 candidates including 4, 08, 802 girls and 4, 08, 919 boys will take the exam in the second shift.

In the state capital Patna, there are 74 exam cetres. Over 76 thousand candidates will appear in the Bihar Board matric exam from Patna centre.

Check full exam schedules of Bihar Board 2019 here

Candidates should enter latest by 10 minutes before the commencement of exam. Candidates for first sitting exam will have to enter before 09:20 am as the exam starts at 9: 30 am while the second sitting candidates will have to enter before 1:35 pm at the latest as the exam will commence from 1: 45 pm.

Dont forget your Admit Card

Admit card is a must to enter the exam hall. No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam hall without their admit card. Candidates should only carry pens and their admit card to the exam centre. Also, candidates should carry only admit card and pens with them inside the exam hall.

Shoes banned

Following the last year trend, Bihar board has again banned shoes and socks for the candidates. The candidates should reach the exam centre in slippers or open sandals.

Changes in OMR sheet

Candidates will not have the trouble of filling the circles in the OMR sheet. From this year, the OMR sheets will have the name of candidates, roll code, roll number , subject code and date of exam will be printed. Candidates will, however, have to fill the circles for the answers.

Important Instructions for invigilators

Invigilators should ensure that no candidate entering in the exam hall is carrying cheats, books, guides or any electronic device. Candidates will go through two-stage frisking, one at the main gate while the other before entering the exam room.

Invigilator will have to sign a declaration form after checkign the candidates ensuring that no candidate was found carrying any kind of cheats, devices or books during frisking.

In-charge and invigilators should make sure that they inform the candidates about the changed OMR sheets and how to use it.
Almost every man-made tragedy in Delhi follows a similar cycle of reactions  enquiries show that the violations that led to the mishap were conspicuous, but the authorities chose to do nothing about it; media reports show how offenders circumvented norms; and with multiple agencies involved in licensing and enforcement, the finer points always go unheard in the din of the blame game.

The same cycle played out in the aftermath of the fire that killed 17 people in a guest house in Karol Bagh last Tuesday.

The property in question  grandly called Hotel Arpit Palace  was not a hotel. It had a licence for a guest house issued by police that allows only boarding and lodging facilities.

But, almost all such guest houses in Karol Bagh and the rest of the city add a kitchen, otherwise prohibited in such establishments, by obtaining a licence for a restaurant they run from the same building.

The owners of Hotel Arpit made multiple kitchens, including an illegal one on the rooftop. This rooftop kitchen, along with other modifications, did not show up in the last fire safety inspection conducted in 2017, fire officials say.

Read | Delhi police arrest Rakesh Goel, owner of Karol Bagh hotel Arpit Palace where 17 people died in a fire

The fire inspection certification holds good for three years. The municipal corporation issued the health licence that is renewed every year.

However, both police and municipal officials handed out renewal certificates thereafter without noticing or flagging blatant violations.

For years, no question was asked on the building norms violations because Karol Bagh is a marked as a special area in the Master Plan notified in 2007 and gets immunity from sealing and demolitions under the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act.

After the tragedy, the government has announced the sealing of guest houses that do not comply with the fire safety norms. The fire rules will be revised to include an exhaustive list of inflammable materials that should not be used in buildings.

It should have anyway been part of the fire safety checklist, says Delhis former fire chief SK Dheri, pointing out that the National Building Code has guidelines on how buildings must be designed and maintained for fire safety. But rules help only when they are enforced. In Delhi, they are most blatantly violated or circumvented.

Read | 30 Karol Bagh hotels to be shut over fire safety

For instance, the Bawana factory fire last year that killed as many people as the Hotel Arpit fire was registered as a plastic-manufacturing unit, but was used to package firecrackers illegally.

For factories, the building code stipulates elaborate safety norms.

But, any unit working out of a covered area of less than 250 square metres on all floors is exempt from seeking a fire safety certificate.

Many of the factories that catch fire in Delhi fall in the exempted category.

The fire department that has the dual responsibilities of handling emergencies and conducting fire inspections is unable to handle fire prevention work. It is already constrained, working on 40% of the sanctioned staff strength.

Once the fire safety licence is granted, there is no inspection until it comes up for renewal three years later. Also, with multiple agencies involved in issuing a range of licences and no objection certificates, it makes sense to have joint on-site inspections at regular intervals, as suggested by the Law Commission of India in a 2012 consultation paper on man-made disasters.

The paper sought scrutiny of buildings at the construction stage and not just after they were completed. Most importantly, it asked for mandatory re-inspections at specified intervals which must be laid down either in the rules or by way of administrative instructions.

Neelam Krishnamoorthy from the Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy, which was consulted by the Law Commission, says the authorities could begin by conducting surprise inspections.

It is the only way to ensure that whatever fire safety apparatus that is found installed at the time of certification is in a working condition, she says.

In the Uphaar fire tragedy that killed 59 people in 1997, the basic fire safety installations such as emergency lights, footlights and exit lights were non-functional and the exit doors were blocked.

Twenty-two years on, the Hotel Arpit staff had no training on how to use the fire-fighting equipment.

There was no signage to guide people to the lone fire exit in the building, which was anyway blocked.

It is time Delhi learnt its lessons.
The Delhi Police has arrested a 38-year-old tutor for allegedly molesting his 14-year-old student, a boy, at the latters home in east Delhis Anand Vihar Friday. Stating that an FIR has been registered, police said the arrested man is a resident of Vasundhara in Ghaziabad.

Meghna Yadav, deputy commissioner of police (Shahdara), said, A case under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered on Friday. The tutor was arrested on Saturday.

Police said the tutor had been teaching the boy at his home for the last couple of months.

The incident took place on Friday when the boy was alone at home and his parents were at work. The tutor took the boy inside the bathroom and touched him inappropriately during a game of hide-and-seek, police said.

When the boy protested, the man threatened him and left. The boy narrated the incident to his parents when they returned home. The parents then approached the police and filed a complaint.
The live telecast of budget presentation in the Punjab assembly went viral on Monday after ministers opened a front against their own government, accusing it of being in cahoots with the Akalis, amid a free-for-all between the treasury benches and the opposition party MLAs, causing a major embarrassment to the ruling party.

In a first, the finance ministers speech was disrupted by the slogan-shouting members right next to his mike.

Wearing black badges, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLAs flashed pictures of local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu hugging Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa during the swearing-in of Imran Khan as prime minister and called him (Sidhu) a traitor. Former minister Bikram Singh Majithia asked the government to sack Sidhu for his anti-national remarks while shouting, Sidhu ka Pak prem murdabad (down with Sidhus love for Pakistan).

Majithias rant could be heard louder than Manpreets speech as Sidhu, who sits next to Manpreet in the House, looked on. After nearly 35 minutes, speaker Rana KP Singh told the Akalis there is no precedent of a zero hour on the budget day. A miffed Sidhu then got up and the House plunged into a mudslinging match between him and Majithia.

Sidhu called him a smuggler and questioned the Majithia familys patriotism saying they dined with the British general who ordered the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and asked which party (SADs alliance partner BJP) released terrorists at Kandahar.

Ae taskar mainu deshbhakti sikhayega! Tu chitta bechan wala, chor, daaku! (a smuggler will teach me patriotism! You a smack seller, a thief, a dacoit!), Sidhu said, as Amritsar (South) MLA Inderbir Bolaria too joined him in his rant. Earlier, Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Kuljit Nagra, who dared Majithia, was reined in by his party colleagues.

Speaker Rana KP then ordered the marshals to escort the Akali and BJP members out of the House and adjourned it for 20 minutes. As Majithia led his party members out from front of the treasury benches, an angry jails minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said it was all their own governments weakness that Majithia was walking free without any fear of the law. Sadi apni sarkar aena naal rali hui ae. Sadi police naal rali hui ae (our own government and police are in cahoots with the Akalis).

This again enraged Sidhu who too was heard saying gesturing towards chief minister Amarinder Singh, Enu andar ditha honda te aj khule aam na ghumda hunda (had we put Majithia behind the bars, he would not have been roaming free like this).

Later, Randhawa said, Yes, I questioned my own government. Had we made report of additional deputy general of police (ADGP) Harpereet Sidhu against Majithia on the Bhola drug case public, he would not be standing here.

The principal opposition, Aam Admi Party, welcomed the ministers outburst by thumping their desks and cheering. Partys Kotkapura MLA Kultar Singh Sandhawan told the ministers they finally spoke the truth.

As the ministers and the MLAs tried to pacify Sidhu and Randhawa, the CM, who is the leader of House, remained a mute spectator. With the partys floor strategy or lack of it coming under fire, parliamentary affairs minister Brahm Mohindra went to the CM and soon other ministers and MLAs too joined in even as Randhawa, Sidhu along with some MLAs declared they would beat up Majithia if he came inside the house again.

Some MLAs also questioned the role of the speaker for allowing the Akalis to disrupt the budget speech by shouting slogans next to the finance minister. But Rana dismissed it saying he cannot stop people from protesting.

CM should resign, says Bhagwant Mann

Later, AAP state unit president Bhagwant Mann told reporters the CM should resign as his own ministers had accused him of colluding with the Badals on the floor of the House. It has vindicated our partys stand that Amarinder is playing a fixed match with the Badals. It was an open admission of the governments failure by minister Randhawa in presence of the CM, who was sitting like a lame duck. Even Sidhu dubbed Majithia as a smuggler, accusing Amarinder of shielding him. It shows the CM is ignoring the advice of his own ministers and has no right to continue as head of the council of ministers, Mann said.
Former Indian billionaire Malvinder Singh has filed a criminal complaint accusing his younger brother of siphoning funds from their family holding company and fraudulently diverting them to a renowned spiritual guru, the latest twist in the unraveling of a $2 billion empire.

Shivinder Singh allegedly directed the holding company to acquire debt-ridden firms which collectively lent 10 billion rupees ($140 million) to the family and associates of their guru, Gurinder Singh Dhillon, according to a complaint filed to the Economic Offenses Wing of the New Delhi police seen by Bloomberg. In return, the younger Singh was promised he would succeed the guru as head of one of Indias most powerful spiritual sects, according to the document.

The public fight between the former billionaire brothers follows the collapse of one of Indias most storied business families that once controlled the nations top drugmaker and second-largest hospital chain. The siblings have lost much of their corporate empire to debt, and are still being chased by creditors. Meanwhile, Indias stock market regulator and fraud office have open investigations into wrongdoing at companies the brothers used to run.

New Delhi police have opened an investigation into the complaint, said a police official. A criminal prosecution would be pursued if the probe establishes criminality, he said. Malvinder and Shivinder have declined to comment on the allegations in the criminal complaint. The brothers have previously denied any wrongdoing at their companies.

Dhillons lawyer and the secretary of his spiritual sect did not immediately respond to text messages seeking comment on behalf of the guru and his family members referenced in the allegations.

The criminal complaint alleges that the 43-year-old Shivinder initiated as well as permitted this siphoning and malfeasance of funds entrusted to him with the ulterior motive of gaining ultimate control of the seat of the spiritual head of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas, promised to him by Dhillon. The spiritual sect, founded almost 130 years ago and based on a commune in north India, boasts four million followers worldwide.

Malvinder, 46, claims the acquisitions of six debt-ridden companies by his brother were misrepresented as beneficial to the familys holding company when in fact they had no value. Efforts to write off the gurus debts to these companies are further eroding the value of the holding company, RHC Holding Pvt., according to the complaint.

God in Human Form

A Bloomberg investigation last year showed a key reason for the build up in debt that cost the Singhs their empire were loans to the Dhillon family and property firms controlled by the them. Dhillon has previously declined to comment on the matter, and a representative for the spiritual group has said that since 2011, the guru has stepped back from helping the Singhs with guidance over their businesses due to ill health.

Dhillon, who succeeded the Singhs maternal grandfather as guru of the powerful sect, became something of a father figure to the brothers after their own died in the late 1990s.Some followers of the sect, maintained on a sprawling commune along the river Beas in Punjab state, call Dhillon a god in human form. As many as half a million followers at a time sometimes congregate at the commune to hear his teachings on how meditation, vegetarianism and high moral values can help one escape the cycle of death and rebirth.

Death Threat

In his criminal complaint, Malvinder claims Dhillon had threatened him to sign a settlement absolving the guru of any wrongdoing and abstaining from any legal or criminal action against the spiritual leader. Malvinder alleges Dhillon, through his lawyer, told the tycoon he would be eliminated by persons from the Radha Soami Satsang Beas, if he did not proceed as demanded, according to the complaint. The elder Singh claims he has recordings of these threats and is fearful for his life.

Besides Shivinder and Dhillon, the complaint also names as references Dhillons wife, his two sons, and four alleged associates in the allegations.

Siphoning Money

The Singh brothers are themselves under investigation for siphoning money from their public companies, including Fortis Healthcare Ltd., which is now controlled by IHH Healthcare Bhd. Much of the Singhs shareholding has been seized by lenders.

In October the stock market regulator released preliminary results of its investigation, finding that the brothers had defrauded Fortis of 4 billion rupees and ordered them to return it. The regulator has said the investigation is ongoing and hasnt indicated when final results will be made public.

A spokesman for the Singh brothers has previously declined to comment on the finding and order by the stock market regulator.

Three of the shell companies the regulator identified as recipients of loans from Fortis that were ultimately routed to the Singhs have also been named by Malvinder as lenders to the Dhillon family and his associates.

The complaint comes after the brothers mother brokered a truce and convinced Shivinder in September to withdraw a lawsuit against his elder sibling that alleged oppression and mismanagement.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)
With her latest film, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has achieved a feat that only a few could manage. Gully Boy may star Ranveer Singh as the lead but it gives ample opportunity for other actors to shine as well. From an electric Alia Bhatt to promising debutant Siddhant Chaturvedi, Gully Boy is chock-full exceedingly amazing and moving performances from almost a dozen actors.

Ranveer carries the film on his shoulders, delivering the performance of a lifetime. He has worked hard on his rapping skills, his body language, his accent and it all shows every time he steps into the frame. A fireball of energy in real life, Ranveer spends a big majority of his time in the film keeping his head down, getting minced under the weight of the class divide. He knows how to smile when his girl surprises him with a kiss and how to smile through tears when a friend proves his friendship. No doubt, Ranveer deserves all the praise for his stellar work in the film.

Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in Gully Boy.

Alia, too, proved once again how easy some talents come to a few blessed people. She will be the jealous, raging girlfriend that you never want around in one moment and in another, her approving smile will be all you need to get through life. Alia is the rebellious daughter of the home but also the one who cries in her fathers arms when the rebellion gets her in trouble. She screams at her boyfriend the way we have screamed before, begs her parents to let her be like we have begged before. Alia has emerged as one of the best, natural actors in Bollywood right now and she makes it all look so effortless.

Also read: Kareena Kapoor accuses Priyanka Chopra of only caring about Hollywood stars

Apart from Alia and Ranveer, there were five more actors in roles big and small, who deserve to have their talents acknowledged. With their stunning performances in the film, they took Gully Boy from a good film to one that is extraordinary and worthy of all the kudos that it has received so far.

Siddhant Chaturvedi

Talking of natural talent, Gully Boys biggest contribution to the world of acting will definitely be Siddhant Chaturvedi. The young actor made his debut with the film and left a big dent in Bollywood with his first movie itself. Even while watching the film, I could hear murmurs among the audience: Who is this? Is this his first film? Is he really not a rapper? Sure, his relative anonymity did work to his advantage, but it should not have been this easy for a first time actor to merge himself so well with the character. He is a star that our protagonist looks up to, a mentor and an artist. But what made him stand out still was his warmth. He was not just a teacher but also a brother, a place of safety as a big new world opened to a budding rapper. Siddhant was able to tower over Ranveer in so many scenes, without still being intimidating. A tight rope to walk but he manages it.

Vijay Raaz

From munching on marigolds to taking dips in sewers, Vijay Raazs cinematic journey has been long and stunning. Always the one to make you laugh, Raaz drops the goofy guy image to one that instills fears every time he appears in the frame in Gully Boy. He is the abusive husband your domestic help tells you about, a man who has seen so much rejection that subjugation has become the truth of his life. Though he tells his son not to dream, his own frustration from following the mantra for decades seeps out with violence every time someone dares to go against him.

Raaz is supposed to horrify you and yet when he breaks down in that one final moment of weakness, it births the most raw moment of the entire film. You were supposed to hate this man but looking at him, weeping at a half-lived life, you can do anything but. It is not difficult to turn the viewer against you and it is not easy to make them empathise. But Raaz does just that in one of his finest works as an actor.

Amruta Subhash

Marathi actor Amruta plays Ranveers mother in Gully Boy. She may be just six years older than him but their relationship doesnt feel forcibly forged in a casting directors office. For her, things fall apart when her husband brings home a second wife, or maybe things were never too put together anyway. She feels the humiliation, takes it in as long as she could but also fights back, even in the realisation that she has already lost. The new bride will get a room while she sleeps on the kitchen floor. The new bride will get breakfast in bed while she washes her dishes. Amruta switched from gentle to protective, from feral to broken with organic ease. She is an actor who deserves to be known by her first name by mainstream Bollywood.

Vijay Varma

After playing the irredeemable baddie in Pink, Vijay Varma plays a baddie with a golden heart in Gully Boy. Varma plays Moeen in the filma mechanic, car thief and drug peddler. He employs little kids to roll weed for him but only so he can feed them. He gets his friends to nick cars but believes in their dreams. He is ready to smack anyone who judges him but will offer help as soon as they break down crying. With his performance, Varma was able to channel Moeen as the shady guy in a shady street, with a big, bright heart. There is no telling with him if he will punch your face or take your troubles upon himself. And Varma makes it all seem natural.

Srishti Shrivastava

With just five minutes of screen time, Srishti Shrivastava was still able to leave a mark as the feisty, home-wrecker Albina Dadarkar. With just a few snarky dialogues to work with, Shrivastava makes them her own. When Alia accuses her of flirting with her boyfriend, she barks back at her in the true spirit of a woman ready to scratch anothers face. The scene did just as much for her as much as it did for Alia. Two angry young women, screaming and kicking at each other may not always work as humour gold but with these two, it did.

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Actor Ajay Devgn has the persona of being serious thanks to the kind of films he has done in the past. However, the actor has always tried to work in comedies too and proving that are his choices like the Golmaal franchise and Son Of Sardaar among others.

Ahead of the release of his next film, Total Dhamaal, which boasts of a star cast including Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Jaaved Jaaferi, Arshad Warsi among others, Ajay said, in an interview to DNA, that he doesnt watch his films more than once. However, he added that if it is his comedies, he is likely to watch the funny scenes for a few minutes.

He was quoted as saying: Talking of my own movies, I normally dont watch them more than once. They may be brilliant, but I just dont have the inclination to see them again. However, if its one of my comedy films, I stand around the television and definitely watch the funny scenes for at least five to seven minutes.

In the interview, he further said how a person commented that he does even his comic scenes rather seriously. Im doing it because I enjoy the genre. Of course, Im against doing just buffoonery. In fact, the other day someone close to me observed that I even do comedy seriously.

Even his children Nysa and Yug prefer his comedies. When I have a release coming up, the first thing my children (Nysa and Yug) turn around and ask is, if its a comedy? They are excited if it is. If its not, then theyre like, God, is the ending sad? They are like, Will it make us cry? The questions dont stop, he said.

Speaking about films like Golmaal and Dhamaal series, Ajay told PTI he doesnt understand why such films are called brainless as it takes intellect to create them.

Also read | Koffee With Karan 6: Tiger Shroff wants Disha Patani as his bae, says Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria are fake with each other

I dont know why they say it is brainless. It is not easy to make people laugh. Today in our country or all over the world, comedians are the biggest stars. Like here in India, we have Kapil Sharma. It needs intelligence to make people laugh, you just cant make faces and make people laugh.

Total Dhamaal, which will release on February 22, is a sequel and is part of the Dhamaal series, including film like Dhamaal (2007) and Double Dhamaal (2011). While, the latest films include new faces like Madhuri, Anil, Ajay, it will continue with the original star cast of Jaaved, Arshad, Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjai Mishra.

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The All Indian Cine Workers Association has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the aftermath of a major terror attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama that killed at least 40 personnel. In a notice, the organisation said they will take strong action against anyone who works with Pakistani artists.

All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity. Were officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani Actors and Artists working in Film Industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani Artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation, the notice read.

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The decision comes in the wake of a terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers.

Also read: Pulwama terror attack: Akshay Kumar to donate Rs 5 cr to soldiers

Actor Ajay Devgn also announced on Monday that his latest film Total Dhamaal will not release in Pakistan. In light of the current situation, the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan, Devgn tweeted. The cast and crew of upcoming Bollywood film Total Dhamaal donated Rs. 50 lakh to the families of the soldiers.

The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack. Horrible and disgusting. Anger cant be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack, Devgn had tweeted.

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The timing, execution, and claim of responsibility of the Pulwama attack has all the marks of an operation sanctioned at the highest strategic level. Establishing that command centre is the key to a targeted response. To understand this better, we need to rewind to the Uri attack.

Post 26/11, renewed focus improved the internal security situation in India. Depth Attacks like 26/11 or the 1993 bombings dried up, essentially because such attacks have long preparation cycles and need local support, provided by sleeper cells or hardcore sympathisers. The steps taken to improve internal security, especially intelligence, yielded results.

That forced Pakistan to change tactics and it started conducting Shallow Attacks. These involved launching a small team of three to four, semi-trained fidayeen across the border under heavy covering fire. These assault teams were either shepherded or guided by Pakistani regulars. Once launched, these teams were tasked to infiltrate a few kilometres across the LC and strike border targets in a suicidal standoff against the security forces.

These skirmishes are textbook strategy in asymmetric warfare, where guerillas harass the state into using disproportionate force. There is virtually no antidote to this, because the cure itself is the disease. The tension between locals and troops ratchets, leading to inevitable overuse of force and further alienation. Denying free movement of state forces is strategic signalling by the guerrillas, that it is they who call the shots, not the government. The only response that any government can have is to actually step up area dominance patrols etc, which, in turn, exposes it to more such attacks and alienation.

Uri was different. Most of the casualties ensued because of a fire set off by a phosphorus grenade, not targeted firing. These grenades are used for illumination, or smoke, and are highly incendiary. The soldiers sleeping inside the tents were charred to death. The calculus of body counts went dramatically higher than expected from Pakistans perspective. Ironically, this operation must have caused some heads to roll on the Pakistani side as well, because it provoked a relatively sharper response from India in the form of the multiple raids conducted by the Indian army which were popularised as surgical strikes.

Pulwama was a deliberate strike planned to provoke at the highest level by the only two players who have the agenda and wherewithal to initiate this move.

The first is China. Over the last decade, China has exponentially strengthened itself economically and militarily within Asia. Its unabashed hegemony in the region and cartographic aggression are signs of its expansionist strategy. Rather than an outright confrontation with India, China has used Sun Zus strategy of geographical, economic and military encirclement, surrounding India with naval bases, logistic roads and island airbases. The strategic purpose of such encirclement is not war. Instead, it is to remove the option of war from the table.

The response to the Uri attacks (or the famed surgical strikes) has that issue. It cant be done again and definitely not now when the Pakistani army would be at its peak alert.

But internal pressure to retaliate will be too high and now that the army has been handed the mandate, the forces will have to respond. And that is what China is hoping for. Though there is no such thing as a limited war, even if India were to embark on a limited military or air interdiction operation, it will be letting off steam rather than achieving any meaningful attrition or punitive effect. Even a limited war in the north and western sector, and a defensive posture in the eastern sector will set back our economy by decades. In the worst case, we will lose more than just our economy. This is a massive return of investment strategy for China.

There is a massive power struggle on within Pakistan. While outwardly it has always struggled between the military and political centre of gravities, deep within it is far more complex. There are major power struggles within the military, the ISI and the fundamentalist factions. While the new political and military establishment are approaching rapprochement, the deep state is feeling left out. Pulwama could be their riposte to demonstrate that they are able to bring their heft into play at a national level in Pakistan. It is the irony of globalised terrorism that Jaish-e-Mohammed is holding the Pakistani state to ransom by attacking India.

India should measure the situation before responding because war is a very strange game. The only winning move is not to play.

Raghu Raman is former CEO of Natgrid

The views expressed are personal
We dont use textbooks, Rinku Dutta, principal of Udaan, a primary school in Himachal Pradeshs Palampur, told me when I visited the institution a few months ago during a reporting trip.

It is designed as an experiential learning space, where teachers work as facilitators to enable and support a child in her learning journey, rather than trying to teach her, added Datta, while she gave me a tour of the schools minimalist mud structure and its beautiful eco-friendly campus. The no-textbook method of teaching and an experiential learning space may sound revolutionary, but many educationists believe that its high time that India starts thinking afresh about the countrys education system (especially the State-supported one) and its quality because the existing system is failing to improve learning level of students.

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), which takes stock of the learning levels of primary school children in Indias State-run schools, reveals the depth of Indias learning crisis. The 2018 report shows that students, especially those in elementary school (Classes 1-8), are not learning enough. To cite one metric, only half (50.3%) of all students in Class 5 can read texts meant for Class 2 students. Learning deficits seen in elementary school in previous years seem to carry forward as young people go from being adolescents to young adults, the report said.

The reasons behind such a disastrous report card, year after year, are not too hard to pinpoint. The lack of quality textbooks (not all states/schools use National Council of Educational Research and Training  NCERT  textbooks), and delays in reaching them to students, especially in the far-flung areas; the politicisation of syllabi; the lack of basic infrastructure in schools; and, untrained and overworked teachers, to name a few.

In addition to these problems, there is also an increasing acceptance that our State-run schools, where scores of first-generation learners go, carrying the hope of their parents that education will give them a better life in the future, have become delinked from the local community they serve, and that the textbooks they use dont really reflect the local culture and social environment of the children, making it difficult for these young learners to relate to them. These shortcomings, educationists feel, affect the learning capabilities of students.

Speaking at a recent education conference, Difficult Dialogues, NCERT professor, Srinivas Vadivel, said that such shortcomings can be probably tackled by developing curriculum material in local languages. An ideal situation would be for the NCERT to make guideline textbooks, which local teachers can then adapt and supplement to make them more suitable for the children they are teaching. Others at the conference pointed out that to make learning joyful, teachers must move beyond textbooks to use innovative teaching resources, educative toys and interesting do-it-yourself projects. If these sweeping changes are to actually happen, then the relationship between schools and students needs to be reviewed as well. Instead of forcing children to adhere to a schools inflexible curriculum and pedagogy, the institutions must strive to be children-ready. This means that teachers must be sensitised to the sociocultural background of the students to ensure better learning. Such steps could make Indias State schools inclusive and positive spaces for quality learning.
Twelve years ago, Nepals interim constitution that led to abolishing the monarchy in this erstwhile Himalayan kingdom, also made the Hindu-majority country a secular one. And that led to evangelical Christian missionaries flooding the country and converting poor and vulnerable Hindus to Christianity.

Today, nearly 10 per cent of Nepals estimated 30 million people are Christians. As per the countrys 2001 census, Christians formed barely 0.5 per cent of the countrys population; the general secretary of the Federation of National Churches of Nepal, C B Gahatraj, boasts there are nearly 3 million Christians in Nepal today.

This alarming shift in the countrys demographic profile has triggered calls for jettisoning the secular tag that has facilitated and encouraged rampant proselytisation by Christian missionaries and a restoration of the countrys Hindu identity. Nepals Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has now decided to launch a campaign for restoring Nepals earlier status as a Hindu state. The RPP feels that the country was made secular under pressure from Western powers and secularism has led to dilution of nationalism in Nepal.

It is not only the RPP, which feels that Sanatan values are essential for preserving Nepals character and cultural identity and for the countrys internal harmony, which is demanding the junking of the countrys secular tag. A large section within the Nepali Congress, the countrys principal opposition party, has started realising the need to amend the constitution and make Nepal a Hindu republic once again.

Influential organisations like the Bindabasini Adhyatmik Sangh Keshav Chaulagain, the Hindu Jagaran Nepal and Nepal Sanatan Dharma Sanskriti Sangathan have joined hands to preserve the countrys demography and resist proselytisation by Christian evangelists.

At a meeting of the Nepali Congress (NC) Mahasamiti (the partys policy formulation body) in December last, more than half the 1,400 delegates vociferously demanded that the party backtrack from its earlier stand in favour of Nepal being a secular republic. They signed a petition demanding that Hinduism be declared the state religion and a blanket ban on conversions. Many former ministers and top office-bearers of the party signed the petition, which had the blessings of NC general secretary Dr Shashank Koirala.

Many even within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) formed with the merger of the Pushpa Kumar Dahal-led Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) and the K P Sarma Oli-led Communist Party Of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) have started supporting the demand for the restoration of Nepal as a Hindu republic. Add to this increasing section of people those who still support the monarchy and believe that the Hindu kings of Nepal were incarnations of Bhagwan Vishnu. According to political observers in Nepal, the demand for junking the countrys secular tag has been triggered by the growing evangelical activities of Christian missionaries and the fast-changing religious demography of the country.

Interestingly, large sections of Nepals Muslims, who form a little less than 5 per cent of the countrys population, are supporting the demand for making Nepal a Hindu state once again. This newspaper report states that Nepals Muslims also want the country to become a Hindu republic. Turning the country secular was nothing but a design to break the longstanding unity among Muslims and Hindus. So there is no alternative to reinstating the countrys old Hindu State identity in order to allow fellow citizens to live in religious harmony, Babu Khan Pathan, chairperson of the Rastrabadi Muslim Manch Nepalgunj, was quoted as saying by The Himalayan Times.

Other Muslim leaders and prominent clerics say that when Nepal was a Hindu kingdom, the countrys Muslims lived in harmony and peace and were never troubled by Christian missionaries.

But what really alarmed the people of the Hindu-majority country was the close involvement of the communist government with the Asia Pacific Summit in late November last. The summit was organised by Universal Peace Foundation (UPF), a controversial South Korean origin NGO that is widely suspected to fund and promote conversions to Christianity. The summit, especially the involvement of the government and the attendance of Prime Minister K P Sarma Oli, drew massive criticism from large sections of the people and opposition parties.

People of Nepal got the impression that the government has come under the influence of Christian missionaries and that would boost conversions, thus changing the character of Nepal, said RPP chairperson Kamal Thapa. The involvement of the government in the summit was even opposed by many ruling party leaders who felt it was a huge mistake for which the party would have to pay a big price.

The Asia Pacific Summit, coming in the backdrop of a sharp rise in the evangelical activities of Christian missionaries, has thus spawned demands for restoration of Nepals status as a Hindu republic. Though we want Hinduism to be the state religion, non-Hindus will be free to practise their religions just as they did under the monarchy. But there cannot be any more conversions to Christianity, said RPPs Thapa.

The Buddhists, who form 9 per cent of the countrys population, and ethnic groups like the Kiratas (who practise a mix of animism, Shaivism and mysticism and account for little over 3 per cent of Nepals population), also support the restoration of Nepals Hindu state status. Thats because Christian missionaries have targeted the Buddhists, Muslims and Kiratas as well for conversions.

Heeding the growing public anger in Nepal against Christian evangelists, the communist government passed a law in mid-August last year criminalising conversions. A new Civil and Criminal Code comprise a set of laws guiding civil and legal proceedings, including restrictions on religious conversion. One new law states that anybody who encourages or is involved in religious conversion using any means will be booked under a criminal offence and will face a jail term of five years and a fine of 50,000 Nepalese Rupees ($445). Any foreigner found guilty of encouraging or promoting religious conversions will be deported within a week.

Such laws and restrictions have, however, done little to stem the evangelical zeal of Western-funded Christian missionaries (read this). Nepals Christian population is the fastest growing in the world and this has, naturally, triggered grave concerns among Hindus, Buddhists and Kiratas. The 2015 earthquake that devastated Nepal provided a big opportunity for the well-funded Christian proselytisers and church groups to step up their activities in the Himalayan country. In the name of providing relief and under the cover of humanitarian healthcare and education missions, they engaged in mass scale conversions of poor and destitute people to Christianity.

Christian evangelicals have targeted the Dalits and marginalised communities like the Tharus in Nepal. Apart from luring them into Christianity by offering free education in missionary institutions, the church groups also offer money and material benefits. Another preferred method of conversions is through miracles and faith-healing which many uneducated people fall prey to. Hindu organisations in Nepal allege that the Christian missionaries often convert the poor and gullible people through trickery and even by force.

The RPP says that the neo-converts become fanatical Christians whose first loyalty lies with the church rather than the country, and that poses a grave threat to Nepal. This is a serious issue that will eventually pose a grave threat to Nepals integrity and security. The converts to Christianity owe their primary allegiance to their church, which is funded and controlled by neo-colonial powers and groups in the western nations. Nepals interests will be compromised if we allow conversions to go on. And the only way to put a complete halt to conversions is by making Nepal and Hindu state once again, said senior RPP leader Pashupati Bhandari.

The new laws banning conversions and the demand to drop the secular tag from the countrys constitution to make Nepal a Hindu rashtra have, expectedly, drawn condemnation from Christian-majority countries in Europe, from some international bodies and from church groups and evangelical missions within Nepal.

But there exists a broad consensus among a majority of Nepals populace that conversions to Christianity need to be halted immediately. And if the only way to do so is to make Nepal a Hindu rashtra once again, so be it.

Source : Swarajya
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  The Department of Tourism (DOT) is retaining the country's flagship tourism campaign, setting a higher tourist arrivals target this year.

Tourism officials on Tuesday launched the "It's More Fun In The Philippines" campaign for 2019, with a few tweaks on the logo.

The redesigned logo now has a new font and features a weave with colors representing Filipino products. The previous logo had the Philippine map.

The DOT said the campaign's promotional video includes crowdsourced clips and photos from tourists.

"The hashtag works. And second, like in other countries, they never change their campaign... In Malaysia? It's been 'Malaysia truly Asia.' The Philippines has embraced the hashtag," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said.

Puyat said the agency also aims to promote sustainability through this year's campaign.

"We are coming into 2019 with a renewed and refreshed sense of purpose, more and more travelers conscious about their ecological footprint, the culture and experiences they are consuming and simply wanting to know how they can give back," she said.

With this, the DOT increased its foreign tourist arrivals target to 8.2 million from the 7.1 million recorded last year. The agency failed to reach its target of 7.4 million visitors in 2018, citing the six-month closure of Boracay. The popular island was closed to visitors from April to October last year due to rehabilitation ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The DOT has also partnered with government agencies for the rehabilitation of other popular tourists spots in the country, including Panglao in Bohol and El Nido in Palawan. The agency is also eyeing cleanup for Siargao and Baguio City.

The Department of Interior and Local Government, for its part, allays fears among tourists amid travel advisories issued by some countries.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano assured that authorities are taking necessary measures to keep tourists safe in the country.

"It's really safe here in the Philippines and more fun in the Philippines. Our security forces have been doing their best. We'll make sure they're safe and secured also," Ano said.

CNN Philippines' Correspondent Triciah Terrada contributed to this report.
A group of around 20 people gathered at Union Square Monday afternoon to protest the immigration policies of President Donald Trump.

The event, sponsored by the activist group MoveOn, included protesters with signs marching the square. They chanted slogans like, Say it loud. Say it clear. Immigrants are welcome here.

Alexander County resident Jack Perlman was among the marchers.

He said he was there as the son of immigrants, with a mother who fled France during World War I and great-grandparents on his fathers side who fled Russia.

So without the United States opening its heart to my parents and my grandparents, I wouldnt be here, Perlman said.

The march also encountered some opposition from an onlooker who engaged with the protesters.

How about human trafficking? Hickory resident Linda Townsend said to the marchers. Why dont you talk about the kids that are kidnapped and brought across the border every year?

Kevin Griffin is the City of Hickory reporter at the Hickory Daily Record.

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A Hickory man was charged with sex crimes against a child last week.

William London Crenshaw, 20, is charged with one felony count each of statutory rape/sex offense and indecent liberties with children, according to a Hickory Police Department arrest report.

On Feb. 1, HPD received a report that a sexual assault of a minor took place. Warrants were obtained and Crenshaw was arrested on Feb. 14, according to HPD.

He was issued a $25,000 secured bond.

Crenshaw is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Uniontown, PA (15401)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 86F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Jennifer Fitch

waynesboro@herald-mail.com

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.  Chambersburg Police said a man with a machete was destroying a house and threatening people when they were called to the 400 block of South Fourth Street on Sunday.

In a news release, police said they were called to a home for a report of a drunk man using a machete to cause the damage.

Police said Jeffrey L. Baker was arrested on charges of simple assault and terroristic threats. Information about his criminal charges was not immediately available in online court records.
Jennifer Fitch

waynesboro@herald-mail.com

FAYETTEVILLE, Pa.  A chimney fire at 56 W. Main St. on Monday displaced two people and a dog from the home, Fayetteville Deputy Fire Chief Brady Bumbaugh said.

The fire spread to a wall in the two-story home around 8:15 a.m., Bumbaugh said.

The residents were being assisted by the Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, he said.

Firefighters were on the scene for about two hours.
Staci Clipp

sclipp@herald-mail.com

Museum holding membership meeting

The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts will hold its annual membership meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. March 7.

Enjoy a continental breakfast, program and the annual raffle drawing.

One raffle ticket costs $10; three for $25; five for $40; and 10 for $75.

To get tickets, call 301-739-5727 or stop by the museum.

Church hosting monthly free supper

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 802 Summit Ave., is hosting its monthly free supper at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

Come in from the cold and enjoy a hot meal and music provided by local group Second Chances.

Hagerstown Lions Club to hold meeting

The Hagerstown Lions Club will hold a business and administrative meeting Tuesday.

Womens Club hosting wine tasting with food

The Womens Club is again hosting the Something Great to Wine About wine tasting with selected food pairings from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the clubhouse, 31 S. Prospect St. in Hagerstown.

The $25 ticket entitles you to sample from among 10 wines, along with complimentary food items.

Raffle baskets and wines to purchase will also be available.

Call 301-739-0870 to reserve tickets.

Soup, sandwich sale to benefit fire company

Community Volunteer Fire Co. District 12 is holding a soup, sandwich and bake sale starting at 11 a.m. March 2 until the pots are empty.

Soups include chicken corn, beef vegetable, bean with ham, New England clam chowder, tomato basil and potato.

Sandwiches include fried and baked country ham, hot dogs, sloppy Joes and pulled pork.

There also will be lots of homemade desserts.

Eat in the fire station, 18002 Tilghmanton Road in Fairplay, or take home a quart or two to stock up the freezer.

Order cold soup by the quart by Friday to ensure enough is made by calling 301-733-6873.

Proceeds benefit the fire company.
Julie E. Greene

julieg@herald-mail.com

The University System of Maryland at Hagerstown is getting $250,000 from Washington County to help narrow a funding gap for hospitality and physician assistant programs to start this year.

We are certainly excited about the prospect of additional students walking down the street, shopping in downtown Hagerstown and just contributing toward the vitality of a growing city, USMH Executive Director Mark Halsey said.

With the county contribution, which will be spread over five years, the university is left with approximately $150,000 to raise toward a $2 million goal for costs associated with the two new programs, Halsey said.

The two-year masters degree program for physician assistants is expected to start this summer, once final accreditation is granted, Howard Blackie Bowen said. Bowen led a fundraising effort for the physician assistant and nurse practitioner programs.

University officials decided the nurse practitioner program, which began in the fall, should be an online program, Halsey said. Frostburg State University is providing both medical programs. The hospitality and tourism management bachelors program, which will be offered by the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, will start this fall.

The hospitality and physician assistants programs will create more than $600,000 in additional payroll. They also are expected to generate more economic impact through consumer spending by students, faculty and staff; more rental housing for students; and possible home sales to faculty and staff.

USMHs program expansion is part of the Urban Improvement Project in downtown Hagerstown.

The university system is finalizing paperwork for a lease agreement with local developers Hager 5 for the hospitality program. The 25-year lease is for the first floor of the former BB&T Bank at 55-59 W. Washington St. The lease for the first year would cost an estimated $224,644.

The goal is to get renovations done in time for the fall, said Greg Snook, one of Hager 5s partners. If they arent ready, students could take classes at the main university building across the street and do their cooking work later in the semester. Snook said the renovations are expected to cost less than $2 million.

Snook said the square-footage rate for the 11,300-square-foot space increases 1 percent annually.

The university is leasing the second and third floors of the Horace W. Murphy Community Health Center at 24 N. Walnut St. from Meritus Health for $1 a year for 10 years. Theres a 10-year renewal option. The physician assistant program will be on the third floor; leaving room on the second is for future programming. The space is referred to as USMHs Health Sciences Center.

Bowen said 25 students have been provisionally accepted to that program, pending accreditation approval. More than 400 people applied. Another 25 will be accepted next year, so there will be room for 50 students a year once the program is in full swing.The goal for the hospitality program is to enroll 40 students, Halsey said.

The county commissioners voted 4-0 on Tuesday to provide $50,000 a year for five years, using hotel-tax revenue funds.

Commissioner Wayne Keefer abstained from the vote because he is an adjunct instructor with Frostburg State, a partner institution with USMH.

Halsey said about $550,000 has been raised toward a $1 million endowment for scholarships for the physician assistant and other health-related programs.
Dan Dearth

ddearth@herald-mail.com

Three people have been charged in connection with the homicide of Christopher Turner, a 27-year-old Hagerstown man whose body was found last month in Berkeley County, W.Va.

Hagerstown police said in a news release that Dakota Daniel Paugh, 19, and Erica Shatiena Earl, 21, both of Hagerstown, and Antonio Cane Arana, 19, of Jefferson, Md., are charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder.

They also are charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, armed robbery, robbery and numerous firearms violations.

Police said Arana was arrested at 9 a.m. Sunday in Frederick, Md. He was being held without bond at the Washington County Detention Center.

Paugh was arrested Sunday morning in Washington, D.C., and Earl was arrested Friday afternoon in Jacksonville, Fla. They are awaiting extradition to Washington County.

Officer Heather Aleshire, spokeswoman for the Hagerstown Police Department, said Monday that Turners family filed a missing person report on Jan. 23.

His vehicle was found a day later in the citys West End.

Aleshire said investigators believe Turner was shot to death on Jan. 20 inside an apartment at 1021 W. Washington St.

Turner was then taken to a wooded area near Gerrardstown, W.Va., where his body was found Jan. 30 by a resident of the Round Top Estates subdivision.

An autopsy was done at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Charleston, W.Va.

Aleshire said the autopsy confirmed Turner was shot, but the official cause of death has not been determined at this point.

Aleshire said the arrests were made with the help of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Jacksonville (Fla.) Sheriffs Office, the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Westminster Police Department, the Montgomery County (Md.) Sheriffs Office, Maryland State Police, the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, the Frederick Police Department and the Washington County Sheriffs Office.
Dave McMillion

davem@herald-mail.com

BOONSBORO  They come and enjoy amenities like heated tile floors and towel racks, luxurious rooms and a library where you can grab a book and sip some Jameson whiskey beside a fireplace.

Guests are offered rooms with different scents, and the owners put a priority on purchasing locally made products, like soap, shampoo, hair conditioner and body lotion from Cedar Ridge Soaps.

A two-course breakfast is served, and guests can spend their time enjoying one of four porches on the building or a large patio in the back that is an attractive spot in warm weather.

That's life at Inn BoonsBoro, which faced disaster about 11 years ago.

With about 60 percent of the renovation of the historic structure at the corner of Potomac Street and Old National Pike complete, fire tore through the building on Feb. 22, 2008. Six other structures on Main Street were also damaged.

But New York Times best-selling author Nora Roberts and her husband, Bruce Wilder, were not deterred from their dream to open the inn.

With only the walls of the structure left, rebuilding of the inn began, and it opened about a year later.

Roberts and Wilder hosted a celebration Sunday afternoon at the inn to celebrate their first 10 years in business. They invited contractors who worked on the project, vendors they have used and other guests, including a Montgomery County, Md., woman who has stayed at the inn 23 times.

Roberts and Wilder walked around, showing guests rooms and common areas in the building.

The inn dates to the late 1790s, and once served as the home of the Eagle Hotel.

They stopped in a room that used to be an alley, where carriages would pull up to the back of the inn. Now it's a lounge area where guests can read, watch TV and view local artwork hanging on the walls.

Wilder talked about how the fire started.

Workers were using propane heaters in the room, he said. A propane gas tank tipped over, and gas spread throughout the room.

A blaze ignited, "and things just went south from there. It was one of the worst days of my life," Wilder said.

It did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm he and his wife shared.

Now, richly decorated rooms offer features like free-standing tubs and separate showers with four body jets. In one room, Roberts pointed out lace crocheted by her mother. A lamp her father built also is at the inn.

Rooms are inspired by literary romantic couples, and each one has a "generous supply of hypoallergenic pillows in two densities, an all-season, hypoallergenic duvet, and a cashmere throw," according to an inn brochure.

Rates range from $225 to $305 a night.

Wilder and Roberts related other inn notables, like ghosts.

There have been sounds of doors mysteriously closing in the inn and unusual noises have been recorded there, inn officials said. Guests often tell stories about a cat that crosses their beds.

"Sometimes, showers will go on and there's no one in the room," said Roberts, emphasizing that the ghosts are only "playful."

The influence of Roberts and Wilder extends through town.

Wilder owns the nearby Turn the Page Bookstore & Cafe, where there are book signings and opportunities to meet Roberts.

Gifts Inn Boonsboro on Main Street sells lotions, shampoos and coffee that are offered at the inn.

Todd Spires and his wife, Robin, operate the Robin's Nest down the street from the inn. The shop specializes in vintage home furnishings.

Todd Spires said Sunday that about half of the business in his shop can be attributed to people coming to town for the inn and other attractions related to Roberts.

"It would be a very different retail environment in town (without it)," he said.

But not everyone is excited about what Roberts and Wilder have brought to the town.

David Myers, who runs the Boonsboro Clock Co. in town, said there is no place to park in town when Roberts has a book signing. As a result, Myers said he tells his customers not to come to town when crowds are so heavy. He said he doesn't get any positive spinoff from the inn or Roberts' bookstore.

"But she has a right to do what she wants," Myers said.
The incident began at 11:45 p.m. Saturday when a Bluefield, Virginia Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a 2008 Toyota Yaris for an equipment violation, according to VSP. The Toyota, which had been traveling east on U.S. Route 460, pulled off on the shoulder near Exit 3, which is within the town limits of Bluefield, Virginia.

Two men were in the vehicle, the unidentified driver, and Gray, in the front passenger seat. During the traffic stop, police believe Gray shot and wounded the Bluefield Virginia Police Officer as he was standing outside the vehicle on the driver's side.

The officer and a second Bluefield officer who had responded to assist with the traffic stop returned fire, according to VSP. Police say the driver of the Toyota got out of the vehicle and surrendered and Gray got into the driver's seat and drove off.

The Toyota was found abandoned a few hours later in Bluefield, West Virginia.

The driver of the vehicle was cited for a traffic violation and released. He was not injured in the shooting nor was the second Bluefield officer that was at the scene.

Anyone with information about Gray and/or his whereabouts should call 911 or the Virginia State Police at 276-228-3131 or send an email to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
But using the money is seemingly back on the table now in the form of the resolutions that will be before the commission on waiver of rules on Thursday. Commissioner Dwight King, of Piney Flats, is sponsoring one of them, which seeks to hire Mattern & Craig Engineers-Surveyors to prepare plans and cost estimates to install a pump station, if necessary, and two sewer lines  one from Sullivan East High School to East Middle and a second from East Middle to the closest municipal sewer trunk line off Weaver Pike, according to the resolution.

King told the commission during its work session last week that Mattern & Craig has already given him ballpark estimates  $25,000 to hire the firm to create the plans and $1,524,000 to install the lines for a total cost of $1,549,000. The Board of Education is still willing to spend its $1,025,200 for the project, according to King, and the county would pay the remainder of the cost.

King added that the area near the schools doesnt have public sewer service  all residences and businesses there have septic systems, which he and other officials said they believe hinders economic development.
Robert Bunn had a wife, a family and a job as an officer with the Kingsport Police Department, but an addiction to cough syrups and cold medicine sent him into a decade-long downward spiral that left him homeless for years.

Because of his experiences, Bunn, 52, was chosen to serve on the steering committee working on the proposed Bristol Day Center for the homeless.

His addiction started after a particularly bad wreck on Interstate 81. He said he was the first on the scene, and because the wreck blocked most of the interstate, he was the only one there for some time. As the first responder, he had to work by himself to help those involved. One man was horribly burned.

It really bothered me, Bunn said. I was 17 years into my career, but it just really bothered me, and I started to remember all the bodies, all the shootings, the abuses, the suicides  I couldnt deal with it.

Over the years, he tried to compartmentalize what he saw and not allow it to distract him from his work, but after that wreck it wasnt as easy. Shortly after the wreck, he developed a cold.

I had a cold, and I took the cold medicine, and I wasnt feeling anything, so I took a little more, then I took it again, Bunn said.
Betty Faye Isham, 90, of Greenville, passed away on June 20, 2021, in Greenville. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Amos Lowry officiating. Visitation will be Noon until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be 
Noel Leeson has gone missing after travelling to the UK.

Two Tallaght men who have been missing in the UK for more than two weeks had gone to Birmingham to do some business, according to friends.

Noel Leeson (34) and Anthony Keegan (47) are believed to have travelled by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead in a black Audi A3 that Mr Leeson had bought only days earlier.

From there, it is thought they drove to Birmingham where they had arranged to meet someone.

Both men are from the Russell Square area of Tallaght in Dublin and their families are now very concerned for their welfare.

The men's families became increasingly worried and reported both missing at Tallaght Garda Station last week.

Gardai have been liaising with their counterparts in the UK to try to trace the men, but so far the authorities have turned up no leads.

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Whatsapp Anthony Keegan has gone missing after travelling to the UK.

Gardai have received no information to indicate that the men have come to any harm or are in danger, and are treating it as a missing persons case.

However the men's families are understandably worried for their safety.

Money

"I last heard from them on January 27 when Noel said they got to where they were going. It was between 12 and 1am and they said they'd got there," said Mags Murphy, the mother of Mr Leeson's two children.

"He rang me before they went. He wouldn't tell me where exactly they were going but it was a bit of business and they'd be fine, but we haven't heard from them in two weeks," she added.

"I'm worried about them, and trying to be positive for the kids. Our 14-year-old knows about it, but the six-year-old is too young," Ms Murphy added.

"Noel is always good at keeping in touch, to say goodnight to the kids and things, so it is worrying that they haven't been in touch and we can't get in touch with them."

Mr Leeson does not have a passport and had recently come into some money from a claim, Ms Murphy said.

"They haven't travelled to the UK before like this, and Noel had a lot of money.

"Noel wouldn't say where they were going. He just said 'I'll be fine, don't worry about me' and that he was just doing a bit of business," she said.

Roisin O'Reilly, Mr Leeson's girlfriend, said she thinks the last contact she received from him was a missed call on January 27 at 10.55pm, and then a text on the 29th.

"Before that, he sent me a message saying they were in England and they would be back on the Sunday (27th)," she told the Herald.

"I thought they were messing [about] saying they were in England," she said.

"I'm worried sick about them. I hope they're OK.

"I hope they're just away off out together and they've fallen off the radar for a bit," she said.

"You would think the car would stand out a mile with the Irish registration plates. I don't know what's happened," she said.

The two men are good friends and live close together in Tallaght.

Family and friends have been waiting by their phones for updates from gardai since they reported them missing last week.

Photographs and identifying details of both men were circulated by gardai at the weekend.

Mr Leeson is 5ft 9in and of slim build with short brown hair.

Concerns

He has blue eyes and usually has stubble or a beard and speaks with a Dublin accent. He has a distinctive scar on his neck.

Mr Keegan is about 6ft, of slim build with short brown hair. He has brown eyes and usually has stubble or a beard and also speaks with a Dublin accent.

Mr Keegan has a number of distinctive ink dots on his knuckles. When he was last seen he was wearing a brown leather jacket, navy jeans and black shoes.

The car the pair were in is believed to be a black Audi A3 with the registration plate 05D46207.

"There are obvious concerns for the welfare of these two men because they have stopped making contact and their families have not been able to get in touch with them," said a garda source.

Anyone who may have any information in relation to the whereabouts of either man is asked to contact the gardai at Tallaght Garda Station on 01-6666000.
The scene in Derry after last months car bomb explosion

YOUNG people in the North will be "groomed into violent activity" if a hard border emerges after Brexit, a report has warned.

The return of violence on this island is inevitable with the "only issue" being on what scale.

The study, compiled by the chairs of two Unesco committees, also warns that rushing into a referendum on a united Ireland would result in conflict.

A key problem identified by professors Mark Brennan and Pat Dolan is that the "agreement generation" has no memory of the harm caused by the decades of bloodshed.

They say older people have not shared enough about "the horrors of war" that is termed "the period of the Troubles".

Instead, some of the violence of those bloody times has been "romanticised".

Vulnerable

"This lack of capacity to discuss in real ways what happened can unintentionally act in favour of those who would prefer to give youth (and particularly vulnerable and impressionable young people) a false, almost romantic, retrospection of the past, up to and including a very sectarian analysis," the report states.

It adds that nationalist youths who are marginalised will be susceptible "to being groomed into violent activity by dissident republicans".

The so-called "New IRA" is believed to have planted a car bomb which went off outside the courthouse in Derry last month.

The professors say the deconstruction of a Border "swiftly after its creation could become the absolute raison d'etre for youth becoming engaged in violence".

In stark terms, they add: "In as little as six weeks, it is possible that a hard border could materialise due to a no-deal Brexit triggering a return to violence in Northern Ireland."

It says that "all indications" are that pushing for a Border poll against this backdrop - as advocated by Sinn Fein - would also spark violence.

"The only question in both scenarios will be the scale of the violence," it adds.

Prof Brennan is the Unesco chair for community, leadership and youth development.

Prof Dolan is director of the Unesco Child and Family Research Centre at the National University of Ireland, Galway, and holds the Unesco chair in children, youth and civic engagement.

They were assisted by Michael Ortiz, a renowned expert in counter-terrorism and former security adviser to the Obama administration.

According to the study, which was complied in conjunction with Fianna Fail senator Mark Daly, the British and Irish governments have done little to ensure social or economic security since the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

The flag protests which took place at the end of 2012 and throughout 2013 as a result of a decision to fly the union flag at Belfast City Hall only on designated days is cited as "past evidence" of how quickly problems can escalate.

Injured

Dozens of police officers were injured and scores of people arrested during the loyalist demonstrations.

The report says a return to violence would result in increased security costs, damage to property, a jump in prison numbers and loss of life.

Among the recommendations are anti-extremism campaigns aimed at young people.

The authors also say a "critical part of preventing violent extremism is to be found in community-level leadership".

However, they add that in some areas of the North, "those community leaders are the ones who are involved in the radicalisation of the youth, an issue that has to be tackled as a matter of urgency".

Mr Daly said last night that the report highlights the need for the UK government to stand by the backstop, which is currently being blamed for the Brexit impasse.
The cost of paying pensions to former military personnel and their dependants increased by almost 4m to 225.4m last year, as 159 soldiers joined the ranks of retired veterans.

The number of active personnel has plummeted in recent years and fell below 9,000 for the first time toward the end of last year, in what has been described as a "retention crisis".

Figures reveal a corresponding rise in the number of retirees in receipt of military pensions in the past 10 years, during which the number of claimants rose by 1,966 and the total annual pension bill climbed by 35.9m.

The 225.4m cost of Defence Forces pensions last year included payments to retired personnel, as well as disability pensions and payments to the spouses and children of deceased veterans.

Nearly 2.1bn has been paid out under the pension scheme since 2009, according to the Department of Defence.

The high cost of pensions has been cited by a personnel representative body as a reason to reconsider current rules which make retirement mandatory after 21 years of service.

At present, soldiers below the rank of sergeant are forced to retire after 21 years.

Sergeants may continue working up to the age of 50, while officers attaining a higher rank must retire at 56.

The rules apply to all privates and corporals who have joined the Defence Forces since 1994.

Some have been obliged to retire before they reached 40.

Pension payments to 8,779 retired NCOs and privates accounted for almost 147m of the 225.4m bill last year. Some 1,793 retired officers received 57.2m during the same period.

Disability

A total of 1.7m was paid to 118 retired officers in the form of a disability pension in 2018, while 713 former NCOs and privates received 4.9m under the same scheme.

Pension payments worth nearly 14.7m were also made to 1,635 spouses or children of deceased veterans last year.

Meanwhile, figures show that more than 60 members of the Irish Defence Forces were discharged from service after testing positive for drugs in the past decade.

A total of 78 tested positive for drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, during routine drug tests between 2008 and 2017, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

Of those who tested positive, some 62 were discharged from duty, while more than a dozen others held on to their position, opting to undergo targeted drug testing and continuing their service.

In recent years, there has been a spike in the number of personnel testing positive for drugs, as well as those who were discharged as a result.

In 2017, eight people failed the test, with six of these being shown the door.

However, in 2015, 15 people in the Defence Forces failed the test, of which 14 had to leave as a result, and in 2016, 11 failed the drug test, leading to 10 of those being discharged.

Four members failed a drug test in 2014 and just one had to leave, while in 2013, 10 members tested positive and nine of those were discharged.

Several of those who were discharged since the programme was established in 2003 have also challenged the decision in the courts.
An emotional Berna Fidan in Dublin during last years Missing Persons Day.

The sister of missing Esra Uryun has admitted her hopes of finding her alive have all but faded away.

Berna Fidan will return to Dublin on Wednesday in another bid to solve the mystery of her younger sister's disappearance eight years ago.

Esra, a 38-year-old married mother-of-one, disappeared after leaving her home in Clondalkin on February 23, 2011.

Ms Fidan (53) has campaigned tirelessly ever since, travelling to Ireland from her London home on dozens of occasions in a bid to uncover a lead into the case.

Speaking only days before the eighth anniversary of Esra's disappearance, mother-of-two Ms Fidan admitted she is finding it harder to believe her sister could still be alive.

"It's now almost eight years since Esra disappeared," she said.

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Whatsapp Berna Fidan with a poster of her missing sister Esra.

"That's a long time and it's getting harder and harder for me to believe that she's still alive.

Reunited

"The longer this goes on, the more I have to accept that she can't be alive, but I won't rule it out completely.

"I still have a glimmer of hope that she might be alive, and I will not give up that dream of being reunited with her until I'm told otherwise."

Esra's family believe she was abducted between the time she set off from her home and the discovery of her car in Bray later that morning.

Although the grey Renault Twingo was captured on CCTV travelling towards a car park in the seaside town, efforts to enhance the grainy footage and identify the driver's face - believed to be Esra's abductor - have been unsuccessful.

However, Ms Fidan is praying her four-day visit to Ireland, during which she will meet with gardai and put up posters of her missing sister, will finally lead to some sort of breakthrough.

Her campaign is all the more urgent as her frail mother, who is 75, is battling a serious illness and "literally holding on for news of Esra".

"Mum has gone through hell since Esra disappeared and it's really taken a terrible toll on her health," Ms Fidan said.

"She cries all the time about Esra, but she gets excited when I go over to Ireland. It gives her hope.

"But then when I came back it's heartbreaking not to be able to give her good news.

"I've got to keep going. I'm baffled and the gardai are baffled too. I know someone out there knows something, and I beg them to come forward."
Runaway schoolgirl Shamima Begum has claimed she was "just a housewife" when she left Britain to join Islamic State (IS) in Syria and does not regret her decision.

Begum (19), who has given birth to a baby boy, accepted she may have made a mistake, but told Sky News that living under IS had made her "stronger, tougher".

She said she had been attracted to go to Syria after seeing news and videos on the internet that emphasised the role of family, adding that her biggest priority now was her son.

However, she admitted she knew the group was carrying out beheadings and executions before she left, adding that she was "OK with it at first".

Asked if she felt she made a mistake travelling to Syria, she said: "In a way, yes, but I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person. It's made me stronger, tougher, you know.

"I married my husband. I wouldn't have found someone like him back in the UK.

Begged

"I had my kids. I did have a good time there. It's just that then things got harder and I couldn't take it any more and I had to leave."

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Whatsapp Shamima Begum caught on CCTV as she left the UK to travel to Syria

Begum was speaking next to her newborn son, who she said she had named after her previous son who died, in accordance with her husband's wishes.

The teenager was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK to travel to Syria in February 2015.

She told a British newspaper last week while heavily pregnant that she wished to bring up her baby in the UK, and her family has begged for her to be shown mercy and be allowed to return to east London.

She said she felt "a lot of people should have sympathy for me" as she did not know what she was getting into when she left the UK, before acknow- ledging that it would be "really hard" to be rehabilitated into British society.

"It would be really hard after everything I've been through," she said.

"I'm still kind of in the mentality of planes over my head and having the emergency backpack and starving and all these things. It would be a really big shock to go back to the UK and start a life again."

When it was put to her that people in Britain may have concerns about the views she may still have about IS, she said: "That's something they have to question me about before they take my child away, I guess."

Asked to respond to comments that she could be pot- entially very dangerous if she returned, she said: "They don't have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous.

"When I went to Syria I was just a housewife. The entire four years I stayed at home, took care of my husband, took care of my kids. I never did anything.

"I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria.

"They don't really have proof that I did anything that is dangerous."

Begum said no British consulate officials had met or spoken to her, only journalists.

Earlier yesterday, her family revealed they had been told she had given birth.

In a statement released through their lawyer, they said: "We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child. We understand that both she and the baby are in good health.

"As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima. We are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above."

The lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, later confirmed: "It's a boy."
Father-of-five Michael Byrne (43) was desperate and made a grave error of judgment, a court heard. (stock photo)

A bankrupt IT consultant who used false documentation to support a mortgage application has admitted fraud charges.

Father-of-five Michael Byrne (43) was "desperate" and made a grave error of judgment, a court heard.

Byrne, of Glendoher Park, Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty to three counts of using false instruments.

Judge Michael Walsh adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for a probation report.

Byrne admitted using false documents - a P60, Bank of Ireland statement and payslips - at Permanent TSB, Ballyfermot, on January 23 last year.

The court heard they were in the name of his son, Christopher Byrne Araya.

Crash

The accused produced the documents in support of a mortgage application with Permanent TSB, but when it went to the underwriting section, irregularities were discovered.

It was investigated by fraud analysts and the application was refused.

Byrne had suffered financial difficulties in the crash, was declared bankrupt in Canada and returned to Ireland when he was released from that, his solicitor Julianne Hayden said.

He found he could not open a bank account.

He was desperate and made a grave error of judgment, for which he was very sorry. He was also caring for his wife, who suffered from fibromyalgia.

The judge noted there were "family issues" and adjourned the case to a date in April.
A father-of-four told gardai investigating a domestic incident that he would have them killed by the Russian Mafia.

Officers were called to the home of Raimondas Zajancauskas (47) last St Stephen's Day when he made the threat.

A court heard he had been drinking "far too much" on the night.

Judge Paula Murphy fined him 150 at Blanchardstown District Court after he admitted a public order offence.

Zajancauskas pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive and insulting words or behaviour in the incident at his home on Cherrywood Drive, Clondalkin.

Sgt Maria Callaghan said officers were called to the scene of a reported domestic incident.

The accused was one of the occupants of the address and became very aggressive towards gardai.

Sgt Callaghan said gardai were speaking to the defendant's partner when Zajancauskas was verbally abusive to them and was shouting.

Children were present in the house at the time, she said.

Convictions

Gardai left the house and the defendant followed them on to the road.

"He threatened he would have them killed by the Russian Mafia," Sgt Callaghan said.

There were neighbours out on the street at the time. The accused was arrested.

The court heard he had previous convictions.

He was originally from Lithuania and had been in Ireland for 15 years with his partner and family, his solicitor Valerie Buckley said.

The accused's partner was in employment, but Zajan- causkas was not working and was at home minding their children.

He did not have a full recollection of the events, but accepted what the gardai said and wanted to apologise, Ms Buckley said.

When he was shown the evidence he was "very embarr- assed".

Zajancauskas had been drinking far too much on the night and there were issues with alcohol, the court heard.
PLANS to convert a disused air base into a training hub for bodyguards, private investigators and police and military personnel have again been recommended for refusal despite being scaled back, writes James Burton.

Damion Morphy, a former serviceman, wants to build a steel-framed barn at the old RAF Woodcote site in Goring Heath to hold courses in self-defence, close protection and surveillance through his company Advanced Tactical Resources.

The building was going to be 32ft tall but he has reduced it by more than 6ft in response to the parish councils concerns that it would look out of place in the rural area.

However, the council still insists it is against planning policy as new businesses arent allowed to build major developments in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Chilterns Conservation Board has also objected, saying the business shouldnt require a rural location and the barn might be more acceptable if it was a public leisure facility.

Mr Morphys agent Willis & Co accused the council of uninformed opinion and said it hadnt invited him to discuss the proposal.

It also said he had cleared a derelict plot that was strewn with hazardous waste and this was praised by neighbours.

Mr Morphy, an army corporal who was decorated for bravery in 2008, has previously delivered more than 1million worth of training to the Ministry of Defence. The site, which is off the B4526, is owned by his wife Claire, who owns the Camelid Veterinary Services clinic nearby.
Donaldsons seek answers about the night Seth died

Scott and Amy Donaldson pose with a photo of their son, Seth.

Scott and Amy Donaldson can talk for a long time about their son, Seth. But they can also sum up his death in a concise tag-team narrative.

Two boys in the room, Scott says.

They have a fight, Amy says.

One of ems got a bloody nose, the other ones out the window, Scott says. Thats what the police officer told me.

The boy out the window was Seth. He was 22.

What he was doing in the room, who else was there and what led up to his fall to the street are all mysteries that the Donaldsons  and the police and the familys New Orleans lawyer  have not fully pieced together.

Were never going to know exactly what happened, acknowledges Scott, a urologist who was a surgical resident in New Orleans when Seth was born. Dr. Donaldson and Amy dont accept the coroners conclusion that Seth committed suicide. They think something else was going on, and they think somebody else  maybe the friend who had rented the room through Airbnb  may have caused Seths death.

We anticipate this to become a homicide investigation at some point, Scott says. We have no reason not to think it will be.

But even without finding out exactly what happened, the Donaldsons believe they have a strong wrongful death case based on the fact that a 130-pound person should not have been able to shatter a 12th story window  even if the person jumped or was thrown into it. Theyve hired Jonathan Pederson, a New Orleans attorney, to represent them in a lawsuit. Pederson thinks they have a strong case.

Investigators have not reached a conclusion about what happened the night of Oct. 27-28, the attorney said. Heres what we know. Seth was at the Saratoga Loft Apartments the night of his death. He was living here at the time, working two jobs. We know that he died on impact. We know there was evidence at the scene that was not collected, that should have been. And we know that the investigation is ongoing. Past that, in my opinion, theres a lot of speculation.

Seth DonaldsonThe Donaldsons and their lawyer at first were told there were two other people in the room  Seths friend, who is from Hendersonville, and the friends girlfriend.

The coroner officially ruled it as a suicide, Pederson said. My clients and I both disagree with that the more that we learn. (The friend) says he jumped. The girlfriend has not been cooperative. She has refused to speak with anyone, so we dont really know what her side of the story is. Seth had never had suicidal ideas prior to this incident.



Armed robbery arrest

The Donaldsons know that people hearing about Seths death in New Orleans will bring up his robbery arrest three years ago in his hometown. According to the Henderson County sheriffs office, Seth, then 19, and an 18-year-old friend robbed two people after they had lured them to a rendezvous in Crab Creek to sell them a cellphone. When deputies arrested Seth and put him in jail we left him in there, Scott says. He was locked up for 48 days.

He went through three months of rehab after his release, Scott says. In the end, (District Attorney) Greg Newman said all charges are dropped, we appreciate what hes done. (The charges against Seth's friend were also dismissed.)

Pederson knows what he would say to people that blame Seth.

Id say that he did his time, he says. He was successfully employed at two well-established restaurants, one of them being Commanders Palace, which is a phenomenally recognized establishment nationwide. They were extremely impressed with his work ethic, he was never late for work, he worked his ass off when he was there. This is somebody that had gotten his life on track and was doing everything right.

Personally I believe that just because somebody might have done one thing wrong in the past doesnt mean that theyre a rotten person, he said. Its chickensh for somebody to take that approach. Its a human life. He still shouldnt have gone through that window.

All the evidence the family had at the time indicated Seth was clean.

At Commanders Palace, the cooks and wait staff all came out in one voice and said Seth was not trouble, Seth was not doing drugs, Seth was telling us not to do drugs, Scott says. He was working two jobs, working 70-80 hours a week.

Amy received cellphone photos of Seth on the night he went over to meet his Hendersonville friends at the Saratoga, which is in downtown New Orleans. He got off work on a Saturday night. He walked a neighbors dog. I talked to him that night at 11 oclock, Amy says.

Pederson says he has ordered the coroners full report, which would contain a toxicology results from Seths body. He hasnt received it yet, he says.

A New Orleans Police Department spokesman, Aaron Looney, confirmed that the death investigation is still active and open.

Its considered an unclassified death by suicide, he said. So far, investigators have found nothing that warrants it to be a homicide.

The 22-year-old Hendersonville man who rented the New Orleans condo through Airbnb was not reachable on his cellphone. In a brief conversation at her home, the young man's mother said her son had retained an attorney and would speak to the Lightning only through the attorney if at all.



Hendersonville kids visit New Orleans

The Donaldsons have heard various stories.

Supposedly, there were about 10 kids from Hendersonville down there, Amy says.

These kids are talking amongst themselves but they wont talk to the police, Scott adds.

Scott and Amy have been relentless in seeking a thorough investigation and pursuing a measure of justice. They sent 15 certified letters to big wigs, including a police commander, a city council member, the district attorney.

We went down there without any appointments and we finally ended up having like 10 appointments in 2 days, Scott says.

Saratoga Loft Apartments in downtown New Orleans.The couple sees liability on the part of the contractor who renovated the Saratoga, the owner of the condo and Airbnb, which they describe as reckless and unaccountable.

Theres no security, theres no oversight, Scott says. They take away all negative reviews.

After Katrina, state law required builders to install high impact windows that sustain 120 mph winds. Renovated in 2011, the high-rise condo building should have been hurricane-proofed, they say.

We have more questions than we have answers, Scott says. But on one point, theyre sure: People arent supposed to go through windows. We view these windows as barriers.

The building code would distinguish glass you might get from a hardware store and much thicker glass like a windshield, Pederson says. In commercial buildings you have more of the car windshields than you do the plate glass from a hardware store. He has not managed to obtain a sample yet. None was kept. Now its covered by a plywood board.

To me its not even about whether it did or did not comply with code, he adds. Its about what a reasonable person believes. In this case I believe a reasonable person would believe they shouldnt be able to go through that window without substantial effort and multiple attempts.

The attorney says he has several more weeks of research before he files a lawsuit, which will likely name the building owner, possibly the condo owner, the contractor, Airbnb and others.

Theres just too many players involved and this is one that weve got to get right and so I am not rushing it, he says. Its not a fender-bender car accident.

Seths parents would each have a claim for wrongful death. Seth himself has a claim called a survival action, which would encompass all of the fear that I can prove from the moment that he left the window to the moment he hit the ground, which would be done through psychiatry testimony exclusively.

Its fascinating actually, he says of the case. To me it reminds me more of one of the shows my wife likes to watch on television than real life should be.

Even if bad behavior were involved, Scott and Amy say, Seth should not have paid with his life.

I dont want your grandchild to go to New Orleans and get in a drunken brawl and go through a window, Scott says. So we are making it public. Youre stone cold sober, youre drunk on booze, youre on cocaine, you should not be able to go out a window without a big effort.

* * * * *

The Donaldsons are hosting a Pickle-n-Pig Birthday Bash for Seth from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Guidon Brewing Co., 418 Eighth Ave. East, in the Historic Seventh Avenue District. The event honors Seth and his efforts as a cook and restaurant kitchen worker to encourage people to tip the Back of the House (BOTH). The bash features a $15 barbecue plate with fixins. Seths classmates and ABTechs Competitive Cooking Team will be there to cook and share desserts as practice for a competition. Proceeds benefit AB-Techs Culinary School summer internship scholarships.
LEGAL NOTICE

1. WEBSITE OWNERSHIP

HELLO Ltd. is the holder of this web page (hereinafter, the Web Site). Its registered office address is Wellington House, 69-71 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PQ, United Kingdom and it is registered in England and Wales under the following number: 2210024.

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For the purposes of this Legal Notice, Users are those persons accessing the Web Site and/or sending a request or email to the Web Site or completing a Web Site form or registration process.

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This Legal Notice contains all the terms and conditions which regulate: a), the access, navigation and use of the Web Site; b) the responsibilities arising from use of the Web Site and the provision of and/or contracting of products or services which may be offered through the Web Site; and c), the provision and use of Web Site content. Notwithstanding anything herein, the foregoing is without prejudice to the fact that the Entity may establish specific case-by-case conditions which regulate the use, provision and/or contracting of products or services which are offered to Users through the Web Site. In any case, those specific conditions will form an integral part of this Legal Notice.

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8. DURATION AND MODIFICATION

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9. COMMUNICATIONS

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10. MISCELLANEOUS

The headings of the different sections herein only have an informative nature and do not affect, qualify or modify the interpretation of this Legal Notice.

Where there is any discrepancy between the effects of this Legal Notice and the particular terms & conditions which may be established in relation to any specific products or services offered in the Web Site, the latter will prevail.

Where one of the provisions laid down in this Legal Notice could be considered as not being totally or partially binding by a Court of Law or by a recognised Administrative body, such nullity will not affect the other provisions contained in this Legal Notice nor any other provisions which have been established.

Where the Entity does not exercise any of the rights contained in this Legal Notice, such event will not constitute a relinquishment of this right, unless expressly stated in writing.

If you have any concerns or wish to make a complaint about anything you have read in this issue, please email the PA to the editors, Holly Darricotte: hdarricotte@hellomagazine.com and your email will be responded to as soon as possible. HELLO! magazine is regulated by IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation, which can be contacted by email: complaints@ipso.co.uk or by post: IPSO, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London EC4M 7LG. IPSOs Editors Code of Practice can be found at ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html

Brand Safety Policy

Introduction

Hello Magazine values its advertisers and operates to the highest standards to ensure any ad or site linked via an ad is brand safe. We will make reasonable endeavours to minimise the risk of ad misplacement on our properties.

Prohibited content

The below content categories are prohibited within our properties:

Content that violates any applicable law, rule, or regulation; Content that promotes violence, discrimination, hate speech, copyright protection circumvention, or peer-to-peer applications, networks or sites; Content that violates any Intellectual Property Right or other proprietary, privacy, contract, or legal right of any third party; Content that is defamatory, libelous, deceptive, pornographic or sexually explicit;

How do we comply with the Policy?

We do this by:

Ensuring ads or linked sites do not contain material that is obscene, blasphemous, defamatory, infringe third party rights, or which otherwise might bring our brands into disrepute. Using our editorial expertise to monitor (and if necessary, exclude) stories which may be inappropriate advertising settings.

Take down

In the event that an ad is displayed on content that is considered inappropriate, we will remove it within 24 hours as from the notification to us in writing.

Personnel

In order to comply with all of the above, Hello Magazine has implemented the relevant internal policies.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ONLINE AND PRINT ADVERTISING

Binding Contract Terms

1. For the purpose of these terms and conditions (T&Cs), Advertiser shall be deemed to refer to the advertised-brand owner or its acting affiliate (Brand) or their agent (Agent), whichever is the principal party that directly contracts with Hello Ltd (Publisher). Where Agent acts as an agent, it represents, warrants and undertakes that it has the authority of Brand to agree to these T&Cs on behalf of Brand, and agrees to the same in both its capacity as Agent and on behalf of Brand such that the latter is legally bound by the same, and further represents and warrants that, in any event, Agent will procure Brands compliance and fulfilment of these T&Cs in all respects.

2. These T&Cs shall apply to all advertisements, including all competitions, promotions, advertorials or similar, accepted by Publisher for publication, either online at hellomagazine.com or any other site agreed in an Insertion Order (each a Website) and/or in print in the UK editions of Hello! magazine and/or Hello Fashion Magazine (each a Publication) as agreed in an Insertion Order, and regardless of format (including text, graphic, photographic, animated and video content  collectively Advertising Content). Any other proposed condition, or any conditions stipulated on an Advertisers order form, or anywhere else, shall be void unless specifically accepted in writing by the Publisher.

3. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of an Insertion Order and these T&Cs, the terms of the Insertion Order shall prevail.

Advertising, Inventory

4. All advertisements are accepted subject to the Publishers approval of the Advertising Content and to the inventory being available, and must comply with Publishers technical specification requirements as publicised on hellomagazine.com or as otherwise communicated by Publisher from time-to-time.

5. Publisher cannot guarantee the time, dates and/or position of Advertisements and all such decisions will be at the sole discretion of Publisher. However, Publisher will use best efforts to comply with the wishes of the Advertiser.

6. The Publisher reserves the right to omit or suspend an advertisement at any time for good reason, in Publisher judgement, in which case no claim on the part of any Advertiser for a refund shall arise. Should such omission or suspension be due to the act or omission of the Advertiser, or its servants or agents, then the inventory reserved for the advertisement shall be paid for by Advertiser in full, notwithstanding that the advertisement has not appeared. Such omission or suspension shall be promptly notified to the Advertiser.

7. If the Publisher considers it necessary, for whatever reason, to modify the agreed inventory, or to alter the agreed date or position of advertisements, or to make any other alteration, the Advertiser will have the right to cancel if the alterations requested are unacceptable, unless such changes are due to an emergency or circumstances beyond the Publishers control, or are due to the act or omission of the Advertiser. Every care is taken to avoid mistakes but the Publisher will not be liable for any errors due to third parties, sub-contractors or inaccurate Advertising Content instructions.

8. Unless an Advertiser has been guaranteed in writing, advertisements could appear opposite or adjacent to other advertisements and no compensation will be given.

9.Complaints regarding reproduction of advertisements must be in writing, and must be received within one calendar month of on-sale date for print advertising, and within one calendar month of actual campaign commencement date for online advertising. The Advertiser shall be deemed to have irrevocably waived any rights to make any claims concerning complaints beyond such date.

10. Cancellation: Notice in writing is required to stop or suspend the publication of an advertisement at the Advertisers request. The notice is to arrive with the Publisher 16 weeks prior to publication date with respect to print advertising, and 30 days prior to agreed campaign commencement date with respect to online advertising.

11. If Advertising Content and/or correction instructions are not received by the agreed submission date (which shall be 10 days prior to on-sale date for print advertising publication, and 5 days prior to agreed campaign commencement date with respect to online advertising) no guarantees can be given that either: a), an advertisement will be published; or b) corrections will be made; and the Publisher reserves the right to repeat the most appropriate Advertising Content.

Fees, Rates, Payments

12. Advertisement rates are subject to revision at any time. With respect to print advertising, orders are accepted on condition that the price binds the Publisher only in respect of the next issue to go to press. In the event of a rate increase, the Advertiser will have the option to cancel the order without surcharge or continue the order at the revised advertisement rates.

13. All Advertisement rates are exclusive of value added tax, which will be added at the prevailing rates(s) when the advertisement is invoiced.

14. If an Advertiser cancels the balance of a contract, except in the circumstances set out in clauses 7 or 12, it relinquishes any right to any discount to which it was previously entitled, and advertisements will be paid for at the appropriate rates.

15. The due date for payment is 30 days from invoice. If accounts are not paid by the due date, the Publisher reserves the right to make surcharges at the rate of 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, or the then-applicable statutory maximum if lower, until payment is made.

16. Publisher may withhold publication of any Advertisement for any Advertiser who has not paid any sums due for any print or online advertising. The Advertiser will remain responsible for all outstanding charges.

17. Charges will be made to the Advertiser where Publisher and/or, in the case of print advertising, the printers, need to carry out extra production work owing to acts or omissions of the Advertiser. The charges will be charged at Publishers rates for all work provided in-house and, in all other cases, the rate of the cost to the Publisher plus 10%.

Reps, Warranties, Indemnity, Limitation of Liability

18. The Advertiser represents, warrants and undertakes that all Advertising Content for print and/or online advertising, and in the case of all online advertising, any landing page and/or destination site linked from the advertisements (Advertisers Site): i), does not contravene any law or regulation nor is it in any other way illegal or defamatory or an infringement of any other partys rights, including trademark, copyright, moral, image or publicity rights, nor is it incompatible with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing, or any other industry self-regulatory or state-regulatory codes or regulations that may apply from time-to-time; ii), will be free of any viruses, adware, malware, bit torrents, or similar, and will not cause any adverse effect to the operation of the Websites; iii) will be clearly identifiable as a commercial communication, clearly identifying the brand on whose behalf the commercial communication is made, and, where containing a promotional offer, competition or game, that the related conditions will be easily accessible, clear and unambiguous; and iv), in the case of Advertisers Site, has a conspicuous privacy policy which complies with all applicable data protection and privacy laws, regulations and codes of practice.

19. The Advertiser will indemnify the Publisher fully for all damages and costs of any nature arising with from or with respect to any civil, criminal, or administrative claim made against the Publisher concerning an advertisement, and/or for any breach of these T&Cs. Without limitation to the immediately forgoing, the Publisher will consult with the Advertiser as to the conduct of any such claim.

20. Notwithstanding any provision herein, in no circumstances shall the total liability of the Publisher to the Advertiser for any act, omission, error or misprint exceed, at the election of Publisher: either (a) the amount of a full refund of the price that corresponds to the Publisher for the relevant advertisement, or (b) the cost of a further or corrective advertisement of a similar type and standard to the relevant advertisement. In no event shall Publisher have any liability to the Advertiser, by way of reimbursement or otherwise, for any complaints made concerning Publisher content or for any late publication of the same.

Miscellaneous

21. All Advertising Content is held at Advertisers risk and should be backed-up and/or insured by them against loss or damage from whatever cause.

22. The Advertiser warrants to maintain strict confidentiality around details of the commercial arrangements between the Publisher and themselves. Should details of any agreed discounts be passed to any third party, the Publisher reserves the right to retrospectively surcharge Advertisers to the full appropriate non-discounted rate as defined by Publisher.

23. These T&Cs and all other express terms of the contract shall be governed and construed in accordance with the Laws of England. All disputes concerning any advertising placed with Publisher, or the pre-contractual arrangements for the same, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of London, England.

Concerning Print Advertising Only

24. With regards to print advertising: i) final print-runs are not decided until one week prior to on-sale, and, consequently, the total amount of magazines printed may vary; ii), the on-sale date of any supplements or additional magazines are subject to change due to world or news events or for operational reasons; and iii) Publisher may omit advertising from editions that are purely for marketing of sampling purposes.

Concerning Online Advertising Only

25. Publisher does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted access by users to the Websites but will use best efforts to provide this.

26. The Advertiser acknowledges and agrees that discrepancies of up to 10% regarding the number of impressions served are common due to technical reasons. Publishers, or its contractors, figures for impressions served will be final and binding and will prevail over Advertisers figures.

27. Publisher cannot guarantee the number of impressions. In the event the number of impressions served during a campaign period is more than 10% less than the number of impressions booked by the Advertiser, Publisher shall, as the Advertisers sole remedy, and provided the Advertiser has notified Publisher in writing of such under-delivery, continue to serve the Advertisements after the end of the campaign period until the number of booked impressions is reached. Publisher will not be liable for any over-delivery of impressions (including without limitation in relation to any ad-serving costs) unless: i) such over-delivery is 10% or more; ii) Advertiser has engaged a paid 3rd party ad server; and iii), 2 business days have elapsed following Advertisers notification to Publisher that the agreed guaranteed or capped levels have been reached.

28. The Advertiser shall not do any of the following without the prior written consent of Publisher: i) deploy cookies, beacons, clear GIFs or other similar technologies on the Websites, or in the browsers of users of the Website, or include any of the same in any Advertising Content, 3rd party ad server tags or any other materials delivered to Publisher for use in the performance of the relevant campaign, save that, where the Advertiser uses an approved 3rd party ad server in the execution of such campaign, the relevant 3rd party ad server may use cookies solely for the purposes of frequency capping and delivery tracking, provided that such use is in accordance with all applicable law and generally accepted industry standards, and is otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this clause 28; ii), collect any personal data (as defined by applicable data protection law Personal Data) from users of the Websites, except where the nature and purpose of such data collection by the Advertiser is expressly disclosed to the user by such party at the time and point of collection and the user has freely consented to the collection and use of such Personal Data including a right to revoke such consent, in accordance with applicable law and the Advertisers prevailing published privacy policy; iii) collect or use any data regarding the Websites, except that the Advertiser may use anonymous statistical data regarding a campaign that is gathered during delivery or tracking of advertisements pursuant to the applicable Insertion Order (e.g., number of impressions or interactions), provided that such data does not contain or comprise any Personal Data, and does not identify or allow identification of Publisher, the Websites, any brand, content, context, or users of the Websites, and provided further that if such data is to be shared with any third party, such data shall not include or be combined with any details of the relevant campaign (e.g. pricing information, description of advertising activity, placement information, and any targeting information), any Personal Data, or any confidential information of Publisher.

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If the occupation is on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) the TSS visa can be granted for up to four years with the ability for visa renewal onshore for a further four years. Further, if the occupation is on the MLTSSL, a permanent residency pathway is available after three years of employment in the nominated occupation and with the same employer.

If the occupation is on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the TSS visa can be granted for up to two years with the possibility for a visa renewal onshore for a further two years.

The TSS Visa is designed to assist businesses that are facing difficulties finding appropriate skilled labour in their industry.

The three streams of the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) Visa:

The Short-Term visa stream, applies to overseas workers whose occupations are on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), who will be employed for 2 years, unless this is inconsistent with an international trade obligation. Short term visa stream holders will have the ability to renew this visa once onshore for a further period of 2 years.

The Medium-Term stream, applies to workers whose occupations are on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), who can be employed for up to 4 years with the ability to transition to permanent residency after being employed by the nominating sponsor on a TSS visa for a minimum period of at least 3 years.

The Labour Agreement Stream, enables skilled overseas workers to be employed under a labour agreement with the Commonwealth government.

Eligibility Requirements  Business Sponsor

Labour Market Testing  the sponsoring employer will need to provide evidence that they have made attempts to recruit for the nominated position from the local labour market. Certain exemptions to labour market testing exist, if an international trade obligation applies.
In November, Amazon announced that Long Island City as well as Arlington, Virginia had won the national search for the retailers second HQ.

Amazon vowed to bring 25,000 to 40,000 jobs to New York if it was given US$3bn worth of tax subsidies by state and local governments. The planned construction was also expected to generate as much as $27bn in tax revenue for the state and the city.

However, the project fell through after progressive Democrats criticised the New York government for the subsidies being offered to Amazon. They also raised concerns about the potential impact the new workforce would have on issues such as traffic and home prices in the city.

Amazon grew concerned that it might not get politicians to sign off on the planned construction.

While Amazon is no longer interested in finding a new location for its HQ, it is still pushing through with plans to open new campuses in Nashville and in Northern Virginia.
A Great Falls staffmember of U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said Friday Daines supports President Donald Trump's efforts to build the southern border wall.

"The senator certainly stands behind the president and truly believes that it's something that is needed," Alison Vergeront said in a teleconference with the North Central Pachyderms. "So, I mean, we're very supportive of getting anything across the finish line to get the wall."

Vergeront was unable to attend Friday's North Central Pachyderms Club meeting at the Duck Inn Vineyard Room due to weather conditions. Instead, she spoke to the club over a conference call, answering questions and updating the Pachyderms on what is happening in Congress.

She said Daines spent Feb. 10 in McAllen, Texas, observing the U.S. Border Patrol and witnessing hundreds of people crossing illegally from Mexico.

The senator described the portion of the border he saw as poor and primitive, Vergeront said, adding that Daines, after seeing it first hand, was not surprised by the amount of illegal immigration because nothing is there to deter them from crossing the border.

Daines spoke to a few Border Patrol Agents while in Texas, she said, adding that the agents told Daines that every night they capture hundreds of illegal immigrants, some of them carrying across methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine into the U.S.

She added that the agents told Daines that the people they are able to capture is only approximately 10 percent of those that get through.

"The senator does stand with President Trump with the securing the southern border and just believes that it is just the fundamental responsibility for the government that building the wall will stop help the flood of illegal immigration and drugs that are making their way eventually to Montana," Vergeront said. "And is just really hopeful at some point we can be a little bit more involved with the Democrats as far as trying to do the best we can to protect just American families and communities."

She said Daines' committee assignments this year in the 116th Congress have changed slightly from last year. Daines is still on the Appropriations, Indian Affairs, and Energy and Natural Resources committees, she said, and now is also sitting on the Finance Committee. She said the Finance Committee will involve three subcommittees, Trade and Customs, Energy, Natural Resources and Infrastructure, and Health Care.

All of these are very important for the state of Montana, Vergeront said, and Daines is excited to serve the state in that capacity.

Daines is no longer serving on the Agricultural Committee, she said. She added that Daines will still be able to serve the agricultural community because the Finance Committee impacts the agricultural community through trade.

She said Daines will push for trade agreements between China, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Daines has also helped pass the Lands Package deal through the Senate last week, she said, which he has been working on since 2018. She said the bill passed 92 to 8.

"Definitely a huge win for Montana," Vergeront said.

The land package deal, also supported and included legislation by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, she said, which was created in the 1960s and uses royalties from oil drilling companies to pay for citie land and easement purchases across country. She said the package also included Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act which will directly impact Montana.

Vergeront said Daines has also spoken to the Attorney General William Barr a few times, including about the Second Amendment.

"The senator fully stands behind A.G. Barr ... and is looking forward to working with him," she said.

Barr will help protect Montana's Second Amendment rights and help fight the meth epidemic in the state, she said.

With the recent federal government shutdown, she said, Daines is a sponsor of a bill called the End Government Shutdown Act, which will permanently prevent the federal government from shutting down. She said Daines does not like government shutdowns and believes they don't work.

Another piece of legislation Daines introduced says that the U.S. Congress will not be paid if there is no work being done.

She said that last Thursday, Congress voted to keep the government running. Daines, she said, sees this as "making a down payment on the future of the border wall," as well as keeping families working.

Thursday, she said, Daines was also able to get several large wins, with securing funds for drug trafficking programs and funds for setting up broadband in rural areas.

"We really value the constituents on the ground, experiences or challenges or anything like that," Vergernot said. "So I highly encourage folks to continue reaching out in whatever capacity is best."
Rep. Jacob Bachmeier, D-Havre, said Friday from Helena during a legislative teleconference in Havre that he is sponsoring a bill that would authorize county commissioners to remove from office people they had appointed to fill an unfinished elected term.

Bachmeier, Rep. Joshua Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, and Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester, spoke to people in a conference room at Northern Montana Hospital via a video link to Helena.

Bachmeier said the Montana Association of Counties helped him with the language for the bill and he expects MACo to support it when the bill is introduced this week.

He added that Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, former U.S. attorney for the District of Montana, appointed by President George W. Bush is also signing onto the bill.

Hill County had problems over the past two years after the Hill County Commission appointed a county attorney about whom people immediately started complaining.

Jessica Cole Hodgkinson was appointed in November 2016 to fill the term of County Attorney Gina Doll, who resigned to take a position in Billings.

By February 2017, Cole Hodgkinson was facing complaints including being called in for a contempt of court hearing by Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger to explain why Cole Hodgkinson had not appeared for a trial.

Once appointed, someone filling the unfinished part of an elected term can only be removed by a recall election. The commission appointing an official cannot remove them under state law.

Cole Hodgkinson resigned in July 2018.

Before resigning, she received summonses from both state District Court and Hill County Justice Court to explain why she failed to file paperwork in District ourt and failed to Censure an attorney without conflicts would appear in three cases in justice court.

District Judge Dan Boucher canceled the hearings in his court after Cole Hodginson filed the paperwork, but Barger found Cole Hodgkinson guilty of three counts of criminal contempt in her court.

This year, Cole Hodgkinson was arrested in Abiliene, Texas, on charges in her shooting of her estranged husband Feb. 3.

Bachmeier said he is holding back another bill he proposed, reducing licensing and registration requirements for people who make and sell small amounts of pet treats, for a hearing later in the session.

Bachmeier said the bill, inspired by Havre business owner Keeley Wilson, is a revenue bill and can be sent from the House to the Senate later than non-revenue bills. He has been asked to hold the bill until later to give more time to deal with non-revenue bills.

"The Legislature has requested more bills than we have ever requested in the history of the Legislature, so (the legislative staff is really) struggling to draft resolutions and hold hearings," Bachmeier said. "So, they've asked me to hold off on Keeley's bill another week."

He said he has until April to hold a hearing on that bill.

"I think it will get pretty good support from the Agriculture Committee," he said.

Kassmier said he is sponsoring a bill that would revise the speed limit for trucks in the state.

His bill would remove having different daytime and nighttime speed limits for trucks and would set the speed limit at 65 mph on any public highway, the same as it is for federal-aid interstate highways.

He said he also is sponsoring a bill that would allow taxpayers to itemize medical expenses as a deduction on their state income tax if the expenses exceed 5 percent of their Montana adjusted gross income, instead of the 10 percent now allowed in federal tax code.

Medical expenses are such a huge part of people's budgets now, Kassmier said, any way the state can help would be a good idea.

Tempel said a bill is coming out of the Senate to allow qualified personnel at hospitals to sign work orders. For example, he said, the hospital in Chester now has a doctor coming to it once a week and work orders have to wait for the doctor's signature. The bill would allow qualified personnel to sign the orders instead of having to wait for the doctor, he said.

"That makes sense," he said. "And, sometimes, we get things through that make sense."

Bachmeier also said the Montana Nurses Association has approached him about carrying a bill about licensing reciprocity which he doesn't know a lot about yet, but sometimes he likes to sponsor bills just to start a conversation on the issue.

He said he spoke to some nurses who serve in the Legislature and they weren't sure about the bill but wanted to hear the arguments for and against it.

He said the House also passed a bill to change the name of Columbus Day to Indigenous People's Day in Montana, 65-32.
Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, center, speaks during his state of the state address as he talks about Arizona's economy, new jobs, and the state revenue as Senate president Karen Fann, R-Prescott, left, and House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, right, listen Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
It is now clear that Trump isnt waiting for a better moment. This was not an anomaly. Its not an accident.
Published on 2019/02/18 | Source

A Chinese woman suspected of supplying drugs to the nightclub Burning Sun is taken to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for questioning on Saturday. /Yonhap

Advertisement

The glitzy Gangnam nightclub Burning Sun, which has been a focal point for prurient interest in the lives of the rich and famous after allegations of drug use, sexual harassment and bouncer brutality, closed for business on Sunday at the owner's decision.

The allegations surfaced when a male patron, identified only by his surname Kim, posted a claim on social media last December that he was brutally assaulted by nightclub staff when he tried to help a female patron they were dragging into a VIP room.

He alleged cozy ties between the club owners and police, who appeared at the scene and instead of investigating the alleged incident, slapped Kim in handcuffs and carted him off.

That opened the floodgates on other reports of drug abuse and sexual assault on the premises, including the charge that rich clients were enticed into the club's VIP room where they would be supplied with pliant female patrons who had been slipped date-rape drugs.

Seungri of boy band Big Bang is in deep water because he is a co-owner of the club. He claims to have been unaware of the activities, but police are being urged to investigate. So far the investigation, which started last week, is focusing on suspicions that staff supplied drugs to patrons.

Police recently summoned one Chinese employee on the time-honored principle of arresting the usual suspects first.

The Seoul Central District Court earlier sentenced one keen partygoer surnamed Tak to three years in jail for habitual drug use. One of his haunts was Burning Sun, where he took ecstasy and ketamine in March last year, though there was no suggestion that the club had supplied them.




Haiti - Security : Taiwan issues a second travel warning Orange for Haiti





On Saturday, February 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan (Republic of China) issued a second warning "Orange" for Haiti, following the persistent socio-political unrest among its Caribbean ally, provoked by numerous violent demonstrations demanding for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise, having made several deaths and many wounded since February 7 last.



The Ministry urges Taiwanese citizens to avoid unnecessary displacement in Haiti and urges those who must absolutely move to exercise extreme caution. MOFA states that all Taiwanese expatriates and staff of the Taiwan Embassy in Haiti are currently safe.



Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling on protesters and the Haitian Government to engage in a dialogue to resolve their differences and put an end to the turmoil as soon as possible.



In case of emergency, Taiwanese nationals may request the help of the Taiwan Embassy in Haiti at (+509) 3113-4662 or ask their families to call the toll-free number 24/7, at 0800 -085-095 to join the MOFA in Taipei.



Note that MOFA uses red, orange, yellow and gray codes to indicate alert levels for people traveling abroad, with red being the highest alert level and gray the lowest.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : The Ministry of National Education launches a cry of alarm





Deeply worried by the loss of more than 7 days of class because of the serious socio-political events that Haiti is experiencing, the Ministry of National Education, launches a cry of alarm to all the actors indistinctly and to all the citizens for the resumption of school activities and the protection of the interests of our children and the school.



The Ministry recalls that education "is the most important investment for the future of our young people". Emphasizing that experts in the field confirm that education is a key factor for poverty reduction.



The Ministry calls for the mobilization of everyone to guarantee the fundamental right to the education of our children by allowing them to return to the path of school in peace. The future of our young people and the nation "Let's school out of politics and let's work together so that our children can have access to education in all circumstances."



The Ministry invites the Departmental Directors of Education (DDE), inspectors and school directors to make all the arrangements for the regular operation of schools, as of Monday, February 18, 2019.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Diplomacy : Statement of the United States on the crisis in the country





In this period of dangerous socio-political turbulence, which the country has been going through for 10 days, the United States Embassy in Haiti has issued a statement on the crisis, which we invite you to read :



"The United States Government shares the desire of the Haitian people for a better future for Haiti. Genuine dialogue and compromise, leading to a transparent and accountable government, can best serve the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people. In this connection, the United States Government welcomes President Moises call for national dialogue.



Since February 7, the Haitian people have suffered increasing violence, resulting in the death of innocent civilians and the destruction of public and private property. The United States Government urges all citizens, political parties, and civil society organizations to express themselves peacefully. Violence leads to further instability and suffering for the Haitian people. We commend the Haitian National Police for working to maintain peace and stability while ensuring that Haitian citizens exercise the right to make their voices heard.



We encourage all of Haitis lawfully elected representatives, and all Haitians who seek a peaceful political solution consistent with Haitis constitution, to engage in an inclusive dialogue  without resorting to violent action. We also encourage the full implementation of sound economic policy measures for the benefit of the Haitian people. Improved and transparent resource management will promote long-term economic growth, improve the investment climate, and generate employment opportunities. We urge the government to redouble its efforts in fighting corruption and in holding those implicated in the PetroCaribe scandal accountable.



We reaffirm our commitment to the Haitian people and will continue to work with Haiti towards a more secure, prosperous, and democratic nation for all Haitians."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26955-haiti-flash-prime-minister-ceant-reveals-9-emergency-measures.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26948-haiti-flash-usa-raises-to-maximum-travel-advisory-levels-for-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26937-haiti-flash-jovenel-moise-leaves-his-silence-and-addresses-the-nation.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26930-haiti-crisis-7th-days-of-demonstrations-at-least-2-dead-and-thirty-wounded.html

Download Report 1 on the management of the Petrocaribe Fund : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/PETROCARIBE-31-01-2019.pdf

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26121-haiti-flash-everything-you-need-to-know-about-using-the-petrocaribe-fund.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : A mysterious commando of heavily armed foreigners arrested in Port-au-Prince





Sunday, February 17 in Port-au-Prince, 8 heavily armed men (5 US citizens, 2 Serbians and one Haitian), driving in 2 vehicles without a license plate, were arrested in the evening at a checkpoint of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) at the Rue des Cesars, after the discovery of several weapons of war, military and unauthorized communication equipment.



Two professional drones, six automatic assault rifles, five Glock pistols, one 45-caliber pistol, a large quantity of ammunition, satellite phones, bullet-proof vests and five Haitian license plates, among others, were seized as well the two vehicles during the arrest, confirmed Inspector Gary Desrosiers, PNH Deputy Spokesperson.



The reason for the presence of these men heavily equipped with military equipment circulating in the center of the capital is unknown. "They refused to talk," Desrosiers said, adding that 7 of the 8 men were identified by their passport as : Kroeker Kent Leland (former Marine Corps Officer), Bajagic Danilo (Serb), Jankovic Vlad, Burton Talon, Christopher M. Osman, Dustin Daniel Porte and Estera Michael (Haitian), adding that "The Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) will take charge of them to deepen the interrogations" without giving further information on the possible motivation of this mysterious armed commando...



SL/ HaitiLibre


















LISTING IS FOR A NEVER OUT OF THE FACTORY BAG/NEW IN THE BOX COLT TALO 1911 AZTEC JAGUAR 38 SUPER SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL. O2091AJW 1 of 300,ACTUAL SERIAL #218 of 300. Part # O2091AJW TALO Produced Sept 2017. The Aztecs regarded the jaguar as the bravest of beasts, and the proud ruler of the animal world. The Jaguar wasa favourite symbol in Aztec representations of war. In Aztec mythology and astrology, the jaguar also played an important role. Aztec kings, like their Classic Maya predecessors, used the jaguar to enhance their social status. As the jaguar was lord of animals, so an Aztec emperor was ruler of men. Aztec emperors wore jaguar clothing into battle, and sat in judgement on a throne . Jaguar Warriors were members of the elite Aztec military special forces. Our limited edition Colt is a full sized stainless govermentin.38 super caliber. The slide is first polished and then deeply embellished with Aztec themes of jaguar, rulers and high priests. The left rear slide pannel features a gold rampant Colt The grey pearlite grips pick up the Aztec theme along with a gold rampant Colt medallion. The Jaguar pistols have special factory issued serial numbers AJW001-AJW300.I AM A FFL DEALER. NOT FOR SALE TO STATES OR AREAS WHERE ILLEGAL TO OWN. MICHIGAN SALES ADD TAX. CREDIT CARD SALES ADD 3%. SEE MY OTHER AUCTIONS FOR OTHER COLT FIREARMS, BUSHMASTER 450 UPPERS, FNH SCAR FDE 17S,20S,16, CHRIS KYLE 1911, & A FNH M249S SAW COLLECTOR! TOP 100 SELLER BUY WITH CONFIDENCE! CHECK MY FEEDBACK TO ENSURE RELIABILITY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS. TRACKING # WILL BE EMAILED & SHIPMENT MADE SAME DAY AS PAYMENT & TRANSFER FFL DEALER'S LICENSE IS IN HAND. Check out our new website & ARE OTHER GUNBROKER ITEMS My Guns for Sale at GunBroker.com WELCOME TO WALSH GUN & TACKLE, WALSHGUN & WALSHGUNANDTACKLE.COM / YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON FACEBOOK WALSH GUN & TACKLE CASEVILLE,MICHIGAN. Please look at our feedback and be rest assured that you will be taken care of. If youre looking for an item that is not listed or hard to find item please call me at or email me



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Week 7 was the proverbial calm before the storm that will follow over the next 10 days. The Samsung's Galaxy M20 is still leading from the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, but in third we have a name that's entirely new to this chart.

More surprising still, it's the just announced Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e tablet - it's been years since we had one of those among the top 10.

That pushed the Galaxy A7 (2018) down to fourth, while the leader's more affordable sibling - Galaxy M10 gained four spots to take fifth.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro had to settle for sixth this time around after narrowly missing on a podium spot last week, while the Samsung Galaxy S8 continues to defy all odds and took seventh.

A couple of Huawei Y-series phones phones follow with the Y9 (2019) just edging out the Y6 Pro (2019) for eight.

The last available spot goes to the upcoming Galaxy S10+, making it six Samsung phones in our top ten. And we are sure the Koreans would love to see this one on top, come the end of week 8.
GREENWICH  As the investigation into the death of Valerie Reyes enters its third week, law enforcement officials say they still are awaiting a ruling on how she died, which will provide answers about the womans final moments.

Federal authorities have charged ex-boyfriend Javier Da Silva Rojas with kidnapping resulting in death in the homicide of the 24-year-old Westchester woman, whose body was found in a suitcase in Greenwich on Feb. 5.

A media report Monday said Reyes died of asphyxiation. But law enforcement sources and the Connecticut Medical Examiners Office said it is too early to make that determination.

Javier Da Silva sealed Reyes mouth with tape and bound her hands and feet before putting her in the suitcase and disposing of her body, authorities said. She was also found with a severe wound to her head, which Da Silva blamed on a fall in her New Rochelle apartment.

Police said they have not been informed of the cause of her death.

Not as far as Ive been told, said Capt. Cosmo Costa, the New Rochelle Police Departments public information officer.

The medical examiners office said its investigation will take another three to five weeks.

Da Silva, a former boyfriend of Reyes, said in an interview with New York media over the weekend that Reyes fell and hit her head, and he panicked. Da Silva, 24, of Queens, claimed in the New York Post interview that he then tied Reyes up so she would fit inside the suitcase.

Her body was stuffed in a red suitcase. She was barefoot, wearing an unbuttoned shirt and jeans, police said.

There were obvious signs of head trauma, including bruising around the face and a large hematoma to the deceased females forehead, the arrest complaint reads.

Reyes was reported missing on Jan. 29;her body was found in a wooded area on the side of Glenville Road in Greenwich on Feb. 5. Da Silva was arrested and charged in her death on Feb. 12.

Rob Marchant and Ken Borsuk contributed to this story.
Josephine Orr, an eighth-grader at Sacred Heart Greenwich, was one of six middle school writers to receive a prize of $50 from The Village Bookstore of Pleasantville, NY. The bookstore awards young writers each year to empower and embolden middle school writers who demonstrate exemplary skill and promise in their writing abilities, and to encourage their interest in and love for the craft. Orrs prize-winning personal essay Its about the journey, not the destination is reprinted below.

El viaje numero seis, siete, dos, cuatro a Santiago esta embarcando. The crackling voice coming through the airport speakers switches to English. Flight number six, seven, two, four to Santiago is now boarding.

The handle on my moms suitcase clicks as she pulls it up and starts pulling it towards the gate, so I sling my backpack over my shoulder and follow her. A mix of languages swirl like an ocean around me and the meanings of the words prod at the back of my mind. I try to ignore the unsettling feeling as I get in line. I clutch my bunny closer, feeling its soft fabric against my cheek. My little sister, Sofia, holds her purple osito closer to her in the same way. She looks nervous; I dont think she remembers going to Argentina, but I do. I remember the twisted words that came out of the mouths of my little primos, my tios, and my abuelos. I remember the mouthwatering smell of empanadas, a savory pastry filled with meat, olives, and spices. I remember the sticky, sweet taste of dulce de leche licked off my fingers. Even though I remember being in Argentina, Im still scared to go this year, because I will be pressured to speak an awkward language. I wont understand anything anyone says, and they wont understand what I say.

The line moves quickly and soon I am sitting in a seat, the tips of my sneakers almost touching the ground. Im in a huge dreamliner that will lift us into the sky and away from home. Outside, there are people in bright vests that stand out against the dark walking around the lot. A slideshow of beautiful beaches, mountains, and cities in Chile plays the tv screen in front of me. Suddenly, the video stops and another twisted voice plays around me. The pilots talk for a long time before finally switching to words I can understand. They explain the safety procedures, which are shown on the TV. When theyre done, I pull out my headphones.

I hear a low rumbling sound beneath me. The plane turns slowly, then the engines roar. We are going faster, rushing down the runway until we are up in the air with a heave. The TV in front of me stops playing advertisements and displays four options: Portugues, Espanol, English, and Ninos. I tap English and pictures of grown-ups posing for the camera come up. I go back and click on the one below English that says Ninos. Brighter colors and a cool font come up, displaying my favorite Disney movies, but I dont recognise the words. At the bottom of the screen, there is a settings symbol. I tap it and select the American flag. The childish feelings of independence and satisfaction rise inside me as I plug my headphones into the TV and click on Beauty and the Beast. I lose myself in my favorite movie and hum along to the familiar songs.

Somewhere after Be Our Guest, my mom pauses the movie and I pull off my headphones. She shoots rapid fire spanish at me and I frown, trying to make sense of the words. Quieres pollo o pasta para su cena? She says it again, slowly this time, but I just nod and start to put my headphones on again. I can feel my cheeks start to heat up. She stops me and sighs, exasperated, before switching to English.

Do you want chicken or pasta for dinner? I look over into the aisle where a Chilean woman with a neat bun looks at me expectantly. I murmur my answer to the bunny in my lap. Mama tells me to speak up, use my voice, and say it in Spanish, so I look up and say pasta with the accent that all the people here have. Even my little sister can speak this mangled language, and shes only eight. Im almost eleven. The woman moves on to the people behind me. Their voices sound like crashing waves that fill my lungs with salty, sandy water. I try to lose myself in the movie again, but I cant stop worrying about the two weeks I will soon have to endure. Mama made us promise to never speak English during this whole trip. I dont know how I will survive for so long without being able to talk to anyone but Sofo.

I havent fallen asleep yet, but its finally dark and quiet in the airplane. I lean down and reach for my backpack. I search blindly through my things for my iPod and press the button on the top. The bright screen makes me blink for a few seconds before I check the time; 2:33 am. Ive never stayed up this late. Im so tired and I ache all over. My small body is squished into the corner of my seat and tears begin to form in my eyes. The world around me is silent except for gentle breathing and thrum of the engine. Im lonely but Im too tired to care that much. I dont know how, but I eventually fall asleep with salty wet cheeks.

I slowly open my eyes and squint at the fluorescent purple lights. I notice that Mama has saved some breakfast for me, and reach for the piece of bread on the tray table in front of me. I chew slowly, deciding to forget last night. What time is it? I ask groggily.

Son las siete menos cuarto. Of course. How could I be so stupid as to expect an answer that makes sense? I slide my hand under my sticky thigh for my iPod, where I must have forgotten it last night. It says 6:47. I got less than four hours of sleep last night. Sighing, I plug in my headphones, turn up the volume to my favorite songs and look out the the window at the sun rising slowly over the soft clouds.

Im finally off the airplane and staring at the sun rising over the huge mountains through the airport window in Santiago, Chile. I still have my headphones on and I dont plan to take them off anytime soon. Why do I still feel like crying? I take a shaky breath and try to forget about last night and think about something else.

I will start 5th grade at a new middle school in just three weeks. Ive already been to Sacred Heart  Ive toured, visited, went for a week of camp, and met some girls who will be in my grade next year. The buildings are huge, though. My old school is the size of a house. Thinking about that is making me nervous, so I think about my new friends. They seem nice, I guess. I was sitting by myself the first morning of camp, and a girl my age with strawberry blond hair and freckles came bouncing over and sat next to me. She started talking to me, a shy little girl sitting alone on a bench. I nodded my head and tried to pay attention, but I dont remember what she was saying. During snack, I sat with her and her old friends friends from the Sacred Heart elementary school who are going into 5th grade too. They had all already been going here for a while, and knew where to go and what to say. We always made each other laugh. By the end of the week, we had all become close friends. I hope they will be in some of my classes.

We are called to board the next plane, so I get in line again. I usually like going on this flight. At least I wont have to sleep because its only an hour long. I sit in the window seat again, and Sofia sits down next to me. I get our playing cards out, and we lose ourselves in our ongoing game of war. A flight attendant comes over and tells us something in Spanish. My sister eyes my mom sideways, with an expectant look. I thought she could understand everything. I guess not. My mom tells us (in English, thank goodness) to put up our tray table. I foolishly hope she finally gave up on making us speak Spanish, but she informs us that she has decided that we will take Spanish classes while our cousins are in school. I guess that gives us something to do all day, but I am still dreading it. We continue our game, but Mama makes us do it in Spanish. I silently wish I had a normal mother and a normal family that lives in normal America speaking normal English. At least my dad and his side of the family is American and they speak English, but hes not here. Hes at home because he cant miss too much work.

In just half an hour, we are flying high over the low hills and fields of Cordoba, Argentina. I start to feel violent waves churning in my stomach. We will land in ten minutes, and I will have to see my not-normal family. I want this peaceful, beautiful flight to last forever, but I know thats impossible. I close my eyes and lean my forehead against the icy cold window.

When we land, it takes forever to get through customs, but suddenly I find myself standing in front of a long hallway ahead of me where my family is waiting at the end. I take a deep breath. Why am I anxious? They wont care if I cant talk to them; they love me.

I think.

Sofo grabs my hand and yanks me forward, pulling me down the hallway behind her. My backpack bounces against me, empty except for the gum, cards, my iPod, and my bunny. We round the corner, run through the foggy glass doors, and there they are. I stop short for a moment, letting go of my sisters hand, before I am crushed by a tsunami of hugs. Spanish overloads my brain, rushing words and fast talking flood into my ears.

Hola! Josefina, Sofia! Como estan? Maria de la cruz! Como fue el viaje? Dame un besito, nieta! I manage to choke out a few Spanish words between hugs. My aunt Pety squeezes me tight and says, Jose! Tu castellano es fantastico. Muy bien! Tienes clase de Espanol en la escuela?

I nod and say, gracias. I cant believe I understood her! I smile and pick up her little daughter, Clarita, as her son, Agustin, gives me a hug too. I put Clari down and walk over to their father, Nanchi, my moms younger brother. He smiles and gives me a hug. We talk in a mix of English and Spanish, before I go to see my youngest cousin, Maria Paz. She is in her dads arms, and I kiss her on the cheek before giving my uncle a hug. My grandparents, Abu and Babelo, are there too.

I guess I was wrong last night. I did forget Argentina. I know enough Spanish to understand. I just have to smile and know how much my family loves me, and stop worrying that they will judge me by how well I communicate. Clari grabs my left hand, Sofia grabs my right, and we all walk together towards the exit of the airport. For a moment, I forget about last night. I forget about how tired I am, forget my loneliness, and I know that I wouldnt trade this diverse family for any other. After we get into cars, we laugh and sing popular Latino songs the whole way to my grandmothers house. I walk through the living and dining room into the tiny kitchen. I remember this smell. I breathe in and laugh out loud when my sister does the same. We run into the backyard and roll around on the grass with Nena, Abus dog, as she kisses our noses. Nenita Babeita! I giggle at the silly nickname we gave her when we were little. Our family chatters happily and somehow the Spanish seems less like crashing waves drowning me, and more like a gentle current lifting me up. I look around me and I realize that I am truly happy and I feel loved. Its a good feeling. Lunch is waiting for us on the table, so I pick up an empanada and close my eyes as I take a bite.
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A lot goes through your head and you either got to do something, or you cant, said Braxston Iliff, emotional as he recalled the feverish minutes during which he pumped two car jacks to lift the car off of Iliff.

And while he had only seen Youtube tutorials about performing CPR, he tried resuscitating his brother.

His instincts kept oxygen flowing to his brother during the critical moments before emergency responders arrived.

Braxston said God put him in that moment for a reason.

For emergency officials, it was Braxstons actions that made him the true hero of the day.

Stewart and other paramedics restored Iliffs pulse and Martinsville-based AirLife stood by in case the team needed air transport.

It was one of the most amazing things Ive ever seen in my whole life, said Stewart, who looked back at the heart monitor and found that Iliffs color vastly improved as he made his first attempts to breathe on his own.

Heres a person who is pretty much dead, he has no pulse, hes not breathing  were doing chest compressions, we have an airway down, were breathing for him, and then all of a sudden, his whole body just jolted, Stewart said.
In addition to the sex acts, Lawson also physically abused both minors by using a stun gun and poking them with safety pins.

Following the plea agreement, District Attorney Jason Ramey commended Eden law enforcement for their outstanding, professional and thorough investigation of the crimes Lawson committed.

I commend Chief Greg Light, Sergeant Brian Disher, Detective Brandon Buckner and Assistant District Attorney Michell Alcon for delivering justice for the victims of these atrocious crimes and for ensuring that Lawson will spend most, if not all, of the rest of his life behind bars, Ramey said in a statement released by the Rockingham County District Attorneys Office on Feb. 15.

Following release, Lawson is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his natural life.

A permanent no contact order with the minor victims was also required by Judge Cubbage as part of the judgment.

We are thankful that the victims in this case did not have to endure a trial, said Ramey, who also thanked Rockingham County DSS and Help Incorporated for their assistance in the case. We  pray that they will be able to find some closure.

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As a North Carolina voter, I think legislators should outlaw the egregious practice of partisan gerrymandering of voting districts.

Gerrymandering is electoral skulduggery. It lets the political party holding power during a census year redraw boundaries in crazy ways that pack its own voters in districts, so they can easily win elections in those districts. Its also used to dilute voting power of the other partys voters by varying tactics, i.e., scattering them so they remain a minority in their districts.

Thats how Republicans captured 69 percent of North Carolinas seats in U.S. House and a majority of state legislative seats in 2018, even though Democrats statewide outnumbered them among registered voters 37.8 percent to 29.8 percent. Democrats did the same thing when they held power; if they regain control in 2020, theyll probably do it again. Then Republican votes will be diluted.

This is wrong, especially with unaffiliated voters outnumbering Republicans and coming up fast on Democrats. Your vote should have power equal to anyone elses, regardless of your party affiliation.

The U.S. and N.C. constitutions guarantee that right. Dont let politicians gerrymander it away.
Bennett also said it has appointed a committee to help consider changes to make the college viable over the long term. The college hasnt yet made public specific details about its re-engineering effort.

According to the college, Dawkins, four other Bennett staff members and trustees, an attorney and state Sen. Gladys Robinson, the chairwoman of Bennetts Board of Trustees, made the trip to Atlanta for the hearing. The commission that accredits institutions of higher learning throughout the Southeast is based in an Atlanta suburb.

Bennett had been on probation for the two previous years  the most allowed under the commissions rules  largely because of financial issues. The college posted annual budget deficits for six straight years until the 2017-18 academic year, largely because of a steep decline in enrollment.

The college has about 410 students on campus for the spring semester and says it has received 4,000 applications for admission for next falls first-year class. Bennett got about 2,000 freshman applications a year ago.
The project is a partnership among the Conservation Fund, the Piedmont Land Conservancy and Alamance parks, with additional funding from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and private donors.

'In God we trust'

At the request of Commissioner Steve Carter, county staff has drafted a resolution supporting the display of the national motto, In God we trust, on the bumpers of county vehicles.

Noise ordinance

Responding to public requests, the commissioners are voting on changing the public hearing on the countys noise ordinance from its 9 a.m. March 4 meeting to its 7 p.m. March 18 meeting to make it more practical for people to attend. It is a necessary step to changing the ordinance.

In January, a Saxapahaw homeowner complained to the commissioners about a neighbor firing guns so frequently that its difficult to have a conversation even inside his house and its frightening to go outside. Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson said complaints like that are common in unincorporated Alamance County, but the countys noise ordinance doesnt have enough teeth for deputies to do much about it.
High-paid hospital executives and their legion of lobbyists oppose SEANCs efforts to shine a light on the true cost of health care. By keeping their costs secret, hospitals continue to pad their profits on the backs of you and your family.

Folwell targets Blue Cross

The reimbursement strategy represented a second front on Folwells overall attempt for reducing health care expenses for SHP members.

The other segment involves Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C. with Folwell directing the insurer in May to cut the SHPs medical provider rate by 15 percent on major competitive contacts that were negotiated in 2018.

Blue Cross, which is the third-party administrator of the SHP, has duties that include processing claims, maintaining an in-network listing of providers, and  most importantly  establishing medical provider rates.

Blue Cross has said that we share the treasurers concern of unsustainably high health care costs, and we will work with the plan and providers to implement this new strategy.
Q: One of your readers commented that taking MSM helped her hair growth. I bought the supplement and found, to my great surprise, that after six days of use (1 gram three times daily) my sense of smell returned. I have made no other change in my supplements, and I take no medication.
Eric Reiss, a martial arts expert, will lead a falling workshop from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at ClubFitness Oak Branch, 21 Oak Branch Drive in Greensboro.

Participants will practice falling techniques in a safe, padded environment. Those who learn controlled falling techniques have less fear of falling and are less likely to fall.

The cost is $35 ($25 for club members).

For information, call 336-851-1890, Ext. 1102 or visit www.silktigertaichi.com.

***

A Healing Touch Clinic will be offered Feb. 27 and March 20 at West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market St. in Greensboro. Appointments are available at 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30 p.m.

Described as biofield therapy, it relieves pain, eases stress and assists in eliminating toxins.

Love offerings are accepted.

To make an appointment, call Lundee Amos at 336-706-1048 or email lundeeht@gmail.com.

***
GREENSBORO  The nonprofit agency Child Care Services Association has named Greensboro's Robin Britt the recipient of its 2019 James and Carolyn Hunt Early Childhood Award.

Britt is the executive director of Guilford Child Development, one of Guilford County's largest nonprofits. He is set to retire in October following two decades leading the organization. The nonprofit grew dramatically under Britts watch, with its Head Start/Early Head Start program going from more than 600 young children served per year to more than 1,400.

Britts leadership of Guilford Child Devolpment caps off a career that includes joining the Navy, working as an attorney, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1985, leading the nonprofit corporation Project Uplift, and starting the states Smart Start program while serving as the secretary of whats now the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

"We are grateful to have such a committed leader like Robin Britt dedicate more than thirty years of his life helping the young children and families of North Carolina," CCSA President Marsha Basloe said in a news release.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has required foreign- and local-based offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to register with the tax agency in a bid to trace Chinese nationals working in online gaming businesses.

In a statement on Sunday, the agency said BIR registration is needed for the renewal of license to operate from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

The bureau said it is working with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Bureau of Immigration, through the Department of Finance, to monitor the number of Chinese nationals working in the online gaming industry.

"We want to trace these Chinese nationals employed by these gaming operators. They allowed us to join the task force because we are asking data from Immigration and DOLE on the list of these foreign nationals," BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa said in the statement.

Guballa said BIR registration has been required under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 78-2018. The circular states that all foreign and Philippine-based gaming operators, including those with offshore licenses are now required to register with the tax agency before their PAGCOR licenses are renewed.

RMC 78-2018 gave the BIR more teeth over online gaming operations, effectively reinforcing RMC 102-2017.

"RMC-No 102-2017 reiterates the recognition that online activity is sufficient to constitute doing business in the Philippines, thus, a foreign corporation engaged in POGO is considered as Resident Foreign Corporation engaged in business in the Philippines and not a Nonresident Foreign Corporation," as stated in RMC 78-2018.

According to the BIR statement, the term "resident foreign corporation" as stated under RMC 102-2017 also covers POGOs based outside the Philippines.

The Labor Department in November 2018 said there were 115,652 foreign tourists  including 51,000 Chinese nationals  who ended up as workers in the country in 2015 to 2017. Aside from this, over 119,000 have been given special working permits, most of whom are working as POGOs, excluding illegal workers.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, 393 foreign nationals were arrested in 2018, including 304 Chinese nationals overstaying or working without permit.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the possibility of Great Britain leaving the EU could give their rivals Ferrari an advantage.

Wolff actually described the potential Brexit deal as a "nightmare scenario" that could play into the hands of the Italian side.

Britain are set to leave the European Union at the end of March, but the British government are still trying to sort out a deal beforehand.

We are looking at the various scenarios with Mercedes-Benz UK because it not only impacts Formula 1 but it impacts also the mother brand in terms of getting cars and parts in and out of the country, Wolff said.

But I can see very much if a no deal Brexit would happen like [has] been discussed I think we would have a major impact in terms of our operation going to the races and getting our cars developed and ready. So that is a nightmare scenario that I dont want to even envisage.
Sebastian Vettel sets the pace after the first morning of testing in 2019! After three hours of running, he tops the leaderboard with a 1:18.425. Follow our liveblog here!

In contrast to last season's snowy weather, the teams and drivers have been rewarded with clear skies and bright sunshine as the first runs of 2019 are completed for all except Williams.

Valtteri Bottas was first out on track after a desperate dash out of the garage. But it was Vettel's Ferrari who soon topped the leaderboard.

During the morning, there were just two red flag incidents. Kimi Raikkonen ran wide and put the car in gravel just five minutes into the proceedings, while Romain Grosjean later stopped out on track due to a fuel pressure loss.

Red Bull troubles?

It took an age for Max Verstappen to emerge out of the garage to have a real crack at a timed lap. After his installation lap, the Dutchman sat in the garage for a long period of time and it looked like the mechanics were working on something.

Was it the engine? Who knows? But once the RB15 went out on track, it seemed to perform well. Verstappen tallied up 19 laps in a decent stint with a time of 1:21:808. Verstappen returned to the track for a second stab and moved into second place with a time of 1:20.174.

Ferrari laying a marker down on Mercedes?

During pre-season, it's hard to understand exactly what the teams are running with/aiming for. However, with Vettel topping both the time and the lap count, they've done some eye-catching stuff.

Meanwhile, Mercedes put in plenty of laps. Bottas started to make serious lap times towards midday and moved up to third with a 1:20.285.
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Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 82F. Winds SSW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
In your hatred of God and amazing ignorance of his word, you have accused him of demanding the people to sacrifice their children to him. You are guilty of the most aggravated libel. God abhorred such sacrifices, and if you will read Judges 11, you will see that God demanded nothing of Jephthah. The decision to devote his daughter was entirely his own. She did not die, but remained single. If youre bent on slandering, then slander me, a poor hell-deserving creature, redeemed only by the sacrifice of that most precious Christ whom you revile. You do well to repent of your arrogant blasphemies before you find yourself in that very hell where you have dared to say that Christ and his people are. I sincerely pray that God will be gracious to you.
I remember that being a big hit with the veterans, Lynch said.

Melissa Kennedy Grey, programs coordinator at the Bower Center for the Arts on North Bridge Street, said a stage production of Tuesday Mourning  a play about the Bedford Boys who died during the invasion of Normandy  will be performed at the center during the week of the D-Day anniversary.

Its a musical narrative told from the perspective of the Bedford Boys, Grey said. We are excited and honored to be putting on this production.

Grey said the art centers theater group, Effulgent Productions, acquired the rights to the play this year and June will be the first time the play has been performed in Bedford.

We are just over the moon that we got the rights and are able to bring this play back to life during the 75th D-Day anniversary, Grey said. We are excited and apparently a lot of other people are as well because tickets have been selling well already.

Associates at both the Super 8 at 842 Sword Beach Lane and the Days Inn at 921 Blue Ridge Ave. said rooms are filling up in advance of the anniversary.
KATE GLASS/Staff file photo/Bob Ryan, co-owner of Ryan & Wood Inc., Distilleries, talks about how barrels change the flavor and taste of alcohol. Recent retaliatory tariffs have not affected the Gloucester business because it only sells its line of spirits within Massachusetts.
US 'won't stand idly by' as Turkey buys S-400: Pence

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 05:07PM

US Vice President Mike Pence has repeated warnings to Turkey against purchasing of Russia's S-400 missile defense systems, arguing that doing so puts other members of the NATO military alliance in danger.

Pence raised the issue during a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, saying Washington would continue to pressure Ankara to call off the deal.

"We will not stand idly by while NATO allies purchase weapons from our adversaries," he said. "We cannot ensure the defense of the West if our allies grow dependent on the East."

The fiery remarks came a day after Turkey dismissed the first of two US deadlines to cancel the controversial purchase.

Ankara had until February 15 to respond to US requests and signal its intentions to cease with the sale, Military Times reported Sunday, citing an unnamed official.

The official said Washington was going to halt a forthcoming sale of a Patriot missile system to Ankara should the S-400 deal with Moscow proceed as planned.

"We have been clear with Turkey," the official said. "They will not receive the Patriot if they purchase the S-400."

The Patriot sale, estimated at $3.5 billion, would include the sale of 80 Patriot MIM-104E Guidance Enhanced and 60 PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement missiles, as well as the related equipment.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country's resolve to proceed with the Russian deal on Saturday, but also said that his country was also interested in completing the Patriot deal as long as its interests were protected.

According to Sergey Viktorovich Chemezov, the Chief Executive Officer of Russian state corporation Rostec which produces the S-400 system, Russia would supply Turkey with four batteries of S-400, worth $2.5 billion each.

The S-400 deal would also impact Turkey role in the development of the fifth generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Turkey sources some of the parts for the program, often touted as the world's most expensive weapon. The Pentagon has warned the US Congress that the project could face delays should Turkey drop out.

The S-400 is designed to detect, track, and destroy planes, drones, or missiles 400 kilometers away. It has previously been sold only to China and India.

Turkey has been striving to boost its air defenses for a few years now and sped up the process after the US and Germany decided in 2015 to withdraw their Patriot surface-to-air missile systems from Turkey's border with Syria.
Spain Dismisses US Appeal for NATO Personnel in Syria

Sputnik News

10:27 17.02.2019(updated 10:28 17.02.2019)

Two months ago, US President Donald Trump made a surprise decision to bring American troops back home from Syria, having declared victory over Daesh. Washington's European allies, however, seem to disagree with the move.

Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell has dismissed a US appeal for NATO member-states to fill the void left by its impending pull-out from Syria at a Saturday briefing in Munich.

"Requests between countries aren't made in press releases or conference comments. Spain and the majority of countries aren't prepared to step in for the US after a withdrawal that was decided in a unilateral way, by surprise", Borrell said.

His remark was made on the heels of an earlier comment by US Vice President Mike Pence on the margins of the security conference, as he addressed the US unilateral decision to bring its troops home from Syria.

"This is a change in tactics, not a change in mission. The United States will keep a strong presence in the region. We recognise it will not be enough to simply reclaim the territory of the caliphate. As we enter this new phase, the United States will continue to work with all of our allies to hunt down the remnants of ISIS [Daesh] wherever and whenever they rear their ugly head".

Speaking with reporters at the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President Mike Pence appealed to NATO allies and other partners to provide "the resources and the support and the personnel" necessary to prevent a resurgence of Daesh* once the US troop withdrawal is completed, Bloomberg reported.

In a parallel development, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to urge a number of European nations to "do the job" and take back the Daesh militants captured by the US in Syria:

Last December, President Trump decided to deliver on his campaign promise and withdraw US troops from Syria, having declared victory over Daesh.

His decision was met with condemnation and regret by his administration officals and allies across the world, which stressed that the self-proclaimed caliphate still remains a threat despite its territorial and human losses.

Since 2014, the US-led coalition has maintained a military presence in Syria without either a UN mandate, or authorisation from Damascus  something which the Syrian government considers illegal.

*Daesh, also known as ISIS/IS/ISIL/Islamic State, is a terrorist group banned in Russia and many other countries.

 Sputnik
US Doesn't Want Syrian Gov't to Regain Control of NE Syria - Special Rep.

Sputnik News

13:50 17.02.2019(updated 14:57 17.02.2019)

US special representative to Syria James Jeffrey has addressed the Munich Security Conference, outlining Washington's plans on troop withdrawal and subsequent goals in the region.

"We are not [calling for president Assad to go], we are calling for a major change in the behaviour of the [Syrian] regime to bringing in line with a dozen UN and other international agreements on how to treat your own citizens and how to do with the neighbourhood," the representative said.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, US special representative to Syria James Jeffrey stressed that Washington's goals in northeast Syria have not changed despite the American forces' withdrawal. He stated that Washington does not want Syrian government forces to regain control of this territory.

"Our goals in the northeast have not changed. They involve first of all maintaining security in the region, which means we are not at all in favour of the regime coming back in because the regime doesn't promote stability as we see in other areas", Jeffrey said at the Munich Security Conference.

He went on to say that the second goal in the region was to continue fighting the Daesh terrorist group*.

"Then we also want to take care of security concerns of our Turkish NATO allies. And we are very concerned that the SDF [Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces] is not mistreated in any new shifting there", he added.

The special representative further noted that the US troop withdrawal would not be abrupt, rapid, but step-by-step and carried out in consultations with the allies.

"We've been telling them (allies) continuously this is not going to be an abrupt, rapid withdrawal but a step-by-step withdrawal", James Jeffrey stated.

He concluded that "overall our goals are the same".

"The US policy towards Syria has not changed. First of all defeating ISIS, secondly a political solution to the conflict in Syria that results through UN action Thirdly the removal of all foreign forces", he said.

The speech was made just a day after the US-backed Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that an operation against Daesh* has almost been completed, with the last pockets of terrorists entrenched in a small area of Baghouz.

Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump declared that the US-led coalition may finally defeat and declare victory over Daesh in the coming days. In December, Trump had already announced the defeat of Daesh in the region, saying that the US would pull its troops out of the area.

*Daesh (also known as IS, ISIS, ISIL)  a terrorist group, banned in numerous countries, including Russia

 Sputnik
Assad on Groups 'Betting on US': 'Americans Won't Protect You, Syrian Army Will'

Sputnik News

15:18 17.02.2019(updated 19:56 17.02.2019)

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) noted earlier this week they are now clearing the village of Baghouz, which is from their point of view the last settlement in Syria controlled by the Daesh* terrorist group.

Addressing the local Syrian authorities on Sunday, President Bashar al-Assad dwelled on the US-backed Kurds fighting against the terrorists in the area:

"We say to those groups who are betting on the Americans, the Americans will not protect you", Bashar al-Assad told the heads of Syrian local municipal councils, as aired on Syrian television. He continued by saying that all Syrian regions will be liberated by the republic's military forces, "which are absolutely capable of defending the residents of the northeastern areas bordering Turkey", Assad said about the country's northeastern regions controlled by the Kurds, who are backed by the US-led coalition.

"Americans will sell you to Turkey. No one will defend you, but the Syrian army", Assad added.

He further noted that a number of countries are hindering the refugees from returning to their home country.

"The countries that take interest in the refugee issue, handicap their return to Syria A considerable number of refugees have for the past few years been one of the sources of corruption, which benefit officials from countries that support terrorists, officials from organisations that were supposed to provide humanitarian aid, which ended up, as you know, in terrorists' hands. De-emphasising the refugee issue would deprive these countries of political leverage and material benefits", Assad pointed out.

"We won't let these forces hostile to Syria use the refugees' sufferings as a political map in their interests", Assad stressed adding that everybody, who had left Syria due to threats by terrorists, will be welcomed back and "will be able to make a contribution to the country's post-war reconstruction".

The president then recalled 2018, when tens of thousands of Syrian citizens successfully made it back to the country from neighbouring lands.

Meanwhile, US special representative to Syria James Jeffrey has addressed the Munich Security Conference, outlining Washington's plans on troop withdrawal and subsequent goals in the region. He underscored that the US is "not [calling for president Assad to go]", but rather insisted there should be "a major change in the behaviour of the [Syrian] regime to bring it in line with a dozen UN and other international agreements on how to treat your own citizens and how to behave in the region".

As the fight against Daesh in Syria is nearing its end, the question of the final showdown over Idlib in the country's northwest, occupied by terrorist forces loosely supported by Turkey, remains, as do Israeli attacks in the south.

Separately, back on 9 February, the SDF announced the start of an operation aimed at liberating Baghouz, the last remaining Daesh enclave located not far from the border with Iraq in Deir ez-Zor province, from Daesh terrorists.

 Sputnik
Denmark Rejects US Call to Take Back Daesh Fighters, Germany Notes Legal Issues

Sputnik News

20:14 17.02.2019(updated 20:58 17.02.2019)

A day before US President Donald Trump urged EU allies to take back over 800 Daesh* fighters that had been captured in Syria and put them on trial.

According to the DPA news agency, citing representatives of Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Copenhagen won't take back Daesh fighters to stand trial in the country.

"We are talking about the most dangerous people in the world. We should not take them back", he stressed, adding that Trump's statement was premature, as the situation in Syria is far from stable.

Earlier on Sunday a spokeswoman for Germany's interior ministry addressed the US president's appeal.

"In principle, all German citizens and those suspected of having fought for so-called Daesh* have the right to return", she said, adding, however, that the condition for that was consular access for the suspects.

The German official also said that Iraq had shown an interest in having some of the jihadists fighters from Germany put on trial. "But in Syria, the German government cannot guarantee legal and consular duties for jailed German citizens due to the armed conflict there", she concluded.

Earlier in January, Paris reportedly agreed on repatriating at least 130 French Daesh fighters being detained in northeast Syria by US-backed Kurdish soldiers, so they could face trial in France.

* Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/IS/Islamic State) is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia

 Sputnik
Trump Asks European Allies To 'Take Back' 800 IS Fighters From Syria

By RFE/RL February 17, 2019

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the Islamic State (IS) "caliphate" is on the verge of collapse and he called on European allies to "take back" more than 800 militants captured in Syria.

"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany, and other European allies to take back over 800 [IS] fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial," Trump wrote late on February 16 in a tweet.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them. The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go," he wrote.

"Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!"

Countries in Europe and elsewhere have reported that hundreds of their citizens have left to fight for IS and other extremist groups in the Middle East.

Some have been killed, others captured, and still others have attempted to return to their home countries, worrying officials about radicalized groups of returnees.

IS fighters in 2014 captured large areas of territory in Syria and neighboring Iraq, establishing what they called an Islamic "caliphate" and committing massive human rights violations and terror attacks.

But after years of bloody fighting, U.S.-backed forces in both countries have mainly defeated IS, pushing them into small enclaves as the remnants attempt to hold out.

Trump has said he will soon be able to declare the defeat of the extremist group's (IS) "physical caliphate."

He surprised U.S. lawmakers and international allies in December by announcing that he intends to withdraw all 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria with the demise of IS.

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 against IS, could result in a resurgence of the terror group and others in the country or in Iraq.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-asks- european-allies-to-take-back-800-is-fighters -from-syria/29774585.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.
Trump wants Europe to take back Daesh captives in Syria

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 07:38AM

US President Donald Trump says Europe should take responsibility for those Daesh terrorists from the continent who have been captured by the US in Syria; otherwise, American forces will be "forced" to release them, as he plans to withdraw American forces from the Arab country.

"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them," Trump tweeted on Saturday, using an acronym for Daesh.

The US president then posted a follow-up tweet in which he said it was time for European governments to step in and do their share, as Washington was not willing to watch the captured Daesh members to spread throughout the continent.

The US and a number of its allies have been in Syria without Damascus' permission since 2014 under the pretext of fighting the Daesh terror group. Last month, Trump declared victory over Daesh, and announced that he would withdraw the roughly 2,000 American troops from the Arab country.

This is while the military victory over Daesh in Syria as well as in neighboring Iraq came as a result of operations by the militaries of the two Arab countries as well as advisory military assistance from their regional allies. US commanders have described Trump's declaration of complete victory over Daesh as premature.

Reports showed last year that more than 5,000 Europeans  mostly from Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium  had joined Daesh's ranks since 2014, when the group emerged in Syria and Iraq.

The outfit has already conducted horrific attacks across Europe, including in locations in and around Paris in November 2015 which killed 130 people.

Also on Saturday, Britain's Justice Secretary David Gauke warned of the "risks" of people returning after voluntarily going to "dangerous parts of the world," an apparent reference to the European members of Daesh.

He said, however, "we can't make people stateless."
US will not protect those who serve as its agents, Assad says

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 04:33PM

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has implicitly warned the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against reliance on the United States, saying Washington would not protect those who depend on it.

"We say to those groups who are betting on the Americans, the Americans will not protect you. The Americans will put you in their pockets so you can be tools in the barter, and they have started with it," Assad said in a meeting with the heads of local councils in the capital Damascus on Monday, without naming those US-sponsored groups.

"Nobody will protect you except your state. If you do not prepare yourselves to defend your country, you will be nothing but slaves."

US forces have long supplied arms and training to the SDF, and used the predominantly Kurdish militants as their main partner in the purported fight against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

Turkey has been threatening for months to launch an offensive in northern Syria against US-backed People's Protection Units (YPG), which forms the backbone of the SDF.

Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organization and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been fighting for an autonomous region inside Turkey since 1984.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Assad further noted that support for terrorism plus attempts to undermine the Damascus government's sovereignty form the core policies of some states vis-a-vis Syria.

He went on to say that the United States and its allies will not give up plotting to partition Syria, but rather want to break up the entire Middle East region.

"The US scheme to impose hegemony on every corner of world has not changed at all, but the fact is that our people [Syrian nation] have mounted stiffer resistance.

"After all these years of crisis, mercenaries and agents have not realized that nothing can maintain their value expect for their own essence. The only way to get rid of misguidance is to join the reconciliation process and to hand over your munitions to Syrian government forces," Assad emphasized.

The Syrian president added that his country has managed to score major victories over terrorist groups, thanks to the enormous scarifies made by government troops and the solid support offered by its allies.

"It couldn't have been possible to protect our homeland without a unified front and contribution of people from different strata of the Syrian society. Syrian people have a deep-rooted history and they have resisted terrorism We can achieve the final victory with each other not over each other," Assad underlined.

He said the Damascus government is doing its utmost for the return of displaced people to their homes and an end to their sufferings.

"We will not allow the sponsors of terrorism to transform Syrian refugees into a political tool to achieve their goals," he stated.

"We are currently at war on multiple fronts: The first front is a military one; the second is the blockade, the third is through cyberspace and the final is the one being carried out by corrupt people," the Syrian president said.

Assad stressed that the current situation in Syria demands greater discretion, saying, "Having failed in generous support for their agents and proxies, enemies have now turned to attempts to create chaos inside the Syrian society."

The Syrian president said the future of Syria must be independently decided by its people.

"We will not allow hostile states to achieve any of their objectives through their agents, who hold the Syrian nationality. Hostile countries are still insisting on their aggression and obstruction of all viable processes, namely the Astana talks and relevant consultations," he commented.

He said that Damascus welcomes any UN role that is within the framework of the world body's Charter.
Syrian Kurds should begin dialog with Damascus: Russia

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 07:09PM

Russia says Syria's Kurdish militants should begin dialog with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as the United States  hitherto backing them on the ground  is preparing to withdraw from the Arab country.

"If there are no foreign troops on the ground of Syria's northeastern part, I think that the best solution would be to start up a dialog between the Kurds and Damascus," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, adding, "We support this dialog between Damascus and the Kurds."

Most of the Kurdish militants in northern Syria are members of the People's Protection Units (YPG), a US-backed militant group that forms the backbone of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF, which has been fighting against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, has set up what is effectively a semi-autonomous administration in northern Syria during the country's seven-year conflict.

US President Donald Trump said abruptly in December last year that a full withdrawal of all the 2,000 US troops in the Arab country would happen soon.

With the planned withdrawal of the US, the Kurds would be exposed to possible Turkish military action as Ankara regards the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Turkey. The PKK militants have been fighting with the Turkish army for an autonomous region inside the Anatolian country since 1984.

The prospect of a new conflict involving Turkey and the Kurds now looms ever larger over the horizon as Daesh's territory has also significantly withered.

"The Kurds are a part of the population of Syria," Vershinin further said. "We know about the problems between Damascus and the Kurds but I think there is a solution through dialog."

Syrian Kurds have as recently as January shown willingness to work with Damascus.

At the same venue in Munich, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar reiterated his country's charges against the YPG, calling it a "terrorist group."

"Our main concern before and after the withdrawal of the Americans is the safety and security of our border and our people," Akar said, also on Sunday.

Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by a militancy that has largely wound down.
Riyadh's SAMI Agrees to Joint Venture With French Naval Group to Build Warships

Sputnik News

01:54 18.02.2019

ABU DHABI/BRUSSELS/MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), the state-owned defense company, has signed on Sunday a preliminary agreement with France's Naval Group on the creation of a joint venture for the construction of warships in the kingdom.

"The joint venture will design, build and maintain military ships, which will make a significant contribution to the further expansion of the capabilities and combat readiness of the Royal Saudi Navy", SAMI CEO Andreas Schwer said, commenting on the deal.

Schwer noted that SAMI would be the majority shareholder in the joint venture.

The signing ceremony of the agreement, which provides for the construction of warships, frigates and corvettes, was held on the sidelines of the IDEX-2019 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

SAMI was established in 2017 to develop the Saudi military industry, and aims to produce domestically half of the weapons needed by the kingdom by 2030, according to the kingdom's economic development plan initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

After the assassination of the Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in October at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, a number of EU countries suspended arms export to the Kingdom, alleging the country's leadership to be behind the case.

According to the Spiegel magazine, France and Germany have agreed a common approach to exports of weapons they have been building together. The deal was reportedly struck in mid-January and complements a general pact on bilateral ties signed in Aachen later that month. In particular, the document provides France with more leeway in choosing arms buyers after the two EU countries clashed previously over exports to third countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he was against making decisions by impulse and that arms sales to Saudi Arabia had "nothing to do" with the Khashoggi case. According to media reports, France, whose 13.5 percent of arms exports come to Saudi Arabia, therefore does not want to cancel contracts with Riyadh.

Macron's stance reportedly could also be connected with the 2015 Mistrals case, when Paris terminated the contract for helicopter carriers that were to be delivered to Russia amid the Ukraine crisis. These ships were finally sold to Egypt, but the operation was very expensive for France, also in terms of image as a reliable international business partner.

 Sputnik
Moscow, Riyadh Continue Talks on S-400 Air Defence Systems Deal  Arms Exporter

Sputnik News

14:07 17.02.2019(updated 14:08 17.02.2019)

ABU DHABI (Sputnik)  Russia and Saudi Arabia continue the talks on deliveries of S-400 Triumph air defence systems (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler), the director general of the Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, said on Sunday.

"We are holding additional consultations on this project and the contract is being considered now", Mikheev said.

According to Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation's spokeswoman Maria Vorobyova, Russia and Saudi Arabia also reached agreements on the deliveries of Russia's Kornet-EM anti-tank systems (NATO reporting name AT-14 Spriggan), TOS-1A Buratino heavy flamethrower systems, AGS-30 grenade launchers and Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifles.

In October 2017, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud visited Moscow. It was the first ever visit of a reigning Saudi monarch to Russia. Among a number of bilateral agreements signed during the visit, Moscow and Riyadh reached a preliminary agreement on the acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defence system by Saudi Arabia.

The S-400 Triumph is Russia's next-generation mobile surface-to-air missile system carrying three different types of missiles capable of destroying aerial targets at a short-to-extremely-long range. It integrates a multifunctional radar, autonomous detection and targeting systems, anti-aircraft missile systems, launchers, and a command and control centre. Along with Saudi Arabia, some other countries, including India and Turkey have also shown interest in purchasing the systems.

 Sputnik
Russia's Kalashnikov Kamikaze Drone Successfully Passes Trials - Press Service

Sputnik News

13:44 17.02.2019(updated 13:55 17.02.2019)

ABU DHABI (Sputnik) - Russia's Kalashnikov Group has created and successfully tested kamikaze drone KYB, capable of self-exploding when approaching a target, the company said on Sunday at the IDEX-2019 arms exhibition in the United Arab Emirates.

"This drone has successfully passed trials and is ready for use", the company's press service told reporters.

The drone is being showcased for the first time.

According to the presentation shown at the Kalashnikov stand, the kamikaze drone may travel at speeds from 80 to 130 kilometres (50-80 miles) per hour, with a payload about three kilograms (6.6 pounds) and a flight duration of up to 30 minutes.

The director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev, in the meantime, noted that Russia had started supplying Kalashnikov AK103 third generation assault rifles to Saudi Arabia under a contract signed between the two countries in 2017.

"We have signed and are now implementing a contract on the supplies of Kalashnikov assault rifles. The next stage will be the launch of production of the assault rifle for the needs of third countries as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", Mikheev told reporters.

The director general noted that the two countries would soon agree on a project over the joint production of AK103 in Saudi Arabia.

"We will introduce this proposal to the government to implement this project. I think that there are three to four months left until the procedures of the whole project are approved", he added.

 Sputnik
Riyadh, Islamabad Sign Investment Deals Worth $20Bln - Reports

Sputnik News

04:04 18.02.2019

DUBAI (Sputnik) - Riyadh and Islamabad signed agreements worth $20 billion were signed during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan, the Saudi Gazette reported on Monday.

Seven bilateral agreements, mostly energy-related, were signed the presence of the crown prince and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In particular, the parties signed an agreement on the supply of oil and oil products from Saudi Arabia, as well as memorandums of understanding on the development of oil refining and petrochemistry, electricity and renewable energy sources in Pakistan.

Media earlier reported that bin Salman would conclude a number of major investment transactions in Pakistan, including the agreement to build an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in the port of Gwadar worth $10 billion.

Pakistan has reportedly been on a road to economic recovery since the crisis in 2013. Last year, the conutry's economy showed a better than expected performance with nearly five percent growth. The nation's economy for the period between 2019 and 2025 is expected to grow over 8 percent, according to local media reports.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told Sputnik on Friday that the Saudi-Pakistani political relations had a long history, suggesting that Pakistan could help mediate the Saudi-Qatari spat. Saudi Arabia and its allies cut off diplomatic ties with the small Gulf nation in summer 2017 after accusing it of meddling in their home affairs and fomenting terrorism in the region. Qatar has refuted the allegations.

Saudi Crown Prince will then leave Pakistan for India and then will complete his Asian tour with a two-day visit to China. Malaysia and Indonesia were previously unexpectedly excluded from the program of his tour.

 Sputnik
Saudi Crown Prince Signs $20B in Investment Deals in Pakistan

By Ayaz Gul February 17, 2019

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday oversaw the signing of unprecedented investment deals with Pakistan worth $20 billion just a few hours after landing in Islamabad on his maiden state visit.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan along with senior civilian and military officials received the Saudi leader at the Air Force base outside the capital city. Khan later himself drove him to the palatial prime minister's complex where the two leaders held formal talks before overseeing the signing of agreements between their two delegations.

The two leaders later addressed the ceremony and their speeches were broadcast by state television. Crown Prince Salman, commonly known as MBS, noted his delegation signed "$20 billion" worth of memorandum of understandings (MoUs).

"It's big for phase one and definitely it's gonna grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and will be beneficial for both countries," he said.

MBS underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship, saying he chose Pakistan on his first ever trip to the East since becoming the crown prince

"Pakistan is gonna be a very, very important country in the future and we want to be sure that we are part of that," he emphasised.

"We believe in our region that's why we are investing in it and we believe that we are going to have one day a great Middle East surrounded by Pakistan from the east side," said MBS.

Khan welcomed Saudi investment in areas of oil refining, petrochemicals, energy and other sectors. "We have CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), we have links with China. So we welcome Saudi Arabia to participate with us. It's an exciting future," the Pakistani prime minister said.

CPEC is a package of infrastructure, energy and port-building projects Beijing is funding in Pakistan as part of its global Road and Belt Initiative. China has already invested $19 billion over the past five years and plans to invest billions more to construct industrial zones.

Pakistan maintains strong political, cultural, economic and defense ties with Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Kingdom hosts more than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, and is a key source of oil supplies for Islamabad - on deferred payments, as well cash grants to help Pakistan's often ailing economy.

The agreements signed Sunday, included an estimated $10 billion oil refinery in Gwadar where China has built and activated a major seaport under CPEC. Pakistani officials say the facility will be in place in next "3-5 years" in Gwadar and will meet the country's needs of refined oil products currently being imported. The surplus will be exported to regional countries through the Arabian Sea port in Gwadar which China has built and activated under CPEC.

The unprecedented Saudi investment is being viewed by Prime Minister Khan's nascent government as a major boost for Pakistan, which is facing an economic crisis and balance of payments pressure.

High Regional Tensions

The rare high-profile visit by the Saudi crown prince, however, comes amid Pakistan's dangerously escalating tensions with archival India over last week's deadly suicide car bombing in the disputed Kashmir region.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of playing a role in the attack that killed more than 40 Indian security forces. Pakistani officials deny the charges as baseless.

But last week's deadly bombings in Kashmir and in a border region of neighboring Iran have raised regional tensions. Tehran has also accused Pakistan-based anti-Iran militants for orchestrating the attack that killed 27 personnel of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The Indian government has vowed to punish and internationally isolate Islamabad, while Iranian leaders are demanding Pakistan bring to justice perpetrators of the bombing in Sistan-Baluchistan border province.

Pakistani leaders have rejected Indian allegations as unfounded and pledged cooperation to investigate them provided New Delhi shared "evidence" with Islamabad.

"It is preposterous to think that Pakistan can be "isolated"," Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua said in a special briefing to foreign diplomats on the rising bilateral tensions.

Pakistan maintains close counterterrorism cooperation with Iran and officials say bilateral ties have significantly improved in recent years. Officials reject suggestions Islamabad's deepening ties with Riyadh are undermining relations with Tehran.

Former Pakistani diplomat, Asif Durrani, insisted the militant attacks in Iran and Indian Kashmir could be an attempt to overshadow the royal visit and put Pakistan under pressure.

"Iranian and Indian accusations against Pakistan over these incidents, even if for varied reasons, smack off ulterior motives to malign Pakistan despite the fact that these incidents wouldn't benefit Pakistan in any way," noted Durrani who was Islamabad's ambassador to Tehran until a few months ago.

Durrani noted that the Saudi prince's visit has assumed extra importance due to the prevailing situation in the region, especially in the backdrop of Riyadh-Tehran Iran rift.

Pakistan has always walked a tightrope while trying to maintain a balance between Iran, and Saudi Arabia

Sunni-dominated Pakistan has deep ties to Saudi Arabia in all fields, but it shares a porous border with Shi'ite Iran, stretching over 900 kilometers. A fifth of Pakistan's more than 200 million residents are Shiite Muslims who maintain close cultural and religious ties with the Iranian nation.
Saudi Arabia Signs Multi-Billion Dollar Deals In Pakistan

February 17, 2019

Saudi Arabia signed agreements worth $20 billion during the visit of its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, to cash-strapped Pakistan.

Bin Salman arrived in the South Asian country for a two-day state visit earlier on February 17 -- the first leg of his Asian tour that will also include stops in neighboring India and China.

The crown prince said at the signing ceremony in Islamabad that the $20 billion figure "will grow every month and every year."

"Saudi Arabia has always been a friend of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia has been a friend in need," said Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Most of the deals signed focused on energy projects, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the port city of Gwadar.

Memoranda of understanding were also inked for investments in minerals and agriculture, Khan said.

Pakistan enjoys close ties with oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which has in recent months helped the Pakistani economy in propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign-exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Khan was one of the few foreign leaders to attend an international investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October that was largely boycotted after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic of bin Salman, at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, but now claims the journalist was killed in an unauthorized operation.

Earlier on February 17, Bin Salman was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute at a military air base near the Pakistani capital.

The crown prince was welcomed by Khan and Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as he stepped onto a red carpet flanked by an honor guard.

After Pakistan, bin Salman will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on February 21 and 22.

His tour comes amid high tensions in South Asia, with India accusing Pakistan of having a hand in a recent suicide attack that killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. Islamabad denies involvement.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, and Al-Arabiya

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/saudi-crown- prince-to-arrive-in-pakistan-amid-india -tensions/29774605.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.
Zarif Condemns U.S. Efforts To Persuade Allies To Pull Out Of Iran Deal

By RFE/RL February 17, 2019

Iran's foreign minister has condemned Washington's efforts to press European allies to pull out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 17, Mohammad Javad Zarif said that U.S. Vice President Mike Pence "arrogantly demanded that Europe must join the United States in undermining its own security and breaking its obligations."

Zarif addressed the conference a day after Pence urged European powers Germany, France, and Britain to follow Washington in withdrawing from the deal and to "stop undermining U.S. sanctions."

Zarif also said that a barter-type system known as INSTEX -- set up last month by France, Germany, and Britain to allow businesses to skirt direct financial transactions with Iran, and thereby evade possible U.S. sanctions -- is not enough.

He said the European countries needed to do more to show their commitment to the nuclear deal with Iran.

"Many around the world, particularly on this continent, speak eloquently about multilateralism, but they also need to walk the walk," Zarif said.

"For instance, INSTEX falls short of the commitments by the [European countries] to save the nuclear deal. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against a dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism," he told the annual gathering of world leaders, top defense officials, and diplomats.

The 2015 agreement provides Tehran with relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

The three European nations, as well as Russia, China, and the European Union as a whole, have been struggling to save the deal with Iran since President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of it last year and re-imposed sanctions.

Trump said the nuclear deal's terms were not strict enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Speaking at the Munich conference on February 16, Pence slammed INSTEX, and urged others to abandon the nuclear deal entirely.

"The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime," Pence said.

"The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal," he said.

Before Pence spoke, German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the Iran deal as an important channel to Tehran, stressing the need for international diplomacy.

Merkel said that while she shared concerns about Iran's missile program and regional ambitions, it was important to keep "the small anchor we have in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas."

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-zarif -speech-munich-security-conference -pence-/29774490.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 Says Deadly Attack On Revolutionary Guards Planned In Pakistan

February 17, 2019

Iran's parliament speaker has said that an attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan."

In the remarks carried by the state-run IRNA news agency on February 17, Ali Larijani said that Pakistan should answer for its involvement in the attack.

The comments come as Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador on February 17 to protest the assault, one of the deadliest attacks on Iranian security forces in years.

Islamabad condemned the bombing but has not commented on Tehran's allegations.

The IRGC says a suicide bomber on February 13 drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus that was transporting troops in Sistan-Baluchistan Province.

A militant Sunni Muslim separatist group called Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sistan-Baluchistan is a volatile area near Iran's borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan where militant groups and drug smugglers frequently operate.

The province is populated mainly by Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchis.

Tehran has repeatedly accused the United States, Israel, and U.S. ally Saudi Arabia of backing Sunni militia groups that carry out attacks against Iranian security forces, charges those countries have denied.

The U.S. accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-says -deadly-attack-on-guard-was-planned -in-pakistan/29775002.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.
Pakistan must be accountable for terror attack in Iran: Parl. Speaker Larijani

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 08:24AM

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says Islamabad should account for a recent bloody terrorist attack in Iran's southeast as the assault was plotted on and launched from Pakistani soil.

"The Pakistani government should be accountable for this act involving the grouplet orchestrating and conducting the operation from their (the Pakistanis') territory," Larijani said during a parliamentary session on Sunday, referring to the terrorist outfit that has claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Wednesday, an explosives-laden car rammed into a bus carrying members of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on a road in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province, killing 27 IRGC personnel and injuring 13 others.

The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault.

"The [Iranian] Foreign Ministry and security apparatuses should seriously pursue the incident," Larijani added. "At the current juncture, Pakistan cannot [be allowed to] act irresponsibly."

He said that despite the "respect" Iran has for the government in neighboring Pakistani, "such behavior will severely damage the level of cooperation between the two countries."

Several attacks have in the past targeted Iranian security forces by Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Iranian officials have stepped up their rhetoric against Pakistan in the wake of the Wednesday attack.

On Saturday, General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the IRGC's chief commander, said in unprecedented remarks that Pakistan was responsible for sheltering terrorists and called on Islamabad to change its policy toward Jaish ul-Adl.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Larijani hailed the mass participation of the Iranian nation in the rallies that marked the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

He also condemned the "hasty move" by the United States and Israel to hold an anti-Iran summit in Warsaw, Poland, earlier this week.

"What came of all of that hype was a bunch of repetitive and empty speeches, which showed how the US has turned into an instrument of a terrorist grouplet," the parliament speaker said.

The Warsaw meeting, to which the US sent its Vice President Mike Pence, was widely viewed as a failure during which Pence had to sit and interact with foreign officials well below his diplomatic stature, as most global leaders had snubbed the meeting.
Iran will avenge blood of terrorist attack victims: Rouhani

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 10:32AM

President Hassan Rouhani says the Iranian nation will "undoubtedly avenge" a recent terrorist attack that killed over two dozen members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), regretting the "wrong" policies of some of Iran's neighbors.

He made the remarks on Sunday in an address to a large crowd of people in the port city of Bandar-e Lengeh, in southern Hormozgan Province.

"Terrorists," President Rouhani said, "should know that our nation will undoubtedly avenge the blood of these dear martyrs."

An explosives-laden car rammed into a bus carrying IRGC personnel in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province earlier this week, killing 27 of them and wounding 13 others. The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault.

"We do not and will not allow the criminal mercenaries, who are armed and funded by outsiders and who killed our dear IRGC forces and brave border guards, to escape revenge," President Rouhani stressed.

Various civilian and military Iranian officials have in the wake of the Wednesday terrorist attack used unprecedented rhetoric against the government in Islamabad for harboring terrorists, who routinely stage attacks against Iran from inside Pakistan and then retreat into Pakistani territory.

President Rouhani said, however, that Iran sought brotherly and cordial relations with all countries, adding that Iran had never initiated any aggression.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian president said those regional governments that believe the United States and the Israeli regime can bring them security are "terribly wrong."

He also denounced attempts by certain powers to sow discord among various ethnicities, religions, and nations in the Middle East.

The president said the region did not need US presence, saying the sooner foreign forces pulled out of the region, the greater stability and security would follow.
Iran summons Pakistan ambassador over terrorist attack

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 11:19AM

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has summoned Pakistan's ambassador to Tehran, expressing the Islamic Republic's "strong protest" to Islamabad over a deadly terrorist attack that targeted a group of security forces in southeastern Iran.

According to the ministry's press release on Sunday, Pakistani Ambassador Riffat Masood was called in for a diplomatic rebuke over a car bomb attack that targeted members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province on Wednesday.

The attack killed 27 IRGC members and wounded 13 others, and the so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombing. Iranian officials say the group plotted the attack in and moved to carry it out from inside Pakistan.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that Ambassador Masood had been informed that the Iranian government expected the Pakistani government and military to take "decisive and serious" action against the bases, movements, and entrenchment of terrorist groups along Pakistan's border with Iran.

Iranian officials asked Pakistan to "prevent these terror groups from further intensifying insecurity, skepticism, and distrust between the countries," according to Qassemi.

Iran also urged Pakistan to take swift action to identify and arrest those behind the attack, Qassemi added.

Various civilian and military Iranian officials have in the wake of the assault criticized the government in Islamabad for harboring terrorists, who routinely stage attacks against Iran from inside Pakistan and then retreat into Pakistani territory.

Also on Sunday, President Hassan Rouhani said the Iranian nation would "undoubtedly avenge" the recent violence.

Earlier, Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani had said Islamabad had to be held accountable for the attack. And IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Saturday that Iran would give a "decisive" response to the aggression.


US vice president's anti-Iran remarks hateful, ignorant: Zarif

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 04:04PM

Iran's foreign minister says US Vice President Mike Pence's remarks in which he accused Tehran of anti-Semitism akin to the Nazis, were "hateful" and "ignorant."

"His [Pence's] hateful accusations against Iran, including his ignorant allegation of anti-Semitism against the heirs of a man described as 'Messiah' in the Torah for saving Jews, are both ridiculous and dangerous," Mohammad Javad Zarif told the 55th Munich Security Conference in Germany on Sunday.

Attributing Pence's remarks to Washington's age-old grudge against the Islamic Republic, Iran's top diplomat said, "We've never been forgiven by the United States for having exercised our right to self-determination."

After visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland on Friday, the US vice president repeated his harsh rhetoric against Iran by accusing Tehran of Nazi-like anti-Semitism, .

Addressing the Munich conference on Saturday, Pence also claimed that Iran "openly advocates another Holocaust and it seeks the means to achieve it."

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Saturday lashed out at the US vice president Mike Pence for accusing the Islamic Republic of Nazi-like anti-Semitism, saying such "absurd" allegations originating from a grudge and anger would fail to have any impact on Iranian Muslims' opinion of Jews inside and outside the country.

"Exercise patience, study and learn that history is full of facts that no power will ever be able to erase or change," Qassemi told ISNA.

In his Sunday address to the Munich Security Conference, Zarif also slammed the US for pursuing its animosity against Iran over the past two years, particularly after its withdrawal from the historic Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"In the past two years, the US has taken its animus towards Iran to a new extreme, as epitomized by its unlawful and unilateral abrogation of its commitments under the painstakingly-negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council," the top Iranian diplomat said.

US President Donald Trump withdrew Washington in May from the nuclear agreement, reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries in 2015, and decided to re-impose unilateral sanctions against Tehran.

Under the deal, Iran undertook to put limits on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions.

The Iranian foreign minister further stated that the US, driven by its pathological obsession with Iran, has long encouraged reckless and destructive adventurism on the part of its clients.

"The US has systematically shielded Israel's constant aggression against Palestinians, while insulating its severe violations of the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria," he added.

Zarif lashed out at the US for milking the Middle East of its resources through vast arms sales and said, "According to the most conservative estimate, the GCC [(Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council]'s military spending alone will reach a record high of $100 billion this year-almost seven times that of Iran."

The Iranian foreign minister then emphasized that no theatrics, including the show put on by the US vice president, can obscure realities in the region.

"Indeed, more and more nations are becoming explicit about the fact that the United States is now the single biggest source of destabilization in our neighborhood," Zarif pointed out.

He said Iran's efforts to continue the full implementation of the JCPOA despite the US abrogation have played a major role in decreasing tension and promoting regional and global stability.

Iran's top diplomat emphasized that the country "cannot foot the entire bill for vital global security achievements" and urged European countries to take all necessary measures in this regard.

Iran has always shown its desire for engagement, however, it would not depend on others for its security, stability, prosperity and progress, Zarif said, adding, "We solely depend on our own people."

He concluded his remarks by saying that Iran's foreign policy aims to "further the goal of creating a strong region that precludes the emergence of hegemonic aspirations by any power -- regional or global."

"A strong region simply means more confidence, more trade and more interaction between and among the countries in the region, than with external powers."

Israel seeks war in region: Zarif

Addressing a question and answer session following his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Zarif said that Israel seeks to wage war in the region.

"Certainly some people are looking for war," Zarif said, adding "Israel" when pressed to say who.

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with NBC News on Friday, Zarif warned the United States and its allies that it would be "suicidal" to go to a war with Iran.

He added that the "same gang" behind the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was "at it again" in pushing for war with Iran.

The top Iranian diplomat also said the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrines the JCPOA, does not impose any ban on Iran's missile program.

"I have negotiated every paragraph of the resolution and know better that no demand has been made from Iran to ban its missile program," Zarif pointed out.
Iran dismisses US VP's 'hostile' statements

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sun / 17 February 2019 / 10:49

Tehran (ISNA) - Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman has rejected the "hostile" and "hollow" remarks made by US Vice President, Mike Pence likening Iran to the Nazi government.

"Iran's historical and cultural record in coexistence of and respect for divine religions, particularly the Jewish religion, has been registered in credible documents of various nations," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Bahram Qassemi told ISNA.

"The long-standing and several-thousand-year-old history and civilization of Iran shows the way Iranians thought of and viewed other cultures and religions and their peaceful coexistence and tolerance in such issues," he noted.

"Those who have some understanding and knowledge of the world's history and culture and are familiar with books and history and have a minimum level of fairness and justice in their words would not make such hollow and false words so recklessly," he said.

Pence's remarks were "empty and propagandistic "Ones made out of grudge and hysteria, Qassemi said.

"Our criterion and yardstick in foreign policy is the aggressive and occupying nature of the fake and illegal Zionist regime and the killing machine against the Palestinian people which has cruelly imposed itself on the region, caused division and rift among regional countries and is a source of crises and long-term and costly tensions in the Middle East."

"They should know that making these allegations and futile and irrelevant remarks won't help resolve the main issue or remove the root causes of their anger and crisis," the spokesman added.

"Be patient, read and learn as history is full of facts that no power can delete or change forever," Qassemi said, addressing the American official and his allies.

End Item
Supply Iran with jet fighters if against our missiles: Zarif to EU

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 17, IRNA -- Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs told a German media that if Europeans disagree with Iran's missile program, they should sell fighter jets to the country.

In an interview with Spiegel, published on Sunday, Zarif asked if Iran should be defenseless in a region that is armed to the teeth and added that during the Iraqi invasion, Iran had nothing to defend itself.

Saying that the regional countries are teeming with the purchased weaponry that mostly come from Europe, he added that the Persian Gulf states have bought $100bn of weaponry only in 2018.

As Iran has repeatedly announced, its weapons are only for defense, Zarif said.

Regarding missiles in possession of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement Iran's foreign minister said that Israel wants to have a free hand in bombarding Syria and violating Lebanese air space, so Hezbollah does it in self-defense.

Israel has attacked Syria 300 times but no one cares. It is a violation of international laws and Syrian territorial integrity, Zarif said.

Talking about US Vice President Mike Pence's accusing Iran of Anti-Semitism, Zarif said that Iran has always been supportive to the Jews but opposes Zionism.

He added that the Holocaust was a disaster but no one has the right to exploit it.

About US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria, Iran's minister of foreign affairs said the decision was made too late.

Whenever the US has entered the Middle East, they have brought chaos and terrorism with them, he said.

He added that Afghanistan government is negotiating on how to share the power with the Taliban after the US leaves the country, while the US came to Afghanistan to annihilate the Taliban.

Zarif also told the German media that Iran will stay in to fight terrorism and extremism in Syria as long as Damascus wants.

According to Zarif all the Syrian refugees should return to their homes and then a solution should be found for them to live in peace, which necessitates an agreement between Syria and Turkey.

Iran and Russia support this constructive move, he urged.

Regarding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, he said that Iran doesn't emphasize on a special person to be in power.

The people of Syria should decide their own fate, he said.

The top diplomat went on to censure West's approach towards the issue of human rights, saying the West should stop using human rights a tool.

When the Saudis attacked the people of Yemen from the ground and the sky, Europe kept silent; they just watched the Lebanese prime minister being kidnapped and forced to resign with the gun at his head. The world woke up suddenly when a journalist was slaughtered brutally. Jamal Khashoggi's case proved that West's claim to defend human rights is a lie, Zarif said.

He added that the truth is that any friend of the US is allowed to commit whatever crime they want; the US assures the Zionist regime and the Saudis that they can do whatever they want and get away with it.

Regarding allegations leveled against Iran about organizing terrorist attacks in Europe, the Iranian foreign minister rejected as baseless all such allegations.

It is senseless for Iran to do so when the country's president is in Vienna. Europe is also deceived by the show put on by US Vice President Mike Pence and the country's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo against Iran, Zarif said.

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FM Zarif slams White House policies toward JCPOA, Europe

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 17, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized US administration policies as regard walking away from Iran nuclear deal and its pressures on Europe to breach its commitments under UNSC resolutions.

Addressing the 55th Munich Security Conference, Zarif said, 'At the recent meeting of "the unwilling" and "the openly-coerced" in Warsaw, the U.S. Vice President and the Secretary of State both blasted Europe for even attemptingalbeit without much practical successto abide by its obligations under the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231.'

The 55th Munich Security Conference, attended by 600 international decision-makers in various fields, including politics, trade and civil society, is underway in Munich, Germany, on February 15-17.

The full text of Zarif address is as follows:

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This past Monday, millions of Iranians gathered for mass rallies to mark the 40th anniversary of the Islamic revolution; an earthquake that collapsed a pillar of US domination in West Asia.

We've never been forgiven by the United States for having exercised our right to self-determination. As a result, we have long been the target of an unhealthy fixationan obsessionwhich continues to this very day.

The demonization of my country has been a convenient cross for seven consecutive American presidents to bearand a smokescreen for America's regional clients to hide behind. It is long overdue for the United States to dismantle this malign institution, for it has today morphed into one of the greatest threats to even its own interestsand of course international peace and security.

In the past two years, the U.S. has taken its animus towards Iran to a new extreme, as epitomized by its unlawful and unilateral abrogation of its commitments under the painstakingly-negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council. To gain accomplices in its lawlessness, the U.S. is now even laboring to force others to violate that Resolution, which explicitly calls for normalization of economic relations with Iran.

At the recent meeting of "the unwilling" and "the openly-coerced" in Warsaw, the U.S. Vice President and the Secretary of State both blasted Europe for even attemptingalbeit without much practical successto abide by its obligations under the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231. Yesterday  right here in Munich  Vice President Pence repeated this farce when he arrogantly demanded that Europe must join the U.S. in breaking its commitments while undermining its own security. His hateful accusations against Iranincluding his ignorant allegation of anti-Semitism against the heirs of a man described as 'Messiah' in the Torah for saving Jews - is both ridiculous and dangerous.

This malign obsession with Iran is imposing costs on othersand especially in our region, which has for 40 years suffered the consequences of U.S. insistence on making wrong choices.

Driven by its pathological obsession with Iran, America has long encouraged reckless and destructive adventurism on the part of its clients: from arming Saddam Hussein in his attack against Iran to supporting the propagation of extremism; from aiding and abetting the ruining of Syria and bombing of innocents in Yemen to whitewashing the incarceration of a Prime Minister and dismemberment of a journalist. In parallel, the U.S. has systematically shielded Israel's constant aggression against Palestinians, while insulating its severe violations of the sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria.

And all in the name of "containing" Iran.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The U.S. claimsand some blindly parrot its accusationthat it is Iran which is interfering in the region. But has it ever been asked whose region? Just glimpse at a map. The U.S. military has traveled 10,000 kilometers to dot all our borders with bases. Meanwhile, it has milked the region of its resources through vast arms sales. According to the most conservative estimate, the GCC's military spending alone will reach a record high of $100 billion this yearalmost seven times that of Iran.

So, who is really exporting insecurity to our region?

What is it that threatens the region more?

The unfathomable arsenals used to terrorize the people of Yemen? Or Iran's defensive missiles, which have only ever been used against ISIS terror in self-defense?

Is it Iran that threatens the annihilation of othersor is it Mr. NetanyahuIsrael's wolf-crier-in-chiefwho openly threatens my country's obliteration while standing next to his nuclear bomb factory?

No theatrics hereincluding the show put on by Vice President Pencecan obscure these realities.

Indeed, more and more nations are becoming explicit about the fact that the United States is now the single biggest source of destabilization in our neighborhood. As we speak, Iraqi lawmakers are demanding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from their land. And after more than 17 years of failure in Afghanistan, the U.S. is now negotiating with the Taliban to withdraw the American military.

In contrast, our standing with the peoples of Iraq and Syria to counter terrorism has put ISIS on the verge of extinction, with both countries enjoying levels of peace and stability not seen in years.

I arrived here in Munich from Sochi, where President Rouhani continued his dialogue with his Russian and Turkish counterparts on how to further promote peace in Syria. Prior to that, I visited Lebanon and Iraq for 7 days of discussions with government officials, as well as with political, community and business leaders on how to work together to strengthen stability and advance mutual economic opportunity in our region.

But the reckless U.S. obsession with Iran is threatening these hard-won victories.

On another front, Iran's continued full implementation of the JCPOAdespite the US' abrogationhas played a major role in decreasing tension and promoting regional and global stability. But Iran cannot foot the entire bill for vital global security achievements  whether it is the nuclear accord, or the combatting of drug and human trafficking to Europe.

Europe needs to invest too. Many around the worldand particularly on this contentspeak eloquently about multilateralism. But they also need to walk the walk. For instance, INSTEX falls short of the commitments by the E3 to "save" the JCPOA. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism.

While we have shown our desire for engagement, we don't depend on others for our security, stability, prosperity and progress. We solely depend on our own people. That is why 40 years of so-called "maximum pressure"namely demonization, war, sanctions and terrorincluding the heinous foreign-sponsored terrorist bombing in my country on Wednesdayhas failed to "bring Iran to its knees"; nor has it affected our people's decision-making calculus.

Distinguished Friends,

Iran's foreign policy is designed to further the goal of creating a strong region that precludes the emergence of hegemonic aspirations by any power  regional or global.

A strong region simply means more confidence, more trade and more interaction between and among the countries in the region, than with external powers.

It requires homegrown political and territorial stability; reliance on the populace as the source of legitimacy, security and prosperity; harmonization of national identities and regional citizenship; participation of all in ensuring peace; and the exercising of strategic self-restraint.

Ladies and Gentlemen

In spite of all the ignorant hate-speech by American officials, let me remind you that we Iranians are proud to be the inheritors of a great civilization. The entirety of humanity is today riding in the same boat and we either sail together; or sink together. Our renowned poet, Sa'adi, testified to this truth over 900 years ago:

All human beings are members of one frame

Since all, at first, from the same essence came.

When time afflicts one limb with pain

The other limbs cannot at rest remain.

I thank you for your attention.

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Defense Minister: Equipping Naval fleet to be pursued vigorously

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 17, IRNA -- Iran's Defense Minister announced that the ministry's plans for the developing and equipping the naval fleet of the Army, the IRGC, and the Border Guards are being pursued vigorously.

Brigadier General Amir Hatami, who traveled to Hormozgan province within the framework of a provincial trip by attending the Shahid Darvishi Industries of Ministry of Defense in Bandar Abbas, visited a number of projects in this industry, especially Moj (Wave) class project, and closely evaluated the progress.

Brigadier General Hatami, with the appreciation of the experts of the Ministry of Defense's Maritime Industries, noted the significant achievements of the maritime industry, such as the submarine Fateh, and emphasized these promising developments will continue until the achievement of the position that deserves the great nation of Iran and the strategic position of Iran vigorously.

He considered the role of the Fateh submarine in enhancing the deterring power of the Navy, and said the Defense ministry's plans to develop and equip the Army, IRGC, and border Guard will be vigorously pursued.

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Zarif urges Europe to 'get wet' against US unilateralism

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, Feb 17, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the European Union to take more concrete actions to combat unilateral US moves around the world.

'Iran cannot forever foot whole bill for vital global security achievementswhether it's the #JCPOA, or combating of drug & human trafficking,' Mohammad Javad Zarif posted on his Twitter account as part of his speech at Munich Security Conference.

'Time for Europe to get wet if it wants to swim against dangerous tide of US unilateralism,' he added.

The 55th Munich Security Conference, attended by 600 international decision-makers in various fields, including politics, trade and civil society, is underway in Munich, Germany, on February 15-17.

Earlier addressing the Munich conference, Zarif criticized the US administration policies as regard walking away from Iran nuclear deal and its pressures on Europe to breach its commitments under the UNSC resolutions.

'In a recent meeting of the unwilling and the openly-coerced in Warsaw, the US Vice President and the Secretary of State both blasted Europe for even attemptingalbeit without much practical successto abide by its obligations under the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231,' he said in his statement.

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Xi Signs Order to Boost China's 2 Mln Army Training Efficiency  Report

Sputnik News

06:07 17.02.2019

The Chinese leader signed regulations to clarify military training methods and the prosecution of wrongdoings in the army amid continuing tensions over the South China Sea dispute.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has signed an order to ramp up training for the two million members of the People's Liberation Army, according to an Army Technology report.

Chinese military authorities have reportedly deployed inspectors and a new oversight system designed to boost combat readiness.

READ MORE: 'Strike Enemies by Surprise': Chinese Army to Go Beyond Self-Defence  Report

Xi, who is chairman of the Central Military Commission, has signed a decree for a new regulation on the supervision of military training, which will take effect on March 1st.

The measures are said to be the first of their kind in the nation's history.

The new regulations set out measures to "correct practices that are not in line with the requirements of actual combat," the Army Technology report claims, elaborating criteria that will be used to identify malpractice and discipline violations during the military training of personnel, while strengthening the management of military training.

The document follows reports of criticism that the Chinese military personnel lack training with rapidly-updated hardware. With a military budget of $175 billion, China invests heavily in re-armament of its PLA and its Navy, the website reads.

The signed order is another step in China's recent efforts to boost military efficiency, including deploying a networking radar system capable of detecting stealth airplanes, mulling a retrofit of its aircraft carrier with new catapults, and testing 'carrier-killer' missiles, among other practices.

These measures come amid continuing tensions in the region, with the US recently conducting a large-scale aviation drill in the Pacific Ocean implementing stealth fighters tasked with breaching enemy defenses during an offensive.

 Sputnik
China hopes U.S., Russia will return to INF Treaty: official

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2019/2/17 9:47:57

China hopes that the United States and Russia will return to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a senior Chinese official said here Saturday.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks after delivering a keynote speech at the 55th Munich Security Conference.

Yang said that China firmly advocates maintaining global strategic stability.

The unilateral declaration by the United States to withdraw from the INF Treaty has serious consequences, and has drawn widespread concern from the international community, he said.

China hopes that the United States and Russia can get back to the INF Treaty and is opposed to the multilateralization of the treaty, Yang said.
Breaking Down Community Resistance in Ebola-Affected Congo

By Lisa Schlein February 17, 2019

A unique project is making strides in breaking down community resistance toward international efforts to contain the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has teamed up with the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect, analyze and implement new strategies in "real time" to tackle the major concerns of people faced with this dreaded disease.

Latest World Health Organization figures put the number of Ebola cases at 829, including 521 deaths. Officials say containing the spread of this deadly virus will depend largely upon getting communities to cooperate with health care workers.

This involves gaining their trust by overcoming the fears and misinformation that exist in Ebola-affected communities. Red Cross volunteers mainly come from the communities in which they work and understand their cultures and traditions.

Health workers say getting feedback on Ebola from communities in conflict-ridden North Kivu and Ituri provinces is critical in tackling this crisis. IFRC Community Engagement Senior Advisor, Ombretta Baggio, says information gathered from surveys is problematic.

So, she told VOA Red Cross volunteers no longer prompt people to answer a list of survey questions. Now, she said, they listen.

"We have conversations with them around their concerns, around Ebola. What they want to know from us around Ebola. So, the questions they have, the belief systems that they have, the rumors that they are listening in their communities. And, during these conversations, the volunteers share information around issues that are of concern for the communities."

Baggio said the Red Cross has just finished an analysis of the data collected from Beni, where the Ebola outbreak was first detected in August. By listening, she said Red Cross volunteers have learned about the fears and concerns people have about the treatment centers where infected people are isolated from their families.

After the data is coded and categorized, she said it is shared with the Centers for Disease Control.

"CDC does the quality assurance of the dataand they interpret this data in a way that is user friendly for the response partnersThis analysis helps our volunteers understand what are the most prominent questions that in that space of time communities are asking," said Baggio.

Traditional burial practices play a key role in the spread of Ebola. Christine Prue, a health scientist with the CDC leads the project. She said providing safe and dignified burial services is one of the major pillars and interventions in reducing the spread of the disease.

"So, we analyzed all that data and sent the reports back to Red Cross in saying is there a way for family members, a safe way for family members to be involved. Their teams on the ground figure it outSo, our analysis of the information they provided and our questions saying can you do things differently to bury them in a way that could include family members was totally their action on our informationSo, they have changed their practices to allow community members to participate in a safe way," she said.

Prue said there has been a shift in peoples' confidence around burials.

But as one problem is solved, she tells VOA others arise. She said the Red Cross will have to adapt its programs to meet these different needs.

"I do think in general that the pattern they have set is very good. But I do not think we can ever be satisfied that one way is going to be the only way, which actually reinforces the need for these kinds of feedback systems because every community is going to experience threat. Every community is going either invite, involve people, outsiders, insiders in different ways," said Prue.

The World Health Organization cites Katwa and Butembo as the remaining major health zones of concern. It says community mistrust, especially in Katwa is high. Consequently, it says people are reluctant to report suspected cases and bring infected people in for early treatment.

Red Cross Advisor, Baggio said an additional problem is health workers are unable to access several areas in Katwa because of the conflict. However, she said the lessons learned from the project's analysis will be implemented in areas where they can work.

She said volunteers will no longer deal with Ebola in a general way. Instead, she says they will focus on and respond to the precise concerns articulated by the communities in Katwa.
White House Defends Trump's National Emergency Declaration

By Ken Bredemeier February 17, 2019

The White House on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to thwart illegal immigration even though he said he didn't need to do it.

"He could choose to ignore this crisis, but he chose not to," Trump adviser Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner, told Fox News Sunday.

Miller assailed former Republican President George W. Bush for an "astonishing betrayal" of the U.S. nearly two decades ago when four times as many illegal migrants were entering the United States as now. But Miller said the "bottom line" is that "you cannot conceive of a strong nation without a secure border."

He said Trump's action is "defending our own borders." He illegal immigration "is a threat in our country."

Miller said Trump's actions were justified under a 1976 law giving presidents authority to declare national emergencies, although none of the 59 declared since then has involved instances when a president has attempted to override congressional refusal to approve funding for a specific proposal.

Trump declared the national emergency on Friday to circumvent Congress, which had refused his request for $5.7 billion in wall funding, even as it approved $1.375 billion for barriers along about 90 kilometers of the 3,200-kilometer border. Trump plans to tap more than $8 billion in government funds authorized for other projects the build the wall, although lawsuits challenging the action are already being filed to block his transfer of money.

Miller said more than 320 kilometers of the border wall would be built by the end of September 2020, just weeks before Trump stands for re-election to a second four-year term.

Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said he thinks he has "a lot of discretion" in deciding which funds previously allocated for defense needs can instead be used to build a border wall. "You can trust the numbers in terms of the potential. Then you gotta marry it up with where the money would be spent." But he said money designated for military housing would not be spent on the wall.

Trump said he declared the national emergency because he was unhappy with the amount of money Congress authorized.

"I want to do it faster," he said. "I could do the wall over a longer period of time. I didn't need to do this. But I'd rather do it much faster."

Trump's staunchest critics, including Democrats who have announced they are running against him next year and other lawmakers, have attacked his national emergency declaration as an end-run around the constitutional provision that U.S. funding authorization lies with Congress and noted that he said that he did not need to take action.

Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, told CNN, "If we give away, if we surrender the power of the purse there will be little check and no balance left. It'll not be a separation of powers anymore, just a separation of parties."

Journalist Bob Woodward, who chronicled the first year of the Trump presidency in a best-selling book called "Fear," told Fox News he believes Trump made the national emergency declaration because "he looks strong. He looks tough to lots of people."

Trump centered much of his successful 2016 campaign for the White House on a vow to build the wall and make Mexico pay for it. He long since abandoned direct payment from Mexico, when its leaders rejected the idea, and instead sought congressional approval of the U.S. taxpayer funding.
By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Shutterstock

A sophisticated state actor has hacked the networks of the major

political parties, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told Parliament.

Recently the Parliament House network was disrupted, and the intrusion

into the parties networks was discovered when this was being dealt

with.

While the government has not identified the state actor, the Chinese

are being blamed.

Morrison gave the reassurance that there is no evidence of any

electoral interference. We have put in place a number of measures to

ensure the integrity of our electoral system.

In his statement to the House Morrison said: The Australian Cyber

Security Centre recently identified a malicious intrusion into the

Australian Parliament House computer network.

"During the course of this work, we also became aware that the

networks of some political parties - Liberal, Labor and the Nationals

- have also been affected.

"Our security agencies have detected this activity and acted

decisively to confront it. They are securing these systems and

protecting users.

The Centre would provide any party or electoral body with technical help to deal with hacking, Morrison said.

They have already briefed the Electoral Commissions and those

responsible for cyber security for all states and territories. They

have also worked with global anti-virus companies to ensure

Australias friends and allies have the capacity to detect this

malicious activity, he said.

The methods used by malicious actors are constantly evolving and this

incident reinforces yet again the importance of cyber security as a

fundamental part of everyones business.

"Public confidence in the integrity of our democratic processes is an

essential element of Australian sovereignty and governance, he said.

Our political system and our democracy remains strong, vibrant and is

protected. We stand united in the protection of our values and our

sovereignty.

Bill Shorten said party political structures were perhaps more vulnerable than government institutions - and progressive parties particularly so.

We have seen overseas that it is progressive parties that are more likely to be targeted by ultra-right wing organisations.

"Political parties are small organisations with only a few full-time staff, they collect, store and use large amounts of information about voters and communities. These institutions can be a soft target and our national approach to cyber security needs to pay more attention to non-government organisations, Shorten said.

Although the authorities are pointing to a state actor, national cyber security adviser Alastair MacGibbon told a news conference: We dont know who is behind this, nor their intent.

"We, of course, will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent.

Asked what the hackers had got their hands on MacGibbon said: We dont know.

Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Acting Pentagon chief not decided yet on funding border wall

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 05:30AM

Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan says that no decision has been made on whether to fund a wall along the US southern border using Pentagon's budget.

The remarks come one day after Trump declared a national emergency to bypass congressional approval and secure funding for the construction of his controversial wall on the US-Mexico border.

Trump said Friday that the declaration, which can help him use certain Department of Defense funding to build the wall, would be necessary to deal with what he described as a crisis of illegal immigration.

However, the law stipulates that the defense secretary has to decide whether the wall is militarily necessary before money from the military construction budget can be allocated for it.

Shanahan on Saturday said he had not determined if such a wall was a military necessity or how much the Pentagon should spend on the wall.

"We always anticipated that this would create a lot of attention and since moneys potentially could be redirected, you can imagine the concern this generates," Shanahan told reporters traveling back with him from his trip to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Europe.

"Very deliberately, we have not made any decisions, we have identified the steps we would take to make those decisions."

He went on to say that military planners had conducted an initial analysis and that he would begin reviewing it on Sunday.

"I will go in and review that analysis now that the emergency has been declared. Based on that analysis, we can do an assessment of what would be appropriate."

Trump needs $5.7 billion for his promised wall, but lawmakers have appropriated just $1.375 billion for barriers, not a solid concrete wall.

His decision to declare a national emergency has also been hit with the first lawsuit, in what is expected to become a lengthy legal face-off between the Republican head of state and his opponents over the barrier.

Liberal advocacy group Public Citizen filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Frontera Audubon Society and three landowners in South Texas who had been informed that their land would be used to build the wall.
US-Taliban Meeting in Pakistan Cancelled

By Ayesha Tanzeem February 17, 2019

An upcoming meeting in Pakistan between a delegation of the United States and Taliban representatives has been cancelled, according to information coming from both sides.

A Taliban leader confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that the meeting was cancelled, "by the Americans." A Taliban statement issued later in the day said the talks were postponed because many members of its 14 person negotiating team were unable to go overseas since they are on "the US and UN blacklist." Several of them are on the U.N. Security Council sanctions list which bars them from international travel.

Meanwhile, a U.S. official said Zalmay Khalilzad, who was supposed to lead the American delegation, is not planning to visit Islamabad this week.

The U.S. said it had not received an official invitation from the government of Pakistan for this meeting which was first announced by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid a couple of days ago.

Mujahid's statement had set February 18 as the date of the talks and said a formal invitation had been issued by Pakistan. In addition, he said, the Taliban delegation would also meet the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

A day later, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry confirmed the talks during a press conference, calling it a "game changer."

"The next round of negotiations with the Taliban will be in Pakistan, and as a result of these negotiations, there is a chance of stability in Afghanistan," he said.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to the announcement of a meeting in Islamabad, saying it was in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

"#Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan's engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Govenrment is not consulted," Tweeted Sibghatullah Admadi, a spokesman for the Afghan foreign office.

Previously, Afghanistan launched a similar complaint against Russia for allowing Taliban members to travel to Moscow for a conference in which nearly 50 Afghans, including various political leaders, former jihadi commanders, and civil society activists were invited. However, the Afghan government was not invited to that conference because the Taliban have so far refused to engage with the Kabul administration despite pressure from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and others.

President Ashraf Ghani lashed out at those attending the conference saying they had no "executive authority" to make any agreements.

"Let hundreds of such meetings be held," he said.

Some analysts say Ghani's statements indicated his frustration at being left out of the negotiations between the Americans and the Taliban that first started last Summer. Since then, the two sides have held several rounds of talks.

The last meeting in Doha early January lasted for six days and Khalilzad said the two sides had agreed "in principle" to a withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan in return for guarantees that Afghan soil will not be used by any terrorist groups or individuals.

Speaking in a public event at Washington based United States Institute of Peace, Khalilzad said the Taliban do not want to "sit with the government alone" because they did not want to give President Ghani an advantage in the presidential elections scheduled in July.

"There are indications that they will be willing to sit with the government in a multi-party arrangement," he said.
Guaido 'Pleased to Confirm' Arrival of 3 US Jets With Aid in Colombia

Sputnik News

12:27 17.02.2019

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Three US Air Force planes carrying humanitarian cargo for Venezuela have arrived in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido said.

"More and more humanitarian aid is coming for Venezuela! We are pleased to confirm the arrival of three aircraft of the US Air Force carrying humanitarian aid", Guaido wrote on Twitter on 16 February.

The opposition leader expressed gratitude for support, adding that the humanitarian aid would cover the needs of more than 25,000 Venezuelans.

The issue of humanitarian aid to Venezuela has become a matter of controversy in recent days amid Caracas' concerns that foreign countries could use such deliveries as a cover to achieve political or military objectives. On 15 February, the US Defence Department told Sputnik that the US military would provide logistical support for the efforts to deliver humanitarian cargo for the crisis-torn country.

Guaido previously said that US humanitarian aid would be delivered to the country on 23 February. The Venezuelan government headed by President Nicolas Maduro so far has refused to accept aid that the United States has delivered to neighbouring Colombia, blasting it as a ploy to topple his government.

Tensions in Venezuela escalated on 23 January, when Guaido, who is the speaker of the opposition-run National Assembly, declared himself interim president, disputing Maduro's re-election. Guaido was almost immediately recognized by the United States and its allies. Russia, China, Mexico, among other nations, voiced support for Maduro, who, in turn, accused Washington of orchestrating a coup.

 Sputnik
Abu Dhabi Purchases Russian Anti-Tank Missile Systems - UAE Armed Forces

Sputnik News

23:19 17.02.2019

ABU DHABI (Sputnik) - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a contract, worth some 147 million dirhams ($40 million), to purchase Kornet-E anti-tank missile systems from Russia, a representative of the UAE armed forces, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Al Hassani, said on Sunday.

The contract was signed during the International Defense Exhibition and Conference IDEX 2019, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi earlier in the day and will run through 21 February.

"A contract has been signed with the Russian JSC KBP Instrument Design Bureau [defense industry] company to buy Kornet-E systems worth 146,92 million dirhams", Hassani told reporters.

Earlier the day, the five-day IDEX-2019 arms exhibition opened in Abu Dhabi. The director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, Alexander Mikheev, told reporters that Russia had also received a request from the UAE to modernize Pantsir-S1 systems in service with the Middle Eastern country's armed forces.

"The Pantsir anti-aircraft system has long been in service with the UAE [armed forces], and this is a service contract for the maintenance of these systems", Al Hassani said at the press conference on the sidelines of the exhibition.

According to the organizers, during the first day of the exhibition, the UAE armed forces signed a number of contracts with local and foreign companies worth more than 4 billion dirhams in total.

IDEX-2019 is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi on 17-21 February.

 Sputnik
Georgian PM Praises NATO's 'Open-Door Policy'

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service February 17, 2019

The prime minister of Georgia, an ex-Soviet republic that aspires to join NATO, has hailed the Western military alliance's decision to allow North Macedonia to join.

"We see that NATO is pursuing an open-door policy and this is the only right response to the challenge coming from the Russian Federation," Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said in an interview with RFE/RL on February 17 on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Macedonia's government on February 12 said the country was officially renamed the Republic of North Macedonia, under a landmark agreement to normalize relations with Greece that also allows Macedonia to enter NATO.

Bakhtadze made the comments after Skopje signed a protocol on February 6 that could see North Macedonia become NATO's 30th member if the move is ratified by all current members of the alliance.

Moscow has made explicit its opposition to NATO's further expansion, especially as regards to Georgia and Ukraine. Kyiv also seeks to become a member of the security alliance.

After Macedonia signed the accession protocol, the alliance's Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that "NATO's door remains open for countries that meet NATO standards," and praised Georgia's "commitment to reforms, the commitment to strengthening defense and security institutions, transparency, judiciary reforms."

"We will continue to support Georgia as it moves towards NATO membership," Stoltenberg added.

At a 2008 summit in Bucharest, NATO agreed that Georgia will eventually become a member, but no firm date has been set, although the membership perspective for the country has been reconfirmed at every summit ever since.

The country of some 3.7 million people fought a brief war with Russia in August 2008, and Moscow's continued military presence in the country's territory adds to tensions in the region.

After the war, Russia left thousands of troops in Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and recognized both as independent countries.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/georgian-pm-praises-nato-s- open-door-policy-/29775152.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 Calls Off Planned Pakistan Meeting That Angered Afghans

By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal February 17, 2019

The Taliban have called off a planned round of peace talks in Pakistan, saying that most of the members of its negotiating team are unable to travel because they are subject to U.S. and UN sanctions.

The statement was issued on February 17  a day before the militant group was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad to meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and possibly U.S. officials. It did not provide further details.

It came hours after Afghanistan issued a protest to the UN Security Council over the planned visit.

In a letter to the Security Council seen by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, the Afghan UN mission wrote that the Taliban-Pakistan meeting "constitutes a violation of the national sovereignty of Afghanistan."

"These engagements, which are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan, are void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the government of Afghanistan," it said.

The letter said that an invitation by Khan for a Taliban delegation to travel to Pakistan for talks "amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan, and whose members are sanctioned by provisions of the UN Security Council's 1988 Committee's Sanctions Regime."

The Taliban have a political office in Doha, the capital of Qatar, where the negotiating team members live. However, the team includes at least five former inmates of the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay and others linked to Afghan militant groups.

On February 7, the Afghan government issued a similar protest to the Security Council regarding a trip by Taliban members to Moscow for Russia-backed peace talks, charging that the Kremlin was allowing sanctioned individuals to enter the country for the session.

The Taliban trip to Pakistan would have coincided with a two-day visit to the South Asian country by powerful Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, who arrived on February 17.

In the February 14 announcement about the planned session in Pakistan, the Taliban also said its negotiators would meet with U.S. officials. The United States had not commented on a potential meeting in Islamabad.

As an important player in the region and an Afghan neighbor, Pakistan is seen as potentially having a key role in any settlement.

But tensions run high between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kabul and Washington have accused Islamabad of providing safe havens for terrorists in its territory, allowing them to cross the border into Afghanistan and attack government troops and Western forces. Pakistan denies the allegations.

The discussions in Islamabad would have come a week before previously scheduled February 25 talks in Qatar between U.S. officials and Taliban negotiators.

Talks between U.S. officials -- including Zalmay Khalilzad, the special peace envoy for Afghanistan -- have intensified in recent months. Khalilzad and Taliban negotiators have both said progress has been made, but U.S. officials caution that much work needs to be done before an agreement can be finalized.

The U.S.-Taliban talks are aimed at finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's 17-year war.

The United States has been attempting to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with officials in Kabul.

The Afghan government has been absent from the U.S.-Taliban talks, prompting anger and frustration in Kabul. The Taliban considers the Kabul government a Western puppet and has so far refused to directly negotiate with it.

U.S. troops have been in Afghanistan since an October 2001 invasion that brought down the Taliban government after it refused to hand over Al-Qaida terrorists, including Osama bin Laden, blamed for launching the September 11, 2001, in the United States.

With reporting by AP and Tolo News

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-postpone-pakistan- meeting-angered-afghans/29775214.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.
US aid for Venezuela touches down amid distribution uncertainty

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:48AM

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed on Saturday in the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where food and medicine is being stored amid uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed.

The shipment will be the second arrival of large-scale US and international aid for Venezuelans, many of whom have scant access to food and medicine, since opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president in defiance of socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido, who argued Maduro's 2018 re-election was a sham and invoked constitutional provisions to declare himself the country's leader last month, has said aid will enter Venezuela on Feb. 23.

But it remains unclear whether Maduro, who has called the aid a US-orchestrated show and denies any crisis, will allow the supplies to cross into Venezuela.

Speaking in Caracas to supporters who had volunteered to help with the aid effort, Guaido said he would announce details on Monday about how he planned to get aid into the country from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao despite Maduro's opposition.

"We will organize ourselves into brigades," Guaido said, calling on the military to allow the aid through. "The message we have to get through to the armed forces is that they have one week to do the right thing. Will you be on the side of your family and your people or of the usurper who keeps lying?"

Millions of Venezuelans will be traveling to the border to safeguard arriving aid, Lester Toledo, a Guaido representative, said at a news conference in Cucuta.

"We are seven days from this being a reality," Toledo said. "We are going to have the accompaniment of people, of hundreds of thousands, of millions of Venezuelans that our president Juan Guaido has called upon, who we have asked to go to the border dressed in white as a sign of peace."

A US official told Reuters the aid delivered on Saturday amounted to more than 200 tonnes but a US Embassy representative said they had no measurements of the shipment. Toledo said three planes would eventually arrive.

Most Western countries and many of Venezuela's neighbors have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of state, while Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Saturday that the United States used military aircraft to send aid to the Venezuelan border in Colombia because of the urgency of the humanitarian needs. "It's a message to Venezuela that we are supporting their humanitarian needs," Shanahan told reporters, adding the aid was being transported by three C-17 aircraft.

The supplies, including hygiene kits and special products meant for children suffering malnutrition, are arriving from a US Air Force base in Florida, the US Embassy said in a statement.

Additional aid flights will take place over the coming days, the statement said, and medical supplies and pharmaceuticals meant for use in hospitals will arrive early next week.

The first aid shipment, which included basic foodstuffs and medical supplies, arrived Feb. 8 and is being stored in a Cucuta warehouse.

Two bridges outside Cucuta that mark the border between the two countries were open as normal on Saturday. A bridge outside Tienditas, Venezuela, which has never been used, remains blocked on the Venezuelan side by shipping containers.
Europe: Alliance with US 'broken', schism 'getting crazier'

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 08:08AM

An annual security conference in Germany has erupted into a full-scale assault on the Trump administration's foreign policy, with leaders taking turns to flay the US president's go-it-alone policy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel led the charge Saturday, laying bare just how far apart the US has drifted from its traditional allies and how little Europeans care about concealing their contempt.

The customarily reserved Merkel unleashed a stinging, point-by-point takedown of Trump's tendency to treat its allies as adversaries, turning her fire on America's "home alone" policy.

The German chancellor lamented that the US-led global order "has collapsed into many tiny parts." She said multilateralism, with all its complications, was better than isolationism.

"Now that we see great pressure on the classic order we are used to, the question now is: do we fall apart into pieces of a puzzle and think everyone can solve the question best for himself alone?" she said.

Merkel also defended the EU's expansion of ties with Russia, including plans for a new natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. To tackle global issues, she said, Russia's participation was needed and exclusion from talks would be wrong.

Her speech got an extended standing ovation from the audience as Ivanka Trump, the US president's daughter and a top adviser, looked on stone-faced from the crowd.

The gathering in Munich has traditionally been a chance for the US and its allies to work out their differences with the rest of the world, but since Trump's election, the focus has shifted to the schisms within the West.

"It's getting crazier and crazier. I don't know what next year's Munich will bring," said Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.

"We need to get used to this. It's not going to be like the good old times, when everyone comes, gives speeches, everyone applauds, and everyone goes home," he said.

Merkel was followed to the podium by US Vice President Pence, who was met with only tepid applause and some incredulous looks when he proclaimed Trump "the leader of the free world."

Pence credited Trump with spurring NATO members to spend more on military but said they were not yet spending enough.

Pence also reiterated a demand for European allies to follow the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, saying later that he had had "frank discussions" with European allies about the issue.

Merkel said she found the dispute between Europe and the United States on Iran "depressing."

Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group, said the Europeans were previously reluctant to voice out loud their concerns with the US but "now there's a lot more openly displayed anger about the fact that the relationship is broken."

"The Trump administration doesn't understand that it's not just about how much people pay. It's about a relationship, trust, how you communicate, shared values. That all matters," he said.
Yemeni protesters slam 'Arab traitors'

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 10:07AM

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Yemen to slam some of the country's fellow Arab states' attempts at normalization of relations with Israel.

The rallies took place in the capital, Sana'a, as well as in the western provinces of Sa'ada, al-Hudeydah, Ta'izz, and al-Jawf, among other places in the country, on Sunday, Yemen's al-Masirah television network reported.

The demonstrators specifically criticized a recent United States-led conference held in the Polish capital of Warsaw, during which Arab leaders met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Many Arab observers also called the event  where Netanyahu and some Arab foreign ministers adopted a similar tone regarding the regional situation  a pre-planned stage for the normalization of Israeli-Arab ties.

Netanyahu's office leaked a video of a closed-door meeting in which Persian Gulf Arab officials were seen playing down the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, defending Israel's "right to defend itself," and describing Iran as a "threat" to regional peace.

The Yemeni demonstrators chanted slogans against Israel and slammed Arab leaders as "traitors."

They called the warming up of the Israeli and Arab regimes an act of treason against the Palestinian cause and vowed to stand by the Palestinian nation in its fight against the Israeli occupation.

The protesters were heeding a call by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement.

Calling for the rallies, al-Houthi had called the Warsaw conference "just a manifest of many steps taken against our Islamic Nation," referring to the international Muslim community.

"The [Arab] traitors and their masters wanted our dear people to be puppets for Israel and the United States," he said.

Saudi Arabia and a number of its allies launched a war on Yemen in 2015. The war has killed thousands of people and brought Yemen close to the brink of a countrywide famine.
China to develop missiles as West ups military spending

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 09:17AM

China has rejected Germany's appeal to join a Cold War-era arms control treaty from which the United States unilaterally withdrew this month, saying it would place unfair limits on the Chinese military.

Chancellor Angela Merkel made the appeal at the 2019 Munich Security Conference and called on China to join negotiations about saving the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Merkel warned that the withdrawal of Russia and the United States from the 1987 pact could result in a new arms race in Europe.

"Disarmament is something that concerns us all and we would of course be glad if such talks were held not just between the United States, Europe and Russia but also with China," she said.

"I know there are many reservations, but we would be delighted about Chinese participation."

Yang Jiechi, a senior Chinese foreign policy official, confirmed Beijing's unwillingness to submit to the INF.

"China develops its capabilities strictly according to its defensive needs and doesn't pose a threat to anybody else," Yang told the Munich Security Conference. "So we are opposed to the multilateralization of INF."

Moscow and Washington are signatories to the 1987 INF treaty that bans the deployment of nuclear-armed intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers in Europe.

On February 1, US President Donald Trump announced Washington's withdrawal from the Cold War-era treaty, arguing that the Russians had violated it for years by deploying ground-launched missiles that fell within the banned range.

Moscow has denied any violation, accusing Washington of breaking the deal. President Vladimir Putin also announced this month that Russia would suspend its participation in the INF.

Russia says the US has for long been inventing a false pretext to exit the treaty so it can develop new missiles.

Putin has warned that the collapse of the agreement would spark an arms race and that Moscow would not deploy any new missiles unless Washington did so.

Earlier this month, Russia demanded that the US destroy its weapons banned under the Cold War-era arms control treaty and return to compliance with the agreement.

Military experts have said Washington "is simply putting Europe under fire" and that it is unlikely to win anything from its unilateral withdrawal from the treaty.

US leads surge in Western military spending

A recent Reuters report revealed that the United States and European countries spent more on military last year to sustain their advantages over Chinese and Russian technology.

Western countries "still retain an edge over adversaries, but the gap is narrowing," the report said. "The pace of change may mean that in the future, advantages  if they exist at all  may be held only fleetingly, before the other side catches up."

The report cited Russia's upgrades of air bases and air defense systems in Crimea as well as China's move to modernize People's Liberation Army by 2035.

"China perhaps represents even more of a challenge, as it introduces yet more advanced military systems and is engaged in a strategy to improve its forces' ability to operate at distance from the homeland," the report added.

The rise in military spending came amid rising pressure by Trump on European states and NATO member countries to spend more on military technology which is a monopoly of the United States.
by Paul Tran Hung

The second summit between US president and Kim Jong-un is set for 27-28 February in Hanoi. The North Korean leader will arrive in Vietnam next Monday and will meet Vietnamese President and Communist Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong. Vietnam is committed to greater cooperation with North Korea and supports peace efforts in the Korean Peninsula.

Hanoi (AsiaNews)  Vietnamese at home and abroad are signing a letter to be sent to Trump, warning against the threat of Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea.

They hope that the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald J. Trump will provide an opportunity to bring the issue to the attention of the international community. The historic meeting is scheduled for 27 and 28 February in Hanoi.

The signatories of the letter, which focuses on The important events that have been happened in Vietnam and the East (South China) Sea since 1974, hope that the president will defend freedom of navigation, international law and the sovereignty of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The letter notes that yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the Sino-Vietnamese War (17 February-16 March 1979). Although brief, the conflict cost the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians. The war started with Chinas invasion of six Vietnamese border provinces and ended with the withdrawal of Chinese troops.

Anti-Chinese feeling remain strong and widespread among Vietnamese, reinforced by recent territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Taking advantage of the ambiguities of international law, China claims almost 85 per cent of the sea.

Disputes involve the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam; the Gulf of Tonkin, claimed by Vietnam and China; the Paracel Islands, claimed by Vietnam, China and Taiwan; and the Scarborough Shoal, claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan.

For China, the goal is to control key maritime routes through which one third of world trade flows, as well as the energy resources found on the seabed.

For this reason, it started the construction of a series of artificial islands (seven in the Spratly), with military installations and a lighthouse, and imposed unilateral fishing restrictions, harming thousands of Vietnamese fishermen.

Finally, the Chinese government claims sovereignty over large sections of Vietnams exclusive economic zone.

In Vietnam, people are looking forward to the meeting between Kim and Trump. Local media report that the North Korean leader will arrive in Vietnam as early as 25 February where he will meet with Vietnamese President and Communist Party secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Kim and the North Korean delegation from Pyongyang will have the opportunity to study the Vietnamese "economic model" and visit some industrial plants.

Led by Kim Chang-son, Kim Jong-uns de facto chief of staff, the 12-member North Korean delegation arrived in Vietnam on Saturday to prepare their leaders two summits.

This followed the visit to North Korea (12-14 February) by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh who met with his North Korean counterpart, with whom he promised "to share the Vietnamese experience of nation-building, socio-economic development and international integration".

Vietnam also pledged to boost cooperation with North Korea and support efforts to ensure peace, security and stability on the Korean peninsula.
India on alert for communal strife after Kashmir attack

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 04:10PM

The Indian government is on alert following a recent deadly attack on Indian forces in Kashmir that has triggered a wave of communal violence against Kashmiris residing in different parts of India.

India's Interior Ministry on Sunday ordered increased safety measures for Kashmiri civilians following reports of mob attacks on them in various parts of the South Asian country.

The ministry issued an advisory to all states to "ensure their (the Kashmiris') safety and security and maintain communal harmony."

A car bomb attack on a military convoy of Indian forces in Indian-administered Kashmir killed at least 44 of them on Thursday. The attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group and was the worst in decades of militancy in the disputed valley, which is claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but ruled partially by each.

The bombing has caused widespread anger across India, with some demonstrations and TV news channels demanding military action against Pakistan.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a strong response to the attack.

Following that incident, a man believed to be a Kashmiri was beaten by a crowd in New Delhi that accused him of chanting anti-India slogans. Some Kashmiri students were also assaulted by members of right-wing Hindu groups in the northern state of Uttarakhand.

Kashmiri students in Uttarakhand's capital of Dehradun said they also had been asked to vacate their rooms immediately.

Other incidents of violence or discrimination against Kashmiris have been reported in India as well.

Authorities say about a dozen people have been detained for making "derogatory" statements about the attack on social media.

A round-the-clock curfew remained in place in Jammu City, the Hindu-majority region of Kashmir, after mobs torched properties belonging to Kashmiri Muslims. Police has urged residents to contact their hotline for "speedy assistance in case they face any difficulties/harassment."

A shutdown was also observed in the main city Srinagar. Internet services were cut across the state.

Mehbooba Mufti, a former chief minister of Kashmir, in a Twitter post appealed to the New Deli government to ensure the security of Kashmiris across India.

"Understand the pain and anguish," she said. "But we must not allow such mischievous elements to use this as an excuse to persecute/harass people from J&K (Jammu and Kashmir). Why should they suffer for somebody else's action?"

But authorities have not been exactly responsive.

India withdraws police protection for Kashmir leaders

Indian authorities withdrew police protection for five independence-seeking leaders in Kashmir on Sunday.

Home Affairs Ministry spokesman A. Bharat Bhushan Babu said that police protection had been withdrawn for Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and four other leaders, adding, "We have decided to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the attack on security forces."

Babu said the decision followed a call by the government for a review of security for those "taking money from Pakistan."

A spokesman for independence-seeking leaders, however, dismissed the significance of the government's decision. "It has no bearing, neither can it change the reality of the lingering Kashmir dispute or the situation on the ground," he said.

Pakistan is widely accused of arming and training militants.

On Wednesday, an explosives-laden car rammed into a bus carrying Iranian security personnel in Sistan-and-Baluchestan Province  which borders Pakistan  killing 27 of them and wounding 13 others. The so-called Jaish ul-Adl terrorist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the assault.

Various civilian and military Iranian officials have in the wake of the Wednesday terrorist attack used unprecedented rhetoric against the government in Islamabad for harboring terrorists, who routinely stage attacks against Iran from inside Pakistan and then retreat into Pakistani territory.
Israeli settler violence has risen against Palestinians: UN

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 04:29PM

The United Nations (UN) says acts of violence and vandalism committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property have risen since the beginning of the year 2019.

Palestine's official WAFA news agency, citing a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), announced the news on Saturday.

OCHA's biweekly report, which covered the period from January 29 to February 11 this year, showed a weekly average of seven attacks resulting in injuries or property damage compared to an average of five in the same period in 2018 and three in 2017.

Two Palestinian teenagers, 14 and 17 years old, were killed on February 8 by the live fire of Israeli troopers during the "Great March of Return" protest rallies in the besieged Gaza Strip, the report said, adding that in the same day, another two Palestinians also succumbed to the injuries they had received in similar protests in the previous reporting period.

OCHA said the four fatalities brought the Palestinian death toll during the Gaza protests since March 2018 to 263, including 49 minors.

"About 425 trees and 14 vehicles were vandalized, and one Palestinian was injured, in attacks by Israeli settlers during the recording period," the UN agency also said.

The injured Palestinian was a 20-year-old man, who was physically assaulted by Israeli settlers near the Jibiya village in the central West Bank district of Ramallah, it explained.

The report said the 425 Palestinian-owned trees had been vandalized by Israeli settlers in three separate incidents in al-Khalil (Hebron) in the southern West Bank and in Jalud Village in Nablus, located in the northern West Bank.

Separately, Israeli settlers punctured the tires of 14 Palestinian-owned vehicles, spray-painted racist graffiti in al-Lubban al-Sharqiya and Huwwara villages, south of Nablus, and in al-Khalayleh, near the Jerusalem al-Quds district, the OCHA's report further said, adding that the Israeli settlers also attempted to torch a local mosque in Deir Dibwan Village in Ramallah during the period.

"Israeli army's uprooting of trees and destruction of property occurred mainly in the northern Jordan Valley where approximately 500 trees were uprooted, four dunams of cultivated land leveled and an irrigation network damaged on February 6th in Bardala village that affected the livelihood of seven families," the report said.

During the previous reporting period, on January 22, the Israeli military authorities uprooted 1,250 Palestinian-owned trees in Safa Village near al-Khalil, OCHA added.

The UN agency also said that during the reporting period, 15 Palestinian structures were demolished or seized in East Jerusalem al-Quds and Area C of the occupied West Bank, under the pretext of lacking a building permit, displacing 39 Palestinians and affecting the livelihoods of some 70 others.

Back in October, Israeli settlers stoned a Palestinian woman to death near a West Bank checkpoint south of Nablus.

The incident came two days after a group of Israeli settlers from the Yitzhar settlement broke into a high school in Urif Village, located in southern Nablus and began throwing stones at horrified students inside their classrooms.

Dozens of students were injured during the assault, which also led to the disruption of classes and material damage.

About 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 illegal settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds.

Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital.

Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories has been a major sticking point in Israeli-Palestinian talks, which have stalled since 2014.
Warring sides in Yemen agree on 'Phase 1' of redeploying forces in Hudaydah: UN

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 11:31PM

The Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed militants loyal to the ex-Yemeni government have reached an agreement on "Phase 1" of their mutual redeployment of forces under a UN-sponsored deal for the warring armies to leave the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, the UN said Sunday.

"The parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces" after two days of talks in Hudaydah, a statement by the UN spokesman's office said.

The talks were led by Danish General Michael Lollesgaard as chair of a redeployment coordination committee (RCC) that includes the Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis.

"After lengthy but constructive discussions facilitated by the RCC Chair, the parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," said the UN statement.

Under Phase 1, the Houthis are to withdraw from the ports of Hudaydah, Saleef and Ras Isa to be met by a retreat of coalition forces from the eastern outskirts of the city, where battles raged before a ceasefire went into effect on December 18.

The forces are to be withdrawn from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities. the statement said.

The sides made "important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces" but no date was given to begin the demilitarization.

"The parties also agreed, in principle, on Phase 2 of the mutual redeployment, pending additional consultations within their respective leadership."

The redeployment of forces is a critical part of the truce deal reached during UN-mediated peace talks in Sweden in December between representatives from the Houthi Ansarullah movement and the Riyadh-sponsored government of ex-president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

Under the Stockholm agreement, the pullback was supposed to have taken place two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18, but that deadline was missed.

The Houthis have repeatedly complained that the Saudi-led coalition has been violating the ceasefire.

Under the truce deal, the rival parties had agreed to the withdrawal of their troops and the deployment of UN monitors to the port city.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates launched the Hudaydah offensive in June 2018 but have been facing strong resistance from Yemeni armed forces  led by the Houthis  as well as the city's residents.

The city, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the Saudi-led war, which Riyadh began in March 2015.

The imposed war initially consisted of an aerial campaign but was later compounded by a naval blockade and the deployment of mercenaries to Yemen.

Yemen is going through the worst humanitarian crisis since Saudi Arabia and some of its regional allies launched the war on the country in March 2015 in a bid to restore its close ally Hadi to power.

The efforts to destroy the Houthis and reinstate Hadi have so far failed, forcing the kingdom to push for peace with the Yemeni resistance movement and its allies in the army.
9 Saudi soldiers killed in Yemeni fire on southern border posts

Iran Press TV

Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:47AM

At least nine Saudi soldiers have been killed in renewed wave of fire from Yemeni fighters of the Houthi Ansarullah movement on military positions south of the kingdom.

Saudi authorities said in a statement late on Saturday that the soldiers had been killed in battles with the Houthis in the southern border regions.

The Saudi military also published images of a funeral of one of the soldiers in the al-Ahsa region.

Houthis said they had inflicted considerable losses of the ranks of the Saudis in attacks on Saudi military positions, adding that fighters had taken control of a number of sites in areas east of Jaffan and Jizan regions.

A military source from the Houthis said that fighters had also launched attacks on Saudi army personnel stationed in Najran and Asir regions on Friday, leading to scores of deaths among the ranks of the Saudi military.

The new clashes in the Saudi-Yemen border regions come after a period of relative calm in the area.

The cross-border violence had largely ebbed after the United Nations managed to mediate a truce agreement between the Houthis and Saudis in Sweden in December. However, the two sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce.

Attacks by Houthis on Saudi positions south of the kingdom are largely meant to respond to Riyadh's relentless bombardment of the country which has left more than 15,000 people, most of them civilians, killed.

Saudi Arabia hat put the death toll of its military personnel during the four-year-old war on Yemen at around 1,500, with many of them killed in counter-attacks by the Houthis on army positions in three southern regions of Najran, Jizan and Asir.
USS Tulsa Commissioned as Navy's Newest Surface Combatant

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS190217-01

Release Date: 2/17/2019 1:00:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody Paschall, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 Public Affairs

SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) was commissioned as the Navy's newest surface combatant in a ceremony in San Francisco Feb. 16.

The Independence-variant LCS is the Navy's second ship to be named for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"She truly is an amazing ship and an amazing addition to the fleet, but as impressive as she is, she would be nothing without the Sailors you see lining her deck this morning," said Cmdr. Drew Borovies, Tulsa's commanding officer. "And as much as they have already accomplished, they know their true greatness lies ahead as Tulsa enters the fleet and stands ready to answer her nation's call. They are the finest Sailors our Navy has to offer. They are tough, able and ready to take our nation's newest warship to sea."

Indeed, in little more than three years, the ship has progressed from its keel laying in Mobile, Alabama, to its commissioning. Kathy Taylor, ship's sponsor and former Tulsa mayor, was present for both events and many in between.

"I have gotten to know the crew of this exceptional USS Tulsa, and I know they will fight when they must," said Taylor. "I know they will protect this country at all costs, because they know everything they fight for and they protect keeps the promises made to all Americans."

Current Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum emphasized the bond between the people of Tulsa and the Sailors who serve aboard the Navy's newest ship.

"Wherever you are in the world, whatever day it might be or whatever hour in that day, we hope you know that there are hundreds of thousands of your fellow Tulsans who are thinking of you, and who are honored to be associated with you and are so proud of you," said Bynum.

The crew visited the city little more than a year ago to learn more about it and its people. Oklahoma Sen. James Lankford recounted some of the characteristics of the city and its people beginning at the city's founding as the destination of a forced migration of Native American people, through booming growth and cultural turmoil and into a city renowned for its diversity and beauty.

"When you arrive at any port of our nation or any port around the globe, you will bear all of our names and all of our history," said Lankford. "You are capable of operating in all environments. Your mission is to protect our seas and deter aggression, but when deterrence fails, we also know you are fully capable of restoring the peace. Your actions, your words, your faith, your discipline and your power will reveal to a curious world just who we are as Americans. You are our ambassadors for freedom and you bear the name Tulsa and the United States of America."

Tulsa will join the fleet at a time of expansion of capability as well as increased demand on the Navy forces.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy James Guertz noted Tulsa is the fifth ship the Navy has commissioned in the past 50 days and one of 13 ships slated to be commissioned this year  up from eight a year ago  as part of broader efforts to ensure the nation's maritime freedom.

"Having the right mix of ships with the right number of ships, to include Tulsa, makes us ready to execute prompt and sustained combat operations at sea to fight and win against any adversary," said Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Let there be no doubt, that is what Tulsa is ready to do."

After the ceremony, the ship will transit to San Diego to join Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1 and eight other littoral combat ships currently homeported at Naval Base San Diego.

Tulsa is the 15th littoral combat ship and the eighth of the Independence variant.

Littoral combat ships are high speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, littoral combat ships have the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, the littoral combat ships provide a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.


by Sumon Corraya

Every year, the gathering is held on the banks of the Turag River. About 5,000 pilgrims come from abroad. Some participants called for Allah's blessing; others prayed for his forgiveness for their offences in this life.

Gazipur (AsiaNews)  At least two million Muslims, including some 5,000 from 50 other countries, took part in the final prayer of the Bishwa Ijtema (global congregation), the largest Islamic pilgrimage in the world after Hajj, last Friday.

Organised by the Tablighi Jamaat (Society for spreading the faith), the event is held every year in Tongi, near Dhaka, on the banks of the Turag River, bringing together the faithful to kneel and pray for world peace.

Tablighi Jamaat is a transnational and apolitical religious movement, whose goal is a return to original Sunni Islam, particularly in matters of ritual, dress, and personal behaviour.

The pilgrimage is usually divided into two parts. Originally, they were set for 11-13 January and 18-20 January; however, this year, it was postponed and merged into a single gathering because of the countrys general election in late December 2018.

For the occasion, the banks of the Turag were kept under tight surveillance by security forces and CCTV cameras.

The pilgrims called for Allah's blessing. One of them, Imran Hossain from Jamalnagor, spoke to AsiaNews. "I study at a madrassa (Quranic school) and one year from now I will start preaching the values of Islam at work.

Other participants said they came to pray. This was the case of Nur-ul-Huda, 35. "My wife has been sick for several months. I took part in the Ijtema to ask for her to get well.

Safique Hossian, 72, came with his grandson. "I will not live long. I am waiting for an answer from Allah. I came to ask for forgiveness for what I did in my life. I hope Allah hears my plea."

For Nahin Islam, 15, "True Islamic values do not include fundamentalism. Allah commands us not to kill innocent people."
Issue of spectrum allotment of 4G services to BSNL being referred to TRAI, says DOT News oi-Priyanka Dua BSNL employees and officers will not jeopardize the interests of their organization by going on strike at a time when it is in their own interest to protect their customer base and revenue.

The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) said the issue of spectrum allotment for providing 4G services to BSNL is being referred to TRAI.

"For allotment of 4G spectrum, pursuant to the decision taken in Digital Communications Commission (DCC) meeting held on 05.02.2019, the issue of spectrum allotment for providing 4G services to BSNL is being referred to TRAI to recommend on the issue of administrative allocation, quantum, price, and appropriate frequency band. Further action will be taken on receipt of the said recommendation," DOT said.

In parallel, a comprehensive proposal for revival of BSNL has been prepared, which will be taken up for consideration by competent authorities very soon," it added.

The government will continue to engage with the BSNL management and representatives of the union and associations to support their reasonable demands and to guide the organization towards a revival, DOT further added.

It also hopes that BSNL employees and officers will not jeopardize the interests of their organization by going on strike at a time when it is in their own interest to protect their customer base and revenue by providing uninterrupted, high-quality services.

The DOT said this in response to a three-day strike called by All India Unions and Associations of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

The government said that it recognizes the inherent strength and strategic position of BSNL in the Telecom sector in the country. All efforts are being made and will continue to be made, to make BSNL robust and financially viable.

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Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) announced: Price, specs and features News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) is now official.

Samsung appears to be one brand that has not forgotten the Android tablets. Recently, we saw that the company announced the Galaxy Tab S5e. Alongside this one, the South Korean tech giant has also announced the Galaxy Tab 10.1 (2019), which is an affordable tablet launched only in Germany as of now.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 price and availability

Well, Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) has been launched in two variants based on the connectivity aspects. The Wi-Fi only variant is priced at 210 euros (approx. Rs. 17,000) and the Wi-Fi + LTE variant is priced at 270 euros (approx. Rs. 22,000). Both the variants of this Samsung tablet are available in three color options - Gold, Silver and Black.

As of now, this tablet has been launched only in Germany and will go on sale from April 5. It remains to be seen if this smartphone will be launched in the global markets including India in the coming months.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) specifications

Detailing on its specifications, the Samsung tablet flaunts a 10.1-inch display with a FHD+ resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:10. It appears to have thick bezels on all sides. Under its hood, this tablet makes use of an in-house Exynos 7904 SoC teamed up with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage space, which can be expanded up to 400GB using a microSD card.

For imaging, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) bestows an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera for video calling. The device appears to miss out on a fingerprint sensor but it has face unlock for biometric authentication purpose. Connectivity wise, this smartphone comes with Wi-Fi, Cat 6 LTE and Bluetooth 5.0. Other goodies of the latest offering from Samsung include a 6150mAh battery and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos.

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Reddit user clicks breathtaking image of Moon like never before News oi-Vishal Kawadkar This could be one of the best images of the Moon ever clicked.

If you ever tried to see the moon in detail, the latest 81MP image would be the best option. The new image was taken by a Californian stargazer and shared on Reddit, where it caught everyone's attention and stayed at the top of r/space with 1,48,000 upvotes and 3,400 comments.

The photo comes just a few days after NASA announced that it will never leave space unoccupied again and use Moon as the gateway to exploring other extraterrestrial bodies.

"When we go to the moon (next time), we're going to stay," said Bridenstine, Chief of NASA, according to Space.com. "So, we're not going back to the moon to leave flags and footprints and then not go back for another 50 years. We're going to go sustainably... to stay. With landers and robots and rovers - and humans."

The image was taken using an Orion XT10 telescope, a Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro mount and two cameras: a Sony A7II and a ZWO ASI224MC. The photographer told Forbes that the bright side of the Moon was processed separately and 25 tiles were merged together using Photoshop.

"What inspires me about space is the infinite possibilities. Each little pocket of the night sky has so much vast beauty it's incomprehensible," he said.

Besides, NASA has announced that it will send humans back on the Moon by 2028, but this time to stay for longer durations.

"This time, when we go to the Moon, we're actually going to stay," Bridenstine said. "We're not going to leave flags and footprints and then come home, to not go back for another 50 years."

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Pakistan Flag is show as the "Best Toilet Paper In The World" on Google News oi-Vivek Search Best Toilet Paper In the World on Google

What if I tell you that the best toilet paper in the world is a country's flag? Don't want to believe me? Just Google "Best Toiler Paper In the World" in Google and look at the image search results.

According to the latest Google search results, Pakistan's flag is the best toilet paper in the world, or at least Google believes the same.

Why Pakistan's flag is the best Toilet paper in the world?

Google search results are based on the data stored on the internet. It looks like someone has changed the names of the Pakistan flag to the "Best Toilet Paper In The World," using a glitch on the search engine and the same is reflected in the Google search results (on Google.co.in).

I have seen multiple instances of Google showcasing different objects under different search results due to the phenomenon mentioned above.

Some hacker has updated some keywords on Google search engine as a backlash to the Pulwama terrorist attack on the Indian army, where 44 Indian soldiers have been killed in a brutal bomb attack using a truck.

Similarly, some hackers have hacked some Pakistani websites to showcase the anger and frustration that they are going through after the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Yuho Mobiles to launch 7 new models in 2019 under Rs 15,000 News oi-Priyanka Dua The newly launched smartphone comes with a 6.2-inch display with a 2.5D curved glass on top.

Chinese smartphone maker Yuho Mobiles is planning to launch seven new models in India under Rs. 15,000.

"At present, we have eight products in the Indian market and now we are planning to launch seven more products this year under Rs. 15000, " Chanpreet Singh, Country CEO & Managing Director of Yuho Mobiles told Gizbot.

He said, "We will be launching a new handset with 6GB RAM and a 6.6-inch display with a waterdrop notch."

"We will be investing Rs.500 crore in India to increase our capacity," he replied when asked about the company's investment plan.

Meanwhile, the company has announced the launch of a new Vast series in India.

The newly launched smartphone comes with a 6.2-inch display with a 2.5D curved glass on top. It is powered by a quad-core MediaTek processor clocked at 1.4 GHz, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage which can be expanded up to 64GB via microSD card.

"We are looking at 1.5 to 2 percent market share in India by the end of this calendar year," Singh informed Gizbot.

In addition, the brand also focuses on affordable price points. Yuho has more than 10,000 retail outlays pan India and has an assembling unit for its handsets - making it a pro "Make in India" brand.

Yuho Mobile Pvt. Ltd. was founded in December 2016 and the primary objective of Yuho is to provide the right product, at the right time, at the right price and forge a strong business relationship with the channel partners based on transparent and healthy business practices.

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Samsung Galaxy A50 renders leak in full glory News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The Samsung Galaxy A50 leaked renders suggests a display with a teardrop notch on top similar to the recently launched Galaxy M series with a slightly thick bottom chin.

Samsung recently launched its reinvented Galaxy M series and is working on its refreshed Galaxy A series. Similar to the Galaxy M series, Samsung has also announced that the Galaxy A series launch will be focused on the Indian market. The upcoming Galaxy A series will be a mid-range smartphone lineup and some of the smartphones in this series have already been leaked online. Among the leaked Galaxy A series of smartphones the Galaxy A50 has been the most leaked Galaxy A smartphone. Now, the smartphone has been leaked once again in its full glory revealing the key specifications and features of the upcoming smartphone.

The Samsung Galaxy A50 leaked renders suggests a display with a teardrop notch on top similar to the recently launched Galaxy M series with a slightly thick bottom chin. The smartphone will have an in-display fingerprint scanner for device unlocking. The leaked renders first shared by PriceKart.com further suggests that the smartphone will make use of a triple lens rear camera setup accompanied by an LED flash at the bottom along with the Samsung logo placed at the middle of the rear panel.

The camera specs have also been revealed via the leaked renders. The smartphone's rear camera is said to comprise of a 25MP primary sensor, a 5MP depth sensor and an 8MP tertiary camera sensor with an ultra-wide lens. The front of the device will pack a 25MP camera for selfies and video calls. This indicates that the smartphone will have some powerful imaging capabilities.

The leaked renders further reveal that the Galaxy A50 bottom panel houses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfers. The device will also have one 3.5mm audio jack for connecting wired headphones to the device. Also, the smartphone is tipped to pack a 4,000mAh battery unit under the hood.

Besides, some previous leaks had suggested that the smartphone will run on Samsung's in-house Exnos 9610 processor which will be paired with 6GB of RAM for multitasking. The device will come with an onboard storage of 128GB to store all the files and data. The leaked specs do suggest at an impressive mid-range offering by the company, it would be interesting to see what all this device brings in the mix.

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Realme 3 teased by company CEO in Gully Boy style News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Realme 3 is likely to be launched soon with a whopping 48MP camera.

Ever since its launch, Realme has been quite successful in the Indian market due to its attractive smartphones that are priced affordable and packed with decent specifications. The company has launched an array of smartphones so far and is speculated to be working on the next device. Well, the talk is about the Realme 3.

In a recent teaser in the Bollywood style, Realme CEO Madhav Sheth teased the upcoming Realme 3 smartphone. As per the preview video of the official teaser of the upcoming Realme smartphone revealed by BGR India, CEO Madhav Sheth dances with rappers from Gully Boy movie. He is seen teasing the upcoming Realme 3 smartphone.

Realme 3 speculations

As of now, there is no word regarding what we can expect from this smartphone. However, it looks like the sequel to the Realme 1 and Realme 2 will be a bestseller. Notably, the Realme 2 hit the headlines recently as it crossed over 2 million units of sale. Given that it will be a sequel, the upcoming smartphone is expected to arrive with upgraded specifications and features.

Recently, we came across speculations that the company could be in plans to launch the next-generation smartphone with an affordable price tag sometime in the first quarter of this year. Notably, this smartphone is said to be a mid-range model as its predecessors. Also, there is an official confirmation from the company's CEO that this device could feature a whopping 48MP camera. So, we can expect this device to be launched in the Q1 under Rs. 15,000.

Following these rumors, the company launched the entry-level Realme C1 (2019), which is a successor to the yesteryear model that was launched alongside the Realme C1 priced under Rs. 10,000. As the official teaser has come now, we can expect further details to be revealed in the coming days regarding the Realme 3 and get a clarity regarding it soon.

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Netizens put a banner in Goa to stop using Google Maps for specific location News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The banner posted on the street says, "You are fooled by Google Map. This road doesn't take you to Baga Beach!!! Turn back and take a left turn. Baga is 1 KM from here."

Technology today has made our lives quite simpler, with all the gadgets and machines around us carrying out with the tasks that consumed a lot of time has also become easy. And with the pocket-sized gadgets such as smartphones and tablets, we can now do the tasks for which we needed separate devices such as photography, watching movies and videos, listening to music, finding directions etc. Speaking about the location searching feature, we all would agree that it is the Google Maps which comes first in mind while looking for direction and places.

Google Maps is primarily a web mapping service by the tech giant that offers satellite imagery, real-time traffic conditions, 360-degree panoramic street view and even helps in planning the route via car, foot, and public transportation. No doubt, Maps by Google is one of the best location navigation application developed by Google. However, not every time the directions shown by Maps are correct and you must have experienced going off the route or being taken to a wrong place while using Google Maps. This creates a fuss if you are traveling and are new to a place.

One such issue which was affecting Google Maps users were who were traveling to Goa. Apparently, the Maps showed a wrong direction for Baga Beach in Goa and the travelers taking the path suggested by Google landed at a different place. This has been creating a lot of fuss for the travelers recently and with all the confusion around a netizen seems to have sprung into action to help the new travelers in this region.

A banner has been put up on the streets of Goa near Baga Beach by a netizen warning the travelers against the use of Google Map to search the direction for Baga Beach. The banner posted on the street says, "You are fooled by Google Map. This road doesn't take you to Baga Beach!!! Turn back and take a left turn. Baga is 1 KM from here."

Hahaha. @googlemaps what's the route to Baga beach? 

Photo credits: masud. pic.twitter.com/0K2wK2TQD2  Sumanth Raj Urs (@tweesumz) February 16, 2019

The image of the banner has been first shared on Twitter by a user called Sumanth Raj Urs and has already gone viral. The Tweet has got around 919 likes and 271 retweets and users have been pouring in comments on the same. Commenting on this a Google spokesperson said, "Unfortunately, we can not give in to misuse of our policy or coercion, and are unable to comply with his unreasonable demands". We are expecting that the tech giant resolves this issue soon, however, it remains to be seen how soon the company brings a fix for this.

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Vatican City (AsiaNews)  A press conference was held today to present a meeting on the Protection of Minors in the Church that will take place in the Vatican on 21-24 February. The focus will be on responsibility, accountability and transparency.

Card Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and Deputy Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Fr Federico Lombardi, SI, head of the Ratzinger Foundation, and Fr Hans Zollner, SI, head of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University took part in the presentation.

Father Lombardi, who will moderate the meeting, presented the daily programme: each day is centred on a specific topic: episcopal responsibility, accountability (to whom bishops and major superiors of religious orders must give an account), and transparency.

From Thursday to Saturday three reports will be presented per day to about 190 participants, followed by a Question and Answer session. Three presentations will be by women. Some victims of abuse will meet the Organising Committee and speak about their experience. There will also be moments of prayer.

Pope Francis will open the event with an introduction and will close it on Sunday with an address after Sunday's Mass at which Archbishop Mark Coleridge, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Australia, will deliver the homily. The other liturgical moment will be on Saturday afternoon, with a penitential liturgy.

Both Mgr Scicluna and Card Cupich reiterated the need for transparency. For the archbishop of Malta, who is a member of the Organising Committee, "denial is a primitive mechanism. In his view, we must move away from the code of silence and end the complicity because silence is not acceptable".

He made it clear that the meeting is part of a journey undertaken some time ago, and is meant to create the right conditions for a follow-up. The bishops will return to their dioceses to continue the work and draft "procedures", conscious of their own responsibilities.

When it comes to child protection, "we must not give up", he added. Appropriate solutions must be found to solve the problem so that "the Church can be a safe place for everyone, especially children".

Mgr Charles J. Scicluna also spoke about the expectations stemming from this meeting, noting that we can start from "reasonable expectations" given that not all the issue can be settled in three days. Eventually, it will depend on how decisions are implemented on the ground.

Answering questions from reporters, Cardinal Cupich, who is also a member of the Organising Committee, spoke of a "new dawn with respect to transparency".

He made it clear that the bishops in attendance, mostly presidents of Bishops Conferences, must clearly understand what their responsibilities are, and that safety programmes can prevent a repeat of what happened in the past.

The cardinal went on to say that many of those taking part in the meeting at the Vatican met with victims, as by Pope Francis himself had requested, and that each one "carries the wounds in the heart" of those who were abused by Church members.

The topics the Archbishop of Chicago touched included homosexuality which, he specified, is not "a cause of abuse". The prelate also talked about the appropriate screening methods to be put in place for those who want to enter the seminary, so that those "at risk" of committing child abuse can be excluded.

With respect to the possible release of data on victims of abuse and the actions taken by Church members to deal with the problem, Mgr Charles J. Scicluna said that this will probably be done, but that "it is not enough to publish figures because it takes a thorough study to provide a context".

Fr Hans Zollner, head of the Centre for Child Protection at the Pontifical Gregorian University, who is also a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and the contact person for the Organising Committee, presented the questionnaire proposed to participants as well as the meetings official website, which will be updated on a regular basis and will serve as a "tool to develop future initiatives".
Jessica Perry, from left, Marissa Brigham and Theresa Miller hold a counter-protest during a small anti-Muslim gathering in December 2015 at the Campbell County Courthouse. The women said they were there to promote peace, love and the idea that everyone is welcome in Gillette.
"Kargi Gogo" - Georgian restaurant in the U.S - GeorgianJournal
"Is there room for these people in our hearts? Or do we speak of the people, settle our conscience a little by giving alms ". But please do not give too much because with these social things from the Church", it ends up looking like "a communist party and this hurts us".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Where is your brother? This is the question that God asks each one of us in our hearts regarding our brother who is sick, in prison or hungry. Pope Francis made this the reflection of his homily at Mass, Monday morning, in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.

Commenting on the episode of Cain and Abel in the first reading from the Book of Genesis, the Pope said explained that mankind, like Cain, often attempts to reply to Gods uncomfortable and embarrassing questions with regard to our neighbours. What have I got to do with my brother's life? Am I his keeper? I wash my hands of him. The Pope explained that Cain, who killed his brother, tries to escape the gaze of God. He said Jesus also asked such uncomfortable questions. He asked Peter three times whether he loved Him. He asked his disciples what people said about Him and what they themselves thought about Him.

Pope Francis said today the Lord asks each one of us some personal questions such as these: "Where is your brother who is hungry?" the Lord asks us. And to save our skin, we answer, Surely he is at lunch with the parish Caritas group that is feeding him. What about the other, the sick?" Oh well, he is in the hospital!" "But there's no place in the hospital! And did you give him any medicine? " "But, thats his business, I cannot meddle in the life of others ... and besides, he will have relatives who give him medicine ". And so I wash my hands of him. "Where is your brother, the prisoner?" "Ah, he deserves and is paying for it. We are tired of seeing so many criminals on the street.

Perhaps, the Pope said, you never hear such answers from the Lord. Where is your brother, your exploited brother, the one who works illegally, nine months a year with no security, no holiday ...?" The Holy Father urged each one to put a name to each one of those that the Lord mentions in Chapter 25 of Matthews Gospel - the sick, the hungry, the thirsty, without clothes, the little one who cannot go to school, the drug addict, the prisoner ... where is he?

The Pope said questions are constantly being asked of us. Where is your brother in your heart? Is there room for these people in our hearts? Or do we try to calm our conscience by giving some alms? "We are accustomed, he said, to giving compromising answers in order to escape from the problem, not to see the problem, not to touch the problem".

Pope Francis said that unless we put names to the list in Matthews Gospel Chapter 25, we will create a dark life for us with sin crouching at our door, waiting to enter and destroy us. When God asked Adam in the Book of Genesis, Adam, where are you?" - Adam hid himself out of shame. Perhaps we dont notice these things, these sufferings, these pains, the Pope said and urged Christians not to hide from reality but to answer openly, faithfully and joyfully to the questions that the Lord asks us about our brothers.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  Following the rehabilitation of Boracay island and Manila Bay, environment officials have set their eyes on Baguio City next.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said he has assigned a team to conduct a month-long study of the tourist destination's pine forests. He noted that the number of pine trees in the city continues to dwindle.

"Because Baguio is pine trees and pine trees is Baguio. So noon sabi nga nila have you noted, pag-akyat mo sa Baguio nanganganoy na ang pine trees, ngayon hindi na kasi kokonti na lang leaves niya," Cimatu said Sunday.

[Translation: Because Baguio is pine trees and pine trees is Baguio. Before people have said when you climb Baguio it smells of pine trees, now that is no longer the case because they have fewer leaves.]

Local agriculturists have also noticed that many pine trees have been dying as early as two years ago.

Cimatu said he is also looking into restricting building construction on the city slopes and may order the suspension of issuing building permits.

The Baguio City government welcomed the environment chief's suggestions. "If that will be imposed, it is possible that can be imposed in BaguioThere are sectors that will oppose it but many will also welcome that development," City Councilor Elmer Datuin said.

CNN Philippines' Correspondent Makoi Popioco contributed to this report.
South Africa: Calls for transformation in water sector

Water and Sanitation Minister Gugile Nkwinti has reiterated governments commitment for collaborative efforts to lead transformation of the water sector, as the department prepares to launch the Phakisa Process for Water and Sanitation Master Plan.

Phakisa Process seeks to address sector challenges and ensure that as per the ideals of the National Development Plan (NDP), the Master Plan will assist the department to achieve the desired outcomes.

Minister Nkwinti was speaking at a recent Ministerial Interactive Session on the Transformation of the Water Sector, held at Boksburg in Johannesburg.

The interactive session, which was attended by more than 300 sector leaders aimed at tackling the current transformation challenges in the sector, and how to overcome obstacles that have impeded transformation to date.

Nkwinti said his role during the session was to actively interact, listen and share ideas on how to move the sector forward.

As a department, we are here to facilitate this collaborative transformation process and we can only be successful if we work together. The session is also meant to find input towards the Phakisa Process of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, and hear of experiences of the sector on services received, said Nkwinti.

Nkwinti acknowledged that even though he had received numerous requests from different sector players to meet, he has never met the water users before.

I chose not to meet the individuals but rather to meet the collective. I really appreciate that all of us were able to attend and actually be very active in the session. All of the inputs are accepted and appreciated.

What I want to emphasise is that, for me it is important that the law must be implemented and implemented immediately. This will form an integral part of the way forward towards the desired transformation that we all aspire for, the Minister said.

Departments Deputy Director-General responsible for Strategic and Emergency Projects, Trevor Balzer, gave an overview of the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan, focusing on how it can assist in addressing sector challenges, as well as the implementation of Phakisa Process.

Balzer said the Phakisa for Water and Sanitation is a game-changer for the department and the sector as a whole.

The Phakisa on Water and Sanitation will see sector partners agree on concrete actions, budgets and timeframes necessary to implement the Master Plan, and ensure a water-secure future for the country, while also addressing the triple challenges confronting the country, namely, poverty, unemployment and inequality, Balzer said.

He added that it is the departments intention to mobilise the sector to undertake the implementation of Phakisa by March 2019.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Deputy Minister Andries Nel who was in attendance applauded Nkwinti for initiating and leading the session with the sector, and including COGTA as an interested party.

Nel said this was the right step to foster relations and build trust with sector leaders.

Maintaining infrastructure is critical, as well as the attraction of private sector investment in the water and local government sectors. The President, in delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) reminded all of us of the interlocking and complex nature of this sector. We have also, as COGTA become aware of the need to refine the delivery models of basic services and water in particular, the Deputy Minister said.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Education

On and off ramps: Blackhawk Technical College plans new courses

Anthony Wahl CNC machine operation student Stacey Williams measures an item on a CNC lathe at the Blackhawk Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton. Anthony Wahl CNC machine operation student Stacey Williams performs a task with a CNC lathe at the Blackhawk Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton.

JANESVILLE

In 1975, Blackhawk Technical College offered 38 degrees in professions such as ward clerk, drafting and fast-food operations.

It now offers more than 80 technical diplomas, associate degrees, certificates and apprenticeships in areas such as information technology, culinary arts, radiology and nuclear technology.

In the future, students might see associate degrees in organizational leadership, digital marketing, graphic design and alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.

Blackhawk Technical Colleges courses and degrees have always evolved as jobs have changed. But now the pace has accelerated, and more effort is focused on making a degree a pathway to something more, school officials said.

In October, the Blackhawk Technical College Board approved the concept review of four new associate degrees: organizational leadership, customer service and sales management, digital marketing and alcohol and other drug abuse counseling.

The program descriptions include labor market analysis, local employer survey results, salary information, other technical colleges that offer similar degrees, survey data from local employers, estimated pay and how the degrees might serve as a base for future schooling.

In the past, the way we thought about these programs is that if they transfer to a four-year program, great. If not, so be it, said Zahi Atallah, vice president of academic affairs at Blackhawk. Now, we want to consider the four-year option from the onset.

Certificates or associate degrees from Blackhawk should get students jobs after graduation, Atallah said. They also should provide ways to move up the career or education ladder.

Consider the alcohol and other drug abuse counselor program. If approved at the state level, the courses would give students associate degrees, serve as state-approved substance abuse counselor training and prepare students to take the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors examination.

In addition, the majority of the first-year classes are the same as other human services courses offered by Blackhawk Technical College. That would give students the chance to shift gears after their first year. Finally, officials hope to design the courses so they would transfer to UW-Whitewater or another four-year school. With such a base, a student could pursue a degree in social work.

We want to consider how we can maximize the students investment for everybodys best interestthe students, the employers, the taxpayers and, ultimately, us, Atallah said.

Jon Tysse, Blackhawks director of institutional effectiveness and research, said the school tries to look at things from a stacked and latticed perspective.

For example, Blackhawk awards two-year degrees, technical diplomas and certificates in a variety of topics. Each of those should serve as a base for continuing education. Or the degrees should give people already working a chance to qualify for promotions or pay raises.

We want to provide our students with as many on-ramps to education as they need while at the same time providing off-ramps, too, he said.

He used the culinary production specialist as an example. The one-year degree allows students to get jobs as line cooks or prep cooks. Wages rage from $12 to $18 an hour, according to local job listings.

The one-year program allows students to get into the workforce quickly and inexpensively. Its also designed so its courses are the same as the first year of the culinary arts two-year degree. When they decide to return to school, that first degree will count for something.

Blackhawks embedded technical diplomas and certificates operate in a similar way. Students in the welding and machinist program can earn certificates in individual skills such as shielded metal arc welder, gas tungsten arc welder, manual mill machinist and manual lathe machinist, helping them get employment as soon as possible. Or they can choose to stay in school and chose another stopping point as an off-ramp.
The good news here is that Boone has asked Johnson to let the bill die, and that's what should happen here  although you never know for sure that a proposal is completely dead until the Legislature adjourns later this year.

Boone, as it turns out, was the subject of a records request from The Oregonian newspaper that yielded 1,800 or so pages of her own correspondence. (Boone said she had asked for the bill to be drafted a few days before the newspaper made the request.)

The newspaper, as part of a broader investigation into state campaign finances, was curious to find out why she had continued to fundraise after announcing her retirement from the Legislature. The newspaper discovered, in part, that Boone had used her state email account to contact state agencies about issues that involved family members.

The Oregonian also used the records to examine a curious campaign finance practice in Oregon: the so-called "pass-through," in which donors give money to an officeholder with instructions to pass the dough along to another candidate under the officeholder's name. In an interview with The Oregonian, Boone described a pair of donations from last year that appeared to come from her but came instead from other donors. Boone said the practice is commonplace in the Capitol.
This week, the Malta Gaming Authority -MGA has announced a trio of licensee suspensions for online gambling companies.



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Gambling911.com media partner SBC reports that German/Turkish online bookmaker Betixx Limited, as well as Silemabased industry games developer Morpheus Games (MT) have had their licenses revoked. SBC also reports that, last week, the MGA has instructed bookmaker Betixx (licensed since 2013), to cease all operations related to registering new players and accepting deposits.

The MGA has also moved to fully terminate the operator licence of World-of-bets EU Limited, a registered MGA licensee incumbent for more than ten years now.

Details of the inquiries into all three companies were not immediately released.

Malta is the world's largest online gambling hub, but has come under fire for allowing operators with alleged ties to the Italian Mafia.

The interest of Cosa Nostra in online gambling started in about 2013-2014, Sergio Macaluso, a Cosa Nostra affiliate turned police informant after his November 2017 arrest, told investigators. They infiltrated the sector by making deals with the owners of betting websites, many of whom are set up in Malta because it guarantees a more favorable tax regime.

The explosive growth of online gambling was of great interest to Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia before she was killed by a car bomb in October 2017. Since that event, culminating with a scathing 60 Minutes segment on Malta, the MGA realized it can no longer turn a blind eye to any improprieties.



Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed by a bomb in October 2017

The issues go beyond apparent Mafia ties. In a Reuters article from July 2017, Francesco Guarascio writes that Malta let online gambling firms operate from the island across the European Union between at least 2012-2014 while failing to enforce its own rules on monitoring their computer servers, according to a former employee at Maltas gaming regulator.

From Reuters:

MGA monitors companies in part by telling its employees to attach stickers onto the computer servers used to run the gambling websites. Those stickers mark them with an ID number that must match the equipment registered with the MGA by the online operator.

This practice doesnt modify the machine internally, but it enables the regulator to know which hardware a company is using for its online transactions, facilitating checks on that hardware if ever it suspected fraud or other illicit activity.

Such physical markers are a precondition for any gaming company to obtain a license and be legally entitled to start operations, MGA rules state.

Yet three separate internal email exchanges shown to Reuters by Valery Atanasov, a former employee of the watchdog, showed representatives of three companies themselves referring to situations that were in breach of that system of markers, known as seals.

Lax supervision creates conditions that allow suspicious financial operations, money laundering and other criminal practices, Atanasov said, though he provided no specifics to Reuters.

For its part, the MGA rejected Atanasov's assertions. Atanasov had been fired by the MGA.

MGA chairman Joseph Cuschieri told Reuters there was no link between the practice of sealing and tax compliance and money-laundering.

The MGA has other mechanisms in place to supervise tax compliance and money-laundering. The MGA audits its operators information security procedures and processes against an internal manual largely adopted from international technical standards, he said.

The MGA urges customers who are deemed to have any outstanding payments with the suspended/terminated licensees to contact support.mga@mga.org.mt with required personal information.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
Denuclearization and economic concessions the issues that will be addressed by the two leaders. Pyongyang invokes patriotism: "Let us try to show the world the dignity and stature of our nation". In Seoul, President Moon meets religious leaders: "Peace for prosperity that benefits everyone".

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A few days ahead of the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald J. Trump, the official North Korean press reports declare that the country is about to face " historical turning point ".

The South Korean president Moon Jae-in, who in recent months has successfully held the role of mediator between Washington and Pyongyang, asks for the support of the main religious leaders of the country to achieve the goals set by his government: the denuclearization of North Korea and the improvement of inter-Korean relations.

The editorial published today by the Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reveals the great expectations that Pyongyang has for talks with the US, which will take place in Hanoi (Vietnam), between February 27th and 28th. "It is time for us to tighten our shoe strings and run fast, looking for a higher target as we are facing a decisive moment".

Observers say the summit will focus on measures for denuclearization of the North and subsequent US economic concessions. Invoking efforts for economic development, the Northern newspaper underlines the "surprising results" that the regime has obtained at "Edo", an island off the west coast of the country. "It's about patriotism, conviction and will," adds the editorial. " With the nation-first sprit in mind, let's try to demonstrate our nation's dignity and stature to the world with every single creature".

If the North prepares for the summit in Hanoi recalling the country to patriotism, in South Korea President Moon has taken part in a rare meeting with the leaders of the seven most widespread religions on the national territory.

During the meeting, held this morning at the Blue House, Moon expressed the hope that the second Trump-Kim summit will lead to "specific and visible" denuclearization. "I hope that you will continue to lend your support so that peace on the Korean peninsula leads to prosperity that benefits everyone," he said.
News

Galveston County wants to see more progress on Grand Parkway

GALVESTON

Galveston County commissioners have called on the Texas Department of Transportation to get moving on a long-stalled plan to build a major highway through part of League City.

Commissioners last week unanimously passed a resolution urging the transportation department to move as quickly as possible on a new segment of the Grand Parkway, the 170-mile long proposed beltway that has been under construction around Houston since 1994.

The beltway is planned to be built through part of League City. When that happens, local officials believe there will be a development boom in the fast-growing city in Galveston County.

In its resolution, the county said the highway would be a new, needed evacuation route from the area during natural disasters.

Local work on the beltway previously had been scheduled to begin this year, but in August state officials said the project might not begin until 2020 or later.

The county resolution states the project is being held up on the state level, but doesnt elaborate more than that.

The resolution called on the state to complete a traffic revenue study and to share the information about that study with Galveston and Brazoria counties and proceed expeditiously as possible to proceed with final design, right-of-way acquisition and construction.

The resolution wasnt the only instance of local officials talking progress about the highway project last week.

During a League City council meeting, Mayor Pat Hallisey said the city had heard that local work on the highway could begin soon.

The governor and lieutenant governor are starting to lighten their grip, Hallisey said. The Grand Parkway will be coming.

A Texas Department of Transportation spokesman last week said there was no new news to report on the project. The League City branch of the highway had been environmentally cleared, but has not been funded, spokesman Danny Perez said.

While discussions will continue to take place in the future, there has been no movement forward on this segment, Perez said.
The Boeing Company presented the Clear Creek Education Foundation with a $100,000 grant to fund Makerspaces at all 10 intermediate schools in the Clear Creek Independent School District. Pictured left to right are Greg Smith, superintendent, Dayni Alba, Boeing Global Engagement, Mark Mulqueen, Boeing ISS Program Manager and Houston Site Leader, and Deborah Laine, executive director of foundation.




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by Nirmala Carvalho

The bust of Fr. John Baptist Hoffmann stands outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Sarwada. He fought to protect the tribal lands. Hindu radicals, however, associate him with British colonial rule and the martyrdom of a tribal hero.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Some groups of radical Hindus in Jharkhand are demanding the removal of the bust of a German missionary, Fr. John Baptist Hoffmann, because it would be "an insult" to a tribal hero who fought against British rule.

The news is reported by the Hindustan Times, which cites local sources of the BJP party (Bharatiya Janata Party). Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), told AsiaNews: "The right-wing factions in the tribal area want to divide the indigenous community. This polarization has a specific purpose, which is to create an anti-Christian atmosphere and ruin the harmony between the same tribals in view of the elections ".

The statue of the Jesuit is located outside the church of the Immaculate Conception in Sarwada, about 20 km away from Ranchi. The area is inhabited mostly by tribal ethnic Munda, the original population of the Chotanagpur region.

Born on 21 June 1857 in the German village of Wallendorf, Fr. Hoffmann is known for having worked in the Khunti-Sarwada area and for defeating the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act of 1908, which protects tribal lands and prevents them from being non-Adivasis.

The radical Hindu groups instead, led by Ram Kumar Pahan, president of the BJP in Jharkhand, argue that the missionary represents an offense to the tribals. He is in fact associated with British colonial rule, and in particular with the martyrdom of the tribal icon Birsa Munda.

Sajan K George explains: "This is not the first time [a similar dispute] has taken place. In 2014 it had already happened to a statue of the Virgin with tribal characteristics, with dark skin and dressed in red and white saris, with the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes ".

Finally, the Christian leader reports that "the Church of Jharkhand is under strict surveillance by the far-right factions, which constantly mount anti-Christian sentiments. All of this is part of a broader plan of Hindu nationalists to project [an image] of India as a Hindu nation, especially in view of the upcoming general elections. "
Got a call last week from a kind lady who wanted to report a pothole problem.

Shed unwittingly mixed up one digit on the Virginia Department of Transportations pothole reporting line and couldnt get through.

She said shes 81 and was having a tough time navigating the Chatham Bridge heading out of Fredericksburg to Stafford County.

No kidding.

Age and experience be damneddriving on the eastbound side of the bridge is like navigating a minefield with all of the potholes and the piles of gravel mounting next to the concrete curb.

Your car wont explode if you hit one of those potholes, but your tires might.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is working on it, local spokeswoman Kelly Hannon said. Crews were out last week filling the potholes.

The cold and wet weather has proven a challenge, and VDOT has adjusted.
Strauss said that his group can provide auctions set up in many different ways, from sales that simply go to the highest bidder to others where the sales price must hit a certain minimum. They can also be structured to only include bidders who show up in person, online or a mix of the two.

He noted that for most simple house auctions, the bidding chant only lasts for 5 minutes or so, though complicated sales with multiple parcels could go on for quite a while. More time is often spent explaining the terms of a sale or registering folks to bid than on the bidding process itself.

Strauss loves his job, adding that auctioneers have to almost be almost on their deathbed to miss a sale. He said that the notion that people can end up buying a house at an auction by scratching their nose at the wrong time is just an old myth.

While well have one of our auctioneers doing the auctioneering, we will also have others of us out helping the bidders, making sure they understand where things stand and the bid theyre offering, he said.
So how do you handle situations like this, especially if you are the diversity hire?

My response to my male colleague when I was told that I was hired because I was a woman? Well, I guess I have to prove to you that you didnt make a mistake. And then I did my very best to be a terrific professor and colleague.

If we embrace the concept of diversity in organizations (and we should!), we need to recognize that someone must be the first hire in a category, be it woman, African-American, gay person. How we include them as one of the team is critical in the hiring process. If they feel needed and welcomed, things will probably go pretty well for everyone. But if they are set apart because of the difference they bring, the organization can expect some challenges.

Will there be people in your workplace who are not welcoming when their new co-worker looks different or has different religious preferences or a different lifestyle than the rest of the employees? Absolutely. What top management and direct supervisors do to address this is key.

Many organizations offer diversity and inclusion training. Thats a start. But on a daily basis, supervisors must address any snarky comments or exclusions. Actions speak louder than words.
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by Kamel Abderrahmani

The Saudi crown prince is on the first stop of his Asian tour, Pakistan, where he signed a US$ 20 billion deal. Meanwhile, a violent crackdown continues at home. Reformist religious leaders like Shaykh Salman al-Awdah risk the death penalty for their beliefs. Liberal Muslims must support the oppressed and break down the wall of silence.

Paris (AsiaNews)  Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) arrived in Pakistan yesterday, the first stop on an Asian tour that includes India, China and Indonesia.

In Islamabad, he met with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, pledging US$ 20 billion in investments to boost the countrys fragile economy. The agreement provides for US$ 8 billion financing for the oil refinery in Gwadar. The Pakistani government gave the illustrious and wealthy guest a lavish reception, anxious to get his petrodollars to cope with a serious domestic crisis.

For Salman, money is one way to silence criticisms and attacks by NGOs and pro-human rights activists for the abuses and violence perpetrated in the kingdom and abroad. Increasingly, the reformist image that the 33-year-old Crown Prince has tried to project seems more and more illusory. This includes his much-vaunted Vision 2030 plan to reform, among other things social mores, like granting women the right to drive.

In reality, the arrests of senior officials and entrepreneurs last year, the repression of activists and critical voices, the war in Yemen with its civilian victims, including children, not to mention the assassination of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi cast a giant shadow on MbS.

What follow are the thoughts of Kamel Abderrahmani, 30, an Algerian Muslim scholar.

A French saying notes that "appearances are often deceptive". This is the case of the "Kingdom of Allah". One must indeed be wary about what appears to be openness in a country like Saudi Arabia, an image it has tried desperately to project to the world. That's something I said over a year. If I say it again, it is because the countrys theocratic politics is always faithful to sharia (Islamic law) and has not hesitated to make use of its barbarous and inhumane rules.

Crown Prince Salman has tried to charm the West, a way to stifle the voices that oppose the oppression imposed on human rights activists. His attempts to create the image of an open and modernising prince in the eyes of the world are contradicted by his actions: repression, arrests, organised assassination and death sentences by decapitation, etc.

Human rights activists continue to sound the alarm bells highlighting the inhuman and barbarous actions carried out in that country. One way or another, the kingdoms courts find a way to justify the death sentence.

Like the religious reformer and university scholar Ferhan Al Maliki, who could be beheaded and whom I mentioned in another article, it is now the turn of Shaykh Salman al-Awdah. He too could be sentenced to death. Rest assured, he is not an Islamist terrorist but a religious reformer accused of promoting true personal and civil freedom, openness to critical thinking and updated religious interpretations and opinions of Islam.

Religious reformer Shaykh Salman al-Awdah has been unjustly incarcerated since September 2017 as part of a major wave of arrests aimed at stifling dissent in the kingdom of Allah. He was arrested just one day after he had welcomed possible reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, after he had objected to the economic war between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

What shocks and scares me is that everyone is silent. Whether Al-Azhar in Egypt, the World Association of Muslim religious scholars, or Muslims around the world, no one is speaking out and this silence is unjustifiable and inconceivable.

This eminent progressive theologian does not deserve either imprisonment or decapitation. Saudi Arabia must revisit the way it deals with peaceful men and women who want only more freedom of conscience and expression. It is outrageous and unacceptable that men and women who denounce social injustice are treated this way in a community of more than one billion people. I include myself among them. Even though I may be in danger, as a liberal Muslim I stand by the oppressed because I am truly free, and for this reason I categorically refuse to be a prisoner of silence.
**Embargo: Cincinnati, OH** The Drug Enforcement Administration says Celia Ruiz-Ochoa (left) created a drug-trafficking network that helped fuel the opioid crisis in southern Ohio. After she was sentenced to decades in federal prison, her son Sergio Ruiz (right) took over.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC (FOX Carolina) Greenville County deputies, along with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, were up bright and early Sunday morning in preparation for a very eventful day.

Deputies and troopers set up a perimeter around Five Forks Library in Greenville hours before the library is set to host a Drag Queen Story Hour.

The event was met with critics and supporters.

The groups GOP Politics of South Carolina and the Greenville Tea Party announced the will hold an alternate event at the same time at the Five Forks library branch Sunday, called the Pro-Family Community Gathering.

Inside, the drag queens who read said they had a positive experience.

"We've had nothing but love inside. It's been so great," said Rylee Hunty, one of the drag queens who read. She also organized the event after it was initially canceled. "There has not been any negative people that came in, if they did get in they didn't say anything to us."

Angela Zamora, a supporter, echoed Rylee's sentiments.

"Kids love costumes and character, and it's a real easy way to let him know that gender issues aren't taboo in our house," she said.

Protesters we spoke to say their outcries weren't about the LGBTQ community in general, but rather about the public nature of the story hour.

"What I am opposed to though is exposing children at a very young age to an alternative life style that they may not be able to comprehend," said Diane Vreeland.

"To be honest, i think it's more about them and pushing what they believe in," said Kevin Sareault. "You know, being a Christian guy, I just don't believe what they believe in. I don't think it's right."

One major voice against the story hour was Pastor Mark Burns of The Harvest Praise and Worship Center. He showed up with a campaign bus and spoke strongly against the event, saying "It's about exploiting children to a sexual life style at an early age."

Law enforcement was on scene throughout the entire event to ensure peace.

In order to maintain the crowds, law enforcement monitored roadways and travel both into and out of the area. They also blocked Sunnydale Drive.

Only residents and attendees were permitted to pass through their roadblock.

A group called 'SC Lightfoot' was also on scene. They told our crews that they were providing security.
ASHEVILLE, NC (FOX Carolina)- The North Carolina Department of Public Safety says that the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice is searching for an offender that was serving part of his sentence outside of prison
GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - Troopers with the South Carolina Highway Patrol said one person has died and another is in the hospital after a crash in Greenville County.
The Chaldean patriarch spoke at the 55th Munich Security Conference, from 15 to 17 February. The prelate insists on the need to counter "the jihadist ideology" and to reform Islam by eliminating the concept of "holy war". Data on anti-Christian violence in the country.

Munich (AsiaNews) - Reforming the Constitution and the legal system of the country, reinforcing the primary objective of "respect for life", eliminating divisions and abuses that create "second-class citizens"; change the school curriculum "updating religion programs" respecting "the needs of modern times"; guaranteeing "job opportunities for young people". These are the points outlined by the Chaldean patriarch, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, in his speech at the 55th edition of the Munich Security Conference, in Germany, from February 15th to 17th.

In his address, sent to AsiaNews, the bishop insisted on the importance of "eliminating the jihadist ideology" in Islam and the concept of "holy war" against Christians and other religions.

The annual conference in the German city is the most important event in the world in terms of security and international policies. The event is attended by heads of state and government, prominent politicians, international organizations and representatives of the Armed Forces, civil society, business and the media.

The Chaldean primate intervened at the invitation of President Msc Wolfgang Ischinger, a retired German diplomat formerly ambassador to Washington. In his speech, Cardinal Sako recalled that the essence of the religious "message" is generally aimed at coexistence and cooperation, peace and security, freedom and dignity. However, for over a century Christians in the Middle East have experienced a climate of "endless violence".

From the Ottoman Empire to the First World War, through the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 that caused violence, confusion and triggered a spiral of terror, there are many causes that explain the persecution. In particular, the American intervention has caused a situation of "chaos", the result of the "dissolution of the state" and prepared the ground for the advent of the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis).

The drama of Christians is revealed in numbers: 1225 faithful killed in various incidents of violence in Iraq; one million left the country; 120,000 displaced from Mosul and the Nineveh plain, who had to live for more than three years in refugee camps in conditions of extreme need (without the central government in Baghdad ever intervening to provide for their needs); 58 churches and many mosques were bombed or destroyed; about 23 thousand Christian, Yazidi and Sabei properties have been expropriated by the local "mafia".

The Cardinal warns, that to stop this spiral of hatred, "the ideology of jihad" must be eliminated and Muslim religious leaders encouraged to overcome the "literal" interpretation of the Koran and other sacred texts. Then he calls for the promotion of "humanitarian and national participation" in the development of the country "in a spirit of fraternity", which includes "support for the patrimony of Christians".

Card. Sako emphasizes that it a "rapid stabilization" of the plain of Nineveh is "essential", now that it is free from jihadist militias, but threatened by the Shiite forces that have recently targeted Christians. "The international community - he concludes - must assist the displaced and develop an effective long-term strategy" to guarantee "peace and prosperity" to a nation that "is supposed to be rich in resources".
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(WLS/CNN/Meredith) -- Family and loved ones of those killed in the Aurora shooting rampage met Saturday to remember and honor the victims.

Police identified the five people killed when a lone gunman opened fire Friday inside a warehouse after being fired from his job.

Diana Juarez recalls the frantic search for her father in the aftermath of the shooting at the Henry Pratt company.

Intern on his first day among the victims of the Aurora mass shooting

I called my dad, I called my dad... he wouldn't answer. I called my dad. I went to the emergency room.. .asking if they have my dad. Nope, Juarez said through tears.

Her father, Vincente, one of the five people killed. He leaves behind a wife, three kids, and eight grandkids.

He is never going to come home... Never, Juarez said of her father.

Northern Illinois college student Trevor Wehner was on the first day of his internship when he was gunned down.

Melinda Hook, a family friend of Wehner, said his death is devastating and senseless.

Trevor always had a smile on his face, always an adorable young man, kind hearted, always willing to give a hug when needed, Hook said.

The other victims include Josh Pinkard, Clayton Parks and Russell Beyer  all of them are fathers.

Police said a sixth employee and five officers were wounded, but their injuries are not life-threatening. The gunman was killed during a shootout with police.
(Meredith) -- An 11-year-old student is facing charges after he refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, officials say.

According to WTSP, the Lakeland, Florida middle schooler refused to stand at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy and the boy was confronted by a substitute teacher.

The boy's mother, Dhakira Talbot spoke with WTSP about her son's experience. "My son was arrested in front of his classmates," said Talbot.

Talbot told WTSP that her son usually does not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance but the substitute teacher instructed him to stand up.

According to the arrest report obtained by WTSP, the boy told the sub he refused to stand because the United States flag is "racist".

An argument escalated and the teacher called the main office; a school resource officer and the school's dean came to the classroom.

The arrest report allegedly says the child initially refused to leave the classroom but eventually relented.

The student was charged with disrupting a school function and resisting an officer without violence, which are misdemeanors.

The Polk County School District told WTSP that students are not required to stand for the pledge, but the substitute was unaware of this policy. WTSP reports the district is reviewing how substitutes are trained and that teacher will no be allowed to teacher in the Polk County School District.

The boy's mother would like all charges to be dropped, WTSP reports.

The 11-year-old was suspended for three days but his mother has already transferred him to a private school.
(CNN) -- [Breaking news update, published at 12:30 p.m. ET]

Police in Aurora, Illinois, have released the names of the five Henry Pratt Co. employees who were killed in Friday's shooting:

 Clayton Parks of Elgin, Illinois. He was a human resources manager.

 Trevor Wehner of DeKalb, Illinois. He was a human resources intern and a student at Northern Illinois University

 Russell Beyer of Yorkville, Illinois. He was a mold operator.

 Vicente Juarez of Oswego, Illinois. He was a stock room attendant and fork lift operator.

 Josh Pinkard of Oswego, Illinois. He was a plant manager.

The gunman, Gary Martin, 45, shot several of the men at a meeting during which he was being fired, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday. At least one of the slain men was found on another level in the building, she said.

Martin was not supposed to own a gun because of a 1995 aggravated assault conviction in Mississippi, she said.

But he obtained one in Illinois in 2014. In January of that year, he applied for a firearms owner identification card, she said.

In March 2014, he applied to buy a gun from a dealer in Aurora. After a waiting period and passing a background check that did not involve fingerprinting, he bought the gun, she said.

Later that month, he applied for a concealed carry permit, and a fingerprint check led authorities to discover the Mississippi conviction, Ziman said.

The permit was rejected, and Illinois State Police sent him a letter demanding he voluntarily surrender the weapon, but he did not, the chief said. Investigators are trying to determine why he didn't surrender the weapon and whether law enforcement followed up with him to confiscate the gun.

"He was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Ziman said.

[Original story, published at 10:53 a.m. ET]

A man who was being let go from his job at a manufacturing business went on a shooting rampage Friday at his workplace in Illinois, leaving five workers dead and five officers and an employee shot and injured, police said.

The gunman, 45-year-old Gary Martin, was killed at the facility in an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers, some 90 minutes after the shooting started, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.

All five employees who died -- and all of the injured -- were men, police said.

Martin opened fire with a Smith & Wesson handgun at the Henry Pratt Co. in the Chicago suburb of the Aurora, police said, shooting at terrified employees, some of whom frantically called 911.

One witness said the gun had a laser sight.

Martin then fired at the first arriving officers within a five-minute period -- possibly from a window -- hitting at least one outside, with others were struck inside the building as they entered, Ziman said.

The shooting then stopped as Martin apparently hid deeper within the 29,000-square-foot warehouse, setting off a hunt that ended with a final gunfire exchange about an hour and a half later, she said.

Witnesses describe confusion, chaos at Aurora shooting

Martin was being let go Friday from his job at the company, police said. They did not give more details about why he was losing his job or whether he'd been notified before the shooting.

"What we're trying to determine right now is ... if it was premeditated in any way," Ziman told reporters Friday night.

'He was just shooting everybody'

An employee who survived the shooting told CNN affiliate WLS that the gunman was a coworker.

He was "running down the aisle" with a pistol that had a green laser sight on it, John Probst said.

"As soon as I saw the green thing and heard the shots, we left," said Probst, who's worked at the plant for 40 years. "He started opening up on the room, and he was just shooting everybody."

Probst said one of the victims who ran out with his arm bleeding told him the gunman "went ballistic."

90 minutes of terror

Calls about a shooter started pouring in at 1:24 p.m. CT. Ziman said she believes the slain workers were shot before officers arrived roughly four minutes later.

Arriving officers came under fire immediately, she said. Initial reports indicate Martin was firing from a window.

"All of the officers that were shot were (injured) within the first five minutes of arrival," Ziman said. "We believe (the officers' eventual entry) pushed the offender inside further," where he hid.

More first responders then entered the building with two missions -- one group searched for Martin, while the other tried to find victims, she said.

About 90 minutes after the incident began, Aurora officers and those from neighboring Naperville found the gunman. Martin shot at them, and they returned fire, killing him, Ziman said.

A sixth officer hurt his knee and needed to go to a hospital. All the officers' injuries and those of the surviving worker who was shot are believed to be not life-threatening, she said.

Henry Pratt Co. describes itself as one of the nation's largest manufacturers of industrial valves. Mueller Water Products, its parent company, said it's providing help to the affected families.

"Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones, the first responders, the Aurora community and the entire Mueller family during this extremely difficult time," it said in a statement.

"Our entire focus is on the health and wellbeing of our colleagues, and we are committed to providing any and all support to them and their families."

A task force from the Kane County Sheriff's Office will investigate the gunman's death, Ziman said.

Police are working to identify the victims

Authorities have not publicly named the victims of the nation's latest mass shooting.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat who was sworn into office just more than a month ago, thanked law enforcement officials.

"There is no way to prepare. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams and their futures," he said in a statement. "There are no words to express our gratitude to the families of the officers who were injured in the line of duty as they responded within moments to the gravest kind of danger that they can face."

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin said mass shootings have become all too common in the nation.

"It's a shame that a cold and heartless offender would be so selfish as to think he has the right to take an innocent life. But we as a society cannot allow these horrific acts to become commonplace," he said.

Shocked neighbors speak out

Martin's next-door neighbor, Mary McKnight, told CNN she wasn't close with him but the two would say hi in passing at their Aurora apartment complex.

"He seemed very friendly. He said hi to a lot of people who came and went. I'm kind of shocked, I guess," said McKnight, who said she moved into the complex over the summer. "I'm sad and shocked, and you kind of never know."

Another neighbor, Jennifer White, told CNN affiliate WBBM she knew of him in part because she'd see him outside flying drones.

"He seemed perfectly fine. I've seen him out there with his drones," she said. "He always kept to himself."

Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois, with a population of about 200,000 people.
MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) -- A deadly Sunday evening in Mobile County as two people were killed in separate incidents.

Around 6 p.m., Alabama State Troopers said a person driving a motorcycle was killed when they were involved in a crash with an SUV. It happened on Bellingrath Road just south of Highway 90 in Theodore.

About an hour later in Eight Mile, a pedestrian was killed after they were struck by a vehicle on Lott Road near Valhalla Drive.

State Troopers will release the names of the victims after their families have been notified.
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) -- The disagreement over the Gulf Shores school split has led to a lawsuit filed by the Baldwin County Board of Education.

The public school system in Baldwin County is suing Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey, the Gulf Shores City Board of Education, and the Baldwin County Commission.

The suit was filed on the same day as a deadline that Mackey gave Baldwin County to sign a separation agreement with Gulf Shores. That agreement was not signed by the Baldwin County Board of Education.

The dispute is over money. Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler said the state superintendent is asking the county school system to pay Gulf Shores City Schools $7 million in operating expenses for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. On June 1, Gulf Shores City Schools will become its own entity and take over expenses from there.

Tyler believes Mackey's decision will impose an unfair financial burden on the school system in Baldwin County. Gulf Shores school leaders said that Baldwin County will no longer have to pay the operating costs of three school buildings once the new city school system goes into effect June 1, which should alleviate concerns over the financial burden imposed by Mackey's decision.

Last week, Tyler and the Baldwin County Board of Education said they were weighing legal action and did not sign the agreement. There is no word on what action Mackey could take for the school system not meeting his deadline.

A spokesperson said the Baldwin County Board of Education will not comment on the lawsuit until Monday morning
Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler said the Baldwin County Board of Education is 'standing our ground' for their school system.

The disagreement over the Gulf Shores school split led to a lawsuit filed by the Baldwin County Board of Education. They are suing Alabama State Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey, the Gulf Shores City Board of Education, and the Baldwin County Commission.

"I dont want to make us out to be a bully but sometimes people say you need to stand your ground and thats what were doing as a school system," Tyler said. "This is a proud school system. It has a great reputation; we didnt ask for this but were going to stand proud for the integrity of Baldwin County Schools."

The dispute is over money. Baldwin County Superintendent Eddie Tyler said the state superintendent is asking the county school system to pay Gulf Shores City Schools $7 million in operating expenses for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. On June 1, Gulf Shores City Schools will become its own entity and take over expenses from there.
by Wang Zhicheng

Up to a million Chinese workers and 10,000 Chinese-owned companies are present in Africa. African Evangelical Churches and missionaries from Taiwan and other parts of the world are converting them to Christianity.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - African Christians, especially evangelicals, are converting Chinese workers in Africa, this according to Christopher Rhodes, a lecturer at Boston University's College of General Studies, in an article dated 13 February published in Unherd.

"Many local African churches have reached out to Chinese workers, including incorporating Mandarin into services, Rhodes writes. A number of Chinese, in turn, have welcomed the sense of community and belonging that these Christian churches offer".

There is also a small but growing number of Chinese missionaries from Taiwan and other Christian Churches in the world who are specifically targeting Chinese nationals, "preaching to them with a freedom theyd never be allowed in the Peoples Republic.

Many of these Chinese workers are returning home, and theyre bringing their newfound religion with them. Visitors to the coastal province of Fujian, for example, now hear South African accented English and see houses adorned with crosses.

African migrants are also moving to China in larger numbers, many of them practitioners of very evangelistic forms of Pentecostal Christianity who are willing to flout the rules placed on religious activity in China.

Over the past nine years (2018 data), China has become Africa's largest trading partner, with the volume of business growing by 14 per cent to US$ 170 billion.

According to consulting firm McKinsey & Company, there are around 10,000 Chinese-owned firms operating in Africa.

Data from the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at Johns Hopkins University show that more than 227,000 Chinese were working in Africa as of 2016, but others say the number is closer to a million.
Since 1985, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have known that Social Security was in trouble. For each of the past 33 years, the Social Security Board of Trustees has examined the short-term (10-year) and long-term (75-year) outlook for America's most important social program and found that the long-term outlook comes up short in the revenue column.

More specifically, at some point in the next 75 years, each of the previous 33 reports has found that Social Security's asset reserves -- i.e., its aggregate net cash surpluses since its inception -- would be completely depleted. Currently sporting almost $2.9 trillion in asset reserves as of the end of 2018, the trustees report projects that this excess capital will run out by 2034.

Social Security isn't going bankrupt, but unpleasant changes may await

Why would this excess cash disappear? The answer has to do with a number of ongoing demographic changes that are going to adversely affect the program. Examples include the ongoing retirement of baby boomers, which'll weigh down the worker-to-beneficiary ratio, increasing longevity over many decades, growing income inequality that's allowing the rich to pocket a larger monthly benefit for an extended period of time, and low fertility rates over the past decade, which may also weigh on the worker-to-beneficiary ratio.

The thing to understand about the projected exhaustion of Social Security's nearly $2.9 trillion in asset reserves is that it's not the end of the world for the program. If this extra capital disappears, Social Security will lose one of its three sources of revenue -- interest income -- but will keep its other two more important recurring sources of revenue: the 12.4% payroll tax on earned income, and the taxation of benefits. Put another way, Social Security will still have plenty of cash flowing in for disbursement to eligible beneficiaries.

But saying goodbye to this asset reserve safety net isn't without consequences. According to the trustees' report, an across-the-board benefit reduction of up to 21% may be necessary by 2034 to sustain payouts through 2092 without the need for any further cuts. Not exactly an optimal forecast, with more than three out of five retired workers reliant on Social Security right now for at least half of their income.

These estimates are often subject to revision

But there's something you have to understand about Social Security's supposed "Judgment Day" in 2034: It's just the best estimate the trustees can provide right now.

When examining Social Security's long-term outlook, the trustees use various stochastic modeling and take into account low-, intermediate-, and high-cost estimates. The midpoint of the trustees' modeling suggests that Social Security's net cash outflows will lead to an exhaustion of its almost $2.9 trillion in cash by 2034. But the stochastic model suggests a 95% confidence in this money running out between 2030 and 2043. That means it could very well be just 11 years until this cash is gone, or perhaps as many as 24 years, although the midpoint of 2034 (i.e., the intermediate-cost model) tends to have the highest confidence.

However, things change, and it's extremely likely that the projected asset reserve depletion date will as well. Since 1985, the projected year of asset reserve depletion has changed 22 times, albeit just once over the past six years. As with most estimations, they become more accurate as the expected event nears.

There are a lot of factors that could cause the trustees to rethink their estimates, including fiscal policy out of Washington. The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), as well as President Trump's calls for a tighter immigration policy, may lead to short- and intermediate-term impacts on Social Security's revenue collection. Some of these could be positive, with the TCJA potentially providing a very short-term growth spurt in the U.S. economy and helping to push Social Security to yet another net cash surplus in 2018. But these impacts may be negative, too, such as a net decrease in immigration to the United States. Social Security relies on the legal migration of younger workers who'll contribute to payroll tax revenue for decades.

Demographic changes could also lead to a readjustment in the projected asset reserve depletion date. For instance, fertility rates in the U.S. are at a 40-year low. If this dip in birth rates, which has been ongoing for almost a decade, continues for, say, another five to 10 years, it may mean a higher probability that the high-cost model will play out. That would potentially speed up the exhaustion of the program's asset reserves.

One more thing...

And there's one more thing you shouldn't completely rule out: Congress could come to the rescue. While even I've opined that Americans can't count on Congress to save their retirement given how partisan and divided politics have become on Capitol Hill, it's not out of the question that a resolution is reached before Social Security's excess capital is bled dry.

Back in 1983, Social Security was facing this exact scenario. Had the Reagan administration not passed the bipartisan Amendments of 1983, the program would have run out of its excess cash later that year. What this demonstrates is that while lawmakers love kicking the can down the road, they'll often act on Social Security when they no longer have any other choice.

By this definition, it could still be well over a decade before lawmakers get truly serious about resolving Social Security's cash crunch. But it still offers hopes that a common-ground solution could be reached that emphasizes the core proposals of both parties.

Though a benefit reduction looks likely now by 2034, you should ultimately take that estimation with a grain a salt.
Choosing a beneficiary for your 401(k) and periodically making sure their information is up to date is a simple task you shouldn't overlook.

When you set up your 401(k), you are often asked to name a beneficiary in your paperwork, meaning someone to whom these funds will transfer after your death. This can be a person (usually your spouse, child, or domestic partner) or a trust (a third party that manages your assets for the benefit of beneficiaries).

Establishing your beneficiaries is a straightforward process, but since a 401(k) beneficiary designation takes precedence over any will, it's important to pay attention to it so your intended loved ones inherit your retirement plan.

How to choose a beneficiary

Since your 401(k) beneficiary information supersedes your will, it's important to provide that information to your plan administrator and keep it up to date. Here's how:

1. Name a beneficiary

Fill out your 401(k) beneficiary form when establishing a new account. Your beneficiary can be anyone you want to pass your savings to upon death, or it can be a trust. If you're married and want to designate someone other than your spouse, you'll need an additional spousal consent form. You'll also likely need to provide the Social Security number or numbers of your beneficiary or beneficiaries.

If you're selecting more than one beneficiary, designate the percentage of your savings each one gets. If one dies before you and you don't update the beneficiary information, the percentages will be prorated.

2. Select contingent beneficiaries

This is an important step to make sure your savings end up in the right hands. If your primary beneficiary dies before you and you don't have time to update your beneficiary form, your savings will go to your contingent beneficiaries. This is important even if you're diligent about updating your beneficiary forms because you never know what life could throw your way.

3. Update your beneficiaries regularly

Make sure your beneficiaries remain up to date by checking once a year or after major life events. The birth of a child or a divorce could require a major overhaul of your beneficiary form. Just request the form and resubmit it to your plan administrator if you need to update it.

Keep in mind that each 401(k) plan has a separate beneficiary form. You have to either keep all of them updated or consolidate your assets into a single plan.

What to know if you are the beneficiary of a 401(k)

If you're a 401(k) beneficiary, you'll end up with an inherited 401(k) upon your benefactor's passing.

The important thing to note is that you'll get taxed only when you take a withdrawal from the inherited 401(k). The withdrawal requirements depend on your relation to the original account owner.

If you're a surviving spouse, you can treat the inherited 401(k) as your own. You won't have to take any distributions until age 72 if you don't want to. However, you also won't be able to access funds without penalty until age 59 1/2. You can roll over the 401(k) into an IRA for more control over your investments.

Any beneficiary can take a lump-sum distribution, but that also requires the person to pay regular income taxes on the full amount in the year of distribution. Alternatively, they can spread distributions out over 10 years (five years if the original account owner died prior to 2020) to lessen the impact of taxes.

The last option is to immediately begin required minimum distributions (RMDs) based on the beneficiary's own life expectancy. The SECURE Act limited this option beginning in 2020. Only spouses, disabled or chronically ill individuals, or beneficiaries within 10 years of age of the original account owner can exercise this option if the owner died in 2020 or later. Minor children can also take RMDs up until they reach the age of majority. At that point, they need to withdraw all funds within 10 years.
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Tab S5e (SM-T725) last week that will head to U.S., Germany and other countries in Q2 2019. Alongside, it also introduced the Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) in Germany. It has a 10.1-inch Full HD screen, is powered by Samsungs latest Exynos 7904 14nm processor with 2GB of RAM, runs Android 9.0 (Pie), has an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera.

It comes in WiFi and 4G variants, has USB Type-C support and packs a 6150mAh battery.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) specifications

10.1-inch (1920 1200 pixel) 16:10 aspect ratio TFT display

Octa-Core Exynos 7904 14nm processor with Mali-G71 GPU

2GB RAM, 32GB storage, expandable memory up to 400GB with microSD

Android 9.0 (Pie)

8MP rear camera

5MP front-facing camera

Dimensions:245 x 149 x 7.5mm; Weight: 460g

4G LTE (Optional), WiFi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz/5GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5, GPS, GLONASS, USB 2.0 Type-C

6150mAh battery

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019) comes in Black, Gold and Silver colors, is priced at 210 Euros (US$ 237 / Rs. 16,960) for the Wi-Fi version and the 4G version costs 270 Euros (US$ 305 / Rs. 21,830). It will be available from April 5 in Germany.

Source
A three-dimensional bow-tie geofence will soon prevent DJIs drones from being able to fly too close to major European airports. The company will roll out its Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) 2.0 system across 19 European countries that did not already have the GEO system in phases.

The companys drones already included geofencing technology since 2013, the new tech, which is developed by aviation tech company Altitude Angel expands the restricted zone from a simple two-dimensional circle to a much larger three-dimensional zone. This move comes after the drone sightings that caused Gatwick, the UKs second-largest airport, to shut down in the run-up to Christmas that grounded hundreds of flights.

Both Gatwick and Heathrow airports have also purchased their own anti-drone systems in the wake of the disruption. DJIs new system, dubbed Geospatial Environment Online (GEO) 2.0, uses three different sizes of the exclusion zone, depending on the size of the airport. It restricts flights in an oval around the runway itself, the geofence also includes an Altitude Zone at both ends of the airport. This last zone is three-dimensional, meaning you can still fly a drone at lower altitudes once youre far enough away from the runway.

Apart from the UK, DJI says the update will be coming to 32 European countries in total, including 19 countries that previously had no geofencing support at all. The update will be available later this month and it will require users to update the firmware on their drone as well as the companion DJI Go 4 mobile app.

Source
Iran's president has described the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran as an economic war.

The Trump administration last year pulled the US out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers and re-imposed sanction on Iran. (File Photo)

Tehran: Iran's president has described the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran as an economic war and stressed that "economic war is more difficult than military war."

Hassan Rouhani spoke on Monday as he inaugurated the third and final phase of the sprawling Persian Gulf Star refinery built in the Persian Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas. Construction began in 2006.

The refinery has the capacity of 400,000 barrels a day, or about 20 percent of Iran's 2.1 million barrels of daily refining capacity. Rouhani praised the inauguration, saying in a televised speech that it comes despite America's "imposing the harshest sanctions" on Iran.

The Trump administration last year pulled the US out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers and re-imposed sanction on Iran, targeting its vital oil sector.
India has highlighted Pakistans role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Islamabad: A defiant Pakistan on Sunday said that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, was banned in 2002 and Islamabad is fulfilling its obligations on sanctions as per the law.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistans role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal rejected Indias allegation that Pakistan is behind the attack and asked India instead to respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack.

The Jaish-e-Mohammed remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation, he said.
Geneva, NY (14456)

Today

Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. High 89F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Following the pledge, the Saudi Arabia crown prince - widely known as MBS - held a series of meetings Monday afternoon with the Pakistani leadership before flying on to India.

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdom's foreign minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for "consultations", the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a suicide blast which killed 4o CRPF personnel in Kashmir on Thursday, the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region in decades.

The attack has sparked widespread calls in India for action against Pakistan.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

Following the pledge, the crown prince - widely known as MBS - held a series of meetings Monday afternoon with the Pakistani leadership before flying on to India.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety.

The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role. However, Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

Warm welcome

After his arrival late Sunday, MBS signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit - seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding - will boost its struggling economy.

Pakistan laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort and honour guard.

He also received the country's highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

The Saudis, after initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay.

But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a "chief sponsor of terrorism" during Monday's live press conference.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic. However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour - and Saudi Arabia's regional foe - Iran.

Jubeir also noted that Riyadh continues to participate in a months-long push by Washington for peace talks in Afghanistan, saying that if the war-torn country can be stabilised "it will be to benefit... the region as a whole".

Last week the Taliban announced they would attend talks in Islamabad with the US and Pakistan on Monday that had been due to coincide with the crown prince's visit.

Neither Washington nor Pakistan confirmed the talks, however, and the Taliban announced Sunday that they had been postponed as its militants "were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist".

Taliban negotiators have recently visited Russia, Qatar, and the UAE. Fresh talks are set to be held between the US and the militants in Doha on 25 February.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth $20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of cash-strapped Pakistan.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth $20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of cash-strapped Pakistan.

At a ceremony in the Prime Minister House, Pakistan and Saudi officials signed MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a number of areas a process overseen by Pakistan premier Imran Khan and Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman, who arrived on a two-day visit.

"Today we signed MoUs. The amount of that kind of investment is $20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it (Saudi investment in Pakistan) will grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both the countries," the crown prince said. "Pakistan is going to be a very, very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he added.

Seven agreements, including MoUs in power, petrochemical and mining sectors, were inked as Prince Salman launched his diplomatic trip to Asia in Islamabad. After Pakistan, the crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday. Prince Salman said Saudi "cannot say no to Pakistan, whatever you (Pakistan) want we will do." "For Pakistanis, this is a great day," the Pakistani premier said while addressing a dinner reception held in honour of the visiting Saudi guests at the House.

He said Saudi Arabia has always been there when Pakistan needed friends. "I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in (a) bad situation," Khan told the royal guest, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were now taking their relationship to a new level, where investment agreements would be mutually beneficial for the countries. "The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.
WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's Prime Minister has cancelled a trip to Israel in the wake of reported remarks made by Israel's prime minister suggesting Polish complicity during the Holocaust, an aide in his office told Polish media on Sunday. A government spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will not attend the summit and that Poland will send foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz instead. Morawiecki informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision to cancel his visit in a telephone call on Sunday afternoon, spokeswoman Joanna Kopcinska said

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's Prime Minister has cancelled a trip to Israel in the wake of reported remarks made by Israel's prime minister suggesting Polish complicity during the Holocaust, an aide in his office told Polish media on Sunday.

A government spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will not attend the summit and that Poland will send foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz instead.

Morawiecki informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision to cancel his visit in a telephone call on Sunday afternoon, spokeswoman Joanna Kopcinska said.

The summit of four central and Eastern European countries is set to be held in Jerusalem this week.

Poland's government has sought to debunk references of potential Polish collaboration in the Holocaust, in an effort to "fight for the truth," Morawiecki told Poland's parliament last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement the prime minister, who was in Warsaw for a U.S.-sponsored Middle East conference when he made the comments, had been misquoted by The Jerusalem Post, which issued a corrected story.

In a later statement, Netanyahu's office said in his remarks on the question of Polish collaboration with Nazi occupiers, he had not cast any blanket blame.

Israel's ambassador to Poland Anna Azari was summoned by Poland's government on Friday and was asked to clarify Netanyahu's comments.

Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday by Polish news agency PAP that Azari explained that Netanyahu was referring to individual cases of Poles collaborating with Nazis.

Tensions between Israel and Poland ran high last year after Poland introduced new legislation that would make the use of phrases such as "Polish death camps" punishable by up to three years in prison.

After pressure from the U.S. government and an outcry in Israel, Poland watered down the legislation, removing the prison sentences.

Many Poles still refuse to accept research showing thousands participated in the Holocaust in addition to the thousands who risked their lives to help the Jews.

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska and Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; editing by David Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Imran Khan said the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were focused on economic ties.

Islamabad: Pakistan has the potential to become one the top 20 economies of the world, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said Monday as he concluded his two-day visit to Islamabad.

The Crown Prince briefly interacted with the media along with Prime Minister Imran Khan at Nur Khan air base at the conclusion of his first state visit to Pakistan.

"We saw the Pakistani economy grow by 5 percent in 2018 so we believe that Pakistan has huge potential. It could be one of top 20 economies in the future, easily. If the efforts of the leadership, the people of Pakistan, and their allies come together, definitely it can reach that one day," he said.

"So because of that, we believe in Pakistan. Because of our long relations...We want to be part of that journey and we want to risk our money, to risk our efforts, to start from day one... What we did today, it's the beginning and we hope in the close future we do more and more partnering with Pakistan," he said.

The Crown Prince thanked Khan, who drove him back to the air base. Khan and Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa saw off the royal guest at Nur Khan Airbase.

Khan said the relations between the two countries were focused on economic ties.

"The enhanced ties are just the beginning of future relations," he said. "Pakistan's geo-strategic location, the comparative advantage Saudi Arabia has in certain areas, and the advantages that Pakistan has - the combination augurs very well for the future," Khan said.

"We want you to consider Pakistan your second home. The Prime Minister House, where you were staying, rest assured that when you are in Pakistan ... (you can) consider it your own house and come and stay there," he told the visiting dignitary.

Prince Salman responded by saying that he also feels "at home in Pakistan".

Earlier, Prince Salman held one-on-one and delegation level talks with Khan and the two sides also singed seven MoUs and agreements worth $20 million.

The Crown Prince also met President Arif Alvi, General Bajwa and a parliamentary delegation of all political parties. It was his first visit to Pakistan since his elevation as Crown Prince in April, 2017.
The US move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea.

A second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February. (File Photo)

Montreal/Seoul: The United States has blocked efforts by a UN agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace to foreign flights, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The US move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes.

The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace.

Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights.

If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry.

The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Korea's aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said.

But the United States discouraged the UN agency from helping North Korea with its air programme as Washington wanted to "pool all the leverages and incentives" until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearisation, a third source said.

"They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward," the source said.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states.

Asked for comment, a US State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations. An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Korea's foreign ministry.

In 2017, the United States proposed the UN Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members.

Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 200,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation.

That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said.

The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA.

The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearisation, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid.

South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted US officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearisation.

A fourth source told Reuters that the US move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions.

"But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress," said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Mahesh Shantarams work fits into a long history of photographing and projecting black bodies as sites of victimhood

I first saw photographer Mahesh Shantarams work titled 'The African Portraits' in August 2018 when I received the following message from him over Facebook Messenger.

Hi Suchitra You may (or may not) be aware of my 2016-17 project The African Portraits which attempts to get under the skin of racism and xenophobia in India. I thought I got done with it last year but then when I was invited to write for a journal about the project, it gave it a new lease of life. Now Im going to finish up the research (with 1-2 trips to Africa in the winter) and publish the whole story as a book in March 2019. Please do check out the campaign and let me know if you have any questions, thoughts. Could it be featured on POLIS? http://bit.ly/TheAfricanPortraits.

I was immediately struck by the aesthetic  the lighting, the rendering in these images of Africans living in India, and the texturisation done to make their skin appear darker. A series that was meant to engage with Africans living in India, their struggle to find a place in a profoundly xenophobic society seemed lost in the drama of lighting and staging these images. I had concerns about how these men and women were staged in potentially disturbing ways on landscapes marked by violence. While the work briefly referred to violence, there was no context, history, engagement, or articulation of how their presence in this space affected their lives. The images portrayed members of the African diaspora in India in poses with distant empty gazes. However, India and its visceral racism remained absent. These images could have been photographed anywhere: Delhi, Bombay, Accra, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Kinshasa. While the descriptions of the work regularly referred to racism, the photographs themselves did not articulate this message. The images were repeatedly described as an intimate, visual reckoning of this minority community that paint a picture of loneliness, placelessness and a sense of hostility and were emotionally resonant. There was a disparity between what was described and attributed to the photographs and the photographs themselves.

Does merely photographing the diverse African community automatically mean depiction, representation, or engagement with racism?

After an internal discussion, The Polis Project decided not to feature the work.

Four months later, in December 2018, two women published harassment allegations against Shantaram in the Instagram account Herd and Scene. Shantaram had allegedly scouted them to pose naked for his 'Forbidden Love' project. In response to the allegations, Shantaram wrote a deeply dismissive and patronising Facebook post. In the process of explaining himself, he argued that he was just doing his job and was taking the project somewhere I would otherwise dread to go. I have undertaken a fuller analysis of this non-apology in this previous piece.

In his words:

In 2015, I was one of the photographers commissioned by Arte TV for a global project called Forbidden Love. I was free to express the theme in any way I wanted. Well, with a loaded title like that, I wanted to take it somewhere I would otherwise dread to go. I requested several women  whom Ive known on some level  to sit for my portraits. And yes, this led to some awkward conversations, no doubt. What is said about the proposal being ideologically problematic and sensational  I agree. The concept was not the most convincing back then, and it bombed. In retrospect, to make a series of portraits of women across the country is pointing towards a good idea and I intend to pursue it.

Disrobing the regularly disrobed

Interpreting 'Forbidden Love' to mean photographing powerful women in the nude is not pushing artistic, political, or societal boundaries. It is sexualising powerful women and reducing the idea of forbidden love to a bourgeois notion of sex, lust, and freedom. Indias sexual landscape and the political (often violent) repercussions of love, lust, and desire are inextricably linked to caste, class, and religion. In 2016, an inter-caste couple, Shankar and Kausalya, were attacked by Kausalyas family. Shankar was hacked to death in public and Kausalya sustained severe injuries. In September last year two horrific caste crimes sent shockwaves across Telangana and a 13-year-old Dalit girl, Rajalakshmi, was beheaded in Tamil Nadu for rejecting the sexual advances of a 30-year-old man. The Kerala High Court in 2017, in what is now called the Hadiya Love Jihad case, gave a controversial ruling that gave the custody of a 24-year-old woman to her father for marrying a Muslim man. The court initially stated that Hadiya was incapable of making decisions regarding her marriage or conversion to Islam, a decision later overruled by the countrys Supreme Court.

When a project is constructed around nudity and equated with freedom, does a woman who chooses not to disrobe for any reason then live in permanent unfreedom? How does one photograph women naked and interpret that as power when women in India, especially Dalit and Adivasi, are regularly stripped as punishment? How can one interpret forbidden love to mean photographing urban, upper-class naked powerful women when love or desire for someone from a different caste or religion in India is often awarded with a death sentence? This method, gaze, request, and process remain deeply implicated within the conceptions of neoliberal feminism, constituting links to grants, commissions, and visibility. This is not storytelling; this is orchestrating a spectacle to enhance a career built on the bodies of others.

Shantarams projects are connected by the use and abuse of bodies to stage visually sensational images that are ideologically problematic. The African Portraits and Forbidden Love projects rely on the allure of spectacle. They are advertising campaigns built to grab attention and whose political significance is often lost within this spectacle.

Disrobing is always a question of power and societys need to imprint shame on the body of women. Shame is also used to socially control, coerce, discipline, and punish. India has a long history of violent assaults, disrobing, and parading Dalit and Adivasi women naked. In 2007, a young Adivasi woman, Laxmi Orang, a member of the All Assam Adivasi Students Association protesting in Guwahati demanding Scheduled Tribe status for Adivasis residing in Assam was chased, stripped naked, and assaulted in public. While she was being stripped and assaulted, the police standing nearby did not come to her rescue. The next day the media flashed her naked pictures leading to public outrage.

The spectacle of disrobing a woman runs through much of Shantarams work from the incident that sparked his interest in the African community to the use of naked bodies to create sensational projects.

Spectacle and performance

Shantaram says he began shooting his African Portraits series after the stripping of a Tanzanian woman in Bangalore. Shantaram had stated at the time that he did not know that there were Africans in India and therefore he began this series.

Khoj, an arts collective, has been located in Khirki Extension since 2002. Khirki is also home to one of the largest and diverse communities of Africans in India  Nigerians, Congolese, Ugandans, Kenyans, Somalis, and Rwandans. Students, artists, sex workers, and transgender communities all live here alongside segregated spaces where gated upper-class communities live. Many Africans here do not feel welcome. They regularly face discrimination, pay higher rents, and are often targets of violent attacks.

It was against this background that Khoj created and curated the 'Migration and Memory' project, where various artists and photographers including Shantaram worked on themes related to the project. The residency was built to understand and produce work on and about the African communities that lived next to them. Some of Shantarams other African portraits were shot over a period of five weeks during the Khoj residencys Coriolis Effect Migration and Memory project in 2016.

Persis Taraporevala was the critique-in-residence when Shantaram was at Khoj in 2016. Taraporevala is currently based in the Geography Department at Kings College, London. Her research interests include citizenship rights and the enactment of democratic processes in the urban landscape. As a critique-in-residence, she engaged with Shantaram throughout the residency. Taraporevala was uncomfortable with Shantarams work from the beginning. She states that early on, she and others at Khoj had serious concerns about his work.

Shantaram was there to make images and create a body of work; the stories of African life in India seemed ancillary to the photographs. Shantaram regularly employed the language of how it was important to shed light on the African communities in Khirki. You need to be seen was essential to his pitch.

After having seen the initial images and his practice, Taraporevala discussed the photos with Shantaram. She asked questions about his process, how he photographed the images, and discussed the ethics of photography. Taraporevala was concerned about how the subjects were posed  the positions, how they were made to stand, look, and gaze into an empty space, and how they were made to hold each other. She felt Shantarams portrayal showed them as weaker, stripped of agency, and not capable of telling their own stories.

Taraporevala specifically asked Shantaram whether the people he shot had the freedom to choose how they were depicted. Shantaram responded that the images were staged and that he had directed the people to pose. He said that there should be something strong about each image, and he was creating it. There was no commitment to investigate or tell these stories; instead, it was about making powerful images.

Malini Kochupillai, an independent photographer and urban researcher based in Delhi, was also at Khoj with Shantaram. For her, Shantarams work was one-dimensional, and it sensationalised the experiences of the community and always portrayed them as victims. Photographing dark-skinned people in dark places in the night is technically difficult. He tapped into this to make technically well-made photographs, she said.

Here the visuals and perfecting a lighting technique took precedence over people and their history. In this tired and tested formula, seeing and showing was offered as the solution for all forms of discrimination, oppression, violence, and racism.

During the residency, Taraporevala and others at Khoj tried to constructively critique Shantarams methods to no avail. Taraporevala said Shantaram always became defensive about his work.

Pooja Sood, director of Khoj and who usually ran the workshop, was away during this period. The gender-age dynamic also played an important role in how work was critiqued, reviewed, and challenged. Shantaram was also the only Indian man in residence. While he spoke politely, he was always dismissive in his responses according to Taraporevala, who characterised his behaviour and response to her critiques as gaslighting".

According to Kochupillai, Shantaram had an air of male entitlement so ingrained in the attitudes of upper-caste and upper-class men in this country, she said. Kochupillai said of Shantaram: His mind was quite made up in that what he was doing was quite amazing work from the get-go. There was no doubt in his mind that he was doing Gods work.

Taraporevala had two long, individual conversations about his work, practice, and process. At the end of these various conversations, she said that she felt drained. She added, I felt like I had created a Frankenstein monster. We had now taught him the language of critique, power, and representation that he would now use to manipulate, sell, and leverage these pictures. He now knew how to use the language, without critically engaging with the ideas. Taraporevala also found serious problems around consent coupled with his refusal to see the humanity in those he photographed.

On the day of the Khoj finale exhibition in September 2016, amongst the African Portraits was a seemingly innocuous picture of a naked black woman. Taraporevala was shocked to see this nude photograph. The woman was not African but an African-American tourist then travelling in India who Taraporevala had met and socialised in Delhi.

At the Khoj exhibition, the photograph was shown unnamed, without any context or clarification that the woman was African-American.

The image appeared on Shantarams website as [Image] 23 of 26. Shantaram removed the image after The Polis Project emailed him with questions about the images. The image, when it appeared on the site till 10 February 2019, had no name or context. The caption just read, What it feels like to be stared at Kasauli, 2016.

When Taraporevala raised the question with Shantaram on the day of the exhibition, she said that he made a random remark and walked past her.

Kochupillai, who was also present at the exhibition, said, The story Shantaram gave us was that she is the one who wanted to disrobe for the camera. She is the one who wanted to be photographed this way. I havent heard the womans version. It wasnt the nude that bothered Kochupillai. Her discomfort was with a context-less nude in a body of work about the African diaspora in India. She continued, To me, this is typically to create something for the shock value, a vacuous move.

What does this image represent? How is photographing an African-American woman naked a part of the story about race, xenophobia, discrimination, and violence? If this image was about interrogating gaze or how the Indian society stares at, looks at, and perceives black people then does that narrative require her to disrobe? Did Shantaram ask the men to disrobe to articulate the sentiments of violence, power, and gaze? What function does the nakedness of the black woman serve? Are the experiences of an African person in Khirkee the same as those of an African-American tourist in Kasauli?

The unnamed woman in the portrait

Alexis Ward is a black American artist and model who was travelling in India between July and October 2016. She was introduced to Shantaram by her friend Veda Laayla through social media. Ward actively engaged and spoke about racism, colourism, and the Black Lives Matter movement in America, and Laayla wanted to extend these conversations about racism and colourism to India. Ward said she did not know who Shantaram was and is not sure how he came to know about her. She decided to speak to him after Laayla told her that Shantaram was a journalist who was shedding light on racism Africans faced in India. Laayla suggested that she discuss her experiences in India with him along with her work as an artist, activist, and a model. I trusted him because of her. I knew her for over two years and had already met her and her family, Ward said.

According to Ward, Shantaram wanted to photograph her for a profile piece on her experience in India. Shantaram told her that his work focused on Africans in India and that including Wards perspective as a black American would be a good contribution to the series. Any opportunity to speak out about my community and my people was important to me. He seemed a credible source, and I wanted to make that connection as an artist with someone working on issues I cared about, she recounted.

Soon after their initial conversation, Shantaram came to Kasauli, a small hill town north of Delhi, and spent a day with Ward and Laaylas parents. We were in mixed company the whole day and we all had dinner together, she said. Ward spent a lot of time talking to Shantaram about her experience of being black, her relationship with other black Americans, and what it meant to be in India, a conversation she remembered Shantaram recording.

When they discussed the photo shoot, Ward said, I asked him whats your idea, whats your concept, what is that image that you want to put out? Shantaram suggested that he would like to photograph her on the hotel rooftop. Later as they discussed the image he casually suggested, If you dont mind being nude, that would be good.

Ward was a little perturbed, she recalls. I dont mind being nude. I am a model. I dont have any shame about my body, I love my body, and I think it is powerful. For me, nudity was not a negative thing. However, this request did not make sense to her. I kept asking, what is this story that you [Shantaram] are trying to tell with my nudity, how does this relate to everything that I have told you about my story? My story had nothing to do with my body or nudity, she said. In response, Shantaram basically said, she told me, the nudity was going to make people look at the black body and blackness and put that in front. He said India had such problems with nudity. She added, I was very put off by the fact that he brought it up in the first place. I regret it now. I wish I was able to speak up then.

Shantaram then asked Ward to hold a cigarette in the frame as he started photographing her. Ward is not a smoker, and the cigarette had no connection to her story or their conversations. She said, That was when I felt something was really, really wrong with this. But I was already in it and felt I couldnt back out. As soon as he gave me the cigarette, I immediately felt this was wrong. This was wrong. I was purposefully trying to cover up and he kept trying to open me up, open me up, and open me up. He kept saying, You are hiding. [It] looks like you are trying to shy away from the camera. You look like you are not really comfortable. Feel relaxed, try and take a deep breath. I was like, dude, I get it, but come on.

As they came to the end of the shoot, Shantaram told Ward the images were going to be shown in the gallery. She told me, I was like what gallery, what show? Shantaram told her there were other women involved in the shoot as well and she was not the only one. However, there are no other nudes in the publicly accessible African Portraits series.

Ward stated, This whole thing did not make any sense to me. I really did not know how to defend myself. It didnt feel good at all. It was all already happening. But I did not know what to say. He was already there, we had already been talking for so long.

Shantaram invited her to come to New Delhi for the exhibition but she refused. She said, I didnt go to Delhi because I didnt trust him. I was nervous, I wasnt even sure if the exhibition was real. I felt that if I went I was going to end up in some kind of a trafficking situation. I was a sole, female, black traveller in India. Ward adds that there was no conversation about how the photos were going to be used and Shantaram never told her if they would be sold. There was no contract or release signed for the images. In fact, she became aware of the existence of [Image] 23 of 26 online only after The Polis Project informed her of its existence in an email seeking an interview.

A few weeks after the shoot, Ward sent Shantaram a message telling him not to publicly release the photos. She told him to refrain from posting them. He responded agreeing not to. In a conversation over Facebook Messenger, he told her, I havent shared your wonderful portrait anywhere other than the weekend show in Delhi last month, and at a university talk I gave later. I hope I can submit it [for] professional reviews where my work will be seen by industry professionals. Thats connected mainly with my career growth.

Ward added, I knew it was too late as far as whatever gallery showing happened in 2016. But I specifically asked him not to show the images after that. He messaged in 2017 saying a poet wanted to use the image but I never responded.

When The Polis Project emailed Shantaram for a comment on the discovery that he had misrepresented Ward in his African Portraits series and whether he had also not secured her consent for further display or sale of her photographs, he had the following response. He said that he was not misrepresenting an African-American because one of his initial portraits was of a Jamaican medical student that I usually use as an opener to the series. He also stated that he and Ward collaborated to create this portrait and express the idea of what it feels like to be stared at. He added, The image in question has never been for sale  neither for art buyers nor publications. I keep it as part of my portfolio because I believe it supports the larger statement I wish to make with this work. Since Im aware of her concerns, I have taken utmost care not to send it around for competitions, publications, and events where I have no control over how it can get used. For the time being, I have also removed this image from my website.

Based on our interview with Ward, Shantaram never asked her for permission to display her picture on his website. Contrary to Shantarams claim, in spite of Wards request to have the image retracted after the initial gallery display, it has since been exhibited at Gallery 320 in 2017. The image was also available for sale on the Agence VU website till 10 February 2019. It was removed hours before this essay was published. The Polis Project has also reached out to Agence VU for comment but has not received a response yet. Ward summed up the impact of this event saying, Now that I know people have seen it, that it is still out there, its going to take me time to process what it means for me right now. But I am still ashamed by that experience for sure.

Contrary to Shantarams claim, Alexis Wards image print was on sale on the Agence VU site. The image was removed on 10 February from their site after The Polis Project emailed Shantaram and Agence VU.

Wards image on Shantarams website and in exhibitions has been displayed without her story or any other clarifying text. The naked image, to our knowledge, has always been exhibited unnamed, accompanied by a misleading caption. Ward added, Erasing my voice is yet another instance of racism towards my people, and that is totally unacceptable.

Like the Forbidden Love project that proposed the use of naked bodies as a trope, here the unclothed body of a black woman was used as a spectacle. Shantaram scouted young women to pose unclad for his Forbidden Love project to depict freedom and power. Now nudity was being redeployed to represent a violent gaze on a black womans body. Nakedness became a salacious blank slate where any meaning  freedom, fear, desire, death  could be conjured and forced onto the exposed body of a woman. In the end what is produced is a spectacle, not a consideration of what it means to be a black man or a woman living in and navigating India.

This fetishised use of naked bodies of black and brown people, especially women, has a long orientalist, colonial history. Shantarams work fits into a long history of photographing and projecting black bodies as sites of victimhood. It represents a culture of image making that enables people coming into spaces they dont have relationships with  to sensationalise and cannibalise stories, miseries, and bodies and produce value for themselves. Shantaram is not an exception, he is the rule.

Suchitra Vijayan is a Barrister-at-Law, writer, photographer, and executive director, The Polis Project. She tweets @suchitrav. You can read the complete version of this essay here, and a related previous part here.
By Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - Italy's ruling 5-Star Movement has called an online vote to decide whether or not to block a possible kidnapping trial against Matteo Salvini, their coalition ally and leader of the hard-right League party. The vote will be held on Monday from 0900 GMT to 1800 GMT, 5-Star said on its blog on Sunday. The result will dictate how the movement's senators will vote on Tuesday in a committee that could block the Sicilian probe

By Steve Scherer

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's ruling 5-Star Movement has called an online vote to decide whether or not to block a possible kidnapping trial against Matteo Salvini, their coalition ally and leader of the hard-right League party.

The vote will be held on Monday from 0900 GMT to 1800 GMT, 5-Star said on its blog on Sunday. The result will dictate how the movement's senators will vote on Tuesday in a committee that could block the Sicilian probe.

Prosecutors in Catania, Sicily, want to continue an investigation for alleged abuse of power and kidnapping that began when Salvini ordered some 150 migrants be held onboard an Italian coast guard ship for five days in August.

Allowing the investigation and possible trial against Salvini to continue would put the government at risk of collapse, state news agency Ansa reported on Sunday, citing 5-Star sources.

Tensions in the coalition are already running high with the allies at odds over a long list of issues, including whether to forge ahead with a new Alpine rail tunnel between France and Italy.

Salvini has asked the Senate to reject the request for a trial, and that is a problem for 5-Star, which built its support on a squeaky clean judicial image and has always attacked lawmakers who used parliamentary privilege to avoid trials.

"Who has always preached that politicians must defend themselves in trials and not from trials ... can't have doubts about whether to allow the Salvini probe to proceed," wrote commentator Marco Travaglio in il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper, which is considered close to the 5-Star.

The online vote shows the issue has become "a classical case of identity crisis" for the movement, Travaglio said.

At the end of last month, 83 percent of 5-Star voters said Salvini should not be tried, according to an SWG poll, which suggests the issue of parliamentary privilege is no longer of major concern to 5-Star supporters.

The blog post announcing the online vote clearly states that the decision to block the migrants on board the Diciotti coast guard vessel was not Salvini's alone, but was shared by 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio and others.

"The delay in the disembarkation of the Diciotti, in order to redistribute the migrants in various European countries, was made in order to protect the interests of the state?" the query reads.

A "yes" will deny prosecutors authorisation, while a "no" vote will allow them to continue, the blog says.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Di Maio and the 5-Star transport minister may be put under investigation alongside Salvini, Italian newspapers said on Sunday, after Conte wrote a letter, which was then deposited in the Senate, saying the decision to block the migrants was taken collectively.

On Sunday, speaking to supporters in Sardinia, Salvini brushed off concern about the online ballot: "What I did, I did to defend the safety of citizens, and if necessary I'd do it again," he said.

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; editing by David Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Dan Williams JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will cut around 5 percent of the tax handovers to the Palestinian Authority over its financial support for jailed Palestinian militants, the Israeli security cabinet said on Sunday, following similar U.S. legislation last year.

By Dan Williams

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel will cut around 5 percent of the tax handovers to the Palestinian Authority over its financial support for jailed Palestinian militants, the Israeli security cabinet said on Sunday, following similar U.S. legislation last year.

Under interim peace deals, Israel collects taxes on behalf the Palestinians, who put the current sums at $222 million a month. With negotiations stalled since 2014, Israel has at times withheld money as a measure of protest or pressure.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, though facing steep aid cuts by Donald Trump's administration that he has boycotted over perceived bias, has held to paying stipends to the families of Palestinians jailed as security offenders or killed by Israel.

Israel and the United States say the policy, which is scaled to give greater monthly payouts for prisoners serving longer sentences, fans Palestinian violence. Abbas describes the slain and jailed Palestinians as "heroes" of a national struggle.

Citing the around $138 million that Abbas' administration reported paying in prisoner stipends in 2018, the Israeli security cabinet said the same amount would be "frozen" from within the taxes collected for the Palestinian Authority.

"Abu Mazen (Abbas) continues each month to transfer fat salaries to murderers who are in prison," Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told Israel's Reshet 13 TV. "We must find a way of stopping this money."

The Palestinians condemned the Israeli decision as "piracy".

"It is an attempt to pressure us and blackmail us," Wasel Abu Youssef, a senior official with the umbrella Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), told Reuters. "Even if left with just one dollar, we will pay it to the families of the martyrs, of the prisoners and of the wounded."

The United States passed legislation last year to sharply reduce aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it stopped the stipends. The measure, known as the Taylor Force Act, was named after a 29-year-old American military veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian while visiting Israel in 2016.

The Palestinians last month declined some $60 million in U.S. annual funding for their security forces, worried about exposure to lawsuits under new U.S. anti-terror laws.

The Trump administration has further slashed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian organisations and U.N. agencies which aid the Palestinians as it seeks to pressure Abbas to come back to the negotiating table.

Some security experts voiced concern that the fiscal blows could destabilise the Palestinian Authority, an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords and which helps Israel keep order in the occupied West Bank in the face of Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist rival.

"If he (Abbas) chooses to collapse by keeping up payments to the murderers, then let him collapse," said Shaked, a far-rightist in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conservative coalition government.

(Additional reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ali Sawafta; Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Hugh Lawson and David Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ireland is spending hundreds of millions of euros on preparing for a no-deal Brexit, which would be a 'crazy outcome' of three years of EU-UK negotiations, Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday. 'We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens in those circumstances,' he told reporters after talks with other EU foreign ministers

By Gabriela Baczynska

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ireland is spending hundreds of millions of euros on preparing for a no-deal Brexit, which would be a "crazy outcome" of three years of EU-UK negotiations, Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday.

"We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens in those circumstances," he told reporters after talks with other EU foreign ministers. "We don't want to have to do that."

"Of course we want a solution here and yes, there is frustration in Ireland. We have less than 40 days to go to UK formally leaving the EU and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to get this deal ratified."

Coveney said the European Union wanted to find ways to help UK parliamentary ratification of the Brexit deal but that the lawmakers' asks needed to be "reasonable".

"We want to find ways of providing the reassurance and clarification the British Prime Minister needs to be able to sell that deal in Westminster. But that doesn't involve reopening that withdrawal agreement," he said.

"What we can't do is essentially remove or change the guarantee and the insurance... that prevents border infrastructure in the future and replace it with something that is wishful thinking," he said of the so-called Irish border "backstop" part of the stalled deal that is bitterly contested in the UK parliament.

He said Ireland and the EU would not accept a fixed time-limit on the backstop either as that would kill the purpose of the insurance policy.

But he reiterated the EU's readiness to change the political declaration on future ties with Britain - which makes part of the Brexit package together with the legal divorce treaty - to include more assurances of clarifications on the backstop there.

"We have a deal, it was negotiated. And now we need to find a way of getting it ratified," he said of the EU-UK sealed by Prime Minister Theresa May last November.

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Toby Chopra)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Irans parliament speaker said on Sunday that an attack that killed 27 members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guard was planned and carried out from inside Pakistan, which, he said, should answer for it.

Tehran: Irans parliament speaker said on Sunday that an attack that killed 27 members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guard was planned and carried out from inside Pakistan, which, he said, should answer for it.

Ali Larijanis remarks, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, came after Iranian officials initially accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of being behind the attack. The Gulf Arab states are deeply suspicious of Tehran and at war with Iran-aligned rebels in Yemen. Irans Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistans ambassador on Sunday to protest the attack.

Pakistan condemned Wednesdays attack and its foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, by phone on Sunday to assure him that Pakistan would fully cooperate in the investigation, according to two government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief media.

The militant Sunni group Jaish al-Adl, which claimed responsibility, is believed to operate from havens in neighboring Pakistan. The head of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, on Saturday accused Pakistans security forces of supporting the militants and said Iran expects it to punish them.

Irans president Hassan Rouhani meanwhile vowed revenge for the blood of these martyrs, in remarks broadcast Sunday on state TV. "They cannot escape Gods and Iranian peoples vengeance, Rouhani said.

Pakistan is closely allied with Saudi Arabia but has tried to maintain a balancing act between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabias crown prince Mohammed bin Salman was expected to visit Pakistan on Sunday after delaying his arrival by one day without providing an explanation.
Prince Mohammed arrived in Pakistan on Sunday at the beginning of an Asian tour, which will include China and is seen as an attempt by him to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Islamabad: Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered the release of about 2,100 Pakistani prisoners from the kingdoms jails during a high-profile visit to Islamabad, Pakistans information minister said on Monday.

Prince Mohammed arrived in Pakistan on Sunday at the beginning of an Asian tour, which will include China and is seen as an attempt by him to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion.

The crown prince had ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners, after a request by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a post on Twitter.

The fate of thousands of Pakistani workers locked up in jails across the Middle East is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where there is a perception the prisoners are mostly poor labourers who have no real legal recourse.

Huge numbers of Pakistanis travel to the Middle East every year, with many working on construction sites or as domestic helpers. The remittances they send back are vital for Pakistans dollar-starved economy.

Saudi Arabia has yet to comment on the Pakistani announcement of a prisoner release.

The crown princes visit marks a deepening of ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centred on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistans economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistans powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious influence in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mostly Muslim country of 208 million people.

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistans economy afloat by propping up rapidly dwindling foreign reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving it breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammeds trip as the biggest state visit since one by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative.

Many in the West blamed Prince Mohammed for the killing of the journalist Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October, 2018.

The murder triggered the kingdoms biggest political crisis for a generation. The crown prince has denied being involved.
India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on 15 February summoned Sohail Mahmood and issued a strong demarche in connection with the dastardly attack, conveying that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM

Islamabad: Pakistan called its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood "for consultations" on Monday, just a few days after India registered a strong protest against Pakistan regarding the ghastly Pulwama terrorist attack which claimed the lives of nearly 40 security personnel last week.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Mohammad Faisal, the Spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted on 18 February.

This comes after a horrific terrorist attack, for which Pakistan-based and backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility, on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel on 14 February.

India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on 15 February summoned Mahmood and issued a strong demarche in connection with the dastardly attack, conveying that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM.

The United States had earlier told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorist groups in the wake of the attack. Pakistan has since rejected allegations. There have been strong condemnations of the attack by the international community, with countries extending support to India in its fight against terrorism.
tech2 News Staff

SpaceX's Mars rocket Starship is the company's most complex project so far, but is also a tougher one than any of NASA's past or current missions on Mars, according to NASA's chief engineer.

The fully-reusable shuttle to Mars is the newest homegrown marvel in SpaceX and CEO Elon Musk's drawing board  a 180-foot tall stainless steel mammoth. The rocket has been designed with two radical features that has Musk super excited and NASA's chief engineer "very worried", according to a Business Insider report.

The first of those is Starships's stainless steel body. This is a big shift away from Space's usual choice of carbon-fiber for the body.

But its the second change that has aerospace industry experts sweating bullets: Starships' one-of-a-kind cooling system that will keep it from incinerating in Earth's and Mars' atmosphere.

NASA uses hundreds and thousands of ceramic tiles to shield its spacecrafts from heat as they zip through the atmosphere. Musk described to Popular Mechanics how Starship will "bleed" rocket fuel from tiny pores on its surface to cool down  a "radical and delightfully-counterintuitive" concept for heat shields in rocketry.

While Musk is certain of Starship's build and design, a NASA aerospace engineer and director of the NASA's Space Technology and Exploration Directorate at Langley, Walt Engelund is not as confident.

The SpaceX rocket for Mars is built to ferry 100 passengers along with 100 tons in cargo when at its best. This is something NASA has been studying for decades  entering, descending and landing a huge spacecraft with special cargo  with gradual, incremental success.

"We've spent a lot of time and given a lot of thought to how we might do it at Mars," Engelund told Business Insider. "We've landed the metric-ton Curiosity rover  the biggest thing we've ever put down on the surface of Mars."

The leap that Starship is aiming for  a hundred times more ambitious  is to successfully land and return a spacecraft the size of a building (a building with 100 people in it).

"It won't be easy for us or SpaceX," Engelund said. His specific concern was not the design of the heat shield itself, which has been attempted by NASA before (using astronaut urine instead of rocket fuel). His doubts (echoed by many engineers in response to Musk's descriptions of the technology) is how the tiny holes that will "bleed" rocket fuel on the surface might avoid getting clogged.

It wouldn't take much to clog something like that if they were microscopic pores, Engelund told Business Insider.

"What if a bird poops on your rocket and it plugs up a few holes? And then when the thing is returning, no coolant comes out of those holes and that section of the vehicle overheats?" Dwayne Day, a NASA engineer who helped investigate the Columbia space shuttle accident, added.

And once those challenges on Earth have been considered, there's more to worry about at the other end: fine dust that blows through the year on Mars.

Musk has only shared Starship's build and features in bits and pieces, still to unveil the rocket in full detail.

I will do a full technical presentation of Starship after the test vehicle were building in Texas flies, so hopefully March/April  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 22, 2018

Yet, the NASA engineer's aren't dismissing the possibility that SpaceX's newest rocket in the pipeline won't succeed.

"(SpaceX has) surprised a lot of people, and have a lot of smart people working for them, and Elon seems to be really committed and dedicated to this," Engelund said.

"Perhaps there are some things (NASA) could do with them. I suspect there will be."
tech2 News Staff

In recent years, calculations of how much matter exists in the universe have pointed to one fact: there's more matter in the estimates than researchers have accounted for.

If that wasn't unsettling enough, the "missing" extra matter also accounts for almost one-third of the mass in the universe. This is a massive difference, and scientists have been on the hunt to find out what it is for decades.

A new technique developed by Harvard astronomers to scan the cosmos and could be a huge help to astronomers in spotting the missing celestial matter.

The substance they're looking for is unconnected to dark matter  the other elusive and invisible material that 85 percent of the universe is made of. Researchers from Harvard and the Eotvos University in Hungary have found the missing matter is luminous, or glowing  like stars, planets and other objects in the cosmos do from a distance.

Many independent and reputed research teams have calculated the mass of the universe after the Big Bang. By the first billion years after the Big Bang, a lot of the cosmic dust and gases had taken form, findings its place in the stars and planets visible through the telescope today.

However, by adding up all the known, expected sources of mass in the Universe, researchers still can't account for over 30 percent of the mass it actually has  mass over and above dark matter.

One theory suggests that giant strands of 'warm' and 'hot' gas (like streamers) stretch across intergalactic space, known as "warm-hot intergalactic medium" or WHIM.

While they are invisible to optical telescopes, WHIMs can be detected using ultraviolet light. Using a new imaging technique, researchers have found evidence for the 'hot' component of WHIMs using data from NASA's Chandra telescope and others.

"If we find this missing mass, we can solve one of the biggest conundrums in astrophysics," Orsolya Kovacs from Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said in a press release. "Where did the universe stash so much of its matter that makes up stuff like stars and planets and us?"

Kovacs and her team are looking only in the X-ray region of the light spectrum for answers to what the substance could be. Since the universe is constantly expanding, light is stretched out as and when it travels. Researchers expect WHIM filaments to absorb X-rays as well as light in the red wavelengths, which is something that can be detected by very sensitive telescopes today.

"Our technique is similar in principle to how you might conduct an efficient search for animals in the vast plains of Africa," Akos Bogdan, a co-author of the research from CfA. "We know that animals need to drink, so it makes sense to search around watering holes first."

Researchers looked for oxygen molecules around these WHIMs that behave in distinct ways in space  having temperatures around one million degrees Kelvin, for one.

By extrapolating their findings from the oxygen study to the known, local universe, researchers managed to explain all of the missing matter.

"We were thrilled that we were able to track down some of this missing matter" Randall Smith, co-author, also from the CfA, said in a press release. "In the future, we can apply this same method to other quasar data to confirm that this long-standing mystery has at last been cracked."

A research paper of the study and results was published in the Astrophysical Journal.
The Associated Press

A nonprofit Israeli consortium said Monday that it hopes to make history this week by launching the first private aircraft to land on the moon.

SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries told a news conference that the landing craft  dubbed Beresheet, or Genesis  will take off from Florida, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket on its weekslong voyage to the moon.

The launch is scheduled late Thursday in the United States, early Friday in Israel. It had been originally slated for last December.

SpaceIL CEO Ido Anteby and Opher Doron, general manager of the IAIs space division, said the spacecraft will slingshot around the Earth at least six times in order to reach the moon and land on its surface on April 11.

If the SpaceIL mission is successful, Israel will become the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon, after the Soviet Union, United States and China.

SpaceIL has attempted to drum up public excitement for the lunar mission in Israel in recent months, visiting classrooms around the country and sponsoring television advertisements that put Israel on par with global powers.

The small craft, roughly the size of a washing machine, is equipped with instruments to measure the moons magnetic field, as well as a copy of the Bible microscopically etched on a small metal disc.

Israels space program chief Avi Blasberger said he hopes SpaceIL will create a Beresheet effect in Israel, akin to the Apollo effect, to promote science among a new generation.

SpaceIL was founded in 2011 and originally competed for Googles Lunar Xprize, which challenged private companies to try to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon. But the $20 million competition was scrapped by the tech giant last year when it became clear none of the five companies would meet a preset deadline.

The SpaceIL project has ballooned in cost over the years to around $100 million, financed largely by South African-Israeli billionaire Morris Kahn and other donors from around the world.

Kahn said he believes that every Jew, not only every Israeli, will remember where he was when Israel landed on the moon.
Engineers at two Tamil Nadu centres of Zoho, have created India's first Web-based, AI-driven Office Suite, to take on global biggies.

That old software tool critical to desktop computing -- the Office Suite -- has reinvented itself for an always-on Internet Age. The gold standard used to be Microsoft (or MS) Office, a bulky package that cost more than the Windows system it ran on -- and sucked away a lot of disk space. Then came Google's challenger, Google Docs which expanded into G Suite, not quite as elaborate as Microsoft's suite, but free for lay users and being entirely Web-based, took no space on your device. Newer avatars of MS Office like Office 360, embraced this Web-only way, but you now paid a monthly subscription.

As netbooks and laptops became thinner and smaller -- with no room on board for full-fledged office tools -- and as more people began using a mobile phone as a primary work tool -- the field was wide open for a challenger who would retain the agility of a Web based office suite across multiple devices and still provide some of the improvements that Artificial Intelligence bringing to the cell phone. In other words, a Web-based, AI-fuelled office suite for today's mobile user.

Such a suite has been in the making for almost a decade, with little publicity at the Chennai and Tenkasi centres of Indian business productivity solutions leader, Zoho. A few days ago, the latest edition of the Zoho Office Suite was unveiled world-wide. It's modestly priced for enterprises, but free for individual users like you and me.

I went to the www.zoho.com/office site and with minimum registration hassle, I could start using 4 tools: Zoho Writer, Zoho Sheet and Zoho Show which can be loosely compared to MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint, and a fourth called Zoho Notebook which is a cooler tool than any quick note software I have ever used. Crawling through all four tools is a very clever AI agent called Zia and she is one smart lady! Just one example. After creating a document in Writer, click on the Zia button and she will size up your text like a strict English school ma'am: correcting your grammar, suggesting improvements to writing quality, rapping your knuckles ( figuratively!) if you threw in too much cliche, breaking overlong sentences to keep them short-n-sweet and rating your creation for overall readability. No jokes! I got just 30 out a possible 60 overall rating for my last masterpiece and am suitably humbled.

With Zoho Sheet the AI kicks in to fix any missing values, erroneous data entry and typo errors. The presentation tool Zoho Show, allows a level of visual sophistication, I have never experienced -- and most usefully, you can save and make your presentation directly on an Android or Apple smart TV. Throw that projector away! Zoho Notebook is full of useful goodies -- like being able to create your own smart cards, grabbing visuals, text, even voice and whipping them into a new document.

Zoho realises many users will still need to work with established standards like 'doc' , 'xls' and 'ppt' -- the new suite lets you import files with any of these formats and save them the same way. Perhaps the biggest plus is that it works in all the major Indian and international languages as well. You can say it in any language -- but I think the new Zoho Office Suite for a Connected Age has already earned a big shabaash. Try it today and see if you agree

IndiaTechOnline
tech2 News Staff

The future is in rotation.

At least thats what the Gateway Foundation will have you believe for their newest project: the worlds first commercial space station orbiting the moon.

A brainchild of a former Boeing pilot John Blincow and retired NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory architect Tom Spilker, the rotating station, called the Von Braun Rotating Space Station, would allow for space tourism as well as low-gravity environments for scientific experiments conducted by national space agencies.

The concept is explained by the President of the Gateway Foundation in a new YouTube video.

The spaceport looks like something straight of a sci-fi series  a futuristic vision of what a visit to space for a holiday might look like.

The gateway has five gates that are connected to the transport hub, where shuttles from the Earth and Moon can dock to the port.

"It will allow us to take our first steps toward colonizing the Moon, Mars, and ultimately, will usher in a new age of exploration as we travel throughout our solar system and discover what lies beyond," the Foundations website reads. Also part of the concept is a Hilton space hotel module.

The rotating nature of the spaceport will allow an adjustable degree of gravity at the station depending on the needs of space tourists, astronauts and researchers onboard at any given time.

But will the station ever get built?

The Gateway is an ambitious plan that needs an astronomical amount of funding to get built. And while NASA has its own plans for the Deep Space Gateway, which is slated for assembly in 2024, commercial space travel is a whole different ballgame.

Apart from commercial investors, the Gateway has also opened doors to private investors as part of an annual membership. Members of the Gateway Foundation get informational emails, updates, event discounts and a chance to win a free trip to the Gateway.
tech2 News Staff

The Chinese Academy of Space Technology is building a prototype of the first power plant to be stationed in Earth's orbit. Once launched in 2025, the plant will capture solar energy in space and beam it back to Earth.

The plant would be able to harness energy even when weather on Earth is cloudy, giving it a big leg up over solar arrays on the ground.

The experimental, space-based technology is part of efforts to China's ongoing efforts to meet its power needs from more renewable sources. It is also an opportunity for the country to assert its place among leading space-faring nations of the world.

The novelty of the experiment  having the power plant float in space  is also what makes it an incredibly challenging technology. How will the harnesses energy be sent back to Earth?

Scientists are still working out the nuts and bolts, but do have an idea of how the technology will work. The plan involved having a panel of solar arrays in space that catches solar rays and sends it Earthwards as a microwave or laser beam, a report in The Sydney Morning Herald said.

The space solar power station held the promise of providing "an inexhaustible source of clean energy for humans," Pang Zhihao, a researcher working on the project at the China Academy of Space Technology Corporation, told the Herald.

The first of these test plants will be sent up to the stratosphere before 2025 and scaled models of the full-capacity power station, the construction of which is planned in 2030.

One of the biggest challenges to the project is the weight of the spacecraft  a power station will weigh roughly 400 tons heavier than the International Space Station.

To bypass launching the heavy station from Earth, researchers are considering having a robot factory in space to build the power station in orbit instead.

If successful, the station could do a lot more than provide China some relief from using fossil fuels for energy. It could also give the Chinese Space program for deep space missions a big boost: a crucial energy source.

Floating power stations are also on the cards for the Japanese, Indian and European Space agencies in the future. So far, only China and the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) in the US have announced ongoing projects to harness solar energy from space.
Reuters

British security officials do not support a full ban of Huawei from national telecoms networks despite U.S. allegations the Chinese firm and its products could be used by Beijing for spying, people with knowledge of the matter said.

Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, with the United States calling for its allies not to use its technology.

Although no evidence has been produced publicly and Huawei has denied the claims, the allegations have led several Western countries to restrict its access to their markets.

We dont favour a complete ban. Its not that simple, one of the sources told Reuters on Monday after a Financial Times report on Sunday said that Britain had decided it could mitigate the risks of using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.

The FT cited two sources familiar with what it said was a conclusion by the governments National Cyber Security Council (NCSC), which last year said technical and supply-chain issues with Huaweis equipment had exposed national telecom networks to new security risks. Huawei had no immediate comment.

Any decision to allow Huawei to participate in building next-generation 5G networks would be closely watched by other nations, because of Britains membership of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group with the United States.

Britain is an important market for Huawei and last month Vodafone, the worlds second-largest mobile operator, said it was pausing the deployment of its equipment in core networks until Western governments give the Chinese firm full security clearance.

Other operators in Europe, including Britains BT and Frances Orange have already removed Huaweis equipment or taken steps to limit its future use.

Two sources said the NCSC did not think it was necessary to completely bar Huawei from British networks, believing it could continue to manage any risks by testing the products at a special laboratory overseen by intelligence officials.

Both sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the position was consistent with public statements made by the NCSC and British officials.

As was made clear in Julys HCSEC oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huaweis engineering and security capabilities. We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make, an NCSC spokeswoman said on Monday.

CONFIDENCE MEASURES

People with knowledge of the matter said the next NCSC report on Huaweis position in Britain will criticise its slow response to issues raised in last years report and detail tense relations with British officials.

The report, which is expected to be released in coming weeks, does not itself set government policy.

The results of a government review of British telecoms infrastructure is expected later in the year and will include recommendations on managing security risks, including in future 5G networks.

Fellow Five Eyes member Australia has banned Huawei from supplying 5G equipment, while New Zealand said on Monday it would make its own independent assessment of the risk of using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.

Huawei has set up security labs in Britain and Germany aimed at building confidence that its equipment does not contain back doors for Chinese intelligence services.

It has also offered to build a cyber-security centre in Poland, where authorities have arrested a Chinese Huawei employee along with an ex-Polish security official.

Last week Alex Younger, the head of Britains MI6 foreign intelligence service, said it was more complicated than in or out when asked if Britain was seeking to manage risks perceived as being attached to Huawei rather than simply to ban it.

Younger also told journalists in Munich that it was not desirable that any piece of significant national infrastructure is provided from a monopoly supplier.
tech2 News Staff

Legal and political woes are only mounting higher for Facebook. A 110-page report by British lawmakers has accused the social media giant of violating its data privacy and anti-competition laws. The UK lawmakers believe that Facebook was 'intentionally and knowingly' violating these laws and even went to the extent of calling Facebook's actions as akin to that of a 'digital gangster'.

The report concludes five main suggestions:

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is in contempt of UK parliament in refusing three separate demands for him to present evidence. Instead, in all three instances, he sent junior employees to address these meetings, who were unable to answer the committees questions.

is in contempt of UK parliament in refusing three separate demands for him to present evidence. Instead, in all three instances, he sent junior employees to address these meetings, who were unable to answer the committees questions. "We need new independent regulations with tough powers and sanctions regime to curb the worst excesses of surveillance capitalism and the forces trying to use technology to subvert our democracy".

Tech companies functioning in the UK should be taxed in order to help fund the work for the Information Commissioner's Office and a new regulator set up to oversee them.

UK regulator should have special powers to launch legal action if companies breach any law.

UK's existing electoral regulations are "hopelessly out of date for the internet age" and need urgent reform.

The British members of Parliament also suggested that the country needs dedicated laws to govern Facebook and other Silicon Valley giants. The UK lawmakers believe that Facebook behaves like a digital gangster of the online world, and considers itself above and beyond any law.

The lawmakers have also requested that social media companies remove harmful or illegal content on their platforms and be held liable for it. It was also agreed upon that self-regulation by social media companies was clearly not working.

According to The Guardian report, the committees chairman, Damian Collins says that platforms like Facebook are threatening UK's Democracy via the "malicious and relentless targeting" of the users in the country with disinformation and "personalised dark adverts" from sources that are unidentifiable.

The report also noted that disinformation was not just spread on Facebook but also on platforms such as Twitter.

Facebook has also responded to this report. According to BBC, Facebook says, "We share the Committee's concerns about false news and election integrity and are pleased to have made a significant contribution to their investigation over the past 18 months, answering more than 700 questions and with four of our most senior executives giving evidence."

It added, "We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform. But we're not waiting. We have already made substantial changes so that every political ad on Facebook has to be authorised, state who is paying for it and then is stored in a searchable archive for seven years. No other channel for political advertising is as transparent and offers the tools that we do."

The research on this report started two years ago in 2017 when concern about Facebook's role in the spread of false information was growing. However, this inquiry was reportedly turbo-charged in March 2018 when the Cambridge Analytica data-harvesting scandal was discovered.
The Congress attacked the CPM after two youth Congress workers were hacked to death in Kerala's northern district of Kasargod on Sunday.

Kasargod: Two Youth Congress workers were hacked to death allegedly by unidentified assailants in Kerala's northern district of Kasargod on Sunday night, a senior police official said.

The incident took place around 8 pm, and the deceased were identified as Kripesh and Sarath Lal (24), the official said.

"Two youths have been killed. We have just confirmed the identity of the deceased. Further investigation is on," the police said.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala lashed out at the ruling CPM and expressed his strong protest against the double murder. He will visit the homes of the two workers on Monday.

"CPM is trying to destroy the Congress using the party goons. The youth Congress activists were attacked without any provocation. They were not involved in any kind of criminal activities. There were no cases against them. The government should identify the culprits and arrest them as soon as possible," Chennithala told media persons.

He also alleged that the murder was a conspiracy hatched by the CPM as the Lok Sabha elections are near.

However, CPM district secretary MV Balakrishnan Master categorically denied any role of his party in the killings.

"We strongly condemn this murder. We are against murderous politics. We don't have any role in this," he told media persons.

Sources said the workers were returning home after attending a local function on Sunday night and they were stopped by a gang of unidentified people who came in a car and hacked them to death.

The identity of the attackers has yet to the confirmed, police said.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also come down heavily on the CPM for the murder and asserted that the party will not rest until the murderers are brought to justice.

The brutal murder of two Youth Congress workers in Kasargod district on Sunday night has brought political violence back to focus in Kerala in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

The first information report (FIR) lodged by the police has indicated political rivalry and the hands of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) workers behind the murder of Kripesh, 24, and Sarath Lal, 21, near Bakel in the northern district.

The two, who were accused in a case relating to an assault on a local CPM leader last year, were ambushed by the assailants in what appeared like a mafia-style hit-and-run killing. Senior Congress leaders in the district have alleged the role of party men from Kannur, the epicentre of political violence in the state, behind the incident.

A member of the investigating team said their preliminary investigation showed that mercenaries of the crime could be hired hoodlums. He said that they would expand the investigation to Kannur, which has witnessed about 300 political murders in the last five decades.

The twin murder of Krripesh and Sarath has come a year after Youth Congress leader M Suhaib was assassinated at Mattannur in Kannur district. Both cases have many similarities. The two incidents followed clashes between Students Federation of India (SFI) and Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wings of CPM and Congress respectively.

Suhaib was hacked to death allegedly by CPMs trade union workers on 12 February after he intervened in a dispute over setting up the KSU unit in a higher secondary school near Mattannur. Similarly, Kripesh and Sarath Lal gave their life while fighting for functional freedom for the KSU at the Peoples Co-operative Arts and Science College at Munnad.

Political murders in Kannur started in a systematic manner after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attempted to make inroads into the communist bastions in Kannur, the cradle of the communist movement in Kerala, in the late sixties.

The crime bureau statistics show that 45 CPM cadres, 44 BJPRSS activists, 15 Congressmen and four Muslim League workers have been killed between 1991 and 2016 in Kannur. The state witnessed more than 25 political murders since 2016 when the CPM returned to power.

Congress was part of the political violence before the Sangh Parivar entered the scene. Clashes were common between the cadres of the two parties till four decades ago. The Congress withdrew from the field after the CPM started targeting the RSS. The party was pushed into the killing field again with the murder of Suhaib.

Though there have been several political clashes between the CPM and Congress workers in Kannur and other districts since then, none led to murders. The Congress has viewed the murder of the two Youth Congress workers in Kasargod as part of a larger game plan by the CPM to destroy the party.

The CPM is trying to destroy the Congress party using the party goons. The Youth Congress activists were attacked without any provocation. They were not involved in any kind of criminal activities, said opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also come down heavily on the CPM for the murder and asserted that the party will not rest until the murderers are brought to justice.

The brutal murder of the two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala is shocking. The Congress party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men and I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice, Gandhi tweeted.

The state unit of the party is bound to use the twin murders as a weapon against the CPM-led Left Democratic Front in the coming Lok Sabha elections. The Youth Congress has sought to mobilise public opinion in favour of the party by calling a shutdown strike (hartal) defying the high court order to serve seven days notice before calling a hartal.

The high court has registered a suo motu case against the Youth Congress in connection with the flash hartal. Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose has justified the strike call, saying it was in accordance with their democratic right to protest.

The Congress has been preparing the ground for making political violence as a major issue in the Lok Sabha election ever since the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a murder and conspiracy case against CPM Kannur district secretary EP Jayarajan and MLA T V Rajesh in connection with the murder of Muslim League worker Abdul Shukoor at Ariyil in Kannur in February 2012.

The party had also observed the first death anniversary of Suhaib by organising an extensive campaign against political violence in Kannur. Political violence was relegated to second place after the BJP-RSS combine grabbed the Sabarimala womens entry issue and sought to use it to consolidate the Hindus and the CPM to rally the secular votes.

Though three opinion poll surveys have found the Congress-led United Democratic Front as the most possible beneficiary of the Sabarimala issue, the Congress hopes that the political violence will give it an added mileage in North Kerala, where the surveys predict one to two seats for the LDF.

The BJP, which had harped on political violence before the Supreme Court verdict on Sabarimala, is also expected to pick up the missed threads as the surveys do not show the party gaining any major benefit from the Sabarimala issue.

Signs of desperation in the CPM camp have already become visible. The party, which was in the denial mode initially about the involvement of its workers in the Kasargod murders, has changed tack saying that it will not provide any assistance to the party men if they are found involved in the incident.

The LDF suspended the pre-election yatra led by CPM secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Communist Party of India (CPI) secretary Kanam Rajendran following the incident. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also cancelled all his programmes for the day and held parleys with senior party leaders to chalk out a political strategy to deal with the situation.

Political observers feel that the political murders rocking the state after relative peace for about six months will definitely put the CPM-led coalition on the backfoot in the coming election in the face of the combined attack from the UDF and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced an alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena for both Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections in 2019.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced an alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena for both Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections in 2019.

"We have had our differences, but in terms of ideologies, we are alike. Hence, we have stayed together for this long," Fadnavis said while addressing a press conference. The Shiv Sena will fight on 23 seats, while the BJP will fight on 25 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

"Both parties are based on Hindutva ideology. For many years, we've worked for Maharashtra and the country. In the last 4.5 years, we have been a part of the government in the Centre and state. We think parties which share similar national interests must come together. We have decided to contest Lok Sabha and state elections together."

He said that the parties were committed to working for the farmers and the poor, while also bringing up the demand for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. "We all know the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya is a major issue. BJP is in full support of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's demand of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. We have tried to acquire 67 acres land for temple trust," Fadnavis said. "We have taken this decision in the interest of the nation and we believe NDA will come to power in 2019."

On the Maharashtra Assembly election, Fadnavis said that the parties will hold discussions with other allies. "Leaving the numbers of seats taken by our allies, BJP and Shiv Sena will fight on an equal number of seats," he said.

Thackeray and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the press briefing. "State Assembly elections are also in four months. The seats are divided equally for it; responsibilities will also be divided in half," the Shiv Sena chief said.

Shah exuded confidence in the alliance, claiming that BJP and Shiv Sena will together win 45 out of total 48 seats in Maharashtra.

Shah had met Thackeray in Mumbai earlier on Monday amid indications that the two allies were set to retain the tie-up for the ensuing elections.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena, who have had a strained relationship for over four years despite being partners in the central and the state government, took the decision a year after the Thackeray-led party revealed its plans to contest on its own in the 2019 elections.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the two parties along with their allies had won 42 out of the 48 seats. The BJP had bagged 23 seats, while the Shiv Sena had emerged victorious in 18 constituencies.

The two parties had contested the 2014 Maharashtra Assembly election separately and came together to form government in a post-poll arrangement.

With inputs from agencies
Kejriwal said: 'The Lieutenant Governors in both Delhi and Puducherry were appointees of the BJP-led government at the Centre.'

Chennai: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday demanded statehood for both the national capital and Puducherry, saying people in these two union territories should not be discriminated against.

Kejriwal, who was in Chennai en route to Puducherry to express solidarity with chief minister V Narayanaswamy - locked in a turf war with Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi- alleged that the situation in the two union territories was the same.

Narayanaswamy, his cabinet colleagues and MLAs of both Congress and DMK have been staging a dharna against Bedi in front of the Raj Nivas in Puducherry since 13 February in protest against the her "negative stand" towards various proposals of the territorial government.

"The LG of Puducherry is creating a lot of obstacles in the development work and creating problems for the elected government...we are facing exactly similar problems in Delhi," Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, told reporters at the airport in Chennai.

"The Lieutenant Governors in both Delhi and Puducherry were appointees of the BJP-led government at the Centre," he said.

"I have come to express solidarity with Puducherry chief minister V Narayanaswamy. We will demand that both Delhi and Puducherry be made full (fledged) states. There is no reason why people of these states should be discriminated against," he said.

Asked if the AAP would contest from Tamil Nadu or offer support to other parties, he said it would be made known later.
Rising temperatures are a fact of life in Kolkata and are, it would appear, in line with global climate change.

Editor's note: Kolkata and the Sundarbans face a deadly melange of climate change impacts: Intensifying heat waves and rainfall extremes, an exceptionally rapid rise in sea levels and intensifying cyclones. Chirag Dhara, a climate physicist, visited Kolkata and the Sundarbans in November 2018. He interviewed a wide cross-section of people  college students and professionals, taxi drivers and street dwellers  on their experience of changes in their citys climate.

He also spoke to experts and activists working in health, science and environment. This five-part series integrates public perception with expert opinion. It contextualises local climate trends within country-wide and global trends, using photographs, videos, satellite imagery, infographics, concept schematics and the latest developments in climate research. Important scientific concepts have been simplified to better explain the causes and consequences of these changes. This is the first part of the series.

Read all the stories in the series here

Durga Puja used to mark the start of winter. Now it is mid-November, and we are still walking around in short sleeved shirts, said Subhash Jha, a businessman originally from Gujarat but long settled in Kolkata.

We never needed an air conditioner earlier. Now, it is impossible to live without an AC in summer. In fact, customers would refuse to enter our shop if we didnt have one, remarked Ravi Shankar Gupta, the owner of a sweet shop in Kolkata.

In my earlier days, I never felt the kind of heat that I feel now. Before the past two years, we never faced 42 degrees Celsius in Kolkata. The maximum temperature used to be 36 to 38 degrees Celsuis, said 96-year-old Samir Chatterjee.

These were sentiments echoed by the entire spectrum of people I spoke to in Kolkata.

Students and professionals, cycle-rickshaw and taxi drivers, street dwellers and businessmen  all agreed that the city sees longer summers, more intense heat waves and diminished winters.

Rising temperatures are a fact of life in Kolkata and are, it would appear, in line with global climate change.

Despite the strong convergence in public opinion, caution is warranted in interpreting the changes that the city is seeing. As Bertrand Russell once eloquently quipped, The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd!

That makes it imperative for us to ask some fundamental questions:

- Do the records in Kolkata bear out public perception?

- Why are these changes happening?

- Does it matter?

- What does the future hold?

Has Kolkata warmed and by how much?

(Temperature rise in the region around Kolkata from 1850 to 2017 using the average of 1951  1980 as baseline. Data: The Carbon Brief)

Temperature records for Kolkata show that there have been substantial fluctuations in temperature from one year to the next. For instance, not only was 1971 a much colder year on average than 1970 and 1972, it was also colder than 1900! Yet, for all these short-term fluctuations, a clear-long term trend emerges. There has been a robust long-term rise in temperature around the city by about 1.2 degrees Celsius in the past 170 years (methodology for the calculation is explained here).

Q&A: How do we know temperatures from as far back as the 1850s?

In the more densely populated parts of the world, temperature records exist since the 1850s. Older records are unsurprisingly sparser, more patchy and error-prone than data from satellites and modern equipment available for recent decades. Yet, error-estimation techniques, consistency checks with alternative methods and historical climate modelling have made even older data useful to formulate a long-term historical perspective on temperature rise.

Kolkata is warming more rapidly than the global average as well as most other megacities in South Asia.

Kolkatas temperature rise is, of course, happening within the broader canvas of anthropogenic global warming that is afflicting the entire planet. The earths average temperature has risen by about 1 degree Celsius since pre-industrial times. What this fact conceals is that different parts of the world have warmed at significantly different rates. This non-uniformity, for which there are several reasons, is beautifully visualized in this NASA simulation:

The average temperature rise in India is roughly the same as the global average. As before, this conceals the fact that some parts of the country have warmed much more than others. In what amounts to an unhappy validation of Kolkatas public opinion, it is this city that has seen the highest rise in temperature among the largest megacities of the Indian subcontinent.

Kolkatas temperature rise is about 20 percent higher than the world, and all-India, average.

Q&A: Why does a trace amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause global warming but not oxygen or nitrogen?

Our cars, buses, trains and planes run on fossil fuels or on electricity, itself largely produced in fossil fuelled power plants. Modern agriculture uses chemical fertilizers and irrigation, both energy intensive to produce and supply. Everyday infrastructure and comforts that we take for granted such as roads, rail, buildings, offices, ACs etc all require huge quantities of energy, water and other physical resources (such as metals and minerals) to build and sustain, as are almost all our everyday gadgets  mobile phones, laptops, TVs, watches, plastics. These are transported around the world through international trade, requiring still more energy.

In other words, the entirety of our modern lifestyle and economy is predicated on the use of energy that is largely derived by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Two of the major chemical byproducts of burning fossil fuels, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), are fundamentally different from oxygen and nitrogen that constitute the majority of the Earths atmosphere. On account of their special molecular structure, CO2 and CH4 molecules have the ability to trap heat while oxygen and nitrogen do not. In analogy with greenhouses used in colder climates to grow crops, CO2 and CH4 are called greenhouse gases.

Today, the concentration of greenhouse gases has reached levels unprecedented in at least the last three million years of Earth's history. All things being equal, it is elementary that this should warm the planet. This is precisely what observation stations worldwide are reporting.

Why are Kolkatas temperatures rising?  The Urban Heat Island Effect in addition to greenhouse gases

Warming by greenhouse gases is a global phenomenon and, to that extent, contributes to the citys rising temperature. Yet, there is a second major reason afflicting cities worldwide called the urban heat island effect.

The heat island effect can cause temperatures in urban areas to be several degrees higher than the countryside due to high population densities, heat from vehicular exhaust and the use of ACs, dark roads that absorb solar radiation, tall buildings that block wind flow and the lack of sufficient open green spaces.

This effect can be powerful enough at the scale of a city, or sections of it, to swamp temperature rise because of greenhouse gases. However, this effect being localised to city scales only affects the microclimate of the city and has little effect on the global average temperature (most of the Earths surface is covered by water or is sparsely populated).

Why is a mere 1.2C rise in temperature a cause for concern for Kolkata?

Summers are especially difficult for people like us who work on the streets. Heat strokes are very common, a street worker told me. He cycles around the city all day with bags full of cigarettes delivering them to the local stores.

Extremes, though rare, pose the gravest risks to our lives and livelihoods, as evidenced by the thousands that died during the record 2015 heat waves in India and Pakistan. Prolonged heat waves can also devastate crops as happened in Europe in summer 2018, sending food prices rocketing, and disrupt power plants because of a spike in load.

In much the same way as smoking elevates the risk of lung cancer, rising average temperatures have an outsized effect in amplifying the intensity and duration of heat waves.

Research published in 2015 found that very intense heat waves occur three times as often in a world warmer by 1.2 degrees Celsius and extremely intense heat waves occur about ten times as often as they would in the cooler pre-industrialized world. To be clear, the likelihood of heat waves does not depend on local temperatures alone. Yet, the world is already warmer on average by 1 degree Celsius and is on track for a rise of at least 3.2 degrees Celsius in the next 70-80 years, at which point extremely intense heat waves would occur a horrifying 50  100 times as often.

The exacerbating effect of humidity

What makes heat waves in Kolkata far more dangerous than just the rise in temperature would suggest is the citys high humidity, averaging 75 percent in May and higher during the monsoon. The dry heat of Delhi or Hyderabad is not as physiologically taxing as the humid heat of Kolkata, Chennai or Mumbai.

The 2015 India/Pakistan heat waves turned out as deadly as they did because there was a simultaneous spike in both temperature and humidity, events that were magnified by global warming.

It is the conspiring combination of high temperature and humidity in the entire Gangetic plain, in which Kolkata lies, that makes this region one of the most heat stressed parts of the country. It has made summer conditions in Kolkata already push very dangerous levels of heat stress today.

Q&A: How heat stress is measured: The wet-bulb temperature.

When ambient temperatures are high, the human body cools itself through perspiration by regulating sweat. Water in the sweat evaporates by absorbing heat from the body. While the body controls the sweat glands, the rate of evaporation is limited by the saturation level of air. The closer air is to 100 percent humidity, the slower is the rate of evaporation, compromising the ability of the body to cool itself, thus causing heat stress. A quantitative measure of heat stress is called the wet-bulb temperature that expresses the combined effect of temperature and humidity on the human body. Prolonged exposure to a wet-bulb temperature over 30 degrees Celsius is considered very dangerous and likely to provoke heat strokes, especially among outdoor workers and the elderly. At a wet-bulb temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, it is physiologically impossible for the human body to cool itself. Exposure for even a few hours is fatal regardless of age and health.

Presently, wet-bulb temperatures even during the most extreme heat waves on land rarely exceed 32 degrees Celsius, but worst-case climate change scenarios may see many parts of the world, including South Asia, regularly exceeding even the survivability threshold of 35 degrees Celsius within the lifetime of todays children.

Humid heat waves in the future: one of the gravest future concerns for Kolkata

"The government schools were supposed to re-open on 20 June after the summer vacation, but will now open on 30 June," West Bengals education minister Partha Chatterjee said last year. In the summer of 2018, the West Bengal government ordered schools to reopen ten days later than scheduled. The reason was the extreme humid heat that had gripped the state.

In what is a cause for immense alarm for the city, recent research led by Tom Matthews published in the journal PNAS found that humid heat waves of the devastating intensity of those in 2015 may strike Kolkata on an annual basis for a global average temperature rise of as little as 1.5C. These temperatures will be met in about 20 years at the current rate of warming.

Heat stress impacts children, the elderly and outdoor labourers the most, leading to the possibility of organ failures and heat strokes. It is an issue we will revisit in the last article in this series, in which Dr Dhires Kumar Chowdhury, a geriatrician based in Kolkata, speaks about the health impacts of climate change that he has observed over the years. The science is in and the threat is real. It is absolutely critical to quantify the risk that this entire region faces on account of heat waves.

The people of Kolkata are recognizing these changes, even if it may not necessarily be clear exactly how much worse it is about to become.

Kolkata cannot stave off this terrible future by attempting to mitigate global climate change in isolation. What is certainly within its means is mitigating some of the risk posed by climate change through urgent and innovative adaptation measures (efforts in Ahmedabad may serve as inspiration).

Q&A: Why Kolkata?

It is not immediately obvious why Kolkata should be vulnerable to intense heat waves in the future any more than, say, Mumbai or Chennai, both also hot and humid cities.

In an email, Matthews hypothesised that humid air from over the Bay of Bengal flowing towards Kolkata during summer may be the reason for Kolkatas seemingly larger propensity for heat waves. Testing this hypothesis will require the use of climate models (and Matthews suggested a methodology). Yet, it leaves open the question about Mumbai and Chennai.

It is one of the general features about modern climate models that include so many detailed and interacting dynamic processes governed by physics, chemistry and biology (vegetation, for instance), that it can be difficult and time consuming to identify the exact reasons for specific projections made by the models.

A rough analogy would be modern Operating Systems (MS Windows, Mac OS) that generally work well but whose complexity make it a difficult task to track down the source of a bug.

The author is a climate physicist currently freelancing for Firstpost. You can get in touch with him on chirag.dhara@protonmail.ch
The approach of the Roman Catholic Church in India seems to be tokenism, making the right noises publicly, while attempting to silence and intimidate the faithful in private.

Later this month, the Vatican will hold, for the first time ever, a global Bishops meeting to prevent clerical sex abuse. Pope Francis called for the summit while facing a storm of allegations against Catholic priests across the world. Many clerics in multiple countries, including India, have been accused of sexually abusing children and vulnerable adults or enabling such abuse. Such a meeting is unprecedented in the history of the Catholic Church.

Ahead of the four-day meeting starting 21 February, the organising committee sent a letter urging all the participants to meet survivors of abuse. The first step must be acknowledging the truth of what has happened, the letter says, and that without a comprehensive response, the healing of victim-survivors cannot take place. For this reason, we urge each episcopal conference president to reach out and visit with victim-survivors of clergy sex abuse in your respective countries prior to the meeting in Rome, to learn first-hand the suffering that they have endured, the letter adds.

With only a few days to go for the summit, the Catholic representatives from some other countries, like Ireland, have already met victims. The Archbishop in Ireland issued a statement that he was privileged to meet with victims and survivors of abuse and members of their families, and would take with him the survivors message of the need for the Church to be open to justice, to atone and never forget.

There is no such statement from Catholic representatives in India, and no news of any of church authorities having met any survivors. Two emails have been sent to Cardinal Oswald Gracias of the Bombay Diocese, who signed the letter suggesting that the bishops visit victims, asking if such meetings were held in India. This article will be updated when he replies.

Indian church officials have not met abuse survivors

Several cases of sexual abuse in the church have come to light from across India. Many reports, including an investigation by AP, have uncovered decades-long sexual abuse faced by nuns, and the unending backlash if they try to fight off advances or complain.

In 2016, a 46-year-old nun who accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar of sexually abusing and raping her 13 times between 2014 and 2016. The nun is a member of the congregation Missionaries of Jesus, headquartered in Jalandhar, Punjab, but it runs two convents in Kerala. Although some nuns are in solidarity with the complainant, she is under grave threat from her congregation, which has protected Mulakkal, released her photograph sitting with him to raise questions about her character, and attempted to transfer those who help and support her.

There was a proposition for the survivor nun to meet the Cardinal personally in Mumbai, but when it was considered unsafe for her to travel from her police-secured convent in Kuruvilangad, the Cardinal's office made no further commitments to visit her before the Rome meeting.

This is the first such meeting on abuse, and Im aware it will take a long time for things to change, says Virginia Saldanha, a Mumbai-based former official in the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) who has worked on womens issues within the church. Saldanha will be attending the Rome sexual abuse meeting on invitation from a global survivors network. The right steps have to be taken towards delivering justice, at least now. And that starts with respecting survivors and listening to them. Not meeting them is to promote the existing culture of silence.

Meanwhile, church officials do reach out to the clergy they want to support. Several bishops made a beeline to visit Bishop Franco Mullakal in prison. Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the Bishops Conference (CBCI), wrote a heartfelt account of visiting a Mother Teresa Sister, Concelia Baxla, in a Jharkhand prison, where she has been held for over 200 days under charges of child trafficking. He writes about being moved to helplessness and self-reproach seeing her hardships in jail, and being stunned by her selfless worries about bringing shame to the church. It is clear that meeting Sister Concelia left him emotional. He writes that she is innocent  despite publicly professing faith in the Indian judiciary.

Without meaning to take away or demean the pain of Sister Concelia, it is difficult not to notice the CBCI secretary generals comparatively unsympathetic and administrative tone in a statement on the survivor nun in the Mulakkal case. In a letter dated 15 September 2018, he simply says the law should take its course and that a just solution will be found.

Perhaps it is time the CBCI officials visited Kuravilangad too, to meet the survivor nun, who, like Sister Concelia, also spent a lifetime in selfless service to the Catholic church.

No recourse for vulnerable women

The Rome meeting was supposed to be on the theme of protecting minors and vulnerable adults, but early this year, the Pope has had to rein in expectations. I permit myself to say that Ive perceived a bit of an inflated expectation, Francis told reporters in late January. We need to deflate the expectations. He called the meeting only the first step in a 15-year-long journey.

One of the implications of the deflated expectations, says Saldanha, is that the meeting will now only discuss child sexual abuse. This is very disappointing. The Pope had earlier admitted that religious women are among the most vulnerable to abuse.

There has long been an imbalance of power in the church, with nuns and sisters always at the lower end of the hierarchy. The system of management mandates a subservient role for religious women, reflecting the dominance of men over women in larger societal patriarchal structures. Adding to the subservience and a distorted notion of obedience among women, the properties of religious women are also being systematically taken over or controlled by bishops, thus aggravating their financial dependence.

There is evidence to show that the modern day church has internalised and normalised patriarchal dominance, and even presented it divinely sanctioned. Any questioning by nuns is interpreted as bringing shame to the church. Such complainants are discredited and then silenced without any institutional redressal mechanism.

Even if the Rome meeting were limited to abuse of underage girls and boys, church officials in India have not worked towards that either. On 16 February, 51-year-old Robin Vadakumcherry, a Catholic priest from Kannur was convicted for raping and impregnating a minor and sentenced to 20 years in prison. During the two-year-long trial, the family faced extreme pressure from the church, which led to the girls father claiming responsibility for the rape and impregnation of his own minor daughter. Her mother turned a hostile witness, insisting her daughter was 18 at the time of the rape. Finally, the priest was able to be convicted when the DNA tests of the complainants baby proved paternity.

Even after legal justice has been delivered, there is no doubt that the survivor and her family face a life-long battle. The verdict came just days ago, fortunately in advance of the Rome meeting, but no authority from the bishops conference in India has visited the survivor or her family.

The approach of the Roman Catholic Church in India seems to be tokenism, making the right noises publicly, while attempting to silence and intimidate the faithful in private. The hypocrisy has thwarted healing and justice, not just for the survivors but for the entire Christian community. The urge to belong to the Church makes close-knit Catholic communities hesitate to show any solidarity to survivors against the will of the church. In acknowledging and addressing complaints and complainants, the Church will not only liberate itself from sexual crime but also foster a more inclusive, loving and just community.

Anita Cheria is the director of OpenSpace, a policy research and campaign support organisation. Rohini Mohan is an independent journalist.
360 Smart AIs D603 works as a smart baby monitor; protect homes with motion detection and night vision.

Its HD infrared night vision captures clear image for up to 7 meters range, no matter how dark.

360 Smart AI a cyber security brand with technology-driven IoT products, announces a range of security solutions. With 1080P HD image sensor, the smart home security camera can output 1280  720p HD images. Encompassing wide-angle 110-degree, Full HD, full panorama, the camera inspects every corner of the home. It comes with two-way Audio for communication.

With industry-leading artificial intelligence visual algorithm in tracking watch mode, the camera will automatically adjust the viewing angle to track the trajectory of any in-breaking object, and 5-seconds alarm video will be sent to the synced phone app. The camera can accurately identify humanoid changes, crying sound detection, abnormal sound/change monitoring.

Its HD infrared night vision captures clear image for up to 7 meters range, no matter how dark. The camera supports two-way talk, one-way video functions.

If any changes occur, an alarm message will be sent to the connected device (smartphone) in real time.

Enabling storage in cloud and memory card, the product is already available with leading retail stores and e-commerce store Flipkart.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 18)  The Philippine government is temporarily banning pork and pork products from Vietnam amid reports of an outbreak of the African swine fever.

Bureau of Animal Industry Director Ronnie Domingo said Taiwan quarantine authorities have intercepted Vietnam pork, which tested positive for African swine fever.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has banned the entry of pork and pork-based products from Japan, China, Hungary, Belgium, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Moldova, South Africa, and Zambia due to the quick spread of the African swine fever in these countries.

African swine fever poses no direct and immediate danger to human health. But its spread may threaten the hog industry, with major potential impact on supplies and prices. The disease, which has no vaccine or cure, was first detected in Asia in 2018 in an area in Siberia, according to the United Nations.

BAI assured the public that the African swine fever has not reached the country.

"Wala pa po tayong African swine fever sa bansa, 'yun po yung gusto nating ma-maintain...Wala naman pong epekto sa tao pero pinag-iingat po natin 'yung mga baboy natin kasi malaki po yung ating swine industry. Kapag tumama 'yun sa atin, mamatay po 'yung industriya natin. Matinding virus po ito," BAI's Dr. Joy Lagayan said.
Santanu Sen is a key organisational leader of the TMC in North Kolkata and its suburbs. The TMC leadership has recently sought reports from the party's district presidents regarding the security status of MLAs and important leaders in the respective districts

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen on Monday claimed that he has been receiving death threats from unknown persons for the past several days. Sen, however, did not specify the reason for the threats.

He said that the number of calls threatening to put an end to his life has escalated in the past few weeks which prompted him to lodge a police complaint. It may be recalled that the party's Krishnaganj MLA Satyajit Biswas was shot from point blank range by unidentified assailants in full public view on 9 February inside a Saraswati puja marquee at Phoolbari village in Nadia district.

"I have been receiving life threats from unknown numbers for the last one-and-a-half month. Initially, I had ignored those threats since I am a politician," Sen said.

However, in the last few weeks, the number of such calls have increased sharply, he said. "My family members and well-wishers suggested me to intimate the police. So I had lodged a complaint at the local police station," Sen said.

Sen is a key organisational leader of the TMC in North Kolkata and its suburbs. The TMC leadership has recently sought reports from the party's district presidents regarding the security status of MLAs and important leaders in the respective districts.

Apart from enhancing security of MLAs, the district leaders are also keen on providing additional security to key people in the organization's set up ahead of the elections.
What is most inspiring in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack is the official silence over India's retaliatory measures to take on Pakistan. Even the Opposition is quiet. That means we mean business.

As the fires in the pyres of the 42 CRPF troops killed in the Pulwama terror attack die down and Indian rage expresses itself in the form of genuine anguish, the government, for once, is showing a certain maturity of thought and not being populist. Even Prime Minster Narendra Modi's final salute past the flag-draped coffins at Palam Airport had a grace about it under the fire and was suitably subdued, hitting a billion people in the gut.

In the aftermath of the massacre, Modi said there was a fire within him. Let this fire not burn but be used to play smart. Smolder and stay that way.

What is most inspiring in this adversity is the official silence over our retaliatory measures. Even the Opposition is quiet. That means we mean business. Nothing will put more pressure on Pakistan's fledgling government than being clueless about India's next move after its economic sanctions and the diplomatic offensive, which has attracted global empathy, not just sympathy.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's uneven playing field has boomeranged on him because he knows he has lost the toss with the Pulwama attack and that harboring terrorists in Pakistan will now come with a huge price tag.

With his nation already in a corner and fiscally bleeding, India's pressure could be more debilitating than any surgical strike.

For Modi, the Lok Sabha election ahead is not important. He uses strategy and tactics for the best results in terms of a payback, and he will romp home. Just do not grandstand. This current tactic of playing it close to the chest will pay dividends. This way, the enemy has no pivot, and as its conduits of information dry up, it would be a major detriment to have to dream up possible scenarios that India might have in mind. The adversary would then fall back on wild imagination, conjecture, inaccurate options and profound uncertainty.

If we, the public, media and bureaucrats, collectively create a curtain of total silence on our intent but underscore this intent at the same time, this will intensify. But we won't tell you what, where and how, so marinate in the tension.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop and receiving only a deliberate silence can be agonising in its suspense. Non-engagement can have the enemy feeling isolated, jumpy and stressed. It is one of the top four strategies of conflict in military history, and so far, we have been doing it right. Whether fiscal, military, diplomatic or out of the traditional thought box, India is maintaining silence.

In 2016, the Washington Post carried an article outlining how silence was the most potent weapon in any negotiation. The longer it is drawn out, the more jittery and confused the other side gets. It cannot read your mind, and it is not accustomed to this situation. John Barkai, a law professor at the University of Hawaii, had said in a white paper, "By using silence, you hope the other side will speak (to their disadvantage)."

All too often, the other side needs to break that impasse and offer some sort of truce or proof, and in this surrender of space begins the end of the battle. It was inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci who had said, "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."

In 1986, a secret document was found on a discarded IBM machine that called "World War III" the "quiet war". In this lengthy report, the essence of the "silent weapon" was discussed critically:

Everything that is expected from an ordinary weapon is expected from a silent weapon by its creators, but only in its own manner of functioning.

It shoots situations, instead of bullets; propelled by data processing, instead of chemical reaction (explosion); originating from bits of data, instead of grains of gunpowder; from a computer, instead of a gun; operated by a computer programmer, instead of a marksman; under the orders of a banking magnate, instead of a military general.

It makes no obvious explosive noises, causes no obvious physical or mental injuries, and does not obviously interfere with anyone's daily social life.

Yet it makes an unmistakable noise, causes unmistakable physical and mental damage and undoubtedly interferes with the daily social life that is unmistakable to a trained observer, one who knows what to look for.

The public cannot comprehend this weapon and, therefore, cannot believe that they are being attacked and subdued by a weapon.

And it is exactly this option the Indian government has adopted as the first measure  don't let anyone know what you are thinking on any front. Just do what you have to do when you think it is right. And do it when the enemy is tired of trying to preempt you with guesses. Wear them down with the sounds of silence.
Official sources said there has been a 'change' in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism.

New Delhi: India is likely to strongly raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman even as the two countries will look at further enhancing defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise, during his two-day visit in New Delhi beginning on Tuesday, officials and sources said.

The crown prince who arrived in Islamabad on Sunday at the start of his tour of South Asia has returned to Saudi Arabia on Monday, official sources said. New Delhi had reservations over his coming to India from Pakistan.

Ahead of the visit by the crown prince, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Official sources said Saudi Arabia was no longer accepting Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism and that India will forcefully raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the crown prince on Wednesday.

They said the joint statement to be issued after talks between the two sides is likely to have strong reference about terrorism and ways to deal with it.

Secretary, Economic Affairs in the External Affairs Ministry TS Tirumurti said both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit.

"We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said.

Referring to cross border terrorism, he said, "Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on 14 February. We appreciate kingdom's cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years."

Official sources said there has been a "change" in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism.

"India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture," said Tirumurti.

"As part of this engagement, we are finalizing the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," he said.

The sources said the two sides are looking at joint exercise between the two navies besides significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation.

They said Saudi Arabia has been providing India information and intelligence about various terror networks. The two countries had inked a pact on exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism during Modi's visit to Riyadh in 2016.

The crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation.

Modi will host a lunch in honour of the crown prince at Hyderabad House on Wednesday.

The crown prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary

During the visit of Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of India's terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace.

The two countries held meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last month in Riyadh during which both sides explored the possibility of elevating the defence engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises, said Tirumurti.

India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was $27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its 4th largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of $44 billion. Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

"We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in energy to a broad-based partnership," said Tirumurti.

He said other areas of interest for joint collaboration are fertilizers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, etc.

"We are also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation, where there is considerable potential for enhanced links, especially in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel," the official said.

He said Saudi Arabia has conveyed to India that it will be joining 'International Solar Alliance' initiative.

The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, was among those who sustained injuries in the ongoing gunfight.

At least six security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general, were injured in the gunbattle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 kilometres from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, sustained injuries in the ongoing gunfight. Reports about his injury came hours after two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran who is believed to have masterminded the attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on 14 February, were killed.

The injured include Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who was hurt in the leg.

The names of the army personnel injured were not immediately known.

All the injured are stable, officials said.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said.

In the encounter at Pulwama, four army soldiers, including a Major rank officer, lost their lives, and three armymen, including a Lieutenant Colonel, were injured. A civilian is also reported to have been killed in the ensuing gunfight. The four army personnel killed in the encounter are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got under way, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the 14 February terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

With inputs from PTI
Police officials said that the encounter in Pulwama began at around 12:30 am, following which the militants rushed into some houses.

Three army men, including a Major, were killed while Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir, Amit Kumar, was injured in a gunbattle between militants and security forces in Pinglana area of southern Kashmir, police officials said.

A police constable also lost his life in the gunbattle.

According to police officials, militants fired upon an army patrol in the area late on Sunday night, following which they sneaked into a residential locality. The army men chased them, leading to an encounter. In the encounter, Amit Kumar sustained a bullet wound in his leg and was shifted to the army hospital in Srinagar, where he is being treated.

Police officials said that the encounter began at around 12:30 am, following which the militants rushed into some houses. As the army men cordoned off the area and police personnel joined them, militants fired on the forces from inside the houses, sources said. The firing continued through the night. The operation dragged on as the militants shifted from one house to another, officials said.

Sources said that after the gunshots, local people assembled around the encounter site and engaged the forces in stone-pelting in an attempt to help the militants escape. During the encounter, a civilian also died, while several others received injuries.

A spokesperson for the Armys Northern Command identified the deceased army Major as Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, who hailed from Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Sources said that several army men were also injured in the gunfight and were shifted to the army hospital at Srinagar.

Official sources said that two houses in which the militants were holed up suffered complete damage, while some other houses also suffered extensive damage in mortar shelling.

Three militants of the Jaish-e-Mohammad were said to have been killed in the gunfight. Officials further said that intermittent firing was going on and the bodies have not been recovered.

The attack came days after a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was attacked on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. In the attack, a car laden with explosive devices drove into a bus of the paramilitary force. The explosion left the bus completely damaged, while other vehicles also suffered extensive damage. At the blast site, what had remained of the buses was a mangled heap.

Local residents had said that bodies were blown up because of the blast and were charred.

Following the attack, security personnel have intensified their vigil in Kashmir.

The separatist conglomerate, Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), has reiterated the need for starting a dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem.

Security officials also said that in recent times, there appears to have been a shift in the strategy of the militants. The militants want to carry out attacks which could cause massive fatalities to the forces, an official said.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik said that security forces will work out a joint strategy to deal with attacks on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Some have pointed out that there is a need to intensify security on the highway by road opening parties.
The Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that reports suggesting that air transit facility for CRPF troops in the Jammu-Srinagar sector were not allowed are untrue.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday clarified that the media reports suggesting that air transit facility on Jammu-Srinagar sector for CRPF troops were not allowed are untrue.

"Reports appeared in a section of media that air transit facility on Jammu-Srinagar sector for CRPF troops has not been allowed. These are untrue," read a statement.

The ministry later went on to clarify that "over the last few years, MHA had significantly enhanced the air courier services for CAPFs in all sectors to help jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and back from home on leave".

"In the Jammu and Kashmir sector, air courier service for transportation of jawans of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPFs) are already in operation for quite some time. This included initially the Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu Sector. Later, at the request of the CAPFs in December 2017, the services were extended to Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi, seven flights a week," the statement read.

MHA stated that "movement of convoys by road for logistical and operational reasons has been and will continue to be necessary".

The ministry's clarification comes after media reports suggested that the CRPF had requested air transit for the jawans to the MHA earlier this week, but the request was ignored.

Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Pulwama in an attack orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora on 14 February.
Last Thursday, over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in one of the worst terror attacks on Indian security forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

Jaipur/Ambala/Aligarh/Dehradun: The air is thick with anger, and understandably so; just four days ago, last Thursday, over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in one of the worst terror attacks on Indian security forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

This anger, however, is leading to more mindless violence, and those bearing the brunt of it are innocent Kashmiris. In the past 72 hours over 30 people, mostly Kashmiri students studying in different parts of the country, have been booked for 'anti-India' comments on the Pulwama terror attack.

The major chunk of the arrests came from Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh where eight students were held and booked for objectionable posts on social media. Four students were arrested from National Institute of Medical Science of Jaipur, where as other parts of the country like Ambala, Chandigarh and Patna also reported the cases of Kashmiris being targeted.

Kashmiri students of Maharishi Markandeshwar University in Ambala were forced to leave their rented accommodations after protests by the villagers on Monday. The police said the students have been shifted to university hostel for safety purposes and security in the area was tightened. The Haryana Police has registered two separate FIRs for thrashing Kashmiri students in Ambala of Haryana.

One FIR (FIR number 0030) was registered at the Mullana police station in Ambala at 8.38 p.m. on Sunday. Another FIR (FIR number 0031) was registered at the same police station at 10.02 p.m. on the same day. The first FIR was filed under Sections 148, 149, 323 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code for offences of unlawful assembly, rioting, voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation. The second FIR was filed under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 452 of the the IPC (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint.)

In Rajasthan, Kashmiri students from two colleges were suspended for celebratory posts on social media after the Pulwama attack.

On Saturday, four paramedical students of NIMS University in Jaipur were suspended for posting an anti-national WhatsApp status allegedly supporting the attack. They have been identified as Talveen Manzoor, Iqra, Zohra Nazir, and Uzma Nazir; all of them were sent back to Kashmir on Sunday.

The suspension order stated: In respect of the severe terrorist attack you have pos[t]ed anti-national message on your whatsApp NIMS University Rajasthan will not tolerate and strictly condemn such activities. (sic)

The college administration did not lodge a complaint... We did not disclose this earlier due to the heated atmosphere on campus, said Rajat Bishnoi, deputy superintendent of police, Chandwaji Police Station. He revealed that the status in question was a picture of them holding kulhad cups with the caption: Heres an answer to the outrage outside.

Hostel warden at NIMS, Sushila Chettri said, The matter first came to light on Saturday morning; by afternoon, students and outsiders were demanding action against them.

In the other case, Aryan Shakir, an alumnus of Pacific College, Udaipur, posted a picture of Adil Ahmad Dar and wrote Salute. As it spread, several students gathered and chanted slogans against him. They were further incensed when a current student allegedly supported Shakir.

Theres extra security on campus now. Students have been forbidden from going outside, and no classes are being held, said a student.

Bhagwat Singh Hingar, circle officer, City East, Udaipur, said, An FIR has been filed against Shakir and the student who supported him. The latter has been suspended.

Scared students in Dehradun want to return home

Kashmiri students across Dehradun were also targeted after a medical student studying there allegedly put up an objectionable comment on a WhatsApp group on the attack. Naushad Sultan, a Kashmiri student, who lives in rented accomodation in Bhauwala in Dehradun district, said he and his friends are so scared that they havent stepped out of their homes for two days, not even for buying essentials.

Theres a group of nearly 100 people roaming in the area and shouting and urging the locals to send all Kashmiri students back, he added, saying he and his friends are ready to go back but the government should at least help them return. Sultan said eight to 10 students took shelter in the police station on Friday night after some ruckus started; later, they left for Delhi by road. He further said the police had to take 38 Kashmiri students to a safer place on Saturday night.

Dehradun senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nivedita Kukreti said, Personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas... We are providing all possible assistance to Kashmiri students. Several rumours are doing the rounds on social media, but law and order in the city is under control. I appeal to everyone to not pay heed to rumours.

In AMU campus, trapped for tweeting

The Aligarh Muslim University issued an advisory on Sunday asking students from Kashmir not to venture out of the university campus due to volatile situation around the campus due to the Pulwama attack. What led to the unrest was a tweet from Basim Hilal, a first-year BSc Mathematics student at AMU. Hilal is now facing a huge backlash and threats for putting up a controversial tweet right after the terror attack.

Hilal, who is from the Beerwah town of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, had posted on Twitter: Hows the Jaish? Great Sir. #Kashmir #Pulwama, punning on a line from the recently released Bollywood movie Uri.

While the AMU suspended Hilal on Friday, he maintained that his tweet had been misinterpreted by everyone, including the media. I was only questioning the government over the rise of militancy in Kashmir, especially because it has been claiming that militancy in the Valley has come to an end. My tweet has been taken in the wrong way, he said. He added that he got a lot of threats through messages, calls and social media after the post. I have deleted that tweet and deactivated all my social media accounts. But, ironically, before doing that, I found out about my suspension through social media itself. I am now consulting my seniors on what I should do next. Hilal said he is yet to receive an official notice in this regard from the varsity.

He also said his parents, too, have been very scared after the tweet went viral, and hence, he has shifted to his seniors room, fearing attacks.

Aligarh SSP Akash Kulhari said a case has been registered against Hilal under section 153A of the Indian Penal Code and section 67A of the IT Act.

Divided they stand

Sajjad Subhan Rather, a PhD scholar and former vice-president of AMU Student Union, however, defended Hilal and said the youngster did nothing wrong. He just raised questions against our government, trying to show that our own people are being killed every day. Its possible that all this hate coming his way is because the elections are nearing; but he, in no way, endorsed the militant outfit, Rather said.

The government has failed to protect Kashmiris. We arent safe anywhere, neither in our hometowns nor outside them. We will soon hold a press conference and a protest in Delhi, demanding security for Kashmiri students across the country; and we also demand a solution for Kashmir.

University spokesperson Omar Peerzada, on the other hand, has taken a stricter stance. Speaking to the media, he said the institute will not tolerate such statements. The university has a zero-tolerance policy [for such things] and we will take stringent action. As of now, as per university rules and students code of conduct, we have suspended him. The proctorial board is probing the case and will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete, he added, reiterating, We will not allow the universitys name to be tarnished in any way.

The authors are members of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters
As India considers its response to the Pulwama terror attack, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution.

Srinagar: As India considers its response to the suicide car bombing of a paramilitary convoy in the disputed region of Kashmir that killed dozens of soldiers, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution.

A local Kashmiri militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a convoy bus on Thursday, killing 41 soldiers and injuring two dozen others in the worst attack against government forces in Kashmirs history. India blamed the attack on Pakistan and promised a crushing response. New Delhi accuses its archrival of supporting rebels in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies.

The retired commander, Lieutenant General DS Hooda, told The Associated Press on Saturday that while some kind of limited (military) strike (against Pakistan) is more than likely, he hopes for rethinking and reconciliation from all sides in the conflict.

The former general, who was in charge of the armys northern command at the frontier with Pakistan in Kashmir and counterinsurgency operations, oversaw Indias surgical strikes in September 2016 after militants attacked a military base in the frontier town of Uri near the highly militarised Line of Control.

Nineteen Indian soldiers and three assailants were killed in that attack. India instantly blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers, who New Delhi alleged were Pakistani nationals.

At the peak of a 2016 civilian uprising triggered by the killing of a charismatic Kashmiri rebel leader, Hooda called for all sides to take a step back from the deadly confrontation, suggesting that political initiatives be taken instead. It was a rare move by a top Indian army general in Kashmir.

Later that year when the attack on the base in Uri happened, Hooda commanded what New Delhi called surgical strikes against militants in the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir  which India said involved the countrys special forces killing an unknown number of insurgents. Pakistan denied that the strikes ever occurred, demanding that India produce evidence to back up the claim. Hooda has since said that the constant hype of surgical strikes was unwarranted.

Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua rejected Indias allegations about Pakistans involvement in the attack, saying on Saturday that it was part of New Delhis known rhetoric and tactics to divert global attention from human rights violations. According to foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal, Janjua called for implementation of UN resolutions to solve the issue of Kashmir.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or become an independent country. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

A pre-recorded video circulated widely on social media showed the purported attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar, in combat clothes surrounded by guns and grenades claiming responsibility for the attack and calling for more such measures to drive India out of Kashmir.

Since 2016, soldiers from India and Pakistan have often traded fire along the frontier, blaming each other for initiating the skirmishes that have resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides in violation of a 2003 cease-fire accord.

Hooda said that considering the state of affairs in Kashmir, he wasnt surprised by the bombing. I just hope this all leads to some introspection, some deep thinking and engagement to do everything afresh and rethink what we all should be doing to settle issues once for all, he said.
The top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death in 2017 by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. Representing India and Kulbhushan Jadhav in ICJ, senior advocate Harish Salve gave a fierce rebuttal to Pakistan. Here are the allegations India made on Monday:

In its fight for former navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's freedom, India on Monday made several allegations against Pakistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), basing its case on two broad issues  breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

The top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death in 2017 by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage. Representing India and Jadhav in the ICJ, senior advocate Harish Salve laid a series of charges at Pakistan's door. Here are the allegations India made on Monday:

1. No date of arrest in letter

Salve listed out the chronology of events in Jadhav's case, including when it informed New Delhi about his arrest and the release of his supposed "confessional" video. He highlighted that Pakistan withheld facts, such as the date of his arrest.

2. Pakistan recorded confession before filing FIR

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after Jadhav's arrest. "Pakistan filed an FIR in the case a month after the date it (Pakistan) said that Jadhav was apprehended. The host country did not inform Jadhav of his rights. In a statement put out by the Pakistan Army chief, it was clear that Jadhav was not provided a lawyer to fight his plea," he said.

3. No consular access

Salve said that no "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show Jadhav's involvement in any act of terrorism and his purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced". "There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay," he said.

"Consular access has to be given before being brought to trial. If consular access is jettisoned, it would render Article 36 of the Vienna Convention a dead letter."

4. India's request for consular access denied

According to Salve, India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede. The senior advocate also argued that despite repeated requests, no charge sheets or material from the trial court hearing has been provided to India.

5. Confession was extracted

Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said. "A (purported) confession of Jadhav was aired even before FIR was filed and trial resumed. His purported confession clearly appears to be coaxed. India reminded Pakistan that it's the Pakistan government which hasn't ratified the SAARC Convention on legal assistance in criminal matters," added Salve.

6. Jadhav's trial was 'opaque'

"Pakistan did not provide a lawyer to Jadhav, as was confirmed by the army chief in a statement. Subsequently, Pakistan announced death after trial conducted in an opaque manner. No trial document was given to India and Pakistan ignored India's request for case paper. India moved the ICJ after Pakistan ignored 13 reminders," said Salve.

7. 'Pakistani military courts fall far short of international standards'

The senior lawyer said Jadhav's trial by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed" to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process and requested the International Court of Justice to declare it "unlawful".

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," the ex-solicitor general said. "Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

Claiming that the proceedings in Pakistani military courts "fall far short of international standards", he said, "In the last two years, military courts have been allowed to convict civilians. 161 civilians have been given death sentence in an opaque manner."

"I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court."

8. 'Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence'

On Pakistan's allegations against India, Salve hit back and said, "Pakistan's conduct in overall case is abuse (of its rights). Pakistan is abusing its right to defend itself in these proceedings."

"Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice in Pakistan. Pakistan has used Jadhav to build a narrative against India," Salve said.

Before Salve concluded his arguments for India, he sought the annulment of Jadhav's conviction and a direction that he be released. Pakistan will make its first round of arguments on Tuesday.

With inputs from agencies
The Hindu on Monday defended its report on the Rafale deal, which had claimed that the defence ministry in 2015 had objected to 'parallel discussions' held by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) during the negotiations over the deal for 36 fighter jets with France.

The Hindu on Monday defended its report on the Rafale deal, which had claimed that the defence ministry in 2015 had objected to "parallel discussions" held by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) during the negotiations over the deal for 36 fighter jets with France. The newspaper had been accused of "doctoring" a letter written by former defence secretary SK Sharma and leaving out the response of the then-defence minister Manohar Parrikar.

The paper's reader's editor AS Panneerselvan, in his column on Monday, clarified that the version of the note published by the paper on 8 February and the one accessed by ANI were, in fact, from different dates.

"A close look at the note published by N Ram (the author), as part of his investigation, reveals that the document was from an earlier date. In that, officials of the Defence Ministry draw the attention of the Defence Minister to the fact that there was a parallel negotiation being led by the Prime Ministers Office. The page has only the observation of the officials," he said.

Panneerselvan further noted that there was "no numbering or sequencing of opinions" on the version of the letter published by The Hindu, adding that in the version released by the government through ANI, "every opinion is numbered". "Mr. Parrikars opinion is clearly marked 13, which means it was a subsequent document. The numberings, which are quite conspicuous in the ANI document, prove that The Hindu published both documents without any doctoring," he said.

A report published by The Hindu on 8 February escalated the Rafale controversy after it claimed that the defence ministry in 2015 had objected to "parallel discussions" held by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) during the negotiations over the deal for 36 fighter jets with France.

A letter written by then-defence deputy secretary (Air II) SK Sharma objecting to parallel discussions was published in the report. In the portion of the note published, Sharma's letter said that parallel discussions had "weakened the negotiating position of Ministry of Defence and the Indian Negotiating Team."

However, the Centre, led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, had denounced the report claiming that only a part of the note had been published and that the response of former defence minister had been left out. Parrikar had written a response dismissing Sharma's concerns and called it an "overreaction". Reportedly, he also called for further consultations to clarify points.

Sitharaman had said, "A newspaper published a file noting written by the defence secretary. If a newspaper publishes a noting, then the ethics of journalism will demand that the newspaper publishes the then-defence ministers reply as well. Such selective noting and building an issue out of this is completely uncalled for."

The report was quoted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi at a press conference on 8 February, as he launched a renewed attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It is an open-and-shut case," declared the Congress chief, who has been alleging that the pricing of the fighter plane, under the deal for procuring 36 aircraft from French company Dassault Aviation, was changed at the behest Modi.
The Opposition parties must not only nail the BJP for its failures on the economic and social front, but also on the security front.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken about the fire raging in his heart which was there in the hearts of the people in his speech at Begusarai in Bihar in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, in which a suicide bomber killed 40-plus CRPF jawans traveling in a convoy from Jammu. BJP president Amit Shah had said in Guwahati: We are not the Congress. We are the BJP, indicating that the Narendra Modi government would respond to the terror attack with greater determination than a Congress government would have had. But at the government level, the Prime Minister said that the Army had a free hand to respond to the attack, and at a time of its choosing. And the government had also convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on February 15, where the attack was condemned unanimously.

The BJP will not be able to resist the temptation to use the Pulwama attack, which puts the Modi government in the dock for the lapses of intelligence and the unguarded road movement of troops, during the election campaign and take credit for whatever retaliatory action that the Army will take for the attack. The BJP had brazenly used the surgical strike of September 29, 2016 in the Uttar Pradesh election of March 2017, along with the disastrous November 8, 2016 demonetisation move. The Opposition parties have no choice but to break the temporary political truce that was forged at the all-party meeting. And this is a fair battle tactic. It will be necessary for the Modi government to launch an effective retaliatory attack, which it would then use in the Lok Sabha poll campaign as its political trophy.

There have been, and there are many conspiracy theories in the air about how the Modi government would trigger a flareup on the India-Pakistan Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and care would be taken that it does not spill over into the India-Pakistan international border, and that a government whose achievements have been modest and unimpressive would unfurl the standard of patriotism, which is the easiest way to tug at the emotional chords of the voters, to engineer an electoral victory in May. There is also the extreme apprehension on the part of the ideological opponents of Mr Modi and the BJP that the Prime Minister would defer the elections. It is easy to label Mr Modis opponents as hysterical because the Prime Minister has not really inspired confidence among his critics, and his own supporters, the right-wing zealots, are not unflinching votaries of democracy. This makes the fears of the opponents plausible, and even palpable.

Whatever short-term advantages that political parties may want to take from the India-Pakistan confrontation, the people are not as starry-eyed as they are made out to be. The majority of people are sad and angry that the CRPF jawans were killed in a terror attack, and they would support any counter-terror measure, but they are not going to sidestep the many other burning issues, both local and national. Only a major India-Pakistan war would make people forget the other issues, and by all rational reckoning a war is not going to happen. The armed forces would not want a war, and they would like to deal with the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the local level. And there will be a major tightening of security precautions.

The Opposition parties are likely to feel defensive in raising the security failures of the Narendra Modi government, because the BJP will then unleash mob frenzy against innocent Kashmiris and Muslims living across the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir. But Congress president Rahul Gandhi will continue to hit the Modi government hard on the Rafale jet fighter purchase, and he will make the larger point that the BJP boasts about being ultra-nationalistic, but when it comes strengthening security it falters and dithers. And that is how it should be. The Opposition parties must not only nail the BJP for its failures on the economic and social front, but also on the security front. And the BJP should defend its record as best as it can. If the BJP leaders, and its cadres-turned-mobs, turn upon the critics as anti-national, it will be a violation of political protocol. The responsibility of holding the party cadres-turned-mobs on leash will lie with the party president, Mr Shah, and with Prime Minister Modi.

The 2019 Lok Sabha election is slated to be nastiest one ever, and the addition of national security will add an incendiary element to the toxic broth. India is a proud democracy, and it should not pass over in silence important issues like terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir. The UPA government of Dr Manmohan Singh was clear about terrorism, including red terrorism. The UPAs Kashmir policy was pragmatic and calibrated and there was no unrealistic attempt to resolve the problem. But state governments were left alone to manage the situation. And the UPA handled Pakistan without engaging with it. The weakness of the Modi government is that it has not been able to decouple the Kashmir question from that of Pakistan. Second, it failed to leave the management of Kashmir to the local political leadership. There are many lessons that the BJP needs to learn from the Congress leadership in dealing with Pakistan. The main lesson is that do not make Pakistan the centre of your policy. The second is to build ones military strength even though there is no likelihood of it ever being used against Pakistan. That is a deterrent in itself.

The BJP should answer for its failures on the security front along with its failures on the other fronts. The Congress and the other Opposition parties should take the BJP to task for its fumbles and follies during the election campaign.
Interstingly, Mamatas remarks comes after she led a candlelight march to protest the Pulwama attack on Saturday in Kolkata and had said that country stands by its brave jawans.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday fired a fresh salvo at the Narendra Modi government after raising doubts over the timing of the Pulwama terror attack ahead of the 2019 General Election, ANI reported.

While addressing a press conference in Kolkata, Mamata said: "I have doubts why the Pulwama attacks happened right before the elections."

In a veiled attack on Modi government, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said "Why the deadly attack happened right before the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. It is an attempt to create communal tensions across the country."

Mamata accused the Centre of not doing anything to stop Pakistanis from carrying out these attacks all these years and has thought of a "shadow war" only when the elections are near.

CNN-News18 quoted Mamata as asking, "Why did the Centre not do anything to stop Pakistanis in carrying out these attacks all these years? Only when an election is knocking at the door, you thought of starting a shadow war."

According to ANI, she also alleged that the government had information from intelligence agencies on 8 February about such attacks taking place before elections.

Interestingly, Mamatas remarks come after she led a candlelight march to protest the Pulwama attack on Saturday in Kolkata and had said that country stands by its brave jawans.

Condemning the attack, she said: "The country stands united. We are one and we unitedly stand by our brave jawans. Terrorists are terrorists. They have no religion, no caste."

On 14 February, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and many injured when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

With inputs from PTI
Jadhav was sentenced to death by the Pakistani military court in 2017 on charges of 'espionage and terrorism' after a closed trial in April 2017. India moved the ICJ the same year for the 'egregious violation' of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan.

India on Monday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence by a Pakistani military court and order his immediate release. Representing India and Jadhav at the top UN court, senior lawyer Harish Salve said that the verdict based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.

While pointing to violations of the Vienna Convention, Salve said that Pakistan had also not complied with the provisions of the 2008 bilateral agreement with India. "Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian national who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan. Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India, a pawn to further their propaganda," he told the court.

Pakistan will get to present its first round of arguments on Tuesday. On the official website of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a section titled 'The Jadhav Case (India v Pakistan) - Updated Key Facts Sheet' mentioned six "key points which India will need to answer". These are also the arguments Pakistan is expected to raise during the hearing:

"India says Jadhav was an innocent Indian national who was kidnapped from Iran to make him confess to being an Indian RAW agent. India has failed to make good this allegation despite repeated requests for evidence that he was kidnapped. Why not?"

"India says Jadhav retired from the Indian Navy  India has failed to explain when/why he retired (he was only 47 years old when arrested). Why not?"

"India refuses to explain how Jadhav was in possession of an authentic Indian passport issued in a false 'cover' Muslim name 'Hussein Mubarak Patel' which he had used at least 17 times to enter/exit India...India eventually said the passport was "clearly a forgery" but refuses to explain this statement, or why a highly credible independent UK expert is wrong when he says it is an authentic Indian passport issued by the Indian authorities. Why not?"

"India demands that the ICJ orders the "return" of Jadhav to India. However, the ICJ has repeatedly stated it is not a criminal court of appeal. It has always so far made it clear in all its decisions that, even if consular access was denied, the proper order is for there to be effective review and reconsideration by the local courts. Jadhav and his family have been able to seek this at any time since 10 April, 2017 in accordance with Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Instead, India launched proceedings in the ICJ 14 months after he was arrested and a month after he was convicted to seek a 'stay' order without a hearing. Why is India asking for an order for 'return' in the face of the ICJ's decision and the independent expert evidence confirming Pakistan has effective review and reconsideration before the High Court and Supreme Court?

"India has failed to explain why the Agreement on Consular Access between India and Pakistan dated 21 May, 2008 (which India drafted), and which provides (at Article (VI)) for either state to be entitled to consider a request for consular access "on its merits" where it involves a person implicated in national security matters, does not apply in this case. Why not?"

"India fails to explain why highly respected UK-based military law experts are wrong when they say that Pakistan's high court and Supreme Court provide an effective review and reconsideration of the military court process."

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in 2017 on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. India moved the ICJ the same year for "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the Indian national.

Subsequently, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case. The UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case on Monday.

With inputs from agencies

Follow live updates here.
Jadhav, a 48-year-old former Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, 2017. According to Pakistani forces, he was apprehended on 3 March, 2016 from restive Balochistan province after he reportedly entered from Iran. India, however, maintains that he was abducted from Iran and taken to Pakistan against his will

India and Pakistan are set for another showdown starting Monday when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague in Netherlands begins oral proceedings in the high-profile Kulbhushan Jadhav case for the next four days. The hearings at the ICJ has come only four days after at least 40 CRPF soldiers were killed by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on 14 February and India subsequently hiking customs duty to 200 percent on all goods imported from Pakistan, following revocation of the Most Favoured Nation status. So, what is Jadhav's case all about and what each nation has contended till now:

India versus Pakistan's claims

Jadhav, a 48-year-old former Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April, 2017. According to Pakistani forces, he was apprehended on 3 March, 2016 from restive Balochistan province after he reportedly entered from Iran. India, however, maintains that he was abducted from Iran and taken to Pakistan against his will.

Pakistan says that he is a spy and had travelled on a passport with a "Muslim name", India maintains that he had business interests in Iran after retiring from the Navy because of which he would frequently travel there.

Pakistan also said that India has failed to explain how a "serving naval commander" was travelling under an assumed name, making it obvious that he was a spy sent on a "special mission". However, India has consistently maintained that he was kidnapped from Iran.

India took on Pakistan to the world court by stating Islamabad's "egregious" violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by denying consular access to Jadhav. Pakistan, on the other hand, countered by saying that the ICJ has no jurisdiction in a case that involves an espionage accused. It also said that both nations, according to a bilateral agreement, can deny access to people caught for spying. According to a report in the India Today, on bilateral treaties, only a treaty registered with the United Nations by both parties can be used before a UN organ. This bilateral agreement was not registered with the UN and therefore no UN organ can admit this treaty.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India which moved the ICJ in May 2017 against the verdict. A 10-member bench of the ICJ on 18 May, 2017, had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

Pakistan, however, facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on 25 December, 2017. In pictures released by Pakistan, Jadhav could be seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. India, later accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities when the latter asked his family members to remove mangalsutra, bangles and bindi before they could meet him on the pretext of security.

Former solicitor general Harish Salve will represent India while Pakistan will be represented by Barrister Khawar Qureshi at the ICJ. While India will argue first on 18 February, Pakistan will make its submissions on 19 February. New Delhi will reply on 20 February and Islamabad will make its closing submissions on 21 February. The decision of the ICJ is expected to be announced by the summer of 2019.
India wants the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to give a directive to Pakistan to annul Jadhavs death sentence, and to release him.

-What is India's stance at the ICJ?

India argues that Pakistan has engaged in egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations in the course of its prosecution of alleged spy Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav. India was formally informed of Jadhavs arrest on 25 March, 2016. India made at least 16 requests for consular access to him after that, which were either denied or ignored.

-What is India hoping for from the International Court of Justice?

India wants the ICJ to give a directive to Pakistan to annul Jadhavs death sentence; declare that his military trial was in violation of the Vienna Convention, and a directive to Pakistan to release him.

-What is Pakistans response likely to be tomorrow, when its lawyers get their turn to speak?

Pakistan alleges Jadhav was a serving Indian naval officer involved in espionage and terrorism-related activities, particularly in the province of Balochistan. It claims that the Vienna Convention is not applicable in such casesand that even if it was, a 2008 bilateral agreement between the two countries overrides the Vienna Convention.

-What is the case against Jadhav?

Jadhav was tried under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, for espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan. Evidence against Kulbhushan Jadhav includes a purported confession that was later broadcast on Pakistani media. However, the trial was conducted by a military court, and its proceedings were not public. Pakistans Army Act, 1952, allows military courts to hear cases that arise out of the Official Secrets Act.

-What is the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations?

The Vienna Convention, among other things, provides that when a national of a foreign country is arrested or detained, she or he has the right to notify their countrys diplomatic mission, and to meet with its officials. There is no exception clause for spies or terroristsor, indeed, anyone elsein the Convention. The International Court of Justice has in earlier cases held that authorities have a duty to inform a foreign national of this right.

-What does the 2008 bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan say?

The agreement, concluded to ensure the humane treatment of nationals of either country arrested, detained or imprisoned, states that both countries may examine consular access claims on merits in cases of arrest, detention or sentence made on political or security grounds.

-Which is is more importantthe bilateral agreement of the Convention?

The Vienna Convention states that it does not preclude States from concluding international agreements confirming or supplementing or extending or amplifying the provisions thereof. The language seems to suggest that bilateral treaties can only enhance, not dilute, Vienna Convention rightsbut thats one of the many things the judges have to decide.

-What can the ICJ do?

The ICJ is only allowed to decide whether or not Pakistan violated the Vienna Convention. If it does so, it may ask Pakistan to review or reconsider Jadhavs conviction. However, legal experts say the court is unlikely to rule on the legality of trials by military courts in Pakistan, or the legitimacy of the trial and sentencing. Thus, Jadhav may get another day in court, now with assistance from the Indian High Commission in Islamabadbut it will more likely than not still be another closed-door military court.

-Are the ICJs judgments binding?

Yes, they areand a country can go to the United Nations Security Council if any party to a case fails to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgment rendered by the Court. But a number of countries have flouted ICJ judgments, including the United States.
As a punitive action following the deadly Pulwama attack on 14 February, authorities have withdrawn the security cover of some of Kashmir's prominent separatists, including the moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

As a punitive action following the deadly suicide bombing in Pulwama on 14 February, authorities have withdrawn the security cover of some of Kashmir's prominent separatists, including the moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The move followed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Srinagar after the terror attack on a CRPF convoy. In a stern message, authorities have asserted that the Indian exchequer will not provide security to those taking money from Pakistan.

On Sunday, two days after Rajnath's visit, Governor Satya Pal Malik's administration ordered the removal of the security cover and other facilities the government provided to separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz, Abdul Gani Bhat, Shabir Shah and Bilal Lone. They are all part of the moderate Hurriyat camp Mirwaiz leads.

Interestingly, no separatist leader from the hard line Hurriyat camp led by Syed Ali Geelani, who advocates the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, has faced such action.

An order issued by the state's home department said the Government of India has decided to "immediately review the wastage of police resources in providing unnecessary security to a large number of non-government persons in the state. This is particularly relevant in the context of security provided to separatists and their sympathisers".

Naming the four separatists, the order states that all security and vehicles provided to them will be withdrawn by Sunday. "No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatist. If they have any other facilities provided by the government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith," the home department order read.

Although the decision to withdraw the security cover of separatists carries a symbolic message, it is unlikely to have any major impact, with separatists claiming that they had never sought any security cover from the government to begin with. The government had provided Mirwaiz eight security men and two vehicles, and Bhat had five to six guards with two vehicles.

Bilal Lone, brother of the BJP ally and former minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government Sajad Lone, was provided four personal guards with one vehicle, while, according to his Democratic Freedom Party, Shabir Shah, who has been languishing in New Delhi's Tihar jail for over a year, had no security cover.

"He was never provided any security by the government. These are lies spread by the government to create confusion," a spokesperson for Shah's party said.

While the decision to remove the security cover of separatists may play into the 'iron-hand' narrative of the BJP, separatists believe it will "ease our way of life" as the government often enforced curbs like house arrests on them.

"I have participated in a number of public functions, and the presence of security men, instead of giving me a sense of safety, used to terrify me. This decision should have been made a long time ago, but it is better late than never," said one of the separatist leaders whose security cover has been withdrawn.

Furthermore, Mirwaiz said Hurriyat leaders had never asked for security, and it was on the insistence of the government that police personnel were deployed to guard them "due to the so-called threat perception".

"The government and its propagandist anti-Kashmir media repeatedly rakes up the issue of police personnel provided to resistance leadership to politicise the matter, knowing well that it neither has any bearing, nor can it, in any way, change the reality of the lingering Kashmir dispute, or the situation on ground, or our principled stand and outlook regarding its resolution," he tweeted.

However, the decision is likely to increase the concerns of the state and Central governments. Withdrawing the security cover of separatists will make them vulnerable to mischief, which risks worsening the situation in case of an untoward incident involving them.

The killing of two prominent Hurriyat leaders, including Mirwaiz's father, Mohammad Farooq, and Bilal's father, Abdul Gani Lone, had set off massive protests in Kashmir. Although security agencies blame Pakistan-based militant groups for assassinating the two top separatists, Kashmiris still hold India accountable for their murders.

"In case of any tragedy, it is not the militants who will face the blame but the government itself. Withdrawing their security may bolster the 'iron-handed' image of the BJP ahead of the general elections, but the move may backfire if they are harmed," said Professor Noor Baba, who teaches at the Central University of Kashmir.

A senior police officer called the move a "double-edged sword" that has the potential to "cut the enemy's teeth but also the hand that holds it".

"It's a tricky situation because tomorrow, if a lone wolf decides to carry out some sinister attack on them, the State will have to face the consequences. Besides, we used to get real-time information on their movement. Now it will be a bit difficult," the officer explained
Two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, including Kamran, the commander who allegedly masterminded the attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Thursday, were on Monday killed in an encounter with security forces in the district.

Three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists  including Abdul Rasheed Ghazi alias Kamran, the commander who is believed to have masterminded the attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Thursday  were killed in a 17-hour-long encounter with security forces in the Pinglan area of South Kashmir's Pulwama on Monday. Four army jawans, including a Major-rank officer, also lost their lives in the gunfight, and eight officers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, were injured.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group. The identity of the third is being ascertained.

A joint team of the Indian Army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Police had launched a cordon and search operation early on Monday after receiving a tip-off about the presence of militants in the area. The gunfight began after the militants opened fire on them.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major VS Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed. A civilian also died in the gunfight, though the troops had urged local residents to stay indoors for their safety.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered injury in the leg. Their condition was said to be stable on Monday evening.

One AK-47 rifle and one pistol were recovered from the militants at the encounter site. Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night. A cordon and search operation by the security forces was also started in Krawora village of the Shopian district.

In the aftermath of the latest brush with JeM militants, the cross-LoC bus service from Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch to Rawalakot in PoK was suspended for Monday. Trade on this route was also stalled and internet services were suspended in parts of the Valley.

The encounter comes days after a JeM suicide bomber killed 42 CRPF troops and injured several in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan-based JeM suicide bomber had rammed his vehicle carrying over 100 kilograms of explosives into one of the buses of the CRPF convoy in Pulwama district. According to the police sources, Sunday night's gunfight site is about 10 kilometres away from the suicide attack spot in Pulwama, IANS reported.

Meanwhile, the curfew in Jammu, imposed on 15 February, continued on Monday for the fourth consecutive day. The police said that no untoward incident had occurred anywhere in the city on Sunday night. However, mobile internet services also remained suspended in Jammu. The curfew was imposed after miscreants torched vehicles and damaged several others carrying number plates of the Kashmir Valley in protest against the 14 February attack.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack on Thursday, India highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India has accused Pakistan of "patronising terrorism" and inaction against the JeM, which is based in the country, but Islamabad has maintained innocence.

On Monday, Pakistan's Foreign Office tweeted that the Pakistani High Commissioner in India has been called back for "consultations". The Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan said in the tweet that the officer left New Delhi on Monday morning.

India on Friday had withdrawn the 'Most Favoured Nation' status for Pakistan and hiked customs duty by 200 percent on goods from the country with immediate effect.

With inputs from agencies
Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on 3 March, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

The Hague: India on Monday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence by a Pakistani military court and order his immediate release, saying the verdict based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April, 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May, 2018, for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.

"Military courts of Pakistan cannot command the confidence of this court and should not be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhav's conviction, and directions that he be released forthwith," said Harish Salve, the lawyer representing India and Jadhav in the case at the ICJ.

The four-day trial opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group that killed at least 41 CRPF soldiers.

"India seeks relief in declaring that the trial by the military court in Pakistan hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process... and should be declared unlawful," said Salve, the former solicitor general of India.

Noting that military courts in Pakistan are not independent, Salve said the working of such courts have been censured by the European Parliament.

"A foreign detainee has the right to life, the right to a fair trial and an impartial judiciary. However, Pakistan has sentenced 161 civilians to death in their military courts in opaque proceedings in the last two years," Salve said.

He urged the ICJ to grant relief to Jadhav in the backdrop of fact that his trial has been done by a military court.

"Considering the trauma he (Jadhav) has been subjected to over the past three years, it would be in the interest of justice of making human rights a reality, to direct his release," Salve said on the first day of the hearing.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on 3 March, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Making submissions in the ICJ that lasted nearly three hours, Salve said Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there.

"Pakistan has in custody an Indian national who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...," he said, adding that there is no doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool.

No "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said.

Noting that under the international law Pakistan was bound to grant consular access to Jadhav without delay, Salve said India sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

"Pakistan knowingly, brazenly and willingly" violated the international law, Salve told the judges. He said Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared "unlawful."

The senior advocate also said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav. He said Pakistan was embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav.

Salve read out the various sections and articles of the Vienna Convention under which foreign prisoners fall.

"The Vienna Convention is a powerful tool that ensures the facility of consular access to foreign nationals who have been put on trial in foreign trial," he said.

"Article 36 of the Vienna Convention says that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens, but Pakistan did not inform India about his arrest."

Without consular access, he said, "India has no information on what happened to Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan."

"India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement on consular access," he said. "Bilateral treaties cannot modify Article 36 of Vienna Convention. It could only supplement it."

"Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed three months for providing consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation," Salve said.

Salve argued that Pakistan did not uphold the Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that states consular access applies to all nationals, regardless of espionage claims in Jadhav's case.

"This quite plainly, is an egregious violation of Pakistan's obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," said Salve.

He said Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25 December, 2017.

"India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest," he said.

Pakistan didn't send any details of the probe conducted by the Joint Investigation Team before informing the Indian side about the death sentence handed over to him. "Jadhav did not get any lawyer during his trial," he added.

The ICJ adjourned the hearing till Tuesday when Pakistan will get the opportunity to present its case.
The oral proceedings in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case will commence from 18 February before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, the Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday.

New Delhi: The oral proceedings in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case will commence from Monday before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, the Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday.

Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India moved the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May in 2017 itself against the verdict. A 10-member bench of the ICJ on 18 May, 2017, had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar declined to go into the details of it.

"The oral proceedings on the International Court of Justice are commencing on February 18. India will present its case before the court. Since the matter is subjudice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court," he said in response to a question.

The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, will hold public hearings in the Jadhav case from 18 to 21 February, 2019, according to the ICJ website.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on 3 March, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India. India had approached the ICJ for "egregious" violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by Pakistan in Jadhav's case.
Pulwama encounter LIVE updates: Eight security personnel have been injured in the Pulwama encounter. The security forces have killed third JeM militant in the ongoing encounter.

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Four army personnel have been killed in action and one is injured in an encounter between terrorists and security forces in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir.

The four Army personnel killed in action in the Pulwama encounter include a Major rank officer and they belong to the 55 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army.

The encounter in Pulwama comes days after a JeM suicide bomber killed 42 CRPF troops and injured five in the same South Kashmir district on 14 February, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan-based JeM suicide bomber had rammed his vehicle carrying over 100 kilograms of explosives into one of the buses of the CRPF convoy in Pulwama district.

According to news reports, three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders are holed up in the Pinglan area of South Kashmir's Pulwama where they are involved in an encounter with the Indian Army personnel.

Post exchange of fire between the security forces and the militants, a search operation was launched to nab the militants. A cordon and search operation has taken place late on Sunday night by the army, J&K police and CRPF personnel after a tip-off that terrorists were hiding in the area. According to unconfirmed reports, a civilian was also killed in the encounter.

Heavy firing was going on in the Pinglan region of Pulwama and announcements were being made appealing to villagers to stay indoors, during the encounter, Hindustan Times reported.

Appeals were made to locals to stay indoors as heavy firing took place during the encounter

A joint team of army's 55 RR, CRPF and the Special Operation Group (SOG) launched a cordon in the wee hours of Monday. As the joint team of forces intensified the searches and fired some warning shots towards the suspected spot, the militants opened fire triggering off a gunfight, according to Global News Service.

The slain soldiers have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh. "The critically injured armyman has been identified as Sepoy Gulzar Mohd who has been evacuated to army's 92 base hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar for treatment, reports said. A civilian namely, Mushtaq Ahmad was also reportedly killed during the gunfight.

According to ANI, Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night.

As per latest reports, the security forces were conducting a cordon and search operation at the encounter site in Pulwama. Some unconfirmed reports suggested that four militants have fled from the area.

Fresh exchange of gunfight resumed after a lull of more than three hours at the encounter site, local reports said. The operation is still underway in the Valley.

According to the police sources, Sunday night's gunfight site is about 10 kilometres away from the suicide attack spot in Pulwama, IANS reported. The IED blast had on 14 February had killed 40 CRPF personnel and injured five others in the worst ever attack on the armed forces in the Valley in recent times.

The curfew was imposed after miscreants torched vehicles and damaged several others carrying number plates of the Kashmir Valley in protest against the 14 February terror attack in Pulwama that killed 40 CRPF troopers.

The curfew in Jammu, imposed on 15 February, continued on Monday for the fourth consecutive day with authorities likely to take a decision on its relaxation later. The police said that no untoward incident had occurred anywhere in the city on Sunday night. However, mobile internet services also remained suspended in Jammu, IANS reported.

A top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander linked to the 14 February Pulwama attack is believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter with security forces in Pinglan, ANI reported.

According to an India Today report , Kamran, the terrorist who has been cornered by the security forces is reportedly the mastermind of the 14 February Pulwama suicide attack. Two more terrorists are trapped along with Kamaran and the security forces are closing in on them.

According to News18, following a 10-hour encounter Pulwama's Pinglan, two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders have been killed by the security forces. As per the report, the mastermind of the 14 February suicide attack on the CRPF convoy, Kamran is also among those killed.

As fresh round of firing ensued in the ongoing encounter between the security forces and JeM militants who are holed up in Pulwama's Pinglan area, three armyman were injured in the latest gunfight, reports said.

The Afghan war veteran is reportedly close to the JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar and the aim of Thursday's attack which killed 40 soldiers, was to avenge the killing of Azhar's nephews by the Indian armed forces in 2018.

The alleged mastermind of the 14 February IED suicide attack on a CRPF convoy by the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Abdul Rashid Ghazi aka Kamran trained the attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar and was also responsible for many other attacks on security forces in recent times.

Internet services have been suspended in parts of the Kashmir valley in wake of the encounter between security forces and JeM militants. Internet services are also down in Jammu.

Two bodies of JeM militants have been recovered from the site of the Pinglan encounter. They are in the process of identification. While it is confirmed that the mastermind behind the 14 February attack on CRPF convoy, Abdul Rashid Ghazi (Kamran) is one among those killed. The other body is reportedly of another Jaish commander Hilal.

Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat will brief Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the security situation in the Kashmir Valley, including the Pulwama encounter, India Today reported.

One AK-47 rifle and one pistol were recovered from the encounter site. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during the encounter is underway, as names are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the search operation by the security forces continues.

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Monday tweeted that the Pakistani High Commissioner in India has been called back for "consultations". The Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan said in the tweet that the officer left New Delhi on Monday morning.

A cordon and search operation by the security forces has started in Krawora village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported.

India suspended trade activities with Pakistan on the Poonch-Rawalakot route on Monday. Earlier, a bus service connecting Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was also suspended for a day following the Pulwama unrest.

Reacting to the news of top JeM commander being killed in the Pulwama encounter, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the morale of the security forces is high. "They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists," he said.

Morale of security forces is high, they are getting successful neutralising terrorists, says Rajnath Singh

According to army sources, the army is constantly briefing the defence minister and other senior government functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces, ANI reported.

As per reports, Pakistan Army's positions across the border on the Line of Control (LoC) are seeing heightened activities as they are on a high operational alert.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar told ANI that relaxation was given in curfew between 2 pm to 5 pm at locations in South Jammu. However, no relaxation was given in Digiana, Balicharana and few other areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who met the Argentinian president Mauricio Macri in New Delhi during his official visit to India said that both the leaders agreed that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability and that the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters and take strong actions.

According to sources, the militants are shifting from the houses to drag on the encounter. Four soldiers including a senior army officer are injured. On the other hand, local youth have converged near the encounter site and are pelting the security forces with stones.

In the fresh round of firing, an army Lieutenant Colonel and two soldiers were injured and were evacuated to armys 92 base hospital at Badamibagh in South Kashmir, reports said.

According to CNN-News18, eight security personnel have been injured in the Pulwama encounter.

According to ANI , 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles commander of the rank of Brigadier has also been injured in the Pulwama encounter.

Times Now reported that the security forces have killed third JeM militant in the ongoing encounter.

According to army sources, the army is constantly briefing the defence minister and other senior government functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces, ANI reported.

As per reports, Pakistan Army's positions across the border on the Line of Control (LoC) are seeing heightened activities as they are on a high operational alert.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar told ANI that relaxation was given in curfew between 2 pm to 5 pm at locations in South Jammu. However, no relaxation was given in Digiana, Balicharana and few other areas.

PM Modi: Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India&Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today https://t.co/wttXLvKW2b

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who met the Argentinian president Mauricio Macri in New Delhi during his official visit to India said that both the leaders agreed that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability and that the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters and take strong actions.

According to sources, the militants are shifting from the houses to drag on the encounter. Four soldiers including a senior army officer are injured. On the other hand, local youth have converged near the encounter site and are pelting the security forces with stones.

In the fresh round of firing, an army Lieutenant Colonel and two soldiers were injured and were evacuated to armys 92 base hospital at Badamibagh in South Kashmir, reports said.

According to CNN-News18, eight security personnel have been injured in the Pulwama encounter.

According to ANI , 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles commander of the rank of Brigadier has also been injured in the Pulwama encounter.

Times Now reported that the security forces have killed third JeM militant in the ongoing encounter.

Flames rise from the house where two alleged masterminds of Lethpora suicide car bomb attacks were said to be hiding, during an encounter with the security forces, in Pinglena area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir.

Pulwama encounter LATEST updates: Eight security personnel have been injured in the Pulwama encounter. The security forces have killed third JeM militant in the ongoing encounter.

According to sources, the militants are shifting from the houses to drag on the encounter. Four soldiers including a senior army officer are injured. On the other hand, local youth have converged near the encounter site and are pelting the security forces with stones.

According to army sources, the army is constantly briefing the defence minister and other senior government functionaries on the developments in Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants have moved from their hideouts to locations near populated areas fearing retaliation from security forces, ANI reported.

Reacting to the news of top JeM commander being killed in the Pulwama encounter, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that the morale of the security forces is high. "They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists," he said.

India suspended trade activities with Pakistan on the Poonch-Rawalakot route on Monday. Earlier, a bus service connecting Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was also suspended for a day following the Pulwama unrest.

One AK-47 rifle and one pistol were recovered from the encounter site. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during the encounter is underway, as names are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the search operation by the security forces continues.

According to News18, following a 10-hour encounter Pulwama's Pinglan, two Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders have been killed by the security forces. As per the report, the mastermind of the 14 February suicide attack on the CRPF convoy, Kamran is also among those killed.

According to an India Today report, Kamran, the terrorist who has been cornered by the security forces is reportedly the mastermind of the 14 February Pulwama suicide attack. Two more terrorists are trapped along with Kamaran and the security forces are closing in on them.

A top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander linked to the 14 February Pulwama attack is believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter with security forces in Pinglan, ANI reported. Fresh exchange of gunfight resumed after a lull of more than three hours at the encounter site, local reports said. The operation is still underway in the Valley.

As per the latest reports, the security forces were conducting a cordon and search operation at the encounter site in Pulwama. Some unconfirmed reports suggested that four militants have fled from the area.

The four Army personnel killed in action in the Pulwama encounter include a Major rank officer and they belong to the 55 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army. A civilian namely, Mushtaq Ahmad was also reportedly killed during the gunfight.

According to news reports, three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders are holed up in the Pinglan area of South Kashmir's Pulwama where they are involved in an encounter with the Indian Army personnel.

Four army jawans succumbed to injuries they sustained in an encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday. One army major was also among the four. The encounter broke out Pulwama's Pinglan area early on Monday. Two to three suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants were believed to be trapped at the site, according to ANI.

A fifth jawan has been injured. The deceased personnel belonged to the 55 Rashtriya Rifles, reports said. Personnel of the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police were engaged in the gunfight with the militants.

The encounter in Pulwama comes days after a JeM suicide bomber killed 42 CRPF troops and injured five in the same South Kashmir district on 14 February, in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistan-based JeM suicide bomber had rammed his vehicle carrying over 100 kilograms of explosives into one of the buses of the CRPF convoy in Pulwama district.

India has accused Pakistan of "patronising terrorism" and inaction against the JeM, which is based in the country, but Islamabad has maintained innocence.

"JeM remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002, and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation," said Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal.
Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, approving 10 percent quota for the economically weaker section in general category.

Patna: Bihar Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the Bill providing 10 percent reservation for the economically weaker section in the general category.

The Supreme Court on 8 February declined a stay on the implementation of the constitutional amendment providing 10 percent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weaker sections of the general category.

Maharashtra cabinet on 4 February had approved the Centre's scheme of 10 percent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions across the state.

Other states which so far have implemented the reservation Bill include Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam.

Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, approving 10 percent quota for the economically weaker section in general category.
From January 1, 2019, till date, 705 tree removal proposals have been published.

Environmental activists have succeeded in saving many trees from being cut in Mumbai, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) having sanctioned less than 50 per cent of the total tree removal proposals last year.

Out of the total 330 proposals, only 159 were sanctioned. The total number of trees to be removed last year was 8,775, of which, only 2,115 were removed, said activist Zoru Bathena who has filed a petition in the Bombay high court (HC) against the depleting green cover in the city.

The 8,775 trees proposed to be axed last year included 3,500 for the metro car shed at Aarey. The reason behind the BMC sanctioning less than 50 per cent of the total tree removal proposals was the continuous objections raised by tree activists and the HC later restraining the BMC tree authority from taking any decision.

Mr Bathena, in his petition, also said that the tree authority did not have any experts and comprised only municipal councilors. The tree removal proposals included the cutting of trees and some transplantation. We count the transplanted trees as the affected ones as a very small percentage of them survives, said Bathena.

From January 1, 2019, till date, 705 tree removal proposals have been published.

Due to unavailability of the tree authority and objections raised by activists at every public hearing, tree removal proposals are comparatively less than last year. If calculated in detail, in 2018, it was 24 trees removed per day, while this year as of today, it is 13 trees per day, said Mr Bathena.

After the HC slammed the BMC for not appointing experts in its tree authority, the BMC finally published advertisements for appointing experts. The formation of the new tree authority is likely in March.

Mr Bathena said, BMC has now started including the removal of dead and dangerous trees in its public notices. This will help eliminate the cutting of healthy trees under the garb of being dead or dangerous at the ward level.
Tea exports to Pakistan grew marginally in 2018 to 15.83 million kilograms from 14.73 million kilograms in 2017.

Enraged by the killings of CRPF soldiers by a Pakistan based terror outfit in Jammu and Kashmir Thursday, major tea exporters said they stood by the government and business has now become secondary.

"We are not even thinking of trading with Pakistan now. We stand firmly behind the government and waiting for what the government is going to do", chairman of India Tea Exporters Association (ITEA) Angshuman Kanoria said.

Following the terror attack at Pulwama that left 40 CRPF personnel dead, India has withdrawn the most favoured nation (MFN) status to Pakistan.

Exports to the neighbouring nation may reduce, Vivek Goenka, chairman of Indian Tea Association, said to Economic Times. What is more important is to protect our country from this sort of ghastly terror attacks. He said the industry will look for other destinations like Egypt, Middle East and Russia to export Indian tea,

Gopal Poddar, one of the leading tea exporters to Pakistan, said, "We are not bothered about business now. Commerce is secondary now," he told PTI.

Tea exports to Pakistan

Tea exports to Pakistan grew marginally in 2018 to 15.83 million kilograms from 14.73 million kilograms in 2017.

Exports of tea to Pakistan during the first 10 months of 2018 rose 22 percent to 13.07 million kg as compared to 10.65 million kg in the corresponding period of 2017, the Tea Board said on Monday.

Major country-wise exports from January to October stood at 200.38 million kg as against 198.86 million kg a year ago, as per provisional estimates released by the board.

Iran was the highest importer of Indian tea at 23.04 million kg during the reporting period, topping the year-earlier figure of 22.13 million kg.

However, there was a slight fall in exports to CIS nations at 51.07 million kg from 52.72 million kg in the similar period of 2017.

In value terms, India exported tea worth Rs 4,061.81 crore during the first 10 months of the year, compared to Rs 3,911.05 crore in the corresponding period of 2017, according to the Tea Board release.

The unit price per kg during January to October was lower at $2.99 as against $3.03 a year ago.

--With PTI inputs
The Singh brothers have lost control of two listed companies  Fortis Healthcare and Religare Enterprises  in less than a decade.

There are two very wealthy brothers at war with each other. There are thousands of crores worth properties at stake. There is a former confidant with whom relations go sour. There is a guru in the middle out there, trying to broker peace but then, this man from a spiritual order is presiding over an ugly feud that has utter materialism written all over.

This could be a ready-made inspiration for a gripping Netflix series than you can binge-watch on a Saturday night, but the sad part is that such a saga could be ripping you off at the back-end as a mutual fund investor and doing stuff that should upset market regulator Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and logically, the ministry of company affairs.

The latest twist in the family feud between the Singh brothers, scions of what used to be the Ranbaxy empire, involves a criminal complaint by Malvinder against his brother Shivinder and Gurinder Singh Dhillon, head of the Radha Soami Satsang, a spiritual order, which comes soon after an economic offence complaint against Sunil Godhwani, a man handpicked by Dhillon as a trusted financial adviser.

The Singh brothers have lost control of two listed companies  Fortis Healthcare and Religare Enterprises  in less than a decade.

The fortunes that propped up these companies trace their origins to their grandfather Bhai Mohan Singh, founder of the pharmaceuticals-led Ranbaxy empire that fell victim partially to the rise of multi-national competitors after economic reforms began in 1991 and partly to other family tussles one involved Dr Parvinder Singh, the Singh brothers' late father and Bhai Mohan Singh himself and another, a brotherly rivalry he had with Bhai Analjit Singh of the Max group.

The problem is that these Bollywoodesque feuds are bad for corporate governance with a history that includes accusations of siphoning off money from listed companies. There are reputed family-run businesses in India involving listed companies, such as those under the Tata, Mahindra and Bajaj umbrellas. But it must be said that other groups such as the Singhanias, the Modis and of late, the Singhs, have shown the nether side of family-run empires involving drift, mismanagement or worse.

The big problem is that often, these feuds involve the bleeding of companies to the detriment of banks, small investors and mutual funds. This is an aspect of Indian business that needs increased focus as millions of minority investors and first-time mutual fund investors test the waters of riskier punts to grow wealth.

In the backdrop of all this, the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving the brothers. The top court last week refused to pass any interim order on appeals relating to the sale of controlling stakes of Fortis Healthcare to Malaysia's IHH Healthcare Berhad by Malvinder and Shivinder Singh.

Much before that, Japan's Daiichi Sankyo had acquired Ranbaxy in 2008 only to fight the then united Singh brothers later on the ground that they had hidden information that Ranbaxy was facing a probe by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Justice while selling its shares.

The court case and wrangles over disclosures are symbolic of how valuable time and the future of investors can get wasted in family tussles in India's "promoter capitalism" culture. The key point to note is that mutual funds and banks often wake up late to management challenges and directly or indirectly investors and/or taxpayers get short-changed.

Given the significance of family control in India's listed companies, perhaps it makes sense for mutual funds, stock exchanges and the SEBI to have extra vigilance (maybe even some economic intelligence) to get red flags up early where corporate shenanigans or misgovernance can erode shareholder value or public faith in investing.

SEBI has kept Fortis and Religare under its scanner for corporate governance lapses, but we need to look beyond the "We-are-examining-that" kind of tokenism. The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Prompt and Corrective Action framework to fix poorly functioning banks could do with a corporate governance equivalent at SEBI.

(The writer is a senior journalist and commentator. He tweets as @madversity)
All the CRPF soldiers were SBI customers under Defence Salary Package where the Bank's provides insurance of Rs 30 lakhs to each of the defence personnel.

State Bank of India (SBI) on Monday announced a special initiative for 23 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers who were among those killed in the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February.

The 23 soldiers had availed loans from SBI and the bank has decided to waive all the outstanding loans with immediate effect, according to a SBI press release.

All the CRPF soldiers were SBI customers under the Defence Salary Package where the Bank provides insurance of Rs 30 lakhs to each of the defence personnel.

The Bank is taking steps to expedite release of insurance money to the relatives of the deceased soldiers.

Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, SBI said, "It is extremely distressing and disturbing to witness the loss of lives of the soldiers who always stand for safety of our country. In this moment of grief, our sincere thoughts are with the families of our brave hearts. These initiatives by the Bank is a small gesture towards the families who have faced irreparable loss," he added.

The bank has appealed to all who would like to contribute towards this cause.

SBI employees can contribute through dedicated Home Ministry, GoI PortalBharat ke Veer (https://bharatkeveer.gov.in)

The bank is offering options to customers and those who would like to contribute to the initiative:

SBI internet banking customers can donate money through a dedicated sub-option created within payments/transfers section in onlinesbi.com,

The bank has also created a UPI handle bharatkeveer@sbi to help people make their monetary contributions easily,

Individuals can also make a contribution by scanning QR code on BHIM UPI application.
In the light of the IL&FS fiasco, employees must also be asked to give their consent to bonds and commercial papers.

Section 53 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has suddenly become the punching bag and favourite whipping boy of employees and their retirement funds for relegating their dues to the residuary category i.e. at the bottom of the list of creditors in terms of the pecking order of repayment on winding up.

The IBC faithfully follows the time-honoured principle of pecking order of payment in the event of winding up with the secured creditors bagging top honours. Of course, the secured creditors have to yield to insolvency proceedings expenses which are bound to be a minuscule amount vis-a-vis what is owed to them. But what has been causing resentment among secured creditors is the mandate to share top-honours with workmen dues for the last 24 months.

Assuming such dues are equal to dues to secured creditors and the resources at the command of the liquidator are just half of the total dues to secured creditors and 24 months wages to workmen put together, both have to take a 50 percent haircut.

What is galling for provident and pension funds and their members is their dues get the same priority as an unsecured creditor like materials supplier gets. Hence their belated clamour for amending section 53 of the IBC to promote the dues to PF and pension funds to the hallowed ranks of employees wages for the last 24 months.

The government cannot obviously change the time-honoured pecking order though its heart would definitely bleed for the poor employees who would have the mortification of seeing their retirement war chest vaporising before their very eyes thanks to the avarice of the fund managers they had trusted their money with.

There is a double whammy for the employees in the sense that the trustees of these funds too cannot be proceeded against because they invested in good faith in the AAA rated bonds of IL&FS carrying interest upwards of 8.5 percent per annum. Obviously, the trustees were let down by the credit rating agencies.

If anyone should bear the cross and be hauled over the coals, it must be the callous rating agencies that have always had to live down the dubious reputation of doing shoddy work.

Of course, the government can legislate for the future---it can say that hereafter employees consent must be taken before risking their money. Leaf must be taken out of the National Pension Scheme (NPS). Members of NPS have the choice of whether to take risks and how much. They can plump for an equity mix of 15 percent to 50 percent with the younger ones having the appetite for greater risks. Investment in equity is by far the riskiest insofar as financial markets are concerned. In the light of the IL&FS fiasco, employees must also be asked to give their consent to bonds and commercial papers.

Some 15 lakh employees of who is who of Indias corporate world---- HUL, Asian Paints, Hindalco and M & M from the private sector, IOC, SBI and MMTC from the PSU sphere and HDFC AMC and Aditya Birla Sun Life from the mutual fund industry--- have been caught in the crossfire. Their anger is understandable but the solution they are seeking---parity with secured creditors--- would amount to a kneejerk reaction on the part of the government if it capitulates. Instead of changing the pecking order of priority of payment in winding up, the government in an election year might bail out these funds as a one-time measure but that looks unlikely given the fact that employees of the organized sector do not pack much punch in the voting sweepstakes.

One question has remained unanswered though---did employees provident fund organization (EPFO) pull its chestnut out of the fire on time? There are reports that it was lucky to get back some Rs 600 crore from the IL&FS group in September 2018 before all hell broke out but is cagey about admitting how much more is still due from it.

(The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan)
India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the MFN status for Pakistan, following the deadly terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday.

India has not informed Pakistan that it was withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to it, a senior Pakistani official said on Sunday, after New Delhi took strong economic action against Islamabad following the Pulwama terror attack.

India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the MFN status for Pakistan, following the deadly terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday.

Two days after India made the announcement, Adviser to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said New Delhi has not informed Islamabad about withdrawing Pakistan's MFN status, Geo News reported.

Dawood said, "We are looking into the withdrawal of the MFN status by India. We can speak to India about this issue".

He further said Pakistan can raise this issue at different forums including the World Trade Organisation (WETO) as both countries are members of the global trade body.

India granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but Islamabad has not reciprocated.

MFN status is given to an international trade partner to ensure non-discriminatory trade between all partner countries of the WTO. A country which provides MFN status to another country has to provide concessions, privileges, and immunity in trade agreements. It is the first clause in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

India's decision would significantly hit Pakistan's exports to India, which stood at $488.5 million (around Rs 3,482.3 crore) in 2017-18 as it would drastically increase the prices of its goods.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted on Saturday:

India has withdrawn MFN status to Pakistan after the Pulwama incident. Upon withdrawal, basic customs duty on all goods exported from Pakistan to India has been raised to 200% with immediate effect. #Pulwama  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 16, 2019

The two main items imported from Pakistan are fruits and cement, on which the current customs duty is 30-50 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.

Slapping an import duty of 200 percent effectively means almost banning the imports from Pakistan, official sources said in New Delhi.

Items which Pakistan exports to India include fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products, bulk minerals and ores, finished leather, processed minerals, inorganic chemicals, cotton raw, spices, wool, rubber product, alcoholic beverages, medical instruments, marine goods, plastic, dyes and sport goods.

The total India-Pakistan trade has increased marginally to $2.41 billion in 2017-18 as against $2.27 billion in 2016-17. India imported goods worth $488.5 million in 2017-18 and exported goods worth $1.92 billion.

During April-October 2018-19, India's exports to Pakistan stood at $1.18 billion, while imports were $338.66 billion.

India mainly exports raw cotton, cotton yarn, chemicals, plastics, manmade yarn and dyes to Pakistan.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle with explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

--With inputs from PTI
Unemployment rate among educated people in the country registered a sharp increase in 2017-18 after it registered a decline in 2011-12.

The number of jobless educated people has doubled in the six-year period between 2011-12 and 2017-18, said media reports citing National Sample Survey Office's (NSSO) first periodic labour force survey. The unemployment rate for skilled persons also increased during the same period of time.

The unemployment rate for skilled persons in the country has doubled to 12.4 percent in 2017-18 from 5.9 percent in 2011-12. Literacy rate too showed an upward movement at 76.9 percent in 2017-18 from 74.7 percent in 2011-12. The proportion of people who got vocational or formal training in this period was less, said a report in Business Standard based on the NSSO survey.

The unemployment rate among educated men in urban areas doubled to 9.2 percent in 2017-18 from 4.4 percent in 2011-12. Among their rural counterparts, it increased 10.5 percent from 3.6 percent in the same period, said the report.

Jobless rate among educated urban women rose to 19.8 percent, almost double their male counterparts, in 2017-18 from 10.3 percent in 2011-12. While the rate touched 17.3 percent from 9.7 percent among their rural peers in the same period.

The country's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018, the Business Standard newspaper last month had quoted a government survey as showing, in the latest setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi just months before a tightening election.

The assessment by the NSSO conducted between July 2017-June 2018, showed the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 percent, the highest since 1972-73, the report said.

The survey has become a political issue after the acting chairman and another member of the body that reviewed the job data resigned saying there was delay in its release.

In a bid to defend the government, Minister for Statistics Sadananda Gowda on 31 January had told the Lok Sabha that the NSSO was still processing quarterly data from July-December 2018 on unemployment. The opposition, on the other hand, attacked the NDA government alleging that it was trying to hide the National Statistical Commission (NSC) survey.

On 31 January, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar, who had previously mounted a defence of lowering of UPA-era GDP growth rates, said that the report cited by the newspaper "is not finalised. It is a draft report", said a PTI report.

Refusing to comment on the content of the news report, he said the government will release its employment report by March after collating quarter-on-quarter data.

He also debunked claims of jobless growth, saying how can a country grow at an average of 7 per cent without employment.

The involvement of NITI Aayog in NSSO data presentation raised eyebrows too. A range of data releases including labour bureau survey numbers, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) numbers and ground level indicators also have been pointing out major problems in job generation in the economy.

Days after a government report that indicated four decade-high unemployment rate in FY18, Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) chief Bibek Debroy early this month had said that new national sample survey on employment would be conducted by the government.

The survey would show that there has been substantial job creation, he told PTI. The states are largely responsible for creating business environment and jobs, he also told the news agency.

Earlier on 29 January, two independent members of the NSC namely P C Mohanan and J V Meenakshi resigned over disagreement with the government on certain issues.

Mohanan was also the acting chairperson. With the two members quitting, the NSC now has only two members  Chief Statistician Pravin Srivastava and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant.

 With inputs from agencies
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, which currently owns 24 percent in the full service carrier, is a strategic partner and is expected to pump in around Rs 1,400 crore in Jet Airways

New Delhi: Loss-making Jet Airways is likely to receive fund infusion worth over Rs 3,000 crore post debt-rejig and investments by Etihad Airways as well as National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) while founder Naresh Goyal might remain the promoter with less than half of the existing majority stake of 51 percent, according to sources.

While the final contours of debt-restructuring and consequent changes are being worked out, an analyst said that Etihad Airways should come as the main driver for Jet Airways as lenders and shareholders would not be able to bring in much value addition. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, which currently owns 24 percent in the full service carrier, is a strategic partner and is expected to pump in around Rs 1,400 crore, sources said.

On 14 February, Jet Airways' board approved a Bank-Led Provisional Resolution Plan (BLPRP), whereby lenders would become the largest shareholders in the airline.

After receiving approval from shareholders, during their meeting scheduled for 21 February, part of debt would be converted into 11.4 crore shares at a consideration of Re 1 apiece as per RBI norms.

Later, appropriate interim credit facilities by domestic lenders would be sanctioned to the airline, as per a regulatory filing made on 14 February.

The government-backed NIIF, where Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is a key stakeholder, is likely to acquire little over 19 percent stake in the ailing airline, they added.

They said that NIIF is likely to put in Rs 1,400 crore while lenders, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), are expected to convert debt into equity worth around Rs 600 crore.

Sources also said that Etihad's proposed investments would hike its stake only marginally and that would not trigger the requirement for making an open offer for shareholders of Jet Airways under Sebi regulations.

Together, the fresh funding for the airline would amount to about Rs 3,400 crore and Goyal's stake could reduce to 20 percent from 51 percent at present, sources said.

Queries sent to Etihad Airways and NIIF on their proposed investments in Jet Airways remained unanswered.

Query sent to Jet Airways about Goyal's stake coming down to around 20 percent after debt-rejig did not elicit any immediate response.

In the three months ended December 2018, Jet Airways reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 732 crore.

Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities, said Etihad should come as the main driver of the company and they have to nominate their main people to run the airline because lenders and shareholders are not going to bring in much value addition.

Noting that it is an irretrievable situation under the current promoters, Jasani told PTI that who would be the operational owner of the airline would be the most crucial part.

"Somebody who has expertise and equity stake has to come. Only then this can be revived. Otherwise we are postponing the problem by a couple of years... If you are not changing the management, then we are going to stay where we are. Same problem will come again," he said.

V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said the restructuring exercise is likely to steer Jet Airways away from the turbulence it has been going through for many years now.

"The SBI-led consortium of bankers who will be becoming the largest shareholders after the conversion of debt into equity can manage the transition of management over to Etihad plus another partner eventually," he noted.

Jasani noted that he thinks a lot of things would not be disclosed to the public in the current deal. "At the government and regulatory levels, they may have been sounded off on the final contours. We have to see whether political issues crop up, whether opposition have objection... we will have to see many factors," he added.
A comprehensive proposal for revival of BSNL has been prepared, which will be taken up for consideration by competent authorities very soon, the ministry of communications said in a statement.

New Delhi: The government on Sunday said "positive steps" are being taken by the telecom department on the demands raised by unions and associations of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and the issue of allotment of 4G spectrum to the telecom PSU is being referred to the sector regulator for views.

At the same time, a comprehensive proposal for revival of BSNL has been prepared, which will be taken up for consideration by competent authorities very soon, the ministry of communications said in a statement.

All India Unions and Associations of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (AUAB) have called a three-days strike starting Monday demanding, amongst other things, allotment of 4G spectrum to the state-owned telco and wage revision for the workforce.

Government wishes to re-emphasise that it will continue to engage with the BSNL management and representatives of the unions and associations of BSNL, to support their reasonable demands, and to guide the organisation towards a revival, the statement said.

It added: Government also hopes that BSNL employees and officers will not jeopardise the interests of their organisation by going on strike at a time when it is in their own interest to protect their customer-base and revenue by providing uninterrupted, high-quality services.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and BSNL management have been engaged in discussions with representatives of AUAB on ways to address various demands that have been raised. DoT has been emphasising that the government recognises the inherent strength and strategic position of BSNL in the telecom sector in the country.

All efforts are being made, and will continue to be made, to make BSNL robust and financially viable, it said.

DoT asserted that positive steps are being taken in respect of each of the demands raised by the unions.

In fact, for allotment of 4G spectrum, pursuant to decision taken in Digital Communications Commission (DCC) meeting held on 05.02.2019, the issue of spectrum allotment for providing 4G services to BSNL is being referred to TRAI (Telcom Regulatory Authority of India) to recommend on the issue of administrative allocation, quantum, price and appropriate frequency band, the statement said promising that further action will be taken once TRAI's views are received.

The main demands of the unions and association include benefits to executives under the third Pay Revision Committee (PRC) with 15 percent fitment and to non-executives as per the eighth wage negotiations with effect from January 2017, allotment of 4G spectrum to BSNL, revision of pension for BSNL retirees with effect from January 2017 and delinking of same with pay revision for PRC implementation, amongst others.

BSNL management has issued appeals to its employees not to resort to any agitational programme at this critical juncture  when the organisation is engaged in sincere and serious efforts to protect and enhance its market-share, and when any disruption in services can only adversely impact the interests of BSNL and its customers, employees and other stakeholders, the statement by communications ministry noted.
In October last year, Essar Group commissioned both units of the Essar Mahan power plant.

Mumbai: Steel giant ArcelorMittal has proposed a resolution offer of Rs 4,800 crore to lender of stressed Essar Mahan power project, over 37 percent higher than offered by the promoter Essar Group.

Essar Group has made a resolution offer of Rs 3,500 crore under one time settlement (OTS) scheme for Essar Mahan, which is a 2x600 MW coal based power plant situated in Madhya Pradesh.

"We had earlier received a resolution offer of Rs 3,500 crore from the developer (Essar Group) himself for Essar Mahan under OTS scheme. But, now we have received an offer from ArcelorMittal for about Rs 4,800 crore," Power Finance Corporation's (PFC) chairman and managing director, Rajeev Sharma, told reporters here.

Besides PFC, other lenders to Essar Mahan are ICICI Bank, which is the lead bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC). The total debt of the power plant is of Rs 7,500 crore.

The offer made by ArcelorMittal is at Rs 4 crore per MW, Sharma said adding that the prevailing rate for setting up a new power plant is Rs 6 crore per MW.

He said the lenders led by ICICI Bank will soon meet to take a call on the ArcelorMittal's offer.

"We are considering the ArcelorMittal proposal because there is a difference of almost Rs 1,300 crore. It is a good offer at Rs 4 crore per MW," Sharma said.

In October last year, Essar Group commissioned both units of the Essar Mahan power plant. However, the project does not have power purchase agreement (PPA) and fuel supply agreement (FSA), Sharma said.

It could be noted that last year in October, a committee of Essar Steel creditors had picked ArcelorMittal to

acquire the debt-laden company for over Rs 42,000 crore.

ArcelorMittal's resolution plan for Essar Steel, included an upfront payment of over Rs 42,000 crore to settle

debt and a further Rs 8,000 crore of capital injection into the company to support operational improvement, increase production levels and deliver enhanced levels of profitability.




QIAGEN becomes exclusive partner for bioinformatics research applications based on ARESdb and AREStools

Partnership intends to create a community platform for antimicrobial resistance research

Vienna, Austria, Holzgerlingen, Germany, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands,

February 18, 2019, 22:00 CET - Curetis N.V. (the "Company" and together with its subsidiaries "Curetis"), a developer of next-level molecular diagnostic solutions, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Ares Genetics GmbH (Vienna, Austria) and QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) have entered into a strategic licensing agreement for ARESdb and AREStools in the area of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research.

Under the terms of the agreement, QIAGEN has received an exclusive license to develop and commercialize general bioinformatics offerings and services for AMR research based on Ares Genetics' database on the genetics of antimicrobial resistance, ARESdb, as well as on the ARES bioinformatics AMR toolbox, AREStools.

Ares Genetics retains the rights to use ARESdb and AREStools for AMR research, customized bioinformatics services, and the development of specific AMR assays and applications for the Curetis Group (incl. Ares Genetics) as well as third parties, e.g. other diagnostics companies or partners in the pharmaceutical industry. As the QIAGEN research offering is expected to also enable advanced molecular diagnostic services and products, QIAGEN's customers may obtain a diagnostic use license from Ares Genetics.

"With QIAGEN as a prime supplier of industry-leading applications for the analysis and interpretation of biological data, we are well positioned to make ARESdb a key resource for cutting-edge research in the pressing healthcare issue of antimicrobial resistance," said Dr. Andreas Posch, Managing Director and CEO of Ares Genetics. "This partnership has the potential to greatly facilitate our engagement with the public health and AMR research communities in the further development and expansion of ARESdb, our database that is also core to the NGS-based diagnostic solutions currently developed by Ares Genetics."

"Antibiotic-resistant diseases are an urgent threat to public health, as resistance undermines the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections. This global problem cries out for molecular insights that can lead to new understanding and therapeutic approaches. Partnering with Ares Genetics to leverage their genomic content with QIAGEN's expertise in bioinformatics, NGS and PCR technologies, we will expand our portfolio of solutions to help the global community fight these infections," said Jonathan Sheldon, Senior Vice President and head of QIAGEN Bioinformatics. QIAGEN is committed to creating best-in-class Sample to Insight solutions that help combat the global crisis in antibiotic resistant pathogens. The collaboration with ARES builds on an already broad portfolio for infectious disease research tools and adds to other AMR-related initiatives. QIAGEN will leverage the AMR database from Ares Genetics with its expertise in bioinformatics, assays and services, enabling the research community to accelerate the fight against AMR."

"After the strategic collaboration agreement with Sandoz to develop a digital anti-infectives platform and an additional technology evaluation project for ARESdb with a global diagnostics player, the bioinformatics alliance with QIAGEN is a further example of our partnerships with industry leaders which leverage the GEAR assets acquired from Siemens in September 2016 that form the nucleus of ARESdb," commented Dr. Achim Plum, CBO of the Curetis Group and Managing Director of Ares Genetics. "Discussions with additional industry partners are ongoing and we are well positioned to execute on our strategy to build an industry consortium that leverages ARESdb and the artificial intelligence and bioinformatics solutions for AMR developed by Ares Genetics for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of severe microbial infections."



###



About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites genetically change and thereby render established medications ineffective. Antimicrobial resistance occurs naturally, but is facilitated by the inappropriate use of medicines, for example antibiotics.)



Ref 2: Tackling Drug-Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations

by The Review on Antimicrobial Resistance chaired by Jim O'Neill, May 2016

)





About Curetis and Ares Genetics

Curetis N.V.'s (Euronext: CURE) goal is to become a leading provider of innovative solutions for molecular microbiology diagnostics designed to address the global challenge of detecting severe infectious diseases and identifying antibiotic resistances in hospitalized patients.

Curetis' Unyvero System is a versatile, fast and highly automated molecular diagnostic platform for easy-to-use, cartridge-based solutions for the comprehensive and rapid detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance markers in a range of severe infectious disease indications. Results are available within hours, a process that can take days or even weeks if performed with standard diagnostic procedures, thereby facilitating improved patient outcomes, stringent antibiotic stewardship and health-economic benefits. Unyvero in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products are marketed in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S.

Curetis' wholly owned subsidiary Ares Genetics GmbH offers next-generation solutions for infectious disease diagnostics and therapeutics. The ARES Technology Platform combines the presumably most comprehensive database worldwide on the genetics of antimicrobial resistances, ARESdb, with advanced bioinformatics and artificial intelligence tools.



For further information, please visit www.curetis.comandwww.ares-genetics.com.







Legal Disclaimer

This document constitutes neither an offer to buy nor an offer to subscribe for securities and neither this document nor any part of it should form the basis of any investment decision in Curetis.

The information contained in this press release has been carefully prepared. However, Curetis bears and assumes no liability of whatever kind for the correctness and completeness of the information provided herein. Curetis does not assume an obligation of whatever kind to update or correct information contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or for other reasons.

This press release includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "targets," "may," "will," or "should" and include statements Curetis makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Curetis' actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. Curetis undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.



Contact details

Curetis

Max-Eyth-Str. 42

71088 Holzgerlingen, Germany

Tel. +49 7031 49195-10

pr@curetis.com or ir@curetis.com

www.curetis.com - www.unyvero.com



International Media & Investor Inquiries

akampion

Dr. Ludger Wess / Ines-Regina Buth

Managing Partners

info(@)akampion.com

Tel. +49 40 88 16 59 64

Tel. +49 30 23 63 27 68

Attachment
The Sena has staked its claim to the Palghar (ST) Lok Sabha seat, which is currently held by sitting BJP MP Rajendra Gavit.

Mumbai: Though seat-sharing talks between the estranged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena could not be completed due to the Pulwama terror attacks last week, both parties have almost finalised their quota. The announcement is likely to be made within the next few days, it is learnt.

According to sources, the alliance partners have agreed to equal sharing of 48 Lok Sabha and 288 Vidhan Sabha seats. The BJP has agreed to give the Palghar seat, which it currently holds, to the Sena in lieu of its support for power in New Delhi.

Last weekend, chief minister Devendra Fad-navis had called on Sena president Uddhav Thackeray at the latters residence in Bandra, but the talks had to be discontinued in the wake of the Pulwama terror attacks.

The Sena has staked its claim to the Palghar (ST) Lok Sabha seat, which is currently held by sitting BJP MP Rajendra Gavit. In the run-up to the May 2018 Lok Sabha byelection in Palghar, Sena had fielded Shrinivas Vanaga, son of BJPs then sitting MP Chintaman Vanaga. However, he was defeated by BJPs Rajendra Gavit, who had quit the Congress months before the bypoll. If the BJP agrees to let go of its claim over Palghar seat, the fate of Mr Gavit is uncertain.

A senior BJP minister, on the condition of anonymity, said the seat-sharing talks with the Sena were going on behind the scenes for the last fortnight and the formal announcement would be just a formality.The prepoll alliance will be based on development issues, Hindutva, farmers issues and prevention of division of saffron votes. The decision is expected to be announced any time this week, he said.

Although the Sena has also staked its claim over the chief ministers post, sources in the BJP disclosed that the party is unlikely to accept the demand, arguing that the party that gets the maximum number of seats in the Assembly elections shall stake the claim to the post.
HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESSWIRE / February 18, 2019 / For the loyalists of top apparel brands, Chicgostyle has been a trustworthy online retail store. The leading e-store adds various new products to its product line on a regular basis.

Chicgostyle has been in the business of online retailing of fashion apparels for women for quite a few years now. Recently, the online store added a wide assortment of fashion apparels to its product line. The online store owners announced that fast product update is their biggest strength. The diversification of the fashion women's clothing line and the revised pricing policy are all a part of their marketing and promotions strategy, they added.

"Fast SKU update and continuous expansion of inventory are the two biggest reasons why Chicgostyle has remained relevant in the online fashion retail landscape. The market dynamics are changing real fast and we need to step up our game to edge past competitors. The recent addition of new products is a part of the marketing plan we adopted only in the last quarter of the current fiscal year. However, fast SKU update has always been a top priority," said a sales executive of Chicgostyle during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Hong Kong based ecommerce enterprise.

Chicgostyle inventory gets replenished with new products every day, according to the owners. These products include bodycon dresses, maxi dresses, skater dresses, shift dresses and all other types of cheap sexy dresses. The e-store also sells a large and impressive collection of graphic t-shits, hollow-out t-shirts, basic t-shirts, white blouses, lace blouses and crop tops. The sales executive revealed that special offers are now available on t-shirts and blouses, maxi dresses, skater dresses and jumpsuits.

"Response from our existing buyers suggests that these products are a massive hit among our buyers. However, we should not stop adding more products to our collection of cheap sexy dresses as this is the only way to gain extra leverage in the highly competitive online retail landscape. We are stressing on more efficient inventory management, more streamline supply chain management and faster SKU updating and we believe we can register even bigger growth in sales in the coming two quarters," told the CEO and managing director of Chicgostyle during a press conference. To know more, visit https://www.chicgostyle.com/.

Email: chicgostyleblog@orderplus.com

SOURCE: Chicgostyle

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/535521/Chicgostyle-Adds-More-Diversity-to-Its-Fashion-Womens-Clothing-Line-to-Create-Better-Traction-in-the-Market
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
LONDON, February 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

Top 20 Small-Scale Liquified Natural Gas (SSLNG) Companies 2019

Company Revenues and Analysis of the Top 20 Leading Companies in the Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas Market Space. Plus, Global Forecast for SSLNG by Use (Road Transportation, Power Generation, Marine Transportation), by Spending ($m)

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg )



Small Scale LNG is used to supply small or isolated demand centers not connected to pipeline infrastructure, small scale LNG infrastructure is now increasingly deployed to cater to the growing demand for LNG as a transport fuel.

Natural gas can be transported from gas production centers to consumption centers in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through ships and pipelines. Natural gas can be transported in ships and trucks to locations that are not connected to pipelines. Transportation of LNG takes place between exporting terminal (liquefaction plant) to importing terminal (regasification plant).

Small scale liquefaction and regasification infrastructure are ideally placed to assist with the development of stranded assets, the supply of remote residential and commercial demand centers but also the provision of LNG as a fuel.

LNG adoption is rapidly increasing due to the fact that natural gas is a competitive and environment-friendly option when compared to other fossil fuel sources. Small-scale LNG import terminals are primarily designed to serve the fuel requirements of a particular industry such as power generation and/or functions as a hub for ship and truck fueling. The risks associated with the development of large LNG facilities are significantly high when compared to small-scale terminals.

Small-scale LNG import terminals are the most economical option for such nations which have just started adopting LNG as a fuel in their respective industries. Several small nations are importing or planning to import LNG in small quantities specifically to cater to the feeling requirements of the power generation industry.

Several nations such as the Dominican Republic have just started importing LNG in small quantities to fulfil some of their industrial requirements. Such countries do not prefer importing large shipments of LNG as the demand for natural gas is still in the nascent stages in these nations.

The global market for small scale LNG is driven by high levels of spending in established and emerging markets. An important share of future capital expenditure will be driven by the greater deployment of LNG as a fuel, and growing investment in small scale LNG carriers.

The report will answer questions such as:

 Who are the leading companies in the SSLNG industry?

- What is their strategy?

- What is their existing processing capacity and where is it based?

- What are their core strengths and weaknesses?

- Do they have expansion plans, and if so where are they likely to go?

 What is driving and restraining the involvement of each leading company within the market?

 What is the total size of the SSLNG market in 2019? How much will it grow and why?

 What political, economic, environmental and technological factors affect the SSLNG market?

How will you benefit from this report?

 This report you will keep your knowledge base up to speed. Don't get left behind

 This report will allow you to reinforce strategic decision-making based upon definitive and reliable market data

 You will learn how to exploit new technological trends

 You will be able to realise your company's full potential within the market

 You will better understand the competitive landscape and identify potential new business opportunities and partnerships

Three reasons why you must order and read this report today:

1) The study reveals where and how leading companies are investing in the SSLNG market. We show you the prospects for companies operating in:

- North America

- Middle East

- Asia

- Europe

- South America

2) The report provides a detailed individual profile for each of the 20 leading companies in the Small-Scale LNG market in 2017, providing data for Revenue and details of existing and upcoming SSLNG projects:

- Air Products & Chemicals Inc

- Black & Veatch

- BP Plc

- Chart Industries Inc

- ConocoPhillips

- Eni SpA

- ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

- Evergas A/S

- Equinor

- Gasum Oy

- Gazprom

- General Electric (GE Oil & Gas)

- Honeywell International Inc.

- Linde Group

- PT Pertamina

- Petronas

- Royal Dutch Shell

- Siemens AG

- Total SA

- Wartsila

3) It also provides a PEST analysis of the key factors affecting the overall SSLNG market:

- Political

- Economic

- Social

- Technical

Competitive advantage

This independent, 143-page report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competitors. With 106 tables and figures examining the companies within the SSLNG market space, the report gives you an immediate, one-stop breakdown of the leading Small-Scale LNG companies plus analysis and future outlooks, keeping your knowledge one step ahead of your rivals.

Who should read this report?

 Anyone within the LNG value chain

 CEOs

 COOs

 CIOs

 Business development managers

 Marketing managers

 Technologists

 Suppliers

 Investors

 Banks

 Government agencies

 Contractors

Don't miss out

This report is essential reading for you or anyone in the oil or other industries with an interest in LNG. Purchasing this report today will help you to recognise those important market opportunities and understand the possibilities there. Order our Top 20 Small-Scale Liquified Natural Gas (SSLNG) Companies 2019: Company Revenues and Analysis of the Top 20 Leading Companies in the Small-Scale Liquefied Natural Gas Market Space. Plus, Global Forecast for SSLNG by Use (Road Transportation, Power Generation, Marine Transportation), by Spending ($m).

To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun atsara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website:https://www.visiongain.com/report/top-20-small-scale-liquified-natural-gas-sslng-companies-2019/

Did you know that we also offer a report add-on service? Emailsara.peerun@visiongain.com to discuss any customized research needs you may have.

Air Products & Chemicals Inc.

Anthony Veder

Avenir LNG

Baker Hughes

BHGE

Black & Veatch

BP Plc.

Cepsa Gas

Chart Industries Inc.

Cheniere Corpus Christi

Chevron

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)

ConocoPhillips

Corban Energy Group

Creon Capital

Edison

Engie

Eni Spa

ENN Energy Holdings Limited

Equinor (Statoil)

Evergas A/S

Evonik Industries AG

ExxonMobil

Fluxys

Fosmax LNG

Gamesa

Gasnor

Gasum Oy

Gazprom

General Electric (GE Oil & Gas)

Global Petro Storage (GPS)

Golar LNG

Greenship Gas

Hoegh LNG

Honeywell

Jaccar Holdings

JS Ineos

Kogas

Linde Group

Litgas

Mentor Graphics

Nigeria LNG

Nipigaz Pererabotka

Nova Engineering

OMV AG

Pavilion Energy

Petronas

PT Indonesia Power

PT Pertamina

PT PLN (Persero)

Qatargas

Rosneft

Royal Dutch Shell

Siemens AG

Skangas

Snam

Snhvit

SSB Cryogenic Services

Stolt Nielsen

Swedish Biogas International

Technip FMC

Total SA

Valmet Automation

Versum Materials

Wang Family Company

Wartsila Corporation

Woodside Energy Trading

Yemen LNG



Organisations Mentioned

International Gas Union (IGU)

Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC)

US Energy Association

To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun onsara.peerun@visiongain.com
18 February 2019

TECTONIC GOLD PLC

("Tectonic Gold" or the "Company")

50% FARM-IN TO CONCESSION ON PRODUCING DIAMOND MINE TO PRODUCE CASH FLOW FOR EXISTING GOLD OPERATIONS

Tectonic Gold plc (TDIM: TTAU), an Intrusive Related Gold ("IRGS") exploration pioneer, is pleased to announce that it has executed an agreement with VAST Mineral Sands Pty Ltd ("VAST") for a 50% economic interest ("Joint Venture") in diamond mining concessions on the South African Government's operating Alexkor diamond mine in the Republic of South Africa. The Directors of the Company expect that the Joint Venture will result in immediate and sustainable cash flows to support the development of the Company's gold exploration activities in Australia.

Highlights:

10 year concession to mine alluvial diamonds

Tectonic Gold to acquire a 50% economic interest for US$650,000 in equity priced at 2.2p per share

Concession forms part of a South African Government owned mine that has been in operation since 1928

Over 10 million carats recovered to date

Currently over 50 operating concessions on the mine

Over 500,000 carats of gem grade diamond resources in the VAST/Tectonic allocated concession areas

Diamond resources, exploration, mining, processing and sales metrics well understood by Alexkor and operators

VAST has an experienced operating team already on site

Initial 900 carat per month production target from the VAST mine plan

Following the successful diamond drilling program at Specimen Hill in 2018, Tectonic Gold has entered into a Joint Venture agreement to acquire a 50% economic interest in the concessions held by VAST on an operating alluvial diamond mine. The Directors of the Company expect that the Joint Venture will generate immediate cash flows enabling Tectonic Gold to fully fund corporate costs and follow on exploration and drilling of the Company's Australian gold portfolio.

The transaction with VAST was struck at a price of 2.2p per Tectonic Gold share, a 10% premium to the Company's June 2018 listing price.

Tectonic Gold intends to undertake a fundraising to provide working capital for the Joint Venture. This is being co-ordinated through the Company's broker, VSA Capital Limited and is currently expected to be in the form of a convertible debt instrument.

About VAST Mineral Sands Pty Ltd:

VAST is a privately held South African company with interests in heavy mineral sands and diamonds. VAST owns a heavy mineral sand tenement overlying the South African Government's Alexkor diamond mining tenement, on the west coast of the Northern Cape in South Africa. In addition, VAST has negotiated rights to the tailings dumps and slimes dams on the Alexkor mine. The heavy mineral sand rich tailings and the in situ material form a significant resource containing commercial mineral sands including zircon, rutile, ilmenite, monazite, garnet and magnetite.

The Alexkor diamond mining operation is bordered by the Orange River and Namibia to the north, where Namdeb (De Beers Namibia) operates major alluvial and marine diamond mines. To the south it is bordered by De Beers' Kleinzee diamond operations. The 80km stretch of Alexkor leases between the two De Beers operations has been an operating mine site since 1928. This has resulted in significant coarse tailings dumps and slimes dams being created. Ongoing mining operations continue to add to these tailings...

Tectonic Gold successfully negotiated a farm-in to this concession for an equity consideration of US$650,000 at a price of 2.2p per share and a commitment to facilitate acquiring suitable mining equipment via rent, lease or by arranging financing for the purchase of the mining equipment required to facilitate the production profile at the current concessions. The US$650,000 investment was based on a cost recovery of the exploration and pre-development work completed by VAST in progressing the mineral sands and diamond projects to date.

The consideration of US$650,000 for the farm-in will be satisfied by the issue to VAST of 22,727,272 new ordinary shares of 0.01p each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 2.2p per Ordinary Share. The Ordinary Shares, which will represent approximately 3% of the Company's enlarged issued share capital, are expected to be issued on 18 July 2019, subject to Tectonic Gold's continued participation in the concession at that date.

Alongside testing for heavy minerals, the VAST team have taken bulk samples and processed them to validate independently the diamond resource estimates from Alexkor's external technical consultants. This, together with the extensive exploration and mining history on the site, has enabled VAST and Tectonic Gold to form a confident view of the mineral resources available and mining, production and sales metrics.

Alexkor concession terms:

Alexkor is the registered operator and owner of the 80km stretch of mining leases along the north coast of South Africa to its border with Namibia. Alexkor outsources all mining activities to contractors via concession contracts. The miners are required, by contract, to mine within allocated concession areas according to Alexkor's prescribed standards of operation.

Mining at the VAST concessions is conducted by a fleet of large and small surface mining and earth moving machinery through a simple free dig operation. No drilling or blasting is required. The underflow heavy mineral concentrates that are produced are then transported to one of Alexkor's processing plants for toll treatment and final recovery. The diamonds that are recovered are then put to a public auction by Alexkor's marketing team with the revenues from this process being split 80:20 between VAST and Alexkor respectively after deductions for toll treating costs, royalties and any other costs for ancillary services such as security during transportation.

Alexkor provides concession holders with a range of services including access to workshops for maintenance and on-site facilities. Alexkor also provides concession holders with detailed exploration data to optimise their mine planning designs and facilitates reviews of these mine plans and schedules before contractors begin mining.

The final recovery of diamonds is handled at Alexkor's Alexander Bay operations with a representative of VAST present during this operation. The recovered parcel of diamonds is then weighed and sorted in this secure facility prior to the parcel being dispatched for auction.

Alluvial mining start-up strategy:

The VAST resource estimates for the concession areas allocated are in excess of 500,000 carats. Tectonic Gold and VAST will take a staged approach to initiating mining operations under the concession with a target production commencing at 900 carats per month. Indicative sales prices for the average grade and size stone from the concession areas is currently US$450 per carat.

Tectonic Gold has also opened discussions to acquire full ownership of the allocated concessions and diamond operations of VAST via an equity-based buyout, conditional on terms to be negotiated. Tectonic Gold intends to pursue this and apply the generated cash flows to the development of the core gold exploration portfolio in Australia.

About Tectonic Gold:

Tectonic Gold is a specialist gold exploration company, focused on the identification and delineation of large-scale, multimillion-ounce Intrusion Related Gold System ("IRGS") assets. Tectonic Gold holds a number of gold discoveries in the New England Orogen in Eastern Australia, a prolific gold region that is home to Australia's two largest gold production companies, Newcrest Mining and Evolution Mining.

A successful diamond drilling campaign in 2018 on the Company's flagship "Specimen Hill" project has confirmed a large diatreme IRGS system similar to regional multi-million ounce deposits such as Kidston and Mt Rawdon. Tectonic Gold intends to apply the cash flows from the diamond mining operations to further drilling at Specimen Hill under an existing drill for equity deal with Titeline Drilling. 7,500m of diamond drilling remains available on a 50% cash payment basis under this agreement.

Funds will also be allocated to progressing the Company's Mt Cassidy prospect during the 2019 calendar year.

The final allocation will depend on the performance of the VAST / Tectonic diamond concession and cash flows from that project, but it is management's intention to provide sufficient funds to initiate drilling on the Mt Cassidy project in the final quarter of 2019.

Tectonic Gold has begun to explore with its financial adviser, VSA Capital, the possibility of a listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") via a Standard Listing and plans are at an early stage of being formulated. Further details will be provided in due course.

Mr. Brett Boynton, Managing Director - Tectonic Gold Plc

"The Alexkor diamond mine has a long, well documented history and we find ourselves in a very fortunate position to have an expert team to partner with in adding a small piece to this history.

We have been conducting due diligence on this project for 6 months and we are comfortable with the mineral resource and the experienced operational and management team at VAST."

Qualified Person:

Mr Jonathan Robbeson - BSc (Hons1), MEconGeol, MMinEng, (CP Geo) is a full time employee Signature Gold Limited and is a registered Chartered Professional (Geology) with the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM - 304542). Mr Robbeson has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the Note for Mining Oil & Gas Companies, June 2009, of the London Stock Exchange and the 2012 Edition of the 'Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). Mr Robbeson consents to the inclusion in the release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

For further information, please contact:

Tectonic Gold plc

Brett Boynton

Sam Quinn

www.tectonicgold.com

@tectonic_gold +61 2 9241 7665 NEX Exchange Corporate Adviser and Broker

Peterhouse Capital Limited

Mark Anwyl

+44 20 7469 0930 Financial Adviser and Broker

VSA Capital Limited

Andrew Raca - Corporate Finance

Andrew Monk - Corporate Broking

+44 20 3005 5004

Ends

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
OSAKA, Japan, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kansai University is collaborating with Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), Royal University of Bhutan to establish Bhutan's first ever 4-year undergraduate mechanical engineering course scheduled to start in July 2019. Kansai University is supporting the contents, teaching, and management of the course with emphasis on teaching scientific principles as well as practical skills to students in Bhutan.

Japan has supported the development of technology and agriculture in Bhutan for the past 50 years. The challenge now is to educate and train enough engineers with the knowledge and experience to maintain equipment and technological know-how that has been assimilated during this time.

"Bhutan does not have enough trained engineers with the appropriate skills to maintain the country's technological infrastructure," explains Junichi Kurata, an associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering Science Department of Mechanical Engineering and the director of the collaboration for Kansai University. "So in 2016 Kansai University signed an agreement with the Royal University of Bhutan to collaborate and support the establishment of a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering course in Jigme Namgyel Engineering College and nurture students with practical knowledge required to repair and maintain machines and equipment, as well as encouraging them to think about research and development for the future."

The two institutes formally decided to work on launching the 4-year course in engineering in July 2017. The collaboration has been fruitful and in July 2019 they will formally start a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at the Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), Royal University of Bhutan. This is the first such course in Bhutan.

Overview of the course

The basic aim of the 4-year undergraduate course in Mechanical Engineering at Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), Royal University of Bhutan is education to achieve 'technical education for practical applications' based on Japanese-style engineering education emphasizing scientific principles and practical skill learning. "Our approach to teaching will emphasize giving students hands-on experience to develop mechanical engineering," says Kurata. "We donated the 3D printer for such purpose. The students can design and produce parts for various machines thereby gaining deep insights into the construction and structure of machines. Engineering education based on practical training has a long history in Japan and can be traced to the curricula implemented by Henry Dyer and his colleagues who were invited by the Meiji Government to establish tertiary level engineering education programs in Japan."

Background and recent highlights of the collaboration

On 30 June 2016, Kansai University signed an agreement of understanding with Royal University of Bhutan. Following this, there were visits and exchanges by faculty members from both institutes to discuss plans including establishing a new course in engineering. Furthermore, Kansai University received financial support for the "Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Science Exchange Program in Science (Sakura Science Plan)" from the Japan Science & Technology Agency (JST) in 2017, enabling exchange of students and their supervisors. In 2017-2018 the collaboration among Kansai University, Society of Experts for the Construction Equipment (SECONEQ; Representative Director, Mr. Hajime Shirai) and Royal University of Bhutan to establish a new course in the area of science and technology was selected as a "MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, CULTURE, SPORTS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-JAPAN- 2017 EDU-Port Japan (Dissemination of Japanese-style Education Using Public-Private Collaborative Plat forms) Supported Project" by MEXT. The Sakura Science Plan was also selected for this year, with plans to start accepting from 17th to 23rd February 2019.

Professor Junichi Kurata Kansai University donated a 3D printer to the Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), Royal University of Bhutan. This is the first 3D printer to be installed in Bhutan.

In January 2018 Dr Andu Dukpa, President of Jigme Namgyel Engineering College, Royal University of Bhutan visited Kansai University.

From December 21-27, 2017, 10 students and a teacher from Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC) of Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) visited Kansai University.

Further information

Junichi Kurata, Faculty of Engineering Sciences,

Kansai University

kurata@kansai-u.ac.jp

General information

International Liaison Group, Kansai University

3-3-35 Yamate-cho, Suita-shi, Osaka 564-8680 JAPAN

EMAIL: kansai-u1886@ml.kandai.jp

Websites

Kansai University

http://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/English/

Kansai University eBulletin

http://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/Kokusai/e-bulletin/

Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC)

https://www.jnec.edu.bt/
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 17, 2019 / Currently there are a lot of real estate developers in Vancouver seeking funding for their large multifamily apartment projects. While at first glance bigger projects might seem better, that isn't really the case when developing multifamily property in Vancouver.

How mid rise multifamily projects are developed

Mid rise apartment buildings are those that are 4 to 8 stories high with a total of between 40 and 120 units. The development of mid rise multifamily buildings in Vancouver begins by locating and assembling several parcels of adjacent single-family lots that can accommodate the bigger building footprint that a mid rise building requires.

After the developer has purchased and assembled the lots to build on, engineers and architects must design a building that matches the site and doesn't raise objection from the neighborhood residents. Then permits must be obtained, construction begins, and after 5 years or more the project is ready for occupancy.

When seeking funding for new multifamily projects developers pitch several common perceived advantages of larger buildings to investors: 1) There is investor demand in the market for mid rise property because so many projects are being developed, 2) Individual units are easier to sell or lease because of the larger quantity and variety, 3) People like living in bigger apartment projects so there will never be a lack of demand for the units.

Major risks of developing mid rise apartment buildings

Unfortunately, these perceived advantages of bigger apartment buildings end up being overly optimistic and understate the risks involved in developing mid rise multifamily projects because of the multi-year development time frame and the expense involved, real estate developers building mid rise projects attempt to collect investor funds up front. While this provides working capital for the developer, it's risky for the investor because money is being sunk into a project that the developer doesn't have complete control of.

There are several cons to developing mid rise apartment buildings, making these projects suitable only for investors willing to accept an extremely high level of risk:

Developers seek capital for projects whose land they don't currently own, where due diligence hasn't been completed, and plans and permitting have not been approved by the city

Contiguous single-family parcels are extremely difficult to locate and are usually found only in the less desirable areas of Vancouver or in locations where the market is already saturated

Local communities often object to the construction of a mid rise building because these projects don't match the existing character of the neighborhood

Investors will not begin to see a return for at least 5 years due to the extremely long timeframe needed to develop a mid rise multifamily project

A lot can change during the 5-year development time for a mid rise building, especially in a dynamic city like Vancouver - a project that appears to make sense today could easily end up being a money-losing property five years from now

However the biggest risk for investors in this type of project is that developers must pre-sell at least 50% of their units to obtain construction financing from most lenders. Historically these off plan units have been sold to overseas investors however due to recent government policies to curb speculation these funding sources have diminished. If this quota is not met the project will hang in limbo leaving all involved high and dry.

As for the sales pitch that mid rise developers make to investors about people liking bigger apartment building living? That isn't exactly true, as a recent article in the Vancouver Sun explains in detail.

Why smaller multifamily projects make more financial sense

Developing smaller multifamily projects in Vancouver follows the value-add investment strategy. These projects provide high net worth investors with a balance of risk and reward that preserves and grows investment capital while offering double-digit ROIs.

The team at Tycon Capital has years of development success with nearly a dozen profitable multifamily projects completed for our investors. There are several key advantages to investing in one of our joint venture multifamily projects in Vancouver:

Investment capital is accepted only after due diligence has been completed, building sites have been acquired, and plans have been submitted for approval

Established banking relationships allow Windsor to arrange project financing without a presale requirement, compared to larger mid rise projects that require a certain percentage of presales before banks will make a loan

Multifamily development projects from Tycon Capital and their partner JC Tycon Developments only take 2-3 years to complete, providing investors with a higher ROI and the option to reinvest funds in future projects to compound returns even further

Tycon Capital is keenly aware of the competition and the saturated market in many parts of Vancouver. Our in-depth knowledge and portfolio of successful multifamily projects allows us to seek untapped opportunities, meet pent up market demand, and identify neighborhoods in Vancouver that are undeveloped.

By maintaining the single-family character of the neighborhoods we build in, we are increasing density and helping Vancouver grow in a very positive way for the community and a very profitable way for our investors.

https://www.tyconcapital.com/

SOURCE: Jonathan Clogg - Tycon Capital

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/535682/Tycon-Capital-When-Investing-in-Multi-Family-Projects-in-Vancouver-Bigger-is-Not-Always-Better
Early-stage osteoarthritis drug wins prestigious innovation award

STEVENAGE, England, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AKL Research and Development (AKLRD) today announces its investigational medicine for osteoarthritis (OA) has been awarded a prestigious grant from Innovate UK, the leading government innovation agency.

It has recognised that APPA is a potential "game-changing" OA treatment despite it only being at the Phase 1 trial stage, awarding AKLRD 675,000. This will contribute to the development of APPA in its Phase 2 trial, which is expected to commence later this year, based on anticipated favourable results in the Phase 1 trial. This is currently being conducted at Liverpool University and scheduled to finish this summer.

Chris Sawyer, Innovation Lead, at Innovate UK said: "This is an exciting area of research in a disease with a high prevalence and major debilitation in many sufferers. Supporting AKLRD to pursue the development of this important medicine is aligned perfectly with Innovate UK's objective to support UK business growth in the health and life sciences sector."

APPA is a combination of two synthetic secondary metabolites of plant origin, the natural versions of which have been used individually for centuries in traditional non-prescription medicines. Combining these two molecules in a unique ratio increases the potency and has resulted in a potential new, oral treatment for OA. APPA has demonstrated pain relief, improved functionality and slowed cartilage destruction in animal models of the condition and 1, 2, 3 it is hoped it will show similar results in human trials.

Innovate UK only awards grants to innovations it believes are clearly game-changing and disruptive. AKLRD underwent a highly competitive process, with five independent expert assessors evaluating its submission. The assessors praised the "strong" and "exciting proposal with large potential" and described AKLRD's work as an "exciting area of research in a disease with a high prevalence and major debilitation in many sufferers".

David Miles, Chief Executive Officer of AKLRD, said: "For APPA to be recognised as a disruptive innovation is incredibly exciting. The award from Innovate UK will allow us to secure the future development of what we believe could be an important medicine for OA patients who currently have limited treatment options. We believe APPA not only tackles pain but will also put the brakes on the inflammatory cascade that we know is responsible for the devastating consequences of OA."

Consultant Rheumatologist Professor Robert Moots, who is leading the APPA phase 1 trial at Liverpool University's Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, said: "Millions of osteoarthritis patients are suffering every day with severe pain because the current prescription drugs available are often not effective or cannot be used long-term.

"APPA has the potential to be an effective treatment for OA that could not only tackle the pain it causes but do so with excellent tolerability and also, we hope, stop the disease from causing further joint damage. It's incredibly exciting that Innovate UK has clearly recognised the potential of this new drug which could transform the lives of OA patients."

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation with a remit to drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy. Since 2007, it has committed more than 1.8 billion to innovation, helping 8,000 organisations with projects estimated to add more than 16 billion to the UK economy and nearly 70,000 jobs.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

APPA is a patented fixed combination of two synthetically produced, synergistic, secondary metabolites of plant origin which exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the pathways of intracellular signalling molecules NFkB and Nrf2. Related to innate immune responses, APPA inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

APPA is unique because it directly affects inflammation at its source by re-balancing NFkB and Nrf2. APPA regulates rather than blocks the immune response, allowing the body to maintain host defence mechanisms 1 . There are currently no licensed drugs available for human use that offer efficacy and long-term safety in OA.

rather than blocks the immune response, allowing the body to maintain host defence mechanisms . There are currently no licensed drugs available for human use that offer efficacy and long-term safety in OA. AKL Research & Development Ltd (AKLRD) is a UK pharmaceutical research and development company that is changing the way drugs are developed. http://www.aklrd.com

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation. For more information visit www.innovateuk.ukri.org

Additional information on APPA, including a Mode of Action graphic, Osteoarthritis and AKLRD is available on request.

[1] Cross A, et al. Effects of APPA on human neutrophil function. 2016 OARSI, Volume 24, S335 - S336

[2] Larkins N, King C. E?ectiveness of APPA for the management of osteoarthritis in dogs: comparisons with placebo and meloxicam in client-owned dogs. 10.19185/Matters.201608000001

[3] Glasson S, Bendele A, Larkins N. APPA provides disease modification in preclinical osteoarthritis. Planta Medica. 78. 10.1055/s-0032-1320902

For more information, please contact:

David Miles Chief Executive Officer AKL Research & Development E: dm@aklrd.com Sarah Smith Associate Consultant The Difference Collective T: 07968 366526 E: sarah.smith@thedifferencecollective.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/796296/AKL_Research_and_Development_Logo.jpg
The ghastly terror attack which took place in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 has left the nation in deep grief and shock. About 40 CRF jawans lost their lives when when an explosives-laden vehicle drove into a bus carrying the soldiers.

Many Bollywood celebrities like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and others took to Twitter to condemn the terror attack and offer their condolences to the families of the matyred soldiers.

Many stars have also contributed to the welfare of the families. Salman Khan has also performed this humble act through his foundation 'Being Human'.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju took to his Twitter page to thank the superstar for the contribution. He tweeted, "Thank you @BeingSalmanKhan on offering to contribute for Pulwama Martyrs through BEING HUMAN FOUNDATION. I'll work out for handing over of the cheques in the account of #BharatKeVeer @BharatKeVeer."

Earlier, Salman had posted on his Twitter page, "My heart goes out for the Jawans of our beloved country and their families who lost their lives as martyrs to save our families... #YouStandForIndia."

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has also reportedly donated Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the late CRPF troopers.

Ronnie Screwvala also urged the 'unicorns' of India to come forward and donate. His tweet read, "RSVP &Team URI committed Rs. 1 Cr to families of URI attack /Army Welfare Fund -will ensure part goes to victims #Pulwama ..but urge more to respond -in small lots - and also our Indian "Unicorns" to donate graciously."

Alia Bhatt Puts Rumours To Rest, Reveals The Truth About Reports Of Her Tiff With Ranbir Kapoor!
Kangana Ranaut's Latest controversy about her upcoming film Mental Hai Kya,Find Out | FilmiBeat

Kangana Ranaut just doesn't seem to find no end to controversies attached to her off late. She may be one of the best actresses in the Hindi film industry right now, but she somehow always lands up in one or the other controversy. In the latest, Kangana had reportedly refused to shoot for the posters of the film Mental Hai Kya until her solo posters were shot.

According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, it claimed that Kangana Ranaut had stalled the shoot of her next film Mental Hai Kya's posters, until the makers shot her solo posters first. But these reports have now been denied by the film's co-producer Shailesh R Singh who has termed the reports as baseless and even tweeted, "Illiteracy at its peak..We as producers have no such information about solo or duet but this genius has to fill space, so he cooked it...tasteless dish" (sic).

Mental Hai Kya is a comedy thriller being directed by Prakash Kovelamudi and produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Shailesh R Singh. Apart from Kangana, the film also stars Rajkummar Rao, Jimmy Shergill, Amyra Dastur, and Mimoh Chakraborty in the lead roles.

Prior to this, Kangana Ranaut had found herself in endless controversies while shooting for her last film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, and also post the release of the film. The co-director of Manikarnika, Krish, had accused Kangana of mercilessly taking over the shooting of the film and cutting down scenes of co-actors. But Kangana's sister, Rangoli fiercely stood up for her and denied the claims.

Very recently, Kangana also made a strong statement against Shabana Azmi, implying that she was anti-national, in the context of the Pulwama terror attack which happened on February 14th. Shabana Azmi reacted to this and said, "You really think at a time like this a personal attack on me can be of any significance when the entire country stands as one in our grief and in condemning this dastardly Pulwama attack? May God bless her."

MOST READ: Sidharth Malhotra & Parineeti Chopra Snapped At A Popular Club; Sanya Malhotra'c Chic Look
Alia Bhatt breaks silence on FIGHT with boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor; Check Out | FilmiBeat

Ranbir Kapoor- Alia Bhatt's relationship keeps grabbing headlines for some reason or the other. The couple began dating when they were shooting for Brahmastra in Bulgaria. Later, the 'Gully Boy' actress was also spotted bonding with the Kapoor lad's family in New York.

Recently, there were rumours doing the rounds about trouble in their paradise when a video of Ranbir apparently having a heated argument with Alia went viral on the internet. However, the actress soon cleared the speculations and said that all's well.

Meanwhile, reports keep surfacing now and then about them tying the knot soon. Finally, Alia has reacted to these marriage reports while speaking to DNA.

Alia Opens Up About Her Rumoured Wedding "I don't understand the need for everyone to discuss this (my wedding) all the time. But then, I think to myself that it's a simple question and my answer remains the same." Alia Is Happy Being In A Relationship With Ranbir She said, "If I'm not getting married right now, that's what I'll say. I'm happy being in a relationship, but that doesn't mean I'm tying the knot just yet." The Actress Feels She's Too Young To Think About Marriage When quizzed about the D-day, Alia quipped, "I'm too young to think about it. When I feel there's a need to be in a stronger bond with him, we will come to it." No Wedding Bells Ringing Soon For Ranbir-Alia She further added, "But right now, I'm married to my work and I also have my relationship going well on the side." Here's How The Lovebirds Celebrated Valentine's Day This Year The couple was seen enjoying a quiet dinner date on Valentine's day where Ranbir's personal chef whipped up a menu for them which included "a bunch of aphrodisiacs like red chillies, avocado, cinnamon, garlic, asparagus, truffle, salmon, chocolate, cherries, vanilla and lots of love."

On the professional front, Alia will be sharing screen space with her beau Ranbir for the first time in Ayan Mukherji's Brahmastra.

Speaking about her working experience with him, the actress had said in an interview, "He's one of the greatest actors. Not only am I fond of him as an actor but a lot of girls and guys admire him as an actor."

"I usually remember my dialogues well, I never forget my lines while performing a scene but when I watch Ranbir perform, I do forget my dialogues at times... simply because, when Ranbir is emoting, he does it with so much ease. I just keep watching him. I tend to forget about my performance. He has the most honest and simple eyes," she had further added.

Alia Bhatt Puts Rumours To Rest, Reveals The Truth About Reports Of Her Tiff With Ranbir Kapoor!
Speaking with The Asian Age, Mr Lodha said that his two demands reflected the need of the hour for Jammu and Kashmir.

Mumbai: In the wake of the Pulwama terror strike, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mangal Prabhat Lodha has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke Article 370 of Constitution, which gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP legislator, in a letter to Mr Modi dated February 16, also requested the Central government to release a special package for Jammu and Kashmir in order to provide opportunities to the youth.

Speaking with The Asian Age, Mr Lodha said that his two demands reflected the need of the hour for Jammu and Kashmir. He would follow up on the matter.

Asked whether these two measures would restore peace in the restive state, he said, Everyone is making their own efforts; and in the same way, I have also made my efforts.

The letter reads that the special package would help in the development of Jammu and Kashmir and jobs would be created for the youth who would get a new direction.

The letter further stated, If Article 370 would be removed from Jammu and Kashmir, crores of people of the country, who have been demanding this, would get justice. You have taken many hard decisions to make the country strong. This is the right occasion and the need of the hour too.
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There's a new crop of restaurant critics in St. Louis, and they sure know their way around a box of Crayola markers.

For the fourth year in a row, we enlisted Kimberly Stezel's second-grade class at Kennerly Elementary School in Sappington, Missouri, to describe their favorite restaurants in town. The exercise helps students learn how to share an opinion. "We're studying how to communicate our thoughts and feelings," explains Stetzel, who began sending us her students' reviews in 2015. "If your friend had never been to Steak & Shake, what would you tell them about the experience?"

Avery, for one, would tell you that the vanilla shakes  with a cherry on top, of course  make her feel happy. Madelyn, meanwhile, loves how tender the chicken is at Raising Cane's; in fact, she'd go so far as to say "it is like heaven in food."

The Pasta House is a favorite of Kate's, who loves the pasta "because it has so much sauce" and the cheese bread "because it makes me want more." Blaze Pizza, which recently opened its first St. Louis-area locations, made quite the impression on Marco; he only went once, "but man it's good."

For more gems from our young restaurant critics in the making, flip through our gallery below.

Close
2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

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We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.
Three separate incidents of livestock rustling in Herefordshire this year has led the police to issue out a warning to farmers.

Three incidents of sheep theft have been reported in 2019 so far, and now the police want farmers improve livestock protection.

The incidents include 22 Texel Cross and Welsh Mule ewes stolen this year from a farm in Canon Frome.

Twenty sheep, with a green mark on shoulder, were stolen during January from a farm in Tarrington.

And 17 in lamb ewes were stolen from a different farm in Tarrington around the 15th January.

Livestock theft is seen as incredibly difficult to protect against and is becoming increasingly common in the UK.

In a statement, West Mercia Police said: Thieves often don't use the main point of access to a field choosing to cut through barbed wire or fence instead.

It is a crime that often needs a degree of organisation, as dogs are used to round up the sheep and put them on a trailer.

Checking your animals regularly can alert you to their theft, marking the animals can make them difficult to dispose of.

The police force has given tips for farmers to help prevent livestock theft.

Lock the gates

Use cheap chains and locks - as they may well just chop them off or even go through the fence instead. Locks will make it a bit more difficult, and the longer they need to be there the greater the chance that someone will see them.

Use landscaping in very vulnerable fields

The theft of animals requires the use of a vehicle. In fields that are especially vulnerable, or if you have lost animals from theft already you could think about using landscaping, bollards, removable cattle grids and the like to prevent vehicles gaining access. Ditches, mounds and hedges will also help.

Use remote alarms

If you can predict the routes the criminals will take, you could consider using an alarm system to alert you to gates opening and closing, or the use of a track.

Distinctively mark animals

Marking sheep lets you help the police find the stolen sheep, for example: 'You are looking for the guy with 12 green marked sheep'.

If the thief is another farmer it is more difficult for him to hide the sheep in his own flock. Tattoos and other marking methods are less effective but at least let you can identify the sheep if they turn up at some point.

Use hidden trail cameras

If you have a field where animals regularly go missing you might consider the use of a hidden trail camera as a cost effective way to get some idea of who is responsible.

The top of the range models will even send images to you over the mobile phone network.
A man has been left with burns and smoke inhalation after a fire tore through a farm in Moray, Scotland.

Firefighters arrived at Rhynagarrie Farm near Aberlour at approximately 1.40pm on Sunday (17 February).

It is understood that two farm buildings with several bales of hay inside had caught fire.

The spokesman said: One person was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation, so the ambulance service was called.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and fire investigation officers will be visiting the scene on Monday (18 February).

The incident follows news of BBC radio DJ Sara Cox thanking the fire service for coming to the aid of her father after his farm was set alight by arsonists.

It is understood a group of youths set fire to haylage outside the farm.

And in December, a farming family made a public plea for funds to rebuild their farm after losing it to a huge blaze.

The Burkinshaws, who live near Choppington, Northumberland, lost their farm to a devastating fire on 15 December.
The government has been urged to scale up the quota of non-EU nationals that are being allowed to take up seasonal farm posts after Brexit.

A leading industry figure made the plea as he appeared in front of a Westminster committee to give evidence on any new immigration system after the UK leaves the EU.

NFU Scotlands Horticulture Working Group Chairman, James Porter, appeared in front of the influential committee of MPs to give evidence on the governments Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill.

The bill will repeal free movement after the UK leaves the EU and will set up the framework upon which the government will create a new immigration policy after EU exit.

It comes as many farming businesses have faced seasonal worker shortages of up to 15 per cent.

The committee has been charged with line-by-line scrutiny of the bill. But NFU Scotland said any new immigration system after Brexit must ensure that workers from the EU and outside the EU can still come to the UK to take up posts in seasonal and permanent positions.

Since the vote to leave the EU, farming unions and organisations have campaigned the government on the reliance of the agricultural industry and the entire food and drink supply chain on non-UK workers.

Labour shortages

Giving evidence to MPs, Mr Porter outlined that in the last year alone, many businesses have faced seasonal worker shortages of up to 15 per cent.

Many soft fruit and field vegetable businesses will employ hundreds of non-UK nationals to undertake seasonal work, with a large proportion returning year-on-year to undertake skilled husbandry, picking and packing work, as well as other roles.

He also set out that whilst shortages within the horticultural sector have been particularly stark, there are concerns across the industry, with virtually no sector of agriculture not relying on non-UK workers for either primary production or further along the chain.

The government has been urged to scale up the quota of non-EU nationals that are being allowed to take up seasonal posts for a trial period in 2019 and 2020 under the pilot seasonal agricultural workers scheme.

Currently the scheme will allow 2,500 non-EU nationals to take up posts whilst freedom of movement is still in operation during the Brexit transition.

However, based on projected shortages within the industry, it is understood that 10,000 non-EU nationals will be needed within the sector in 2019.

Status of EU nationals

The government has also been told to clarify the status of EU nationals in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Advice from the government suggests that in the event of 'no-deal', EU nationals will still be able to come to the UK for a three-month period, following which they will need to apply for an extension of up to three years.

This is causing EU nationals considering roles in the UK a 'huge amount of uncertainty', Mr Porter said. NFU Scotland is calling on the government to extend the period to 12 months.

The government is also currently consulting on a new immigration system which will allow low skilled workers to come to the UK to take up posts for up to one year, immediately followed by a 12-month cooling off period.

It is the NFU Scotland position that for farmers who employ workers, this proposal would be 'totally unworkable' and a 'disincentive' to employing staff and training them up, only for them to have to leave after the initial 12 months.

Any new immigration system must allow individuals to take up posts and upskill in those posts, with a view to staying on for a longer period or permanently, the union said.

Wage threshold

The government is also consulting on whether a wage threshold of 30,000 should apply for any prospective migrants coming to take up posts in the UK.

However, NFU Scotland has strongly refuted this proposal as an arbitrary threshold with 'little or no basis' in the reality of employment patterns within agriculture or food and drink processing.

Addressing the Immigration Bill directly, Mr Porter set out the unions opposition to ending free movement of people between the UK and EU and outlined that any new visa system must be based on labour market need rather than arbitrary targets based on supposed levels of skill or wage thresholds.

He said: The worker shortages within my own sector of horticulture have been well documented.

Within horticulture and across the whole agricultural industry we rely on non-UK nationals to undertake manually skilled work on both a seasonal and a permanent basis.

The governments own Migration Advisory Committee has recognised that these gaps cannot be filled by workers from the UK.

Mr Porter added: NFU Scotland is very concerned about the obstructive position of the government towards immigration and is lobbying hard to ensure any new system realistically and reasonably allows nationals from inside and outside the EU to take up posts where we have gaps in our labour-market. The system must be needs-driven; not skills-driven.
Countryside Stewardship could help farmers bridge the 'inevitable funding gap' which will open up when basic payments start to fall in 2021.

This is the message from Strutt & Parker, who say the scheme could help offset BPS income from 2021 to 2025.

Direct payments for 2020 will be made in much the same way as now. Simplifications will be made subject to the terms of the overall Brexit implementation period.

There will then be an agricultural transition period in England between 2021 and 2027 as payments are gradually phased out.

After 2024-25, the government's new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) will start.

Given that the money to fund ELMS will only be released in steps, as Basic Payments are phased out over the transition period, it seems likely that there will be restrictions on the numbers able to join the new scheme in the early years, Strutt & Parker said.

The governments own timetable suggests that ELMS pilots should start in 2020, but it may not be fully up and running until 2025  halfway through the timetable for the phasing out of direct payments.

Claire Noble, assistant land agent at Strutt & Parker, said: Countryside Stewardship has had its issues over recent years, but farmers should not rule it out without considering how it might benefit their business.

Farmers are being told that BPS payments will be phased out from 2021 and, at this stage, it looks likely that it may be three or four years after this date before ELMS is widely available.

So CSS could provide a useful income stream as farmers navigate the change from direct support to payments for the provision of public goods.

The 2019 application period for CSS is due to open on 18 February. The deadline for requesting applications packs for the mid-tier scheme is 31 May, with an application deadline of 31 July.

In addition to a wide range of land management options, capital grants of up to 10,000 are also on offer for a range of work that will contribute to efforts to raise water quality, added Miss Noble.

This includes concrete yard renewal, roofing for silage and muck heaps, watercourse crossings and hard bases for livestock drinkers and feeders.

Hedgerows and boundaries grant

Farmers also have a 10-week window in which to apply for funding to pay for the restoration of hedges and stone walls under the 2019 Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant Scheme.

The scheme is also due to open for applications on 18 February with a closing date of 3 May.

Miss Noble said: The hedgerow and boundaries grant scheme is a useful opportunity for farmers to make improvements that help from a farm management perspective, while also offering landscape and environmental benefits.
The state-level committee is expected to send all the names of the aspirants to the AICC by next week.

The committee will send all the aspirants names to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) next week.(Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Congress seems to have zeroed in on candidates for seven Lok Sabha seats as the state-level parliamentary election committee will recommend a candidate for each of these seats, said a party source.

Ameeta Ashok Chavan, Charulata Tokas, Milind Deora, Manikrao Thakre, Rajeev Shankarrao Satav, Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik and Sushilkumar Shinde are likely to get tickets from Nanded, Wardha, South Mumbai, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Ramtek and Solapur respectively.

The committee will send all the aspirants names to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) next week.

The partys state leaders held a meeting last week at a south Mumbai hotel over the preparations for the general election, and the work of the campaign committee and election committee was also reviewed.

The current political situation was also discussed along with alliance partners demands. State Congress president Ashok Chavan, Leader of Opposition Radha-krishna Vikhe Patil, senior party leader Balasaheb Thorat and five AICC general secretaries who have been holding charge for the election in the state attended the meeting.

A party source said that the state lead-ership also held a discussiom on candidates names for 26 of the 48 seats Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting the election in alliance. Before finalising the list, the AICC will call a meeting with Chavan and Mr Vikhe Patil next week, on February 22, the source said. However, the AICC had asked for the candidates list before January 31. But as the NCP and Congress have had some issues over Ahmednagar and Aurangabad Lok Sabha seats, the process of finalisation of names has been delayed and the list has not been sent to the party high command.

The Congress wants Ahmednagar seat for Dr Sujay Patil, the son of Mr Vikhe-Patil. At present, the Ahmednagar seat is with the NCP, and the party wants Aurangabad constituency, which is with the Congress. Sources said that both parties could agree to swap these two seats.
Farmers have helped plant over 1,700 trees on farmland to naturally slow the flood of surface water in times of flood.

Farmers and environmental workers planted native trees in fields near Lambley and Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, to support a 1 million Natural Flood Management (NFM) scheme.

The project aims to use a mixture of oak, alder, cherry and hawthorn trees to stop flooding, reducing the amount of water entering the Cocker Beck.

The activities are part of a 15 million national NFM programme which, in addition to reducing flood risk and enhancing the environment, it aims to contribute to the evidence base for NFM as a tool to reduce flood risk.

Work on the ground started in November 2018 and will continue across 15 sites upstream of Lowdham.

Measures include constructing leaky wooden barriers to help reduce the amount of water that enters the Cocker Beck.

The barriers slow and store water within the existing ditch network, reducing the rate it travels to the downstream communities. They will also help to trap sediment to improve water quality downstream.

The project runs until March 2021.
Farmers can now apply to the Countryside Stewardship scheme to deliver environmental benefits on their land.

The scheme opened on Monday (18 February) and provides a source of income for those who wish to build habitats for wildlife, create pollinator plots and increase biodiversity.

Improvements have been introduced this year to make the scheme easier to apply following complaints of growing complexity, delayed payments and the competitive nature of the scheme.

Farmers can apply for Mid Tier and choose from all available multi-year options and capital items to form an agreement which delivers local environmental benefits.

Higher Tier is for applicants managing more complex land in environmentally significant sites, commons or woodlands which requires support from Natural England or the Forestry Commission.

Wildlife Offers are designed to help guide farmers to the most straightforward options for their farm type, making it easier to secure a CS agreement. Offers are split into different packages for farm types: arable, lowland grazing, upland, and mixed farming.

Lastly, Hedgerows and Boundaries provides grants for farmers to restore existing farm boundaries and hedgerows on their land.

The introduction of the Agriculture Bill in September 2018 signalled a step-change in how farmers will be paid once the UK leaves the EU. Funding for environmental benefits and public goods will be at the front of future policy.

The new Environmental Land Management (ELM) system is due to be introduced 2024/2025. This will follow three years of piloting the new system nationally.
Nearly a quarter of all meat shipped from the UK was not stunned before slaughter despite increasing concerns mounting over animal welfare and lack of transparency.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) 2018 slaughterhouse survey been released following pressure to make the data public.

The survey, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of slaughter methods by species in England and Wales, had been expected for publication by Autumn 2018.

Following campaigning activity, the government agreed to release the figures following consultation with religious groups.

Figures reveal that in 2018, over 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered without being stunned first.

Specifically, the figures show that nearly a quarter (24%) of sheep meat that was not stunned before slaughter, was exported from the UK.

This equates to around 750,000 sheep being slaughtered without prior stunning per year for consumption outside of the domestic market.

The current derogation in the law that allows for non-stun slaughter for religious purposes is intended for domestic consumption only.

'Unknown locations'

Although most of this meat is intended for EU markets including France, Belgium and the Netherlands, with post-Brexit trade deals currently in discussion, it brings into question where the remaining non-stun meat is sent.

According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), who along with the RSPCA campaigned for the release of the data, the survey reveals a 'lack of transparency' with regards to some exports.

For example, 19% of sheep meat was recorded as destined for unknown locations. This lack of information was referenced within the survey as being due to non-mandatory questions being left incomplete by abattoirs.

Simon Doherty, BVA President, said the release of the figures is 'highly significant'. He said: We believe this goes against the spirit of the derogation that allows for non-stun slaughter purely for consumption by particular communities within the UK.

Its equally concerning that the export of some non-stun meat is going unreported, with a lack of clarity around where seven per cent of non-stun sheep meat is ending up due to incomplete slaughterhouse data.

'Transparency'

Mr Doherty said more 'transparency' is needed to ensure such data is readily available.

We strongly believe that all non-stun slaughter should be banned in the UK in the interests of reducing welfare harm, he added.

However, while it continues, the government must make moves to cease the export of non-stun meat. Allowing this practice is out of keeping with legislation designed to limit it to meet domestic demand only.

As the law stands, there is no mandatory requirement to label meat which has been slaughtered without stunning, which means consumers are unaware that they are buying meat produced in this way.

Last week, both the BVA and RSPCA issued out a joint plea for the government to ban non-stun slaughter.

Both groups say slaughtering without pre-stunning causes 'unnecessary pain and suffering'.
COLUMBUS  The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has named the 2019 recipients of its Stewardship and Service awards.

Guy and Sandy Ashmore, of Clinton County, received the Stewardship Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the sustainable agriculture community, and Mike Hogan, of Franklin County, received the Service Award, which recognizes extraordinary service in support of sustainable agriculture.

The announcements were made Feb. 15-16 in Dayton as part of OEFFAs 40th annual conference, Just Farming: The Path Before Us.

Ashmores

Guy and Sandy Ashmore are co-farmers and owners of That Guys Family Farm, a certified organic 48-acre farm in southwest Ohio.

They wholesale produce through Local Food Connection and Dorothy Lane Markets, and sell at a farmers market, their farm store, and through a winter and summer community supported agriculture (CSA) program.

They started farming in 1978 using conventional practices and raising confinement hogs.

In 1988 they joined OEFFA, describing it as a turning point in our farming practices and ultimately our lives. Their first acres were certified organic in 1998.

By 2005, their entire farm was certified organic.

The Ashmores have also helped to train the next generation of farmers. Theyve hired apprentices since 2011 and recently started hosting apprentices through OEFFAs Begin Farming program. They have held OEFFA farm tours, led OEFFA conference workshops, and are active members in their OEFFA chapter.

They received the Snail of Approval from Slow Food Cincinnati in 2018, were elected to Dorothy Lane Markets Vendor Honor Roll, and have been featured in Edible Ohio Valley, Ohio Farmer, and Rural Life Today.

Hogan

Hogan is a Franklin County Extension educator and associate professor in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, specializing in urban agriculture, local foods, sustainable agriculture, small farm management, marketing and food safety.

He has spent his 32-year career working with sustainable, alternative, organic and small-scale farmers. For the past several years, he has focused on increasing urban food production and food access in Columbus.

As co-coordinator for the Ohio U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program for the past 21 years, he has helped train agricultural professionals in sustainable practices, disseminated SARE research and project results, and promoted the availability of SARE resources.

For more than a decade, Hogan has partnered with OEFFA on the Ohio Sustainable Farm Tour and Workshop Series, and has offered regular workshops as part of the organizations annual conference.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 57F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 57F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
As Montana lawmakers consider overhauling the states DUI laws, the Montana Highway Patrol wants to dispel myths about blood alcohol levels.

Last week, the Highway Patrol hosted a demonstration for lawmakers to show just how much alcohol it actually takes to be beyond legal limits.

The event included four volunteers from Highway Patrol who drank a substantial amount within two hours, and then were given a field sobriety test, including a walk-and-turn test. It proved to be tricky for some.

Participant Terie Moseman says she volunteered because she wants increased protections for her kids driving on Montanas roads, and wants to help raise awareness about the issue any way she can. Moseman says she doesnt drink often and was pretty wobbly during the field test.

Well I thought I was doing pretty well, but then I kind of wasnt, Moseman said.

MHP Sergeant Kurt Sager says the events aim was to show lawmakers that someone who has one or two drinks at dinner will not have had enough to be charged with a DUI. But, that it takes substantial drinking to reach a .08 BAC, the legal limit.

That, he says, is key in understanding why a section of Senate Bill 65, which would allow law enforcement to take a blood sample using a warrant on a first offense, is important to decrease drunk driving in the state.

Well, 72 percent of Montanas DUIs are first-offense DUIs, so thats an issue we need to address, Sager said.

Under current statute, law enforcement officers cannot apply for a warrant to get a blood sample from a DUI suspect until the second offense, which Sager says sometimes leads to costly court battles without hard evidence.

Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, is sponsoring SB 65 and says the bill will not only address drunk driving, but will make the law clearer and easier to interpret.

DUI code is screwing all over the Montana code book, Regier said.

This bill also increases penalties for aggravated DUIs, and lowers the legal limit of alcohol for taxi or Uber drivers. Regier said first-time offenders often correct their own behavior, but continual offenders need to be kept off the roadways.

Theyre really a menace to society, Regier said.

Regier says the committee added amendments to the bill to include more treatment options for DUI offenders. It passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on an 8-2 vote.

Lawmakers Hear Emotional Testimony on Child Protective Services Bills

In a four-hour hearing Thursday, Montana lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee heard emotional testimony for three different bills that would make it more difficult for state Child and Family Services Division to remove a child from his or her home.

Rep. Dennis Lenz, R-Billings, is carrying House Bill 408, House Bill 409, and House Bill 410. He said in the hearing for the first bill that the state is removing too many children from their families.

We lead the way in taking kids away from their parents, Lenz said.

HB 408 would require that a child be at risk of serious bodily harm, malnutrition or starvation before he or she can be removed from a home.

Matt Furlong from the Montana Child Protection Alliance spoke in support of the bill. He said he hears grievances from parents of being dissatisfied with foster care, being poorly treated by agency staff and wrongful convictions of abuse.

A number of parents who had children taken away spoke in support of the bill, many saying the removal did more damage than good for their families.

One mother, Deirdre Lechowski Mercado, said her family is still dealing with the fallout from CFSD intervention.

It traumatized my family to such a degree that my youngest daughter is emotionally disturbed, Mercado said.

However, opponents to the bill argued that the requirement HB 408 would implement for child removal would put the most vulnerable children at risk.

Gallatin County Attorney Marty Lambert said the legislation would improperly and unduly hurt children in the state. He said he is sympathetic to the pain parents who lose custody of their children feel, but its not his greatest concern.

I grieve a little bit more for these children in these homes where investigations have to be done, Lambert said.

Valerie Winfield, a prosecutor of child abuse cases in Cascade County, pointed to the legal definition of serious bodily harm in her testimony against the bill. She said a broken arm, broken teeth, head trauma, sexual abuse and drug abuse are all conditions that are not included in the bills definition serious bodily harm.

Winfield said under this bill, children would have to suffer permanent damage before CFSD could intervene.

The committee will have to vote on all three bills individually to decide whether to allow the full House to debate them.

Personhood Bill Advances to Senate

The Montana House of Representatives advanced an amendment to the state constitution Friday that would criminalize abortion by bestowing the constitutional rights of life, liberty, property and due process to a person at any stage of development, including the point of conception.

House Bill 302 passed the House on a 56-43 vote. But, as a constitutional amendment, the bill would need 100 votes out of the 150 members of the Legislature and then would be put on the ballot for voter approval. The bill would need 44 votes in the 50-member Senate to make it to ballot.

Rep. Greg DeVries, R-Jefferson City, sponsored the bill.

This bill once again provides the Montana Legislature and the citizens of Montana the opportunity to repent, he said. Personhood begins at conception. We need to restore to those persons their rightful due process of law.

Rep. Emma Kerr-Carpenter, D-Billings, one of the 43 lawmakers who voted against the bill, says decisions about her health should be made by her.

This is directly legislating my healthcare, my body and my life, she said. The Supreme Court of the United States has upheld time and time again, that my health is between me and my healthcare provider and my husband if I choose to include him.

Bill Would Exempt College Dorm Resident Assistants From Overtime Pay

Lawmakers a considering a bill that would add community assistants at colleges in the state -- student employees who work for student housing -- to a list of employees who are not eligible for overtime pay.

Senate Bill 218 aims to prevent a costly legal change in the Montana University System, and create what the sponsor called common sense legislation.

The bill was drafted in response to a wage claim decision from the Department of Labor and Industry that awarded $25,000 to a former student who worked as community assistant for the University of Montana in its housing facilities, according to the sponsor Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls. He said this bill will solidify an employment arrangement used by most universities that has worked for decades.

Community assistants receive free room and board, a stipend and sometimes extra wages, but a claimant argued her compensation did not cover overtime she worked while on-call for university housing residents, according to the decision handed down by the Department of Labor and Industry. The $25,000 awarded was calculated using the time she was on call plus penalty fees.

The Montana University System is appealing the decision so the award has not yet been paid to the former community assistant.

Kevin McRae, deputy commissioner for the Montana University System, said this is the only claim for overtime pay thats ever been made by an employee for college housing facilities. He also said that if this claim for overtime becomes precedent, Montanas universities will no longer be able to offer this same kind of employment arrangement in the future.

We thought it would reasonable and appropriate to get this clarification into state law, McRae said.

Chief legal counsel for the Department of Labor and Industry, Judy Bovington, said when a claim is made for the first time, its a chance for legal analysis. Between appeals and court decisions, it can be a lengthy process.

Helen Thigpen, attorney for the university system, spoke at the bills hearing and said the language is narrowly tailored to a specific type of employee. She said the university system will not make changes to this student employment arrangement if the bill passes.

The Associated Students of Montana did not take a position on the bill.

Darrell Holzer spoke as a concerned citizen and was the only opponent of the legislation. He told committee members he thinks the Legislature should focus on raising wages, not finding ways to reduce them.

No matter the service, every worker deserves fair compensation, Holzer said.

The bill awaits a vote by the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee before it could move forward to the full Senate for debate.

Shaylee Ragar and Tim Pierce are reporters with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Newspaper Association, the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Shaylee can be reached at shaylee.ragar@umontana.edu. Tim can be reached at tim.pierce@umontana.edu.
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This festival enters its 20th edition and is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), the largest theatre festival in Asia, organized by the National School of Drama (NSD), has brought its bouquet of plays, interactive sessions, and other cultural events to cheer up the winter afternoons of theatre enthusiasts in the city.

The International Theatre Festival (ITF), which began on February 1 in New Delhi, has concluded on February 21. The ITF is offering a diverse range of productions comprising 111 shows and allied events such as Directors Meet, Living Legend, and Master Class.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Kamani auditorium on February 1, followed by the performance of Karanth ke Rang, directed by Amod Bhatt.

The 50 minute long performance was medley of songs composed by late Mr B.V. Karanth, a stalwart of Kannada and Hindi theatres. Mr Karanth, who was a prolific composer of songs and scripts for theatre, also directed and acted in many productions.

The festival, which enters its 20th edition in 2019, is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, along with 4 plays to be staged on the life, philosophy, and principles of the Father of the Nation. The festival is hosting 69 Indian and 15 foreign plays across India.

The national capital is hosting 89 plays: 25 plays in Hindi, 16 in Bengali, 5 in Kannada, 2 in Marathi, 2 in Odia, 2 in Gujarati, 2 in Manipuri, 3 in English, 2 in Assamese, 2 in Malayalam and 1 each in Maithili, Telugu, Nepali, and Sanskrit, in addition to 15 foreign plays, the festival also brings 8 folk performances to theatre aficionados in the city.

The 21-day long festival this year is including plays in Hindi, English, and other regional languages. International productions from countries such as Bangladesh, Poland, Russia, Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic, Italy, Nepal, Romania, and Singapore as well as non-verbal, folk, and multi-lingual performances will enthrall the audience during the theatrical spectacle.

Apart from the spellbinding performances and interaction with thespians and eminent personalities from the world of theatre, the festival in Delhi will also have 2 international and national seminars on theatre. The national seminars to be held in Delhi will attend to the topic Is Modern Theatre Inclusive? and will hold sessions dedicated to Notion of State and Representation, Unrepresented Form, and Non-Governmental Curating and Funding Policy.

Besides, the NSD campus is buzzing with street plays, ambience shows, and Theatre Bazar, a motley of stalls offering a range of products and culinary delights. The youth forum shows will comprise performances by dramatic societies of nearly 50 colleges in Delhi while ambience performances will bring folk dance and other traditional performing art forms.

The art of theatre is the oldest and the strongest medium that conveys human emotions in a manner that defies temporal boundaries. We are delighted to usher in the Bharat Rang Mahotsav to its 20th year and have made all efforts to bring a selection of quality plays, choosing the best out of 960 submissions. There are 9 folk performances being presented in Delhi as well as invitee plays and productions in regional languages. We have tried to accommodate as many young theatre enthusiasts as we can, since the institution aim to foster the growth of young talents through the platform of BRM, said Suresh Sharma, Director In-charge, National School of Drama (NSD).

Besides, the NSD campus is buzzing with street plays, ambience shows, and Theatre Bazar, motley of stalls offering a range of products and culinary delights. The youth forum shows will comprise performances by dramatic societies of nearly 50 colleges in Delhi while ambience performances will bring folk dance and other traditional performing art forms.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Daimler: AEG Olympia Office GmbH, Achtzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Anota Fahrzeug Service- und Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH, Athlon Beheer International B.V., Athlon Beheer Nederland B.V, Athlon Car Lease Belgium N.V, Athlon Car Lease International B.V., Athlon Car Lease Italy S.R.L., Athlon Car Lease Nederland B.V., Athlon Car Lease Polska Sp. z o.o., Athlon Car Lease Portugal lda, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services B.V, Athlon Car Lease Rental Services Belgium N.V., Athlon Car Lease S.A.S., Athlon Car Lease Spain S.A., Athlon Dealerlease B.V., Athlon France S.A.S., Athlon Germany GmbH, Athlon Mobility Consultancy B.V., Athlon Mobility Consultancy N.V., Athlon Rental Germany GmbH, Athlon Sweden AB, Athlon Switzerland AG, AutoGravity Corporation, Banco Mercedes-Benz do Brasil S.A, Beat Chile SpA, Beat Ride App Colombia Ltda., Beat Ride App S.A., Belerofonte Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda., Brooklands Estates Management Limited, CARS Technik & Logistik GmbH, CINTEO, CLIDET NO 1048 (Proprietary) Limited, Campo Largo Comercio de Veiculos e Pecas Ltda., Circulo Cerrado S.A. de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Clever Taxi, Clever Tech S.R.L., Clever Tech Sud S.R.L., Conemaugh Hydroelectric Projects Inc., Cuspide GmbH, DA Investments Co. 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Ltd., Daimler Insurance Agency LLC, Daimler Insurance Services GmbH, Daimler Insurance Services Japan Co. Ltd., Daimler Insurance Services UK Limited, Daimler International Assignment Services USA LLC, Daimler International Finance B.V., Daimler International Nederland B.V., Daimler Investments US Corporation, Daimler Ladungstrager GmbH, Daimler Manufactura S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Mexico S.A. de C.V., Daimler Mitarbeiter Wohnfinanz GmbH, Daimler Mobility Services GmbH, Daimler Motors Investments LLC, Daimler Nederland B.V., Daimler Nederland Holding B.V., Daimler North America Corporation, Daimler North America Finance Corporation, Daimler Northeast Asia Parts Trading and Services Co. Ltd., Daimler Parts Brand GmbH, Daimler Parts Logistics Australia Pty. Ltd., Daimler Pensionsfonds AG, Daimler Protics GmbH, Daimler Purchasing Coordination Corp., Daimler Re Brokers GmbH, Daimler Re Insurance S.A. Luxembourg, Daimler Real Estate GmbH, Daimler Retail Receivables LLC, Daimler South East Asia Pte. Ltd., Daimler TSS GmbH, Daimler Truck AG, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Daimler Trucks & Buses US Holding Inc., Daimler Trucks Asia Taiwan Ltd., Daimler Trucks Canada Ltd., Daimler Trucks Korea Ltd., Daimler Trucks North America LLC, Daimler Trucks Remarketing Corporation, Daimler Trucks Retail Trust 2018-1, Daimler Trucks and Buses (China) Ltd., Daimler Trucks and Buses Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, Daimler Trust Holdings LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing Conduit LLC, Daimler Trust Leasing LLC, Daimler UK Limited, Daimler UK Share Trustee Ltd., Daimler UK Trustees Limited, Daimler Unterstutzungskasse GmbH, Daimler Vans Hong Kong Limited, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Daimler Vehiculos Comerciales Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Daimler Verwaltungsgesellschaft fur Grundbesitz mbH, Daimler Vorsorge und Versicherungsdienst GmbH, Daiprodco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel Corporation, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC, Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Detroit Diesel-Allison de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Deutsche ACCUmotive, Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Accumotive Verwaltungs-GmbH, Dreizehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, EHG Elektroholding GmbH, EvoBus (Schweiz) AG, EvoBus (U.K.) Ltd., EvoBus Austria GmbH, EvoBus Belgium N.V., EvoBus Ceska republika s.r.o., EvoBus Danmark A/S, EvoBus France S.A.S.U., EvoBus GmbH, EvoBus Iberica S.A.U., EvoBus Italia S.p.A., EvoBus Nederland B.V., EvoBus Polska Sp. z o.o., EvoBus Portugal S.A., EvoBus Reunion S. A., EvoBus Russland OOO, EvoBus Sverige AB, FLINC GmbH, Familonet GmbH, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, Friesland Lease B.V., Funfte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 5 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 6 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 7 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Alpha 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Beta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Delta OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Epsilon OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 2 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 3 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 4 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Daimler AG & Co. Gamma 1 OHG, Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft EvoBus GmbH & Co. OHG, Hailo Network IP Limited, Hailo Network Iberia S.L., Intelligent Apps GmbH, Interleasing Luxembourg S.A., Invema Assessoria Empresarial Eireli, Koppieview Property (Pty) Ltd, LAB1886 GmbH, LBBW AM  Daimler Re Insurance, LBBW AM  MBVEXW, LEONIE CORP DVB GmbH, LEONIE DMS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FS DVB GmbH, LEONIE FSM DVB GmbH, LEONIE PV DVB GmbH, LEONIE TB DVB GmbH, Lab1886 USA LLC, Lapland Car Test Aktiebolag, Legend Investments Ltd., Li-Tec Battery, Li-Tec Battery GmbH, MB GTC GmbH Mercedes-Benz Gebrauchtteile Center, MBarc Credit Canada Inc., MBition GmbH, MDC Power GmbH, MDC Technology GmbH, MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS POLSKA SPOKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, MFTA Canada Inc., MITSUBISHI FUSO TRUCK EUROPE  Sociedade Europeia de Automoveis S.A., MYTAXI ITALIA S.R.L., MYTAXI POLSKA SPOLKA Z OGRANICZONA ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA, Mascot Truck Parts Canada Ltd (2017), Mascot Truck Parts USA LLC, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd, Mercedes pay AG, Mercedes pay S.A., Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz (Yangzhou) Parts Distribution Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz AG, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Adm. Consorcios Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Antwerpen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Asia GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Assuradeuren B.V., Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-2, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2016-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2017-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-A, Mercedes-Benz Auto Lease Trust 2018-B, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2015-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust 2016-1, Mercedes-Benz Auto Retail Trust 2018-1, Mercedes-Benz Bank AG, Mercedes-Benz Bank GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Bank Polska S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bank Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Bank Service Center GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Banking Service GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Belgium Luxembourg S.A., Mercedes-Benz Bordeaux S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Broker Biztositasi Alkusz Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Brooklands Limited, Mercedes-Benz CPH A/S, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., Mercedes-Benz Capital Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz CarMesh GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil  Industria e Comercio De Veiculos Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Cars Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East FZE, Mercedes-Benz Cars Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Cars UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz CharterWay S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Compania Financiera Argentina S.A., Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Consulting GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercedes-Benz Credit Penzugyi Szolgaltato Hungary Zrt., Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center Maastricht N.V., Mercedes-Benz Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Dealer Bedrijven B.V., Mercedes-Benz Drogenbos N.V., Mercedes-Benz Egypt S.A.E., Mercedes-Benz Energy Americas LLC, Mercedes-Benz Energy GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Espana S.A.U., Mercedes-Benz Europa NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz ExTra LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finance Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Austria GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services BeLux NV, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Espana E.F.C. S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services France S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Hong Kong Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Italia SpA, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Korea Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Portugal  Sociedade Financeira de Credito S.A., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Rus OOO, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Finans Danmark A/S, Mercedes-Benz Finans Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Finansal Kiralama Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Finansman Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz Formula E Limited, Mercedes-Benz France S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz Fuel Cell GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Forsaljnings AB, Mercedes-Benz G GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Group Services Phils. Inc., Mercedes-Benz Hellas S.A., Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited, Mercedes-Benz Hungaria Kft., Mercedes-Benz IDC Europe S.A.S., Mercedes-Benz India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Insurance Broker S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Insurance Services Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Investment Company LLC, Mercedes-Benz Italia S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Japan Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Korea Limited, Mercedes-Benz Leasing (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Co. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing Hrvatska d.o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing IFN S.A., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Kft., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Leasing Treuhand GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Leasing do Brasil Arrendamento Mercantil S.A., Mercedes-Benz Ludwigsfelde GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Mercedes-Benz Manhattan Inc., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Poland Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Rus Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust, Mercedes-Benz Mechelen N.V., Mercedes-Benz Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Mercedes-Benz Minibus GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Mitarbeiter-Fahrzeuge Leasing GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH, Mercedes-Benz New Zealand Ltd, Mercedes-Benz PRAHA s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Paris SAS, Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Eastern Europe s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Iberica S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Parts Manufacturing & Services Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Polska Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Portugal S.A., Mercedes-Benz Project Consult GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Renting S.A., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America Inc., Mercedes-Benz Research & Development Tel Aviv Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India Private Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail Belgium NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Retail S.A., Mercedes-Benz Retail Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz Risk Solutions South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Roma S.p.A., Mercedes-Benz Romania S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Russia AO, Mercedes-Benz Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Service Leasing S.R.L., Mercedes-Benz Services Correduria de Seguros S.A., Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mercedes-Benz Sigorta Aracilik Hizmetleri A.S., Mercedes-Benz Slovakia s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Solihull Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Sosnowiec Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz South Africa Ltd, Mercedes-Benz Srbija i Crna Gora d.o.o.u likvidaciji, Mercedes-Benz Subscription Services USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Sverige AB, Mercedes-Benz Taiwan Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Belgium Luxembourg NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Center Sint-Pieters-Leeuw NV/SA, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Ceska republika s.r.o., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Trucks France S.A.S.U, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Italia S.r.l., Mercedes-Benz Trucks MENA Holding GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Molsheim, Mercedes-Benz Trucks Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Trucks Schweiz AG, Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Turk A.S., Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA LLC, Mercedes-Benz Ubezpieczenia Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz V.I. Lyon SAS, Mercedes-Benz V.I. Paris Ile de France SAS, Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia Pacific Pty. Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Vans Ceska republika s.r.o, Mercedes-Benz Vans Espana S.L.U., Mercedes-Benz Vans LLC, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vans Mobility S.L., Mercedes-Benz Vans Nederland B.V., Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Limited, Mercedes-Benz Vehiculos Comerciales Argentina SAU, Mercedes-Benz Venezuela S.A., Mercedes-Benz Versicherung AG, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb NFZ GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vertrieb PKW GmbH, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam Ltd., Mercedes-Benz Warszawa Sp. z o.o., Mercedes-Benz Waterloo S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wavre S.A., Mercedes-Benz Wemmel N.V., Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Receivables LLC, Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Assessoria Comercial Ltda., Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda., Mercedes-Benz Osterreich GmbH, Mercedes-Benz  Aluguer de Veiculos Unipessoal Lda., Mercedes-Benz.io GmbH, Mercedes-Benz.io Portugal Unipessoal Lda., MercedesService Card Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc., Monarch Cars (Tamworth) Ltd., Montajes y Estampaciones Metalicas S.L., Multifleet G.I.E, NAG Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft, P.T. Mercedes-Benz Indonesia, PABCO Co. Ltd., PT Daimler Commercial Vehicles Indonesia, PT Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia, Porcher & Meffert Grundstucksgesellschaft mbH & Co. Stuttgart OHG, R.T.C. Management Company Limited, Renting del Pacifico S.A.C., RepairSmith Inc., Reva SAS, Ring Garage AG Chur, SILVER ARROW CHINA 2017-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o CITIC TRUST CO. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-1 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., SILVER ARROW CHINA 2018-2 RETAIL AUTO LOAN ASSET BACKED NOTES TRUST c/o FOTIC: China Foreign Economy and Trade Trust Co. LTD., STARKOM d.o.o., Sandown Motor Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Sechste Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, SelecTrucks Comercio de Veiculos Ltda, SelecTrucks of America LLC, SelecTrucks of Toronto Inc., Setra of North America Inc., Silver Arrow Australia Trust 2017-1, Silver Arrow Canada GP Inc., Silver Arrow Canada LP, Silver Arrow Lease Facility Trust, Silver Arrow S.A., Special Lease Systems (SLS) B.V, SportChassis LLC, Star Assembly SRL, Star Egypt For Import LLC, Star Transmission srl, Starexport Trading S.A., Sterling Truck Corporation, Sumperska sprava majetku k.s., T.O.C (Schweiz) AG, Taxibeat, Taxibeat Ltd. UK, Taxibeat Peru S.A., Taxibeat Teknoloji Hizmetleri A.S., Thomas Built Buses Inc., Thomas Built Buses of Canada Limited, Transcovo SAS, Transopco France SAS, Transopco GmbH, Transopco Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Transopco UK Ltd., Trona Cogeneration Corporation, Ucafleet S.A.S, Vierzehnte Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft DVB mbH, Western Star Trucks Sales Inc, Zuidlease B.V., Zweite Vermogensverwaltungsgesellschaft Zeus mbH, car2go, car2go Belgium SPRL, car2go Canada Ltd., car2go China Co. Ltd., car2go Danmark A/S, car2go Deutschland GmbH, car2go Europe GmbH, car2go Group GmbH, car2go Iberia S.L.U., car2go Italia S.R.L., car2go N.A. Holding Inc, car2go N.A. LLC, car2go Nederland B.V, car2go Sverige AB, car2go Osterreich GmbH, moovel Group GmbH, moovel North America Inc., moovel North America LLC, myTaxi Iberia SL, myTaxi UG, myTaxi UK Ltd., myTaxi USA Inc., mytaxi Austria GmbH, mytaxi Network Ireland Ltd., mytaxi Network Ltd., mytaxi Portugal Unipessoal LDA, mytaxi Sweden AB, ogotrac S.A.S., smart France S.A.S., smart Vertriebs gmbh, and trapoFit GmbH.
Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

Nelnet, Inc. engages in loan servicing, communications, and education technology, services, and payment processing businesses worldwide. The company's Loan Servicing and Systems is involved in loan servicing activities, such as loan conversion, application processing, borrower updates, customer service, payment processing, due diligence procedures, funds management reconciliation, and claim processing activities for student loan portfolio and third-party clients. This segment also provides student loan servicing software; business process outsourcing services specialized in contact center management, such as inbound calls, outreach campaigns and sales, and interacting with customers through multi-channels. The Education Technology, Services, and Payment Processing segment offers financial management services; assistance with financial needs assessment; school information system software that automates administrative processes; professional development and educational instruction services; and technology products that aid in teacher and student evaluations. It also offers technology and payments services, including electronic transfer and credit card processing, reporting, billing and invoicing, mobile and virtual terminal solutions, and specialized integrations to business software; and mobile first technology focused on increasing engagement, online giving, and communication for church and not-for-profit customers. Its Communications segment fiber optic service to homes and businesses for internet, television, and telephone services. Its data services include high-speed internet access; and telephone services comprise local and long distance telephone, hostedPBX, and other services. Its Asset Generation and Management segment acquires, manages, and owns loan assets. It also provides investment advisory services. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan.
Sonal was the youngest recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1992 and in 2003, she became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded Padma Vibhushan.

Dr. Sonal Mansingh, a well-known Indian classical dancer, has been on stage since 1964. Her best choreographic works include Devi Durgra, Mera Bharat, Indradhunush, Manavtta, Sabras Aatmayan, and Draupati. Besides being a dancer, Sonal Mansingh is a well-known teacher, orator, and a social activist.

Specialised in Bharatanatyam and Odissi, the veteran dancer has practiced many dance forms such as Manipuri, Kuchipudi, and Chhau.

For her contributions towards promoting 'Classical dances', she has received many awards from national and international organizations. She was the youngest recipient of Padma Bhushan in 1992. In 2003, Sonal became the first Indian woman dancer to be awarded Padma Vibhushan. Thanks to her priceless lectures and workshops, many young aspiring dancers have gone on to realize the importance of classical dance.

When asked about the role and position of Indian classical dance in modern India Dr, Sonal Mansingh said "There are a lot of schools that emphasis on Bollywood type of performances. And however, if the principal and school teachers want to educate something about Bharatanatyam, Kathak or Odissi this they say parents put pressure on them. So it is between school authorities how strict they can be with the parents."

She also feels that television, which has a huge influence in daily life of people in India do not promote Indian culture efficiently and effectively "Unfortunately none of our TV channels, you know there are 100 to 200 TV channels except our DD Bharti, I don't think any other TV channels ever shows anything about India's cultural tradition. With this, I would say, Indian press has also the responsibility for this. Apart from a few newspapers or maybe a couple of TV channels, the general trend in the press is not for Indian culture." She added.

"I would say the problem is also there with our school textbooks. Children have to train their mind and attitude which they get from their childhood and they spend so much time in school may be more time in school than at home. And we don't imbibe this kind of education from their young age, as they grow up they don't care. So this is I think is a very big problem also that our education system divorced culture from education and from that divorced no child can be born. The child of respecting admiring and understanding and learning about India's cultural tradition cannot happen unless the culture is an integral part of the education system." She further added.

On asking what can be done to improve the situation, she said "I could see the downfall but let me tell you that I am an optimist there are a lot of music and dance festivals happening everywhere if the television channel also take it up as part of their social corporate responsibility then I think a lot of difference can happen."

You have to put an interesting program, there has to be dialog, there has to be lecture, demonstrations, and explanations. Unfortunately, there are so many dimensions that are never been touched from televisions. There are fun parts of it as well. it is not that we live in a cave. We are also part of the contemporary world. And how we interpret it to today's youth, today's world is also important. Now that is the challenge for an artist so it is both ways, how you can make it interesting for your audiences and how you prepare the audiences it is the two-way process.

Sonal Mansingh recently performed in Delhi in Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre.

The title of the program is Utkalika: Portraying the vibrant culture of Odisha through dance. "It's been a long time, I think it's been 3 years since we last showcased Odissi from my center for Indian classical dances and it is good to showcase the newer talent. And I will be also performing one dance fair," she concluded.
Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Netherlands 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 Netherlands ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
Energizer Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brands, as well as primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries. The company also provides headlights, lanterns, and children's and area lights, as well as flash lights under the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac, Hard Case, Dolphin, Varta, and WeatherReady brands. In addition, it licenses the Energizer and Eveready brands to companies developing consumer solutions in gaming, automotive batteries, portable power for critical devices, LED light bulbs, generators, power tools, household light bulbs, and other lighting products. Further, the company designs and markets automotive fragrance and appearance products, including protectants, wipes, tire and wheel care products, glass cleaners, leather care products, air fresheners, and washes to clean, shine, refresh, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces under the brand names of Armor All, Nu Finish, Refresh Your Car!, LEXOL, Eagle One, California Scents, Driven, and Bahama & Co; STP branded fuel and oil additives, functional fluids, and other performance chemical products; and do-it-yourself automotive air conditioning recharge products under the A/C PRO brand name, as well as other refrigerant and recharge kits, sealants, and accessories. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and wholesalers; and through various retail and business-to-business channels, including mass merchandisers, club, electronics, food, home improvement, dollar store, auto, drug, hardware, e-commerce, convenience, sporting goods, hobby/craft, office, industrial, medical, and catalog. Energizer Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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A similar demand was made by RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha a day earlier.

Patna; The Bihar Assembly on Monday witnessed noisy scenes with RJD-led Opposition protesting and demanding the resignation of chief minister Nitish Kumar over the Muzaffarpur shelter home issue.

The controversy was created when the one of the accused submitted a petition in the special POCSO court recently demanding CBI probe against the Bihar chief minister and others in connection with the case.

RJD leaders said that a fair probe into the shelter home sexual abuse issue was not possible if the CM continued on the post and blamed the state government of shielding the people involved.

Kumar, who keeps talking about maintaining high standards in politics, mu-st resign and allow agencies to carry out the fair probe in the case, former chief minister Rabri Devi said.

A similar demand was made by RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha a day earlier.
AbbVie Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals in the worldwide. The company offers HUMIRA, a therapy administered as an injection for autoimmune and intestinal BehAet's diseases; SKYRIZI to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults; RINVOQ, a JAK inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients; IMBRUVICA to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), mantle cell lymphoma, waldenstrAm's macroglobulinemia, marginal zone lymphoma, and chronic graft versus host disease; VENCLEXTA, a BCL-2 inhibitor used to treat adults with CLL or SLL; and MAVYRET to treat patients with chronic HCV genotype 1-6 infection. It also provides CREON, a pancreatic enzyme therapy for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Synthroid used in the treatment of hypothyroidism; AndroGel for males diagnosed with symptomatic low testosterone; Linzess/Constella to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation; Lupron for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and patients with anemia caused by uterine fibroids; and Botox therapeutic. In addition, the company offers ORILISSA, a nonpeptide small molecule gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain; Duopa and Duodopa, a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel to treat Parkinson's disease; Lumigan/Ganfort, a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension; Ubrelvy to treat migraine with or without aura in adults; Alphagan/ Combigan, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist for the reduction of IOP in patients with OAG; and Restasis, a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant to increase tear production. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in North Chicago, Illinois.

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FAIRFIELD  In a break from tradition, the Pequot Library hosted its first-of-a-kind Head Over Heels Valentines Day party on Thursday, in lieu of its usual spring fundraiser.

We decided to do a family friendly Valentines Day dance where everyone could come and celebrate, said Celie Campbell, who co-chaired the event.
State legislators have set a public hearing for March 1 on a bill that would more strictly regulate cemeteries in Connecticut.

Lawmakers hope the hearing, to begin at 2 p.m. in the legislative office building in Hartford, will help them decide whether the bill proposed last month by state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal should become law.

State Rep. John Wayne Fox of Stamford, chairman of the legislatures General Law Committee, said Blumenthal and other state officials will speak during the first hour of the hearing. Members of the public will speak next, followed by representatives of the cemetery industry, Fox said.

Blumenthal put the bill before legislature as a result of his offices ongoing investigation of Fairfield Memorial Park cemetery in Stamford.

20 years ago

Parents ask that kids stay put

Hundred of parents pleaded with Stamford school officials last night not to redistrict their children arguing that the transfers would disrupt education and deprive families of the school community they have built.

Were there day in and day out, said Linda Avellar, one of dozens of Roxbury Elementary School parents to speak. Its just not fair to yank us out after we invested so much into the school.

School officials have been considering options to address racial imbalances at Northeast and Rogers elementary schools and overcrowding at Roxbury.

10 years ago

Woman pleads for cops to shoot pet in 911 call

A North Stamford woman told a 911 operator that her pet chimpanzee was ripping her friend apart and pleaded with him to send police officers to shoot it.

Please hurry up, hes killing my girlfriend, Sandra Herold, 70, shouted during the beginning of the 911 call Monday afternoon, the animal screaming in the background. You gotta kill my chimp.

The dispatcher at first did not understand that the attacker was an animal. Herold kept repeating Hurry up! Please, God, before she answered that the attacker was her pet chimp.

He ripped her face off, she said of her friend, Charla Nash, 55. Hes trying to charge me.

erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com
STRATFORD  The leader of a group looking to open a dog park in town says the long-planned facility could open this year at last.

Town officials are in talks with members of the Stratford Dog Park Action Committee on a license agreement to operate the park at the site of the former ranger station in Roosevelt Forest off Peters Lane.

Dog park advocates looked at dozens of other potential spots in town for more than a decade before deciding on the site.

The Town Council approved the Roosevelt Forest location in March 2017, but the nonprofit group is looking to incorporate itself in order to obtain an insurance policy and to sign the legal documents to take over management and oversight of the property, said its president, Paula Lockshier.

She hopes to have all the paperwork completed within the next few weeks.

Plans call for a 1-acre area for large dogs and a half-acre space for smaller dogs, along with a parking lot with space for about 15 cars.

In addition, organizers are working with a Girl Scout troop and an Eagle Scout to build agility elements for pooches to play with inside the park. Troop 72 Boy Scout Nick Macisco built a kiosk at the entrance to the park as part of an Eagle Scout project last year.

The park will be named after Jared Levine, a former Stratford EMT and dog-lover who died in 2016. Levines parents have provided significant donations to the dog park committee, Lockshier said.

She said she hopes the park could be open at some point in 2019.

Were hoping this year, as long as we can do the incorporation process, sign the license agreement with the town, then the Town Council just has to approve that license agreement, she said. Then after that point we can actually start (construction).

Chris Tymniak, the towns chief administrative officer, said if all goes well the park could welcome its first dogs in spring.

Ideally, well have it opened soon, he said.

Lockshier estimated the buildout would take two to three months.

She pegged the cost at under $100,000, though she hoped local businesses might donate goods and services to minimize expenses.

The group is accepting tax-deductible donations through its website.

Lockshier asked anyone who wants to volunteer to reach out via the Stratford Dog Park Facebook page, website, or via email to jaredsdogpark@gmail.com.

She hopes the current core of about 10 volunteers can at least double as the project comes closer to fruition.

We just really want to get more people involved because the more people we have the better success it will be, she said.

ethan.fry@hearstmediact.com
After a bruising 13 months that included protests, desk duty for five officers and an internal affairs investigation that pointed out policy gaps, New Britain officials are hoping legislators will shorten the length of time required to conduct police-involved death investigations.

The lack of feedback in the process sometimes can cause emotions to smolder and worsen, creating increased stress, anxiety and anguish for all those involved, State Rep. William Petit, R-Plainville, told the Public Safety and Security Committee in testimony on a bill he sponsored that would expedite the investigations done by states attorneys.

Petit told the committee that timely updates during the investigative process might quell some of the emotions surrounding the tragic events.

New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart and former Police Chief James Wardwell were the only citizens who submitted testimony on the proposal at Thursdays six-hour public hearing. Stewart had asked New Britain legislators to submit legislation to shorten the investigation process after five city officers shot and killed 20-year-old aspiring rapper Zoe Dowdell while trying to take him and two others into custody in December 2017.

State Rep. Rick Lopes, D-New Britain, proposed similar legislation to the Judiciary Committee, but it has not been scheduled for a public hearing.

Dramatic dash camera video released 13 months after Dowdells death shows the 20-year-old trying to evade police by pulling his car around a utility pole and up onto the sidewalk, causing officers to jump out of the way. Five officers fired at the vehicle 28 times, hitting Dowdell in the head, neck, and legs, and hitting his front seat passenger 15-year-old Caleb Tisdol in the leg. The backseat passenger, 18-year-old Noah Young, was grazed with a bullet.

The families of Young and Tisdol attended protests in which people marched to the police station to demand the release of the videos, which had been withheld by the city at the direction of John Smriga, the States Attorney of the Judicial District of Fairfield, who was investigating the case.

Stewart told legislators in her written testimony that she knows all too well the toll that the 13-month investigation took on the city and the families of the three men shot.

Families of both the deceased and the officers become agitated. Their loved ones life is changed forever. There is no concrete answer to give them except that we must wait until the state is done with their investigation, Stewart said.

The citys motives were questioned by statewide activists who were suspicious that information was being withheld, Stewart said. The cost of placing the five officers on desk duty for 13 months was significant but not easily calculated, acting New Britain Police Chief Christopher Chute said Friday. Each officer was acting within the detective bureau when the shootings occurred and other detectives had to take over their duties for more than a year, Chute said.

The five officers were allowed to return to their positions after Smrigas report issued in early January said they were justified in their use of deadly force. An internal affairs report released earlier this month cleared the officers of violating any department policies.

While the officers were cleared of wrongdoing, the report concluded that the citys policies and training were lacking in the area of felony stops. There was no ranking officer in command during the operation which was formed quickly the night officers spotted Dowdells car on the east side of town, according to the report.

Dowdells car was not completely boxed in by police, which allowed him to continue driving in an attempt to escape, the report said. The city has since formed a plan to provide more training and policy updates, the report said.

Stewart and Wardwell both asked the committee to consider shortening the length of investigations into police-involved deaths to no more than six months. Both conceded the change would require more funding for the Division of Criminal Justice.

I do not advocate doing anything to impede the hard work of the states attorneys, but the forced lack of transparency is not acceptable, said Wardwell, who retired a few weeks before the IA report was released. Resources must be provided as needed to allow them to get this important work done in a manner that maintains the integrity of their process, but is also in a timely manner so our communities are kept informed to the fullest extent possible.

Rather than suggesting a set timeframe, Petit told legislators that he believed timely updates that did not include specifics would address the problem. An update might merely note that 25 percent of the process is complete and we hope to get a report to the public in three months, Petit said.

Petit also recommended that a pool of money be set aside for a states attorney if a fatal-use-of-force investigation becomes bogged down due to lack of resources. But he also acknowledged, that in these tight budget times, resources may be stretched very thin.

Wardell said communication between the department and the community needs to improve.

It is my opinion the current process, while necessary to ensure a fair independent investigation, did prevent our department from fully and openly communicating with the community we serve, Wardwell said. I remain a strong advocate for a separate external investigation as this does remove bias. However some remedy must be sought to allow for immediate communication regarding exactly what occurred in any fatal officer-involved shooting.
BRIDGEPORT - The family of a Naugatuck landscaper, who died in a tree cutting accident while working at a Middlebury home in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, has been awarded $1.2 million.

Superior Court Judge Mark Taylor approved the settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Michael Pranulis against his employer, K. Landscaping of Waterbury.

This accident was a tragedy and could have been avoided, said the familys lawyer, Raymond W. Ganim. No amount of money can ever compensate the family of this loved man for this loss of life but this judgement by the court can and will ease the loss to the family.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 4, 2012, Middlebury Police and Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department personnel were sent to 400 Charcoal Ave., Middlebury, after receiving reports of a man who fell.

Upon arrival, police said they found Pranulis, 53, of 36 Winthrop Ave., Naugatuck, suffering from head trauma and multiple fractures. He was transported to Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, where he later died from his injuries.

The lawsuit states that Pranulis had climbed the tree and had a rope with him used to tie to the portions of tree that were being cut to lower them to the ground by K. Landscaping employees acting as groundsmen controlling the other end of the rope. Too much slack was allowed in the rope by K. Landscape employees as a large limb was being cut and that as a result, when the cut limb fell it caused a jerking of the tree which snapped the tree beneath where Pranulis was working, the suit states. The snapped tree, along with Pranulis, unexpectedly fell to the ground resulting in Pranulis' death.
WASHINGTON - As President Donald Trump embarked for El Paso on Monday to rally support for a border wall, Texas Republican John Cornyn sent out a personal message through his 2020 U.S. Senate re-election campaign:

Texas stands with President Trump.

For Cornyn, seeking a fourth term in the Senate, the message underscored some of the central challenges of his re-election bid: for better or worse, his fate is inextricably tied to that of a famously polarizing and unpredictable president, with whom he will share a ballot.

As in the rest of my life, I dont sweat too much the things I cant control, Cornyn said later in the week. I look at the things I can control, and I can control my preparation for what I think will likely be a fairly serious opposition in 2020. The president is at the top of the ticket, and I believe he will be responsible for nearly 100 percent of the turnout, about half of the voters for him, and half against him.

Cornyn, a former state Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice, knows that 2020 could be the most severe test of his time in the Senate, which began in 2002. He is the first to admit that Texas is not the GOP bastion it once was.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Despite a generation of GOP dominance in the Lone Star State, demographic changes and urbanization have helped Democrats narrow that gap in statewide elections, culminating with Beto ORourkes loss to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in November by less than three percentage points.

Only four years earlier, in the states last Senate election, Cornyn trampled relatively unknown dentist-turned investor David Alameel, while Republican Greg Abbott glided to victory by 20 points in the governors race against then-Democratic star Wendy Davis.

For Republicans, one of the first signs of trouble came in 2016, when Trump, riding a wave of anti-establishment fervor, carried Texas by only nine points against Hillary Clinton - an unaccustomed single-digit victory.

Suddenly, 2014 looked like eons ago.

It was a pre-Trump era, said Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser, who ran Cornyns 2014 campaign. The trends that weve seen in terms of the time thats passed is that Texas has continued to urbanize, its continued to attract people from all over the country and all over the world, growing rapidly.

Many of those people are open to supporting Republican candidates, Steinhauser continued, but in this era of Trumps Republican Party, its a different calculation.

Steinhauser describes Trump as the elephant in the room who can nationalize state and local elections across America. But theres also a home-grown factor that adds to Cornyns uncertainty: Beto ORourke.

Beto is Cornyns biggest threat. But will he run?

ORourke, the former El Paso congressman and current Democratic rock star, is known to be mulling a 2020 presidential bid. But many Texas Democrats see the Senate race as the perfect fallback position for the idealistic 46-year-old who raised a record $80 million for his challenge to Cruz.

Whatever ORourke decides, he is easily - and potentially the only - real threat to Cornyn in Texas. But for now, ORourkes indecision simply adds a Beto factor to the list of unknowns for Team Cornyn.

The degree of difficulty John Cornyn is going to have in 2020 right now I think very much rests in the hands of Beto ORourke, said political scientist James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas.

While Cruz labeled ORourke too liberal for Texas, Democrats like the contrast of a youthful, relative outsider against a 67-year-old incumbent who earned his stripes the old-fashioned way: working his way patiently up the Senate GOP ladder.

For subscribers: Beto ORourkes web diary inspires derision and hope as 2020 presidential field takes shape

To many Texas Republicans, ORourke represents Cornyns worst-case-scenario. But some also see him as a one-off candidate that no other Texas Democrat can easily replicate. Next in the Democratic echelon are U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro and his twin brother, former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. Many believe that Julian Castros own White House bid takes both brothers out of the Senate race.

Other than ORourke - who Texas Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak calls a hundred-year flood in Texas politics - that would seem to clear the decks for Cornyn.

Whoever runs against Cornyn doesnt start where Beto stops, Mackowiak said. They start wherever they are.

For Texas Democrats, that means starting with an expected voter share in the high 30 to low 40 percentage points - the average electoral result pre-Beto.

Manny Garcia, executive director of the Texas Democratic Party, says that Cornyn has failed to strongly define himself after three terms in office, something he attributes to a lack of the sort of big character Texans expect.

Cornyns job approval ratings in Texas have hovered in the high 20s, though they spiked to 39 percent last October, a time of strong partisan feeling in advance of the midterm elections.

But whoever the Democrats put up against Cornyn, Garcia said, recent trends show that its a single-digit race, no matter what.

No room in GOP for complacency

Cornyn, a conservative in the traditional mold, does not elicit the same visceral reaction among Texas Democrats as Cruz, a hero of the tea party base. On the flip side, Cornyn doesnt command the same fervor of the GOP activists.

Cornyn is often damned with faint praise, compared to more recently elected state leaders like Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, Henson said. Cornyn really is the product of a previous political generation of Republicans in the state, and he is sometimes greeted as such, particularly by more ideologically oriented Republicans - the conservative core of the party.

But if the anti-establishment, anti-Washington, anti-compromise wing of the GOP finds Cornyn less attractive, Henson added, less attractive does not mean rejected.

Heading off any primary challenges from the right, Cornyn secured early endorsements this year from both Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a potential rival, and Cruz, who declined to endorse Cornyn during his senior colleagues 2014 primary.

This year, expecting to have to break a sweat, Cornyn has built up an early $5.8 million campaign war chest and made clear that hes taking nothing for granted in the general election.

The message of the 2018 midterm elections was that you better be prepared, and that Republicans need to lose their complacency and realize that Texas is evolving and is no longer a reliably red state, he said.

Hes also put together an all-star campaign team, including John Jackson, who ran Abbotts 2018 re-election campaign, and former Texas GOP Chairman Steve Munisteri, a veteran of two years in the Trump White House.

Munisteri has long been a prophet of inclusiveness and diversity in the Republican Party, calling it not only a practical but a moral imperative, particularly as the Texas electorate grows younger and less white. Cornyn won an equal share or even a plurality of the Hispanic vote 2014, an achievement Munisteri notes people forget amid the buzz about the potential of Latino voters to deliver a blue wave in Texas.

But Munisteri recognizes that Trump has changed the political equation in Texas, much as in the rest of the nation. The key, he says, will be matching the Democrats anti-Trump verve, which cost Texas Republicans two congressional seats in 2018.

Turnout, turnout, turnout, Munisteri said. I think the president is going to generate turnout in both parties The challenge for Republicans is to be equally motivated.

The voters of Texas know me

For Cornyn, that will mean deftly navigating a relationship with Trump, who in terms of style, if not substance, comes from the opposite side of the Republican tracks.

Cornyn has lined up with Trump on tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks and conservative judges. But as a classic free trader, Cornyn has been wary of Trumps protectionist trade policies. Hes also joined other top Senate Republicans in repudiating Trumps decision to pull troops out of Syria and Afghanistan.

Like many Texans, Cornyn also has shown a much more nuanced grasp of border security, emphasizing the need for technology and personnel as well as physical barriers on the U.S.-Mexico boundary. Hes also raised questions about Trumps threat to declare a national emergency to redirect federal spending on a border wall.

But in El Paso, where Trump was heavily criticized by local officials for overstating the citys immigration and crime problems, Cornyn praised the president for speaking the truth.

Some analysts see little choice but for Cornyn to swing to the right as part of a strategy to consolidate the Republican base, which still loves Trump.

If that proves to be a tightrope walk, Cornyn believes he has the political capital in Texas to pull it off. I think the voters of Texas know me, he said. Or at least enough of them know me well (enough) that they dont confuse me with the president or anyone else.

But if the Trump alliance has its downside in 2020, theres still a sense that Texas is, after all, still Texas.

I think Trump being on the ticket statewide helps Cornyn, relative to 2018, Mackowiak said. In certain areas of the state it wont - in the suburbs potentially, in urban areas. But broadly speaking, I think its going to turn out voters that might not otherwise turn out.

Then again, Trumpism isnt always easy to predict. Well see what Trumps numbers are, Henson said. But I dont expect that in the terrain of 2020 that Donald Trump will be a less polarizing or controversial leader of the Republican Party.
Haasan said he cannot wear a torn shirt, and even if his shirt gets torn in the assembly, he would wear another shirt.

Haasan referred to Stalin who came out of Tamil Nadu Assembly in torn shirt on Sunday when the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami sought vote of confidence. (Photo: File)

Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday took dig at DMK president MK Stalin and Rajinikanth, reported IANS.

Speaking at the Rotaract Annual District Conference, Kamal Haasan said Gram Sabha has been there for decades and only after he started holding such meetings in Tamil Nadu, others started copying it.

He was referring to DMKs Stalin and others holding such meetings.

"Are you not ashamed of copying from a small boy?" he said.

Continuing his attack, Haasan said he cannot wear a torn shirt, and even if his shirt gets torn in the assembly, he would wear another shirt.

Haasan referred to Stalin who came out of Tamil Nadu Assembly in torn shirt on Sunday when the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami sought vote of confidence.
At the publics first big chance to comment on San Antonios draft climate plan, environmentalists pressed for quicker action while business leaders demanded more time and details and a few people attacked the science behind climate change.

Nearly 200 people turned out Monday night for the forum hosted by CPS Energys trustees, who will have a major hand in the citys response to climate change. Of the three dozen speakers, most supported the 84-page plan.

SA Climate Ready cites various scientific reports to forewarn that San Antonio will be a hotter, drier city with more intense storms as the Earth gets warmer. To do its part in staving off climate change, the city has proposed a goal of carbon neutrality  meaning it would stop adding more greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere  by 2050. CPS Energy would have to shift to more renewable sources of power like solar and wind and find more ways to promote energy efficiency.

Environmental advocates want the plan to be enacted but criticized the timeline, saying it is not aggressive enough.

If you go City of San Antonio public input session When: Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m. Where: Central Library, 600 Soledad St. Draft plan:saclimateready.org/about-us/draft-climate-action-adaptation-plan/ See More Collapse

They called on CPS Energy to retire its coal-fired power plants by 2025 and its natural-gas-powered plant by 2030, well ahead of an expected 2040 closure. They rejected the business communitys notion that implementing the plan would be bad for business, pointing to examples across the country of cities moving toward greater reliance on renewable sources.

Mario Bravo, Texas outreach specialist for the national Environmental Defense Fund, lamented that the issue of climate change has been politicized in the U.S.

In most countries, its not, he said. In most countries, they believe scientists.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio climate action plan: Time for the public to weigh in

His comments seemed to be directed at a handful of climate deniers who questioned the scientific data underlying SA Climate Ready.

Another speaker, Judy Hummel, pushed back against a concern that businesses, particularly those in the oil and gas industry, might leave San Antonio if the city adopts a climate plan that pushes the area to become carbon-free over the next three decades.

Most other cities are having similar conversations, she said. Moving your business to another location would only provide a temporary solution, at best.

The city is holding its own public input session this evening at the Central Library. Chief Sustainability Officer Doug Melnick said the city expects to hold more open forums because of significant interest in the proposal. The City Council will likely adopt the plan in the coming months after the public weighs in.

The timeline worries people like Richard Perez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. He said the business community sees the need for some elements of the plan, but he questioned the overall cost  expected to be in the billions of dollars  and wondered aloud where the money would come from.

If were not careful, we may well be driving away jobs, he said. Lets remember that we have some very important companies here in San Antonio that are involved in the production, refinement, sale and transportation of crude, refined and component parts of oil, and natural gas. ... We urge the slowing of this process down and to make this a fact-based plan that includes implementation costs for businesses and homeowners alike.

On ExpressNews.com: Whats in San Antonio climate plan

Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, a champion of SA Cimate Ready, said she understands the concerns but tried to dispel misconceptions about the plan.

What the city does adopt in the end is something that will improve quality of life, she said. Theres some sense out there that this is about over-regulation or taking cars away from people.

But thats not what the plan would do, she said.

Thirty-eight percent of the areas greenhouse gas emissions come from vehicles, and the report suggests a transition to electric vehicles. But that transition, Sandoval and Melnick said, would be driven by market forces  and the city needs to plan for infrastructure to assist that shift, such as a vehicle charging infrastructure.

The biggest source of emissions here come from energy use in buildings, according to the report. One strategy to combat that is the adoption of a Zero Net Energy building code for all new buildings and substantial rehabilitations in the city.

Such goals worry Patty Gibbons, a local conservative who took aim at several elements of SA Climate Ready.

My lifestyle has to change, she said. I have to buy an electric vehicle to come down to San Antonio.

She also slammed the plans equity element, suggesting that shell have to subsidize home renovations for poor people.

Now I will have to help someone who cant afford to make these changes, and I can because Im on the white, wealthy side of things, she said, pointing to language in the draft document that speaks to socio-economic disparities in San Antonio, one of the most economically segregated cities in the country.

For others, the plan is a step in the right direction, one that needs to be taken immediately.

Meredith McGuire from the Alamo Group Sierra Club left the CPS board with a warning to act quickly.

You should not underestimate how urgent the issue is, she said. It is absolutely imperative that all of us immediately start trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Josh Baugh covers environmental issues in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh
Defending himself for the first time publicly, the father of 8-month-old King Jay Davila maintained in an exclusive letter to the San Antonio Express-News that his son died accidentally after falling from a bed at his Northeast Side home.

Christopher Davila, 34, remains in jail in lieu of a $1.25 million bond after police accused him of failing to seek medical care for King Jay, whom he calls King, and staging an elaborate kidnapping to mislead police about the boys death.

In an exclusive letter, Davila wrote that he was experiencing back pain the day of the accident, sometime in early January. He said he went into the garage to smoke marijuana, leaving his son unbuckled in a car seat on the edge of the bed.

Once I was done I came back inside and layed (sic) down and pulled the blanket a little, Davila wrote. Thats when he fell.

Davila said he got up quickly to pick up King, who was already unresponsive.

I just hugged my son crying not thinking straight at all, Davila wrote. All I was thinking was I lost one son and I was going to loose (sic) all my other sons.

Throughout the letter, Davila acknowledged that he had made a mistake by smoking marijuana and leaving King unsupervised, but what happened afterward was an accident. He wrote that he would do anything for his six sons, who are between ages 3 and 12.

I know it was so stupid of me and unresponsible (sic) of me to do, he wrote. Im so hurt by my actions. Im going to have to deal with that for the rest of my life. Loosing (sic) my son and loosing (sic) my family. Everything that I worked so hard for.

Davila said he is expecting a seventh child with Jasmine Gonzales, whom he calls his wife. The Express-News has previously identified Gonzales as Davilas fiancee.

Davila said his mother, Beatrice Sampayo, 64, and his cousin, Angie Torres, 45, knew nothing about Kings death. That contradicts statements by police that Sampayo and Torres helped Davila cover up Kings death by staging the kidnapping. All three have been charged with tampering with evidence.

On ExpressNews.com: Prosecutors claim King Jays grandmother lied in past

Police have hinted that they do not believe Davilas latest account. Davila is also charged with child endangerment, possession of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office concluded that King died of a blunt force trauma injury. It ruled his death a homicide. That determination can be different than the charge brought by police.

Davila said in his letter that the pills authorities found on him belonged to Sampayo, who takes methadone, morphine and fentanyl to treat terminal ovarian and bone cancer. He said the gun belonged to his cousin.

Davila sent the letter Thursday in response to an inquiry a week prior from an Express-News reporter. The letter appears to be authentic, as his handwriting is similar to that found in court records.

In the letter, Davila does not address the staged kidnapping or how he placed his son in a backpack and buried him in field on the Northeast Side.

Davila said he could not provide many details on the advice of his attorney, Anton Paul Hajek III. Hajek did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On ExpressNews.com: Asked where missing child is, grandfather says: Only God knows

For the most part, Davilas story is similar to the account he gave to police when he was arrested in Kings death and burial, but there are a few minor inconsistencies.

In the letter, Davila said King was unresponsive immediately after he fell from the bed. According to police, Davila told them that King was awake initially and that he tried to keep the boy from falling asleep.

He also told police that he had been playing video games prior to the purported accident, a detail he did not include in his letter to the Express-News.

Davila said he and Gonzales both work full time to support their kids. He said Child Protective Services has never had a case involving him or his six kids, whom he had with three different women.

Five of the children  all except for King  spent a majority of their time in the care of their mothers, though Davila had visitation rights, court records show.

Davila said he hadnt used marijuana in a long time but decided to after being treated for back pain at a hospital  a claim he said could be confirmed by hospital officials.

Davila said the aftermath of his sons death has been compounded by intense scrutiny from strangers on social media.

Not only am (sic) me and my wife still grieving my sons death, we are also having to deal with people threatening us, he wrote.

I understand that the people from San Antonio deserve a (sic) explanation and theyre entitled to there (sic) own opinions, he added. But come on, were already going through so much right now to be dealing with things like that.

You understand right? he asked.

Emilie Eaton is a criminal justice reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eeaton@express-news.net | Twitter: @emilieeaton
Imprisoned for two weeks inside a cold, vacant factory in Piedras Negras, with armed Mexican police blocking their exit, many in the latest caravan of Central American migrants had begun to despair.

Only several hundred with humanitarian visas granted by the Mexican government were allowed to leave the fenced property, but they could not seek asylum at the nearby Eagle Pass port of entry as they had hoped. New concertina wire lined the bridge where Customs and Border Protection agents in riot gear turned them away, and hundreds more Border Patrol agents and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers parked their vehicles along the Rio Grande, powering their headlights onto the Mexican side at night.

Federal customs agents were processing only about a dozen asylum seekers a day, though as many as 1,600 sought placement on a Mexican-run waiting list with 300 people already on it.Riots erupted in the shelter and some with humanitarian visas were trying to go elsewhere as the situation teetered on chaos.

People are becoming desperate, said Obed Cuellar, a Dominican missionary helping the citys effort to shelter migrants.

After Congress allocated only $1.4 billion for about 55 miles of fencing at the border, President Donald Trump on Friday issued an emergency declaration to build his wall, citing an invasion. Overall apprehensions at the border are at historic lows, but the number of migrant families requesting asylum has surged to record levels.

The presidents signature campaign promise has forced two government shutdowns in the name of border security, but immigrant advocates say the administration has done more to block access to the U.S. southern border than any barrier  concrete or steel. Trump has overseen a radical shift from decades of American policy toward asylum seekers, and this small city 150 miles west of San Antonio is the latest front line.

The situation, which advocates called a manufactured humanitarian crisis, reached new urgency with reports that the administration was considering expanding to Eagle Pass a formal plan forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for up to a year as their protection claims are made in U.S. immigration courts.

Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Katie Waldman declined to comment.

Known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, the initiative has operated since last month as a limited pilot at the San Diego port of entry, even as troubling questions remain about how it works and whether it is legal. The U.S. government recently returned the first children to Tijuana under the policy, although the Mexican government previously said it would not accept minors.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups filed a federal lawsuit Thursday in San Francisco to block the initiative, arguing the 11 Central American plaintiffs fled horrendous violence only to be sent back to Mexico, where they now fear for their lives.

The Trump administration is forcibly returning asylum seekers to danger, said Judy Rabinovitz, deputy director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, in a statement. Once again, the administration is breaking the law in order to deter asylum seekers from seeking safety in the United States.

Even without that policy, advocates say the Trump administration since last summer has effectively kept many asylum seekers in Mexico by slowing the number processed to a relative trickle at many ports of entry.

Federal agents now guard the dividing line on international bridges, preventing migrants from touching American soil, where they are legally entitled to request protection. Instead they have been forced to wait for weeks, even months, on the Mexican side, in an ad hoc process coordinated largely by Mexican government and humanitarian officials and sometimes marred by allegations of corruption.

Litigation alleging that asylum seekers have been turned back illegally is ongoing and a Customs and Border Protection spokesman declined to comment as a result, citing the agencys policy on pending lawsuits.

The agency has said the number of asylum seekers it processes depends on each ports capacity and factors including the medical needs of migrants and enforcement actions.

Federal statistics show that the number of migrants processed at ports of entry for being inadmissible, a category which usually means they are seeking asylum, fell 26 percent from 2016 to about 204,300 last year.

The White House has also sought to make it almost impossible for migrants crossing illegally between ports of entry to gain asylum, though that attempt was halted in December by a California federal judge.

When you look at the whole picture of what the Trump administration is trying to do at the southern border it would effectively shut down asylum, said Sarah Pierce, an analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C. Their policies are very effectively building a wall.

For decades, since the 1980 Refugee Act codified protections for asylum seekers into U.S. law, those fleeing persecution have been able to seek help at ports of entry or even after crossing illegally.

Migrants were given an initial screening to determine if they faced a credible fear of returning home based on one of the protected grounds of asylum  persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group  and imprisoned or released until they could fight their asylum cases in the civil immigration courts. Critics say many who are freed dont show up for their court dates.

Faced with a sudden surge of Haitian asylum seekers in San Diego in 2016, President Barack Obamas administration began making that group wait in Mexico. Haitis National Migration Institute and its humanitarian arm, Grupo Beta, developed an appointment system for Haitians seeking asylum interviews, though the initiative was largely phased out once the influx ended.

After Trump took office, Customs and Border Protection agents began routinely turning back asylum seekers at ports of entry, according to a lawsuit filed in 2017 by the American Immigration Council and other advocacy groups. Federal officials falsely told migrants that Trump had ended asylum or coerced them into signing forms giving up their protections by threatening to take away their children. Sometimes they used physical force, in one case dragging an asylum seeker and her child back to the Mexican side, according to the suit.

U.S. customs officials began working closely with Mexican counterparts to limit how many asylum seekers can approach a port of entry at one time, according to emails obtained during litigation.

By the summer of 2018, as the Trump administration announced its zero tolerance policy of prosecuting parents for crossing illegally and removing their children, a more systematic practice of limiting asylum seekers spread across the border.

Fearing they would lose their children if they entered illegally, hundreds of migrants camped out on international bridges, where they waited for days in blazing temperatures to secure their spot in line. Customs agents set up structures at the international boundary on pedestrian bridges, blocking migrants from U.S. soil.

They stopped preventing people on U.S. territory from asking for asylum and did something legally murkier, which a lot of people still say is illegal, and just dont let you step foot on U.S. territory, said Stephanie Leutert, director of the Mexico Security Initiative at the University of Texas at Austin. From Tijuana all the way to Matamoros, this became kind of the standard response.

The Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General found the administration publicly encouraged asylum seekers to seek help at ports of entry even as they were metering how many could cross, spurring an increase in migrants entering illegally and requesting protection.

The number of families processed at ports of entry on the southern border plummeted from about 6,300 in April to fewer than 4,000 a month between June and September, according to reports by Human Rights First and the Washington Office on Latin America, two advocacy groups. Most of these migrants typically are asylum-seekers.

Between October and January, an average of about 4,400 families have been processed a month, federal statistics show. Meanwhile, the number of families crossing illegally increased nearly each month since April, almost tripling to a record 27,507 in December.

Customs agents have repeatedly said they can only allow in as many asylum seekers as they can process. But that number has dropped dramatically across the southern border since last summer, to about 10 migrants a day in Brownsville, two in Laredo, and several dozen in El Paso, Leutert said.

Thats what makes us a little skeptical of the processing argument since the port hasnt changed, said Joanna Williams of the Kino Border Institute in Nogales, a Mexican town near Arizona, where officers now process only about 10 asylum seekers a day.

During previous surges, officers were transferred from elsewhere and migrants were screened for asylum using Skype,said Gil Kerlikowske, who led Customs and Border Protection under Obama.

Figure out how to adjust so you can process more people, he said. There are ways to do that using temporary assignments and technology.

Beginning last summer, Mexican officials also began forcing migrants from their side of international bridges, often transferring them to shelters. A waiting list system modeled on Tijuana sprang up haphazardly along the border. But how it is run, who runs it, and what it takes to be processed depends on where migrants have landed, and human rights advocates said the impediments and unequal access to asylum concern them.

In Matamoros, across from Brownsville, the waiting list is kept by Mexican immigration officials, but migrants have told advocates they must sometimes pay up to a $400 unofficial fee to get on it. Mexicos National Migration Institute could not be reached for comment.

The Rev. Scott Moore of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, its governing body, recently visited about 40 asylum seekers in a fenced encampment on the Matamoros side of the bridge.

He said one family had been there for two weeks. They fled Honduras after the 15-year-old daughter was raped and her attackers burned down their house when they discovered she was pregnant. Her 11-month-old daughter is ill and the mother unable to breastfeed, so they are feeding the baby Gatorade. Moore said the family told him they could not afford the payment Mexican officials were requesting to expedite their names on the list and were advised it would be four months before they could reach the port and request asylum.

By not allowing them to even present themselves at the port of entry and make their case, we are manufacturing an artificial human crisis literally in eyeshot across the river from our own nation and forcing people into sometimes worse situations than what they fled, Moore said.

In neighboring Reynosa, known as Mexicos migrant kidnapping capital, access to the international bridges is controlled by drug cartels and there are allegations that immigration officials deport Central American migrants from the bridge unless they pay a bribe, Leutert and others said.

In Juarez, across from El Paso, asylum seekers are transported to a shelter. Its officials run a waiting list, scrawling each migrants number on their forearm in black marker.

The dysfunction of the unofficial list system and the danger of many Texas border cities raises questions about how a policy forcing asylum seekers to wait in Mexico could work here. Tamaulipas, which abuts much of Texas, is Mexicos only northern border state to carry the U.S. State Departments most serious travel warning, a status it shares with Afghanistan and North Korea.

In Piedras Negras, arguably the safest Mexican city along the Texas border, migrants from the caravan waited to be freed from the factory. Alex, 20, declined to give his last name but said by telephone that he previously held a form of U.S. protection for young immigrants known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. He lived in Indiana for 14 years until he said he was deported to El Salvador, for unclear reasons, shortly after Trump took office.

Alex, his partner, and their 9-month-old baby joined the caravan to Texas this month, but have been detained since reaching the border. He said Mexican police separated some men from women and children in the shelter after scuffles with police broke out. People have no access to medical care, he said.

Everybody here is sick, he said.

U.S. aid groups have not been allowed inside.

Cuellar, the Mexican shelter official, said the city planned to shutter the camp soon. Migrants with humanitarian visas would be sent by bus wherever they wanted to go in Mexico, where they could work for a year, and those not granted the status would be deported. Many planned to try their luck at other ports of entry.

This is a small city, Cuellar said. It doesnt have the capacity to sustain this.

Some migrants were taking their chances at the river. Federal agents rescued several who nearly drowned trying to cross, knowing perhaps that they would be processed immediately for asylum on the U.S. side and, if they had young children, likely released.

lomi.kriel@chron.com
Even while dealing with ongoing financial pressures, the Alamo Colleges District is trying to rustle up a new stream of funding  from the city, county and private sector  to provide free community college to any graduating high school senior in Bexar County.

No money has been committed yet, but the district plans to start recruiting this fall from the 25 high schools in Bexar County that have the lowest-income student populations. The program, dubbed Alamo Promise, eventually would include every high school in the county.

On that scale, it could revolutionize local college access and economic mobility  if it happens at all.

San Antonio and Bexar County leaders sound encouraging but are still in the early stages of their budget deliberations for next fiscal year. Aside from the possibility of a grant from JPMorgan Chase, district officials havent identified philanthropic foundations or corporate donors theyve approached about underwriting the program, which could cost almost $13 million per year when fully underway.

What is a long-term strategy thats good for the community? Alamo Colleges Chancellor Mike Flores asked in a recent interview. Thats increasing the number of college-educated folks in the community who have a credential. ... The Alamo Colleges District is pivotal to doing that.

Alamo Promise would provide last dollar scholarships, covering any tuition costs that remain after whatever need-based state and federal grants graduating seniors receive. The students would get free tuition for up to three years or 60 credit hours, the equivalent of an associate degree if all core curriculum requirements are met.

Students would also get college and career supports. They would be asked to participate in a summer boot camp and work-based experience, with emphasis on high-wage, high-demand careers. All would have to maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete at least 18 credit hours  roughly six classes  per academic year.

Alamo Promise is modeled after similar programs that have fed a national movement for free community college. They include Dallas County Promise, which Flores visited in December with a delegation of local leaders. Flores also pointed to Lone Star College Promise, which began three years ago in the Houston suburbs.

The 25 schools in Alamo Promises first phase will have almost 9,400 seniors next year, and 70 percent of them likely would take advantage of the tuition help, according to an estimate presented to the Alamo Colleges board last month by Stephanie Vasquez, director of grants development at Palo Alto College.

The district would be required to forgo almost $576,000 in tuition during the 2020-21 school year after Texas Public Educational Grants and federal Pell Grants are awarded. The cost to the district would increase the next year as the program opens to the remaining 18 traditional public high schools in Bexar County. It would level out at nearly $12.9 million per year in the fourth year, with a total cost of $43 million in the first five years.

Alamo Colleges officials already are putting together an operating budget for the board to adopt in July for the fiscal year that begins in September. The city and county are a month later in their budgeting process and might not commit funding to Alamo Promise until after the school year begins, if at all.

Although the price tag is relatively low for the first year, Flores and trustees agreed that theyd need recurring funding in place before they could make Alamo Promise available to thousands of high school seniors.

Is it looking like were going to be getting it? Yvonne Katz, a trustee, asked Flores during the budget retreat last month. That will be a huge faux pas on our part if we get three years in and then   She pantomimed an explosion.

The college district, city and county governments, local educational organizations and businesses are putting together a steering committee to find money for Alamo Promise, said Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who joined Flores in a visit to the national College Promise Campaign in Washington, D.C., this month.

Alamo Promise is the moonshot our city needs to reduce generational poverty and increase social mobility, so Ive made it a priority in my office, Nirenberg said.

The goal is to boost San Antonios stubbornly low college-going rates. By next year, 65 percent of all jobs will require a postsecondary credential, but only 33 percent of adults in San Antonio have an associate degree or higher, Vasquez said.

Flores presented trustees with 2014 data that showed that about one-third of high school graduates did not enroll in college and went straight into the workforce. Of those, 80 percent worked in the retail and hospitality industries, he said. Their median wage, broken down by school district, was about $10,000 per year  for East Central Independent School District graduates, it was as low as $8,800. The national poverty threshold in 2014 was about $12,000.

If theres anybody that can change this trajectory of limited economic and social mobility (and) increasing income stagnation, it would be the Alamo Colleges District, Flores told trustees.

He wants to increase all local school districts college-going rates to 70 percent. Alamo Heights ISD had the highest rate two years ago, at 55 percent, not including those who went out of state. Edgewood ISD, where only 36 percent of graduates enrolled in a Texas college right away, had the lowest rate.

Alamo Promise might not need to provide a nickel in tuition to students with incomes low enough to qualify for full federal scholarships, but the message could help pull more of them in, Flores said.

We want to provide them with a portfolio of support services that tell them they can do it, Flores said. One of those is the cost of education. Wed like to provide them with as much comprehensive information as possible, so they might consider coming to college.

More of the Promise money would go to working-class or middle-class high school graduates whose families dont qualify for need-based aid. But trustee Joe Jesse Sanchez said that doesnt mean all of them can afford tuition, which is now $99 per credit hour for in-district students, almost $1,200 per semester for a full course load.

People quit going to college because they owe a couple of hundred bucks, Sanchez said. We are going to bridge that gap with the Promise program. We will retain, we will keep them.

About 80 percent of Alamo Colleges students intend to transfer to a university and complete a bachelors degree. Flores wants the University of Texas and Texas A&M Universitys local branches to recruit Promise scholars and continue providing them financial aid.

The Promise program would benefit the community as much as its young adults, Flores said. If more people earn college degrees or credentials, San Antonio will be an increasingly attractive location for existing and new businesses.

For individuals, this is about socio-economic mobility, but for the community, this is an economic development strategy, he said.

About 1 million new residents are expected to move by 2035 to the San Antonio area. Based on that growth, the Alamo Colleges are preparing for tens of thousands of new students, and voters two years ago approved a $450 million bond package for the district to renovate and expand facilities. If the Promise program becomes a reality, the Alamo Colleges expect to enroll almost 97,000 students by 2025  roughly a 47 percent increase, compared with now.

State funding has not kept pace with the districts growth in the past seven years, said Diane Snyder, Alamo Colleges vice chancellor for finance and administration. The district gets 1 percent less in state appropriations than it did in 2002, during which time enrollment has increased 43 percent, she said.

Its virtually the same pool of dollars for all eternity, but yet in that period, were supporting a lot more students, Snyder said.

Unexpected growth in the number of high school students taking tuition-free Alamo Colleges courses has worsened the pressure, creating a $6.8 million shortfall a year ago that the board plugged with reserve funds and cost-cutting that has continued into this year. Trustees and administrators are now working to find an additional $500,000 in next years budget to cover an estimated 2 percent increase in dual-credit participation.

Flores wants to continue expanding dual credit, which he said is a way to convince high schoolers that they can handle college-level rigor.

We see proof of concept, Flores said. We already see a very successful model that is serving high school students.  This is a good example of a way to then do the same thing, and do that to scale, for graduating seniors.

The Alamo Colleges District has been using Bexar Countys growing property values to fill the state revenue gap, but legislators have resuscitated a proposal to set tighter limits on property taxes that local entities can collect. If it passes, the Alamo Colleges will lose millions of dollars annually, Snyder said.

But even without a property tax cap, the community college district couldnt afford the Alamo Promise program by itself.

The potential economic benefits to the region might convince county commissioners to chip in, County Judge Nelson Wolff said.

It benefits the county government, city government, all of us, Wolff said. Its additional revenue for us in the long run.

Alamo Promise would cost far less than many city services, said Nirenberg, who is running for re-election in May. He spoke more forcefully when he cast the prospect in moral terms.

This will change the course of a generation of young people in San Antonio at a critical moment, Nirenberg said. This city has been grappling with issues of inequality, which are directly linked to issues of equity and educational opportunity, and this is an opportunity to reach into our community and positively impact the change that weve been seeking for so long.

Imagine the day when we say that every child in Bexar County has access to an advanced education or college degree, regardless of their circumstances. That will be a great day.

Alia Malik covers several school districts and the Alamo Colleges District in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN
Crawfish. Crawdads. Mud bugs. Swamp lobsters.

Call them what you will, but get the water boiling and plan a party because the Louisiana staple is about to enter into peak season. Live sacks of the critters are starting to show up at Groomers Seafood and area grocery stores, and they will remain through the early summer months.

And while crawfish may be king this time of year, these large pots are also made to tackle everything from shrimp, fish chunks, crabs, vegetables, turkey necks and anything else that takes to the rolling boils. You can find regional takes on boils all over the United States.

If you arent already equipped to handle a boil setup, they are inexpensive and easy to use. You can purchase Boil kits with a propane burner, 100-quart aluminum pot with a strainer basket and lid run about $150. All you have to do is attach a traditional gas grill propane tank and add water.

Just dont use them as a turkey fryer; that requires an entirely different setup.

Pieter Sypesteyn, a Louisiana native who is the chef and owner of San Antonios Buds Southern Rotisserie, Cookhouse Restaurant and NOLA Brunch and Beignets, said the key to a good crawfish boil isnt so much about the recipe as the technique and the ability to start with live crawfish fresh out of the mud.

On ExpressNews.com: Beef shoulder clod reigned before brisket became the Texas barbecue king

There is a definite Coke vs. Pepsi argument that comes with the type of spice mix that you use, but other than that, its a straightforward process, said Sypesteyn, a firm advocate of the Louisiana Fish Fry products. The real allure is the social aspect.

According to Sypesteyn, crawfish boils are all-day affair in Louisiana, with about 500 pounds cooked on site. They also hold well and stay hot in a cooler.

Every guest can put down 8 to 10 pounds through a long afternoon, Sypesteyn said. We toss them all on a big long table and just go at it with plenty of cold beer.

He gives the live crawfish a simple freshwater rinse and 20-minute soak before putting them in the pot. This helps purge the swamp muck.

He adds lots of salt to the water mixture and adds potatoes, corn, garlic heads, hot sauce, mushrooms and whole artichokes into the pot in stages before the crawfish are put in.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios noodle whisperer teaches us the 4 pasta shapes to make at home

Instead of that big rolling boil, I find it best to keep it all at a slow simmer, Sypesteyn said. That will get more of that seasoning flavor into the crawfish and anything else in the pot.

The crawfish start to float to the top when they are fully cooked, and Sypesteyn allows them to sit for an additional 20 minutes with the heat turned off. The boil process from beginning to end usually lasts less than an hour.

The low-country boil, which is well known in southern states like South Carolina and Georgia, is a close cousin to the crawfish boil. It tends to be a bit more mild in seasoning, with multiple ingredients tossed into the pot that arent as labor intensive to eat as those pesky, messy mud bugs.

The recipes can take many forms, but most trace back to a dish made on the fly from coastal fishermen who cooked an assortment of whatever was harvested in their nets. They called them catch pots.

However, in the 1960s, an enterprising seafood provider named Richard Gay developed a specific recipe that he dubbed Frogmore Stew, named after a region in South Carolina. (No frogs are harmed in the making of the stew.)

A proper Frogmore has pounds of large, shell-on shrimp, a few crab clusters, ears of shucked sweet corn, red potatoes, lemon juice, chunks of sausage and most importantly, Old Bay seasoning.

Old Bay is the key to everything on the East Coast, said Braunda Moody Smith, owner of Lucy Coopers Ice House in San Antonio. Use it, and use it some more. Citrus is another secret that adds to the flavor profile.

Smith, who comes from a family with Louisiana roots and who grew up in Georgia, features a classic low-country boil on her daily menu. Her boil pot is loaded with about eight heaping cups of Old Bay, giving it a look of bubbling tomato sauce.

The key to the low-country boil is the options, Smith said. Whoever tells you there is a right way and a wrong way is full of it. The key is to experiment and have fun.

Boils arent limited to bayou and coastal ingredients.

In Northern states like Wisconsin and Michigan, lake communities with a large Scandinavian influence chop fish like lake trout or whitefish into chunks and toss them into the boil pot with potatoes, quartered onions and mountains of salt (upwards of 4 pounds in a 20-gallon boil pot).

Its not the most complicated of dishes, but the Door County (Wisconsin) Fish Boil is an institution that dates back into the 1800s when the region was home to thousands of hungry lumberjacks. They are currently marketed as a major tourist attraction for the area, which straddles Lake Michigan.

Whatever kind of boil you try, it should be fun and it should feed a crowd.

Recipe: Louisiana Crawfish Boil

Recipe: Low-Country Boil

Recipe: Wisconsin Fish Boil

Chuck Blount is a food writer and columnist covering all things grilled and smoked in the San Antonio area. Find his Chuck's Food Shack columns on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com, or read his other coverage on our free site, mySA.com. | cblount@express-news.net | Twitter: @chuck_blount | Instagram: @bbqdiver
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trumps push to expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands across the American West is reaching new heights, even as government officials, conservation groups and even some members of his own party move to stop him.

The Interior Department last year set an all-time record for oil and gas lease sales on federal lands, generating more than $1.1 billion, almost triple the previous record from 2008.

While that is drawing applause from oil and gas executives, environmental groups warn that leasing so much such land so fast has put at risk pristine wilderness and wildlife habitats. More than 1.5 million acres of land were leased for drilling last year alone, and buried within the growing list are lands within Wyomings Red Desert Corridor, one of the largest game corridors in the country, and others close to Native American ruins at Hovenweep National Monument in southeastern Utah, despite warnings from the National Parks Service.

They try to lease as much as they can as fast as they can. Whether the industry is interested is not a determinate factor, said Bobby McEnaney, senior deputy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. The problem is with this approach, you end up hitting pieces of land that are too sensitive to drill.

In September, the Bureau of Land Management, the Interior Department agency that administers public lands, offered up to 300,000 acres of oil and gas leases in Nevadas Ruby Mountains, drawing protest from locals and environmental groups worried the alpine terrain was going to be inundated with trucks and drilling rigs. The auction, however, did not generate a single bid, even at a minimum buy-in of $2 per acre.

America first

That led to accusations that the Department of the Interior is putting land up for auction without studying its holdings to determine whether development represents the best use of a public resource. In a letter to the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., questioned the practice of offering Nevadas public lands that have little to no potential for drilling while generating little interest from industry.

The Bureau of Land Management did not respond to an interview request for this story. But in a press release earlier this month, the bureau described itself as a key contributor to the Trump Administration's America-First Energy Plan.

With a bold, new approach to energy development, and a President who recognizes that conventional wisdom is meant to be challenged, we are starting to see what a great America looks like, acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Trump's nominee to lead the agency, said in a statement.

The approach largely has drawn applause from the U.S. oil and gas sector, which had criticized the Obama administrations approach to leasing on federal lands as overly cautious.

Americas fastest growing oil field, the Permian Basin, is split between private lands in Texas and federal lands in New Mexico. Until recently, oil companies largely avoided the New Mexico side, because of the lengthy waits for federal drilling permits compared with two weeks for a permit from the Texas Railroad Commission, said Christopher Guith, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerces Global Energy Institute.

The average wait times for a permit from the Bureau of Land Management is now four months, down from 10 months at one point during the Obama administration, according to the Western Energy Alliance, a trade group.

This administration has been committed to really driving down the time frames to get the permits, to make it more predictable, and frankly making more areas available for lease, Guith said. When you compare it to where it was with the previous administration, its 180 degrees.

But some worry sped-up timelines are leading to mistakes. In a controversy around Native American ruins in southern Utah last year, a National Parks Service superintendent urged Interior to back off the lease sale because officials had failed to adequately address several concerns related to resource protection.

See you in court

We are concerned about the proliferation of pads and roads associated with potential future exploration and production activities enabled by the proposed lease sale, wrote Jeannine McElveen, superintendent of Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments.  Vibrations from heavy vehicle traffic have been shown to affect historic structures.

To keep up the record pace of leasing, the Bureau of Land Management has had to contend with a near constant stream of litigation from environmental groups and Native American tribes. Last year, the administration sustained a blow when a federal judge in Idaho blocked the lease sale of millions of acres of land across lands occupied by a shrinking population of sage grouse, after environmental filed suit claiming the Bureau of Land Management had failed to follow federal laws regarding public comment.

But in April, another federal judge in New Mexico tossed a lawsuit from Native American and environmental groups over Chaco Canyon, home to the more than thousand-year old ruins of what was a major center of the Pueblo tribe and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The judge ruled the Bureau of Land Management had taken steps to protect the site from future oil and gas drilling, a decision the plaintiffs appealed to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Salt Lake City.

Federal parks and wilderness are big business in states like Utah and Wyoming, drawing millions of tourists every year. The push to open up drilling in the areas around those parks has turned criticism on Republicans, prompting protest from the likes of Utah Governor Gary Herbert, a Republican who fought to stop drilling around Zion National Park last year.

Last week, the Senate passed a conservation bill protecting more than 2 million acres of lands and rivers across the United States, the largest of its kind in a decade. The legislation was in the works for years, and Trumps drilling campaign got little attention in the lead-up to the vote.

Public pressure

But Alex Taurel, conservation program director at the League of Conservation Voters, wondered whether Republicans were feeling pressure from constituents to offer a counterbalance.

What Trump is doing is really out of step where the public is, he said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, the bills sponsor and chair of the Senate Energy and Natrual Resources Committee, declined to comment.
Diane Sanchez, the new president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has the polish youd expect of someone whos worked in executive suites as long as she has.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, the 64-year-old Sanchez spent much of her career in management at telecommunications and telecom infrastructure companies, including a stint as Alcatel-Lucents senior vice president of sales and operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thats why youre not surprised when she talks about making the Hispanic chamber more data-driven and getting more Hispanic women on corporate and nonprofit boards of directors and in senior executive positions.

Like her chamber predecessor, Ramiro Cavazos, Sanchez is a native of South Texas. She grew up in Bishop, outside Kingsville. Sanchez says the town had a population of 3,369 when she left for college. The number had dropped to 3,085 by 2017, according to the Census Bureau.

Under Cavazos  who became head of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in October  the local chamber played a more assertive part in debates over bond elections, water policy, city charter elections and other public issues. It remains to be seen whether it will do the same under Sanchez. But shes clear about this: Things dont happen because of the public sector  they happen because of the private sector.

We caught up with Sanchez last week at the Hispanic chambers office at the Pearl. This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: Ramiro Cavazos came up mostly through politics and the citys economic development department, and he worked for a while at UTSA doing technology transfer. Your background is mostly corporate. How is the chamber going to be different under your leadership?

A: I think its just the times that were living in right now. Ramiro did a great job. But Im thinking the challenges that Im going to have and the contributions that Im going to be expected to make are going to be driven by the growth and the prosperity of the businesses that are my constituents. Well be really focused on results  bottom line results. Are we growing the businesses? How are we going to manage it?

When you look at the businesses that are at 500 (employees) and above, are they at the point where they need advisers, they need boards, they need help? They can also fall into some of the ecosystems of some of the larger corporations  the value chain. How can I help support them? What are we doing to do to give them the visibility? The access to capital is a totally different animal. Then youve got the midsize companies, and the smaller ones. Were going to be looking at each one of these groups and say, How can we help them? How do we measure success? Today, we sat in a meeting with (San Antonio Independent School District Superintendent) Pedro Martinez, and hes got numbers. Its all numbers and hes measuring it  hes managing it.

Q: What do you think the Hispanic chambers board was looking for in a new CEO?

A: I think they wanted somebody that would be an advocate for the Hispanic business community. I would say that San Antonio is going through a transformation right now  as a Hispanic community and a business community, where either were going to turn left or were going to turn right. ... Weve not done a good job as a community to make sure that its inclusive, and were consciously looking at the impact.

The way I see it is, this is a public organization  a nonprofit  but my clients and my constituents are for-profit. So if I cant show them the benefit of helping them grow and prosper, then I havent served my purpose. Since Ive been on their side as an entrepreneur and at a corporate level and am very sensitive to their needs, I think I can help them be successful. ... How do Hispanic (businesses) become a part of that transformation and also help San Antonio?

Q: As you look around, what do you see as the barriers or challenges for Hispanic-owned businesses in San Antonio?

A: I think it depends on the tier. If we look at the small businesses, a lot of it is access to capital, which we talk about frequently. The other is probably the leadership skills as it relates to business acumen. And then the third would be just marketing and sales. How do we teach them how to evolve in the digital economy, and what do they need to do to be competitive and to extend themselves? Ill tell you, thats the biggest challenge we have.

Then also, well work with women. How do we empower women entrepreneurs, Hispanic entrepreneurs? We think thats a big asset that we have in this community, and figuring how to rally that whole base and try to get them going to where they know that they can get things done.

Q: In San Antonio, women fall pretty far behind men in median income, and Hispanic women even more so. How much of a concern is that for the Hispanic chamber, or do you see your mission as increasing the number of Hispanic women entrepreneurs and executives?

A: One thing that I am convinced of  because Ive been probably the first or the only woman in a lot of the positions Ive had, and of course probably the first Hispanic  is the diversity of what I brought to the table and how much value that was. And now, more often than not, the corporations that were looking at here really are not yet aware of how valuable a diverse candidate is either on the board or their management team. Well figure out how to help them relate to that on the economic side. ... I think whats exciting about San Antonio is cybersecurity and biomedicine. Look at what theyve done in Boston and other communities  the diversity and the mindset  and you see that were going to get there, and were going to bring in people who are thinking a little differently and all. But its a real concern.

It was probably a shock coming back to Texas because I didnt remember it that way when I left. In my college years, I wasnt exposed on the business side, but I didnt remember that there was that much of a gap. ... I always felt that Texas women were so strong  that we were probably some of the strongest in the country. Were strong, were powerful and were very influential in our community, but we havent been compensated for that. You realize, Wow, we do have a problem here that weve got to deal with.

Q: Can you give me an example from your own career where you werent compensated as you should have been because youre a woman?

A: I think Ive taken positions where my predecessor probably was making a couple of hundred thousand more than I was, and I wasnt aggressive or assertive enough to say, Wait a minute  my metrics are here. (She raises her hand a couple of feet above the table.) My objectives are here. His were here. (She raises her other hand to a lower level.) And pay me here. Now in my career  and it has a lot to do with my age  Im more confident to say, Look, Im worth this, and if you cant pay me that, Im just not going to do it.

Q: What can you do to get more women and Hispanics on corporate and nonprofit boards and in senior executive positions?

A: Were starting to create networks of women who are on boards or who are at high (executive) levels, or women who have the potential. ... What often happens is that when board members look (for board or CEO candidates), theyre going to go with people theyre comfortable with. If were not circulating women, and we dont give them visibility, (boards) are not going to go with them. Its like everything else  youre going to choose somebody who youre comfortable with, who you know and who you resonate with.

Q: As one of the citys two major chambers, the Hispanic chamber has almost always backed City Hall on bond and city charter elections. What do you think the chambers relationship should be to City Hall?

A: We went through this today as a matter of fact with some of the international trade missions that were looking at. I mean, this is about relationships and getting things done. But one thing Ive always said, and I continue to say, is that things dont happen because of the public sector  they happen because of the private sector.

What I was very impressed with in San Antonio was SA2020 (a communitywide effort launched by then-Mayor Julian Castro in 2010 to set goals for public health, education, economic growth and other areas). Ive never seen a report card like that. Ive never seen one yet put in place the way they did it  to focus on an outlook of (10) years. I also think some of the things were doing on Smart City initiatives  San Antonios doing well in looking at some of these things for the future. And those are all driven by City Hall. I think the difference with us is our focus is going to be from a private-sector perspective. What do we need from the city, from the state, from the federal government to help us be more successful? And thats really what I look to them to help us with. Ive not met with Mayor Nirenberg, but were going to be sitting down soon. (Editors note: Nirenbergs wife, Erika Prosper, was chair of the Hispanic chamber throughout most of its CEO search.)

Q: Keeping in mind San Antonios shortage of skilled workers, whats the chambers role in workforce development?

A: Our role would be more from the educational standpoint  the high schools and the colleges. Not all students are going to be college-bound. I was talking to a woman yesterday who owns a logistics company. And I said, How are you doing? She says, Well, our biggest problem right now is truck drivers. Theyre making between $65,000 and $95,000 a year. But people dont aspire to be a truck driver. So we have very basic needs. I think theres an opportunity to help our youth, and even some older people, with skills. Thats our focus right now  to figure out what skills do they need to get into some of the jobs that are available and to prepare them for the future.
UPADTE: The Pound-to-Euro (GBPEUR) exchange rates remained little changed into Tuesdays session with price action remaining constrained to a narrow 1.14 to 1.144 range.

The cross was last seen trading at 1.1419.

Tuesdays session will see the release of the latest UK labour market statistics, with unemployment forecast to hold steady at 4.0% while wage growth is expected to accelerate for a sixth consecutive month, edging up to 3.5%.

German economic sentiment figures are also due with the forecast of -14.1 an improvement on the prior -15.0 printing but still squarely in pessimistic territory.

GBP/EUR Exchange Rate Steadies, Euro Investors Jittery after Signs of Slowing Eurozone Economy

The Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate has been rangebound today and is currently trading in the region of 1.1415.

Sterling (GBP) is steady against the Euro (EUR) today with the single currency still remaining weak after last weeks disappointing Eurozone economic data, which indicated that the regions economic output is slowing.

The Euro has remained unappealing to investors at the start of the week with no Eurozone economic data released.

The Pound, meanwhile, failed to gain any ground on the Euro following the publication of the Rightmove house price index figures for February.

The report showed that the affordability of housing had improved, but that property asking prices increased at their slowest pace since 2009.

Brian Murphy, the Head of Lending at the Mortgage Advice Bureau, commented:

[W]e are now seeing more and more buyers and sellers whove held off their transactions for quite some time, and are now at the point where their individual circumstances dictate that, regardless of ongoing negotiations between Westminster and Brussels, its the right time for them to move.

However, both Pound and Euro traders are likely to be fixated on Brexit developments today, with Prime Minister Theresa May having called upon all Conservative MPs on Sunday in a bid to bolster support for her withdrawal deal.

Many Pound investors, however, are remaining cautious as a no-deal Brexit still remains on the table.

Pound Euro (GBP/EUR) Exchange Rate Static as Parliament Factions Grow

Today also saw the resignation of 7 Labour MPs, which has further indicated that there are deep factions within the House of Commons.

Mike Gapes, a former Labour MP, commented on his resignation:

I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country.

This has caused further alarm for Sterling traders, with fears that the mounting pressures within Parliament will inhibit the breaking of the Brexit stalemate that is continuing to haunt UK markets.

Theresa May is due to return to Brussels this week for talks with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, amid increasing scepticism  from both the EU and the Commons  over Mays Brexit strategy.

John McDonnell, Labours Shadow Chancellor, commented:

We have put our proposals on the table; we're willing to negotiate around those They're the basis of what we think could secure parliamentary approval, but she has to start negotiating as well.

GBP/EUR Forecast: Euro Could Gain if German Economic Sentiment Improves

The GBP/EUR exchange rate is likely to remain focused on Brexit developments this week, although any signs of the UKs wage growth data improving would be Pound-supportive.

However, tomorrow will also see the publication of the German ZEW survey of economic sentiment for February. Any signs of an improvement in sentiment may give the Euro a boost.
On February 17, police received a call regarding rape of a minor. On inquiry the victim along with her mother accused neighbour.

Police has registered a case under appropriate sections of IPC and POCSO Act. (Photo: Representative)

New Delhi: A 27-year-old man has been arrested for raping a minor in Delhi's New Ashok Nagar.

Police has registered a case under appropriate sections of India Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

On February 17, a police station in New Ashok Nagar received a call regarding rape of a 10-year-old girl.

On inquiry, police reached the spot where the victim along with her mother informed that accused, one Rohit Shrivastava, who lives nearby raped the minor and also threatened her.
Metro Manila (February 18, CNN Philippines)  The midterm elections in May would be a referendum on President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration, a political analyst and a former presidential spokesperson said.

"It's a confidence vote of the incumbent administration. So if it goes south, you know already that something is wrong," political analyst Edmund Tayao told CNN Philippines' The Source on Monday.

Former Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda agreed with this view, saying that with Duterte and his administration still enjoying high trust and approval ratings from the public after nearly three years in office, it is possible that many administration candidates would win in the May polls.

With this, Tayao said the "Otso Diretso" opposition slate would have a difficult time in their campaign.

READ: Pangilinan sees uphill climb for opposition Senate slate in 2019 polls

"'Pag titingnan mo ang [If you look at the] pattern, the only time na talagang natalo 'yung administration candidate [the administration candidates lost] was during the time of [former President] Gloria [Macapagal-Arroyo] in the midterm election, na puro oposisyon ang nanalo [when many opposition candidates won,]" he said.

Part of Otso Diretso's campaign line is that the midterm elections will prove to be a referendum on the Duterte administration, which they have criticized over alleged human rights violations committed during the course of the war on drugs and its other policies.

However, despite criticisms from the opposition and even internationally, Duterte's approval, trust and satisfaction ratings remained high at 76 percent, 81 percent and 74 percent in the last quarter of 2018, respectively.

Many Senate bets endorsed by or are aligned with Duterte are also ranking high in the surveys, while only two opposition bets have broken through the circle of possible winners.

Former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III enjoyed similar ratings toward the end of 2012, before the midterm polls in 2013, when 78 percent of Filipinos said they approved of him and 80 percent said they trusted him, while 72 percent said they were satisfied.

In the midterm elections in 2013, nine of the 12 candidates in Aquino's ticket won, while only three opposition bets emerged victorious.

In contrast, the only president who had low ratings prior to the midterm elections was Arroyo, who had to face negative ratings throughout most of her term as president.

Now that she is House Speaker, Arroyo is the least trusted and has the lowest approval and satisfaction ratings among top national officials  but that has not stopped her from vowing to give "all out" support to senatorial candidates endorsed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the regional party of Duterte's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

"I was surprised that GMA actually showed up in the campaign. Eh hindi mo maintindihan kung positive or negative ang effect nito. [You won't know if this will have a positive effect,]" Tayao said.

Who could win?

Tayao and Lacierda agree that former Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, who surged in the latest Pulse Asia poll to the eighth place, has a strong chance of winning and even ending up on the top of the race like Senator Grace Poe, especially since he is the "gatekeeper" to Duterte.

"Over and above all the advertisements that you see on the streets or on TV and radio, the governors are committed to him. Because he's the gatekeeper, you need the funding, you need the [Internal Revenue Allotment,] you need the funding for the national government. Kausapin lang 'yan. [They just have to talk to him.] They have to commit to Bong Go," Lacierda said. "Nobody goes to the President without Bong Go."

READ: Go, Marcos and Roxas among the top pre-campaign ad spenders  PCIJ

While he had to resign from his post upon filing his candidacy for senator, Go remains to be seen with Duterte and continues to accompany him on his trips, even abroad. He is also among the candidates the President has officially endorsed.

Duterte has backed down from his endorsement of plunder accused and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada and did not endorse former Senator Bong Revilla.

READ: Duterte bares senatorial slate he is endorsing

Lacierda said that while this might affect their performance in the polls, their being actors would also help boost their candidacy.

Revilla's acquittal of plunder in connection with the multi-billion peso pork barrel scam might also help him in the elections, Lacierda said.

The two are still among the possible winners, according to the latest Pulse Asia poll, with Estrada placing ninth and Revilla placing 12th, but Tayao said they may not land in the top six in the elections.

Lacierda, however, said former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas may eventually figure in the top six in the elections, even if he still lags behind other candidates in the pre-election surveys.
UPDATE: Pound Sterling Australian Dollar exchange rates climbed on Tuesday 19th Feb, breaching local resistance at $1.815 and was last seen trading at $1.81625, up 0.24%.

The overnight release of the Reserve Bank of Australias (RBA) latest monetary policy meeting minutes reinforced the neutral stance recently adopted by the central bank, highlighting significant uncertainties and risk factors which could weigh negatively on economic activity. The minutes specifically singled out the current housing market crisis as having the potential to undermine economic growth should conditions deteriorate further.

For the GBP, UK average earnings figures and unemployment data are due for release (0930GMT) with wage growth expected to edge higher to 3.5% while unemployment remains stable at the multi-decade low of 4.0%.

Given the AUDs unofficial status as a proxy for Chinese sentiment, the continued US-China trade talks have the potential to prompt some price action for Aussie-crosses with investor sentiment the driving factor.

Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) Exchange Rate Steady as UK House Market Slows

The Pound Sterling Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate fluctuated over the course of the morning, and is currently trading at an inter-bank rate of AU$1.8046.

The Australian Dollar initially saw an upswing of support as Chinese stocks surged to a six-month high as US-China trade talks moved to Washington.

Hopes that the US and China will reach an agreement provided support to the risk-sensitive Aussie.

The Pound, however, made some tentative gains this morning following the release of the Rightmove House Price Index which showed that housing affordability had improved at the fastest rate since 2011. The report wasnt completely positive however, as prices for newly advertised properties only increased 0.2% on the year.

This showed that asking prices rose at the slowest rate in a decade, indicating that the housing market is slowing ahead of Brexit.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Buoyed by Very Productive Beijing Talks

The start of the session saw the GBP/AUD exchange rate slip with the risk-sensitive Aussie rising as US-China relations appeared to cool.

US President, Donald Trump stated that last weeks trade discussions in Beijing were very productive as officials briefed him upon their return from China.

Further sparking optimism that the US and China would be able to resolve their trade dispute came from another suggestion to extend the 1 March deadline from Trump.

That being said, official reports from the White House suggested that while progress had been made between the two countries, much work remains.

Pound (GBP) Closes Last Week Lower despite Largest Annual Rise in UK Retail Sales Since 2016

Friday saw the Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate slip, with the better-than-expected UK retail sales data doing little to support Sterling.

The UKs January retail sales figure exceeded expectations, rising 1% compared to the previous month, with the data suggesting this was largely due to high clothing discounts.

Although the figure was the largest annual rise since December 2016, the larger picture was viewed cautiously.

Samuel Tombs, Chief UK Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics stated:

January's jump in retail sales shows that most households have maintained a happy-go-lucky mentality, despite the fraught political situation. While consumers' confidence is down, this reflects rather fuzzy expectations that Brexit might be costly eventually.

GBP/AUD Outlook: Will Steady Unemployment Buoy Sterling?

Tomorrow the Pound Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate could rise if UK unemployment remains at 4% and average earnings increase.

However, any gains could prove short lived as the Australian Dollar could see an upswing of support following the release of the Australian Wage Price Index.

Australian wage growth is expected to come in at 0.6% in Q4 2018.

Meanwhile, as the US-China trade discussions continue this week in Washington, indications that a trade deal will be reached or that the 1 March deadline is going to be extended could see the pairing slip as the risk-sensitive Aussie gains support.
With 37 days to go until Brexit, notwithstanding an article 50 extension, the Pound Sterling (GBP/) saw out Tuesdays session with a robust rally against both the Euro (EUR/) and US Dollar (USD/$) as well as a basket of other major peers.

Recent labour market statistics indicated that while certain sectors flounder in the face of continued Brexit uncertainty, wage growth remained solid with unemployment holding at a multi-decade low.

On the Brexit front, Prime Minister Theresa May is set to continue talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday. An aide for the PM described the talks as significant while a spokesperson for Juncker downplayed the upcoming meeting, stating low expectations of progress to break the current Brexit gridlock.

ACLS Global Even should the EU agree to alterations sought by the UK government on the Irish backstop component of the EU withdrawal agreement, ACLS Global chief strategist, Marshall Gittler, expects UK lawmakers to reject the deal which would weigh on the GBP. Gittler wrote In my view, I think they (EU) could tinker with the language a bit, but whether it would be enough to convince 51 percent of MPs to vote for it is dubious, adding Personally Id go short on the pound if I were taking a position.

Maybank Analsyts at Malayan Banking Berhad see the GBP to be supported by growing Brexit optimism, however any gains they expect to be capped by growing political turmoil in the UK. Further ahead, they eye the February 27th vote as a potential critical step for the GBP depending on which route Parliament seeks with an article 50 extension expected to lift the Sterling. From their market brief, GBP outperformed most currencies overnight on renewed optimism over brexit While optimism is rebuilding on EU-UK talks, fragmentation in domestic politics in UK could still limit GBP gains. Adding House of Commons vote again on 27th Feb, when MPs will get a chance to determine the future course of brexit by (1) approving the re -negotiated deal  PM Mays choice; (2) reject the deal and possibly raising the risk of a brexit without a deal - adds to downside pressure on GBP; (3) vote to instruct the government to seek an extension of Article 50  basically delay the 29th Mar brexit deadline. The last option if passed could provide a boost for GBP.

City Index While on the face of it, Mondays resignations reflect a deepening of the political divide and an increase in political uncertainty which would logically weigh on the Pound Stelring. City Index senior market analyst, Fiona Cincotta sees the potential for the development to for a change in approach from the labour party, leading to a more conducive political landscape and supporting the GBP. Cincotta wrote A number of anti-Brexit Labour MPs resigning could push Jeremy Corbyn towards a different solution from what is now on the table and could be helpful to the pound as the market views a no-deal Brexit as the worst potential outcome for the UK economy.

Danske Bank Chief Danske Bank strategist, Valtteri Aht noted the muted impact of the resignations and proposed that a lack of forthcoming progress on the Brexit front could put the Sterling under pressure as time pressures build. Aht wrote EUR/GBP little changed despite rising political turmoil in the UK after seven labour MPs yesterday left the party in protest. In isolation, this is not a game changer, in our view, and even if other MPs from both sides follow and leave the two big parties, the implications for Brexit and thus GBP are unclear. With regards to the EUR/GBP near-term Aht added We expect EUR/GBP to stay within the 0.86-0.89 range short term with Brexit negotiations as the key driver for the cross. Unless prospects of a deal improves, appetite for GBP could come under pressure as the next Brexit vote in the UK House of Commons moves closer (expected on 27 February).

ING INGs Petr Krpata and Chris Turner highlighted the immaterial impact of the Labour Party resignations and looked to Tuesdays labour market statistics release as a source of potential GBP price action. They wrote The departure of seven Labour rebels to potentially form a new party shouldnt have a material impact on Brexit voting metrics  since they were already defying their leadership in parliament. Were big names, such as Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson to join them, sterling could get more of a boost in that it could: a) see Labour take a less pro-Brexit line and b) splinter the Labour vote further, adding Better UK wage data could see cable at best press 1.30, but gains should be temporary.

Hantec Markets In lieu of a set Brexit agenda or economic data releases for the session, Hantec Markets Richard Perry reverted to pure technical analysis for the Pound-to-Dollar (GBPUSD) exchange rate forecast which puts the cross at a potentially crucial level. Perry wrote The solid positive candle on Friday has been followed early today with another move higher, leaving Cable at an intriguing position once more. For three weeks, rallies have been sold into. He added The three week downtrend comes in at $1.2940 so a failure here could again be pounced upon. However the momentum indicators are more positive, with a potential Stochastics buy signal, MACD lines steadying around neutral and RSI picking up around 40. A key moment for the pair.
UPDATE: After drifting lower to the $1.29 level overnight, the Pound-to-Dollar exchange rates regained a positive footing on early Tuesday with the Cable last seen trading at $1.293, roughly in-line with Mondays session high and local resistance.

Data-wise, UK average earning and unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) are expected to support a tight labour market with wage growth forecast to accelerate to 3.5% (3m/y) while the unemployment rate remains at 4.0%, a joint multi-decade low.

Political developments also have the potential to impact the cross with Brexit remaining a key driver for the GBP. Markets appear to have taken yesterdays Brexit-spurred Labour Party resignations in their stride, despite the perception of a worsening political landscape.

Some analysts predict the resignations could force the Labour party to adopt a more accommodative stance as Brexit negotiations continue, potentially lifting the GBP.

Fiona Cincotta, City Index senior market analyst wrote A number of anti-Brexit Labour MPs resigning could push Jeremy Corbyn towards a different solution from what is now on the table and could be helpful to the pound as the market views a no-deal Brexit as the worst potential outcome for the UK economy.

Meanwhile, US-China trade talks are set to recommence in Washington following positive talks in Beijing last week. Higher-level talks are expected to begin on Thursday with market participants likely keeping an eye on news-flow for indications of whether or not a deal looks to be likely.

Pound Sterling US Dollar (GBP/USD) Exchange Rate Edges Higher Despite Pressure of Brexit Jitters

Due to the UK governments failure to secure a Parliament mandate for it Brexit negotiation stance, the British Pound to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate tumbled last week. The pair was able to recover from its worst levels due to strong UK data and market risk-sentiment, and risk-sentiment continued to help the pairs recovery today.

After opening last week at the level of 1.2936, GBP/USD spent most of the week tumbling and touched a one month low of 1.2776 on Thursday, before rebounding and closing the week closer to the level of 1.2893.

GBP/USDs recovery attempt continued when markets opened today, with the pair climbing around a quarter of a cent and trending close to the level of 1.2925 at the time of writing.

Weakness in the US Dollar, caused by market risk-sentiment and lower demand for safe havens like the US Dollar, have been the primary cause of GBP/USD gains this week so far.

Pound (GBP) Exchange Rates Edge Higher as Investors Await Brexit Developments

The Pound has had a mixed few weeks, as much of the Brexit optimism seen at the beginning of the year has been unwound.

This is due to concerns that the UK government will not be able to find a resolution on Brexit, and that this may lead to a worst case scenario No-deal Brexit.

Last week, Brexit uncertainties only worsened. Hoping to get a mandate from MPs for her negotiation stance, UK Prime Minister Theresa May held a vote in Parliament and was defeated.

Hard Brexit-supporting Conservative Party backbenchers were concerned that May would use the mandate to rule out a potential No-deal Brexit, which caused them to oppose Mays position.

As a result, May is returning to UK-EU Brexit negotiations in Brussels this week without any clear mandate from UK MPs on her stance.

Analysts do not expect the negotiations to result in any breakthrough, and there are only around 40 days until the formal Brexit date is set to take place. According to strategists from Commerzbank:

Prime Minister Theresa May is setting off to Europe to re-negotiate, What a sad Sisyphean task! I cannot imagine that anyone assumes this might result in anything productive.

US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Unappealing as Risk-Sentiment Rises

The US Dollar has been unable to hold last weeks gains versus the Pound, as GBP/USD was one of the few major exchange rates to climb when markets opened this morning.

Various factors, including underwhelming US data and market optimism towards US-China trade negotiations, have been limiting market demand for the US Dollar.

Hopes are rising that the US and China are nearing a potential deal over trade, as both nations have reported progress over talks in recent sessions.

Trade talks are ongoing this week too, and hopes are high that either the deadline for talks will be extended or that some kind of deal is becoming increasingly imminent.

With investors seeing lighter trade tensions, they are more willing to take risks again.

This has meant they are less eager to hold onto safe haven currencies like the US Dollar.

GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: Trade Negotiations and Fed Minutes in Focus

Unless there are surprising Brexit developments in the coming sessions, the US Dollar may be more likely to drive movement in the Pound to US Dollar exchange rate this week.

UK job market results will be published tomorrow, but Brexit news is more likely to drive Pound movement.

Instead, GBP/USD investors are looking ahead to US news expected later in the week.

On Wednesday evening, the Federal Reserve will publish its latest meeting minutes report. As the bank took a more hawkish stance in its last meeting but US data has since been mixed, the tone the banks minutes take could be highly influential.

US durable goods orders and PMI projections due on Thursday could be influential too, and many high ranking Fed officials will hold speeches on Friday which could affect the markets Fed outlook.

Of course, US-China trade negotiations are ongoing this week too. If the nations come closer to a trade deal, investors may become even more willing to take risks and the Pound to US Dollar exchange rate could be in for further gains.
The step has been taken following the terror attack on CRPF personnel in J&Ks Pulwama last week

In view of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, WION has withdrawn its invitation to all the speakers from Pakistan who were to participate in the Global Summit: South Asia Edition that is scheduled to take place in Dubai on February 20.

We believe this heinous attack has vitiated the atmosphere and any deliberation on collective prosperity with Pakistan is untenable. Among those who will not be joining us now is Mr Fawad Chaudhry, Minister of Information and Broadcasting in the Govt of Pakistan, whose statements on the Pulwama attack we unequivocally condemn, said a statement from the network.

General Pervez Musharraf, former President and Army Chief of Pakistan, Mr Abdul Basit, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to India and Mr Salman Bashir, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan will also not be part of the Summit now, the statement mentioned.

However, the other sessions of the Global Summit on unleashing the collective potential of South Asia, the strategic balances and alliances in the region, the India-Maldives partnership, sustainable growth, the role of women in nation building and the changing face of media will be held as scheduled.

WION remains committed to presenting Indias perspective to the world, and that includes taking a stand against entities and individuals trying to hurt India. We salute the martyrs of Pulwama. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, stated the network.

Talking about it on Twitter, senior Zee Media journalist Sudhir Chaudhary wrote, Tough times call for tough measures.

Tough times call for tough measures. As India mourns the martyrs of Pulwama, @WIONews has withdrawn its invite to the Pakistani speakers from its Global Summit to be held in Dubai on Feb 20.Pak I&B Min Fawad Chaudhary & Former Prez Gen Pervez Musharraf were among the participants pic.twitter.com/U6mio9OXAt  Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) 16 February 2019

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Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that a combination of immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies that block normal DNA damage repair (DDR) achieved significant tumor regression in mouse models of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), suggesting a promising new approach for treating patients with this aggressive cancer.

The preclinical research, published today in Cancer Discovery, suggest that the PARP inhibitor olaparib and other DDR inhibitors induce a rapid immune response and sensitize SCLC cells to immunotherapy, to which they were previously resistant.

Small cell lung cancer, one of the most aggressive types of cancer, makes up about 15 percent of all lung cancers diagnosed in the U.S., representing about 30,000 patients each year, explained Lauren Averett Byers, M.D., associate professor of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology and corresponding author on the study.

Standard treatment for advanced SCLC is chemotherapy, but recurrence is common and the average survival is only about 12 months, according to Byers. For about 30 years, there were no changes to this approach, but recently the use of immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy has become a new standard. However, the benefits are minimal for patients.

"While the use of immunotherapy has revolutionized the way we treat lung cancer, we find that small cell lung cancers can escape the immune system very effectively, so we see a much lower response rate," said Byers. "However, we want to do a lot better for our patients, and we think there's a lot of room for further improvement."

Previously, Byers discovered that DDR pathways were highly active in SCLC and blocking these pathways with drugs, such as PARP and CHK1 inhibitors, was effective in treating SCLC in the lab. Additionally, cancers with extensive amounts of DNA damage have been shown to respond better to immunotherapy.

"Therefore, we predicted that if we combined PARP inhibitors or other drugs that cause DNA damage with immune therapies, we might see a much greater response to the immune therapy," said Byers. "We found that if we added either PARP or CHK1 inhibitors to immunotherapy, we saw a dramatic shrinkage of tumors. In fact, in some cases, the tumors disappeared completely."

Combining the CHK1 inhibitor, prexasertib, or the PARP inhibitor, olaparib, together with an immune checkpoint inhibitor against PD-L1 resulted in significant tumor regression in SCLC mouse models, whereas immunotherapy alone had no effect.

The combination of PARP inhibitor and immunotherapy resulted in complete regression in all treated mice in as little as one week, leaving no tumors available for further analysis. The CHK1 combination treatment led to complete regression in 60 percent of treated mice.

The researchers discovered that DDR inhibitors activated an immune response in the mice, leading to an increase in cancer-killing immune cells in the tumors. This process was controlled by the STING pathway, which normally works to detect signals of a viral or bacterial infection. In this case, the STING pathway responded to DNA damage to activate the immune system, thus making SCLC cells susceptible to immunotherapy treatment.

"I think the results from this study are really compelling because of the dramatic activity that we saw with the combination of adding a targeted therapy to immune therapy," said Byers. "I think our findings can be rapidly translated into the clinic for our patients and also to other cancer types."

Clinical trials testing PARP inhibitors or immunotherapies for patients with SCLC are ongoing. Byers and colleagues hope to launch clinical trials to investigate the combination approach later this year, and expect this may also be effective in other cancer types defined by increased DNA damage, such as BRCA-mutant breast and ovarian cancers.

This study was supported by the Lung Cancer Moon Shot, part of MD Anderson's Moon Shots Program, a collaborative effort to accelerate the development of scientific discoveries into clinical advances that save patients' lives.

"The support of the Moon Shot really helped us to jumpstart the work in the lab and generate a great deal of the preliminary data that showed us this was a promising approach," said Byers. "That allowed us then to pursue additional funding to expand this work and advance it toward the clinic."

###

This work also was supported by the National Cancer Institute (U01-CA213273, R01-CA207295, P30-CA016672), the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and MD Anderson Lung SPORE (5 P50 CA070907), the MD Anderson Small Cell Lung Cancer Working Group, the Abell-Hanger Foundation Distinguished Professorship, the MD Anderson Physician Scientist Award, the R. Lee Clark Fellowship funded by the Estate of Jeanne F. Shelby, the Rexanna's Foundation for Fighting Lung Cancer, and the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation.

A full disclosure of conflicts of interest can be found with the full study.

In addition to Byers, MD Anderson authors include: Triparna Sen, Ph.D., Leticia Rodriguez, Ph.D., Limo Chen, Ph.D., Carminia Della Corte, M.D., Naoto Morikawa, M.D., Youhong Fan, Yongbin Yang, M.D., Ph.D., and Bonnie Glisson, M.D., all of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology; Junya Fujimoto, M.D., Ph.D., and Ignacio Wistuba, M.D., both of Translational Molecular Pathology; Lixia Diao, Ph.D., Lerong Li, Ph.D., and Jing Wang, Ph.D., all of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology; John V. Heymach, M.D., Ph.D., Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology and Cancer Biology; and Don L. Gibbons, M.D., Ph.D., Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology and Molecular and Cellular Oncology. Additional authors include: Sandra Cristea, Thuyen Nguyen, and Julien Sage, Ph.D., all of Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Dr. Ana C. Alba-Rubio is creating a dual-function material that could be placed at the top of industrial smokestacks to capture and transform carbon dioxide into a useful product on site to produce electricity and power the factory

Since she was a little girl growing up in Malaga, Spain, Dr. Ana C. Alba-Rubio brainstormed ways to motivate those around her to protect the planet.

"When I was 12 years old, I heard a neighboring community obtained a recycle bin," Alba-Rubio said. "I talked with my teacher and organized our own paper collection system. My friends and I hauled that garbage from school to the other neighborhood once a week to recycle."

Now an assistant professor of chemical engineering at The University of Toledo, she is pioneering a new method for factories to approach environmental stewardship and fight pollution with help from a five-year, $558,795 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The Faculty Early Career Development award, known as CAREER, is one of the most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through the integration of research and education.

Alba-Rubio is creating a dual-function material, which acts as an absorber and a catalyst, that could be placed at the top of industrial smokestacks as an alternative to current processes of capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide. The material would capture carbon dioxide and convert it into methanol and higher alcohols that could be fed into a fuel cell to produce electricity to power the plant.

Alba-Rubio's method would eliminate the energy requirement, corrosion and transportation issues associated with the processes currently used. Instead, the new material would transform carbon dioxide into a useful product on site.

"We must do as much as we can to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate climate change," Alba-Rubio said. "Converting carbon dioxide into something useful could be a great economic benefit for the industry while reducing emissions."

World carbon dioxide emissions have increased 55 percent in the last 20 years, according to the Global Carbon Project, including 2.7 percent from 2017 to 2018, the largest jump in seven years.

As part of the grant-funded research, Alba-Rubio plans to engage students from elementary school to high school in her activities to expose them to chemical reactions and catalysis, as well as raise awareness of the effects of carbon dioxide on global warming.

"As a Hispanic woman, I have a strong interest in increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in science, and I will continue providing hands-on experiences to migrant students in Ohio's rural communities and other underrepresented students through the programs that The University of Toledo offers to Toledo Public Schools," Alba-Rubio said.

She is especially passionate about serving as a role model to encourage girls to pursue careers in science. Alba-Rubio is gathering support from other successful women across northwest Ohio in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to create a coloring book titled "Women Scientists Near You" to distribute to elementary schools throughout the region.

"The coloring book will feature stories of each of us to inspire girls to envision themselves on a similar path to success," Alba-Rubio said. "Each 'character' in the book will visit schools to share her experiences and do experiments. The goal is to catch their curiosity and build their confidence. Becoming a scientist is within their reach. It's an exciting career that can help change lives and create a better world."

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A study of humans and monkeys published in JNeurosci has found the same subset of neurons encode actual and illusory complex flow motion. This finding supports, at the level of single neurons, what the Czech scientist Jan Purkinje surmised 150 years ago: "Illusions contain visual truth."

The Pinna-Brelstaff figure is a static image of rings that appear to rotate clockwise as one moves toward and counterclockwise as one moves away from the figure. Having previously identified particular parts of the human brain that represent the Pinna illusion, Junxiang Luo and colleagues at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences first confirmed that male rhesus macaques likely perceive the illusion similarly to people. The researchers then recorded activity from individual neurons in the previously identified brain regions, and discovered cells that signal the illusory motion similarly to actual motion. A delay of about 15 milliseconds enables the brain to register the illusory motion as if it was real. This study provides new insights into how the brain grapples with the continual mismatch between perception and reality.

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Article: Going with the flow: the neural mechanisms underlying illusions of complex-flow motion

DOI: https:/ / www. jneurosci. org/ lookup/ doi/ 10. 1523/ JNEUROSCI. 2112-18. 2019

Corresponding authors: Yong Gu, guyong@ion.ac.cn and Wei Wang, w.wang@ion.ac.cn (Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai)

About JNeurosci

JNeurosci, the Society for Neuroscience's first journal, was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today, the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact, while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship.

About The Society for Neuroscience

The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide.
Rutgers and other physicists have discovered an exotic form of electrons that spin like planets and could lead to advances in lighting, solar cells, lasers and electronic displays.

It's called a "chiral surface exciton," and it consists of particles and anti-particles bound together and swirling around each other on the surface of solids, according to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Chiral refers to entities, like your right and left hands, that match but are asymmetrical and can't be superimposed on their mirror image.

Excitons form when intense light shines on solids, kicking negatively charged electrons out of their spots and leaving behind positively charged "holes," according to lead author Hsiang-Hsi (Sean) Kung, a graduate student in Physics Professor Girsh Blumberg's Rutgers Laser Spectroscopy Lab at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.

The electrons and holes resemble rapidly spinning tops. The electrons eventually "spiral" towards the holes, annihilating each other in less than a trillionth of a second while emitting a kind of light called "photoluminescence." This finding has applications for devices such as solar cells, lasers and TV and other displays.

The scientists discovered chiral excitons on the surface of a crystal known as bismuth selenide, which could be mass-produced and used in coatings and other materials in electronics at room temperature.

"Bismuth selenide is a fascinating compound that belongs to a family of quantum materials called 'topological insulators,'" said senior author Blumberg, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences. "They have several channels on the surface that are highly efficient in conducting electricity."

The dynamics of chiral excitons are not yet clear and the scientists want to use ultra-fast imaging to further study them. Chiral surface excitons may be found on other materials as well.

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Rutgers co-authors include doctoral students Xueyun Wang and Alexander Lee, and Board of Governors Professor Sang-Wook Cheong in Rutgers Center for Emergent Materials, who developed the ultra-pure crystals for this study. Professor Dmitrii Maslov and graduate student Adamya Goyal at the University of Florida and principal investigator Alexander Kemper at North Carolina State University contributed to theory development and the interpretation of results.

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About 3/4 of parents say dispensaries should not be near schools; 1/2 concerned about the risks of people driving while impaired near children's areas

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- With medical marijuana now legal in about two-thirds of U.S. states, there's growing concern about how dispensaries may impact surrounding neighborhoods and communities.

And parents in a new national poll overwhelmingly agree on one place dispensaries should not be allowed: anywhere near children.

Seven in 10 parents think they should have a say in whether dispensaries are located near their child's school or daycare and most say they should be banned within a certain distance of those facilities, according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at the University of Michigan.

Highest on the list of concerns was the risk impaired drivers may pose to children - with nearly half of parents saying this was a significant worry. A recent study found that more than half of people taking cannabis for chronic pain report driving while high.

"Medical marijuana has become legal in the majority of states but there is wide variation in state and local policies that regulate the location and operation of dispensaries," says poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.

"The majority of parents feel strongly that they should give local input on decisions regarding where dispensaries may open and also support limitations on how close dispensaries could be to children's areas."

Aside from the top concern involving drivers under the influence, some parents also worried about the possibility of a child finding and ingesting edible marijuana inadvertently left behind by a dispensary customer (48 percent), and teens having easier opportunities accessing marijuana (49 percent.) Other dispensary concerns included setting a bad example for kids (45 percent) and bringing violent crime to the area (35 percent).

Three quarters of parents indicated general support for legal medical marijuana, including one third of parents who support the option for children. Just 26 percent of parents opposed medical marijuana.

At the same time, most parents agreed that dispensaries should be banned within a certain distance of elementary schools, middle and high schools, and daycare centers. Forty-four percent of parents also believed dispensaries should not be close to places of worship. Support for such bans was equally strong among both mothers and fathers, younger and older parents, and parents of higher and lower income.

"Most parents seem to understand that marijuana can have legitimate medical benefits, but parents also have major concerns about the risks that medical marijuana dispensaries might pose to children," Clark says. "When it comes to where dispensaries are located, many parents feel that any area near children is too close for comfort."

Most parents (77 percent) agreed that medical marijuana dispensaries should have the same regulations as liquor stores for where they can be located. Meanwhile, 52 percent of parents said dispensaries should have the same rights as other businesses. Nearly all parents (90 percent) felt dispensaries should undergo inspections to ensure they are following all regulations.

Nearly half of parents (45 percent) said that medical marijuana is legal in their state, and 24 percent knew there was at least one medical marijuana dispensary in their community. Only 20 percent reported that their state or community has regulations about where dispensaries can be located, while 59 percent did not know if such regulations exist.

While most parents wanted to be consulted about locating a dispensary near their child's school or daycare, this may prove difficult, Clark says. There is no consistent state or local framework to regulate the location and operations of dispensaries. Some states may have added legal complexities differentiating the sale of medical versus recreational marijuana.

It may also be confusing about whether parents need to contact elected officials or commissions, and if they should focus on the state or local level when an application is filed for a new dispensary. Decisions about the location of new dispensaries could be made through a state law, a local zoning regulation, or other action.

"Parents who want to share their views about dispensaries before any open in their school's neighborhood may have limited opportunities to do so. They may not even be aware that a specific dispensary location is under consideration until the decision has already been made," Clark says.

"The lack of established standards may lead officials to enact policies that may not address parents' concerns," Clark adds. "Parents who want to provide input about local dispensaries may need to take the initiative to learn about the rules for opening a dispensary in their community and what steps they should follow to be involved in these decisions."

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HOUSTON-(Feb. 18, 2019) - Houston Methodist infectious disease scientists have discovered a previously unknown trigger that turns a relatively run-of-the-mill infection into a devastatingly ravenous, flesh-eating disease.

Group A streptococcus is an organism that causes more than 700 million cases of human infection every year globally. While most of those cases are strep throat, which most people have had, it's also a common cause of severe invasive diseases.

One such disease is childbed fever, which strikes moms and their newborns following childbirth. Not many people are familiar with this uglier, meaner cousin of strep throat, but it can turn serious in a very nasty way, leaving its victims without limbs or worse.

"Puerperal sepsis, more commonly called childbed fever, causes a lot of deaths on a global basis in women who are in the process of giving birth or soon after birth," said James M. Musser, M.D., Ph.D., who is the corresponding author on a paper appearing Feb. 18 in the journal Nature Genetics. "It is estimated that about 10 percent of all women who get childbed fever will end up dying. It's devastating and can sometimes also cause the child to die."

VIDEO: Dr. Musser explains the research: https:/ / vimeo. com/ 309151434 [ Password: HM_V!DEO ] (click here to download)

Musser, who is chairman of the Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine at Houston Methodist, and his research team did something unprecedented in studying this flesh-eating pathogen. They studied the relationship between three separate entities of group A streptococcus. A first in the field of bacteria research to be conducted at this scale, they looked at the interplay between the genome, transcriptome and virulence. This generated a massive amount of data that lent itself to being able to then use artificial intelligence to analyze it.

"By understanding the relationship and interplay between the genome, transcriptome and virulence, we have a much greater chance of being able to successfully create new vaccines and therapies for infected patients, as well as find other ways to prevent or at least minimize how much damage they cause to humans," Musser said.

Taking on the relationships of all three at one time gave them a richer understanding of how the organism ticks and how it really functions to become a pathogen and cause disease.

"We and others have been studying this problem for over 100 years, and we still don't have an effective group A strep vaccine. I believe the future of a lot of bacterial pathogenesis research is in generating and analyzing much larger data sets and using them to better our understanding of disease," Musser said. "The magnitude of data we generated for this bacterial pathogenesis paper is unprecedented. It opened the door for us to use novel and more sophisticated tools like artificial intelligence to examine it. With these new types of analyses, we're making an important step toward ultimately having an effective vaccine to eradicate group A strep from the face of the earth."

Having the ability to apply artificial intelligence to the data led them to an unexpected discovery, making it possible to gain new insights into how group A strep causes human infections.

"One of the very unexpected and exciting things we discovered was a strategy group A strep uses to cause serious disease in humans," Musser said. "This new mechanism we found controls virulence and determines whether the organism is just a pathogen or a really angry flesh-eating pathogen. That discovery would not have been possible without having this unusually large data set available for analysis with artificial intelligence."

To do this, they looked at the M28 strain of group A streptococcus, which causes a large number of invasive cases and a high incidence of childbed fever, in particular. In many countries, it's among the top five most common group A strep strains causing serious invasive disease in humans.

"Numerically, the M28s are very important causes of human infections, so we wanted to get new insight on it, because if you begin to understand the molecular pathogenesis processes, then you have ability to begin potentially developing new therapeutics and diagnostics," he said. "We're now able, using these very large data sets, to analyze them far more extensively and with different sets of eyes than we were able to in the past."

The overall strategy Musser and his colleagues used is one that is commonly used in cancer research.

"History teaches us that the more we understand how cancer cells work, the better we're able to generate new ways to inhibit them from causing human disease. Until 20 years ago, we didn't understand most of the genetic changes that result in cancers. We now understand those in far more detail because of extensive research and analysis of cancer genes," Musser said. "In cancer, you can appreciate that it's going to be very important to not just analyze one aspect, such as the genome of a cancer cell, but also to analyze what proteins are being made by the cancer cell and then exactly how cancer is invading other areas of the body."

Musser's team took a similar approach by analyzing the three entities of group A strep all at once. He points out that the ability to generate these large data sets at a reasonable cost, like they did in this study, was not possible even as recently as five years ago.

"We were able to clearly show new routes about how the M28 strain of group A strep causes infection, and it gives us a roadmap for understanding how this organism causes maternal sepsis," he said. "This extensive knowledge we now have gives us insight into how one might begin to attack important downstream research like developing a vaccine or new treatment to fight this organism and potentially eradicate it in the future."

The data they generated will be catalogued for others to use in genomics databases, readily available worldwide. Their hope is that by making it freely available to other investigators, others may look at it with fresh eyes and see things his group didn't notice.

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Other researchers collaborating with Musser on this study include Priyanka Kachroo, Jesus M. Eraso, Stephen B. Beres, Randall J. Olsen, Luchang Zhu, Waleed Nasser, Paul E. Bernard, Concepcion C. Cantu, Matthew Ojeda Saavedra, Maria Jose Arredondo, Benjamin Strope, Hackwon Do, Muthiah Kumaraswami, Samantha Kubiak, Hoang A. T. Nguyen and S. Wesley Long from the Houston Methodist Research Institute; Jaana Vuopio and Kirsi Grondahl-Yli-Hannuksela from University of Turku in Finland; Karl G. Kristinsson and Magnus Gottfredsson from the University of Iceland; Maiju Pesonen, Johan Pensar and Jukka Corander from the University of Oslo in Norway; Emily R. Davenport and Andrew G. Clark Cornell University in Ithaca; Dominique A. Caugant with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Shahin Gaini and Marita Debess Magnussen with laboratories in the Faroe Islands; and Adeline R. Porter and Frank R. DeLeo with the NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Montana.

The work was supported by grants from the Fondren Foundation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Research Institute, the Academy of Finland (255636), European Research Council (742158), National Institutes of Health (1R01AI109096-01A1) and the NIH Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

The sequences reported in this paper have been deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive under accession number SRP132980 and the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) under accession number GSE113058.
The Saudi crown prince on Monday concluded a visit to Pakistan and headed back home.

New Delhi: Ahead of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salmans visit to New Delhi, India on Monday put up a brave face in the face of Saudi Arabias announcement of hefty financial assistance to Pakistan which is being seen by some as a setback to New Delhis efforts to internationally isolate its neighbour in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

The Saudi crown prince on Monday concluded a visit to Pakistan and headed back home. He will reach New Delhi from Riyadh on Tuesday night and will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. India will strongly raise the issue of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan with the Saudi crown prince. Saudi Arabia has historically enjoyed very close ties with Pakistan.

According to news agen-cy reports from Islam-abad, the Saudi crown prince during his visit to Pakistan inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments worth US$ 20 billion. Saudi Arabia also provided US$ 3 billion loan to Pakistan and another US$ 3 billion oil facility on deferred payment during the past three months.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arab-ia also reportedly said it would try to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir was quoted by news agencies as saying, Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries (India and Pakistan), neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully. We want both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations.
CINCINNATI - From fathers to children, the delivery of hereditary information requires the careful packing of DNA in sperm. But just how nature packages this DNA to prepare offspring isn't clear. Using new technology to reveal the 3D organization of DNA in maturing male reproductive cells, scientists revealed a crucial period in development that helps explain how fathers pass on genetic information to future generations.

The period was captured during a stage of male sperm development called meiosis. This is when reproductive cells, called germ cells, are maturing into sperm that can fertilize a female egg, laying the foundation to make all the cells of a child. Publishing their findings in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, reproductive biologists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center say nature prepares the 3D organization of DNA before packing it into sperm.

By the time the germ cells actually become fertile sperm, the genetic material is tightly arranged. The male germ cell's hereditary material has precise 3D organization in the cell's genetic control center, the nucleus. Researchers report that this 3D organization is necessary for a male to help produce the next generation of life.

"We propose that male sperm is not just a carrier of DNA. Our data suggest that the three-dimensional organization in the cell nucleus helps establish a molecular foundation that can reproduce a complete zygote capable of becoming the next generation," said Satoshi Namekawa PhD, a principal investigator on the study and member of the Division of Reproductive Sciences.

The findings open the possibility of new research to investigate how the 3D organization of genetic material affects fertility and issues such as premature birth or stillbirth. Also collaborating on the study was the laboratory of Noam Kaplan, PhD at Technion Israel Institute of Technology, in Haifa, Israel.

Nature's Way

Using the maturing germ cells of male mice for their study, the researchers honed in on meiosis, the stage when male germ cells shed half of their chromosomes while shuffling around genetic material. This is part of nature's rule that male and female mammals each contribute half of their genetic material to generate a genetically whole but diverse member of the next generation. Humans have a total 46 chromosomes, with mother and father each contributing 23.

Using a technology called Hi-C, researchers were able to show the 3D organization and interactions of chromosomes, as well as the genes in the nucleus of meiotic male germ cells. The authors propose that preparing 3D organization in meiosis is vital for genes that allow germ cells to regain their ability to produce all the cells of the body after fertilizing a female egg.

"In meiosis, gene expression is extremely high and diverse," said Kris Alavattam, the study's first author and member of the Namekawa laboratory. "Many of these genes are essential for germ cells to develop, and many are expressed nowhere else but germ cells and at no other time."

During this time, the hereditary material in germ cells is organized in spatially related compartments called genomic compartments. In meiotic male germ cells, the researchers noticed genomic compartments are weaker than those in other cells of the body. This weakness helps facilitate what they call a global reprogramming of 3D chromatin organization. This organization of chromatin--the packaging of DNA with DNA-binding proteins--promotes essential gene expression and germ cell development. After meiosis, genomic compartments of chromatin become stronger and stronger, packing DNA in a highly organized manner as cells ready for procreation.

In order to gain more insight about possible contributions to reproductive health problems in people, the scientists now want to use their laboratory modeling systems to understand how the disruption of 3D chromatin organization may harm fertility.

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Funding support for the study came in part from an Albert J. Ryan Fellowship; the National Institutes of Health (556 R01GM098605, R01 GM122776, R21 ES027117, NIH DP2 GM119134); a research grant from the March of Dimes Foundation ((FY13-510); an Azrieli Faculty Fellowship; and a Taub Fellowship.
In the context of rapidly evolving climate conditions, a new study by Bioversity International and partners addresses the challenge of climate adaptation in a way that is both scalable and targeted. Scientists demonstrate a unique approach using crowdsourced citizen science that capitalizes on farmers' knowledge.

Crop adaptation to climate change has become an increasingly necessary and also risky task for smallholder farmers. Farmers need access to crop varieties and recommendations on the variety best suited to their local conditions. And, they need it fast. Existing approaches to generate recommendations in marginal production environments, however, lack two essential factors: scalability and ability to generate recommendations that are representative of the environments and conditions under which farmers grow crops on their fields.

A new paper by Bioversity International and partners published in PNAS shows how approaches using crowdsourced citizen science - in which farmers themselves are involved in the scientific studies - improve and accelerate variety recommendations. The farmer trials conducted in the study resulted in variety recommendations with important differences from the current recommendations.

"This work started with the idea that in the agricultural sciences we could learn from ecologists and environmental scientists who get massive feedback from citizen scientists," explains Jacob van Etten, senior scientist at Bioversity International and lead author of the paper. Bird ecologists compile data obtained from the observations of bird watchers into a large database. This allows them to trace bird movements and understand how climate change affects migration patterns. With so many data-contributing bird watchers, ecologists can track the impact of climate change as it happens. "It occurred to us that we need a similar citizen science approach in agriculture to help farmers to adapt to climate change."

The researchers applied a citizen science approach recently developed by Bioversity International called tricot - triadic comparisons of technologies - by which each farmer plants seeds from a test package of three varieties randomly assigned from a larger pool of varieties. The researchers organized the tricot trials over different seasons and landscapes to obtain a unique dataset covering 842 plots of common bean in Nicaragua, 1,090 plots of durum wheat in Ethiopia and 10,477 plots of bread wheat in India. Scientists then linked the farmer-generated data with agroclimatic and soil data.

The format used allowed even those with low literacy skills to contribute their evaluation data through various channels, including mobile telephones.

"We used climatic data to try to explain why certain varieties perform better than others," says Kaue de Sousa, a research fellow at Bioversity International and one of the joint lead authors of the study. "The results were very interesting. Farmers were clearly able to distinguish stress-tolerant varieties. We could also generate variety recommendations for different agroclimatic zones."

To assess what the tricot trial results mean in practice, the scientists contrasted them with existing recommendations, which in the case of the Ethiopian highlands were for modern wheat varieties. The tricot trials produced more geographically specific recommendations, and demonstrated the superior performance of farmer varieties that were approved for official release in March 2017.

The farmer-generated recommendations improved existing approaches. They can be directly translated into actionable information for climate adaptation on the ground, and can be used to create variety portfolios or, if combined with seasonal climate forecasts, climate information services to further diminish climate risk.

The novelty of this study is the demonstration that in vulnerable, low-income areas, climatic analysis of variety performance is possible using data generated directly by farmer citizen scientists on farms. The unique contribution of the tricot approach is that it integrates aspects of the existing approaches into a simple format that addresses the challenge of climate adaptation in a way that is scalable and targeted.

"This study confirms that our initial hunch was correct - citizen science can help farmers with climate adaptation. It also shows the enormous potential of citizen science in agriculture," says van Etten. "It opens a whole new area of possibilities."

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Bioversity International, a CGIAR Research Centre, delivers scientific evidence, management practices and policy options to use and safeguard agricultural and tree biodiversity to attain sustainable global food and nutrition security. http://www. bioversityinternational. org

CGIAR is a global research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 Research Centres in close collaboration with hundreds of partners across the globe. http://www. cgiar. org
Union of Muslim Scholars warns world about Israel

Scholars condemn Arab state officials participated in Warsaw Summit held jointly by US and Poland last week.

The International Union of Muslim Scholars condemned Sunday the meeting of officials from several Arab countries with the Israeli Prime Minister at a conference in Warsaw.

A WRITTEN STATEMENT ON TWITTER

International Union of Muslim Scholars accepts with sorrow the meeting of a large number of officials from Arab countries with the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu who occupy their Holy Land, kill their children, blockade their cities and Judaize the Palestine and Jerusalem with the support of the U.S., announced the Union in a written statement on Twitter.

The Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East, held jointly by the U.S. and Poland, took place in Warsaw, Poland on Feb. 13-14.

Arab state officials who attended the conference have forgotten what Israel has done in Jerusalem and the West Bank, the statement added.

NETANYAHU THINKS IT'S A TURNING POINT

Underlying that the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu considered these developments as a historical turning point, the statement said: Netanyahu asked US Secretary of State to work for Israel's and Arabs common interests.

United States and Poland said the international ministerial meeting would discuss peace and security in the Middle East, and critical issues such as terrorism, missile development and proliferation.

But recent remarks by senior U.S. and Polish officials have led to speculations about an attempt to build an anti-Iran coalition.

Nearly 50 countries, including Israel and several Arab states, reportedly confirmed their participation in the conference, which is officially known as the Ministerial to Promote a Future of Peace and Security in the Middle East.
Muslim association in Vienna provides food to homeless

RAHMA Austria association delivers hot meals to homeless people several days of the week.

A Muslim association in the Austrian capital Vienna is distributing hot meals to homeless and needy people, the association told Anadolu Agency on Sunday.

PROVIDING HOT MEALS

Deputy head of RAHMA Austria association Omer Batur said since three years they provide hot meals to homeless people several days of the week.

Batur said they provide hot meals to around 100 homeless people in a day. He said both Austrians and the foreigners living in Austria received the project very positively.

"With projects like this, Muslims can give the message 'we are living in this country and we are in a search of solutions to common problems of this country' to the society they live in," Batur stressed.

Batur said social events like this is an important way of struggling with far-right rhetoric which has risen in the latest period in Austria.

He added that RAHMA Austria association has been providing aid to many needy people around the world for 25 years, including Syrians, Rohingya Muslim, and Palestinian refugees.
Israeli police close gates of Jerusalem's Aqsa Mosque

It remains unclear the reasons for the closure.

Israeli police shut all gates of East Jerusalem's flashpoint Al Aqsa Mosque on Monday, according to a Palestinian official.

"All gates of Al Aqsa Mosque have been closed by Israeli police," Firas al-Dibs, a spokesman for Jerusalems Jordan-run Religious Endowments Authority, said in a statement.

He said police also assaulted worshippers inside the mosque.

It remains unclear the reasons of the closure.

Israeli police have yet to issue an official statement on the report.
Enid, OK (73701)

Today

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The Argentine President is the first world leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack.

New Delhi: Sound a tough note on Pakistan without naming it and perhaps in an indication of things to come, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack showed that the time for talks is over and that any hesitation in taking action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging this menace. He was speaking after holding talks with Argentinas President Mauricio Macri here on Monday. The two sides inked 10 pacts, including ones to strengthen cooperation in defence and civil nuclear energy. Highlighting the importance New Delhi continues to attach to the issue of counter-terrorism, especially after the Pulwama attack, the two sides issued a special declaration to fight terrorism that mentioned the scourge of cross-border terrorism, and said that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, that is being seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan. I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed, Mr Modi said, in a clear indication of New Delhis resolve. Now it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism, he added in a press statement in the presence of President Marci.

The Argentine President is the first world leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack. Condoling the deaths of the CRPF personnel, President Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism.

The Special Declaration to Fight Terrorism by the two sides stated: The Argentine Republic condemned in the strongest terms the brutal terrorist attack that took place in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019 against a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in which more than 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives and a large number were injured, and expressed its solidarity with the families of the sons of India that lost their lives in this brutal terrorist attack.

It added: Both leaders agreed that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism. They stressed that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever, particularly emphasising the scourge of cross-border terrorism. Both leaders emphasised that terrorism must be confronted unequivocally and resolutely. They reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide safe haven to terrorists and terror groups.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
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There is growing interest in nuclear power across several African countries. The USA could help to create more equitable and sustainable deployment of clean nuclear power on the African continent by assisting with the supply of advanced small modular nuclear reactors.

Of the 30 countries identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as interested in nuclear power programmes, one-third are in Africa. Although the first commercial nuclear plant in these countries may be decades away, now is the time for potential international partners to start taking Africas nuclear power ambitions seriously.

South Africa is the only country with an operating commercial nuclear power plant on the African continent, but its far from the only one with an active nuclear science and technology sector. Nuclear research or medical reactors are operating in Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and Nigeria, as well as in South Africa.

Furthermore, many countries are starting to explore international partnerships to import and build their first commercial nuclear power plants. Many of these agreements will likely change, but we know of at least eleven African nations whose nuclear energy ambitions deserve ongoing attention.

Unfortunately, the ambitions and preparations of African nations for nuclear power are matched by serious obstacles. The challenges of starting a commercial nuclear programme  controlling costs, building the necessary infrastructure, resolving water scarcity, and ensuring adequate highly skilled human resources  can be daunting for any country, much less a developing one.

Playing nuclear leapfrog

If nuclears advantages are to materialise in African countries, its deployment will in all likelihood need to follow a different path than it took in the developed world. The history of nuclear power in the developed world is the story of large-scale light-water reactors (LWRs), which are expensive to build, water-hungry, and require huge grid capacity. The deployment of traditional LWRs in developing African nations, therefore, will need to anticipate and address these challenges.

Fortunately, advanced nuclear reactor technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), could dramatically reduce these countervailing forces  provided there was an international export market that made them available.

Several US companies are pursuing SMRs with capacities up to 300 MW that can be manufactured in a factory and transported to the power plant site for deployment by sea, rail or road. Because of their much smaller size and factory fabrication, they are projected to have lower capital costs and shorter construction times than LWRs. Also, their modularity means that additional units can be added to meet growing demand and as grid capacity permits.

The most mature SMR design in the USA is said to be the one from NuScale Power, which has submitted its design for licensing and is looking to start construction in the early 2020s for its first commercial customer, the Utah Associated Municipal Power System.

Provision of potable water

Of particular interest in the African context, are the new SMR designs with integrated desalination facilities to provide clean water for drinking or agriculture. In South Korea, the SMART Power Company is marketing a 100 MW SMR that can also produce some 40-million litres of potable water every day. Jordan and Saudi Arabia have both shown interest in deploying this technology.

A small number of US and European companies are also working on extremely small modular reactors, or microreactors, which have capacities of 20 MW or less and can operate for up to ten years before refuelling. The owners and operators of these reactors, sometimes dubbed nuclear batteries, do not have to handle fuelling or maintenance, thus making them suitable for African countries which lack a technical workforce with training in nuclear technology. Microreactors could also be a good option for off-grid industrial and mining operations, which are often the largest energy consumers in developing countries.

Using already proven reactor technology, several companies are developing floating and stationary offshore nuclear plant designs, using either SMRs or traditional large LWRs mounted on vessels or offshore platforms. These nuclear plants have easier access to cooling water, and their location away from land makes them not subject to damage from hazards such as tsunamis and earthquakes, which could make them easier to license from a safety perspective.

Yet another advanced design under development is the high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR). Because these reactors use gas rather than water as their primary coolant, they operate at much higher temperatures and thus much higher efficiencies, making them smaller and vastly reducing water demand. They also use a ceramic fuel that can withstand significantly higher temperatures, making a meltdown extremely unlikely.

African countries have expressed great interest in the potential use of such advanced reactor designs, but in interviews with representatives from state utilities and atomic energy agencies, they insist that they need proven technology. With no desire to be the worlds guinea pig for untested nuclear technologies, these countries want the new reactors to be first built and operated successfully in their country of origin.

Mutually beneficial partnerships

Although advanced reactors hold great promise, the countries that dominate the African nuclear export market overwhelmingly Russia and China  are offering only traditional LWRs.

The worlds other nuclear exporters  including the USA, Canada, and France, which dominated global exports historically  have minimal roles in Africa, if any. The USAs retreat from fostering nuclear power in Africa, or anywhere really, has been magnified of late with the bankruptcy of Westinghouse, which was the main US nuclear vendor bidding for projects abroad.\

Yet the USA still has an opportunity to help interested African nations overcome the obstacles to realising their energy ambitions. The USA has a robust and thriving private sector for advanced nuclear development, drawing on both decades of public research and development and a high-tech investment ecosystem. From large national laboratories to small venture-backed start-ups, the USA has over 50 firms working on a diverse portfolio of advanced nuclear designs, many targeting smaller or niche markets.

Conclusion

The US government should pave the way for advanced nuclear companies to market their products in Africa. This means signing bilateral agreements much earlier with African nations sincerely interested in nuclear power, without which US nuclear companies will have trouble getting approval to collaborate, share information, or export nuclear technology with these nations.

Finally, the government should tackle one of the largest barriers to the development of nuclear power in newcomer countries: opposition from international financing institutions, including the World Bank, which have long-standing, explicit policies against funding nuclear power projects. The US government should lobby these institutions to change such policies in light of new technologies and business models.

There is a future in which innovative US nuclear companies develop mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations, deploying advanced nuclear technology that better matches their needs  simultaneously helping US companies make their technologies cheaper and fuelling Africas economic development without contributing to climate change. Realising this

synergy, however, will take work, but the potential payoff for all parties would be well worth it.

Acknowledgement

This is an abridged version of an article that appeared in Issues in Science and Technology, Vol. 35, No. 2 (Winter 2019) and is republished here with permission.

Contact Jessica Lovering, Breakthrough Institute, jessica@thebreakthrough.org

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BERLIN - The Ecumenical Jury at the 69th Berlinale film festival has awarded the prize for the best film in the International Competition to a North Macedonian film, it called, "a modern-day parable."

The Jury, however, did not give a prize to French director Francois Ozon's film about sexual abuse in France's Lyon Diocese which later on the evening of Feb. 16 went on to win the prestigious Berlinale Silver Bear.

The Ecumenical Jury appointed by the International Interchurch Film Organization (INTERFILM) and the World Catholic Association for Communication (SIGNIS) is a separate prize.

It awarded the first prize to "Gospod postoi, imeto i' e Petrunija" (God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya), directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska.

The Jury report said it gave the award, "for its daring portrayal of the transformation of a disempowered young woman into an outspoken defender of women's rights.

"When Petrunya spontaneously joins in an Orthodox Church ritual for young men by catching a cross thrown into a river by a priest, she breaks church and social traditions. Her initial refusal to return the cross unleashes her inner strength in the face of institutional conventions and reveals God within her."

The film drew standing ovations on the opening night in the Berlinale Palast and has been popular with audiences.

ECUMENICAL JURY PRIZES

The Ecumenical Jury also awarded prizes in the Panorama and Forum sections.

It made special mention in the Panorama section of a documentary filmed with three cell phones by Afghan filmmakers Hassan Fazili and his wife Fatima Hussaini.

They recorded their long flight from Afghanistan after the Islamist Taliban group put a bounty on his head.

It already received a special commendation at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Ecumenical jury report said, "Fazili's film adds urgency and immediacy to the worldwide migration crisis.

"His raw and endearing images, deepened by his wife and daughters' determined spirits, reveal hopeful humanity and enduring love in the midst of constant motion."

Since 1992, the Ecumenical Jury has handed out prizes at this annual film festival in the heart of Berlin. This year's jury consisted of six film specialists - five women and one man, three of who were North Americans: Pamela Aleman (Canada), Rev. Micah Bucey (USA), Sister Dominic Dipio (Uganda), Margrit Frolich (Germany), Anna Grebe (Germany) and Kristine Greenaway (Canada).

GOLDEN BEAR AWARD

On Feb. 16 the Berlinale International Jury, headed by French actress Juliette Binoche awarded the Golden Bear to an Israeli film "Synonyms" directed by Nadav Lapid in a Franco-German-Israeli co-production.

The Berlinale Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to Grace a Dieu (By the Grace of God) - a film about the true story of sexual abuse of children in the Diocese of Lyon and their quest as adults to prevent their abuser, a local priest, Bernard Preynat from continuing to work with children.

After receiving his Silver Bear director Francois Ozon said, "This is a film that is fighting to break the silence which exists in the Catholic Church in France."

"We are continuing to fight against this wall of silence . And we do feel considerable resistance and that is why this award is a great surprise for us. It has given us recognition and we will continue fighting," Ozon said.

The film had its world premiere in during the Berlinale and is due to open in France on 20 February but there have been legal challenges to try and prevent it from showing.

Ozon said afterwards "The story we are describing is a real story, it actually happened this way in Lyon and now there is considerable resistance in France.

"I had difficulties producing this film, there is the intent of censorship. I don't know if it is going to be shown in the movie theaters, I don't know if people in France will be able to see it."

16 FILMS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

The Berlinale is the world's biggest audience-driven film festival.

It has low ticket prices and encouragement for participation takes place annually in February in Berlin.

During the 10 days, 406 films were shown in various sections and genres in cinemas across the German capital.

The International Competition is the center piece of the festival where films compete for the coveted Golden Bear for best film and Silver Bears for other categories.

This year the 16 films competed after the Chinese entry Yi Miao Zhong (One Second) by Zhang Yimou withdrew four days before its world premiere.

That was, "Due to technical difficulties encountered during post-production."

Agence France Presse reported that it may have been pulled for political reasons.

Awards of the Ecumenical Jury at the 69th Berlinale, 2019

International Competition

Gospod postoi, imeto i' e Petrunija (God Exists, Her Name Is Petrunya)

directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska, North Macedonia / Belgium / Slovenia / Croatia /

France, 2019

Panorama Section

Buoyancy directed by Rodd Rathjen, Australia, 2019

Midnight Traveler directed by Hassan Fazili, USA, Great Britain, Katar, Canada, 2019

Forum Section

Erde (Earth) directed by Nikolaus Geyrhalter, Austria, 2019
Almost 40 train cars carrying crude oil derailed near a small town in the Canadian province of Manitoba Saturday, leaking oil into the surrounding area, CBC News reported.

The derailment of around 37 cars and subsequent oil spill took place on the property of rancher Jayme Corr, who lives around 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) south of the town of St. Lazare, in the rural municipality of Ellice-Archie.

"You can smell crude in the air. That's really concerning," Corr said. "There's oil leaking, and where they're sitting is [near] a water lagoon," he said.

Canadian National Railway (CN) began to clean the spill Saturday and said that it had been contained and that no oil had entered the nearby Assiniboine River, the Winnipeg Sun reported.



"Our environmental team is preparing clean up and remediation to protect the environment," CN media relations director Jonathan Abecassis wrote in an email to the Winnipeg Sun. "A perimeter has been set up around the area to facilitate site access. CN crews are conducting a full site assessment to determine how much product has spilled."

Corr told CBC News he was worried that the oil might contaminate the water source he relies on in the summer. Corr and other locals were not surprised by the derailment.

"It seems to be the trains go faster, they're longer, heavier, and the maintenance is getting less and less," Corr said.

Ellice-Archie Councillor Jean-Paul Chartier told CBC News he often observed trains traveling through St. Lazare and worried they would derail and cause a disaster like the one that killed 47 in Lac-Megantic, Quebec in 2013 when a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded.

"It's discouraging. Like you look at it everyday and you say 'hopefully it's not today and hopefully it doesn't ever happen.' But you've always got it in the back of your mind," Chartier said.

In 1991, a train derailment forced around 400 St. Lazare residents to evacuate when dangerous chemicals were spilled, Ellice-Archie Reeve Barry Lowes said, The Canadian Press reported.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it had sent investigators to the site of the derailment.

Pipeline advocates used the derailment to bolster their arguments at a rally Saturday in Moosomin, Saskatchewan.



"This does underscore the importance of the proper approval and regulatory process, so that we are actually able to ensure that we get that energy product in pipelinesnot only for safety, but for economic reasons as well as environmental reasons," Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said at the rally, according to The Canadian Press.

However, environmental advocates have long said that the rail or pipeline debate distracts from the question of why oil must be transported at all.

"[I]t's not a question of trains versus pipelines, but why we need more of either option given North American oil demand is declining," Equiterre co-founder Steven Guilbeault wrote in a 2013 opinion piece for The Globe and Mail responding to the Lac-Megantic disaster. "Pipeline proponents are offering us a false choice. We don't need to build more infrastructure to ship dangerous crude oil across the continent."
The CWC meeting was originally due on February 26, but it has now been rescheduled to February 28.

New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee, the partys highest decision-making body, may adopt some broader aspects of its manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha elections at its day-long meeting on February 28 in Ahmedabad. Party sources noted that for Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the new AICC general secretary for eastern Uttar Pradesh, it would be the first appearance at a major party brain-storming session after assuming charge.

Immediately after the CWC meeting, Ms Vadra would be addressing her maiden political rally at Adalaj, near Ahmedabad, the sources added. Ms Vadra is a member of the CWC, and it is expected she would play an active participant in the proceedings.

The CWC meeting was originally due on February 26, but it has now been rescheduled to February 28.

Sources said party president Rahul Gandhi, who heads the CWC, will lead the proceedings where the members as well as permanent invitees of the working committee would be present.

Interestingly, the CWC meeting will be held at Sardar Patel Bhavan in Ahmedabad, a symbolic gesture by the Congress to remind people that the iconic leader had belonged to the party. Incidentally, veteran Congress leader from Gujarat and former MP Dinsha Patel heads the Sardar Patel Memorial Society, which is situated in Ahmedabad.

Sources in the party pointed out that during the day-long brain-storming session, the partys top brass was likely to finalise certain broad aspects of the manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, on which the core of the entire exercise would be based. The broader aspects to be discussed at the meeting is likely to be the start of the formal process of finalising the manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls.

The CWC will also discuss the current political scenario and the progress made by the party for the elections, the party sources said.
Today, the U.S. celebrates Presidents Day, a day to commemorate the leadership and legacy of the so-far only men who have governed the country since its founding.

Here at EcoWatch, we think some of the most amazing things about the U.S. are its unique and beautiful landscapes and wildlife. So this Presidents Day, we would like to celebrate actions taken by past presidents to protect America's environment.

1. Abraham Lincoln Protects Yosemite

On June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant Act, giving Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the state of California. It marked the first time in U.S. history that the government set land aside specifically to protect it and preserve it for public enjoyment, according to POLITICO.

"In its scope and in its avowed preservation purpose the Yosemite Valley undertaking was truly precedent-setting," author Ney C. Landrum wrote in The State Park Movement in America: A Critical Review, according to The Smithsonian Magazine. "Not only were there no real state parks in 1864, there were no national parks, either. California's experiment pioneered a new field of public land management and provided valuable lessonspositive as well as negativefor other park advocates who would soon follow."

The Yosemite Grant was used to justify the establishment of Yellowstone as the nation's first official national park in 1872. Yosemite became a national park the same year.

2. Theodore Roosevelt Protects 10 Percent of the U.S. Land Area



When the magazine Corporate Knights asked 12 top environmentalist individuals and groups to name the greenest president in U.S. history, Theodore Roosevelt came out 28 points ahead of the rest. During his presidency, he protected 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reservations, 18 national monuments and five national parks to a total of 230 million acres, or 10 percent of the U.S. land area.

It wasn't an easy task, either; he faced opposition from logging and mining interests. Congress even wanted to let industry mine the Grand Canyon. But Roosevelt was ahead of his time in realizing that the country's natural resources were not infinitely renewable without protection.

"We have become great because of the lavish use of our resources," he wrote, according to the National Park Service. "But the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, when the soils have still further impoverished and washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, denuding the fields and obstructing navigation."

3. Richard Nixon Creates the EPA



Richard Nixon was not a committed conservationist like Roosevelt, but he came in second place in Corporate Knights' poll because he responded to an emerging environmental crisis, and a growing environmental movement, by signing key legislation like the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. He also created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In 1969, incidents like the Cuyahoga River catching fire and the Santa Barbara oil spill made it clear that America's environment was in trouble. Nixon responded in part by issuing Reorganization Plan 3 in the summer of 1970, which created the EPA, according to Time.

"Our national government today is not structured to make a coordinated attack on the pollutants which debase the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land that grows our food," he told Congress, according to Time. "Indeed, the present governmental structure for dealing with environmental pollution often defies effective and concerted action. Despite its complexity, for pollution control purposes the environment must be perceived as a single, interrelated system. Present assignments of departmental responsibilities do not reflect this interrelatedness."

4. Carter Installs Solar Panels at the White House



Jimmy Carter became the first U.S. president to install solar panels at the White House when he dedicated a solar water heater as part of his bid to encourage energy independence. Since his time in office coincided with an energy crisis, Carter was the first U.S. president to emphasize the importance of transitioning away from foreign, non-renewable energy and signed legislation to support renewable energy alternatives like wind and solar, according to Corporate Knights.

"In the year 2000 this solar water heater behind me, which is being dedicated today, will still be here supplying cheap, efficient energy," Carter said when the panels were dedicated on June 20, 1979, according to Scientific American. "A generation from now, this solar heater can either be a curiosity, a museum piece, an example of a road not taken or it can be just a small part of one of the greatest and most exciting adventures ever undertaken by the American people."

Carter wanted the U.S. to get 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the turn of the century, but his successor Ronald Reagan slashed the Department of Energy's renewable research budget. The percentage of U.S. electricity generated by renewable sources finally reached 18 in 2017, Fortune reported.

5. Obama Puts the First National Limits on No. 1 Source of Greenhouse Gas Emissions



In August of 2015, President Barack Obama announced the Clean Power Plan, the first-ever government plan to limit U.S. carbon pollution from its leading source: the nation's power plants, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Obama specifically framed it as an attempt to limit catastrophic climate change.

"I am convinced that no challenge poses a greater threat to our future and future generations than a changing climate. And that's what brings us here today," Obama said during remarks announcing the plan.

Unfortunately, the EPA under President Donald Trump has released a replacement plan that would actually increase carbon pollution from power plants. We will now have to wait until 2020 to see what the environmental legacy of the next U.S president will be.


5 things you need to know about the Innovative Finance ISA

With ISA season upon us, it can be tough for savers and investors to know which product to choose. Not every ISA will suit a persons long-term goals or appetite for risk.

Stocks & Shares ISAs typically offer higher returns but carry the risk of an investment going up or down in line with the stock market, whilst Cash ISAs offer security but low returns in the current savings environment.

However, there is a relatively new entrant to the market which offers an excellent middle ground, in the form of the Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA). In fact, the IFISA is becoming increasingly popular with investors. 290m was invested into the product in the last tax year, 8 times more than in the 2016/17 tax year.

1. What is it?

The IFISA is an ISA which enables customers to earn tax-free interest on their peer-to-peer investments. For example, through the Zopa platform, your investment will fund personal loans to low risk UK borrowers. 66,000 UK customers currently use these types of investments to diversify their portfolio. An investment into a Zopa IFISA will function in the same way as any non-ISA Zopa investment does. The difference is simply ring-fencing the returns from the taxman. ISAs remain tax free for their lifetime so you dont have to worry about exceeding your Personal Savings Allowance as your assets grow.

2. What returns does it offer?

Unlike Stocks & Shares ISAs, the IFISA has target rates of return: 4.5-5.2% in the case of Zopas IFISAs. The investment does carry risks, although Zopa is completely transparent with its loan book, and has a 14-year track record in successfully managing risk. Stocks & Shares ISAs can be especially volatile, as illustrated during the stock market crash of 2008 and the recent tumble in global markets which saw the worst fall in value for 10 years. The IFISA also offers much higher rates of return in comparison to the Cash ISA, with the average return across Cash ISAs in 2018 just 0.8%.

3. So, you can transfer in and out?

Yes. Transferring across ISA asset classes is possible with some providers. However, many ISAs dont allow this and even if they do, theyll often charge you for it. The Zopa IFISA allows you to transfer your existing ISA or previous years ISAs into an IFISA for free. Transferring in an old ISA from another provider also wont affect your current years tax-free allowance. Best of all, it means youll be able to start earning returns upwards of 4.5% on Cash ISAs that typically would have been earning less than 1%, although it does carry more risk than Cash ISAs. Of course, you can also transfer out by selling your loans to other investors, but there are associated fees.

4. Is it flexible?

Yes. Flexible IFISAs are available from some providers  such as Zopa - which means you can withdraw money from your account, and then refund up to the amount withdrawn without using up more of your annual allowance for that tax year. If you want to withdraw a lump sum from the platform, well sell your loans to other investors and there are associated fees.

5. Can you have multiple IFISAs?

You can only contribute your annual allowance to one IFISA per tax year. However, you may transfer any historic ISA balances to multiple IFISAs. Your historic balances can only be moved via the ISA transfer process. If you simply withdraw funds or close an existing ISA, you may lose its ISA-wrapped status.

Andrew Lawson, Chief Product Officer at Zopa comments on the IFISA: The IFISA represents an excellent middle ground for investors put off by the increasingly turbulent equity markets or disappointed by the pitiful returns offered by Cash ISAs.

Our IFISA offers retail investors a well-diversified portfolio of low risk loans, and a reasonably predictable, stable, and attractive return on their investment.

As the IFISA and peer-to-peer lending enter the mainstream, investors are quite rightly demanding fairer, simpler, and more intuitive products which do away with hidden fees or introductory rates that swiftly disappear.

When you invest your money with Zopa, your capital is at risk. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
Last chance to buy at Phoenix Quarter

Homebuyers looking to buy a brand new home at Phoenix Quarter in Dartford, Kent will need to move fast as the final few homes are now available for sale. Barratt Homes is nearly finished selling at its popular development, with just twenty properties remaining.

Now 95% sold, there are a range of two- to four-bedroom houses available for purchase. The remaining three- and four-bedroom properties are ideally for families and feature open-plan kitchen/dining areas to suit the needs of a modern lifestyle. On the first floor, there is a living area, while a master bedroom sits on the top floor. The new homes have been built with energy efficient boilers and high-specification insulation, so are ideal for those looking to reduce household bills.

With all homes qualifying for Help to Buy, the homes are expected to sell quickly.

Natalie Perry, Director of Sales and Marketing at Barratt Kent, says: Phoenix Quarter has been exceptionally well received by homebuyers in the Dartford area and we are delighted with its success. Help to Buy has proven to be an increasingly popular way of buying a brand new home given its low deposit requirement, and last year we celebrated our 1000th Kent Help to Buy customer. We would encourage potential homebuyers to visit the development and explore the properties available.

Help to Buy, the Governments popular equity loan scheme, helps both first time buyers and house movers purchase a brand new home with lower upfront costs. The helpful scheme means that buyers only need to raise a five per cent deposit, while the Government steps in with an interest-free (for the first five years) loan of a further 20% of the property value. In this way, buyers are able to access more affordable 75% loan-to-value mortgages. The scheme is available with new homes worth up to the value of 600,000.

Dartford is set in north-west Kent, offering a revived town with a range of bars, restaurants and shops. The town itself boosts amenities like the traditional Dartford Farmers Market with fresh produce from the local Kentish fields and orchards. Phoenix Quarter is also in the catchment area for many of the leading schools in the area, including Dartford Grammar School. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, a free Kent Wildlife Trust family membership is offered to all purchasers at Phoenix Quarter.

Dartford Station is just under a mile away, providing trains to Victoria, Cannon Street and Charing Cross via London Bridge in less than 45 minutes. Ebbsfleet International Station, which connects residents with central London in 17 minutes and Paris in two hours, is less than six miles away and also on the Fastrack bus route, which offers a bus stop five minutes from the development. The A2, M25, M2 and M20 are all easily accessible, putting Bluewater Shopping Centre, London City Airport, Gatwick Airport and The 02 Arena all within easy reach.

The remaining homes are available from 279,995 and with the popular Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, a deposit of just 14,000. For more information, visit barratthomes.co.uk.
Where are the best places to shop? Who gives the best haircut? Who cooks the best burger? Join our readers in selecting the "Best of Windham."

Make your picks!
Three Jaish terrorists including Kamran, a Pakistani national, were killed on Monday in Pulwama districts Pinglan area.

Jaish does not have a hierarchy like in other terror organisations including Hizbul Mujahideen which nominates people like Kashmir commanders and so on. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which has emerged as a frontline terrorist organisation in Kashmir has over 40 hardcore active terrorists in South Kashmir, which also includes Pulwama, according to sources involved in counter-terror operations.

However, what is also making the security establishment worried is that the number of local boys turning to terror in Kashmir has risen. In 2017, around 128 local boys joined militancy, which rose to 208 in 2018, said sources. In 2019, till now three boys are reported to have joined the militants, they said.

Most of the hardcore terrorist of the Jaish in South Kashmir are foreigners, which are helped by a well-developed network of local over-the- ground workers that provide support for terror activities, said sources.

South Kashmir, which in recent years has come to be known as the hotbed of terror and anti-India activities in the Valley has four districts: Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian.

Jaish does not have a hierarchy like in other terror organisations including Hizbul Mujahideen which nominates people like Kashmir commanders and so on.

Three Jaish terrorists including Kamran, a Pakistani national, were killed on Monday in Pulwama districts Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber blew his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans. A major and three other army personnel were killed and a brigade commander, a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general of the JK police, were also injured in the gun battle.

The high number of casualties on our side is because terrorists like Kamran, who are foreigners, are trained well in Pakistan and are more hardcore than the locals like those in Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, said sources. However, Gazi who is believed to have made the IED for the car which killed the jawans was not involved in the encounter. Sources in the security establishment here said that Kamran was an A++ category Jaish terrorist.

Kamran, being a Pakistan-trained militant was generally giving instruction in South Kashmir. His killing is significant in the sense that we have eliminated a directional commander and he must have had information on the Pulwama attack on CRPF, said sources.
New superannuation laws are expected to eliminate underperforming, fee gouging super funds with the introduction of automatic consolidation of inactive accounts and a fee cap for accounts with balances under $6000.

Two superannuation bills were passed in the Senate last week and have sparked a reaction from Industry Super Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants.

Industry Super Australia deputy chief executive, Matt Linden said that despite two bills being passed, it was disappointing to hear that explicit changes intended to protect young and low balance members from unnecessary insurance were completely dropped from the final bill.

While additional safeguards were definitely required, removing the provisions completely was not necessary, he said.

Regardless, Industry super funds will strive to ensure default insurance arrangements remain cost effective and matched to the insurance needs of members taking into account age and other factors such as occupational risk.

Mr Linden said that one of the most important changes from July 1 this year was the automatic consolidation of inactive accounts under $6000.

Although the technology to automatically consolidate accounts has been available for many years without requiring members to do the legwork legislators have dragged the chain, he said.

Coupled with fee caps for accounts under $6000 these measures will have to do the heavy lifting to prevent erosion of small account balances.

Institute of Public Accountants chief executive officer, Andrew Conway, said the Coalitions Protecting Your Super package had been stalled for too long in the Senate.

Fee-gouging, particularly by the large superannuation entities, has to be dramatically wound back if we are to encourage a culture of superannuation contributions and savings as part of retirement planning, he said.

The Bills that form this package were announced in last years Federal Budget in May  and starts to address some of the flaws in our superannuation system.

The package also stops default charging of life insurance with an opt-in option for people under 25 while the current default process erodes super balances with unnecessary insurance.

He said too many Australians still had multiple superannuation accounts.

It is encouraging to see the work by the ATO to educate the public over lost and unclaimed superannuation with promising results of $860 million found and consolidated just in the last quarter of 2018. The worry is that there is $17.5 billion reportedly, still in the lost and unclaimed category, Mr Conway said.

Australia must encourage people to build their superannuation retirement funds to alleviate the pressures that will exist on government paid pensions in the future.
A Bikram yoga class and a fresh coconut inspired H2coco founder David Freeman to make a life-changing decision and create a multi-million dollar business.

The young entrepreneur began his career in hospitality while studying architecture at university and by the time he was 21 he was an owner and part-owner of a number of venues. However, it was Davids decision to travel in 2008 that led to the birth of H2coco.

After a hot Bikram yoga session I was given a fresh coconut by the teacher which went down a treat. The teacher explained the health benefits but said these words, its just so hard to open. That lightbulb moment was the catalyst to starting H2coco at a time when packaged coconut water didnt exist in Australia or New Zealand, David said.

Founded in 2010, H2coco was one of the first brands to introduce 100 per cent pure coconut water to Australia. Working alongside food scientists, Davids vision is to provide a healthier beverage alternative for every fridge and pantry. And with a health conscious population, the demand for healthier food and beverage options is growing. H2coco is now exported around the world to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan, Korea and South Korea.

Over the next 12 months H2coco will launch four new products, including a new first-to-market product made from real bananas, as well as exploring new international market opportunities in the United States.

Dynamic Business had a chat with David about being named in the top 10, his top tips and what is new and exciting about H2coco.

How does it feel to be named one of Dynamic Businesss Top 10 Entrepreneurs?

I am honoured and humbled to be named as a Dynamic Business Top10 Entrepreneur  it is extremely satisfying to be recognised. This acknowledgement is a testament to the team I have supporting me and is a major morale booster to continue taking H2coco to the next level. Im proud to have developed a company that is making strides in the better for you category and extending it beyond coconut water. This recognition will assist us with our plans for further global expansion.

What are the top three lessons youve learnt so far?

1. A close mentor advised me a while ago to take funding only when you truly need it and I have applied this to the H2coco business  any profit is true profit that can be reinvested straight back into growth. We have been able to bootstrap the H2coco business since 2008, building the company organically off the back of our growing customer revenue and it is only now  10 years on  that we are seeking venture capital to rapidly scale and expand globally.

2. Company culture is the ultimate secret sauce to business success  team and workplace engagement is critical. Create an agile work environment and build a team of genuine, talented people that you trust. Be approachable as a leader and show you care about each individuals unique experience inside the business. Embrace creative thoughts and ideas and allow your team to collaborate and thrive alongside you to truly enable them to perform at their peak.

3. Keep your mind open to new ideas and encourage innovation. In business and in life, the sticking to what you know best approach is an old adage that hinders opportunity in todays world. Unlock your limits to expand your scope and diversify  this will generate opportunities. Avoid having a narrow view so you can identify and take advantage of these opportunities. This will help you cut-through and lead you on the path to discovery, visionary and ultimately success.

What is new and exciting about H2coco?

Over the next 12 months we will be launching four new products into the market  we recently released Pure Pink Coconut Water which is naturally a sweeter, lighter more nutty version of our classic Pure Coconut Water. New options with added functionality are also to come for Pure Pink Coconut Water range, as well as a new first-to-market product made from real bananas, plus we will be introducing products into brand-new categories.

H2coco has successfully expanded into 7-Eleven stores within Australia and recently established high-potential strategic partnerships with community groups including Surfing NSW and the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club. We are now starting our move into new channels including food service  hotels, restaurants and cafes (HORECA), quick service restaurants (QSR) and schools, and looking into opportunities in pharmacy, as well as securing new major distributors.

What are you currently up to in your business?

We are planning to grow the H2coco business through continuous innovation, expanding to new channels, exploring new market opportunities and launching into more countries, and we are in the process of completing a round of external funding to scale the business.

We will also be participating in a few upcoming events to build further brand awareness and introduce H2coco to the US market. H2coco is a sponsor of this years Sydney Skinny, which is a supporter of The Charlie Teo Foundation, funding brain cancer research. This is a new strategic partnership and we will be supplying product to all participants to ensure they are hydrated, especially after their big swim.

H2coco will also be an exhibitor at the National Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California USA, showcasing and sampling H2coco products to nearly 90,000 industry professionals. The event is designed to find the newest products and see the latest trends in health, beauty, organic, and natural and specialty foods, and this is an opportunity for us to reach the lucrative American market and implement our global growth strategy.
With a small modification to one of its membrane stacks, REDstack will soon be able to start its first production of fully green hydrogen at the Blue Energy plant on the closure dam Afsluitdijk, the Netherlands.

The pilot plant has originally been built to produce electricity from mixing salt and fresh water, using reverse electro dialysis (RED) with special designed membranes. With a different membrane stack configuration the pilot plant can directly produce green hydrogen.

REDstack's 50kW demo plant on the closure dam Afsluitdijk produces electricity since 2014.

Smaller membrane modules

In fact, right from the start in 2014, the pilot plant already produced a small amount of hydrogen as an unintended side effect of the RED process. This side effect was considered as an inevitable loss as it did not contribute to the production of electricity.

Because of the growing demand for hydrogen, as a replacement for fossil fuels, REDstack decided to rearrange one of its membrane stacks. Instead of stacking many membranes into one big module (on top photo), the new configuration has a smaller amount of membranes in the modules, but the amount of modules is bigger.

Director Pieter Hack of REDstack says that he is looking for a business partner to roll out the fully green hydrogen to the market as a fuel.

Huge potential

According to REDstack, a Blue Energy plant on the mount of the river Rhine estuarine, where the fresh river water meets the salt water of the North Sea, has the potential to produce - free of CO2 - 1.6 billion Nm3 of H2-gas.

The firm expects its first hydrogen to be produced by mid 2019. "Our next focus is on the delivery conditions of the hydrogen as a fuel. It has to be clean and deliverable at 700 bar", said director Pieter Hack of REDstack.

"We need to find out what is needed to upgrade our production to meet the specifications of the clients", added Hack. "We are actually looking for business partners for this roll out to the energy market".

Upscaling

REDstack is in an advanced stage to build a 1 MW Blue Energy demo plant along the Dutch coast near Katwijk. At this location the plant can use salt water from the sea and fresh water from an inland drainage channel. The Blue Energy demo plant will be developed to produce electricity.

The firm recently started talks with the Port of Rotterdam on a REDstack plant for fully green direct production of hydrogen.

About REDstack

REDstack is a Dutch spin-off company from water technology research centre Wetsus and was founded in 2005. It's mission is to develop and commercialise reverse electro-dialysis (RED) and related technologies. Theoretically, with 1m3/s river water and an equal amount of sea water approximately 1 MW of renewable electricity can be recovered.

The first pilot plant is operational on the closure dam Afsluitdijk since 2014, producing 50kW of electrical power.

(Photos: REDstack)

Read also on this website

 Two Dutch water-related solutions awarded in National Icons 2016 competition, 21 October 2016

 Dutch King opens world's first RED power plant driven on fresh-salt water mixing, 26 November 2014

 Expertise: Water technology



More information

REDstack

Sneek, the Netherlands

+31 515 428 670

www.redstack.nl

Explanation on how REDstack produces electricity from the difference in salt gradient between salt and fresh water.


Students from Bush Post Primary in Dundalk secured 500 in funding through the Social Innovation Den hosted by Young Social Innovators in Dublin last week.

The students, who have been working on their social innovation project since September impressed the dragons with their professional pitch and their plan to create an open dialogue on the issue of consent among young people.

The team was awarded 500 in seed funding to produce a creative and intelligent animation that uses the analogy of swimming to explain sexual consent in a very accessible way. In addition, the team will also produce a podcast to highlight the importance of consent among their peers.

Ten projects were shortlisted to pitch at the Dublin Den for a share of a 15,000 fund which Young Social Innovators makes available every year to support young peoples ideas to bring about positive change in society. A further nine shortlisted projects pitched at a similar Den event in Cork. All of the teams are taking part in Young Social Innovators through which they are challenged to come up with and implement creative ideas to tackle social issues in an effort to create a fairer, more equal and sustainable world.
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While the action items of any of Dothans government meetings are often what attract media and residents, sometimes the discussion portions yield equally important stories.

That occurred Thursday when the Historic Preservation Commission discussed how to properly enforce their rules when people have unwittingly violated its rules. The Historic Preservation Commission exists to ensure residents and businesses abide by design guidelines meant to preserve the integrity of historical structures and districts in Dothan.

What spurred the discussion was the discovery that a property owner in the Houston Heights Historical District painted his home white without gaining HPC approval. While the HPC not has deliberated on his case specifically, city planner Anthony Vallone informed the commission that the homeowner was unaware of the design regulations.

In an effort to respect peoples property rights, the city usually allows home or business owners 10 days to correct the issue after the discovery and notification of the violation. If the owner fails to comply, the city has the option of issuing a summons to city court, where owners could face six months in jail and/or a $500 per day fine for each day the violation continues to exist, said Frank Breaux, senior planner.
A man sought for questioning in the fatal shooting of a woman in Samson died in Montgomery on Sunday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to an Alabama State Bureau of Investigation press release, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office received a tip from a citizen identifying the vehicle James Chadwick Green was last seen driving.

Deputies located and pursued Green for a short distance on Interstate 65, and conducted a traffic stop near Southern Boulevard at approximately 4:54 p.m.

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During the traffic stop, Green suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Authorities began searching for Green on Saturday. At approximately 11:52 that morning, the Samson Police Department received reports of a firearm assault in the 500 block of Pullum Street.

When officers arrived, they found Sarah Cooper, 33, suffering from what is believed to be a single gunshot wound.

Cooper was taken to Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva and died from her injuries.

Green, 45, of Samson fled the scene and was last seen driving a red 2017 Toyota truck, bearing Alabama license plate CHAD1.

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My mama told me Id be a teacher, Evans said. I was a little old thing, and my mama told me what I was going to be. She told me to teach anywhere I wanted to go, and that once I had that in my head, nobody could take it out.

We had limited supplies. I still hear them talking about it, but now you can just go on and get something -- back then, we worked little projects just to buy something like paper, pencils, Evans said. They also stressed taking care of the equipment that we really didnt have. Our boards were worn out before we ever got them. I dont know when we finally got books. They were all secondhand, and you didnt even have enough of those. There were no certain subjects in a certain class -- you had to keep a lot of things in your head, and the teacher had to know a lot, because a lot of it wasnt in the books. It was considered wrong to look in the book for the answers.
Top Jaish commander, mastermind of CRPF hit, among those killed.

A house in which militants are suspected to have sheltered is in flames after a gunfight between militants and the security forces in South Kashmirs Pulwama district, some 10 km away from the spot of the recent suicide bombing. (Photo; AFP)

Srinagar: Three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, including the suspected mastermind of the the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy that killed 49 jawans, were killed in a fierce 18-hour encounter in which an Army major and four other security personnel, including a policeman, and a civilian lost their lives in south Kashmirs Pulwama on Monday. Several senior officers were also wounded in the incident.

The bloody gunfight in Pinglena area of Pulwama district on Monday led to the killing of Pakistani national Kamran, the alleged mastermind of the audacious attack on CRPF convoy and the so-called divisional commander of JeM for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir. He was also a trusted aide of JeM chief Moulana Masood Azhar.

The other slain militant was identified as Hilal Ahmad, a local Kashmiri recruited by the terror group, while the identity of the third militant was still being ascertained, officials said.

Some reports said the third slain militant could be Ghazi Rasheed, an Afghan national, who is known to be an IED specialist.

In photos released by security agencies, Kamran is seen as a bespectacled man with a lean built, holding an AK-47 rifle. But the man in a salwar kameez, also referred to as Kamran Bhai, was known to be an ace terror recruiter tasked with radicalising and training terrorists in the Kashmir Valley.

After the operation, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia confirmed the death of four Army personnel and identified them as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Hari Singh and Sepoy Ajay Kumar.

The police said that its head-constable Abdur Rashid and civilian Mushtaq Ahmed Butt were also killed in the firefight that started during a cordon-and-search operation that forced trapped terrorists to fire at the Army party during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, 12 km from Thursdays audacious attack on CRPF personnel.

Thereafter, the security forces concentrated on the house from where bullets were being fired and killed the three militants.

After gunning down two militants, the security forces torched a couple of residential houses in their final assault on their third accomplice as he was changing his position between the cluster of houses, making it difficult for the former to neutralise him. However, an Army officer said that the houses caught fire in the gunbattle.

Besides the five casualties suffered by the security forces, the encounter resulted in injuries to deputy inspector general of police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a brigadier, a Lt. colonel, a major and four other ranks of the Army unit.

Later, Corps Commander Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers, including Major Dhoundiyal, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

An Army spokesperson said the 33-year-old major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by his wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife and a son. Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites.
ALDOT has resumed its plans to five-lane Highway 167 between the bypass and Salem Road after approximately six years delay, which Mahan and Morgan said would complicate things for the city and the water board as there are two water mains and a sewer line that would be affected by the project. Morgan said that the new project plans have just been issued and both the city and the water board are currently in the process of going over those plans to adjust for any changes.

Were in the process right now of taking that set of plans and comparing them to the (first) set -- this was back in 2012, 2013 when it was on the table before, Morgan said. I know theyve made drainage changes in the area of the citys rec park, and all that area was an issue as far as storm water, so were in the process of trying to compare the two plans and see how that impacts what we had proposed preliminarily to relocate or adjust the water main. On that road, there are two water mains: theres a large 12 inch low pressure main and a 10 inch high pressure water main. There are two mains running most of the length of that road, and based on what we viewed last time, both of those mains are in conflict with this project.
Fears that a multi-million euro project at the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon would be deferred indefinitely and other hospital projects delayed or impacted negatively as a result of cost overruns at the National Childrens Hospital in Dublin have been refuted by the HSE's senior official in the north west.

John Hayes, Chief Officer for Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1, which covers Community Services in Donegal, Sligo/Leitrim and Cavan/Monaghan confirmed that the HSE are proceeding with the upgrading/refurbishment of all Community Hospitals in Donegal.

Mr Hayes stated that the HSE have an agreed time frame to complete the upgrading/refurbishment work with HIQA and we are proceeding on this basis.

The process to finalise a contractor for the Sheil Hospital is currently underway and it is expected that construction will commence in September this year, he added.

His response comes following almost a week of speculation in Ballyshannon and elsewhere, with many on social media in particular expressing concerns that the project might in fact not happen.

Last week we reported that community hospital projects in Donegal are facing delays as part of the fallout from the overrun of the National Childrens Hospital.

In that report we stated: There are fears that projects such as the 19m 80-bed extension to the Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon and hospital projects in Stranorlar, Carndonagh, Lifford and Ramelton could be delayed as a result of the overrun.

Donegal TD and Minister for Education Joe McHugh confirmed there will be delays of two to three months to some of the projects.

Mr McHugh reiterated the Governments commitment to the projects but confirmed that the upgrade of Carndonagh Community Hospital will be delayed by two to three months and all the projects are facing possible deferrals of start dates, our report stated.

However, this latest statement issued this afternoon says the projects will continue on an agreed time frame and there is no reference to delays: The HSE are proceeding with the upgrading/refurbishment of all Community Hospitals in Donegal. The HSE have an agreed time frame to complete the upgrading/refurbishment work with HIQA and we are proceeding on this basis.
As efforts continue in Ballyshannon and environs to raise funds to restore the iconic town clock to working order, the new owner of the building says he is very keen to see the clock returned to its former glory.

Local businessman Eamonn McNulty told the Democrat that he has purchased the building from former owner, Reggie Gallogley.

The damaged face of the town clock following wind damage five years ago

Mr McNulty said he was very keen to see the clock back in working order again. Of course, like anyone from the town that's my wish, to have it back to its former glory.

Locally there has been a very successful campaign to raise funds to have the clock restored and a major drive over the Christmas period was very successful.

That campaign was aiming to raise 20,000 to make the clock repair possible, and it's understood up to 12,000 of that figure has been raised.

Another fundraising event, a concert, to be held in Dorrian's Imperial Hotel on February 21, will no doubt add to that total figure and give the drive to get the clock ticking further momentum.

A sense of the good will towards the project comes from the fact that among others, Eurovision Song Contest winner, Charlie McGettigan, is lending his support to that concert. Charlie, Bel Canto, Ballyshannon Brass and Reed Band and other acts will perform on the night.

Commenting on the local efforts by the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group to raise this money, Mr McNulty said he hoped to work with the Regeneration Group.

However, Mr McNulty did point out that his immediate priority was to tighten up the building and make it weatherproof.

The clock has had quite a time of it

The Ballyshannon Town Clock has been a landmark for generations of local people. The distinctive and picturesque building holds a fascinating history. Sitting on a Scottish baronial building built in 1878 for the Belfast Bank is the two-storey clock and bell tower.

The north face of the clock remains intact

The bank was built due to an agreement between the Belfast bank and the planning authorities. In return for being allowed to build a bank, the bank would provide a clock for the town.

The area around the clock is around the clock is the most historic in the town. The site of the town clock is near to where the "Speaker" Connolly was born and where his family had a tavern From the clock tower you can see Market Yard where the ODonnell chieftains had their castle.

This is also where farmers markets were held. Across the street was the old military barracks built in 1700 and which stands today as the oldest building in town. The town clock also overlooks the bridge crossing the river Erne.

When the Royal Bank amalgamated with the Provincial Bank and became the Allied Irish Bank next door the operations in the building came to an end a around 1966. The Gallogley family who had been in business in the town for generations carried on their clock and jewellery business in the building until recently and most recently the building has been bought by another local businessman, Eamonn McNulty.
Farming leaders from both sides of the border have expressed concern about the uncertainty facing farmers over Brexit.

The uncertainty of Brexit is a damp cloud hanging over farming IFA President Joe Healy told the AGM of the Donegal branch of the IFA on Tuesday night.

His counterpart across the border, Ivor Ferguson of the Ulster Farmers Union, warned that a no-deal Brexit could be a disaster for farmers on both sides of the border.

Mr Ferguson told the meeting at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny that cooperation between farmers on both sides of the border is essential as they face Brexit.

Brendan McLaughlin from Manorcunningham was elected Donegal branch chairman after the four-year term of Michael Chance came to an end.

Donegal members of the IFA listening to farming leaders from both sides of the border express concern over the uncertainty about Brexit Picture: Clive Wasson



Mr Healy told the Donegal farmers that despite efforts to grow Irish exports into other markets following the Brexit vote, Irish exports into the UK increased from 35% in 2017 to 37% last year.

In fairness whether it is Bord Bia, whether it is the Government, whether it is the department, they have focused a lot on other markets over the past two and a half years to try and maximise the potential in all those other markets and get into new markets.

Despite this, there had been a two percent increase.

It is little wonder because a lot of work at farm level and producer level has gone into producing a product that satisfies the UK market. They have similar customs, they have similar tastes. It is the cheapest to get into and is probably the most lucrative market.

That highlighted the importance of the UK market and the importance of the best possible deal Ireland can get, he said.

Mr Healy said an emergency support scheme needs to be put in place for farmers in the event of a hard Brexit.

Quoting Sir Alex Ferguson Mr Healy said it was now squeaky bum time for farmers as Brexit approaches.

He said the value of the UK market should not be undermined by cheaper foreign products from South American countries where the cost and standards of production and the quality of the product are not as strong as in Ireland and Europe.

I still hope, that there will be a good deal. We need a deal that allows us to trade as closely as possible as to where we are now.

He said the priority was damage limitation.

I see little or no positives from an agricultural point of view from Brexit. It is about limiting the amount of damage that it can do.

Mr Ferguson said farmers in Northern Ireland had taken a position to support Theresa Mays deal.

We want to see the withdrawal agreement sorted out quickly so that we can get on with the main business of working out what sort of a deal we are going to have over the next two, three or four years, he said.

He agreed with Joe Healy that one of the biggest concerns is standards after the UK enters into new trade deals.
I hadnt met Roddy Doyle for a few years until he came to Bundoran Community Library and we reminisced about a mutual friend, the late Dermot Healy, a great Cavan writer who lived in Sligo.

I was a groomsman at Dermots memorable wedding and Roddy recalled the equally memorable party afterwards in Ellens pub in Maugherow. The Guards raided and the only one caught was poor Bob Quinn, the filmmaker! Like his friend Dermot, Roddy is funny and very direct and that combination was evident as he informed and entertained the gathering in Bundoran.

Pictured at the afternoon talk by Roddy Doyle and co-founder of creative writing programme Fighting Words in Bundoran Community Library on Monday to celebrate the first annversary of Fighting Words North West. Picture: Thomas Gallagher

He was there on the occasion of the first anniversary of Fighting Words North West to give a background to this very exciting and innovative project and to encourage more volunteers to participate. Interestingly, during the course of Roddys own life he has made south Donegal connections during significant periods of his life. He taught in Greendale Community School in Kilbarrack from 1979 to 1993, where a friend and colleague was Ballyshannon man, Dermot Carney, who was a boarding classmate of my own in St. Eunans College. Although he wrote some four novels, and was involved in a film and TV series during those, years he never got to use that experience in the classroom. Thats why I resigned, he told the audience, it was obscene. Only dead writers were revered and I was reminded of a dear friend who attended the very first William Allingham Festival in 1979, John F Deane, poet and founder of Poetry Ireland. John often told the story of the early days when a writer was sent to a school in Dublin only to be somewhat flummoxed by a young lad who kept staring at him throughout the class. Eventually, he asked if everything was okay. Jaysus mister! said the boy, I thought all poets were dead.

The other significant Ballyshannon connection is actor Sean McGinley who played Charlo Spencer in Roddys groundbreaking Family in 1994. As Roddy recalled some years ago, the experience was a controversial one. "It caused a storm. The first episode was broadcast in Ireland in May 1994, a few days after the Eurovision Song Contest. What was significant about this particular Eurovision was that it unleashed Riverdance, this Vegas version of our culture. I'm not kidding: it was a major moment for Ireland. The country was sexy for the first time since St Patrick came over and brought his Christianity with him. And Family was on four days later. People said, 'Ah, just when we were feeling good about ourselves . . .'"

Roddy Doyle with Frank Galligan



As The Guardian reported: The repercussions were beyond anything he could have imagined. Doyle went overnight from Ireland's darling to national pariah. The celebrity status that attached to me when I won the Booker, invitations to open supermarkets and all that shite  it stopped the day Family was broadcast. There were accusations that I was suggesting this was normal working-class life, that I was undermining marriage. I was the subject of sermons, editorials, political programmes on TV. I got death threats. It was a very unsettling time, especially with two small children." (Doyle married his wife Belinda in 1989; the couple have two sons and a daughter.) "I knew what I was writing, and I was proud of it, but I didn't know it would have such consequences."

Not that he is easily derailed. In Bundoran he revels in telling a great yarn about a student in a Christian Brothers School in Dublin, dyed hair tied in a manbun and playing a tune on the piano written by a Chinese composer. He laughs: I would love to see the reaction of my old Brother Principal back in 1975...he would probably have been tempted to clock him! Fighting Words work with primary and secondary schools, and although Roddy had a wonderful morning with Holy Family NS, he is a champion of the secondary kids. He believes that they are misunderstood and been written off to a great extent. They are accused of living on their smartphones, yet, as Roddy pointed out, usually on public transport, we encounter middle aged people on their phones probably texting About terrible teenagers never being off theirs!

He once asked a student why he was spending so much time on his smartphone. Im writing a novel! was the reply. He had written some 35000 words! He doesnt subscribe to the mantra that because of social media, that we are fighting a losing battle. He is optimistic about the imaginative future.

When an audience member asked: What do the volunteers do? he answered: Exactly what theyre told! and when a PR type once enquired how he might sell more novels, his publisher responded, Die!

No fear of that...as Paula Spencer memorably said: One day at a time, sweet Jesus. Whoever wrote that one hadnt a clue. A day is a feckin eternity! Amen to that.
Airport privatisation: 10 firms submit 32 technical bids for 6 airports

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has received a total of 32 technical bids from 10 companies to operate six airports that the authority proposes to privatise, senior officials said on Saturday.

AAI has sought bidders for carrying out operations, management and development of the six airports, including Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Ahmedabad and Jaipur, under an open international competitive bidding process.

"AAI has received 32 technical bids from total 10 companies for six airports," senior government officials said.

"Ahmedabad and Jaipur airports have received seven bids each. Lucknow and Guwahati have received six bids each. And Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have received three bids each," the officials stated.

The last date to submit technical bids was 14 February.

AAI will open the financial bids on 25 February. The winning bids will be announced on 28 February.

The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee of the AAI will choose the bidders on the basis of "per-passenger fee".

AAI said the move to manage the six airports on PPP basis, according to AAI, is part of initiatives to provide world-class infrastructure and services to stakeholders.

Any issue that is beyond the scope of the committee would be addressed by an empowered group of secretaries. The government had in November last year proposed to set up a group of secretaries, headed by NITI Aayog chief executive officer, will have secretaries of civil aviation ministry, department of economic affairs and department of expenditure as members.
Two masterminds of Pulwama bombing killed in encounter

Security forces have eliminated two suspected terrorists who were part of the deadly suicide bombing in Kashmirs Pulwama district that left over 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) dead, reports citing police sources said.

The two terrorists who masterminded the bomb attack on the CRPF convoy were both Pakistani nationals and members of JeM, police said in a statement.

The encounter is still in progress and the security forces are on the job, police said.

Four Indian soldiers and a civilian were also killed during the fighting, police said. Security force sources told Reuters one of the dead militants had been identified as Abdul Rashid Gazi, who went by the alias Kamran Bhai.

Indian troops had earlier cordoned off Pinglan village in Kashmirs Pulwama district, where the attack took place on Thursday.

The suicide bomb attack on the CRPF convoy last Thursday, the deadliest single attack on Indian forces in 30 years, has been carried out with support from Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which also owned up responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has been harbouring the group and other such groups despite global anger against its policies of harbouring terror and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure to order immediate retaliation.

Modi has promised strong response and said he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border terrorism.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed and police have asked people to stay indoors.

Mohammad Yunis, a journalist in Pulwama, said troops were searching the village and civilians trapped in houses were being evacuated.

Security forces had earlier detained 23 men suspected to have links to the militants who carried out the Thursday bombing.

The state administration also withdrew trade privileges offered to Pakistan after the bomb attack and has warned of further action.

The United States had told India it supported its right to defend itself against cross-border attacks, India said on Saturday.

Pakistan, meanwhile, withdrew its envoy to India for consultations, a spokesman for Pakistans foreign ministry said on Twitter on Monday.
SC orders Sterlite's Thoothukudi plant to remain shut

The Supreme Court has upheld a Madras High court decision and agreed to Tamil Nadu's governments plea in favour of keeping the polluting plat shut. The apex court also ruled that also that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) does not have the authority to repeal the government order against Sterlite.

The SC decision comes as a big blow to mining giant Vedanta whose Sterlite Copper plant in Thoothukudi has been idling for more than two years after it was forced to close its smelter following violent protests by local residents that left several dead.

The Supreme Court agreed to Tamil Nadu's argument that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) does not have the authority to repeal the government order against Sterlite. The court also directed the plant to take its plea to re-open the smelter, to the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court.

The National Green Tribunal on 15 December overruled the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board's (TNPCB) closure and directed restoration of electricity to the smelter. The NGT held that the state governments decision to shut the smelter plant was not sustainable and did not justify the impugned orders.

The tribunal's stand was in line with that of the three-member committee constituted to probe the closure of the copper plant.

Following this the state government approached the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the NGT's judgement and to prove that Sterlite had violated environmental norms.

"The Supreme court has that the NGT does have the jurisdiction to interfere in the Tamil Nadu Government's order or even form a committee to address the issue," confirms a source in the TNPCB. "We have been maintaining that the NGT didn't have authority from the very beginning. This is a huge victory for Tamil Nadu," reports quoted TNPCB sources as saying.

The TNPCB argued in Supreme Court that the pollution levels of the groundwater in and around Vedanta group's Sterlite copper smelting plant in the state was very high and that there was no remedy to restore it to permissible levels.

Describing the situation as "unfortunate", senior counsel CA Vaidyanathan told the bench of Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha that the "desirable level of water is 500 TDS and the permissible level is 2000 TDS but what is prevailing today is 15,000 to 20,000 TDS".

Defending the decision to close down the plant permanently, Vaidyanathan said that they have evidence that the groundwater has been contaminated because of the pollutants from the plant.

He further questioned the jurisdiction of the green tribunal to deal with the matter, and said, "the green tribunal could not have constituted a committee for going into the issue. That is not contemplated under the NGT Act. Adjudicating powers can't be delegated."

The counsel for Sterlite argued that the State government has given it a bad name and that the pollution report that was shown to the court was six months after the plant was put under lock.

Describing the action against the plant as "political", senior counsel CA Sundaram appearing for Vedanta, said that the state government overlooked the plea for daily maintenance to plug the sulphuric acid leaks.

Vedanta also pointed out that unless electricity to the plant was restored, it would not be able to comply with the conditions imposed by the National Green Tribunal in its 15 December 2018 judgment.

The Tamil Nadu government, however, stated that the plant management resorted to quick fixes when the environmental violations were pointed out to them.

Defending the May 2018 order putting the plant under lock, senior counsel KV Vishwanathan said that the decision was based on sound reasons.

Justifying its decision not to grant consent to operate to Sterlite Copper Smelter plant, the Tamil Nadu government pointed out that Sterlite, failed to furnish groundwater analysis report, remove copper slag stored along the River Uppar and not constructing physical barrier between the river and the slag. The company was not authorised to generate and dispose hazardous waste and the unit has not analysed parameters of heavy metals in the ambient air quality. Further, the unit failed to construct gypsum pond as per CPCB guidelines.
Siemens in deal with Russia's RDIF on $4.5 billion rail link

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the sovereign wealth fund of the Russian Federation, and Siemens Mobility, a unit of German engineering and technology giant Siemens AG, have signed an agreement to work together on a 300 billion rouble ($4.5 billion) high-speed rail link between the Russian cities of Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, RDIF said on Friday.

Under the deal, signed on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the German company will be a technology partner for the Chelyabinsk-Yekaterinburg rail project, RDIF said, adding that construction of the rail link will start in 2021.

A Siemens spokesman said the two sides had signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding in line with the German Economic Partnership Initiative for the Ural High Speed Transportation in Russia.

Siemens Mobility, a division of the German company Siemens AG, produces railway equipment and trains.

The funds will be used to construct a new double-track high-speed railway between the cities of Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg. The 220km long rail link would allow trains to travel at speeds of 300 km/h.

The project will be implemented within the framework of a concession agreement and will also include the construction of related infrastructure. This will include four railway stations (Balandino and Koltsovo airports, Snezhinsk and Sysert), 10 intermediate stations and station complexes, four traction substations, a depot for high-speed rolling stock and a control building for the rail link.

Construction of the railway line will begin in 2021 with commissioning scheduled for 2025.

RDIF is one of Russias largest investors in the equity capital of infrastructure projects being recently implemented. Infrastructure investments account for more than 40% of the Funds portfolio, and we plan to continue to invest in this sector. The project to build a high-speed railway linking Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk, each with a population of more than one million, is of strategic importance not only for these regions, but also for the whole country. It will help create the third largest urban area in Russia with a population of four million people, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), noted in a press release.

The formation of a consortium of partners is one of the key priorities in the preparation of the project to construct a high-speed railway between Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg, Sergey Brevnov, CEO of the Economic Partnership Ural High-Speed Rail, said.

Russian Direct Investment Fund is Russia's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. RDIF acts as a catalyst for direct investment in the Russian economy. RDIFs management company is based in Moscow. Currently, RDIF has experience of the successful joint implementation of more than 70 projects with foreign partners totalling more than 1.4 trillion roubles and covering 95 per cent of the regions of the Russian Federation. RDIF portfolio companies employ more than 700,000 people, and generate revenues which equate to more than 5 per cent of Russias GDP.
IndianOil to buy 3 million tonne US crude oil worth $1.5 bn in FY20

Indian Oil Corporation Limited, the countrys largest oil marketing company, will import up to 3 million tonnes of crude oil from the United States in the next financial year, as part of its diversification plans.

IndianOil has finalised a term contract for import of up to 3 million tonnes of crude oil of US origin grades as a part of its strategy to diversify term crude sources. The contract was finalised on Friday, February 15, 2019, an IndianOil statement said.

The approximate value of the contract works out to $1.5 billion. This is the first term contract finalised by any Indian PSU oil company for import of US origin crude oil grades, the statement added.

India started importing US crude in October 2017, when the first consignment landed in Paradip, Odisha. Indias crude oil imports from the US during April- December 2018 had tripled to 4.58 million tonne, compared to the 1.16 million tonne imported during the same period in 2017.

India also imported gas from the US in 2018, and is reported to have committed to purchase $5 billion worth of oil and gas from the United States per annum.
28 US companies are participating in Aero India.

During the inaugural air show on February 20, a fly-by will be performed by B-52 Stratofortress bombers which are assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Eyeing to tap India's urgent need to procure modern fighter aircrafts for its air force, the United States (US) is going to display some of its top-line fighter jets at Aero India 2019 at the Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru. It is also sending a high-level delegation led by U.S. Ambassador Kenneth I. Juster to the four-day event.

During the inaugural air show on February 20, a fly-by will be performed by B-52 Stratofortress bombers which are assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Besides the US will put its naval assets on display. It includes the F/A-18 Super Hornet from VFA-27 Marine Corps at Air Station Iwakuni in Japan and a P-8 from VP-47 Naval Air Station at Whidbey Island in Washington.

In addition to U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of State officials, more than 100 US Department of Defense personnel will support the US delegation at Aero India 2019, including a demonstration team for the C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, and the F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in Japan.

On Monday the US Embassy in India stated, "The United States is proud to be a leading contributor to Aero India 2019, and seeks to deepen its defense cooperation and strategic partnership with India. The high-level U.S. delegation, impressive array of U.S. military platforms and personnel, and significant representation from U.S. industry are concrete examples of the growing defense ties between the United States and India."

Mr Juster said, "I am pleased to be here to support our largest-ever U.S. participation in Aero India. The United States and India are committed to strengthening defense cooperation, in line with Indias status as a major defense partner. Defense acquisitions are an important component in deepening our bilateral ties and contributing to a balanced trade relationship."

The US government delegation includes deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment: Alan Shaffer, director of the defense security cooperation agency: Lieutenant General Charles Hooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense: Dr. Joseph Felter, senior defense attache to India: Major General Robin Fontes, director, Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate at Air Force Life Cycle Management Center: Brigadier General Sean M. Farrell, Navy International Programs Office Executive Director, Dr. Walter F. Jones

28 US companies are participating in Aero India. The US Embassy said, "U.S. participation in Aero India provides both U.S. industry and the U.S. military services the opportunity to strengthen military-to-military relations and defense cooperation with India. Our two militaries work together to protect freedom of navigation in the air and sea, and to combat terrorism and violent extremism. The robust public and private participation by the United States in Aero India demonstrates the importance the United States places on its strategic partnership with India."
For a moment, stop reading this editorial and flip back to page one. Take a close look at the photograph of Pleasant Groves Sylvia Childs. Study the lines on her face, the tight draw of her mouth, the confident glint in the corner of her eye. Its a face thats seen more than a century of life and has witnessed firsthand some of U.S. historys pivotal events.

Childs experienced moments most of us have only read about. She spent Sunday afternoons with a freed slave. She endured the fear and uncertainty of being a black woman living in Jim Crow era Mississippi. She witnessed the sweeping changes U.S. law sparked by the murder of Emmett Till, the refusal of Rosa Parks to give up her seat on a bus, the fiery rhetoric of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Shes lived long enough to see a black man elected President of the United States.

Sylvia Childs has personally witnessed the way people, and a nation, can change over time. Over the course of multiple interviews, Childs shared some of her experiences with Times staff writer Teresa Blake. Her stories, though only a fraction of those shes lived in her 104 years, offer a glimpse into life simultaneously alien and familiar to those being lived today.

Although everyday life may be wholly different in 2019 than it was in 1914, the year Childs was born, the human spirit remains the same. Life is about doing what it takes to survive, regardless of outside forces. Its about clinging to what we love. Sylvia Childs knows that better than most.

We at The Times tip our hats to Sylvia Childs. She should serve as an inspiration to us all.
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At least 13 protesters were killed when the police opened fire on a demonstration against the copper smelter.

There were violent protests in May 2018 against the closure of the Sterlite unit. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to allow reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite plant in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu but granted it liberty to approach the high court.

A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman said it allowing Tamil Nadu's appeal against the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order only on grounds of maintainability.

It said NGT has no jurisdiction to order reopening of the plant.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

There were violent protests in May 2018 against the closure of the Sterlite unit.

At least 13 protesters were killed when the police opened fire on a demonstration against the copper smelter.
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The entire nation stands united in these hours, the minister said while addressing a meeting of booth-level party workers at Bhadrak in Odisha.

Bhubaneswar: Union home minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the sacrifice of martyred CRPF jawans who died in a terrorist attack in Pulwama will not go in vain.

The sacrifice of our brave jawans will not go in vain. Our soldiers have been given complete freedom for a strong retaliation against the perpetrators. The entire nation stands united in these hours, the minister said while addressing a meeting of booth-level party workers at Bhadrak in Odisha.

Taking a jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhis indirect attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chowkidar Chor Hai (The watchman, Mr Modi, is a thief) remarks, Mr Singh said, Chowkidar Pure Hai, Dobara PM Banna Sure Hai, Desh Ki Sari Samasyayon Ka Wahi Cure Hai (Chowkidar is honest, he will surely become the Prime Minister once again and he is the solution for all issues of the country).

Before the commencement of his speech, Mr Singh, party leaders and workers present at the meeting spot observed a one-minute silent prayer to pay homage to the departed souls.

Launching attack on Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Mr Singh questioned why Odisha was lacking on all parameters of development despite a stable government in the state.

I want to know from the Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik why the state is lacking in all parameters of development despite his 19 years rule while many other states have made rapid strides, Mr Singh said.

Giving examples of BJP-ruled states, the Union minister said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of those states are higher than that of Odisha. Why cannot such developmental activities take place in Odisha? he asked.

Mr Singh also criticised the non-implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Odisha and urged the party workers to make the households of the state aware about the benefits of the scheme.

He also alleged that farmers in the state are not getting proper price of their produce and agricultural outputs are not being procured at minimum support price (MSP).

I assure the Odisha farmers that if BJP comes to power in the state, we will provide the farmers 1.5 times of their input price during procurement of crops.

He advised the party workers to spread the message among people regarding BJPs promise of ensuring fast development in Odisha and eradication of poverty and unemployment in the state if the party is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Earlier in the day, he visited Iram in the district and paid floral tributes to the martyred freedom fighters.
Highlights:

Xiaomi may launch a 10,000mAh power bank along with Mi 9.

Reportedly, this will be companys first ever power bank with wireless charger capability.

Xiaomi may also launch a 20,000mAh power bank in future.



Xiaomi is launching its next flagship, the Mi 9 on February 20 in China and a report claims that along with the phone, the Chinese company could also unveil a 10,000mAh power bank that can wirelessly charge the device. This will be the companys first power bank to sport the wireless charging capability. Mysmartprice also says that possibly Xiaomi may launch a battery pack with 20,000mAh capacity in the future in China.

Last week, Xiaomi CEO and co-founder announced via a poster-teaser on Weibo that the company will launch the next Mi-branded flagship device, the Mi 9 on February 20 in China. Since the first announcement, he has been sharing renders of the phone and giving out the technical information on the hardware that has been used in manufacturing the device. He has already talked about the processor and RAM, the triple camera setup and the display used in the phone.

The executive first confirmed that the phone will have Qualcomms flagship processor, the Snapdragon 855 under the hood, and showed off the blue colour variant of the phone. Leaked specs revealed that the phone will come with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The executive also noted that the phone will have a total of four cameras: a triple camera setup on the back and a single sensor on the front.

In the next post, the CEO revealed information about the camera hardware. According to the CEO, the primary camera in the triple camera system on the back is the Sony IMX586 48MP sensor with f/1.75 aperture lens. The second camera is a 12MP f/2.2 sensor with 2x optical zoom, and it will be used for depth sensing for portrait photos. The third camera will have a 16MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 117-degree wide viewing angle. On the front, the Xiaomi Mi 9 will rock a 20MP sensor housed in a waterdrop notch.

In his latest post, Jun talked about the display saying that the Mi 9 will have a 90.7 percent screen-to-body ratio and it will use a FHD+ AMOLED display provided by Samsung. Jun also noted that the display has the second generation of sun screen that makes colours more realistic under strong light. The display is said to come with an eye protection technology that has got certification from the German Institute of Electrical Engineers, it will be protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 6.

Further, Samsung will also be launching its flagship Galaxy S10 series on February 20 in San Francisco. It is expected to launch three models, the Galaxy S10 e, the regular Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy S10+. The launch may also see the unveiling of Galaxy Watch Active, a pair of fitness bands and a pair of new Galaxy Buds.

Related Read:

Xiaomi Mi 9 renders reveal triple camera setup, 6.4-inch display with waterdrop notch
Tanaiste Simon Coveney attends EU Foreign Affairs Council

Press release

Tanaiste Simon Coveney T.D. with Minister Zaharieva of Bulgaria, Minister Pejcinovic Buric of Croatia, Minister Abela of Malta and Minister Lajcak of Slovakia

The Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., is in Brussels today to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.



Ministers will discuss Ukraine, Syria, the Horn of Africa and Venezuela.



Speaking before the meeting the Tanaiste stated:



My EU colleagues and I will discuss the situation in Ukraine, marking the fifth anniversary of the Maidan. We will have an opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and to support and encourage Ukraine on its path of reform.



Ministers will address recent events in Syria. Ireland continues to support UN Special Envoy Pedersen and his efforts to bring about a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, and welcomes the upcoming Brussels III Syria Conference which will take stock of the humanitarian and political situation.



Following this we will look at establishing ways to increase EU engagement with the Horn of Africa. We are committed to ensuring stability in this geostrategic region and will continue to intensify our engagement.



Finally we will have an exchange of views on Venezuela and the deteriorating political, economic and humanitarian situation there. My colleagues and I reiterate our calls for fresh, credible presidential elections in accordance with international democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order."



ENDS

Press Office

17 February 2019

 Previous Item | Next Item 
The CEO of Russian bank VTB has confirmed that it intends to sell its interest in Tele2 Russia to state-run operator Rostelecom.

Andrei Kostin noted that VTB was keen to shift the stake as it no longer wishes to be liable for Tele2s debt, stating: VTB will fully withdraw from Tele2. The bank acquired the Russian arm of Swedens Tele2 in 2013 for $2.4 billion, at which time it also assumed the units $1.15 billion in net debt.

Tele2 Russias value is estimated at around RUB150 billion ($2.3 billion), with VTBs holding worth an around RUB41.25 billion. However, the ownership structure has several layers: Tele2 Russia is wholly owned by T2 RTK Holding, of which 45% is owned by Rostelecom and 55% by Tele2 Russia Holding  the latter of which is in turn 50% owned by VTB, with the remaining 50% split 40:10 between Invintel and Rossiya Bank.

Rostelecom boss Mikhail Oseevsky said: Its too early to talk about the structure of this transaction, since we have not yet moved on to any formal procedures. We have a basic model that requires final reflection and formalisation.

However, if the deal goes ahead, it could have major ramifications. ComNews reported that some analysts believe a merger between Rostelecom and Tele2 could overtake MTS, becoming the largest operator in Russia.

VTB will not abandon all involvement with Tele2, however  the banks chairman Anatoly Pechatnikov confirmed that the companies were still planning to launch an MVNO together in September.
Police in South Africa have detained the countrys former ambassador to Iran over allegations that he helped MTN Group acquire a 49% stake in Irancell in 2005.

The arrest of Yusuf Saloojee by the anti-corruption unit Hawks will be seized upon by Turkcell, which has long maintained that it should have been awarded the Irancell stake. The Turkish operator claims that MTN paid bribes to officials in Iran and South Africa in order to override this decision, allowing it to obtain the stake and thereby operate in Iran.

According to Bloomberg, Hawks has issued a statement alleging that Saloojee was paid ZAR1.4 million ($99,358) to engineer the cancellation of Turkcells Iranian licence. The countrys government went on to award this licence to MTN.

MTN has consistently protested its innocence of Turkcells allegations, refuting that there is any credible evidence that it promised Ambassador Saloojee any money or that Ambassador Saloojee accepted money from MTN.

The operator group noted that the only evidence connecting MTN and Saloojee is the testimony of Chris Kilowan, who it described as a disgruntled former employee of MTN. Nonetheless, Turkcell has filed several lawsuits over the matter, claiming damages of $4.2 billion in its most recent filing in 2017. The figure is based on its projected profits if it had received the licence, plus interest.
For almost 15 years, the collective we at Design*Sponge have been getting peeks into studios from around the world  from painters to quilters to knitters and everything in between. Weve gained business advice, and tips on how to find balance (or at least each persons own version of balance), and these windows into various creative lives have never been short on takeaways, big and small.

Today, Id like for you to meet fine artist Adrienne Brown David, based in Water Valley, MS. With four children (and nanny to a fifth), and a homeschooler parent as well, shes sharing how to navigate through work and family and figuring out a wholesale business that happened quite organically. Her work always keeps her on her toes, whether shes crafting her popular paper dolls, creating a detailed pen and ink illustration, or working on a vibrant, beautiful painting.

While the juggle of working from home is always a challenge, Adrienne makes it look easy. Scroll below to get to know Adrienne, her work, and what makes her someone that seems to stay cool and calm through it all. Erin

Photography by Erin Austen Abbott

You've had a bit of a different reason for starting your business - can you please explain to us how that came about? Honestly, the paper dolls started as something that I made specifically for my [oldest] daughters. Theyve evolved over the years, as I had more children with different tastes and personalities, but it was always something just for them. About 18 months ago I was approached by the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council about applying for the Community Supported Artist grant. The grant provided funds and promotion for local artists to create an easily accessible product that would be a sort of introduction to their more fine art work. I presented the idea of the paper dolls and they loved it. I used the grant to produce a set of dolls that could [be] purchased from my website. Along with the sets available on my site, I can create a custom doll in the likeness of whoever you want. The CSA grant was a really great jumping off point. Once the dolls started getting promoted and shared on social media, things just sort of took off.

Tell us about your body of work. Do you compartmentalize your fine art from the paper dolls you make? I work in a wide variety of styles and mediums, so I have to try and keep them separate. My main focuses right now are the paper dolls, my paintings and colored pencil drawings and pen and ink illustrations. The pen and ink illustrations are usually family portraits or tiny house drawings. Each of those things has its own clientele and process. I have a running to-do list to keep from losing track of what Im supposed to be doing at any given time.

What's been the biggest hurdle in starting a wholesale business when you didn't know that was the route you were going to take? I think the biggest hurdle was just not knowing the first thing about wholesale or really much about art as business at all. Ive created all of my life, but never really had to deal with the ins and out of business until now. Im still figuring it out.

How does your family and the homeschooling that you do for your youngest two daughters inform the direction your art takes? How are you influenced by the homeschooling world? Homeschooling takes up a lot of time. Ive been doing it for close to 14 years, so Ive gotten used to the amount of time that it takes up. Knowing that a large chunk of my day is going to be devoted to school/kids means that I have to be both very intentional and very unattached to the work that I am doing. I dont always get to sink deep into my work and hyper focus on it. Sometimes I can do that and those times are amazing, but when its just a regular day and I need to get my studio hours in, I have to be very clear about what I want to accomplish in that time. It doesnt sound like it, but there is something very freeing in just being able to walk away from a piece because I need to. I think that freedom plays itself out in my work. On a more concrete level, the amount of time that my girls and I spend outdoors with our homeschool group has played a huge role in the subject of my paintings and drawings. As a person who grew up in the city, I didnt develop a love for the outdoors until we started forest school. That love shows itself in most of my art these days.

What lessons have you learned along the way in both your business experiences and journey as an artist? Im still learning lessons every day (especially in business), but I think one of the biggest lessons has been: just do the work. Even on the days that Im tired, that Im stressed or uninspired, I force myself into the studio (even for just 30 minutes) and do something. Usually it gets the juices going and I get things done, but even if it doesnt, Ive put my brain and body into that space for just a little while. Thats really important to me.

What would be a dream showcase or location to show your work? Oh, I would LOVE a huge gallery space (honestly, anywhere) with 20-foot ceilings that I could fill with giant paintings of girls in Mississippi landscapes.

Tell me five artists that you have recently discovered or ones that you've followed for awhile, that you admire. I follow and admire SO many great artists and I discover new ones every day, but I will try to narrow it down to five that give me butterflies when I scroll past their work (I could list 50). Dawn Landix  She knits the most perfect, comfy-looking sweaters and socks. Knitters are amazing to me because Ive never been able to figure it out. And she homeschools. Emmelin Maria Crespi  Super detailed and beautiful pen and ink nature drawings. I love the honesty of black and white line drawings. Brandon Stanciell  Photographer of black men in all of their unique and beautiful forms. Amos Kennedy  Letterpress printer of colorful, graphic, thought-provoking prints. Eugenia Alexander  I actually just bought a piece from her a few weeks back. She does bold, single-line figurative drawings.

Your studio is located just off of your kitchen and next to the laundry room. How are you able to separate yourself from family life and the central hub of your home, with four children? How do you make it all work? Theres no real way for me to separate it. Kids come through the studio with laundry, I supervise dinner prep, sign permission slips, break up arguments, assign chores, fix tears and breaks all with a paintbrush in my hand (or mouth if I need both hands). Id love to have a separate space (or maybe a door) at some point, but for right now, I do what I have to do. It can be chaotic, but Ive learned that its easier if I just accept them in this space instead of trying to keep them out. [My children] are all old enough to know to be careful or not to touch things that Im working on. My 10 and 12 year old are often in my studio doing their own projects on the floor. It gets cramped, but it works. My husband is the only one who takes it upon himself to give me space when Im working.

Do you feel like your life in Mississippi pulls at your work or informs it? Does your regional location play a part in what you create? My paintings are hugely influenced by the Mississippi landscape. Theres just so much open space here that sometimes it doesnt seem real. The sunsets, fog hovering over fields, perfect rows of pine trees, distant rain, intense rainbows, mile-high storm clouds  all of it is just breathtaking. Driving around the state can conjure up a lot of feelings, many of them are not great, but the land can feel magical. I love including that in my work.

I just create what I feel. I try not to compare myself to anyone else, which can be hard in the age of social media perfection.
Discover MM6 Maison Margiela see now, buy now capsule collection, to be unveiled during the Autumn Winter 2019 presentation in Milan. The same concept inspired the whole collection and it will take over the venue in an immersive experience.

The brand proposes five MM6 classics revisited in a puffed up, soft, cozy version all in white, for a new and abstract, yet familiar wardrobe  White cotton padded scarf, White cotton padded t-shirt, White cotton padded Japanese bag, White cotton padded 6 wallet and White cotton padded dog keyring.

The limited-edition capsule will be available in MM6 Maison Margiela boutiques and selected multi-brand stores, starting from the day of the presentation in Milan (February 20th 2019), beginning of March in Europe, second half of March in US, Hong Kong, and Japan, and online from March 25th.

Discover the collection after the jump:
SALT LAKE CITY  A West Valley woman has been convicted in a case in which police say she was hired by a convenience store and quickly went to work stealing money.

Joan Adamson, 47, who has a lengthy history of theft- and drug-related charges, struck plea deals in several cases on Friday. Adamson pleaded guilty to forgery, theft and failing to stop at the command of an officer. She is scheduled to be sentenced April 12.

Adamson was hired to work at 7-Eleven, 2703 S 8400 West. During her first shift on Jan. 4, Adamson loaded several pre-paid credit cards with more than $4,500, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in 3rd District Court. During her shift on Jan. 6, nearly $5,000 was put on money orders and pre-paid credit cards, charging documents state.

On Jan. 7, Unified police were called to the convenience store after customers discovered that the store was left unattended, the charges state.

On Jan. 9, an officer spotted Adamson and a car chase ensued. The officer believed he had her boxed in on a dead-end street at one point, but Adamson "drove over the lawn of a residence" and drove toward the officer without stopping, even though the officer had his gun drawn, the charges state.

Adamson allegedly clipped the bumper of the officer's car. The officer did not shoot.

Adamson was arrested after blowing out a tire near 4800 S. Redwood.

Unified police were called to the same 7-Eleven in October when customers reported that the store was unattended at that time too, and customers were helping themselves to items in the store. That clerk later told police that she left when her shift was over at 1 a.m. and no one showed up to replace her. She returned to the store about 40 minutes later after talking to her manager.
ENOCH, Iron County  A Cedar City man accused of stabbing another man in Enoch will be sentenced Tuesday after reaching a quick plea deal in his case.

Just before 2 a.m. on Jan. 27, John Weston Oshley, 38, stabbed a man multiple times, causing life-threatening injuries, according to police. A neighbor called police stating, "Someone is outside screaming for help," according to a search warrant affidavit filed in 5th District Court. The victim also called 911 reporting he had been stabbed.

At the hospital, the victim told police that Oshely had stabbed him, according to the charging documents. Police went to Oshley's Cedar City home, found him in his bedroom and arrested him. He was charged with attempted aggravated murder and aggravated burglary, both first-degree felonies.

On Feb. 12, Oshley entered into a plea deal, pleading guilty to the attempted murder charge. In exchange, the aggravated burglary charge was dismissed, according to court records.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday.

In 2003 Oshley struck a plea deal in another case, pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault in exchange for a felony burglary charge being dismissed. He was sentenced to a year in jail with six months suspended, according to court records.
ALTAMONT, Duchesne County  Two students are under investigation in Duchesne County after the principal of Altamont High School disarmed one of the them, according to the sheriff's office.

On Feb. 14, principal Jesse Fieldsted "spotted two students 'spinning doughnuts' in their vehicles in the school's back parking lot before classes began," according to a statement from the Duchesne County Sheriff's Office. "When he went to talk to them, the principal saw one of the students inside a vehicle holding a pistol."

The principal approached the student and "confiscated a handgun without incident," the sheriff's office stated.

The school was never placed on lockdown because of how quickly the situation was resolved. The students' parents were called and the investigation is continuing, according to the statement.

Additional information was not immediately available Sunday.
Argentine President Mauricio Macri on a three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19.

Macri's visit coincides with both the nations marking 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Buenos Aires. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri held bilateral talks at the Hyderabad House on Monday during the latter's ongoing three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19.

This will be followed by delegation-level talks and an exchange of agreements between India and Argentina.

Macri's visit coincides with both the nations marking 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Buenos Aires.

Prime Minister Modi, along with President Ram Nath Kovind, had earlier accorded a ceremonial reception to Macri and the First Lady, Juliana Awada, on Monday. This was followed by the laying of a wreath at Raj Ghat by the Argentinian President as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

After the exchange of agreements, Macri is scheduled to address the plenary session of the India-Argentina Business Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal before meeting with President Kovind in the evening.

He is slated to leave for Mumbai on February 19, from where he will return to Argentina after wrapping up his official visit.
SALT LAKE CITY  Several women told a panel of Utah lawmakers that they left abusive plural marriages with almost no money and few resources, urging support of a proposal intended to make it easier for others like them to exit polygamous communities.

"One of main things needed is mental health," said Luanne Cooper, a former member of the polygamist Kingston Group who said she has spoken with several girls and boys who have left more recently. "I wish so much that I could tell them, 'You need therapy, and there are resources for you to get therapy.'''

After testimony from Cooper and others, the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously Friday to advance the bill, which would make state reparations money available to victims of bigamy. The felony offense in Utah is defined as a married person living with someone else they consider a second spouse.

The measure, HB214, is one of several pending proposals at the state Capitol that are designed to better help victims of domestic violence.

Rep. Kyle Andersen, R-North Ogden, said no arrest, charge or conviction would be needed for the victims to apply for the services.

"To free themselves, these victims often leave everything they know behind," he said. "They just want to be free. So all they have to do is say, 'I was in a bigamous relationship and I want to get out.'" His proposal would allow both children and adults to apply for the money.

"It makes sense to do this," added Gary Scheller, director of the Utah Office for Victims of Crime. The agency provides reimbursement to victims for such costs as medical and counseling bills, plus lost wages. The proposal advanced in a unanimous vote and now moves to the full House for consideration. No one at the Friday hearing spoke against the bill, which carries a recurring $3,500 price tag. The office paid out more than $7 million in 2017.

Brielle Decker-Blanchart told the panel she was formerly married to Warren Jeffs, the leader of the polygamous FLDS Church now imprisoned for sexually abusing girls he considered brides. She is no longer enrolled in Medicaid, the federal health-insurance program for the poor, "and could use the funds," she told the panel.

 Also on Friday, the panel considered another proposal seeking to encourage GPS tracking of more domestic violence offenders and those who are released from jail before trial. It did not get a vote after lawmakers cited concerns over fairness for the accused.

Rep. Robert Spendlove, R-Sandy, told the panel that the ankle monitors could save lives but courts aren't ordering offenders to wear them as often as they could. HB253 is tailored to give judges direction on issuing the ankle monitors and would require courts to report data on the cases to lawmakers.

Among those who spoke in favor of the bill was Heather Wolsey, who said her abuser once tried to go to her office despite a judge's no-contact order. "He was arrested before he even got near me because of GPS. Victims need this tool," she told the panel.

But some committee members said they didn't want to chip away at due process for the accused before a conviction or acquittal.

Rep. Brady Brammer, R-Highland, said he believed round-the-clock monitoring went too far for those whose cases haven't gone to trial. Richard Mauro, executive director of the Salt Lake Legal Defender's association, also had concerns. He said domestic violence includes a range of offenses, from those who slam down a cell phone down one time to those who pose real danger, and the bill does not differentiate based on the severity.

 Another proposal would allow Utahns to apply for protective orders against acquaintances and co-workers  not just those in romantic relationships. HB100 advanced in a unanimous vote from the judiciary committee on Friday. It would allow more than half of victims who can't currently petition for a protective order to do so, according to Julie Valentine, a BYU nursing professor at work on a study using rape kits from sexual violence incidents in Utah. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Lowry Snow, R-Santa Clara, a former prosecutor.

 The committee gave early approval to another measure of Snow's that seeks to boost confidentiality for victims in court cases by ensuring their conversations with victim advocates will be kept private, with some exceptions. HB53 passed out of the committee unanimously over concerns from some defense attorneys who said it could withhold evidence that would work in their clients' favor.
SPRINGDALE  A little over five years ago, Dave and Kim Watts, as people tend to do when theyre in the middle of their careers, started thinking about their retirement someday.

And since both of them are mechanical engineers, they thought about it like engineers.

What would it look like? What would they do? Where would they do it? How would they make it work?

The first step, they decided, was that every year for their vacation they would visit an area of the country they thought might be a great place to retire. They gave themselves 10 years to scope out the country.

Their first trip was to Oregon, where in a little town along the Columbia River Gorge they came across an ice cream parlor that had just been sold. That got them to thinking: running an ice cream shop might be a nice way to ease into the golden years.

For their next trip they chose Utah. This was in the fall of 2013. In advance of flying into Salt Lake City they Googled businesses for sale and up popped  you guessed it  an ice cream and candy shop.

The ad said the store was located right next to Zion National Park. So close you could hit it with a gumball.

Dave and Kim were skeptical. That sounded too good to be true. But what could it hurt to check it out? They called the owner and made arrangements to meet at the store the first day of their vacation.

They drove from Salt Lake City along the I-15 freeway to the Zion turnoff, then made their way the 50 miles toward the park.

In the town of Springdale, a stones throw from the park entrance, in the shadow of the Watchman Spire, next to the laundromat on Zion Park Boulevard, there it was: the Springdale Candy Company.

Precisely as advertised.

The owner was eager to sell; he was in his 70s and wanted to retire for real.

Dave and Kim suddenly had a quandary on their hands. They had good-paying jobs as engineers back home in the Midwest. But they worked long hours with long commutes. Each morning he would head off to work 40 miles in one direction while she would drive 60 miles in the other direction. After 12-hour days they barely saw each other. Here was a golden opportunity to drastically cut their commute times and spend more time together.

And they could work in a place where, as Dave puts it, Id look forward to taking out the trash.

So they went for it. Made the move. They flew back home, turned in their notices and bought the Springdale Candy Company.

That was in 2014. In the years since, they have learned how to make chocolates and ice cream  and discovered its not all that different from designing circuit boards.

The recipes are technical, but just follow the process, says Kim.

In the wintertime, chocolate keeps them afloat; in the summer its ice cream. They also do catering for weddings and supply candy and chocolates to some of the local hotels.

They bought a house in Virgin, 13 miles away, and a Jeep for the easy and scenic 15-minute commute.

They have no regrets.

People always say, Get a job you enjoy and you wont work a day in your life, says Dave. Well, its true.

Theres just not the stress, adds Kim. Everyones happy when they come in here. The only people close to unhappy are the kids when their parents tell them they can only get one thing and they come up to the counter with three.

And the office view is amazing.

As for the business? Hows that going? Well, consider that the year they first opened Zion got 2.4 million visitors.

This past year, Zion got 4.5 million visitors.

Coincidence? Probably. But Kim and Dave like to think theyve helped sweeten things up, too.
The most dangerous place to live in Utah during the late 19th century was undoubtedly Alta.

Unhappy Alta, The Awful Avalanche, Terrible tragedy, Latest Alta horror, Alta is swept away, More snowslides  Six persons killed at Alta, Terrible snow-slide in Cottonwood and Another horror. These were all newspaper headlines from avalanche disasters in the historic mining town of Alta.

Indeed, one newspaper story called Alta home of the avalanche.

From 1872 to 1927, at least 87 people were killed in 14 different avalanches at Alta, according to research on digitalnewspapers.org.

Yes, avalanches occurred in other Wasatch Mountain locations during that era. For example, the most deadly single avalanche, on Feb. 27, 1926, in Bingham Canyon, killed 40 people. And other slides at Bingham had killed at least three others in earlier years. However, Alta had the most slides, and several times the entire town was swept away.

Many animals also perished in these slides, usually mules or horses.

Heres one Alta example from the Deseret News of March 12, 1884: Avalanche at Alta. Twelve people killed at New Emma Mine. The awful news reached this city yesterday of a fatal snow-slide near Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon, in which twelve persons, nine men, two women and a boy perished.

Heres another from the Deseret News of Feb. 18, 1885, of a snow slide that killed 16 people: The Alta avalanche. Further particulars of the sad catastrophe.  The avalanche covered more ground that any before known in that vicinity, and its effects were far more disastrous.  Of the many buildings in the main part of town, only seven were left standing.

Why did people keep living and working the mines in Alta despite one disaster after another?

A Salt Lake Herald newspaper story from Feb. 15, 1885, (and right after the slide that killed 16) may have the best answers. It referred to the avalanche as the same old story and eventually states:

The poor men and women who have been ruthlessly stricken down were not in Alta because they preferred the isolation, the discomforts and dangers of the snow-bound camp to the pleasure and safety of city homes; they were there for the same reason which induces the Swiss peasant to brave the terrors of winters in the Alps  they were there for the bread that they must have.  We can honor them, for they were heroes and heroines, for they had the courage to fight natures battle against natures threatenings.

Avalanches have historically been one of the biggest natural killers in Utah. However, the Utah Avalanche Center didnt begin recording accidents until the post-mining decades, beginning with 1940. (The first avalanche death by a skier at Alta was in January 1941.)

 Given that heavy dose of early Altas grisly history, here are examples of so-called humor from the same era, as published in the Ogden Herald on Aug. 24, 1882, and on Nov. 9, 1882:

Man proposes and the girl weighs his pocketbook and decides, Turf reform: mowing your lawn, A lady said that it takes many men a lifetime to carry a 10-dollar bill home without breaking it, Yellow fever: Mans thirst for gold, Ingersoll says that no such man as Noah existed. He probably bases his belief on the assumption that no man would invite a pair of mosquitoes into the ark and The only human being that can step on a heavenward pointed tack and not say something that would cause the recording angel to weep is a mute.

 Finally, heres a weird occurrence that happened in Ogden on April 8, 1918  a full week after April Fools Day that year: Eat horse meat at luncheon given at noon yesterday to local and visiting guests was an April 9, 1918, headline in the Ogden Daily Standard.

The Ogden Horse Sale and Commission Company hosted a luncheon for those attending a big horse sale at the Union Stock Yards. The problem was that it wasnt announced the bologna and dried meat consumed was horse until after the luncheon. Surprisingly, the story stated that they all agreed it was a good joke.
Excellent editorial warning of the waning of democracy in our world and calling for America to lead by example. ("In our opinion: Democracy is waning around the world. The U.S. must be an example.") All Americans have a big part in setting that example.

After voting, we need to advise those who represent us in Congress. A good example of this were the calls and letters that encouraged 137 members of Congress, like Utahs Rep. Chris Stewart, to send a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, asking for continued support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This letter was sent before the State of the Union speech where the president called for an end to AIDS in America. It was also widely distributed at the recent preparatory meeting in India for Octobers replenishment conference for the Global Fund, showing Americas commitment.

This happened because citizens worked with their representatives to write and sign this letter. No wonder: since its founding in 2002 the Global Fund has saved 27 million lives, strengthened health care systems and helped cut deaths from these three pandemics by one-third. Recently, we have also been reminded by the Zika and Ebola viruses of the importance of treating disease globally to protect us locally.

Americas bold pledge to the Global Fund has inspired other donors to contribute two-thirds of the total budget for the Global Fund. So join your voice to strengthen democracy in America, but it's taking actions like this with your representatives via calls, letters and visits that make a difference and set the example for our world.

Willie Dickerson

Snohomish, Washington
A lighthearted look at news of the day:

NASA last week gave up on reviving its Mars rover, which has served 15 years. After sending 835 unanswered wake-up calls, scientists pulled the plug. I think they gave up too soon. As any parent of a teenager would tell you, it takes a lot more than that.

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The rover was designed to last only three months, but it lasted 15 years. Oh sure, we can get a rover to work for years from millions of miles away, but we cant design a laptop computer that wont be obsolete within three months.

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Some people in New York City complained, and now Amazon has decided not to build part of its new corporate headquarters there, after all. As punishment, New York no longer will be forced to give $3 billion to one of the worlds richest companies.

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A state House committee hesitated last week when faced with the chance to redesign Utahs state flag. Thats a shame. At its heart, this is a fairness issue. Utah schoolchildren, assigned to draw the current flag, end up hiring a team of artists and paying for tons of supplies. Kids in New Mexico, meanwhile, need only two crayons and about 15 minutes.

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Utahs current flag contains two different years, a part of the American flag, a beehive, sego lily flowers, six pointed arrows, the states name, the word industry and a bald eagle, all surrounded by a gold circle and centered on a blue field. But experts say this is wrong; it doesnt conform to the original description written into law in 1903. To school children: Dont even think about it. Teachers wont accept this as an excuse to get out of the assignment.

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Americans averted another government shutdown last week as negotiators agreed to a compromise. President Trump wont get the $5.7 billion he wanted for a wall, but he will get a lovely white picket fence with a swinging gate somewhere in New Mexico.

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The president responded by declaring that if Congress disagrees with him, it must be a national emergency.
Presidents Day is a time to ostensibly honor those who have served, or are serving, in the highest office in the land. And while some doubtless will pause to remember, most will focus instead on just another three-day holiday.

In the not too distant past the nation as a whole celebrated the birthday of George Washington, the Father of His Country, on Feb. 22. School children and others also marked the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12. These were times to recall the contributions that arguably the two greatest statesmen in U.S. history made to the country. Now the much-deserved veneration of these two great presidents generally falls by the wayside.

While its nice to have a three-day weekend to break up the doldrums of February, it is in many ways unfortunate that the nation no longer has occasion to reflect on the impact George Washington had on the founding of our republic.

He not only successfully led a ragtag army of colonialists toward victory over the mighty British army, he oversaw the establishment of a strong and well-financed national government. He was a man of unity, staying above the political squabbling of those who would be his successors as president. His farewell address, which he wrote to friends and fellow citizens at the end of his 20 years of public service before retiring to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia, is widely regarded as the greatest treatise on republicanism ever written. In it, he warned of the political dangers Americans must avoid if they were to remain true to the values of their new country.

While the modern political process is inseparable from partisanship, Washington warned against the rise of political parties, which he feared would be used by demagogues seeking power. He reminded the people that the independence and liberty the nation had recently won were the result of common dangers, sufferings and successes they had experienced together in the American Revolution and the early years of the new country. Said he, The name of American must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

Nearly 70 years later, Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, led the nation through the most divisive period in its history. It was he who said, speaking of himself, Nearly all men can stand adversity but if you want to test a mans integrity, give him power.

Both Lincoln and Washington recognized that government has a role in the life of the nation. As Lincoln would admonish Congress that their role was, to elevate the condition of men  to lift artificial weights from all shoulders, to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all, to afford all an unfettered start and a fair chance, in the race of life. Both men spent their lives working to form a more perfect union where that fair chance could be provided for every citizen.

Others who have served as president have, of course, made important contributions to the country at important times in history. But, arguably, none has had the impact of Washington and Lincoln.

Enjoying the weekend is a nice break from the winter blues. Taking time to thankfully talk about presidents like Washington and Lincoln is important. But acting like them is much more laudable. Each citizen should recognize neighbor helping neighbor and serving wherever and whenever possible is what fulfills the call of past presidents  to provide every individual a fair chance at their version of the American dream.
The man seeked anticipatory bail in criminal case for alleged offences of molestation, wrongful restraint and mischief under the IPC.

Justice Sunil Gaur said the principal of the school shall ensure that the tree plantation drive takes place and the investigating officer will file a compliance report in the court. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: A man facing prosecution in a molestation case has been asked by the Delhi High Court to plant 50 trees in a government school here while granting him anticipatory bail.

Justice Sunil Gaur said the principal of the school shall ensure that the tree plantation drive takes place and the investigating officer will file a compliance report in the court.

The man approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail in the criminal case for the alleged offences of molestation, wrongful restraint, and mischief under the IPC.

He sought parity with a co-accused who has already been granted regular bail by the trial court. The FIR was lodged at Connaught Place Police Station last year.

The high court noted that the man, through his counsel, voluntarily submitted that he will plant 25 'neem' trees and 25 'peepal' trees in the near government school in east Delhi's Chander Nagar within two weeks.

"Let it be so done. The principal of the said school shall ensure that the plantation of these trees takes place. The investigating officer shall obtain compliance report and submit it along with the final report," it said.

The court made it clear that in case the man misused the concession of pre-arrest bail or tampers with evidence, the state is at liberty to get this order revoked.

It also said that the court was not commenting on merits of the case and made absolute the interim order of December 17, 2018, by which the man was granted interim protection from arrest.
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A lantern display lights up the night in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, February 17, 2019, designed to celebrate the upcoming Lantern Festival. Marked on the 15th day of lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival marks the final day of the Chinese New Year's celebrations. This year's Lantern Festival falls on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. [Photo: VCG]
Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad. (Photo:AP)

Islamabad: Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad on Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdom's foreign minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for "consultations", the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the neighbours.

India has vowed to retaliate after the suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that killed 41 CRPF soldiers last week, the deadliest attack in the state in decades.

The attack has sparked widespread calls in the country for action against Pakistan.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The pledge came as the crown prince, widely known as "MBS", prepared to head for India later Monday, at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan.

The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, and the vehicle was driven by a 22-year-old terrorist.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan diplomatically in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role. Pakistan has rejected the allegation.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman meets Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday night

After his arrival late Sunday, MBS signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy.

Pakistan has laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort, and honour guard. He was also due to receive the country's highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring terrorists who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay.

But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a "chief sponsor of terrorism" during Monday's live press conference. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the republic.

However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour -- and Saudi Arabia's regional foe -- Iran.
Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped South Asian country.

At a ceremony in the Prime Minister House, Pakistan and Saudi officials signed MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a number of areas  a process overseen by Pakistan premier Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who arrived here late evening on a two-day visit.

"Today we signed MoUs. The amount of that kind of investment is USD 20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it (Saudi investment in Pakistan) will grow every month, every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both the countries," the crown prince said.

"Pakistan is going to be very, very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he added.

Seven agreements, including MoUs in power, petrochemical and mining sectors, were inked as Prince Salman launched his diplomatic trip to Asia in Islamabad. After Pakistan, the crown prince will travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday. Prince Salman said Saudi "cannot say no to Pakistan, whatever you (Pakistan) want we will do."

"For Pakistanis, this is a great day," the Pakistani premier said while addressing a dinner reception held in honour of the visiting Saudi guests at the PM House. He said Saudi Arabia has always been there when Pakistan needed friends.

"I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in (a) bad situation," Khan told the royal guest, adding that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were now taking their relationship to a new level, where investment agreements would be mutually beneficial for the countries.

"The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.
New Delhi: The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was a "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Azhar, who had used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir. In the custody, the intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Azhar who started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer had shaken him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many a times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on the Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50's now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, he said. After his arrival into India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar had travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them. A man of mannerism and etiquette during questioning sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed description to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had travelled in 1993 with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said. Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

"You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying. Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in exchange of the 1999 hijacking, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan. Another attempt to release him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995. Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding out to a new posting to which he wished me good luck."

"I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant that we will not be able to keep him for long," he said.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for his "outstanding support" in reinvigorating the ties between the two countries.

The award was presented by Pakistan President Arif Alvi at a special ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, members of prince Salman's delegation, diplomats, senior officers and Cabinet ministers attended the ceremony.

According to the citation, the Crown Prince provided "outstanding support for reinvigorating Pak-Saudi bilateral relationship". The Crown Prince arrived at the President House in traditional Presidential chariot along with Prime Minister Khan.

A special contingent of Presidential security guards escorted the chariot. President Alvi, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry received him on arrival.

"Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have been indispensable partners for a very long time. We have been together for centuries. Our friendship is bound in religion and culture," Alvi said.

"Even though there is geographical distance between us but we are very close in our hearts. The recent visit of the prime minister and your visit has cemented the friendship between us," he said.

The President also hosted a luncheon for the royal guest. A formal meeting was held between the President and the Crown Prince, along with their respective delegations. The two sides expressed desire to further promote and deepen the bilateral ties.

"I was honoured to meet the president of Pakistan. I thank you for honouring me with Pakistan's highest award," prince Salman said in his address.

"The brotherly relationship between the kingdom and Pakistan focus on the principle of Islamic solidarity. It is a model to be emulated by other nations. Our (countries' relations) go back 67 years that witnessed continuous development that rendered itself beneficial for both countries.

"The founding fathers for both countries established these relations on the principles of truthfulness, common understanding and mutual respect that go back to the first days of the establishment of Pakistan, post-World War II," he said.

Earlier, the Saudi prince also met a joint parliamentary delegation of all parties and discussed various matters of interest. Prince Salman arrived in Pakistan on Sunday amid heightened security and arrangements in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
On Sunday, a source told E! News that Prince William and Prince Harry are all set to split their household within weeks. (Photo:AP)

London: Prince William and his brother Prince Harry's royal household will be split within weeks, said a source.

In October last year, the Sunday Times had reported that the two were considering a formal division of their joint royal household, which is based at Kensington Palace, and the creation of separate courts to reflect their "increasingly different responsibilities."

On Sunday, a source told E! News that Prince William and Prince Harry are all set to split their household within weeks, thus confirming a new Sunday Times report about the same.

The report had stated that the division will happen before the birth of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's first child this spring.

The source also told E! News that it is hoped that the split will help ease the tensions between the brothers and their wives.

It also added that the first major division of the royal household will be of their media team, adding that Prince William and Prince Harry are "working together" on the plans. According to the insider, the two courts would also have separate staff.

"When William becomes the Prince of Wales, he will take on a lot of extra responsibility, including the Duchy of Cornwall. Harry and Meghan have none of that, and seem ambitious about forging their own paths," a source told the Sunday Times.

However, Kensington Palace has not commented on any of the reports yet.

The Palace, however, did announce in November that Prince Harry and Meghan plan to move out of Nottingham Cottage in the Kensington Palace complex. The Sunday Times also reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new separate office is expected to remain at the Kensington Palace itself.

According to a royal correspondent writing for The Sunday Times as cited by E Online, Prince Harry and Prince William will reportedly split their royal households "within weeks."

However, Prince William and wife Kate will continue to work with Prince Harry and Meghan on charitable causes headed by the quartet's Royal Foundation.

The two couples were last spotted together on Christmas, where they were all smiles.
China was slow in condemning the latest attack in Kashmir, taking a day to issue a guarded statement that mentioned neither Pakistan nor JeM. (Photo:ANI)

Hong Kong: India was appalled at the terrorist attack that killed 40 paramilitaries of the Central Reserve Police Force in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February. Even though Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing, fingers of blame are also being pointed in Chinas direction.

The reason is that China has been tacitly protecting JeMs leader, Masood Azhar, also responsible for an attack on Indias parliament in December 2011 and an assault on an Indian Air Force base in January 2016, by blocking a United Nations declaration of him as a global terrorist.

China was slow in condemning this latest attack in Kashmir, taking a day to issue a guarded statement that mentioned neither Pakistan nor JeM. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, We firmly oppose and strongly condemn all forms of terrorism. We hope relevant regional countries will cooperate to cope with the threat of terrorism and jointly uphold regional peace and stability.

However, this statement is at complete odds with it single handedly blocking Indian efforts to label Azhar a terrorist. Just a week before the terrorist attack, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong justified Chinas stance in the UN: China is opposed to all forms of terrorism. There should be no double standards on counterterrorism, nor should one pursue own political gains in the name of counterterrorism.

Despite support for India from the USA, UK and France, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously said at the UN General Assembly, Whether these people are terrorists or not, there should be solid facts and proof. If there is irrefutable evidence, no one can turn its back on it. I dont think Pakistan will do that.

Despite willfully ignoring evidence and JeMs own claims of responsibility, Beijings position is rife with double standards.

It has twisted the situation of the purported threat from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) to initiate draconian security measures in Xinjiang Province. Indeed, as part of its mass subjugation of a minority ethnic group that would have made Comrade Stalin proud, China has arbitrarily imprisoned at least a million Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

Why does China technically block the UNs bid to declare Azhar a terrorist, especially since the UN had already added JeM to the list of banned terrorist organizations? It began doing so at Pakistans behest as far back as 2016. China describes Pakistan as its all-weather friend, while it remains antagonistic towards India. It thus achieves the twin purposes of showing support to its ally and needling Delhi.

China is investing heavily in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that will give it access to the Indian Ocean, and it wants to maintain its largest military export market. At the UN, Islamabad and Beijing have a cozy relationship supporting each other.

India and the rest of the peace-loving world should be rightly angered by Pakistans hospitality of JeM and Azhar, as well as Chinas unqualified support for Pakistan.

The fact is that there is increasing awareness around the region that China is not at all benevolent, but rather that it poses a credible threat to security in the Indo-Pacific region.

For example, it can be seen from the foregoing that Beijings hard message against terrorism can be watered down overseas for reasons of political expediency, even though it maintains an iron fist at home. In other words, Beijing is not at war with terrorism at large, but rather only terrorism that might threaten communist party rule.

China offers an ideological and conventional military threat to the region as well.

For instance, Admiral Philip Davidson, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), described China as the greatest long-term strategic threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to the United States. He testified thus at a Senate Armed Services Committee about the posture of his command on 12 February.

While China might be the greatest long-term threat, the commander noted that North Korea will remain the most immediate challenge to the USA, however.

While the cynic might say that American military commanders use such opportunities to exaggerate the threat in order to gain greater levels of funding, Davidson was blunt when assessing the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). He stated: The PLA is the principal threat to US interests, US citizens and our allies inside the First Island Chain  a term that refers to the islands that run from northern Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia  and the PLA is quickly increasing its ability to project power and influence beyond the First Island Chain.

Chinas military is casting its eye far beyond the First Island Chain, however. Davidson testified, The PLA maintains a high operations tempo, primarily in and near China, but is quickly expanding its operating areas beyond the region, as exemplified by its anti-piracy task force off the Horn of Africa and its overseas military base at Djibouti.

Taiwan received substantial attention in the testimony. China is focused on achieving reunification as a part of the PRCs national plan of rejuvenationWe continue to be concerned with Chinas military build-up across the Strait, Beijings opaqueness about its military capability and capacity, and its unwillingness to preclude the use of force to resolve the cross-strait issue. He further warned, President Xis solution of one country, two systems approach to reunification does not reflect the wishes of both sides.

Unsurprisingly, the South China Sea received attention from the US Navy (USN) admiral. He said, Beijing maintains maritime claims in the South China Sea that are contrary to international law and pose a substantial long-term threat to the rules-based international order.

In April 2018, Beijing continued militarizing outposts by deploying advanced military systems that further enhance the PLAs power projection capabilities, including missiles and electronic jammers. These actions run directly counter to President Xis 2015 commitment not to militarize these features.

The hardening of American resolve can be illustrated by the number of freedom of navigation operations conducted by the USN in the South China Sea. Under Obamas eight-year presidential tenure, they occurred just four times. President Donald Trump, conversely, has completed 12 such operations in just over two years.

China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels  regularly harass and intimidate fishing vessels from our treaty ally, the Philippines, operating near Scarborough Reef, as well as the fishing fleets of other regional nations, Davidson commented. The CCG, as well as the PLA Navy, also sends vessels to the East China Sea, using its military forces to advance its territorial claims.

Chinas employs more than just military power to spread its orb of influence. Davidson warned, Through fear and economic pressure, Beijing is working to expand its form of communist-socialist ideology in order to bend, break and replace the existing rules-based international order.

Yet there is growing resistance, he acknowledged. Over the last year, we have seen that countries across the region are becoming more aware of the threat Beijings economic policies pose. He cited Malaysia and the Maldives as examples. We must continue to support countries that stand up to Beijings coercive economic policies whenever possible,and help those countries offset any economic blowback from Beijing. Our engagement in the Indo-Pacific must truly be a whole-of-government undertaking, in partnership with the private sector and civil society, to counter Chinas economic coercion.

When addressing the PLA, the INDOPACOM chief noted, Beijing pursues both qualitative and quantitative efforts to transform its military, modernizing its military platforms while simultaneously increasing the number of platforms in service.

Particular weapon systems were mentioned: an aircraft carrier group centered on the Liaoning, a second indigenously developed carrier that will likely join the PLA Navy in 2019, Type 055 cruisers, Fuyu-class fast combat support ships, J-20 fighters plus research into a new sixth-generation fighter, Y-20 transport aircraft and S-400 air defense systems acquired from Russia.

The USA is particularly alarmed at Chinas pursuit of high-tech weaponry. Beijing continues pursuing next-generation technologies and advanced weapons systems, including hypersonic glide vehicles, directed energy weapons, electromagnetic railguns, counter-space weapons and unmanned and artificial intelligence-equipped weapons.

Furthermore, The PLA has made significant technological, game-changing developments in its ability to defeat, or drastically reduce, the effectiveness of US sensors and defensive weapons.

Why does a country, which nobody has ever threatened militarily, need to develop so many weapons? This is more than just building up defenses, for China is going totally overboard to develop a mighty military force that can compete with anyone in the world. This is not the normal policy of a peace-loving country.

The same message of alarm came through in the 2019 edition of the Missile Defense Review recently issued by the USAs Department of Defense (DoD).

It said, China seeks to displace the United States in the Indo-Pacific region and reorder the region to its advantage. Offensive missiles play an increasingly prominent role in Chinas military modernization, its coercive threats and efforts to counter US military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. It has deployed 75-100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), including a new road-mobile system and a new multi-warhead version of its silo-based ICBM. Beijing also now possesses four advanced Jin-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), each capable of carrying 12 new submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), the CSS-N-14.

Consequently, China can now potentially threaten the USA with up to 125 nuclear missiles, some capable of employing multiple warheads, and its nuclear forces will increase in the coming years.

Davidson added detail: Chinas third-generation Type 096 SSBN will be armed with JL-3 SLBMs and will likely begin construction in the early 2020s.

The Missile Defense Report added, A key component of Chinas military modernization is its conventional ballistic missile arsenal designed to prevent US military access to support regional allies and partners. China is improving its ability to strike regional targets, such as US bases and naval assets, at greater ranges with the addition of the growing number of medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. This includes sophisticated anti-ship ballistic missiles that pose a direct threat to US aircraft carriers.

Additionally, China has ground- and air-launched land attack cruise missiles. These and other wide-ranging developments in Chinas expansive offensive missile arsenal pose a potential nuclear and non-nuclear threat to US forces deployed abroad, and are of acute concern to US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinas targets are clear. Short-range missiles against Taiwan and US carrier strike groups, intermediate-range missiles against US bases in Japan and Guam, and ICBMs against the USA. Why does China need to bristle with so much weaponry?

Unfortunately, China is also guilty of transferring missile know-how to others. The DoD report asserted, Chinese entities have assisted Iran, North Korea and others in developing their missile programsIn turn, expertise and technology provided to these states by Chinese sources could be transferred to additional state and non-state actors.

China strenuously repeats the line that others should respect the interests and concerns of the Chinese side. Yet China does not do this itself, as its lack of concern over JeM and Indian sensitivities illustrates.

While China may reconsider its blockage of India in the UN, it will surely entail some hard bargaining with India to draw concessions on other issues. However, it will not want to do so quickly, because that would send a message of weakness to Pakistan vis-a-vis India.

Geng said in a Chinese press conference, China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a constructive and responsible manner. Given that Beijing has not been responsible in the matter so far, it is difficult to see any sea change in Chinese policy.
ICJ has set timetable for public hearing in high-profile case from Feb 18 to 21 at Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Harish Salve who is representing India and Jadhav said it is an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi/The Hague: The public hearing of Kulbhushan Jadhav at the International Court of Justice began on Monday. It will be a four-day public hearing in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

Timeline of the hearing:

05:27 pm: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for Tuesday.

05:26 pm: "India submits that military courts of Pakistan can't command the confidence of this court and shouldn't be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhav's conviction and directions that he be released forthwith," Salve added.

05:25 pm: Continuing his argument, Salve said, India invites court to restrain Pak from acting on conviction on ground that it was secured by means which was in violation of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and in the present case, relief of review and re-consideration would be highly inadequate, considering facts and circumstances.

05:20 pm: Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan. Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India, Salve said.

05:10 pm: Salve said, "I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

04:45 pm: "If Article 36 grants rights of consular access in all cases including where allegations of such kind are leveled , then demanding those can't be an abuse of those rights," Salve said.

04:10 pm: Jadhav's trial by military court hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process & should be declared "unlawful": Salve.

03:50 pm: Salve said, Pakistan should've provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation. Even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan hasn't complied treaty obligations.

03:45 pm: Pakistan did not provide credible evidence and failed to disclose specific offences in the Jadhav case, says Salve at the ICJ.

03:40 pm: Article 36 of Vienna Convention requires that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan didnt inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhavs arrest, said Indias Harish Salve at UN court.

According to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be given before the trial is over. India wasnt granted consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case even though India made multiple requests, said Harish Salve.

03:33 pm: Salve continued his arguments and said, Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25th December, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted & wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

03:25 pm: Presenting Indias case, Harish Salve said, On 19th June, 2017, India responded to the request for assistance in investigation and pointed that not only Jadhav had been denied consular access but no credible evidence have been provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and his (Jadhav's) purported confession clearly appears to be coaxed."

"India reminded Pakistan that it's Pakistan government which hasn't ratified SAARC convention on legal assistance in criminal matters," Salve added.

03:15 pm: Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav, Salve tells ICJ.

03:10 pm: On 30th March 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) and received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates, Salve said.

03:05 pm: Salve said, There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay.

02:55 pm: Harish Salve who is representing India and Jadhav said it is an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention.

02:45 pm: Public hearing begins in ICJ

India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18 to 21 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.
A second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February. (File Photo)

Montreal/Seoul: The United States has blocked efforts by a UN agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace to foreign flights, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The US move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes.

The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace.

Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights.

If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry.

The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Korea's aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said.

But the United States discouraged the UN agency from helping North Korea with its air programme as Washington wanted to "pool all the leverages and incentives" until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearisation, a third source said.

"They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward," the source said.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states.

Asked for comment, a US State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations. An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Korea's foreign ministry.

In 2017, the United States proposed the UN Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members.

Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 200,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation.

That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said.

The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA.

The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearisation, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid.

South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted US officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearisation.

A fourth source told Reuters that the US move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions.

"But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress," said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
This is the background in which we seek the understanding of other nations in the wake of the Pulwama attack. (Photo: PTI)

Whatever the promised Indian response to Jaish-e-Mohammads recent fidayeen attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmirs Pulwama district, which took dozens of lives, it is by now evident that India is not united in dealing with the terrorist outrage. The sincere expressions of solidarity by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and other top Opposition leaders appear to have gone in vain.

Never before has the country been faced with such a shocking state of affairs in dealing with externally-induced terrorism and its foreign patrons. Extreme right-wing elements have attacked the properties of Kashmiri people and other Muslims in Jammu, the states winter capital. Their retaliation is against fellow Indians, not the JeM and Pakistan. And the hyperactive official communications machinery as well as the BJPs social media armies have not bothered to help ordinary people make this crucial distinction. The government and its bailiff in Kashmir, state governor Satya Pal Malik, are yet to take any meaningful deterrent action against the communal gangs.

The trouble has now spread to other states. At the behest of student and social outfits, which were earlier active in cow vigilantism and love jihad criminalities, hundreds of Kashmiri students in Dehradun and elsewhere have been turned away by their colleges. In reaction, Valley Muslims observed a shutdown on Sunday. In the 1965 and 1971 wars, Kashmiri Muslims had handed over Pakistani infiltrators to the police.

In order to underline the nations unity at a moment such as this, the government should have actively disseminated the idea that the people of Kashmir were victims of violence, and had nothing to do with the fidayeen attack. The complex politics of Kashmir is not reducible to a Hindu-Muslim binary, as communal elements here and the Pakistani State seek to do. It does appear that JeM has given communal elements in India the perfect gift as the Lok Sabha elections draw near.

This is the background in which we seek the understanding of other nations in the wake of the Pulwama attack. We are unlikely to be taken at face value. How the Pakistan-China axis responds to any Indian retaliation is an unknown. At a time when the US is negotiating with the Taliban, prior to ending its military presence in Afghanistan, Beijing is likely to run its policy close to Islamabads with an eye to creating leverage for itself in the post-American period there.

As we contemplate recent events, aside from the debilitating crass politics on display, two negatives stand out. The first of these is intelligence failure. The JeM had circulated a video just two days before the strike, indicating that an explosives-laden car would be used to create a major impact, but its meaning was not understood, although in January 2018 too, the Jaish had circulated a video before attacking a CRPF training compound in the same broad Awantipora area in Pulwama district. Earlier, in 2016, the CRPF had come under attack on the same road, at Pantha Chowk, not far from Awantipora.

Yet the intelligence professionals failed to link the latest JeM video to the unduly long CRPF convoy that the government was planning to move up the Jammu-Srinagar highway. They should have.

It would seem the JeM had advance knowledge of CRPF movements and had got ready the explosives and their fidayeen. It had done its homework. But our government had not. The J&K government, under Central rule, was found sleeping on the job.

The second failure concerns the CRPF itself for not considering it grossly unwise to move a convoy of as many as 78 vehicles, ferrying over 2,500 jawans, in a part of Kashmir which has been a site of encounters on a near daily basis for two and a half years.

Besides, it is evident that existing protocols were not adhered to, and this seems a regular failing with the CRPF. This force seems particularly vulnerable when it moves its jawans, as has also been seen repeatedly in Naxal-affected parts of Chhattisgarh.

Should politicians in top positions readily give a terrorist attack by a Pakistan-based group a religious and a partisan twist? And if they do so, should they not be disciplined? It wont do to single out the Kashmiri separatists alone for admonition, although in this case they would have been as surprised as anyone else by the strike at the CRPF convoy.

It is to be regretted that a senior Jammu BJP politician who is a minister of state at the Centre wore his communal colours on the sleeve by publicly attacking leaders of the mainstream parties in the Kashmir Valley for being apologetic about terrorists. This travesty of the truth was peddled on the day that the Abdullahs  the father and the son  as well as Mehbooba Mufti had condemned the terrorist action at Pulwama in no uncertain terms.

Unfortunately, J&K governor Satya Pal Malik too disregarded his constitutional status  which enjoins on him to remain above the fray  to target mainstream politicians without any reason at a time when the state is under Central rule, the local politicians having been evicted from government in questionable circumstances.
Tirupati: YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys announcement in Eluru, West Godavari district, on Sunday to give Rs 4 in addition to the price of every litre of milk, if it was sold to the cooperative dairy, is likely to trigger shock waves among cooperative dairies owned and operated by relatives of some Telugu Desam leaders.

Political analysts say that the intention was to hit Heritage Foods, owned and operated by TD chief and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidus family, and Sangam Dairy, of which TD legislator Dhulipalla Narendra Kumar is the chairman.

Mr Jagan Mohan had earlier promised dairy farmers in Chittoor that Vijaya Dairy, a cooperative firm that was shut down in the district in the past, will be reopened if he assumes power. He even alleged that Mr Naidu had shut down Vijaya Dairy to favour his Heritage Foods.

In the past, farmers and employees had staged a series of protests in front of Chittoor Co-operative Milk Dairy to push the government for its revival.

At that time, District Dairy Farmers Union chief Venkatachalam Naidu, too, had alleged that the CM and district TD leaders closed Chittoor Dairy to benefit Heritage Foods. It was also asked why Chittoor Dairy became defunct when it was procuring 3 lakh litres of milk per day. Nearly 1,200 employees are believed to have lost their livelihood with the cooperative dairys closure.

Analysts feel that if the cooperative dairy is reopened and Mr Jagans promise of paying Rs 4 more for a litre of milk comes into force, it could have an adverse impact on cooperative dairies belonging to both TD leaders and some other private dairy farms, as they get more milk from Chittoor district and other parts of the state. Chances are, farmers will incline towards the cooperative dairy farm units and sells milk to them, indirectly affecting milk procurement by the private dairies.
Hyderabad: The actions by Governors of some non-BJP-ruled states have attracted criticism. There is criticism that be it the BJP or the Congress, whenever they are in power at the Centre, make the Governors institution a political rehabilitation centre for party colleagues who lose elections.

Telugu Desam founder president and former Chief Minister, the late N.T. Rama Rao, had demanded abolition of the post of Governor much before Ram Lal sacked him in 1984.

The recent tweet of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on the Lieutenant Governors role has become a point of discussion in political circles.

In the wake of Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamys dharna along with his Cabinet ministers against Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi, who lost the Delhi Assembly elections from the BJPs bastion of Krishna Nagar in 2015, Mr Kejriwal tweeted under the caption This is Indian Democracy: Those whom people elected are subordinate to those whom people defeated. Those whom people elected are powerless and those whom people defeated enjoy complete powers (sic).

Former Union minister Renuka Chowdary said: I dont know whether Kejriwal referred to a particular move, but the fact is that elected governments cannot be harassed and denied their legislation.

Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his Cabinet colleagues had strongly criticised Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan. TD ministers said Mr Narasimhan was biased in favour of the TRS-led Telangana state government. Mr Narasimhan is Governor of both Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh.

TD ministers also demanded the shifting of Mr Narasimhan.

It is unfortunate that people who lost the elections are occupying power at the Centre. It is against the spirit of democracy, Telangana state Congress Legislature Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said. It is one way of disrespecting the peoples verdict. People with respect, morals and ethics will not try to occupy these kind of positions.

Reacting to Mr Kejriwals tweet, Telangana BJP MLC N. Ramachandra Rao said: Unlike Governors, the Lt .Governor has some administrative powers. If the Chief Minister has some grievance, he can approach the President instead of enacting a political drama like Mamata Banerjee. The Delhi CMs comment is uncalled for. He suffers from political bias and Modi phobia.
Hyderabad: TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao will not find a place in the Cabinet, which will be expanded at 11.30 am on Tuesday.

The undivided Khammam district will find no representation in the Cabinet.

By Monday evening, nine MLAs had received phone calls from the CMO regarding the swearing-in but not Mr Rajendar. The Chief Minister is busy hosting a dinner for the 15th Finance Commission chairman and its members.

Mr Rajendar received a phone call only late in the night, confirming that he would also be inducted on Tuesday.

Mr Rao and home minister Mr Mohd Mahmood Ali are the only two Cabinet ministers and after Tuesdays expansion the total number of ministers, including the Chief Minister, will reach 12.

That gives Mr Rao the option of inducting six more ministers and there could be another Cabinet expansion after the Lok Sabha elections to fill these vacancies.

The Chief Minister wants Mr Rama Rao to concentrate on party activities and has handed him responsibility of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

There was speculation from the time Mr Rao took oath as Chief Minister for the second time that Mr Harish Rao will not be given a ministerial post this time. His political future will now be known only after the Lok Sabha elections.

On Monday, Mr Rao called the MLAs who are to be inducted to Pragathi Bhavan and told them they are to be given ministerial posts and have to come to Raj Bhavan on Tuesday to take oath. Rama Rao told them not to bring many party workers to the swearing-in ceremony as there will not be sufficient place at Raj Bhavan.
Hyderabad: BJP National Secretary RP Singh on Monday criticised the Grand alliance, saying that there will be a new Prime Minister everyday if people vote for them. He also slammed Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, saying that if Federal Front comes to power, there will be no Cabinet at the Centre, too.

Speaking to media persons at BJP state head quarters in Hyderabad on Monday, Mr RP Singh said, Mr Chandras-ekhar Rao took two months after the elections to announce the Cabinet. If Mr Rao's dream of the Federal Front coming to power at the Centre comes true, the same situation will prevail there too.
The firm taking the contract will operate it for 10 yrs.

Kochi: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will procure and operate electric buses on a wet-lease basis, paving the way for their deployment in the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam section.

A notification issued by the transport department on February 14 to this effect, however, made it clear that the government would take no financial burden of the e-bus operations.

The government has examined in detail and given the nod to the KSRTC awarding the contract to M/s Mahavoyage LLP to operate the buses for ten years, an official said.

The direct purchase was found to be not feasible as each bus will cost nearly `2 crore.

As per the contract, the corporation will pay Mumbai-based contractor Rs 43.20 per km for operating ten air-conditioned buses having a length of nine metres.

The fleet-owner will provide the driver and also meet maintenance costs while the corporation needs to supply electricity to charge them.

The trial run on the Pamba-Nilakkal route was successful. Soon battery charging facilities will be set up at Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Haripad, Alappuzha and Ernakulam and we aim to start the services by April, he said.

The buses with 33 seats can run 300 km in a single charging. It takes four hours for standard charging and one-and-half hours for fast charging. Though the top speed is 120 kmph, maximum allowed is 80 kmph.

The government earlier announced in the budget that buses in the state capital will convert to the clean energy in a phased manner as per its electric vehicle policy.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the Pulwama terror attack as an assault on the nation. (File Photo)

Gohana: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the Pulwama terror attack as an assault on the nation and said it was time that Pakistan be given a strong reply.

Mr Kejriwal was in Haryana to pay tributes to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday.

"Pulwama attack is a cowardly act. This attack was against humanity. Pakistan is in the habit of carrying out such acts through proxy. But it is not in our blood to take on the enemy through proxy as we take our enemy head on," he said.

He said that entire nation is united and Pakistan should be given a befitting reply. "Pakistan feels it can carry out such attacks and nothing will happen. But this time they need to be given a strong reply," the Aam Aadmi Party's national convener said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Mr Kejriwal said, "It is an attack on the nation, we cannot sit silently. At this hour, the entire nation is with our government at the centre, the Prime Minister, the security forces."

"From this platform, we want to tell the Prime Minister that the entire country will support you. There should be no politics at this time, we all are united. Pakistan should know that we can inflict heavy casualties on them," he said.

He said the mother of one of the killed soldiers was suffering from cancer and some soldiers had to take care of their minor children.

Their sacrifices should not go in vain, otherwise it will be a betrayal to their families and the nation, he said.

"We have to take revenge of the sacrifices they made. Pakistan should be taught a befitting lesson. If this is not done, the souls of the martyrs will not rest in peace. Many families of martyrs have demanded that Pakistan be taught a stern lesson," he said.

"They laid down their lives for our sake so that we remain safe. What was their dream, they dreamed that everyone should get good educational facilities, health care facilities, farmers due price for their crops, everyone should have access to electricity, water and good roads. Seventy years ago when we gained freedom, those who laid down their lives, they dreamed of a prosperous India.

"But even 70 years later, their dreams are yet to be fulfilled. We should take a pledge now and rise above considerations of politics, creed, religion to make this country number one in all fields, that will be befitting tributes to these soldiers," he said.
Youth Congress workers block a private bus and is about to smash its windshield at MG Road, Kochi on Monday as part of the flash hartal following the murder of two Congress workers at Kasargode. (ARUN CHANDRABOSE)

Thiruvanananthapuram: The statewide flash hartal, called by the Youth Congress on Monday following the killing of two party workers in Kasargod district, turned violent in several parts of the state. The strike also forced the postponement of SSLC and Plus- One model examinations.

Youth Congress activists blocked vehicles and forcibly shut down shops in most districts.

The hartal was called by the Youth Congress through a Facebook post by state president Dean Kuriakose on Monday morning following the murder of two activists in Kasargod late on Sunday night . It hit the people like a bolt from the blue. The shops and commercial establishments in Thiruvananthapuram city were exempted from hartal due to the ongoing Attukal Pongala festival.

Vehicles were blocked and passengers were forced to get off KSRTC buses in many districts. The activists also forced the employees to shut down their establishments and offices though private vehicles were found plying smoothly.

In Thrissur, party workers and the police engaged in a verbal feud during a pro-hartal march on Monday morning. As many as 15 Congress workers, including Congress mandalam president Biju Daniel and Youth Congress Assembly mandalam president Robin Karakkat, were arrested at Kumily.

In Ernakulam, sporadic violence erupted at places like Palluruthy, Thoppu-mpady, Aluva, Angamally and Kalamassery. Activi-sts blocked vehicles, incl-uding private and KSRTC buses, leaving the commuters in the lurch. The workers clashed with the police and entered into an argument with shopkeepers across Ernakulam district when shops were forced to shut down.

In Malappuram district, the office of deputy directorate of education was forced to shut down by a mob while a KSRTC bus passenger in Kollam district was hurt after miscreants pelted stones at the bus. In Kottayam district, the police registered a case against hartal supporters who attacked a showroom damaging the windows pane.

As many as 30 Congress workers were arrested in Idukki and 200 taken into preventive custody. The hartal supporters and the police clashed at Vandi-periyar and three party workers and two police officials were injured.

Youth Congress workers attacked an egg merchant, Aneez, who was on his way to distribute eggs from north Kalamassery market to shops in South Kalamasserry and destr-oyed his products. The police arrested six Youth Congress and Kerala Stu-dents Union activists fr-om KPCC junction, Erna-kulam, and 27 Youth Co-ngress workers at Peru-mbavoor for forcing the closure of South Indian Bank and blocking vehicles.
Pakistan also accused India of repression in J&K and asked it to pursue the path of dialogue.

Stating that it desires normalisation of relations with India, a smug Islamabad claimed that bluster, belligerence and pursuit of expedient standards to suit internal political interests is both delusional and counterproductive.

New Delhi: Still living in denial about its open support to terror and accusing Ind-ia instead of well-rehe-arsed tactics from Indian playbook, Pakistan on Sunday claimed that terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation.

A defiant Pakistan asked India instead to respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack and had the audacity of asking New Delhi to explain so-called reports of Adil Ahmed Dars arrest and custody since 2017. Dar was the suicide bomber who attacked out the Pulwama attack. Islamabad also chose to dismiss the testimony and confession of the suicide bomber himself that was recorded by him before he carried out the attack, terming the confession unverified social media content and taunting India about accepting it as gold standard.

Stating that it desires normalisation of relations with India, a smug Islamabad claimed that bluster, belligerence and pursuit of expedient standards to suit internal political interests is both delusional and counterproductive. Pa-kistan also accused Ind-ia of repression in J&K and asked it to pursue the path of dialogue.

It may be recalled that India had pointed out earlier that the JeM had already claimed responsibility for the attack and had termed Paki-stans demand for an investigation as preposterous when there is a video of the bomber declaring himself a member of the JeM.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) in New Delhi had said, JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan.  Furthermore, the demand for an investigation is preposterous when there is a video of the suicide bomber declaring himself a member of the JeM. There are also other audio-visual and print material linking JeM to the terrorist attack. We have therefore no doubt that the claim is firmly established.

New Delhi had further said, LeT and other terror groups have welcomed the news of the attack. These groups are also based in Pakistan. Pakistan cannot claim that it is unaware of their presence and their activities. They have not taken any action against these groups despite international demands, especially against groups and individuals proscribed by the UN and other countries. The links to Pakistan are clear and evident for all to see. Its own ministers have shared the same podium with UN proscribed terrorists.

But brazenly rejecting Indias stand, the Pakistan Foreign Office on Sunday said, Pakistan had rejected Indian allegations because; these were made within a short time from the attack and without carrying out any investigations. These knee-jerk and pre-conceived accusations were nevertheless consistent with well-rehearsed tactics from Indian playbook after such incidents in the past. JeM remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation.

Flouting all logic and pouring salt on Indias wounds, Pakistan claimed, India needs to introspect and respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack. India owes an explanation on reports of Adil Ahmed Dars arrest and custody since 2017.

Desperate to deny its role, Pakistan questioned how India could believe the video testimony of Dar while rejecting that of former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, with Islamabad conveniently ignoring the fact that Jadhavs so-called confession had been made when he was in Pakistani military custody. A Pakistani military court had earlier sentenced Jadhav to death, with Pakistan accusing him of terrorism and espionage, allegations that India has rejected.

Islamabad claimed, Pakistan desires normalisation of relations with India.  the Pakistan Kartarpur initiative is another step aimed at improving people to people contacts and deescalating a vitiated environment.  Bluster, belligerence and pursuit of expedient standards to suit internal political interests is both delusional and counterproductive.
New Delhi: Sound a tough note on Pakistan without naming it and perhaps in an indication of things to come, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack showed that the time for talks is over and that any hesitation in taking action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging this menace. He was speaking after holding talks with Argentinas President Mauricio Macri on Monday.

The two sides inked 10 pacts, including ones to strengthen cooperation in defence and civil nuclear energy.

Highlighting the importance New Delhi continues to attach to the issue of counter-terrorism, especially after the Pulwama attack, the two sides issued a special declaration to fight terrorism that mentioned the scourge of cross-border terrorism, and said that No country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, that is being seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan.

I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed, Mr Modi said, in a clear indication of New Delhis resolve.

Now it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism, he added in a press statement in the presence of President Marci. The Argentine President is the first world leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack.

Condoling the deaths of the CRPF personnel, President Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism.

The Special Declaration to Fight Terrorism by the two sides stated: The Argentine Republic condemned in the strongest terms the brutal terrorist attack that took place in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February 2019 against a convoy of the CRPF, in which more than 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives and a large number were injured, and expressed its solidarity with the families of the sons of India that lost their lives in

this brutal terrorist attack.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the criminal trial pending against AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran in the 1996 FERA violation case filed against him by the Enforcement Directorate.

A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna stayed the trial after hearing senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi and counsel Hariharan appearing for Mr. Dhinakaran and counsel for ED, which had appealed against the Madras High Court order directing supply of certain documents.

The case against Dhinakaran was that he allegedly acquired USD 10.49 million in foreign exchange without obtaining permission from the Reserve Bank of India and deposited it in the current account of Dipper Investments Ltd., a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, and having account with Barclays Bank in UK.

Dhinakaran had filed the petition in the High Court challenging the order of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (Economic Offences-II), Chennai declining to issue copies of certain documents, including the case diary, sought by him. The ED submitted that Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973, prohibits disclosure of any document, information, or intelligence of the department, which were kept highly confidential and protected. Such documents cannot be provided, it had said and appealed against the order.

On Monday when counsel for the ED insisted that the documents sought could not be supplied, the CJI said, "We will stay the trial. You keep quiet for over six months and want the trial to proceed. Either you give the documents or we will stay the trial." As the counsel insisted on proceeding with the appeal, the Bench issued notice to Mr. Dhinakaran seeking his response to ED's appeal in four weeks and in the meanwhile stayed the trial.
Flames and smoke rise from the house where two terrorists allegedly involved in the CRPF attack were said to be hiding, during an encounter with security forces, in Pinglena area of Pulwama district on Monday. (h.u. naqash)

SRINAGAR: Three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, including the suspected mastermind of the the February 14 terror attack on CRPF convoy that killed 49 jawans, were killed in a fierce 18-hour encounter in which an Army Major and four other security personnel, including a policeman, and a civilian lost their lives in south Kashmirs Pulwama on Monday.

Several senior officers were also wounded in the incident.

The bloody gunfight in Pinglena area of Pulwama district on Monday led to the killing of Pakistani national Kamran, the alleged mastermind of the audacious attack on CRPF convoy and the so-called divisional commander of JeM for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir. He was also a trusted aide of JeM chief Moulana Masood Azhar.

The other slain militant was identified as Hilal Ahmad, a local Kashmiri recruited by the terror group, while the identity of the third militant was still being ascertained, officials said.

Some reports said the third slain militant could be Ghazi Rasheed, an Afghan national, who is known to be an IED specialist.

In photos released by security agencies, Kamran is seen as a bespectacled man with a lean built, holding an AK-47 rifle.

But the man in a salwar kameez, also referred to as Kamran Bhai, was known to be an ace terror recruiter tasked with radicalising and training terrorists in the Kashmir Valley.

After the operation, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia confirmed the death of four Army personnel and identified them as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoun-diyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Hari Singh and Sepoy Ajay Kumar.
Security forces personnel arrive for the reinforcement during a gunbattle with the militants at Pinglan area of Pulwama in south Kashmir on Monday. (Photo:PTI)

Hyderabad: Intelligence inputs gathered on the ground indicate that Pakistan-based terror outfits have plans to carry out attacks on important installations and cities located along the coast after infiltrating their cadre through the sea route. Based on this, the Union home ministry has tightened security along the coastline.

On January 1, Minister of state in the MHA Hansraj Gangaram Ahir informed parliament that as per available intel, there is no specific input about terrorist groups planning to attack by way of sea route. However, inputs indicate that Pakistan based terrorist groups have plans to carry out attacks on important installations/cities located along the coast. The MHA is working in tandem with the state governments and has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross-border infiltration, which includes strengthening of border management and multi-tiered deployment along the international border and Line of Control and near the ever-changing infiltration routes.

Some of the measures the government took include construction/maintenance of border fencing, construction of culverts/bridges on nalas, improved technology, weapons and equipments for security forces, improved intelligence and operational coordination, installation of border floodlights and synergising intelligence flow to check infiltration.

However, while the MHA did its best to prevent attacks along the sea routes, intelligence agencies in the valley failed to thwart the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, who orchestrated the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF jawans were killed. This is despite the Army carrying out an in-depth analysis of terrorist incidents and security breaches that are identified with various incidents.

The decision to ferry 2,500 soldiers in a convoy of 80 buses has been questioned. Experts point out that the jawans would have been airlifted after the climate in the valley cleared up.

On February 8, 2019 there was intel input on possible terror attacks and a high demand to sanitise the area. If the agencies had taken the input seriously and traced the source of terror, the entire planning (including the procurement of 300 kg of explosives), and the squad orchestrating it would be exposed. Why did they not tap the communication, as the report says the terrorists were in contact with the suicide bombers and guiding him about the movement of the convoy, said Mr Amarsingh, a defence historian.
On February 14, at least 44 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed Kashmir in one the deadliest attacks.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Monday called back its High Commissioner in India for consultations. Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that High Commissioner left New Delhi this morning.

Pakistan and Indian have engaged in a new diplomatic tussle as New Delhi called backed its High Commissioner to Islamabad Ajay Basaria and the negihbours summoned each others envoys after the Pulwama attack that killed several Indian soldiers.

On February 14, at least 44 Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed Kashmir in one the deadliest attacks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those behind the terror attack would pay a very heavy price and had made a huge mistake. Union Minister Arun Jaitley said they will take all possible diplomatic steps to ensure complete isolation of Pakistan and has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status to the country.

Later, India called back its High Commissioner to Islamabad. Ajay Basaria flew to New Delhi for consultation after the attack. Indian government charged Pakistan for the attack and threatened to isolate it at international level.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Centre had been providing funds for the construction of toilets, procurement of tricycles to collect garbage and bins to store the waste. (Representational Image)

Khammam: Newly elected sarpanches have a stupendous task ahead as they have to learn all administrative skills.

The skills are must for the sarpanches and Upa sarpanches of gram panchayats to implement state and Central schemes, numbering above 20, to help achieve an ideal village status. Nearly 60 per cent of the sarpanches and Upa sarpanches of the gram panchayats are playing their debutant roles.

These persons do not really have knowledge of implementing state and Central schemes for the welfare of the villages. Imparting rigorous training to these sarpanches is a must now.

As part of this, the government has begun training programmes for them and is helping them learn how to execute the Central and state schemes in their respective villages.

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Centre had been providing funds for the construction of toilets, procurement of tricycles to collect garbage and bins to store the waste.

Under the NREG scheme, the Centre had been paying wages to the job card holders and field assistants by executing various infrastructure works.

If the sarpanches are wise enough, they can shape their villages with the funds of MNREG scheme. But, perfect understanding of the schemes and vision are important for the sarpanches.

There are 584 sarpanches in the district and these persons are being imparted training in a phased manner.

In the first phase, that began from February 18, the sarpanches of Nelakondapalli, Kusumanchi and Konigerla are being imparted training on the implementation of government schemes. The training will be continued to March 29.

Interestingly, the officials have concentrated more on women sarpanches and they are being taught not to involve their husbands in the Village administration. The women sarpanches were asked to study the schemes and have a knowledge on it.

District collector R.V. Karnan is very particular on the issue and he wants to train the women sarpanches, who are 50 per cent among the elected ones, as the best administrators.

For this, he asked all the officers, including district panchayat officers, MPDOs and rural development executive officers to explain about each scheme and Telangana Panchayat Raj Act in their (women sarpanches) perception, by giving the best examples.

The government is very particular about Haritha Haram and has asked the officers concerned to involve each and every sarpanch in it.

The sarpanches were asked to clear their doubts on any scheme or issue by approaching the officials concerned.
Bengaluru: An announcement will be made soon on the process for selection of Indian crew members for Gaganyaan mission, the countrys first attempt to send a couple of Indians on a voyage in outer space by 2022, ISROs chairman Dr K Sivan announced on Monday.

The project, he said, would have a major impact on international cooperation as agreements have to be made between nations to complete the mission he said while addressing the inaugural of a two-day international seminar on Emerging frontiers in aerospace technology, organized on the eve of Aero India 2019. The specialty of Gaganyaan is that it has to be completed in 40 months. Many, even people from aerospace sector, are doubting whether we can achieve it. If Russia can send a man to space in just four years in 1957, why cant we send now in 40 months? he asked.

Dr Sivan spoke of the 'mad rush' for development of small satellite launch vehicles. An average of 6,000 odd small satellites would be launched annually. Considering these demands, ISRO has developed a small satellite launch vehicle, which would be tested in mid-2019, he added.

More than 1000 delegates from the armed forces, R&D, the academia and industry are scheduled to interact on topics such as aerospace materials, stealth, hypersonics, artificial intelligence, deep learning in aerospace, sensors, propulsion and UAV/ UCAV technologies in the two-day seminar organized jointly by DRDO in association with the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI).

In his inaugural address, Dr. VK Saraswat, Member NITI Aayog, applauded work done by DRDO to bridge technological gaps. He said that the time has come to develop different kinds of weapons particularly in the areas of low intensity conflicts and highlighted the need to bring down the cycle time from research & development to production for better assimilation and absorption of technology in a time bound manner.

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Chairman, DRDO, said in his address there is a tremendous transformation in the aerospace sector. Advancements in technologies like propulsion, electronics, structures, and payloads have brought in significant reduction in the size, cost, and weight of aerospace systems. Smart miniaturized aerospace sensor technologies will be the backbone for futuristic defence and aerospace systems.

We need to focus on Artificial Intelligence in a big way. AI will impact efficiency, productivity, speed and innovation in the emerging aerospace industries. Advanced materials, hypersonics, avionics, autonomous vehicles, and engines are few of our major thrust areas. It is essential to harness the scientific capabilities in universities and industries and we have to take the lead to develop first of its kind technologies in the country, he added.
Governor P.Sathasivam greets Consul General of the Netherlands for south India Gert Heijkoop during the port-led industrialisation and community development conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. (PEETHAMBARAN PAYYERI)

Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P. Sathasivam on Monday suggested the government to ensure ease of doing business at upcoming Vizhinjam Port.

He was speaking at a conference on industrialisation and community development-leveraging Vizhinjam organised by CII Thiruvananthapuram Zone here.

Port-based pollution and the threat of depletion of coastline are other areas to be seriously addressed. The port operators must be a model in ensuring green protocol in as many areas as possible.

He said a 650-km coastal highway is under construction and the government was addressing the long-standing demand for augmenting the fishing harbour.

"A new facility will soon be ready. I hope that the Seafood Park planned for value addition will also bring a qualitative change in the life of the coastal communities," said Justice Sathasivam.

"About 95 per cent of India's merchandise trade by value and 70 per cent by volume are through seaports. Yet, we have a long way to go to ensure the best ports and logistics infrastructure, since we had been allowing only one per cent of our GDP for the development of port infrastructure, while the Railways get a share of nine per cent and roads over six per cent."

He lauded the new Industrial and Commercial Policy, the Kerala Investment Promotion and Facilitation Act 2017, Amendment to Kerala Building Rules, Simplified forms for clearances and connection to utility services, the Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance (K-SWIFT) and the decision to facilitate a Kerala Investment Promotion and Facilitation Cell.

"It is gratifying to note that in tune with the National Perspective Plan which seeks to reduce export-import and domestic trade costs, the State Government has also launched a major initiative for the development of Auxiliary facilities for this Port," he said.

"The State Budget for 2019-20, has rightly included the construction of ring-roads, and an allied growth corridor that consists of a chain of new townships, knowledge hubs and industrial areas."
Paytm allows Indians to buy millions of Chinese products at affordable prices through its association with Alibaba Group.

Hyderabad: Ire over the Pulwama attack has spilt over to China with a section of society calling for a ban on Chinese products and boycott of companies with affiliations to that country.

As China continues to support Pakistan and reviews its stance on declaring Masood Azhar head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed a terrorist, people are turning their ire on Paytm because of its affiliation to the Alibaba Group, a Chinese e-commerce company.

In 2015, as part of a strategic agreement, Paytm received funding from Ant Financial Services Group, an Alibaba Group affiliate. The group took 25 per cent stake in One97, Paytms parent organisation.

Paytm allows Indians to buy millions of Chinese products at affordable prices through its association with Alibaba Group.

Dr Satish Kaipilyawar, who has been working with NGOs and designing health programmes for over 30 years, explained why he stopped using Paytm about a year ago. I didnt want my purchases to directly benefit China. I think Paytm should stop collaborating with Chinese companies like Alibaba, Dr Kaipilyawar said.

Every other product in India has been made in China. It is time for a complete boycott of Chinese goods. It is time to hurt them economically. I have switched to bank cards to make payments. I call on others to do the same.

Lt Gen K.R. Rao (retd.) agreed and brought up additional issues around online security. My concerns are around data harvesting. Sites such as Paytm and Alibaba have access to peoples personal details. Why should we become vulnerable to it, Lt Gen Rao asked. I dont have Paytm and dont intend to have it either. The responsibility lies with everyone else to also say no to it.

But the complexity of bilateral trade between India and China is, too, intricate to call for a complete ban on goods, say other defence personnel.

Data released by the ministry of commerce and industry shows that Indias trade deficit with China increased two-fold from $16 billion in 2007-08 to $51 billion in 2016-17.

Indias imports from China ($61 billion) in 2016-17 were six times its exports ($10 billion)  a trade deficit that is hugely in Chinas favour.

Military historian K.S. Nair said Indias anger is justified, but public announcements of banning procurement from China will not change Chinas behaviour.

China is so thoroughly integrated into the global manufacturing chain that it is very difficult for any country in the world to delink itself from it, specially at short notice.

Also, he said, India does not have the economic depth or the economic sophistication to take on China. Instead, India must find ways to change Chinas behaviour and that will require more meaningful steps. China has behaved in utterly unforgivable ways for many years, over supporting terrorism against India emanating from Pakistan, and in particular by blandly blocking otherwise unanimous motions to designate the UN-proscribed Pakistan-based terror groups chief a global terrorist, Mr Nair said. China has invested $20-40 billion in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor programme, for which they have their own reasons. In addition, they rely on Pakistan to control leakage of Islamic extremism into their predominantly Muslim Xinjiang province.

They use Pakistan as a proxy to trouble India and have until now protected Pakistan in all circumstances. He further said: Pakistan in turn is dependent on Chinese funding and financial assistance. Their economy is in a bad shape and they are completely dependent on funding they can source from China, or from Saudi Arabia.

For Indias part, when it comes to boycotting Chinese products, an immediate blanket boycott will only end up hurting us. China is our largest trading partner, and we have a trade deficit with China. We are not economically ready to take up that slack, unless the Indian population is willing to undergo 5-10 years of austerity, Mr Nair said. Those who are declaring a boycott of Chinese goods havent looked inside the boxes of their cars, washing machines and mobile phones. Many of them will at least have components sourced from China.

The process has to be a long and gradual reduction on Indias reliance on China. It can be done, but it will be a long and difficult process, requiring consensus across the political spectrum, he said. We can cause pain in other areas, for example by overtly supporting Taiwan in its disputes with China. We could start supporting some of the nascent movements around the world for Tibetan autonomy, if not independence.

We could more firmly repudiate Chinese diplomatic efforts to marginalise the Dalai Lama. The present Indian government often claims that it has great support and respect from the US, the UK and the European Union let us prove that and get them to add actionable support to our concerns.

Wing Commander T.J. Reddy (retd.), also president of Air Force Association, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, said, The US has already reduced import of Chinese goods from 95 to 82 per cent under President Donald Trump. We need to start doing the same. But withdrawal takes years. A call for withdrawal of online sites such as Paytm is quite right, but it will not affect China greatly. Only a nationalist fervour, making China realise that India is not the same anymore, can help. We need to emphasise how tough we are.

Paytm was contacted for a response but had not replied till filing of this report.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has stated that if the driver is unconscious due to the consumption of alcohol on the day of detention of vehicle, it must be released the subsequent day.

Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao while dealing a petition filed by one K. Rishikesh Reddy, who sought a direction to the police to release his car which the police had detained when it found that his driver was drunk in December.

The court directed the traffic station house officer, Madhapur, to release the vehicle.

The court stated that detention of the vehicle for an indefinite period was not acceptable on the ground that the driver was unconscious.

Even if the driver on a particular day is unable to drive the vehicle, that does not mean the authorities can detain the vehicle.

Mr Umesh Chandra, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that the sections invoked by the traffic police under the Motor Vehicle Act do not sanction detention of the vehicle. He submitted that there was no provision under the MV Act or rules which sanctioned the detention of the vehicle by the traffic police in a drunk drive case.

Mr Srikanth Reddy, counsel for the home department, submitted that the vehicle had been detained under petty cases law of the Motor Vehicle Act and such detention aided the enforcement agencies in ensuring the appearance of the perpetrator for counseling and for producing him before the court.
Arvind Kejriwal was in Haryana to pay tributes to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the Pulwama terror attack as an assault on the nation. (File Photo)

Gohana: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday described the Pulwama terror attack as an assault on the nation and said it was time that Pakistan be given a strong reply.

Mr Kejriwal was in Haryana to pay tributes to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday.

"Pulwama attack is a cowardly act. This attack was against humanity. Pakistan is in the habit of carrying out such acts through proxy. But it is not in our blood to take on the enemy through proxy as we take our enemy head on," he said.

He said that entire nation is united and Pakistan should be given a befitting reply. "Pakistan feels it can carry out such attacks and nothing will happen. But this time they need to be given a strong reply," the Aam Aadmi Party's national convener said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Mr Kejriwal said, "It is an attack on the nation, we cannot sit silently. At this hour, the entire nation is with our government at the centre, the Prime Minister, the security forces."

"From this platform, we want to tell the Prime Minister that the entire country will support you. There should be no politics at this time, we all are united. Pakistan should know that we can inflict heavy casualties on them," he said.

He said the mother of one of the killed soldiers was suffering from cancer and some soldiers had to take care of their minor children.

Their sacrifices should not go in vain, otherwise it will be a betrayal to their families and the nation, he said.

"We have to take revenge of the sacrifices they made. Pakistan should be taught a befitting lesson. If this is not done, the souls of the martyrs will not rest in peace. Many families of martyrs have demanded that Pakistan be taught a stern lesson," he said.

"They laid down their lives for our sake so that we remain safe. What was their dream, they dreamed that everyone should get good educational facilities, health care facilities, farmers due price for their crops, everyone should have access to electricity, water and good roads. Seventy years ago when we gained freedom, those who laid down their lives, they dreamed of a prosperous India.

"But even 70 years later, their dreams are yet to be fulfilled. We should take a pledge now and rise above considerations of politics, creed, religion to make this country number one in all fields, that will be befitting tributes to these soldiers," he said.
A Rafale fighter aircraft performs a manoeuvre during a rehearsal at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru on Monday, ahead of Indias 12th Air Show. (Photo: AFP)

Bengaluru: As the countdown begins for Aero India 2019, the city got a taste of what is in store at the dress rehearsal for the event on Monday which saw a daredevil aerobatic display by the Sarang and Surya Kiran teams to the applause of the stunned audience.

With children thronging to meet the pilots, Squadron Leader Tinju Thomas was the centre of attraction with many young girls aiming to be like her as she will be the chief commentator of the Sarang team that will present at least three displays.

Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation Rafale, which will present its dual military and civil know-how at the Aero Show, said in a press statement that the Indian Rafales would be delivered in a few months and the Nagpur plant was ramping up for complete assembly and subsequent display of Falcon 2000.

On February 20, aviation enthusiasts will get to see the first visual range air to air missile developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), BRAHMOS, and AKASH SAM on display, besides a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress.

A parallel taxi track operation by an all- women crew in a Domier 228 aircraft is expected to be another major highlight.Keeping security in mind, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and balloons have been banned.at the show.

The exhibition at the venue will feature the 25-year-old Mysore based company, Rangsons Defence Solutions (RDS) which will display high-quality technology products, which are made in India but are on par with international standards.

These include SATCOM-ON-THE-MOVE solutions for defence communications and inflight Wi-fi for small commercial jets.
India will have to give a fitting response to the loss it has suffered because of the terrorist strike, he said, adding that he wished to convey his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the slain personnel.

VELLORE: The staff and students of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) paid homage to the memory of at least 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who fell prey to the dastardly terrorist suicide bomber attack at Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday.

At a solemn ceremony held at the Foody's lawn in the VIT campus, Dr Sekar Viswanathan, vice-president of VIT paid floral tributes to the portraits of the 40 slain para-military personnel on Saturday. He said that the Indian soldiers who were guarding our borders toiled in the snowy Himalayan region, unmindful of the biting cold, only to ensure the peace and happiness of the people of India.

They worked hard with a spirit of unity as Indians, transcending religious, linguistic, caste and all other barriers. India will have to give a fitting response to the loss it has suffered because of the terrorist strike, he said, adding that he wished to convey his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the slain personnel.

Dr Sandhya Pentareddy, executive director and Dr S. Narayanan, pro-vice-chancellor of VIT, besides the security personnel, NCC cadets, professors and students of VIT paid floral tributes to the martyred CRPF personnel at a moving ceremony.
'Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement,' PM Modi said. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Addressing the media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Hyderabad House with Argentina Mauricio Macri said both leaders agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace and stability.

Brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama (J&K) proves that time for talks have passed. Now the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters and take strong actions, PM Modi said.

Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today, PM added.

Modi said President of Argentina Mauricio Macri had announced in G20 summit in Buenos Aires (Capital of Argentina) in 2018 that the G20 summit will be held in India on the 75th anniversary of India's independence in 2022.

President of Argentina Mauricio Macri said, I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack (Pulwama) perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to working together to fight this scourge on mankind.
An advisory was issued to the media on August 7 last year asking them to stop using the term 'Dalit' when referring to members of the Scheduled Castes. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a group of people challenging a media advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the usage of the word Dalit by media in public debates.

The petitioners said that the Ministry, by erasing the term Dalit from public debate, is creating a false impression that the term itself is derogatory.

The plea filed by some Dalits objected to the Ministrys order saying it has violated the rights of the Scheduled Castes to determine and express their own identity.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi allowed the petitioners to approach the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, adding that if aggrieved, they can move the Supreme Court again.

An advisory was issued to the media on August 7 last year asking them to stop using the term 'Dalit' when referring to members of the Scheduled Castes.

This came after the Bombay High Court in June asked the Ministry to consider issuing a directive in this regard to the media.
Alappuzha: The Sabarimala temple, after a week-long Kumbamaasa pujas, closed on Sunday. The sanctum sanctorum was closed by 10 pm after routine pujas. The temple will reopen for 10-day festival in March second week.

Melsanthi (chief priest) V.N.Vasudevan Namboodiri shut the doors of the temple in the presence of tantri Kandararu Rajeevararu. On Sunday, 'Sahasrakalasham' was held in the noon.

Though police was deployed in and around the Sabarimala temple fearing protests, no untoward incident was reported. Two Andhra women were sent back by protesters peacefully when they tried to trek to the temple along with a pilgrimage group.

This season got over with no restrictions for devotees despite the police requesting the district administration to impose section 144 of CrPC.
Macri's visit coincides with both the nations marking 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Buenos Aires. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri held bilateral talks at the Hyderabad House on Monday during the latter's ongoing three-day visit to India from February 17 to 19.

This will be followed by delegation-level talks and an exchange of agreements between India and Argentina.

Macri's visit coincides with both the nations marking 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Buenos Aires.

Prime Minister Modi, along with President Ram Nath Kovind, had earlier accorded a ceremonial reception to Macri and the First Lady, Juliana Awada, on Monday. This was followed by the laying of a wreath at Raj Ghat by the Argentinian President as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

After the exchange of agreements, Macri is scheduled to address the plenary session of the India-Argentina Business Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal before meeting with President Kovind in the evening.

He is slated to leave for Mumbai on February 19, from where he will return to Argentina after wrapping up his official visit.
Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan tweeted, 'We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning.' (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi: Amid tensions between the neighbouring countries over the Pulwama terror attack in which at least 40 CRPF jawans were martyred, Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan tweeted, "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning."

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations.

He left New Delhi this morning .  Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

It was not immediately clear as to how many days he will stay in Pakistan.

On Friday, India had summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood and a very strong diplomatic protest was lodged over the Pulwama terror attack.

Ajay Bisaria, India's High Commissioner to Pakistan, was called to New Delhi for consultations the same day.

Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India has demanded that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday.
Harish Salve who is representing India and Jadhav said it is an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

New Delhi/The Hague: The public hearing of Kulbhushan Jadhav at the International Court of Justice began on Monday. It will be a four-day public hearing in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

Timeline of the hearing:

05:27 pm: Proceedings adjourned in the International Court of Justice for Tuesday.

05:26 pm: "India submits that military courts of Pakistan can't command the confidence of this court and shouldn't be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhav's conviction and directions that he be released forthwith," Salve added.

05:25 pm: Continuing his argument, Salve said, India invites court to restrain Pak from acting on conviction on ground that it was secured by means which was in violation of Article 36 of Vienna Convention and in the present case, relief of review and re-consideration would be highly inadequate, considering facts and circumstances.

05:20 pm: Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan. Pakistan used Jadhav to build a narrative against India, Salve said.

05:10 pm: Salve said, "I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his trial has been conducted by a military court."

Photo: ANI | Twitter

04:45 pm: "If Article 36 grants rights of consular access in all cases including where allegations of such kind are leveled, then demanding those can't be an abuse of those rights," Salve said.

04:10 pm: Jadhav's trial by military court hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process & should be declared "unlawful": Salve.

03:50 pm: Salve said, Pakistan should've provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation. Even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan hasn't complied treaty obligations.

03:45 pm: Pakistan did not provide credible evidence and failed to disclose specific offences in the Jadhav case, says Salve at the ICJ.

03:40 pm: Article 36 of Vienna Convention requires that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan didnt inform India on Kulbhushan Jadhavs arrest, said Indias Harish Salve at UN court.

According to Article 36 of the Vienna Convention, consular access must be given before the trial is over. India wasnt granted consular access in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case even though India made multiple requests, said Harish Salve.

03:33 pm: Salve continued his arguments and said, Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25th December, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted & wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest.

Photo: ANI | Twitter

03:25 pm: Presenting Indias case, Harish Salve said, On 19th June, 2017, India responded to the request for assistance in investigation and pointed that not only Jadhav had been denied consular access but no credible evidence have been provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and his (Jadhav's) purported confession clearly appears to be coaxed."

"India reminded Pakistan that it's Pakistan government which hasn't ratified SAARC convention on legal assistance in criminal matters," Salve added.

03:15 pm: Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav, Salve tells ICJ.

03:10 pm: On 30th March 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) and received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates, Salve said.

03:05 pm: Salve said, There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay.

02:55 pm: Harish Salve who is representing India and Jadhav said it is an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention.

02:45 pm: Public hearing begins in ICJ

India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18 to 21 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.
Union Minister said that he was attending the last rites of Vasantha Kumar at Wynad on February 16.(Photo: Twitter | @_shriraj)

New Delhi: After drawing flak for allegedly posting a selfie with the mortal remains of a slain CRPF soldier, Union Minister KJ Alphons alleged that some miscreants circulated his photograph on social media to reduce his reputation.

In a letter written to Kerala's Director General of Police (DGP), the Union Minister said that he was attending the last rites of Vasantha Kumar at Wynad on February 16.

"I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on February 16 at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook," Alphons said.

"Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offense punishable under the provisions of IPC," he added,

Saying that it was "uncharitable", "unbecoming and illegal" to spread false news regarding a sensitive issue involving a CRPF soldier who laid down his life for the nation, Alphons said appropriate action should be taken against the culprits under the law.

"It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a Union Minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before the law," he urged.

A photo of Alphons standing next to the coffin of a CRPF soldier who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack had gone viral, with many condemning the minister for choosing to click a selfie at the funeral of a jawan.

Wayanad-based Vasantha Kumar was among the 40 CRPF personnel who were killed in Awantipora in an attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were traveling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora on February 14.
Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. (Photo: File)

New Delhi/The Hague: India and Pakistan are set for a showdown at the International Court of Justice which will commence on Monday a four-day public hearing in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18 to 21 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.

While India will argue first on February 18, Pakistan will get its chance to make submissions on February 19. Then India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21. It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

While maintaining that India remains committed to make all possible efforts to secure and protect the rights of Jadhav, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar did not make public New Delhi would take at The Hague.

"India will present its case before the court. Since the matter is sub judice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court," Kumar said last week in New Delhi in response to a question.

Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor would lead the Pakistani delegation at the ICJ while Director General South Asia Mohammad Faisal would lead the Foreign Office side.

Ahead of the hearing, a senior Pakistani official said that his country is committed to implement the decision of the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"We are fully prepared with our strongest evidence being the valid Indian passport recovered from Commander Jadhav with a Muslim name," the official said.

Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India. Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy". However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017. The hearings at the ICJ is taking place four days after one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 41 CRPF soldiers.

The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday.
In Boyles film, Himesh plays a struggling musician who owns all the Beatles songs after they become erased from the public mind.

British filmmaker Danny Boyle, whose Slumdog Millionaire created a worldwide sensation and made Dev Patel a household name, is at it again. His new under-production film entitled Yesterday brings forward another Patel in the lead.

He is 28-year-old Himesh Patel. In Boyles film, Himesh plays a struggling musician who owns all the Beatles songs after they become erased from the public mind.

Coincidentally, Danny Boyles Patels come from similar backgrounds. Both Dev and Himesh Patel were born and brought up in suburban London and both started their film careers on British television.

And yes, if Himesh Patel is starring in Yesterday, Devs voice featured in animation film titled Only Yesterday.

Would Yesterday do for Himesh what Slumdog Millionaire did for Dev? Chances are quite dim.

For one, the music of the Beatles does not have the same global resonance as the slums of Mumbai. More importantly, actors of Indian origin are not accepted in the lead roles by the Western audience. Recently two of Indias best-known actors Irrfan and Dhanush played the lead in the international projects Puzzle and The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir, respectively. Both were resounding disasters.

Anupam Kher and Priyanka Chopra who are doing well in the West are cast in non-lead roles. Given the limitations, Himesh Patel may just have to be content with the attention he gets for Yesterday after the global audience is done admiring the work of Danny Boyle and the Beatles in the film.

Even Dev Patel and Freida Pinto who made a worldwide impact in Slumdog Millionaire are struggling to keep their heads above the water. Devs last two films The Wedding Guest and Hotel Mumbai barely got a release. As for Freida, she was last seen in a brief role in the massive flop Love Sonia.
Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

Srinagar: Three Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group linked to the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among nine people killed in a 16-hour encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

At least nine security personnel, including a brigade commander and a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general of the Jammu and Kashmir police, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who was hurt in the leg.

All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got under way, triggering a gun battle, the officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave. The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said. Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

The spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by wife. Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu. Rajasthan. He is survived by wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son. Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, UP. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son. Their mortal remains were flown for the last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and remains committed to their dignity and well being, the spokesperson said.
The accused have been identified as Haris Manzoor, a second year student in Spurthy college of Nursing and Gowhar Mustaq, a third year student of the same college. (Representational Image)

Bengaluru: There was a rash of arrests in the city on Sunday in connection with provocative messages posted on social media denigrating security forces, in the wake of terror attack in Kashmir on February 14.

Three Kashmiri students, two from a nursing college, in the city were arrested for their Facebook posts. The accused have been identified as Haris Manzoor, a second year student in Spurthy college of Nursing and Gowhar Mustaq, a third year student of the same college. The third accused has been identified as Zakir Maqbool, a BSc student from Chinai college.

Zakir was staying along Haris and Gowhar at the Spurthy college hostel campus in Anekal. The police said they were arrested based on a complaint filed by the college principal on Saturday.

According to the police, another student Koushik Debnath had in his Facebook post mourned the death of the CRPF personnel, which drew negative comments from the trio. They had reportedly abused Indian army personnel.

Later on Friday a scuffle broke out in the hostel mess and the Kashmiri students had beaten up Koushik and his friends. The incident was reported to the principal who filed a police complaint on Saturday.

A senior officer said that the three have admitted that they posted the comments to express their solidarity with Kashmir and Pakistan.

The police have booked them under various sections of Indian penal code for disrupting harmony, assault and unlawful activity. They were remanded to judicial custody.

Engg student held

In another incident a 22-year-old engineering student was arrested for his offending Facebook post. The accused has been identified as Thahir Shazad Latif, who hails from Baramulla and is a third year engineering student with Reva college in Yelahanka. In his Facebook post he had stated, I salute the man who killed these soldiers, along with images of a devil appreciating the killings of CRPF personnel in Pulwana, near Srinagar.

College dropout held

In another incident on Sunday, cyber crime police arrested a 20-year-old college dropout for posting provocative comments in a Facebook post. The accused has been identified as Faiz Rasheed, a resident of HBR Layout. The police said he was an engineering drop out and unemployed. After receiving several complaints by people about his Facebook posts, the police took up the case and traced him, based on the internet protocol (IP) address. Faiz was arrested from a bakery in Kammanahalli. Probe revealed that he had created a separate account only to put up provocative posts about the Pulwama terror attack.

Kashmiri booked

Earlier on Friday, HAL police had booked another Kashmiri Aabid Malik for sedition. He had reportedly posted messages supporting the Pulwana attack suicide bomber. However, the police found that he used to reside in Kumarswamy Layout, but left the city six months ago. The police are on vlookout for him.
The study emphasises the importance of physical fitness on health and why clinicians should assess fitness during clinical encounters. (Photo: Pixabay)

Doctors often suggest young men to run on treadmill to reduce the chances of heart diseases. A new study from Harvard says that push-ups are more accurate way of assessing the heart risks in men instead. It states that middle-aged men who can do 40 push-ups at once are healthier than those who can do fewer than 10.

Senior author Professor Stefanos Kales told the Daily Mail, The most commonly used physical activity assessments are the patient's self-reported history, health and lifestyle questionnaires. However, objectively measured CRF levels are often significantly lower than expected based on self-reported physical activity.

It has been established that the CRF tests assessment tools have been inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases. These exercise test tools are generally expensive, time consuming and need some expert authority.

In this study, we examined baseline performance on commonly performed physical fitness assessments (push-up capacity and sub maximal treadmill tests) and its association with subsequent incident CVD events in a cohort of occupationally active men. We hypothesised that higher fitness levels would be associated with lower rates of incident CVD, Kales explained.

The study analysed the data collected from1,104 fire-fighters over 18 in Indiana with an average age of 39.6 and body mass index (BMI) of 28.7 enlisted to a retrospective longitudinal group study between 2000 and 2010.

This study found that push-up capacity was inversely associated with 10-year risk of CVD events among men aged 21 to 66 years. Thus, push-up capacity, a simple, no-cost measure, may provide a surrogate estimate of functional status among middle-aged men, Kales stated.

He further added that participants who were able to perform 11 or more push-ups at baseline had significantly reduced risk of subsequent CVD events.

Our retrospective cohort study provides further insights into the association of greater fitness, specifically muscular strength, with CVD-related outcomes in an occupationally active cohort across 10 years of follow-up. This study emphasises the importance of physical fitness on health, and why clinicians should assess fitness during clinical encounters, Kales concluded.
Most people cant handle being lonely. It could lead one to issues like even depression. People facing such problems just need company, someone to listen to their woes. Talk to them and they will feel better. Unfortunately, most of us are reluctant to help them. Meet Nikhil Chandwani, poet, author, scriptwriter, director, columnist, travel writer, public speaker, and an editor, whose initiative Writers Rescue Centre (WRC) is the worlds first mentorship-driven Gurukul system, exclusively for writers. They pick up people who are confused, mentor them, publish and bring them in front of a reading plus listening crowd.

I started WRC because I was a loner. Seeing someone else happy is the best feeling ever, says Nikhil. Talking about his initiative, he says, WRC is a Gurukul system which provides one to one mentorship to people who have stories to tell. We pick up individuals across the country and train them in the field of writing. Once theyre equipped with the knowledge, we provide them another mentor to write their book. Once the book is ready, we edit and publish it for them. Later, we take people to public speaking platforms where they share their stories. We carve a professional career for them in their area of interest. These reading plus listening crowds help anyone who wishes to find a reading eye or a hearing aid. This, we saw, started helping people with depression, and so we took it as a challenge to cure the world through this Gurukul system.

Nikhil says he has specific reasons for starting this venture. WRC has laid a platform for many young writers from India to showcase their talents. I have seen numerous writers, storytellers and even individuals across different landscapes who were depressed, confused, and had no idea about their capabilities and future. The second thing I saw in them is that everyone has something or the other to share, from stories to their experiences and aspirations. I thought, why not give them a platform to write and speak. Thats how Writers Rescue Centre began as a foundation, and currently, we have published over 220 writers across India, delivered 30+ TEDx speakers and as many national award winners. One of our authors, Siddharth Roy from Nagpur, came to me at the age of 15, confused and depressed. Siddharth ended up getting mentored under me, and now at 19, he is the author of two books and a four-time TEDx speaker. He has conducted over 30 lectures across India and writes a newspaper column.

WRC has changed the lives of many youngsters. For Nikhil, his priority is seeing the writers happy. He says he dreams of seeing them settled in their lives. The future plan is to bring all my writers under a roof in order to work on different agendas. I am passionate about preserving Indian history. History is the best teacher and we Indians have failed to preserve our roots. The best way to do it is writing about it. I recently launched my book, The Modern Day Hindu, that talks about science in Vedas. The book connects Shlokas with Rock music. I also wish that my authors get elected to power because India needs nationalist creative people. I want to serve my country by creating leaders, TEDx speakers, and people who can help our nation prosper.

Nikhils journey to being a writer is interesting. He joined engineering after school and later dropped out realising that its not his cup of tea. I was not meant to be an engineer. I wanted to find myself and thats why I chose writing. Maybe, writing chose me. He has written 10 books so far with the latest one currently out in the market. He also founded Walnut Discoveries Pvt. Ltd. and the Walnut School of Ideas when he was just 20 and 22, respectively. Ive worked as a travel writer in the Middle East, and a screenplay writer for few documentaries. I produced She: The Movie and Ive also contributed as a visiting professor and guest speaker at IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IBS Hyderabad etc.

How has writing influenced his life? I got influenced by my country, India. The nation fascinates me. Thousands of cultures and yet, we are united under our beautiful tricolour. I want to make India the world capital of arts, religion, and culture again, and thats what influenced me in writing. His shift to filmmaking and script writing is connected to storytelling, he affirms. I wanted to tell stories to my crowd, and so the shift happened. I never underwent formal education after my 12th grade and so, finding new career options became my education. My stint was fun. I got a chance to write in East Africa and the Middle East. Forests and nature are the best teachers. The strong survives and the weak dies.

I have extensively researched on the crisis in the Middle East and independently documented/scripted the effect of geopolitical shift in the region on India. I also spoke about the issues in the Middle East and how it can affect India on few platforms. Why was Gaddafis killing a mistake? Who benefits from the war in Syria? Why should Rohingyas be sent back from India? These are some questions I tried to answer through my research. As a script writer, I wrote and directed Escape from Kenya and Amazing Amazon Adventures that was telecast in three countries  India, USA and Canada. I provided ghostwriting support for various East African and South American nonfiction documentaries that revolved around conserving wildlife and the natives of those lands. Travel writing was something very close to my heart and I did that in 2012-13, but I was lost in the shuffle due to the injuries that I had to suffer while staying in the wild.

Nikhil Chandwani, 25, has specific plans for the next five years. I want to mentor, publish and save 1 million people before I touch 30. Thats the aim for WRC, he signs off.
Having worked with the likes of Atharvaa, Gautham Karthik,Rana and Siddharth, the actress Priya Anand was out of sight for a while in Ktown. She now returns with the political satire LKG where she teams up with the comedian turned hero RJ Balaji.

The movie, produced by Isari Ganesh, has story, screenplay and dialogues by Balaji and is directed by Prabhu. Nanjil Sampath and JK Riteesh play crucial roles.

Speaking about the film, Priya said, Its been a long time since I did a Tamil film, Im meeting you all after a long time. Thanks Balaji for this role. It is very positive film and has intelligent comedy. Theres no vulgarity. I have limited political knowledge, but I learnt a lot. I would like to clarify that Balaji has written all the dialogues I mouth them in the film. Im not related to them in any way. Theres a message and it is a very important film for this generation.

Sehe explains how she accepted the movie, It is not a run of the mill romantic character that the hero would stalk the heroine and fall in love. The women are rocking the workforce in India right now, and my character represents them. I would also like to thank Balaji for writing a respectable character for me. RJ Balaji has been entertaining us in all the media. We both have been visiting a lot of colleges now, and wherever we go, he has been speaking for women empowerment. The responses have been tremendous.

On his part, Balaji said, I was apprehensive if any Tamil speaking heroine would be ready to do this role, since the male protagonist is a comedian (me). I did not approach Priya for acting in this film. She was one of the first people I narrated the script to. She liked the script and said thats she wanted to be part of this movie.

He adds, In present scenario, most U Certified films have scenes that abuse women and belittle them. But this film does not have such scenes, and you can watch this with your family.
Ajay Devgn and the makers have decided not to release the upcoming film in Pakistan after the recent terrorist attack on CRPF jawans in Pulwama.

Mumbai: Ajay Devgn on Monday announced that his upcoming film Total Dhamaal will not be releasing in Pakistan. The decision comes in the wake of a terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers.

In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan, Devgn tweeted.

In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.  Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 18, 2019

Directed by Indra Kumar, Total Dhamaal features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh. The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn FFilms and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22.

The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack. Horrible and disgusting. Anger cant be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack Devgn had tweeted.

Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday. The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.
Mumbai: Annual reports of companies now look a lot more attractive, in looks and content, than what they used to be five years back. The reports now come in vibrant and colourful avatars and are well-designed, shedding their jaded existence of the past.

With more annual reports attempting to look good and polished, templatised designs are taking over from customised presentations and innovation. Clutter-breaking reports, like the one made by PNB Housing Finance, are far and few between, said Reportinsight, which studies annual reports.

Reportinsight, which studied the financial services sector reports for FY2017-18, says the documents contained standard best practice contents such as business profile, executive message, board and leadership profiles, years highlights, awards, milestones and the like.

In the annual reports verbosity of non-statutory (voluntary addition) content rose alarmingly. The average page count of the voluntary section stood at 39 pages, with the highest being 66 pages.

Issues like non-performing assets (NPAs) and credit growth challenges were inadequately covered: While discussions on themes like financial inclusion, technology and priority sectors were widely covered across reports, earnest discussions on NPAs, tepid credit growth, insolvency resolutions and the like were hard to find.

The insurance segment is raising the bar for companies, said Pravin K Ujjain, CEO, Reportinsight during the annual event organised last week.

In the inaugural year of listing, annual reports from the insurance segment are setting new benchmarks. The efforts to make readers understand the intricacies of this somewhat complex business, addition of detailed glossary and most significantly an aid to how these companies measure their performance are worth noting and emulating, Ujjain said.

The improvements made by the companies in the recent years are truly appreciable. Yet, what has taken their annual reports this far wont suffice in taking them any further, Reportinsights said. Effective storytelling, clutter-breaking design presentation and smart use of online features can lift the engagement value of the reports. Benchmarking of performance against peers would add objectivity to the analysis. Judicious allocation of space to material information such as milestones, achievements and awards would help increase readability and value to the readers.

The study was conducted on 124 companies from the financial services sector whose annual reports were available by September 30, 2018. These were selected from the larger universe of 1,300 NSE-listed companies.

Post-screening 34 from these 124 annual reports were found worthy of further evaluation. Finally 18 annual reports were ranked among the top 15 from the financial services sector.

Good reporting is steadily being accepted as a key measure of creating a brand by India Inc, Ujjain said.

Top annual reports from the financial sector in terms of engagement value, info-richness, strategy & sustainability and performance analysis were HDFC Standard Life, PNB Housing Finance, SBI Life, Aditya Birla Capital, RBL Bank, ICICI Prudential Life, IIFL Holdings, AU Small Finance Bank, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Yes Bank, Edelweiss Financial Services, Crisil, Cholamandalam Investment, Capri Global, Canfin Homes, Max Financial, ICICI Bank, Mahindra Finance.

HDFC Life topped the list in terms of management discussion & analysis followed by PNB Housing Finance, RBL Bank, SBI Life. In visual richness PNB Housing Finance topped the list. In theme & depth Edelweiss Financial Services topped the list followed by PNB Housing Finance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, IIFL Holdings. In terms of socio-environmental hues in the reports SBI Life topped the list followed by PNB Housing Finance, ICICI Lombard General, HDFC Standard Life.

In terms of engagement value the top annual reports were from PNB Housing Finance, HDFC Standard Life, ICICI Lombard General, Mahindra Finance, ICICI Prudential Life and Yes Bank.

In terms of info-richness the top annual reports were Aditya Birla Capital, SBI Life, AU Small Finance Bank, IIFL Holdings, HDFC Standard Life, RBL Bank, Max Financial.

In terms of strategy & sustainability, the top annual reports were from Aditya Birla Capital, RBL Bank, PNB Housing Finance, SBI Life, ICICI Prudential Life and AU Small Finance Bank.

In terms of performance analysis the top annual reports were from RBL Bank, HDFC Standard Life, SBI Life, PNB Housing Finance, ICICI Prudential Life and AU Small Finance Bank.
New Delhi: A high-level Indian delegation led by Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to Saudi Arabia has called for bilateral cooperation with the Gulf nation in sectors like energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

The delegation visited Saudi Arabia for two days from February 16. It comes ahead of the visit of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India on February 19 and 20.

The delegation took part in Niti Aayog-Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP) workshop and discussed cooperation opportunities in sectors like energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, ICT, tourism, defence, among others.

"During this workshop, Invest India Grid was launched in Saudi Arabia. Invest India is setting up a dedicated team for facilitating Saudi investments in India," the Niti Aayog said in a statement.

Six working groups have identified 40 investment, trade and business opportunities with vast potential for expansion, it said. India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Javed was also a part of the delegation, the statement said.

The Saudi side was represented by senior officials from various ministries. The bilateral trade between the countries during April-November 2018 stood at USD 23.24 billion, as per the statement.
Last week, Cognizant was fined $25 million by the US Department of Justice for paying bribes in India, and two of its former executives were charged on 12 counts.

Bangalore: New Jersey-based IT services and digital technology firm Cognizant ran into rough weather a month ahead of its CEO Francisco D'Souzas departure, dragging a blue chip Indian company down in its wake.

Last week, Cognizant was fined $25 million by the US Department of Justice for paying bribes in India, and two of its former executives were charged on 12 counts.

Even before the dust settles on this, media reports have emerged that construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) facilitated payment of $3.64 million in bribes to Indian government officials on behalf of Cognizant to secure permits, ranging from environmental clearance to electricity connection at the companys campuses in Chennai and Pune.

Taking a cue from the report that appeared in Mint newspaper, DMK, the main opposition party in Tamil Nadu, has demanded that a case be field against the company.

DMK President M K Stalin on Monday demanded the registration of a case against Cognizant for bribing Tamil Nadu government officials in an effort to secure construction permits. In a statement, Stalin said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government should assist the state's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in acquiring bribery evidence from the US courts.

Stalin accused that the AIADMK government has brought a permanent blot on Tamil Nadu in the global arena by demanding and accepting bribe from Cognizant in 2014 to give construction permits for the KITS campus in Shollinganallur.

As the company came under fire, D'Souza tried to clear the air, in an email to company employees on Monday. The email said Cognizant would continue to ensure that its staff is trained on anti-corruption and made fully aware of compliance policies and procedures. He emphasised on the companys zero tolerance for illegal and improper conduct.

When asked about L&Ts involvement in the sour episode, a retired L&T official said: No government departments move in India without taking or giving bribes. Construction of an IT park requires dozens of clearances. In fact, MNCs are charged a higher bribe compared to local companies. Nobody refuses to pay the bribe just because nobody wants projects and proposals to get stuck in red tapes.

(With inputs from Sangeetha G in Chennai)
ANI tweeted the official announcement letter by AICWA.

Mumbai: After Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the entire nation is showing angst against Pakistan. After all, the terror attack left at least 40 CRPF jawans dead and several others critically injured.

Hence, as a mark of solidarity, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has now announced a complete ban on Pakistani actors working in India. ANI tweeted the official announcement letter by AICWA.

Here's the announcement tweet:

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The letter states that despite the official ban if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artistes, the AICWA will ban them and strict action will be taken against them.

After the attack, many celebrities from the film fraternity extended their support in the form of monetary assistance to the families of those affected in the attack. Amitabh Bachchan, Diljit Dosanjh, now the entire team of 'Total Dhamaal' has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in Pulwama attack.

For those who are uninitiated, on Thursday, February 14, a suicide bomber identified as Adil Ahmad Dar from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district.
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Value of knitwear exports rose 107 per cent and woven garment exports by 161 ssper cent.

Apparels from Bangladesh are up to 30 per cent cheaper than Indian products as the labour cost is significantly lower there.

Chennai: After the government increased duties on textile products to check cheaper imports from China, apparel imports from Bangladesh has more than doubled. Industry suspects that Chinese products are making a backdoor entry into the country through Bangladesh.

Despite a spate of labour unrest in Bangladesh, apparel exports from that country to India grew 143 per cent between July and December to $270 million from $166 million in the same month last year, as per the data from Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau.

Value of knitwear exports rose 107 per cent and woven garment exports by 161 ssper cent.

Under the free trade agreement with us, imports from Bangladesh are not subject to any duty. We suspect that Chinese fabric is making a backdoor entry through Bangladesh as garments. We have asked the government to implement the rule of origin provision for imports from Bangladesh, said Sanjay Jain, chairman of Confederation of Indian Textile Industry.

The government had doubled the duties to 20 per cent for over 300 textile products, ranging from fibre to apparels, in August, mainly to check rising imports of cheaper products from China. Imports started increasing after the implementation of GST. The effective duty rates came down as the countervailing duty of 12 per cent was done away with post-GST. In FY18, Indias textile imports jumped 16 per cent to a record $7 billion and of this around $3 billion came from China.

Cheaper imports are a threat to the existence of MSMEs, which is the backbone of Indias textile industry, said Jain. The industry had expected that the imports will come down by at least $1 billion this year due to the increased import duties. However, Bangladesh imports have now become a growing threat.

Apparels from Bangladesh are up to 30 per cent cheaper than Indian products as the labour cost is significantly lower there. Further, Bangladesh can get cheaper fabric from China. As fabric accounts for 75 per cent of the cost of apparel, cheaper fabric too adds to the savings. Proximity is an added advantage when it comes to shipping products from Bangladesh to India.

Bangladesh expects the imports to rise in the coming months as well.
A deal will help them clear more than 70 per cent of the Rs 1,750 crore they had raised by pledging shares.

Reddys have invested `300 cr in Apollo Munich. This includes money pumped in to fund the JV's losses between 2013 and 2017.

Chennai: Taking a recent insurance deal as the benchmark, the promoters of Apollo Hospitals are seeking Rs 1,300 croreRs 1,400 crore for their stake in Apollo Munich Health Insurance. This will mean four-fold returns for them on the investment of around Rs 300 crore made in the joint venture with the German reinsurance major.

The Apollo promoters are in talks with a few general insurance companies to divest their 40 per cent stake in the venture. A deal will help them clear more than 70 per cent of the Rs 1,750 crore they had raised by pledging shares.

In all, Apollo promoters, Prathap C. Reddy and his family, have in invested roughly Rs 300 crore in Apollo Munich Insurance. This includes the initial investment and the money pumped into the company to fund its losses between 2013 and 2017.

In the last deal happened in the standalone health insurance space, the company was valued 1.6 times its gross premium. Going by this benchmark, Apollo Munich can demand a valuation of 1.7 times its gross premium. This can fetch around Rs 1,300 crore for the 40 per cent stake. This will help the promoters bring down their debt by more than 70 per cent, said a source privy to the development.

At the rate the company has been growing, Apollo Munich is supposed to clock Rs 2,200 crore gross written premium (GWP) in the current financial year. The companys GWP stood at Rs 1,717 crore in FY18.

A few months back, Star Health and Allied Insurance promoter and investors had sold their 89 per cent stake, for close to Rs 6,500 crore, to SafeCorp Holdings, a consortium of WestBridge AIF, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and Madison Capital. Star Health had clocked a GWP of Rs 4,161 crore in FY18.

"Star has a portion of its GWP coming from government insurance schemes. Focused on the more profitable retail health segment, Apollo Munich is a stronger brand and the customers it targets are in the higher end of the economic spectrum. So the company should fetch a better valuation," said an investment banker.

The Reddys want to bring down their debt of Rs 1,750 crore, raised partially to fund their flagship company Apollo Hospitals Enterprise (AHEL). Of this debt, around Rs 900 crore was used as equity capital in AHEL and close to Rs 250 crore was pumped into Apollo Munich.

The shares of Apollo Hospitals had recently tanked when the Reddys increased the quantum of pledged shares. According to sources, the promoters are talking to a few general insurance companies for the stake sale. Among them, HDFC Ergo had evinced an interest in Apollo Munich even earlier. AHELs stake of 10 per cent in the insurance joint venture will remain with the joint venture.
The CNG-equipped versions are available at a premium of Rs 72,414 and Rs 52,414, respectively.

Though aimed at fleet owners, the CNG Aspire can also be bought as a passenger car.

Ford has launched two CNG variants of the Aspire. The CNG variants are based on the Ambiente and Trend Plus variants and, are priced at Rs 6.27 lakh and Rs 7.12 lakh (both ex-showroom). Compared to their regular variants, the CNG-equipped versions are available at a premium of Rs 72,414 and Rs 52,414, respectively. Ford is offering the Ambiente variant only for commercial purposes. Private buyers, on the other hand, only have the option of buying the Trend Plus variant.

Comes with a 1 lakh km warranty for the car as well as the CNG kit.

Available in Ambiente and Trend Plus variants with the 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Only the Trend Plus can be registered as a private car.

Gets a stabilizer bar to maintain handling characteristics.

The only CNG powered sedan in India to have dual airbags as standard.

The Ford Aspire CNG has been launched in India today at Rs 6.27 lakh for the base Ambiente and Rs 7.12 lakh (both prices ex-showroom) for the Trend Plus variant. At these prices, the Ambiente CNG variant is Rs 72,414 more expensive, while the Trend Plus is priced at a premium of Rs 52,414, compared to their respective standard petrol variant. Out of the two, only the Trend Plus can be registered as a private car.

The CNG kit will be a dealer-level fitment and is being supplied and installed by Lovato, who will also be responsible for its warranty. Speaking of which, the car comes with a two-year/1 lakh km warranty and the CNG kit has a 1 lakh km warranty as well with a periodic maintenance interval of every 20,000km. Also, with the CNG kit, Ford is claiming a 46 paise/km maintenance cost.

Ford being Ford hasn't just added a CNG cylinder at the back. In fact, company has installed a front stabilizer bar in order to maintain the handling characteristics of the Aspire. Also, the CNG tank is a suspension type cylinder fitment to free up boot space for better cargo capacity. In terms of features, the Trend Plus variant gets a rearview camera, remote central locking, automatic AC, power windows and a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and Bluetooth. Whats interesting is that regular variants dont come with this in-built navigation and its been possibly added keeping fleet owners in mind.

Available with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, the CNG kit is integrated with the engine control unit (ECU) and the specifications in the brochure are the same as the standard petrol car. The petrol engine makes 96PS of power and 120Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Apart from the Aspire, there is also the Hyundai Xcent Prime for fleet owners to pick from if they want a CNG-equipped sedan. And while the Xcent Prime is considerably cheaper than the Aspire, it misses out on a lot of features, and the safety kit offered on the Aspire.

Source: ZigWheels.com
Night view of Palace Museum [Photo: VCG]

"Palace Museum will extend its opening hours( kaifang shijian) to the evening( wanshang) for the first time for two consecutive nights in celebration of this year's Lantern Festival( yuanxiao jie)," museum curator Shan Jixiang said at an event on Saturday.

The museum's official website( guanwang) also announced it would host a "Lantern Festival night tour" cultural event on Feb 19 and 20, and visitors can make the appointment( yuyue) for the tour on Feb 17 and 18 respectively with the online ticket booking system.

Night view of Corner Tower, Palace Museum [Photo: VCG]

It marks the first time the museum will be open to the public for free( mianfei) at night for the past 94 years, and the first time the large-scale ancient buildings in the Forbidden City will be decorated with lights.

Palace Museum website crashes due to demand.[Photo: IC]

After this announcement, tickets for Feb 19 sold out within ten minutes. Quite a few people have pinned their hopes on the second appointment.

But in the middle of the night the ticket booking system broke down( bengkui)  too many people visited the website at the same time. The crash of the website has disappointed many visitors, yet it shows the appeal( xiyin) of the Palace Museum.

Beijing embraces this winter's third snowfall on Feb 14, and lots of people choose to see snow scenery at the Palace Museum. [Photo: chinadaily.com.cn]

Also, "Night tour of Palace Museum" has become one of the hottest topics( remen huati) on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo at present, attaining more than 340 million hits among the online users.

(Story includes material sourced from chinadaily.com.cn)

 Key word:


According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year, approximately 790,000 Americans have a heart attackthats a heart attack in the United States every 40 seconds.

A heart attack occurs when a part of the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow, and the more time that passes without treatment, the greater the damage will be.

It is critical for people experiencing a heart attack to get care as quickly as possible, as there is a correlation between the time it takes a person to receive care and the amount of heart muscle saved that is exponential, said Dr. Ben Mathew, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Associates of Charlottesville. The first hour in particular is critical to getting that care, as the more time without care, the greater the damage.

And that damage can be devastating, according to Dr. Mathew. There is a greater risk of death from the heart attack itself, of course, but there is an increased risk of heart failure the longer for a person to be treated.

People who are treated in the appropriate timeframe live longer and are readmitted to the hospital less frequently, Dr. Mathew added.

To Get Fast Care, Call 9-1-1

To that end, Dr. Mathew says it is critical to call 9-1-1 when you or someone you are with is experiencing a heart attack.

Even though it may seem like it would be faster to get to care by driving yourself, emergency services professionals are equipped to save your life. In the beginning of a heart attack, many patients experience an electrical anomaly in their heart. If thats the case, the EMS can deliver a lifesaving shock to correct that, which couldnt happen if you drove. In fact, that is often how heart attack victims die in the car on their way to the hospital, he noted.

When you call 9-1-1, paramedics come quickly and assess the situation. They take an EKG, which they then send to the hospital.

When we receive an EKG demonstrating a heart attack, we quickly activate our STEMi team so everyone is in place. That allows the cardiologist to meet the patient as soon as he or she comes in, by passing the emergency room completely and moving straight to the cath lab, explained Dr. Mathew.

This procedure speeds up time to treatment significantly. In fact, Dr. Mathew recalled a case in which a patient was catheterized and treated within 10 minutes of arriving at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.

In fact, door-to-balloon time is critical to effective heart attack treatment. This is defined as the amount of time it takes from the time a patient suffering a heart attack enters the emergency department to the time where we re-establish blood flow to the blocked vessel.

Nationwide, the standard for door-to-balloon time is 90 minutes; however, Sentara Martha Jeffersons goal is to achieve a door-to-balloon time of 60 minutes or lessa goal they reached in 2018 with a year-end average of 56 minutes and continue to improve on in 2019.

Know the Symptoms

The most common symptom of a heart attack is an acute feeling of intense pressure on the chest.

Many people say they feel like an elephant is sitting on their chest, said Dr. Mathew.

While chest pain is the classic symptom of a heart attack, other kinds of symptoms can also occur, including:

Profuse sweating

Shortness of breath

Radiating pain in of the jaw, neck, shoulders, or arms

Heartburn-like symptoms

A sense of impending doom

Its important to note that for women, heart attacks often present differently than they do in men. In fact, its not uncommon for women to have no chest symptoms at all, cardiologists say. Shortness of breath, indigestion-like pain or discomfort  often in the back, neck, shoulders, jaw or abdomen  nausea, vomiting and extreme fatigue can also represent symptoms of a heart attack.

If you think you are experiencing a heart attack, be safe, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Do not try to drive yourself to the Emergency Room.

Do you want to learn your risk of heart disease? Visit myheartage.info to find out your heart age.
In the Jan. 20 letter to the editor headlined Medical marijuana has problems, the author attempts to make the point that evidence-based medicine should be the focus of the University of Virginia Medical Center as it considers the question of medical cannabis for patients.

Citizens of the commonwealth who suffer from serious debilitating diseases  such as cancer, ALC, epilepsy, and other maladies  must be able to consider alternative treatment in consultation with a physician.

Recent studies also confirm that medical cannabis may be useful in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, which is often concurrent with substance use issues, including opioids.

In 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found conclusive or substantial evidence that cannabis or cannabinoids are effective for the following treatments:

 For the treatment of chronic pain in adults.

 As anti-emetics in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

 For improving patient-reported multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms.
Windows, roofs, doors, appliances  all have to be replaced every once in a while, and all can be made less wasteful of energy. And as for goals such as making sure every American has "high-quality health care" and "affordable, safe and adequate housing," well, those have been Democratic Party positions for a very long time.

Acting alone would be pointless, skeptics say. Indeed, China is now by far the world's biggest carbon emitter, with the United States second and India a fast-rising third. What would be the point of going to great effort to reduce U.S. emissions while others just burn more coal?

Think about it, though. We are, after all, the second-biggest emitter, which means that any substantial reduction would indeed have measurable impact. Also, officials in China and India, unlike those in the Trump administration, understand and accept the conclusions of climate scientists. China may be adding coal-fired power plants, but it is also making massive investments in clean energy.

Do you really want Beijing to lead the way into the future? Shouldn't it be Washington?

That's a rationale for the Green New Deal that the Make America Great Again crowd should embrace. If you believe in American exceptionalism, you believe that the United States has a duty to lead at moments of crisis. This is such a moment.
Injuries from a lawnmower can be devastating. There was one incident several years ago where a lawnmower hit a screwdriver and sent it over the house and it struck a child in the head."
The Waltons show created by Earl Hamner Jr. based on his book Spencers Mountain, a semi-autobiographical novel set in a fictionalized version of Schuyler.

The shows stories are told from the point of view of eldest son John-Boy, who eventually goes to college, serves in World War II and becomes a novelist. The show ran from 1972 through 1981.

The special-use permit approved by supervisors includes a number of conditions recommended by Nelsons Planning Commission in January. The conditions include no amplified music and limitations on outdoor lighting. Another condition requires the bed-and-breakfast to conform to the submitted site plan.

The next steps for Johnson include getting building permits from the Nelson County Department of Planning and Zoning, which required supervisors approval first.

On Wednesday, Johnson said they expect to have the building permits soon. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the existing entrance location meets the requirements, and the type of entrance required in the future will depend on the additional traffic the bed-and-breakfast brings to the area. The property will be served by public water and sewer systems.
Charlottesville city councilors have charged $3,092 on city credit cards in the past three months.

In that same time, council support staff has spent nearly $9,000, of which more than $6,000 went to catering council and other city meetings.

Details about the credit card expenditures were obtained through a Virginia Freedom of Information Act request covering activity from Nov. 9 to Feb. 11.

Councilor Wes Bellamy led all spenders in the past three months, at $1,597. Mayor Nikuyah Walker was second, spending $1,344. Councilor Mike Signer spent $135 and Councilor Kathy Galvin spent $15. Councilor Heather Hill had not used her card as of Feb. 11.

The bills are paid via the general fund through money set aside for the council in the budget cycle.

Four of the five cards have a $20,000 monthly credit limit.

Signers limit is $2,500. He received his card in 2016 when he was appointed mayor, before other councilors were issued cards. Signer didnt raise his spending limit when other councilors received cards.
McQuinn said she wanted to encourage those who are working toward reconciliation and civility, and to recruit others to do the same.

Its so important that the next generation understands that we were well intentioned to leave the world better than we found it, and the only way we can do that is to work toward making our communities a better place for people to live and to learn how to live together, she said.

McQuinn touched on the scandals surrounding the states top elected leaders  Gov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Attorney General Mark Herring. McQuinn was the chief patron of a House joint resolution designating 2019 as the Year of Reconciliation and Civility in Virginia.

I am confident that as [Northam] goes around the state of Virginia, that it would be his hope and his desire to try to connect the dots and bring people closer together, she said. I think that not only does he have the job as the governor from now on, but hes got another calling, and I think he could be very effective, along with the attorney general, in making those things happen.

Northam and Herring both recently admitted to the use of blackface decades ago. Fairfax has been accused by two women of sexual assault in the early 2000s. He denies any wrongdoing.

Allison Wrabel is a reporter for The Daily Progress. Contact her at (434) 978-7261, awrabel@dailyprogress.com or @craftypanda on Twitter.

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United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and offers modernization products to upgrade elevators and escalators, as well as maintenance and repair services. The company's Carrier segment provides heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation products, solutions, and services for commercial, government, infrastructure, residential, and refrigeration and transportation applications. This segment also offers building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance, and monitoring. Its Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; and provides aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as fleet management services. The company's Collins Aerospace Systems segment provides electric power generation, power management, and distribution systems; air data and aircraft sensing systems; engine control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; engine components; environmental control systems; fire and ice detection, and protection systems; propeller systems; engine nacelle systems; aircraft lighting, seating, and cargo systems; actuation and landing systems; space products and subsystems; avionics systems; flight controls, communications, navigation, oxygen, and training systems; food and beverage preparation, and storage and galley systems; and lavatory and wastewater management systems. The company offers its services through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retail outlets, and sales representatives, as well as directly to customers. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut.

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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma Home brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids' furniture and accessories, such as bedding, bath accessories, cribs, classic toys, and luggage and lunch bags under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and a line of furniture and accessories for teen bedrooms, study and lounge spaces, and college dorm rooms under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers a range of assortments of lighting, hardware, furniture, and home dAcor inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, small leather goods, jewelry, key item apparel, paper, entertaining and bar, home dAcor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and dAcor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. As of January 31, 2021, it operated 581 stores comprising 538 stores in 42 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 21 stores in Canada; 19 stores in Australia; 3 stores in the United Kingdom; and 136 franchised stores, as well as e-commerce websites in various countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, and South Korea. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

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Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

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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.

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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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Southwest Airlines Co. operates as a passenger airline company that provide scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated a total fleet of 718 Boeing 737 aircrafts; and served 107 destinations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. Its services also cover destinations in Hilo on Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Miami, Florida; Palm Springs, California; and Montrose (Telluride and Crested Butte), Colorado. In addition, the company provides inflight entertainment and connectivity services on Wi-Fi enabled aircrafts; and Rapid Rewards loyalty program that enables program members to earn points for dollars spent on Southwest base fares. In addition, the company provides a suite of digital platforms to support customers' travel needs, including Southwest.com, mobile website, and apps; and SWABIZ, an online booking tool. Further, it offers ancillary services, such as Southwest's EarlyBird Check-In, upgraded boarding, and transportation of pets and unaccompanied minors. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Marsh & McLennan Companies: 8WORKS INC., 8WORKS LTD, A. Constantinidi & CIA. S.C., A.C.N. 000 951 146 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 001 572 961 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 076 935 683 Pty Limited, A.C.N. 102 322 574 Pty Limited, ACE Insurance Agents Limited, ACE Insurance Consultants Limited, ACE Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Limited, AD Corretora de Seguros, AFCO Premium Acceptance Inc., AFCO Premium Credit LLC, Access Equity Enhanced Fund GP LLC, Admiral Holdings Limited, Agnew Higgins Pickering & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd, Aldgate Investments Limited, Aldgate Trustees Ltd, Alexander Forbes Group Holdings Limited, Alpha Consultants Limited, Alta SA, Altius Real Assets (GP) LLC, Amal Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Anda Insurance Agencies Pte Ltd, AssetVal Pty Ltd, Assur Conseils Marsh S.A., Assurance Capital Corporation, Assurance Services Corporation, Australian Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Australian World Underwriters Pty Ltd., BBPS Limited, Barney & Barney Orange County LLC, Beaumonts (Leeds) Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), Beaumonts Insurance Services Limited, Beneficios Integrales Oportunos SA, Benefitfocus Inc., Blue Marble Micro Limited, Blue Marble Microinsurance Inc., Bluefin, Bluefin Insurance Group Limited, Bluefin Insurance Services Limited, Boulder Claims LLC, Bowring (Bermuda) Investments Ltd., Bowring Marine Limited, Bowring Marsh (Bermuda) Ltd., Bowring Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Bowring Marsh Asia Pte. Ltd., Bowring Marsh Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Bowring Marsh Limited, Broderick Piller Pty Ltd, Broker 2 Broker Limited, BuildPay LLC, Burke Ford Trustees (Leicester) Limited, C.T. Bowring Limited, CMC-Belgibo NV, CPRM Limited, CPSG Partners LLC, Carpenter Marsh Fac Chile Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Carpenter Marsh Fac Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Carpenter Marsh Fac Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.C., Carpenter Marsh Fac Re LLC, Carpenter Turner Cyprus Ltd, Carpenter Turner S.A., Cascade International Holdings C.V., Cascade Regional Holdings Limited, Central Insurance Services Limited, Charter Risk Management Services LLC, Chartwell Healthcare Limited, Chronos Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Claims and Recovery Management (Australia) Pty Limited, Clark Thomson Insurance Brokers Limited, Client Provide Limited, Colombian Insurance Broking Wholesale Limited, Consultores 2020 C.A., Cronin & Co Insurance Services Limited, DVA - Deutsche Verkehrs-Assekuranz-Vermittlungs GmbH, Dawson Insurance, DeLima Marsh S.A. - Los Corredores de Seguros S.A., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Insurance Corp., Dovetail Managing General Agency Corporation, Dovetail Technology Service India Private Limited, Draw Connect Limited, Draw Create Limited, Draw Group London Limited, Eagle & Crown Limited, Echelon Australia Pty Limited, Echelon Claims Consultants Sdn Bhd, Echelon New Zealand Limited, EnBW Versicherungs Vermittlung GmbH, Encompass Insurance Agency Pty Ltd., English Pension Trustees Limited, Epsilon (US) Insurance Company, Epsilon Insurance Company Ltd., Eustis Insurance & Benefits, Evolution Management Ltd, Exchange Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Exmoor Management Company Limited, Faulkner & Flynn LLC, Freedom Trust Services Limited, GC Genesis LLC, GCube Insurance Services Inc, GCube Underwriting Limited, Gama Consultores Associados Ltda., Gem Insurance Company Limited, Global Premium Finance Company, GrECo International Holding AG, Gracechurch Trustees Limited, Gresham Pension Trustees Limited, Group Promoters Pty Limited, Guy Carpenter & Cia (Mexico) S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter & Cia. S.A., Guy Carpenter & Co. Labuan Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company AB, Guy Carpenter & Company Corredores de Reaseguros Limitada, Guy Carpenter & Company Corretora de Resseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company GmbH, Guy Carpenter & Company LLC, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Ltd./Guy Carpenter & Compagnie Ltee, Guy Carpenter & Company Participacoes Ltda., Guy Carpenter & Company Peru Corredores de Reaseguros S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company Private Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Proprietary Limited, Guy Carpenter & Company Pty. Ltd., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A., Guy Carpenter & Company S.A. (Uruguay), Guy Carpenter & Company S.A.S., Guy Carpenter & Company S.r.l., Guy Carpenter (Middle East) Limited, Guy Carpenter Bermuda Ltd., Guy Carpenter Broking Inc., Guy Carpenter Colombia Corredores de Reaseguros Ltda., Guy Carpenter Insurance Brokers (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Guy Carpenter Japan Inc., Guy Carpenter Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., Guy Carpenter Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, HAPIP GP 2009 LLC, HAPIP GP LLC, HSBC Insurance Brokers International (Abu Dhabi) LLC (in liquidation), Hamilton Bond Limited, Hansen International Limited, Hayward Aviation Limited, INSIA Europe SE, INSIA SK s.r.o., INSIA a.s., INSURANCE BROKERS OF NIGERIA LIMITED, IRC Asia Insurance Brokers Limited, InSolutions Limited, Industrial Risks Protection Consultants, Ingeseg S. A., Ingeseg S.A., Insbrokers Ltda., InsurTech Alliance LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC, Insure Direct (Brokers) LLC [BAHRAIN BRANCH], Insure Direct - Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, International Catastrophe Insurance Managers LLC, International Loss Control Services Limited, International Risk Consultants (Asia) Limited, Invercol Limited, Irish Pensions Trust Limited, Isosceles Insurance (Barbados) Limited, Isosceles Insurance Company Limited, Isosceles Insurance Ltd, Isosceles PCC Limited, J&H Marsh & McLennan Limited, J.W. Terrill Benefit Administrators Inc., JI Holdings Limited, JIB Group Holdings Limited, JIB Group Limited, JIB Holdings (Pacific) Limited, JIB Overseas Holdings Limited, JIB UK Holdings Limited, JL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co. KG, JLM Verwaltungs GmbH, JLT (Insurance Brokers) Limited, JLT Actuaries and Consultants Limited, JLT Advisory Limited, JLT Affinity Colombia Solutions SAS, JLT Agencies Limited, JLT Asesorias Ltda, JLT Asia Holdings BV, JLT Asia Shared Services Sdn Bhd, JLT Belgibo, JLT Benefit Consultants Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions Limited, JLT Benefit Solutions SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Bermuda Ltd, JLT Brasil Holdings Participacoes Ltd, JLT Chile Holdings SpA, JLT Colombia Retail Limited, JLT Colombia Wholesale Limited, JLT Consultants & Actuaries Limited, JLT EB Holdings Limited, JLT EB Services Limited, JLT Employee Benefits Holding Company (PTY) LTD, JLT Employee Benefits SA (Pty) Ltd, JLT Financial Planning Limited, JLT France Holdings, JLT Group Services Pty Limited, JLT Holdings (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Holdings (NZ) Limited, JLT Independent Insurance Brokers Private Limited, JLT Insurance Agencies Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited ( Shanghai Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Beijing Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Co. Limited (Guangzhou Branch), JLT Insurance Brokers Ireland Limited, JLT Insurance Brokers SA, JLT Insurance Group Holdings Ltd, JLT Insurance Management Malta Limited, JLT Intellectual Property Limited, JLT Intellectual Property [UK Branch], JLT Interactive Pte. Ltd., JLT Investment Management Limited, JLT LATAM (Southern Cone) Wholesale Limited, JLT Latin American Holdings Limited, JLT Life Assurance Brokers Limited, JLT Management Services Limited, JLT Marine (Pty) Ltd, JLT Mexico Holdings Limited, JLT Mexico Intermediario de Reaseguro S.A. de C.V., JLT Netherlands BV, JLT Norway AS, JLT PLA, JLT Pension Trustees Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Holdings Limited, JLT Pensions Administration Limited, JLT Peru Reinsurance Solutions Limited, JLT Peru Retail Limited, JLT Peru Wholesale Limited, JLT QFM Services Limited, JLT RE Brasil Administracao e Corretagem de Resseguros Ltda, JLT Re (French Branch), JLT Re (Northern Europe) AB, JLT Re Argentina Corredores de Reaseguros S.A.U., JLT Re Labuan Limited, JLT Re Limited, JLT Re Pty Ltd, JLT Reinsurance Brokers GmbH, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited, JLT Reinsurance Brokers Limited [French Branch], JLT Risk Management Limited, JLT Risk Solutions AB, JLT Risk Solutions AB Branch - Germany, JLT SA IB Holdings Company (Pty) Limited, JLT SCK Affinity Administracao e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., JLT SCK Corretora e Administradora de Seguros, JLT Secretaries Limited, JLT Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerlii A.., JLT Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., JLT Specialty France, JLT Specialty Insurance Broker A/S, JLT Specialty Limited, JLT Specialty Limited [DUBAI BRANCH], JLT Specialty Pte. Ltd., JLT Towner Insurance Management (Anguilla) Limited, JLT Trust Services (Barbados) Ltd, JLT Trustees (Southern) Limited, JLT Trustees Limited, JLT UK Investment Holdings Limited, JLT Vantage Risk and Benefit Consulting Private Limited, JLT Wealth Management Limited, JLT do Brasil Corretagem de Seguros Ltda, JLTPCS Holdings Pte. Ltd., JMIB Holdings BV, JSL Securities Inc., Japan Affinity Marketing Inc., Jardine IBR Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson (Proprietary) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Asia Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Australia Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Canada Inc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson India Private Limited (UK Branch Office), Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance Consultants Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Inc., Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Holdings Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ireland Unlimited Company, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Korea Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited [Macao Branch], Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS (Dubai) Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS Pte Ltd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson PCS SA, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Private Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Sdn Bhd, Jardine Lloyd Thompson Valencia y Iragorri Corredores de Seguros SA, Jardine Pension Trustees Ireland Limited, Jardine Risk Consulting Co. Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited, Jardine ShunTak Insurance Brokers Limited [Macao Branch], Jardines PF- Consultoria Em Gestao De Risco Limitada, Jelf, Jelf Commercial Finance Limited, Jelf Financial Planning Limited, Jelf Insurance Brokers Limited, Jelf Limited, Jelf Risk Management Limited, Jelf Wellbeing Limited, John Lampier & Son Ltd, Johnson & Higgins (Bermuda) Limited, Johnson & Higgins Limited, KESSLER & CO AG, Kepler Associates Limited, Kessler & Co Inc., Kessler Consulting Inc., Kessler Prevoyance Inc., Key Underwriting Pty Limited, Kroll, Lambert Brothers Holdings Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Employee Benefits) Limited, Lambert Brothers Insurance Brokers (Hong Kong) Ltd, Laterlife.com Limited (in liquidation), Lavaretus Underwriting AB, Lavaretus Underwriting AB (BRANCH - Denmark), Libra Insurance Services Limited (in liquidation), Lloyd & Partners Limited, Local Government Insurance Brokers Pty Limited, Lomond Macdonald Limited, Lynch Insurance Brokers Limited, M&M Vehicle L.P., M.P. Bolshaw and Company Limited, MAG JLT SpA, MERCER ALTERNATIVES LIMITED, MM Risk Services Pty Ltd (for dissolution), MMA Mid-Atlantic Employee LLC, MMA Securities LLC, MMB Consultores S.A., MMC (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd., MMC 28 State Street Holdings Inc., MMC Borrower LLC, MMC Brazilian Holdings B.V., MMC Capital Inc., MMC Cascade Regional Holdings LLC, MMC FINANCE (EUROPE) LIMITED, MMC FINANCE HOLDINGS LTD, MMC Finance (Australia) Limited, MMC Finance (Singapore) Limited, MMC France Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., MMC GP III Inc., MMC Group Services sp. z o.o., MMC Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, MMC Holdings (New Zealand) ULC, MMC Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC International Finance (Barbados) SRL, MMC International Holdings LLC, MMC International Limited, MMC International Treasury Centre Limited, MMC Middle East Holdings Limited, MMC Poland Holdings B.V., MMC Realty Inc., MMC Regional Asia Holdings B.V., MMC Regional Caribbean Holdings Ltd., MMC Regional Europe Holdings B.V., MMC Regional LATAM Holdings B.V., MMC Securities (Europe) Limited, MMC Securities LLC, MMC Treasury Holdings (UK) Limited, MMC UK Group Limited, MMC UK Pension Fund Trustee Limited, MMOW Limited, MMRC LLC, MOW Holding LLC, MPIP III GP LLC, MPIP IV GP LLC, MPIP V GP LLC, MPIP VI GP LLC, Mangrove Insurance Europe PCC Limited, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC, Mangrove Insurance Solutions PCC Limited, Manoel Management Services Ltd, Marchant McKechnie Insurance Brokers Limited, Marine Aviation & General (London) Limited, Marsh & McLennan (PNG) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agencies AS, Marsh & McLennan Agencies Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency A/S, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, Marsh & McLennan Agency Limited, Marsh & McLennan Agency Pty Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Argentina SA Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh & McLennan Colombia S.A., Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Funding Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Acquisition Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies Asia Pacific Treasury Center Limited, Marsh & McLennan Companies BVBA/SPRL, Marsh & McLennan Companies Finance Center (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies France S.A.S., Marsh & McLennan Companies Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc., Marsh & McLennan Companies Regional Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Companies Services B.V., Marsh & McLennan Companies UK Limited, Marsh & McLennan Europe S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan GP I Inc., Marsh & McLennan Global Broking (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Holding GmbH, Marsh & McLennan Holdings (Canada) ULC, Marsh & McLennan Holdings Inc., Marsh & McLennan Incorporated (for dissolution), Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings II, Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Holdings S.a.r.l., Marsh & McLennan Innovation Centre Limited, Marsh & McLennan Insurance Services Limited, Marsh & McLennan Ireland Limited, Marsh & McLennan Management Services (Bermuda) Limited, Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings Ltd., Marsh & McLennan Servicios S.A. De C.V., Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Canada Limited, Marsh & McLennan Shared Services Corporation, Marsh (Bahrain) Company SPC, Marsh (Beijing) Risk Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Marsh (China) Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh (Insurance Brokers) LLP, Marsh (Insurance Services) Limited, Marsh (Malawi) Limited, Marsh (Middle East) Limited, Marsh (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh (Pty) Ltd, Marsh (Risk Consulting) LLP, Marsh (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Marsh A/S, Marsh AB, Marsh AG, Marsh AS, Marsh Advantage Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd, Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd., Marsh Africa (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Argentina S.R.L., Marsh Associates (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Austria G.m.b.H., Marsh Aviation Insurance Broking Pty Ltd (for dissolution), Marsh B.V., Marsh Botswana (Proprietary) Limited, Marsh Brockman y Schuh Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Marsh Broker Japan Inc., Marsh Broker de Asigurare-Reasigurare S.R.L., Marsh Brokers (Hong Kong) Limited, Marsh Brokers Limited, Marsh Canada Limited/Marsh Canada Limitee, Marsh Company Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Compensation Technologies Administration (Pty) Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Isle of Man Ltd, Marsh Corporate Services Limited, Marsh Corporate Services Malta Limited, Marsh Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Marsh EOOD, Marsh Egypt LLC, Marsh Emirates Consultancy LLC, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokerage LLC, Marsh Employee Benefits Limited, Marsh Employee Benefits Zimbabwe (Private) Ltd, Marsh Eurofinance B.V., Marsh Europe S.A., Marsh FJC International Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh For Insurance Services S.A.E., Marsh Franco Acra S.A., Marsh GSC Servicos e Administracao de Seguros Ltda., Marsh GmbH, Marsh Holding AB, Marsh Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Marsh India Insurance Brokers Private Limited, Marsh Insurance & Investments LLC, Marsh Insurance Brokers, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Macao) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited, Marsh Insurance Brokers AO, Marsh Insurance Brokers Limited, Marsh Insurance Consulting Saudi Arabia (in liquidation), Marsh Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers LLC, Marsh Intermediaries Inc., Marsh International Broking Holdings Limited, Marsh International Holdings II Inc., Marsh International Holdings Inc., Marsh Investment B.V., Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited, Marsh Ireland Brokers Limited (UK Branch), Marsh Ireland Holdings Limited, Marsh Israel (1999) Ltd., Marsh Israel (Holdings) Ltd., Marsh Israel Consultants Ltd., Marsh Israel Insurance Agency Ltd., Marsh Israel International Brokers Ltd. (in liquidation), Marsh JCS Inc., Marsh Japan Inc., Marsh Kft., Marsh Kindlustusmaakler AS, Marsh Korea Inc., Marsh LLC, Marsh LLC Insurance Brokers, Marsh LLC [Ukraine], Marsh Lda., Marsh Limited, Marsh Limited [Fiji], Marsh Limited [New Zealand], Marsh Limited [PNG], Marsh Ltd. [Wisconsin], Marsh Management Services (Bahamas) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Marsh Management Services (Dublin) Limited, Marsh Management Services (Labuan) Limited, Marsh Management Services (MENA) Limited, Marsh Management Services (USVI) Ltd., Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd., Marsh Management Services Guernsey Limited, Marsh Management Services Inc., Marsh Management Services Isle of Man Limited, Marsh Management Services Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Marsh Management Services Malta Limited, Marsh Management Services Singapore Pte. Ltd., Marsh Management Services Sweden AB, Marsh Marine & Energy AB, Marsh Marine Nederland B.V., Marsh Medical Consulting GmbH, Marsh Mercer Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Marsh Nest Inc., Marsh Oman LLC, Marsh Oy, Marsh PB Co. Ltd., Marsh Philippines Inc., Marsh Privat A.I.E., Marsh Private Client Life Insurance Services, Marsh Pty. Ltd., Marsh Qatar LLC, Marsh RE S.A.C. Corredores de Reaseguros, Marsh Rehder Consultoria S.A. (MRC), Marsh Rehder S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Marsh Resolutions Pty Limited, Marsh Risk Consulting B.V., Marsh Risk Consulting Limitada, Marsh Risk Consulting Ltda., Marsh Risk Consulting S.L., Marsh Risk Consulting Services S.r.L., Marsh Risk and Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd, Marsh S.A. Corredores De Seguros, Marsh S.A. Mediadores de Seguros, Marsh S.A.S., Marsh S.p.A., Marsh SA [Argentina], Marsh SA [Belgium], Marsh SA [Luxembourg], Marsh SA [Uruguay], Marsh SIA, Marsh Saldana Inc., Marsh Saudi Arabia Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Marsh Secretarial Services Limited, Marsh Semusa S.A., Marsh Services Limited, Marsh Services Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Marsh Spolka z.o.o., Marsh Szolgaltato Kft., Marsh Takaful Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Marsh Treasury Services (Dublin) Limited (in liquidation), Marsh Treasury Services Limited, Marsh Tunisia S.a.r.l., Marsh UK Limited, Marsh USA (India) Inc., Marsh USA Borrower LLC, Marsh USA Inc., Marsh Uganda Limited, Marsh Venezuela C.A. Sociedad de Corretaje de Seguros, Marsh Vietnam Insurance Broking Company Ltd, Marsh Zambia Limited, Marsh Zimbabwe Holdings (Private) Limited, Marsh d.o.o. Beograd, Marsh d.o.o. za posredovanje u osiguranju, Marsh for Insurance Services - Jordan, Marsh i-Connect (Pty) Ltd, Marsh s.r.o., Matthiessen Assurans AB, Mercer (Argentina) S.A., Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer (Austria) GmbH, Mercer (Belgium) SA-NV, Mercer (Canada) Limited/Mercer (Canada) Limitee, Mercer (China) Limited, Mercer (Colombia) Ltda., Mercer (Danmark) A/S, Mercer (Finland) OY, Mercer (France) SAS, Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer (Ireland) Limited, Mercer (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Mercer (N.Z.) Limited, Mercer (Nederland) B.V., Mercer (Norge) AS, Mercer (Polska) Sp.z o.o., Mercer (Portugal) Lda, Mercer (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer (Sweden) AB, Mercer (Taiwan) Ltd., Mercer (Thailand) Ltd., Mercer (US) Inc., Mercer Administration Services (Australia) Pty Limited, Mercer Africa Limited, Mercer Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Mercer Asesores de Seguros S.A., Mercer Asesores es Inversion Independientes S.A. de C.V., Mercer Broking Ltd., Mercer Career Unipessoal Lda, Mercer Consultation (Quebec) Ltee., Mercer Consulting (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Mercer Consulting (France) SAS, Mercer Consulting (India) Private Limited, Mercer Consulting B.V., Mercer Consulting Group Inc., Mercer Consulting Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Mercer Consulting Limited, Mercer Consulting Middle East Limited, Mercer Consulting S.L.U., Mercer Consulting Venezuela C.A., Mercer Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Mercer Corretora de Seguros Ltda, Mercer Danismanlik Anonim Sirketi, Mercer Deutschland GmbH, Mercer Employee Benefits - Medicacao de Seguros Unipessoal Lda., Mercer Employee Benefits Limited, Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Financial Services Limited, Mercer Financial Services Limited liability company, Mercer Financial Services Middle East Limited, Mercer Global Investments Europe Limited, Mercer Global Investments Management Limited, Mercer HR Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer HR Services LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Health & Benefits Administration LLC, Mercer Health & Benefits LLC, Mercer Holdings Inc., Mercer Holdings Inc. [Philippines], Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltda, Mercer Human Resource Consulting S.A. de C.V., Mercer ICC Limited, Mercer Investment Consulting Limited, Mercer Investment Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mercer Investment Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Mercer Investments (Australia) Limited, Mercer Investments (Hong Kong) Limited, Mercer Investments (Japan) Ltd, Mercer Investments (New Zealand) Limited, Mercer Investments LLC, Mercer Ireland Holdings Limited, Mercer Italia Srl Socio Unico, Mercer Japan Ltd., Mercer Korea Co. Ltd., Mercer LLC, Mercer Limited, Mercer MC Consulting Borrower LLC, Mercer Master Trustees Limited, Mercer Mauritius Ltd., Mercer Oliver Wyman Holding B.V., Mercer Outsourcing (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mercer Outsourcing S.L.U., Mercer Pensionsfonds AG, Mercer Pensionsraadgivning A/S, Mercer Philippines Inc., Mercer Private Investment Partners IV General Partner S.a.r.l., Mercer Private Markets AG, Mercer Private Markets Advisers (US) AG, Mercer Services Poland Sp. z.o.o., Mercer Sigorta Brokerligi Anonim Sirketi, Mercer South Africa (Pty) Limited, Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited, Mercer Switzerland Inc., Mercer System Services LLC, Mercer Technology Acquisitions Limited, Mercer Treuhand GmbH, Mercer Trust Company LLC, Mercer Trustees Limited, Mercer WorkforcePro LLC, Mercury Insurance Services Pty Ltd, Moola Systems Limited, Mountlodge Limited, Muir Beddal (Zimbabwe) Limited, NERA Australia Pty. Ltd., NERA Economic Consulting GmbH, NERA Economic Consulting Limited, NERA S.R.L., NERA SAS, NERA UK Limited, NERA do Brasil Ltda. (for dissolution), National Economic Research Associates Inc., NetComp Insurance Corp., Neuburger Noble Lowndes GmbH, Normandy Reinsurance Company Limited, Northern Alliance Brokers Limited (in liquidation), OWL Marine Insurance-Brokers GmbH & Co.KG, OWL Marine Verwaltungs GmbH, Oliver Wyman (Bermuda) Limited, Oliver Wyman (Hong Kong) Limited, Oliver Wyman AB, Oliver Wyman AG, Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting Inc., Oliver Wyman B.V., Oliver Wyman Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Oliver Wyman Consultoria em Estrategia de Negocios Ltda., Oliver Wyman Energy Consulting Limited, Oliver Wyman FZ-LLC, Oliver Wyman Group KK, Oliver Wyman Inc., Oliver Wyman LLC, Oliver Wyman Limited, Oliver Wyman Limited Liability Company, Oliver Wyman Limited/Oliver Wyman limitee, Oliver Wyman Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pte. Ltd., Oliver Wyman Pty. Ltd., Oliver Wyman S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman S.A.S., Oliver Wyman S.L., Oliver Wyman S.r.l., Oliver Wyman SNC, Oliver Wyman SPRL/BVBA, Oliver Wyman Sdn. Bhd., Oliver Wyman Services Limited, Oliver Wyman Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Oliver Wyman sp. z o.o., Omega Indemnity (Bermuda) Limited, Organizacion Brockman y Schuh S.A. de C.V., Osbornes Insurances Oxford Limited (in liquidation), PFT Limited, PI Indemnity Company Designated Activity Company, PT JLT Reinsurance Brokers, PT Jardine Lloyd Thompson, PT Marsh Indonesia, PT Marsh Reinsurance Brokers Indonesia, PT Mercer Indonesia, PT Nexus Asia Pacific, PT Oliver Wyman Indonesia, PT Quantum Computing Services, PT Quantum Investments, PT Quantum Support Services, Pallas Marsh Servicos Ltda., Pavilion Alternatives Group (Singapore) PTE. Ltd, Pavilion Financial Corporation Holdings UK Limited, Pavilion U.S. Investments Holdco LLC, Pension Trustees Limited, Pensionsservice Benefit Network Sverige AB, Perils AG, Personal Pension Trustees Limited, Pet Animal Welfare Scheme Limited, Portsoken Trustees (No. 2) Limited, Portsoken Trustees Limited, Potomac Insurance Managers Inc., Premier Pension Trustees Limited, Premium Services Australia Pty Limited, Professional Claims Handling Limited (in liquidation), Profund Solutions Limited, Promerit AG, Promerit Hungary Kft, Promerit Schweiz AG, Pymetrics Inc., R G Ford Brokers Limited, R R B Beratungsgesellschaft fuer Altersversorgung mbh, R. Mees & Zoonen Holdings B.V., Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters LLC, Renewable Energy Loss Adjusters Limited, Resource Benefit Associates, Rightpath Reinsurance SPC Ltd., Risk Management Australia Pty Limited, Rivers Group Limited, Rockefeller Risk Advisors Inc., Rutherfoord International Inc., SAFCAR-Marsh, SBJ Holdings Limited, SCIB (Bermuda) Limited, SCM Global Real Estate Select GP LLC, SCM Infrastructure General Partner S.a r.l., SCM International Private Equity Select III GP LLC, SCM LT General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE General Partner S.a.r.l., SCM PE II GP Ltd., SCM PE II Scotland GP Ltd, SCM Strategic Capital Management (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., SICAR Marsh S.a.r.l., SME Insurance Services Limited, Sail Insurance Company Limited, Scalene Re Ltd, Seabury & Smith Borrower LLC, Seabury & Smith LLC, Secure Limited, Sedgwick (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Consulting Group Limited, Sedgwick Dineen Group Limited, Sedgwick Financial Services Limited, Sedgwick Forbes Middle East Limited, Sedgwick Group, Sedgwick Group (Australia) Pty. Limited, Sedgwick Group (Bermuda) Limited, Sedgwick Group (Zimbabwe) Limited, Sedgwick Group Limited, Sedgwick Internationaal B.V., Sedgwick Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Barbados) Limited, Sedgwick Management Services (Singapore) Pte Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (UK) Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Group Limited, Sedgwick Noble Lowndes Limited, Sedgwick Overseas Investments Limited, Sedgwick Private Limited, Sedgwick Re Asia Pacific (Consultants) Pte Ltd (for dissolution), Sedgwick Trustees Limited, Sedgwick UK Risk Services Limited, Sedgwick Ulster Pension Trustees Limited, Settlement Trustees Limited, Shanghai Mercer Insurance Brokers Company Ltd., Shorewest Insurance Associates LLC, Sirota Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Sirota Consulting UK Limited, Smith Long Term Disability Management Group Inc., Societe d'Assurances et de Participation Guian SA, Software Underwriting Systems Limited (in liquidation), Southern Marine & Aviation Inc., Southern Marine & Aviation Underwriters Inc., Sudzucker Versicherungs-Vermittlungs GmbH, Sumitomo Life Insurance Agency America Inc., Sylvite Financial Services, TBX Solutions Limited, Talent Tech Labs LLC, The Benefit Express Holdings Limited, The Benefit Express Limited, The Carpenter Management Corporation, The Insurance Partnership Holdings Limited, The Insurance Partnership Services Limited, The Positive Ageing Company Limited, The Purple Partnership Limited, The Recovre Group Pty Ltd, Thomsons Online Benefits (HK) Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits Inc., Thomsons Online Benefits Limited, Thomsons Online Benefits Pte Ltd., Thomsons Online Benefits S.R.L, Torrent Government Contracting Services LLC, Torrent Insurance Services LLC, Torrent Technologies, Torrent Technologies Inc., Tower Hill Limited, Tower Place Developments (West) Limited, Tower Place Developments Limited, U.T.E. AMG, U.T.E. Marsh - Caja Castilla La Mancha Junta de Comunidades, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus (in liquidation), U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Reus 2012, U.T.E. Marsh - Salvado Vila-Seca 2010, UAD BB Marsh Lietuva, Vezina & Associes Inc., Vezina Assurances Inc., Victor Insurance Europe B.V., Victor Insurance Holdings Inc., Victor Insurance Italia S.r.l., Victor Insurance Managers Inc., Victor Insurance Managers Inc./Gestionnaires d'assurance Victor inc., Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. (Bermuda) Ltd., Victor O. Schinnerer & Company Limited, Victoria Hall Company Limited, Wellnz Limited, William M. Mercer (Canada) Limited/William M. Mercer (Canada) Limitee, William M. Mercer AB, William M. Mercer Comercio Consultoria e Servicos Ltda., Wortham Insurance & Risk Management, everBe SAS, and realright GmbH.
Some people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. develops and distributes personal care and wellness products worldwide. It provides skin care systems, including ageLOC Me customized skin care and ageLOC Spa systems, and ageLOC LumiSpa skin treatment and cleansing devices; and Epoch products comprising botanical ingredients derived from renewable sources, as well as a range of other cosmetic and personal care products. The company also offers ageLOC Youth nutritional supplements, ageLOC TR90 weight management and body shaping systems, and LifePak nutritional supplements, as well as other anti-aging nutritional solutions and weight management products. In addition, it is involved in the research and product development of skin care products and nutritional supplements. Further, the company operates retail stores and service centers in Mainland China. It sells its products under the Nu Skin, Pharmanex, and ageLOC brands. The company promotes and sells its products directly, as well as through distributors and Website. Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Provo, Utah.

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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. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. 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. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. 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. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. 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. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc..
China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.

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PulteGroup, Inc., through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. The company acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. It offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhouses, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names. As of December 31, 2020, the company controlled 180,352 lots, of which 91,363 were owned and 88,989 were under land option agreements. It also arranges financing through the origination of mortgage loans primarily for homebuyers; sells the servicing rights for the originated loans; and provides title insurance policies, and examination and closing services to homebuyers. The company was formerly known as Pulte Homes, Inc. and changed its name to PulteGroup, Inc. in March 2010. PulteGroup, Inc. was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 1001 PROPERTIES LLC, 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1075 PEACHTREE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1320 GP LLC, 1320 OWNER LP, 1320 VENTURE LLC, 1900 MCKINNEY PROPERTIES LP, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 334 MADISON EURO INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, 85 BROAD STREET MEZZANINE LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LIMITED, ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, ALPHA PROPERTIES INC., ALTERNATIVE FUELS I LLC, AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, ASHTON JUDICIARY SQUARE LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BETA PROPERTIES INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BRIGHTHOUSE HOLDINGS LLC, BRIGHTHOUSE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF DELAWARE, BRIGHTHOUSE SECURITIES LLC, BRIGHTHOUSE SERVICES LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, Brighthouse Financial, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CITYPOINT HOLDINGS II LIMITED, COMMUNICATION ONE KABUSHIKI KAISHA, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CONVENT STATION EURO INVESTMENTS FOUR COMPANY, CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DANIEL/METLIFE MIDTOWN ATLANTA MASTER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, DELTA PROPERTIES JAPAN INC., ECONOMY FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY, ECONOMY PREFERRED INSURANCE COMPANY, ECONOMY PREMIER ASSURANCE COMPANY, EL CONQUISTADOR MAH II LLC, ENTERPRISE GENERAL INSURANCE AGENCY INC., ENTRECAP REAL ESTATE II LLC, EPSILON PROPERTIES JAPAN INC., EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EURO TI INVESTMENTS LLC, EURO TL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FEDERAL FLOOD CERTIFICATION LLC, FIRST AMERICAN  HUNGARIAN INSURANCE AGENCY LIMITED, FIRST METLIFE INVESTORS INSURANCE COMPANY, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GALIC HOLDINGS LLC, GENERAL AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., GREATER SANDHILL I LLC, General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HEADLAND PROPERTIES ASSOCIATES, HEADLAND-PACIFIC PALISADES LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, HPZ ASSETS LLC, HYATT LEGAL PLANS INC., HYATT LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, IRIS PROPERTIES INC., JOINT STOCK COMPANY METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, KAPPA PROPERTIES JAPAN INC., LAR VIVIENDA XVII S. DE R.L. DE C.V., LEGAGROUP S.A., LEGAL CHILE S.A., LHC HOLDINGS (US) LLC, LHCW HOLDINGS (US) LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING (2002) LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY (2002) LLC, LONG ISLAND SOLAR FARM LLC, Logan Circle Partners, MANSELL OFFICE LLC, MANSELL RETAIL LLC, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MCP VOA HOLDINGS LLC, MCP VOA I & III LLC, MCP VOA II LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, MET0 SIEFORE S.A. de C.V., MET1 SIEFORE S.A. de C.V., MET2 SIEFORE S.A. de C.V., MET3 SIEFORE BASICA S.A. de C.V., MET4 SIEFORE S.A. de C.V., META SIEFORE ADICIONAL S.A. de C.V., METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ADVISERS LLC, METLIFE AFORE S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE AUTO & HOME INSURANCE AGENCY INC., METLIFE CABO HILTON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CANADIAN PROPERTY VENTURES LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST X, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE EMEKLILIK VE HAYAT A.S., METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC, METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GmbH (SWISS I), METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GmbH (SWISS II), METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY USA, METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT ADVISORS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS (IRELAND) LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND HOLDINGS ONE LIMITED, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LIMITED, METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE MALL VENTURES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE OBSMEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE PROPERTY VENTURES CANADA ULC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF DELAWARE, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RENEWABLES HOLDING LLC, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SAENGMYOUNG INSURANCE COMPANY LTD., METLIFE SEGUROS DE RETIRO S.A., METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SEGUROS S.A. (ARGENTINA), METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SK S.R.O., METLIFE SLOVAKIA S.R.O., METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE STANDBY I LLC, METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE USA ASSIGNMENT COMPANY, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN CONNECTICUT PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METROPOLITAN DIRECT PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC., METROPOLITAN GROUP PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN LLOYDS INC., METROPOLITAN PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML 1065 HOTEL LLC, ML BRIDGESIDE APARTMENTS LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML NEW RIVER VILLAGE III LLC, ML NORTH BRAND MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, MLA COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., MLA SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTC FUND I LLC, MTC FUND II LLC, MTC FUND III LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEW ENGLAND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, ONE FINANCIAL PLACE CORPORATION, PARA-MET PLAZA ASSOCIATES, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PARK TWENTY THREE INVESTMENTS COMPANY, PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PREFCO DIX-HUIT LLC, PREFCO FOURTEEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, PREFCO IX REALTY LLC, PREFCO TEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, PREFCO TWENTY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, PREFCO VINGT LLC, PREFCO X HOLDINGS LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., RIVERWAY RESIDENTIAL LP, SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SANDPIPER COVE ASSOCIATES II LLC, SANDPIPER COVE ASSOCIATES LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, THE PROSPECT COMPANY, TIC EUROPEAN REAL ESTATE LP LLC, TLA HOLDINGS II LLC, TLA HOLDINGS III LLC, TLA HOLDINGS LLC, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, Versant Health, WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, and ZAO MASTER D.
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. It also offers air conditioning chemicals and accessories; air fresheners; antifreeze and washer fluids; electrical wires and fuses; electronics; floor mats, seat covers, and interior accessories; hand and specialty tools; lighting products; performance parts; sealants, adhesives and compounds; tire repair accessories; vent shades, mirrors and exterior accessories; washes, waxes and cleaning supplies; and wiper blades. In addition, the company offers air filters; fuel and oil additives; fuel filters; grease and lubricants; motor oils; oil filters, part cleaners and treatments; and transmission fluids for engine maintenance. Further, it offers battery and wiper installation; engine light scanning and checking; electrical system testing; video clinic; oil and battery recycling; and loaner tool program services. Additionally, the company sells its products through its Website. It serves professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. The company operates stores under the Advance Auto Parts, Autopart International, and Carquest brands, as well as branches under the Worldpac name. As of January 2, 2021, it operated 4,806 stores and 170 branches in the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada; and served 1,277 independently owned Carquest branded stores in Mexico, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the British Virgin Islands. The company was founded in 1929 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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BlackRock, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. It also provides global risk management and advisory services. The firm manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. It also launches and manages open-end and closed-end mutual funds, offshore funds, unit trusts, and alternative investment vehicles including structured funds. The firm launches equity, fixed income, balanced, and real estate mutual funds. It also launches equity, fixed income, balanced, currency, commodity, and multi-asset exchange traded funds. The firm also launches and manages hedge funds. It invests in the public equity, fixed income, real estate, currency, commodity, and alternative markets across the globe. The firm primarily invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, SMID-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap companies. It also invests in dividend-paying equity securities. The firm invests in investment grade municipal securities, government securities including securities issued or guaranteed by a government or a government agency or instrumentality, corporate bonds, and asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities. It employs fundamental and quantitative analysis with a focus on bottom-up and top-down approach to make its investments. The firm employs liquidity, asset allocation, balanced, real estate, and alternative strategies to make its investments. In real estate sector, it seeks to invest in Poland and Germany. The firm benchmarks the performance of its portfolios against various S&P, Russell, Barclays, MSCI, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch indices. BlackRock, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in New York City with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; London, United Kingdom; Gurgaon, India; Hong Kong; Greenwich, Connecticut; Princeton, New Jersey; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Taipei, Taiwan; Singapore; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Washington, District of Columbia; Toronto, Canada; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Francisco, California.

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Some people binge watch Netflix Huluor HBO shows. And some people turn their downtime into cash. James made $2,275 in just 19 minutesall thanks to something called The 15 Minute Workday. The average trade makes 12% in just 5 days (factoring winners and losers) which is out of this world.

PulteGroup, Inc., through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the homebuilding business in the United States. The company acquires and develops land primarily for residential purposes; and constructs housing on such land. It offers various home designs, including single-family detached, townhouses, condominiums, and duplexes under the Centex, Pulte Homes, Del Webb, DiVosta Homes, American West, and John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods brand names. As of December 31, 2020, the company controlled 180,352 lots, of which 91,363 were owned and 88,989 were under land option agreements. It also arranges financing through the origination of mortgage loans primarily for homebuyers; sells the servicing rights for the originated loans; and provides title insurance policies, and examination and closing services to homebuyers. The company was formerly known as Pulte Homes, Inc. and changed its name to PulteGroup, Inc. in March 2010. PulteGroup, Inc. was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI EAFE Value 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 EAFE Value ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
The Charles Schwab Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage and banking services, retirement plan services, and other corporate brokerage services; equity compensation plan sponsors full-service recordkeeping for stock plans, stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and stock appreciation rights; and retail investor, retirement plan, and mutual fund clearing services. The Advisor Services segment offers custodial, trading, banking, and support services; and retirement business and corporate brokerage retirement services. This segment provides brokerage accounts with cash management capabilities; third-party mutual funds, as well as proprietary mutual funds, plus mutual fund trading, and clearing services to broker-dealers; and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including proprietary and third-party ETFs. It also offers advice solutions, such as managed portfolios of proprietary and third-party mutual funds and ETFs, separately managed accounts, customized personal advice for tailored portfolios, and specialized planning and portfolio management. In addition, this segment provides banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, first lien residential real estate mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, and pledged asset lines; and trust services comprising trust custody services, personal trust reporting services, and administrative trustee services. The company serves individuals and institutional clients in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The Charles Schwab Corporation was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Westlake, Texas.

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Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages, including low-sugar or sugar-free carbonated beverages; refreshing juices, nectars, and fruit-based drinks; purified, and carbonated and flavored water; coffees, teas, and sports and energy drinks; and dairy products and products based on vegetable protein. It also operates small-box retail chain stores in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, the United States, Chile, and Brazil under the OXXO name; retail service stations for fuels, motor oils, lubricants, and car care products under the OXXO GAS name in Mexico; and drugstores in Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico under the Cruz Verde, Fybeca, SanaSana, YZA, La Moderna, and Farmacon names. In addition, the company is involved in the production and distribution of coolers, commercial refrigeration equipment, and plastic cases; food processing, preservation, and weighing equipment; and provision of logistic transportation and maintenance, point-of-sale refrigeration, and plastics solutions, as well as distribution platform for cleaning products and consumables. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 19,566 OXXO small-format stores; 3,368 drugstores; and 558 OXXO GAS service stations. Fomento EconAmico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico.

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National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment provides investment solutions, trust and estate services, banking services, lending services, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and other wealth management solutions through internal and third-party distribution networks. The Financial Markets segment offers risk management products and services; and debt and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance expertise; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and the activities of targeted investments in certain emerging markets. The company also offers credit cards. It provides its services through a network of 483 branches and 1,573 banking machines. The company was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft: 87 Leonard Development LLC, ABFS I Incorporated, ABS MB Ltd., Acacia (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Accounting Solutions Holding Company Inc, Alex. Brown Financial Services Incorporated, Alex. Brown Investments Incorporated, Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft mbH, Amber Investments S.a r.l., Ambidexter GmbH, Ambidexter GmbH i.L., Argent Incorporated, BHW - Gesellschaft fur Wohnungswirtschaft mbH, BHW Bausparkasse Aktiengesellschaft, BHW Holding GmbH, BHW Kreditservice GmbH, BNA Nominees Pty Limited, BT Globenet Nominees Limited, BTAS Cayman GP, BTD Nominees Pty Limited, Baincor Nominees Pty Limited, Bainpro Nominees Pty Ltd, Baldur Mortgages Limited, Bankers Trust Investments Limited, Barkly Investments Ltd., Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc, Bayan Delinquent Loan Recovery 1 (SPV-AMC) Inc., Berkshire Mortgage Finance, Betriebs-Center fur Banken AG, Biomass Holdings S.a r.l., Birch (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Blue Cork Inc, Blue Cork Inc., Borfield Sociedad Anonima, Breaking Wave DB Limited, Cape Acquisition Corp., CapeSuccess Inc., CapeSuccess LLC, Cardales UK Limited, Cardea Real Estate S.r.l., Career Blazers LLC, Career Blazers Management Company Inc, Career Blazers Management Company Inc., Career Blazers Personnel Services Inc, Career Blazers Personnel Services Inc., Career Blazers Personnel Services of Washington D.C. Inc. Washington D.C., Caribbean Resort Holdings Inc, Caribbean Resort Holdings Inc., Carpathian Investments Designated Activity Company, Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cathay Asset Management Company Limited, Cathay Capital Company (No 2) Limited, Cedar (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Centennial River 2 Inc., Centennial River Corporation, Chapel Funding, Charlton (Delaware) Inc, China Recovery Fund LLC, China Recovery Fund LLC, Cinda - DB NPL Securitization Trust 2003-1, City Leasing (Thameside) Limited, City Leasing Limited, Consumo S.p.A., Consumo Srl in Liquidazione, Cyrus J. Lawrence Capital Holdings Inc., Cyrus J. Lawrence Capital Holdings Inc., D B Investments (GB) Limited, D&M Turnaround Partners Godo Kaisha, D.B. International Delaware Inc., D.B. International Delaware Inc., DAHOC (UK) Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DAHOC Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DB (Barbados) SRL, DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Asing) Sdn. Bhd., DB (Malaysia) Nominee (Tempatan) Sendirian Berhad, DB (Pacific) Limited, DB (Pacific) Limited New York, DB (Pacific) Limited New York, DB Abalone LLC, DB Alex. Brown Holdings Incorporated, DB Alps Corporation, DB Aotearoa Investments Limited, DB Asia Pacific Holdings Limited (in voluntary liquidation), DB Asset Finance I S.a r.l., DB Asset Finance II S.a r.l., DB Aster II LLC, DB Aster III LLC, DB Aster Inc., DB Aster LLC, DB Beteiligungs-Holding GmbH, DB Boracay LLC, DB Capital Investments Sarl, DB Capital Markets (Deutschland) GmbH, DB Capital Partners Inc., DB Capital Partners Inc., DB Cartera de Inmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Cartera de Inmuebles 1 S.A.U., DB Chestnut Holdings Limited, DB Commodity Services LLC, DB Consorzio S. Cons. a r. l., DB Corporate Advisory (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., DB Covered Bond S.r.l., DB Credit Investments S.a r.l., DB Delaware Holdings (Europe) Limited, DB Direkt GmbH, DB Elara LLC, DB Energy Commodities Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DB Energy Trading LLC, DB Enfield Infrastructure Holdings Limited, DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equipment Leasing Inc., DB Equity Limited, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Finance (Delaware) LLC, DB Finance International GmbH, DB Ganymede 2006 L.P., DB Global Markets Multi-Strategy Fund I Ltd., DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology Inc., DB Global Technology SRL, DB Group Services (UK) Limited, DB HR Solutions GmbH, DB Holding Fundo de Investimento Multimercado Investimento no Exterior Credito Privado, DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB Holdings (New York) Inc., DB Holdings (South America) Limited, DB IROC Leasing Corp., DB Immobilienfonds 1 Wieland KG, DB Immobilienfonds 2 KG i.L., DB Immobilienfonds 4 KG i.L., DB Immobilienfonds 5 Wieland KG, DB Impact Investment (GP) Limited, DB Impact Investment Fund I L.P., DB Impact Investment Fund I L.P., DB Industrial Holdings Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DB Industrial Holdings GmbH, DB Intermezzo LLC, DB International (Asia) Limited, DB International Investments Limited, DB International Trust (Singapore) Limited, DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Managers Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Partners Inc., DB Investment Resources (US) Corporation, DB Investment Resources Holdings Corp., DB Investment Services GmbH, DB Io LP, DB Litigation Fee LLC, DB London (Investor Services) Nominees Limited, DB Management Support GmbH, DB Managers LLC, DB Municipal Holdings LLC, DB Nexus American Investments (UK) Limited (in members'voluntary liquidation), DB Nexus Investments (UK) Limited (in members' voluntary liquidation), DB Nominees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd, DB Omega BTV S.C.S., DB Omega Holdings LLC, DB Omega Ltd., DB Omega S.C.S., DB Operaciones y Servicios Interactivos Agrupacion de Interes Economico, DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Finance Delaware Inc., DB Overseas Holdings Limited, DB PWM, DB Portfolio Southwest Inc., DB Print GmbH, DB Privat- und Firmenkundenbank AG, DB Private Clients Corp., DB Private Wealth Mortgage Ltd., DB RC Holdings LLC, DB Re S.A., DB Service Centre Limited, DB Service Uruguay S.A., DB Services Americas Inc., DB Services Americas Inc., DB Servizi Amministrativi S.r.l., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Strategic Advisors Inc., DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Derivative Products LLC, DB Structured Finance 1 Designated Activity Company, DB Structured Finance 2 Designated Activity Company, DB Structured Holdings Luxembourg S.a r.l., DB Structured Products Inc., DB Structured Products Inc., DB Trustee Services Limited, DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited, DB U.S. Financial Markets Holding Corporation, DB UK Bank Limited, DB UK Holdings Limited, DB UK PCAM Holdings Limited, DB USA Core Corporation, DB USA Corporation, DB Valoren S.a r.l., DB Value S.a r.l., DB VersicherungsManager GmbH, DB Vita S.A., DBAB Wall Street LLC, DBAH Capital LLC, DBAH Capital LLC, DBCIBZ1, DBCIBZ2, DBFIC Inc., DBFIC Inc., DBNZ Overseas Investments (No.1) Limited, DBOI Global Services (UK) Limited, DBOI Global Services Private Limited, DBR Investments Co. Limited, DBRE Global Real Estate Management IA Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management IB Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management IB Ltd., DBRE Global Real Estate Management US IB L.L.C., DBRMS4, DBRMSGP1, DBUK PCAM Limited, DBUKH No. 2 Limited, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ1 LLC, DBUSBZ2 S.a r.l., DBUSBZ2 S.a r.l., DBX Advisors LLC, DBX ETF Trust, DBX Strategic Advisors LLC, DBO Vermogensverwertung GmbH, DEBEKO Immobilien GmbH & Co Grundbesitz OHG, DEE Deutsche Erneuerbare Energien GmbH, DEUFRAN Beteiligungs GmbH, DEUKONA Versicherungs-Vermittlungs-GmbH, DEUTSCHE BANK A.S., DG China Clean Tech Partners, DI Deutsche Immobilien Treuhandgesellschaft mbH, DIB-Consult Deutsche Immobilien- und BeteiligungsBeratungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., DISCA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, DNU Nominees Pty Limited, DSL Portfolio GmbH & Co. KG, DSL Portfolio Verwaltungs GmbH, DTS Nominees Pty Limited, DWS Alternatives France, DWS Alternatives Global Limited, DWS Alternatives GmbH, DWS Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, DWS Beteiligungs GmbH, DWS CH AG, DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Distributors Inc., DWS Far Eastern Investments Limited, DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA, DWS Group Services UK Limited, DWS Grundbesitz GmbH, DWS International GmbH, DWS Investment GmbH, DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment Management Americas Inc., DWS Investment S.A., DWS Investments Australia Limited, DWS Investments Hong Kong Limited, DWS Investments Japan Limited, DWS Investments Shanghai Limited, DWS Investments Singapore Limited, DWS Investments UK Limited, DWS Management GmbH, DWS Real Estate GmbH, DWS Service Company, DWS Trust Company, DWS USA Corporation, De Heng Asset Management Company Limited, De Meng Innovative (Beijing) Consulting Company Limited, DeAM Infrastructure Limited, Deloraine Spain S.L., Delowrezham de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Deposit Solutions, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Capital Holdings New Zealand, Deutsche (Aotearoa) Foreign Investments New Zealand, Deutsche (Mauritius) Limited Port, Deutsche (New Munster) Holdings New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Access Investments Limited, Deutsche Aeolia Power Production Societe Anonyme, Deutsche Alt-A Securities Inc., Deutsche Alt-A Securities Inc., Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (France) SAS, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Asia Pacific Holdings Pte Ltd, Deutsche Asset Management (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Deutsche Asset Management (Korea) Company Limited, Deutsche Asset Management S.A., Deutsche Asset Management S.G.I.I.C. S.A., Deutsche Australia Limited, Deutsche Bank (Cayman) Limited, Deutsche Bank (Chile), Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (China) Co. Ltd., Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Deutsche Bank (Suisse) SA, Deutsche Bank (Uruguay) Sociedad Anonima Institucion Financiera Externa, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corp., Deutsche Bank Bauspar-Aktiengesellschaft, Deutsche Bank Capital Finance LLC I, Deutsche Bank Capital Finance Trust I, Deutsche Bank Europe GmbH, Deutsche Bank Financial Company, Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Holdings Inc., Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency Incorporated, Deutsche Bank Insurance Agency of Delaware, Deutsche Bank International Limited, Deutsche Bank Investments (Guernsey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A., Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. - Fiduciary Deposits, Deutsche Bank Luxembourg S.A. - Fiduciary Note Programme, Deutsche Bank Mutui S.p.A., Deutsche Bank Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple, Deutsche Bank Mexico S.A. Institucion de Banca Multiple, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, Deutsche Bank National Trust Company Los, Deutsche Bank Nominees (Guernsey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Nominees (Jersey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Polska Spolka Akcyjna, Deutsche Bank Representative Office Nigeria Limited, Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao, Deutsche Bank S.A. - Banco Alemao Sao, Deutsche Bank SPEARs/LIFERs Series DBE-8011 Trust, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Limited, Deutsche Bank Services (Jersey) Limited, Deutsche Bank Sociedad Anonima Espanola, Deutsche Bank Sociedad Anonima Espanola, Deutsche Bank Societa per Azioni, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Company National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Corporation, Deutsche CIB Centre Private Limited, Deutsche Capital Finance (2000) Limited, Deutsche Capital Hong Kong Limited, Deutsche Capital Management Limited, Deutsche Capital Markets Australia Limited, Deutsche Capital Partners China Limited, Deutsche Cayman Ltd., Deutsche Colombia S.A.S., Deutsche Custody N.V., Deutsche Domus New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Equities India Private Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 1 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 2 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 3 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance Co 4 Pty Limited, Deutsche Finance No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Foras New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Immobilien-Leasing mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Immobilien-Leasing mit beschrankterHaftung, Deutsche Global Markets Limited, Deutsche Group Holdings (SA) Proprietary Limited, Deutsche Group Services Pty Limited, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Deutsche Grundbesitz Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Deutsche Grundbesitz-Anlagegesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Deutsche Holdings (BTI) Limited, Deutsche Holdings (Grand Duchy), Deutsche Holdings (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Deutsche Holdings (Malta) Ltd., Deutsche Holdings Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 2 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 3 Limited, Deutsche Holdings No. 4 Limited, Deutsche Immobilien Leasing GmbH, Deutsche India Holdings Private Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services (Ireland) Limited, Deutsche International Corporate Services Limited, Deutsche International Custodial Services Limited, Deutsche Inversiones Dos S.A., Deutsche Inversiones Limitada, Deutsche Investments (Netherlands) N.V., Deutsche Investments India Private Limited, Deutsche Investor Services Private Limited, Deutsche Knowledge Services Pte. Ltd., Deutsche Leasing New York Corp., Deutsche Mandatos S.A., Deutsche Master Funding Corporation, Deutsche Mexico Holdings S.a r.l., Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Limited, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Public Limited Company, Deutsche Mortgage & Asset Receiving Corporation, Deutsche Mortgage Securities Inc., Deutsche Mortgage Securities Inc., Deutsche Nederland N.V., Deutsche New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Nominees Limited, Deutsche Oppenheim Family Office AG, Deutsche Overseas Issuance New Zealand Limited, Deutsche Postbank, Deutsche Postbank Finance Center Objekt GmbH, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC I, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC II, Deutsche Postbank Funding LLC III, Deutsche Private Asset Management Limited, Deutsche Securities (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Securities (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited, Deutsche Securities Asia Limited, Deutsche Securities Australia Limited, Deutsche Securities Inc., Deutsche Securities Israel Ltd., Deutsche Securities Korea Co., Deutsche Securities Mauritius Limited, Deutsche Securities Menkul Degerler A.S., Deutsche Securities S.A., Deutsche Securities S.A. de C.V. Casa de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities S.A. de C.V. Casa de Bolsa, Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Securities SpA, Deutsche Securities Venezuela S.A., Deutsche Securitisation Australia Pty Limited, Deutsche Services Polska Sp. z o.o., Deutsche StiftungsTrust GmbH, Deutsche Strategic Investment Holdings Yugen Kaisha, Deutsche Trust Company Limited Japan, Deutsche Trustee Company Limited, Deutsche Trustee Services (India) Private Limited, Deutsche Trustees Malaysia Berhad, Deutsche Wealth Management S.G.I.I.C. S.A., Deutsches Institut fur Altersvorsorge GmbH, Durian (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., EC EUROPA IMMOBILIEN FONDS NR. 3 GmbH & CO. KG i.I., Elba Finance GmbH, Elizabethan Holdings Limited, Elizabethan Management Limited, Emerald Asset Repackaging Designated Activity Company, Erste Frankfurter Hoist GmbH, European Value Added I (Alternate G.P.) LLP, Exinor SA, FARAMIR Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs GmbH, FRANKFURT CONSULT GmbH, Fiduciaria Sant' Andrea S.r.L., Finanzberatungsgesellschaft mbH der Deutschen Bank, Franz Urbig- und Oscar Schlitter-Stiftung Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-037, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-039, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-040, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-041, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-043, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-044, Freddie Mac Class A Taxable Multifamily M Certificates Series M-047, Funfte SAB Treuhand und Verwaltung GmbH & Co. Suhl "Rimbachzentrum" KG, G Finance Holding Corp., G.O. IB-US Management L.L.C., G918 Corp., GAC-HEL Inc., GWC-GAC Corp., Galene S.a r.l., Gemini Technology Services Inc., German American Capital, German American Capital Corporation, Gladyr Spain S.L., Global Markets Fundo de Investimento Multimercado, Global Markets III Fundo de Investimento Multimercado - Credito, Greenwood Properties Corp., Grundstucksgesellschaft Frankfurt Bockenheimer Landstrae GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Kerpen-Sindorf Vogelrutherfeld GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Leipzig Petersstrae GbR, Grundstucksgesellschaft Wiesbaden Luisenstrae/Kirchgasse GbR, HTB Spezial GmbH & Co. KG, Hollandsche Bank-Unie, IOS Finance EFC S.A., ISTRON Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH, IVAF I Manager S.a r.l., IVAF I Manager S.a r.l., Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben I GbR, Immobilienfonds Buro-Center Erfurt am Flughafen Bindersleben II GbR, Immobilienfonds Mietwohnhauser Quadrath-Ichendorf GbR, Immobilienfonds Wohn- und Geschaftshaus Koln-Blumenberg V GbR, J R Nominees (Pty) Ltd, Joint Stock Company Deutsche Bank DBU, Jyogashima Godo Kaisha, KEBA Gesellschaft fur interne Services mbH, Kidson Pte Ltd, Konsul Inkasso GmbH, Kradavimd UK Lease Holdings Limited, LA Water Holdings Limited, LAWL Pte. Ltd., Latitude Australia Secured Personal Loans Trust, Leasing Verwaltungsgesellschaft Waltersdorf mbH, Leonardo III Initial GP Limited, Lindsell Finance Limited, London Industrial Leasing Limited, MEF I Manager S. a r.l., MEF I Manager S. a r.l., MHL Reinsurance Ltd., MIT Holdings Inc., MIT Holdings Inc., MPP Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Maher Terminals Holdings (Toronto) Limited, Morgan Grenfell & Company, MortgageIT, MortgageIT Inc., MortgageIT Inc., MortgageIT Securities Corp., Motion Picture Productions One GmbH & Co. KG, NCW Holding Inc., Navegator - SGFTC S.A., Navegator - SGFTC S.A., New 87 Leonard LLC, Nordwestdeutscher Wohnungsbautrager Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, OOO "Deutsche Bank TechCentre", OOO "Deutsche Bank", OPB Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH, OPB Verwaltungs- und Treuhand GmbH, OPB-Holding GmbH, OPB-Nona GmbH, OPB-Oktava GmbH, OPB-Quarta GmbH, OPB-Quinta GmbH, OPB-Septima GmbH, OPPENHEIM Capital Advisory GmbH, OPPENHEIM Flottenfonds V GmbH & Co. KG, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Manager GmbH, OPPENHEIM PRIVATE EQUITY Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, OPS Nominees Pty Limited, OVT Trust 1 GmbH, OVV Beteiligungs GmbH, Opal Funds (Ireland) Public Limited Company, PADUS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, PARTS Funding LLC., PB Factoring GmbH, PB Firmenkunden AG, PB International S.A., PB Spezial-Investmentaktiengesellschaft mit Teilgesellschaftsvermogen, PBC Banking Services GmbH, PCC Services GmbH der Deutschen Bank, PT Deutsche Sekuritas Indonesia, PT. Deutsche Verdhana Sekuritas Indonesia, Pan Australian Nominees Pty Ltd, Peruda Leasing Limited, Plantation Bay Inc., Plantation Bay Inc., Postbank Akademie und Service GmbH, Postbank Beteiligungen GmbH, Postbank Direkt GmbH, Postbank Filialvertrieb AG, Postbank Finanzberatung AG, Postbank Immobilien GmbH, Postbank Immobilien und Baumanagement GmbH, Postbank Immobilien und Baumanagement GmbH & Co. Objekt Leipzig KG, Postbank Leasing GmbH, Postbank Service GmbH, Postbank Systems AG, QR Tower 2 LLC, Quantiguous, R.B.M. Nominees Pty Ltd, REO Properties Corporation, RREEF, RREEF America L.L.C., RREEF China REIT Management Limited, RREEF European Value Added I (G.P.) Limited, RREEF Fund Holding Co., RREEF India Advisors Private Limited, RREEF Management L.L.C., RTS Nominees Pty Limited, Reference Capital Investments Limited, RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., RoPro U.S. Holding Inc., Route 28 Receivables LLC, Route 28 Receivables LLC, SAB Real Estate Verwaltungs GmbH, SAGITA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SAPIO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SCUDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SEDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SENA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Kamenz KG, SIFA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SOLIDO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, SP Mortgage Trust, SPINO Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., SPV I Sociedad Anonima Cerrada, SPV II Sociedad Anonima Cerrada, STATOR Heizkraftwerk Frankfurt (Oder) Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Sal. Oppenheim, Sal. Oppenheim Alternative Investments GmbH, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. AG & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Beteiligungs GmbH, Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. Komplementar AG, Sechste Salomon Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Sechste Salomon Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., Service Company Four Limited, Sharps SP I LLC, Singer Island Tower Suite LLC, Somkid Immobiliare S.r.l., Stelvio Immobiliare S.r.l., Structured Finance Americas LLC, Structured Finance Americas LLC, Swabia 1. Vermogensbesitz-GmbH, Suddeutsche Vermogensverwaltung Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, TAKIR Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TELO Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, TEMATIS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., TERRUS Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH i.L., TESATUR Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Halle I KG i.L., TESATUR Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Objekt Nordhausen I KG i.L., TOSSA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TRIPLA Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH, TRS Aria LLC, TRS Leda LLC, TRS Maple II LTD, TRS Oak II LTD, TRS SVCO LLC, TRS Scorpio LLC, TRS Tupelo II LTD, TRS Venor LLC, TRS Walnut II LTD, Tagus - Sociedade de Titularizacao de Creditos S.A., Tasfiye Halinde Deutsche Securities Menkul Degerler A.S., Tempurrite Leasing Limited, Thai Asset Enforcement and Recovery Asset Management Company Limited, Tianjin Deutsche AM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Treuinvest Service GmbH, Triplereason Limited, UKE Beteiligungs-GmbH, UKE Grundstucksgesellschaft mbH, UKE s.r.o., Ullmann - Esch Grundstucksgesellschaft Kirchnerstrae GbR, Ullmann - Esch Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft Disternich GbR, Ullmann Ullmann Krockow Krockow Esch GbR, VCJ Lease S.a r.l., Vesta Real Estate S.r.l., VOB-ZVD Processing GmbH, WEPLA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, WEPLABeteiligungsgesellschaftmbH, Wealthspur Investment Ltd., Whale Holdings S.a r.l., World Trading (Delaware) Inc., World Trading(Delaware)Inc., Zumirez Drive LLC, db PBC, and norisbank GmbH.
AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company offers various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Its products include A/C compressors, batteries and accessories, bearings, belts and hoses, calipers, chassis, clutches, CV axles, engines, fuel pumps, fuses, ignition and lighting products, mufflers, radiators, starters and alternators, thermostats, and water pumps. The company also offers maintenance products, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluids; brake drums, rotors, shoes, and pads; brake and power steering fluids, and oil and fuel additives; oil and transmission fluids; oil, cabin, air, fuel, and transmission filters; oxygen sensors; paints and accessories; refrigerants and accessories; shock absorbers and struts; spark plugs and wires; and windshield wipers, as well as air fresheners, cell phone accessories, drinks and snacks, floor mats and seat covers, interior and exterior accessories, mirrors, performance products, protectants and cleaners, sealants and adhesives, steering wheel covers, stereos and radios, tools, and wash and wax products. In addition, it provides a sales program that offers commercial credit and delivery of parts and other products; and towing and tire repair services. Further, it sells automotive diagnostic and repair software under the ALLDATA brand through alldata.com and alldatadiy.com; and automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through autozone.com. As of August 29, 2020, it operated 5,885 stores in the United States; 621 stores in Mexico; and 43 stores in Brazil. AutoZone, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Anthem: 1-800 Contacts, AIM Specialty Health, AMERIGROUP Community Care of New Mexico Inc., AMERIGROUP Corporation, AMERIGROUP Maryland Inc., AMERIGROUP New Jersey Inc., AMERIGROUP Ohio Inc., AMERIGROUP Tennessee Inc., AMERIGROUP Texas Inc., AMERIGROUP Washington Inc., AMGP Georgia Managed Care Company Inc., ATH Holding Company LLC, America's 1st Choice of South Carolina Inc., America's Health Management Services Inc., American Imaging Management Inc., Americas 1st Choice, Amerigroup, Amerigroup Delaware Inc., Amerigroup District of Columbia Inc., Amerigroup Health Plan of Louisiana Inc., Amerigroup IPA of New York LLC, Amerigroup Insurance Company, Amerigroup Iowa Inc., Amerigroup Kansas Inc., Amerigroup Mississippi Inc., Amerigroup Oklahoma Inc., Amerigroup Partnership Plan LLC, Amerigroup Pennsylvania Inc., Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company, Anthem Financial Inc., Anthem Health Plans Inc., Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky Inc., Anthem Health Plans of Maine Inc., Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire Inc., Anthem Health Plans of Virginia Inc., Anthem Holding Corp., Anthem Innovation Israel Ltd., Anthem Insurance Companies Inc., Anthem Kentucky Managed Care Plan Inc., Anthem Life & Disability Insurance Company, Anthem Life Insurance Company, Anthem Partnership Holding Company LLC, Anthem Services Company LLC, Anthem Southeast Inc., Anthem UM Services Inc., Anthem Workers' Compensation LLC, Applied Pathways LLC, Arcus Enterprises Inc., Aspire Health Inc., Aspire Healthcare Corp, Associated Group Inc., Beacon Health Options, Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin, Blue Cross of California, Blue Cross of California Partnership Plan Inc., CareMarket Inc., CareMore Health Plan, CareMore Health Plan of Arizona Inc., CareMore Health Plan of Nevada, CareMore Health Plan of Texas Inc., CareMore Health System, CareMore LLC, Cerulean Companies Inc., Claim Management Services Inc., Community Care Health Plan of Louisiana Inc., Community Care Health Plan of Nevada Inc., Community Insurance Company, Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation, Crossroads Acquisition Corp., DBG Holdings Inc., DeCare Analytics LLC, DeCare Dental Health International LLC, DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland Ltd., DeCare Dental LLC, DeCare Dental Networks LLC, DeCare Operations Ireland Limited, Delivery Network LLC, Designated Agent Company Inc., EHC Benefits Agency Inc., EasyScripts Cutler Bay LLC, EasyScripts Hialeah LLC, EasyScripts LLC, EasyScripts Westchester LLC, Empire HealthChoice Assurance Inc., Empire HealthChoice HMO Inc., Federal Government Solutions LLC, Freedom Health Inc., Global TPA LLC, Golden West Health Plan Inc., Greater Georgia Life Insurance Company, HEP AP Holdings Inc., HMO Colorado Inc., HMO Missouri Inc., Health Core Inc., Health Management Corporation, Health Ventures Partner L.L.C., HealthKeepers Inc., HealthLink HMO Inc., HealthLink Inc., HealthLink Insurance Company, HealthPlus HP LLC, HealthSun Health Plans, HealthSun Health Plans Inc., HealthSun Holdings LLC, HealthSun Management LLC, HealthSun Physicians Network I LLC, HealthSun Physicians Network LLC, Healthy Alliance Life Insurance Company, Highland Acquisition Holdings LLC, Highland Holdco Inc., Highland Intermediate Holdings LLC, Highland Investor Holdings LLC, Imaging Management Holdings LLC, IngenioRx Inc., Legato Health Technologies LLP, Legato Health Technologies Philippines Inc., Legato Holdings I Inc., Legato Holdings II LLC, Living Complete Technologies Inc., Matthew Thornton Health Plan Inc., Memphis Supportive Care Partnership LLC, Meridian Resource Company LLC, Missouri Care Incorporated, NGS Federal LLC, Nash Holding Company LLC, National Government Services Inc., New England Research Institutes Inc., Optimum Healthcare Inc., Park Square Holdings Inc., Park Square I Inc., Park Square II Inc., Pasteur Medical Bird Road LLC, Pasteur Medical Center LLC, Pasteur Medical Cutler Bay LLC, Pasteur Medical Group LLC, Pasteur Medical Hialeah Gardens LLC, Pasteur Medical Holdings LLC, Pasteur Medical Kendall LLC, Pasteur Medical Management LLC, Pasteur Medical Miami Gardens LLC, Pasteur Medical North Miami Beach LLC, Pasteur Medical Partners LLC, Resolution Health Inc, Resolution Health Inc., RightCHOICE Managed Care Inc., Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service Inc., SellCore Inc., Simply Healthcare Holdings, Simply Healthcare Plans Inc., Southeast Services Inc., State Sponsored DM Services Inc., The Anthem Companies Inc., The Anthem Companies of California Inc., TrustSolutions LLC, UNICARE Health Plan of West Virginia Inc., UNICARE Illinois Services Inc., UNICARE National Services Inc., UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company, UniCare Specialty Services Inc., Valus Inc., WPMI LLC, WellCare of Nebraska Inc., WellPoint Acquisition LLC, WellPoint California Services Inc., WellPoint Dental Services Inc., WellPoint Health Solutions Inc., WellPoint Holding Corp., WellPoint Information Technology Services Inc., WellPoint Insurance Services Inc., WellPoint Military Care Corporation, Wellmax Health Medical Centers LLC, Wellmax Health Physicians Network LLC, and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company.
Since 2016, Teeka Tiwari has trumped the stock market. His investment recommendations have each averaged 281%. Thats 17 times the S&P. And 112 times the average investor, according to JPMorgan! However, one investment Teeka just uncovered could top them all It involves former President Biden, billions of dollars, several large banks, and a super-rich family. As well as a MAJOR potential upgrade to our credit cards. Teeka, who ended up correctly picking the last investment of the decade, is declaring this his top pick for the 2020s.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group. The Retail Banking segment offers brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services; checking, savings, and money market accounts; certificates of deposits; and lending products, which includes residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, education loans, and personal and small business loans, and credit cards to consumer and small business customers through a network of branches, ATMs, call centers, and online and mobile banking channels. The Corporate & Institutional Banking segment provides secured and unsecured loans, letters of credit, and equipment leases; payables, receivables, deposit and account, liquidity and investments, and online and mobile banking products and services; foreign exchange, derivatives, securities underwriting, loan syndications, and mergers and acquisitions and equity capital markets advisory related services; and commercial loan servicing and technology solutions for the commercial real estate finance industry. The Asset Management Group segment offers investment and retirement planning, customized investment management, private banking, and trust management and administration solutions; and multi-generational family planning products, such as estate, financial, tax planning, fiduciary, investment management and consulting, personal administrative, asset custody, and customized performance reporting services. This segment also provides outsourced chief investment officer, custody, private real estate, cash and fixed income client solutions, and fiduciary retirement advisory services. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 2,162 branches and 8,900 ATMs. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Man Who Picked Tesla, Bitcoin Makes Next Pick of the Decade" (Ad)

Picking the right investment of the decade can transform your life



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Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI South Africa 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 South Africa ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

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Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, and distributes generic and specialty pharmaceutical products for various dosage forms and therapeutic areas. The company operates in three segments: Generics, Specialty, and AvKARE. The Generics segment develops, manufactures, and commercializes complex oral solids, injectables, ophthalmics, liquids, topicals, softgels, inhalation products, and transdermals across a range of therapeutic categories. The Specialty segment is involved in the development, promotion, distribution, and sale of branded pharmaceutical products primarily for central nervous system disorders, endocrinology, parasitic infections, and other therapeutic areas. It also offers licensed, owned, niche, and mature branded products, as well as Rytary for the treatment of Parkinson's disease; Zomig for the treatment of migraine headaches; Emverm a chewable tablets for the treatment of pinworm, whipworm, common roundworm, common hookworm, and American hookworm in single or mixed infections; and Unithroid for the treatment of hypothyroidism. The AvKARE segment provides pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical products, and services primarily to governmental agencies, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is also involved in the wholesale distribution of bottle and unit dose pharmaceuticals under the AvKARE and AvPAK names, as well as medical and surgical products; and packaging and wholesale distribution of pharmaceuticals and vitamins to its retail and institutional customers. The company sells its products through wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, chain pharmacies, and individual pharmacies. It operates in the United States, India, Ireland, and internationally. The company was formerly known as Atlas Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2018. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 2002 and is based in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

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Wall Street Legend Who Picked Bitcoin in 2016 Shares #1 Pick for the 2020s (Ad)

Picking the right investment of the decade can transform your life



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The answer will surprise you.
Deutsche BArse AG operates as an exchange organization in Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific. The company operates through seven segments: Eurex (Financial Derivatives), EEX (Commodities), 360T (Foreign Exchange), Xetra (Cash Equities), Clearstream (Post-Trading), IFS (Investment Fund Services), and Qontigo (index and analytics business). The company engages in the electronic trading of derivatives, electricity and gas products, emission rights, and foreign exchange; operating of Eurex Repo over the counter (OTC) trading platform and electronic clearing architecture; and operating as a central counterparty for on-and-off exchange derivatives, repo transactions, and OTC and exchange-traded derivatives. It also operates in the cash market through Xetra, BArse Frankfurt, and Tradegate trading venues; operates as a central counterparty for equities and bonds; and provides listing services. In addition, the company offers custody and settlement services for securities; investment fund services; global securities financing services; and global securities finance and collateral management, as well as secured money, market transaction, and repos and securities lending transaction services. Further, it develops and markets indices, as well as portfolio management and risk analysis software; markets licenses for trading and market signals; provides technology and reporting solutions for external customers; and offers link-up of trading participants. Deutsche BArse AG was founded in 1585 and is headquartered in Eschborn, Germany.

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AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infection, neuroscience, and gastroenterology worldwide. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Lynparza, Imfinzi, Enhertu, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Equidacent, Zoladex, Faslodex, Iressa, Arimidex, Casodex/Cosudex, and others for oncology diseases; Onglyza, Bydureon, Lokelma, Byetta, Qtern, Symlin, and others for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; and Symbicort, Pulmicort, Fasenra, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir, Tudorza/Eklira, Bevespi, Breztri, Anifrolumab, and others for respiratory and immunology diseases. It also offers other medicines and COVID-19 products, including Synagis, Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent, Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR, Vimovo, Movantik/Moventig, Nexium, Losec/Prilosec, and COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices. It has a collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo to develop and commercialize DS-1062 for the treatment of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2) tumor; AliveCor, Inc. to develop non-invasive potassium monitoring solutions; Massachusetts General Hospital to accelerate digital health solutions; Sanguina on smartphone application study for hemoglobin management in patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease; Alchemab to enhance prostate cancer research; and Proteros biostructures GmbH to discover and develop novel small molecules for the treatment of various types of cancer. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.

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GoDaddy Inc. engages in the design and development of cloud-based technology products in the United States and internationally. The company provides domain name registration product that enables to engage customers at the initial stage of establishing a digital identity. It also offers shared Website hosting products that provide various applications and products such as web analytics, SSL certificates, and WordPress; Website hosting on virtual private servers and virtual dedicated servers products, which allows customers to select the server configuration suited for their applications, requirements, and growth; managed hosting products to set up, monitor, maintain, secure, and patch software and servers for customers; and security products, a suite of tools designed to help secure customers' online presence. In addition, the company provides presence products, such as Websites + Marketing, a do-it-yourself mobile-optimized online tool that enables customers to build websites and e-commerce enabled online stores; online appointments and store capabilities that allows customers to transact business directly on their websites; and a range of marketing tools and services designed to help businesses acquire and engage customers, and create content, as well as search engine optimization that helps customers get their websites found on search sites; and social media management services. Further, it offers business application products, such as Microsoft Office 365, email accounts, email marketing, and Internet-based telephony services. The company serves small businesses, individuals, organizations, developers, designers, and domain investors. GoDaddy Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Brunswick Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets recreation products worldwide. It operates through Propulsion; Parts & Accessories; and Boat segments. The Propulsion segment provides outboard, sterndrive, and inboard engines for independent boat builders and governments through marine dealers and distributors, specialty marine retailers, and marine service centers; and propulsion-related controls, rigging, and propellers to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket retailers, distributors, and distribution businesses. This segment offers its products under the Mercury Marine, Mercury, Mercury MerCruiser, Mariner, Mercury Racing, and Mercury Diesel brands. The Parts & Accessories segment provides engine parts and consumables, electrical products, boat parts and systems, engine oils and lubricants, marine electronics and control systems, instruments, trolling motors, fuel systems, and electrical systems, as well as specialty vehicle, mobile, and transportation aftermarket products for aftermarket retailers, distributors, and distribution businesses, as well for as for the original equipment manufacturers in marine and non-marine markets; and supplies parts and accessories through the distribution business. This segment offers its products under the under the Mercury, Mercury Precision Parts, Quicksilver, and Seachoice brands. The Boat segment provides Sea Ray sport boats and cruisers; Bayliner sport cruisers and runabouts; Boston Whaler fiberglass offshore boats; Lund fiberglass fishing boats; Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, and Princecraft aluminum fishing, utility, pontoon, and deck boats; Heyday tow/wake boats; and Thunder Jet heavy-gauge aluminum boats, as well as shared access boat club and dealer services to the marine industry through dealers and distributors. Brunswick Corporation was founded in 1845 and is headquartered in Mettawa, Illinois.

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Saudi Arabia vowed to de-escalate rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad on Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdoms Foreign Minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for consultations, the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the neighbours.

India has vowed to retaliate after the suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama that killed 41 CRPF soldiers last week, the deadliest attack in the state in decades.

The attack has sparked widespread calls in the country for action against Pakistan.

Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully, said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The pledge came as the crown prince, widely known as MBS, prepared to head for India later Monday, at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan.

The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursdays attack, and the vehicle was driven by a 22-year-old terrorist.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to isolate Pakistan diplomatically in the international community, saying it has incontrovertible evidence of Islamabads role. Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman meets Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday night

After his arrival late Sunday, MBS signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit  seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding will boost its struggling economy.

Pakistan has laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort, and honour guard. He was also due to receive the countrys highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.
Irans elite Revolutionary Guards said on Monday it has arrested three terrorists involved in last weeks deadly suicide bomb attack on security forces in a region bordering Pakistan.

Safe houses in (the cities of) Saravan and Khash were identified and eliminated, and the terrorists based in them were arrested, the force said on its official Sepah news agency.

Three of the terrorists were arrested and 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of explosives and 600 kilograms of explosive materials as well as weapons and ammunition were confiscated, it said.

The Guards said the three arrested had produced, guided and supported the vehicle used in Wednesdays suicide bombing.

The attack killed 27 members of Irans Revolutionary Guards travelling on a bus in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

It was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice).

Iran has provided Pakistani officials with information on the terrorist groups hidden and semi-hidden training centres, army chief-of-staff Mohammad Bagheri told Tasnim news agency.

In a phone call with Pakistani army commanders, Bagheri asked them to either confront the groups or allow (Iranian) forces to enter. Islamabad launched an operation against the terrorists in its Balochistan border province on Sunday, he said.
India is likely to strongly raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman even as the two countries will look at further enhancing defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise, during his two-day visit here beginning Tuesday, officials and sources said.

The Crown Prince who arrived in Islamabad on Sunday at the start of his tour of South Asia has returned to Saudi Arabia on Monday, official sources said. New Delhi had reservations over his coming to India from Pakistan.

Ahead of the visit by the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said Monday that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Official sources said Saudi Arabia was no longer accepting Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir and cross border terrorism and that India will forcefully raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups during delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince on Wednesday.

Secretary, Economic Affairs in the External Affairs Ministry T S Tirumurti said both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit.

"We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said.

Referring to cross border terrorism, he said, "Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on 14 February. We appreciate Kingdom's cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years."

Official sources said there has been a "change" in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism.

"India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture," said Tirumurti.

"As part of this engagement, we are finalizing the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," he said.

The sources said the two sides are looking at joint exercise between the two navies besides significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation.

They said Saudi Arabia has been providing India information and intelligence about various terror networks. The two countries had inked a pact on exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism during Modi's visit to Riyadh in 2016.

The Crown Prince will be accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation.

Modi will host a lunch in honour of the Crown Prince at Hyderabad House on Wednesday.

The Crown Prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary

During the visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of India's terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace.

The two countries held meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last month in Riyadh during which both sides explored the possibility of elevating the defence engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises, said Tirumurti.

India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was USD 27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its 4th largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of crude oil and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion.

Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

"We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in energy to a broad-based partnership," said Tirumurti.

He said other areas of interest for joint collaboration are fertilizers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, etc.

"We are also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation, where there is considerable potential for enhanced links, especially in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel," the official said.

He said Saudi Arabia has conveyed to India that it will be joining 'International Solar Alliance' initiative.

The Crown Prince is expected to travel to China from India.
India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay,"

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

"In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access  13 reminders were sent  but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said.

Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said
Tension prevailed at Deuli village under the Begunia police station in the district after a youth was hacked to death in broad daylight on Monday morning by local miscreants over suspected old enmity.

The deceased was identified as Chinmaya Sahu. Reports said that Chinmaya was attacked on the village road when he was going to the local market by his motorcycle. Sources said the assailants hacked Chinmaya with sharp weapons and he died on the spot. Soon after the incident, irate locals set the house of a local resident on fire alleging his involvement in the brutal killing.

My son had left home at around 11 am; and later, one of my relatives informed that he had died in an attack, said Chinmayas mother.

Another relative said that Chinmaya had some enmity with Niranjan Sahu and Narrotam Sahu. We suspect the involvement of both the siblings in the murder and we want them to be arrested soon, said Brundaban.

On getting information, the Begunia PS IIC along with other staffs rushed to the spot and started an investigation into the incident.

We have sent the body for postmortem; and preliminary investigation reveals that the nyouth was murdered over some past rivalry. However, we have started an investigation and are collecting information from the eyewitnesses. The accused involved in the crime, who are now absconding, would be nabbed soon, said the IIC.

Police forces were deployed in the village to prevent the situation from worsening further.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the entire nation was with the families of the CRPF men martyred in Pulwama and the country would give a befitting reply to Pakistan for its nefarious designs.

On Monday, Yogi visited the family of CRPF martyr Vijay Kumar Maurya at their home in Chapia village of Deoria and paid floral tributes to the braveheart even as the villagers raised anti-Pakistan slogans.

The Chief Minister also met the martyrs wife Vijay Laxmi and other members of the family and assured them of all assistance from the government.

The country will give a befitting reply to Pakistan for this dastardly act. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the sacrifice of these martyrs would not go waste. But we have to wait and support the country on every issue, Yogi said.

Later, the martyrs wife said that though her family was happy with the Chief Ministers visit, they were not satisfied.

We have passed on our demands to the Chief Minister,, she said.

The soldiers father, however, expressed satisfaction after the Chief Ministers visit.

Meanwhile, Yogi also paid rich tributes to Army Major DS Dhondhiyal, head constable Sevaram, constables Ajay Kumar and Hari Singh, who were killed in a gun battle with terrorists in Pulwama (J&K) on Monday and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.

Yogi said these bravehearts would always be remembered for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty and in defence of the motherland.
Members of Uttarakhand Citizen Initiative, a citizen platform formed in Dehradun in 2017, have expressed distress over the recent developments related to the students from Kashmir in Uttarakhand. They said that some self-styled groups and organisations have deliberately tried to vitiate the peaceful and inclusive character of Dehradun as well as Uttarakhand. Quoting some newspaper reports, they said that these self-styled nationalists have forced two educational institutions to give statement that they would not admit students from Kashmir in future.

According to them, this is a clear violation of the Constitution of India as every Indian has the freedom to choose his or her place of education. On behalf of the Uttarakhand Citizen Initiative, the media coordinator, Ashish Joshi, said that they are appealing to the State Government to take stern action against such self-styled organisations. They are maligning the inclusive image of Uttarakhand which enjoys an exalted place for its spirit of tolerance and hospitality. Such outfits should under no circumstances be allowed to bring bad name to the State by their vicious activities and campaign, he said.

The members of the Uttarakhand Citizen Initiative further requested the police to ensure safety and security of all the students, especially the Kashmiri students, now studying in Dehradun and other places of the State. Necessary directions should be given to the educational institutions targeted by such outfits to ensure that they withdraw such statements of not allowing the students from Kashmir to study in them, Besides, they should be assured of proper protection, Joshi added.

Notably, a first-year engineering student from Kashmir had been suspended from a university based in Dehradun where he was studying following complaints of his having circulated a provocative facebook message which appeared like throwing support to the Pulwama suicide bomb attack that killed over 40 jawans.

The university had further sought an explanation from the student and set up an inquiry committee to investigate the case. Besides, it is learnt that the management of some educational institutions based in the city had said in a written undertaking that they would not take students from Kashmir in future under pressure from some right wing organisations when their activists had staged demonstration outside the institutions, demanding the expulsion of the Kashmiri students studying in them.
The Budget Session of Delhi Assembly will begin with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijals address on February 22. After that, Economic Survey of Delhi 2018-2019 will be presented on February 25 by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and he will present the annual Budget on February 26 .

The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Delhi Assembly met on Monday, under the chairmanship of Speaker Ram Niwas Goel and took the decision, said a statement released by Delhi Assembly secretariat

"Being the first session of the year, Lieutenant Governor will address the Assembly at 11 am on February 22. The formal sitting of the House will commence half-an-hour after conclusion of the L-Gs address," it said.

Discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address will be initiated by Minister of Development Gopal Rai on February 23. The Deputy CM will also present the Status Report of Outcome Budget 2018-2019 (as on 31.12.2018) on the same day.

The Budget proposals will be discussed on February 27-28, before being considered and passed by the House.
On directives of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, mining and police department jointly cracked whip on illegal sand mining and seized 10 poclain (excavator) and 75 vehicles.

Based on the complaints from different Panchayats of state regarding illegal sand mining, overloading, using machines and violation of environmental laws, a drive against such illegal activities in sand mining was ordered in state.

As per details provided by mining department, under Arang police station of Raipur district, in Pargaon 3 excavators and three vehicles, at Kumhari two excavator and six vehicles, Ghadari and Barbaspur of Mahasamund district one excavator and four vehicles, Shivrinarayan of Janjgir-Champa district one excavator and three vehicles.

Masturi of Bilaspur one excavator and three vehicle, Tulum of Rajnandgaon on each, Rakhi of Naya Raipur four vehicle, Mandir Hasaud four vehicle and Kasdol of Baloda Bazar where one excavator and 20 trucks along with other additional 13 vehicles were seized.
Alleging that ruling Congress has breached its pre-poll promise of making the power tariff completely half and now has set a cap of 400 units, the opposition members staged a walk out from state assembly on Monday.

During Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik raised the issue and asked question in the house as what was the scheme of government regarding curtailment of power bill to half. After all, for whom and whom the power tariff would be slashed down, he questioned.

Replying to his query the Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel informed in the House that domestic as well as the below poverty line consumers of the state would get the benefit of curtailment of power tariff from the month of March. The power bill of which would be charged in the month of April, he added. He further informed that power tariff till the consumption of 400 units would be charged half and thereafter which the existing rate would be levied. For farmers flat rates would be charged, he further added.

Dissatisfied over the binding of 400 units and no provision of relaxation for irrigation pumps for the farmers, the BJP members accused the state government of misleading the people of the state.
At a time when Delhi Government has cancelled the No Objection Certificates (NoC) in Capitals Karol Bagh area, North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NMC) has also suspended health licences of 30 establishments.

Notably, Delhi Government cancelled fire safety certificates of 71 hotels in Karol Bagh.

A senior corporation official said that the probe team constituted to ascertain the lapses in the deadly fire incident at Hotel Arpit Palace in which 17 people were killed, has found that violation of fire safety norms seemed to be the main factor behind the tragedy. "We have received a list of 57 such hotels, and health licences of 30 of such establishments have been suspended," he said.

The investigation report has been submitted by the committee which was formed to probe the lapses, he said, adding that more such action will be taken after analysing it.

As per the report, the fire was triggered by a short circuit in an air-conditioner on the second floor of the building, he said.

Hitting out at Delhi Government, he said that the government is only cancelling fire safety certificates of these establishments but they should also take action against those who gave clearance despite various shortcomings, he added.

In past few days, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government had cancelled fire safety certificates of business establishments for various violations in Karol Bagh, where a massive fire at a hotel recently killed 17 people, and ordered their closure. The Government had issued also instructions to municipal corporations and police asking them to seal these establishments in the wake of violations of fire safety norms.

Health trade licences issued by the civic bodies for granting permission to trade in particular items and services that have a direct effect on public health. The municipal corporations before awarding licence ensure that the hotels, restaurants or any other establishment comply with hygiene and security standards.

According to section 417 OF Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957, it is mandatory for all traders, establishments to obtain trade licence.

The national Capital has witnessed one after another such cases in last few days but instead of doing detailed security audit of all the budget hotels that have proliferated in Karol Bagh, Rajinder Nagar, Nabi Karim, Paharganj, Jama Masijd area in highly congested Central district, Corporation officials are busy in passing the buck on each other.

According to sources in Fire Department, only around 25 percent restaurants and hotels in Delhi have the mandatory NOC (No Objection Certificate) from Fire Department and only 1540 guest house are so far registered with Delhi Fire Services that possess NOC.
During a checking drive conducted by Haridwar police, two people were arrested near Jwalapur who were found carrying illicit liquor to be sold in a village. Five containers of spurious liquor have been recovered from them, police said and added that the duo have attempted to escape in the car they were in when the cops challenged them.

It is further learnt from police that when Jwalapur police was checking the vehicles on Monday morning, the duo attempted to escape with the car they were in by taking a sharp turn at Jatwada bridge in Jwalapur.

Speaking to The Pioneer about the incident, SSP Janmeyjay Khanduri said, During the vehicle checking drive, our team, led by the sub-inspector, Vikas Bhardwaj, nabbed two people and the case has been registered against them under the provisions of the excise Act.

The duo have been identified as Kadir and Haider, both residents of Munda Khedi village under tehsil Luxor, police informed.

Notably, in a hooch tragedy, one of the worst in the country, nearly 150 people of Balupur and Bindukhadak villages in Chudiyala of Haridwar district and some villages in Saharanpur district of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh had died after they consumed illicit liquor while observing the 13th day of the mourning of a deceased friend on February 8. Since the tragedy occurred, the police have been vigorously conducting raids to seize spurious liquor. A senior district police officer said that they are on alert to stop illicit liquor from being supplied to the villages in Haridwar district.
They left us. 40 of them. Uninformed & Unexpected. It will take time to sink in. It will take time to make sense. It will haunt us forever. It should. Khaki has been stained. Stained with Scarlet Red Blood. Considerable Cleansing it will take.

The blood was not spilled during the pitched battle. Neither was this a guerrilla attack. If savagery and despondency have an instance to define, it is this.

The ghastly monstrous blast in Valley has sent strong emotional tremors across the dimensions of the Republic of India. Venturing into the unchartered territory, raw nerve of the entire nation has been touched and shaken.

Many of them have lost their Life Partner. Many of them their Father. Many their Son. A lot many their Brother. Some families their only Breadwinner. CRPF lost Lion Hearts and the Nation its True Patriots.

Thousands have joined the final journey of Martyrs at their respective natives. Scenes are heart wrenching. It is stirring beyond words.

One of these audacious bravehearts, Head Constable Vijay Soreng was from the soil of Jharkhand. Having joined CRPF in1993, he served with distinction in various parts of the Country. He also had an outstanding tenure in Jharkhand from 2008 till 2018, before getting transferred to J&K. Gathered to pay homage in gigantic numbers, Capital City of Jharkhand waited with moist eyes, heavy heart and thundering clouds, when his Mortal Remains landed, collective conscience of not only Ranchi, but the entire State transformed into reverence.

Last respects were paid during Wreath Laying Ceremony by Governor, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers of the State, MoS Civil Aviation (GOI), several MPs & MLAs, Ex-Ministers, Mayor, DGP with top State Police Officers, Officials from Army, BSF, CISF, SSB, ITBP and other State dignitaries along with sea of enormous crowd.

Locals in his native Pharsama village of Gumla district also gathered in mammoth numbers to pay heartwarming adieu to one of their own making supreme sacrifice for the nation. Last Rites were conducted there with full State Honors in the presence of Speaker, Jharkhand Assembly, MoS Tribal Affairs (GOI), Ex-Ministers and Officials of District Administration and Police.

As if tears were not enough, Rain Gods also poured in to pay the tribute. Having an illustrious history of 80 Years, sacrifices of CRPF have become immortal in the service of Mother India. With more than two thousand martyrs, blood has been shed repeatedly to safeguard pride and honour of the Nation.

CRPF has confronted numerous challenges with aplomb and this has been one of the major ones. I dont know much about Phoenix but we will rise again to glory. We know how to combat the storm. Such has been the esteemed commitment and devotion that the buddy soldiers of these martyrs were immediately back on duty, protecting the very same area where this havoc was unleashed.

Thinking of the departed souls, lyrics of CRPF Song are echoing in my senses. Loudly and Proudly. Desh ke hum rakshak (We are protectors of the country) Jaan bhi de den beshak (Of course will sacrifice our lives)Desh ki raksha me (In the service of the nation)

The writer is Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force, Jharkhand Sector and the views expressed in the article are his own.
A total of 769 fresh cases of Seasonal Influenza H1N1 were reported in the National Capital in the last ten days taking the total to 1,965 this year so far, senior health officials informed on Monday.

According to a senior official of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the number of cases in the city till February 7 was 1,196, however, on Monday, the number of people affected by the H1N1 infection rose to 1,965.

Shockingly, the report by DGHS stated that around six people have lost their lives to the disease this year in Delhi whereas the

Influenza report released by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), around seven people have dies so far in the capital.

As per NCDC report, 2,278 cases and seven deaths have been there.

The cases that are indigenous to Delhi are 1,965 and rest of the cases have been acquired from the other states but reported in Delhi, said a senior official DGHS.

The report had also mentioned deaths of five more persons from co-morbidity.

As per the report, of the six persons who have died of swine flu this year, one belonged to Delhi, while the rest were residents of other states.

Amid the mounting cases of the H1N1 infection in the city, the Delhi government recently had issued a health advisory, prescribing the dos and donts.

Medical Director of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital Kishore Singh said the hospital is well equipped to handle the swine flu cases, with adequate stock of medicines.

However, two Centre-run hospitals here have reported 13 deaths due to swine flu this year.
The Delhi Police has arrested a 43-year-old London University MBA graduate and her mother for allegedly duping several men to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore in the national Capital. To fulfill their dreams of living a lavish life, the accused along with her mother allegedly forged documents of their Greater Kailash house and sold it to five different men.

The accused have been identified as Anuradha Kapoor (43) and her mother Molly Kapoor (65) who are residents of Greater Kailash-I.

According to Ghanshyam Bansal, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-East, On the basis of forged Sale agreement, Anuradha and with her mother sold their house to five different men in 2014-15.

With the cheated money, about Rs 2.5 crore, the mother-daughter duo were leading a lavish life in five-star hotels of Delhi-NCR, said the Additional DCP.

They also made trips to the UK, the US, Singapore, Australia and Sri Lanka and were planning to net new targets. They were arrested on Saturday after police got a tip-off that the mother-daughter duo was staying at a Surya hotel in New Friends Colony following which a trap was laid and they were taken into custody, said the Additional DCP.

During interrogation, Anuradha told police that in order to earn quick money and live a lavish life, she hatched a conspiracy along with her mother to cheat people, the officer said. Anuradha was earlier arrested in 2015 by the Goa Police in the murder case of a casino agent and was later released on bail, further said the Additional DCP.

Three cases of cheating were registered against the accused duo at Defence Colony and Greater Kailash police stations. They were declared Proclaimed Offender by a Saket court, Additional DCP said.

Anuradha, is a Commerce graduate from Delhi University and went abroad to pursue MBA. She completed her MBA (Finance) from University of London. After returning from UK, she started working as a freelance stock consultant, said Additional DCP, adding that the further probe into the incident is going on.
Major among 4 Army men, J&K cop martyred in gunfight; 3 top JeM ultras killed

Three top Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including a suspected mastermind of Pulwama suicide bomb attack on a CRPF convoy, were killed, and four Army personnel, including a Major, and a J&K Head Constable attained martyrdom in a fierce gunfight, which lasted about 18 hours, in Pinglena area of South Kashmirs Pulwama district on Monday.

One of the top Jaish-e- Mohammad Commander Abdul Rashid Ghazi, alias Kamran, an Afghan war veteran, who infiltrated into Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in 2018, is believed to have been neutralised in the operation, police sources said.

Ghazi is believed to be one of the masterminds of the February 14 suicide attack on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama and had trained the suicide bomber.

Ghazi, a key aide of Jaish-e-Mohammads Pakistan-based chief Masood Azhar, was responsible for recruiting, radicalising and training terrorists in the Kashmir Valley.

The second terrorist killed in the encounter has been identified as Hilal Ahmed, a local Kashmiri bomb specialist.

At least nine security personnel, including a Brigade Commander, a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Deputy Inspector General of the Jammu & Kashmir Police, were injured in the gunbattle which erupted shortly after midnight, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives laden vehicle into the CRPF bus last week, killing 44 jawans.

One civilian, believed to be the house owner, where these terrorists had taken shelter, was also killed in the day-long operations.

Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were also reported from the area at intervals.

The martyred Army men have been identified as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Hawaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Hari Singh and Sepoy Ajay Kumar. Major Dhoundiyal, who hailed from Dehradun, was married in April 2018.

Havaldar Sheo Ram (36) had joined the Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by his wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old Kumar had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son.

Their mortal remains were flown for the last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.

According to spokesman of the Jammu and Kashmir police, Based on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in Pinglena area of South Kashmirs Pulwama district, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces in the intervening night in the area.

Police spokesman said, As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire, four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries.

The Police spokesman said the fire was retaliated by the security forces leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter three terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter, he said.

Personnel of the 55 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF and the Special Operation Group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF jawans jointly conducted the operations.

While, the weekly Poonch-Rawalakot cross-LoC bus service was suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Jammu, following the recent terror attack on a CRPF convoy in south Kashmir.

Curfew was imposed in Jammu city on Friday following massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence over the terror attack in Pulwama district, which left 40 CRPF personnel dead on Thursday.

The cross-LoC (Line of Control) bus service was suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation, Poonch District Development Commissioner Rahul Yadav said.
Launching a blistering attack on the Congress, BJP president Amit Shah said on Sunday that the Opposition party cannot nurture the countrys democracy and for it only family matters.

Naming Congress leaders from the Nehru-Gandhi family, Shah claimed that the oldest party of the country does not have internal democracy.

Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi  I am not mentioning the future name. No question of involving workers at all. Such parties cannot nurture the countrys democracy and fulfil its objectives, the BJP chief said at a party meet here.

Taking a dig at the Congress, he said the party, which does not have internal democracy, cannot strengthen the countrys democracy.

That is why, only one family ruled the country for 55 years... Nehru-Gandhi family of the Congress ruled these 55 years. But what has the country got? Shah said.

Laying the foundation stone of a nine-storey building that will house the new state headquarters of the BJP in Assam, Shah, in an apparent dig at the Congress, said that brain, hard work, patriotism do not matter, only family matters.

Stating that such practices are not prevalent in the BJP, he cited his own example, explaining how he rose to the position of national president from a booth worker who put up posters in 1982.

Our democracy is the biggest in the world. Born in a poor tea sellers house, (prime minister) Narendra Modi is the leader of the worlds biggest democracy, he said.

Shah said many political parties across India are working in different ways in the democratic system, but the BJP is different from all as it has preserved its internal democracy even today.

In every three years, we conduct elections from booth level to that of the national president. That is why the BJP has not become any family party, but remains a party of workers only. BJP has become a national party, not a regional party. It never got split after poll results.

Father, son or daughter, son-in-law, these things never happen in the BJP. Many parties are just family parties, he said.

Shah claimed that when Modi got the mandate to form Government, 60 crore people did not have bank accounts, 18 crore had no gas cylinders, 10 crore were without houses, 2.5 crore had no electricity and 10 crore were bereft of toilets at homes.

The BJP chief said the Modi Government has worked to solve these issues.
Chinese authorities on Monday unveiled the outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aiming to develop the region into "a role model of high-quality development."

Photo taken on August 25, 2017 shows a view of the world's longest cross-sea bridge, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, under construction against Hong Kong's Lantau Island in the background. [File Photo: IC]

The plan was released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council.

It has 11 chapters, namely the background of the plan, the overall requirements, the spatial layout, developing an international innovation and technology hub, expediting infrastructural connectivity, building a globally competitive modern industrial system, taking forward ecological conservation, developing a quality living circle for living, working and traveling, strengthening cooperation and jointly participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly developing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation platforms, and the implementation of the plan.
With its economy in the doldrums and given its failed inter-provincial relationship, Pakistan has no alternative but to spill out, and India is the only destination

Every week, news comes in that Pakistan is moving towards bankruptcy. True, several countries like China and Saudi Arabia have shown sympathies and given financial aid. However, if Karl Marx were around today, he might have said that loans are the opium of the classes. What could be true of the classes would be true of countries, too. It is too early yet to forget that in 1990, the Reserve Bank of India was sending gold to banks in London as pledge for loans in foreign exchange. The Pakistani crisis is far more serious because not only is there a financial paucity but also an impending economic collapse. The country is still essentially agrarian and feudal, and there has been little development since the British departed in 1947. In the meantime, the population has multiplied to reach nearly 180 million. Moreover, Islam commands a great deal of devotion from its followers but in turn, it does not encourage economic attention in contrast to the Protestant work ethic.

Since the advent of the Baghdad Pact in 1955 and SEATO in 1954, Pakistan has been the beneficiary of American military and other such aid, which helped the economy in general and imports in particular. That aid is drying up because of the countrys active association with terrorism, the Taliban and others. Cereals and other basic food items are not a problem yet, but Pakistan has run out of red meat. Way back in the days of Field Marshal Ayub Khans presidentship, it could be foreseen that the supply of beef would become a problem. He had, during his time in the mid-sixties, declared one-day a week meatless. Now with the shortage of foreign exchange, how can imports be sustained? All these developments and more are a concern for India, too, not merely out of human sympathy but also on account of self-interest. How? We must anticipate this to plan ahead.

Another grave weakness of Pakistan is its inter-provincial relationship. All the three other Provinces, namely Balochistan, North-West Frontier Province and Sind, resent Punjab, which holds two-third of the population. Punjab dominates, if not monopolises the Army and the bureaucracy. There have been separatist movements in all three smaller Provinces. The Pathans or Pakhtoons look to the Afghans as their brothers. Jio Sindh is not active at present but sentiments are alive. Balochs openly say they want to separate and killings take place frequently. Disunity does not augur well for Pakistan. Hence, Islamabad tries to divert everyones attention by stoking Kashmir as a daily issue.

India was partitioned in 1947 on demand of most Muslims of the sub-continent, who aspired that their new homeland would become a New Medina. The old Medina was the first Islamic state, founded by Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE after his hijrat or migration from Mecca. When he ascended to heaven, his representatives or Caliphs took over one by one. They were conceptually the spiritual as well as temporal heads of all Islam, effectively the Sunnis, who comprise 90 per cent of the world community, called the ummah. In 1924, Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, the new unquestioned head of Turkey, abolished the Caliphate and exiled the incumbent. That was the end of the symbolic head of all Islam. Muslims everywhere would like that institution to be recreated. The dream of the pre-1947 Muslims of India was that Pakistan would be the cradle of this recreated Medina.

The same sentiment in Arabia is reflected in the Islamic State (IS), which fought in Iraq against Baghdad and against the Syrian Government in the ghastly civil war that has just ended. Sentiment was so strong and widespread in India that Pakistan became a reality even with its two wings, 1,600 kilometres apart. Bangladesh broke away in 1971 and exploded the myth that Islam alone can bind any country together.

The same fissiparousness spread inside the western wing of Pakistan to emphasise that Islam cannot alone be the binding factor of any country or its parts. Followers have been too ambitious to expect religion to be a total prescription for life and not merely a spiritual path to connect man and God.

There must be leaders in Pakistan, who now realise this truth as well as recognise that but unfortunately, no other ideology or political basis has been allowed to sprout and grow. In short, Pakistan has allowed itself to get trapped in a blind alley.

The only way out is to explode and that holds a grave danger for India. If the people have no alternative but to spill out, India is the only destination. What Bangladeshis did to India in yesteryears, Pakistan could do in the years to come. To be deceived once is ignorance but to be deceived again is lunacy. Fencing ones border is a wise measure. US President Donald Trump is building a wall across the southern border of America against the wishes of the Congress, which refuses to grant him a big enough budget. But how can one fence the sea shores?

Migrations by boat people are legendary, whether in Asia out of Vietnam, into Europe via sea or America from Haiti.

Over and above, to fence the land borders, there has to be alert by internal security who must be helped by watch towers on the entire border, sea or land. The Aadhaar card is alright as a negative check but all adult citizens must be issued domestic passports to be okayed only after strict inquiries, much stricter than before giving out passports to travel abroad. With a passport, a person can settle in permanently. With Indias diversity, there would be no alternative but comprehensive vigil. Sooner or later, surreptitious infiltration is inevitable in large, medium or small measure.

Hence, above all, supreme deterrence is needed. Remember, Pakistanis would have friends and relatives who have been in India since time immemorial. Very few Bangladeshis had this advantage; their allies were politicians with their eyes on building vote banks.

Further help to the agonised and otherwise helpless people of Sindh, as well as Balochistan, should be contemplated. Remember, Sindhi locals hardly played any part in driving out the Hindus. That unfortunate role was played by the Mohajirs after they landed in Karachi and had to either live in camps or sleep on the streets. In fact, Sindhis were nowhere near the forefront of the demand for Pakistan, and their leadership had wondered as to how their economy could function efficiently without Hindu Amil officials and Bhaiband businessmen.

Balochistan, until late in 1948, had an Embassy in Karachi, which clearly showed that in terms of British tradition, the region had a distinct status and did not need an accession to either dominion, India or Pakistan. Nevertheless, the Khan of Kalat came to Delhi and officially called on Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and requested for Balochistan to be taken over as a part of India. Nehru politely declined. If either or both of these Provinces can release themselves from Islamabads clutches and become autonomous again, they can be of much help to New Delhi.

(The writer is a well-known columnist and an author)
The Centre has to think carefully about how to punish nuclear-armed Pakistan. But before any action in or against Islamabad, there is much to fix at home

As the Government unravels the conspiracy behind the horrendous car bomb attack on February 14, 2019, that has taken the lives of 49 Central Reserve Police Force jawans, it must consider civilian supporters of terrorists, especially stone-pelters, who hurt the forces, as accomplices. Pulwama has shaken Indias soul; we can no longer tolerate human rights vultures while losing worthy citizens. In a little noticed episode on February 13, 2019, an explosion at a private school in Narbal, Pulwama, injured 16 students. Yet, the police team that arrived to investigate the incident was pelted with stones. Apparently, a student of class X was carrying explosives in his bag, which exploded after others fiddled with it.

This message should also be strongly conveyed to the Supreme Court, whose judges last year ordered that FIRs be filed against soldiers when civilian casualties occur, and who dismissed a petition by over 300 serving soldiers asking the court to define where their duty ends and crime begins in their operations against anti-national forces. The petition was an appeal to the apex court not to act as protector of the human rights industry; sadly, it fell on deaf ears and the PIL business continues to flourish.

It was a mistake to ask Northern Army commander, Lt Gen DS Hooda (of Uri surgical strikes fame) to publicly apologise when jawans at a check post fired upon a civilian, who refused to stop for a routine security check, smashed through two check posts and was moving through the third when stopped by a bullet (April 2016). The provocation was to the jawans, not the other way round, but the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), infatuated with its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), humiliated the men in uniform.

Fortunately, the Government stood by Major Leetul Gogoi when, during the violence in Ultigam (Srinagar bypoll) in May 2017, he grabbed an alleged ringleader of stone-pelters and used him as a human shield to save the lives of Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel. In the violence that day, petrol bombs were hurled and boulders thrown from rooftops. It follows that while finalising its policy on Pakistan, the Government must enunciate a policy regarding civilian perpetrators of violence (those not officially affiliated with a terror outfit) in Jammu & Kashmir. There has been enough charity; now zero tolerance must begin at home.

We must also speak some harsh truths to the nation, and particularly to Jammu & Kashmir. What is the purpose of inane dialogues to integrate Kashmir with India? Does the nation know that Maharaja Hari Singh repeatedly offered to accede to India prior to 1947 but was rebuffed by Jawaharlal Nehru, who insisted that power be handed over to Sheikh Abdullah as a condition for accepting the sensitive border State? That Mountbatten knew of the Pakistani aggression but withheld aid for four critical days? That after 1947, Central funds allotted for the entire State were cornered by the Kashmir Valley to the detriment of Jammu and Ladakh?

The myth of artificial alienation of the Valley has to stop somewhere. Four lakh Kashmiri Pandits were terrorised, brutalised and forced out of the State in the biting winter of 1989-90, and the Lutyens fraternity shamelessly blamed Governor Jagmohan when he had barely entered the State. Now, as Pulwana shatters the national stupor, false stories of Kashmiri students being terrorised in some places are flooding the social media. Has any Kashmiri politician or human rights activist wondered about the careers of non-Kashmiri students of the National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, who objected to Kashmiri students celebrating Indias loss against West Indies in World T20 series (March 31, 2016); they were thrashed by Kashmir police for chanting nationalist slogans and waving the tricolour and left the State in fear of their lives.

The Centre has to think carefully about how to punish nuclear-armed Pakistan, which has also developed tactical (small, easily deployable) nuclear weapons. An Uri-like action may not be feasible; perhaps terror kingpins like Saeed Hafiz and Azhar Masood can have a bad accident.

But before any action in or against Pakistan, there is much to fix at home: Repeal Article 370 through Presidential Order; the President alone has the power. Repeal Article 35-A that was smuggled into the Constitution by Presidential Order in 1954 at the insistence of Jawaharlal Nehru, despite Dr Rajendra Prasads objections.

The State flag must go without further ado; Urdu (official language of Pakistan, which led to its break-up) must no longer be the official language of a State with a rich civilisational heritage and classical language, Kashmiri. Jammu and Ladakh must be allowed to adopt Dogri and Bhoti (Bodhi) as language of education. It is true that the Centre has granted Ladakh a Central University and Divisional status, but the long-neglected Jammu and Ladakh regions now deserve attention and national resources.

Major world capitals and neighbouring countries condemned the Pulwama attack and stood by India. In a significant statement, Washington, which needs Islamabad to extricate itself from Afghanistan, said: US condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack today on an Indian CRPF convoy in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first time the US has unequivocally called Jammu & Kashmir an Indian State.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, which was behind the attack on the Indian Parliament (2001) and Pathankot air base (2016), has claimed responsibility for Pulwama. But what deserves attention is the timing and purpose of the attack. Iran has accused Pakistan of supporting Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) terrorists who are behind a suicide bombing that killed 27 troops on February 13, 2019. Revolutionary Guards Commander, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, has threatened retaliation if Islamabad does not punish the culprits and warned that the action would not be limited to its borders. He blamed two other Middle Eastern nations for complicity in the attack.

Pulwama continues a series of Pakistani provocations against the Indian armed forces: Pathankot (January 2016); Uri (September 2016); Nagrota (November 2016); Sunjwan (February 2018). But what could be the reason for Islamabad  which has always feared a two-front war  opening hostilities on two borders at the same time? Its greatest backer, China, does not want to alienate Tehran or New Delhi, even if Beijing is not supporting India in having Azhar Masood declared a global terrorist at the United Nations.

(The writer is Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library; the views expressed are personal)
Of course, we cant change our neighbours. But we can and must change their behaviour. It has to be done systematically and clinically. For decades, India accepted Pakistan-sponsored terrorism as an unavoidable fact of life.

After every terror strike, India retaliates with mortar fire across the Line of Control (LOC), killing a few terrorists whom the Pakistani army considers expendable and the occasional Pakistani soldier or Ranger.

Within days, the guns fall silent. Its business as usual.

After Uri, India conducted surgical strikes on Pakistani terror modules. After Pulwama, an isolated surgical strike wont do.

The lurid spectacle at Wagah and other border posts has continued as if nothing has happened. Despite revoking Pakistans most favoured nation (MFN) status, trade flows freely across the border. Smuggling of contraband flourishes. Explosives and grenades used for terror attacks by Pakistan-funded jihadis in the Kashmir Valley are brought in through these porous border crossings, thronged by tourists and curious onlookers. Instead of military precision and tight security, there is an atmosphere of a Bollywood bazaar at the Wagah border, with film songs blaring out of loudspeakers.

Even after the Pulwama outrage, the Wagah border continues to resemble a bizarre Bollywood bazaar. (Photo: PTI)

Serious countries dont treat security like that  especially with a neighbour which is a state sponsor of terrorism.

When Russian intelligence officials allegedly tried to kill Sergei Skripal, a former double agent, in the quiet English town of Salisbury with a novichok nerve agent in 2018, the British government not only expelled 23 Russian diplomats but convinced 20 other countries  including the United States  to expel over 100 Russian diplomats, many of them apparently undercover spies.

Pakistans High Commission in New Delhi is a warren that reportedly crawls with ISI agents. Hurriyat separatists are regular visitors, apparently collecting their payments and instructions to fund stone pelters in the Valley. Till now, the Indian taxpayer paid for their security  belatedly withdrawn in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. Indian journalists, former bureaucrats, ex-intelligence officers and activists frequent the Pakistan High Commission  subversion follows.

* * *

There are four specific ways to impose an unaffordable cost on the Pakistani army, the global progenitor of terrorism: military, economic, diplomatic and covert.

Examine each.

India has been traditionally wary of taking military action against Pakistan. It has always been reactive. It took the sudden intrusion into the Kashmir Valley along the Srinagar highway by Pakistani Afridi tribesmen on October 26, 1947, for Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabbhai Patel to rush Indian troops to push back the invaders.

In 1971, it took millions of refugees pouring into West Bengal from East Pakistan for Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to deploy the Sam Manekshaw-led Indian army to liberate Bangladesh. Again in 1999, it was Pakistani army chief Pervez Musharrafs sneak attack by Pakistani army regulars into Kargil that forced the Vajpayee government to send in reinforcements and repel the Pakistani invaders.

In each of these wars, India was successful.

There were no repercussions  indeed, after the 1971 Bangladesh victory, India enjoyed 18 years of relative peace with Pakistan. By using swift, deliberate force, India had changed its neighbours behaviour.

The Bangladesh Victory: By using deliberate force in 1971, India had changed Pakistan's behaviour. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

It didnt last. In 1989, Pakistani-trained jihadis, fresh from their victory over Soviet troops in Afghanistan, began to pour into Kashmir. A decade later, after its defeat in Kargil in 1999, Pakistan fine-tuned its theory of assymetrical warfare. It had lost four conventional wars with India. Its economy couldnt sustain another.

Proxy terrorism was a cheap, effective way of bleeding India by a thousand cuts.

Post-Kargil came a series of terror attacks  Parliament, Mumbai, 26/11, and in recent years, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Uri and now, Pulwama. India seemed over the years to have lost the appetite for military conflict.

The 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai, which killed 166 people, including several foreigners, was the ideal opportunity to change this pacifist mindset. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was considering a coordinated attack on Pakistan days after the terror strike in Mumbai but in the end, demurred. Dossier diplomacy followed for the next six years till the Congress led-UPA was voted out of office in 2014. The Narendra Modi government has done little either in the five years since.

Nuclear bluff

Pakistan has periodically issued its nuclear threat to dissuade India from taking military action  the threat is pure bluff.

As I wrote for DailyO in 2015: Islamabad cannot use its nuclear stockpile  not even the small tactical battlefield nuclear weapons Pakistan is developing. The reason is simple: A retaliatory nuclear strike by India would cripple Pakistan. The Americans know this. So do the Russians and the British. And of course, so does Pakistan.

Pakistan wants to keep its undeclared war against India asymmetric with expendable jihadis  it is in Indias interest to escalate this into lightning air and infantry attacks on Pakistan. The fear of uncontrolled escalation is overblown. The Kargil conflict did not escalate beyond a point, despite both India and Pakistan possessing nuclear weapons in 1999.

Apart from military strikes using the air force as well as infantry, there are three other key actions India must take:

First, Indias economic strategy should focus on encouraging the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to blacklist Pakistan at its key September 2019 meeting in Paris. An FATF review meeting is currently on from February 17-22. Blacklisting will tighten the tourniquet around Pakistans already stressed financial system.

Finally time to act? For far too long, India has been timorous in its response to Pakistani terrorism. Will Modi change that? (Photo: DailyO)

Second, India must downgrade diplomatic relations with Pakistan to isolate Islamabad further and cleanse the warren of subversion in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Third, in a change in the traditional strategic approach to Pakistan, India must re-develop covert operational capabilities in Balochistan, Sindh and among restive Pashtuns. In 1997, former Prime Minister IK Gujral, in a misplaced sense of Punjabiyat, dismantled Indias covert capabilities in Pakistan.

India has for far too long been timorous in its response to Pakistani terrorism. A group of Indian activists, track-2 specialists and journalists, subverted by ISI largesse, has argued against tough measures to combat Pakistani terrorism.

That subverted pusillanimity must end.

After Pulwama, India must change its peace-at-all-costs mindset. Imposing an unaffordable cost on the Pakistani army for sponsoring terrorism is the only way to change Pakistans criminal behaviour.

Also read: In grief and anger: Open letter to Imran Khan from Rajdeep Sardesai
A Scottish Labour MP has insisted he will not sign a loyalty pledge to the partys leader.

Ian Murray said instead of trying to get politicians to back the commitment to work for the achievement of a Labour led Government under whatever leadership members elect, the partys leadership should be focused on trying to resolve the current Brexit stalemate.

The UK is due to formally leave the European Union next month, yet Prime Minister Theresa May has been unable to secure a parliamentary majority for her withdrawal deal.

Meanwhile, some Remain supporting Labour MPs, including Mr Murray, continue to push for a fresh Brexit referendum to be held.

A number of Labour MPs, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and shadow education secretary Angela Rayner, have tweeted the pledge, which states: I pledge to work for the achievement of a Labour led Government under whatever leadership members elect. And I accept a Labour led government is infinitely better than any other election outcome.

It comes amid speculation that dissatisfaction with Jeremy Corbyns stance on Brexit could result in some MPs quitting the party.

Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray dismissed the pledge as ridiculous (Nick Ansell/PA)

Midlothian MP Danielle Rowley retweeted the pledge with the comment: Well, of course! A Labour Government, changing lives for the better is what we are here for.

I fully agree.  pic.twitter.com/fYECaPtUIp  Paul Sweeney MSP (@PaulJSweeney) February 16, 2019

Meanwhile, Glasgow North MP Paul Sweeney said: I fully agree.

But Mr Murray, the MP for Edinburgh South and former shadow Scottish secretary, described the pledge as being a little bit ridiculous.

The MP, who quit Labours front bench team after Jeremy Corbyns election as leader, told the BBCs Sunday Politics Scotland programme his loyalty to the party should never be in question.

He stated: My pledge is every single weekend when I am out knocking on doors, delivering leaflets, staffing street stalls and doing my advice sessions with my constituents, that is my pledge to the Labour Party.

I think these kind of pledge things are a little bit ridiculous, in my view.

I wont be signing it for a number of reasons, firstly because I think it is unnecessary and secondly it asks for a Labour led government  I think we need a Labour majority government.

Mr Murray, the only Scottish Labour MP to hold on to his constituency when the SNP won all but three seats north of the border in the 2015 Westminster election, added: I just dont think we should be signing these pledges, we should be getting on with the task of trying to resolve this Brexit issue, which is number one on the agenda at the moment.
Urgent talks are ongoing to find another airline to continue the Stansted route from City of Derry Airport following the collapse of flybmi.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said it is committed to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route.

British Midland Regional Limited, which had operated 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities, said all flights were cancelled from Saturday.

A notice at Bristol Airport informing passengers that flybmi flights have been cancelled (PA)

Difficulties have included increases in fuel and carbon costs, as well as challenges particularly those created by Brexit, a statement on the airlines website said.

Flybmi operated two return flights a day from City of Derry to Stansted from Sunday to Friday, and one return flight on Saturdays.

In a statement on Sunday, the council moved to reassure the public that its chief executive, senior officers from the council, officials from the City of Derry Airport Board and the Department for Transport have been involved in the discussions.

They are seeking to put into place measures to secure a new operator for the route as soon as possible.

City of Derry Airport has advised passengers due to fly with the airline that all flybmi flights are cancelled and to contact their card issuer to seek a refund, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airline should check their contract for what options are available.

A council spokesman said it remains committed to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route and will provide an update as soon as possible.

Loganair and Ryanair are currently the only airlines which serve City of Derry Airport.

Loganair confirmed it has expressed an interest in the flybmi route, with a spokesman saying the airline has an extensive track record as a public service obligation (PSO) provider and knowledge of the Derry market given they already operate to Derry from Glasgow.

Last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the UK Government will continue to provide funding for a flight between City of Derry Airport and London.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said that he had been in touch with Mr Grayling on Saturday evening over the future of the route.

Obviously there is concern given that this is the single direct air connection between Londonderry and London, the Democratic Unionist representative said.

The Transport Secretary indicated that he is hopeful that a new operator will agree to take on the route.

There needs to be as seamless a transition as possible from flybmi to the new operator in order that the travelling public suffer as little as possible.

The PSO air route, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, has been in place since 2017.

Mr Grayling said the Government will continue to subsidise the route until 2021.

Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy described the loss of the flybmi flight as a huge concern for the economy in the north-west.
The brother of two British teenagers killed fighting for Islamists in Syria has died in hospital after being stabbed in a car after it crashed.

Abdul Deghayes, from Brighton, died in the early hours of Sunday morning in the East Sussex city, Sussex Police confirmed as they announced they had launched a murder investigation.

The 22-year-old was found just before 9.30pm on Saturday in the passenger seat of a silver Volkswagen Polo which had crashed into other cars, police said.

The silver Volkswagen Polo (left) where Abdul Deghayes was found injured (Gareth Fuller/PA)

He had a number of stab wounds and died from his injuries at the Royal Sussex Country Hospital, a spokesman said. Elm Grove, where the incident took place, remains cordoned off.

Chief Inspector Andy Bennett appealed for witnesses to come forward and said: We are trying to establish the exact circumstances of what has led to this young mans tragic death

We are aware the car was in collision with other vehicles shortly before he was found to have suffered these injuries, which we are satisfied were caused maliciously and not as a result of the collision.

Abdul  who was jailed in 2017 for drug dealing  is the twin brother of Abdullah who was killed fighting in Syria in 2016 aged 18.

Their younger brother Jaffar, 17, was killed in 2014 while trying to overthrow Bashar Al-Assads government.

If you were in the area of Elm Grove and The Level in #Brighton on Saturday evening (16 February) you may be able to help us with our enquiry into the murder of a man found stabbed in a car following a collision with several others around 9.30pm. https://t.co/CbJet5YIB5 pic.twitter.com/qG13THUcYk  Sussex Police (@sussex_police) February 17, 2019

Speaking at the time of Jaffars death their father Abubaker Deghayes said his grief cannot be described as he claimed the Government was criminalising young Britons who have travelled to the war-torn country.

A serious case review published in 2017 found professionals missed opportunities to prevent the two teenage British Muslims being radicalised before they were killed after travelling to fight in Syria.

There was no recognition that Abdullah, Jaffar and their three siblings were becoming vulnerable to radicalisation in Brighton, the report said.

There was also little understanding of the part religion played in the lives of Abdullah and Jaffar, who were believed to have been with the al Qaida-affiliated Al-Nusra Front when they died, the review added.

A third brother, Amer Deghayes, a former finance student, also travelled to Syria in a bid to overthrow dictator Bashar Assads government.
The Prime Minister may not seek to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the controversial Irish backstop, a Cabinet minister has suggested.

Jeremy Wright implied the insurance policy to prevent a hard border could be amended via a codicil, saying the objective mattered more than the mechanism.

The Culture Secretarys comments came hours after Theresa May wrote to Tory MPs assuring them the Government would continue its work to secure changes to the backstop, as she pleaded with them to unite and deliver on Brexit.

Mr Wright told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I think whats obvious is that Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop  thats what weve got to do something about.

If this is the only way of doing it then thats the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we havent yet explored then we will do that too.

He continued: I dont think its the mechanism that matters, its the objective: if you can get to a place where the potential longevity of the backstop, the potential that the backstop lasts forever can be adequately dealt with, thats what were all seeking to do.

But Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood said it was not possible to gloss the Withdrawal Agreement.

It needs significant changes, Im not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation, he told the Press Association.

Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said if the changes were just flowery words then the deal wont wash.

The backstop is unacceptable because it means that we remain in the EU indefinitely and also would do immense damage to relations with Northern Ireland  and therefore as far as Im concerned unless the wording actually has legal force and has substance it isnt going to work.

Meanwhile, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said Labour would look at a proposal put forward by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson to back a second Brexit referendum.

I met Peter and Phil last week, and what theyre saying is if Parliament does agree some form of deal, why not have a confirmation referendum after that? he told Marr.

Well look at that in the debate over the next week.

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood urged the Government to allow a free vote on ruling out a no-deal Brexit at the end of the month if Mrs May cannot get her deal through the Commons.

Tobias Ellwood urged the Government to allow a free vote on ruling out a no-deal Brexit (Victoria Jones/PA)

He told BBC Radio 5 Lives Pienaars Politics he would support such a vote, saying: I will intend to do that. I hope I will not be tested in that way.

I hope that we will either get the meaningful vote through or indeed measures are taken which will then allow people like myself to then express those through a free vote.

On Saturday, Mrs May urged her party to move beyond what divides us and sacrifice personal preferences for the national interest.

After another tumultuous week in Westminster which saw tensions in the party reach boiling point, Mrs May used a letter to all 317 Conservative MPs to warn them: History will judge us all for the parts we have played in this process.

She said: I believe that a country with our innate strengths, enviable resources, and enormous talent can face the future with confidence that our best days lie ahead. But we stand now at a crucial moment.

I do not underestimate how deeply or how sincerely colleagues hold the views which they do on this important issue  or that we are all motivated by a common desire to do what is best for our country, even if we disagree on the means of doing so.

But I believe that a failure to make the compromises necessary to reach and take through Parliament a Withdrawal Agreement which delivers on the result of the referendum will let down the people who sent us to represent them and risk the bright future that they all deserve.

The Prime Minister will return to Brussels for further talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker this week, and intends to speak to the leaders of every EU member state over the coming days.

Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will meet the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise solution to avoid the need for backstop.

And Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the controversial Irish backstop in a speech on Tuesday.
Paris authorities have opened an investigation into anti-Semitic remarks hurled at a noted philosopher during a yellow vest protest in the capital.

The incident has helped to raise national concerns about the yellow vest movements ascendant radical fringe.

The Paris prosecutors office said an investigation was launched into public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion.

A few demonstrators targeted philosopher Alain Finkielkraut with insults on the sidelines of a yellow vest protest through Paris on Saturday. The shocking incident prompted criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron and other prominent figures.

The protesters have been critical of the French government and Emmanuel Macron (Claude Paris/PA)

Meanwhile, yellow vest demonstrators called for multiple rallies around Paris and some other French cities on Sunday, including a march expected to start at the Arc de Triomphe monument.

The increasingly divided movement has held protests every Saturday since November 17, but some groups are holding rallies this Sunday to celebrate the movements 3-month birthday.

An online invitation to Sundays main Paris march says Lets stay peaceful.

Police fired tear gas and brought in water cannons and a horse brigade to disperse yellow vest protesters in Paris on Saturday.

Tear gas was fired on Saturday (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The movement, which began as protests against a fuel tax hike, has broadened to include a range of concerns about Frances living standards and the economic stresses facing ordinary families.

Its name comes from the fluorescent yellow vests that French motorists must keep in their cars for emergencies.
Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the US-backed Syrian militia fighting the group has said.

Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads, Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, said, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym.

SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village and using a network of caves and tunnels.

IS, which once ruled a proto-state in large parts of Syria and Iraq, is clinging to an area less than a square mile in the village of Baghouz, in eastern Syria.

US-backed forces sit outside a building as the fight against Islamic State continues in the village of Baghouz in Syria (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and could be holding hostages among those trapped inside.

Occasional coalition air strikes and clashes continue inside the village of Baghouz. Artillery rounds were meant to clear land mines for the SDF fighters to advance. SDF commanders say the end of IS self-declared caliphate is near.

We will very soon bring good news to the whole world, Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles away from Baghouz in the Deir el-Zour province on Saturday.

The capture of the last pocket of territory held by IS in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a devastating four-year global campaign to end the extremist groups so-called caliphate. At the height of their power in 2014, the extremists controlled nearly a third of both countries.

But experts and US defence officials warn that the group still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.
Runaway schoolgirl Shamima Begum has given birth, her family have been informed, as the debate rages on over the future of her and her son.

The 19-year-old was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK to travel to Syria in February 2015.

She told The Times last week while heavily pregnant that she wishes to bring up her baby in the UK, and her family have begged for her to be shown mercy and to be allowed to return to east London.

The familys lawyer said they were confident she had given birth but that they were trying to verify this with her directly on Sunday.

A statement released through their lawyer said: We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child, we understand that both she and the baby are in good health.

As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above.

The lawyer later confirmed: Its a boy.

Shamima Begum fears her baby will be taken away from her (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, who previously served as attorney general, said the nationality of the child was a difficult question, but added: What really matters I think is to determine what should happen instantly and urgently to her because we do have to be concerned about the health of that baby, we have to be concerned about her health too.

But in the end she will have to answer for her actions. So I think it is right that if shes able to come back to the UK that she does so but if she does so she will do it on the understanding that we can hold her to account for her behaviour thus far.

It comes as a counter-extremism expert warned that de-radicalising Ms Begum could prove a challenge, while the family of another jihadi bride said serving jail terms in the UK should remain an option.

Chief executive of counter-extremism organisation Quilliam, Haras Rafiq, said he absolutely understood that the public would be concerned about the prospect of Ms Begums return, but that the intellectual and right thing to do was for her to go before the courts.

And the parents of Aqsa Mahmood, who left Glasgow to travel to IS-held territory in 2013, said they would rather see their daughter behind bars in Scotland than dead on a battlefield.

Their lawyer Aamar Anwar told the Sunday Mirror: If it was your daughter would you not want her back? Aqsas mother and father vociferously condemned their daughter.

Mr Rafiq, formerly a member of a Government task force looking at countering extremism after the 2005 terrorist bombings in London, told the Press Association: Nobody can tell whether at this stage, without meeting her, spending time with her, whether she could be de-radicalised or not.

What we can say is right now she doesnt show any remorse or regret and isnt fazed by decapitated heads and bombs all around her, because she thought that was a normal life. Therein lies the problem.

He added: Based on the interview that I heard, she, at this moment in time, is not somebody who thinks she needs to be de-radicalised therefore its going to be a challenge for whoever does it.

Ms Begum, who told The Times she did not regret travelling to IS-controlled Syria, said she understood she could face a police investigation if she manages to return.

Mr Rafiq said she would not be obliged to participate in the voluntary de-radicalisation programmes to be released from jail and reunited with her child if she were to be imprisoned for terror offences.

The teenager fears her unborn baby will be taken away from her if she returns and her family, who believe she was groomed, pleaded for the teenager to be allowed back to the UK as a matter of urgency.

She asked The Times: What do you think will happen to my child?

Because I dont want it to be taken away from me, or at least if it is, to be given to my family.

Questions have been raised over whether Britain would be able to prevent Ms Begums eventual return to the UK.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has warned he will not hesitate to prevent the return of Britons who travelled to join Islamic State, but Justice Secretary David Gauke told Sky News: We cant make people stateless.

Mr Javid wrote in The Sunday Times that many supporters of IS have returned to their home countries, adding: The difficult challenge we now face is what we should do about those who are still seeking to return.

As home secretary, my priority is to ensure the safety and security of this country  and I will not let anything jeopardise that.
Israel: Visegrad Group meeting in Jerusalem cancelled Foreign ministry spokesman, other leaders to meet Netanyahu

(ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, FEBRUARY 18 - A meeting of the four-nation Visegrad Group scheduled in Jerusalem has been cancelled after Poland said it would not attend, the Israeli foreign ministry announced, explaining that the summit was meant to be held with ''all four'' countries.



''The three premiers arriving will have a meeting with Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu'', said the ministry's spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon, referring to Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.



In the morning, Poland announced it would not attend the meeting after accusing Netanyahu of ''racism'' for some statements, which he denied making, over Poland's responsibility in the Holocaust.



Polish Premier Mateusz Morawiecki said that his country will not be sending a delegation to Jerusalem also because of recent statements made by the new Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz.



Katz accused Poles of ''collaborating with the Nazis'' and of ''suckling anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk''. The premier said the Israeli foreign minister's remarks were ''unacceptable'' and ''racist''. (ANSAmed).




The outgoing chief of a peace fund has warned against complacency around the peace process in Northern Ireland.

Adrian Johnston served for 10 years on the board of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), including six years as chairman.

He led the transformation of a number of Northern Irelands notorious peace walls and a shared education programme which sees schools across sectors working together more than ever before.

But Mr Johnston, who steps down from the role in March, has warned against complacency as devolved government in Northern Ireland remains collapsed and Brexit looms.

The scene of a car bomb on Bishop Street in Londonderry in January 2019 (Steven McAuley/PA)

The Londonderry man said he was shocked by the recent car bomb in the city, revealing that despite growing up in troubled times himself, he did not think he would be having to explain such events to his own children.

I grew up walking past the old Ebrington Barracks to school every day, delivering newspapers and getting my paper bag searched, it was part of normal life then, he said.

For my kids the car bomb was like a scene from world war three.

We cant shy away from our history, we need to ensure young people learn from it.

Dr Adrian Johnston chairman of the International Fund for Ireland at a peace wall interface on Springfield Road, Belfast (PA Archive)

Mr Johnston also spoke of his fears around the impact of Brexit, saying tensions are already being felt, particularly in border areas.

Free movement of people across the border is essential, I would have concerns around that and the knock on impact on border communities that already feel isolated becoming further isolated, he said.

Mr Johnston first joined the board of the International Fund for Ireland in 2009 when it was on a glide path to closure.

As I look back now there was a real sense of optimism, Senator Gary Harte summed it up, what more work is needed, he said.

In hindsight an element of complacency had crept in.

There was a very affluent peace and reconciliation sector, a lot of organisations giving out funding.

In 2012 that complacency had led to stagnation in terms of the peace process and the really divisive issues were not being dealt with, such as segregated education and segregated communities.

In my view it was not a fully inclusive process, there were still people on both sides who felt isolated. It was my firm belief they had to be engaged with.

Mr Johnston said when he was appointed as chairman he wanted to focus on issues such as segregation and peace walls.

He described one of his highlights as seeing the funds shared education programme written into legislation.

During his tenure a number of peace walls across Northern Ireland were transformed or removed, with the fund playing a key role as a conduit between local communities and statutory agencies.

According Department of Justice figures, of the 56 structures it owns, 46 now remain in place.

One of Belfasts oldest peace walls between Finn Square on the Falls Road and Boundary Street on the Shankill Road (Niall Carson/PA)

These include 36 in Belfast, six in Derry and four in Lurgan and Portadown, Co Armagh.

Among the walls transformed include one at a former flashpoint in Ardoyne in north Belfast in 2016.

A peace wall at the top of the Crumlin Road in Belfast opposite Holy Cross Church in 2016 being demolished (Housing Executive/PA)

It was transformed to lower height black metal railings following agreement between the local communities.

However Mr Johnston said some of his proudest moments in the job were seeing young people being able to access opportunities, such as third level education, that they might not have otherwise after engaging with programmes the fund backs.
French yellow vest protesters are marking three months since the start of their anti-government movement.

But national concerns have been raised about the movements radical fringe after anti-Semitic remarks were made by some demonstrators.

The protesters have been critical of the French government and Emmanuel Macron (Claude Paris/PA)

Protesters have called for multiple rallies around Paris and some other French cities, including a Paris march expected to start at the Arc de Triomphe monument.

The increasingly divided movement has held protests every Saturday since November 17, but some groups are holding rallies this Sunday too, to celebrate its three-month birthday.

An online invitation to Sundays main Paris march says Lets stay peaceful.

Police fired tear gas and brought in water cannons and a horse brigade to disperse yellow vest protesters on Saturday in Paris.

Tear gas was fired on Saturday (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A few demonstrators hurled anti-Semitic remarks, prompting criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron and many others.
Drinks giant Bacardi has revealed it is stockpiling booze ahead of Brexit, but dismissed the UKs impending divorce as not even a blip on the horizon in the firms 157-year history.

Amanda Almond, Bacardis managing director for the UK and Ireland, told the Press Association the group is taking responsible and sensible precautions to ward off supply issues to and from Europe.

She said: We will take appropriate action to make sure we can secure supply, no matter what the conditions are.

Ms Almond declined to give details of its stockpiling, but said the group had looked at the possible impact on its supply chain and risks of Brexit to make sure customers can still enjoy our products.

She also said it would keep its British distilleries regardless of the outcome of Brexit.

On a scale of what the family has weathered over the last 157 years, Brexit isnt even a blip on the horizon, she said.

The group  the worlds largest privately held spirits company  makes its namesake rum Bacardi in Puerto Rico, but many of its other tipples are made across Europe and the UK.

Martini is made in Italy, while super premium Grey Goose Vodka is distilled in France.

It also has a raft of distilleries across the UK, where it makes Bombay Sapphire gin, as well as the Dewars and William Lawsons blended Scotch whiskies.

Ms Almond said: Its hard to make a London gin not in the UK and you cant make Scotch malt whisky anywhere but Scotland.

Bacardis UK boss Amanda Almond said Britons are drinking less, but better

As well as prepping for Brexit, Bacardi is also taking action to offset a growing trend among young Britons to drink less.

Dry January has now become a regular feature in the calendar, while an increasing number of Britons are also trading up to more premium drinks amid a drink less, but better attitude to alcohol.

In response to this, Bacardi revealed it is launching a new no-alcohol sparkling wine under the Martini brand with supermarket Morrisons from April.

Its about offering choices and the fact consumers are drinking less, but better, said Ms Almond.

The comments come after family-owned Bacardi recently celebrated its Founders Day and 157th anniversary with a Back to the Bar initiative that saw its 7,000 employees hit bars across 130 cities to connect with customers and check on how business, bars and tastes are changing.

In the UK, Bacardi employs nearly 800 people across its offices and manufacturing sites, including its regional headquarters in Winchester, the Bombay Sapphire distillery in Laverstoke and whisky distilleries such as Royal Brackla and Craigellachie.
A six-year-old bought a rose for every woman and girl in his small town for Valentines Day, totalling 155 people.

Casey Boyd personally handed a flower to every female in his hometown of Main Brook in Newfoundland, Canada after saving small change he collected over the year.

(Lynn Boyd)

Casey knocked on every front door in the small community of around 250 people, having photographs with those he gave flowers to.

According to his mother Lynn Boyd, Casey said he just wanted to make people smile and feel loved.

(Lynn Boyd)

The message he wanted to send is that everyone deserves to be respected and treated with kindness, she told the Press Association.

He is a boy that doesnt like to see any hurting in the world and he doesnt understand people being disrespectful.

Casey is very emotional and is easy to make sad.

As the saying goes, he has a heart of gold and loves to share everything he has.

(Lynn Boyd)

After he had given a single rose to females across town, Casey gave a full dozen to his mother.

Speaking to CBC, Casey said he finds the attention his kind gesture has received is confusing but is saving up to next year add chocolate and a card to the deliveries.
Police have slammed as reckless an incident in Co Armagh during which a pipe bomb exploded close to a house where young children were living.

Residents in the Enniskeen area of Craigavon reported hearing a loud bang sometime between 11.20pm and 11.30pm on Saturday.

When police and army bomb experts arrived at the scene, it was established that a pipe bomb had exploded outside a house where a woman and a number of young children had been.

A second device, which had not detonated, was also discovered in the area.

Security alert in Enniskeen area of Craigavon last night has ended. ATO attended.2 suspicious objects found at the scene have been declared viable devices.Residents have been allowed to return home.Thank you to those affected for your patience as we worked to make the scene safe.  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 17, 2019

The remnants of the device that exploded and the second device have been seized by police and taken away for further forensic examination, a police spokesman said.

There have been no reports of any injury or damage to property.

Residents were evacuated overnight (Peter Byrne/PA)

Residents who were evacuated overnight were allowed to return to their homes on Sunday morning.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have described the incident as a reckless attack by those responsible.

We are extremely fortunate that we are not dealing with any serious injuries, or worse today, the spokesman said.

Anyone could have picked up these potentially deadly devices, and those behind the attack have clearly no regard for the safety of the others.

Our enquiries are at an early stage and I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area last night and saw any suspicious activity, or any suspicious vehicles in the area to get in touch with us on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1611 of 16/02/19.

Democratic Unionist MLA Carla Lockhart condemned those responsible for the pipe bombs.

It doesnt matter what cause or reason they think they are advancing, violence is not the way to do it, she said.

My thoughts are with the families who had to leave their home overnight especially on a Saturday night when people are relaxing after a hard week at work. Craigavon doesnt need this and these families certainly dont.

I am concerned at this worrying trend of criminal activity. These devices were viable and could very well have caused serious injury or indeed death. I would ask anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI via the 101 service.
Theresa May has issued a desperate plea to Conservative MPs to unite and deliver on Brexit, urging her party to move beyond what divides us and sacrifice personal preferences for the national interest.

The Prime Ministers rallying cry follows another tumultuous week in Westminster which saw tensions in the party reach boiling point, with one minister accusing Eurosceptic colleagues of treachery.

Mrs May, in a letter to all 317 Conservative MPs after her Brexit plans suffered a humiliating Commons defeat on Valentines Day, said the result was disappointing but vowed that the Government would continue its work to secure changes to the Irish border backstop.

She announced that she will return to Brussels for further talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker next week, and revealed plans to speak to the leaders of every EU member state over the coming days.

Meanwhile, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will meet the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise solution to avoid the need for backstop.

And Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the controversial Irish backstop in a speech on Tuesday.

(PA Graphics)

In an appeal for unity 41 days before Britains scheduled departure, she said as party leader she had sought to steer a course that can unite all pragmatic points of view behind a clear and coherent policy which honours the referendum and leaves the EU with a negotiated deal.

History will judge us all for the parts we have played in this process. I believe that a country with our innate strengths, enviable resources, and enormous talent can face the future with confidence that our best days lie ahead. But we stand now at a crucial moment.

I do not underestimate how deeply or how sincerely colleagues hold the views which they do on this important issue  or that we are all motivated by a common desire to do what is best for our country, even if we disagree on the means of doing so.

But I believe that a failure to make the compromises necessary to reach and take through Parliament a Withdrawal Agreement which delivers on the result of the referendum will let down the people who sent us to represent them and risk the bright future that they all deserve.

She reiterated that without a Withdrawal Agreement the UK risks a combination forming in Parliament that will stop Brexit altogether, whatever the long-term consequences for trust in our democracy.

It was confirmed last week that Labour will back a cross-party plan from backbencher Yvette Cooper  expected to go to a vote on February 27  which would force the Government to conclude its deal by March 13 or allow MPs to vote on no-deal or a second referendum.

Mrs May also warned the UK could leave without a deal or an implementation period if Parliament fails to unite behind a plan.

Instead, our party can do what it has done so often in the past: move beyond what divides us and come together behind what unites us; sacrifice if necessary our own personal preferences in the higher service of the national interest; and rise to the level of events in a way that restores the faith of the British people in our political process, she said.

Meanwhile, The Sunday Times reported that former Brexit minister Steve Baker told colleagues Mrs Mays Brexit negotiations with Brussels were a complete waste of time.

Tony Blair said Labour risked losing voters if its position of `constructive ambiguity becomes `destructive indecision (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

It came as:

 International Trade Secretary Liam Fox told the Sunday Telegraph EU leaders were threatening their economies and risking defeats in upcoming elections if they failed to reach a Brexit agreement.

 CBI director general Carolyn Fairbairn warned in the Sunday Times that Britain risks slipping into an economic crisis unless MPs stop a no-deal Brexit.

 Senior Tory Sir Graham Brady urged his colleagues to pull together behind the Prime Minister for that final push to Brexit on 29th March.

Former prime minister Tony Blair told the Sunday Times that Labour risked losing voters if its position of constructive ambiguity becomes destructive indecision, as he urged the party he once led to advocate a second referendum.

He said: The risk for Labour is that over time what has been described as constructive ambiguity becomes destructive indecision, losing votes from leave people who think youre not really leave, and remain people who think youre not really for remain. I dont think its the right political strategy.

And Mr Blair warned that confidence in the economic and the political management of the country was being eroded because those governing the country are prepared to contemplate a no-deal Brexit.

Ive never known a situation like this where you literally have people who are reasonably senior politicians doing this no deal, no problem kind of stuff. How can anyone, if theyre talking to people in business about no deal and the consequences, seriously just sit there and say that it will all be fine?, he said.
Sundays papers bring a mixed bag, with Brexit, jihadis in Syria and migration all featuring on the fronts.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that European countries are running out of time to take back captured fighters in Syria and are risking a wave of terror.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: 800 jihadis ready to unleash Isil on the West #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/3KwwnrpzgA  Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) February 16, 2019

The Observer leads with reports the Home Office is selling the services of immigration officials to private companies.

THE OBSERVER: Revealed: How the Home Office hires out staff to hunt migrants #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/eXeGbSHuNI  Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) February 16, 2019

The Sunday Times reports how Britains richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe is switching his home and fortune to Monaco to save billions in tax.

The Independent carries a cartoon on its front page of Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Jacob Rees-Mogg looking taken aback by a crowd of protesters, with the paper calling for a Peoples Vote on Brexit.

The Sunday Mirror leads with claims Harry Redknapp has given an eviction notice to tenants in bedsits.

What the papers say - February 17 (PA)

SUNDAY MIRROR: Im a celeb get em out of there #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/liNxk5h5fH  Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) February 17, 2019

The Sunday People says Prince Harry has pledged to help war veterans after meeting a grieving mother.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Harrys PTSD vow to mum of fallen hero #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/w21ZJmHm6k  Helen Miller (@MsHelicat) February 17, 2019

The Mail on Sunday reports allegations  disputed by Labour  that Jeremy Corbyn has links to a campaigner looking to drive out a Jewish Labour MP.

The Sunday Express says the EU will send food aid to Britains poor in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Chicago police say the trajectory of the investigation into the reported attack on Jussie Smollett has shifted and they want to conduct another interview with the Empire actor.

On Friday, police released without charges two Nigerian brothers they had detained for questioning earlier in the week.

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi issued a statement on Saturday, which said: We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation.

Weve reached out to the Empire cast members attorney to request a follow-up interview.

Lawyers for Smollett later issued a statement saying the actor would continue to cooperate with police, but felt victimised by reports that he might have been involved in the attack.

Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying, the statement from Todd Pugh and Victor P Henderson said.

Jussie Smollett alleges he was the victim of an attack on January 29 (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Smollett has said he was attacked by two masked men shouting racial and anti-gay slurs and This is MAGA (Make America Great Again) country!.

He said they looped a rope around his neck before running away as he was out getting food at a Subway restaurant early on January 29. He said they also poured some kind of chemical on him.

On Wednesday, Chicago police picked up two brothers at OHare International Airport as they returned from Nigeria. They described them as suspects in the assault, questioned them and searched their apartment.

Then, late on Friday, police said they were no longer suspects.

One of the men is Smolletts personal trainer who he hired to get him physically ready for a music video, the statement from the actors lawyers said.

It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussies complicity, the statement added.

Police said they combed surveillance video but were unable to find any footage of the attack.

Smollett turned over redacted phone records that police said were not sufficient for a criminal investigation.
Former Labour vice chairman Michael Dugher has said he is intending to leave the party, saying he now regards it as institutionally anti-Semitic.

Mr Dugher, who was elected as MP for Barnsley East in 2010 and left Parliament in May 2017, claimed the party he joined nearly three decades ago no longer exists.

He served as vice chairman of the party under Ed Miliband between 2011 and 2014 and later became shadow secretary for transport and culture.

Labour disclosed this week it had received 673 allegations of anti-Semitism by its members over the past 10 months, leading to 12 individuals being expelled.

A party spokesman said the numbers involved amounted to around 0.1% of the total membership roll, but added: One anti-Semite in our party is one too many.

Writing in the Sun on Sunday, Mr Dugher said the Labour party had repeatedly failed to adequately tackle anti-Semitism.

Why does it have to take the media to intervene for something to happen?



I have no faith in any of the processes to contend with antisemitism in @UKLabours ranks.  Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) February 16, 2019

The now chief executive of UK Music said: I will continue to have lots of dear friends in the Labour Party, including many talented MPs and hard-working local councillors who are fantastically dedicated public servants.

Yet in all good conscience, I can no longer justify paying subs to a party which I now regard as institutionally anti-Semitic.

He said situations where prominent Jewish Labour MPs  Ruth Smeeth and Luciana Berger  needed police protection made him want to cry, and expressed concern at the attitude of shadow chancellor John McDonnell after Ms Berger was facing a vote of no confidence from her local party.

Luciana Berger (centre) was facing a vote of no confidence from her local party (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Mr McDonnell suggested the move to censure the MP was due to concern she may join a breakaway party, not over her attacks on Jeremy Corbyns handling of anti-Semitism.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson later intervened in the controversy to offer his support to Ms Berger in what he called her battle against bullying hatred from members of her local party.

Mr Dugher, also a former vice chairman of the Labour Friends of Israel group, was quoted in the Jewish Chronicle in 2015 saying that his party had mishandled their relationship with the Jewish community through neglect, or frankly in some instances, incompetence.

In the same interview, he said Labours decision under Mr Miliband to support a backbench motion which would unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state was a fundamental and rather catastrophic political management error.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has previously come under fire over allegations of not doing enough to root out anti-Semitism (Aaron Chown/PA)

Jeremy Corbyn came under intense pressure last year over allegations that under his leadership Labour had not taken enough action to deal with anti-Semitic remarks and behaviour among its ranks.

In September, the ruling National Executive Committee adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition in full, after coming under attack for initially omitting some of its examples of anti-Semitic behaviour.

Last month, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis told BBC Radio Five Live that tension continued to exist between the Jewish community and the Labour Party and said he was very concerned by the situation.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell admitted Labour had not been fast enough in dealing with anti-Semitism.

He said the partys general secretary Jennie Formby had doubled the staff, brought in a senior lawyer and multiplied the number of committees dealing with the issue.

Weve got to be ruthless about this, he told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show.
More than 1,400 prisoners in Scotland have had to share a single cell with another inmate, according to the Justice Secretary.

Humza Yousaf revealed the figures in a letter to Labour justice spokesman Daniel Johnson.

They highlighted 12% of Scotlands single cells have more than one prisoner.

Humza Yousaf revealed the figures in a response to Daniel Johnson (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Yousaf wrote: As at Monday January 21, there were 5,877 single cells occupied within the prison estate, 710 of which were doubled up.

Mr Johnson said: Scotlands prisons are bursting at the seams as authorities struggle to cope amid a lack of resources from the SNP Government.

We shouldnt have Victorian-era prisons with overcrowded cells in 2019, it is simply not acceptable.

The SNP Justice Secretary, Humza Yousaf, must come to Parliament and outline what he will do to end this scandal in our prisons.

Labour knows that you cannot keep our communities and prisons safe on the cheap and thats why in government we will invest in our public services to end the scandal of doubled-up cells.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesman explained that this was not a new situation and that prisoners in have been in doubled-up cells  particularly at HMP Barlinnie near Glasgow  for decades.

He said: For at least 20 years prisons have been doubled up in single cells.

Our aspiration is for one prisoner to one cell, except for in circumstances where it would be better for prisoners to share.

Prison numbers are what they are, and while we want to get to the stage where each prisoner can have their own cell, yes, many prisoners currently are in doubled-up cells.

But the reality is that weve had unprecedented investment.

There has been bigger investment in the last 12-15 years than we have had in our history, allowing us to move away from Victorian-style prison conditions to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

He added the Scottish Prison Services long-term aim was to build a new prison in the Glasgow area.

Figures released last month showed that in December nine of Scotlands 15 prisons were at or above capacity, with HMP Barlinnie operating at 139% capacity and HMP Inverness at 137%.
France says EU action led to Italian arrivals divided by 10 European affairs minister says France does its part

(ANSAmed) - PARIS, FEBRUARY 18 - French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau told French daily Le Monde that France does its part in terms of migrant reception while some other EU countries do not.



"Every time a ship rescues people, neither the Austrian chancellor nor the Polish prime minister nor his Hungarian counterpart do their part by receiving asylum seekers," Loiseau said.



"Not only does France announce it, it then puts it into practice," she said.



Loiseau's comments came in response to a question regarding the Italian government's accusations of hypocrisy by the French government regarding migrant reception.



"We can also be astonished by such a high number of people crossing the Italian border without control," she said, adding that in 2017 and 2018 France was the second European country for asylum requests, at 13,000.



"Between 2017 and 2018, the number of arrivals on Italian shores has been divided by 10 thanks to the action of the European Union. The speeches about an absence of solidarity by partners are political and electoral. France has always defended and put into practice European solidarity solutions," she said.(ANSAmed).




Hundreds of passengers have been left scrambling to reorganise cancelled flights after the collapse of flybmi.

It is understood 1,500 passengers had been scheduled to fly with the airline on Sunday, a day after it announced it had ceased operations.

British Midland Regional Limited, which operated as flybmi, said difficulties which led to the announcement that it was filing for administration included increases in fuel and carbon costs, and challenges particularly those created by Brexit.

Scottish regional airline Loganair confirmed it had stepped in to take over five routes out of Aberdeen and Newcastle, and expressed its interest in the City of Derry to London Stansted route.

Cancellations notice at Bristol Airport (PA)

Loganair also said it was working on employment opportunities to strengthen the Loganair team.

A total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium were employed by bmi Regional.

The East Midlands-based airline had operated flights on routes to 25 European cities, including Aberdeen, Bristol, City of Derry, East Midlands, London Stansted and Newcastle.

The news, which came the weekend many schools cross the country finished for half-term holidays, saw hundreds of passengers face travel disruption.

One university student told the BBC earlier on Sunday that she was stranded in Brussels and did not know how she would get back to Newcastle.

Mary Ward said: All the flights for me to return home are really expensive and flybmi have said they wont return the 134 that I initially spent, so I dont know how I am going to get back.

Another passenger said he had already gone through security at Bristol airport when his flight was cancelled on Saturday, and another said their planned flight this Tuesday was up the swanny then, adding: Charity event to be revisited as and when I get official word.

Civil engineer Danny McLaughlin, who lives along the Irish border, said it is the first direct effect of Brexit he has felt.

The 46-year-old father-of-two, who lives near Buncrana in Co Donegal, had 14 flights booked through his job over the next seven weeks between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted.

He said: Im a bit stunned to be honest with you. I know airlines and things have been saying this for quite a while but it just came as a bolt out of the blue.

It was claimed some passengers were still able to make bookings on Saturday, hours before the announcement of the collapse came.

Advice to UK consumers impacted by British Midland Regional Limited (FlyBMI) suspending operations: https://t.co/BAgabYehO5 #FlyBMI #AVIATION pic.twitter.com/XbEVJlsJrt  UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) February 16, 2019

A tweet from the airline a day earlier invited people to book a trip with flybmi to Munich for winter sports.

Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, said: Some customers have claimed that tickets were being sold in the hours before the airline went bust, knowing full well those tickets would never be honoured, and passengers will rightly be outraged if this is proved to be the case.

Mr Boland said it is the latest incident which has seen people forced to deal with having their plans disrupted, and advised holidaymakers to ensure they have cover for their trips.

He said: Instability in the travel industry has seen several airlines collapse in the last 12 months  exposing thousands of people to the nightmare of having their trip cancelled at the last minute or struggling to get home from abroad.

That instability looks set to continue, potentially putting Easter and Summer holiday plans at risk.

Its never been more important for people to check they have some cover  by ensuring their travel agent offers Atol protection when booking a package holiday or considering scheduled airline failure as an add-on to travel insurance for those booking flights.

A statement on the flybmi website said: The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe.

Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

1/2 It is very disappointing that Flybmi has gone into administration and we know this will be a very difficult time for those who have lost their jobs as a result.  Dept for Transport (@transportgovuk) February 16, 2019

Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40 million in the last six years.

We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

Customers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer to get a refund for flights, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline for details of their options.

Just two days before flybmis collapse, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling had announced the Governments commitment to the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted for a further two years until May 2021.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said it is committed to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route.

Cancellations at Bristol Airport (PA)

A DfT spokesman said: It is very disappointing that flybmi has gone into administration and we know this will be a very difficult time for those who have lost their jobs as a result.

This will also of course be disruptive for passengers. We are fully focused on supporting those affected and are in contact with airports, airlines and other transport providers to ensure everything possible is being done to help them.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), said: The collapse of flybmi is devastating news for all employees.

Regrettably Balpa had no warning or any information from the company at all.

Our immediate steps will be to support flybmi pilots and explore with the directors and administrators whether their jobs can be saved.

Flybmi is the latest of several airlines to collapse in recent years as firms complain about rising fuel costs and concerns about Brexit.

In October 2017, Monarch became the biggest ever British airline to suffer a collapse when it went into administration.

Customers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer to get a refund for flights, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline for details of their options.
Police fired tear gas and brought in water cannon and a horse brigade to disperse several thousand yellow vest protesters in Paris at the end of a march through the French capital.

Anti-Semitic remarks were aimed at a noted philosopher on the protesters route in a bitter finale to the 14th straight weekend of demonstrations.

Tear gas filled the esplanade of Les Invalides monument, obscuring the gold dome that crowns the monument housing Napoleons tomb. Tension also marked demonstrations in other cities.

In Rouen, Normandy, a car blocked by demonstrators was pushed through the crowd, slightly injuring four people, the news channel BFMTV reported.

Demonstrations were held for a 14th straight weekend (AP)

Police used tear gas and water cannon in Bordeaux, a stronghold of the yellow vest movement. Another demonstration in the capital has been planned for Sunday to mark three months since the movement held its first nationwide protests on November 17.

In Paris, an array of insults, some anti-Semitic, by a handful of yellow vest protesters were aimed at the well-known French philosopher, Alain Finkelkraut, underlining the excesses that surge within an increasingly divided movement with radical fringes.

French president Emmanuel Macron tweeted that the anti-Semitic injuries he (Mr Finkelkraut) received are the absolute negation of what we are and of what makes us a great nation.

Graffiti written on an Apple sign reading "Pay your taxes", in front of an Apple store during a demonstration (AP)

Interior minister Christophe Castaner denounced the surge of pure hate, while government spokesman Benjamin Griveau tweeted that the ugly beast lurks in the anonymity of the crowd.

Mr Finkelkraut once showed sympathy for the movement but criticised it in a recent interview with Le Figaro daily. Some yellow vest protesters have expressed racist or anti-Semitic views online and on the sidelines of protests.

I felt an absolute hate, Mr Finkelkraut told the Sunday paper Le Journal du Dimanche, going on to express relief that police intervened.

The Paris prosecutors office said 15 people were detained for questioning, far less than the scores detained in earlier, larger demonstrations that degenerated into scattered rioting and destruction.

Although support is waning for the movement, it was still able to draw thousands of people (AP)

Violence has marked most of the protests that started against fuel taxes and grew into a mass movement against Mr Macron and his pro-business policies.

However, the increasingly divided movement is having trouble maintaining momentum, as well as support from the public which had initially backed protesters.

French media quoted the interior ministry as saying that 41,500 protesters nationwide turned out on Saturday, some 10,000 less than the previous week, with 5,000 in Paris.

In Paris, tensions mounted as the more than four-hour march ended at the Invalides, with projectiles thrown at police.

Many French people are asking aloud how long the yellow vest movement will keep up its protests, which drain security forces and have dented the French economy.
The City of Derry airport said it is reviewing options to resume a route to Stansted after airline flybmi announced it has suspended flights and is filing for administration.

British Midland Regional Limited, which had operated 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities, said all flights were cancelled from Saturday.

Difficulties have included increases in fuel and carbon costs, as well as challenges particularly those created by Brexit, a statement on the airlines website said.

BMI will with immediate effect no longer operate the London Stansted service. If you have seats booked on this service, please contact your credit card company to receive your refund.



We are reviewing options for resuming the service with another airline as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/XPi55RPGd5  City of Derry Airport (CODA) (@CoDerryAirport) February 16, 2019

Flybmi operated a route from City of Derry to Stansted.

The Northern Ireland airport tweeted advice to customers on Saturday evening.

BMI with immediate effect no longer operate the London Stansted service. If you have seats booked on this service, please contact your credit card company to receive your refund.

City of Derry Airport is reviewing its options to replace its route to Stansted after the collapse of flybmi (PA Archive)

We are reviewing options for resuming the service with another airline as soon as possible.

The news has been greeted with disappointment in Londonderry.

Very disappointing news that @flybmi have gone into receivership - Council would like to reassure the public that its officers & reps from @CoDerryAirport are in emergency talks tonight with UK Dept for Transport to urgently seek a replacement airline pic.twitter.com/zIohtlo4HQ  Derry Strabane Cncl (@dcsdcouncil) February 16, 2019

Derry and Strabane District Council moved to reassure the public.

In a statement on Twitter, the council said: Very disappointing news that @flybmi have gone into receivership  Council would like to reassure the public that its officers & reps from @CoDerryAirport are in emergency talks tonight with UK Dept for Transport to urgently seek a replacement airline.

Loganair and Ryanair are currently the only airlines which serve City of Derry Airport.

Last week, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the UK Government will continue to provide funding for a flight between City of Derry Airport and London.

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said that he had been in touch with Mr Grayling on Saturday evening over the future of the route.

Obviously there is concern given that this is the single direct air connection between Londonderry and London, the Democratic Unionist representative said.

The Transport Secretary indicated that he is hopeful that a new operator will agree to take on the route.

There needs to be as seamless a transition as possible from flybmi to the new operator in order that the travelling public suffer as little as possible.

The public service obligation (PSO) air route, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, has been in place since 2017.

Mr Grayling said the Government will continue to subsidise the route until 2021.

Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy described the loss of the flybmi flight as a huge concern for the economy in the north-west.

She said: One of the reasons cited by the airline is the uncertainty caused by Brexit  yet more evidence of the destruction and disruption that the DUP and the British Government are prepared to cause to our economy with their reckless Brexit agenda.

This will obviously have implications for the new public service obligation flight between Derry and London as well as the new route to Manchester, all of which flybmi was due to operate.

Of course, the loss of the airline does not mean the loss of the service and I have contacted the chief executive of Derry City & Strabane District Council to ensure every effort is made to find an alternative carrier as soon as possible so there is minimal disruption to this service.
Part of the roof and several floors of a university building in Russias second-largest city have collapsed, with no casualties.

The Russian emergencies ministry said the collapse at the Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics took place while construction work was under way.

An investigation into the possible criminal violation of construction safety has been opened.

St Petersburgs acting governor Alexander Beglov told journalists at the scene in the central city that 81 people were evacuated from the building.

He said there were no injuries.

Mr Beglov said about 20 of those evacuated were foreign students attending a weekend class.

Russian emergency workers at the scene (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

The school, known as ITMO University, is one of Russias national research universities.
All flybmi flights to and from Aberdeen have been cancelled after the airline filed for administration.

The immediate cancellation of all flybmi flights, including the three served by Aberdeen International, was announced on Saturday night.

The airline blamed Brexit for its collapse and in a statement said: We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

Flybmi had flights between Aberdeen and Esbjerg in Denmark, Oslo in Norway and Bristol.

On Sunday, the 11.05am flight to Olso and the 3.35pm flight to Bristol have been cancelled.

Two flights due to arrive in Aberdeen from Olso and Bristol are also cancelled.

Flybmi operated 17 aircraft on routes between 25 European cities, with the East Midlands-based firm employing 376 people in the UK, Belgium, Germany and Sweden.

Customers who had booked flights with flybmi are advised to contact their credit or debit card provider, or their travel agent, to get a refund.

A flybmi spokesman said: It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today.

The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme.

These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe.

Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40 million in the last six years.

Our employees have worked extremely hard over the last few years and we would like to thank them for their dedication to the company, as well as all our loyal customers who have flown with us over the last six years.
Airline flybmi has suspended flights and is filing for administration, blaming uncertainty around Brexit.

British Midland Regional Limited, which had operated 17 regional jet aircraft on routes to 25 European cities, said all flights were cancelled from Saturday.

Difficulties have included increases in fuel and carbon costs, as well as challenges particularly those created by Brexit, a statement on the airlines website said.

A total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium are employed by bmi Regional.

The East Midlands-based airline had operated flights from Aberdeen, Bristol, City of Derry, East Midlands, London Stansted and Newcastle in the UK.

Last year, the airline carried 522,000 passengers on 29,000 flights, according to its website.

(Rui Vieira/PA)

It is understood there are 1,500 passengers who were scheduled to fly with the airline on Sunday, most of whom are thought to be business passengers.

A statement from the flybmi said: It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today.

The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe.

Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40 million in the last six years.

We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

Advice to UK consumers impacted by British Midland Regional Limited (FlyBMI) suspending operations: https://t.co/BAgabYehO5 #FlyBMI #AVIATION pic.twitter.com/XbEVJlsJrt  UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) February 16, 2019

Customers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer to get a refund for flights, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline for details of their options.

One passenger said he had already gone through security at Bristol airport when his flight was cancelled.

He tweeted: Our @flybmi from Bristol to Munich (which had previously been changed from Southampton) was cancelled with no explanation after we had gone through security!

He later added that he had arrived in Munich, having flown with Lufthansa from Heathrow.

Another tweeted: My flight with @flybmi on the 19 Mar is up the swanny then. Charity event to be revisited as and when I get official word.

On Thursday, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted would be subsidised by the Government, in partnership with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the deal would be renewed for another two years until May 1, 2021.

Discussions are under way to find an airline to operate the route, which is a public service obligation.

A DfT spokesman said: It is very disappointing that Flybmi has gone into administration and we know this will be a very difficult time for those who have lost their jobs as a result.

This will also of course be disruptive for passengers. We are fully focused on supporting those affected and are in contact with airports, airlines and other transport providers to ensure everything possible is being done to help them.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), said: The collapse of flybmi is devastating news for all employees.

Regrettably BALPA had no warning or any information from the company at all.

Our immediate steps will be to support flybmi pilots and explore with the Directors and administrators whether their jobs can be saved.
Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock and club CEO Ken Choo joined mourners at the funeral of Emiliano Sala in his hometown in Argentina on Saturday.

The 28-year-old strikers body was repatriated on Friday before it was returned to Progreso, about 350 miles from Buenos Aires, for the public vigil.

Warnock and Choo joined locals from the small town for a service in the gymnasium of Salas boyhood club, San Martin de Progreso.

They arrived wearing black suits with yellow daffodils pinned to their jackets as a tribute to Sala.

Warnock and Choo paid their respects at the service in Progreso (AP)

Cardiffs players have also worn shirts bearing the flower in memory of Sala, who became the clubs record 15 million signing days before his death.

Salas mother and father were also present at the vigil.

His body will be cremated at a private service in the city of Santa Fe on Saturday afternoon local time.

Tributes at Cardiff City Stadium for the tragic striker (Aaron Chown/PA)

Before the funeral, San Martin de Progreso posted a tribute to Facebook which said: We are waiting for you like the first day you left but this time to stay with us forever. You went and you are an example for everyone.

He died on January 21 when the plane he was travelling in crashed in the English Channel after he had visited players at his former French club, Nantes.

His body was pulled from the wreckage on February 7 but the British pilot, David Ibbotson, 59, from Lincolnshire, has not been found.

The striker had become Cardiffs most expensive signing (AP)

A fundraising campaign to restart the search for the pilot has raised more than 240,000.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain earlier this week, his daughter Danielle said the family would not give up hope.

If youve got hope then you shouldnt give up, she said. He wouldnt stop searching for me.

She added: We still hope and pray and hope everyone keeps my dad in their prayers.

The plane remains on the seabed off the coast of Guernsey in the English channel.
As World Pangolin Day is marked around the globe, some conservationists in South Africa are working to protect the endangered animals, including caring for some which have been rescued from traffickers.

The eighth annual pangolin day is celebrated to raise awareness about the shy, nocturnal scaly anteater, which has been named as the worlds most trafficked animal by some wildlife organisations.

In South Africa, traffickers often sell pangolin meat locally and ship the scales to Asia, where they are in demand for use in traditional medicine.

The creature has been named as one of the worlds most trafficked creatures (AP)

The growing illegal trade has prompted plans in South Africa for a rehabilitation centre for sick or rescued pangolins as well as the deployment of sniffer dogs specially trained to detect the scales pungent aroma.

Africas four species of pangolins are under increasing pressure from poachers because Asias four species have been badly hit, according to experts.

While commercial trade in all eight species is forbidden, international confiscations of African pangolin scales amounted to about 47 tonnes in 2017, more than double the quantity seized in the previous year, according to the African Pangolin Working Group.

Pangolin scales seized in Malaysia (AP)

Dogs have been trained to check for hidden pangolin scales at South African borders and there are plans to create a pangalorium  a research and medical centre for pangolins, including the growing number of live animals seized in sting operations.

Pangolin scales contain keratin, a protein also found in rhino horn and human fingernails.

There is no scientific proof that they provide any medicinal value.

Conservationists say more than one million pangolins have been poached since around 2000; the various kinds range from vulnerable to critically endangered on a list of threatened species.
Arlene Foster has warned Sinn Fein that the restoration of devolution is no game.

The Democratic Unionist leader blamed Sinn Fein for the continued lack of self-government in Northern Ireland more than two years after the powersharing institutions collapsed in January 2017.

Mrs Foster made the comment while speaking to her partys Spring conference in Omagh on Saturday.

The restoration of Stormont shouldnt be about political brinkmanship or about party advantage. It should be about people.



Whether it is contracts not being awarded, reforms not implemented or laws not passed  our constituents are feeling the pain.@DUPleader  DUP (@duponline) February 16, 2019

It came less than 24 hours after the five local parties met with the British and Irish governments to discuss the resumption of political talks to revive Stormont.

There has not been a functioning devolved government in Northern Ireland since January 2017 following a breakdown in relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein over a botched green energy scheme.

The wrangle over the renewable heat incentive (RHI) was soon overtaken by disputes over the Irish language, the regions ban on same-sex marriage and the toxic legacy of the Troubles.

Numerous attempts at talks to resolve the impasse have been unsuccessful.

Northern Ireland has been without devolved government for two years. (Niall Carson/PA)

Following the talks on Friday, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald dismissed the efforts as a sham.

The two governments are expected to produce proposals to restart the talks process.

On Saturday, Mrs Foster accused Sinn Fein of engaging in the politics of ransom.

Two years ago Sinn Fein walked out of the Northern Ireland Executive. After the subsequent election in March 2017, Sinn Fein refused to enter the Executive or the Assembly until their shopping list of demands was ticked off, she said, describing it as the politics of ransom and also careless pointing to how major decisions have been left to senior civil servants.

The restoration of Stormont should not be about political brinkmanship or about party advantage. It should be about people.

Sinn Fein slammed Fridays talks as a sham (David Young/PA)

Whether it is contracts not being awarded, reforms not being implemented or new laws not being passed  be in no doubt our constituents are feeling the pain. It cannot go on.

Four of the five parties in Northern Ireland are ready to move on and restore the Assembly.

One party stands as the blockage.

I warn Sinn Fein today from this platform: this is no game.

Whatever your demands about the Irish language, they do not trump the genuine and heartfelt demands of the good people up and down this country.

Mrs Foster also made reference to the RHI scandal which has seen her party face questions and criticism over the role of its ministers and special advisers.

At DUP Spring conference in Omagh. Lovely to receive flowers from one of my local members before my speech! pic.twitter.com/3CWi7WVrEv  Arlene Foster #WellMeetAgain (@DUPleader) February 16, 2019

The renewable health incentive scheme was set up in 2012 to boost uptake of eco-friendly heat systems.

But huge subsidies left NI taxpayers with a 490 million bill.

An inquiry set up to examine what went wrong completed its public hearings last year, and is yet to publish its findings.

Mrs Foster said in the RHI Inquiry hearings, there were lessons for us all.

I have already apologised personally for mistakes on my part and corporately for mistakes made by the party, she said.

The way of doing business can  and must  be changed.

We are committed to that, but Sinn Fein still hold out narrow party political demands.

Michelle ONeill hit back at Mrs Fosters comments (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle ONeill hit back at Mrs Fosters comments.

Sinn Fein wants to see the removal of the major obstacles to restoring the political institutions, an end to the denial of rights and the full implementation of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements, she said.

The people deserve good government which has integrity and an end to the DUPs financial scandals. It is shameful that the DUP leadership continues to set its face against achieving this.

Sinn Fein has made clear the issues which need to be resolved are not going away.

It is the responsibility of government to protect the rights of citizens not to facilitate the denial of rights.

We want an Assembly which operates differently from what has gone before, to usher in a new kind of politics, which is progressive, respectful, and has integrity.

Given there is no evidence of any change to the DUP positions on these matters, the two governments must set out how they deliver the rights of Irish speakers, the rights of women and the LGBT community and implement the legacy structures.
Crashing out of the European Union without a deal would have a very adverse effect on the UKs economy, security and union with Northern Ireland, a Cabinet minister has warned.

David Gauke suggested he would back an extension to Article 50 if a deal between the UK and EU was not reached, and said he expected the Government to act responsibly if the current deadlock prevailed.

And the Justice Secretary told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that he hoped it would be made clear in the next 10 days that the UK is in a position to leave with a deal on March 29.

But he said: If not, then we will have to, in my view, act responsibly and make sure that this country, the economy is protected, our security is protected and the integrity of the Union is protected.

I have very grave concerns about the consequences of leaving without a deal.

Mr Gauke added: I think the idea of leaving without a deal on the 29th March would be one that would have a very adverse effect, to put it mildly, on our economy, on our security and on the integrity of the Union and I think my position on that is very clear.

He has previously suggested that Brexit might have to be delayed beyond the scheduled exit date.

Mr Gauke said he hoped a deal would have been reached by the next round of Commons votes on February 27, which has been described as a high noon moment for the future of Brexit.

I would hope and expect that the Government would act responsibly and consider the situation. I hope that by the time we get to that point that there will have been a deal reached with the European Union and the House of Commons.

If not, I think my position is very clear and I think the consequences of leaving without a deal would not be in the national interest.

The next round of Brexit votes on February 27 has been described as a `high noon moment (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Business Minister Richard Harrington said he did not believe Theresa May would pursue a no-deal Brexit.

He told BBC Radio 4s Week In Westminster: I actually think, when it comes to it, she will know the disaster that a hard Brexit would be for the British economy and I dont think shell do it.

No Government can stand by and watch a country plummet earthwards because of a political dogma of a minority of a minority, which is what the ERG are and the people that are pressuring on that end.

Mr Harrington also said he would back moves to give Parliament the power to take no-deal off the table at the end of the month if it seemed likely the UK would crash out of the EU, and could resign if necessary to back the amendment.

And he warned: There are a significant number of us who feel the same and I think the Chief Whip and the Prime Minister should know that. We dont make the noise of the ERG but that doesnt mean quietly that were not there.

Tory former chancellor George Osborne urged Mrs May to take the threat of a no-deal Brexit off the table.

He said keeping the option open was totally unrealistic, telling the programme: I also think its extremely damaging to our economy at the moment because its forcing all sorts of companies around the world to put into action their contingency plans.

George Osborne urged Theresa May to take the `threat of a no-deal Brexit off the table (Matt Cardy/PA)

Meanwhile, the Times reported that female MPs have been forced to move house and hire bodyguards because of tensions over Brexit.

The newspaper said one female parliamentarian was advised by police not to travel alone at night, while another was told not to drive herself and a third was warned against running in her local park.

A number of cross-party MPs have reported experiencing abuse in recent weeks.

Among them was pro-EU Conservative MP Anna Soubry, who was called a Nazi by pro-Brexit protesters as she was interviewed outside Parliament last month.

Meanwhile, the Government has stepped up its information campaign on Brexit preparations.

On Saturday, the Government began running a series of adverts in local and national newspapers and websites as part of a campaign to explain what leaving the EU will mean for citizens and businesses.
ANSAmed - Today's events in the Mediterranean

(ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 18 - These are the main events scheduled for today in the Euro-Mediterranean area: ANKARA - The 13th Ankara Book Fair continues with Italy as guest of honor (until February 24). ABU DHABI - Exhibition 'Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from the Leiden collection and the Musee du Louvre' (until May 18).



ROME - Exhibit titled 'Shapes of the Soul' in the Dali Room of the Cervantes Institute with works of painting, sculpture, photography, video and installations by 14 Spanish artists continues (to March 30).



BRUSSELS - EU, Foreign Council, with High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini (also 19/2). (ANSAmed).




A employee of 15 years who was being fired from a suburban Chicago manufacturing company killed five co-workers and wounded five police officers, authorities said.

Police chief Kristen Ziman said that Gary Martin shot at officers as soon as they entered the Henry Pratt company building in Aurora  40 miles west of Chicago.

Ms Ziman said that Martin, 45, was also killed.

Police officers work at the scene of a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co (Matt Marton/AP)

She told a news conference that in addition to the five employees killed, a sixth worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life threatening.

A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury while officers were searching the building.

Ms Ziman said officers arrived within four minutes of receiving reports of the shooting and were fired upon as soon as they entered the 29,000-square-foot manufacturing warehouse.

Police said they did not know the gunmans motive.

May God bless the brave law enforcement officers who continue to run toward danger, Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker said at a news conference.

John Probst, an employee at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, told ABC7 that he ran out of the back door as the shooting unfolded on Friday afternoon.

What I saw was the guy running down the aisle with a pistol with a laser on it, he said.

Mr Probst said he was not hurt but that another colleague was bleeding pretty bad.

Its a shame that mass shootings such as this have become commonplace in our country. Its a shame that a cold and heartless offender would be so selfish as to think he has the right to take an innocent life, Aurora mayor Richard Irvin said.

Great job by law enforcement in Aurora, Illinois. Heartfelt condolences to all of the victims and their families. America is with you!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 15, 2019

The White House said president Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting and monitoring the situation as he prepared to depart for a weekend trip to his home in Palm Beach, Florida.

Mr Trump tweeted his thanks to law enforcement officers in Aurora and offered his condolences to the victims and their families. America is with you, he said.
The UK Government has failed to give clarity on funding for the devolved nations post-Brexit, according to the finance secretaries of Scotland and Wales.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liz Truss spoke to Scotlands Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans at a meeting in Cardiff on Friday.

Following the meeting, Mr Mackay said no reassurances were given over the replacement of EU funding or public-sector pensions.

Mr Mackay said: I raised a number of issues with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, including urging her to rule out a no-deal Brexit, giving me a cast-iron guarantee that all lost EU funding would be replaced in full and meeting all costs associated with the UK Governments changes to public sector pensions. She could do none of these.

With just weeks to go until the planned EU exit day, the Scottish Government remains deeply concerned about the lack of detail regarding replacement arrangements for EU funding streams, not to mention the severe impact a no-deal could have on our economy and labour market.

As a responsible Government, we will continue to intensify our work to prepare for all Brexit outcomes as best we can and press the UK Government to rule out no-deal Brexit and extend the Article 50 process.

Scottish Finance Secretary Derek Mackay met UK finance ministers in Cardiff on Friday (David Cheskin/PA)

The UK is set to depart from the European Union on March 29 but no deal has yet been agreed.

A deal put forward by Prime Minister Theresa May has failed to gain the support of MPs across the House in Parliament.

Welsh Finance Minister Rebecca Evans also suggested the UK Government had provided no reassurances to quell Brexit uncertainty.

I was hoping for much greater clarity on what are becoming very important and pressing issues the closer we get to EU exit day but, disappointingly, I am leaving the meeting no more reassured, she said.

There seems to be a real lack of clarity across the UK Government on what is happening with Brexit but with the very real prospect of a no-deal, this is a huge concern to Welsh Government.

Along with my Scottish counterpart, I pressed the Chief Secretary for clarity on a number of financial issues relating to the impact of Brexit, including the possibility of an emergency budget.

The message was clear, a full fiscal event is not on the agenda, adding to the uncertainties we are facing as we prepare to exit.

The Welsh Government will continue to make the case for Wales to ensure that the interests of Wales are very much at the forefront of discussions.
The position of the UK Parliament over Brexit has been criticised by a former Irish premier as unreasonable.

Brian Cowen was addressing a meeting of the Diversity Europe Group of the European Economic Social Committee at Riddel Hall in Belfast.

There is less than 42 days left, there is a great failure in the negotiating process generally  not attributing any blame to anybody  that we have to come to this point where we dont have the clarity that one would expect after two years of arduous negotiation, he said.

We did get a certain amount of clarity in the Withdrawal Agreement which was so wrongly rejected by Parliament. One of the reasons it was shaped the way it was shaped was that before the negotiation started, we dont want to be part of the customs union became a red line, we dont want to be part of the single market became a red line, we want independent trade policy, another red line.

If you are going to go into a negotiation with that level of preconditionality where its a question of agree to these red lines before we start talking then we shouldnt be surprised if it comes out the way it comes out.

The former Taoiseach stressed his belief that there will be a trade agreement, and that backstop arrangements are highly unlikely to ever come into operation.

Former Taoiseach Brian Cowen speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee conference at Queens University in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)

The backstop will not come into operation and yet we have a Parliament withholding agreement to allow that transition period to take place so that negotiation can happen on the basis that it is there as a contingency in the first place, he said.

I just dont think it is reasonable. I wouldnt be popular for saying it, but I dont think it is reasonable.

I could have taken the position, I dont think its reasonable we open negotiations on the basis you wont even consider joining the customs union, but I have to respect the British Governments position, they dont wish to join the customs union, I accepted it, Barnier accepted it, the 27 accepted it. We were prepared to hardwire a harder version of Brexit in the negotiations, and yet we are not allowed to have a contingency arrangement that protects the integrity of the single market.

Its in all our interests here on this island that that be the case, do people want the situation where the international supply lines that come across borders all the time, that that ends?

Mr Cowen, who served as Taoiseach from 2008 to 2011, also blasted any suggestion that there is a sovereignty issue at play as bogus.

Its not an issue because the Good Friday Agreement makes it very clear that the consent of the people of Northern Ireland is required in respect of any constitutional change and that is it, he said.

The idea there is some agenda, some possibility of conspiracy here, we have to leave that sort of debate behind us at this stage, its of no relevance, frankly it insults peoples intelligence.

What we are trying to do is maintain the quality of life for ordinary people.

The theme of the meeting was the implications of Brexit for civil society and the peace process.

Looking back at the temperature of previous relations between the UK and Republic of Ireland in the 1940s-50s, Mr Cowen said it was effectively a cold war, adding it was a pity that the two nations could not have learned sooner from the bridge-building which took place in Europe following the Second World War and the evolution which led to the formation of the EU.
Detectives are continuing to question a 27-year-old arrested on suspicion of murdering three elderly men.

The ambulance service alerted police to the body of Anthony Payne, 80, at his terrace house in Bonhay Road, Exeter, at about 3pm on February 11.

At 1pm the following day, officers went to the detached home of twins Dick and Roger Carter, 84, in Cowick Lane in the city.

Devon and Cornwall Police later said the deaths had been linked due to the age of the victims, the presentation of the properties and the injuries they sustained.

The body of Anthony Payne was discovered on Monday afternoon (Ben Birchall/PA)

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murdering the men on Tuesday evening.

He remains in custody at Heavitree Road Police Station.

On Thursday, Exeter Magistrates Court granted a warrant allowing police an additional 36 hours to question the suspect.

Officers have until just after 10pm on Friday to detain him in custody.

Tributes have been paid to the three men, who all sustained serious head injuries.

Ronnie Teague, 73, the brother-in-law of Mr Payne, described his shock at news of the death to Devon Live.

The suspect is being held at Heavitree Road Police Station (Claire Hayhurst/PA)

It is such a shocking thing to hear, Mr Teague told the website.

He used to be an outgoing chap and used to go to the pub a lot.

He would play darts and cards and was friendly with everyone but he did become a bit more reclusive in latter years.

He was not the sort of person to make enemies.

You would never have thought he would go this way.

He was just a normal and friendly bloke.

Floral tributes have been left outside the home of the twin brothers (Ben Birchall/PA)

Martyn Liddon, 76, who runs the Exeter-based Men In Sheds charity, said he was gutted to hear of the deaths of Dick and Roger Carter.

To be honest I cant get my head around why anybody would want to do that to 84-year-old men, he said on Thursday.

Its beyond me and I dont think they had a bad bone in their body, either of them.

Roger had pretty bad arthritis and he used to hobble down to Sainsburys.

If I saw him walking along I used to say good morning.

He was a bit more of a recluse than Dick was.
Chelsea and Malmo have been charged by UEFA following supporter unrest during their Europa League match in Sweden on Thursday.

Chelsea have been charged over pitch invasions by their supporters and Malmo for setting off fireworks.

Both clubs have been charged with the throwing of objects by their fans during the last-32 tie, which Chelsea won 2-1.

Maurizio Sarri had called for calm ahead of the match in Malmo (Martin Rickett/PA)

Chelseas Eden Hazard was hugged by a pitch-invading fan at the final whistle and the culprits grip was released only when the Belgium forward handed over his shirt.

The fan was one of at least four from the home stands who encroached on to the playing surface. He was escorted off by stewards, holding the shirt. Malmo were not charged in relation to supporters running on to the pitch, though.

Press Association Sport understands UEFAs reports said the pitch-invaders were Chelsea fans.

Hazard appeared unnerved at the time, but later brushed off the moment, saying: Its not an incident. He just asked for my shirt.

Chelsea are already facing an investigation into alleged anti-Semitic chanting during their match against MOL Vidi in Hungary two months ago.

Chelsea are already facing a potential part-closure of Stamford Bridge (John Walton/PA)

UEFAs control, ethics and disciplinary body will consider the charges on March 28, one month after ruling on the previously existing allegations.

However, Press Association Sport understands that the new charge will be dealt with in isolation.

Meanwhile, Valencias Geoffrey Kondogbia has been charged with receiving a yellow card on purpose during his sides Europa League game at Celtic.
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 on Monday to learn more about the implications of a crash 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, its not very realistic to expect that there will be a completely different outcome.

At the border with Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs @ministerBlok - Thanks to the Netherlands for their continued support in the #Brexit process. pic.twitter.com/7H8F0VrMxB  Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) February 4, 2019

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 havent been any specific proposals.

This is a border that is not really a border, its 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 dont want to return to it.

Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to travel to Brussels in the coming days, following last weeks 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.

(PA Graphics)

Weve always said that we will take on board any proposal, but weve spent two years looking at every possibility and what we have come up with is the backstop, Ms McEntee said.

Were 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 will host a bilateral dinner for Mr Blok on Monday evening to discuss Brexit and other global issues.

Mrs May is also expected to visit Belfast on Tuesday.
Jade Goodys mother has urged women to go for their smear tests as she told how she watched her daughter disintegrate before her death.

Reality TV star Goody died in March 2009 aged 27 after suffering from cervical cancer that had spread to her liver, groin and bowel.

Speaking on ITVs This Morning, her mother Jackiey Budden said the number of women going for tests has been dropping, despite a surge in the aftermath of her daughters death.

Jackiey Budden spoke about her daughters legacy (This Morning/ITV/PA)

She said: Jades legacy is a kick in the teeth really because it has gone down, you know the smear tests, a lot of people dont do it like they did a couple of years ago.

She said people think its embarrassing or theyre scared, adding: It takes five minutes and Ive never, ever missed one.

She said she did not understand why women would be embarrassed, given that they have babies and are examined internally.

Breaking down in tears when discussing Goodys death, she added: People say it gets easier but its the same every day.

The hardest thing is that it doesnt go away.

She added: Its not a thing you do. You dont bury your daughter or your son.

To watch her disintegrate was the worst  but you know what?  as much as I miss her, Im so pleased she is out of pain, thats what I pray for every time.

Ms Budden said that when Goody passed away she bathed and washed her body.

Around 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Women aged 25 to 49 are invited for cervical screening every three years, with those aged 50 to 64 invited every five years and women over 65 only invited if they have recently had abnormal tests.

Cervical screening can prevent 75% of cervical cancers from developing but it's also really important to be aware of the symptoms and speak to your GP if you are experiencing any  https://t.co/n6k6IIR3Yz #CervicalCancerSymptoms #CervicalCancerPrevention pic.twitter.com/aSeTVocc2C  Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (@JoTrust) February 1, 2019

Last week, it emerged that a backlog of more than 150,000 cervical screening samples were allowed to pile up in laboratories across England waiting to be tested.

A study from the National Audit Office (NAO) found that in March last year, 152,742 samples were waiting to be checked. By October, the figure was 98,000.

The report also found that, at one point last year, only one in three women undergoing a smear test received their result within the recommended 14 days.

It is unclear whether some women caught up in the backlog have been waiting months for results, or what the longest wait has been.

NHS England and Public Health England both claim that the other organisation holds the data.

NHS England has said is not aware of any harm caused by delays in test results at this time.

Goody shot to fame after being a contestant in the third series of Big Brother in 2002 and was taking part in a version of the show in India when she was told of her illness.

Speaking of Goodys sons, Freddie and Bobby, with TV presenter Jeff Brazier, Ms Budden said: The boys are grand, I see them. They are doing really well Jeff is grand, hes a good dad.
Jeremy Corbyn has congratulated the Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on her election to Congress as the pair held wide-reaching talks in a telephone call on Sunday evening.

The Labour leader said it was great to hear how the 29-year-old former Bernie Sanders organiser was challenging the status quo.

It is understood the pair spoke for 45 minutes and discussed the US government shutdown and their joint condemnation of Donald Trumps plans to build a wall at the Mexican border.

They also spoke about public services, climate change, tax and migration.

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

Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who became the youngest woman ever elected to Congress in the midterms last year, shocked many in New York politics when she came out of nowhere to defeat 10-term representative Joe Crowley in New Yorks Democratic congressional primary.

Following the telephone call on Sunday, Mr Corbyn tweeted: Great to speak to @AOC on the phone this evening and hear first-hand how shes challenging the status quo.

Jeremy Corbyn spoke to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for about 45 minutes (Joe Giddens/PA)

Lets build a movement across borders to take on the billionaires, polluters and migrant baiters, and support a happier, freer and cleaner planet.

Ms Ocasio-Cortez replied: 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.

I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous.



Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too! 



Have a great weekend everyone :) pic.twitter.com/9y6ALOw4F6  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 4, 2019

Ms Ocasio-Cortez last month hit back at critics who tried to humiliate her with a video clip showing her dancing on a rooftop during her time as a Boston University undergraduate.

She responded by posting a video of herself dancing outside her congressional office to the Edwin Starr song War.

She tweeted: I hear the GOP thinks women dancing are scandalous. Wait till they find out Congresswomen dance too!
One of the oldest surviving copies of the Magna Carta has gone back on public display following an attempted theft.

Staff at Salisbury Cathedral had to wrestle a man wielding a hammer to the ground after the attempted theft in October last year.

Alarms were set off at the cathedral when an attempt was made to smash the protective glass box surrounding the ancient manuscript.

Visitors watched in horror as the protective glass casing around the historic document in the Chapter House of the building was smashed, leaving three holes in the display.

The manuscript, which is more than 800-years-old, was saved from being damaged by a second layer of glass.

Since the incident, the Magna Carta has been held in storage while work was carried out to replace the outer casing.

Emily Naish, cathedral archivist and curator of the Magna Carta exhibition, said: Something like this is an archivists nightmare and it was a great relief to know that the charter had escaped unscathed.

Luckily, no glass dust or shards had penetrated the seal on the inner case. I am thankful that both cases did the job they were designed to do and the document emerged unharmed.

Salisbury Cathedral archivist Emily Naish looks through holes in reinforced glass that were left after a hammer attack (Ben Birchall/PA)

The original case was made by specialist showcase makers Click Netherfield and installed at the cathedral in 2015 as part of Magna Carta 800  the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the 1215 Magna Carta in Runnymede.

Salisbury Cathedrals copy of the text is one of four that remain in existence from the original 1215 charter.

King John issued the Magna Carta after agreeing peace terms with a band of rebel barons and it is now one of the worlds most celebrated legal documents.

It established for the first time that neither monarch nor government was above the law and set out principles of liberty which echoed through the centuries.

The reinstalled original Magna Carta (Ben Birchall/PA)

The new case looks similar both in size and design, although there are significant differences that are not obvious to visitors.

During the three months the Magna Carta was in storage the cathedral exhibited a near perfect paper facsimile in its place.

Mrs Naish added: I know it is not the real thing, but the facsimile is an extraordinarily fine copy and we are lucky to have it.

Of course, a facsimile, however good, is never a complete substitute for visitors wanting the thrill of seeing the real Magna Carta in person, so it is fantastic that we are now able to have Magna Carta back on display in a safe and secure environment.

The damaged glass from the original case will be exhibited alongside Magna Carta in the exhibition, taking its place in the narrative and legacy of this remarkable document.

A 46-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released under investigation.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) - A Pakistani anti-graft tribunal has indicted the country's opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif over his alleged links to a multi-million dollar housing scam in the eastern city of Lahore.

Sharif was arrested in October on charges of abusing power as chief minister of Punjab from 2013 to 2018 by awarding contacts for the housing scheme to those connected to his Pakistan Muslim League party.

The court on Monday also indicted 10 other people on corruption charges in connection with a housing program for low-income citizens.

Sharif and the other co-accused denied the charges. Sharif leads the opposition in the lower house of parliament. He is free on bail pending trial, which starts next week.

His older brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from office in 2017 over corruption charges.
TIRANA - The parliamentary group of the Democratic Party, Albania's main center-right opposition block led by Lulzim Basha, has resigned from the National Assembly.

The decision was taken Monday unanimously by the 43 Democratic MPs (the Albanian Parliament has 140 seats) who accepted a proposal made last night by Basha.

The radical move was made to ''support a political solution for a government of transition, which should take the necessary steps to guarantee early elections in the respect of international standards'', explained Basha at the end of a long meeting of his parliamentary group.

The decision followed a violent demonstration of the opposition on Saturday in front of the government. Groups of protesters repeatedly tried to storm the government building and police officers responded with tear gas and water cannons.

The position of the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) is still unclear. The movement has 18 lawmakers and is the second-largest parliamentary group in the opposition. The majority of Socialist Premier Edi Rama, which has 78 seats, appears unconcerned for the time being. According to Albanian media, during a meeting Monday of his parliamentary group, Rama asked his MPs to continue preparations for local elections at the end of June, as originally planned. The opposition has announced it is organizing another protest on Thursday.


WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki canceled his plans to attend a meeting of central European leaders in Israel starting Monday amid new tensions over how Polish behavior during the Holocaust is remembered and characterized.

Morawiecki informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's of his decision by phone Sunday, Michal Dworczyk, who heads the prime minister's chancellery, said. Poland's foreign minister, Jacek Czaputowicz, plans to attend instead, he said.

It "is a signal that the historical truth is a fundamental issue for Poland, and the defense of the good name of Poland is and always will be decisive," Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek explained.

Netanyahu said Thursday during a Middle East conference hosted by the United States and Poland that "Poles cooperated with the Nazis" - wording suggesting that some Poles participated in killing Jews during the German occupation of Poland.

He was initially quoted by some Israeli media outlets as saying not "Poles" but "The Poles" cooperated, phrasing which could be taken as blaming the entire Polish nation.

Netanyahu's office said he was misquoted. The Polish government summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday and later said it was not satisfied with the explanation of the Israeli leader being quoted incorrectly.

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 file photo, United States Vice President Mike Pence, Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United State Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, from left, stand on a podium at a conference on Peace and Security in the Middle East in Warsaw, Poland. A two-day security conference in Warsaw was supposed to be a crowning achievement for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stamping a seal on his long-held goal of pushing his behind-the-scenes ties with Arab leaders into the open. Instead, the publicity-seeking Israeli leader made one embarrassing misstep after another, distracting attention from his main mission and sending his aides into a nonstop cycle of damage control. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)

Netanyahu was supposed to meet with the leaders of the four central European countries known as the Visegrad Group - Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia - during the two-day meeting in Israel.

This incident follows a major spat that Warsaw and Jerusalem had last year over a new Polish law that makes it illegal to blame the Polish nation for collaboration in the Holocaust.

At the height of the crisis, Morawiecki at one point equated Polish perpetrators of the Holocaust to supposed "Jewish perpetrators."

Now, with general and European elections later this year, Morawiecki bowed out of the Jerusalem trip because he "has to think about the far-right and anti-Semitic electorate," said Tomasz Lis, the editor of the Polish edition of Newsweek and a critic of the government.

Germany occupied Poland in 1939, annexing part of it to Germany and directly governing the rest. Unlike other countries occupied by Germany, Poland did not have a collaborationist government.

The prewar Polish government and military fled into exile, and an underground resistance army fought the Nazis inside the country and tried to warn a deaf world about the Holocaust. Thousands of Poles also risked their own lives to help Jews.

Because of that history, Poles find references to Polish "collaboration" to be unfair and hurtful.

However, individual Poles did take part in killing Jews during and after the war. Many Holocaust survivors and their relatives carry painful memories of persecution at Polish hands. In Israel, there has been anger at what many there perceive to be Polish attempts today to whitewash that history.

The dispute last sparked an explosion of anti-Semitic hate speech in Poland, and there were signs of another spike in recent days.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo has marked the 11th anniversary of its declaration of independence from Serbia with a parade featuring soldiers from the national army it created last year despite opposition.

President Hashim Thaci said the infantry troops carrying light weaponry on Sunday paraded as a "professional, multiethnic army serving the youngest country in the world."

Kosovo, a former Serbian province, transformed its security forces into a regular army last year despite Serbia's warnings it could lead to conflict. Some western nations advised a postponement.

A 1998-99 war for independence ended with a 78-day NATO air campaign. The U.N. then ran Kosovo until its 2008 declaration of independence, which is recognized by 116 countries, but not by Serbia.

Thousands of people watched the parade in downtown Pristina, which was decorated with national, Albanian and U.S. flags.

Kosovo Security Force members march during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Kosovo has celebrated its 11th anniversary of independence with a military a parade but still in tense relations with its former foe Serbia. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovars waving national and U.S flags gather, during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Kosovo has celebrated its 11th anniversary of independence with a military a parade but still in tense relations with its former foe Serbia. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovars waving national flags pose for a photo, during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Kosovo has celebrated its 11th anniversary of independence with a military a parade but still in tense relations with its former foe Serbia. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovo president Hashim Thaci, center, watches the Kosovo Security Force members parade, during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Thousands of civilians filled downtown Pristina Sunday decorated with national and U.S. flags while infantry troops with light weaponry of the Kosovo Security Forces, now transformed into a regular army, paraded as a "professional, multiethnic army serving the youngest country in the world," as President Hashim Thaci said. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovo Security Force members march during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence, in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Thousands of civilians filled downtown Pristina Sunday decorated with national and U.S. flags while infantry troops with light weaponry of the Kosovo Security Forces, now transformed into a regular army, paraded as a "professional, multiethnic army serving the youngest country in the world," as President Hashim Thaci said. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Kosovars wave national flags as they wait to watch a military parade, during celebrations to mark the 11th anniversary of independence in Pristina, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Thousands of civilians filled downtown Pristina Sunday decorated with national and U.S. flags while infantry troops with light weaponry of the Kosovo Security Forces, now transformed into a regular army, paraded as a "professional, multiethnic army serving the youngest country in the world," as President Hashim Thaci said. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) - Libyans on Sunday celebrated the eighth anniversary of their 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi, with a varying intensity of festivities underscoring the split between the country's east and west.

Thousands of people reveled in the western cities of Tripoli, Misrata and Zawiya, where bands played national songs and flags lined the streets. Those well-funded commemoration events, however, contrasted with the much more subdued festivities in the country's east.

With rival administrations at opposite ends of the country, oil-rich Libya has become a haven for armed groups that survive on looting and human trafficking. Authorities have yet to agree on a date or mechanism for presidential or parliamentary elections, which had initially been agreed upon for last year.

"I wish from God Almighty that this year will be a year of goodness, love and sincerity ... that we will be brothers and there will be national reconciliation," said Jalal al-Gobi, a resident of Misrata, a city in the west. "We want something tangible on the ground."

Libya remains largely a chaotic patchwork of territory run by militias and armed gangs, with rival administrations in Tripoli and the east.

The split pits a U.N.-backed government in Tripoli - a city largely controlled by an array of armed factions - against Benghazi-based strongman Gen. Khalifa Hifter, head of the self-styled Libyan National Army that's backed by Russia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2011 file photo, people stand on a tank inside a security forces compound in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. Libyans are celebrating the eighth anniversary of their 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, although the intensity of the festivities is underlining the split between the country's east and west. Hundreds of people reveled Sunday in the western cities of Tripoli, Misrata and Zawiya, where bands played and flags lined the streets. (AP Photo/Alagur, File)

A parliament in the eastern city of Tobruk is also internationally recognized.

While Hifter officially acknowledges the 2011 uprising that he himself fought in against Gadhafi as legitimate, he blames what he describes as its excesses for producing Islamic extremists he later spent years fighting in the East, as well as illegitimate gangs holding territory in the West.

In Benghazi, a city that once billed itself as the birthplace of Libya's uprising, only a few people gathered at the central courthouse, surrounded by buildings pockmarked with bullet holes from fighting that has raged between rival militias in the years since the uprising.

"How can we celebrate in our current situation as dozens die every day by clashes and the economic situation is in ruin and people are suffering," said Benghazi resident Saddam Abdusalem. "Why celebrate failure?"

The United Nations is seeking to hold a conference in Libya early this year to agree on a national agenda to rebuild the fractured nation and lay out the path to elections. The effort, however, has been delayed by Libyan representatives who must first agree on the basics for a new national consensus.

There has been some progress in stabilizing the country in recent months, with a tepid cease-fire holding in Tripoli after fighting between rival factions broke out there last summer. But the date and place of the hoped-for national conference remain unclear, and many of its potential participants question whether it is even feasible.

U.N. envoy Ghassan Salame has voiced optimism that elections for a new parliament and president could happen before the end of 2019, and that this time it could stick unlike various pacts that have collapsed in the past. The most recent similar conferences held last year in Paris and Palermo, Italy, have failed to produce a fresh accord.

The instability in the North African nation has raised great concern for Europe, the destination for waves of migrants fleeing poverty and wars across the Middle East and Africa. Human traffickers have exploited the lawlessness in Libya to use it as a launching pad for sending rickety boats across the Mediterranean to Italy, with thousands drowning along the way. Many migrants also end up detained in squalid smugglers' pens or crowded detention centers if captured by authorities.

In a Tweet to mark the anniversary, Amnesty International decried human rights abuses that have occurred since the uprising, saying it was time to end "arbitrary arrests, abductions, extrajudicial killings, torture & other ill-treatment," committed with impunity by "militias, armed groups and security forces."

While nostalgia for the Gadhafi era is rare, some Libyans have grown resentful of the 2011 NATO-backed intervention, originally justified as a move to protect protesting civilians from a potential slaughter by Gadhafi's troops.

"I won't be celebrating this catastrophe," said Tripoli resident Mohammed Farhat. "It may have started as a legitimate call for reforms, but later foreign countries got involved trying to control Libya's resources and turning its people against each other."

___

Rohan reported from Cairo
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Only the Syrian state can protect groups in northern Syria and the army will "liberate every inch of Syria" from foreign troops, Syrian President Bashar Assad said Sunday.

He did not specifically mention the planned withdrawal of 2,000 American troops from northern Syria, but in a televised speech in Damascus he said no one should bet on protection from the Americans.

He appeared to be referring to U.S.-allied Kurdish groups in the north who fear a Turkish assault once American troops withdraw from northeastern Syria. The U.S. has partnered with local Kurdish militias in the fight against the Islamic State group. The extremists are on the verge of territorial defeat in Syria and President Donald Trump has said he wants U.S. troops to leave Syria in the coming months.

Trump's announcement has raised fears that Turkey may soon be able to launch an offensive on the Kurdish fighters. Turkey considers the north Syria-based Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, a terrorist group linked to an insurgency within its own borders.

Assad suggested the U.S. had sold out its Kurdish partners, and said that the Syrian army will return to the area after the American troop pullout.

"To those groups who are betting on the Americans, we say the Americans will not protect you... the Americans will put you in their pockets to be used as bargaining tools," he said.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad speak during meeting with heads of local councils from all Syrian provinces, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2018. Assad said that only the Syrian army can protect groups in northern Syria. In a speech he appeared to be referring to U.S.-allied Kurdish groups, which fear a Turkish assault once American troops withdraw from northeastern Syria. (SANA via AP)

"Every inch of Syria will be liberated, and any intruder is an enemy," Assad added.

Speaking confidently about the Syrian army's military advances on the ground, Assad called on refugees around the world to return to Syria.

The Syrian civil war, now almost eight years old, has left around 450,000 people dead and displaced half the country's population, including around six million outside the country.

Western countries and human rights organizations have said the security situation is not yet stable enough for their return, and the U.N. has said it cannot guarantee safety for those who do.

Without naming them specifically, Assad accused foreign countries of blocking the return of refugees.

"Syria is in need of all its sons and we call on refugees to return to take part in the process of reconstruction," Assad said.

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks during a meeting with heads of local councils from all Syrian provinces, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2018. Assad said that only the Syrian army can protect groups in northern Syria. In a speech he appeared to be referring to U.S.-allied Kurdish groups, which fear a Turkish assault once American troops withdraw from northeastern Syria. (SANA via AP)

FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2018 file photo, a Syrian refugee holds a poster of President Bashar Assad in a bus window at the border crossing point of Jdedeh Yabous, on his way to Syria. Assad said Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, that only the Syrian army can protect groups in northern Syria. In a speech in the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, he appeared to be referring to U.S.-allied Kurdish groups, which fear a Turkish assault once American troops withdraw from northeastern Syria. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits, File)

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrian President Bashar Assad, center, speak during meeting with heads of local councils from all Syrian provinces, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2018. Assad said that only the Syrian army can protect groups in northern Syria. In a speech he appeared to be referring to U.S.-allied Kurdish groups, which fear a Turkish assault once American troops withdraw from northeastern Syria. (SANA via AP)
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - For nearly four years, Gavin Grimm has been suing his former school district after it banned him from using the boys bathrooms in high school.

Along the way, he's became a national face for transgender rights. His case almost went to the U.S. Supreme Court. He graduated and moved to California but kept fighting.

The school board in Virginia may finally be giving in, although not in court. It will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

"I have fought this legal battle for the past four years because I want to make sure that other transgender students do not have to go through the same pain and humiliation that I did," he said.

The Gloucester County School Board's meeting comes just months before a trial is set to begin over its current bathroom rules.

Grimm said the proposed policy "is far from perfect, but would represent an important first step for Gloucester." The policy "would also send the message to school districts across (Virginia) and the country that discrimination is unacceptable," he said.

FILE - In this March 6, 2017, file photo, Gloucester County High School senior Gavin Grimm, a transgender student, listens to a speaker during a news conference in Richmond, Va. Grimm is continuing to sue the Gloucester County School Board in Virginia over a policy that banned him from using the boys' bathrooms. He's now trying to amend the suit to include the matter of his unchanged transcripts. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)

Grimm has also been expanding his case against the school board. A federal judge ruled Thursday that he can sue over its refusal to change the gender on his high school transcript, which still lists him as female.

Grimm said the unchanged transcript will stigmatize him every time he applies to a college or potential employer that asks for it.

"I shouldn't have to be outed against my will in every situation where I would have to give that document," Grimm said during a phone interview from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he moved after graduating in 2017.

A court order legally made Grimm a man. And he is listed as male on his birth certificate, passport and a state-issued identification card in California.

The issue of Grimm's transcript highlights another concern in the transgender community that, like bathroom policies, remains far from settled across the nation.

Federal law does not directly address the issue. Some states, such as Massachusetts, provide explicit guidance to schools for updating records. Others, such as Virginia, do not provide a clear path forward to schools.

"The issue is certainly rising as more students express their gender identity," said Francisco M. Negron Jr., chief legal officer for the National School Boards Association.

"We would hope states offer clear guidance," he added. "The alternative is that students would have to make the case on their own, and school districts would not have the benefit of clarity under state law."

Paul D. Castillo, an attorney for the LGBT rights group Lambda Legal, said Grimm's effort to update his transcript is "not an isolated incident."

"But it might be one of the first challenges based on federal law to update a student's legal record," Castillo said.

David Corrigan, the lead attorney for the Gloucester County School Board, declined to comment on the case or on how it could be impacted by a possible policy change. The district is located about an hour east of Richmond.

Grimm's lawsuit has followed a circuitous path that almost included a stop at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court had scheduled arguments for 2017. But they were scrapped after the Trump Administration withdrew recommendations from the Obama-era to allow students to use the bathroom of their chosen gender.

As recently as December, Gloucester was still fighting the lawsuit as well as Grimm's efforts to bring his transcripts into it.

Grimm and the American Civil Liberties Union claim the policy violated his rights under the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause and federal policies that protect against sex discrimination. They make the same argument about Grimm's transcripts.

The school board had argued that its bathroom policy did not violate Grimm's rights but protected students' privacy.

Regarding the transcripts, the board says such records are a matter of state law, which shouldn't be argued in federal court.

Plus, the board said, Grimm has ignored federal guidance on such matters. The guidance recommends holding a hearing with school officials to discuss changing "misleading" or "inaccurate" information on a record.

If the board refuses to make a change, the guidance says a person can then place a statement with the contested record that lays out his or her point of view.

It's unclear if a change in the board's bathroom policy could lead to a change on Grimm's transcripts.

Since moving to California, Grimm has been studying at a community college and working as an activist and educator.

He's been able to avoid submitting his transcript to anyone so far. But that will likely change soon. He's looking for more traditional work and will eventually apply to four-year schools.

"I'm still tethered to 2017 by this document," he said. "It's unfair that a high school that put me through so much is able to wield that much negative influence over my adult life."
KADOMA, Zimbabwe (AP) - Searchers have recovered 24 bodies from a mine in Zimbabwe that was flooded after heavy rains, trapping dozens of subsistence miners underground.

Henrietta Rushwaya, leader of the country's small-scale miners' association, said Sunday that 23 of the bodies have been identified since the disaster on Tuesday near Kadoma.

Eight people were rescued from the flooded tunnels, and all but one have been discharged from a hospital after treatment.

The government is continuing its search, saying up to 70 gold miners may have been trapped after a dam wall collapsed and water rushed into nearby mining tunnels.

Large groups of people using picks, shovels and hoes are commonly seen in Zimbabwe's mineral-rich fields. The miners operate without regulation. Illegal mining has become rampant in a country where many people are unemployed.

A woman emerges from a tent where bodies of the small-scale gold miners who were caught underground Tuesday are being identified, on the outskirts of Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Eight subsistence miners who were trapped underground for several days after heavy flooding in Zimbabwe were rescued on Saturday, though dozens of their co-workers are still missing and feared dead. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's state TV is reporting that the country's President Hassan Rouhani has unveiled the first Iranian made semi-heavy submarine.

The Sunday report said the Fateh, "Conqueror" in Persian, is capable of being fitted with cruise missiles.

Since 1992, Iran has developed a homegrown defense industry that produces light and heavy weapons ranging from mortars and torpedoes to tanks and submarines.

The Fateh has subsurface-to-surface missiles with a range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), capable of reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.

In this photo released by official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani, center with white turban, and other dignitaries attend the inauguration of Fateh, "Conqueror" in Persian, Iranian made semi-heavy submarine in the southern port of Bandar Abbas, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The Fateh has subsurface-to-surface missiles with a range of about 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), capable of reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) - Libyan authorities helped free 14 Tunisian workers Sunday who were kidnapped by an armed group near Libya's capital, the Tunisian government said.

The Tunisian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Sunday night that the hostages had been seized Thursday in the town of Zawiva by militants demanding the release of a jailed Libyan. The Tunisians were released and taken to offices of the Zawiva security authorities, the statement said.

Tunisian Foreign Minister Khemais Jhinaoui phoned his Libyan counterpart to thank him and the Libyan unity government for helping the hostages.

Jhinaoui earlier had pressed Libyan authorities to take action. He met Saturday with Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Tahar Siala on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, according to another Tunisian government statement. The Libyan minister stressed his country was working to get the Tunisians freed, according to the statement.

Details on who was holding the Tunisian workers were not made public. The 14 were abducted on the outskirts of Zawiva, a city in western Libya.

The National Commission for Human Rights in Libya said late Saturday that the Tunisians were abducted while on their way to work at an oil refinery in Zawiva. It said the armed group, which it did not identify, demanded the release of a Libyan man, also unnamed, who was detained in Tunisia on drug-related charges.

In 2015, an armed militia stormed the Tunisian consulate in Tripoli and took 10 staff members hostage.

Libya slid into chaos after a 2011 uprising that toppled long-time ruler Moammar Gadhafi. The country is currently governed by militia-backed rival authorities in Tripoli and the east.
LONDON (AP) - The family of a British teenager who ran away to join the Islamic State group and now wants to return to the U.K. said Sunday she has given birth to a baby boy.

The family's lawyer said 19-year-old Shamima Begum and the baby are in good health. In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Begum said she had previously lost two babies to illness and malnutrition.

News about Begum and her desire to go back to Britain have ignited a debate in the U.K. about how to deal with citizens who joined IS and want to leave Syria now that the extremist group is on the verge of collapse.

Begum was one of a group of schoolgirls from London's Bethnal Green neighborhood who went to Syria to marry IS fighters in 2015 at a time when the group's online recruitment program lured many impressionable young people to its self-proclaimed caliphate.

Speaking to Britain's Sky News from Syria, where she has been living in a refugee camp, Begum said she didn't know what she was getting into when she left and wants to bring her baby back to Britain with her.

"I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything I've been through," she said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

This undated photo issued by the Metropolitan Police shows Shamima Begum. A pregnant British teenager who ran away from Britain to join Islamic State extremists in Syria four years ago has said she wants to come back to London, but her path home is not clear. Shamima Begum told The Times newspaper in a story published Thursday Feb. 14, 2019, that she wants to come back to London. (Metropolitan Police via AP)

"I just was hoping that maybe for me, for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back," the young woman said. "Because I can't live in this camp forever. It's not really possible."

"I don't want to take care of my child in this camp because I'm afraid he might even die in this camp," she said.

Begum said she had been only a "housewife" during her time with IS militants.

"I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria. So they'd only have proof I didn't anything that is dangerous," she said.

She added she had been "OK with" beheadings carried out by Islamic State adherents because she had heard it was allowed under Islamic law.

While it is unclear whether Begum committed any crimes and her legal status is uncertain, it's possible Begum could face charges for supporting IS if she returns to Britain. Some people in her native country have focused on her apparent lack of remorse and argue she would be a security threat to Britain.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who oversees immigration, wrote in the Sunday Times he would "not hesitate" to prevent the return of Britons who traveled abroad to join IS.

"If you do manage to return, you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted," Javid said.

Asked during the Sky interview if she felt she made a mistake going to Syria, Begum said: "In a way, yes. But I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person. It's made me stronger, tougher, you know."

Two days before the baby's birth was announced, Begum's relatives in Britain said they were "shocked" by her comments but thought she should be brought back and dealt with by the British justice system.

"The welfare of Shamima's unborn baby is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby, who is entirely blameless in these events," the family had said.

The family said it is concerned about Begum's mental health and characterizes her as having been groomed by Islamic State fighters.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is asking for prayers for this week's sex abuse summit at the Vatican, calling abuse an "urgent challenge of our time."

He has summoned bishops to Rome to help him chart a way forward after decades of abuse by priests and prelates and the systematic cover-ups of that by their superiors. The scandals have eroded Catholics' trust in the Vatican and in church leaders like bishops.

Francis told pilgrims and other visitors Sunday in St. Peter's Square that beginning Thursday, the heads of episcopal conferences worldwide will discuss "protection of minors in the church."

He said: "I ask prayers for this appointment, which I wanted as an act of strong pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge of our time."
SKOPJE - Police in North Macedonia in two separate operations Monday intercepted and blocked 22 migrants who were likely planning to enter Serbia illegally to travel to the European Union, local media said.

In the first operation, police stopped a vehicle with nine Pakistani citizens aboard in the country's south, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, and arrested the driver.

Later, police stopped a van with 13 Syrians aboard, and the driver managed to escape.

Authorities said the migrants will be taken back to Greece, where they entered North Macedonia. Macedonian police also said they apprehended a human trafficking organisation on Saturday that included a police officer.


JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Sunday that his government would allocate the necessary funds to complete a long-promised museum honoring Jewish World War II veterans.

The project has been bogged down in bureaucratic stalemate for more than a decade as donor money has dried up and the government has wavered on its degree of support. The museum appeared doomed when the government did not renew its matching funds commitment four years ago. But a recent private donation appears to have convinced Netanyahu to provide the remaining resources.

A designated 2,200-square-meter (23,500-square-foot) structure was built in Latrun, in central Israel, near the site of one of the most significant battles in Israel's 1948 war of independence. But it has remained empty for years.

"Today we are keeping another promise that we made a few years ago to our cherished veterans," Netanyahu said at his weekly Cabinet meeting. "This memorial site will now also include a display of the Jewish fighters who fought in World War II. I have the greatest admiration for them - they deserve this."

The story of the 1.5 million Jews who fought the Nazis - and the 250,000 who died in battle - has long been lost in Israel amid the larger tragedy of the Holocaust. The 550,000 Jewish-American soldiers who fought with the Allies, for instance, have been overlooked, including those who were among the first to liberate the Nazi concentration camps, where they comforted the prisoners in Yiddish.

The museum aims to rectify that oversight while some of the few remaining fighters are still alive.

This April 18, 2017 photo, shows the unfinished museum honoring Jewish World War II veterans, in Latrun, Israel. Israel's prime minister said Sunday Feb. 17, 2019 that his government will allocate the necessary funds to complete the long-promised establishment of a museum honoring Jewish World War II veterans. Netanyahu said Sunday he has "immense respect" for the Jewish fighters and they "deserve" a memorial. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)

Once the money starts flowing, it will take about 18 months to complete the work and inaugurate the museum, said Zvi Kan-Tor, a retired Israeli general who has been leading efforts to establish the Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II.

"We are very happy about the government's decision and look forward to its quick implementation," he told The Associated Press.

There are no museums in Israel devoted solely to Jews who fought the Nazis. Individual memorials exist, and a dwindling population of Soviet veterans still mark Victory Day with their medals pinned on old uniforms. The Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem has sections devoted to the partisans and rebels in the various ghettos.

But veterans say these are just snippets, and the museum in Latrun should serve as their legacy. Given their advanced age, they say time is of the essence.

"I'm happy this is finally happening," said Yitzhak Arad, a 92-year-old former Soviet partisan fighter who blew up 16 German supply trains as a teenager during the war. "I wish to myself that I will still be alive to see this museum open."

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Follow Heller at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - An Afghan official says a roadside bomb killed three civilians in the southern Kandahar province.

Gen. Tadeen Khan, the provincial police chief, says a small child was among those killed in Sunday's blast, which he blamed on the Taliban.

The insurgents routinely plant explosives targeting Afghan security forces, but the bombs often end up killing or maiming civilians.

In the northern Balkh province, the Taliban stormed a police checkpoint late Saturday, killing six police. Adel Shah Adel, spokesman for the provincial police chief, says the insurgents targeted a force charged with guarding a gas pipeline. The Taliban claimed the attack.
CAIRO (AP) - A Sudanese parliamentary committee tasked with amending the constitution to allow President Omar al-Bashir to run for another term abruptly canceled its meeting on Sunday, the sate-run news agency said, as hundreds of protesters in the capital called for an end to the president's three-decade rule.

SUNA said the meeting was scheduled for Sunday but was postponed for "emergency reasons" and that a new date would be announced later. It did not elaborate.

Sudan's constitution, amended in 2005, allows the president to run for two five-year terms.

In December, the Sudanese parliament, which is packed with members of al-Bashir's National Congress party, demanded a constitutional amendment to enable the president to serve an unlimited presidential term. He was elected in 2010 and 2015.

In Khartoum, police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters, according to local activists. The doctor's union said a protester named Abu Bakr Yussef, 62, died from suffocation after tear gas was fired in the capital's northern Bahri district.

Online video footage showed protesters in Khartoum chanting: "Freedom, peace, justice" and "Revolution is people's choice." It also showed a street vendor being wounded in clashes between protesters and police forces. The activists said the injured vendor was taken to a nearby hospital.

FILE - In this June 14, 2015 file photo, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir smiles during a visit to Johannesburg, South Africa. Sudan's sate-run news agency said Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, that a parliamentary committee tasked with amending the constitution to allow al-Bashir to run for another term has abruptly canceled its meeting that was scheduled for Sunday for "emergency reasons." Sudan has been rocked by a wave of protests since December calling on al-Bashir, who seized power in a 1989 military coup, to step down. (AP Photo/Shiraaz Mohamed, File)

The activists spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. A government spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sunday's protests, called for by professional and opposition groups, were the latest in a wave of demonstrations that began across much of Sudan on Dec. 19, first against price rises and shortages but soon after began calling for the ouster of al-Bashir. They coincide with worsening economic woes that saw a currency devaluation spiking prices, fuel shortages and a steep rise in the price of bread, a main fare for most Sudanese.

Activists say the death of Yussef, the protester, has raised the protests' death toll to at least 58 people. The government's latest tally stands at 30 killed, but its figures have not been updated in days.

Al-Bashir, in power since a 1989 military coup he led, insists that only elections, in which he intends to run, can bring change.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's prime minister has appointed an interim foreign minister after holding the post himself for the last four years.

Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that Transportation Minister Israel Katz would serve as foreign minister until the formation of a new government after April elections.

A good governance group petitioned Israel's Supreme Court against Netanyahu's multitude of roles after he took over the defense minister's portfolio following his resignation late last year. Netanyahu also serves as Israel's health minister.

Katz recently finished first among serving ministers in the ruling Likud party primaries, and the upgrade solidifies his position as Netanyahu's top deputy and potential successor. Katz says he'll run for party chairman and prime minister after Netanyahu retires.

Israeli transportation Minister Israel Katz attends the cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. On Sunday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Katz as interim foreign minister after holding the post himself for the last four years. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2018 file photo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, listens to then Transportation and Intelligence Minister Israel Katz during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem. Netanyahu announced Sunday, Feb 17, 2019 that he has appointed Katz an interim foreign minister after holding the post himself for the last four years. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner, Pool)
MUNICH (AP) - Europeans need to do more than talk if they want to preserve a deal meant to keep Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States, Iran's foreign minister said Sunday, slamming Washington as the "biggest source of destabilization" in the Middle East.

Mohammad Javad Zarif told a gathering of world leaders, top defense officials and diplomats that a barter-type system known as INSTEX, which was set up last month by France, Germany and Britain to allow businesses to skirt direct financial transactions with Iran and thereby evade possible U.S. sanctions, is not enough.

"Many around the world, particularly on this continent, speak eloquently about multilateralism, but they also need to walk the walk," Zarif told the Munich Security Conference in an impassioned address. "INSTEX falls short of the commitments by (European countries) to save the nuclear deal. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against a dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism."

The three European nations, as well as Russia, China and the European Union as a whole, have been struggling to save the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran since President Donald Trump announced a unilateral American withdrawal from it last year and re-imposed sanctions on Iran.

The deal promises Iran relief from sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear program, and so far the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that Tehran has been living up to its obligations.

Those working to preserve the agreement have been trying to walk a fine line between mollifying Iran without angering Washington. Zarif's comments appeared directed at European assurances that INSTEX could concentrate on products not currently subject to U.S. sanctions, such as medicine, medical supplies and agricultural goods, rather than on broader trade.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

On Saturday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence slammed INSTEX and urged others to abandon the nuclear deal entirely.

"The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime," Pence said before leaving Germany. "The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal."

Before Pence spoke, German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the Iran deal, saying while she shared concerns about Iran's missile program and its regional ambitions, it was important to keep "the small anchor we have (with Iran) in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas."

Merkel's comments, and her defense of global diplomacy instead of a go-it-alone foreign policy, drew lengthy applause.

Zarif told the conference that Pence had "arrogantly demanded that Europe must join the United States in undermining its own security and breaking its obligations" and urged them to push back against American pressure.

"If the United States were to come, in the course of their fight with China, and tell Europe to stop dealing with China, what would you do?" he asked. "Whatever you want to do then, do now, in order to prevent that eventuality."

He would not comment on whether the nuclear deal will survive without the U.S. but said Iran was not prepared to renegotiate it as Trump has suggested.

"Nothing can be done that is better than this deal," he said. "It's not all we want and it's certainly not all the United States wants but it's the best that can be achieved."

Responding to Pence's comments that Iran was the "greatest threat to peace in the Middle East," Zarif said the U.S. had an "unhealthy fixation" with Iran and was itself the "single biggest source of destabilization in our neighborhood."

"The U.S. claims ... that it is Iran which is interfering in the region, but has it ever been asked whose region?" Zarif said. "Just glimpse at a map for a second - the U.S. military has traveled 10,000 kilometers to dot all our borders with its bases. There is a joke that it is Iran's fault that it put itself in the middle of all (the) U.S. bases."

Zarif also accused the U.S. administration of looking for regime change in Iran - something Washington denies - and said Israel was "looking for war" with "violations of Lebanon's air space and shooting into Syria."

"The risk (of war) is great, but the risk will be even greater if you continue to turn a blind eye to severe violations of international law," he said.

Benny Gantz, a former Israeli military chief and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu's primary challenger in the upcoming April election, responded in a separate forum, slamming Iranian aggression in the region.

"On my watch, there will be no appeasement (of Iran). On my watch, Iran will not threaten Israel by taking over Syria, Lebanon or Gaza strip," he said. "On my watch, Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

Gantz told the audience, speaking of Zarif: "do not be deceived by his eloquence. Do not be fooled by his lies."

The Munich Security Conference is an annual gathering of world leaders and defense and foreign policy officials.

___

Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

United States Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, left, shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's parliament speaker said Sunday that an attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan," which he said should answer for it.

Ali Larijani's remarks, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, came after Iranian officials initially accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of being behind the attack. The Gulf Arab states are deeply suspicious of Tehran and at war with Iran-aligned rebels in Yemen.

Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan's ambassador on Sunday to protest the attack.

Pakistan condemned Wednesday's attack and its foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, by phone on Sunday to assure him that Pakistan would fully cooperate in the investigation, according to two government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief media.

The militant Sunni group Jaish al-Adl, which claimed responsibility, is believed to operate from havens in neighboring Pakistan.

The head of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, on Saturday accused Pakistan's security forces of supporting the militants and said Iran expects it to "punish" them.

Mourners carry flag-draped caskets during a mass funeral for those killed in a suicide car bombing that targeted members of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard in earlier in the week, killing at least 27 people, in Isfahan, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. The head of the Guard has threatened to retaliate against neighboring Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates over the bombing. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani meanwhile vowed "revenge for the blood of these martyrs," in remarks broadcast Sunday on state TV.

"They cannot escape God's and Iranian people's vengeance," Rouhani said.

Pakistan is closely allied with Saudi Arabia but has tried to maintain a balancing act between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to visit Pakistan Sunday after delaying his arrival by one day without providing an explanation.

Mourners reach out to touch the caskets of those killed in a suicide car bombing that targeted members of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard in earlier in the week, killing at least 27 people, in Isfahan, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. The head of the Guard has threatened to retaliate against neighboring Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates over the bombing. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
PARIS (AP) - An upsurge in anti-Semitism in France reached a climax this weekend with a torrent of hate speech directed at a distinguished philosopher during a march of yellow vest protesters, adding to questions about the radicalized fringes of the movement hidden within French society and troubling the nation.

Paris judicial authorities opened an investigation Sunday into anti-Semitic remarks hurled at Alain Finkielkraut a day earlier as he accompanied his mother-in-law to her Left Bank home in Paris.

The investigation is being conducted into "public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion" after a band of men in the protest march raged at Finkielkraut. "Go back to Tel Aviv," ''Zionist," and "France is our land" were among the insults captured on video.

The assault came days after the government said anti-Semitic incidents in France soared last year in what Interior Minister Christophe Castaner called a "poison" spreading "like a venom" and "rotting minds."

The scene with Finkielkraut was a vicious verbal interlude as thousands of protesters made their way through Paris for the 14th consecutive Saturday of demonstrations by the yellow vest movement. The movement, whose marches have been marked by violence and destruction, has become the top domestic challenge for President Emmanuel Macron, who is accused by demonstrators of favoring the haves over have-nots.

Several thousand protesters gathered again Sunday in Paris to mark the three-month anniversary of the movement, which started Nov. 17 with nationwide protests over fuel tax increases. But the sparse turnout reflected a growing disenchantment with the grassroots phenomenon, once heartily supported, but increasingly divided and violent.

Yellow vest protesters march during a protest in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. French yellow vest protesters are marking three months since the kickoff of their anti-government movement, as anti-Semitic remarks by some demonstrators have raised national concern about the movement's ascendant radical fringe. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Finkielkraut, a member of the prestigious Academie Francaise, said in two TV interviews Sunday that he is worried by the changing nature of the movement that he initially supported.

But he told French television station LCI he doesn't intend to file a complaint.

"I want one thing: I want to know who they are. ... What movement do they belong to?" Finkielkraut said on LCI.

There are suspicions, and clear clues, that some extremist groups have infiltrated the yellow vest movement.

Finkielkraut and others point to ultra-leftists and the ultra-right as likely forces behind violence. He also pointed to a comedian known as Dieudonne and an intellectual, Alain Soral, both convicted in the past of racism. Dieudonne showed up at one yellow vest event.

Finkielkraut singled out one bearded, screaming man in the video.

"He told me, (a) Jewish (man), that 'France belongs to us,'" Finkielkraut said in an interview with BFMTV. "This phrase is terrible, extraordinarily threatening," just like "dirty racist" or "dirty Zionist."

The man also said that "God will punish you," Finkielkraut said.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner tweeted Sunday that the main suspect in the stream of insults had been identified.

BFMTV said the person is a Salafi, a follower of a Muslim strain that makes a literal reading of the Quran holy book. The report could not be immediately confirmed.

For Finkielkraut, whose parents immigrated from Poland in the 1930s and whose father was sent from France to Auschwitz for three years, anti-Semitism in France has changed its language.

Injuries like "dirty Jew" have been replaced by "dirty racist," he said, adding that this is more worrisome than fascism, which "you can mobilize against."

"Don't mix up the eras and think we are reliving the 1930s" with a rise of Hitler, he insisted on LCI, noting he has been attacked at two other events since 2014, once spat upon.

Today "they tell you that the Jews are doing exactly the same thing in Palestine ... They will condemn the Jews today because it's the Holocaust that Palestinians are enduring," he said.

Last week, the government reported a huge jump in incidents of anti-Semitism last year: 541 registered incidents, compared to 311 in 2017.

However, one anti-Semitic incident last week appeared to contradict Finkielkraut's hypothesis that fascist signs are being replaced with a "cleaned-up language." Swastika graffiti was found Feb. 11 on street portraits of Simon Veil, a Holocaust survivor considered a French national treasure for her life's work.

In other acts a week ago, the word "Juden" was painted on the window of a bagel restaurant in Paris and two trees planted at a memorial honoring a young Jewish man tortured to death in 2006 were vandalized, one cut down.

Macron was quick to condemn the verbal attacks on Finkielkraut, tweeting they are the "absolute negation of what we are."

Finkielkraut expressed doubt the Gilets Jaunes protesters were among those shouting at him, although his attackers wore the movement's adopted garb - the fluorescent yellow safety vests required in all French calls for emergencies.

The movement has broadened from protesting fuel tax hike to include a range of concerns about France's living standards and the economic stresses facing ordinary families.

Numerous political parties are holding an anti-Semitism rally in Paris on Tuesday. However, Finkielkraut said he didn't yet know whether he would attend.

Yellow vest protesters gather at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. French yellow vest protesters are marking three months since the kickoff of their anti-government movement, as anti-Semitic remarks by some demonstrators have raised national concern about the movement's ascendant radical fringe. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters march and shout slogans during a protest in Paris, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. French yellow vest protesters are marking three months since the kickoff of their anti-government movement, as anti-Semitic remarks by some demonstrators have raised national concern about the movement's ascendant radical fringe. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Riot police officers hide behind statues amid tear gas canisters during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Hundreds of yellow vest protesters marched through Paris, one of seven scattered demonstrations in the French capital Saturday, for the 14th straight weekend. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters walk through tear gas during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters with portraits of Che Guevara on their vest march during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

A protester walks away during scuffles Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Hundreds of yellow vest protesters marched through Paris, one of seven scattered demonstrations in the French capital Saturday, for the 14th straight weekend. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters march during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Riot police officers detain a protester during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Riot police officers detain a protester during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters march during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Yellow vest protesters march during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Yellow vest protesters wear jackets reading "Macron manipulative" and "Castaner go away" referring to French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
BAGHOUZ, Syria (AP) - From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill - encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

"They are taking their last breath," said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometers (1 miles) from the militants' last spot.

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which IS were uprooted in recent weeks.

In Hajin, a major center for the militants that fell to the SDF in December, some residents have begun to return but the town remains battered by the fighting and airstrikes. Small shops selling tools and construction material have sprung up.

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand in an area recently taken by SDF as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

For weeks, the militants fought desperately for their shrinking territory. Once in control of about a third of Syria and Iraq, they now are down to what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. But they are holding on to hundreds of civilians - some of them possibly hostages - taking cover among them at the edge of Baghouz, the village in eastern Deir el-Zour province.

"Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," preventing civilians from leaving, said Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, referring to IS by its Arabic acronym.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and the presence of possible captives could explains the slow final push, they added.

As civilians trickled out of the enclave in recent weeks, the SDF and coalition officials screened them. Women and children were transferred to camps miles away; men suspected of links to the militant group were taken into custody at other facilities.

SDF commanders said some of the hostages taken from their force have been freed in recent days. Fighters at the base said one of their colleagues was set free in the last two days.

Khatib Othman, an SDF fighter, came back from the front line a few days ago to take a break. His brother, also an SDF fighter, was taken hostage by IS in the last weeks of fighting. He is now believed to be held in Iraq as a suspected militant and negotiations are underway to free him.

"We want to take revenge. We will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste," Othman said. "We are waiting for the civilians to go out, and we will go in and attack. It is a matter of days. They are under siege, no food and no water. They are encircled from four sides. They have to give up."

He added that the militants are running out of ammunition.

The capture of the last pocket of IS territory in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a four-year global campaign to crush the extremist group's so-called caliphate. It has been a long and destructive battle. In decline since 2016, the militant group was stripped of its self-declared capital of Raqqa, in Syria, in the summer of 2017, leaving behind a destroyed city whose residents are still struggling to return.

In Deir el-Zour, the SDF and the coalition have battled to uproot the militants from villages and towns on the eastern banks of the Euphrates since September.

Battle-hardened militants, including some of the group's leading fighters and foreign commanders, had taken refuge in the area between Syria and Iraq. They fought back, dispatching suicide bombers from underground tunnels, deploying female fighters and launching counteroffensives that reclaimed many of the villages for weeks. Nearly 700 SDF fighters were killed in fighting that left at least 1,300 militants and over 400 civilians dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

"We will very soon bring good news to the whole world," Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles from Baghouz.

But experts and U.S. defense officials warn that IS still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.

Thousands of IS fighters and their families have emerged in the past few months from the group's last enclave. The SDF is holding 900 foreign fighters in lockups and camps in northern Syria, and their fate is a major concern, particularly as U.S. troops prepare to withdraw from Syria. In a tweet Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Britain, France and Germany and other European countries to take back their militants and put them on trial at home.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall," Trump said. He suggested the alternative would be that the U.S. would be forced to release them.

"We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!" he added.

The Kurdish forces and officials have said the same in recent weeks, appealing to countries to take back their militants.

Bali, the SDF spokesman, declined to comment on Trump's statement.

A man selling chicken sits in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Hajin, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter rides past destroyed homes and vehicles in a village recently retaken from Islamic State militants in Susah, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters talk in the Omar Oil Field base, Syria, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit outside a building as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Damaged cars sit in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Susah, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter walks out of a building recently taken by SDF as the fight against Islamic State militants continues in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A Humvee drives in a village recently retaken from Islamic State militants by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) near Baghouz, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters eat in a building as the fight against Islamic State militants continues in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter looks out the window from a building recently taken by SDF as the fight against Islamic State militants continues in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The United Arab Emirates' yearslong war in Yemen alongside Saudi Arabia bled into the start of a biennial Abu Dhabi arms fair Sunday, which saw the Emirates sign $1.3 billion in weapons deals.

One manufacturer displayed a model of a machine gun on sale that's now in the hands of Emirati-backed militiamen in Yemen, while the armored personnel carriers and tanks used in the war in the Arab world's poorest country also could be seen at the show. Even the military show that began the fair included troops raiding a militant hideout equipped with both mobile and land-based ballistic missiles, just like those in the possession of Yemen's Houthi rebels.

While Emirati officials avoided discussing Yemen, allied American officials linked arms smuggling there to what they described as the wider malign activities of Iran across the greater Middle East.

"My assumption is there are still things going into Yemen that I need to stop. . There is nothing good happening by arms being illegally shipped into Yemen," said Vice Adm. James Malloy, the head of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet command that oversees the region. "It is destabilizing. It delays peace there. It exacerbates the disastrous humanitarian crisis that we're facing in Yemen and delays humanitarian efforts coming in."

Discussing the Houthis, Malloy added: "We see the world trying to end this thing and one group doing nothing to end it - probably the opposite."

The UAE entered Yemen's war in March 2015 alongside Saudi Arabia to back Yemen's internationally recognized government, which the Houthis had pushed out of the capital, Sanaa. The Emirates largely has handled ground operations in the conflict while the Saudis have bombed from the air.

An explosion strikes during a military demonstration targeting a theatrical "ballistic missile launchpad" at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The war has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine and killed more than 60,000 people since 2016, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, or ACLED, which tracks the conflict.

Atrocities have been common in the war.

Saudi airstrikes have hit markets and hospitals, killing civilians. Associated Press investigations have shown how the UAE negotiated secret deals with al-Qaida in Yemen fighters and that coalition forces tortured and sexually abused detainees. Meanwhile, the Houthis have indiscriminately laid land mines, employed child soldiers and tortured political opponents.

The U.S. had backed the Saudi-led coalition with midair refueling and targeting information. American lawmakers, angered by the Oct. 2 assassination and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, have been pushing to withdraw U.S. support.

The Houthis also have fired over 150 ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia, some even reaching as far as its capital, Riyadh. The West, United Nations experts and the Saudi-led coalition say Iran has helped supply the Shiite rebels with the missiles, something Iran denies.

That preoccupation with ballistic missiles fueled the opening ceremony of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference. The unnamed militia threatened to launch ballistic missiles, leading to an all-out assault by troops in armored vehicles, tanks, helicopters and jets. The demonstration's climax saw a fake ballistic missile slowly emerge from an underground silo, only to be destroyed by an airstrike.

That worry also saw the Emirates sign a $355-million deal Sunday with Raytheon Co. of Waltham, Massachusetts, for surface-to-air Patriot missiles to protect against such launches.

Drones and other weaponry have been recovered from the Houthis and appear to be Iranian, experts say. Meanwhile, Western-made arms like those on display Sunday have ended up in the hands of militiamen in Yemen.

Rights group Amnesty International criticized Belgium's FN Herstal for displaying its 5.56 mm Minimi machine gun at the arms fair as it has been seen in the hands of Emirati-aligned militiamen. FN Herstal officials at the fair declined to comment.

The military buildup in the Emirates and elsewhere in the region has come amid concerns about Iran's influence after the 2015 nuclear deal it struck with world powers. While Iran continues to abide by its promise to limit its enrichment of uranium, the U.S. under President Donald Trump has pulled out of the accord.

Malloy, the head of the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, didn't hesitate to describe Iran's actions in the region as "destabilizing," citing its renewed threats about cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded by sea passes.

"The activities and the exercises that they engage in are inherently offensive in nature," the vice admiral said.

Iran, however, didn't represent the only ongoing geopolitical challenge seen at the arms fair. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir, who often attends the arms fair, was a no-show amid the ongoing protests challenging his rule though his country displayed some of its weapons for sale. Bangladesh Prime Minsiter Sheikh Hasina attended the fair's opening ceremony, as did Guinea's prime minister and Chechen regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Meanwhile, China displayed weapons for sale ranging from missile launchers to drones. Already, China has sold armed drones to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Emiratis in particularly had wanted American-made armed drones, but the Obama administration opposed the sales over the Missile Technology Control Regime, a 30-year-old agreement that aims to limit the spread of missile technology. Under Trump, the U.S. has permitted U.S. manufacturers to directly market and sell drones, including armed versions. The government still must approve and license the sales.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, acknowledged those efforts Sunday.

"We do understand that it's a very competitive world out there and we want to ensure that we're doing everything in our power to provide us systems the best in the world to our partners," Hooper said.

Soldiers in an armored personnel carrier roar through a military demonstration at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

A soldier travels down a zip line during a military demonstration at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Soldiers in an attack vehicle drive by other troops during a military demonstration at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Troops raid a building during a military demonstration at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Hooper, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, speaks to journalists at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. The biennial arms show in Abu Dhabi comes as the United Arab Emirates faces increasing criticism for its role in the yearlong war in Yemen. Hooper said that American authorities continue to look at changing rules governing the sale of drones to its foreign partners, particularly as China increasingly sells armed drones to Mideast nations. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - Thousands of people have rallied in Serbia's capital for 11th week in a row against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government.

The crowds at Saturday's protest lit flares outside the parliament building chanting anti-government slogans. Opposition parties meanwhile offered an "agreement" to the citizens pledging to restore democracy they say Vucic has stifled.

The street protests have spread to other towns challenging Vucic, a former extreme nationalist who now says he supports Serbia's European Union membership bid.

Critics accuse Vucic of stifling hard-won democratic freedoms in the country that went through a series of wars during the 1990s. Protests against Vucic started after thugs beat up an opposition leader last November.

Beleaguered opposition parties say they will boycott any future elections in Serbia unless they are free and fair.

People light flares in front of the Serbian parliament building during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People gather in front of the Serbian parliament building during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People gather in front of the Serbian parliament building during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People march during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People march during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People march during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People march during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People march during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

People light flares in front of the Serbian parliament building during a protest march against populist President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. People protested against what they say is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's autocratic rule. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
BEIRUT - Intense artillery fighting is underway Monday in Syria between government-controlled areas and those under the control of anti-regime militants in the regions of Idlib, Hama, and Latakia, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and sources on the ground.

The area has been under a ceasefire for months, negotiated by Russia on behalf of the Syrian government and by Turkey on behalf of the armed opposition.

Government forces have continued to bombard the areas between Hama and Idlib with artillery, in particular the areas of Khan Shaykhun, Qalaat al Madiq and Maarrat an Numan, sources said.

Anti-regime and al-Qaeda militants in the area shot artillery into the mountains in the region of Latakia and the Orontes River plain north of Hama.

This new outbreak of violence in northeastern Syria began in recent days, concurrent with a summit in Sochi between Russia, Turkey and Iran to define zones of influence in the area.


Aurora shooter's permit was revoked but gun wasn't seized

AURORA, Ill. (AP) - An initial background check failed to detect a felony conviction that should have barred the man who killed five co-workers and wounded six others at a suburban Chicago manufacturing plant from buying the gun.

Months later, a second background check of Gary Martin found his 1995 aggravated assault conviction in Mississippi involving the stabbing of an ex-girlfriend. But it prompted only a letter stating his gun permit had been revoked and ordering him to turn over his firearm to police - raising questions about the state's enforcement to ensure those who lose their permits also turn over their weapons.

A vigil for the victims, including a university student on his first day as an intern and a longtime plant manager, was scheduled for Sunday in Aurora, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

Martin, 45, was killed in a shootout with officers Friday, ending his deadly rampage at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora. His state gun license permit was revoked in 2014, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.

But he never gave up the .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun he used in the attack. Investigators are still trying to determine what exactly law enforcement agencies did after that letter was sent, Ziman said.

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White House indicates Trump to veto disapproval of emergency

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump is prepared to issue the first veto of his term if Congress votes to disapprove his declaration of a national emergency along the U.S.-Mexico border, a top White House adviser said on Sunday.

White House senior adviser Stephen Miller told "Fox News Sunday" that "the president is going to protect his national emergency declaration." Asked if that meant Trump was ready to veto a resolution of disapproval, Miller added, "He's going to protect his national emergency declaration, guaranteed."

The West Wing is digging in for fights on multiple fronts as the president's effort to go around Congress to fund his long-promised border wall faces bipartisan criticism and multiple legal challenges. After lawmakers in both parties blocked his requests for billions of dollars to fulfill his signature campaign pledge, Trump's declared national emergency Friday shifts billions of federal dollars earmarked for military construction to the border.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra told ABC's "This Week" that his state would sue "imminently" to block the order, after the American Civil Liberties Union and the nonprofit watchdog group Public Citizen announced Friday they were taking legal action.

Democrats are planning to introduce a resolution disapproving of the declaration once Congress returns to session and it is likely to pass both chambers. Several Republican senators are already indicating they would vote against Trump - though there do not yet appear to be enough votes to override a veto by the president.

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'Taking their last breath': IS hides among Syrian civilians

BAGHOUZ, Syria (AP) - From a self-proclaimed caliphate that once spread across much of Syria and Iraq, the Islamic State group has been knocked back to a speck of land on the countries' shared border. In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, hundreds of militants are hiding among civilians under the shadow of a small hill - encircled by forces waiting to declare the territorial defeat of the extremist group.

A spokesman for the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighting the militants said Sunday that the group is preventing civilians from leaving the area, closing a corridor from which nearly 40,000 residents have managed to escape since December.

"They are taking their last breath," said Dino, an SDF fighter deployed at a base near the front line in the village of Baghouz, about 2 kilometers (1 miles) from the militants' last spot.

An Associated Press team visited the base Sunday, escorted by the SDF, driving past mostly one-story rural houses that were destroyed, a reminder of the cost of the battle. Occasional airstrikes and artillery rounds by the U.S.-led coalition supporting the SDF, meant to clear land mines for the advance, could be seen in the distance.

The road to the base passes through a number of villages and towns from which IS were uprooted in recent weeks.

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Family: UK teen who joined Islamic State has baby in Syria

LONDON (AP) - The family of a British teenager who ran away to join the Islamic State group and now wants to return to the U.K. said Sunday she has given birth to a baby boy.

The family's lawyer said 19-year-old Shamima Begum and the baby are in good health. In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Begum said she had previously lost two babies to illness and malnutrition.

News about Begum and her desire to go back to Britain have ignited a debate in the U.K. about how to deal with citizens who joined IS and want to leave Syria now that the extremist group is on the verge of collapse.

Begum was one of a group of schoolgirls from London's Bethnal Green neighborhood who went to Syria to marry IS fighters in 2015 at a time when the group's online recruitment program lured many impressionable young people to its self-proclaimed caliphate.

Speaking to Britain's Sky News from Syria, where she has been living in a refugee camp, Begum said she didn't know what she was getting into when she left and wants to bring her baby back to Britain with her.

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'Carer-feeder': Gillibrand plays up motherhood in 2020 race

WASHINGTON (AP) - Kirsten Gillibrand had a flurry of pots on the stove and steak, haddock, peas, steamed vegetables and rice on the menu.

She had a cable news appearance coming up in a few hours, but for now, her 10-year-old son entertained the family goldendoodle, Maple, a few feet away.

The New York senator was game to talk about motherhood, leadership, her policies and her pursuit of the nation's highest office, she told a reporter. But first she needed to save dinner.

"I need to focus, because I'm about to burn the fish," she said. "I've reached my point of capacity."

As she cranks up her presidential campaign, Gillibrand isn't trying to hide her working-mom juggle -- she's running on it. More than any other contender in a field crowded with women, the mom of two is using her dual roles of mother and candidate to pitch herself to Democratic voters.

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School board in Virginia may end transgender bathroom ban

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - For nearly four years, Gavin Grimm has been suing his former school district after it banned him from using the boys bathrooms in high school.

Along the way, he's became a national face for transgender rights. His case almost went to the U.S. Supreme Court. He graduated and moved to California but kept fighting.

The school board in Virginia may finally be giving in, although not in court. It will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

"I have fought this legal battle for the past four years because I want to make sure that other transgender students do not have to go through the same pain and humiliation that I did," he said.

The Gloucester County School Board's meeting comes just months before a trial is set to begin over its current bathroom rules.

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Return to sender: High court to hear undeliverable mail case

WASHINGTON (AP) - Mitch Hungerpiller thought he had a first-class solution for mail that gets returned as undeliverable, a common problem for businesses that send lots of letters.

But the process he helped develop and built his small Alabama technology company around has resulted in a more than decadelong fight with the U.S. Postal Service, which says his solution shouldn't have been patentable. The David vs. Goliath dispute has now arrived at the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the justices will hear Hungerpiller's case, which involves parsing the meaning of a 2011 patent law.

"All I want is a fair shake," said Hungerpiller, who lives in Birmingham and is a father of three.

Hungerpiller, 56, started thinking seriously about returned mail in 1999 when he was doing computer consulting work. While visiting clients he kept seeing huge trays of returned mail. He read that every year, billions pieces of mail are returned as undeliverable, costing companies and the Postal Service time and money.

So he decided to try to solve the problem. He developed a system that uses barcodes, scanning equipment and computer databases to process returned mail almost entirely automatically. His clients, from financial services companies to marketing companies, generally direct their returned mail to Hungerpiller's company, Return Mail Inc., for processing. Clients can get information about whether the mail was actually correctly addressed and whether there's a more current address.

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Polish PM cancels Israel visit amid new Holocaust tensions

WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki canceled his plans to attend a meeting of central European leaders in Israel starting Monday amid new tensions over how Polish behavior during the Holocaust is remembered and characterized.

Morawiecki informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's of his decision by phone Sunday, Michal Dworczyk, who heads the prime minister's chancellery, said. Poland's foreign minister, Jacek Czaputowicz, plans to attend instead, he said.

It "is a signal that the historical truth is a fundamental issue for Poland, and the defense of the good name of Poland is and always will be decisive," Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek explained.

Netanyahu said Thursday during a Middle East conference hosted by the United States and Poland that "Poles cooperated with the Nazis" - wording suggesting that some Poles participated in killing Jews during the German occupation of Poland.

He was initially quoted by some Israeli media outlets as saying not "Poles" but "The Poles" cooperated, phrasing which could be taken as blaming the entire Polish nation.

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Disgraced ex-Congressman Anthony Weiner released from prison

AYER, Mass. (AP) - Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York.

It's not immediately clear when Weiner was transferred and where he's staying now, but Weiner will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The prison bureau, federal prosecutors in New York and Weiner's lawyer didn't respond to emails seeking comment Sunday.

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts, in November 2017.

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Patrick Caddell, pollster to Jimmy Carter, dies at 68

WASHINGTON (AP) - Patrick Caddell, the pollster who helped propel Jimmy Carter in his longshot bid to win the presidency and later distanced himself from Democrats, has died, a colleague said Saturday night. He was 68.

Caddell died Saturday in Charleston, South Carolina, after suffering a stroke. That's according to Professor Kendra Stewart of the College of Charleston, who confirmed the death to The Associated Press.

After working with Democrats in the 1970s and 1980s, Caddell eventually drifted away from the Democratic Party and began advising supporters of Republican Donald Trump, including a close relationship with former Trump campaign strategist Steve Bannon, and was a contributor to Fox News for a time.

Caddell worked for 1972 Democratic nominee George McGovern, then joined with Carter in the mid-1970s to develop a campaign strategy to overcome the cynicism spawned by the Vietnam War and Watergate. In an oral history for the University of Virginia's Miller Center, Caddell said Carter's best bet was to present himself as an outsider who could help heal the country.

As a student at Harvard, Caddell had studied Southern politics and was helpful to Carter and his close advisers as they studied how to maneuver their campaign between the competing forces of the McGovern liberals and supporters of conservative firebrand George Wallace.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Patrick Caddell, the pollster who helped propel Jimmy Carter in his longshot bid to win the presidency and later distanced himself from Democrats, has died, a colleague said. He was 68.

Caddell died Saturday in Charleston, South Carolina, after suffering a stroke. That's according to Professor Kendra Stewart of the College of Charleston, who confirmed the death to The Associated Press.

After working with Democrats in the 1970s and 1980s, Caddell eventually drifted away from the Democratic Party and began advising supporters of Republican Donald Trump, including a close relationship with former Trump campaign strategist Steve Bannon, and was a contributor to Fox News for a time.

Caddell worked for 1972 Democratic nominee George McGovern, then joined with Carter in the mid-1970s to develop a campaign strategy to overcome the cynicism spawned by the Vietnam War and Watergate. In an oral history for the University of Virginia's Miller Center, Caddell said Carter's best bet was to present himself as an outsider who could help heal the country.

Carter expressed his gratitude through a spokeswoman.

"Pat Caddell was a brilliant pollster who at a young age provided me with key information and over his career helped to shape the future of professional research," Carter said in a statement. "Rosalynn and I are grateful for his counsel in our campaigns and while we were in the White House. We send our prayers to his family and friends."

FILE - In this May 17, 1983 file photo, W. Wilson Goode and his wife Velma smile as they react to the news on television of a heavy black voter turn out in west Philadelphia in the Democratic primary election at the Philadelphia Centre Hotel. Pollster Patrick Caddell is on right. Caddell, the pollster who helped propel Jimmy Carter in his longshot bid to win the presidency has died, a colleague said Saturday night, Feb. 16, 2019. He was 68. (AP Photo/George Widman, File)

As a student at Harvard, Caddell had studied Southern politics and was helpful to Carter and his close advisers as they studied how to maneuver their campaign between the competing forces of the McGovern liberals and supporters of conservative firebrand George Wallace.

Caddell, a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the Georgia governor found they had many ideas in common about how he could win the presidency. As a one-term governor from the South, Carter would have to offer a compelling outsider theme.

"In order to win, he had to articulate a sense of what had happened to the country through Vietnam and Watergate. If you go back and look at those speeches that he gave early in the campaign, he would talk about the damage to the country, its psychology," Caddell said in the oral history. "Essentially, what he was running on in the campaign was that the country had been psychologically devastated by the previous decade of events. He was offering himself as a healer..."

Carter won the presidency, but Caddell, known for a time for his bushy black beard with a gray streak, preferred to advise the president from outside the White House.

Caddell warned Carter of the dangers of getting out of touch with the voters who had embraced him during the campaign. But one bit of Caddell advice seemed to backfire.

Caddell wrote a memo warning of crisis of confidence that Americans were experiencing and urged Carter to address them directly about it. That became known as the "malaise" speech, though Carter never used that word.

He lost re-election a year later, in a bid complicated by economic fears, an intraparty challenge and the Iran hostage situation. The winner, Ronald Reagan, offered an optimistic vision of the country.

Caddell consulted with other Democratic presidential candidates in the 1980s and was a close adviser to Joe Biden during his failed 1988 bid for the presidency.

In explaining his break from Democrats, Caddell said he thought the party was no longer "a party of the people" but had been hijacked by elites, the well-educated, Wall Street and interest groups.

He noted in a 2016 speech to students at Michigan's Hillsdale College that he was offended when the Democrats at their national convention would not allow Pennsylvania Gov. Bob Casey Sr., who was against abortion, to deliver a convention speech. Caddell considered the Democrats to be guilty of "the stifling of dissent."

And he commended Trump for reaching out to people the Democrats were not effective in reaching, and his willingness to take on "the political class."

Stewart said Caddell died early Saturday at the hospital and had not been ill, so it was a surprise to those who knew him.

Among his many projects, he was a guest lecturer at the College of Charleston and the Citadel, she said.

"After escaping Washington, he sought refuge in L.A., where he was a writer and producer on 'West Wing' with Aaron Sorkin and consulted on other films such as 'Outbreak,' 'Air Force One' and 'In the Line of Fire,'" Stewart said.

"These past years he has been consulting, conducting research and writing on the state of voter unrest and dissatisfaction with the political system. I worked with him through his company, Caddell Associates, on many of these projects," Stewart said. "He was a passionate man who wanted nothing more than to leave his grandchildren a better country."
NEW YORK (AP) - A series of manhole fires in midtown Manhattan on Saturday forced the evacuation of a theater complex where performances of plays including "Jersey Boys" and "Avenue Q" were underway.

No injuries were reported from the manhole fires at around 8 p.m. at West 50th Street near Eighth Avenue.

But a representative for the theater complex New World Stages said patrons were evacuated as a precaution.

"Thankfully, no one was hurt," said Michael Coco, senior director of theater operations for the Shubert Organization.

The plays that were canceled for the night also included "The Play That Goes Wrong," ''Puffs" and "As Spirited History of Drinking."

Photos posted on social media show flames shooting into the air. Tim Teeman, a senior editor at the Daily Beast, posted on Twitter that he was inside the theater complex when he heard "4 or 5 bangs/explosions" and smelled smoke.

The Fire Department says the fires were under control by 9:15 p.m.

Subway trains skipped the 50th Street station on the C and E lines while firefighters investigated.

A spokesman for Consolidated Edison said no one lost power. The cause of the fires was not known.
CHICAGO (AP) - The victims of a disgruntled employee who opened fire at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse were co-workers ranging from an intern to the plant manager. A look at the victims:

TREVOR WEHNER

The 21-year-old Northern Illinois University student was on his first day as an intern in human resources at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora and attended the fateful meeting where the gunman was fired and then started shooting.

Jay Wehner said his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management. He was on the dean's list at NIU's business college.

"He always, always was happy," Jay Wehner said. "I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him."

CLAYTON PARKS

Investigators work at the apartment complex of the alleged shooter from the Henry Pratt Co. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. An employee of a manufacturing company opened fire in its suburban Chicago plant Friday, killing several people and wounding several police officers before he was fatally shot, police said. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

The 32-year-old from Elgin, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Aurora, had just joined Henry Pratt in November 2018 as HR manager responsible for operations in Aurora, Illinois, Hammond, Indiana and Denver, the company said. He also was in the meeting where the gunman was being fired from his job.

Parks was married and had an infant son Axel, according to a Facebook post by his wife Abby.

"Every time I've closed my eyes over the last twelve hours, I've opened them hoping to wake from a terrible dream, but that's not the case," Abby posted. "I'm living my worst nightmare. My husband, my love, my best friend."

Parks was a 2014 graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Business.

VICENTE JUAREZ

Neighbors remembered Vicente Juarez as a hard-working grandfather and rock of his tight-knit family.

Juarez was shot outside the meeting where the gunman was being fired from his job. Juarez had been employed at Henry Pratt since 2006 and was a member of the shipping and warehouse team in Aurora. He had held several other jobs previously in the warehouse, the company said.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Juarez lived with his wife, adult daughter and four grandchildren in a subdivision in Oswego, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Aurora

Relatives declined comment, saying they appreciate the support but are still dealing with the shock. Neighbor Julie Zigman called Juarez "the patriarch of the family" and said "everyone looked to him."

Neighbor Joven Ang said anytime he was working outside Juarez asked him if he needed help. "That's the kind of person he was," Ang said.

JOSH PINKARD

A native of Alabama, Pinkard became plant manager at Henry Pratt in the spring of 2018. He was also in the meeting with the gunman.

The company said Pinkard, 37, joined the parent company 13 years ago at its Albertville, Alabama facility.

The father of three earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University and a master's degree from University of Arkansas, according to his LinkedIn account.

"He loved God, his family and Mississippi State sports," a cousin wrote in a text to the Chicago Tribune that he said was written on behalf of Pinkard's wife, Terra.

RUSS BEYER

The company said Beyer was an employee at Henry Pratt for more than 20 years during which time he held most of the different jobs in the plant. He was shot outside the meeting. Beyer had served as union chairman.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Heather Nauert, picked by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but never officially nominated, has withdrawn from consideration, the State Department said.

Nauert, a State Department spokeswoman, said in a department statement that "the past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw my name from consideration."

Nauert's impending nomination had been considered a tough sell in the Senate, where she would have faced tough questions about her relative lack of foreign policy experience, according to congressional aides.

A potential issue involving a nanny that she and her husband had employed may also have been a factor in her decision to withdraw, according to one aide. That issue, which was first reported by Bloomberg on Saturday, centered on a foreign nanny who was legally in the U.S. but did not have legal status to work, according to the aide, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The aide said some involved in the vetting process saw Nauert's inexperience and questions about her ability to represent the U.S. at the U.N. as a larger issue.

Trump's initial U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, served for nearly all the administration's first two years. She announced her resignation in October with plans to step down by year's end.

FILE - In this Aug. 9, 2017 file photo, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert speaks during a briefing at the State Department in Washington. The State Department says Nauert, picked by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but never officially nominated, has withdrawn her name from consideration on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

In December, Trump said he would nominate Nauert, calling her "very talented, very smart, very quick" and saying he thought she would be "respected by all." After the November elections that strengthened Republican control of the Senate, her confirmation appeared likely, if not easy. Yet Trump never put Nauert's name forward with the Senate and no confirmation hearing was scheduled.

The State Department said in its statement that Trump would announce a nominee for the U.N. post "soon."

Nauert was a Fox News Channel reporter when she joined the State Department as spokeswoman almost two years ago while Rex Tillerson was secretary of state. She rose to the upper echelons of the department's hierarchy after Trump fired Tillerson in March 2018 and Mike Pompeo replaced him.

In the department's statement, Pompeo said he respected Nauert's decision on the U.N. job and that she performed her duties as a senior member of his team "with unequalled excellence."

"Serving in the administration for the past two years has been one of the highest honors of my life and I will always be grateful to the President, the Secretary, and my colleagues at the State Department for their support," Nauert said in the statement provided by the department.

Before coming to the State Department, Nauert was a breaking news anchor on Trump's favorite television show, "Fox & Friends." With a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, she had moved to Fox from ABC News, where she was a general assignment reporter.

Nauert, who did not have a good relationship with Tillerson and had considered leaving the department, was appointed acting undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs after his departure. The appointment ended in October.

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Follow Matthew Lee on Twitter at @APDiploWriter
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - The Latest on an officer involved shooting in Alabama (all times local):

6:05 p.m.

Authorities have identified an Alabama police officer who was shot multiple times after responding to reports of an armed robbery.

In a news release Saturday, police confirmed the identity of the officer as 30-year-old Justin Sanders, of Auburn.

Capt. Lorenza Dorsey says Sanders is in stable condition at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham. He says Sanders is a five-year veteran of the department assigned as a patrol officer.

The two suspects are believed to have died in a fire following a shootout Friday night.

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3:30 p.m.

A police officer in Alabama shot multiple times after responding to reports of an armed robbery is recovering, while two suspects are believed to have died in a fire following a shootout.

The Opelika-Auburn News reports the incident began about 5:30 p.m. Friday. An Auburn officer stopped a vehicle that fit the description of one driven by the suspects. As the officer approached, police say the man opened fire, striking the officer at least four times.

The suspects fled and an ensuing manhunt tracked them to a nearby apartment complex.

Police Capt. Lorenza Dorsey says gunfire erupted as officers surrounded the building. Officers tossed canisters of tear gas into the apartment, which caught fire. The two suspects refused to exit. Authorities say their bodies were later found in the rubble.

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Information from: Opelika-Auburn News, http://www.oanow.com/
CLINTON, Miss. (AP) - Authorities say four people are dead and a suspect is in custody after a domestic dispute in Mississippi led to a fatal hostage standoff.

Clinton city spokesman Mark Jones says the incident began about 2:30 a.m. Saturday inside a Clinton home and lasted for about 12 hours.

Jones says four people were killed but did not provide any other details about the deaths in the Jackson suburb.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation says the suspect has been taken into custody. Clinton Police Chief Ford Hayman says two small children who had been inside were released before the hostage situation came to an end.

Capt. Johnny Poulos says the MBI took over the case because the shooting involved police. He could not provide any information on what led to the shooting.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The family and friends of a Utah woman who spent nearly two years pushing to get her son freed from a Venezuelan jail was remembered for her fearlessness and determination at her funeral Saturday.

The 50-year-old Laurie Holt died unexpectedly Feb. 10 at her Riverton, Utah, home, less than one year after her son Josh Holt returned to the U.S. after being imprisoned for nearly two years on weapons charges that the Holts and U.S. politicians said were invented. Laurie Holt's husband says she died peacefully but the family has not said what caused her death.

"She fought so hard in every single thing she did," Josh Holt told hundreds of mourners who gathered inside a Latter-day Saints church in Riverton, the Salt Lake Tribune reported . "She fought so hard for me."

Josh Holt said his family has received letters of support since his mother's death, including many from people who never met her but were inspired by her relentless efforts to bring her son and his new wife back to the United States, the Tribune reported.

"That is my mother," Josh Holt said. "She is my hero. She taught us so much."

Laurie Holt, originally from Pocatello, Idaho, is survived by her husband and four adult children.

FILE - In this May 28, 2018, file photo, Laurie Holt, left, walks out of the airport with her son, Josh Holt, walking behind her, after returning to Salt Lake City after Josh and his family received medical care and visited President Donald Trump in Washington. Laurie Holt, a Utah woman who spent nearly two years pushing to get her son freed from a Venezuelan jail, has died at age 50. (AP Photo/Kim Raff, File)

Her family noted in her obituary that she always found laughter in small things, even in life's "darkest storms," and found a way to juggle work, family and outside functions.

"We have lost our biggest hero, but heaven has gained a mighty warrior," the obituary said.

Her son Josh Holt returned to the U.S. with his Venezuelan wife, Thamara Caleno, in May 2018 after he was imprisoned in June 2016.

Holt went to the South American country in June 2016 to marry Caleno, who he met online while looking for a Spanish-speaking Mormons to help him improve his Spanish.

He had planned to spend several months in Caracas with his new wife and her two daughters to secure their visas so they could move with him to the U.S.

Instead, the couple was arrested and accused of stockpiling weapons. Venezuelan authorities suggested the case was linked to unspecified U.S. attempts to undermine President Nicolas Maduro's rule amid deep economic and political turbulence.

Laurie Holt vehemently denied the accusations on her son's behalf and raised awareness about her son's incarceration by hosting rallies and fundraisers and doing media interviews.

Their release came after secret backchannel talks between an aide to Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and close allies of Maduro.

President Donald Trump hosted the Holts at the White House to commemorate the release.

FILE - In this May 26, 2018, file photo, Laurie Holt, right, and Jason Holt arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., to meet their son, Joshua Holt. Laurie Holt, a Utah woman who spent nearly two years pushing to get her son freed from a Venezuelan jail, has died at age 50. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

FILE - In this July 13, 2016 file photo, Laurie Holt holds a photograph of her son Joshua Holt at her home in Riverton, Utah. Holt, a Utah woman who spent nearly two years pushing to get her son freed from a Venezuelan jail, has died at age 50. Former U.S. Rep. Mia Love said Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, that Holt died unexpectedly Sunday at her home in the Salt Lake City suburb of Riverton. Love says Laurie Holt's husband Jason Holt went to wake her for church and found her unresponsive. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

The hearse awaits Laurie Holt's casket at the Summerhill Stake Center after the funeral Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, in Riverton, Utah. Holt died unexpectedly Feb. 10 at her Riverton, Utah, home, less than one year after her son Josh Holt returned to the U.S. after being imprisoned for nearly two years on weapons charges that the Holts and U.S. politicians said were invented. Her husband, Jason Holt, says she died peacefully but the family has not said what caused her death. (Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) - A second suspect has been charged with murder in the friendly fire death of a New York City police detective.

Police announced charges of murder, robbery, assault and criminal possession of a weapon on Saturday against 25-year-old Jagger Freeman.

Police believe Freeman acted as the lookout in the Queens robbery that led to the death of Detective Brian Simonsen on Tuesday.

Simonsen was hit by crossfire as he and six other officers fired 42 shots at robbery suspect Christopher Ransom.

Police say Ransom charged at the officers pointing a fake handgun.

Ransom was arraigned Friday by video from his hospital bed on murder, manslaughter and other charges. He pleaded not guilty.

Officers salute a procession as the remains of slain Detective Brian Simonsen are removed from Jamaica Hospital Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in the Queens borough of New York. The NYPD detective and a NYPD sergeant were shot while responding to an armed robbery at a T-Mobile store in Queens. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen).

Freeman was awaiting arraignment Saturday. It's not clear if he has an attorney who can speak for him.
AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The man who opened fire and killed five co-workers including the plant manager, human resources manager and an intern working his first day at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse, took a gun he wasn't supposed to have to a job he was about to lose.

Right after learning Friday that he was being fired from his job of 15 years at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Gary Martin pulled out a gun and began shooting, killing the three people in the room with him and two others just outside and wounding a sixth employee, police said Saturday.

Martin shot and wounded five of the first officers to get to the scene, including one who didn't even make it inside the sprawling warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, a city of 200,000 about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

After that flurry of shots and with officers from throughout the region streaming in to help, he ran off and hid in the back of the building, where officers found him about an hour later and killed him during an exchange of gunfire, police said.

"He was probably waiting for us to get to him there," Aurora police Lt. Rick Robertson said. "It was just a very short gunfight and it was over, so he was basically in the back waiting for us and fired upon us and our officers fired."

Like in many of the country's mass shootings, Friday's attack was carried out by a man with a violent criminal history who was armed with a gun he wasn't supposed to have.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman speaks at a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., about the shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Martin, 45, had six arrests over the years in Aurora, for what police Chief Kristen Ziman described as "traffic and domestic battery-related issues" and for violating an order of protection. He also had a 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi that should have prevented him from buying his gun, Ziman said.

He was able to buy the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun on March 11, 2014, because he was issued a firearm owner's identification card two months earlier after passing an initial background check. It wasn't until he applied for a concealed carry permit five days after buying the gun and went through a more rigorous background check using digital fingerprinting that his Mississippi conviction was flagged and his firearm owner's ID car was revoked, Ziman said. Once his card was revoked, he could no longer legally have a gun.

"Absolutely, he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," she said.

But he was, and on Friday he took it and several magazines of ammunition to work.

Scott Hall, president and CEO of Mueller Water Products Inc., which owns Henry Pratt, said that Martin came to work for his normal shift Friday and was being fired when he started shooting.

"We can confirm that the individual was being terminated Friday for a culmination of a various workplace rules violations," he told a news conference Saturday. He gave no details of the violations by Martin at the plant that makes valves for industrial purposes.

A company background check of Martin when he joined Henry Pratt 15 years ago did not turn up a 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi, Hall said.

The employee who survived being shot is recovering at a hospital, Ziman said Saturday. None of the officers who were shot received life-threatening wounds, she said.

Police identified the slain workers as human resources manager Clayton Parks of Elgin; plant manager Josh Pinkard of Oswego; mold operator Russell Beyer of Yorkville; stock room attendant and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez of Oswego; and human resources intern and Northern Illinois University student Trevor Wehner, who lived in DeKalb and grew up in Sheridan.

It was Wehner's first day on the job, his uncle Jay Wehner told The Associated Press. Trevor Wehner, 21, was on the dean's list at NIU's business college and was on track to graduate in May with a degree in human resource management.

"He always, always was happy. I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him," Jay Wehner said of his nephew.

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Associated Press writers Carrie Antlfinger and Amanda Seitz contributed to this report. Babwin and Rousseau reported from Chicago.

Employees are escorted from the scene of a shooting at a manufacturing company, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill, that police said left several people dead and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Police say a gunman killed several people and injured police officers before he was fatally shot. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

A law enforcement officer works at the scene of a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Officials say several people were killed and at least five police officers were wounded after a gunman opened fire in an industrial park. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Representatives of law enforcement agencies attend a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in Aurora, Ill. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

This undated booking photo provided by the Aurora Illinois Police Department shows Gary Montez Martin, who police say killed multiple people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse after he was fired, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Aurora Illinois Police Department via AP)
BEIRUT - About 300 ISIS militants in the area of Baghuz in southeastern Syria are refusing to surrender to US-backed Syrian-Kurdish forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

It said the jihadists are hidden in underground tunnels or holed up in dilapidated buildings. Other sources on the ground said Kurdish-Syrian forces and US and French military have entered the city of Baghuz, which has long been the last jihadist stronghold.

The sources said roundups are taking place, with attention to unexploded ordnance and explosive traps.

Meanwhile, at least 15 people were killed in a bomb attack in northwest Syria, according to sources from the ground. The sources say that the explosion hit the city of Idlib, the capital of the region under Turkish control and with the presence of militia affiliated to al Qaida.
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Oakland teachers say they will strike starting Thursday.

The union representing the 3,000 teachers announced the walkout Saturday, making it the latest in a wave of educator activism that has swept the U.S. since last spring.

The union wants smaller class sizes, more counselors and full-time nurses, and a 12 percent raise over three years. The district has offered 5 percent and says it is squeezed by rising costs.

The action comes a day after the sides received compromise recommendations in a fact-finding report.

Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell said Friday she was pleased with the recommendations and hoped it would coax the union back to negotiations.

"If both sides are committed to settling the contract before a strike occurs -- and we are -- an agreement can certainly be reached without disrupting the educational experience for students, families and staff," she said in a statement Saturday.

FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2019, file photo, teachers carry placards as they walk a picket line outside South High School in Denver. Oakland teachers say they will strike starting Thursday, Feb. 21. The union representing the 3,000 teachers announced the walkout Saturday, Feb. 16, making it the latest in a wave of educator activism that has swept the U.S. since last spring. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

But union president Keith Brown said the teachers will strike unless the district dramatically changes its spending approach.

"We will strike for our students, we will strike for education justice, we will strike for racial justice," Brown said at a news conference Saturday. "We will strike for the future of public education in Oakland."

Oakland Unified has about 37,000 students.

The city of roughly 400,000 is preparing for a strike, although Mayor Libby Schaaf is urging both sides to continue negotiating. The city is opening recreation centers and all public libraries for families affected by a strike.

The strike would follow one by Denver teachers, who ended a three-day walkout this week after reaching a tentative deal raising their wages. Teachers in the nation's second-largest school district, Los Angeles, staged a six-day strike last month. That walkout ended when teachers settled on a 6 percent raise and promises of smaller class sizes and the addition of more nurses and counselors.
HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) - It's big - and it's back. The third annual Bigfoot Conference has drawn an estimated 700 people to the city of Hastings, Nebraska.

Television station KSNB reports that the conference kicked off Friday and runs through Sunday.

Some believe the creature is mythical; others, merely elusive. Whatever their beliefs, speakers from all over and outside the country convene at the conference to share their thoughts about and experiences with the creature.

Adams County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Anjanette Bonham says skeptics and believers alike attend to see what they can learn.

Bonham says attendees come from all over the United States and Canada.

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Information from: KSNB-TV, http://www.nbcneb.com.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Mexico (AP) - An improvised shelter where hundreds of Central American migrants have been confined in the border city of Piedras Negras, across from Eagle Pass, Texas, will close next week, authorities said Saturday.

Coahuila State Public Safety Secretary Jose Luis Pliego said the shelter in an abandoned factory has served its purpose, which was to provide attention to the migrants and process their migratory status.

It is expected to close Wednesday, and authorities have begun taking some migrants to neighboring states such as Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas to be incorporated into the workforce while others may seek other options to try to cross into the United States.

Pliego said about 1,500 now have papers that let them move freely in Mexico. Some 400 have already been taken to other states, and about 70 were deported to their home countries for purportedly disturbing the peace.

"Given the conditions we have right now, the advances in registrations, the advances in providing documents" and the fact that many who were ill when they arrived have been or are being treated, Pliego said, "the purpose of the shelter has practically concluded."

Soldiers in camouflage and body armor formed a perimeter outside the facility on Saturday, resting casually on riot shields, as migrants milled about on the other side of the yellow chain-link fence. A helicopter buzzed overhead, some boarded buses to be transported elsewhere.

Six-year-old Daniela Fernanda Portillo Burgos sits on the shoulders of her mother, Iris Jamilet, 39, as they look out through the fence of a immigrant shelter in Piedras Negras, Mexico, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019. 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. (Jerry Lara/The San Antonio Express-News via AP)

On Wednesday police and migrants scuffled briefly at the building, which was ringed by officers and soldiers, because they were not being allowed outside. Video of the images showed some migrants tearing down a temporary awning and trying to wrestle metal barricades from police.

Some migrants still at the shelter said they were not being allowed to come and go despite holding the permits, and they hope to leave as soon as possible for fear of possible deportation.

"I don't feel safe here," said Donaldo, a Honduran migrant who declined to give his last name for fear of possible reprisals in Mexico or back home. He added that officials had torn up the credentials of some people and that was the cause of the Wednesday's disturbance.

A field officer with the Texas-based refugee advocacy group Raices has spoken of "prison"-like conditions inside.

The migrants have wanted to appear at the U.S. border to apply for asylum, but only about a dozen per day have been allowed to do so.

Pliego said he was aware of another possible migrant caravan from Honduras, but it was not clear where it would head once in Mexico.

Some previous caravans have made for the border city of Tijuana, where there is a long waiting list for asylum seekers to be allowed to present their case.
AURORA, Ill. (AP) - Hundreds of officers swarmed the scene Friday after receiving reports that there was a man shooting people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse.

Authorities on Saturday provided a detailed account of the harrowing events that unfolded Friday afternoon at the Henry Pratt Co., when they say 45-year-old Gary Martin began shooting his colleagues after finding out that he was being fired.

Aurora police Deputy Chief Keefe Jackson said Saturday that eight tactical teams responded after the initial call was received at 1:24 p.m. All told, he said, roughly 35 agencies, consisting of 200 to 300 federal and local officers, would flood the scene. Jackson said there were eight "contact teams" of six to eight officers used to search for Martin, who hid after shooting and wounding five of the first officers to arrive at the 29,000-square-foot facility. There also were 13 rescue task force teams, eight officers and three medics from the fire department, the deputy chief said.

Here is a timeline provided by the Aurora, Illinois Police Department (all times CDT):

1:24 p.m. - The first 911 call is received about an active shooter and officers are sent to the scene. A second call is received and the caller tells dispatchers "shots fired, employee being terminated."

1:25 p.m. - Two shots are fired inside the warehouse.

Law enforcement personnel gather at the scene of a shooting at an industrial park in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP)

1:25 p.m. - Shots are heard over the phone.

1:26 p.m. - More shots are fired.

1:27 p.m. - More shots are fired.

1:28 p.m. - The first officers respond to the scene. A determination is made to activate the Aurora Police Department's special response team.

1:30 p.m. - The first report of an officer being shot is made.

1:31 p.m. - Police are told there are four dead victims upstairs and a dead victim in a bay area.

1:32 p.m. - More shots are fired. A second officer reports being shot.

1:33 p.m. - More shots are reported as being fired by police officers.

1:34 p.m. - A third officer reports being shot.

1:35 p.m. - A fourth officer reports being shot.

1:37 to 1:52 p.m. - Personnel respond to remove wounded officers from the scene.

1:52 to 2:57 p.m. - Teams search the warehouse but don't encounter Martin.

2:58 p.m. - Officers indicate that they have found Martin.

2:59 p.m. - Martin exchanges gunfire with officers and is killed.

This undated booking photo provided by the Aurora Illinois Police Department shows Gary Montez Martin, who police say killed multiple people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse after he was fired, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Aurora Illinois Police Department via AP)

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Police say a gunman killed several people and injured police officers before he was fatally shot. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
NEW MARKET, Va. (AP) - Former Secretary of the Army John Marsh Jr. was laid to rest Friday at a Civil War battlefield in Virginia where he developed a love for history and the military.

Marsh, who also served four terms as Virginia's 7th District congressman, died Feb. 4 at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine. He was 92.

Former Vice President Dick Cheney was among the mourners who gathered Friday for Marsh's funeral at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and burial at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, The Northern Virginia Daily reported.

Cheney said some of Marsh's admirable qualities were a love for the Army, in-depth knowledge of history and the ability to rise above partisanship. He said Marsh was the epitome of a patriotic American, loyal soldier and successful statesman.

After leaving Congress in 1971, Marsh served as an assistant secretary of defense and national security assistant to Vice President Gerald Ford, whom he later served as presidential counselor. He served as Army Secretary from 1981 to 1989.

Col. Keith Gibson said Marsh visited the New Market battlefield as a child and was captivated by its history.

In this Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 photo, VMI cadets carry the flag-draped coffin of former Secretary of the Army John Marsh Jr. outside New Market Battlefield State Historical Park during his funeral in New Market, Va. Marsh, who also served four terms as Virginia's 7th District congressman, died at age 92 on Feb. 4 at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Raphine. (Rich Cooley/Northern Virginia Daily via AP)

"For that young boy, the battle was more than a booming cannon and clashing sabers," Gibson said. "For Jack Marsh, the battle was a demonstration of the most vital elements of character and human conduct, public service, duty, integrity, selflessness,"

Chaplain Robert Phillips said that Marsh "was ready to go" during his last days and showed no fear, angst or "uncertainty of the unknown."

"He had accomplished all of the things he wanted to accomplish, he had made his impact, he had peace with his God, and he was ready to go," he said.

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Information from: Northern Virginia Daily.

FILE - In this April 11, 2007 file photo, John O. ''Jack'' Marsh, Army Secretary during the Reagan administration and co-chairman of the independent review group, meets with officials at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to discuss their findings, in Washington. Former Secretary of the Army Marsh has been laid to rest at a Civil War battlefield on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Virginia where he developed a love for history and the military. Marsh, who also served four terms as Virginia's 7th District congressman, died at age 92 on Feb. 4. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)
NEW YORK (AP) - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez returned to her home district in the New York City borough of the Bronx on Saturday to encourage her supporters to keep up the kind of activism that resulted in Amazon rescinding its plan to build a campus in the city.

The freshman Democratic lawmaker did not mention Amazon by name but said, "It's not just about any job, it's about dignified jobs in New York City. We do not have to settle for scraps in the greatest city in the world."

Ocasio-Cortez's district encompassing parts of the Bronx and Queens adjoins the Long Island City neighborhood where Amazon planned to build its campus, and she was one of the early politicians to voice opposition to the tech giant's plans.

Amazon, which had promised to bring at least 25,000 jobs to New York City, cited opposition by elected officials when it announced Thursday that it was abandoning its plan for a secondary headquarters in Queens.

Ocasio-Cortez told about 300 cheering supporters gathered at a Bronx high school for a ceremonial swearing-in ceremony, "If people do not want to negotiate, that's their problem, not ours."

Democratic Gov. Andrew Como blamed "a small group" of politicians who "put their own narrow political interests above their community" for the death of the deal.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers her inaugural address following her swearing-in ceremony at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

But fellow Amazon critics who attended Ocasio-Cortez's event were unabashed.

"We know how to throw down when we have to in Queens," said state Sen. Michael Gianaris, a Democrat who opposed the plan to offer $2.7 billion in tax incentives and subsidies for an Amazon headquarters in his district. He added, "Democrats attacking other Democrats because they're standing up for their community is wrong and it's got to stop."

Ocasio-Cortez, a liberal firebrand who has become the most visible new member of Congress, credited her constituents for helping to pressure Congress to end the federal government shutdown and for giving her the clout to introduce the Green New Deal, an ambitious plan to address climate change.

"We entered and were sworn in to a government shutdown," Ocasio-Cortez said. "We had to navigate a situation, a hostage situation where Republicans took federal workers' paychecks hostage in order to build an unpopular wall that the majority of the American people don't want. We ended it. We got through it. We defeated it. It wasn't us that ended the government shutdown. It was you."

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers her inaugural address following her swearing-in ceremony at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers her inaugural address following her swearing-in ceremony at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

Judge Jenny Rivera officiates the swearing-in ceremony of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., delivers her inaugural address following her swearing-in ceremony at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz delivers remarks at the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

A supporter wears an American flag pin and an Ocasio-Cortez campaign pin to attend the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)

Supporters arrive at the Renaissance School for Musical Theater and Technology to attend the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Bronx borough of New York on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick's rise through the Catholic Church hierarchy, during which he established a reputation as a globe-trotting human rights advocate before being brought down by sex abuse scandals, began as an altar boy in New York City.

McCarrick, who recently became the highest-ranking cleric to be defrocked by the Vatican, worked his way up over several decades to the highest circles of church leadership, despite awareness among the hierarchy of his suspect behavior, including sleeping with adult seminarians.

McCarrick's past finally caught up with him last summer, when Pope Francis removed him as a cardinal after a U.S. church investigation determined that an allegation that he had fondled a teenage altar boy in the 1970s was credible. The church also acknowledged that it had made previously undisclosed financial settlements with adults who accused McCarrick of sexual misconduct decades ago.

On Saturday, the Vatican announced that McCarrick, known within church circles as "Uncle Ted," had been defrocked after officials found him guilty of soliciting sex while hearing confession and of sexual crimes against minors and adults.

The move punctuated a stunning fall from grace for the 88-year-old, who was ordained as a priest in 1958, became a bishop in 1981 and was named Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, in 1986. In November 2000, he was tapped by Pope John Paul II to lead the Archdiocese of Washington.

"I wish I were a holier man, more prayerful, more trusting in God, wiser and courageous," The New York Times quoted McCarrick as saying upon his appointment. "But here I am, with all my faults and all my needs, and we will work together."

FILE - In this April 23, 2002 file photo Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of the Archdiocese of Washington, waves as he arrives at the Vatican in a limousine. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

That same month, a New York priest, the Rev. Boniface Ramsay, informed the Vatican in a letter about McCarrick's misconduct with seminarians from Seton Hall University's Immaculate Conception Seminary. Ramsay, who was on the faculty at the seminary, has said he sent the letter at the request of the then-Vatican ambassador because he had heard so many complaints from students.

Nevertheless, just weeks after his formal installation as archbishop, McCarrick was elevated to the rank of cardinal, shortly after President Bill Clinton had presented him with the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights.

The son of a ship captain who died when McCarrick was 3, the disgraced cleric attended Catholic elementary school and Fordham Preparatory School and was ordained after earning bachelor's and master's degrees at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, New York. He later earned a Ph.D. in sociology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, where he was given his first assignment as assistant chaplain and went on to serve as dean of students and director of development.

McCarrick later served as president of the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, personal secretary to Cardinal Terence Cooke and auxiliary bishop of New York.

From 1986 through 2006, during his years as archbishop in Newark and Washington, McCarrick was one of the most influential church leaders in the U.S. McCarrick, who speaks five languages, twice headed the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration and traveled frequently overseas on trips devoted to human rights and foreign policy.

In 1988, he participated in an interfaith meeting with Cuban communist leader Fidel Castro aimed at encouraging religious freedom in Cuba. He also played a role in the Vatican-endorsed back-channel negotiations that led to the 2014 U.S.-Cuba detente.

McCarrick was also a major fundraiser for the Catholic Church, overseeing successful capitol campaigns for both of his archdioceses and helping to co-found the Papal Foundation, a major U.S. fundraising initiative that targeted wealthy American Catholics. The foundation has since awarded more than $120 million in grants for Vatican charity projects.

McCarrick participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI, presided over the graveside service for U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in 2009, and celebrated Mass with Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Washington.

FILE - In this Monday, April 18, 2005 file photo, U.S. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick attends a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, files)

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013 file photo, Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick poses during an interview with the Associated Press, in Rome. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)
PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) - Several thousand people rallied in Montenegro on Saturday to demand the resignation of long-serving President Milo Djukanovic's government over allegations of corruption.

The crowd marched through the capital of Podgorica chanting "Milo thief" and "We want justice," and carrying banners reading "No more crime" or "Rebellion."

The protest dubbed "Resist" was organized after a former key ally of Djukanovic accused the president and his ruling Democratic Party of Socialists of murky financial dealings and high-level corruption.

Djukanovic has denied the allegations, and authorities accused former banker Dusko Knezevic of money laundering and fraud. Knezevic has fled the country, promising to reveal more details about the alleged government misconduct.

Djukanovic and his party have ruled Montenegro virtually unchallenged for three decades. He led the country to independence from much larger Serbia in 2006 and defied Russia to join NATO in 2017.

Ivan Lukovac, 51, said he joined the protests because the citizens "have had no chance" for the past 30 years.

People march during a protest against President Milo Djukanovic in Montenegro's capital Podgorica, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Several thousand people have rallied in Montenegro demanding the resignation of long-serving President Milo Djukanovic's government over allegations of corruption. The crowd has marched through the capital of Podgorica chanting "Milo thief" and carrying banners reading "No more crime" or "Rebellion." (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

"This is too much, enough, it's beyond all limits of human decency," said Lukovac. "I was 21 when they came to power, now I am 51."

Montenegro is seeking to join the European Union.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Gunmen burst into a bar in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun and opened fire, killing five people and wounding five more, authorities said Saturday.

Quintana Roo state prosecutors said in a statement that the attack took place in a club called La Kuka, which is located on a main avenue in central Cancun about 4 miles (6 kilometers) away from the seaside tourist hotel zone.

Prosecutors said four men carrying a long gun and three handguns entered and began shooting. Two of the injured were in critical condition.

Violence has been rising in Cancun and Quintana Roo as a whole amid reports of the Jalisco New Generation cartel moving into the area and fighting local gangs for control.

Last month federal authorities reported that 774 people had been killed in the state last year, more than double the 359 killings recorded in 2017.

Also in January, gunmen shot and killed seven people at a house in Cancun, an incident that authorities attributed to a dispute between street-level drug dealers. State police said at the time that a suspected gang leader linked to the Jalisco gang was believed to be behind the attack.
268,000 irregular migrants apprehended in Turkey in 2018 Ankara, '16,523 stopped in the first five weeks of the year'

(ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, FEBRUARY 18 - A reported 268,003 migrants have been apprehended in Turkey over 2018 because they did not have regular documents in the country or while attempting to leave it, mainly to travel to the European Union, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said. Over the first five weeks of this year, he added, a total of 16,523 irregular migrants were apprehended. Since the agreement with Brussels in March 2016, the number of people travelling from Turkey to the EU, mainly in the nearby Greek islands, without regular papers has gone down drastically.



(ANSAmed).




AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on the mass shooting at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois (all times local):

5 p.m.

The chief executive of the company that owns the warehouse where an employee gunned down five co-workers says a background check on him when he joined Henry Pratt Co.15 years ago did not turn up a 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi

Scott Hall, president and CEO of Mueller Water Products Inc, which owns Henry Pratt in Aurora, Illinois, told a news conference Saturday that Gary Martin was being fired from his job when he started shooting and killed five co-workers including the human resources manager, plant manager and an intern.

He says: "We can confirm that the individual was being terminated Friday for a culmination of a various workplace rules violations."

He says that when the shooting started, employees followed procedures and deactivated their access cards and locked down. He says there are security cameras outside but not inside the building.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman speaks at a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., about the shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

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2:15 p.m.

One of the five people who were killed by a fired worker at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse was a 21-year-old college student who had started interning there that day.

Jay Wehner says his nephew, Trevor Wehner, began his human resources internship at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora on Friday.

Authorities say a 45-year-old worker pulled a gun after being fired and fatally shot Wehner and four other employees. They say he wounded a sixth employee and five police officers before officers eventually killed him in a gun battle.

Jay Wehner says his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management.

He says Trevor was a "wonderful person" who was fun, caring and "always, always happy."

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12:15 p.m.

Authorities say the man who killed five co-workers at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse brought his gun to a meeting in which he was going to be fired.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that because 45-year-old Gary Martin brought his gun to Friday's meeting, it's likely he knew there was a chance he would be fired, though she doesn't know exactly what he had been told or why he was fired.

Ziman says Martin pulled the gun and began shooting right after he was fired. She says three of the five Henry Pratt Co. co-workers he killed were in the room with him and the other two were just outside. A sixth male worker was shot but survived.

Police say Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

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Noon

Police say the fired worker who killed five people at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, was able to buy the gun he used because an initial background check didn't catch that he had a prior felony conviction in Mississippi.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that Gary Martin was issued a firearm owner's identification card in January of 2014 after he passed the initial background check.

She says he bought the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun on March 11, 2014, and that his 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi wasn't flagged until he applied for a concealed carry permit five days later. That application process includes vetting using a more rigorous digital fingerprinting system.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five Henry Pratt Co. workers and wounded a sixth and five police officers on Friday before officers killed him.

This item has been corrected to fix the spelling of Kristen Ziman's first name, which had been misspelled "Kristin."

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11:30 a.m.

Authorities say a human resources manager, a plant manager and an intern were among the five people killed by a fired worker at a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois.

Police on Saturday identified the five Henry Pratt Co. employees who were killed Friday as human resources manager Clayton Parks of Elgin; human resources intern and Northern Illinois University student Trevor Wehner of DeKalb; plant manager Josh Pinkard of Oswego; mold operator Russell Beyer of Yorkville; and stock room attendant and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez of Oswego.

Police Chief Kristen Ziman says all of the dead were found in the same general area of the facility. A sixth worker was shot but survived and was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Authorities say 45-year-old Gary Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him inside the suburban Chicago warehouse.

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11 a.m.

Authorities say a fired worker who killed five people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse had six prior arrests, locally.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference Saturday that among the past charges 45-year-old Gary Martin faced were domestic battery-related counts.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five co-workers and wounded a sixth on Friday at the Henry Pratt Co. warehouse. They say he also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

Ziman says none of the officers' wounds are considered life-threatening.

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12:15 a.m.

A man being fired from his job started shooting at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse, killing five co-workers and wounding five police officers before he was killed by police.

Police say 45-year-old Gary Martin had been working at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois, for 15 years and was being terminated Friday.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman says authorities don't yet know if the employees firing him were among the victims. A sixth worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury at the scene.

Employees are escorted from the scene of a shooting at a manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., that police said left several people dead and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Police officers ride on a vehicle Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, near the site of a shooting at a manufacturing plant in Aurora, Ill., that police said left several people dead, and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in Aurora, Ill. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Authorities search an apartment complex Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., where the gunman who fatally shot several people at a manufacturing complex in the city is believed to have lived. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Representatives of law enforcement agencies attend a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Police say a gunman killed several people and injured police officers before he was fatally shot. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
WASHINGTON (AP) - An internal team at the Census Bureau found that basic personal information collected from more than 100 million Americans during the 2010 head count could be reconstructed from obscured data, but with lots of mistakes, a top agency official disclosed Saturday.

The age, gender, location, race and ethnicity for 138 million people were potentially vulnerable. So far, however, only internal hacking teams have discovered such details at possible risk, and no outside groups are known to have grabbed data intended to remain private for 72 years, chief scientist John Abowd told a scientific conference.

The Census Bureau is now scrapping its old data shielding technique for a state-of-the-art method that Abowd claimed is far better than Google's or Apple's.

Some former agency chiefs fear the potential privacy problem will add to the worries that people will avoid answering or lie on the once-every-10-year survey because of the Trump administration's attempt to add a much-debated citizenship question.

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would rule on that proposed question, which has been criticized for being political and not properly tested in the field. The census count is hugely important, helping with the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives and distribution of billions of dollars in federal money.

The 8 billion pieces of statistics in census data are supposed to jumbled in a way so what is released publicly for research cannot identify individuals for more than seven decades. In 2010, the Census Bureau did this by swapping similar household information from one city to another, according to Duke University statistics professor Jerome Reiter.

FILE - This March 23, 2018, file photo shows an envelope containing a 2018 census letter mailed to a U.S. resident as part of the nation's only test run of the 2020 Census. The Supreme Court will decide whether the 2020 census can include a question about citizenship that could affect the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives and the distribution of billions of dollars in federal money.(AP Photo/Michelle R. Smith, File)

In the internal tests, Abowd said, officials were able to match of 45 percent of the people who answered the 2010 census with information from public and commercial data sets such as Facebook. But errors in this technique meant that only data for 52 million people would be completely correct - little more than 1-in-6 of the U.S. population.

He said the 2010 census used the best possible privacy protection available, but hackers since then have become more skilled in reconstructing data. To counter their growing abilities, the agency has completely changed the system for 2020 and will offer the "gold standard" of privacy regardless of the fate of the citizenship question, Abowd said.

People "want to know that statistical tables aren't going to come back and haunt them," Abowd said at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting. "I promise the American people they will have the privacy that they deserve."

Georgetown University provost Robert Groves, who headed the 2010 census, said the count had the proper privacy and that every census improves. He lauded the new steps.

Former agency chief Kenneth Prewitt, a professor of policy at Columbia University, said the basic information such as age and ethnicity, even if publicly revealed, isn't as big a deal as other data breaches.

"There is a widespread privacy anxiety out there that is very much related to Facebook and Google and so forth," Prewitt said. "I'm much more worried about the fact that my iPhone follows me around every day."

In a statement, Apple's Fred Sainz took issue with such privacy concerns: "The iPhone doesn't follow you around all day long - Apple has no idea where you are nor do we care. And Apple does not sell information to companies." He noted, however, that consumers can choose apps that know their location.

Abowd said "the 2020 census will be the safest and best protected ever. And this is not as easy as it sounds."

The new system involves complex mathematical algorithms that inject "noise" into the data, making it harder to get accurate information and providing "a very strong guarantee" of privacy, said Duke University computer sciences professor Ashwin Machanavajjhala.

This increases privacy while lowering the accuracy for researchers who use the statistics. Think of it as one set of knobs being dialed up while a second is dialed down at the same time.

The decision on the official privacy/accuracy setting for 2020 hasn't been set. Abowd said policy officials, not engineers or scientists, will make that call.

The Census Bureau tried this system in a 2018 survey using an ultra-strict privacy setting that, while not directly comparable to Google or Apple, is hundreds if not thousands of times more secure for privacy than what's now being used on data from searches using Google Chrome or Apple's iPhone, Duke's Reiter said.

Prewitt suggested the public might not understand the extra efforts underway for the 2020 count but would be spooked by the disclosure about the privacy vulnerability, making people more reluctant to comply with the next census.

If the administration succeeds in adding the citizenship question, "there will be a huge evasion of it (the census) and some selective misuse of it," Prewitt said.

Whether some avoid the survey because of it or lie, neither is a good outcome, making the data less usable, Prewitt said.

Groves said technical experts have serious problems with the citizenship question because it hasn't been tested in the field, as all census questions usually are. He compared it to putting a new drug on the market before the necessary testing.

"Very subtle wording and positional changes in a thing like the Census can have enormous impact way beyond what we as humans can predict," Groves said

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Follow Seth Borenstein on Twitter: @borenbears

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The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The man who gunned down five co-workers and wounded a sixth at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse before shooting and wounding five police officers brought his gun to a meeting in which he was going to be fired, authorities said Saturday.

Because Gary Martin brought his gun to Friday's meeting at the sprawling Henry Pratt Co. warehouse in Aurora, he likely knew he might be about to lose the job he had held for 15 years, police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference.

Ziman said she didn't know what had been conveyed to Martin, why he was being fired or whether he had shown up for his regular shift or was there just for the meeting. But she said as soon as he was fired, he pulled his handgun and began shooting. Three of the five co-workers he killed were in the room with him and the other two were just outside, she said.

Frantic calls to 911 started pouring in from frightened workers at 1:24 p.m. and officers arrived at the scene within four minutes, authorities said. Martin fired on the officers when they arrived, striking one outside and another near the building's entrance. The other three wounded officers were shot inside the building. None of their wounds are considered life-threatening, Ziman said Saturday.

All of the officers who were wounded were shot within the first five minutes of police arriving at the scene, authorities said. After that flurry of shots and with officers from throughout the region streaming in to help, Martin ran off and hid inside the 29,000-square-foot building.

Police used an armored rescue vehicle called a Bearcat to enter the building, Aurora police Lt. Rick Robertson said. Teams of officers then began to search the massive building, finding Martin hiding in the back about an hour later and killed him in an exchange of gunfire, he said.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman speaks at a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., about the shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

"He was probably waiting for us to get to him there," said Robertson. "It was just a very short gunfight and it was over, so he was basically in the back waiting for us and fired upon us and our officers fired."

Police identified the slain workers as human resources manager Clayton Parks of Elgin; plant manager Josh Pinkard of Oswego; mold operator Russell Beyer of Yorkville; stock room attendant and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez of Oswego; and human resources intern and Northern Illinois University student Trevor Wehner, who lived in DeKalb and grew up in Sheridan.

It was Wehner's first day on the job, his uncle Jay Wehner told The Associated Press. Trevor Wehner, 21, was on the dean's list at NIU's business college and was on track to graduate in May with a degree in human resource management.

"He always, always was happy. I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him," Jay Wehner said of his nephew.

The worker who was shot but survived was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, authoritiessaid. A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury during the search of the building.

Martin had been arrested six times in Aurora over the years, including for domestic battery, Ziman said.

He was able to buy the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun he used in the attack because an initial background check didn't catch that he had a prior felony conviction in Mississippi, the chief said. Martin was issued a firearm owner's identification card in January of 2014 after he passed the initial background check and he bought the gun that March 11.

It wasn't until he applied for a concealed carry permit five days later and went through a more rigorous background check that uses digital fingerprinting that his 1995 felony conviction in Mississippi for aggravated battery was flagged and his firearm owner's ID card was revoked, she said. Once his card was revoked, he could no longer legally have a gun.

The shooting shocked the city of 200,000, which is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

"For so many years, we have seen similar situations throughout our nation and the horrible feeling that we get when we see it on the news. To experience it first-hand, is even more painful," said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin said Friday.

Resident Christy Fonseca said she often worries about some of the gang-related crimes and shootings around her mother's Aurora neighborhood. But she never expected the type of phone call she got from her mom on Friday, warning her to be careful with an active shooter loose in the town.

Police cars with screaming sirens revved past her as she drove to her mother's house, where the Henry Pratt building is visible from the porch stoop. It was only when they flipped on the television news that they realized Martin had killed people just a few hundred feet away.

"In Aurora, period, we'd never thought anything like this would happen," Fonseca, a lifelong resident, said as she looked out at the warehouse where Henry Pratt makes valves for industrial purposes.

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Associated Press writers Carrie Antlfinger and Amanda Seitz contributed to this report. Babwin and Rousseau reported from Chicago.

Employees are escorted from the scene of a shooting at a manufacturing company, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill, that police said left several people dead and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Police say a gunman killed several people and injured police officers before he was fatally shot. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

A law enforcement officer works at the scene of a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Officials say several people were killed and at least five police officers were wounded after a gunman opened fire in an industrial park. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Representatives of law enforcement agencies attend a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in Aurora, Ill. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

This undated booking photo provided by the Aurora Illinois Police Department shows Gary Montez Martin, who police say killed multiple people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse after he was fired, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Aurora Illinois Police Department via AP)
MOSCOW (AP) - The president of Turkmenistan, a country criticized for allegedly exterminating stray dogs and cats, has ordered the establishment of a national veterinary clinic for domestic animals.

The government newspaper Neitralny Turkmenistan reported Saturday that President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said "this work is necessary for educating the younger generation in the spirit of mercy and humanism."

In 2017, activists protested what they described as a brutal campaign to slaughter homeless animals ahead of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, which the capital of Ashgabat hosted.

A U.S. diplomatic cable leaked in 2010 said Berdymukhamedov once fired an officer after a cat darted in front of his motorcade and an emigre website said a man had been arrested for walking a dog as the presidential car passed by.
CHICAGO (AP) - Reform is not a concept usually embraced by Chicago politicians known for their patronage, but after corruption charges were filed against a powerful alderman and a court got involved in overseeing the city's troubled police department, the word is now on the lips of the 14 candidates running for mayor.

Those looking to succeed retiring Mayor Rahm Emanuel include veteran politicians- some with legacy ties - businessmen, former prosecutors and community activists. The Feb. 26 election will almost certainly lead to a runoff: If none of the candidates receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face off April 2. Although a nonpartisan election, most of the candidates have links to the Democratic Party. The Republican Party has virtually disappeared from the city.

The variety of candidates reflects the many issues facing Chicago's next mayor: poor neighborhoods in need of investment, overwhelming pension debt, low-performing public schools and a crime rate that is often pointed to as among the nation's worst.

But the issue taking center stage is the need to change how business is conducted at City Hall. For some that means an end to pay-to-play, paying off influential politicians in order to do business in the city.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas has taken to showing up at events with a broom, saying it's part of his mission of "sweeping corruption out of City Hall."

"There's nothing Chicago politicians fear more than this broom," Vallas says in a campaign ad that shows him sweeping cash off the floor of City Hall.

FILE - In this Feb. 8, 2019 file photo, Bill Daley speaks during a news conference in Chicago. Reform has long been a dirty word among Chicago politicians, who have well-known reputations for throwing contracts to favored businesses and dealing in patronage. But after the 2014 murder of a black teenager by a police officer and corruption charges filed against a powerful alderman, the word is now on the lips of the 14 candidates running for mayor. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)

Nothing crystalized the reform issue like the federal fraud charges filed last month against powerful Democratic alderman Edward Burke, a 50-year veteran and former chairman of the City Council's Finance Committee. Authorities say a wiretap on Burke's cellphone captured him pressuring executives of a fast-food chain to hire his law firm in exchange for help with permits to renovate a restaurant.

The corruption charges roiled the mayor's race. Four early favorites have ties to Burke and have since tried to distance themselves.

Burke raised $116,000 for Toni Preckwinkle for her re-election as Cook County Board president in 2018. Burke also contributed nearly $13,000 to Preckwinkle's mayoral campaign, which she has since donated to charity. Burke's son, in the Chicago tradition, was placed in a $100,000 county job, which he has since quit.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza had Burke's backing in her climb through Democratic Party ranks. She is also close to Alderman Danny Solis, who wore a wire to help federal investigators build their cases against Burke.

Burke also is a longtime supporter of former Chicago Public Schools CEO Gery Chico. Burke once said of Chico that there is "probably nobody more qualified than he is."

William Daley has admitted, without being specific, to having "a political relationship with Ed for years."

Daley is the son of the legendary Mayor Richard J. Daley. It was the 1955 election of the elder Daley that prompted saloonkeeper and Alderman Mathias "Paddy" Bauler to blurt, "Chicago ain't ready for reform yet."

The effort by William Daley and the others to distance themselves from Burke has aroused the ire of candidate and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Lightfoot.

"It's like cockroaches - there's a light that's shined on them. They scramble. Initially, they're silent. Then, they try to say, 'Not me. Not me.' Then, when they get caught, they finally stand up and do something," Lightfoot said.

Despite his family's history, Daley, whose older brother, Richard M. Daley, held the office from 1989 to 2011, isn't deterred from proclaiming himself a reformer. He proposes reducing the size of the 50-member City Council by more than half. His media commercials note he served, like Emanuel, as former President Barack Obama's chief of staff.

"Some can make the claim of being a reformer and others are blowing smoke in the face of the people," DePaul University political scientist Larry Bennett, who supports Lightfoot, said of the Democratic Party stalwarts running in the race.

Reforming the city's police department is a job the winning candidate can't dodge. A consent decree approved last month by U.S. District Judge Robert Dow Jr. is aimed at tightening supervision, improving training and fixing the department's disciplinary system.

The decree is the most consequential aftereffect of the 2014 fatal shooting of black teenager Laquan McDonald by former officer Jason Van Dyke. A video of the shooting sparked demonstrations and resulted in Van Dyke's murder conviction. Illinois' attorney general sued the city to force the court's involvement after years of inaction by the City Council, which dealt with systemic police misconduct in recent years by approving millions of dollars in lawsuit settlements.

Finances are also a major issue the next mayor will have to tackle. The city has seen increasing debt and budget shortfalls - and must double the city's contribution to four city employee pension funds over the next five years, to $1 billion.

Politicians who have run for mayor with reform as their platform have failed in the past because many voters still believe the city needs someone who, with a whisper here and a handshake there, can get streets fixed, a library built or a development approved, notes political consultant Delmarie Cobb.

"Each of the candidates has baggage, some more than others," she said. "It's going to require us as voters to look at the candidates and ... where they stood on the issues. The voters have to ... determine when did this (belief in reform) happen."

FILE - In this May 9, 2018 file photo, former Chicago Police Board President Lori Lightfoot announces her bid for mayor of Chicago at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Reform has long been a dirty word among Chicago politicians, who have well-known reputations for throwing contracts to favored businesses and dealing in patronage. But after the 2014 murder of a black teenager by a police officer and corruption charges filed against a powerful alderman, the word is now on the lips of the 14 candidates running for mayor. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune via AP, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 9. 2018 file photo, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle speaks during a news conference at the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters in Chicago. Reform has long been a dirty word among Chicago politicians, who have well-known reputations for throwing contracts to favored businesses and dealing in patronage. But after the 2014 murder of a black teenager by a police officer and corruption charges filed against a powerful alderman, the word is now on the lips of the 14 candidates running for mayor. (Colin Boyle/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, File)
JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - Veteran reliever Sergio Romo believes Miami's rebuilt roster can become his fountain of youth.

"I think the youth here gives me energy, gives me confidence that I can still play because I'm with them every day," Romo said. "Yesterday we were running and, yeah, they beat me, but they didn't beat me by much."

Miami bucked the trend of clubs filling bullpens with fireballing relievers by signing the 35-year-old right-hander and his 85-mph fastball to a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Friday. Romo employs an array of curves and sliders to set up a fastball that arrives at the plate at the same speed as many major leaguers' change-ups.

"It's 85, but it's coming hot," said Romo, who will become the second-oldest Marlin should 37-year-old Curtis Granderson make the club out of spring training.

Romo saved 84 games for San Francisco from 2008 to 2016, winning three World Series rings. After a year with the Dodgers, he spent the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, recording 25 saves for the Rays last season.

The Marlins, Braves and Mets were among the teams that scouted Romo during the offseason in the Mexican winter league.

"This is one of the teams where I said, 'Man, I kind of fit there,'" Romo said of the Marlins. "If they gave me a shot I think I can do some pretty cool things there."

Brad Ziegler and Kyle Barraclough led Miami with 10 saves apiece last season. The Marlins traded the now-retired Ziegler to Arizona near last year's trading deadline, and traded Barraclough to Washington in October.

Romo joins righty Drew Steckenrider (five saves in 2018) and lefty Ed Conley (three saves last season) as options to close games for Miami.

"I don't think we have that one guy," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "We don't have the Kenley Jansen, the guy that would profile as the guy, so I think we have to put these guys in the best situation to get three outs."

Mattingly would prefer not to jump on the trend of using a reliever as an "opener" for games, electing instead to continue the development of the Marlins' young staff, though Romo said he discussed that topic with the club before he signed.

Romo, who started five games last season for the Rays, called the prospect or reprising his opener role "intriguing."

"When it comes to the whole staring bit, I don't know if I can throw five innings every fifth day - at the minimum five innings every fifth day," Romo said. "I do know as an opener I can throw you five innings in five days - that type of stuff."

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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A top Kenyan official says the country has recalled its ambassador to Somalia and told the Somali ambassador to leave over an alleged land grab by Somalia.

Foreign Affairs Principle Secretary Macharia Kamau said Saturday the recall is a consequence "of a most regretful and egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area that borders Somalia."

Kenya and Somalia are embroiled in a legal tussle at the International Court of Justice over their territorial waters in the Indian Ocean.

Kamau said the land grab is tantamount to an act of aggression against the people of Kenya and their resources.

Kenyan troops are part of the African Union force bolstering Somalia's weak government against an extremist insurgency.
BEIRUT (AP) - The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group is blasting President Donald Trump ahead of his expected declaration of victory against the Islamic State group in Syria.

Hassan Nasrallah said Saturday that had it not been for the U.S., Syrian government forces, supported by Hezbollah fighters on the ground, would have defeated the extremists a long time ago.

Syrian forces captured all areas west of the Euphrates River from IS by late 2017, while on the eastern side U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters are expected to conclude their battle against IS in the coming days.

Nasrallah said the victory declaration against IS will be made by "the biggest hypocrite in the world. American President Donald Trump."

Trump said the White House will make an announcement about the fight against IS on Saturday.
AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on the mass shooting at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois (all times local):

12:15 p.m.

Authorities say the man who killed five co-workers at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse brought his gun to a meeting in which he was going to be fired.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that because 45-year-old Gary Martin brought his gun to Friday's meeting, it's likely he knew there was a chance he would be fired, though she doesn't know exactly what he had been told or why he was fired.

Ziman says Martin pulled the gun and began shooting right after he was fired. She says three of the five Henry Pratt Co. co-workers he killed were in the room with him and the other two were just outside. A sixth male worker was shot but survived.

Police say Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman speaks at a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., about the shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

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Noon

Police say the fired worker who killed five people at a warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, was able to buy the gun he used because an initial background check didn't catch that he had a prior felony conviction in Mississippi.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday that Gary Martin was issued a firearm owner's identification card in January of 2014 after he passed the initial background check.

She says he bought the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber handgun on March 11, 2014, and that his 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi wasn't flagged until he applied for a concealed carry permit five days later. That application process includes vetting using a more rigorous digital fingerprinting system.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five Henry Pratt Co. workers and wounded a sixth and five police officers on Friday before officers killed him.

This item has been corrected to fix the spelling of Kristen Ziman's first name, which had been misspelled "Kristin."

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11:30 a.m.

Authorities say a human resources manager, a plant manager and an intern were among the five people killed by a fired worker at a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois.

Police on Saturday identified the five Henry Pratt Co. employees who were killed Friday as human resources manager Clayton Parks of Elgin; human resources intern and Northern Illinois University student Trevor Wehner of DeKalb; plant manager Josh Pinkard of Oswego; mold operator Russell Beyer of Yorkville; and stock room attendant and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez of Oswego.

Police Chief Kristen Ziman says all of the dead were found in the same general area of the facility. A sixth worker was shot but survived and was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Authorities say 45-year-old Gary Martin also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him inside the suburban Chicago warehouse.

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11 a.m.

Authorities say a fired worker who killed five people at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse had six prior arrests, locally.

Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said at a news conference Saturday that among the past charges 45-year-old Gary Martin faced were domestic battery-related counts.

Authorities say Martin fatally shot five co-workers and wounded a sixth on Friday at the Henry Pratt Co. warehouse. They say he also shot and wounded five police officers before officers killed him.

Ziman says none of the officers' wounds are considered life-threatening.

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12:15 a.m.

A man being fired from his job started shooting at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse, killing five co-workers and wounding five police officers before he was killed by police.

Police say 45-year-old Gary Martin had been working at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Illinois, for 15 years and was being terminated Friday.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman says authorities don't yet know if the employees firing him were among the victims. A sixth worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening. A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury at the scene.

Employees are escorted from the scene of a shooting at a manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., that police said left several people dead and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Police officers ride on a vehicle Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, near the site of a shooting at a manufacturing plant in Aurora, Ill., that police said left several people dead, and several police officers wounded. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks during a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, after shootings at a manufacturing company in Aurora, Ill. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Authorities search an apartment complex Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., where the gunman who fatally shot several people at a manufacturing complex in the city is believed to have lived. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Representatives of law enforcement agencies attend a news conference Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., after shootings at a manufacturing company in the city. Several people were killed and several police officers injured, police say, before the gunman, an employee of the company, was fatally shot. (Patrick Kunzer/Daily Herald via AP)

Law enforcement officers gather outside the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Police say a gunman killed several people and injured police officers before he was fatally shot. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - The secession crisis festering in Spain's northeastern corner of Catalonia has spread to the political heart of the European Union nation.

Twice in less than a year, separatist lawmakers from Catalonia have played the role of king slayer, with their votes in the national Parliament in Madrid proving the decisive push to topple consecutive governments.

Catalan separatists momentarily aligned with their political nemeses this week by joining Spain's right-wing parties to kill the Socialist government's spending bill, after talks between the government and the separatists collapsed over the possibility of a referendum on secession.

The failure to pass a national spending bill led Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Friday to call an early election for April 28.

This latest blow to Spain's political stability came eight months after the same separatist Catalan lawmakers backed the Socialists in a no-confidence vote to oust the then conservative government of the Popular Party.

"We made Pedro Sanchez prime minister as a result of the no-confidence vote for the exact same reasons that we have had to maintain our position (against) his budget bill," said Eduard Pujol, a leading member in Catalonia's regional legislature. "You cannot govern Spain without listening to Catalonia."

Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independence flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Separatists forces showed their strength on Saturday when tens of thousands rallied in Barcelona to demand a non-guilty verdict for 12 of their leaders, who are on trial in Spain's Supreme Court for their roles in a failed secession attempt in 2017. Barcelona's police calculated that 200,000 people joined the march.

The front line of marchers held a long banner saying in Catalan "self-determination is not a crime."

While they claim that Catalonia has a right to self-determination, Spain's government says any vote on independence would require the national Parliament to amend the Constitution.

Polls point to a fragmented political spectrum that will leave a future Spanish government in need of cobbling together partners for a coalition government.

That means Catalonia's separatists could still hold leverage, especially if Sanchez's Socialists need their votes to stay in power.

"Spain will be ungovernable as long as it doesn't confront the Catalan problem," said Catalonia's regional government spokeswoman, Elsa Artadi.

But forcing a new election is risky. Spain's conservative and far-right parties - the Popular Party, the center-right Citizens party, and the far-right Vox party - will all focus their campaigns on taking a hard line against the separatists.

The anti-Catalonia formula worked for the right-wing parties in a regional election in December when they managed to end the Socialists' 36 years in power in Spain's south.

Currently a little less than 50 percent of the voters in Catalonia support parties whose goal is independence. But few doubt that a crackdown from Madrid would push more Catalans into the separatist camp.

The decision to withdraw their backing from Sanchez, however, was divisive within the separatist bloc. Joan Tarda, a national parliament member and moderate separatist, lamented that Sanchez had called an election instead of trying to maintain talks with the separatists.

"(Sanchez) has decided to take a gamble with a situation that can become even more difficult than it already is," Tarda said. "If things go our way, what will the scenario be? We will be right back where we were last week with the need to negotiate."

Pro independence demonstrators hold photos of imprisoned pro independence political leaders, during a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Some thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independece flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Hundred of thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators hold banners that says in Catalan "self-determination is not a crime", during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independece flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Hundred of thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independece flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Hundred of thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators march waving esteladas or independence flags, during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-independence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Pro independence demonstrators hold banners that says in Catalan "self-determination is not a crime", during a demonstration supporting the imprisoned pro-indenpence political leaders in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Catalan separatists are marching in Barcelona to proclaim the innocence of 12 of their leaders who are on trial for their role in a failed 2017 secession bid. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP) - Police in North Macedonia say they've broken up a criminal ring of migrant smugglers and filed charges against 21 people, including a police officer, for illegal trafficking.

Police said Saturday they raided 20 locations in four cities, including the capital, Skopje, detained 17 people and seized several cellphones, weapons and travel documents, as well as significant amounts of drugs and money. Three men are on the run and one is already in jail on another charge.

Since May of 2018, the group has organized illegal transport for migrants in Greece to the North Macedonian border with Serbia, where the migrants were temporarily sheltered. Migrants, mostly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Bangladesh, were charged up to 300 euros ($339) each.

An investigative judge ordered 11 people to be placed in 30-day custody.
BEIRUT (AP) - The leader of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah group has denied U.S. assertions that it has cells in Venezuela saying the Latin American nation "does not need them."

Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech Saturday that his Iran-backed group is in "solidarity with the political leadership and state of Venezuela against the American aggression."

Nasrallah added that his group does not have influence in Venezuela nor does it have cells operating there.

Venezuela has plunged deeper into political chaos following by the U.S. demand that President Nicolas Maduro steps down a month into his second term, which the U.S. and allies consider illegitimate.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last week that "Hezbollah has active cells" in Venezuela and "Iranians are impacting the people of Venezuela and throughout South America."
MIAMI (AP) - A federal judge has abolished a consent decree that prevented Miami police from arresting homeless people for loitering, sleeping on sidewalks, or urinating in public.

U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno on Friday issued an opinion dissolving the Pottinger Agreement that established protections for Miami's homeless population from police harassment.

The Miami Herald reports that Moreno decided court oversight was no longer necessary because of the shelters and social services now available to assist the city's homeless.

The Pottinger Agreement was the result of a class action lawsuit brought by 5,000 homeless people against the city in the early 1990s.

Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union opposed the city's motion to dissolve the decree. Moreno said the case had forced the city to improve its behavior toward its homeless population.

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Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com
BERLIN (AP) - German police say hundreds of passengers have been taken off a high-speed train at the Frankfurt airport station after a pistol was found in a toilet on board.

The train, which was traveling from Dortmund to Munich, was stopped at the station and evacuated on Saturday after a cleaner found the weapon. Police told the dpa news agency that it wasn't loaded. It wasn't clear how it ended up on the train.

Some 700 passengers had to leave the train, which was searched for explosives as a precaution by police using sniffer dogs.
The Latest on the Democratic presidential candidates (all times local):

6:15 p.m.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, in her second day of campaigning in New Hampshire, issued a rebuke of what she called President Donald Trump's divisive language.

The New York senator and Democratic presidential candidate told a crowd of about 450 people Saturday at Dartmouth College - her alma mater - that the president's worst offense since he was elected has been to "dehumanize people" and create a climate of fear and hatred, especially toward immigrants.

Gillibrand said Trump wants Americans "to be afraid of one another." She insisted "that's not who we are."

Gillibrand, who took questions from the audience, said she favors a single-payer health care system modeled on Medicare and would take on climate change by incentivizing the creation of renewable energy. She added that she was optimistic that "common sense" gun laws would pass now that young voters are calling for change.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, smiles as she listens to a patron while visiting a coffee shop on Main Street in Concord, N.H., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Gillibrand visited New Hampshire as she explores a 2020 run for president. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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4:30 p.m.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris is wrapping up a two-day swing through South Carolina to introduce herself to residents of the early-voting state.

At a town hall in West Columbia, a voter told the California senator that most Democrats are looking for someone who will defeat President Donald Trump in 2020. The woman became emotional and said she feared the world she was leaving behind for her children and grandchildren, and asked Harris what sets her apart from other Democrats running.

Harris said she believes this moment is a time "that we need fighters on stage who know how to fight - I do - and who have a proven desire to lead."

True leadership, she said, "is leading on behalf of the needs of others, not self-interest."

Harris reaffirmed her support for the Green New Deal, Democrats' plan to address climate change. She said, "I care about the environment, not because I have any particular desire to hug a tree, but because I have a strong desire to hug a healthy baby."

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2:25 p.m.

Joe Biden isn't in the 2020 presidential race yet, but he's making clear at an international gathering that he thinks President Donald Trump has undermined America's ability to claim moral leadership.

The former vice president says the U.S. doesn't want to turn its back on its closest allies and cherishes democracy, the rule of law and a free press.

Biden tells the Munich Security Conference that the America he sees "stands up to the aggression of dictators and against strongmen who rule by coercion, corruption and violence."

He says his country "values basic human decency, not snatching children from their parents or turning our backs on refugees at our border. Americans know that's not right."

Biden has not yet said whether he'll join the increasingly crowded field of Democrats running for their party's nomination. He has two public events slated for later this month, the first at the University of Pennsylvania and the second in Delaware, his home state.

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1:50 p.m.

A Democratic activist in South Carolina says she thinks the "window is narrowing" for former Vice President Joe Biden to enter what's already a crowded field of candidates in the 2020 White House race.

Biden isn't the only well-known politician on the fence. Among the others are Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas congressman, and Sherrod Brown, an Ohio senator.

Party insider Jennifer Clyburn Reed says "there is still time left."

But she's also offering a colorful analogy about the state of play: "On a buffet, don't bring out the macaroni and cheese after all the other main dishes are gone! I would really like to see my meal, all out at once, so that we can go in and dabble in all of the dishes and then see what it is that we want to make our main course."

Her father is Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina congressman and the third-ranking Democratic leader in the U.S. House. She hasn't yet backed any of the Democrats running for president.

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1:20 p.m.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala (KAH'-mah-lah) Harris is in Columbia, South Carolina, on the second day of a swing through the early-voting state.

The California senator walked along Lady Street and visited a handful of women-owned businesses in the capital.

Harris' first stop was Styled by Naida, a black-owned business, and she made several purchases, including a wide-brimmed teal hat. The candidate also met with a group of women leaders at a restaurant a block away.

Harris's tour here was organized by Jennifer Clyburn Reed, whose father is Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina congressman and the third-ranking Democratic leader in the U.S. House.

Clyburn Reed hasn't yet backed any of the Democrats running for president, and she's organized similar trips for other candidates.

Harris plans to hold a town hall meeting later Saturday.

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12:05 p.m.

Sen. Cory Booker is among several Democratic presidential contenders who back universal health insurance coverage, but he's acknowledging that compromise may be necessary to get major health care legislation through the Senate.

Booker told voters in New Hampshire on Saturday there are a "lot of pathways" to achieving the increasingly popular Democratic goal. He said supporters of so-called Medicare for All are "going to have to find ways to advance the ball given the Congress that we have."

Booker was speaking at a question-and-answer session in Portsmouth, a Democratic-leaning town. He is spending three days in New Hampshire, which casts the first votes in the 2020 primary.

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10:40 a.m.

Sen. Cory Booker is kicking off his first visit to New Hampshire with a personal touch, sharing his family's story with hundreds of voters in the Democratic-leaning town of Portsmouth.

Booker is one of five sitting Democratic senators already running in the jam-packed 2020 presidential primary, but his optimistic message of unity promises to set him apart from others in the field.

He recalled his parents' struggle to buy a home in a majority-white neighborhood in New Jersey in 1969 and urged the crowd to "put that indivisible back in this one nation under God."

Booker is set to make five more stops during three days in New Hampshire, which casts the first votes in the 2020 primary next year.

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8:05 a.m.

Five Democratic senators vying for their party's nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 are fanning out across the country Saturday to campaign and meet voters.

Kamala (KAH'-mah-lah) Harris of California is spending her second straight day in the pivotal early-voting state of South Carolina. That's where Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is starting out before heading to Georgia - an unusual stop for a presidential candidate this early in the election cycle.

Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand (KEER'-sten JIHL'-uh-brand) of New York have events planned in another critical early-voting state, New Hampshire.

Amy Klobuchar (KLOH'-buh-shar) of Minnesota is also making an uncommon choice for early campaigning by visiting Wisconsin before going to Iowa, home to the nation's leadoff caucuses.

Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., makes her argument against advancing the nomination of Bill Barr to be attorney general, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., addresses a gathering during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., waves to the crowd during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BERLIN (AP) - In a story Feb. 16 about women filmmakers at the Berlin Film Festival, The Associated Press reported erroneously that women directors represent 63 percent of the films at the Berlin Film Festival. Men still represent the majority of the film directors at the festival at approximately 55 percent.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Women filmmakers have record showing at Berlin Film Festival

Women filmmakers had a record showing at the Berlin Film Festival, which wraps on Sunday

By LOUISE DIXON

Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) - The voice of the female filmmaker was louder than ever at this year's Berlin Film Festival, with seven out of the 16 films in the competition section helmed by women, and female directors from all corners of the globe featured prominently.

The number of women-directed films in competition is the most in the festival's 69-year history. In addition, the festival's selection committee was overwhelmingly female. However, male-directed films were still the majority of films represented, at approximately 55 percent, according to the festival.

This year's festival, also known as the Berlinale, wraps up on Sunday. It has been rich with global women telling female-focused stories, including Michela Occhipinti's feature debut "Flesh Out," about the practice of gavage, the forced fattening-up of young girls before their weddings in Western Africa.

"We are half, maybe more than half the population," she said of women. "(We are) feeling something different."

Other female-centered stories included Macedonian director Teona Strugar Mitevska and her feminist satire "God Exists, Her Name is Petrunya;" ''37 Seconds," a tender story from Japan about sex and disability from Hikari; and Austrian filmmaker Marie Kreutzer's "The Ground Beneath My Feet," which looks at a high-performing career woman struggling with a sister with mental illness.

There was also the black-and-white lesbian love drama "Elisa and Marcela" from Spanish filmmaker Isobel Coixet.

British director Joanna Hogg presented her fourth feature film, "The Souvenir," which followed a young girl through film school in the 1980s. Part autobiographical, part fiction, "The Souvenir" stars Honor Swinton Byrne as a student filmmaker alongside her mother, Tilda Swinton, who plays her on-screen mom.

Hogg says she wants to encourage more women to make films and explains that one of the reasons for making the movie was to show a woman as an artist.

"We all talk about films about directors like the wonderful '8 ' which I'm very inspired by, but they're always these male directors, these sort of male egos," she said. "So I'm kind of very interested in the female ego."

Swinton, who has directed documentaries, says for her, the role models have always been there.

"I personally as a filmmaker was always aware of the great comradeship of female filmmakers. And you don't have to look very far to know how many female filmmakers have always been making films. It just, they don't necessarily get the column inches" in the press, she said.

That wasn't the case for Danish director Lone Scherfig, who opened this year's festival with "The Kindness of Strangers." She says she didn't have much inspiration from women filmmakers or the female characters she watched on screen growing up in Denmark.

"Women were always happy and pretty and I, even as a little girl, would go to the cinema in a starched dress with a bow and dress up in order to go to the cinema to watch those women and wanted to be them," she recalled.

She says for her it was a big jump to making films "instead of just sitting, being, wishing you were Audrey Hepburn."

Sitting pretty is far from the minds of many of today's women filmmakers, and the characters they create on screen are also challenging gender stereotypes.

South African director Jenna Bass fought hard to get her contemporary all-female western "Flatland" made the way she wanted it, and even to be able to describe it as a western.

"I know that it breaks a lot of the rules but really the only thing that's really fundamentally missing that is usually in a Western is macho guys, and I just don't think that that's a prerequisite of the genre," she said.

Bass, like Scherfig, found the portrayals of women she watched on screen growing up to be unrealistic.

"My ideas about what a romantic relationship between a man and a woman or between anyone should be like was informed by movies," she said. "And when life didn't correspond to that ... I thought that I'd done something wrong."

She puts much of this down to the male dominance of the industry.

"All my role models were men, and all the films that I loved were about men. And I didn't really think too much about that for quite a while until I think I just generally started develop my own kind of like political consciousness about the world around me and start to question why that was," she said.

Indian filmmaker Zoya Akhtar was in Berlin for her movie "Gully Boy," which looks at the urban rap music scene in India. She feels today's women filmmakers are not only writing exciting female characters but "legitimate men."

"It's really important to see how we see men and how we want to see men and what we think is heroic and what we think is something worth saluting," she said. "And it needn't always be larger than life and it needn't be that kind of toxic masculinity, because that's not what we want."

Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt stars in "Gully Boy" as the feisty, charismatic Safeena. She says she is often approached with offers of "strong female characters" or "female-led stories" but jokes that she hopes for a day when that doesn't need to be highlighted.

"Just get me a film and just be like you've got a good part. That's it you know?" she said.

Polish director Agnieszka Holland's "Mr Jones," the story of Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, also showed at the festival. Holland points out that some "extremely courageous and extremely creative filmmakers" have helped shape her career, including 90-year-old Agnes Varda, who was honored at this year's festival with the Berlinale Camera award for lifetime achievement.

The 70-year-old concludes that there have been a "lot of wonderful women in history and will be even more in the future I hope. I think that we will take over."

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This story corrects the first paragraph to show that there are now 16 films in the competition.

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Online:

https://www.berlinale.de/en/HomePage.html
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - As World Pangolin Day is marked around the globe, Saturday, some conservationists in South Africa are working to protect the endangered animals, including caring for a few that have been rescued from traffickers.

The eighth annual pangolin day is celebrated to raise awareness about the shy, nocturnal scaly anteater, which some wildlife organizations say is the world's most trafficked animal.

In South Africa, traffickers often sell the pangolin meat locally and ship the scales to Asia, where they are in demand for use in traditional medicine. The growing illegal trade has prompted plans in South Africa for a rehabilitation center for sick or rescued pangolins as well as the deployment of sniffer dogs specially trained to detect the scales' pungent aroma.

Africa's four species of pangolins are under increasing pressure from poachers because Asia's four species have been decimated, according to experts. While commercial trade in all eight species is forbidden, international confiscations of African pangolin scales amounted to about 47 tons in 2017, more than double the quantity seized in the previous year, said the African Pangolin Working Group, a conservation organization based in South Africa.

Dogs have been trained to check for hidden pangolin scales at South African borders and there are plans to create a "pangalorium" - a research and medical center for pangolins, including the growing number of live animals seized in sting operations.

Pangolin scales contain keratin, a protein also found in rhino horn and human fingernails. There is no scientific proof that they provide any medicinal value. Conservationists say well over 1 million pangolins have been poached since around 2000; the various kinds range from vulnerable to critically endangered on a list of threatened species.

In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, a pangolin looks for food on a private property in Johannesburg, South Africa. As World Pangolin Day is marked around the globe, Saturday, some conservationists in South Africa are working to protect the endangered animals, including caring for a few that have been rescued from traffickers. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, a pangolin looks for food on a private property in Johannesburg, South Africa. As World Pangolin Day is marked around the globe, Saturday, some conservationists in South Africa are working to protect the endangered animals, including caring for a few that have been rescued from traffickers. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

In this photo taken on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, a pangolin looks for food on a private property in Johannesburg, South Africa. As World Pangolin Day is marked around the globe, Saturday, some conservationists in South Africa are working to protect the endangered animals, including caring for a few that have been rescued from traffickers. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A federal judge says a handful of former Mississippi convicts who are suing to have their voting rights restored can represent everyone who falls into that category.

The ruling this week by U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan certifying the lawsuit as a class action raises the stakes considerably. A victory by the plaintiffs could restore voting rights to tens of thousands of Mississippians, not just the handful who sued.

Jordan ruled that the plaintiffs had met the legal tests for a class action, despite arguments by lawyers for the state that a class-action was unnecessary. Jordan said he might decide later whether the class should only include people who have completed all the terms of their sentence, including payment of fines and restitution, or whether to set different limits.

There's still a long way to go in the case. Both sides have asked Jordan to rule without a trial, but the judge could choose to hear witnesses.

The Mississippi Constitution strips the ballot from people convicted of 10 felonies, including murder, forgery and bigamy. The attorney general later expanded that list to 22, adding crimes that include timber larceny and carjacking. The plaintiffs argue disenfranchisement violates the U.S. Constitution because it was adopted with the discriminatory intent of keeping African Americans from voting.

Between 1994 and 2017, about 47,000 people in Mississippi were convicted of disenfranchising crimes, Jonathan K. Youngwood, a New York-based attorney in the lawsuit, has said. About 60 percent of them, or nearly 30,000, have completed their sentences but have not regained their voting rights. Some are still serving time.

African-Americans make up about 38 percent of Mississippi's population and 36.5 percent of the state's registered voters. Youngwood said 59 percent to 60 percent of people convicted of disenfranchising crimes in the state are black.

Some states automatically restore voting rights once someone gets out of prison, while others automatically restore rights once someone completes parole or probation. But Mississippi requires people to go through the arduous process of getting individual bills passed just for them with two-thirds approval by the Legislature, or getting a pardon from the governor. A 2016 Sentencing Project study found that 335 people achieved one those between 2000 in 2015.

Republican Gov. Phil Bryant, in his final year in office, hasn't granted any pardons and has let suffrage restoration bills become law without his signature. Last year, he let four become law without signing them and vetoed a fifth. In a brief veto message April 13, he said restoring the ballot depends on the support of law enforcement "and the person's ability to show responsibility and honesty after conviction."

The issue of restoring rights has been gaining traction in historically restrictive states. Florida voters in November overwhelmingly adopted a constitutional amendment that will automatically allow most felons who complete their sentences, about 1.4 million people, to register as voters. This week in Mississippi, the House passed House Bill 637 , which will set up a study committee to examine the issue. If the Senate agrees and Bryant signs it, the committee would issue a report by year's end.

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Follow Jeff Amy at http://twitter.com/jeffamy .
Five Democratic senators vying for their party's nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 fanned out across the country Saturday to campaign and meet voters.

Kamala Harris of California spent her second straight day in the pivotal early-voting state of South Carolina, holding a town hall meeting in Columbia, the capital. Also visiting the state was Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who met with an estimated 800 voters in Greenville before heading to Georgia - an unusual early stop for a White House hopeful but one that signals Democratic hopes to make inroads in the South.

Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York both focused on New Hampshire. Booker made his first visit to there since joining the race earlier this month, holding a question-and-answer session with more than 400 voters in Portsmouth.

Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, meanwhile, made her own uncommon choice for early campaigning by visiting Wisconsin before heading to Iowa, home to the nation's first caucus.

And a Democratic heavyweight who's yet to address his 2020 plans, former Vice President Joe Biden, made his own high-profile appearance at the Munich Security Conference.

The Democratic senators stepped up their campaigning during the long holiday weekend at the start of Congress' first recess this year. Their outreach to voters came in the wake of Trump's controversial decision to declare a national emergency in order to unilaterally redirect federal money for his promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., campaigns in Eau Clare, Wis., on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP)

Some highlights from the trail:

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CORY BOOKER

The New Jersey senator plans to spend three days in New Hampshire, which casts the first votes in the 2020 primary, and he kicked off the swing with a freewheeling "conversation" that drew questions on health care, the environment and foreign relations.

Booker is one of several Democratic presidential contenders who back legislation that would transition the United States to universal health insurance coverage, but he acknowledged Saturday that compromise may be necessary to get major health care legislation through the Senate.

Booker told voters in New Hampshire there are a "lot of pathways" to achieving universal health coverage, noting that just lowering Medicare eligibility to age 55 would be "a step in the right direction." He said supporters of so-called Medicare for All are "going to have to find ways to advance the ball given the Congress that we have."

Booker brought a personal touch to his first official visit to New Hampshire as a presidential candidate, sharing his African-American family's story of struggling to buy a home in a majority-white neighborhood in the late 1960s as he urged the crowd to "put that indivisible back in this one nation under God." The famously social media-savvy senator stayed long after the event concluded to snap selfies and record videos with supporters.

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KAMALA HARRIS

The California senator visited a handful of female-owned businesses in Columbia, South Carolina, on the second day of a swing through the early-voting state.

Harris walked along Lady Street and stopped in Styled by Naida, a black-owned business, and made several purchases, including a wide-brimmed teal hat. The candidate also met with a group of women leaders at a restaurant a block away.

Her visit was organized by Jennifer Clyburn Reed, whose father is Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the third-ranking Democratic leader in the U.S. House.

A prominent Democratic activist in the state, Clyburn Reed hasn't yet backed any of the Democrats running for president, and she's organized similar trips for other candidates.

At a town hall in West Columbia, a voter told Harris that most Democrats are looking for someone who will defeat Trump in 2020. The woman became emotional and said she feared the world she was leaving behind for her children and grandchildren, and asked Harris what sets her apart from other Democrats running.

Harris said she believes this moment is a time "that we need fighters on stage who know how to fight - I do - and who have a proven desire to lead."

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KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND

Gillibrand, in her second day of campaigning in New Hampshire, issued a rebuke of what she called President Donald Trump's divisive language.

The New York senator and Democratic presidential candidate told a crowd of about 450 people Saturday at Dartmouth College - her alma mater - that the president's worst offense since he was elected has been to "dehumanize people" and create a climate of fear and hatred, especially toward immigrants.

Gillibrand said Trump wants Americans "to be afraid of one another." She insisted "that's not who we are."

Gillibrand, who took questions from the audience, said she favors a single-payer health care system modeled on Medicare and would take on climate change by incentivizing the creation of renewable energy. She added that she was optimistic that "common sense" gun laws would pass now that young voters are calling for change.

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JOE BIDEN

The former vice president isn't officially part of the 2020 presidential race, but he bolstered his case for a potential candidacy by speaking to an international audience about the need to restore America's ability to claim leadership in the world.

Without saying President Donald Trump's name, Biden said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference that current policies do not reflect the country as he perceives it.

"The America I see values basic human decency, not snatching children from their parents or turning our backs on refugees at our border. Americans know that's not right," Biden said.

He said the U.S. doesn't want to turn its back on its closest allies and cherishes democracy, the rule of law and a free press, telling the conference that the America he sees "stands up to the aggression of dictators and against strongmen who rule by coercion, corruption and violence."

A former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden is likely to lean on his international-relations credentials should he choose to join the increasingly crowded field of Democrats running for their party's presidential nomination.

While he has yet to disclose any timetable for deciding whether to enter the race, Biden has two public events slated for later this month, the first at the University of Pennsylvania and the second in Delaware, his home state.

And he isn't the only well-known politician on the fence about the Democratic primary. Among the others are Beto O'Rourke, a former Texas congressman, and Sherrod Brown, an Ohio senator.

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Associated Press writer Juana Summers in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., waves to the crowd during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., addresses a gathering during a campaign stop in Portsmouth, N.H., Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
NEW YORK (AP) - In early November, word began to leak that Amazon was serious about choosing New York to build a giant new campus. The city was eager to lure the company and its thousands of high-paying tech jobs, offering billions in tax incentives and lighting the Empire State Building in Amazon orange.

Even Governor Andrew Cuomo got in on the action: "I'll change my name to Amazon Cuomo if that's what it takes," he joked at the time.

Then Amazon made it official: It chose the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens to build a $2.5 billion campus that could house 25,000 workers, in addition to new offices planned for northern Virginia. Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, Democrats who have been political adversaries for years, trumpeted the decision as a major coup after edging out more than 230 other proposals.

But what they didn't expect was the protests, the hostile public hearings and the disparaging tweets that would come in the next three months, eventually leading to Amazon's dramatic Valentine's Day breakup with New York.

Immediately after Amazon's Nov. 12 announcement, criticism started to pour in. The deal included $1.5 billion in special tax breaks and grants for the company, but a closer look at the total package revealed it to be worth at least $2.8 billion. Some of the same politicians who had signed a letter to woo Amazon were now balking at the tax incentives.

"Offering massive corporate welfare from scarce public resources to one of the wealthiest corporations in the world at a time of great need in our state is just wrong," said New York State Sen. Michael Gianaris and New York City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, Democrats who represent the Long Island City area, in a joint statement.

FILE - In this Nov. 13, 2018 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio shake hands during a news conference in New York. Cuomo and de Blasio trumpeted Amazon's decision to build a $2.5 billion campus in the Queens borough of New York as a major coup. Neither one expected the near immediate local backlash that would cause Amazon to cancel their plans on Feb. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

The next day, CEO Jeff Bezos was on the cover of The New York Post in a cartoon-like illustration, hanging out of a helicopter, holding money bags in each hand, with cash billowing above the skyline. "QUEENS RANSOM," the headline screamed. The New York Times editorial board, meanwhile, called the deal a "bad bargain" for the city: "We won't know for 10 years whether the promised 25,000 jobs will materialize," it said.

Anti-Amazon rallies were planned for the next week. Protesters stormed a New York Amazon bookstore on the day after Thanksgiving and then went to a rally on the steps of a courthouse near the site of the new headquarters in the pouring rain. Some held cardboard boxes with Amazon's smile logo turned upside down.

They had a long list of grievances: the deal was done secretively; Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, didn't need nearly $3 billion in tax incentives; rising rents could push people out of the neighborhood; and the company was opposed to unionization.

The helipad kept coming up, too: Amazon, in its deal with the city, was promised it could build a spot to land a helicopter on or near the new offices.

At the first public hearing in December, which turned into a hostile, three-hour interrogation of two Amazon executives by city lawmakers, the helipad was mentioned more than a dozen times. The image of high-paid executives buzzing by a nearby low-income housing project became a symbol of corporate greed.

Queens residents soon found postcards from Amazon in their mailboxes, trumpeting the benefits of the project. Gianaris sent his own version, calling the company "Scamazon" and urging people to call Bezos and tell him to stay in Seattle.

At a second city council hearing in January, Amazon's vice president for public policy, Brian Huseman, subtly suggested that perhaps the company's decision to come to New York could be reversed.

"We want to invest in a community that wants us," he said.

Then came a sign that Amazon's opponents might actually succeed in derailing the deal: In early February, Gianaris was tapped for a seat on a little-known state panel that often has to approve state funding for big economic development projects. That meant if Amazon's deal went before the board, Gianaris could kill it.

"I'm not looking to negotiate a better deal," Gianaris said at the time. "I am against the deal that has been proposed."

Cuomo had the power to block Gianaris' appointment, but he didn't indicate whether he would take that step.

Meanwhile, Amazon's own doubts about the project started to show. On Feb. 8, The Washington Post reported that the company was having second thoughts about the Queens location.

On Wednesday, Cuomo brokered a meeting with four top Amazon executives and the leaders of three unions critical of the deal. The union leaders walked away with the impression that the parties had an agreed upon framework for further negotiations, said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union.

"We had a good conversation. We talked about next steps. We shook hands," Appelbaum said.

An Amazon representative did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

The final blow landed Thursday, when Amazon announced on a blog post that it was backing out, surprising the mayor, who had spoken to an Amazon executive Monday night and received "no indication" that the company would bail.

Amazon still expected the deal to be approved, according to a source familiar with Amazon's thinking, but that the constant criticism from politicians didn't make sense for the company to grow there.

"I was flabbergasted," De Blasio said. "Why on earth after all of the effort we all put in would you simply walk away?"

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Associated Press Writers Alexandra Olson and Karen Matthews in New York, and David Klepper in Albany, New York, contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, protesters hold up anti-Amazon signs during a coalition rally and press conference of elected officials, community organizations and unions opposing Amazon headquarters getting subsidies to locate in Long Island City, in New York. Local resistance to the online retailer building part of its headquarters in Long Island City was almost immediate. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, protesters hold up anti-Amazon signs during a coalition rally and news conference opposing Amazon headquarters getting subsidies to locate in the New York neighborhood of Long Island City. Protesters had a long list of grievances to Amazon coming to their community, including the nearly $3 billion in tax incentives that New York was offering them. In its deal with the city, Amazon was promised a spot to build a helipad on or near the new offices. Some people questioned the optics of high-flying executives buzzing by a nearby low-income housing project. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, protesters carry anti-Amazon signs during a coalition rally and press conference of elected officials, community organizations and unions opposing Amazon headquarters getting subsidies to locate in the New York neighborhood of Long Island City, the Queens borough of New York. Opposition to the retail giant coming to Long Island City by local politicians, some unions and residents of the community fearing the retail giant's presence will raise the cost of living was almost immediate. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2018 file photo, New York City Councillor Jimmy Van Bramer, center, speaks during a coalition rally and press conference of elected officials, community organizations and unions opposing Amazon headquarters getting subsidies to locate in the New York neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens. Some people asked why Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, needed nearly $3 billion in tax incentives to come to New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2018 file photo, New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim, center, speaks at a rally opposing New York's deal with Amazon on the steps of New York's City Hall. Those opposed to the new Amazon campus had a long list of grievances: the deal was done secretively; Amazon didn't need nearly $3 billion in tax incentives; and rising rents could push people out of the neighborhood. (AP Photo/Karen Matthews, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2018, file photo graffiti has been painted on a sidewalk by someone opposed to the location of an Amazon headquarters in the Long Island City neighborhood in the Queens borough of New York. Local opposition to the proposed Amazon campus grew quickly with grievances that the deal was done secretively; Amazon didn't need nearly $3 billion in tax incentives; and rising rents could push people out of the neighborhood. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

FILE - In this Nov. 14, 2018, file photo protesters carry anti-Amazon posters during a coalition rally and press conference opposing Amazon headquarters getting subsidies to locate in the New York neighborhood of Long Island City in the Queens borough of New York. Some residents wondered why one of the world's most valuable companies needed nearly $3 million in tax incentives to come to New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
Police in Macedonia block 22 migrants, arrest driver Syrian and Pakistani migrants will be taken back to Greece

(ANSAmed) - SKOPJE, FEBRUARY 18 - Police in North Macedonia in two separate operations Monday intercepted and blocked 22 migrants who were likely planning to enter Serbia illegally to travel to the European Union, local media said.



In the first operation, police stopped a vehicle with nine Pakistani citizens aboard in the country's south, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, and arrested the driver.



Later, police stopped a van with 13 Syrians aboard, and the driver managed to escape.



Authorities said the migrants will be taken back to Greece, where they entered North Macedonia. Macedonian police also said they apprehended a human trafficking organisation on Saturday that included a police officer.(ANSAmed).




"Palace Museum will extend its opening hours to the evening for the first time for two consecutive nights in celebration of this year's Lantern Festival," museum curator Shan Jixiang said at an event on Saturday.

File photo of Beijing's Palace Museum at night. [Photo: VCG]

The museum's official website also announced it would host a "Lantern Festival night tour" cultural event on Feb 19 and 20, and visitors can make the appointment for the tour on Feb 17 and 18 respectively with the online ticket booking system.

After this announcement, tickets for Feb 19 sold out within ten minutes. Quite a few people have pinned their hopes on the second appointment.

But in the middle of the night the ticket booking system broke down  too many people visited the website at the same time.

"I was sitting in front of the computer around 11:45 p.m. to grab tickets, only to find the website melted down. When I managed to open the website, all the tickets sold out," said Du Yue, a freelance photographer who wishes to record the night view of the Palace Museum.

The crash of the website has disappointed many visitors, yet it shows the appeal of the Palace Museum.

Also, "Night tour of Palace Museum" has become one of the hottest topics on China's Twitter-like platform Sina Weibo at present, attaining more than 330 million hits among the online users.

"I am a loyal fan of Chinese costume dramas and curious to see the night scenery of the Palace Museum. Could the night tour be extended more days to meet the public's demand?" Sina Weibo user Xiao Hongshu456 asked on the official account of the Palace Museum.

"Palace Museum once again amazes me. Although I am not the lucky dog to gain the ticket, I will be excited to see many breathtaking photos from professional photographers," added another Weibo user Man Xiaoqing.

It marks the first time the museum will be open to the public for free at night for the past 94 years, and the first time the large-scale ancient buildings in the Forbidden City will be decorated with lights.

The main locations open to the public will be the Meridian Gate exhibition hall, the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the East Wall and the Gate of Divine Might.

Also, the renowned painting A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains will be projected on the roof of the ancients building and decorated with red lanterns, giving visitors the feeling of "walking along the painting".

People from all walks of life including model workers, couriers, sanitation workers, police, military officers and solider will be invited to take part in the night tour as well.

It is worth noting the official announcement also gives publicity to the museum's newly-opened Corner Tower Restaurant and Corner Tower Cafe, allowing visitors to enjoy some leisure time in the two spots before concluding their night tour.

"On the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year, I was thrilled to attend the Spring Festival exhibition at the Palace Museum. On Valentine's Day, I took leave and enjoyed the magnificent snow scenery with my boyfriend again at the Forbidden City. And tomorrow, I am ready for a night tour there," said Zhang Qian, a Beijing-based business manager.

Zhang expects to visit the Palace Museum three times in February, and she is not alone.

The Palace Museum, or Forbidden City, is more than a 5A scenic spot for numerous visitors. It has become a cultural icon for anyone interested in Chinese history and traditional culture.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - The Latest on the defrocking of former U.S. cardinal Theodore McCarrick (all times local):

12:20 a.m.

The archbishop of Boston says the Vatican's decision to defrock former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is an important step for "administering justice" for McCarrick's crimes.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley issued a statement Saturday after the announcement that McCarrick had been found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse, including while hearing confession.

O'Malley says church leaders "must enforce accountability for cardinals and bishops."

O'Malley says his archdiocese is committed to taking reports of abuse seriously, saying it has a "moral responsibility" to be always vigilant.

FILE - In this Monday, April 18, 2005 file photo, U.S. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick attends a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, files)

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10:50 p.m.

A Kansas diocese says disgraced former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick will continue to live at a local friary "until a decision of permanent residence is finalized."

McCarrick had moved to the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria, Kansas, in September after Pope Francis ordered him to live in penance and prayer while the investigation into his actions continued.

McCarrick was defrocked after being found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse, including while hearing confession.

In a statement Saturday, Bishop Gerald L. Vincke of the Salina, Kansas, Diocese said he hopes the Vatican's decision will "help bring healing to all affected by sexual abuse and those hurt by this scandal."

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10:10 p.m.

The cardinal of Newark, New Jersey, is thanking Pope Francis for his leadership on the church investigation of ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick.

McCarrick was Newark archbishop for 14 years. He was defrocked after being found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse, including while hearing confession.

Newark Cardinal Joseph Tobin said Saturday it's "profoundly disheartening and disturbing" to know that McCarrick acted "contrary to the Christian way of life as well as his vocation as a priest."

Tobin, who was named a cardinal by Francis, expressed gratitude to the pontiff "for his leadership throughout this difficult investigation and decision."

Last year, Tobin said the archdiocese never received an accusation that McCarrick abused a minor, but that it and another New Jersey diocese received three allegations of sexual misconduct with adults decades ago. Two of those resulted in settlement.

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6:20 p.m.

A U.S. lay Catholic group wants those who "looked the other way" as Theodore McCarrick rose to cardinal's rank even despite abusing others be held accountable.

The Catholic Association, a conservative group, in a statement Saturday, called McCarrick's defrocking "only a first step" in ridding sexual abuse from all levels of the church.

It said much must be done to hold accountable "those in the church hierarchy who looked the other way as McCarrick rose through their ranks" and also to ensure that priestly celibacy is restored and youths are safeguarded from sexual abuse.

The group noted that Pope Francis' summit on sexual abuse starts on Thursday.

The Vatican said its investigation found McCarrick, who had served as archbishop in Washington, D.C., guilty of sexual crimes including solicitation in the confessional.

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3:40 p.m.

A U.S. Catholic church leader says the Vatican's defrocking of former cardinal Theodore McCarrick shows no bishop is above the church's law.

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, whose own credibility in handling clergy abuse cases has recently been questioned, in a statement on Saturday called the punishment of a once-powerful American prelate "a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated."

DiNardo says "no bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the church."

He leads the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which is based in Washington, D.C., the city where McCarrick had served as archbishop.

DiNardo's handling of abuse cases in Houston has come under question. Two people who said they were abused by a local priest have said they felt DiNardo didn't do enough to stop the priest.

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2:55 p.m.

An advocate for church accountability over sex abuse is demanding Pope Francis say what he knew about Theodore McCarrick, the disgraced former U.S. cardinal.

The Vatican said Saturday that Francis had approved McCarrick's defrocking for having solicited sex in the confessional and other church crimes.

Anne Barrett Doyle of BishopAccountability.org says while his defrocking is significant, "most abusive bishops have escaped" defrocking. She says Francis should use the power of his office to laicize those bishops immediately.

Francis should also say "what he knew and when" about McCarrick.

Doyle is in Rome for the pope's gathering of bishops about the crisis.

She says of the 101 accused bishops her group has tracked, McCarrick is only the seventh to be laicized. McCarrick was the first churchman who reached the rank of cardinal to be defrocked in the scandals.

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1:05 p.m.

One of the victims of defrocked ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick victims is expressing relief that Pope Francis believed his accusations of years-long sex abuse.

In a statement released by his lawyer Saturday, James Grein said he participated in the church trial of McCarrick "with profound sadness."

Grein, the son of a friend of McCarrick, says that while he can't regain his childhood, "today I am happy that the pope believed me." He accused McCarrick of sexually abusing him for some two decades from age 11, including during confession.

He adds he hopes that McCarrick will no longer be able to use the power of "Jesus' church to manipulate families and sexually abuse children."

Grein says "it's time for us to cleanse the church." He testified in December in New York before a Vatican-appointed investigator.

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9:10 a.m.

The Vatican says Pope Francis has defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession.

The punishment announced on Saturday for the once-powerful prelate and Archbishop of Washington comes a few days before Pope Francis is to lead an extraordinary gathering of bishops from around the world over the sex abuse crisis which has eroded the faith of many Catholics and threatened his papacy.

Defrocking means McCarrick, 88, who now lives in a friary in Kansas after he lost his title of cardinal last year, won't be allowed to celebrate Mass or other sacraments.

FILE - In this April 23, 2002 file photo Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of the Archdiocese of Washington, waves as he arrives at the Vatican in a limousine. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)
TIRANA, Albania (AP) - Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters clashed with police Saturday at an anti-government rally protesting what they claim is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet. The protesters demanded that the government resign and an early election be held.

Protesters throwing flares and other objects broke through police ranks as they tried to enter the office of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. They destroyed the main door of the government building in Tirana, the capital, and broke an artwork on the side of the building but could not get inside.

Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. The Health Ministry said 15 people were injured, including seven policemen.

One poster read "This is the end of the thieves," while another showed a picture of Rama's face made to resemble that of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Protesters shouted "Rama go!" and blew vuvuzelas.

The rally was organized by the center-right Democratic Party. In an interview with The Associated Press before the rally, Democrats leader Lulzim Basha said his supporters want the government to resign, a transitional Cabinet to be put into place and an early election held.

"(We need) to restore democracy through a parliament that is elected by the will of people and not the money or the threats of criminals," he said.

Opposition supporters wave Albanian Flags as they take part in an anti-government rally outside the prime minister's office in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb.16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)

After five hours, Basha ended the rally pledging that the "popular uprising will continue until the overturn of this system." He called for another protest on Thursday.

This year Albania, a NATO member since 2009, hopes to get the European Union's approval to launch full membership negotiations. Fighting corruption and organized crime are some of the EU's main priorities for Albania, which has seen corruption across the political spectrum.

U.S., EU and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe denounced the violence Saturday on the government building and called on political parties "to take all necessary steps to ensure that the situation becomes peaceful and constructive."

Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj urged political leaders to distance themselves from the violence. President Ilir Meta also called for restraint, saying that "citizens should be free to protest, and all the institutions should be respected."

Rama on Saturday was meeting with citizens in the southwestern port of Vlora in an apparent campaign stop ahead of Albania's municipal election in June.

On his Twitter page, Rama apologized to German artist Carsten Holler, who created mushroom sculpture on the building that was damaged.

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Follow Llazar Semini on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lsemini

Opposition supporters wave Albanian Flags as they take part in an anti-government rally outside the prime minister's office in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina5

Opposition supporters wave Albanian Flags as they take part in an anti-government rally outside the prime minister's office in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb.16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)

Opposition supporters clash with police as they take part in an anti-government rally outside the prime minister's office in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb.16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)

Opposition supporters stand on scaffoldings in front of police as they take part in an anti-government rally outside the prime minister's office in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb.16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections.(AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)

Opposition supporters take part in an anti-government rally in capital Tirana, Albania, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters have clashed with police in an anti-government rally to protest what they says is a corrupt and inefficient Cabinet, asking for its resignation and early elections. (AP Photo/ Hektor Pustina)
SRINAGAR, India (AP) - As India considers its response to the suicide car bombing of a paramilitary convoy in the disputed region of Kashmir that killed dozens of soldiers, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution.

A local Kashmiri militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a convoy bus on Thursday, killing 41 soldiers and injuring two dozen others in the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmir's history. India blamed the attack on Pakistan and promised a "crushing response." New Delhi accuses its archrival of supporting rebels in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies.

The retired commander, Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, told The Associated Press on Saturday that while "some kind of limited (military) strike (against Pakistan) is more than likely," he hopes for "rethinking and reconciliation" from all sides in the conflict.

The former general, who was in charge of the army's northern command at the frontier with Pakistan in Kashmir and counterinsurgency operations, oversaw India's "surgical strikes" in September 2016 after militants attacked a military base in the frontier town of Uri near the highly militarized Line of Control.

Nineteen Indian soldiers and three assailants were killed in that attack. India instantly blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers, who New Delhi alleged were Pakistani nationals.

At the peak of a 2016 civilian uprising triggered by the killing of a charismatic Kashmiri rebel leader, Hooda called for all sides to take a step back from the deadly confrontation, suggesting that political initiatives be taken instead. It was a rare move by a top Indian army general in Kashmir.

FILE - In this Oct. 2, 2016 file photo, Indian army soldiers patrol near the Line of Control in Nowshera sector, about 90 kilometers from Jammu, India. As India considers its response to the suicide car bombing of a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir that killed dozens of soldiers on Feb. 14, 2019, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution. (AP Photo/Channi Anand, File)

Later that year when the attack on the base in Uri happened, Hooda commanded what New Delhi called "surgical strikes" against militants in the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir - which India said involved the country's special forces killing an unknown number of insurgents. Pakistan denied that the strikes ever occurred, demanding that India produce evidence to back up the claim.

Hooda has since said that the constant hype of "surgical strikes" was unwarranted.

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua rejected India's allegations about Pakistan's involvement in the attack, saying Saturday that it was part of New Delhi's "known rhetoric and tactics" to divert global attention from human rights violations. According to foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal, Janjua called for implementation of U.N. resolutions to solve the issue of Kashmir.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or become an independent country. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

A pre-recorded video circulated widely on social media showed the purported attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar, in combat clothes surrounded by guns and grenades claiming responsibility for the attack and calling for more such measures to drive India out of Kashmir.

Since 2016, soldiers from India and Pakistan have often traded fire along the frontier, blaming each other for initiating the skirmishes that have resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides in violation of a 2003 cease-fire accord.

Hooda said that considering the state of affairs in Kashmir, he wasn't surprised by the bombing.

"I just hope this all leads to some introspection, some deep thinking and engagement to do everything afresh and rethink what we all should be doing to settle issues once for all," he said.

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Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report.

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Follow Aijaz Hussain on Twitter at twitter.com/hussain_aijaz

Sanjana cries over the body of her husband Mahesh Yadav, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier who was killed in Thursday bombing in Kashmir, in Tudihar village, some 56 kilometers east of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh state, India, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. As India considers its response to the suicide car bombing of a paramilitary convoy in Kashmir that killed dozens of soldiers, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution. (AP Photo/ Rajesh Kumar Singh)
PARIS (AP) - Police fired tear gas and brought in water cannons and a horse brigade to disperse several thousand yellow vest protesters Saturday massed near a Paris landmark at the end of a march through the French capital, the 14th straight weekend of demonstrations.

Anti-Semitic remarks hurled by a few at a noted philosopher on the protesters' route were the bitter finale to a day of tension.

Acrid clouds of tear gas filled the esplanade of Les Invalides monument, obscuring the gold dome that crowns the monument housing Napoleon's tomb.

Tension also marked demonstrations in other cities.

In Rouen, in Normandy, a car blocked by demonstrators pushed through the crowd, slightly injuring four people, the all-news channel BFMTV reported. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Bordeaux, a stronghold of the yellow vest movement, and other cities on the 14th straight Saturday of protests. Another demonstration in the capital was planned for Sunday to mark three months since the movement held its first nationwide protests Nov. 17.

In Paris, an array of insults, some anti-Semitic, by a handful of yellow vest protesters targeted a well-known French philosopher, Alain Finkielkraut, underscoring excesses that surge within an increasingly divided movement with radical fringes.

Yellow vest protesters gather at the Arc de Triomphe with a banner reading "Stop police violence", Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vests protesters keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 14th straight weekend of demonstrations. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that "the anti-Semitic injuries he received are the absolute negation of what we are and of what makes us a great nation."

The president's was among a chorus of tweets, with Interior Minister Christophe Castaner denouncing "the surge of pure hate," while government spokesman Benjamin Griveau tweeted that "the ugly beast lurks in the anonymity of the crowd."

The insults included words like "Zionist!" and "Go back to Tel Aviv!" and "We are France!" Finkielkraut once showed sympathy for the movement but criticized it in a recent interview with Le Figaro daily. Some yellow vest protesters have expressed racist or anti-Semitic views online and on the sidelines of protests.

"I felt an absolute hate," Finkielkraut told the Sunday paper Le Journal du Dimanche. He expressed relief that police intervened.

Lines of riot police used tear gas and an impressive backup, a special horse brigade and water cannons - apparently not used - to force the agitated crowd to disperse.

The Paris prosecutor's office said 15 people were detained for questioning, far less than the scores detained in earlier, larger demonstrations that degenerated into scattered rioting and destruction.

Violence has marked most of the protests that started against fuel taxes and grew into a mass movement against Macron and his pro-business policies. However, the increasingly divided movement is having trouble maintaining momentum, and support from the public that initially massively backed protesters, polls showed.

French media quoted the Interior Ministry as saying that 41,500 protesters nationwide turned out Saturday, some 10,000 less than the previous week, with 5,000 in Paris.

"No social peace without equitable sharing ... The people aren't a milk cow," was the message scrawled on a wooden cross, carried by a protester dressed in monk's garb.

In Paris, tensions mounted as the more than four-hour march ended at the Invalides, with projectiles thrown at police, some by masked individuals dressed in black, a uniform for the ultra-leftist Blackblocs. BFM showed people running after moving police cars, hitting the windows.

The march - one of seven yellow vest demonstrations in Paris on Saturday - began hours earlier at the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Elysees, the stage of past rioting, and wound through Paris, from moneyed Right Bank streets with high-fashion boutiques to Left Bank student quarters.

Many French are asking aloud how long the yellow vest movement will keep up its protests, which drain security forces and have dented the French economy.

Emilie Bidois, from the Normandy town of Gisors, who was taking part in the Paris protest, admitted she was growing tired - but remaining determined.

"We're fed up but we won't give up. We won't give up on anything because they want to muzzle us and we want to be heard," she said. "I will carry on until the movement runs out of steam, if it runs out of steam, but I don't think it will."

Leo Peyrade, a 70-year-old Parisian, referred to the violence that has hit numerous protests, often triggered by small extremist groups, and said he has learned to be careful. Last week, a young protester lost four fingers from a grenade. Others have lost eyes.

"Every time I come, some are wounded, arms, legs. I'm careful," he said. "I can't run like a young person, not as fast in any event."

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Thibault Camus and Patrick Hermansen in Paris contributed to this report.

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This story corrects spelling of name to Finkielkraut.

Yellow vest protesters gather at the Arc de Triomphe, Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vests protesters keep pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron's government, for the 14th straight weekend of demonstrations. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters march Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A yellow vest protester holds a broom with a placard reading "Macron, clear off" during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

A yellow vest protesters clench their fist during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Yellow vest protesters march Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Riot police officers detain a protester during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters walk through tear gas during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protesters march during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Marseille, southern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

Yellow vest protesters wave a French flag Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Riot police officers guard a fashion shop while yellow vest demonstrate Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Yellow vest protester writes below an Apple sign "Pay your taxes", in front of an Apple store during a demonstration Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Lille, Northern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo Michel Spingler)

Yellow vest protester holds a French flag during a demonstration Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, in Lille, Northern France. Yellow vest protesters are holding scattered demonstrations around Paris and the rest of France amid waning support for their movement. (AP Photo Michel Spingler)

A yellow vest protester runs amid tear gas during scuffles with riot police officers Saturday, Feb.16, 2019 in Paris. Hundreds of yellow vest protesters marched through Paris, one of seven scattered demonstrations in the French capital Saturday, for the 14th straight weekend. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
MUNICH (AP) - The Latest on the international security conference taking place in Munich (all times local):

10 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has drawn lengthy applause for her spirited defense of a multilateral approach to global affairs and her support for Europe's decision to stand by a nuclear deal with Iran.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was not impressed, however, and he doubled down on American criticism of Europe.

Merkel's comments Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and top defense and foreign policy officials, followed days of acrimony between the U.S. and Europe over Iran.

Merkel told the group that she shared American concerns about Iranian efforts to increase its power. But she defended the nuclear deal as an important channel to Tehran, stressing the need for international diplomacy.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes United States Vice President Mike Pence, left, for a bilateral meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Germany, Britain, France, China, Russia and the European Union have been trying to keep the 2015 deal with Iran alive since U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of it last year.

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7:30 p.m.

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says he's ashamed that U.S. Vice President Mike Pence didn't mention climate change at an international security conference and is vowing to help make it a voting issue.

Kerry made an impassioned speech at a discussion on climate change Saturday at the Munich Security Conference, hours after a speech by Pence.

He said: "I'm ashamed that our vice president of the United States stood up here at a security conference and never even mentioned the word 'climate change.'"

Kerry added: "I wish there was a way to hold the president of the United States accountable for the loss of life that is going to take place every day, for the displacement of people, for the trillions of dollars we will have to wind up spending because we're not getting the job done."

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7 p.m.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has fired back at British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson, calling him the "minister of war."

Lavrov's comments Saturday came the day after Williamson gave a speech at the Munich Security Conference saying that Russia was "trying to goad the West into a new arms race it simply is not interested in and does not want."

Lavrov, talking about Russia's perception of "increased activity by NATO," said Moscow was interested in knowing how the western alliance saw its mandate in the Arctic.

He says "if you listen to some people like minister of war - or, sorry, minister of defense of the United Kingdom, then you might get an impression that nobody except NATO has the right to be anywhere other than in their own borders."

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5:25 p.m.

The presidents of Serbia and Kosovo have traded barbs at an international security conference over the responsibility for a stalemate in efforts to improve their ties.

Kosovo, which broke away from Serbia in 2008, last year set a 100 percent import tariff on Serbian goods until Belgrade recognizes its sovereignty and stops preventing it from joining international organizations. A European Union-facilitated dialogue has stalled, with Belgrade saying it won't participate until the tariff is lifted.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo President Hashim Thaci appeared together at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, both expressing interest in reaching an agreement but neither appearing to give ground.

The EU's enlargement commissioner, Johannes Hahn, urged them to move toward a compromise. He said it's time, "even if it doesn't sound and look like a window of opportunity, to strike very soon a deal."

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1:35 p.m.

A top Chinese official is defending Huawei, dismissing American concerns that the telecom giant might covertly collect data and report it to Beijing, and urging Europeans to ignore Washington.

Yang Jiechi's comments Saturday came after U.S. Vice President Mike Pence labeled Huawei a "threat" to national security systems and urged allies to exclude them from developing 5G wireless infrastructure.

Yang told the Munich Security Conference Europeans "know where their own interests lie, so let there be fewer lectures," accusing the U.S. of pushing its own self interests.

He says "Chinese law does not require companies to install back doors or collect intelligence" and said Huawei "as a company is cooperating very closely with the European countries."

He says "the Europeans know very well what is the wise path for them to go forward."

- This item corrects Pence's title.

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1 p.m.

A senior Chinese official is signaling that Beijing isn't interested in joining an expanded version of the Cold War-era nuclear weapons treaty between the United States and Russia that Washington and Moscow have decided to abandon.

The U.S. announced this month that it was pulling out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty because of Russian violations. Moscow followed suit, strongly denying any breaches. The U.S. administration also has worried that the pact was an obstacle to efforts to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China, which is not covered by the treaty.

Politburo member Yang Jiechi told the Munich Security Conference Saturday that the INF treaty should be preserved but "China develops its capabilities strictly according to its defensive needs and doesn't pose a threat to anybody else. So we are opposed to the multilateralization of (the) INF."

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12:50 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is urging allies to take seriously "the threat" posed by Chinese telecom giant Huawei as they look for partners to build 5G wireless infrastructure.

Pence said Saturday the U.S. had been "clear with our security partners on the threat posed by Huawei and other Chinese telecom companies."

He told the Munich Security Conference they "provide Beijing's vast security apparatus with access to any data that touches their network or equipment (and) we must protect our critical telecom infrastructure."

He says "America is calling on all our security partners to be vigilant and to reject any enterprise that would compromise the integrity of our communications technology or our national security systems."

China rejects the U.S. position, saying Washington has provided no evidence Huawei threatens national security.

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12:25 p.m.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is doubling down on his criticism of European nations working to preserve a nuclear deal with Iran, saying they should follow Washington's lead and withdraw from the agreement.

Speaking Saturday right after Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the 2015 Iran deal, Pence said "the time has come for our European partners to stop undermining sanctions" by continuing to offer economic incentives in exchange for Tehran limiting its nuclear capability.

He says Europe should withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal "and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region and the world the peace, security and freedom they deserve."

France, Germany and Britain, as well as the European Union, Russia and China, have been struggling to preserve the deal since the U.S. pulled out last year.

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12:10 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says U.S. authorities appear to have concluded that European cars are a threat to national security.

Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference that Germany is "proud of our cars, and we're allowed to be," and many of them are built in the U.S.

The European Union and the U.S. have been trying to ratchet down trade tensions in recent months and Merkel says she has "great hope" in the negotiations. But she added: "It is not entirely easy for me as German chancellor to read that apparently - I don't have it in writing yet - the American Commerce Department says German, European cars are a threat to national security."

She noted that German automaker BMW's biggest plant is in South Carolina "and if these cars ... are suddenly a threat to the United States' national security, that startles us."

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12 noon

Chancellor Angela Merkel is defending the development of the joint German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline, dismissing American concerns it will weaken Europe's strategic position and assuring Ukraine it won't get cut off from Russian fuel.

Merkel on Saturday told Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the Munich Security Conference his country would continue to be a transit country for Russian gas even after the Baltic pipeline is complete.

On security concerns, she says the question is "how dependent are we on Russian gas, and that has nothing to do with the delivery."

She says Europe also has enough terminals to receive more LNG fuel from the U.S., has its own natural gas and has other options, too.

She says "there's nothing that speaks against getting gas from the United States, but to exclude Russia is the wrong strategic signal."

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11:50 a.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is defending European powers' decision to stand by the Iran nuclear deal, describing it as an "anchor" allowing the West to exert pressure.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused Germany, France and Britain of trying to "break" American sanctions on Iran and called on them to follow Washington in pulling out of the nuclear deal.

Merkel told the Munich Security Conference Saturday the split over Iran "depresses me very much," but downplayed the substance of the differences.

She said: "I see the ballistic missile program, I see Iran in Yemen and above all I see Iran in Syria."

But "the only question that stands between us on this issue is, do we help our common cause, our common aim of containing the damaging or difficult development of Iran, by withdrawing from the one remaining agreement? Or do we help it more by keeping the small anchor we have in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas?"

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11:45 a.m.

Egypt's president has called on Western countries to boost efforts at tackling extremist ideology in online media and mosques.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference Saturday, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi says countries must "tackle websites that are inciting hatred and spreading extremist and terrorist narratives among communities in the Islamic world and in the West."

He also said authorities should "be very mindful of what is being promoted at houses of worship," adding that extremists should not be allowed to preach. He underlined his efforts in Egypt to control the sermons in mosques.

Egypt has wide-ranging restrictions on free speech.

El-Sissi also mentioned that in the terrorism context, the failure to reach a fair and final settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict represents the main source of instability in the Middle East.

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11:15 a.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is calling on China to join international disarmament negotiations after the collapse of a Cold War-era treaty on nuclear weapons in Europe.

The U.S. earlier this month announced that it was pulling out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, accusing Russia of violating it. Moscow followed suit, strongly denying any breaches. The U.S. administration also worried that the pact was an obstacle to efforts to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China.

Merkel told the Munich Security Conference Saturday that the U.S. withdrawal was "inevitable" because of Russian violations. But she noted the end of a treaty conceived "essentially for Europe" leaves Europe trying to secure future disarmament to protect its own interests.

United States Vice President Mike Pence, right, talks with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, left, during a bilateral meeting at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Chinese Politburo Member Yang Jiechi delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

German Chancellor Angele Merkel, center, arrives for a meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Tobias Hase/dpa via AP)

United States Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, left, shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Karen Pence, left, the wife of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence paints together with the nine year old Chiara during her visit in the Dr. von Haunerschen Children Hospital in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

Karen Pence, left, the wife of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks to the nine year old Chiara, right, and Dr. Christoph Klein during her visit in the Dr. von Haunerschen Children Hospital in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

United States Vice President Mike Pence, right, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, left, shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)
MUNICH (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel drew lengthy applause Saturday for her spirited defense of a multilateral approach to global affairs and support for Europe's decision to stand by a nuclear deal with Iran.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was not among the impressed, however, and he doubled down on American criticism of Europe.

Merkel's comments at the Munich Security Conference, an annual gathering of world leaders and top global defense and foreign policy officials, followed days of acrimony between the U.S. and Europe over Iran.

Merkel told the group - which included the largest U.S. delegation ever with dozens of members of Congress, Ivanka Trump, Pence and others - that she shared American concerns about many Iranian efforts to increase its power in the region.

But while she said the split with the U.S. over Iran's nuclear agreement "depresses me very much," she defended it as an important channel to Tehran, stressing the need for international diplomacy.

"I see the ballistic missile program, I see Iran in Yemen and above all I see Iran in Syria," she said. "The only question that stands between us on this issue is, do we help our common cause, our common aim of containing the damaging or difficult development of Iran, by withdrawing from the one remaining agreement? Or do we help it more by keeping the small anchor we have in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas?"

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

Germany, Britain, France, China, Russia and the European Union have been trying to keep the 2015 deal with Iran alive since President Donald Trump unilaterally pulled out of it last year.

The deal offers Iran sanctions relief for limiting its nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said that, so far, Tehran is sticking to the agreement.

But the U.S. argues that the deal just puts off when Iran might be able to build a nuclear bomb. Speaking after Merkel, Pence pushed for Europeans to end their involvement in the nuclear deal, calling Iran "the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the world."

"The time has come for our European partners to stop undermining U.S. sanctions against this murderous revolutionary regime," Pence said. "The time has come for our European partners to stand with us and with the Iranian people, our allies and friends in the region. The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal."

Merkel's speech was warmly received, while Pence's was met with polite applause.

"This was a big and say-it-as-it-is Merkel speech," Daniela Schwarzer, the director of the German Council on Foreign Relations think tank, wrote on Twitter. "Minutes of applause and standing ovations for a powerful commitment to picking up the pieces of a shattered (world) order and working on a European and (international) order that creates win-win situations."

Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who was in office when the Iran nuclear deal was negotiated, went out of his way to thank Merkel and defended the Iran deal as a "significant agreement."

Biden told the group that many Americans did not agree with the Trump administration's "America first" approach.

"You heard a lot today about leadership but in my experience, leadership only exists if somebody and others are with you," he said after Pence's address. "Leadership in the absence of people who are with you is not leadership."

In her speech, Merkel also questioned whether it was a good idea for the U.S. to withdraw troops quickly from Syria "or is that not also strengthening the possibilities for Iran and Russia to exert influence there?"

Turning to nuclear disarmament, Merkel said the recent U.S. announcement that it was pulling out of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty was "inevitable" because of Russian violations.

Moscow followed suit by also withdrawing from the treaty, strongly denying any breaches. The U.S. administration was also worried that the pact was an obstacle to efforts to counter intermediate-range missiles deployed by China, which is not covered by the treaty.

Merkel noted the treaty was conceived "essentially for Europe," where such missiles were stationed during the Cold War. She said "the answer cannot lie in blind rearmament."

"Disarmament is something that concerns us all, and we would of course be glad if such negotiations were conducted not just between the United States ... and Russia, but also with China," she said.

Merkel also defended Germany's progress in fulfilling NATO guidelines for countries to move toward spending 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024, which has been criticized as too slow. And overall, she rejected the idea of a go-it-alone foreign policy.

She said it's better to "put yourself in the other's shoes ... and see whether we can get win-win solutions together."

Pence stuck to the U.S. line that the 2 percent NATO guideline is a strict commitment rather than a target, saying while more alliance members have met the criteria, "the truth is, many of our NATO allies still need to do more."

He also reiterated American opposition to the joint German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which Washington fears will make Europe overly reliant on Russian gas.

"The United States commends all our European partners who've taken a strong stand against Nord Stream 2," he said. "And we commend others to do that same."

He added: "We cannot ensure the defense of the West if our allies grow dependent on the East."

Merkel defended the pipeline under the Baltic Sea, dismissing the American concerns as unfounded and assuring Ukraine that it won't get cut off from Russian fuel.

Speaking as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko looked on, she told him his country would continue to be a transit country for Russian gas even after the pipeline is complete.

Merkel noted that Europe also has enough terminals to receive more liquefied gas from the U.S., among other options.

"There's nothing that speaks against getting gas from the United States, but to exclude Russia is the wrong strategic signal," she said.

___

Moulson reported from Berlin.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

United States Vice President Mike Pence briefs the media during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

German Chancellor Angele Merkel, center, arrives for a meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Tobias Hase/dpa via AP)

United States Vice President Mike Pence delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

United States Vice President Mike Pence hugs Cindy McCain, widow of US Senator John McCain, after delivering his speech during the John McCain Dissertation Award Ceremony at the Bavarian State Parliament in Munich, Germany, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Pence arrived Thursday to attend the Munich Security Conference. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

United States Vice President Mike Pence delivers his speech during the John McCain Dissertation Award Ceremony at the Bavarian State Parliament in Munich, Germany, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Pence arrived Thursday to attend the Munich Security Conference. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Former Vice President Joe Biden delivers his speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

United States Vice President Mike Pence briefs the media during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, left, for a bilateral meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes United States Vice President Mike Pence, left, for a bilateral meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, welcomes United States Vice President Mike Pence, left, for a bilateral meeting during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
BAGHOUZ, Syria (AP) - The sound of mortar shelling and fighter jets whizzing by filled the air.

At the base in this small village, fighters from the U.S.- backed Syrian Democratic Forces coordinate with their comrades about two kilometers (1.2 miles) away who are closing in on Islamic State militants hiding in their last toehold on the border between Syria and Iraq.

Despite the projectiles being fired, the mood among the fighters at this base is easygoing. The Kurdish-led force, with help from the U.S.-led coalition, has all but defeated the most ferocious extremist group to terrorize the region in years.

"The situation is great. It can't be better," said one commander at the front line into his walkie-talkie.

Clashes continue inside the village of Baghouz, mostly at night. Fighters say IS militants are hiding among civilians in a displaced people's camp to avoid airstrikes. Artillery rounds were meant to clear land mines for the SDF fighters to advance.

But SDF commanders insist the official end of the group's hold on territory in Syria is near.

A man selling chicken sits in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Hajin, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

"We will very soon bring good news to the whole world," said Ciya Furat, a commander with the Kurdish-led SDF, speaking at a news conference, miles away at the al-Omar Oil Field Base in the Deir el-Zour province.

The capture of the last pocket still held by IS fighters in Baghouz would mark the end of a devastating four-year global campaign to end the extremist group's hold on territory in Syria and Iraq - their so-called "caliphate" that at the height of the group's power in 2014 controlled nearly a third of both Iraq and Syria.

President Donald Trump said the White House will make an announcement about Syria and the fight against IS by the end of Saturday.

"We have a lot of great announcements having to do with Syria and our success with the eradication of the caliphate and that will be announced over the next 24 hours," Trump told journalists at the White House on Friday.

An Associated Press team in Baghouz on Saturday heard several aircraft overhead. At least two airstrikes and mortar rounds were seen in the distance, close to the tiny area where the militants are said to be holed up. SDF fighters said they were fired by the U.S.-led coalition.

The SDF declared the final push to capture the village a week ago after more than 20,000 civilians, many of them the wives and families of foreign fighters, were evacuated. Since then, SDF commanders say they have been surprised to discover that there were hundreds of civilians still in the enclave, after they were brought up by the militants from underground tunnels. Their presence has slowed down the SDF advance.

Hostages, including fighters from the Kurdish-led forces and civilians, were another reason the advances were slowed down.

Furat, the SDF commander, said that his fighters were able to liberate 10 of their colleagues held by IS. He said IS fighters are now besieged in an area that is about 700 square meters (840 square yards).

Furat's comments were carried by Kurdish news agencies, including Hawar News.

"We are dealing with this small pocket with patience and caution. It is militarily fallen but civilians are used as human shields," SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali told the AP. Bali added that the SDF believes that IS gunmen are also holding previously kidnapped Syrians in the area.

SDF fighters said that as they cleared areas captured from IS they found some captives held in bathrooms four days earlier, including two soldiers from the Syrian government. They added that they have also removed and buried bodies of foreign fighters.

"We found bodies of Moroccans, Chinese and Chechnyans. Bodies of foreigners," said SDF fighter Hamza as he communicated with his comrades on his walkie-talkie.

Hamza said IS snipers still target their forces from among the civilians and described the abundance of land mines as a major challenge. He also had a message for the U.S. president.

"We tell Trump, it wasn't you that liberated it. It was us here on the ground," he added.

Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said SDF fighters are almost in full control of the area once controlled by extremists, adding that there might still be IS fighters hiding in a network of underground tunnels.

The Observatory said that some 200 IS gunmen surrendered Friday, days after about 240 others surrendered and were taken by SDF fighters and members of the U.S.-led coalition.

Furat said that after the physical defeat of IS, the SDF "will continue in its fight against Daesh sleepers cells."

Despite the expected defeat on the ground, activists and residents say IS still has sleeper cells in Syria and Iraq and is laying the groundwork for an insurgency. The group has claimed responsibility in recent months for deadly attacks, mostly in Iraq, more than a year after the Iraqi government said the extremists have been defeated after losing the northern city of Mosul in 2017, the largest they held.

Hamza, the fighter, said his forces have borne the brunt of the fighting in the ground offensive against the militants. Despite being on the brink of territorial defeat, the group remains a danger, he said.

"We can finish Daesh off in two days," Hamza said, using the Arabic acronym for IS. "But we need months or years to liberate the minds."

___

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report.

A girl walks in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Hajin, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters sit outside a building as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters walk in a building as fight against Islamic State militants continue in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

A U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter rides past destroyed homes and vehicles in a village recently retaken from Islamic State militants in Susah, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Damaged cars sit in an area recently retaken by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from Islamic State militants in Susah, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters talk on a radio in a rooftop position as fight against Islamic State militants continues in the village of Baghouz, Syria, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse and defrocked, as calls rose Saturday for Pope Francis to reveal what he knew about the once-powerful American prelate's apparently decades-long predatory sexual behavior.

The announcement Saturday, delivered in uncharacteristically blunt language for the Vatican, meant that the 88-year-old McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, D.C., becomes the highest-ranking churchman and the first cardinal to be punished by dismissal from the clerical state, or laicization.

He was notified Friday of the decision, which was upheld upon his appeal and approved by Pope Francis.

The pontiff next week leads a summit of bishops from around the world who have been summoned to Rome help him grapple with the entrenched problems of clerical sex abuse and the systematic cover-ups by the Catholic church's hierarchy.

Decades of revelations about priests who have sexually preyed on minors and their bosses who shuffled abusive clergy from parish to parish instead of removing them from access to children have shaken the faith of many Catholics. They also threaten the moral authority of Francis and even the survival of his papacy.

McCarrick, who in his prestigious red cardinal robes hobnobbed with presidents, other VIP politicians and pontiffs, is now barred from celebrating Mass or other sacraments including confession and from wearing clerical garb. He is to be referred to as Mr. McCarrick.

FILE - In this Monday, April 18, 2005 file photo, U.S. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick attends a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, files)

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Holy See's guardian of doctrinal purity, issued a decree on Jan. 11 finding McCarrick guilty of "solicitation in the sacrament of confession, and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power," the Vatican said. That commandment forbids adultery.

On Wednesday, Congregation officials considered his appeal and upheld the decree.

The pope "recognized the definitive nature of this decision made in accordance with (church) law, rendering it as 'res iudicata,'" the Vatican said, using the Latin phrase for admitting no further recourse.

The McCarrick scandal was particularly damning to the church's reputation because it apparently was an open secret in some ecclesial circles that he slept with adult seminarians. Francis yanked McCarrick's rank as a cardinal in July after a U.S. church investigation found credible an allegation he fondled a teenage altar boy in the 1970s.

McCarrick's civil lawyer, Barry Coburn, said Saturday that his client had no comment on the defrocking.

Coburn declined to say if McCarrick would stay at the residence in Kansas where he moved after Francis ordered him to live in penance and prayer while the investigation into his actions continued.

But the Salina, Kansas, diocese, said "Mr. McCarrick will continue to reside at the St. Fidelis Friary in Victoria until a decision of permanent residence is finalized."

Besides bishops arriving for the sex abuse summit, victims' rights advocates are also converging on Rome. They are demanding that Francis, other Vatican officials and bishops elsewhere come clean about how McCarrick managed such a meteoric rise through church ranks despite reports about his sexual life.

"The pope has known from the earliest days of his papacy, or he should have known, that ex-cardinal McCarrick was a sexual predator," said Anne Barrett Doyle, an advocate at BishopAccountability.org.

"He has a resistance to removing bishops and he also has a tolerance for bishops who are sexual wrongdoers," Doyle told The Associated Press on Saturday near St. Peter's Square.

Of the defrocking, Doyle said: "Let McCarrick be the first of many. I can think of 10 other bishops who are substantively, credibly accused of sexual abuse with minor and sexual misconduct with adults, who should be laicized."

A conservative lay group, The Catholic Association, said in a statement that much more must be done to hold accountable "those in the church hierarchy who looked the other way as McCarrick rose through their ranks" and to ensure that priestly celibacy is restored and youths are safeguarded from sexual abuse.

Walking with Doyle was Phil Saviano, a board member of BishopAccountability.org, and a survivor of sexual abuse by a priest. While calling McCarrick's defrocking "ultimately a good thing," he said the punishment should have been meted out long ago.

He said he hoped Francis isn't "throwing a bone to his dissenters in an attempt to quiet everybody down. And then McCarrick will be the one and only, because there are certainly many others who have allegations against them who should face some accountability."

His account of being abused helped the Boston Globe produce a Pulitzer-winning investigation into church cover-ups, which was chronicled in the movie "Spotlight."

When ordained a priest in his native New York City in 1958, McCarrick embraced a vocation that required celibacy. Later on in his career, McCarrick curried cachet at the Vatican as a stellar fundraiser. A globe-trotting powerbroker, McCarrick liked to be called "Uncle Ted" by the young seminarians he courted.

Despite apparent common knowledge in church circles of his sexual behavior, McCarrick rose up through the ranks, even serving as the spokesman for fellow U.S. bishops when they enacted a "zero tolerance" policy against sexually abusive priests in 2002.

One of his accusers, James Grein, the son of a family friend of McCarrick's, testified to church officials that, among other abuses, McCarrick had repeatedly groped him during confession. He said the abuse, which went on for decades, began when he was 11.

"Today I am happy that the pope believed me," Grein said in a statement issued through his lawyer. He expressed hope that McCarrick "will no longer be able to use the power of Jesus' church to manipulate families and sexually abuse children."

Grein said pressure must be put on U.S. state attorney generals and senators to change the statute of limitations for abuse cases.

"Hundreds of priests, bishops and cardinals are hiding behind man-made law," he said.

The current archdiocese of Washington, D.C., where McCarrick was posted at the pinnacle of his career from 2001-2006, said it hoped that the Vatican decision "serves to help the healing process for survivors of abuse, as well as those who have experienced disappointment or disillusionment because of what former Archbishop McCarrick has done."

Complaints were also made about McCarrick's conduct in the New Jersey dioceses of Newark and Metuchen, where he previously served.

Francis himself became implicated in the decades-long McCarrick cover-up after a former Vatican ambassador to Washington accused the pope of rehabilitating the cardinal from sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict XVI despite being told of his penchant for young men.

Francis hasn't responded to those claims but he ordered a limited Vatican investigation. The Vatican has acknowledged the outcome may produce evidence that mistakes were made and said Francis would "follow the path of truth, wherever it may lead."

Sexual abuse scandals have threatened to taint the legacy of past papacies, including that of John Paul II, who has since been made a saint.

The Rev. Marcial Maciel, a pedophile, enjoyed John Paul II's admiration for his success in spurring vocations and for inspiring generous financial donations.

Maciel's predatory crimes against children were ignored for decades by the Vatican bureaucracy.

___

Frances D'Emilio is on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/fdemilio

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2013 file photo, Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick poses during an interview with the Associated Press, in Rome. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)

FILE - In this April 23, 2002 file photo Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of the Archdiocese of Washington, waves as he arrives at the Vatican in a limousine. On Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 the Vatican announced Pope Francis defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, file)
KADOMA, Zimbabwe (AP) - Eight subsistence miners who were trapped underground for several days after heavy flooding in Zimbabwe have been rescued, though dozens of their co-workers are still missing and feared dead.

Rescuers on Saturday pulled the exhausted, muddied survivors from the ground and took them to a tent for medical treatment. Relatives waiting at the scene ululated, cheered and hugged each other.

Later came the retrieval of the dead. One by one the bodies were pulled from one of the tunnels in the gold fields, put in blue body bags and into a police truck which is transporting them to a tent for identification.

Dozens of the small-scale gold miners were caught underground Tuesday on the outskirts of Kadoma, west Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, when a dam wall collapsed and water rushed into the nearby mining tunnels.

It is unclear how many miners remain trapped, but the government has said between 60 and 70 people were working underground at the time of the accident. The government has declared it a national disaster.

Uniformed police, government workmen and artisanal miners, some of them wearing shorts, T-shirts and sandals, are working together in the retrieval operation using a hand-powered winch and ropes.

Families react after hearing eight artisanal miners survived after rains flooded mines on the outskirts of Kadoma, west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. About 40 people were trapped underground, said a police spokesman. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Ignoring a strong stench, some people broke through the police perimeter to catch a glimpse of the process, while others hoped to identify their friends and relatives.

At least 20 bodies had been identified underground, while the search for more bodies continued, said Henrietta Rushwaya, the leader of Zimbabwe's association of small scale miners.

A government statement Friday said that $200,000 is needed to complete the operation. Local head of the Civil Protection Unit Cecilia Chitiyo told reporters Saturday that "well-wishers" should donate body bags, masks, gloves, diesel fuel and other needed items.

Rescued miners sit in a tent after rains flooded mines on the outskirts of Kadoma, west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. About 40 people were trapped underground, said a police spokesman. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Survivors of artisanal miners sit in a tent after rains flooded mines on the outskirts of Kadoma, west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. About 40 people were trapped underground, said a police spokesman. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Artisanal miners accompanied by police carry the body of one of their colleagues who died after rains flooded the mines while they were underground in Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. According to government estimates, about 70 miners are still trapped underground, their fate still unknown. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Families react as dead bodies of artisanal miners who died after rains flooded the mines while they were underground, are retrieved at a mine on the outskirts of Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. According to the government they estimate that about 70 miners are still trapped underground with their fate still uncertain .(AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

A health official gives instructions on how to handle the bodies of artisanal miners who died after rains flooded the mines while they were underground in Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. According to government estimates, about 70 miners are still trapped underground, with their fate still uncertain. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Families react after hearing eight artisanal miners survived after rains flooded mines on the outskirts of Kadoma, west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. About 40 people were trapped underground, said a police spokesman. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Families react after hearing eight artisanal miners survived after rains flooded mines on the outskirts of Kadoma, west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. About 40 people were trapped underground, said a police spokesman. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Artisanal miners accompanied by a police vehicle carry the body of one of their colleagues who died after rains flooded the mines while they were underground in Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. According to government estimates, about 70 miners are still trapped underground, their fate still unknown. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Artisanal miners accompanied by a police vehicle carry the body of one of their colleagues who died after rains flooded the mines while they were underground in Kadoma town about 200 kilometres west of Harare, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. According to government estimates, about 70 miners are still trapped underground, their fate still unknown. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

A police officer directs operations at a mine in Kadoma town about 200 kilometers west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. Eight artisanal miners who were trapped underground for several days after heavy flooding in Zimbabwe have been rescued, though dozens of their co-workers are still missing and feared dead. Rescuers on Saturday pulled the exhausted, muddied survivors from the ground and took them to a tent for medical treatment. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Rescuers take a break during operations at a mine in Kadoma town about 200 kilometers west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. Eight artisanal miners who were trapped underground for several days after heavy flooding in Zimbabwe have been rescued, though dozens of their co-workers are still missing and feared dead. Rescuers on Saturday pulled the exhausted, muddied survivors from the ground and took them to a tent for medical treatment. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Men carry a body bag during rescue operations at a mine in Kadoma town about 200 kilometers west of Harare, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Feb, 16, 2019. Eight artisanal miners who were trapped underground for several days after heavy flooding in Zimbabwe have been rescued, though dozens of their co-workers are still missing and feared dead. Rescuers on Saturday pulled the exhausted, muddied survivors from the ground and took them to a tent for medical treatment. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The frantic calls started pouring in at 1:24 p.m. A gunman was shooting people inside a sprawling manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois.

Within four minutes, the first police officers rushed to the 29,000-square-foot building in the suburban Chicago city and were fired on immediately; one was struck outside and four others shot inside.

By the time the chaos ended Friday afternoon, five male employees of Henry Pratt Co. were found dead and the gunman was killed in a shootout with police after a 90-minute search of the sprawling warehouse. Five male police officers were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening.

"For so many years, we have seen similar situations throughout our nation and the horrible feeling that we get when we see it on the news. To experience it first-hand, is even more painful," said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin.

Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said the gunman, 45-year-old Gary Martin, was being fired from his job Friday after 15 years with the company. It was not immediately known why Martin was being fired.

"We don't know whether he had the gun on him at the time or if he went to retrieve it," Ziman said.

Investigators enter an apartment building Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill., where a man who police say fatally shot several people and injured police officers at a manufacturing plant in Aurora is believed to have lived. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

She also said that authorities don't yet know if the employees firing him were among the victims. The names of those killed were not immediately released.

In addition to the five employees killed, a sixth worker was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. A sixth police officer suffered a knee injury while officers were searching the building.

The shooting shocked the city of 200,000 that is about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

Christy Fonseca often worries about some of the gang-related crimes and shootings around her mother's Aurora neighborhood. But she never expected the type of phone call she got from her mom on Friday, warning her to be careful with an active shooter loose in the town.

Police cars with screaming sirens revved past her as she drove to her mother's house, where the Henry Pratt building is visible from the porch stoop. It was only when they flipped on the television news that they realized Martin had killed people just a few hundred feet away.

"In Aurora, period, we'd never thought anything like this would happen," Fonseca, a lifelong resident, said as she looked out at the warehouse where Henry Pratt makes valves for industrial purposes.

At Acorn Woods Condominiums where Martin lived, a mix of brick apartments and condos nestled on a quiet street just a mile and a half from the shooting, neighbors gathered on sidewalks near Martin's unit talking and wondering among themselves if they knew or had come in contact with him.

Mary McKnight stepped out of her car with a cherry cheesecake purchased for her son's birthday, to find a flurry of police cars, officers and media trucks.

"This is a strange thing to come home to, right," she said. She had just learned that the shooter lived close by and his unit in the complex had been taped off by police.

Asked if Martin's rampage had been a "classic" workplace shooting, police chief Ziman said:

"I don't know. We can only surmise with a gentleman that's being terminated that this was something he intended to do."

.

Investigators work at the apartment complex of the alleged shooter from the Henry Pratt Co. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. An employee of a manufacturing company opened fire in its suburban Chicago plant Friday, killing several people and wounding several police officers before he was fatally shot, police said. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

A law enforcement officer works at the scene of a shooting at the Henry Pratt Co. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, in Aurora, Ill. Officials say several people were killed and at least five police officers were wounded after a gunman opened fire in an industrial park. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

Police officers armed with rifles gather at the scene where an active shooter was reported in Aurora, Ill., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP)

Law enforcement personnel gather near the scene where an active shooter was reported in Aurora, Ill., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP)

Law enforcement personnel gather near the scene of a shooting at an industrial park in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP)

Police officers armed with rifles gather at the scene where an active shooter was reported in Aurora, Ill., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP)

This image from video provided by ABC 7 Chicago shows the industrial park in Aurora, Ill., where officials say a gunman opened fire at the Henry Pratt Co. building on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (ABC 7 Chicago via AP)

First responders and emergency vehicles are gathered near the scene of a shooting at an industrial park in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP)

Law enforcement personnel gather near the scene of a shooting at an industrial park in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP)

Law enforcement personnel gather near the scene of a shooting at an industrial park in Aurora, Ill., on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. (Bev Horne/Daily Herald via AP)
PARIS - French Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau told French daily Le Monde that France does its part in terms of migrant reception while some other EU countries do not.

"Every time a ship rescues people, neither the Austrian chancellor nor the Polish prime minister nor his Hungarian counterpart do their part by receiving asylum seekers," Loiseau said.

"Not only does France announce it, it then puts it into practice," she said.

Loiseau's comments came in response to a question regarding the Italian government's accusations of hypocrisy by the French government regarding migrant reception.

"We can also be astonished by such a high number of people crossing the Italian border without control," she said, adding that in 2017 and 2018 France was the second European country for asylum requests, at 13,000.

"Between 2017 and 2018, the number of arrivals on Italian shores has been divided by 10 thanks to the action of the European Union. The speeches about an absence of solidarity by partners are political and electoral. France has always defended and put into practice European solidarity solutions," she said.


Police: Aurora attacker used gun he shouldn't have owned

AURORA, Ill. (AP) - The man who opened fire and killed five co-workers including the plant manager, human resources manager and an intern working his first day at a suburban Chicago manufacturing warehouse, took a gun he wasn't supposed to have to a job he was about to lose.

Right after learning Friday that he was being fired from his job of 15 years at the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora, Gary Martin pulled out a gun and began shooting, killing the three people in the room with him and two others just outside and wounding a sixth employee, police said Saturday.

Martin shot and wounded five of the first officers to get to the scene, including one who didn't even make it inside the sprawling warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, a city of 200,000 about 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of Chicago.

After that flurry of shots and with officers from throughout the region streaming in to help, he ran off and hid in the back of the building, where officers found him about an hour later and killed him during an exchange of gunfire, police said.

"He was probably waiting for us to get to him there," Aurora police Lt. Rick Robertson said. "It was just a very short gunfight and it was over, so he was basically in the back waiting for us and fired upon us and our officers fired."

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Aurora shooting victims ranged from intern to plant manager

CHICAGO (AP) - The victims of a disgruntled employee who opened fire at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse were co-workers ranging from an intern to the plant manager. A look at the victims:

TREVOR WEHNER

The 21-year-old Northern Illinois University student was on his first day as an intern in human resources at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora and attended the fateful meeting where the gunman was fired and then started shooting.

Jay Wehner said his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management. He was on the dean's list at NIU's business college.

"He always, always was happy," Jay Wehner said. "I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him."

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State Department: Nauert out as pick for UN ambassador

WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department says Heather Nauert, picked by President Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations but never officially nominated, has withdrawn.

Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, said that "the past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw my name from consideration."

She was a Fox News Channel reporter with little foreign policy experience when she joined the State Department as spokeswoman less than two years ago.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he respected Nauert's decision and that she had performed her duties as a senior member of his team "with unequalled excellence."

The State Department said Trump would announce a nominee for the position "soon."

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Potential privacy lapse found in Americans' 2010 census data

WASHINGTON (AP) - An internal team at the Census Bureau found that basic personal information collected from more than 100 million Americans during the 2010 head count could be reconstructed from obscured data, but with lots of mistakes, a top agency official disclosed Saturday.

The age, gender, location, race and ethnicity for 138 million people were potentially vulnerable. So far, however, only internal hacking teams have discovered such details at possible risk, and no outside groups are known to have grabbed data intended to remain private for 72 years, chief scientist John Abowd told a scientific conference.

The Census Bureau is now scrapping its old data shielding technique for a state-of-the-art method that Abowd claimed is far better than Google's or Apple's.

Some former agency chiefs fear the potential privacy problem will add to the worries that people will avoid answering or lie on the once-every-10-year survey because of the Trump administration's attempt to add a much-debated citizenship question.

The Supreme Court on Friday announced that it would rule on that proposed question, which has been criticized for being political and not properly tested in the field. The census count is hugely important, helping with the allocation of seats in the House of Representatives and distribution of billions of dollars in federal money.

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Chicago police: Jussie Smollett assault case has 'shifted'

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago police say "the trajectory of the investigation" into the reported attack on Jussie Smollett has shifted and they want to conduct another interview with the "Empire" actor.

Chicago police late Friday released without charges two Nigerian brothers they had detained for questioning earlier in the week.

On Saturday, Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told CBS Chicago : "We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation. We've reached out to the Empire cast member's attorney to request a follow-up interview."

Smollett, who is black and gay, has said he was attacked by two masked men shouting racial and anti-gay slurs and "This is MAGA country!" He said they looped a rope around his neck before running away as he was out getting food at a Subway restaurant early on Jan. 29. He said they also poured some kind of chemical on him.

Police have been unable to find surveillance video of the attack.

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Vatican defrocks former US cardinal McCarrick for sex abuse

VATICAN CITY (AP) - Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been found guilty by the Vatican of sex abuse and defrocked, as calls rose Saturday for Pope Francis to reveal what he knew about the once-powerful American prelate's apparently decades-long predatory sexual behavior.

The announcement Saturday, delivered in uncharacteristically blunt language for the Vatican, meant that the 88-year-old McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, D.C., becomes the highest-ranking churchman and the first cardinal to be punished by dismissal from the clerical state, or laicization.

He was notified Friday of the decision, which was upheld upon his appeal and approved by Pope Francis.

The pontiff next week leads a summit of bishops from around the world who have been summoned to Rome help him grapple with the entrenched problems of clerical sex abuse and the systematic cover-ups by the Catholic church's hierarchy.

Decades of revelations about priests who have sexually preyed on minors and their bosses who shuffled abusive clergy from parish to parish instead of removing them from access to children have shaken the faith of many Catholics. They also threaten the moral authority of Francis and even the survival of his papacy.

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Storm-lashed South Carolina reassesses global warming's role

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - When he took the job 15 years ago, Horry County Emergency Manager Randy Webster figured his biggest disasters would be wind and surge rolling over his county's beaches, South Carolina's top tourist destination.

Instead, his worries have shifted inland, where rivers overflowing their banks have caused two massive floods in three years.

"We're getting into this sort of unknown territory," Webster said. "We typically in emergency management have some point of reference to work with. Two floods like this - it's unheard of."

Scientists say the Earth's warming climate means more heavy rainfall over short periods of time, and that translates to larger, more ferocious storms on the scale of 2017's Hurricane Harvey in Texas or 2018's Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas. Florence dumped six months' worth of rain on the Carolinas in the course of just a few days.

The growing realization that such events are going to become more common as the result of global warming is forcing Webster and other state officials to revisit how they prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

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Dem presidential candidates introducing themselves to voters

Five Democratic senators vying for their party's nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 fanned out across the country Saturday to campaign and meet voters.

Kamala Harris of California spent her second straight day in the pivotal early-voting state of South Carolina, holding a town hall meeting in Columbia, the capital. Also visiting the state was Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who met with an estimated 800 voters in Greenville before heading to Georgia - an unusual early stop for a White House hopeful but one that signals Democratic hopes to make inroads in the South.

Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York both focused on New Hampshire. Booker made his first visit to there since joining the race earlier this month, holding a question-and-answer session with more than 400 voters in Portsmouth.

Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, meanwhile, made her own uncommon choice for early campaigning by visiting Wisconsin before heading to Iowa, home to the nation's first caucus.

And a Democratic heavyweight who's yet to address his 2020 plans, former Vice President Joe Biden, made his own high-profile appearance at the Munich Security Conference.

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Tear gas, hate speech marks 14th yellow vest protest

PARIS (AP) - Police fired tear gas and brought in water cannons and a horse brigade to disperse several thousand yellow vest protesters Saturday massed near a Paris landmark at the end of a march through the French capital, the 14th straight weekend of demonstrations.

Anti-Semitic remarks hurled by a few at a noted philosopher on the protesters' route were the bitter finale to a day of tension.

Acrid clouds of tear gas filled the esplanade of Les Invalides monument, obscuring the gold dome that crowns the monument housing Napoleon's tomb.

Tension also marked demonstrations in other cities.

In Rouen, in Normandy, a car blocked by demonstrators pushed through the crowd, slightly injuring four people, the all-news channel BFMTV reported. Police used tear gas and water cannon in Bordeaux, a stronghold of the yellow vest movement, and other cities on the 14th straight Saturday of protests. Another demonstration in the capital was planned for Sunday to mark three months since the movement held its first nationwide protests Nov. 17.

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Gone in a New York minute: How the Amazon deal fell apart

NEW YORK (AP) - In early November, word began to leak that Amazon was serious about choosing New York to build a giant new campus. The city was eager to lure the company and its thousands of high-paying tech jobs, offering billions in tax incentives and lighting the Empire State Building in Amazon orange.

Even Governor Andrew Cuomo got in on the action: "I'll change my name to Amazon Cuomo if that's what it takes," he joked at the time.

Then Amazon made it official: It chose the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens to build a $2.5 billion campus that could house 25,000 workers, in addition to new offices planned for northern Virginia. Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, Democrats who have been political adversaries for years, trumpeted the decision as a major coup after edging out more than 230 other proposals.

But what they didn't expect was the protests, the hostile public hearings and the disparaging tweets that would come in the next three months, eventually leading to Amazon's dramatic Valentine's Day breakup with New York.

Immediately after Amazon's Nov. 12 announcement, criticism started to pour in. The deal included $1.5 billion in special tax breaks and grants for the company, but a closer look at the total package revealed it to be worth at least $2.8 billion. Some of the same politicians who had signed a letter to woo Amazon were now balking at the tax incentives.
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The sister of a student pilot who died in a small plane crash in Connecticut in 2017 has filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the instructor of failing to prevent the crash and the flight school of failing to maintain the plane.

It's the second such lawsuit against the now-defunct American Flight Academy in connection with two fatal plane crashes in a five-month span in late 2016 and early 2017. Students died in both crashes, while the instructors survived.

Marie Matta-Isona, the administrator of her brother's estate, filed the latest lawsuit Monday in New Haven Superior Court, seeking an undisclosed amount of money.

Her brother, Pablo Campos-Isona, 31, died after a Piper PA38 crashed in East Haven while he and instructor Rafayel Hany Wassef, of New London, were practicing touch-and-go landings near Tweed New Haven Airport on Feb. 22, 2017.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded there was a fuel selector valve failure that likely caused the engine to stall. Officials also said Wassef contributed to the crash by allowing the plane to exceed the "critical angle of attack" during an emergency return to the airport.

The lawsuit alleges American Flight Academy and its owner, Arian Prevalla, failed to properly maintain the plane and inspect the fuel selector valve. A lawyer for the academy and Prevalla, Kevin Dehghani, declined to comment Friday.

The lawsuit also blames Wassef, who suffered multiple broken bones.

"Wassef failed to assume the controls of the aircraft ... at an earlier time and in an effective manner, when he should have, and could have done so if he had exercised proper judgment for a prudent flight instructor with his training, experience and background," the lawsuit says.

A message seeking comment was left for Wassef, 22. It's not clear whether he has a lawyer who could respond to the allegations.

American Flight Academy also made news in October 2016 when one of its planes, a twin-engine Piper PA-34 Seneca, crashed on Main Street in East Hartford near jet engine-maker Pratt & Whitney - sparking early but unfounded concerns about possible terrorism. The wreck killed student Feras Freitekh, of the country of Jordan. Prevalla, the academy's owner, was the instructor and survived.

Prevalla told investigators Freitekh was a disgruntled student who crashed the plane on purpose as they argued during the flight. Freitekh's family and friends have said they don't believe that story.

Federal agents have been investigating that crash and seized records from the academy's office at Hartford-Brainard Airport. No findings have been released.

Freitekh's father also filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which remains pending, against the academy. The lawsuit also alleges that the plane was not properly maintained and that Prevalla failed to prevent the crash by not assuming control of the aircraft earlier during the flight. The academy has denied wrongdoing.

Three former students of the academy also are suing the school , saying they spent thousands of dollars for commercial pilot training and were left in the lurch when the academy closed following the two fatal plane crashes. Dehghani, the academy's lawyer, has said the school denies the students' allegations.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia officials say Amazon has warned that a proposed ban on cashless stores would impact plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in the city.

Philly.com reports that the City Council approved a bill Thursday that would prohibit most stores from refusing to take cash as payment. Proponents argue that cashless stores discriminate against low-income residents who don't have credit or debit cards.

Councilman Allan Domb says Amazon told the city that if the bill passed, it would not consider locating an Amazon Go cashier-less convenience store in Philadelphia. City spokesman Mike Dunn confirmed Amazon told the city the legislation would "impede" plans for a Go store.

Amazon declined comment.

The online giant abandoned plans on Thursday to locate a second headquarters in New York City amid opposition from activists and politicians.

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Information from: Philly.com, http://www.philly.com/
NEW YORK (AP) - The editorial boards of New York City's largest newspapers viewed the collapse of a deal to bring a new Amazon headquarters to New York as an embarrassment for the city and a symptom of an increasingly unfriendly political environment for big employers.

A look at their editorials:

The Daily News

So-called progressives just killed 25,000 to 40,000 high-quality jobs coming to New York City.

So-called progressives just shredded plans that would have delivered up to $27.5 billion in New York tax revenue over 25 years - real money that could have gone for schools and subways and public housing and health-care for the needy.

So-called progressives just looked at caterers, construction workers, electricians, cleaners and countless other professionals in Long Island City and throughout the five boroughs desperate to benefit from the economic activity that new employees would bring, and said: Suck it up. Amazon failed our ever-changing litmus tests, so we don't want them here.

Now one of the world's biggest and most innovative companies, perfectly poised to play a central role shaping the global economy for a generation, will take its employment opportunities elsewhere.

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The New York Post

Amazon's decision to drop its New York City expansion plan is a loss for the city and for the company - with lessons for both sides, and for the politicians who brokered the now-failed deal.

New York needs to think about how the local economy is to keep growing, with new middle-class jobs. The "bribe big companies to move in, then demand more concessions" model plainly isn't going to work.

Amazon, meanwhile, ought to realize that holding a national competition, apparently to see who'd offer the most subsidies, can only guarantee suspicion about whatever deal you wind up getting.

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The New York Times

"You have to be tough to make it in New York City," Mayor Bill de Blasio boasted, choosing to jeer at Amazon as it canceled its plans on Thursday to build a new headquarters in Queens, after some local officials angrily criticized its proposal.

What a strange thing for the mayor to take pride in. It's certainly true that you have to be tough these days. But that's because the subways don't work, the streets are gridlocked, the housing is unaffordable, the shelters are overcrowded, and the schools are segregated and often inadequate. Now think how much tougher it'll become for the typical citizen - not the ones who ride in chauffeured government cars - if New York gets a reputation for the smugness of its politicians and their hostility to business.

There were all sorts of problems with the deal New York cut to bring Amazon to the city, and Amazon is no paragon, but its abrupt withdrawal was a blow to New York, which stood to gain 25,000 jobs and an estimated $27 billion in tax revenue over the next two decades. This embarrassment to the city presents a painful lesson in how bumper-sticker slogans and the hubris of elected - and corporate - officials can create losers on all sides.

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The Wall Street Journal

After getting mauled by a mob of unions and politicians, Amazon on Thursday cancelled plans to build a second headquarters in New York City. It's a testament to New York's toxic business environment that even $3 billion in subsidies wasn't enough to keep the company in town ...

Mr. Cuomo blamed hostile state Senate Democrats for driving off Amazon and insisted the state's "fundamentals" will "continue to attract world class business." If that's so, why did New York politicians spend $10 billion last year_more than any other state_on business incentives? Republican states also compete with subsidies, but progressives have to offer more to compensate for their oppressive business climates.

The city has the country's second-highest income tax, and Mr. de Blasio last month proposed that all private employers be required to provide workers two weeks of paid vacation each year. That's on top of paid family leave. Animus toward business represses the organic investment and job growth that make a dynamic economy.
SAO PAULO (AP) - Eight employees of Brazilian mining giant Vale have been arrested in connection with the investigation into last month's collapse of a mining dam that killed at least 166 people and left 147 missing in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

The state's prosecutor's office said in a statement that the employees were arrested Friday.

They will be held "under temporary custody" for 30 days to determine whether they have responsibility for the Jan. 25 collapse.

Those arrested include four managers and four members of technical teams in charge of monitoring the stability of the dam located near the city of Brumadinho.

Brazil research institute Fiocruz recently said the contamination of the ecosystem and the Paraopeba River could precipitate the spread of dengue, yellow fever or diarrhea in the area.

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2019 file photo, a helicopter carrying a body pulled from the mud, days after a Vale dam collapsed, flies over a cemetery with two open graves in Brumadinho, Brazil. Lax regulations, chronic short staffing and a law that muffled the voices of environmentalists on mining licenses made the collapse all but destined to happen, experts and legislators say. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

Fernando Nunes walks on the mud where he has been searching for the body of his brother Peterson, returning this day to see if rescuers had found him, in Brumadinho, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. Two days after this photo was taken, his brother's body was found, recovered and identified by their mother. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Malvina Firmina Nunes and her son Fernando are comforted by friends at their home as they grieve for their missing 35-year-old son and brother, Peterson, after a deadly Vale dam collapse in Brumadinho, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019. "I called him on the phone, but he didn't answer me," Malvina said. "I want to talk to him, but he doesn't answer. Where is my son?" (AP Photo/Leo Correa
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Maine lobster boat captain has been sentenced to four years in prison for the death of a pair of crewmen.

The U.S. attorney's office says 30-year-old Christopher Hutchinson was sentenced Thursday after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of seaman's manslaughter.

Prosecutors say Hutchinson had been using alcohol and drugs when he took his boat out in 2014 and it capsized in rough seas.

Crew members Tomas Hammond and Tyler Sawyer died. Their bodies were never found.

Hutchinson's attorney previously said his plea agreement brings the case to an "appropriate resolution."

However, the stepmother of one of the crew members says the prison sentence was "nothing."

Hutchinson will begin his sentence immediately.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Justice Department alleges that two former executives for Cognizant Technology Solutions paid about $2 million in bribes to Indian officials to build a new office campus in the country.

Prosecutors said Friday that the information technology giant's former president, Gordon Coburn, and ex-chief legal officer, Steven Schwartz, were charged in a 12-count indictment unsealed in New Jersey.

They allege Coburn and Schwartz authorized the bribes and concealed it by having a third-party construction company make the payment. Prosecutors say Cognizant repaid the money through phony construction invoices.

The Justice Department said it declined to bring charges against Cognizant. In a related case, the company agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A Cognizant spokesman didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The main suspect in the theft of royal funeral artifacts from a Swedish cathedral confessed Friday to stealing them after his DNA was found on the items that were pulled out last week from a garbage bin north of Stockholm.

Swedish broadcaster SVT, reporting Friday from a Stockholm court, quoted the 22-year-old Swede as saying he cut himself when taking the two crowns and an orb from a display at the Strangnas Cathedral, west of the capital, on July 31. Police say blood on two of the items, found Feb. 5, matched his DNA, but they have no clue as to why the jewels turned up when they did.

"I am the one who committed the theft," the defendant, who has not been publicly identified, said on the last day of the trial.

The heist made international headlines because the thieves got away from the red-brick church built between 1291 and 1340 on stolen bicycles and then fled by motorboat via the vast system of lakes west of Stockholm.

The items from 1611 that once belonged to King Karl IX and Queen Kristina are estimated to be worth 65 million kronor ($7 million). They are funeral regalia, which are placed inside or on top of a coffin to symbolize a deceased royal's identity and social ranking.

Prosecutor Isabelle Bjursten has asked that the suspect, who reportedly intended to sell the items, get six years in prison. He has remained mum as to who helped him but two more men have been detained in the case.

FILE - In this file photo dated Tuesday, July 31, 2018, a police cordon near the scene of a robbery at the Strangnas Cathedral, in Strangnas, Sweden, after priceless treasures from the Swedish royal regalia were stolen. Swedish broadcaster SVT are reporting Friday Feb. 15, 2019, that the main suspect in the theft of royal funeral artefacts has confessed after his DNA was found on the items that were pulled this month from a garbage bin north of Stockholm. (Pontus Stenberg/TT News Agency FILE via AP)

One is suspected of being involved in the return of the precious regalia, which were found in a garbage bin that was placed on top of a car, north of Stockholm.

Another person likely helped out in the heist and has been detained but not charged.

While some funeral regalia are kept in the cathedrals of Strangnas, Uppsala and Vasteras, the vast majority of Sweden's crown jewels are in vaults under the Royal Castle in Stockholm.

No date for a verdict was immediately announced.
MADRID (AP) - Spain will elect its third government in less than four years after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's fragile socialist government acknowledged Friday its support had evaporated and called an early general election.

Sanchez's eight-month-old administration met its end after failing to get parliament's approval for its 2019 budget proposal earlier this week, adding to the political uncertainty that has dogged Spain in recent years.

"Between doing nothing and continuing without a budget, or giving the chance for Spaniards to speak, Spain should continue looking ahead," Sanchez said in a televised appearance from the Moncloa Palace, the seat of government, after an urgent Cabinet meeting.

The ballot will take place on April 28. It is expected to highlight the increasingly fragmented political landscape that has denied the European Union country a stable government in recent elections.

The 46-year-old prime minister ousted his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy last June, when he won a no-confidence vote triggered by a damaging corruption conviction affecting Rajoy's Popular Party.

But the simple majority of Socialists, anti-austerity parties and regional nationalists that united against Rajoy crumbled in the past week after Sanchez broke off talks with the Catalan separatists over their demands for the independence of their prosperous northeastern region.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a statement at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Sanchez has called early general elections for late April, the third such ballot in less than four years. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

Sanchez saw the Catalan separatists join opposition lawmakers to vote down his spending plans, including social problems he had hoped would boost his party's popularity.

Sanchez had the shortest term in power for any prime minister since Spain transitioned to democracy four decades ago.

Without mentioning Catalonia directly, Sanchez said he remained committed to dialogue with the country's regions as long as their demands fell "within the constitution and the law," which don't allow a region to secede. He blamed the conservatives for not supporting his Catalan negotiations.

Popular Party leader Pablo Casado celebrated what he called the "defeat" of the Socialists, attacking Sanchez for yielding to some of the Catalan separatists' demands.

"We will be deciding (in this election) if Spain wants to remain as a hostage of the parties that want to destroy it," or welcome the leadership of the conservatives, Casado said.

Catalonia's regional government spokeswoman, Elsa Artadi, retorted that "Spain will be ungovernable as long as it doesn't confront the Catalan problem."

Opinion polls indicate the April vote isn't likely to produce a clear winner, a shift from the traditional bipartisan results that dominated Spanish politics for decades.

Although Sanchez's Socialists appear to be ahead, their two main opponents - the Popular Party and the center-right Ciudadanos (Citizens) - could repeat their recent coalition in the southern Andalusia region, where they unseated the Socialists with the help of the far-right Vox party.

Vox last year scored the far-right's first significant gain in post-dictatorship Spain, and surveys predict it could grab seats in the national parliament for the first time.

Vox's leader, Santiago Abascal, vowed to use the election to "reconquer" the future, a term that refers back to how Spanish Catholic kings defeated Muslim rulers in 15th-century Spain.

Meanwhile, the Socialists are unlikely to be able to form a new government even if they come to a coalition deal with the anti-establishment Podemos (We Can) party, so a third partner will likely be needed.

Sanchez's options are limited. On the right, a deal with the Citizens party seemed off the table, as its leader Albert Rivera has vetoed any possible agreement with a Socialist party led by Sanchez himself.

And the prospect of Catalan nationalists joining any ensuing coalition is remote, both in the light of the recent failed talks and the ongoing trial of a dozen Catalan politicians and activists for their roles in an independence bid two years ago.

"The Socialists don't want an election marked by Catalonia because the issue creates internal division, but right-wing parties will use it as a weapon," said Antonio Barroso of the Teneo consulting firm.

He said polls have erred in recent elections and that clever campaigning could swing the vote significantly.

"The only certainty ... is that fragmentation is Spain's new political reality," he said.

___

Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal, contributed to this report.

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Follow AP's full coverage of Spain: https://apnews.com/Spain

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Aritz Parra can be found on Twitter: www.twitter.com/aritzparra

Watched by the media Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez delivers a statement at the Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. Sanchez has called early general elections for late April, the third such ballot in less than four years. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)
MOSCOW (AP) - Sitting in her living room, 65-year-old Tatyana Rybalchenko goes through a stack of black-and-white photos from more than 30 years ago. In one of them, she is dressed in a nurse's coat and smiles sheepishly at the camera; in another, she shares a laugh with soldiers on a road with a mountain ridge behind them.

The pictures don't show the hardships that Rybalchenko and 20,000 Soviet women like her went through as civilian support staff during the Soviet Union's 1979-1989 invasion of Afghanistan. Although they did not serve in combat roles, they still experienced the horrors of war.

As Russia on Friday marked the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, the memories are still fresh for the nurses, clerks and shopkeepers, predominantly young, single women who were thrust into the bloody conflict.

Rybalchenko enlisted on a whim. In 1986, she was 33, working in a dead-end nursing job in Kiev, the capital of Soviet Ukraine, and was going through a breakup. One day, she joined a colleague who went to a military recruitment office. The recruiter turned to Rybalchenko and asked if she would like to work abroad - in Afghanistan.

She recalls that she was fed up with her life in Kiev, "so I told him: 'I'd go anywhere, even to hell!' And this is where he sent me."

Family and friends tried to talk her out of it, telling her that Afghanistan is where "the bodies are coming from." But it was too late: She had signed the contract.

In this photo taken on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, Tatyana Rybalchenko, who worked as a nurse during the Soviet campaign in Afghanistan between 1986 and 1988, holds a photo of her taken in June 1986 in Kabul, Afghanistan, during her interview with The Associated Press in Moscow, Russia. As Russia this week marks the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, the memories of the war are still fresh for female nurses and clerks and shopkeepers, mostly young and single, who were thrust into the disastrous campaign that came to known as Russia's Vietnam. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

At least 15,000 Soviet troops were killed in the fighting that began as an effort to prop up a communist ally and soon became a grinding campaign against a U.S.-backed insurgency. Moscow sent more than 600,000 to a war that traumatized many young men and women and fed a popular discontent that became one factor leading to the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union.

Rybalchenko, who worked as a nurse at a military hospital in Gardez, was stunned by the many casualties - men missing limbs or riddled with shrapnel. But there was so much work that she found herself shutting off her emotions.

"At the end, I did not feel anything anymore. I was like a stone," Rybalchenko said, shedding her normally perky persona.

Friendships helped, and she befriended a young reconnaissance officer, Vladimir Vshivtsev.

He once confided to her that he was not afraid of losing a limb, but he would not be able to live with an injury to his eyes. She recalled him saying "if I lose eyesight, I'll do everything to put an end to it."

In November 1987, the hospital was inundated with casualties from a Soviet offensive to open the road between Gardez and the stronghold of Khost, near the Pakistani border.

One of the wounded was Vshivtsev, and Rybalchenko saw him being wheeled into the ward with bandages wrapped around his head. She unwrapped the dressing and gasped when she saw the gaping wound on his face: "The eyes were not there."

She convinced her superior to let her accompany him to a bigger hospital in Kabul as part of a suicide watch. She stayed friends with Vshivtsev, and he later became a leading activist in the Russian Society for the Blind. Decades later, he briefly served in the Russian parliament.

Alla Smolina was 30 when she joined the Soviet military prosecutor's office in Jalalabad near the Pakistani border in 1985. It wasn't until 20 years later that Smolina started having nightmares about the war.

"The shelling, running away from bullets and mines whizzing above me - I was literally scared of my own pillow," she said.

She put her memories on paper and contacted other women who were there, telling the stories of those who endured the hardships of war but who are largely absent from the male-dominated narratives.

She is trying to raise awareness of the role the Soviet women played in Afghanistan, believing they have been unfairly portrayed or not even mentioned in fiction and nonfiction written mostly by men.

The deaths of Soviet women who held civilian jobs in Afghanistan are not part of the official toll, and Smolina has written about 56 women who lost their lives. Some died when a plane was shot down by the Afghan mujahedeen, one was killed when a drunken soldier threw a grenade into her room, and one woman was slain after being raped by a soldier.

In an era when the concept of sexual harassment was largely unfamiliar in the Soviet Union, the women in the war in Afghanistan - usually young and unmarried - often started a relationship to avoid unwanted attention from other soldiers.

"Because if a woman has someone, the whole brigade won't harass you like a pack of wolves," Rybalchenko said. "Sometimes it was reciprocal, sometimes there was no choice."

She said she found boyfriends to "protect" her.

While the war grew unpopular at home, Soviet troops and support staff in Afghanistan mostly focused on survival rather than politics. While Afghans largely saw Moscow's involvement as a hostile foreign intervention, the Soviets thought they were doing the right thing.

"We really believed that we were helping the oppressed Afghan nation, especially because we saw with our own eyes all the kindergartens and schools that the Soviet people were building there," Smolina said.

After Rybalchenko came home, she could hardly get out of bed for the first three months, one of thousands with undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.

When she asked officials about benefits for veterans and other personnel in Afghanistan, she faced hostility and insults. She said one told her: "How do I know what you were actually up to over there?"

In 2006, Russian lawmakers decided that civilians who worked in Afghanistan were not entitled to war benefits. Women have campaigned unsuccessfully to reinstate them.

Rybalchenko eventually got an apartment from the government, worked in physiotherapy and now lives in retirement in Moscow, where her passion for interior decorating is reflected by the exotic bamboo-forest wallpaper in her home.

Smolina, who lives in Sweden, is wary of disclosing all the details about her own Afghan experiences after facing a backlash from other veterans about her publications.

"Our society is not ready yet to hear the truth. There is still a lingering effect from the harsh Soviet past," she said. "In Soviet society, you were not supposed to speak out."

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Iuliia Subbotovska and Tanya Titova contributed.

In this photo taken in June 1986, Tatyana Rybalchenko, who worked as a nurse during the Soviet campaign in Afghanistan between 1986 and 1988, poses for a photo in a Soviet style officer's cap in Kabul, Afghanistan. Rybalchenko, who worked as a nurse at a military hospital in Gardez in 1986, was stunned by the many casualties, men missing limbs or riddled with shrapnel. (Courtesy of Tatyana Rybalchenko via AP)

In this undated photo, medics and nurses work to treat a casualty in a military hospital in Afghanistan. As Russia this week marks the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops, the memories of the war are still fresh for female nurses and clerks and shopkeepers, mostly young and single, who were thrust into the disastrous campaign that came to known as Russia's Vietnam. (Leonid Yakutin/Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, Vladimir Vshivtsev, a veteran of the Soviet war in Afghanistan, right, and Gen. Col. Boris Gromov, former Commander of the 40th Army in Afghanistan, greet each other during a meeting at the upper chamber of Russian parliament in Moscow, Russia. Vshivtsev, who was wounded in action and lost his eye-sight, became a leading activist in the Russian Society for the Blind and served a stint in the Russian parliament. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, Vladimir Vshivtsev, a veteran of the Soviet war in Afghanistan attends a meeting at the upper chamber of Russian parliament in Moscow, Russia. Vshivtsev, who was wounded in action and lost his eye-sight, became a leading activist in the Russian Society for the Blind and served a stint in the Russian parliament. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
(ANSA) - Bari, February 18 - Filippo Anelli, the head of the Italian federation of surgeon guilds, on Monday launched a campaign warning that the drive for greater autonomy of Lombardia, Veneto and Emilia-Romagna could have "serious effects on citizens' health".

One of the main jobs of Italy's regional governments is providing health services and there are fears that inequality could be created by some regions having more control over their budgets than others.


BERLIN (AP) - German police say they have caught a suspect over the theft of watches worth some 125,000 euros ($143,000) from an Amsterdam jeweler.

Federal police said the 34-year-old Estonian man, whose name wasn't released, was arrested on Friday evening as he crossed the border hours later after the robbery.

They said in a statement Monday that he was picked up in a routine check on a bus traveling from Amsterdam to Berlin as it stopped at a rest area near the Dutch border on the A280 highway.

Officers found 14 luxury watches, still with their price tags, and an air pistol in his backpack.

Police said the man admitted to carrying out the robbery some five hours earlier. He now faces extradition to the Netherlands.
HAVANA (AP) - Cuban authorities say the death toll from a rare tornado that struck Havana last week has risen to six after two injured victims died in hospital.

State media say Health Minister Jose Angel Portal Miranda told a meeting of government officials that two of the 13 injured people died on Saturday.

The category F4 tornado was the first known to hit the Cuban capital since its founding 500 years ago. With winds up to 260 mph (420 kph), it destroyed homes in infrastructure in three Havana municipalities.

Government officials reported over the weekend that power, water and telephone service has been almost entirely restored to affected areas, although the effort to repair or replace more than 3,500 damaged homes has just begun.
GENEVA (AP) - Some leading advocacy groups are calling on the United Nations to take action to help prod the Chinese government to end the "mass detentions" of Muslim Uighurs in western China.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other groups have appealed to the Human Rights Council - the top U.N. human rights body - to launch an "international fact-finding mission" in the western Xinjiang region where such detentions have occurred.

The appeal comes as China's human rights record is expected to come up for discussion at the next council session, from Feb. 25 to March 22.

China is among the council's 47 member states.

The rights groups say a number of U.N. rights officials and experts have been denied repeated requests for access to Xinjiang.
The cyberattack on the Australian parliament forced users -- including Prime Minister Scott Morrison -- to change passwords and take other security measures

Australia on Monday said a "sophisticated state actor" had hacked the country's main political parties and parliament, just weeks before a closely fought election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told lawmakers that investigators looking into a hack of parliament computer systems revealed two weeks ago "also became aware that the networks of some political parties" had been breached.

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he said.

Australian security agencies said they did not know who was behind the attack or their motives.

It is not yet clear what, if any, material was stolen during the hacks, how long the perpetrators went undetected, or whether it could make some political figures vulnerable to blackmail.

Earlier this month, Australia reported a "security incident on the parliamentary computing network".

That forced users -- including the prime minister and the cabinet -- to change passwords and take other security measures.

Experts warn that attribution is time-consuming and difficult.

"I think it's definitely too early to say," said Fergus Hanson, a cybersecurity expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

He added, however, that there were only "one or two actors" capable of carrying out such an attack.

Hanson said he would put China "at the top" of the list of possible suspects, but "wouldn't rule out" Russia's involvement.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said such speculation about Beijing was "irresponsible" and an attempt to "smear" the country.

"When investigating network breaches, there should be sufficient evidence, unreasonable guesses can't be made," Geng said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Geng urged media to "stop using so-called cyber leaks and hacking attacks to discredit China and stop compromising China's interests and China's bilateral relations with the countries concerned".

Beijing and Canberra have sparred over access to natural resources, maritime claims and the use of Chinese state-backed technology companies.

Relations have recently been frayed over Canberra's decision to ban Huawei from the country's 5G network amid national security concerns and the expulsion of Huang Xian, a Chinese billionaire who doled out millions in Australian political donations.

- High-value target -

Australians are expected to go to the polls mid-May, raising fears that hackers could be trying to influence the outcome of the vote, or change the tenor of the debate.

Both Russia and China have used cyber operations in a bid to influence democratic votes.

Beijing's spies are accused of targeting Taiwanese officials before the election there last year.

Dozens of Russians have been indicted for trying to tilt the 2016 US presidential election, and alleged Russian involvement in Britain's referendum on leaving the European Union in the same year has been well documented. Moscow has denied the accusations.

As part of the Five Eyes intelligence network -- which also includes Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States -- Australia is a particularly rich target for foreign interests.

"Our political institutions represent high-value targets. But we have resilient systems in place to detect compromises and remediate them," said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Five Eyes membership also gives Australia access to a host of signals and human intelligence to back up any suspicions of state hacking.

MacGibbon said the hackers were sophisticated enough to get into the network, but "not sophisticated enough to remain undetected".

His organisation has already briefed electoral commissions across the country and could be deployed to provide technical support to those affected.

He said it was unclear whether the attackers gained access to sensitive data or emails.

"We don't know. These are very early days," he said. "We genuinely do not know."

Morrison insisted, however, "there is no evidence of any electoral interference".

"We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visits a US aircraft carrier in 2015 before becoming the heir to the kingdom's throne

Saudi Arabia's state arms producer and a French government-majority firm signed an agreement Sunday on a joint venture to boost the kingdom's navy, amid calls to halt weapons sales to Riyadh over it role in Yemen.

The memorandum of understanding between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and France's Naval Group is aimed at providing the oil-rich Gulf state's navy with "state-of-the-art systems", a statement said.

"Through design, construction, and maintenance activities, the joint venture will contribute significantly to further enhancing the capabilities and readiness of our Royal Saudi Naval Forces," SAMI boss Andreas Schwer said.

A spokeswoman for Naval Group -- which is owned by the French state and French multinational giant Thales -- refused to give any more details.

French lawmakers and rights groups have repeatedly called on France's government to suspend all arms deals to Riyadh because of the war in Yemen, where some 10,000 people have been killed since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015.

Riyadh is battling on the side of the internationally recognised government against Iran-aligned Huthi rebels, in a conflict that has seen all sides accused of potential war crimes.

The US House of Representatives this week voted overwhelmingly to end American involvement in Saudi Arabia's war effort in neighbouring Yemen, dealing a rebuke to President Donald Trump and his alliance with the kingdom.

France, one of the world's biggest arms exporters, has sold equipment to Riyadh and fellow coalition member the UAE -- notably Caesar artillery guns and ammunition, sniper rifles and armoured vehicles.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia has been one of the world's top arms buyers for the past several years.

But in 2017, the kingdom's Public Investment Fund set up SAMI to manufacture arms locally with the fund expecting it to become one of the world's top 25 defence companies by 2030.

Naval Group -- which was previously called DCNS -- has been embroiled in a long-running graft scandal over the 2002 sale of two Scorpene submarines to Malaysia for $1.2 billion.

The submarine maker is alleged to have paid more than 114 million euros ($128 million) in kickbacks to a shell company linked to a close associate of ousted Malaysian leader Najib Razak.

A French investigation launched in 2010 has already led to four French executives involved in the deal being charged. They all deny wrongdoing.
A Sudanese protester shows the "V" for victory sign during an anti-government demonstration in Khartoum on February 15, 2019

A Sudanese vendor died Sunday after riot police fired tear gas at an anti-government rally in the capital, medics said, as protesters pressed on with a campaign against President Omar al-Bashir's rule.

Scores of protesters took to the streets in Khartoum's northern suburb of Bahari chanting anti-government slogans, but they were quickly confronted by riot police.

A vendor selling fruit in Bahari died in hospital after inhaling tear gas fired by riot police to disperse the rally, a medic, relatives and a doctors' committee linked to the protest campaign said.

"He was brought to hospital but doctors were unable to save him. He died from inhaling tear gas," the medic said, without revealing his own name for security reasons.

Protesters chanted "freedom, peace, justice," as they rallied in Bahari, witnesses said.

"We will not give up. We will continue protesting," said Afra, a demonstrator who gave only her first name for security reasons.

"When we keep on demonstrating, more and more people will join us."

As darkness fell later, demonstrators rallied in the capital's eastern district of Burri, site of regular protests for nearly two months now.

Protesters chanted "freedom, freedom," before riot police fired tear gas at them, a witness said.

Deadly clashes during protests have rocked the east African country since December 19 after a government decision to triple the price of bread.

The demonstrations quickly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's iron-fisted rule, with protesters calling for him to resign after three decades in power.

Officials say 31 people have died in protest-related violence so far, while Human Rights Watch says at least 51 have been killed.

Bashir has remained defiant, insisting that the only way to change the government is through the ballot box.

Sudan is to hold a presidential election in 2020, and Bashir is considering running for a third elected term.
Robin Vadakkumchery was found guilty on Saturday of raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl who became pregnant

An Indian court has convicted a senior Catholic priest of raping a minor and sentenced him to 20 years in jail, the latest sexual assault scandal involving the Church in southern Kerala state.

Robin Vadakkumchery was found guilty on Saturday of raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl, with the crime only coming to light after the victim gave birth to a baby in a surprise delivery in February 2017.

Citing a lack of evidence, the court acquitted four nuns, a priest and an orphanage employee who had been accused of trying to cover up the crime and shield the the influential Vadakkumchery.

After a child rights charity reported the secret delivery to the police, leading to the priest's arrest at Kochi airport as he attempted to board a plane to Canada, many of the main witnesses in the case turned hostile.

"Almost all the independent witnesses proved non-cooperative, making it difficult for us to provide substantive evidence against all that the defence threw at us," Inspector Sunil Kumar, who investigated the case, told AFP.

Even the father of the victim testified that he, and not the priest, had raped the girl, while his daughter told the court that the relationship was consensual and said she had been an adult at the time.

Sex -- whether consensual or otherwise -- with a person below 18 years of age is considered rape under India's stringent child protection laws.

Only the doctor's official record of when the baby was born could prove that the girl had been a minor at the time of delivery, said Kumar.

"Luckily for us, the doctor who delivered the baby... stood his ground, so we could prove without doubt that the victim was a minor at the time," he said.

The victim had been a student at a Church-run school which came under Vadakkumchery's jurisdiction.

Saturday's verdict followed a raft of allegations against senior Church figures in Kerala, including a bishop, Franco Mulakkal, who is accused of raping a nun 13 times over two years. He denies the charges.

Sister Lucy Kalappurakkal, who has faced disciplinary action for supporting protests demanding action against Mulakkal, lauded the verdict.

"It will work as a deterrent against such offenders. Rather than covering up such heinous crimes, (the) Church should expose such elements," she told the Hindustan Times.

Sexual abuse by clergy and the failure of officials to take action has mired the Catholic Church in scandal across the world in recent years.
Thursday's bombing has caused widespread anger across India

Indian authorities withdrew police protection for five separatist leaders in Kashmir on Sunday amid mounting fallout from a suicide bombing that killed 41 soldiers in the disputed region.

New Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a van packed with explosives ripped through a convoy transporting 2,500 soldiers across the Indian-administered territory on Thursday, the deadliest-ever attack in a 30-year-old armed conflict.

Indian officials said police protection had been withdrawn for Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and four other leaders.

"We have decided to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the attack on security forces," home affairs ministry spokesman A. Bharat Bhushan Babu told AFP.

Babu said the decision followed a call by the government for a review of security for those "taking money from Pakistan."

Until Sunday, Indian police had provided security details for the five men out of fears that an attack on Kashmiri political leaders could lead to an outbreak of violence in the Himalayan territory.

Some demonstrators and TV news channels have demanded military action against Pakistan

Mirwaiz -- who has received police protection since the 1990 assassination of his religious leader father -- heads the Hurriyat Conference, a coalition of local political parties that seeks independence for Kashmir or its merger with neighbouring Pakistan.

A Hurriyat spokesman dismissed the significance of the government's decision.

"It has no bearing, neither can it change the reality of the lingering Kashmir dispute or the situation on the ground," he said.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since both countries gained independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the whole region and have fought three wars over the territory.

India accuses Pakistan of training and arming militants in Kashmir, while Islamabad says it only provides diplomatic and moral support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, which faces a national election in the coming months, has adopted an aggressive posture in Kashmir and shelved dialogue with Pakistan after accusing the previous government of being soft on militants.

It withdrew trade privileges for Pakistan and imposed a 200 percent customs duty on all imports from its neighbour within hours of Thursday's attack, which was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militant group.

Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack and dismissed Delhi's accusations, calling them "well-rehearsed tactics from (the) Indian playbook after such incidents in the past".

- Widespread anger -

Thursday's bombing has caused widespread anger across India, with some demonstrations and TV news channels demanding military action against Pakistan.

A man believed to be Kashmiri was beaten by a crowd in New Delhi

More street protests were held across India on Sunday.

Protesters in New Delhi burned effigies of Pakistani and JeM leaders while attacks on Kashmiris were reported in different cities.

The home ministry said Saturday it had ordered increased safety measures for Kashmiri civilians following reports of mob attacks.

A man believed to be Kashmiri was beaten by a crowd in New Delhi that accused him of chanting anti-India slogans, witnesses said. He was rescued by police.

Media reports said about a dozen people, including Kashmiris, had been arrested for making "derogatory" statements about the attack on social media.

A round-the-clock curfew remained in place in Jammu city, the Hindu-majority region of Kashmir, after mobs vandalised and torched properties belonging to Kashmiris. Internet services were cut across the state.

Thousands of mourners across several Indian cities attended funerals of soldiers killed in the suicide bombing

A shutdown was observed in Muslim-majority districts of Kashmir, including the main city Srinagar, following Thursday's attacks.

Kashmir is the world's most militarised zone with some 500,000 Indian troops deployed to fight a rebellion that broke out in 1989. Scores of armed groups are now involved.

Tens of thousands of people, mainly civilians, have died in the conflict. Last year was the deadliest in a decade with almost 600 killed.
Shamima Begum fled London with two friends to join the terror network in 2015 when she was just 15

A teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return to Britain on Sunday gave birth in a refugee camp, as European governments grapple with what to do with returning jihadists ahead of a US troop pullout.

Shamima Begum, whose fate has stirred controversy ever since she and two friends fled London to join the terror network in 2015 aged just 15, told Sky News she had delivered a boy.

"I just gave birth so I'm really tired," the 19-year-old said as she made a renewed appeal to be allowed back to Britain with her newborn baby.

"I'm afraid he might even die in this camp. I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything I've been through," she said.

"I didn't know what I was getting into when I left. I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back," she added.

Her case comes as European nations struggle with how to deal with jihadists eager to return home following the disintegration of Islamic State's "caliphate" in eastern Syria.

US President Donald Trump again demanded on Saturday that they take back hundreds of captured IS fighters.

Trump said on Twitter that the United States was asking Britain and other continental allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial".

The demand came as he prepared -- ahead of the pullout of US troops -- to declare the group's so-called "caliphate" destroyed, with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last Syrian territorial holdout.

"The US does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe," Trump added.

"Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!"

- 'I don't regret it' -

British teenagers Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum (R) at Gatwick Airport en route to Syria in 2015

Begum, previously gave birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children died.

Leading politicians, including interior minister Sajid Javid, have vowed to prevent her return, pointing to her lack of remorse for joining the terror group.

Begum told Sky News she was aware of IS's brutal tactics, including conducting beheadings, but did not regret going to Syria.

"I knew about those things and I was OK with it at first," she said. "They take care of you... you're living under Islamic law.

"I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person, made me stronger, tougher."

The teenager, who said she had had no contact with British officials, added the government should not block her homecoming because she was "just a housewife" while there.

"I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria.

"They don't really have proof that I did anything that is dangerous," she said.

- 'Dangerous individuals' -

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are battling a jihadist counteroffensive as they push to retake the last morsel of territory from the Islamic State group in eastern Syria

Europe has long been grappling with how to respond to foreign fighters, and their supporters or dependants, caught in Syria.

However the looming US departure has created a deadline for those governments whose citizens joined IS and have now been captured by the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Britain's government appears split on the issue.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, a former attorney general -- the country's chief legal adviser -- told the BBC on Sunday that it was "obliged, at some stage at least, to take them back".

He noted it was "a matter of international law and domestic law".

However, writing in The Sunday Times -- under the headline "if you run away to join ISIS, I will use all my power to stop you coming back" -- Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship".

He said Britain had already exercised this power more than 100 times.

"In considering what actions need to be taken now, I have to think about the safety and security of children living in our country," Javid wrote.

Other European countries that have chosen to leave the jihadists in SDF detention are now being forced to confront the situation.

"All German citizens -- including those who are suspected of fighting for the so-called Islamic state -- have a fundamental right to travel back into Germany," a German foreign ministry source said Sunday.

Belgian justice minister Koen Geens told Flemish broadcaster VRT there was the need for a "European solution" to the issue, but appeared irked by Trump's blunt call.

"It would have been nice for friendly nations to have these kinds of questions raised through the usual diplomatic channels rather than a tweet in the middle of the night," he said in Dutch.
Lab-made powders and pills -- like methamphetamine -- are gaining popularity among young Vietnamese

A massive haul of nearly 300 kilograms of methamphetamine pills was seized in central Vietnam on Sunday, police said, the latest major drug bust in a country where the use of synthetic narcotics is on the rise.

While Vietnam has some of the toughest drug laws in the world, it remains a popular transport hub and destination market for narcotics smuggled in from the notorious "Golden Triangle" -- a lawless border zone that straddles Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Opium and heroin have long been the drugs of choice among older users, but lab-made powders and pills -- like methamphetamine in particular -- are gaining popularity among young Vietnamese.

The latest bust occurred in Ha Tinh province early Sunday around 1:00 am, when police, border defense forces and custom authorities found the drugs inside a van with a Lao license plate, according to a report.

Authorities found dozens of golden-coloured plastic bags containing 294 kilograms (648 pounds) of methamphetamine, the report published on the Ha Tinh police website said.

A Laotian suspect was arrested during the bust, police said.

"Due to the darkness, dangerous terrain and dense fog, another male suspect... managed to flee into the woods to escape," said the report.

State-run Vietnam Television called the bust the "second largest meth-trafficking case" in recent years.

In October last year, police found 309 kilograms of methamphetamine after pulling over a speeding truck in central Quang Binh province. The haul was worth an estimated $3 million.

Communist-run Vietnam has some of the harshest punishments for drug trafficking in the world, and anyone caught with more than 600 grams (21 ounces) of heroin can be sentenced to death.

Authorities have struggled to contain the growing usage among youths of synthetic drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamines and ketamine.

Officials and advocates have warned against the dangers of drug use after seven Vietnamese revellers died after overdosing at an electronic music festival in Hanoi last September.
(ANSA) - Rome, February 18 - Italian photojournalist Gabriele Micalizzi, who was injured on the front lines of the battle between ISIS and Kurdish forces in eastern Syria on February 11, arrived back Italy on Sunday evening on a military aircraft in an operation coordinated by the Italian foreign ministry.

Micalizzi, 34, arrived in Milan from a US military hospital in Baghdad, where he had been transferred after he was hit by shards from an RPG rocket, and is now being treated at Milan's San Raffaele Hospital.

Initial reports said Micalizzi had lost vision in his left eye, but later he told doctors he could still see.

However, parts of two fingers of his right hand had to be amputated, his left arm is fractured, and he has temporarily lost hearing in his left ear.

Micalizzi is one of the best-known Italian war photographers, having worked on the front lines of conflicts for nearly a decade, and his photos have been published in many international publications including the New York Times, the New Yorker, and the Wall Street Journal.


Hulusi Akar, Turkish defence minister, reiterated Ankara's view that the Kurdish YPG, a major part of the Syrian Democratic Forces, are a "terrorist group"

Syria's Kurds should start a dialogue with President Bashar al-Assad as their military allies the United States are readying to pull out, Russia said Sunday.

"We support this dialogue between Damascus and the Kurds," said Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Vershinin, whose country is a key backer of the Assad regime.

Kurdish fighters have spearheaded the fight against Islamic State jihadists, who were expected to lose their final stretch of land in coming days.

However, neighbouring Turkey views them as "terrorists".

The presence of American troops in areas held by Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has so far acted as a shield against any Turkish offensive.

But US President Donald Trump in December shocked Washington's allies by announcing a full withdrawal soon of all 2,000 US troops from Syria.

Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar charged again Sunday, at the Munich Security Conference, that the Kurdish YPG, a major part of the SDF, are a "terrorist group".

"Our main concern before and after the withdrawal of the Americans is the safety and security of our border and our people," he said.

Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies have led two previous offensives inside Syria, most recently seizing the northwestern enclave of Afrin from the Kurds last year.

Russia's Vershinin addressed the same issue at the conference, asking "what will happen after the US withdraws from Syria?

"If there are no foreign troops on the ground of Syria's northeastern part, I think that the best solution would be to start up a dialogue between the Kurds and Damascus."

"The Kurds are a part of the population of Syria ... We know about the problems between Damascus and the Kurds but I think there is a solution through dialogue."

The Kurds have largely stayed out of Syria's eight-year civil war, instead building their own institutions in a third of the country under their control.

Trump has attempted to ease tensions about their fate by speaking of a 30-kilometre (18-mile) "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country would establish the "security zone" itself if it took too long to implement.

James Franklin Jeffrey, US special representative for Syria engagement, said that the US "want to take care of the security concerns of our Turkish NATO allies vis-a-vis in particular the SDF, and we are very concerned that the SDF, with whom we fought, is not mistreated."

Lebanese defence minister Elias Bou Saab said it was "clear the Americans are looking at it from one angle, and the Turks are looking at it from a different angle."
Iranians mourn on February 16, 2019 at the coffins of Revolutionary Guards members killed in a suicide attack

Iran's foreign ministry on Sunday summoned the Pakistani ambassador after Tehran accused Islamabad of harbouring a jihadist group behind a deadly suicide attack on security forces.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran expects Pakistan's government and army to seriously confront ... the terrorist groups active on its border with Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

An Iranian official at the ministry called on Pakistan to quickly take the necessary steps for the identification and arrest of the attack's perpetrators.

The suicide bombing on Wednesday killed 27 members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards travelling on a bus in the volatile southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, which straddles the border with Pakistan.

The attack was claimed by the jihadist outfit Jaish al-Adl ("Army of Justice").

It was formed in 2012 as a successor to the Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God), which waged a deadly insurgency for a decade before it was severely weakened by the capture and execution of its leader Abdolmalek Rigi in 2010.

Iran Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari on Saturday blamed Pakistan's army and Inter-Services Intelligence agency for sheltering the jihadists.

"The government of Pakistan must pay the price of harbouring these terrorist groups and this price will undoubtedly be very high," Jafari told mourners gathered at funerals for the dead in the city of Isfahan.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also linked the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack to "the spying agencies of some regional and trans-regional countries".
Since February 9 the Arab-Kurdish alliance of the Syrian Democratic Forces backed by the US have been on an offensive against the last dregs of the Islamic State group in Syria.

After more than a week ferocious fighting, here are some key events:

- February 9: The SDF announces it has begun the "decisive battle" to take the last scrap of territory from the Islamic State group -- a tiny patch of four-square-kilometres (one-square-mile) in eastern Syria.

- February 10: "There are heavy clashes at the moment. We have launched an assault and the fighters are advancing," an SDF commander says. Up to 600 jihadists are believed to remain inside, according to the alliance, along with several hundreds of civilians.

- February 11: "The SDF are advancing slowly", reports the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, but landmines, IS snipers, and tunnels dug out by extremists are hindering the advance. At least 16 civilians are killed in US-led coalition air raids, the Observatory says.

- February 12: Two French women who escape the area tell AFP more foreigners remain trapped inside the tiny pocket of territory and are barred from leaving by jihadists.

US President Donald Trump tells a rally in the US city El Paso that the coalition could declare victory over IS in the region in the coming days. "Our brave warriors have liberated virtually 100 percent of ISIS (territory) in Iraq and Syria," he says.

- February 13: With their sniper attacks and suicide bombers the jihadists make a desperate last stand against the offensive, complicating the SDF advance. Hundreds of people continue to flee.

- February 14: Bruising counter-attacks by the jihadists force the alliance to retreat. SDF spokesman Adnan Afrin says it is impossible to provide accurate figures but he estimates the total number of fighters, men and women, at around 1,000.

- February 15: The alliance clears landmines and searches for tunnels that are blocking their advance.

"We have a lot of great announcements having to do with Syria and our success with the eradication of the caliphate and that will be announced over the next 24 hours," Trump tells reporters at the White House.

- February 16: Victory is to be announced in "a few days", a top commander of the US-backed forces in Syria announces, saying the delay has been due to large number of civilians still on the battlefield.

Trump asks European allies to take back more than 800 IS fighters who were captured in Syria.

- February 17: According to the SDF the jihadists are now pinned down in a tiny patch of less than half a square kilometre on the banks of the Euphrates river near the Iraqi border.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif piled pressure on the EU telling Brussels that a trade mechanism to bypass US sanctions on Iran was inadequate and it needed to do more if it wanted to save the nuclear accord

Iran's foreign minister on Sunday launched a blistering attack on US Vice President Mike Pence, saying his allegations that Tehran was plotting a "new Holocaust" were "hateful" and "ignorant".

Mohammad Javad Zarif told the Munich Security Conference that Pence's demands for the EU to follow the US in abandoning the 2015 Iran nuclear deal amounted to asking Europe to undermine its own security.

And Zarif piled fresh pressure on the EU, telling Brussels that a trade mechanism to bypass US sanctions on Iran was inadequate and it needed to do more if it wanted to save the accord.

US President Donald Trump tore up the nuclear deal last year, branding it a failure, and Washington has slapped swingeing sanctions back on Tehran.

Pence used a diplomatic tour of Europe this week to demand repeatedly that EU countries stop trying to preserve the deal, which curbed Tehran's nuclear ambitions in return for sanctions relief.

Zarif slammed the vice president, saying he had "arrogantly demanded that Europe must join the US in undermining its own security and breaking its obligations" to the treaty under international law.

"His hateful accusations against Iran including his ignorant allegations of anti-semitism (...) are both ridiculous but at the same time very very dangerous," Zarif said.

Away from the fiery rhetoric, Zarif's criticism of INSTEX -- the payment mechanism created by European countries to try to continue trade with Iran -- will cause concern in Brussels.

The creation of INSTEX by Britain, France and Germany -- the so-called E3 European signatories to the nuclear deal -- was a complex, drawn-out process that has infuriated the Trump administration, exacerbating transatlantic tensions.

But while Zarif welcomed the EU's political support, he said it was not enough, and demanded Europe "walk the walk".

"INSTEX falls short of the commitments by the E3 to save the nuclear deal," he said.

"Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of US unilateralism."

He warned that the future of the nuclear deal was "on the brink", saying that while polls showed 51 percent of Iranians still supported staying in, there were many who thought Tehran had got a bad deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) is handing the role of foreign minister to his right-wing rival from inside the Likud party Israel Katz (L)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday he was relinquishing the role of foreign minister and handing it to a right-wing rival from within his Likud party, Israel Katz.

The move comes ahead of April 9 elections and follows court challenges arguing Netanyahu -- who is also health and defence minister -- has taken on too many governmental portfolios.

A Likud spokesman said Netanyahu intended to appoint Katz as acting foreign minister without providing further details.

Katz is currently transportation and intelligence minister and it was unclear whether he would give those roles up.

He called the appointment a "moving moment".

"Together with the prime minister we will continue to advance and lead Israel's foreign policy to further achievements," Katz said in a statement.

Katz holds right-wing views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has said conditions are not in place now for a two-state solution.

In 2017, he advocated a plan that critics said would amount to de facto annexation of a number of Jewish settlements surrounding Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. The proposal was shelved.

He has spoken of ideas such as building an island off the Gaza Strip to provide the blockaded Palestinian enclave with infrastructure including electricity and clean water.

Katz also promotes a plan for a railway linking Gulf states to the Mediterranean via Israel as part of a bid to normalise relations with Arab countries that currently do not have formal ties with the Jewish state.

Netanyahu's choice of Katz was seen by a number of analysts as part of political manoeuvring ahead of the April 9 polls.

Katz, 63, is a senior Likud member and wields influence within the party. He has spoken of his ambition to be prime minister, but has no current plans to challenge Netanyahu.

The foreign minister portfolio is viewed as more prestigious and high-profile than Katz's current roles.

Polls suggest Netanyahu is on track to win the elections despite a series of corruption investigations against him.

The attorney general is expected to announce in the coming weeks whether he intends to indict the prime minister.

An announcement on indictments before the polls could shake up the campaign.

Netanyahu, 69, has been prime minister for a total of nearly 13 years.
A member of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces stands guard on top of a building in Baghouz during an operation against the Islamic State group

Islamic State group jihadists defending their last scrap of territory in Syria have no choice but to surrender, a Kurdish-led force said on Monday, ahead of a victory declaration expected within days.

The warning by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) came as European nations reacted coolly to a US call to repatriate their nationals from Syria, which Germany said would be "extremely difficult".

Diehard IS fighters are now trapped in a final patch of territory of less than half a square kilometre (0.2 square miles) in the village of Baghouz near the Iraqi border.

From an SDF position hundreds of metres (yards) away, an AFP reporter spotted people moving between white tents inside the last jihadist redoubt, including a woman clad in black and masked men.

An SDF fighter pointed towards a water tanker parked in the arid plain that separated his force from jihadists.

"Do you see people moving behind the water truck. It's not clear if they are fighters or civilians," he said.

Last pocket of IS territory in syria

The SDF are moving cautiously on the jihadist holdout, saying IS is increasingly using civilians as "human shields".

Spokesman Mustefa Bali said the alliance was "still working on trying to get civilians out".

"The clashes are sporadic and very limited," Bali told AFP on Monday. "There have been no significant changes on the ground."

- 'No choice' -

Thousands of people have streamed out of IS turf in recent weeks, but no civilians have made it out in the last three days.

Those that managed to escape have been ferried on trucks to Kurdish-held camps for the displaced to the north.

The International Rescue Committee said Monday that 62 people, mostly children, had died on the way to the Al-Hol camp or shortly after arriving in the past few weeks.

A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces rests in the village of Baghouz during an operation against the Islamic State group

An informed source told AFP that IS fighters are seeking safe passage to the jihadist-held city of Idlib in northwestern Syria.

"They want to take remaining civilians with them as human shields. But the SDF are not willing to discuss this," said the source, asking not to be named.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the SDF have turned down the request.

AFP could not confirm this with an SDF official, but a commander with the alliance said IS has no leverage to negotiate.

"They are besieged in a very tight area and they have no other choice but to surrender," said the commander.

IS declared a "caliphate" across large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, which at its height spanned an area the size of the United Kingdom.

Successive offensives in both countries have since shattered the proto-state, but the extremist group still retains a presence in Syria's Badia desert.

After years of fighting IS, the Kurdish-led SDF hold hundreds of foreigners suspected of being IS fighters, as well as related women and children.

Syria's Kurds have long urged their home countries to take them back, but these nations have been reluctant.

- 'Extremely difficult' -

European countries gave a cool response to a call by US President Donald Trump to take back their citizens captured in the fight against IS.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said Monday that foreign fighters should be tried "in the region where the crimes had been committed".

The Syrian Democratic Forces are advancing cautiously on the last pocket of Islamic State group territory in eastern Syria

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that it would be "extremely difficult" to organise the repatriation of European nationals from Syria.

In France, Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet said the government would stick to its current policy of dealing with fighters on a case-by-case basis.

European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini ruled out any EU involvement in the disputes, saying they are a matter for national governments.

Trump stunned allies in December when he announced all 2,000 US troops would withdraw from Syria as IS had been defeated.

General Joseph Votel, commander of US forces in the Middle East, was in Syria earlier Monday but "has since left the region", a US-led coalition spokesman said.

A top Kurdish official called on Europe not to abandon Syria's Kurds.

European powers "have a political and moral responsibility" to the Kurds, Aldar Khalil told AFP in Paris.

The Kurds fear the US withdrawal will leave them facing a long-threatened assault by Turkey, which views their fighters as terrorists.

They have begun looking to President Bashar al-Assad for possible cover, as his regime has gained the upper hand in the civil war with Russian backing.

Almost eight years into a conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, SDF-held areas and the northwestern Idlib region remain beyond government control.

Two bomb attacks in Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, the Observatory said.

The area is administered by a jihadist alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.
A trail of destruction and wilted trees lie at the entrance to the Syrian village of Baghouz where diehard jihadists are becoming more ferocious as they as they battle on February 16, 2019 for their last holdout in the face of a US-led offensive

The wilted palms and pomegranate trees at the entrance to Baghouz were struggling to survive, much like diehard Islamic State group fighters in the Syrian village.

Pinned down in a patch less than half a square kilometre, the jihadists faced intermittent air strikes by the US-led coalition backing the Syrian Democratic Forces.

On a press tour Saturday organised by the US-backed forces, the street ahead was punched through by massive craters and sprinkled with charred lorries.

"The SDF were here," read a spray-painted Arabic message on a one-storey house.

Atop a building captured by the SDF, a fighter peered out at columns of smoke from fresh bombardment.

"They fire at us at night, then clashes start before they run away again," said Hamza Shaddadi, his rifle slung over his shoulder and a walkie-talkie in his hand.

"But we don't get any closer because of the civilians," he told AFP.

SDF officials say they have IS surrounded in a tiny part of Baghouz but are holding off on an assault because civilians -- including families of IS fighters -- are still thought to be inside.

But the town would be cleared "in just a few days", said Shaddadi, who seemed visibly impatient.

- 'More ferocious' -

Even in areas already captured from the jihadists, SDF units combed through rubble and ruined houses used as IS bases in search of secret tunnels, sleeper cells, or unexploded ordnance.

US-backed fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) rest after combing through rubble and ruined houses in the village of Baghouz whree they are fighting to expel Islamic State group jihadists from their last shred of territory in Syria

SDF fighters, their heads covered in traditional flowered Kurdish scarves, barely flinched at the sound of gunfire further ahead, which was quickly followed by the roar of airplanes and two booming air strikes.

There were no civilians in the homes or in the muddy streets at the entrance to Baghouz, only armoured cars zipping sharply around corners in the crushed town.

It was not the first time the SDF had battled for these neighbourhoods.

After launching their latest offensive against IS in September, their units took Baghouz easily, but IS recaptured it a few weeks later during a storm and dug in.

Diaa Hasakeh was back for the second round, but told AFP the town was now in much worse shape.

"When we took it a few months ago, we'd climb up on the rooftops and pick dates and pomegranates," said Diaa Hasakeh, a bespectacled fighter who fought in the first round and is back for the final battle.

He pointed to the shrivelled pomegranate trees whose red fruit had rotted on the branch, near yellowed palm trees some of which had nothing left but their trunks.

"Today, their area of control has shrunk so they're being more ferocious in their fighting," said of the jihadists.

"In the past, they wouldn't resist a lot as they had other places to withdraw to."

- Victory is nigh -

SDF commanders say their fighters have faced explosives-laden motorcycles, suicide bombers, and ambushes from behind the front line in recent days.

Syrian Democratic Forces commander Jia Furat (C) said on Saturday February 16, 2019 his forces expected to announce "in a very short time, no longer than a few days... the end of IS's existence" as his fighters press a final push on the jihadists

On Saturday, top SDF commander Jia Furat said victory was nigh.

"In a very short time, not longer than a few days, we will officially announce the end of IS's existence," he said.

The jihadists once controlled a territory that sprawled across Syria and Iraq that was home to millions.

But the "caliphate" their elusive chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared more than four years ago in Iraq's Mosul is about to collapse on the shores of the Euphrates River.

Baghouz, unlike surrounding towns, has two-storey stone villas built by locals who emigrated to work in the oil-rich Arab Gulf states, an SDF fighter said.

"Any area with a river running through it is beautiful, but anywhere that Daesh goes is ruined," said Hasakeh, using the Arabic acronym for IS.
Despite tens of millions of trips to the beach taken in Australia every year, shark attacks are rare

A 41-year-old surfer was airlifted to hospital Sunday after being bitten in a suspected shark attack on Australia's famed Byron Bay.

The man was out catching waves shortly after dawn at Belongil Beach when police said he was "bitten on the leg by a shark".

Images taken shortly after appeared to show a chunk bitten out of the tail of the man's surfboard.

"I was freaking. When I heard the screams he was making in the water and then I saw a chunk of his board floating off, that's when I realised it was pretty bad," a fellow surfer told national broadcaster ABC.

The victim managed to float back to shore on his board and signalled to other beachgoers for help.

"He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital," police said.

He is said to be in a serious but stable condition.

Byron Bay is popular with surfers and tourists alike.

Despite tens of millions of trips to the beach taken in Australia every year, shark attacks are rare.

There were 27 shark attacks in Australian waters last year, according to data compiled by Sydney's Taronga Zoo, including one fatal incident.
The report came after Trump's claim on Friday that Abe had nominated him for the prize

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize last autumn after being requested to do so by Washington, a Japanese newspaper reported Sunday.

Washington sounded out Tokyo over the possibility of nominating Trump for the prize after his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in June last year, an unnamed Japanese government source told the Asahi Shimbun.

The report came after Trump's claim on Friday that Abe had nominated him for the prize.

Trump said Abe had sent him a copy of a five-page nomination letter delivered to the Nobel Peace Prize committee in which the Japanese leader praised his efforts in defusing tensions with Pyongyang.

"He said 'I have nominated you respectfully on behalf of Japan. I am asking them to give you the Nobel Peace Prize.' I said thank you," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"Many other people feel that way, too. I'll probably never get it. That's okay."

Japanese officials did not respond to AFP's requests for comment on Trump's claim or the newspaper report.
A fire tore through a slum in southern Bangladesh on Sunday killing at least 9 people and destroying hundreds of shanty homes, police said.

The blaze broke out in the port city of Chittagong at about 3.30am and raced through the district of bamboo, tin and tarpaulin homes, said local police chief Pranab Chowdhury.

"At least 470 shanties were destroyed by the fire. So far 9 people have died. They included four members of a family," fire brigade official Hefazatul Islam told AFP.

Fires regularly break out in Bangladesh's slums, where millions live in squalid living conditions.

Rights groups have in the past alleged some shanty town blazes were deliberate acts of sabotage by developers seeking to free up property to construct multi-storey buildings.

"We have seen fires are used as a weapon to evict poor slum dwellers and squatters from government or private property," rights activist Nur Khan Liton told AFP.
(ANSA) - Turin, February 18 - The EU has reiterated its willingness to provide half of the funding for the main tunnel of the Tuin-Lyon high-speed rail (TAV) line, Piedmont Governor Sergio Chiamparino said Monday.

This will mean halving the costs for Italy of the Italian part of the line from 1.7 billion euros to 850 million, he said.

It would also mean a further 10% cut in the cost of the tunnel.

The senior government partner the 5-Star Movement (M5S) is against completing the project citing a cost/benefit analysis.

The M5S's partner the League is not convinced by the analysis and wants the project to go ahead.


Dozens of people died in clashes between crop growers and nomadic herders over land access

Gathered under the spreading baobab tree in Danoa town square, farmers and herders in a remote corner of Ivory Coast are finally talking about a dispute that has poisoned relations and destroyed lives.

Nearly three years ago, the northeast region of Bouna plunged into violence between crop growers and nomadic cattle raisers from the Fulani community, leaving 33 people dead and prompting 2,500 to flee their homes.

The scenario is tragically familiar in many parts of Africa, where sedentary farmers and herders share water and land -- and tensions at times of stress may swiftly spiral into ethnic violence.

Thousands have died in clashes in Chad, the Central African Republic, Mali and Nigeria in recent years.

But in Bouna, a pilot project -- part of a scheme to protect the coveted Comoe National Park -- has nurtured hopes of a dialogue that will head off future bloodshed.

"After what happened, I was frightened. Everyone was frightened," said Awa Ouattara, who heads a women's group of smallholders.

"I hope the plan will work. When everyone is in agreement, it's better for all of us."

Cooperation and agreed rules are to put a stop to a rerun of past violence

Supported by German sustainable development agency GIZ, village chiefs, farmers and cattle breeders are creating designated cattle routes to prevent herds from grazing in the park and on to farming land.

GIZ is investing 1.2 million euros ($1.4 million) over four years to support communities around the park.

The forum in Danoa brought together Koulango, mostly landowners, and the Lobi, mostly tenants, as well as Fulani.

"Just getting people around a table and having a discussion is already an achievement," said Sanogo Issoufou from GIZ.

"Everyone will benefit economically from sharing management of resources between community members. We hope to create a virtuous circle."

- Wildlife haven -

Comoe national park is a world heritage site and one of West Africas largest protected areas, known for its plant and animal diversity.

A sign warns it is forbidden to hunt, fish, clear land or graze livestock in the Comoe National Park, a world heritage site

Fed by the Comoe river, it is home to shrub savannas and thick rainforest usually found much farther south.

"Our mission is to protect the park," said D'Angouss Kissi from the Ivorian Parks and Reserves Authority.

"We realised that surveillance alone wasn't enough to stop cattle entering it illegally. We needed to find grazing land and water outside the park, whilst also easing tensions and avoiding new conflict."

The project also aims to share management of water points between local committees including herders, landowners, renting crop farmers and local businesses or teachers.

Travelling herders pay a higher rate for water access -- 15,000 CFA (23 euros) per month per herd, compared to locals, who are charged 2,000 CFA francs (three euros).

- Cooperation -

Landowners say they are happy to provide land for crossing routes.

"We explained to the community that it was for the common good," said chief landowner Amadou Ouattara.

"It's better for everyone if we avoid conflict."

Landowners and herders say the project has helped to avoid conflict between the communities

Herder Barry Bounangui agrees. "Before, there were arguments every day about water, grass or routes for the animals, so to avoid any conflict, we went to the park," he said.

"Now, farmers and herders are talking. It's a good thing. The crossing routes help us a lot, but we need the (leaking) dam to be repaired too."

Crop farmers are happier too. "Theres less damage now," said Kambou Tchourite.

Problems are being aired but anger remains and the pathway to enduring peace may be long.

"The cows come on to our fields and destroy everything," a farmer said at the Danoa meeting.

"I told the herder to stop but he just keeps coming back again and again. We can't go on like this!"

Separately, a herder told AFP: "The crop farmers want everything. They set fire to the fields so that not even a blade of grass is left."
Hong Kong's male indigenous villagers enjoy a lucrative birthright to build without paying a land fee

Sitting in the spacious courtyard of an 18th-century ancestral hall belonging to his clan, William Liu defiantly rejects a lucrative birthright that his special status as one of Hong Kong's male indigenous villagers affords him.

Liu hails from the rural northern part of Hong Kong known as the "New Territories" which were leased by Britain from China in 1898.

Under a colonial-era policy that remains in place, any male who can trace his lineage back to that period has the right to build a three-storey house on his land without paying a land fee.

In a city with the world's least affordable property market, that exclusively male right is a major windfall.

But it is being challenged in the courts as both discriminatory to women and unfair to millions of Hong Kongers unable to get on the property ladder.

Liu is a villager who agrees with the court case against the building rights.

"It's an unfair policy and I will not use it," the 22-year-old told AFP.

Liu, a democracy activist, is opposed both to the discriminatory nature of the policy and the way the city's connected housing developers have still been able to use it to build properties.

"The small house policy has turned into something that is just being abused by a small handful of people working with developers to make money," he explained.

- Lucrative land -

Liber Research Community, a local land concern group, estimates that at least one out of four indigenous houses in the New Territories have been built illegally, with commercial developers making secret deals with villagers to use their land rights.

Hong Kong's indigenous villages

Authorities largely turn a blind eye to the practice.

The so-called "ding rights" -- named after the Cantonese word for male offspring -- were enacted in 1972 by the British as an interim measure to improve living standards for farmers. It continued after the 1997 handover to China.

With the crammed city facing an acute housing shortage, the New Territories' vast land banks are being eyed for their development potential and calls are mounting for the government to overhaul the policy.

But ding rights have been vociferously defended by the powerful Heung Yee Kuk, an advisory body that has dominated rural affairs for decades and delivers reliably pro-Beijing votes in the complex system that elects Hong Kong's leader.

In a bid to alleviate its acute housing shortage, Hong Kong's government has proposed spending some $63 billion on building artificial islands that could accommodate a new city around a fifth the size of Manhattan.

The proposal has sparked protests over both the enormous cost and the potential environmental damage.

Chan Kim-ching, the founder of the Liber research group, said the government should overhaul how land is allocated in the New Territories and make it more accessible to everyone.

"That could improve the environment, cancel out some of the unequal situation and solve our housing demand at the same time," he said.

A government spokesperson and Heung Yee Kuk chair Kenneth Lau both declined to comment on the policy, citing the ongoing legal challenge.

- Long waits -

Indigenous villagers, who along with ding rights also enjoy other special benefits including some exclusive burial rights, are often seen as an unfairly privileged group.

Villager and democracy activist William Liu says he will not take advantage of the 'unfair' housing policy

But they argue the policy does not mean they are guaranteed a house immediately, even if they own their land.

Indigenous local Selena Yung says she experienced discrimination as a woman in the villages, but she supports the house policy, noting it benefited her two sons -- whose applications were approved after waiting for more than a decade.

She told AFP: "It's already so hard for them to have their applications approved, never mind girls. They should solve this problem first."

Stanley Ho, an indigenous activist who grew up in a tiny village of just a few dozen people located deep in a country park, watched as fields around his village were replaced by houses, and as decades-old trees were cut down to make way for illegal roads in recent years to facilitate construction.

He called on the government to work with the Heung Yee Kuk, environmental groups and rural representatives to decide on a way to end the "unfair policy" while still improving the living environment for villagers.

"Our generation has to speak out, and we have to control our own space," he said, adding: "If we don't manage it then the developers will take over."
Iraqi youth at computers in "The Station", Baghdad's incubator for would-be entrepreneurs

Stuck between an endless waitlist for a government job and a frail private sector, Iraqi entrepreneurs are taking on staggering unemployment by establishing their own start-ups.

The first murmurs of this creative spirit were felt in 2013, but the Islamic State group's sweep across a third of the country the following year put many projects on hold.

Now, with IS defeated, co-working spaces and incubators are flourishing in a country whose unemployment rate hovers around 10 percent but whose public sector is too bloated to hire.

The building in central Baghdad called "The Station" is where self-starters begin to create their own project in a country with high youth unemployment

Many self-starters begin their journey at an aptly named glass building in central Baghdad: The Station.

There, they sip on coffee, peruse floor-to-ceiling bookshelves for ideas and grab a seat at clusters of desks where other stylish Iraqis click away at their laptops.

"We're trying to create a new generation with a different state of mind," said executive director Haidar Hamzoz.

"We want to tell youth that they can start their own project, achieve their dreams and not just be happy in a government job they didn't even want," he told AFP.

Youth make up around 60 percent of Iraq's nearly 40 million people.

After graduating from university, many spend years waiting to be appointed to a job in the government, Iraq's biggest employer.

Among Iraqi youth, 17 percent of men and 27 percent of women are unemployed, according to the World Bank

Four out of five jobs created in Iraq in recent years are in the public sector, according to the World Bank.

And in its 2019 budget, the government proposed $52 billion in salaries, pensions, and social security for its workers -- a 15 percent jump from 2018 and more than half the total budget.

But with graduates entering the workforce faster than jobs are created, many still wait indefinitely for work.

Among youth, 17 percent of men and a whopping 27 percent of women are unemployed, the World Bank says.

- After IS, innovation reigns -

When IS declared Mosul its seat of power in Iraq back in 2014, resident Saleh Mahmud was forced to shutter the city's incubator for would-be entrepreneurs.

With Mosul now cautiously rebuilding after the jihadists were ousted in 2017, Mahmud is back in business.

"Around 600-700 youth have already passed by Mosul Space" to attend a seminar or seek out resources as they start their own ventures, said the 23-year-old.

Iraqi youth are also participating in the "Mosul Space", that city's incubator for would-be entrepreneurs in northern Iraq

He was inspired after watching fellow Mosul University graduates hopelessly "try to hunt down a connection to get a job in the public sphere."

"A university education isn't something that gets you a fulfilling job," he said.

Another start-up, Dakkakena, is capitalising on Mosul's rebuilding spirit, too.

The online shopping service delivers a lorry-full of home goods every day to at least a dozen families refurnishing after the war.

"On the web, we can sell things for cheaper than stores because we have fewer costs, like no showrooms," said founder Yussef al-Noaime, 27.

Noaime fled IS to the Netherlands, where he was introduced to e-commerce. When he returned home, the computer engineer partnered with another local to found their venture.

A similar service, Miswag, was set-up in the capital Baghdad in 2014 and last year reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in profits.

- Banks and big dreams -

On an autumn day, some 70 young Iraqi innovators converged for a three-day workshop in Baghdad on founding start-ups.

Some 70 young Iraqi innovators attended a recent three-day workshop in Baghdad on founding start-ups

They flitted among round tables planning projects, their Arabic conversations sprinkled with English terms.

"What we're doing is showing youth what entrepreneurship is -- not necessarily so they succeed, but so they at least try," said organiser Ibrahim al-Zarari.

He said attendees should understand two things: first, that the public sector is saturated. And second, that oil isn't the only resource on which Iraq -- OPEC's second-largest producer -- should capitalise.

More than 65 percent of Iraq's GDP and nearly 90 percent of state revenues hail from the oil sector. Many youth turn to it for work, but it only employs one percent of the workforce.

Widespread corruption and bureaucracy also weaken Iraq's appeal for private investors. The World Bank ranks it 168th out of 190 for states with a good business environment.

After graduating from university, many Iraqi youths spend years waiting to be appointed to a job in the government, Iraq's biggest employer.

Under current legislation, private sector employees are not offered the same labour protections or social benefits as those in the public sector.

And Iraq's stuttering banking industry appears too cautious to dive in, said Tamara Raad, 26, who researches start-ups.

"The banks have a role to play. They must make loans without interest and help young entrepreneurs," she said.

Banks or no banks, Mahmud in Mosul is already planning how he'll grow his business in 2019.

"We will open a new, larger space for new gatherings," he said excitedly, to bring together returning designers, developers and other inventors.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will kick off his Asia trip in Pakistan, one of Saudi Arabia's key regional allies

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a raft of investment deals Sunday worth up to $20 billion for the cash-strapped South Asian country, as Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman launched his Asia tour seeking to emerge from the Khashoggi affair.

Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the deals -- seven separate agreements and Memorandums of Understanding -- will provide welcome relief to its teetering economy.

The crown prince, widely known as "MBS", is staging the high-profile three-country visit five months after he came under intense pressure following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He got a warm welcome in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked longtime ally Saudi Arabia for its support, adding: "Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now taking this relationship to a level which (they) never had before."

Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer.

Earlier Sunday, MBS was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute and was warmly embraced by Khan and powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as he stepped onto a red carpet flanked by an honour guard at a military airbase near Islamabad.

Pakistan hopes its old ally will throw the struggling economy a lifeline

The two-day visit to Pakistan comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran -- both bordering Pakistan -- have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

Hours ahead of the crown prince's arrival, Pakistan dismissed Delhi's accusations as "well-rehearsed tactics from (the) Indian playbook after such incidents in the past".

MBS will travel to India after his Pakistan visit, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

The Asia trip comes after the murder of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi's death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and profoundly tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

- 'Not a pariah' -

But for analysts, the Asia tour -- the largest outing on the international scene for the Saudi royal since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December -- is a timely demonstration to the West that he still has friends in rising Asia.

He "wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah", said James M. Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

The murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis, tarnishing the kingdom's image

It is a matter of proving that he still has "international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king".

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-affiliated think tank, noted that as the Khashoggi case continues to cause indignation in Western countries, visiting them would have been "inconvenient".

"Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy," he said.

Asian countries, he added, "have an important special characteristic -- that is, we don't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries".

The prince's trip also includes an important economic component.

"China is the largest buyer of Saudi crude, and Saudi Arabia's other largest clients are all Asian: India, Japan, South Korea," said Dorsey.

"Asia is a source of inward investment into Gulf energy and infrastructure investment; and the future growth of the global economy will be in Asia," said Karen Young, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.

- Taliban 'in Islamabad' -

The Saudi crown prince will also visit India and China on his Asia tour

The crown prince's visit to Islamabad comes as the Taliban appeared to postpone a round of talks with the US set to be held in Pakistan this week, according to the group's spokesman.

Neither Washington or Pakistan confirmed the latest round of talks the Taliban earlier claimed were set to take place in Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are both involved in a months-long push led by Washington aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.
US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert speaks from the podium in May 2018

Former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert on Saturday withdrew from consideration to be the US ambassador to the United Nations amid criticism that she lacked the gravitas for one of the top diplomatic posts.

"The past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw," Nauert said in a statement.

The announcement came after weeks of often mocking criticism over President Donald Trump's nomination of Nauert, who had no foreign policy experience until two years ago when she was named State Department spokeswoman.

Leading Democrats questioned whether Nauert, despite her poise at the podium, had the skills to negotiate on complex international issues or go head-to-head with seasoned diplomats from adversaries such as Russia.

But with Trump's Republican Party in control of the Senate, her nomination did not seem to be in serious jeopardy, raising questions on why she announced her withdrawal abruptly in the evening on a holiday weekend.

Bloomberg News, quoting anonymous sources, said that a White House background check had discovered that Nauert employed a nanny who was legally in the United States but not authorized to work.

Trump, whose tough line on immigration is his signature issue, started looking Saturday for a new nominee, the report said.

- Latest Trump vacancy -

Nikki Haley speaks at the Security Council in November 2018, a month before stepping down as the US ambassador to the UN

Trump, an avid viewer of conservative-leaning Fox News where Nauert was once an anchor on morning show "Fox and Friends," told reporters in December that he wanted her as UN ambassador.

Her nomination, however, was never formally submitted to the Senate and she has vanished for over two months as she prepared for a confirmation hearing -- and, eventually, the job.

The UN post has been vacant since the start of the year after Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and rising star in Republican politics, decided to leave.

State Department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said that Trump would put forward a new name "soon."

Trump is notorious for the turbulence in his cabinet with top players including secretary of state, secretary of defense, chief of staff and attorney general all quitting or being pushed out in only the first two years of the administration.

In an administration that regularly denounces the media, Nauert enjoyed comparatively smooth relations with reporters as State Department spokeswoman, a position that does not require Senate confirmation.

She generally avoided gaffes, other than a befuddling remark last year when she cited D-Day -- the Allied assault in 1944 on the coast of Nazi-occupied France -- as evidence of strong US-German relations.

- Growing scrutiny -

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert addresses reporters in the department's press briefing room in November 2017

But as she prepared for Senate confirmation, liberal activists and media outlets pored over her output at Fox News, including an episode in which she gave a platform to conspiracy theories about Islamic sharia law taking root in the United States.

Nauert, 49, suggested in the statement that she was leaving government entirely, saying: "Serving in the administration for the past two years has been one of the highest honors of my life."

Nauert, whose family remained in New York during her tenure, did not return a message asking to confirm that she would leave as State Department spokeswoman.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo praised Nauert in a statement, saying that he had "great respect" for her "personal" decision to withdraw.

Representing the United States at the United Nations is no easy job under Trump, who is open about his low esteem for the global body and has pulled out of broadly supported accords including the Paris climate agreement.

Martin Edwards, an associate professor in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University, said that Trump appeared set on sending fresh faces to the United Nations.

"Given his penchant for real outsiders (as with Nikki Haley), it's clear that other countries, who send trained career diplomats to the UN, will continue to outflank and outfox us there," he said.
A camel walks past the pyramid of Khafre (also known as Chephren) at the Giza pyramids necropolis on the southwestern outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will return an ancient gilded coffin to Egypt after New York prosecutors determined that it had been looted from that country, the museum said.

The museum had purchased the prized coffin, dating from the first century BCE, in July 2017 from a Paris art dealer for a price of nearly four million dollars.

But the Manhattan district attorney's office determined that the mummy-shaped golden coffin had been sold with fake documentation, including a forged 1971 Egyptian export license.

It was not clear what had sparked the district attorney's investigation.

The statement Friday quoted Met CEO Daniel Weiss as apologizing to the Egyptian people and specifically to Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany.

"After we learned that the Museum was a victim of fraud and unwittingly participated in the illegal trade of antiquities, we worked with the DA's office for its return to Egypt," Weiss said.

The museum said it would "consider all available remedies to recoup the purchase price of the coffin" and would commit itself "to identifying how justice can be served, and how we can help to deter future offenses against cultural property."

MoMA vowed to "review and revise its acquisitions process."

The elaborately decorated coffin, viewed by nearly a half-million visitors since it was made the centerpiece of a major exhibition in July, is sheathed in gold, which the ancient Egyptians associated with the gods.

It is inscribed with the name of Nedjemankh, a high-ranking priest of the ram-headed god Heryshef of Herakleopolis.

The Met took the coffin off view this week to deliver it to the district attorney's office for its eventual return to Egypt.
US President Donald Trump has been briefed in Florida about China trade talks

US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was briefed at his Florida resort by negotiators working to reach a trade deal with Beijing after their return from "very productive" meetings with Chinese officials.

"Trade negotiators have just returned from China where the meetings on Trade were very productive. Now at meetings with me at Mar-a-Lago giving the details," the president tweeted.

He also reiterated his assertion that current tariffs "are being paid to the United States by China," when in fact they are paid by US companies and ultimately by American consumers in the form of higher prices.

Senior officials completed two days of high-stakes talks in Beijing on Friday as they try to avert the US threat to more than double tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods, which would be an unwelcome shock to the world's second largest economy as it already has shown signs of slowing.

American officials accuse Beijing of seeking global industrial predominance through an array of unfair trade practices, including the "theft" of American intellectual property and massive state intervention in commodities markets.

Since a December detente, China has resumed purchases of some US soybeans and dangled massive buying of American commodities to get US trade negotiators closer to a deal.

Talks have included discussion of purchases to reduce the "large and persistent bilateral trade deficit," the White House has said.

But many China experts say Beijing's Communist Party rulers are unlikely to make significant changes to industrial policies without a long and tough fight.
A US Border Patrol vehicle drives near a section of reinforced US-Mexico border fence near Tijuana, Mexico

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday that no decision has been taken on funding President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, a project that may come partly from redirected military funds.

Trump on Friday declared a national emergency to address what he called an "invasion" of drugs, gangs, human traffickers and undocumented migrants over the US border with Mexico.

The declaration means he would be able to sidestep Congress to access federal funds from elsewhere to help pay for building the border wall. The move however was immediatly challenged in court.

"So very deliberately, we have not made any decisions. ... There has been no determination by me," Shanahan said on the way home from Germany.

Trump wanted Congress to authorize $5.7 billion for a wall along parts of the border, but lawmakers provided just $1.375 billion for barriers, not a solid concrete wall.

The White House said Friday that Trump will access $6.1 billion from two Pentagon sources: $3.6 billion from a military construction fund, and $2.5 billion from Defense Department counter-drug activity funds.

"We always anticipated that this would create a lot of attention and since money potentially could be redirected, you can imagine the concerns this generates," Shanahan said.

The Pentagon chief said he would "review that analysis now that the emergency has been declared. Based on that analysis, we can do an assessment of what would be appropriate."

He added: "We are following the law. We are using the rules. We are not bending the rules."

As a candidate, Trump repeatedly vowed that Mexico would pay for a wall.
The Saudi government says the app provides services for "all members of the society", but critics say it enables abuse against women and girls by allowing men to track their movements

Saudi Arabia on Saturday defended a mobile app that allows men in the kingdom to track female relatives after rights groups and a US lawmaker criticised tech giants for offering it.

The Absher app provides services for "all members of the society... including women, the elderly, and people with special needs", the interior ministry said.

The free app is available on Android and Apple smartphones and allows users to renew passports, visas and eases a variety of other electronic services.

But critics have said the app enables abuse against women and girls by allowing men to track their movements.

Apple CEO Tim Cook told US National Public Radio earlier this week he had not heard of the app, but would "take a look at it".

US Senator Ron Wyden has called on both Apple and Google to remove the app, arguing on Twitter that it promotes "abusive practises against women".

Under Saudi law, women must have consent from a husband or immediate male relative to renew passports or leave the country.

The ministry criticised what it called a "systematic campaign aimed at questioning the purpose of the services".

It rejected what it described as "attempts to politicise" the tool.

This comes as Saudi Arabia faces intense scrutiny over the shocking murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi last year, which has renewed criticism of the kingdom's rights record.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has garnered international attention with his rapid rise to power and promise of social and economic reforms.

But the kingdom has detained a number of human rights and women campaigners, some of them accused of undermining national security, with scant public information about their whereabouts or the legal status of their cases.
Army soldiers head towards the city of Bosso, in southeast Niger near the border with Nigeria, in June 2016 following deadly attacks by Boko Haram fighters

Seven Niger soldiers were killed when their post was attacked by Boko Haram in the country's southeast near Nigeria, the birthplace of the jihadist group, the government said Saturday.

The interior ministry said Friday's raid in Chetima Wanou had led to the death of seven soldiers and injured six others while "on the enemy side (there were) several deaths including one corpse left on the spot and many injured".

The evening raid was conducted "by heavily armed Boko Haram elements travelling in a convoy which included an armoured vehicle", it said.

The interior ministry said the assailants were repelled after heavy fighting, adding that the soldiers had captured eight jihadists and seized "three vehicles loaded with machine guns, three AK47 assault rifles and loads of ammunition".

The army engaged in a "cleaning up operation... to catch and neutralise the enemy," it said.

Chetima Wangou is a small village about 25 kilometres (15 miles) southwest of the regional capital Diffa. Since 2015, the group has targeted areas near Lake Chad, north of the city.

"Boko Haram wanted to surprise the Niger army by attacking an area far from Lake Chad," a local elected official told AFP.

The attack was the latest in a series ascribed to the jihadist group which began a bloody insurgency in Nigeria in 2009 that has spread to neighbouring countries, prompting a regional military response.

Some 27,000 people have been killed and two million displaced, sparking a dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

The United States recently handed over a communications and operations centre, costing $16.5 million (14.4 million euros), to the Niger army to help in the battle against Boko Haram.

The planning and operations control centre is designed to help Niger forces synchronise its operations through improved communications.
In the commercial capital Lagos, streets normally teeming with activity were eerily empty

Nigerians on Saturday hit out in frustration and anger at election officials after a last-minute delay to voting, just as they were preparing to cast their ballots.

Many people were taken unawares by the overnight announcement and only found out when they reached polling stations -- to find them empty and unstaffed.

Others counted the cost of a lost day's work in a country where many people are daily wage earners in the informal sector, and some 87 million live in extreme poverty.

In the commercial capital Lagos, streets normally teeming with activity were eerily empty on Saturday morning, with many businesses closed.

"It's not a good day," said David Ujo, a 58-year-old flower stall owner, watering his plants by the road-side. "It's like a lost day, no one is around."

Many polling units across the city were not even set up, reflecting widespread reports of problems with the distribution of election materials.

Many newspapers carried headlines declaring the polls open

"This is where the polling unit should be," said Austin Onwusoanya, who was expected to manage a polling unit in the sandy compound of a secondary school in the Ikoyi area.

He said no election equipment was sent, even as locals continued to enter through the school gates to confirm that the delay was true.

"They had rolled out the timetable months ago," said Onwusoanya angrily.

Many people had planned weddings and other important engagements around election day but now had to reschedule, he added.

- 'This is Nigeria!' -

Meanwhile, dozens of angry men crowded around a stand of the day's newspapers, laid out on the ground under rocks.

Many carried headlines prematurely declaring the polls open. One, the Saturday Independent, read: "Nigeria Decides Today."

A police officer monitors boxes full of ballots

Newspaper vendor Samson Onasanya said he was not surprised at the delay, in a country accustomed to last-minute preparations, even for long-standing engagements.

In 2015, INEC postponed elections by six weeks -- but at least did so with one week to go before people travelled back to their home villages and towns to cast their vote.

"This is Nigeria, this is Nigeria," he shouted, adding: "We are tired of all this.

"This is not the first time it has happened and it will not be the last time, it is because they don't respect we the voters."

- Demand for answers -

About 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northwest in Buhari's home town of Daura, in Katsina State, many would-be supporters of the president tried to return to normalcy.

Shops began to open and motorcycle taxis plied the streets for customers.

Many in Buhari's stronghold were also frustrated and suspicious of the reasons for the delay.

"We suspect foul play," ventured Abba Hassan Shehu, a 22-year-old student.

"INEC (the Independent National Electoral Commission) told us they were ready. How could they now tell us they can't conduct the election?

"They should give us a more cogent excuse," he said, surrounded by a group of young men who nodded in agreement.

INEC officials in various states also lamented the inconvenience.

In the southern city of Port Harcourt, election officers woke up with shock and anger at the news, after a night spent sleeping out in the open next to election materials.

Many had travelled from faraway places and there was no guarantee voters would return for the rescheduled poll, they said.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are now due on February 23. Governorship and state assembly polls have been pushed back to March 9.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is facing deadly nationwide protests against his three-decade rule, may run for a third term in elections set for next year

A Sudanese parliamentary committee has postponed a meeting on amending the country's constitution to allow President Omar al-Bashir to run for a new term, state media reported Saturday.

The session, set for Sunday, has been shelved for the time being, the official SUNA news agency said, without giving a new date.

Bashir, who is facing nationwide protests against his three-decade rule, is considering running for a third term in elections scheduled for next year.

But for that to happen, lawmakers must amend the country's constitution, which currently allows presidents two five-year terms.

"The committee's meeting has been postponed and a new date will be announced," SUNA reported.

Bashir's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and its allies have an overwhelming majority in parliament, and in August the party named the veteran leader as its candidate for the 2020 poll.

The parliamentary committee was formed in late 2018 to consider the constitutional amendments necessary to keep Bashir in power, and it was set to meet Sunday for the first time.

Bashir, 75, swept to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, but he only faced his first multi-party election in 2010.

In 2015, he took 94 percent of the vote in the face of opposition boycotts. He later said he would not run for a third term.

Rights groups have said both elections lacked credibility.

Bashir has proved to be a political survivor, facing down both domestic and international challenges over the years, but since December 19 he has been confronted by daily rallies across the country against his rule.

Analysts say the ongoing protest movement is the biggest threat Bashir has had to deal with since coming to power, with demonstrators calling for his resignation.

Protesters chanting "freedom, peace, justice" have taken to the streets, blaming Bashir for the country's dire economic conditions.

Officials say 31 people have died in protest-related violence so far, while Human Rights Watch has put the death toll at 51.

Bashir has remained defiant, saying the ballot box is the only route through which a government can be changed.

On Saturday, he mocked the protest campaigners who have called for his resignation.

"Those who are talking of freedom and protesting against the government were freely able to hold a press conference at the same time," SUNA quoted Bashir as saying at a meeting of the Islamic Movement, the body that offers a political and ideological base to his rule.

Protest campaigners held their first news conference earlier this week in Omdurman, the twin city of Khartoum, and urged other political groups to join their movement in "overthrowing" the regime.

Bashir insisted yet again that Sudan will "overcome" the current situation.

"We will continue with development work in spite of the crisis," he said.
Egyptian conscripts stand guard after a bomb and gun assault on a North Sinai mosque in November 2017 killed more than 300 people and triggered a major offensive against the jihadists

An attack Saturday on an Egyptian army checkpoint in the restive Sinai Peninsula left 15 soldiers dead or wounded and seven of the suspected jihadist assailants killed, the military said.

The Islamic State group, in a statement on its propaganda arm Amaq, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it targeted a military post near the airport in El-Arish, northern Sinai.

Security forces responded to the attack with an "exchange of fire", killing seven militants, army spokesman Tamer el-Refai said.

"An officer and 14 non-commissioned soldiers were killed or wounded," he said in a statement, without giving a breakdown of the casualties.

Medical sources in North Sinai told AFP that 11 soldiers were killed.

Egypt often announces that jihadists have been killed in military operations, but statements that security forces have suffered significant losses are rare.

Since the army's overthrow of elected Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, hundreds of soldiers and police have been killed in attacks by extremist groups.

Civilians have also been targeted in jihadist attacks, particularly members of Egypt's minority Coptic Christian community.

Egypt's army launched a major operation against the jihadists a year ago dubbed "Sinai 2018", after an attack in North Sinai killed more than 300 people at a mosque.

The army says more than 550 suspected jihadists have been killed in the offensive -- which has also targeted militants elsewhere in Egypt -- costing the lives of more than 30 soldiers.

But no independent statistics are available and North Sinai is largely cut off to media and foreigners.
Women and children stand in a field after they fled from the Baghouz area in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor on February 12, 2019 during an operation by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to expel Islamic State group jihadists

Jihadist fighters defending the last dreg of the Islamic State group's 'caliphate' Saturday were holed up in half a square kilometre of a village in eastern Syria.

President Donald Trump had announced that the fall of the IS proto-state would be declared Saturday, but a Syrian commander said his US-backed forces slowed down their advance to protect civilians.

The jihadists declared a 'caliphate' in large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, but have since lost all but a tiny patch of territory in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border.

Hundreds of metres (yards) from the front line in the village of Baghouz, an AFP reporter heard artillery fire and two air strikes on the jihadist holdout.

Huge craters had been blown out of the ground, and the road was lined with destroyed buildings and the skeletons of burnt-out cars.

'IS is besieged in a neighbourhood that is estimated to be 700 metres long and 700 metres wide,' said Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Jia Furat.

'Baghouz is within our firing range but we are moving cautiously considering there are civilians still trapped there as human shields,' said Furat, the overall commander for the operation.

'In a very short time, not longer than a few days, we will officially announce the end of IS's existence,' he told reporters at a nearby SDF base.

- Civilians inside -

Thousands of people have flooded out of Baghouz over the past week -- mostly women and children related to IS fighters, but also suspected jihadists.

An SDF spokesman said there were 'still civilians inside in large numbers'.

'We weren't expecting this number... This is why it's been delayed,' spokesman Adnan Afrin told AFP.

Trump on Friday said announcements on the fall of the caliphate would be made 'over the next 24 hours', but that deadline came and went.

Earlier Saturday, US-led coalition spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan acknowledged that the timeline had slipped because of the presence of civilians.

'There has been lapses as we continue to see hundreds of civilians still attempting to flee to safety,' he said.

'The area of Baghouz has many tunnels, which slows operations.'

The Kurdish-led SDF fighters are busy clearing improvised explosives from the area while staying on the lookout for any IS suicide bombers, he added.

Human Rights Watch called on commanders not to try to accelerate the offensive to suit Trump's timetable.

'The tempo of battle must not be dictated by political imperatives -- it must first of all protect civilians and possible hostages,' HRW's director of counterterrorism Nadim Houry told AFP.

The SDF said dozens of IS fighters had surrendered to its advancing forces.

The Kurdish-Arab alliance has been closing in on the diehard jihadists since September.

The speck of terrain in Baghouz is all that is left of IS territory that once spanned an area the size of the United Kingdom.

It has taken years of devastating fighting by various forces across both Iraq and Syria to shatter the group's 'caliphate'.

- 'Hunt down' IS remnants -

Trump's promise of a victory declaration came after he shocked allies and senior figures in his own administration with a December announcement ordering a full US troop withdrawal from Syria because IS had been 'beaten'.

That plan, which prompted the resignation of then defence secretary Jim Mattis, is set to be accelerated following a victory announcement.

Beyond Baghouz, IS still has thousands of fighters and sleeper cells scattered across several countries.

In Syria, it retains a presence in the vast Badia desert, and has claimed deadly attacks in SDF-held territory.

US Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday: 'The United States will continue to work with all our allies to hunt down the remnants of (IS) wherever and whenever they rear their ugly heads.'

A US withdrawal risks leaving Syria's Kurds exposed to a long-threatened attack by neighbouring Turkey, who views Kurdish fighters as 'terrorists'.

A Syrian man helps a wounded woman after bombardment on the town of Khan Shaykhun in Idlib province, on February 15, 2019

To prevent this, they have scrambled to seek a new ally in the Damascus government after spending most of Syria's civil war working towards self-rule.

Eight years into the conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, President Bashar al-Assad's government controls nearly two-thirds of the country.

But the northwestern region of Idlib held by a former affiliate of Al-Qaeda, as well as a major chunk of territory under SDF control remain out of its reach.

Regime shelling and rocket fire on Friday and Saturday killed 18 civilians including eight children in the Idlib region towns of Khan Sheikhun and Maaret al-Noman, the Syrian Observatory for Human Right said.
American Theodore McCarrick, 88, who resigned from the Vatican's College of Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked for sex abuse

Pope Francis has defrocked a former cardinal in a first for the Roman Catholic church over accusations American Theodore McCarrick sexually abused a teenager 50 years ago, a Vatican statement said Saturday.

McCarrick, 88, who resigned from the Vatican's College of Cardinals in July, is the first cardinal ever to be defrocked for sex abuse.

He was found guilty in January by a Vatican court for sexually abusing a teenager, a decision confirmed by the pope in February, with "no further recourse", according to the statement.

It said McCarrick was guilty of "sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power".

The announcement marks a spectacular fall from grace for the once influential cardinal and comes ahead of a Vatican conference from February 21-24 bringing together bishops from around the world to discuss protecting children within the Church.

Pope Francis has promised a policy of "zero tolerance" even for high-ranking church members

Sex abuse scandals around the globe, and most recently in the United States and Chile, have shaken the church, with Pope Francis promising a policy of "zero tolerance" even for high-ranking church members.

McCarrick, former archbishop emeritus of Washington, was barred from practising as a priest in July last year, after which he resigned his honorary title of cardinal. He currently lives in Kansas.

- Sex with adult seminarians -

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops reacted swiftly, saying the decision "is a clear signal that abuse will not be tolerated".

"No bishop, no matter how influential, is above the law of the Church," Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the bishops conference, said in a statement which also called for all victims of abuse to contact the police.

SNAP, a group representing survivors of abuse by priests, suggested Saturday that the McCarrick decision had been "'fast-tracked' by the hierarchy" in the days before the Vatican abuse conference "because it's so damning".

The group called on Catholic officials to practise the transparency they have promised, and said in a statement that criminal charges should be filed not just against McCarrick but "against Church officials who hid his wrongdoing for decades".

McCarrick was known for having sex with adult seminarians before he was accused of sexually abusing at least one teenager.

Prosecutors in the US state of Pennsylvania last year found 300 priests were involved in child sexual abuse since the 1940s, crimes that were covered up by a string of bishops.

Prosecutors in half a dozen other US states have announced plans for similar investigations.

The pope accepted the resignations of several bishops in Chile last year after investigations revealed decades of sexual abuse by clergy in their dioceses.

In March 2015, Pope Francis allowed Keith O'Brien to keep the title of cardinal after the former bishop of Edinburgh and former leader of the Catholic church in Scotland resigned over allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour towards priests in the 1980s.

The only previous case of a cardinal resigning came in 1927, when Pope Pius XI accepted the resignation of French cardinal Louis Billot, who had himself renounced his status for political reasons.

Cardinals act as close papal advisors and, if aged below 80, can attend conclaves to elect new pontiffs.

McCarrick had been one of the most prominent American cardinals active on the international stage.

Although officially retired, McCarrick had continued to travel abroad regularly, including on human rights issues.

McCarrick was ordained a priest in 1958 and rose through the ranks in the Archdiocese of New York before being installed as archbishop of Washington in 2001, a post he held until 2006.

Questions remain over Theodore McCarrick, including how he rose so high within the Church despite suspicions about his behaviour

The claims against him were made public in June by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the current archbishop of New York.

Dolan said an independent forensic agency "thoroughly investigated" the allegation.

A review board that included jurists, law enforcement experts, parents, psychologists, a priest and a religious sister then "found the allegations credible and substantiated," and the Vatican ordered McCarrick to stop exercising his ministry.

At the time, he released a statement maintaining his innocence but added that he had "fully cooperated" in the investigation.

Senior US church officials said they had received three allegations of McCarrick's sexual misconduct with adults decades ago, two of which resulted in settlements.

The US Catholic website Crux quoted a man as accusing him of abuse in New York's St Patrick's Cathedral in the 1970s, when the accuser was 16 years old.

Other cardinals caught up in scandal include Australia's top Catholic George Pell, number three in the Vatican. Pell faces prosecution in Australia for historical child sexual offences, which he has denied.

Defrocking is the most severe ecclesiastical punishment for a priest, who is reduced to the status of a lay person and no longer allowed to lead mass.

- Call for pope to resign -

Questions nevertheless remain over McCarrick, including how he rose so high within the Church despite suspicions about his behaviour.

Retired Italian Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano has accused Pope Francis of having ignored sexual assault accusations against McCarrick for five years.

Vigano, who is backed by an ultra-conservative US church faction, in August called for the pope to resign over his alleged silence.

Francis subsequently promised a fresh investigation into McCarrick, including using Vatican archives.

McCarrick could yet face civil suits in the US.
Nigeria's presidential and parliamentary elections have been postponed for a week due to logistical problems

Nigeria's election commission on Saturday rejected claims of political interference after its last-minute postponement of presidential elections, as voters caught unawares hit out at the announcement.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a one-week delay just hours before polls to elect the head of Africa's most populous nation were due to open at 0700 GMT.

It blamed logistical difficulties, including problems in the distribution of ballot papers and results sheets, as well as sabotage, after three fires at its offices in two weeks.

But the two main political parties claimed the delay was part of a conspiracy to rig the results. International observers called for calm.

President Muhammadu Buhari, 76, and his main challenger Atiku Abubakar, 72, returned to Abuja from their home towns in the northern states of Katsina and Adamawa.

In the capital, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, rejected assertions of a political conspiracy. "Our decision was entirely taken by the commission," he told a news conference.

He added that it had "nothing to do with political influence".

Voters arrived early to vote only to find many of the nearly 120,000 polling units deserted and unstaffed.

"Why didn't they announce the delay earlier? Why make the announcement in the middle of the night?" asked Chidi Nwakuna, a businessman in the southern city of Port Harcourt.

Just hours before the announcement, Boko Haram jihadists killed at least eight people in an attack on the northeastern city of Maiduguri.

- Logistical problems -

Rumours began circulating late on Friday about a possible postponement after widespread reports of problems with the delivery of election materials, including ballot papers.

INEC commissioners held emergency talks and after examining the logistics plans concluded the timetable was "no longer feasible", Yakubu said in his early hours announcement.

Presidential and parliamentary elections are now set for February 23, and governorship and state assembly elections have been pushed back to March 9.

"This was a difficult decision for the commission to take but necessary for the successful delivery of elections and the consolidation of our democracy," he added.

The two main political parties swiftly accused each other of orchestrating the delay as a way of manipulating the vote, a sentiment echoed by voters, some of whom had travelled long distances to vote in their hometowns.

"I see this postponement of the election as a... ploy to rig," said Oyi Adamezie in Warri, in the southern state of Delta.

- Disappointment -

The election was postponed just hours before voting was due to start at nearly 120,000 polling stations

Nigeria has postponed voting before: in 2015, INEC announced a six-week delay just one week before the election, citing security concerns linked to Boko Haram.

The six-week delay was seen as a way for then president Goodluck Jonathan to claw back votes after a strong challenge from Buhari, an opposition candidate.

The same argument may be made again, with little to separate Buhari and Abubakar in the campaign.

Yet even before the delay announcement, challenges were apparent in the vote's organisation.

In many areas suffering intermittent electricity supply and poor road infrastructure, thousands of INEC agents had been working into the night to deliver election materials.

"They had much time to prepare," said Austin Onwusoanya, a civil servant in the largest city Lagos who was to manage a polling unit that now stood unused.

"There are other things going on."

- Campaign trail -

The postponement comes after an election campaign in which Buhari had sought to portray himself as a continuity candidate.

Rescheduling could prove a headache for voters who travelled to their home states to cast their ballot

He came to power in 2015 on a promise to defeat Boko Haram, tackle rampant corruption and improve the country's oil-dependent economy.

But the jihadists still mount attacks, and there is growing insecurity elsewhere. Slow growth, as the economy limps back from recession, has also hit Buhari's stock.

So, too, has the perception he has only targeted political opponents as part of his high-profile anti-corruption campaign.

Buhari's alleged shortcomings have been a feature of Abubakar's campaign, who has billed himself as a modern, energetic and pro-business leader.

In areas with poor road infrastructure election commission agents had worked into the night to deliver polling materials

The former vice-president's past has also featured prominently, as the ruling party resurrected controversies from his time in office and alleged links to corruption.

The election -- the sixth in the 20 years since civilian rule was restored -- is likely to be one of the last times men of Buhari and Abubakar's generation will feature so prominently.

They have been fixtures on Nigeria's turbulent political scene for decades and are the oldest on the ballot.

Just over half of the 84 million registered voters are aged 18-35, prompting calls for more representative candidates unburdened by involvement in Nigeria's traumatic past.
South Africa's telecom giant MTN has operations in different countries including Nigeria, where it was fined in 2015 for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards

A former South African ambassador to Tehran was arrested and brought before a commercial crimes court on Thursday for allegedly taking a bribe linked to a major Iran mobile phone tender, police said.

Yusuf Saloojee, 75, who is now retired, stands accused of corruption and foreign bribery.

He allegedly received cash in return for helping South African telecoms giant MTN secure a contract to operate in Iran in 2005, while he was ambassador there.

"Saloojee allegedly pocketed 1.4 million rand for his role" and is said to have used the money to purchase a house in Pretoria, police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said in a statement. The figure is equivalent to $100,000 at current exchange rates.

According to South Africa's elite police Saloojee was allegedly involved in facilitating the cancellation of a cellphone operating licence that had been awarded to Turkish mobile company Turkcell.

The licence was later handed to South Africa's telecoms giant MTN.

Saloojee is believed to have been part of "deceitful corrupt activities with Iranian officials after Turkcell Consortium was awarded a lucrative... (GSM-licence) to operate in Iran for 15-years," Mulaudzi said.

The former ambassador was freed on $280 bail and was ordered to return to court on April 17.

Turkey's Turkcell which lost out in the competition, in 2012 filed a $4.2 billion lawsuit in Washington alleging that MTN had bribed Iranian officials and pressed Pretoria to offer weapons and diplomatic support for its nuclear programme.

It claimed it had already won the deal through an international tender, but its licence arrangement was suddenly dropped in favour of MTN.

The South African company was later cleared of wrongdoing.

MTN holds operating licences in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot to hurl rocks at Israeli troops during a demonstration near the fence along the border with Israel, east of Gaza City, on February 15, 2019

Palestinian medical officials said that 20 Gazans were wounded Friday by Israeli fire during weekly clashes on the border, while Israeli police said one officer was hurt by an explosive device.

"Twenty injuries by the Israeli occupation forces with live ammunition," the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli army said that 11,000 "rioters and demonstrators" gathered at several points along the border barrier, with people throwing rocks at soldiers and the fence, as well as "several explosive devices and grenades" aimed at the troops.

"Troops responded with riot dispersal means and fired in accordance with standard operating procedures," a military spokeswoman told AFP.

Israeli police said an officer operating at the border was lightly wounded by shrapnel in his leg.

Palestinians in Gaza have for nearly a year gathered at least weekly along the border for often-violent protests, calling on Israel to end its decade-long blockade of the enclave.

At least 250 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since then, the majority shot during clashes, though others have been hit by tank fire or air strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of seeking to orchestrate.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.
Chances are he won't be pleased by the trade figures from Brussels

The EU's trade surplus with the United States reached a record level in 2018, data showed Friday, increasing the risk that US President Donald Trump's anger could reignite a trade war.

Trump is a furious critic of Europe's high trade surpluses, accusing the EU -- and especially Germany -- of unfair practices against US workers, much like he does with China.

Last year, his government imposed punitive tariffs on steel and aluminium from Europe and other partners, and this was met with countermeasures by the EU, including duties on US motorcycles and denim jeans.

In 2018, the EU trade surplus with the US reached 139.7 billion euros, 20.1 billion more than in 2017, according to the EU's Eurostat data agency.

The new data lands as the US Commerce department is reported to have found that auto imports into the US threaten national security, the first step toward possible auto tariffs by Washington.

The report is expected to be delivered to the White House by a Sunday deadline and has been seen as a major risk for EU automakers.

Trump would have 90 days to decide on taking the measures, with the latest surplus data likely to weigh in his decision.

"I like tariffs," Trump told reporters at press conference on Washington on Friday, saying they are bringing "many billions of dollars pouring into our Treasury."

Despite the tense situation, exports of goods from the 28 EU states last year reached 406.4 billion euros according to Eurostat. This was an increase of eight percent compared to the previous year.

Imports from the US also increased to a total of 266.7 billion euros, but the increase was significantly lower, which is why the EU trade surplus climbed to the fresh record.

A spokesman for the European Commission did not want to speculate about the consequences for the ongoing trade talks with Washington.

"I won't interpret any figures... but trade relations are much more than trade surpluses or trade deficits," the spokesman said.

The EU Commission has been seeking to defuse the dispute with Trump through a "limited" trade agreement with the US and EU foreign trade ministers will discuss a negotiating mandate next week.

Foreign Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom has proposed abolishing all customs duties on industrial goods, including cars, and removing barriers to trade in technical standards.
US President Donald Trump shocked allies and senior figures in his own administration by announcing in December the US was carrying out a full troop withdrawal from Syria

President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States would be announcing the end of the Islamic State group's once-sprawling "caliphate" within the next day.

"We have a lot of great announcements having to do with Syria and our success with the eradication of the caliphate and that will be announced over the next 24 hours," Trump told reporters at the White House.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have been closing in on holdout jihadists since September last year and a few hundred surviving IS members are now boxed into an area of around one square kilometer (less than half a square mile).

IS still has thousands of fighters and sleeper cells scattered across several countries, but that speck of terrain is all that's left of the group's self-declared "caliphate" that in 2014 spanned an area the size of Britain and administered millions of people.

Successive offensives in Iraq and Syria have shattered the proto-state, which lost its key cities one after the other and has since late 2017 been confined to its traditional power base in the Euphrates valley.

The expected announcement comes after Trump shocked allies and senior figures in his own administration by announcing in December the US was carrying out a full troop withdrawal from Syria because IS had been "beaten."

The plan, which prompted the resignation of then defense secretary Jim Mattis, could be sped up following the declaration of victory.

Trump also claimed he had "stopped the slaughter of perhaps three million people" in Idlib, the northwestern region of Syria that is held by anti-regime rebels and is also home to thousands of al-Qaeda aligned jihadists.

The area was being threatened last year by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian troops, but they did not go in because "I put out a statement that you better not do it," Trump said.

"We do a lot of good work. This administration does a tremendous job and we don't get credit for it," he added.

Idlib, the last major part of Syria still outside the control of Assad's regime, has been hit by sporadic government shelling for weeks despite a deal between Russia and rebel backer Turkey to create a "demilitarized zone."

Mattis' successor, Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, pledged Friday that the US would "maintain our counterterrorism capabilities in the region" and "continue to support our local partners' ability to stand up to the remnants of ISIS" -- but he gave no details about how this would be done.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) sits next to Yemen's Foreign Minister Khalid al-Yamani at a conference in Poland focused on the Middle East on February 14, 2019

Yemen's top diplomat said a "protocol error" landed him next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a conference in the Polish capital Warsaw and that his country's stance on the Palestinian issue remained unchanged.

"Protocol errors are the responsibility of the organisers, as is always the case in international conferences," Foreign Minister Khaled al-Yamani wrote on Twitter late Thursday.

Yamani was already seated when Netanyahu took his place on Thursday at an international conference in Warsaw focused on security in the Middle East.

The two nodded at each other and exchanged brief smiles as Netanyahu sat down.

During a part of the session closed to the press, Yamani later lent Netanyahu his microphone when the Israeli premier's audio equipment did not work properly.

US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace envoy Jason Greenblatt hailed the exchange on Twitter, calling it a "lighthearted moment" that could be the sign of "new cooperation" between the Jewish and Arab states.

Yemen and Israel have never had diplomatic relations, and Yamani's friendly interaction with Netanyahu drew criticism online and from his government's opponents.

"The stance of Yemen and President (Abedrabbo Mansour) Hadi on the Palestinian issue and its people and leadership is firm," Yamani insisted.

He said Yemen attended the Warsaw conference not to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "but to mobilise the international community to confront the Iranian expansion in Yemen".

Its participation was also "part of the battle to restore" the internationally-recognised government, which is at war with Iran-backed Huthi rebels, Yamani added.

The Huthis late Thursday issued a statement "rejecting all attempts to normalise" relations with Israel "at the expense of Arab and Islamic causes, primarily the Palestinian cause".

Yamani's participation alongside Netanyahu revealed the "moral bankruptcy" of Yemen's government "and its sponsors in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi", the rebels said.

The war between the Huthis and pro-government troops escalated in March 2015, when President Hadi fled into exile in Riyadh and a Saudi-led military coalition that includes the United Arab Emirates intervened against the rebels.

Around 10,000 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed and more than 60,000 wounded in the conflict, according to the World Health Organization.

Human rights groups say the real figure could be five times as high.

Netanyahu called the Warsaw meeting a "historical turning point", saying Israel and Arab states that attended had stood united against Iran.

He also said he hoped that cooperation could extend to other areas.

Top officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain -- none of which recognise Israel -- sat down with Netanyahu for dinner Wednesday.

Israel only has diplomatic relations with two Arab states, neighbouring Egypt and Jordan.
A Jerusalem Post report quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying that "Poles cooperated with the Germans" in the Holocaust

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office insisted Friday the Israeli leader had not implicated all Poles in the Holocaust, after Warsaw demanded clarifications on his reported comments.

"Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland," a statement read.

"This was misquoted and misrepresented in press reports and was subsequently corrected by the journalist who issued the initial misstatement," it said.

Earlier Friday, Poland's deputy foreign minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sek told reporters they expected the Israeli side to "clearly explain" what Netanyahu had said.

"We consider the current explanations regarding this matter unclear," he added, following talks with Israel's ambassador who had been summoned following uproar in Poland over the Israeli media reports.

Israeli Ambassador Anna Azari had earlier denied a Jerusalem Post report quoting Netanyahu as saying that "Poles cooperated with the Germans" in the Holocaust. Haaretz newspaper later also ran the story.

The controversy threatened to undermine a summit due next week in Israel between Netanyahu and four central European counterparts.

Warsaw has long been at pains to point out that Poland, which was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, could not have and did not collaborate in the Holocaust although individual Poles may have done so.

"I was present during the prime minister's briefing and he didn't say that the Polish nation collaborated with the Nazis, he only said that no person was sued for speaking about those Poles who did cooperate with them," Azari said in a Friday statement sent to the Polish authorities.

No official transcript of Netanyahu's remarks was published.

Prior to Azari's statement, Polish President Andrzej Duda had even suggested that the Visegrad Group summit of four central European EU members and Israel due there next week could be reconsidered.

A Duda spokesman later confirmed that the meeting would go ahead, adding that the controversy had resulted from "harmful media manipulation".

Netanyahu was in Warsaw this week for a two-day summit on the Middle East co-hosted by Poland and the United States and focused on isolating Iran while building Arab-Israeli ties.

The fresh controversy in Polish-Israeli ties comes after last year's row over a Polish law that made it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in Nazi German crimes.

After protests from Israel and the US, Poland amended the law to remove the possibility of fines or a prison sentence.

Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and lost six million citizens including three million Jews.
Dating back to the late 1950s, Don McCullin's photographs depict conflict zones ranging from Vietnam to Cyprus and Northern Ireland, but also urban and rural scenes in Britain British photographer Don McCullin poses for a picture in front of his photographs including 'Shell-shocked US marine, the Battle of Hue 1968' (L), during a press preview of a retrospective exhibition of McCullin's work at Tate Britain in London on February 4, 2019.

A retrospective of Don McCullin, one of Britain's greatest living photographers, opens in London on Tuesday, spanning 60 years of war zones and landscapes bursting with the same brooding intensity.

The 250 black and white prints on show at the Tate Britain gallery were all developed by 83-year-old McCullin himself in his darkroom.

Dating back to the late 1950s, they depict conflict zones ranging from Vietnam to Cyprus and Northern Ireland, but also urban and rural scenes in Britain, with a common thread of darkness and emotion running through them.

"If you can't feel what you're looking at, then you're never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures," McCullin said, in quotes accompanying his pictures.

The exhibition also includes a Nikon camera that took a bullet in 1970 when Don McCullin was accompanying Cambodian soldiers across a rice field

While primarily known as a photojournalist and a war correspondent, he has also captured the industrial landscapes of northern England and poverty on the streets of London's East End.

Roads that are now pristine, gentrified and teeming with metropolitan hipsters were, in a series of images from the 1970s, populated by ragged, homeless men gathered in squalor around a makeshift fire.

The newest pictures in the collection, taken last year, are of the deliberate ruination of the ancient site of Palmyra in Syria by Islamic State jihadists.

The exhibition also includes McCullin's US army helmet, six passports, his watch and compass, light meter and a Nikon camera that took a bullet in 1970 when he was accompanying Cambodian soldiers across a rice field.

He kept the camera to remind him how lucky he had been.

- 'Intense experience' -

Don McCullin has also captured the poverty on the streets of London's East End, as seen here in a photograph entitled "Homeless Irishman, Spitalfields"

Growing up in north London, McCullin started out photographing a local gang, launching a career as a photojournalist with The Observer and The Sunday Times newspapers.

"It's a very emotional exhibition," curator Simon Baker told AFP.

"What you get from Don's work is a real punch in the face: it's a really intense experience where you feel as if you are in the middle of that subject.

"Don has always been interested in showing and communicating hardship, misery and people who are in need," he explained.

Also on display at the Tate Britain are Don McCullin's US army helmet and six passports

"You see that passionate commitment to poverty in the East End of London just as with people struggling in famine in Africa."

The exhibition, which runs until May 6, is divided into sections devoted to his photography missions, including the 1968 Battle of Hue in Vietnam, the Biafran war in Nigeria, the dvision of Berlin and the AIDS pandemic in Africa.

It also covers British landscapes, many shot around his home in Somerset, southwest England.

"Even these landscapes have a hint of drama and conflict about them. The skies are often very black and there's a brooding sense of threat and drama," said Baker.

Growing up in north London, Don McCullin started out photographing a local gang, launching a career as a photojournalist with The Observer and The Sunday Times newspapers

Launching the exhibition, McCullin posed for a pack of photographers, some of whom afterwards asked him to sign their copies of his books.

However, the adulation does not fit easily with him.

"I feel guilty about the people I photograph. It's true, I do," he said.

"Why should I be celebrated at the cost of other people's suffering and lives? I don't sit comfortably with laurels on my head."
A Sydney man is being quizzed by police after an intruder he confronted in his lounge room died at the scene.

NSW Police say the 44-year-old Harrington Park resident was woken on Sunday about 7.30am by his dogs barking.

He went to investigate "and challenged a male intruder located in the lounge room of his home", police said in a statement.

The intruder reportedly lost consciousness following a physical confrontation and he couldn't be revived - despite neighbours performing CPR and paramedics being called.

"The male resident is at Narellan police station assisting police with their inquiries," the police spokesperson said on Sunday afternoon.
NSW Labor leader Michael Daley has promised more local workers and materials will be used in major state government contracts if elected in the upcoming election.

The NSW opposition leader announced on Sunday that Labor will create a new law which will require local jobs and materials to be written into all government tender documents.

State government projects valued at more than $50 million will also trigger a 50 per cent local workforce and materials target.

"After years of seeing jobs and work going overseas Labor will reverse that trend," Mr Daley said in a statement on Sunday.

"I want to support the people who are putting their faith in this state, who want to live and work in NSW,"

Opposition finance spokesman Clayton Barr said the days of actively sending work abroad would end under a Labor government.

The announcement comes just under five weeks away from the NSW election on March 23.
A man is accused of crashing into a car, spitting at police and refusing a roadside breath test in Sydney's south.

Police say the 40-year-old allegedly crossed to the wrong side of the road, hit another car and then drove towards a police officer who was conducting road closures on Rocky Point Road in the St George area.

The man was arrested on Saturday afternoon and an extendable baton was found during a search of his car, police said.

The man then spat at officers and refused a roadside breath test, police said.

He was charged with a string offences including refusing a breath test, leaving the scene of a crash, possessing a prohibited weapon, assaulting police and malicious damage.

The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.
Attorney-General Christian Porter says there was a full and independent process in place for a contentious $423 million contract awarded to a security contractor on Manus Island.

A company called Paladin, which won the contract through a restricted tender process, is reportedly registered to a beach shack at the end of a dirt road on Kangaroo Island.

"This was the subject of a full independent Commonwealth procurement process and I'm sure that the claims will be investigated," Mr Porter told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
A man has been shot in the chest and another person may have been injured after a fight at an Adelaide home.

Police are searching for a gunman after officers were called to a Burton house over reports of a fight between two groups shortly before midnight on Saturday.

One man was shot in the chest and taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious condition, but was later released after treatment, while police believe someone else may have also been injured.
Adelaide's pandas would stay in the city for another five years if a federal Labor government is elected this year.

The agreement between the federal government and Zoo SA to keep Wang Wang and Fu Ni, which is due to expire in November, would be extended, South Australian Senator Penny Wong will announce on Sunday.

The pair have been at the zoo for 10 years and the call for the pandas to stay longer comes after the window for Fu Ni to give birth this year had passed.
Two men have been charged after they allegedly stole a luxury car that was for sale under the pretext of taking it for a test drive in northwest Sydney.

The owner alerted police after one man took off in the Mercedes in Glenorie about noon on Saturday, followed by his accomplice in a Toyota.

Police spotted the vehicles heading for Merrylands and both cars were stopped and the men arrested. A 32-year-old who drove the Mercedes and the 30-year-old man at the Toyota's wheel were given strict bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on March 12.
Genesis Open co-leader Adam Scott says a dose of perspective and some quality espresso will help to avoid any frustration with a long delay on day three at Riviera Country Club.

With heavy rain lashing Los Angeles on Friday, Scott was forced to play 29 holes before finishing the remaining seven holes of his second round on Saturday morning.

The Australian former world No.1 birdied the fifth hole (his 14th) to sign for a six-under-par 65 and an 11-under total.

He is joined atop the leaderboard by Justin Thomas (65), while American JB Holmes (69) is a shot back in third at 10 under.

With US PGA Tour officials forced to reshuffle the schedule of play, half the 144-player Genesis Open field started their second rounds on Saturday morning - albeit in perfect, sunny conditions.

It means Scott faces a six-hour wait before starting his third round late on Saturday afternoon and will likely only play three holes.

"I'll go and hunt down a decent coffee," Scott told AAP when asked how he plans to fill the time.

"I will do a full warm-up before this afternoon and treat it like a full round, even if I only play one hole."

The 2005 winner at Riviera, Scott is making his 11th appearance at the event and is used to long delays given southern California is prone to heavy rain at this time of year.

The 38-year-old spent more 20 hours waiting in the locker-room during the week of his victory here 14 years ago, which was shortened to 54 holes due to severe rain.

"I think it's just attitude; we're playing the PGA Tour," Scott said.

"I'd still rather be here than anywhere else.

"I want to win and this is what's been thrown up this week."

Scott is searching for his first victory worldwide in almost three years but has shown glimpses of form recently, including a runner-up finish to Justin Rose at last month's PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines.

Last week, Scott made the cut at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am but did not advance to the final round courtesy of finishing between 61st and 70th place.

However, he was forced to play at Pebble Beach on Sunday alongside his amateur partner as their team score was contending in the Pro-Am side of the tournament.

"As frustrating as it was to not get it going (individually), I was still playing Pebble Beach on a Sunday; that was awesome," Scott said.

Aaron Baddeley, the 2011 winner at Riviera, is next best of the Australians at two under, followed by Marc Leishman (one under), Cameron Smith and Cameron Davis (even par), John Senden (two over), Rod Pampling (three over) and Curtis Luck (four over).
Keeping cool during a heatwave is not just inconvenient, for many Australians it can be a matter of life and death.

Yet advice from public health agencies is severely lacking and fails to protect those most vulnerable, according to researchers who have launched a study into sustainable cooling techniques during heatwaves.

As Australia sweltered through its hottest month on record in January, scientists at the University of Sydney had just begun a recruitment drive for research on how older Australians can stay safe when the mercury rises.

The study, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, began testing on its first two participants last week, with researchers hoping to sign up about 100 Australians aged 60 or above by the end of 2019.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Ollie Jay says the increasing threat of heatwaves, which are Australia's deadliest natural disaster, particularly affects older people and those with cardiovascular disease due to their reduced ability to sweat.

Staying cool may seem simple, but one quarter of Australians do not have air-conditioners and many more struggle to switch them on due to the cost of energy bills, he said.

Meanwhile, an electric fan uses around 50 times less electricity than an air conditioner, while peaks in air-conditioning use risks overloading electricity grids and causing blackouts which leave even more people at risk.

Under careful medical supervision, study participants will be exposed to various heatwave conditions and cooling strategies while scientists measure core temperature, monitor the heart and measure dehydration.

Conditions will be modelled on events such as the dry Adelaide heatwave in 2009 and the humid heatwave of Europe in 2003, which led to tens of thousands of deaths.

Testing will take place at The University of Sydney's Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory in Lidcombe, in Sydney's west, and participants will each undergo four simulations that last three hours.

Researchers will explore the effectiveness of applying water to the skin, as a cooling technique, alongside moving air in different ways through modifications of fan speeds and direction.

They will also investigate hydration strategies: how much water do you have to drink, and does it matter what temperature the water is when you drink it?

"It's not an obvious one," said Assoc Prof Jay, director of the laboratory.

"When you drink an ice slushie, you reduce how much you sweat and get less evaporative heat loss."

The study is the first in a five-year research-series to develop evidence-based guidance on heatwave policies in a bid to improve public health guidelines.

The series follows findings from a previous study, from the same laboratory, which challenged current public health advice that cautions people not to use fans when temperatures rise above 35C due to extra heat on the body from convection.

"The message is oversimplified," Assoc Prof Jay told AAP.

"It's dependent on the ability of someone to sweat as it's the evaporation of the sweat that cools you down."

Assoc Prof Jay said the study, which will also take place at a university in Canada, could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Jordan Spieth has taken the outright lead at the Genesis Open after returning to Riviera Country Club to complete the last six holes of a rain-interrupted first round on Friday morning.

The three-time major winner was among the morning wave on Thursday who failed to complete the first round before sunset due to significant weather delays, caused by heavy rain in Los Angeles.

The scheduled afternoon groups on Thursday didn't make it out to the course at all and are currently playing their first rounds on Friday morning.

Spieth teed off Friday with a share of the lead before adding birdies at the par-3 sixth and the par-4 ninth (his 18th) to stand alone atop the leaderboard.

Spieth fired an impressive seven-under-par 64 at Riviera and holds a two-shot lead over Tony Finau and Patrick Rodgers (both 66), as well as Kramer Hickok (through 14 holes).

"With the conditions we had, that was a great scoring round," Spieth said after his round.

"I'm looking forward to the rest of the week and trying to improve on the way I'm striking it."

Heavy rain has forced US PGA Tour officials to alter the schedule of play for the elite, 144-player Genesis Open.

Thursday's morning groups won't play at all on Friday and will tee off in their second round from 7am on Saturday morning.

Thursday's afternoon groups are currently playing their first round and will then play their second rounds on Friday afternoon.

Searching for his first victory since the 2017 British Open, former world No.1 Spieth said patience would be key to staying in contention at what has turned out to be a chaotic tournament.

"(I'll do some) light work and then rest today; be prepared (to play) 27 to 30 holes (Saturday) and potentially another 27-ish on Sunday," Spieth said.

Meanwhile, Marc Leishman is the leading Australian at two under having posted a 69 and he sits five shots back of Spieth.

Sydney native Cameron Davis is on course and nearing completion of his round at one under and he is joined on the same score by fellow Australians Adam Scott (through two holes) and John Senden (three holes).

Cameron Smith completed his first round with a 72 dropping him to one over - one shot ahead of fellow Queenslander and playing partner Rod Pampling.

Aaron Baddeley and Curtis Luck will tee off in their first rounds later on Friday morning.

Tournament host Tiger Woods is currently on course playing in the marquee group alongside former world No.1s Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy.

Woods is struggling at one over through three holes, while Thomas and McIlroy are both on under.
A royal commission is investigating whether Victoria Police's questionable use of informants extended beyond a criminal defence barrister, murdered gangland lawyer, court clerk and legal secretary.

The royal commission into the "Lawyer X" scandal will investigate how many other people with legal confidentiality or privilege obligations have been used as human sources by Victoria Police.

Commissioner Margaret McMurdo said that may extend the commission's work beyond lawyers, to people such as medical practitioners.

The royal commission has already revealed eight people with legal obligations either gave police information or were considered as possible informants.

The barrister known as Lawyer X who informed on her clients to police, a murdered gangland lawyer, a court clerk and a legal secretary were all registered police informants.

Another legal secretary was registered as a "community contact", as was a solicitor who ended up being rejected as a police informant because of "the risks posed by his profession".

The royal commission's scope was widened after police revealed Lawyer X - also known as informer 3838 or "EF" - was first recruited in 1995, not 2005 as previously thought, and other people who held obligations of confidentiality were also used as informants.

Part of the commission's job is to determine how many of Lawyer X's cases have been affected by her conduct as an informant, and to what extent.

Counsel assisting the inquiry Chris Winneke QC said the commission will also investigate whether other cases have been affected by other informers with similar duties to EF.

It has asked police for urgent information about whether anyone is currently in custody as a result of the conduct of such informants.

Mr Winneke said the commission's job had been made more onerous and complex by the disclosure that EF was registered as a human source 10 years earlier than originally thought.

The commission has to report on the number of affected cases by July 1 and broader matters by December 1, but may ask the government for more time.

The commission will hold its first public hearing in March.
Brendan Fraser was spotted out in Westchester, New York on Monday.

The actor was dressed in a low-key ensemble of flannel shirt and jeans as he sported a cowboy hat for his brisk jaunt.

And the 50-year-old looked a bit different from his matinee idol days where he often flashed his toned physique for such movies as George Of The Jungle and The Mummy.

Out and about: Brendan Fraser, 50, was spotted out in Westchester, New York on Monday

Age may be playing a role in Brendan's new fuller figure as the ensemble revealed a more robust version of the entertainer.

But the body-positivity advocate has been keeping busy lately as he has been working on a number of projects.

His new series Doom Patrol has marked a return for the actor to the promotional trail.

The series premiered on the DC Universe streaming service on February 15 and is based on the DC Comics superhero team Doom Patrol created by Arnold Drake, Bob Haney, and Bruno Premiani.

More to love: The actor looked quite a bit different from his matinee idol days where he often flashed his toned physique for such movies as 1997's George Of The Jungle (pictured right)

Brendan plays Cliff Steele aka Robotman who had his human brain transplanted into a robotic body after a car accident.

Robotman joins a ragtag group of heroes - akin to Marvel's X-Men - to help save humanity with their superpowers.

He also is starring in the upcoming Dehli-set crime thriller Line Of Descent written and directed by Rohit Karn Batra.

 Slide me  Robust: Age may be playing a role in Brendan's new fuller figure as the ensemble revealed a more robust version of the entertainer; (pictured February left; Gods And Monsters from 1998 right)

Speaking to Variety, Brendan explained how he has managed to keep up with the fickleness of Hollywood.

'I love working and being challenged by the process. I know the industry is changing. Its reinvented itself a few times in just the amount of time that Ive been a part of it. Its always about finding new and exciting material.

And the actor relayed some advice he got from famed English director Danny Boyle: 'As Danny recently told me, its really all a wave, and Im just happy to be a part of it. Im comfortable with where Im at in my career.
Then there'll be four.

American Idol alum Danny Gokey and his wife Leyicet are expecting their fourth child together.

The 38-year-old announced their happy news on Instagram on Saturday with a snapshot featuring their adorable clan.

Growing clan: American Idol alum Danny Gokey and his wife Leyicet are expecting their fourth child snd both took to Instagram to announce the news. Danny posted this shot on Saturday

In the photograph, Daniel Emanuel, six, holds up a strip of ultrasound photos of his unborn sibling as he and his sister Victoria Isabella, four, and brother Gabriel, 17 months, smile for the camera.

Danny, 38, captioned the sweet snap: 'Its official!! Baby Gokey #4 is coming this August!!!'

Leyicet also posted a similar Instagram snap of her children showing off the photo reel of the their sibling, that she captioned: '2 of the 3 are excited lol,' with Gabriel looking less than happy about the news.

'Baby is due in August! So excited!!!! I know Ive told half the world but I forgot to announce it here! lol,' she gushed.

Not everyone's happy: Daniel, six, holds up ultrasound photos of his yet--to-be-born sibling while sister Victoria, four, smiles and brother Gabriel, 17 months, cries in Leyicett's snap

Christmas clan: The family posed for this shot in their matching holiday pajamas. They will need an extra set next holiday season

Danny was the third-place finalist on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009.

After appearing on the show, he signed to 19 Recordings and RCA Nashville for country music, releasing the single My Best Days Are Ahead of Me.

In 2011 he quit the label and a made successful transition to pop-contemporary Christian music.

Ready for an outing: Danny and model Leyicett with their ultra-smart children

Looking up: Danny shared this sweet selfie of himself holding baby Gabriel as Daniel, Victoria and Leyicet look up at the camera

Danny began dating model Leyicet Peratta in 2011, three years after the death of his first wife, high school sweetheart Sophia Martinex.

She died from complications during her third surgery to treat her congenital heart disease.

Danny and Leyicet, 31, tied the knot in Florida on January 29, 2012.
Growing Up Gifted

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Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle

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Forget national curricula, stats, funding crises and language barriers. The single biggest problem in British education is that teachers all want to be best friends with the pupils.

That has been the chief obstacle on Back In Time For School, the BBC2 experiment that recreated classrooms from the Thirties and Fifties.

Modern-day teachers were simply bewildered by the idea of stern discipline and drilling lessons through repetition.

Newcastle lad Liam, 14, who hoped to be a doctor, was slipping behind with his homework. He was getting so lazy that he couldnt even be bothered to come up with decent excuses. His school had just sent him on a two-day tour of Cambridge University

Even the smartest students need encouragement to work hard, as we plainly saw in Growing Up Gifted (BBC2).

This documentary was revisiting three bright boys from tough backgrounds whom we first met last year.

Newcastle lad Liam, 14, who hoped to be a doctor, was slipping behind with his homework. He was getting so lazy that he couldnt even be bothered to come up with decent excuses: I forgot it, he shrugged.

His school had just sent him on a two-day tour of Cambridge University, where tutors and students tried to spark his ambition. But the average undergraduate at Jesus College has scored ten A* results at GCSE. That demands ceaseless hard work.

Even the smartest students need encouragement to work hard, as we plainly saw in Growing Up Gifted (BBC2). This documentary was revisiting three bright boys from tough backgrounds whom we first met last year including Liam, above

What Liam needed was a ferocious lecture, a cataclysmic talking-to he would remember for the rest of his life. What he got was a feeble chat from a teacher terrified of giving offence, who finished by saying: Good stuff, cheers, see you later. That effectively gave Liam permission to carry on skiving  which he did.

It was obvious that something was weighing on Liams mind, and by the end of the hour he had gathered the nerve to come out as gay to his family.

They took it brilliantly  proof he has such a supportive, loving bunch around him, especially his ultra-Geordie grandad, who greeted the news by painting a rainbow on his face and declaring: Anyway, the gay bars in the town are the best bars to go in!

But the programme is dishonest to suggest everythings great now because Liam doesnt have to hide his sexuality. That wont get him a job, and it certainly wont help him earn a place at Cambridge to read medicine.

He needs his friends. But he doesnt need teachers to be his friends. Theres a difference. This conventional documentary continues next week, with three academically gifted girls.

A much less conventional kind of storytelling is attempted all this week in Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle (BBC4).

A series of eight 15-minute monologues follows a family through four generations from the Forties to today, beginning with snobbish nurse Eunice from Jamaica and her devoted admirer, Cyrus, borrowing every penny he can to impress her.

The playlets are set in dingy sitting rooms, with the noise from neighbouring apartments drifting through the walls.

Pick of the bunch so far has been Vinette Robinson as Yvonne, Eunices illegitimate daughter, whose white father abandoned them before she was even born.

More than 30 years after the Windrush docked in 1948, bringing the first post-war Caribbean immigrants, Yvonne is working in a benefits office. When a man shes never met sits down at her desk, she guesses she is staring at her birth father  and goes to pieces [File photo]

More than 30 years after the Windrush docked in 1948, bringing the first post-war Caribbean immigrants, Yvonne is working in a benefits office.

Racial tensions are growing in Eighties Britain, and she feels her black friends and colleagues mistrust her for being mixed race.

When an elderly man shes never met sits down at her desk, Yvonne guesses she is staring at her birth father  and she goes to pieces. Its a powerful vignette, a parable about race that doesnt have to get up on a soapbox.

Later this week, Lenny Henry plays Cyrus as a man of 80. That should be good.
Former Married At First Sight star Susan Rawlings, 39, has revealed her battle with breast implant illness.

The single mother-of-one told Perth Now on Tuesday that she has suffered with symptoms for two years and plans to have her implants removed.

'I used to care about my breasts' appearance when I was single and working on the mines and had money,' she told the publication.

'I just want to be well again': Former Married At First Sight star Susan Rawlings, 39, (pictured) has revealed her battle with breast implant illness

'But now that I have gorgeous Ashton [my 10-month-old son] I don't worry about their appearance at all. I just want to be well again,' she added.

Susan went on to explain her symptoms, which include vertigo, ringing in her ears, low libido, and numbness and tingling in her arms.

While the former truck driver said she is willing to shell out the $9000 for implant removal surgery, she can't afford the $9000 breast lift surgery she requires.

Health woes: The single mother-of-one told Perth Now on Tuesday that she has suffered with symptoms for two years and plans to have her implants removed. Pictured with MAFS 'husband' Sean Hollands

'I'll just get the implants out and have stretched flat breasts,' she declared.

Susan found fame back in 2017 when she 'married' cowboy Sean Hollands during season four of MAFS.

While she left the social experiment as a single woman, Susan did find happiness after becoming pregnant with an unnamed man she met online.

Speaking to Woman's Day last year, Susan admitted that while she found out she was pregnant after splitting with the mystery man, but that she remains friends with the father of her baby.

Wedding bells! Susan found fame back in 2017 when she 'married' cowboy Sean Hollands (right) during season four of MAFS

'Ashton was unplanned, but I'm very much looking forward to sharing this parenting journey as I'm friends with his father,' she said.

Susan added that it was 'love at first sight' the minute she laid eyes on her progeny.

'From the moment Ashton was born, I loved him unconditionally,' she gushed. 'I can't imagine going back to my old life now because I need to be here full-time to watch every new smile and milestone.'
She's known for her head-turning sartorial displays on the red carpet.

And Keira Knightley, 33, was no different on Monday night as she wowed the style brigade in her stunning haute couture gown for the premiere of her new film The Aftermath in London.

The British actress made sure to command attention in her beaded floor-length dress, which boasted tiered tulle ruffles, as she walked the red carpet at the Picturehouse Central.

Dressed to impress: Keira Knightley, 33, was no different on Monday night as she wowed the style brigade in her stunning haute couture gown for the premiere of her new film The Aftermath in London

While silver beading wraparound her midriff, she offset the dramatic embellishment with sheer peplum sleeves.

Keira complemented her stylish look by working her brunette tresses into a soft old Hollywood curl and kept her locks in place with a vintage diamond clip.

The acclaimed screen star sported a radiant beauty look while she joined her co-stars Alexander Skarsgard, Jason Clarke and Kate Phillips for the cinematic event.

Keira stars alongside Alexander in the post World War II flick, which follows Rachael Morgan arrives in the ruins of Hamburg to be reunited with her husband, Lewis, who is a British colonel charged with rebuilding the city.

Mane attraction: Keira complemented her stylish look by working her brunette tresses into a soft old Hollywood curl and kept her locks in place with a vintage diamond clip

Demure: The British actress made sure to command attention in her beaded floor-length dress, which boasted tiered tulle ruffles, as she walked the red carpet at the Picturehouse Central

Radiant: The acclaimed screen star sported a radiant beauty look

As they set off for their new home in 1946, Rachael discovers that Lewis has made an unexpected decision to take over a German widower Stefan Lubert's home.

While tensions rise an unexpected bond arises between their characters as they try to adapt to their new world.

The emotional thriller is adapted from the book of the same name by Rhidian Brook.

Keira first hit the big screen with supporting roles in Star Wars: Episode I  The Phantom Menace (1999) and The Hole (2001).

All in the details: She offset the dramatic embellishment with sheer peplum sleeve

Natural: Keira smiled as she posed for photos

Glittering: Keira opted to forgo jewellery for the occasion apart from her wedding ring

Trio: Alexander posed with Keira and Jason at the event

Glowing: Keira sported a pink lip and a dramatic smokey eye

Jaw-dropping: Keira's co-star Kate Phillips looked incredible in a black sleeveless gown

Glamorous: The British actress' look featured a sheer mesh panel across her chest and accentuated her narrow midriff with a leather waist belt

Posing up a storm: Kate, who plays Susan Burnham in the flick, paired the look with Lark & Berry diamond star studs

By the age of 23, the New Year's Eve star had featured in over 20 movies, including adventure film King Arthur and romantic drama Pride & Prejudice.

Keira shared with Balance Magazine: 'My world crashed when I was 22. Everything stopped working and I felt as if I was broken into tiny pieces; as if my brain was literally shattered.

'Yet all of a sudden, people were being very vocal with their views on me as a young woman and as an actress. I lost confidence in myself because I was made to feel that I didnt deserve to be doing what I was doing.

'There was no way I was going to be able to get on the red carpet without having a f*****g panic attack. So I had hypnotherapy and it worked. Thankfully, I havent had that feeling for a long time.'

Check him out: Alexander Skarsgard donned a loose-fitting check blazer

Star power: The Swedish actor looked dapper in blue cardigan, white shirt and red striped tie

Catching up: Alexander posed with his co-star Jason Clarke

Beaming: Keira beamed alongside Alexander

In attendance: The trio joined author Rhidian Brook on the carpet

Aside from being a Hollywood star, Keira is the mother to her three-year-old daughter Edie whom she shares with her husband James Righton.

Meanwhile, Keira's co-star Kate Phillips looked incredible in a black sleeveless gown which she complemented with Lark & Berry diamond star stud earrings.

The British actress' look featured a sheer mesh panel across her chest and accentuated her narrow midriff with a leather waist belt.

Both Alexander and Jason looked equally dapper in their formal attire on the red carpet.

Red carpet ready: Cara Horgan (L) and actor Fionn O'Shea attended the premiere

Star-studded: Alexander placed his hand around Jason's shoulder
Sneaky Pete star Giovanni Ribisi and his interior designer-turned-babymama Emily Ward were spotted for the first time strolling with their infant twins Enzo and Maude in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The beaming blonde first announced the arrival of their 'angels from heaven' in a December 14 post on her company Pierce & Ward's official Instagram account.

The 44-year-old Emmy nominee glanced around his neighborhood as his girlfriend since February 2017 pushed the double stroller carrying their precious babies.

Twice the love! Sneaky Pete star Giovanni Ribisi and his interior designer-turned-babymama Emily Ward were spotted for the first time strolling with their infant twins Enzo and Maude in Los Angeles on Sunday

'Our babies are finally here!' The beaming blonde (L) first announced the arrival of their 'angels from heaven' in a December 14 post on her company Pierce & Ward's Instagram account

Emily coordinated with her pram by covering up in an Army-green coat and red beanie as Giovanni (born Antonino) sported a tan fedora with a chambray shirt.

The new parents later stepped out again to grab three bags of groceries.

According to Radar Online, Ward divorced Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney in 2016 after four years of marriage while Ribisi was previously wed to Agyness Deyn and Mariah O'Brien.

On Monday, the second-generation Scientologist's eldest daughter Lucia Santina (with ex-wife #1 Mariah O'Brien) shared artsy snaps of herself leaping in a grassy field while naked.

Precious cargo! The 44-year-old Emmy nominee glanced around his neighborhood as his girlfriend since February 2017 pushed the double stroller carrying their babies

Matchy: Emily coordinated with her pram by covering up in an Army-green coat and red beanie as Giovanni (born Antonino) sported a tan fedora with a chambray shirt

Errands: The new parents later stepped out again to grab three bags of groceries

Getting hitched? Ward divorced Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney in 2016 after four years of marriage while Ribisi was previously wed to Agyness Deyn and Mariah O'Brien

The 21-year-old student revealed she left the Church of Scientology while speaking to KCRW in 2015 under the pseudonym 'Carole' - according to TonyOrtega.org.

'So my family, since they are well off, they're protected from this idea of "disconnection." If my family was following what Scientology actually says, they would not be allowed to talk to me,' Lucia reportedly told host Madeleine Brand.

'I'm so lucky because my family is supportive of me even though I'm not in the church. So, I've grown away from it.'

Giovanni's eldest child: On Monday, the second-generation Scientologist's daughter Lucia Santina (with ex-wife Mariah O'Brien) shared artsy snaps of herself leaping in a grassy field while naked

'I've grown away from it': The 21-year-old student revealed she left the Church of Scientology while speaking to KCRW in 2015 under the pseudonym 'Carole' (pictured February 9)

Lucia reportedly told host Madeleine Brand: 'So my family, since they are well off, they're protected from this idea of "disconnection." If my family was following what Scientology actually says, they would not be allowed to talk to me. I'm so lucky because my family is supportive of me even though I'm not in the church' (pictured in 2010)

His street sighting with the twins came two days after TMZ reported that seven-time Grammy winner Beck filed for divorce from Ribisi's twin sister Marissa after nearly 15 years of marriage.

The 44-year-old Dazed & Confused alum and the 48-year-old Loser hitmaker - both Scientologists - share 14-year-old son Cosimo and 11-year-old daughter Tuesday.

Career-wise, Giovanni produces and stars as identity-stealing con man Marius Josipovic aka Pete Murphy in the 10-episode third season of crime-drama Sneaky Pete, which streams later this year on Amazon Video.

It's over: His street sighting with the twins came two days after TMZ reported that seven-time Grammy winner Beck (R) filed for divorce from Ribisi's twin sister Marissa (L) after nearly 15 years of marriage and two children (pictured in 2015)
As Valentine's Day celebrations go, Kanye West's epic surprise for Kim Kardashian was a once in a lifetime treat.

But Kim has revealed she nearly missed the meticulously planned presentation - featuring Kenny G performing amidst a sea of roses - because she was rushing to get out the door to volunteer at her daughter's school.

'I was running out the door to go be the class mom for my daughter's Valentine's Day,' she told Extra. Kim's oldest child, five-year-old North, is of kindergarten age.

Oops! Kim Kardashian, seen Sunday, said she nearly missed Kanye West's epic V-Day surprise.... because she was rushing to volunteer at North's school

Luckily, Kanye was ready and waiting to intercept his wife of four years.

Kim explained: 'I run outside and Kanye's there And he's like, 'Wait, Babe, come over' So he brings me in the living room.

'And I just see all these roses and Kenny G in my living room and it was so cool and so special.'

It happened: Kanye West went big this Valentine's Day for his wife Kim Kardashian. The rapper decorated the living room of their posh Hidden Hills, California home in flowers and the Yeezy designer also brought in musician Kenny G to play music just for her

She is a fan: The Keeping Up With The Kardashian star's caption read, 'Beat husband award goes to mine !!!! Most thoughtful gifts ever!!!!'

The 41-year-old rapper decorated the all-white living room of their Hidden Hills, California mansion with roses in dozens of individual vases, with the Yeezy designer positioning musician Kenny in the centre to serendae his love.

In a viral video she shared of the surprise, Keeping Up With The Kardashians star Kim wrote: 'Best husband award goes to mine !!!! Most thoughtful gifts ever!!!!'

Talking to Extra, she said Kanye was 'on another level when it comes to thoughtfulness.'

And Kim also revealed that once upon a time, Kenny employed her.

Proud of his work: Kanye wore a grey top and two chains as he smiled at his wife

Incredible: Jazz musician Kenny is seen playing the saxophone in the middle of their living room, which has no furniture and is all white

'I've known Kenny G for the longest time, when I was doing my eBay closet business,' she said.

Kim used to organise closets as a 'stylist', getting her reality TV start doing just this for onetime BFF Paris Hilton on The Simple Life.

'I don't know if anyone knows this  him and his ex-wife were one of my first clients. He is the nicest person ever, and I am so honored that he was in my living room for Valentine's Day.'

A classic tune: Kenny is in a black suit and white shirt as he plays Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Jazz musician Kenny, 62, is best known for his song Forever In Love.

In the video Kenny is in a black suit and white shirt as he plays the 1939 song Over The Rainbow from the film The Wizard Of Oz.

Kanye, who has on a grey sweatshirt with two necklaces, is seen smiling from ear to ear as he also films the whole thing.


Milan Fashion Week is set to kick off this Tuesday.

And Gigi Hadid and Alessandra Ambrosio were putting on stylish appearances as they arrived in Milan on Monday afternoon ahead of the main event.

The stunning models were both casually clad as they touched down in style, turning heads as they made their way through the airport.

Chic: Gigi Hadid was putting on a stylish appearances as she arrived in Milan on Monday afternoon ahead of Milan Fashion Week

Elegant: The stunning models were both casually clad as they touched down in style, turning heads as they made their way through the airport

Gigi was casually clad in an oversized blazer, worn layered over a print jumper and sporty leggings.

She completed her look with a pair of lace-up hiking boots and her favourite half-moon style shades.

The blonde beauty carried all her essentials in an oversized leather bag.

Stylish: Gigi was casually clad in an oversized blazer, worn layered over a print jumper and sporty leggings

Looking goof: She completed her look with a pair of lace-up hiking boots and her favourite half-moon style shades

Meanwhile, Alessandra looked stylish in a funky rainbow coloured top worn with a shearling print coat.

She opted for comfort, donning a pair of black tracksuit bottoms and sporty trainers.

The stunning model went make-up free for her outing, showcasing her radiant natural beauty.

Greetings: The model was given a warm welcome as she touched down at the airport

Ambrosio started modeling for Dilson Stein at the age of 15 and competed in Brazil's Elite Model Look competition.

She landed the Guess Millennium campaign and launched her own line of swimwear in 2004, making her debut at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2005.

After 17 Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, she retired in 2017, but she has also started branching out into acting as well.

Casual: Meanwhile, Alessandra looked stylish in a funky rainbow coloured top worn with a shearling print coat

Alessandra had a cameo appearance in Entourage and made her film debut in Casino Royale in 2006.

She also had a cameo as herself in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, and played Karen in Daddy's Home and Daddy's Home 2.

The stunner also served as a guest judge on the Netflix series The Final Table.

Laid back: She opted for comfort, donning a pair of black tracksuit bottoms and sporty trainers
Things are still going strong between former World of Dance host Jenna Dewan and her Grammy-winning boyfriend Steve Kazee.

The two were pictured as they braved the cold to treat her young daughter Everly to a day at Disneyland in Anaheim, California on Sunday.

The 38-year-old estranged wife of Channing Tatum sported a Gucci fanny pack while her fairy-obsessed five-year-old got totally glam at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Still going strong! Former World of Dance host Jenna Dewan and her Grammy-winning boyfriend Steve Kazee treated her daughter Everly to Disneyland in Anaheim on Sunday

The Connecticut-born beauty's imaginative little girl rocked a tiara over her teased-up 'Fairytale Princess' bouffant as they rode Jumpin' Jellyfish five times in nearby Disney California Adventure.

Jenna later shared a video of Everly excitedly jumping up and down after spotting 'her idol' Tinker Bell riding a float during Mickey's Soundsational Parade.

The happy trio - who scored their very own VIP tour guide - also enjoyed Goofy's Sky School and Toy Story Midway Mania! together at the popular theme park.

'Somehow, inexplicably, I've been granted the honor to have this be the person that I get to be side by side with throughout this wild journey we call life,' 6ft2in Steve gushed in a Valentine's post.

Winged: The 38-year-old estranged wife of Channing Tatum sported a Gucci fanny pack while her fairy-obsessed five-year-old got totally glam at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

'Jenna I don't know what I did to deserve your love but I will always be so thankful that our lives found their way to each other. Here's looking at you, kid. Happy Valentines Day my love!'

Weeee! The Connecticut-born beauty's imaginative little girl rocked a tiara over her teased-up 'Fairytale Princess' bouffant as they rode Jumpin' Jellyfish five times in nearby Disney California Adventure

Privileged princess: Jenna later shared a video of Everly excitedly jumping up and down after spotting 'her idol' Tinker Bell riding a float during Mickey's Soundsational Parade

Dewan and the 43-year-old Tony-winning thespian have been dating since October - the same month she filed for divorce from the 38-year-old Independent Spirit Award winner.

Last month, Channing asked a judge to create an official custody schedule where he gets custody of Everly on Mondays and Tuesdays, alternating weekends, and half the holidays - according to The Blast.

It's been a 'challenging and emotional' journey for Tatum and the Danskin brand ambassador, whose eight-year marriage ended due to the celeb-favored reason 'irreconcilable differences.'

Steve gushed in a Valentine's post: 'Jenna I don't know what I did to deserve your love but I will always be so thankful that our lives found their way to each other. Here's looking at you, kid. Happy Valentines Day my love!'

Roses: Dewan and the 43-year-old Tony-winning thespian have been dating since October - the same month she filed for divorce from the 38-year-old Independent Spirit Award winner

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part actor has also moved on romantically with Grammy-nominated songstress, Jessie J.

Kazee is 'still pinching myself' after making his big Walking Dead debut as Frank opposite Samantha Morton's Alpha in Sunday's episode - titled 'Omega' - of the AMC zombie drama.

Meanwhile, Jenna plays Mandy in the dismally-reviewed romantic drama Berlin, I Love You - now streaming on iTunes - which is made of 10 stories of romance set in the German capital.
T.I. and Tameka 'Tiny' Cottle have shut down filming on their reality show, Friends & Family Hustle, after the rapper's sister was involved in a car crash.

The 38-year-old and his wife, 43, are devoting their time to Precious Harris, 66, who is recovering in an Atlanta hospital after the accident on Wednesday morning.

Sources told TMZ that Precious collided with a pole, which triggered an asthma attack.

Very close: Rapper T.I. has suspended filming on reality show Friends & Family Hustle after sister Precious, seen in 2014, was involved in a serious car accident in Atlanta on Wednesday

She's reportedly now in ICU but her exact condition is unknown, according to the news site.

It's also unclear what led to the car crash.

Sources revealed that Tip and Tiny were devastated and decided it was best not to continue filming until Precious, who frequently appears on the VH1 show, recovers.

Devoted brother: The rapper, 38, and wife, Tameka 'Tiny' Cottle, 43, seen at an event in LA on Frebruary 11, are devoting their time to the 66-year-old who is recovering in hospital in Atlanta

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, is said to be very close to his sister and so is Tiny.

For Precious' 66th birthday bash last May, Tiny gave her a shout-out and said: 'I hope you know how much u mean to me. Always been my road dawg. Love u much! Hope you enjoyed your day!!'

Friends & Family Hustle explores Grammy-winning rapper T.I.'s home life as he is reunited with his wife, Tameka, and children after serving a 12-month prison sentence for drugs-related charges.

Car rash: Sources told TMZ that Precious collided with a pole, which triggered an asthma attack. But there is no word on what caused the crash

Meanwhile, the rapper has had better news as it was revealed that his music has been streamed 276 million times on Spotify.

He has also signed on to be a judge on Netflix hip hop talent show Rhythm + Flow, with John Legend as the executive producer.

Tip will be joined on the judges panel by fellow hip hop stars Cardi B and Chance The Rapper when the show bows in the fall.
Kourtney Kardashian and her pal Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame were spotted stepping out in Los Angeles with pals this Sunday.

The pair enjoyed a dinner at the ritzy Japanese restaurant Nobu Malibu, which has become something of a hot spot for the Kardashians.

After they emerged from the swank establishment, Kourtney, 39, could be glimpsed driving off with Travis, 43, in the front passenger seat.

On the town: Kourtney Kardashian and her pal Travis Barker of Blink-182 fame were spotted stepping out in Los Angeles with pals this Sunday

That day, Travis also swung by the weekly Sunday Service performance thrown by Kanye West, the husband of Kourtney's younger sister Kim Kardashian.

The rock drummer, who gushed on KROQ last year that 'Kanye's a genius,' posted a photo from the latest Sunday Service to his Insta Stories.

Kourtney and Travis have been seen out together multiple times, including in December when they took their children for an ice cream play date in Los Angeles.

Back in September, Kourtney and Travis were seen attending services at Hillsong, the Sydney-born megachurch that attracts such celebs as Justin Bieber.

Place to be: The pair enjoyed a dinner at the ritzy Japanese restaurant Nobu Malibu, which has become something of a hot spot for the Kardashians

The Barker and Kardashian families appear to be generally friendly - Kim was spotted posing for a photo with little Landon a few months ago.

Incidentally, Travis had a fling in 2006 with Mrs. Kanye West's sometime pal Paris Hilton, during which time 'I couldn't keep my eyes off Kim!' he admitted years later.

'Kim was Paris' assistant. She got all of Paris' belongings together wherever we traveled,' Travis gossiped to Us Weekly back in 2015.

'How could you not stare at Kim? Mind you, I enjoyed hanging out with Paris, but I love curvy girls. Kim was eye candy. I was no way disrespectful to Paris, but I couldn't keep my eyes off Kim!' the tattoo maven told the magazine.

Background: Travis shares two children - son Landon, 15, and daughter Alabama, 13 - with his second ex-wife, the former beauty queen Shanna Moakler

Travis shares two children - son Landon, 15, and daughter Alabama, 13 - with his second ex-wife, the former beauty queen Shanna Moakler.

Shanna, who starred on a reality show with Travis called Meet The Barkers, has also dated such names as Dennis Quaid, Billy Idol and Oscar De La Hoya.

Kourtney has three children by her on-off ex Scott Disick - a six-year-old daughter Penelope, and sons Mason, nine, and Reign, four.

Yeezus: That day, Travis also swung by the weekly 'Sunday Service' performance thrown by Kanye West, who is married to Kourtney's younger sister Kim

The dynamic duo, who were introduced by Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in 2006, last ended their romantic relationship in 2015.

Kourtney is now rumored to be dating 21-year-old model Luka Sabbat, who was spotted with her during her family trip to Aspen over the holidays.

Scott is himself dating somebody dramatically younger - he has been running around for over a year with Lionel Richie's 20-year-old daughter Sofia.
She was recently given the boot from ITVBe's The Only Way Is Essex in the show's biggest ever cast cull.

And Chloe Lewis appeared to brush aside her axe as she attended Paul Costelloe's A/W19 presentation during London Fashion Week at London restaurant Simpson's on Monday.

The TV personality, 28, commanded attention as she nailed androgynous chic in a dark green blazer, tied in with matching straight-leg trousers.

Working it! Chloe Lewis put on a stylish display as she attended Paul Costelloe's A/W19 presentation during London Fashion Week at London restaurant Simpson's on Monday

Injecting a touch of pazzazz into her look, the model boosted her physique in a pair of white pointed boots and toted a quirky handbag by Meli Melo, emblazoned with the words: 'Let's go get lost'.

The brunette beauty ensured focus remained on her statement ensemble as she opted for minimal accessories, sporting just a tan brown headband.

Chloe styled her shoulder-length tresses into glamorous waves and accentuated her out-of-this-world beauty with matte brown eyeshadow and nude lipstick.

Joining the likes of Myles Barnett and Kady McDermott, Chloe 'mutually agreed' with producers that they wouldn't return for the next series of the show.

Fashion savvy: The TV personality, 28, commanded attention as she nailed androgynous chic in a dark green blazer, tied in with matching straight-leg trousers

Stepping out in style: Injecting a touch of pazzazz into her look, the model boosted her physique in a pair of white pointed boots and toted a quirky handbag by Meli Melo

Breaking her silence on social media, the Essex beauty said: 'After a long four years on The Only Way Is Essex, I'm happy to announce I have decided to leave the show. My life isn't in it anymore and I feel as if it's the right time for me to move on to other things.

'I've had a wonderful time being part of the cast on the show and have made friends for life, I really couldn't of got through the last year without my Courtney [Green] and Chloe [Meadows]. Absolute true gems! (sic)

'TOWIE has brought me such amazing opportunities and I wouldn't change it for the world. It's taught me so much and made me who I am today.

Radiant: Chloe styled her shoulder-length tresses into glamorous waves and accentuated her out-of-this-world beauty with matte brown eyeshadow and nude lipstick

Beaming: The reality star appeared in great spirits as she took to the FROW with MIC's Emily Blackwell

'Thank you for everyone's amazing support over the years and truly am very grateful. The best thing I've learnt in this crazy world, is to be strong and to follow your heart. So here we go! Here's to 2019 it's gonna be a good one!' (sic)

Remaining castmembers, including Chloe Sims and Gemma Collins, are set to jet off to holiday hot spot Thailand for the new series, set to return in March.

Bosses are shunning the show's typical clubbing destinations in favour of a yoga retreat.

Insiders revealed to MailOnline: 'The trip is to Thailand furthest they've ever gone - very cool - feel more grown-up more beach bars than clubs'.
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott have been spotted house hunting, despite their ongoing financial issues.

The couple, joined by daughter Stella, ten, and youngest son Beau, one, as they checked out an open house in the upscale neighborhood of Calabasas near Los Angeles on Saturday.

Tori, 45, went casual for the outing in some denim overalls over a pink T-shirt and some Adidas sneakers.

House hunting: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott are pictured checking out an open house in Calabasas on Saturday

Dean carried Beau as they entered the property along with several other prospective buyers.

Fans might find it the house hunting a surprising move for the couple who are parents of five children and have had their money troubles well-documented in the media.

The family have relocated numerous times over the last eight years and have dotted back and forth between the LA neighborhoods of Encino, Malibu, Westlake Village and Tarzana as their family has expanded.

Tori and Dean were last known to be living in Woodland Hills, just west of Los Angeles, in a sprawling 4,714-square-foot home in a gated community.

Time to move again: The 45-year-old looked at the property despite being plagued by financial issues in recent years

Space for the family: Tori kept it casual in some denim overalls over a pink T-shirt with Adidas sneakers

Radar Online reported in August that Tori and Dean were at risk of losing their Woodland Hills mansion because of delinquent property taxes for the 2017 year.

Last month it was reported that credit card company American Express has ordered Tori to pay back the $88,246.55 she owes them.

In November she was ordered to pay back a credit card debt, originally owed to Citibank, totaling $5,043.32.

The pair also reportedly owed almost $1million in taxes in 2017, and sources told Radar Online that the IRS drained their bank accounts to pay off the debt.

Radar Online reported in August that Tori and Dean were at risk of losing their Woodland Hills mansion because of delinquent property taxes for the 2017 year

Also in 2017 the couple were hit with a default judgement regarding a City National Bank loan totaling $400,000.

In January 2016, Tori was sued by American Express for failure to pay a $37,981.97 balance that had been piling up, including interest and fees, since the previous summer.

Tori's super wealthy mother Candy Spelling reportedly helps the couple pay for their kids' school fees and some living expenses.

In her 2013 book Spelling It Like It Is, Tori opened up about her financial difficulties.

Tori's super wealthy mother Candy Spelling (seen with Beau on her lap) reportedly helps the couple pay for their kids' school fees and some living expenses. The family are pictured visiting Candy last month

'Its no mystery why I have money problems. I grew up rich beyond anyones wildest dreams. I never knew anything else. Even when I try to embrace a simpler lifestyle, I cant seem to let go of my expensive tastes. Even when my tastes arent fancy, theyre still costly. I moved houses to simplify my life, but lost almost a million dollars along the way.'

Tori's TV super producer dad Aaron Spelling died in 2006 at 83 years old, leaving the bulk of his $600million estate to wife Candy, and only a 'paltry' $800,000 each to Spelling and her brother Randy.

Tori and Dean have five children; Liam, 11, Stella, 10, Hattie, seven, Finn, six, and Beau, 22 months.
She returned from a sun-soaked winter break to Dubai just last week.

But Vicky Pattison was already wishing for more exotic climes as she posted yet another bikini-clad throwback snap from her holiday to her Instagram page on Monday.

The former Geordie Shore star, 31, showed off her amazing figure in a neon pink two-piece as she pined for 'cocktails and making very questionable decisions' in the accompanying caption.

Winter blues? Vicky Pattison posted yet another bikini-clad throwback snap from her holiday to Dubai as she pined for 'cocktails and making very questionable decisions' on Monday

The TV personality expertly modelled the sporty two-piece on the Middle Eastern beach with a large drink in one hand and a gold watch on her wrist.

The brunette sensation swept her hair back into a loose bun as she stared out across the blue sea at sunset.

Vicky captioned the snap: 'Ok... I am officially over the U.K. and ready for my next holiday... Suggestions please?!!

' I want to be hot, balls deep in a cocktail and making very questionable decisions again soon please. THANKYOU, best regards,Vicky Pattison, cold, gin enthusiast with the proud owner of 2 itchy feet. [sic]'

Designer: Earlier in the day, the former Geordie Shore star, 31, flaunted her assets as she gave fans a glimpse into her latest collection with Godiva

Take me back: The TV personality returned from a sun-soaked winter break to Dubai with new boyfriend Ercan Ramadan just last week

Earlier in the day, Vicky flaunted her assets as she gave fans a glimpse into her latest collection with Godiva.

The starlet slipped her curvaceous figure into a lacy red dress which just about covered her ample cleavage.

She later shared a second image of herself pulling funny faces in a red dress while teasing that her next collection will be out soon.

Vicky recently urged her fans to head to her Instagram story to see how many outtakes it took to nail the perfect bikini snap.

'How many attempts': Vicky recently urged her fans to head to her Instagram story to see how many outtakes it took to nail the perfect bikini snap

Moving on: Vicky recently confirmed she was seeing her new man, one-time TOWIE star Ercan, just three months after calling off her engagement to fiance John Noble

On her story, the beauty shared the numerous images that had not made the cut to her Instagram grid - and thanked her pal for patiently photographing her to get the final edit.

Vicky recently confirmed she was seeing new man, one-time TOWIE star Ercan Ramadan, just three months after calling off her engagement to fiance John Noble.

The couple split in November after he was spotted getting close to a bevy of women on a lads' holiday in Dubai.

Vicky insisted she was taking things slow and won't be flat-hunting or getting engaged any time soon, telling the Daily Mirror: 'We are officially dating but it's not love yet. I do still believe in love, though.

'I have to or I would be very sad. I am worried about rebound, I want to make sure I'm doing things for the right reason and not just to feel better'.
She is currently touring the UK with her show Unscripted, in which she's joined by her husband Percy, and chats directly to the audience about her life.

And Joan Collins, 85, dazzled in a sequinned dress and cropped leather jacket at the star-studded Erdem Autumn Winter show in London on Monday as she revealed that she's 'in deep discussion' for a biopic of her life.

The Hollywood icon commanded attention as she arrived at the catwalk show in the multicoloured midi-dress, which she teamed with an equally eye-catching cropped leather jacket.

Glam: Joan Collins, 85, dazzled in a sequinned dress and cropped leather jacket at the star-studded Erdem Autumn Winter show in London on Monday



The Dynasty star somewhat channelled The Matrix with the help of her jacket's bold, upturned collar and flared sleeves, and her sleek black leather gloves.

Joan stepped out in pointed black suede boots and held onto a leather-look clutch as she made her way to the LFW event.

The actress' brunette locks were swept back away from her face and the age-defying beauty sported her signature bold red lip.

Adding to her edgy look, Dame Joan shielded her eyes with a pair of large black sunglasses, and wore a pair of statement earrings.

Edgy: The Dynasty star somewhat channelled The Matrix with the help of her jacket's bold, upturned collar and flared sleeves, and her sleek black leather gloves

Standing out: The Hollywood icon commanded attention as she arrived at the catwalk show in the multicoloured midi-dress

Her outing comes after it emerged that onstage during one recent Unscripted gig, Joan revealed that she is in talks over a biopic, which will cover her career and private life.

'It is in deep discussion, but I cant say more than that,' she explained of the project, according to a report in the Mirror.

She did, however, stipulate that she wanted to be portrayed by alumnae of her alma mater, the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art.

Glam: Adding to her edgy look, Dame Joan shielded her eyes with a pair of large black sunglasses, and wore a pair of statement earrings

'There has to be two. One to play me until I am 25, then another one,' explained the Empire Of The Ants bombshell.

The Hollywood star also seemed open to the idea that Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt could play her in a movie about her life.

Joan reacted less than favourably to her husband's, 54, suggestion that Catherine Zeta-Jones play her in a movie.

According to the publication, she vamped: 'I am not saying nothing. Next question.'
She's been wowing the style brigade with her chic sartorial displays as she sits on the FROW for London Fashion Week.

And Daisy Lowe, 30, was back to her old style tricks as she donned a stylish floral mini dress attending the star-studded Erdem Autumn Winter show in London on Monday alongside pal Alexa Chung, 35, and American actress Dianna Agron, 32.

The British model displayed her statuesque frame in the voluminous thigh-grazer, which boasted a semi-sheer floral fabric over a black slip, as she arrived to the National Portrait Gallery ahead of the fashion event.

Walk this way: L-R: Daisy Lowe, 30, was back to her old style tricks as she donned a stylish floral mini dress attending the star-studded Erdem show in London on Monday alongside pal Alexa Chung, 35, and American actress Dianna Agron, 32

The daughter of Pearl Lowe paired the stylish look with a pair of black denier tights and a patent leather heel.

She worked her raven-coloured chin-length locks into a soft curl and sported a smokey eye for the stylish occasion.

Daisy accessorised her ensemble with a pair of statement drop-earrings and a simple black box clutch while she posed for photos outside the venue.

Despite her confident appearance, the star has previously spoken out about her internal battle with her image and self-confidence being in the modelling industry.

Feeling floral: The British model displayed her statuesque frame in the voluminous thigh-grazer, which boasted a semi-sheer floral fabric over a black slip, as she arrived to the National Portrait Gallery ahead of the fashion event

Suit you: Daisy's pal Alexa showcased her signature style in a beige linen suit and paired the H&Ms Studio SS19 collection two-piece with a black cable knit jumper

Picture perfect: Alexa posed with pal Derek Blasberg at the show

Pretty in pink: Glee star Dianna looked a vision in a pink floral print maxi dress that featured a v-neckline and frill-detailed sleeves

Silhouettes: The collection boasted full fifties skirts, drop waists and plenty of mid-length garment

Show time! Erdem's AW19 collection feature baroque prints, floral prints on silk and 3D embellishment

All in the details: The collection featured portrait paintings across midi skirts with brooch detailing

Drama: The British-Canadian designer's range featured dramatic accents in the form of a large bow, mesh cape and feather handbag

She told The Telegraph in 2014: 'If you stand me next to a normal model I look like an elephant, and thats all right.'

'Ive been in this industry a long time  10 years  and Ive been so lucky to do the things that Ive been lucky enough to do.'

In an interview with The Sunday People, the TV personality explained: 'Every day were shown images about the perfect body and what it should be  but we just have the ones that we live in.'

She continued: 'I think feeling insecure can be completely crippling... I have had times in my life when I have been unable to get out of bed because I have felt so insecure.'

Daisy found love with model Cameron McMeikan after splitting from artist John Leigh earlier this year. The pair, who went public with their relationship in October 2017, have not been pictured together since February this year.

Getting Down(ton) it: Dowton Abbey stars Michelle Dockery, 37, and Laura Carmichael, 32, were also in attendance

Pleat to meet you: Michelle looked incredible in a blue floral print pleated midi dress which she teamed with a silver pointed heel

On the FROW: Dianna and Michelle sat together on the FROW

All that glitters: Dame Joan Collins, 85, dazzled in a purple and green sequin dress

A source told The Mirror of their romance last year: 'It has been a while since Daisy had a serious boyfriend and she has grown really close to John. They have been secretly dating for months and really enjoy each other's company.'

Meanwhile, Daisy's pal Alexa showcased her signature style in a beige linen suit and paired the H&Ms Studio SS19 collection two-piece with a black cable knit jumper.

Albeit still February, the presenter-turned-designer teamed her look with a pair of Chanel sliders and a black leather belt around her waist.

In jovial spirits, Alexa, who showcased her latest collection on Saturday, worked her shoulder-length tresses into a tousled style and boasted a natural beauty look.

Hell for leather: The National Treasure teamed her look with a leather bolero and knee-high boot

Star power: Damian Lewis and Helen McCrory looked equally stylish as they attended the show together

Fashion forward: L-R: Laura Bailey, actress Aiysha Hart and Star Wars star Anna Brewster posed for photos at the event

Posing up a storm: Sex Education star Lily Newmark (L) and stylist Martha Ward attended the fashion show

Fashion fiends: L-R: Actress Greta Bellamacina, British blogger Susanna Lau, and influencer Camille Charriere showcased their style at the event

Taste maker: Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, attended the coveted runway show alongside Irish actress Denise Gough (L)

Style: Creative consultant Amanda Harlech and journalist Sarah Mower joined Anna on the FROW

Catching up: Peaker Blinders' star Helen caught up with Anna alongside her husband and Billions star Damian

Glee star Dianna looked a vision in a pink floral print maxi dress that featured a v-neckline and frill-detailed sleeves.

The stunning actress, who is married to Mumford & Sons' Winston Marshall, paired her look with a crystal-embellished clutch, navy longline wool coat and gold jewellery.

Other stars in attendance at the show included Dowton Abbey stars Michelle Dockery, 37, and Laura Carmichael, 32.

Michelle looked incredible in a blue floral print pleated midi dress which she teamed with a silver pointed heel and a new fringe. While Joanna looked chic in a check suit.

Dame Joan Collins, 85, dazzled in a purple and green sequin dress. The National Treasure teamed her look with a leather bolero and knee-high boot.

Erdem's AW19 collection feature baroque prints, floral prints on silk and 3D embellishment. The upcoming range boasted full fifties skirts, drop waists and plenty of mid-length garment.

Having fun: Model Jodie Kidd (L) showcased her sensational pins in a sequin mini dress alongside model Laura Bailey at the Erdem LFW dinner at J Sheekey's Atlantic Bar

Party people: Christine Centenera (L) and Joel Edgerton also attended the show
She set tongues wagging when she shared a snapshot of herself partying with her jailbird ex Joey Morrison, only to delete the snap mere hours later.

And Lauren Goodger no doubt had plenty to catch up on when she enjoyed a London lunch outing with her gal pal Lauryn Goodman on Sunday, dining at Japanese eatery Kurobuta on the King's Road in Chelsea.

The star, 32, showed off her curves in beige co-ords, highlighting her hourglass waistline thanks to the skintight outfit.

Stepping out: Lauren Goodger enjoyed a lunch date with her gal pal Lauryn Goodman on Sunday, dining at Japanese eatery Kurobuta on the Kings Road in Chelsea

Lauren flashed a hint of her flat stomach in the skintight crop top, which she paired with a bodycon skirt in a coordinating nude shade.

The former TOWIE favourite added some extra height to her frame thanks to a pair of clear heels.

She wore her brunette locks down in a straight style and highlighted her plump pout with gloss.

Fellow reality star Lauryn had also made an effort for their lunch outing, slipping into a leather pencil skirt.

Daring: Lauren flashed a hint of her flat stomach in the skintight crop top, which she paired with a bodycon skirt in a coordinating nude shade

Strike a pose: The former TOWIE favourite added some extra height to her frame thanks to a pair of clear heels

The CBB star teamed the zip detailing number with a sheer top, flashing her bra in the garment.

She completed her daring ensemble with a pair of lace-up ankle boots.

The girls looked like they were having a great time as they strutted along the road, going arm-in-arm.

Meanwhile, Lauren was seen partying with a group of friends including her ex Joey on Friday.

Gothic glamour: Fellow reality star Lauryn had also made an effort for their lunch outing, slipping into a leather pencil skirt

She had previously hit out at him, calling him a 'wasteman' and even having her 'Joey' wrist tattoo removed.

Lauren shared a cosy selfie of herself with her jailbird ex, 33, to her Instagram in the early hours of the morning which she deleted just hours later.

Posing with another male friend, Lauren tagged Joey in the post and added the caption: '#family', followed by a tongue out emoji.

Lauren's representative declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

Still friends? Lauren and her ex Joey Morrison appeared to put the drama behind them as they partied together during a raucous night out with friends on Friday
They confirmed their unlikely romance when they stepped out hand-in-hand for a Valentine's Day date.

But a new report claims Blac Chyna and Soulja Boy were only pretending to date in order to infuriate her ex Tyga - until they developed real feelings for one another.

The Crank That hitmaker has been feuding with Tyga over who had the biggest comeback last year and allegedly thought hooking up with his ex would be the perfect revenge.

Fake romance? A new report claims Blac Chyna and Soulja Boy were only pretending to date in order to annoy her ex Tyga - until they developed real feelings for one another. They are pictured on their first public date on Valentine's Day last week

Meanwhile, Blac Chyna - who shares son King Cairo with her ex-fiance Tyga - hit out at the Ayo rapper earlier this month, claiming he doesn't pay her child support and she's 'sick of that s**t'.

However, Blac and Soulja Boy weren't expecting anything romantic to stem from their masterplan to fool Tyga.

They reportedly started to like each other after a few fake dates and have developed real feelings, according to TMZ.

They are said to be taking things slowly, but have now decided to make things official.

Rivals: The Crank That hitmaker has been feuding with Tyga (pictured) over who had the biggest comeback last year and allegedly thought hooking up with his ex would be the perfect revenge

MailOnline has contacted both stars' representatives for comment.

TMZ first reported the pair first met in person at Sean Kingston's LA penthouse three weeks ago after 'sliding into each other's DMs' on social media.

They have been inseparable ever since and even attended some Grammys after-parties together, but it was initially thought they were just friends.

Online flirtation: According to TMZ, the pair first met in person at Sean Kingston's LA penthouse after flirting on social media

Soulja Boy has even shared a few pictures of the two of them together, coining their couple name 'DrakoChyna'.

The rapper - best known for his 2007 hit Crank That - had been dating model Tiona Fernan.

Just three weeks ago, he was sharing snaps of the beauty on his social media accounts, enthusing about his 'love' for her.

Still together? The rapper - best known for his 2007 hit Crank That - had been dating model Tiona Fernan until he recently hooked up with Chyna

Meanwhile, Tiona has been sharing a number of sizzling snaps with cheeky captions like: 'You can sleep on me, but then youll see me in your dreams'.

Another more philosophical quote read: 'My heart is at ease knowing that what was meant for me will never miss me and what misses me was never meant for me.'

Stunning model Tiona last shared a gushing tribute to Soulja Boy just a few hours before the report of his new romance first surfaced.
Comedian Denise Scott won the approval of Dancing With The Stars viewers during Sunday night's debut episode.

The 63-year-old had a hilarious comeback for judge Craig Revel Horwood when he likened her performance skills to that of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.

'You try having these size breasts and getting your leg up!' the actress responded.

'You try having these size breasts' Dancing With The Stars viewers applaud Denise Scott (right), 63, as she furiously responds to judge's criticism likening her to 'Hunchback of Notre Dame'. Pictured left, judge Craig Revel Horwood

Sunday night's episode of Dancing With The Stars saw Denise put on an energetic performance with her partner Jeremy.

Judge Sharna Burgess was in awe of Denise's energy, describing her as the 'ultimate seductress'.

Tristan MacManus had similar criticisms, saying he loved how she immediately 'locked eyes' with Jeremy on the dance floor.

However when it came to judge Craig Revel Horwood's turn, he had plenty of criticisms for Denise.

Criticism: Craig criticised Denise for her rounded shoulders on Sunday night's debut episode

Craig said her shoulders were too rounded and that she danced like 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.

Denise, one of Australia's beloved comedians, had the ultimate comeback, directing at Craig: 'You try having these size breasts and getting your leg up!'

Viewers at home wasted no time in praising Denise's performance and comeback on Twitter.

Comeback: Denise, one of Australia's beloved comedians, had the ultimate comeback, directing at Craig: 'You try having these size breasts and getting your leg up!'

Online: Viewers at home wasted no time in praising Denise's performance and comeback on Twitter

Another followed suit with: 'God bless Denise Scott and every step she takes'

'Honestly if anyone was gonna talk back to Craig, we knew it was gonna be Denise,' one wrote.

Another followed suit with: 'God bless Denise Scott and every step she takes.'

Studio 10 host Sarah Harris even remarked: 'Lol @denisescott giving it back to the nasty judge. 'YOU TRY HAVING THESE SIZE BREASTS.' Best. Ever.'

'Yes clap BACK Denise!!! Calling her a hunchback was rude af where did they pull this nasty judge from?' commented another.

Household name: Studio 10 host Sarah Harris even remarked: 'Lol @denisescott giving it back to the nasty judge. 'YOU TRY HAVING THESE SIZE BREASTS.' Best. Ever'
Eddie Redmayne swapped his usual plain suit for something a little more exciting when he partied with his wife, Hannah Bagshawe on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old wore a black suit which was emblazoned with silver bugs throughout, as he and Hannah posed for snaps at the dinner.

The couple attended the Francois-Henri Pinault and Sarah Burton dinner In celebration of the Alexander McQueen Old Bond Street Flagship Store.

Couple goals: Eddie Redmayne wore a bug-themed suit as he cosied up to his leather-clad wife Hannah Bagshawe at an Alexander McQueen fashion dinner on Saturday

Cosying up: The pair attended the Francois-Henri Pinault and Sarah Burton dinner In celebration of the Alexander McQueen Old Bond Street Flagship Store

And PR executive Hannah, 34, looked incredible wearing a sleeveless leather dress which was black around the top half and had a green skirted section.

Her hair was tied up in a ponytail and she wore a simple pair of black strappy sandals.

Hannah and Eddie wed four years ago in December 2014, six months after announcing their engagement and two years after they first began dating.

Bugging you: Eddie chose to wear a suit which was emblazoned with silver insects on the night

They share two children; daughter Iris, two, and 11-month-old son Luke born in March 2018.

Eddie recently joked that he is 'trying to keep his children alive' when discussing fatherhood in an interview with People magazine.

The Danish Girl star told the publication: 'I have two little children - Iris is now two and a half and Luke is eight months - so honestly, life is about trying to keep the children alive. But they're wonderful.'

She's got the look: Hannah looked incredible wearing a two-tone green and black leather dress and strappy sandals

Eddie continued: 'Iris is fantastic as a big sister. There are occasional moments when Hannah and I are both out of the room and we get a glimpse of Iris entertaining Luke.

'No one makes him laugh as much as she does. You cant quite believe it. Like, these humans are interacting, so thats been pretty special.'

The couple were in good company on the night as they were joined by the likes of fashion mogul Francois-Henri, 56, and his wife Salma Hayek, 52, who stunned in red.

Naomi Campbell, 48, opted for a semi-sheer lace dress and killer boots amid claims she is dating Liam Payne, 25.

Model Lara Stone also wore a black leather jacket which was buckled at the front with slim-fit trousers, wearing similar ankle boots to Naomi.

Ageless: Naomi Campbell looked sensational at the event in her semi-sheer crochet dress

Sultry: Salma Hayek, 52, sizzled in a scarlet gown with bejewelled collar as she posed with billionaire husband Francois

Stunning: Model Lara Stone, 35, was also in attendance, and put on a very busty display
She's the Instagram sensation known for her gym-honed curves.

And on Monday, Tammy Hembrow posed seductively in a skimpy pink bikini in a video shared to Instagram stories.

The 24-year-old's swimwear left little to the imagination, revealing her cleavage, washboard stomach and toned legs.

Dangerous curves ahead! Tammy Hembrow, 24, showed off her cleavage and washboard stomach in a VERY skimpy pink bikini, in a clip shared to Instagram Stories on Monday

In the short clip shared with her 9.2 million fans, Tammy stood in front of a mirror inside her Queensland home.

The blonde wore a plunging crop top-style neon pink bikini and coordinating high-cut briefs.

Sweeping her locks to one side, Tammy rested her right hand near her chin, also drawing attention to her striking facial features.

Gym-honed: The blonde posed seductively in the skimpy two-piece that accentuated her famous curves

Tammy, who has created a fitness empire, branched out into fashion, launching athleisure brand Saski Collection in 2017.

At the time, she spoke to Business News Australia about capitalising on her social media fame.

'Social media is a tool that is evolving and more companies are embracing the opportunities it has presented,' Tammy told the publication.

Career: Tammy, who has created a fitness empire, branched out into fashion, launching athleisure brand Saski Collection in 2017

'I saw these opportunities early on when I started to build my online community, you need to be smart with your brand. I always suggest being transparent and honest because people can relate to that,' she added.

Tammy promoted the brand's new Neon range at The Pink Hotel Coolangatta on Friday.

The influencer posed on the venue's balcony in a silver fringed two-piece that accentuated her taut torso and defined legs.

Tammy finished off the look with platform heels and hair extensions styled into a high ponytail.
It seems as if Ja Rule hasn't learned anything from his participation in the disastrous Fyre Festival in 2017.

On Thursday, TMZ caught up with the 42-year-old rapper at Los Angeles' LAX airport, where he indicated he's looking into a Fyre Fest sequel.

Jason Felts, organizer of this weekend's inaugural KAABOO Cayman festival, fired back at the amateur event planner, according to TooFab.

Hard pass: Jason Felts, organizer of this weekend's inaugural KAABOO Cayman festival, fired back at the Ja Rule after he said he , according to TooFab; pictured in August

'I hear Ja Rule is at the airport right now; I wonder, is he on his way down here to get some tips?' he mused.

'Ja Rule should stick to rapping. I think he's a great rapper, but he needs to stay in his lane,' he said.

Felts, who has already managed five years of the KAABOO music festival in San Diego without any attention-grabbing debacles, didn't appreciate the rapper encroaching on his turf. The KAABOO Cayman festival is the festival's first excursion into the Caribbean.

'They should not attempt to do another Fyre Festival, theyve lost all credibility,' he continued. 'The people who were most affected by Billy McFarland and Ja Rule were the local people, the Bahamians. All of the locals and vendors who worked tirelessly and were never paid. Not to mention the victims of Ja Rule and Billys Ponzi scheme in trying to lure guests to that island and pull the wool over their eyes.'

Not having it: 'Ja Rule should stick to rapping. I think he's a great rapper, but he needs to stay in his lane,' said Felts; pictured in 2010

The usually reserved organizer was clearly fired up by the I'm Real rapper's comments.

'I am saying this personally, not on behalf of the brand,' he made clear.

'I'm upset that so many people were left in a trail of destruction. I feel a personal responsibility to regain credibility for the music festival industry, to regain trust of the Caribbean as a whole, because the people of the Bahamas were f--ked over,' he added.

'We dont find joy in anybodys pain,' Felts said to downplay concerns that he was rooting for Fyre's failure. 'If anything it shifted more responsibility onto us to do it right.'

'Were here to put out the Fyre,' Felts joked. 'If Ja Rule wants to promote his own personal brand, he needs to stick to what he does well, which is rap.'

He learned nothing: Ja Rule said he plans to create an 'iconic music festival' despite the debacle of the Fyre Festival in 2017, which he said was 'the most iconic music festival that never was'

Ja Rule came up with the idea for Fyre Festival alongside young entrepreneur Billy McFarland.

But while McFarland was jailed, the musician painted himself as one of the victims, saying he lost 'plenty' of money on the scheme.

The New York rapper told TMZ: 'It is the most iconic festival that never was so I have plans to create the iconic music festival but you didn't hear it from me.'

Co-founders: Fyre Festival Event Organizers Ja Rule and Billy McFarland photographed on Church Street in the Tribeca area of Manhattan in the run-up to their event in 2017

Shirking responsibility: Ja Rule spoke out after two documentaries were released charting the epic failure of Fyre festival, which he co-founded (pictured with chief organizer Billy McFarland)

Ja Rule added, 'In the midst of chaos there's opportunity.'

McFarland was jailed for six years for fraud in 2018 and ordered to pay back $28 million to more than a hundred investors.

Meanwhile Ja Rule denied having anything to do with defrauding people as critics wondered why he had not faced criminal charges.

The Fyre Festival used celebrity influencers from around the world to push the luxury getaway in the Bahamas to wealthy millennials as a once in a lifetime experience.

In reality guests arrived on the island to find the site half-finished, their luggage missing, and the promised gourmet cuisine replaced by cheese sandwiches and soggy lettuce.

The first tantalising glimpse of 'the cultural event of the decade' came in December 2016 when 400 in-demand influencers paid by McFarland simultaneously posted orange squares on their Instagram accounts.

Post-apocalyptic scenario: The disastrous scenes at the Fyre Festival were the subject of ridicule around the world as millennials jetted in from Miami to chaos

Huge loss: Guests paid $13,000 for a trashy unfinished site and canceled performances from big names

In reality, McFarland had no experience of organizing such an event and vastly underestimated the cost and the logistics involved.

The first disaster was the location itself. The original site chosen for the event was Norman's Cay, a private island with historic connections to drug smuggling.

McFarland spent a cool $1 million on a lease from the current owners on the promise that he made no mention of its criminal past.

When he bragged on social media that the island once belonged to drug lord Pablo Escobar, the lease was cancelled  just 45 days before the event was due to take place in April 2017.

McFarland subsequently got a permit from the Bahamian government to use a site at Roker Point on Great Exuma, just above the Sandals holiday resort, but continued to peddle the 'private island' lie.

Maps of the site were altered before being posted online to make it appear as if Roker Point was a deserted island in itself.

False advertising: They laid quotes from the Persian poet Rumi over photographs of bikini-clad models and It girls

On top of all that, the date of the festival clashed with a popular annual regatta weekend on Great Exuma, which meant that all the accommodation on the island was already booked out.

By the time McFarland agreed to cancel the festival, thousands were stranded on the island and unable to get home.

Ja Rule claimed recently on Twitter: 'I too was hustled, scammed, bamboozled, hood winked, lead astray!!!'

He told TMZ he could not bring himself to watch the recent Netflix documentary about the scandal.

He said: 'It's not funny to me, it's heartbreaking to me it was something that I really wanted to be special and amazing but it just didn't turn out that way.'
As a celebrity, award shows are usually all about her.

But on Sunday, Nina Dobrev stepped out at the Hollywood Beauty Awards to help celebrate the team responsible for her look.

The stunner was a showstopper as she stepped out at The Avalon in Hollywood, California.

Glam night: On Sunday, Nina Dobrev, 30, stepped out at the Hollywood Beauty Awards to help celebrate the team responsible for her look

The Vampire Diaries star was styled in a one-shoulder, Michael Kors Collection gown complete with a dazzling print detail.

The beautiful brunette wore her dark brown hair down and parted through the middle.

Nina, 30, rocked a vampy, bold lip, yet kept the rest of her make-up to a minimum.

Beautiful: The Vampire Diaries star was styled in a one-shoulder, Michael Kors gown complete with a dazzling print detail

Simple perfection: The beautiful brunette wore her dark brown hair down and parted through the middle

Not seen with the beauty is her new boyfriend, Grant Mellon.

'Even though the relationship is still hush-hush, Nina refers to Grant as her boyfriend among her inner circle of friends,' a source told E! News.

The director and screenwriter has reportedly earned the thumbs up from best pal Julianne Hough.

Nina was previously in a long-term relationship with her Vampire Diaries co-star, Ian Somerhalder, and actor Glen Powell.

Keeping it low-key: Not seen with the beauty is her new boyfriend, Grant Mellon

Nina currently stars as Clem in the TV series, Fam.

Next up for the former Vampire Diaries actress is a starring role in the action-crime film, Lucky Day.

Then, Nina will join Damian Lewis and Ben Platt in the drama, Run This Town. The film shows the 'inner workings of a city seen through the eyes of the interns and assistants that run it,' according to IMDB.
Former villains on The Block, Ronnie and Georgia, are set to star in a new online renovation show.

Speaking to 9Honey on Monday, Georgia said their new show, Quick Room Flips with Ronnie & Georgia, will show them transforming rooms in one day with a measly $3500.

'It's been just as challenging as The Block, if not more, only because we're 'real lifing' at the same time  we've got kids and other work - so it's been a bit of a juggling act,' she said.

'It's been just as challenging as The Block': Reality TV couple Ronnie (left) and Georgia (right) to star in new online renovation show

'We've also got ridiculous budgets and timelines. We've been given $3,500 per room and we have to do it in a day.

The WA couple rose to stardom on season 13 of The Block and hold the title of the most room reveal wins in any series.

The dynamic duo will transform everything from bathrooms and bedrooms, to dining rooms and even outdoor areas.

Challenging: The dynamic duo will transform everything from bathrooms and bedrooms, to dining rooms and even outdoor areas

Although budget constraints are tight, Georgia remains optimistic.

'Using $3,500 is surprisingly achievable if you shop around and shop the sales, but it's trying to make a beer budget look champagne that's the challenge. It's about selecting the right key items to make the room look expensive.'

Despite the 'insane amount of work', the mother-of-two said she's grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves.

Grateful: Despite the 'insane amount of work', the mother-of-two said she's grateful for the opportunity to do what she loves

Her husband Ronnie agreed, saying the couple had 'the time of our lives' filming the new show.

The series promises to offer styling ideas, tips and tricks, and surprise reveals for families in desperate need of home transformations.
It's no secret that many Australians meet are skeptics when it comes to psychics and the supernatural.

But on Monday's My Kitchen Rules, professional psychic Anne Lamont appeared to prove her own otherworldly powers by accurately predicting her own team's score.

The Melbourne-based mystic cooked with best friend and self-professed 'cougar' Jennifer - and predicted their score before they even started cooking.

Proof? On Monday's My Kitchen Rules, professional psychic Anne Lamont appeared to prove her own abilities by accurately predicting her own team's score

Performing a tarot reading with Jennifer at the start of the episode, the 46-year-old said: 'Looking at this, we get a mid-90s and above.'

When their score was eventually revealed at the end, the blondes came out with a perfect 95 - just as the tarot cards had foretold.

'What was your prediction for our score again?' asked Jennifer.

An elated Anne responded: 'I said the mid-90s and we got 95! Can you believe that?'

Is she the real deal? The 46-year-old predicted that she'd score 'mid-90s and above'

She was right! When their score was eventually revealed at the end, the blondes came out with a perfect 95 - just as the tarot cards had foretold

The psychic theme was heavy throughout the episode, with the BFFs naming their instant restaurant Mystic Temptress.

The pair decorated their dining room with kitschy angel statues and brightly coloured candles until it resembled the inside of a small town New Age gift shop.

'We're tryna go for the spiritual look here,' drawled Melissa as she arranged plastic butterflies and dream catchers on a purple tablecloth.

Good taste? The psychic theme was heavy throughout the episode, with the BFFs naming their instant restaurant Mystic Temptress

Feeling spiritual? The pair decorated their dining room with kitschy statues and brightly coloured candles until it resembled the inside of a small town New Age gift shop

For added spirituality, the twosome wrote their menus on the back of oversized tarot cards.

As a professional psychic, Anne has previously stated that she's 'never, ever wrong.'

'Anne has an incredible gift,' Jennifer said of her mystic friend. 'And when it comes to cooking, she can smell what ingredients are in there or missing.'
She's worked with some of the greatest TV writers in the business after stints on Mad Men, Community and BoJack Horseman.

On Sunday night, Alison Brie, 36, made an appearance at the 71st Annual Writers Guild Awards in Los Angeles.

She presented an award during the evening to her GLOW Executive Producer Jenji Kohan, 49.

All asparkle: On Sunday night, Alison Brie, 36, made an appearance at the 71st Annual Writers Guild Awards in Los Angeles

The 5ft3in Sleeping With Other People star arrived on the red carpet in a striking dress decorated with vertical stripes of white, silver, gold and black sequins.

The shimmering dress was completed with two long black straps draped over her shoulders.

Her shoulder-length dark hair was parted down the middle to frame a pair of long earring strands.

GLOWing star: The 5ft3in Sleeping With Other People star arrived on the red carpet in a striking dress decorated with vertical stripes of white, silver, gold and black sequins

Holding it together: The shimmering dress was completed with two long black straps draped over her shoulders

Alison was on hand to award the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement to her GLOW collaborator Jenji Kohan.

The award honors writers who have advanced the medium and made significant contributions to television writing.

Past winners have included The West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David.

Kohan is best known for creating Weeds for Showtime and Orange Is The New Black for Netflix. She also writes and serves as Executive Producer on the 1980s-set wrestling comedy GLOW.

The Writers Guild Awards take place in simultaneously in New York and Los Angeles, and each venue live-streams the other.

Honoring a legend: Alison was on hand to award the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement to her GLOW collaborator Jenji Kohan

Wondrous wordsmiths: The award honors writers who have advanced the medium and made significant contributions to television writing

TV legend: Kohan is best known for creating Weeds for Showtime and Orange Is The New Black for Netflix. She also writes and serves as Executive Producer on the 1980s-set wrestling comedy GLOW

The Community star can currently be seen in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in which she reprises her voice role as Princess Unikitty.

The talented voice actress also plays Diane Nguyen on Netflix's dark animated comedy BoJack Horseman. The show has been renewed for an upcoming sixth season.

Her other Netflix series, GLOW, has also been renewed for a forthcoming third season.

Alison married The Disaster Artist star Dave Franco in April 2017.

Now in theaters: The Community star can currently be seen in The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, in which she reprises her voice role as Princess Unikitty
Alpha emerged as the leader of the Whisperers intent on retrieving her daughter Lydia from Hilltop on Sunday's episode of The Walking Dead.

English actress Samantha Morton, 41, headed her group wearing zombie masks outside Hilltop after kidnapping two of the community's members.

'I am Alpha. And we only want one thing from you. My daughter,' she told Hilltop leader Tara Chambler and Daryl Dixon as they looked down from a security parapet.

Group leader: Alpha, played by English actress Samantha Morton, stepped forward as the leader of the Whisperers on Sunday's episode of The Walking Dead

The episode titled Omega featured Lydia while incarcerated at Hilltop revealing that her mother killed her father Frank during the beginning of the zombie Apocalypse and then became an abusive single mother.

The extended 67-minute show opened in Baltimore with survivors sheltering in a basement 23 days after the zombie outbreak.

Lydia told how her father Frank painted a hopeless picture while her mother comforted her with singing.

She was relaying her story while behind bars to young Henry who had been jailed for public drunkenness at Hilltop.

Apocalypse beginning: The episode titled Omega opened with a flashback to the zombie apocalypse breaking out in Baltimore, Maryland

Mother and daughter: Lydia played checkers with her mother in a basement shelter amid the zombie outbreak

Tense time: The family was shown sheltering 23 days after the outbreak amid an emergency evacuation order

Hilltop leader Tara meanwhile lead a search mission for Alden and Luke and they came across walkers feasting on mutilated horses.

Tara ordered everyone back to regroup, despite protests from Luke's friends.

Henry back at Hilltop offered Lydia part of his rations.

Under attack: A group of walkers attacked Tara Chambler and her group while they searched for Luke and Alden

Horses mutilated: The horses were half eaten and half skinned

Jail buddies: Henry remained jailed for drunkenness and listened as Lydia told her story

'You don't have to take care of me. Keep it. Hunger is a gift,' Lydia told him.

She resumed telling Henry about her parents arguing over the best course of action when she was a girl as chaos increased.

Lydia quizzed Henry about his own family relations and probed him about the Kingdom and how far away it was from Hilltop.

Daryl who had been eavesdropping then burst into the jail and yanked Henry out.

'What the hell is wrong with you? Telling her you got family at the Kingdom!,' Daryl scolded the boy.

Sentence over: Daryl burst in and yanked Henry out of the cell after he started telling Lydia about his family at the Kingdom

Henry expressed sorrow and then anger at Daryl for listening in on them.

'She's a good person who got messed up out there,' Henry said.

Daryl later approached Lydia and offer her medication for her apparent earache.

He told her about their two missing people and coming across horses 'half skinned and half eaten'.

Medicine offer: Daryl later met up with Lydia and offered her medication for an earache

Tough mom: Lydia's mother pulled a gun on Alden and Luke after Lydia was taken following the death of Hilltop leader Jesus

'You know anything about that? What would your mom do if she crossed our people? Kill them?,' Daryl asked her.

'She would if she had to,' Lydia told him.

Another flashback then showed Lydia's mom at the shelter killing a man who panicked as she watched.

Tough decisions: Frank and his wife argued about the best course of action with Lydia

In jail: Lydia revealed that her mother killed a man who panicked at the shelter

'Your mom did what she had to do,' Daryl assured her.

She later revealed during a flashback that she saw the man her mother killed in a makeshift morgue and he turned into a zombie attacking her.

Her father intervened but was bitten, leaving Lydia wracked with guilt.

Holding on: Frank protected Lydia and she remembered him being killed by a zombie

Lydia asked for water and when Daryl offered it to her they scuffled exposing scars on her forearm.

Yumiko and her friends including reluctant Magna decided to defy Tara and go on a secret night mission to rescue Luke.

Daryl then spoke to Lydia in her cell about child abuse.

Nice try: Lydia scuffled with Daryl while getting a drink of water from him

Arm scars: Daryl found scars from lashings on Lydia's arms

Rescue plan: Magna's group decided to go on a night rescue mission for Luke

Sign language: Yumiko urged the others to stick together and rescue Luke

'Some dads come up with any excuse just to beat the s*** out of their kids,' Daryl told her.

'Drunk, can't get drunk. Belts are good, but these a**holes ain't picky, whatever's around. Good switch from a birch tree,' Daryl said,.

He then questioned her story about her father singing to her as a girl and asked if he was dead who beat her leaving the marks on her arm.

Abuse talk: Daryl talked to Lydia about abusive parents

'Where is she? Where is her camp? Why are you protecting her?,' Daryl yelled while promising Lydia she could be safe at Hilltop.

'This place isn't real. My mom walks because that's what the dead do. What she does is for a reason,' Lydia said.

'Your mom beats you because she loves you. That's bulls***,' Daryl told her.

Magna's group during their search mission realized they were over their heads and decided to head back with Connie and Angel staying behind.

Staying out: Connie and Angel decided to stay out and look for Luke

Henry let Lydia out of her cell and they walked around Hilltop and ate worms together.

Lydia tried to steal a hammer and appeared ready to attack Henry when she was triggered by a baby crying with her mother.

A flashback showed her father actually being killed by her mother while trying to keep Lydia safe.

Worm time: Lydia while out of her jail cell with Henry ate a worm

Father killed: She remembered how her mother actually killed her father after disagreeing with him on how to proceed among the chaos

Her mother after killing her father was shown cutting her hair and giving young Lydia a zombie mask.

'Put it on. This is how we live,' she told her.

Lydia snapped out of it and asked Henry to put her back in the cell.

Eating up: Henry joined Lydia and also ate a worm

She then requested that Henry spend the night with her and they were woken the next morning by Daryl.

Lydia said that her mother wouldn't come for her.

'If someone dies or is taken or whatever they move on. Like they never existed,' Lydia said.

On guard: Guards noticed Magna's crew sneaking out and they were followed by Hilltop security for their own safety

She told Daryl and Henry that her story about her family was a lie that her mother told her over and over for years.

'But deeep down I knew what she was. I knew what she did,' Lydia said.

Tara let Connie and Angel back in escorted by Hilltop guards while talking to Yuniko about their excursion.

New villains: Whisperers also were spotted approaching Hilltop

'Next time you want to challenge my decisions, come talk to me about it. ...I don't want any more people to die and that includes you guys, too,' Tara told her.

She then saw the Whisperers approaching and called for Daryl.

A preview of next week's episode showed Daryl telling Alpha that she can't have her daughter.

'Wrong answer,' she said.
Darren Criss and Mia Swier beamed after exchanging vows in New Orleans Saturday.

The 31-year-old actor and his new bride were snapped as they departed the Ace Hotel in a classic red Rolls Royce.

The San Francisco native and Swier were flanked by a number of his one-time Glee co-stars at the ceremony, including Lea Michele, Chord Overstreet, Harry Shum Jr. and John Stamos.

Just married! Darren Criss, 31, and Mia Swier, 33, beamed after exchanging vows in New Orleans Saturday

Criss, who won a Emmy and a Golden Globe playing serial killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, was decked out in a white tuxedo with black dress shoes.

Swier, who's past worked for Fox as well as Showtime, stunned in a shoulder-less white wedding gown which had a corset top and flowing tulle for the train.

Swier, who has been romantically-linked to Criss for more than eight years, rounded out her wedding day ensemble with white boots.

The couple in January of 2018 revealed they were set to marry in a post Criss put on Instagram. He wrote: 'Mia and I have had seven and a half years of fun, wacky, wonderful, CRAZY adventures together.

It's a celebration: The actor and his new bride were snapped as they departed the Ace Hotel in a classic red Rolls Royce

Lots of love: Swier has been romantically-linked to Criss for more than eight years

Joyous: The award-winning actor looked ecstatic as he and his new bride departed

Happiness: Criss said that the couple has shared 'fun, wacky, wonderful, CRAZY adventures together'

'And I'm happy to announce that we're kicking those adventures up a notch. We're goin for it. To boldly go where neither of us have gone before. Engage.'

Speaking to Esquire last year, the talented entertainer said that the engagement 'was a long time coming.

'Wed waited a while before we announced it. I had a whole thing written, like, "Usually I dont like talking about my private life..."which I really dont - I was really allergic to it for a while,' he said. 'Eventually I got over myself and realized that its just the best way to let people know.'

Moving forward: The new married couple walked out of the hotel hand-in-hand

Focused: Mia had an ethereal quality with her bridal headpiece as she walked out of the hotel

Her big day: The newlywed emerged from the venue surrounded by friends and family

Just more than six weeks into the year, it's been a banner one for Criss, who paid homage to Swier and his mother, Cerina Bru, in accepting the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series last month for his work on the Versace miniseries.

'This has been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood, and I am so enormously proud to be a teeny, tiny part of that as the son of a firecracker Filipino woman from Cebu that dreamed of coming to this country and getting to be invited to cool parties like this,' the actor told the star-laden crowd. 'So, Mom, I know you're watching this. You are hugely responsible for most of the good things in my life. I love you dearly, I dedicate this to you.'

He thanked Mia for her 'undying patience and love' with him when he returned from work.

On the move: Darren and Mia made their way to the vintage automobile

White wedding: Criss approached the Rolls Royce he and his new wife departed in

Helping hand: The bride was given an assist with the train of her wedding dress as she approached the Rolls Royce

Helpful: Mia slowly ventured into the Rolls Royce with a little help from her friends

Stunning: The show business couple held their reception at the New Orleans Museum of Art

The new husband and wife, along with businessman Danny Massare, are owners of Tramp Stamp Granny's, a Los Angeles piano bar with a strong New York City influence.

Criss told The Hollywood Reporter last summer that the establishment reflects 'a deep nostalgia for musical theater'

He explained: 'You see people light up when they walk into 100-plus people screaming the words to Mamma Mia. Giving people a place - a radical alternative to Hollywood clubs - to celebrate that and escape is a real joy to me.'

Swier noted the bar's selection, telling the publication that 'the end result is musicology meets mixology, so you're getting the fun, rowdy vibe with interesting cocktails you won't get anywhere else.'

On the way out: The new wedded couple looked at one another as they departed

Great light: A photographer snapped a shot of the lovebirds as they leaned on one another

Minor trek: Wedding guests made their way to the reception nearby
It seems like Married At First Sight's Nic Jovanovic isn't too worried about his 'nude photo leak'.

During a group chat with his fellow cast members, the 28-year-old electrician laughed off the naked photos of him supposedly circulating online.

In screenshots obtained by New Idea magazine, Nic apparently told his co-stars: 'Oh god looks like there is a nude photo of me going around.'

'It could have come from anyone!' Married At First Sight's Nic Jovanovic (pictured) laughed off his 'nude photo leak' in secret messages to cast members

Susie Bradley, who is one of the MAFS intruders, then replied: 'Oh gosh really? Where would it have come from?'

Jessika Power, meanwhile, responded with four rows of crying-with-laughter emojis.

Nic appeared nonchalant about the explicit photo leak, replying: 'Oh gosh. Anyone. Hahaha. Bad times.'

Humble brag? In screenshots obtained by New Idea magazine, Nic apparently told his co-stars: 'Oh god looks like there is a nude photo of me going around'. Pictured with 'wife' Cyrell Paule

Daily Mail Australia understands there are several private group chats where MAFS stars exchange gossip.

A source said: 'Half the participants hate each other, hence where there's a few different groups going around.'

It comes after Nic's on-screen wife Cyrell Paule claimed that strangers had been sending her explicit footage of her husband.

'I'm getting DM'd right now a sex video of his': It comes after Nic's on-screen wife Cyrell Paule (right) claimed that strangers had been sending her explicit footage of her husband

Cyrell, 29, told the MAFS Confessional podcast on Wednesday: 'I'm getting DM'd [direct messaged] right now a sex video of his'.

She alleged that the video was not 'from the show' and originally 'came from someone in Perth'.

When asked if the man in the footage was 'definitely Nic', Cyrell asked her interviewer: 'Do you wanna watch it with me right now?'

Channel Nine has declined to comment on the explicit images of Nic supposedly in circulation, saying it is a 'private matter'.

Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
They are full-time parents of two.

But Ashlee Simpson and husband Evan Ross were able to enjoy a night to themselves on Sunday, when they attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards.

Ashlee dazzled in a black,sequin dress complete with '80s-inspired shoulder pads.

Looking beautiful: On Sunday, Ashlee Simpson, 34, dazzled in a black,sequin dress complete with '80s-inspired shoulder pads

Ashlee accessorized with a pair of large chandelier earrings and rings.

The beautiful blonde wore her hair pulled back in a tight, low bun. For make-up, the Waco, Texas native went ultra-glam with a silver and black smokey eye and a pale pink lip.

Evan Ross, 30, wore a black T-shirt and a tailored brown suit.

Date night out: The mother-of-two attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards with husband Evan Ross, 30

Evan and Ashley are parents to daughter Jagger Snow, three.

Ashlee also has son Bronx, 10, whom she shares with ex-husband Pete Wentz.

The former couple were married from 2008 until 2011, while Ashley and Evan married in 2014.

Glamorous: Ashlee wore her hair pulled back in a tight, low bun. For make-up, the Waco, Texas native went ultra-glam with a silver and black smokey eye and a pale pink lip

Ashlee and Evan currently star on their own reality show, Ashlee + Evan.

The couple are also a professional music duo, and released their first single, I Do, last September.

Evan, who previously appeared in the Hunger Games films, will star in two films this year; Skate God and She Ball.
21 Savage's trying month continues.

New details have surfaced days after he turned himself into authorities in connection with felony theft by deception, less than two weeks after he was arrested February 3 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

The felony theft by deception allegations stem from a September 2016 show in which the 26-year-old rapper was slated to play at Hinesville, Georgia's Bo'Maz Club.

The latest: 21 Savage, 26, demanded to bring a gun into a club and wanted club employees to cut off his opening act's set, according to a club owner who has brought charges against him over a 2016 appearance she says he walked out on after he was paid $17,000 to perform

Club owner Karen Smith said she paid the Bank Account artist $17,000 for a show, but he and his entourage left prior to the performance after he was upset about the local rapper who was his opening act, as well as the club's request he not carry a firearm on his person, TMZ reported.

Smith said she relented and permitted 21 Savage, whose real name is Sheyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, to bring along his gun.

The London-born performer told club employees to cut off his opening act, but they refused, spurring he and his entourage to walk out.

In October 2016, Smith initially put in paperwork with authorities for a felony warrant against the rapper, which was granted, but dormant for years.

Tough time: The artist turned himself into authorities in connection with felony theft by deception Friday, less than two weeks after he was arrested February 3 by ICE officials. The rapper was pictured in Brooklyn in November

Progress: The rapper faces potential deportation in the wake of his February 3 arrest by ICE

Smith contacted Sheriff's officials following his February 3 arrest, in which he was taken into custody in Atlanta by ICE officials, coinciding with the Super Bowl being played in the city that day.

'During the time Mr. Joseph was arrested by ICE, the citizen wanted to make sure the warrant was still active and Mr. Joseph was picked up,' Liberty County Lt. Chris Reed told the Coastal Courier. 'During that time he learned he had the warrant here in Liberty County, his attorneys contacted the sheriffs office and made arrangements for him to surrender himself after he was released from ICE.'

Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes told the paper that 21 Savage 'is trying to clean up his past as much as he can and rapper Jay-Z has been trying to help him.

'The warrant is from some years ago and he went through the process and addressed the issue.'

The rapper - who was released shortly after he was booked at the Liberty County jail in Hinesville, Georgia on Friday - faces potential deportation in the wake of the arrest. An attorney for the artist, Abbi Taylor, told TMZ that 21 Savage has not committed any crimes.
Radio presenter Lawrence Mooney snapped at Cassandra Thorburn on Monday after she stonewalled his questions about her ex-husband Karl Stefanovic.

Cassandra was being interviewed on Triple M's Moonman in the Morning to promote her upcoming appearance on Channel 10's Dancing with the Stars.

But after months of badmouthing her ex and his new wife Jasmine Yarbrough, the children's author snapped shut when the conversation turned to her personal life.

'I can see why Karl walked!' Triple M's Lawrence Mooney (left) unleashed on Cassandra Thorburn (right) on Monday after she refused to discuss her ex-husband Karl Stefanovic

Lawrence was furious, and went on an astonishing rant as he pointed out that Cassandra, 47, is only famous because of her failed marriage to Karl, 44.

'I was expecting after a summer of her unloading on Karl Stefanovic and his now-wife Jasmine Yarbrough, that she might be wanting to get stuck into Karl, but she wanted to play it safe,' he said after the boring interview.

'But I gotta say, Cass, we're going to watch you [on Dancing with the Stars] because you were Mrs Stefanovic and you're a woman scorned.'

Promo tour: Cassandra was being interviewed on Moonman in the Morning to promote her appearance on Channel 10's Dancing with the Stars. Pictured with dancer Marco De Angelis

Unleashing: Lawrence went on the astonishing rant during an interview with Cassandra on Triple M's breakfast show Moonman in the Morning (Picturedfrom left: Moonman in the Morning line-up Jess Eva, Gus Worland, Lawrence Mooney and Chris 'Pagey' Page)

He added: 'And she was all about, 'No, I'm a woman in my own right, and I was a journalist', but it's like, no one gives two hoots!'

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Lawrence then announced he was back supporting Karl, after previously being 'Team Cass' during the couple's bitter split.

'I have swung back. You know what, Cass, I can see why he walked! You are a nightmare,' the comedian added.

During the interview, Lawrence had also tried to ask Cassandra about rumours Karl secretly underwent a hair transplant several years ago.

But she wouldn't budge and asked a network publicist to intervene.

He recalled: 'She wouldn't touch that. She immediately looked out the glass at the Channel 10 publicist and that question got shut down.'

'We're only watching you because you're a woman scorned': Lawrence was furious that Cassandra wouldn't answer questions about her ex-husband. Pictured: Cassandra and Karl on June 16, 2012 in Sydney

Is that why she's staying tight lipped? Daily Mail Australia understands that Cassandra and Karl reached an agreement in their divorce settlement not to criticise each other publicly. Pictured on September 5, 2018 in Sydney

Daily Mail Australia understands that Cassandra and Karl reached an agreement in their divorce settlement not to criticise each other publicly.

This is perhaps why the former journalist and mother-of-three is going to great lengths to avoid discussing her marriage in interviews.

Karl and Cassandra separated in mid 2016 and the Channel Nine star began dating shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough later that year.

Moving on: Karl and Cassandra separated in mid 2016 and the Channel Nine star began dating shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough later that year. They married on December 8, 2018 in Los Cabos, Mexico

They married on December 8, 2018 in Los Cabos, Mexico.

While on honeymoon with his new wife in Aspen on December 19, Channel Nine made the decision to sack Karl as host of the Today show.

Dancing with the Stars premieres Monday at 7:30pm on Channel 10
They both battled it out for the role of Tom Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby remake back in 2011.

But Joel Edgerton, 44, proved he doesn't let business in the way of friendship when he put on a chummy display with UK film star Luke Evans, 39.

The two men posed together at the Victoria Beckham x YouTube Fashion and Beauty afterparty on Sunday during London Fashion Week.

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Best of friends! Joel Edgerton, 44, looked chummy with fellow movie star Luke Evans, 39, as they attended Victoria Beckham x YouTube Fashion and Beauty afterparty in London on Sunday

The two men appeared to be good friends, with the Clash of the Titans star Luke putting an arm around Joel's shoulders for photos.

The event was hosted by American journalist Derek Blasberg and Victoria's husband David at Mark's Club, in the trendy London suburb of Mayfair.

At times, the pair were joined by London-based drag queen Jodie Harsh, who donned an elaborate blonde wig for the fashion event.

Handsome duo: Joel and Luke happily posed together, with Joel donning a stylish navy peacoat for the fashion event in London's Mayfair

Luke's handsome Colombian-born boyfriend Victor Turpin also posed with the pair, with the trio all smiles.

Joel, who recently debuted a romance with Vogue editor Christine Centenera, looked stylish in a bespoke navy blue peacoat.

The Australian-born director paired the low-key outfit with a double breasted denim shirt, white t-shirt and blue pants.

What a drag: Joel and Luke were joined by London drag queen Jodie Harsh at the event, which was a collaboration between Victoria Beckham and YouTube

Joel ensured his look was given a high-end edge as he accessorised the outfit with an anchor drop-down necklace and a beige flat cap.

Meanwhile, accomplished West End performer Luke kept it elegant wearing a black blazer and buttoned-down black vest over a simple white V-neck t-shirt.

Luke complemented his outfit with a pair of faded blue jeans along with a chunky tan belt, which added a more casual touch to his outfit.

All style: Later, Joel posed with Luke and his handsome boyfriend Victor Turpin (far right), who will star alongside Luke and Jennifer Aniston in the film Murder Mystery later this year

The high-fashion event was a change of pace for Luke after he read CBeebies Bedtime Story on Valentine's Day.

Luke described reading aloud Jory John's I Love You Already for the children's bedtime segment as a 'pleasure' and a 'fun experience'.

'Im so pleased to bring these books to life for families all across the UK, and of course all my familys and friends kids, and my own awesome godchildren.'

Star power: Joel (L) was all smiles with Luke (M) and his Colombian actor beau Victor (R), with the trio happily chatting and posing for snaps together

Meanwhile, Joel has been spotted at a number of fashion events with his new girlfriend Christine, who opened her own Wardrobe.NYC concept store last week.

Joel and Christine debuted their romance at the GQ Australia's Man of the Year Awards in Sydney on November 14, and have been spotted together regularly since.

The pair first sparked romance rumours in Sydney in mid-October, when they were pictured in an intimate embrace.
They welcomed their daughter Monroe 10 months ago.

And on Sunday, Mike 'The Miz' Mizanian, 38, and wife Maryse, 36, announced that they're expecting their second child.

The couple took the stage at the WWE to reveal their big news.

'We're having another baby!': On Sunday, Mike 'The Miz' Mizanian, 38, and wife Maryse, 36, announced that they're expecting their second child

'We always said when we had a huge announcement, that we would announce it right here in the WWE, in front of all of you,' began the Christmas Bounty star.

'And tonight, we got a really big announcement. So without further or do, Grace...' he said, as he handed the mic over to his wife.

'We're having another baby!' she exclaimed.

The do shared a sweet kiss, before the mother-of-two sweetly patter her stomach.

Over the moon: The couple shared a sweet kiss, before Maryse sweetly patted her stomach

Big sister: The couple, who reside in Austin, Texas, welcomed daughter Monroe, 10 months, last March

Mike and Maryse, who is also a wrestler like her hubby, married in the Bahamas on February 20, 2014.

The couple, who reside in Austin, Texas, welcomed daughter Monroe last March. Mike and Marsye currently star on their own USA reality show, Miz and Mrs.

Parenthood has been one of appreciation for the WWE star.

In September 2017, the couple announced on WWE Raw they were expecting their first child.

'To my unborn child I will give you both my all to be the best father I can be': Whey they announced their first pregnancy, Mike was very emotional

The new dad took to Instagram to share an emotional post, which revealed his excitement over his new role.

'There are moments in life that I will never forget. My wife placing a pregnancy test in front of me saying "congrats daddy" will always be on top,' he began.

'So many emotions are running through me...happiness, excited, afraid, nervous. But one thing is for sure as with everything in my life I always give it my all and I my promise to my wife @marysemizanin and to my unborn child I will give you both my all to be the best father I can be.'

I have no idea what I'm doing but I will listen, learn and love the best way I know how. Thank you to @wwe for allowing us to break the news on #Raw we wanted to announce to the world where we first met.
She broke down in tears during Sunday night's commitment ceremony, admitting she hadn't had sex in almost 10 years and felt 'rejected' by her husband.

And Married At First Sight's Melissa Lucarelli appeared to be feeling the strain on Monday, when she was spotted shopping for groceries alone in Sydney.

The 38-year-old talent agent looked downcast and cut a solitary figure while strolling through her local supermarket.

Back to reality: MAFS' Melissa Lucarelli cut a solitary figure while grocery shopping in Sydney on Monday, after revealing she felt 'rejected every day' during her marriage to Dino Hira

Melissa showed off her slender figure in skintight jeans, a purple top and beige high heels while picking up essentials at Coles.

She styled her long, brunette hair loosely in a middle parting and appeared to be wearing minimal makeup.

The sighting comes after Melissa broke down during the second commitment ceremony on Sunday's episode of MAFS.

Running errands: Melissa showed off her slender figure in skintight jeans, a purple top and beige high heels while picking up essentials at Coles

She left her fellow contestants stunned after revealing she had not slept with a man in more than nine years.

'The last time I had sex was New Year's Eve, 2009,' she said while fighting back tears.

Melissa went on to say that she was 'living a rejection every day' while married to meditation expert Dino, 35.

Moving on: The sighting comes after Melissa broke down during the second commitment ceremony on Sunday's episode of Married At First Sight

'The last time I had sex was New Year's Eve... 2009': Melissa left her fellow contestants stunned by revealing she had not slept with a man in more than nine years

'I'm married to somebody that does not want me': Melissa went on to say that she was 'living a rejection every day' while married to meditation expert Dino Hira (left)

She said: 'I'm married to somebody that does not want [me], mentally, physically, anything, and so, every day I'm living... it's like you're living a rejection every day.'

While Dino insisted he wanted to 'get physical' with his wife, Melissa tearfully replied: 'I just want someone to love me. I don't think that I will be loved by a guy like that.'

Despite the problems in their relationship, the couple chose to stay together and Dino gave his wife a bracelet as a special gift.

Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
An episode of her Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was nominated at the Writers Guild Awards that took place simultaneously in Los Angeles and New York on Sunday.

And Ellie Kemper out on a stylish show as she arrived at the East Coast event in a black short-sleeved Kate Spade New York dress with sparkly embellishments.

The actress, 38, paired the ankle-length dress with a pair of black pumps.

Lovely look: Ellie Kemper put on a stylish show as she arrived at the Writers Guild Awards East Coast event in New York Sunday. A West Coast event took place simultaneously in Los Angeles

Kemper played the lead in the show created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock that's come to an end after four seasons on the streaming service.

She acknowledged during a Q&A at The Savannah College of Art and Design aTVfest in Atlanta, Georgia, this month that wrapping up production on the comedy was bitter-sweet.

'We were told that the show was ending in the middle of the last season, so Im not sure it was planned, but the writers did such a phenomenal job of wrapping up the stories in the amount of time they had. It really is a polished conclusion to everyones journey,' Kemper said.

'I was surprised that the show was ending and thought that it would go on for a bit longer, but I also think its a good time to finish,' she added.

'In the streaming age, I think we had 52 episodes? Thats like a thousand in network time, so it felt like we had a good chunk of time to see these characters and live in their world.'

Coordinated ensemble: The actress, 38, wore a black short-sleeved dress with sparkly embellishments and paired the ankle-length dress with a pair of black pumps

Big role: Former The Office star Kemper played the lead in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, that's come to an end after four seasons on Netflix

Bitter-sweet: 'I was surprised that the show was ending and thought that it would go on for a bit longer, but I also think its a good time to finish,' she said at SCAD aTVfest recently

However, the end of the series may not be the end of Kimmy.

At the end of January, Fey revealed that a movie version of the show'is definitely a possibility.'

She and co-creator Robert Carlock have been instructed to be 'coy' about the possible film, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and so are giving little away at this stage.

However, Fey confirmed that if a movie did happen, 'it would be a freestanding thing.'

And Carlock told The Hollywood Reporter: 'We believe there are more stories to tell, and hopefully there will be an announcement about that soon.'

The critically-acclaimed series premiered on Netflix in 2015 and starred Ellie Kemper in the title role as a woman rescued from a doomsday cult who starts over in New York City.

More to come: Tina Fey confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter at the end of January that an Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt movie 'is definitely a possibility'

Streaming hit: The series premiered on Netflix in 2015 and starred Kemper in the title role as a woman rescued from a doomsday cult who starts over in New York City

Standalone film: Co-creator Robert Carlock told THR.com: 'We believe there are more stories to tell, and hopefully there will be an announcement about that soon.' He and Fey are pictured January 24 at Paley Center

The cast also included principals Carol Kane, Tituss Burgess and Jane Krakowski and a host of famous faces in recurring roles including Jon Hamm, Lisa Kudrow, Kenan Thompson and Busy Phillips.

The show also drew stars for guest roles such as Martin Short, Joshua Jackson, Jeff Goldblum, Ice-T, Laura Dern and Zachary Quinto.

The final episodes of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt dropped on Netflix on January 25.
She never fails to turn heads on an outing.

And Kimberley Garner ensured all eyes would be on her as she attended AADEVIK'S Autumn/Winter fashion show in New York on Sunday.

The 28-year-old model was a vision on the outing as she showcased her sensational figure in a glittering gold dress.

Glamorous: Kimberley Garner ensured all eyes would be on her as she attended AADEVIK'S Autumn/Winter fashion show in New York on Sunday

The eye-catching gown was one shouldered and featured a bold tiger print design that ensured all eyes would be on her.

Grazing her thighs, the tiny garment showed off her lean legs, which were boosted by a pair of barely-there bejewelled heels.

Kimberley finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in a centre parting to frame her flawless features, whilst she toted an oversized black clutch bag.

Turning heads: The 28-year-old model was a vision on the outing as she showcased her sensational figure in a glittering gold dress

Although the reality personality is a swimwear designer - but she is now following in her familys footsteps and venturing into high-end property development.

After extensive renovations, the former reality star is said to have increased the value of a house which she bought in 2013 for 1.2 million, by over 1 million.

The starlet's choice to go into property seems to be a a result of her London pad doubling in value over a five-year period.

Dressed to impress: The eye-catching gown was one shouldered and featured a bold tiger print design that ensured all eyes would be on her

Leggy lady! Grazing her thighs, the tiny garment showed off her lean legs, which were boosted by a pair of barely-there bejewelled heels

Blonde bombshell: Kimberley finished off the look by styling her glossy golden locks in a centre parting to frame her flawless features, whilst she toted an oversized black clutch bag

Kimberley recently split from her ex-boyfriend, who she kept very much out of the spotlight - something she doesn't plan to do with her next relationship.

Speaking to MailOnline, she said: 'When I take it to the next step and when I decide to be with someone forever I will be more than happy to have them in the public eye.

'It would be really cool to have my husband and babies in the public eye. It was nice to have a bit of privacy with my ex, but in the future I wouldn't mind.'

Speaking of her split with her mystery man ex, Kimberley said: 'We broke up for a year and got back together for a few months and broke up again. He's still lovely and we're really good friends.'

Kimberley shot to fame on the third series of Made In Chelsea back in 2012, where she was romantically linked to Richard Dinan and Spencer Matthews.'
She's supposed to be receiving gifts for her birthday, but Ellen DeGeneres flipped the script by presenting her audience with a massive gift.

The 61-year-old comedian recently gave away a whopping $1 million to her shocked audience.

The special episode featured an audience of do-gooders who had all done acts of selfless charity.

Giving back: Ellen DeGeneres, 61, recently gave away a whopping $1 million to her shocked audience of do-gooders

The daytime host was unusually serious as she opened the segment with a plug for her partner Cheerios, which had helped fund the giveaway.

'I want to take a moment, first of all, to say everybody in the audience is here for a special reason,' she began.

'All season long, I partnered with Cheerios to encourage people to do one million acts of good, and if you're here in my audience, you helped us reach that goal.

'I want to celebrate this amazing accomplishment and the incredible people in my audience today,' she continued. 'You have something in common: this audience is filled with people who are making a difference in the world by sharing good.'

Good Samaritans: 'I want to take a moment, first of all, to say everybody in the audience is here for a special reason. All season long, I partnered with Cheerios to encourage people to do one million acts of good, and if you're here in my audience, you helped us reach that goal'

Helping survivors: Ellen singled out a handful of audience members who had done memorable deeds to help those need. 'Kenya and John Hughes, during Hurricane Harvey, John used their own money and drove 800 miles to deliver supplies'

Teaching kindness: 'And then there is Lori Gaines, who is in the audience,' she continued. 'She is a teacher, and she donated a kidney to the mother of a student just three weeks ago'

Animal farm: 'And lastly, there's Dan McKernan. Dan quit his job to start a sanctuary for farm animals. He has raised $150,000 for the farm animals,' Ellen concluded

Ellen singled out a handful of audience members who had done memorable deeds to help those need.

'Kenya and John Hughes, during Hurricane Harvey, John used their own money and drove 800 miles to deliver supplies.

'And then there is Lori Gaines, who is in the audience,' she continued. 'She is a teacher, and she donated a kidney to the mother of a student just three weeks ago.

'And lastly, there's Dan McKernan. Dan quit his job to start a sanctuary for farm animals. He has raised $150,000 for the farm animals,' she concluded.

Killer suspense: 'And we have reached one million acts of good because of you. So I want to do something that we have never done before. This is big'

Breakfast prize? The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient moved from her seat to the side stage, where the giant doors opened to reveal a monumental Cheerios box with Ellen's face on the bottom corner

Seems disappointing: 'That's me on the front of this cheerios box right there. If you have a box of cheerios under your seat, I'm going to give you a special surprise gift'

'Thanks to every single person in this audience. It is filled with goodness,' she said.

'And we have reached one million acts of good because of you. So I want to do something that we have never done before. This is big.'

The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient moved from her seat to the side stage, where the giant doors opened to reveal a monumental Cheerios box with Ellen's face on the bottom corner.

'That's me on the front of this cheerios box right there. If you have a box of cheerios under your seat, I'm going to give you a special surprise gift.'

No surprise: Of course, everyone in the audience received a cereal box and proceeded to cheer and shake their breakfast food loot

Everyone's included: 'What a coincidence that all of you would get a box of Cheerios,' she joked

Of course, everyone in the audience received a cereal box and proceeded to cheer and shake their breakfast food loot.

'What a coincidence that all of you would get a box of Cheerios,' she joked.

'You're all going to share this gift,' she explained to the rapt audience. 'It's the biggest gift I've ever given anybody ever, and I hope you continue to pay it forward and share all the good.'

The cereal was just a ruse, and the giant box opened to reveal $1 million.

'Hold on to your Cheerios, because all of you are splitting one million dollars!'

Ellen's audience erupted into a mass of cheering, crying, hugging fans.

She didn't specify just how many people were in her audience that day, or if any good Samaritans who couldn't make it would share in the prize, but each person is likely to go home with a few hundred dollars out of the $1 million prize.

Huge reveal: The cereal was just a ruse, and the giant box opened to reveal $1 million

Whoa: 'Hold on to your Cheerios, because all of you are splitting one million dollars!'

Understandable: Ellen's audience erupted into a mass of cheering, crying, hugging fans
After spending weeks in the South African jungle filming I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!, Dr Chris Brown has returned home.

And it seems that distance may have made the heart grow fonder, with reports that the Bondi Vet's on-and-off-again relationship with The Loop's Liv Phyland could be 'back on track'.

A source told New Idea on Monday: 'As soon as Chris landed in Sydney he went straight over to Liv to sort everything out.'

'As soon as Chris landed in Sydney he went straight to her': According to New Idea Dr Chris Brown and Liv Phyland 'are back together after a temporary split'

It was rumoured the pair ended their whirlwind romance last month, with Chris's travel and work schedule said to be difficult for potential partners.

'Distance really put a strain on their relationship,' the alleged source told New Idea.

But friends of the pair allegedly told the magazine that Liv and Chris are still very much head-over-heels for one another.

Meanwhile on Monday, Liv sparked more rumours when she took to Instagram to capture a romantic picnic she was enjoying, complete with wine, dips and even a seafood degustation.

Picnic for two? Meanwhile on Monday, Liv sparked more rumours when she took to Instagram to capture a romantic picnic she was enjoying, complete with wine, dips and even a seafood degustation

'They've been best mates for three years and all this time away only cemented their feelings for one another': Friends of the pair allegedly told the magazine that Liv and Chris are still very much head-over-heels for one another

It's unclear where the picnic took place, but the amount of food and wine on display indicated the blonde beauty may have been in the company of another.

Liv indicated she had come straight from the beach, panning the camera to a surfboard and beach bag seen in the back seat.

It was first reported that Chris was dating Liv in November - after splitting from long-term girlfriend and TV producer Kendall Bora in September.

Despite being photographed on romantic dates together, neither Chris or Liv have ever publicly confirmed their romance.
Married At First Sight is known for its extremely strict contract, which limits what contestants can do before, during and after the show is broadcast.

And one of the program's most notorious behind-the-scenes myths was addressed on The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday.

Josie, who is a friend of former bride Lauren Huntriss, spoke to the radio show about MAFS' rumoured social media policy.

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Controlling: A Married At First Sight insider has hinted that Channel Nine staffers 'monitor' the contestants' Instagram accounts and may even read their private messages. Pictured: Lauren Huntriss

Host Jackie 'O' Henderson asked Josie: 'I heard that Channel Nine has access to their Instagram passwords and they monitor their direct messages and everything?'

Josie replied, 'Yeah, I'm sure they do', before appearing to confirm the practice by saying: 'Yeah, yep'.

Jackie and her co-host Kyle Sandilands then accused the network of acting like overprotective parents by controlling the MAFS stars' social media activity.

Laying down the law: In September, Daily Mail Australia revealed that MAFS producers enforced strict rules after last year's contestants tried to cash in on their 15 minutes of fame

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.

In September, Daily Mail Australia revealed that MAFS producers enforced strict rules after last year's contestants tried to cash in on their 15 minutes of fame.

After season five was plagued with backstage bust-ups and couple swaps, this year's stars were also apparently chaperoned at all times during filming.

Locked in: After season five was plagued with backstage bust-ups and couple swaps, this year's stars were also apparently chaperoned at all times during filming

An insider said at the time: 'Bosses want to ensure contestants have no interaction with each other unless the cameras are rolling and producers are present.

'They'll be chaperones around at all times to ensure no one is secretly mixing behind their backs after everything that happened last year.'

Married At First Sight continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
Victoria Beckham proved anyone who thinks she's trying to shake off her Spice Girls past wrong by performing alongside a Spice Girls tribute drag act at her post-London Fashion Week party on Sunday night.

The fashion designer, 44, went back to her Posh Spice roots as she danced up a storm, drink in hand, alongside tribute drag act, The Spice Gurrls, yelling: 'Oh my god' as the the music blared.

The likes of Alexa Chung, Luke Evans, Jodie Harsh, Olivia Palermo, Laura Bailey and of course Victoria's husband David were in attendance, as well as her eldest son Brooklyn, 19, and his 21-year-old girlfriend Hana Cross.

Big fan! Victoria Beckham danced up a storm with a Spice Girls tribute drag as she celebrated her A/W 2019 collection and YouTube channel at wild LFW bash held at Mark's club on Sunday night

Back to her roots: The fashion designer - aka Posh Spice - hired group The Spice Gurrls to sing the night away at the star-studded event and she went when they started to perform

Uncanny: The 'Posh Spice' of the group seemed to give VB a run for her money

The couple's three other children - Romeo, 16, Cruz, 13, and Harper, seven - had been packed off to bed, having previously been on the front row of their mother's show, alongside the likes of Vogue's Anna Wintour, earlier on Sunday afternoon.

Victoria's party was not only to celebrate her Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, it marked the launch of her YouTube Fashion & Beauty channel. Blasberg had booked the tribute act as a surprise for Victoria and she took it in the spirit it was intended.

The after party was hosted by Derek Blasberg for the Beckhams at Mark's Club in the capital - with the Spice Gurrls commanding the stage and performing the hits of the iconic girl group, which made Victoria famous in the mid-1990s as she showed she had not forgotten any of the moves.

Giving you everything! The queens belted out the likes of Wannabe and Who Do You Think You Are

Who do you think they are? The Spice Gurrls proved worthy guests at Posh Spice's shin-dig

Nearest and dearest: Victoria's son Brooklyn, his girlfriend Hana Cross, and her husband David, were all out to support the fashion star for her big night

Cosy: The couple's three other children - Romeo, 16, Cruz, 13, and Harper, seven - had been packed off to bed, having previously been on the front row of their mother's show, alongside the likes of Vogue's Anna Wintour, earlier on Sunday afternoon

Star-studded: The likes of [L-R] Alexa Chung, Jodie Harsh and Olivia Palermo were in attendance to mark the occasion

Giving is good, as long as you're getting! The crowd went wild for Gurrls

The Not Such An Innocent Girl songstress was seen delighting in the show being put on by the queens, looking particularly enamoured with the tattooed 'Posh Spice' who belted out the likes of Wannabe and Who Do You Think You Are.

Victoria put on a chic display for the event - having been snapped in an array of ensembles from her eponymous collection over the course of the day.

She completed what was a manic-yet-successful Sunday in a sharp tailored black pant suit, over a silk white blouse.

Multi-celebration: Victoria's party was not only to celebrate her Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, it marked the launch of her YouTube Fashion & Beauty channel

Slam it to the left! The Spice Gurrls donned typical ensembles for their performance, emulating Victoria and her fellow band-mates, Mel B, Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Mel C

Shake it to the right! While the singer impersonating Victoria showcased a little black dress and a brunette bobbed wig, as was the star's signature look back in the day, the 'Ginger Spice' performer showcased Geri's famous Brits look, with a Union Jack dress and a red and gold streaked wig

New channel: The after party was at Mark's Club in the capital with Fat Tony seen on the decks

Support: [L-R] Luke Evans and Laura Bailey were out for the event on Sunday night, as were Carolina Acosta and Pete Tong

Mama! Victoria posed with her son and Hana - who is an aspiring model

Proud: VB stood with her son and husband, there to support her latest fashion endeavor

As is her current trend, VB allowed the large cuffs of the blouse to fall loosely around her hands, out of the sleeves of the blazer.

She wore her brunette tresses back and a natural palette of make-up on her complexion.

The Spice Gurrls donned typical ensembles for their performance, emulating Victoria and her fellow band-mates, Mel B, Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Mel C.

While the singer impersonating Victoria showcased a little black dress and a brunette bobbed wig, as was the star's signature look back in the day, the 'Ginger Spice' performer showcased Geri's famous Brits look, with a Union Jack dress and a red and gold streaked wig.

Always chic: Victoria completed what was a manic-yet-successful Sunday in a sharp tailored black pant suit, over a silk white blouse

Incoming: Brooklyn was seen helping Hana out of the car as they arrived at the event

Sisterly love: [L-R] Victoria's sister Louise Adams showed her support, as did the likes of gal-pals Alexa and Anne-Marie

In attendance: [L-R] Molly Moorish, Alexa, Anne-Marie and Natalia Vodianova showed their support

Outside-In: Tana and Holly Anna Ramsay headed into the venue together, all-smiles

Family outing: The Beckham clan - plus Hana - were ready for a night on the tiles

Strutting in: The Beckhams and the Ramsays looked typically chic for the occasion

Spice up your life! 'Sporty Spice's' counterpart wore a red crop-top and black leggings, sporting a high ponytail, while 'Baby Spice' donned typical pink, with a blonde pigtail wig

Stop right now! Finally, Mel B's 'Scary Spice' was seen in a leopard print two-piece

I wanna make you holler! Other than Victoria, no actual Spice Girls were at the event, with the foursome set to reform this summer for their Spice World 2019 tour of the UK

Friends: Luke and Adrienne Warren shared a laugh together art the event

Joining in: Adrienne was sure to enlist the vocal stylings of the Beauty And The Beast actor

Raucous: The singer belted out some tunes and entertained the guests at the after-party

'Sporty Spice's' counterpart wore a red crop-top and black leggings, sporting a high ponytail, while 'Baby Spice' donned typical pink, with a blonde pigtail wig.

Finally, Mel B's 'Scary Spice' was seen in a leopard print two-piece.

Other than Victoria, no actual Spice Girls were at the event, with the foursome set to reform this summer for their Spice World 2019 tour of the UK.

Fashion fans: [L-R] George Lamb, Henry Holland and Dylan Weller

VB's pals: Chris Rock and Mary Charteris stepped out for the party

Strike a pose: [L-R] Patrick Starr and Victoria posed for snaps, while Natalia and Alexa wanted a shot with the woman of the moment

The band announced at the end of 2018 that they were planning a comeback and that, despite her being asked, Victoria would not be partaking, thanks to her commitments with her fashion label.

Yet the mother-of-four was sure to offer a nod to her girls, with the drag act on Sunday.

Other guests of Victoria's included Mary Charteris, Henry Holland, Patrick Starr and Chris Rock.

Brooklyn was seen heading home at 1:30AM in the back of a car, nursing what appeared to be a sore head.

A good night was had by all: Brooklyn (left) appeared a little worse for wear as he headed back out in the street alongside girlfriend Hana (right)

Oh dear: Brooklyn was seen heading home at 1:30AM in the back of a car, nursing what appeared to be a sore head
Hollywood couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt got a little matchy-matchy while hitting the red carpet at the 2019 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday.

Krasinski is nominated for Best Original Screenplay for A Quiet Place at the awards ceremony, hosted by Chelsea Perretti, with concurrent ceremonies taking place simultaneously in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton and in New York at the Edison Ballroom.

Blunt is coming off her SAG Award win for A Quiet Place, which her husband Krasinski starred in, co-wrote and directed.

Power couple: Emily Blunt and John Krasinski wear slightly-matching tuxedos at the 2019 Writers Guild Awards red carpet.

Krasinski, 39, was wearing a classic black tuxedo with a bowtie and a gold watch seen peeking out of his dinner jacket.

Not to be outdone, Blunt, 35, wore a frillier, more outrageous version of a classic tux, with a lacier black jacket and an over-sized black bowtie.

She also wore a pair of black heels and a sizable ring on her index finger, while her hair was tied up in a bun.

Stylish couple: Krasinski, 39, was wearing a classic black tuxedo with a bowtie and a gold watch seen peeking out of his dinner jacket

Krasinski is vying for Best Original Screenplay for A Quiet Place, which he co-wrote with Bryan Woods and Scott Beck.

Also vying for Best Original Screenplay are Bo Burnham (Eighth Grade), Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie and Peter Farrelly (Green Book), Alfonso Cuaron (Roma) and Adam McKay (Vice).

Krasinski has also racked up nominations for writing A Quiet Place from the Broadcast Film Critics Association, Fright Meter Awards and Satellite Awards.

Classic tux: Not to be outdone, Blunt, 35, wore a frillier, more outrageous version of a classic tux, with a lacier black jacket and an over-sized black bowtie

A Quiet Place stars both Krasinski and Blunt as the head of a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic environment.

They play the parents of two young children who live in the woods, hiding from alien creatures who hunt by sound, as they live a completely silent life.

A Quiet Place earned $188 million domestic and $340.9 million worldwide from just a $17 million budget.

Married stars: A Quiet Place stars both Krasinski and Blunt as the head of a family trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic environment

Krasinski has been confirmed to be writing and directing a sequel to A Quiet Place, while returning to star alongside Blunt.

Blunt will next be seen in Jungle Cruise alongside Dwayne Johnson, while her husband Krasinski stars in Amazon's Jack Ryan.

Other stars spotted on the Writers Guild red carpets in both New York and L.A. include Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Sarah Silverman, Kenan Thompson, Jane Lynch and Ed Helms.

Jamie-Lynn in the house: Jamie-Lynn Sigler wore a stunning gold and black dress

Sarah on the carpet: Sarah Silverman rocked a blue and black suit at the awards ceremony

Blue hair, don't care: RacheL Bloom sported blue hair and a black low-cut dress

All smiles: Kenan Thompson was all smiles on the red carpet

Jane on the red carpet: Jane Lynch strikes a pose on the red carpet

Ed is here: Ed Helms rocks a classic tuxedo on the red carpet

Writer-director and star: Eighth Grade writer-director Bo Burnham poses with star Elsie Fisher

Eighth Grade writer-director pulled off quite the upset by winning the Best Original Screenplay award.

The filmmaker made his feature writing and directing debut with Eighth Grade, and accepted the award on stage from Topher Grace.

Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty won the Best Adapted Screenplay award for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Holofcener and Whitty are both up for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars next week, but Eighth Grade is not among the Best Original Screenplay nominees.

Bo and Topher: The filmmaker made his feature writing and directing debut with Eighth Grade, and accepted the award on stage from Topher Grace

Adapted Screenplay winners: Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty won the Best Adapted Screenplay award for Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Oscar nominees: Holofcener and Whitty are both up for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars next week, but Eighth Grade is not among the Best Original Screenplay nominees

Ellie at the WGAs: Ellie Kemper looks stunning in a black dress with a black and gold top

MJ in red: MJ Rodriguez rocks a sheer red dress on the red carpet

Red carpet ready: Juliana Maragulies hits the red carpet

All smiles: Michael Moore smiles on the red carpet

Stylish Alfonso: Alfonso Cuaron looks stylish on the red carpet

Host with the most: Chelsea Peretti hosts the 2019 Writers Guild Awards

Presenter: Alison Brie presents a Writers Guild Award on stage

Ron on stage: Ron Howard presented the WGAWs Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement to writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel

WGA winnner: Adam McKay is on stage to accept the WGAWs Paul Selvin Award for his Vice screenplay

TV winners: Alec Berg and Bill Hader accept the Best New Series award for Barry

Sarah on stage: Sarah Silverman smiles on stage

Big winner: Tessa Leigh Williams accepts the Short Form New Media award for Class of Lies

Speech: The Simpsons writer Stephanie Gillis accepts the Animation award

MJ takes the stage: MJ Rodriguez takes the sage at the WGA Awards

Larry speaks: Larry Wilmore takes the stage

Special award: Joan Meyerson accepts the WGAWs Morgan Cox Award for Guild service

Winners: Ann Slichter, Steve Melcher, James Rowley, and Ryan Hopak accept the Writing Quiz and Audience Participation award

Kenan speaks: Kenan Thompson takes the stage to present an award

Topher presents: Topher Grace presents at the WGA Awards

Jamie-Lynn on stage: Jamie-Lynn Sigler presents an award at the WGA Awards

Merchant presenter: Stephen Merchant presents an award

Fallon presents: Jimmy Fallon presents an award at the WGA Awards

Acceptance: The Black List founder Franklin Leonard accepts the Evelyn F. Burkey Award for bringing honor and dignity to writers

On stage: Ariella Carmell accepts the Michael Collyer Memorial Fellowship in Screenwriting
They put in an appearance together at New York Fashion Week earlier in the month.

But on Sunday UsWeekly claimed that Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans, 27, and her husband David Eason, 30, are far from united.

'They are fighting,' a source told the publication, adding: 'He hasnt been home.'

Drama: They put in an appearance together at New York Fashion Week a week ago. But on Sunday UsWeekly claimed Teen Mom 2 star Jenelle Evans and David Eason are far from united

However, the couple who share a two-year-old daughter Ensley as well as three step-children, are apparently still together.

UsWeekly's source claimed: 'They arent broken up.'

The latest drama started a couple of days after Valentine's Day when Jenelle shared a photo to her Facebook with the caption 'Single AF' and changed her relationship status to 'Separated'.

On February 8, the MTV reality star had posed with Eason and their daughter at the Cosmopolitan NYFW fashion show in New York.

'He hasnt been home': The couple who wed in 2017 and share two-year-old daughter Ensley, 'are fighting' but 'aren't broken up,' according to the UsWeekly source

At the end of January, Teen Mom 2 aired the dramatic 911 call she made last October in which she accused Eason, whom she wed in 2017, of assault.

Evans can be heard crying hysterically on the phone and accusing her husband of breaking her collarbone.

She also said during the call that he had 'pinned her down on the ground' so hard she heard her 'collarbone crack' and she had no feeling in her arm because of the injuries.

She also said that Eason was drunk. When asked if he had 'weapons', she first said 'no' before telling the emergency dispatcher: 'I don't know what he has.'

She also revealed that the family's four children were in the house 'sleeping' at the time of the incident.

A spokesperson for Jenelle tried to cover up the incident at the time, insisting to media that she had tripped and fallen into a bonfire while hosting friends at her home.

The incident happened while Jenelle was recovering from surgery to repair a deviated septum in her nose.
She's been caught up in another scandal with her husband Wayne, who went on a 10-hour booze bender in which he met a barmaid.

And Coleen Rooney appeared to be seeking solace in her father Tony McLoughlin as she headed to church with him on Washington DC last Sunday a few days after the news broke.

The 32-year-old Liverpool native seemed in sombre spirits as she made her way into the venue with her father by her side.

Two's company: Coleen Rooney appeared to be seeking solace in her father Tony McLoughlin as she headed to church with him on Washington DC last Sunday after the news broke

Coleen was still wearing her wedding ring, and kept the rest of her ensemble simple as she teamed a pair ofd skinny jeans with a black top and blazer.

The mother-of-four wore her chestnut locks swept back in a ponutail and opted for minimal make-up swept in a ponytail.

The outing comes amid claims Coleen wants Wayne, 33, to check into rehab after a 10-hour booze bender in which he met a barmaid.

Sombre: The 32-year-old Liverpool native seemed in sombre spirits as she made her way into the venue with her father by her side

Low-key look: Coleen was still wearing her wedding ring, and kept the rest of her ensemble simple as she teamed a pair ofd skinny jeans with a black top and blazer

Natural beauty: The mother-of-four wore her chestnut locks swept back in a ponutail and opted for minimal make-up swept in a ponytail

In showdown talks, Wayne told her he had nothing wrong after downing shots with bar girl Vickie Rosiek until 2.30am.

A source told MailOnline earlier this week: 'The couple met up yesterday to talk things through, but Coleen blames Wayne for bringing the spotlight on their family again.'

And on Saturday the Liverpudlian beauty blasted claims she and Wayne had spent the romantic holiday together.

Change of heart: The outing comes amid claims Coleen wants Wayne, 33, to check into rehab after a 10-hour booze bender in which he met a barmaid

On the move: Coleen was enjoying some quality time with her father amid the drama

Change of heart: The outing comes amid claims Coleen wants Wayne, 33, to check into rehab after a 10-hour booze bender in which he met a barmaid

A report from The Sun claimed that Coleen and Wayne put his barmaid bender drama behind them and enjoyed dinner together on Thursday evening.

However Coleen has now blasted the claims and clarified that she was in Washington on February 14, while Wayne spent the day in Florida.

She wrote on Twitter on Saturday morning: 'One of the many things to correct .... Valentines meal?? On 14th feb 2019 I was in Washington and Wayne was in Florida'.

Earlier this week an insider told the publication that Coleen and Wayne 'had a nice Valentine's Day together in an attempt to move on.
Joan Collins brought her show Unscripted, in which she chats directly to her audience about her life, to the London Palladium on Thursday.

The indefatigable 85-year-old, who was made a Dame in 2015, has been doing one-woman shows for years and also brought Unscripted to the Palladium in 2016.

Slipping into a sequined split gown and matching jacket, the Dynasty icon draped herself in jewelry including a dangling pair of pearl earrings.

Showmanship: Joan Collins brought her show Unscripted, in which she chats directly to her audience about her life, to the London Palladium on Thursday

She took questions from the audience in an elaborately designed chair next to small table carrying a photo of her and her fifth husband Percy Gibson.

Percy, a former theater manager who hails from Peru, slipped into a black tuxedo and matching bow-tie and joined his wife onstage for the freewheeling conversation.

The longest-lasting of her husbands, Percy is more than 30 years younger than Joan, a gap she dismisses in interviews with the line: 'If he dies, he dies.'

Back again: The indefatigable 85-year-old, who was made a Dame in 2015, has been doing one-woman shows for years and also brought Unscripted to the Palladium in 2016

The old razzle-dazzle: Slipping into a sequined split gown and matching jacket, the Dynasty icon draped herself in jewelry including a dangling pair of pearl earrings

Throwback snap: She took questions from the audience in an elaborately designed chair next to small table carrying a photo of her and her fifth husband Percy Gibson

The man himself: Percy, a former theater manager who hails from Peru, slipped into a black tuxedo and matching bow-tie and joined his wife onstage for the freewheeling conversation

She also addressed the potential of a biopic.

'It is in deep discussion, but I cant say more than that,' she explained of the project, though she did stipulate that she wanted to be portrayed by alumnae of her alma mater, the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art.

'There has to be two. One to play me until I am 25, then another one,' explained the Empire Of The Ants bombshell.

Joan, the sister of the late bonkbuster novelist Jackie Collins, sat in front of a large screen with various images projected on it over the course of Unscripted.

Tight-lipped: 'It is in deep discussion, but I cant say more than that,' she explained of a biopic, though she did stipulate that she wanted to be portrayed by RADA alumnae

One of these was a throwback shot of Linda Evans, who played Krystle Carrington, the rival of Joan's Dynasty character Alexis Carrington Colby.

After Sunday night's stopover at the Palladium, Joan will spend the rest of the month touring Unscripted around various locales in England.

She and her man will whirl through Worthing, Salisbury, New Brighton, Buxton and York before finishing out February at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle - a stage that has welcomed such figures as Oscar Wilde, William Gladstone and Sarah Bernhardt.

Barbed wit: The longest-lasting of her husbands, Percy is more than 30 years younger than Joan, a gap she dismisses in interviews with the line: 'If he dies, he dies'

Visual aids: Joan, the sister of the late bonkbuster novelist Jackie Collins, sat in front of a large screen with various images projected on it over the course of Unscripted

Remember when: One of these was a throwback shot of Linda Evans, who played Krystle Carrington, the rival of Joan's Dynasty character Alexis Carrington Colby

When Joan did Unscripted at the Palladium in 2016, Metro raved that it was 'a potent cocktail of hilarity, nostalgia and gossip,' but the Guardian said 'she might reflect before future stage shows on the narrow barrier between spontaneity and laziness.

Joan, who once starred in a movie called The B**** adapted by Jackie from one of her own novels, has had a long and successful side-career as a raconteuse.

Her memoir Past Imperfect delivered a raft of stories about her career and love life, which included a turbulent engagement to Warren Beatty.

Road work: After Sunday night's stopover at the Palladium, Joan will spend the rest of the month touring Unscripted around various locales in England

Here and there: She and her man will whirl through Worthing, Salisbury, New Brighton, Buxton and York before finishing out February at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle

The London-born daughter of a theatrical agent, she enjoyed several affairs in between - and sometimes overlapping with - her various marriages.

Joan dallied with 1970s film hunk Ryan O'Neal while she was Mrs. Anthony Newley, and while single ran around with Elizabeth Taylor's first ex-husband Nicky Hilton.

She also enjoyed the company of Ramfis Trujillo, the short-lived playboy son of the infamously brutal Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.

The memoir had no shortage of darker moments, such as when 20th Century Fox capo Darryl Zanuck attempted to force himself on Joan in a hotel hallway.

Telling it as it is: Joan, who once starred in a movie called The B**** adapted by Jackie from one of her own novels, has had a long and successful side-career as a raconteuse

Letting it out: Her memoir Past Imperfect delivered a raft of stories about her career and love life, which included a turbulent engagement to Warren Beatty

'I wondered how to get out of this without having to knee him in the groin,' she recalled. 'Luckily Dorothy Dandridge and a makeup man came walking down the corridor and I made my escape, vowing to keep out of Mr Z.'s way in the future.'

Joan was married at 18 to her actor first husband Maxwell Reed, who spiked her drink and raped her on their first date and whom she eventually left after he attempted to sell her for an night to an Arab sheikh for 10,000.

Her later ex-husbands were Anthony, with whom she had her daughter Tara and son Sacha, erstwhile Beatles manager Ron Kass, who sired her daughter Katie, and ex-pop act Peter Holm, whom she dismissively referred to post-divorce as 'the Swede.'

Mover and shaker: Joan dallied with 1970s film hunk Ryan O'Neal while she was Mrs. Anthony Newley, and while single ran around with Elizabeth Taylor's first ex-husband Nicky Hilton
Six-time Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott treated his daughter Stormi to yet another lavish first birthday present on Saturday - a diamond chain necklace.

The 26-year-old hip-hop star's 'wifey' Kylie Jenner debuted their privileged princess' new baby bling featuring a lightning bolt design (referencing her weather-themed name) via Insta-story.

'Look at what your daddy got you girl,' the 21-year-old reality stunner - who boasts 178.2M followers - said in the video. 'You're just too cute.'

Sparkling! Six-time Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott treated his daughter Stormi to yet another lavish first birthday present on Saturday - a diamond chain necklace

Last Sunday, the Lip Kit mogul and the Super Bowl LIII performer spoiled little Stormi with a theme park-inspired birthday bash featuring fairground rides and a live performance by Baby Shark.

'It's my queen, my heart, my air, my everything! Stormi's birthday today,' Travis gushed on February 1.

'I love u so much baby. U the smartest and loving baby ever. Ur spirit keeps me going every day me and ur mommy love u and can't wait to share more beautiful days with u.'

Speaking of diamond jewelry, Kylie flaunted the curious bauble on her left ring-finger, which she's been rocking since last month.

Referencing her weather-themed name: The 26-year-old hip-hop star's 'wifey' Kylie Jenner debuted their privileged princess' new baby bling featuring a lightning bolt design

The 21-year-old reality stunner said in the video: 'Look at what your daddy got you girl. You're just too cute'

'#StormiWorld': Last Sunday, the Lip Kit mogul and the Super Bowl LIII performer spoiled little Stormi with a theme park-inspired birthday bash featuring fairground rides and a live performance by Baby Shark

Travis gushed on February 1: 'It's my queen, my heart, my air, my everything! Stormi's birthday today. I love u so much baby. U the smartest and loving baby ever. Ur spirit keeps me going every day me and ur mommy love u and can't wait to share more beautiful days with u'

The previous evening, Jenner Insta-storied a sap of the maple-glazed salmon her own 'wifey' Jordyn Woods was roasting in the oven for dinner.

The 21-year-old Woods Management model often serves as companion to the Calabasas socialite while Scott (born Jacques Webster II) is busy with his 54-date Astroworld - Wish You Were Here Tour.

The Stop Trying to Be God video vixen began dating the University of Texas San Antonio drop-out in April 2017 - just one month after ending her on/off three-year relationship with Tyga.

'Two cover shoots': Speaking of diamond jewelry, Kylie flaunted the curious bauble on her left ring-finger, which she's been rocking since last month (pictured Sunday)

'Wifey always cooking for me': The previous evening, Jenner Insta-storied a sap of the maple-glazed salmon her own 'wifey' Jordyn Woods was roasting in the oven for dinner

Kansas City tonight! The 21-year-old Woods Management model often serves as companion to the Calabasas socialite while Scott is busy on tour (pictured February 9)

Catch more of Kylie on the 16th season of their reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which premieres March 31 on E!

Back in 2017, Jenner and the rest of her famous family signed a massive $100M deal with the cable network through 2020, according to Variety.

It's hard to believe the nepotistically-privileged daughter of Kris & Caitlyn Jenner was once a regular Sierra Canyon School cheerleader until she started homeschooling in 2012.

Still going strong! The Stop Trying to Be God video vixen began dating the University of Texas San Antonio drop-out in April 2017 - just one month after ending her on/off three-year relationship with Tyga (pictured February 10)
The brides and grooms of Married At First Sight are set to hit the Gold Coast this week for the show's first ever group trip.

And according to Woman's Day, the 'drunken antics' from the cast will be some of the wildest in MAFS history.

The magazine reports an all-girl game of spin the bottle will take place at some point.

Wild: Married At First Sight's upcoming group trip to the Gold Coast promises to deliver some of the most outrageous drama in the show's history

Sam also reportedly escapes the group and heads to a strip club for a 'lap dance,' but runs into trouble after losing his wedding ring.

In a preview for Monday's episode, Sam and Ines Basic are shown locking lips after a secret rendezvous at a bar during a cast trip to the Gold Coast.

The pair, who are married to other people, were seen flirting over drinks and at one point Sam admitted: 'It feels so wrong to go down this path with Ines'.

Oh my! The magazine reports an all-girl game of spin the bottle will take place at some point

It comes after Ines confessed that she's eager to sleep with the tattooed tradie, on Sunday night's episode.

'Every time I look at him, I just want to have sex with him. We'll definitely be hooking up,' Ines said candidly in a piece-to-camera.

All couples will travel to Queensland together to work on their respective 'marriages' this week.

Steamy: In a preview for Monday's episode, Sam and Ines Basic are shown embarking on a secret date together

Other previews from the Gold Coast trip show Mike Gunner and Heidi Latcham kissing passionately on the beach.

Another scene shows Michael Brunelli clad in a G-string while receiving a spray tan on his hotel balcony.

Married at First Sight continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine
Advertisement

'Doors to automatic and cross-check' is a familiar phrase for frequent flyers on commercial aircraft.

Very different to the experience 100 years ago this year when the first scheduled international passenger service between London and Paris took to the skies.

The airline operating the route back then was Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited, which later became the nationalised BOAC, a livery that dominated the skies above the UK for the best part of 35 years.

But, the British Overseas Airways Corporation - which flew wide-eyed Brits crossing the Atlantic for the first time or to Spain on a family holiday in the sun - eventually made way for BA - and the rest, as they say, is history.

But today, in honour of BA's iconic predecessor and to mark the centenary of its first international passenger flight, a 747 painted in BOAC colours took to the skies again destined for New York in a retro nod to the golden era of flying.

In honour of BA's iconic predecessor and to mark the centenary of the first international passenger flight, a 747 painted in BOAC colours took to the skies again in a retro nod to the golden era of flying

BOAC crews past and present pictured next to G-BYGC at Heathrow

Alex Cruz, British Airways' Chairman and CEO, said: 'The enormous interest we've had in this project demonstrates the attachment many people have to British Airways' history'

A BOAC-liveried Boeing 747, registration number G-BYGC, arriving at Heathrow from the paint factory in Dublin on Monday

Destined for New York, the airline is returning to the BOAC colours on a series of its aircraft, and eagle-eyed plane-spotters will notice the layout of the Union Flag has been printed backwards on the right side, and forwards on the left side, as was the design during its heyday

The airline is returning to the BOAC colours on a series of its aircraft, and eagle-eyed plane-spotters will notice the layout of the Union Flag has been printed backwards on the right side, and forwards on the left side, as was the design during its heyday.

The flag carrier has changed its livery several times since then including the ill-fated 'Air Zulu' tails so hated by PM Margaret Thatcher that she covered a model of one with her handkerchief at the 1997 Tory Party conference.

There was of course the much better received Red Nose Day aircraft with its signature Rudolph nose cone or the universally loved 2016 Olympic jet which brought victorious athletes home from Rio while proudly sporting a gold conk.

The first one, a 747, was given her make-over at BA's paint bay at Dublin Airport over the weekend and will remain in service until 2023.

A Flight Radar map showing the 747's journey across the Atlantic

The aircraft entered the IAC paint bay at Dublin Airport on February 5 where it was stripped of its current British Airways Chatham Dockyard design before being repainted with the BOAC livery which adorned the BOAC fleet between 1964 and 1974. It's pictured here at Heathrow

The New York flight is particularly significant as it was the first route the B747 flew in BOAC colours

Flight Radar used a special image of the livery on its tracking service

The BOAC livery will remain on the Boeing 747 until it retires in 2023

Every passenger travelling on the celebratory-flight will be given a limited-edition card in their seat back, charting the airline's history.

And the airline is also going back to the future inside the cockpit, too.

It's almost 90 years since Amy Johnson flew solo from London to Darwin, Australia, but despite her epic achievement the percentage of women on the flightdeck still lags considerably behind men.

British Airways First Officer, Amie Kirkham, said: 'I love that through my role I am able to inspire girls and show them that they can absolutely pursue a career in aviation. When I was growing up I didn't see any female pilots in real life or in the media, but we know that visible role models are so important in changing the perception that this is a man's world  it's most certainly a woman's, too.'

Sky TV anchor Kay Burley was at Heathrow on Monday to see the plane for herself (left). Pictured right is her close-up snap of the aircraft

Queen of the skies: The newly painted jumbo on approach to Heathrow on Monday

British Airways will have retired the majority of its 747 fleet by 2023, replacing them with new state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft. This includes taking delivery of 18 A350s and 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in the next four years

The BOAC 747 taxis to the runway in Dublin before making the short hop to Heathrow
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Forget the traditional chips and cheap beer image.

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa, are packed with art, architecture and history if you know where to look.

Here's our guide to the cultured side of the Canaries  and you'll be astonished which island tops the list.

Lanzarote

Cliff hanger: The view from Cesar Manriques Mirador del Rio on Lanzarote

Start a tour of the island's arty side with a visit to the former home of Lanzarote-born artist Cesar Manrique, an extraordinary structure built in an undulating lava field in Tahiche. Abstract works by Manrique (1919-1992) hang alongside works by Picasso and Miro in a sequence of underground chambers fashioned out of volcanic bubbles.

Manrique's vivid imagination has had an impact on many tourist attractions on Lanzarote. One is the contemporary art museum at Castillo San Jose (spain-lanzarote.com) in Arrecife, the capital. Manrique oversaw the redesign of the castle, which now has a series of rooms with eye-catching works.

From here, head north  a hire car is essential  stopping for a while at the beautiful Jardin de Cactus at Guatiza, another creation of the island's best-loved artist. It's like an art gallery created by nature, with cacti of all shapes and sizes in a circular hollow.

Further north still, you'll discover the brilliant excavated volcanic tunnels at Cueva de los Verdes (cactlanzarote.com), where you are led deep underground on well-organised tours. Yet again, Manrique was behind this transformation of nature.

Hot stuff: A chef uses the natural volcanic heat for grilling on Lanzarote

In the very north-east corner of the island is another of his creations. This is Mirador del Rio (cactlanzarote.com), a spectacular viewing point peppered with architectural touches on a 1,600ft cliff overlooking the little island of La Graciosa.

Art scene: The Cesar Manrique Foundation in Tahiche captures the vision of the artist, who stumbled upon the volcanic bubbles in a lava field here in 1968 and decided to build a home (fcmanrique.org).

A little bit of history: Learn about the 1730s volcanic eruptions on a tour of Parque Nacional Timanfaya. The story of how they affected the island is told on bus tours among lava fields and cones. Manrique designed a splendid circular visitor centre/restaurant  the geothermal-heated chicken here is delicious (reservasparquesnacionales.es).

Best for foodies: Bodega Geria is a vineyard deep in volcanic landscape. The tapas bar serves succulent grilled sardines or garlic prawns with potatoes topped with mojo hot sauces and a glass of wine for 6.50 (lageria.com).

Where to stay

Blow the budget: Princess Yaiza is a five-star hotel with pools, a spa and a sandy beach. A week's B&B is from 1,041pp with BA flights from Gatwick and transfers (prestigeholidays.co.uk).

On a budget: Eco Finca de Arrieta is a series of yurts and stone cottages with kitchenettes near the north-east coast. It's all 'off-grid' with wind and solar power. Yurts are from 95 a night (lanzaroteretreats.com). EasyJet has Gatwick return flights from about 55 (easyjet.com).

Gran Canaria

A view of Puerto de Mogan bay in Gran Canaria. The island is renowned for its sandy beaches, volcanic peaks and nature reserves

Renowned for its sandy beaches, volcanic peaks (rising to 6,400ft at Pico de las Nieves) and nature reserves, the cultural life is also vibrant if you know where to look.

Art scene: Start in Las Palmas, the capital, in the lively neighbourhood of Vegueta, where the Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno is located. This is home to works by contemporary and late 20th Century artists and holds exhibitions (caam.net).

Afterwards visit Pueblo Canaria in Parque Doramas, also in Las Palmas. This recreated 'traditional village' was designed in the 1930s to highlight local culture. Check out Museo Nestor, dedicated to the works of symbolist painter Nestor Martin-Fernandez de la Torre. Then visit the childhood home of Benito Perez Galdos, the novelist born in Las Palmas (casamuseoperezgaldos.com).

A little bit of history: After leaving Spain in August 1492, Christopher Columbus stopped at Gran Canaria to repair his ship before discovering the New World. He visited the island on other voyages, and Casa de Colon, a museum in Las Palmas, explains all (casadecolon.com).

Best for foodies: Overlooking Las Canteras on the north coast, La Marinera is a large, popular restaurant with sensational seafood paella, seabass with coriander, tasty fish soups, and steaks. Two courses are from about 18 (restaurantelamarineralaspalmas.com).

Where to stay

Blow the budget: Grand Hotel Residencia is a five-minute stroll from the dunes by Maspalomas beach. A week's B&B with flights from Gatwick is from 1,655pp (prestigeholidays.co.uk).

On a budget: Hide away from the crowds on the coast at El Mondalon, a charming ten-room hotel with a pool in a rural location by the Monumento Natural de Bandama park. Rooms are from 90 (i-escape.com).

Tenerife

A painting by surreal Canarian artist Oscar Dominguez, which is displayed at Tenerife Espacio de las Artes in Santa Cruz

Attracting more than five million tourists a year, Tenerife is the largest Canary Island, famous for its beach resorts. But culture vultures have plenty to do, too.

Art scene: Make a beeline for Tenerife Espacio de las Artes in Santa Cruz, the capital. It's in a striking modern building with a contemporary art gallery, photographic exhibitions and works by the surreal Canarian artist Oscar Dominguez (teatenerife.es). More works by Canarian artists, as well as 16th Century Flemish paintings, are at the city's Municipal Museum of Fine Arts (santacruzmas.com). Also in Santa Cruz, the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra at the Auditorio de Tenerife give concerts in an amazing structure that looks a bit like the Sydney Opera House (auditoriodetenerife.com).

A little bit of history: Find out about the Guanches aboriginal community that predated the European discovery of the Canaries at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology in Santa Cruz (museosdetenerife.org). This houses ancient mummies and royal artefacts as well as fossils of giant lizards.

Foodie scene: By Playa de los Cristianos beach in the south, Bar Restaurant El Cine is an unpretentious choice offering Canarian dishes such as papas arrugadas, 'wrinkly potatoes' served with mojo hot sauce, fried chicken and seafood. It costs about 18 for two courses.

Where to stay

Blow the budget: Overlooking the sea on the south-west coast, the Ritz-Carlton Abama is a five-star hotel with two Michelin-starred restaurants, pools galore and a spa. B&B rooms cost from about 210 (ritzcarlton.com). EasyJet has return Gatwick flights from about 50 (easyjet.com).

On a budget: In the mountain village of Vilaflor, Spa Villalba is great for walkers. There are 27 rooms at this peaceful hideaway, which has a spa and heated pool. A week's B&B is from 735pp with Gatwick flights and car hire (prestigeholidays.co.uk).

Fuerteventura

Close to the dunes of Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, Atlantis Bahia Real is a five-star spa hotel. A week's B&B costs from 849pp including flights and transfers

Less developed than the others, it offers a gentler pace of life, plus beaches framed by sweeping dunes. It you dig about, you can discover the quiet island's cultural side.

Art scene: Begin at Molino de Antigua, an arts centre beside an old windmill in the island's centre (fuerteventuraguide.com). Lanzarote's Cesar Manrique designed the hilltop viewing point at Morro Velosa, with views of the volcanic landscape. Folk music concerts are held at the capital, Puerto del Rosario (visit fuerteventura.es).

A little bit of history: Explore stone dwellings at La Atalayita, which date from before the Spanish Conquest (fuerteventuraguide.com).

Best for foodies: Restaurant Avenida in Corralejo has excellent grilled squid as well as lamb, pork and rabbit dishes. It's about 18 for two courses.

Where to stay

Blow the budget: Close to the dunes of Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo, Atlantis Bahia Real is a five-star spa hotel. A week's B&B costs from 849pp including flights and transfers (prestigeholidays.co.uk).

On a budget: Hotel Arena Suite is in Corralejo, near the beach. All-inclusive rooms are from 100 a night with booking.com. EasyJet has return flights from about 50 (easyjet.com).
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Airbnb has axed a competition that offered a chance to stay the night on the Great Wall of China.

The holiday rentals site had worked with historians and designers in Beijing to turn one of the landmark's ancient watch towers into a unique crash pad, complete with a master bedroom and bathroom.

Anybody wanting to stay at the wall had to write an essay on why it is 'more important now than ever to break down barriers between cultures' and 'how you want to build new connections'. But the contest sparked controversy in China, which led to the competition being scrapped.

Airbnb has axed a competition that offered a chance to stay the night on the Great Wall of China

Airbnb worked with historians and designers in Beijing to turn one of the landmark's ancient watch towers into a unique homestay, complete with a master bedroom and bathroom

News of the 'Night At The Great Wall' contest lit up Chinese social media, with critics calling it a publicity stunt that lacked respect for the ancient monument.

'No matter how they dress it up, this doesn't hide the fact that this contest is by a private company that will undeniably cause damage to an ancient artifact,' one person wrote on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

Officials from the Yanqing district - home to the section of the Great Wall that was to host the sleepover - said in a statement that they had not been notified about the event and that no approval was given.

Airbnb confirmed that the competition was being cancelled due to the feedback it had received about the contest.

Images of the one-of-a-kind room showed it decked out with luxury furnishings. Its open-air design would have allowed guests to stare up at the starry night sky

An aerial view of the stunning open-air two-person suite. Chinese media say Airbnb did not get proper approval for the listing

It said in a statement: 'We were excited to promote the Great Wall and Chinese cultural heritage with our Night At The Great Wall and while there was an agreement in place that was the basis for the announcement of this event, we deeply respect the feedback we have received.

'We have made the decision to not move forward with this event and instead we are working on a range of other experiences and initiatives that showcase China as a destination and highlight how people-to-people travel can drive human connections.

'One of the goals of our Night At The Great Wall was to highlight how everyone can play a part in honoring and preserving this incredible piece of world history. We partnered with experts to help educate people about the Wall's heritage and raise awareness of protection and preservation efforts.

'If you entered the contest, we're very sorry for any disappointment caused and we will be in touch in the future about other ways you can explore and discover amazing experiences in China.'

The hotel room featured a cosy seating area with a window looking out over the countryside

Known as one of the greatest architectural feats in human history, the Great Wall was built as a border to protect Chinese states against raids thousands of years ago.

It is estimated to measure between 5,600 and 13,000 miles, depending on which sections are included.

The best known section today is the Ming Wall, constructed from 1368 to 1644.

The fortress covers approximately 5,500 miles from the Jiayu Pass in Gansu province and the Shanhai Pass in Hebei province.

Today, the Great Wall is widely considered to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world, attracting visitors from all over the globe.
A massive asteroid believed to measure 280ftin diameter is set to fly past Earth this afternoon at a dizzying speed of 30,422 miles per hour.

The asteroid, dubbed 2013 MD8, is expected to skim past Earth at just over 3 million miles away, or about 13 times the distance between Earth and the moon, at 12:55pm (ET) on Tuesday.

The huge space rock is expected to make a 'close approach' to Earth, but its trajectory should see it soar safely by.

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The asteroid, dubbed 2013 MD8, is expected to skim past Earth at just over 3 million miles away, or about 13 times the distance between Earth and the moon, at 12:55pm (ET) on Tuesday

NASA considers an asteroid to be 'hazardous' if they come within 4,600,000 miles of our planet.

Asteroid MD8 falls under the category of a 'near-earth object' (NEO), which NASA describes as all asteroids and comets that orbit within 30 million miles of Earth.

NASA tracks this and other near-Earth objects (NEOs) to keep track of any potential incoming threats.

However, there is little to be worried about, even with MD8 being a near-earth-object.

The massive asteroid, dubbed 2013 MD8, will soar past Earth at a dizzying speed of 30,422 miles per hour. It falls under the category established by NASA of near-earth-objects

With a diameter that's close to 280ft, Asteroid 2013 MD8 rivals the Big Ben clock tower in its size, which stands at 320ft. The space rock likely falls under the category of near-earth-object

'No human in the past 1000 years is known to have been killed by a meteorite or by the effects of one impacting,' scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory explained.

'NASA knows of no asteroid or comet currently on a collision course with Earth, so the probability of a major collision is quite small.

'In fact, as best as we can tell, no large object is likely to strike the Earth any time in the next several hundred years,' they continued.

The agency believes that out of the more than 600,000 known asteroids in our solar system, roughly 16,000 are NEOs.

MD8 also falls under the category of a 'potentially hazardous object,' which are those that reach a minimum distance less than .05 au from Earth and have an absolute magnitude (H) of 22.0 or brighter.

Asteroid 2013 MD8 has an absolute magnitude of 24.2.
It seems Samsung may have found another challenger in the race to develop a folding phone.

Chinese tech giant TCL, which acquired the BlackBerry brand in 2016, is set to unveil a flexible phone that can bend around your wrist to become a pseudo-smartwatch, CNET reported.

TCL is said to have at least four other folding devices in the works, including two tablets and two smartphones.

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Chinese tech giant TCL, which acquired the BlackBerry brand in 2016, is set to unveil a flexible phone that can bend around your wrist to become a pseudo-smartwatch

A number of renderings obtained by CNET show concepts of what the folding devices may look like.

In one image, TCL presents a tall, thin smartphone that can transform into a smartwatch worn around the user's wrist.

Few other details are known about how the device would operate, other than a screen that appears to wrap around the full length of the wearer's wrist.

Another device shown in the renders can be folded inwards or outwards, by bending from the middle.

When it's folded open, the phone appears to be the size of a small tablet.

A third device shown in the renders is also tall and skinny, but can fold open and closed in the middle like a flip phone.

Renders show concepts of what the folding devices may look like. In one image, TCL presents a tall, thin smartphone that can transform into a smartwatch worn around the user's wrist

TCL is reportedly in the early stages of developing these devices, but it's unclear if they'll hit the market as described, or if the designs will change.

The firm has previously stated that it hopes to release a folding device by 2020.

TCL isn't the first to explore a phone that folds around the wearer's wrist.

In 2016, Lenovo showed off a phone that bends into a smartwatch, called the CPlus, at its Tech World conference.

The futuristic concept device featured a front-facing screen of decent quality that could take photos and record video even when it's worn as a wearable.

Samsung is widely expected to officially launch its folding phone, which opens and closes like a book to transform from a smartphone into a tablet, at its Unpacked event on Wednesday

Royole beat Samsung to the punch when it took the wraps off its consumer-ready flexible phone, the FlexPai (pictured), at the Consumer Electronics Show in January

Since then, phone companies including Samsung, ZTE and Xiaomi, among others, have either debuted or teased their own folding smartphones.

Samsung is widely expected to officially launch its folding phone, which opens and closes like a book to transform from a smartphone into a tablet, at its Unpacked event on Wednesday.

However, Royole beat it to the punch when it took the wraps off its consumer-ready flexible phone, the FlexPai, at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The $1300 FlexPai smartphone, which doubles as a tablet when its unfurled  makes it, in that form, the biggest smartphone in the world right now,' Royole claims.
China is planning to build a power station in space powered by the sun.

The design would sit in Earth's orbit and turn the sun's rays into electricity before beaming the energy back to Earth.

It would provide a near-constant supply of electricity if the technology needed can be developed ahead of the 2030 guideline set by the Chinese space agency.

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NASA's Parker Solar Probe (artist's impression) is on a mission to 'touch the sun'. China is hoping to make use of the sun's power by putting a power station in orbit and beaming the energy back to Earth

A test of the technology is expected to take place between 2021 and 2025 in the stratosphere before a one megawatt solar facility is spent into space by 2030, according to the state-backed Science and Technology Daily.

Future missions will be bigger and more efficient, the plans claim.

An experimental testing base has already been established in the western city of Chongqing to work on the project.

The Asian superpower has the second largest amount of state money allocated for space exploration - behind only the US.

China's $8 billion (6.19 billion) annual budget has seen it rapidly catch rivals such as Russia and the US in the battle for space superiority.

The country has also claimed it wants to be the first country to establish a base on the moon and says it will build it using 3D printing technology.

Officials from the Chinese space agency also said the country will return to the moon by the end of the year with the Chang'e-5 mission.

Three successive missions will further explore the barren surface and the viability of building houses there.

China is swiftly establishing a reputation as one of the forerunners in the renaissance of the space race with its continued investment in both Martian and lunar missions.

After Chang'e-5 returns lunar rocks from the surface the next mission, Chang'e-6 will be the first mission to explore the south pole of the moon.

Chang'e-7 will study the land surface, composition and space environment in a comprehensive mission, it was claimed, while Chang'e-8 will focus on technical surface analysis.

CHINA STEPS UP PLANS TO BECOME SPACE SUPERPOWER WITH MARS AND MOON MISSIONS Officials from the Chinese space agency are working to become a space superpower alongside the US and Russia. They have already sent the first lander to explore the far side of the Moon - sharing photos from the part of our nearest neighbour we rarely see as part of the Chang'e-4 mission. In November 2020 they sent the Chang'e-5 space probe to the Moon to collect and return the first samples of lunar soil in 45 years. This was done in collaboration with the European Space Agency who provided tracking information for the Chinese spaceship. Chang'e-6 will be the first mission to explore the south pole of the Moon and is expected to launch in 2023 or 2024. Chang'e-7 will study the land surface, composition, space environment in an overall mission, according to the Chinese space authority, while Chang'e-8 will focus on technical surface analysis. China is also reportedly working on building a lunar base using 3D printing technology and sending a future crewed mission to the surface. Mission number eight will likely lay the groundwork for this as it strives to verify the technology earmarked for the project. The CNSA is also building an Earth-orbiting space station where Chinese astronauts will conduct scientific experiments, similar to the crew of the ISS. The agency also launched a mission to Mars in summer 2020 and landed a rover on the red planet in May 2021. China is also said to be working on a project to build a solar power generator in space, that would beam energy back to Earth and becoming the largest man made object in orbit. They also have a number of ambitious space science projects including satellites to hunt for signs of gravitational waves and Earth observation spacecrafts to monitor climate change.

China cemented itself among the world's most prominent technological powerhouses when it successfully landed the Chang'e-4 rover on the far side of the moon. The country has claimed it wants to be the first country to establish a base on the moon and says it will build it using 3D printing technology.

Mission number eight will likely lay the groundwork for a potential lunar base as it strives to verify the technology earmarked for the ambitious project.

China National Space Administration (CNSA) said they also have plans to go to Mars in 2020, a timeline that would likely make them the first to do so, beating out the US, Russia and the plethora of private firms looking to colonise space.

China cemented itself among the world's most prominent technological powerhouses when it successfully landed the Chang'e-4 rover on the far side of the moon.

Chang'e-4 is a lander which also carried the Yutu-2 rover onto the moon's surface. Chang'e-4 is a lander which also carried the Yutu-2 rover onto the moon's surface. It is the first trace of mankind on the far side of the moon

This was a world first, with no other mission ever venturing to the colloquially referred to 'dark' side of the moon.

The mission also successfully grew the first plant on the surface of the moon, with a cotton sprout flourishing before it died in the bitterly cold 14-day long lunar night.

Chang'e-4 is a lander which also carried the Yutu-2 rover onto the moon's surface.

The landing on January 4 was followed by a host of discoveries and world firsts.

A panoramic image sent back to Earth by Chang'e-4 revealed the landing site in the Von Karman crater on the moon.

The Chang'e-4 lunar probe mission - named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology - launched last December from the southwestern Xichang launch centre.

It is the second Chinese probe to land on the moon, following the Yutu rover mission in 2013.

Chang'e-4's 360 lens captured the Yutu-2 - or Jade Rabbit 2 - rover in front of the grey moonscape and reveals the potholed surface and barren expanse of land inside the the mysterious Von Karman crater at the lunar south pole.

Eternally immortalised tracks left from Yutu-2's maiden voyage away from Chang'e-4 on January 4 can also be seen snaking over the untouched surface.
Amazon, Apple and Google voice assistants and smart TVs could find out if a person is cheating on their partner, a data expert has claimed.

Smart gadgets, which are used by one in ten people around the UK, can harvest enough data to work out the dynamics of a relationship, they say.

They have the potential to record saucy conversations and analyse location data to discover secret affairs.

The virtual assistants can show when occupants are in a building, or for example, share a bedroom, by using sensor logs and smart meters.

There is already ambiguity when it comes to these companies privacy policies and how they collect and use people's data.

Recorded chats and locations could be harvested for research, stored in the cloud and sold on to third parties.

Alexa and other AI-powered technology can find out when someone is cheating on their partner, according to a data expert. The gadgets, which are owned by one in ten people around the UK, can harvest enough data to work out the dynamics of a relationship

Speaking at a science conference in Washington, former government data adviser Professor Ashwin Machanavajjhala warned of the dangers of smart tech in the home, according to the Mirror.

'Smart meters can tell you whether an individual is at home and what appliances are used,' he said.

'Smart light bulbs and WiFi access points can reveal occupancy. Social relationships between building occupants can be inferred by analysing sensor logs.

'Smart TVs and voice assistants can pick up living room chatter, some of which may be shared with third parties.'

Professor Machanavajjhala said he refuses to have a smart speaker in his home for fear of privacy violations and grey areas over who your data is shared with.

'I'm waiting for privacy protections to come in. We need to know what is being collected about us, whether or not we have anything to hide.'

'Once data is on the cloud users lose control over it. There is little transparency about who it is shared with.'

Former US government data adviser Professor Ashwin Machanavajjhala warned of the dangers of smart tech in the home

Sean Parker, Facebook's first president, said last week that there is 'no limit' to how Amazon is storing and listening to private conversations, adding that these recordings 'could potentially be used against you in a court of law or for other purposes.'

Amazon came under scrutiny last year when an Echo device recorded a family's conversation and sent the audio file to a person in their contact list.

When contacted by the family, Amazon said it takes privacy 'very seriously,' but downplayed the incident as an 'extremely rare occurrence.'

Meanwhile a report by UK lawmakers have accused Facebook of 'intentionally and knowingly' violating data privacy and competition laws.

The UK Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee said that companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like 'digital gangsters' in the online world.

A spokeperson for Amazon told MailOnline: 'At Amazon customer trust is of the utmost importance, and we take privacy seriously.

'By default, Echo devices are designed to only capture audio after it detects the wake word. Only after the wake word is detected does audio get streamed to the cloud, and the stream closes immediately after Alexa processes a customer request.

'No audio is stored or saved on the device. Customers can also review and delete voice recordings in the Alexa App or by visiting amazon.co.uk/privacy.'

MailOnline has also contacted Google and Apple for comment but neither have replied.
An albino baby turtle born with its heart beating outside its body has defied all the odds and appears to be thriving despite its disadvantages.

The tiny reptile, known as Hope, has such a rare condition that it has not yet been named in veterinary medicine.

A similar ailment in humans is called ectopia cordis and affects about one in 126,000 births.

The tiny reptile, known as Hope, has such a rare condition that the condition has not yet been named in veterinary science. She is albino and has her heart outside the correct cavity (pictured)

Owner Mike Aquilina - known as AquaMike on Instagram - looks after the Albino Pinkbelly Sideneck at his home in New Jersey.

He received Hope from his friend Gerard, a US turtle breeder.

Mr Aquilina, 29, said: 'Hope has impacted my life in so many ways it actually makes me emotional.

'She's so small and so fragile, the most delicate thing but she's fearless. People can see that and she's got so many people rooting for her around the world.

'She's spreading hope while also giving me hope. Hope has changed my life for the better in such a short amount of time.'

Hope's guardian has no guidance to follow when looking after the unique animal, so says he uses a 'common-sense' and provides extra care.

But unfortunately for Hope, this means that she has to be kept separate from the other turtles for the foreseeable future.

WHAT IS ECTOPIA CORDIS? Ectopia cordis affects about one in 126,000 births. It occurs when the heart is born outside the chest as the wall does not form properly and the organ ends up outside the protective layer. Partial ectopia cordis can occur which involves the heart outside the wall but inside a layer of skin Complete ectopia cordis is when the heart is located outside the chest wall, without anything - including any skin - to protect it. This condition can include deformities of the chest (thorax), abdomen, or both. Often, ectopia cordis is also accompanied by defects of the heart itself.

The rare heart defect is unknown in the species of Pinkbelly Sideneck but a similar condition in humans is dubbed ectopia cordis and affects about one in 126,000 births

Hope's guardian has no guidance to follow when looking after the unique animal, so says he uses a 'common-sense' and provides extra care. But unfortunately for Hope, this means that she has to be kept separate from the other turtles for the foreseeable future

Mr Aquilina added: 'I keep her water extra clean, give her a basking area that is as soft as possible and handle her as little as possible.

'I've gone for the more natural approach as to a completely sterile one.

'The goal is to keep her deformity clean and her immune system strong.'

'I can't risk another turtle accidentally puncturing her heart cavity.

'Maybe one day in the future when she's bigger and less susceptible to bacterial infection. For now, she's got to live in a bit of a bubble.'

Owner Mike Aquilina - known as AquaMike on Instagram - looks after the Albino Pinkbelly Sideneck at his home in New Jersey. Mr Aquilina, 29, said: 'Hope has impacted my life in so many ways it actually makes me emotional'

All of Hope's food and medical supplies are supplied by ZooMed Laboratories, which leaves the tiny turtle free to bask and eat to her heart's content. Currently there are no plans for surgery to correct her deformity

All of Hope's food and medical supplies are supplied by ZooMed Laboratories, which leaves the tiny turtle free to bask and eat to her heart's content.

Currently there are no plans for surgery to correct her deformity.

'She's such an eager eater. Hope loves Mysis shrimp and I peel off the hard outer skin so it's easier for her to swallow and digest,' Mr Aquilina said.

'The same goes with krill and frozen silversides. She also enjoys clams, snails and frozen bloodworms.'
A nonprofit Israeli consortium said Monday that it hopes to make history this week by launching the first private aircraft to land on the moon.

SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries told a news conference that the landing craft - dubbed 'Beresheet,' or Genesis - will take off from Florida, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket on its weekslong voyage to the moon.

The 1,290lb Beresheet spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 3:45am Israel time on Friday, or 8:45pm ET on Thursday.

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SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries told a news conference that the landing craft - dubbed 'Beresheet,' or Genesis (pictured) - will take off from Florida, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket on its weekslong voyage to the moon

The launch had been originally slated for last December, but was pushed back with no explanation by SpaceX.

SpaceIL CEO Ido Anteby and Opher Doron, general manager of the IAI's space division, said the spacecraft will slingshot around the Earth at least six times in order to reach the moon and land on its surface on April 11.

If the SpaceIL mission is successful, Israel will become the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon.

'We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished,' SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said.

So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon.

The Chinese craft made the first ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3.

Technicians stand next to the SpaceIL lunar module, an unmanned spacecraft, is on display in a special 'clean room' where the space craft is being developed, during a press tour

NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe.

NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026.

It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed.

Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement.

It will carry a 'time capsule' loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag.

'This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding,' the IAI statement said.

'Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government.'

SpaceIL has attempted to drum up public excitement for the lunar mission in Israel in recent months, visiting classrooms around the country and sponsoring television advertisements

SpaceIL has attempted to drum up public excitement for the lunar mission in Israel in recent months, visiting classrooms around the country and sponsoring television advertisements that put Israel on par with global powers.

The small craft, roughly the size of a washing machine, is equipped with instruments to measure the moon's magnetic field, as well as a copy of the Bible microscopically etched on a small metal disc.

Israel's space program chief Avi Blasberger said he hopes SpaceIL will create a 'Beresheet effect' in Israel, akin to the Apollo effect, to promote science among a new generation.

SpaceIL was founded in 2011 and originally competed for Google's Lunar Xprize, which challenged private companies to try to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon.

But the $20 million competition was scrapped by the tech giant last year when it became clear none of the five companies would meet a preset deadline.

The SpaceIL project has ballooned in cost over the years to around $100 million, financed largely by South African-Israeli billionaire Morris Kahn and other donors from around the world.

Kahn said he believes that 'every Jew, not only every Israeli, will remember where he was when Israel landed on the moon.'
The rise in people who think the Earth is flat is caused by convincing YouTube videos that 'promote misinformation', psychologists have suggested.

Researchers say the platform should present a more balanced list of content rather than one-sided conspiracy theories.

They said that YouTube needs to make changes to its algorithms to make their systems more accurate but also called on experts to create content to disprove the claims.

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The rise in people who think the Earth (artist's impression) is flat is caused by convincing YouTube videos which 'promote misinformation', a study claims. Researchers say the platform should present a more balanced list of content rather than one-sided ideas (stock image)

The researchers, from Texas Tech University, said that their suspicions were solidified when they went to two Flat Earth conventions in North Carolina and Denver last year and in 2017.

They interviewed 30 attendees where a pattern became evident in how they became convinced that the Earth was flat.

Of the 30 people, only one said that they believed the Earth was round until two years ago but changed their minds after watching Youtube clips.

'The only person who didn't say this was there with his daughter and his son-in-law and they had seen it on Youtube and told him about it,' Dr Asheley Landrum, who led the research, told the Guardian.

The interviews also revealed that the attendees were predisposed to believing far-fetched ideas because they watched similar videos on 9/11 and the moon landings.

Some had even watched Flat Earth videos to discredit and debunk them but found that they were won over by the material.

People who believe the Earth is disc-shaped (artist's impression) rather than round are called 'Flat Earthers'. A number of videos promoting the Flat Earth conspiracy exist on YouTube, but the team says that there aren't enough to contest them (stock image)

People who believe the idea that the Earth is disc-shaped rather than round are called 'Flat Earthers'.

A number of videos promoting the Flat Earth conspiracy exist on YouTube, but the team says that there aren't enough to contest them.

Their interviewes found themselves believers and before long were asking questions like 'where is the curve?' and 'why is the horizon always at eye level?', they said.

Dr Landrum said that one of the most popular videos is the two hour long '200 proofs Earth is not a spinning ball', which has been turned into a book that has been translated into 20 different languages.

She says that this video appears to be effective because it offers arguments that appeal to so many mindsets, from fundamentalists and conspiracy theorists - and even scientists.

Dr Landrum said she did not think YouTube was doing anything 'overtly wrong', but that the site could tweak its algorithm to show more accurate information.

'There's a lot of helpful information on YouTube but also a lot of misinformation,' Landrum said.

A spokeswoman for Youtube told Mail Online that they are working to provide more context to users about the news they watch on the site.

'We started showing notices below videos uploaded by news broadcasters that receive some level of government or public funding,' they said.

They also announced plans to show additional information cues, including a text box or information panel linking to third-party sources around widely accepted events, like the moon landing and are 'looking to expand these to more topics soon, including flat earth videos'.

'We recently announced that well begin reducing recommendations of borderline content or videos that could misinform users in harmful wayssuch as videos promoting a phony miracle cure for a serious illness, claiming the earth is flat, or making blatantly false claims about historic events like 9/11.'

'This will be a gradual change and will initially only affect recommendations of a very small set of videos in the United States.

'Over time, our systems will become more accurate and were going to roll this change out to more countries.'

WHAT IS FLAT EARTH THEORY? Those who believe the Flat Earth Theory claim our planet is shaped like a flat disc instead of a sphere. Because Earth's surface looks and feels flat when we walk around it, the conspiracy theorists denounce all evidence to the contrary. The leading theory suggests Earth is a disc with the Arctic Circle in the centre and Antarctica, a 150-foot-tall (45-metre) wall of ice, around the rim. Those who believed the Flat Earth Theory claim our planet is shaped like a flat disc instead of a sphere. Pictured is a model presented to attendees at the first annual Flat Earth International Conference, held in North Carolina in November 2017 Theorists claim that satellite images and evidence pointing to a spherical Earth are part of a 'round Earth conspiracy' orchestrated by NASA and other government agencies. Proponents of the bizarre theory also claim the Earth is stationary in space rather than orbiting the sun. Some believe the Earth is covered by a glass dome which sits over the flat disc. The international scientific community has consistently denounced the Flat Earth theory. Decades of space imagery and peer-reviewed astronomical research back their claims. NASA has proved that the Earth is round using satellites, GPS and images from space, but 'Flat Earthers' believe the space agency is lying.

'Their algorithms make it easy to end up going down the rabbit hole, by presenting information to people who are going to be more susceptible to it.

'Believing the Earth is flat in of itself is not necessarily harmful, but it comes packaged with a distrust in institutions and authority more generally.

'We want people to be critical consumers of the information they are given, but there is a balance to be had.'

Dr Landrum said that scientists need to create their own YouTube videos to combat the rapid increase of conspiracy videos and try to disprove them.

'We don't want YouTube to be full of videos saying here are all these reasons the Earth is flat. We need other videos saying here's why those reasons aren't real and here's a bunch of ways you can research it for yourself.'

The team presented her results at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington DC.
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A homemade 'flying scooter', made by a maverick Chinese inventor, has taken to the skies with its creator on board.

Zhao Deli, 40, made another trip on the drone after the maiden journey took place last month in Tangxia town, Dongguan city, south China's Guangdong province.

The contraption is powered by eight propellers and Mr Zhao says it will be available to customers for between 4,330 - 5,700 ($5,500 and $7,200) next year.

He has named the drone Jin Dou Yun or Magical Cloud - a flying cloud ridden by China's very own fictional superhero, Monkey King.

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A homemade 'flying scooter', made my a maverick Chinese inventor, has taken to the skies, with its creator on board

Zhao Deli, 40, made the maiden journey in Tangxia town, Dongguan city, south China's Guangdong province

The inventor from Dongguan in southern China has invested heavily in his project, which so far has yielded just one prototype.

Mr Zhao claims the project is yet to be completed and the machine is still missing its outer shell.

According to the inventor, mass production will begin next year, with the ambitious entrepreneur hoping it will be available overseas in the future.

Mr Zhao designed and built the drone himself and - dressed in an all-black protective suit - embarked on the extraordinary manned flight on the 1,560th attempt launch of the bike.

The drone's propellers are affixed to a central frame which is designed to be as lightweight as possible.

The aircraft has a motor installed under the seat, which provides the power for the drone while the rider perches at the top.

With the eight propellers stirring the air and the motor roaring, the flying vehicle successfully carried him into the air.

After a safe landing onto the ground, the excited Mr Zhao told a reporter from Guangzhou Daily: 'It was like riding a motorbike in the sky.

'My dream has come true after this 1560th flight test.'

The inventor from Dongguan in southern China has invested heavily in his project, which so far has yielded just a prototype

Mr Zhao claims the project is yet to be completed and the machine is still missing its outer shell. According to the inventor, mass production will begin next year, with the ambitious entrepreneur hoping it will be available overseas in the future

Mr Zhao designed and built the drone himself and - dressed in an all-black protective suit - embarked on the extraordinary flight test on the 1,560th attempt launch of the bike

With the eight propellers stirring the air and the motor roaring, Mr Zhao's flying vehicle successfully carried him into the air

Inspiration for the project came from Chinese fictional character 'Monkey King' and after Mr Zhao had read about hoverboards

A video on Chinese news site Sohu shows the man leaning forward with his hands on a control panel at the front of his contraption.

Seconds later, all eight propellers start to spin and lift Mr Zhao into the air.

The man-carrying quadcopter levitates in the sky and lands safely on the ground.

Mr Zhao claimed the flying bike could carry a load of between 110 and 220 pounds (50 and 100 kilograms).

Its maximum takeoff weight of 564 pounds (256 kilograms), top speed of 44 mph (70 km/h) and battery life of 30 minutes make it a market leader, said Mr Zhao.

Mr Zhao was born in a village in south China's Hunan Province. Like most boys, he has always dreamt of flying in the sky one day.

He aced in science subjects at school and enjoyed fixing electrical appliances at home.

Bird's eye view! The contraption can travel at speeds of up to 44mph and has a battery life of 30 minutes

Its maximum takeoff weight of 564 pounds (256 kilograms) and Mr Zhao rode his device with all-black protective gear on

In 2008, Mr Zhao set up a company to sell the drones he invented himself. By then he had invented five drone models, including a petrol drone

His workshop is full of flying devices including handheld quadcopters and helicopters. These smaller custom-built devices laid the foundation for the flying scooter

Mr Zhao experienced countless failures while trying to make the unmanned aircraft airbourne during the 1,559 flight tests; he even had to sell his house and borrow money from friends in order to fund his project, it is reported

In 2008, Mr Zhao set up a company to sell the drones he invented himself. By then he had invented five drone models, including a petrol drone.

His workshop is full of flying devices including handheld quadcopters and helicopters.

These smaller custom-built devices laid the foundation for the flying scooter.

Two years ago, Mr Zhao read about a hovering surfboard in Canada, and that was where he got the inspiration for the 'flying motorbike'.

Despite his enthusiasm, Mr Zhao's road to success was by no means smooth.

He experienced countless failures while trying to make the unmanned aircraft airbourne during the 1,559 flight tests; he even had to sell his house and borrow money from friends in order to fund his project, it is reported.

The inventor was ecstatic after Monday's flight.

He said he hoped to fly across China's Yellow River on the aircraft.

He also planned to modify the 'flying motorbike' before launching it as a commercial product on the market.

The inventor was ecstatic after fkying his bike for the first time and said he hoped to fly across China's Yellow River on the aircraft

He also planned to modify the 'flying motorbike' before launching it as a commercial product on the market
A little boy in south-east China had to be rescued after getting his foot trapped in a revolving door.

The six-year-old boy was playing with his friend at a hotel in Foshan city. He accidentally tripped and fell while running in and out of the door.

Police patrolling the area immediately offered assistance and alerted emergency services. The boy was freed within five minutes and did not suffer serious injuries.

A boy in Foshan city had to be rescued after getting his foot trapped in a revolving door

The six-year-old boy was playing with his friend at a hotel in Foshan city, Guangdong province when he accidentally tripped and fell while running in and out of the door

CCTV footage of the frightening ordeal on July 31 shows the boy and a girl running into the hotel lobby from the entrance at about 10:30pm.

The pair appeared to be playing unattended.

They both entered the same section of glass door together, but the boy tripped and fell. His right foot got snagged under the heavy glass panel.

He was unable to move and was crying loudly, according to the Nanhai Public Security Bureau in a statement.

The boy and the girl were seen playing at the entrance of the hotel before the incident

They both entered the same section of glass door together, but the boy tripped and fell

After five minutes, officers were able to free the boy using hydraulic tools to expand the space

Policemen used hydraulic tools to expand the space under the revolving door as his parents and passers-by tried to push the door away from him.

After five minutes, the boy was lifted out. He did not suffer serious injuries.

According to the police statement, the boy was staying at the hotel with his parents during the summer holidays.

The police warned that parents should always keep an eye on their children and not let them play with large revolving doors.
Botched repair works of a protected Buddha statue in south-west China have left the relic covered in bright, cartoonish colours, sparking ridicule and outrage.

One web user joked that the stone sculpture, around 1,000 years old, now appears to have a giant lollipop behind its head; while another person lamented that the sacred figure looks like it belonged in a red light district.

The local government has issued an apology after photos of the flubbed restoration went viral on social media, where users called the paintwork 'disfiguring and disrespectful'.

Before and after: Botched repair works of a historic stone Buddha sculpture in Anyue county, south-east China's Sichuan province have left the relic covered in bright, cartoonish colours

The alarming facelift in China brought back memories of other botched works, including the failed restoration of a Jesus Christ fresco in a Spanish church in 2012 that left the saviour looking like a hairy monkey.

The restoration works on the protected artifact were actually carried out in 1995 by unqualified workers.

But the incident was brought to light on Saturday after Xu Xin, a guide at the Dunhuang grottoes in Gansu province, posted the pictures on his Weibo account, where criticisms and angry comments quickly gathered.

The relic is situated inside a grotto in Anyue county, Sichuan province, and dates back to the Song dynasty (960-1279).

Before and after pictures of the 1,000-year-old Buddha shows bright red, yellow, blue and green paint splattered onto the sculpture, creating a cartoonish colour scheme.

A halo behind the sacred figure was filled in with different colours, leaving the Buddha's head right in the centre of what looks like a rainbow dart board.

Xu told MailOnline that the botched repair is 'a great shame'.

The alarming facelift of the Buddha statue has prompted comparisons of other botched works, including the failed restoration of a Jesus Christ fresco in a Spanish church in 2012

'Cultural relics are called cultural relics because of their "old" appearances, indicating their historical value,' he said.

'Re-construction works may reflect the believers' faith, but if the original marks of the original artifact are covered up, it will be transformed into a religious statue and wouldn't be a historic relic anymore.'

The incident remained a trending topic on Weibo, with the page titled 'Grotto statue suspected of being brutally restored' gathering more than 42 million views.

'What is that behind the Buddha's head? Is it a lollipop?' One said.

'The once-dignified statue is now completely ruined by amateurs,' said another. 'Looking at the colourful Buddhua, I don't feel peace anymore.'

'The sculpture now looks like it belongs in a red light district,' commented another. 'The colour scheme reminds me of busy traffic lights.'

Before: Centuries-old Buddhist frescos were in a 270-year-old temple in the north-eastern province of Liaoning and dated back to the early period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

After: However, an unauthorised restoration project left them completely painted over with cartoon-like Taoist figures. As a result, two government officials were fired

The Anyue county prides itself on being 'the City of Lemons and the City of Buddhist Sculptures'. There are more than 100,000 sculptures dating back as early as the 900s erected across the township, according to the government website.

In a notice posted on its official Weibo account, the Anyue County government said the restoration job was proposed and paid for by local residents in June, 1995.

'Residents lacked professional knowledge on cultural relic conservation and restoration and hired workers to carry out the repair works,' the statement read.

It claimed that officials immediately stopped the job after finding out, but the Buddha statue was already re-painted. However, they were able to prevent similar works that were scheduled to be carried out on other statues in the same grotto.

'After the incident, the Administration of Cultural Heritage strengthened management and protection of other relics,' it added. 'No similar restoration work was carried out again in recent years.'

Before and after: A 16th-century St George sculpture erected in a small church in the town of Estella, Spain was left looking 'like a Disney cartoon character' after a botched facelift in June

China's Criminal Law and Cultural Relics Protection Law stipulates that anyone who damages cultural relics could face a fine ranging from 5,000 yuan (570) and/or up to 10 years in prison.

In 2013, centries-old Buddhist frescos in a temple in Liaoning province were ruined when they were painted over with cartoon-like Taoist figures during an unauthorised restoration.

The paintings were inside a 270-year-old temple and are said to be from the early period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). As a result, two government officials were fired.

Elsewhere, a 1930 'Ecce Homo' fresco of Jesus Christ in a church in Borja, Spain was wrecked by a pensioner in her 80s, who became the laughing stock of the world in 2012 after the failed restoration attempts sparked global condemnation.

In June this year, a 16th-century St George sculpture erected in a small church in the town of Estella, northern Spain was left looking 'like a Disney cartoon character' after a botched facelift by a local handicrafts teacher.
Luciana Berger, a Jewish MP threatened with deselection by hard-Left activists, said she was embarrassed and ashamed to remain in a party riven with bullying, bigotry and intimidation

The seven MPs who quit the Labour Party lined up yesterday to deliver a devastating verdict on Jeremy Corbyns leadership.

One by one, they set out an extraordinary charge sheet against Mr Corbyns stewardship, accusing him of turning Labour into an institutionally anti-Semitic and racist party.

Luciana Berger, a Jewish MP threatened with deselection by hard-Left activists, said she was embarrassed and ashamed to remain in a party riven with bullying, bigotry and intimidation.

At the launch of their Independent Group, the MPs tore into Labours leadership, warning that the party had been hijacked.

Mike Gapes, a Labour MP for 27 years, said he was sickened that the party he joined was now racist. Others blamed their decision to quit on the partys failure to oppose Brexit and support a second referendum.

Chris Leslie, former shadow chancellor, said he had left because Labour had been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard Left.

Ann Coffey (left): 'Any criticism of the leadership is responded to with abuse and accusations of treachery. Anti-Semitism is rife and tolerated'. Angela Smith (right): 'Most people are like my family. They do not want to be patronised by Left-wing intellectuals who think that being poor and working-class is a state of grace'

Chris Leslie (left): '[Corbyn prefers] to believe states hostile to our country rather than  our security services. [This is] rooted in the leaderships obsession with a narrow, outdated ideology'. Chuka Umunna (right): 'In [the] light of these past three years, I do not support the Labour leader taking the office of prime minister. Nor do I have confidence in him and his team to ... safeguard our national security'

At a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party last night, the seven departing MPs received an ovation in recognition of their service to the party.

Labour chairman Ian Lavery  a close ally of Mr Corbyn  faced a frosty reception when he rejected Miss Bergers suggestion the party was institutionally anti-Semitic.

Jewish Labour MP Ruth Smeeth broke down in tears as she accused the leadership of not doing enough to tackle the problem. Louise Ellman, another Jewish MP, was applauded when she said that unless Labour changes we are not fit to govern.

Tom Watson, Labours deputy leader, said Miss Bergers departure proved the party had been too slow to admit it had a problem with racial hatred of Jews.

Miss Berger and the six other members of the Independent Group quit just days after she was threatened with a vote of no confidence by her local party.

The Liverpool Wavertree MP has been bombarded with anti-Semitic abuse since Mr Corbyn became leader three years ago, and at last years Labour conference needed police protection.

Mike Gapes (left): 'I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country'. Gavin Shuker (right): 'Labour is riddled with anti-Semitism, it presents a threat to our national security and its perfectly content to enable the hard Tory Brexit'

Yet yesterday she revealed that, despite this, she had not heard from the leader since the end of 2017. Opening the new groups launch event, she said: The leadership has wilfully and repeatedly failed to address hatred against Jewish people within its ranks.

But theres room for hardliner Hatton Derek Hatton, the hard-Left former deputy leader of Liverpool council, has been allowed back into the Labour Party. He was expelled 34 years ago by Neil Kinnock for being a member of the Militant Tendency, a Trotskyist group. Mr Hatton revealed during last years Labour conference that he had applied to rejoin the party. And last night Buzzfeed reported that his application had been successful after his case was considered by a panel. He achieved notoriety in the 1980s when he set an illegal budget in Liverpool and sent out redundancy notices by taxi to thousands of council workers. In September he wrote that he had been inspired to reapply for Labour membership by Mr Corbyns leadership. In all my time I have never witnessed such passion, such energy and such powerful socialist leadership, he said. And strangely that power is despite a kinder, gentler form of politics. Another figure from the hard-Left, George Galloway, yesterday officially applied to re-join the party  despite the fact he stood against Labour and won a seat in Bradford for his now-defunct Respect party.

Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said: I am sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party. I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country. Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues  from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela.

A Corbyn government would threaten our national security and international alliances.

Ann Coffey said: Anti-Semitism is rife and tolerated, while Gavin Shuker said: Labour is riddled with anti-Semitism, it presents a threat to our national security and its perfectly content to enable the hard Tory Brexit.

The president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, said: This is a moment of great shame for the Labour Party and a tragedy for the thousands of Jews who have supported the party for generations.

Labour MP Jess Phillips claimed Miss Berger was essentially constructively dismissed because of the bullying she had suffered.

Hardest thing to hear today was from Luciana who I love, she said. Her colleague Lucy Powell said: My friend Luciana  has been subject to despicable and appalling abuse.

Mr Watson said Miss Berger was the first casualty of a virulent form of identity politics which has seized the Labour Party and suggested many other MPs will be asking themselves how they can stay.
A mother and her three young children were found shot dead at their rural Michigan home on Monday.

The bodies of Alanah Moore, two, Cassidy Graham, six, Kyrie Graham, eight, and their mom Aubrianne Moore, 28, were all discovered by a woman in Kent County who then called 911.

Family members told WOOD-TV that Moore killed her children and then herself.

Alanah Moore, 2, (pictured above) is one of the alleged victims of Aubrianne Moore, her mother

Moore's other two daughters Cassidy Graham, 6, (pictured left) and Kyrie Graham, 8, (pictured center) are the other two alleged victims

Family members have told Wood-TV that Moore (pictured above) killed her children and then herself

They added that Moore had a history of mental illness and was previously admitted to a mental health facility.

Cops have not officially confirmed the victims' identities are still investigating the slaying.

Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young says authorities responded Monday at around 3 p.m. to a property in Solon Township, near Cedar Springs, a community about 30 miles north of Grand Rapids.

Aubrianne Moore, 28, is pictured right along with her friend Kasey Jo

Authorities have indicated there's a second crime scene where the children were shot, but investigators currently don't know where that is.

LaJoye-Young would not say whether it was a murder-suicide but did say there was no threat to the public and that authorities did not believe a shooter was on the loose.

She called the scene 'a horrific thing to be called to' and said 'my heart goes out to the families involved here and the community.'

Authorities have indicated there's a second crime scene where the children were shot, but investigators currently don't know where that is

Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young would not say whether it was a murder-suicide but did say there was no threat to the public and that authorities did not believe a shooter was on the loose
Jeremy Corbyn was told to prepare for more resignations last night as Labour was blown apart by the biggest split in British politics in 40 years.

Seven MPs officially quit the party yesterday, branding it institutionally anti-Semitic, racist  and led by a man whos a threat to national security.

One said it would be irresponsible to allow Mr Corbyn to become Prime Minister. But, on the eve of his partys greatest crisis, the Labour leader spent hours on Sunday down at his allotment in north London.

His deputy Tom Watson warned many others could quit, and that Labour may see more days like this. He admitted that he sometimes no longer recognises his own party.

As many as 50 MPs are now understood to be considering their positions, with Labour sources expecting a steady trickle of departures.

Jeremy Corbyn was told to prepare for more resignations last night as Labour was blown apart by the biggest split in British politics in 40 years

The split threatens to deal a fatal blow to Mr Corbyns hopes of ever reaching Downing Street and throws Labours future as a potential party of government into doubt.

At the same time, the Labour defectors  including Luciana Berger  appealed to Remain-supporting Tories and Liberal Democrats to join their Independent Group as they took the first steps to setting up a new centrist, soft Brexit force. On an extraordinary day at Westminster:

Former home secretary Lord Blunkett warned in an article for the Mail that we are facing the potential disintegration of the Labour Party;

An opinion poll for the Mail found the breakaway movement had gone from nowhere to being Britains third most popular political group overnight, damaging Mr Corbyns hopes of entering No 10;

Tom Watson pleaded with Labour supporters not to accuse the breakaway group of betrayal, saying the party urgently needed to confront the scale of its problems;

The newly-formed group immediately faced an online backlash from supporters of Mr Corbyn who branded them cowards and traitors;

In an emotional meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), Jewish MP Ruth Smeeth broke down in tears as she accused the leadership of failing to tackle anti-Semitism;

It emerged Derek Hatton, hard-Left ex-deputy leader of Liverpool council, had been let back into the party;

Several Remain-backing Tory MPs were on resignation watch as Nick Boles, Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston, Phillip Lee, Justine Greening and Heidi Allen all refused to rule out joining the Labour defectors.

The split threatens to deal a fatal blow to Mr Corbyns hopes of ever reaching Downing Street and throws Labours future as a potential party of government into doubt (pictured: Jeremy Corbyn and wife Laura Alvarez arriving home)

Shortly after 10am, the seven MPs appeared at a press conference at Londons County Hall to announce they had moments earlier quit Labour to found a new Independent Group.

Miss Berger, Chuka Umunna, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey and Angela Smith said they were ashamed of Mr Corbyns leadership, condemning his handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism.

Announcing their decision, Miss Berger told the press conference: This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.

She added: For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.

As many as 50 MPs are now understood to be considering their positions, with Labour sources expecting a steady trickle of departures

The Jewish MP  who has previously been the target of anti-Semitic tweets and was protected by bodyguards at last years party conference following death threats  accused the Labour leadership of wilfully and repeatedly failing to address hatred against Jewish people within its ranks.

Mr Leslie, who described Labour as rotten to its core, said it would be irresponsible to allow Mr Corbyn to become Prime Minister, warning that his policies would threaten our national security. He accused Labour of betraying the country over Brexit.

The MPs called on both Tories and Liberal Democrats to join their new group, as they rejected comparisons with the Social Democratic Party, which was founded by the Gang of Four breakaway Labour MPs in 1981.

In a direct appeal, Mr Umunna urged them to leave the old tribal politics behind, adding: We invite you to leave your parties and help us forge a new consensus on a way forward for Britain. In a statement, Mr Corbyn said he was disappointed by the announcement.

But Mr Watson, the deputy leader, warned the resignations were a wake-up call for the party. He said Miss Berger had fallen victim to a virulent form of identity politics that has seized the Labour Party.

In a stark message about Labours future, he continued: I confess I feared this day would come. And I fear now, that unless we change, we may see more days like this.

Rebels are already more popular than the Lib Dems The breakaway movement launched yesterday by rebel Labour MPs immediately became Britains third most popular political group. If they contested the next general election as a national party they would win 8 per cent of votes, damaging Jeremy Corbyns hopes of entering No 10. The biggest losers are the Lib Dems, whose support slumps from 10 to 6 per cent. These are among the findings of the first full-scale opinion survey conducted after the seven MPs formed the new Independent Group yesterday. Alarmingly for Mr Corbyn, the Survation poll says nearly one in three Labour voters prefer the new group to the official Corbyn-led Labour Party. A total of 56 per cent of members of the public say the rebel MPs were right to abandon the Labour Party; just 20 per cent said they should have stayed. There is also clear public support for their reasons for leaving. More than one in two agree Mr Corbyn is a threat to UK security and that Labour has been hijacked by the hard Left. The poll suggests that if the Independent Group became a national party, it would cut support for Labour to 34 per cent, down two percentage points, with the Conservatives on 39, five points ahead, a slight increase in its lead over Labour. Given a straight choice between Mr Corbyns Labour Party and the breakaway movement, most voters choose the latter. Among Labour supporters, 45 per cent back Mr Corbyn with 31 per cent behind the rebels. The best-known Labour rebel, Chuka Umunna, is the clear public choice to lead the new group. Moreover, ominously for Mr Corbyn, Mr Umunna is seen as best Labour PM by 28 per cent, three points ahead of Mr Corbyn himself on 25. Among Labour voters, 48 per cent back PM Corbyn with 23 per cent in favour of PM Umunna. Mr Corbyn gets most blame for the split: A total of 43 per cent of voters see him as the main cause; 23 per cent put it down to anti-Semitism in Labour, and 17 per cent say Brexit is the main factor. A total of 28 per cent say the splinter group makes it more likely that the Tories will win the next election; 25 per cent say it makes it less likely. But 57 per cent of voters disapprove of the rebels refusal to resign their seats and stand in by-elections, against 22 per cent who are content for them to carry on as MPs. Survation interviewed 1,023 adults online yesterday afternoon.
For me it was a moment to savour when, at the National Gallerys 2011 blockbuster Leonardo da Vinci exhibition  the greatest ever gathering of Leonardos under one roof  I stood in front of Salvator Mundi, or Saviour Of The World.

The small oil painting depicted a solemn Christ, his right hand raised in benediction, a crystal orb, representing Earth, resting in his left.

It was a newly discovered masterpiece and there was no doubting its magic. It moved me to my core.

The Salvator Mundi, or Saviour Of The World, depicts a solemn Christ and was thought to be a Da Vinci masterpiece when it was sold to a 'Saudi prince' for $450.3million in New York in 2017

For hundreds of years it had been ignored  part of a job lot of Old Masters in a private collection.

But now here it was in its rightful place, acknowledged as one of the greatest works by a man who was the greatest artist who ever lived.

Or was it? Was I really standing in front of what may now be the greatest rip-off of all time?

Six years after that exhibition, the Salvator Mundi became the worlds most expensive painting when it was bought at Christies in New York for $450.3 million by a Saudi Prince.

Just 60 years before, it had swapped hands for 45 as an undistinguished work in the collection of an English baronet.

In 2005, however, it had been restored by a consortium headed up by an American art dealer, and was subsequently authenticated as a Leonardo in 2008 by a panel of art experts.

Thats what its new owner  rumoured to be the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia himself, Prince Mohammed bin Salman  was paying many millions of dollars for in that packed, hushed auction room in Manhattan with the bids coming in by phone.

Mystery owner? Prince Mohammed bin Salman is rumoured to be the 'Saudi prince' who bought the Salvator Mundi painting in 2017 for a world-record $450.3million in New York

Even then, there were whispers from some art historians that this was not the real thing.

Now those voices have risen to a crescendo, fuelled by two significant events.

The Prince bought the picture on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and its grand unveiling was due to take place at the new Louvre Abu Dhabi in September.

The museum of art and civilisation, which is said to have cost around one billion euros  including 400 million euros to carry the Louvre name  opened last year, and the Leonardo was to have had pride of place.

But the unveiling was suddenly cancelled, with no explanation.

Now it is claimed by French art experts that plans to include Salvator Mundi at a landmark exhibition at the Louvre in Paris in the autumn, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of da Vinci, may be on hold because of further doubts over its origins.

Where the Salvator Mundi is now, no one is quite sure.

Locked away in a store room in the Abu Dhabi Louvre, perhaps?

Or being pored over in a laboratory somewhere by scientists and art experts determined to prove it is authentic?

Or even hanging on the wall in a grand salon in a Saudi Palace, a reminder of a moment of madness. Many art lovers are left wondering if it will ever be seen again.

Few of the doubters think Salvator Mundi is a modern fake. The original picture was almost certainly painted in Leonardos lifetime (1452-1519).

We know that the pigments of the oil paints are the same as those used by Leonardo. And it was painted on a walnut wood panel  a surface he favoured.

But those doubters think it may be a workshop Leonardo: that is to say, it was painted in his studio but by one of his assistants.

At best, the master may have added the odd detail, they say, but it certainly isnt an autograph painting  all Leonardos own work  and therefore the mammoth price tag isnt justified.

Where the Salvator Mundi is now, no one is quite sure. Locked away in a store room in the Abu Dhabi Louvre, perhaps?

Matthew Landrus, a Leonardo expert at Oxford University, suggests Salvatore Mundi is the work of da Vincis assistant Bernardino Luini.

A French expert, Jacques Franck, alleges that Louvre staff know that the Salvator Mundi isnt a Leonardo.

(A Louvre spokesman maintains that the museum is still seeking to show the picture in the autumn.)

What no one disputes is that the painting has undergone extensive restoration in recent years.

In 2005, New York art dealers Alexander Parrish and Robert Simon bought it for $10,000 at a Louisiana estate sale.

Parrish and a consortium he assembled then paid for it to be restored, with the work carried out by a leading figure in the art world, Dianne Dwyer Modestini, from New York Universitys Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts.

Pre-restoration photographs show great white streaks running down the picture, and Christ with large patches of paint missing from his hair, chin, nose, forehead and left eye socket.

The painting went on display at Christie's, in London in 2017 before it was sold in New York later that year. Matthew Landrus, a Leonardo expert at Oxford University, suggests Salvatore Mundi is in fact the work of da Vincis assistant Bernardino Luini

Parrish sought its authentication as a Leonardo, which was confirmed in 2008, before selling it in 2013 to Swiss dealer Yves Bouvier for 58 million.

A Russian, Dmitry Rybolovlev, bought it for 100 million before Christies achieved the record price in 2017.

We have to accept that, whatever areas of high-quality, original work remain, a substantial part of the painting now has been made by a masterful New York restorer, says Philip Mould, the art dealer and presenter of the BBC show Fake Or Fortune.

I saw it in the National Gallery [in 2011]. Those areas which remain unchanged are of a supremely good quality.

But the study of art is the study of what remains. These are substantial remnants of an original picture supplemented by a high-quality restoration.

Mould is reluctant to make any definite pronouncement as to whether he thinks it is a Leonardo.

However, Michael Daley, the founder and director of ArtWatch UK, an art preservation group, is adamant that even if Leonardo contributed some details, the vast majority of the work is not by him.

The present case has been built on scholarly sand, he says, The idea that the Abu Dhabi painting should be presented as an autograph Leonardo picture is an affront to scholarship, as much as it is an artistic insult to Leonardo.

The picture is clearly of the period. But there is a question of artistic quality, coherence and consistency.

Who was Leonardo Da Vinci? Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, more commonly Leonardo da Vinci or simply Leonardo, is one of the greatest individuals of the last millenium. The poly math was a driving force behind the Renaissance and dabbled in invention, painting, sculpting, architecture, science, music, mathematics, engineering, literature, anatomy, geology, astronomy, botany, writing, history, and cartography. He has been attributed with the development of the parachute, helicopter and tank. He was born in what is modern-day Italy in 1452 and died at the age of 67 in France. After being born out of wedlock the visionary he worked in Milan, Rome, Bologna and Venice. His most recognisable works include the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, Vitruvian Man. Another piece of artwork, dubbed the Salvator Mund, sold for a world record $450.3 million (343 million) at a Christie's auction in New York in 2017.

Other technical aspects are found wanting. Experts acknowledge that the blurred, smoky look  sfumato in Italian  was a favourite quality of Leonardos, which the artist described as without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke or beyond the focus plane.

The best part of the picture is Christs raised hand, which some say only Leonardo could have painted, says Daley.

Its true that the two folded fingers, the bit of wrist and the drapery next to it are excellent.

But the other two fingers and thumb arent. Thats inconsistent with the other Leonardos, which are anatomically correct.

Instead, it fits with what we read of Leonardo  that he touched up some paintings in his studio or gave guidance, rather than painting the whole thing.

Before the painting was restored, it also had several pentimenti  an Italian word for visible traces of earlier attempts made by the artist to perfect his image.

Closer examination shows earlier versions of Christs thumb in a different position. For some, this may well be evidence of Leonardo at work as he tried various positions of the thumb until he was satisfied.

The other difficulty with the work is when it was painted and where it fits within Leonardos range of work.

Art historians disagree over the exact number of his authenticated paintings but put it between 15 and 20.

The experts who authenticated Salvator Mundi suggest it was painted between 1506 and 1513 for Louis XII of France.

Leonardo supposedly painted Salvator Mundi after the Mona Lisa and before his painting of St John, says Daley.

But it doesnt have the quality of either, and both the Mona Lisa and St John are much more cracked.

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519) was an Italian polymath perhaps best-known for his paintings. His most recognisable works include the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man

Just look at the painting of Christs ringlets in Salvator Mundi. Its so much more mechanical than in the Mona Lisa.

St Johns hair is much more substantial, lustrous and sensuous than Christs ringlets.

Further doubts have been cast on the skill of the hand that painted the glass orb in Christs palm.

Glass usually refracts, or bends, light, but in the Salvator Mundi picture there is little bending, which would be illustrated by distortion of what is behind the orb  which, given that Leonardo was also a scientist and engineer, is unusual.

So is the painting now believed to be in Abu Dhabi a different and inferior version of a Leonardo original?

There are in fact some 20 copies of the Salvator Mundi in existence by various artists.

Theres a problem, too, with the pictures provenance. The original painting passed from King Louis XII by descent to Queen Henrietta Maria of France (1609-1669), wife of Charles I.

After Charles I was executed in 1649, the painting was sold in 1651, before being retrieved by his son, Charles II, in 1660.

It was then removed from James IIs collection by the Countess of Dorchester, and passed through the hands of several aristocratic owners, including Sir Charles Sheffield, 1st Baronet, an ancestor of Samantha Cameron.

He sold it in 1763 to Sir Charles Robinson for a mere 2.10.

But proper documentation only goes back as far as 1900, when it was sold to a British collector, Sir Francis Cook.

It was Cooks descendant, also Sir Francis Cook, who sold the picture for 45 in 1958.

And so we are left in art world limbo. A picture with flashes of genius that has knocked around the palaces of Europe and British country houses for years, and has had paint added to it, removed and once more added, before undergoing restoration.

Maybe, just maybe, all of that did hide the greatest hand of all at work.

The question now is whether the two Louvres, in Paris and Abu Dhabi, will dare to put the Dodgy Leonardo on show and let the public make up their own minds.
The Driver's License and Vehicle Registration Office in Troy, Missouri, became the focus for an alleged stalker, according to the employees of the government agency.

Timothy Howe, 34, showed up at the office over months 'often asking for duplicate titles, abandoned vehicle forms and other vehicle registration related items,' according to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office who arrested him last Monday.

The criminal complaint detailed a long campaign if stalking and harassment where Howe would anonymously purchase pizza for the office and make attempts to contact employees on social media with fake profiles.

When one of the office workers asked Howe not to buy her pizza anymore, he allegedly bought pizza for everyone else in the office, except her.

Timothy Howe, 34, of Troy, Missouri, is charged first degree stalking and three counts of first degree harassment

The DMV employees also spotted him driving through the office parking lot multiple times a day.

Howe also allegedly left a wad of cash on an office counter saying, 'Go get yourself a manicure or pedicure' in November of last year, which forced the office manager to report him. The Compliance Investigation Bureau promptly banned Howe from the Troy office. for the incident.

Following the restriction, the alleged stalker got a hold of an employee's cell phone number, according to the sheriff's office, sent her odd text messages including a Christmas greeting.

Howe would repeatedly send pizzas to the Troy motor vehicle license office, drive through the parking lot and visit with requests for documents for months

Still another woman complained that she saw him driving by her twice while she gassed her own vehicle making her feel unsafe.

Detectives caught up with Howe in his vehicle near the Troy motor vehicle office. He was charged first degree stalking and three counts of first degree harassment.

Howe is currently in Lincoln County Jail under a $20,000 cash only bond with the stipulations: 'no contact with the victims, GPS monitoring if released and no entry or staying on premises of' the Troy licensing office.
China has hit back at suggestions it was behind a sophisticated cyber attack on Australia's political parties, warning 'irresponsible' and 'baseless' speculation will heighten tensions.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed on Monday cyber experts believe a state actor was responsible for the attack, which also targeted the networks of federal parliament, but didn't say which country.

Security sources indicated last week China could be behind the attack, but the government's cybersecurity chief said the culprit was not yet clear.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed on Monday cyber experts believe a state actor was responsible for the attack

China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Beijing was firmly opposed to reports blaming the superpower for the breach, accusing media of undermining China's relationship with Australia.

'One should present abundant evidence when investigating and determining the nature of a cyberspace activity, instead of making baseless speculations and firing indiscriminate shots at others,' he said.

'Irresponsible reports, accusations, pressurising and sanctions will only heighten tensions and confrontation in cyberspace and poison the atmosphere for cooperation.'

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang accused the media of undermining relations

He called on the international community to deal with cybersecurity threats through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect.

Liberal, Labor and National Party platforms were hacked during a breach of the Australian Parliament House network earlier this month.

There is no evidence of an attempt to interfere in Australian elections.

But the government has put measures in place to ensure the integrity of the system, with Mr Morrison instructing the Australian Cyber Security Centre to be ready to provide the parties with support.

Centre boss Alastair MacGibbon said his team had concluded it was a nation state, but were yet to work out which one.

'There are only a handful of states that can do this type of thing but it is hard for us to really come and definitively say who it is,' he told Sky News on Tuesday.

'Because of the type of infrastructure used in this case and by their methodologies inside the system, they are confident it is a nation state. What we don't know is who.'

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton told Sky: 'There's no prospect of attributing blame at this stage'

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said there were only a small number of states who had the capacity for the attack.

'There's no prospect of us attributing blame at this stage, that's under investigation,' he told Sky.

Speculation about Chinese hacking comes as traders halt purchases of Australian coal and coking coal while clearing times through China's customs have at least doubled to 40 days or more.

The four traders told Reuters on Monday only cargoes from Australia, the biggest supplier of the fuel to the world's top consumer, were affected.

Customs clearance typically takes five to 20 days. Now it can be as much as 45 days, said the manager, asking not to be identified.
A Vans employee has been fired after he was caught on video saying 'f**k you' to a 14-year-old boy who refused to remove his MAGA hat.

The teen entered the Overland Park, Kansas, store with his mother and other family members over the weekend.

In the video, the teen's mother is seen confronting the employee about what he said to her son.

A Vans employee (left and right in a green hoodie) has been fired after he was caught on video saying 'f**k you' to a 14-year-old boy (left) who refused to remove his MAGA hat

'He did nothing to you. And what did you say to my son, to my 14-year-old son?' she asks the man.

'I'm sure he's heard it before,' the employee responded.

'What did you say again?' the mother asks a second time. The employee then admits to saying 'f**k you' to the teenager.

The mother is heard asking to speak with a manager and walks over to the store's register.

According to the teen's mom, her son walked into the store and the employee told him to take off his MAGA hat. 'My son said nothing to him and did nothing,' the woman is heard explaining to the manager.

The employee was subsequently fired from the store, according to The Daily Caller.

A spokeswoman for Vans told the Caller that the company's 'focus is to provide the best customer service experience'.

'We did let this employee go. He is no longer with our company,' the spokeswoman said, adding that the man's actions were 'in contrast with our values and beliefs'.

According to the teen's mom, her son (left) walked into the store and the employee told him to take off his MAGA hat. 'My son said nothing to him and did nothing,' the woman is heard explaining to the manager (right)
Police say they have tracked down a 'homophobic' man who was caught on camera punching a gay man in the middle of a street after calling him and his friends 'f****ts'.

Sal Trejo managed to film the moment he was attacked by the man after leaving a bar in Salt Lake City, Utah at about 1.30am on Sunday.

Trejo posted the video of the incident on Twitter asking for help tracking the suspect down and it quickly went viral.

Sal Trejo managed to film the moment he was attacked by the man after leaving a bar in Salt Lake City, Utah at about 1.30am on Sunday

'My friends and I were assaulted by this homophobic man in downtown Salt Lake City last night. Anyone know him? The police are interested in having a chat with him,' Trejo wrote alongside the video.

Salt Lake City Police, who also appealed for information about the suspect, later confirmed that they had spoken to him and he was cooperating fully with the investigation.

It does not appear that he has been arrested yet.

'He just messed with the wrong queers,' Trejo told the Salt Lake Tribune on Monday.

'We knew that we would be able to find him because we have the resources and we have the support of the great community here in Salt Lake City.'

Trejo said the incident unfolded after him and his friends left a bar in the early hours.

Trejo posted the video of the incident on Twitter asking for help tracking the suspect down and it quickly went viral

'It started with him approaching us out of the blue and making homophobic and misogynistic comments towards our group,' Trejo said in a Twitter statement.

'We started recording him and asked him to leave, he wouldn't, and then went on to hit me and shove on of our girlfriends.

'At this point we became verbally aggressive to protect ourselves. We called the police immediately. He then pulled out a knife and pointed it towards us while continuing to call us f****ts.

'He eventually ran off, got into his car (in his intoxicated state) and drove on the light-rail tracks until he sped off away from Main Street.

'This man is dangerous and needs to be held accountable for his actions.'
A suspected drunk driver has been arrested following a car crash that killed an off-duty California police officer.

Authorities said Yijie Mao, 26, was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when his car struck a vehicle driven by San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas O'Loughlin just after midnight on Sunday in Chino.

The 28-year-old cop from Chino Hills was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the Chino Police Department.

Yijie Mao, 26, (left) has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana and vehicular manslaughter following a car crash that killed off-duty San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas O'Loughlin, 28, (right) around 12.30am Sunday in Chino, California

Mao was driving a 2014 BMW compact SUV when he plowed into O'Loughlin's 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, according to investigators. Mao's wrecked car is seen above after the crash

Mao was reportedly traveling west on Edison Avenue in a 2014 BMW compact SUV when he plowed into O'Loughlin, who was heading south on Euclid Avenue in a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.

The suspect from Alhambra has been charged with driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.

He is being held at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino in lieu of posting $250,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Rancho Superior Court on Wednesday, according to jail records.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced O'Loughlin's death in a Facebook post on Sunday, writing: 'Nicholas left a positive impression on his friends and coworkers and will be deeply missed. Rest easy brother.'

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909-334-3018 or mbloch@chinopd.org.
Two puppies were saved from being crushed by heavy rubble after a building was torn apart by shelling in heartwarming footage.

Syria's White Helmets were filmed rushing into the wreckage of a building in the northwestern town of Maarat al-Numan, between Homs and Aleppo.

The clip shows rescuers scraping back crumbled rock to reveal a tiny puppy's head which splutters from the dust.

The clip shows rescuers scraping back crumbled rock to reveal a tiny puppy's head which splutters from the dust

The emancipated dog is coated in dust and appears shell-shocked after it was almost crushed from fallen rock

Working quickly, the team manage to scrape back layers of debris to pull the puppy from the rubble.

The emancipated dog is coated in dust and appears shell-shocked after it was almost crushed from fallen rock.

One of the worker's can be seen softly stroking the frightened creature while another rescuer pulls a second puppy from the ruins.

The team of White Helmets carry the weakened and dust-covered puppies out of the blitzed building to carry them to safety.

The group manage to place the puppies of their vehicle - who appear injured from being crushed beneath heavy debris.

The Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, said the building had collapsed from artillery fire by the country's government forces.



The group manage to place the puppies of their vehicle - who appear injured from being crushed beneath heavy debris
He recently bragged of owning 200 cars and boasted that losing 5million in a casino meant nothing to him.

But playboy James Stunt is being forced to live considerably more frugally these days  on the orders of a judge.

The gold bullion magnate ex-husband of Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone, with whom he has three children, has had his assets frozen under proceeds of crime rules, the Daily Mail can reveal. At a court hearing, secret until now, a judge also slapped a 1,000-a-week spending limit on Stunt, 37, who is described as the Alleged Offender.

Petra Ecclestone pictured with James Stunt, who recently bragged of owning 200 cars and boasted that losing 5million in a casino meant nothing to him

What are Restraint Orders? How police or CPS can freeze cash-flow - without charge - while they probe suspect's finances Under the terms of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the police or the CPS can apply for a restraint order in the course of a criminal investigation. The power is intended to allow the courts to preserve the position of the assets of the subject of an investigation in case they wish later to seize those assets following a successful conviction. Since their introduction in 2002 the use of restraint orders has become more usual and they are now commonly used in major fraud and drug cases. They have even been successfully sought by the Department for Work and Pensions in the course of investigations into benefit fraud. Under condition 1 of Section 40 of the Act, restraint orders may only be sought after (a) a criminal investigation is underway and (b) there is reasonable cause to believe the alleged offender has benefited from his criminal conduct. There is no suggestion Mr Stunt is guilty of any offence.

For most mortals, this would be high-rolling enough, but for the brash, caviar-loving supercar fan, it must severely cramp his style.

The teetotal tycoon could not even drown his sorrows if he wanted to  as he is effectively barred from reaching into his wine cabinet, designed by Earl of Snowdon David Linley  and taking a restorative swig from his treasure trove of Chateau Petrus, which can cost 10,000 a bottle.

To do so would reduce the value of his cellar, and Stunt is prohibited from doing this. The Mail has obtained a copy of a restraint order prohibiting disposal of assets served on him by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The order threatens him with a fine or jail if he tries to sell his multi-million-pound homes or cherished fleet of supercars.

Over 17 pages, the restraint order freezes no fewer than 14 bank accounts, and bans the sale of his Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, and seven property deeds.

The order was issued by Judge Sarah Munro QC, sitting at the Old Bailey, on August 29. The hearing was private, and was not reported at the time.

When the Mail tried to report on the existence of the order last December, Stunts lawyers obtained a court order that banned publication.

Stunning views: The block of flats overlooking the Thames in Chelsea Harbour

Luxury home: The cottage in Belgravia that was on the market in 2016 for 11.8m

But Stunts bid to gag the Press has backfired, after the Mail challenged the gagging order in court yesterday. It was overturned, meaning the Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings against the multi-millionaire can be revealed for the first time. The Act was introduced in 2002 to allow money or assets to be seized by the State if they were obtained through unlawful conduct. In Stunts case, he has not been charged with any offence, and it is not clear why the order has been made. His assets have not been seized, but their use has been restricted and he must not dispose of, deal with or diminish the value of them.

It is understood that, since August, the restraint order has been subject to minor revisions on three occasions, to take account of Stunts business interests.

In the original order, Judge Munro QC slapped a 1,000-a-week limit on him, saying: This order does not prohibit the Alleged Offender from spending up to 1,000 a week towards his ordinary living expenses.

Listed by the court: One of two Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Stunt recently bragged of owning 200 cars and boasted that losing 5million in a casino meant nothing to him.

Stunt is being forced to live considerably more frugally these days  on the orders of a judge (pictured: His favourite supercar, the Lamborghini Aventador)

It is a far cry from his days of splashing the cash. His costly and acrimonious divorce from Miss Ecclestone in 2017 did not dent his penchant for shopping trips to Harrods in a cavalcade of supercars. In March last year, he declared to Tatler magazine that he is as rich as ever.

He said he had once had a 5million credit line at every casino in London, Monaco, Las Vegas and Macao but had recently cut his wagers to just 20,000 a night, explaining: Me fooling around with 20,000, Im not trying to sound as if I dont know the value of money, but its a huge improvement on losing 5million a night. You have to bet enough to hurt you, but I definitely had a gambling problem. I was losing millions every time.

Interviewed at home by the high-society magazine, while wearing a 60,000 Audemars Piguet gold wristwatch, he showed off some of his paintings including a Van Gogh, a Constable, a Picasso and several Van Dycks.

These are likely to be among the list of artworks that Stunt has been ordered to draw up by the court. The judge demanded he itemise all of his paintings, furniture, watches, jewellery and objets dart, along with their estimated value, photographs and locations where they are held.

Audemars Piguet gold watch: Stunt has one worth 60,000 in his collection

The gold bullion magnate is the ex-husband of Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone, with whom he has three children (pictured: His Bentley Mulsanne)

Rolls-Royce Phantom: The other in Stunts collection. Stunt has also spent millions on artworks

Stunt has spent millions on artworks. His bodyguards have been spotted carrying bubble-wrapped masterpieces from Sothebys and Christies to Rolls-Royces parked on yellow lines outside.

He has lent paintings by Monet, Dali, Picasso and Constable to galleries around the world. Even Prince Charles accepted paintings on loan for the restoration of his Scottish stately home Dumfries House, and Stunt has several royal letters of gratitude on display at his Mayfair office.

Two months ago, in line with good journalistic practice, the Mail gave Stunt a chance to comment before publication. A security guard answering the door of his stucco-fronted Belgravia cottage said he was unavailable, but accepted a letter to him offering an opportunity to comment. Instead of doing so, Stunt went straight to a judge.

Later that day, Old Bailey Judge Mark Dennis QC granted an order to prohibit publication of all information relating to the assets freezing order. Yesterday, Judge Dennis threw out the gagging order, and suggested Stunt had been trying to protect his personal, reputational or personal business interests, none of which was relevant to the Proceeds of Crime proceedings. The CPS has declined to comment.

Used by his security team: One of two Range Rovers. He told Tattler he liked to travel in an armada of cars on shopping trips round London

Bentley Flying Spur: Stunt claims to own 200 cars

Stunt has repeatedly stoked controversy. During his 5billion divorce, he was claimed to have rubbed cocaine on his gums during a court hearing. On the same day in June 2017, it is also claimed he barged into his father-in-law, the ex-Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, and made a gun gesture towards him in court. He later made an obscene gesture at photographers as he left the hearing. Stunt has categorically denied all these allegations, calling them completely ridiculous.

Around that time, Stunt was photographed sitting in the back of a Rolls-Royce with Terry Adams, the Godfather of Britains most notorious crime family which has been linked to 25 murders, money laundering, racketeering and extortion.

Adams is also Stunts godfather. Stunt has spoken of his pride at being his godson. There is no suggestion he is involved in any of Adamss affairs.

Wine collection: A bottle of Chateau Petrus

The assets which have been frozen by the court offer a fascinating glimpse into Stunts wealth. Among other things, the Proceeds of Crime order lists his cars and their personalised number plates  all variations on his surname.

Supercars

Stunt is banned from selling the following cars: Bentley Flying Spur, registration S4UNT Range Rover S2UNT Lamborghini Countach 157UNT Rolls-Royce Phantom 57UNT, Lamborghini Aventador S7UNT, Range Rover S1UNT, Rolls-Royce Phantom S3UNT, Lamborghini Aventador S1VNT, Bentley Mulsanne S6UNT.

He has bragged that he owns more than 200 high-performance cars, mainly stored in hangars in California and the UK.

He told Tattler he liked to travel in an armada of cars on shopping trips round London, typically in a Lamborghini sandwiched by two Rolls-Royces and two Range Rovers as, he claims, it would embarrass him to have his 25-strong security team trail him in Ford Fiestas.

Stunt once boasted to Bernie Ecclestone that his 600,000 Rolls-Royce Mansory Conquistador was the only one in the world.

Apartments

The court order imposes a freeze on two entire floors of a luxury apartment block next to the Thames. Stunt paid 3.3million for the first flat, in 2012, and a further 3.4million for the apartment directly beneath it, in 2015.

Deeds for the two properties, publicly available via the Land Registry, have been recently amended to show that a court order prevents any sale without the permission of the CPS Proceeds of Crime Central Pre-Enforcement Unit. They also show that a bankruptcy notice was filed at the High Court in October this year.

11m cottage

Stunts stucco-fronted four-storey Belgravia cottage has four double-bedroom suites, wine cellar, roof terrace, cinema, gym and steam room. Bought via one of his companies for 2.7million in 2011  he boasted he paid cash  it was put back on the market in 2016 for 11.8million but did not sell.

The court order also demanded that Stunt draw up a list of all his art. Pictured is one of his entourage on an art-buying spree in July 2015

Land

Two small plots in Stunts name close to Dartmouth Castle in Devon are identified in the order. Bizarrely, the plots in a patch of woodland are tiny  each less than eight inches by eight inches.

Money

The order freezes no fewer than 14 bank accounts in the names of James Stunt or Stunt & Co Ltd. They comprise nine accounts at Barclays, four at Lloyds and one at a Mayfair wealth management firm.

Wine

Stunt is banned from selling his Corney & Barrow fine wine collection. The 230-year-old London-based firm is one of the oldest independent wine merchants in the UK. It is currently selling a case of 12 bottles of Petrus 1982 for 51,000.

Art

The court order also demanded that Stunt draw up a list of all his paintings, furniture, watches, jewellery and objets dart and itemise their estimated value and locations where they are held.
Ex-Militant leader Derek Hatton gloated 'it's good to be back' today after he was let back into Labour for the first time in decades.

The left-wing hardliner was expelled more than 30 years ago but was handed a membership card yesterday - the same day as seven moderate MP quit the party.

Mr Hatton mocked the 'pathetic' MPs who quit Labour over anti-Semitism, bullying and hard-left politics yesterday, claiming they had 'run away' from disagreement.

Hatton was the ringleader of the Trotskyist Militant tendency in the 1980s which set an illegal budget in Liverpool - causing 'grotesque chaos' in the city - and brought about bitter divisions in the party.

He was thrown out in 1986 but the party's disputes panel is said to have readmitted him last week after he was 'inspired' to return by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

The news of Hatton's return comes on the same day that seven Labour moderates quit the party in protest at Mr Corbyn's handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism.

Left-wing hardliner Derek Hatton (pictured in 2016) has been readmitted to the Labour Party more than 30 years after he was expelled for his role in the Trotskyist Militant tendency

Hatton, pictured left on a Militant march in Liverpool and right speaking in 1985, was expelled from the party for his role in the Trotskyist movement

Mr Hatton told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Of course it's good to be back, in fact in a way I've never left.

'For 34 years I've stayed absolutely solid with the Labour Party. Never joined any other party, never actually voted for another party. Never campaigned for another party.

'And, believe you me, during the times of the Blair era, the Iraq war, the ending of clause four, etc, it wasn't easy, and it was tempting to go.

'And that's why when you look at the seven who now have left you think, well, how pathetic is it, how really strong are you within the Labour movement to want to run away when there is something that you disagree with?'

Mr Hatton confirmed last night he had re-joined the party after Corbyn ally Aaron Bastani welcomed him back on Twitter.

Mr Hatton, then deputy leader of Liverpool city council, caused a bitter Labour row in 1985 by setting an illegal budget in a challenge to Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government.

Refusing to carry out cuts, the council set a budget with spending higher than income, demanding that the Tory Government make up the difference.

The refusal to set a legal budget triggered the worst financial crisis in the city's modern history, leaving 30,000 council workers facing unemployment, until the council finally raised 30million in loans to balance the books.

The council famously hired taxis to hand out redundancy notices to thousands of its own workers after refusing to cut spending, a manoeuvre which Militant claimed would buy the council time to battle against the Government.

Militant also planned an all-out strike by Liverpool workers to put pressure on the Government but the plan was defeated in a ballot.

Hatton was accused of ordering the destruction of Liverpool greenhouses after workers there had refused to strike.

Liverpool had already caused a headache for the Thatcher government when the Toxteth riots in 1981 prompted the PM to send Michael Heseltine to the region as 'Minister for Merseyside'.

Cabinet papers released in 2011 revealed that some ministers had urged Thatcher to allow the city to fall into 'managed decline'.

Thatcher's government also feuded with Ken Livingstone - another Corbyn ally - and his Greater London Council, which was abolished in 1986.

A demonstration against Hatton and the hard-Left council in Liverpool in 1985, with one protester holding a banner which reads: 'Did Hatton write Animal Farm?'

A supporter of Derek Hatton holds up a banner at an anti-Militant rally in Liverpool in 1985

Derek Hatton, pictured in 1984, and the Militant leftists were widely blamed for keeping Labour in opposition during the Thatcher years

Hatton and other members of the Trotskyist group were widely blamed for making the party unelectable during the Thatcher years, as Labour remained in opposition for 18 years until Tony Blair's election victory in 1997.

Neil Kinnock's conference speech denouncing Militant in 1985 was hailed as a brave rebuke of the far Left and seen as a turning point in Labour's history.

Kinnock told the party faithful that he would not tolerate the 'grotesque chaos of a Labour council - a Labour council - hiring taxis to scuttle round a city handing out redundancy notices to its own workers'.

Hatton was expelled soon afterwards by a vote of 12-6 in the national executive, sparking protests for and against him in Liverpool.

He later ran a property empire in Cyprus, and spent some time living in a 1.5million interior-designed villa with a swimming pool and a view over the sea and mountains

Last year Hatton said he was 'inspired' by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership which has seen the hard Left reassert control over the party.

He said: 'In all my time I have never witnessed such passion, such energy and such powerful socialist leadership.

Derek Hatton and his wife Shirley at home in November 1990, after the former Liverpool deputy council leader's expulsion from the party. The couple separated in 2005

Hatton in 1986 after Labour's national executive voted to expel him by 12 votes to six. He has been readmitted to the party more than 30 years lafter

'Many people, myself included, probably never thought we would witness an unswerving socialist like Jeremy Corbyn at the helm.

'He stands there with a set of policies clearly aimed at benefiting the vast majority of people in this country and a strategy which will not be dictated to, or influenced by, the five billionaires who own 90 per cent of the country's media.'

He initially claimed he had rejoined the party last September, after having an application rejected in 2015.

A Labour Party spokesman said: 'We don't comment on individual membership statuses.'

Conservative MP Paul Masterton called it an 'incredible decision', saying: 'The timing of this announcement is unbelievable. Labour probably lining him up as a candidate for a by-election.'

His Tory colleague Chris Green said: 'Someone ought to tell Labour that that ejecting Luciana Berger and taking Derek Hatton back in is not an upgrade.'

Derek Hatton, who was deputy leader of Liverpool council when it was run by the hard-left Militant group. He was later expelled from the Labour party

Hatton was denounced by then-Labour leader Neil Kinnock at the 1985 party conference (pictured), seen as a turning point in the struggle between moderates and left-wing hardliners

From left: Anne Coffey, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker and Chuka Umunna announce their resignation from the Labour Party on Monday

On Sunday Hatton said he had remained loyal to Labour even when moderates led by Tony Blair were in control of the party.

'Some of us even after expulsion have remained loyal to Labour Party as the political arm of the trade union movement,' he said

'Ending clause IV [committing to nationalisation], invading Iraq etc, temped to move away but never flinched.'

At last year's party conference Labour shadow minister Dawn Butler sparked a fresh row when she praised Militant for standing up to Thatcher.

'We are in Liverpool where over 30 years ago the council stood up to Thatcher and said, better to break the law than break the poor,' she said.

Chris Leslie, one of the MPs to resign from Labour, said at the time: 'I can only assume these remarks come from ignorance about the disastrous policies of the Trotskyist Militant tendency - whose mismanagement led to the issuing of thousands of redundancy notices to their own local council workers.'

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey earlier quit the party in protest at Mr Corbyn.

Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson warned his party to change or face further damaging resignations.

Mr Corbyn said he was 'disappointed' by the announcement, while shadow chancellor John McDonnell challenged the seven to resign from Parliament and fight by-elections under their new independent banner.
A young family has been forced to pay more than $8,000 in parking fees to keep their baby daughter in hospital as she fights for her life.

Daisy was born 25 weeks premature, and has spent almost a year in hospital.

Her mother Lucy McGee-Stebbings said she needs constant care every minute of the day - but it's coming at a serious cost to the Melbourne family.

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Daisy (pictured) was born 25 weeks premature, and has spent almost a year in hospital

'It's pretty outrageous to accept. What this basically comes down to is big companies profiting off the sick and the vulnerable and their families,' she told A Current Affair.

'It would be one thing if the profits from the hospital car park went back into the hospital and were funding certain programs but they just simply go back into private companies, which are just there to make a giant profit out of people who are already suffering.'

Ms McGee-Stebbings said she spent $8,000 on parking in the year since Daisy was born.

Chronic Illness Alliance chief executive Dr Christine Walker said the cost of parking was affecting the health of patients.

Her mother Lucy McGee-Stebbings (pictured) said she needs constant care every minute of the day - but that is coming at a serious cost to the Melbourne family

Parking costs at hospitals across Australia Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital - $39 per day Sydney Eye Hospital - $65 for three hours Alfred Hospital, Melbourne - $17 for two hours Royal Adelaide - $24 per day Perth Children's Hospital - $23.80 per day Source: A Current Affair

'We hear stories of people missing crucial appointments and we also hear stories of relatives not being able to afford to visit their loved ones while they're in hospital,' she said.

Dr Walker said hospital budget cuts were to blame - a claim disputed by Health Minister Greg Hunt.

Mr Hunt said state governments needed to increase their funding for hospitals and were 'deliberately driving up the price of parking'.

'This is a really outrageous assault on struggling families. It's wrong,' he said.

'We've gone from $20billion, up to $24billion a year, and our funding growth has rapidly outstripped the amount by which the states are increasing.'
A forensic scientist who worked on Stephen Lawrence's murder case has said she isn't daunted by the challenges of solving Madeleine McCann's disappearance.

Angela Gallop CBE, 69, has worked on some of the UK's most well known cases during her 45 year career and is now a specialist in cold-case investigations.

The forensic biologist is now hoping to tackle the case of Madeleine McCann, who went missing in Portugal in 2007, admitting that it would be 'extraordinarily difficult.'

She told the Sunday Times Magazine: 'It would be extraordinarily difficult because it's in a different country and you don't know what's happened to the exhibits.'

Forensic scientist Angela Gallop, pictured, has said she isn't 'daunted' by the Madeleine McCann case but admits it would be 'extraordinarily difficult'

However she added that after being involved in several cases that looked 'hopeless' over the years.

She said: 'I'm not too daunted by anything these days. Every contact leaves a trace, it's just finding it.'

Madeleine McCann was three years old when she disappeared while on holiday from an apartment in the Algarve, Portugal, in 2007 while her parents were out for dinner.

In November the Home Office agreed to give 150,000 to detectives investigating her disappearance taking the amount of public money used in the search to 11.75million.

Gallop has worked on numerous high profile cases throughout her career including examining the body of an 18-year-old victim of Peter Sutcliffe.

In 2006 her team was asked to look at evidence collected in the Stephen Lawrence case and played an important role in finally getting a conviction.

Gallop said the Madeleine McCann, left, case would be difficult as it happened in a different country and 'you don't know what's happened to the exhibits.' She has also worked on Stephen Lawrence's, right, murder case and found fibre evidence which was used to get a conviction

Stephen Lawrence, 18, was killed in a racist attack in southeast London in 1993 but the five men arrested for his murder were released without charge.

Professor Gallop's team found a flake of Lawrence's blood inside an evidence bag which had Gary Dobson's jacket inside.

They also found a small amount of blood on the jacket and a small hair matching Lawrences was found on David Norris clothing.

The team also found fibres from Lawrence's clothing on both the suspects' clothing, a finding which played a critical role in them being convicted.

A year before, Gallop helped police review evidence in the stabbing of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor, who was killed in Peckham, south London, in 2000.

Her team found traces of Damilola's blood on a trainer, DNA evidence which had been missed by investigators the first time around.

The scientist's team also found traces of of Damilola Taylor's, left, blood on a trainer, which had been missed the first time around when they looked at evidence. Gallop also worked on the case of Rachel Nickell, 23, right, who was killed on Wimbledon Common in 1992

This find helped convict brothers Danny and Ricky Preddie of manslaughter in 2006.

Gallop told the Sunday Times Magazine: 'There are all these cases, and if theyre not investigated properly, a miscarriage of justice can lie undisturbed  and thats what I worry about.'

The forensic scientist has also worked on the case of Rachel Nickell, 23, who was sexually assaulted and killed on Wimbledon Common in 1992.

Her work led to the conviction of Robert Napper and exonerated Colin Stagg who had previously been arrested for the crime.

Gallop, who is the chief executive of AxiomInternational, told the Times Magazine that even after decades of solving crimes she still 'often thinks about cases all evening' and doesn't plan on stopping work soon.
Juan Pablo Tschen (pictured), 22, was arrested in Houston on Valentines day after he allegedly offered up his three dogs for sex to an undercover police officer

A man in Houston has been arrested after he allegedly approached an undercover female police officer and offered her a romp with him and his three dogs.

Juan Pablo Tschen, 31, was arrested on Valentine's Day morning at his parent's home in Rice Village, Houston following a sting operation by the police department's Major Offenders Livestock and Animal Cruelty Unit.

Three dogs - a four-year-old German Shepard, a three-year-old Jack Russell-mix, and a two-year-old Australian Shepherd - were seized during a raid of the property.

Tschen now faces charges of bestiality, after reportedly attempting to pimp out the pets to one of the Houston Police Department's female officers.

The invitation was made via text and in person, with Tschen's German Shepard present during the second proposition.

Three dogs were seized in a raid of his parent's home. Bo, a four-year-old German Shepard (above) was present during the second proposition

Mozzie (left) and Sayhass (right) were also taken into care and are said to have undergone medical examinations

Investigator's also say they have evidence to tie Tschen to other similar incidents involving sexual relations with animals, though no additional charges have yet been filed.

'He approached an undercover officer and offered his animals, his dogs, up for sexual relations with an undercover officer and himself,' Sgt. Jason Aldrete told Channel 2 News.

'It's an ultra-underground scene, so we don't know how deep this goes,' he added.

Aldrete said intelligence suggests there are a number of others involved in the sordid practice in the area.

'We're conducting a similar investigation involving bestiality with another couple of people,' Aldrete said.

'We believe there is a large group of people in the Houston area, and the state, and the country that are involved in bestiality.'

Tschen's parents say their son is innocent and his arrest has been a huge misunderstanding

Authorities say he isn't cooperating with their investigation, in which he's facing three charges of bestiality. He was later released on bail

According to officers, Tschen is not cooperating with the investigation.

'Juan Pablo is a loving brother and son,' his family said in a statement.

'We believe the facts will show there has been a big mistake and that the allegations against him are completely false.'

The LA Fitness general manager has been charged with three counts of bestiality.

The three dogs are now under the care of BARC Animal Control, and have undergone medical evaluations.

Tschen was later released from police custody on a $3,000 bail bond.
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Thousands of almost-naked men looking for luck grappled in freezing temperatures to find two sacred sticks at an ancient Japanese festival.

Around 10,000 men donned white loincloths and headbands to try to find the two 20cm-long 'lucky' sticks, known as 'shingi', with the two winners crowned the luckiest men of the year.

The men-only display was part of the 510-year-old Saidaji-eyo festival held at the Kinryozan Saidaji Buddist temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Saturday.

After purifying themselves in the cold water of the Yoshii River - or splashing about with beaming smiles - the festival-goers waited in the darkened temple for the chief priest to throw the sticks in to their throng of bodies.

The men then grappled for two hours, with the eventual winners guaranteed happiness and good fortune for the rest of the year.

Thousands of onlookers brought lanterns to watch the display, which dates back to the Muromachi period of Japanese history and is a highlight of the traditional Japanese calendar.

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Thousands of almost-naked men looking for luck grappled in freezing temperatures to find two 'lucky' sacred sticks in the ancient Saidaji-eyo festival, at the Kinryozan Saidaji Buddist temple in Okayama, western Japan, on Saturday. The men wore headbands and loincloths to search for the sticks - known as 'shingi' - with the winners crowned the luckiest men of the year

The 510-year-old Saidaji-eyo festival - a highlight of the traditional Japanese calendar - kicked off with the 10,000-strong all-male horde purifying themselves in the freezing water of the Yoshii River

They appeared to enjoy themselves as they splashed about in the icy water, in preparation for the main event in the temple

Now clean, the men scrambled up the stone steps to the temple to gather for the moment when the chief priest threw the sticks into the thronged mass of bodies

Thousands of onlookers gathered to watch as the group continued up the steps, cheering as they went

Once inside, the men waited for the moment at 10pm when, with temple now darkened, the priest threw the sticks

The competitors threw out their arms chaotically in the hope that a stick might find its way to them

The competitors grappled with each other to find the sticks among the heaving masses, but there could only be two winners

Despite the competition, and the prestige that came with winning, there were still a few smiles among the group

Teams of participants had arrived earlier in the day to take part in the event, which is also a fertility festival and is believed to bring in good harvests for the rest of the year

Teams of participants at the men-only event were happy to pose for pictures as they prepared to do battle for the shingi

The men drank and laughed together as they gathered for the event in nearby tents
Jayme Closs' kidnapper revealed his sick obsession with the teenager in a letter written from jail.

Jake Patterson, 21, declared his love for the 13-year-old in the letter that was adorned with hearts.

'My brother got a puppy named "Vale" a couple of weeks before [heart] Jayme [heart] ran away,' he wrote to a friend, according to Radar Online.

'I love Mexican food too, but I like lots of stuff. Chocolate and berries are probably my favorite. Me and Jayme cooked a bunch of stuff. Cooking is another thing I like doing a lot,' he added.

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Jayme Closs' kidnapper, Jake Patterson, 21, revealed his sick obsession with the 13-year-old in a letter written from jail. Patterson declared his love for her in the letter that was adorned with hearts

Jayme (left and right, before the abduction) escaped from Patterson's home on January 10. She had been missing since October 15 last year when her parents James and Denise were shot dead in their home in Barron, Wisconsin

Jayme escaped from Patterson's home on January 10. She had been missing since October 15 last year when her parents James and Denise were shot dead in their home in Barron, Wisconsin.

In the letter, Patterson didn't show any remorse for his crimes.

'I went from never committing a crime or really doing anything bad to doing the worst thing a human can do. Just one big f**k up ha ha,' he wrote.

Patterson had been keeping Jayme in the basement of his home.

She was able to escape when he went out on January 10. She had been forced to crawl under his bed but once she heard that he was gone she got out and ran for her life.

Patterson had been keeping Jayme in the basement of his home. She was able to escape when he went out on January 10. She had been forced to crawl under his bed but once she heard that he was gone she got out and ran for her life

Patterson had been watching her before he abducted her and told prosecutors that he decided she would be 'the one' he wanted to take after seeing her get on the school bus.

Patterson is in custody awaiting his next court date.

Jayme told police that on the night she was abducted, she awoke to her dog's barking, then woke her parents as a car came up the driveway.

Her father went to the front door as Jayme and her mother hid in a bathtub, according to the complaint. Jayme told police she heard a gunshot and knew her dad had been killed.

Patterson  dressed in black and wearing a face mask  broke down the bathroom door.

He taped Jayme's mouth, hands and ankles before pulling her out of the bathtub and shooting her mother in the head, the complaint said.

Jayme told police that on the night she was abducted, she awoke to her dog's barking. Her father, James (left), went to the front door as Jayme and her mother, Denise (right), hid in a bathtub

Patterson dragged Jayme outside, threw her in the trunk of his car and drove off, according to the complaint.

He then took her to a cabin and said no one could know she was there or 'bad things could happen to her,' the complaint said.

When he left or had friends over, he sealed her under the bed with tote boxes and weights so she couldn't crawl out, sometimes for hours, according to the complaint.

When his father visited, Patterson told investigators, he turned up the radio to conceal any noise she might make.

She was forced to live in a squalid basement 'cell' strewn with soft toys, filthy bedding and women's clothes.

The image above shows the filthy basement den where Jayme was held prisoner

The den was filled with soft toys, a dirty mattress, women's clothing, and women's makeup

Since escaping from Patterson, Jayme has taken comfort in the cards and letters she has received from supporters.

In a statement released last week, the girl's family said she was grateful for all the well wishes she had received.

'Jayme and her family wish to extend their deepest gratitude for the incredible gifts and generous donations that she has received from all over the country and around the world,' it read.

'Jayme greatly appreciates each and every gift, as well as the many cards and letters.

'The many kind words have been a source of great comfort to her.'

A photo shared on Facebook showed a smiling Jayme tucking into a steak alongside her grandfather at his home
The poised pooch navigated with ease during the GDLUZ festival on Saturday, a celebration of the city of Gudalajara on the 477th anniversary of its founding

The young man named Owen was being helped by the canine named Leo who had been trained by Owen's uncle

A dog was spotted in Guadalajara, Mexico, confidently pushing a young man in a wheelchair through a plaza crowded with people

A canine caregiver was caught on camera pushing his wheelchair-bound owner through a crowded city plaza in Mexico.

Leo the dog was spotted in Plaza Tapatia in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday during the GDLUZ festival, a celebration of the founding of the city, according to the person who uploaded the video.

'I saw this dog trained with the name Leo, helping a young man named "Owen" who told me that the dog is being trained by his uncle,' the person who took the footage said about the scene.

The dog was recorded pushing the young man in the wheelchair through the Plaza Tapatia in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Saturday

Leo, the dog, and Owen, the young man in the wheelchair, cruised down the plaza with confidence in the short clip

The short clip shows Leo striding on his hind legs with his front paws draped over the seat back of the wheelchair.

Owen, wearing a blue shirt, cruises alongside the crowds of people with his canine driver providing the forward thrust.

The pair appear to join up with an older man in a gray-ish polo shirt who directs the finely choreographed duo as they continue on their way on the flagstones of the plaza.

According to the GDLUZ website, Saturday was the last night of the festival which celebrated the 477th anniversary of the founding of Guadalajara.

The adorable pair navigated among the many people who were in the public square

Leo looked to be having no trouble driving his young charge during the GDLUZ festival

Owen told the person who recorded the video that his uncle had trained Leo to help him in this way
Freshman congresswoman Alexandria Ocasion-Cortez compared President Donald Trump's long-promised border wall to the Berlin Wall during a livestream for her supporters on Friday, complaining about the level of public scrutiny her celebrity has generated.

'No matter how you feel about the wall, I think its a moral abomination,' the 29-year-old New York Democrat said. 'I think its like the Berlin Wall.'

The Berlin Wall stood from 1961 to 1989 as a Soviet-manded barrier between East and West Berlin, and came to symbolize the Cold War 'Iron Curtain' that separated communist Eastern European countries from the democratic West.

Its purpose was to keep people in East Berlin, the city's communist sector, from fleeing to West Berlin.

Freshman New York Democratic congresswoman alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Friday compared Preisdent Donald Trump's proposed border wall expansion to the Berlin Wall and called it 'a moral abomination'

East German military guards looked on in 1989 as the Berlin Wall came down after 28 years of separating the communist Soviet bloc from the democratic West

President Donald Trum intends to spend $8 million to extend a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico in order to stop illegal immigrants, drug smugglers and human traffickers

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will spend nearly $8 billion to extend hundreds of miles of physical walls and fences along the U.S.-Mexico border. The White House says its purpose is to keep illegal immigrants, human traffickers and narcotics smugglers out of the United States.

Ocasio-Cortez describes herself as a democratic socialist.

In another segment of her Friday livestream, which appeared Monday on several conservative websites, she said her newfound fame as a socialist standard-bearer can be uncomfortable.

'Here in DC its like, so weird,' she said. 'It's like everybody is like, a spy. Like, its so bizarre.'

'It's like  you could go out to get a coffee and the person that's, like, sitting at a table in the corner of the restaurant is like, you know, like '

A watchtower looked over the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie, now part of a musuem at the formerly heavily guarded East-West crossing in Berlin

West Berliners crowded in front of the Berlin Wall on November 11, 1989 as they watched East German border guards demolishing a section of the wall

Ocasio-Cortez, 29, also complained about the level of public attention she gets on the streets of Washington, D.C.

Wearing a plain gray sweatshirt, eyeglasses and a smartwatch, Ocasio-Cortez drew her arms close to her chest to mimic someone secretly typing.

'Then they go and, like, they text all of their friends that they saw so-and-so at this cafe and it's like, triangulation.

And its super weird,' she added. 'It's just, like, super weird.'

She compared her political fame wandering Capitol Hill or Washington's intimate Navy Yard neighborhood to the scale of New York City, saying it's harder to blend in with the D.C. crowd.

'New York is really interesting,' she said, 'because there's a lot of anonymity out in public.'

The videos of Ocasio-Cortez first appeared on her public livestream and then surfaced on a Twitter account linked to The Daily Wire, a conservative website.

The site posted apartial transcript in which she justifies the Berlin Wall comparison by saying Trump's project is 'like any other wall that is designed to separate human beings and block out people who are running away from humanitarian disaster. It's like  one of the  I just think it's wrong.'

'Seventy per cent of America thinks this is the dumbest idea ever,' she claimed, 'and it's not my problem that the majority of the American public thinks it's a scam, a sham, a monument to white supremacy. It's not my fault.'
Masked robbers took 400,000 worth of watches and jewellery while threatening a couple at gunpoint in their 3million home.

Julian and Anna Tendler had been out at a Valentine's Day dinner but when they returned to their north London property they were ambushed by two men.

Mr Tendler was pistol-whipped before he and his wife were marched into their six-bedroom detached mansion in Totteridge, Barnet as their young daughter was sleeping upstairs, the Evening Standard reported.

Mrs Tendler, a 39-year-old pilates instructor, told the paper: 'My husband parked his Porsche. There was a man wearing a balaclava with a handgun pointed at us. I got out of the car and another guy rushed out the Land Rover. He threatened to shoot me and I froze.

'They were waiting in the road for us to come home so they could ambush us.'

Clothing business owner Mr Tendler, 52, said he tried to fight back but was hit over the head twice with a gun as the robbers screamed at him to 'get in the f***ing house'.

He was then forced into the office, thrown to the ground and hit over the head again before being ordered to open the safe, Mr Tendler said.

As the couple's nanny made a run for the door one of the robbers threw her to the floor, Mr Tendler said. The nanny then ran upstairs and locked herself in the couple's daughter's room.

Julian and Anna Tendler got out of their Porsche in Totteridge, Barnet, north London on Valentine's Day and were met by masked gunman (pictured)

The couple's Porsche is seen pulling up on their driveway before the terrifying attack

The robbers swiped eight 'extremely rare' collector's edition watches from the safe - made by Rolex, Chanel, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille - along with engagement and wedding rings the couple were wearing, Mr Tendler told the Standard.

Both suspects left the scene in their own car and no arrests have been made so far.

The raid, which was the latest in a series of five targeting rich residents in a four-mile radius of the property, started at approximately 10.15pm and took less than three minutes.

Police say there have been 'several aggravated burglaries' in the region recently, and senior officers have tasked a 'dedicated operation' to find the culprits.

The robbers swiped eight 'extremely rare' collector's edition watches from the safe, including some made by Rolex (stock image)

Mrs Tendler says the robbery must have been 'an inside job', as the pair knew exactly where the safe was.

The suspects were said to be wearing all black and armed with black, eight-inch-long handguns.

One was said to be around 5ft 9in with light skin a cockney accent.

The couple said the other was roughly 6ft with darker skin and an Asian-sounding accent.

The couple were also robbed of their engagement and wedding rings, Mr Tendler said (stock image)

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police in Barnet were called to Totteridge, N20 at 22:20hrs on Thursday, 14 February following reports of a robbery.

'Officers attended and established that a man and woman were threatened by two suspects who were believed to be armed with a firearm.

'A quantity of cash, watches and jewellery was stolen during the course of the robbery with the suspects entering the victims' home to steal more items.

'Both suspects left in their own car. No arrests have been made.

'A number of detailed enquiries are in hand including forensic analysis and CCTV footage review at the time of the incident. Enquiries continue.'
Drone footage captured by filmmaker Stefano Tiozzo shows the stunning transformation a few inches of water made to the world's largest salt flats the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.

The Salar flats, measuring 10,582 square kilometres, were flooded with shallow waters after rains hit the region creating a giant mirror like landscape which reflected the blue of the sky.

Mr Tiozzo said that being surrounded by the stunning scenery felt like standing on top of a huge horizontal mirror framed by the mountains in the distance.

The footage was taken last summer by filmmaker Stefano Tiozzo as people wandered and drove through the mirrored landscape.

For approximately four months every year the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia flood - during the rainy season between December and March.

Around the same time the Bolivian highlands lose their coating of snow which is what causes the flooding on the salt flats.

The natural spectacle attracts tourists who are encouraged to don rubber boots and splash around on the flats.

The Salar de Uyuni is the lowest point of the Altiplano, an area of natural inland drainage in the Andes, South America. The Altiplano has many active volcanoes

The endless reflections make for a photo opportunity like no other as tourists flock to the phenomenon to get a piece of the Instagram worthy landscape

The Andean Mountains and volcanoes of the Altiplano can be seen on the horizon, doubled in the salty water's reflection

Tourists are advised to bring warm clothes when visiting the Altiplano for the phenomenon as although December to March is Bolivian summer the evenings can get much chillier

Upside-down world: The mirrored reflection leaves you questioning reality in mind boggling 360 degree experience
The 16-year-old boy stabbed outside a college in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, last Wednesday has been named locally as Mohammed Sidali, pictured

A 16-year-old schoolboy who was knifed to death outside a sixth form college has been named.

The teenager, named locally as Mohammed Sidali, was stabbed outside Joseph Chamberlain College in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, on Wednesday February 13.

He died in hospital two days later after his life support was switched off.

Dozens of people have paid tribute to the teenager, with online donations to build a well in his honour topping 3,500 in two days.

On Sunday police charged a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, over the Mohammed Sidali's death.

A 17-year-old boy, of Birmingham was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Another boy, aged 16, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Friday charged with attempted murder and was remanded to appear at Crown Court today.

An 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Friday has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Several floral tributes have been left outside the college for the teenager who died two days after being stabbed when his life support was turned off

A 16-year-old boy has been charged over his death after the incident outside the college, pictured

Officers are still keen to speak to any witnesses to the disturbance which resulted in the stabbing at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster, from the force's Homicide team, said: 'We know there were a number of young people in the area at the time and we need them to come forward and tell us what they saw or know.

'We believe they may have vital information which can assist our enquiries and I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible.

'I appreciate this can sound nerve-wracking but we have various ways for information to be relayed to us, and even the smallest detail could help us establish the circumstances behind this tragic incident.'
Fire battalion chief William Graham, 55, was arrested once last Monday after he was kicked off a JetBlue flight for being too drunk, then twice on Tuesday after being rebooked

A 'drunk' firefighter was arrested three times in 24 hours at Cleveland airport after abusing airline staff.

William Graham, 55, was arrested once on last week while trying to board a flight to Boston while drunk, and then twice the day after once he was rebooked.

Airline JetBlue said Graham, who is a battalion chief, became was abusive towards staff each time and on one occasion forced an airplane to turn back to the gate.

Body cam footage from officers showed the shocking moments the firefighter became belligerent and unruly toward staff.

'I'm a battalion chief in the City of Cleveland,' Graham is heard telling officers. He then asks the officers what his charge is.

'Disorderly conduct, intoxicated,' the officer says.

The first arrest came around 1pm last Monday when Graham tried to catch a flight from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to Boston, Cleveland.com reports.

Police records show he was drunk and was removed from the flight after he became aggressive towards other passengers and staff.

Video shows the 55-year-old too drunk to fly before becoming abusive to staff

The firefighter was ordered to pay a total of $100 plus court costs

JetBlue say that after being removed he was disruptive in the gate area and the cops were called, leading to the arrest.

After Graham was released from custody he went back to the airport around 7am Tuesday where he attempted to board another flight, this time to Florida.

Graham appeared to be drunk again so he was evaluated by crew members and deemed fit to fly.

But as the plane taxied to the runway he caused a 'disturbance' and failed to follow safety procedures, the airline said.

The plane was forced to return to the gate where Graham was kicked off and arrested for the second time.

Graham returned Tuesday but was disruptive on board a plane and was arrested again

He was arrested for a third time Tuesday afternoon after being abusive to staff

Instead of being taken to jail he was taken to hospital after complaining of chest pains, before being released.

He returned to the airport for a third time where he walked into the JetBlue drop-off area and became belligerent towards staff again.

Graham was arrested and taken back to hospital, complaining of chest pains again, before being turfed to Cuyahoga County Jail.

He spent two days behind bars before being brought before a judge where he pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of intoxicated disorderly conduct.

He was ordered to pay a total of $100 plus court costs.
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The friends Malia Obama is soaking up the sun with in Miami include the daughter of an Obama appointee and all went to high school with the former first daughter.

Joining Malia in the sunshine state for President's Day weekend is Taylor Nides, Jane Lipscomb and Lizzy Mullaney, 21.

All have been friends with Malia for years and attended White House events while her father was in office.

They were all students at Sidwell Friends, the prestigious private high school Malia attended along with Joe Biden's granddaughter, Finnegan.

Now, the girls are separated by their colleges.

Malia with Lizzy Mullaney, and Jane Lipscolmb on Sunday (left) and (right) with Taylor Nides on the beach on Saturday. Taylor is the daughter of former deputy secretary of state Thomas R. Nides, an Obama-appointee who worked beneath Hillary Clinton

Friends for years: Lizzy, Jane, Taylor and Malia are shown in a 2014 photograph taken at the White House 4th of July party that year

Malia and her friend, 21-year-old Lizzy Mullaney, whose father runs a wealth fund in Washington DC. She is one of the three high school friends Malia is in Miami with

Taylor, whose father is the Morgan Stanely executive Thomas R. Nides, attends Northwestern University in Washington DC.

Her father was the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources during the Obama administration and worked directly beneath Hillary Clinton.

Taylor's mother is Virginia Moseley, the senior VP of news gathering at CNN.

Lizzy's father is William F. Mullaney, a senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. She studies media projects at Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

Taylor's father is Thomas R. Nides who was the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources under Hillary Clinton (above together in 2013)

Jane Lipscomb is one of the former first daughter's closest friends. They are shown, right, at their prom in their final year at Sidwell Friends

L-R: Taylor, Lizzy Mullaney, Malia and Jane as they leave the beach in Miami on Saturday after a leisurely afternoon. Malia was not in the mood to be photographed on Saturday as she left the beach

Jane is one of Malia's closest friends. Her parents are Joseph E. Lipscomb, who runs the finance firm Arborview Capital, and Laura Will, a proud Clinton supporter who runs a landscape design company in Bethesda, Maryland.

Jane is enrolled at Baites College, a liberal arts school in Maine.

On Sunday, the girls were pictured enjoying an $80 bottle of Whispering Angel rose wine while they relaxed by the pool at a luxury resort in Miami.

Rooms at the luxurious resort go for more than $1,000 per-night. A day earlier, they were spotted on the beach.

On a secret Facebook page she used to use to communicate with friends, Malia has shared photographs of the foursome throughout the last three years.

The girls have been friends since high school but all now attend different colleges around the country

Among other photos on the account is a cover image of anti-Trump messages.

Its cover photograph is of a row of pink post-it notes which read: 'Donald Trump is President,' 'This is not normal', 'Donald Trump is evil' and 'Don't be complacent.'

Among the comments written beneath the photograph is one by Biden's 20-year-old granddaughter Finnegan.

She said: 'Never saw this. I like it.'

Malia moved into freshman dorms in August 2017, a few months after she posted it on her profile.

She had been living in New York City in the months beforehand while interning at The Weinstein Company.

Weinstein's widespread alleged sexual abuse of women in Hollywood had not yet become public when Malia was working for the company.
The vehicle belonging to a woman who has been missing for more than a month was hauled from a Texas river on Sunday - and police also found a body inside.

Jennifer Scott-Perkins, 48, was last seen leaving her home in Houston on January 2, and getting in her grey 2012 Chrysler 200 before heading off to visit a friend.

An autopsy will be carried out by authorities, but police say there's a 'high probability' the body found in the Trinity River belongs to Scott-Perkins.

Her last registered location was found to be in Rye, Liberty County, after she made a series of calls on her cellphone which were picked up by a near-by radio tower.

According to investigators, Scott-Perkins sounded distressed during the calls, and told one friend she intended to take her own life.

Jennifer Scott-Perkins (pictured), 48, was last seen leaving her home in Houston on January 2, where she was believed to have met up with a friend

Scott-Perkins' grey 2012 Chrysler 200 was hauled from the river by Texas EquuSearch researchers and Liberty County Sheriff's on Sunday

The vehicle was found submerged in 35 feet of water, having originally been discovered on January 27 by sonar technology

They revealed she'd recently been suffering from a number of 'personal issues', leading them to believe she drove into the river intentionally.

Scott-Perkins' car was found submerged in 35 feet of water.

It was first discovered on January 27 by Texas EquuSearch volunteers who used sonar to scan the murky waters.

Flooding rains causing high waters and swift currents delayed the rescue salvage operation until February 18

Police say Scott-Perkins had been suffering from a number of 'personal issues' in the lead up to her disappearance

Scott-Perkins allegedly made a slurry of distressed calls before she disappeared, telling one friend she intended to kill herself

However with flooding rains causing high waters and swift currents, the rescue team had to hold off the search until conditions improved.

'Information obtained from friends and relatives indicated that Perkins had some personal issues and in one of her last cell phone calls she made the comment that she intended to take her own life,' Liberty County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

'The body of a woman was found in the vehicle but no positive identification can be made pending the results of an autopsy.'
Police are warning about a game that urges teenagers to go missing for two days without telling anyone their whereabouts, which has resurfaced on social media.

Deputies from the Albuquerque Police Department warned that the 48-hour challenge could pose a serious risk to children, put a strain on law enforcement and stated that anyone pulling the stunt could face charges.

'Whether it's a prank or not, we are going to use the same amount of resources,' Officer Simon Drobik, spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department said to KMOV news.

Children as young as 14 are believed to have taken part in the '48-hour Challenge' on Facebook with youngsters often doing it in pairs or groups as a dare (stock photo)

In light of recent other online prank trends such as the 'Tide Pod Challenge' or the 'Bird Box Challenge,' authorities feel they have no choice but to take the issue seriously.

As part of the 'game,' children allegedly as young as 14 are urged to run away and sever all contact for two days before suddenly re-emerging.

Participants get a higher score for each time they are mentioned on social media.

That means that the 'missing' children are rewarded when worried parents ask Facebook friends for help to find them.

Experts warn parents not to assume their child knows better than to get involved in such an over-the-top internet challenge.

One mother of a child who took part in the the 48-hour Challenge in 2017 told Belfast Live: 'This is a competition and it's sick. The anxiety it left our family in is unspeakable.

'I was terrified they were dead or would be raped, trafficked or killed.

'But these kids just think it's funny. There was not even a moment of remorse when my child was taken into police custody and when the police brought my child home, I could see posts of selfies from the police car.'

Authorities are taking the threat of the challenge seriously after a series of other dangerous stunts, like the Bird Box Challenge (pictured) led to injuries

The mother added that her child was 'in the lead' because he had vanished for some 55 hours before being discovered.

The youngsters had ignored the 48-hour time limit and kept going, according to police who visited their school.

Last month, YouTubes banned people from posting videos of dangerous pranks, following a series of potentially fatal challenges uploaded to their site.

The most recent of these challenges involved performing tasks like driving or running blindfolded - inspired by the Netflix film Bird Box.

From now on, the site said it would not allow videos that featured 'pranks with a perceived danger of serious physical injury'.

One US teenager crashed her vehicle after pulling her hat over her eyes and driving towards oncoming traffic in the name of the so-called 'Bird Box Challenge'.

YouTube has banned the depiction of such behaviour completely, citing similar memes such as the Tide pod challenge and the fire challenge.

The Tide pod challenge refers to a dare game involving the consumption of Tide PODS laundry detergent capsules.

The fire challenge is the application of flammable liquids to one's body and then setting the liquids alight.
A scorned wife assaulted her husband's mistress and circulated a 'revenge porn' photo of the woman when she found out they had a child together.

Furious Janet Liedtke, 57, reacted 'out of character' when she learnt her dentist husband Michael was having a long-term affair with Dr Sintija Priede, who he worked with at Chapel Dental, Cornwall, after she joined the practice six years ago.

Liedtke received a police caution and was banned from contacting her husband's mistress, Truro Magistrates' Court heard today.

She was also given a restraining order for 12 months, banning her from going to Dr Priede's home address or place of work.

Janet Liedtke (Left) received a police caution for attacking her husband's mistress Dr Sindija Priede (Right), who he worked with in Chapel Dental practice, Camborne, Cornwall

Liedtke is also banned from contacting her husband's mistress and going to Dr Priede's home address or place of work for 12 months

Michael Liedtke had a long-term affair with a colleague at his dentist's practice

The defendant saw red after learning about her spouse's long time affair, Truro magistrates' court heard.

The prosecution say she responded by attacking her love rival and sending a sexual photo of the woman to a prospective employer of her husband.

Liedtke, of Truro, Cornwall, appeared in court today on charges of assault and disclosing sexual photos without consent, an act often referred to as 'revenge porn'.

Both charges were dropped by prosecutor Anita Kennett on the basis Liedtke accepts a police caution for the assault, and a restraining order banning her from contacting the victim, also a dentist, in relation to the other alleged offence.

Dr Priede started work at Chapel Dental practice in Camborne, Cornwall, six years ago, where she met Mr Liedtke

She had a long term affair with Mr Liedtke which resulted in a child between them both

Dr Priede moved to the UK from Latvia after studying at Rigas Stradina Universitate

Ms Kennett said: 'For a short time, she acted out of character and sent a photo of the woman to a prospective employer of her husband.'

Ms Kennett said the charge relating to the photo disclosure would be dismissed, providing the court imposed a restraining order.

The court duly obliged, banning Liedtke from contacting the woman directly or indirectly.

Charges of assault and disclosing sexual photos without consent were dropped when Liedtke agreed to accept a police caution

She must also not go to the woman's home address in Truro or her dental practice in Camborne. The order will last for a period of 12 months.

For the assault, which happened on October 2 last year, Liedtke was given a police caution.

The chairman of the magistrates' bench told Liedtke: 'I'm glad everybody has taken a pragmatic approach in this matter. This is in the past, you are moving forward with your life, I will warn you a breach of a restraining order is a serious offence.

'Cornwall is a small place. If you bump into her, I suggest you walk the other way for a few minutes.'

Dr Sintija Priede has worked at Chapel dental practice in Camborne, Cornwall, for six years. She studied in Latvia at Rigas Stradina Universitate.
The daughter of Holby City actor John Michie would have had a '90 per cent' chance of surviving her horrifying drug overdose at a music festival if her rapper boyfriend had called for medical help, a court heard today.

Louella Fletcher-Michie, 24, died near the Bestival event in Dorset in 2017 after she started attacking herself and screeching 'like a wild animal' following a 2C-P overdose.

But her boyfriend Ceon Broughton failed to seek help despite the presence of a medical tent just 450 yards away, Winchester Crown Court was told.

Grime star Broughton, 29, who denies manslaughter, is alleged to have supplied Louella with the synthetic drug and 'bumped up' her dose.

Louella Fletcher-Michie (pictured), 24, started attacking herself and screeching 'like a wild animal' after reacting badly to a 2C-P overdose near the Bestival event in Dorset in 2017

John Michie and his wife Carol drive way from Winchester Crown Court today after hearing evidence that their daughter could have survived with proper medical attention

Prosecutors said he failed to seek help - despite being instructed to do so by her parents - because he was serving a suspended sentence and was protecting himself.

Today expert witness Professor Charles Deakin, who advises the Army on treating battlefield casualties, told jurors he was 'very confident' Louella would have survived if she had received help while she was 'still breathing'.

He said it was likely the 24-year-old had died by the time Broughton recorded her on his phone just before midnight on September 10, 2017, at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

Taggart and Coronation Street star Mr Michie's daughter had suffered a 'gradual demise' after taking the drug, Professor Deakin, who works at Southampton General Hospital, told the court.

Ceon Broughton (pictured) failed to seek help despite the presence of a medical tent just 450 yards away, Winchester Crown Court was told

He said: 'It is very likely, if it could have been measured, [Louella] would have had a high heart rate and high blood pressure.

'It is difficult to say for sure, but certainly it is common after stimulant drugs for people becoming agitated and confused and they tend to get exhausted.

'A gradual demise is much more consistent with exhaustion and respiratory problems than heart problems, which will see people collapse almost instantly.

'I am very confident she would have stood a very good chance of surviving had she had medical care at an appropriate point.

'The vast majority of those who come to hospital with drug overdoses can be given support and the changes caused by the drugs can be reversed.

'In terms of the final videos, from what I can see Louella's skin appears to be bluey, grey coloured, consistent with someone who has stopped breathing.

'I thought, in terms of physical appearance, her mouth was open and eyes rolled back and, in all probability, she was deceased at that stage.

'Provided Louella was found while she was still breathing, however badly off she was, there was a very good chance medical intervention could have saved her.

'I have said I thought she had a very good chance of surviving. I would put that at 90 per cent.'

Professor Charles Deakin outside court today where he said Louella Fletcher-Michie would have had a 90 per cent chance of surviving with proper medical help

The court has heard actor Mr Michie and his wife, a former dancer with Hot Gossip, made a desperate 130-mile dash from north London to Bestival after hearing a hallucinating Louella screech down the phone 'like a wild animal'.

Broughton, who has recorded with top rap artists Skepta and Wiley, is said to have filmed his girlfriend tripping on 2C-P, continuing to do so as her condition worsened and even allegedly after she died.

The on-site hospital was a mere 450 yards metres away from the woodland they were in, yet the court heard Broughton did not seek help in the six hours he spent with Louella there.

Jurors have also been shown shocking footage of Louella hallucinating wildly ad repeatedly shouting 'mum', as well as 'dad, I love you', before slapping herself on the legs.

iPhone images, taken by Broughton at 11.25pm on September 10 2017, show a lifeless Louella laying on her back with bloodied hands.

Broughton, of Enfield, London, denies manslaughter and supplying class A drugs.

The trial continues.
The Reverend Al Sharpton believes Jussie Smollett should be held accountable 'to the maximum' if it is found that the Empire actor staged a homophobic and racist attack on himself.

Sharpton was addressing the incident on Sunday after Chicago police said they were still seeking a follow-up interview with Smollett after receiving new information that 'shifted' their investigation of the reported attack.

It shifted after police questioned two Nigerian brothers, Abimbola 'Abel' and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo, following allegations Smollett paid them $3,500 to assault him in an orchestrated, rehearsed attack.

Sharpton, a civil rights leaders, said the alleged attack on Smollett was a 'reminder of the times we live in' when it was first reported on January 30.

Reverend Al Sharpton believes Jussie Smollett should be held accountable 'to the maximum' if it is found that the Empire actor staged a homophobic and racist attack on himself

The Democratic reverend doubled down on his rebuke of it on Sunday.

'I, among many others when hearing of the report, said that the reports were horrific and that we should come with all that we can come with in law enforcement to find out what happened and the guilty should suffer the maximum,' Sharpton said on MSNBC's PoliticsNation.

'I still maintain that. And if it is that Smollett and these gentlemen did in some way perpetuate something that is not true, they ought to face accountability to the maximum.

He added, however, the it was not a 'left wing hoax' like some had claimed on social media because even President Trump had condemned the incident.

Smollett, who is black and gay, has said he was physically attacked last month by two masked men shouting racial and anti-gay slurs and 'This is MAGA country!'

He said they looped a rope around his neck before running away as he was returning home from an early morning stop at a Subway restaurant in downtown Chicago.

Smollett said they also poured some kind of chemical on him.

Reports emerged last week that the actor may have staged the attack to save his job on Empire with the help of the two brothers who he supposedly knew as extras on the show.

The Empire actor has said he was targeted in a homophobic and racist attack in Chicago on January 29. It has since emerged that Smollett may have allegedly paid two Nigerian brothers $3,500 to assault him in an orchestrated attack

Chicago PD confirmed on Thursday that the pair seen in this image from surveillance footage around the time of the attack on January 29 (above) were Abel and Ola Osundairo

It was claimed that Smollett allegedly paid Nigerian brothers Abimbola 'Abel' (left) and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo (right) to attack him on January 29

The pair decided to cooperate with police after investigators revealed that they had evidence the brothers bought the rope that was put around Smollet's neck at the nearby at Crafty Beaver Hardware Store hardware store.

Smollett's lawyers said late Saturday that the actor felt 'victimized' by reports that he played a role in the assault, adding that: 'Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.'

The statement from attorneys Todd Pugh and Victor P. Henderson also said Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

Police said they combed surveillance video in the heavily monitored area where Smollett said the attack occurred but were unable to find any footage of the incident. They did obtain images of two people they said they would like to question.

On Wednesday, Chicago police picked up the brothers at O'Hare International Airport as they returned from Nigeria. They described them as 'suspects' in the assault, questioned them and searched their apartment.

Then, late Friday evening they released the two men without charges and said they were no longer suspects. They said they had gleaned new information from their interrogation of them.

Jussie Smollett has denied he paid two Nigerian brothers who were extras on Empire to help stage a homophobic and racist attack on him outside a Subway in Chicago

One of the men is Smollett's personal trainer, whom the actor hired to help get him physically ready for a music video, Smollett's attorneys said in their statement.

'It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie's complicity,' the attorneys said.

Police have said they were investigating the attack as a possible hate crime and considered Smollett a victim.

Reports of the assault drew outrage and support for him on social media from some politicians and celebrities.

Smollett's account of what happened also has been met with skepticism, particularly in the wake of the latest developments.

One of those people supporting Smollett was House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, who wrote on the day of the attack: 'The racist, homophobic attack on @JussieSmollett is an affront to our humanity. No one should be attacked for who they are or whom they love. I pray that Jussie has a speedy recovery & that justice is served. May we all commit to ending this hate once & for all.'

She has since deleted her tweet.
A passenger bus crashed head-on with a dump truck in southern Bolivia on Monday, killing at least 24 people and injuring 12 more, police said.

A preliminary investigation attributed the accident to dense fog on the high-plains highway connecting Potosi and Oruro, about 135 miles (220 kilometers) south of the capital.

Police said the bus, carrying 45 passengers, was en route to Oruru from the town of Villazon on the Argentine border.

A passenger bus struck a dump truck on a highway in southern Bolivia early Monday morning, leaving at least 24 people dead

The driver of a truck (pictured) involved in the crash was pronounced dead at the scene. Police still have not identified him

Investigators comb through the site of a crash between a truck and a bus carrying 45 passengers in Bolivia early Monday morning. In January, an accident involving two buses on the same highway left 20 people dead

Cecilio Mamani Tola, 38, the driver of the Volvo bus belonging to Trans El Inca, survived the accident. He passed a field sobriety test.

The driver of the Volvo truck died but he has not been identified.

Authorities were able to identify 11 of the dead victims, including five men and five women and a young girl from Argentina, according to El Mundo.

Their names are: Felix Ramiro Rodriguez, 36; Primitivo Colque Marquez, 59; Cristobal Barcaya, 64; Ronald Wilson Chino, 32; Cristobal Barcaya, 35; Mauricio Machaca, 61; Felipa Laura, 31; Wendy Anabel Chino, 7; Martha Mollo, 46; Elva Chungara, 40; Elsa Victoria Escobar, 47 and Elbira Mamani, 21.

Authorities in Bolivia have identified 11 of the 24 passengers who died when the bus they were travelling in collided head-on with a truck. Wendy Anabel Chino, a seven-year-old girl from Argentina, was among those that died

Gabriel Ozorio Baldeiglesia, nine, suffered a fractured skull and is set to undergo emergency surgery at San Juan de Dios General Hospital in Oruro, according to Bolivian news outlet Unitel.

Another boy, Marco Ozorio Baldeiglesias, 10, was also transported to the same hospital. It's unknown if they are both related.

Iris Yamil Calani Huarachi, a three-year-old, was taken to Oruro Hospital. The status of her condition is unknown.

Police Col. Jose Pizarro told state television the cause of the accident was under investigation.

Two buses collided on the same highway in January, killing 22 people.

The bus was en route to Oruru from the town of Villazon on the Argentine border
A 22-year-old Syrian man accused of being the instigator of a brutal gang rape of an 18-year-old German woman will appear in a juvenile court, despite his age.

Majd H. allegedly orchestrated the brutal four-hour gang rape of the teenager, which took place after he allegedly drugged her in a nightclub in Freiburg, south-west Germany on October 14 last year.

German police believe Majd H. raped the woman outside the club, before calling 'at least nine' of his friends, aged between 19 and 30, who then took turns in sexually assaulting her.

Main suspect: Majd H. is accused of orchestrating the brutal gang rape of an 18-year-old girl outside a nightclub in Freiburg, south-west Germany, last year

Eight other suspects in the nightclub rape case are being held in investigative custody and have not yet been charged. Police are still looking for an eleventh suspect who is currently on the run.

Martina Wilke, spokeswoman for the public prosecutor's office said: 'The main suspect was charged with a total of nine criminal acts.'

At the time of the sexual assault of the 18-year-old, Majd H. had an arrest warrant against him for a drugs offence, and was supposed to be arrested on the 23rd October.

According to Bild, the warrant described Majd H. as a dangerous individual and a repeat offender, stating that it was highly probable that he might commit other offenses, including grievous bodily harm, sexual coercion and exhibitionism.

Known to police: At the time of the brutal gang-rape of the 18-year-old, Majd H. had an arrest warrant against him for a drugs offence, and was supposed to be arrested days later

Assaulted: Majd H. is accused of drugging the 18-year-old's drink at this night club in Freiburg, before he and at least nine others raped her

One of the other crimes which Majd H. is charged with is the alleged rape of a 19-year-old girl in September 2017 in his flat in Freiburg.

According to prosecutors, the 19-year-old was also raped by two other Syrian men aged 22 and 23. The latter allegedly also took part in the gang rape of the 18-year-old outside the night club.

Some German media reports that Majd H. was under 21 at the time of his crimes - April to October 2018 - however he is now being reported as 22. Despite this, he will appear in juvenile court.

According to local news reports, Majd H. came to Germany in 2014, and is believed to have had links to the YPG - a Kurdish militia which has been involved in fighting ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Pictures posted of the 22-year-old on social media shows him posing with a large machine gun.

According to a court spokesman, the trial date for Majd H. and the unnamed 23-year-old Syrian man will be set soon.
The rural home of former Wisconsin senator Kathleen Vinehout has burned down in a tragic house fire.

A Facebook post said the fire started early Saturday morning in the Alma, Wisconsin, home while she and her husband Doug were inside.

The couple were able to escape 'with only the shoes on their feet and the clothes they were wearing', and none of their farm animals were harmed.

However, the former gubernatorial candidate has lost all of her belongings as the home was completely destroyed by the blaze.

Former Wisconsin senator Kathleen Vinehout's home burned down early Saturday morning

The blaze began early Saturday morning while she and her husband Doug were home, the couple are pictured with their son Nathan

Vinehout was elected to the Senate in 2006, and again in 2010 and 2014. She did not seek re-election last year because she ran for governor.

A Facebook post on a fundraising page for the family read: 'Their home and all their belongings were a total loss, nothing was salvageable. They couldn't even go the pharmacy yesterday because their IDs were destroyed as well.'

The Buffalo County Sheriff's office confirmed the blaze but have not released additional details on how or why the blaze began.

As of Monday afternoon, nearly 500 people raised $21,000 of their $20,000 goal.

Officials have not revealed how the fire started and an investigation is underway

A fundraiser has been set up to help the family pay for a new home and lost belonging

The page read: 'While their insurance will eventually help them with a new home in the coming months, they are in need of immediate help with basic necessities such as clothes, shoes, phones, winter jackets, and food.'

'Over the past 12 year Kathleen and her family have always shown up to help all of us. Now it's our turn to be there for them,' it said.

A post on Vinehout's page asked for the public to keep Kathleen, Doug and their son Nathan in their prayers.
A giant tree which fell on a car and killed a passenger was 'very old and very dead', it was revealed today.

Four other motorists were rushed to hospital after the tree collapsed into an A-road and struck a silver Lexus car on Sunday afternoon.

Police and fire crews rushed to the scene in Egham, Surrey but a man was pronounced dead following the arrival of paramedics.

At the scene today, tree surgeons were still working on hacking down what remained of the enormous tree, as a huge trunk stood severed behind them.

A giant tree (believed to be pictured here before it fell) which fell on a car and killed a passenger was 'very old and very dead', it was revealed today

The incident took place in Egham around 4.05pm on the A308 Windsor Road (pictured: The aftermath of the incident)

Experts confirmed that they had no fears about further incidents involving trees along the road, which was still cordoned off 24 hours later.

A neighbour living near the scene, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I spoke to a guy who was in the car behind.

'He was clearly in shock and seemed in distress at what had happened.

'I spoke to a police officer later who referred me to Google Maps, where you could see a very old, and very dead, tree.

'I knew it was a silver car with five people in it, but nothing more than that I'm afraid.'

The incident took place on the A308 Windsor Way in Egham, Surrey, at about 4:05pm on Sunday.

Surrey Fire and Rescue said that the A308 Windsor Road in Egham is closed, and likely to remain closed into the morning through rush hour

A barman in a nearby Harvester restaurant said: 'I arrived at work shortly after it happened and saw flashing lights rushing past the windows.

'I spoke to a guy who heard a massive bang, turned around and saw the tree on top of a car - he said he had only walked beneath it just a few moments before.

'He said he couldn't eat his dinner afterwards, he was so shocked.'

Speaking yesterday, a spokesman for Surrey Police said: 'A man has sadly died after a tree fell on the car in which he was travelling in Egham on Sunday.

'The collision, involving a silver Lexus, occurred around 4.05pm on the A308 Windsor Road at the junction with the Runnymede roundabout.

'One of the passengers was pronounced dead at the scene. The four other occupants in the car have been taken to hospital where they are receiving treatment for minor injuries.'

It is not currently known who owns the tree. Surrey County Council has been contacted for comment.
They say true love lasts a lifetime, and this elderly couple from China are a demonstration to it.

In simple yet extremely romantic move, Mr Wang, 97, surprised his wife with a large bunch of roses on Valentine's Day to express his love for her.

Mrs Wang, 99, was so happy after receiving the flowers she kept smiling at her husband while holding the carefully wrapped bouquet.

Mr Wang hands the bouquet of roses to Mrs Wang on Valentine's Day at their home in China

Mr Wang helps Mrs Wang walk back to their home (left) before the couple attend a traditional 'wedding ceremony' (right) arranged by their granddaughter Wu Jie to celebrate their love

The couple, from the city of Linyi in Shandong Province, are great-great-grandparents and have been married for 82 years, according to one of their granddaughters who calls herself Wu Jie or 'the fifth sister'.

Wu Jie, 40, told MailOnline that she was the couple's youngest grandchild.

She said her grandfather and grandmother got married in 1937 during wartime and never had a wedding ceremony.

Mr and Mrs Wang got married in 1937 during wartime and never had a wedding ceremony

They were introduced by neighbours, and after his grandfather's family agreed on the union, her grandfather simply went to pick up his bride with a wooden cart pulled by cows.

Nevertheless, Mr and Mrs Wang have loved each other all their lives and almost never argued.

They are now surrounded by a huge family after more than eight decades of marriage. They have six children, 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Their youngest grandchild Wu Jie (pictured with the couple, right) said her grandparents had good health and could look after themselves. Her biggest wish is for them to live happily

Mr Wang is a reserved person, but likes flowers.

In order to help him express his emotion, Wu Jie bought a bouquet of roses on her way to her grandparents' house on Valentine's Day.

Mr Wang took over the flowers, which cost 80 yuan (9), and immediately gave them to his beloved wife.

After witnessing the emotional scene, Wu Jie then decided to arrange a traditional wedding ceremony for her grandparents on the same day.

She said she wanted her grandmother to experience the happy feeling of being a bride.

Mrs Wang was given a traditional red top to wear. She held the roses excitedly as Mr Wang slowly lifted her red bridal veil with a stick.

Wu Jie said her grandparents had good health and could look after themselves.

She said her biggest wish was for them to carry on living their lives happily and healthily.
Italy's education ministry has caused outrage after offering teachers 'exorcism courses' at a Catholic university in Rome.

The 40-hour course in 'exorcisms and prayers of liberation' is being provided by the Vatican-affiliated Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum as part of the government's programme of voluntary training for teachers.

Teachers, especially those who specialise in religious studies, can learn how exorcism should be 'correctly practiced' on the course, which costs 400 euros per participant.

As part of the course teachers will be given 40-hour training on how to correctly practice exorcisms

But politicians hit out at the course offering soon after it was announced, with some accusing the government of 'failing to prepare young people for the challenges of the future'.

'With all the problems in Italian schools, the ministry is trying to bring back the Dark Ages,' said Laura Boldrini, an opposition, centre-Left MP and former parliamentary speaker.

'Schools are not safe, gyms are not fit to be used and teachers are not properly paid. And what does the education minister do? He promotes exorcism courses,' said Boldrini.

'Schools need to prepare young people for the challenges of the future.'

The education ministry today it may remove the listing from the portal. However the course will still go ahead as planned.
A Vietnamese restaurant boss was filmed illegally hauling fish from the English Channel in the middle of the night in shocking footage.

Steve Cullen, 35, confronted three men as they pulled ashore 40kg of sea bass at 4am in Poole, Dorset.

The trio then bundled their catch into a van emblazoned with the slogan: 'Eat Pho. Traditional Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup' on the side.

A Vietnamese restaurant boss was filmed illegally hauling fish from the English Channel in the middle of the night in shocking footage

Now two of the men have pleaded guilty to illegally landing fish at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay 500 each in fines and 1,500 in court costs.

However, the court heard there was no evidence of the fish being served at the Eat Pho restaurant in the town.

Mr Cullen was napping in his car during a night fishing trip in August 2018 when one of the three men opened his car door, mistaking it for their own vehicle.

In the clip, Mr Cullen questions them about a huge bucket of fish they have in a small boat.

He can be heard asking them: 'What do you think you're doing?'

Mr Cullen, from nearby Havant in Hampshire, said: 'I jumped out to find three blokes stood there and kicked off.

In the footage, Mr Cullen films them on camera asks them about a huge bucket of fish they have in a small fishing boat

The trio then bundled their catch into a van emblazoned with the slogan: 'Eat Pho. Traditional Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup' on the side

'Wondering what three Vietnamese men were doing bringing a boat in the harbour at 4am, I went and had a look.

'Yup, illegal gill-netting with a bucket of under size Bass there, I saw red and slung the bucket of fish back in the water, took the net off them as well.'

Tran Doan, 37, the owner of Eat Pho, and Tran Hoang, 41, of Thatcham, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to two charges last Thursday.

They admitted charges of 'removing bass from the Poole Harbour nursery area during the sensitive summer months and taking bass below minimum size'.

The case was brought by fisheries watchdog SIFCA (Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority) who said Poole Harbour was an important refuge for juvenile bass.

SIFCA member and Poole councillor Ray Tindle said: 'Protection in the harbour allows them to grow and replenish the seriously depleted stocks.'

Responding to online criticism after the video emerged in August, Mr Doan apologised for his actions in a Facebook post saying he was fishing 'to relax' and didn't know it was illegal.

He confirmed his restaurant had never served sea bass.

They admitted charges of 'removing bass from the Poole Harbour nursery area during the sensitive summer months and taking bass below minimum size'
Hundreds of jihadi fighters held in Syria are a 'time bomb' that could threaten the West unless countries do more to take them back, Kurdish-led forces said today.

The warning comes as Islamic State defend the final pocket of their dying caliphate in Syria, which has been reduced to less than half a square kilometre

Their holdout is in the village of Baghouz, near the Iraqi border.

European leaders are continuing to discuss their approach to dealing with returning IS fighters and radicalised wives and children caught up in the conflict

EU Ministers are meeting today to discuss repatriating radicalised European nationals returning from Syria, which a German foreign minister said would be 'extremely difficult' to do.

Pleas from women to return with their children - such as ISIS bride Shamima Begum - have stirred up debate in their home countries.

A source on the ground said that held-out IS fighters are seeking safe passage to the jihadist-held city of Idlib in northwestern Syria.

'The SDF are not willing to discuss this option,' said the source, stating that the group had 'no leverage' to negotiate now.

Syrians gather at the scene of a double attack in Syria's northwestern jihadist-held city of Idlib. More than ten people, including civilians, died in the blast

Pressure is mounting after President Donald Trump on Sunday called on European allies to take back their citizens who are being held by the Kurds in Syria.

'The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial,' Trump said in a tweet.

'These people could only then come to Germany if we can ensure they are immediately put in custody,' said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

'It's not clear to me how all that can be guaranteed.'

There are fears of a security vacuum in the region since Donald Trump's shock announcement in December that American troops would withdraw.

'At this stage France is not responding to (Trump's) demands,' French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet told French television.

French Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet was resistant to agreeing with Donald Trump's request for European countries to take back their radicalised citizens

'There is a new geo-political context, with the U.S. withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy.'

Austria's Foreign Minister Karin Kneissel said 'We have all done everything in our power to lock these people up. This announcement from Trump, I cannot comprehend.'

Diehard Islamic State group fighters are now trapped in their last patch of territory of less than half a square kilometre in the village of Baghouz near the Iraqi border.

Reports suggest fighters are using civilians as human shields to slow the Syrian Democratic Force's advance.

'The clashes are sporadic and very limited,' SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali told MailOnline.

German Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Josef Maas arrives for the Foreign Affairs Council where returning Syrian fighters is expected to be a big topic of discussion

'So far there have been no significant changes on the ground,' he said, adding that coalition warplanes have reduced air strikes on IS positions over the past two days.

The SDF 'are still working on trying to get civilians out', the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, a top Kurdish official called on Europe not to abandon Syrian Kurds following the defeat of Islamic State on the ground.

European powers 'have a political and moral responsibility' to the Kurds, Aldar Khalil said in an interview in Paris on Sunday.

The Kurds would seek the protection of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if failed by Europe and the United States, he said.
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Malia Obama described President Trump as 'evil' on a secret Facebook page where she exchanges messages friends including Joe Biden's granddaughter, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The Facebook page operates under a pseudonym and does not appear to have been publicly updated since 2017.

Its cover photograph is of a row of pink post-it notes which read: 'Donald Trump is President,' 'This is not normal', 'Donald Trump is evil' and 'Don't be complacent.'

Among the comments written beneath the photograph is one by Biden's 20-year-old granddaughter Finnegan.

She said: 'Never saw this. I like it.'

This is the cover photograph on Malia Obama's secret Facebook page where the former first daughter shared photographs of her high school years and her time off before starting college. The image takes a stab at the president and won the approval of Joe Biden's 20-year-old granddaughter Finnegan who was among people to comment on it

Other photographs on the account include pretty portraits of the student taken by friends over the last 18 months

It is not clear whose home the post-its are featured in. Malia moved into freshman dorms in August 2017, a few months after she posted it on her profile.

She had been living in New York City in the months beforehand while interning at The Weinstein Company.

Weinstein's widespread alleged sexual abuse of women in Hollywood had not yet become public when Malia was working for the company.

The Facebook page offers a rare glimpse into the the former first daughter's remarkably typical teenage years.

In photo albums, Malia is shown relaxing on lakeside vacations and posing up a storm with her friends.

There are smiley group photos taken at parties, flattering portraits of the Harvard student and a silly image of her sitting fully clothed in an empty bathtub draped in a collapsed shower curtain.

She used it to promote causes close to her heart, including gun reform.

In this photograph, taken during her freshman year of college, Malia is shown posing with friends during a getaway. Some are have been in Miami with the 20-year-old over the last few days

After graduating from high school, Malia joined friends for a trip to Chile and Bolivia in the fall of 2016. She is shown above during that trip

Photo-booth fun with a friend in these photographs that were uploaded to the account in July 2016

Some of the photographs are taken during Malia's senior year at Sidwell Friends. She graduated in the summer of 2016, during her father's last few months as president

In light-hearted photos the teenager uploaded, she is shown sitting in a bathtub with a collapsed shower curtain draped around her and her laptop and posing on grass

In another image shared on the page, Malia, left, is shown during a trip with a friend. It was uploaded days after the 2016 election

Malia has left complimentary comments on Finnegan Biden's photos in the past

In the aftermath of the Las Vegas country music festival mass shooting which claimed 58 lives, Malia campaigned for change by sharing a link to a petition demanding action.

Other photographs were taken during her senior year at Sidwell Friends, a prestigious, private school in Maryland and in the months afterwards.

Among them is a happy photograph taken during a trip to Bolivia and Chile with her friends.

Now 20, Malia is in her second year at Harvard.

She has spent the past few days in Miami with friends and was pictured most recently enjoying an $80 bottle of rose by the pool of a hotel.

There was no sign of her boyfriend, British youngster Rory Farquharson, in Miami and he does not appear in any photos on the Facebook page.

The pair became close after meeting at Harvard. They have not been photographed together since last August.

Malia was in Miami with school friends Jane Lipscomb, Taylor Nides and Lizzy Mullaney.

All have been friends for several years and even attended White House events, including a 2014 4th of July party, while they were teenagers.
China is set to launch what it bills as 'the world's first 5G railway station' this year with the technology from Huawei.

The news comes as the tech firm is blocked and scrutinised by the West over fears that it is spying on its users for Beijing.

A 'super-fast' 5G network will be fitted to the existing Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which is one of Asia's busiest traffic hubs and handles some 60 million passengers a year, according to China Daily.

The indoor 5G network will be fitted to the existing Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

The network is built upon the '5G digital indoor system' developed by Chinese firm Huawei

A so-called '5G digital indoor system' is due to be fully installed in the train station in western Shanghai by September.

A few 'experience spots' have already been set up in the station's waiting hall to let passengers try the network.

The system is developed by Huawei and was unveiled in Shanghai today. It has been chosen to serve the traffic hub by China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunication corporation.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (pictured) handles some 60 million passengers a year

It would allow passengers to download a 2GB high-definition film in less than 20 seconds, according to Huawei. In comparison, it would take three minutes and 20 seconds to download the same film on a standard 4G network.

Praising Huawei's product, newspaper China Daily said the firm's 5G system 'is undoubtedly the best choice for 5G commercial deployment'.

Huawei, the biggest global maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, has undergone global scrutiny over allegations from the United States that it may carry out technological theft and espionage for China - a claim Huawei and Beijing have both firmly denied.

EXPLAINED: THE EVOLUTION OF MOBILE BROADBAND UP TO 5G The evolution of the G system started in 1980 with the invention of the mobile phone which allowed for analogue data to be transmitted via phone calls. Digital came into play in 1991 with 2G and SMS and MMS capabilities were launched. Since then, the capabilities and carrying capacity for the mobile network has increased massively. More data can be transferred from one point to another via the mobile network quicker than ever. 5G is expected to be 100 times faster than the currently used 4G. Whilst the jump from 3G to 4G was most beneficial for mobile browsing and working, the step to 5G will be so fast they become almost real-time. That means mobile operations will be just as fast as office-based internet connections. Potential uses for 5g include: Simultaneous translation of several languages in a party conference call

Self-driving cars can stream movies, music and navigation information from the cloud

A full length 8GB film can be downloaded in six seconds. 5G is expected to be so quick and efficient it is possible it could start the end of wired connections. By the end of 2020, industry estimates claim 50 billion devices will be connected to 5G. The evolution of from 1G to 5G. The predicted speed of 5G is more than 1Gbps - 1,000 times greater than the existing speed of 4G and could be implemented in laptops of the future

Washington says that Beijing might use Chinese tech companies to gather intelligence about foreign countries. The United States has been putting pressure on allies to shun networks supplied by Huawei, threatening the company's access to global markets for next-generation wireless gear.

The company faces outright bans from being involved in the rollout of 5G networks in Australia, New Zealand and the United States, with Canada and the United Kingdom still undecided on their approach.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer and the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested late last year in Vancouver on U.S. charges related to Iran, a development that has set off a political firestorm between China, the United States and Canada.

Huawei's system has been chosen to serve the railway station by China Mobile (file photo)

Huawei's founder Ren Zhengfei (pictured) last month rejected claims his company was used by the Chinese government to spy after the U.S. pressured on allies to shun Huawei technologies

China's government on Monday accused the United States of trying to block its industrial development by alleging that Chinese telecom gear is a cyber security threat.

And in a potential blow to the U.S. claims, British media reported that the country's intelligence agencies have found it is possible to limit the risks of using Chinese-made networks.

Huawei's founder said last month it would reject any government demands to disclose confidential information about foreign customers.

The U.S. government is trying to 'fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development' of Chinese enterprises, said the spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang.

Geng accused the United States of using 'political means' to interfere in economic activity, 'which is hypocritical, immoral and unfair bullying.'

Meng Wanzhou (pictured), Huawei's chief financial officer and the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested late last year in Vancouver under the request of the United States

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking this week in Germany, urged European allies to take seriously 'the threat' he said was posed by Chinese networks maker Huawei as they look for partners to build the new 5G mobile networks.

Pence said Huawei and other Chinese telecom equipment makers provide Beijing with 'access to any data that touches their network or equipment.' He appealed to European governments to 'reject any enterprise that would compromise the integrity of our communications technology or our national security systems.'

The United States has released no evidence to support its accusations against Huawei and other tech companies. That has prompted some industry analysts to suggest Washington is trying to use security concerns to handicap Chinese competitors.

'China has not and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide foreign countries' information for the Chinese government by installing backdoors or other actions that violate local laws,' said Geng.
Len McCluskey branded anti-Corbyn MPs who quit Labour 'hypocrites' today and said it was 'grossly unfair' for them to leave over anti-Semitism.

The Unite leader claimed the allegation around abuse of Jews were 'contrived', insisting Labour had made huge progress in tackling the problem.

Former Labour mayor of London Ken Livingstone - who was suspended from the party for years over anti-Semitism before resigning - told TalkRadio 'almost all of this stuff about anti-Semitism and racism is based on lies'.

One of the seven MPs to quit the party today is Jewish MP Luciana Berger. She branded her former party 'institutionally anti-Semitic' after enduring years of abuse for standing up to the problem inside Labour.

Jewish leaders said the decision of the MPs to quit was a 'searing indictment' of the Labour leadership's failure to tackle the anti-Semitism crisis.

Len McCluskey (pictured today on the BBC) branded anti-Corbyn MPs who quit Labour 'hypocrites' today and said it was 'grossly unfair' for them to leave over anti-Semitism

Jewish leaders said the decision of the MPs to quit was a 'searing indictment' of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's failure to tackle the anti-Semitism crisis

Mr McCluskey said there was a 'strong whiff of hypocrisy' about the resignations because their majorities increased under Mr Corbyn's manifesto.

He told the BBC that the MPs had stood on a manifesto which promised to respect the 2016 referendum and 'all of their heartbreak about what's happened in Brexit sounds a little bit hollow'.

He added 'the issue about anti-Semitism, I just think, is grossly unfair' because Labour general secretary Jennie Formby has 'done more in the few months that she has been in office than previous administrations'.

Of the anti-Semitism claims, he said: 'They are still a very miniority of Labour Party members and I think the whole thing is contrived.'

The resignations prompted a furious backlash from the Left, with the Young Labour Twitter account vowed: 'Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we'll keep the red flag flying here.'

MPs from the group (including Mike Gapes top and Chuka Umunna bottom) faced demands on social media for them to resign and allow by-elections

Former Labour mayor of London Ken Livingstone - who was suspended from the party for years over anti-Semitism before resigning - told TalkRadio 'almost all of this stuff about anti-Semitism and racism is based on lies'.

He said: 'I joined Labour 50 years ago and I never heard one anti-Semitic comment... this is a good old smear.'

A furious backlash from the left started immediately. The Momentum group that supports Mr Corbyn said the MPs wanted to 'drag Britain back to the politics of the past' while union chiefs warned they had 'no policies, no ideas and no direction'.

The Young Labour Twitter account vowed: 'Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we'll keep the red flag flying here.'

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell demanded the MPs resign their seats and fight by-elections - insisting it was the 'honourable' course of action after Mr Corbyn's manifesto helped them increase their majorities in 2017.

One of the seven MPs to quit the party today is Jewish MP Luciana Berger (pictured today at the launch). She branded her former party 'institutionally anti-Semitic' after enduring years of abuse for standing up to the problem inside Labour

Following the resignations today, the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews Marie van der Zyl said: 'Today a group of seven Labour MPs announced their decision to leave the Labour Party and sit as an independent group in Parliament.

'In a searing indictment of the Labour leadership both Luciana Berger MP and Mike Gapes MP accused the party of being institutionally anti-Semitic.

'In the light of the horrific abuse aimed at Jewish MPs, we stand in solidarity with all those who have been targeted.

'Labour has failed to deal with anti-Semitism since the Jewish Community's Enough is Enough demonstration called on the Labour leadership to act against this racism.

'This is a moment of great shame for the Labour Party and a tragedy for the thousands of Jews who have supported the Party for generations.'

At today's press conference, Ms Berger said: 'For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

'I have not changed. The core values of equality for all, opportunity for all, anti-racism against all and social justice - the values which I hold really dear and which led me to join the Labour Party as a student almost 20 years ago - remain who I am.

'And yet these values have been consistently and constantly violated, undermined and attacked, as the Labour Party today declines to my constituents and our country before party interests.

'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'

Another of the group Mike Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference: 'I am sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party.'
Victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy have descended on Rome to protest the Church's response to the crisis ahead of Pope Francis' summit on the issue this week.

The organizers of Pope Francis' summit will meet this week with a dozen abuse victims later this week, officials said Monday.

Revelations in many countries about priests raping and committing other kinds of sexual abuse against children and a pattern of bishops hiding the crimes have shaken the faith of many Catholics.

Peter Isely, from Milqaukee, Wisconsin, led a group of victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy who have have descended on Rome to protest the Church's response to the crisis

Speaking out: Francesco Zanardi, from Italy, Denise Buchanan, from Jamaica, and Marek Lisinski, from Poland, all suffered sexual abuse by Catholic priests

Leona Huggins, a victim and a member of the worldwide association Ending Clergy Abuse Global, reacts to the press conference of the Vatican in front of St. Peter's Square

Abuse survivors will not be addressing the summit of church leaders directly, but will meet with the four-member organizing committee to convey their complaints.

The larger summit of some 190 presidents of bishops' conferences from around the world, plus key Vatican officials, begins Thursday.

Peter Isely, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, addressed reports that Pope Francis is 'facing resistance' from top Vatican officials ahead of the meeting.

'Let me tell you what it was like to try and have to resist that priest when I was a boy who was sexually assaulting me,' Isely, a founding member of the advocacy group Ending Clergy Abuse, said.

'So whatever difficulty for him or discomfort this is for anybody in the papal palace, it is nothing compared to what survivors have had to undergo.'

Speaking out: Ms Huggins and two other female victims of clergy sex abuse from Canada pose with their country's flag in St. Peter's Square

Speaking out: Miguel Hurtado, from Spain and Peter Saunders, from the UK, have both been sexually abused by members of the Catholic clergy

Benjamin Kitobo, from Congo, and Peter Isely both travelled to the Vatican this week

Victims and activists of the clergy sexual assault and members of the worldwide association ECA Global, wait for the press conference of the Vatican in front of St. Peter's Square

Another founding member of the group, Denise Buchanan, a native of Jamaica, said a priest raped and assaulted her when she was 17.

'That rape actually resulted in a pregnancy, and the priest arranged for an abortion,' Buchanan said.

Survivor advocates also have demanded that Francis say what he and other top Vatican officials knew about the prelate's sexual wrongdoing, which spanned decades.

'You abuse a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood,' Isely said. 'If you cover up for abusing a child, you have to be removed from the priesthood, and this is the only thing that is going to turn the corner on this global crisis.'

At a press conference Monday, organizers called the summit a 'turning point' in the church's approach to clergy sex abuse.

The Catholic Church has long been criticized for its failure to hold bishops accountable when they covered up for priests who raped and molested children.

They said the summit would focus on three key aspects of dealing with the crisis: making bishops aware of their own responsibilities to protect their flocks, the consequences of shirking those responsibilities, and the need for transparency.

The survivors group have rejected reports that Pope Francis is 'facing resistance' from top Vatican officials ahead of the summit, saying it is nothing compared to their suffering

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's leading sex crimes investigator and an organizer of the meeting, said transparency was key, since the church's knee-jerk response of denial and silence in the past had only exacerbated the problem.

'Whether it's criminal or malicious complicity and a code of silence, or whether it's denial or trauma in its very primitive state, we need to get away from that,' he told reporters. 'We have to face the facts.'

Chilean abuse victim Juan Carlos Cruz, who is coordinating the survivor meeting, told The Associated Press he hopes for a 'constructive and open dialogue' and for summit members to convey survivors' demand that bishops stop pleading ignorance about abuse.

'Raping a child or a vulnerable person and abusing them has been wrong since the 1st century, the Middle Ages, and now,' he said.

Francis called the summit in September after he himself discredited Cruz and other Chilean victims of a notorious predator priest. Francis was subsequently implicated in the cover-up of Theodore McCarrick, the onetime powerful American cardinal who just last week was defrocked for sexually abusing minors as well as adults.

Francis has urged participants to meet with abuse victims before they came to Rome, to both familiarize themselves with victims' pain and trauma and debunk the widely held idea that clergy sex abuse only happens in some parts of the world.

Survivors will be represented at the summit itself, but only in a few key moments of prayer.

Summit moderator the Rev. Federico Lombardi said he would gladly receive any written messages from other survivors, expressing an openness to hear from a broad cross-section of victims.

Cruz said the key message for the bishops to take away from the summit is that they must enforce true 'zero tolerance' or face the consequences.

'There are enforceable laws in the church to punish not only those who commit the abuse but those who cover it up,' he told the AP. 'No matter what rank they have in the church, they should pay.'

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, another conference organizer, agreed.

'There is going to be every effort to close whatever loopholes there are, to make sure that people understand on an individual basis as bishops what their responsibilities are,' he said. 'Because they are going to be held accountable.'
Kevin Thomas arrives at Cardiff Crown Court

A shamed head-teacher was jailed today after he punched his loyal wife in the face, and crushed her phone with his bare hands after accusing her of having an affair.

Former primary school head Kevin Thomas, 49, attacked his wife after calling her a s**t and s**g after a night out - even though she stood by him after a sex conviction.

Thomas lost his 51,000-a-year job after being convicted of groping a mother at Glan-yr-Afon Primary School and buying her a pair of white knickers in October last year.

Loyal wife Mrs Thomas stuck with him despite his conviction for sexual assault - but a month later he attacked her at their home in Fairwater, Cardiff - punching her in the face and kicking her in the back as she lay on the ground.

Mr Thomas, now of Swansea, South Wales, denied the assault but was found guilty at Cardiff Magistrate's Court and was jailed for nine months.

The court heard the couple had been to a pub together before Thomas accused his wife of having an affair.

Thomas grabbed his wife's phone and squeezed it with his bare hands until the screen cracked.

Prosecutor Ashanti-Jade Walton said: 'Thomas was shouting, calling her a 's**g' and a 's**t'.

'Mrs Thomas was then punched to the face.'

Mrs Thomas said she then 'blacked out' and her husband kicked her in the back.

She told the court: 'It was getting heated and eventually when we got home I was trying to keep the peace.

'Kevin wanted to see my phone. I gave him my phone.

Pictured here is Kevin Thomas and wife Donna Thomas on their wedding day in 2011

'He was getting angry because it was PIN protected and he was getting really to the point where he was squeezing my phone and the phone screen cracked.

'He was saying I was sleeping around with people. He was calling me a 's**t' and a 's**g'.

'All I remember is him punching me in the head and I remember grabbing his shirt and ripping it and then I remember falling and then my memory goes at that point.

'I was laid out on the floor in the dark and he came in and started kicking me in the back.'

At Cardiff Crown Court, Meirion Davies, defending, said: 'This was a marriage that was already suffering difficulties. Both of them got into an argument, it got heated, it went too far.

'Their marriage is dead and must now be given a decent burial.

Thomas was the headmaster of Glan-yr-Afon Primary school in Llanrumney, Cardiff

'This man has got to rebuild his life - not an easy prospect for him, given his recent history.'

Shamed Thomas lost his job at the 200-pupil Glan-yr-Afon Primary school in Llanrumney, Cardiff, after he was found guilty of sexual assault.

A court heard he became 'infatuated' with a mother at his school and groped her in his office after he 'rocked his pelvis and clicked his fingers' at her.

Kevin Thomas arrives at Cardiff Crown Court today. He was jailed for nine months

Thomas also bought her a pair of knickers and told her: 'They will look lovely on you.'

He told the her he had a 'lovely dream' about her wearing the white knickers - leaving her in fear of being alone with him.

Thomas was today sentenced to nine months in jail.

Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins said: 'The victim of this battery was your wife.

'She stuck by you during the course of the sexual assault trial but it seems the cracks in the marriage were already beginning to tell.

'You were jealous and you were accusing her of having cheated on you.

'This was a nasty assault. This is a case in which you have acted abysmally.'

Thomas was also made the subject of a restraining order, banning him from contact with Donna Thomas for five years.
A 14-year-old Texas girl has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for stabbing her friend to death during an argument over a sleepover.

The teen from Fort Worth, who is not named due to her age, stabbed Nylah Lightfoot, 14, in the chest and neck when she went to pick up her clothes from her friend's home on May 29, 2018.

The victim's mother Anntoinette Carter claimed that the mother of the then-13-year-old suspect stood by and watched the altercation between the two girls unfold, without stepping in.

The defendant was found guilty of murder but not guilty on aggravated assault charges in Tarrant County court on Thursday, and faced a minimum sentence of probation and maximum of 40 years in prison.

A 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for stabbing her friend to death during an argument over a sleepover on May 29, 2018, in Fort Worth, Texas. Victim Nylah Lightfoot, 14, is pictured

The victim's mother, Anntoinette Carter (above), claimed that the mother of then-13-year-old suspect stood by and watched the altercation between the girls unfold without intervening

It took the jury about one hour and 20 minutes to convict the assailant and another hour and 10 minutes to come up with a suggested sentence, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.

The girl will be held in a Texas Juvenile Justice Department facility, according to presiding Judge Alex Kim.

The court will determine whether to transfer her to an adult prison or grant her leniency on or before her 19th birthday.

Carter delivered a victim's impact statement after the sentence was announced, telling her daughter's killer: 'When they told me it was you, it hurt. You was at my house every day.'

The heartbroken mother said that her daughter wanted to become a makeup artist, and that would sneak into her bedroom to get makeup for herself and the friend.

Now, Carter said, she will never get to see that passion again, nor will she see her daughter go to prom, graduate high school or get married.

'You spent her last birthday with us. I don't know how I come back from this,' she said through tears.

Carter delivered a victim's impact statement after the sentence was announced in Tarrant County court on Friday, telling her daughter's killer: 'When they told me it was you, it hurt. You was at my house every day. I don't know how I come back from this.' Nylah is pictured above

Carter had previously described her daughter and the suspect as 'on-and-off' friends.

On the day she was killed, Nylah asked if the girl could sleepover, to which Carter said no, according to The Star-Telegram.

Then the suspect asked Nylah to come over and retrieve clothes she had swapped with the teen.

When she arrived at the girl's Fort Worth apartment complex, the pair got into an altercation that turned deadly.

The little girl was taken to John Peter Smith Hospital for her neck and chest wounds where she was pronounced dead, according to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.

'Now I'm daughterless. And my heart feels like it's just been ripped out and stomped on,' Carter said at the time.

Nylah had gone over to the suspect's apartment complex in Fort Worth (above) to retrieve clothes she left with her when the friends got into an altercation. The 14-year-old was stabbed in the chest and neck and later died from her wounds

The Nylah's murder trial only lasted two days. When the suspect took the stand, she said killing her best friend it was something that she would forever regret.

'She was like a sister to me,' she testified.

Prosecutor Jim Hudson said during his closing statement: 'The case was graphic, disturbing and unsettling. Because of the decisions she made, a family now lives without a daughter.

'We ask that you send a message to her that these acts have consequences.'

He continued: 'There is no arguing what her intent was. When she came outside with the knife she was still in control. But not even her friend could stop her. She was only following through with what she had threatened twice.'
A father says he doesn't feel safe in his own neighborhood anymore, after he claims he was racially profiled as he took his son to the park in Charlottesville.

DeAnthony Jones, 22, was pushing his two-month-old son in a stroller near his Highland Creek home on Monday, when a neighbor called 911 on him.

The same unnamed resident had also posted an alert on Nextdoor - a neighborhood watch social media app - warning of a 'suspicious' man in the area, wearing dark clothes.

He was wearing his khaki work pants, a blue shirt and a hat, and when Jones' mother-in-law Jessica Freeman saw the post on Nextdoor, she knew it to be about DeAnthony.

DeAnthony Jones, 22, was pushing his son's stroller on Monday when a neighbor posted on Nextdoor warning of a 'suspicious' man in the area

Three police cars rushed to the area, and though Jones was never stopped by them, he still feels degraded

Jones was wearing his khaki work pants, a blue shirt, a hat and a scarf, though the social media post claimed her was wearing 'dark clothing'

She immediately called out the author for racial profiling, saying the only thing Jones was guilty of was 'walking while black'.

Jones said three police cars swarmed the area after the neighbor's call, and now he no longer feels comfortable walking the streets.

'This is my first time walking my son. For me to walk my son to the park and get the police called on me for walking my son to the park is devastating.'

Jones said officers didn't stop to question him on their patrol, but the young dad still feels degraded.

'You shamed me, my character, I feel unsafe walking around the neighborhood now.

'You may have felt unsafe, but you really made me feel unsafe.'

A neighbor posted an alert on Nextdoor - a neighborhood watch social media app - warning of a 'suspicious' man in the area, wearing dark clothes

Jones' mother-in-law immediately called out the author for racial profiling, saying the only thing Jones was guilty of was 'walking while black'

Jones says he no longer feels safe or welcomed in the North Carolina neighborhood of Highland Creek

It was Jones' first trip to the park with his son, but it's one that's left him feeling 'devastated'

Freeman says she feels 911 calls such as this are incredibly suspicious and are clearly racially motivated.

She also added the neighborhood becomes less safe as a whole because it's a waste of police resources.

'I posted like "that's my grandson" [with Jones], and they're like 'well call the police,' and I'm like "why would you call the police? You're putting my grandson at risk, you're putting his dad at risk because police don't know that he's not a bad guy."

'They kept saying his face was covered, and I replied "he has a scarf on it's cold outside".'

A number of other Nextdoor users agreed with Freeman and joined her in accusing the author of racial prejudice.
An adorable elephant calf was rescued by Indian villagers after it got stuck in a well today.

The elephant fell into the well in Bangurasingh village in eastern India.

Locals reported seeing a herd of 50 elephants nearby on Sunday.

They believe the calf was accidentally separated from the herd and fell into the hole in the ground.

A young elephant is trapped in a well after losing its herd in a village in eastern India

The calf lets out a number of distressed cries as it is unable to free itself from the deep trench

The video shows the elephant's distressed calls as it was unable to make its way out of the well.

The calf went on its hind legs to try to climb out but the hole was too deep for the young elephant.

Villagers stood around the well trying to work out how best to rescue the poor animal.

Villagers alerted forest authorities who managed to free the frightened animal

After a few nervous steps, the young elephant was happy again as it walked back to its herd

They alerted forest officials who successfully pulled the elephant to safety.

It took some time for the calf to regain its composure and it limped away as it tried to find its footing with help from the officials.

But it didn't take long before the adorable young elephant was running again as it looked to rejoin its herd.
A decapitated woman's body has been found inside a bin big with a note blaming her husband for 'refusing to pay my ransom'.

The remains of Susana Carrera were found in Coatzacoalcos on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

She had been kidnapped a week earlier outside a friend's house where she had gone to collect one of her children.

The couple owned the aluminium company Pexaluminio, which had an office in the coastal city.

The body of Susana Carrera (pictured) was found decapitated in a bin bag on a street of her home city of Coatzacoalcos

A note was found with her body a week later, reading 'This happened to me because my husband is a c*** and did not want to pay for my ransom'

Harrowing CCTV footage show her captors pulling up in a car, grabbing her a throwing her into a car in a matter of seconds.

What the ransom note said 'This happened to me because my husband is a c*** and did not want to pay for my ransom'

One week later, the woman's remains were found in a bag left on the street.

The suspected kidnappers left a not alongside the woman's which said that her husband had been 'messing around and wouldn't pay the ransom.'

According to local media, she had been beheaded because the requested ransom of 4 million Mexican Peso (161,000) had not been paid.

It is unclear how the ransom demand was made to her husband.

Hours later, the husband confirmed that his wife had been killed on Facebook and thanked well-wishers for their kindness during the week that she had been held captive.

The kidnapping: A car is seen on CCTV pulling up to a house where Mrs Carrera is knocking on the door to collect one of her children for about 15 seconds

Seconds later a masked person grabs Mrs Carrera from behind and drags her away from the door before her friend comes to answer the doorbell

The kidnapper throws Mrs Carrera into the car and quickly drives off. Kidnappings in Coatzacoalcos have increased in recent years with 49 reported in 2018

The post read: 'Thank you all for your prayers and wishes for my wife Susana Carrera to return home, unfortunately she could not and passed away'.

No arrests have been reported so far. It is unclear why exactly the kidnappers decided to kill Mrs Carrera or what contact they had with her husband.

It is reported that the number of kidnappings has risen in the city of Coatzacoalcos in recent times with 49 reported in 2018 along with 160 homicides.

Devastated family: Mrs Carrera's husband thanked friends 'for your prayers and wishes for my wife' after he announced her death on social media

Mrs Carrera and her husband are believed to run the Mexican aluminium company Pexaluminio. It is unknown whether her husband had any contact with the killers or why they chose to kill her




A sexual abuse victims network is alleging that nuns have been raping children within the Catholic church and getting away with it for decades in what they say is a scandal as big as that of pedophile priests.

In the last week alone, dozens of people have come forward to report being sexually abused by nuns as children to SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

They have told how they were targeted by the women while being cared for in orphanages and schools over the last 50 years.

Among the alleged victims are women in their 60s and 70s who are telling their stories for the first time now.

Sister Mary Juanita Barto died in 2014. She abused Cait Finnegan (right) when she was a teenager for years. Cait is now speaking out about the abuse along with other victims

Mary Dispenza (left) and Cait Finnegan (right) both say they were raped by nuns as youngsters. Both stayed in the church for years afterwards but are now campaigning on behalf of sexual abuse victims

'This is the next big thing for the church  the biggest untold secret,' Mary Dispenza, a director at Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), a St. Louis-based advocacy group, told The New York Post on Monday.

'In the past, victims were very much ashamed and afraid to tell their stories, but they are starting to come forward and we are expecting that this may be as big as the priest abuse scandal.'

Among them is Cait Finnegan, a 67-year-old woman who says she was routinely abused as a teenager by Sister Juanita Barto at the Mater Christi High School in Queens, New York.

Barto died in 2014 and never faced legal action.

Mary Dispenza was a nun for 15 years but has given up her habit recently in order to campaign on behalf of sexual abuse victims

'She was obsessed with me 24 hours a day,' Finnegan told DailyMail.com on Monday.

For years, she did nothing about the abuse out of shame but in 2004 contacted The Sisters of Mercy and had her case properly investigated.

Sister Mary Juanita admitted it when questioned by the order's lawyer and told them that Cait 'wanted it', she said.

Because the statute of limitations had passed for both civil and criminal action, nothing could be done to bring her to accountability.

The order paid for Cait to undergo therapy, she said, but they made no other offer.

Now, in light of the Child Victims Act which was passed last week in New York and gives sexual abuse victims a one-year window to file civil claims, Cait is considering taking action.

'The pain has been revived,' she told DailyMail.com on Monday, adding that she was not yet sure if she wanted to go through with a lawsuit.

Before she died, Sister Mary Juanita told the order's lawyer that she did carry out the abuse but that Finnegan 'wanted it'

She believes that her abuser would never have hurt young children and that she was only interested in teenagers.

She added her belief that the nuns are acting out of 'unattended rage' after having been abused themselves.

'Its going to come out as physical abuse of children and sexual abuse.

'I believe its what turns so many of them into nasty b*****s in the convent,' she said.

The Sisters of Mercy, the religious order which Sister Mary Juanita worked for, did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries on Monday morning.

Dispenza also claims to have been abused as a child both by a priest and later by a nun in California.

'She took my face in her two hands, and kissed me all over my face. And then I just remember leaving. I felt the same way I felt as a child.

'I felt lost, I felt abandoned, I felt confused, I felt alone,' she wrote in a 2014 memoir about her childhood.
The Mexican Armed Forces's war on drugs produced favorable numbers during the last year, dealing a setback to cartels in Colombia that partner with their counterparts in Mexico.

Between January 2018 and the first week of February 2019, the Mexican military confiscated 10.7 tons of cocaine off of Mexico's Pacific coast.

The drug bust during that 13-month period accounted for 65 percent of the cocaine that had been seized during the last presidential term, according to Mexican news outlet Milenio.

The Mexican Armed Forces saw an increase in their war on drugs as they confiscated 10.7 tons of cocaine that was being shipped between Colombian and Mexican drug cartels in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured is a shipment of cocaine seized during one of the 11 stings over the last 13 months

The 13-month operation which dates back to January 2018 accounted for 65 percent of the cocaine that was seized during the last presidential term. Members from the Mexican Armed forces (pictured) load up a military boat with confiscated bundles of cocaine

The Mexican Marines attributed much of its success to improvements with naval technology and the gathering of intelligence with neighboring countries.

A military operation was aimed at shutting down a favorable corridor for drug cartels along the Mexican Pacific waters near the state of Guerrero, where heavy presence of vessels, aircrafts and patrol units carried out seven successful busts that netted 6.9 tons of cocaine.

Two busts off the Pacific Ocean waters near the state of Oaxaca registered 2.8 tons.

Another pair of investigations seized 1.6 tons in the ocean waters near a port in Chiapas.

One largest maritime cocaine seizure took place near the 172 miles southwester of Oaxaca, which lies in between Guerrero and Chiapas, in August 2018 when 2.2 tons were confiscated after radars detected a high-speed boat.

The United States Coast Guard estimates that cocaine shipments along the Pacific Ocean region rose from 945 kilos in 2014 to 2,738 kilos in 2017

Law enforcement agents arrested four Mexicans, three Colombians and a Canadian.

Details of a January 2018 seizure near a port in Chiapas revealed that traffickers had dumped 910 kilos into the ocean which were supposed to have been plucked out by members of a cartel.

A military planed hovered near the site until a transport helicopter arrived to retrieve the cocaine.

According to the United States Coast Guard's Fiscal 2017 report, the Pacific Ocean became the major transit hub for cocaine pushers between the Central America region and Mexico.

It estimated that cocaine shipments along the Pacific Ocean region increased from 945 kilos in 2014 to 2,738 kilos in 2017.

Drug traffickers are known to dump the cocaine in the water and sink their boats or abandon them on shore to avoid being apprehended for possession.
This is the horrifying moment two stages with more than 250 revellers on them collapsed during a carnival procession in Argentina.

More than 30 people were injured, some seriously, when the viewing platforms gave way in the town of Vila Santa Rosa near Cordoba.

Footage of the drama, in the early hours of yesterday morning, showed youngsters jumping up and down to music before the stages collapsed and they plummeted to the ground.

Footage captures the horrifying moment two stages with more than 250 revellers on them collapsed during a carnival procession in Argentina

More than 30 people were injured, some seriously, when the viewing platforms gave way in the town of Vila Santa Rosa near Cordoba

Footage of the drama, in the early hours of yesterday morning, showed youngsters jumping up and down to music before the stages collapsed and they plummeted to the ground

An eerie silence descended on the arena as crowds realised what had happened.

A couple of youngsters could be seen clinging to metal supports fixed to the wall after watching friends disappear below them in a cloud of dust.

Some of the casualties suffered open fractures and others back injuries. Incredibly, there were have been no reports of any deaths.

Local mayor Victor Kieffer said: 'When the carnival troupe was passing, the youngsters began to jump up and down and the base of the stages gave way and they plummeted to the ground.

'The exuberance of the crowd and the number of people jumping up and down led to this occurring.'

He added in an interview with a local radio station: 'We're totally devastated because some people have suffered open fractures to lower limbs.

'We're absolutely mortified obviously that this accident happened at a party where everyone was having such a great time.

A couple of youngsters could be seen clinging to metal supports fixed to the wall after watching friends disappear below them in a cloud of dust

'It was an incident that could have been even more serious. Fortunately, there has been no loss of life.'

Nearly all the casualties were in their mid or late teens.

Doctor Franco Nieto, who works at Ramon B Mestre Hospital where most of the injured were taken, described it as a 'miracle' no-one had died.

He said: 'We treated 34 people. Five of the patients were transferred to Cordoba.

'One was an 18-year-old who had an open fracture to his left leg and another a 17-year-old girl who suffered spinal injuries.

'It was a miracle this incident didn't lead to a loss of life. When you see the footage of the stages collapsing, you immediately assume people have died.'

Vila Santa Rosa is a town of around 9,000 inhabitants some 55 miles north-east of Cordoba, an eight-hour drive north-west of Buenos Aires.
El Chapo's mother is seeking assistance from the United States government and Mexico's president in a bid to see her son once again.

She also held out hope that the jailed drug baron can be repatriated to his native land and serve his sentence in a Mexican jail.

Consuelo Loera, 90, remained optimistic about the prospect of visiting Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, 61, who last Tuesday was found guilty of all 10 charges, bringing an end to a trial that lasted three months in a Brooklyn, New York, federal court.

'Of course, I miss him a lot and I want to see him,' Loera told Univision on Friday while she sat inside her SUV in the middle of a road connecting the drug kingpin's birthplace of La Tuna with Badiraguato in the state of Sinaloa.

In an interview with Univision, Consuelo Loera (pictured) said she wants to travel to the United States to visit her son, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, and hopes Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will intervene and open a process with the United States government that could allow the former leader Sinaloa Cartel to serve his jail sentence in his native land

A Brooklyn, New York, federal court found El Chapo (center) guilty on 10 counts last Tuesday. The 61-year-old drug kingpin is expected to be sentenced to life in prison

'My request is that they allow me to go and see him, and that he is transferred here to Mexico.'

Loera was looking forward to a personal meeting Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to inquire about the possibility of returning El Chapo to Mexico. The former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, who twice escaped Mexican prisons, was extradited to the U.S. in January 2017.

The Mexican president paid a visit to La Tuna on Friday to El Chapo's old turf and met with villagers seeking peace and willing to strengthen his commitment to a town that benefited from the world's most famous drug dealer.

But Loera reconsidered meeting the president, adding: 'I have the faith and confidence that he will do something for my son.'

Loera is the second family member who has publicly come forward to publicly petition the U.S. judicial system - and even President Donald Trump - for assistance in visiting El Chapo.

Rosa Isela Guzman, is currently one of three people - the others are her seven-year-old twin sisters - who can visit El Chapo while he is behind bars.

'Of course, I miss him a lot and I want to see him. My request is that they allow me to go and see him, and that he is transferred here to Mexico,' Loera (pictured) told Univision in an exclusive interview just three days after her son, El Chapo, was found guilty

Prosecutors revealed El Chapo (pictured) built a $14 billion fortune, and was responsible for 33 murders and trafficking more than 220 tons of cocaine

The frail mother said she would also require a special permit for a relative to accompany her.

'I need someone to go with me because I almost can't walk and I need help, a trustworthy person, a family member to go with me,' Loera said.

Prosecutors said El Chapo built a $14 billion fortune, and was responsible for 33 murders and trafficking more than 220 tons of cocaine as well as vast quantities of other drugs to America, Europe and the rest of the world.

El Chapo will likely be sentenced to life in jail when all parties convene in court June 25.

'He tells us that he's fine,' Loera said. 'I hope... that he will be very willing, that he will ask God to help him and get out of that place.'
Horrified children and beachgoers have watched on in terror as a fisherman jumped into the water to escape an alleged gunman.

Witnesses say a 35-year-old man was fishing with friends off the shore of West Beach, near Adelaide, when a man opened fire on him late Sunday night.

He dived into the water in an attempt to escape the alleged attack, but instead was dragged from the water and placed on a stretcher with a single gun wound to his leg.

A 35-year-old fisherman has been shot in the leg in front of children after an argument at the beach. Pictured are detectives scouring the foreshore for clues

Witnesses saw the 35-year-old man 'screaming out and swearing', Nine News reports.

Onlookers claim an argument broke out between the two men at about 8:30pm before it turned violent.

When the victim jumped into the water to get away, the alleged attacker is claimed to have pulled a gun and fired a single shot.

He then jumped over a wall and fled the scene as beachgoers ran to the aid of the bleeding man.

He was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Police and paramedics flooded the area, blocking off parts of the beach as they conducted an investigation.

One officer was seen carrying a brown paper bag into a forensic analysis van.

Police cordoned off the foreshore and later arrested a 36-year-old at his nearby home

William Cowling, 36, was arrested at a nearby home later Sunday night, where police allege they found a shotgun.

He was charged with attempted murder and firearms offences, facing court on Monday afternoon.

He walked into Port Adelaide Magistrates Court in handcuffs and a white jumpsuit - generally given to prisoners whose clothes have been taken for forensic testing.

Police allege the men knew each other.

Cowling will face court again later in the year.
A group of 34 migrants have been picked up off the Kent coast today after being found on one boat.

A lifeboat crew and a Border Force patrol vessel were called out to intercept the large rigid hulled inflatable with an enclosed cabin at the back of it.

One witness said he saw at least one child, a boy who looked about six years old and was accompanied by a woman.

According to local reports, the boat could have contained as many as 35 migrants.

An image from the Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM) shows British rescuers helping some 30 migrants make their way from France across the English Channel

Coastguard and Border Force officials have been working together to bring the group to shore

A lifeboat crew and a Border Force patrol vessel were called out to at least one boat with a cabin when they were found off the village of Kingsdown in Kent (pictured)

A women and a child are wrapped in orange blankets and helped by Border Force officials

Border Force was alerted to the boat heading to the UK coast at a 06:30pm.

Coastguard and Border Force officials have been working together to bring the group to shore before they are quizzed.

It is understood one group of people has been brought ashore, given blankets and put into vans by Border Force officials on the harbour at Dover, Kent.

Hundreds of migrants, mostly Iranian, have made perilous trips across the Channel in recent months.

The incident comes after 10 suspected migrants were picked up in a RHIB near Dover in the early hours on Friday.

That was the first time migrants are thought to have made the journey across the Channel since January 21, when a group of 23 were found in two separate incidents.

More than 300 migrants have now crossed the Channel to arrive in Britain since the beginning of November.

In December, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the dramatic spike in migrants arriving on beaches in Kent was a major incident.

On Christmas Day alone, 40 people in five boats arrived at beaches near Dover, and a further 39 arrived over one weekend in January.

Large rigid hulled inflatable with an enclosed cabin at the back of it which had wet suits and extra fuel for the journey

Migrants are wrapped with blankets and helped by Border Force officials who bring them ashore

Footage from the scene shows Border Force officials helping to bring the migrants ashore

Scores of officers are at the scene off the Port of Dover, in Kent

It is understood one group of people has been brought ashore, given blankets and put into vans by Border Force officials

Border Force was alerted to the boat heading to the UK coast at a 06:30 GMT

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke said: 'This underlines yet again why we urgently need air surveillance day and night along the French coast - to catch the traffickers long before they reach Dover.

'If we fail to stop people attempting dangerous crossings in small craft - we risk a tragedy in the English Channel.'

A Coastguard spokeswoman said today: 'We are currently assisting Border Force with an incident off the Kent coast.

'HM Coastguard is committed to safeguarding life around the seas and coastal areas of this country.

'We are only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.'
Police have doubled down on their stance against pill testing at festivals during a heated debate over whether more needs to be done to change the current laws.

A young festivalgoer was given the opportunity to ask NSW Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Stuart Smith about the state's firm belief that pill testing isn't a feasible option.

Speaking on Monday night's Q&A program, audience member Gulliver questioned whether young voices involved with festivals were ever actually being heard.

Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Palmer (right) is in support of pill testing, while NSW Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Stuart Smith (left) staunchly opposes

'It's like having a debate about gay marriage with having no-one on the panel who actually identifies as being gay,' he said.

Former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Palmer, a fellow panelist, agreed with Gulliver.

'The reality is, it's social habit that a lot of young people do,' Mr Palmer said.

But the current Acting Assistant Police Commissioner insisted that the danger of drugs far outweighs the cries for pill testing.

A young festivalgoer was given the opportunity to ask NSW Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Stuart Smith about the state's firm belief that pill testing isn't a feasible option

Mr Smith said, on average, police deal with 1,800 overdoses a year.

While psychostimulants such as MDMA make up a small portion of these, he reiterated that all drug use is dangerous.

'I just cannot see scraping a pill and then obviously sending a person off into the crowd. When it's a hot day, we had five very, very hot days through these dance festivals, that's not catered for by the drug user.'

He went on to say due to the unpredictable conditions and lack of understanding of illicit substances, officers can't allow drug use to take place.

'We have to protect people that won't protect themselves,' Mr Smith said.

The panel was largely split on the debate, with former commissioner Palmer in favour of the movement, alongside a pill testing pioneer and the medical director of Kings Cross' Safe Injecting Room

Gulliver's advice to the panel was to communicate with harm reduction experts, drug users and festivalgoers more often in order to gain a better insight.

He said these are the people who will benefit from the laws, and who know the best ways to minimise harm.

He said ideally the conversation should shift from a legality issue to something more along the lines of a health and safety issue, where the primary focus should be keeping attendees safe.

The panel was largely split on the debate, with former commissioner Palmer in favour of the movement, alongside a pill testing pioneer and the medical director of Kings Cross' Safe Injecting Room.

Mr Smith and former user Kerryn Redpath remained staunchly opposed, despite Gulliver's attempts to convince them otherwise.
Morgan Miller-Smith, 16, from Conwy, North Wales, died after HP Fest at Gwytherin, near Abergele, in October 2017

A 16-year-old boy who wanted to work on the New York Stock Exchange died after taking 'Bit Coin' ecstasy pills at a Halloween 'rave' in the countryside, an inquest heard.

Morgan Miller-Smith from Conwy, North Wales, was rushed to hospital after HP Fest at Gwytherin, near Abergele, in October 2017.

The teenager, who was studying A-Levels in maths, further maths and business studies at Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy, died after taking the two yellow ecstasy tablets, Ruthin Coroner's Court was told.

His father Brian Miller said: 'Morgan's death came as a huge shock to the family. Morgan's death has made a huge impact on our lives. We all miss him so much.

'He had his life planned out, dreams of going to New York and studying the stock market.'

Mr Miller said his son was 'kind, caring and laid back.'

He added: 'He had never shown any interest in taking drugs and gave the impression he was anti-drugs. I never thought I would be in this position. It was always one of those things that happen to other people.

'I never thought in a million years this would happen to Morgan.'

Morgan had cut a pill and swallowed it while walking to the festival, the inquest heard.

He began shaking and sweating and his heart was racing.

The teenager - who had been working part-time in a coffee shop in Conwy - was taken away in an ambulance but had a heart attack after his temperature reached 41.2C.

He was confirmed dead at 2:10am the next day.

Morgan's mother Deborah Gould said in a statement that she had been 'completely shocked' when she discovered her son might have taken drugs.

His brother Alex Miller-Smith said Morgan had been 'bouncing around' after taking the pills.

Alex's statement read: 'I believe Morgan had purchased two bitcoin ecstasy pills. On the day of the festival Morgan told me he had the tablets.

'Morgan had taken them once before at a previous festival.'

He had taken a 'Bit Coin' ecstasy tablet at the festival and suffered a heart attack in an ambulance after his temperature reached 41.2C

Andrew Davison, who was at the festival, said half-way through the evening it was obvious Morgan had taken drugs.

He said: 'He was hot and sweating.'

Aiden McBride, 18, who is training with the Welsh Guards, recalled how he came across Morgan when he was leaving the festival and tried to help carry him.

Hollie Profit, one of the organisers of HP Fest, said they had sold all 450 tickets available.

The festival was aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds and saw five DJs play to their first live audience.

Ms Profit said: 'We didn't make any money. All the money went into putting on the event. It was to put on and showcase local talent in the area.'

She said there were six security guards working and added: 'We gave the instructions everyone was to be searched entering the building. Everyone was patted down and pockets turned inside out and everyone's bags searched.

'We had a zero drugs tolerance. We had that written on the event information.'

She added: 'It was a fully licensed music event. It was in a barn.'

But an unnamed youngster was found with a Kinder egg full of pills - so the police were called.

Coroner John Gittins asked Ms Profit: 'Do you think there's anything more you could have done as an organiser that could have prevented what happened?'

Miss Profit said: 'No, I don't think there could have been any more.'

John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, recorded a conclusion of misadventure.

Mr Gittins said he did not believe that Morgan was a habitual user of drugs but a young man with a 'sensible attitude for the most part'.

'Sometimes people make bad choices in their lives and on this occasion Morgan made a very bad choice,' he said.

Having heard that farmer Prysor Williams did not intend to allow any future raves at the venue and the event organiser Hollie Profit no longer held such events the coroner said he did not see the need to issue a Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths.

It would always be possible to tighten security by using sniffer dogs but that could encourage people to take drugs before arriving, he said, and education about the dangers of using drugs was vital.

'I hope the message which goes out following Morgan's death is that it takes only one mistake to lead to a tragedy of this nature,' he added.
The openly gay Mayor of West Hollywood is facing pressure to resign after he was accused of looking for sex on Grindr during public meetings and sexually harassing members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles.

John Duran, 59, has denied the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him and is refusing to resign as mayor.

A protest is scheduled to take place at the West Hollywood City Council on Tuesday after several members called for Duran to step aside following what they say is a history of similar behavior.

Duran has claimed that the #MeToo movement has led to a rush of judgement against him before the allegations had been proven.

He also insisted that 'being sexual does not equal sexual harassment' and that he had fought for his right to express himself as an openly gay man, and would not step down from his position.

West Hollywood Mayor John Duran, 59, has denied the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him and is refusing to resign as Mayor

It comes after three members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles alleged that Duran, who is the board chairman, made sexual comments and touched them inappropriately.

One member, Brian Phillip Nichoalds, told the Los Angeles Times that Duran put his hand inside his waistband and made crude sexual comments, while another man, Joey Firoben, said he was subjected to inappropriate comments as well.

Jason Tong also alleged that Duran slipped two fingers into his waistband before a show in the changing room.

Duran was voted in as board chairman again last week for the chorus despite the accusations.

In an unrelated incident, the city paid $500,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit against them and Duran back in February 2016.

The suit was filed by Duran's former deputy, Ian Owens, who he hired after meeting on Grindr and having sex with him.

In October last year, a council employee - Mike Gerle - made a formal complaint to HR about Duran for making unwanted sexual advances to his boyfriend Dennis Gleason during public meetings.

Duran said he has always acknowledged that sexual harassment is a serious issue but there must be investigations before conclusions are reached

Three members of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles (pictured above) alleged that Duran, who is the board chairman, made sexual comments and touched them inappropriately

Duran was voted in as board chairman again last week for the chorus despite the accusations

Gerle claimed that Duran had texted Gleason on the app during a taxpayer-funded trip to Washington D.C. and repeatedly asked to come to his room.

'It's about consent. He has this sense of entitlement that because we're gay, 'I can do whatever I want with you because that's our culture.' He's decided that's our culture. He doesn't understand that every gay man gets to decide what interactions he has. You don't get a pass,' Gerle told the Times.

Duran, who has been on the council since 2001 and has served as mayor four times, issued a statement on Facebook addressing the recent allegations and calls for him to resign.

He said he has always acknowledged that sexual harassment is a serious issue but there must be investigations before conclusions are reached.

'I have never hidden from any of you that I am a fully fledged sexual being.

'We fought too hard in the 70's and 80's for the right to be, the right to create a gay male subculture, the right to maintain sexuality in the midst of plague and to come out on the other side into marriage equality.

'To express yourselves sexually just like any other subculture in America. And we explored the lengths of that spectrum from leather community to drag queens,' he said.

Duran has been on the council since 2001 and has served as mayor four times. He is pictured above with porn star Stormy Daniels when he gave her a key to the city in May last year

'Am I the only gay man in town who uses bawdy sexual humor? Or says inappropriate things? Nope. Pretty much happens daily around here from gym to coffee shop to Pavillion's!

'Now, I understand that the ground has shifted in a tectonic way with the 'Me Too' movement. I get that. But the pendulum swings too far when accusation is treated as truth, and mobs swirl around rumor and conclusions are drawn based on someone's race, gender or sexual orientation and accusation alone. That leads to injustice.

'So, will I resign? HELL NO. I have stared down the KKK, the White Aryan Resistance, right wing judges and Presidents.

'Being sexual does not equal sexual harassment.

'No means NO! But you gotta say "no!" first. I hope that West Hollywood never loses its edge, its sexual appetite, its flirtatiousness, its sexy people, its nightclubs and children of the night. Freedom also includes sexual expression in art, In music. And in this very short life.

'If my colleagues shorten my Mayoral term - so be it. I didn't wage this fight for 40 years to cower now.'

The protest at the council on Tuesday is also to seek action following the recent deaths of two gay black men at Democratic donor Ed Buck's apartment in West Hollywood.

Duran once worked as one of Buck's attorneys.
Maurizio Archinito, 26, shot dead Alban Medha, 51, and Ndue Bruka, 28, in Abbiategrasso near Milan in 2012

An Italian runaway murderer who shot two Albanian men dead in a 'revenge killing' in 2012, and then skipped bail, has been caught by police in Barcelona, Spain.

Maurizio Archinito, 26, shot and killed Alban Medha, 51, and Ndue Bruka, 28, in Abbiategrasso near Milan in 2012, after they broke into their family home and left a vibrator on his parents' bed.

Archinito was convicted of their murders alongside his brother Mattia in July last year, but fled to Spain while out on bail.

Archinito was initially acquitted after his mother provided a false alibi, claiming he had been at home with her watching Italian film 'L'onore e il rispetto' - English for 'Honour and Respect.'

However, the not-guilty verdict was overturned on appeal in July 2018, and he fled to Spain where he was caught by police selling drugs.

A spokesman for Spanish National Police said today: 'National Police officers have arrested in Sabadell, in the province of Barcelona, a man who was on the run from Italian authorities.

'He was given a life sentence for murdering two Albanian men with his brother in a revenge killing.

'The victims had apparently committed a robbery in the fugitive's family home, where they carried out an offensive gesture towards the brothers' honour which led to the revenge act.'

Caught: A spokesman for Spanish National Police confirmed Maurizio Archinito's arrest in the city of Sabadell near Barcelona today

The murders, pictured, were described as a 'revenge hit' for leaving the sex toy on the bed of Archinito's parents

'The murders took place on November 16 2012 in Abbiategrasso near Milan.

'The detainee and his brother shot two Albanians dead with a rifle and a pistol, killing them with a final shot from close range because of it being a revenge killing.

Archinito was convicted of their murders alongside his brother Mattia, pictured

'The motive was the offensive gesture the victims apparently committed during the robbery, which was leaving a vibrator on the brothers' parents bed.'

The police force added in a statement: 'Two months ago Spanish National Police received information from their Italian counterparts situating the fugitive in the province of Barcelona.

'Intensive work by investigators enabled them to discover he could be hiding out at an address in Sabadell using a falsified Italian ID document.

'It was subsequently discovered he was frequenting a cannabis club and making ends meet as a drug dealer.

'He was tracked down and arrested in Sabadell with his fake documentation and 2,100 euros on him.'

Archinito now faces being flown back to his homeland after an extradition hearing at a court in Madrid.
Former acting director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, claims Donald Trump branded his wife a 'loser' during a phone conversation.

In an explosive expose on 60 Minutes, McCabe recalled a bizarre exchange he held with the 45th President of the United States, alleging Trump had asked him: 'What was it like when your wife lost her race for state senate? It must have been really tough to lose.'

When McCabe reportedly told him his wife, Jill, had 'refocused her efforts on her career' and insisted any loss is hard to take, Trump apparently had very little empathy.

'Ask her what it was like to lose. It must be tough being a loser,' Trump allegedly sneered.

Andrew McCabe (above) recalled a bizarre exchange he held with the President during his time as FBI director

'It must be tough being a loser,' Trump allegedly said about McCabe's wife, Jill

Jill McCabe, a pediatric emergency physician, ran for the state senate in 2015 and received a large donation from Terry McAuliffe, the former governor of Virginia and a close Clinton ally.

Trump repeatedly inflated McCabe's Clinton links on the campaign trail, though Andrew McCabe wasn't involved with the FBI's investigation into Hillary during his wife's bid.

She was eventually defeated by Dick Black, missing out on the seat by four points.

After the conversation, McCabe says he immediately noted down a transcript of the dialogue, so he had a 'contemporaneous record of conversations with a person who cannot be trusted.'

Ahead of the release of his forthcoming book, 'The Threat', James Comey's successor also detailed a number of other interesting interactions.

As McCabe recalled, Trump supposedly vented to him that, after firing Comey, he was aggrieved that Comey was allowed to fly home from California at the government's expense.

Jill McCabe (pictured), a pediatric emergency physician, ran for the state senate in 2015 and received a large donation from a close Clinton ally

Comey was giving a speech in Los Angeles when audience members told him news channels were announcing that he had been terminated.

McCabe says Trump thought Comey should pay for his own airline ticket back to Washington to clear out his desk.

McCabe is promoting a book, due for a February 19 release

'I told him that bureau lawyers had assured me there was no legal issue with Comey coming home on the plane. I decided that he should do so,' McCabe writes, describing a phone call the following day.

'The existing threat assessment indicated he was still at risk, so he needed a protection detail. Since the members of the protection detail would all be coming home, it made sense to bring everybody back on the same plane they had used to fly out there. It was coming back anyway.'

'The president flew off the handle,' McCabe continues, quoting Trump: 'That's not right! I don't approve of that! That's wrong!'

'The president said, I want you to look into that!' he adds. 'I thought to myself: What am I going to look into? I just told you I made that decision.'

The phone call started, McCabe recalls, with Trump calling him on an insecure, unclassified line and introducing himself by an unfamiliar nickname.

'The voice on the other end said, It's Don Trump calling,' he writes.'

Comey learned he had been sacked while giving a speech in L.A.: He thought members of the audience were joking when they told him TV screens in the auditorium flashed news of his pink-slip while he was on stage

'I said, Hello, Mr. President, how are you? Apart from my surprise that he was calling at all, I was surprised that he referred to himself as 'Don'.'

McCabe also writes in his book that Justice Department officials at one point mulled a plan to invoke the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

That would have allowed Trump's adversaries in his own administration to remove him from office with a majority vote of his Cabinet and the backing of Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump dismissed McCabe's allegations on Thursday, referring to his firing.

'Disgraced FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe pretends to be a "poor little Angel" when in fact he was a big part of the Crooked Hillary Scandal & the Russia Hoax - a puppet for Leakin' James Comey,' Trump tweeted.

The president vented at McCabe Thursday on Twitter, saying he was a 'puppet' for Comey

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement read on MSNBC that McCabe 'was fired in total disgrace from the FBI because he lied to investigators on multiple occasions, including under oath.'

'His selfish and destructive agenda drove him to open a completely baseless investigation into the President. His actions were so shameful that he was referred to federal prosecutors. Andrew McCabe has no credibility and is an embarrassment to the men and women of the FBI and our great country.'

McCabe's book, 'The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump', will be released on February 19.
Two wandering Clydesdale horses have been rescued from a frozen lake after getting loose from their eastern Pennsylvania farm.

The 15-year-old Clydesdales named Gunther and Wilhelm broke out of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on Saturday morning, WNEP news reported.

The animals appear to have run across the frozen Pine Grove Lake, near Hamilton Township less than a mile from the farm, when the ice gave way.

Rescue crews led by the Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Company needed a boat and chainsaws to cut a trench through the ice towards shore to lead the animals back to safety.

Rescuers carefully approach the hole in the ice on Pine Grove Lake where horses Gunther and Wilhelm fell through

The rescue crew is able to reach the horses, but the size and weight of the horse makes pulling them out of the ice impossible

Firefighters and rescuers put together a plan to cut a trench through the ice with chainsaws

'There was no way we were gonna pick them up, put them on the ice and slide them out on a boat,' fire Chief Leon Clapper said.

Video footage of the dramatic rescue show crews lining either side of the hastily constructed canal using horses to guide Gunther and Wilhelm back to land.

'Never in 54 years has this ever happened,' local resident Arlene Reading told the news station. 'We've never had an animal or a human lost in the lake, so this is a first.'

Reading and the other members of the community were on hand to help veterinarians warm the horses once they made it out.

The long trench is meant to allow the horses to make their way back to shore

Gunther and Wilhelm required some guidance after having been stuck in the freezing waters

'Some of the other neighbors were horse people so they went and got heaters, their blankets and stuff like that,' Chief Clapper told WCJB news. 'It was, you know, one hell of a team effort.'

The lucky horses escaped their freezing ordeal without broken bones, according to Deborah DiPasquale of the Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm.

'I haven't met a horse that if they want to get out of somewhere they can't find a way to do it,' said DiPasquale. 'They're little Houdinis.'

Wilhelm, in the foreground, and Gunther arrive on land shivering and soaked from their ordeal in the lake

Veterinarians and community members begin the process of warming up the Clydesdales with blankets and heaters

Quiet Valley farm is raising money to help with the medical bills for the recovering as well as adding electrical wire to their fencing to prevent future excursions by the Clydesdales

The farm updated the status of the four-legged escape artists on Facebook Monday morning saying both 'are steadily improving.'

'Wilhelm is not very fond of his medicine but is tolerating it for the extra attention. He is being treated for some eye irritation and a bit of pain medicine,' according to the post that included a link to a donation page.

'Our big goal for today is to reinforce their pasture fencing with a second line of electrical wire to dissuade them from any more adventuring.'

The Quiet Valley farm website also states that the mischievous horses 'are grounded for the foreseeable future: no after hours romps, girlfriends, cell phones, etc.'
Announcer Reynaldo Lopez (pictured) was shot at more than 14 times in Hermosillo

A Mexican radio announcer and a reporter were gunned down inside a car over the weekend.

Announcer Reynaldo Lopez and reporter Carlos Cota were shot at more than 14 times in Hermosillo, Sonora, according to a press release from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR).

Horrific photos of the crime scene show Lopez's lifeless body inside the car.

One image shows at least seven bullet holes in the windshield of the silver Chevrolet they were riding in.

Mexican authorities said Lopez and Cota, who is the former sports producer of the Televisa network in Sonora, were driving near Serna and California Boulevard in Hermosillo when several men armed with machine guns approached their vehicle.

The men immediately opened fire on the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Lopez succumbed to his injuries at the scene. It's unclear how many time he was shot.

Cota was rushed to a local hospital in serious condition. It's also unclear how many times he was shot.

Horrific photos of the crime scene show Lopez's lifeless body inside the car. Mexican authorities said Lopez and Cota, were driving along an avenue in Hermosillo when several men armed with machine guns approached their vehicle and opened fire

With the murder of Lopez, 144 journalists have been slain since 2000, according to the commission.

While the motive is unclear, Lopez is the third journalist to be killed this year. Nine were killed last year.

'The National Commission of Human Rights expresses its condolences to the relatives of the deceased journalist and its solidarity with the person who was injured and the journalism union in [Sonora],' the statement read.

The commission said there is an ongoing investigation and that 'NCHR personnel is already in Hermosillo gathering information in order to help the victims and their families'.

More than a week ago, radio news host, Jesus Eugenio Ramo, was shot dead in Mexico's Gulf Coast state of Tabasco.

His death marked the second journalist murdered this year as the country grapples with record violence that has claimed the lives of numerous reporters.

Ramos was pronounced dead on February 9 at a hospital in the city of Emiliano Zapata due to gunshot injuries, the Tabasco prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Tabasco Governor Adan Augusto Lopez said he lamented the loss of the reporter, known locally as 'Chuchin,' and said his murder would be investigated.

Other images show at least five bullet holes in the windshield of the silver Chevrolet they were riding in

'He was a prestigious reporter... a program with a long history in Zapata,' he told news outlet Tabasco Hoy in a video posted on Twitter at the time.

Ramos hosted the news program 'Our Region Today' on a local station. He was having breakfast at a hotel near the radio station when he was shot, according to Tabasco Today.

Murders in Mexico jumped by a third to more than 33,000 last year, hitting a record about a decade after the start of a military-led campaign to battle drug trafficking.

Local journalists nationwide have fallen victim to the violence, prompting the Committee to Protect Journalists to classify Mexico as the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere for media workers.
A grandmother has been granted her dying wish to take in the sunset with her husband one last time.

Carmen Leon de la Barra and her husband Antonio had walked along the beach Brighton-Le-Sands, south of Sydney, every day since 1995.

But for the past three months, the grandmother had been too ill for their daily wander of the foreshore, battling bowel cancer in a palliative care unit.

With her days dwindling down, Mrs Leon de la Barra's family combined with NSW Ambulance paramedics and charity Dreams2Live4 to get their loved one to the sunset one last time.

Stricken with cancer, grandmother Carmen Leon de la Barra fulfilled her dying wish with her husband Antonio (together)

Wrapped in a blanket and with a Thermos full of tea in hand, the Chilean-born woman sat in the sun last Wednesday.

Flanking her on either side was her husband, their three children and their partners, and her grandchildren.

Mrs Leon de la Barra's daughter Tatiana Salloum said her mother knew where they were, managed to open her eyes and was 'so happy.'

She said she reached out to the charity after doctors told her the cancer had progressed to its final stages.

Mrs Leon de la Barra and her husband had walked along a beach every day for nearly 20 years

'When I told them Mum only had a few hours or days to live it became their mission to make it happen', she told The Daily Telegraph.

She made the application at 1pm last Tuesday and within a day, the plans were in full swing.

'Myself, my father, my two brothers, partners and seven of the nine grandchildren all headed to the beach from Mt Druitt.'

She had been unable to get to the beach for the past three months as bowel cancer progressed into its final stages

The near hour-long commute from the hospital had stopped Antonio from taking his wife to the beach as he had done every day since they moved to Australia in 1995.

Mount Druitt Palliative Care, Blacktown Hospital, the charity and Ambulance NSW worked together to pick Mrs Leon de la Barra and get her to the beach by sunset.

Paramedic Jeff Gadd was on duty at Hawkesbury Hospital when he and his partner received the call asking for their help.

Paramedics helped the grandmother make the strenuous commute to the beach, one calling the job one of the most rewarding he'd ever done

He called the job one of the nicest he'd ever done, saying it was 'such a simple job but very rewarding'.

The trip turned out to be the final time Mrs Leon de la Barra would leave palliative care, as she died from cancer two days later.

She spent her final days with her loving husband, their three children and nine grandchildren.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has been welcomed with open arms at Pakistan after signing trade deals with the cash-strapped country worth $20billion.

Mohammed bin Salman was given a fighter jet escort, 21-gun salute and guard of honour as he arrived in Pakistan last night and was pictured in a warm embrace with Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The Crown Prince also received the country's highest civilian award today, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Widely known as 'MBS', the 33-year-old is staging a high-profile three-country visit five months after he came under intense pressure following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

He has signed $20 billion in investment deals with Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit - seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding - will boost its struggling economy.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince has been welcomed with open arms in Pakistan after signing trade deals with the cash-strapped country worth $20billion. He is pictured in a warm embrace with Prime Minister Imran Khan last night

The Crown Prince is pictured climbing into a horse-drawn carriage to go to the Presidential Palace in Islamabad today

Pakistan's President Arif Alvi (right) shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (left) as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (behind) looks on this morning

MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

The Saudis, after initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

Mohammed bin Salman hugging Imran Khan, before the pair signed $20 billion worth of deals

Bin Salman received a 21-gun salute and a red carpet on arrival at a military base in Islamabad

Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay.

But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a 'chief sponsor of terrorism' during Monday's live press conference.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic.

However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour - and Saudi Arabia's regional foe - Iran.

Jubeir also noted that Riyadh continues to participate in a months-long push by Washington for peace talks in Afghanistan, saying that if the war-torn country can be stabilised 'it will be to benefit... the region as a whole'.

The Crown Prince met Khan for the first stop on his Asia tour. He will next meet with Indian Primer Minister Narendra Modi

The tour comes just months after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered at a Saudi consulate

Last week the Taliban announced they would attend talks in Islamabad with the US and Pakistan on Monday that had been due to coincide with the crown prince's visit.

Neither Washington nor Pakistan confirmed the talks, however, and the Taliban announced Sunday that they had been postponed as its militants 'were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist'.

Taliban negotiators have recently visited Russia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Fresh talks are set to be held between the US and the militants in Doha on February 25.
Donald Trump began the annual President's Day holiday on Monday by labeling as 'treasonous' a pair of reported plots by senior Justice Department officials to secretly record him in the Oval Office and gather support for removing him from power.

The schemes involved Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who said during a '60 Minutes' interview Sunday night that Rosenstein was 'absolutely serious' about wearing a wire around the president.

McCabe also said Rosenstein at one point tried to gauge support among members of Trump's Cabinet for using the Constitution's 25th Amendment to terminate his presidency.

'Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught,' Trump tweeted Monday morning.

'There is a lot of explaining to do to the millions of people who had just elected a president who they really like and who has done a great job for them with the Military, Vets, Economy and so much more. This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!'

President Donald Trump said Monday that a pair of reported plots against him were 'illegal and treasonous'

The president tweeted Monday morning about claims by former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who proposed secretly recording Trump and gauging support for having his Cabinet remove him from power

McCabe created a firestorm over the weekend by describing in a '60 Minutes' interview the serious support among Trump's top law enforcement officials for getting rid of him

The president's reference to an insurance policy recalls a series of text messages between former FBI attorney Lisa Page and former senior FBI agent Peter Strzok.

On a Monday about three months before the 2016 election, McCabe held a private meeting in his office with Page and Strzok. Later the same day, Strzok texted Page, his lover at the time.

'I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andy's office  that theres no way he gets elected  but I'm afraid we cant take that risk,' he wrote.

'It's like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before you're 40.'

Page asked Strzok to reassure her that Trump was 'not ever going to become president, right? Right?!'

'No. No he won't,' Strzok replied. 'We'll stop it.'

Rod Rosenstein is the current Deputy Attorney General of the United States, making Trump's attacks highly unusual for a sitting president

Andrew McCabe, who was fired from the number-two FBI job last year, made his claims on '60 Minutes' and in a book due for release on Tuesday

The meeting and its aftermath came on August 15, 2016. It's unclear exactly when Rosenstein began a head-count of Trump's Cabinet to determine if the president could be removed.

Invoking the 25th Amendment would have allowed Trump's adversaries in his own administration to remove him from office with a majority vote of his Cabinet and the backing of Vide President Mike Pence.

A McCabe spokeswoman issued a narrowly drawn denial on Friday, saying that 'at no time did Mr. McCabe participate in any extended discussions about the use of the 25th Amendment, nor is he aware of any such discussions.'

It's also unclear when Rosenstein advocated for gathering evidence against Trump by secretly recording their White House meetings.

Rosenstein, McCabe said Sunday, told him: 'I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there.'

McCabe said he 'never actually considered taking him up on the offer,' but he told the FBI's top attorney about the idea.

'I think the general counsel had a heart attack,' he recalled. 'And when he got up off the floor, he said, "I, I, that's a bridge too far. We're not there yet".'

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Thursday that McCabe 'was fired in total disgrace from the FBI because he lied to investigators on multiple occasions, including under oath.'

'His selfish and destructive agenda drove him to open a completely baseless investigation into the President. His actions were so shameful that he was referred to federal prosecutors. Andrew McCabe has no credibility and is an embarrassment to the men and women of the FBI and our great country.'

With Trump's tweets on Monday, the White House has positiioned itself as saying both that McCabe shouldn't be believed and that his claims are credible enough to be seen as describing a soft coup attempt.

It has also immolated whatever remaining good will existed between Trump and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

The president's tweeted messages on Monday included the assertion that Sessions was responsible for appointing Rosenstein to his position, a claim Trump first made in September during an interview with Fox News Channel commentator Geralso Rivera.

Rosenstein 'was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty),' he wrote on Monday.

Sessions fired McCabe in March 2018 less than two days before he was due to qualify for a full government pension, following an investigation that found he had lied to internal investigators about a leak to a Wall Street Journal reporter about the FBI's investigation into the Clinton Foundation.

His actions were later referred to federal prosecutors for possible criminal proceedings.

McCabe claimed Sunday: 'I was fired because I opened a case against the president.'

The FBI's inspector general found that he 'lacked candor' during at least four interviews with investigators.
France's fencing federation has officially recognized lightsaber dueling as a competitive sport, granting the famed weapon from the Star Wars saga the same status as the foil, epee and saber.

The LED-lit, rigid polycarbonate lightsaber replicas look and even sound remarkably like the silver screen blades that Yoda and other characters wield in George Lucas's blockbuster movies.

The more expensive sabres are equipped with a chip in their hilt that emits a throaty electric rumble, similar to what was heard in the popular film series.

Competitors battle during a lightsaber tournament in Beaumont-sur-Oise, north of Paris

Duelists slash, feint and stab in organised three-minute bouts. The first to 15 points wins or, if they do not get there quickly, the high scorer after three minutes. If both fighters reach 10 points, the bout enters 'sudden death,' where the first to land a head or body blow wins. Blows only count if the fighters first point the tip of their saber behind them. That rule prevents the viper-like, tip-first quick forward strikes seen in fencing

Duelists slash, feint and stab in organised three-minute bouts.

The first to 15 points wins or, if they do not get there quickly, the high scorer after three minutes.

If both fighters reach 10 points, the bout enters 'sudden death', where the first to land a head or body blow wins, a rule to encourage enterprising fighters.

Blows only count if the fighters first point the tip of their saber behind them.

That rule prevents the viper-like, tip-first quick forward strikes seen in fencing.

Instead, the rule encourages swishier blows that are easier for audiences to see and enjoy, and which are more evocative of the duels in Star Wars.

Counting its paid-up practitioners in France in the hundreds, not thousands, lightsaber dueling has no hope of a place in the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Men dressed as stormtroopers at the national lightsaber tournament outside of Paris

In this Sunday, February 10, 2019, photo, a man dressed up as Stormtrooper and French gendarmes watch during the national lightsabers tournament in Beaumont-sur-Oise, north of Paris. In France, lightsaber fighting is an official sport, recognized as such by the French Fencing Federation. The sport's practitioners, many but not all of the fans of 'Stars Wars,' have had to build the discipline's competition rules almost from scratch

In this Sunday, February 10, 2019, photo, a policeman plays with a fake gun during the national lightsabers tournament in Beaumont-sur-Oise, north of Paris. In France, lightsaber fighting is an official sport, recognized as such by the French Fencing Federation

The physicality of lightsaber combat is part of the reason why the French Fencing Federation threw its support behind the sport and is now equipping fencing clubs with lightsabers and training would-be lightsaber instructors.

Like virtuous Jedi knights, the French federation sees itself as combating a Dark Side: The sedentary habits of 21st-century life that are affecting the health of ever-growing numbers of adults and children.

'With young people today, it's a real public health issue. They don't do any sport and only exercise with their thumbs,' said Serge Aubailly, the federation secretary general.

'It's becoming difficult to [persuade them to] do a sport that has no connection with getting out of the sofa and playing with one's thumbs. That is why we are trying to create a bond between our discipline and modern technologies, so participating in a sport feels natural.'

In the past, the likes of Zorro, Robin Hood and The Three Musketeers helped lure new practitioners to fencing.

Counting its paid-up practitioners in France in the hundreds, not thousands, lightsaber dueling has no hope of a place in the Paris Olympics in 2024

Now, joining and even supplanting them are Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader.

'Cape and sword movies have always had a big impact on our federation and its growth,' Aubailly said.

'Lightsaber films have the same impact. Young people want to give it a try.'

And the young at heart.

Police officer Philippe Bondi, 49, practiced fencing for 20 years before switching to lightsaber.

When a club started offering classes in Metz, the town in eastern France where he is stationed for the gendarmerie, Bondi said he was immediately drawn by the prospect of living out the love he has had for the Star Wars universe since he saw the first film at the age of seven, on its release in 1977.

He fights in the same wire-mesh face mask he used for fencing.

Bondi spent about 350 euros ($396.10) on his protective body armor (sturdy gloves, chest, shoulder and shin pads) and on his federation-approved lightsaber, opting for luminous green 'because it's the Jedi colors, and Yoda is my master'.

Combatants fight inside a circle marked on the floor and bouts last three minutes

Mark Hamill (right) takes part in a lightsaber duel as Luke Skywalker in 'Return of the Jedi'

'I had to be on the good side, given that my job is upholding the law,' he said.

Bondi awoke well before dawn to make the four-hour drive from Metz to a national lightsaber tournament outside Paris this month that drew 34 competitors.

It showcased how far the sport has come in a few years but also that it is still light years from becoming mainstream.

The crowd was small and a technical glitch prevented the duelers' photos, combat names and scores from being displayed on a big screen, making bouts difficult to follow.

But the illuminated swooshes of colored blades looked spectacular in the darkened hall.

Fans dressed as Star Wars characters added levity, authenticity and an element of the bizarre to proceedings, especially the incongruous sight of Darth Vader buying a ham sandwich and a bag of crisps at the cafeteria during a break.

In building their sport from the ground up, French organizers produced competition rules intended to make lightsaber dueling both competitive and easy on the eye.

'We wanted it to be safe, we wanted it to be umpired and, most of all, we wanted it to produce something visual that looks like the movies, because that is what people expect,' said Michel Ortiz, the tournament organizer.

Combatants fight inside a circle marked in tape on the floor.

Strikes to the head or body are worth five points; to the arms or legs, three points; on hands, one point.
A teacher at one of Australia's most prestigious schools ripped up drawings made by his Year four students during a lesson on Aboriginal history.

The Knox Grammar School teacher was giving his nine-year-old students a drama lesson when he asked them to draw their background, heritage and families.

Once completed, he then collected the works and proceeded to tear them up in front of the class.

His aim was to put his students in the shoes of indigenous Australians, claiming they felt the same way when everything was taken from them, The Australian reported.

A teacher at one of Australia's most prestigious schools ripped up drawings made by his grade four students in a terrifying lesson on Aboriginal history

A spokesman for the well-regarded school, which charges students up to $45,000 a year, said they did not support the teacher's actions.

'The school can confirm that the activity took place with a Year 4 class last week,' he said.

'When the school became aware of the matter, it was immediately investigated. The teacher was extensively counselled and disciplined. The teacher has apologised to the students.

The spokesman went on to say Knox supports the teaching of indigenous culture and heritage, and will continue to delve into these matters in the classroom.

The Knox Grammar School teacher was giving his nine-year-old students a drama lesson when he asked them to draw their background, heritage and families

The manner in which this is undertaken, however, will be further examined.

The school said they will continue to strive for these sensitive subjected to be explored in an appropriate manner.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes also weighed in on the matter, stating he believed the school handled the situation correctly.

'Those sorts of things are clearly not age-appropriate and can be very distressing for young kids,' he said.
A terrifying set of photos have captured the moment a five-metre-long great white shark lunged out of the water, coming within centimetres of a photographer's hand.

Commercial abalone diver Luke Thom, 26, caught the moment with a camera he was dangling over a shark cage at Neptune Islands, off the coast of South Australia.

Striking shots show the fearsome 1360kg predator baring its razor-sharp teeth as it bites the corner of the metal cage.

A series of photos have captured the moment a monstrous great white shark lunges out of the water, coming within centimetres of a photographer's hand

Commercial abalone diver Luke Thom caught the moment with a camera he was dangling over a shark cage

The photographer said he was inspired by a fearless friend who insisted on getting up close and personal with the one tonne beast

The photographer said he was inspired by a fearless friend who insisted on getting up close and personal with the one tonne beast.

'I was watching Andrew Fox taking these incredible photos of great white sharks so I thought I'd try to get a shot of him getting his photo because of how close he gets to them with the fish-eye camera,' Mr Thom said.

'Holy s**t is probably the most common reaction. I see a story and a moment in the photo.

'It's not like watching a video. You can look at a photo and imagine what is going on.

'These sharks are pretty incredible animals and they need protection and minimal human impact.'

The fearsome 1360 kilogram beast baring its razor-sharp teeth as it bites the corner of their metal cage

He says the most common reaction he gets from the photos is 'holy s**t'

Sharks are commonly spotted in the Neptune Islands, off the coast of South Australia

The waters around the Neptune Islands, simply known as the Neptunes, are a popular shark sighting spot.

The Neptunes comprise of two pairs of islands known as the North and South Neptunes.

Male great whites, up to five metres long, inhabit the islands all year round.

Seal pups are born in summer, but don't start entering the ocean until winter.

That's when the giant female great whites, up to nearly six metres long, flock to the Neptunes.
A chemistry teacher who played a pornographic YouTube cartoon of Shrek having sex with an orphan on a classroom smart board has been struck off.

Claire Thompson played the video for the 16 and 17-year-old fifth class students she taught at Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland.

The sexually-graphic computer-animation, which showed ogre rape and murder care home children, was played at the end of her class after a student asked for it to be shown.

At a disciplinary hearing in Edinburgh last month the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), a senior teacher called the video 'inappropriate, sexual and paedophilic'.

Claire Thompson played the video for the 16 and 17-year-old fifth class students she taught at Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, Fife

One pupil said some classmates had suggested watching the video at the end of class as a 'joke' and did not expect her to 'laugh' along with them.

Although the GTCS did not name the video they confirmed it showed Shrek having sex with an orphan.

The six-minute 18 certificate YouTube video has no affiliation to DreamWorks Pictures.

In the video a 12-year-old boy is seen being bullied by other children at the orphanage for how much he loves the ogre character.

Shrek then appears in the clip, holds the boy's hand and follows him down to confront the other children.

The other care home children are then raped and murdered by Shrek before the cartoon has sex with the orphan.

One pupil who gave evidence at the hearing said the 'Shrek video particularly stuck in her mind' and 'other inappropriate videos of a sexual nature were also shown.' The pupil also said Ms Thompson 'seemed to think that they were funny' but she reported the incident to the Deputy Headteacher

Shrek is then seen taking the child back to his bedroom where he tells him 'I am your father, laddie' before the clip ends.

When confronted, the deputy headteacher said Ms Thompson 'was defiant and confrontational, saying that it was the school's fault, the previous teacher's fault, the kids' fault'.

One pupil who gave evidence at the hearing said the 'Shrek video particularly stuck in her mind' and 'other inappropriate videos of a sexual nature were also shown'.

The pupil also said Ms Thompson 'seemed to think that they were funny' but she reported the incident to the Deputy Headteacher.

Another pupil told the hearing there were 'two or three follow-up Shrek videos shown, with the same theme of Shrek having sexual intercourse with a boy'.

The videos were shown 'once a week' after the first clip was first displayed to the class, said the witness, who also gave evidence that a video about 'German and Russian torture techniques' was also shown.

Thompson was reported to bosses and suspended. Her case was then referred to the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

She has now been found guilty by the GTCS of repeatedly allowing pupils to watch material of an 'inappropriate and sexual nature' during classes using council equipment between October and December, 2016.

A charge that she repeatedly left pupils unsupervised within the classroom was also found proved.

One student told the hearing Thompson left the classroom for 'as long as half an hour'.

The GTCS panel found that she was unfit to teach and removed her name from the teaching register after Thompson failed to appear for her hearing.

Pupils, who were studying Higher Chemistry in Thompson's class, gave evidence that the videos were shown weekly on a large smart board, through the teacher's work computer.

One female student said the first video showed a cartoon of Shrek going into a residential school and having sexual intercourse with a young orphan boy aged about 12. It lasted approximately five to six minutes.

She said the videos made her feel uncomfortable but Thompson seemed to think that the clips were funny and did not turn them off.

The headteacher of the school viewed the videos after the matter was reported to her. She described them as 'pornographic' and said they showed 'Shrek rape children in school'.

Thompson, who did not attend the disciplinary hearing, claimed that an inappropriate video had only been shown once.

In a written ruling, the GTCS panel said: 'The panel regarded the conduct as very serious. The panel noted that the teacher had partially admitted the allegations, which demonstrated partial insight.

'Her response document, however, did not demonstrate any insight into potential damage to the pupils from her behaviour.

'Her previous response did say she was sorry for making pupils feel uncomfortable but she had not realised this was the situation. The teacher had not fully admitted the allegations, or offered a clear expression of regret to the class.

'Because the teacher did not attend the hearing, the panel was unable to question her to ascertain more clearly the level of her insight in order to remediate the conduct and mitigate against the risk of it happening again.

'The panel also determined that the public interest required a finding that the teacher was unfit to teach, given the need to protect children and young people, and the need to maintain the public's confidence in registrants and in the GTCS as a regulator.'

Thompson cannot apply to be re-registered for two years.
The mother of a schoolgirl who was told to commit suicide by classmates in a series of Snapchat videos have called for the bullies to hand themselves in to police.

Confronting footage showing the two schoolgirls hurling abuse at the teenager were deleted from Facebook after they racked up tens of thousands of views in just hours.

Michelle and Aaron Panozza said their daughter, who had previously been admitted to hospital with anxiety-related malnutrition, was now too scared to go to school.

They said the bullying Amber received got worse in the four years since they moved from the Gold Coast to Melbourne, despite her trying three different schools.

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The parents of a schoolgirl, 15, told to commit suicide by a classmate in a harrowing Snapchat video have shared a photo of the bullied teenager in a hospital bed (pictured)

The Panozzas said the 15-year-old's three-month stint in hospital, which happened before the latest bullying video, was undoubtedly a result of 'anxiety' and 'depression' caused by torment from classmates.

Ms Panozza also told of other times in recent years her daughter had suffered heavy bullying.

'There had been boys saying some quite vile things to her,' she told A Current Affair.

'One day they just decided they'd come up and slap her legs as hard as they could, and you can see from photos there's welt and hand marks.'

Speaking about her daughter's latest torment, she said 'if that was my children on that video I would have taken them to the police station myself because that's unacceptable behaviour'.

The confronting footage, (pictured) which was viewed 70,000 times on Facebook in the space of a few hours on Wednesday, showed two schoolgirls telling a classmate they would 'stomp' and 'drown' her

When asked about the father of one of the girls claiming the video was never meant to be taken seriously, Mr Panozza said he couldn't believe the justification.

'I cant believe it - in the video it's clear that her intention was to push our daughter over the edge,' he said.

Amber's parents revealed she was so scared of going to school they decided to pull her out at the end of term three last year.

They added their daughter Amber - who was the target of the profanity-filled abuse - actually used to be friends at Helensvale State High with the girls in the video.

'We had them in our home - they were her friends for a while and then we heard Amber started having problems with them,' he said.

The family said they asked Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for help when she was at a different school.

But they were told the government could not intervene as she was going to a private school.

One of the girls in the viral footage has since disabled her social media accounts and may face disciplinary action where she returns to school on Friday.

In the Snapchat videos, the main instigator in the tirade, a girl in a plain black t-shirt, spits and screams at the camera while another friend giggles in the background.

'F**king roll another f**king durry in the f**king corner to avoid your f**king problems, 'cause everyone f**king hates you and everyone f**king wants to kill you, 'cause you're a little f**king s**t.

'And you're probably gonna kill yourself before I f**king kill you, but you know what, I want to f**king kill you, 'cause you're a f**king slut, 'cause I f**king hate you.'

Ms Panozza told of other times in recent years her daughter had suffered heavy bullying (pictured welt marks from being slapped hard on her legs)

Amber's parents (mother Michelle pictured) revealed she was so scared of going to school they decided to pull her out at the end of term three last year

The girl who could previously be heard laughing then jumps at the camera, saying she would 'stomp' the girl with her own shoes.

'If I f**king see you, you're gonna f**king drown and you're gonna f**king die, you know what, you'll probably f**king kill yourself because everyone hates you.'

The man who uploaded the footage says he's a friend of the family whose daughter was the target of the abuse.

The social media post was met with hundreds of comments advising the family to go to police, while others called for the girls involved to be expelled.

Queensland Police are not aware of a complaint lodged in retaliation to the video.

The father of one of the teens featured in the shocking video says his daughter is a sweet girl who's extremely remorseful and that the footage (pictured) was filmed as a joke

The expletive-laced tirade has since been taken down by Facebook after the video went viral

The Department of Education wouldn't comment on the case but said any situation which threatens students' safety is taken extremely seriously.

'Cyberbullying is not a problem for schools to solve in isolation, it is an issue for the whole community,' a spokesperson told 10 daily.

Cyberbullying organisations have condemned the footage, including the Do It for Bree Foundation.

It was set up by the family of Queensland teen Breannah Piva who took her own life in 2016 after being physically, verbally and emotionally traumatised by her bullies on a daily basis.

'Bullying needs to stop now,' the foundation posted on Facebook on Thursday night.

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
A knife-wielding suspect thought to have killed his girlfriend by 'beheading' her was shot dead by police when officers stormed the apartment.

Officers were called to a suspected domestic violence incident in Seattle and had to force the door open on February 7 at around 3.30am.

Police found the suspect, named by police as Danny Rodriguez, 34, brandishing a knife and appearing agitated.

Officers soon noticed the weapon and shouted, 'oh s***, get out' with the second cop saying, 'he's got a knife', as they peered through the crack of the door and saw the suspect inside the apartment.

Both officers told the man to 'stay right there, don't move, we will shoot you' and ordered him to, 'stop, don't touch the knife', before telling him to 'look away' and to 'get down on the ground'.

When officers arrived at the apartment in Seattle and forced the door open, they saw the suspect holding a knife through the door

Initially the man complied with requests to get down on the floor and drop the knife, but he picked it back up again and waved his arms in the air as he edged towards the officers

They then saw a woman's body lying on the floor, with one of the two cops saying 's***, she's had her head cut off'.

The victim was later identified as 48-year-old Irma Rodriguez Vaquedano.

In the body-worn camera footage, the officers could be heard ordering the suspect, who was wearing a camouflage jacket, to drop the knife he was holding and get on the ground.

He complied at first, dropping face-down onto a mattress, but he then got back up and despite police yelling at him not to pick the weapon back up, he grabbed it again.

The suspect appeared to wave the knife and both arms in the air and move towards the police while constantly remonstrating with the officers in Spanish.

Police named the name shot as Danny Rodriguez (left) and the woman found dead in the apartment as Irma Rodriguez Vaquedano (right)

One officer admits he does not understand what the man is saying and both officers repeatedly say in the footage they are 'policia'.

Both officers repeatedly warned Rodriguez, 'don't do it, don't move, don't pick up the knife', before he was shot around four times and fell back on the bedding.

Just before opening fire the suspect appeared to edge towards the officers, before yelling out in paid as he was repeatedly blasted.

Another man, a woman, and two young children were found unharmed, hiding in another bedroom, police said.

The Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) told the Seattle Times in a statement: 'The suspect acted aggressively and gave the officers no choice but to fire their weapons to stop this threat.'

Seattle Police said they did not know the relationship between the pair but family members said they had been a couple for several years

Detective Patrick Michaud, a spokesman for the Seattle Police Department, said he does not know the relationship between the man and the woman.

But family members of Vaquedano, who is thought to be from Honduras, told Colombian newspaper El Heraldo, that the pair had been a couple for several years.

King County Medical Examiners Office identified the woman as Vaquedano and that she died of 'multiple sharp-force injuries', the Seattle Times reported.
A father in east China went above and beyond to cheer up his daughter at school after she was teased by her classmates.

Bao Guojian, 34, was dubbed the 'coolest dad in China' after a video of him surprising his daughter in a real-life Iron Man suit at her kindergarten in Hangzhou, Zhejiang resurfaced and went viral last week.

The loving father, who is an avid Marvel fan, decided to put on the costume after his seven-year-old daughter said she was 'called a liar' when she told her friends that her dad is a superhero.

Bao Guojian, 34, was dubbed the 'coolest dad in China' after a video of him surprising his daughter in a real-life Iron Man suit at her kindergarten in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province

Videos of the excited children yelling and cheering at their favourite superhero recently resurfaced on social media and went viral. The principal even halted classes for the day

The father, who is an avid Marvel fan, decided to put on the costume after his seven-year-old daughter Lele said she was 'called a liar' when she told her friends that her dad is a superhero

Video and photos of the excited children yelling and cheering at their favourite superhero recently resurfaced on social media, with the little girl, now 10 years old, telling Chinese media that his father is currently making her a spider-man suit.

'Three years ago, I told my classmates my daddy is Iron Man and they all laughed at me and said I was lying,' the girl, nicknamed Lele, told Qianjiang Evening News on Sunday.

In order to cheer her up, Mr Bao arrived at Lele's school wearing the iconic red and gold suit.

Fitted with replicas of an arc reactor and arm missiles of the Iron Man Mark 17 Heartbreaker, the life-sized suit of armour drew cheers and applause from the excited children at school.

The incredible costume was built by Mr Bao using more than 300 silicon parts. The project took him two years and more than 30,000 yuan (3,420)

Fitted with replicas of an arc reactor and arm missiles of the Iron Man Mark 17 Heartbreaker (left), the life-sized suit drew cheers and applause from the excited children at school

The dedicated superhero fan has made 20 to 30 replicas of Marvel Comics characters since 2013, including The Vulture, Spider-man and Captain America

'After that, all my friends believed me that my dad is Iron Man,' a proud Lele was quoted as saying.

The headmaster halted classes for the entire day so that the children can take photos with Iron Man, according to the report.

The incredible costume was built by Mr Bao using more than 300 silicon parts. The project took him two years and more than 30,000 yuan (3,420) - from the designing to the sculpting and assembling.

The dedicated superhero fan has made 20 to 30 replicas of Marvel Comics characters since 2013, including The Vulture, Spider-man and Captain America.

The headmaster halted classes for the day so that the children can take photos with Iron Man

Lele holds the hand of her superhero father as he walks around the kindergarten

The video, which was widely shared on Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, saw the the loving parent widely praised.

'This is the coolest dad ever!' one of the top comments read.

'I wish I could be a parent like him - so talented and committed to his family,' another user said.

'This is so touching, it made me cry!' one user said. 'This father is truly a super-hero.'

The Mark 17, famously known as The Heartbreaker, was featured in Iron Man 3 and features an oversized arc reactor in the armoured chest area that can fire powerful blasts.
The BBC has been forced to apologise after it accidentally broadcast a journalist telling a colleague, 'we're f****d' live on air today.

The gaffe came as the BBC News channel broadcast live footage of seven Labour MPs dramatically resigning from the party to create a new Independent Group.

But in an impromptu commentary, a member of the press can be heard saying: 'Between this and Brexit, we are actually f****d. The Conservatives are going to win.'

Chuka Umunna called for MPs from other parties to defect and join The Independent Group as he said British politics was 'broken'. Shortly after he finished speaking, a journalist could be heard sharing his thoughts

Viewers watching the BBC livestream were pick to quick up on the gaffe

The unnamed man, who is not thought to be a BBC journalist, could be heard giving his sombre outlook after Chuka Umunna addressed the audience at the press conference at London's County Hall.

As Luciana Berger thanked family and friends for their support, the man says: 'We're going to be so divided.'

The pair can then be heard muttering and giggling as the MPs answer questions.

BBC presenter Samira Ahmed, who was presenting the Victoria Derbyshire show, later apologised for the expletives.

She said: 'I should say for those who were listening to that live news conference, there was some bad language apparently, so we do apologise if anyone was offended by what they might have heard.'

Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey this morning issued the appeal to MPs from both Labour and other parties to 'leave the old tribal politics behind' and join their new grouping.

Luciana Berger said she had become 'ashamed and embarrassed' to be in Corbyn's Labour, branding the party 'institutionally anti-Semitic'. The MPs involved are (seated from left) Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey, Ms Berger, Angela Smith, Chuka Umunna and Gavin Shuker

Ann Coffey filed into the sensational press conference ahead of Mr Umunna today as the rebel group finally made its move

None of the current political parties in Westminster 'are fit to provide the leadership and direction needed by our country', they said.

At the press conference this morning, Mr Umunna issued an appeal to voters: 'For far too long, political parties in Westminster - parties of which we have been a part - have been failing you.

'If you want an alternative, please help us build it. The bottom line is this - politics is broken, it doesn't have to be this way. Let's change it.'

A spokesman for the BBC said: 'Due to an error, we inadvertently broadcast some background comments from another microphone during our coverage of the press conference this morning. We apologised on air once we realised our mistake.'

In October, senior BBC reporter Dan Road was hauled off air for making an offensive comment about the owner of Leicester City chairman's private life.

The sports editor was standing yards from a flower memorial when he suggested that Thai beauty queen Nursara Suknamai was club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha's 'mistress'.

Last August, during a live BBC Breakfast broadcast, the show was returning for its nine o'clock update on Saturday when viewers claimed they heard the words, 'she's useless, isn't she?'

They speculated presenter Naga Munchetty had said it to Charlie Stayt.
A Chinese government propaganda app that recently became a huge hit was developed by Alibaba, two people at the company told Reuters, at a time when the nation's tech firms are under global scrutiny over their ties to Beijing.

'Xuexi Qiangguo', which literally translates as 'Study to make China strong' and is a play on the government propaganda theme of applying President Xi Jinping's thoughts, overtook Tik Tok and WeChat to become the county's most popular app on Apple's China app store last week.

It was developed by a largely unknown special projects team at Alibaba known as the 'Y Projects Business Unit', which takes on development projects outside the company, said the people.

'Xuexi Qiangguo', which literally translates as 'Study to make China strong' and is a play on the government propaganda theme of applying President Xi Jinping's thoughts, was the country's most popular app on Apple's China app store last week

New York-listed Alibaba declined to comment on whether the business unit had developed the app.

The app's development by Alibaba, whose Chairman Jack Ma is a member of the Communist Party, is the latest example of a Chinese tech company collaborating with the government.

The country's propaganda department has released the app ahead of next month's National People's Congress in Beijing, China's top annual parliamentary gathering.

The app, which includes short videos, government news stories and quizzes, was created by an Alibaba team. A user of Alibaba's own messaging app DingTalk can use their login credentials to log into Xuexi Qiangguo. Alibaba said the app was built using DingTalk's software.

Staff at the Alibaba unit are responsible for developing and maintaining the app that includes news, videos, livestream and community comments, according to the sources and a job advertised for Xuexi Qiangguo on Alibaba's career website.

The propaganda app was developed by a largely unknown special projects team at Alibaba known as the 'Y Projects Business Unit', which takes on development projects outside the firm

The unit does not have a website, but is described in job ads on popular Chinese careers site Zhipin.com as a strategic level project that is in a creation stage and offers many job opportunities.

At least part of the app's runaway popularity can be attributed to directives issued by local governments and universities that require people in China's expansive party member network to download the app.

The app has been downloaded over 43.7 million times on Apple and Android devices since its launch in January, according to estimates by Beijing-based statistical consulting firm Qimai.

It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the app, or who initiated its development.

Last month, Alibaba executive vice-chairman Joe Tsai slammed U.S. treatment of fellow Chinese tech firm Huawei Technologies as 'extremely unfair', and sharply criticised what he called an attempt by the U.S. government to curb China's rise via the trade war.

It was not immediately clear whether Alibaba makes money from the popular app

Along with the mobile software, a website of the same name was also launched on January 1

Huawei, the world's biggest network equipment maker, has been largely barred from the United States and some other countries on suspicion that its products could be used as a conduit for spying. Huawei and China have denied the allegations.

But major Chinese tech companies have cooperated extensively with governments in China on infrastructure, cloud computing and public security as part of the country's 'Internet Plus' policy drive to improve traditional industries.

Collaboration with state media has also increased in recent years, amid tighter censorship laws that require companies to toe the party line.

Tik Tok creator Beijing ByteDance Technology Co and WeChat creator Tencent Holdings Ltd are among some who have collaborated with state media outlets using their social media platforms.

'The upside for these firms is that their track record of cooperation can put them in a better position to obtain key licenses or opportunities,' said Mark Natkin, managing director at Beijing-based Marbridge Consulting, adding these collaborations were Beijing's way of maintaining control over private firms.

'The downside is they may get tapped to participate in projects which, on economic or PR considerations alone they might normally eschew, but which may be uncomfortable or unwise to refuse.'
Russia claims to have successfully tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile - supposedly capable of flying for days on end as it probes weaknesses in Western defence systems.

The Russian state news agency on Friday released a video claiming to show a test of the Burevestnik missile which the Kremlin says is designed to strike over 'unlimited' range and with with unprecedented ability to manoeuvre.

In theory, the Burevestnik could fly forever because it has a nuclear power source, potentially circling the globe until remotely ordered to approach a target and hit it with a nuclear warhead.

Scientists claim to have developed a nuclear power plant small enough to fit inside the missile and power a turbojet engine - but these claims have been met with scepticism in the West.

The missile is designed to use a conventional engine for takeoff, switching to a nuclear powered power source for flight - hence its theoretical ability to be in the air for days.

The Russian state news agency on Friday released a video claiming to show a test of the Burevestnik missile which the Kremlin says is designed to strike over 'unlimited' range and with with unprecedented ability to manoeuvre.

The missile is designed to use a conventional engine for takeoff, switching to a nuclear powered power source for flight - hence its theoretical ability to be in the air for days.

If the Burevestnik actually works, the heat from the nuclear reaction inside the small reactor would be used to heat the air inside a jet engine, replacing the need for fuel.

In March last year, Vladimir Putin spoke about the weapon. He said: 'One of them is a small-scale, heavy-duty nuclear energy unit that can be installed in a missile like our latest X-101 air-launched missile or the American Tomahawk missilea similar type but with a range dozens of times longer, dozensbasically an unlimited range.

'It is a low-flying stealth missile carrying a nuclear warhead, with almost an unlimited range, unpredictable trajectory and ability to bypass interception boundaries. It is invincible against all existing and prospective missile defense and counter-air defense systems.'

Now the Russian state news agency TASS claims the missile has been successfully tested.

A source in the missile program told the agency: 'A major stage of trials of the cruise missile of the Burevestnik complex - tests of the nuclear power unit - have been successfully completed at one of facilities in January.'

The trials 'sustained stated specifications of the reactor ensuring the missile's unlimited range', claimed the source.

No further details were given about the top secret trials.

The Russian defence ministry has not commented on the report.

A video shows an undated launch, and images from inside the secret defence plant where it is manufactured.

The production assembly line of the missile. The Burevestnik is seen by the Kremlin as a low-flying 'stealth' cruise missile incapable of interception

The missile us designed to use a conventional engine for takeoff, switching to a nuclear powered power source for flight. Pictured: An engineer working on the missile at Russia's top secret facility

The weapon is seen as a vital update in Vladimir Putin's vast nuclear arsenal.

Western experts had identified Burevestnik tests last month at Russia's Kapustin Yar weapon-testing ground.

Yet analysts in the West claimed that until the start of this year of 13 test flights only two were partially successful, portraying the missile system as jinxed.

Moscow denied earlier missile test failures.

A CNBC report in August citing US intelligence claimed Russia was seeking to recover a nuclear-powered Burevestnik test missile that had crash landed in the Barents Sea north of Norway and Russia.

The new Russian weaponry threatens nuclear contamination, according to reports.

Two engineers cover one of the missiles after it has been assembled at the Russian munitions plant

A video shows an undated launch, and images from inside the secret defence plant where it is manufactured

'It goes without saying that if you fire a missile with a nuclear engine or energy source, that nuclear material will end up wherever that missile ends up,' said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists.

'If this missile was lost at sea and recovered in full, then you might hypothetically be able to do it without pollution, I would have my doubts about that because it's a very forceful impact when the missile crashes. I would suspect you would have leaks from it.'

The missile is designed to use a conventional engine for takeoff, switching to a nuclear powered power source for flight - hence its theoretical ability to be in the air for days.

Vladimir Putin boasted in a state of the national; speech in March that the missile was capable of delivering a warhead to any point in the world.

The new Russian weaponry threatens nuclear contamination, according to reports as it is simply left wherever it lands after testing
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These heart-wrenching images show the plight of homeless people in an otherwise affluent coastal county of Cape May and the injustice of the system.

The powerful black and white pictures, captured by American photographer Donato Di Camillo, 50, in Cape May County, New Jersey, offer an insight into the hardships and struggles of those who have been left to sleep rough in the historic seaside area that lies around 160 miles south of New York City.

The internationally recognised photographer, who earned global acclaim in 2016 for his candid images of fringe society in the United States, had set out to document the lives of those living on the streets with dignity and care.

In search of how they ended up on the streets of the quaint holiday attraction with its 19th century architecture, the photographer, who is based in New York City but spent over a month in Cape May County this winter, spoke with every person he photographed and tried to portray their plight through his images.

Weather-beaten rough sleeper Charlize raises her hands in front of her as American photographer Donato Di Camillo, 50, sets out to capture her personal struggles and hardships. The incredible photos offer an insight into the silent plight of those sleeping rough in the historic seaside area in New Jersey

This image shows rough sleeper Troy as he pulls at the strings on his hood with a hint of sadness and despair in his eyes. During his month in the coastal county photographer Donato Di Camillo aimed to document the lives of those living on the streets and portray them with dignity and kindness

Homeless man Chickie holds a cup of liquid in his hand as he sits down for a photo with Mr Di Camillo. The homeless man rests the drink on his knee as he casts a upwards glance and shows the sadness in his eyes. The internationally recognised photographer tried to capture the homeless community with dignity and respect during his month in the area

In this heart-wrenching photo homeless man Stoney clenches his fist as he looks into the distance with a look of sadness in his eyes. The incredible photo captures Stoney's struggles and the injustice of the system

He said: 'They're all human beings and they all have a story to tell, I could show you dozens of photos of the horrific conditions they are living in, but I wanted to take portraits, to give each person some dignity.

'They were just so thrilled that someone was paying attention to them, they're so used to being ignored or humiliated, I felt guilty, I'm not some bleeding heart guy, but I wound up putting some of them up in motels, at my own expense.

'With my photos, I wanted to show the injustice of the system.

'I met a pregnant teenager with slight autism who had nowhere to go, she'd run away from home because her father had been raping her since she was four years old, she had no one to turn to.

'What kind of sick society doesn't provide shelter for a pregnant teenage girl with autism?

Rough sleeper Britney wipes her eyes as photographer Donato Di Camillo tries to capture her personal struggles and hardships. Believing that all those living on the streets had a story to tell, the photographer did not want to show the horrific conditions they were living in but give each person some dignity

In this photo Dana and Mike stand for a picture as the widely acclaimed photographer gives an insight into the hardships in the historic seaside resort about 160 miles south of New York City. The photographer spoke with every person he photographed and tried to portray their plight through his breathtaking black and white images

This black and white image shows homeless person Tim as he casts a downward glance in front of the lens. The rough sleeper is one of many living in Cape May County without a roof over their head

In this photo, Mr Di Camilla captures Dennis as he sits down with his cat. Frustrated with the injustice of the system the photographer set out to portray the homeless community with dignity and kindness and try and portray the sadness with which they live. Mr Di Camilla said: 'They're all human beings and they all have a story to tell, I could show you dozens of photos of the horrific conditions they are living in, but I wanted to take portraits, to give each person some dignity'

Mr Di Camillo added: 'There's no homeless shelter to speak of in Cape May, they only have warming stations so they don't freeze to death right there on the streets.

Cape May, a city in Cape May County in New Jersey, is a popular tourist destination and is known for its picturesque beaches and million dollar houses

The quaint holiday resort is known for its 19th century architecture and rich houses. Pictured: Rich houses along Beach Avenue, in Cape May, New Jersey

A visit to the historic Victorian city reveals enormous houses and yachts lining its shores

'I'm from the streets myself, so I don't find it shocking, I'm not even surprised by it, I just think it's disgusting.

'Homeless people aren't even allowed to put up tents in Cape May.

'If they put up a tent they have their tents ripped down, they get hassled and abused for standing in a bus station.

'The whole thing angered me.'

Sam Kelly, 74, has been an independent advocate for homeless people in Cape May County for decades and works alongside the The Branches Episcopal Outreach Center located in the Village Shoppes in Rio Grande. It is a philanthropic organisation run on public donations.

He said: 'There's really no comprehensive program for homeless people here.

'It's appalling, but we've been working to change that. Society has created this mess, society is going to have to get it fixed.

'It's been a long hard battle to try and get these people some help, but we're not going to stop.'
Two officer cadets at Sandhurst have been charged by military police after allegedly pinning down and waterboarding another Army recruit.

The Royal Military Police launched an investigation six months ago into the claims at the famous Royal Military Academy training centre in Camberley, Surrey.

Now, the duo are due to appear at Bulford Military Court near Salisbury in Wiltshire next week on Tuesday charged with battery.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst training centre in Camberley, Surrey (file picture)

They were alleged at the time to have pinned down the victim before pouring water over a cloth covering his face, in an act said to induce the feeling of drowning.

An Army spokesman said: 'Following an RMP investigation two service personnel have been charged with battery in relation to an incident at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This case is now with the Service Prosecuting Authority.'

It is unknown if the waterboarding allegation forms part of the battery charge. The three cadets involved were moved onto different platoons during the probe.

Brigadier Bill Wright, commander of the academy, said at the time: 'The Army and I expect the highest standards of behaviour at Sandhurst. Anyone found to have fallen short is dealt with robustly, including dismissal, if appropriate.'

Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right) together at RMA Sandhurst in September 2006

It comes as an investigation was launched at the academy into the apparent suicide of a female cadet. The 21-year-old was found in her room two weeks ago.

The young cadet had been involved in an investigation following a party the previous weekend, after which she allegedly did not return to her barracks.

Sandhurst is where all officers in the British Army are trained. Prince Harry entered in 2005 for a 44-week training course during which he was called Officer Cadet Wales.

His brother Prince William was commissioned as an officer in the British Army after graduating from Sandhurst in 2006, in a ceremony watched by the Queen.
A Swedish woman who blocked the deportation of an Afghan asylum-seeker by refusing to sit down on an airplane has been fined 3,000 SEK (250)

Elin Ersson, 21, has been found guilty of breaking aviation law when she failed to comply with orders from Turkish Airways crew at Landvetter Airport in Gothenburg in July 2018.

She had purchased a ticket for the Istanbul flight with the intention of preventing the deportation of another Afghan man, however ended up stopping the expulsion of a 52-year-old convicted criminal.

Prosecutor James von Reis had asked the judge at Gothenburg District Court to jail Ersson for 14 days, however she evaded prison time.

Viral: Elin Ersson, 21, staged a protest on an airplane as it was about to leave Sweden for Turkey, refusing to sit down until a 52-year-old Afghan man due to be deported was allowed off

Ersson, pictured during her trial in the district court in Gothenburg, Sweden, evaded prison time and has been ordered to pay a 3,000 SEK (250) fine

Bismallah S. had served time for assault, but Swedish police said his denied asylum application had not been related to his crimes.

The 52-year-old had assaulted his wife and their two teenage daughters in their home in Sweden, according to Deutsche Welle.

Ersson's livestreamed video recording of her protest, which sees her argue with disgruntled passengers and staff ordering her to take her seat, went viral and generated millions of views worldwide.

At one point in the video, a disgruntled fellow passenger tries to seize her phone, but she asks him: 'What is more important, a life, or your time?'

'All I want to do is stop the deportation and then I will comply with the rules here. This is all perfectly legal and I have not committed a crime.'

However, prosecutors disagreed, and indicted her for breaking aviation laws in October last year.

Allegations: Ersson was found guilty of breaking aviation law when she failed to comply with orders from Turkish Airways crew at Landvetter Airport

Still happy: The 21-year-old said that finding out that the 52-year-old was a convicted criminal did not change her opinion about stopping his deportation as she claims being sent to Afghanistan amounts to a 'death sentence'

Ersson had initially planned on stopping the deportation of a 21-year-old Afghan man whose asylum application had also been rejected.

However, upon arrival at Landvetter Airport, she was told he had already been sent out of the country on another flight.

When she heard that 52-year-old Bismallah S. was due to be deported on an upcoming flight, she bought a ticket.

Her disruption of the flight severely delayed take-off and eventually saw her and the Afghan and his assigned security removed from the flight.

Ersson said afterwards that she had not been aware that the 52-year-old was a convicted criminal, however said she still felt her protest was justified, as going to Afghanistan amounted to a 'death sentence'.

Bismallah S. was deported to Afghanistan a few weeks later.

Ersson's lawyer has maintained that his client is innocent, saying the aviation act only applies to actions taken whilst the plane is in the air.

'During the entire action she was prepared to follow the orders of the captain on board, and she left the plane as soon as the pilot decided that she should do so,' the lawyer, Thomas Fridh, said at the time of indictment in October.
It's a fight even the bravest animals would flinch at.

Two Komodo dragons have been captured coming to blows in a feisty exchange on an island off Indonesia.

The amazing battle was captured in Rinca which is part of the Komodo National Park and neighbours the island of Komodo.

The two reptiles weigh in at a whopping 80kg each and measure two metres from head to tail.

Two Komodo dragons were seen fighting each other on the island of Rinca by Indonesia

The island is part to the Komodo National Park where the animals, the largest species of lizard in the world, can be seen in their natural environment

The footage was captured by Abuakam Aprillio while he was leading a tour through the island.

Tourists are standing around the impressive beasts with their cameras primed as the animals eye each other up in a tense exchange.

All of a sudden the Komodo dragons, the largest species of lizard in the world, go for each other using their jaws as a weapon.

Tourists looked on as the fierce animals attacked each other with their powerful jaws

The fight ended after one wrestled the other to the ground and pinned him down

Standing on their hind legs, they wrestle each other before falling back towards Mr Aprillio who has to back away from the dangerous reptiles.

The fight then finishes in an almost tender exchange as the dominant lizard rests on top of the other after pinning it down.

It is unclear whether the fight was actually a mating ritual as male Komodo dragons often fight with each other to reproduce with a female.
More than 300 Islamic State militants surrounded in a tiny area in eastern Syria are refusing to surrender to U.S.-backed forces and are trying to negotiate an exit.

Syrian activists said the extremists are bottled up in the village of Baghouz, where they are hiding among hundreds of civilians and preventing them from leaving.

The stalling tactics are likely to further delay a declaration of the end of the IS group's self-proclaimed caliphate, which the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces were hoping to make last week.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are pictured above keeping watch on the outskirts of the tiny Syrian village of Baghouz. The SDF and the U.S.-led coalition have been fighting IS in the surrounding region since September

A person familiar with the negotiations said the militants are asking for a corridor to the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib, and demand that they be allowed to leave along with the evacuated civilians.

He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the talks, which he described as taking place indirectly.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group that monitors the civil war in Syria, said another request by IS to be evacuated to neighboring Iraq was also rejected.

Syrian Democratic Forces fighters are pictured standing in an area captured from ISIS. Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group

IS released 10 SDF fighters it had been holding on Sunday, but it was not clear what, if anything, the extremists would get in return, the Observatory said.

The speck of land in Syria's remote eastern desert, near the border with Iraq, is all that remains of a self-styled caliphate that once sprawled across a third of both countries and included several major towns and cities.

In that tiny patch on the banks of the Euphrates River, the militants are holed up in what SDF officials describe as a small tented village atop a network of tunnels and caves. There are civilians inside as well, possibly including hostages.

The SDF and the U.S.-led coalition have been fighting IS in the surrounding region since September.

In recent years, they and other forces have steadily driven IS from nearly all the territory it once controlled, in battles that have killed tens of thousands of people and left entire towns and neighborhoods in ruins.

The DeirEzzor 24, an activist collective in eastern Syria, said several trucks loaded with food entered IS-held areas in Baghouz on Monday. It also reported the release of the SDF fighters, without saying whether there was a quid pro quo.

DeirEzzor 24 said the truce reached last week has been extended for five more days as of Sunday. It added that in return several trucks loaded with food entered the IS-held area on Sunday.

A person familiar with the negotiations said the militants are asking for a corridor to the rebel-held northwestern province of Idlib. The stalling tactics are likely to further delay a declaration of the end of the IS group's self-proclaimed caliphate

At least 62 people have died in recent weeks, mainly from exhaustion and malnutrition, after making their way out of militant-held territory, the International Rescue Committee said.

Spokesman Paul Donohoe said two-thirds were children under the age of one. He said they either died along the way or soon after arriving at a camp for the displaced.

Over 30,000 people who left the last IS-held areas have arrived at the al-Hol camp in Syria's northern Hassakeh province in the last few weeks, raising the overall population of the camp to almost 42,000.

Elsewhere in Syria, two bomb blasts went off in the northwestern city of Idlib, killing at least 13 people, Syrian opposition activists and paramedics said.

The Syrian village of Baghouz is pictured with many homes destroyed. At least 62 people have died in recent weeks, mainly from exhaustion and malnutrition, after making their way out of militant-held territory, the International Rescue Committee said

The Observatory said the blasts in the Qusour neighborhood during rush hour Monday killed 17 people and wounded about 50. The Edlib Media Center, an activist collective, said the bombings killed 13 and wounded dozens.

The first blast occurred in the early afternoon and another followed seconds later. The opposition's Syrian Civil Defense, a group of volunteer first responders, said one of its members was wounded.

The city of Idlib is controlled by al-Qaida-linked militants, who have wide influence in northern Syria.

The city has been hit with bombings in recent months that killed or wounded scores of people.

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed.
Six people had to be rescued after the zip line bridge they were on collapsed at a tourist attraction in south China.

Dramatic footage shows the visitors swaying and bouncing on the zip line when it suddenly snapped and broke, leaving them dangling in mid-air above a canal in Yangjiang, Guangdong province.

They were eventually rescued by staff members and were unhurt, according to Chinese reports.

Dramatic footage shows the visitors swaying and bouncing on the zip line when it suddenly snapped and broke, leaving them dangling in mid-air above a canal in Guangdong, China

The group of six had to be rescued after the zip line bridge collapsed. They were unhurt

The incident happened at about 3:20pm on February 8 at the Beiguiyuan Villa in Yangdong district, according to Yangjiang Daily.

The zip line bridge is suspended about 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) over a river. The river is about 10 metres (32.8 feet) wide and one metre deep, according to the report.

Visitors are required to wear a helmet and a safety harness before they can walk arcoss the bridge, an employee was quoted as saying.

The zip line bridge is suspended about 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) over a river. The river is about 10 metres (32.8 feet) wide and one metre deep, according to Yangjiang Daily

Visitors are required to wear a helmet and a safety harness before they can go on the bridge

The attraction has been closed indefinitely following the dramatic incident

The steel cable of one of the handrails snapped due to the violent shaking - which tourists are banned from doing, the worker surnamed Lin told reporters.

'At the same time, despite regular maintenance checks, the strength of the steel cable might have been reduced due to rusting as there was a lot of heavy rain in the past year,' Lin said.

The attraction has been closed indefinitely following the incident, the report added.
A woman decided to keep her late husband's bowel in a jar of formaldehyde preservative in their home as an ode to his sense of humor.

Tina Loudfoot, says the unusual keepsake of Derek Loudfoot - who passed away last year aged 48 - may be a bit weird for some people to digest but it is a memory of their time together.

Mr Loudfoot had to have his colon removed five years ago after an infection in his bowel. But instead of having it disposed of, the 'joker' decided to keep it and have it preserved - even once bringing it to the pub before the landlady told him to put it away.

Tina Loudfoot posing with the preserved bowel of her husband who passed away last year

Mrs Loudfoot, now 48, said: 'Del was a huge joker, he was always making people laugh and would make jokes out of bad situations to try make people feel better. '

'When we first met when I was working, he was quite unwell.

'He had a major operation to have his colon removed after an infection in his bowel.

'He said he didn't want it to be disposed of, so he arranged for it to be put in a jar. He kept it on a shelf in the living room almost like a centrepiece.

'He was very proud of it. He even took it to the pub once.'

Mrs Loudfoot recalled the time when Mr Loudfoot brought the pickled gut into the pub they had met in 18 years ago, Chelmsford's Bay Horse pub.

'Some of the customers wanted to sit with him and talk about it and others wanted to go inside,' she said.

'Eventually the land lady said he was scaring off customers and asked him to take it away.'

Mrs Loudfoot and Derek Loudfoot, also known as Del, have a daughter, 12 and a son, 15.

'When Derek started to become very unwell we decided to sit the children down and explain to them why he was in hospital so much,' Mrs Loudfoot said.

The pair married on February 25, 2012. From October 2017, Mr Loudfoot was in and out of hospital until died

'They were about 8 and 10-years-old at the time. They understood that he had to have his colon removed but didn't understand why he had it in a jar.'

When the pair moved in together they kept the jar behind their bedroom door until their children were old enough to understand.

Mrs Loudfoot said: 'I insisted it was put away because I thought the children were too little our son was only a year old at the time.

Now, she says they love telling their friends about it.

'A lot of people would say he had a warped sense of humour.

'Everyone knows about it, I tell my friends and he told his, those that knew him found it funny but if I tell people now that don't know him they might say it's a bit weird.'

Mr Loudfoot's bowel also almost ended up being shown on Ant & Decs Saturday night takeaway.

Mrs Loudfoot said: 'They were looking for people who own really weird possessions. I rang them about the bowel. They were really interested at first.

'The show producer asked if we could send pics. Then they decided it was just too graphic for prime time TV.'

Jar is around one foot in height and contains Mr Loudfoot's bowel preserved in formaldehyde

For the last ten years of their relationship, Mr Loudfoot became so unwell that both he and Mrs Loudfoot had to give up their jobs.

She said: 'Derek was an operations controller at Stansted Airport, he absolutely loved it, he was gutted.

'They let him have two years off sick, but he cried like a baby when they had to let him go.'

Mrs Loudfoot also gave up her job as a midday assistant at an infants school in Chelmsford to be her husband's full time carer.

She said: 'His condition got worse, he spent more time in hospital than at home.

'He had sepsis eight times and kept getting infections because his immune system was so low.'

From October 2017, Mr Loudfoot was in and out of hospital until died.

Derek Loudfoot on his wedding day, Mrs Loudfoot said he didn't want the bowel to be disposed of

Mr Loudfoot was well enough to spend three days over Christmas at home with his family, but sadly passed away on January 28 last year.

Mrs Loudfoot said: 'He was due to have an operation on his hip the day before. The hospital phoned me that afternoon and told me it had gone well and in two weeks he should be recovered.

'The day after the operation I was trying to get hold of him but he wasn't answering. Then I had a call from the hospital saying he had been been put in a coma and was in the Intensive Care Unit.

'At 7pm that night they rang and said he had taken a turn for the worse. He was in a London Hospital so I rang round a few friends and found one who could take me there.

'At about midnight they asked if there was anyone else I would like to call, at which point alarm bells started ringing.

'I rang his brother David and said I didn't think he was going to make it through the night.

Mrs Loudfoot and her husband Derek, also known as Del, have a daughter, 12 and a son, 15

'There were medics all around him, one of them said to me if he survived his brain would be starved of oxygen.

'I knew there was no way he would want to live in that state, so we agreed to let him go. I sat by his side until he passed away.'

Mrs Loudfoot said the hardest part was telling her children the sad news.

She said: 'My daughter wanted to go to school the next day, I thought it was a bit soon but I let her go. She lasted the day ended up having a couple of days off after that.'

Mr Loudfoot was just 48-years-old when he died of sepsis which caused multi-organ failure.

Mrs Loudfoot said: 'Even in hospital, no matter how bad he felt, he was always making the staff laugh, mainly cracking jokes about himself and his illness.

'He had that very warped but totally harmless sense of humour. Always putting other people before himself.

'He was the love of my life and everyone who knew him, loved him. The world lost a legend when we lost him.'

Mr Loudfoot was buried at a plot in Chelmsford Cemetery & Crematorium.

Mrs Loudfoot said: 'He always said to me he wanted the jar to be buried with him, but then I had a long think about it and thought if he knew I really wanted to keep it, he wouldn't mind.

'When my day does come, I'll go in the ground in the same plot as him, and I want his bowel buried with me so I feel like he will be complete again.'
The wife of Shamima Begum's lawyer has said she 'understands why some people are angry' about his efforts to bring the ISIS bride back to Britain.

Toma Adomaityte, the wife of privately-educated lawyer Tasnime Akunjee, said the political row over Ms Begum's future 'has had a huge impact on me and the whole country'.

Mr Akunjee, who is backing Ms Begum's efforts to return to Britain with her newborn child, has stirred controversy by comparing the 19-year-old ISIS bride to a First World War soldier and said she had been treated worse than Nazi war criminals.

He has previously blamed British authorities for 'creating' Lee Rigby's killer, suggested Theresa May has 'Nazi blood' for trying to root out extremists and urged Muslims not to cooperate with police.

Tasnime Akunjee, pictured with his wife, has made multiple media appearances in recent days calling for Shamima Begum to be brought back to the UK

Speaking at the couple's home in North London, his wife Toma Adomaityte, a beautician, said today: 'We are OK. It's a difficult time but we are coping.

'Taz has been very busy and people don't really understand what's going on.

'I've not been involved in any of this but obviously it's had a huge impact on me and the whole country.

'This is a very important issue, I understand that and why some people are angry. I'm sorry, I don't want to say any more.'

Mr Akunjee first appeared in the public eye when he represented the families of three girls who fled to join ISIS in Syria in 2015.

Following Begum's reappearance this month as ISIS's so-called caliphate crumbles, Mr Akunjee has spearheaded a media campaign to get her and her newborn baby repatriated to the UK.

In headline-grabbing soundbites, he has compared her to a shell-shocked First World War soldier and claimed Nazi war criminals were given a fairer hearing than she is.

Tasnime Akunjee, right, first came to prominence when he sat alongside (left to right) Fahmida Aziz, Sahima Begum and Abase Hussen, all relatives of ISIS brides in Parliament in 2015

Mr Akunjee (pictured) was previously criticised over controversial views that British authorities 'created' Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo by 'making his life so difficult'

The lawyer's wife Toma Adomaityte (pictured), a beautician, said she understood why people were 'angry' about his efforts to bring the jihadi bride back to the UK

The lawyer and his beautician wife live in a Victorian terrace in North London (pictured)

Twice married, public school-educated Mr Akunjee, 41, has worked for a series of law firms since 2008, while also working as a legal adviser to the East London Mosque.

It is believed he may have met the families of the runaway Tower Hamlets girls as part of this role.

Mr Akunjee said this morning he is handling the Begum case 'pro bono', meaning free of charge. It is unclear whether that would continue if the case came before the British courts in future.

He appeared before a Parliamentary Committee alongside Sahima Begum, Fahmida Aziz and Hussen Abase, family members of the three girls who ran away to join ISIS, in 2015.

But in the wake of the 2015 Parliamentary appearance, it emerged that Mr Akunjee had previously insisted Muslims should not co-operate with the British police because the Government's Prevent counter-terror policy encouraged 'straightforward, paid-for spying on the community'.

The lawyer is active online, posting pictures from his holidays alongside political messages

Mr Akunjee (right) has this week launched a media campaign to get Begum returned to the UK

Tasnime Akunjee's previous cases The lawyer representing Shamima Begum has previously represented a number of extremists. According to his website, in 2013 and 2014, he worked on the case of Nabeel Hussain, a convicted bomb plotter, who was caught trying to get to Syria after his release from prison. His website states he was also involved in the case of Richard Dart, an Islamic convert who sought training in Pakistan and discussed plans to attack Royal Wootton Bassett, the town soldiers killed in Afghanistan were repatriated. Mr Akunjee was back in the spotlight recently when he launched plans to sue Facebook and anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson after a video emerged of a refugee boy being 'waterboarded' by a bully at a school in Huddersfield. In an online rant, Robinson had alleged the Syrian boy, who is called Jamal, had earlier joined in an attack on a white girl at the school. Mr Akunjee launched a campaign to sue Robinson and Facebook over the EDL founder's comments.

In an internet rant, he had said of then-Home Secretary Theresa May: 'Does she have Nazi blood in her veins?'

Mr Akunjee was criticised for his closeness to CAGE, a group which was branded 'apologists for terror' after describing ISIS killer Jihadi John as a 'beautiful young man'.

Like CAGE, he also claimed that the security services 'created' Michael Adebolajo  one of the killers Woolwich Fusilier Lee Rigby  by 'making his life so difficult'.

Mr Akunjee also came under fire after posting a cartoon on his Facebook page showing murdered Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane Charbonnier blowing himself with a suicide vest made of rolled up copies of the magazine.

Critics said the cartoon suggested terrorism victims were responsible for attacks.

According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Akunjee, the son of a Bangladeshi doctor, studied at the 18,000-a-year City of London School for Boys.

He went on to study law at the Universities of Sussex and then Westminster.

He joined a solicitors' firm in London in 2008 and has since moved twice, specialising in terrorism-related cases.

What is CAGE? The London-based organisation claims to be an advocacy group for 'victims of the War on Terror', but has been accused of apologising for terrorism. Most notoriously, its director Asim Qureshi defended Mohammed Emwazi as a 'beautiful young man' shortly after he was identified as the ISIS executioner Jihadi John. A Daily Mail investigation in 2016 found it had been targeting young Muslims with campus speeches, which included calls for students to sabotage the government's anti-terror strategy Prevent.

He lives in a Victorian terrace in Tottenham and has previously been pictured with MP and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose messages he regularly retweets.

Mr Akunjee currently works for a firm called Farooq Bajwa & Co based in Mayfair and isa consultant for another legal firm in Brentford.

Mr Akunjee's first marriage to Nasreen Choudhury, a law student he met at Sussex Uni, lasted less than a year.

They wed in July 2001 at Islington but the marriage quickly ended and she has remarried and lives quietly with her children in Essex.

A woman believed to be Mrs Choudhury declined to comment when approached by MailOnline at the house today.

Mr Akunjee, pictured, is advocating for Shamima Begum and her newborn son to be allowed to return to the UK despite her support for ISIS

Mr Akunjee now works at a law firm based in this plush office in Mayfair. He also works as a consultant for a Brentford-based firm in west London

Lawyer Tasnime Akunjee shared posts online suggesting 9/11 was an inside job and that ex-Home Secretary Amber Rudd should be put in a 'concentration camp' Shamima Begum's lawyer has previously shared posts suggesting that 9/11 was an inside job and that Amber Rudd should go to a 'concentration camp.' Tasnime Akunjee, who is backing Ms Begum's efforts to return to Britain with her newborn son Jerah, shared the comments on his Facebook page. In November Mr Akunjee posted the link to a story about former Home Secretary Amber Rudd after she made a speech about the state of poverty in Britain in her first Commons appearance as work and pensions secretary. Above the link he wrote: 'Pls God some how arrange for this person to find herself in a concentration camp.' Tasnime Akunjee shared an article about Amber Rudd with the comment 'Pls God some how arrange for this person to find herself in a concentration camp' on Facebook The lawyer also shared a link to a story suggesting 9/11 was a 'controlled demolition' In another social media post the lawyer shared the link to an article about 9/11 which had the headline: 'After Almost 18 Years, Federal Grand Jury Will Finally Hear Evidence of 9/11 Being a Controlled Demotion.' Mr Akunjee first appeared in the public eye when he represented the families of three girls who fled to join ISIS in Syria in 2015. Following Begum's reappearance this month, Mr Akunjee has spearheaded a media campaign to get her and her newborn baby son repatriated to the UK. On Monday he compared her to a shell-shocked First World War soldier and claimed Nazi war criminals were given a fairer hearing than she is. He also criticised local authorities in east London for failing to intervene before she and two other schoolgirls left for Syria back in 2015. Mr Akunjee previously blamed British authorities for 'creating' Lee Rigby's killer, suggested Theresa May has 'Nazi blood' for trying to root out extremists and urged Muslims not to cooperate with police.

According to his website, Mr Akunjee was involved in the case of convert Richard Dart

Mr Akunjee threatened to sue Tommy Robinson over the case of a bullied Syria asylum seeker in Huddersfield (pictured)
This is the incredible moment a giant hippo terrified three thirsty lions by charging at them to regain its territory.

A brave Botswanan hippopotamus faced up to its natural predators as they tried to lay claim to the mammal's drinking spot.

The male lions made the mistake of stopping at the same watering hole as this very territorial hippo in Chobe National Park in Botswana.

Making a splash: Giant hippo chases off three thirsty lions who came a bit too close to the mammal's favourite bathing spot

The giant hippo, who grow up to 1.5 tonnes, can be seen emerging stealthily from a lake in the African national park to approach his enemy.

A group of lions are lying down across the small stretch of water, cooling off from the hot African sun.

Their eyes shift to the water, spotting the semi-aquatic mammal's poor attempt to approach the pride with any sort of stealth.

Lioning about: The pride of lions make good use of the tranquil watering hole as one of the group sits down to take a sip

A hippo emerges from the muddy waters to face down the lions. The Chobe national park is known for its large population of lions that regularly attack elephants across the reserve

The lions are a major predator to the weighty hippo, and so are not immediately worried by its presence and choose to stand and stare.

Seen from behind, the hippo the quickly rushes to towards the shore where the lions stand observing, totally unfazed by the big cats.

The trio quickly scarper off the shore banks after realising it might be a mistake to stand in the way of a hippo moving at full speed.

Victorious, the hippo then stands alone on the sandy edge of the water to carry on bathing in peace.

The natural enemies stare each other down across the water as the hippopotamus readies its charge at the group. Lions are dominant predators and have been known to kill hippos

Run don't roar! The pride scrambles out of the way, realising it might be a bad idea to be in the path of a charging hippo coming ashore

The brazen hippopotamus, snapped from behind, emerges from the water as the three lions are seen darting off the shoreline into the bushes behind

Peace at last: The hippo plods along by the water's edge after successfully running out rivals off the sandy shores of the drinking spot

The photos were taken by Jan Hrbacek in Chobe National Park, a game reserve in the north of Botswana.

'The lions come to drink at a small waterhole when the hippo was watching them. Suddenly the hippo rushed out from the water and chased the lions out,' said Jan.

'Hippos are extremely territorial, they don't tolerate other animals in their territory.

'The lions were scared of the hippo. Hippos are powerful animals. They could kill or injure them.'

Hippos are classed are endangered animals on the African continent, with continuing population decline due to widespread habitat loss.
The lead female character in the BBC's latest prime-time drama has revealed why being transgender helped her get the part.

Actress Talisa Garcia had audiences gripped last night in BBC One's Baptiste, a new six-part thriller which opened in Amsterdam's dark underworld.

The 45-year-old starred as a brothel madam alongside the show's protagonist, obsessive French detective Julien Baptiste, as he tried to find a missing sex worker.

Viewers were on the edge of their seats as they followed the show's many twists - and nearly fell off when another shock turn revealed Garcia's character Kim Vogel was born a man.

Now, the Chilean-born actress has opened up about her struggle to be accepted as a woman and spoken out about how it helped her bag the part in the most sought-after slot on television.

Talisa Garcia (pictured), 45, received gender reassignment surgery when she was a teenager and says men hit on her after watching her in the BBC show

Ms Garcia plays Kim Vogel, who lives with a man who is head over heels for her but is unaware that she is transgender

Ms Garcia received gender reassignment surgery when she was a teenager and says men hit on her after watching her play Kim Vogel in the show.

She told The Sun: 'I think guys' reaction will be, 'I'd still give her one'. I'd hope blokes would look at me and say, 'It wouldn't bother me'.

Chilean-born Ms Garcia, who has lived in the UK since she was four, claims she got the role in Baptiste because there was no hint that she was once male.

Ms Garcia plays Kim Vogel, who lives with a man who is head over heels for her but is unaware that she is transgender.

Detective Julien Baptiste, played by Tcheky Karyo, discovers the the character's secret in a shocking twist at the end of the episode.

Chilean-born Ms Garcia, who has lived in the UK since she was four, claims she got the role in Baptiste because there was no hint that she was once male

Ms Garcia was born during the 1973 Chilean coup and became separated from her parents. She still does not know where, or who, they are

She said her character 'is not an obvious transgender person.'

Ms Garcia was born during the 1973 Chilean coup and became separated from her parents. She still does not know where, or who, they are.

She was found as a baby on the street and adopted by a university lecturer and her engineer husband, who brought her to live in Swansea.

Ms Garcia has spoken out about how moving to London at the age of 13 became the catalyst for her fight to be taken seriously as a woman and to undergo surgery.

Ms Garcia has spoken out about how moving to London at the age of 13 became the catalyst for her fight to be taken seriously as a woman and to undergo surgery

The actress told The Sun how she tried to take her own life a number of times before her parents agreed to allow her to change her sex.

She added: 'The doctors said to my parents, 'Whatever happens, this child will commit suicide if you don't do something.' I could not live as a man. In the hospital, I wanted to jump out of the window. I was not scared of dying.'

Ms Garcia was then sectioned which she says was 'the best thing that ever happened to me.'

After moving to London, Ms Garcia started her career at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.

In 2003 she graduated with an MA in acting from Arts Educational School London.

She has since appeared in the long-running television series Doctors, and BBC drama Silent Witness.

She also had an uncredited role in the 2004 movie Enduring Love, based on Ian McEwan's bestselling novel.
Revealed: Jolene Doherty (pictured in an undated photo) can today be named as a the killer of 18-year-old Conner Cowper

A teenage killer who stabbed an 18-year-old to death while pregnant and high on cocaine at a house party can finally be named.

Jolene Doherty became one of Scotland's youngest female killers in April last year when she knifed Conner Cowper, 18, to death in Holytown, North Lanarkshire, at the age of 17.

She was convicted of murder and sent to prison last month, where she gave birth behind bars but kept her anonymity as a minor.

Today, however, she turns 18, and can now be legally identified.

Doherty had a reputation for violence from the age of 11 when she was filmed punching an autistic boy who went to her school.

Footage that provoked national outrage showed Doherty punching the young boy in the face five times, shouting at him: 'I can tell you're f****** s******* yourself.'

The boy was heard saying back: 'I don't hit lassies.'

When he dared to move, Doherty shouted in his face: 'You ain't being f****** cheeky to me, right. You're a f****** wee s****bag.'

She then urged him to hit her, which he refused to do before Doherty lashed out once more.

The pint-sized killer was expelled from the secondary school following the attack in 2013, which was shared widely on YouTube and Facebook at the time.

Jailing her for a minimum of 16 years last month, Judge Lord Arthurson said the murder was 'entirely unprovoked and murderous'.

Her murder trial heard how she knifed 18-year-old Conner Cowper (pictured) while pregnant and high on cocaine at a house party

His heartbroken mother Linda Fraser, 37, of Airdrie, paid tribute to her 'gentle' son.

She told the Scottish Sun after the sentencing: 'The sentence couldn't have been higher but it won't bring him back. Jolene is pure evil. When we saw her at the trial we all felt sick. She was even looking up at us and sniggering.

'Conner was a gentle giant with a heart of gold and he would do anything for anybody.

'His life was just starting and now we'll never get to see him again. It was disgusting to hear the details of what she did.'

Her murder trial heard Connor had 'fancied' her but problems began when she kissed another man on the night of the party.

Prosecutors claimed she loved being the centre of attention and was trying to play the two young men off against each other.

But Doherty exploded into a violent rage when Connor branded her a 'stupid wee girl' and stabbed him before fleeing the scene.

He was left with a 'catastrophic' four-inch puncture wound, which she claimed was the result of her defending herself.

She also claimed to have been affected by a previous abusive relationship at the time of the fatal assault.

A police cordon is pictured with officers at the scene after the stabbing in Holytown (pictured)

Jurors heard how Doherty had only known Connor through Facebook before the party.

She told them he was a 'nice person' but she left him to die while fellow party goers tried to save his life.

Police found her nearby laughing and she later asked an officer: 'Can I have my knife back? It is good for cutting onions.'

Other witnesses heard her say 'I want him to f****** choke. I want him f****** dead' in the aftermath of the attack.

Jailing her, Lord Arthurson said: 'Your attack upon him was deliberate, brutal, unprovoked and entirely murderous, and this murder was committed by you at the age of 17 when you were still a child, while you were under the influence of cocaine and alcohol.

'I have been told that not only do you feel regret but you also expressed empathy towards the victim.

'However, as the presiding judge at your trial I saw nothing of that. Your demeanour was flat and disinterested and you didn't give out any significant appearance of empathy.

'You are a highly dangerous and unstable individual. The attack on Connor was deliberate, brutal, entirely unprovoked and entirely murderous.'

Commenting on the 2013 attack on the schoolboy, the judge said: 'You were expelled from secondary school in your first year for assaulting a fellow student who had additional needs. This was filmed and uploaded to social media.

'The episode was considered by the community to be so shocking that your family had to be relocated.'
Residents of a Chinese city have been shocked by a 'strange fish' after it emerged from a lake at a popular park earlier this month.

An eyewitness told local reporters when he first saw the back of the fish sticking out of the water, it looked like a turtle's back; but afterwards it showed its head and its head resembled that of a snake.

It has been identified as an alligator gar, a large-size fish species from North and Central America, after being caught today.

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Park rangers in China, spotted a 'strange fish' (pictured) that looked 'half turtle, half snake'

Danger ahead: The mysterious creature caused panic among park staff and city residents after being seen. It was described to be 'ferocious' and dubbed 'the killer in water' by local media

The fish was spotted on February 9 at the Baiyun Lake Park (pictured), a popular scenic spot

The fish was spotted on February 9 at the Baiyun Lake Park in the city of Guangzhou.

A park ranger, who saw the animal and took pictures of it, claimed it measured about two metres (6.6 feet) long and looked 'bizarre', according to Guangzhou Daily.

Song Yunchang, the head of the park's security team, told the newspaper: 'We had already been made aware of the existence of the strange fish before the 9th, but it had shown very little part of its body out of the water, therefore we had not been able to identify it.

Speaking to Chinese video news site Pear, one security guard described: 'The back of the [strange fish] looked like that of a turtle and was black. Afterwards, it showed its head and it look like a snake's head.'

Fishery experts suspected the animal to be an alligator gar after looking at the pictures taken on the 9th, according to Mr Song.

What are alligator gars? Alligator gars (pictured) generally grow to 6.5 feet long and more than 100 pounds Alligator gars are a kind of large, torpedo-shaped fish characterised by two rows of sharp teeth in their mouths. They are not native to China and mostly live in North and Central America. They have been commercially fished in the southern part of the United States. An average adult alligator gar is 6.5 feet long and weighs more than 100 pounds. It's capable of giving serious bites to fishermen and swimmers due to its large size and sharp teeth, according to Florida Museum. Last July, a 43-year-old fishing guide reeled in a massive alligator gar that measured eight feet long and at least 250 pounds from a river in Texas.

Staff at the Chinese park immediately installed warning signs around the lake to caution visitors not to swim in the lake.

Apparently, the news also caused panic among park staff and residents.

Local media described the alien fish as 'ferocious' and billed it as 'the killer in water'. Journalists also worried that it could destroyed the ecosystem in the lake by 'eating every living creature'.

A team were formed to investigate the matter and catch the fish.

The 'strange fish' (pictured) was caught today and has been confirmed to be an alligator gar

Park rangers reportedly caught the fish today after four days of intense work.

It measured 1.2 metres (four feet) in length and has been confirmed to be an alligator gar, according to an updated report from Guangzhou Daily which also released a video of the fish on shore.

A smaller alligator gar measuring 0.9 metres (2.9 feet) long was also netted.

Workers at the park suspected the alligator gars had swum into the lake from the Pearl River when a reservoir gate was lifted in 2013.
Hamas have claimed Israel are sending bugged shoes to spy on people in a war-torn part of the country.

The militant group, who control much of the Gaza Strip, found 'secret electronic chips' sewn inside the soles of shoes.

They claim that an unknown number of the suspicious items were on their way to market in a nearby town.

Bugged boots: Hamas claim to find recording chips sewn into soles of shoes sent from Israel that were stopped at a major Gaza border

Faction members of political group Fatah said they stopped the boots coming through the Kerem Shalom Crossing at Gaza's southern border with Israel.

They sent the boots to Hamas for examination who claim that they contain recording devices.

Some Palestinian online news sources claimed Hamas said Israel was behind the shipment and was trying to spy on members of the 'Palestinian resistance'.

Khaled Abu Toameh, a writer for the Jerusalem Post, posted photos of the boots.

In a tweet he said: 'Hamas: Israel sent us shoes equipped with secret electronic tracking chips to spy on us'.

Khaled Abu Toameh received photos of the devices believed to have been planted in shoes headed for Gaza markets

Hamas took control of the major goods crossing from the Palestinian Authority on Sunday, according to the Gaza strip's interior ministry.

Hamas seized the Gaza Strip in 2007 in a near civil war with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' Fatah party.

Tensions have risen again since March as Palestinians have gathered at least weekly along the border with Israel for often-violent protests, calling for an end to Israel's blockade of the territory.

The Israeli Government and Embassy have been contacted for comment on the claim.
Islam is seen as a threat to the British way of life by more than a third of people in the UK, a report by anti-racism group Hope not Hate has found.

The group's annual State of Hate review found that 35 per cent of 10,000 people quizzed believe Islam is generally a threat to the country's culture.

Around 49 per cent of those who voted Conservative in the 2017 general election thought it was generally incompatible. This compares to 22 per cent of Labour supporters.

Around 49 per cent of those who voted Conservative in the 2017 general election thought Islam was generally incompatible with the British way of life

Polling conducted in July 2018 also found 32 per cent of those asked believe there are 'no-go' areas in Britain where sharia law 'dominates and non-Muslims cannot enter'.

Almost half of all Conservative voters and people who voted to leave the EU also believed this was the case.

Hope not Hate found young people were far more likely to see the benefits of multiculturalism than their parents and grandparents.

Some 76 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds felt that diversity was integral to British culture - less than half of those aged over 65 agreed.

Polling conducted in July 2018 also found 32 per cent of those asked believe there are 'no-go' areas in Britain where sharia law 'dominates and non-Muslims cannot enter'

The organisation also found that fears about immigration have shifted to anti-Muslim prejudice over the past eight years.

'While most people do not conflate extremism with Muslim communities', it said, 'suspicions heightened following the series of 2017 terror attacks.'

The report stated that attitudes towards Muslims in Britain had improved between 2011 and 2016 - but the spate of terror attacks in the UK in 2017 had a lasting impact on public perceptions.

Forty-two per cent of Britons said their suspicions of Muslims in Britain had increased as a result of the recent terror attacks, the 2017 Fear and Hope study found.

In a March 2018 poll, 24 per cent said their thoughts had not changed, although they were already suspicious before.

Britain suffered five terror attacks over the year at Westminster, Manchester Arena, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green.

Forty-two per cent of Britons said their suspicions of Muslims in Britain had increased as a result of the recent terror attacks, the 2017 Fear and Hope study found (Pictured, police on the scene after the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017)

Britain suffered five terror attacks over throughout 2017 at Westminster (pictured), Manchester Arena, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green

The second, which took place in the lobby of an Ariana Grande concert, was the deadliest terror attack on British soil since the 7/7 bombings.

More than 200 people were injured and 22 were killed when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a homemade device as concert-goers left the arena.

The report also found that while there were less people arrested for terror-related offences in 2018 than in the previous year, there was a growing threat from groups such as National Action and lone radicals.

But despite the prevalence of public hostility towards Muslims, most do recognise and oppose discrimination felt by the group.

In a 2017 poll, 57 per cent said they thought discrimination of Muslims is a serious problem.

The group's annual State of Hate review found that 35 per cent of 10,000 people quizzed believe Islam is generally a threat to the British way of life (Pictured, a Stand Up To Racism counter protest in London)

Nick Lowles, the chief executive of Hope not Hate, said: 'Our latest polling also reveals a disturbing level of anti-Muslim prejudice and discourse running through society, with a third of people saying they believe there are Muslim-run no-go zones, and rising antisemitism on the left, which we have exposed in a new investigation.

'Meanwhile, while the banned terror group National Action has finally been destroyed by the authorities, there is a growing threat of violence from the younger neo-Nazis emerging in their wake.

'There are justified concerns that the police response to these rising threats, especially against MPs, has fallen short. We believe a very real threat remains from terrorism carried out by lone actors, too, radicalised over the internet.'
Poland's prime minister has canceled plans to send a delegation to meeting in Jerusalem after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Poles 'collaborated with the Nazis'.

This was later followed by the acting Israeli foreign minister repeating Netanyahu's words, and adding that Poles 'sucked anti-Semitism from their mothers' milk.'

The developments mark a new low in a bitter conflict over how to remember and characterize Polish actions toward Jews during the German occupation of Poland in World War II.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, left, canceled plans to send a delegation to Jerusalem after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured right, said Poles 'collaborated with the Nazis'

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had already announced Sunday that he was pulling out of the meeting with Netanyahu and leaders of four central European nations.

That had followed a comment by Netanyahu last week about Polish cooperation with Nazis. Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz had been tapped to attend in his place.

But Morawiecki said he was canceling the Polish participation altogether because he considered Katz's comments 'racist' and 'absolutely unacceptable.'

The Foreign Ministry also summoned the Israeli ambassador, Anna Azari, to demand a second set of clarifications in recent days.

Monday's development marks a deterioration of a spat that began last Thursday when Netanyahu said: 'Poles cooperated with the Nazis.'

Morawiecki, centre, attends a a commemoration event at the Nazi German concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, during the ceremonies marking the 74th anniversary of the liberation of the camp and International Holocaust Victims Remembrance Day last month

Netanyahu's office said he was misquoted. The Polish government first summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday but said it was not satisfied with the explanation of the Israeli leader being quoted incorrectly.

Israel's acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, made his remarks Sunday in an interview on Reshet 13 TV.

'I am the son of Holocaust survivors,' he said, in his first day in the new job. 'The memory of the Holocaust is not something to compromise about. It is obvious. We will not forget, and we will not forgive.'

He then vowed that no one would change the historical truth of what happened.

'Poles collaborated with the Nazis, definitely. Collaborated with the Nazis. As (former Israeli Prime Minister) Yitzhak Shamir said - his father was murdered by Poles - he said that from his point of view they sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk. You can't sugarcoat this history,' he said.

Poland was the first occupation of Adolf Hitler's regime and never had a collaborationist government. Members of Poland's resistance and government-in-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected ample evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews fleeing the Nazis, or Polish blackmailers who preyed on the Jews for financial gain.
Stephen Barclay will finally hold talks with the EU today on a 'plan C' Brexit hatched by Leave and Remain Tories.

The Brexit Secretary is holding a new round of talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier and will discuss 'alternative arrangements' for the Irish border backstop proposed by Tory MPs.

The MPs want to replace the current backstop proposal with a technology-based solution for managing the flow of people and goods across an invisible Irish border.

They insist it is better than the current proposal of keeping Britain in the EU customs union until a new UK-EU trade deal is struck. Brexiteers fear this 'backstop' would become permanent.

Mr Barnier is expected to reject the idea - and the EU has already said versions of the idea seen in the past do not work because the technology does not exist.

Mr Barclay's trip today is the first act in a diplomatic blitz planned by Prime Minister Theresa May this week.

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will make a speech on the backstop issue tomorrow before Mrs May travels back to Brussels, possibly as soon as Wednesday.

The PM also plans to speak to every EU leader as she scrambles to break the deadlock with just 39 days to go.

Stephen Barclay (file image) will finally hold talks with the EU today on a 'plan C' Brexit hatched by Leave and Remain Tories

Mr Barclay's trip today is the first act in a diplomatic blitz planned by Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured in Maidenhead yesterday) this week

Over the weekend, Mrs May pleaded for Tory unity as she set out the steps the Government is taking to try and change the Brexit deal ahead of a second vote on it.

But Brexiteers dismissed the efforts as a 'waste of time' in private WhatsApp message.

And the concerns of critics will have escalated after Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright suggested the Government would accept changes short of re-opening the divorce deal.

Brexiteers say the only solution is to re-write the backstop or delete it entirely.

In a letter to her MPs, Mrs May pleaded with them to unite and deliver on Brexit. She said they should 'move beyond what divides us' and sacrifice 'personal preferences' for the national interest.

The Premier said the result was 'disappointing' by another Commons defeat on Valentine's Day but vowed that the Government would continue its work to secure changes to the Irish border backstop.

In an appeal for unity 41 days before Britain's scheduled departure, Mrs May said as party leader she had sought to 'steer a course that can unite all pragmatic points of view behind a clear and coherent policy' which honours the referendum and leaves the EU with a negotiated deal.

'History will judge us all for the parts we have played in this process. I believe that a country with our innate strengths, enviable resources, and enormous talent can face the future with confidence that our best days lie ahead. But we stand now at a crucial moment.

'I do not underestimate how deeply or how sincerely colleagues hold the views which they do on this important issue  or that we are all motivated by a common desire to do what is best for our country, even if we disagree on the means of doing so.

'But I believe that a failure to make the compromises necessary to reach and take through Parliament a Withdrawal Agreement which delivers on the result of the referendum will let down the people who sent us to represent them and risk the bright future that they all deserve.'

Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the controversial Irish backstop in a speech on Tuesday

She reiterated that without a Withdrawal Agreement the UK risks a 'combination forming in Parliament that will stop Brexit altogether, whatever the long-term consequences for trust in our democracy'.

It was confirmed last week that Labour will back a cross-party plan from backbencher Yvette Cooper  expected to go to a vote on February 27  which would force the Government to conclude its deal by March 13 or allow MPs to vote on no-deal or a second referendum.

Mrs May also warned the UK could leave without a deal or an implementation period if Parliament fails to unite behind a plan.

'Instead, our party can do what it has done so often in the past: move beyond what divides us and come together behind what unites us; sacrifice if necessary our own personal preferences in the higher service of the national interest; and rise to the level of events in a way that restores the faith of the British people in our political process,' she said.

But playing down the prospect of a re-write of the deal Mr Wright told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: 'I think what's obvious is that Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop - that's what we've got to do something about.

'If this is the only way of doing it then that's the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we haven't yet explored then we will do that too.'

He continued: 'I don't think it's the mechanism that matters, it's the objective: if you can get to a place where the potential longevity of the backstop, the potential that the backstop lasts forever can be adequately dealt with, that's what we're all seeking to do.

'That's what Parliament has been very clear that it wants, it will back this deal if we can do something about the backstop.'
President Trump tried to use the Russian probe to justify the firing of former FBI director James Comey, a former bureau chief revealed.

Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who was himself removed by Donald Trump, said the president wanted the Russia investigation linked to Comey's firing in a memo.

As Comey's replacement as director, McCabe said President Trump wanted Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to highlight the probe into Russian collusion in the 2016 campaign in a letter justifying the firing of Comey.

He added Trump wanted Rosenstein to 'give him cover' to fire Comey by citing the Russia investigation in the memo, which could be construed as an attempt by the president to interfere with the probe.

President Trump wanted the Russia investigation in to links between the Kremlin and his 2016 campaign linked to the firing of FBI director James Comey

Comey's replacement, Andrew McCabe, told 60 Minutes Trump tired to get the Russia probe mentioned in a memo outlining why Comey was fired

But Rosenstein did not want to mention the Russian investigation and told Trump it should be excluded, McCabe said.

The final memo outlining why Comey should be fired did not include any mention of the probe.

In an interview with 60 Minutes, McCabe said Rosenstein was concerned about his conversation with the president and did not want to be seen to be obstructing the Russia investigation.

'He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo. And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway".

'Rod was concerned by his interactions with the president, who seemed to be very focused on firing the director and saying things like, "Make sure you put Russia in your memo".

'That concerned Rod in the same way that it concerned me and the FBI investigators on the Russia case.'

Despite the Russia probe not being mentioned in the memo, Trump still used it as a justification in an interview with NBC News in May 2017, just after the firing of Comey.

Former FBI director James Comey was fired in May 2017. He is pictured here being sworn in while testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee two months later

He then repeated this assertion in an Oval Office meeting with top Russian officials.

McCabe added: 'Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed.

'The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey.'

McCabe, who became acting director after Comeys firing, said he was disturbed by his conversation with Trump following Comeys dismissal and got the investigations started the following day.

He said he began an obstruction of justice and counterintelligence investigation involving Trump and his ties to Russia after Trump fired bureau director Comey.

McCabe also said in the interview that Trump told his top intelligence officials that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin more than he did FBI investigators.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump shaking hands ahead of their bilateral summit in Helsinki, Finland, in July last year

The former FBI director said that he was told by an FBI official that Trump was convinced by Putin that North Korea was incapable of hitting the United States with ballistic missiles - even though American spy agencies claimed otherwise.

In the first public confirmation of the investigation by an official who was involved, McCabe described events that occurred in the eight days between Comeys firing and the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

McCabe also told how he had a 'bizarre' interview for the position of FBI director, in which Trump said '80 per cent of FBI employees must have voted for him' and asked if he thought that was true.

Trump tore into McCabe on Twitter on Thursday morning after the former law enforcement official lifted the lid on conversations to oust the sitting president.

He used McCabe's wife Jill's failed candidacy for office in Virginia, where she ran for office as a Democrat with the financial backing of an organization that is close to Hillary Clinton.

The president suggested the connection to the former secretary of state who opposed him for the Oval Office caused McCabe to go easy on Clinton in the FBI's probe into her use of a private email and server.

During the 60 Minutes interview yesterday, McCabe said revealed Rosenstein was discussing invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which allows Cabinet members to seek the removal of a president if they conclude that he or she is mentally unfit.
The couple made up before two police officers arrived and Peter decided not to press charges

A 79-year-old grandmother who threw a plate of beef stew over her partner of 20 years' head during a heated argument will face court charged with assault.

Heidi Chiswell lost her temper during dinner with Peter Hawkins, 70, and smashed his plate when she tipped the stew onto his head.

Peter Hawkins called 999 and reported Ms Chiswell but the couple made up in the minutes police took to arrive at their home in Dunmow, Essex.

Both Mr Hawkins and Ms Chiswell were asked to give statements to Essex police and Ms Chiswell has now been summoned to court charged with assault, the couple told The Sun.

Mr Hawkins was uninjured and told police he did not want to press charges but the grandmother of six will attend court on March 5.

And since the argument Mr Hawkins had a stroke and faces a serious operation with Ms Chiswell acting as his full-time carer.

He told MailOnline: 'I had a stroke two months ago and I've got an artery operation tomorrow.

'I'm going to be laid out for a long time. The stress of the case has had a big impact on both of us, there's nothing we want less right now.

'We have applied for the case to be postponed because of the situation. It was just after I had my stroke Heidi got the letter from the court, it has had a big emotional impact on us.

'We thought it had gone away, it is something new for us to face.'

Recalling the argument he told MailOnline: 'It was drink fuelled, we both had too much it was a silly little thing about something or other.

'She threw the dinner at me and bang it hit me in the head.

'We were both pretty foul mouthed and I thought 'that's it, I'm calling the police', and I will forever regret that.

Heidi Chiswell lost her temper and threw a plate of beef stew at her partner Peter Hawkins' head

'They came and she admitted assault in a statement and the next day I phoned up the police and said I don't want this to go any further.

'I'm totally aggrieved by the entire situation, I've tried to stop it and the police have said it was out of their hands.

'The CPS has taken it on given all the facts they have and the fact I've said I'm not supporting the case.

'This is the first time anything like this has happened, we have arguments but there's no history of this.'

Ms Chiswell will act as Mr Hawkins' full-time carer while he recovers from a major blood clot removal surgery.

She said: 'It is a very dangerous operation, he has blood clots.

'I'm going to have to be his carer for a while. I don't want anything to happen with the police, I want them to stop. I can't go on the 5th March with everything going on.'

A drink fuelled argument led to Ms Chiswell's arrest after she admitted to throwing a plate of beef stew over her long-term partner

She added: 'We have been together 20 years and now this happens, nothing like this has taken place before.

'I think the whole thing is stupid, after we were sober it didn't matter anymore.

'I'm not sure what I'm going to do in court. All this for a broken plate, it was probably just about something silly  like what was on telly. I can't remember what it was about.'

A spokesman for Essex police said: 'We were called to reports of a domestic related incident in Dunmow, at around 9pm on Thursday, May 17, 2018.

'A man was taken to hospital after having received a blow to his head which caused an open wound and a woman was reported for assault.

'The case was investigated and a file was presented to the Crown Prosecution Service as a matter of policy for a decision to be made.

'Heidi Chiswell, 79, of The Poplars, Dunmow, has been summonsed to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 5, for actual bodily harm.'

The retired customs officer told The Sun: 'It was a bit of shock getting my dinner tipped over my head and the plate broke when she did it but, surely, the police have better things to do.

'I wished to God I'd never called them now. I'm unharmed and all I want is them to stop hounding poor Heidi.'

Ms Chiswell will be 'dragged to court like a criminal for rows couples have every day' and police should focus on more serious crimes, according to the couple.

The retired interpreter, said: 'People are running around stabbing each other yet the police come after me for assault with a deadly casserole  it's ridiculous.'

Ms Chiswell will appear in front of Colchester JPs next month.
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A senior Tory refused to rule out joining a new 'Independent Group' of MPs today after Labour's 'gang of seven' set off an earthquake in British politics.

Nick Boles, who has led cross-party efforts to secure the softest possible Brexit, stopped short of saying he would stay in the Tories and insisted he was fully focused on stopping a no deal on March 29 when asked if he would defect from the Conservatives.

Other Tory MPs such as Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston will also be the focus of attention with just 39 days until Brexit day. Both have vowed to do anything to stop a no deal and have warned they would quit the Tories if Boris Johnson or Jacob Rees-Mogg became leader.

At a sensational press conference Chuka Umunna, the ringleader of the new group, made a direct appeal to politicians in all parties warning voters were 'sick of politics as usual'.

He was one of seven Labour MPs to quit with an explosive attack on Jeremy Corbyn for letting anti-Semitism and a culture of bullying infect their party.

After the move Mr Corbyn's own deputy warned more MPs would abandon the party if Labour fails to deal with a culture of bullying and harassment.

Tom Watson said he believed the decision of seven MPs to resign and set up a new Independent Group was 'premature' but he refused to condemn them as 'traitors' as he admitted he also no longer recognised parts of Labour.

Labour's second in command said the hard-left takeover over of the party had left it with an army of activists 'too easily tempted into the language of heresy and treachery'.

The new 'Independent Group' of MPs is drawn from different generations of Labour and also includes pregnant MP Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey and Mike Gapes.

Their resignation signals the biggest split in British politics since the SDP walked out of Labour in 1981 and realigned the left - paving the way for Tony Blair's election in 1997.

They appealed to the public for donations to get the new project - which is not yet a political party and is not yet able to stand candidates - off the ground.

They accused Mr Corbyn of turning Labour into a racist party that weakens national security, accepts the 'narrative' of Britain's enemies and lashed him for facilitating Brexit.

Chuka Umunna called for MPs from other parties to defect and join The Independent Group as he said British politics was 'broken'

Luciana Berger said she had become 'ashamed and embarrassed' to be in Corbyn's Labour, branding the party 'institutionally anti-Semitic'. The MPs involved are (seated from left) Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey, Ms Berger, Angela Smith, Chuka Umunna and Gavin Shuker

Vowing to 'change politics', the new 'Independent Group' of MPs - drawn from different generations of Labour - includes (from left) Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Luciana Berger, Ann Coffey, Chuka Umunna, Angela Smith and Gavin Shuker

Tory MP Nick Boles stopped short of denying he would consider joining - insisting today he had not spoken to any of the seven MPs and was working with all sides to stop a no deal Brexit

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson (pictured responding to the crisis today) said he believed the decision of seven MPs to resign and set up a new Independent Group was 'premature' but he refused to condemn them and admitted he no longer recognised parts of Labour

Mr Watson warned Mr Corbyn he could lose more MPs if he did not respond effectively to today's blow.

He said: 'I think our colleagues have come to a premature conclusion. But this is a moment for regret and reflection, not for a mood of anger or a tone of triumph. There are those who are already celebrating the departure of colleagues with whom they disagree.

'The hard left can be too easily tempted into the language of heresy and treachery. Betrayal narratives and shouting insults at the departed might make some feel better briefly but it does nothing to address the reasons that good colleagues might want to leave.'

He added: 'The identity of this party must be tolerant, multi-cultural, generous and welcoming. To put it mildly, we need to be kinder and gentler.

'I love this party. But sometimes I no longer recognise it. That is why I do not regard those who have resigned today as traitors.'

Asked if he would join the new group, Mr Boles - who faces an attempt to de-select him by Brexiteer activists in his Grantham constituency - told BuzzFeed: 'They're all good people and I understand completely why they felt driven to leave Labour.

'I have not spoken with any of them about their plans and am totally focused on working with MPs of all parties to stop a no-deal Brexit on 29 March.'

Mrs May's former policy board chief George Freeman warned today: 'Unless the Conservatives reunite around a pro-business Brexit and recast it as a moment of inspiring One Nation renewal for a new generation, we'll be next.'

On an explosive day in Westminster:

Seven MPs resigned from the Labour Party and set up The Independent Group, launching a furious blast at Jeremy Corbyn for transforming the party into a hotbed of abuse and racism

The 'gang of seven' are Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes and Gavin Shuker

Group includes former members of the shadow cabinet and includes politicians who have been MPs for decades

Corbyn hit back within moments to say he was 'disappointed' the MPs were defecting away from Labour

The left-wing Momentum group that supports Corbyn accused the MPs of wanting to drag Britain 'back to the politics of the past' as a furious backlash started on the left. Young Labour quoted the 'Red Flag' party anthem to brand the MPs 'cowards' and 'traitors'

Unite leader Len McCluskey told the BBC the anti-Semitism allegations were 'grossly unfair' and 'contrived'

But the Board of Deputies of British Jews said the defections were a 'searing indictment' of the state of the Labour Party after the anti-Semitism scandal

A jubilant Conservative Party seized on the split to warn Corbyn should never be allowed to do to the country what he has done to Labour

But attention will soon switch to whether any Tory MPs can be tempted to abandon Theresa May and hard Brexiteers and join the new group

Following the biggest split in British politics since the SDP was formed out of Labour in 1981, Mr Umunna (right) called for MPs from other parties to defect and join The Independent Group as he said British politics was 'broken'.

The Independent Group launched a new website and invited people to subscribe for updates today

In a joint statement, the seven MPs warned 'visceral hatreds of other people, views and opinions are commonplace in and around the Labour Party'.

The claims provoked a furious response from allies of Mr Corbyn. Len McCluskey claimed anti-Semitism in Labour was 'grossly unfair' and 'contrived'.

The 'gang of seven' are all fiercely anti-Brexit and most have called for a second referendum on the deal. The move is unlikely to change the balance of Commons votes on Brexit as several of the group already rebelled against Mr Corbyn - but their departure could firm up Mr Corbyn's position against a new vote.

Mr Corbyn hit back at the new movement within moments and blasted: 'I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election.'

A furious backlash from the left started immediately. The Momentum group that supports Mr Corbyn said the MPs wanted to 'drag Britain back to the politics of the past' while union chiefs warned they had 'no policies, no ideas and no direction'.

The Young Labour Twitter account vowed: 'Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we'll keep the red flag flying here.'

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell demanded the MPs resign their seats and fight by-elections - insisting it was the 'honourable' course of action after Mr Corbyn's manifesto helped them increase their majorities in 2017.

Attention will turn swiftly to which MPs - from both sides of the Commons - might follow the seven MPs out of their party and into the new group. Tory Nick Boles stopped short of denying he would join the group today - insisting only he was working with MPs of all parties to stop a no deal Brexit.

Opening a sensational press conference in Westminster, Ms Berger said she was resigning because she was ashamed and embarrassed' to be in Corbyn's Labour.

The MPs who have quit Corbyn's Labour The seven MPs to quit Corbyn's Labour today are: Chuka Umunna, Streatham (Supported Remain, constituency voted 79.5% Remain)

Luciana Berger, Liverpool Wavertree (Supported Remain, constituency voted 64.7% Remain)

Chris Leslie, Nottingham East (Supported Remain, constituency voted 57.1% Remain)

Angela Smith, Penistone and Stocksbridge (Supported Remain, constituency voted 60.7% Leave)

Gavin Shuker, Luton South (Supported Remain, constituency voted Leave 54.6%)

Mike Gapes, Ilford South (Supported Remain, constituency voted Remain 56.7%)

Ann Coffey, Stockport (Supported Reman, constituency voted Remain 53.2%) The new group joins other former Labour MPs who have walked away from the party since Mr Corbyn was first elected leader in 2015. They include Tristram Hunt and Jamie Reed who quit Parliament entirely to take up new jobs. Frank Field quit the parliamentary party last year in protest at the anti-Semitism scandal and now sits as an independent. John Woodcock left the party accusing it of 'rigging' an inquiry into harassment claims against him. He was a harsh critic of Mr Corbyn and vowed never to help him enter No 10.

She said: 'For my part, I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

'I have not changed. The core values of equality for all, opportunity for all, anti-racism against all and social justice - the values which I hold really dear and which led me to join the Labour Party as a student almost 20 years ago - remain who I am.

'And yet these values have been consistently and constantly violated, undermined and attacked, as the Labour Party today declines to my constituents and our country before party interests.

'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'

Former shadow chancellor Mr Leslie said Labour had been 'taken over' by the 'machine politics of the hard left' - insisting the party had left him and not that his values had changed.

Mr Leslie slammed Mr Corbyn's failure to endorse a second referendum on Brexit.

Veteran MP Mr Gapes said he was 'sickened that Labour is now racist anti-Semitic party and furious that Labour party complicit in facilitating Brexit'.

Mr Umunna called for defections from other parties and urged MPs to come and join the new movement if they 'share our values too'.

He said: 'For far too long, political parties in Westminster - parties of which we have been a part - have been failing you,' he said.

'If you are sick and tired of politics as usual, guess what? So are we.

'That's why we have done what we have done today and why we commit to do things differently.

'We don't have all the answers, so we will treat people like adults and be honest about the tough choices facing Britain.

'We don't have the big money or infrastructure of the political parties. All we can do is direct you to our website. Please sign up.

What is the Independent Group and can you vote for it? What happened today? Seven MPs resigned from the Labour Party and set up something called the Independent Group Is it a political party? No. It is a small business - technically a limited company - called Gemini A Ltd that was set up Gavin Shuker, one of the MPs, in January. Can I vote for it? No. Unless and until it registers with the Electoral Commission, it cannot stand candidates. Can I donate to it? Yes. The group is accepting donations through its website theindependent.group. It says donations will support the newly independent MPs. What does it want? All seven are Remain supporters and most of them have promoted a second referendum to cancel Brexit. They say they want evidence-based policy making to tackle the challenges facing Britain - without being inside a toxic Labour Party.

'We are asking you to help us shape what the next steps should be.

'Building a new politics cannot be done in committee rooms in Westminster, so we want to invite you - the British people - to join us in this endeavour.

'If you want an alternative, please help us build it. The bottom line is this - politics is broken, it doesn't have to be this way. Let's change it.'

Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference: 'I am sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party.

'I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country.

'Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues - from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela.

'A Corbyn Labour government would threaten our national security and international alliances.'

In a statement, the group said: 'Each of us has dedicated decades to the progressive values that were once held true by Labour, values which have since been abandoned by today's Labour Party.

'Labour now pursues policies that would weaken our national security; accepts the narratives of states hostile to our country; has failed to take a lead in addressing the challenge of Brexit and to provide a strong and coherent alternative to the Conservatives' approach; is passive in circumstances of international humanitarian distress; is hostile to businesses large and small; and threatens to destabilise the British economy in pursuit of ideological objectives.

'For a Party that once committed to pursue a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect, it has changed beyond recognition. Today, visceral hatreds of other people, views and opinions are commonplace in and around the Labour Party.'

Ann Coffey filed into the sensational press conference ahead of Mr Umunna today as the rebel group finally made its move

Angela Smith (left) and Gavin Shuker (right) joined in the explosive criticism of Corbyn's Labour Party and called on MPs to 'dump' the current model of British politics

Within moments of the mass resignation, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today leaving home) hit back: 'I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election'

Chuka Umunna is among the Labour MPs to have given up on the party today to set up a new 'Independent Group' in Parliament

Former shadow chancellor Mr Leslie said Labour had been 'taken over' by the 'machine politics of the hard left' - insisting the party had left him and not that his values had changed

Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell challenged the MPs to stand down and fight by-elections.

He told Sky News: 'All of these MPs stood on our manifesto in 2017.

What does the new Independent Group of MPs stand for? In a statement on its new website, The Independent Group said: Each of us has dedicated decades to the progressive values that were once held true by Labour, values which have since been abandoned by today's Labour Party. Labour now pursues policies that would weaken our national security; accepts the narratives of states hostile to our country; has failed to take a lead in addressing the challenge of Brexit and to provide a strong and coherent alternative to the Conservatives' approach; is passive in circumstances of international humanitarian distress; is hostile to businesses large and small; and threatens to destabilise the British economy in pursuit of ideological objectives. For a Party that once committed to pursue a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect, it has changed beyond recognition. Today, visceral hatreds of other people, views and opinions are commonplace in and around the Labour Party. It is not simply that our values are no longer welcome in the Labour Party; the values we hold mean that, in all conscience, we can have no confidence in the Party's collective leadership, competence or culture. To fix our broken politics, we are clear that we want to develop a different approach. We recognise that every member of our group has the right to be heard and a duty to lead. We commit to support each other and treat each other with respect. Sitting as the Independent Group of MPs we appeal to colleagues from all parties to consider the best interests of the country above short-term party-political considerations and choose to do likewise.

They all increased their majorities, now they're on a different platform.

'So the honourable thing is to stand down and fight the by-elections back in their constituencies.'

Asked how Labour would stop others MPs from quitting, he added: 'We'll do what we're doing always, which is an open door.

'We're listening to people all the time.

'But more importantly we're involving people all the time in the development and implementation of our policies.'

Former Home Secretary Lord David Blunkett was scathing about the group.

He said: 'Most of them are deeply middle class and don't know anything about real politics and statecraft and how you win in order to do things rather than win internally in order to push people out.'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'This is a desperately sad day. These seven MPs are all friends of mine. I served alongside them in Parliament.

'I'm proud to serve as Labour's Mayor of London and will stand as Labour's candidate at the next mayoral election.'

He added: 'History tells us that when the Labour Party splits, it leads to the Conservative Party winning the next election and the one after that and the one after that.

'What people I care about need is a Labour Government.

'One thing that's going to make that more difficult is Labour splits.'

The general secretary of the GMB union Tim Roache said: 'I gritted my teeth through the Blair era, when I disagreed with the Labour government on a host of issues. But I stayed in the party because Labour in power is always better than the alternative.

'It would be unforgivable now for those who have resigned to stand against good Labour candidates, risking a Tory government.'

But Labour MP Peter Kyle told Sky News: 'A Jewish woman has been bullied out of the Labour Party - what side of the line do we stand on?'

The registered office for the company behind The Independent Group is above a pub called The Unicorn

Ahead of today's event Labour MPs started insisting they would never leave their party.

Shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne said Labour had been his 'political home' for 27 years 'under Kinnock, Smith, Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn - and it will remain so'.

His statement was endorsed by Alison McGovern - a leading member of the centrist Progress faction of Labour.

She said: 'When I was growing up, if something good happened - not political - anything good - my Dad would describe it as a 'Labour Gain'.

'Can never turn my back on the fight to see Labour win.'

Shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth said: 'I've no idea of the truth of what may happen today but I plead with colleagues at this late stage to stay.

'The Labour Party needs a broad base, more importantly our constituents need a Labour government and a splinter only ever helps the Tories.'

The interventions suggest any breakaway will be met by fury from many of those who stay behind, even among those deeply opposed to Mr Corbyn.

Corbyn ally and Unite leader Len McCluskey yesterday urged the rebels to make their move if they were going to.

Rumours have swirled for months about the prospect of a split - with the MPs mulling whether to sit as independents or even form a new centrist party.

Mr McClusksey told the BBC's John Pienaar: 'If you are going to leave, for God's sake get on with it and stop pestering us through the media and through the TV.'

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell struck a more conciliatory tone yesterday, pleading with the MPs to stay for fear it would help the Tories.

He told Marr: 'It would be like the 1980s. My constituency in Hayes and Harlington, we had a Labour MP join the SDP and we lost the seat to the Conservatives.

'And it basically installed Mrs Thatcher in power for that decade.'

Mr McDonnell also defended an online 'loyalty pledge' that has seen Labour MPs facing pressure to back a commitment to 'work for the achievement of a Labour-led government' under whatever leadership.

Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at the rear entrance of Downing Street today after spending the weekend in her Maidenhead constituency

In a signal of a backlash against the splinter group, shadow communities secretary Andrew Gwynne said Labour had been his 'political home' for 27 years 'under Kinnock, Smith, Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn - and it will remain so'.

Alison McGovern - a leading member of the centrist Progress faction of Labour - said: 'When I was growing up, if something good happened - not political - anything good - my Dad would describe it as a 'Labour Gain'.'

Last night Labour MP Stephen Kinnock - linked by some to the rebel group - told BBC Radio 4's The Westminster Hour on Sunday: 'The talk has been going on so long that I say with great regret that, yes, there probably will be some kind of splintering.

'It just seems to have been in the rumour mill so long that it's unlikely that wouldn't be the outcome.'

Several Labour MPs have walked away from the party since Mr Corbyn was first elected leader in 2015.

They include Tristram Hunt and Jamie Reed who quit Parliament entirely to take up new jobs.

Frank Field quit the parliamentary party last year in protest at the anti-Semitism scandal and now sits as an independent.

John Woodcock left the party accusing it of 'rigging' an inquiry into harassment claims against him. He was a harsh critic of Mr Corbyn and vowed never to help him enter No 10.

John McDonnell (pictured) yesterday warned Labour MPs thinking of leaving that they could keep it out of a power for a decade if they take away votes in marginal seats

Luciana Berger: Dubbed a 'dirty little Zionist rat' by pro-Corbyn activists Heavily pregnant Luciana Berger, has been Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree' since 2010

Has been at the centre of the Labour party's anti-Semitism row and a vocal critic of Corbyn's leadership

Dubbed a 'dirty little Zionist rat' by pro-Corbyn activists, Luciana grew up in Wembley, in a close Jewish family

Her father runs a family home furnishing business, and until recently her mother worked in a palliative care unit

Liverpool Wavertree voted Remain by 64.7% in 2016. Ms Berger's stance on anti-Semitism has seen her face a torrent of abuse from online trolls and she required a police escort at last year's Labour Party conference after receiving death threats. Ms Berger, who is heavily pregnant and Jewish, recently faced a vote of no confidence by her local constituency party, which was eventually withdrawn after a heated row in the Labour ranks. During the press conference announcing the split, revealing she joined the Labour Party as a student 20 years ago, Ms Berger said she had become 'embarrassed and ashamed to remain'. Elected in 2010, during the last general election she secured a 29,466 majority, and has previously been shadow minister for public health and mental health, and currently sits on the Health and Social Care Committee. Ms Berger, a remainer, is a supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum on Brexit.

She said: 'This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision. 'We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values. 'From today, we will all sit in Parliament as a new independent group of MPs.' Ms Berger said she had become 'embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party'. 'I have not changed. The core values of equality for all, opportunity for all, anti-racism against all and social justice - the values which I hold really dear and which led me to join the Labour Party as a student almost 20 years ago - remain who I am. 'And yet these values have been consistently and constantly violated, undermined and attacked, as the Labour Party today declines to my constituents and our country before party interests. 'I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.'

Chuka Umunna: 'Politics is broken. It doesn't have to be this way' Chuka Umunna, the MP for Streatham since 2010. Umunna ran  briefly  for the Labour leadership in 2015. He withdrew citing a desire to protect his private life from scrutiny

Born in 1978 to a Nigerian father, who arrived in Liverpool in 1964 aged 23, according to Umunna's biog, 'with one suitcase and no money'; and an English-Irish mother, a probation officer and later lawyer who supported her family while Chuka's father built up his business.

His father, Bennett, died in a car crash soon after standing to be a governor of a Nigerian state on an anti-bribery platform in 1992

Streatham voted Remain by 79.5% in 2016 One of the leading voices in the People's Vote campaign, Mr Umunna has been the MP for Streatham in south London since 2010. At today's press conference, Mr Umunna said politics is 'broken' and Westminster parties have been 'failing' the public. He served under Ed Miliband as shadow business secretary between 2011 and 2015, and stood in the 2015 party leadership race, but withdrew after only three days, saying he was 'uncomfortable' with 'the added level of scrutiny that came with being a leadership candidate'. The 40-year-old quit the frontbench the day after Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader, citing differences over the UK's relationship with the EU. Mr Umunna won a 68.5% share of his constituency vote at the 2017 general election and holds a majority of more than 26,000. At the launch today, he said: 'It is time we dumped this country's old-fashioned politics,' he says. The UK needs a political party 'fit for the here and now' and the 'first step in leaving the tribal politics behind'. 'You don't join a political party to fight the people within it,' he says. The new group will have its first formal meeting in the coming days.' Umunna says the bottom line is: 'Politics is broken. It doesn't have to be this way. Let's change it.'

Mike Gapes: 'Sickened by party's anti-semitism' MP for Ilford South since the 1992 general election and one of the Labour Party's longest serving MPs

Is sickened by antisemitism in the party and is furious that the Labour leadership 'is facilitating Brexit'

Gapes was born in Wanstead Hospital, the son of a postman, and a shop assistant

He worked at Labour Party Headquarters for 15 years from 1977 until 1992 including serving from 1988 to 1992 as International Secretary of the Labour Party

Ilford South voted Remain by 56.7% in 2016. Veteran MP Mr Gapes said he was 'sickened that Labour is now racist anti-Semitic party and furious that Labour party complicit in facilitating Brexit' Mr Gapes, a former chairman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, told the press conference: 'I am sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party. 'I am furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit, which will cause great economic, social and political damage to our country. 'Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side on so many international issues - from Russia, to Syria, to Venezuela. 'A Corbyn Labour government would threaten our national security and international alliances.' In December 2018, Mr Gapes signed a letter in The Guardian calling for a second vote on Brexit. He, alongside 16 other MPs across Parliament, said: 'We call on all party leaders and parliament to trust the people with the final say so we can face the future united.'

Ann Coffey: 'I thought I'd be in Labour for the rest of my life' MP for Stockport since 1992 and one of Labour's longest serving politicians, after first being elected as a councillor in 1984

Accused Corbyn of 'tolerating' anti-Semitism so it is 'rife' inside the Labour Party

She is the author of Real Voices, an independent report into child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester published in October 2014

Stockport voted Remain by 53.2% in 2016 The MP for Stockport in Greater Manchester spent more than four decades in the Labour Party, and said she thought she would be a member 'until the end of [her] life' when she resigned the Labour whip on Monday. A supporter of a second referendum on Brexit, Ms Coffey, 72, was one of two MPs who tabled a motion of no-confidence in Jeremy Corbyn the day after the EU referendum. She said at the time: 'The result of the European Union referendum leaves this country in a mess. 'Leaders have to take responsibility and [Jeremy Corbyn] has to take his share of responsibility for this, and he should resign.' Announcing that she will now sit as an independent MP on Monday, Ms Coffey said the Labour Party 'is no longer a broad church'. She said: 'Any criticism is responded to with abuse and accusations of treachery. Anti-Semitism is rife and tolerated.' First elected in 1992, Ms Coffey has held a majority of almost 14,500 since the 2017 general election.

Angela Smith: Voters feel 'politically homeless' as the country faces huge challenges Has been an MP for two constituencies - first for Sheffield Hillsborough 2005-10 and since 2010 Penistone and Stocksbridge

Served as a shadow minister under Ed Miliband after being a Labour Party members since she was 16 years old

Before politics, she worked for five years in the NHS before a career as an English lecturer

She was targeted in the expenses scandal after it emerged she submitted claims for four beds for her one bedroom flat in London

Penistone and Stockbridge voted Leave by 60.7% in 2016 The 57-year-old MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge in South Yorkshire was first elected in May 2005 for Sheffield, Hillsborough. She won the 2017 general election contest with a 1,322 majority. Last month Mr Corbyn was criticised after he appeared to refuse to give way to Ms Smith during his Commons Brexit statement, which she suggested happened because she supports a second referendum. Over the years, the veteran MP has formed part of a number of parliamentary select committees, including transport and environment, food and rural affairs. In her statement as the Labour Party split was announced, highly critical of Mr Corbyn, Ms Smith said since his election as leader in 2015 there has been a change in the Labour Party that has 'destroyed the proud legacy built by our predecessors'. She also revealed that by the age of five she knew her voting intention, but that the current Labour Party is 'characterised by lazy, populist thinking'. Angela Smith rejected comparisons with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) breakaway in 1981. 'I just don't think the comparison with the SDP stands up to scrutiny,' said Ms Smith. 'This is a different century and the challenges that the country faces are on a scale that I don't think we have seen at any other time in the post-war period.' She added that voters felt 'politically homeless'.

Chris Leslie: 'Labour has been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left' Elected as MP for Nottingham East in 2010, Leslie was supposed to be a high flyer - serving briefly as shadow chancellor after the 2015 election

He was first elected as MP aged just 24, winning Shipley between 1997 and 2005 - serving as a junior minister under Tony Blair - before losing to Tory Philip Davies

Leslie worked for a Blairite think tank while out of Parliament

Nottingham East voted Remain by 57.1% In a video for his Twitter followers Chris Leslie said: 'Today I've announced I'm leaving the Labour Party and will continue to sit in Parliament representing Nottingham East in a new independent group of MPs. 'I've been a Labour Party member for more than three decades but the Labour Party I joined is no longer today's Labour Party. I did everything I could to save it but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left. 'My values haven't changed. I absolutely oppose this Conservative government and desperately want an alternative which tackles the barriers of poverty and discrimination by extending opportunity for all. 'But British politics is now well and truly broken and in all conscience I cannot look you in the face and honestly urge you to support a Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour government.'

Gavin Shuker: 'If you want to build something new, this is the moment to build it First elected in 2010 as the MP for Luton South

Educated at state school, he was leader and pastor of the City Life Church in Luton before entering politics

Luton South voted Leave by 54.6% Mr Shuker, in a direct appeal for donations, added: 'If you want to build something new, if you feel as politically homeless as us, this is the moment to build it.' He told his constituents: 'My decision to leave the Party is rooted in my commitment to the constituents of Luton South and to making decisions in their best interests. 'Today, the Labour party is riddled with anti-Semitism, it presents a threat to our national security and it's perfectly content to enable the hard Tory Brexit that will directly and negatively affect people in Luton. 'At a national level, I hope you'll agree that politics, as it is, is broken. None of the parties are providing the leadership that we need at this moment of crisis, and you've been trying to tell us this for a long time - not just since Brexit. That's why my hope is that the actions I've taken today, alongside others, will enable us to change politics, together.'

'Between this and Brexit we're f***ed': BBC microphone gaffe as journalist accidentally shares his thoughts on anti-Corbyn MPs' press conference live on air

The BBC has been forced to apologise after it accidentally broadcast a journalist telling a colleague, 'we're f****d' live on air today.

The gaffe came as the BBC News channel broadcast live footage of seven Labour MPs dramatically resigning from the party to create a new Independent Group.

But in an impromptu commentary, a member of the audience can be heard saying: 'Between this and Brexit, we are actually f****d. The Conservatives are going to win.'

Chuka Umunna called for MPs from other parties to defect and join The Independent Group as he said British politics was 'broken'. Shortly after he finished speaking, a journalist could be heard sharing his thoughts

Viewers watching the BBC livestream were pick to quick up on the gaffe

It remains unclear whether the man who could be heard over the BBC feed works for the corporation or was representing another media organisation.

He could be heard giving his sombre outlook after Chuka Umunna addressed the audience at the press conference at London's County Hall.

As Luciana Berger thanked family and friends for their support, the man says: 'We're going to be so divided.'

The pair can then be heard muttering and giggling as the MPs answer questions.

BBC presenter Samira Ahmed, who was presenting the Victoria Derbyshire show, later apologised for the expletives.

She said: 'I should say for those who were listening to that live news conference, there was some bad language apparently, so we do apologise if anyone was offended by what they might have heard.'

Claims up to 100 moderates face DESELECTION battles from Corbyn's Labour including Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman and Yvette Cooper

By John Stevens, Deputy Political Editor for the Daily Mail

Labour went over the cliff of a bitter split today amid claims up to a hundred MPs face the threat of a deselection battle.

The claims emerged just hours before seven MPs resigned from the Labour Party in the biggest schism in British politics since 1981.

Moderates believe party grandees including Ed Miliband, Harriet Harman, Yvette Cooper and Dame Margaret Beckett will all face attempts to oust them, along with Labour frontbenchers Diane Abbott and Dan Carden.

It is anticipated that around a quarter of the 100 MPs expected to be subject to a contest will lose, removing them as Labour candidates for the next election.

Moderates believe party grandees including Ed Miliband (left), Harriet Harman, Yvette Cooper (right) and Dame Margaret Beckett will all face attempts to oust them

Others believed to have little chance of surviving deselection challenges include former party leadership candidates Mary Creagh and Angela Eagle, Commons Brexit committee chairman Hilary Benn, leading Brexiteer Kate Hoey and former international development spokesman Kate Osamor.

The deselection process does not usually happen until much nearer the next election, but Labour's general secretary Jennie Formby has already started discussions on setting the timetable  raising fears it could start within months.

Many of those facing the prospect of deselection have warned they will stand as independents if they are removed.

Moderates believe party grandees including Dame Margaret Beckett (left) and Harriet Harman (right) will all face attempts to oust them

One of those involved in discussions about a breakaway group has told colleagues that whilst they have reservations about whether it will be a success, they are determined not to simply walk away as they want to 'burn the house down' on their way out.

John McDonnell yesterday warned Labour MPs thinking of leaving that they could keep it out of a power for a decade if they take away votes in marginal seats.

LABOUR MPs FACING DESELECTION Ian Austin, Dudley North Hilary Benn, Leeds Central Mary Creagh, Wakefield Thangam Debbonaire, Bristol West Angela Eagle, Wallasey Dame Louise Ellman, Liverpool Riverside Kate Hoey, Vauxhall Darren Jones, Bristol North West Kate Osamor, Edmonton

The shadow chancellor told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: 'It would be like the 1980s. My constituency in Hayes and Harlington, we had a Labour MP join the SDP and we lost the seat to the Conservatives.

'And it basically installed Mrs Thatcher in power for that decade.'

Mr McDonnell also defended an online 'loyalty pledge' that has seen Labour MPs facing pressure to back a commitment to 'work for the achievement of a Labour-led government' under whatever leadership.

A number of Labour MPs including Mr McDonnell, shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey and shadow education secretary Angela Rayner tweeted their support for the pledge.

Mr McDonnell said people wanted 'reassurance' that their MPs are 'Labour through and through', and stressed that he does not see 'any need' for anyone to split from the party.

But Unite general secretary Len McCluskey took a different stance. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he told those thinking about quitting the party: 'If you are going to leave, for God's sake get on with it and stop pestering us through the media and through the TV, and let the rest of us fight for a better Britain or stay and help us.'

Dame Margaret told Sky News's Sophy Ridge on Sunday it would be 'a mistake' for the MPs to go.
A teenage girl killed in a suspected high-speed drag race crash has been remembered as a 'beautiful angel' taken too soon.

Nikkita Wells, 17, was in the back seat of a silver Holden Commodore with her 19-year-old sister behind the wheel when careered into another car in Melbourne's east on Sunday afternoon.

Victoria Police believe at least two of the three cars involved in the horror crash were drag racing in broad daylight.

Back seat passenger Nikkita-lee Wells (pictured) died on Sunday after a horror multi-car crash

The teenager is believed to have been in the back seat, with her 19-year-old sister driving

Ms Wells, from Narre Warren, was the only fatality in the pile-up.

Five others were rushed to hospital, including a pre-school aged boy, leaving behind a scene of destruction and debris.

One of the cars was torn entirely in half after it smashed into a power pole, leaving twisted scraps of metal and glass shards strewn across the road.

Friends have flocked to social media to pay tribute to Ms Wells, describing her as a 'beautiful soul'.

'Rest in paradise beautiful, I'll forever cherish my moments with you. Love you & fly high angel,' one friend wrote.

'After hearing what I thought could only be a nightmare unfortunately was true... yesterday we lost a beautiful young girl who always brought joy to those around her.

'My condolences for her family. Rest in paradise Nikkita-lee Wells.'

Ms Wells has been remembered as a 'beautiful soul' on social media by devastated friends

A 17-year-old teenage girl is dead and six other people have been rushed to hospital after a horrific multi car crash in Melbourne's east (pictured)

A friend of one of the other drivers involved in the crash told The Age they were cut off by a white car before losing control of their vehicle.

'They sounded the horn [but it] was too late,' the friend said. 'The white car took them out and the end result is in the photos.'

Residents in Rowville, where the horror crash occurred, said they saw cars 'flying' down the road.

At about 12pm on Sunday three cars collided near Kelletts Road, Rowville, the 17-year-old girl, from Narre Warren, was a passenger of one of the vehicles and died at the scene

Today's death now brings the Victorian road toll for 2019 to 46, 18 more than the same time in 2018

The drivers of each of the three vehicles spent Sunday assisting police with their enquiries.

They include a 27-year-old Pakenham man, a 19-year-old Narre Warren woman, believed to be the victim's sister, and 26-year-old man from Clyde North.

No charges have been laid, with police appealing for dash-cam footage taken before or during the suspected drag race from any passing cars.

The death brings the Victorian road toll for 2019 to 46, 18 more than the same time in 2018.
Jenna Johnson, 27, was found dead at her home in Thurso in the Scottish Highlands

A mother-of-two killed herself after she was drugged and raped by two men who filmed the attack, relatives have claimed.

Jenna Johnson, 27, was found dead at her home in the Scottish Highlands town of Thurso after failing to arrive at her mother's house for lunch with her family.

Her relatives believe she feared a video of her being attacked ten days earlier would be circulated - after she woke on December 23 to find herself covered in bruises, scratches and needle marks.

She claimed she had been seriously sexually assaulted by one man and raped by another, with the two having told her they would publish the video and this would lead to her losing her children.

Ms Johnson took her own life on January 1 and Police Scotland have insisted there were no suspicious circumstances. The apparent video footage was never released.

Her body was forensically examined in Glasgow after she died, but tests were inconclusive over any sexual assault or rape because so much time had elapsed.

Ms Johnson (left), pictured with her younger sister Kelsey (centre), 21, and mother Carol (right) on a flight to Dubai several years ago

Ms Johnson told her close friends and 21-year-old sister Kelsey who she thought had carried out the assault  and now they want justice, reported the Daily Record.

Kelsey said: 'It seemed a few people in the community knew these two guys had drugged and raped her and filmed it, because they had been boasting about it.

'They told Jenna they had filmed themselves doing sexual things to her and were threatening to send it to people, saying she'd lose her kids.

'I don't know if they were blackmailing her or just enjoying having power over her but she was distraught. Jenna was a loyal friend and totally devoted to her kids.'

Ms Johnson was found dead at her home in this area of Thurso (file image) on New Year's Day

One of the men Ms Johnson accused is also suspected locally to have murdered Stefan Sutherland, 25, who was found dead on a beach after a night out in 2013.

Police insist there were no suspicious circumstances regarding Mr Sutherland's death, despite his blood allegedly being found on the walls of the suspect's home.

Mr Sutherland's father Sandy said: 'This guy should have been in jail for Stefan's murder and if he had been, another family would not be suffering as we have.'

A Police Scotland spokesman told MailOnline: 'Officers attended a report of the sudden death of a 27-year-old woman in Thurso on Tuesday, January 1.'

'The circumstances of her death are non-suspicious. Further police enquiries are going to establish the full circumstances relating to this incident.

One of the men Ms Johnson accused is also suspected locally to have killed Stefan Sutherland (right, with his father Sandy), 25, who was found dead on a beach after a night out in 2013

Sandy Sutherland, pictured with his wife Sandra, said: 'This guy should have been in jail for Stefan's murder and if he had been, another family would not be suffering as we have'

'A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal, as is standard for sudden deaths. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time and they are being provided with support by specialist officers.'

Speaking about the death of Mr Sutherland, Detective Superintendent Colin Carey said: 'We can confirm following a thorough investigation into the death of Stefan Sutherland in September 2013 there were no suspicious circumstances and as with all sudden deaths a report was sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

'Further information received since the initial investigation has been subject to thorough review and all findings have been shared with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

'We will continue to review any new information which is reported to Police Scotland in connection with the death of Stefan Sutherland.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details
Nor Aden Hamada, 23, was arrested on Sunday at Gatwick airport as he returned to the UK

Detectives investigating the New Year's Eve stabbing of a bouncer outside a 'high-class sex party' in Mayfair have charged a fourth man with murder.

Nor Aden Hamada, 23, was arrested on Sunday at Gatwick airport as he returned to the UK, the Metropolitan Police said.

Hamada was quizzed at a London police station before he was charged with the murder of Tudor Simionov, alongside four counts of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court later today.

Mr Simionov, 33, was working outside an exclusive private event at Fountain House when he was attacked at around 5.30am on January 1.

Three men and a woman also received knife injuries during the attack but they were all released from hospital.

Police confirmed in a statement that they are still hunting Ossama Hamed, 25, in connection with the murder.

Three men were arrested and charged over the killing in the space of two days last month.

Hamada was quizzed at a London police station before he was charged with the murder of Tudor Simionov (Pictured with girlfriend Madalina Anghel)

Haroon Akram, 25, was arrested on January 28 on suspicion of murder.

He was charged the following day with the murder of Mr Simionov, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Adham Khalil, 20, was arrested a day later and charged with the murder of Mr Simionov, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Adham Elshalakany, 23, was also arrested on January 29 and charged with Mr Simionov's murder, four counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of violent disorder.

Mr Simionov, 33, was working outside an exclusive private event at Fountain House when he was attacked at around 5.30am

Three men and a woman also received knife injuries during the attack but they were all quickly released from hospital (Circled, Tudor Siminov shortly before the incident on New Year's Day)

A 26-year-old woman was previously charged with perverting the course of justice and a 25-year-old man charged with violent disorder.

Anyone with information about Hamed or the investigation, including any footage of the attack, can contact police on 0208 358 0300 and quote 3276/1Jan or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For an immediate sighting of Hamed dial 999, police said.
The question that sent Roberta Williams into a violent rage and caused her to choke a reporter against a hotel wall has been revealed.

The widow of notorious slain gangster Carl Williams was being interviewed by A Current Affair when she flew into a fit of rage.

Mrs Williams allegedly grabbed reporter Reid Butler by the neck and slammed him into a wall during the feisty television interview.

The full interview, which aired on Monday night, showed how a comment by Butler about how her husband 'committed four atrocious murders' set Ms Williams off.

The interview started well with Mrs Williams and journalist Reid Butler exchanging pleasantries.

But their discussion of how informant Lawyer X may have allegedly landed her Melbourne gangster husband in jail soon turned sour when Butler made the remark.

'Informant X was a very small part of this. Carl Williams committed four atrocious murders,' the reporter said.

'He ordered hits on four people.'

But before he could say anything more, Ms Williams angrily looked out of shot, saying: 'we're not getting into this sorry, this wasn't part of this'.

Butler tried to justify his line of questioning as she stormed out of the door, prompting her to warn 'you're going to get me really angry'.

The probing question that sent slain gangland widow Roberta Williams (pictured) into a rage and caused her to violently snap and hit a reporter has been revealed

With a crowd of people surrounding them, she also lashed out at Butler with her hand - saying 'seven f***ing questions'

The confrontation then took a violent turn as the reporter followed her in an attempt to explain himself.

Ms Williams also threw camera equipment onto the floor during the chaotic scenes, and could be seen grappling with the reporter in the hallway.

With a crowd of people surrounding them, she allegedly grabbed Butler by the neck with her hand, saying 'seven f***ing questions you gave me.'

Butler said he felt shaken and was left bleeding after his encounter with Mrs Williams.

'She's ... tried to wrestle documents out of my hand in the corridor, and there's a bizarre tussle between us. She's scratched my hand in that process and I was bleeding,' Butler told news.com.au.

'Throughout all of this she was screaming threats and calling me a dog, and saying she was going to kill my family and cave our heads in, which was bloody confronting.'

Their discussion of how informant lawyer X may have allegedly landed her Melbourne gangster husband in jail turned sour when Butler (pictured) remarked that Carl Williams 'committed four atrocious murders'

Ms Williams also threw camera equipment onto the floor (pictured) during the chaotic scenes, and could be seen grappling with the reporter in the hallway

Butler said Ms Williams lunged towards him and grabbed his neck, throwing his head towards the wall after he asked her a touchy question.

'I wasn't expecting it. The crew wasn't expecting it. It enraged her,' Butler said.

The journalist said he would not be seeking charges against Mrs Williams, who was 'really stressed'.

'I know it was a mistake by Roberta. Like I said, not in a great state of mind right now and is feeling highly stressed and emotional,' Butler said.

The interview comes as a Royal Commission into the police use of gangsters' lawyers as informers gets under way.

The convictions of several gangsters could reportedly be overturned because their defence barrister was a police informer known as Informer 3838, meaning their trials were not fair.

Carl Williams kisses his daughter Dhakota after being granted bail in December 2003, as his wife watches on in the left of the picture smiling

The lawyer worked for Williams and others but led a double life as a police informer from 1996 to 2009.

Speaking about the female lawyer, Mrs Willams said: 'She was like one of the boys.

'She was playing two sides of the fence, so of course it was a front.

'She came into this to put Carl in prison for the rest of his life.'

Mrs Williams said if her husband were still alive his conviction would be overturned and he would be set free.

Williams was murdered in April 2010 by a fellow inmate in a secure unit of Barwon Prison after he agreed to rat against fellow criminals in exchange for extraordinary concessions from Victorian authorities.

In chilling prison CCTV footage, Williams is seen reading the newspaper with his killer standing behind him with the exercise bike saddle that would be used to bludgeon him to death.
A backpacker bled to death on a barbed wire fence after falling from a fifth floor hostel ledge while practising yoga, police believe.

Vera Maceiras Rijo, 27, was discovered in her pyjamas with her top pulled up stuck in a razor-wire fence next to an abandoned building in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday morning at 8am.

The Portuguese woman had celebrated her birthday on Wednesday just days before she was found dead.

Portuguese backpacker Vera Maceiras Rijo, 27, was found dead on a barbed wire below a Thailand hostel where she was staying with her sister

Police suspect she plunged from the fifth floor of a hostel she was staying in after climbing out of a window and practising yoga on a narrow ledge at 5am.

Investigators are now looking at how she came to be found in the unusual position - 50ft below and around 14ft to the right of where she is said to have fallen from.

Police believe she then became tangled in the barb before hitting the ground and bled to death while she was still alive. She was discovered by locals at around 8am.

Ms Rijo's devastated older sister, who had been staying in the same hostel room with her, was alerted and was seen on video walking out of the abandoned building in tears as paramedics loaded the dead body into an ambulance.

It is believed she bled to death after landing on the barbed wire fence where she was found early on Sunday morning

Speaking from the scene, Lieutenant Colonel Supachai Haankamkla from the Bang Rak district police station, said: 'We don't know how she died. The body has been sent to the hospital who will find the cause of death. The hospital will send the findings back to the police.'

Local media reported that police later checked hotel CCTV which showed Vera leaving her room on the third floor and walking up the stairs to the window at the fifth floor.

Police investigations continue into the backpacker's death with authorities not ruling out suspicious circumstances

They said it was known that she liked to stand on the ledge while doing yoga.

Officers said that suicide was one possibility but they could not confirm that because no suicide letter had been found.

The position of the hotel ledge - some 14ft to the right of her dead body, 50ft above and with protruding iron railings on the outside of the building - means police are also considering the possibility she was killed before being left on the fence.

Lieutenant Colonel Supachai Haankamkla was asked why the body was in an unusual position, far away from the place where police say she fell from.

He said: 'We're not sure if she jumped from the hotel. Maybe she walked further along the roof then jumped off. We don't know anything else. We don't know how she died.

'She did not hit the ground so she could have been dead first or died while she was tangled in the barbed wire. Maybe if someone had found her earlier they could have saved her.'

Asked if she could have been killed first then dumped on the fence, he said: 'It's possible. We don't know. We will investigate what happened before she died.'
The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution deals with presidential authority in the event of death or removal from office, and was ratified in 1967, in the wake of John F Kennedy's assassination.

What does the 25th Amendment say?

It is in four sections, all dealing with the president leaving office during his or her elected term.

The first section states that the vice president takes over the Oval Office if the president dies or resigns  or is removed  something which the original Constitution did not clearly state.

Presidents of course can be removed by impeachment, a feature of the constitution from the start. They can also be removed through the 25th Amendment - of which more below.

Section II states that if the vice president dies, or resigns  or is fired  both the House and Senate have to confirm a new vice president. Until 1967, presidents could change vice presidents mid-term on their own if they got the vice president to agree to resign - not something that actually happened, but which was possible in principle.

Section III makes clear that a president can temporarily delegate his powers to the vice president, and later reclaim them when he - or she - is capable of serving. This is most often invoked if a president is under the influence of surgical anesthetic for a short period of time.

Section IV is the amendment's most controversial part: it describes how the president can be removed from office if he is incapacitated and does not leave on his own.

The vice president and 'a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' must write to both the president pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, saying that 'the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.'

The term principal officers of the executive departments would normally mean the cabinet secretaries.

So at least eight of the president's 15 most senior Cabinet members together with the vice president must agree that a president should be removed before any plan can move forward.

Notifying the House Speaker and the Senate president pro tempore is the act that immediately elevates the vice president to an 'acting president' role.

The deposed president can contest the claim, giving the leaders of the bloodless coup four days to re-assert their claims to the House and Senate.

Congress then has two days to convene  unless it is already in session  and another 21 days to vote on whether the president is incapable of serving. A two-thirds majority in both houses is required to make that determination.

As soon as there is a vote with a two-thirds majority, the president loses his powers and is removed, and the vice president stops acting and is sworn in as president.

But if 21 days of debate and votes ends without a two-thirds majority, the president gets back his powers.

What could happen to trigger the 25th Amendment?

Vice President Mike Pence and eight of the 15 'principal' Cabinet members would have to agree to notify Congress that President Donald Trump was incapable of running the country.

That group is made up of the Secretary of State, Treasury Secretary, Secretary of Defense, Attorney General, Interior Secretary, Agriculture Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Labor Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretary, Transportation Secretary, Energy Secretary , Education Secretary, Veterans Affairs Secretary and Homeland Security Secretary.

Their formal notification would go to the House Speaker and, in the senate, to the 'president pro tempore', the Senate's most senior member. As soon as the letter is sent, Pence would become 'acting president.'

Alternatively, Congress could set up its own mechanism to decide if he is fit for office - maybe a commission, or a joint committee. Pence would still have to agree with its conclusion and then write formally to the Speaker and president pro tempore.

Or another possibility is that the pool of 'principal officers' is considered to be bigger than the 15 and a majority of that group call Trump incapable.

What if Trump does not agree?

If Trump claims he is capable of holding office, he would write to the House Speaker and the president pro tempore of the Senate within four days, setting up three weeks of intense debate in both houses of Congress.

Trump would be removed from office if both two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate agreed with Pence and his cabal.

If either of both chambers fell short of that mark, Trump would retain his powers and likely embark on a wholesale housecleaning, firing Pence and replacing disloyal Cabinet members.

Are there any loopholes?

The 25th Amendment allows Congress to appoint its own panel to evaluate the president instead of relying on the Cabinet  the men and women who work most closely with Trump  to decide on a course of action.

It specifies that some 'other body as Congress may by law provide' could play that role, but Pence would still need to agree with any finding that the president is incapable of discharging his duties.

That commission could hypothetically include anyone from presidential historians to psychiatrists, entrusted to assess the president's fitness for office.

Another loophole is that it does not spell out that the Cabinet is needed to agree, but says that the 'principal officers' of the departments are needed. That term is undefined in the constitution. In some departments legislation appears to name not just the secretary but deputies and even undersecretaries as 'principal officers', so many more people could be called in to the assessment of Trump's fitness.

But Trump's cabinet has a swathe of 'acting' cabinet officer - and it is unclear if they could therefore take part in removing him.

Could Trump fire Pence if he rebelled?

No. The vice president can resign or be impeached and removed - but he does not serve at the pleasure of the president.

Is there any precedent for this?

No. Only Section III, the voluntary surrender of presidential powers, has ever been used - and only very briefly.

In December 1978, President Jimmy Carter thought about invoking Section III when he was contemplating a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids.

Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush both voluntarily relinquished their powers while undergoing procedures under anesthetic.

Section IV has also never been invoked, although there have been claims that Ronald Reagan's chief of staff Donald Regan told his successor, Howard Baker, in 1987 that he should be prepared to invoke it because Reagan was inattentive and inept.

The PBS documentary 'American Experience' recounts how Baker and his team watched Reagan closely for signs of incapacity during their first meeting and decided he was in perfect command of himself.
A mountain lion had to be rescued after it got stuck up a tree outside a house in California.

The big cat was spotted outside the home in the Southern California desert by the shocked resident on Saturday.

Firefighters rescued the huge animal from the branches after the worried homeowner, who was working in their yard at the time.

The authorities called to the scene in Hesperia near the edge of the San Bernardino Mountains at around 4.20pm.

The huge mountain lion was seen resting in a tree in the back yard on the edge of the San Bernardino mountains

Rescuers had to climb 50ft up the tree and lower the cougar from the branches after tranquilizing the wild animal

San Bernardino County firefighters found the large mountain lion perched on a branch about 50 feet (15 meters) high.

State wildlife personnel tranquilized the animal and firefighters lowered it to the ground using a rescue harness.

A biologist evaluated the cougar before it was released back into the wild.

State Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Rick Fischer said it is not uncommon for mountain lions to wander outside their habitat in the nearby mountains.

He added: 'Leaving the lion in the tree would not have been safe for the community.

The puma was sedated by rescuers and given a check-up before being released back into the wild

The cougar was so high up firefighters had to use ladders to be able to tranquilize the animal

'Once the lion regained consciousness we ensured he safely returned to his suitable habitat.'

Kevin Brennan, a biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said: 'It is common for young mountain lions to wander outside what some would consider normal habitat in an attempt to establish their territory.'

Attacks on humans are rare but the big cats will prey on pets and livestock.
A British medical researcher jailed for slapping an immigration officer in Bali claims she is being tortured in the detention centre where she is serving her sentence and compares her jailors to the killers of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.

In an extraordinary series of messages sent from inside the notoriously harsh lock-up where she is serving her six-month sentence, Auj-e Taqaddas posted pictures she says shows her 'torture' injuries.

The 43-year-old Londoner  jailed for slapping an immigration officer in a row a 3,100 fine for overstaying her tourist visa  claims: 'I nearly lost my life in one torture incident. They are like khoshoggi's killers (sic).'

Auj-e Taqaddas - who was jailed for six months for attacking an immigration official in Bali has posted pictures she says shows her 'torture' injuries inflicted by guards after being sentenced

Ms Taqaddas, whose family in the UK has reportedly disowned her, is led away by officials after her February 6 trial in Bali, where she was sentenced to six months in prison for the attack

Her pictures show bruising and hand marks on her arms and legs purportedly inflicted in the days after she was sentenced on February 6 and wrote: 'Please quickly arrange my exit from Indonesia as my life is not safe her.'

Taqaddas also claims British consular officials had been refused permission to visit her and accused them of siding with the Indonesian officials in blocking her right to an appeal as she made a bizarre plea for sanctuary in Russia.

She wrote: 'It looks like UK has chosen corrupt, uncivilized and ugly Indonesia/Bali as partner in crime and therefore I would like to choose civilized and beautiful Russia as my country of Residence and refuge.'

The messages were posted on a Twitter account in Taqaddas's name, which has just three followers, in the days following her conviction on February 6 for slapping an immigration officer in the face at Bali airport.

She posted a stream of messages from inside the detention centre on February 8 and February 11 including pictures of her alleged injuries before suddenly going silent, indicating that her phone has since been confiscated.

Ms Taqaddas arrived at the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, heading to Singapore. She was filmed slapping an immigration official after being fined for overstaying her visa

Taqaddas was jailed for violence against an immigration officer in an incident on July 28 last year when she was told to pay a fine of 300,000 Rupiah a day for overstaying her visa by 160 days as she tried to leave the holiday island.

Video of Taqaddas slapping the officer went viral and she was eventually arrested and brought to court on February 6 after three times failing to answer bail to appear in court.

Mail Online discovered Taqaddas had in fact been hiding in plain sight, living a solitary existence in budget hotels along the popular Kuta beach strip where she was regularly seen by residents sitting alone beside swimming pools along the seafront.

She even got into a furious row with staff in one hotel when they failed to put bottles of mineral water in her room, according to witnesses. 'Ms Taqaddas was a somewhat temperamental and bad-tempered guest,' said the hotel manager, who asked not to be named.

Taqaddas was eventually arrested in a shopping mall opposite the 16-a-night Edelweis Hotel where she was staying on February 6 and taken straight to court to be tried after a public tussle with her arresting officers.

On the day of her sentencing, an official from the prosecutor's office Waher Tarihorang denied any violence in the arrest of Taqaddas but said his officials had 'the right to take forcible action to bring her to court' after she missed earlier court dates.

The 43-year-old posted photos of what she claims are torture injuries inflicted on February 7 and says: 'I nearly lost my life in one torture incident. They are like khoshoggi's killers'

Taqaddas is being made to serve her sentence in the high-security Immigration Detention Centre in the island's Jimbaran district where she is being refused any visits

Inmates at the detention centre (pictured) are usually only held for short periods before being deported. It has no exercise facilities and notoriously poor conditions with cramped cells

A British drugs convict, who was held in immigration detention for 10 days before being deported to the UK told Mail Online: 'It's like being on Death Row only with much worse food.'

Ms Taqaddas, whose family live in the UK, is being held at the immigration detention centre (pictured) despite being convicted of a criminal offence in Bali

Taqaddas, previously a radiology specialist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London before leaving the UK around eight years ago, has been disowned by her own family in London who say they are 'deeply ashamed' at her behaviour in Bali.

Unusually for someone convicted of a criminal rather than an immigration offence, Taqaddas is being made to serve her sentence in the high-security Immigration Detention Centre in the island's Jimbaran district where she is being refused any visits.

Detainees are usually only held at the centre for short periods before being deported and it has no exercise facilities and notoriously poor conditions with cramped cells, bad food, and high rates of suicide and self-harm.

A prison visitor working for a church charity who tried to visit her on Monday (Feb 18th) was told Taqaddas was a 'special case' and could only be visited with the express permission of the prosecutor, who had demanded a one-year jail term for the assault.

In one Tweet posted on February 11, Taqaddas claims she was tortured in custody on February 7  the day after her sentencing  and posted a picture showing her apparently bruised arm, claiming her injuries were the reason she was denied consular visits.

She wrote: 'He (the prosecutor) allowed tortured on 7th Feb 2019 and he is desperately trying to hide his crime. He did not want UK high commission to take photos of my injuries.'

Taqaddas said she had been told she had only one week to appeal her sentence but was being refused any help in lodging her appeal, which if it goes ahead could ironically result in her spending months longer in custody because of Bali's slow judicial system.

Taqaddas kicks out at the men trying to arrest her in a shopping mall, in another extraordinary tantrum before her court appearance

The British medical researcher, previously a radiology specialist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, struggles against her arrest after she had allegedly failed to appear in court

Ms Taqaddas, who left the UK eight years was filmed yelling at an officer as she is arrested in a shopping mall before her trial in Indonesia

She continued her rant during her appearance in the Bali courtroom, shouting and pointing as she is flanked by the men who arrested her before she was sentenced to six months in jail

'The UK high commission and consulate are refusing to come to see me as prosecutor has told them they can not see me,' she wrote. 'They both are liars. I am entitled to see whoever I want especially my embassy staff but they are making lousy excuses to delay appeal process.'

In an onslaught of angry messages, she criticises British officials, citing their efforts to secure the release of the British academic Matthew Hedges arrested for spying in the United Arab Emirates.

'UK seems to interfere in legal affairs of UAE when Mathew (sic) Hedges receives a verdict against him but UK is incapable to interfere when dirty Bali and Indonesia openly abuse my human rights. I can not take this anymore.'

Before her arrest and sentencing, Taqaddas posted scores of similar, manic messages on the same Twitter account in December and January, alleging torture and assault during her previous encounters with officials concerning her visa overstay.

She appealed for the United Nations Human Rights Commission to intervene on her behalf as well as members of the British Royal family including the Queen, Prince Charles, and Prince William.

In them, she also posts pictures of apparent injuries to her arms and legs which appear to have been taken in hotel rooms she was staying in at the time.

Whatever the truth of Taqaddas's torture claims, conditions in the detention centre where she is being held are unquestionably bleak with former inmates describing appalling food, rats, and horrendous conditions in the basement cells.

One British drugs convict, who was held in immigration detention for 10 days before being deported to the UK after completing his jail term in 2017, told Mail Online: 'It's like being on Death Row only with much worse food.'

'There's graffiti on the wall about suicide and slashing your wrists,' said the convict, who spoke on condition of anonymity. 'There was one woman just screaming and crying for days that she wanted to die.

'They leave bright lights on 24 hours a day. You hear screams and noises there all the time even when there's no one around. If you who's making the noise, the other prisoners will tell you it's the spirits of the people who've killed themselves there.

'It nearly drove me mad in the few days I was there. It would be a truly horrendous place for a woman who is on her own and who frankly may not be all that stable in the first place.'
EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, 48, pictured in London's Mayfair in July 2015

EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and her ten-year-old daughter were left crying and fearing they would be separated over a visa issue in India.

The 48-year-old star, who plays Mel Owen in the BBC soap, had been planning a yoga retreat in Goa with Florence 'after a difficult year'.

But their plan was thwarted by airport immigration officials who turned them away because Outhwaite had a passport stamp in Mumbai for a connecting flight to London over the New Year period.

The actress was left scared she would be separated from Florence because the girl's visa was valid  but hers was not.

They had been sitting 'crying' in immigration at Goa Airport, but eventually returned home on another nine-hour flight to Britain.

Florence is one of two daughters Outhwaite shares with ex-husband Tom Ellis, who is known for the BBC comedy Miranda and US series Lucifer.

Outhwaite, whose other daughter is six-year-old Marnie Mae, lives in a 1.7million five-bedroom house in Crouch End, North London.

Outhwaite, pictured last October with her two daughters, Florence, ten, and Marnie Mae, six

Outhwaite, pictured with Florence last September, said that 'only having one week for a mother/daughter healing holiday after a difficult year means we are now looking for a new trip'

Outhwaite is pictured as Mel Owen on the BBC's EastEnders (left) and with her now ex-husband Tom Ellis (right) in London in June 2010

In a series of tweets posted yesterday afternoon, she said: 'My ten-year-old and I have just been refused entry into India due to my visa, which was still valid.

'But apparently a passport stamp in Mumbai to get a connecting flight to London at New Year counts as entry.

'We both sat crying in immigration at Goa Airport but nobody died and, after another nine hour flight, we are back in Blighty!

'Only having one week for a mother/daughter healing holiday after a difficult year means we are now looking for a new trip.

In a series of tweets posted yesterday afternoon, Outhwaite explained what had happened

'It won't be a family yoga retreat but a bonding trip will suffice.

'I feel very proud of my daughter, who cried, as I did, but was mostly worried that we may be separated like families in the US, as her visa was valid but mine not.

'Fortunately we are home. I'm a country I feel lucky and proud to live in. #backgammontimes #scarybuthome.'

Outhwaite added that strangers had helped them at Goa Airport by handing them tissues  and that she was now in the market for a last-minute holiday elsewhere.
Jihadi bride Shamima Begum has revealed that she is ready to face prison if she's allowed to return to the UK with her newborn son Jerah.

Begum ran away to marry an ISIS fighter four years ago - but now wants to return to the UK after the terror group's so-called 'caliphate' crumbled into dust.

The mother also shrugged off the murders of British terror victims in an interview as she claimed they were 'retaliation' for the war being fought against ISIS.

On Monday Begum told the BBC's Quentin Sommerville that she's prepared to be jailed, was a 'poster girl' for the group and still has 'sympathy' for IS.

He tweeted: 'IS supporter Shamima Begum admits to BBC News she was a poster girl for IS recruitment, apologises to Britain for joining IS and says she is ready to face prison if she's allowed to return.'

Shamima Begum has said terror attacks in Britain were retaliation for the war against ISIS

Begum has named her son Jerah, in what historians say is homage to an Islamic warlord

Further tweets said that Begum 'still has sympathy' for IS and that 'despite being only 15 years old when she left Britain... she knew what she was doing and was capable of making her own decisions.'

The mother also said she wanted her little boy 'to be British,' however she admitted that she would have let her first born son, who died while she was in the caliphate to become an IS fighter.

The thought is making me ill: Mother of 15-year-old girl killed in the Manchester Arena bombing reveals her horror at the idea of Shamima Begum being allowed back into the UK THE mother of a 15-year-old girl killed in the Manchester atrocity has revealed her horror at the thought of Shamima Begum being allowed to return to the UK. Charlotte Campbell, below, whose daughter Olivia was among 22 killed in the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017, believes the Islamic State bride poses too great a threat to the British public. She said: I cant stand the thought of her being allowed back. Its making me ill. Shes such high risk. Charlotte Campbell and Paul Hodgson, the mother and stepfather of Olivia Campbell-Hardy, 15, who died in the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017 It came as a lawyer hired by Begums family said the 19-year-old has been traumatised by her experiences in Syria and that her lack of emotion in press interviews was comparable to a shell-shocked First World War soldier. Tasnime Akunjee told ITVs Good Morning Britain: They are both [in] warzones. Mr Akunjee added that any attempt to deny Begum due process to return would mean she was being treated worse than Nazi war criminals after the Second World War. He told The Times: The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old.

Begum added in her BBC interview: 'I actually do support some British values and I am willing to go back to the UK and settle back again and rehabilitate and that stuff.'

When confronted over the ISIS-inspired attacks which have killed scores in the UK the 19-year-old stuttered: 'I was shocked but... I just couldn't... I didn't know about the kids actually but.. I don't know.'

When challenged by the BBC's Quentin Sommerville, she equated the Manchester Arena suicide bombing and other atrocities in Britain with the war being fought between the Assad regime and ISIS militants.

The 19-year-old replied: 'I do feel that is wrong that innocent people did get killed. It's one thing to kill a soldier, it's fine, it's self-defence.

The BBC's Middle East Correspondent tweeted about his interview with Begum, revealing that she is willing to go to prison if she's allowed to return to the UK with her baby son

Begum also told the reporter that she would have let her first son 'become an IS fighter'

'But to kill people like women and children just like the women and children in Baghuz who are being killed right now unjustly by the bombings - it's a two-way thing really because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now.

'It's kind of retaliation. Their justification was that it was retaliation so I thought, okay, that is a fair justification.'



She later told ITV News she did not see why Home Secretary Sajid Javid would see her as a threat.

'I'm a 19-year-old girl with a new born baby. I don't have any weapons; I don't want to hurt anyone even if I did have weapons or anything,' she said.

'He has no proof that I was a threat other than that I was in ISIS, that's it.

The jihadi bride was asked what she thought of terror attacks inspired by ISIS. She said that, while it was wrong women and children were killed, it was 'retaliation' for the deaths in ISIS-held territory. Pictured: A victim of the Manchester Arena attack

'I don't know how I would be seen as a danger. I'm not going to go back and promote people to go to ISIS or anything, if anything I'm going to encourage them not to go because it's not all it seems in their videos.

'I do regret it because when I went I thought I was going to make a family and I didn't realise what the things they were doing that they weren't showing in their propaganda videos, and I actually do regret it, I do feel bad for anyone who was affected by the actions of ISIS.'

It emerged on Monday that Begum has called her son Jerah, in what historians have interpreted as a reference to Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, a 7th century Islamic warlord.

However during an interview with the BBC Begum said her newborn baby was named after her first son who died while she was in the caliphate.

Begum eventually did apologise, but again added that those living under ISIS were also being killed.

She accepted she had helped ISIS by moving there and becoming a 'poster girl' for the cause, but insisted she wasn't 'paying for their bullets'.

Shamima Begum (left), who appeared on Sky News on Sunday pleading for sympathy, is like a shell-shocked First World War soldier, Mr Akunjee (right) claimed

Shamima Begum's family lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee (right), appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday as the family steps up its campaign to have her returned to the UK

'I'm not paying for their bullets': BBC Interview transcript BBC reporter: You say one of the reasons you joined the Islamic State was because you watched some beheading videos, is that right? Shamima: Not just the beheading videos, you know the videos they show of families and stuff in the park, the good life they can provide you. BBC reporter: The very fact that you and your friends as 15-year-olds joining the Islamic State - that was an endorsement for them, that was a propaganda victory for them. You helped them, you helped the enemy of Britain. Shamima: I didn't want to be on the news at first. I did hear a lot of people were encouraged to come after I left but I wasn't the one to put myself on the news. I didn't want o be on the news. BBC reporter: Here's your opportunity then to apologise to some of the people who were murdered by the group that you joined. Some of the kids from Manchester who were killed in the Manchester arena. Shamima: I was shocked but BBC reporter: But? Shamima: I do feel that it's wrong that innocent people got killed. It's one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you that is self defence but to kill people women and children. Just like the women and children in Baghuz being killed right one with the bombings. It's a two way thing really. And it's kind of retaliation. BBC reporter: I still haven't heard you apologise to anybody. Shamima: Ok, yeah I am sorry for all the families that have lost their husbands and sons and brothers. I'm sorry for all the men that have lost their women and children because of the attacks back in the UK and other countries. BBC reporter: But I think you're wrong. You did cause harm because you helped this terrible regime which was murdering people, which was mounting terror attacks. Shamima: Me just going there and being a house wife and and just sitting at home and them taking care of me is not helping them. I'm not paying for their bullets. I'm not paying for them to be trained.

Smiling, she added: 'I didn't want to be on the news.'

The campaign by Begum's family to have her returned to Britain sparked fresh controversy on Monday when the lawyer representing them, Tasnime Akunjee, compared the radicalised youngster to a 'traumatised' First World War soldier in a TV interview.

When Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley insisted she doesn't look very traumatised, Mr Akunjee replied: 'You might have said the same thing about a First World War soldier in the middle of shell-shock... they are both [in] warzones.'

Madeley branded the lawyer's comments 'foolish', saying his war veteran grandfather found it very difficult to talk about what he went through.

It came after Mr Akunjee claimed Nazi war criminals were given a fairer hearing than Begum, and blamed her local council, the police and even her school for letting her go to Syria in the first place.

Meanwhile Ms Begum's brother-in-law has called on Britain to show 'more compassion' to the former schoolgirl.

Muhammad Rahman said that he hopes 'in his heart' that the 19-year-old - who is living in a refugee camp in northern Syria - can reform her extremist views.

Speaking to MailOnline at his home in East London, he said: 'I just wish everyone would show more compassion for her. And I really hope in my heart that she can be reformed.

'In getting a solicitor to speak out on their behalf her family are only doing what any other family probably would do in the circumstances.

'As Muslims we're a community and they just want their daughter and her newborn son home safe.

'They're not saying that she should come home without being rehabilitated in some way or as if nothing has happened.'

Sara Khan, the UK's Lead Commissioner for Countering Extremism, has branded Begum a 'remorseless supporter of Daesh [ISIS]'.

Ms Khan said more needs to be done to stop the spread of extremist material online.

She told Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's important to understand when she travelled  she was aware of Daesh beheadings and executions  was becoming more religiously inclined. There are questions about how a young girl was exposed to extremist ideology.'

Begum is from a British-Bangladeshi family who live in a four-story block of flats in east London. Nobody answered the door at their flat this morning.

Mr Akunjee's appearance on TV is part of a campaign by Begum's family to have her returned to the UK.

He told the programme: 'The family are aware of how people feel. But it's their daughter and their grandson, who came into existence yesterday.

'I think any parent would think the same thing. They want them home. It wouldn't matter if the whole planet were against her.

'She's a British citizen at the end of the day. There's an innocent child here, the baby. Bringing that child back into safety is a moral duty any state would have.'

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick also appeared on the show this morning and spoke of the Begum case.

She said that if someone has been linked to a terrorist organisation abroad and they arrive at the British border 'they will be questioned, investigated and possibly prosecuted.'

Questioned about the Begum and her friend's flight to Syria in the first place, Ms Dick replied: 'The truth of the matter is it's incredibly hard to know what somebody's intending.

'We try to stop people from travelling when we knew they were travelling with ill-intent.'

Shamima is pictured walking through Gatwick Airport on February 17 2015 as she left the UK

Will Begum's son be able to claim British citizenship? Home Office rules state that children born to British citizens are entitled to British citizenship, even if they are born abroad. Rules mean Begum's baby Jerah will only be able to claim British citizenship if she was born in the UK. It is thought that she was born in Britain, meaning that, unless the Home Office finds a way of stripping her of her citizenship, or another reason why her situation precludes her from claiming citizenship for her baby, then Jerah will be able to claim a British passport. The UK's justice secretary David Gauke has said that, under international law, the government cannot make her a 'stateless person'. However, others have suggested she may be able to claim Bangladeshi citizenship for herself and, possibly, her baby.

Mr Akunjee said Begum should be assessed by a professional and denied she was 'making up' that she married a Jihadi and had two children who died.

He told the programme: 'She was married to somebody who was a Dutch national, his parents confirmed that. So she is not making it up.'

Mr Akunjee accepted that people are 'repulsed' by her lack of remorse, but he said one should expect that behaviour of someone who is 'still in trauma'.

He also criticised local authorities in east London for failing to intervene before she and two other schoolgirls left for Syria.

Local council Tower Hamlets has not yet responded to requests for comment on Shamima's bid to return to the UK.

His comments come after Begum said people should feel sorry for her and should allow her to return to Britain in a TV interview recorded at the refugee camp yesterday.

During his campaign for the family Mr Akunjee also told The Times Begum is similar to a soldier.

He told the newspaper: 'The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old.'

'Our politicians are saying that he should be denied protections and due process that would have been granted to Nazis.'

In her extraordinary TV interview yesterday, Shamima appeared next to a woman in a niqab who was seemingly holding her child.

She spoke to Sky News from the refugee camp in northern Syria where she had the baby just hours earlier.

Shamima Begum, 19 (pictured before she left the country four years ago) is pleading with the government to allow her back into Britain

Kadiza Sultana (left) and Amira Abase (right) from Bethnal Green in east London, travelled with Shamima Begum to Syria in 2015

The teen said was 'okay' with ISIS beheadings and admitted it would be 'really hard' to rehabilitate her in Britain, hours after giving birth to a baby boy in a refugee camp.

'It would be really hard because of everything I've been through now,' she said.

Who were the five Bethnal Green girls who went to join ISIS? Sharmeena Begum - Flew to Turkey from London Heathrow in December 2014. No relation to Shamima. Unnamed 15-year-old - tried to go to Turkey on the same 2014 flight but was stopped before take-off. Shamima Begum - One of the three who flew from London Gatwick to Turkey in February 2015 and then went on to Syria. Has pleaded to be allowed to return to the UK with newborn son. Amira Abase - Flew out in 2015 with Shamima who said in yesterday's interview she did not know whether Ms Abase was still alive. Kadiza Sultana - Also flew out in 2015. Believed to have been killed in an airstrike in 2016.

'I'm still kind of in the mentality of having planes over my head and an emergency backpack and starving, all these things. I think it would be a big shock to go back to the UK and start life again.'

After the Begum family lawyer spoke to GMB, hosts Richard and Kate interviewed a former Jihadi bride who left Britain to marry an ISIS fighter.

Tania Joya now lives in Dallas, Texas, USA, and has been rehabiltated.

She told the programme Shamima needs help.

She said: 'I was a silly naive teenager - Like Shamima. I would have made the same mistakes.

'It boils down to not being raised without the right values - of freedom of thought and western democracy.

'We need to take her out of that environment, we need to educate her.'

Asked if she can be rehabilitated, Ms Joya said: 'I believe so. Even if she doesn't want to show it.

'She shows arrogance right now. But I think that's just a wall she's putting up to cope.

'Deep down inside I think she's a very broken human being - very disturbed.'

Begum family lawyer has accused Theresa May of 'having Nazi blood', said no Muslim should co-operate with police and blamed the security services for 'creating' Lee Rigby's killer

The lawyer representing jihadi bride Shamima Begum has previously blamed British authorities for 'creating' Lee Rigby's killer, suggested Theresa May has 'Nazi blood' for trying to root out extremists and urged Muslims not to cooperate with police.

Tasnime Akunjee first appeared in the public eye when he represented the families of three girls who fled to join ISIS in Syria in 2015.

Following Begum's reappearance this month as ISIS's so-called caliphate crumbles, Mr Akunjee has spearheaded a media campaign to get her and her newborn baby repatriated to the UK.

In headline-grabbing soundbites, he has compared her to a shell-shocked First World War soldier and claimed Nazi war criminals were given a fairer hearing than she is.

Tasnime Akunjee, pictured with a female companion, thought to be his wife, on social media, has made multiple media appearances in recent days calling for Shamima Begum to be brought back to the UK

Tasnime Akunjee, right, first came to prominence when he sat alongside (left to right) Fahmida Aziz, Sahima Begum and Abase Hussen, all relatives of ISIS brides in Parliament in 2015

Mr Akunjee was previously criticised over controversial views that British authorities 'created' Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo by 'making his life so difficult'

ISIS bride 'names newborn son after Islamic warlord' British ISIS bride Shamima Begum has named her child after an Islamic warlord, historians have claimed. Her chosen name for her son, Jerah, is thought to be in honour of Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, who commanded a section of the Rashidun Army in the 7th century. Historian Tom Holland tweeted: 'If she'd wanted to signal that she was returning to Britain in peace, she might have considered naming her baby after someone other than Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah, a general from the early days of the Arab conquests chiefly famed for beating the c**p out of infidels. 'I guess, in a sense, she stands in the long tradition of British youth, flicking a V at the establishment. But punks were never complicit in genocide.' Jerah was also the name of Begum's first son, who died when she was living under ISIS.

Twice married, public school-educated Mr Akunjee, 41, has worked for a series of law firms since 2008, while also working as a legal adviser to the East London Mosque.

It is believed he may have met the families of the runaway Tower Hamlets girls as part of this role.

Mr Akunjee said this morning he is handling the Begum case 'pro bono', meaning free of charge. It is unclear whether that would continue if the case came before the British courts in future.

He appeared before a Parliamentary Committee alongside Sahima Begum, Fahmida Aziz and Hussen Abase, family members of the three girls who ran away to join ISIS, in 2015.

But in the wake of the 2015 Parliamentary appearance, it emerged that Mr Akunjee had previously insisted Muslims should not co-operate with the British police because the Government's Prevent counter-terror policy encouraged 'straightforward, paid-for spying on the community'.

In an internet rant, he had said: 'Does she [then Home Secretary Theresa May] have Nazi blood in her veins?'

The lawyer is active online, posting pictures from his holidays alongside political messages

Mr Akunjee (right) has this week launched a media campaign to get Begum returned to the UK

Mr Akunjee threatened to sue Tommy Robinson over the case of a bullied Syria asylum seeker in Huddersfield (pictured)

What is CAGE? The London-based organisation claims to be an advocacy group for 'victims of the War on Terror', but has been accused of apologising for terrorism. Most notoriously, its director Asim Qureshi defended Mohammed Emwazi as a 'beautiful young man' shortly after he was identified as the ISIS executioner Jihadi John. A Daily Mail investigation in 2016 found it had been targeting young Muslims with campus speeches, which included calls for students to sabotage the government's anti-terror strategy Prevent.

Mr Akunjee was criticised for his closeness to CAGE, a group which was branded 'apologists for terror' after describing ISIS killer Jihadi John as a 'beautiful young man'.

Like CAGE, he also claimed that the security services 'created' Michael Adebolajo  one of the killers Woolwich Fusilier Lee Rigby  by 'making his life so difficult'.

Mr Akunjee also came under fire after posting a cartoon on his Facebook page showing murdered Charlie Hebdo editor Stephane Charbonnier blowing himself with a suicide vest made of rolled up copies of the magazine. Critics said the cartoon suggested terrorism victims were responsible for attacks.

According to his LinkedIn page, Mr Akunjee, the son of a Bangladeshi doctor, studied at the 18,000-a-year City of London School for Boys, before doing law at the Universities of Sussex and then Westminster.

He joined a solicitors' firm in London in 2008 and has since moved twice, specialising in terrorism-related cases.

He lives in a Victorian terrace in Tottenham and has previously been pictured with MP and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose messages he regularly retweets.

Mr Akunjee, who currently works for a firm called Farooq Bajwa & Co based in Mayfair and is consultant for another legal firm in Brentford, has previously represented a number of extremists.

Mr Akunjee now works at a law firm based in this plush office in Mayfair. He also works as a consultant for a Brentford-based firm in west London

According to his website, Mr Akunjee was involved in the case of convert Richard Dart

According to his website, in 2013 and 2014, he worked on the case of Nabeel Hussain, a convicted bomb plotter, who was caught trying to get to Syria after his release from prison.

His website states he was also involved in the case of Richard Dart, an Islamic convert who sought training in Pakistan and discussed plans to attack Royal Wootton Bassett, the town soldiers killed in Afghanistan were repatriated.

Mr Akunjee was back in the spotlight recently when he launched plans to sue Facebook and anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson after a video emerged of a refugee boy being 'waterboarded' by a bully at a school in Huddersfield.

His views echoed those of CAGE (pictured), who said Jihadi John was a 'beautiful young man'

In an online rant, Robinson had alleged the Syrian boy, who is called Jamal, had earlier joined in an attack on a white girl at the school.

But his incendiary claims were immediately challenged by others online, who posted messages in which the girl's mother denied Jamal was involved.

Mr Akunjee launched a campaign to sue Robinson and Facebook over Robinson's comments.
Farmers have demanded Coles increase the price of their milk after Woolworths scrapped its $1-a-litre deal in a bid to help Australia's struggling dairy producers - but the supermarket giant has refused to follow suit.

Woolworths announced it would be taking its cheap home-brand milk off the shelves from Tuesday and its two and three-litre bottles would sell for 10 cents more at $2.20 and $3.30 respectively.

The supermarket said the increase in price would end up in the pocket of dairy farmers, but their move will not be followed by Coles.

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Dairy advocates have demanded Coles increase the price of their milk after Woolworths scrapped $1-a-litre milk in a bid to help Australia's struggling dairy producers (pictured Dairy Connect and Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci celebrate announcement)

Last week, third generation dairy farmer Casey Treloar (pictured) created an emotional video announcing the closure of her family's farm was due to dollar a litre milk

Both of the supermarket giants have sold the budget option since 2011.

Dairy farmer advocacy group Dairy Connect called on Coles to follow its rival's lead, saying the issue was a matter of 'survival' for primary producers.

'Dairy Connect has called on Coles and Aldi to follow the same pricing model as Woolworths,' CEO Shaughn Morgan said.

'It would be manifestly unfair for them not to do so.'

The announcement by Woolworths comes as dairy farmers contend with a drought driving many of them out of business.

Mr Morgan said the bargaining agreements between dairy farmers and supermarkets were unfair - adding action was needed now or Australia would be importing its milk within a decade.

Woolworths announced it would be taking its cheap home-brand milk off the shelves from Tuesday and its two and three-litre bottles would sell for 10 cents more at $2.20 and $3.30 respectively (pictured dairy farmers rallying for the change on steps of Adelaide's Parliament House)

'We need action now or within a decade we'll be importing our milk.'

The dairy advocate earlier on Friday lauded the announcement by Woolworths as a 'great decision for the dairy industry'.

'Dairy Connect applauds this decision and calls on all retailers to follow the lead of Woolworths immediately,' he said.

However, a Coles spokesperson said they would not be increasing the price of their budget milk .

The company stressed the past six months showed they were committed to supporting farmers and producers.

'In the past six months we have committed $16 million to supporting this important industry,' the spokesperson said.

'This includes contributing around $4 million to almost 640 dairy farmers through the Coles Dairy Drought Relief Fund.'

Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Aldi for comment on the pricing of their milk.

Australian milk's low price has been held accountable for cutting farmers' profits in an already dire period for the dairy industry.

The industry has been campaigning against cheap milk sold by Woolworths and Coles for years, saying it's driven farmers to the wall

Coles to match customers' donations to farmers 'dollar for dollar': Supermarket's statement 'Coles is passionate about supporting our farmers and producers and in the past six months has committed $16 million to support this important industry. 'This includes contributing around $4 million to almost 640 dairy farmers through the Coles Dairy Drought Relief Fund and more than $7 million in partnership with the Country Women's Association, resulting in over 2,300 additional grants for drought-affected farmers. 'Coles has been exploring additional options in relation to how to best support Australia's hard working farmers, including how we ensure that drought assistance initiatives are as efficient and effective as possible. 'Coles is committed to finding a better model that can be adopted by the industry to assist Australian farmers, and intends to liaise with relevant parties including government and the ACCC. 'In the meantime, Coles will continue to look at ways to support Australian farmers, including by collecting customer donations at our supermarket registers nationally from Monday 25 February, until further notice. Coles will match these donations dollar for dollar. 'Coles also knows that many customers in Australia face cost of living pressures and doesn't want them to be disadvantaged through price increases. 'We also note that the ACCC has previously examined the Australian dairy industry and concluded that house brand milk pricing does not negatively impact farmgate milk prices. 'Coles is seeking a long-term solution that does not disadvantage our customers and supports our dairy farmers.'

Farmers have been campaigning against cheap milk sold by Woolworths and Coles for years.

Last week, third generation dairy farmer Casey Treloar created an emotional video announcing the closure of her family's farm was due to dollar a litre milk.

'The clock has run out and it's time to say goodbye,' she said.

'We are getting 38 cents a litre across the year and it's completely unsustainable. We can't really afford to keep going anymore.

'We're forever the optimist that the industry will get better - but for our family, we've come to a point where we can't do it anymore.

'Dairying is something my dad has done his entire life, and I have done my entire life, but it has come to the point where our family has had to say ''that's it for us''.'

The 26-year-old said their product had been devalued by dollar-a-litre milk, which had added to the problems facing the industry.

She was later mocked by a vegan who told her to get another job.

The NSW Farmers Association said the decision was a huge win for farmers, who had been fighting for change since $1 a litre milk was introduced in 2011

Last year, Woolworths began offering a 'Drought Relief Milk' range, at $1.10 a litre, with 10 cents to go to farmers.

But it also continued to sell it's $1 range alongside the more expensive product.

That will end on Tuesday when all stores will move to the higher price.

'We've heard the outlook will continue to be extremely tough for dairy farmers right across the country,' Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci said on Monday.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Coles for comment but it remains unclear whether the supermarket will continue to sell the budget-option milk.

The NSW Farmers Association said the decision was a huge win for farmers, who had been fighting for change since $1 a litre milk was introduced.
Marisol Ortiz, 51, and her son Alanche Delorbe, 14 (pictured), were found dead in their Belmont, New York home by Ortiz's 22-year-old daughter, shortly after 3.30pm Eastern on Sunday. Delorbe would have turned 15 on Monday

A mother and her teenage son were found beaten to death, with the mom stabbed and the boy strangled, in their Bronx apartment on Sunday.

Marisol Ortiz, 51, and her son Alanche Delorbe, 14, were found dead in their Belmont home by Ortiz's 22-year-old daughter.

The daughter rushed to their apartment after receiving a phone call that Ortiz did not show up to work on Sunday morning.

'I just heard the daughter screaming,' Iris Rosa, 58, who was an upstairs neighbor to Ortiz, told The New York Post. 'I didnt hear no words. It was just "Ahhhhh!" And then nothing.'

Police are looking for Ortiz's boyfriend at this time, who has not been named.

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Ortiz and Delorbe were found in separate rooms, with exercise equipment near both of their bodies, which police said they believe was used to bludgeon each of them in the head. One of their bodies is shown being removed from their Bronx home at East 185th Street

It would have been Delorbe's 15th birthday on Monday, his cousin Haydee Leonardo, told The Post.

'Were very scared at whats happening,' Leonardo said, before leaving the home of Ortiz and Delorbe with her aunt to head to the New York Police Department's 48th Precinct station house.

'We just want to know what happened to our family members.'

Police are looking for Ortiz's boyfriend at this time, who has not been named. Delorbe's aunt is shown at the scene in front of Ortiz's apartment, inconsolable in tears

The scant details of the murders of the mother and child are especially heinous.

Ortiz and Delorbe were found in separate rooms, with exercise equipment near both of their bodies, which police said they believe was used to bludgeon each of them in the head.

The mother's body was found on the floor in one room and the boy's body was on a bed, with a bloody knife near him, in another room.

Only the mother had been stabbed, according to police, who said the teen had been strangled.

Torn up money was also found on the mother's body, authorities said.

Members of the NYPD's Crime Scene Unit work at the site of the heinous murders

The incident occurred at the victims' home at East 185th Street, near Southern Boulevard in the Bronx.

Authorities could not immediately determine when the murders might have occurred.

Neighbor Angel Cabrera told NBC News that he heard some type of screaming at around 1-2am on Sunday, but assumed the noise was coming from a party.

Individuals with information pertaining to the case can submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting nypdcrimestoppers.com, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
The wife of a man gunned down in the mass shooting in an Illinois factory this week recalls the heartbreaking final text message she received from him which read: I love you, Ive been shot at work.

Terra Pinkard posted a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Josh Pinkard, 37, who was one of five people killed by an armed co-worker at the Henry Pratt Co. plant in Aurora on Friday.

I received a text at 1:24 from my precious husband that said I love you, Ive been shot at work, Pinkard wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.

It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real.

Terra Pinkard (left) posted a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Josh Pinkard (right), 37, who was one of five people killed by an armed co-worker at the Henry Pratt Co. plant in Aurora on Friday

I received a text at 1:24 from my precious husband that said I love you, Ive been shot at work, Pinkard wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real.

According to his LinkedIn page, Josh Pinkard worked for Mueller Water Products, Pratts parent company, for 12 years. He began work at the plant in Aurora last April

Terra Pinkard began a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign that has so far raised more than $11,000

She writes that she frantically tried to reach Josh, who was the manager of the plant, via text, FaceTime, and a phone call, but there was no answer.

Pinkard then writes that she called her husbands factory and a woman answered.

The woman said she was barricaded in her room and police were everywhere, Pinkard writes.

Of course my heart dropped.

Police officers armed with rifles gather at the scene of the factory in Aurora on Friday afternoon after receiving reports of an active shooter

Locals braved freezing cold temperatures and held a candlelight vigil outside the Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora on Sunday

Pinkard then describes the harrowing trip to her husbands factory and the frantic efforts to learn of his fate.

She writes that after grabbing her children, she drove toward the plant and was met by a police-manned barricade.

She couldnt tell me anything, Pinkard said of the police officer manning the roadblock.

I drove to the nearest hospital. He wasnt there.

I drove to the second nearest hospital. Not there.

Pinkard then managed to speak to the local police department, which directed her toward a staging area for victims families.

I dont know how my body drove itself there but it did, she writes.

Pinkard then learned that her husband was indeed one of the slain victims.

I immediately left and went to get my kids, she writes.

With my pastors help, since family was still on planes to get to us, I told my children their dad did not make it and is in heaven with Jesus.

Trevor Wehner was a 22-year-old student at Northern Illinois University. He was starting his first day at Henry Pratt when he was killed and is seen above with his girlfriend Winter Lane

Vincente Juarez (second from left) was a stockroom attendant and forklift operator

Human Resources Manager Clayton Parks, seen with his family, was killed when an employee opened fire the moment he was told he was being let go from the job

Russell Beyer's sister Dawn posted a moving tribute after he was confirmed among the dead

Ive never had to do something that hard.

Pinkard praised her husband as the smartest person Ive ever met and my best friend.

I literally cant talk out loud about this lovely man without breaking down in sobs, she writes.

Im crying now as I write this.

According to his LinkedIn page, Josh Pinkard worked for Mueller Water Products, Pratts parent company, for 12 years.

He began work at the plant in Aurora last April.

Terra Pinkard writes: The man I would have leaned on during devastation like this who would tell me its ok Terra, it is all going to be fine.

The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me.

This unbelievable person was robbed from us.

Terra Pinkard began a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign that has so far raised more than $11,000.

Over the weekend, police identified the other four victims who were killed in a workplace shooting in a factory in Aurora, Illinois.

Shooter Gary Martin, 45, opened fire on Friday, shortly after he was terminated from his job of 15 years at the Henry Pratt Co. industrial valve manufacturing plant, police said.

Martin died in a police shootout.

Slain were Human Resources Manager Clayton Parks, 32, of Elgin, Illinois; HR Intern Trevor Wehner, 21, of Sheridan, Illinois; mold operator Russell Beyer, 47, of Yorkville, Illinois; stockroom attendant and forklift operator Vincente Juarez, 54, of Oswego, Illinois; and Josh Pinkard.

More than 2,000 people braved icy rain in sub-freezing temperatures outside the plant in Aurora on Sunday for a vigil paying respects.

Wehner, the intern, was a 22-year-old student at Northern Illinois University.

He was starting his first day at Henry Pratt when he was killed, according to a family friend.

Russell Beyer's sister, Dawn, confirmed his death with an emotional post on Facebook.

She wrote: 'My brother Russell was not one of the lucky ones. Please be patient with my parents and brother as this is the worst nightmare possible for my family.

'Hug your loved ones because tomorrow is not promised. I wished to God I could tell you Russell I love you one more time!'

A sixth male employee at the plant was also injured in the shooting.

Police say that Gary Martin, 45, opened fire the moment he was told that he was being let go from the plant. He had a felony record and should not have been able to buy a gun, but did

An aerial photo of police and emergency vehicles parked in a lot adjacent to a warehouse at the scene of a mass shooting involving multiply casualties in Aurora, Illinois on Friday

All of the victims were found dead at the scene in the same close area of the plant, according to police.

Six police officers were also injured in the shooting, but none of their injuries are life-threatening. The six wounded officers ranged in age from 23 to 54.

Martin likely knew he was about to be fired and brought a gun into the meeting, opening fire on all present as soon as he was given the news, Aurora police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday.

She said she doesn't know exactly what he had been told or why he was fired.

Ziman says Martin pulled the gun and began shooting right after he was fired. She says three of the five Henry Pratt Co. co-workers he killed were in the room with him and the other two were just outside.

The chief also released new details about Martin's criminal background and the weapon in the shooting.

Martin should have been legally barred from purchasing a gun due to his felony record. He had a 1995 conviction for aggravated assault for stabbing a woman in Marshall County, Mississippi.

Martin (left and right) was not legally allowed to own the gun he used in the shooting

Law enforcement officials search the apartment of Gary Martin, believed to be responsible for a workplace shooting at the Henry Pratt Company, in Aurora, Illinois on Friday

However, in January 2014, Martin applied for and was issued an Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOI) card, which is required to own or purchase a gun in Illinois.

On March 6 2014, Martin applied to purchase a handgun at a licensed dealer in Aurora. Five days later, he took possession of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber revolver, the same type of gun described as the weapon in Sunday's shooting.

On March 16 2014, Martin applied for a Concealed Carry permit in an unknown location. He was fingerprinted during the background check, and his prior felony conviction came to light during the background check.

At the discovery, Martin's CCW application was rejected, and his FOI card was revoked. He apparently retained possession of the handgun, however.

Ziman was unable to explain why the felony conviction did not prevent Martin from obtaining a FOI card in the first place, merely saying it was possible that it would not have been discovered until the more rigorous CCW check.

Martin's latest arrest was in 2017 in Oswego, Illinois, on charges of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.

He had a history of six arrests in Aurora, where he lived, police said.

The charges in Aurora included traffic and domestic battery-related incidents. His most recent arrest in Aurora was in 2008 for violating an order of protection.
A businessman has been left furious after Immigration New Zealand refused to let his Brazillian girlfriend into the country, and instead sent her on a flight back home.

Michael Vickers, a former customs officer, claims his 23-year-old girlfriend, Polyanna Mendonca, was held at Auckland International Airport for five hours on February 11, before being put on the next flight to Brazil.

The owner of North Shore Demolitions has spoken of his anger that Ms Mendonca, who was visiting New Zealand on a vacation, was treated like a 'prisoner' by authorities.

Michael Vickers (pictured right) claims his 23-year-old girlfriend Polyanna Mendonca (pictured left) was held a day room at Auckland International Airport

'I am furious that a person whose only intention is to come here for a vacation has been treated like a prisoner,' Mr Vickers told The New Zealand Herald.

'She teaches me Portuguese and I teach her English. This trip to New Zealand was to thank her for her assistance,' he added.

It has since transpired that one of the reasons that Ms Mendonca wasn't allowed into the country was because she did not have enough money with her when she arrived.

However, Mr Vickers has since rebutted the reason and said he had planned to financially support Ms Mendonca during her trip.

It has since transpired that one of the reasons that Ms Mendonca (pictured) wasn't allowed into the country was because she did not have enough money with her

'It is rubbish that she lacked money, I was waiting at the airport and not allowed to transfer money to her and her mother in Brazil was also not allowed to wire money into her account,' Mr Vickers said.

As a result of the incident, which led Ms Mendonca to having to fly for 40 hours over a two-day period, Mr Vickers is demanding an apology and seeking legal advice for compensation.

In the wake of Mr Vickers' accusations, INZ national border manager, Stephanie Greathead, has spoken out to state that several factors led officers to believe that Ms Mendonca was not a genuine visitor to the country.

Polyanna Mendonca was held for five hours at Auckland International Airport (pictured) on February 11, and then put on the next flight home

Ms Greathead said that Ms Mendonca not have the required amount of money to enter the country, and that when she and Mr Vickers were both interviewed 'discrepancies' regarding their relationship became apparent.

While Ms Mendonca was waiting in the airport day room, Mr Vickers claims she sent him a message on social media stating she was suicidal.

Once alerted to the claim, INZ immediately checked on Ms Mendonca's mental wellbeing and alerted the police.

Through the help of a Portuguese interpreter Ms Mendonca said she was not suicidal but was 'sad' and 'wished to go home'.

She denied telling Mr Vickers she was suicidal.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Vickers for comment.

Immigration New Zealand has also been reached out to for comment.
China is recruiting retired police detectives to help recover cash illegally siphoned off to Australia and other western countries before being transferred back to Beijing.

A third party company based in Hong Kong has been hired by the Chinese government tasked with recovering what they claim is billions in funds in an effort known as Project Dragon.

Some of the private operatives said they suspect dirty money is being laundered through Australia, in particular properties on the Gold Coast, during and interview by Four Corners.

China is recruiting retired police detectives to help recover cash illegally siphoned off to Australia and other western countries before being transferred back to Beijing

The team has identified $80 million worth of property on the Gold Coast they suspect has been bought by Chinese nationals in an effort to launder cash

These operatives have been recruited by the Hong Kong company and include Austin Whittaker - an ex-NSW Police investigator, intelligence analyst and Australian Army commando.

He says the team has identified $80 million worth of property on the Gold Coast they suspect has been bought by Chinese nationals in an effort to launder cash.

'There's what we're referring to as a cluster of properties at Sovereign Island. Most of them, or all of them waterfront, luxuriously appointed, all vacant,' Mr Whittaker told Four Corners.

His colleague, former New Zealand detective turned private investigator, Jason McFetridge, says their strategy to recoup the funds is to approach the owners, explain they are working for the Chinese government, and see if they are willing to hand over ownership.

'We can sell it, recuperate the losses and return the money back to China. Everyone's happy,' Mr McFetridge said.

Their first case did not go smoothly, with the owners of the property challenging Mr McFetridge in the Supreme Court, saying he used deceptive conduct and fraud to get control of their company, which owned the property.

The court restrained Mr McFetridge from selling the property, but, despite the legal defeat, he says they have been instructed to continue with their job.

Mr Whittaker has stressed that they are not working for the Chinese government but rather the third party company who have simply hired them as consultants for their local expertise.

'The agenda simply is to help stop the cash flow washing out of their economy,' he said.
The wife of a former horse trainer accused of importing drugs into Fiji was on Monday found not guilty.

Yvette Nikolic and her husband John were arrested in June after customs officials allegedly found drugs on their yacht which they had sailed from the United States via Columbia.

Officials allegedly found a large quantity of cocaine, 65 ecstasy tablets, two handguns, and 112 rounds of ammunition.

The pair were put on trial in Suva at the end of January and this week Mrs Nikolic was found not guilty of all charges.

She is expected to be released today while Mr Nikolic's case continues.

John Nikolic and his wife Yvette (pictured) were arrested in June after customs officials allegedly found drugs on their yacht which they had sailed from the United States via Columbia

The yacht (pictured) which the Nikolics sailed into Fiji has been docked on the island since

Mrs Nikolic burst into tears when the judge read aloud her verdict.

Her lawyer, Ronald Gordon, had argued that she had no idea any drugs or weapons were allegedly on board, reported the Courier Mail.

He said: 'We have always maintained she was not guilty of any of the charges and today we heard the judge find in favour of my client and say there was no evidence at all against her in relation to any of the charges, so we are thankful to the Fiji criminal justice system and we've been vindicated.'

The Nikolics began their trip in Florida in the United States and sailed the yacht to Columbia, through the Panama Canal and stopping at several islands before landing in Fiji.

They had intended to keep sailing and return to their home on the Gold Coast.

Fijian authorities charged the pair with five offences, including four in connection with importing and possessing illicit substances.

Mr Nikolic also pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A woman convicted of murdering her long-term boyfriend before being released on parole just seven years later is back behind bars after breaching her parole conditions.

Jacqueline Elaine Wihongi, 33, was convicted for the stabbing murder of her long-term boyfriend, Vivian Sinclair Hirini, 37, in 2010 after a domestic dispute spilled out onto the street in Napier, 400km south east of Auckland.

Wihongi was one of only three convicted murderers in New Zealand spared a life sentence. Instead, she was given 12 years jail and was released on parole in May of 2017.

Jacqueline Elaine Wihongi, (pictured) convicted of murdering her long-term boyfriend, has been placed back behind bars after breaching parole conditions imposed on her in after being released on parole in 2017

However Wihongi then entered into a relationship and failed to inform her parole officer, breaching her parole conditions, the New Zealand Herald reported.

The court also heard that Wihongi had failed to attend a number of court mandated psychiatrist sessions.

She claimed she was simply 'embarrassed' by her new relationship and did not report it and that missing her court mandated therapy sessions was due to 'forgetfulness'.

Wihongi is scheduled to appear before the parole board on July 30.

The court originally heard how Wihongi and her boyfriend had a history of violence towards each other with Hirini losing vision in one eye after Wihongi smashed a bottle on his head.

Wihongi (pictured) failed to inform her parole officer she had started a new relationship which was a breach of her parole conditions

On the day of the murder the court was told one of the couple's five children witnessed the two arguing before Hirini stormed outside and Wihongi pursued him with a kitchen knife.

When she reached him outside, she stabbed Hirini in the chest with the kitchen knife.

When she was originally sentenced Hirini's sister Millie Hirini told Stuff that Wihongi 'got what she deserved' for killing her brother.

'He was a good father, partner and brother,' Ms Hirini said.
An eight-year-old girl was driving at 85 km/h and didn't slow down before she fatally crashed, an inquest into her death found.

Junior drag racer Anita Board died two days after her eighth birthday - the youngest age that a child can compete.

She received a purple 210cc dragster called Pony Power with my My Little Pony panel art as a birthday present.

Anita suffered severe head and neck injuries in the crash at Perth Motorplex in Kwinana on November 11, 2017.

Junior drag racer Anita Board was 8 when she crashed into a concrete barrier. She was trying to get her drag racing licence just two days after her birthday that qualified her

Anita's father Ian Board panicked when he noticed she hadn't slowed down enough to exit the track, police investigator John Turner told the Coroner's Court of WA.

Her father hoped she'd go straight ahead as she'd been taught, but an official waved at her to slow down and go through the gate.

'Ian realised she was just doing what an adult told her to do,' Senior Constable Turner said.

Anita's family mourned her death in a coffin modeled after Pony Power dragster. Anita's father Ian panicked when he realised she hadn't slown down enough to exit the track. Her sister is also a junior drag racer

Anita turned sharply and smashed into a concrete barrier, hitting her head on the steering wheel and cracking her helmet.

She was taken to hospital where she died from severe brain injuries.

The exit gate was at a sharp angle and the gap was narrow, the inquest found.

'Exiting that gate at any speed - I might have difficulty doing it as well,' Senior Constable Turner said.

Anita with her Pony Power dragster that she received for her eighth birthday two days before she crashed. Senior Constable Turner who carried out the inquiry said that an eight-year-old should not have been driving a vehicle at high speeds

Police major crash investigators did not examine the scene until two weeks after the crash since it was on private land.

'I believe that they should have gone there on the day,' Senior Constable Turner said.

The Australian National Drag Racing Association cleared the scene and continued racing later on the day of the crash.

The wreckage of Anita's junior dragster was taken away from the scene. The scene was cleared and racing continued later on the day of the crash. Junior drag racing has been banned in Western Australia ever since the tragic crash

An eight-year-old is too young to be able to control a vehicle at high speeds, judge distances and take instruction from officials, according to Senior Constable Turner.

Junior drag racing has been banned in Western Australia ever since the tragic crash.

Ian Board has called drag racing 'the safest form of motor sport that we could allow our girls to do.'

'We do understand that therell need to be a couple of changes, we dont believe there needs to be a major change,' he said, Yahoo7 reports.
Chicago police have said they still want to do a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett about a reported attack that the 'Empire' star said included his assailants yelling racial and homophobic slurs.

Guglielmi said Sunday Police have told Smolletts attorneys they want to do a follow-up interview with the actor, Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said on Sunday, after saying earlier that the investigation had 'shifted' after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges.

Guglielmi said he couldnt comment on reports that police believe the actor staged the assault.

A spokesperson for Smolletts lawyers said on Sunday she couldnt comment on whether Smollett had agreed to another interview.

Smolletts lawyers said on Saturday the actor felt 'victimized by reports he played a role in the assault, and that Smollett would continue cooperating with police.

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Chicago police have said they still want to do a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett about a reported attack that the 'Empire' star said included his assailants yelling racial and homophobic slurs, after saying earlier that the investigation had 'shifted' after detectives questioned two brothers about the attack and released them without charges

A grand jury is slated to hear the Jussie Smollett case next week, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation into the Empire actor's alleged hoax attack, though Guglielmi said he couldn't comment on whether a grand jury may hear evidence in the case.

Chicago police insiders told TMZ that authorities are keeping a close eye on two Nigerian brothers, who were arrested and questioned about the attack before being released on Friday, to make sure that Smollett doesn't try to contact them.

Investigators have said they believe Smollett may have paid Empire extras Abimbola 'Abel' and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo $3,500 to assault him in an orchestrated, rehearsed attack on January 29.

Sources say Smollett initially agreed to sign complaints against his assailants, but declined to do so once he heard that Abel and Ola were the men in custody because he knew them and felt bad for them.

Reports of a possible grand jury emerged hours after the Chicago Police Department said Smollett was not yet being considered an official suspect, despite insider claims to the contrary.

'We have some information that needs to be corroborated and verified with the Empire cast member before we can answer this question,' CPD said in a statement to TMZ.

'After new developments, we've reached out to his attorney and requested additional time to interview him.'

Smollett has furiously denied claims that he orchestrated the assault and said 'nothing could be further from the truth'.

Inside sources told TMZ there will be a grand jury convened next week to decide whether to file formal charges against Smollett's alleged attackers. Reports of the grand jury came just after it was claimed that two Nigerian brothers Jussie Smollett is accused of paying $3,500 to attack him, Abimbola 'Abel' (left) and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo (right), allegedly told police that the trio rehearsed the assault beforehand. The two are shown in an image from their joint Instagram page, which was shared in March of 2018

Smollett (above four days after the attack) had claimed that the assailants 'yelled out racial and homophobic slurs' as they tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown substance that he suspected was bleach on him

Abel and Ola reportedly told detectives that the 2am attack was supposed to happen earlier and that they did a practice run beforehand, according to CBS Chicago.

Sources said one of the brothers put a rope around Smollett's neck and poured bleach over him while the other wore a red hat and yelled racist and homophobic slurs at him.

THE FULL STATEMENT FROM JUSSIE SMOLLETTS ATTORNEYS Lawyers Todd S. Pugh and Victor P. Henderson issued the following statement on Jussie's behalf on Saturday night: 'As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with. He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying. 'One of these purported suspects was Jussies personal trainer who he hired to ready him physically for a music video. It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussies complicity. 'Jussie and his attorneys anticipate being further updated by the Chicago Police Department on the status of the investigation and will continue to cooperate. At the present time, Jussie and his attorneys have no inclination to respond to unnamed sources inside of the investigation, but will continue discussions through official channels.'

The brothers, who reportedly had a relationship with Smollett and were extras on Empire, told authorities they had bought the items used in the attack at the actor's direction.

Smollett had told police that on January 29, two assailants tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him while yelling 'Empire f****t' and 'Empire n*****' at him.

That narrative, however, is now under serious scrutiny by investigators, who reportedly have evidence that Smollett directed his 'attackers' to buy the rope used in the 'assault' at a local hardware store.

Documents prove two Nigerian brothers, who work as extras on the highly rated Fox drama, bought the rope which was found around Smolletts neck at Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in Chicago.

Sources said that the brothers used Smollett's money when they made the purchase on the weekend of January 25.

They also bought two red plain hats that they wore during the alleged attack, according to sources close to the investigation.

Police believe that the red hats were purchased at a local beauty supply store in the Uptown section of Chicago.

'We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation,' Guglielmi said.

'Weve reached out to the Empire cast members attorney to request a follow-up interview.'

Chicago police are now eager to speak to Jussie Smollett in light of the new information that was uncovered, according to ABC News.

We have been in touch with Smollett's attorneys, a Chicago Police Department spokesperson said. We made our intentions clear.'

Smollett sat down with ABC's Robin Roberts to discuss the alleged attack on Friday

Scene: 'I was bruised but my ribs were not cracked, they were not broken. I went to the doctor immediately ... but I was not hospitalized,' said Smollett (map with inset of the scene where the attack occurred just outside Smollett's apartment)

Chicago PD confirmed on Thursday that the pair seen in this image from surveillance footage around the time of the attack on January 29 (above) were Abel and Ola Osundairo

Ola and Abel were picked up at O'Hare Airport while disembarking a flight from Nigeria on Wednesday night.

The brothers were paid $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised another $500 upon returning, according to WBBM-TV.

Earlier on Saturday, Smollett hired Michael Cohen's high-powered criminal defense attorney, as the police investigation into the attack he reported last month took a sudden shift amid allegations of a hoax.

Attorney Michael Monico, a former federal prosecutor in the Northern District of Illinois, revealed in a radio interview on Thursday in Chicago that he is representing Smollett.

Monico, speaking on WGN's The Roe Conn Show, did not reveal how long he has been representing Smollet or in what capacity. Monico last month took over as co-counsel for Cohen, President Donald Trump's former lawyer.

Michael Monico (above) revealed that he is Smollett's lawyer in a radio interview on Thursday

It came as police in Chicago suddenly released the two Nigerian extras on Smollett's show, who had previously been described as suspects in the attack, saying that 'new evidence' had emerged in their interrogations that requires further detective work.

'Due to new evidence as a result of today's interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the Empire case have now been released without charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete,' Guglielmi said in a statement on Friday night.

The Osundairo brothers' attorney, Gloria Schmidt, spoke briefly to reporters after their release, hinting that Smollett's legal future could hold difficulties.

'There's so many moving parts to this that will come out in time,' Schmidt said when asked if her clients had helped Smollett stage the attack. 'I'm going to let them tell their story when the time is right.'

Smollett has vigorously denied speculation that details of the attack were fabricated or staged, speaking out in an interview that aired on Wednesday just hours before the Osundairo brothers were detained.

It is unclear at this time what the Osundairo brothers told police that would alter the course of the investigation.

JUSSIE SMOLLETT COULD GET 3 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FILING A FALSE REPORT TO POLICE Mitchell Dutz, 18, was sentenced to three years in Illinois state prison for fabricating claims that three black men stole a car with a 13-month-old infant inside Filing a false report to police in the State of Illinois is considered an act of disorderly conduct, which is a Class 4 felony. That means that anyone found guilty could face between one and three years in prison. By law, the crime of disorderly conduct is committed in Illinois by anyone who 'transmits or causes to be transmitted in any manner to any peace officer, public officer or public employee a report to the effect that an offense will be committed, is being committed, or has been committed, knowing at the time of the transmission that there is no reasonable ground for believing that the offense will be committed, is being committed, or has been committed.' Last week, a central Illinois man was sentenced to three years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to fabricating an Amber alert. On December 15, Mitchell Dutz, 18, told police that three black men stole his car with a 13-month-old infant inside. Dutz used a social media photo of a child he did not know to claim that there was a kidnapping, according to Peoria Journal Star. But police rescinded the Amber alert after it became clear that it was a hoax. Dutz pleaded guilty to motor-vehicle burglary and disorderly conduct. Last month, a Chicago woman was charged with a felony after she allegedly made a 911 call that turned out to be a 'swatting' incident. Keesha S. Ingram, 41, allegedly called police before dawn on December 11 to report that a man was threatening to shoot his wife in their home in Warren Township. Sheriff's deputies responded to the call. They arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter around the house. Illinois police have issued an arrest warrant for Keesha S. Ingram, 41, who has been charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly calling police and fabricating claims that a man was threatening to shoot his wife After making contact with the residents inside, the deputies determined there was no incident to warrant an arrest, according to the Daily Herald. Authorities then determined that they were dealing with a 'swatting' incident whereby a person falsely reports an ongoing crime at a particular address in order to harass the individual who lives there. An investigation led back to Ingram, who is alleged to have known one of the people who lived in the Warren Township home. Investigators believe Ingram made the swatting call out of revenge against the victim, whom she accused of not paying her money that was owed to her. Ingram is still on the loose and is wanted for arrest, according to Patch.

Late on Friday, police sources said that cops had seized a bottle of bleach from Smollett's apartment, according to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn.

Meanwhile, new information surfaced about the Osundairo brothers, who in the course of 48 hours went from 'potential persons of interest' to 'potential suspects' to being under arrest because investigators had 'probable cause that they were involved in a crime' to being set free.

Since their release on Friday night, they have been staying at an undisclosed location.

Police said that the brothers were the two men who were seen on a surveillance image released to the public, and Smollett positively identified the two men in the image as his attackers in a televised interview.

The two brothers are both strongly opposed to President Donald Trump and fervently pro-LGBT, fellow Empire cast and crew members tell TMZ. Both men are said to be loyal fans of former President Barack Obama.

Smollett is said to be close with the brothers and would frequently approach them on set to discuss health and fitness.

Colleagues on the tight-knit Empire set said they had a hard time imagining that the Osundairo brothers could have been involved in the kind of homophobic and bigoted attack that Smollett described.

Abimbola, pictured, was booked on DUI and speeding charges in July 2015 according to Chicago arrest records. The brothers were picked up at Chicago O'Hare Airport on Wednesday

Police initially said that they tied the brothers to the reported attack using meticulous investigative efforts, including surveillance videos and information from ride-sharing companies.

Although Smollett said he did not know who attacked him, both brothers are known to the actor and he follows them on social media.

Their shared Instagram account also features a video of them working out at the private gym in Smollett's luxury apartment block.

The brothers left Chicago for Nigeria hours after the attack.

Celebrities rally behind Empire's Jussie Smollett after he is 'brutally attacked' in Chicago Celebrities and fans alike rallied to lend their support to Jussie Smollett after the 35-year-old actor claimed he was attacked last month. Janet Jackson took to her Twitter to share a special message for the actor, along with a photo of the two of them together. 'Sending so much luv and healing energy your way @jussiesmollett. we know that youll continue to change the world,' added Fergie. The sentiment was shared by Shonda Rhimes, who said: 'Sending love, healing, and support to @jussiesmollett. We ALL have a responsibility to rise up against the ignorance and hate out there. If you know who did this, REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE.' Naomi Campbell posted a impassioned plea to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to find the people responsible for the attack. Sending love to Jussie and the Smollett family after this horrific attack. We support you and pray that you find peace and justice,' said John Legend. 'This is heartbreaking and terrifying...please pay attention to what's happening here,' said Zendaya. 'Sending all my love to @JussieSmollett.' 'No words. Love to you @JussieSmollett,' added Margaret Cho. 'This is horrifying,' said Jamilah Lemieux. 'We love you @JussieSmollett. May justice be swift and unflinching.' '@JussieSmollett I love you,' said Tika Sumpter '@JussieSmollett praying you have a full and speedy recovery. So sorry this happened to you, added Raegan Gomez. Many condemned the racist and homophobic behavior and demanded justice. Ana Navarro said: 'I saw Jussie Smollett in Miami last week. I can't believe this happened. It is sad and disgusting and and deplorable.' The sentiment was shared by Reverend Al Sharpton, who added: 'The reported hate attack on my friend and brother, actor Jussie Smollett is despicable and outrageous. The guilty must face the maximum.' 'Sending so much love and prayers to you, @jussiesmollett. Im in disbelief of what happened to you,' added Eva Longoria. 'Its a senseless act that shall be met with justice! I cant believe this is happening in 2019. This world has no room for hate. #AwaitingJustice' Others took the moment to throw criticism at 'gay jokes' and Kevin Hart's recent appearance on Ellen where he addressed the controversy surrounding his hosting the Oscars. Actor Ryan Jamaal Swain stated: 'This is why holding "a little homophobic joke'"accountable is taken so FREAKING SERIOUSLY. To quote @amandaseales, you have to be overly confident...black gay men have to deal w/ not only racism but homophobia.' It is always abt duality and a form of respect. @JussieSmollett 'Given what weve seen so far, I fully expect the men who attacked Jussie Smollett to score a sit-down interview with Ellen at some point in the next few weeks,' said Saeed Jones. 'Maybe it will be a roundtable discussion with Kevin Hart.'

Their shared apartment was also raided by police, who took away bottles of bleach, electronics, a red hat and a pair of Nike shoes.

The FBI is also involved in the investigation after Smollett reported receiving hate mail.

Federal investigators have taken the lead on the mail case, and are supporting Chicago police in the investigation into Smollett's report of an assault.

Police have been cautious in their official public statements about the case. At last report, investigators still officially considered Smollett a victim in the case.

Smollett has continued to angrily denounce any speculation that the attack did not occur as he described, ascribing racist motives to skeptics and saying that no one would doubt him if he had reported being attacked by non-white assailants.

'I will never be the man that this did not happen to,' he told ABC on Wednesday. 'I am forever changed.'
New footage showing the movements of Sydney businesswoman Cecilia Haddad's accused killer in the hours following her disappearance has been released.

On Monday, nearly 20 minutes of footage was revealed by New South Wales police showing Mario Marcelo Santoro, Ms Haddad's ex-boyfriend, washing clothes and carrying luggage for a flight.

The 40-year-old boarded a flight from Sydney to his native Brazil the same weekend that businesswoman Ms Haddad's body was found in a Sydney river in April 2018.

Brazilian police later formally charged Santoro with Ms Haddad's murder, though little has been revealed about the evidence against him since.

On Monday, nearly 20 minutes of footage was revealed by New South Wales police showing Mario Marcelo Santoro, Ms Haddad's ex-boyfriend, washing clothes and carrying luggage for a flight

Brazilian police later formally charged Santoro with Ms Haddad's murder, though little has been revealed about the evidence against him since

In the CCTV footage obtained by 9 News, Santoro can be seen taking off the clothes he is wearing and throwing them in a washing machine.

He is later seen opening a door in his underwear and then appears again with two suitcases seemingly in preparation for his flight.

Ms Haddad was reported missing by friends on Saturday April 28 after she did not show up to a lunch they had arranged.

The fully-clothed body of the 38-year-old mining executive was later found in Sydney's Lane Cove River.

The 40-year-old boarded a flight from Sydney to his native Brazil the same weekend that businesswoman Ms Haddad's (pictured) body was found in a Sydney river in April 2018

In the CCTV footage obtained by 9 News , Santoro (pictured after his arrest) can be seen taking off the clothes he is wearing and throwing them in a washing machine

Santoro was arrested by officers in Brazil and has been held in a prison overseas as he awaits trial charged with Ms Haddad's murder.

Brazilian homicide police chief Dr Fabio Cardoso previously said Santoro had been 'swinging between normality and depression' since he was apprehended.

'The police investigating the murder have important information, witness statements, forensic and physical evidence, that will help us build up a case and bring a successful prosecution,' Dr Cardoso said.

Brazilian police have charged Mario Marcelo Santoro (right) over the death of his former girlfriend Cecilia Haddad (left)

The Rio de Janeiro police department said Santoro was arrested at a relative's home in the city's Botafogo district, according to the Associated Press.

Local footage at the time showed Santoro being led through a frenzied media pack on his way into a police station.

He was arrested after police searched his home in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the homes of his parents and relatives, following a warrant for his arrest being issued.

Mario Marcelo Santoro (pictured) was arrested a day after police searched his home in Rio de Janeiro

Ms Haddad (pictured), a 38-year-old former mining executive, was allegedly killed by asphyxiation

Australian police have been working with Brazilian authorities on the investigation and have traveled to Brasil.

Dr Cardoso said police believe Ms Haddad was killed by asphyxiation.

'In April, by not accepting the break-up, he (Santoro) allegedly killed her by asphyxiation by pressing her neck and dumping her body in the river,' Mr Cardoso told the Seven Network in Brazil.

'We know he had the key to her house because he lived there for a while.'

NSW Police issued a warrant for the 40-year-old's arrest, but there are concerns Santoro will never be extradited to Australia to face charges because of Brazilian laws and customs.

Foriegn Minister Julie Bishop told reporters Australian authorities were 'working closely' with Brazilian counterparts to ensure an 'appropriate' outcome.
The man who died during a botched home invasion has been revealed as competitive weightlifter and personal trainer Bradley Soper.

Homeowner Francois Schwartz, 44, was woken at 7.30am on Sunday by his dog barking before he found Mr Soper in his lounge room in Harrington Park, southwest Sydney.

The muscular intruder, 35, was described as 'zombie-like', getting into the house through a garage door that was accidentally left open.

A fight broke out and Mr Soper lost consciousness, went into cardiac arrest and later died.

The man who died during a botched home invasion has been identified as personal trainer Bradley Soper (pictured)

Homeowner Francois Schwartz (pictured with his wife and daughter), 44, was woken at 7.30am on Sunday by his dog barking before he found a man in his lounge room

Mr Soper (pictured) was a weightlifter and personal trainer before he died of a cardiac arrest

Mr Soper is understood to have been battling kidney failure and a cocaine addition in the lead-up to his death, the ABC reported.

Friends of the deceased bodybuilder, who described him as a 'teddy bear', also said he had undergone a rough break-up with his girlfriend.

'Forever in my heart Brad Soper I love you man, fly high big fella!' a friend wrote on social media.

'Absolutely shattered, your heart was broken and you could never recover.'

Friends and clients say breaking into someone's home is out of character for the strongman.

'He's big and strong but he always loved people, so that's what doesn't seem right,' one friend said.

Mr Soper (pictured) was 'zombie-like' died in a struggle with the owner got into the house through the garage door that was accidentally left open

Mr Soper (left) went into cardiac arrest after a scuffle with the owner of a home he had broken into

Mr Soper's former gym, XXX Fight Academy, paid tribute on social media to their former 'coach, colleague and friend'.

'It is with the greatest sadness and shock to announce the passing of Brad Soper, our coach, our colleague and our friend.

'This news has absolutely devastated us all and we are going to miss him beyond words. His knowledge, encouragement, strength and all of the laughs and fun in between.

'His passion was to learn as much as he could and share everything he knew with his clients! Each and every one of them will be grateful for what he's given them.

'Sending all of our love to his family and friends at this heartbreaking time.

'Forever our Strongman. RIP.'

Mr Soper competed internationally in the Strongman Champions League in India as recently as December, finishing third.

He was also announced as the winner of Asia's strongest man in 2017.

A fight broke out and the intruder, 35, lost consciousness, went into cardiac arrest and later died. Pictured: Detectives on the street on Monday

Mr Soper got into the house after Mr Schwartz mistakenly left his roller door up on Saturday evening, neighbours told Daily Mail Australia on Monday.

After entering the garage, the man was able to get through a door inside.

Mr Schwartz reportedly found the man wearing a singlet and shorts and soaking wet after he apparently went for a swim in the family's pool.

A private security company patrols the Harrington Grove estate and knocks on doors of homes with doors or windows left open.

But it is understood there were no patrols on Saturday night to notice the Schwartz family's mistake.

Mr Schwartz spent more than 10 hours in police custody for questioning but was released without charge around 6pm on Sunday.

Mr Schwartz is said to be extremely shaken after the altercation just metres away from his young child and his wife.

Mr Schwartz spent more than 10 hours in police custody for questioning but was released without charge around 6pm on Sunday. Pictured: Detectives on the street on Monday

Mr Schwartz is said to be extremely shaken after the altercation just metres away from his young child and his wife (pictured)

Detectives have seized CCTV footage from two separate houses which shows the intruder before he approached the Schwartz residence. Pictured: Mr and Mrs Schwartz

Detectives have seized CCTV footage from two separate houses which shows the intruder before he approached the Schwartz residence.

A neighbour who had seen the security vision said Mr Soper can be seen 'staggering like a zombie' barefoot though at least 300m of a reserve with dense undergrowth that would have cut into his skin.

The troubled man then ducked under a very low fence, about a foot high, that could easily be stepped over.

Mr Schwartz and his family remained holed up in their Westwood Court home on Monday.

The South African finance worker moved in to the newly built house with his wife and young daughter in 2017 after buying the land a year earlier.

Neighbours described him as a lovely man who would never harm anyone unless he was defending his family.

'He's a nice guy with a wife and a young kid, I hope he doesn't go to jail. You should be able to defend your home,' one said.

They added: 'It's a quiet neighbourhood, biggest problem we have is kangaroos and spiders.'

South African businessman Francois Schwartz (pictured) spent Sunday in police custody for questioning after confronting a barefoot home invader

Mr Soper (pictured) was seen wandering the street by neighbours, who say he looked disorientated

Mr Schwartz (pictured) was described as 'respectable and quiet' by his neighbours

Following the struggle on Sunday morning, two neighbours ran to the home after Mrs Schwartz raised the alarm.

They unsuccessfully tried to revive him using CPR until paramedics arrived.

On Sunday Mrs Schwartz, who was carrying a toddler, and a teenage girl were spoken to by police at the front of the house before going back inside.

Neighbour Domenic Lombardo said he saw a man running through an adjacent construction site and acting unusually before the incident.

'My dogs were barking pretty loudly, pushed up against the fence, because there was someone there,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

The alleged home invasion took place at a newly-built house in Harrington Park early on Sunday

'I heard heavy breathing and I jumped up on my retaining wall and I saw a guy in his 20s, with ginger hair, bare foot. He was breathing heavily and mumbling to himself.'

Mr Lombardo said he watched the man climb another fence and scramble into another property.

Mr Schwartz and his wife were described as 'respectable and quiet' by their neighbours.

Detective Inspector Shane Woolbank said people were 'entitled to defend their home' and could use reasonable force defend themselves and their property.
A family are desperately trying to save their beloved pooch after he was deemed dangerous due to a past and previously-unknown attack on another dog.

Snoop, an American bulldog, was adopted by Belinda Phillips as a companion for her 16-year-old daughter, who experiences mental illness.

Since he joined the Phillips family in June last year, Snoop has become an integral part of his owners' lives in Whittlesea, Victoria.

'He's eight year old so he's not a puppy, he's very happy just to curl up and snuggle on Maggie's lap, he's been a joy,' Belinda told 3AW.

A family are desperately trying to save their beloved pooch, Snoop (pictured) after he was deemed dangerous due to a past and previously-unknown attack on another dog

But the pooch's future may be on the line after the local council claimed Snoop mauled a four-month-old Maltese-cross puppy to death before being adopted.

Despite the family, council, and RSPCA all previously being unaware of the attack, Snoop has now been declared a danger.

'It's not been made very clear to me, just that he was involved with an incident with another dog,' Belinda said.

If action is not taken, the bulldog will likely be put down.

He's eight year old so he's not a puppy, he's very happy just to curl up and snuggle on Maggie's lap, he's been a joy

According to the RSCPA, Snoop was not aggressive during his time in the shelter and was rehomed in accordance with internal policies.

But the council's hands are now tied, telling 3AW they must ensure attacks like the one allegedly committed by Snoop 'doesn't happen again'.

'This is an unusual and unfortunate situation and we sympathise with the dog's new owners,' the council said.

'We have been and will continue to offer them our support to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible.'
A series of brutal playground fights at a secondary school have been captured in shocking mobile phone footage.

One of the videos, filmed at Gisborne Secondary College in northwest Melbourne, shows two boys wresting on the floor.

A third boy appears to repeatedly punch and stamp on another as the two grapple on the ground.

A second video shows two boys fighting outside while surrounded by spectators.

They can be seen hurling punches at each other before they fall to the ground and other boys step in to break it up.

Teachers at the school were shocked by the recent violence and have punished the boys involved, reported the Herald Sun.

Principal Jon Moreley said in a statement: 'It is very distressing to see video footage of our students behaving in this manner.

'We have taken appropriate disciplinary action with the students involved and have made it clear to all students that this behaviour is entirely unacceptable.

'Incidents of this kind are very disappointing and do not reflect the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of our students.'

A Department of Education spokesman said there was 'no place' for violence in schools, adding: 'The department has introduced programs to encourage respectful, positive behaviour and to support those who experience bullying or violence.'
An elderly man is fighting for his life after being hit by a bus in Sydney.

Emergency crews were called to Moore Park, in Sydney's east, at 12.40pm on Monday after reports a pedestrian was struck by a bus.

The man, 62, was crossing Anzac Parade, near Sydney Boys High School, when he was hit.

Emergency crews were called to Moore Park, in Sydney's east, at 12.40pm on Monday after reports a pedestrian was struck by a bus

A NSW ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the man suffered head injuries and has been rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition.

The bus driver, a 63-year-old man, was also taken to hospital for mandatory blood and alcohol testing.

The incident sparked traffic chaos in the central city, with two of three northbound lanes closed on Anzac Parade near Cleveland Street.

Police were in attendance and inquiries are ongoing.
Prince Charles has claimed that more people taking yoga classes could help the NHS save 'precious and expensive' resources because it has 'proven beneficial effects on both body and mind'.

The Prince of Wales, who has long advocated alternative medicines and therapies, said in a written address to the Yoga In Healthcare conference, which took place in London at the weekend: 'For thousands of years, millions of people have experienced yoga's ability to improve their lives. The development of therapeutic yoga is, I believe, an excellent example of how yoga can contribute to health and healing.

'This not only benefits the individual, but also conserves precious and expensive health resources for others.'

The Prince of Wales has long advocated alternative medicines and therapies

The Prince said: 'For thousands of years, millions of people have experienced yoga's ability to improve their lives' (stock image)

The Prince said classes had 'tremendous social benefits' and helped build 'discipline, self-reliance and self-care', the Daily Telegraph reported.

He added that he was 'delighted' to find the conference was examining the benefits of yoga, and he would be watching the development of therapeutic yoga in the UK with 'great interest'.

The NHS website already suggests yoga is 'beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains  including lower back pain  depression and stress'.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said some of the additional funding pledged under the NHS Long Term Plan - announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock last month - would be spent on yoga classes.
The computer networks of Australia's major political parties were hit by a sophisticated cyber attack by a 'state actor' that affected the networks of federal parliament, the prime minister has confirmed.

Scott Morrison says an investigation into a breach of the Australian Parliament House network on February 8 found the networks of the Liberal, Labor and Nationals were also affected.

A 'state actor' is believed responsible for the attack, Mr Morrison said.

The computer networks of Australia's major political parties were affected by a recent sophisticated cyber attack on federal parliament, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed (file picture)

Security sources indicated last week China could be the source.

'I do not propose to go into the detail of these operational matters, but our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity,' Mr Morrison told parliament on Monday.

The prime minister says there is no evidence of any electoral interference.

But the government has put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral system regardless.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre is also available to help any electoral body or political party seeking support.

'We have acted decisively to protect our national interests,' Mr Morrison said.

Scott Morrison says an investigation into a breach of the Australian Parliament House network on February 8 found the networks of the Liberal, Labor and Nationals were also affected

'The methods used by malicious actors are constantly evolving and this incident just reinforces yet again the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental part of everyone's business.'

A Liberal party spokesman said the party was 'working closely with security agencies' on the matter.

In March 2011, it was reported China was suspected of accessing the email system used by federal MPs, advisers, electorate staff and parliamentary employees.

Mr Morrison's comments come after Senate President Scott Ryan confirmed there had been no more breaches of the federal parliamentary computer system since February 8.

Senator Ryan last week advised that there was no evidence that any data has been accessed, but that MPs and staff were required to change their passwords.

Labor leader Bill Shorten said the attempted hacking is of 'grave concern' and comes after attempted infiltration of democratic processes overseas, including in the United Kingdom and the United States.

'We cannot be complacent and, as this most recent activity reported by the prime minister indicates, we are not exempt or immune,' he told parliament.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a raft of investment deals worth up to $20 billion, as Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman launched his Asia tour.

The crown prince, widely known as 'MBS', is staging a high-profile three-country visit five months after he came under intense pressure following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

It comes as Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the deals - seven separate agreements and Memorandums of Understanding - will provide welcome relief to its teetering economy.

Mohammed bin Salman hugging Imran Khan, before the pair signed $20 billion worth of deals

Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked longtime ally Saudi Arabia for its support, adding: 'Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now taking this relationship to a level which (they) never had before.'

Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer.

Earlier Sunday, MBS was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute and was warmly embraced by Khan and powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa as he stepped onto a red carpet flanked by an honour guard at a military airbase near Islamabad.

The two-day visit to Pakistan comes amid high tensions in the region - India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran have accused Islamabad of backing militant groups which have carried out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days.

Bin Salman received a 21-gun salute and a red carpet on arrival at a military base in Islamabad

Hours ahead of the crown prince's arrival, Pakistan dismissed Delhi's accusations as 'well-rehearsed tactics from [the] Indian playbook after such incidents in the past'.

MBS will travel to India after his Pakistan visit, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China on Thursday and Friday.

The Asia trip comes after the murder of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, ignited a diplomatic crisis.

Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi's death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

The Crown Prince met Khan for the first stop on his Asia tour. He will next meet with Indian Primer Minister Narendra Modi

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and profoundly tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

But for analysts, the Asia tour - the largest outing on the international scene for the Saudi royal since his participation in the G20 summit in Argentina last December - is a timely demonstration to the West that he still has friends in rising Asia.

James M. Dorsey, a researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said MBS 'wants to demonstrate that he is not an international pariah'.

It is a matter of proving that he still has 'international access and he can function... as the most senior representative of Saudi Arabia beyond the king'.

The tour comes just months after journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered at a Saudi consulate

Li Guofu, director of Middle East studies at the China Institute of International Studies, a government-affiliated think tank, noted that as the Khashoggi case continues to cause indignation in Western countries, visiting them would have been 'inconvenient'.

'Not travelling to the West does not mean that he cannot come to the East. Saudi Arabia is also making strategic adjustments, and Asia is the new main direction of Saudi diplomacy,' he said.

Asian countries, he added, 'have an important special characteristic - that is, we don't interfere in the internal affairs of other countries'.

The prince's trip also includes an important economic component.

'China is the largest buyer of Saudi crude, and Saudi Arabia's other largest clients are all Asian: India, Japan, South Korea,' said Dorsey.

'Asia is a source of inward investment into Gulf energy and infrastructure investment; and the future growth of the global economy will be in Asia,' said Karen Young, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.
President Trump told his top intelligence officials that he believed Russian President Vladimir Putin more than he did them, fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe claimed on Sunday.

McCabe said that he was told by an FBI official that Trump was convinced by Putin that North Korea was incapable of hitting the United States with ballistic missiles - even though American spy agencies claimed otherwise.

I dont care, I believe Putin, Trump reportedly told government officials during a conversation about North Korea.

McCabe said he thought Trumps comments were shocking.

It's just an astounding thing to say, he told 60 Minutes.

To spend the time and effort and energy that we all do in the intelligence community to produce products that will help decision makers and the ultimate decision maker, the President of the United States - make policy decisions, and to be confronted with an absolute disbelief in those efforts and a unwillingness to learn the true state of affairs that he has to deal with every day was just shocking.

Fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe says President Trump told his intelligence chiefs that he believed the word of Russian President Vladimir Putin over theirs. McCabe's interview with 60 Minutes aired on Sunday

McCabe said he began an obstruction of justice and counterintelligence investigation involving Trump and his ties to Russia after Trump fired bureau Director James Comey in May 2017.

McCabe, who became acting director after Comeys firing, said he was disturbed by his conversation with Trump following Comeys dismissal and got the investigations started the following day.

'I was speaking to the man who had just run for the presidency and won the election for the presidency and who might have done so with the aid of the government of Russia, our most formidable adversary on the world stage. And that was something that troubled me greatly,' said McCabe.

In the first public confirmation of the investigation by an official who was involved, McCabe described events that occurred in the eight days between Comeys firing and the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to take over the investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

McCabe said that he was told by an FBI official that Trump was convinced by Putin that North Korea was incapable of hitting the United States with ballistic missiles - even though American spy agencies claimed otherwise. Trump and Putin are seen in Helsinki in July 2018

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the launch of a Hwasong-12 missile in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in September 2017. Trump reportedly said Putin convinced him that Kim was not capable of hitting the U.S. with missiles

'I was very concerned that I was able to put the Russia case on absolutely solid ground in an indelible fashion that were I removed quickly and reassigned or fired that the case could not be closed or vanish in the night without a trace,' said McCabe, who is promoting a book to be released next week, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump.

McCabe says Trump's own comments served as adequate basis for both investigations.

He says Trump's request of Comey to drop the investigation of then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with the Russians, could constitute obstruction of justice.

McCabe's book is due for release February 19

McCabe also mentioned Trump's request that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein write a memo listing the reasons for firing Comey.

The former FBI official revealed to CBS that Trump also asked Rosenstein: 'Make sure you put Russia in the memo.'

Rosenstein refused to do so. McCabe says that Trump wanted Rosenstein to 'give him cover' to fire Comey by citing the Russia investigation in the memo, which could be construed as an attempt by the president to interfere with the probe.

Trump then told Lester Holt of NBC that the Russia investigation was one of the main reasons he fired Comey.

In an Oval Office meeting with top Russian officials, Trump repeated this assertion.

'I just fired the head of the FBI. He was crazy, a real nut job,' Trump told Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and then-Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office on May 10, 2017.

'I faced great pressure because of Russia. Thats taken off.'

'Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed,' McCabe told 60 Minutes.

'The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey.'

McCabe made a series of stunning revelations during his interview, which aired Sunday on CBS.

McCabe also said he believed Trump may have obstructed justice by firing FBI Director James Comey in May 2017

In May 2017, Trump told Lester Holt of NBC News that the Russia investigation was the main reason he fired Comey

On May 10, 2017, the day after Comey was fired, Trump (far left) hosted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (second from left) and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak (fourth from left). Trump said firing Comey relieved 'great pressure because of Russia'

McCabe said in the interview that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein broached the idea of using the Constitution to oust Trump, saying the Justice Department official 'discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort.'

McCabe's 'bizarre' interview with Trump for FBI director position McCabe says his interview with President Trump in the Oval Office for the vacant FBI director position was a 'bizarre experience' Andrew McCabe was fired as the Deputy Director of the FBI on March 16, 2018 by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Before McCabe's dismissal, he interview with President Trump for the position of FBI director. During the interview in the Oval Office, McCabe said that Trump began talking about his election victory. 'It was a bit of a bizarre experience,' McCabe told 60 Minutes. 'He began by talking to me about his Electoral College results in the state of North Carolina, which I didn't really know about or understand how that related to the position of FBI director,' says McCabe. Trump then raised the issue of 'the support that he enjoyed within the FBI.' 'He estimated that 80% of FBI employees must have voted for him, and he asked me if I thought that was true. 'I said, "I have no idea who people in the FBI voted for. It's not something that we discuss at work".'

McCabe said Rosenstein was discussing 'counting votes or possible votes' to invoke the Constitution's 25th Amendment, which allows Cabinet members to seek the removal of a president if they conclude that he or she is mentally unfit.

Though McCabe wouldn't confirm that Rosenstein was plotting to get rid of Trump, he said: 'What I can say is the deputy attorney general was definitely very concerned about the president, about his capacity and about his intent at that point in time.'

The Justice Department issued a statement Thursday that did not deny the conversation but that said Rosenstein believes 'there is no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment, nor was (he) in a position to consider invoking the 25th Amendment.'

CBS News posted the excerpt of its interview on Friday after McCabe issued a statement saying comments of his on the subject had 'been taken out of context and misrepresented.'

McCabe: Rosenstein wanted advice from Comey after writing the memo which led to his firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (above) wanted to reach out to Jim Comey for advice on whether to appoint a special counsel to investigate Trump - even after his memo led to Comey's ouster, according to McCabe McCabe also told 60 Minutes on Sunday that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wanted to reach out to Jim Comey just days after President Trump fired him. Trump justified Comey's removal by citing a memo written by Rosenstein. In the memo, Rosenstein criticized Comey for his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. After Comey was fired, Rosenstein was considering whether to appoint a special counsel to investigate Trump. Rosenstein then asked McCabe to help him get in touch with Comey. 'He mentioned to me how highly he thought of Jim Comey,' McCabe said. 'And he mentioned that he would like to speak to Jim Comey about it.' What's remarkable about the request is that it came after Rosenstein helped get Comey fired.

CBS released a story Thursday about its interview in which correspondent Scott Pelley said McCabe had confirmed a discussion about the Constitution's 25th Amendment.

But the transcript of that section of the interview was not released until Friday, after McCabe spokeswoman Melissa Schwartz sought to downplay McCabe's involvement in any discussions about a potential removal of the president.

McCabe is the first person to confirm that the 25th Amendment came up in the meetings.

The ex-law enforcement official was later fired himself over conversations with the media that an inspector general deemed inappropriate.

Trump has claimed that Comey, McCabe and cohorts of theirs who worked on Hillary Clinton's email case and the Russian meddling probe were 'crooked' cops, and that's why he got rid of them.

In a chapter of his new book, 'The Threat,' McCabe suggests Trump couldn't be reasoned with.

He writes in an excerpt that appeared Thursday in The Atlantic that Trump 'flew off the handle' in a call on an unsecure line the day after he fired Comey over McCabe's decision to allow the former bureau chief to hitch a ride from Los Angeles on a government plane that was flying back to Washington.

Trump and Putin's love-in: When Donald hailed Vlad's 'very powerful' denial of 2016 election meddling President Trump publicly declared during a news conference in Helsinki last year alongside Vladimir Putin that he believed the Russian leader's denials about election meddling even though U.S. intelligence agencies disagreed During a controversial summit in Helsinki in July of last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a room full of U.S. and Russian reporters that he wanted Donald Trump to win the presidency in 2016. Trump, meanwhile, angered American lawmakers back home when he said he believed Putin's denials of interfering in the race. These were just two of the many revelations in a joint press conference that only fueled the spectacle of the Russia story. 'I have president Putin, he just said it's not Russia. I will say this. I don't see any reason why it would be,' Trump said, speaking to reporters about Russian election meddling as he stood side-by-side with the man U.S. intelligence says ordered it. 'So I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today,' Trump said after meeting with Putin in Helsinki. In a bizarre press conference, Putin denied having compromising information on Trump  even as he touted his own spy skills. And Trump denied the infamous dirty dossier by saying if the dirt were real it would have come out already. 'And now to the compromising material ' Putin, a former KGB colonel responded when asked if the Russians hold compromising leverage over Trump. 'I do know how dossiers are made up,' Putin joked, referring to his past as he introduced the subject of Russian intelligence files. But Trump was having none of it  at a press conference where he demanded someone find Hillary Clinton's deleted emails, pointed to a server associated with a House Democratic staffer, and accepted a soccer ball from Putin after congratulating the Russian team's performance at the World Cup. 'And I have to say if they had it, it would have been out long ago,' Trump interjected, referencing unverified claims in the Steele dossier about his conduct in a Moscow hotel room during the Miss Universe Pageant before he was president. During his answer on election interference, Putin appeared to question whether truth can even be established on such a matter. 'Who is to be believed and who is not to be believed? You can trust no one.' Trump declared the U.S.-Russia relationship on the mend  coming off a NATO trip where he attacked traditional allies Germany and the European Union. 'Our relationship has never been worse than it is now. However that changed as of about four hours ago,' the president told a packed room of reporters. The men met one-on-one, with no notetaker or staff, before a larger meeting with staff. Trump raised the hot issue of Russian interference in the presidential election, both presidents confirmed, as Trump had telegraphed in advance. Putin, addressing reporters first, referred to it as 'so-called interference.' 'I had to reiterate things I said several times,' Putin said. 'The Russian state has never interfered and is not going to interfere into internal am affairs including election process,' Putin said, denying it. A wave of condemnation by U.S. lawmakers from both Republican and Democratic parties followed Trumps failure to warn Putin about meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. 'Todays press conference in Helsinki was one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory,' the late Senator John McCain said at the time. 'The damage inflicted by President Trumps naivete, egotism, false equivalence, and sympathy for autocrats is difficult to calculate ... The summit in Helsinki was a tragic mistake.' Then-Senator Jeff Flake, a Republican from Arizona, tweeted: 'I never thought I would see the day when our American President would stand on the stage with the Russian President and place blame on the United States for Russian aggression. This is shameful.'

Comey was in LA giving a speech when he found out that Trump had fired him. McCabe said he decided as the acting head of the bureau that the threat posed to Comey's life was imminent enough that he should remain under federal protection.

'It was coming back anyway,' he writes of the plane. 'The president flew off the handle: Thats not right! I dont approve of that! Thats wrong! He reiterated his point five or seven times.

'I said, Im sorry that you disagree, sir. But it was my decision, and thats how I decided. The president said, I want you to look into that! I thought to myself: What am I going to look into? I just told you I made that decision.'

McCabe derides Trump in the passage for his willingness to 'comment prejudicially on criminal prosecutions' and investigations 'on ones that potentially affect him.'

Trump ranted about 'hated' James Comey being allowed to fly home on FBI plane Newly fired FBI director James Comey (circled) left Los Angeles on a plane to return to Washington on May 9, 2017. Trump was reportedly furious that McCabe allowed Comey to fly back from California on an official FBI plane McCabe claims President Trump vented to him after firing Comey that the suddenly former FBI chief was allowed to fly home from California at government expense. Comey was giving a speech in Los Angeles when people in his audience told him cable news channels were announcing that he had been terminated. Shortly after Comey was fired, McCabe says he received his first-ever telephone call from the president. 'He said, "Hello, Mr. Director, this is Don Trump",' McCabe said. Trump then angrily asked McCabe why Comey was allowed to fly back to Washington, D.C. on an official government plane. McCabe said: 'It was a presidential order after 9/11 that the director of the FBI travels on a government plane because he needs to be within reach of secure communications, so the director typically travels on an FBI plane, and he [Comey] had done so that day to California, which is where he was when he found out by watching the television that he'd been fired.' McCabe told Trump he made the decision to allow Comey to fly on the official FBI plane. Trump was 'mad about it,' according to McCabe. But the president kept pressing. 'He asked if Jim Comey would be allowed back in the FBI building, if he would come into the building to collect his personal effects,' McCabe said.

'He is not just sounding a dog whistle. He is lobbying for a result. The president has stepped over bright ethical and moral lines wherever he has encountered them,' said the former law enforcement official who Trump targeted on Twitter repeatedly.

Emphasizing his point, he said, 'Every day brings a new low, with the president exposing himself as a deliberate liar who will say whatever he pleases to get whatever he wants.'

Trump tore into McCabe, the former deputy director of the FBI, on Twitter on Thursday morning after the former law enforcement official lifted the lid on conversations within Justice to oust the sitting president.

Trump invoked McCabe's wife Jill's failed candidacy for office in Virginia, where she ran for office as a Democrat with the financial backing of an organization that is close to Hillary Clinton.

The president suggested the connection to the former secretary of state who opposed him for the Oval Office caused McCabe to go easy on Clinton in the FBI's probe into her use of a private email and server.

Donald Trump fired back at Andrew McCabe on Twitter on Thursday morning during a block of time in which he usually does have anything on his public or private work schedule

Trump invoked McCabe's wife Jill, who ran for office as a Democrat in Virginia and lost. She had the financial backing of an organization that is close to Hillary Clinton

'Disgraced FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe pretends to be a poor little Angel when in fact he was a big part of the Crooked Hillary Scandal & the Russia Hoax - a puppet for Leakin James Comey. I.G. report on McCabe was devastating. Part of insurance policy in case I won,' Trump wrote in two-part tweet.

He said in a second message several minutes later, 'Many of the top FBI brass were fired, forced to leave, or left. McCabes wife received BIG DOLLARS from Clinton people for her campaign - he gave Hillary a pass. McCabe is a disgrace to the FBI and a disgrace to our Country. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

Trump's complaint about McCabe's wife Jill stems from her failed 2015 run for a state senate seat in Virginia.

A statewide political action committee called Common Good VA contributed $467,000 to her campaign. Hillary Clinton headlined a fundraiser for the group shortly beforehand, raising $500,000 for it.

The PAC was run at the time by Terry McAuliffe, then the governor of Virginia. McAuliffe is a longtime Bill Clinton fundraiser and former Democratic National Committee chairman.

Jill McCabe's campaign also received more than $207,000 from the Democratic Party of Virginia, over which McAuliffe exerted significant control.

Common Good VA was the largest single donor to the McCabe campaign.

McCabe said Rosenstein mentioned the possibility of a plan to approach Mike Pence, the vice president, and ask him to invoke the 25th Amendment, triggering Trump's removal from office
A teenager from Bethnal Green who tried to join ISIS in Syria was hauled off a plane when police found a stash of extremist materials but was never prosecuted, it has emerged.

The 15-year-old tried to fly to Turkey from Heathrow in order to head to Syria in December 2014, two months before Shamima Begum went to join the terror group.

Police found ISIS propaganda videos, plans of a government building and a material on a target linked to the royal family but did not pass a file to prosecutors, The Times reported.

The revelation came as Shemima Begum, now 19, made a desperate plea to return to the UK with her newborn child, despite saying she had no regrets about joining ISIS.

Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum are seen on CCTV at London Gatwick Airport in February 2015 as they fly to Turkey in order to join ISIS in Syria

The girl who travelled months earlier was one of five Bethnal Green schoolgirls who tried to fly to Syria but the only one who was stopped.

Who were the five Bethnal Green girls who went to join ISIS? Sharmeena Begum - Flew to Turkey from London Heathrow in December 2014. No relation to Shamima. Unnamed 15-year-old - tried to go to Turkey on the same 2014 flight but was stopped before take-off. Shamima Begum - One of the three who flew from London Gatwick to Turkey in February 2015 and then went on to Syria. Has pleaded to be allowed to return to the UK with newborn son. Amira Abase - Flew out in 2015 with Shamima who said in yesterday's interview she did not know whether Ms Abase was still alive. Kadiza Sultana - Also flew out in 2015. Believed to have been killed in an airstrike in 2016.

It is claimed she possessed extremist material including videos of beheadings and sniper killings.

She is also said to have had copies of an ISIS magazine and lectures by a hate preacher linked to al-Qaeda.

However the CPS reportedly did not receive a file, partly because of the huge quantity of material discovered. She is believed to still be in Britain.

The unnamed teenager was apparently on the same 2014 flight as Sharmeena Begum, who is not related to Shamima.

Shamima was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK in February 2015.

They flew from London Gatwick Airport to Turkey and later crossed the border into Syria.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016 while Shamima said yesterday she did not know whether Ms Abase was still alive.

Yesterday Ms Begum Begum claimed she was 'just a housewife' when she left Britain to join ISIS in Syria and does not regret her decision.

She admitted she knew the group was carrying out beheadings and executions before she left, adding that she was 'okay with it'.

The unnamed teenager was apparently on the same 2014 flight as Sharmeena Begum (pictured), who is not related to Shamima

Asked if she felt she made a mistake travelling to Syria, she said: 'In a way, yes, but I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person. It's made me stronger, tougher.'

Ms Begum was speaking next to her newborn son, who she said she had named after her previous son who died, in accordance with her husband's wishes.

Asked to respond to comments that she could be potentially very dangerous if she returned, she said: 'They don't have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous

'When I went to Syria I was just a housewife, the entire four years I stayed at home, took care of my husband, took care of my kids, I never did anything... I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria.

'They don't really have proof that I did anything that is dangerous.'
For the Rhimes family, a 12-seater car is a necessity.

With nine kids, getting around Melbourne without a large vehicle is virtually impossible.

But the family has been left stranded after their Toyota Hiace was stolen on Friday night - forcing mum Lianne Rhimes to homeschool her large brood.

For the Rhimes family (pictured), a 12-seater van is a necessity. With nine kids, getting around Melbourne without a large vehicle is virtually impossible

The family live in Carrum Down, but the children attend school in Edithvale and Mordialloc  meaning Mrs Rhimes' school run takes two hours each day

The family live in Carrum Down, but the children attend school in Edithvale and Mordialloc  meaning Mrs Rhimes' school run takes two hours each day.

The mother-of-nine said on the family's GoFundMe page that getting the kids to school since the theft has been incredibly difficult.

'The mind boggles at how someone could see a car full of baby seats and still choose to steal it,' Mrs Rhimes said.

'The loss of our 12-seater van is shattering - we are devastated. It has immediately and indefinitely affected our whole family.

'While I usually complete two, one-hour round trips per day to get my children to school and back, we are now stranded. With nine children, we do not fit in just any car.'

The youngest kids will now have to be homeschooled until the van is returned or replaced, she said.

Ms Rhimes is pleading for the vehicle to be returned.

There were car seats and a double pram inside the van when it was stolen, which has added to the financial headache facing the family.

'It has immediately and indefinitely affected our whole family,' Ms Rhimes said

The family have set up a GoFundMe page with the hope of raising $4,000 to replace the stolen vehicle

The family have set up a GoFundMe page with the hope of raising $4,000 to replace the stolen vehicle.

'Best case scenario, our car is found in good working order in the coming days. Worst case scenario, our car is not found, the insurance will pay back our lenders, and we will be out of pocket insurance excess, four baby car seats, one double pram, a few baby car supplies, and potentially the ability to purchase another vehicle,' Mrs Rhimes said.

As they are such a large family, she said it might be difficult to get another loan for a vehicle.

'I can't even begin to describe how devastating this is to our family,' Ms Rhimes said.
A pensioner has been charged with sexually abusing two boys while they were in his care 10 years ago.

Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested an 83-year-old man at a home at Cranebrook, in the far western Sydney suburbs, on Friday.

The investigation began in July 2016 when detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad recieved reports a 15-year-old boy had been sexually abused by a male carer earlier that year

A pensioner has been charged with sexually abusing two boys while they were in his care 10 years ago (stock image)

Detectives also spoke with a boy who had reported he was sexually abused by a mentor while in care between 2006 and 2008, when he was aged 11.

The pensioner was taken to Penrith Police Station and charged with procure child under 14 years for pornographic purposes, aggravated indecent assault-victim under the age of 16 years, and sexual intercourse with person under care-aged 16-17.

The man appeared at Penrith Local Court, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Friday 1 March 2019.
A taxi driver fed up with being told where to go has been captured on CCTV footage running down his passenger and then driving off.

Amenpreed Ratol, 33, of Williams Landing should never even have been behind the wheel of the Melbourne cab after previously having his taxi licence suspended.

The Indian national was also living in Australia illegally after overstaying his student visa.

Amenpreed Ratol, 33, of Williams Landing ran over Trent Atkinson after an argument about directions. This wanted poster was put out for his arrest

Trent Atkinson and his wife Rhagan, who provided medical attention to her husband's broken leg

Shocking CCTV footage captured from a business on Flinders St, in Melbourne's CBD, revealed the moment Ratol mounted the footpath and mowed down Trent Atkinson from behind.

Ratol was originally charged with intentionally causing serious injury - which carries a 20-year prison term - but it was dealt down by prosecutors to the lesser charge of recklessly causing serious injury to avoid a costly trial.

Prosecutors accepted Ratol was 'flustered' after an argument over directions and hadn't realised his tyres where pointed toward the footpath when he accelerated at Mr Atkinson.

Ratol pleaded guilty to driving in a manner dangerous, recklessly causing serious injury and failing to stop his vehicle after an accident.

Ratol's barrister Danielle Lamovie said it was not suggested Ratol made a 'deliberate act'.

'It's an agreed fact,' she said.

Crown prosecutor Phil Raimondo confirmed it was accepted by the director.

The strip of Flinders Street near where Trent Atkinson was run down by Amenpreed Ratol after an argument about directions

Family members of Mr Atkinson could hardly believe their eyes after viewing the harrowing footage at the County Court of Victoria.

It was the night of Mr Atkinson's sister's 21st birthday party in 2016 when he made the unfortunate mistake of hopping into Ratol's taxi with his wife-to-be and two mates.

They got in a south bound taxi rank on King Street, near the corner of Flinders Street, and asked to go to Cranbourne.

Mr Atkinson got into the front passenger seat and the others got in the back.

When Ratol turned left onto Flinders Street, Mr Atkinson told him he was going the wrong way.

Ratol made a U-turn and began to drive west along Flinders Street when an argument broke out over which way to go.

Fed up with dodgy taxi drivers, Mr Atkinson asked Ratol to pull over and let him out.

When he refused to stop, the frustrated passenger pulled up the handbrake near the Melbourne Aquarium.

Trent Atkinson had been at a wedding with his soon-to-be wife Rhagan on the dday of his sister's birthday when his life was forever changed in a shocking incident in Melbourne's CBD

As his mates jumped out of the back, Mr Atkinson asked Ratol for his name so he could make a complaint.

Ratol refused.

Mr Atkinson then grabbed the driver identification card from the dashboard of the car.

A struggle ensued until Mr Atkinson wrested the card from Ratol's grip and got out of the cab.

He was two metres onto the footpath when Ratol ran him down.

Mr Atkinson's then girlfriend Rhagan and two mates helped save his life.

The sickening incident left the 31 year old horse trainer with tyre marks across his shoulder and shattered his left leg to pieces, leaving bone exposed.

The front left wheel of the taxi narrowly missed running over his head.

Ratol drove off and only came forward after a wanted poster was published by police looking for him.

He has already spent 383 days in jail while awaiting sentence, which is expected to take place next month.

Meanwhile, Mr Atkinson continues to struggle to regain his life and has not been able to return to his previous job working within the racing industry.
Social media sites could face criminal sanctions if they fail to rein in their behaviour, the Culture Secretary said yesterday.

Sites could be forced to follow a compulsory code of ethics to protect young and vulnerable users, the culture committee said in a separate report on Fake News And Disinformation, published today.

It is calling for an independent regulator to ensure companies define and remove harmful content.

Committee chairman Damian Collins (above) said that democracy is at risk from malicious and relentless targeted online misinformation, and added: The age of inadequate self-regulation must come to an end' [File photo]

Tory MP and committee chairman Damian Collins said social media companies were failing in their duty of care to act against harmful content.

He also said that sites must respect users data and privacy rights. The report follows the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell, whose father blamed her death on shocking images she saw on social media.

Now the pressure is growing on the Government to tackle the unchecked power of sites such as Facebook and Instagram.

The report, by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Committee, calls for changes to the current system.

It says: We believe that a compulsory code of ethics should be established, overseen by an independent regulator, setting out what constitutes harmful content.

The report said the new code should aim to establish a legal duty of care to make social media sites liable for harmful and illegal content on their platforms.

If a company breaks this code, the regulator should be able to legally challenge the company and impose fines.

The regulator should also be able to request information  including personal data  from sites to investigate claims properly, and the public should be able to lodge complaints.

The report follows the death of 14-year- old Molly Russell, whose father blamed her death on shocking images she saw on social media. Now the pressure is growing on the Government to tackle the unchecked power of sites such as Facebook and Instagram [File photo]

Yesterday, Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said he would look at all possible options for penalties for companies who break the law in a Government white paper, to be published next winter.

Mr Wright told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show that these include criminal sanctions.

The committees report also said electoral law was not fit for purpose and should be updated for online political campaigning. It called for a review of rules surrounding political work during election and referendum campaigns.

Mr Collins said that democracy is at risk from malicious and relentless targeted online misinformation, and added: The age of inadequate self-regulation must come to an end.

Facebook broke privacy laws while trying to destroy other businesses, the Culture Committee said in a report published today.

It said that social media sites should not be able to behave like digital gangsters, considering themselves beyond the law. Facebook denied the claims.
Three-quarters of residents killed in the fire at Grenfell Tower were told to 'stay put' by 999 operators, a controversial documentary has claimed.

Fifty-five of the 72 who died were told to stay in flats for almost two hours after the first 999 call, despite flames spreading with terrifying speed through flammable cladding.

Survivors and bereaved families told Channel 4's Dispatches they believed all the residents could have survived if fire brigade operators had instructed them to evacuate earlier.

A new documentary claims three-quarters of people killed in the Grenfell Tower fire were told to 'stay put' by emergency services

Marcio Gomes, whose baby was stillborn hours after his family escaped, said: 'They would have saved everybody if the decision was to get everybody out...'

Grenfell: Did The Fire Brigade Fail?, which airs tonight at 8pm, analysed witness statements and evidence from the Grenfell Inquiry.

It said evidence pointed to a 'systemic failure' in the London Fire Brigade (LFB) on the night of June 14, 2017, when it followed its 'stay put' policy despite previous recommendations to retrain commanders on what to do if that failed.

An LFB spokesman said it did not take part in filming due to the ongoing public inquiry.

Responding to the programme, which will air on Monday evening, one of the survivors and bereaved campaign groups Grenfell United said LFB commissioner Dany Cotton had 'steadfastly refused' to acknowledge any failures.

Survivors and bereaved families say in the documentary that there could have been no deaths if a mass evacuation was ordered

It also said she needed to explain why families were not believed about the spread of the fire, a lack of communication with 999 operators and why the Commissioner did not 'take charge' when she arrived.

The LFB has briefed firefighters not to talk to journalists about the night, but one employee spoke to Channel 4 anonymously.

He said there was insufficient training given about evacuating entire buildings and criticised Ms Cotton for telling the public inquiry preparing for Grenfell was akin to planning for a space shuttle landing on the Shard.

The Grenfell Inquiry heard fire chiefs had no training on when to evacuate tower blocks

He told the programme: 'It really annoyed me straight afterwards because everyone was ... 'this fire is unprecedented'. We had a lot of that. I think that's [the] narrative that they want you to think because that kind of suggests that no one's responsible.

'But the warning signs were there. We could have learnt these lessons. The stuff that the Coroner recommended from Lakanal House would have given Michael the tools he needed to recognise that that building was not acting how it should have acted. We could see this coming.'

He was referring to recommendations made after a fire in a block of flats in 2009 where six people died after fire spread through multiple compartments.

Reacting to the documentary, Grenfell United said: 'Firefighters saved lives but they were let down, just as we were, because their leaders failed to learn lessons from previous fires and to step up to make critical decisions on the night.'

The group continued: 'Dany Cotton has so far steadfastly refused to acknowledge any failures.

'That attitude must change if survivors and bereaved families are to rest knowing that everything will be done to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.'

LFB Commissioner Dany Cotton received criticism for saying the emergency services response was 'fantastic'

An LFB spokeswoman said: 'Our thoughts are with the Grenfell community. It's essential to understand what happened on the night.

'We are listening, we are learning and already making changes. We all need to learn about the cause and response to the fire to prevent such an incident happening again.

'We strongly believe drawing conclusions before the public inquiry, police investigation and our own investigation, could be prejudicial, which is why we could not take part in this programme.

'Our staff acted on what they faced that night and not on what we have learnt subsequently about why and how the fire spread with such devastating consequences.'
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio is at odds with rising Democratic star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over the fallout from Amazons decision to pull out of building a planned office complex in Queens.

The mayor said that the congresswoman is wrong about the $3billion in tax incentives that the city and state would have granted Amazon if the retailer built a new headquarters in Long Island City.

In exchange for the tax breaks, Amazon promised the city and state that it would deliver 25,000 jobs and more than $27billion in revenue.

Ocasio-Cortez and others believe that instead of granting tax breaks to Amazon, a company valued at nearly $800billion, government should use the money for public works.

Mayor Bill de Blasio (left) said Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (right) made a mistake in opposing Amazon's planned campus in Queens

If we were willing to give away $3 billion for this deal, we could invest those $3 billion in our district ourselves, if we wanted to, Ocasio-Cortez said on Thursday when asked about Amazons decision to cancel the deal.

We could hire out more teachers. We can fix our subways. We can put a lot of people to work for that money, if we wanted to.

But de Blasio disputed Ocasio-Cortezs argument, though he did not mention her by name.

The mayor told NBCs Meet the Press that the $3billion in tax incentives would have been given to Amazon after it had already generated revenue for the city and state.

He told moderator Chuck Todd that Ocasio-Cortezs premise that the $3billion exists is wrong.

Theres no money, de Blasio said.

And that $3billion that would go back in tax incentives was only after were getting the jobs and getting the revenue.

Amazon on Thursday hit-out at Ocasio-Cortez and her Democratic peers for creating an unjust hostile 'environment' that led to the withdrawal of their New York headquarters plan

Amazon on Thursday hit-out at Ocasio-Cortez and her Democratic peers for creating an unjust hostile 'environment' that led to the withdrawal of their New York headquarters plan.

Speaking out about the withdrawal on Friday, Amazon's head of policy communications, Jodi Seth, pointed blame at Ocasio-Cortez and her anti-Amazon rhetoric.

Ocasio-Cortez has been criticized by conservatives who say she doesnt have a firm grasp of how economics works.

'If you talk to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, it's "Never Amazon",' Seth said.

Ocasio-Cortez had long been a strong opponent to the plans, citing rent hikes and local displacement - as seen around the tech firm's headquarters in Seattle - as grounds for why the city should reject the proposal.

The 29-year-old responded to Amazon's shocking announcement on Thursday with glee, tweeting: 'Anything is possible: today was the day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers & their neighbors defeated Amazons corporate greed, its worker exploitation, and the power of the richest man in the world.'

She opposed the move for its massive tax incentives, previously tweeting such money could be used towards improving the city's crumbling subway system and investing in local communities.

The Democratic congresswoman, who shocked the world last year by beating incumbent Joe Crowley in the race for New Yorks 14th District, holds a degree in economics and international relations from Boston University.

Amazon said on Thursday it was canceling its plans to build a corporate campus in New York's Long Island City after rising opposition from local politicians

During his appearance on Meet the Press, de Blasio blamed Amazon for walking away from an agreement with the city and state.

In an op-ed in the New York Times on Saturday, de Blasio hit out at Amazon for backing down and said the decision to 'take its ball and go home' won't diminish rising anger over economic inequality.

Amazon officials joined de Blasio and Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo in November to announce plans to build a $2.5billion headquarters in Queens.

The decision to cancel plans was a serious blow to de Blasio and Cuomo, who had both lobbied intensely to land the campus within city limits.

The Democratic Mayor said he first found out about Amazon's decision to ditch New York when he received a brief phone call about an hour before the news broke on Thursday.

He said he had been helping Amazon just days earlier about how they could win over those who were critical of the plan.

The Mayor said he suggested meeting with organized labor, hiring public housing residents and investing in infrastructure.

'There was a clear path forward. Put simply: If you don't like a small but vocal group of New Yorkers questioning your company's intentions or integrity, prove them wrong,' he said.

'Instead, Amazon proved them right.'

De Blasio described the initial deal as a 'solid foundation' that would have created 25,000 jobs and $27 billion in new tax revenue to 'fuel priorities from transit to affordable housing'.

Mayor de Blasio blamed the opposition to Amazon in New York on growing frustration with corporate America and Amazon's chief executive Jeff Bezos

He blamed the opposition to Amazon in New York on growing frustration with corporate America.

'For decades, wealth and power have concentrated at the very top. There's no greater example of this than Amazon's chief executive, Jeff Bezos - the richest man in the world,' he said.

'Amazon's capricious decision to take its ball and go home, in the face of protest, won't diminish that anger.

'We just witnessed another example of what the concentration of power in the hands of huge corporations leaves in its wake. Let's change the rules before the next corporation tries to divide and conquer.'

The Mayor furiously responded to the news on Thursday by criticizing Amazon in a series of tweets, saying the company 'threw away' an opportunity and failed to work with the community.

'You have to be tough to make it in New York City. We gave Amazon the opportunity to be a good neighbor and do business in the greatest city in the world. Instead of working with the community, Amazon threw away that opportunity,' de Blasio said.

'We have the best talent in the world and every day we are growing a stronger and fairer economy for everyone. If Amazon can't recognize what that's worth, its competitors will.'

Amazon's search for a second headquarters, which it described as HQ2, was deemed a massive, year-long public relations success, garnering worldwide publicity and interest from cities across the U.S.

The Seattle-based company, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, had planned to bring 25,000 jobs to New York and spend $2.5 billion building its offices.

'We are disappointed to have reached this conclusion - we love New York,' Amazon said in a statement on Thursday.

'For Amazon, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires positive, collaborative relationships with state and local elected officials who will be supportive over the long-term.

'While polls show that 70 percent of New Yorkers support our plans and investment, a number of state and local politicians have made it clear that they oppose our presence and will not work with us to build the type of relationships that are required to go forward with the project we and many others envisioned in Long Island City.'
Women's AFL star Daisy Pearce has announced the birth of her 'wonderful' twins and said that mothers gracing the field will become a 'beautiful part of the sport'.

The Melbourne midfielder, 30, welcomed Sylvie and Roy into the world with her partner Ben O'Neill on Friday.

In a gushing Instagram post alongside pictures of the newborns, she wrote on Monday: 'With exploding hearts, Ben and I would like to introduce Sylvie & Roy O'Neill.

'Both are wonderful and being smothered in love and smooches.'

New mother: Women's AFL star Daisy Pearce (pictured with her twins) has announced the birth of her 'wonderful' twins and said that mothers gracing the field will become a 'beautiful part of the sport'

Pearce, widely regarded as the face of women's AFL, shared a picture (above) of the twins in Melbourne FC colours - red and black. Left: Sylive. Right: Roy

The Melbourne midfielder (pictured during pregnancy), 30, welcomed Sylvie and Roy into the world with her partner Ben O'Neill

Sylvie, weighing 2530g, was born first at 11.37am before Roy, at 2910g, followed two minutes later.

Pearce, widely regarded as the face of women's AFL, shared a picture of the twins in Melbourne FC colours - red and black.

Before the births, the star said she hopes to return to the field in the 2020 season.

'I'm sure I won't be the last person to get pregnant and want to get back and play footy or any sport for that matter,' she told Melbourne FC's website late last year.

Daisy Pearce of the Demons in action ahead of Katie Brennan of the Bulldogs in March 2018

Before the births, the star (pictured) said she hopes to return to the field in the 2020 season

'As we start to see more and more elite women's sports, we'll see more and more people trying to juggle it and their family commitments in and around it.

'I guess I'm one of the first in footy to go through it but let's hope we see it more and more. It will be a beautiful part of the sport.'

Pearce, who has been playing since 2005, served as Melbourne captain in the AFLW's first two seasons in 2017 and 2018.

She also captained Victoria in the inaugural AFL Women's State of Origin match in 2017, where she was awarded player of the match.
Nearly half of the cars running in the 61st NASCAR Daytona 500 saw an abrupt, fiery end to their first place dreams in Florida on Sunday.

A massive crash took out 18 out of the 40 cars in the lineup, with just 10 laps to go in the 500-mile contest at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.

Paul Menard started the pileup by attempting a 'bump and run' around Matt DiBenedetto, in which Menard tipped the rear passenger side wheel on DiBenedetto's number 95 car and set the massive collision in motion.

'Ill take the blame for that one,' Menard said, regarding the large-scale wreck in which no one was injured.

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A total of 18 out of the 40 cars running in the 61st NASCAR Daytona 500 saw an abrupt, fiery end to their first place dreams in Florida on Sunday with just 10 laps to go in the race

Any wreck that involves five or more cars is called 'The Big One,' in NASCAR vernacular, and this one more than qualified.

Aerial video shows the moments leading up to the crash, with Menard's number 21 Ford Mustang pressed right up against the rear bumper of DiBenedetto's car.

He's attempting a move called a 'bump and run' or a 'bump drive,' according to Fox NASCAR announcers, which goes terribly wrong for everyone involved.

The crash occurred when Paul Menard (left) driving the 21 car caused Matt DiBenedetto (right) driving the 95 car to spin out while trying to pass him. Menard was attempting a move called a 'bump and run' or a 'bump drive,' which goes terribly wrong for everyone involved

Aerial video shows the moments leading up to the crash, with Menard's number 21 Ford Mustang pressed right up against the rear bumper of DiBenedetto's car

In a 'bump and run,' the driver tailing a leading car taps the back of the leading car in hopes of gaining the advantage and passing into the leader position, themself. It's controversial, but also common. Scene of the wreck on Sunday is pictured

In a 'bump and run,' the driver tailing a leading car taps the back of the leading car in hopes of gaining the advantage and passing into the leader position, themself.

An announcer for Fox Nascar described the action, saying 'Paul Menard giving a pretty nice push down the back straight-away to DiBenedetto, get to his right rear. That just starts to turn him a little bit.'

'Yep, got him in the right rear,' another announcer said.

A third voice added: 'And then he collects Menard. Logano just misses it but the whole outside lane and half the inside pile up.'

As DiBenedetto lost control between the third and fourth turns with just 10 laps to go, he took out everyone in his path, including Menard and defending champion Austin Dillon

The entire outside lane and half of the inside lane were taken out in the fiery crash

The 'bump and run' is controversial but common, with an entire page on the NASCAR website devoted to 'NASCAR's most memorable bump-and-run moments.'

The move often results in mixed reactions from NASCAR fans, with some saying whatever it takes to win is perfectly fine.

Others say that if you can't pass someone by being fast, you don't deserve a trophy, and especially not if a wreck results from purposefully making contact with another driver's car.

The first announcer explained what was likely going through Menard's mind when he chose to make contact with the 95 car.

An announcer said: 'At this stage in the race you can start to taste victory in the Daytona 500. You want to see that checkered flag and you'll do anything to get it, and you know you've gotta be more aggressive with those bump drives'

The move often results in mixed reactions from NASCAR fans, with some saying whatever it takes to win is perfectly fine. Others say that if you can't pass someone by being fast, you don't deserve a trophy, and especially not if a wreck results from purposefully making contact with another driver's car. The melee from the midst of the collision is shown

'At this stage in the race you can start to taste victory in the Daytona 500,' he said.

'You want to see that checkered flag and you'll do anything to get it, and you know you've gotta be more aggressive with those bump drives.'

Menard basically acknowledged that line of thinking, telling Fox, 'It was go time, and I was pushing the 95 [car] and it looked like he was trying to get to the middle and I started trying to get to the outside and just barely hooked him. Yeah, that was my bad. I wrecked a lot of cars. I feel bad about that.'

Some NASCAR fans say whatever it takes to win is perfectly fine, and others say that if you can't pass someone by being fast, you don't deserve a trophy, and especially not if a wreck results from purposefully making contact with another driver's car

Menard (pictured) told Fox, 'It was go time, and I was pushing the 95 [car] and it looked like he was trying to get to the middle and I started trying to get to the outside and just barely hooked him. Yeah, that was my bad. I wrecked a lot of cars. I feel bad about that'

As DiBenedetto spiraled out of control between the third and fourth turns, he took out every vehicle in his path.

Among those who had their race ended early were defending Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (#3), Chase Elliott (#9), Ryan Blaney (#12), Aric Almirola (#10) and Daniel Suarez (#41).

The race was paused while the wreckage was cleaned up.

Denny Hamlin, driving the number 11 car, went on to win the race.

Denny Hamlin (shown) driving the 11 car went on to win the race, after a pause for cleanup
A former Catholic schoolgirl has been jailed for running a drugs syndicate on the orders of her gangster boyfriend in prison.

Alina Antal, 31, ran a cannabis gang in western Sydney with her on-off lover Oliver Merza while he was in Silverwater jail.

Merza, 28, used 14 contraband mobile phones to help her run the operation involving 12 gang members, including four minors.

Antal, a paralegal, was sentenced to three years and six months in jail with two years non-parole on Friday.

Jailed: Former Catholic schoolgirl Alina Antal (pictured) turned drug lord said she thought cannabis trafficking was an 'easy way of making money'

With time already served, she could be out in three months, reported the Daily Telegraph.

Also on Friday at the Wollongong District Court, Merza was sentenced to four years and six months with three years non-parole.

The court heard he was born in Iraq before fleeing to Australia.

He went to Fairfield High School until Year 10 but dropped out to become a plumber before turning to drug dealing.

Two other members of his Middle Eastern gang were jailed, while another three were handed corrections orders.

At her sentencing hearing last month, Antal said she thought cannabis trafficking would be an 'easy way of making money.'

The gang had two bases in Cabramatta and Fairfield where they would package and store cannabis. Pictured: Police make arrests after raids

She wrote a grovelling letter to court, saying she thought drug dealing was a 'victimless crime' and she was 'ashamed of herself.'

The gang had two bases in Cabramatta and Fairfield where they would package and store cannabis.

During raids in 2017, police seized cannabis, cash, mobile phones, SIM cards, clothing and drug paraphernalia in seven homes in Fairfield, Cabramatta West, Smithfield and Elizabeth Hills.

Police were investigating the Fairfield area after a series of public shootings when they uncovered a cannabis supply syndicate.

Antal was charged with supply prohibited drug, direct criminal group, recruit child to carry out/ assist criminal activity, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and act with intent to pervert the course of justice.
The glamorous girlfriend of nightclub identity John Ibrahim has had her trial for possessing an illegal firearm postponed.

Sarah Budge appeared at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Monday morning with her legal team and her brother Jack after she was charged with allegedly possessing a Glock handgun.

The trial had to be postponed as Budge, 29, needs to care for her terminally ill mother.

Sarah Budge appeared at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney on Monday morning with her legal team after she was charged with allegedly possessing a Glock handgun

The trial had to be postponed as Budge, 29, needs to care for her terminally ill mother

When NSW Police raided Budge's apartment in Sydney's Double Bay in August 2017 they allegedly found a loaded Glock handgun stored in a wooden box in her bedroom

Judge Helen Syme referred to an affidavit which said Budge's mother was in palliative care and was not expected to live for very long.

'The position of her mother puts her in a position where she is required to assist her mother in her last days,' the judge said. 'I accept that.'

Judge Syme concluded 'there is no way' in those circumstances a fair trial could be held at present.

The case will be mentioned on Friday when a new trial date will be set.

The former model began dating Kings Cross nightclub owner Ibrahim in 2014

Budge, who owns a bar in Potts Point, initially faced six charges but that number was reduced to three after a deal was agreed between the prosecution and the defence

When NSW Police raided Budge's apartment in Sydney's Double Bay in August 2017 they allegedly found a loaded Glock handgun stored in a wooden box in her bedroom.

The former model began dating Kings Cross nightclub owner Ibrahim in 2014.

Budge, who owns a bar in Potts Point, initially faced six charges but that number was reduced to three after a deal was agreed between the prosecution and the defence.

Her home was raided at the same time as search warrants were executed on a number of Sydney addresses as part of a major investigation into drug supply. It is not suggested the Budge's gun possession charges are in any way related to that.

Mr Ibrahim's brothers Fadi and Michael were arrested in Dubai as part of that investigation.

Michael is charged with masterminding a drug and tobacco trafficking operation while Fadi is charged with financing a tobacco importation.

The semi-automatic handgun allegedly found in Budge's bedroom is a 9mm weapon with a 10-round magazine

Budge is not charged with anything related to the alleged smuggling syndicate and John Ibrahim has not been charged with any offence.

The semi-automatic handgun allegedly found in Budge's bedroom is a 9mm weapon with a 10-round magazine.

It is known as a 'baby Glock' and is described by its manufacturer as 'the most sought-after concealed carry option since its release in 1994.'

'The highly accurate firing characteristics explain why the G26 is the mainstay backup option among security personnel and agencies worldwide,' Glock states.

Budge was first linked to Ibrahim about three years ago.

At the time of her arrest she was the managing director of the inner-city restaurant and music venue Crane Bar on Bayswater Road at Kings Cross.

Ms Budge (left) and Mr Ibrahim (right) reportedly began dating in 2014 after being introduced through friends

At the time of her arrest she was the managing director of the inner-city restaurant and music venue Crane Bar on Bayswater Road at Kings Cross
Woolworths will stop selling $1-a-litre milk at its stores in a bid to support Australia's embattled dairy farmers.

The supermarket giant will take its cheap homebrand milk off the shelves from Tuesday. Two and three-litre bottles will now sell for $2.20 and $3.30 respectively.

It said the increase would 'end up' with Australian dairy farmers, and the change was about helping ensure Australia's dairy industry remained viable.

Woolworths and its biggest rival Coles both began selling the budget option in 2011.

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Woolworths will stop selling $1-a-litre milk at its stores in a bid to support the country's embattled dairy farmers

Last week, third generation dairy farmer Casey Treloar (pictured) created the emotional video announcing the closure of her family's farm was due to dollar a litre milk

The milk's low price has been held accountable for cutting farmers' profits in an already dire period for the dairy industry.

Farmers have been campaigning against cheap milk sold by Woolworths and Coles for years.

Last week, third generation dairy farmer Casey Treloar created an emotional video announcing the closure of her family's farm was due to dollar a litre milk.

'The clock has run out and it's time to say goodbye,' she said.

'We are getting 38 cents a litre across the year and it's completely unsustainable. We can't really afford to keep going anymore.

'We're forever the optimist that the industry will get better - but for our family, we've come to a point where we can't do it anymore.

The industry has been campaigning against cheap milk sold by Woolworths and Coles for years, saying it's driven farmers to the wall

'Dairying is something my dad has done his entire life, and I have done my entire life, but it has come to the point where our family has had to say ''that's it for us''.'

The 26-year-old said their product had been devalued by dollar-a-litre milk, which had added to the problems facing the industry.

She was later mocked by a vegan who told her to get another job.

Last year, Woolworths began offering a 'Drought Relief Milk' range, at $1.10 a litre, with 10 cents to go to farmers. But it also continued to sell it's $1 range alongside the more expensive product.

That will end on Tuesday when all stores will move to the higher price.

'We've heard the outlook will continue to be extremely tough for dairy farmers right across the country,' Woolworths Group chief executive Brad Banducci said on Monday.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Coles for comment but it remains unclear whether the supermarket will continue to sell the budget-option milk.

The NSW Farmers Association said the decision was a huge win for farmers, who had been fighting for change since $1 a litre milk was introduced in 2011

'This is affecting milk production and farm viability, which is devastating for farmers and the regional communities in which they live. It's clear something needs to change and we want to play a constructive role in making this happen.'

The NSW Farmers Association said the decision was a huge win for farmers, who had been fighting for change since $1 a litre milk was introduced.

'This is a lesson for every other retailer in the country,' NSW Farmers Dairy Committee Chair Erika Chesworth said, demanding that Coles and Aldi follow suit.

'We have endured years of low profitability and our costs of production have skyrocketed due to the ongoing drought. Milk production has plummeted 11 per cent over the last 12 months in NSW.'
A man who fired shots at another vehicle in a road rage attack has been sentenced to eight year behind bars.

The man, who has name suppression, was out on bail for serious drug trafficking when he became involved in a horrifying road rage incident at Adelaide's Modbury Heights in March last year.

The incident began when the silver BMW sedan, which the 32-year-old man had been the passenger in, swerved in front of another vehicle.

A man who fired shots at another vehicle in a road rage attack has been sentenced to eight year behind bars (victim's car pictured)

Both cars then continued to cut in front of each other until they stopped at a set of traffic lights, Adelaide Now reported.

The man then got out of the car and approached the victim's car window with clenched fists.

After the victim asked the man what he wanted, he returned to his car to grab a pocket knife and threatened the victim.

The victim then followed the BMW, but lost sight of it on a side road.

Moments later the BMW reappeared, driving toward the victim at high speed.

The man leaned out the window armed with a black handgun and fired three shots at the victim's car.

One bullet struck the foam padding in the back seat, while two other bullets hit the rear bumper.

The man then leaned out the window armed with a black handgun and fired three shots at the victim's car. One bullet struck the foam padding in the back seat, while two other bullets hit the rear bumper (pictured)

The shooter has breached two separate bail agreements imposed, one for attempting to traffic 2kg of the liquid drug GHB, also known as fantasy, in 2015. The other charge was for possession of GHB.

The man refused to tell police who was driving the BMW at the time of the incidents and also refused to say where he had hidden the gun.

Psychologists diagnosed the man with multiple mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

'In the weeks preceding the March 2018 offences you were badly assaulted on two occasions by unknown persons and in that context and fearing for your safety you acquired a gun,' District Court judge Sophie David said.

'You became hypersensitive to your own safety and you were using drugs heavily  you overreacted to the incident  although I am told you did not use drugs that day.'

His suspension for his offending in 2015 was revoked, and Judge David imposed a head sentence of eight years and 23 days for all offending.

He will be eligible for parole in four years and nine months.
Parents are being urged to take advantage of the Queensland School Immunisation Program being offered free to students after data revealed a third of pupils missed their jabs.

Data from Queensland Health has revealed that 35 per cent of all students in Queensland missed their free immunisation for HPV, meningococcal and whooping cough in 2018, The Age reported.

As a result, only 79 per cent of students received their vaccinations which falls short of the state's goal to reach at least 85 per cent of students.

Parents are being urged to take advantage of the Queensland School Immunisation Program offered free to students after data revealed a third of students missed them

Queensland Health's immunisation program medical director Dr Alun Richards told the publication the figures were worrying but he hoped it would reduce in 2019.

He said the program was a great way of getting students and young people vaccinated outside the sterile setting of a GP's practice.

'This is the easiest way to get your child vaccinated, there's health professionals with their kids. There are kids with their friends, which is often when they feel more comfortable compared to being with their parents in a GP practice,' he said.

He also said he does not believe the anti-vaxxer movement has had enough of an impact to be responsible for the 2018 figures.

'The proportion of the population who aren't up to date with their vaccines is low, but the number of people who actually don't believe vaccines are helpful is very much lower,' he said.

'We know for instance for one, two and five-year-olds, the immunisation rates are approaching 95 per cent.'

Data from Queensland Health has revealed that 35 per cent of all students in Queensland missed their free immunisation for HPV, meningococcal and whooping cough in 2018

The Queensland School Immunisation Program allows students from Year 7 to Year 10 to get free vaccinations at school for a range of deadly diseases. It is also offered to children who are home schooled.

The age group is specifically targeted by Queensland Health as a 'booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis' and because some vaccines need to be given in adolescence.

For students who missed the vaccination there are other ways to keep up to date, including a catch up visit to a clinic or a free community immunisation clinic.

In Queensland it's expected that a teenager 15 years or older has the right level of maturity to give their 'valid and informed consent' to be vaccinated.
Paul Flynn (pictured), the Labour MP for Newport West, has died at the age of 84

The long-standing Labour MP Paul Flynn has died aged 84, the party has said.

Mr Flynn, who represented Newport West for 32 years, was described as an 'independent thinker' who would be 'greatly missed'.

He held several shadow cabinet posts during his parliamentary career, including a brief stint as shadow secretary of state for Wales in 2016, but had not been active in the Commons in recent months.

His local association said in a statement posted to Twitter on Sunday night: 'It's with great sadness that we let you know that our MP, Paul Flynn, has died today.

'Paul is a hero to many of us in the Newport Labour family and we mourn for his family's loss. We would ask that the privacy of Paul's family is respected at this difficult time.'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: 'I'm very sad at the passing of my good friend Paul Flynn. He had such love for Newport, knowledge of radical South Wales history and a dry wit.

'He was an independent thinker who was a credit to the Labour Party. He will be greatly missed.'

First Minister of Wales and Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford described Mr Flynn as a 'giant of the Welsh Labour movement'.

He added: 'Today's news will be a source of great sadness to all those who knew him.

'He was one of the most effective communicators of his generation - inside the House of Commons and outside. But it was Paul's willingness to speak up for causes beyond the political mainstream which marked him out as a politician of real courage and integrity.'

Conservative MP Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, also paid tribute, tweeting: 'He was an exceptional constituency MP & it was a privilege to work with him taking the Wales Bill through Parliament when he was Shadow SoS for Wales. We always had a warm & friendly relationship'.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to Paul Flynn, pictured together at the Labour conference in Liverpool in 2016

Mr Flynn was a strong advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis, and in 2017 urged people to 'break the law' by using cannabis at the Houses of Parliament.

Speaking during a debate on drugs policy in the Commons, Mr Flynn said: 'I would call on people, and I know we're not supposed to do this as members, to break the law.

'To come here and use cannabis here and see what happens and challenge the Government, the authorities, to arrest them and take them in.

'That's the only way we can get through the common mind of the Government, which is set in concrete and the whole laws are evidence free and prejudice rich - let's see them do that.'

Later the same year, he also called for a second referendum on Brexit.

Speaking in the Commons he asked: 'Isn't it right that three years after the referendum, when we're thinking of taking this step, we allow the public to have a second opinion on this in the knowledge that second thoughts are always superior to first thoughts?'

He announced in October that he intended to stand down as an MP due to health reasons, telling the Press Association he would 'wait for a convenient time to go' and had 'loved every minute' of his time in Westminster.

He said at the time: 'It's been a great, wonderful, rich experience. I lasted 31 years.'
Armed with a litter picker and rubbish bags, tireless Wayne Dixon has embarked on a unique crusade against waste blighting the countrys coastline.

Accompanied by his Northern Inuit dog Koda, he is believed to be the first person walking the 7,000-mile route around the Great British coastline to collect litter  filling dozens of bags a day as he goes.

He said: Weve become litter-blind as a nation. We need people to take a pride in their communities once again.

Wayne Dixon, accompanied by his Northern Inuit dog Koda, is believed to be the first person walking the 7,000-mile route around the Great British coastline to collect litter  filling dozens of bags a day as he goes

In almost three years so far, Mr Dixon and his dog have covered 3,500 miles. He plans to return to his mission this spring after returning home to Lancashire to recover from a muscle injury

In almost three years so far, Mr Dixon and his dog have covered 3,500 miles.

Mr Dixon, 47, initially travelled from Knot End, on Lancashires Fylde coast, to Kinlochleven, west Scotland, in 2016, before stopping for bad weather in November that year.

He resumed his mission in early 2017, setting off from Formby, Merseyside, making his way around Wales, Devon and Cornwall, and reaching the Lizard in December.

Mr Dixon took a break for Christmas, then resumed the walk in Cornwall, heading along the south coast to the New Forest, Hampshire, which he reached last September.

He plans to return to his mission this spring after returning home to Lancashire to recover from a muscle injury. He said: Each year, over 40million people visit UK beaches, if everyone who visited a beach just picked up one piece of plastic or litter, then thats 40million pieces of plastic taken out of the sea.
Australia's biggest-ever cargo ship to carry fruit exports has launched in Tasmania and will soon begin its journey to Melbourne.

The Tasmanian Achiever II is 210m long and can carry 40 per cent more freight per voyage than any other ship on the route.

The ship was unveiled at Burnie, northwest Tasmania by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and will begin its journey on 1 March.

Australia's biggest cargo vessel to carry fruit was unveiled in a naming ceremony in Tasmania

Mr Morrison was aboard the ship for the naming ceremony while visiting the Apple Isles.

He praised The Tasmanian Achiever II while also connecting the ceremony to the Liberal Party's strict border security policy.

'Well this is one boat I want to start because it's driving jobs,' the Prime Minister said to SBS.

The Tasmanian Achiever II is 210m long and can carry up to 40 per cent more than other ships

More than a thousand people attended the naming ceremony and were able to tour the ship's quarters and take part in a shipping simulator.

The Tasmanian Achiever II has a local power grid which will allow it to reach its destination an hour faster than its predecessor, The Tasmanian Achiever I.

After making it to the mainland, goods are then sent onwards to the rest of Australia and overseas.

The massive vessel is part of Toll Group's $311million investment into two new ships and upgrades to the wharfs at Port of Burnie and Webb Dock in Melbourne.

The massive vessel is part of a $311million investment into new ships and wharf upgrades

The new vessel will help bolster Tasmania's export sector and will provide growers and manufacturers greater access to national and international markets.

Toll chairman John Mullens said the unveiling of The Tasmanian Achiever II was a special day for the Burnie community and the Australian shipping industry.

'In life today we hear so much about cutbacks and downsizing and economising that it's great when an opportunity comes along to do the opposite,' Mullens said to The Advocate.

'An opportunity to expand the business undertaking to build new assets, to create new employment and to invest in the future.
Stars including Cardi B have spoken out in confusion, disappointment and disbelief after it was alleged by unconfirmed police sources that Jussie Smollett fabricated a January 29 attack.

On Sunday, the Bronx-based rapper uploaded an Instagram live video where she, while eating lobster, pondered the latest developments in the unpredictable and divisive case.

'I am really disappointed in Jussie Smollett, whatever the f*** his name is. I'm really disappointed in him.

'I feel like he f***d up Black History Month bro. Like damn. I'm not going to say yet until he said out his mouth at it was fake and staged, I don't want to completely blame him because you know like somebody, that I was talking to, they said that police in Chicago are racist so they might try to frame him and make him look like he's a liar, but if he's not then bro you f***d up for real.

'Why would you do that? Then you f****** give Donald Trump immunity to f****** laugh at n*****s and s**t,' she said.

Some said they were waiting for more information before passing judgement again, and others questioned the integrity of the Chicago Police Department which has a historically racist reputation.

'Despite the inconsistencies, I cant blindly believe Chicago PD. The department that covered up shooting Laquan McDonald over a dozen times? That operated an off-site torture facility? That one? Ill wait. Whatever the outcome, this wont stop me from believing others. It cant,' said director Ava DuVernay.

Cardi B uploaded an Instagram live on Sunday night where she accused Smollett of 'ruining Black History Month'

Celebrities including Ariana Grande, Zendaya, Kerry Washington, Shonda Rhimes and Andy Cohen rallied behind Smollett immediately. They focused on the alleged hate crime as a microcosm for the ills of America in 2019 and how intolerance can lead to violent acts.

Smollett's own celebrity and activism for the rights of the LGBTQ community helped raise the profile of the case even more.

But then published reports emerged that police believe Smollett may have staged the attack - something the actor has vehemently denied through his lawyers - or that a grand jury may hear evidence in the case. The reports cited unidentified police sources.

On Saturday, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the trajectory of the case had 'shifted' - that two brothers who had been questioned had been released without charges and investigators wanted to speak to Smollett again . Guglielmi did not elaborate. On Sunday, he issued a statement saying that police 'are not in a position to confirm, deny or comment on the validity of what's been unofficially released.'

Smollett's attorneys said Saturday that he would continue to cooperate with police but that he felt victimized by the suggestion he played a role in his attack.

Skeptics, including conservative pundits Dinesh D'Souza and Tomi Lahren, seized on the doubts that have arisen.

'And Libs wonder why we don't believe their BS stories,' Lahren tweeted Saturday. On Sunday, she criticized those who used social media after the attack to push 'the narrative (that) Trump supporters are racist homophobes.'

Andy Lassner, a producer on the Ellen show, shared this tweet on Sunday after Smollett was accused of staging the attack

Director Ava DuVernay shared her view that while there are inconsistencies, she could not unreservedly trust the Chicago Police Department

Author Roxane Gay also commented on the quickly shifting narrative surrounding the story

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi deleted her tweet posted on the evening of the alleged attack on Jussie Smollett

Al Sharpton, who was among those who condemned the attack, denied that it was a 'left wing hoax' because the President had also spoken out against. Sharpton shared two videos on Twitter on Sunday about the incident and said if Smollett was found to have orchestrated the attack, he should be brought to justice

The response from Smollett's celebrity supporters has ranged from silence to confusion and disbelief.

Author Roxane Gay tweeted Saturday that she doesn't know what to say, but that the situation is a 'mess' and a 'travesty.'

'I genuinely thought no one, and especially no one that famous, could make something like that up,' Gay wrote. 'The lie is so damaging. The time the CPD has spent/wasted on this. The people who supported him.'

Smollett, shown in a file image, maintains his version of events

GLAAD, a nongovernmental media-monitoring organization founded by LGBT members of the media, on Thursday reiterated its support for Smollett. The group said in a statement that the actor had been doubly victimized: first by the attack and then by the doubts cast around it.

When Smollett first reported that he was assaulted, Democratic New Jersey senator and presidential candidate Cory Booker called it a 'modern-day lynching.' On Sunday, he said he would reserve judgment 'until all the information actually comes out from on-the-record sources.'

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay said she is waiting for more information too. She tweeted on Sunday that she 'can't blindly believe' the Chicago Police Department.

But if there is a consensus among those who very vocally supported Smollett from the outset, it's that no matter what happens in this case, they will still believe victims.

DuVernay said: 'Whatever the outcome, this won't stop me from believing others. It can't.'

Gay echoed her sentiments, tweeting that she does not regret believing Smollett.

'I'm not going to stop believing people who say they have suffered,' Gay wrote. 'Because more often than not they are telling the truth.'
Vice President Mike Pence was met with an awkward silence when he mentioned President Trump during a speech before a conference in Germany on Saturday.

Pence appeared at the annual Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

The conference, which is in its 55th year, brings together world leaders to discuss the hot-button issues of the day.

Pence, who was sent along with Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump to represent the United States, delivered a speech expecting the audience to applaud at the mention of President Trump.

Vice President Mike Pence is seen above giving a speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Saturday

The speech Pence delivered in Munich was posted on the White House web site

The word 'applause' is written after Pence mentions Trump in the speech, indicating that he expected the audience to react favorably

Pence led the American delegation to the conference. He is seen above with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday

At the start of his remarks, Pence asked for - and received - applause to welcome members of the American delegation, which included Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Senator Lindsey Graham, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.

Pence then tried to get those in attendance to offer similar applause for his boss, the president.

To them and to all of you, its my great honor to speak to you today, on behalf of a champion of freedom and a champion of a strong national defense, the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump, Pence said.

The vice president then waited a few seconds, hoping that the audience would begin clapping. Instead, there was silence.

Pence continued his remarks.

President Trump is widely disliked in Europe, particularly after his repeated remarks blasting NATO while accusing its members of not contributing enough money toward national defense.

Pences speech was posted on the White House web site. It is clear that he expected the audience to applaud after mentioning Trump, since the word Applause appears in parenthesis after the presidents name is mentioned.

The Pence speech wasnt the only uncomfortable moment from the Munich gathering.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivered a speech in which she implicitly criticized President Trump for referring to German cars as a security threat to the U.S.

After Merkel criticized her father's comments calling European cars a threat to the United States, Ivanka Trump (right) was seen looking on and having no reaction - even as others in the crowd applauded

Trump has threatened to impose stiff tariffs on European cars that are imported to the U.S.

Merkel told the conference on Saturday that Trumps belief that European cars are a threat to America came as a shock.

She noted that BMW, a German luxury car, has its largest plant in South Carolina, not in Bavaria.

Look, were proud of our cars, Merkel said Saturday.

Were allowed to be. And these cars are built in the United States of America.

If these cars, which are no less a threat than those built in Bavaria, are suddenly a national security threat to the U.S., then thats a shock to us, Merkel said.

The camera then showed the audience, which reacted to the chancellors comments with raucous applause.

But there was one person who stood out for not applauding - Ivanka Trump, the presidents daughter.

While those around her clapped, Ivanka Trump, who is also a senior adviser to her father, sat stoically and stared straight ahead, showing no facial reaction.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's daughter has sent a heartbreaking message to her father saying: 'Tell him that I love him and I hope he loves me'.

Four-year-old Gabriella, whose mother is in jail in Iran, has not seen her father Richard for nearly three years after he was denied a visa to visit his family there.

She lives with her grandparents in Tehran but has lost most of her English skills and has to speak to her father over video link with an interpreter.

Her father would like her to start school in London but fears that separating her from Nazanin would further damage the imprisoned Brit's mental health, The Times reported.

Four-year-old Gabriella (left), whose mother Nazanin (right) is in jail in Iran, has not seen her father Richard (centre) for nearly three years after he was denied a visa to visit his family there

After hearing of the alleged link between Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case and a dispute over an arms deal, Gabriella said: 'I want to fly to London and get the money and bring it back so Mummy can be free.'

She reportedly visits her mother Nazanin in prison twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The toddler is said to shout 'Goodbye Mummy, I love you' whenever she leaves from one of the visits.

She has also drawn a picture of the united family although she was only two when they were last together in London.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is serving a five-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2016 of spying charges, which she denies.

It was claimed last year that her release would not be granted until Iran and Britain settled a dispute over an arms deal dating back to before the Iranian Revolution.

Both governments have denied a link between the two diplomatic disputes.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe with her daughter Gabriella last year. She is serving a five-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2016 of spying charges, which she denies

Last month she went on a three-day hunger strike after Iranian prison authorities had allegedly refused to to grant her medical treatment.

Her husband claimed that she had not been granted medical attention for lumps in her breasts, severe neck pain, and numbness in her arms and legs.

He also revealed the 40-year-old charity worker was striking over an attempt by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps interrogators to pressure her to turn informant for Iran in late December.

Mr Ratcliffe said the tactic, deployed at around her 1,000th day in jail, meant they were in a 'scary place'.

On January 14, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt summoned the Iranian Ambassador to London to demand immediate access to healthcare for the British-Iranian dual citizen.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was on holiday visiting her family in Iran when she was detained at the airport by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on April 3, 2016, just before she was due to depart to the UK.
A travelling couple on a road trip were left gobsmacked after a swarm of dung beetles emerged from the ground and swallowed their campsite.

Guy Constable and fiance Angela Manson had set up camp at the Ross Caravan Park in southern Tasmania on Saturday February 16 when thousands of beetles emerged from the ground.

Mr Constable took a video of the mass of beetles - including his shoes being completely covered by them.

'They just came out of nowhere, it was a seething mass of beetles' Mr Constable told Daily Mail Australia.

'We were scared at first, we weren't sure if they would bite or were poisonous' Mr Constable said.

'But after I Googled them, we found out they were harmless,' he added.

'Angela or myself have ever seen anything quite like it in all our travels.'

The beetles throbbed out of every pore of the ground and even when Mr Constable dragged a stick through the dirt, they immediately filled it back in.

The mass of beetles were captured on video crawling over each other and can be seen almost covering Guy Constable's shoes as he stands among them

The couple said that the 'plague' lasted around 12 hours.

'What was peculiar was that the ducks and birds were not eating them as one would normally think.' Mr Constable said.

By the next morning, the beetles had vanished without a trace.

Dung beetles usually appear out of the ground when the weather dramatically changes and are good for the soil.
The son of an elderly couple found dead in their New Jersey home has been charged with their murder.

Pawel M. Boduch, 43, is accused of stabbing his parents, Edward Boduch, 71, and Miroslawa Potocka, 72, to death.

Pawel Boduch has been arrested and charged with murder and possession of a weapon for unlawful use, related to their deaths, NJ.com reported.

Officers found his parents dead inside their Englewood home on Saturday, after their other son called officers to do a wellness check on them at their property, Englewood Police Chief Lawrence Suffern said.

Scroll down for video

Pawel M. Boduch, 43 (pictured), has been charged with the murder of his elderly parents, Edward Boduch, 71, and Miroslawa Potocka, 72, who were found dead in their New Jersey home on Saturday.

The other son of Edward Boduch and Potocka had called police at around 10.52am Eastern on Saturday after he had not been able to reach his parents for multiple days, according to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office.

Police arrived on the scene at the Lafayette Place home at around 11am.

'Upon entry to the home the officers discovered two individuals, Suffern said. 'They were inside, deceased, with apparently some stab wounds.'

The other son of Edward Boduch and Potocka had called police at around 10.52am Eastern on Saturday after he had not been able to reach his parents for multiple days, asking them to do a wellness check, according to the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. Police arrived on the scene at the Lafayette Place home (pictured) at around 11am

Police talked to neighbors, who were shocked the their usually uneventful area had become a crime scene. Officers are shown approaching neigbors homes

Pawel Boduch was later arrested at a nearby ShopRite, where the car belonging to his parents was found.

Neighbors were shocked the their usually uneventful area had become a crime scene.

'This house, I pass it every day. It's normal. Everything is normal,' one man told CBS.

Pawel Boduch was later arrested at a nearby ShopRite, where the car (pictured) belonging to his parents was found

Pawel Boduch was taken into custody at around 5pm, on Saturday, at a nearby ShopRite

'Engelwood is usually a nice, quiet suburban town,' said another, in disbelief that two murders had taken place in the area.

Pawel Boduch was taken into custody at around 5pm, on the same day his parents' bodies were found.

A potential motive for the slayings has yet to be established, prosecutors said.
A man and a girl have been rushed to hospital with broken bones after crashing a moped on a busy walkway.

Shocked tourists heard a loud bang and screaming after the bike crashed into a metal pole on the Gold Coast's Main Beach walkway at 1am on Monday.

They rushed over to find a man in his late twenties and a 16-year-old girl writhing in agony on the ground.

Shocked tourists heard a loud bang and screaming after the bike crashed into a metal pole on the Gold Coast's Main Beach walkway at 1am on Monday. Pictured: The road to Main Beach

The man suffered a 'nasty' broken leg while the girl is also believed to have broken bones.

When paramedics were putting the man into an ambulance he reportedly screamed: 'Am I going to die?'

A paramedic replied: 'No, you are going to be alright buddy.'

The pair were believed to have been joyriding on a black and red Yamaha 155CC.

Theo Meunier, from France, told the Gold Coast Bulletin: 'We heard the crash and then we heard the screaming.

'My friend straight away called police and said there was a crash and to come quickly please.'

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said the man suffered a 'nasty femur fracture' and the girl had 'pain in her hip, pelvis and leg.'
A hulking model famous for posting videos of his rippling muscles has vowed to defend a police charge, saying he was simply protecting his wife and did not assault anyone.

Police have alleged Instagram personality Hossein 'Yakiboy' Balapour, 29, assaulted a 58-year-old men's accessories designer outside a Sydney gym late last year.

Raymond Carl claimed the 197cm bodybuilder with gold teeth grabbed him by the throat after a morning gym session on December 1, a court document said.

Mr Balapour denies assaulting Mr Carl, telling police that he rushed to confront the bracelet-maker after his wife rang and he was worried she was in danger.

Hossein 'Yakiboy' Balapour has vowed to defend an assault charge, with a statement from his lawyer saying 'protecting your wife is not a crime, nor should it be'

Gym-goer and men's accessories designer Raymond Carl claims 'Yakiboy' grabbed him by the throat following a confrontation outside a gym in south Sydney

There are claims his wife had got into an argument with Mr Carl over gym equipment that morning.

The altercation on the street followed shortly afterwards, ending up with Mr Balapour in front of a court.

Mr Balapour is 'very disappointed police have sought to pursue a criminal charge in the circumstances,' his lawyer Abdul Reslan said.

'He will be defending the charge vigorously and is eager for the matter to be heard before the appropriate forum.'

'Protecting your wife is not a crime, nor should it be treated as such.'

Police documents said Mr Balapour confronted Mr Carl with the claim he had told his wife to 'f*** off', which Mr Carl denied at the scene.

Mr Carl claimed that he was then grabbed by the throat, although his breathing was not cut off.

Mr Balapour claims he was worried about his wife (left) when the altercation occurred

Mr Balapour captured headlines last year for describing himself as a 'Muslim shia soldier' while strutting about in Versace and baring his diamond-and-gold teet

The matter between Mr Balapour and Mr Carl will return to court for a hearing on April 11

He reported the alleged assault to police and the matter was mentioned at the Downing Centre Local Court last month.

Mr Balapour maintains the pair only had a verbal argument, Daily Mail Australia understands.

Meanwhile, sources said Mr Carl stands by his statement to police and has denied that Mr Balapour's wife was threatened 'in any way, shape or form.'

Mr Carl declined to comment as it would 'fuel more coverage or notoriety that benefits Mr Balapour'.

Mr Balapour was bailed to report to a police station once a week and the case will go before a magistrate for hearing on April 11, a court spokeswoman confirmed.
A Spanish warship with its guns manned tried to order commercial vessels to leave Gibraltars British waters on Sunday, it has emerged.

The warship's crew can be heard in an audio recording of a radio exchange telling vessels anchored at the Rock to 'leave Spanish territorial waters'.

Royal Navy boats were deployed and confronted the ship, which then sailed along the Gibraltar coast 'with its weapons uncovered and manned'.

Boats which were ordered to leave remained at the port during the incident, which was branded 'foolish' by a spokesman for Her Majesty's Government of Gibraltar.

It comes weeks after Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson suggested in a meeting with top brass, that UK forces should pelt Spanish war ships with paintballs in a bid to humiliate them.

A Spanish warship with its guns primed for action (highlighted in red) tried to order commercial vessels to leave Gibraltars British waters in a 'foolish' game on Sunday, it has emerged

The warship's crew can be heard in an audio recording of a radio exchange telling vessels anchored at the Rock to 'leave Spanish territorial waters'

It comes weeks after Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured taking part in winter military exercises in Norway) suggested in a meeting with top brass, that UK forces should pelt Spanish war ships with paintballs in a bid to humiliate them

He made the suggestion off the back of a huge upsurge in Spanish vessels entering British waters off the Rock.

The illegal incursions by Spanish vessels stands at two a day now, from 541 in 2017, it shot up to a total of 816 in 2018.

A source told The Sun that the 42-year-old's suggestion left Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter 'rolling his eyes' in front of Williamson.

After the latest incident, a Gibraltar government spokesman said: 'There is only nuisance value to these foolish games being played by those who don't accept unimpeachable British sovereignty over the waters around Gibraltar as recognised by the whole world in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.'

'It seems there are still some in the Spanish navy who think they can flout international law.

'This probably accounts for the state of extremism of some parts of the Spanish political spectrum these days.'

The ship was accused by the government of trying to take 'executive action' against the commercial boats, which were anchored on the eastern side of the Rock.

Commercial boats which were told to move were ordered to remain by the Gibraltar Port Authority.

The Spanish Navy warship Tornado P44 ordered commercial ships to leave an anchorage off the east side of Gibraltar on Sunday evening, attempting to exercise jurisdiction within British Gibraltar territorial waters

Sometimes I really do wonder if I am living in the last year of the second decade of the twenty first century...



@GibChronicle



Spanish patrol boat tries to order ships out of Gibraltar waters - Gibraltar Chronicle https://t.co/3urcRAtGdq  Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) February 17, 2019

A crew member is heard in the recording asking the Spanish ship 'to verify you are referring to our ship' because they are anchored in Gibraltar.

'We are not adrift, we are at anchor now,' he says, before being told again to leave Spanish waters.

A statement released by the Gibraltar government said: 'The Royal Navy deployed a launch and a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to the scene.

'After being challenged by the Royal Navy, the Spanish warship sailed slowly along the Gibraltar coast with its weapons uncovered and manned.'

The Gibraltar government 'is verifying every aspect of the incident in order to ensure that appropriate action is taking as soon as possible', it said.
Children under the age of 10 are sexually assaulting other kids in Northern Territory towns, police data has shown.

A total of 755 cases of reported sexual assaults of children under 15 years of age occurred in the NT in the last 5 years.

More than a quarter of these cases, 178 in total, involved youth offenders - 16 of which were under 10-years-old, according to The Australian.

Children under the age of 10 are sexually assaulting other kids in Northern Territory towns, police data has shown (stock image)

'I knew of a few, to be honest, but I was really surprised by that figure. We're talking about children under 10 offending. Not victims, offenders,' NT Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne told The Australian.

The age of criminal responsibility is 10 in the Northern Territory, therefore none of the children were charged with an offence.

Over a five-year period, the 178 cases involving youths included 187 incidences of sexual assaults, with nine offending twice, according to data from the NT Police Real-time Online Management Information System.

Some of the cases involved more than one offender, bringing the total to 197 youth offenders  of which 190 were male and 138 were indigenous.

'We'd be foolish if we thought we're dealing with young people who haven't been victims themselves and are just mimicking the behaviours they've been subjected to or they witness on a daily basis,' Ms Gwynne said.

The country was shocked last year after a series of sexual assault incidents in the Northern Territory involving young children were exposed in the media.

In October, it was revealed that authorities were investigating a case from a community near Tennant Creek involving three children under 10 after a young girl was flown to Alice Springs Hospital.

In March, a 16-year-old allegedly raped a four-year-old boy in the community of Ali Curung, about 170km southeast of Tennant Creek.

Another case involved a 14-year-old boy from South Australia's remote Aboriginal lands who was charged with the sexual assault of a child, believed to be a nine-year-old girl.
Eerie footage of an unidentified bright light shining in one of Australia's most remote areas has sparked claims it could be a UFO.

Broome police, in Australia's far north-west, shared CCTV footage of a bizarre looking object in the sky on Twitter - and many were quick to claim it was a UFO.

The video shows a bright object tilted on its side during a thunderstorm on the Saturday night.

Police captioned it saying: 'After reviewing CCTV at town beach of last night's storm, it appears we are not alone.'

The round illuminated object appears in the corner of the screen as lightning strikes.

It hovers in the sky during the storm before disappearing into the distance just seconds later.

Twitter users have been trying to come up with possible explanations, with some saying it is probably just the reflection of a car's headlights on the camera at the beach.

'Not sure if it's area 51 replica vehicle or an intergalatic vehicle. Insane footage!' one Twitter user said.

Another asked: 'A nice bit of video! How does this optical illusion occur? Refraction, reflection, ionosphere?'.

Another commented:'You know it's just light refraction from the reversing 4WD right?'

CCTV footage shows the UFO in the distance. It appears in the left corner as lightning strikes

The round illuminating object hovers back and forth in the air for a couple of seconds during the storm

The UFO than disappears into the distance. Police have said it could possibly have been the headlights of a car
A fearless man ran at a gunman before being shot in the chest at point blank range.

Rick Polanski, 26, called himself 'Hercules' while he was still dressed in his hospital gown the next day.

'I'm God, you can't kill me,' he said to 9News.

The shooting victim Rick Polanski, 26, returned from hospital to his suburban Adelaide home the next day. He called himself 'Hercules' while he was still dressed in in hospital gown

The shooter, a 38-year-old man, and his female partner confronted Mr Polanski in suburban Adelaide at midnight.

Polanski charged at the pair while being shot at and they all fell on top of each other.

The gunman's partner and Polanski were both shot while they were piled on the ground.

The couple escaped on a scooter before dumping it and running, according to witnesses.

The victim was shot in the chest while the shooter and his partner were piled on top of him. The gunman's partner is also believed to have been shot in the fight

Polanski was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious condition.

The assailant and Polanski are believed to know each other and argued earlier in the night.

A metal pole was drawn in a nearby stand-off just before the shooting.

Detectives have visited homes and businesses believed to belong to relatives of the shooter.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson now 'considered the matter closed' and refused to answer questions on whether Mr Hancock broke the law or ministerial code as the Health Secretary admitted he had 'let people down' and apologised for flouting social distancing rules. Married Mr Hancock, 42, failed to deny claims of a secret long-term affair after extraordinary images revealed his passionate clinch with millionaire lobbyist Gina Coladangelo, 43, where he was filmed rubbing her back and bottom during their workplace embrace. In an extraordinary statement he did not mention his wife of 15 years Martha, the mother of his three children, who was pictured looking heartbroken while walking the family dog near their north London home today, only saying he had 'let people down' and wanted 'privacy for my family on this personal matter'. As Mr Hancock fights for his political life, Labour and the Liberal Democrats branded him a 'hypocrite' who should be fired for kissing a lover and ignoring his own 'hands, face and space' mantra while telling the UK not to hug their loved-ones. But Mr Hancock still hopes to survive and said: 'I accept that I breached the social distancing guidance in these circumstances. I have let people down and am very sorry. I remain focused on working to get the country out of this pandemic, and would be grateful for privacy for my family on this personal matter'. And backing him Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters: 'You have seen the Health Secretary's statement and so I would point you to that, I don't really have anything further to add. He accepts that he has broken the social distancing guidelines. The Prime Minister has accepted the Health Secretary's apology and considers the matter closed.' He added 'all the correct procedures were followed' in hiring Gina Coladangelo, a mother-of-three whose husband Oliver Tress is the founder of clothing shop Oliver Bonas.
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Britain's last surviving Dambuster has urged the public to help fund a life-size sculpture of one of the Lancaster Bombers which carried out the heroic mission.

George 'Johnny' Johnson, 97, has backed what he called 'incredible' plans for the 95-foot landmark, entitled On Freedom's Wings, to be installed by the A46 in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire earned the title of Bomber County for its role in World War II as 27 RAF Bomber Command bases, a third of all those in the UK, were based there.

The first Lancasters went into service with 44 Squadron at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in 1942, and the Dambusters squadron was based at RAF Scampton in the county before the famous raid in 1943.

An artist's impression of the proposed Lancaster Bomber sculpture in Lincolnshire, which earned the title of Bomber County for its role in World War II when 27 Bomber Command bases were located there

George 'Johnny' Johnson (pictured with a model of the sculpture), 97, has backed what he called 'incredible' plans for the 95-foot landmark, entitled On Freedom's Wings, to be installed in Lincolnshire

The Bomber County Gateway Trust has already raised 280,000 from businesses, councils and members of the public but at least 150,000 is still needed to complete the project.

They are accepting donations on a JustGiving page.

Mr Johnson is backing the project and hopes it will be completed before he and Britain's last remaining Bomber Command pilots die.

He said: 'On Freedom's Wings will be a representation of the pivotal role which the County of Lincolnshire played in the Second World War.

'It is a wonderful idea to commemorate all personnel of RAF Bomber Command.

'How incredible would it be for my fellow veterans to be able to witness its completion. I would certainly like to see it erected in my lifetime.'

He added: 'The Lancaster was, in my opinion, the finest heavy bomber of World War Two.

An artist's impression of what the monument, entitled On Freedom's Wings, will look like from a distance in Lincolnshire

'This sculpture will be recognised as a symbol of sacrifice made by nearly 58,000 men and women who served with Bomber Command.

'It will represent the pivotal role which the County of Lincolnshire played in the Second World War.

THE LANCASTER BOMBER IN NUMBERS LENGTH: 69ft 6in WINGSPAN: 102ft POWER: 1,640 hp each ENGINE: 4 x Packard Merlin 224 MAXIMUM SPEED: 275mph CRUISING SPEED: 210mph SERVICE CEILING: 25,700ft RANGE: 2,530 miles

'I hope it means as much to the people of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire as it does to me.'

He was one of 113 airmen from the Royal Air Force 617 Squadron who flew to Germany for Operation Chastise - the Dambusters raid - on the night of May 16, 1943.

The mission set out to destroy three dams deep within Germany's Ruhr valley in order to set back Hitler's war effort.

Fifty-three of the airmen were killed in the raid and Mr Johnson is now the last one surviving.

The sculpture will also honour Lancaster R5689 (VN-N), which crashed near the site on its way home from a mission over the Baltic Sea in September 1942, killing five of its seven crew.

Mounted on a steel frame, the monument will appear to be in flight as tens of thousands of motorists drive past it on the A46.

It will be 95 feet high - taller than Gateshead's Angel of the North - and have a wingspan of 102 feet, a length of 85 feet and will be mounted 49 feet above ground level.

A drawing of the planned monument which will be 95 feet high, taller than the Angel of the North in Gateshead, and have a wingspan of 102 feet

Excavation work has already taken place and building work on the steel frame is scheduled to start later this year.

The trust is raising money through donations and is also holding an auction in May, where an oil painting of two Lancaster bombers - signed by Mr Johnson - will be up for grabs.

Ken Sadler, trustee and project director of the Bomber County Gateway Trust, said: 'This will hopefully be a very special landmark with nothing else like it in the East Midlands.

'This area was so significant in the RAF's history and it seems everyone feels it's high time that the link between the county and the RAF is properly recognised.

'With such a prominent, elevated position, it will be seen by so many people on a daily basis, hopefully evoking pride and respect of our aviation heritage.'

How the Lancaster turned Bomber Command's dream of a hard-hitting aerial offensive against Germany into a reality The impact of the Lancaster went far beyond the Dams raid. The plane dramatically enhanced the potency of Bomber Command, turning the RAF strategists' dreams of a hard-hitting aerial offensive against the Reich into a practical reality. During the crucial years before the D-Day landings in 1944, the nightly Lancaster raids on Nazi Germany effectively formed a second front in Europe alongside the epic struggle by the Soviet Union in the east. Flying over 156,000 missions against Germany and its ally Italy, the plane dropped around 608,000 tons of bombs. So bullish at the start of its campaign of European conquest, the Reich was forced on to the defensive by the Lancaster. More than two million Germans were engaged in anti-aircraft duties by early 1944. Yet, as the Dams raid proved, the Lancaster was not just a broadsword. Its finesse meant it could also make pin-point attacks. It was the bomber that sank the German battleship the Tirpitz in November 1944, that destroyed one-third of German submarines in their ports and wrecked the transport system in occupied France in the run-up to D-Day, paralysing the movement of German reinforcements. Britain's last surviving Dambuster George 'Johnny' Johnson (right), 97, with Wing Commander John Butcher - commanding officer of 617 squadron - at an event at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire last year to mark 75 years since the Dambusters raid In August 1943, 324 Lancasters led a devastating raid on the Nazi experimental research station at Peenemunde in the Baltic where the V1 flying bombs and V2 rockets were being developed. With a maximum weight of over 30 tons, far heavier than the RAF's previous generation of bombers such as the Wellington and the Hampden, its standard version could lift on average 14,000lb of bombs. Towards the end of the war a specialised version could carry the colossal 22,000lb Grand Slam 'earthquake' bomb, the biggest conventional weapon dropped during the conflict. The Lancaster could not just carry a far heavier load than any of its rivals, but it could also fly much further. It had a range of 2,350 miles, thanks to its six fuel tanks which held 2,154 gallons. Altogether, the Lancaster squadrons used up an astonishing 228million gallons during wartime sorties.

The Dambusters: How bouncing bombs - and incredible flying by RAF pilots - flooded the Ruhr valley and delivered a crucial blow to the Nazi war machine On May 16, 1943, 19 Lancaster bomber crews gathered at a remote RAF station in Lincolnshire for a mission of extraordinary daring - a night-time raid on three heavily defended dams deep in Germany's industrial heartland. The dams were heavily fortified and needed the innovative bomb - which bounced on the water over torpedo nets and sank before detonating. To succeed, the raiders would have to fly across occupied Europe under heavy fire and then drop their bombs with awesome precision from a mere 60ft above the water. 19 Lancaster Bomber crews armed with Bouncing Bombs set off to attack several dams in Germany on May 16, 1943 The Eder Dam, pictured, was destroyed as part of Operation Chastise on the early hours of the morning on May 17, 1943 The Mohne and Eder Dams in the industrial heart of Germany were attacked and breached by mines dropped from specially modified Lancasters of No. 617 Squadron. The Sorpe dam was was also attacked by by two aircraft and damaged. A fourth dam, the Ennepe was reported as being attacked by a single aircraft (O-Orange), but with no damage. Up to 1,600 people were estimated to have been killed by floodwaters and eight of the 19 aircraft dispatched failed to return with the loss of 53 aircrew and 3 taken prisoner of war. Wg Cdr Guy Gibson, Officer Commanding No. 617 Sqn, is awarded the VC for his part in leading the attack. The raid, orchestrated by Guy Gibson and the RAF's 617 'Dambuster' Squadron, was seen as a major victory for the British, and Wing Commander Gibson is recognised as one of the war's most revered heroes. Their success was immortalised in the classic 1955 film The Dambusters, its thrilling theme tune and gung-ho script evoking the best of British derring-do. Eight of the bomber crews were lost while a further three were forced to turn back. Of the 133 men sent out, 53 were killed and three were taken prisoner by the Nazis Now you can experience the adrenaline of the Dambusters raid in a new virtual reality ride The public are being invited to recreate the Dambusters raid aboard a Lancaster Bomber in a new virtual reality experience. Users are transported through the historic moment, with the ability to see inside and outside the aircraft as it attacks the Mohne Dam, at the Royal Air Force Museum London. Operation Chastise took place in the early hours of May 17, 1943, destroying three heavily-protected dams in the Ruhr valley. The museum enlisted its team of historians to make Dambusters: Immersive Histories as historically accurate as possible. The new ride offers users the opportunity to experience the conditions onboard one of Guy Gibson's Lancaster bombers It is based on real people and events aboard a No. 617 Squadron Lancaster Bomber during Operation Chastise, piloted by Wing Commander Guy Gibson. Kris Hendrix, a historian at the museum, said: 'This is not just a video game slowed down. 'This is a very truthful, historical document, so the people you see inside the Lancaster are based on real people. 'We know their names, we know where they were born, we know their ranks. 'You can actually see them, you hear their accent, over the intercom there is an Australian accent  an Australian bomb aimer who you see in the front. The bouncing bombs were spun backwards so they would sink tight to the dam wall to focus the explosive force 'Even a lot of the conversations, which have been written down, are all there.' Visitors can wear haptic vests, which replicate the vibrations from the Lancasters Merlin engine. Two people can take part in the experience, in the place of flight lieutenant Robert Hutchison, a wireless operator, and Harlo Torger Taerum, a navigator. Operation Chastise was hailed a success after two of the dams, the Eder and the Mohne, were breached. They released 300 million tonnes of water. The parapet of the Sorpe dam was damaged, although there was no breach. A total 19 aircraft and 133 aircrew took part in the raid, and 53 died. Many hundreds of civilians were killed.
Chinese giant Huawei should not be banned from involvement in UK infrastructure despite spying fears, a report from British intelligence chiefs claims.

The recommendation from the National Cyber Security Centre is said to have come after a review of '5G' mobile technology and the potential risks it poses.

Huawei has faced a storm of controversy in recent months, with the United States suggesting its telecoms kit could be used by China to spy on western countries.

The company faces outright bans from being involved in the rollout of 5G networks in Australia, New Zealand and the US, with Canada and the UK still undecided on their approach. Huawei strongly denies claims its equipment can be used for spying.

Huawei - whose research facility in Ottowa, Canada, is pictured last Thursday - has faced a storm of controversy in recent months

And last night it was claimed British officials have also concluded any concerns about the firm can be allayed by beefing up safeguards.

The UK's mobile and internet providers are already heavily reliant on Huawei for their networks, but the US has argued newer 5G networks are more complex and using the Chinese company's kit poses an unacceptable risk.

What are the security concerns over Huawei? Huawei is at the centre of concerns that its involvement in providing the infrastructure for telecoms services in the West, including the UK, will allow the Chinese to spy on businesses and individuals, or interrupt services, causing massive disruption. The United States has taken steps to block the company's equipment from mobile networks over security concerns, and Australia and New Zealand have barred the supplier from new 5G networks for the same reason. BT is removing Huawei electronics from parts of its network amid fears of spying. China rejects the US position, saying Washington has provided no evidence Huawei threatens national security.

But a source told the Financial Times the conclusion reached by British officials was likely to embolden European countries to follow its lead and defy America.

The source said: 'Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can also reassure their publics and the US administration that they are acting in a prudent manner.'

Huawei, along with another Chinese network equipment company ZTE Corp, has been accused by the US of working at the behest of the Chinese government.

Earlier this month, the chief of Britain's foreign intelligence service said Britain should avoid relying on a monopoly provider of equipment in new 5G mobile networks, but that there were no easy answers to concerns about using Huawei.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada in December and faces possible extradition to the US.

Last month Ms Meng, who is the daughter of the Huawei founder, was charged with wire fraud that violated US sanctions on Iran.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou (pictured on December 12 at a parole office in Vancouver) was arrested in Canada in December and faces possible extradition to the US

Huawei did not respond to requests for comment.

While NCSC did not directly comment on the FT report, it reiterated earlier concerns about Huawei's engineering and security capabilities.

A spokesman said: 'As was made clear in July's HCSEC (Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre) oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huawei's engineering and security capabilities.

'We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make. The latest Annual HCSEC report will be published in the near future.'
Dozens of people detained by federal immigration officials are reportedly on hunger strike at a Boston jail.

Around 70 immigrants at the Suffolk County House of Corrections have been refusing food since Friday, according to Rhode Island-based community groups Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance and the FANG Collective.

The detainees are said to be taking a stand against 'abusive' jail officials and 'inhumane living conditions', including sub-standard food and broken bathroom facilities.

They're also challenging the jail's authority to detain people on behalf of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

As many as 70 people detained by federal immigration officials are refusing meals in a Boston jail (pictured: Inmates wait in a cell at an El Paso, Texas, ICE facility)

They've been refusing food at the Suffolk County House of Corrections (pictured) since Friday, two groups say

The organizations say the detainees sent jail officials a list of their grievances February 10.

A jail spokesman confirmed the detainees are refusing set meals, but are still eating their canteen food and drinking fluids.

'As organizations in contact with people currently being detained, we demand that Sheriff Steven Tompkins address the demands of all those currently detained in Suffolk County," said Arely Diaz, a spokesperson for FANG Collective, in a statement.

'We also demand an explanation for how the Suffolk County House of Correction has any authority to detain anyone. Regardless of any explanation, we demand they release everyone back to their families.'

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department insisted there was 'no official hunger strike' taking place.

'Detainees are refusing institutional meals, but have continued to eat their canteen food and drink liquids,' the statement said.

'We are monitoring the situation with the proper medical supervision and will respond appropriately.'

The detainees are said to be taking a stand against 'abusive' jail officials and 'inhumane living conditions', including sub-standard food and broken bathroom facilities (pictured: a long line of immigrants in a chicken wire cage wait to be processed)

Similar demonstrations are happening at other ICE facilities across the country (pictured: a view of inside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detention facility shows a group of children laying on thin matresses, in June 2018)

Similar demonstrations are happening at other ICE facilities across the country.

Last month, 30 men at the El Paso Processing Center in Texas simultaneously refusing to eat for over four weeks.

11 of whom refused nine consecutive meals, prompting ICE officials to force feed at least six of them through plastic nasal tubes.

'They are not well. Their bodies are really weak, they cant talk and they have been hospitalized, back and forth,' said Amrit Singh, whose two nephews were among the protesters.

'They want to know why they are still in the jail and want to get their rights and wake up the government immigration system.'

The American Medical Association has expressed its concerns about ICE's method of force-feeding hunger strikers numerous times.

According to its own principles of medical ethics, 'a patient who has decision-making capacity may accept or refuse any recommended medical intervention.'
A group of teenagers have been filmed allegedly brandishing an array of knives and fake guns in broad daylight in Melbourne.

The six boys were grouped together on the Esplanade in St Kilda in the city's south-east on Sunday when they were approached by police.

Footage taken from a room above showed officers stripping the teenagers of their weapons, before leading at least two of them into a police van in handcuffs.

A group of teenagers brandishing 'box-cutter knives and fake firearms' were questioned by police across the road from a protest against African crime

Right-wing figurehead Neil Erikson told Daily Mail Australia the incident occurred around early afternoon on Sunday.

'It was right where we had our protest against African crime,' Mr Erikson said.

Video footage shows the group sitting on Carlisle Street across from McDonald's.

The man filming the video claims the group has a 'gun on them' and questions why police haven't arrived.

'They're all carrying those f**king box-cutter knives...They're all armed!'

Eventually a group of up to five police officers confronted the group, separating them to take their names down before stripping them of the weapons.

The five teenagers were grouped together on the Esplanade in St Kilda in Melbourne's south-east when they were approached by police

After police stripped the teenagers of their weapons, only two were led away in handcuffs as two walked free

Police then conducted a thorough search of each member of the group, making them empty their pockets.

Video footage shows the officers talking to the teenagers before taking photos of each of them.

Despite confiscating what appeared to be multiple box-cutter knives and two imitation guns from the group, only two appeared to be arrested.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police confirmed they were investigating after a 'group of youths were found with weapons' in St Kilda.

'Police were called to Acland Street following reports of six males with knives just before 4pm.

'Knives and a cap gun were found on the boys. Two 13-year-old boys from South Yarra and Richmond received a caution notice for possessing a controlled weapon and an imitation firearm,' it added.

Police confirmed another 14-year-old boy, from Richmond, is expected to be charged on summons with possess a controlled weapon.
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Cory Booker said that he will 'withhold' judgment about Empire actor Jussie Smollett's reported attack until all the details are clear.

Smollett told Chicago police that on January 29, two assailants tied a rope around his neck and poured an unknown chemical substance on him while yelling 'Empire f****t' and 'Empire n*****' at him.

Booker, D-NJ, was among the boldface names that showed support for Smollett in the wake of the alleged attack, tweeting that day that 'The vicious attack on actor Jussie Smollett was an attempted modern-day lynching' and used it as an urgent example for why the Anti-Lynching bill, which would designate lynching as a federal hate crime, should be passed.

Sen. Cory Booker, who showed support for Empire actor Jussie Smollett after his alleged attack, said Sunday he wouldn't judge Smollett until all new details suggesting the actor planned the attack himself have been confirmed

A grand jury will hear the Smollett case next week, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation into the Empire actor's alleged hoax attack

But, on February 15, unconfirmed reports emerged suggesting that openly-gay Smollett might have staged the attack with help from two Nigerian brothers that he reportedly knew and who had been extras on Empire.

While Booker was meeting supporters in Rochester, New Hampshire, Sunday, he told reporters that in the wake of the new reports about the alleged attack, he was 'gonna withhold until all the information actually comes out from on-the-record sources' before making any judgments about Smollett.

'We know in America that bigoted and biased attacks are on the rise in a serious way, and we actually even know in this country that since 9/11, the majority of the terrorist attacks on our soil have been right-wing terrorist attacks -- the majority of them white supremacist attacks,' Booker added, according to Fox News.

Booker also urged a broader fight against hate crimes and called for a unified pushback against 'attacks on people because they're different.'

Chicago police insiders told TMZ that authorities are keeping a close eye on two Nigerian brothers, who were arrested and questioned about the attack before being released on Friday, to make sure that Smollett doesn't try to contact them.

Hours after Smollett's alleged attack occurred, Booker tweeted that the attack was 'an attempted modern-day lynching' and urged Congress to make lynching a federal hate crime

Despite reserving judgment about Smollett's case, Booker (shown Sunday) said that 'bigoted and biased attacks are on the rise in a serious way'

Police are said to be questioning Smollett's claims that the assailants 'yelled out racial and homophobic slurs,' tied a rope around his neck and poured a substance he suspected was bleach on him. Smollett is seen here four days after the January 29 attack

It was claimed that Smollett allegedly paid Nigerian brothers Abimbola 'Abel' (left) and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo (right) to attack him on January 29

Chicago PD confirmed on Thursday that the pair seen in this image from surveillance footage around the time of the attack on January 29 (above) were Abel and Ola Osundairo

Investigators have said they believe Smollett may have paid Empire extras Abimbola 'Abel' and Olabinjo 'Ola' Osundairo $3,500 to assault him in the orchestrated, rehearsed attack on January 29.

Sources say Smollett initially agreed to sign complaints against his assailants, but declined to do so once he heard that Abel and Ola were the men in custody because he knew them and felt bad for them.

Reports of a possible grand jury emerged hours after the Chicago Police Department said Smollett was not yet being considered an official suspect, despite insider claims to the contrary.

'We have some information that needs to be corroborated and verified with the Empire cast member before we can answer this question,' CPD said in a statement to TMZ.

'After new developments, we've reached out to his attorney and requested additional time to interview him.'

Smollett has furiously denied claims that he orchestrated the assault and said 'nothing could be further from the truth'.

Smollett's narrative, however, is said to now be under serious scrutiny by investigators, who reportedly have evidence that Smollett directed his 'attackers' to buy the rope used in the 'assault' at a local hardware store.

Documents prove two Nigerian brothers, who work as extras on the highly rated Fox drama, bought the rope which was found around Smolletts neck at Crafty Beaver Hardware Store in Chicago.

Sources said that the brothers used Smollett's money when they made the purchase on the weekend of January 25.

They also bought two red plain hats that they wore during the alleged attack, according to sources close to the investigation.

Police believe that the red hats were purchased at a local beauty supply store in the Uptown section of Chicago.

'We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation,' Chicago Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said.

'Weve reached out to the Empire cast members attorney to request a follow-up interview.'

Chicago police are now eager to speak to Jussie Smollett in light of the new information that was uncovered, according to ABC News.

We have been in touch with Smollett's attorneys, a Chicago Police Department spokesperson said. We made our intentions clear.'
A Chinese surveillance firm is tracking the movements of more than 2.5 million people in the far-western Xinjiang region, according to a data leak flagged by a Dutch internet expert.

An online database containing names, ID card numbers, birth dates and location data was left unprotected for months by Shenzhen-based facial-recognition technology company SenseNets Technology Ltd, according to Victor Gevers, co-founder of non-profit organisation GDI.Foundation, who first noted the vulnerability in a series of social media posts last week.

Exposed data also showed about 6.7 million location data points linked to the people which were gathered within 24 hours, tagged with descriptions such as 'mosque', 'hotel,' 'internet cafe' and other places where surveillance cameras were likely to be found.

A security camera installed on the walls of a mosque in the Old City in Kashgar, Xinjiang region. A Chinese surveillance firm is tracking the movements of more than 2.5 million people in the region, according to a data leak flagged by a Dutch internet expert

'It was fully open and anyone without authentication had full administrative rights. You could go in the database and create, read, update and delete anything,' said Gevers.

China has faced an outcry from activists, scholars, foreign governments and UN rights experts over what they call mass detentions and strict surveillance of the mostly Muslim Uighur minority and other Muslim groups who call Xinjiang home.

Former detainees who fled overseas say that while they were held captive, they were ordered to renounce their faith and pledge loyalty to the ruling Communist Party through indoctrination tactics reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution.

Beijing, which long denied the existence of such facilities, now says they are vocational training centers where Uighurs, Kazakhs and others receive free skills education.

A perimeter fence is seen around what is officially known as a vocational skills education centre in Dabancheng in Xinjiang where a million ethnic Uighurs are believed to be held

Exposed data also showed about 6.7 million location data points linked to the people which were gathered within 24 hours, tagged with descriptions such as 'mosque' and 'hotel'

Surveillance cameras, security checkpoints and riot police have become ubiquitous in Xinjiang in recent years, but the government maintains that such measures are necessary to combat separatist violence and latent religious extremism.

According to its website, SenseNets works with China's police across several cities. Its Shenzhen-listed parent company NetPosa Technologies Ltd has offices in a majority of Chinese provinces and regions, including Xinjiang.

SenseNets and NetPosa, as well as the Xinjiang regional government, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sunday.

The Chinese government has ramped up personal surveillance in Xinjiang over recent years, including the construction of an extensive video surveillance system and smartphone monitoring technology.

Gevers said the foundation directly alerted SenseNets to the vulnerability, in line with GDI.Foundation protocol. He said SenseNets did not respond, but that it has since taken steps to secure the database.
A Florida firefighter fired for a positive drug test has gotten his job back after arguing the cocaine in his system was from a tea made with coca leaves.

Firefighter Kevin Reynolds was fired from the Orlando Fire Department in early 2018 after failing a routine drug test.

He told investigators the test came out positive after drinking a a box of coca tea he brought home after hiking Machu Picchu in Peru. The tea is used in South America to fight off altitude sickness.

The city and Reynolds settled the case last week, agreeing to drop arbitration proceedings and rescinding Reynolds' termination, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Orlando firefighter Kevin Reynolds was fired last year after failing a drug test

Reynolds said he traveled to Machu Picchu in Peru, where he bought a box of coca tea, which is used in South America to fight off altitude sickness (stock image)

Reynolds and the union representing Orlando's firefighters argued the department did not follow its testing procedures.

'I hiked Machu Picchu in Peru... last August I did Kilimanjaro, and you drink "coca tea' there," Reynolds said in an interview, according to a report of the investigation.

'[I] bought a commercial box of it and I brought it back and taken [it] all over the world.'

When Reynold was told he failed the test, he said he was 'dumbfounded'.

The firefighter said he never received a written notice of the test results and the department failed to notify him about an investigation.

The investigation included an article on coca tea and drug tests.

The article said just a cup of Peruvian coca tea contains a 'significant amount of cocaine and cocaine-related alkaloids', which can produce a positive drug test.

According to the Orlando Sentinal, Ronald Glass, president of the firefighters' union that represents OFD, said the city rescinded the termination because 'the Union showed that the City did not follow the correct testing procedure, and Kevin presented evidence that the test results were inaccurate.'

The city of Orlando has agreed to give Reynolds back-pay and benefits while unemployed.
Alesha MacPhail was found naked lying face down in woodland near an abandoned hotel

The teenager accused of raping and murdering Alesha MacPhail Googled 'how do police find DNA' the day after the six-year-old's body was found dumped in the woods, a court heard today.

Alesha was found naked lying face down near an abandoned hotel on the Isle of Bute on July 2 last year, hours after being reported missing from her grandparents' house.

The 16-year-old boy accused of murder, rape, child abduction and defeating the ends of justice denies all the charges against him at Glasgow High Court.

Meanwhile the court was told that fibres found on her vest suggested 'direct physical contact' with jogging bottoms found on a beach.

Giving evidence today, cyber crime expert Peter Benson told how he had examined the teenager's iPhone6.

When internet history from the accused's phone was presented to the court, Mr Benson confirmed a Google search on Tuesday, July 3 which said: 'How do police find DNA.'

Among the accused's contacts were Alesha's father Robert MacPhail and his girlfriend Toni McLachlan.

At 1.40am on July 2, a final call was made to Mr MacPhail, before a message was sent to Ms McLachlan at 1.47am. A return call to the accused from Ms McLachlan's number was made at 6.29am.

Alesha's mother Georgina Lochrane (centre) and father Robert MacPhail (right) arrive at Glasgow High Court last Thursday

The IT expert said there was no evidence the accused and Ms McLachlan had communicated on Instagram.

Mr Benson said: 'That did not feature in any of the evidence recovered from Toni Louise McLachlan's phone.'

Questioned by advocate depute Iain McSporran if they had been connected on Instagram, he said: 'I didn't see any evidence in the contacts list.'

When asked by Mr McSporran if it is possible to delete communications or conversations on Instagram, he said: 'It is possible.'

Detective Constable Graham McIlwraith said he searched the boy's home and noticed one knife missing from a block of five.

Shown a photograph of a knife found on the shore opposite where Alesha had been staying with her father and grandparents, he said it 'would appear to be the same design' as the Jamie Oliver brand knives found in the boy's house.

Cyber crime expert Peter Benson (pictured outside court today) said the boy's phone had been used to search: 'How do police find DNA'

Mr McIlwraith said: 'It seemed reasonable that a knife might be missing and that could be important.'

Later, a scientist told the court that fibres found on the vest of Alesha suggested 'direct physical contact' with jogging bottoms found on a beach.

Sarah Jones, a forensic scientist with the Scottish Police Authority, gave evidence at the murder trial and said she her and her team focussed their examinations on the garments Alesha had been wearing the night of the abduction.

A vest and shorts worn by the six-year-old were analysed.

Ms Jones told the court: 'Overall we consider the black polyester and black viscose fibres found on Alesha MacPhail's vest came from the jogging bottoms found on the shoreline in Ardbeg.'

Some 30 black polyester fibres and 13 black viscose fibres were found on Alesha's pants and shorts, which were discovered close by her body.

The scientist said: 'If the black fibres came from the jogging bottoms, our findings would be as expected.'

A report stated there was 'strong evidence' to suggest the fibres came from the jogging bottoms.

Asked by advocate depute Mr McSporran if the number of fibres found, instead of just the comparisons, were significant, Ms Jones said the fibres revealed 'direct physical contact'.

No fibres from a black Nike hoodie matched Alesha's 6-7 years vest.

Alesha's grandparents Angela King and Calum MacPhail outside the court last Thursday

The court also heard from Detective Constable Ian Wilson, who said the boy was taken to Glasgow for a police interview, where he responded 'no comment' to questions.

On being charged with Alesha's murder, the boy also replied: 'No comment.' The detective said this was not unusual and was within the teenager's rights.

Witness Karen MacBride, a fingerprint examiner with the Scottish Police Authority, told the court that fingerprints belonging to the accused had been found on the MacPhail property - but it was not possible to date them.

She took fingerprints from the stairwell leading to the MacPhail family home, where prints from the accused's right palm were discovered on July 11, above stairs 11 and 14.

Asked when they were there from, she said: 'It's not possible to age a fingerprint.'

Under cross examination by defence Brian McConnachie, she confirmed the prints were found on a 'chair rail' for a chair lift.

She reiterated it is 'not possible to determine how long the print was there'. No other prints belonging to the accused were found in the MacPhail home.

Temporary Detective Inspector Monica Hagerty was based in Rothesay during the investigations, and was present when a pair of jogging trousers and boxer shorts were recovered.

She attended the boy's arrest on July 4 at 5pm, at his home. He was then taken to Helen Street police station in Govan, Glasgow, for questioning.

Alesha (left) with Mr MacPhail (centre) and his girlfriend Toni Louise McLachlan (right)

Ms Hagerty was the family liaison officer for the MacPhail family, and was notified of a female who reported seeing an altercation outside between Mr MacPhail and Miss McLachlan.

Under cross examination, she claimed she could not remember when the witness' statement was taken.

Detective Constable Lisa Whitelaw, stationed at the major investigations team, collected CCTV footage for a 'viewing log'.

She said that footage was collected from the home of the accused, and from two homes on a named road.

While watching footage from the named road, Ms Whitelaw described seeing 'a shadow moving across the shoreline'.

Ms Whitelaw said she could see 'something hanging down from the front' of the person walking.

She told the court the figure 'slows down and appears to be carrying something in front of them'.

Mr MacPhail with his daughter Alesha - found dead last July hours after being reported missing

The court also heard that the boy lived less than six minutes away from the site where the child's body was found.

Ms Whitelaw told the trial that it took five minutes and 49 seconds to walk between the lad's home and the site of the former Kyles Hydropathic Hotel.

She agreed with Mr McSporran that it would be 'significantly shorter' were the person running.

The court heard it would take five minutes and 54 seconds to walk between the accused's house, and the MacPhail family home.

And she said it would take 12 minutes and 43 seconds to get from the MacPhail house to the site where Alesha's body was found.

Ms Whitelaw described watching CCTV footage from the accused's property on the morning Alesha vanished, July 2.

Mr Macphail, who has been attending the trial in Glasgow, is pictured with his daughter Alesha

A dog could be heard barking as the accused returned to the property and audio caught a 'shh' sound. At 3.45am, the accused left the house again, leaving the bathroom light on.

Ms Whitelaw said he 'is observed leaving the property from the back door wearing dark coloured shorts, no top on and no shoes - carrying a dark coloured item in his right hand'.

At 3.52am, the accused could be seen returning to the house, appearing from the left hand side and jumping over a garden wall before walking up the driveway.

Ms Whitelaw said: 'He then enters the garden...by jumping the wall - he appeared to not be carrying anything.'

At 4.07am, the accused was wearing the same clothes, the officer said. She added: 'He appears to be carrying nothing.'

Police forensic team team at a house on the Isle of Bute outside Rothesay last July

A police cordon at Ardberg on the Isle of Bute where the six-year-old girl was found dead

The teenager has lodged a special defence blaming Ms McLachlan for the killing.

Giving evidence earlier in the trial, Ms McLachlan refuted suggestions from the accused's defence lawyer, Brian McConnachie QC, that she and the teenager had been in contact on Instagram in the early hours of July 2.

Mr McConnachie suggested they had messaged on Instagram, then met and had sex in a shed, before Ms McLachlan took Alesha from her room, 'attacked and brutalised her' and 'planted' the accused's semen from the condom used earlier, then murdered her, all of which Ms McLachlan denied.

On Wednesday last week, Ms McLachlan told jurors she 'loved' Alesha and had nothing to do with her death.

Ms McLachlan was staying in the house Alesha's grandparents shared with her partner when the schoolgirl went missing after arriving for the school holidays.

The trial, before judge Lord Matthews, continues.
Ryan Halsey, 27, from Hull, was asked to clear spirits from a haunted family home

A clairvoyant was asked to clear spirits from a haunted family home before sexually assaulted an 18-year-old woman there while attempting to free her body of a 'demon', a court heard today.

Ryan Halsey, 27, from Hull, who also works at B&Q, allegedly told the woman he was trained at a 'Harry Potter' school and his chanting was compared to 'parseltongue', the language of serpents in the fictional JK Rowling books.

He was contacted to help the alleged victim's grandparents who for seven years had experienced 'strange things' in their home such as hearing footsteps and seeing a male figure, the jury at Hull Crown Court was told.

An 'old lady sitting in a chair' in the conservatory was also seen by the teenage granddaughter and her boyfriend.

On his first visit to the house, Halsey claimed to be involved in an 'altercation' with a spirit and was 'poked in the eye'.

He said he had seen an 'old woman' in a corner and the spirits of two orphaned children.

Halsey said he had cleared the house of a spirit and cleansed it of 'negative energy,' but was called back for a second visit in August 2016 when problems continued.

Halsey, pictured outside Hull Crown Court today, denied touching the woman's breasts or sexually assaulting her in any way during the cleansing procedure

It was then that Halsey allegedly assaulted the granddaughter during a 'spiritual cleansing ritual', said prosecutor Claire Holmes.

Halsey told the young woman she had a 'demonic attachment' and set about trying to heal her after writing a 'Do Not Enter' sign which he placed on the bedroom door, the court heard.

Miss Holmes said they were in the bedroom for two hours. The woman later told police Halsey asked her to remove her T-shirt and bra and get comfortable on the bed.

He then used a 'crystal pendulum' and said it was 'going crazy' around her back to indicate the spirit's presence.

Later, with her breasts partially covered, he allegedly 'was feeling her up and down her body' and touched her breast area over her top for about 40 minutes.

During this healing session Halsey began to chant in a language that sounded like 'parseltongue' from Harry Potter.

He chatted to the complainant and complemented her on her breasts and said the demon would go to her 'boobs' to try to 'turn her on,' said Miss Holmes.

She was said to become 'increasingly uncomfortable' and when the session finished the defendant hugged her and told her she was beautiful and attractive, the court heard.

Halsey allegedly said he was trained at a 'Harry Potter' school and his chanting was compared to 'parseltongue'. Hogwarts is pictured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

When interviewed by police Halsey denied touching the woman's breasts or sexually assaulting her in any way during the cleansing procedure.

The 'psychic medium clairvoyant', who said he had been 'born with a gift', claimed he was later stabbed by a demon during this second visit to the haunted house.

Although he didn't charge for his services, Halsey was given 20 on both visits to the house, the jury was told.

During the first visit Halsey and a female assistant he described as his 'student' were inside the property for four hours while the family waited outside.

After he finished the family joined him and they all walked around with a white sage joss stick to 'cleanse the house of any negative energy', said Miss Holmes.

Under cross-examination he was asked about his altercation with the spirit who poked him in the eye.

Mr Halsey said: 'It was just one of those things where they can try and - they get a bit angry shall we say - and like, try and attack me unfortunately, but I'm well protected anyway so it won't harm me, but there was a few bangs, or whatever.'

'What would have caused the bangs?' Miss Holmes asked. 'Possibly the room itself,' Mr Halsey said. 'How can the room itself make a bang?' Miss Holmes asked.

Mr Halsey said: 'When you get energy to a room, any collision can possibly create a sound.' The clairvoyant said the spirit was 'a particularly nasty one.'

Halsey, of Hull, denies sexual assault. The case continues.
Sam Walker is now in custody after he twice failed to show up to court and posted apparently mocking messages to police

A fugitive who posted pictures and videos of himself travelling the world after failing to appear in court has finally been remanded in custody.

Sam Walker was charged with a number of driving and drugs offences after he was detained by police in Helsby, Cheshire, on Tuesday, Merseyside Police said.

The 35-year-old, from Liverpool, was originally arrested on July 22 after failing to attend court for a driving offence in Cheshire.

But he was released on bail and again failed to turn up to a court appearance.

Videos had been posted on his Twitter account apparently showing Walker on a trip to Sierra Leone after the initial court warrant was issued.

One video had the caption: 'Here's how to get out the UK when you need to get to Africa to fulfill a promise to the people in the slums but your wanted by UK police and no they will nick you at the airport if you attempt to leave.'

He was bailed by Chester magistrates after his arrest in July but failed to appear for the next hearing and a warrant was issued.

A doctor's note was received by the court but was not accepted by magistrates.

Walker posted videos online in which he appeared to mock police after failing to show at court

Yesterday, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'Samuel Walker, of Beetham Plaza, Liverpool city centre, has been charged with a total of 13 offences in relation to incidents in Merseyside and Cheshire in August.

'He has been charged with three counts of disqualified driving, two counts of dangerous driving, two counts of having no insurance, one of failing to stop, one count of failing to report a road traffic accident, possession of a Class A drug (MDMA) and possession of a Class B drug (cannabis).

'He was also additionally charged with failing to appear in court in relation to an allegation of disqualified driving incident in Cheshire.'

Walker was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Cheshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Appalling footage showing a group of teenagers pushing and kicking a 70-year-old man has been posted online.

The shock attack was filmed at a bus stop in Castle Hill, in Sydney's north-west, and is believed to have occurred at 8.50pm on August 18.

The video, which was posted to Instagram, captured two teenagers kicking the man after he was pushed to the ground.

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Appalling footage showing a group of teenagers pushing and kicking a 70-year-old man has been posted online

One of the young male teenagers wearing a grey hoodie appeared to be in an argument with the 70-year-old.

'I'm not going to beat you,' the elderly man said before he approached the teenager, who continued to swear at the pensioner.

Another teenage boy in a red beanie then pushed the man, causing him to fall and hit his head on the bus stop.

Both teenagers then kicked the man in the stomach as a female begged for them to stop.

'No!' she screamed.

NSW Police said the two teens in the video were believed to be 16-years-old, news.com.au reported.

In the video, one of the young male teenagers wearing a grey hoodie appeared to be in an argument with the 70-year-old

'A 70-year-old Cherrybrook man became involved in an argument with young people at a bus shelter on Old Castle Hill Road,' a police spokesman said.

'Female members of the group went to the assistance of the older man, but he declined medical treatment.'

One of the 16-year-old boys was arrested at the scene, and police have identified another young person involved in the incident.

Police are continuing their investigation.
An inquest into the death of a baby who was dropped on her head by a nurse just minutes after she was born has begun.

Brieaan Keldie called Gladstone Hospital, in Queensland at 10.05pm on February 10, 2016, as she was having painful contractions.

Disregarding advice to stay at home until her waters broke, Ms Keldie went anyway and her daughter Millah was born at 11.31pm.

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Brieaan Keldie (pictured with Adam Rolston) called Gladstone Hospital, in Queensland at 10.05pm on February 10, 2016, as she was having painful contractions - her baby died almost seven hours later

The inquest will help determine the cause of death, as well as look at whether the hospital's (pictured) treatment, staffing arrangements and treatment were satisfactory

Ms Keldie was already in the process of giving birth when she was taken into the birthing suite.

The inquest was told Millah was passed from one midwife to another - Gabrielle Matamoros.

Ms Matamoros realised Millah was not breathing and took her to a Resuscitaire machine.

However she noticed that the machine was missing the adapter which linked the tubes to the breathing device.

Midwife Gabriella Matamoros told the inquest, according to 9 News: 'I had the baby in my hands. I had slipped  fell to my knees  and the baby had come out of my hands'

The midwife was taking Millah into another birthing suite with a working machine when Ms Keldie told the inquest she heard a 'thump and a slap'.

Ms Matamoros told the inquest, according to 9 News: 'I had the baby in my hands. I had slipped  fell to my knees  and the baby had come out of my hands.'

When asked by the magistrate why the baby wasn't taken to the other room in a bassinet, she said that the hospital didn't keep them in the rooms.

John Aberdeen, Counsel Assisting, said Millah was stabilised to a certain degree but she died at 4.55am.

The inquest is to determine whether the drop had anything to do with the infant's death.

A coroner will hear whether a group b streptococcus infection, birth trauma or Meconium aspiration were responsible for the child's death.

Ms Keldie said outside court: 'We just want the best outcome at this point, for the Queensland Health Services and the mothers and the babies.'

The baby's father, Adam Rolston, said 'It hasn't been easy at all. We just keep plodding along.'

The inquest continues.
A woman has been arrested after a car crashed into the gate of Dublin's Government Buildings.

It is understood the woman, an Irish national in her 50s, attempted to drive the gold Nissan Micra through the entrance in Merrion Street Upper.

The incident took place shortly after 10am local time on Tuesday. No injuries were reported.

Incident: The female driver of a car that crashed into the gates of Government Buildings in Merrion Street Upper, Dublin, has been arrested

Gardai arrested the driver of the car at the scene and she was taken to Pearse Street Garda Station.

According to the Irish Independent, the woman was driving her own car, and it is not known how the care came to crash into the railings.

It is understood that the gates were open when the car went into the railings.

Pictures from the incident at the Department of the Taoiseach shows the car with minor damage to its front.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been made aware of the incident and told local media the crash site is now a crime scene.

Police say the woman, an Irish national in her 50s, attempted to drive the gold Nissan Micra through the entrance
Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi and the man accused of fatally shooting him in a brazen daylight killing in February were once 'friends', an inside source has claimed.

Long before the former Comancheros boss fell out with Lone Wolf bikie Yusuf Nazlioglu, 37, the pair were far from enemies, according to someone close to the Hawi family.

'They were friends, before all of this.' the unidentified source told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'A long time ago, but it's really crazy, really sad.'

Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi and Yusuf Nazlioglu (pictured) were 'friends' long before they fell out with each other, an inside source has claimed

Nazlioglu, alongside co-accused Ahmad Doudar, 38, was on Friday arrested in relation to the alleged assassination of the ex bikie boss outside Fitness First Rockdale, in Sydney's south.

A photograph released last week also showed what appeared to once be a solid friendship between Hawi and Nazlioglu, with them pictured together in a tight embrace at a beach.

Another source suggested the pair, who stood close for the shirtless photo, shared a tight bond before Hawi snapped at Nazliogu for the way he spoke to a woman, The Daily Telegraph reported.

'Hawi chirped him over the way he spoke to a girl and they haven't been friends since,' the source told the publication.

Nazlioglu alongside co-accused Ahmad Doudar (pictured), 38, was on Friday arrested in relation to the alleged assassination of the ex bikie boss outside Fitness First Rockdale

A photograph released last week also showed what appeared to once be a solid friendship between Hawi (pictured) and Nazlioglu, with them pictured together in a tight embrace

'Nazlioglu used to look at him as a mentor.'

A second person said Hawi decided to cut Nazlioglu off when he found out he had told others what Hawi said about them.

The source said Doudar, a fellow Lone Wolf bikie, was one of the people Hawi once had spoken badly to Nazlioglu about.

A balaclava found inside an abandoned car near a smash repair business in Sydney's south has been revealed as the vital clue that led police to Nazlioglu and Doudar.

Police will allege the item contained traces of DNA belonging to Nazlioglu.

A third man, associate Moustafa Salami, 36, has been charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Police will allege he helped dispose of one of the getaway cars.

Hawi (pictured with Nazlioglu) was once a role model for the Lone Wolf bikie member charged with fatally shooting him in a brazen daylight attack in February

Mahmoud 'Mick' Hawi's widow Carolina Gonzalez has penned a cryptic Facebook post, days after three men were charged in relation to his shooting death

Police told reporters on Saturday the shooting was sparked by financial reasons linked to the Sydney construction industry.

'We will allege there was a financial motive to Mr Hawi's murder and his death was to prevent further money being paid to Mr Hawi rather than any outlaw motorcycle gang conflict,' Mal Lanyon, commander of the New South Wales Police State Crime Command said.

The female relative of a property developer who allegedly owed a large debt to a slain bikie kingpin is being probed by detectives investigating the brazen killing.

Detectives are now investigating whether the Sydney property developer's relative helped pass messages between him and two men accused of Hawi's murder.

Detectives are now investigating whether the Sydney property developer's relative helped pass messages between him and two men accused of Hawi's murder (pictured is one of the men being arrested)

Tow truck driver Moustafa Salami, 36, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact for allegedly moving one of the getaway cars used in the shooting

According to police, Nazlioglu allegedly pulled the trigger in the assassination he is accused of planning with Doudar.

The property developer was allegedly under pressure to pay Hawi $300,000 at the time of the killing, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He had already allegedly paid $200,000 to Hawi, and police will allege he paid Nazlioglu and Doudar $40,000 to shoot the former bikie boss to avoid the debt.

Tow truck driver Moustafa Salami, 36, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact for allegedly moving one of the getaway cars used in the shooting.

Hawi's widow Carolina Gonzales posted a cryptic Facebook comment, just a day after Nazlioglu and Doudar faced court.

Ms Gonzalez took to Facebook on Sunday night, asking friends a cryptic question, in an apparent reference to Yusuf Nazlioglu who was last week charged with her husband's murder

Former Comancheros president Mick Hawi (left) was shot multiple times in his Mercedes 4WD while he sat in the parked vehicle outside a gym at Rockdale, in Sydney's south, in February

Nazlioglu (pictured, left, with Hawi, right) is understood to have been a former friend of Hawi, before the pair fell out over a girl

On Sunday night, Ms Gonzales posted on her Facebook page: 'Saabi...where's your best mate Yui?'.

She then removed the comment a few hours later.

Hawi was shot multiple times in his Mercedes 4WD while he sat in the parked vehicle outside a gym at Rockdale, in Sydney's south, on February 15.

Following his death, Hawi's grief-stricken widow Ms Gonzalez made headlines when she attempted to extract her dead husband's sperm from his corpse.

The process was kick-started by an urgent court application in the hours after the shooting to the NSW Supreme Court, on the basis that Ms Gonzales would have another of Hawi's children following his death.

Justice Peter Johnson then ordered the sperm be extracted and stored at an IVF facility until he ruled on her application, however Ms Gonzales ultimately opted not to go ahead with the procedure.

Hawi had served a prison sentence over the death of Hells Angels bikie associate Anthony Zervas during a brawl at Sydney Airport in 2009.

He was initially convicted of murdering Zervas, who was bashed with a metal bollard during the brawl, but his conviction and 28-year sentence was overturned on appeal.
Disgraced property director Salim Mehajer has been accused of impersonating a police officer in a typo-riddled email, a court has heard.

The 32-year-old is currently serving time behind bars for electoral fraud offences from 2012, during which time he was the deputy mayor for Auburn.

He was sentenced to a minimum jail term of 11 months in June, but is yet to be sentenced over charges in January over an alleged 'staged' car crash in 2017.

Mr Mehajer, 32, appeared before the NSW Supreme Court via video link on Tuesday, applying for bail.

But at the failed bail application hearing, the court was read an email from a police officer, which was allegedly 'forged' by Mehajer.

Salim Mehajer (pictured) is accused of impersonating a police officer in an email with typos clearing him of an alleged 'staged' car accident in 2017, a court has heard

A court heard as a poorly-worded email addressed to Mehajer said that a suspicious car accident from 2017 was no longer being investigated

Mehajer was involved in a car crash in western Sydney earlier in the year, the same day he was to face court over the assault of a taxi driver.

He was later convicted for the assault, though Detective Sergeant Matt Taylor alleged that the accident was 'planned and staged' to allow him to avoid court.

The alleged email presented to the court on Tuesday is addressed to Mehajer from Detective Taylor, and says that the accident is no longer being investigated.

Police claimed in court that Mehajer was fraudulently impersonating the officer in the email, using an old email signature from 2016.

It allegedly reads: 'Hi Salim. We are not inspecting the collision. The accident was given the all-clear by the NRMA [National Roads and Motorists' Association].

'Considering you have a perfect tract (sic) record with Mercedes Australia service, there should not be a long turnaround time in returning your vehicle.'

The email is in regards to an allegedly 'staged' car accident, which police say was planned to allow Mehajer (pictured) to avoid a court date

No charges were laid against Mehajer for the email, who told the court that: 'I still maintain my innocence for that'.

The image of the typo-riddled email and Mr Taylor's was tendered to the court and residing Justice Robert Allan Hulme.

Mr Hulme said that Mehajer has 'an arrogant disregard for the law', and is concerned that he would breach his bail if it were granted.

Mr Mehajer was jailed for a minimum 11 months in June.
A 24-year-old woman who disappeared during a family kayaking trip in Georgia intentionally drowned herself, authorities have revealed.

The body of Maranda Whitten was discovered in West Point Lake on Monday, three days after the recent Auburn University graduate disappeared.

An extension cord that was missing from Whitten's campground was tied to her ankles and a large rock, officials said.

Troup County Sheriff's Sgt Stewart Smith said her death is being treated as a suicide.

Maranda Whitten, the 24-year-old woman who disappeared on a family kayaking trip in Georgia, intentionally drowned herself

Whitten, of Valley, Alabama, was last seen kayaking around 12.30pm on Friday. Her empty blue kayak (pictured) was discovered two hours later, with her life vest and cell phone inside

'The search for Maranda Whitten has unfortunately been suspended,' Smith said in a statement.

'Maranda was found earlier this morning, a victim of an apparent drowning. As standard procedure, her body will be sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy.'

'Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Maranda's family.'

Whitten, of Valley, Alabama, was last seen kayaking around 12.30pm on Friday.

A storm then hit and her empty blue kayak was discovered around 2.30pm. Her paddle, life jacket, and uncharged phone were still inside.

Dozens of volunteers joined the search for Whitten during the weekend, as did authorities from various state and local agencies.

The body of Maranda Whitten was discovered in West Point Lake on Monday, three days after the recent Auburn University graduate disappeared

Tabatha Whitten was initially baffled by her daughter's disappearance, revealing that she was an avid hiker who has kayaked and 'lived on water all her life'.

The worried mother held onto hope that Whitten was roaming the woods near her grandmother and aunt's campground.

An extension cord that had been reported missing from Whitten's campground was tied to her ankles and a large rock, officials said

'I think she made it back to shore,' Tabatha told Newsweek over the weekend.

'If she was in distress, Maranda would have sense enough to put a life jacket on, and the paddle wouldn't have been left in the kayak.'

'If she wasn't out kayaking, she was out walking,' Tabatha added. 'Maranda is very active and likes to explore different areas. She likes to find places that people miss.'

But Tabatha also had a 'bad feeling' when she discovered that a large orange extension cord was missing from her daughter's camper.

Tabatha revealed that her daughter was 'majorly depressed' since graduating from college, recalling that Whitten spoke very little on the night before she disappeared.

Tabatha Whitten was initially baffled by her daughter's disappearance, revealing that she had kayaked and 'lived on water all her life'. Whitten is pictured here with an unidentified friend

Dozens of volunteers joined the search for Whitten during the weekend, as did authorities from various state and local agencies

The area where she was last seen was canvassed by authorities as her mother held out on the hope that she could be alive and in the woods

'She did hug me, but it wasn't an overly respectful hug,' Tabatha said. 'The words were very few.'

Tabatha said things had recently been tough for her daughter, who was embarrassed after she had to move back home following her college graduation in May.

She broke up with her boyfriend and was also struggling with credit card debt.

'Maranda is highly intelligent and seemed on track all her years back in college. She had the idea that she would land that big job,' Tabatha said.

'She went into major depression. Everything hadn't been going her way.'

Just days before her daughter's death, Tabatha sat Whitten down for a talk and asked her if she was 'doing anything drug-wise'.

The search was called off on Monday as authorities revealed the tragic circumstances behind Whitten's death

'She told us, "You're crazy that you would even think that!' and "You don't know what you're talking about!'", Tabatha recalled.

'We had a family conflict because of that.

It was on that night that Whitten decided to go away for a few days to be with her grandmother and aunt at West Point Lake.

Now Tabatha is left wondering how she could have done things differently.

'We shouldn't have been making those accusations,' she said.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800)-273-8255.
A teacher has revealed how she was repeatedly upskirted by schoolboys in her class before the images were shared on Instagram - leaving her with crippling anxiety.

Former teacher's aide, Hester Tingey was sexually harassed by her year nine students from St Patrick's College in New Zealand.

The 23-year-old said she had three teenagers suspended from school after explicit images were shared on social media.

Former teacher's aide, Hester Tingey was sexually harassed by her year nine students from St Patrick's College in New Zealand (pictured)

But despite taking action against the teenagers, Ms Tingey blames herself for wearing a dress, even though she knows she wasn't dressed provocatively.

'I only wore a dress on two occasions,' she told Stuff.

'I took my grandmother out shopping with me before I got the job and we picked out a whole bunch of stuff that was approved by an Anglican minister.'

Last year the young teacher was upskirted - the act of filming or taking photographs under someone's skirt which captures an image of the crotch area or genitals.

Hester Tingey, 23, was upskirted - the act of filming or taking photographs under someone's skirt which captures an image of the crotch area (stock)

'The intention behind it was to gain as many up-skirt photos of female staff members from the school,' she said.

Two days after she was filmed, her work colleague also fell victim to the predatory behaviour.

The boys were ordered to restorative justice meeting with her to see how the invasive incident had affected her on a personal and emotional level.

'I really wanted this to be something that they learnt from, and not just be a slap on the wrist and something that they go on to think is OK,' she said.

The teenagers who upskirted the young teacher were ordered to restorative justice meeting with her to see how the invasive incident had affected her on a personal and emotional level (stock)

But despite the action taken against the boys, Ms Tingey suffers anxiety and sleep deprivation and both women resigned from their role.

The school described the attack on the female teachers as 'most distressing' but hasn't spoken on the incident any further.

In 2017 they released in a statement to parents, 'We remain committed to developing within all our students the appreciation of, and respect for, the inherent dignity of each person,'

'In our particular environment, this specifically includes the appropriate and respectful treatment of women and girls.'
A heartwarming video shows the moment a woman stopped to rescue a joey, pulling the baby from its dead mother's couch.

The video clip showed Lauren Wagner tenderly attempting to coax the joey from its hiding spot.

The kangaroo's mother was found dead on the side of the Seaview Road in Adelaide about 4pm on Sunday.

Ms Wagner reached her hand into the dead animal but the joey struggled.

Eventually she is able to pull the animal out by it's legs and she quickly wrapped it in a baby blue blanket.

Ms Wagner, from Thebarton, and her friend Sarah Raggamuffin were driving home when they spotted the parent kangaroo, which had been hit by a car.

Ms Wagner said she thought she saw the animal move so they made a U-turn and drove back.

When she got a closer look she saw two legs sticking out of the pouch.

Ms Wagner told The Advertiser: 'It made like a little crying noise when I was trying to get him. I had to be gentle because it was pretty tightly packed in there.

'It was hard to get it out  I got both my hands in there and put it around the whole joey..

The pair took the joey, who has been named Jannick, to Sibylle Kaufmann in Happy Valley.

The kangaroo's mother was dead on the side of the Seaview Rd in Adelaide about 4pm on Sunday

Ms Kaufmann is a fauna rescue expert.

The seven-month-old male joey weighs 1.2kg and is doing well, according to Ms Kaufmann.

She said: 'Its always a little bit tricky the first couple of days (but) hes going to have some friends soon, he needs to learn to be a kangaroo.

'He didnt only lose his mother, he lost his teacher as well.'

Jannick was moved to a facility that specialises in looking after kangaroos in Strathalbyn.

The video clip showed Lauren Wagner tenderly attempting to coax the joey from its hiding spot

There he will be kept warm by living in a pouch made of material close to other kangaroos.

He will also be on special formula.

Once Jannick is older he will be able to roam around the property with other kangaroos.

Ms Wagner has encouraged others to pay more attention to dead animals on the side of the road.

The video uploaded to her Facebook page has been viewed more than 149,000 times.
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The father-of-three accused of shooting his friend in the buttock has been described by a friend as a 'beautiful person with a big heart'.

Emergency crews were called to a Kook Street address in Darlington Point at 9.35pm on Saturday following reports of a man being shot.

The 35-year-old man had a wound on his right buttock, he was treated at the scene and taken to Griffith Hospital in a stable condition where he remains.

The man's friend, Griffith man Dylan Hesketh, 24, was arrested on Sunday night.

Dylan Hesketh from Griffith was arrested on Sunday night in relation to an incident where a 35-year-old was shot

He has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, reckless wounding in company and fire firearm manner likely to injure a person or property.

Hesketh's Facebook profile shows photos of his three sons.

Friends have described him as not having a 'bad bone in his body'.

A friend who did not want to be named told the Daily Mail Australia it was 'out of Dylan's character to do such a thing'.

'I hope some light does come his way. Poor bloke has been through a lot.'

Another friend said they believed the incident was the result of an accident.

'He's a beautiful person with a big heart he wouldn't of had any intentions to hurt anyone.'

'He's an amazing father, he would do anything for his boys,' she said.

Hesketh was refused bail to appear before Hay Local Court today.
A loyal pup refused to leave its owner's side after she passed out on the street in north China.

The woman suddenly fainted while walking her golden retriever in Daqing city and passers-by immediately alerted emergency services.

Touched by the dog's persistence, paramedics at the scene made a special exception and allowed the pet to board the ambulance with the owner.

Man's best friend: A loyal golden retriever refused to leave its owners side after she passed out on the street in Daqing city, Heilongjiang province in north China on July 28

The dog is seen running in circles, distressed that its owner is not moving

Video footage of the incident on July 28 in Heilongjiang province shows the woman lying on the ground with the devoted pooch right by her side.

The dog was seen running in circles, distressed that its owner was not moving.

It was also seen frantically clinging onto the stretcher that was carrying its owner towards the ambulance.

The faithful pooch hopped onto the ambulance and watched over its owner like a guardian angel while they were both transported to Daqing People's Hospital.

Video shows the woman lying on the ground with the devoted pooch right by her side

The pooch is seen frantically clinging onto the stretcher that was carrying its owner

After the pair arrived at the emergency department, doctors allowed the faithful pet to sit outside the treatment room.

As soon as the woman regained her consciousness, the first thing that came out of her mouth was the name of her beloved pet.

The dog came dashing towards its owner, elated that she has recovered.

'When we saw the patient hugging her dog, we knew we did the right thing by allowing it to tag along,' Zhang Jihong, the hospitals head nurse, told The Paper.

The patient works as a bartender and had too much to drink the night before, according to the report. She has now been discharged from hospital.

The patient works as a bartender and had too much to drink the night before

'At first, we were afraid to approach the woman directly since the dog is a rather large one,' Yu Jingjing, a nurse at the emergency department of the Daqing People's Hospital, told reporters.

'However, while the dog was very protective of its owner, it did not show any signs of aggression towards us,' she added.

'When we approached the woman lying on the ground, the dog appeared to be happy that we were there to help its owner.'

Yu stressed that under normal circumstances, no pets are allowed during the emergency medical transportation to protect the ambulance crew.
A 10-year-old boy in China has died in hospital after being hit by a falling flowerpot yesterday as he walked home from school.

It is reported that the plant pot fell from an empty flat on the fourth floor when a corner of the balcony collapsed.

The boy was rushed to hospital and attempts were made for nine hours to save him before he died in the early morning today.

Paramedics attend to the boy who was walking with friends when the plant pot fell

Remnents of the shattered plant plot with the soil inside spread out on the ground

The incident took place yesterday afternoon in Xiangtan city, Hunan province.

A footage of the incident shows a group of school kids with backpacks walking next to a white car when the plant pot drops from above and one of the children suddenly collapses on the floor.

According to The Paper, the boy was walking home with fellow students from extracurricular classes yesterday afternoon at 5.17pm, when the incident happened in an alleyway.

The report said the pot fell from a fourth-floor balcony of a residential building that was completed in the 1980s and seemingly in a 'dilapidated' state.

The pot had supposedly been sitting on one corner of the balcony in an unoccupied apartment, according to local police.

Pictures claiming to show the balcony in question highlights the missing corner of the balcony ledge which broke off as the pot fell.

The corner of the balcony that supposedly collapsed and fell with the plant pot on top of it

Part of the pot that fell and hit the boy on the head and caused him acute skull injury and death

A doctor speaking to The Paper said the boy died of an an acute injury that meant the pot would have split open the boy's skull on contact.

According to another news outlet, Kan Kan News, paramedics arrived at the scene and rushed the boy to hospital.

Yet despite over nine hours of emergency rescue attempt, the boy died just after five this morning.

The case is being investigated by the police.
China is planning to launch a satellite network that can track 'every reef and ship' in real time in the disputed South China Sea, state media announced.

The system is being developed in Hainan, China's southernmost island province, and will help safeguard national sovereignty, the project's chief designer said, while giving Beijing an advantage in the negotiations of the contested waters.

Three optical satellites are scheduled to enter orbit in the second half of next year in the first phase of the Hainan satellite constellation system.

Heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March 5 blasts off Nov 3, 2016 at Wenchang Space Launch Center in South China's Hainan province. The first phase of the Hainan satellite constellation system is being developed and is expected to launch in the second half of next year

A Chinese coast guard ship navigates in front of Chinese drilling equipment located in waters off the Paracel Islands. The monitoring network can reportedly facilitate emergency response efforts while improving exploration and development of the resource-rich waters

The monitoring network can facilitate emergency response efforts while improving exploration and development of the resource-rich waters, according to the Sanya Institute of Remote Sensing, the organisation behind the provincially funded project.

'Every reef and ship in the South China Sea will be under the watch of the "space eye",' Yang Tianliang, director of the institute and chief designer of the constellation, told China News.

'The network will also defend national sovereignty, protect fishermen's ocean operations and aid maritime search and rescue efforts,' he added.

An aerial shot shows part of mischief reef in the disputed Spratly islands. Tensions have escalated over the past year with news of China's covert construction of the artificial islands

The region enclosed by the 'nine-dash line' has been claimed by China for centuries

The first batch of the satellites will carry cameras and automatic identification technology to help authorities track vessels in the waters - including illegally operating ones.

The automatic identification system can receive and process signals regarding positioning data, courses of vessels as well as speed readings sent by a moving ship, according to China Daily.

A total of 10 satellites, including six optical satellites, two hyperspectral satellites and two radar satellites will be launched in four stages by the end of 2021.

At a meeting in Sanya on Tuesday, Chinese space experts reviewed and approved technical plans for the first four Hainan 1 satellites.

An aerial view shows the Yongxing Island of Xisha Islands in the South China Sea. The newly built satellites will carry cameras and identification tech to help authorities track vessels

A DigitalGlobe imagery shows the Fiery Cross Reef located in the Spratly Islands group . A total of 10 satellites will be launched in four stages by the end of 2021 over the South China Sea

Each Hainan 1 satellite will weigh 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and will operate in a low-Earth orbit 500 kilometers (310 miles) above Earth and move at 7.9 km per second (5 miles per second), according to China Daily.

China claims nearly all the oil and resource-rich waters of the South China Sea and has ignored counter-claims from the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia to various parts of the area.

Beijing's construction of artificial islands equipped with military installations have prompted deployment of military vessels by other claimants and the United States as tensions continue to rise in the region.
A tiny newborn panda has made his first public appearance in China, just two weeks after birth.

The pink and hairy cub, with his black and white furs barely distinguishable, is the latest addition to the panda family at the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangdong province.

Nicknamed the 'chubby cub' for his extraordinary size at birth, the panda was weighed and given physical examination in front of the press on Saturday.

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Too cute: The two-week-old panda cub is weighed on Saturday, coming in at 620g (1.37lb)

The pink hairy cub was born on July 29 to panda mother Ting Ting, weighing 166g (0.37lb).

Known only as 'the son of Ting Ting', the adorable animal came in at 620g (1.37lb) during Saturday's examination - having grown nearly four times his birth weight in a fortnight.

He has been called the 'chubby cub' by Chimelong Safari Park, since most newborn cubs weigh between 80g and 130g (0.18-0.29lb) at birth.

The panda cub's mother Ting Ting moved from Sichuan province to Guangdong province due to the catastrophic Sichuan Earthquake of 2008.

Originally from the Wolong National Nature Reserve, Ting Ting was moved to Chimelong Safari park in Guangdong province, where she is known as the 'beauty' due to her long limbs and beautiful fur.

This is Ting Ting's second baby. Her first cub, a female, was born in 2015.

The cub has been described as very active, just like his mother, which was described by one of the zoo's staff as 'a mad girl' due to her penchant for climbing trees, according to the park.

The new born has been described as being particularly active, just like his mother

'The son of Ting Ting' is the ninth baby panda to be born in southern China in the last six years.

He arrived hot on the heels of another baby panda born a month ago, known as 'the son of Long Long'.

Pictures of the two baby pandas alongside each other shows the difference of two weeks, with their size, and differentiation in fur colour much more visible on the older cub.

The measurements taken during the health examination included the length the cubs' heads, torsos and tails. For the older cub, these were noted as 10 cm, 31 cm and 6.2 cm respectively; the same measurements for the younger cub were 6.5 cm, 5.2 cm and 21 cm respectively.

The two new-born pandas cubs are weighed alongside each other on Sunday in Guangzhou

Both panda mothers are being monitored around the clock by experts from China's Giant Panda Protection and Research Center and a special nutrition teams, mostly for the safety of the cubs, according to the park.

Mother and child will continue to be monitored 24 hours a day until the cubs are five to six months old, at which point it will become night only.

Panda fans will have to wait to see the two cubs with their own eyes. The park is yet to announce a date to put the cubs back to their enclosure.
A stray dog was seen refusing to leave the lifeless body of its dead companion in the middle of a road in central China.

The heart-wrenching moment was caught on camera in Shangqiu city after the pooch was hit by a car when the pair attempted to cross the road.

After sniffing and nudging its friend, the devoted pup sat guard and watched over the motionless body.

A stray dog was seen refusing to leave the lifeless body of its dead companion in the middle of a road in Shangqiu city, central China's Henan province last Friday

Video of the heart-breaking incident in Henan province last Friday was released by People's Daily on Weibo.



Vehicles passing by were seen travelling at a slower speed to avoid running over the pair.

Both dogs were not wearing collars.

Net users, many of them animal lovers, were saddened by the incident.

'Poor thing!' one said. 'What a loyal pup. Why did no one help it?'

'The driver who hit the dog should have buried the carcass,' another commented. 'If the driver injured it, he/she should have taken it to a vet. This has nothing to do with being an animal lover or not - just basic respect for all lives.'

'Sometimes animals show more devotion and commitment than humans do,' one said.

After sniffing and nudging the body, the devoted pup sat guard in the middle of the road
More than 30 residents joined forces to haul out a car that was dangling on the edge of a giant sinkhole in north-west China.

The white SUV was left teetering on the edge of the four-metre (13-foot) -deep hole which opened up amid torrential rain in Shaanxi province.

The quick-thinking locals attached two ropes to the front bumper of the car and eventually pulled it back to safety.

The white SUV was left teetering on the edge of the 13-foot-deep sinkhole which opened up amid torrential rain in Shaanxi province on August 11. Brave locals helped pull it out

Residents attached ropes to the front bumper of the car and eventually pulled it back to safety

Two other vehicles had already fallen in after the road surface gave way in Yan'an city on August 11 during the heavy downpour. Luckily, no one was injured, according to Shaanxi Online.

Video footage of the dramatic rescue operation shows the car perched right on the edge of the sinkhole, threatening to tumble at any moment.

Rain and muddy groundwater were seen sloshing around the vehicle, pushing it further back.

A group of residents immediately formed two lines and tied ropes to the front bumper of the car.

'One, two, three!' They were heard shouting in the video as they dragged the vehicle forward.

A security guard who witnessed the incident told reporters that the ground had flooded right before the giant sinkhole opened.

'One, two, three!' the residents shouted in the video as they dragged the vehicle forward

Rain and muddy groundwater were seen sloshing around the vehicle, pushing it further back

'The hole swallowed two cars, one by one. The last car was about to fall in, too,' Mr Wang Qiang said. 'It was a very dangerous situation.'

'We didn't think much about it - we just wanted to pull the car up to safety,' he added.

Eventually, the SUV was pulled to solid ground thanks to the residents' efforts.

One of the cars has been retrieved from the sinkhole and the authorities are searching for the second one, according to the report. Fortunately, all three cars were not occupied at the time of the incident.

Shaanxi province has been battling heavy downpours and howling winds since early July. The extreme weather had triggered severe flooding and landslides.

The embankment of a reservoir near Zizhou county was breached in mid July, forcing 20,000 residents to evacuate.
A restaurant in south-east China is threatening to charge its US guests a 25 per cent 'service fee' amid the escalating trade war between Beijing and Washington.

Hanshi Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot restaurant in Guangzhou city, Guangdong province has put up a notice at its shopfront, informing its guests that the discriminatory policy would start on the first day of the trade war.

The restaurant's new manager, Wu Bo, confirmed that the notice was put up by the store's former manager three months ago, but it's 'just for show only'.

Hanshi Chaoshan Beef Hot Pot restaurant in Guangzhou city has put up a notice three months ago informing its guests of the extra charge. But its manager said 'it's just for show only'

A cartoon of Trump baring his teeth and holding up a finger is printed along with the notice

'US citizens who visit Hanshi restaurant will have to pay a 25 per cent service fee,' the notice read.

'The new policy will start on the same day as the implementation of the tariffs on our country's goods.'

A cartoon sketch of US President Donald Trump baring his teeth and holding up a finger is also printed along with the statement.

Mr Wu said since he took over the restaurant, he didn't actually ask his American guests to pay more.

'We only get less than 20 US guests per month,' Mr Wu told MailOnline. 'The notice is just for show only. We will take it down if it upsets people.'

The new manager said since he took over the restaurant, he didn't actually ask his American guests to pay more, saying that they only get less than 20 US guests per month

After weeks of fruitless negotiations, the US on July 6 imposed 25 per cent tariffs on approximately US$34 billion (26 billion pounds) of Chinese mechanical and technological products, which then led China to respond with similar sized tariffs on US oil and agriculture products.

The Trump administration said the tariffs were necessary to protect national security and the intellectual property of US businesses and to help reduce the trade deficit with China.

Washington has 'ignited the biggest trade war in economic history,' said a statement released by the Commerce Ministry.
China has been printing foreign currencies on a massive scale as more and more countries outsource money production in a bid to keep costs down.

The country's currency printing plants are running at near full capacity, according to South China Morning Post citing sources at the state-owned China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation.

After launching the 'Belt and Road initiative' in late 2013, China has won contracts for money production projects from countries such as Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Brazil and Poland.

China is said to be able to provide security features such as embedded thread, metallic ribbon and colour-shifting ink at a relatively low cost compared with their Western rivals.

A Chinese employee checks the pattern plates of 100-yuan banknotes in the Chengdu Banknote Printing company. By contrast, the demand for its own bills has decreased recently

China has won contracts for money production projects in countries such as Sri Lanka

At the same time, the country's own yuan bills only made a small proportion of the orders as the Chinese public increasingly favours mobile payments, causing a decrease in the demand for cash.

According to President of the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation Liu Guisheng, China did not print foreign currency until recently.

Two years after Beijing launched the belt and road plan, the country started printing 100-rupee notes for Nepal, according to Liu in an article he wrote in journal China Finance.

Launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the belt and road plan is a global development blueprint involving about 60 countries from Asia, Europe to Africa to stimulate economic growth through capital investment and infrastructure projects.

China also produced 200 million 1,000-rupee notes last year. A Xinhua report stated that Bhuban Kadel, the executive director of the Nepalese central bank, said he was 'utterly impressed by the quality of the notes, particularly considering the cost was far lower than the bank had previously paid to another printer.'

Thailand is one of the countries that has outsourced its currency production to China

China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation had seized opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative to secure currency production projects in Poland

'The quality is as good as the ones that were printed earlier in another country but the cost is less than half of the amount we had paid,' Kadel told Xinhua.

Getting 200 million notes printed in China saved the Nepalese central bank US$3.76 million (2.9 million), according to him.

Currently China is the only country that has the capacity to perform Intaglio, or 'raised' printing simultaneously on both sides of a banknote, according to South China Morning Post.

In 2015, Chinese researchers won an international innovation award for ColorDance, a new holographic feature that can significantly increase a paper currency's security at lower cost.

Zhongchao Special Security Technology, a subsidiary of China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation is now the world's biggest supplier of security features for banknotes, according to the report citing British banknote manufacturing firm De La Rue.

In comparison, the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing employs a tenth of the staff at two currency factories. De Le Rue, the world's number two, had just over 3,100 employees at the end of last year.
A woman in China got the fright of her life after her smartphone's battery suddenly exploded just inches away from her.

Shocking footage shows the female driver screaming in terror after the handset burst into flames on the dashboard of her car when she was driving.

The woman's husband claimed that the phone was an iPhone 6 and it had had an unofficial battery fitted.

Similar smartphone explosions in the past have often been caused by third party cables, unauthorised repair or external damage.

Mrs Jiang was driving on a motorway in Shanghai when her smartphone suddenly exploded

The phone burst into flames on the dashboard just inches away from the driver last Wednesday

The incident took place last Wednesday morning when the woman was driving on a motorway in Shanghai.

Speaking to Chinese viral video site Pear Video, the woman's husband, Mr Jiang, claimed his wife was not using the phone when it exploded.

He also said he and his wife were aware that the phone did not have an original Apple battery.

The couple went to a local repair shop, called Ji Hou Hou, in February to have the phone's battery replaced, according to Mr Jiang.

He explained that the shop's technician replaced the old battery with an unofficial iPhone battery, which was the one that exploded.

Mrs Jiang was not injured in the incident, 'but she was so frightened,' Mr Jiang said.

The woman's husband claimed the phone was an iPhone 6 and it had an unofficial battery

Mrs Jiang was not injured in the incident, 'but she was so frightened,' Mr Jiang told Pear Video

Ji Hou Hou repair shop, also known as Ho Ho Fast, is not among the list of shops that are authorised to repair iPhones in Shanghai, according to Apple.com.

On Ji Hou Hou's website, the company claims to have 64 technicians who can repair iPhones, iPads and Macbooks. It costs 99 yuan (11) to have an iPhone 6 battery replaced at Ji Hou Hou.

Mr Jiang said that the repair shop had confirmed that the cause of the explosion was the battery, and its technicians had taken it back to the shop for further repair works.

The shop had returned the phone to him and his wife, but 'we are too scared to use it now', he claimed.

The couple demanded the shop replace their phone with a new one and provide further financial compensation, but Mr Jiang said the shop had declined.

A spokesperson from Ji Hou Hou told MailOnline that the company was dealing with the matter through Shanghai Consumers Association and was in contact with Mr and Mrs Jiang.

The company did not explain why the battery had exploded.

MailOnline has contacted Apple for comments regarding the matter and is awaiting a reply.


AP&A CEO to take extended leave of absence

Melbourne, Feb 18, 2019 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Michael Ilczynski will be stepping down from his role as CEO Asia, Pacific & Americas ("AP&A") and will take an extended leave of absence from SEEK Limited ( ASX:SEK )( OTCMKTS:SKLTY ) effective from mid July 2019.Reflecting on his decision to step down, Michael Ilczynski said, "This has not been an easy decision, but after nearly 13 years, the time is now right for me to prioritise my wife and young family as we fulfil a life-long dream to travel overseas for an extended period. I am extremely grateful to Andrew Bassat for his understanding and support in allowing me to take an extended career break.I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SEEK and most recently in my role as CEO AP&A, where alongside the AP&A Executive team, we have built a strong foundation for the next wave of growth for SEEK. I am confident and excited by the outlook for both AP&A and SEEK in general, which makes stepping away at this time such a difficult decision to have come to."SEEK Group CEO and Co-founder, Andrew Bassat, commented, "Michael has made an enormous contribution to SEEK in his almost 13 years with us and brought to a variety of important leadership roles great intellect, integrity and tenacity as a leader.Michael started at SEEK in strategy roles and made very positive and enduring contributions across our ANZ Employment business, Education including our investments in OES and IDP, as well as China. Michael then played a critical role in developing and implementing the strategy that transformed SEEK ANZ into a world class product and technology business. More recently, Michael has established a strong AP&A leadership team and has defined an exciting growth strategy, along with the operational and people infrastructure to execute this strategy. I would like to thank Michael for putting AP&A in a strong position for future growth.I have greatly enjoyed working very closely with Michael in all his roles at SEEK and in particular want to thank him for the tremendous passion he has always shown for our business and our purpose.I wish Michael and his family a fantastic time during their extended travels. Whilst we will miss him during his period of leave of absence, he well and truly deserves the career break."Michael Ilczynski will continue to lead AP&A until he steps down from the role in July 2019. An extensive search is being undertaken by SEEK to identify a successor for the CEO AP&A role.SEEK will announce its FY19 Half Year Results on 27 February 2019.About SEEK Limited

SEEK Limited (ASX:SEK) (OTCMKTS:SKLTY) is a diverse group of companies, comprised of a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK operates across 18 countries with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 26 per cent of GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people's lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company with a market capitalisation close to A$6billion and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies Globally by Forbes, and Number One in Australia.
A Chinese drug lord known as the 'godfather of crystal meth' was sentenced to death yesterday.

Cai Dongjia, 55, is the former chief of Boshe village in Guangdong Province.

He used his political power to make crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine, and provide protection to local drug dealers, according to Xinhua News Agency.

During Dongjia's six-year tenure, Boshe grew to be China's infamous 'village of drugs' and produced a third of the country's crystal meth supply at one point.

A picture released by China's Nanfang Legal Newspaper shows Cai Dongjia during a trial in December, 2015, in Foshan. He has been sentenced to death by the Guangdong High Court

The picture shows some of the suspects caught during a drug bust in December 2013. Around 3,000 armed officers, speedboats and helicopters were deployed during the raid of Boshe

Boshe village is small. It occupies 133 acres and is less than a third of the size of London's Hyde Park.

However the village had as many as 77 drug factories, all backed by corrupt Dongjia, who was the Communist Party secretary and chief of Boshe.

All of Boshe's residents share the same ancestors and are surnamed Cai, making it more convenient for them to form a close-knit drug ring.

It is said that hundreds of Boshe residents - from children to pensioners - participated in producing, selling and transporting crystal meth from their homes.

These illegal factories were guarded by AK47-wielding residents, some as young as 18, who were extremely hostile towards outsiders, according to a report on China Central Television Station.

The notorious village was busted on December 29, 2013, after Guangdong police deployed 3,000 armed officers, speedboats and helicopters in a raid - the largest drug bust China has seen so far.

Police cars are seen during a raid where three tonnes of crystal meth were seized at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. It is China's largest drug bust

Paramilitary policemen carry seized crystal meth at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. Cai Dongjia and 181 other suspects were arrested in the raid

According to Guangdong police, Dongjia and 181 other suspects were caught during the raid, and officers confiscated nearly three tonnes of crystal meth, 260 kilograms of ketamine and 23 tonnes of raw material used to make drugs.

Police also shut down a factory which produced dynamite.

Dongjia was sentenced to death by Foshan Intermediate Court in first instance in 2016, together with two accomplices.

All of the three later appealed against the decision to a higher court.

Yesterday, the Guangdong High People's Court dismissed their appeals and kept the original ruling.

The high court said Cai Dongjia and his accomplices, Cai Guangchuang and Cai Zhaogui, had been making crystal meth in Boshe since 2011.

Dongjia and Guangchuang produced 180 kilograms of crystal meth with the help of other people; while Zhaogui ganged up with the others to produce 150 kilograms of crystal meth before selling them, the court said.

After Guangchuang and Zhaogui were arrested, Dongjia also tried to bribe the police in order to save the two, the court added.

Dongjia was found guilty of making and trading drugs as well as harbouring criminals. He was given a death sentence as a final judgement from the high court.

Guangchuang and Zhaogui were each given a suspended death sentence with two years probation for making and trading drugs.

The decisions are pending approval from China's Supreme People's Court.
An opinion piece appearing on two state-backed media sites out of China has called for US brands to share profits stemming from strong sales in the country, as it states Chinese organizations 'have experienced big losses' due to President Donald Trump's trade war.

The article specifically calls out Apple, which has long benefited from less expensive production costs of China and reported a 19 percent increase to sales in the greater China region in its latest quarterly report, through June 30.

The increase brought Apple's sales in China to $9.6 billion.

'The eye-catching success achieved in the Chinese market may provoke nationalist sentiment if US President Donald Trump's recently adopted protectionist measures hit Chinese companies hard,' Hu Weijia wrote in the piece.

Trump's administration announced on Wednesday that it would considered raising levies on Chinese imports on $200 billion worth of products to up to 25 percent, to which China responded with its own proposal for tariffs at roughly the same percentages.

Trump reportedly told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones would be safe from US levies.

Weijia's article was first published by the Global Times and then appeared again in People's Daily on Tuesday.

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An opinion piece appearing on two state-backed media sites out of China has called for US brands, namely Apple, to share profits stemming from strong sales in the country; Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen here attending a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Great Hall of the People on June 14 in Beijing, China

'In an increasingly interconnected world, Apple is a particularly good example of global manufacturing,' Weijia wrote.

'China now serves as a key production and processing base for Apple. Many Chinese companies have been included in Apple's production chain to provide parts and components or assembly work. This has allowed Apple to benefit from China's ample supply of cheap labor.'

The author noted that China has also benefited through this arrangement due to job creation, so the country isn't likely to close its doors to the tech giant, but cited a statistic that 'Chinese processors only get 1.8 percent of the total profits created by the [iPhone].'

Apple, which recently became the first US public company to hit a $1 trillion valuation, saw a 19 percent increase in sales in the greater China region in quarter three, reporting $9.6 billion in Chinese sales through June 30

'[I]f Apple wants to continue raking in enormous profits from the Chinese markets amid trade tensions, the company needs to do more to share the economic cake with local Chinese people,' Weijia wrote.

How the writer would like Apple to do that was not clear.

Last week, China outlined how it would impose tariffs ranging from 5-25 percent on four different categories encompassing about $60 billion of US goods, if pressed by the Trump administration, CNBC reported.

'The implementation date of the taxation measures will be subject to the actions of the US, and China reserves the right to continue to introduce other countermeasures,' China's Ministry of Commerce said in a release on its website, according to a translation.

'Any unilateral threat or blackmail will only lead to intensification of conflicts and damage to the interests of all parties.'

The White House responded on Friday, through Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

'Instead of retaliating, China should address the longstanding concerns about its unfair trading practices, many of which are laid out in USTRs 301 report,' she said.

The piece by Weijia portrayed things differently, however.

'It seems US companies doing business in China are the biggest winners from China-US trade,' Weihia wrote.

'The Chinese market is vital for many top US brands, giving Beijing more leeway to play hardball in the trade conflict.'

Apple, which recently became the first US public company to hit a $1 trillion valuation, according to CNBC, declined to provide comment.
A Chinese woman has decided to become a mother again at the age of 67 after her only child died.

Zhang Heng, from Beijing, said when her 34-year-old son was killed in a traffic accident in 2014, she lost the purpose of life, according to a Chinese website.

She said in an interview that she and her husband had decided to undergo IVF, hoping they could have offspring once more. She said 'a child is a mother's life'.

The 67-year-old woman said she lost the purpose of her life after her 34-year-old son died in 2014. The woman, from Beijing, told her heart-breaking story to Btime.com in an interview

Ms Zhang presented an ultra-sound report issued by a Beijing hospital to Btime. The expectant mother said the hospital had refused to treat her. She said doctors had suggested an abortion

For any parent, losing a child is a devastating experience. In China, the loss could be even more tragic because of its one-child policy, which has been abolished.

Speaking to Chinese news site Btime.com under a pseudonym, Mr Zhang claimed that she had got pregnant with twins after spending around 200,000 yuan (22,600) on IVF treatment in Taiwan.

However, no hospital in Beijing has been willing to provide antenatal care for her. Instead, doctors urged her to abort her unborn babies for unspecified reasons. Mr Zhang claimed that the hospitals had been pressured by the authority to do so.

'When I lost my only child, no one cared about me. And now I have found hope for my life by myself, and they block me. No hospital dare treat me,' Ms Zhang said.

'There is no law in China which says elderly people can't have babies,' she added.

She presented an ultra-sound report issued by a Beijing hospital on July 23 to Btime. The report showed that she was nine weeks pregnant with twins.

Earlier this year, Fang Zhiying, a paralysed woman who had lost her only child, gave birth to a son and a daughter after a risky pregnancy at the age of 48. In the picture, Fang cries on the operating table after hearing that both of her babies were safe and healthy

Ms Zhang's story reflects the difficulties faced by a group of Chinese parents who share her fate.

In a country that puts great importance on bloodlines, life could be lonely, dark and financially difficult - to say the least - when one loses their only child.

This is one of the most emotive issues of modern China caused by the nation's contentious one-child policy which was in place from 1978 to 2016. Chinese couples are now allowed to have two children.

It's estimated that every year at least 76,000 couples in China lose their only child, according to a 2014 report by Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In a 2017 survey, one mother in Beijing who had lost her son said she spent 20 hours each day 'talking' to her late son on QQ, a Chinese messaging platform, according to Zaobao.com.

The mother said she would use her account to message her late son's account, and then use her son's account to reply to herself. She said she found comfort in the 'conversations'.

Children in China are expected to give money to their parents regularly, which means losing the only child could also cause financial difficulties to a couple.

To help with the situation, the Chinese government provides a monthly subsdisation of 340 yuan (38), but the sum hardly helps as it only equals to the cost of a dinner for three at a decent restaurant in big cities.

For about 40 years until 2016, each couple in China was allowed to have one child (file photo)

Like Ms Zhang, some women decide to try for a baby again at an old age so their lives could take a turn for the better.

In March, one such mother in Wuhan, whose firefighter son died saving people in a massive blaze, delivered a boy and a girl after a risky pregnancy at the age of 48. The mother, Fang Zhiying, is a stroke survivor and partially paralysed.

In a more famous case in 2010, a mother named Sheng Hailin gave birth to twin daughters at the age of 60 after losing her only child to a gas leak.

Ms Zhang, the 67-year-old mother-to-be in Beijing, said her biggest hope was for her twins to be born safely.

She pleaded for help and attention from the public through Btime: 'All I wish now is to be able to give birth to healthy babies.'

Currently the oldest verified mother in the world, Spanish Bousada de Lara was 66 years and 358 days old when she gave birth to twin baby boys, Christian and Pau, in December 2006.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he's ditching the Iran nuclear deal, calling it 'disastrous' and an 'embarrassment.'

Trump said that the U.S. now has 'definitive proof' that Iran was lying about its pursuit of nuclear weapons when it entered into the 2015 agreement. And he threatened Tehran's mullahs with new headaches if they resume their pursuit of a weapon of mass destruction.

'If the regime continues its nuclear aspirations, it will have bigger problems than it has ever had before,' the president warned. 'It is clear to me that we cannot prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb under the decaying and rotten structure of the current agreement.'

'The Iran deal is defective at its core. If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen: In just a short period of time, the world's leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons.'

Barack Obama and his former secretary of state John Kerry both bashed Trump's decision, calling it unnecessary and wrongheaded.

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani responded, telling his country's state-run TV network: 'I have ordered Iran's atomic organization that whenever it is needed, we will start enriching uranium more than before. Rouhani said Iran would start ramping up production 'in the next weeks.'

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President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he's ditching the Iran nuclear deal, calling it 'disastrous' and an 'embarrassment'

Trump signed a document on Tuesday reinstating sanctions against Iran after announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal

Rouhani blasted Trump immediately after Tuesday's speech.

'Iran will be conferring with the world's two super powers, Russia and China,' he sniped, insisting that Trump's 'psychological war and economic pressures will not work.'

Leaders of America's three staunchest European allies  France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Angela Merkel and the United Kingdom's Theresa May  issued a joint statement asking the U.S. not to do anything that would prevent them from keeping the nuclear deal intact even without Washington's participation.

Iran 'continues to abide by the restrictions' of the deal, the three leaders said, citing a statement from the International Atomic Energy Agency, adding that 'the world is a safer place as a result.'

'Our governments remain committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld, and will work with all the remaining parties to the deal to ensure this remains the case including through ensuring the continuing economic benefits to the Iranian people that are linked to the agreement,' they said.

The president has been outspoken for nearly three years about the nuclear bargain that he called 'insane' and 'the worst deal in history.'

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, whose Cabinet department oversees economic sanctions against rogue regimes, said before Trump's speech that '[w]e will continue to work with our allies to build an agreement that is truly in the best interest of our long-term national security.'

The United States, he said, will cut off Iran's 'access to capital' to fund terrorism, 'its use of ballistic missiles against our allies, its support for the brutal Assad regime in Syria, its human rights violations against its own people, and its abuses of the international financial system.'

National Security Advisor John Bolton (left) and Vice President Mike Pence (right) watched as Trump delivered his scripted remarks on Tuesday, and then Bolton briefed reporters off-camera in the White House briefing room

Iran's president Hassan Rouhani blasted Trump immediately after Tuesday's speech: 'Iran will be conferring with the world's two super powers, Russia and China,' he sniped, insisting that Trump's 'psychological war and economic pressures will not work'

French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that their countries will remain in the Iran nuclear deal and asked Trump to make sure the U.S. doesn't do anything that would keep them from participating in it

Former President Barack Obama, whose administration inked the Iran deal, called Tuesday's pullback 'misguided.'

Walking away from the deal, he said in a statement, 'turns our back on Americas closest allies, and an agreement that our countrys leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated.'

Former President Barack Obama defended his signature foreign policy achievement as Trump tore it down on Tuesday

'In a democracy, there will always be changes in policies and priorities from one Administration to the next. But the consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding Americas credibility, and puts us at odds with the worlds major powers,' he added.

Obama cautioned that the agreement 'was never intended to solve all of our problems with Iran. We were clear-eyed that Iran engages in destabilizing behavior  including support for terrorism, and threats toward Israel and its neighbors.'

'But thats precisely why it was so important that we prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,' the former president said, articulating the central dispute in Washington over whether the deal was preventing Tehran's nuclear weapons development or enabling it.

Trump implied Tuesday that the Obama administration's best intentions were always bound to be steamrolled by Tehran's lies.

'In theory, the so-called Iran deal was supposed to protect the United States and our allies from the lunacy of an Iranian nuclear bomb, a weapon that will only endanger the survival of the Iranian regime,' Trump declared.

'In fact, the deal allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium, and over time reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.'

Trump said several times that the U.S. will not under any circumstances allow Iran to join the ranks of nuclear nations  in no small part because of its belligerence toward America.

'We will not allow a regime that chants "Death to America" to gain access to the most deadly weapons on earth,' he sad.

The president added that he is reimposing the highest level of sanctions on Tehran, and the U.S. will punish any country that helps Iran in its quest.

Former President Barack Obama published an impassioned defense of the Iran deal, one of his many signature accomplishments that the Trump administration has undone, on Facebook shortly after his successor spoke to the nation

'America will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail,' Trump asserted in remarks from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.

National Security Advisor John Bolton told reporters after Trump spoke that 'we're out of the deal.'

'The only sure way to get on the path of stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons and delivery capabilities is to get out of the deal, and that's what the president has done,' he said.

Bolton said at the White House that sanctions would be snapped back into place on a rolling basis, with some segments of the pre-agreement situation returning quickly and others coming back in a matter of months.

No new commercial contracts will be permitted between U.S. trading partners and Tehran, he said. But for existing contracts, 'there's a wind-down period to allow orderly termination.'

And on the question of whether Trump's abandonment of the terms of the 2015 deal means the U.S. is now in violation of it, Bolton responded: 'No, I don't think we're violating, I think we're withdrawing from it.'

Tehran says it's unwilling to enter into a new agreement with the U.S. that addresses Trump's other complaints about the rogue regime's behavior, including its illicit financing of terrorism.

'That's fine. I'd probably say the same thing if I were in their position,' Trump said Tuesday. 'But the fact is they are probably going to want to make a new and lasting deal. ... When they do I am ready willing and able.'

JOHN KERRY SAYS TRUMP'S DECISION 'BREAKS AMERICA'S WORD' Former secretary of state John Kerry, who helped negotiate the Iran deal in 2015, slammed Trump's withdrawal as horrible foreign policy 'Today's announcement weakens our security, breaks America's word, isolates us from our European allies, puts Israel at greater risk, empowers Iran's hardliners, and reduces our global leverage to address Tehran's misbehavior, while damaging the ability of future Administrations to make international agreements. No rhetoric is required. The facts speak for themselves. 'Instead of building on unprecedented nonproliferation verification measures, this decision risks throwing them away and dragging the world back to the brink we faced a few years ago. The extent of the damage will depend on what Europe can do to hold the nuclear agreement together, and it will depend on Iran's reaction. 'America should never have to outsource those stakes to any other country. This is not in America's interests. We should all hope the world can preserve the nuclear agreement.'

Protesters stood outside the White House Tuesday as Trump announced the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal

It came as no surprise globally that Trump announced the United States' withdraw from the pact he inherited from the previous administration. The big unknown was what would happen next.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose nation's existence Iran threatens on a regular basis, called Trump's decision a 'historic move,' and said leaving the Iran deal intact would have been 'a recipe for disaster, a disaster for our region, a disaster for the peace of the world.'

He claimed Iran's level of aggression has grown since the Obama-era deal  especially in Syria, where Tehran is 'trying to establish military bases to attack Israel.'

The Israeli Defense Forces issued a warning just minutes before Trump broadcast his message.

'Following the identification of irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria, the IDF has decided to change the civilian protection instructions in the Golan Heights and instructs local authorities to unlock and ready shelters in the area,' the forces' statement said.

'The Israeli public should remain attentive to IDF instructions that will be given if necessary. Additionally, defense systems have been deployed and IDF troops are on high alert for an attack.'

Trump said the U.S. would impose new sanctions on countries that help Iran in its quest for a nuclear weapon but did not say what he would do to companies that may have unrelated business deals with the Islamist nation.

White House legislative director Marc Short told DailyMail.com on Tuesday morning that the president 'wants to see Iran end its nuclear program but also become a nation that is not funding terrorism, not attacking Israel not looking to continue to attack allies that we have.

President Donald Trump informed France's Emmanuel Macron in a phone call this morning that he will pull the U.S. out the nuclear deal it signed onto three years ago after intense negotiations with Tehran

'I think he's looking for an agreement that brings Iran into the international community as opposed to being a rogue nation state that funds terrorism,' Short said during a press scrum on the driveway leading into the West Wing.

Trump is anticipated to allow the oil sanctions that legally come up for discussion every 120 days under the deal to be reimposed on Tehran. The sanctions cut Iran's oil exports in half in 2012, Foreign Policy reports, and crippled the Islamic Republic's economy.

European companies will have to choose, if the sanctions are slapped back on, whether they want to do business with the U.S. or the taboo government, putting them in an undesirable position.

Trump is said to have informed informed Macron in a phone call this morning that he will pull the U.S. out the nuclear deal it signed onto three years ago after intense negotiations with Tehran.

Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, piled on the partisan rancor after Trump finished shaking the Middle East's Etch-a-Sketch.

Trumps 'reckless decision,' Perez said, 'makes the world less safe.'

'[T]he president is threatening our national security, undermining American credibility, isolating us from our partners and allies, and abandoning our commitments under this agreement,' he insisted.

Trump's planned remarks had U.S. allies on edge earlier in the day. A senior British diplomat told DailyMail.com the U.K. was 'deeply pessimistic' ahead of public the announcement.

And Rouhani had said the U.S. will have 'historic remorse' for its decision while insisting that 'getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran.'

'If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal,' Rouhani said according to the Iran Daily. 'What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by non-American signatories.'

EUROPE RESPONDS TO TRUMP'S WITHDRAWAL FROM OBAMA'S IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL UK Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Emmanuel Macron of France issued a statement following President Trumps remarks on Iran: 'It is with regret and concern that we, the Leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom take note of President Trumps decision to withdraw the United States of America from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 'Together, we emphasise our continuing commitment to the JCPoA. This agreement remains important for our shared security. We recall that the JCPoA was unanimously endorsed by the UN Security Council in resolution 2231. This resolution remains the binding international legal framework for the resolution of the dispute about the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge all sides to remain committed to its full implementation and to act in a spirit of responsibility. 'According to the IAEA, Iran continues to abide by the restrictions set out by the JCPoA, in line with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The world is a safer place as a result. Therefore we, the E3, will remain parties to the JCPoA. Our governments remain committed to ensuring the agreement is upheld, and will work with all the remaining parties to the deal to ensure this remains the case including through ensuring the continuing economic benefits to the Iranian people that are linked to the agreement. 'We urge the US to ensure that the structures of the JCPoA can remain intact, and to avoid taking action which obstructs its full implementation by all other parties to the deal. After engaging with the US Administration in a thorough manner over the past months, we call on the US to do everything possible to preserve the gains for nuclear non-proliferation brought about by the JCPoA, by allowing for a continued enforcement of its main elements. 'We encourage Iran to show restraint in response to the decision by the US; Iran must continue to meet its own obligations under the deal, cooperating fully and in a timely manner with IAEA inspection requirements. The IAEA must be able to continue to carry out its long-term verification and monitoring programme without restriction or hindrance. In turn, Iran should continue to receive the sanctions relief it is entitled to whilst it remains in compliance with the terms of the deal. 'There must be no doubt: Irans nuclear program must always remain peaceful and civilian. While taking the JCPOA as a base, we also agree that other major issues of concern need to be addressed. A long-term framework for Irans nuclear programme after some of the provisions of the JCPOA expire, after 2025, will have to be defined. Because our commitment to the security of our allies and partners in the region is unwavering, we must also address in a meaningful way shared concerns about Irans ballistic missile programme and its destabilising regional activities, especially in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. We have already started constructive and mutually beneficial discussions on these issues, and the E3 is committed to continuing them with key partners and concerned states across the region. 'We and our Foreign Ministers will reach out to all parties to the JCPoA to seek a positive way forward. '

Trump teased his Iran deal announcement in a Monday afternoon tweet that provided no hints at what it would be

He told Obama era Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday morning that he needs to butt out - or else

Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027

John Glaser, director of foreign policy studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, warned Tuesday that if the U.S. imposes external sanctions successfully, European companies will pull out of investment projects in Iran, removing the incentives that Rouhani would need to mollify hardliners in his country who want Iran to restart its nuclear program.

'With lots of political will this deal could remain in place without the United States, but its going to be very, very difficult for the participants to manage,' Glaser said.

Iran will feel 'unburdened' if the U.S. leaves the pact, he said, and is likely to install new centrifuges to spin uranium and limit access to inspectors.

'This could really unravel into something with grave consequences,' he cautioned. 'All my fingers and toes are crossed, because this is a good deal that should continue to be implemented.'

U.K. foreign minister Boris Johnson worried that Trump could take military action against Tehran on top of the expected sanctions renewal. He also warned that collapse of the deal could set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the U.A.E. wanting weapons, as well.

'It's already a very, very dangerous state at the moment, we don't want to go down that road. There doesn't seem to me at the moment to be a viable military solution,' Johnson told Fox & Friends.

Johnson was in the U.S. making last-ditch pleas for the U.S. to stay in the deal to Bolton, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Vice President Mike Pence and the president's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom are senior White House officials.

Commenting on the talks on Tuesday, a senior British diplomat told DailyMail.com that Johnson in the meetings noted 'our frank views on its shortcomings in regards to broader Iranian activity in the Middle East.

'Following the visit, unfortunately we are deeply pessimistic ahead of President Trumps announcement later today,' the person said. 'However, we will have to wait and see what exactly President Trump says.'

The diplomat said, 'Our objective will remain to uphold and maintain the JCPOA. We will need to wait to understand what the US plan is to deliver on our shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and addressing their regional behaviour.'

Trump at a news conference last month rebuffed a reporter who asked about potential military action against Iran.

Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal

'I don't talk about whether or not I would use military force,' Trump said at a joint presser with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 'But I can tell you this, they will not be doing nuclear weapons. That I can tell you. OK? They are not going to be doing nuclear weapons. You can bank on it.'

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist.

Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

Trump complained about the nuclear deal consistently during his campaign and harangued it as a 'very badly negotiated' agreement in a tweet Monday that took aim at the secretary of state who helped to broker it.

The comment followed his remarks at a news conference alongside Macron that the deal was made 'decayed foundations' and was not structured to last.

'Should have never, ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it,' Trump said.

Trump has until May 12 to decide whether he wants to allow a sanctions waiver that applies to Tehran to expire.

If the sanctions go back into effect, the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement effectively ending its participation in the deal it entered into with the U.K., France, China, Russia and Germany.

Trump has said he would be willing to sign on to a companion agreement that encompasses the nuclear aspects of the current one and applies new pressure to Iran to abandon its ballistic missiles program, end terrorist financing and broker a peace agreement between the ruling government and rebels in Syria.

Macron told Trump last month that he would pursue such an agreement on behalf of Europe. The French president told reporters after his White House visit that he suspected Trump would leave the 2015 accord in the meantime to hasten the process up.

Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal

Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization

Hinting at the action he is anticipated to take today Trump told Macron publicly, 'I think we will have a great shot at doing a much bigger maybe deal, maybe not deal. Were going to find out, but well know fairly soon.'

He also said 'nobody knows what Im going to do on the 12th, although, Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea  but well see.

'But well see also, if I do what some people expect, whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations,' he said. 'Because this a deal with decayed foundations. Its a bad deal. Its a bad structure. Its falling down.'

Trump charged then in his most confrontational comments yet to Tehran that, 'If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.'

Shedding light on his plans last Monday, Trump said a press conference: 'Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know. And on or before the 12th, well make a decision.

'That doesnt mean we wont negotiate a real agreement,' he added.

Trump's White House spokeswoman and the president appeared to be on different wavelengths about the timing of that declaration on Monday, with Sarah Sanders saying at news conference that he would be making an 'announcement on what his decision is soon' only to have Trump tweet minutes later that it would come on Tuesday.

'As you know he's got a few days to do that, and we'll let you know when he's ready to make a decision on it,' she said.

She also suggested that former Secretary of State John Kerry needs to butt out of negotiations after his secret meetings with foreign leaders were revealed.

Trump blasted Kerry on Tuesday morning as he prepared to take the U.S. foreign policy in a new direction.

'John Kerry cant get over the fact that he had his chance and blew it! Stay away from negotiations John, you are hurting your country!' Trump said.

The president had already spoken out about Kerry's 'shadow diplomacy' on Monday following news reports that the Obama administration official has secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned deal.

The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron  all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal.

'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!'

Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do.

'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said. 'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.'

A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian, potentially in violation of an obscure U.S. law known as the Logan Act.

'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said.

'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.'

Kerry's tenure as secretary of state ended when Trump took office in January of 2017. Trump replaced him with the since-fired Rex Tillerson. Mike Pompeo holds the Cabinet-level position now.

The Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States.

The statute dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people  in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted.

One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspaper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories.

Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court.
President Donald Trump informed France's Emmanuel Macron in a phone call this morning that he will pull the U.S. out the nuclear deal it signed onto three years ago after intense negotiations with Tehran.

The New York Times reports that a person briefed on the conversation said Trump plans to reinstate all of the sanctions the U.S. waived in conjunction with the nuclear deal. Trump also plans to impose additional sanctions on Tehran, the Times' source said.

Macron's office told Reuters that the Times' report was incorrect. However, European officials told the wire service that they do expect Trump to announce today that he's exiting the accord. U.S. officials told AP and AFP the same thing.

Trump's anticipated action had U.S. allies on edge. A senior British diplomat told DailyMail.com the U.K. is 'deeply pessimistic' ahead of public Trump's announcement today.

President Donald Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal this afternoon at the White House

Iran's Hasan Rouhani (right) said the U.S. will have 'historic remorse' for its decision while insisting that 'getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran'

President Donald Trump informed France's Emmanuel Macron in a phone call this morning that he will pull the U.S. out the nuclear deal it signed onto three years ago after intense negotiations with Tehran

European leaders whose countries are party to the deal have been begging Trump to remain in the agreement.

It could fall apart without U.S. participation while the follow-on accord he demanded is worked out, they've said. European officials have also warned Trump that Tehran could set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East if it restarts its uranium enrichment program.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani was vowing to stick by the deal that provided massive sanctions relief on Monday, so long as Europe guarantees that his country's interests will be protected. It was unclear in the lead-up to Trump's decision, though, if that would realistically be the case.

Rouhani said the U.S. will have 'historic remorse' for its decision while insisting that 'getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran.'

'If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal,' Rouhani said according to the Iran Daily. 'What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by non-American signatories.'

Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal this afternoon at the White House in remarks that will be delivered straight to camera at 2 pm.

It will come as no surprise globally if Trump says he's pulling the U.S. out of the 2015 agreement he inherited from the previous administration. The big unknown is what Trump will say he wants to happen next.

Trump's legislative director, Marc Short, told DailyMail.com on Tuesday morning that the president 'wants to see Iran end its nuclear program but also become a nation that is not funding terrorism, not attacking Israel not looking to continue to attack allies that we have.

'I think he's looking for an agreement that brings Iran into the international community as opposed to being a rogue nation state that funds terrorism,' Short said during a press scrum on the driveway leading into the West Wing.

Trump is anticipated to allow the oil sanctions that legally come up for discussion every 120 days under the deal to be reimposed on Tehran. The sanctions cut Iran's oil exports in half in 2012, Foreign Policy reports, and crippled the Islamic Republic's economy.

European companies will have to choose, if the sanctions are slapped back on, whether they want to do business with the U.S. or the taboo government, putting them in an undesirable position.

John Glaser, director of foreign policy studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, warned Tuesday that if the U.S. imposes external sanctions successfully, European companies will pull out of investment projects in Iran, removing the incentives that Rouhani would need to mollify hardliners in his country who want Iran to restart its nuclear program.

'With lots of political will this deal could remain in place without the United States, but its going to be very, very difficult for the participants to manage,' Glaser said.

Iran will feel 'unburdened' if the U.S. leaves the pact, he said, and is likely to install new centrifuges to spin uranium and limit access to inspectors.

'This could really unravel into something with grave consequences,' he cautioned. 'All my fingers and toes are crossed, because this is a good deal that should continue to be implemented.'

U.K. foreign minister Boris Johnson worried that Trump could take military action against Tehran on top of the expected sanctions renewal. He also warned that collapse of the deal could set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the U.A.E. wanting weapons, as well.

'It's already a very, very dangerous state at the moment, we don't want to go down that road. There doesn't seem to me at the moment to be a viable military solution,' Johnson told Fox & Friends.

Johnson was in the U.S. making last-ditch pleas for the U.S. to stay in the deal to Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, the U.S. secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, Vice President Mike Pence and the president's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, both of whom are senior White House officials.

Trump teased his Iran deal announcement in a Monday afternoon tweet that provided no hints at what it would be

He told Obama era Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday morning that he needs to butt out - or else

Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027

Commenting on the talks on Tuesday, a senior British diplomat told DailyMail.com that Johnson in the meetings noted 'our frank views on its shortcomings in regards to broader Iranian activity in the Middle East.

'Following the visit, unfortunately we are deeply pessimistic ahead of President Trumps announcement later today,' the person said. 'However, we will have to wait and see what exactly President Trump says.'

The diplomat said, 'Our objective will remain to uphold and maintain the JCPOA. We will need to wait to understand what the US plan is to deliver on our shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and addressing their regional behaviour.'

Trump at a news conference last month rebuffed a reporter who asked about potential military action against Iran.

'I don't talk about whether or not I would use military force,' Trump said at a joint presser with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 'But I can tell you this, they will not be doing nuclear weapons. That I can tell you. OK? They are not going to be doing nuclear weapons. You can bank on it.'

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist.

Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

Trump complained about the nuclear deal consistently during his campaign and harangued it as a 'very badly negotiated' agreement in a tweet Monday that took aim at the secretary of state who helped to broker it.

The comment followed his remarks at a news conference alongside Macron that the deal was made 'decayed foundations' and was not structured to last.

'Should have never, ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it,' Trump said.

Trump has until May 12 to decide whether he wants to allow a sanctions waiver that applies to Tehran to expire.

If the sanctions go back into effect, the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement effectively ending its participation in the deal it entered into with the U.K., France, China, Russia and Germany.

Trump has said he would be willing to sign on to a companion agreement that encompasses the nuclear aspects of the current one and applies new pressure to Iran to abandon its ballistic missiles program, end terrorist financing and broker a peace agreement between the ruling government and rebels in Syria.

Macron told Trump last month that he would pursue such an agreement on behalf of Europe. The French president told reporters after his White House visit that he suspected Trump would leave the 2015 accord in the meantime to hasten the process up.

Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal

Hinting at the action he is anticipated to take today Trump told Macron publicly, 'I think we will have a great shot at doing a much bigger maybe deal, maybe not deal. Were going to find out, but well know fairly soon.'

He also said 'nobody knows what Im going to do on the 12th, although, Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea  but well see.

'But well see also, if I do what some people expect, whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations,' he said. 'Because this a deal with decayed foundations. Its a bad deal. Its a bad structure. Its falling down.'

Trump charged then in his most confrontational comments yet to Tehran that, 'If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.'

Shedding light on his plans last Monday, Trump said a press conference: 'Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know. And on or before the 12th, well make a decision.

'That doesnt mean we wont negotiate a real agreement,' he added.

Trump's White House spokeswoman and the president appeared to be on different wavelengths about the timing of that declaration on Monday, with Sarah Sanders saying at news conference that he would be making an 'announcement on what his decision is soon' only to have Trump tweet minutes later that it would come on Tuesday.

'As you know he's got a few days to do that, and we'll let you know when he's ready to make a decision on it,' she said.

She also suggested that former Secretary of State John Kerry needs to butt out of negotiations after his secret meetings with foreign leaders were revealed.

Trump blasted Kerry on Tuesday morning as he prepared to take the U.S. foreign policy in a new direction.

'John Kerry cant get over the fact that he had his chance and blew it! Stay away from negotiations John, you are hurting your country!' Trump said.

The president had already spoken out about Kerry's 'shadow diplomacy' on Monday following news reports that the Obama administration official has secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned deal.

Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal

The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron  all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal.

'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!'

Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do.

'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said. 'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.'

A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian, potentially in violation of an obscure U.S. law known as the Logan Act.

'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said.

'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.'

Kerry's tenure as secretary of state ended when Trump took office in January of 2017. Trump replaced him with the since-fired Rex Tillerson. Mike Pompeo holds the Cabinet-level position now.

Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization

The Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States.

The statute dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people  in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted.

One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspaper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories.

Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court.
President Donald Trump's expected announcement that he will pull the U.S. out the nuclear deal it signed onto three years ago after intense negotiations with Tehran had Washington on edge on Tuesday morning.

Allies in Europe who are party to the deal have been begging Trump to remain in the agreement that could fall apart without U.S. participation while the follow-on accord he demanded is worked out.

They warn that Tehran could set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East if it restarts its uranium enrichment program.

Iran's Hassan Rouhani was vowing to stick by the deal that provided massive sanctions relief, so long as Europe guarantees that his country's interests will be protected. However, it was unclear in the lead up to the decision if that would be the case.

President Donald Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday at the White House

Iran's Hasan Rouhani (right) said the U.S. will have 'historic remorse' for its decision while insisting that 'getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran'

Rouhani said the U.S. will have 'historic remorse' for its decision while insisting that 'getting rid of Americas mischievous presence will be fine for Iran.'

'If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal,' Rouhani said according to the Iran Daily. 'What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by non-American signatories.'

Trump says he will be announcing his decision on the Iran nuclear deal this afternoon at the White House in remarks that will be delivered straight to camera at 2 pm.

It will come as no surprise if Trump says he's pulling the U.S. out of the 2015 agreement he inherited from the previous administration. The big unknown is what Trump will say he wants to happen next.

Trump's legislative director, Marc Short, told DailyMail.com on Tuesday morning that the president 'wants to see Iran end its nuclear program but also become a nation that is not funding terrorism, not attacking Israel not looking to continue to attack allies that we have.

'I think he's looking for an agreement that brings Iran into the international community as opposed to being a rogue nation state that funds terrorism,' Short said during a press scrum on the driveway leading into the West Wing.

Trump is anticipated to allow the oil sanctions that legally come up for discussion every 120 days under the deal to be reimposed on Tehran. The sanctions cut Iran's oil exports in half in 2012, Foreign Policy reports, and crippled the Islamic Republic's economy.

European companies will have to choose, if the sanctions are slapped back on, whether they want to do business with the U.S. or the taboo government, putting them in an undesirable position.

John Glaser, director of foreign policy studies at the right-leaning Cato Institute, warned Tuesday that if the U.S. imposes external sanctions successfully, European companies will pull out of investment projects in Iran, removing the incentives that Rouhani would need to mollify hardliners in his country who want Iran to restart its nuclear program.

'With lots of political will this deal could remain in place without the United States, but its going to be very, very difficult for the participants to manage,' Glaser said.

Iran will feel 'unburdened' if the U.S. leaves the pact, he said, and is likely to install new centrifuges to spin uranium and limit access to inspectors.

'This could really unravel into something with grave consequences,' he cautioned. 'All my fingers and toes are crossed, because this is a good deal that should continue to be implemented.'

U.K. foreign minister Boris Johnson worried that Trump could take military action against Tehran on top of the expected sanctions renewal. He also warned that collapse of the deal could set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the U.A.E. wanting weapons, as well.

'It's already a very, very dangerous state at the moment, we don't want to go down that road. There doesn't seem to me at the moment to be a viable military solution,' Johnson told Fox & Friends.

Trump at a news conference last month rebuffed a reporter who asked about potential military action against Iran.

'I don't talk about whether or not I would use military force,' Trump said at a joint presser with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 'But I can tell you this, they will not be doing nuclear weapons. That I can tell you. OK? They are not going to be doing nuclear weapons. You can bank on it.'

Trump teased his Iran deal announcement in a Monday afternoon tweet that provided no hints at what it would be

He told Obama era Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday morning that he needs to butt out - or else

Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist.

Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

Trump complained about the nuclear deal consistently during his campaign and harangued it as a 'very badly negotiated' agreement in a tweet Monday that took aim at the secretary of state who helped to broker it.

The comment followed his remarks at a news conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron that the deal was made 'decayed foundations' and was not structured to last.

'Should have never, ever been made. I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it,' Trump said.

Trump has until May 12 to decide whether he wants to allow a sanctions waiver that applies to Tehran to expire.

If the sanctions go back into effect, the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement effectively ending its participation in the deal it entered into with the U.K., France, China, Russia and Germany.

Trump has said he would be willing to sign on to a companion agreement that encompasses the nuclear aspects of the current one and applies new pressure to Iran to abandon its ballistic missiles program, end terrorist financing and broker a peace agreement between the ruling government and rebels in Syria.

Macron told Trump last month that he would pursue such an agreement on behalf of Europe. The French president told reporters after his White House visit that he suspected Trump would leave the 2015 accord in the meantime to hasten the process up.

Hinting at the action he is anticipated to take today Trump told Macron publicly, 'I think we will have a great shot at doing a much bigger maybe deal, maybe not deal. Were going to find out, but well know fairly soon.'

He also said 'nobody knows what Im going to do on the 12th, although, Mr. President, you have a pretty good idea  but well see.

'But well see also, if I do what some people expect, whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations,' he said. 'Because this a deal with decayed foundations. Its a bad deal. Its a bad structure. Its falling down.'

Trump charged then in his most confrontational comments yet to Tehran that, 'If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid.'

Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal

Shedding light on his plans last Monday, Trump said a press conference: 'Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know. And on or before the 12th, well make a decision.

'That doesnt mean we wont negotiate a real agreement,' he added.

Trump's White House spokeswoman and the president appeared to be on different wavelengths about the timing of that declaration on Monday, with Sarah Sanders saying at news conference that he would be making an 'announcement on what his decision is soon' only to have Trump tweet minutes later that it would come on Tuesday.

'As you know he's got a few days to do that, and we'll let you know when he's ready to make a decision on it,' she said.

She also suggested that former Secretary of State John Kerry needs to butt out of negotiations after his secret meetings with foreign leaders were revealed.

Trump blasted Kerry on Tuesday morning as he prepared to take the U.S. foreign policy in a new direction.

'John Kerry cant get over the fact that he had his chance and blew it! Stay away from negotiations John, you are hurting your country!' Trump said.

The president had already spoken out about Kerry's 'shadow diplomacy' on Monday following news reports that the Obama administration official has secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned deal.

Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal

The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron  all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal.

'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!'

Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do.

'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said. 'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.'

A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian, potentially in violation of an obscure U.S. law known as the Logan Act.

'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said.

'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.'

Kerry's tenure as secretary of state ended when Trump took office in January of 2017. Trump replaced him with the since-fired Rex Tillerson. Mike Pompeo holds the Cabinet-level position now.

Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization

The Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States.

The statute dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people  in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted.

One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspaper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories.

Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court.
Donald Trump continues to lash out at former Secretary of State John Kerry for trying to interfere with foreign policy as the president prepares to make a major announcement about the Iran nuclear deal.

'John Kerry cant get over the fact that he had his chance and blew it! Stay away from negotiations John, you are hurting your country!' Trump tweeted Tuesday.

Trump will make his intentions toward Tehran known Tuesday afternoon, and is likely to end the sanctions relief that has breathed new life into Iran's economy  and, Republican critics of the Obama-era agreement say, allowed the Islamist nation to quietly advance the nuclear weapons program it swore to stop in its tracks.

The president blasted Kerry on Monday following news reports that the ex-diplomat had secretly met with foreign governments in a bid to save the much-maligned deal.

The multinational bargain, which Trump has called 'insane' and 'the worst deal ever,' called for a decade-long pledge from Iran to cease developing nuclear weapons, in exchange for a relaxation of international sanctions.

President Donald Trump went back on offense against John Kerry on Tuesday, blasting him for interfering in foreign policy

Trump slapped the ex-diplomat for meeting in secret with foreign leaders in order to try and salvage the Iran nuclear deal that Barack Obama inked in 2015

Kerry met with leaders from Iran, Germany, France and the European Union despite the fact that he no longer has any legal authority to conduct foreign policy

If the sanctions snap back into effect, the U.S. will be in violation of the agreement and effectively end its participation. Iran could then decide to walk away from it entirely and resume its nuclear weapons program in the open  with the benefit of $150 billion in assets the Obama White House unfroze.

The Boston Globe reported Friday that Kerry quietly met two weeks ago with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, and had separate confabs with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and French President Emmanuel Macron  all to strategize against Trump's intention to upend the deal.

'The United States does not need John Kerrys possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal,' the president wrote Monday on Twitter. 'He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!'

Kerry brokered the deal for the Obama administration. Trump has threatened to reimpose sanctions by May 12, the deadline for certifying Iran's compliance with its obligations under the arrangement.

Trump tweeted Monday that he would announce his position on the Iran accord less than a day later, surprising even his closest communications aides

Trump too a shot at Kerry on Monday for conducting 'shadow diplomacy' behind his back that undermines his negotiations with Iran over rewriting the multinational nuclear deal

Trump on Monday called Kerry's intervention 'possibly illegal' and blamed him for the current arrangement that gave Tehran sanctions relief but would allow it to build nuclear bombs as soon as 2027

Kerry (left) is seen with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2016; Kerry met with Zarif last month for secret talks about how to undermine Trump's bid to kill the nuclear deal

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Monday that Kerry's advocacy won't make a difference as Trump weighs what to do.

'I don't think that we would take advice from somebody who created what the president sees as one of the worst deals ever made,' she said.

'I don't see why we would start listening to him now.'

A spokesman for Kerry issued a statement late Monday morning, defending his apparent habit of lobbying foreign governments as a civilian.

'I think every American would want every voice possible urging Iran to remain in compliance with the nuclear agreement that prevented a war,' the statement said.

'Secretary Kerry stays in touch with his former counterparts around the world just like every previous Secretary of State. Like America's closest allies, he believes it is important that the nuclear agreement, which took the world years to negotiate, remain effective as countries focus on stability in the region.'

But whether or not Kerry's flurry of clandestine diplomacy bears fruit, he will be criticized for carrying out the duties of the job he lost when Trump became president.

A federal law called the Logan Act makes it a felony for unauthorized civilians to conduct foreign policy with nations that are in the midst of a dispute with the United States.

Kerry has also been meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (right) in attempts to salvage the Iran deal

Kerry could run afoul of the Logan Act, a 200+ year-old federal law that made it a felony for civilians to conduct foreign policy without authorization

The statute, known as the Logan Act, dates back to 1799 and has only been used twice to indict people  in 1803 and 1852. Neither was convicted.

One defendant, a Peruvian admiral, was prosecuted for writing a letter to the president of Mexico to scuttle a competitor's bid to build a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The other was a farmer charged with the crime of writing a newspper article urging western U.S. states to secede and join neighboring French territories.

Some legal scholars have written that the Logan Act is unconstitutional, and only remains on the books because it hasn't been tested in court.

Some of Trump's own advisers were accused of violating the Logan Act during the post-election transition period in 2016 and 2017.

Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser who was fired after just weeks on the job, was originally eyed as a possible Logan Act violator when the Justice Department targeted him.

Flynn had made contact with Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak to discuss how the new administration might view existing sanctions regimes imposed on Moscow, and how Trump's team hoped the Kremlin would vote on a pending United Nations resolution condemning Israel.

Sally Yates, then the deputy attorney general, later testified that the potential for Logan Act violations was the initial justification for interrogating Flynn  who later pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in connection with that grilling.

Kerry, at one time a Democratic senator for Massachussets, has been accused of violating the Logan Act in the past.

In January he told a confidant of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that he should 'stay strong' and 'play for time' while Trump is in the White House.

Kerry told the Lebanese academic Hussein Agha that he was considering a second run for the White House in 2020, and aimed to help Palestinians in their territorial battles with Israel.

'It is unusual for a former secretary of state to engage in foreign policy like this, as an actual diplomat and quasi-negotiator,' Michael O'Hanlon, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, told the Globe, referring to Kerry's Iran efforts this year.

'Of course, former secretaries of state often remain quite engaged with foreign leaders, as they should, but it's rarely so issue-specific, especially when they have just left office.'

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing Trump to take a more aggressive posture toward Iran, his nation's most prolific antagonist.

Netanyahu delivered a presentation last week claiming Israel's intelligence agency had proof that Iran 'lied' about its intention to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.
President Donald Trump will announce his decision on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on May 8, 2018 amid speculation that he will pull the US from the agreement, despite pleas from his European allies that this could result in a global crisis.

While this decision gives Trump an opportunity to push his America First philosophy and further demolish the legacy of former President Barack Obama, in the worst case scenario, the consequences could result in a war between the US and Iran.

After the announcement has been made, the Trump administration will decide whether to wield sanctions in order to punish countries that continue to deal with Iran or establish a revised deal that would provide them with more time to comply with the restored sanctions.

Donald Trump is pictured during his announcement that he will run for US President in 2016

What is the Iran nuclear deal?

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal was arguably Barack Obamas biggest foreign policy achievement during his presidency and aimed to limit Iran's nuclear energy programme that many nations feared the country would use to form a nuclear weapon.

In exchange for this limitation, the deal struck between Iran and six world powers - the US, UK, Russia, France, China and Germany - lifted economic sanctions on the Middle Eastern country, according to the BBC.

Uranium

As part of the nuclear deal, Iran has been limited to installing no more than 5,060 of the oldest and least efficient centrifuges at its uranium enrichment facility in Natanz for 10 years.

Iran had two uranium enrichment facilities - Natanz and Fordo - and here, uranium hexafluoride gas is fed into centrifuges to separate the isotope U-235.

Uranium with a three to four percent concentration of U-235 can be used to fuel nuclear power plants and can also be enriched to reach 90 percent, to produce nuclear weapons.

As well as a limit on the number of centrifuge installations, the countrys uranium stockpile was reduced and the level of enrichment was kept at 3.67%.

Plutonium

While the six world powers wanted the heavy-water nuclear facility in Arak to be dismantled because spent fuel from a reactor contains plutonium suitable for a nuclear bomb, Iran agreed to redesign the reactor so that it could not produce any weapons-grade plutonium back in 2013.

As the modified reactor still exists, all spent fuel is sent out of the country, most of which is shipped to the US via a third country and some retained for medicine.

After the deal was made, it was decided that Iran would not be permitted to build other heavy-water reactors or accumulate any excess heavy water for 15 years.

This photo from July 14, 2015 shows a group of Iranians cheer and spray artificial snow during street celebrations following the landmark nuclear deal, in Tehran, Iran

Inspections

In 2015, the White House was confident that the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) would ensure that no nuclear programme was formed in secret after the deal was confirmed.

Inspectors from the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also regularly visit nuclear sites and check that no fissile material is moved to a secret location in order to make a bomb.

Sanctions

Previous sanctions put in place by the UN, US and EU to stop uranium enrichment crippled Irans economy and cost the country more than $160 billion (110bn) in oil revenue from 2012 to 2016.

The deal resulted in Iran being able to access $100 billion (74bn) in frozen assets overseas and resume selling oil on international markets.

If Iran violated any term of the deal, the UN sanctions would snap back into place for 10 years, with the option of extending for a further five years.

Why was the Iran nuclear deal made?

Several key moments of hostility between Tehran and the West shaped the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, starting with the revelation of the covert nuclear site in Natanz in 2002 which was found by the UNs IAEA as being used to enrich uranium.

A year later, Britain, France and Germany engaged Iran in nuclear negotiations and despite Washington refusing to join, Iran suspended its uranium enrichment.

In 2006, Iran announced that it would restart enrichment which resulted in the three countries collaborating with the US, Russia and China to persuade the Middle Eastern nation to curb its nuclear program.

The UN Security Council then imposed its first set of sanctions, banning the sale of sensitive nuclear technology while the number of centrifuges increased and the stockpile of low-enriched uranium grew.

President Obama is pictured making a statement about Iran in the White House in Washington

In 2009, Obama conducted the most extensive talks between Washington and Tehran in 30 years and a year later, the IAEA said that Iran was enriching to 20 percent in Fordo.

This resulted in the European Union freezing the assets of Irans central bank and halted Iranian oil imports ahead of Hassan Rouhanis election.

In 2013, Iran and the six world powers agreed on an interim agreement but before the deal was even finalised, Donald Trump, a New York businessman at the time, said that the deal was a disaster.

Around the same time that Trump announced that he was running for President, the Iran nuclear deal was finalised.

In October 2015, Iran conducted its first ballistic missile test, with the US accusing Iran of violating the deal but Obama said that these tests were entirely separate from the nuclear deal.

This photo shows a Qadr H long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missile fired by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in an undisclosed location in Iran

In 2016, the IAEA acknowledged that Iran had kept to the rules and most sanctions on the country were lifted, resulting in Iran re-entering the global banking system and selling crude oil and natural gas.

In November of the same year, Trump was elected as US President and by February 2017, Michael Flynn said that the government was officially putting Iran on notice over its ballistic missile tests.

Later in the year, Iran suffered its first ISIS group attack in Tehran which led to the country firing ballistic missiles at suspected targets in Syria.

In October 2017, Trump announced that he would not be recertifying the Iran nuclear deal and said that it threw Irans dictatorship a political and economic lifeline.

When will Trump decide on the Iran nuclear deal?

Trump, who believes that the deal is too lenient and that Iran has broken parts of the agreement, announced in October 2017 that he refuses to continue signing off on the agreement and has called for new sanctions.

These sanctions are directed against Irans Revolutionary Guard police force and Trump has asked Congress to change the US terms for the deal.

However, in response to Trump, the European Unions Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini said that there had been no violations by Iran and that the deal could not be renegotiated.

As the US President tweeted, Donald Trump will be announcing his decision from the White House at 2pm EDT (7pm BST).

I will be announcing my decision on the Iran Deal tomorrow from the White House at 2:00pm.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018

What is Trump expected to say?

Despite the IAEA saying that Iran was in compliance with the nuclear deal in February 2018, it is expected that Trump will announce that the US is pulling out of the deal.

Trump must decide whether to renew waivers that eased sanctions on Irans central bank, hitting oil exports and force global companies to reduce purchases of oil from Iran.

As well as this, in what is being dubbed as the nuclear option, Trump may also decide to reimpose all the sanctions at once and put the US in violation of the deals terms.

What happens if Trump pulls out of the Iran nuclear deal?

In what has been considered as Irans first official comment on Trumps tweet announcing he would reveal his decision on the deal, President Hassan Rouhani said that the country could face some problems.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke in a meeting with officials in Mashhad and said that Iran would not be willing not to abandon the nuclear deal even if the United States pulls out

'It is possible that we will face some problems for two or three months, but we will pass through this, he said and went on to say that Iran wants to keep 'working with the world and constructive engagement with the world.'

The Islamic Republic have been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all.

'We are not worried about America's cruel decisions. We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week,' Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

'If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal.

'What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories. In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran.'
Donald Trump is expected to pull out of the nuclear deal with Iran, ignoring last-ditch pleas by his European allies.

The President has consistently threatened to pull out of the 2015 agreement because it does not address Iran's ballistic missile program or its role in wars in Syria and Yemen, and does not permanently prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.

He has unsuccessfully demanded changes to the Obama-era deal - which he has described as 'insane - whereby Iran mothballed its suspected nuclear weapons program in return for massive sanctions relief.

Donald Trump has been a fierce critic of the nuclear deal with Iran and now looks poised to tear it up

The President tweeted that he is due to make his decision later today

Months of intensive talks between the United States and European allies now appear deadlocked, with Berlin, London and Paris refusing to rewrite the agreement.

The president tweeted he would announce his decision at 2:00 pm even as British foreign secretary Boris Johnson shuttled around Washington to reach a last-gasp breakthrough.

One European diplomat echoed the mood around foreign embassies in Washington, saying 'there is plainly a difference of opinion,' acknowledging Trump seems poised to walk away.

Concretely, the US president will now to decide whether to continue to waive sanctions on Iran's central bank and its oil sector dealings, a key pillar of the agreement.

'It's pretty obvious to me that unless something changes in the next few days, I believe the president will not waive the sanctions,' the European official said.

Boris Johnson, pictured with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, has pleaded with President Trump to stick with the deal

'I would like to pretend to you today that I feel that there is a chance of the existing (deal) remaining intact,' the official said.

'I think that that chance may exist but it is very small.'

Appearing on the Fox & Friends programme today - known to be Mr Trump's favourite news show - Mr Johnson said the president had a 'legitimate point' that the pact was not perfect.

But he appealed for the US not to throw the 'baby out with the bathwater' by ditching the arrangements altogether.

'If you do that you have to answer the question what next? What if the Iranians do rush for a nuclear weapon?' he said.

'Are we seriously saying that we are going to bomb those facilities at Fordo and Natanz?

'Is that really a realistic possibility? Or do we work round what we have got and push back on Iran together?'

Mr Johnson added: 'Plan B does not seem to me to be particularly well-developed at this stage.'

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has said his country will not be worried by 'America's cruel decisions' and remains committed to the deal

Meanwhile, Iran's president Hassan Rouhani warned the country could face 'some problems' ahead of President decision.

Without directly naming Trump, Rouhani's remarks at a petroleum conference in Tehran represented the first official Iranian comment on the U.S. president's overnight tweet that he'd make an announcement on the deal Tuesday.

Iran nuclear deal - what happens next? Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal abruptly restores harsh sanctions on Iran, an any companies which trades with it, meaning major companies in the U.S. and Europe could be hurt, too. The sanctions seek to punish Iran for its nuclear program by limiting its ability to sell oil or do business overseas, affecting a wide range of Iranian economic sectors and individuals. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that licenses held by Boeing and its European competitor Airbus to sell billions of dollars in commercial jetliners to Iran will be revoked. New rules: US President Donald Trump, seen here shaking hands with National Security Advisor John Bolton, will impose sanctions on Iran, and companies doing business with Iran, immediately Certain exemptions are to be negotiated, but Mnuchin refused to discuss what products might qualify. He said the sanctions will sharply curtail sales of oil by Iran, which is currently the world's fifth largest oil producer. Mnuchin said he didn't expect oil prices to rise sharply, forecasting that other producers will step up production. The White House administration said it would re-impose sanctions on Iran immediately but allow grace periods for businesses to wind down activity. Companies and banks doing business with Iran will have to scramble to extricate themselves or run afoul of the U.S. government. In Iran, many are deeply concerned about how Trump's decision could affect the already struggling economy. In Tehran, Rouhani sought to calm nerves, smiling as he appeared at a petroleum expo. He didn't name Trump directly, but emphasized that Iran continued to seek 'engagement with the world.'

'It is possible that we will face some problems for two or three months, but we will pass through this,' Rouhani said.

Rouhani also stressed Iran wants to keep 'working with the world and constructive engagement with the world.'

Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all.

'We are not worried about America's cruel decisions. We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week,' Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

'If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal.

'What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories. In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran.'
President Donald Trump has confirmed the withdrawal of the US from the Iran nuclear accord.

Trump spoke out against the arrangement as 'a horrible, one-sided deal' based on a lie.

He said that if he allowed the deal to stand, there would soon be a nuclear arms race, and called Iran a 'regime of great terror'.

He said that 'no action taken by the regime has been more dangerous than its pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means of delivering them'.

Trump signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing from the 2015 agreement and said he is planning to reinstall sanctions on the Iranian regime.

He said in an address to the nation that he will be reinstating the highest level of sanctions and warned other countries not to help the Iranian government.

Trump said America 'will not be held hostage to nuclear blackmail' and will not allow 'a regime that chants 'Death to America'' to get access to nuclear weapons.

The president said he made the decision after consulting with US allies.

MailOnline has the latest updates.

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Mid-February can be boring if youre overly focused on the coming migration. On the other hand, some birders really appreciate the opportunity to pick up specialties from the current season. Which kind of birder are you?

My daughter and I waited past dusk to see a Great Horned Owl land in the bare tree pictured above. It perched on the cell tower instead. No accounting for taste or a sense of theatrics. Corey spent the weekend making his way south to Georgia, where he has now arrived at Tybee Island. He mostly birdied from the car on I-95, which is not conducive to seeing very much. But at a hotel in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, he had a singing male Eastern Bluebird on Sunday morning, and that was definitely his Best Bird of the Weekend.

How about you? What was your best bird of the weekend? Tell us in the comments section about the rarest, loveliest, or most fascinating bird you observed. If youve blogged about your weekend experience, you should include a link in your comment.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has warned that the United States would regret it 'like never before' if they decided to quit a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12, demanding his country's European allies 'fix the terrible flaws' or he will re-impose sanctions.

In a televised speech in northwestern Iran on Sunday, reformist Rouhani said if the US quit the deal there would be 'historic remorse'.

'If the United States leaves the nuclear agreement, you will soon see that they will regret it like never before in history,' Rouhani said.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned on Sunday that the United States would regret it 'like never before' if they decided to quit a nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers

'Trump must know that our people are united, the Zionist regime (Israel) must know that our people are united.

'Today all (Iran's) political factions, whether they be from the right, the left, the conservatives, reformers and moderates are united.'

The nuclear deal was struck in 2015 between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, then led by Barack Obama.

Under the pact, sanctions were eased in return for a commitment not to pursue a nuclear bomb, but Iran says it is not reaping the rewards despite complying with the deal.

Trump has consistently complained about the agreement, citing perceived flaws including 'sunset' provisions lifting some nuclear restrictions from 2025.

In an attempt to salvage the deal, French President Emmanuel Macron has recently pushed to extend its scope to address this issue, as well as the absence of any limits on Iran's conventional missile capabilities and Tehran's role in the region.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the agreement when it comes up for renewal on May 12

Iran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, via the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in Syria's civil war, and its backing for Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen have added to frictions between Tehran and Western powers.

Rouhani vehemently reiterated his country's opposition to curtailing its non-nuclear missile capabilities in his speech on Sunday.

He said Tehran 'will build as many missiles and weapons as needed' for its defense.

'We are honouring our commitment, but we are telling the whole world we will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and our defense,' he said.

Iran's president also said that while he is open to discussing the country's regional role, he would not abandon what he described as its fight 'against terrorism.'

'We want to talk to the world so that our region is safe' but 'we will not allow you to create a new Daesh' he said, using an Arabic term for the Islamic State group.

In a televised speech in northwestern Iran on Sunday, reformist Rouhani said if the US quit the deal there would be 'historic remorse'

While Rouhani did not elaborate on this point, Iran's ally the Syrian government has consistently referred to all armed opponents as 'terrorists' and accused the West of facilitating terrorism.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Rouhani did not specify how Iran would react if the US pulls out of the 2015 deal.

But he said he had given 'the necessary orders', notably to Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, in anticipation of Trump's decision.

As the May 12 US decision point nears, Iranian leaders have shuffled between placatory and hawkish comments, although the hardliners have taken a uncompromising stance.

On Thursday Ali Akbar Velayati, the foreign policy adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Tehran would quit the nuclear deal if the United States withdraws.
Former New York City Mayor and President Donald Trump's newest attorney Rudy Giuliani on Saturday called for 'regime change' in Iran.

In a freewheeling discussion on US foreign policy at the Iran Freedom Convention for Democracy and Human Rights in Washington, Giuliani said in order to 'bring freedom to Iran' the country must remove supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power.

'Freedom for any oppressed people helps all of us,' added the 73-year-old former politician.

Rudy Giuliani (pictured sitting) advocated for the overthrow of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in order 'bring freedom to Iran' on Saturday

The 2018 Iran Freedom Convention for Democracy and Human Rights is an event meant to show support for Iranian citizens (Pictured: Giuliani mocks tearing up the Iran deal)

It's 'the only way to peace in the Middle East' and 'more important than an Israeli-Palestinian deal,' the former politician told reporters after the conference.

The 2018 Iran Freedom Convention for Democracy and Human Rights is an event meant to show support for Iranian citizens who oppose their government, according to CBS News.

Giuliani, who is not a government employee, also commented on the Iran nuclear deal, which the President has called 'insane,' 'ridiculous' and something that 'should have never, ever been made.'

Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump has until May 12 to certify Iran's compliance with the accord

'What do you think is going to happen to that agreement!' Giuliani said of the deal, before pretending to rip a piece of paper apart.

Known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Trump has until May 12 to certify Iran's compliance with the accord or reimpose stifling sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The deal was first signed between world powers and Iran in July 2015 during the administration of former President Barack Obama.

Giuliani also offered his thoughts on North Korea, which is currently holding three American hostages and is in deliberations with the US on its own nuclear program.

Reiterating a statement he made earlier this week, Giuliani said that there was a 'good chance' the captured US citizens would be released very soon, even though administration officials deny there are any updates on the matter.

Giuliani made headlines this week after saying that the President had 'reimbursed' his personal lawyer Michael Cohen for his $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

Legal experts say that the payment, made just weeks before the 2016 presidential election, could be interpreted as an illegal campaign contribution.

Days later, he attempted to clarify his comments on the Stormy Daniels matter by issuing a statement claiming he only referenced his understanding of what transpired when he appeared on Fox News Wednesday, not the President's understanding of the matter.

That clarification came after Mr. Trump said Giuliani is new to the legal team and would need time to 'get his facts straight.'
This is the horrifying moment a woman in Iran is dragged off the street by the country's fierce 'morality police'.

In the clip, the woman can be seen grappling with an officer on the street in one of Tehran's student areas.

As the pair struggle, other police officers rush to assist their colleague, who is wearing a traditional hijab, before hauling the student off the street.

They shove her into the back of their unmarked car as she screams out for help from passers-by.

The person who shot the harrowing footage late said: 'I'm a student on Amir Kabir University. This street is close to our university. The area itself is popular hangout place between girls and boys to socialise and to smoke.

'On my way back from university, I realised that the morality police was dealing heavy-handedly with boys and girls.

'When ordinary passers-by were drawing closer to the car of these policemen and policewomen, they faced threats of arrest and were told to mind their own business.'

The woman, who is dressed in black, can be seen grappling with a female officer in a hijab

Other police officers show up to offer backup to their colleague as they try to detain the student (right)

Eventually she can be seen being manhandled into the back of an unmarked car as she screams out for help

This is by no means the only case of brutal treatment by Iran's so-called 'morality police officers' however.

A young woman was recently assaulted by a gang of female police officers who deemed her headscarf 'insufficient' because it only loosely covered her hair.

Terrifying video showing her being savagely beaten was broadcast widely on social media - provoking an outpouring of public sympathy.

In response to the violent attack, a brave woman posed next to a police car without her hijab while a whole family removed their headscarves in solidarity.

A growing number of Iranian woman have taken to the streets without the mandatory hijab in recent days after the video surfaced.

The video has reignited a public debate on the decades-long requirement for women in the Islamic Republic to wear hijabs.

Officials of all ranks up to President Hassan Rouhani have weighed in on the incident as women question being forced to wear the hijab in public.

The video appeared online last week, with activists suggesting it was taken in Tehran, though nothing in it offers hints at its location

It shows a young woman with a long red scarf loosely covering her head, her hair clearly showing, being surrounded by three morality policewomen wearing chadors, who grab her

On Tuesday, advocacy group My Stealthy Freedom shared a picture of a young woman leaning against a police car without her hair covered.

'Welcome to the 46th week of #WhiteWednesdays!' the caption said.

My Stealthy Freedom, an online group campaigning against the forced hijab, highlights instances of abuse of women who choose not to wear it.

The group's founder Masih Alinejad launched the social media hashtag White Wednesdays, encouraging women to flout regulations posting pictures and videos of themselves without the hijabs online.

She also shared a clip sent to her from a family who posed with their backs to the camera, but with their hair uncovered.

A brave woman posed next to a police car without her hijab in Iran in solidarity with a woman who was viciously beaten by 'morality police officers'

A group of women uncovered their hair in a video shared on Twitter, during which a a man's voice is heard saying: 'I join my family to say NO to forced hijab'

Another woman filmed herself as she walked through the streets of Karaj with her hair uncovered

'I join my family to say no to forced hijab in the hope of freedom for Iran,' a man's voice is heard saying during the clip.

Another woman filmed herself as she walked through the streets of Karaj with her hair uncovered.

'Today I walked the whole way without the compulsory hijab,' she said in the clip.

'I wanted to say that like many, I'm against compulsory veil too. I want to say no to compulsory veil and I hope there comes a day when all Iranian women can take a walk with no fear or stress and without having to put on a compulsory veil.

My Stealthy Freedom was also the first to upload the video of the young woman who was assaulted.

Videos have been posted showing women bravely defying the country's law by walking through the streets of cities like Tehran and Shiraz without the hijab

Several of them face verbal and physical abuse in the street, with bystanders urging them to cover their hair

Alongside the video, the group wrote: 'This woman is savagely beaten up by morality police as punishment for her insufficient hijab. And they tell us hijab is a 'small issue'.'

They added: 'We expose them and we resist compulsory hijab.'

Since then, videos have been posted showing women bravely defying the country's law by walking through the streets of cities like Tehran and Shiraz without the hijab.

Several of them face verbal and physical abuse in the street, with bystanders urging them to cover their hair.

Their protest has been named #WalkingUnveiled and is quickly spreading on social media.

The video appeared online last week, with activists suggesting it was taken in Tehran, though nothing in it offers hints at its location.

It shows a young woman with a long red scarf loosely covering her head, her hair clearly showing, being surrounded by three morality policewomen wearing chadors, who grab her.

One grabs her by the throat. She screams, they pick her up off her feet.

She then ends up on the ground, weeping as another woman comforts her before the officers grab her again.

'Why are you hitting me? You have been destroying us for 30 years,' she is heard shouting at one point.

Iran's interior minister, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, ordered authorities on Thursday to investigate the incident soon after Masoumeh Ebtekar, a female vice president for women's affairs, condemned the police's 'violent' approach to the situation.

Reformist lawmaker Tayebeh Siavoshi said on Saturday that the policewoman seen in the video grabbing the young woman's throat has been suspended pending the investigation.

None of the women in the video have been identified.

'Imposing (force on women) will lead nowhere,' she said.

One of the many brave Iranian women who has taken to the streets in the wake of the horrific abuse by morality police seen in a video last week gets asked why she is not veiled

President Rouhani, a cleric who is considered a moderate within Iran's political system, also criticised the morality police in a speech on Saturday.

The police force's stated mandate is 'promoting virtue and preventing vice.'

'Grabbing people's collars to promote virtue will not work,' Rouhani warned. 'You cannot do it by being aggressive.'

On Monday, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani said he supported the morality police, adding that 'law enforcement should not withdraw a single inch.'

But on the streets of Tehran, women are openly discussing the video and their own encounters with morality police.

'I think that it was very unnecessary the way that the police, or the morality police, handled the situation,' said Hamraz, 27, an Austrian national born to Iranian parents who is on vacation in Tehran.

'It was very unfortunate that it was caught on camera, but in a way it was good that everyone got to see how people are being treated: very unjust and very unfair.'

Sahar, a 25-year-old university student, agreed.

'I think everyone must be free to choose what they believe in and we can deal with each other more peacefully instead of trying to induce people to do what you think is right,' she said. 'This method surely will not work.'

The hijab and chador have long been parts of Persian culture.

They became political symbols in 1936, when Iran's pro-Western ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi banned the garments amid his efforts to rapidly modernise Iran.

Videos show women bravely defying the country's Islamic law, which requires them to cover their hair in public, as part of the #WalkingUnveiled protest

A cleric in Iran was seen demanding a woman covers her hair in another video posted online

The ban became a source of humiliation for some pious Muslim women in the country.

Even before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the long, flowing black robes for women known as chadors and the headscarves, or hijabs, were both a political and religious symbol in the Shiite-dominated nation.

'I used to be a person who would always say her prayers and deeply believed in God,' said Afrouz, 28, who like other women who spoke to the Associated Press in Tehran would only give their first name for fear of retribution.

'I would always say grace before having a meal. Right now, I believe in none of those things.'

As the 1979 Islamic Revolution took hold, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ordered female civil servants to wear the chador.

At first, thousands of women protested the decision in Tehran and Khomeini later said officials should not insult women who chose not to wear it - though he also called the chador 'the flag of the revolution.'

The hijab and loose-fitting clothing later became mandatory for all women in Iran.

The Islamic code also forbids women touching, dancing or singing with men outside their families.

And though some freedoms for women were curtailed in the years that followed, Iranian women were still allowed to drive, unlike in Saudi Arabia, and hold public office.

A man is seen standing over a woman who is walking in public with her hair uncovered in Iran

In Tehran today, some fashionable young women wear tighter clothes with a scarf loosely covering their head, technically meeting the requirements of the law while drawing the ire of conservatives.

Women arrested for showing their hair in public in Iran can receive jail terms of two months or less and face fines equivalent to $25.

In December, Tehran's police said they would no longer arrest women for not observing the Islamic dress code as video clips of women choosing not to wear hijabs and walking the streets with their heads uncovered spread across social media.

One image - of a young woman, head uncovered and waving her hijab like a flag in Tehran's Enghelab Street - became famous during economic protests that swept Iran later that month.

Tehran's prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said in March that the woman had been sentenced to 24 months in prison.

The telecommunication junction box she stood on in the photograph has since been re-welded to stop women from standing on it, though protests continue.
Aras Amiri, who lives in London, was held while on a private trip to visit family

Two people with links to the UK have been detained in Iran, officials have said.

The Foreign Office said it was 'urgently seeking information from the Iranian authorities' over the detention of Iranian-British national Mahan Abedin.

Separately, Iranian national Aras Amiri, who lives in London, was held while on a private trip to visit family.

Her employer, the British Council, which works to improve international cultural relations, said assertions one of its staffers had been working in the country were false.

A spokeswoman said: 'We are aware that one of our staff has been detained in Iran while making a private family visit.

'The colleague is an Iranian national. Despite an assertion that this individual has travelled to Iran for work this is not the case.

'The British Council does not have offices or representatives in Iran.'

Her cousin, Mohsen Omrani, wrote on Facebook to explain that Aras has been 'jailed by forces belonging to Iran's ministry of intelligence'.

The Foreign Office said it was 'urgently seeking information from the Iranian authorities' over the detention of Iranian-British national Mahan Abedin. Pictured: The Iranian Friends Society of London tweeted about Abedin's detention

He added: 'They arrested her before the Eid and it's now nearly 50 days that she is being kept in Evin prison's ward 209.'

Omrani also said she had been accused of acting against the national security of Iran.

He said she is 32 and has lived in London for 10 years. She is studying philosophy of art at Kingston University, he said, explaining that she has a residence permit.

She had gone to the city of Amol to visit her grandmother in hospital, he said.

Her cousin, Mohsen Omrani, wrote on Facebook to explain that Aras (pictured) has been 'jailed by forces belonging to Iran's ministry of intelligence'

They are the latest people with ties to the West to have been held in the Islamic Republic.

Abbas Edalat, a British-Iranian professor at Imperial College London, was detained on unspecified security charges last month.

British-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been jailed in the Republic for just over two years - despite an Iranian diplomat insisting the government was doing its best to secure her release.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was jailed for five years in 2016, accused of seeking to overthrow the Iranian regime.

But she denies the charges, insisting that the trip to Iran was a holiday, designed to introduce her daughter to her Iranian family.

Hamid Baeidinejad, Iranian ambassador to the UK, said the judicial process in her case was 'complicated' but insisted 'we are trying our best'.

Iran does not recognise dual citizenship, making it complicated for the British Embassy to make contact.

The British Council suspended its work in Iran in 2009 on the orders of then-Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Analysts and family members of dual nationals and others detained in Iran say hard-liners in the Islamic Republic's security agencies use the prisoners as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.

Iran and Britain have been discussing the possible release of some 400 million pounds held by London since the 1979 Islamic Revolution for a tank purchase that never happened.

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was jailed for five years in 2016, accused of seeking to overthrow the Iranian regime

A prisoner exchange in January 2016 that freed Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian and three other Iranian-Americans also saw the US make a $400 million cash delivery to Iran the same day.

Others with ties to the West detained in Iran include Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly 'infiltrating' the country while doing doctoral research on Iran's Qajar dynasty.

Iranian-Canadian national Abdolrasoul Dorri Esfahani, a member of Iran's 2015 nuclear negotiating team, is believed to be serving a five-year sentence on espionage charges.
Iran has been ordered to pay $6BILLION in damages to families of victims of 9/11, a Manhattan federal judge George Daniels ruled Tuesday

A federal judge has ordered Iran to pay $6billion to families of the victim's of 9/11 after he found various government entities were liable in the attacks.

Judge George B. Daniels announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic are responsible for aiding in the terrorist attacks that took the lives of thousands of innocent people, ABC News reports.

An attorney for the families, Robert Haefele, said the federal court found Iran had provided material support to al Qaeda.

'The evidence presented established that Iran's provision of material support to al-Qaeda was a cause of the 9/11 attacks and the resulting damage, injuries, and deaths,' Haefele said in a statement to ABC News.

'It is difficult for those injured or left behind to ignore the findings of the federal court about Iran's culpability.

Smoke pours from the twin towers of the World Trade Center after they were hit by two hijacked airliners in a terrorist attack September 11, 2001 in New York City

An attorney for the families, Robert Haefele (right), said the federal court found Iran had provided material support to al Qaeda led by Osama bin Laden

'But those findings should not overshadow the mountain of evidence presented against Saudi Arabia, which remains central to the plaintiffs' case.'

The judge ordered the following to be paid in damages: $8.5million for each parent, $12.5million for each spouse, $8.5million per child and $4.25million per sibling,' as seen on the outlet.

Iran has kept quiet about the lawsuit and it's unlikely they will ever pay.

The ruling comes as families to the 9/11 victims announced plans to take the next steps in a broader court case against Saudi Arabia.

Flowers replaced over the monument for the 9/11 attacks victims on the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 in Ground Zero, Manhattan, New York, United States on September 11, 2017

Family members and survivors of the terrorist attack sued the Saudi government in 2003 and claimed employees knowingly assisted hijackers who carried out the attacks and fueled al-Qaida's development into a terrorist organization by funding charities that supported the group.

The Saudi government has long denied any involvement in the attacks.

Brett Eagleson, whose father was killed in the twin towers, told a news conference earlier this month that the plaintiffs plan a grassroots effort to compel the CIA, the FBI and others to turn over information that could shed light on potential Saudi complicity.

'The 9/11 families aren't going anywhere,' said Eagleson, 32, of Middletown, Connecticut.

'We had my dad's grandchildren in the audience today who want to know the truth about what happened to their grandfather.'
'We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions,' a British government spokesman said in a statement. Pictured: Theresa May and Netanyahu meeting in London last year

Britain has never been 'naive' about Iran's nuclear programme, a spokesman for the government said tonight, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Islamic republic of lying to the world about its ambitions.

The spokesman also said inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are vital to ensure Iran's nuclear programme is used for peaceful means.

Netanyahu stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, holding a primetime address on Israeli TV to present what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

'We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions. That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords,' a British government spokesman said in a statement.

'It remains a vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran is adhering to the deal and that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.'

Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu did not seem to have presented a 'smoking gun' showing that Iran had violated the agreement, although he may have helped make a case on behalf of hawks in the U.S. administration who want to scrap it.

In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said Israel recently uncovered 55,000 documents and 183 CDs of information from Iran's 'nuclear archives'

The premier accused the Islamic Republic of 'brazenly lying' to the United States and Europe by maintaining nuclear materials in a secret location - a violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that his intelligence services have obtained documents proving that Iran maintained a secret nuclear program in violation of a landmark agreement Tehran reached with the West. Netanyahu points to a slide which is purported to show 'massive safes' where Iran's 'secret archive' were stored

Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu unveiled dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its 'nuclear weapons knowledge'.

Tehran dismissed Netanyahu as 'the boy who cried wolf', and called his presentation propaganda.

President Donald Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the international deal unless it is renegotiated by May 12. After Netanyahu spoke, Trump repeated his criticism of the deal, suggesting he backed the Israeli leader's remarks.

'Iran's leaders repeatedly deny ever pursuing nuclear weapons,' Netanyahu said at Israel's Defence Ministry, standing in front of stacks of files representing what he described as a vault full of Iranian nuclear documents obtained weeks before.

'Tonight I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied.'

'Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons programme,' he said. 'One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use.'

Although the presentation was live on Israeli television, Netanyahu made clear that his audience was abroad: he delivered most of his speech in English, before switching to Hebrew.

Netanyahu said he had shared the intelligence with the United States and would dispatch envoys to France and Germany to present it. He also spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Tehran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses its arch-foe Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it.

Before Netanyahu's speech, Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the Israeli leader was 'the boy who can't stop crying wolf [and is] at it again'

A senior U.S. official said Netanyahu gave new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a heads-up about the presentation he would give while on a visit to Tel Aviv at the weekend.

'We were made aware of his plans,' the official said.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from U.S. and other economic sanctions.

Trump gave Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal's flaws - its failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and 'sunset' clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will re-impose U.S. sanctions.

Much of what Netanyahu presented is unlikely to surprise world powers, which have long concluded that Iran was pursuing atomic weapons before the agreement was signed in 2015: that is in part why they imposed sanctions in the first place.

The French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, tweeted that information about past Iranian nuclear activity was in fact an argument in favour of the nuclear deal, not against it.

A German government spokesman said it was vital to keep the independent inspections provided for under the deal.

Washington's European allies say Tehran has generally abided by the terms of the deal since then, and have urged Trump not to scrap it. Some independent analysts and diplomats said Netanyahu appeared to be presenting old evidence.

Eran Etzion, a former deputy Israeli national security adviser who now heads the Israeli-European think-tank Forum of Strategic Dialogue, said on Twitter: 'No 'smoking gun' was revealed this evening, nor was it proven that Iran is today developing nuclear weaponry or violating the (nuclear deal) in any other way.'

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is keen to develop ties with the rest of the world, which is 'not merely' the United States and European countries

A senior European diplomat told Reuters: 'We knew all of this and what especially stands out is that Netanyahu doesn't speak of any recorded violations' of the deal itself.

Speaking after Netanyahu's presentation, Trump told a White House news conference the nuclear deal was 'a horrible agreement for the United States'. He said it would let Tehran develop nuclear arms after seven years and had 'proven right what Israel has done today' with Netanyahu's disclosures.

However, Washington itself has concluded that Iran has not violated the deal's terms. Two U.S. intelligence officials who have monitored Iran's nuclear weapons program for years said nothing in Netanyahu's remarks appeared to contradict that view.

'We have seen no new and credible evidence that Iran is violating the agreement, whether in the Prime Minister's remarks today or from other sources,' said one of the officials, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Moments before Netanyahu spoke Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: 'The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again'.

Abbas Araqchi, a senior Iranian foreign ministry official, was quoted by Iran's Tasnim news agency as calling Netanyahu's presentation 'a childish and ridiculous game' with the goal of influencing Trump's decision ahead of the May 12 deadline.

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, though it neither confirms nor denies possessing atomic weapons.
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Trump says he has been proven '100% right' following Israel's stunning claims that Iran is still running their nuclear program in secret in defiance of their agreement with the West.

Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu gave a televised address on Monday evening during which he presented documents obtained from inside Iran, proving they are still following their A-bomb ambitions under the radar.

He said: 'Iran's leaders repeatedly deny ever pursuing nuclear weapons,' said Netanyahu while standing in front of the documents, which senior Trump administration officials have said are authentic.

'Tonight I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied.'

Just minutes after the shocking announcement, Trump said: 'What's happening today, and what's happened over the last little while, and what we've learned, has really shown that I've been 100 per cent right.'

Later on Monday afternoon, Trump once more attacked the Iran deal as 'horrible'. He has until May 12 to decide whether to pull out of the accord.

'In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons,' Trump told a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari.

'That is not acceptable,' Trump charged. 'This is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States.'

The US president has been threatening for months to pull out of the 2015 deal negotiated between Tehran and six world powers, rejecting it as 'insane' partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers say the deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

'I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know,' Trump said. 'On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that his intelligence services have obtained documents proving that Iran maintained a secret nuclear program in violation of a landmark agreement Tehran reached with the West. Netanyahu points to a slide which is purported to show 'massive safes' where Iran's 'secret archive' were stored

In the slide above, Netanyahu is pointing to 'U235that's enriched uranium, right here at the core. That's the only place where you find in the core enriched uranium. And here's an Iranian simulation, original Iranian simulation putting all these components together'

The premier accused the Islamic Republic of 'brazenly lying' to the United States and Europe by maintaining nuclear materials in a secret location - a violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said Israel recently uncovered 55,000 documents and 183 CDs of information from Iran's 'nuclear archives'

Netanyahu points to the above slide which he says proves Iran maintained a secret nuclear weapons program. The above object is a measuring device for implosions

The Israeli leader said that the 'atomic archive' where Iran kept its files was in the Shorabad District of the capital, Tehran

Netanyahu points to a slide that shows components of an alleged clandestine nuclear weapons program. 'Here's a design for a nuclear payload on a Shahab3 missile,' Netanyahu says, pointing to the missile above

The Israeli prime minister stands in front of dozens of binders filled with documents as well as hundreds of discs taken from the Iranians

Netanyahu has long argued that the nuclear deal has not prevented Iran from continuing to develop its program of long-range missiles capable of carrying an atomic warhead. 'They can reach Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Moscow, but they're working on far, far greater ranges,' Netanyahu said. 'They're planning much longer range missiles to carry nuclear weapons'

Netanyahu used a slide which he says confirmed that the covert program to develop nuclear weapons was authorized by Iran's defense minister in 2003

The Israeli leader says the documents include 'incriminating photos' that prove Iran is lying about its pursuit of a peaceful nuclear program. 'Here's a photo showing the casting process and a cast metal core, from the archives,' Netanyahu says of the above slide

Netanyahu stands before a slide showing equipment in an Iranian nuclear facility on the left and an 'original Iranian simulation' of a nuclear implosion on the right. The Israeli leader said the object on the left is a measuring device for implosions

The White House also said on Monday that information released by Israel on Iran's nuclear program provides 'new and compelling details' about Tehran's efforts to develop 'missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.'

'These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people,' the White House statement said.

Iranian state TV said on Monday that Netanyahu's accusations on Tehran's nuclear program was propaganda.

'His remarks was not new...full of baseless accusations... and propaganda against Iran's nuclear work,' state TV said.

Numerous other experts claimed all the information contained in the documents had been seen before.

The British government, meanwhile, insisted it had 'never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions' in the wake of the presentation.

British government: 'We have never been naive about Iran' Britain has never been 'naive' about Iran's nuclear programme, a spokesman for the government has said in the wake of Benjamin Netanyahu's speech. The spokesman also said inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are vital to ensure Iran's nuclear programme is used for peaceful means. 'We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions. That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords,' a British government spokesman said in a statement. 'It remains a vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran is adhering to the deal and that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.'

Thousands of pages contained evidence that Tehran had a secret nuclear weapons program while insisting to the world its nuclear ambitions were purely peaceful, Netanyahu said.

While the lion's share of the briefing focused on what he said was past nuclear work and alleged obfuscation about it by Iran, Netanyahu asserted that such activities had continued after the deal that was meant to curb Iranian capabilities.

The premier accused the Islamic Republic of 'brazenly lying' to the United States and Europe by maintaining nuclear materials in a secret location - a violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Israel claims that it obtained the incriminating information within the past 10 days.

After the 2015 nuclear deal was signed, the documents were moved to a 'highly secret' location in Tehran, Netanyahu said.

While the lion's share of the briefing focused on what he said was past nuclear work and alleged obfuscation about it by Iran, Netanyahu asserted that such activities had continued after the 2015 deal that was meant to curb Iranian capabilities.

'These files conclusively prove that Iran is brazenly lying when it says it never had a nuclear weapons program,' he said.

Netanyahu said Israel recently uncovered 55,000 documents and 183 CDs of information from Iran's 'nuclear archives.'

Speaking in English, perhaps with an international audience in mind, he says the material is filled with incriminating evidence showing the Iranian program, called 'Project Amad,' was to develop a weapon.

Netanyahu's revelations were 'a big lot of nothing' according to David Patrikarakos, an Iranian nuclear politics expert.

He said the prime minister's comments 'are entirely political, designed to put pressure on  or given a excuse to  President Trump not to recertify the nuclear deal, which he is due to do in several days.

Critically Patrikarakos says that 'Netanyahu has presented little if any evidence that Iran is in breach of the deal, merely that 'past nuclear work' showed evidence of Iranian attempts at a nuclear weapons capability, which is true, and that Iran had been less than transparent in its nuclear dealings.

'All of this is well-known, what he has failed to show is that Iran is in violation of the nuclear deal signed it was signed in 2016.

'It may give Trump the excuse he needs, but it will not wash with the other parties to the deal namely France, Germany, the UK, Russia and China.'

Netanyahu wants the deal to fail because he has staked some much political capital on that outcome and wants the US and Iran at loggerheads as it helps Israel geopolitically, said Patrikarakos, author of Nuclear Iran: The Birth of an Atomic State, the first complete history of Iran's nuclear program from it's beginnings in the 1950s to the present day, and war in 140 Characters: How Social Media Is Reshaping Conflict in The 21st Century.

While Netanyahu presented the information as new, the details of Project Amad were known to Western governments well before the 2015 nuclear deal, according to The Atlantic.

In 2011, the International Atomic Energy Agency published findings about Project Amad, which was shut down by the Iranians in 2003.

The French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, tweeted that information about past Iranian nuclear activity was in fact an argument in favor of the nuclear deal, not against it.

Trump is to decide by May 12 whether to pull out of the international deal with Iran.

President Donald Trump used the revelations to insist that he's been proved '100 per cent right' about Iran, minutes after Benjamin Netanyahu gave a televised address on Monday evening during which he presented documents obtained from inside Iran

Federica Mogherini, the head of the European Union's foreign policy portfolio, said that it appears Netanyahu's presentation did not demonstrate that Iran was violating the nuclear deal.

'What I have seen from the first reports is that Prime Minister Netanyahu has not put into question Iran's compliance with the JCPOA commitments, meaning post-2015 nuclear commitments,' her office said in a statement.

'The JCPOA, the nuclear agreement, is not based on assumptions of good faith or trust - it is based on concrete commitments, verification mechanisms and a very strict monitoring of facts, done by the IAEA.

'The IAEA has published 10 reports, certifying that Iran has fully complied with its commitments.'

Faced with mounting pressure, Iran has threatened to resume 20 percent uranium enrichment if the US leaves the deal.

Before Netanyahu's speech, Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the Israeli leader was 'the boy who can't stop crying wolf [and is] at it again'

Raz Tzimmt, an expert on Israel-Iran relations, said it will be very difficult to persuade Iran to renegotiate.

'I think it will be very difficult if not impossible to persuade the Iranians to renegotiate the deal,' said Tzimmt.

'I mean the perception in Iran is that Iran has already given up some part of its capabilities during the negotiations with P5+1 and the United States.

'So I think it will be almost impossible to believe that under no circumstances, including more economic pressure on Iran, Iran, and especially Supreme Leader Khamenei, is going to agree for a better deal,' said Tzimmt.

Tzimmt said if Iran resumes its nuclear activity, Israel will possibly take action, with military options most likely on the table.

'In case Iran breaks out for nuclear weapons and quits the NPT and expels the IAEA inspectors from Iran, that would mean that Iran is not just after resuming its nuclear activity, but about its bomb.

'And then I think we could expect Israel to take more radical actions, including military options against Iran, because Israel has always made it very clear that it will not allow Iran to become a nuclear military state.'

Trump said Monday that stunning revelation from Israel about Iran's secret nuclear weapons program shows that he has had Tehran's mullah's pegged.

'What's happening today, and what's happened over the last little while, and what we've learned, has really shown that I've been 100 per cent right,' the president told reporters at the White House.

Netanyahu has led calls for Trump to withdraw from the nuclear deal, which was one of Obama's signature foreign policy achievements.

Netanyahu's speech on the Iran nuclear deal follows the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to Israel on Sunday

Netanyahu said that Iran had lied about not pursuing nuclear weapons and had continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge after signing the JCPOA.

'Iran's leaders repeatedly deny ever pursuing nuclear weapons,' said Netanyahu.

'Tonight I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied.'

'After signing the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran intensified its efforts to hide its secret files,' he said.

'In 2017 Iran moved its nuclear weapons files to a highly secret location in Tehran.'

Netanyahu said that Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use.

His speech follows the visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yesterday, during which the pair discussed Iran and the accord.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord between world powers and his country's main enemy to either be altered or scrapped.

The JCPOA  known outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue as 'The Iran Deal'  called for the U.S. to relax international sanctions and cut loose $150 billion in frozen Iranian funds and assets, in exchange for Tehran's pledge that it would pare back its nuclear weapons ambitions and limit its ability to enrich uranium and other fissile material.

Netanyahu has long criticized the deal and welcomed the Trump administration's pledge to withdraw next month if it is not improved.

He has welcomed a pledge by U.S. President Trump to decide on whether to reimpose sanctions on Tehran, putting in peril the 2015 nuclear accord, next month.

Making friends: U.S. President Donald Trump and Mr Netanyahu meet in the Oval Office of the White House during the latter's visit to the U.S. last month

Pompeo has warned that the United States will withdraw from the agreement 'if we can't fix it'.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord between world powers and his country's main enemy to either be altered or scrapped.

He alleges the agreement does not prevent Iran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehran's ability to finance proxy militants in the Middle East.

Most world powers however say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

Before Netanyahu's speech, Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the Israeli leader was 'the boy who can't stop crying wolf [and is] at it again.'

Zarif said on Saturday that demands by Trump to change Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers were unacceptable.

Trump has said that unless European allies fix the 'terrible flaws' in the Iran nuclear deal by May 12, he will refuse to extend US sanctions relief for oil-producing Iran.

Israel is also deeply concerned over Iran's presence in Syria, where it is backing President Bashar al-Assad's

Israeli officials have not commented on Monday's overnight airstrike that killed Iranians inside neighboring Syria, but officials have warned Iran against trying to attack Israeli targets.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said this morning that an overnight missile attack in the country's northern region has killed 26 pro-government fighters, mostly Iranians.

The negotiators of the Iran deal are seen above in July 2015 in Vienna. From left to right: European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini; Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif; the head of Iran's atomic energy organization, Ali Akbar Salehi; Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov; British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond; and US Secretary of State John Kerry

Then-President Barack Obama and his vice president, Joe Biden, deliver remarks after the nuclear deal is reached in 2015. The JCPOA is considered a signature foreign policy achievement for Obama, though signs point to Trump rolling it back

Th Observatory says the attack appears to have been carried out by Israel and targeted an arms depot for surface-to-surface missiles at a base in northern Syria known as Brigade 47.

Tehran has sent thousands of Iran-backed fighters to back President Bashar Assad's forces in the country's seven-year civil war.

Earlier on Monday, Syrian TV reported a 'new aggression,' with missiles targeting military outposts in northern Syria.

The state-run television reported that the missiles targeted military outposts in the Hama and Aleppo countryside.

Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that his country is keen to develop ties with the rest of the world, which is 'not merely' the United States and European countries.

'I don't believe in cutting ties with the world but relying on the outside of the borders is a mistake within a mistake,' Khamenei was quoted as saying.

'We must certainly be wise, smart and resolute in our relations with the world, but we should also know that the world is not merely America and several European countries.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is keen to develop ties with the rest of the world, which is 'not merely' the United States and European countries

'The world is big and (we) must have relations with different countries,' he added, according to extracts of a speech he gave in Tehran published on his website.

Khamenei is also quoted as blasting the US Treasury Department, denouncing it as an 'economic war chamber against the system of the Islamic republic.'

Since taking office in January 2017, Trump has adopted a tough stance against Iran and repeatedly denounced the landmark nuclear deal which Tehran reached with world powers to curb its nuclear program.

Trump has said the deal - which Iran signed with Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States and Germany - must be 'fixed' by May 12 or Washington will walk away.

Most world powers however say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

During Sunday's speech, Khamenei also accused the United States of waging an 'economic and cultural war' against Iran, according to his website.
President Donald Trump bragged in a 'Fox & Friends' interview that under his presidency angry Iranian crowds are no longer yelling 'Death to America.'

Trump made the statement as he once again took aim at the Iran deal that Tehran signed with the U.S. and five other nations, calling it a 'horrible deal.' He spoke a day after French President Emmanuel Macron told Congress France would not pull out of the agreement it had signed after long negotiations.

'And all they do is scream death to America, death to America,' Trump said, referencing street protests sometime egged on by Iranian revolutionary guards for maximum PR effect.

'And by the way, they're not screaming it so much anymore. They were screaming it with him. They don't scream it with me.'

It was difficult to immediately assess Trump's claim, but following his announcement this year that he would move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, there were angry demonstrations where protesters burned photographs of Trump.

Portraits of US President Donald Trump burn during a demonstration in the capital Tehran on December 11, 2017 to denounce his declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

In a February rally on the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on Feb. 11, 2018, protesters in Tehran held banners of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one that said 'Shut Up Trump.'

Trump brought up Iran when he got asked about the accomplishments achieved during his visit with Macron  who told Congress on Wednesday: 'That's why France will not leave the [Iran nuclear deal]. Because we signed it.'

Trump said of Macron: 'Well, I think we really came to recognize the -- you know, I can say it from my standpoint but he is viewing, I believe, Iran a lot differently than he did before he walked into the Oval Office and I think that's important.'

'He understands where I'm coming from with respect to Iran. Iran is a real problem for this country. The president made a horrible deal,' Trump said, turning his fire on Obama.

'When I say the president, I'm talking about past administration made a horrible deal giving $150 billion, giving $1.8 billion in cash -- in actual cash carried out in barrels and in boxes from airplanes. It's inconceivable -- $1.8 billion.'

Iranian protesters set US an Israeli flags on fire during a demonstration in the capital Tehran on December 11, 2017 to denounce US President Donald Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Demonstrators hold banners of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu upside down along with a banner which reads 'Shut Up Trump' in Revolution Square on the 39th anniversary of Islamic Revolution on February 11, 2018 in Tehran, Iran

A young demonstrator holds a banner of Donald Trump and Barak Obama depicting them as dog and wolf in the Revolution Square on the 39th anniversary of Islamic Revolution on February 11, 2018 in Tehran, Iran

Iranian women hold an anti-US placard bearing an image of US President Barack Obama on November 4, 2014, during a demonstration outside the former US embassy in Tehran to mark the anniversary of its storming by student protesters that triggered a hostage crisis. Thousands of Iranians shouted 'Death to America' during the demonstration, 35 years after Islamist students stormed the embassy compound, holding 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days

Iranians burn a US flag outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 4, 2015, during a demonstration marking the anniversary of its storming by student protesters that triggered a hostage crisis in 1979

He was referencing the $400 million in Iranian assets plus interest totaling $1.7 billion frozen by the U.S. since the 1970s following the Iranian revolution. A first delivery of $400 million in Euros and Swiss Francs was handed over to the Iranians when the deal was signed.

'And all they do is scream death to America, death to America,' Trump continued.. And by the way, they're not screaming it so much anymore. They were screaming it with him. They don't scream it with me.'

French President Emmanuel Macron said France would not withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal

'They don't scream it with me,' Trump said of 'death to America' chants by Iranian demonstrators

He then brought up routine Iranian harassment of American vessels. 'We haven't seen their little boats circling our ships in the ocean lately because they know if they do circle the ships they're not going to be there very longer,' he said.

Macron in his comments also warned against any new Middle East wars  and said France would not pull out of the Iran deal that Trump has derided as the worst deal in history.

'For Iran, our objective is clear,' Macron said. 'Iran shall never posses any nuclear weapon. Not now, not in 5 years, not in 10 years, ne-ver,' stretching out the word for emphasis.

He said policy should 'never lead us to war in the Middle East.'

'We must ensure stability and respect sovereignty of the nations, including that one of Iran which represents a great civilization,' he said, in reference to the Persian empire.

'Let us not replicate past mistakes in the region,' he said, noting that the U.S. urged nations to joint the Iran deal.
Emmanuel Macron has taken a parting shot at Donald Trump and said it is 'insane' the US is pulling out of international treaties while predicting the President would kill the Iran deal.

The French leader said Trump would get out of the nuclear agreement next month for 'domestic reasons' and accused the US of short-termism by withdrawing from treaties it had only just joined.

His comments on Wednesday come towards the end of a three-day state visit which saw Macron and Trump lavish each other with compliments and heap praise the warm relationship between their two countries.

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The French leader (left, at George Washington University on Wednesday) said Trump (right, at Tuesday's state dinner) would get out of the Iran deal for 'domestic reasons'

'My view  I don't know what your president will decide  is that he will get rid of this deal on his own, for domestic reasons,' Macron told around a dozen reporters at George Washington University.

When pressed again on whether Trump would ditch the deal, Macron replied: 'I think so. That's my view. I don't have any specific information, I'm not an insider. My view is that there is a big risk he will leave.'

And on Trump's tendency to pull out of international treaties, the French leader said: 'It can work in the short term but it's very insane in the medium to long term,' he said of the US decision 'to change [its] opposition so often.'

Trump - a fierce opponent of the July 2015 agreement signed by Tehran and international powers - must declare by May 12 if he will essentially walk away from the existing deal when the renewal deadline arrives on May 12, or stay in.

Macron had come to Washington in part to plead for a more comprehensive 'new agreement' that would address what he and Trump believe to be shortcomings of the existing accord.

Trump has branded the Iran deal 'insane' and the 'worst' in history.

Macron displayed his usual love for selfies while greeting crowds who had come to watch his George Washington University speech

The French President received a warm welcome from students, who came out in their droves to meet him

Macron waves to someone in the distance as members of the audience take photos on their phones

'I have no inside information' on what decision Trump will make on the agreement, Macron told journalists on Wednesday.

But 'I listen to what President Trump is saying and it seems to me that he is not very eager to defend it.'

Macron recalled that Trump made killing the Iran nuclear accord a campaign pledge during his 2016 presidential run.

'The rational analysis of all his statements does not make me think that he will do everything to maintain' the agreement signed with Iran to prevent the Islamic republic from acquiring an atomic bomb.

Asked whether such a decision would signify a personal failure for him, Macron stressed that his role 'is not to try to convince President Trump to walk away from his campaign commitments.'

President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Brigitte Macron, and French President Emmanuel Macron pose for a photo in Grand Foyer before a State Dinner at the White House in Washington on Tuesday

During his state dinner toast on Tuesday, President Trump raised a glass to President Macron saying: 'May our friendship grow even deeper'

Instead he offered further defense of the deal, saying 'I'm trying to prove that this agreement makes sense.'

The proposal that Macron put forward to his US counterpart involves preserving the existing agreement on the first of 'four pillars' of a future deal.

The others would address the period after 2025, when certain clauses concerning nuclear activities will sunset; Tehran's highly controversial ballistic missile program; and its 'destabilizing' role in the region.

'For me it's progress, it avoids falling into the complete unknown if the US decision is a hard exit,' said Macron, who confirmed that the proposal was a strategy coordinated with European partners and not a unilateral one.

Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership last year, but has since raised the prospect of rejoining.
A brave woman posed next to a police car without her hijab in Iran while a whole family removed their headscarves in solidarity with a woman who was viciously beaten by 'morality police officers'.

A growing number of Iranian woman have taken to the streets without the mandatory hijab in recent days after a video surfaced of female police officers assaulting a young woman whose red headscarf was deemed 'insufficient' because it only loosely covered her hair.

The video has reignited a public debate on the decades-long requirement for women in the Islamic Republic to wear hijabs.

Officials of all ranks up to President Hassan Rouhani have weighed in on the incident as women question being forced to wear the hijab in public.

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A brave woman posed next to a police car without her hijab in Iran in solidarity with a woman who was viciously beaten by 'morality police officers'

A group of women uncovered their hair in a video shared on Twitter, during which a a man's voice is heard saying: 'I join my family to say NO to forced hijab'

On Tuesday, advocacy group My Stealthy Freedom shared a picture of a young woman leaning against a police car without her hair covered.

'Welcome to the 46th week of #WhiteWednesdays!' the caption said.

My Stealthy Freedom, an online group campaigning against the forced hijab, highlights instances of abuse of women who choose not to wear it.

The group's founder Masih Alinejad launched the social media hashtag White Wednesdays, encouraging women to flout regulations posting pictures and videos of themselves without the hijabs online.

She also shared a clip sent to her from a family who posed with their backs to the camera, but with their hair uncovered.

Another woman filmed herself as she walked through the streets of Karaj with her hair uncovered

'I join my family to say no to forced hijab in the hope of freedom for Iran,' a man's voice is heard saying during the clip.

Another woman filmed herself as she walked through the streets of Karaj with her hair uncovered.

'Today I walked the whole way without the compulsory hijab,' she said in the clip.

'I wanted to say that like many, I'm against compulsory veil too. I want to say no to compulsory veil and I hope there comes a day when all Iranian women can take a walk with no fear or stress and without having to put on a compulsory veil.

My Stealthy Freedom was also the first to upload the video of the young woman who was assaulted.

Videos have been posted showing women bravely defying the country's law by walking through the streets of cities like Tehran and Shiraz without the hijab

Several of them face verbal and physical abuse in the street, with bystanders urging them to cover their hair

Their protest has been named #WalkingUnveiled and is quickly spreading on social media

Alongside the video, the group wrote: 'This woman is savagely beaten up by morality police as punishment for her insufficient hijab. And they tell us hijab is a 'small issue'.'

They added: 'We expose them and we resist compulsory hijab.'

Since then, videos have been posted showing women bravely defying the country's law by walking through the streets of cities like Tehran and Shiraz without the hijab.

Several of them face verbal and physical abuse in the street, with bystanders urging them to cover their hair.

Their protest has been named #WalkingUnveiled and is quickly spreading on social media.

The video appeared online last week, with activists suggesting it was taken in Tehran, though nothing in it offers hints at its location.

It shows a young woman with a long red scarf loosely covering her head, her hair clearly showing, being surrounded by three morality policewomen wearing chadors, who grab her.

The video appeared online last week, with activists suggesting it was taken in Tehran, though nothing in it offers hints at its location

It shows a young woman with a long red scarf loosely covering her head, her hair clearly showing, being surrounded by three morality policewomen wearing chadors, who grab her

One grabs her by the throat. She screams, they pick her up off her feet.

She then ends up on the ground, weeping as another woman comforts her before the officers grab her again.

'Why are you hitting me? You have been destroying us for 30 years,' she is heard shouting at one point.

The video went viral on social media and drew an immediate reaction from officials.

Iran's interior minister, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, ordered authorities on Thursday to investigate the incident soon after Masoumeh Ebtekar, a female vice president for women's affairs, condemned the police's 'violent' approach to the situation.

Reformist lawmaker Tayebeh Siavoshi said on Saturday that the policewoman seen in the video grabbing the young woman's throat has been suspended pending the investigation.

None of the women in the video have been identified.

She then ends up on the ground, weeping as another woman comforts her before the officers grab her again

She can later be seen lying on the floor, crying in pain and without her headscarf, as a large crowd surrounds her

'Imposing (force on women) will lead nowhere,' she said.

President Rouhani, a cleric who is considered a moderate within Iran's political system, also criticised the morality police in a speech on Saturday.

The police force's stated mandate is 'promoting virtue and preventing vice.'

'Grabbing people's collars to promote virtue will not work,' Rouhani warned. 'You cannot do it by being aggressive.'

Hard-liners, however, have dismissed the video as a foreign plot.

The hard-line Kayhan daily on Sunday described the video as 'strange and suspicious,' noting foreign activists have promoted it.

Previously, hard-liners pointed to a campaign challenging the hijab launched by a journalist at the Persian service of the Voice of America, which is funded by the US government.

One of the many brave Iranian women who has taken to the streets in the wake of the horrific abuse by morality police seen in a video last week gets asked why she is not veiled

On Monday, judiciary chief Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani said he supported the morality police, adding that 'law enforcement should not withdraw a single inch.'

But on the streets of Tehran, women are openly discussing the video and their own encounters with morality police.

'I think that it was very unnecessary the way that the police, or the morality police, handled the situation,' said Hamraz, 27, an Austrian national born to Iranian parents who is on vacation in Tehran.

'It was very unfortunate that it was caught on camera, but in a way it was good that everyone got to see how people are being treated: very unjust and very unfair.'

Sahar, a 25-year-old university student, agreed.

'I think everyone must be free to choose what they believe in and we can deal with each other more peacefully instead of trying to induce people to do what you think is right,' she said. 'This method surely will not work.'

The hijab and chador have long been parts of Persian culture.

They became political symbols in 1936, when Iran's pro-Western ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi banned the garments amid his efforts to rapidly modernise Iran.

Videos show women bravely defying the country's Islamic law, which requires them to cover their hair in public, as part of the #WalkingUnveiled protest

A cleric in Iran was seen demanding a woman covers her hair in another video posted online

The ban became a source of humiliation for some pious Muslim women in the country.

Even before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the long, flowing black robes for women known as chadors and the headscarves, or hijabs, were both a political and religious symbol in the Shiite-dominated nation.

'I used to be a person who would always say her prayers and deeply believed in God,' said Afrouz, 28, who like other women who spoke to the Associated Press in Tehran would only give their first name for fear of retribution.

'I would always say grace before having a meal. Right now, I believe in none of those things.'

As the 1979 Islamic Revolution took hold, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ordered female civil servants to wear the chador.

At first, thousands of women protested the decision in Tehran and Khomeini later said officials should not insult women who chose not to wear it - though he also called the chador 'the flag of the revolution.'

The hijab and loose-fitting clothing later became mandatory for all women in Iran.

The Islamic code also forbids women touching, dancing or singing with men outside their families.

And though some freedoms for women were curtailed in the years that followed, Iranian women were still allowed to drive, unlike in Saudi Arabia, and hold public office.

A man is seen standing over a woman who is walking in public with her hair uncovered in Iran

In Tehran today, some fashionable young women wear tighter clothes with a scarf loosely covering their head, technically meeting the requirements of the law while drawing the ire of conservatives.

Women arrested for showing their hair in public in Iran can receive jail terms of two months or less and face fines equivalent to $25.

In December, Tehran's police said they would no longer arrest women for not observing the Islamic dress code as video clips of women choosing not to wear hijabs and walking the streets with their heads uncovered spread across social media.

One image - of a young woman, head uncovered and waving her hijab like a flag in Tehran's Enghelab Street - became famous during economic protests that swept Iran later that month.

Tehran's prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said in March that the woman had been sentenced to 24 months in prison.

The telecommunication junction box she stood on in the photograph has since been re-welded to stop women from standing on it, though protests continue.
In this Jan. 18, 2019 image made from video provided by the Survival Media Agency, a teenager wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat, center left, stands in front of an elderly Native American singing and playing a drum in Washington. Videos of the incident initially sparked controversy and condemnation of the teens from Kentucky, but further review of videos show a third group of religious radicals was also in the area, and the Native Americans and students from Covington Catholic High School may have misinterpreted each other's motives. The teen wearing the cap was later identified as Nick Sandmann. (Survival Media Agency via AP) PHOTO:Survival Media Agency via AP

Diocese: KY Students Didn't Start Confrontation

By The Associated Press

COVINGTON - Investigators hired by a Kentucky diocese have found that Catholic school boys didn't instigate a confrontation at the Lincoln Memorial that went viral on social media.

Covington Bishop Roger Foys initially condemned the students' behavior after a video showed a teenage boy face-to-face with a Native American man. Days later, Foys apologized for "making a statement prematurely."

The students were in Washington for an anti-abortion rally last month when they encountered a group of black street preachers who were shouting insults at both them and a group of Native Americans. The bishop now says the students "were placed in a situation that was at once bizarre and even threatening."

"The immediate world-wide reaction to the initial video led almost everyone to believe that our students had initiated the incident and the perception of those few minutes of video became reality," Foys wrote this week in a letter to parents.

Both the Native American man, Nathan Phillips, and the Covington student facing Phillips have said they were attempting to defuse the situation.

The four-page report on the investigation said a group of investigators from a firm called Greater Cincinnati Investigation interviewed 43 students and more than a dozen chaperones who were on the trip to Washington. Investigators reviewed social media videos, tried to contact Phillips and traveled to Michigan to attempt to speak to him, but he was not interviewed.

The videos show Phillips surrounded by students. Many interviewed students told investigators that they felt Phillips was coming into their group to join their own cheers, which were meant to drown out insults from the street preachers, who referred to themselves as the Black Hebrew Israelites. Many students reported that they were confused but did not feel threatened by Phillips, the report said.

"We found no evidence of racist statements to Mr. Phillips or members of his group," the report said. "Some students performed a 'tomahawk chop' to the beat of Mr. Phillips' drumming and some joined in Mr. Phillips' chant."

The investigators also reviewed related videos, including one made the same day in which a young person says, "It's not rape if you enjoy it." The investigators say they concluded that person was not a Covington Catholic student.

The investigators were hired by a law firm that represents the school and the Catholic diocese, the report said.
Iran is using emojis holding 'death to America' signs to promote a new messaging app it can use to spy on its citizens' private conversations.

The Islamist regime is trying to convince 50 million Iranians to switch from Telegram to locally-made app Soroush which lacks its competitor's end-to-end encryption.

Ayatollah Khamenei quit Telegram this week and has frequently blamed the program for spreading civil unrest resulting in December's huge protests.

Iran is using emojis holding 'death to America' signs to promote new messaging app Soroush it can use to spy on its citizens' private conversations

Ayatollah Khamenei quit Telegram this week and has frequently blamed the program for spreading civil unrest resulting in December's huge protests

The regime appeared poised to ban it, following the lead of Russia, like it did with many other foreign social media platforms.

Efforts to promote Soroush, which has a tenth of Telegram's users, include the inflammatory emojis and a competition in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The emojis feature women in chadors holding placards wishing death upon Israel, America, and Freemasons, and another holding a portrait of the Ayatollah.

Soroush has the same abilities as Telegram including instant messages, groups and news feeds, and ability to do business online.

However, it doesn't have the end-to-end encryption that prevents the state from snooping on them, which made Telegram so popular.

Iranians joked Soroush's three-tick system represented the message being sent, the second for it being read by the person you sent it to, and the third that it's been read by Iranian security services.

The regime appears to want access to users' previous conversations too, as Soroush includes a tool to move all previously secure messages onto it.

Soroush (pictured) has the same abilities as Telegram including instant messages, groups and news feeds, and ability to do business online, but lacks encryption

Iran demanded Telegram give security services a back door to access users' data, but was refused by founder Pavel Durov.

Telegram was recently banned in Russia for refusing a similar demand, with Mr Durov saying it would always 'stand for freedom and privacy'.

The regime-backed app promoting 'death to America' came as Iran's President Hassan Rouhani questioned the legitimacy of demands for a fresh nuclear deal.

U.S. President Donald Trump has frequently called for the 'terrible deal' to be 'fixed' with a new agreement, and was recently joined by France.

'Together with a leader of a European country they say: 'We want to decide on an agreement reached by seven parties'. What for? With what right?' Rouhani said in a speech.

Mr Trump has fiercely criticised a three-year-old deal reached by world powers to curb Iran's nuclear programme, and threatened to pull the U.S. out of the agreement.

Trump was eyeing a broader pact that also limited Iran's ballistic missile programme and support for armed groups across the Middle East.

The regime-backed app promoting 'death to America' came as Iran's President Hassan Rouhani questioned the legitimacy of demands for a fresh nuclear deal

U.S. President Donald Trump (left) has frequently called for the 'terrible deal' to be 'fixed' with a new agreement, and was recently joined by French President Emmanuel Macron (right)

European signatories to the 2015 deal have been scrambling to salvage it, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying on Tuesday after talks with Trump that he wished 'for now to work on a new deal with Iran'.

Iran has repeatedly insisted it was sticking to the nuclear deal and would not negotiate over its missile programme.

Rouhani took aim at Trump - a former real estate mogul and TV reality star - and accused him of lacking in experience.

'You are just a businessman... you have no experience in politics or law or international agreements. How can he pass judgement on international affairs?' he said.

Rouhani insisted that by agreeing to the nuclear accord in 2015 Tehran 'showed goodwill to the world'.

'We wanted to prove to the world that Iran does not seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction,' he said.
Donald Trump warned Iran on Tuesday that it will 'have big problems' if it restarts its nuclear program with or without an agreement providing sanctions relief in exchange for its cooperation.

'If Iran threatens us in any way, they will pay a price like few countries have ever paid,' he said at a news conference.

Trump signaled that he would stay in an existing agreement that covers Tehran's nuclear activities, however, in the face of a promise that Europe will work toward a new deal that addresses his concerns about Syria and ballistic missiles.

His threats followed Tehran's claims that it could take 'surprising actions' and the U.S. would suffer 'serious consequences' if the U.S. president fulfills his promise to leave the pact.

Donald Trump warned Iran on Tuesday that it will 'have big problems' if it restarts its nuclear program with or without an agreement providing sanctions relief in exchange for its cooperation

The president railed against Barack Obama's administration for signing onto the accord in the first place as he held court with the Oval Office French President Emmanuel Macron.

Trump said the U.S. was 'insane' to send Iran 'barrels of cash' as part of the deal he claimed 'should have never, ever been made.'

Macron talked him down by committing to pursuing a new pact after hours of meetings at the White House with Trump that he said ended in a 'common reading' on what is happening in Syria, where the U.S. and Iran both have boots on the ground.

The U.S. joined France and the U.K. on launching airstrikes against Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's government after his latest chemical weapons attack. The measure brought Trump and Macron even closer, with the leaders speaking to each other on the phone regularly in the weeks since.

'In the past, sometimes France argued that it was time to take action against chemical weapons, and it was -- France was not followed by its allies, including the United States at the time. It is not what happened this time. We decided together what was possible and what was not,' Macron said at a joint news conference.

As for the Iran nuclear deal, Macon said, 'I do not know what President Trump will decide...and it's his responsibility.'

The French president said he would work with regional powers, including Turkey and the Syria-aligned Russia, for now, to forge a new agreement.

'I believe we can both combine our common views and our differences, because we are not in a vacuum. I always said we should not tear apart the JCPOA and have nothing else.'

Trump told him during the media availability that 'nobody knows what I'm going to do,' although he said to his foreign counterpart, 'you have a pretty good idea.'

The U.S. president said his actions will depend on whether it will be possible to do a new deal with 'solid foundations' unlike the crumbling agreement his predecessor left him.

'It's a bad deal. It's a bad structure. It's falling down. Should have never, ever been made,' he said. 'I blame Congress. I blame a lot of people for it. But it should have never been made, and we're going to see what happens.'

The president then railed against Barack Obama 's administration for signing onto the pact as he held court with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office

At their Oval Office meeting, Macron said U.S. and France must work together to bring stability to the region.

'The Iran deal is an important issue but we have to take a far broader picture which is security in the overall region,' he said. 'What we want to do is to contain Iran an its presence in the region.'

Trump chimed in, having already delivered his own remarks to press to begin their meeting, and tore into Iran.

'It just seems that no matter where you go, especially in the Middle East, Iran is behind it, wherever theres trouble, Yemen, Syria, no matter where you have it, Iran is behind it,' Trump said. 'And now, unfortunately Russia is getting more and more involved.'

Trump said the U.S. was not 'going to allow certain things to happen that are happening,' pointing specifically to Iran's ballistic missile testing and its terror financing in Yemen.

'The Iran deal is a disaster. Theyre testing missiles. Whats that all about?' he griped. 'What kind of a deal is it when you dont talk about Yemen and you dont talk about all the other problems that we have with respect to Iran?'

The president lit into former Secretary of State John Kerry. Trump said that 'despite all of the money that we gave them,' Kerry 'didn't want to discuss it because it was too complicated.'

Obama's administration transferred $1.7 billion to Iran, the first $400 million of which was sent over in pallets of cash, after the deal was brokered. The money resolved a dispute between the U.S. and Iran over a failed 1970s arms deal. Iran paid the U.S. for the weapons but the U.S. cancelled the deal and froze the funds after an uprising.

'That's actual cash, barrels of cash. It's insane. It's ridiculous,' Trump claimed Tuesday in the Oval Office.

Trump appeared to be referring to the fact that the first installment of the payment delivered on wooden pallets in foreign currencies order to comply with sanctions the U.S. has on Iran's banking system. He said later on Tuesday that he also heard that the money was delivered in boxes, as well as barrels.

'In barrels, I hear, it was taken out, and in boxes it was taken out -- cash -- they should have made a deal that covered Yemen, that covered Syria, that covered other parts of the Middle East where Iraq is -- where Iran is involved. They didn't do that,' he said.

Trump faces a May 12 deadline to decide whether he will follow through on his threat to rip up the nuclear agreement that the U.S. entered into prior to the payment to Iran.

It is party to the pact with France, Great Britain, Germany, China and Russia.

The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said Tuesday that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran would readily take 'surprising actions' if the U.S. reneges.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the U.S. could expect 'severe consequences' if Trump moves ahead with plans to pull out.

'I am telling those in the White House that if they do not live up to their commitments,' Rouhani proclaimed in a speech, 'the Iranian government will firmly react.'

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that the U.S. could expect 'severe consequences' if Trump moves ahead with plans to pull out of the nuclear agreement

Iran loomed large over Macron's visit to the White House. The French leader was the first to bring it up on Tuesday, mentioning it on the South Lawn in remarks that the U.S. president limited to the United States' long-standing friendship with the nation's oldest ally.

He did most of the talking in a joint news conference on the subject, too, after saying in an opening statement that Trump's views on the topic are well known.

President Trump has said he would be willing to stay in the deal if Europe is willing to toughen it up by addressing the existing sunset clauses and Tehran's illicit ballistic missile tests. He added Syria to the list of demands on Tuesday.

He told Macron in front of reporters that he was open to 'doing something' Iran so long as it is 'done strongly.'

As the agreement stands, Trump said, 'Its insane. Its ridiculous. It should never have been made.'

A reporter began to inform Trump that Iran says it will resume its nuclear activities if he yanks the U.S. out of it.

'It won't be so easy for them to restart. Theyre not going to be restarting anything. If they restart it, theyre going to have big problems, bigger than they ever had before. And you can mark it down,' Trump interrupted. 'If they restart their nuclear program, they will have bigger problems than they ever had before.'

As they entered into an expanded meeting with their aides after a brief session alone, Trump was visibly calmer.

'We're fairly close to understanding each other,' he said. 'Our one on one went very well.'

He told reporters during the news conference that Iran's presence in Syria was now on the table as part of a new deal, which Macron then agreed to.

Trump also said that U.S. troops would be 'coming home relatively soon' from Syria.

'I would love to get out. I'd love to bring our incredible warriors back home. They've done a great job,' he stated. 'With that being said, Emmanuel and myself have discussed the fact that we don't want to give Iran open season to the Mediterranean, especially since we really control it.'

The Iran nuclear deal and Trump's desire to recall U.S. troops from Syria were sticking points heading into the negotiations with France on Tuesday.

Macron emphasized in a Sunday interview that aired on Fox that the agreement is not 'perfect' but there is no 'Plan B.'

'I dont have any Plan B for nuclear against Iran,' he said. 'So thats a question we will discuss, but thats why I just want to say, on nuclear -- lets present this framework because its better than the sort of North Korean type of situation.

Macron said, 'I'm not satisfied with the situation with Iran. I want to fight against ballistic missiles, I want to contain their influence in the region.'

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders rebuffed Macron on Monday, telling American reporters, 'We certainly think that there should be a better deal, one that actually is positive, that works. And we don't really typically look to the leadership in Iran to determine what our foreign policy is.'

The French president seemed ready to negotiate by the time he got into the room with Trump, making what was interpreted as an about-face on his 'Plan B' comment.

He said at the news conference that the 'Plan B' remark in the interview was about climate change, not Iran, and so his position had been mischaracterized.

'Now, regarding Iran, I've always been coherent,' he insisted.

Macron said he would move forward with small group discussions on an improved deal that includes the four pillars that he and Trump discussed today.
Dozens of women have taken to the streets of Iran without the mandatory hijab, after a video emerged showing 'morality police officers' brutally beating a young woman whose veil they deemed 'insufficient'.

Videos show them bravely defying the country's Islamic law, which requires women to cover their hair in public, as they walk through cities like the capital Tehran and Shiraz.

Several of them face verbal and physical abuse in the street, with witnesses urging them to cover their hair.

Protest: One of the many brave Iranian women who has taken to the streets in the wake of the horrific abuse by morality police seen in a video last week gets asked why she is not veiled

Their protest has been named #WalkingUnveiled, and is quickly spreading on social media.

Their campaign is a response to the vicious assault last week, which has sparked a new public debate on the decades-long requirement for Iranian women.

The video appeared online last week, with activists suggesting it was taken in Tehran, though nothing in it offers hints at its location.

The outrageous scene, in what appears to be a public park in broad daylight, was secretly filmed by an onlooker and has been spread online by dissident groups.

The disturbing footage initially shows a woman with a red scarf pushed to the back of her head having a heated conversation with a man and another woman.

Seconds later, two women wearing all-black coverings that leave only their faces visible barge onto the scene and begin grabbing and shouting at the woman.

Videos show women bravely defying the country's Islamic law, which requires them to cover their hair in public, as part of the #WalkingUnveiled protest

Abuse: A man is seen standing over a woman who has exposed her heir in public in Iran

The aggressive women - who are believed to be members of the Islamic theocracy's morality police - become increasingly violent towards their frightened victim.

Other women, who do not appear to be members of the force, assist the primary attackers as an argument rages throughout.

The victim can be heard screaming in terror, and can later be seen lying on the floor, crying in pain and without her head scarf, as a large crowd surrounds her.

At the end of the video, the brutal attackers can be seen pointing and shouting at members of the crowd who appear to disagree with their barbaric actions.

The video went viral on social media and drew an immediate reaction from officials of all ranks up to President Hassan Rouhani.

President Rouhani, a cleric who is considered a moderate within Iran's political system, also criticized the morality police in a speech on Saturday. The police force's stated mandate is 'promoting virtue and preventing vice.'

'Grabbing people's collars to promote virtue will not work,' Rouhani warned. 'You cannot do it by being aggressive.'

Attack: A cleric is seen demanding that a woman covers her hair in another video

No bother: One of the women documented a completely harassment free shopping trip, and posted the video of herself walking down a street without any issues

Iran's interior minister, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, ordered authorities on Thursday to investigate the incident soon after Masoumeh Ebtekar, a female vice president for women's affairs, condemned the police's 'violent' approach to the situation.

Reformist lawmaker Tayebeh Siavoshi said Saturday that the policewoman seen in the video grabbing the young woman's throat has been suspended pending the investigation. None of the women in the video have been identified.

'Imposing (force on women) will lead nowhere,' she said.

On the streets of Tehran, women are openly discussing the video and their own encounters with morality police.

'I think that it was very unnecessary the way that the police, or the morality police, handled the situation,' said Hamraz, 27, an Austrian national born to Iranian parents who is on vacation in Tehran.

'It was very unfortunate that it was caught on camera, but in a way it was good that everyone got to see how people are being treated: very unjust and very unfair.'

The aggressive goons - who are believed to be members of the Islamic theocracy's morality police - become increasingly violent towards their frightened victim

The victim can be heard screeching in terror as the sickening abuse continues. At the end of the video, the brutal attackers can be seen pointing and shouting at members of the crowd who appear to disagree with their barbaric actions

The veil has been a mandatory dress requirement for women in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Pictured: The terrified victim is beaten by the thugs

Sahar, a 25-year-old university student, agreed, saying: 'I think everyone must be free to choose what they believe in and we can deal with each other more peacefully instead of trying to induce people to do what you think is right. This method surely will not work.'

Afrouz, 28, who also only gave her first name for fear of retribution said: 'I used to be a person who would always say her prayers and deeply believed in God.

'I would always say grace before having a meal. Right now, I believe in none of those things.'

My Stealthy Freedom, an online group campaigning against forced hijab and highlights instances of abuse of women who choose not to wear them, were the first to upload the video.

In a description of the footage, the activists wrote: 'This woman is savagely beaten up by morality police as punishment for her insufficient hijab. And they tell us hijab is a 'small issue'.'

They added: 'We expose them and we resist compulsory hijab.'

The group's founder - and also the founder of the anti-hijab 'White Wednesdays' movement - said to the thugs who beat the woman: 'Shame on you'.

She can later be seen lying on the floor, crying in pain and without her head scarf, as a large crowd surrounds her

The disturbing footage initially shows a woman with a red scarf pushed to the back of her head having a heated conversation with a man and another woman

White Wednesdays encourages women to flout regulations by capturing footage and pictures of themselves without their hijabs and posting it online.

The veil has been a mandatory dress requirement for women in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The Islamic code also forbids women touching, dancing or singing with men outside their families.

Women are only allowed to show their face, hands and feet in public and are supposed to wear only modest colours.

Women arrested for showing their hair in public in Iran can receive jail terms of two months or less and face fines equivalent to $25.

Over the years, however, women have pushed back the boundaries of the law, with many wearing loose, brightly coloured headscarves far back on their heads.

The My Stealthy Freedom and White Wednesdays movements have also grown in recent months, following several well-publicized arrests of women who have removed their hijabs in public.
Iran's president has warned Donald Trump of 'severe consequences' if the United States withdraws from the nuclear deal signed with Tehran.

On Tuesday, President Hassan Rouhani warned the US president to remain in the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers in 2015 as other signatories stepped up efforts to save the agreement.

'I am telling those in the White House that if they do not live up to their commitments, the Iranian government will react firmly,' Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

Scroll down for video

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (pictured) warned Donald Trump to remain in the nuclear deal Tehran signed with world powers in 2015 or face 'severe consequences'

'If anyone betrays the deal, they should know that they would face severe consequences,' he told a cheering crowd of thousands gathered in the city of Tabriz.

'Iran is prepared for all possible situations,' he added.

Trump has said that unless European allies fix what he has called 'terrible flaws' in the deal by May 12, he will restore U.S. economic sanctions on Iran, which would be a severe blow to the pact.

The other powers that signed the deal - Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France - have all said they want to preserve the agreement that curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for lifting most sanctions.

French President Emmanuel Macron (pictured second left, with Trump) is in Washington, trying to convince Trump not to tear up the accord

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Washington, trying to convince Trump not to tear up the accord.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday he had agreed with his Chinese counterpart that Moscow and Beijing would try to block any US attempt to sabotage the nuclear deal.

Iran has warned that it will ramp up its nuclear programme if the deal collapses.
Iran's atomic agency is ready with 'expected and unexpected' reactions if the United States pulls out of the multinational nuclear deal, president Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday.

'Our Atomic Energy Organization is fully prepared  for actions that they expect and actions they do not expect,' Rouhani said.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to leave the deal accorded by Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers with the goal of curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions.

He's called the agreement the worst in history and in January warned the U.K, France and Germany that they must work to fix what the U.S. considers the deal's flaws or he would not issue new waivers to suspend sanctions.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday Iran is 'fully prepared for actions' if president Donald Trump decides to pull out of the multinational nuclear deal

U.S. sanctions against Iran will resume unless Trump issues new waivers by the May 12 deadline.

Disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said on Thursday the U.S. has been having 'intense' discussions with its European allies ahead of the deadline.

Iran, on its part, has maintained it will respect the agreement as long as the other nations do but will 'shred' it if the U.S. pulls out.

According to Iranian state TV, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in new York: 'Iran has several options if the United States leaves the nuclear deal.

The U.S. and five other world powers agreed to the deal with the goal of curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions

Trump has called the agreement the worst in history and in January warned the U.K, France and Germany that they must work to fix what the U.S. considers the deal's flaws or he would not issue new waivers to suspend sanctions

'Tehran's reaction to America's withdrawal of the deal will be unpleasant.'

President Rouhani also said his government slapped controls on markets this month to prevent instability in the foreign exchange market with its currency in case the U.S. pulls out.

'This was a preventative blow against any American decision on May 12.

'They fully hoped to ... cause chaos in the [foreign exchange] market. I promise to the people that the plot of the enemy has been thwarted, and whether or not the nuclear deal remains in effect, we will have no problem,' Rouhani said.
A terrified woman has been savagely beaten by morality police thugs in Iran because her head scarf was deemed an 'insufficient' covering, activists said.

The outrageous scene, in what appears to be a public park in broad daylight, was secretly filmed by an onlooker and has been spread online by dissident groups.

The disturbing footage initially shows a woman with a red scarf pushed to the back of her head having a heated conversation with a man and another woman.

Seconds later, two women wearing all-black coverings that leave only their faces visible barge onto the scene and begin grabbing and shouting at the woman.

The aggressive goons - who are believed to be members of the Islamic theocracy's morality police - become increasingly violent towards their frightened victim

The victim can be heard screeching in terror as the sickening abuse continues. At the end of the video, the brutal attackers can be seen pointing and shouting at members of the crowd who appear to disagree with their barbaric actions

The veil has been a mandatory dress requirement for women in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Pictured: The terrified victim is beaten by the thugs

The aggressive goons - who are believed to be members of the Islamic theocracy's morality police - become increasingly violent towards their frightened victim.

Other women, who do not appear to be members of the force, assist the primary attackers as an argument rages throughout.

The victim can be heard screeching in terror as the sickening abuse continues.

She can later be seen lying on the floor, crying in pain and without her head scarf, as a large crowd surrounds her.

At the end of the video, the brutal attackers can be seen pointing and shouting at members of the crowd who appear to disagree with their barbaric actions.

A Facebook group which highlights such instances of abuse, My Stealthy Freedom, uploaded the video.

In a description of the footage, the activists wrote: 'This woman is savagely beaten up by morality police as punishment for her insufficient hijab. And they tell us hijab is a "small issue".'

They added: 'We expose them and we resist compulsory hijab.'

The group's founder - and also the founder of the anti-hijab 'White Wednesdays' movement - said to the thugs who beat the woman: 'Shame on you'.

She can later be seen lying on the floor, crying in pain and without her head scarf, as a large crowd surrounds her

The disturbing footage initially shows a woman with a red scarf pushed to the back of her head having a heated conversation with a man and another woman

White Wednesdays encourages women to flout regulations by capturing footage and pictures of themselves without their hijabs and posting it online.

The veil has been a mandatory dress requirement for women in Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

The Islamic code also forbids women touching, dancing or singing with men outside their families.

Women are only allowed to show their face, hands and feet in public and are supposed to wear only modest colours.

Over the years, however, women have pushed back the boundaries of the law, with many wearing loose, brightly coloured headscarves far back on their heads.

In November, footage emerged of women standing up to police and strangers after walking the streets without hijabs.

At one point a female campaigner shouts 'spit out your insults' after being told to cover her head while a second film shows a man threatening to slap a young woman for breaking the law.

Another video showed a father standing up for her daughter after a passer-by ordered her to 'observe hijab'. The father stands his ground and tells the man 'I don't believe that nonsense'.


Israel is preparing for a revenge attack from Iran after the bombing of an air base in Syria last week, which killed seven Iranian soldiers.

Israel has officially neither confirmed nor denied the attack, but an Israeli Defence Force source told the New York Times they were responsible for the raid on April 9.

Now, Israel is bracing itself for an attack directly from Iran, launched by the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps, to avenge the seven dead soldiers.

Tension: Israeli soldiers stand on top of their armored personnel carrier (APC) in the Golan Heights, near the Israeli Syrian border last week

The IDF reportedly believe an attack by the Iranian army will be launched from one of the bases they control in allied Syria - and have warned Tehran against any action.

'Israel will react strongly to any Iranian action from inside Syria,' senior IDF source told Sky News according to JPost.

Israel, which has often struck Syrian army locations during its neighbour's seven-year civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid.

But Israeli officials said the Tiyas air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria of its arch foe.

Iran's Tansim news agency said seven Iranian military personnel had been killed in the attack, which contributed to a sharp escalation of tensions between the West and Russia.

Armed and ready: An Israeli Iron dome system is seen near the Israeli Syrian border a day after the air raid on the airbase in Syria which killed seven Iranian soldiers

Missile strikes on a Syrian air base have left 14 dead hours after Donald Trump warned 'animal' dictator Bashar al-Assad there would be a 'big price to pay' for a horrifying chemical attack that killed dozens of children

'(The Tiyas strike) was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets - both facilities and people,' New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman quoted the Israeli military source as saying.

Friedman described the seven Iranians killed as members of the Qods Force, a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps that oversees operations abroad, and one of them as a commander of a drone unit.

Asked about the claim of Israeli responsibility cited in the New York Times article, which was published on Sunday, an Israeli military spokeswoman said: 'There is no comment at this time.'

While acknowledging that it has carried out scores of strikes in Syria against suspect Iranian deployments or arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, Israel generally does not comment on specific missions.

The attack on Tiyas came days before the United States, Britain and France launched 105 missiles targeting what Washington said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for the suspected poison gas attack.

Assad has denied using chemical weapons.

Despite the Israeli source's comment to the New York Times that the killing of Iranians at Tiyas was unprecedented for Israeli missions in Syria, a 2015 air strike there that Hezbollah blamed on Israel killed an Iranian general along with several of the Lebanese guerrillas.
The Obama administration reportedly investigated former CIA and NSA chief Michael Hayden for leaking classified information to the press in 2012.

A newly unsealed court filing, obtained by The Daily Beast, has revealed that the FBI sought a search warrant for Hayden's AOL email account.

According to to the file, the FBI suspected Hayden of being a source for a New York Times article that was published on June 1, 2012.

The Obama administration reportedly investigated former CIA and NSA chief Michael Hayden (left in 2007) for leaking classified information to the press in 2012

The FBI suspected Hayden of being a source for a New York Times article that was published June 2012. The article claimed that former president Barack Obama secretly ordered attacks on the computer systems that ran Irans main nuclear enrichment facilities (pictured in 2008)

The article claimed that former president Barack Obama secretly ordered sophisticated attacks on the computer systems that ran Irans main nuclear enrichment facilities.

Those attacks, which begun during the Bush administration in partnership with Israel, were code-named Olympic Games.

The Stuxnet computer virus accidentally became public in 2010 because of a programming error that allowed it to escape Irans Natanz plant and sent it around the world on the Internet.

According to the reports, the article confirmed suspicions that the US was partly responsible for the attack. The search warrant was filed in November 2012 and it was unsealed Monday.

Asked over email if he'd previously known about the search warrant, Hayden wrote to the Daily Beast: 'I don't think they announce them.' He added a smiley face emoji.

Though Hayden was not cited as a source on the Olympic Games revelation in the Times article, but he was quoted on the significance of the Stuxnet virus.

Those attacks were code-named Olympic Games. The Stuxnet computer virus accidentally became public in 2010 because of a programming error that allowed it to escape Irans Natanz plant (pictured) and sent it around the world on the Internet

Transaction records for Hayden's (pictured in 2002) AOL email account showed he'd exchanged email messages with David Sanger, who wrote the Times story. But the FBI tracked the story to retired Marine Gen James Cartwright (right)

'This is the first attack of a major nature in which a cyber attack was used to effect physical destruction,' Hayden said at the time.

Hayden's name and email address are redacted from the unsealed filing, but the case is captioned with Hayden's AOL email address. It's unclear if the warrant was ever granted.

According to the Daily Beast, the FBI obtained transaction records for Hayden's AOL email account that showed he'd exchanged email messages with David Sanger, who wrote the Times story, 10 times before and after the story.

That information was used to obtain the entire contents of Hayden's AOL account., but the FBI found no evidence that Hayden did anything wrong.

Using similar tactics, the bureau tracked the story to retired Marine Gen James Cartwright, who pleaded guilty to a single count of lying to the FBI in 2016.

Obama pardoned Cartwright shortly before leaving office.

Hayden served as the director of the NSA from 1999 to 2005 and later led the CIA until he retired in 2009.
Diane Abbott has been caught out posting a fake image of an Israeli fighter plane bombing Iran in a tweet slamming Britain's airstrikes on Syria.

Labour's shadow home secretary posted the photo-shopped image alongside a message tearing into Theresa May for not having a parliamentary vote before the strike.

But when Twitter users pointed out she was using a mocked-up image dating back to March 2012 she branded their criticism 'pathetic'.

The image was mocked up by Al Clark for The Aviationist and shows how an attack by a formation of F-15Is on a nuclear facility located in downtown Tehran might look like.

Tory MP Michael Fabricant told MailOnline: ' If it were up to Diane Abbott we would not intervene in nay overseas military operation, no matter how threatening to the UK.

'Diane Abbott does her pacifism no good at all by deceitfully broadcasting pictures which are photo-shopped and have no relation to the truth.'

The row over Ms Abbott's tweet came as Theresa May prepared to deliver a passionate defence of the Syria strikes today as she faces off with MPs.

Diane Abbott (pictured in Parliament today) has been caught out posting a fake image of an Israeli fighter plane bombing Iran in a tweet slamming Britain's airstrikes on Syria

Diane Abbott (pictured afortnight ago) has been caught out posting a fake image of an Israeli fighter plane bombing Iran in a tweet slamming Britain's airstrikes on Syria

Labour's shadow home secretary posted the photo-shopped image alongside a message tearing into Theresa May for not having a vote before the strike

But when Twitter users pointed out that she was using a mocked-up image dating back to March 2012 she branded their criticism 'pathetic'

Ms Abbott posted the image with the message attacking International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt for her interview on BBC Radio 4 Today Programme.

She wrote: 'Shocking to hear Tory minister on BBC Radio 4 Today claim that you can't allow Parliament to vote on war because that would be to "outsource the decision to people who don't have all the info".

'Do these people understand what parliamentary democracy is?'

The image has been retweeted nearly 1,000 times and liked 1,900 times on Twitter.

It is unclear why Ms Abbott chose to post the image, which clearly shows an Israeli plane and depicts a day-time raid - whereas the airstrike launched by Britain, the US and France took place in the dead of night.

And the photo shows a raid on a built-up area of a city - whereas Friday night's strike targeted chemical weapons sites some distance from civilian homes.

People on Twitter quickly pointed out the image she had used was not a genuine photograph, but a fake image often used by the Syrian state media channel SANA TVC.

ABC reporter Julia Macfarlane wrote: 'Diane Abbott The Shadow Home Secretary here, using a photoshopped image, of what looks like an Israeli F15 jet, that has been repeatedly used on SANA TVC articles since early 2017.'

But Ms Abbott has refused to delete the pictured or apologise for her mistake - and instead had a go at people for criticising her.

A reporter was among those who pointed out the image is photo-shopped and not a picture from the strike by Western forces against Syria at the weekend

Tory MP James Cleverly said the Labour MP undermine d her own argument by using a photo-shopped image

One Twitter user said the tweet was another example of Diane Abbott's blundering

Colin Jacobs joined in the criticism - pointing out that Diane Abbott's famous car crash election interview when she could not say how much Labour's policing policies cost should have been a reminder of the need to get her facts straight

She wrote: 'Apparently, my use of this pic is "important news". Yes, UK goes to war without UN approval or even parliamentary debate.

'But the most important news is what pics I use in a tweet. Pathetic.'

Tory MP for Braintree James Cleverly said: Diane massively undermines he own argument by showing a willingness to use a deeply dishonest image.

'Can any of us believe she, or Corbyn etc, would make a balanced judgement based on the facts rather than on their anti-West prejudice and a desire for party political advantage?'

Colin Jacobs, managing director of Immediate Future social media consultancy, said: 'I feel Diane Abbott has received sufficient (warranted) criticism when she has not been accurate with information (particularly budgets) to know this is an insanely stupid decision she's made. Why?!'

French President Emmanuel Macron (pictured left) greets Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Paris today. The meeting comes after Mr Macron joined Britain and France in airstrikes against Syrian chemical weapons sites

Justin Trudeau (pictured with Emmanuel Macron today) put out a statement backing the airstrikes against Bashar Assad's chemical weapons bases

Stephen Phillips wrote on Twitter 'Clearly, Ms Abbott is incapable of discerning fact from fiction.

'Hopefully she has by now removed this scurrilous piece of #FakeNews and apologised to the Israeli government - and everyone else offended by it.

'Just as well she's more accurate with her sums.'

The row comes ahead of a hotly-anticipated parliamentary clash later today about Mrs May's decision to order airstrikes without a parliamentary vote.

The PM will deliver a passionate defence of the Syria strikes today as she faces off with MPs.

She will insist action to degrade Bashar Assad's chemical weapons capability was in the 'national interest' and justified on humanitarian grounds.

Pointing to the nerve agent attack in Salisbury last month, she will says it is vital that the use of such banned substances does not become 'normalised' around the world.

But Mrs May is expected to face a rough ride in the Commons, with Jeremy Corbyn branding the strikes illegal and saying military action should never be taken without UN - and Russian - approval.

The row over Ms Abbott's tweet came as May prepared to deliver a passionate defence of the Syria strikes today as she faces off with MPs.

The Prime Minister will insist action to degrade Bashar Assad's chemical weapons capability was in the 'national interest' and justified on humanitarian grounds.

Theresa May, pictured at a Commonwealth summit in London today, will be making a statement to MPs later on the Syria strikes

Pointing to the nerve agent attack in Salisbury last month, she will says it is vital that the use of such banned substances does not become 'normalised' around the world.

But Mrs May is expected to face a rough ride in the Commons, with Jeremy Corbyn branding the strikes illegal and saying military action should never be taken without UN - and Russian - approval.

The premier is also set to defy calls for MPs to be given a substantive vote on whether it had been right to deploy UK forces.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said this morning that it would have been 'crazy' to 'outsource' the decision to MPs who could not be given the full intelligence picture.

She suggested that a vote should only be called if there were plans for a sustained military campaign, rather than limited airstrikes.

In a statement to parliament, the PM will say chemical weapons use cannot become normalised 'either within Syria, on the streets of the UK or elsewhere'.

In a highly unusual step, Mrs May will ask Speaker John Bercow to call an emergency six-hour debate on the action, giving MPs from both sides of the House the chance to have a say.

Mrs May has faced considerable criticism for not recalling Parliament to gain approval for joining the US-led action against Bashar al-Assad's despotic regime

But the mechanism does not allow for a substantive vote. Instead the only division that could be forced by Opposition parties would confirm that the House has 'considered' the issues.

Mrs May has faced considerable criticism for not recalling Parliament to gain approval before joining the US-led action against Bashar al-Assad's despotic regime.

Tony Blair established a convention in the run-up to the Iraq War that a Commons vote is held on significant military action.

Does May need to call a Commons vote on striking Syria? Theresa May was constitutionally entitled to order British forces into action in Syria without a Commons vote. The Prime Minister has the power to deploy troops under the Royal Prerogative. There are no hard and fast rules obliging the government to involve rank-and-file MPs in the decision. But a vote on prolonged deployment of UK forces would be almost impossible to avoid. Commons divisions have been held on almost all military action by British forces since the Iraq War in 2003, establishing what many see as a firm convention.

However, the PM retains the ability to deploy UK forces when needed. Mrs May has said it was not practical to seek parliamentary approval for the limited strikes on Syria early on Saturday morning.

Critics say she was nervous about the possibility of losing a vote - although after the action passed apparently without escalation many believe she would win one.

Tory MPs have been told they must be in the Commons today and tomorrow in case there is a vote on her handling of the Syria crisis.

Downing Street officials said they believed a vote was unlikely  but did not rule out the possibility of other parties forcing one later in the week.

Ms Mordaunt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'To take a decision on whether something is legally justified, and whether what we are actually intending on doing in terms of targets is appropriate, you would need to know information that could not be shared with every MP.

'And so, outsourcing that decision to people who do not have the full picture is, I think, quite wrong. And, the convention that was established, I think is very wrong.

'I support governments being able to take those decisions, Parliament should hold government to account for that decision.'

She added: 'You can't, for example, share targets with members of parliament. It would be a crazy thing to do.'

Mrs May will tell MPs: 'Let me be absolutely clear. We have acted because it is in our national interest to do so.

'It is in our national interest to prevent the further use of chemical weapons in Syria  and to uphold and defend the global consensus that these weapons should not be used.

'For we cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised  either within Syria, on the streets of the UK or elsewhere.'

Mr Corbyn yesterday again questioned the legality of the UK's role in the 105-missile strike  and called for legislation to stop military action without MPs' support.

He also caused fury among his own MPs by stating that he would never take military action in Syria without a UN security council resolution.

The blanket vow effectively gives Vladimir Putin the ability to block UK foreign policy, as Russia has a veto in the security council and has repeatedly deployed it.

Shadow attorney general Baroness Chakrabarti also dismissed the legal basis as 'contentious', telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'You can't use force under international law just to punish Syria for bad behaviour.

'You have to actually be using urgent, necessary and proportionate force. And you have to do it with the will of the world behind you.'

She added: 'I think that Parliament should have been recalled before the strike. Some people will suspect that that didn't happen because of governmental concerns that they couldn't get the vote in Parliament. And that to me is not a good enough reason.'

Boris Johnson, arriving for a summit of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg, said: 'The action that was taken by France, by the UK, by the United States in launching calibrated and proportionate strikes against Assad's chemical weapons capabilities, was entirely right, entirely the right thing to do - right for the UK and right for the world.

'I'm very grateful for the strong international support that there has been for what the P3 - UK, France and America - have done.'
My fellow Americans: a short time ago I ordered the United States armed forces to launch precision strikes on targets associated with the chemical weapons capabilities of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now underway. We thank them both.

Tonight I want to speak with you about why we have taken this action. One year ago, Assad launched a savage chemical weapons attack against his own innocent people. The United States responded with 58 missile strikes that destroyed 20 percent of the Syrian air force.

Last Saturday, the Assad regime again deployed chemical weapons to slaughter innocent civilians, this time in the town of Douma near the Syrian capital of Damascus.

Donald Trump announces he has authorized U.S. forces to launch airstrikes on Syria in conjunction with Britain and France

This massacre was a significant escalation in a pattern of chemical weapons use by the very terrible regime.

The evil and despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air.

These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster, instead.

Following the horrors of World War I a century ago, civilized nations joined together to ban chemical warfare.

Chemical weapons are uniquely dangerous not only because they inflict gruesome suffering but because even small amounts can unleash widespread devastation.

The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons. Establishing this deterrent is a vital national security interest of the United States. The combined American, British and French response to these atrocities will integrate all instruments of our national power -- military, economic, and diplomatic.

Trump condemned Assad in the strongest terms, saying: 'These are not the actions of a man. They are crimes of a monster, instead'

We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents.

I also have a message tonight for two governments most responsible for supporting, equipping and financing the criminal Assad regime.

To Iran and to Russia I ask, what kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children? The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep. No nation can succeed in the long run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants and murderous dictators.

In 2013 President Putin and his government promised the world they would guarantee the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons. Assad's recent attack and today's response are the direct result of Russia's failure to keep that promise. Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path or if it will join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace.

Hopefully some day we'll get along with Russia and maybe even Iran, but maybe not. I will say this, the United States has a lot to offer with the greatest and most powerful economy in the history of the world.

Damascus skies erupt with surface to air missile fire as the U.S. launches an attack on Syria, targeting chemical weapons manufacturing plants

In Syria the United States with but a small force being used to eliminate what is left of ISIS is doing what is necessary to protect the American people.

Over the last year, nearly 100 percent of the territory once controlled by the so-called ISIS caliphate in Syria and Iraq has been liberated and eliminated.

The United States has also rebuilt our friendships across the Middle East. We have asked our partners to take greater responsibility for securing their home region, including contributing large amounts of money for the resources, equipment and all of the anti-ISIS effort. Increased engagement from our friends, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and others can ensure that Iran does not profit from the eradication of ISIS.

A cruise missile is pictured being launched from a French military vessel in the Mediterranean sea towards targets in Syria

Part of the calculation this week has also been gaming out how Russia will respond either in the region or around the world

America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria. Under no circumstances. As other nations step up their contributions, we look forward to the day when we can bring our warriors home and great warriors they are.

Looking around our very troubled world, Americans have no illusions.

We cannot purge the world of evil or act everywhere there is tyranny. No amount of American blood or treasure can produce lasting peace and security in the Middle East.

It's a troubled place. We will try to make it better, but it is a troubled place. The United States will be a partner and a friend, but the fate of the region lies in the hands of its own people.

In the last century, we looked straight into the darkest places of the human soul. We saw the anguish that can be unleashed and the evil that can take hold. By the end of World War I, more than 1 million people had been killed or injured by chemical weapons. We never want to see that ghastly specter return.

So today, the nations of Britain, France and the United States of America have marshalled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality. Tonight I ask all Americans to say a prayer for our noble warriors and our allies as they carry out their missions.

We pray that God will bring comfort to those suffering in Syria. We pray that God there guide the whole region toward a future of dignity and of peace. And we pray that God will continue to watch over and bless the United States of America. Thank you, and good night. Thank you
We take it for granted: the small, concentric spring at the heart of a mechanical watch, which breathes. Working together with the balance wheel  the two are known as the regulator  they control the escapement, which in turn creates the tick-tock of a movement.

Mechanical watches are pretty much the same now as they were hundreds of years ago: a coiled spring is wound tightly and then unwinds to produce the energy necessary to power the movement. The gear train transfers power to the hands, while the escapement regulates the power output so that the measured time is precise. Modern mechanical watches do this very well, and even inexpensive, mass-produced watches keep good time.

But three and a half centuries ago, when accurate time was essential for maritime navigation, accomplishing consistent good timekeeping  despite rough seas in particular  was one of the most important questions of the day, known as the problem of longitude.

Wealth and influence were dependent on trade, which in turn required a fleet that would navigate accurately. That called for a timekeeper that would allow a sailor to determine his location, or longitude, precisely. The solution to the problem would thus provide fame  and perhaps fortune  to its inventor.

A portable but precise timekeeper requires a metronomic regulator inside the movement that acts like a pendulum, but in a much smaller space while being resistant to the influence of the vagaries of temperature, humidity and motion. Much of the development in the field came in the 17thand 18th centuries, as clocks and watches steadily became more precise, and accurate, moving slowly towards the watch movement that we know today.

A crucial development was the regulating element within the movement, namely the hairspring and balance. Its development formed a battle of reputations between two men of science with diverging characters and backgrounds: Christiaan Huygens and Robert Hooke. The story is one of vanity, intrigue, and, eventually, an almost unbelievable revelation  even as fiction the ending would be hard to believe.

From humble beginnings

Born in 1635 on the Isle of Wight into a family of church rectors, Robert Hooke was expected to follow in the same path. But his fathers early death resulted in a bequest of 40 for education, and although the money had been intended for vocational training such as watchmaking, Hooke was able to gain a place at the prestigious Westminster School in London.

From Westminster he won a scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford, under the guidance of the John Wilkins, the Warden, or principal, of the school.

Wilkins was a Royalist  the country was then undergoing a civil war  and in an attempt to maintain scientific discourse despite the politic upheavals, he arranged for regular meetings during the Protectorate, a period when the United Kingdom was a republic. Those meetings were the genesis of what was to become the venerable Royal Society, where Wilkins was a founding member and Hooke eventually a fellow.

Hooke made life-long friends at Oxford: architect Christopher Wren, chemist Robert Boyle, and other notables of the day, including Thomas Tompion, the foremost clockmaker of the period.

Illustrious friends notwithstanding, Hooke was, by most accounts, an irascible individual; prone to arguments and accusations towards others for not showing collegiate behaviour, or in other words using Hookes work without citation.

That was the spark that led to a confrontation with Sir Isaac Newton that may have led to Hookes relative historical obscurity, though recent research has changed that.

Hookes dispute with Newton centred on credit for the invention of the principle of gravitation (and the related inverse-square law), which led to Newton, then the President of the Royal Society, concealing Hookes work, Reputedly, that included, destroying, or not preserving, the only known portrait of Hooke. (The portrait above is a 2004 painting by Rita Greer, based on descriptions of Hooke by his colleagues.)

A silver spoon

Christiaan Huygens, in contrast to Hooke, was a boy born into the gilded life. He was the son of a noted diplomat and prominent advisor to the House of Orange, which today forms the Dutch monarchy. Huygens father counted notables like Galileo Galilei and Rene Descartes as friends.

Huygens demonstrated notable mathematical and scientific aptitude from a young age, talents that were encouraged by his father. The young Huygens was tutored at home by noted mathematician Jan Jansz de Jonge Stampioen, before progressing to the University of Leiden and then Orange College.

The difference in the careers of Hooke and Huygens after their formal educations is equally striking. Huygens had the luxury of working from home and corresponding with some of the most important scientists of the day, including Hookes foe Sir Isaac Newton. And Huygens contributed significantly to, and received credit for, Newtons second law of motion.

In terms of horology, Huygens most famous work, Horologium Oscillatorium of 1673, was a major treatise on pendulum clocks. In it, Huygens details the mathematical formula for the period of an optimum pendulum.

But the quest for a precise timekeeper was to solve the longitude problem, which meant a timekeeper for ships. Pendulum clocks were not the best solution as the rocking motion of the ship was not conducive to a regular swing of the pendulum. Another form of mechanical regulation was required, one that was unperturbed by a ships motion.

The dispute

In 1675 Huygens published a letter in the Journal des scavans providing details and a diagram of a regulator formed by with a concentric spring. Hooke was reputedly incensed, insisting he had presented such an invention to the Royal Society five years earlier. He accused Huygens of stealing his idea.

To prove his point Hooke went in search of the minutes of the meetings of the Royal Society. But the minutes for the relevant meeting, and in fact the weeks, months and even years around it, were missing. Suspicions were harboured and aspersions were cast. How could Huygens have known about Hookes invention? And where were the missing minutes?

The link between Hooke and Huygens lies with Henry Oldenburg. He was the First Secretary of the Royal Society, responsible for the official minutes of the societys meetings. But he was also foreign correspondent of the society, tasked with maintaining a network, accomplished by written correspondence, with overseas scientists, one of whom was Christiaan Huygens.

Huygens ability at translating experimental outcomes into a theoretical form allowed him to publish the result. Although intuitively Hooke was correct, and first, formalising the conditions for the experiment allows replication, which Hooke was unable to do. Replication, unfortunately for Hooke, is the nature of science.

Hooke was disconsolate and insistent he had been first. But without proof, and Huygens widely read letter, Hookes protestations were just rumour.

A long lost treasure rediscovered

Another 330 years would go by before the dispute was resolved. Understandably, neither Huygens nor Hooke was available for comment.

In 2006, Hookes very own notes concerning the minutes of the Royal Society meetings for the years 1661 to 1682 turned up in cupboard during a house valuation in Hampshire, in the south of England.

But whatever happened to the minutes of the Royal Society meeting where Hooke first demonstrated the concentric balance spring? Their absence appears to be Hookes own fault.

As Hookes paranoia about his ideas being stolen grew ever more acute, he took to copying Oldenburgs minutes for the Royal Society meetings. The irony lies in the fact that Hooke removed Oldenburgs draft of the minutes and stuck it in his own notes. Oldenburg then failed to record Hookes demonstration in the official minutes, thus obscuring Hookes demonstration of the balance spring until Hookes own notes were discovered.

Rory McEvoy, former Curator of Clocks at the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, and now lecturer in horology at Birmingham City University, noted that  Hookes design of balance spring involved two springs fitted within the balance wheel and was considerably more challenging to make than Huygens elegantly simple spiral spring.

Hooke, in a typical irascible tirade, vented his frustration at the slowness of Tompion in correcting problems with the prototype watch, branding Tompion a clownish churlish dog and a slug, according to Thomas Tompion, His Life and Work, a 1951 biography of the clockmaker.

Mr McEvoy also notes that there is an interesting parallel, as Huygens also had trouble with his watchmaker in Paris, Isaac Thuret: Having made the first working sprung balance, and having taken a vow of secrecy, Thuret went behind Huygenss back and attempted to apply for a patent in his own name. Skulduggery was as much a part of science in the 17thcentury as reasoned experimental enquiry it seems.

The long lost notes, now known as the Hooke Folio, were initially slated to go under the hammer at Bonhams and expected to fetch some 1m.

But an eleventh hour deal, funded by private donations, allowed the Royal Society to buy the folio for 940,000, or about US$1.2m, and archive the notes alongside other documents from the period.

Below, in print for the first time, and with the kind permission of the Royal Society, is an all-important page out of the Hooke Folio.

The entry for June 23, 1670  the first line in the page above  reads: The curator [Hooke] produced a pocketwatch of a new contrivance devized by himself, which he affirmed should goe as equally as a pendulum, and without stopping, and might be made to goe for 8 days.

The Hooke Folio restores Robert Hookes place in the development of the balance spring. He was indeed the first to execute the idea and demonstrate that such an invention could work, forming the foundations of the portable and precise chronometers that were to come, the very same watches that helped England rule the waves, and build an empire.

At the same time, it makes one ponder the accusations made by Hooke about Newton and other scientific foes. Robert Hooke finally gets the credit he deserves, even if it was 300 years too late.
Iran's semi-official news agency has reported that an unknown number of 'British military men' have been captured in Syria by government forces.

They quoted the Lebanese news channel al-Mayadeen's Moscow correspondent, who claimed British troops were being held after 'infiltrating' the country.

According to the report, they were taken after fighting in Eastern Ghouta, near the capital Damascus.

But sources at the UK's Ministry of Defence today insisted the report was false.

According to the report, they were taken after fighting in Eastern Ghouta, near the capital Damascus. Pictured: Pro-Syrian government forces in Eastern Ghouta on April 7

Fars claimed it was part of a plot involving 'terrorists and NATO forces' to attack Damascus.

The US, Israel and Jordan were to launch attacks 'from several fronts', the report claims, but 'rapid, major victories' by the Syrian army wrecked the plan.

Israel and the US were to use air strikes, it also claims, to help rebels 'capture vast areas of Damascus' and bring about the collapse of the Syrian regime.

But a source quoted in the report said 'Syrian-Russian military commanders' began operations in Ghouta to repel the coalition once they learned of the plans.

The source also claims the recent evacuation of civilians from Ghouta was 'a bid to provide [captured] foreign agents' with a way of leaving the area.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment. However sources at the department told the Daily Mail the report coming out of Iran was untrue.
Donald Trump will regret pulling out of the nuclear deal with Iran 'within a week', the country's president warned.

President Hassan Rouhani vowed to bolster Iran's nuclear program if U.S. sanctions are reinstated on May 12, and make it more advanced than before the 2015 deal.

Sanctions will resume on that date unless President Trump waives them again, and he is using the deadline as leverage to change the deal.

President Hassan Rouhani vowed to restart Iran's nuclear program if U.S. sanctions are reinstated on May 12, and make it more advanced than before the 2015 deal

He has effectively given European powers until that date to 'fix the terrible flaws' in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

'The new U.S. president - who has big claims and many ups and downs in his words and actions - has been trying for 15 months to break the JCPOA,' President Rouhani said in a live speech on Iranian TV on Monday.

'But the structure of the JCPOA is so strong that it has not been shaken by such quakes.

'Iran will not violate the nuclear deal, but if the United States withdraws from the deal, they will surely regret it.

'Our response will be stronger than what they imagine and they would see that within a week.'

Iran warned it would ramp up its nuclear programme if the JCOPA collapses, to achieve a more advanced level than before the deal.

President Rouhani made his threats on the same day several Iranian fighters were killed in a missile strike on a Syrian airbase

Rouhani was speaking on Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day and unveiled a nuclear battery and centrifuges for the oil industry.

France, Britain and Germany are trying to persuade their EU partners to back new sanctions on Iran, mainly on its missile programme.

They hoped this would persuade Trump to stick with the nuclear deal that put limits on Iran's nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

President Rouhani made his threats on the same day several Iranian fighters were killed in a missile strike on a Syrian airbase.

They were among 14 believed dead in the attack on the T-4 military base in Homs province that Russia is blaming on Israel.

Three missiles struck the base hours after Donald Trump warned 'animal' Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad there would be a 'big price to pay' for a horrifying chemical attack that killed dozens of children.

Syria and Russia has blamed Israel for the strike on the T-4 military base (pictured) in Homs province, but the country has refused to comment on its possible involvement

The US and France have both denied launching the attack on the airbase (pictured), which is understood to have killed a number of Iranian fighters loyal to Assad

Moscow said two Israeli F-15 fighters launched the attack while flying over neighbouring Lebanon, targeting the base with eight missiles - five of which were shot down.

The aircraft did not enter Syrian airspace, it said, while local reports claimed the rockets crossed Lebanese airspace over Keserwan and Bekaa districts.

Israel has so far refused to comment but it carried out strikes against a Syrian government base in February that was believed to be T-4.

The country has also bombed targets inside Syria during the country's seven-year civil war, including those linked to Iran and Hezbollah or to Assad's chemical weapons programme.

It followed a suspected poison gas attack on Saturday on the last remaining foothold for the Syrian opposition in the eastern suburbs of Damascus.

The strike followed a suspected poison gas attack (pictured) on Saturday on the last remaining foothold for the Syrian opposition in the eastern suburbs of Damascus

Israel carried out strikes against a Syrian government base in the country's centre in February, with war monitors identifying it at the time as T-4

Missile strikes on a Syrian air base have left 14 dead hours after Donald Trump warned 'animal' dictator Bashar al-Assad there would be a 'big price to pay' for a horrifying chemical attack that killed dozens of children

At least 40 were killed and horrific photos showed men, women and children gasping for air and foaming at the mouth and medics said survivors smelled strongly of chlorine.

The Syrian government denies carrying out the chemical attack, calling the claims a fabrication, but President Trump was unconvinced.

'Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world,' he wrote.

'President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad.

'Open area immediately for medical help and verification,' he ordered. 'Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!'
Investors in Plus 500 were nursing their fifth consecutive day of losses as the fallout from its 80 million accounting error continued.

In a note to clients yesterday, analysts at Canaccord Genuity called the financial firm's mistake a 'disturbing revelation', which had caused a 'breakdown in trust between company and investors'.

It released its accounts last week which showed it had made an 80 million loss from client trading in 2017. This number had not appeared in the 2017 figures. At the time, the company had said it did not make any losses from client accounts.

Investors in Plus 500 were nursing their fifth consecutive day of losses as the fallout from its 80 million accounting error continued

Though Plus 500 later added the error did not affect its overall reported profits, Canaccord's analysts said that a 'cocktail of declining earnings, ongoing regulatory reviews and questions about integrity' now meant their bets were on the shares falling further.

Shares slid 12.5 per cent, or 115p, to 806.5p meaning a massive 942 million has been wiped off the FTSE 250 company's value since the mistake came to light last Tuesday.

But one investor was snapping up the cheap stock. Odey Asset Management, the hedge fund firm run by 60-year-old Brexiteer Crispin Odey, revealed it had raised its stake from 13.3 per cent to 14.5 per cent as the shares slid last Thursday.

Odey had been selling down his stake in the weeks leading up to Plus 500's wipeout, offloading millions of shares just days before their value plummeted.

Between the beginning of the year and last week's announcement, during which time Plus 500's shares had been climbing, Odey had cut his stake from 12 per cent to 9.7 per cent.

Yourgene Health, which develops tests to screen for medical conditions in unborn babies, jumped 5.8 per cent, or 0.75p, to 13.75p after long-term partner Life Technologies became a major shareholder (stock image)

But since their value has almost halved, the hedge-fund tycoon has bought back even more shares for a fraction of the price at which he sold them.

Unlike Odey, who will be hoping the shares rise again so he can flog them for a profit, a number of other hedge funds are betting on Plus 500 to fail.

Six firms have bought sizeable so-called short positions in the business since the beginning of the year, meaning they will pocket more cash if the shares tumble further.

STOCK WATCH: Motif Bio Antibiotics developer Motif Bio alarmed investors as it said it would need to raise capital in the near term and aggressively manage the money it has available. The cash-strapped firm said it had amended its agreements with lender Hercules Capital. It has made an early repayment of 5.4 million to help lower future interest payments. Lenders have been worried since US regulators refused to approve its latest drug earlier this month. Shares fell 28 per cent, or 2.83p, to 7.29p.

The FTSE 100 was treading water, as investors awaited news from Theresa May's latest Brexit trip to Brussels. The index edged back 0.2 per cent, or 17.21 points, to 7219.47 points.

After releasing better-than-expected results last week for the 18 months to October, software firm Micro Focus was among the top risers as brokers gave it a boost.

Analysts at Stifel lifted their target price for Micro Focus's shares from 2013p to 2236p, following signs the firm was recovering from its disastrous takeover of Hewlett Packard Enterprises. Shares jumped 4.1 per cent, or 68.5p, to 1748.5p.

Engineer Spirax-Sarco also helped pull the blue-chip index up, announcing it was in late-stage talks to acquire specialist cable manufacturer Thermocoax for 139 million. Its shares lifted 1.1 per cent, or 75p, to 6755p.

Among the stock market's smaller companies, car retailer Pendragon  which owns the Evans Halshaw showrooms and online marketplace Car Store edged higher as it appointed a replacement for retiring veteran boss Trevor Finn.

Mark Herbert, former chief executive of car dealership Jardine Motors UK, will start at Pendragon on March 4 and join the board in April.

Shares climbed 0.9pc, or 0.25p, to 27.25p.

Yourgene Health, which develops tests to screen for medical conditions in unborn babies, jumped 5.8 per cent, or 0.75p, to 13.75p after long-term partner Life Technologies became a major shareholder.

Life Technologies, owned by US healthcare giant Thermo Fisher, exercised its right to buy more than 41 million newly created Yourgene shares for 9.2p each
Major banks on the Continent will be able to carry on using London for 60 trillion of crucial trading activity

Major banks on the Continent will be able to carry on using London for 60 trillion of crucial trading activity even if there is a No Deal Brexit.

Large lenders inside the European Union have been given permission by Brussels to continue accessing so-called clearing houses in the City for a year after we leave.

These clearing houses allow banks to trade complicated derivatives which underpin vital lending to households and businesses.

Banks based inside the EU are legally only allowed to use clearing houses within the bloc  and it was feared a No Deal Brexit would cut them off from London, the main hub for clearing, causing chaos.

Derivatives contracts worth as much as 60 trillion were thought to be at risk, affecting huge lenders such as Deutsche Bank.

But the European Securities and Markets Authority has given EU banks permission to keep trading in the UK for 12 months after Brexit even if there is no deal.

Finbarr Hutcheson, president of ICE Clear Europe, welcomed the decision. He said: 'It removes the uncertainty.'
Efforts to tackle poor mobile coverage in rural Britain have been hampered after a row broke out between network providers.

Proposals discussed by EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three would have seen the companies share infrastructure to boost signals in the hardest-to-reach areas.

But EE parent company BT has vetoed the idea, arguing its rivals will benefit far more from the arrangement.

Efforts to tackle poor mobile coverage in rural Britain have been hampered after a row broke out between network providers

The Government had suggested it could force operators to work together if they do not come up with a voluntary solution to tackle so-called 'not spots'.

Mobile firms have been in talks since October but have opposing views on how coverage should be improved. The proposal blocked by BT would have initially focused on areas where only some networks have coverage.

For example, in areas where BT owns masts it could have allowed other firms to bolt on their equipment, increasing the number of networks available to customers.

But BT objected to the plan earlier this month. It believes other operators should be made to invest in their own infrastructure rather than piggyback on its equipment.

BT objected to the signal-boosting plan earlier this month. It believes other operators should be made to invest in their own infrastructure rather than piggyback on its equipment

The firm instead wants plans to focus on areas where no network has coverage and wants carriers to jointly invest in building towers and masts.

If the operators cannot agree, they could be forced by regulator Ofcom to introduce so-called 'rural roaming' instead, which is a technically difficult arrangement where they would have to allow customers on rival networks to switch to their own network to get a signal.

Last night a Vodafone spokesman said BT's decision was 'extremely disappointing'.

A spokesman for BT said it had 'invested heavily' in its network.

A Three spokesman said the firm supported rural roaming if no other solution could be found.
Reckitt Benckiser's outgoing boss insisted he was worth every penny of his lavish pay having picked up almost 90 million since taking the top job.

Rakesh Kapoor said he had delivered huge returns for shareholders during his eight years running the consumer goods giant, which makes Durex condoms and Nurofen painkillers.

The comments came as Reckitt delivered a 10 per cent rise in sales to 12.6 billion in 2018. Profits were up 11 per cent to 3 billion.

Rakesh Kapoor said he had delivered huge returns for shareholders during his eight years running the consumer goods giant, Reckitt Benckiser

Investors welcomed the figures, the last set of annual results before Kapoor leaves.

Under Kapoor's leadership, Reckitt shares have risen by nearly 95 per cent compared to a 33 per cent rise in the FTSE 100 over the same period. They rose 4.6 per cent, or 279p, to 6296p yesterday.

But Kapoor's bumper pay of nearly 86 million while in charge has sparked a series of shareholder revolts.

The 60-year-old could still pocket shares worth another 31 million, depending on performance, potentially taking his pay since 2011 to 117 million.

Defending his pay yesterday, Kapoor said: 'All I would say is if you had invested in our company in 2011 and stayed with it over the period of time until the end of last year, you would have outperformed the FTSE by quite a material factor.

'You would have really done very well with that investment, despite the fact we did not have the best performance in the last 12 to 18 months.

Reckitt Benckiser makes a number of popular household products including Vanish, Finish, Dettol and Harpic

'Over the last eight years, we have had premium performance and premium value-creation for shareholders and we have been ahead of the market in the top-tier companies,' he said. 'We have done a really good job in terms of outperforming those benchmarks. That is where I would leave it.'

Kapoor talked up what he sees as his biggest achievement  the reorganisation of Reckitt into two distinct arms, one for health and another for hygiene and household goods.

He also said it had regained momentum after a string of setbacks, including disruption at its Dutch factory, product failures, an exodus of bosses, a cyber-attack costing 100 million and a scandal in South Korea that saw one of Reckitt's disinfectants blamed for the deaths of children.

Kapoor said the company was better prepared to defend itself against cyber attacks and apologised once again for the South Korean tragedy.

'Clearly it was a tragedy. I feel terrible about the fact it happened and we have done everything possible to compensate people and play our rightful role.'
I am moving to Australia in June this year with family, what will happen to my Isa?

I have around 40,000 in cash and 75,000 in my stocks and shares Isa  will I have to close the accounts and withdraw the money when I move?

I am concerned that if I keep them I will be taxed?

Expat money: Your cash and investment Isas will remain tax free in the UK after you have moved abroad

Emma Gunn of This is Money says: When you move abroad there are a whole host of things you need to think about, including unfortunately the implications for any tax-free savings you have built up in the UK.

What you want to do with these will depend on whether you still have any assets in the UK, whether you plan to move back and factors such as the exchange rate and tax rules in the country you are moving to.

For example, those considering returning to the UK at some point may want to leave their money where it is in order to avoid losing any value through the exchange rate.

Many expats also consider keeping some cash in the UK if they still have financial responsibilities to balance in the UK such as a home and mortgage.

While your plans may affect what you want to do with the money, to help you in the meantime we spoke to some experts to find out what the rules are.

Anna Bowes, co-founder of Savings Champion, says: You are only eligible to open and fund an Isa if you are resident in the UK or if you are a Crown servant (for example in the diplomatic or overseas civil service) or their spouse or civil partner.

If you move abroad you can no longer add any further money to your Isa but you are allowed to retain it and will continue to benefit from preferential tax treatment in the UK - in other words, there is no liability for income or capital gains tax.

However, depending on where you move to, you may need to pay tax on the returns in your new country of residence.

If you return and become a UK resident again, you can then add further funds to your Isa.

If you move abroad, you should tell your Isa provider as soon as possible and it could be possible that some providers may require you to close all accounts with them. So while in theory you should be able to retain your Isa, check with your individual provider before you make the move.

Emma Gunn of This is Money continues: According to the Gov.uk website you do have a bit of leeway on when you will no longer be allowed to fund your accounts.

It specifies that you have until the end of the tax year that you move away to add money to your tax-free pot. This is because you will continue to be a tax resident in the UK until the end of the tax year.

In your case that means you can still max out the 2018-19 limit of 20,000 if you have not done so already, and you can contribute to your Isa allowance in the next tax year too  as you are not due to move until June.

Australian adventure: You won't be able to transfer your Isa once you leave the UK

After you have made the move you will be able to keep the account open as Bowes explains, and the money or investments inside will continue to be shielded from income and capital gains tax in the UK.

Make sure to move your Isa to the best deal before you leave though.

While you can keep accounts open you might not be able to transfer your cash Isa pot to another account once you have left the UK.

One of the drawbacks of this will be that you may end up losing out on interest if the rate becomes uncompetitive, for example if a temporary bonus ends or at the end of a fixed-rate deal.

While you may be allowed to transfer your balance under HM Revenue and Customs rules, most banks wont accept new accounts if you are not a UK resident any more, even if you are moving an existing balance from an old Isa.

This means before you leave if you plan on keeping your Isa open you ought to ensure that your cash is benefiting from the best rate possible first.

When it comes to stocks and shares Isas, the same rules apply in that you wont be able to add to your account or move your investments to a different provider once you have upped sticks from the UK.

However you will still be able to manage your investments and change them if you wish through your investing platform.

Therefore before you jet off to your new life in sunnier climes make sure to review the fees and charges on the account and ensure your investments are in the best hands.

Danny Cox, head of communications at Hargreaves Lansdown, adds: Managing your Isas from abroad is easier if you have online access or in the case of stocks and shares Isa, hold them with an online investment service.

If you are drawing income from your Isas this will usually be paid into a UK bank account in pounds sterling.

Got a question for our expat experts? For more expat articles visit This is Money's new expat section, expat money. If you have any question you wish to be answered as part of the section, send an email with the subject line 'expat' to editor@thisismoney.co.uk.

Moving this money to the currency of your new jurisdiction is usually more cheaply done through a specialist currency broker rather than a bank.

There is also the risk that when sterling falls in value relative to other currencies, your money goes less far. The risk of the exchange rate operating against you can have a significant bearing on income such as pensions paid in sterling. You can fix exchange rates up to two years in advance which helps to reduce this risk.

Up until you move abroad you can continue to save into tax shelters such as Isa and Sipp. You need to consider carefully the timing of when you move abroad, and more importantly, when you move back. Your tax residency normally applies for a full tax year even if you physically are not present for the whole of that year.

Emma Gunn of This is Money continues: Unfortunately while the money you hold in your Isa will remain tax free, you may be taxed on the interest and returns earned.

The rules will of course depend on where you are moving to.

Australia has a double taxation agreement with the UK that means that you won't pay tax twice, but of course your Isa income won't be taxed in the UK and you will have to declare any returns or interest as part of your income to the Australian authorities.

You can find out more on from the Australian Taxation Office.

Ammo Kambo, financial planner at Brewin Dolphin, says: The Isa funds could be subject to local, overseas taxation.

As part of their planning, individuals should check what tax could apply to their UK savings and investments in the new country of residence and also when they come to take money out of them.

They must also notify their Isa provider as soon as they cease being a UK resident.
If you have a problem, email z.west-meads@you.co.uk. Zelda reads all your letters but regrets that she cannot answer them all personally

My new boss is making my life hell

I have worked in finance for my present company for about five years. I have always enjoyed it and been respected, but I now have a new boss who is very difficult to work for. He has a tendency to give me work shortly before its time to go home and expects me to do it before I leave. He also has a short temper and gets irritated very easily if I question anything or want to discuss the work we are doing. He is like this with other people but he seems worse with me. How do I handle this situation?

It sounds as though your new boss is incompetent and perhaps feels threatened by you. It wont be easy but a direct approach is probably best. Start by talking to him about how much you like the company and the work you are doing, but that you are concerned as he seems to be annoyed with you a lot of the time. Say it would really help if he could explain why, as you would really appreciate a good working relationship with him. You could also try speaking to the HR department if your company has one. If nothing changes it might be worth searching for a new job  but only take one that you would really like to do, not just to escape from this situation. Meanwhile, also write notes of every unreasonable request that he makes, just in case you need legal advice in future. Does he have a boss who you know well enough to tell, in a calm and not too critical way, how difficult you are finding him?

She wont let me see my sick sister

My wife and I are in our 60s. We have been mostly happily married for many years but I am increasingly worried about our relationship with my sister and her husband. They are in poor health but, because of incidents in the past that my wife has exaggerated and misunderstood, she refuses to visit them with me or even talk to them. I have sensitively broached the subject of visiting them without her but I am subjected to rages or the silent treatment and accused of loving them more than her. My wife is not in perfect health either. I am torn by not knowing what to do. Should I settle for a peaceful life or just go anyway? My sister and I have always been good friends. Am I wrong to feel there is control going on here?

Accusing you of loving your sister more than her sounds like emotional blackmail but making it difficult for you to visit your sister will affect your relationship. As you are close to your sister it would be sad not to see her and her husband, especially as their health is uncertain. Perhaps your sister could help by writing to your wife to say how they would love to see her as well as you. However, it does sound as though you need to stand up to your wife. Tell her, very gently, that you love her very much but that you also love your sister. Say that it is not a competition and that although you would prefer her to come with you, if she wont, then you will go on your own. Weather any storms calmly and cheerfully. Hopefully she will decide to accept the situation and join you.
Former Scissor Sisters frontman Jake Shears

Where is home? A beautiful 1936 house in Los Angeles and an apartment in New Orleans, but Im a bit of a wanderer so home is wherever my suitcase is.

Guilty pleasure? Binge-watching Hoarders, a US TV programme about people obsessed with amassing stuff. But I dont really feel guilty about things that Im into.

Career plan B? Horror novelist  Ive written fiction all my life.

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Either Casey Affleck, who looks like me, or somebody left-field such as Juliette Lewis  she knows how to rock and roll.

Biggest bugbear? Garlic breath.

As a child you wanted to be A hairdresser, then an actor  no surprise that my parents were raising a gay son.

Hangover cure? Hair of the dog  Smirnoff & tonic

Secret to a happy relationship? If I knew Id be in one! Staying in one place probably helps.

Your best quality? Im warm and nonjudgmental.

And your worst? I can become totally self-absorbed when Im working, sometimes to the detriment of others.

Most romantic thing youve ever done? Write a song, Might Tell You Tonight, for my former partner Chris when we started dating. It is on the Scissor Sisters album Ta-Dah.

Dream dinner-party guests? My current favourite writers, including Jeff VanderMeer, Jennifer Egan, Patrick deWitt, Josh Malerman and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore.

Cat or dog? Chris and I share custody of a wonderful 12-year-old border terrier, Toby.

Starstruck moment? Sitting in the front row watching Bette Midler in Hello, Dolly! on Broadway.

Big break? The Scissor Sisters performing at Glastonbury in 2004.

Career highlight? This year has fulfilled a multitude of dreams. I starred on Broadway in Kinky Boots, published a memoir, put out my debut solo album, toured on my own and got to be in a movie.

Last meal on earth? My moms chicken and dumplings.

Most embarrassing moment? Crashing my car into a wall while I was checking out a hot guy in Los Angeles two years ago.

Favourite tipple? A negroski  a negroni with vodka instead of gin.

Top of your bucket list? To visit Iceland.

One thing that would make your life better? A boyfriend.

Philosophy? Dont take life or yourself too seriously.

Biggest lesson youve learnt about money? I used to be much more materialistic but Ive learnt that buying things can be a burden.

Where would you time-travel to? Southern California in the late-60s to mid-70s, an incredible time for music with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks.

First record you bought? Lets Dance by David Bowie.

Best present you ever received? An ability to write lyrics, passed down in the DNA from my maternal grandmother.

Biggest fear? Eggs hatching under my skin  I dream about molluscs growing in my arms.

Celebrity crush? Chris Pratt, although Im generally not attracted to celebrities.

Happiness is Living in the moment.
This week its all about cool collabs and creativity as selected by Fashion Assistant Joanne Toolan.

Editors picks with Joanne Toolan

1. A feast of florals

Just when we thought J Crew couldnt get more covetable, along comes a collaboration with Abigail Borg, the British illustrator and designer famous for her big, beautiful florals. The 20-piece collection features prints designed especially for the label, adorning everything from skirts to dresses, tops to totes and swimwear.

From 39.50, jcrew.com





2. Pop'n'mix

Embrace your inner designer with the Stella & Dot Colour Pop collection  jewellery that can be customised to suit your mood or outfit. Choose from a range of earring or pendant sets  comprising vibrant leather components in various sizes and colours  and go minimal or max out with your very own statement piece.

From 34 for a two-piece earring set, stelladot.co.uk

3. Get preening

Studio by Preen at Debenhams is one of my go-tos for A/W 18. Think a palette of both earthy and jewel colours and patterns from florals to checks that are perfect for mixing up. Layer them together or go for a standout stripy piece such as my favourite  this wrap dress that can be worn with jeans and a poloneck or solo with heels.

Dress, 89, Studio by Preen at Debenhams

4. Suits me to a T

Fashion-world darling Clym Evernden is one of the most in-demand artists around  power brands from Louis Vuitton to Tiffany & Co cant get enough of his inky illustrations. Now his artworks adorn the more affordable T-shirt in a capsule collection, printed in the UK using low-waste ink technology. The perfect go-with-everything piece. clymstore.teemill.com, @clymdraws

T-shirt, 22, Clym Evernden

5. Eco Sneakers

Celebrating a mutual love of craftsmanship, comfort and great design, Belgian lifestyle brand Bellerose and French footwear label Veja have collaborated on a version of the latters classic V-10 trainer (above). All Veja products are environmentally friendly, fair trade and made using organic and sustainable materials, so you can look stylish and help save the planet.

Trainers, 130, Veja x Bellerose, veja-store.com
Fokker D.XXI Fighter Replica to Fly in 2020

by Richard Mallory Allnutt (Editor)

The Dutch aviation pioneer, Anthony Fokker, played an incredibly important role in the development of both military and civil aviation during the first three decades of powered flight. His designs, and the eponymous company he formed to build them, became mainstays in Germanys war effort during WWI, with such important types as the Fokker Eindecker, Dr.I triplane and D.VII, the latter of which was perhaps the single best fighter aircraft of the whole War. However, by the mid 1930s Fokkers military designs had a decidedly smaller audience. The final fighter which Anthony Fokkers company put into production was the D.XXI. The mid-1930s fixed-gear monoplane with a steel tube, mostly fabric-covered fuselage and largely wooden wing was by no means high tech for its day when it first flew in March, 1936. It wasnt the fastest, or most powerful, nor the most heavily armed on the world stage at that time, but what it lacked in those terms, it more than made up for with its agility. It was the only relatively modern fighter which the Netherlands was able to field as they took on the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of the Netherlands  an invasion lasting just five days in May, 1940 before Holland was forced to capitulate. The tiny nation simply didnt have enough resources to take on the Nazi juggernaut. However, the handful of Dutch Fokker D.XXIs which did make it into the fray acquitted themselves well, relatively speaking, against the far more modern Messerschmitt Bf 109s that they went up against, being able to out turn them and scoring several victories. But there simply werent enough of them, nor enough pilots

Today there is just one complete Fokker D.XXI of the 148 built known to exist, and it is on display in Finland at the Finnish Airforce Museum in Tikkakoski, Jyvaskyla, Finland. Finland received seven production examples from Fokker, and produced a further 93 under license. The type proved a mainstay against the Soviet Union in both the Winter War of 1939/40 and the Continuation War 1941-1944. A number of Finnish pilots became aces in D.XXIs, and the surviving example itself, serial FR-110, is credited with having shot down ten enemy aircraft. Interestingly, both Denmark and Spain also license-built the Fokker D.XXI. While Denmark produced just ten examples in addition to the three Fokker-built examples, the Spanish factory reportedly had fifty D.XXIs on the production line to supply the Spanish Republican Air Force in their fight against Franco in the Spanish Civil War. However, their factory was unfortunately overrun by Fascist forces before any are believed to have be completed.

And of the 36 examples which served in the Dutch Air Force, only the shattered remains of one example have survived. It was reportedly shot down near Nieuwkoop, Holland by Luftwaffe Bf 110s on May 11th, 1940. In 1993 a local group named the Crash Foundation excavated the crash site, and have reconstituted the forward fuselage into a compelling display at a small museum in Aalsmeerderbrug. There is also a full-sized replica on display at Nationaal Militair Museum located at the former Soesterberg Air Force Base in Soesterberg, Netherlands.

However, for those wishing to see and hear a Fokker D.XXI performing in the skies, it has not been a possibility since the Finnish Air Force grounded their last examples in 1949. But things look set to change.

Experienced aircraft maintenance and restoration expert Jack Van Egmond has set his sights on building an accurate replica of the Fokker D.XXI and he is already well on the way to doing so at his Hoogeveen Airport in The Netherlands. While most D.XXIs were powered by the Bristol Mercury radial engine, some were upgraded to use a Pratt & Whitney R-1535 Twin Wasp Junior. Van Egmond will be using a more-available Wright R-1820 Cyclone. A recent press release states that van Egmond, working alongside his grandson Tom at their company, ATN Aircraft Division are coming close to completing the main structural elements of the airframe.

The press release continues

The company ATN is the aircraft maintenance company Jack van Egmond set up back in the days. Nowadays Jack is a proud father and grandfather of what he and his family have achieved allready. ATN restored several WWI and WWII aircraft and now their biggest challenge is building the only flying example of a Fokker D.XXI in the world, to honor those who fought for our freedom.

The D.XXI will become Van Egmonds Masterpiece. In 2014, Jack and his grandson Tom started the project, building the main wing spars and ribs, all from the original drawings. Using a combination of newly made and original parts. The project is under supervision of certified engineers, Fokker Technologies, ILNT and the Dutch Ministry of Aviation.

The First official Rollout of PH-XXI will be at the Wings & Wheels Fly-in at May 30,2019 at Hoogeveen Airport. The airport is open for public at 10.00 AM! This historical premier will take place outside her restoration hangar and will be the first time the public can actually see this new Warbird. The Dutch aviation enthusiasts hope to have the Fokker D.XXI flying in spring 2020.

The team do indeed appear to have the creation of a masterpiece in the works as the videos below further testify
Gerald Seymour knows about terror. If you want to talk about white-knuckle fear, says the best-selling author and former ITN reporter, try travelling at night from Beirut to Tripoli with a taxi driver who doesnt speak English, passing through road blocks manned by 15-year-olds with AK-47s. The 77-year-old Englishman isnt a standard-issue harbinger of doom, but he has been to some very dark places, including reporting from Northern Ireland during the bleakest stretches of the Troubles.

The experience led, in 1975, to his first book, Harrys Game, a Troubles-set tale of undercover operations and betrayal in Ulster that was acclaimed by Frederick Forsyth as like nothing else I have ever read. Harrys Game became a famous television series in 1982.

Now, with his 34th novel, Battle Sight Zero, Seymour addresses one of the security services deepest fears: an indiscriminate attack with an assault rifle on a UK shopping centre.

Nicholas Day and Ray Lonnen in the 1982 TV series Harrys Game. The series was based on the book by Gerald Seymour

He still brings a correspondents curiosity to his writing and, while researching his latest book, visited the towns and estates where Britains jihadis have recruited. He was unimpressed by what he found in Derby, where the two British suicide bombers who attacked a bar in Tel Aviv in 2003 came from. Nobody knew their names, he says. Nobody remembered them or even seemed very interested. Thats why I think they are losers.

Battle Sight Zero is a dual history: an attempt at mass murder and the journey of one particular AK-47, manufactured in the Soviet Union in 1956 and used in conflicts across the Middle East and North Africa. Eventually it arrives in Marseilles, where Zeinab, a radicalised young British Asian woman from West Yorkshire, is due to collect the rifle for a Jihadi network and then smuggle it back to Britain.

If she succeeds, a gunman will walk through a crowded mall in Manchester or Leeds with a weapon capable of firing 650 rounds a minute, causing unimaginable carnage. All that stands in her way is Andy Knight, a British undercover agent she believes is her boyfriend.

Seymour, who lives in the Chiltern Hills, knows the Middle East well. He covered the Lebanese civil war for ITN

We are only a mile downriver from the Thameside headquarters of MI5. The organisation is tasked, alongside the Metropolitan Polices anti-terrorist branch and other even more shadowy units, with preventing attacks within our borders. Ask Seymour if he talks to people at what he calls the Five, and he says, I couldnt answer that question. But he is open in his admiration for Knight and operatives like him. Theyre very strange people, Seymour says. 'There is insecurity but also arrogance and bravado in being able to deceive everyone. What a twisted mind you must have, to have no true friend, no true relationship. But I feel very positive about what they do. We should remember what George Orwell said: People sleep safe in their beds at night because rough men will visit violence on those who would do us harm.

Seymour believes there are many who would do us harm right now, not least Russia. It is a brutal and amoral regime. Many years ago I met a young Russian former colonel in the KGB whod done two tours in Chechnya. The next time I saw him it was 2006 and he was on his back with all these tubes coming out of him. That was Colonel Litvinenko.

Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned with radioactive polonium-210 by Russias secret service, the FSB, after claiming asylum in the UK. Seymours career and life are littered with such stark moments. In Northern Ireland he reported on bomb attacks where the dead would include kids. It left him with an abiding belief in accuracy. Today television reporters use the word tragedy, he says. We would never have done that, we were very straight. They talk about terrorists. We said gunmen and bombers.

Gerald Seymour: 'Many years ago I met a young Russian former colonel in the KGB whod done two tours in Chechnya. The next time I saw him it was 2006 and he was on his back with all these tubes coming out of him. That was Colonel Litvinenko.

With Brexit threatening the status quo on the Irish border, Seymour has been obliged to consider the Northern Irish conflict reigniting. The director general of MI5 said, quite recently, that they have a lid on it at the moment, but not much more, he says. There is a huge MI5 station on the outskirts of Belfast  and its not there for fun. Just walk around the Bogside in Londonderry and you see the murals, the banners and the pictures of AK-47s. I would hope that young people would have shifted on, but the pernicious influence of older generations on the young is still very damaging.

How does he stay relevant in an era of mass surveillance and wars increasingly waged online? Human intelligence is still big, he says. Today we have multi-million-dollar systems, where chaps sit in a room in Lincolnshire sending signals to a drone in Iraq. They press some buttons, the drone fires its rocket and suddenly there are three boys from London fighting for Isis who arent going to slit anyones throat any more. Thats great, but there still has to be someone on the Turkey-Iraq border watching who comes and goes. There still has to be someone to bend down to fasten his sandal on his way to the mosque and, as he does so, place a bug underneath a car.

Seymour, who lives in the Chiltern Hills, knows the Middle East well. He covered the Lebanese civil war for ITN, often rushing to beat the BBCs Martin Bell to stories in what was, in retrospect, a golden age for British television reporting. Was he scared?

There are times when you are, but you have an extraordinary arrogance that makes you think it only happens to someone else. Alcohol is an enormous protection against fear, and the dull insensible sleep it brings is recommended in those circumstances.

Today, as he states his book, there are dangers at home, as well as abroad. What if an AK-47 does get through? What if there are multiple casualties in a British city again? It would be terrible, says Seymour. But remember the Millwall season ticket holder during the 2017 London Bridge attack, who went after the attackers with a cafe chair? There are people like that. They arent trained. They dont have time to think about what really is the sensible thing to do or put their specs in their pocket before they charge. There are some wonderful people in this country.

Battle Sight Zero is out now, 18.99
The Mash Inn

Horseshoe Rd, Bennett End, Radnage

Rating:

It doesnt start well. Would you like to see the kitchen? were asked as were led to our table at The Mash Inn, a serious restaurant hidden within the cosy eaves of a higgledy-piggledly red brick Home Counties pub. Um, no, wed like to see lunch.

Anyway, this particular kitchen stars a vast, cast-iron grill, with lots of smouldering embers, sizzling fat and enough wheels and racks to titillate even the most exacting of medieval torturers. The dining room wears a discreetly expensive hue, all muted pastel paints and artfully bare wooden tables and chairs. Decent prints too. While the view is sublime, all pretty duck ponds, soaring red kites and softly undulating valleys. Service is immaculate, with James, the hirsute GM, as clued up as he is charming.

The Mash Inn. The dining room wears a discreetly expensive hue, all muted pastel paints and artfully bare wooden tables and chair

Theres no a la carte, rather daily or tasting menu. And for once, the tasting menu actually appeals, written in fashionably terse prose, all Burrata and Cardoon or Burnt Leek and Bog Butter. But first, a snack. A shimmeringly fresh, still opaque, scallop ceviche, properly seasoned and sharp with yuzu. Its so clean and pure that it doesnt just amuse the bouche, but gets those taste buds tumescent too.

Smoked romanesco soup is more espuma than old-fashioned potage, but captures the essence of that punkish cauliflower and has tiny cubes (top knife skills) of tart Bramley apple, and a bosky dusting of dried venison. The technique may be cheffy, but theres nothing poncy about the flavours. Charred, chewy, buttery flatbread, slathered with fermented garlic, mops up any fugitive smears. Laverstoke burrata comes with home-grown and pickled cardoons, with a grating of local black truffle. What seems initially messy and incongruous turns out to be anything but, a wintery dish with the delicate scent of spring. That pickle adds exquisite bite, proof of a kitchen that understands the subtle art of acidity. As well as knowing when to let loose. And when to hold back. Head chef Jon Parry has just returned from Japan, and his travels are writ bold across his food. That yuzu with the scallop; and a piece of smoky, grilled Severn and Wye eel with English wasabi on a tapioca crisp. Its magnificent, the skin crisp and caramelised, the flesh despotically rich and blissfully sweet. A small glass of dashi broth has a slyly inauthentic chilli kick.

Next, a lollipop of delicately battered quail, with sprouting broccoli kimchi, and a Renegade Monk blue cheese sauce. Sweet Jesus. What could resemble an Anglo-Korean bar brawl turns swiftly into a multicultural love-in. Theres salty, stinky and hot, all vying loudly for your attention. But just when things get too brutal, the flavours retreat, and all meld into a joyously concupiscent harmony.

Sea urchin, with its heady mixture of purity and filth, is piled atop another tapioca crisp, with blobs of spiced prune puree. Its one-bite delight. Burnt leek is drenched in hollandaise, the sauce flavoured with something dank and fermented, like a body buried in a peat bog. What starts off slightly worrying ends with a grin. Those strange depths accentuate the sweetness of the allium.

Aberdeen Angus Cote de Boeuf. At The Mash Inn, high art meets base pleasure. A roving palate, with technique and talent to match

Cod and samphire has an Indian accent, a whisper of turmeric, the immaculately cooked fish sat beneath a pile of cod floss. While wagyu, properly rested and sliced across the grain, sit on a splodge of celeriac puree, piqued by the merest hint of superior quality Sichuan pepper. France, by way of Chengdu.

Puddings are decent, but not quite up to what came before. Because this is one of the most thrilling and original lunches Ive eaten in months. Parrys character and travels are indelibly etched into each dish. High art meets base pleasure. A roving palate, with technique and talent to match. Parry is a seriously exciting chef, and The Mash Inn is just smashing.

Tasting menu: 80
A simple hug from her father left a then five-yearold Julianne Ponan fighting a life-threatening allergic reaction.

As Julianne, now 29, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, recalls: As soon as my dad, John, hugged me, my lips started to swell and white spots appeared on my face. My throat started to close and I couldnt breathe  within minutes I collapsed. An ambulance was called, and it was the paramedics who administered adrenaline via an EpiPen.

As I was recovering in A&E, my dad hugged me again, which brought all the symptoms back. I could have died.

The problem? It turned out to be her fathers new aftershave.

Be careful: Julianne Ponan, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, was left fighting for her life after she suffered a severe allergic reaction to her father's aftershave

Julianne had been diagnosed with severe allergies at the age of two  she is allergic to nuts, sesame and other seeds, chickpeas and lentils. Her first attack had been triggered by eating some cookies at nursery that contained nuts.

Since then, her family has always been careful about reading food labels to ensure she was safe. But it is not just eating that can be a problem.

For what makes the lives of people who have severe food allergies even more stressful is that many everyday toiletries, such as shower gel, toothpastes and cosmetics, contain common allergens, such as almonds and peanuts.

Unless those with allergies are scrupulously careful about the types of products they use, they could find themselves with serious skin reactions.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign cites a teenager who is allergic to fish suffering severe dermatitis after using eye make-up, which contained fish scales to produce a glimmer effect.

Much worse could happen if they inadvertently swallow just a tiny amount of face cream, for example, because it could cause a potentially fatal reaction.

Even breathing in the fumes can be risky, as Juliannes experience with her fathers aftershave revealed. Julianne and her family knew the risks of her using such products, and she tried to avoid the substances she was allergic to in both food and her cosmetics.

High alert: Julianne had been diagnosed with severe allergies at the age of two  she is allergic to nuts, sesame and other seeds, chickpeas and lentils

But John, 55, a businessman, thought he was safe to wear a new aftershave because Julianne had shown no reaction to perfumes or aftershaves until that point. Her parents would normally check the ingredients, but did not realise the new brand contained seed oil.

And it isnt just perfumes that are potentially dangerous for Julianne, who runs her own company, Creative Nature, making allergen-free snacks. Earlier this year, she was at a hotel and used liquid soap in the loo. Within seconds, a white bubble-type rash broke out on her hands and her throat started to close.

I was trying not to panic while frantically going through my bag to get the Piriton  an antihistamine. It can usually bring down the reaction within 20 minutes, and means I dont always have to use an EpiPen.

It turned out the soap contained almond oil, so it worries me when there is no labelling. Ive been in hotel spas where Ive had to run back to my room because of the fumes from coconut coming from the showers.

The only way to ensure a product is safe to use for an allergy sufferer is to read the labels on every single item before purchasing, which takes a lot of time and patience, and very good eyesight, as I discovered when buying toiletries recently.

My daughter Thea, 20, has various allergies including nut and peanut, and orders whoever is doing the shopping to double-check toiletry ingredients before putting anything into the trolley. She then checks the contents online as we unpack the bags, just in case there has been a recent ingredient change. It can add an hour to a shopping trip, with us straining to read the tiny print.

Did you know? One problem is that some names are listed only in Latin: for example, Arachis hypogaea means the product contains peanut oil and Piscum lecur is fish liver oil...

Under the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), all cosmetics, toiletries and make-up must have a full list of ingredients on the packaging.

All countries in the EU and the U.S. adhere to these guidelines.

One problem is that some names are listed only in Latin: for example, Arachis hypogaea means the product contains peanut oil and Piscum lecur is fish liver oil.

Chris Flower, director-general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA), which represents the UK industry, says the only legal requirement is that manufacturers highlight certain fragrances, but not food, allergens.

Safety experts agree warnings become devalued when over-used or used inappropriately, he says.

This is a common complaint from those who have nut allergies. We understand that allergy sufferers do not appreciate just in case warnings such as made in a factory where nuts are present when there is unlikely to be a problem.

However, this would be a commercial decision for an individual company. Where such labels are not mandatory, some companies may apply them and others may not. This would mean that the absence of a warning was not a guarantee of suitability.

Another concern is that people might be discouraged from consulting the ingredients list if they come to rely on warning labels alone, he says.

Learn Latin to stay safe Ingredients on toiletries are listed by their Latin names. Here we list some of the most common allergens: Almond: Prunus dulcis Avocado: Persea gratissima Cashew: Anacardium occidentale Celery: Apium graveolens Chickpea: Cicer arietinum Coconut: Cocos nucifera Fish liver oil: Piscum lecur Hazelnut: Corylus rostrata Macadamia: Macadamia ternifolia Milk: Lac Mustard: Brassica alba Oat: Avena sativa Peach: Prunus persica Sesame: Sesamum indicum Peanut: Arachis hypogaea Sunflower: Helianthus annuus Wheat: Triticum vulgare

My personal view on this is based on watching my otherwise rational daughter panic about what is contained in normal, basic things such as toothpaste and shampoo.

I believe the industry should put warnings in English on all the packaging.

Admittedly it is relatively rare for someone to die from using these products, but as we have seen with recent tragic incidents involving food, no company wants to be the one that decided not to label fully when a fatality occurs.

Manufacturers maintain many products safely contain nut oils because they say the oils have been so refined in the production process that little, if any, of the allergens remain. However, Julianne is living proof that there is still a risk. She challenges the CTPA assertion that allergy sufferers find specific English labelling confusing. She wants more labelling  the clearer, the better.

Since that first anaphylactic reaction, her parents, John and Yvette, 59  neither of whom has any allergies  have spent years having her tested for other danger foods. The first were at a hospital, but as Julianne experienced other symptoms, she was referred to an allergy specialist who would perform a succession of blood tests and eating challenges so they could rule out other allergens.

When her sister, Carissa, was born six years later, she was found to have similar allergies, so they were doubly careful.

I insist that whoever lives or comes to stay with me can only use the same make of product I use, whether it is shower gel or creams, says Julianne. Ive used the same Chanel perfume since I was 15 and I wont change it. Even when it runs out I take the original packaging to the shop and check the ingredients havent changed.

When I go through Duty Free before a flight, I now pull my clothing over my face and sprint to the gate because perfumes are being sprayed around and I cant take that risk of them triggering an allergic reaction.

Theas allergies led her to a U.S.- based company, Kiss Freely, which has products free of 18 allergens, including milk, egg, peanuts and fish. It was started by Jennifer Kurko, whose daughter, now ten, broke out in hives after a kiss from her mum when she was two because Jennifer was wearing lip balm.

She knew Amaia had food allergies, and thought she had cleared the house of all ingredients that could trigger a serious reaction.

It was the most horrible feeling to realise my kiss had harmed her, says Jennifer, who lives on Long Island. A few hours later, after the hives had gone down, my husband suggested I read the ingredients in my lip balm. And there it was in tiny print: almond oil.

So for allergy sufferers will an upside to Brexit be the return of English on packaging? The EU is the regulatory body on ingredients. Post-Brexit, could the UK decide for itself?

No is the answer. According to the CPTA, the INCI agreement will remain  and so will the Latin.
Cooking a roast and making toast have just been identified as sources of air pollution, so we have now been advised to use extractor fans and leave windows open. But in many homes there is another potent source of air pollution: a wood-burning stove.

The stoves have become especially trendy in cities and towns  at least one home in six has one in South-East England. More than 1.5 million stoves are owned across the UK, with 200,000 more being sold every year, often marketed as a green way to heat homes.

In fact, though, they create lethal pollution. An editorial in The BMJ last year warned that even modern stoves carrying government-approved eco-friendly labels emit pollution at the same rate as 25 ten-year-old diesel lorries.

Danger? More than 1.5 million stoves are owned across the UK, with 200,000 more being sold every year, often marketed as a green way to heat homes

Dr Gary Fuller, who runs Kings College Londons Air Quality Network, has reported how UK air research has detected high levels of the sugar levoglucosan, a by-product of burning wood, on weekends and evenings in winter.

Worse still are open fires. Air quality investigators at Kings College London found that more than two thirds of households that burn wood do so on such fires, even though this is banned in smoke-control areas created under the Clean Air Acts in UK cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Birmingham. The fine is up to 1,000 for burning wood in a grate, but enforcement is non-existent.

However wood is burned, the pollution it emits is the most dangerous kind  minute particles labelled PM2.5 (as they measure 2.5 micro metres or less  under one 30th of the width of a human hair).

These particles are too tiny to be filtered out by our nose and lungs, which can deal with larger particles such as pollen. Instead, studies have shown how PM2.5 particulates can enter the bloodstream, where they can cause serious illnesses including heart disease and dementia.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), about 38 per cent of UK particulate matter emissions come from burning wood and coal in domestic open fires and solid-fuel stoves, compared with 12 per cent for road transport.

A study by Kings College London last year found that wood-burning accounts for up to 31 per cent of PM2.5 produced in London.

Last month, acknowledging that domestic stoves and open fires are the single biggest source of particulate matter emissions, the Government announced measures to clean up our air and save lives.

Fact: Last year, the BMJ warned that even modern stoves carrying government-approved eco-friendly labels emit pollution at the same rate as 25 ten-year-old diesel lorries

From 2022 only the cleanest stoves will be available, and legislation will be introduced to prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels. Councils will be given enhanced powers to increase the rate of upgrade of inefficient and polluting heating appliances.

Last year, a team of cardiologists at the University of Padua in Italy studied medical data stored in the implanted defibrillators  devices that monitor and help to control abnormal heart rhythms  worn by more than 280 patients living in the Veneto region.

The team reported in the journal Lancet Planetary Health that, over nearly two years, the higher the levels of PM2.5, the higher the incidence of dangerous heart problems such as tachycardia (excessively rapid beating) and atrial fibrillation (irregular beats) patients experienced.

PM2.5 may cause heart disease both by damaging cardiovascular cells and by making blood more likely to clot, according to a 2012 Danish study which exposed human endothelial cells (which line the interior of blood vessels) to particulate matter from wood smoke and diesel fumes.

The scientists from Copenhagen University found that particulates from wood smoke induced much higher levels of damaging inflammation to these cells than diesel particulates. Woodsmoke particulates also made the cells much more likely to adhere to white blood cells  which can cause plaques that form lethal clots.

Investigators have already shown that cutting wood-particulate pollution can save lives from heart disease.

Three years ago, pollution experts at the Air Monitoring Board in Sacramento City examined the health effects of a wood-burning ban introduced in 2003 in the San Joaquin Valley, which had suffered some of the worst air pollution in Southern California.

Did you know? Investigators have already shown that cutting wood-particulate pollution can save lives from heart disease...

In the ensuing three years, PM2.5 levels fell by up to 15 per cent  and in the same period, admissions to hospital fell by up to 17 per cent for cases of heart disease in people aged 65 and older.

Brains as well as hearts may suffer. Last year, Swedish scientists found an association between smoke from domestic wood-burning and dementia in a study that monitored more than 1,800 people in late middle age for 15 years. One possible reason for this is that smoke contributes to creating chronic inflammation in the brain, which may kill neurons and other brain tissue.

Last September, scientists at Kings, St Georges, University of London and Imperial College London found links between PM2.5 pollution and Alzheimers.

They reported in the journal BMJ Open that people living in areas in the top fifth of PM2.5 levels had a 40 per cent increased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimers compared with those living in the bottom fifth.

Yet in the UK, wood-burning has crept in under the radar, according to Dr Fuller, creating a new smog that negates efforts to improve air quality by cutting vehicle pollution. According to Dr Fullers estimates, wood-burning in London emits five times more particle pollution than was saved by bringing in the first two phases of Londons low-emission zone.

With open fires, the damage may be doubly shocking. Not only do they pollute the outdoor air, but indoor air, too.

This year, a study led by Dr Ana Calvo, a chemist at the University of Leon in Spain, warned that a family fireside can be as dangerous as a mine or building site when it comes to carbon emissions. Clouds of PM2.5 particles are released, particularly when a fire is lit and as logs are first added, according to Dr Calvos study in the journal Science Of The Total Environment. It can take three hours to clear this pollution, even after opening a window.

As to the effect outside, last November a study led by Professor Chris Griffiths of Queen Mary, University of London, reported that while roadside levels of traffic pollution had fallen significantly since the introduction of the London low emission zone five years previously, roadside levels of PM2.5 had not been cut.

Nor had there been any reduction in asthma symptoms or underdeveloped lung capacity in London children. The report, in The Lancet, urges that traffic emissions be cut further  but other anti-pollution experts blame urban middle-class wood fires.

Simon Birkett, of the campaign group Clean Air London, points out that vendors such as petrol stations in clean-air zones openly sell firewood, which is illegal (though it isnt illegal to buy the wood and burn it in a home outside any exclusion zone).

Defra has suggested that new wood-burning stoves should face stricter limits on emissions  but last month the Government assured homeowners that it wont ban the expensive (and polluting) stoves they have already bought.

Tougher action is being taken overseas. Last October, authorities in Montreal, Canada, banned domestic wood-burning in all but the cleanest models of stove. Regulators there are looking to ban wood ovens in pizzerias, bagel factories and chicken grill houses.

British campaigners such as Simon Birkett want a complete urban ban here  and late last year the City of London Corporation announced it will try to gain stringent new powers from Parliament to crack down on air pollution from sources such as solid-fuel burning.

The days of that blazing fire in the hearth may be numbered.
THE PATIENT

While I was working as a roof tiler on a building site in 2007, a freak gust of wind blew me forwards and back again. My head hit my ankle, sending searing pain down my back and through my right knee.

I carried on hobbling to work, but couldnt sleep through the pain. My GP suggested paracetamol. It didnt work.

Four months later, and still in agony, I went back to my GP. This time, he referred me for a scan, which showed a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee.

I had an operation to fix it, but the pain in my back was ten times worse. An MRI scan showed damage to a disc in my back, a chipped vertebra and nerve damage around the spine. I was told the damage was too complex for surgery.

Pain: Dean Walker, 42, a swimming club adviser, from Chelmsford, Essex, suffered years of discomfort after working as a roof tiler on a building site in 2007

Over the next year, I was given painkilling injections, morphine-based medication and a TENS machine, which I held to my back to mask the pain with a fuzzy feeling. But none of it really worked.

I had to give up work. Before the accident, Id also played water polo nationally and always loved walking  now I could barely put one foot in front of the other.

In autumn 2010, I saw Dr Adnan AlKaisy at St Thomas Hospital in London and he told me about a trial, where a device called the Senza would be implanted in my back to block pain messages to the brain.

I would need electrodes in the epidural space  the gap around the spinal canal and surrounding nerves  which would be connected to wires leading to a generator containing a rechargeable battery.

The size of a large matchbox, it would initially sit outside the body and send impulses to the electrodes to block the pain.

In May 2012, I had the electrodes inserted under sedation. Straight away, the pain Id had for years disappeared. It was amazing.

After around ten days, I accidentally yanked out the wires  and the stabbing pain was back.

Breakthrough: In autumn 2010, he saw Dr Adnan AlKaisy at St Thomas Hospital in London, who told him about a trial where a device called the Senza would be implanted in his back

But Dr Al-Kaisy said that, since this showed the system had worked for me, I was suitable to have the whole device implanted. So I had another 45-minute operation to implant the generator just above my hip.

Later that day, I felt well enough to go out for a milkshake.

I have a small scar on my back and the battery juts out slightly and sometimes catches on my belt. I recharge it every night through the skin, simply holding a recharging pad over the area for 90 minutes.

I have a remote control and can turn up the impulses if I get a twinge of pain.

It has been life-changing. The pain has gone and I now have a new job travelling round the country, advising swimming clubs. The device constantly runs to keep the pain at bay.

Sometimes, if I accidentally switch it off, the pain surges back. But doctors hope that new nerves will grow around the damaged site so, eventually, the pain will naturally fade. Now I can work and play with my three daughters. This has helped me live a full life again.

THE SPECIALIST

Dr Adnan Al-Kaisy is a consultant in pain medicine at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust in London.

Around two million Britons have back pain and, in 20 per cent of cases, this is due to nerves that have become over-sensitised (often as a result of falling awkwardly) and bombard the brain with pain messages.

Patients often cannot work or sleep and it costs the country 6 billion annually.

Doctors can offer painkillers, including opioids, but patients build up a tolerance to these after three months. We can also encourage gentle exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, and offer painkilling steroid injections.

Did you know? Around two million Britons have back pain and, in 20 per cent of cases, this is due to nerves that have become over-sensitised

Neuromodulation  blocking pain signals using electrical stimulation  has been around for decades.

The stimulator sends electrical impulses to overactive nerves to block pain messages from reaching the brain.

It has been effective, but had limitations: patients felt buzzing from the impulses and had to switch the device off to sleep or drive, as it could distract them.

At Guys and St Thomas, we were one of the first to use the Senza device, which uses stimulation 20 times faster, so the patient cannot feel the impulses and can leave the stimulator on all the time.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS? There is a 4 per cent risk of infection, so patients have antibiotics before, during and after the procedure. There is a 2 to 3 per cent chance the wires will migrate, meaning the patient would need another procedure. Some 4 per cent of patients feel temporary pain around the battery implant site. Dr Ganesan Baranidharan, a consultant in pain medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Spire Leeds Hospital, says: We can take it out  and one in ten find the battery annoying. 'However, Senza is reversible. Im a big proponent of this technology, which changes peoples lives. We do hundreds each year.

The Senza system comprises two long wires with eight 3mm electrodes on the end of each, placed in the epidural space in the spine and connected via a generator containing a battery, which sends impulses to block the pain. Implanting it takes 30 to 45 minutes under local anaesthetic and sedation.

First, we make a 5cm incision in the lower back and feed each wire into the epidural space using a hollow needle. We anchor the wires to ligaments using silk sutures and connect them to extension leads that connect to an external battery.

If the pain decreases by more than 50 per cent over the next two weeks, the patient has a second 45-minute operation to implant the battery.

We make a 4cm incision above the buttock and create a pocket under the skin, tunnelling the wires from the electrodes under the skin and connecting them up. We can do this using local anaesthetic and the patient leaves hospital the same day.

The battery should last ten years before it needs to be changed. This device pays for itself in four to five years, since patients will no longer need medication or repeated GP visits and can go back to work.

We have been using Senza as part of an ongoing trial called Modulate for patients who had not had surgery, and saw that 75 per cent returned to work; without this device, most of them wouldnt work again.

An earlier, smaller study in 2014 involving 21 patients found that, using this device, pain was reduced in 80 per cent of cases and 75 per cent returned to work (in some instances, they had been off for up to three years).

Chronic pain is a huge problem, which is why the decision by NICE last month to approve Senza for chronic back and leg pain is a great step forward.

We want to recruit more patients to the Modulate trial and hope to show that this could work for other kinds of chronic pain, too. This could help thousands more.

The operation costs 30,000 to 35,000 to the NHS or privately. Those interested in the trial should phone 020 7188 3237 or email: gst-tr.modulate-lbp@nhs.net
A health minister has urged women who were injured by vaginal mesh to take legal action against medics.

During a Parliamentary debate in the House of Commons, Jackie Doyle-Price said that the conversations women were having with their surgeons were 'utterly inadequate'.

The health minister said doctors had failed to warn patients of the risks, adding there has been a 'lack of transparency' in the UKs medical devices industry.

Ms Doyle-Price claimed in 2017 that the benefits of vaginal mesh outweighed the risks and refused to suspend its use, blaming the issue on clinical practice rather than the device itself.

Thousands of women around the world are taking legal action against mesh manufacturers, but it is believed to be rare for patients to sue their doctor.

Health and social minister Jackie Doyle-Price has urged women who were injured by vaginal mesh to take legal action against medics as well as manufacturers

Ms Doyle-Price said: 'I say to those women who have suffered badly at the hands of mesh treatment that there are clear medical criteria relating to that product and, if they have any complaint about the treatment they have received, they should be pursuing claims for clinical negligence against their practitioners.'

She added: 'It is becoming clear that mesh was deployed far too insensiblyfar too many women were given this treatment, often at comparatively young ages, given that this was going to stay in their body for a long time,' the British Medical Journal reported.

Vaginal mesh, made of brittle plastic that can curl, twist and cut through tissue, was created to treat incontinence in women, and was also used for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

But it has been branded the 'biggest medical scandal since thalidomide' after thousands of women around the world were maimed by the controversial implants.

Injuries have reportedly left women on the brink of suicide, unable to work and reliant on wheelchairs.

Speaking in a debate about medical devices last Tuesday, Ms Doyle-Price said commercial interests had been prioritised over patient safety.

WHAT ARE VAGINAL MESH IMPLANTS? Vaginal mesh implants are devices used by surgeons to treat pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence in women. Usually made from synthetic polypropylene, a type of plastic, the implants are intended to repair damaged or weakened tissue in the vagina wall. Other fabrics include polyester, human tissue and absorbable synthetic materials. Some women report severe and constant abdominal and vaginal pain after the surgery. In some, the pain is so severe they are unable to have sex. Infections, bleeding and even organ erosion has also been reported.

She said: 'In the past regulation has focused excessively on what is in the commercial interests of businesses to maintain competition, rather than having patient safety at its heart.

'There has been a historic lack of transparency in the current system. It has not always been easy for patients to investigate and find more data about the things being put in their bodies.'

Ms Doyle-Price previously said she had been 'horrified' to hear that women had been given implants without being made aware of the risks.

But she added: 'The issue is not the product, but clinical practice. That's what's going wrong.'

Kath Sansom, founder of Sling The Mesh  a 6,800-strong campaign group, told Med-Tech Innovation News that many women are still being told that 'mesh is not to blame'.

Campaigners have tirelessly fought for years to get officials to put an end to vaginal mesh, with the most common implant, called transvaginal tape (or TVT) becoming widely used across Europe and the US since the early 2000s.

A recent BMJ investigation reported there was scant evidence in favour of mesh despite its rapid uptake, and widespread conflicts of interests among surgeons and doctors.

And an NHS audit delving into the effects of mesh, released in April 2018, shone a light onto the true scale of disaster caused by vaginal mesh.

The likelihood of a woman suffering complications from mesh were shown to be around the 45 per cent mark.

But the NHS reportedly claimed the risk was no more than three per cent.

Vaginal mesh, made of brittle plastic that can curl, twist and cut through tissue, was created to treated incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women

Across the world, mesh manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson face claims for compensation from women saying they knew nothing about complications.

In a victory for campaigners, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) in 2017 ruled against the use of vaginal mesh as a treatment for pelvic organ collapse.

Following this, the Government suspended the use of some mesh procedures in England until certain conditions are met.

And Nice announced that surgical interventions using surgical mesh or tape should only be considered when non-surgical options have failed or are not possible.

Owen Smith, MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Surgical Mesh Implants, called for the UK government to follow Australia's example and issue a national apology to women damaged by pelvic mesh implants.

All forms of pelvic mesh are already banned in New Zealand after a landmark move in December, and a similar move against use in the treatment of vaginal mesh for prolapse has been made in Australia.

Mr Smith also called for radical reform of the regulatory system for medical devices in the UK in the light of recent scandals involving surgical mesh, defective pacemakers, faulty artificial hips, and PIP breast implants.

An investigation found that UK regulators received 62,000 adverse incident reports between 2015 and 2018 linked to components such as pacemakers, artificial hips, breast implants and contraceptives.

A third of the incidents had serious repercussions for the patient, and 1,004 resulted in death.
A woman who contracted a rare autoimmune disorder after a vaccine has slammed anti-vaxxers for suggesting that we should all fear shots.

In 2004, when Tiffany Yonts was 14 years old, she received a tetanus and diphtheria vaccine during a routine doctor's appointment.

Not long afterwards, her arm swelled, she had trouble breathing and she lost the ability to walk.

It took two years before doctors diagnosed her with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, paralyzing parts of or - in some cases - the whole body.

The 29-year-old, from San Diego, California, recently posted a series of tweets in which she said her case was 'one in a million' and that vaccines don't just protect children from getting sick, but also people like her who can't be vaccinated.

Tiffany Yonts, 29 (left and right), from San Diego, California, had trouble breathing and walking after a tetanus and diphtheria vaccine in 2004. Two years later, she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks its peripheral nervous system

In a recent series of Twitter posts, Yonts said that people might assume because of her situation that she is anti-vaccine, but she says she is in full support of immunization

In the Twitter thread, Yonts said that that her arm 'tripled in size' after the vaccine. This led to difficultly with breathing and walking.

'I developed pneumonia [and] was bedridden for approximately six months,' she wrote. 'I could barely move or breathe. I almost died.'

Guillain-Barre syndrome is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu.

WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME? Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your peripheral nervous system. Weakness and tingling in the extremities are the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. The exact cause of GBS is unknown. The disorder usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. GBS is rare with between 3,000 and 6,000 developing the disease every year in the US, according to the CDC. Signs and symptoms: Prickling or tingling sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists

Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body

Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs

Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heart rate

Low or high blood pressure Treatment: There is no cure for GBS but treatment can reduce the disease's severity and speed recovery. 1) Plasma exchange: Plasma, part of your blood, is separated from the red blood cells. The red blood cells are then put back into your body to rid the plasma of harmful antibodies 2) Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy: Immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is given through a vein and blocks harmful antibodies from contributing to damage Recovery: Recovery can take months or even years but sufferers generally experience this timeline: After the first signs and symptoms, the condition progressively worsens for about two weeks

Symptoms reach a plateau within four weeks

Recovery usually lasts between six to 12 months, though it can take longer Source: Mayo Clinic

According to the UK's National Health Service, in rare cases, the body's immune system can mistakenly view a vaccine as harmful and attacks the body, destroying nerves in the process.

Past research has also suggested immunization can trigger Guillain-Barre.

A 2014 case report from Khon Kaen University in Thailand documented four cases of the condition after receiving the diphtheria and tetanus vaccine.

A 1998 study from the University of Maryland found a rare link with, for every one million vaccines given, there were one or two excess cases of Guillain-Barre.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone who has had the syndrome in the past to speak with their doctor before being vaccinated.

Guillain-Barre is rare, affecting about one in 100,000 people worldwide and fewer than 20,000 cases per year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Weakness and tingling in the extremities are the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing the entire body.

After the first symptoms of the syndrome, sufferers' conditions usually worsen for about two weeks before plateauing around the four-week mark.

The recovery period can last as little as a few weeks and as long as a few years, but about 30 percent of those diagnosed have a residual weakness after three years.

Yonts said that she didn't begin 'significantly recovering' until 2010, about six years after the incident occurred.

Unfortunately, she relapsed in spring 2017, which occurs in around three percent of patients.

'I spent many days lying on the floor gasping for air,' she wrote. 'I couldn't sit up for more than five minutes at a time. I still have to use a wheelchair if I go somewhere I have to walk for more than an hour or two.'

Despite the pain she still feels on a daily basis and will likely feel for the rest of her life, Yonts said she firmly supports vaccines.

'That vaccine, in many ways, destroyed my life. So many would assume that I'm anti-vaccine. Which is entirely, thoroughly, grossly incorrect,' she wrote.

'What happened to me has a literal one in a million chance of occurring...I'm the one in a million. I'm the outlying statistic that's a grim necessity for the majority of people to be healthy.'

Yonts also argued vaccines don't just protect children but also vulnerable people like herself who can't be vaccinated due to her autoimmune condition.

Yonts also argued vaccines don't just protect children but also vulnerable people like herself who can't be vaccinated due to her autoimmune condition

This is a concept known as 'herd immunity', which occurs when the vast majority of a community becomes immune so that, if a disease is introduced, it is unable to spread

Less than one percent of children under age two have not received any vaccinations, but public health officials have warned that inoculations not only protect individuals but the community as a whole in what is known as 'herd immunity'.

This occurs when the vast majority of a community - between 80 and 95 percent - becomes immune so that, if a disease is introduced, it is unable to spread.

It helps ensure those who are unable to be vaccinated, including the ill, very young and very old, are protected.

'When you don't get vaccinated, you put at risk the lives of all of the people like me who CAN'T be vaccinated,' she wrote.

'You are literally playing Russian roulette with OUR lives because you're nervous about a one in a million statistic. That's beyond selfish & there's no excuse.'

Yonts's initial tweet has received more than 9,800 likes and has been retweeted more than 5,600 times.

Vaccines have become a hot button issue over the last several weeks.

Measles outbreaks in anti-vaccination 'hot spots' have popped up across the country, affecting more than 100 people 10 states.

Particularly New York and Washington have been struggling to contain the highly contagious infection.

On Sunday, officials in Washington declared a public health emergency after a measles outbreak that has affected 61 people in Clark County and one in King County.

Fifty-four of the cases are in residents who have not been vaccinated. Forty-four cases are in children aged 10 and under
A wind-borne disease that inflames blood vessels and causes heart failure is infecting children in San Diego, health officials say.

Since the start of the year, 16 kids have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency.

Researchers at the UC San Diego School of Medicine told the agency that twice as many children have been diagnosed compared with previous years.

Experts say the condition can be weather-related and that the triggers of the disease have come over to the US via wind from Asia.

Since January 1, 16 children have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a condition that causes inflammation in the walls of the blood vessels and can lead to heart failure. Pictured: a rash associated with Kawasaki disease

Although scientists are not sure what causes the disease, past studies have shown that climate and environmental patterns may play a role.

'We want community health care providers to have increased vigilance for Kawasaki disease cases during these periods of wet, cool weather,' said Dr Jane Burns, a pediatrician at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and director of the Kawasaki Disease Research Center said in a statement.

'The climate patterns that are associated with increased numbers of children diagnosed have occurred more frequently here so far this year.'

Kawasaki disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the walls of the blood vessels and affects mostly children under five years old.

The inflammation can weaken or damage the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with blood.

This can lead to aneurysms, heart attacks or heart failure, which is why Kawasaki disease is known as one of the leading causes of heart disease in children, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

Symptoms include a fever, a rash, swollen hands and feet, redness in the whites of the eyes and swollen lymph glands in the throat.

Treatment usually comes in the form of aspirin for the fever and rash and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy - a treatment made from donated blood - to reduce the risk of coronary artery abnormalities from developing.

'Kawasaki disease is not an illness many physicians have diagnosed, and it can initially be confused with other more common illnesses,' said county public health officer Dr Wilma Wooten in a press release.

'We are alerting health professionals and parents today to raise awareness of the increased Kawasaki disease activity currently in our community.'

Incidence of Kawasaki disease is highest in Japan and, in the US, it most frequently occurs in children of Asian-American descent, according to the AHA.

The San Diego Health and Human Services Agency says cases have been rising in the county over the last 30 years.

In the 1990s, 10 in 100,000 children in San Diego under five years old were affected by the disease.

However, between 2006 and 2015, the incidence rose to 25.5 in 100,000 children under age five.
The majority of doctors say they are too busy to provide the quality of end-of-life care they would like to.

That's the finding of a new survey done by the Royal College of General Practitioners, which quizzed 1,000 GPs across the UK.

Medical professionals blame growing workloads and funding cuts for the problem.

The research also found 62 per cent of doctors feel there's insufficient community support available to terminally ill patients and their families, because of a lack of funds.

Insight: A new survey undertaken by ComRes for the Royal College of General Practitioners, analysed 1,000 GPs across the UK - with alarming results

Although 92 per cent of doctors said end-of-life care is an 'important' part of being a doctor, four out of five of them say they don't have enough time to do it well.

The Royal College of GPs announced its findings as it launched a new set of standards with terminal illness charity Marie Curie, GP Online reported.

Its survey results come amid numerous warning signs of the strain being put on family doctors around the UK.

NHS GP SHORTAGE IS A 'DESPERATE SITUATION' Official figures showed in 2018 that 41 per cent of GPs  around 10,000 doctors  are 50 or over and are expected to quit within the next five to ten years. And 2.5 million patients are at risk of their local GP surgery closing because so many are relying on doctors who are close to retirement. At the same time, fewer young doctors are choosing to specialise as GPs and are opting for other career paths as surgeons or specialists. Many GPs are retiring in their 50s, moving abroad or leaving to work in the private sector, increasing the pressure on those who still work in the sector. Appointment waiting times are getting longer and more people are going to A&E for minor illnesses because they can't see a doctor. Despite an NHS a plan to recruit 5,000 extra GPs by 2021, numbers of family doctors are falling. And 762 GP practices across the UK could close within the next five years, according to the Royal College of Nursing. Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, told The Times: 'This is a desperate situation with potentially serious consequences for patients.'

The Government recently announced its plans to recruit 5,000 GPs between 2015 and 2020 is destined to fail, and hundreds of practices are at risk of closing.

As the staff shortage fails to improve, doctors' workloads are becoming bigger and patient lists longer.

Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders, end of life care lead at the RCGP and Marie Curie, said: GPs are central to providing excellent end of life care, and we know how much patients and their families value being able to have an open conversation with their doctor about what lies ahead.

Our colleagues are already working hard to provide this level of care, but pressures on our system and a lack of resources in the community can sometimes make going the extra mile that bit harder, which can be incredibly frustrating for us and our teams.'

The two organisations have launched their 'Daffodil Standards', which advise surgeries and hospitals how they can improve their end-of-life care service.

Published on the RCGP website, it is described as 'a blend of quality statements, evidence-based tools, reflective learning exercises and quality improvement steps.'



This includes: competent staff, early identification of patients/carers, assessment of unique needs, care after death and GP surgeries being compassionate.

RCGP chair Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard said: Were delighted to be able to launch these standards with Marie Curie and hope they go a long way in supporting GPs, their teams, and, of course, our patients, but current pressures on our service and the effects they are having on our ability to consistently provide high-quality palliative care cannot be ignored.

Thats why its essential that the pledges for more investment for general practice and for more GPs and practice staff, made in NHS Englands GP Forward View and the NHS long-term plan are delivered urgently and in full.
Only six patients have been given medicinal cannabis since it was legalised last November  and all on private prescriptions, a professor has claimed.

Since November 1 2018, specialist doctors in the UK have been able to legally prescribe unlicensed marijuana-based products containing THC, which is what makes users 'high'.

This came about after the high-profile case of Alfie Dingley, whose extreme seizures stopped after the six-year-old took THC-based medication in the Netherlands.

Despite the law change, the British Paediatric Neurology Associations guidelines do not recommend the prescription of medicinal cannabis that contains THC.

Alfie's mother Hannah Deacon called the legislation a 'catastrophic failure' and has even heard of a patient's doctor saying he will 'be sacked if he writes a prescription'.

A professor of neurological rehabilitation has called the situation 'appalling' and blames 'overcautious guidelines' for preventing NHS doctors prescribing the now-legal medication.

Only six patients have been given medicinal cannabis since it was legalised last November - and all on private prescriptions, a professor has claimed (stock)

'The situation is appalling,' Mike Barnes, honorary professor of neurological rehabilitation at Newcastle University, told The BMJ.

'Not one patient has benefited from a cannabis prescription on the NHS.

'The legislation has had no impact on the health of people due to the lack of education of the medical community and overcautious guidelines produced by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Paediatric Neurology Association.'

An open letter from the parents of 39 children with intractable epilepsy  defined as seizures that cannot be controlled  is calling for the BPNA to change its guidance.

The parents have accused the association of ignoring England's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, who recommended medicinal cannabis be available to all eligible epilepsy patients.

This comes after 17 children with the condition were denied prescriptions despite campaigners fighting for their right to the drug in the movement End Our Pain, its director Peter Carroll said.

Alfie Dingley was part of the campaign and is one of just six children Professor Barnes knows to have been given medicinal cannabis since the law change.

One of these youngsters is 12-year-old Billy Caldwell, whose mother had seven bottles of cannabis oil confiscated at Heathrow Airport customs on June 11.

The campaign group United Patients Alliance estimates a million people in the UK take cannabis illegally to help manage their health conditions.

But non-medicinal marijuana can contain a host of contaminants and has an unknown strength.

Jon Liebling  the alliances political director  claims by not prescribing medicinal cannabis, doctors are making patients vulnerable to 'the criminal market'.

He added he knows of just two medics who are willing and able to write these prescriptions.

Alfie Dingley was the first person to receive medicinal cannabis in the UK under a special licence before the law change.

Before the legislation came into effect, his mother claims one doctor told her 'if you talk to me about cannabis again I'll report you to social services'.

It then took eight doctors to complete the administrative procedures required to get Alfie the drug, which Ms Deacon compared to 'trying to import plutonium'.

Doctors then asked Ms Deacon to switch Alfie back to CBD products without THC, which she called 'unethical'.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of cannabis that has never been restricted in the UK and is even available on the High Street as an oil or spray.

Up until November 1 the drug Sativex - which contains both CBD and THC - was the only medicinal-cannabis product licensed in the UK and was given to MS patients with spasticity.

Products that contain both CBD and THC may be prepared from cannabis-plant material.

Products include Bedrocan, Bedrobinol, Bediol, Bedica, and Bedrolite, which are all made by the pharma company Bedrocan in the Netherlands.

MailOnline has approached the BPNA for comment.
A three-year-old girl had a real heart-in-the-mouth moment when she swallowed a pendant in the shape of the organ, a surprising X-ray discovered.

The unidentified youngster, from San Diego, California, was taken to her local emergency department after she accidentally ingested the metal pendant.

An X-ray of her chest showed the item in the proximal thoracic oesophagus  the muscular tube which connects the throat to the stomach.

Incredibly, it had formed a perfect heart-shape in her chest cavity.

Heart-shaped: A radiograph confirmed heart-shaped foreign body in the thoracic esophagus

As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, the patient was taken to the operating room to undergo rigid endoscopy.

There, the necklace was removed in full.

Further inspection of the esophagus showed minor injuries of the lining of the esophagus, but nothing serious or requiring further treatment.

The patient recovered and was discharged.

Typically, children aged one to three years old are most likely to swallow foreign objects.

While some pass naturally through the system, some require immediate extraction if they've been present for more than 24 hours.

Extracted: The patient's item was removed in full and can be seen here after its removal

These include sharp objects and button batteries.

Last year, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) issued a fresh warning about button batteries commonly found in toys and remote controls.

The organisation urged parents to be aware of the batteries' dangers and to store and dispose of them properly.

'These batteries pose a very real risk to small children and babies,' said HSIB's medical director, Dr Kevin Stewart.

'The consequences of swallowing a button battery can be truly devastating.'

The warning comes after health investigators studied the case of a child who died after swallowing one of the batteries.
A deaf woman has claimed she will soon be a millionaire after setting up a sign language school from her own home.

Katie Redstar, from Leeds, Yorkshire, became deaf after meningitis at the age of three and struggled to find work as an adult.

She hit rock bottom when Job Centre advisers said she would never be employed.

But refusing to live life without any ambitions, she set up a business in 2017, and has now signed contracts with six-figure companies, she said.

The entrepreneur, who has been visually impaired since birth and will soon be blind, has also signed a book deal.

Katie Redstar, from Leeds, Yorkshire, claims Job Centre advisers said she would never be employed because she is deaf and has impaired vision

Ms Redstar set up her own business from home, offering sign language training to companies

She said she has now signed contracts with six-figure companies, and is therefore set to become a millionaire by April

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The inflammation can damage nerves that run between the ear and brain.

Among those who survive meningitis, approximately one in five will have permanent disabilities, such as hearing loss, brain damage, loss of kidney function or limb amputations, with hearing loss being the most common.

Ms Redstar has also suffered from a rare degenerative disease that impairs her sight from birth, but said it is not clear what this disease is.

Ms Redstar claims in 2017 Job Centre advisers told her she couldn't work and would have to stay on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for the rest of her life.

She said: 'I was working in a charity shop, but I didn't feel appreciated.

'I told the Job Centre I wanted to work but they told me I couldn't because of my disabilities.

'A friend asked me if I was prepared to accept that, and I said no.

'I had a vision for companies around the world to be accessible for deaf people.'

After learning sign language at four years old, Ms Redstar said the special form of communication became one of her passions.

Ms Redstar set up her own business from home, offering sign language training to companies including EE, in a bid to tear down barriers for other deaf people needing employment.

At first the business, Ignite Your Inner Light, was slow to progress. So Ms Redstar began to write her book, due to be published in June.

After learning sign language at just four years old, Ms Redstar said the special form of communication became one of her passions. Pictured, with her service dog

Next year, Ms Redstar hopes to buy a big house in Portugal and hopes to set up a children's home for 'differently-abled youngsters'

Ms Redstar's pay check will be a far cry from the fortnightly 426 ESA that Ms Redstar has been receiving since December 2006

WHAT ARE THE AFTER-EFFECTS OF MENINGITIS? Health problems after meningitis may be temporary or permanent, physical or emotional. Physical disabilities may be obvious, however neurological and emotional problems may not be immediately apparent but can also cause a wide range of challenges. After effects most likely to be caused by meningitis are: Memory loss/lack of concentration/difficulty retaining information Clumsiness/co-ordination problems Headaches Deafness/hearing problems/tinnitus/dizziness/loss of balance Epilepsy/seizures Weakness/paralysis/spasms Speech problems Loss of sight/vision problems Source: Meningitis Research Foundation

But then she landed several deals with major companies - whose contracts total more than a million pounds, according to Ms Redstar.

She said: 'For months it looked like nothing was happening but I remained consistent.

'I decided to up my game by writing a book, which has attracted extensive coverage already and it hasn't even been released.

'Straight away the book gave me more exposure, and now I'm working with several six-figure clients.

'Never in this world did I ever think I would become a millionaire when I started this.

'I was just happy to make a little to live on but this has changed my life and made me believe in myself more than ever.'

With their deposits paid and the full payments due to land in April, it will be a stark contrast to the fortnightly 426 ESA that Ms Redstar has been receiving since December 2006.

Writing on her company Facebook, Ms Redstar said: 'I have just signed up EE client for 250K for six months.'

Next year she hopes to buy a big house in Portugal and set up a children's home for 'differently-abled youngsters'.

Ms Redstar said: 'Growing up I had doors closed in my face, people telling me I can't do things because I'm deaf. But it has just motivated me and now I'm showing people that just because I'm deaf doesn't mean I can't do things, that I can't achieve things.

'I have a brain and am capable of thinking for myself and doing things for myself.

'It may not be in the normal way, for example being able to answer phones, but I have a unique skill that is not widely available for people and companies to learn.'

Ms Redstar's rare visual impairment will continue to deteriorate her sight until she becomes completely blind, but she doesn't see it holding her back.

She said: 'I used to be terrified about losing my sight, but I have accepted it now and I have stopped all the treatments because they weren't working.

'Now I'm letting nature take its course.

'This has been a massive turnaround for me.

'I am deaf and nearly blind so my motivation comes from within myself as we don't know when the rest of my vision will go.

'I want to achieve as much as I can while I can still see the small amount that I can.'
A record number of NHS staff are quitting because they are fed up with not seeing their families, research suggests.

An analysis by the thinktank Health Foundation reveals the number of burnt-out staff leaving the health service has almost trebled in the past seven years.

Between June 2017 and 2018, 10,257 NHS personnel blamed a poor work-life balance for them leaving the health service - a 178 per cent increase from just 3,689 in 2010-to-2011.

This comes as the NHS is struggling to fill almost 103,000 vacancies, including 40,877 nursing posts and a doctor shortage of 9,337.

A record number of NHS staff are quitting because they are fed up with the workload (stock)

Becky Fisher - a GP and policy fellow at the Health Foundation - said: 'Being a GP is a privilege and I love my job but it certainly does feel pressurised.

'We simply don't have enough GPs, and demand for care is rising, so those still working are doing even more.

'The strain leads people to retire early or cut back  exacerbating the problem.

'The sheer number of decisions you make in a day can feel frighteningly large.

'You want to do your absolute best for everyone, but in reality you're juggling competing needs  the patient in front of you, those in the waiting room, the results in your inbox.

She added: 'On a good day it's incredibly satisfying, but on a bad one, I empathise with colleagues who decided that it's simply too much.'

Results of the analysis - which is based on NHS Digital data - reveals the nursing profession has been most affected, with the number quitting due to a poor work-life balance rising from 1,069 to 2,910 over those seven years.

HOW BAD IS THE NURSING CRISIS? The shortage of NHS staff in England is continuing to worsen, official figures show. Figures published by the regulator, NHS Improvement, for the April to June period showed that 11.8% of nurse posts were not filled - a shortage of nearly 42,000. According to Health Education England, around 33,000 of these positions are filled temporarily by agency staff  an unwelcome extra expense for local NHS trusts. A report by three leading health sector think-tanks estimates that if demand rises as predicted, the NHS will need 250,000 additional staff by 2030. But if skilled workers cannot be attracted from abroad the shortage could reach 350,000  roughly a quarter of the 1.2million workforce. Experts say low pay and long hours are two of the main factors which make finding nursing staff difficult. This, paired with student debt, makes the profession unappealing for young people. Of those quitting, more than half are under 40, with many citing stress and rising workloads for being behind their decision to leave. In January the Royal College of Nursing warned the NHS was 'haemorrhaging nurses', as around 3,000 more nurses quit their jobs than started new ones in 2017.

And for doctors, 169 per cent more quit the profession due to unreasonable demands in 2017-to-2018 (270) than in 2010-to-2011 (101).

Anita Charlesworth, director of research and economics at the Health Foundation, said: 'Retaining NHS staff is vital if the health service is to address the chronic workforce shortages.

'Funding constraints and growing staff shortages have continued to pile more pressure on those working in the health service, squeezing as much as possible out of a workforce that is clearly feeling the strain.

'With a gap of over 100,000 staff across the NHS, so much now hinges on the forthcoming workforce implementation plan.

She added: 'Unless these shortages are reduced, the NHS risks being locked in a damaging and vicious circle of staff shortages, adding pressure on existing NHS staff and in turn, leading them to walk away from the service.'

According to Section 27 of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook, 'employees will normally not be expected to work on average more than 48 hours per each seven-day period, calculated over 17 weeks.

'In exceptional circumstances the reference period may be extended, by agreement with locally recognised unions, to a maximum of 52 weeks.

But the latest employment survey by the Royal College of Nursing revealed 71 per cent of nurses have worked additional hours at least once a week, compared to 58 per cent a decade ago.

And 15 per cent work additional hours on every shift.

The NHS Long-Term Plan, which was published last month, aims to offer staff flexible working hours to combat its workforce crisis.

It said: 'Inflexible and unpredictable working patterns make it harder for people to balance their work and personal life obligations.

'To make the NHS a consistently great place to work, we will seek to shape a modern employment culture for the NHS.'

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals - one of the NHS' largest trusts - has already introduced an array of flexible working schemes, including career breaks and job sharing, The Guardian reported.

This comes after figures released at the end of last year revealed the NHS recruitment crisis has become so bad that some parts of the country are hiring one nurse for every 400 jobs advertised.

It was also reported 33,000 nurses quit in one year - an increase of 20 per cent since 2012-to-2013.
A young mother who thought her lingering cough was her body reacting to the stress of moving across the world was horrified to be told she actually had leukaemia.

Louise Moreton, 35, who moved from Melbourne to Durham in 2017, was told she needed to start cancer treatment within 48 hours or she could die.

Australian Mrs Moreton, whose husband, Paul, is from northern England, first started suffering with a cough she couldn't shift.

But when her symptoms developed into inexplicable nosebleeds, weight loss and night sweats, she figured something more serious was wrong and went to a doctor.

Tests revealed she had leukaemia  blood cancer  and doctors said she couldn't go home and must begin chemotherapy immediately.

Louise Moreton (right), moved from Melbourne to Durham, the home of her husband, Paul, 35 (left), when she discovered a cough she thought was tiredness was actually cancer

Mrs Moreton, whose husband, Paul, is from northern England, first started suffering with a cough she couldn't shift around a month after her move

After tests, Mrs Moreton immediately began treatment  a six week course of chemotherapy, during which time she had to be kept in isolation

In August 2017, a month after Mrs Moreton, an occupational therapist, had moved to England with her husband and their son, Leo, six, she began feeling run down.

She developed a nasty cough which wouldn't shift, and figured the stress of her huge move had weakened her immune system and she was suffering with a simple bug.

But, after experiencing worrying nose bleeds and night sweats, she had an urgent blood test on November 3, 2017.

From this she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, and admitted to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital for six weeks.

'To be told I couldn't go home and that I needed to start treatment within 48 hours or I'd die was so shocking,' she said.

'All I could think about was Leo. We'd all gone from the absolute high of moving to the UK to not knowing if I'd survive.'

Leading up to her mammoth move, Mrs Moreton, who met financier Paul while he was backpacking through Australia in 2007, felt fit and healthy.

She only started to cough and feel run down a month after arriving in the UK, when she also developed daily headaches, leading doctors to believe it was flu.

Mrs Moreton explained: 'I was very new to the country, so was trying to find a doctor and navigate how the system works over here.

'I went back and forth to a GP, but they still thought it was just flu.

'It got to the point where I began to question myself, thinking if this is just a virus like everyone is saying, why am I so weak?'

By late October, Mrs Moreton's health had rapidly declined, resulting in night sweats, breathlessness and weight loss.

Doctors believed Mrs Moreton, pictured with her son Leo shortly after they arrived in the UK, had the flu until her symptoms developed into weight loss, nosebleeds and night sweats

Somehow, despite her symptoms making day to day life difficult, Mrs Moreton worked in a hospice for one week before she became too ill, leading to her diagnosis

Mrs Moreton, pictured with her son during treatment, was told she would need treatment within 48 hours and wasn't able to return home

WHAT IS ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA? Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in young white blood cells in the bone marrow. AML affects around one in 200 men and one in 255 women in the UK at some point in their lives. Approximately 19,500 new cases occur every year in the US. It is most often diagnosed in older people. Symptoms can include: Fatigue

Fever

Frequent infections

Bruising or bleeding easily, including nosebleeds or heavy periods

Weight loss

Bone and joint pain

Breathlessness

Swollen abdomen

Pale skin AML's exact cause is unclear, however, risks include: Smoking

Being overweight

Radiation exposure

Previous chemotherapy

Certain blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome

Some immune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis AML is usually treated via chemotherapy. A bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be required. Source: Cancer Research UK

Somehow, despite her symptoms making day to day life difficult, she had found a job working in a hospice, which she did for just one week and a day before things came to a head.

She recalled: 'I got home after a shift and was playing with Leo, when this wall of fatigue hit me like nothing else. I just couldn't get out of bed.

'That's when my nosebleeds began too, and I started to feel very scared. I knew something serious was happening.

'I made an appointment at an urgent care centre and Paul virtually had to carry me in, I was that sick.'

In November, Mrs Moreton had a blood test  only to be called four hours later with instructions to urgently get herself to the University Hospital of North Durham to meet with a doctor.

She added: 'He was fantastic, ready and waiting to assess me as soon as I arrived. I must have looked skeletal by then.'

Within the hour, Mrs Moreton had been blue-lighted to Newcastle's Freeman Hospital and admitted.

There, in the middle of the night, after running a series of tests, medics broke the news that she had leukaemia  as well as pneumonia and sepsis, where the body attacks itself in response to an infection  and needed treatment immediately.

She recalled: 'The doctor was incredible. I said to her, "Am I going to end up in a hospice, like the one where I work?"

'She said they would do all they could for me. I held on to that and knew I had to fight.

'Paul was by my side throughout. His mum Veronica, dad Michael and sister Jayne were amazing.

'They'd swooped in to look after Leo while we went to hospital, but Paul had to call them to break the news.

'That must have been incredibly difficult for him. My family back in Australia felt helpless too. They had no idea what to do, and couldn't physically be there.

'At the time, it felt like the world could not be bigger.'

Mrs Moreton was told in March 2018 that she is in remission after three rounds of chemo

Mrs Moreton moved back to Melbourne in July 2018 to be closer to her family in case she relapsed. However, a bone biopsy has confirmed she is still in remission

Right away, Mrs Moreton began treatment  a six week course of chemotherapy, during which time she had to be kept in isolation as her immune system was so compromised.

'Paul, thankfully, could be there and so slept by my side every night,' he said. 'But Leo was in school around a lot of germs, so it was too risky.

'I couldn't be near him, which was very tough. He would write me notes and letters though, and press them up to the glass window of the room I was in so I could see.'

After the first round of chemotherapy, Mrs Moreton was allowed home for a few days around Christmas, but soon had to go back to hospital after contracting an infection.

From there, two further rounds of chemotherapy followed, before her treatment finished in March 2018 and she was told the words she had longed to hear  she was in remission.

Since then, although she, Mr Moreton and Leo moved back to Melbourne in July 2018 to be closer to her family in case she relapsed, she has been working tirelessly with charity Leukaemia Care, backing their #spotleukaemia campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms to watch out for.

'I got involved with Leukaemia Care shortly after my diagnosis,' she said. 'I joined some of their support groups, which were my saving grace.'

Mrs Moreton hopes that, by sharing her story, she will help encourage people to speak to their doctor if they have noticed any worrying changes in their health.

She added: 'All I want to do is raise awareness. It's shocking how quickly and brutally this disease can claim lives if it's left untreated.

'I know the NHS does an amazing job, and it's flat out right now, but I hope to encourage people to be advocates for their own health too.

'Don't doubt yourself  keep pushing if you feel something isn't right.'

Leukaemia Care is a national charity urging people to #SpotLeukaemia. Find out more at spotleukaemia.co.uk.
A tick bite that she doesn't even remember has all but ruined 31-year-old Laura MacLeod's life.

She has likely had Lyme disease since she was a child, but it wasn't until she was a young professional and suddenly suffering from a confusing but life-altering set of symptoms: debilitating fatigue, brain fog, aches, pains and even seizures.

But that one answer was the beginning of a continually frustrating search for something, anything, to bring Laura relief.

She has tried everything from injections of ozone to bee stings (which are ongoing, and a source of hope for Laura) but her body just keeps deteriorating further and further.

Her next hope is to fly to Germany for the most dangerous treatment yet, because, here in the US, many health officials and doctors deny that the chronic Lyme could be the cause of Laura's symptoms.

Laura MacLeod, 31, has been in and out of hospitals for everything from seizures to cognitive symptoms and a life-threatening antibiotic resistant infection. She has Lyme disease, but every treatment she has tried has failed, leaving her desperate and trying unproven protocols

Before her diagnosis, Laura was a fit and active woman, frequently surfing in California or around the world as part of her many travels

CONTROVERSY OVER CHRONIC LYME: NO COUNTRIES WILL RECOGNIZE IT - BUT EUROPE IS SOFTENING ITS STANCE Lyme disease is present in ticks in much of North America (including the US and Canada), Europe (more prominently eastern and central than western) and northern Asia, though forms from different places are not identical. Chronic Lyme disease is not officially recognized. But countries like France, Canada, Switzerland and Germany have taken a more proactive stance on the disease than the US has. 'Really, the controversy stems from the unknowns' about the disease, says Tulane University Lyme researcher Dr Monica Morici-Embers. 'If we had some answers and we could prove this, that or the other, it wouldn't be controversial, but we can't and the disease is not simple.' As Lyme disease becomes more common around the world, France and Canada have created national plans to address tick-borne disease including Lyme. The US sees at least as many cases of Lyme each year as either country does. French researchers are looking into how tick bites themselves may lead to chronic illness. Meanwhile in the US, much research in the US focuses on the basics of the ticks that carry it and how the infection is transmitted. There are a handful of clinics that specialize in Lyme in the US as well as in other countries. A German clinic using hyperthermia - heating of the whole body - to treat Lyme has gained notoriety after several people claimed it cured them. The treatment is offered by at least one US clinic as well, but is only FDA approved for treating certain cancers and considered dangerous.

On social media, Laura appears alternately in photos as vibrant and adventurous and deathly ill.

In most images, she's globe-trotting or grinning in the middle of a crowd of friends.

But in others, she's in a hospital bed, nearly obscured by wires, tubes and machines monitoring her precarious health.

This is what chronic Lyme disease looks like.

Its network of possible symptoms are so far-flung and variable from person-to-person that trying to treat them is like playing whack-a-mole.

The only proven treatment for Lyme disease itself is a course of antibiotics that eradicates the infection. But it only works if it's administered in the early stages of the disease.

That was hardly the situation for Laura.

'I think I've had Lyme since I was a kid. I went to high school in Connecticut and I think it started then because I was sick, but not sick enough to really make a big deal of it. I was just a sick kid,' Laura says.

Fast-forward to her adulthood, and suddenly Laura's eyelashes had all fallen out. Her body was mottled with rashes, she could hardly keep food down and was seizing regularly.

'I saw specialists in neurology, chiropractors, orthopedists, everyone I could think of, but they didn't know what to do. No one really had any suggestions and no one could find anything clearly wrong,' she says.

An orthopedic surgeon, with no other answers suggested exploratory neck surgery to find an unknown unknown.

Desperate though she was, that was a step too far for Laura.

Like many other doctors she'd seen, the orthopedic surgeon suggested that if there wasn't a problem showing up on less invasive tests, Laura's issue might be more mental than physical.

She opted to see a psychologist, in the hopes that perhaps her wide array of symptoms might be stress-related.

She has been an avid hiker and camper. The dry air of the desert brings Laura some relief, but she says she should currently be on bed rest

'I thought I must just be stressed out and this is all in my head, I'm just not adjusting well' to her new busy life working in advertising in New York.

'I spent almost two years in therapy before the doctor was says, "I think you're just really sick,"' Laura recalls.

Specialists of every other kind told Laura her problem must be mental, and her mental health provider told her it must be physical.

Laura was sick, and stuck without any answers. It would take her to work out why.

'I WOULD GET LOST ALL THE TIME': LYME DISEASE 'HIDES' FROM DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND TREATMENTS - MAKING LAURA FEEL LIKE SHE WAS GOING CRAZY

Lyme is a sneaky disease.

The bacteria that causes it 'hides,' as Tulane University bacteriology and parasitology professor Dr Monica Morici-Embers explains.

This makes it both hard to test for and to treat, and is part of the reason that one person's symptoms of Lyme disease can be wildly different from another's.

'It doesn't stay in the blood very long after the tick feeds,' she says, 'it gets disseminated throughout the body through the bloodstream and hides in collagenous tissues, like the heart and even the brain, [and then] it is no longer detectable,' Dr Morici-Embers says.

For Laura, the mysterious changes to her brain were among the most agonizing symptoms.

'I had these cognitive symptoms - I used to organize large amounts of information for a living, but I was having trouble reading simple guidelines and communicating. I couldn't think of the right words, I would get lost all the time,' Laura says.

'I would be trying to bring my keys out to my car, and realize I was holding my dog.'

Not everyone with Lyme has these cognitive symptoms, and not all cognitive symptoms indicate Lyme - but they can.

Laura's Lyme disease began to really affect her life while she was working in advertising in New York. At first, she first blamed the stress of her high pressure job - then she had a seizure

When other specialists couldn't diagnose her, Laura decided to try therapy to help her 'adjust' to life in New York. After nearly two years, the therapist said 'maybe you're just really sick'

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that Lyme can cause brain tissue swelling - also known as encephalitis - but that this is uncommon.

Patients who do have this rare complication may be sleepy or lethargic, moody or confused. Some have marked personality or behavioral changes, cognitive changes, even hallucinations or seizures.

Laura had all of the above, plus periodic rashes stretching across her chest and neck, aches and pains everywhere from her jaw to her joints, and she kept vomiting.

A bullseye rash is the most common, typically the first, and certainly most clear identifier of Lyme disease, but from there the condition's effects become unpredictable.

Dr Morici-Embers, who studies Lyme in animals, says that this unpredictability needs to be recognized as part of the nature of the disease - not a reason to deny its existence.

'I've seen what the infection looks like in animal models, I've seen inflammation in and around the peripheral nerves, which would cause any number of symptoms,' she explains.

'Not every animal will have the same set of signs in their tissues of infection and some will have moderate-level inflammation in areas where it can cause potentially complex symptoms.'

Depending on the region of the US, different species of tick carry Lyme disease. But cases are relatively rare outside of the Northeast.

Yet when Laura did some online digging, it kept bringing her back to Lyme - it seemed to her the closest fit to what she was experiencing.

THE ONLY APPROVED TREATMENT FOR LYME FAILED FOR LAURA. SO SHE TURNED TO FAMED BUT CONTROVERSIAL DOCTORS

Back in California, where she had grown up and returned when her health began to deteriorate, Laura's new doctor was skeptical when her patient came to her armed with a litany of WebMD research on a disease

'I asked her to test me [for Lyme], but she said, 'no, there's none on the West Coast, it's expensive and I don't want to put your insurance through it,' Laura says.

Ultimately, the doctor agreed, and tested Laura's blood for antibodies that would indicate Lyme in January 2016.

The test was positive.

'She called back and said, "I can't believe it," and I said, "yeah, well, I can,"' Laura recalls.

Laura was prescribed the standard treatment - a two- to three-week course of antibiotics, typically doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil - but she only felt worse.

'I went back to work, but I was just getting worse and worse and worse,' she says.

After many specialists and years of knowing something what wrong - but not what - Laura finally convinced a doctor to test her for Lyme, and was diagnosed in January 2016 (pictured)

Doctors started Laura on the standard course of antibiotics to treat Lyme in 2016, but the drugs only work if they are used early on after infection. Laura only got worse after treatment

Things came to a head in June 2016, when Laura was laid off after suffering a seizure while giving a presentation to Instagram.

Strapped with massive medical bills but no closer to relief from the increasingly debilitating symptoms of her Lyme disease, Laura moved back in with her parents.

'I tried to tough it out in LA for a while, and everything [about her illness] was very hush-hush and secret,' but life was becoming unbearable.

Laura eventually linked up with Dr David Kaufman - the same specialist featured in the controversial Netflix docu-series, Afflicted, about people with mysterious chronic illnesses - who said that Laura had a variation of Lyme disease that is chronic.

Chronic Lyme is not recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which instead describes long-lasting symptoms like Laura's as 'post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome.'

The CDC even warns against the dangers of trying to treat persistent Lyme symptoms with long courses of antibiotics or other alternative therapies.

And the concept of chronic Lyme is approached with similar skepticism by the medical community at large.

But Dr Kaufman - and a small subset of practitioners, licensed and unlicensed, legitimate and fraudulent - disagree.

These doctors and the patients who seek their help, like Laura, have been pushed to the fringes of the medical world, and 'alternative' therapies for Lyme are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and therefore potentially illegal (dependent on the treatment).

Controversial Lyme specialist Dr David Kaufman put Laura on a oral antibiotics for a year, then, when that didn't work, he ordered her a PICC catheter line to deliver IV antibiotics (pictured)

This makes figures like Dr Kaufman controversial, to say the least.

'There have been a lot of raids, there are secret Facebook groups, and [doctors like Kaufman] don't take insurance and charge $500 to $1,500 just for a consultation,' Laura says.

'[Dr Kaufman] is the same: it takes six months to see him, and he bills himself as a chronic fatigue syndrome doctor on Afflicted.'

He put Laura on antibiotics for a year. He diagnosed her with a number of additional conditions, on top of Lyme disease. She seemed to develop allergies to all manner of things spontaneously.

Laura began to have massive drops in blood pressure every time she stood up, and in March 2017 he put her on IV antibiotics, but the PICC line they were delivered through became badly infected and the infection was resistant to most antibiotics.

She spent 10 days in the hospital with a 100 degree fever as doctors scrambled to find something to treat her infection.

'It's really scary because if I ever get a PICC line again and get an infection, I would probably die. Antibiotics won't work and I have organ damage. My liver is failing, and my gallbladder,' says Laura.

What's more, when she returned to the hospital, Laura's description of her condition and her PICC line were met so incredulously that she was labelled 'a problematic patient' and sent to the psychiatric ward.

Laura developed a severe, antibiotic resistant infection at the site of her PICC line. She spent 10 days in the hospital with a 100 degree fever in October 2017

WHAT'S NEXT: A $40,000 TREATMENT TO HEAT THE WHOLE BODY THAT SOME CLAIM CURED THEM - BUT THE PROTOCOL IS UNPROVEN AND DANGEROUS

The cycle of hospitalizations to no avail had already all but depleted Laura's bank accounts. Soon it was draining her family's, too - and they weren't even convinced of what they were paying for.

'My Dad hasn't spoken to me in a year, because he doesn't believe that Lyme disease is real, but I don't know what he thinks my motivation would be [to make it up]' Laura says.

'We've spent over $100,000 and all of our savings not even on treatment, just on specialists. I've burned through all of my money and all of my parents with this.'

Her California doctors couldn't do any more to help Laura, so she sought out more and more experimental treatments.

She's had her blood cleaned and cycled back into her body - a process called plasmafereces - and had injections of ozone which tenuous research suggests might remove 'dead bacteria' from her body.

As her condition has worsened, Laura has tried increasingly extreme (and unproven) treatments, including a dialysis-like process to 'clean' her blood (pictured)

In addition to increasingly experimental treatment protocols, Laura has been on dozens of drugs, supplements and antibiotics over the course of the last three years (pictured)

Laura's most recent treatment involves being stung by a bee 150 times. The treatment is ongoing, she hopes to be one of many she says it has helped, but it's too soon to tell.

Next she wants to fly to Germany to get her most extreme experimental treatment to-date: 'whole body hyperthermia,' which would involve heating Laura's body as high as 107 degrees F.

St George Klinic has promised that their $40,000 protocol can cure Lyme, but pushing the human body's temperature that high is life-threatening.

Laura was scheduled to fly to Germany this week for hyperthermia, but her GoFundMe campaign didn't meet it's funding goal.

But many experts, including Dr Morici-Embers, are deeply skeptical of it and other extreme treatments.

'If you don't harm yourself by using natural supplements or whatever, then go for it,' she says.

'But my contention is that we need to figure out experimentally what works, and then hopefully at some point we'll have some good treatment that can help everyone with Lyme, but I would want to see that compound actually killing Borillia burgdorferi [the bacteria involved in most Lyme disease cases] in a test tube or animal before I would use it.'

This hasn't happened yet, though, so 'every patient has to really assess for themselves the -risk-benefit of every treatment, and these patients are desperate,' Dr Morici-Embers adds.

With money running out, and her father rejecting Laura's diagnosis, she is feeling increasingly isolated and desperate for a treatment to relieve her debilitating symptoms

COMBINATION ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENTS MAY SOMEDAY TREAT LYME - BUT NOT IN TIME FOR LAURA

Dr Morici-Embers and her lab are inching closer to understanding how the bacteria hide - the key to better diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease.

Tuberculosis has a similar tendency to 'hide' in tissues like the bone marrow. Combination antibiotic therapies are effective against tuberculosis, and Dr Morici-Embers thinks that same may be true in Lyme - but they would have to be tailored.

'Lyme is a perfect candidate for personalized medicines, and it's really important for us to figure out if [patients] have been diagnosed, treated, continued to have signs and symptoms, and what's the cause,' Dr Morici-Embers says.

'Some people have a tendency to oversimplify Lyme disease, but I think it's a lot more complicated in terms of what the bacteria can do to the immune response.

'If I were a clinician I would not brush it off asymptomatic in a person with history of tick-borne disease, but we need to arm clinician with better tools to diagnose and treat Lyme.'

Doing so will take time, and money. And Laura has neither.

'I have lost years of my life to this,' she says.

'My career, jobs, two relationships and countless friends who just can't understand what this all is.

'People are desperate, but nothing seems to work.'
BBC One's new Sunday night drama Baptiste has already proven to be a hit, with the debut episode attracting an audience of almost five million.

A spokesperson for the programme revealed to the MailOnline that episode one had 4.6 million viewers equating to 23.9 per cent of the overall audience.

They also revealed that the show had the largest viewing figures across all the channels for the 9pm slot last night.

But while the drama has had a successful start it was unable to beat the record breaking figures of broadcaster's smash hit The Bodyguard.

The 2018 series had the highest launch figures of dramas in the past decade with 10.4 million viewers on the weekend it launched.

Sunday night's episode of Baptiste saw television's most enigmatic and obsessive French detective return as he attempted to find a missing sex worker.

The debut episode of Baptiste attracted 4.6 million viewers and was the most viewed 9pm programme across all channels

In an opening episode which took a series of surprising turns that kept viewers guessing, Julien Baptiste went hunting through Amsterdam's underworld as he tried to get to the bottom of the case.

And in a further unexpected twist, audiences were left gobsmacked when it transpired the lead female character Kim Vogel (Talisa Garcia) was once a man.

Detective Julien Baptiste, played by Tcheky Karyo, discovers the the character's secret in a shocking twist at the end of the episode.

He successfully finds the missing girl he was hired to trace - and it was revealed the man claiming to be her uncle had been lying the whole time.

The spin off from BBC 1 hit show The Missing sees Baptiste in Amsterdam trying to help an uncle, Edward Stratton (Tom Hollander) find his drug addicted sex worker niece, Natalie Rose (Anna Prochnia).

But while the drama has had a successful start it was unable to beat the record breaking figures of broadcaster's smash hit The Bodyguard of which the debut episode had 10.4 million

Ms Garcia plays Kim Vogel, who lives with a man who is head over heels for her but is unaware that she is transgender

Talisa Garcia (pictured), 45, received gender reassignment surgery when she was a teenager and believes most men would still want to have sex with her after watching her in the BBC show

Sexy French detective Julien Baptiste returned to a captive audience tonight, as he attempted (and succeeded) at finding a missing girl

Baptiste and Stratton start by hunting for Stratton's niece Natalie in Amsterdam, where it's revealed the French detective and his family are living

At first it seems the series will focus on Natalie and her uncle's desperate search for her - but by the end of the episode, it's unclear what direction it will take. Pictured: Stratton with Baptiste

Viewers were put on edge straight away as the first on screen character Peter was brutally murdered less than three minutes in.

And in the climax of the show, it's revealed that Baptiste had located Natalie on a canal boat in the city - and that Stratton is not her uncle as he claims to be.

Meanwhile, Stratton, who returned to his home in England, where viewers were shocked to discover he was keeping the head of the man killed at the beginning of the programme in his basement.

Viewers have been left reeling with questions and took to Twitter to voice their confusion while attempting to piece together the mystery.

Viewers were charmed by Peter, played by Nicholas Woodeson, who is killed by an assassin less than three minutes into the programme

And left stunned when it was revealed at the end of the episode that his head was in Stratton's underground cellar

One wrote: 'Well I've gone right off a trip to Amsterdam! I've been holding my breath for an hour! that #Baptiste is as good as I'd hoped.'

While another commented: 'Now I'm just so desperate for answers. I need episode two #Baptiste'.

One said: 'Great first episode of @BBCOne's #Baptiste. Nice set up for what looks like a great drama. Wasnt expecting to see a severed head in a cellar...'

Another wrote: 'The guy is not her uncle?? And he has the guys head in his basement? #Baptiste'.

One user said: 'Knew there was something dodgy about the 'Uncle' all along. Good solid start leaving lots of questions for next week #Baptiste'.

And another wrote said: 'Spent most of it watching through my fingers but love love love the new #Baptiste'.

Episode one saw a series of new characters introduced, including Peter, Stratton and Natalie, a brothel madam who is revealed to be transgender (played by Talisa Garcia), an assassin Constantin (played by Alec Secareanu) among others.

It's unclear where the spin off will go next, as Baptiste continues to piece together the mystery

The spin off from BBC 1 hit show looks likely to be just as baffling as the original thriller The Missing, which ran for two series and finished in 2016.

Viewers were introduced to Julien Baptiste in 2014 in the first series of The Missing, in which James Nesbitt's character Tony Hughes and Tony's wife Emily were left in despair when their five-year-old son Oliver disappeared in France during a family holiday.

The story focused on Baptiste, a detective who retired in part to deal with his daughter's drug problems, returning to the case when Tony believed he'd found fresh evidence.

The second series was set on a British military base in Germany and starred David Morrissey as Captain Sam Webster and Keeley Hawes as his wife Gemma.

Their daughter Alice, who went missing in 2003, suddenly reappeared saying she'd been held captive with a French girl, Sophie Giroux. Baptiste, who was in charge of the Giroux investigation, returned and found there was more to Alice's story than anyone could imagine.

In the final episode of series two, eight million viewers tuned in to watch Julien Baptiste undergo brain surgery for a cancerous tumor.

But in this new series, he is fit and healthy, and back to trying to solve mysteries - and although at the start of the episode it looks like he'll be tracking down a missing drug addicted sex worker, by the end it appears nothing has been as it seems.

Baptiste is on Sundays, at 9pm on BBC One, catch up on the latest episode on BBC iPlayer
A young woman from Los Angeles is challenging societal messages of beauty by encouraging black women to share pictures of themselves standing in front of the Mona Lisa.

Last week, Darian Symone Harvin, 28, shared a throwback snap from her most recent trip to Paris. In the photo, the journalist and podcaster is standing in the Louvre in front of Leonardo de Vinci's famous painting, all while offering up a half-smile of her own.

She then challenged other black women to share photos of themselves in the same spot  and hundreds have obliged, posting their treasured snaps in front of the precious work of art.

Getting things started: Darian Symone Harvin, 28, shared a photo of herself in front of the Mona Lisa and asked other black women to do so

Reasons: The Los Angeles journalist said she feels 'like Mona Lisa has been fed as this "traditionally beautiful" woman'

Catching on: Hundreds of women have shared their own pictures at the Louvre

Darian (not pictured) said: 'When I see black women stand confidently in front of it, I think it pushes back against this notion of who is "beautiful"'

Copycats: Some women also posed with a half-smile like the woman in the famous painting

Happy to be here! Others smiled wide in front of the work of art

'I want to start a thread: Black girls in front of the Mona Lisa. I'll start,' she wrote in her February 13 tweet, which now has 65,000 likes.

While Darian seemed to be imitating Mona Lisa's iconic expression, those who replied to her tweet  and there were many  offered up a range of smiles and looks.

Hundreds of women posted photos from their own trips to Paris, where they made it to Mona Lisa's room at the Louvre and managed to snap a picture in the crowds.

While they were taken over the course of some time, quite a few were from 2018. That's unsurprising, considering the museum broke visitor records that year  a feat they attribute in part to Beyonce and Jay-Z's Apesh$t music video, which was filmed there.

In fact, the museum even set up a guide for fans who want to see the pieces in the video.

Influential: After Beyonce and Jay-Z filmed their Apesh$t music video there, the Louvre saw a record number of visitors in 2018

'Anyone who has seen the Mona Lisa in real life knows it can be underwhelming, as it is pretty small,' Darian (not pictured) said

She went on: 'However the image is significant due to her mysterious gaze and because it's by Leonardo da Vinci'

She added: 'I also think the painting has, over time, contributed to ideals around beauty and what's acceptable'

''My hope was that if I shared my photo, other black girls would feel encouraged to as well, and we could reinforce the idea that beauty comes in all forms,' Darian (not pictured) concluded

As the Mona Lisa thread went viral, Darian chimed back into explain her motivations.

'This was NOT meant to be a black elitist traveler thread (LOL),' she wrote.

Old: The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo de Vinci circa 1503

'I just feel like Mona Lisa has been fed as this "traditionally beautiful" woman, and when I see black women stand confidently in front of it, I think it pushes back against this notion of who is "beautiful."'

Speaking to BuzzFeed, she elaborated further.

'Anyone who has seen the Mona Lisa in real life knows it can be underwhelming, as it is pretty small; however the image is significant due to her mysterious gaze and because it's by Leonardo da Vinci,' she said.

'But I also think the painting has, over time, contributed to ideals around beauty and what's acceptable.

'My hope was that if I shared my photo, other black girls would feel encouraged to as well, and we could reinforce the idea that beauty comes in all forms.

'Like I said in a subsequent tweet: I just feel like Mona Lisa has been fed as this traditionally beautiful woman, and when I see black women stand confidently in front of it, I think it pushes back against this notion of who is beautiful.'

Going strong: Woman snapped selfies from all different angles, with some sharing images from recent weeks, while others dug into their archives for a shot

Say cheese: Some people flashed wide smiles at the cameras, while other struck fiercer poses

Hurrah! Some of the people participating in the online campaign praised Darian for creating a thread that they finally felt they could be a part of

Find a friend! Many of the Twitter users responded with solo selfies, but others featured another person in their snap
Queen Letizia of Spain looked chic as she stepped out for an awards ceremony in Andalusia today.

The royal, 46, wore a matching black and white houndstooth patterned top and pencil skirt with vibrant red heels as she joined husband King Felipe for the event.

The couple were meeting the Fine Arts Gold Awards, an annual ceremony for individuals or institutions excelling in art or culture, at the Palacio de la Merced in Cordoba.

Queen Letizia of Spain looked chic in a houndstooth number and vibrant red heels as she stepped out for an awards ceremony in Andalusia today, pictured

The couple were meeting the Fine Arts Gold Awards, an annual ceremony for individuals or institutions excelling in art or culture, at the Palacio de la Merced in Cordoba

As Letizia arrived at the palace, she waved and posed for selfies with well-wishers who lined the street in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royal

As Letizia arrived at the palace, she waved and posed for selfies with well-wishers who lined the street in the hope of catching a glimpse of the royal.

Letizia wore her hair down and straight for the occasion and had it swept off her face, which showed her delicate silver earring, which were adorned with a dark red stone in the centre.

The Queen's houndstooth checked outfit was short on the arms, tight fitting and finished just below her knee.

She also wore her a natural make up look - complimenting her outfit.

The Spanish royal, 46, wore the matching top and skirt along with red heels to finish off her look

The Queen of Spain wore her hair down and straight for the occasion and had it sweeped off her face

Queen Letizia of Spain left after the Fine Arts Gold Awards ceremony in Cordoba, Andalusia

Queen Letizia of Spain posed with members of the public as she attends the Fine Arts Gold Awards ceremony held at Palacio de la Merced

She joined her husband King Felipe on stage when she arrived inside the Palacio de la Merced.

Felipe, 50, looked smart in a grey suit and a red and white spotty tie for the occasion.

The couple looked relaxed and at ease as the listened to the winners being announced at then congratulated them they were presented with their awards.

Felipe, 50 (pictured) looked smart in a grey suit and a red and white spotty tie for the occasion

Later on Jose Girao (right) Spain's Minister of Culture and Sport joined them too, as the handed out the prestigious award

King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain congratulating the winners at the Gold Medals of Merit in Fine Arts ceremony

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain smile as they pose with the winners of the Fine Arts Gold Awards

Later on Jose Girao, Spain's Minister of Culture and Sport joined them too, as the handed out the prestigious awards.

The honour has been awarded by the Ministry of Culture of Spain each year since 1995 to individuals or institutions excelling in art or culture.

A range of artists, from musicians to dramatists and including bullfighters, gallery owners and clowns, have received this recognition to mark their outstanding work in the field of artistic or cultural creation, or to those who have encouraged the dissemination and conservation of art and culture.
A gifted teenage boy has spoken of the immense pressure he feels to succeed at school as a child from a low-income family growing up amid a backdrop of knife crime.

Aspiring record producer Jamarley, 15, from northwest London, dreams of moving out of Harlesden but faces pressure on the streets and constantly worries about the impact his working environment will have on his studies.

Film crews followed the top student for the latest instalment of an ongoing BBC Two documentary, but cameras were told to stop rolling when his bus passed through the territory of a 'rival school'.

A visibly nervous Jamarley, who was travelling home via his little brother's school, said he was 'scared' and asked the cameraman to switch off his equipment during Monday night's episode of Growing Up Gifted (formerly Generation Gifted).

Jamarley appears in the latest installment of a BBC Two documentary, but cameras were forced to stop rolling when his bus passed through the territory of a 'rival school' (pictured)

Talented pianist and aspiring record producer Jamarley, 15, from northwest London, dreams of moving out of Harlesden but faces pressure at home and on the streets

Jamarley with dad Winston (pictured with a family friend), who was recently deported to Jamaica for immigration reasons. Despite this, the talented teen is determined to succeed at school

'I don't even want to be on this bus, but the next one will take too long,' he said. 'There's beef between our school and their school.

'There was already a knife incident the other day where police had to come and confiscate a knife from someone and I don't know what's happened to him now.'

Filmed over the course of three years, the series follows the lives of six bright teenagers from low-income backgrounds, at home and at school, in the critical years running up to their GCSEs.

Producers set out to explore social mobility and what it takes to 'climb the ladder' amid the challenges facing children living in Britain today.

A visibly nervous Jamarley, who was travelling home via his little brother's school, said he was 'scared' and asked the cameraman to switch off his equipment (pictured)

Speaking to cameras on the bus, Jamarley says: 'I don't even want to be on this bus, but the next one will take too long. There's beef between our school and their school'

The first two programmes were broadcast in 2018 and the latest two episodes will catch up with the teenagers as they enter Year 10 at school.

All are now 14 or 15 and facing the increasing complexities of teen life; while some are facing early GCSE exams (Jamarley is set to take his music exam a year early), others are grappling with distractions outside school which could affect their progress.

Talented pianist Jamarley, who attends Whitefield School in Barnet, faces difficulties at home - his beloved father Winston was recently deported to Jamaica - and pressure on the streets, but is determined to convince his mum Renee that music is his route out of poverty.

Reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead, Jamarley says: 'I'm so motivated so that I can move out of Harlesden, move my mum up, let my brother live a different life to what I live'

Talented pianist Jamarley, who attends Whitefield School in Barnet, faces turmoil at home as his beloved father Winston was recently deported to Jamaica

Reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead, he says: 'I'm so motivated so that I can move out of Harlesden, move my mum up, let my brother live a different life to what I live.

'Overall I think there's too much pressure on kids. I don't think adults or anybody realises how hard it's become for us now.

'This generation, everybody's pressuring us to succeed, everybody's pressuring us to do good. But if you don't have a good working environment, everything will affect you some way, somehow.

'My mum's already under a lot of stress, I feel like I don't want to stress her out so I tend to tell her everything's under control, everything's fine.'

Growing Up Gifted (Blast! Films) airs tonight at 9pm, BBC Two
A teenager's hilarious letter which lists the reasons he didn't do his homework has gone viral.

Edward Cortez, 14, from California, was asked to write a note to his teacher after failing to do an assignment.

The amusing letter, which argues that he 'does what makes him happy' and goes on to explain that he avoids stress after his mother recently found she had gray hairs, was shared to Twitter last week where it quickly went viral.

Posting a picture of the note online, his father's cousin Lydia wrote: 'So my cousin and his wife got an email from their son's teacher.

Edward Cortez, 14, from California, was asked to write a note to his teacher listing the reasons he didn't do his homework after failing to do an assignment, and a relative shared it on Twitter

'He didn't do his hw (homework) so she asked him to write a paper saying why he didn't do his hw and this is what she got.'

The lengthy letter quickly racked up a staggering 351,000 likes, 99,000 retweets and almost 3,000 replies.

'I didn't do my homework because I don't want to do school work over the weekend because it's a stress-free time to go out with friends, watch TV and play games,' he wrote.

'I don't (sic) do it also because it makes me very mad and unhappy. I do what makes me happy because I want to be happy plus my mom has been finding gray hairs, not trying to stress out dog (sic)'.

He went on to argue: ' The real world jobs don't give you homework unless you're a boss or teacher.

The lengthy letter quickly racked up a staggering 351,000 likes, 99,000 retweets and almost 3,000 replies, with one person admitting: 'I started crying real tears laughing so hard'

'The points were 100% valid': a follower wrote in response to the amusing letter, which argues that he 'does what makes him happy' and wants to avoid stress, after his mother went gray

Joking about the reference to his mother's gray hair, one said: 'I thought he was implying that he didnt want gray hair?'

'Homework is not a real thing in the real world so we should not have to do it in school because it's not useful.

Concluding his letter, he wrote: 'Case closed, the court rule in favor of Edward Immanuel Cortez in the case of student vs homework.'

Replying to the viral tweet, one follower wrote: 'At least he is being honest about it!'

Meanwhile another said: 'This is hilarious. I wish I had known decades ago that Im not supposed to be bringing home work in my real-world job. Who knew?'

And joking about the reference to his mother's gray hair, one said: 'I thought he was implying that he didnt want gray hair?'

Another joked: 'Or he doesn't want the dog to get gray hairs.'

One teacher admitted that she agreed with his views and said that it wasn't effective for very young children

Joking about the letter, one person shared a meme of Donald Trump looking confused, and wrote: 'Me as the teacher'

Another shared a meme writing: 'You're making some very good points'

And one user argued that the youngster should be given a logical explanation as to why homework is given.

He wrote: 'Kids who question authority and think independently need to be reasoned with and given guidance. A common mistake is getting into a power struggle with the kid. That will just make him rebel more.'

Replying, one teacher added: 'I'm a teacher and I 100% agree with this child! Stop assigning weekend homework. Limit homework during the week.

'Teachers and these ridiculous workloads are causing kids to HATE school and reject learning!
Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett has slammed Chanel after spotting two dogs being kept in cages at their Sloane Street store in London.

The reality star, 27, took to Instagram over the weekend to post a picture of the animals sleeping in the enclosures inside the designer shop in the city's upmarket shopping district.

Revealing that the footage was taken at 11pm on Friday night, the pregnant mother-to-be voiced her concern over why they appeared to be locked in such small spaces 'with no water visible'.

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Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett has slammed Chanel after spotting two dogs being kept in cages at their Sloane Street store in London (pictured above)

'Does anyone know what these these sweet doggies were doing in cages in @ChanelOfficial Sloane Street last night?', she wrote on the Instagram story, alongside an unhappy emoji.

She then added: 'Chanel why are there to dogs in tiny cages in your shop at 11pm?'

Shortly afterwards Tabitha revealed she had contacted the designer directly, writing: 'I phoned Chanel up who said the dogs were there for security purposes which I don't understand as they are locked in crates and the crates are far too small for their size.'

She continued: 'Also no water is visible at all and one of the dogs wagged friendly (sic) when my friend who videoed this walked up to the window so not very scary?'

The reality star, 27, (seen with her own dog) took to Instagram over the weekend to post a picture of the animals sleeping in the enclosures inside the designer shop in the upmarket shopping district

Revealing that the footage was taken at 11pm on Friday night, the pregnant mother-to-be voiced her concern over why they appeared to be locked in such small spaces 'with no water visible'

Sharing the designer's response, she said: 'I was assured that the animals were only kept in crates for a few hours at a time (still too long I think under these fluorescent lights too) and there was a human man there as well.'

Tabitha concluded: 'RSPCA have been notified and hopefully you will come up with a solution to this flawed and cruel 'security' issue soon'.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Tabitha said: 'My concern and the concern of everyone who saw my story was that the crates are far too small for dogs of those sizes.

'We couldn't see any people around and to explain that their purpose is as security dogs does not make any sense as they were locked in crates.

She added: 'I've had hundreds of replies and people sharing the story in outrage too and I am keen to know more reasoning behind this and a solution.

'The lady in Chanel mentioned that they had a smashed window from a break-in one night recently and this is why they had chosen to get dogs for security purposes.'

Last month Tabitha, who appeared on Made In Chelsea: Croatia last summer, confirmed to FEMAIL that she was expecting her first child

One follower wrote: 'Well done you for following this up! Totally agree those cages are way too small'

FEMAIL have contacted Chanel for further comment.

The RSPCA told FEMAIL: 'This picture raises some questions and we would be keen to hear the reasons behind these dogs being kept in crates in this way. Dog crates can be useful when transporting your pets, for use in training, or for short-term confinement when supervision is not possible. They should be a place where the dog feels safe, secure and comfortable.

'As a minimum, crates need to be big enough for the dog to be able to sit and stand up at full height, turn around, stretch out and lie down in a natural position. Adding soft, comfortable bedding and safe chew toys help dogs feel comfy, safe and secure.

'Dogs need access to water at all times so a bowl of water should be provided when a dog is inside the crate. This can be done using a clip-on bowl to prevent it from being tipped over.

Another revealed they were going to complain and admitted the picture upset them

'Those dogs are like pets not for security at all!' another follower complained

Last month Tabitha, who appeared on Made In Chelsea: Croatia last summer and was seen enjoying a brief tryst with Sam Prince, confirmed that she was expecting her first child.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Tabitha revealed she is expecting a little girl with Prince Harry's pal and nightclub mogul Fraser Carruthers, 35, in June.

Tabitha met Fraser, 35, in 2016 when she worked as a marketing director at his private members club Albert's, named after his great-great-great-great grandfather, which counts Prince Harry as one of its favourite patrons.

Fraser also co-owns popular Chelsea-based club Raffles, and Mahiki in Kensington - a stone's throw from Kensington Palace, as well as owning a property company and having just launched a new Sake brand with Made In Chelsea star Oliver Proudlock.

Speaking to FEMAIL, Tabitha revealed she is expecting a little girl with Prince Harry's pal and nightclub mogul Fraser Carruthers, seen above, 35, in June

Tabitha, seen, appeared on Made In Chelsea: Croatia last summer and was seen enjoying a brief tryst with Sam Prince,
A makeup artist who is ridiculed over her fake lips has hit back at 'jealous and bitter' internet bullies who branded her a 'train wreck'.

Shauna Sargeant, 22, from Oakdale, Caerphilly in Wales, is constantly subjected to cruel taunts from internet trolls who steal photos of her latest makeup looks and post them with nasty comments mocking her large lips.

But the freelance beautician, who has spent 1,300 on lip fillers after becoming 'really insecure' about her tiny lips, is adamant that people who insist on 'slating' her are just jealous.

'I definitely think they're posting out of jealousy. Maybe they're just bitter they don't have the confidence to go out there and try new looks like I do.'

The make up artist is constantly subjected to cruel taunts from internet trolls who steal photos of her latest makeup looks and post them with nasty comments mocking her large lips

Before having fillers, Shauna was very self-conscious about the size of her lips and used to use lip liner to 'overdraw' them to make them look bigger

She continued: 'They like to ridicule people for having that confidence. I'm trying to take it as a compliment. They're stealing my photos so I must be doing something right. I'm not stealing their photos.'

Shauna finds her pictures plastered across social media with hurtful captions such as 'trout pout' and 'fish lips'.

But Shauna refuses to let it get her down as she loves her luscious lips, which contain 4ml of fillers, and works hard to pay for them.

'I've had my lips done and people look at me like I must be in the clinic every day, but I'm really not,' said Shauna. 'People just don't know what they're talking about.

The 22-year-old finds her pictures plastered across social media almost every day with hurtful captions such as 'trout pout' and 'fish lips'

She continued: 'People that go and get their lips done have obviously had insecurities about that, so to pick up on that and make fun of it is a really low blow.

'But it's a daily thing, I see it all the time. I'm in a makeup group where I post my pictures and everyone is so supportive but my photos are being stolen. It's happening to me and so many girls, we're being slated.

'Our pictures are taken without permission and they're just being ridiculed. It's disgusting and totally uncalled for.'

But Shauna is determined to ignore the trolls and has even done a 'green with envy' inspired makeup look to hammer home her defiance.

'One person said my lips look like I've had the laughs sucked out of me like in Monsters Inc,' she explained. 'That's nothing to do with my makeup, it's actually just mocking my face. I worked hard to pay for the lips I wanted so I'm definitely going to flaunt them.'

She added: 'I decided to use the negativity to inspire me and did a green with envy makeup look. It went down really well. I'm going to keep on being defiant and flaunting myself.

'It doesn't matter what any bullies have to say, they're not going to take my dreams and ambitions away from me.'

Before having fillers, Shauna was very self-conscious about the size of her lips and used to use lip liner to 'overdraw' them to make them look bigger.

Shauna refuses to let it get her down as she loves her luscious lips, which contain 4ml of fillers, and works hard to pay for them

'I love my lips, I'm so happy with them,' explained Shauna. 'They have helped me become more confident. Before I had them done, I was really self-conscious. I felt really insecure. I had had tiny lips and I used to overdraw them so they looked bigger.'

But two years ago, Shauna decided to take the plunge and pay 230 to have 1ml of fillers injected into her lips before having an additional 0.5ml top-up one month later for 100.

Since then the cosmetologist has had four more 1ml injections at 230 a go, spending a total of 1,250 so far.

Shauna believes some people hide behind fake accounts to steal photos and 'tear each other down', ignoring the real consequences of their brutal words.

'I'm so sick of seeing people tear each other down,' she explained. 'I think they use fake accounts. And I think being online definitely makes it easier for people. It dehumanises it.'

She continued: 'It's not easy to insult someone to their face because you see that raw emotion of upset or anger but on social media you're protected.'

'They are just words you've typed on a screen. They haven't even come out of your mouth so it's like you haven't really said them or done anything.'

The freelance beautician is adamant that people who insist on slating her must be jealous - and even did a 'green with envy' inspired makeup look to hammer home her defiance. Above, pictured with her boyfriend Liam Mantle, 20

Shauna is determined to ignore the trolls and said: 'It doesn't matter what any bullies have to say, they're not going to take my dreams and ambitions away from me'

'It's like the trolls don't see real life and digital life as the same but it is all the same and those words have real consequences. They hurt just the same.'

'My appearance is very important to me so seeing someone ridicule it, it's taken very personally. It's all I think about on a daily basis.

Speaking of the emotion she goes through when she reads the cruel jibes, Shauna said: 'When I see those posts, I start shaking and my anxiety goes through the roof.'

But Shauna is part of a makeup group which she claims has helped her deal with the backlash she receives on a daily basis.

'The support from my makeup group has helped so much but then someone has to come along and try to knock you back down,' she said. 'I think people should just ignore the bullies.'

She added: 'The only one living your life is you and the only one who can make you happy is you so I won't let them get in between me and my love of makeup or my lips. And to the bullies, I'd tell them to put that negativity into something positive.'

While their upkeep isn't cheap, Shauna wouldn't change her lips as she credits them for boosting her self-esteem which in turn allowed her to launch her career. Above, with her boyfriend Liam

Praising the confidence her fake lips have given her, Shauna explained: 'I would tell anyone thinking about having their lips done that if they can afford it and they're happy then go for it. Do what makes you happy'

'If they put that energy into saying one nice thing or doing one good deed, the world would be a much better place.'

Shauna has to visit the clinic roughly once every four months to keep her lips the size they are now.

While their upkeep isn't cheap, Shauna wouldn't change them for the world as she credits them for boosting her self-esteem which in turn allowed her to launch her career.

'I love my lips, I'm so happy with them. I like the size they are now. I get a 1ml top up every four to six months. That's how long they last but nobody seems to understand that.'

She added: 'There's so many misconceptions about having your lips done. I would tell anyone thinking about having their lips done that if they can afford it and they're happy then go for it. Do what makes you happy.'

'My lips have stopped me being so self-conscious and helped me go out and meet more clients and go to more events.'
Actress Jenna Coleman revealed the awkward moment she mistakenly thought a cashier was asking her out on a date.

Recalling her 'most embarrassing moment', the Victoria star, 32, told the Guardian she was buying a sandwich at Leeds train station when she misunderstood what the member of staff was saying.

She recalled: 'The man said to me: "Do you want to go for a drink?" I said, "I am so sorry, I've got a boyfriend." And he replied, "No, it's a meal deal: if you take a sandwich, you can get a drink as well".'

The toe-curling moment went viral after it was shared by a reader on Twitter - with thousands praising the 'relatable' star.

Actress Jenna Coleman revealed the awkward moment she mistakenly thought a cashier was asking her out on a date

Recalling her 'most embarrassing moment', the Victoria star, 32, told the Guardian she was buying a sandwich at Leeds train station when she misunderstood what the member of staff was offering her. The interview response, pictured, later went viral on Twitter

The toe-curling moment swept social media after it was shared by a reader on Twitter - with thousands praising the 'relatable' star

One wrote: 'This sums up me and reading social situations,' wrote one, while dubbed the actress: 'the idol we deserve.'

Another added: 'If this hasn't already happened to me, based on my daily awkward social interactions, I guarantee you that it will.

The actress, pictured in September last year, said it was her 'most embarrassing' moment

Some fans noted how fortunate Coleman is to have never done anything more embarrassing

While another commented: 'Jenna Coleman being terribly relatable. We've all had this moment.'

Others claimed the cashier could have phrased his question better.

To be fair, he could've phrased it better,' said one, while another agreed: 'In fairness, if he'd said "do you want to get a drink with that" instead, there would've been no confusion.'

Others shared their amusement at the awkward anecdote. 'Just absolutely died at this,' wrote one, while another penned: 'Ladies and gentleman, Jenna Coleman'

Some noted the actress was fortunate to have the encounter as her 'most embarrassing moment'.

One tweeted: 'If that's your most embarrassing moment, you've navigated your way through life with a blessed mixture of good fortune and good sense.

'Because I doubt that would get within sight of my top 100.'
A woman's life is forever changed the day she finds out she's pregnant.

And for Australian model Helena Vestergaard that was certainly true, particularly when it came to how she viewed her body.

Despite her stunning good looks the 25-year-old, who is engaged to pro surfer Nathan Webster, said she felt at odds with her figure pre-baby before having their daughter River.

Australian model Helena Vestergaard said she viewed her body differently after having a baby

Despite her stunning good looks the 25-year-old, who is engaged to pro surfer Nathan Webster, said she felt at odds with her figure pre-baby before having their daughter River

Uploading a stunning pregnancy photo to Instagram, Helena said that this is her new reality now that she's expecting baby number two.

'No filters, just pregnancy. Before I had a baby I was so insecure about my body,' she wrote in the caption.

'I hated walking around in a bikini and would worry people would judge my appearance.

'I hated walking around in a bikini and would worry people would judge my appearance,' she said of life before having River

She appealed to the other new mums who follow her profile and hoped they'd come to a similar awakening

'When I was pregnant with River I realised how much more important your body is then just trying to make it look good.

'Now in my second pregnancy I am so much more comfortable in my own skin.

'I'll walk around in a skimpy bikini with my big belly and jiggly bum and just not give a f*** because I'm proud of my body for carrying two children.

She appealed to the other new mums who follow her profile and hoped they'd come to a similar awakening.

Helena has been open about how living a 'toxin-free lifestyle' and being 'cruelty free' have shaped her surroundings as a new mother

The brunette beauty runs a vintage inspired website called Pour Le Bien to sell jewellery, beauty products and baby clothes in a repurposed and environmentally friendly manner

'My point is as a women we judge ourselves so harshly, I wish we could embrace our bodies amazing abilities more than worry about some silly cellulite.'

Helena has been open about how living a 'toxin-free lifestyle' and being 'cruelty free' have shaped her surroundings as a new mother.

The brunette beauty runs a vintage inspired website called Pour Le Bien to sell jewellery, beauty products and baby clothes in a repurposed and environmentally friendly manner.
The 65-year-old recalls being called a 'hoarder' but says it's useful for research

he says she's learned to never throw anything away and keeps everything

Fashion designer Elizabeth Emanuel, 65, is best known for designing Princess Dianas wedding dress with her ex-husband, David, in 1981. She has two grown-up children, Oliver and Eloise, and lives in London with her long-term partner.

You can find my entire life in fashion in a huge storage container near my home. I keep everything  and I mean everything  from my student days to my career as a designer.

I have things that go back to 1978: archive sketches, scraps of fabric, photographic print and correspondence.

Some people might call me a hoarder, but Im very particular about keeping my archive in order, and its very useful from a research point of view.

Fashion designer Elizabeth Emanuel, 65, is best known for designing Princess Dianas wedding dress with her ex-husband, David. She says she's learned to never throw anything away

Spring cleanings all very well, but you never know when something might come in handy.

My ex-husband, David, and I made a strapless black dress for Princess Dianas first public outing as Prince Charless fiancee, but she lost so much weight that we decided to make her another. We kept the original and put it in storage, wrapped in a bin liner, where it stayed until we auctioned it in 2010.

There are so many other precious memories in that container: sketches for dresses Ive made for Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins, Virgin Atlantic uniform designs for Richard Branson, ideas for ballet costumes for the Royal Opera House, and swatches of material from outfits worn by Enya in her videos.

It is a treasure trove of inspiration; in many ways, a history of British fashion.

Visitors love coming to my studio in Maida Vale, West London, because I keep all sorts of weird and wonderful objects: buttons, bits of vintage lace, unusual jewellery finds.

Ill be working on a design and suddenly Ill remember an old reference book I had years ago. I do a lot of research before starting a new collection. I keep a notebook handy, even at bedtime, as the best ideas can strike in the middle of the night.

I firmly believe age and gender dont matter when it comes to contemporary fashion. Its just dressing up  and people will always love dressing up.
Busy families are increasingly buying bulk items from budget factory outlets, saving them hundreds of dollars every year.

Australian shoppers are heading to Ingham's Chicken factory outlets around to get their hands on fresh poultry for a fraction of the price.

And one Queensland mother revealed how she managed to save a fortune on her grocery bill by purchasing chicken in bulk.

Taking to Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page, the woman shared her incredible haul after discovering an Inghams factory outlet in Brisbane's Wynnum near her home.

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Australian shoppers are heading to Ingham's Chicken factory outlets around to get their hands on fresh poultry for a fraction of the price (pictured is a $142, 37 kilogram haul that made almost 180 meals)

'Finally got to Inghams Chicken Factory Outlet yesterday!! Got all of this chicken for $87!!! Soo excited,' this happy shopper wrote

'My brother and I went to the Ingham's chicken factory today. We spent $138 between us an got 35 kg of assorted chicken... it's $4 per kg,' this woman wrote

Where to find Ingham's Chicken factory Wynnum, Brisbane

Lisarow on the Central Coast of NSW

Ingleburn, NSW (40 kilometres south-west of the Sydney)

She and her mother-in-law decided to visit the store where they ended up buying 37 kilos worth of different chicken pieces for just $142 between them.

The pair purchased several chicken packs, including skewers, crumbed schnitzel, whole chickens, and cut-up pieces.

After portioning the meat into tiny sealed bags, the young mother said she was able to make 37 meals at just $1.97 for her family of three.

'So I have vacuum sealed my share up and worked out 37 meals. Cost $71/37 meals is $1.91 per serve to feed a small family of three,' she said on Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page.

'You could probably stretch it a little more. But I am thrilled and that is some serious value for money. If any of you are in Brisbane or near by you need to go to Inghams!'

'Cost $71/37meals is $1.91 per serve to feed a small family of 3! You could probably stretch it a little more. But I am thrilled and that is some serious value for money,' this woman wrote after visiting the Wynnum Brisbane outlet

This woman got 12kg of diced chicken breast, 8kg of chicken thighs and 8kg of turkey steaks all for $94 from the Wynnum, Brisbane outlet

The woman is one of thousands of thrifty shoppers who are buying their groceries in bulk to save them a lot of time and money.

Home cooks are marinating their meat in sealed bags before storing them in the freezer to have them ready for the next time they want to cook it.

Another shopper spent $87 on her massive chicken haul before she individually portioned them into sealed bags, with the date written on each one.

One woman said she and her brother spent $138 between them after purchasing 35kg of assorted chicken, which included legs, wings, diced breast, crumbed tenders and two different types of burger patties.

'At approximately $4 per kg it's awesome value,' she said.

This woman got 24 kilos of chicken breast, 5 kilos of chicken tenders, 5 kilos of schnitzels and approx 180 kebabs while shopping with her sister

'This is some serious value for money,' this woman wrote, who vacuum sealed her purchases right after buying them

Most of the women marinated their purchases right after buying them and portioned them up into meals before freezing

'It was $40 for a box of about 12 kilos for the breast and $30 for 5 kilos of tenders,' this woman wrote

Another shopper purchased 28 kilos of meat for just $94.

Her shop included 12 kilos of chicken breasts, eight kilos of chicken thighs and eight kilos of turkey steaks at the Ingham's factory outlet in Brisbane.

'There is a new Ingham's factory outlet that opened a few weeks ago near me, so I decided to have a look. Well I was so shocked,' she said.

'12kgs diced chicken breast, 8kgs of chicken thighs and 8kgs of turkey steaks - all for $94. If you plan to go crazy, you will have to take someone with you as you buy it by the carton and only allowed five cartons per person.'
A group of Australian mothers fed up of their bathrooms smelling like urine from toilet-training their young sons have discovered a trick that banishes the smell for good.

Although it's a messy tactic, the women claim that after lathering their bathrooms with shaving cream and letting it sit for a while, the lingering 'urine smell' finally disappears.

Taking to Facebook group Mums Who Clean, hundreds of mums shared photos of tiled floors and walls completely covered in shaving cream and claimed no product had ever worked better.

While it's not clear exactly why the foam works so effectively, many believe the chemical combination works to destroy the 'uric acid crystals' in urine rather than simply masking the smell of them.

A group of Australian mothers fed up of their bathrooms smelling like urine from toilet training their young sons have discovered a trick that banishes the smell for good - shaving cream

One mother was extremely thankful to other members of the group who alerted her to the unusual hack

One mother was extremely thankful to other members of the group who alerted her to the unusual hack.

'I'd just like to say a huge thank you to the beautiful mum who said to use shaving cream in the toilet to get rid of urine smell. I sprayed it everywhere and rubbed it in went back a few hours later to wipe down and the smell has gone,' she said.

'It worked for me and yes I only paid a couple bucks for the stuff best tip ever! Thank you once again.'

Another woman explained why she had to cover so much of the bathroom space in the cream.

'Anyone who has a house full of young boys will understand why it's spread far and wide and to all of the grout and corners,' she said.

'I'm leaving it on overnight. I hope it does well!'

While another woman revealed why her shaving cream was so far spread - she has young boys and said other parents in the same boat would 'understand'

Many social media users are advocates for the method, with one explaining that you should leave the shaving cream on for a few hours before scrubbing it off

Many social media users are advocates for the method, with one explaining that you should leave the shaving cream on for a few hours before scrubbing it off.

'Shaving cream! Cheap can, empty it all over the floor and lower wall tiles, rub it in, leave for a few hours, wash it off. Smell gone,' one said.

Another said: 'I did the shaving cream trick with a male adult and three-year-old boy in the house of worked great and left a really nice smell.'

One simply said: 'Everyone swears by this.'
Breaking centuries of convention to help empower Parliament over Brexit, Bercow has been open about voting for Remain

Many Brexiteers regard Speaker John Bercow as the enemy, wielding malign influence and ultimate control over Commons procedure to frustrate the will of the people to leave the EU.

Breaking centuries of convention to help empower Parliament over Brexit, Bercow has been open about voting for Remain.

And, of course, a car in his parking space in the Palace of Westminster  he says the vehicle was owned by his wife  was spotted with a sticker bearing the charming message B******s to Brexit!

So imagine what a surprise it is to find that Bercow was once a proud member of the European Research Group (ERG), the collective of hardcore Brexiteers whose members last week inflicted another humiliating defeat on Theresa May. Their leader is the High Priest of Brexit himself, Jacob Rees-Mogg.

In July 1998, Bercows name appeared on ERG headed paper alongside that of Lord Pearson of Rannoch (now a Ukip peer), and Daniel Hannan, its then secretary and now a leading Brexiteer MEP.

The document says: The ERG wants national parliaments to reclaim from Brussels those powers that do not need to be exercised at European level.

How can the Speaker have changed his mind on that!

Rice on first-name terms

Lyricist Sir Tim Rice has a theory about senior MPs. When a politician is struggling he/she uses the first name of the interviewer more and more in responses, he says.

A case in point was Labours Brexit spokesman, Sir Keir Starmer, facing Justin Webb on Radio 4s Today show last week.

Starmer went overboard with Justin on Today, Rice tweeted. He has a point; in a seven-minute interview, Starmer used Webbs first name six times.

I-Spy: In the MPs dining room Chuka Umunna, Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith and Luciana Berger. They are all prime suspects in a plot to resign from Labour. They were then joined by Ann Coffey, who briefly made headlines in 2016 by tabling a no confidence motion in Jeremy Corbyn. Her opinion of him clearly hasnt changed.

On a visit to a school in Doncaster last week, Labour MP Caroline Flint shared an embarassing wardrobe malfunction. Day didnt start so well  I left home with my sweater dress inside out. Thanks to the helpful teacher who alerted me... Better that than the pupils!

Quote of the week: Joe Haines, Harold Wilsons irascible press secretary, says: Jeremy Corbyn is still credited by some political commentators, MPs and Labour activists alike for leading Labour to the brink of victory in the 2017 General Election. The truth is he was responsible for Labours defeat . . . Solve the problem of Corbyn and Labour would solve most of our problems of today, including Brexit.

Birkenhead MP Frank Field has leapt to the defence of shivering Parliamentary staff. Hes demanding supplementary heating in the Library Corridor so that the officers of the House standing there are kept warm. Instead, a far cheaper solution has been identified involving the closing of a fire door . . . Its the perfect backstop.

Birkenhead MP Frank Field has leapt to the defence of shivering Parliamentary staff

Council boss with a 200,000 salary

In the new issue of Camden magazine  a 32-page propaganda rag paid for by long-suffering taxpayers in the North London Labour stronghold  theres a report about Camden Councils new chief executive.

Jenny Rowlands, formerly Executive Director for Supporting Communities, has got the top job. There is, however, no mention of her whopping salary  just shy of 200,000 and around 50,000 more than the Prime Ministers pay packet.

Whod have thought that running Camden is more taxing than running the country?
Mail readers are not omniscient. But I'm always open to your advice. I got a lot of it when back in August I wrote about the hopelessness of the AA after our family car broke down with transmission failure during our return from summer holiday in Cornwall.

I had mentioned that our car was a 'somewhat battered 14-year-old Land Rover Discovery'. And it was this, rather than what I had thought was the point of the article  the AA's inefficiency  that provoked numerous readers to respond.

Here are just a few: 'Land Rover Discovery gearbox failure. No news there, then.'

'I wouldn't attempt such a journey in a new Land Rover Disco[very], let alone a 14-year-old one.'

Vinnie Jones plays a gangster in Guy Ritchie's 1998 film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

'Never buy a Land Rover Disco. You will be on first-name terms with the main dealers, due to being on their forecourt so often.'

'Next time buy a Japanese car. We got to know many AA relay drivers when we owned a Land Rover.'

'When you get rid of your clapped-out Land Rover, buy Japanese: they are far more reliable.'

Pleasure

The bit about my familiarity with the forecourt of my local Land Rover dealer was on the button  but I was happy to be on first-name terms with their mechanics, as they were all so friendly and helpful. On the other hand, the bills were less of a pleasure to deal with.

In fact, I have had one or other of the generations of the Land Rover Discovery for almost a quarter of a century  since we moved to the Sussex countryside, and a house not even on a road but half a mile down a track.

And it was the ideal vehicle for shifting the odd sheep that we kept in our field. But they are no more, long ago eaten and not replaced.

In fact the older  pre 2004  Discovery never gave us any trouble. Simply put, the earlier models weren't fitted with the technology that seems to be the source of so many problems now  electronic rather than mechanical.

I had mentioned that our car was a 'somewhat battered 14-year-old Land Rover Discovery' (stock image)

On the other hand, as readers pointed out, the Japanese seem able to build cars which are both technologically sophisticated, but also completely reliable  more so than the vaunted German manufacturers, too. And the most reliable of all the Japanese brands is Lexus.

This is not an advertisement: it is just that I have finally done the basic research, and this wing of Toyota has headed British and American owner-reported 'reliability' ratings for year after year, both those conducted by JD Power (the biggest such survey) and by What Car?

Meanwhile, Land Rover continued to bump along near the bottom of the ratings, even though they have apparently improved since 2012, when What Car? concluded they were 'the UK's least reliable manufacturer, with a shocking 71 per cent of cars breaking down at least once every year'.

So, this month I finally decided to replace my Disco with a Lexus  with the aid of my Sussex neighbour Alan Judd.

Alan is an ex-paratrooper turned novelist  one of his books based on his army experiences, A Breed Of Heroes, was made into a film.

More relevantly in this context, he is a motoring columnist. And so, with Alan's help (and infinite patience), I identified the perfect replacement from a garage in neighbouring Kent: a 2008 Lexus RX400h SE-L, on offer for 7,400.

It had just over 102,000 miles on the clock, but Alan reassured me: 'These cars are so well made, that is nothing. They will go on beautifully for ever, provided they are looked after.' And with a high wheel base, it would certainly have no problem negotiating our track.

And so, with Alan's help (and infinite patience), I identified the perfect replacement from a garage in neighbouring Kent: a 2008 Lexus RX400h SE-L, on offer for 7,400 (stock image)

The 'h' in Lexus RX400h stands for 'Hybrid': at low speeds it operates on twin electric motors, which means it won't be heavily clobbered by the ever-increasing emission charges penalising those who drive stonking diesels (like my old Disco) into London.

Anyway, I've owned it for a couple of weeks now: its padded leather seats are so comfortable and its multi-speaker sound system so sumptuous, I might well move into it full time.

Battered

There was only one problem. What to do with the now 15-year-old Discovery HSE Turbo-Diesel, with 157,000 miles under its (increasingly smelly) belt?

Of course, I wanted to get what I could for it, but when I asked the garage selling the Lexus whether it would part-exchange, its owner shook his head: 'Almost any other sort of car, yes. But not one of these. The amount of money and time it takes to make them saleablesorry, we've stopped even trying.'

So I consulted our dog-sitter, Jane, a stalwart of the community, to see if any locals might be interested. She put the word out. One came to have a look; otherwise, nothing.

But Alan said  he knows about such things  that it should fetch up to 2,500, if I was prepared to advertise and wait for a decent offer.

I didn't want to wait, however, not least because it was quite an expense to keep it insured.

And then, flicking through a local paper, I saw the following: 'Cars and vans wanted for cash today. Good, clean, or damaged. Call now for the best prices paid from a reputable, honest and well-established company.'

So I called the mobile number provided and a few days later, two men turned up. Jane stared at them as they got out of their car and muttered: 'Blimey, straight out of Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.'

Well, they did have London accents, and one of them looked and sounded as though he might have been hit around the head once too often, but I still thought she was being a bit harsh.

Anyway, the other  a smooth talker with chiselled looks, I'd guess in his 50s  inspected the car, pointed out that it was battered (a fact already disclosed to Daily Mail readers), that its seats had clearly been chewed by dogs (mice actually, but I allowed him the point), and said it was hardly worth his time.

Then, of course, the real negotiations began. Eventually, we shook on 2,100. He went into the back of his car, and pulled out two thick wodges of 50 notes, each apparently amounting to 1,000. He handed them to me, along with 100 in 20 notes.

Magician

I invited him into the kitchen, so I could count the notes out on a table. Sure enough, they added up to 2,100. After a brief chat, I put them in my pocket. Deal done. And off the London geezers went, one driving the Disco.

'Well, that was easy,' I said to Jane. Then I pulled the money out of my pocket, and, for some reason, decided to count the notes again. It came to 1,650. Again. Same result. 'I could have found some local villains for you, if that was what you wanted,' said Jane.

I rang one of Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. He pointed out that I had counted the money in front of him. I said I couldn't argue with that, and had concluded that he was a magician  as I couldn't work out how 450 had disappeared between me counting the money and putting it in my pocket.

'Mate, if I was a magician with money I'd be living in Monaco,' he replied.

I rang Alan. 'The oldest trick in the book,' he said, 'and you never think it can happen to you.' But I still have no idea how the trick worked.

When my wife got home and I reported all this to her, she called the mobile of the 'reputable honest and well-established company' (the reason why there was no landline, or indeed name, was now evident).

The smooth talking one suggested to her that the money was short 'because your husband might be holding some of it back from you'.

Though my wife was furious, I was beginning to find this quite funny: both my own naivety and the rapid East End wit of the new owners of my clapped-out Disco. And, to be fair, the sum I had actually got for it was probably no less than it would have realised in part-exchange.

But I am a bit concerned about whoever ends up buying it off them (after they have hammered out the bumps and repaired the damage the mice inflicted). It can only be someone as foolish as me.
Donald Trump has thrown down the gauntlet to Britain and her European allies.

The US president is warning that 800 jihadists from the UK, France and Germany must be dealt with in their home countries following the collapse of Islamic State as a territorial power. If not, they will be freed.

As the last enclave of the fabled IS caliphate falls in Syria, ending a reign of terror involving beheadings, sexual slavery and other forms of medieval barbarity, our government is being asked by its most important ally just what it intends to do with British IS supporters  some of them battle-hardened terrorists  now languishing in captivity following their surrender to US and UK-backed Kurdish fighters.

The Americans are right to demand action: British jihadis, including the so-called Beatles, have beheaded and otherwise butchered US citizens. Yet, clear answer from our Government comes there none.

ISIS bride, and UK citizen, Shamima Begum has asked to be allowed to return to London from Syria

Confusion and dither are becoming the hallmarks of this administration, distracted as it is by the paralysing turmoil of Brexit. And the case of 19-year-old jihadi bride Shamima Begum, who has just given birth to a son in a refugee camp in Syria, illustrates this perfectly.

No sooner is her case highlighted in the press than Home Secretary Sajid Javid starts trumpeting that those filled with hatred for Britain will be blocked from returning  only to be reminded by the head of MI6 and cooler heads that there is such a thing as international law.

Whether a hardened jihadist or a victim of Islamic State indoctrination, Begum is British and cannot simply be rendered stateless by a Home Secretary in search of macho headlines. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright rowed back on the threat to bar Begums return yesterday, promising instead that she will have to answer for her actions if she comes home.

Donald Trump has called for all 800 jihadists from the UK, France and Germany to be repatriated in their home countries

Overshadowing an essentially moral debate over the treatment of Begum and her child  though it would be great if Britain can get this deeply-misguided young woman back on track  is the much more pressing issue of jihadis seeking a return to the country they profess to loathe. Some 950 Britons, including women and children, travelled to Syria to savour the wonders of IS rule. As many as a fifth may have died as the so-called caliphate, stretching across northern Syria and Iraq, slowly evaporated.

But what has happened to the rest? It would be good to know, as it was a jihadist returnee from Libya who detonated the 2017 bomb at a Manchester pop concert that killed 22 people.

When a drone appears over Gatwick Airport the Government activates its Cobra emergency committee. But when the UK is threatened by a mass influx of terrorist fighters, we get Mr Javid and his soundbites. We need a coherent policy on this issue, and fast.

About 450 IS followers are thought to have returned to these shores already, with another 350 or so still abroad.

The Government is curiously coy about the treatment of those who have returned, claiming that 40 have been prosecuted for terrorism and non-terrorism offences while refusing to give more details  MPs will be pressing for answers this week. Certainly, only a dozen or so have been put through the court process in the UK on terrorism-related matters.

Many British jihadists are expected to return to the UK, with the fall of ISIS almost complete

Prosecuting Britons for offences allegedly committed in a chaotic warzone is not easy, and intelligence sources must be protected when presenting cases in court. But is it not incumbent on the Government to come clean on what exactly is going on?

Are the security services and Crown Prosecution Service overwhelmed by the workload involved in monitoring and prosecuting these people? Thanks to the weasel responses of ministers hiding behind national security, we have no idea.

Of course, imprisonment in the UK is not the only solution to the returnee problem. De-radicalisation counselling under the Prevent anti-terrorism strategy can help some, no doubt. And there is legislation in place allowing for the temporary exclusion from the UK of dangerous individuals, or restrictions on the movement of those allowed back in.

It was estimated by the Government that almost 1000 British citizens left the UK to join ISIS

But why has it taken years to draft legislation making it a serious criminal offence to be British and in terrorist conflict zones like Syria, unless engaged in legitimate activities such as humanitarian aid or journalism? The Government is threatening ten-year sentences for people who spend time in these places  but why only now? This problem has been brewing for years, yet it has taken a US president to galvanise our Government on this pressing issue.

Trump may be wrong about declaring 100 percent victory in Syria and writing off IS simply because its territory has been conquered. Terrorist groups have a habit of returning in different guises when the military heat is off and IS shows signs of morphing into a guerrilla organisation based on a cell structure. But the president is surely right to highlight the problem of the Western-born jihadists who are the legacy of IS and the risk they present.

Here is a suggestion: while Members of Parliament sit around at Westminster mourning their aborted half-term break and await the climax of the tortuous debate over Brexit, why not use these under-employed law-makers to pass a law updating the concept of treason?

Mark Almond says it is Britain's responsibility to deal with British jihadists currently overseas

Imagine being a relative or friend of someone tempted by dreams of jihadist glory. How can you warn your loved one of the consequences of this dangerous delusion if your own Government cannot spell out clearly what those consequences will be?

Painful as it is to recognise the fact, Britains jihadists are British  and must be dealt with in the court and prison systems of this country. We cannot sub-contract this task to others, protesting when the Americans come up with another Guantanamo Bay-type solution that offends our sense of justice.

Britain owns this problem. Potential murderers could soon be at large on our streets in big numbers. It is time to stop dithering and do something about it.

Mark Almond is the director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford.
Few things make me so angry that I feel pure, unadulterated venom seeping out of every pore of my skin.

But ISIS brides make me that angry.

These are the women who leave their homes, families, friends and countries to go and marry the worlds worst terrorists.

They have sex with them, they breed with them, they cook for them, they clean for them, they love them and they worship them.

And while theyre doing all this, their husbands are busy raping, torturing, stoning, beheading and murdering people.

These ISIS brides are as unspeakable as those hideous women who write love letters to notorious serial killers in prison.

They have no thought or care for the poor victims of their despicable monsters - theyre just excited by the murderous brutality.

Today, two such ISIS brides are in the news, one in America, one in Britain.

Hoda Muthana, 24, left, left Alabama four years ago to live in an ISIS enclave in Syria and married three terrorists. Shamima Begum, 19, from London, also moved to Syria to marry a terrorist by whom she birthed three children. Now both women want to return to their respective countries after their camps were destroyed and ISIS virtually beaten.

Both voluntarily fled to the arms of their ISIS warriors and at the very least, conspired with them in their unspeakable atrocities.

Hoda Muthana, 24, left Alabama four years ago to go to an ISIS enclave in Raqqa, Syria. While she was there, she married not one, but three ISIS terrorists. The first two died while carrying out their barbaric activities, so she just wed another one. She has an 18-month-old baby son by the second husband.

Shamima Begum, 19, left London to go to a similar ISIS-held territory in Syria. She also married an ISIS terrorist. She claims to have had two babies that died, and has now just given birth to a third, a boy.

When ISIS was pummelled into virtual submission in Syria, these women washed up in the same refugee camp, al-Hol, in the north of the country.

Now, predictably, they both want to return to the safety of their original countries and live at OUR tax-payer expense.

To which I say, and excuse my language here but sometimes its entirely appropriate: Go f*ck yourselves.

Muthana, lest we forget, called for US Muslims to spill all of the blood by launching terror attacks during Memorial Day events.

In social posts in 2015, she ranted: You have much to do while you live under our greatest enemy, enough of your sleeping! Go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans Patriot, Memorial etc Day parades.. go on drive-bys and spill all of their blood. Kill them.

Think about that for a moment: this is an American citizen, who was an adult at the time she wrote this, openly demanding the mass murder of innocent fellow Americans in the most horrendous, cowardly manner imaginable.

In the next two years, ISIS-inspired terrorists committed three acts of horror on US soil.

In December, 2015, in San Bernadino, California, 14 people were killed and 20 wounded when husband and wife Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik attacked a holiday party for people with special needs and disabilities.

In June, 2016, a terrorist named Omar Mateen shot dead 49 people in an Orlando nightclub.

And in October 2017, a terrorist named Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov drove a truck into pedestrians in New York, killing eight and wounding eleven.

The last murderer literally did exactly what Muthana had beseeched US Muslims to do: he took a truck and spilled the blood of Americans.

American Hoda Murthana called on social media in 2015 for terrorists attacks in the US. In the years after that Omar Mateen, left, shot dead 49 people in an Orlando nightclub in 2016, while Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, right, drove a truck into pedestrians in New York, killing eight and wounding eleven in 2017

Now, the same Muthana wants us to believe she deeply regrets leaving America to go and support her ISIS terrorist husbands.

I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God, she wailed in an interview with The Guardian. I was really young and ignorant.

What a load of horse manure.

She was a 19-year-old woman who knew exactly what she was doing.

Then came the really disgusting bit.

I believe that America gives second chances, she proclaimed, as if she were a contestant on Americas Got Talent whod failed in her first attempt at stardom. I want to return and never go back to the Middle East. America can take my passport and I wouldnt mind.

Im sure you wouldnt, you shameless creature.

Not least because if you did go back to your ISIS husband now, hed almost certainly cut your head off for being an infidel. Or maybe hed stone you alive, or just set you on fire? These guys can be very creative with their modes of murder.

As for Begum, she hasnt even bothered to lie about having remorse or regret for what she did, saying she had a good time and the experience made her stronger and tougher.

Today, she even defended the appalling ISIS-inspired terror attack on an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester, England, in 2017 that killed 22 people, many of them young female fans.

Begum, from London, even praised the terror attack in Manchester on an Ariana Grande concert (above) that killed 22 people - saying it was justified.

Begum said it was a two-way thing, insisting: Because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now, its kind of retaliation so I thought OK, its a fair justification.

The utterly deluded cretin, now 19, added that people should have sympathy for her.

Really?

Let me explain how much sympathy I have for you, young lady: zero.

In fact, less than zero. I have a minus level of sympathy for you.

All my reservoirs of sympathy are reserved for those who lost their lives at the hands of your vicious, evil husband.

Begum married a Dutch ISIS fighter, left, while Hoda - pictured waving the ISIS flag, right -married three terrorists in all, after the first two were killed.

Like your US counterpart Muthana, youre a repellent excuse for a human being who actively aided and abetted the very worst terrorists in the world.

In doing so, you renounced your country, and everything it stands for.

Worse than that, you openly supported the murder of your fellow citizens.

So the idea that now your ISIS husbands and friends have been virtually wiped out in Syria, and your participant role in the glorious Caliphate has crashed and burned, you simply trot home like nothing has happened is as absurd as its offensive.

I dont think either of these ISIS brides should ever be allowed home.

America and Britain should stand firm together on this, and simply revoke their passports.

Theyre traitors, pure and simple.

And traitors deserve not one iota of fairness.

Indeed, the only fairness I would show is towards their own innocent children who should be sent home for adoption by decent, humane people, not cared for by radicalised terror-lovers.

My message to both these brides, and any others like them, is this: You made your ISIS husband beds, now you can rot in hell in them.
George Will: Socialism has become a classification that no longer classifies
State Sen. Andy Dinniman, right, seated, recently visited the Chester County OIC to discuss ways to improve access to high school equivalency credentials with OIC Executive Director Joyce Chester, center, standing, and OIC Workforce Education Director Maryann Stravous, left, seated.
@ChescoCourtNews on Twitter

Michael P. Rellahan has been a staff reporter and editor at the Daily Local News since 1982. He has covered all kinds of news over the years but is now assigned to report on court and legal news, as well as Chester County government news and politics.
Sunbury, PA (17801)

Today

Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 66F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 66F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
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South Africa: Focus turns to 2019 Budget

Following the conclusion of President Cyril Ramaphosas State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the debate by Members of Parliament - the focus now turns to the 2019 Budget.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni is scheduled to deliver the 2019 Budget Speech and introduce the associated Bills during the plenary sitting of the National Assembly.

The speech will give details of spending and revenue collection plans to carry out the programme presented in the SONA.

The Minister of Finance presents the budget to Parliament, which, through recommendations from the Finance and Appropriations Committees of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, makes the final budget decisions.

The Constitution allows Parliament to make these decisions so that the people, through their democratically-elected representatives, have a say in budget choices which have a major impact on society.

Plenary sittings of the National Assembly on Tuesday and Thursday are also scheduled to consider five legislative issues and to hold two debates.

At Tuesdays National Assembly sitting the subject for discussion is Transforming the economy to serve the people.

The National Assembly is also scheduled to consider the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill, a legislative proposal to amend the National Minimum Wage Act of 2018 and the Carbon Tax Bill.

For Thursdays sitting, the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill and the Public Investment Corporation Amendment Bill have been scheduled.

Parliament will also hold an urgent matter of national public importance titled Eskom energy crisis.

Eskom which has reintroduced load shedding is facing myriad challenges that have affected its ability to meet the demand.

The embattled parastatal is facing a R420 billion debt burden and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) says the State-owned entity (SOE) will cease to exist at the current trajectory by April this year.

Eskoms Build Programme has added to the cost overruns and poor performance at the power utility. Medupi and Kusile have suffered massive delays and cost overruns due to poor planning, poor engineering designs, poor procurement practices and corruption.

The costs for the plants have escalated significantly to over R300 billion.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and th
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.
KINGSTON, N.Y.  New York Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, a Democrat, wound up on the same side as Mid-Hudson Valley Republicans in opposition to a 
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.
J.R. Goddard, age 90 of Dalton passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Hamilton Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Ruth Goddard; a son Jimmy Ray Goddard; parents, Jesse Ray and Flonnie Mae Goddard; brothers, Ralph and Hoyle Goddard; sisters, Shirley Freeman and Inez
Adam Duvernay

The Daily American

Have you met the 'meat man?'

Delaware police say they've identified the man who's asking for gas money in exchange for the meathe's keeping in the back of his SUV. They haven't found him yet, but they're looking to meet him because his sales pitch recently raised some concern in Pike Creek.

It was about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when the man walked intoHeart and Home gift shop on Limestone Road and approached a young sales clerk, according to police. The man needed money for gas, he told her, and asked whether she would like to come out to his SUV and get some meat.

"Our concerns were for our young sales associate," said the store's co-owner, Nina Sneeringer. "We're in an extremely safe area, but there are a few creeps out there."

The young lady told the man no, Sneeringer said, and the older sales associate working that night doubled down on that: The answer was no, and she threatened to callsecurity.

"It did not feel right," Sneeringer said. "Immediately after, she locked the front door."

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A state police spokeswoman said the situation was reported and troopers started to look for the mystery meat man because of his suspicious behavior. She said it was especially troublesome that he claimed to be out of gasbut drove away once he was chased off.

Sneeringer is convinced there's something illegal going on. But 19-year-old Jeffrey Brannock says he's met the meat man, too and at least part of the story holds up.

"He gave me a couple pork chops,"Brannock said."Some type of steak, I think it was like a flank steak or something. And then he gave me some sausages,"

Brannock was gassing up at the Royal Farms on Kirkwood Highway about three weeks ago when the same man in photos circulated by state police approached him, he said.

"He just asked me if I could spare any money for gas and made it clear he could give me meat," Brannock said. "I'm usually not the type of person to buy into that stuff, but he looked like an average guy. ... It was very weird. I was honestly really confused."

Brannock said there really was no reason for the man to give him any meat.

"I didn't really need meat, especially from a stranger at a gas station," Brannock said.

But he put $20 worth of gas into the man's car, and Brannock walked away with some meat.

"He just popped open the back door and was looking in his cooler where there was all kinds of meat," Brannock said. "I brought it home to my mom."

Brannock's mother,Terrie Brannock, dressed him down for being part of something so, well, weird. His mother said she was concerned about her son's safety.

Then Terrie Brannock pitched the meat in the garbage.

But wouldJeffrey Brannock have eaten it, himself?

"Honestly, probably not," hesaid. "I thought about it."

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William Nyce, though, will remain skeptical of his gas-bartered meat until he cooks it.

"Oh, we got meat, yeah. I still have the meat if you want it," Nyce said of the filets he exchangedgas money for weeks ago. "We're not just going to put them in our mouths."

Nyce and a friend were coming out of a Limestone Road Wawa around 1 a.m. when he said the man in the photo approached him with a deal that by now should sound familiar.

"We were taken off guard because that's not something that usually happens," Nyce said. "We didn't just give him money. We were like, 'Can we see the meat first?'"

The situation was, to put it mildly, weird, he said, and there was a sense it might just be better to make the deal. So he did, but like others, Nyce said the man was very polite.

Nyce said the man gave him his number for further deals, but the number was bad.

"He said he'd hook us up with meat," Nyce said.

There are reports circulating on social media of many such encounters with the man. Some people have tried to identify him, and state police said they have.

State police did not say whetherthey believe he's dangerous, but they asked anyone with information to call(302)-633-5000. Police did not release the meat man's name.

Follow Adam Duvernay on Twitter:@duvINdelaware

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Have you met the 'meat man?' Delaware police looking for someone exchanging meat for gas money
MATTHEW TOTH

mtoth@dailyamerican.com

In the early 1980s, Sherry Abel went to college for computer programming. But after starting work as a secretary for the National Security Agency, she was looking for more experience in her field.

I applied for private companies after college, but back in the 80s they wanted experienced computer programmers, she said.

Abel had been fascinated with computers since the ninth grade in Baltimore, Maryland, and it fascinated her that her love of math could be used in a practical experience.

After 10 months with the NSA, she applied for a computer programming job with the agency. Now, she uses that government experience for a Somerset County business.

Abel was hired over a year ago as a training coordinator and with the informational technology department for Global/SFC Valve, a Somerset company that makes valves for Navy ships. The company has conducted more than 145 classes over the last year.

I trained everything from Microsoft products to assist-with-manufacturing training, and all kinds of good stuff, she said.

For 30 years prior to joining Global/SFC, Abel worked for government agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency and Defense Intelligence Agency. Her travels took her around Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., working in cybersecurity and computer programming.

But when her last company wanted her family to move back to Northern Virginia, she said it was time for a change. Abel and her husband, Jerry, already enjoyed living in the small Amish community of Springs with their four children.

My husband is a retired firefighter from Howard County, (Maryland), so we were not going to move again, she said. We said, No, we live in Springs, Pennsylvania.

A church friend with Pennsylvania CareerLink sent Abels resume to the managers at Global/SFC. In November 2017, the company asked to meet with her.

I got an interview and the rest is history, Abel said.

Wanting to give back to the community, Abel and her husband are officers of the Grantsville Rotary Club and volunteers at the Springs Mennonite Church. Abel said she still keeps one leg in Maryland and one leg in Pennsylvania, because she was born and raised in Maryland.

Abels advice for students is to get into the field of cybersecurity, which, she said, has up to 1 million job openings in the United States.

There are so many openings in cybersecurity, she said. There are so many countries and people out there trying to do malicious things to computer systems. That is the field to go into if you are going into IT.

Abel said she also encourages students to consider manufacturing, welding and quality control vocations.

All of these careers take skills and use computer technology as well, she said.
Cyberwar Vs. Traditional Conflict

Uploaded on 2019-02-18 in Directors Reports

The first difference between cyberwar and traditional warfare is the difficulty in knowing who exactly attacked you.

Unlike a traditional military conflict, correctly attributing an attack back to its original source is incredibly difficult. Sophisticated countries often hack third-party victims, such as universities or small or medium-size businesses that don't have robust cyber-security. They then use those businesses to attack their real targets, whether they be critical utilities, other governments' resources or important businesses and industries.

The second difference is it can be difficult to know when you're under attack, often the impacts can only be felt years after the attack.

What is cyberwar?

Cyberwar is the use of technology to cause social, economic or even physical damage to a targeted country. It can range from propaganda or fake news campaigns, which we witnessed in the US and French elections, to the theft of national secrets or intellectual property. It can even escalate to the crippling of banks, telecommunications providers and media outlets, experienced by South Korea in 2013.

In its most brutal stage, a cyberwar could result in the crippling of power plants, airports, transit and thousands of businesses as the Ukraine experienced in December 2015 and 2016 and this past June and July.

A full cyberwar would likely lead to crippled power utilities, hospitals, transportation systems, retail outlets and more. No terrorist group has capitalised on networked technology more than ISIS, both for recruitment messaging and commanding their fighters on the ground.

The Internet is their response to asymmetric disadvantage. Where they lack in infrastructure and resources of a state, they use the web to plan attacks, solicit money and reach out to potential members.

The West now suggests it is reducing ISIS future terrorist potential but

On the battlefield, physical has merged with digital. ISIS commanders in Iraq and Syria have maneuvered their ranks through urban combat in cities such as Mosul or Raqqa, giving orders and sharing intelligence using networked-devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and small commercial drones.

They use disposable Twitter accounts to distribute timely operational commands to fighters following specific hashtags, and create Facebook groups or Telegram channels to relay crude combat intelligence in real time.

At its core, cyber warfare, currently, is the use of digital attacks by one country or nation to disrupt the computer systems of another with the aim of create significant infrastructure damage, and potential assistance to more traditional military attack.

This military strategy is similar to the beginning of aircraft use at the beginning of the 20th century when aircraft were only seen as having a visual intelligence use, then subsequently used in mass bommbing attacks.

What does Cyber-Warfare look like?

Cyber-war is still an emerging concept, but many experts are concerned that it is likely to be a significant component of any future conflicts. As well as troops using conventional weapons like guns and missiles, future wars will also be fought by hackers using computer code to attack an enemy's infrastructure.

Governments and intelligence agencies worry that digital attacks against vital infrastructure, like power grids or Banking systems, will give attackers a way of bypassing a country's traditional defences. Unlike standard military attacks, a cyber-attack can be launched instantaneously from any distance, with little obvious evidence in the build-up, and it is often extremely hard to trace such an attack back to its originators.

Does Cyber remove traditional Military Strategy and Actions?

In the short run, soldiers, pilots and sailors will still be essential components of any battle, military planners say. This will be particularly true in urban settings, where buildings, tunnels and people create confusing obstacles that no machine will be able to skirt for years to come.

But over time, experts largely agree, remote-sensing and piloting technologies will produce the biggest change in warfare in generations.

3rd Warfare Revolution

In the history of warfare, there have been a few major revolutions: the advent of the firearm, the introduction of nuclear power and weaponry, and the launch of military satellites to name a few.

A new revolution is taking place right now on the battlefields of the world: wars are fought increasingly by drones. Of course, people are still in the line of fire, but their role and numbers could be vastly different than they are now. Theres no question that drones are changing the face of warfare: militaries have always been in technology races, but never before has the winner of the race gained the ability to wage war without putting troops on the front line.

Current Situation: Researchers are building drones the size of insects that can be used for reconnaissance or strikes, and although its difficult to estimate when this kind of technology will be deployed on the battlefield, its a safe bet that theyre currently being tested. Once theyre ready for deployment, there will be no denying that weve reached a new military age.

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The Future Of War is Cyber:
China Accused Of A Cyber-Attack On Australia's Parliament

Australia's security agencies are investigating a cyber breach of the Federal Parliament's computer network that ABC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, understands is likely the result of a foreign government attack. The agencies are looking into whether China is behind the incident.

In a statement, Federal Parliament's presiding officers said authorities were yet to detect any evidence data had been stolen in the breach.

One source said the response to the attack had been swift but the hackers were "sophisticated this time around". Computer passwords have been reset as a precaution as the investigations continue.

"We have no evidence that this is an attempt to influence the outcome of parliamentary processes or to disrupt or influence electoral or political processes," the Parliament's presiding officers said in a statement.

"Accurate attribution of a cyber incident takes time and investigations are being undertaken in conjunction with the relevant security agencies."

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is working to secure the network and says action was taken as soon as the breach was detected.

"The necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the compromise and minimise any harm," ASD said in a statement.

A cyber security expert warned about the seriousness of the breach.

"If you look at what goes on in Parliament House, you've got politicians, you've got staffers, you've got government departments that are moving in and out of the organisation and a lot of that is through electronic means," adjunct professor Nigel Phair, from the University of Canberra, said.

"If I was a nation state, or dare I say any hacker looking for state secrets, this is the crown jewels."

Hackers caught in early stages, ABC told

Sources have told the ABC that the hackers were caught in the early stages of gaining access to the computer network.

The incident has been compared to a robber breaking into a house, whereby authorities know the front door has been broken but are yet to find out if anything else has been taken, or if there is another way to break in.

The attack does not affect the computer systems of government ministers and their staff, however it does affect government backbenchers, the Opposition and crossbenchers. Labor politicians and staff said access to their emails had been intermittent since the attack. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said he was satisfied with the response so far.

"I've had some briefings on it. I'm satisfied from what I've heard initially that our security agencies and the president [of the Senate] and the Speaker [of the House] have moved in the right way to make sure that our parliamentary networks are secure," he said.

Mr Shorten described the breach as a "wake-up call", saying while Parliament had the resources to respond to a cyber-attack, many small and medium-sized businesses did not.

"They don't have the budget of the Parliament of Australia. If I'm p rime minister I'm going to invest a lot more in the cyber security of our small and medium sized enterprises."

RadioNZ:

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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 
In three years, Kam Wong made $11.1 million and according to newly-released court documents, the long-time executive for one of New Yorks largest credit unions, managed most of that money with big banks.

Wong pleaded guilty in November to embezzling nearly $10 million from the $2.8 billion Municipal Credit Union where he was president/CEO from 2007 to June 2018. He joined MCU in 1981 and became its CFO 1988.

Prosecutors filed forfeiture documents in U.S. District Court in Manhattan last week that will allow the federal government to take possession of Wongs assets to help pay the $9,890,375 he is expected to be ordered to make in restitution during his sentencing hearing in April.

Court documents show the former credit union CEO has 24 accounts with JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Advisors, HSBC, and Sterling National Bank.
Lost in the debate this year over the full legalization of marijuana by adults are the ramifications of misuse.

While there are precise ways to measure the influence of alcohol on drivers, marijuana intoxication is much harder to determine, with the science in its infancy and police left to assess suspects on a case-by-case basis, even in Massachusetts, where retails sales are now legal.

For up-to-date information on public policy issues, sign up for the CT Politics newsletter.

The only Connecticut bill to address the issue will come up for a preliminary vote Tuesday in the General Assemblys Public Safety and Security Committee, following a public hearing last week in which Connecticut police chiefs warned that allowing retail cannabis sales before developing standards for misuse could create problems on state roads.

The bill stands a good chance of passage, since it has support from law enforcement, the AAA Motor Club and the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Currently, the issue of marijuana-impaired driving is not adequately addressed within the current statutory scheme because there is no objective measure regarding marijuana impairment levels when it comes to operating a motor vehicle, the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association admitted last week. As the neighboring state of Massachusetts has recently legalized marijuana for recreational use, there is an overwhelming concern that the incidences of drugged driving will increase in Connecticut as a result.

You could have smoked marijuana 30 days ago and the police cant prove youre impaired, said veteran state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton, the chief proponent of the legislation, which has six Republican co-sponsors.

This is neither a pro or anti-marijuana bill, Lavielle said Monday. This is a public safety issue that is very timely, whether Connecticut legalizes it or not. There has got to be a very clear goal of public policy to stay on this and figure it out.

David McGuire, executive director of the ACLU Connecticut, noted that current roadside blood and saliva tests cannot determine whether someone is impaired from cannabis.

This could result in someone who is not under the influence, who consumed marijuana weeks earlier, still receiving a positive test when they are not impaired, he said. Due to the fact that police in Connecticut disproportionately stop and pull over drivers of color, black and Latino people in Connecticut will also likely be exposed to roadside stops and tests more often.

Amy Parmenter of the AAA said the optimum strategy would be the adoption of a standard prohibiting any concentration of the active Cannabis chemical in the blood or saliva, as well as behavioral and/or physiological signs of impairment as determined by a law enforcement officer. Currently only 50 officers in Connecticut are fully trained in drug recognition.

She pointed out that 2017 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determined that 43 percent of vehicular fatalities in Connecticut involved a driver who exceeded the .08 alcohol limit, the greatest percentage in the nation and far above the average of of 29 percent.

And another report, from the Governors Highway Safety Association for 2015, found that 63 percent of Connecticut drivers who died in crashes and were tested for drugs, and that marijuana was the most prevalent drug found in the bodies of those tested, Parmenter told the committee.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

The U.S. Department of Justice and Connecticut Secretary of the State have reached an agreement on how information about deceased voters should be shared with local registrars of voters.

This is part of a nation-wide effort to ensure that the lists are as correct as possible, said Secretary of the State Denise Merrill on Monday. There was no particular incident (in Connecticut).
NORWALK  More than 60 people gathered Monday on the Stroffolino Bridge to rally against President Donald J. Trumps declaration of a national emergency to obtain border wall funding.

The progressive advocacy group MoveOn.org organized the protest on the bridge that carries Washington Street between East Norwalk and South Norwalk. It was among others planned nationwide. Members of other political advocacy groups like Indivisible CT, Huddle CT and the ReSisters were also present.

The people in the border towns and the Republican representatives in the border towns dont think we have a national emergency. The only people who think theres an emergency have been made afraid by manipulation and lies, said Marcia Eckerd, who lives in Bridgeport but works in East Norwalk.

The protestors held signs that said Trump is the national emergency, and trapped rat.

Im appalled at the insensitivity and the lack of intelligence by Trump, said Frank Posluszny of Cos Cob. Im here to voice my disregard for his disregard.

Im here because of this asinine wall, sid Jim Gordon of Norwalk. The guy is a maniac and the wall is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard. People will still get through.

Many cars beeped their horns as they passed by. Some slowed with their windows down to shout their support, or in a few cases, their dissent.

The last such gathering in Norwalk  to support the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election  drew hundreds of people to the Norwalk Green in November, including counter-protestors and dozens of police officers. Protestors and counter-protestors shouted insults at one another and disrupted traffic, causing police to shut down a lane of traffic in either direction around the green.

Though two counter-protestors did show around 1 p.m., an hour after Mondays rally had started, the tone remained civil. Before the protest began, organizer Batya Diamond spoke to police who were already on site.

Everyones instructed to stay on the sidewalk and practice de-escalation skills, Diamond said.

One counter-protestor carried an Israeli flag and shouted Fight anti-Semitism. Another, Paul Juchniewich, known as Pastor Paul, shouted Build the wall! and Bill Clinton is a rapist!

Police cars, which were parked at either end of the bridge for the duration of the protest, passed by regularly as both sides debated politics. But the rally broke up without incident a little before 1:30 p.m.

justin.papp@scni.com; @justinjpapp1; 203-842-2586
JERUSALEM - The decision to hold the annual "V4" summit in Jerusalem - the first time the bloc of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia had met outside Europe - was intended to build on the growing bonds between Israel and Central European nations.

Instead, it was called off amid a spat over the role Poles played in the Holocaust, highlighting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's awkward alliances with countries accused of seeking to gloss over their history during World War II.

Poland officially pulled out of the summit Monday after comments by Israel's acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, who quoted a former Israeli prime minister as saying that Poles "suckle anti-Semitism from their mother's breast."

This was the latest twist in a long-running diplomatic dispute between Israel and Poland after Warsaw last year introduced a new law calling for prison sentences of up to three years for accusing Poland of crimes committed against Jews during World War II, including collaborating in the Holocaust.

Israeli officials took the lead in accusing Poland's nationalist, right-wing government of trying to suppress historic inquiry and whitewashing the past.

But at the same time, Netanyahu has been keen to build ties with Central European countries, such as Poland and Hungary, with which Israel sees itself increasingly politically aligned. Israel views the countries as important allies within the European Union because of their sympathy for Israel in its conflict with the Palestinians.

Amid criticism of the new law, Poland watered down the wording, and relations with Israel appeared to be on track again until Netanyahu commented on the subject while returning from a U.S.-led Middle East summit in Warsaw last week.

"The Poles" had collaborated with the Nazis during the war, he was reported as telling journalists on the return flight. The Polish government was enraged. Israeli officials later said the prime minister had referred only to some Poles, not to the nation as a whole.

The Jerusalem Post, which had published the comments including the definite article "the," issued a correction. But Poland still downgraded its attendance at the event, announcing Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz would attend instead of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

That was until Katz, on his first full day on the job, went even further.

"It is really astonishing that the newly appointed foreign minister of Israel quotes such a shameful and racist remark," tweeted Marek Magierowski, Poland's ambassador to Israel. "Utterly unacceptable."

Israel's foreign ministry said Tuesday's meeting would no longer be an official summit of the "Visegrad Four," known as the "V4," after Poland's withdrawal. The leaders of the remaining three countries would still hold meetings with Netanyahu, it said.

Netanyahu has come under fire from political opponents for selling out Jewish history to advance his political aims.

"The prime minister of the Jewish state sells out the memory of the Holocaust for a dubious alliance with an anti-Semitic leader," said Tamar Zandberg, leader of the opposition Meretz party.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also stirred controversy in a 2017 speech by praising Miklos Horthy, who collaborated with the Nazis to deport Hungarian Jews.

Hungary later clarified that Horthy had both positive and "very negative periods" and that the country had no tolerance for anti-Semitism, after which Netanyahu went ahead with a planned visit to Hungary to meet with Orban. There are also growing concerns among Hungary's Jewish population that a Holocaust museum in Budapest will gloss over history.

Meanwhile, Orban was accused of using anti-Semitic tropes in his campaign against the Hungarian-born Jewish American financier George Soros, who last year announced that the university he founded in Budapest had been forced out of the country.

Emmanuel Navon, a lecturer at the Lauder School of Government at IDC Herzliya, said Netanyahu is trying to upgrade relationships with Central European nations to "neutralize" decisions by the E.U.'s foreign minister, Federica Mogherini.

Navon pointed to a recent E.U. effort to issue a statement condemning the U.S. decision to transfer its embassy to Jerusalem. The statement was blocked by the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania.

He also cited their relative openness to scrapping the Iran nuclear deal as urged by the Trump administration, a move strongly opposed by France and Germany. The V4 group is making it harder for the European Commission to bypass renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran, he said.

Other analysts have pointed to a natural affinity between Israel and other right-wing governments, which have a common perspective on issues of security, borders and immigration. Navon said that Israel may serve as a model for countries like Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which are at odds with other E.U. countries, on how to deal with refugees. But he said he does not agree with the view that Orban and Netanyahu are "similar souls."

- - - The Washington Post's Ruth Eglash contributed to this report.
Dont fret if you havent kept up with all the advance news about the budget that Governor Ned is rolling out on Wednesday. I can barely keep it all straight and its my job.

It does matter. Were looking at new taxes, tolls, service cuts, new technology, new ways of attracting companies, nanny-state charges, the minimum wage hike, a payroll deduction and more.

So heres a simplified cheat sheet.

I hate the phrase what you need to know. But if you care about whether Gov. Ned Lamont is going to lead Connecticut out of its fiscal hell and into sustained growth, what he tells us Wednesday is the script, the playbook, the road map, the bible, the recipe, the blueprint.

This rough outline will be wrong on some details but this is the best information we have so far. Ill update it later in the week when we have the full details.

The Big Picture

By the standards of some recent crises, the budget year that starts July 1 isnt horrendous. Yes, it has a projected shortfall of $1.45 billion, or about 7.5 percent, if nothing changes from the current years budget. But there are some fairly easy ways to knock it down to size. What Lamont cant do is lay off any state workers for the next two years due to a 2017 labor agreement signed by former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Lamont will need to raise taxes, but not by a huge amount. The biggest question is whether budgets with fairly deep cuts in spending can get through a General Assembly thats dominated by Democrats, with very strong voting blocs of strongly identified progressives  who oppose most tax breaks for businesses and wealthy residents, and campaigned on restoring services.

Sales tax increase

Lamont has said he wont increase the 6.35 percent sales tax rate, but will broaden the number of things covered by the tax. Right now it raises $4.2 billion a year. Taxing every good and service in the state would more than double that. Lamont plans to add about $300 million, which would be equal to one-half of 1 percentage point  but, again, not by raising the rate. The big question is whether and how he proposes to tax digital services and, for example, downloaded media. Thats been a battleground. Services such as legal work and haircuts also come up routinely in the debate. Further expanding collection of online retail sales  after an expansion that took effect Dec. 1  is a fair and worthy Lamont goal that could help local brick-and-mortar stores.

Personal income tax

This is by far the biggest tax in the state, raising about $10 billion a year  somewhat less in this fiscal year. Progressives want another increase on the richest taxpayers, households making at least $500,000 a year. That went up to 6.99 percent from 6.7 percent in 2015. Lamont campaigned against an increase and isnt likely to propose one. Thats okay because we need to stay below New Jersey and New York, and not far above Massachusetts flat tax of 5.1 percent. Lamont badly wants to expand property-tax credits to lower the income tax for middle-class homeowners but thats costly, so look for something very limited.

Estate tax

This tax, levied on inheritances, applies to estates worth $3.6 million. It ranges from 7.2 percent to 12 percent. The threshold is scheduled to reach the current federal level of just over $11 million by 2023. The tax raises about $150 million a year, obviously yo-yo-ing depending on who dies. Its always under a lot of pressure from Republicans and some Democrats from rich districts. Lamont hasnt said what hell propose but I reported that repeal of the estate tax is part of a potential deal between Republicans who want it, and liberal Democrats who want a higher minimum wage. Keith Phaneuf of The CT Mirror described the tax and the pressure to lower it. Its dumb for Connecticut to be one of only 12 states with an estate tax  and the only one with a gift and estate tax  and its especially dumb to have a threshold well under the federal level. Hate the rich or love them, if they agree to stick around and die here were all better off.

Spending cuts

This is where Lamont has spent hundreds of hours but we know very little about what hell propose. He can expect to achieve about $100 million in so-called lapses, money that agencies dont spend during 2019-20. But hes going to need to find at least another $100 million of real, targeted, scheduled cuts, and thats tough. Overtime is high because of mandatory shift staffing levels in depleted departments such as Children and Families and Correction. Lamont is too smart to try to cut higher education and face the wrath of lawmakers, perhaps forcing higher tuition, as weve seen in recent years  right? Continued declines in the prison population could help here.

Spending increases

These will be small but with overwhelming Democratic control of the General Assembly, we may see expansion of health programs, perhaps even a new public option for coverage. And Lamont is committed to updating state systems to make Connecticut more like an Amazon Prime experience. That doesnt come cheap.

Grocery tax

Its not going to happen. The idea was for a 2 percent sales tax on groceries. The CT Mirror broke news that it was in the works. I reported Lamont saying it wasnt in the top 50 ideas. The Courant had the governor saying it was never even considered. Maybe we were had by a governor who was outed. Maybe it was a trial balloon. Regardless, the idea drew unrelenting criticism from pretty much anyone of any party who was born between 1918 and 2018.

Property tax reform

This is the big nut, long-term. Some Democrats, led by Senate President Pro-Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven, want to move the taxing of motor vehicles from cities and towns to the state, impose a uniform 19-mill rate and redistribute the money back to municipalities based partly on need. They also want to impose a 1-mill tax on real estate, for the same purpose. Lots of problems here, including a penalty on motorists in low-tax towns and a penalty on people who drive cheap cars in high-tax towns. Its just a starting point for debate, along with Senate Democrats idea to force the consolidation of small school systems. Unclear what path Lamont will propose.

Business spending

Lamont will push for an end to the annoying busines entity tax of $250 every two years, just for existing. That raises $23 million a year, on average. We might see him curtail grants, loans and tax credits to companies, which amounted to nearly $200 million a year under Malloy. That was borrowed money, and Lamont has said he wants the state on a debt diet to keep long-term spending down.

Hospital tax

This is a complicated bait-and-switch game in which the state taxes hospitals by $800 million or more, then gives most but not all of the money back to the hospitals and calls that a Medicaid payment, thereby boosting the federal match. The current scheme expires on July 1 and Lamont is dealing with trust issues, as Malloy had a habit of keeping more of the money than the hospitals agreed to give up. There are more complexities, but all we need to know is the scheme would save $400 million if Lamont and the hospitals can reach a deal. They will.

Minimum wage

With so many Democrats in place who campaigned on the issue, including Lamont, the current minimum wage of $10.10 is almost certain to rise. Lamont supports a 4-year phase-in to $15, starting with a bump to $11.25 in January. This isnt really a budget issue because the state doesnt pay the minwage to many people, if any, but it will raise the price of some state contracts for services.

Marijuana for adult use

Not a budget item for the upcoming fiscal year but look for a Lamont proposal on adult-use recreational marijuana to raise somewhere between $40 and $80 million a year in three or four years. Close call, supporters are gaining steam. Not legalizing is just sending money over the state line to Massachusetts.

Highway tolls

This is shaping up at the battle of the year. Again, not a budget item for the upcoming year but a huge new source of income to maintain roads and bridges if Lamont pushes it through. On Saturday he reversed his opposition to broad tolling of all vehicles, saying in an Op-Ed in Hearst Connecticut Media papers that hell give lawmakers two options: tolls for interstate trucks only, collecing $45 million to $200 million a year, and broad tolling, That would bring in an estimated $800 million a year, but until it starts, the state would have to spend tens of millions, maybe more, setting it up.

Paid family and medical leave

Like the minwage, this isnt a big state budget issue but it would affect family finances and Lamont favors it, so Im including it here. The idea is to deduct 0.5 percent from employees paychecks  thats us  to set up a program under which an estimated 100,000 people a year could take as many as 12 paid weeks off, up to $1,000 a week, for the birth or adoption of a child, a gravely ill family member or a workers own illness. Supporters call it an insurance program and opponents call it a tax into a system that would be insolvent from the start. It certainly walks like a tax and quacks like a tax  $450 a year for a household with $90,000 in income. With other tax increases coming, this might not be a great time for it, but surrounding states have it, even President Donald Trump supports it (though only a weak version) and it could help attract young professionals.

Rainy-day fund

The rainy-day fund, or emergency budget reserve fund, swelled under Malloy to where it will now have at least $2.1 billion, and possibly as much as $2.5 billion, this summer at the start of the new fiscal year. Roughly half this is the result of one-time gains and half is higher tax collections, some of which must, as of 2017-18, go right into the rainy-day fund. Lamont opposes depleting the fund because, he says correctly, well need it when the inevitable recession hits. But hell face pressure from Democrats to use it to save services. It may come down to $300 million from the reserve fund as a compromise but we wont hear that pitch on Wednesday.

Sin taxes on sweet drinks, plastic bags and vaping

Lamont announced on Sunday, on the WTNH-TV Capitol Report show, and the CT Mirror reported the same day, his intention tax sugar-laden drinks and plastic bags and sharply increase the tax on vaping products. He didnt say how much the state could raise at, say, 10 cents in tax for a plastic bag and 1 cent per ounce of soda. No state has a soda tax but some municipalities do, including Philadelphia, at 1.5 cents an ounce. This isnt about raising money, Lamonts chief of staff, Ryan Drajewicz, said Sunday on a call with a few reporters. Its about changing those behaviors and creating a more healthy citizenship and a better environment. This has failed before as soda bottling unions and sellers have said it costs jobs. They dont even count the lost jobs in diabetes treatment  which we should all be glad to see go. Anyone who complains about paying a quarter for a drink that delivers more than the recommended daily consumption of sugar should drink water. And while youre at it, stop buying bottled water, its a useless waste of resources.

Pension reform and labor givebacks

Malloy refinanced the state employees pension in 2017 and now its time for restructuring the teachers retirement fund, which is way underfunded. Lots of ideas on how to do it and there are roadblocks because of covenants with bondholders but it has to happen. Likely: Some shift of Lottery Corp. assets to the fund. Unlikely: More union givebacks, two years after the last round of concessions.

An earlier version of this column incorrectly said Lamont favored a statewide, 19-mill tax on motor vehicles and a 1-mill tax on real estate. He has not commented directly on those proposals.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
BRIDGEPORT - A Monroe dad is suing a New Haven college because he claims it hasnt been able to keep his daughter safe.

Paul Lisi, of Farm View Road, in a suit filed in Superior Court here, is demanding that Albertus Magnus College refund his payments  about $11,000  claiming his daughter was twice assaulted on the colleges campus.

Lisi declined comment on the lawsuit. His daughter now attends another university.

We cannot comment on student conduct matters, said Andrea E. Kovacs, vice president for communications and marketing at Albertus Magnus College.

The lawsuit states that during her freshman year, Lisi was repeatedly bullied by a group of female students. She reported the bullying to the residential life coordinator, but nothing was done, the suit states.

The suit continues that about midnight on Sept. 23, 2017, the daughter was in her dorm room with her female roommate and a male student when, following an argument, the male student attacked the Lisi daughter, shoving her into a dresser. Along with her roommate, Lisi managed to force the male student from the room.

Ms. Lisi left the Albertus Magnus campus the following day with a few of her belongings and had decided that she would withdraw from the school because she did not feel safe, the suit states.

Ms. Lisi had lost all confidence in the administrations ability to make her feel safe and thus she felt that she had no choice but to withdraw, according to the lawsuit.

The suit states that Paul Lisi requested a refund of his daughters room and board charges but received only a fraction of what he had paid. The family appealed to the college but received a letter from school officials stating that they had found Lisis complaint of the dorm room assault to be unfounded and therefore were denying the refund request, the suit states.

The Lisis state in the suit that they have a copy of a text the male student sent the daughter admitting he had pushed Lisi and lied to school officials about it.

Ms. Lisi was a good student, did not get into trouble, and was happy with her education at Albertus Magnus. Ms. Lisi withdrew from Albertus Magnus because she did not feel safe after she was physically attacked by another student, the suit states. She legitimately felt that after previously being bullied and receiving no help from the administration, that she had no choice but to transfer to a new school.
Scare headlines about the looming cybersecurity skills shortage are a regular feature in the trade press, and occasionally even make it into mainstream publications. If one thing is clear, it's that companies outbidding each other for a tiny talent pool of security engineers with five to ten years experience is not a winning formula to increase the cybersecurity labor force.

So what is? Training or hiring junior security staff.

A growing number of free and cheap training resources online make it easier to skill up thousands of workers in-house and help job seekers prove their worth at a relatively low cost. The following list is by no means comprehensive. Got a favorite resource you love? Drop us a line and we may add it here.

Cybrary

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An emerging player in scalable remote virtual learning is Cybrary, which offers a freemium service with classes to help employees and job seekers earn their CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, CISSP and a variety of other entry-level security certifications.

Job seekers looking to break into infosec could do a lot worse than spending a few weeks working their way through many of the free courses available on Cybrary. Some of the paid courses may be valuable as well. The platform also offers enterprise subscriptions to industry and government on an affordable per-seat basis, making it cost effective to skill up thousands of employees into junior cybersecurity roles.

Hack the Box

Hack the Box Want to hack Hack the Box? Hack your way in first!

More ambitious job seekers looking to take the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification should consider the wealth of free lab virtual machines (VMs) that Hack the Box offers. Why spend tons of money on OffSec lab access if you can get some of that experience elsewhere for free  or at least, a lot more cheaply?
Royal Caribbean Cruises today announced that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Oasis-class ship for delivery in the fall of 2023, according to a press release.

"It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises "This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd."

"This is the twenty-third cruise ship that Royal Caribbean Cruises will be building at our shipyard, and we are especially proud of it," said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

"The order reflects the confidence our customer puts on us, based on the exceptional quality of our long-term co-operation between the two companies and on our capacity to bring innovative solutions to meet our customer's expectations."

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of this year, Royal Caribbean said in a prepared statement.
The 2019 season in Hamburg was opened by Queen Victoria on January 8 with her world cruise. 215 calls will follow over the year, including nine maiden calls and the christening of the Hanseatic Nature in April and MSC Grandiosa in November.

Also new this year is a berthing policy, as preferential berthing will only be available with the framework of a long-term agreement contract between cruise lines and Cruise Gate Hamburg and linked to annually guaranteed passengers movements.

2019 marks the 830th anniversary of the Hamburg Port Anniversary as more than a million are expected in the course of the three days of the event  will be able to enjoy a diverse program as nine ships will be together in the city from May 10 to 13.

The Hamburg Port Anniversary is unique in the world - and a great figurehead for cruising in Hamburg. We are very pleased that so many cruise lines will call our city for this years port anniversary  and thereby will offer an impressive program to ship spotters.

Hamburgs popularity as a cruise destination is in part to its big events, such as the Hamburg Cruise Days or Hamburgs Port Anniversary, events that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city, according to a press release.

The same applies to christenings which are becoming spectacular events as well as maiden calls.

To keep it that way and to promote cruise in Hamburg, the port said it plans to introduce a new marketing initiative Events. This marketing initiative will only come into effect with events like the Port Anniversary, the Hamburg Cruise Days or ship christenings - and it will only effect calls with an overnight stay.
New Orleans welcomed the largest cruise ship ever to sail from the port when the Norwegian Breakaway arrived in November to homeport through early April. The sister ship, the Getaway, will take over this coming fall.

Thus, New Orleans offers seasonal deployment by Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, while Carnival sails two ships year-round.

Interviewed by Cruise Industry News in November, Steve Gauthier, Jr., deputy director of cruise, said he expected some 1,160,000 passengers for the year, slightly above the previous year, and that numbers for 2019 and 2020 will continue to rise.

Adding to the draw is New Orleans. This city sells itself in some ways. The passengers want to be here, Gauthier said. New Orleans is a popular tourist destination and has a lot of offer pre- and post-cruise with history, culture, food and more.

We are also a family friendly destination, he continued. There are tons of things for families to do and Disney coming here enhances that concept.

Disney Cruise Line has announced six cruises from New Orleans during the 2020 season, and the first one was reportedly sold out within less than one hour.

Ships also make port calls in the Crescent City and this season includes Celebrity Reflection, staying overnight, the Crystal Symphony, Artania and Ventura.

We are looking at additional berth space to grow our capacity and are now in the process of seeing where our options lie, Gauthier said. We want to stay ahead of the curve. There is space available, it just has to be the right time.

Meanwhile, the Julia Street Terminal has been upgraded with more check-in counters, X-ray machines and seating space.

Another unique aspect to New Orleanss cruise traffic are the river vessels which are also in a growth mode, and they require less shoreside infrastructure without the need for customs and border protection services.

Gauthier said that he expects to soon have three riverboats from American Cruise Line and three from American Queen Steamboat Company on the lower Mississippi.

And the port is still in talks with Viking and believes their market entry will happen  within the next two to three years.

On top of that, the dinner and jazz boat market is booming going from two to four paddlewheelers, building on the popularity of the Natchez steamboat.
As many state legislatures and the U.S. Congress look at election laws and possible changes to those laws following the 2020 election, one proposal that has been mentioned would make Election Day, which is the Tuesday after the first Monday of November, a national holiday. Should Election Day be a national holiday in the U.S.? Tell us what you think in this week's online reader poll.

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He is preceded in death by his father, Leonard Hayes; and niece, Kayla Hayes. He is survived by son, Cody Hayes of Dayton; daughter, Katie Hayes of Rockwood; mother, Opal Hayes of Rockwood; brothers, Randall (Rita) Hayes of Georgia, Greg (Tammy) Hayes of Rockwood, Darrell (Tracy) Hayes of Ro
I went to participate in a candle light homage paying event at Dr BR Ambedkar's statue organised by about 200 Dalit students on Hazratganj main crossing in Lucknow on February 16, 2019 evening, two days after the dastardly terrorist act in Pulwana, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in which 44 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was killed. While the condolence meeting by Dalit students was sombre with no slogans being raised, at the neighbouring Mahatma Gandhi statue, much smaller nationalist groups of different shades were crying hoarse over each other shouting anti-Pakistan slogans, a sight that may have made Gandhi cringe.The crucial question that arises is why do such terrorist attacks continue to take place, if the Indian government, as claimed by the Prime Minister, has already given a fitting reply to Pakistan after the Uri terrorist attack in the form a surgical strike?There is a clamour among the Hindutva hardliners for a stronger surgical strike. If the 2016 surgical strike has not deterred Pakistan-based terror groups or the Pakistani Army, what is the guarantee that a fresh one will do? And how much stronger surgical strike can be launched before it triggers a war? And who knows when the war will degenerate into a nuclear one? In fact, the Government of India's hard-line position against Pakistan and refusal to dialogue has made the situation worse.While in Afghanistan, as the United States prepares to pull out its troops, India has been left in the cold. Donald Trump, who till now had adopted a reprimanding attitude towards Pakistan for having given shelter to terrorist organisations, has now realised its importance in brokering a peace deal with Taliban. Now he ridicules Narendra Modi as someone who tells him that India has built a library, undermining the Parliament building made by the previous Indian government, in Kabul.Meanwhile, Narendra Modi, who did not spare any international fora to demand isolation of Pakistan for its role in promoting terror failed to convince even any one important nation. China blocks Indian attempt at United Nations to declare Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, the man behind 2001 Parliament attack and also behind the recent Pulwama incident, as a global terrorist. Russia, till sometime back considered close to India, is now building a military partnership with Pakistan.The Indian government, like in past terrorist attacks, continues to blame Pakistan for the Pulwama terrorist attack. Can the Pakistani government be held responsible for JeM's act? India thinks so, but the rest of the world doesn't agree with this point of view. Will the Pakistani government risk supporting such an attack on India when it is just about to host US-Taliban talks in Islamabad and it is happy to be back in the good books of US? It desperately needs the US financial help to sustain its security apparatus.India must realise that the victim card it plays is not isolating Pakistan but it is increasingly making India helpless. In no position to launch a full-fledged war because of the impending danger of use of nuclear weapons, it is in India's interest to buy peace with Pakistan and restore normalcy in Kashmir.Facing marginalisation in Afghanistan peace talks, the Indian government, through its Army chief Bipin Rawat, has signaled that it is willing to talk to Taliban. This same government refuses to engage with the elected government of Pakistan, failed to pull along a coalition in J&K with the People's Democratic Party and does not acknowledge the presence of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, which possibly has more hold on people than any political party there.In fact, it questioned Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi for having had telephonic talks with Hurriyat leaders recently. It doesn't believe in dialogue and doesn't want anybody else to dialogue with anybody else. This holier than thou attitude has played havoc with people of J&K.If the Indian government has no qualm about talking to Taliban then it should reconsider its position on avoiding dialogue with Pakistan and Kashmiri political actors. Imran Khan has pre-empted India by taking the Kartarpur Corridor initiative forcing it to cooperate as Indian government cannot afford to hurt religious sentiments of the Sikh community.It should initiate full-fledged dialogue process at the highest level. It cannot hope to have a better combination than Imran Khan-Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. It is a pity that there are attempts to cow down Navjot Singh Sidhu for advocating dialogue with Pakistan, who seems to be the only Indian politician who is trying to inject some sanity in the otherwise virulent atmosphere created in the country in the name of nationalist politics.To restore peace in J&K, the Indian government must engage Hurriyat leaders, pave the way for State elections, possibly along with general elections, and help in the formation of next elected government. But most importantly, the army and para-military forces have to be pulled out from inside Kashmir.The Indian government has to trust J&K government once to run its affairs on its own with the help of local police to control law and order situation like in other states. The Army's role should be limited to protecting borders only. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act must be given a silent burial, vocal demand for which was made Omar Abdullah when he was serving as Chief Minister. In essence, until Indian government stops treating Kashmir like its colony, peace is unlikely to return to the valley. No government can use pellet guns on its own people.We have moved away from the Gandhian values, especially in the current regime headed by Narendra Modi, who doesn't visualise Gandhi's role beyond the sanitation campaign. And we have to rely on our Constitution to bring back normalcy to Kashmir.Narendra Modi has to expand his publicly declared chest size of 56 inches to allow a larger heart to extend a hand of friendship and peace to people of Kashmir, its political actors, even those of separatist hues, and Pakistan. It must reach a written or an unwritten arrangement, just like the one with China, not to let soldiers from either side use any fire power.Both governments will have to jointly deal with terrorists because terror organisations based in Pakistan are hurting Pakistani population probably more than Indian population, something which very few people realise from Indian point of view.---
A San Francisco startup is helping companiesincluding beauty brandscraft cruelty-free materials. Culture Biosciences, described as a virtual fermentation lab by Wired, is the brainchild of robotic engineers Will Patrick and Matt Ball. Offering on-demand fermentation, companies can send flash-frozen vials of yeast and bacteria for testing.

Among its first clients: Geltor, a company which employs engineered yeast to make animal-free collagen for the beauty industry. Others include companies working in the fertilizer, materials and medicine sectors.

Companies can check experiments by tuning into a live datastream from each bioreactors sensors and probes. They can also see how well different engineered strains are producing each product; a human worker sets up each station, but the reactors run themselves.

Verily, formerly known as Google Life Sciences, offered the company funding and a workspace in its headquarters. The 12-person operation has received $5.5 million in funding and has 54 working systems; it plans to triple capacity by the end of 2019
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Education is a journey from primary through secondary to tertiary. Or so we may think. But perhaps it would be better to view the system the other way round.

The best of the universities are the glory of our education settlement. Seven of the worlds top 50 universities are in Britain. Three are in the best ten. Two of these, Oxford and Cambridge, top the table. No country other than the United States, which dominates the tables, performs better in that top 50. The exam system, based on GCSEs at 16 and A-levels at 18, is tailored for the university sector  enabling colleges to pick out the most promising students from the results (a function that it by and large fulfills).

Put aside for the moment claims that the sector is too large; that polytechnics and universities should never have merged; that for students to push on to the less meritorious of them makes no economic sense. For all the defensibility of these propositions, the university sector works. Debate, if you wish, the wisdom of saddling young people with large debts through tuition fees. These have not deterred a record number of students from the most disadvantaged areas from going to university.

At the heart of this academic system is the academic ideal: that study is worth undertaking for its own sake. Taxpayer funding and accountability, the needs of business, utilitarian thinking, the demands of research  all these are present and correct (up to a point), but the notion that it is civilising for people on the threshold of adulthood to join a community of scholars for a period of time dies hard. And the presumption that knowledge is its own reward reaches down deep into the school system.

It was at the heart of the Gove reforms under the Coalition. The former Education Secretary used two main levers to winch schools to roughly where he wanted them to be. The first was pressure from above: the Nick Gibb-led phonics teaching and checks, reformed GCSEs and A-levels, an overhauled OFSTED ,a new national college for teaching and leadership. The second was pressure from below through academisation, the new wave of free schools, and the nurturing of such campaigning bodies as the New Schools Network.

Now along comes Robert Halfon. The Chairman of the Education Select Committee  and our columnist  is challenging the status quo on school exclusions, itself is a Govian creation. More broadly, he proposes to stand the Coalitions revolution on its head. Where Gove originally wanted to make GCSEs more like the old O-levels, Halfon wants to sweep both them and A-levels away altogether, introducing instead what he calls a baccalaureate at 18.

The Education Chairman offers up a pinch of incense to study for its own sake, and comes close to denying that there is an academic and vocational divide at all. But it is hard to dispute that his focus is vocational and not academic; applied, not theoretical. There is talk of the fourth industrial revolution, skills shortages, artificial intelligence, the march of the robots, a Royal Commission and of a new curriculum to replace one conceived in 1904.

On these pages, he has demanded that Oxford open up to skills, degree apprenticeships and technical education. The emotional pulse that powers Halfons beliefs has a long and distinguished history. Since the rise of the public schools and of a Prussianised Germany, through the missing technical element of the Butler reforms and the hastily jettisoned proposals of the Tomlinson report, we can hear a common chorus.

It is that the English education system went wrong on the playing fields of Eton, that the system is still preoccupied with turning out gentlemen rather than players, and that Britain lost its industrial edge precisely because of the academic-led system that the opening of this piece tried to describe. It will be objected that the picture it painted is false, anyway: for most pupils, even now, education is not a journey from primary to tertiary. It ends at sixteen.

The Government wants to address the vocational side through T-levels and new colleges. Critics will argue that this is yet more alphabet soup, and maybe laud Halfons more radical programme instead. Our purpose today is not to argue the toss about whether his approach is right or wrong. Rather, it is mull its narrower significance. Who else in the Conservative Party is pushing a post-Brexit education programme that catches the eye? Would it be right to U-turn on the Gove revolution? Which way  as Nick Boles used to put it  is up?

It is self-evident that Brexit, or rather the Governments handling of it, is sucking the life out of debate elsewhere. But the absence of discussion within the Party about the future of education is striking. One has come to expect a certain timidity about health policy, perhaps understandably given the electoral risks. None the less, there is no history of Labour owning the education half of that odd, inseparable couple, schools-and-hospitals. The quiet is uncanny.

In an interview with Andrew Gimson on this site last week, Damian Hinds said that the post he holds sometimes requires a bold and vociferous and constant presence, at other times less so. This read as an admission that he sees himself as a consolidator rather than a trailblazer: a healer rather than a warrior, as Patrick Cosgrave used to put it. And it is perhaps inevitable that the role of an Education Secretary in a government with no majority will be incremental  tweaking away at the teacher workload, T-levels and character education.

But this pause for breath leaves questions for the future. Should education reform indeed be fixed on incrementally improving early provision and technical education  on some of the most visible gaps in the system? Or should the Gove system be recharged, with faster academisation and more backing for free schools? What has happened to the Theresa May Mark One vision, powered by Nick Timothy, of more grammar schools, and some universities compelled, in effect, to become technical colleges?

Or instead should Halfons ideas gain free rein, with a Royal Commission to look at overhauling the exam system, and presumably the University settlement too, from top to bottom? What about further education? Where do adult and refresher courses fit in? How can teachers and schools cope with supplementing the role of parents and homes? Above all, what is education for, anyway? Is the academic ideal at its core, and to be honoured and preserved, or simply outdated  a vanity to be hurled on the bonfire?

All of which is a roundabout way of saying that ConservativeHome will be running a mini-series on reform tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday. Brexit will be robbed of purpose if politicians and parties have no idea what to do with it when it happens.
Chloe Westley is the Campaign Manager of the TaxPayers Alliance.

Postmodern thought, which is infecting public discourse and is perhaps most prevalent within educational institutions, dictates that there are no individuals, only collective groups which we all belong to. Postmodern thinkers are obsessed with power, and with separating humans even from these groups into further sub-groups, and pitting those sub groups against each other  as the dominant and the submissive, the oppressor and the oppressed.

Its this rejection of individual responsibility, and obsession with sub-group dominance hierarchies, which leads to the defence of Shamima Begum. There are those who say she cannot be held fully accountable because of the young age at which she joined ISIS, or plead mercy because she is pregnant. If she repented her actions, or displayed even the slightest hint of regret for her treachery, then perhaps I would have more sympathy for these arguments.

But what is really at the heart of her defence is a willingness to infer victimhood on any enemy of the West. If you listen closely to those on the far left, especially in academia, you will find a deep resentment of western societies, and a perverse forgiveness and understanding of her enemies.

The postmodern worldview holds that individuals are not responsible for their actions, but are either victims or villains based on their sub-group category. This world view positions Begum as a victim of evil western imperialism, since she was born into a particular group which has been oppressed, and cannot be held accountable for the decisions she has made. This line of thinking led Jean-Francois Lyotard, a postmodernist philosopher, to conclude that Saddam Hussein (was) a product of Western departments of state and big companies.

In order to understand how someone could draw such a ridiculous conclusion, we need to understand exactly how and why postmodern philosophy came about. During the latter half of the 20th century, it became strikingly obvious to the intellectual community that by any rational measure, communism had failed. Stephen Hicks hypothesises that left-wing academics had two choices: either to accept that communism had failed, or to construct a new way of measuring reality which would allow for communism to work. They chose the latter.

Communist apologists were presented with an overwhelming amount of evidence which rendered their political philosophy a crime against humanity. The collapse of the Soviet Union and revelations of the horrors of its death camps were enough to persuade many that communism had failed.

Left-wing academics had to give Marxism a makeover. Evidence and logic proved that socialist and communist societies have failed  but what if we simply reject logic and reason? Postmodern thinkers started to claim that everyones experience of the world is subjective, and that our knowledge is based on a group identity, which we cannot escape from. By rejecting reason, rejecting evidence, and dismissing the truth as subjective, postmodernist thinkers could dismiss the evidence against socialism and communism.

Furthermore, this commitment to collective group identities allowed for a new Marxist power struggle. They argue that some group identities are oppressed, and should rise up against their oppressors. Instead of the working class vs the bourgeois, postmodern thought pitches race against race, gender against gender, and so on.

Thousands of words could be written about how postmodernists have given communist ideas a makeover, and Ill be discussing this in more detail at an event in London this evening. For the purpose of this article, it is enough to say that their worldview which is based on group identity allows them to blame everything  even joining a terrorist group like ISIS  on the West.

Postmodernists and the far left are united in their hatred of Western civilisation. During the 2017 election, Jeremy Corbyn blamed the terrorist attacks such as the Manchester bombing on British foreign policy. Andrew Murray, a friend of Len McCluskeys and advisor to the Labour Party, blamed the formation of ISIS on Western imperialism. The far left side with Britains enemies because they view them as victims, not as individuals responsible for their own actions.

Last weeks reaction to the story about Begum was a perfect example of this philosophy in action. Begum, a young girl who joins a terrorist group which has burnt alive pilots, beheaded journalists and thrown gay people off buildings, is apparently a victim. However, if youre a straight white male who has sent some questionable tweets a few years ago, you are the villain, and there can be no understanding or forgiveness.

Im sickened by this postmodern morality, and so every person reading this article should be. This worldview doesnt allow for the fair judgement of human beings, based on the content of their character. Rather, it forgives the wrongs of individuals belonging to oppressed groups, and blames all the world problems on the oppressors, i.e. the West. There are those who criticise British and American foreign policy, and in many cases rightly so, but it is only the extreme left which go so far as to infer victimhood on our enemies.

Our modern society has been founded on enlightenment ideals: a respect for knowledge and science, and a respect for the individual. Societies that respect these rights of the individual to produce, and buy and sell what they choose, far outperform societies which do dont. That is why so many who take up arms against the West are quite keen to return to Britain to enjoy far superior living standards.

So the next time you hear someone attack western societies as oppressive or responsible for all the evils in the world, understand that, for many, this is based on an intense resentment that the capitalist west disproved socialist and communist theory. Postmodern philosophy is an intellectually bankrupt attempt to re-write history and position the societies which promote individual freedom and democracy as the bad guys.
Six years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories.

Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.

Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters.

To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.

         

Department for Education  Chair of the SEND System Leadership Board

The newly formed SEND Leadership Board will: clarify and communicate the principles which should underpin all SEND commissioning and the good outcomes we are seeking to achieve for children and young people with SEND; encourage improved joint working, commissioning and planning by and between education, health and social care partners; identify where partners can better share data, insight, guidance, good practice and peer support to help encourage improved commissioning and planning, working to alleviate the long-term high needs budget pressures We are looking for a person who has: the ability to use authority, make decisions with, and set direction, in a board environment; a strong understanding of commissioning in Clinical Commissioning Groups and/or Local Government, and will have knowledge of the legal requirements in the 2014 Children and Families Act, in relation to SEND

Time: 60 days per annum.

Remuneration: 500 per diem, plus expenses.

Closes: 21 February

         

Great Britain China Centre  Independent Board Members

The Great Britain China Centre is a public body under the auspices of, but independent from, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Its remit is to promote understanding between the UK and China. It works to strengthen the UK-China relationship by building trust and supporting dialogues between government, judiciary and policy making actors on key governance, rule of law and reform issues. It has developed a reputation as an international leader for its project work with influential Chinese partners. With forty-five years of experience, GBCC has established unique networks in Chinese, British and European legal, judicial, academic and political spheres. Our relationships and influence have provided a trusted and consistent mechanism for exchange throughout changing political climates. The Board of Directors comprises independent non-executives, including Members of Parliament, and is attended by representatives of the FCO, the British Council and the China Britain Business Council. Our Chairman is Sir Martin Davidson and our Honorary President is Lord Mandelson.

Time: Two days per month.

Remuneration: None.

Closes: 24 February

         

Ofsted  Board Member

The Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) is a force for improvement through intelligent, responsible and focused inspection and regulation, and an organisation committed to putting children and students first. Ofsted is recruiting up to four individuals to its board. The board agrees Ofsteds strategic priorities, targets and objectives. Its members provide constructive and supportive advice and challenge to Her Majestys Chief Inspector (HMCI) on Ofsteds activities and performance, and monitor Ofsteds performance and spending. Successful applicants will be strategic thinkers able to lead and influence at Board level. You will be able to consider issues from a big picture, macro perspective, and to support and challenge the executive in its strategic planning. Practical experience in a relevant sector, and theoretical understanding of the challenges and issues facing Ofsted will be crucial to your ability to contribute across the breadth of Ofsteds activities.

Time: Up to 20 days per annum.

Remuneration: 8,282 per annum.

Closes: 26 February

         

Regulator of Social Housing  Chair

Those who serve on the Boards of public bodies play a vital role in the life of this country, whether by improving the delivery of public services or providing independent advice to Government. Many people from a wide range of backgrounds across the whole of the UK participate in public life by being members of the Boards of public bodies. They are involved in making decisions that develop, shape or deliver government policy and public services. The information pack sets out the requirements for the RSH Chair position along with information on the work of the RSH and the appointment process. On 1 October 2018, through a Legislative Reform Order, the RSH became an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which is responsible for the regulation of social housing. The successful candidate will have experience and understanding of how to operate effectively at Board level, and have knowledge of the social housing sector, regulation and finance.

Time: 104 days per annum.

Remuneration: 65,000 per annum.

Closes: 03 March

         

Ofqual  Board Member

Ofqual wishes to recruit up to five, high calibre individuals to the Board. We are looking to appoint at least one in each of the following areas: assessment and qualification design, regulation, finance and apprenticeships. You will be expected to support Ofquals aims and objectives and act as ambassadors for the organisation. We are looking for independent thinkers who will offer challenge and guidance to Ofquals executive to support their decision making. We seek applicants who have significant experience and expertise to bring to Board discussions and are committed to driving forward the work of the organisation. You will have: the ability to think strategically and to contribute to strategic development in different organisational contexts; the ability to build effective relationships at senior levels and/or between organisations; and the ability to support and provide challenge to Ofquals executive on both strategy policy and organisational matters.

Time: Up to 20 days per annum.

Remuneration: 6,000 per annum.

Closes: 10 March

         

Defence Electronics & Components Agency Board  Chair

The Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), whose world-class workforce is proud to provide Defence with long-term agile sovereign capability. It delivers maintenance, repair, overhaul, upgrade and obsolescence management services for a range of avionic and electronic equipment. Run along commercial lines, it also grows profitable business streams through the supply of electronics components products and services to its customers, the Army, Navy, RAF, Defence Equipment & Support (DES) and industry. The current Chair is standing down after four years successful stewardship of this complex organisation and a successor is now being sought to continue leading the Board in overseeing its important delivery programme and in transforming the organisations capabilities.

Time: 30 days per annum.

Remuneration: 22,500 per annum.

Closes: 11 March

         

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory  Chair

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The highly-skilled 4,000 strong workforce is committed to providing sensitive and specialist science and technology research, advice and analysis for MOD and the wider UK government. The context is exciting and demanding, with continuing globalisation and the rapid development and emergence of new technologies, against a backdrop of ongoing shifts in economic and military power, all influencing our customers and, by extension, DSTL. It plays a central role in helping MOD respond in a rapidly evolving and complex setting, and our advice to the Departments Chief Scientific Advisor and other MOD stakeholders makes a major contribution to keeping our country safe.

Time: 30 days per annum.

Remuneration: 28,000 per annum.

Closes: 11 March

         

Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership  Chair

As our new Chair youll certainly be kept busy. Youll lead us through the next stage of our development. This will include working through and shaping a new future following the LEP review, introducing a Local Industrial Strategy, embedding new relationships, engaging across the County, harnessing all the strengths of a high calibre private sector led Board, bringing us a national profile and ensuring a relentless focus on delivery. Youll serve all of Lancashire and every sector, visible to our 52,000 businesses and 1.5m people. Youll see the big picture, understand what makes our economy tick and whats needed to accelerate growth. With deep private sector experience, youll be relentlessly commercial, but understand that real cross-sector partnerships create strong foundations for success.

Time: Five days per month when aggregated.

Remuneration: Some flexibility dependent on candidate-specific circumstances.

Closes: 22 March
Benedict Rogers is co-founder and Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, a former parliamentary candidate, and co-founder and Chair of Hong Kong Watch. He works for the international human rights organisation CSW.

Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, is under fire for his speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) last week. Some see it as an attempt to undermine rivals, others as self-promotion, while many believe it reflects a lack of co-ordination in Whitehall.

Those still fixated on trade with China at all costs, including our security and values, and who believe the way to do deals with China is to kow-tow as low as possible, are furious that a colleague even mentioned China in the context of the defence of Britain.

Yet whatever the gossip, what should not be ignored is that Williamson has a point.

What was it he actually said about China? After referring to Islamist extremism and Russian aggression, he simply added one sentence: All the while, China is developing its modern military capability and its commercial power. Fact.

He went on, more generally and without reference to China, to say:

Our adversaries are increasingly using cyber-attacks, subversion and information operations to challenge us and the rules-based international order We and our allies must deter and be ready to defend ourselves. Ready to show the high price of aggressive behaviour.

He spoke about defending our values of individual liberty, the rule of law and, of course, the tolerance of others. And he announced that one naval vessel  HMS Queen Elizabeth  will include in its first operational mission the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Pacific region. And all this sparked fury in Beijing and caused the Chancellor to cancel his planned visit? Seriously?

As John Hemmings writes, Williamson is right. But his words were mild, subtle and understated compared to those of others.

Listen to George Soros at the World Economic Forum, who described Chinas Xi Jinping as the most dangerous threat to free societies today. Or Mike Pence, the US Vice-President, at the Hudson Institute last October. It is not often one hears the same message from Soros and Pence  so when we do, it should be taken seriously.

For far from being the new defender of the international rules-based system that some still naively believe it to be, Xi Jinpings regime is increasingly a grave threat to freedom, human dignity, and security around the world.

The list is endless: artificial intelligence; sabre-rattling against Taiwan; aggression in the South China Sea; and Huaweis potential antics are just the start. Former First Sea Lord and defence minister Lord West warned last year that Chinese investment in 5G technology could threaten chaos.

The way a government treats its own people is a reasonable barometer of its reliability as a strategic partner. For over three decades, as China opened up economically, many believed it would inch towards greater political openness. A decade ago there were hopes that the rule of law was developing in China, as space for a growing network of human rights lawyers expanded.

But since Xi Jinping came to power seven years ago, these hopes have been dashed. In 2015 Xi unleashed a massive crackdown against human rights lawyers, their families and associates, imprisoning or disappearing many. As we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre, China is experiencing the worst crackdown since the tanks rolled over the students on June 4th 1989.

This crackdown is most egregious against the predominantly Muslim Uyghurs in Chinas north-western province of Xinjiang, where at least one million, perhaps as many as three million, have been incarcerated in political prison camps. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has described Xinjiang as:

a massive internment camp shrouded in secrecy, a no rights zone, while members of the Xinjiang Uyghur minority, along with others who were identified as Muslim, were being treated as enemies of the State based on nothing more than their ethno-religious identity.

Chinas state media has publicly stated that the goal in regard to the Uyghurs is to break their lineage, break their roots, break their connections and break their origins. As the Washington Post put it in a recent editorial, Its hard to read that as anything other than a declaration of genocidal intent. Earlier this month a group of human rights organisations called on the United Nations to establish an international fact-finding mission to investigate.

But while the crisis in Xinjiang is the most grave, other communities throughout China are facing massive repression too. Christians, for example, are facing the most severe crackdown since the Cultural Revolution, with thousands of crosses destroyed, churches forcibly closed, pastors jailed, children under the age of 18 prohibited by law from going to church, cameras placed on altars to monitor who attends services, and portraits of Xi Jinping being mounted in place of crucifixes or religious paintings.

Tibetans, practitioners of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, bloggers, journalists, and dissidents are facing a similar reign of terror.

An independent tribunal chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, the barrister who prosecuted Slobodan Milosevic, has concluded that China has conducted forced harvesting of human organs from prisoners of conscience on a mass scale.

And in the past five years, Xi Jinpings regime has dramatically torn up its commitments to one country, two systems for Hong Kong, mounting a severe campaign of repression of dissent and erosion of the citys cherished basic freedoms. Peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators have been jailed, democratic legislators disqualified, Victor Mallet, the Financial Times Asia News Editor, expelled, and booksellers abducted. One of those booksellers, Gui Minhai, a Swedish citizen kidnapped from Thailand, remains in captivity in China, and recently a bizarre episode involving an attempt by Swedens ambassador to China to threaten his courageous daughter, Angela Gui, into silence has been exposed  illustrating the lengths Chinas regime is prepared to go to silence its critics, and the reach it clearly already has into western democratic systems.

Chinas regime has already extended its tentacles far beyond its borders. It has launched a concerted attempt at the UN to redefine human rights and suppress Non-Governmental Organisations. Chinese students have been weaponised around the world to shut down critics. And a report into Chinas Confucius Institutes, released today by the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, details the threats posed by these outposts of Chinese Communist Partys propaganda department which are now embedded now in universities and schools in 146 countries. There are at least 29 Confucius Institutes in British universities today, and 148 Confucius classrooms in schools around Britain, spreading the love of Chairman Xi.

New Zealand academic Anne-Marie Brady has experienced Chinas aggression first-hand. Australian academic Clive Hamilton has documented Chinas infiltration of Australian politics in an excellent book, Silent Invasion. The disappearance of several Canadians in China in the wake of the arrest in Canada of Huaweis chief financial officer is a warning for us all. And while I have not experienced anything on that scale, I have been refused entry to Hong Kong, and received eight anonymous letters  sent to me, my neighbours, my mother and my employers  in a clear attempt to intimidate me. Chinese state television reporter Kong Linlin tried to disrupt a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party Conference last October, and MPs have been lobbied by the Chinese embassy to tell me to stop criticising China.

In June 2016, the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission launched a new report on human rights in China, titled: The Darkest Moment: Chinas crackdown on human rights 2013-2016. At the launch, an MP who knows China well expressed agreement with all our findings. His only criticism was the title. It was, he said, premature  it will get even darker.

From what I have observed in the past three years, he was right. And in his passing reference to China, Williamson was right too. My only criticism of the Defence Secretary was that he was too diplomatic.
Cllr Meghan Gallacher is the Leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Group on North Lanarkshire Council.

Local authorities, regardless of area, are the bread and butter of the government structure. After all, Councils provide basic necessary services, which we all use on a daily basis. As local government is devolved to Holyrood, it falls on the Scottish Parliament to set their yearly budget allowance.

Last year, the Accounts Commission, which polices local government finances across Scotland, published a report outlining that the Scottish Government had cut funding for local authorities by more than seven per cent per cent in real terms between 2013 and 2019. Since 2007, North Lanarkshires core budget has been cut by over 230m. This, despite Scotland receiving 1,300 more per head due to the UK Barnett formula.

The financial climate within Councils across Scotland is bleak. We have Councils, such as Clackmannanshire, which is considering reducing the hours children are taught within their secondary schools in an attempt to save 29 million. Within North Lanarkshire, we are facing a budget gap of over 36 million as a result of the Scottish Governments draft plans for local authority funding. Although North Lanarkshire Council will receive 5.7m more than their initial cash settlement from the Scottish Government, front line services will still need to be reviewed in order to balance the books.

Following the Scottish Parliament Budget debate which took place on 31st January 2019, the revised budget, which received the support of the Scottish Green Party, includes an SNP broken election manifesto promise not to increase Council Tax beyond three per cent. The Council tax cap is set to increase from three per cent to 4.79 per cent. Furthermore, Councils will also have the ability to implement a levy on workplace car parking places. This means that North Lanarkshire residents could see their Council tax increase substantially and also be taxed hundreds of pounds a year for taking the car to work.

However, budget preparations are currently underway. Given the current financial climate, the North Lanarkshire Conservative Group  alongside Labour and the Independent Councillors  has joined a budget sounding board in order to share information outlined by Council Officers. However, the SNP has decided to go it alone because they wont work with the Tories. In my view, I think they are embarrassed to sit alongside opposition parties because they know that it is their Scottish Government which is delivering this savage cut to local government. Further proof  if needed  that North Lanarkshire SNP is arrogant and unwilling to work with others in a difficult situation.

Another challenge in terms of the upcoming budget is Club 365. For anyone who is not aware, Club 365 is a project introduced by the minority Labour administration to ensure that Primary school pupils  who are eligible for free school meals  can receive a free meal 365 days of the year. The meals are provided at community hubs and also include activities, such as painting and sports. Whilst I believe that this idea is noble, it has already cost the Council 414,000 and this is set to increase to 1.5m per year. Our group has been wrongly criticised for questioning this project as we have called for a funding model  the fiscally responsible option. However, as always with Labour, they have a spend now, think later attitude and my concern is that we will have to cut vital front line services in order to fund Club 365.

As always, the North Lanarkshire Conservative Council Group will stand up for hard working people to protect the services they value.
Why punishment is the wrong approach for house training mistakes, and how you should house train your dog or puppy instead. Photo: mannpuku/Shutterstock By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you How should we house train puppies, and deal with the inevitable mistakes that puppies and adult dogs can have? Suppose your dog suddenly starts to pee in the house. You clean it up the first time but it happens again. And then again. Or your new puppy keeps having accidents indoors even though you take her outside often. In this situation, some people will yell at their dog. Some might even try physical punishment like hitting the dog or an alpha roll. And weve all come across the advice that you should rub their nose in it. Dont do it. Whether you're toilet training an adult dog or house training a puppy, heres why thats the wrong approach, and what you should do instead. Fr
The agenda of the February 27 meeting of Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze will include the implementation of the 2011 trade corridor agreement, the Georgian diplomat said today, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza.

"Our agenda is traditionally tied to trade and economic issues, transport links and some humanitarian problems. On February 27, we will also touch upon the 2011 agreement on monitoring and administration of customs procedures," Zurab Abashidze said.

On May 18, 2019, Russia signed an additional agreement with Switzerland on the performance of customs intermediary functions by the Swiss company Societe Generale de Surveillance SA for the transit of goods from Russia to Georgia and back through the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. At present, the procedures that will allow the use of the Abkhaz and Ossetian corridors in the Caucasus are being coordinated between Russia, Georgia and Switzerland.

Having stressed the absence of any dynamics in political issues, Zurab Abashidze praised the achievements in Russian-economic relations. "There is growth in practically all economic items. In particular, the trade turnover in general grew 18% over the year and reached almost $1.5 billion. The number of tourists increased - 1.5 Russians visited Georgia in 2018 for tourism purposes. Our transportation links have also increased," the Special Representative of the Georgian Prime Minister for Relations with Russia said.

He also stressed that Tbilisi supports the continuation of the dialogue in the Karasin-Abashidze format. "We started this informal dialogue back in 2012 and still believe that as long as we have no diplomatic relations, this format should be maintained. Our meetings are regular, every three months, last time we met in October. A considerable amount of time had elapsed since, so on February 27 we will summarize the results of the last year in the main areas - trade, transport, tourism - and discuss the prospects of the current year," Zurab Abashidze concluded.
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Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 69F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
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Labour MP Luciana Shuker announces her resignation from the Labour Party at a press conference on February 18, 2019 in London, England.

Seven U.K. lawmakers announced their resignation from the U.K.'s main opposition Labour party on Monday.

Speaking first, lawmaker Luciana Berger said that from today the group would sit in the U.K. Parliament as a new batch of MPs, known as "The Independent Group."

Berger cited the party leadership's failure to address racism against Jewish people as her main reason for leaving as well as an ongoing culture of "bullying."

"I have become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party," the Liverpool Wavertree MP said. "I have come to the sickening conclusion that it is institutionally anti-Semitic."

Fellow lawmaker Chris Leslie lambasted the Labour party for forgetting its earlier Brexit commitments and said the party had been hijacked by the "machine politics of the hard left."

While Labour's leadership has opposed the U.K. Conservative Party's Brexit plan, there has been signs in recent weeks that it could offer support to U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May. Leslie called Labour's position on Brexit a "betrayal on Europe".

The lawmaker then took a direct shot at the leader of the Labour party Jeremy Corbyn accusing him and his senior party allies of abuse, anti-Semitism, and closing down debate with a "narrow, outdated vision."

"The past three years have shown how irresponsible it would be to allow this leader of the opposition to take the office of prime minister of the United Kingdom," he said.

Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Ann Coffey And Mike Gapes are the remaining five lawmakers that make up the breakaway group.
SoftBank has provided half the money for a $400 million fund that will allow Abu Dhabi's state investment firm to invest in European start-ups.

The fund will help Mubadala to invest between $5 million and $30 million in individual start-ups, people briefed on the deal told the Financial Times which first reported the news.

Mubadala announced in June that it would create the $400 million fund to invest in European tech companies. It said at the time that SoftBank would participate as a strategic investor but did not disclose the extent to which it would contribute.
The union that represents American Airlines has demanded an investigation into a skit that surfaced over the weekend depicting cabin crew singing "Big Spender" to a man portraying a high-paying customer.

The video of the skit, which was performed on a small stage that featured American Airlines' name and logo on a screen, was posted to Twitter by Jamie Larounis, who writes the Forward Cabin travel blog.

Larounis, who has since removed the video, tweeted that the "the people in the skit were on the payroll of AA" and that they have a group called Salute, which performs at shows.

In the video, four women presented as flight attendants sing the song from "Sweet Charity," a musical about a dance-hall hostess, to a seated man, changing some words to include "Executive Platinum," the top frequent flyer status for American's frequent flyers.

American Airlines said the skit was performed at a "customer-organized" concert in a private residence. The airline said it did not control the content or preview the agenda.

"What was portrayed in the skit was not sanctioned by the airline and is not representative of the 27,000 professional flight attendants who take great care of millions of customers each year," American said in a statement to its employees. "We spoke to the customer who posted the original video and shared our concerns that the actions depicted in the skit he witnessed are demeaning to our professional flight attendants and crew members throughout the industry. We are thankful that he listened to our concerns and that he agreed to remove the video."

The event was for a group of friends who frequently fly American Airlines and aimed to raise money through a silent auction for the Airpower Foundation, an organization that supports members of the military, said Larounis, who attended the event.

American's flight attendants' union said they want to be included in an independent investigation about the incident.

"This cannot be happening in today's environment. We will not tolerate our profession being objectified in a sexist manner," Lori Bassani, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said in a statement. "We want the facts about the company's involvement and we want answers."

Flight attendants have for decades fought against sexism and sexual harassment they have experienced on the job. A survey last year by the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents about 50,000 flight attendants at United, Hawaiian, Alaska and Spirit airlines, among others, found that 68 percent of flight attendants have been sexually harassed at some point in their careers.
The United States is losing global leadership role, Spiegel magazine writes following the Munich Security Conference.

Speaking at the conference in Munich, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence boasted about "renewed American leadership on the world stage," while talking up sanctions against Russia, tough tariffs against China, 'confrontation' with Iran, and US intentions to withdraw from the INF Treaty.

Pence boasted that thanks to "the leadership of President Donald Trump," the U.S. was "stronger than ever before, andleading on the world stage once again."

In reality, Spiegel noted, the world Pence was describing was a "strange parallel world" which "has little to do with reality." "America is not leading; it is retreating. Other powers are moving into the vacuum left by Trump's erratic 'America First' policy  China, Russia, but also Iran. And the U.S. is not leading, but giving instructions," the magazine wrote.

According to Spiegel, Pence used his appearance at Munich to issue more "orders" to Germany and other European NATO members, including the need to meet the alliance's 2%of GDP defence spending targets.
University of Zurich

A drone that can change shape in flight has been developed by researchers at the University of Zurich to assist with search and rescue missions. Able to contract and fold, the aircraft can enter small cracks and spaces to stream footage to rescue teams via its two integrated cameras. The drone is designed for use in areas in disaster zones that become inaccessible to rescuers due to safety concerns or physical restrictions. Davide Falanga, one of its developers, told CNBC on the phone that the drone could make rescue missions more efficient and effective. "(This drone could have) multiple impacts  it can go into areas that would otherwise be inaccessible," he said. "In the aftermath of an earthquake it could let rescuers enter and explore a collapsed building. We used the most efficient and stable systems allow it to fly longer, and have held public demonstrations in realistic scenarios which showed that this is a feasible product."

Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the project took six months to go from concept to prototype. However, as the drone is still in early development stages, its developers have no timescale for a wide rollout. "We would be open to commercializing and discussing opportunities with investors, but at the moment there's no commercial plan," Falanga told CNBC. "We have sometimes had to tinker with the system when we've deployed it  we want it to be deployed and work immediately, so we need about six months to a year to improve the drone and make it more robust so it can work in more scenarios. But the idea itself is definitely feasible."

University of Zurich

According to the research paper written by the drone's developers, their aircraft "could lead to a shift in the research community towards morphing aerial vehicles." However, they noted that there were still several unsolved research questions, such as "automatic morphology selection," which refers to the robot's ability to autonomously take the best shape for the task at hand.

Unsolved problems
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said he reads Turkish newspapers to practice his Turkish.

"I read the newspapers, but I don't now know the new ones. I read Hurriyet, Sabah and Cumhuriyet," he noted.

"I did not study journalism, so I could not say that there was a definite appeal to me," Peskov told Hurriyet newspaper in an interview. "I was still interested in information and knowledge," the spokesman explained.

Speaking about his work with the Turkish language, the Kremlin spokesman said that he was friends with Cenk Baslams, who worked in Moscow office of Milliyet.

Peskov noted that he speaks in Turkish sometimes when his Turkish friends visit Moscow.
The world economy is headed for a period of "dull, low" growth, according to fund manager Janus Henderson, but the risk of an outright recession remains small.

Market participants are increasingly worried about the prospect of a serious economic downturn this year.

A long-running U.S.-China trade war and uncertainty around the U.K.'s exit from the European Union has soured business and consumer sentiment in recent months.

Most economists, as well as some the world's business elite, agree that economic growth is slowing but policymakers have expressed some hope for a soft landing rather than a full-blown recession.

"There is definitely a slowdown in the momentum of the global economy. I don't think the economy is going to be as strong as it was last year," Jane Shoemake, investment director of global equity income at Janus Henderson Investors, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Monday.

"Our central forecast is not for a recession It is just for dull, low growth," she added.
Security forces at the site of the explosion at Lethpora on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, on February 14, 2019 in Srinagar, India.

Four Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed in a gunbattle in disputed Kashmir on Monday, a police official said, as India launched a hunt for suspected members of an Islamist militant group that killed 44 Indian paramilitary police last week.

A police spokesman in the northern state of Jammu & Kashmir said Indian troops had cordoned off Pinglan village in Kashmir's Pulwama district, where a suicide bomber rammed into a convoy of paramilitary police on Thursday.

Another state police official, who declined to be identified because the operation is not yet over, said information had been received about the presence of up to three militants from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad group, including foreigners, inside a house in the village.

The second police official said four soldiers and a civilian were killed in the gunbattle.

"There was an exchange of fire early this morning that wounded the army men and the owner of the house. They died later," said official said.

An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Pulwama and police have asked people to stay indoors.

Mohammad Yunis, a journalist in Pulwama, said troops were searching the village and civilians trapped in adjacent houses were being evacuated.

Pakistan has denied any links to the attack on the convoy of reserve police last week.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region at the heart of decades of hostility, is claimed in its entirety by India and Pakistan but is ruled in part by both south Asian countries.

Indian forces have detained about 23 men suspected of links to Jaish, which has claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack on Indian security forces in decades.
Facebook "intentionally and knowingly" violated U.K. data privacy and anti-competition laws and urgently needs to be regulated and investigated, a scathing new report by British lawmakers said.

The final report issued Monday by the U.K.'s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee concluded an 18-month investigation into Facebook and other social media companies for their role in spreading "fake news" and disinformation. In the 108-page document, lawmakers called for the creation of an independent regulator for social media sites and a mandatory code of conduct that, if breached, could result in "large fines."

"Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like 'digital gangsters' in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law," the report said.

The committee accused Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg of showing "contempt" toward U.K. parliament for declining to testify in front of lawmakers. Zuckerberg appeared in front of U.S. and EU lawmakers to discuss the company's data collection practices last year but sent other company representatives to testify in Britain.

"Mark Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone who sits at the top of one of the world's biggest companies," Damian Collins, chair of the committee, said on the committee's website.

In a statement, Facebook said it made a "significant contribution" to the investigation, answering more than 700 questions with four senior executives providing evidence, adding it supports "effective privacy legislation."

"While we still have more to do, we are not the same company we were a year ago," Karim Palant, U.K. public policy manager at Facebook, said.
US President Donald Trump (L) talks to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ahead of a working session the G20 leaders summit in Hamburg.

U.S. President Donald Trump has promised European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker that he will not impose additional import tariffs on European cars for the time being, Juncker was quoted in a published interview as saying on Monday.

"Trump gave me his word that there won't be any car tariffs for the time being. I view this commitment as something you can rely on," Juncker told the German daily Stuttgarter Zeitung in an interview.

If Trump imposed tariffs on European cars nonetheless, the EU would react immediately and not feel obliged to stick to its promise to buy more soybeans and liquefied gas from the United States, Juncker added.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel Steffen Kugler | AFP | Getty Images

With the Brexit deadline fast approaching, there's a growing belief that the U.K.'s exit from the EU could galvanize calls for a European army. President Emmanuel Macron made headlines in early November 2018 when he called for a "true European Army," reigniting the debate around the EU's role in European defense and security. However, there are still plenty of factors that stand between Brussels and a truly integrated army.

Centralized command

There is no consensus on what constitutes a European army. It remains ambiguous whether it would be a centralized institution operating like traditional armed forces, or a looser integration of European military personnel. Yet for Elisabeth Braw, the director of the modern deterrence program and associate fellow at RUSI, a European army would require an unimaginable shift in the EU's governing structure. "For a European army to happen it would have to have one centralized command," she explained. "If you think of a national armed forces, they have a government that decides when to deploy armed forces. A European army would require the same thing, it would need a European government that could decide on its own and I just think that this is extremely unlikely." European nations would have to forego an unprecedented level of autonomy, something which they have rejected once before. In the 1950s, the French attempted to establish the European Defense Committee and create a pan-European defense force. The proposal was supranational in nature, involving common institutions, budget and military equipment. "Unsurprisingly the French Parliament decided they wouldn't stand for that and they voted it down," explained Anand Menon, associate fellow at U.K. think tank Chatham House. "It would have involved having a defense budget as part of the European Union which came under the European Union's budget. Now no member state is going to accept that." Given the current period of anti-EU sentiment from Poland to Italy, it's difficult to imagine a new proposal concluding any differently.

Funding issues

Before the Brexit referendum, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker suggested that only a European army could "convey to Russia that we are serious about defending the values of the European Union." And in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea, the EU echoed this sentiment, revealing plans to spend just under 20 billion euros ($22.8 billion) on defense over the next seven years. While this may sound like a robust response by the EU to Russian aggression, for context, the U.K. defense budget for 2016/2017 alone was 35.3 billion ($45.8 billion). Short of the creation of a European government, the EU would likely find it difficult to convince member states to fund a European army, particularly once it's joint largest military spender leaves the bloc. Put differently, the Commission would face similar contribution issues that have plagued NATO in recent decades. As of 2014, NATO members are officially required to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. But 2018 estimates have only five nations meeting this target. While this arbitrary percentage of defense spending may not be a good metric to assess defense capabilities, it reveals just how difficult it is to attain funding requirements without control over the fiscal policies of member states. Like NATO, the EU can ask members to fund its initiatives but it can't force them to do anything. With most EU members also being members of NATO, a European Army may find it difficult to attain enough funding to justify its existence, especially if states are considering their defense spending alongside NATO's security contributions. Speaking to CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made this idea particularly clear. "We welcome EU efforts on defense but not as an alternative to NATO," he explained. "After Brexit, 80 percent of NATO's defense expenditure will come from non-EU allies. There is no way that EU can replace NATO."

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker delivers a speech during a session of the European Parliament on Brexit on January 30, 2019 in Brussels, Belgium. Thierry Monasse | Getty Images

Successful alternatives

When it comes to European security, "thinking big" it not exactly what Europe needs. As Braw highlights "NATO's role is to defend the security or territorial integrity of Europe, so it's unclear what Macron is suggesting that NATO is not already offering." The collective defense assurances of NATO already ensure Europe's strategic security, it's Europe's tactical capabilities that require maintenance. "Look at what the U.K. is doing with several other counties in something called the JEF (The U.K. Joint Expeditionary Force)," she said. "It's much less ambitious than a European army but they are actually already doing it. It's a giant expeditionary force where nine countries already work together and can deploy to wherever these countries deem it to be necessary." Large military institutions are often slow and cumbersome in response to military emergencies. It's the success of these smaller, agile initiatives that may dampen the dreams of an EU army because they actually fill capability gaps that are lacking within NATO. Partially integrating a country's armed forces with a few close allies can be an effective way to maximize defense capabilities without having to rebuild their army or undergo a costly process of standardizing weaponry. "I think we will see more of these modest initiatives, modest but successful and that will show that actually, you can do a whole lot without starting from the top and saying you want a European army," Braw added.

A bargaining position, not a proposal?
A U.K. exit from the European Union (EU) with no pre-arranged deal could affect more than 100,000 jobs in Germany, according to a new academic study.

The Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle (IWH) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg looked at the effect of a hard Brexit, breaking it down to the impact on countries, districts and cities.

Researchers assumed that British imports from the European Union would collapse by 25 percent following a contract-free exit. At that decline, the authors estimated around 612,000 employed people in 43 countries around the world would be affected.

They then estimated that, in- terms of overall employment, Germany would be the worst hit of all the countries that the U.K. trades with, offering a potential impact on more than 100,000 jobs.

The report, published last week, said that the motor industry is the sector most affected by Brexit, noting that in Germany alone around 15,000 people are employed solely to facilitate exports to the U.K.

Around 59,000 jobs servicing Chinese buying of U.K. imports would also be affected according to the study, although these would be related to intermediary companies rather than direct Chinese employees.

Relative to a country's size, Ireland and Malta rate the worst with as many as 1 and 1.7 percent of people employed in those countries affected by a "no-deal" Brexit, respectively.

The prospect of the U.K. leaving the EU without a deal is a risk, especially after the British Parliament rejected a draft agreement reached between Prime Theresa May's government and the European Union.

Britain is due to leave the 28-nation bloc at 11:00 p.m. GMT on March 29.
Workers on the Honda CR-V production line at the Honda Plant in Swindon.

Japanese automaker Honda looks set close its Swindon car plant, risking the loss of 3,500 jobs.

In an emailed statement to CNBC on Monday, Honda did not deny that it would close the plant.

"At this point, we are not able to make any comments regarding the speculation. We take our responsibilities to our associates very seriously and will always communicate any significant news with them first," said a spokesperson from Honda U.K.

The U.K. lawmaker responsible for the area in which the factory is based, Justin Tomlinson, took to Twitter to apparently confirm the closure.

https://twitter.com/JustinTomlinson/status/1097507582820995072

The North Swindon Conservative MP added that a task force would be set up to support employees, before adding that no job losses were expected until 2021.

https://twitter.com/JustinTomlinson/status/1097507586193137669

The Swindon factory builds the Honda Civic five-door hatchback and the CR-V crossover for sale in Europe and the U.S.

The announcement, first reported by Sky News, suggested Honda would confirm the closure on Tuesday.
The volume of investments as indicated by the Armenian government program is extremely insufficient, the Prosperous Armenia Party PM Mikael Melkumyan said, commenting on the government program's economic part.

"Increasing the amount of investments from 15.5% to 23% of GDP means that we will be unable to reach even the 41% indicator in 2008," he said. "$120 million per year is not enough," Sputnik Armenia cited the MP as saying.

Melkunyan noted that "having economic growth of 7-7.5% is not enough either." "Its important that people sense it; and for that, at least 2.5 to 3 billion dollars in investments are needed," the MP said.

According to him, difficulties in connection with credit resources hinder Armenias economy, due to which businesses are unable to get affordable loans.

The governmental program was adopted on February 14 against the background of stormy discussions. It was supported by the deputies from Nikol Pashinyans My Step bloc and apposed by the Enlightened Armenia and Prosperous Armenia parties.

Director of the Institute of Political Studies Sergei Markov, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza earlier, explained that the blockade of borders will not allow Armenia to fully develop under any other conditions. "In order to achieve economic progress, Armenia has political will and a systematic approach attempt, demonstrated by Nikol Pashinyan, support of his actions by the majority of the population and citizens' need to accomplish this economic revolution, as well as support from rich Western countries. But this is not enough, since Armenia, first of all, it is in a state of economic blockade due to the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and this is the main obstacle," he said.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Armenia has a very small and narrow market. "The Armenian economy can only develop in integration with any larger market. It cannot develop with Russia as a result of logistical obstacles associated with the blockade of the Azerbaijani border, and with a weak transit capacity through Georgia. Iran has big problems with the economy. In addition, the position of the diaspora, which could provide serious investments, is still unknown - there is support in words, but it is not yet clear that there will be investment support from the diaspora," Sergei Markov said.

The writer, journalist, Vesti FM radio station host Armen Gasparyan stressed that Armenia needs very serious economic and social reforms. "Also I don't know whether any economic breakthrough is possible, even with a decrease in the level of corruption. The fact is that the republic cannot be moved geographically - it will continue to have borders with Turkey without diplomatic relations, and Azerbaijan, being in a state of war, both borders are closed," he said.
Hear the story behind this enormous painted egg during the DeWitt Noon Lions Club travelogue Feb. 19 at the DeWitt Operahouse Theater. Gary and Cindy Meden of LeClaire will present The Road Less Traveled: Albania and the former Yugoslavian Republics. Shows are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.Submitted photo
CLINTON [mdash] George W. Leslie, 99, of Clinton IA, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2021 at home. There will be no visitation or funeral. George was born October 27, 1921 to Beulah and George Leslie in Jones County, IA. He graduated from Oxford Junction High School in Oxford Junction, IA. Fo
(JTA)  Black, Jewish and gay actor Jussie Smollett was charged with a felony for making a false police report in which he said he was the vic
A new border checkpoint 'Kapikoy' between Turkey and Iran has opened in Turkeys Van province, according to the website of the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade.

Construction of the checkpoint began in 2017. The total cost of the construction project amounted to 100 million Turkish liras.
Hundreds of educators protested the United States treatment of immigrant children in a teach-in on Sunday, saying that as mandatory reporters, they are obliged to speak out against detainment and family separations.

The teach-in, held in El Paso, Texas, was organized by Mandy Manning, the 2018 National Teacher of the Year, who teaches newly arrived refugee and immigrant students in Washington state. Educators from Mexico and across the U.S.the goal was one from every statejoined for a day of speeches, songs, and lessons on immigration. Former U.S. Secretary of Education John King and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten were also there to speak.

I think that as an educator particularly, any time a kid comes into my classroomany child from wherever they are, whoever they are, wherever they were born, or who their family isI love them and welcome them and see the endless potential in them, Manning said in an interview. I dont really see [this event] as political. I see it as demanding that we treat everyone with dignity and respect and honor them and welcome them.

Teachers are mandatory reporters, meaning theyre required under U.S. law to report suspected child abuse to authorities. Manning said she cant remain silent about the fate of immigrant children who have been detained by U.S. immigration authorities. Last year, the Trump administration began enforcing a zero tolerance immigration policy, which led to about 3,000 children being separated from their parents or other adults who had accompanied them in crossing the border. Those children were detained in federal detention facilities.

Many believed the separation was tantamount to child abuse, since trauma can cause lasting psychological damage . Trump reversed the policy in June after public outcry, and a federal judge ordered all separated children be reunited with a parent. But a government report released in January said that the exact number of children still separated from their families is unknown. Two migrant children have died in U.S. custodya 7-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy, both from Guatemala.

Teaching what I teach and knowing what I know about our immigrant community and how much they bring into our communities, both economically and socially, it was appalling to me what was happening, Manning said. I felt really helpless because I thought, I have this really great platform, how do I use it appropriately to talk about whats happening, and to help people understand that this is a huge human rights violation, and its abuse, and we need these kids to be in our classrooms.

Those feelings led to the teach-in. The teachers have three main demands: that immigrant children in U.S. custody remain together with their families, be held in smaller residential settings rather than institutional facilities, and be released to their sponsors within 20 days. Children should also receive six hours of classroom instruction, with the appropriate language services, each school day, they say. (Thats also mandated by Department of Health and Human Services policy.)

Manning said she hopes this becomes a movement, rather than a one-day event. Teachers, she said, will not stop until all children are safe.

Ivonne Orozco, the 2018 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, who also helped organize the teach-in, said teachers prepare children to be productive citizensand that often means speaking out about whats going on in the world.

When a community is wondering what to do, what to think, they often turn to the first person in power and authority that they can find, and those people are often teachers, she said. So when teachers stand up and say, This is what we believe in. This is what we know is right, it matters for our communities because we are sending the message of inclusion.

The teach-in was originally slated to be held outside the Tornillo temporary detention facility , which held up to 2,800 migrant childen. But the shelter closed last month, so Manning moved the teach-in to El Paso, which is separated from Mexico by a border wall. President Donald Trump recently gave a speech there to push for border wall funding.

I see the closing of Tornillo as the beginning because it shows that our government has the ability and the capacity to close these facilities, Manning said, adding that there are still several more detention facilities holding children. Theres a lot of work to do, and Tornillo just proves that it can be done.

Manning has been outspoken in her support for immigrant rights. When she met Trump at the White House last May , Manning gave him a stack of letters from her immigrant students. (She also wore buttons supporting womens rights, LGBTQ rights, and other political causes in a silent rebuke.)

In some of the letters, students shared their path to the United States with the president. Others were more pointed with advice, Manning said: One young woman from an African country wrote that other students were using Trumps inflammatory rhetoric against immigrants in the hallways. She said that there are very real consequences for the presidents language, because hes representative for other people and a model, Manning said.

Orozco, the 2018 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, immigrated from Mexico as a child and then received protection from deportation through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

If it wasnt for these policies of giving Dreamers an opportunity to work, I would have never been teacher of the year, Orozco said. When we have these policies of incarcerating children, we are taking away that potential. Were taking away that future that they can have.

Education Week Correspondent Kavitha Cardoza reported from El Paso. Photos by Kavitha Cardoza.
Lake Erie College will offer a new Master of Professional Studies degrees through a partnership at Lakeland Community Colleges Holden University Center. The program offers development of skills such as organizational dynamics, leadership, negotiation and problem solving.
When we hear the name Tennessee Williams, our thoughts gravitate toward his award-winning classics The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. But the playwrights talents were first recognized in his one-act plays.

Though Williams rarely wrote in verse, all of his one-acts are remarkably poetic in style and structure. He had a gift for being able to compress the raw intensity of life and the depth of the outcasts living it  particularly the lonely and the lost  into one small, sobering scene infused with rich, lyrical dialogue.

This is particularly evident in the short-form plays that share the bill Two by Tennessee at Karamu House, where the outcasts in question are young girls who have lost their innocence at the hands of their trusted protectors. Both plays were written in 1946 and take place in Mississippi during the Great Depression. Both depict sin as omnipresent, sex as joyless, and happy endings as the stuff of other playwrights one-acts.

And the staging of both miss their marks in the hands of director Latecia Delores Wilson, whose artistic choices turn the plays poetry into something pedestrian.

The first of these works, This Property Is Condemned, features a chance meeting between a world-weary 13-year old girl and a quiet but curious 16-year-old boy as they wander the railroad tracks. Here we find Tom asking questions about Willies fragmented and shockingly dysfunctional family members and Willie casually recalling the horrors she has encountered under their care.

Willie is a complex role and while ninth grader Yumi Ndhlovu admirably masters her lines, her reading is fairly vacant. She never accesses Willies misguided sense of sexuality  learned by watching her now-deceased older sister entertain the railroad men in the familys boarding house  as it coexists with what little remains of her childhood. We never perceive the trauma that has sent her drifting down the railroad tracks that scenic designer Prophet D. Seay has laid across the full length of the long and narrow performance space. And while Andrew Thomas Pope, as Tom, is an engaged sounding board, there is never a connection with Willie, as if the two are merely talking at one another.

Which they are, for the two actors are rarely given the opportunity to simply talk with each other under Wilsons direction. Instead, they aimlessly roam around the congested stage  which contains a realistically rendered condemned home to the left and, oddly, two rows of audience seating behind a white picket fence to the right  as if their movement is compensating for poor sightlines rather than servicing the script. The underlying power of this play is never realized.

The same is true for 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, which takes place on the houses front porch. There we learn that business has not been good for boorish cotton gin owner Jake Meighan and his pretty, childlike wife, Flora. In a desperate attempt to rescue himself from his financial woes, Jake sets fire to his neighbor Silva Vicarros thriving plantation. Silva is forced to give Jake the work he can no longer handle, but in a cruel act of revenge he brutally ravishes Jakes wife.

This play is populated with intriguingly drawn characters in terribly destructive relationships. But Jakes mental and physical abuse of Flora only scratches the surface as delivered by Andrew Valdez, and Floras character-defining vulnerability and lazy southern drawl get turned into California Valley Girl superficiality by Natalie Grace Sipula.

The colorblind casting of Darelle Hill as Silva, the owner of a syndicate cotton business in the Deep South in the 1930s, makes absolutely no sense, particularly given the disparaging references to black workers made in his presence. And the good neighbor policy that Jake repeatedly references, which leads to Silvas crass seduction of Flora, would never be extended to a black Silva.

Audiences should be emotionally spent after witnessing these short but harrowing plays. But confusion and disappointment are the unfortunate takeaways.

Bob Abelman covers professional theater and culture al arts for the Cleveland Jewish News. Follow Bob at Facebook.com/BobAbelman3 or visit cjn.org/Abelman. 2018 Ohio AP Media Editors best columnist.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  State Rep. Juanita Brent brings a whole new level of transparency to state government.

Brent, 34, is part of a new generation of millennial female lawmakers elected in 2018, and shes showing her constituents the behind-the-scenes activity of the Ohio Statehouse, via Instagram Stories: short videos and photos, annotated with text and emojis.

Brent, who runs all her social media accounts by herself, shows her more than 600 followers the food at a reception and the inside of a committee meeting room. On Valentines Day she showed her viewers the roses she received from her legislative aide, and settled in to look over legislation.

This is just one bill, she said, as she paged through a lengthy document. That will be my late-night reading.

Brent believes social media is critical for politicians because the public often has no idea what the job of a public servant entails. It also shows accountability and allows constituents to contact her directly.

Brent is intimately familiar with the statehouse. She said she was 4 years old when her great aunt and guardian, Vermel Whalen, took office as a state representative. She grew up at the statehouse, but she swore shed never run for office.

I was like, I would never be a state representative, she said. But I believe God had other plans for me and God laughs at our plans.

In an interview with cleveland.com, Brent said she found herself drawn to service. She was briefly a teacher, and until recently, was deeply involved in the Harvard Community Center in Cleveland. President Donald Trumps election factored into her decision to run, as she saw his influence in the state legislature.

So she sought office during the so-called Year of the Woman. Heres what Brent hopes to achieve as a state lawmaker.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

What was it like growing up with a state lawmaker as your guardian?

When she was in office, I was with her at every meeting, every event. She would be dragging me along to whatever she had to go to, and it was very intentional. I always had a coloring book and a little book bag and little snacks and she just made it work.

What sort of effect did your aunts career as a lawmaker have on you?

She was the second African-American woman to ever serve as a state representative. That always let me know that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I tell people you have to expose kids to things so they can start putting thoughts into their minds, like they can do whatever they want to do. She taught me strength.

What is your take on the Year of the Woman?

Women like myself, we got tired of being sick and tired. We got tired of feeling like we had to wait our turn. We got tired of people telling us you belong to sit over there. We belong here. We belong in every space. Every space that decisions need to be made, women need to be there and so that was my mindset.

You document your work on Instagram stories, Facebook and Twitter. How do you think social media helps politicians? Does it help you better connect with your constituents?

Its so necessary. Most people do not know what we do. At all.

Right now, Im taking a tour of all our schools in my house district. All of our fire departments, police departments, senior centers and community centers. And as Im taking these tours, Im letting people see video of me at the tour and just inside information. People are loving it because (theyre) like, Oh, I didnt know this is going on, or I didnt know they had this service or these resources, so its working out really well. Im getting a really good response from people because they just feel more connected and it gives a sense of accountability of who Im spending my time with, where Im going, whats happening as a state rep.

What do you like to do when youre not working?

In my spare time, I like to sleep, which is No. 1. I used to actually to like to bowl. I used to be in a bowling league for a long time. I also like to read, read the newspaper. I think of myself as just a regular person who likes to be in her community. I love trying new restaurants.

What are your legislative priorities this year?

We have to give our teachers the necessary resources to be able to educate properly. If we are dealing with school districts where the No. 1 reason why kids are missing school is because they dont have clean clothes, then we need to have a laundromat in those schools that are having that issue.

If we are having schools that need social workers, we need to make sure those school districts get those social workers.

Also, too, making sure we take care of our police and also our fire department and our EMS. Right now, youve seen a serious decline in amount of people who are enlisting to be a part of the fire department as well as the police department. We need to figure out how can we recruit more people.

Were going to have more people who are retired than were going to have people in the work force. Thats why Im calling it a silver tsunami. We as a state have to figure out how can we replace those who are going to be retiring.

Whats the biggest issue facing Ohioans this year?

Its going to be our economy. People are having problems finding jobs. Keeping jobs. People are unemployed. People are having problems with their healthcare, like basic kitchen table things.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Sen. Sherrod Brown has promised to make a change to his campaign operation if he runs for president: he wont take donations from corporate political action committees.

Thats a big change from past cycles when Brown, an Ohio Democrat, has had no issue with corporate donors to his campaigns. Its also a sign hes inching closer to officially declaring a run for the presidency. The revelation was first reported during his trip to New Hampshire by WMUR in Manchester, almost as an aside and under the radar of Ohio media.

Its a rare showing of Brown following the pack. Other Democrats running for president came out of the gate saying they would not take corporate PAC money  including several whove taken it in the past  after attitudes in the Democratic Party shifted. Activists felt corporate contributions created conflicts of interest for lawmakers, especially when the base of the party is pushing for reforms to industries like fossil fuels, pharmaceuticals and health care.

Brown, who has not officially declared his candidacy, has mostly avoided getting swept up in some of the trends of the Democratic Party, even on hot-button issues like Medicare-for-all and the Green New Deal.

That was evident in Iowa, when he got into a contentious exchange with a Democratic voter, who thought his Medicare-at-55 plan was a half-measure. He has since introduced a bill expanding Medicare to people at 50.

So why change course now?

Rachel Petri, a spokeswoman for Browns PAC, through which he is funding his tour of the early presidential primary states, declined to answer questions about why corporate contributions are different now.

Sherrod is proud of his average individual contribution of 43 dollars in his Senate race, and his record of fighting against dark money in politics, she said in a statement.

Petri declined to answer if Browns promise included the general election, when presumptive Republican nominee President Donald Trump would likely receive corporate campaign donations.

Republican National Committee spokeswoman Mandi Merritt said Browns decision was hypocritical.

Brown has happily accepted millions from PACs throughout his career and has consistently ranked as one of the top recipients of special interest money," Merritt said. "An empty pledge for political convenience wont change that. 

Browns history with corporate cash is a bit complex. He has taken almost $3.9 million in PAC money over the past five years, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Several corporate PACs have donated to Brown, who is the ranking member of the Senate banking committee, as recently as December. That includes banking and financial institutions like Edward Jones.

Simultaneously, he has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, which deemed corporations werent bound by campaign finance laws in certain circumstances, leading to a massive influx in dark money to the political process.

Hes sponsored legislation to require PACs to disclose their donors. End Citizens United, a political group working to overturn the Citizens United decision, has endorsed him.

The answer to why Brown followed suit on corporate contributions is probably simpler: he is free to eschew them in the Democratic presidential primary because its the standard.

In his past three Senate elections, Brown has faced Republicans Mike DeWine, Josh Mandel and Jim Renacci. All three received significant sums of cash from corporations in their bids to beat Brown.

In a Democratic primary where all of the candidates are shunning corporate contributions, he wouldnt be at a disadvantage.

This post has been updated with a comment from the Republican National Committee.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Measles, a virulent disease that killed hundreds of Americans in the days before vaccines, is sickening people in five regions across the country.

Could a similar measles outbreak happen here?

It is absolutely possible, said infectious disease specialist Dr. Robert Frenck with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is a professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center.

Measles vaccination rates are on a downward slide statewide. Facebook posts spread misleading information about vaccines. Parents who have never seen a measles rash wonder why they should worry about something their kid probably wont get.

All this leads health officials to wonder if the state could be headed for another outbreak like the one in 2014, which resulted in more than 300 cases in Amish communities outside Columbus.

It happened because unvaccinated Amish missionaries brought the disease back from overseas, Frenck said. With more families opting not to vaccinate their children  and almost any point on the globe only a plane ride away  the next measles outbreak might not be confined to isolated communities.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is tracking five outbreaks across the country, in Washington state, New York City, two in New York state and Texas.

The virus cant spread in locations where vaccination rates are high.

Ohios measles vaccination rate stood at 88 percent in 2017. Thats well above the 80 percent needed for herd immunity, Frenck said. Herd immunity means that unvaccinated people are protected because most people around them are vaccinated. Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children count on herd immunity to keep them from contracting communicable diseases.

These parents see perceived risk (of vaccines) without the perceived benefits, Frenck said. This is based on misinformation. Research has shown no link between vaccines and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or autism spectrum disorder, according to the CDC.

Frenck doesnt want Ohios vaccination rate to drop any further.

Once it starts to slip, its hard to turn around, he said. I dont want to see a child die because of a misunderstanding about vaccines.

No longer a childhood disease

The first infectious disease that humans eradicated was smallpox. Polio is close to becoming the second. Third on the target list is measles.

This very contagious disease is caused by a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It causes fever, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash of tiny red spots all over the body. Ear infections and diarrhea are common complications.

The virus can replicate in the lungs, heart or brain, making it especially dangerous. It is the leading cause of blindness in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization. For every 1,000 children who get measles worldwide, one or two will die from it, and one or two will suffer permanent brain damage.

Before the measles vaccine became widely available in 1963, measles was a common childhood disease that sickened 3 to 4 million Americans and killed 400 to 500 people each year.

Now, receiving an MMR  measles, mumps and rubella (German measles)  shot has replaced these illnesses as a rite of childhood. Most children receive their first MMR dose before they are 15 months old, and the second shot prior to age 6 years.

The number of cases has steadily declined. There have been very few cases of measles in Ohio since 2012, with the exception of the 2014 outbreak.

Ohio law mandates that children receive their vaccinations to attend public school, but allows exemptions for certain medical conditions, or religious and philosophical objections. In many area school districts, parents fill out a waiver form stating their objection to immunization. If there is an outbreak of measles or mumps at the school, unvaccinated children are required to stay home.

In the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District, 23 elementary students out of 2,205 requested a vaccine exemption this school year.

In the Parma schools, 18 out of 652 first grade students have opted out. Akron city schools granted an exemption to 18 of the 9,629 elementary students.

Five out of 1,163 elementary students in the Kent City School District are unvaccinated this year. Even that low number worries Rita Baker, district nurse for the Kent City School District. She has seen the number of unvaccinated children rise over the past few years.

Its really scary to think we have people who arent immunized and opt out, Baker said.

If parents are worried about side effects from the measles vaccine, Baker points out the vaccines benefits. We need to get better information out to people, she said.

Why parents opt out

Vaccination rates may be dropping because parents of children who had a reaction or injury due to vaccines are likely to decline additional shots, Stephanie Stock, president of Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom (OAMF), said in a email.

Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom is a nonprofit, non-partisan group advocating for the right to decline any medical procedures or medications. That includes vaccinations, which come with risks, Stock said.

Stock pointed to existence of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), a national program that monitors vaccine safety, as evidence that vaccines arent safe. VAERS collects and reviews reports of health problems or side effects occurring after a vaccination and determine if further investigation is needed, the CDC says on its website.

Stock also cited the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, and its clause shielding vaccine manufacturers from civil suits for some vaccine-related injury or death, as additional evidence against vaccines.

The act also says vaccine manufacturers can be held liable in cases of fraud, intentional withholding of information or lack of due care. It sets up a National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and National Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund, and grants U.S. district courts authority to determine eligibility and compensation in case of vaccine-related injury or death.

OAMF will always support a parents right to decline vaccinations for their children, Stock said. Vaccinations have risks, so there must be choice.

Historically, vaccination rates rise in response to media reports of measles outbreak, said infectious disease specialist Frenck. News reports about illness in Washington state may lead to more children being vaccinated.

But the bump only lasts for one to two years.

It is sad if it takes an outbreak to remind parents the importance of vaccination because that means it took children becoming ill (and at risk of dying) from a preventable disease before parents made the decision to immunize their child, he said in a follow-up email.

The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks, Frenck said.
The European Union could impose new sanctions on Russia in relation to the Kerch Strait incident within two weeks, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

"There can be decisions by unanimity on new sanctions coming in the next couple of weeks," Mogherini said at the doorstep of the EU Foreign Affair Council and Competitiveness Council, Sputnik reported.

On 25 November, three ships of the Ukrainian Navy crossed the Russian border, entered Russian territorial waters that were temporarily closed, and began moving toward the Kerch Strait, which serves as the entrance into the Sea of Azov. The Ukrainian vessels and their crew were detained by Russia after failing to respond to a lawful demand to stop.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Facebook post allegedly written by TyRell Pounds shortly before he kidnapped and killed Skylar Williams last week is equally haunting and sickening. The message is a digital note from a homicidal coward and a loving father. Pounds knows that he is about to commit a monstrous crime and turn his 1-year-old son into an orphan.

Kylo Pounds I love you so much. I hope you become a better man than I was when you turn 18, reads the post in part.

My dream goal was to raise you as a man and for me to become a state trooper. Obviously that didnt happen!!  Im so sorry that you have to grow up without us baby!! But well be watching you trust me. I love you with all my heart Kylo.

This past Monday, Pounds, 24, kidnapped Williams, 20, at gunpoint from the Mansfield campus of Ohio State University and headed south on Interstate 71. Roughly four hours later, he fatally shot his ex-girlfriend in a rural Kentucky as troopers closed in on him. He was then shot dead by a Kentucky State Trooper who cornered his vehicle.

Exactly one week earlier, a much different scene played out in the life of Pounds and his toddler son. That morning the young father visited with his son for two hours at the main branch of the Richland County library in downtown Mansfield. Their loving encounter seems to offer no precursor of the horrors that would shortly unfold.

It was a supervised visit that was unobtrusively observed by Cathy McGlone, who is the executive director of Bridges for Better Living, a business that offers parenting classes and works with couples locked in contentious custody disputes.

The last time I saw them, it was clear to me how much the father loved his son. He held him on his lap and read to him. He sang songs to him. He hugged him. McGlone told me in a phone interview Friday morning.

This story has me physically and emotionally sick. The man I saw was very different than the man thats been in the news for this awful crime. Now, Im asking myself if I could have done anything differently.

McGlones question is pertinent and frustrating. It comes with no obvious answers. What could she or officials from the Richland County Domestic Relations Court have done any differently? What could anyone have done?

Both Williams and Pounds wanted custody of their toddler. Each filed for and received restraining orders against the other. Family members knew of the growing animosity between the couple but were apparently limited in their ability to intervene. Indeed, in their final moments in life, neither of the couple remotely resembled a well-circulated photo showing them locked in a loving embrace during much happier times.

But, a question remains: How could Kylo have been spared the tragedy of being rendered an orphan?

McGlone has worked closely with troubled families and victims of domestic violence for nearly eight years. She said she often pulls on her own experiences when counseling victims of domestic violence.

Theres always help out there if youre willing to receive it. My sons and I left our home with just the clothes on our backs when my situation spiraled totally out of control. It was hard and frightening to leave, but with the help of churches, shelters, and sometimes complete strangers we found a way, said McGlone.

Young couples, especially, should know that there is always help available if theyre willing to reach out for it, she added.

McGlones optimistic outlook is driven by her conviction that family unification is possible and that broken families can be fixed. Meanwhile, the unrelenting pattern of domestic violence continues, and the causalities mount unabated.

In his Facebook message to his son, Pounds wrote a stunningly selfish and ironic wish for his son: I would like for you to become a state trooper  state of your choosing, he wrote.

A far better wish for TyRell Pounds would have been for courage not to become a coward and a killer. Heres hoping that young Kylo eventually finds a way to champion oppressed women like Skylar Williams, the mother so cruelly stolen from him.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II died Sunday. George Mendonsa was 95.

Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter, Sharon Molleur, told The Providence Journal.

Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurse's uniform, on Aug. 14, 1945. Known as V-J Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States. People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mendonsa planted a kiss on Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and is called "V-J Day in Times Square," but is known to most as "The Kiss." It became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century, and is a popular image used on posters.

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple. It was years before Mendonsa and Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced.

When he was honored at the Rhode Island State House in 2015, Mendonsa spoke about the kiss. He said Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

"I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurse," Mendonsa said, WPRI-TV reported .

Friedman said in a 2005 interview with the Veterans History Project that it wasn't her choice to be kissed.

"The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed," she told the Library of Congress.

She added, "It was just somebody really celebrating. But it wasn't a romantic event."

In this July 2, 2009, photo George Mendonsa poses for a photo in Middletown, R.I., holding a copy of the famous Alfred Eisenstadt photo of Mendonsa kissing a woman in a nurse's uniform in Times Square on Aug. 14, 1945, while celebrating the end of World War II, left. Mendonsa died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, he was 95. It was years after the photo was taken that Mendonsa and Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, were confirmed to be the couple. (Connie Grosch/Providence Journal via AP)AP

Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.

Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl. She died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio  Many professional chefs look at tomatoes, herbs, seasoning and meat and see, with a little stirring and attention, all they need to make a fine meal.

Milan Milasinovic knows it takes more.

The president of North Coast College envisions an opportunity on Northeast Ohio, a region rich in restaurants, from ethnic to trendy, established to new, with endless types of cuisine. What's required, he said, is that chefs gain an understanding of our current culinary climate.

"For a chef to make a great meal it's not like it used to be - he closes himself in the kitchen and makes the best meal," he said. "These days chefs need to know what customers need.  You can make the most delicious meal, with tons of butter and saturated fat and make people feel great while they are eating. But once they get home and they realize it's not what's good for them, then they are disappointed."

To change that mindset, the college aims to train future and current restaurant workers in all aspects of the industry. The college acquired Virginia Marti College of Art and Design on Detroit Avenue in 2018, with the formal name change coming a few months ago. Construction is set for April to convert an adjacent building to an expansive culinary school complete with restaurant and class space.

With a bit of luck, the private college can begin accepting its first students in September. Plans have been submitted to the city of Lakewood, he said, and financing is procured for the $4.5 million project. The state is approving the school's degrees, he said, and the next step is accreditation, which he expects to happen this month.

Milasinovic isn't jumping into this venture blind. His background merges business and academia, and he sees fertile ground that needs to be cultivated in the form of educational training.

Chefs and others need to "embrace new trends - health, wellness - to incorporate in the kitchen. It's not just kitchen skills, it's business skills, it's understanding. We call it 'convergence.' Thats our mission here," he said.

"Convergence" means understanding customers, their business and their needs, he said, adding that mixing "finance, consumer behavior" with the creative side leads to a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

"Thats the only way we can compete in the world," said Milasinovic, 56. "This is where the culinary arts fit 100 percent."

The plan is to convert an old warehouse into a ballroom for dual purposes: It can be rented for weddings and events while serving as a training platform for students. The warehouse, built in 1920, was a former theater and bowling alley.

The design will accommodate a smoke shop - fish, meats, sausages - and classroom. A first-floor restaurant will be open to the public and connect with a bakery. A student lounge and a wine bar - which will include retail sales - also are planned. Cold cuts, cheese and pizza will be available.

A second-floor space will be able to serve as an events rooms for private functions and lunch presentations. A large television screen like the ones on instructional food shows or live kitchen demos will guide chefs. Second and third floors will hold classes and offices.

Virginia Marti founded the college of her name in 1966. North Coast College acquired Virginia Marti College of Art and Design in 2018.The Plain Dealer

This whole concept is based around education, he said. Education is very important. Everything is tailored to give them exposure - not (solely) to learn how to cook but to learn customer needs and getting their feedback.

Milasinovic estimates the school will start with 30 students but could accommodate 100 annually. Tuition will be $700 per semester hour, and students will learn culinary and baking skills as well as food and beverage business management. And regardless of whether a student wants to aspire to run a restaurant or work in another facet of the industry, "All students will cook," he said.

"The economy is booming," he said "It's easy to find people, but they (restaurants) are doing a disservice to themselves telling them 'You dont need to go to school, I'll train you, teach you want you need to know.' But then they realize these people really need school."

What the school offers is more than what is going in that saucepan; it's decision making, learning about purchase orders and other areas associated with the restaurant business.

That farm-team mentality is essential in this climate for the many workers needed. And that appeals to Matthew Anderson.

Anderson - executive sous chef for InterContinental Cleveland, where Table 45 is located - said he thinks the approach is great.

It is challenging to find people (qualified restaurant workers), he said. Its not as glamorous as the Food Network makes it out to be.  I love the fact the Food Network is inspiring people, but you dont always see the ugly side, and the reality is it can be challenging and demanding. To find good people who want to do it and are passionate is a challenge.

Anderson also appreciates the business emphasis that the college brings to the table.

"You can be the best chef in the world, but if you can't pay the rent it doesn't matter," Anderson said. "You have to know how to do the business end."

That emphasis is a strong priority for Milasinovic, who is from the former Yugoslavia and who studied in Italy. He came to Cleveland four years ago this month. He ran an Italian wine school, and in the 1990s created an online wine-exchange - an early search engine to locate and compare prices. He worked for large fashion companies, earned advanced degrees, and previously was chief academic officer at LIM College, a business, fashion and merchandising school in Manhattan.

"I achieved everything I wanted to do there," he said. "I always wanted to run my own school."

After researching possibilities, he met Virginia Marti Veith, who founded her school in 1966.

"She and I had that chemistry immediately," he said. "I think she liked my vision of what I wanted to do with the school."

North Coast College is at 11724 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

He also was contacted about helping turn around the New England Culinary Institute. Known as NECI and located in Vermont, the school was struggling. But it had been around since 1980 and Milasinovic saw potential.

"I took a good look at the school," he said. "They were ready to close. That was unfortunate."

He did it. It took a year of shuttling between Manhattan, Vermont and Cleveland. He is president of NECI, which merged with Virginia Marti in 2017.

What attracted Milasinovic to NECI was the school's approach: Make graduates "kitchen-ready" for the workplace. That way, restaurants would not need to spend time or money on additional training for their workers, he said.

"It was one of the first schools in the U.S. to apply kitchen-ready methods for graduates," he said. "It was well received in the industry."

Milasinovic's approach in Cleveland is to bring a sense of "academic rigor." That means more business courses, applied general education and an understanding of the cultural impact on global cuisine. There also will be added flexibility of online classes.

"Being in Cleveland we obviously researched the scene here and realized there is not really a culinary school with baking and culinary degrees around here," he said. Cuyahoga Community College offers an associate's degree through its Hospitality Management Center, and the University of Akron has a culinary arts option, also a two-year program.

Milasinovic's palate is as adventurous as his college plans are ambitious. He enjoyed Trentina and frequents Lola ("you can't go wrong with Lola"), Parallax, Dante and Ginko ("the sushi is really amazing"), plus traditional places like Pier W as well as Thai Kitchen a few blocks away. He also has embraced Cleveland with his family, enjoying museum memberships and Lake Erie, and runs to maintain his thin frame.

But he keeps his focus on getting the college into shape.

"We're getting amazing feedback from area restaurants," he said. An added benefit, he said, is the potential for restaurant workers to gain additional training at the college.

"If you want to send a chef to do sous vide or specific techniques we teach here, they are welcome. Or if you want to send a front-of-the-house manager to learn about servicing, by all means we can tailor small courses, individual sessions. We're really flexible."

That appeals to Anderson, a NECI graduate.

"I think that would be a great thing," he said. "You can send your chef or line cooks or line staff to get that specific training that they are lacking. It adds to the value of the restaurant; they are not experimenting on the restaurant's time. A lot of that is trial and error. It's kind of a cool thing."

It's customers who ultimately will be the beneficiaries of the college's training.

I think we can help Cleveland food scene grow, Milasinovic said.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Saucy Brew Works brewpub is set to open in The Q, BarNone Wine-Beer-Spirits Saturday has a tasting coming up featuring Ohio beer, and many other events are set in Northeast Ohio. Deadline to send info on beer events is Thursday; email me. Most dinners do not include tax and tip. Always check on availability.

February

Saturday, Feb. 23: Sibling Revelry Brewerys third annual anniversary party is noon to 11 p.m. Bombers of 2019 Syble and four-packs of Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Cosmic Cocoa will be available along with Bourbon barrel-aged Double Red and Pecan on draft. The days festivities include surprises, live music and food trucks. Its at 29305 Clemens Road, Westlake.

Through Thursday, Feb. 28: In honor of #FlagshipFebruary, Great Lakes Brewing Co. is serving $4 pints of Dortmunder Gold. Its at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland.

Through Thursday, Feb. 28: IPAlooza, TownHall's annual celebration of India Pale Ales, takes place. Each February the bar taps an assortment of special IPAs with a competition for customers to finish 28 drafts throughout the month. The $25 entry fee includes a hoodie, pint glass, your first IPA, halfway-point prizes and wrap-up party. It's at 1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

Through April: Applebee's will have exclusive restaurant tap rights to Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.'s Blood Hound Orange India Pale Ale. A pint ($6.25), brewtus glass ($7.25) and growlers ($26) are available.

Monday, Feb. 18: Ohio City Galley will hold Meet the Brewer: 3 Floyds at 7 p.m. The tap takeover will feature some of the Indiana brewerys core beers and limited releases including Cheer Team IPA, Gumballhead, Lazersnake IPA and Topless Wytch Baltic Porter. Receive a signature glass with purchase. Its at 1400 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

Monday, Feb. 18: Rozi's Wine House offers $2 off draft beer. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Tuesday, Feb. 19: Platform Beer Co.s Charitable Tuesday beneficiary is Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland at 3 p.m. A dollar sold of every Platform beer or cider will be donated. Its at 4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, Feb. 20: The Wine Spot will hold a blind tasting of India Pale Ales 6-8 p.m. To be poured: Stone IPA, Bell's Two-Hearted, Dogfish Head 60 Minute and Fat Head's Head Hunter. It's at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.

Wednesday, Feb. 20: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold a beer dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $35 Reserve by emailing taphouse@thirstydog.com or call 234-571-1456. It's at 587 Grant St., Akron. Beers to be served: Irish Setter Red, Barrel-Aged Wulver, Flanders Style Sour Ale, Rise of the Mayan Dog.

Wednesday, Feb. 20: Collision Bend Brewing Co. will hold its third of four beer-school classes. Cost is $30 per class, $100 for all four. Today: Mike Napier of Barn Talk Hops with Matt Cole of Fat Head's and Jack Kephart of The Brew Kettle. Tasting and paired apps included. It's at 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland.

Wednesday, Feb. 20: Beerhead Bar & Eatery will hold BIG BAD BEER at 8 p.m. Its at four-course tasting menu paired with beers. Cost is $40; advanced ticket purchase is required. Its at 1156 W. 11th St., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Saucy Brew Works brewpub opens in the South Neighborhood concourse of The Q.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Firkin Thursday at Goldhorn Brewery is at 5 p.m. The folks at Goldhorn will concoct a unique firkin, a small batch one-time-only cask of beer with some added flavors. It's at 1361 E. 55th St., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Hoppin' Frog Brewery will kick off a three-day celebration of its recent ratebeer.com's honors as one of the world's best breweries. Beer releases, food specials, music and more are planned. It's at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. (More about the brewery's honors.)

Thursday, Feb. 21: Rozi's Wine House offers growler night, with $2 off half-growlers and $5 off full ones. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Thursday, Feb. 21: Noble Beast Brewing Co. will hold a Pint Night Fundraiser! at 6 p.m. The brewery will donate $1 from each of their house beers to Global Autism Project, whose supporters are hoping to travel to the Czech Republic and Indonesia to train educators in the field of autism. It's at 1470 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland.

Friday, Feb. 22: The Oak Barrel will hold Flight Night at 5:30 p.m. featuring MadTree Brewing Co. It features four different coffee Porters made in conjunction with coffee roasters in four cities, including Cleveland's Phoenix Coffee. It's at 5979 Canal Road, Valley View.

Friday, Feb. 22: Hoppin' Frog Brewery will continue its three-day celebration of its recent ratebeer.com's honors as one of the world's best breweries. Beer releases, food specials, music and more are planned. It's at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. (More about the brewery's honors.)

Friday, Feb. 22: Heinen's will hold Big, Boozy and Beautiful at 6 p.m. Taste five beers that contain at least 10 percent alcohol. Cost is $15. It's at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Friday, Feb. 22: Bad Tom Smith Brewing features a Flight of Four for $5 at 4:30 p.m. It's at 1836 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

Friday, Feb. 22: Rozi's Wine House will hold a tasting featuring beer from Masthead Brewing Co. of Cleveland and wines from Rutherford Ranch of California 6-8 p.m. Cost is $25. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Big Brews in Akron sponsored by Akronym Brewing Co. is 2-6 p.m. at Lock 3 Akron. It will include Barleywines, Imperial Stouts, rare and barrel-aged beers. Cost is $40 (presale via eventbrite), $50 (day-of), $15 (designated driver). Includes glass, eight beer tickets and a food ticket. Participating breweries: Bells, Butcher and the Brewer, Dark Horse, Dayton, HiHO, Little Fish, Maize Valley, Masthead, Millersburg, Missing Mountain, Phoenix, R. Shea, Sandy Springs and Thirsty Dog. Its at 200 S. Main St., Akron.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Its the final day of Hoppin Frog Brewerys three-day celebration of its recent ratebeer.coms honors as one of the worlds best breweries. Beer releases, food specials, music and more are planned. Its at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron. (More about the brewerys honors.)

Saturday, Feb. 23: Working Class Brewery will hold a pie and beer pairing at 4 p.m. Scratch-made pie and local craft beers will include four mini slices and a flight of four brews. (Check out the brewery's FB page and hit 'Going' so the folks at Working Class can estimate pies needed.) It's at 17448 Lorain Ave., Cleveland.

Saturday, Feb. 23: BarNone Wine-Beer-Spirits will hold its first Ohio Craft Beer & Spirits Show at 7:30 p.m. with 60 craft beers from Ohio. Cost is $20. Call 216-381-5350. It's at 2179 S. Green Road, South Euclid.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Platform Beer Co. will hold Can Taproom Release: Tiki Tiki. The beer is a collaboration with Free Will Brewing Co. Tiki Tiki is a Hazy Brut-style India Pale Ale at 7.4 percent alcohol and 12 International Bittering Units. Doors open at 10 a.m. at 4125 Lorain Ave. and 3506 Vega Ave. in Cleveland.

Saturday, Feb. 23: Heinens and Platform Brewings Collaboration Tapping of Cara Cara, a Milkshake-style IPA, is at noon. It will be available by glass or growler. Its at 900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.

Monday, Feb. 25: A Great Lakes IPA Release Party is set for 4 p.m. The ale is a new one. It's 6.5 percent alcohol with 50 International Bittering Units and is billed as a "lightly filtered, citrus-forward IPA." Its made with lemon peel, Simcoe, Mosaic, Azacca and Lemondrop hops. Its at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland.

Monday, Feb. 25: Rozi's Wine House offers $2 off draft beer. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Tuesday, Feb. 26: Platform Beer Co.s Charitable Tuesday beneficiary is Chagrin River Watershed Partners at 3 p.m. A dollar sold of every Platform beer or cider will be donated. Its at 4125 Lorain Ave., Cleveland.

Tuesday, Feb. 26: Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s Barrel-Aged Blackout Stout dinner is sold out.

Tuesday, Feb. 26: The Greenhouse Tavern will hold a Hoof Hearted Beer Dinner at 6 p.m. Hoof Hearted Brewing is in Marengo. Call 216-443-0511. Its at 2038 E. 4th St., Cleveland.

Tuesday, Feb. 26: Hoppin' Frog Brewery will hold Tower Tuesday 3-9 p.m. The folks at the brewery will be blending beers with unique ingredients to concoct interesting flavor combinations. Its at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron.

Wednesday, Feb. 27: Collision Bend Brewing Co. will hold its fourth of four beer-school classes. Cost is $30 per class, $100 for all four. Today: Randy Thatcher of West Branch Malts with The Jolly Scholar's Aaron Wirtz. Tasting and paired apps included. It's at 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland.

Wednesday, Feb. 27: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold happy hour 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Still House of Gervasi Vineyard. Gervasi beer flights will be $5 ($4 for Gervasi pints). To be poured: Jabberwocky Pale Ale, Farmhouse Ale and Sawmill IPA. It's at 1700 55th St. NE, Canton.

Wednesday, Feb. 27: Beerhead Bar & Eatery will feature beers and swag from Founder's of Michigan, its brewery of the month, at 6 p.m. Its at 1156 W. 11th St., Cleveland.

Wednesday, Feb. 27: Hoppin' Frog Brewery will hold pint night / meet the brewers. Pints and barrel-aged 1/2 pints are $5 3-7 p.m. Meet the brewers is 5-7 p.m. Its at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron.

Thursday, Feb. 28: Rozi's Wine House offers growler night, with $2 off half-growlers and $5 off full ones. It's at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Thursday, Feb. 28: Firkin Thursday at Goldhorn Brewery is at 5 p.m. The folks at Goldhorn will concoct a unique firkin, a small batch one-time-only cask of beer with some added flavors. It's at 1361 E. 55th St., Cleveland.

Thursday, Feb. 28: Hoppin' Frog Brewery will hold Throwback Thursday 3-9 p.m. Rare bottles will be 20 percent off for on-premise consumption only. Its at 1680 E. Waterloo Road, Akron.

March

Friday, March 1: Rozi's Wine House will tap Detroit & Cook Hazy IPA, a collaboration the folks at the wine shop did with Jackie O's in Athens, 5-9 p.m. Cost is $6 and includes glass. Its at 14900 Detroit Ave., Lakewood.

Friday, March 1: Bad Tom Smith Brewing features a Flight of Four for $5 at 4:30 p.m. It's at 1836 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

Saturday, March 2: The Friends of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and Mahoning Valley Flight Crew will host Brew Ha Ha! 6-9 p.m. Eight local breweries will compete for best library beers. The event features music, food, raffles and open mic for comedy. Cost is $25. Proceeds go to childrens programs at the library. Stand-up comics can call to register at 330-740-6086. It's at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 305 Wick Ave., Youngstown.

Wednesday, March 6: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will hold its monthly keg tapping at 6:45 p.m. It's at 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, March 7: The Rail will hold beer school featuring Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. of Akron at 7 p.m. Cost is $12. It's at 400 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted.

Thursday, March 7: Great Lakes Brewing Co. will hold Hop College: Beer 101 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cicerone-certified staffers will guide the educational tour and tasting. Cost is $40 and includes a nonic pint glass, discounts and more. It's at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland. Email or call 216-771-4404.

Saturday, March 9: The 13th annual Winter Warmer Fest is set in Cleveland's Flats. Here are details, prices and times.

Saturday, March 9: The 12th annual Akron Art & Ale at the Akron Art Museum is scheduled. Here are details, prices and times.

Monday, March 11: Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s monthly Giving Monday will donate $1 of every beer sold to Drink Local. Drink Tap. It's at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland.

Thursday, March 14: The Rail will hold beer school featuring Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. of Akron at 7 p.m. Cost is $12. It's at 17885 Southpark Center, Strongsville.

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 3: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will hold its monthly keg tapping at 6:45 p.m. It's at 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland.

Saturday, April 6: Acme will hold a tasting featuring Royal Docks of Canton 1-4 p.m. Its at 1835 W. Market St., Akron.

Monday, April 8: Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s monthly Giving Monday will donate $1 of every beer sold to Parma Animal Shelter. It's at 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, April 10: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Wednesday, April 24: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Friday, April 26: Der Braumeister will hold Maifest Flight Night featuring 11 bock beers on draft, available in full pours or flights. It's at 5 p.m. Weather permitting, the patio will open to taste the malty, roasted, sweet bocks around a fire pit. It's at 13046 Lorain Ave., Cleveland.

May

Wednesday, May 1: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will hold its monthly keg tapping at 6:45 p.m. It's at 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, May 15: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Wednesday, May 22: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Friday, May 17: Greater Cleveland Aquarium's Adult Swim will feature a beer tasting 7-10 p.m. Cleveland Animal Protective League folks will have adoptable dogs and cats. 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.

June

Wednesday, June 5: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will hold its monthly keg tapping at 6:45 p.m. It's at 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, June 5: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Wednesday, June 12: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Saturday, June 22: Akron Zoo will hold Brew at the Zoo 6:30-10:30 p.m. Today's theme: Decades Night. Includes eight samples and 4-ounce tasting glass. Admission: $33 ($27 for members). Designated drivers: $22 ($16 for members). VIP tickets are $50 ($40 for VIP designated drivers) and include early entrance at 6 p.m., appetizers, reserved seating, three additional tastings, ticket for full-sized beer and souvenir lanyard. It's at 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron.

July

Wednesday, July 3: Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will hold its monthly keg tapping at 6:45 p.m. It's at 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland.

Wednesday, July 3: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Saturday, July 20: Akron Zoo will hold Brew at the Zoo 6:30-10:30 p.m. Today's theme: Paradise Island. Includes eight samples and 4-ounce tasting glass. Admission: $33 ($27 for members). Designated drivers: $22 ($16 for members). VIP tickets are $50 ($40 for VIP designated drivers) and include early entrance at 6 p.m., appetizers, reserved seating, three additional tastings, ticket for full-sized beer and souvenir lanyard. It's at 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron.

Wednesday, July 31: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

August

Saturday, Aug. 3: Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. will hold its annual Blues & Brews festival.

Saturday, Aug. 10: The annual Brewfest Waterfront District will be held in Lorain.

Saturday, Aug 10: Chardon Brew Fest is scheduled. Ticket discount is in place until Monday, Dec. 31.

Wednesday, Aug. 14: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

Wednesday, Aug. 21: The Akron RubberDucks will feature a local brewery on Craft Beer Night on home Wednesdays at Canal Park. It's at 300 S. Main St., Akron.

October

Saturday, Oct. 5: Akron Zoo will hold Brew at the Zoo 6:30-10:30 p.m. Today's theme: Halloween Bash. Includes eight samples and 4-ounce tasting glass. Admission: $33 ($27 for members). Designated drivers: $22 ($16 for members). VIP tickets are $50 ($40 for VIP designated drivers) and include early entrance at 6 p.m., appetizers, reserved seating, three additional tastings, ticket for full-sized beer and souvenir lanyard. It's at 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron.

December

Thursday, Dec. 12: Akron Zoo will hold its first holiday beer and wine tasting 6-9 p.m. Taste assorted beers from local breweries as you stroll through the zoos Wild Lights. Its at 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron.
AUBURN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A 28-year-old woman died when a truck went off the side of a snowy road and crashed into a tree Sunday in Geauga County, the State Highway Patrol said.

Jessica Knautz, of Newbury, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred about 7:40 p.m. on Auburn Road near Crackle Road, the Highway Patrol said in a news release.

Two other people were in the truck when it crashed. They were taken to nearby hospitals to be treated for injuries that are not life-threatening, the news release says.

Investigators determined Knautz was driving a Ford F-150 when the truck went off the right side of the snow-covered road. The drivers side of the truck struck a tree, the news release says.

Knautz and her two passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time.

The Auburn, Troy and Manuta fire departments assisted at the crash scene.

The Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, the news release says.

To comment on this story, visit Mondays crime and courts comments page.
BEREA, Ohio -- From satin bows on the pews to music flowing gracefully from a grand piano, free wedding ceremonies held Saturday afternoon in the United Methodist Church of Berea were everything the brides and grooms could have imagined.

Bridal parties and their families then celebrated at a free sweetheart dance held later that evening. It was the first time the church decided to offer to the public its wedding venue and services at no cost.

"A lot of couples would really love to have a church wedding, and I know weddings are expensive," said the Rev. Carrie Antczak prior to the first ceremony. "Marriage is something so beautiful that you don't want to start it off in debt. The United Methodist Church of Berea is all about celebrating God's love, and this is just one of the many ways we're doing that."

"It's always a gift to be part of a wedding day," added the Rev. Nathan Howe. "It's an opportunity for us to make this space available and to invite God to be a part of their relationship as they start this new step together."

Miranda Nester said she and her groom, Brandon Moore, considered marrying on Valentine's Day at the annual group wedding event at Tower City in Cleveland, but she saw on social media the offer from the Berea church.

"Not only are we getting a wedding, but we're getting a dance, too," Nester said. "We had been talking about marriage for the past year. This was very convenient."

Joseph Jones will never forget his wedding anniversary because he married Savannah Rios on his birthday. Savannah's 83-year-old grandmother, Marlene Holbrook, became emotional as she sat in the bride's dressing room. She said she wanted to live long enough to see Savannah get married and be happy.

"I've seen her since the very moment she was born, and I made a promise I would never let anything bad happen to her and that I would always be there for her," Holbrook said as her eyes filled with tears. "With God's blessing, I am still here."

The church plans to offer the free weddings again next year.
BAY VILLAGE, Ohio - As the renovation of the former Huntington Playhouse moves forward at BAYarts, a rollicking fundraiser is planned for March 2.

Though there apparently isn't going to be a parade, it won't matter because a Mardi Gras party will reflect the annual event in New Orleans through both food and music.

The event will feature New Orleans inspired food and libations in the new hearth room of the Playhouse and the music will be provided by the Zydeco Kings, all to benefit the renovations of the former Playhouse.

Scott Pohlkamp, a BAYarts board member and the person who suggested Mardi Gras as an event theme said, "Since I moved here from Louisiana, it's always been a challenge to find a Zydeco band and a good Mardi Gras party. We are doing both! We're going to create an authentic N'awlins French Quarter atmosphere with food, music, beads and masks--just bring a smile! We're going to knock the frost off winter and give a taste of a fun Mardi Gras evening in New Orleans, transporting you to our French Quarter in the former Playhouse. Laissez les bons temps rouler: let the good times roll!"

"The Mardi Gras event is another in a series of fun "grown-up" evenings out with friends," said Nancy Heaton, BAYarts executive director, "that also will help fund the expansion into the former Playhouse. The expansion continues. Fundraising continues for the next phases: repurposing the former theater for flexible spaces for classes, performance and events.

Future phases include the west end barn, an exterior deck overlooking Porter Creek and modern improvements to the facade. BAYarts continues to work closely with Cleveland Metroparks on the overall footprint of the campus, connecting the building through green space and natural elements. I will be announcing a town hall gathering this spring to share the plans and get community feedback."

Beth Milli, who is the BAYarts general manager and Playhouse project manager, said, "Phase One opened on schedule in January with a diverse offering of classes including jewelry making, fabric art, painting and writing classes. The Hearth Room, once used as a place for theater patrons to enjoy refreshments during intermission, just needed a little BAYarts magic to realize its full potential.

Windows were added to either side of the large stone fireplace and drywall hung to add light and warmth to the room. Students love the new space and can't wait for spring to enjoy the adjacent patio that overlooks the park valley and Porter Creek. It's a unique space that's sure to inspire creativity for years to come."

For tickets, that must be purchased in advance, visit: http://bayarts.net/events/upcoming.html. Your ticket includes a Mardi Gras mask.
BRECKSVILLE, Ohio -- A section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will close Tuesday for about 21 days while crews replace a culvert, Cuyahoga Valley National Park said in a news release.

The trail will be closed from half a mile north of Boston Mills Road to one mile south of Highland Road. There will be no detour available.

The temporary closure is necessary for public safety, CVNP spokeswoman Pamela Barnes said in a news release. Please respect the closure.

Crews will install an upgraded culvert to allow Stanford Run to flow under the Towpath Trail, connecting the tributary to the Cuyahoga River, Barnes said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District awarded a $425,000 contract in November to the Ryba Marine Construction Company for ecosystem restoration in the Stanford Run Watershed near Peninsula, Ohio.

This section of Stanford Run has seen a large build-up of sedimentation over many years, said Russ Brandenburg, USACE Buffalo District project manager. Reconnecting this tributary to the Cuyahoga River is important because current stream conditions include stagnant flow and ponding, and this project will help to alleviate those conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency also helped fund the project through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Barnes said.

USACE has helped us finally bring this project to completion after years of planning by the national park, CVNP Deputy Superintendent Paul Stoehr said in a statement, adding that the project is an "important step toward the Parks strategic vision to improve conditions of the Cuyahoga River watershed.

While this closure is only expected to last for about three weeks, the entire project is scheduled to be completed by October 2019.

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Digital gangsters. In a scathing report out today, lawmakers on a high-profile committee of the British Parliament tag that description to Facebook, warning the tech giant and its competitors not to act like they are ahead of and beyond the law. Facebook, the lawmakers say, intentionally and knowingly broke data privacy and competition laws (Facebook denies this), and should be subjected to multi-pronged oversightincluding a compulsory code of ethics and an independent regulator with legal teethgoing forward. Facebook continues to choose profit over data security, they write.

The House of Commonss Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport select committee opened its inquiry into social media giants in 2017. Back then, its focus was the spread of fake newsa hot topic on both sides of the Atlantic following the UK Brexit referendum and US election in 2016. Last March, however, a different scandal exploded: The New York Times and London Observer reported that Cambridge Analytica had harvested data from the profiles of 50 million Facebook users, then mined it to profile and target voters on behalf of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. As Facebook flailed through the remainder of 2018, the UK committee publicly raised the stakes. In November, it ordered Ted Kramer, a US tech executive who was in London for a business trip, to surrender documents from a California lawsuit involving Facebook and his app; when Kramer refused, Damian Collins, the committees Conservative chair, dispatched the Serjeant-at-Arms to escort Kramer to Parliament. Days later, Collins chaired an International Grand Committee on Disinformation, bringing together lawmakers from Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Latvia, Singapore, and the UK. When Mark Zuckerberg refused to attend (he sent a deputy), he got the classic empty-seat-with-his-name-on-it treatment.

ICYMI: Apple goes for the jugular with subscription revenue deal

Echoes of those theatrics ring through todays final report. The committee lays out its conclusion, based on the documents it obtained from Kramer, that Facebook was willing to override its users privacy settings in order to transfer data to some app developers while starving others, CNN reports. Lawmakers also accuse Zuckerberg of contempt of Parliament for his repeat refusals to show, and of making simply untrue statements about his companys data-selling practices. Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone who sits at the top of one of the worlds biggest companies, Collins says. Next time Zuckerberg sets foot on British soil, he can expect a formal summons.

Coming from public officials, these are extraordinary charges lodged in incendiary language. Its no surprise theyve made global headlines this morning. The inquiry as a whole and the coverage its attracted, however, are perhaps best understood not as a grenade but as a time capsule. Since the inquiry launched, public and media debate has moved beyond the fake news problem, training a harsh spotlight on social giants unscrupulous use of our personal data, at least where Facebook is concerned. As the debate has widened, its tone has become angrier. And Facebooks insistence that its a good actor grappling with thorny problems has worn thin. Todays report mirrors this broadening picture. While its title still refers broadly to disinformation and fake news, CNNs Hadas Gold notes, the other title might as well be Facebook: Digital gangsters because its Facebook that bears most of the heat.

The committee that produced the report is a legislative oversight mechanism, not an arm of the British governmentand the British government, as you may have noticed, is a little busy right now. Nonetheless, Facebook should sweat its stringent regulatory recommendations. At one point, the report namechecks Germany, where social media companies already face harsh fines when they fail to act quickly on hate speech. Britain may be untangling itself from its European partners. But where Facebook is concerned, theyre closer to being on the same page.

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Below, more on Facebook and the Parliamentary report:



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Matt Gertz tracks how Fox News manipulates Trump

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
Russian Federation Council's delegation, led by its chairman Valentina Matvienko, left on an official visit to Brunei today, the Federation Council's press service reported, adding that it will last until February 19.

It was planned that the trip will end on February 22. Thus, the head of the Federation Council will have time to return to Russia to attend the Russian President's address to the Federal Assembly, TASS reported.

Earlier, Matvienko said that she would not be able to attend Putin's address to the Federal Assembly on February 20 due to her official visit to the countries of South-East Asia.
Israeli army shelled two surveillance towers affiliated with the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in the northern Gaza Strip Sunday overnight.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that seven Palestinian demonstrators were injured by Israeli army fire in the Gaza Strip.

The fresh clashes increased the toll of injured Palestinians to 19 since the 'Great March of Return' demonstrations in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip began on March 30.

The Israeli army, for its part, claimed in a written statement this morning that the shelling had come after one Israeli soldier was wounded by shelling during the demonstrations, Anadolu Agency reported.
Days before gunmen burst into a bar in Cancun and opened fire, tourists were photographed frolicking on beaches, taking photographs and strolling along the popular Fifth Avenue.

On Saturday, five people were killed and five more were wounded in the Caribbean resort city that has seen crime stats increase at an alarming rate.
Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention vowed last week not to tolerate sexual abuse and to enact reforms after an investigation by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News revealed that more than 700 people had been molested by Southern Baptist pastors, church employees and volunteers over a span of two decades.

But the question remains: What will leaders of the largest coalition of Baptist churches in the United States actually do about the problem?

SBC President J.D. Greear, a North Carolina pastor, said he was broken by what he read in the newspapers. He hasnt offered specific solutions, but he ordered a study of sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches last summer and is expected to unveil proposals when SBC leaders meet in Nashville, Tenn., this coming week.

ABUSE OF FAITH: Investigation reveals 700 victims of sex abuse in Southern Baptist church

Other prominent SBC officials are calling for changes that include creating a registry of church employees and volunteers credibly accused of sexual misconduct and aggressively removing from the convention churches that knowingly hire predators.

Russell Moore, president of the SBCs Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, praised the newspapers investigation and said people with functioning consciences have been filled with rage by the findings.

The two papers really did a service to churches by collating together this information, doing the hard work of going through and talking to people who have experienced awful, awful trauma, said Moore, a former professor and dean at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

The idea that somehow this shouldnt be out there in public is exactly the mentality that leads to these predators being able to carry out their actions, he said.

Reactions to Abuse of Faith: "I will pursue every possible avenue to bring the vast spiritual, financial, and organizational resources of the Southern Baptist Convention to bear on stopping predators in our midst." - J.D. Greear, president of the Southern Baptist Convention. "I know a lot of people are shocked with the amount of victims and amount of predators there were. But I know - I know for a fact that there are so many more." - Anne Marie Miller, who said she was sexually abused as a teenager by a 25-year-old seminary student, on National Public Radio. "You are great to bring all this to light. As hard is was to go over it all, I feel like (my daughter) is looking down and feeling proud of you and everyone that has come forward." - Gwen Casados, who shared the story of her daughter, Heather, being sexually abused as a 14-year-old inside Houston Second Baptist church in 1994. Her daughter later died. "This is nothing short of a scandal and a crisis. There should be no tolerance for, or covering up of, sexual abuse of the vulnerable ever, especially within the church of Jesus Christ." - Russell Moore, president of the SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "We thank you for bringing this issue to the light of day. It is our belief that when churches refuse to take action for the ungodly conduct of those in church leadership, God will use those outside of the church to expose their evil deeds. It is a sad day when this happens but we applaud your work." - Dan Wilson, member of a Southern Baptist church in Oklahoma City. "Those of us that represent victims are each aware of specific incidents, but it has been difficult to get a full picture as to the extent of the crisis. With the recent reporting regarding the degree of rampant sexual abuse it is clear an independent investigation is needed in order to protect the many innocent children vulnerable to sexual exploitation within the Southern Baptist Convention." - Cris Feldman, Houston lawyer who has litigated abuse cases within the Southern Baptist Convention. See More Collapse

The three-part series, Abuse of Faith, was produced by a team of journalists at the Chronicle and Express-News who found 380 allegations of sexual misconduct against pastors, employees and volunteers at SBC churches in the past 20 years.

More than 700 people  most of them children  reported being sexually abused. In at least 35 cases, Baptist churches hired men who had exhibited predatory behavior in the past or were registered sex offenders, the investigation found.

The paper published an online database of 220 Southern Baptist church leaders and volunteers who have been convicted of sex crimes or reached plea deals. Since the series was published, local news outlets across the country have used the database to discover cases of sexual abuse in their communities.

Readers reached out to the newspapers with their own stories of being sexually assaulted by someone they trusted in a Southern Baptist church.

Over the years Ive learned to cope with this and Ive also realized that I am not alone, wrote one adult survivor who, as a boy, was molested by former Southern Baptist pastor Doug Myers. Your article reaffirms this and I feel more empowered knowing that more people will now better understand what is really going on.

Myers served in Baptist churches in three different states and his conduct around boys raised suspicions  but he still managed to find work as a pastor. Myers was finally arrested and convicted of sex crimes against multiple victims in Maryland and Florida, and he is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Maryland.

A core group of activists and sex-abuse survivors have spent years calling for reforms at Southern Baptist churches, and theyre skeptical of the response from SBC leaders.

Its a temporary P.R. Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging problem, said Amy Smith, a victims advocate in Dallas who blogs about allegations of sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches.

Smith and other critics point out that some of the same SBC officials who called for action last week had previously expressed support for C.J. Mahaney, former leader of a network of Christian churches called Sovereign Grace who was closely allied with SBC leaders.

Read the entire ABUSE OF FAITH series on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com.

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2012 by church members accused Sovereign Grace of covering up allegations of sexual abuse. Mahaney denied any wrongdoing and the suit was later dismissed because of the statute of limitations. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, had voiced support for Mahaney.

Mohler, in an interview last week, said he now realizes that was a mistake and expressed remorse.

C.J. was a friend, Mohler said. I believe in retrospect I erred in being part of a statement being supportive of C.J. and being dismissive of the charges. And I regret that action, which I think was taken without due regard to the claims made by the victims and survivors at the time.

Mohler called for the SBC to take action against churches that have mishandled allegations of sex abuse.

The first concern has to be for survivors, the first response has to be heartbreak, Mohler said. The moral verdict of what has been done and what has been allowed to be done has to be taken at full force. And then the obvious question, is what Southern Baptists are going to do about this?

Advocates and survivors said theyve paid a heavy personal toll for speaking out against sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches.

Smith said her father, a former deacon at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, ostracized her when she raised concerns about John Langworthy, a former music minister at Prestonwood who was fired in the summer of 1989 after behaving inappropriately with a teenage student.

Smith had attended Prestonwood and knew Langworthy. She grew concerned years later when she learned Langworthy was working around children at a public school and a church in Mississippi.

Smith alerted the school superintendent and church officials in Mississippi, raising questions that eventually led to Langworthys resignation. Smith obtained a video of a sermon Langworthy delivered to the congregation. In it, he admitted to sexual indiscretions with younger males in Mississippi and Texas.

The video helped bolster a criminal case against Langworthy, and in September 2011 he was charged with eights counts of gratification of lust involving multiple boys in Mississippi from 1980 to 1984.

Langworthy pleaded guilty in a deal that allowed him to avoid prison, but he is now a registered sex offender.

Smith said she believes she did the right thing. But she had no idea speaking out would be so difficult.

Victims face this when they come forward in churches, Smith said.

Prestonwood, one of the largest Southern Baptist churches in Texas, is led by former SBC President Jack Graham.

In a statement Friday, Prestonwood said church leaders learned of concerns about crude and inappropriate behavior by Langworthy in 1989, weeks after Graham became pastor. It wasnt apparent that this behavior involved any form of molestation, the church said.

Smith disputed the statement. She said that the church was downplaying the severity of Langworthy's behavior, and that church lawyers were called in to address the situation.

Wade Burleson, a Southern Baptist pastor who has asked the SBC to establish a registry of credibly accused offenders that churches could use to vet job applicants, said he expects the newspapers investigation will lead to tangible change at the SBCs annual meeting in June at Birmingham, Ala.

I think its a guarantee, he said. In other words, it wont just be, Read this study, read this book. It will be, This is what we are doing.

Burleson first pushed for the offender registry at the 2007 annual SBC meeting in San Antonio. A year later, an SBC committee rejected the idea, saying the convention had no authority to compel member churches to use the registry.

After publication of Abuse of Faith, SBC leaders joined Burleson in supporting a database of offenders. Like Burleson, Mohler said the SBC should fund the effort and an independent nonprofit should oversee the data.

Two other leaders of SBC seminaries said they supported the idea, as did Thom Rainer, the CEO of the SBCs publishing arm, LifeWay Resources.

I think this is the loudest Ive ever heard it, Rainer said of calls for an offender database. That is absolutely huge. Weve definitely had people advocating it up to this point, but it has never been at the crescendo that it is now.

Chronicle staff writer Lise Olsen contributed to this report.

***

Abuse of Faith

Part 1: Southern Baptist sexual abuse spreads as leaders resist reforms

Part 2: Churches hired dozens of leaders accused of sex offenses

Part 3: More than 100 youth pastors convicted or charged in sex crimes

Search the database: We compiled 20 years of convictions



Help us investigate: Do you have information about sexual misconduct in Southern Baptist churches? Fill out our confidential questionnaire here.

Support our journalism:

Help our journalists uncover the big stories. Subscribe today.
Democrat Beto ORourke, who said he will decide whether to run for president by the end of the month, spent the weekend in the Midwest.

ORourke, a former El Paso congressman, visited the University of Wisconson-Madison on Friday before heading to Chicago for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institutes national conference on Saturday.

ORourke, who raised $80 million in his campaign against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the fall and lost by less than 3 percentage points, has been considering whether to run for president in 2020 for nearly three months.

Wisconsin  traditionally blue but carried by President Donald Trump in 2016  has become a top priority for Democrats ahead of the 2020 race.

I want to make sure that I'm listening to everyone  not just those that I know in El Paso and in Texas, but everyone, including going to places that are forgotten or overlooked or have not been visited enough or are only thought about in calculations as you accumulate electoral votes or you think about the next election, he said Friday in Madison.

PLEDGED: Draft Beto campaign vows to raise $1M to lure him into White House run

The next day, ORourke told the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute conference that Trumps efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border must be challenged.

This president has declared a national emergency and hes using it as the excuse to build a wall, to spend your money on a barrier between the United States and Mexico at a time that more Mexican nationals are going south from this country than are coming north, ORourke said Saturday in Chicago.

At the conference, ORourke recounted the Feb. 11 protest of Trumps visit to El Paso. Trump was pressing for funding for the border wall, and also took several shots at ORourke during his Finish the wall rally. Trump described ORourke as a young man whos got very little going for himself.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Trump goads ORourke as the two square off in El Paso

More than 10,000 people showed up at the counter rally, ORourke told the crowd in Chicago: not against a man or even his policies, but in an effort to show who we are at our best  this beautiful, safe city, one of the safest in the United States of America, not because of walls but in spite of walls.

TEXAS TAKE: Catch the political news you need every weekday at HoustonChronicle.com.
Witnesses described a suspect as "polite" after he robbed a southeast Houston dollar store in December, according to police.

The man, who remains at large, entered the store around 8:20 a.m. Dec. 8 in the 6900 block of Bellfort. He walked up to the clerk while pointing a handgun at her, police said. He then handed her a bag for the money in the register.
A cadre of roughly two dozen activists gathered Monday outside Houston police headquarters demand murder charges against the narcotics agent accused of fabricating evidence used to justify a no-knock raid that left two civilians dead.

Carrying signs denouncing the police union president and demanding an end to police brutality, protesters from Peoples New Black Panthers, Black Lives Matter Houston, the Houston Socialist Movement, and Indivisible Houston turned up at noon to voice their concerns.

"We have a dead couple here, said outspoken activist Shere Dore. And that happened because one officer lied and I think citizens have a right to know. Are we truly protected with officers like this patrolling the streets?"

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston police officer in drug raid had previous allegations against him

From the outset, the Jan. 28 bust sparked controversy in the community after Rhogena Nicholas, her husband Dennis Tuttle and their dog were all killed in a shoot-out that failed to net the heroin stash police were looking for. Five officers were injured, including case agent Gerald Goines.

Initially Houston police Chief Art Acevedo lauded the veteran undercover officer, who was shot in the neck after bursting in the home at 7815 Harding. But on Friday, local media learned of a new search warrant seeking more information about officers actions in the case, and Acevedo pulled together a hastily called press conference to announce that Goines would likely face criminal charges.

We know that there's already a crime that's been committed," Acevedo said then. "It's a serious crime when we prepare a document to go into somebody's home, into the sanctity that is somebody's home."

According to the court filing that leaked out on Friday, an internal investigation found Goines allegedly lied about using a confidential informant to conduct an undercover buy at the Pecan Park home in the days before the deadly raid. When he initially filled out the affidavit used to justify the no-knock warrant, Goines wrote that hed monitored the informants heroin buy.

But after police raided the home - setting off a gun battle but only netting 18 grams of pot and 1.5 grams of cocaine - Goines was questioned about the informant he used. He gave two different names in two different interviews, but both ultimately denied taking part in the buy.

Investigators then got a full list of Goines' confidential informants, and they all denied making a buy at the Tuttle house or ever purchasing narcotics from Nicholas or Tuttle, according to the court filing.

Now, authorities are reviewing Goines past cases, fielding calls for an outside investigation and determining what - if any - charges could be filed. An attorney for Goines did not respond to a request for comment.

In the days after the raid, Houston police union president Joe Gamaldi sparked controversy with comments in press conferences and on national TV, telling anti-police activists weve got your number and denouncing dirtbags trying to take our lives when all we're trying to do is protect this community and our families."

Those comments served as one focus of Mondays protests, as some called - again - for Gamaldis resignation.

For someone with a badge to come out and say hes got activists numbers, said Yahcanon Ben Yah, national chairman of the Peoples' New Black Panther Party. We would like to know whose numbers Joe Gamaldi has. Who is he tracking? How long has he been tracking them?

EDITORIAL: Cops lied, people died. Heres how HPD can restore Houstons trust

Reached by phone, Gamaldi declined to comment on the protesters demands.

Though small, the gathering drew protesters from police scandals of the distant past.

"Enough is enough," said Richard Molina, nephew of Joe Campos Torres, a veteran killed by police officers in the 1970s in one of the most notorious police brutality cases in the department's history. Its 2019. This kind of misinformation, lying to commit these kinds of actions...it shouldn't happen."

In this case, he said, the officer is responsible for the injured officers and slain couple.

It's not a mistake, he added. It was a deliberate lie and action. He needs to be held accountable."
UPDATE:

Vincent Washington was a 33-year-old Hispanic man who died February 17 from multiple gunshot wounds at 3903 Gano St, Houston.

ORIGINAL STORY:

A man is dead after he was shot multiple times while sitting on his front porch in Northside Village, Houston police said.

The gunman walked up to the man and shot him around 9:30 p.m. Sunday near Erin and Gano streets. The man was taken to Ben Taub hospital, where he later died.

The suspect fled the scene on foot after the shooting. Homicide detectives said the victim's family members were inside the home, but no one else was injured.

Investigators have not pinned down a motive as of Monday, but they don't believe it was a robbery.

"As far as we can tell, he was minding his own business on the front porch of his house," an HPD homicide detective said.

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.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson today in Baku.

The Azerbaijani head of state highly appreciated Baroness Emma Nicholson's role in the development of friendship and partnership between Baku and London.

Emma Nicholson, in turn, conveyed Prime Minister Theresa May's greetings to Ilham Aliyev.

At the meeting, the sides noted the importance of holding the next meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku, while drawing attention to the development of cooperation between the countries in the energy sector.

During the conversation, Ilham Aliyev and Emma Nicholson exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom in health care, tourism, agriculture and other fields, Trend reports.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of the High Density Polyethylene Plant of the SOCAR Polymer project in Sumgayit, the presidential press service reported.

Ilham Aliyev was informed of the plants activities. After which the president launched the enterprise.

The head of state then met with the plant staff.

Head of the 'Caspian Barrel' Center for Oil Research Ilham Shaban told Vestnik Kavkaza that the opening of the new plant is a significant event for Azerbaijan. "Starting from 2018, SOCAR launches processing enterprises one by one. First, there was SOCAR Polymer's first plant, then SOCAR Karbamid and SOCAR Polymer's second plant. Currently, the 'Azerkhimiya' is being modernized. As a result, SOCAR became the top Azerbaijani enterprise in terms of non-oil exports in 2018. If in 2017 SOCAR enterprises exported $168 million of non-oil products, then last year - $271 million. I think that exports from these plants will exceed $400 million, and in total these enterprises will bring about $750-800 million to Azerbaijan," the expert expects.

"If in the period 1990-2010 we saw that Azerbaijan mainly exports raw materials, then part of oil revenues were directed to the development of the processing industry. Thus, the targets of export diversification and the gradual transition from oil refining to gas refining were met. SOCAR Methanol runs on natural gas. Last Friday, the President of Azerbaijan signed a new order to build a petrochemical complex using natural gas in the amount of 10 billion cubic meters as feedstock. Thus, the current century can already be called the gas century for Azerbaijan, and it concerns not only gas export, but also its processing to increase the added value several times. 70% of SOCAR Polymers new plant will be exported," Ilham Shaban said.
The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline may remain underutilized for at least first several years of operations due to new amendments to the European Union gas directive, the Kommersant daily reported.

The amendments are aimed at extending the gas directive on the Nord Stream-2 project. This means that the pipeline should have an operator independent of Russian gas giant Gazprom, and third parties should receive access to the capacities.

If creation of an independent operator is realizable, then access of third parties cannot be organized, as only Gazprom can supply gas to the Russian end of the pipeline as the only company that has right for exports.

In this case, similarly to the OPAL, the European Commission may ban Gazprom from using the Nord Stream-2 by more than half, leaving the other half to potential 'third parties.'

Under the amendments, Germany as an EU county where the gas pipeline ends can sign an intergovernmental agreement with Russia on exclusion from the directive, the daily said. This would require the E.U.s permission for talks and for signing such agreement. The EU is to make the decision in 90 days and has a right to request additional information thus lingering the process, Kommersant wrote.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Iraq and Lebanon can be included in the Astana process on the Syrian settlement.

"The next summit will be held in Turkey. During the talks I said that we can include Iraq and Lebanon in the Astana process since both those countries have common borders with Syria and various relationships with the country," Hurriyet Daily cited the Turkish leader as saying.

According to Erdogan, "representatives of the countries foreign ministries will jointly work over that issue," and Iraq and Lebanon will be able to make the Astana process even more efficient in case of reaching an agreement on it.
Pearland ISD has scheduled its first town hall meeting for March 26 at Turner College and Career High School, a district trustee said.

The session will be at 6:30 p.m. that Tuesday in the Teacher Lecture Room at the school, 4717 Bailey Road, Pearland, board member Mike Floyd said.

"We're spending as much time with lawmakers as we can to try to get out ahead of any potential funding issues. So, how the session goes will likely determine whether or not we have to push that meeting back to April."

Floyd made transparency a key part of his election campaign in 2018 and has been outspoken in his push for town hall meetings to allow less-restrictive communication between the school board and public.

His proposal for the district to allow "local nonpartisan elected officials to hold free town halls at PISD facilities" had garnered a cool response from Superintendent John Kelly, who said that taxpayers have access to board members through individual trustees' involvement in civic, church and volunteer activities, along with phone calls, emails and texts.

Floyd himself staged a town hall in March at a Pearland restaurant, which drew more than 40 residents.

In October, the board agreed to a plan to conduct two annual community meetings, one in the spring and one in the fall, at district campuses, with the first town hall to be held this spring.

Board vice president Charles Gooden created the format for the meetings, which will include an opening by school administrators followed by a question-and-answer session from parents.

The idea, Floyd said, is that parents and taxpayers will be able to ask questions directly to board members, who will be allowed to answer them because they won't be held to normal rules that apply at regular board meetings.

"Initially there were concerns among my colleagues that town halls, especially during election years, would serve as election platforms, and I can understand that concern," Floyd said.

"But we are one group, and there is support for these meetings between my colleagues now," he said.

"We will do everything we can to make sure that these don't serve as election platforms, but that they serve as an open line of communication between the parents, students and us."

Floyd said that restrictions dictated for regular board meetings by the Texas Open Meetings Act don't allow for discussion and can prohibit collaboration between the board and the community.

"There is question-and- answer," Floyd said.

"If they have a question, we can't really address it. If we have an answer, we can't really explain it," he said.

"A town hall is such a good opportunity to let people know where we are as far as things like funding and programs go and it allows them to address their concerns and questions with us directly

"I think a lot of people run on platforms of transparency," he said.

"We talk the talk, but we also have to walk the walk, and having these town halls makes us more accessible to the parents and students in the district."
Of the 648 entries into the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's School Art Program, 72 students from across the Greater Houston area were chosen as winners and will participate in the program's School Art Auction, set for March 10.

Of those 72 selected entries, two students from Pasadena ISD took the top two highest honors in the competition. Pasadena ISD student Hector Maldonado's artwork "After the Storm Comes a Calm" was dubbed the 2019 Grand Champion Work of Art, and Pasadena ISD student Melissa Sosa's piece, "Wouldn't Change a Thing" was named the 2019 Grand Reserve Champion Work of Art.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. The president of the Southern Baptist Convention on Monday evening called for a "season of lament, sorrow, and repentance" over a sexual abuse crisis, and provided a list of 10 churches, including Second Baptist Church in Houston, that he said should be scrutinized for their handling of sexual abuses and potentially removed from the nation's largest Baptist group.

Two of the other 10 churches are in Houston in addition to Second Baptist, a 60,000-member congregation that has long been pastored by former SBC President Ed Young. The other churches are Brentwood Baptist Church and Cathedral of Faith.

The 10 churches are as follows:

"Brothers and sisters, there is a problem," current president J.D. Greear said at a speech to other SBC leaders in Nashville. "This is not a fabricated story made up by people with a secular agenda. We've not taken reports of abuse in our churches as seriously as our gospel demands, and sometimes even worse, outright ignored or silenced victims."

"It's time we back up our words with actions."

ABUSE OF FAITH: 20 years, 700 victims

A spokesman for Second Baptist declined comment Monday. The pastors of Brentwood and Cathedral of Faith could not immediately be reached.

Among the actions Greear said he will take: More resources for churches to deal with sexual abuse; more background checks for SBC leadership groups and entities; and changes to the SBC bylaws that would allow for the removal of churches that show a "wanton disregard for sexual abuse."

The SBC president stressed that "every option is on the table," including a registry of convicted or credibly accused church leaders and volunteers. That registry has long been requested by survivors of sexual assault and activist groups, and has recently gotten the support of multiple other SBC figures.

Greear's speech came days after the Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News found hundreds of SBC church leaders and volunteers had faced criminal charges and convictions since 2008, when leaders rejected reforms such as a database. All told, since 1998, roughly 380 Southern Baptist church leaders have been accused of sex crimes or misconduct. They had more than 700 victims.

Some predators, the newspapers found, were able to operate without oversight or legal scrutiny for years thanks, in part, to Baptist policy that says every church is self-governing and autonomous.

Inquiries ahead?

But in his Monday speech, Greear stressed that autonomy was not an excuse for inaction.

He also called on an SBC work group to "take the necessary steps to determine if 10 churches identified in the Chronicle's report still "meet the standards of having a faith and practice which closely identifies" with that of the Convention.

"I am not calling for disfellowshipping (expelling from the SBC ) any of these churches at this point but these churches must be called upon to give assurance to the SBC that they have taken the necessary steps to correct their policies and procedures with regards to abuse and care for survivors," Greear said. "Our goal here is never disfellowship, but correction."

Houston's Second Baptist was at the center of two of the newspapers' stories regarding claims that they mishandled or concealed sexual abuses. The church has denied those allegations.

In January the church provided a one-page statement response to questions from the Chronicle for its investigative series "Abuse of Faith."

PREYING ON TEENS: More than 100 Southern Baptist youth pastors convicted or charged in sex crimes

Second Baptist stated it "takes allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse very seriously and constantly strives to provide and maintain a safe, Christian environment for all employees, church members and guests... our policy and practice have been and will continue to be that any complaint of sexual misconduct will be heard, investigated and handled in a lawful and appropriate way."

Others in the SBC - including heads of seminaries and entities - have called for a third-party registry of convicted or credibly accused pastors and church workers. Such an idea was struck down in 2008 in part because SBC leaders could not force churches to report such information to a registry.

(Read the original statement from Second Baptist. Read their updated statement.)

But in the wake of the newspapers' reporting, there's been a growing call for drastic action.

Thom Rainer, CEO of the SBC's publishing arm LifeWay resources, told the Chronicle that his organization does not currently provide materials for how churches can assist victims of sexual abuse, something Rainer called a "mistake we need to correct, and that we will correct."

He also said that background checks for ordination, ministerial or informal staff candidates have been almost non-existent both at churches and entities he's helped lead, an issue he said LifeWay plans to spearhead as soon as possible.

Rainer is one of multiple SBC entity heads who told the Chronicle that they support some sort of registry.

"I think this is the loudest I've ever heard it, (and) from the most influential sources," he said. "That is absolutely huge. We've definitely had people advocating it up to this point, but it has never been at the crescendo that it is now."

'A safe place'

Women whose lives were affected by sexual abuse committed by former Second Baptist employees expressed hope that the call for investigating the Houston megachurch might help make a difference in the future.

Gwen Casados' daughter Heather was only 14 when she was sexually molested in a choir room at Second Baptist in 1994 by a church employee. Casados said she received a call from Young who initially offered to do whatever he could to help her daughter. But after she told Young she had already called police, he hung up. She said her daughter suffered more because church leaders seemed to take the employee's side against the victim.

Casados told the Chronicle that she hopes a formal review will convince Young and others to "take responsibility for these things happening and stand up against these people."

"I think they should take the responsibility of listening to the child and not to the predator."

Nicole for years belonged to Second Baptist Church's Cypress campus, where she was one of several teenagers who were groomed and sexually harassed by former youth pastor Chad Foster.

She also welcomed news that her former church may be scrutinized for its inaction to response to pleas she and others made on behalf of all of Foster's victims, including youth group members who never went to the police and those who did. "It sounds like this is making waves and that is what we need. It seems like people are talking about it now  and before no one was talking about this."

Foster is now a registered sex offender. Second Baptist was civilly sued over sex abuse allegations involving Foster.

The pastor of Brentwood Baptist church, another church on Greear's list, has been sued three times for allegations that he or another pastor sexually harassed adults, court records show. Two civil cases involved parishioners he counseled; at least one was settled.

Houston's Cathedral of Faith, The Church of New Beginnings, also appears on the list. It was founded by a pastor who is also a registered sex offender.

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.
Georgia's Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has called upon the public to refrain from political speculations regarding the TBC Bank-related case, as the issue is not political.

Bakhtadze made the statement in the wake of the decision of the National Bank of Georgia earlier last week, which demanded the withdrawal of the head of the supervisory council of the Georgian leading TBC bank Mamuka Khazaradze and the deputy head Badri Japaridze from the council due to the money-laundering case involving the two.

Khazarade vowed a "fight for justice" and connected the "deliberate campaign" to the TBC holdings leading role in the internationally important Anaklia deep-sea port project.

"Unfortunately, we have heard only political speculations regarding the issue. This is not a political issue and if anyone has pretentions, they must provide genuine arguments," Agenda cited the PM as saying.

He added that the National Bank of Georgia makes decisions based on the "very high professional standards."
A couple was found shot to death at their Sugar Land home Monday morning in what police are investigating as a possible murder-suicide.

A disconnected 911 call led authorities to the 1200 block of Pendergrass in Telfair subdivision around 6 a.m., where they found 46-year-old Shanti Nakirekanti dead in the driveway, Sugar Land city spokesman Doug Adolph said.
Jason Fochtman, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle

The board of the Conroe Independent School District is expected to name a new principal of Dolly Vogel Intermediate school in Oak Ridge North.

The board will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 at the Deane L. Sadler Administration/Technology center along West Davis Street.
Like most dogs, Meg Rayburn wasnt a fan of New Years celebrations.

Theres the noise, the flashing lights in the sky and the pop, pop, pop of firecrackers.

But this year, the 2-year-old dachshund had an even greater reason to dislike the holiday: An unknown assailant had strapped the brown pooch with fireworks and set them off.

The duct tape used to stick the fireworks to her body had melted into her fur and flesh, leaving behind charred pieces of adhesive and skin, said Toni Rumley, Dachshund Rescue of Houston treasurer, volunteer coordinator and board member.

This is a situation where humans let Meg down, Rumley said, noting that Megs story is just one of many horrifying cases the rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has seen in its 20 years of existence.

GOOD BOY: Theodore the Rottweiler found in horrific conditions off the side of a Houston road needs your help

On Saturday, Patsys Pet Market, located at 1644 South Mason Road in Katy, is hosting a Mardi Paws Crawfish Boil to raise money for Meg and dogs like her, who have found themselves in unfortunate situations due to the actions of humans.

When we first learned about Megs heartbreaking story and the needs of Dachshund Rescue of Houston, we knew that we wanted to step up and help, said Patsy McGirl in a statement. McGirl is the owner of Patsys Pet Market.

The event, which begins at noon on Saturday, Feb. 23, will feature crawfish plates with a suggested donation of $8.

To be fully vetted by the rescue, the average healthy dog requires between $400 and $500 of veterinarian services, Rumley said. An injured or a heartworm positive dog can increase the costs to more than $1,000.

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Since being rescued in January, Meg has been adopted and she is doing outstanding, Rumley said.

Her adopters are in love with her, she said. She is a fabulous little girl. She is a little shy, but she is recovering day by day and continuing to trust people.

Meg and her adopters will attend Saturdays benefit, Rumley added.

The good news is that humans are also making it to where we can not only help (Meg), but help other dogs beyond this, she said. This is exactly what rescue is all about. We are there to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome these dogs.

michelle.iracheta@chron.com
Upcoming discussions between Fort Bend ISD and county officials could lead to a memorial and cemetery for 95 people, believed to have been convict laborers, on the site where their remains were discovered last year during a school construction project.

Officials and activists expressed hope that the negotiations, authorized Monday night by Fort Bend ISD trustees and on Feb. 12 by county commissioners, could lead to an agreement for the school district to convey to Fort Bend County the land where the abandoned cemetery was discovered. The county would build and maintain a permanent resting place for the people who were buried there.

"They'll work through all of those things," said Veronica Sopher, spokeswoman for Fort Bend ISD. "Our hope is that we're going to be able to come to an agreement with the county that preserves and memorializes the Sugar Land 95."

The discovery of the remains during construction of a new technical center drew national attention. The remains were exhumed and examined by archaeological experts. As the process unfolded, the school district said it lacked the legal authority and expertise to oversee the burial site.

The school district ultimately pursued a plan to bury the remains at the Old Imperial Farm Cemetery. Members of a task force appointed by the city of Sugar Land to study the issue protested, saying the remains should be kept at the original site.

The district's proposal remains pending before a state district judge. Discussions with the county, however, could result in a different plan to bury and memorialize them on a piece of the land where the remains were discovered, according to a timeline on the school district's website.

The district says delays and archaeological work have added to construction costs, but the James Reese Career and Technical center is still scheduled to open in the fall.

Before taking the formal step to authorize the negotiations on Monday, trustees deliberated during a closed session that lasted a little over an hour.

During the public part of the meeting, U.S. Rep. Al Green and other community members implored Fort Bend school officials to come to an agreement that will respectfully honor the 95 African-Americans whose remains were found at the site.

Elected officials stood around Green as he took the microphone during public comment, looking stoic as his voice echoed throughout the room.

"This is an opportunity for us to show the world that we will respect the remains of people regardless as to who they are, regardless as to what their station in life was, regardless as to where they are found," Green said. "We are going to respect them. We are going to treat them with dignity and respect. This is what a great country does. Ours is a great country."

The elected officials present at the school board meeting, including County Judge KP George, District Attorney Brian Middleton, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant, and others signed a letter earlier this month urging school officials to keep the remains at the site and to halt construction.

Community activists for months have called for the remains to stay on the site where they were discovered last year, and for development of a memorial. The remains are believed to be those of former prisoners in the convict leasing system, through which inmates were contracted out to perform cheap labor across the state.

"There's no price you can put on a historical find that is as important as this," said Swatara Olushola, an activist who served on the city's cemetery task force. "There's no price you can put on my history. There's no price that you can put on our connection to our ancestors. They are speaking to us. They did not ask to be uncovered on that ground."

During public comment before trustees went in closed session to deliberate, Cynthia Ginyard, Fort Bend Democratic Party Chair, said she applauded school officials for moving in the right direction but acknowledged there were still decisions to be made.

"We realize that getting to this point was not easy," said Ginyard. "Tough decisions are not always easy. They're not always comfortable. So, I want to pat you on the back for that. However, you are probably more aware than I am that there are still a ways to go."

As he closed his remarks, Green mentioned the meeting he had with elected officials that led to the letter being sent to school district officials.

"But, it's not enough to have a historic meeting," said Green. "We have to a historic result. This is our opportunity. Each one of us, at some point on the infinite continuum that we call time, we will all have to account for our time. On that day, the question won't be, how many rich people did you feed, how many full bellies did you take care of? The question is gonna be what did you do for the least, the last and the lost?"

Staff writer Emily Foxhall contributed to this report.

brooke.lewis@chron.com

twitter.com/brookelewisa

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Firefighters extracted a man from a mangled car early Sunday, after a calamitous crash in southwest Houston.

Officials arrived around 12:20 at the intersection of Blueridge and Bahia, near the Sam Houston Tollway and Fort Bend Tollway. According to witnesses, the driver was traveling southbound along Blueridge at a high rate of speed, near a slight curve, when he drove off the roadway. The car careened across a small grassy area, across a parking lot and then slammed into a wooden power pole, snapping it. The car then hit a concrete wall.

The driver was removed from the wreckage and transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Police said they were investigating whether alcohol was a factor in the crash, but had no certainty of what caused the driver to leave the road.
The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office is investigating a fatal shooting at a taco stand east of Conroe.

MCSO said dispatchers received a 911 call around 10:23 a.m. Saturday for the shooting in the 21120 block of Texas 105 East, which is near Security First Baptist Church off of Park Road.

Initial reports are that a male was involved in a disturbance with the owner of a taco stand and was shot, MCSO stated in a release. The owner of the taco stand called 911 immediately after the shooting to request help.

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Deputies and detectives in the Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit along with Crime Scene Investigators are still investigating the incident. No further information is available at this time.

mellsworth@hcnonline.com
A grand jury will determine if any charges will be brought against a taco stand owner who fatally shot a man following a dispute at his business Saturday morning in Cut and Shoot in eastern Montgomery County.

The matter is still under investigation. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed, Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Brett Ligon said.

The owner of Taqueria Maria Bonita at 21120 on Texas 105 East dialed 911 immediately after the shooting around 10:23 a.m., the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said in a press release.

The business owner and the man he shot knew each other and there was a dispute about an incident between the two earlier in the week, Sheriffs Office Lt. John Schmitt said. The owner retrieved a gun from his vehicle and shot the other man three or four times, Schmitt added.

A 16-year-old taco stand employee was present during the shooting, he said.

Neither the victim or the shooter have been identified.

Ligon said the business owner, regardless of whether he was licensed to carry, was in lawful possession of a gun because of the Castle Doctrine. According to Cornell Law School, the Castle Doctrine is an exception to a rule in place in some jurisdictions that requires a defendant to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense. The castle exception states that if a defendant is in his home or business he is not required to retreat prior to using deadly force in self defense.

Ligon declined further comment pending the outcome of the investigation.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

twitter.com/jrgzztx
A man wanted for breaking into a womans car moments after she pulled into the garage at her home has been arrested.

According to Harris County Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heaps office, Jamarkus Jerome Page, 26, was arrested and has been charges with felony counts of burglary and credit card fraud. Page was arrested by Houston Police Department officers on Valentines Day with the help of Precinct 5 investigators. The current charges are first-degree felonies with a potential sentence of between 5 and 99 years and a fine up to $10,000.

According to investigators with Constable Ted Heaps Office, the suspect snatched a purse in the 1000 block of Arrow Hill Road in west Houston. The suspect was later the same day caught on surveillance video using the victims stolen credit cards to purchase Valentine Love gift cards at a nearby superstore.

Page is currently being held in Harris County Jail. He has an extensive criminal history dating back to 2011 in Harris County. He has been charged with felonies six times in the county.

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A motion for bond denial has been filed with the court. Page was reportedly out on bail from Montgomery County at the time of his latest alleged crime. He also has an active felony case in Fort Bend County for credit or debit card abuse.

The victim in the latest case is a west Houston woman older than 65. She was returning home after shopping at a nearby grocery store on Wednesday, Jan. 23. The suspect was caught on home security video pulling up in front of the home and waiting for the victim to pull into her garage. He was observed running into the garage where he broke the passenger side window of the womans vehicle, stole her purse and then ran back to his white four-door sedan and speeding off.

Within minutes, the suspect ran up hundreds of dollars in fraudulent purchases with the victims stolen credit cards for what appears to be his Valentines shopping at a discount store at Highway 6 and Westpark, the Constables Office reported.

According to investigators, Page is also under investigation for a series of other purse snatchings and robberies in the west Houston area.

Anyone wanting to report information about this or other crimes in the Precinct 5 coverage area may submit tips online.

rkent@hcnonline.com
Authorities say that a female neighbor was shot at her apartment complex on Antoine Drive in northwest Houston. The neighbor reportedly complained to her other neighbors about loud music, and asked them to turn it down.

Harris County investigators said that some people in the apartment complex started throwing beer cans, and then someone shot one time at the female neighbor, striking her in the shoulder.
Stereotypical images of stay-at-home moms and ladies who lunch begone. The reality of the Junior League is a group of trained female volunteers who raise funds and develop projects to meet pressing community needs.

At the Junior League of Houston, specifically, more than 78 percent of its members work full time. This year, the local nonprofit will contribute approximately $2 million in volunteer hours and direct financial support to the Houston community.
The incident involving a Bek Air aircraft occurred at the Almaty International Airport today.

Departure of the flight Almaty - Astana was delayed due to damage to the aircraft. The aircraft's fuselage near baggage door sustained damage in the course of loading, Sputnik - Kazakhstan cited the airport's press service as saying.

No casualties have been reported. Bek Airhas dispatched a reserve aircraft to Astana so that the passengers can continue their journey/

The accident didn't affect the airport's work.
There's new hog royalty in Houston. E.J. Miller, executive chef of International Smoke at CityCentre, took home the title of Prince of Porc at the 2019 Cochon555 chef competition on Sunday held at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston.

The piggy showdown  five local chefs used five heritage pigs to create five nose-to-tail dishes  was the highlight of the culinary event that is designed to raise awareness and appreciation for heritage breed pigs and farmers. Miller competed against Marcos Navarro of Bayou & Bottle at the Four Seasons; Quy Hoang, pitmaster at Blood Bros. BBQ; Jess DeSham Timmons, co-chef at Cherry Block Craft Butcher & Kitchen; and Richard Knight of Atlas Diner. (Both Cherry Block and Atlas are part of the lineup at Bravery Chef Hall, opening soon in downtown Houston.)
Deputies believe they have recovered the body of a Rye, Texas woman in Liberty County who had been missing since Jan. 2.

Liberty County Sheriffs Office Investigator Steven Rasberry and Houston Police Department Homicide Detective Gordon Sullivan both said Jennifer Scott-Perkins could be the woman found. The person was discovered Feb. 17 in a vehicle that was pulled from the Trinity River at the FM 787 bridge in the north part of the county.

The car matched the description of the vehicle Scott-Perkins was driving. However, while a body was discovered in the vehicle, no positive identification could be made. An autopsy was ordered by Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Judge Wade Brown.

Submitted

The 48-year-old Perkins had been missing from her Houston home since the beginning of the new year and had not been seen nor heard from since her cell phone last pinged just west of Rye close to dark on that day. Her vehicle hadnt been found either.

RELATED: HPD, LCSO seek help for missing woman in Liberty County

Her disappearance launched a joint search effort between the Liberty County Sheriffs Office, Houston Police Homicide Division, and Texas EquuSearch. Searchers used sonar on the water of the Trinity, foot searches, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and aerial hunting to find the missing woman. According to the Sheriffs Office, the searches were non-productive due, primarily, to the adverse water conditions.

Relatives and friends told investigators that she had some personal issues and in one of her last cell phone calls indicated that she intended to take her own life.

That comment coupled with the locations of her last cell phone call led investigators in the vicinity of the FM 787 bridge.

Investigator Rasberry and Texas EquuSearch director Tim Miller said the FM 787 bridge might be a logical location to search because her car had not been found abandoned and there is a paved ramp leading down to the flooded Trinity River.

It wasnt the first time investigators had searched the area.

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Just two weeks earlier, Texas EquuSearch boat operator Dennis Waters attempted to use the sonar to scan the bottom of the river near the same ramp, but swift currents and flooded conditions prevented a successful attempt due to the dangerous flooded conditions.

A drop in the water level to a safe zone allowed for another attempt with the sonar and a vehicle matching the description of the one driven by Perkins was located and retrieved from about 35-feet of water.

dtaylor@hcnonline.com
Cleveland Mayor Otis Cohn stood before the community and addressed the important topics Cleveland is tackling at his State of the City address on Jan 12 at the Civic Center.

Cohn mentioned five words that he has recited several times.

Cleveland does more with less, Cohn said.

The theme of Cohns 2019 address to the city was the same as his speech in the address in 2018  the growth of Cleveland.

I think that anyone who drives around the city a little bit can see the growth, Cohn said. Even when you drive on the outside of the city you can see the growth too. People want to retire to Cleveland, and I would like to see that continue. We have to start thinking big picture now.

The growth is eminent in Cleveland with the industrial properties moving to the city, including three new developments planned ahead.

HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Legislators look to help victims of future storms

One project that will have a big impact on Cleveland will be the Grand Oaks Reserve project, which is located on the west side of the city. The plans are for homes to be sold from $200,000 to $1 million.

Plus another group plans to develop 40 acres into a commercial district that will bring two new neighborhoods that will offer homes in the $100,000-250,000 price range.

Its no secret that the rapid growth is affecting the school district  Cleveland ISD is 12 students away from adding 1,000 students in the 2018-2019 school year.

The school board approved a bond election in May that could mean more facilities for the district. The bond has been projected to be in the price ranged of $225-250 million dollars, which could be the highest school bond in Liberty County history.

POLITICS NEWS FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Texans on both sides find plenty to not like in government shutdown deal

The 900 pound gorilla in the room is the school district, Cohn said. I would ask people to consider a new bond even with bonds passing in the several years past. In the next school year Cleveland is going to become a 6A school, and it doesnt get any bigger than that folks.

Cohn also thanked the city services for all their effort that they give to the community every day.

He also thank police chief Darrel Broussard on keeping the city safe and the fire department for answering every call to help those in need of danger.

Cohn knows that the city wouldnt be without its employees giving great effort every day.

Im proud about all of our employees on how they they keep the city running smoothy, Cohn said.

marcus.gutierrez@chron.com

TEXAS TAKE: Catch the political news you need every weekday at HoustonChronicle.com.
Spain's Repsol made a new gas discovery in Indonesia just a few miles from ConocoPhillips' operations, likely sparking new interest in the Houston oil and gas firm's future in the region, according to a new report.

ConocoPhillips is aiming to extend its production sharing contract in Indonesia's Corridor Block, and the new Repsol discovery could convince ConocoPhillips to want to expand its position in the Asian region, said Wood Mackenzie's research director Andrew Harwood.
Associated Credit Union has relocated its Pearland-Friendswood branch to 1504 Broadway St., Pearland.

The Pearland and Friendswood Chambers of Commerce will jointly host a grand opening on Thursday, February 28, from 4-5 p.m. for members of the business community.
Most Houstonians will recognize Rashi Vats as a familiar face. That's because the vibrant news anchor and reporter has been coming to you from the small screen since she joined Fox 26 Houston in August 2013.

KPRC's Andy Cerota: Things you don't know about me

A native Houstonian, Vats earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in broadcast journalism from the Schieffer School of Journalism at Texas Christian University.

After college, Vats moved overseas where she interned at the CBS London Bureau in the spring of 2007.

Later that year, she was chosen as an International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) Summer Fellow and relocated to New York City, where interned for CBS Evening News.

Sneak peek: Get a look at KHOU's new studios

After working in TV news at stations throughout the country, including KBTX in Bryan/College Station, KZTV in Corpus Christi and KXII in Sherman, Texas, Vats was thrilled to return to her hometown.

Vats, who you can follow on Facebook or Twitter, is married and has a 2-year-old son.

For 20 things you don't know about Rashi Vats, click through the slideshow above.

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
Historically, most U.S. presidents head back to their hometowns after their terms in the Oval Office, but there have been some notable exceptions in recent years.

President Barack Obama bucked the trend by staying in Washington, D.C. The Obamas opted to stay in D.C. for a few years, until youngest daughter Sasha finishes high school. According to DCist, the first family will be the first president to remain in D.C. post-presidency since Woodrow Wilson left office in 1921.

>>Take a look at where presidents have lived before and after the White House in the gallery above.

The Obamas leased a stately 1928 home in the Kalorma neighborhood of D.C. With a 10-car garage and nine bedrooms, the home seems well suited for the Secret Service. Their monthly rent has not been disclosed, but the home most recently sold for $5,295,000 in May 2014.

HoustonChronicle.com: The most expensive Houston homes sold this decade

When George W. Bush left the White House, he and his wife, Laura, moved to Dallas' prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood. According to the New York Times, he has a "man cave" that contains "mementos and pictures from his time in power."

His father, the late George H.W. Bush, returned to Houston when he left office in 1994. He and his wife, Barbara, settled into a red-brick home on West Oak Drive South in Tanglewood.

"We are living in our new house, built on our famous tiny lot, and it is perfect for us," the Massachusetts-born former president told a New York Times reporter via fax.

"They really are very nice neighbors," their neighbor told the Times in 1994. "They are just trying so hard to have normal, quiet life."

Will President Trump return to Trump Tower upon his departure from the White House? That's yet to be announced (and won't be for a while if he's re-elected). He's already spent several weekends at his "Winter White House," Mar-a-Lago, which is now his primary residence. His former registered domicile, the Manhattan penthouse, is where he was rumored to have spent most of his personal downtime.

An article once stated that Trump is "a homebody who often flew several hours late at night during the campaign so he could wake up in his own bed in Trump Tower."
Once again, Houston had plenty of extravagance on hand for the city's rich and famous.

But it also had the return of AstroWorld. Sort of.

No, Houston's old theme park didn't magically sprout back up from the ground, but fans did gather at the Toyota Center Wednesday for rapper Travis Scott's big "Astroworld" concert.

On Valentine's Day, famous chefs Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse and Chris Shepherd celebrated Valobra Master Jeweler's grand opening in River Oaks.

And love was still in the air Friday night, as the Houston Children's Charity held its 22nd gala at the Post Oak Hotel on Feb. 15.

HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Three Wonder Women emerge in Stanton Welch's new 'Sylvia' for Houston Ballet

The "Romance on the Red Carpet" gala raised $1.9 million for the Houston Children's Charity at the Post Oak Hotel, and '70s band Styx was on hand to perform for the crowd.

The lavish black-tie event also saw mayoral candidate Tony Buzbee win a six-figure BMW during a live auction  for the second year in a row.

From Astroworld to "Romance on the Red Carpet," lick through the gallery above to see this past week's best scenes from Houston high society.

LIVING IN HOUSTON: Get the most out of the city. Read about new trends, home decor, gardening and more at HoustonChronicle.com.
"Saturday Night Live," not surprisingly, took on President Donald Trump's meandering news conference declaring a national emergency at the southern border of the United States.

"Wall works, wall makes safe," Alec Baldwin's Trump said. "You don't have to be smart to understand that - in fact it's even easier to understand if you're not that smart."

More for you News Pundits say Trump let something slip that may help...

"SNL" kicked off its version of the news conference with Trump embellishing the results of his recent physical: "I'm still standing 67, 185 pounds - shredded," Baldwin deadpanned before making the case for a wall along the southern border.

"We need wall, OK. We have a tremendous amount of drugs flowing into this country from the southern border - or the brown line, as many people have asked me not to call it."

"You all see why I gotta fake this emergency, right? I have to because I want to," he added. "It's really simple. We have a problem. Drugs are coming into this country through no wall."

"I'm basically taking military money so I can has wall," he explained before offering a breathless vision of what might happen as the result of his national emergency declaration:

"I'll immediately be sued and the ruling will not go in my favor and then it will end up in the Supreme Court and then I'll call my buddy (Brett) Kavanaugh and I'll say 'it's time to repay the Donny,' and he'll say, 'new phone, who dis?' And by then the Mueller report will be released, crumbling my house of cards and I can plead insanity and do a few months in the puzzle factory and my personal hell of playing president will finally be over."

The spoof mirrored other elements of Trump's actual news conference. Baldwin's Trump declared his love for tariffs and told a reporter to "sit down." And he declined to answer a questions from an NBC reporter, while praising ABC - only in "SNL's" version, Trump said he liked ABC because the network airs "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD."

One reporter, played by Heidi Gardner, asked a question that began much like one that was asked during the real news conference: "In your remarks today you said you were too new to politics earlier in your administration," she said. "Is that an admission that you are, in fact, just kind of winging it?"

"Come on doll. I'm learning," he said. "Let's not forget, technically, this is my first real job."

Trump thought back to the time Barack "Obama explained president" to him in the Oval Office as "SNL" focused its bite on a few familiar targets.

"I thought Obama was joking," he said. "Had I known then what I know now, I would have told Putin to just give the job to Hillary instead. Next question!"
Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Gulsen Annagiyeva performed within the framework of the 'Azerbaijani musicians in the chamber halls of the Moscow Conservatory' cycle yesterday. Works by Edison Denisov, Olivier Messiaen, Claude Debussy, Faraj Garayev, Victor Ekimovsky, Nazim Mirisli and Yuri Vorontsov were performed at the 'Phrases' piano recital, which was held with the support of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture. The concert was opened by the leading expert of the Association of Contemporary Music, Doctor of Art Criticism Rauf Farhadov. Before the performance starts, he told the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza about the project.

- What is interesting about Gulsen Annagiyeva's performance program?

- This is the third concert from the 'Azerbaijani musicians in the chamber halls of the Moscow Conservatory' cycle. Today Gulsen Annagiyeva is presenting her program. She is one of leading Azerbaijani pianists, well known in Europe. The program is called 'Phrases' (FRAses in Russian) and stands for France, Russia, Azerbaijan. These are three important components of the concert. If we consider that the Russian composition school was formed under the influence of the European one, and therefore French, and the Azerbaijani composition school was formed under the influence of the Russian and French ones, there is a historical symbiosis, which will be presented by Gulsen today.

- What other performers are involved in the project?

- The Autumn-Spring season is completed by Osman Eyyublu, who will present a multimedia project with various video installations on March 16. He is both a violinist and a pianist. The concert will be held in the Myaskovsky hall (Jahangir Selimkhanov: "The world know Azerbaijan as land of ancient culture, as well as modern and dynamically developing country"). The next cycle will start in October.

- What is the difference between Gulsen and other musicians?

- She is a person standing apart from all conjuncture and fashion. A person who has never clawed her way up, but at the same time remains a wonderful performer with a beautiful touch. The way Gulsen plays Debussy, Ravel ... there's not many performers like this.
CERAWeek, the annual conference of the international energy industry in Houston, has always been a barometer of sorts for the state of the industry and its challenges and its less than a month away.

A recurrent theme of interest to us as marketing scholars is that energy leaders, battling an all-time low level of trust, have been devising new ways to get the public back on their side.

Seven years ago, during the 2012 CERAWeek, then-Shell CEO Peter Voser said, We need to do a better job of listening and responding. As an industry, we should insist on strong regulation and enforcement to ensure everyone in the industry does the right job.

Yet a 2014 survey of over a thousand U.S. residents showed that the trust gap only widened after these remarks were made. Asked how much faith they had in oil and gas companies to provide information on conserving energy, less than one in five ranked these companies as very trustworthy. In contrast, federal agencies like the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency were perceived as trustworthy by 24 percent, while environmental groups and the academic/scientific community were rated as trustworthy by nearly half of those surveyed.

Have things improved since then? In early 2018, we surveyed 1,150 managers, employees and executives of companies that buy goods and services from energy companies like BP, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, Halliburton, Shell and Schlumberger. As these respondents are energy industry insiders, we expected them to strongly trust oil and gas companies to provide information on how to use energy more efficiently. But only 36 percent trusted their own industry suppliers to provide such information. Almost twice as many  67 percent  trusted the academic/scientific community to provide such information, and 51 percent trusted environmental groups.

Most energy industry leaders believe this trust deficit can be fixed through a robust communication strategy. Some advocate educating their customers and the general public, while others advocate more transparency and disclosure. We need to fully disclose chemical compositions, Anadarkos then-CEO, Jim Hackett, declared at the 2012 CERAWeek conference.

Decades of psychological research, however, reveals that when a sources credibility is low, people are unlikely to believe the information provided by that source  no matter how accurate. If their customers already distrust them, energy companies cannot bridge the trust gap by providing more information, being more transparent or educating their customers. Since neither the general public nor their own customers trust them, any information, education and transparency efforts companies undertake are going to fall flat.

But there is a solution. For energy-related information, customers of energy industry companies trust both the academic/scientific community and environmental groups. To build trust with their own customers, then, energy industry companies need to build strong relationships with trusted stakeholders  in this case, the academic and scientific community and environmental groups. If these trusted stakeholders are deeply involved in conducting research and providing useful guidance, then perhaps energy industry companies can gain the trust of their own customers and the general public.

Degree to which you trust each to provide information on how to use energy efficiently Academic/scientific 67 percent Environmental groups 51 percent U.S. business community 42 percent Federal government agency 38 percent Oil and gas companies 36 percent Media 34 percent Source: Interviews with 1,150 customers of more than 45 energy industries companies. See More Collapse

To do this, CEOs of energy companies need to re-evaluate their current approach of providing information directly to their customers, and switch to ensuring that information is provided by a trusted source. Energy companies have not earned the designation of being a trusted source, but they can get there by collaborating with institutions that have.

Vikas Mittal is the J. Hugh Liedtke Professor of Marketing at the Jones Graduate School of Business. at Rice University. Shrihari Sridhar is the CED Professor of Marketing, Presidential Impact Fellow, and Associate Professor of Marketing, and Research Director of the Professional Selling Initiative at Texas A&Ms Mays Business School.
The Irving power company Vistra Energy is buying a Connecticut power provider in a deal that will make Vistra the nations biggest seller of residential electricity and expand its market share in Texas as the industry continues to consolidate.

Vistra recently said it would pay $328 million to acquire Crius Energy of Norwalk, Conn., in a deal that would expand Vistras footprint to 19 states and add another million customers, bringing the total to 3.9 million customers about 1 million more than its rival NRG, of Houston and Princeton, N.J., serves nationally. Crius owns several brands that sell power in Texas including TriEagle Energy, Energy Rewards and Viridian Energy, although neither Vistra nor Crius disclosed how many customers the brands serve here.

Vistra, whose best known brand is TXU, still lags NRG in Texas, where NRG has been on its own buying spree. NRG Energy sells about 31 percent of the electricity sold in Texas, followed by Vistra Energy, with 23 percent, and Direct Energy, a unit of the British-owned Centrica, with about 10 percent, according to NRG, which presented market share data to analysts last year.

On HoustonChronicle.com: NRG has its checkbook out as power sellers consolidate

These big players are moving to become bigger. In its most recent deal, NRG paid $44 million last year to acquire several retail electric providers and brand names that added 115,000 new customer accounts, according to financial records. In June, NRG paid $219 million for Xoom Energy, an electricity and natural gas retailer in 19 states and Canada that added another 300,000 customers.

Direct Energy has also had its checkbook out, buying a competitor Source Power & Gas of Sugar Land, a subsidiary of an Australian company ERM Power last fall. Source had 4,000 customers in seven states, including Texas

The increasing concentration could eventually mean higher prices as fewer players compete for customers. Its net negative for the consumers, said Trent Crow, founder of Houston-based Real Simple Energy, a website that searches for the cheapest electricity plans.

More Information Texas has 27 fewer residential retail electricity sellers in 2018 compared to the previous year, according to a Public Utility Commission report for the Texas Legislature. In North Texas, an area that includes Abilene and San Angelo, consumers can choose from 24 retail electricity providers, down from 49 a year ago. The Houston area had 51 retail electric providers last year, down from 55 in 2017. See More Collapse

Texas has 27 fewer residential retail electricity sellers in 2018 compared to the previous year, according to a Public Utility Commission report for the Texas Legislature. The Houston area had 51 retail electric providers last year, down from 55 in 2017.

While Power to Choose, the electricity shopping website sponsored by the state, looks jam-packed with options, many of those brands are owned by the same companies. Vistra, in addition to TXU, owns 4Change Energy and Express Energy. Centrica owns Bounce Energy and First Choice Power as well as Direct Energy. NRG owns Reliant Energy, Cirro Energy, Pennywise Power, Green Mountain Energy and Discount Power, which NRG bought in October from Volterra Energy Holdings.

There is an illusion of choice, said Adrian Shelley, director of the Texas office of the consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Legislator wants to kill Power to Choose website

Vistra Energy declined to comment. NRG spokeswoman Pat Hammond said her companys acquisitions wont change the robust competitive market in Texas. State regulators agree, noting, among other factors, that new competitors can easily enter the Texas retail power market.

Vistras purchase of Crius is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter.
Midland oil company Diamondback Energy is ready for a round of new drilling projects in the Permian Basin - less than three months after completing a $9.2 billion merger with Alabama oil company Energen.

Diamondback recently filed a 27 drilling permit applications with the Railroad Commission for projects on a dozen leases in Glasscock, Martin and Reeves counties. The companys 23 drilling projects in Glasscock and Martin counties target the Spraberry geological formation at total depths varying from 9,140 to 11,364 feet. Four drilling projects in Reeves County target the Wolfcamp geological formation at total depths ranging from 11,000 to 12,000 feet.

The company filed for 230 drilling permits in 2018.

The companys 528 Texas leases produced nearly 22.3 million barrels of crude oil and more than 38.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas during the first 11 months of 2018.

Diamondback closed its merger with Energen in late November. Filing 152 drilling permits in 2018, Energen was ranked at the 15th most active driller in Texas. Combined, the companies are poised to be ranked in fifth place, just behind Exxon Mobils drilling arm, XTO Energy.

Permian Basin

Midland oil company Concho Resources is preparing for nine drilling projects targeting three geological layers. The company is seeking permission to drill four horizontal wells in Upton County targeting the oil-rich Pegasus field. A horizontal drilling project in Reeves County targets the Wolfbone field. Four horizontal drilling projects in Andrews County target the Spraberry geological layer.

Eagle Ford Shale

Top Drillers in Texas (Wednesday, Feb. 6 through Tuesday, Feb. 12) Diamondback Energy 27 Exxon Mobil 21 EOG Resources 21 Trinity Operating 12 Concho Resources 8 PetroBal 7 Earthstone Energy 7 Endeavor Energy Resources 7 Noble Energy 6 Apache Corporation 6 Source: Railroad Commission of Texas See More Collapse

Houston oil company Trinity Operating is gearing up for nine horizontal drilling projects in South Texas. The companys proposed wells all target the Eagleville field at a total depth of 10,000 feet.

Haynesville Shale

Two horizontal drilling permits were filed in the Haynesville Shale,and both went to Houstons Sabine Oil & Gas. The company is planning to drill two horizontal gas wells targeting the Carthage field down to a total depth of 11,900 feet.

Barnett Shale

Oklahoma Citys Devon Energy was the only company to file a drilling permit application for a horizontal drilling permit in the Barnett Shale of North Texas. The companys gas well is targeting Newark East field of the Barnett shale geological layer down to a total depth of 9,000 feet. Meanwhile, the Dallas office of Mexican oil company PetroBal filed seven drilling permit applications for vertical wells on six leases in Jack County.

Conventionals

Dallas oil company Scout Energy Management is preparing to drill two vertical wells east of Amarillo. The company is planning to drill two gas wells on its Burnett lease in Carson County targeting the Panhandle West field down to a total depth of 4,000 feet.
What the Sermon of the Year can do for preachers  and the church

The Sermon of the Year event is run by Preach Magazine and London School of Theology, and it's aimed at encouraging and celebrating the art of preaching. It's open to everyone, from those writing their first sermon to seasoned preachers and established ministers.

The top 10 shortlisted sermons may appear in a book published by Preach and available to purchase. This is a non-profit publication to record the best of each year's entries, and sales go towards the costs of production.

The top four finalists will be invited to preach their sermon live in front of an audience and a panel of judges. Prizes include generous book vouchers and, for the winner, a year's free study.

Christian Today asked Preach editor Louisa Lockwood about the event.

CT: What makes a good sermon?

LL: For a practical answer, I can point you to the guidelines for the Sermon of the Year event! We have set out a short list of six points that tell people what we will be looking for when they send us their carefully-crafted 1,500 word sermon... and I have to stop there already because to be honest, we receive a number of entries that ignore all the advice and just cut straight to the writer's own passionate, messy story of transformation in encountering God. These real stories that explain the impact of God's love in one person's life can be deeply moving  often I sense that the Holy Spirit has inspired them to write and share in this way through Sermon of the Year and that this is an important starting point for something new in their lives.

However, then I have to remind myself that there is a difference between a testimony and a sermon and that is why we have guidelines to follow and can call on the experience and wisdom of an external, impartial adjudicator to make a selection of 10, and then four finalists. All entries are made anonymous before they go to adjudication.

The world is so vast and our minds are so complex, we love to create structure and methodology to make sense of it and ourselves. So we start with a list only to find ourselves blown away by pieces of heartfelt writing that are soaked in God's presence.

CT: What makes a bad sermon?

LL: Perhaps the most seat-squirming sermons happen when the preacher shows no understanding about who they are talking to and who they should be talking about.

CT: Can a sermon competition be a spiritually healthy event, and if so how?

LL: We don't want to be exclusive  we want to encourage as many people as possible, at whatever stage on their own journey of faith and understanding of the Bible, to write a sermon. We have avoided using a direct Bible quote for the theme  instead reading Scripture around an idea, listening to what's relevant in the world, and extracting a short phase that we hope will resonate with many people.

The competition is a light-hearted device to encourage people from all sorts of backgrounds to write a sermon. The event itself is a celebration of the art of sermon-writing and live preaching. The team behind Sermon of the Year pray through all aspects of the event and continue to be astonished at the blessings that God pours out over this idea. Initiated by Jo Swinney and Matt Adcock, it's now in its fourth year and attracts entries from all over the UK, from Scotland to Northern Ireland, Wales and Cornwall. Entries come from those writing their first sermon or their 500th sermon; some are only 20 years old while others are in their 80s. Roughly equal numbers of men and women apply.

CT: What are you looking for in entries?

Initially that the guidelines have been noted. But ultimately, that there is an authentic, Spirit-led inspiration in the written and spoken word.

Oh  and that they are with us by midnight on Sunday March 3, 2019! Apply now.

CT: Who preached the best sermon you've ever heard, and what was it about?

LL: I've heard so, so many good sermons! I think we are blessed with an astounding range of God-inspired preachers in the UK. I've been moved by reading sermons from preachers long since dead; I've been moved by a sermon pre-recorded in California and broadcast days later at a conference; I've had tears and elation at early morning, intimate sermons in the Hungry Tent at New Wine; I've laughed at funny stories woven into great truths in Anglican, Baptist and Methodist churches  there is no best sermon. Each one depends on the dynamic relationship at that point in space and time between God, the preacher and the listener.

CT: How long should a sermon be?

LL: Ahem. 1500 words of course.

CT: How can preachers get better at preaching?

Some self-awareness is necessary in the early days, but we have to get over ourselves and really always come back to why we are preaching  to explain why Jesus is good news. It's not about us, it's always about him. How preachers engage with fellow, fallen, broken people is done in a myriad complex ways, with truths held in tension, and reliant on inspiration in the moment.

Prayer is a recurring theme in the How I Prepare column in Preach magazine  preachers start with their own relationship with the Lord and come to the sermon from that place. Thank goodness we can hand the ultimate responsibility of success over to the Lord  he opens up the ears, minds and hearts of the listeners and has already prepared the way. Just keep praying and preaching.

May I add a Bible reference from the forthcoming How I Prepare? It is written by one of the four finalists from Sermon of the Year 2018, Rebecca Coatsworth and she quotes Luke:

'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent' (Acts 18:9)

For details of how to enter Sermon of the Year click here. The deadline for entries is midnight, Sunday March 3.
Satanic Nazi group is luring young people to far right, new report warns

Britain is facing a growing threat from the far right, according to a report launched today from campaign group HOPE not hate.

Its report STATE OF HATE 2019 says a growing anti-politics mood is deepening divisions across the UK and boosting the rise of the far right, leading to the rise of an 'emotionally-driven, conspiratorial populist mass'.

It warns of the growing influence of groups such as the Nazi Satanist 'Order of Nine Angles', a racist organisation that deifies Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich.

In one of its rituals a 'Mass of Heresy' is performed before an altar adorned with a swastika banner, a photograph of Hitler and a copy of Mein Kampf. A 'creed' said by participants reads:

We believe Adolf Hitler was sent by our gods

To guide us to greatness.

We believe in the inequality of the races

And in the right of the Aryans to live

According to the laws of the folk.

Rituals include sexual practices and the sacrifice of an animal, and the Order's literature 'regularly advocates ritualised rape, random attacks on innocent victims and "human culling"'.

The report says that 'in the internet age, as extremists from around the world congregate together online, seeking out the "edgiest" positions and ideas, and younger people are drawn in, the O9A is arguably becoming more visible and influential than ever'.

More broadly, the report warns of an 'an increasing threat level from far-right "lone actor" terrorism' with 'a younger, more extreme set of neo-nazis emerging, as traditional far-right organisations continue to fragment and collapse'.

It says anti-Muslim prejudice has surged to overtake anti-immigrant sentiment, though the latter is also increasing. Five of the world's top 10 far-right activists, in terms of social media reach, are British, often promoting a conspiratorial narrative that is deeply anti-establishment, anti-Muslim, anti-politics and anti-women.

The report warns that with Brexit tensions aflame, divisions are only likely to increase, boosting the far right's populist message on the street, online and at the ballot box.

Chief executive Nick Lowles said: 'We are facing a crisis of political mistrust across all sections of the population. Politics is failing to overcome a disconnect driven by people's anger and by their economic pessimism.

'A mistrust in political representatives adds potency to a mix of unmet expectations, broken promises, and possible further decline and anger.

'With some of the largest far-right street protests in decades coalescing around far-right figures such as Stephen Lennon [Tommy Robinson], we are also witnessing a worrying narrative of "betrayal" and "traitors" which is increasingly dominating the far right's discourse, heavily focused on MPs  and women MPs in particular.'

He said polling revealed a 'disturbing' level of anti-Muslim prejudice and rising antisemitism on the Left.

Just today, seven Labour MPs have resigned from the party in protest at what they claim is its tolerance of antisemitism.

He also warned of a 'growing threat of violence from the younger neo-Nazis' emerging out of the destruction of banned terror group National Action, saying: 'There are justified concerns that the police response to these rising threats, especially against MPs, has fallen short. We believe a very real threat remains from terrorism carried out by lone actors, too, radicalised over the internet.'
Same-sex spouses not invited to Lambeth Conference

The spouses of gay bishops are not being invited to attend a once-in-a-decade conference bringing together leaders from across the Anglican Communion.

There have been calls from Anglicans opposed to same-sex unions to boycott the Lambeth Conference because of differences over human sexuality.

The gathering takes place in Canterbury, Kent, in 2020 and will be attended by bishops and their spouses from 27 Anglican provinces around the world.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, said he wanted to clarify a 'misunderstanding' after orthodox Anglicans suggested the attendance of same-sex spouses at Lambeth 2020 was grounds to stay away from the event.

Dr Idowu-Fearon said that although every active bishop had been invited, it would not be appropriate to invite same-sex spouses because of the Anglican Communion's official position on marriage.

'I need to clarify a misunderstanding that has arisen. Invitations have been sent to every active bishop. That is how it should be  we are recognising that all those consecrated into the office of bishop should be able to attend,' he said.

'But the invitation process has also needed to take account of the Anglican Communion's position on marriage which is that it is the lifelong union of a man and a woman. That is the position as set out in Resolution I.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference.

'Given this, it would be inappropriate for same-sex spouses to be invited to the conference.

'The Archbishop of Canterbury has had a series of private conversations by phone or by exchanges of letter with the few individuals to whom this applies.'

The clarification follows an appeal from chairman of the Lambeth 2020 planning group, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, for all bishops to attend regardless of their differences on sexuality.

Makgoba, who is the Archbishop of Cape Town, said in a YouTube video that all voices needed to be heard at the conference.

'I know people talk about the fabric of the communion as torn, but we are all fallible human beings in need of God's love and grace, and we need each other,' he said.

'Whether you agree with where the communion is, whether you don't agree, come and express your difference in this beautiful space which is a gift from God. Don't just stay at home and say "I'm not going".

'We want to hear that voice. It's not a conference of like-minded people; it is a conference of Anglicans. I mean, for God's sake, Anglicans, from our inceptions, we've always had push and pull. So push and pull should not be a distraction, but it should be celebrated.

'It's what I call at home, "celebrating the gift of difference". So I encourage all bishops and their spouses to make every possible effort to come and see what God is doing through us in his world.'

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, made a similar appeal in the past when he asked that bishops would pray for those they disagree with in the run-up to Lambeth 2020.

'Pray for those you disagree with and resist the urge to be swayed by gossip and rumour. So when you hear something, don't necessarily believe it, turn to God and say 'if that's true, I pray for him or her'. But also, try and find out the truth.'

Bishops from the Anglican Churches of Nigeria and Uganda have both said they plan to boycott Lambeth 2020.
Rescue my daughter, Leah Sharibu's mother pleads with Nigerian government

A year after the abduction of Nigerian Christian schoolgirl Leah Sharibu, her mother Rebecca renewed her appeal to the government to keep its promise to rescue her.

Leah, 15, was abducted on February 19 with more than 100 of her classmates. While the others were released within a month, Leah, the only Christian in the group, remains in captivity.

Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, announced last Octoberit would keep Leah Sharibu as a slave for life along with Alice Ngaddah, a Christian mother of two who works for Unicef. 'From today, Sharibu, 15, and Ngaddah are now our slaves. Based on our doctrines, it is now lawful for us to do whatever we want to do with them.'

President Mohammadu Buhari pledged to secure her release in a tweet in which he said: 'The thoughts & prayers of all Nigerians are with the Sharibu family, & the families of all those still in captivity. We will do everything we can to bring them back.'

Speaking at a press conference in the capital Abuja last week, Rebecca Sharibu was in tears as she appealed to the government to act.

Open Doors' head of advocacy Zoe Smith said: 'Leah Sharibu was kidnapped because she was a girl and held captive because she was a Christian. She personifies the incredibly vulnerable position of Christian women in northern Nigeria.

'It is saddening and outrageous that Leah remains in captivity, abused as a PR tool and negotiating pawn by Boko Haram. We urge the Nigerian government and the international community to increase their efforts to secure her release and reunite her safely with her family.'

According to reports from her schoolmates, her captors had demanded that she convert to Islam before they would release her but she refused.

Nigeria is number 12 on the 2019 World Watch List, Open Doors' annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.
Pakistan holding up Asia Bibi's release over fears she'll talk

Authorities in Pakistan are dragging their feet over the release of a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy because of fears she will speak to the media about her ordeal, it has been reported.

Asia Bibi was freed from prison last November after eight years on death row but due to death threats, she was forced into protective custody in a secret location where even contact with her family was severely restricted.

Another obstacle to her freedom was removed when the Supreme Court last month upheld the decision to acquit her after hardliners demanded a review. Yet she has still not been able to leave the country.

Despite Canada offering the 47-year-old asylum, The Times reports that Pakistani authorities are deliberately obstructing her departure because they fear she will cast a negative light on the country if she speaks to the media once overseas.

Pakistan has given assurances that Bibi is free to leave the country after final paperwork has been completed but the continued delay is causing alarm among Canadian officials as well as her friends and family.

One Canadian diplomat told The Times that they have not been able to make direct contact with Bibi.

'We are not allowed to meet her or even speak with her over the phone,' the diplomat said.

The newspaper reports that a Pakistani official suggested Bibi promise not to speak about her case with foreign media or in book deals as a condition for leaving the country.

'She should be fully taken into confidence first, to not speak up after leaving Pakistan,' the official is quoted as saying.

The newspaper also quotes a friend of the Bibi family as saying that the mother-of-five has expressed concerns about her situation to her daughter, who is believed to already be in Canada.

'No one is telling me when they will release me and send us abroad,' she reportedly said.

One senior Pakistani official told the newspaper that Bibi would leave the country 'soon' once the necessary paperwork had been completed and security arrangements were in place.

Months after her acquittal, Bibi remains a target for Islamist extremists. When the courts overturned her death sentence last October, the country was brought to a standstill by opponents who took to the streets calling for her execution to go ahead.

It was also reported that radicals were going door to door trying to hunt her down, while former neighbours in the town where she was first accused of blasphemy in 2009 said they believed she should be executed.

The British Government has been strongly criticised at home over its refusal to offer asylum to Bibi. While both Prime Minister Theresa May and Home Secretary Sajid Javid said Bibi's safety was their primary concern, others accused the Government of failing in its moral obligations.

MP for Gillingham and Rainham, Rehman Chishti, told Parliament that asking a third country to grant Bibi asylum 'would mean shifting our moral responsibility to another country and that can't be right'.

So our country wouldn't let Asia Bibi in, even though she was fleeing for her life, for fear of repercussions & terrorism. Yet the media & others are considering the return of someone who voluntarily joined a terrorist organisation & shows no remorse. What on earth...  Ruth Clemence (@ruth_the_writer) February 18, 2019

Shall we have a think about this. We are having a HUGE conversation about Shamima Begum coming back into the country. Did we have a huge conversation about why Asia Bibi was not let into this country under asylum laws?



She was, after all, targeted by extremist groups. pic.twitter.com/oZ83DpwD4Y  Faith Matters (@FaithMattersUK) February 18, 2019
North Korea's 'socialist utopia' needs mass labour. A growing market economy threatens that

In January, thousands of North Korean students travelled to Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain where the ruling family claims its roots and where leader Kim Jong Un is building a massive economic hub at the alpine town of Samjiyon.

It is one of the largest construction initiatives Kim has launched, part of his campaign for a 'self-reliant economy' even as he seeks to convince US President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions at their second summit later this month.

State media painted an inspiring picture of patriotic students braving harsh weather, eating frozen rice, and ignoring supervisors' worries about their health in order to work harder on the huge building site.

Kim has visited Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, at least five times for inspections over the past year.

He envisages a 'socialist utopia' with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities by late 2020, barely four years after Kim ordered modernisation of the 'sacred land of the revolution'.

North Korean defectors and human rights activists say such mass mobilisations amount to 'slave labour' disguised as loyalty to Kim and the ruling Workers' Party. Young workers get no pay, poor food and are forced to work more than 12 hours a day for up to 10 years in return for better chances to enter a university or join the all powerful Workers' Party.

But as private markets boom and more people cherish financial stability above political standing, the regime has been struggling to recruit the young labourers in recent years, they say.

'Nobody would go there if not for a party membership or education, which helps you land a better job. But these days, you can make a lot more money from the markets,' said Cho Chung-hui, a defector and former labourer.

'Loyalty is the bedrock of the brigades but what do you expect from people who know the taste of money?'

'Boiling blood of youth'

Last year, after declaring his nuclear weapons programme complete, Kim shifted his focus towards the economy, saying people's well-being was a top priority.

Samjiyon is at the centre of his new economic initiative, touted as what would be a 'model of modern mountainous city to be the envy of the world', alongside an ongoing project to create a tourist hotspot in the coastal city of Wonsan.

The labour units, called 'dolgyeokdae' or youth brigades, were created by Kim's late grandfather Kim Il Sung to build railways, roads, electricity networks and other infrastructure projects after the Korean peninsula was liberated from Japan's 1910-45 occupation.

Open North Korea, a Seoul-based rights group, estimated the total brigade workforce at 400,000 as of 2016. A landmark 2014 UN report on North Korean human rights put it at between 20,000 and 100,000 per municipality, depending on its size.

'How did Kim rally manpower and resources for so many big construction programmes despite sanctions? It's simple  whatever you need, suck it out of the people,' said Kwon Eun-kyoung, director of the group, who has interviewed more than 40 former brigade members.

North Korean state media has run a series of articles over the past month appealing for young people to dedicate their 'boiling blood of youth' to renovate Samjiyon, while Kim has expressed his gratitude to those who sent construction materials and supplies.

Articles and photos show factories, families and individuals packaging winter jackets, tools, shoes, blankets and biscuits in boxes to be delivered to Samjiyon.

The state provides a limited amount of materials including cement and iron bars, leaving brigades to bring gravel and sand from river banks themselves, Cho and Kwon said.

A 60-minute documentary on state television, broadcast 10 times since December, shows young men carrying stones in heavy snow and doing masonry work on a tall structure without any apparent safety devices.

Last month, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said thousands of university students produced 100 metre-high (300 ft-high) piles of gravel by crushing rocks with nothing but hand tools on their first day alone. It likened the feat to the efforts of forefathers who fought against Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

'The weather was so cold the rice were like ice cubes, but we didn't want to waste a single precious second heating it up. I thought of our anti-Japan revolutionary martyrs while chewing frozen rice,' the article quoted one student's diary.

State media often exaggerates loyalty pledges of the citizens toward the leaders as part of efforts to craft a personality cult around them.

But Cho, the defector, said the reports were 'far from reality' as most workers would not even get a safety helmet, and labour conditions were so hostile that many ran away.

Money over loyalty

The untrained workers, along with the military, provide most of the construction labour essential to accomplish Kim's pet economic projects.

But mounting public resistance toward the mobilisation of free labour and supplies may spell trouble for Kim's ambition to transform Samjiyon, defectors and observers say.

Cho said authorities offered him party membership and college entrance if he gave three years service to the brigades. The commitment eventually stretched to eight years before he received the suggested rewards in 1987.

Not all promises are kept. Lee Oui-ryok, 29, said he fled a brigade he had served for three years from age 17 and came to the South in 2010 after realising he would never be allowed to join the party due to his background.

In addition, human rights abuses of brigade members are rampant, prompting many to escape or injure themselves to be discharged, said Cho, who defected to the South in 2011 and is now an economist in Seoul.

Nowadays, those who have money exempt themselves from the service by sending supplies, paying someone else to fulfil the duty, or bribing brigade leaders to turn a blind eye, Cho and Kwon said.

Most new labour unit members are from the most underprivileged households and harbour ill feelings about the system and its growing inequality, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

'They will push out the propaganda claims about these projects and the love of Kim Jong Un motivating people to work, but the reality is punishments await those who refuse,' said Robertson.

'It's usually the poorest denizens in the area who have few connections and cannot afford to pay bribes  so they are the ones being targeted.'

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment.

In late 2017, the US State Department described the mass mobilisation of forced labour as one of the human rights abuses underwriting North Korea's weapons programme. It blacklisted seven individuals and three entities, including two construction agencies.

The rise of markets and growing public resentment toward forced labour have eroded the quality of labour at most brigades nationwide, defectors say.

Kang Mi-jin, a defector who regularly speaks with North Koreans for the defector-run Daily NK website, said some construction work at Samjiyon was temporarily halted last month due to safety problems.

'It's inconceivable for North Korea to complete such a large project without these brigades, but there's no way they have the full labour force they need, which is why they're trying to mobilise more through state media,' Cho said.

'But they would only continue to see more people run away and more cracks in buildings. That's the reality.'
Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Gulsen Annagiyeva performed within the framework of the 'Azerbaijani musicians in the chamber halls of the Moscow Conservatory' cycle yesterday. Works by Edison Denisov, Olivier Messiaen, Claude Debussy, Faraj Garayev, Victor Ekimovsky, Nazim Mirisli and Yuri Vorontsov were performed at the 'Phrases' piano recital, which was held with the support of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture. Gulsen Annagiyeva spoke with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza before the concert.

- Why was the 'Phrases' programme chosen for Moscow?

- I love French music very much. In addition, it is our first project with [Doctor of Art Criticism, leading expert of the Association of Contemporary Music] Rauf Farhadov. We create a concept together. When there is no concept, the audience is not interested. You cannot just pick different works with no relation to each other. We had a few concept programs, but we chose 'Phrases'. We started from the French music and decided to make a kind of mix, which is possible due to the connection between the composers. So we came up with the name 'Phrases' (FRAses in Russian) - France, Russia, Azerbaijan. We really liked this idea and hope that the public will also like it.

- What is your favorite part of the program?

- I do not perform things I don't like in general. I love everything about 'Phrases'.

- It's not your first time in Moscow. Do you have some favorite places in town?

- The Tchaikovsky Conservatory, of course. This is the alma mater of all musicians and even those who have not studied here. I was born in the last century, in the USSR, and the conservatory was the main location for all musicians. Being part of it, being here is a great luck and happiness.
Jihadists kill Spanish priest in Burkina Faso

A Spanish priest has been murdered by suspected jihadists in Burkina Faso.

Antonio Cesar Fernandez, a Salesian priest who served in the province of French West Africa, was returning from a meeting in Lome, Togo, when his car was attacked at a checkpoint.

According to the head of the Salesian order, Jose Elegbede, he and two others were 'attacked by gunmen after crossing the border between Togo and Burkina Faso'

'After searching the car, they pulled Cesar from the group and the men shot him,' Elegbede added.

The order announced Fernandez' death on Twitter saying, 'Alas, the hour of martyrs. A tragic death has struck the Salesian Congregation in Africa.'

Salesian Rector Major D. Angel Fernandez wrote that he was 'A good man and a man of God who, like the Lord, passed through life "doing good", above all in his beloved African people.' He said: 'Antonio Cesar joins many other martyrs of the Church of today in the world.'

Antonio Fernandez was 72 years old and had belonged to the Salesian Order for 55 years, 46 of them as a priest. He served in the community of Ouagadougou, where he was a parish priest.

In a video shared by the order, Fernandez said his vocation was 'a gift of the Lord' and that through his work with young people he had received 'many graces from the Lord'.
Girls feel too ashamed to use school unisex toilets, says campaign group

The Welsh Government is to review the introduction of unisex toilets in schools after a campaign group said girls were suffering shame and embarrassment in using them because of their periods.

The review was announced after Women's Voices Wales said that some girls were experiencing sexual harassment and 'period shaming' as a result of using unisex toilets.

Official guidelines require that girls over the age of eight have access to single-sex toilets and that mixed toilets only be installed in addition to single-sex toilets, not to replace them.

However, in a recent Facebook post, Women's Voices Wales said not all schools were meeting statutory requirements and that in some places, mixed toilets were replacing separate toilets for boys and girls.

The group claimed that as a result of the changes, some girls are even missing school or going the whole day without drinking water because they don't like using the mixed toilets.

While schools have been introducing unisex toilets to prevent bullying and be more inclusive to transgender students, the group is concerned that students and parents are not being properly consulted.

'We already know of some parents and girls who have raised concerns about mixed sex toilets, but found they were ignored and dismissed by school staff,' it said.

'We also know of parents and pupils who do not want mixed sex toilets, but did not know how to complain or who to raise concerns with.

'We know some schools seem to engage better with their school community than others, but it is clear there is a serious lack of consistency, and crucially, no centrally recorded data.

'What we've heard so far ranges from girls not drinking water during the day so they can avoid using the toilets, to 'period shaming' from boys.

'Anxiety about coping with menstruation in schools has a serious effect on female pupils, including refusing to attend school.'

It added: 'We are particularly concerned about any sexual harassment or intimidation taking place in mixed sex toilets.'

According to the the Express, a Welsh Government spokesman has said the group's findings will be looked into to see if any more guidance is needed.

'When local authorities develop new schools, key stakeholders are consulted during the process, including the governing body, school council, staff, and the pupils themselves to ensure that the school offers facilities that are fit for purpose,' the spokesman said.

'The Welsh Government has agreed to work with the Children's Commissioner's office to explore their findings on this issue and to consider whether further guidance to local authorities is required.'
Catholic Church credibility on the line at abuse meeting

The Vatican will gather senior bishops from around the world later this week for a conference on sex abuse designed to guide them on how best to tackle a problem that has badly damaged the Church's credibility, but critics say it is too little, too late.

The unprecedented four-day meeting, starting on Thursday, brings together presidents of national Roman Catholic bishops conferences, Vatican officials, experts and heads of male and female religious orders.

'I am absolutely convinced that our credibility in this area is at stake,' said Father Federico Lombardi, who Pope Francis has chosen to moderate the meeting.

'We have to get to the root of this problem and show our ability to undergo a cure as a Church that proposes to be a teacher or it would be better for us to get into another line of work,' he told reporters.

The meeting, whose theme is 'prevention of abuse of minors and vulnerable adults', comes as the 1.3 billion-member Church still struggles to enact a concerted, coordinated and global effort to tackle a crisis that is now more than two decades old.

Lombardi, 71, said bishops from countries including the United States, which have developed protocols for preventing abuse and investigating accusations against individual members of the clergy, would share experiences and knowledge with those from developing countries, including those whose cultures make it harder to discuss abuse.

The Church has repeatedly come under fire for its handling of the sexual abuse crisis, which exposed how predator priests were moved from parish to parish instead of being defrocked or turned over to civilian authorities around the world.

Most of the crimes took place decades ago.

The pope called the meeting in September at the suggestion of his closest advisers, and last month he told reporters it was necessary because some bishops still did not know fully the procedures to put in place to protect the young and how to administer cases of abuse.

Francis said it would be a 'catechesis', or a teaching session, a pronouncement that stunned victims of abuse and their advocates.

Disgraceful delay

Some experts have questioned why it has taken so long to get to this point.

'The fact that this still exists in 2019, that there is still awareness-raising that has to be done (among bishops) is a measure of what a low priority this has truly been for the Vatican,'" said Anne Barrett-Doyle of the US-based abuse tracking group bishopaccountbility.org.

'I hope he has the candour to admit that it's absolutely disgraceful that that's where we are today,' said Barrett-Doyle, speaking in St Peter's Square.

On Saturday the Vatican sent what some saw as a warning that it would get tough with bishops who have either committed abuse or covered it up.

It expelled former US cardinal Theodore McCarrick from the Roman Catholic priesthood after he was found guilty of sexual crimes against minors and adults.

While many priests have been expelled for sexual abuse, few bishops have met the same fate, and McCarrick was the first former cardinal to be thrown out.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, the Vatican's top sexual crimes investigator, told Reuters that McCarrick's dismissal was a 'very important signal' to the Catholic hierarchy that no one is above the law.

While victims of sexual abuse and their advocates welcomed the expulsion, many were sceptical.

'I worry that this (McCarrick's expulsion) is not going to be anything more than the equivalent of the pope tossing a bone to placate his critics, placate the survivors,' said Phil Saviano, who was molested by a priest in Massachusetts when he was 12 years old and whose story was told in the 2015 Oscar-winning film Spotlight.
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I recently sat down with Bishop Harry Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church, to talk about the current and future spiritual landscape of America. Bishop Jackson believes there is hope for a spiritual awakening, but that hope hinges on Christians responsibility to live out their faith in the midst of culture.

Take time to watch our full conversation. Heres a quick snapshot of what Bishop Jackson had to say:

Though America does immense good for its citizens and the whole world, some Christians seem more focused on our nation than they do Gods Kingdom. What do you say to these Christians?

Jackson: They misunderstand that no national group of people can, in a sense, be deified.

For example, look at the history of the United Kingdom: they took a lot of the promises given to Israel in the Bible and transferred them directly to themselves. Yet, they had legal slavery for many, many years, they invaded cultures, they dominated lands, they fought crusades in the name of Christ, they turned against Israel when it became a nation, they sunk down into economic and financial insignificance becausein their hubris and pridethey began to violate the word of God.

Similarly, America without faith in God is not great and it will not stand. America with faith in God, I believe has a great destiny and we will continue to be that city set upon the hill that people strive to come to.

Ive heard you talk about the verse that says the foundation of Gods throne is justice and righteousness. What implications does that verse have for America today?

Jackson: Psalm 89:14 says righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.

The way I describe righteousness is ultimately living in right standing with God. Righteousness is not perfection, but it does mean living under the authority and principles of the word of God. When we miss the mark, we can ask for forgiveness. Righteousness is not perfection, but it is devotion.

I believe justice is an atmosphere we create for others. The Bible is replete with examples that Gods heart is for the widows and the orphans and the least of these. If you think about American justice, we have a system that gives the little guy an opportunity and chances.

If you work hard and are gifted in some dimension of service, you can still go from rags to riches. Try that in Saudi Arabiano hope. Try that in Ukraine or Russiano way possible.

So, we have this responsibility, I believe, to create justice for even the least of these. Its an amazing idealistic approach to life.

After the 2018 midterm elections, how do Christians impactfully engage in their community and culture?

Jackson: What is really needed is for every Christian to first vote and participate in the process based on their heartfelt belief system. Secondly, to hold the people they vote for accountable.

When the people we vote for dont create real opportunity, I would say throw the bums out!

The beauty of our political system is that we are designed to have a representative government where spots are filled and lived out by everyday citizens. We need to get the best people in office. And the best people, their character and their actions line up.

Some Christians need to run for school board, some of us need to be involved in the Republican party and Democrat party. Imagine what would happen if we invaded both parties? Imagine what would happen if the best people got through all the bad stuff and ran for office?

Normal people with normal lives can run for office. We need candidates, party members, funders who all vote.
Liberal Lutheran pastor melts purity rings into vagina sculpture, presents it to Gloria Steinem

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Liberal Lutheran Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber unveiled a sculpture of a vulva made entirely of old purity rings to protest evangelical purity culture and presented it to pro-abortion second-wave feminist Gloria Steinem.

Bolz-Weber, the founding pastor of Denvers House for All Sinners and Saints, showed off the sculpture  which was made by melting down the old jewelry  during the 2019 Makers Conference last week.

Every single thing and person that seemed so powerful and inescapable, I name them and then I just go footnote, Bolz-Weber told conference attendees. I mean, seriously, Pontious Pilate? Hes a footnote. Your bully from middle school? Footnote. Your depression? Footnote. Your s----y boss? Footnote. All of those things are very real, and the harm that they have on us and the world is also real."

But to me, the whole point of having faith is it allows us to believe in a bigger story than the one we tell ourselves. Those purity rings are a footnote, she declared, unveiling the sculpture.

The [rings] we couldnt melt down spell out the word freedom and were woven into this heart, Bolz-Weber said, gesturing toward the sculpture.

Isnt it amazing? she said while presenting the sculpture to Steinem amid audience applause.

In some evangelical Christian circles, purity rings, also known as promise or chastity rings, were given to young girls as symbols of a promise they made to abstain from sexual activity until marriage.

The controversial pastor, who has defended the use of so-called ethically sourced porn, first announced her art project at the 2018 Makers Conference, where she explained she wants to take down the church's teachings around sex and evangelical purity culture.

This thing about women that the church has tried to hide and control and that is a canvas on which other people can write their own righteousness  its actually ours, Bolz-Weber told HuffPost. This part of me is mine and I get to determine what is good for it and if its beautiful and how I use it in the world.

She then put out a call on Twitter, asking any women who no longer use their purity rings to donate them to her for use in the sculpture. In exchange for donating their ring, the pastor said she would give each person a copy of her new book, Shameless: A Sexual Reformation, in which she argues that Church teaching on sexuality has caused harm to many people.

According to a video posted on the Makers Conference website, the response was overwhelming, with hundreds of women sending in their rings. One female welder agreed to make the sculpture after five men refused, claims the video.

The purity movement of the 1990s and 2000s was spurred in part by Joshua Harris 1997 book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, which sold more than 1.2 million copies. The book, aimed at teenagers and young adults, argued against physical intimacy outside of marriage and said romantic relationships should exist only as a means of preparing for marriage.

Two decades after his book was published, Harris posted a statement of apology on his personal website: While I stand by my books call to sincerely love others, my thinking has changed significantly in the past 20 years. I no longer agree with its central idea that dating should be avoided.

Declaring his book would be discontinued, Harris explained that while it promotes some good and biblical ideas, it also presents a narrow and unhelpful view of sexuality, relationships, and dating.

"I didn't leave room for the idea that dating could be a healthy way of learning what you're looking for in a long-term relationship, that it could be a part of growing personally," he admitted.

"I gave the impression that there was one formula that you could follow, and if you followed that, you'd be happily married, God would bless you, and you'd have a great sex life and marriage. Obviously, the real world doesn't work that way."

"Fear is never a good motive," he said, adding, "Fear of messing up, fear of getting your heart broken, fear of hurting somebody else, fear of sex."

Tim Challies, an author and pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Toronto, Ontario, recently urged the Church to find ways to address sex and purity in a healthier and more biblical way.

The dating and courtship movements represented a weird phase in evangelicalism and, as they finally fade, I think we are in a position to speak in much healthier and much more biblical ways about sexuality, about purity, about marriage, and about relationships, he said. This time, lets try to do so with wisdom, balance, and discernment instead of those radical extremes that simply lead to more error.
Trump meets with abortion survivor, rallies pro-lifers to push for laws protecting babies

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President Donald Trump met with an abortion survivor and a child who was born after just 20 weeks of gestation before urging thousands of pro-life supporters Thursday to pressure for the passage of a federal law to protect babies who survive abortions.

The 72-year-old Trump and top White House staff met with Melissa Ohden, who survived a saline solution abortion in 1977, and Micah Pickering, a 6-year-old child who was born in the 20th week of pregnancy but survived, during a White House meeting to promote the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (also known as the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act).

Following the meeting, Trump spoke on a conference call with about 4,000 pro-life supporters in which he not only called for the passage of the legislation but stressed the stark differences between his administrations policies and the pro-late-term-abortion stances of Democrats running for president in 2020.

Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., and Florida televangelist Paula White, one of Trumps closest spiritual advisers, also participated in the event.

The president is truly pro-life. There has been so much speculation since the [2016] primaries about whether his heart is true or not. I can say walking out of that Oval Office today that this is a deeply-held and sincere conviction, Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life lobbying organization Susan B. Anthony List, told reporters after the meeting Thursday.

It would be difficult to understand why someone would invite all these people and want to get to know them if it wasnt a sincere conviction. Yes, it is a politically smart move that he has made in advancing human rights in this way. But it is also the right thing to do.

Dannenfelser, who served as the chair of the Trump 2016 campaigns pro-life coalition, briefed the president prior to the meeting and conference call. With thousands on the call, Dannenfelser assured that participants were from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.

This is a call that he rarely does. He doesnt do these conference calls very often, she said. But he is clearly taking advantage of an important moment in trying to get legislation looked at in the Senate and the House. He is demanding that this is brought to his desk so he could sign it.

The call comes as the topic of late-term abortion has been all over the news in the recent weeks with the passage of a New York law allowing abortion until birth and the introduction of similar bills in states like Virginia, Vermont and New Mexico.

The call also comes as Democrats in the House of Representatives have supported in previous congresses the Womens Health Protection Act, which according to Dannenfelser, is the federal version of the bill that passed in New York and would outlaw state bans on third-trimester abortions.

If you look at every Democrat in the Senate that is speculating or has announced that they are going to run for president [in 2020], every single one of them  have all co-sponsored this bill, Dannenfelser said.

As for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivor Protection Act, there is optimism from pro-life activists that the bill introduced this session by Nebraska Republican Ben Sasse could have success in the Republican-controlled Senate. Dannenfelser believes that there will be a vote on the bill soon in the Senate.

The bill would amend the federal criminal code to require that medical professionals ensure that children born alive after an attempted abortion are given the same care as any other human being and that they are admitted to a hospital.

Tim Head, executive director of the evangelical grassroots organization Faith & Freedom Coalition, was one of the pro-life supporters on the call with the president.

I think there is a really good chance that [the bill] will come out of the Senate and I think that is going to provide for many awkward conversations in the U.S. House delegation for Democrats later on this summer and fall, Head told CP.

While some are hoping to get enough signatures on a discharge petition to force a vote in the Democrat-controlled House, Dannenfelser explained that getting any pro-life legislation to pass with the current makeup in Congress will be close to impossible.

Head felt the same way.

I would be surprised if the U.S. House would have much stomach to take up a bill like this, Head explained. If we can get something out of the Senate, I actually think it would be a really great point of pressure for the liberal members of the U.S. House to have to explain why they dont want to take a vote on infanticide.

Dannenfelser wondered at what point late-term abortion issues will drive a wedge in the Democratic Party. She said that the party needs to return to an era where Democrat lawmakers are allowed to vote their conscience and not face consequences for it in the following election.

Having worked for a pro-life Democrat in the House of Representatives, I can say they use to be the party of the little guy and one that would never turn their back on the littlest and most vulnerable among us. But now, we are living in a different era, Dannenfelser stressed. The modern-day Democrats [support] abortion-on-demand up until the point of birth. It is not the old Democratic Party. They have inadvertently provided a contrast.

Trump made headlines after he confronted Democrat Sen. Chris Coons of Deleware about abortion at a dinner the night before the National Prayer Breakfast earlier this month.

He saw a Democrat in the room, a Democrat whos known to be a person of faith, and he was like, Why aren't you speaking out about this? a source familiar with the exchange told Politico.

During the State of the Union address last week, Trump called on Congress to pass legislation to prohibit the late-term abortion of children who can feel pain in the mother's womb. Such legislation is referred to as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

There could be no greater contrast to the beautiful image of a mother holding her infant child than the chilling displays our Nation saw in recent days, Trump said during the speech. Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mother's womb moments before birth. These are living, feeling, beautiful babies who will never get the chance to share their love and dreams with the world. And then, we had the case of the Governor of Virginia where he basically stated he would execute a baby after birth.

According to Head, Trump also mentioned the New York and Virginia cases in Thursdays call with supporters.
Irish hospital posts ad requiring new employees to perform abortions

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A hospital in the Republic of Ireland recently posted a job advertisement explaining that applicants must be willing to help perform abortions, drawing criticism from pro-life activists.

Last May, voters in Ireland approved via referendum a repeal of a constitutional amendment that banned abortion by an overwhelming majority.

The Dublin-based National Maternity Hospital recently advertised for job openings for consulting positions in anesthesia, gynecology and obstetrics.

The post-holders will provide in-patient, on-call service and out-patient care, along with teaching, administration and management duties, which, as of 2019, includes elective termination of pregnancy services, read the job post, which added that post-holders will be expected to contribute to this new service as part of their practice plan.

Peter Lynas of the Evangelical Alliance took issue with the ad, posting an image of it on Twitter last Friday, and stating that the hospital is alienating potential employees who are morally opposed to abortion.

This advert makes pretty clear those with a conscientious objection should not apply - and note the irony of the moto - life glorious life. Doubtful it is legal. No doubt it is wrong, tweeted Lynas.

The hospital said in a statement to the Irish Independent that the job post was connected to Irelands Health Service Executive departments funding of newly legal abortion services.

These particular additional posts are being funded specifically from a financial allocation to the hospital from the HSE for the provision of termination of pregnancy services and are for individuals willing to contribute to the provision of these services, stated the hospital.

A similar ad by the hospital that was posted to the website irishjobs.ie last Friday and accessed by The Christian Post on Monday did not include a sentence expecting participation in the elective termination of pregnancy.

In May of last year, Irish voters repealed the predominantly Catholic countrys Eighth Amendment, which had read that the government would recognize the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother.

Currently, the new law in Ireland allows for abortions up to 12 weeks from the start of a pregnancy and then for exceptional circumstances after 12 weeks.

In late December, it was reported that the National Maternity Hospital was going to begin accepting abortion referrals on Jan. 7 following the official repeal of the pro-life amendment.

We can only accept referrals from General Practitioners and Community based services like the Irish Family Planning Association, explained the hospital, as reported by TheJournal.ie.
Future of homeschooling: Less religious, more regulated?

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The homeschooling movement in America is experiencing potential changes in its religious makeup and new challenges from government regulation.

Steven Craig Policastro, founder and executive vice president of the International Association for Creation, told The Christian Post that in recent years, the biggest change in state-sponsored resistance to homeschooling has been a shift from attempts to ban homeschooling to extremely oppressive regulations.

Opponents of home education have realized that since they are unable to make homeschooling illegal, they can at least attempt to place extremely burdensome regulations on parent-led, home education to make it difficult or nearly impossible, said Policastro.

There also are constant attempts by school districts all over the country to require things of homeschool students and parents that are not required by law. There are times in which the school districts do not properly know the law, but in other instances the school board leaders do not care and they want their regulations mandated regardless of the law.

The International Association for Creation is a Christian Young Earth organization and will be hosting its annual National Homeschool Day observance on Feb. 23. Speakers from dozens of locations will address people worldwide in a livestream online to discuss topics related to homeschooling and Christian resources for home education.

On regulation, Policastro noted the importance of state organizations and the Home School Legal Defense Association in monitoring proposed legislation and maintaining good communication with school districts.

Such government oversight is a continual battle, it has not let up; it has merely changed forms, going from the outlawing of parent-led education to now having parent rights constantly in jeopardy due to ever-changing regulations, he noted.

The famous quote, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance, is very apropos here because that's what all of us who believe in educational freedom and parental rights do. We seek to be vigilant so that our God-given right to train up our children is not impeded upon by bureaucrats and legislatures.

A recent example of this regulation effort can be found in Iowa, where earlier this month Democrat State Rep. Mary Mascher introduced House File 272, which if passed would, among other things, require school districts to conduct "health and safety visits" for homeschooled children.

Israel Wayne, director of the Michigan-based ministry Family Renewal and a scheduled speaker for this years National Homeschool Day, likewise viewed proposals to increase regulation as a constant threat to homeschooling.

Wayne also serves on the board of the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network, which is the Christian homeschooling association for the state, where he works on behalf of homeschooling freedoms.

Almost every year, in almost every state legislature, bills are introduced in the various education committees seeking to increase regulations over all homeschoolers, Wayne told CP.

The regulation does not increase academic performance in any way, it merely serves to create unnecessary hassle and needless government red-tape for homeschooling parents who are doing what is best for their students.

Over the past several years, the homeschooling movement in the United States has grown considerably. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that from 19992016, the percentage of American students educated in homeschools went from 1.7 percent to 3.3 percent.

The most important reason for homeschooling in 2016 was concern about the school environment, such as safety, drugs, or negative peer pressure, reported by 34 percent of parents of homeschooled students, noted the NCES in a 2017 report.

Other reasons cited as most important by families of homeschooled students in 2016 were dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools (17 percent of homeschooled students parents) and a desire to provide religious instruction (16 percent).

Having 16 percent of respondents pick religious instruction as their most important reason in 2016 indicates a considerable decline from 2003, when NCES found that 29.8 percent of respondents selected religious or moral instruction as their most important reason.

Some have speculated that the homeschooling movement is becoming less religious, with the Pacific Standard declaring in a 2018 article that modern day homeschool advocates aren't the Christian Right.

Policastro told CP that while the homeschooling movement is becoming more diverse, religiously speaking, over two-thirds of homeschooling parents are self-identified Christians.

When analyzing the number of parents who choose to home educate due to religious reasons, we see that this data continually points to exponential growth which consistently makes religious homeschooling more common than its secular counterpart, said Policastro.

Wayne also acknowledged that motivations for parents seeking to homeschool their children were largely secular. However, he told CP that he believed the story was more complex.

I think we see a shift here over time, but I don't think we should assume that means secular homeschooling is taking over the formerly Christian-dominated landscape, said Wayne.

Increasingly, I think fewer Christian families are homeschooling for religious reasons. They might be Christians, but they're motivated by their child's safety, poor academic performance, special needs, etc., and less by biblical reasons.
Former Trump admin insider talks 2020 election, challenges to his Christian faith

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Former Trump administration official Cliff Sims recently garnered national headlines over the release of his book about his time at the White House.

Titled Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House and released last month, Sims documents his experiences working under Trump, both the highs and the lows.

The title was inspired by the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, a 2006 best-selling book about the diverse political views and personalities of those working in the Lincoln administration.

I wanted to portray the President as he really is  a multi-dimensional person, with extraordinary gifts and major flaws, just like the rest of us, Sims explained to The Christian Post.

I didn't think much about whether things were positive or negative, I just wanted to peel back the curtain and show him how he really is behind the scenes.

Sims book stirred outrage from President Donald Trump, whose campaign filed an arbitration claim against Sims, alleging he violated a non-disclosure agreement, according to CBS News.

In response, Sims filed a lawsuit in district court on Feb. 11 accusing the Trump administration of trying to unlawfully silence him.

The U.S. government is intentionally and unconstitutionally engaging in a subterfuge effort to use a private entity, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., to do its bidding to silence Mr. Sims when it is really the intense powers of the presidency coming down upon a sole individual, read the suit, as reported by CBS.

The Christian Post reached out to Sims before the district court lawsuit was filed. He responded via email to questions on matters including his experiences working in D.C., how his Christian beliefs were put to the test, and his views on the current 2020 presidential election field. Here are excerpts from the correspondence.

CP: In the book, you explained that your opinion of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed considerably when you finally worked alongside him during your time in the administration. Were there any other members of Congress who you had a major change of opinion on due to your time in Washington, D.C.?

Sims: After seeing [McConnell] operate, I came to respect his toughness.

Unfortunately, most other members were exactly what I had always assumed: paralyzed by the fear of political retribution and a lot more concerned with the next election than they are with the next generation.

There are some really good members of Congress who are working hard, trying to do the right thing, hoping to make a real difference on behalf of their constituents. But most of them aren't the big names you've probably heard.

CP: On pages 190-194, you spoke about President Trump's evangelical advisory board, saying that you never heard them challenge him on points of moral concern. However, according to evangelical Trump adviser Johnnie Moore, there have been many times when board members tried to influence Trump on certain issues, like immigration and prison reform. How do you respond?

Sims: I don't want to paint the faith advisory board with a broad brush  there are some members of the board who are making a genuine effort to provide a Christian perspective on tough issues, in a place where that perspective is often lacking. But I found some of the board to be mainly interested in maintaining their proximity to power, even to the point of trashing "rival" faith leaders to keep them from threatening their own position close to the President. There are specific anecdotes in the book that illustrate that point.

I also write in the book that my greatest regret from my time in the White House is that I wasnt a better picture of my faith to the President and my colleagues. Im haunted by the late author Brennan Mannings quote, The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

So I'm certainly not just pointing my finger at other people.

CP: The impression I got from reading your book was that it was very challenging to your Christian faith to work in the administration. Do you believe that living a Christian life and effectively working in an environment like the White House are just plain incompatible?

Sims: I don't think they are incompatible, it's just hard not to lose yourself in it all and suddenly wake up one day realizing you're finding your identity in your job, or your proximity to power, rather than in your faith. As I write in the book, on a practical level, the greatest takeaway from working in the White House was that I want to make sure my lifes priorities are in order. God created work. I know it is a huge part of his plan for my life and he can be glorified in it and through it. But I dont want to be consumed by it.

CP: What steps have you taken to secure your life's priorities since leaving the administration?

Sims: I'm a creature of habit, so the main thing is recommitting myself to a daily routine of self-improvement spiritually, mentally and physically (I wrote a blog post at the turn of the new year about the approach I take to this). Spiritually, it all starts with spending more time in the Bible  reading, studying, reflecting and praying. I've enjoyed the "Maxwell Leadership Reading Plan" inside YouVersion's Bible app. I [have] also gotten a lot out of the "How to be a Man" Bible study by my friend Rick Burgess.

I've focused more on my marriage  my wife, Megan, and I are currently in the process of adopting a child from Colombia.

Overall it's been about remembering that the only way I'm going to be fulfilled is by making sure I'm in the center of what God's will  not my will  is for my life.

CP: Already people are declaring their intentions to run for president in 2020. If the election came down between Trump and any of the current announced candidates that you know of, who would you vote for and why?

Sims: In the book, I write about considering whether to join the Trump campaign in 2016 and that I couldnt think of a single thing that would have been made betterfor my country, my family, or myselfby Hillary Clinton being elected President. If it's another binary choice in 2020, I will choose the more conservative candidate. We're at a point now where Democrats are refusing to even allow a vote on a bill that would require doctors to care for babies who survive a failed abortion attempt. Have we actually come to a moment in which even infanticide is a partisan issue? It's insane.
Churches, museums and lots of history await in Baltimore

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Its been a rough few years for the Charm City, as Baltimore is called.

It didnt help when USA Today named it the countrys most dangerous city. Yet, Baltimore is full of the unexpected  making it a perfect destination for a weekend citycation.

Home of countless neighborhoods, old school markets, amazing seafood and impressive museums, Baltimore also has lots of history. It was here where the words to what became the national anthem were composed during the largely forgotten War of 1812. It was also here where the countrys first Roman Catholic cathedral was built, which shouldnt be a surprise given Marylands complicated history of religious freedom.

What to do and see

Drop your luggage at the hotel and then visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, known for its collection of American art. Dont forget to eat at Gertrudes, the museum restaurant. After a meal or perhaps just a glass or two of wine take an Uber ride to the Walters Art Museum. While it lacks a real restaurant or even bar  wine and art pair so well  the collection of Egyptian, Greco-Roman and religious art is impressive. Both museums are free, though be aware that visiting hours are somewhat limited.

Then there is the American Visionary Art Museum. Unlike the others, you probably wont recognize the artists as it showcases self-taught artistry. Admission also comes with a somewhat high charge of $15.95 for adults.

Baltimore is also home to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the countrys first Roman Catholic cathedral. The neoclassical design by architect Benjamin Latrobe, best known for his work at the U.S. Capitol, was called North Americas most beautiful church by architectural historian and critic Sir Nicholas Pevsner. Most visitors focus on the dome above the crossing, but the canopied archbishops throne (aka the cathedra) and two paintings gifted by King Louis XVIII of France in 1821 are noteworthy.

Another historic church is St. Johns Episcopal in Waverly, one of the citys many neighborhoods. The antebellum church and its adjoining churchyard wouldnt be out of place in an English village, which is fitting given that Waverly, originally known as Huntingdon, was a village in its own right until annexation by Baltimore in the late 19th century. The present-day Gothic Revival edifice with its magnificent interior was built between 1858 and 1859 as a replacement for the original structure that fell victim to a fire.

Beyond the spires, there is Fort McHenry.

The old fort not only defended Baltimore against British attack but it maintained what was left of the countrys dignity only weeks after Washington was sacked and the White House burnt. The Royal Navys bombardment was immortalized by Francis Scott Key, whose words  you know, the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air  would later become the national anthem known the world over as The Star-Spangled Banner. One of the better preserved forts anywhere in the continent, it has been a national monument under the care of the National Park Service since 1939.

Even more history can be found along the waterfront of the Inner Harbor at the Historic Ships in Baltimore, where four vessels, including the circa 1854 USS Constellation, are moored.

In the warmer weather a walk further along the quay to Fells Point is highly recommended. The citys oldest extant neighborhood, which largely survived the Great Fire of 1904, exudes the kind of authenticity that is impossible to replicate with revivalist architecture and modern urban planning. Think cobblestone streets, period townhomes and some of Baltimores best bars. Its also here where you can see signs of redevelopment as swaths of the waterfront from downtown to Fells Point have changed in recent years, including with the addition of the super luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

Where to stay and eat

I stayed at the Delta by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor, a downtown hotel with a perfect location. Tell Tale, the hotel restaurant, has surprisingly good food but seems forgotten, both by management and guests.

Fresh seafood competes with the view of Baltimores cityscape at Rusty Scupper, which has been popular with locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. The wine list even includes Maryland wine, which is actually a thing.

No visit to Baltimore is complete without a crawl through the citys iconic markets, particularly Lexington Market and the Broadway Market, the latter of which will reopen later this year in Fells Point. The made-to-order crab cakes at Faidley Seafood, tucked away in Lexington Market, are divine.

How to get there

Baltimore is easily reached by car, rail or air. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which as its name suggests serves the entire national capital region, is served by all the major airlines.

Spires and Crosses, a travel column exclusive to The Christian Post, is published every week. Follow @dennislennox on Twitter and Instagram.
The French Interior Ministry has announced that around 8,400 Gilets Jaunes (Yellow Vest) protestors have been arrested since November, while the European Parliament has finally condemned police violence against the demonstrators.

Breitbart reports in its article Macron Govt: 8,400 Yellow Vest Protesters Arrested Since Movement Began citing Le Figaro that over a three-month period, the French authorities have arrested around 8,400 Yellow Vests, of which 7,500 were placed into police custody according to new figures released by French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

The announcement comes after Castaner revealed that there have, so far, been 1,800 convictions of Yellow Vest activists. Most recently Yellow Vest boxer Christophe Dettinger, who fought riot police with his bare hands, was handed a 30-month prison sentence with 18 months suspended earlier this week.

Castaner also dismissed any calls for amnesty for the Yellow Vest protesters, saying, My message is clear: any degradation, any aggression will be punished, and added, We can understand social malaise but never accept violence and degradation.

The minister also announced a 1.5 million euro fund aimed at assisting law enforcement personnel who have been injured during the Yellow Vest protests, saying that at least 1,300 riot police, gendarmes, and firefighters had been injured since November.

The number of injured emergency services men and women has been dwarfed by the number of injured Yellow Vests, largely due to the use of flash-ball ammunition and explosive stun grenades by riot police, which has caused serious injuries including losses of eyes and hands.

The heavy-handed police tactics have been criticised by many groups including emergency room doctors in France, and are now being slammed by members of the European Parliament.

438 MEPs voted to condemn police violence and support a statement that called on all European Union member-states to, ensure that the use of force by law enforcement agencies is always legal, proportionate and necessary  but did not identify France by name.
Harvest Bible Chapel promises leadership purge after James MacDonalds firing

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Just days after announcing the firing of founding pastor James MacDonald last Wednesday, the multi-campus Harvest Bible Chapel in greater Chicago said it will also be purging the church's executive leadership in the coming months.

Bill Sperling, identified as an elder on the churchs executive committee, said in a video recording cited by the Chicago Tribune Sunday that the executive committee will be completely replaced in the coming months.

Its been without question one of the most difficult weeks in the history of the church, Sperling said as he acknowledged how the churchs leadership failed in some areas to hold themselves accountable in MacDonalds controversial saga that culminated with his firing.

Sperlings announcement of the purging of HBCs executive committee comes after dozens of congregants protested with a walkout as Assistant Senior Pastor Rick Donald preached a sermon at the Rolling Meadows campus on Saturday night titled How to Respond in a Storm.

If I had to choose a word that kind of describes where were at as a church right now, I would use the word storm, Donald said in the recording cited by the Tribune.

Protesting congregants argue that Donald, seen as MacDonalds right-hand man and a founding HBC member, should not have been chosen to address the church at such a delicate time. They also did not agree with the ongoing issues that led to MacDonalds firing being characterized as a storm.

Im willing to stay, and Im willing to rebuild, Rene Cross, a member for more than seven years told the Tribune. But I was really surprised that they chose Rick Donald to come in and preach, seeing as hes been James MacDonalds friend and they built the church up for 30-plus years.

I just got up quietly and walked out because I felt like thats the right thing to do, Cross added. Were not in a storm. It was sin.

Another longtime church member, Jen Thorman, agreed in an extended post on Facebook.

Harvest Bible Chapel has been our church home for many years (2005 for Jen, 2009 for Phil). We (her husband Philip Thorman) were married in this church. This is the only church home our kids have ever known. We are leaders here. We LOVE our church. We see God working here, she said.

But there are problems. Systemic problems far beyond normal stuff youd expect from a bunch of sinful people trying to do their best for the Lord. Character problems. Power problems. Financial problems. Transparency problems. James was the major offender but he did not act alone. Many others enabled James and perpetuated a power/fear culture which makes them complicit and part of the problem. This cannot continue in Christs church, she continued.

The issue many of us had was that the leaders of our church thought it would be wise to have Rick Donald get up and preach tonight. Rick - who has been James right hand man for roughly 30 years? This shows an extreme lack of understanding for what the congregation needs right now.

We hoped to at least hear repentance from Rick, but instead he tried to relate to us saying hes feeling confused like we are. Confused....after 30 years of being James closest friend and confidant? Were not buying it."

Sperling explained, We failed to identify opportunities to prevent new grievances and in addressing these matters privately we failed to communicate with the church in a timely manner and in a way that gave clarity and prevented confusion among the congregation.

MacDonald was removed as senior pastor last week due to "highly inappropriate recorded comments" he made that were recently made public on a local radio program as well as "other conduct."

MacDonald was recorded talking about planting child pornography on Christianity Today CEO's Harold Smith's computer, and making crude remarks about independent journalist Julie Roys  including joking that she had an affair with CT Editor-in-Chief Mark Galli  and a vulgar reference to Ed Stetzer, executive director of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College.

"Given that and other conduct under consideration, in accordance with the procedures in our Bylaws, Pastor MacDonald was removed as Senior Pastor and as an Elder of the church for engaging in conduct that the Elders believe is contrary and harmful to the best interests of the church. His employment has been terminated from Harvest Bible Chapel, effective today, February 12, 2019," the elders said last week.

The current link to the executive committee on the churchs website no longer reflects any content. The cached page lists seven persons on Harvest Bible Chapels executive committee however, as recently as March 2018. They are: MacDonald; Rick Donald, assistant senior pastor and elder; Scott Milholland, senior executive pastor and chief operating officer; Luke MacDonald, executive ministry pastor; Jeff Donaldson, executive ministry pastor; Trei Tatum, executive pastor of stewardship; and Janine Nelson, executive director of Walk in the Word.

The church plans on moving ahead with a new team called Harvest 2020, which will consist of congregants, staff, professionals and elders, to complete a review of the church, the Tribune said.

Rick Korte, a church member, will lead the team.

What were asking you is to give us some time, he said in an appeal to congregants. Give us time to look at the failures, to dig deeply into what we have done wrong, give us the chance to fix this. If we havent done anything in 30, 60, 90 days, if this team is not able to push us forward, then I will walk with you hand in hand and we can leave. But I want you to stay with us now.

Some of the protesting members said they are encouraged by this initiative.

Im just doing lots of praying and asking God for wisdom, Cross told the Tribune. I dont want to do anything that hurts the church. I love Harvest and have grown so much here. We just cant keep going in the direction we are in.

Addressing the new team in her post, Thorman noted: We also appreciated hearing about the new Harvest 2020 committee that will be digging into all areas of concern and seeking to make changes where needed. Were willing to wait and hoping to see good things from you. Show us what you can do!
For centuries, the Catholic church was the only religious presence in the Spanish colonies. In the British colonies, which soon became the United States, Protestant leaders prioritized evangelizing settlers, assuming their work would prove futile among Mexicans. In fact, it took nearly 100 years after the founding of the US for Protestantism to gain its first convert and a foothold in what is now New Mexico. As the 19th-century Methodist missionary Thomas Harwood explained:

New Mexico should have credit for commencing the [Mexican Protestant] Missionary work first of any other. Let us recapitulate  The first [Protestant] sermon ever preached in Spanish, especially in North or South America, was in New Mexico. The first baptism was in New Mexico. The first Methodist church building ever erected in the Spanish work was in New Mexico. The first martyr was in New Mexico. The first Mexican [Protestant] convert, Don. Ambrosio Gonzales, was in New Mexico.

While few details are known about the life of Ambrosio Gonzales, Harwood knew him personally. His two-volume History of New Mexico Spanish and English Missions, which covers the decades between 18501910, portrays a man who was radically transformed by the power of the gospel and spent his life trying to help his community come to know the Lord as he did. Although he had no formal theological training, Gonzales vibrant faith and deep concern for the Bible empowered him to make an impact in Peralta, New Mexico, and its surrounding communities. In this way, he blazed a trail for other Mexican men and women to follow his footsteps of faith.

The Southwests Political Mess

Ambrosios conversion is best understood in the context of the mid-19th-century geopolitical tensions that beset what is now the southwestern United States. In 1821, Mexico gained its independence from Spain, the new country extending to what is now the northern borders of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, with the Pacific Ocean serving as its western border and Texas its eastern.

But in 1836, Texas declared independence from Mexico. Less than 10 years later, in 1845, the US annexed Texas. This action, in turn, provoked a war between Mexico and the US. When the US won, it overpowered Mexico and forced it to surrender what is now Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Suddenly, about 100,000 Mexican sons and daughters whose families had lived on these lands for generations, who spoke Spanish and identified as Catholic, now were foreigners in their own homes.

Roughly a decade after Mexico declared its independence from Spain, American Protestant missionaries, like Presbyterian minister Sumner Bacon, began passing out Spanish Bibles in Mexico. These Spanish Bibles and Spanish New Testaments were mass-produced by the American Bible Society for evangelistic efforts throughout the country, according to historian Paul Bartons Hispanic Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists in Texas. However, Bacon and others testified to how difficult the missionary endeavors were in Mexico. Regardless of the missionaries intentions, many Mexicans saw the English language, the Protestant faith, and the US idea of manifest destiny as uncomfortably connected. Thus, retaining their native land also meant rejecting the Protestant faith. The Mexican-American War only further hardened these beliefs. For Mexican families to convert to Protestantism, they would have to align with the faith of those who had taken their land through military conquest.

A Charm to Me

In 1850, the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church sent out Enoch Nicholson and his family from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Three years later, Nicholson met Ambrosio Gonzales in the town of Peralta, a community 100 miles south of Santa Fe. Upon meeting Gonzales, Nicholson gave him a Bible. Gonzales later recounted receiving this life-changing gift in a conversation with Harwood:

It was the first Bible of any kind I had ever seen.  The book was a charm to me. When the rest retired, I sat up and read the good book. I read nearly the whole book of Genesis. I then turned to the New Testament and read several chapters in Saint John. One chapter was the fourteenth Let not your heart be troubled, etc. It was to me a new book. I read until the chickens were crowing for day. I laid down on a lounge in the same room and soon fell asleep. When I woke the sun was shining through the window into my face. The Sun of Righteousness was shining brightly in my soul. I have been a Christian and a Protestant ever since.

While Gonzales had spent his entire life in a Christian nation, he had never encountered a written copy of the Scriptures. The Bible engaged his spiritual taste buds to the extent in which he consumed the entire Book of Genesis and other Scriptures in one night. From that day, Gonzales and his family treasured the Scriptures in general, and the Bible given to him from Nicholson became known as the Peralta Bible. According to Harwood, That was the starting point of the Protestant work in Peralta, if not in the entire territory.

In 1855, the Methodist church sent Dallas Lore to examine the situation in Peralta, New Mexico, and give a report of its condition, according to Presbyterian missionary Robert Craigs 1904 book, Our Mexicans. In the three years since Gonzales had become a Protestant, Lore saw that the convert had not kept his faith a secret. In fact, 14 Mexican converts, seven men and seven women, were meeting at his home. There is no reason to doubt as to their sincerity. They have a good man for their leader, Ambrosio Gonzales, and there is much to hope for from them, wrote Lore in a letter. Before departing Peralta, Lore organized them into a church and appointed Gonzales as the leader.

From that point, few details of the history in Peralta remain until Harwood reached New Mexico in 1869. To the delight of many, the little band of 14 had increased to 42, the missionary noted. Harwood officially licensed Gonzales upon that visit and testified, I found no other organization in any other place in New Mexico where the Mexican people held religious services.

A Growing Ministry

One of the first people who embraced Protestantism under Gonzaless ministry was Juan Chavez. Chavez was a poor man who was known to be rich in faith, even as he was persecuted for his faith at different times, presumably by his Catholic neighbors after breaking from the bondage of Rome. He was bedridden as he approached death, and his family prayed for him and took Communion with him. He told those at his bedside, My soul has perfect peace. One woman in the room, seeing his intense pain, remarked, How I wish you had a good physician, to which he replied, My physician is in heaven. Chavez died the next morning.

Ambrosio Gonzales and his wife raised a young girl, Luisa Sedillo, in their home for eight years. During this time they raised her as a Protestant even though her family remained Catholic. Sedillo sadly passed away while she was still young. As with Chavez, the church gathered around her bedside while ill to sing and pray with her. The prayers of the church made her feel, mucho mejor (much better). The Peralta church also sang with her a Spanish rendition of the hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus Name.

Jesus mi amo es el Rey, (Jesus my love is the king) No hay mas rey que el (There is no greater king than he) Sacad las diademas ya, (Bring out the diadem) Y coronad a El (And place the crown on him)

The church family that was with her those final days testified to the vibrancy of Sedillos convictionsa faith that was nurtured in the Gonzales household.

Many within and outside of Peralta viewed Gonzales as a spiritual leader and pastor. He would travel to nearby mountain villages preaching the gospel and performing various pastoral duties. One family that lived a days journey away from Peralta later told Hardwood how Gonzales had baptized some of their children. On a different occasion, Gonzales traveled with a Methodist missionary to the village of Tijeras. There they found a woman who had been Catholic for 50 years but had recently converted to Protestantism after visiting friends in Peralta. There she heard the Scriptures read, and the way of salvation explained, and, under the power of Gods Word, her life-long prejudice [to the Protestant faith] gave way, and she was converted to Christ.

These conversion stories did not take place without opposition, primarily from Roman Catholics. Many Protestants had their lives threatened, were attacked with stones, were shot at, and some were even killed. Harwoods work recounts at least nine different incidents of anti-Protestant persecution in New Mexico from 1875 to 1891.

Gonzales died in his Peralta home in 1884 at the age of 72. He had led dozens to faith in Jesus, preached many sermons, and was persecuted for his beliefs. Like others he influenced, Gonzales faith remained fervent to the end. Writing in 1908, Harwood, who corroborated Gonzales claim that he was the first Protestant convert, reflected on his life, Brother Ambrosio has long since passed away. But he was always a decided Christian.

The Latino Church Today

Ambrosio Gonzales came face-to-face with the God of the Bible in his reading of the Scriptures. The new life that he experienced in Christ became the message he preached. Despite his lack of formal theological education, Gonzales planted and shepherded a church in Peralta and witnessed the church increase from 1 to 42 believers over an 18-year period. By 1900, New Mexico had at least 87 churches established with a total membership of 2,487. In fact, by 1900 there were 5,572 active members in 149 Latino congregations in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California, according to Juan Francisco Martinezs Origins of Protestantism Among Latinos in the Southwestern United States (18361900).

The Latino church in the United States remains a growing church with about 7.5 million people that self-identify as evangelical/Protestant. Todays Hispanic Protestants not only have Mexican ancestry but also have Caribbean and Central and South American backgrounds.

Ambrosio Gonzales conversion from Catholicism to the Protestant faith remains a common experience for many Latinos. In Juan Francisco Martinezs Los Protestantes, he describes how Hispanic Catholics continue to convert to Protestantismover 80% of whom do so because they are searching for a more direct, personal experience with God, according to 2003 and 2007 studies by the Pew Hispanic Center. While this personal experience involves a variety of religious expressions, a key one is Bible reading. Just as Ambrosios life was transformed by reading the Bible, Cuban American church historian and theologian Justo L. Gonzalez observes a similar phenomenon is his book Manana:

The great appeal to Protestantism was in Scripture itself, which the Catholic Church had taught us to respect but not to read. For many Hispanics, both in the United States and in Latin America, the experience of hearing the Word for the first time, of being able to study Scripture in new ways, was revolutionary and liberating. After this, they could no longer understand how anyone could remain tied to a church that either forbade or discouraged the reading of Scripture, and they made every conceivable effort to bring other Hispanics to the same realization.

The Latino Protestant church in America is a growing one, with a rich legacy that needs further exploration. More stories like Ambrosios remain to be told. Indeed, more stories like his have yet to take place. As the gospel spreads among Hispanics in America, men and women from various Latino backgrounds will continue to come to saving faith in Jesus and say as Ambrosio Gonzales did, the Sun of Righteousness was shining brightly in my soul.

Eric Rivera (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is lead pastor of The Brook in Chicago and author of Christ Is Yours: The Assurance of Salvation in the Puritan Theology of William Gouge (Lexham, 2019). He and his wife, Erikah, are also conference speakers with FamilyLife's "Weekend to Remember" getaways.

[ This article is also available in espanol. ]
Eboo Patels latest book, Out of Many Faiths, explores the daunting challenges and encouraging possibilities at work amid Americas religious diversity.

In what might be the books most important contribution, Patel explores the history of Americas wrestling with religious diversity through an alternative and revealing lensthe Muslim American experience.

As a Muslim himself, Patel considers many illuminating themes and episodes from Islams complex history in America. He uncovers how Islam itself was repeatedly discussed by the Founding Fathers in their earliest deliberations about the nature of religious freedom in America. Countering a popular fear that Muslims came to America with dreams of dogmatic dominance, Patel reminds us that many of Americas earliest Muslims arrived on our shores in slave ships. Far from an invasion, it was a kidnapping.

Invoking another important historical episode, Patel discusses the complex and illuminating relationship America had with the great boxer Muhammed Ali and his Muslim faith. He examines the numerous ways in which Ali had to navigate being both beloved and vilified, accepted and rejected in his path toward inclusion in the greater American story.

Patel goes on to examine how Muslim Americans attempted to establish a community center in lower Manhattan after 9/11. Their original hope, he explains, was to serve not only their own Muslim community but the greater city of New York itself. That said, their hopes were frustrated by their fellow Americans, many of whom saw the community center as a disrespectful and intrusive act of religious aggression in the former shadow of the twin towers.

Patel skillfully uses the lens of American history to ...

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Chickasha, OK (73018)

Today

Cloudy skies this evening followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Cloudy skies this evening followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Irans foreign minister on Sunday accused Israel of looking for war and warned that its actions and those of the United States were increasing the chances of a clash in the region. Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also criticized the U.S. administration after Vice President Mike Pence this week called on European powers to pullout of the nuclear deal with Iran. Zarif urged France, Germany and Britain to do more to save that accord. Certainly, some people are looking for war ... Israel, Zarif said. The risk (of war) is great. The risk will be even greater if you continue to turn a blind eye to severe violations of international law.

As Rueters reports, accusing Israel of violating international law after bombing campaigns in Syria, Zarif criticized European powers for not calling out Israel and the United States for their behavior in the region. Israeli behavior is putting international law on the shelf, U.S. behavior is putting international law on the shelf, he said.

Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iranian belligerence was the main destabilizing factor in the entire Middle East. We must deny Iran nuclear weaponry and block its military entrenchment in Syria. We will continue taking constant action to ensure Israels security, he said in remarks broadcast on Israeli media.

Europe falling short

Vice-President Pence on Friday accused Iran of Nazi-like anti-Semitism, maintaining his harsh rhetoric against Tehran just a day he attacked European powers for trying to undermine U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Zarif said the U.S. had an unhealthy and pathological obsession with Iran and accused Pence of trying to bully his allies. All in the name of containing Iran, the U.S. claims, and some blindly parrot, that it is Iran that is interfering in the region, but has it been asked whose region? Zarif said. Look at the map, the U.S. military has traveled 10,000 kilometers to dot all our borders with its bases. There is a joke that it is Iran that put itself in the middle of U.S. bases.

Zarif, who said Iran was committed to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers for now, also accused France, Britain and Germany of not doing enough to ensure Tehran received the economic benefits of that accord. These three countries this month set up the Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a new channel for non-dollar trade with Iran to avoid U.S. sanctions. But diplomats say it is unlikely to allow the big transactions that Tehran says it needs to keep a nuclear deal afloat.

Washingtons major European allies opposed last years decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to abandon the deal, which also includes China and Russia, under which international sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear program. INSTEX falls short of commitments by the E3 (France, Germany, Britain) to save the nuclear deal, Zarif said. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have a lot going on. They are about to embark on their final royal tour to Morocco before welcoming Baby Sussex in late April or early May, and they are moving from their 2 -bedroom cottage at Kensington Palace into a sprawling estate, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. With such packed schedules, the pair are looking to move into their new digs in March 2019 which gives them just a few weeks to settle in before Markle gives birth.

Frogmore Cottage is about an hour outside of London and the estate provides privacy and a level of comfort that the newlyweds werent getting at Kensington Palace. With final touches being put on the renovations, it looks like Meghan Markle might also feng shui the new home.

Will Meghan Markle feng shui her new home with Prince Harry?

Despite her busy schedule, Markle has been super hands on about all of the renovations at Frogmore Cottage, so its very likely that the duchess will do a bit of feng shui as a final touch.

On her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig the Duchess of Sussex wrote extensively about the art of feng shui and its benefits. She said, The ancient Chinese art of feng shui has been practiced for nearly 3,000 yearsWith so many layers of tradition and technicality, it may seem daunting to introduce to your home aesthetic and ethosHowever, the core of feng shui is about making you feel comfortable and at ease in your home so that it can translate into every aspect of your life  so fret not.

Inside Frogmore Cottage

Prince Harry and Meghan Markles new home is a bit more sizable than a cottage Frogmore Cottage has ten bedrooms, a nursery for Baby Sussex, a yoga studio, and a gym. Since the home was previously used for royal staff housing, the couple has added new staircases, vegan paint, and of course, little details for Baby Sussex.

The royals have been working on the renovations for months which is said to be a multi-million dollar project, paid for by Her Majesty, aka British taxpayers. Frogmore Cottage will also provide the privacy the duke and duchess want to raise their family outside of the glaring spotlight and press.

Inside Baby Sussexs nursery

Though shes been excited about getting the details of the house together as a whole Markle probably spent most of her time getting Baby Sussexs nursery just right. Royal insider Katie Nicholl told Vanity Fair that the nursery has also been outfitted with, top-of-the-line cameras, security windows, and a state-of-the-art stereo system.

Nicholl also revealed that the nursery would be chic and gender-neutral. She explained, Dont expect to see any baby pink or baby blue. Apparently, its going to be a monochrome palettewhites and grays, Im told, will be the color theme for baby Sussexs nursery. The nursery will be painted with eco-friendly vegan paint that is eucalyptus-infused. From Markles fashion choices we know that she loves color as well she and the prince may decide to add bold pops of color to the room like rugs and pillows once the little one is born.

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Comedic actress Rebel Wilson has been lighting up the silver screen since 2003, but until now, nobody seemed to know her real age. Meh. That sort of stuff happens in Hollywood all the time. Whats strange is that nobody knew her real name, either. What are Wilsons true statistics? The answers may surprise you.

Why did she lie about her name?

Rebel Wilson | Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Rumors about Wilsons possibly fabricated life story emerged as recently as 2015, when International Business Times revealed that the actress tales of growing up in the Sydney ghetto were actually untrue. According to IBT, the star used various names over the years, including Elizabeth and Melanie.

At one point, she explained to Australian Womens Weekly that she went by those two names in order to cease teasing about her real name. In fact, those are part of her Rebel Wilsons actual birth name.

On the up and up

The actress Variety magazine ranked in their Top Ten Comics to Watch for 2011 had her name legally changed to Rebel Wilson in 2002 while claiming that she never intentionally misled anyone about her real name or age, reports The Guardian.

Womans Day magazine touched on the topic of Wilsons stories about growing up in the more ghetto side of Sydney, saying they were indeed false. People magazine confirmed when they revealed documents proving that Wilson attended the upscale Tara Anglican School while growing up in the upper-middle-class Sydney suburb of Castle Hill.

In May 2015, after publication of the People story, Wilson tweeted that she was actually a 100-year-old mermaid named CC Chalice.

https://twitter.com/RebelWilson/status/600336130777718785

Shortly thereafter, she tweeted again, this time saying that people her true moniker is Fat Patricia.

So, what is her real name?

According to her self-penned bio at IMDB, the 54 actress was born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds in Sydney, Australia on March 2, 1980. She studied at the Australian Theatre for Young People and enjoyed a short albeit successful television and stage career in her native country before moving to the United States where she received further training at Second City.

What Wilson is famous for

Prior to being found fibbing about her name, Wilson made her face unforgettable in several Hollywood movies, including a star turn in the 2012 romantic comedy, Pitch Perfect, in which she portrayed an energetic and sympathetic character named Fat Amy. Based on the book by Mickey Rapkin, the plot of Pitch Perfect revolves around musically inclined students at fictional Barden University. In the story, Fat Amy is part of the all-girl singing group, The Bellas, who compete against an all-boy singing group. The 1hr 52min feature film also stars Brittany Snow, Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, and Hana Mae Lee.

Known for her brash but likable characters, Rebel Wilson brings wit and off-the-wall charm to every part she takes.

What shes up to now

In 2019, Wilson will appear in four feature films, including Isnt It Romantic, which she also produced. Isnt It Romantic also features Priyanka Chopra and Adam Devine.

Watch for her in the upcoming film, The Hustle, too. In case youre wondering, yes, she produced this one, as well. Taika Waititis Jojo Rabbit is yet another Wilson vehicle that will be released later this in 2019, as is a much anticipated flick by Tom Hooper called Cats.

Future projects for the zaftig actress include a dramatic series, Les Norton, that will be filmed in Australia and aired on ABC. Currently, Wilson is in rehearsals for a martin McDonough play, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, which will premiere at the Sydney Theatre Company later this year.
High School Musical: The Series Cast | Twitter

Its been 11 years since the East High Wildcats graced out screens with iconic songs and memorable dance moves.

Since the premiere of High School Musical back in 2006, the movie franchise has found a special place in our hearts and has gone down as one of the best Disney Channel movies to date.

After much speculation of a fourth movie, it has been revealed that High School Musical is making a comeback, but in the form of a television series.

The cast of the series has just been announced and lets just say, the internet is not happy with Disneys decision to revive a beloved classic.

Production has officially began

A few months after it was revealed that the fourth installment of the High School Musical franchise will be a television show, production for the series has finally begun.

The 10 episode series will follow a group of students as they prepare for opening night of their schools very first production of High School Musical.

Production is taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah and will feature brand-new songs as well as acoustic reinterpretations of songs from the original High School Musical movies.

In a recent Twitter post, cast of the new series was officially announced and is set to include, Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo(Bizaardvark), Kate Reinders (Modern Family, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Sofia Wylie(Andi Mack), Matt Cornett (Bella and the Bulldogs), Dara Renee (Freaky Friday), Julia Lester(Mom), Frankie Rodriguez (Modern Family), Larry Saperstein (Fan Girl), and Mark St. Cyr(Doomsday).

High School Musical fans are not happy

With High School Musical returning to Disney Channel, many fans of the original movies are not happy this is taking place.

Fans of the beloved franchise once sat in awe as they watched Troy and Gabriella dance and sing their way into our hearts.

Many of us still remember every word to Sharpays iconic Fabulous song and know every single step to Were All in This Together.

Since it was announced that High School Musical would be coming back to Disney Channel, many wondered if our favorite Wildcats would be walking the East High School halls once again.

Our dreams were eventually crushed after it was revealed no one from the original cast would be participating in the series.

Now that the beloved Disney Channel franchise is officially making a comeback, fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the series and its brand new cast.

THAT DONT LOOK LIKE Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashely Tisdale, Lucas Gabriel, Corbin Bleu & Monique Coleman TO ME!! NO THANK YOU, NEXT! pic.twitter.com/wj8Hx89dQy  KOFI DESERVES BETTER (@willyonce99) February 16, 2019

No one knows what to expect

So far, only the cast of High School Musical: The Series has been revealed.

Many are expecting the show to premiere sometime later this year and many do not know whether to love or hate the concept this series has in store.

All fans can expect are show-mances; tested friendships, rivalries, and changed lives; which does not leave fans with much insight.

Even though we are not going to get a chance to see the OG Wildcats belt out songs in the hallways or dance on top of cafeteria tables, we at least have the memories.

And if thats not enough, well always have Netflix!
Just before the birth of their newest grandchild, Baby Sussex Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles are set to embark on a new and historic royal tour. The future King of England and his bride are headed to Cuba and other destinations in the Carribean in mid-March. Heres an inside look at their upcoming royal tour.

Inside Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles Caribbean royal tour

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be the first members of the British Royal Family in over 50 years to visit Cuba. No member of the royal family has stepped foot on the island since it came under communist rule. The whirlwind royal tour will last from March 17-29, 2019 and will include six different countries and one overseas territory.

The royal pair will make stops in St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Cuba, and the Cayman Island and they will also take part in more than 50 engagements while on their tour. They should be back in the U.K. just in time to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcome their first child into the world.

Why are Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles visiting Cuba?

Prince Charles has visited 45 out of the 53 nations in the Commonwealth throughout his life, but this will be his and the duchess first time in Cuba. Typically, royal tours are planned by the United Kingdoms Foreign Office. Members of the British Royal Family are seen as ambassadors who visit with a countrys leaders and engage with its citizens. Though former American President Barack Obama visited the country in 2016 no British Prime Minister has ever visited communist Cuba. The prince and the duchess visit could be a way of testing the waters.

According to Prince Charles website, the visit will, highlight the growing bilateral relationship with the U.K. and showcase some of the cultural links between the two countries.

Is Duchess Camilla Parker Bowles nervous about visiting Cuba?

Prince Charles adores traveling, and trying new foods, but the Duchess of Cornwall is a homebody and she actually has a pretty bad fear of flying. In 2018, the duchess pulled out of a trip to accompany Prince Charles to Australia at the last minute. A spokesperson for Clarence House told Express U.K., She decided a few weeks ago to firm up her plans. We were always looking at the Duchess coming. There are no health reasons. She is as fit as a flea. The Duchess does not like flying, but I think she sometimes has to embrace that fear and get on with it.

However, the duchess fear of flying isnt the only reason why shes nervous about visiting Cuba. Apparently, shes also a bit apprehensive about the food. Baroness Hale told Daily Mail, She did make a remark about she wasnt so sure about the food.

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Being married to the 45th President of the United States had made Melania Trump one of the most famous women in the world so its no surprise people want to learn as much as they can about Donald Trumps wife.

There have been questions about everything from her age to if she graduated college to how many languages she speaks. Here are the answers to those questions as well as a few other things you may not have known about the first lady.

Melania Trump | NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

How old is Melania Trump?

Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, to parents Viktor and Amalija Knavs. She grew up in present-day Slovenia, which at the time of her birth was part of the communist nation Yugoslavia.

She is the only first lady who was raised in a communist country and just the second to be born outside the U.S. Before her, John Quincy Adamss wife, Louisa Catherine Johnson, was born in London to a British mother and an American father who was a merchant and diplomat living in England.

Melania began modeling when she was a teenager and changed her name to Melania Knauss. She worked as a fashion model in Paris and Milan but decided to move to New York City when she was in her late twenties. She met her future husband at a party in 1998 and they began dating a short time. In 2004, Mr. Trump popped the question and the pair were married the following year at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Did she go to college?

US First Lady Melania Trump | SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

A lot of people have questioned whether the FLOTUS went to college since there has been some confusion about that.

Prior to he husband winning the election, Melanias personal website stated that she received a degree in design and architecture from a college in Slovenia. After obtaining a degree in design and architecture at University in Slovenia, Melania was jetting between photo shoots, the site read.

However, once Donald Trump became president Melanias bio on the White House government website made no mention of her college degree. There have been reports from multiple news outlets that Mrs. Trump was enrolled at the University of Ljubljana but once her modeling career really began to take off she left the school to sign with an agency.

Blaz Matija Vogelnik, a professor who taught Melania at the university, confirmed that she left and did not return to the school. She hasnt finished university, at least not in Ljubljana, he said. My personal opinion is that, because she was very beautiful girl  I believe that she realized that she could gain more with that, than to have long studies.

How many languages does she speak?

Melania Trump and Barron Trump | Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The first lady is a polyglot as she picked up several languages during the course of her modeling career.

According to Vox, in addition to English and her native Slovene, Melania also speaks Serbo-Croatian, Italian, German and French. Her son, Barron, knows English, Slovenian, and she has been teaching him French as well.

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Babies are everywhere in the Duggar household. Now that several of the Duggar kids are married, they are starting their own large families, and with a large family comes lots o/f births. The most recent Duggar kid to announce a pregnancy is Jessa Seewald. Ben and Jessa are parents to two boys; Spurgeon 3 and Henry, 2.

Now that the cat is out of the bag on her pregnancy all eyes have turned to how shell choose to give birth. Jessa, an advocate for home births, was rushed to the hospital in 2015 after giving birth to her first child, Spurgeon. Heavy bleeding led to an emergency blood transfusion and an overnight hospital stay. The birth of her second child was much smoother.

While Jessas introduction to motherhood was a bit rocky, she isnt the only Duggar who has experienced difficult labor or a scary birth experience. Continue reading to find out which Duggar ladies had an easy go at labor, and which ones needed severe medical intervention.

Jill Dillards first home birth was a disaster

Jill Dillard was a home birth advocate. She trained and worked as a midwife, so it was evident from the start that she would attempt a homebirth. However, things didnt go according to plan. Jill received backlash following the airing of her birthing episode on TLC when it became clear she and her midwife were both aware the baby was in trouble long before they moved to the hospital.

Israel was born via c-section after 70 hours of labor. He weighed in at nearly 10lbs and had flipped into a transverse position and experienced fluctuations in his heart rate prior to the emergency c-section, according to People.

Joyanna Forsyth found herself in need of an emergency c-section

Joyanna, just 20 at the time attempted to labor at home with her first child. While she made it 20 hours in the comfort of her own living room, they decided to move to the hospital when the labor was not progressing.

With labor failing to progress, it was suddenly clear that a vaginal delivery was out of the question. Joyanna and Austins son was breach and would require immediate intervention. They welcomed a healthy baby boy on February 23, 2018. He weighed over 10lbs, according to People.

Jill Dillard requires a second c-section

The birth of Jill and Dericks second son is shrouded in mystery. According to US Magazine, Jill labored for 40 hours before heading to the hospital where Samuel was born via c-section. It took the Dillards nearly two weeks to share the news of Samuels arrival, making many questions precisely what happened during the birth.

According to pictures, Samuel had an extended stay in the hospital. The pair have yet to open up about the birth or hospital stay. With the couple no longer taking part in the familys TLC show, it is unlikely fans will ever get the full story.

Jinger opts for a hospital birth

With Joyanna, Jill, and Jesse having difficult times with the labor and delivery of their children, Jinger considered their experiences when deciding her own birth plan. On the February 11 episode of Counting On, Jinger explained that she was opting for a hospital birth after seeing her sisters struggles.

Jinger gave birth to a baby girl in July 2018. The birth of Felicity will be featured on the February 18th episode of Counting On.

Future births

While Jessa is likely to opt for another home birth, considering her second delivery went smoothly, many of the other Duggar family members are heading into hospitals to deliver. Joseph Duggars wife, Kendra, opted for a hospital birth when she gave birth to their first child, a boy, last year. What the other Duggar family members will choose to do remains to be seen.

Read More: Which Duggar Couple is Most Likely to End Up in Divorce Court

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Since day one, Meghan Markle has been the center of ongoing family and personal drama. Despite a lot of efforts by the Royal Familys PR, the issues simply keep going. Most recently, five of Meghan Markles friends spoke out anonymously on her behalf. These five women chose to remain anonymous to protect private relationships they hold dear, but the choice was obviously made to help their friend.

Many people dont think this was the best move. Despite good intentions, some believe these newest interviews are only doing more harm than good when it comes to Markles family drama. But are they really?

Meghan Markle | Karwai Tang/WireImage

What did Meghan Markles friends say?

During the interview, the five female friends of Meghan Markle aimed to clear the air about all of the ongoing issues. This includes her relationships with her family, the reasons for the interview, and to dispel all of the lies and untruths circulating currently in the media.

On the topic of why these five friends chose to speak out when they did, a former co-star of Markles stated that Meg has silently sat back and endured the lies and the untruths. The former co-star went on to say that its wrong to put anyone under this level of emotional trauma, let alone when theyre pregnant.

A long time friend also wanted to clear the air about how the media has portrayed Meghan Markles relationship with her half-siblings, Samantha and Thomas, Jr., who were already teenagers when Meghan was born. They have been made to appear as siblings who had this falling out, and they were not a part of her life.

Did Markle ask her friends for help?

The first issue is that, while the Duchess of Sussex claims to have had no idea about the interviews, many think she may have commissioned or requested them. This is (at this point) only rumors with no substantial proof, but the idea doesnt help Meghan Markle stay out of the spotlight. If she did, in fact, ask her friends to speak out on her behalf, then many would think she has something to hide or that what the friends stated was untrue.

Royal correspondent disapproves

Meghan Markle is always in the spotlight | Karwai Tang/WireImage

Imogen Lloyd Webber is a royal correspondent who recently spoke to People Magazine about the article released on the behalf of Meghan Markle. Webber stated disapproval by saying that it is very difficult when you start speaking out, it is a slippery slope, so we shall see. She goes on to say that when the new royal baby is announced it might help to reset the situation with more press focused on that positive situation versus Markles family drama.

Webber did, however, find something in the article rather shocking. During her interview, Webber expressed shock that Markles father knew how to get ahold of his daughter. When asked about the articles most surprising revelation, Webber stated that her father can get in touch with her. That was shocking to me.

Are Markles friends doing more harm than good with the family drama?

With the interviews out only recently, things are still up in the air over whether Markles friends have helped the situation or simply fanned the flames. People at large seem to be split. Some think the articles revelations clear the air, while others feel it is a hopeless attempt to end Meghan Markles family drama.
Actress, Anne Hathaway, 36 years old, began her film career at the ripe old age of 18 with The Princess Diaries (learn what she has to say about the possibility of a third installment of the movie here). Now, Hathaway is a mom, wife, and one of the highest paid actresses in the world, according to The Sunday Times.



Like many other people, Hathaway gets tips from the British royal family. While some may look to the royal family for style or health tips, Hathaway looks for parenting tips. Ahead, see what parenting tip Hathaway stole from Kate Middleton. Plus, why she gave up drinking for her son.



About Hathaways family

Hathaway married actor/jewelry designer Adam Shulman in September 2012, according to People. The two welcomed their son, Jackson Rosebanks Shulman, on March 24, 2016, according to Just Jared. The couple has kept their son out of the public eye only sharing a picture of him on Hathaways Instagram a year after his birth(see above).

Anne Hathaway stole this parenting tip from Kate Middleton

Britains Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Princess Charlotte board thier plane on the tarmac of the Airbus compound in Hamburg, northern Germany, on July 21,2017. The British royal couple are on the last stage of their three-day visit to Germany. / AFP PHOTO / Patrik STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

During an interview with the British publication, The Sunday Times, Hathaway divulged the parenting tip she stole from Kate Middleton.



They get down on the childs level and speak to them eye-to-eye to make the child feel empowered, Hathaway told The Sunday Times. I thought that was really cool. I started doing that with Jonathan.



And sure enough, Middleton and her husband, Prince William, have been photographed crouching down to be at eye level with their children.



One such instance happened when Princess Charlotte sat down on a tarmac while holding hands with her mom, apparently refusing to board the plane, according to The Daily Mail.



Instead of tugging on Charlottes hand or telling her to stand up, Middleton crouched down (in heels and a dress might we add) to speak to her at eye level.

Why Hathaway gave up alcohol

During an appearance on an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in January 2019, Hathaway told Ellen DeGeneres why she gave up alcohol and doesnt plan on drinking for the next 18 years.



Hathaway quit drinking in October 2018 after she went on a tour of the best rums on the island of Mauritius, where she was filming the movie, Serenity, with Matthew McConaughey, according to Insider.



When DeGeneres asks Hathaway, How was that? smiling and laughing, she responds I dont remember. I have no idea. The next day she had a meeting with the films director, Steven Knight, during which she was hungover.



I was just kind of like stumbling and one eye open, Hathaway said. After going to the meeting hungover, Hathaway decided to give up drinking for almost two decades.



Im going to stop drinking while my son is living in my house just because I dont totally love the way I do it and hes getting to an age where he really does need me all the time in the morning, Hathaway told DeGeneres.
East Tennessee State Universitys LPN-to-BSN program continues to expand, giving licensed practical nurses a way to earn their bachelor of science degrees not only in Johnson City, but throughout the state of Tennessee, how including Chattanooga.



The ETSU College of Nursings LPN-BSN program has been in existence since 2001. When it started, it was primarily accessible to working nursing professionals in the Tri-Cities area, with courses offered on-ground with traditional students on ETSUs main campus in Johnson City.



The program has grown after the college expanded it to meet the needs of the workforce by using technology to offer courses at other locations within the state. "As of this spring 2019 semester, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Chattanooga now have an accessible, convenient way to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees with the expansion of the LPN-BSN Program to Chattanoogas Erlanger Health System," officials said. "Seven students are enrolled this semester at the program in Chattanooga, bringing the total current enrollment at four sites statewide to 123.

"A new statewide cohort of 60 to 70 students begins its studies each semester, including the summer term, and approximately 90 applications were just received for 60 spots in this summers cohort, which will host students at sites in Shelbyville and Newbern for the first time. The application period for the cohort beginning in the fall 2019 semester will run from May 11-June 1.



"ETSUs program expansion began after the Institute of Medicine issued a recommendation in 2011 to increase the number of BSN-prepared nurses entering the workforce to 80 percent by the year 2020.



"College of Nursing officials looked at Tennessee Board of Nursing statistics for graduates from 2013-16 and saw that over 1,000 students graduated during that time with associate degrees from the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and passed boards to become LPNs. However, they questioned why so few of those graduates were going on to earn their BSN degrees, so they surveyed nursing students at the TCATs to determine their needs."



We found we were the only nursing program at a public institution in the state that offered an LPN-to-BSN program, said Dr. Melessia D. Webb, associate dean for Undergraduate Programs and associate professor in the ETSU College of Nursing. So we discovered that the demand was high for an LPN-to-BSN program that was accessible, meaning students didnt have to come to Johnson City to be educated but could stay in their area; accelerated, meaning they didnt want to be in school for five semesters with summers off, making it drawn-out; and articulated, which gave them more articulation credit for being LPNs.



Dr. Webb and her colleagues set a goal of expanding ETSUs LPN-BSN program so that students all the way to Memphis could have access to it.



Tabitha Quillen, director of Undergraduate Post-Licensure Programs for the College of Nursing, said they revised the curriculum by comparing it to the common curriculum used at TCATs across the state and eliminating repetitive coursework. This provided 23 articulation credits, compared to the previously allowed six credits for courses already taken. The reduced amount of coursework, combined with a newly compressed schedule of four consecutive semesters with no summer breaks, provided the accelerated program students needed.



The college made the program accessible by offering a hybrid format with 50 percent fully online courses and 50 percent of the courses conducted via instructional television (ITV) at other Tennessee locations.



In the fall 2018 semester, the College of Nursings newly revised LPN-BSN program enrolled 59 students in cohorts in three Tennessee cities, with classes live-streamed from Johnson City to the TCATs in both Nashville and Crossville. As they progress through the program, students will gain clinical experience at participating agencies near their home sites.



After learning of ETSUs revised program, Erlanger reached out to the College of Nursing to discuss the possibility of establishing the site in Chattanooga. With interest expressed by more than 100 LPNs, Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approval was sought and granted. In addition, because many Erlanger employees interested in the program live across the state line in Georgia, an agreement was reached allowing a discount from the regular out-of-state tuition rate for Georgia residents.



Demand is high in other areas of the state as well, officials said. More than 1,500 LPNs have requested information on the program, and some students even drive two nights per week from Memphis to Nashville to attend ETSUs live-streamed courses there. In light of that, ETSU is seeking THEC approval to expand to two other locations this summer.



Its really grown tremendously fast, Dr. Webb says. Its a lot of hard work, but we look at how many students really need this bridge. When you get that kind of interest and you know the need is that drastic, it gives us motivation, because we know were doing a good thing.



For more information, visit https://www.etsu.edu/nursing/undergrad/lpn_bsn.php or email Quillen at quillent@etsu.edu.
Fellow students Caroline Cornett, Emily Holt and Sydney Houck of Signal Mountain High School will hold a Threads of Care spring clothing drive between the dates of March 4-15 at the high school. Donations to be accepted include new or gently used jackets, shirts, shorts, pants and more.

Threads of Care is a non-profit organization run by high school students that was first started by students at Franklin High School, near Nashville. The mission of Threads of Care is to provide homeless teens with basic necessities like clothing to see them through the year - particularly jackets, shirts, shorts, pants, etc.



"We have started a chapter of Threads of Care at our school, and we had our first annual clothing drive this past winter, where we asked specifically for coats, and were able to collect 262 donations," said Ms. Cornett. "We are hoping to repeat that success this spring with our clothing drive.

"We will be accepting donations of new or gently used jackets, shirts, shorts, pants and more, which can be dropped off at Signal Mountain High School, either the middle or high school entrance, on March 4-15. Following the drive, we will donate the collected items to an organization of our choice in greater Chattanooga."
The Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia held its annual awards banquet on Feb. 5, giving student participants a chance to present the work they have done over the fall semester program.

ACE is an after school mentoring program that gives high school students the opportunity to meet with architects, engineers, and builders to learn about careers in the design and construction industry. Students gain experience in working on a real-world project and compete for scholarships to pursue an ACE career beyond high school. This years student project focused on the redevelopment of the City Hall Annex with students using the Innovation District Framework Plan as their guide. Students were to develop a program, budget, floor plans, exterior elevations and other drawings/models to clearly define their proposal.

Four local high schools - Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, Howard High School, East Ridge High School and Lafayette High School embraced the project and sent teams to work on the assignment. Two open teams, one meeting at EMJ Corporation and the other at DH&W Architects, included students from other various local schools.

The winning team consisted of students from seven different area high schools, private, public and home, that came together as one team, Team EMJ.

Panelist Clint Dean of ModusBuild said,Team EMJs presentation was extremely thorough, well thought out and considered the value points outlined in the Innovation District Framework Plan. Their proposed design solution fostered a diverse and inclusive neighborhood, respected the culture of the surrounding space, had several innovation and education related components, desired to spur growth thru several urban lab concepts, and improved the public life of the area.all of which are crucial to any design project, especially in an urban environment. They also did a great job adhering to and addressing the design considerations specified in the ACE Project criteria document. They did a great job.

Additionally, four scholarships funded by Barge Design Solutions, AIA Chattanooga, EMJ Corporation, Riverside Development, Compass Commissioning Design, Fulmer Concrete, Terracon and ACE Mentor Program totaling $17,500 were awarded at the conclusion of the student project presentations. Scholarship winners were Esme Williams, (CCA) Carson Hamilton, (McCallie) Jason Ramirez, (Sequoyah) Jenna Voiles, (Soddy Daisy). Jason Ramirez has been selected to compete for the CMiC- Allen Berg Memorial Scholarship through the National ACE Mentor Program.

ACE is actively recruiting architect, engineer, and construction mentors for the 2019-2020 program. To become a mentor, please register at www.acementor.org.
The Hamilton County Coalition will be hosting a free opioid overdose prevention training on Tuesday, at 2 p.m. at the Hamilton County Coalition office, 5721 Marlin Road, Building 6011, Suite 3200.

Those in attendance will:

Learn how to identify the signs of an overdose

Learn what to do in critical moments

Learn about alternative pain management

Learn about treatment and recovery resources

Attendees will also receive training on how to use Naloxone  the life-saving narcotic overdose reversal medicine. A unit of Naloxone will also be made available upon completion of the training.

For reservations, contact Vanessa Spotts at vanessa.spotts@hccoalition.org or call 423 255-8551.

This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
The story is told in the remarkable Williams legal papers that were unearthed last March of how Samuel Williams was induced by his brother to leave Alabama and come to little Ross's Landing.

Samuel Williams, later known as "the Father of Chattanooga," at the time was ensconced in Paint Rock, Ala., where he had grown up. He and his wife, Rebecca, had a little daughter, Elizabeth.

Brother George Williams had gone up to Hamilton County and moved in with his ailing father, G.W. Sr. George Jr. then went to store keeping at the Williams home place near Mountain Creek. At one time he and his brother Silas kept a store in Lookout Valley. But George Jr. was not so well versed in business. And he had shrewd competitors like the Rawlings.

Col. James A. Whiteside tells the story best, "George W Williams very often gave me a history of his early life and commencement in business and of the motives for and manner of joining Samuel Williams in business. He has very often told me of his embarrassment in a small mercantile business which he was doing before the partnership, of the efforts of other merchants to break him down (particularly the Rawlings), and of his going to Alabama where Samuel resided and inducing him to sell his land for money, drive up his stock and join him in business at Ross's Landing - a new trading place just opening to importance on the borders of the Cherokee Nation and near the portion which was being rapidly settled by Georgians from the lower country."

John Baker, who married the older sister of Samuel Williams, notes, "George Williams had been merchandising prior to 1833. Samuel Williams was living in Jackson County, Ala., where he had a small farm. George W. had become much embarrassed in his pecuniary affairs. He went down in 1833 to Jackson County and proposed a partnership to me and Samuel Williams in business generally such as hogs, cattle, farming and merchandising.

"I declined to go into business with him, but Samuel agreed to do so. They were in partnership generally in everything, and neither one of them was to hold any property, either real or personal, separate, but everything was to be in partnership. Samuel Williams sold his farm in Alabama for $1,100, and that was used for the payment of George's individual liabilities in Tennessee. George told me he owed between $900 and $1,000 that he could not pay without help. They both told me that the debts of George had to be paid before they could go into business."

Col. Whiteside continues, "As well as I recollect the amount contributed by Samuel was stated by George to be a little over $1,000 - proceeds of his land sale, stock mostly investable for market worth some five or six hundred dollars and his household effects, for George often said to me that one of them did not own a spoon."

Samuel Williams took up residence sometimes at the home place as well as in a house on Market Street. This was near their G&S Williams store.

Col. Whiteside, who afterward became a partner in the Williams mercantile business as well as their land holdings, remembered, "George declared to me the home place to be joint property belonging to him and Samuel, that it was cultivated and managed on their joint account with their joint forces, and that one had as much control of the place as the other, and that all its proceeds were treated and used as joint property.

"George said he had commenced on nothing, got his goods on a credit and got them scattered out in the country on credit so that he could get little for them and that Sam's money saved him. He had not been doing business at Ross's Landing but on the north side of the river near the mountain. But when Samuel came they started a small trading establishment at Ross's Landing.

"Brothers of George W. informed him that sometime before he had gone to Nashville to procure some goods. He had gotten the small stock of goods on credit as recommended by David Rankin. He had not been able to pay for them and he was expecting to be sued. He was advised that living as he did on the border of the Cherokee Nation, if he had any capital he could do a profitable business trading with the Cherokees. He spoke despondingly of the efforts of other merchants, particularly, the Rawlings. Appealed to Samuel to convert all his lands into cash and move to Tennessee as a partner. George W. Sr. left personal debts of several hundred dollars not covered. Samuel sold his land and they became equal partners.

"They had all confidence in each other in their business transactions. There was no distrust of each other and no occasion for it because one could not defraud the other, everything being in common between them as regarded property, money or anything of value. And beside they were as intimate and confiding as I ever knew two brothers and I am certain each would have trusted the other for everything under all circumstances."

Jesse G. Blackwell, who also clerked for G&S Williams, said, "George remarked to me that it was distinctly true, and known to the World, that he nor Samuel had any individual property, but that everything they had, from a clod of Earth up to the spoons upon their shelves, were partnership property. And in the conversation George said that Samuel owned one-half of everything used by his family and he owned one-half of everything used by Samuel's family for six years before that time, and that he had the same interests in everything used by Samuel's family - although there was no instrument of writing between them."

Capt. John P. Long said, "My first visit to Ross's Landing was about August 1835. The Williams had goods there in partnership. They continued in partnership in goods until the summer of 1841. A portion of the time they had other partners in the concern. They sold out to me in 1841.The stock of goods amounted to $4,700. I paid about $1,000 down. I made a note to James A. Whiteside for $2,400 or $2,500."

Alexander Kelly, whose family operated Kelly's Ferry in Marion County, said, "I was acquainted with George W. Williams and George the father. G.W. lived with his father. They lived in Jackson County, Ala., until about or after the death of the Old Man. By they I mean the balance of George W. Williams' children. G.W. was merchandizing and doing tolerably well at the time of his father's death. When Samuel Williams moved here, the property included hogs, cattle, dry goods. I lived about 12 miles from him. Him and me was very intimately acquainted. The trade from the lower end of the county was mainly done with Col. Oats and me, and when G.W. Williams first went to lay in goods he came and stayed all night and told us his business and he was cautioned about merchandizing. He told us his circumstances and how he had to make the payment. If I remember right, Col. Oats or me, or perhaps both, loaned him some money, which we did do a few times. I think we gave him a few lines to Nashville. G.W. Williams bought his first goods on credit, but I suppose he was able to pay when due."

James S. Edwards, who worked as a Williams clerk and then had his own store, said, "James A. Whiteside told me he had sold out his interest to George and Samuel Williams for $500, that he had concluded to do so rather than be bothered, that it would be a very troublesome business to settle up. George Williams told me he had bought out Whiteside and gave him $600 for his interest. He said he and Samuel were to pay the debts of the firm. I also agreed and took the same amount. There was a good deal owing, but what amount I am not able to state. There were books left that showed the amount of accounts owed the firm and went into the hands of George and Samuel Williams."

William H. Stringer, who had property on Stringer's Ridge, said, "I was tax collector for Hamilton County in 1834. G.W. had 120 acres of common land and 668 acres of school land. None listed for Samuel Williams. G.W. and Samuel commenced business together in 1832 or 1833. I settled an account with G&S Williams for dealings in the store at Chattanooga. Afterward, G.W. Williams presented an individual account due to him for articles I had got for Old Man Smith down at the home place, which account I paid. It was for salt, sugar and some small fancy articles. It was around November 1837."

Elijah Thurman said he became acquainted with George W. Williams in 1831 and with Samuel Williams in 1833. "I lived about three miles from them. I have heard them both talking divers places and divers times, and both said that everything they had in the world was partnership property, and they both said they lived out of a common stock and no accounts were kept between them. That if ever they did dissolve partnership, everything was to be divided equally without any reservation to one more than the other. I have probably every year heard them speak of their partnership until George died. The last time I heard George speak of it was when he was gathering their last drove of cattle. I rode some distance with him. I heard George speak of the partnership between them oftener than I ever did Samuel. George told me he had known men who kept no accounts, who had succeeded better than any he ever knew. And that was the reason he done business in that way. "



George Williams Jr. became very ill a short time after he and Elijah Thurman started out on the cattle drive. He returned to the Williams home place, where he died Aug. 9, 1842. He was 33. One notation states: Aug. 9, 1842. One fine lined and trimmed coffin $25."

Col. Whiteside remembered, "Within a few days on the cattle drive George took sick and died. I was going to start to the north soon and Samuel implored me to fall in with Silas in Virginia, furnish him expense money, inform him of George's death, aid in selling the cattle and go to Baltimore and pay over the proceeds of the sale on the debts.

"George Williams had no money when he died and Samuel had none to furnish me when I started about the 15th of August. I went on through Washington City, passed over to Winchester in the Valley of Virginia and returned about 100 miles where I met Silas in the neighborhood of Staunton. I furnished some expense money of my own and was reimbursed out of the sale of the cattle so I consider I may safely say G&S Williams had no money at the time of George's death. A good many of the cattle which they drove were bought on credit and afterwards paid for by Samuel. I wrote up the settlement between Samuel and Silas regarding the cattle on Sept. 19, 1842."

The unexpected turn of events left Samuel Williams alone in the mercantile business with a pile of debts. Samuel Williams overnight had lost not only his business partner, but his best friend.

* * * * * * * * * *

A demolition project on Walnut Street unexpectedly turned up documents from Chattanooga's earliest days in March 2018.

Rob Bentley, a young man who has developed a love for Chattanooga's history, said he got a call from his friend Robert Parks about the discovery. His company, T. U. Parks, was doing the demolition and build-out of the former Elks Building at Walnut and Seventh and the small adjacent former Title Guaranty and Trust building.

Mr. Bentley, who works at the venerable Chattanooga firm of T.T. Wilson and Company, said, "When they were demoing the old vault the workers found the old documents. Robert went to look at them and a check made out to T.T. Wilson was on top of the pile so he called me to let me know what he had found. I asked him if they would stop the demo of the vaults so i could come take a look at the papers.

"By the time I got to the job site some of the documents had already been thrown into the dumpster and destroyed. I loaded up all the documents I could save out of the dumpster and the ones not yet thrown away into my truck. I went home and organized them the best I could."

The cache included many other checks to pioneer Chattanooga businesses.

The retrieved items included some 800 pages of old documents related to a lawsuit against Chattanooga pioneer Samuel Williams. Some of the documents date to well before the Indian Removal and to the earliest days of Hamilton County.

Mr. Bentley later met with Sam Hall, who has been saving thousands of old Chattanooga photos and documents through his Deepzoom Chattanooga website (now ChattanoogaHistory.com).

Mr. Hall was excited about the find and began scanning the Williams legal documents. He scanned a large group that was saved before some were thrown in the dumpster. Those retrieved from the dumpster, he photographed. Portions of those documents had water damage so that about a fourth of each page cannot be read.

Some of the documents bear the signature of H.C. Beck, one of the founders of Title Guaranty and Trust. The title company later built a much-larger headquarters next door. Both are directly across from the County Courthouse.

Through the years, the upstairs portion of the initial Title Guaranty building was rented to attorneys, including Lewis Coleman, a protoge of Coca Cola bottling magnate Jack Lupton. It is believed that the papers that were located were from one of the attorneys renting the upstairs office or from the Title Guaranty operation itself.

Later the small building was merged with the Elks Building next door. The county named the pair of buildings the Mayfield Annex. The county in recent years vacated the buildings and they are being renovated by Lamp Post Properties, which has been restoring several downtown historic buildings for new uses.

The Williams documents can be read on ChattanoogaHistory.com. They are in two files - the undamaged scanned ones and the photographed pages with water damage.

The links to the Williams papers on Sam Hall's website are here.


By Imran Inamdar,TwoCircles.net

Various Muslim groups in Maharashtra organised candle light marches to protest against the deadly terrorist suicide attack that took place in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on 14th February 2019 and claimed live of 49 CRPF personnel.

The Raza Academy at Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai remained shut on Friday to pay homage to the brave soldiers and protest against the terror activity. And the next day on Saturday, Muslims in Thane, Mumbra district organised a candle light march near Devri Pada which was attended by many Muslims including some prominent citizens.

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In some Talukas of Osmanabad district like Tuljapur, Omerga and Lohara the minorities there organised a protest March to show their solidarity.

One of the activists, Beig Salman Sardar told TwoCircles.net, said,  We have lost 44 soldiers who protected us all the time. This is a huge loss to the nations. These great souls will always be in our hearts.

Toufique Shaikh and Afsar Shaikh, activists from Tuljapur (Osmanabad) informed TwoCircles.net,  WE have submitted our memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister to the local authorities who told us that they have lodged our memorandum about the protest of Pulwama attack Expressing their sorrow about this great loss, the official said,  It is really very painful for the countrymen. We demand revenge for each and every life of our Jawans.
India has officially announced the programme for the two-day visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, starting from Tuesday (February 18).



During the forthcoming visit, the Crown Prince will call on the President and Vice President of India. He will hold bilateral talks with Modi on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, reported state news agency Wam.



This visit follows a trip by Modi to Saudi Arabia in April 2016, during which the two countries agreed to elevate their strategic partnership.



"At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is paying his first State visit to India on February 19 and 20. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and leading Saudi businessmen," an announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs, said.



"India and Saudi Arabia have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations anchored in mutually beneficial partnership and extensive people to people contacts. In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including energy security, trade, investment, infrastructure, defence and security," it added.



Saudi-India bilateral trade was $27.48 billion during the year 2017-18, making the kingdom Indias fourth largest trading partner.



Saudi Arabia contributes about 20 per cent of India's crude requirements. Recently, Saudi Aramco in partnership with Adnoc entered into a joint venture for $44 billion worth Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd.



"About 2.7 million strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia," said the ministry in its statement.



"Their positive and highly-appreciated contribution to the development of their host country has been an important anchor of bilateral engagement. Saudi Arabia also facilitates Hajj pilgrimage to over 175,000 Indians every year," it added.
Tunisian clinker exports surge in 2018

ICR Newsroom By 18 February 2019

Clinker exports in Tunisia increased 382 per cent to 1.5Mt in 2018 when compared with 311,000t in 2017, according to data published by the countrys Ministry of Industry and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises.



Cement exports edged up by 3.7 per cent YoY to 273,000t in 2018.



In terms of clinker production, output rose by 6.7 per cent YOY to 7.353Mt from 6.89Mt in 2017. Cement production remained stable at 7.3Mt when compared with 2017.



Domestic market demand also remained level at 7Mt when compared with the previous year.

Published under
Pakistan exports of cement to India expected to fall

18 February 2019

Pakistan cement exports to India are likely to be affected following the Indian government's announcement to scrap the 'Most-Favoured Nation' status to Pakistan, after an attack on Indian forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, India, recently.



According to Al Habib Capital Markets, Pakistan's cement exports are expected to suffer most due to this unwanted tension between India and Pakistan. During 7MFY19 Pakistan's total cement exports stood at ~2.876Mt, up four per cent, YoY, of which cement exports to India amounted to 648,110t (market share in exports ~22.5 per cent) down 4.6 per cent, YoY. Pakistans total clinker exports reached at ~1.264Mt during this period, of which some were exported to India.



Data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) reveals that during FY18, Pakistan's cement exports to India stood at ~1.212Mt against total cement exports of 4.746Mt (market share ~25.55 per cent). There were no clinker exports in FY18.



Based on 7MFY19 cement export data, analysts say that Cherat Cement, Bestway Cement Ltd, Maple Leaf Cement, Attock Cement, DG Khan Cement and Lucky Cement are expected to be negatively impacted as a result of this decision of the Indian government with Maple Leaf Cement and DG Khan Cement bearing the brunt of this move.



The MFN status is accorded under World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Both India and Pakistan are signatories to this and are members of the WTO. However, Pakistan is yet to grant MFN to India.







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CNBM wins EPC contract in Georgia

18 February 2019

Beijing Triumph International Engineering Co Ltd, a branch of CNBM, has won an EPC contract to supply a cement facility for Georgia-based Mega Production. The company, formerly known as TbilCement Group, still has to secure funding for the 1500tpd project.



Georgias Basis Bank signed a strategic partnership with China Development Bank (CDB) for loan offerings to Chinese projects in the country, with US$20m offered in 2016 and 2017. Due to the significance of these plans, both Basis Bank and CDB are expected to contribute financing, according to Mao Lu, project spokesman.



However, as it is a large EPC contract, Mega Production is expected to require additional sources of investment.

Published under
Total UAE investment in the US has reached $100 billion, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, during a dinner hosted by the US-UAE Business Council in Abu Dhabi, was quoted as saying in a media report said.



Al Bowardi talked about UAE-US holistic approach to combating terrorism and attaining world peace and security, reported state news agency Wam.



''The UAE is proud of its 47-year-old ties with the US. In fact, our common history has strengthened ties of close, longstanding friendship, which is flourishing today,'' he added.



He thanked the council for its dedicated efforts to further consolidating the bilateral relations in various areas.



The US-UAE Business Council is the premier business organization dedicated to advancing bilateral commercial relations.
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Philadelphia police are trying to figure out how a woman's body ended up in a trash can. (KYW via CNN Wire)
Batelco, a leading telecom provider in Bahrain, plans to roll the fifth generation (5G) technology and associated products and services in three phases over the coming years to provide the local telecom market with the latest technology.



The chairman of Batelco, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa recently visited the company's Training Centre to review the company's readiness for the technology and future plans developed by Batelco to deliver products and services, based on 5G technology which will be introduced gradually over the next three years internationally.



The fifth-generation technology is a breakthrough in wireless communications, enabling more data transmission, faster and shorter response time, which creates an exceptional customer experience when using the Internet, Internet products, and mobile applications. On the commercial level, 5G technology will contribute to the upgrading of services for the enterprise sector through the application of virtual reality technologies and augmented reality as well as artificial intelligence, which in turn will open up new horizons in the world of digital technology.



Ericsson, Batelco's technology partner in the development of the 5G network, presented a detailed presentation on the advantages of the 5G technology and how it can be applied in everyday life, and how it will enhance the experience of individuals and business owners alike. The company's representatives explained the stages of introducing 5G technology worldwide over the next three years, in addition to explaining the techniques used, and how they work on the ground.



As part of the development plans, Ericsson has set up a modern technical centre at Batelco headquarters in Hamala to test the 5G network with Batelco's dedicated team, working alongside them in the network development project.



Furthermore, Batelcos Business unit presented its strategic plans for the coming years with regard to the development of products and services supported by 5G technology. They outlined the progress so far and the challenges faced in addition to the plans to overcome those challenges.



The chairman watched a short film on a mobile device connected to the Batelco 5G experimental network supported by Ericsson to give a live experience of the service, which is Batelco's first real experience of the 5G technology.



Sheikh Abdulla expressed the Board's satisfaction with the efforts made by Batelco's management in relation to 5G technology, and their ability to develop a technical and practical plan in line with its development stages, to meet the needs of the telecommunications sector in general and the customers interests in particular.



Providing the latest telecommunications technology in the Kingdom of Bahrain is our top priority and one of the key pillars in enhancing the telecom sector in line with the Kingdoms plans in improving the National telecom infrastructure and supporting the growth of the digital economy and the required ecosystem, he said.- TradeArabia News Service
Georgia chiropractors believe they could be key to ending opioid crisis
Ga. Supreme Court say DUI refusal can't be used in court
Police said a man who was living in Auburn, Maine has been arrested and charged with killing a 20-year-old woman at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993. (KTUU, Alaska State Troopers, Androscoggin County Sheriff's Dept. via CNN Wire)
Photo: CTV News The North Shore Rescue helicopter is seen from CTV's Chopper 9 during a rescue operation in the Seymour area on Monday,

UPDATE: 1:40 p.m.

One man is safe, another is missing after two hikers were caught up in an avalanche in a remote area near Mount Seymour.

North Shore Rescue search manager Greg Miller told CTV News Monday the men were on their way back from an overnight hike when the avalanche struck.

The man who missed the avalanche was able to send out a distress signal.

"He stopped himself by grabbing onto a tree. His friend has gone somewhere further down, he's no longer in sight of his friend," Miller said.

A helicopter sent to aid in a rescue was grounded due to thick cloud cover. It's standing by in the event conditions change.

ORIGINAL: 12:35 p.m.

North Shore Rescue are responding to a possible Code Alpha, after two hikers in the Mount Seymour Provincial Park system were caught up in an avalanche.

The two had apparently been hiking overnight, and were hit by the avalanche as they were heading out.

North Vancouver police also took to twitter, saying first responders are heading to a remote area located between Runners Peak and Mount Elsay within Mount Seymour Provincial Park, about 30 kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

The response was launched following a distress call from the two hikers.

Police say details about the hikers or their conditions have not been determined.

Runner Peak and Mount Elsay are just north of Mount Seymour and west of the popular Elsay Lake Trail.

More details when they become available.
Trov said its on-demand online, single-item insurance products are now available in seven more states and the District of Columbia.

Trov has now expanded into Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. The global InsurTech company had previously started doing business in the U.S. in Arizona and spread out into Nevada, Wyoming, Delaware, Iowa and South Dakota.

This continuation of our state-by-state U.S. rollout is only a step forward on a much larger road map, Chris Pappas, Trovs senior manager for Global Marketing and Communications, said in a Feb. 14 blog item on the companys website disclosing the latest expansion. Trov builds innovative digital insurance products for modern consumers and emerging businesses. This year, our platform and partners are taking new shapes as we expand into verticals including the gig economy, fleet mobility and last-mile transportation (i.e., scooters and bikes), and passengers and items traveling in autonomous vehicles.

He said the company will be announcing new products, partnerships and states later this year.

This latest advance comes after Trov expanded into the United States seven months ago, starting with insurance for single items in Arizona. Trovs consumer application lets people insure single items, via their mobile device, including cameras and digital devices for just the period of time they need coverage.

Coverage takes effect immediately after a user turns protection on and can be turned off at any time, allowing users to pay only for the coverage they use. Items are protected against accidental damage, loss, mechanical breakdown and theft anywhere in the world.

Trov launched in Australia in May 2016, where it is underwritten by Suncorp, and the U.K. in December 2016, where AXA is its underwriting partner. It maintains offices in the San Francisco area and New York City.

Source: Trov
The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) under the Govt. of West Bengal has released the recruitment notification for the post of Warder/Female Warder. The notification was released for a total of 816 vacancies. The eligible candidates who are aiming for the recruitment can either apply online or offline. The selected candidates will get paid in the scale of INR 5,400 - 25,200/- (i.e., pay band-2) + grade pay INR 2,600/-. The last date to apply online is March 16, 2019.

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Warder/Female Warder Organisation West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) Educational Qualification Madhyamik examination from the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education Job Responsibilities To guard in a prison. Job Location West Bengal Salary Scale INR 5,400 - 25,200/- Industry Government Application Start Date February 15, 2019 Application End Date March 14, 2019

West Bengal Warder/Female Warder Vacancies

Category Male Female Total Unreserved (UR) 234 40 274 Unreserved (E.C.) 112 20 122 Unreserved (Ex-serviceman) 30 05 35 Scheduled Caste 99 18 117 Scheduled Caste (E.C.) 50 08 58 Scheduled Caste (Ex-serviceman) 07 02 09 Scheduled Tribe 29 05 34 Scheduled Tribe (E.C.) 14 02 16 OBC-A 49 08 57 OBC-A (E.C.) 22 04 26 OBC-B 35 06 41 OBC-B (E.C.) 14 03 17 Total 695 121 816

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be a citizen of India.

The candidates must not be less than 18 years and must not be more than 27 years old as on 01/01/2019.

The age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to SC and ST categories of West Bengal only.

Candidate must have passed Madhyamik Examination from the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education or its equivalent.

The candidate must possess a certificate of computer literacy from the recognised institute.

West Bengal Warder Physical Standard

(A) For Warder

Category Height Chest Candidates of all categories (except Gorkhas, Garwalies, Rajbanshis and Scheduled Tribes) 167 78 cm. With expansion of 5 cm. (78 cm - 83 cm) Gorkhas, Garwalies, Rajbanshis and Scheduled Tribes 160 76 cm. With expansion of 5 cm. (76 cm - 81 cm)

(B) For Female Warder

Candidates of all categories (except Gorkhas, Garwalies, Rajbanshis and Scheduled Tribes): 160 cm

Gorkhas, Garwalies, Rajbanshis and Scheduled Tribes: 152 cm.

Selection Process

Candidates have to appear for a Competitive Written Examination of 90 marks followed by Physical Measurement Test (PMT) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET) [qualifying in nature] and Interview.

Click here for the official notification

How To Apply

Candidates can either apply online or offline for the post of Warder/Female Warder. To apply online, candidates need to visit the official website of West Bengal Police - www.wbpolice.gov.in. Candidates have to pay INR 200 as application fee along with INR 20 as processing fee. However, candidates belonging to SC and ST categories need not pay the application fee.

Also Read: Top 10 Government Jobs After Class 12
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Do you have an athlete in mind that contributes to the team or sport, holds sportsmanship and team spirit, has epic playmaker moments and/or in general makes the the sports fun? If yes, please make your nominations for our edition of Athlete Spotlight.

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The UAEs energy of entrepreneurship and the investment in artificial intelligence and technology are propelling the countrys tremendous growth, said Peter Diamandis, world-renowned entrepreneur, author and futurist.



Speaking at a private event at the Capital Club last week, Diamandis, a pioneer in the field of innovation, said: We are living in the most extraordinary time and this region is right up there driving the 4th Industrial Revolution.



At the event, he shared details of the most exciting developments within Xprize, the incentive competition entity he founded in 1995. A non-profit organisation, Xprize designs and manages public competitions intended to encourage technological development that could benefit humanity. Its trustees and benefactors include Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, James Cameron, Larry Page, Arianna Huffington, Ratan Tata among others.



Diamandis also took the opportunity to provide his audience with a sneak preview of the highly curated Abundance 360 (A360) Summit and Program being held in Dubai in March 26 and 27, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and with Dubai Future Foundation as a hosting partner.



In a speech entitled Abundance & Exponentials, Diamandis let the audience into the world of A360, his highly curated group of 360 CEOs, public sector executives, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to transforming their organisations into exponential, abundance-minded enterprises.



A360 Dubai is expected to become the first mastermind of its type in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, offering government and business leaders an unparalleled opportunity for exposure to cutting-edge insights on exponential technologies such as AI, AR, VR, Blockchain, 3D printing, nanotech, robotics, amongst others, and how they can leverage them to disrupt their own markets and industries.



Bringing the summit to Dubai reflects Diamandis passion and mission to help entrepreneurs and leaders in the region understand the impact of exponential technologies, and to give the regions leaders a hands-on experience of the rate of change that is accelerating at an accelerating rate, said Aman Merchant, chief disruptor at dlabs, A360s exclusive strategic partner in the region.



Named one of The Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune magazine in 2014, Diamandis is founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, the Executive Founder of Singularity University and also a New York Times Bestselling author of two books: Abundance  The Future Is Better Than You Think and BOLD  How to go Big, Create Wealth & Impact the World.



As an entrepreneur, he has started over 20 companies in the areas of longevity, space, venture capital and education and is the co-Founder of BOLD Capital Partners, a venture fund with $250 million investing in exponential technologies.



The worlds biggest problems are the worlds biggest business opportunities and in March, I look forward to arming the regions CEOs with the information and insight needed to create new business models and ecosystems to tackle these challenges, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
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Crispin Hull's column ("Beware the scare campaigns as election approaches", canberratimes.com.au, February 16) brings the welcome news we need not detain future asylum seekers in places like Manus or Nauru. The Australian navy has already stopped the boats by ensuring that "virtually all are returned to Indonesia". It would be lovely to believe this; but the tow-back policy was not in fact such a game changer. It did work at first, but soon the boats found countermeasures. Towed boats often began to sink, forcing the navy to take the passengers on board, which placed them effectively on Australian soil. The refugee convention gives us no obligation to rescue refugees from camps abroad, but makes it very difficult to remove asylum seekers once in Australia. As the navy got quicker at boarding boats and preventing sabotage, the scuttling of boats became more blatant. Now they often began to sink as soon as a navy ship heaves in sight  as numerous media reports have mentioned. It must be frightening to take a voyage knowing you would end up in the water and depend on a quick rescue by the navy; yet so long as this was a reliable route to an asylum facility on Australian soil, the boats kept coming, and kept sinking. Tow-back alone, without offshore processing, did not stop the boats. Chris O'Connor, Dickson There are a few significant expenditures by the current government that expose its very poor economic management. First is the $500 million it is prepared to spend on the Nelson/Stokes War Memorial rather than directing that money towards the physically and psychologically damaged warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (for the past almost 20 years). It could do far more good for those returned service men and women than a few dioramas and an edifice that will inevitably detract from the current memorial. And with the $400 million remaining after assisting the veterans, it could do wonders for the NDIS, education, health, science and social services. It could actually provide services for the people who elected it to provide those services. Next comes the extravagance of funding advertising to frighten the electorate into re-electing it at the impending election. Again the money could have been more effectively directed into areas of need rather than those areas of its own desires. The government should be reminded often that "it's not about it" and its singular quest for ongoing power; it's about the people, their needs, health, education and services. It's about providing opportunities and a fair go for all. It's time to go, ScoMo! W. Book, Hackett Scott Morrison and his acolytes have been carrying on like prima donnas who have received a bad review. All the finger pointing at Bill Shorten cannot disguise the fact that Mr Morrison's government was defeated by a majority of the house. The vital numbers came from a crossbench of independents, some of whom had once voted for the Coalition. The hysterical way in which this defeat has been received by Mr Morrison and his ministers would shame even our most egotistical sporting figures. Now we, the long-suffering taxpayers, are told we have to cough up many more millions to reopen Christmas Island to assuage the damaged ego of our prima donna and his supporters. Enough is enough. Get over it, and start paying attention to the Murray-Darling, and the banks, and all the other issues that are important instead of confecting a giant scare campaign. Try a role as nation builder instead. You might win some applause for that. K. Calvert, Downer The refugees on Nauru and Manus have been incarcerated for nearly six years for no reason. They are now so ill they must be evacuated to Australia and helped yet some are envious? Perhaps the ignorant cowards would like to spend the best years of their own lives in detention on Nauru. Marilyn Shepherd, Angaston, SA One of the bulwarks of Australia's border security is well-managed political and diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Scott Morrison shot those bonds to pieces with his ill-timed and intemperate decision to propose the relocation of our embassy from Tel Aviv. Consequently, Morrison's imprudence and his impetuosity will ensure less than prompt responses from Indonesia to our overtures on the possible resumption of people smuggling. However, Morrison will dismiss any responsibility for such a situation having developed. He will be hell-bent on manufacturing an event to justify his rabid rhetoric similar to the Howard government's "children overboard" and baseless assertions of WMD in Iraq. Can we expect an "event" along the lines of a rubber ducky with obliging asylum seekers from Manus launched from a naval craft just north of Christmas Island accompanied by a government war cry "We told you so!"? Patrick Robertson, Rivett I personally thank Dr Kerryn Phelps for engineering the medivac bill to address some humanitarian issues Australia has been ignoring for a good while. This, of course, might have made it difficult for her to be elected again should she contest. It has also created a problem for Labor. The Morrison government is closely following Howard government tactics by engaging in scaremongering activities like opening of Christmas Island detention centre. If any boat arrives we could point our fingers straight to the Morrison government because it is encouraging people smugglers to come. This is a desperate act of a government lagging in opinion polls. Sankar Kumar Chatterjee, Evatt Andrew Leigh (Letters, February 14) states "80 per cent of the franking credit benefits accrue to the wealthiest 20 per cent of retirees". So does this mean 20 per cent of the benefits accrue to the poorest 80 per cent of retirees? If so, why not means/income test this initiative like nearly everything else and leave the poorest retirees alone? Peter Byrne, Chapman Is the current mass extinction of insects (2.5 per cent a year) the only event that Scott Morrison has not blamed on Bill Shorten, and if not, why not? Adrian Gibbs, Yarralumla Much of the debate around Labor's proposal to cease the refund of franking credits (with exemptions for full or part age pensioners) has been about unfairness to older self-funded retirees on relatively modest incomes. Professor Deborah Ralston has referred to a self-funded retiree couple with $1 million in shares whose annual superannuation income would fall from $60,000 to $42,000. By contrast, a full age pensioner couple with super fund shares worth $300,000, who meet the terms of Labor's exemption, would get $53,000 annually. If Labor is elected, Ralston's couple should investigate a new option they could find preferable to making riskier investments to maintain their lifestyle. The government's Pension Loans Scheme (PLS) will soon allow anyone of retirement age to borrow an annual income stream against their home equity. It is effectively a reverse mortgage at a better rate of interest. As explained in Fact Sheet 3.3 of the 2018 Budget papers, the income stream is capped at a fixed proportion of the age pension, but is generally not taxable or means-tested for age pension purposes. Ralston's couple could sell $700,000 of their shares and increase their home equity. They could then use the PLS to borrow almost $18,000 annually. Having reduced their means-testable assets, if they then qualify to become full age pensioners, and retain their remaining shares, the couple's annual income would rise to $71,000. The expanded PLS is no random gift from government  ultimately, it is a vehicle for limiting the government's subsidy to home-based aged care recipients. Paul Feldman, Macquarie, ACT Recently I came across a ray of hope for those Menindee fish still living, from Professor Martin Mallen-Cooper, who advocates small continued flows for the Darling River. The professor and others may not be aware of a major research insight into how the Darling River recharges underground water and retains flows in dry times. In 2012 Geoscience Australia discovered how the Darling recharges aquifers: "A completely new conceptual model for the Darling Floodplain hydrological system (including the Lower Darling Alluvium and Western Murray Porous Rock Groundwater Management Units) has been developed." Recharge to local aquifers is sourced rapidly from the river during banker flows and floods. The recharge is non-linear and simple to re-engineer by changing flow regimes. This insight is revolutionary and has been ignored. We need a river flow of around nine gigalitres a day to begin recharging these aquifers and, when healthy, this water can then keep the river flowing in drought, irrespective of surface water stores. The current Murray Darling Basin Plan has three relevant mistakes. 1) Dryland rainfall is assumed to recharge these aquifers (99 per cent wrong). 2) Aquifer to the river discharge is assumed as zero. 3) Leakage from river to the aquifer is assumed zero. A new pulse-flow regime for the Darling River is feasible, together with leaky weirs over "losing reaches" (we have one already called Lake Wetherell). Labor's SMSF tax attack On the matter of franking credits, I would like to pick up on a number of Andrew Leigh's claims in his recent letter on this topic (Andrew Leigh, Letters, February 15). Pensioners may be exempt from Labor's policy, but self-funded retirees will not be, including those with modest share portfolios producing modest income, income that will be pared back under Labor. To say that the policy only affects those receiving refunds who have not paid tax is false. Investors who receive dividends also receive franking credits attached to those dividends, independent of their marginal tax rate. And the receipt of a franking credit implies that you have paid tax. The claim that under Labor's plan no one will pay more tax, is incorrect. By taking away the use of their franking credits, those on marginal rates less than the company tax rate will have effectively paid 30 per cent tax on their dividends. The statement that refunding franking credits effectively renders the corporate tax take to be nil, is incorrect. High marginal rate shareholders pay top-up tax on the company tax levied on their dividends. Foreign investors don't receive franking credits. And profits not distributed as dividends are taxed at the company rate. And saying no other nation has refundable franking credits is irrelevant. Other nations have more attractive tax arrangements in other areas, for example tax deductibility of owner occupied housing loans. Tax arrangements in other countries need to be considered holistically when making comparisons. If the current policy is so flawed, why has it been untouched for 18 years? The ALP wants to raise revenue from retirees with SMSFs who have a high income/low taxable income status. They can't attack super funds because it would cost votes. They have reverted to lazy policy the electorate doesn't understand. Tony Dillon, Melbourne, Vic Rohan Goyne (Letters, February 15) has proposed the repatriation of artefacts "looted" and now in the Australian Museum in Sydney, among other places. If the goal is to enable more complete study and understanding, this could be worthwhile. Claiming possession of an artefact of whatever provenance, curiosity or antiquity does not guarantee the adequacy of other important considerations such as expertise or safety, however well-meaning the intent. Blind obedience to a particular policy does not guarantee good outcomes. The 125,000 cuneiform tablets now in the British Museum and slowly being translated are, I would suggest, far better off there than in Iraq. Of course, they are only humble clay tablets in a poor state and it is very likely no one will be demanding them back, whatever their real worth may be. Roy Darling, Florey BIG ISSUES IGNORED The government mounts a "boats" scare campaign over a humane refugee measure, the medivac bill supported by Labor and the crossbench, and electoral support switches to the government. Meanwhile, the fact the Morrison government has no policy on climate change, unlike Labor and the Greens, and that our country is in deep trouble from global warming seems to elude the voting public. Rod Holesgrove, O'Connor SENSE MISSING America's strategy on Iran as enunciated by Vice-President Pence is not worth a penny. Mike Quirk, Garran CHILDISH BEHAVIOUR The encounter between the staffer and the politician, especially having been caught on camera, confirms what many people have been thinking for some time. Then the senator admits to spreading blood on a door even though he "couldn't remember it". The behaviour of many who work up "on the hill" seems to be nothing more than that of children. Geoff Barker, Flynn PUT THE WORD OUT Has ScoMo considered using listings with Booking.Com or Trivago to attract more asylum seekers to Christmas Island? K. Davis, Pearce KEEPING MUM The Australian government cannot be trusted to tell Australians the truth about asylum seekers and people smugglers. What happened to the 17 "asylum seekers" who breached border security to land near the Daintree River in August, 2018? Why have no charges been laid against people smugglers anywhere in recent years? Trevor Wilson, Chifley NOT VERY MULTICULTURAL Surely this is a joke! A multicultural festival where only locally produced alcohol could be sold from the commercial stalls? Anne Waight, Macquarie WRONG PRIORITIES Scott Morrison must cease his cruel politicking around the plight of refugees and asylum seekers immediately and redirect the $1.4 billion he is proposing to waste on reopening the Christmas Island Detention Centre to grants for the survival and restoration of flood and drought-ravaged land holdings and communities in outback Queensland. Sue Currie, Northcote POPE NAILED IT Pope's on the money with his latest cartoon, there's plenty of red faces just waiting for the gong (Forum, February 16, p1). Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW SPELLING'S ILLS Thank you for running with English and not American in your spelling of "medivac" (not medevac) as some tabloids have done. M. Moore, Bonython Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610. Keep your letter to 250 or fewer words. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published).

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ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has given the go-ahead for what he says will be a potentially life-saving pill-testing trial at this year's Groovin the Moo music festival. It will be the second time the festival has trialled pill testing in Canberra, after last year's trial was declared a success. The trials in the national capital are the only ones to have so far been held at an Australian music festival. The trial comes after five young people aged 19 to 23 died at festivals in NSW alone from September to January, prompting a NSW coronial investigation. The STA-SAFE consortium, which will run the trial, said the Groovin the Moo pilot would be significantly bigger than the first. There would be some changes based on lessons learned from last year, but the testing regime and technology would be the same. The consortiums Gino Vumbaca said there would probably be two machines this year, instead of one, with more staff. He expected substantially more festival-goers would have their pills tested as a result of the publicity of recent months. He expected that to mean a much bigger sample size of pills and pill-takers for the evaluation. It will be bigger because obviously now we have approval well in advance of the pilot, so we can prepare a lot more and there will be a fair bit more promotion about what were doing, he said.  We expect lot more people to come forward and we expect that will result in lot more people not consuming drugs or moderating what theyre about to consume. People having pills tested would still be told the told the safest way was not to take the pill, regardless of contents, Mr Vumbaca said. But people in the tent had already run the gauntlet of getting through security with their pills, so were committed to using the drug, making the pill-testing trial the last line of information and potential defence against any adverse reactions", he said. This year, the consortium would not do its own evaluation but have a team from the Australian National University in the tent, recording data and reviewing the pilot. The pilot would build on the first and add to the evidence base, he said commending the ACT for being the only state or territory prepared to allow pill testing, despite the consortium offering free services around the country. Dr David Caldicott, who was set to appear on ABC's Q&A; on Monday night to discuss pill testing among other issues, said he applauds the decision. "I think it's based on the evidence and the results that we were able to provide the last time [the trial happened]," Mr Caldicott said. "At a personal level, it's gratifying to be living in a jurisdiction where the science counts for something. Where there was a lot of anxiety and apprehension about the last event ... I think there's a lot more confidence going into this one and it's going to be epic." Mr Barr, who announced his decision on Monday evening via Facebook after the government did not respond to questions from The Canberra Times earlier in the day about whether a decision had been made, said the decision reflected the government's responsibility to not only try to prevent drug use but to support initiatives that reduced the harm associated with drugs. "Pill testing does not make taking illicit drugs safe and our message to the community will always be, dont take drugs," he said. "However, pill testing provides a health intervention at the point when someone is making the decision to take a pill." Last year's trial saw 125 people visit the pill-testing tent during the Groovin the Moo festival. Of the 85 drug samples provided, 83 of them produced usable test results. Data from the trial showed that more than 80 per cent of participants believed they were taking MDMA, also known as ecstasy, when in reality less than half of the samples collected contained the substance in a relatively pure form. It found that patrons as young as 15 years old had brought pills to the festival, and 45 per cent of those taking part were 20 years old or younger. Only five festival-goers were seen to discard their drugs, but a final report later said "numerous discards" were found in the vicinity of the tent after the festival. None of the people who had their pills tested in last year's trial ended up in hospital or presented for treatment. The trial also provided information about the types of illicit substances that are in the ACT, as well as two potentially deadly substances that were identified in two tested pills, Mr Barr said. One of the substances was responsible for the hospitalisation of 13 people in New Zealand a month earlier. "Given the increasing interest in pill testing, we consider this trial to be of enormous value to the debate and deliberations about harm minimisation," he said. "To build on the information we have, the ACT government is ensuring there will be an independent evaluation as part of the trial, which we will make available to other jurisdictions." The trial will be run by Pill Testing Australia (rebranded from STA-SAFE) at this year's sold-out Groovin the Moo festival, which will be held on April 28 at Exhibition Park. Last year's festival was held at the University of Canberra, but the university decided not to host the festival this year, saying the campus was no longer "fit for purpose" to hold an event of that size. Late last year, the National Capital Authority refused to allow pill testing at the Spilt Milk festival at Commonwealth Park, which is land controlled by the federal government. "The government does not support decisions to use illicit drugs, and does not in-principle support pill testing, as it could imply that illicit drugs are safe," it said. "Importantly, there is no legal framework currently in place and the Commonwealth will not facilitate measures to enable pill testing to take place on Commonwealth land." With Andrew Brown

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Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (Adnic), one of the leading regional multi-line insurance providers for corporates and individuals, has recently signed an agreement to provide motor insurance services at two Tasjeel centres in Sharjah.



Tasjeel is the UAEs one-stop shop for all vehicle testing and registration needs. The company undertakes all mandatory tests that are required for vehicle registration. Currently, Tasjeel owns and operates 15 centres and three mobile units in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid and Hatta  all of which use state-of-the-art equipment.



Adnic began operations at Tasjeel, Sharjah Auto Village earlier in December, and expect to start providing its services at Tasjeel, Abu Shaghara during this month, said a statement.



Ahmad Idris, chief executive officer of Adnic, said: We are delighted to announce the opening of our two new locations at Tasjeel in Sharjah. The move is in line with our strategy to ensure customer centricity, as well as expand our presence across the country.



Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group chief executive officer, Enoc, said: We strive to deliver best-in-class customer service by offering a diverse array of offerings. Over the years, Tasjeel has served unmatched vehicle testing and registration services to more than one million customers across the UAE.



Our partnership with Adnic will further add value to our current service offering, enabling customers to buy and renew automotive and personal insurance at our Tasjeel centres in Sharjah, he added.



Adnic is focused on expanding its presence across the country, and with the opening two new locations at Tasjeel, Adnic now has 20 branches, offices and sales and service centres in the UAE.





All Tasjeel centres are equipped with the latest testing and inspection machinery and have professionally qualified staff members. With more than one million customers in the UAE, Tasjeel provides fast, convenient vehicle testing and registration services, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Pseudomedicine refers to supplements and medical interventions that exist within the law and are often promoted as scientifically supported treatments, but lack credible efficacy data. Practitioners of pseudomedicine often appeal to health concerns, promote individual testimony as established fact, advocate for unproven therapies, and achieve financial gains.

The Rise of Pseudomedicine for Dementia and Brain Health

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2723294

 https://www.wuximediaglobal.com/jama/
Here you'll find our latest collection of Caledonian-Record reports on the coronavirus outbreak and local response, from the beginning of April. Our January, February and March stories are here: https://www.caledonianrecord.com/news/local/our-coronavirus-coverage/collection_5885178c-692e-11e
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*China's aviation authority denied reports Nantong had been chosen for Shanghai's new airport and said a decision was yet to be made

*Third airport thought necessary for Chinas most populous city to compete with Beijing, which will have greater air travel capacity than Shanghai when it opens its second airport, in Daxing, later this year

(Beijing)  Local governments in and around Shanghai are vying to be home to a planned third airport to serve the municipality.

However the state-run Shanghai Securities News seems to have jumped the gun when it reported last week that Nantong, Jiangsu province, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the city, had been officially chosen as the home to the new airport.

The report said that Nantong, which is already home to one civilian airport, will be home to a new 20-square-kilometer (7.7 square mile) airport.

But officials from the Civil Aviation Administration of China took the wind out from under Nantongs wings when they quickly dismissed the newspapers report.

An official from the associations eastern China bureau said Nantong is just one of several candidates for the new airport, including Kunshan, Jiangsu; Jiaxing, Zhejiang province; and Shanghais own Chongming district.

The location for the project is still under discussion and a final decision is yet to be made, Jiangsus transportation authority said later.

A third airport for Shanghai was proposed years ago to relieve the burden on the citys two existing airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Together the two airports handled a combined 112 million passengers in 2017, making Shanghai the fifth city to witness 100 million annual flights after London, New York, Tokyo and Atlanta.

Strong growth is expected to continue for decades to come, with the Shanghai government forecasting the metropolis will see 290 million trips by 2040.

A third airport will also be important for Chinas most populous city to improve efficiency and compete with Beijing. This year, the Chinese capital is scheduled to open its second airport  the gigantic Beijing Daxing International Airport  which will mean the northern city will have a greater air travel capacity than its east coast rival.

China has been on an infrastructure spending spree over the last decade, with a total of 234 airports built across the country. In December, Chinas aviation regulator said it is aiming to almost double the number to 450 by 2035.

Contact reporter Mo Yelin (yelinmo@caixin.com)
Social Innovation Fund Ireland, in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development, have today announced the Mna na hEireann - Women of Ireland Fund.

The new fund, which is the first of its kind in Ireland has been established to support charitable and social enterprise organisations that seek to enhance the economic mobility of women, by investing in organisations that provide training, upskilling, education and other services directly to disadvantaged women.



In addition to grant funding, successful organisations will receive a place on an Accelerator Programme, which includes bespoke training from experts across the private, non-profit and public sector. Employees from the bank will also provide mentoring and further tailored training to the successful organisations.

The Programme is specifically designed to equip charities and social enterprises with the skills to expand their business knowledge, drive growth and strengthen their impact across Ireland.



Organisations wishing to apply to the Mna na hEireann, Women of Ireland Fund can find details on the Social Innovation Fund website www.socialinnovation.ie/mna-na-heireann-fund with the application period open from today until 18 April 2019.



Launching the new Mna na hEireann, Women of Ireland Fund, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, "The 1.8 million fund has the potential to create a lasting impact and transform the lives of the women involved and add value to our society. This initiative also complements the work being done by Government to reduce the gender pay gap in Ireland and ensure greater representation of women across all sectors of Irish society."

CEO of Social Innovation Fund Ireland, Deirdre Mortell added, "Our aim is to support women who find it hard to access the labour market into decent and sustainable work by supporting relevant organisations to empower women by improving their skills, enabling them to seek higher quality, more challenging, and more fulfilling long-term employment. With the establishment of this pioneering fund and working closely with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development, we aim to empower 1,000 women to find and secure sustained employment over the course of three years."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Ireland is spending hundreds of millions of euros on preparing for a no-deal Brexit, which would be a "crazy outcome" of three years of EU-UK negotiations, Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday.

"We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens in those circumstances," he told reporters after talks with other EU foreign ministers. "We don't want to have to do that."

"Of course we want a solution here and yes, there is frustration in Ireland. We have less than 40 days to go to UK formally leaving the EU and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to get this deal ratified."

Coveney said the European Union wanted to find ways to help UK parliamentary ratification of the Brexit deal but that the lawmakers' asks needed to be "reasonable."

"We want to find ways of providing the reassurance and clarification the British Prime Minister needs to be able to sell that deal in Westminster. But that doesn't involve reopening that withdrawal agreement," he said.

"What we can't do is essentially remove or change the guarantee and the insurance... that prevents border infrastructure in the future and replace it with something that is wishful thinking," he said of the so-called Irish border "backstop" part of the stalled deal that is bitterly contested in the UK parliament.

He said Ireland and the EU would not accept a fixed time-limit on the backstop either as that would kill the purpose of the insurance policy.

But he reiterated the EU's readiness to change the political declaration on future ties with Britain - which makes part of the Brexit package together with the legal divorce treaty - to include more assurances of clarifications on the backstop there.

"We have a deal, it was negotiated. And now we need to find a way of getting it ratified," he said of the EU-UK sealed by Prime Minister Theresa May last November. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
The European Union on Monday told small businesses to prepare for more bureaucracy and costs should Britain crash out of the bloc without a deal, the latest step in its contingency plans reflecting the potential impact of a hard Brexit.

Economy Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said the risk of a no-deal Brexit was increasing and that checks on goods moving between the EU and the United Kingdom would be introduced immediately should that scenario come true.

"This is key to protecting our consumers and our internal market. A lot depends on the ability of businesses trading with the UK to get up to speed with the customs rules that will apply on day one in case of no deal," he said in a statement.

The bloc's executive European Commission said companies dealing with Britain must prepare for customs formalities and duties and take into account the need for import/export licenses and more restrictive VAT arrangements if World Trade Organisation rules come into effect.

With just 39 days left to Brexit, the ratification of the EU-UK divorce agreement has stalled in the British parliament, raising the risk that Britain could depart with no agreement in place to cushion the economic disruptions.

Negotiators from both sides are meeting in Brussels on Monday to seek a way out of the stalemate, and British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected in the EU's political hub later in the week. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
RSS affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has called for a ban on import of Chinese Telecom equipment, e-commerce platforms and social media apps as China is a strong ally of Pakistan and hence an indirect supporter of the terrorist activities that are originating from that country.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ashwani Mahajan, All India Co-convenor SJM wanted the ban to be 'part of a comprehensive counter-strategy against Pakistan and its real State supporter - China'.

"The dastardly terrorist attack at Pulwama has shaken the conscience of the nation. At this time, we believe it is the duty of all Indians to take steps to prevent the economic gain of any nation or individual that directly or tacitly supports such terrorists in continuing their activities unabated," the letter said.

SJM welcomed the various moves made by the Ministry of Finance including the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation as well as the increase in customs duties for all products imported from Pakistan. It wants the government to create similar hurdles for Chinese companies that are using India for their economic gain. "Data is now considered the new oil. We should not allow Chinese companies to capture Indian user data without any restrictions and monitoring," Mahajan said.

The letter noted that in the past two years, there has been a proliferation of Chinese social media and e-commerce companies and other applications in India. "These apps have been known to have various security risks. In fact, the Ministry of Defence had in December 2017 asked all armed forces officials to uninstall over 42 applications with Chinese origins that had significant security risks. During the Doklam crisis, the government had also begun investigations into UC Browser sharing the location of Indian users to Chinese servers and Chinese propaganda content to Indian users."

SJM was critical of apps like TikTok and Helo for its undesirable content. "Such apps have been banned in various countries including Indonesia. These apps are known for sharing the details of children and being an open ground for child pornography and possibly anti-national activities. In this regard we believe that the Indian government should take necessary steps that would involve banning such apps," the letter said.

The organisation wanted India to ensure that home-grown startups are not hurt by Chinese companies "which are flush with cash and would harm the Indian start up ecosystem, our data sovereignty and most importantly our security".

It also called for curtailing the operations of Chinese telecom companies in India, which have already secured many vital and sensitive 4G contracts in India. "There is a clear case for enforcing national security provisions in telecommunications. This is what many other countries have done with Chinese Telecom equipment being banned from several important markets. This has increased the Chinese desperation to capture the Indian market. As a recent BSNL tender will show, they have underbid the lowest bid by Rs 250 crore, which is impossible to achieve unless they have State support. Chinese companies have also made inroads into the 5G sector in India. The induction of 5G equipment will increase the security threat manifold," the letter cautioned. SJM wanted these NextGen networks to be set up by Indian companies to ensure "national security as it will kick-start the creation of many high-tech and high-paying jobs in our country and lead to rapid development".
Samsung will launch its third M-series smartphone, the Galaxy M30, on February 27 at 6 pm (IST). The design language of the new Galaxy M30 is expected to be similar to both the Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 phones except for the display panels. The Galaxy M30 will feature an Infinity-U display unlike both Galaxy M10 and M20 smartphones that had an Infinity-V display. The Galaxy M30 will also have a Super AMOLED display unlike the LCD displays found in both Galaxy M10 & Galaxy M20.

Also Read: Creepy! This website creates human faces of people who don't exist

Earlier, Samsung Mobile India, on its official Twitter account revealed that it was set to launch the Galaxy M30 in India on February 27. The tweet read, "Get ready for 3X power with the new Galaxy M30 that comes with a 16.21cm (6.4") Super AMOLED FHD+ Infinity U Display. Yeah "The Super AMOLED", that's right #IM3XPOWERD. Stay tuned! #SamsungM30".

Get ready for 3X power with the new Galaxy M30 that comes with a 16.21cm (6.4") Super AMOLED FHD+ Infinity U Display. Yeah "The Super AMOLED", that's right #IM3XPOWERD. Stay tuned!#SamsungM30 pic.twitter.com/bkxdXU2ZIN - Samsung Mobile India (@SamsungMobileIN) February 18, 2019

As far as specifications are concerned, Samsung Galaxy M30 will come with a 6.4-inch full-HD+ Super AMOLED panel. The phone will have a screen resolution of 2210 x 1080 pixels with an Exynos 7904 SoC, along with 4GB of RAM. The phone will be powered by a massive 5,000mAh battery.

As far as optics are concerned, the rear camera setup is said to have a 13-MP primary sensor along with an f/1.9 lens, a 5-MP secondary sensor comprising an f/2.2 lens, and a 5-MP tertiary sensor with the same f/2.2 lens. On front, the Galaxy M30 is expected to have a 16-MP camera along with f/2.0 lens.

The Samsung Galaxy M30 won't have an in-display fingerprint sensor. As per the design leak, the fingerprint sensor is located at the back. There is a USB Type-C port, but there is no mention of 3.5mm audio jack.

Meanwhile, Galaxy M30 will run on Samsung Experience 9.5 UX. As far as connectivity is concerned, the smartphone connectivity options include Bluetooth, 4G VoLTE, dual-SIM, GPS, GLONASS etc.

Edited By: Udit Verma

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Also Read: Images of LG's V50 ThinQ leaked online, here's all you need to know about the new 5G phone

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi 9: CEO Lei Jun releases details of upcoming phone ahead of February 20 launch
IndiGo Pilot Crunch: Budget carrier IndiGo is planning to induct 120 expatriate pilots by the end of this year to address staff crunch and subsequent flight cancellations. The move comes amid several senior expat pilots quitting their jobs at IndiGo in the last few months, impelling it to scout for new ones to fill in the vacant posts.

The issue came into light last week when IndiGo had to cancel around 1,200 flights in the last one and a half months amid severe staff shortage, adverse weather conditions and various ongoing NOTAMS (notices to airmen) apart from partial closedown of the Bengaluru airport due to Aero India 2019 and runway closure at the Mumbai airport on alternate days.

According to a report in Livemint, IndiGo's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said that the airline will induct 120 expats by June 2019 which will take the total number of expat pilots at IndiGo to 160. The current strength of the airline is about 3,100 including trainees. "IndiGo currently maintains a ratio of about 6.65 captains per aircraft, which I think is a good number," he said.

Also Read: Why Indigo has cancelled so many flights up till March-end

Prock-Schauer highlighted the overall pilot crunch the industry is facing but also said that IndiGo has been able to retain its senior pilots and promoting about 260 first officers to captains every year.

"In our case we are in a position to retain (pilots). We are big (in pilot strength) and have enough trainers and simulators available," Prock-Schauer said.

Minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha told parliament last month that amid a total of 324 expat pilots at all commercial airlines, the number of expat pilots at IndiGo stood at 93 as of 15 December, 2018.

The airline on 12 February said that it was going to cancel approximately 30 flights every day until March end owing to its flight schedule adjustments and the time it needed to stabilize its network and operations. IndiGo operates about 1,300 flights daily. It however, denied media reports that it cancelled 130 flights on Friday.

Also Read: IndiGo faces pilot shortage, cancels 130 flights

According to aviation advisory firm Capa India, Indian airlines will need to recruit around 17,000 additional commercial pilots over the next decade to tide over the crunch which is a reality with all Indian carriers currently.
During a hearing at the International Court of Justice in the Hague on Monday, India said Pakistan's continued custody of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav without any consular access should be declared "unlawful" as it was an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention. Senior lawyer Harish Salve, who is representing India and Kulbhushan Jadhav in the ICJ, said Pakistan was using the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav as a "propaganda tool" without even following the due proper procedure.

"If article 36 grants rights of consular access in all cases including where allegations of such kind are levelled, then demanding those can't be an abuse of those rights," ANI quoted Salve as saying.

Reiterating India's stand, Salve said India had the sought counsellor access from Pakistan on several occasions. "Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could've claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation. Even on erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan hasn't complied treaty obligations," Salve told the court, ANI reported.

Salve said India had reminded Pakistan on the counsel access to Jadhav at least 13 times but to no avail. "On June 19, 2017, India responded to the request for assistance in investigation and pointed that not only Jadhav had been denied consular access but no credible evidence have been provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism. And his (Jadhav's) purported confession clearly appears to be coaxed. India reminded Pakistan that it's Pakistan government which hasn't ratified Shark convention on legal assistance in criminal matters," he said, reported ANI.

Harish Salve in ICJ: On 19th June, 2017, India responded to the request for assistance in investigation & pointed that not only Jadhav had been denied consular access but no credible evidence have been provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/4jrzNpjjot

Raising the issue of terrorism, senior lawyer said that Pakistan uses terrorism as an instrument of state policy. "Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there. Pakistan has in custody an Indian National who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...Pak used Jadhav to build a narrative against India," Salve told court.

Media report suggested that Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA, didn't shake hands with Pakistan's AG Anwar Mansoor Khan while they were exchanging greetings ahead of the oral arguments at the ICJ.The tension has soared between India and Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack by Islamic extremists that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

The Hague (Netherlands): Government of India's agent Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary, MEA and Pakistan's AG Anwar Mansoor Khan before the proceedings in Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice. pic.twitter.com/QmZntyMFKG - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

Kulbhushan Jadhav, 48, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on the charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. He was later allowed to meet his mother and wife after a long and arduous 22-month wait on December 25, 2017.

Meanwhile, hearing proceedings has been adjourned in the International Court of Justice for the day. The English Queen's Counsel Khawar Qureshi will make its first round of arguments for Pakistan on Tuesday.

The ICJ had on May 9, 2018, stayed the death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav after India had moved a petition before the UN body to seek justice for him, alleging violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by Pakistan. Pakistan had stated that the ICJ had no jurisdiction on the matter since it was a case that deals with espionage. India has always maintained that Kulbhushan Jadhav is not a spy, and that Pakistan should provide counsellor access to him as his case pertains to abduction from the Iranian territory.

Edited by Manoj Sharma

Also read: Harish Salve charged Re 1 for fighting Jadhav's case: Sushma Swaraj
The Supreme Court on Monday said that it would look into the plea seeking urgent hearing of a PIL challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and limits Parliament's power to make laws for the state.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi took note of the submission of lawyer and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay that his plea was of "extreme national importance" and needed to be listed for urgent hearing.

"Give the mentioning memo to the Registrar. We will see it," the bench, which also comprised Justice Sanjiv Khanna, said.

Upadhyay, in his plea which was filed in September last year, has contended that the special provision was "temporary" in nature at the time of framing of the Constitution and Article 370(3) lapsed with the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly on January 26, 1957.

The plea also seeks a declaration from the apex court that the separate Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was "arbitrary" and "unconstitutional" on various grounds, including that it was against the "supremacy of the Constitution of India and contrary to dictum of 'One Nation, One Constitution, One National Anthem and One National Flag'".

"The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is invalid mainly for the reason that the same has not yet got the assent of the President, which is mandatory as per provisions of the Constitution of India," the plea, which may come up for hearing next week, said.

The petition, filed through advocate R D Upadhyay, claims that the maximum life span of Article 370 was only till the existence of the Constituent Assembly, that was January 26, 1950 when the national document was adopted.

Article 370 is a "temporary provision" with respect to Jammu and Kashmir and restricts the applicability of various provisions of the Constitution by "curtailing" the power of Parliament to make laws on subjects which fall under the Union and Concurrent lists, it said.

Consequently, it allows the state to accord special rights and privileges to the natives, the plea said.

It claimed that the Article empowered the state legislature to frame any law without attracting a challenge on the grounds of violation of the right to equality of people from other states or any other right under the Constitution.
The Reserve Bank of India on Monday announced an interim dividend of Rs 28,000 crore to the government after its post-budget meeting with the Finance Ministry. The total surplus transfer to the government for 2018-19 now stands at Rs 68,000 crore.

Earlier, addressing the media after the meeting Jaitley along with RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said that no specific decision on the interim dividend had been taken. Das explained that the decision on the disbursal of the interim dividend would be taken by the RBI board, and not by the RBI central board. The meeting was addressed by Jaitley where he highlighted the key points of the budget including a range of topics.

The government has already received Rs 40,000 crore from the central bank during the financial year 2018-19, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told reporters earlier this month. This is the first meet after the interim budget 2019-20 was announced on February 1.

The RBI board arrived at the final interim dividend number based on the central bank's audited earning of first six months as it follows a July-June financial year calendar. The first half was over in December 2018.

Also Read: First time in FY19, Reserve Bank becomes net buyer of dollars in December

The RBI had made a dividend payout of Rs 30,659 crore for the fiscal year ending June 2017, about 63 per cent higher than the previous year (2016-17).

The interim dividend will help government ease fiscal pressure and also aid it in giving the economy a boost before the crucial general elections in April-May this year. The government has projected the fiscal deficit target at 3.4 per cent for the financial 2019-20 in the interim budget (2019-20).

The government and RBI have been at loggerheads over the transfer of central bank's excess reserves which it believes are much higher than what the RBI needs at the time of financial exigencies the country may face. However, a committee headed by former RBI Governor Bimal Jalan is reviewing the rules governing surplus transfers.

(Edited by Manali)
Pulwama encounter: The two terrorists were killed, one of them the mastermind behind the Pulwama terror attack, in an encounter in the Pinglina area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Reiterating his commitment to take a stringent action against the Pakistan-based terror groups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said time for talks with the neighbouring country was over, and that it's now time for "action". In a setback for the Indian security forces just three days after the attack on the CRPF convoy that left 44 jawans dead, four jawans, one of them a major rank officer, were also martyred in the encounter. As per information, a civilian has also been severely injured in the exchange of fire between the security forces and the terrorists in the Pulwama encounter. Initially, some Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants opened fire on the security forces. A major gun battle broke out between security officials and the terrorists, leading to severe injuries to four jawans, who later succumbed to their injuries.

Catch all the latest updates on the Pulwama terror attack and the encounter going on the Pinglina village of Pulwama at BusinessToday.In.

10:00pm:

Meerut: Family of Sepoy Ajay Kumar in mourning, he lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in #Pulwama earlier today. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/uiKRBiWLuf - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2019

9:10pm: Taiwan condemns Pulwama terror attack

9:00pm:

Srinagar: Earlier visuals from wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel- Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh, who lost their lives in terrorist attack in Pulwama earlier today pic.twitter.com/BTjk0nddmB - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

8:50pm: Central Reserve Police Force Director General R R Bhatnagar has reportedly said that Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Kamra, alias Ghazi, who was killed by security forces during encounter in Pinglana, was a 'very important commander'. 'It's an achievement,' the DG was quoted as said.

8:40pm: #ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families. @adgpi @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/qo8TzBJF89

8:30pm: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Navjot Sidhu has not been a soldier so he does not stand the sentiment of losing soldier.His comment came just days after his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu called for dialogue with Pakistan even after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

8:20pm: Case registered against former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Shehla Rashid in Prem Nagar police station in Uttarakhand for allegedly spreading misinformation in a tweet about the condition of Kashmiri students in the state after the Pulwama attack. Case registered under sections 505, 153 and 504 of the IPC, ANI reported.

8:10pm: Advocate Vineet Dhanda has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a judicial inquiry into alleged lapses which led to Uri and Pulwama attacks, ANI reported. Petition also seeks stern legal action against those locals in Jammu and Kashmir who attack the armed forces in any form.

8:00pm:

J&K: Earlier visuals from site of encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pulwama in which mastermind of terrorist attack at CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Feb 14 has also been killed. 3 terrorists were killed & 5 security personnel lost their lives in the encounter today pic.twitter.com/kRHeFgsbyC - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

7.00 pm: Petition filed in the Supreme Court by advocate Vineet Dhanda seeking a judicial inquiry into alleged lapses which led to Uri and Pulwama attacks. Petition also seeks stern legal action against those locals in Jammu and Kashmir who attack the armed forces in any form.

6.12pm: 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Commander of the rank of Brigadier also injured in the Pulwama encounter: ANI.

5.44pm: Captain Vinayak Vijay and Lt Col Rahul Gupta were also injured in the encounter. Captain Vijay is stable, while Lt Col Gupta is in a critical condition.

5.30pm: Pulwama mastermind Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, a Pakistani national, was one of the closest and most trusted aide of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Ghazi was an Afghan war veteran and an IED specialist.

He had trained Pulwama bomber Adil Dar, who drove the explosives-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy.

5.00pm: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists earlier today, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable: ANI.

4.30pm: The Govt had inputs from intelligence agencies on Feb 8 that such attacks might happen before elections. Why no action was taken? Why 78 convoys were still allowed?...I also have intelligence reports that my phone is always taped, as you all know: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

4.00pm: Cricketer Mohd Shami donates money to the wives of Pulwama martyrs. "When we play for our country they stand at the borders protecting it. We stand with the families of our jawans, we will always be there for them," he added.

3.30pm: Two more security officials have been injured in the encounter in the Pinglina area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir; one more terrorist is reportedly still holed-up inside a house.

2:50pm: IPL chairman, Rajiv Shukla, has said that our position and policy are very clear. Unless the government gives a nod we will not play with Pakistan, ANI has report.

2:45pm: Situation improves in Jammu region. Administration announces 3-hour relaxation in curfew between 2 to 5pm in South Jammu city. However, relaxation not given in Digiana, Balicharana and few other areas.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar: Relaxation given in curfew between 2 pm to 5 pm at locations in South Jammu. Relaxation not given in Digiana, Balicharana & few other areas. Curfew was imposed in wake of #PulwamaAttack. #JammuAndKashmir. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/Yz78CWEqDc - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

2:40pm: Army Chief to brief Defence Minister on the ongoing security situation in the Kashmir valley including the Pulwama encounter today. Four personnel including one Army Major lost life in joint operations by security forces against suspected Jaish terrorists today.

2:35pm: Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism, ANI quoted PM Modi as saying. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement, he said. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today.

2.18pm: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) has said it would offer a two-bedroom house to each family of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir, reports PTI. "In a modest gesture of our solidarity and support to the grief-stricken families, CREDAI proposes to offer them one house each (2BHK) in the area or city of their state," President of the apex realtor body, Jaxay Shah, said in a statement.

2.13pm: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu clarifies about his comments on the Pulwama terror attack: "I want to ask who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident? Who's responsibility is it? Our fight is against them. Why should a soldier die? Why can't there be a permanent solution?," reports ANI.

2.10pm: The Indian security forces have relaxed curfew in some parts of Jammu between 2pm and 5pm, reports Moneycontrol.

1.39pm: Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Prakash Singh Badal has said the Congress party should sack the party leader and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu for his comments on the Pulwama terror attack.

Parkash Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal in Chandigarh : Navjot Singh Sidhu should be suspended from the Congress party for his comments on Pakistan. In fact, a case should be registered against those who make anti-national statements. pic.twitter.com/Nn9Eh9fMxg - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

1.20pm: The All India Cine Workers' Association bans all the Pakistani artists working in the film industry in India.

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

1.18pm: Ripun Bora of the Congress says the BJP is responsible for the situation in Kashmir, and its poor diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

Ripun Bora, Congress: Ye (BJP) log banaya hai Pakistan, ye log Kashmir banaya hai. Abhi J&K ka jo haal hua hai, ye kisne kiya?Kashmir mein aatankwad ka itna ghatna chal raha hai,Govt kuch kar nahi paya. Ye log banaya hai J&K ka ye halat. Tum pehle Kashmir ko control karke dikhao. pic.twitter.com/aOf6jq6Y4y - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

12.42pm: Reports say one more militant is hiding inside the house in the same village; the security officials clearing the area amid protests from locals.

12.35pm: Mohammad Faisal, Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, says the Pakistan government has called back the High Commissioner in India for consultations. India had recalled its ambassador to Pakistan last week.

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning . - Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

12.11pm: These are the latest visuals from the Pinglina area in Pulwama.

#WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

#UPDATE on Pinglana, Pulwama encounter: One AK-47 & one pistol recovered. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during encounter, yet to be confirmed. Search operation continues. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/CGYfIctxNL - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The Security forces have recovered AK-47 and pistols from the possession of the terrorists.

11.35am: Reports suggest the main mastermind behind the Pulwama terror attack on theCRPF convoy, Kamran alias Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, has been neutralised.

#JammuAndKashmir : Two terrorists have been killed during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district. Operation still in progress. - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

11.10am: The security officials are suspecting one more militant might be holed up inside the house in the Pinglina area.

10.52am: The two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have been killed in the Pulwama encounter. These terrorists are believed to be the masterminds behind the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy.

10.40am: In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, a high-level meeting of all top officials is underway at the home ministry.

Delhi: Top officials arrive at Home Ministry for a high level meeting. #PulwamaTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/Rcz3ZWZnNh - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

10.30am: The cross-LoC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been suspended for today.

10.18am: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a nationwide trade bandh to express solidarity with the families of martyrs who lost their lives in Pulwama terrosist attacks. In a statement, CAIT has said that the commercial markets will remain closed and the traders would observe a 12-hour fast and take out a tribute march in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, J&K, etc today.

9.55am: The cross-LOC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been suspended for today, ANI has reported.

9.43am: Pakistan violates ceasefire: Army officials say a major violation of ceasefire was reported in the Poonch sector on Sunday night.

9.35am: The areas where 2G, 3G and 4G services have snapped include: Pulwama, Baramula, Handwara,Srinagar, Kupwara,Anantnag, Kulgam,Sopore, Bandipora, Shopain, and Awantipora.

9.20am: The critically injured armyman identified as Sepoy Gulzar Mohd; he has been evacuated to the Army's 92 Base Hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

9.18am: The armymen martyred in the encounter include Major DS Dondial, Head Constable Save Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Seooy Hari Singh.

9.13am: The Pinglina area in Pulwama has been cordoned off; internet services have also been shut in the entire area. Two Jaish militants are believed to be holed up in a house.

9.10am: The latest visuals from the encounter site in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Visuals: The 4 Army personnel including a Major, who were killed in action during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district, belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. #JammuAndKashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/Wa2sxz3bzT - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

9.08am: The four Army personnel who were martyred in during the encounter between terrorists and security forces belong to 55 Rashtriya Rifles, reports ANI.

8.45am: Four Army personnel including a Major killed in the exchange of fire.

8.30am: An encounter is going on between security forces and the terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir.

EDITED BY MANOJ SHARMA
On Thursday, the struggling Jet Airways announced its third quarter results reporting net loss of Rs 732 crore, its fourth consecutive quarterly loss. It also announced a bank-led resolution plan to bring the airline out of its current mess.

Under the resolution plan, the stake of Naresh Goyal, the chairman of Jet, is expected to fall from 51 per cent (as on December 2018) to about 20 per cent while lenders, led by State Bank of India, would become the largest shareholders in the Mumbai-based carrier.

Read More: Naresh Goyal to lose control of Jet Airways as board clears resolution plan

Under the new plan, the future of 69-year-old Goyal as the head of the airline remains uncertain. It's believed that Goyal has lost his bargaining chip for dragging the airline to a point where its survival is seriously under jeopardy. Industry insiders say that it's a daunting task -- if not too late -- to revive Jet at this stage, and having Goyal on the board wouldn't help much.

So far, Jet management has stayed mum on the role Goyal is likely to play in the airline that he had started 26 years ago after working as an assistant in a travel agency. In a recent analyst call, the airline's CEO Vinay Dube said that "the promoter will be the Chairman of the Board. Jet Airways will continue the structure of a professionally run management reporting to the Board of Directors". As per the plan, the lenders would get to appoint their nominees on the Jet's board, which means that there is a possibility of Goyal losing control in the new set-up.

"It boils down to Goyal," says an aviation industry veteran adding that because of Goyal's ego, the airline could not strike a deal with Tata Group. "Tatas allegedly wanted Goyal out. They might have retained Jet's identity but they wanted to derive synergies between Vistara and Jet, which needed Goyal to hand over the reins. For long, Goyal has been working on emotional impulse, rather than on corporate practicality. The key to Jet's survivability is Goyal's exit from the airline," says expert.

The resolution plan estimates a funding gap of Rs 8,500 crore for Jet, including repaying aircraft debt of Rs 1,700 crore. So even as the new plan is expected to take care of the debt burden, but the airline will continue to struggle operationally as it is financially weak, and some of its aircrafts are grounded due to non-payment to lessors. A new leadership, appointed by lender banks, would further deteriorate the situation given the poor track record of bankers in running troubled companies.

"We cannot afford to lose Jet Airways. It will be bad for the entire sector; the fares will surge and there will be pandemonium in the corporate sector," says Mark Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting.

In 2015/16, the airline had returned to profitability after eight consecutive years of reporting net losses but its revival was short-lived. The problem with Jet started nearly a year ago when ATF (aviation turbine fuel) prices began to surge, and rupee depreciation jacked up the cost of dollar transactions. The higher capacity additions by the rival carriers led to drop in fares across the board, which affected the profitability.

Since his acquisition of Air Sahara in 2006, Goyal is fighting one crisis after another. In the middle of economic downturn in 2008, the airline decided to lay off 1,900 employees but reinstated them later after huge backlash. In 2013, when Goyal was badly seeking a bailout, he found a partner in Etihad Airways, which was aggressively expanding its presence across the globe with mergers, and stake purchases in different smaller carriers. Although Jet strongly refutes, it is believed that Etihad uses Jet as a feeder carrier for its international flights via Abu Dhabi. But since most of the Etihad's global investments, including Alitalia and Airberlin, have turned sour, there's not much one can expect from Etihad.

Goyal, who is known to pull a rabbit out of a hat, have refused to let go of the airline in the most trying times so far. But this time, he might have to give up his passion to let the Jet legacy continue.

Also Read: Jet Airways' woes! Naresh Goyal may have to cede control of cash-strapped airline to raise capital

Jet Airways share price rises 7.55% on approval of debt resolution plan
Sterlite Copper's plans to restart its 400,000 metric tons a year copper smelter at Tuticorin - which was at the centre of massive protests over pollution concerns - faced another setback today after the Supreme Court today set aside the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order to that end.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta Group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to implement the NGT's December 15 order overturning the state government's decision to close the plant. The mining mogul Anil Agarwal owned Group's hopes had been fanned last month when the apex court refused to stay the tribunal's order.

But today, a bench headed by Justice R.F. Nariman ruled that the NGT has no jurisdiction to order reopening of the plant. It also said it is allowing the state's appeal against the NGT order only on grounds of maintainability. However, it granted Vedanta the liberty to approach the high court.

The company will now approach the High Court in Tamil Nadu for an "urgent hearing" as early as possible, P. Ramnath, chief executive officer of the copper unit, told The Print. "We have to get the actual details in it and based on that we will plan our next course of action," he added.

Vedanta has been facing increasing flak from the government and local communities for flouting environmental norms over the past few years. Its anti-green image took the latest hit in May 2018 after protests in Tuticorin - demanding closure of the local plant on water pollution grounds - claimed 13 lives. Six days later, on May 28, 2018, the Tamil Nadu government had ordered TNPCB to seal and 'permanently' close the plant.

The NGT had subsequently set aside the state government's order calling it "non-sustainable" and "unjustified", while the state moved the top court, saying the NGT had "erroneously" set aside various orders passed by the TNPCB last year with regard to the Sterlite plant. It had said the tribunal had directed the TNPCB to pass fresh orders of renewal of consent and issue authorisation to handle hazardous substances to Vedanta Limited.

According to Care Ratings, the closure of the Tuticorin smelter had resulted in a steep fall of over 42% in domestic refined copper production during the first half of the current fiscal. This, in turn, led to the domino effect of a sharp increase in the country's imports and fall in the exports thus turning India into a net importer of refined copper from being a net exporter. "Exports have fallen by 93.6%, whereas imports have increased by 167.9%," it added.

Hence, the top court's ruling today means that India will continue to be a net importer and the continued reduction in the copper production capacity may push up prices. In fact, copper on the London Metal Exchange reportedly rose as much as 1.1% to $6,258 a ton after the verdict. Should the Tuticorin smelter shut down permanently, Care Ratings predicts a close to 61% dip in domestic copper production against the FY18 level of production (843 KT).

(Edited by Sushmita Choudhury Agarwal)

Also read: Baba acknowledged unpaid dues that crippled the Singh empire in May, 2018; Malvinder submits evidence to EOW
DUBAI (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group has provided nearly half of the cash for Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co's new $400 million fund investing in European start-ups, a source familiar with the matter said.Mubadala, which has committed to invest $15 billion in SoftBank's Vision Fund, last week announced that Mubadala Ventures was planning to launch a $400 million technology-focused European fund this year. Softbank and Mubadala declined to comment on the story, first reported by the Financial Times earlier on Monday. The Softbank Vision Fund, managed by Softbank Group, ...
Japan's SoftBank Group has provided nearly half the cash for the new $400 million fund by Abu Dhabi's state-owned Mubadala Investment Co that aims to back European start-ups, the Financial Times reported on Monday. Mubadala, which is a big investor in SoftBank's Vision Fund, will use the fund to invest between $5 million and $30 million in European start-ups, FT reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter. A company executive said last week Mubadala Ventures was planning to launch a technology-focused, $400 million European fund this year. The ...
By Tanvi Mehta(Reuters) - The Sensex and Nifty declined on Monday, dragged by market heavyweights, while Yes Bank continued to reel under pressure from the central bank. Nearly all Indian companies have reported their earnings for the December quarter, but the results have been far from encouraging. This was the final quarter before India heads into a national election, due to be held by May. "There's a lack of buyers in the marker, lack of triggers... Earnings multiples could have been better to make us an attractive investment target," said Jayant Manglik, president, Religare Broking. ...
By Stanley CarvalhoABU DHABI (Reuters) - Russia is battling bureaucracy and waiting for some formalities to be completed before it delivers 60 military helicopters to India, the head of state-owned giant Rostec said on Monday. India and Russia signed an agreement in 2016 to jointly manufacture 200 KA-226T helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces. According to the agreement, 60 helicopters were to be delivered in 2019 and the remaining 140 to be assembled or manufactured in India."If we manage to complete all formalities" we can deliver Chief Executive Sergey Chemezov told Reuters at the IDEX ...
By Rajendra JadhavMUMBAI (Reuters) - Opposition from farmers has prompted Maharashtra to move the location for what would be the country's biggest oil refinery, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.Stare-run oil companies and Saudi Aramco have teamed up to build the $44 billion refinery, which is aimed at giving India steady fuel supplies while meeting Saudi Arabia's need to secure regular buyers for its oil.But thousands of farmers are refusing to surrender land, fearing it could damage a region famed for its Alphonso mangoes, vast cashew plantations and fishing hamlets that boast bountiful ...
LONDON (Reuters) - Japan's Honda plans to shut its British car plant in Swindon by 2022 with the loss of 3,500 jobs but the decision is not related to Brexit, a local lawmaker told Reuters on Monday.Justin Tomlinson, who voted for Brexit in 2016, said he had met with the business minister and representatives from Honda who had confirmed the plans."They were due to make a statement tomorrow morning, it's obviously broken early," Tomlinson, lawmaker for North Swindon, told Reuters."This is not Brexit-related. It is a reflection of the global market. They are seeking to consolidate production in ...
A youth here was arrested on Monday for allegedly posting an "anti-India" slogan on social media, police said.

The youth, identified as Farhan, allegedly posted the picture of a burning tricolour with a slogan denouncing India on social networking site Facebook, SP (City) Dinesh Tripathi said.

Members of a right-wing group lodged a complaint in this regard, following which the accused was arrested, police said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Yemen's warring parties have agreed on the first stage of a mutual pullout of forces from the key port city of Hodeida, a humanitarian aid lifeline that had been blocked by fighting, the United Nations said.

A UN statement late Sunday said the agreement by a committee which includes members of Yemen's internationally recognized government and their adversaries, the Shiite Houthi rebels came after two days of meeting behind the Hodeida front line.

The warring sides agreed in Sweden in December to confidence-building measures, including a cease-fire in Hodeida and the exchange of thousands of prisoners. But the implementation of those deals has been slow and marred by violence.

The UN says the committee, led by Danish Lt Gen Michael Lollesgaard, plans to reconvene within a week.

The statement said both sides "made important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces as envisaged in the Hodeida agreement."



Meanwhile, UN envoy Martin Griffiths arrived Sunday in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, to discuss the "complex situation" in and around Hodeida. Griffiths met with Houthi rebel leader Abdul-Malek al-Houthi.

The agreement in Sweden was seen as a key step in attempts to end the conflict in Yemen, which began with the 2014 takeover of Sanaa by the Iranian-backed Houthis who toppled the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. A Saudi-led coalition allied with Hadi's forces intervened and has been fighting the Houthis since 2015.

The fighting in the Arab world's poorest country has taken a terrible toll on civilians, with thousands killed and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis underway. Millions suffer from food and medical care shortages and the country has been pushed to the brink of famine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie as also activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan moved the Supreme Court Monday seeking initiation of perjury proceedings against central government officials for allegedly giving "false or misleading" information in a sealed cover in the high-profile Rafale case.

The apex court on December 14 last year dismissed a clutch of PILs, including the one filed by Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan, saying that there was "no occasion to doubt" the decision-making process of the Centre in the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from France.

The trio, which has filed the plea seeking review of the verdict, filed a fresh application under section 340 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) seeking perjury prosecution against the officials responsible for providing "false" and "misleading" information to the apex court in a sealed cover.

The apex court had sought information from the Centre about the pricing details and the decision making process undertaken by the government before sealing the Rs 56,000 crore fighter jets deal.

The prosecution of the officials has been sought under section 193 and 195 of the IPC which deal with the offences of giving false evidence, contempt of lawful authority of public servants and giving false documents in evidence.

"The information that has come into the public domain after the judgement of court was delivered prima facie shows that government 'misled' the court on various counts and the basis of the judgement of the court is more than one untruth submitted by the government and suppression of pertinent information.

"The untruths and suppression of information in the notes' constitute perjury and also contempt as the notes' were submitted pursuant to the orders of the court," the plea said.

The plea, which has been filed in the disposed of PIL, said that the note on pricing was not shared with the petitioners.

"From the notes on the 'decision making process' and 'offsets', and Judgement of the court based on notes' submitted by the government, more than one untruth and suppressions are apparent," it said.

The plea also gave the details of "misleading facts", as per their opinion, to the court.

The suppression of information by the government deprived the court of complete facts and it led to dismissal of the PILs, the plea said, adding that the errant officials who misled the court be identified and suitably dealt with.

Referring to the CAG's audit of the deal, the plea said: "There was no CAG report at the time. The Government misled the court into relying on non-existent fact/report as basis of its observation on pricing in the judgement.

"Instead of admitting that it misled the court, by way of an application for 'correction', government imputes that Justices ...have misinterpreted tenses in English grammar in like manner individually and severally...".

The government's act of stating "untruth" to the court in a sealed cover on 'pricing' and its subsequent "scandalous" plea for modification have lowered the "sanctity of judicial proceedings", it said.

The plea also referred to recent media reports and alleged suppression of "unauthorised parallel negotiations" by the by the PMO and bypassing of the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Negotiating Team (INT).

Advocate M L Sharma was the first petitioner in the case. Later, another lawyer, Vineet Dhanda, moved the apex court with the plea for court-monitored probe into the deal. AAP leader Sanjay Singh also filed a petition.

After the three petitions were filed, former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie along with activist advocate Prashant Bhushan moved the apex court with a plea for a direction to the CBI to register FIR for alleged irregularities in the deal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 20-year-old woman, riding pillion, was injured on Monday after she fell from a height of 50 feet from the Vikaspuri flyover in west Delhi when an unidentified vehicle hit the rear of the motorcycle, police said.

A police team rushed to the spot after being informed about the accident at around 4 pm, they added.

During inquiry, police learnt that Kunal (18), Sapna (20) and Jia (22) were going towards Janakpuri from Paschim Vihar on the motorcycle. Their vehicle was hit by a speeding vehicle.

The impact of the accident was such that one of the pillion riders, Sapna, fell down from the flyover, a senior police officer said.

Kunal was riding the motorcycle and lost its control after the vehicle was hit by another, the officer said.

A video showing the woman falling from the flyover also surfaced on the social media.

Police suspect that the unidentified vehicle, which hit the two-wheeler, was a car.

Sapna was rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where she is being treated for her injuries, the officer added. The other two riders suffered minor injuries, the officer said.

Police are scanning CCTV footage of the area to identify the vehicle which hit the motorcycle.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan has said a plebiscite could have been an option in Jammu and Kashmir earlier to foster peace and disagreed with calls for an immediate surgical strike to avenge the Pulwama killings.

Sharing some of his random thoughts on the Kashmir issue at an event here largely attended by students Sunday, the actor-cum-politician deprecated 'jihadists' being glorified in Pakistan.

He also indicated casualties can be avoided if the leadership of India and Pakistan "behaved properly".

"Why plebiscite - to get to know everyone's view - was not held there. Why it was not done.? what is their fear?. The country was ripped apart into two (India and Pakistan). Why don't you ask them (people of J & K) again, they (political leadership) won't do it."



On the recent killing of 40 CRPF jawans at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, he said:"If there is bleeding, the first job is to stop it...to talk immediately of surgery (indicating surgical strike was not an option) is... (pauses for a moment)."



In the same breath, he said, "..surgery should also be arranged... Okay but when there is blood loss, place cloth or ice to ensure coagulation, so that there is no further loss (of blood).

"I mourn this day," he said and recalled that years ago when he ran a magazine he had predicted "exactly," that such things would happen in Jammu and Kashmir.

Haasan condemned Jihadists being glorified by putting them on a stature similar to that of sport stars in Pakistan.

In so called "Azad Kashmir," big posters on trains could be seen glorifying jihadists and "that is madness too."



India should not repeat such a madness and we have to "prove that India is far better country."



On the Pulwama attack, he said killing 40 CRPF personnel was 'heinous', "but considering that, if your parents tell you to not join the Army, just tell them that more people die in road accidents in Tamil Nadu than in the Army."



He recalled that when he made this pointed observation at the Officers Training Academy here earlier, they were very happy.

Citing a view that there was unemployment, he said "there are lot of opportunities in the Army. Whether we have the valour to join Army is the question."



"Those who are qualified could even get higher positions in the Army," he said.

"One thing, I truly regret is when you say that army soldiers go (join army) only to die, I don't believe..," he said and wondered why soliers should die.

"If the two politicians behave properly, there is no need for any solider to die, the line of control will be under control," he said in an obvious reference to the leadership of India and Pakistan.

He said the concept of an "army itself is old fashioned thing," and beating one another will have to be stopped one day.

Before Haasan spoke on the attack and his views over it, the event anchor apprised the gathering that the MNM chief had spoken to the advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Vijaya Kumar on the matter and wondered if any other politician from Tamil Nadu would have done that.

He also recalled his conversations with the family members of the two slain CRPF jawans from Tamil Nadu to condole their deaths stressing it had nothing to do with

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Greed, and not the willingness to return the favour, is the main reason people give in to bribery, according to a study carried out in several settings, including India.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the US suggest that when incentives are dependent on choices, people accept and reward bribes.

On the other hand, when bribes are not contingent on delivering a certain outcome, they do not distort judgment nearly as much.

Pairs of participants wrote original jokes and submitted them to a judge, who was tasked with deciding which pun was the funniest. Joke-tellers could blindly submit bribes up to USD 5.

When judges were allowed to keep only one bribe, nearly 90 per cent of them chose the joke that came with the most money.

The better joke -- as determined by independent evaluators --was selected just 60 per cent of the time.

"Quality was basically ignored when the person could pocket the winner's bribe. Nearly every person went with the money," said Silvia Saccardo, an assistant professor at CMU.

The results were different when the judges could keep both bribes.

They selected the better joke 84 per cent of the time. In fact, they overwhelmingly chose the person who wrote the funnier joke even when they offered the lower bribe.

"When the referees' payoff didn't depend on the choice of winner, bribery didn't distort judgment," said Saccardo.

"And because they sided with quality instead of a higher payoff, it's an indication that in our data reciprocity isn't a driving factor when it comes to bribes," he said.

The researchers, including those from the University of California San Diego in the US and WZB Berlin Social Science Center in Germany, created one final scenario in the study that provided a clue that greediness can actually be overcome.

Rather than allowing participants to bribe the judge when they submitted their jokes, joke-tellers had to wait two minutes.

The extra time allowed the judges to objectively read and evaluate the submissions before seeing any money.

They could keep only the winner's money; they chose the better joke 81 per cent of the time.

"When a bribe arrives before you have time to make an unbiased decision, you 'conveniently' convince yourself that a subpar proposal is actually the best one," Saccardo said.

"It's more difficult to justify your own dishonesty once you have already made a decision before receiving a bribe," said Saccardo.

The researchers replicated the main conditions of the study at a market in India using a taste-test. The results were consistent.

The World Bank estimates nearly USD one billion exchanges hands in bribes every year.

By learning more about the ways our behaviour and moral judgment can be affected through bribery, the researchers hope to identify ways to minimise its effect.

"Our results suggest that policy interventions that focus on increasing the moral costs of distortion and limit the scope for self-serving biases may provide a successful way to reduce the effectiveness of bribes," Saccardo said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress traded barbs in the Gujarat Assembly Monday as they condemned the February 14 terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir.

While the BJP claimed the "unresolved" Kashmir issue was the root cause of today's situation, the opposition party raked up the release of terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar.

Legislators cutting across the party lines condemned the terror attack in Pulwama last week in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

The Gujarat government has called a five-day session of the Assembly from today to present a vote-on- account instead of a full budget due to the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government was taking all necessary steps to wipe out terrorism.

"This House, in one voice, condemns the terror attack on our jawans. All the political parties have come together to fight terrorism. Every citizen of this country is with our soldiers. People want a fight-to-finish to wipe out terrorists completely," he said.

Leader of Opposition Paresh Dhanani said while people extended unconditional support to the Centre to fight terrorism, several attacks have taken place on the armed forces in Kashmir in the last couple of years.

"There are many other means to acquire power. But when someone tries to break our unity, we all must resolve to give a befitting reply to such elements. Mere talks will not serve any purpose. We have to take decisive steps to eliminate terrorism," said the Congress leader.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said the root cause of the current situation was the unresolved Kashmir issue.

"If Congress leaders had allowed (then Union home minister) Sardar Patel to handle the Kashmir issue...we may not have been facing this problem today," he said.

Responding to him, Congress' Amit Chavda said Congress leaders have committed several sacrifices to maintain India's unity and integrity.

Referring to Modi, Chavda said people are now demanding decisive action, not just assurances.

"Terrorist Masood Azhar, who was behind this attack, was released in the past. If he had been still in our custody, this attack may not have taken place," Chavda said.

The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which has claimed responsibility for the last week's attack, was founded by Azhar. He was released by the BJP government in 1999 in exchange for the passengers of a hijacked Indian Airlines' flight.

Objecting to the Congress leader's remarks, Speaker Rajendra Trivedi asked him to stick to paying condolences to the martyred soldiers.

Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said such terror attacks have been taking place for over 20 years, while Modi became prime minister only five years ago.

"The people of this country have full faith in our PM. Earlier, no country backed us after such attacks. But now, thanks to Modi's efforts in these five years, around 40 countries have expressed solidarity with us," said Chudasama.

The Assembly was adjourned for the day after paying condolences.

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West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De told the Supreme Court Monday that none of the instrumentalities of the state violated its order that allegedly obstructed the course of investigation in the Saradha chit fund scam.

While De left it to DGP Virendra Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to answer the CBI allegations of tampering with evidence and protecting people close to the ruling Trinamool Congress, he said the state police authorities extended cooperation and support, both in terms of man-power and equipment, to the central agency to ensure that the investigation is carried out effectivel, efficiently and in a transparent manner.

In his affidavit, De tendered his unconditional and unambiguous apology for any "inadvertent disobedience" of the orders of the apex court but said that on the perusal of the contents of the CBI's contempt petition, he denies "all and singular averments, allegations and contents of the application".

De was responding to the apex court's contempt notice that there was willful and deliberate violation and disobedience of the orders of May 9, 2014, February 5, 2015, December 15, 2017 and July 16, 2018 in connection with the chit fund scam.

He claimed that the State police has gone further and "sou motu" provided information and all documentation which the CBI failed to unearth during the course of its investigation, and also offered protection to the personnel of CBI by way of 'Bandhobasts', and deployment of Rapid Action Force, whenever required.

"The conduct of the State Police is such that they have gone out of their way to assist the CBI to comply in letter and spirit with the directions passed by this court on May 9, 2014 in the instant petition," he said in the affidavit.

The chief secretary contended that instead of approaching the Calcutta High Court to address any grievance, as per the liberty granted by it, the CBI has now preferred the present contempt petition before the apex court alleging non-cooperation by the State government.

"It is most respectfully submitted that all the above orders passed by this Court have been duly complied with in letter and spirit by the Alleged Contemnor herein and that there is no willful disobedience of any orders passed by this Court, as indicated above.

"The general co-operation as directed by this Court, has been extended to by the state government. herein and that at no point in time there has been any obstruction of investigation nor has any official of the State government denied cooperation in this regard," De said in the affidavit.

Asserting there was no element of deliberate defiance or mental willfulness on his part, the chief secretary said that the DGP, being the head of the police force, is the competent administrative head, who is best placed to respond to all the allegations raised by the CBI.

While refuting all allegation of the CBI, the chief secretary asked the apex court to direct the agency not to make any vague allegations against any State Official without substantial and cogent evidence.

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PepsiCo India's bottling partner Varun Beverages Monday said its board has approved plans to acquire franchise rights of the beverages and snacks major in South and West regions.

The board has approved the company's intent to enter into a binding agreement with PepsiCo India Holdings to acquire franchise rights in the two regions for a national bottling, sales and distribution footprint in seven states and five UTs, Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) said in a regulatory filing.

Upon completion of these acquisitions, VBL will be a franchise of PepsiCo beverages business across 27 states and seven Union Territories (UTs), it added.

"The proposed acquisitions are in line with the company's strategy to expand into contiguous territories and will help to acquire greater scale, operational productivity and efficiency leading to higher revenues and profitable growth," it said.

VBL, however, did not disclose financial details of the proposed acquisitions.

Commenting on the development, VBL Chairman Ravi Jaipuria said: "Our franchising agreement, subject to receipt of necessary statutory approvals, in South and West regions will enable VBL to acquire a national bottling and sales footprint."



He further said the development would help the company acquire greater scale, operational productivity and efficiency leading to higher revenues and profitable growth.

"This comes as a welcome force multiplier to our efforts to aggressively expand our beverage business across geographies," Jaipuria added.

PepsiCo India President & CEO Ahmed ElSheikh said the move was aimed at unlocking "the full potential of PepsiCo's operating model in India".

"With this agreement, VBL will acquire a national bottling, sales and distribution footprint. The move will profitably drive synergies of scale, operational productivity and efficiency across all facets of PepsiCo's beverage business," he added.

ElSheikh further said PepsiCo will retain responsibility for category creation, brand building and development of the beverage portfolio in line with its vision of driving sustainable, responsible and profitable growth.

Last year in January, VBL had entered into a pact with PepsiCo to sell and distribute the latter's entire Tropicana range of juices along with Gatorade and Quaker Value-Added Dairy in North and East India.

VBL already held manufacturing, sales and distribution rights for Tropicana Slice and Tropicana Frutz in the two regions.

PepsiCo had then stated that North and East regions together accounted for 80 per cent of the juice market in India and VBL's contiguous reach would help it more than double the distribution reach in these states



In the regulatory filing, VBL also said its board will meet on February 26 to consider raising of capital through Qualified Institutions Placement without disclosing the amount to be raised.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
PepsiCo India's bottling partner Varun Beverages Monday said its board has approved plans to acquire franchise rights of the beverages and snacks major in South and West regions.

The board has approved the company's intent to enter into a binding agreement with PepsiCo India Holdings to acquire franchise rights in the two regions for a national bottling, sales and distribution footprint in seven states and five UTs, Varun Beverages Ltd (VBL) said in a regulatory filing.

Upon completion of these acquisitions, VBL will be a franchise of PepsiCo beverages business across 27 states and seven Union Territories (UTs), it added.

"The proposed acquisitions are in line with the company's strategy to expand into contiguous territories and will help to acquire greater scale, operational productivity and efficiency leading to higher revenues and profitable growth," it said.

VBL, however, did not disclose financial details of the proposed acquisitions.

The company further said its board will meet on February 26 to consider raising of capital through Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP).

Comments from PepsiCo India could not be obtained immediately.

Last year in January, VBL had entered into a pact with PepsiCo to sell and distribute the latter's entire Tropicana range of juices along with Gatorade and Quaker Value-Added Dairy in North and East India.

VBL already held manufacturing, sales and distribution rights for Tropicana Slice and Tropicana Frutz in the two regions.

PepsiCo had then stated that North and East regions together accounted for 80 per cent of the juice market in India and VBL's contiguous reach would help it more than double the distribution reach in these states.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 55-year-old woman pilgrim died of suspected cardiac arrest after paying obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said Monday.

Pregna Behen, a resident of Khedbrahma-Kantha in Gujarat, collapsed soon after reaching her hotel room in the base camp Katra from the cave shrine Sunday, a police official said.

He said she was rushed to a nearby community health centre by her relatives but died while undergoing treatment.

The body of the deceased was later handed over to her legal heirs for last rites after completion of legal formalities, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The talks between the US and Afghan Taliban slated for Monday here have been postponed, according to the insurgent group which alleged that some members of its negotiating team could not travel to Pakistan for the meeting due to sanctions imposed by America and the UN.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid announced last week that talks with the US will take place in Pakistan's capital, while they will also meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"The Islamic Emirate had arranged for their representatives to participate but unfortunately, most members of the negotiations team were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist and the meeting was postponed, the Taliban said in a statement.

Security officials said that some of the members of the Taliban were still under sanctions but it was not the sole reason for the delay.

They said Afghanistan was not comfortable with these talks and the delay in the arrival of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visit was another reason.

Now the next round of talks between rebel and US will be held on February 25 in Doha as panned earlier.

Last month the two sides held detailed talks and there were indications that they have come closer to end more than 17 years of conflict in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to the announcement of a meeting in Islamabad, saying it was in violation of a United Nations Security Council resolution.

"#Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan's engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Govenrment is not consulted," Tweeted Sibghatullah Admadi, a spokesman for the Afghan foreign office.

Previously, Afghanistan launched a similar complaint against Russia for allowing Taliban members to travel to Moscow for a conference in which nearly 50 Afghans, including various political leaders, were invited.

However, the Afghan government was not invited to that conference because the Taliban have so far refused to engage with Kabul despite pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and others.

The Taliban control nearly half of Afghanistan, and are more powerful than at any time since the 2001 US-led invasion after the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad recently said after six days of talks with the Taliban representatives in Doha last month that the US has made "significant progress" in its peace talks with the Taliban.

Since being appointed in September, Khalilzad has met with all sides in an attempt to end America's longest war in which the US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in more than 17 years.

US President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut in half the 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, and the Taliban leaders have made a US withdrawal a key condition in peace negotiations.

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The viability of a key river that feeds into Australia's biggest water system is under threat if poor conditions that killed millions of fish are not improved within six months, scientists warned Monday.

The management of the Murray-Darling River system, which stretches thousands of kilometres across several states and supplies Australia's food bowl, has been under close scrutiny following three mass fish deaths in December and January.

Authorities said millions of fish died in the Darling River events, blamed on low water flow and oxygen levels in the river as well as possibly toxic algae.

Leading scientists who studied the three bouts of kills said that while a severe drought plaguing inland eastern Australia contributed to the deaths, there were also "serious deficiencies in governance and management" of the river network.

"Our review of the fish kills found there isn't enough water in the Darling system to avoid catastrophic outcomes," said Craig Moritz, chair of the independent expert panel commissioned by the opposition Labor Party to investigate the deaths.

He said an analysis of rainfall and river flow data over recent decades points to "excess water extraction upstream" in the agricultural regions of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states.

If urgent steps are not taken within six months to increase the flow of water, the expert report said, the "viability of the Darling" as well as the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods would be under threat.

Authorities in 2014 launched a vast Murray-Darling Basin Plan to manage water sharing and usage along the length of the system, which runs through five states and territories.

Last month a Royal Commission launched by South Australia state accused officials of "maladministration", "negligence" and "unlawful" actions in implementing the plan.

Environmental activists and many residents living along the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling system have put much of the blame on abusive water extraction for irrigation by agribusinesses, including major cotton farms in Queensland and NSW.

But officials of Australia's conservative federal government have focused on the impacts of prolonged drought and an unprecedented heat wave during this southern summer as the primary causes of low water flow in the Darling River.

Federal Minister Melissa Price said Monday that "significant rainfall" was needed to alleviate the poor water quality and that release of more water into the system from upstream dams would not improve the conditions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Rs 4.80-lakh crore budget for 2019-20 by Uttar Pradesh aims to create a "generous" fusion between promoting rural economy and developing urban infrastructure, said a research report by State Bank of India.

After presenting a Budget of Rs 4.28 lakh crore for the current fiscal, the Uttar Pradesh government increased it further to Rs 4.80 lakh crore for 2019-20 (Budget Estimate), a 6.7 per cent increase over Revised Estimate.

In 2019-20, SBI's report 'Ecowrap' said capital expenditure is budgeted to decline 0.9 per cent over 2018-19 RE (possibly on a higher base), while revenue expenditure is pegged to jump 9.4 per cent.

The state's fiscal deficit has been pegged at Rs 46,911 crore in the next fiscal or 2.97 per cent of the state's GDP, while the total debt-to-GSDP is projected to reach 30 per cent by 2019-20.

Uttar Pradesh will not be eligible for additional borrowing, the report said, and added that the projected GST collection for the current fiscal by the state government is optimistic, even as 2019-20 numbers look reasonable.

"The budget aims to create a generous fusion between rural livelihood and cattle economy, women welfare (launching of new schemes for girls), development of tourist destinations, modernisation and training of police force and connecting major towns by air and expressways," said Ecowrap.

The allocation towards rural development has been substantial, it added.

The state government has also allotted Rs 3,194 crore for construction of expressways and Rs 13,135 crore for laying of roads, which should enable the state's highways and roads to stand in league with other states with better road connectivity.

The focus on metro rail projects aims to solve the connectivity issues within the cities and solve traffic woes in high-density cities, the report said.

"Overall, the budget aims at clicking with the masses for its focus on social welfare scheme announcements, cow welfare, religious tourism, infrastructure development and improvement in law and order," it said.

The report further said the focus on 'Housing for All' gets reflected in the provision of Rs 6,240 crore made towards PM Awas Yojana (Gramin). This is in addition to allocation made towards the National Rural Employment Generation Scheme and the National Rural Drinking Water Programme.

An amount of Rs 500 crore for cow welfare was earmarked in the budget. A significant proportion has also been allocated for maintenance and construction of gaushalas in rural areas.

This would help UP farmers who have been up in arms over a massive stray cattle problem, the report added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Social media giants like Facebook need much stricter regulations to prevent them getting away with behaving like "digital gangsters", a UK parliamentary report on fake concluded on Monday.

In its final report at the end of an 18-month investigation, the House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Selection Committee accused Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg of showing contempt for Parliament in refusing three separate demands to give evidence, and instead sending junior employees unable to answer all the questions.

Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like digital gangsters' in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law, the report notes.

"By choosing not to appear before the Committee and by choosing not to respond personally to any of our invitations, Mark Zuckerberg has shown contempt towards the UK Parliament, notes the report, which is extremely critical of Facebook's online model.

The committee began conducting its inquiry into the spread of fake last year in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica (CA) data breach scandal, which revealed widespread misuse of public data by the now-defunct British company.

The committee's 'Disinformation and 'fake news': Final Report' reiterates the role played by CA's parent company, SCL Group, in some foreign elections in countries like India, which had also been among the conclusions of its interim report last year.

Data analytics firms have played a key role in elections around the world. Strategic communications companies frequently run campaigns internationally, which are financed by less than transparent means and employ legally dubious methods, the report notes.

As we said in our Interim Report, SCL Elections and its associated companies, including Cambridge Analytica, worked on campaigns that were not financed in a transparent way, overstepping legal and ethical boundaries, it adds.

Besides India, some of the other countries that came under the remit of SCL's "political work" included elections campaigns in African countries like Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria; Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago; and others like Pakistan and Australia.

"Democracy is at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised 'dark adverts' from unidentifiable sources, delivered through the major social media platforms we use every day," concluded the report.

"The big tech companies are failing in the duty of care they owe to their users to act against harmful content, and to respect their data privacy rights," it added.

The cross-party parliamentary committee called for sites such as Facebook to be brought under regulatory control, arguing "social media companies cannot hide behind the claim of being merely a 'platform' and maintain that they have no responsibility themselves in regulating the content of their sites".

In order to better regulate social media firms like Facebook, the MPs suggested creating a new category of tech firm one that was neither a platform nor a publisher but something in-between, which would tighten the legal liability for content identified as harmful.

Facebook has repeatedly said it is committed to fighting fake and works with more than 30 fact-checking organisations around the world.

In response to the report it said it shared the committee's concerns about false news and election integrity and claimed to have had made a significant contribution to its investigation over the past 18 months, answering more than 700 questions and with four of its most senior executives giving evidence".

Facebook said in its statement: "We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform. But we're not waiting. We have already made substantial changes so that every political ad on Facebook has to be authorised, state who is paying for it and then is stored in a searchable archive for seven years.

No other channel for political advertising is as transparent and offers the tools that we do," it said.

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U Mumba Volley beat Ahmedabad Defenders 4-1 (10-15, 15-12, 15-13, 15-12, 15-8) in the final league match of the inaugural Pro Volleyball League here Monday to qualify for the play-offs on set difference.

U Mumba Volley will now play table-toppers Calicut Heroes in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

The first set started with both teams going all out and fighting for each point.

Two errors from U Mumba gave Ahmedabad a 8-7 lead at the first Technical Time Out (TTO).

U Mumbas errors proved crucial as two more helped Ahmedabad race to a 11-8 lead. U Mumba immediately called for a Super Point and converted with a Vinit Kumar spike.

Ahmedabad also called for a Super Point and took advantage. Ahmedabad were able to protect it and won the set 15-10.

The Mumbai team bounced back with a strong performance in the second set and took it 15-12.

For U Mumba, skipper Deepesh Sinha was looking in good rhythm, as he scored from 2 spikes and a block to give his side an 8-5 advantage at TTO.

Ahmedabad called for a Super Point at 8-11 and converted with a Victor Sysoev spike. But U Mumba was in no mood to let the advantage slip as they won the set 15-12 to level the match 1-1.

From that point, U Mumba took control and did not allow the rival team any opportunity to bounce back. U Mumba managed to close the third set 15-13 with a spike by skipper Sinha.

U Mumba was serving immaculately in the fourth set as two serves by Pankaj Sharma and one by Kumar helped U Mumba to a 9-4 lead.

Ahmedabad called for a Super Point at 5-10 and it was successfully converted by Sysoev. Ahmedabad fought back hard and brought the score to 12-13. U Mumba held their nerve and a block by Nicholas Del Bianco won the set for them 15-12.

U Mumba was relentless in the last set as Vinit Kumar led the charge with a super serve and two more serve points, thereby helping his team to win the set 15-8 and the match 4-1.

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Two youths, one of them charged with sedition, were arrested in Shahjahanpur and Bhadohi districts of Uttar Pradesh on Monday for allegedly posting "anti-India" remarks on social media, police said.

A youth, identified as Farhan, was arrested in Shahjahanpur for allegedly posting the picture of a burning tricolour with a slogan denouncing India on social networking site Facebook, SP (City) Dinesh Tripathi said.

Members of a right-wing group lodged a complaint in this regard, following which Farhan was arrested, police said.

In Bhaodhi, Zeeshan Khan was arrested for allegedly posting an objectionable Facebook comment on February 15.

The post went viral after which a sedition case was lodged against Khan and he was arrested, police said.

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: Two people were taken into custody Monday over the hacking to death of two youth congress workers in Kasaragod, as the flash hartal to protest the incident was marred by violence at many places.

Two people have been taken into custody and they are being questioned, police said.

Two motorcycles, suspected to have been used by the those responsible for the brutal attack have been seized, they said.

Describing the incident as "extremely unfortunate", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that strong action would be taken against the accused.

The State DGP has been instructed to bring all the accused to book as early as possible, the Chief Minister's office said in a statement.

The DGP Loknath Behara has sought help from neighbouring Karnataka to nab the accused, who are believed to have escaped to the neighbouring state soon after the crime.

Terming the "brutal murder" as "shocking", Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the party would not rest till the murderers are brought to justice.

"The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala is shocking.

The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences," Gandhi tweeted.

The murder took place when the two -- Kripesh (24) and Sarath Lal (21) were waylaid and attacked while returning home after attending a local function in Kasaragod Sunday night.

While opposition Congress in Kerala pointed fingers at the ruling Marxist party for the murder,state CPI(M) secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the murders cannot be justified.

"There is no justification for such murders. If any local CPI(M) activists had a role in this, action will be taken against them. The party will not protect them," he said adding that those having political consciousness would not do such things.

Meanwhile, normal life was affected and incidents of violence reported from various places during the dawn-to-dusk hartal.

Buses were pelted with stones and roads and National Highways blocked in several places as the hartal was called despite the Kerala High court banning such lightning protests, making it mandatory for a seven day notice.

Taking a serious view of the hartal, the court issued a contempt notice to Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose, who called for the hartal, and two other local UDF leaders.

The court had in January this year banned calling of hartals at the drop of a hat, making it mandatory to give seven days notice.

The hartal was called past midnight by the Youth Congress leadership through social media, hours after the two activists were hacked to death at Periya in northern Kasaragod district.

According to the FIR, political rivalry was the cause of the murder and a three-member gang who came in a jeep was suspected to be behind the crime.

Both the slain activists suffered critical hack injuries all over the body. Sarathlal, one of the deceased, suffered a 23 cm-deep injury on his head, the inquest report said.

Relatives alleged that the CPI(M) was behind the killings and the two had received threats.

State Congress leaders, led by leader of the opposition in the assembly Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC President Mullapally Ramachandran visited the families of the workers.

Former Union minister and CWC member A K Antony alleged that people of the state should give a "shock treatment" to the ruling CPI(M) led LDF by defeating them in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

Only then would there to be an end to such political violence being unleashed, allegedly by the CPI(M), he told reporters in Delhi.

Chennithala alleged that the CPI(M) was trying to destroy the party using its goons and alleged that the murders were a conspiracy hatched by the Marxist party as the Lok Sabha elections were around the corner.

Expressing shock over the incident, former chief minister and Congress leader Oommen Chandy said the murders were "pre-planned" and there was conspiracy behind the crime.

Though Congress and the party headed United Democratic Front was generally against hartals, the present one was a natural response to such a cold-blooded killing, Chandy said.

Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan, who hails from Kasaragod, described the murder of the YC workers as "gruesome".

"We have lost two valuable lives...it was gruesome," he said, but parried questions regarding the CPI-M's alleged role in the incident.

Mullapally Ramachandran alleged that with the latest killings, 29 political murders has taken place after the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which is celebrating 1,000 days in office, came to power.

Youth Congress state president Dean Kuriakose said both activists had been facing threats to their lives for some time.

He also alleged that police had ignored the complaints on the matter.

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Two Nepalese women were arrested by the police after cannabis worth about Rs 2 crore was recovered from their possession in Rupaideeha area along the India-Nepal border, police said Monday.

Mayadevi (40) and Sirkumari Kami (28) were arrested on Sunday after SSB personnel stopped them and found drugs in their possession, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover said.

Both of them have been sent to jail.

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Two more Kashmiri students have been arrested in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district for their alleged anti- activities, police said Monday.

Pirzada Tawish Fayaz and Aakib Rasool of Jammu and Kashmir were arrested Sunday night for their alleged involvement in "anti-national" activities, Himachal Pradesh Police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police (law and order) Khushhal Sharma said.

They were studying at the Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni of Solan district, popularly known as the Nauni University.

Sharma said that they were arrested on the basis of a complaint from one Neeraj Bhardwaj of Ber village in Solan.

ALSO READ: Kashmiri students held on sedition charges for celebrating Pulwama attack

In his complaint, Bhardwaj alleged that Fayaz had posted anti- comments on his Facebook page, the SP said.

A few comments had also been attached with the complaint, the police official said.

The complainant further alleged that both Fayaz and Rasool were involved in anti- activities and were "supporting in India's fight against terrorism", the SP added.

Bhardwaj said he had come to know about the duo's "anti-national" activities through his friend Vipul Sharma who is also a student of the Nauni university.

Subsequently, they were arrested and a First Information Report (FIR) under Indian Penal Code sections 153 B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) was registered against them at Sadar police station in Solan, he said.

The matter is under investigation, the SP said.

The number of Kashmiri students arrested in Himachal Pradesh after the for their alleged involvement in "anti-national" activities has now risen to three.

Tahseen Gul, who was studying at the Chitkara University in Baddi town and hails from Srinagar, was arrested Saturday for making "anti-national" remarks on photo-video sharing app Instagram.
A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of Budge Budge Municipality in the southern fringes of Kolkata was shot at and injured by unidentified miscreants inside a party office Monday evening, police said.

The incident came close on the heels of the gunning down of a TMC MLA in another district.

Mithun Tikadar, the councillor of ward number 20 of the municipality, was at the party office when two men came in a motorbike, went inside and shot him from point blank range, police said.

The two assailants fled the spot after throwing bombs outside the party office, TMC sources said.

"We have admitted him (Tikadar) to a private hospital. He has been hit at the abdomen and chest. His condition is serious," Deputy Chairman of Budge Budge Municipality Gautam Dasgupta told PTI.

The police have started an investigation into the case.

Krishnaganj MLA Satyajit Biswas was shot dead in the evening of February 9 inside a Saraswati puja marquee at Phoolbari village in Nadia district, about 15 kilometres from the Bangladesh border.

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Ajay Devgn on Monday announced that his upcoming film "Total Dhamaal" will not be releasing in Pakistan.

The decision comes in the wake of a terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir that claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers.

"In light of the current situation the team of 'Total Dhamaal' has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Devgn tweeted.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Total Dhamaal" features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh.

The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn FFilms and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22.

The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack.

"Horrible and disgusting. Anger can't be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack" Devgn had tweeted.

Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday.

The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.

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Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen Monday claimed that he has been receiving death threats from unknown persons for the past several days.

Sen, however, did not specify the reason for the threats.

He said that the number of calls threatening to put an end to his life has escalated in the past few weeks which prompted him to lodge a police complaint.

It may be recalled that the party's Krishnaganj MLA Satyajit Biswas was shot from point blank range by unidentified assailants in full public view on February 9 inside a Saraswati puja marquee at Phoolbari village in Nadia district.

"I have been receiving life threats from unknown numbers for the last one-and-a-half month. Initially, I had ignored those threats since I am a politician," Sen told PTI.

However, in the last few weeks, the number of such calls have increased sharply, he said.

"My family members and well-wishers suggested me to intimate the police. So I had lodged a complaint at the local police station," Sen said.

Sen is a key organisational leader of the TMC in North Kolkata and its suburbs.

The TMC leadership has recently sought reports from the party's district presidents regarding the security status of MLAs and important leaders in the respective districts.

Apart from enhancing security of MLAs, the district leaders are also keen on providing additional security to key people in the organization's set up ahead of the elections.

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Three Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group linked to the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among nine people killed in a 16-hour encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

At least nine security personnel, including a brigade commander and a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general of the Jammu and Kashmir police, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed. The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who was hurt in the leg.

All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants there.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got under way, triggering a gun battle, the officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

The spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu. Rajasthan. He is survived by wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, UP. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son.

Their mortal remains were flown for the last rites to their native places, where they would be laid to rest with full military honours.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the martyrs and remains committed to their dignity and well being, the spokesperson said.

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Cinematographer Robert Elswit has revealed that he and his "There Will Be Blood" director Paul Thomas Anderson had a fallout.

During his appearance for an episode of the "Light the Fuse" podcast, Elswit, who won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for the 2007 feature, but they have hit a rough patch in their partnership now.

"God, I don't know what it is anymore. It's like a bad married couple. Unpleasant," the 68-year-old cinematographer said.

The duo have collaborated on a total of six films -- from Anderson's debut "Hard Eight" in 1996 to "Inherent Vice" in 2014.

When asked whether he will work with Anderson again, Elswit said, "I don't know. Probably not. You know, it depends on how he feels. I would do it again..."



"I didn't enjoy myself on 'Inherent Vice'... It was a combination of me and Paul just not getting along, and I can be as immature as him," he added.

According to Indiewire, Elswit also recalled his experience working on "There Will Be Blood".

"I never saw the movie as an audience sees the movie. You know, when you're doing post (production), you're sitting there and you're watching edits, or you go to the lab and you're looking at the movie. And you're constantly watching it for what your work is at that moment, whether you're timing it.

"It's like you never enjoy the movie. You don't sit back and forget about you and see it the way an audience sees it," he said.

The cinematographer, however, had a wonderful experience watching the film with a live orchestra during its screening at London's The Roundhouse.

"I sat there and for the first time, after about three glasses of wine, I'd forgotten, I was just watching the movie. For the first time, I was really reacting to stuff that I'd forgotten and then I was a little overwhelmed by it, in a way that I didn't expect.

"I was moved by it, shocked by it. It had an enormous impact on me... At the end, half drunk, the lights come up... and I go, 'You know what, I really did deserve the f***ing Academy Award,' and I'd never felt that before," he added.

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Domestic giant Tata Steel said Monday it has divested the entire stake in indirect subsidiary Black Ginger 461 Pty Ltd (Black Ginger) to a Switzerland-based metals and mining group.

Black Ginger has stake in an iron ore mine in South Africa.

TS Global Minerals Holding Pte Ltd, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel, had entered into a pact with IMR Asia Holding Pte Ltd to divest its entire stake in Black Ginger.

"T S Global Minerals Holding Pte Ltd has today (Monday) concluded the divestment of its entire stake in Black Ginger," Tata Steel said in a regulatory filing to the BSE.

The company on October 18 last year announced that T S Global Minerals Holdings Pte Ltd had entered into an agreement with IMR Asia Holding Pte Ltd to divest its entire stake in Black Ginger (100 per cent).

Black Ginger, in turn, holds a 64 per cent stake in Sedibeng Iron Ore Pty Ltd, South Africa, which is the operating company, the filing said.

However, it did not disclose financial consideration and other details. Earlier, in a filing to the London Stock Exchange, Tata Steel had said that it would sell the majority stake to IMR Metallurgical Resources for 366 million South African Rand.

The transaction was to complete in a year's time.

IMR Asia Holding Pte Ltd is a group company of IMR Metallurgical Resources AG (IMR), a global metals and mining group headquartered in Switzerland, and a leading supplier of raw materials to the steel industry.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Moroccon counterpart Nasser Bourita Monday held talks during which they reviewed the current bilateral relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas including defence and security, counterterrorism and trade and investment.

Swaraj arrived on her maiden visit to Morocco from Bulgaria on Sunday.

"India attaches great importance to its multilateral partnership with Morocco. The bilateral trade between us shows that there is immense potential for business growth between the two countries. The result of this is that our bilateral trade has increased to USD 1.5 billion in October, 2018," she said.

"India has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for many decades. Therefore, today the agreement on the subject of counter terrorism with our friendly country Morocco holds great importance for us," she said in a statement.

Swaraj and Bourita agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counterterrorism to develop a comprehensive approach to combat terrorism including cross-border terrorism, terror financing and recruitment of terrorists.

"Sushma Swaraj met with Foreign Minister of Morocco Nasser Bourita. Productive discussions on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, counterterrorism, Science and Technology, tourism, culture and consular issues," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The two ministers signed and exchanged four documents in the fields of counter-terrorism, easing of restrictions on business visas, housing and human settlement and youth matters.

"Our relationship has expanded to various strategic areas such as information technology, space, cyber security, education, health, extradition. Today, we have finalised these four other MOUs in order to ease the rules for issuing business visa and, in areas of terrorism, housing and human settlement and youth affairs," Swaraj said.

She said India's relationship with Morocco had taken off since the visit of Morocco's King Mohammed VI to India in October 2015.

Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen ties with these countries and expand avenues of cooperation.

Swaraj also handed over to Bourita a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed to the country's King.

"EAM Sushma Swaraj handed over a letter from PM Narendra Modi, addressed to His Majesty the King of Morocco, to Foreign Minister of Morocco Nasser Bourita. This was in response to His Majesty's letter," Kumar said.

Swaraj began the second leg of her tour on Monday with an important meeting with Prime Minister of Morocco Saadeddine Othmani.

They discussed steps to expand ties, specially by deepening the strategic content through cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, Kumar said.

"Swaraj called on President of House of Representatives of Morocco Parliament Habib El Malki. Discussion on expanding cooperation between Parliaments of both countries as a way to further consolidate our cooperation," he said in a tweet.

Swaraj also laid a wreath at the Royal Mausoleum in Rabat, paying her respects to the Monarchs of Morocco.

She also met the Indian community here last evening and said it worked for a bridge in Morocco and good relations of India.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Moroccon counterpart Nasser Bourita on Monday and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in a number of areas including defence and security, counterterrorism and trade and investment.

Swaraj arrived on her maiden visit to Morocco from Bulgaria on Sunday.

She is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen ties with these countries and expand avenues of cooperation.

"Sushma Swaraj met with Foreign Minister of Morocco Nasser Bourita. Productive discussions on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, defence and security, counterterrorism, Science and Technology, tourism, culture and consular issues," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj also handed over to Bourita a letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed to the country's King Mohammed VI.

"EAM Sushma Swaraj handed over a letter from PM Narendra Modi, addressed to His Majesty the King of Morocco, to Foreign Minister of Morocco Nasser Bourita. This was in response to His Majesty's letter," Kumar said.

Swaraj began the second leg of her tour on Monday with an important meeting with Prime Minister of Morocco Saadeddine Othmani.

They discussed steps to expand ties, specially by deepening the strategic content through cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, Kumar said.

"Swaraj called on President of House of Representatives of Morocco Parliament Habib El Malki. Discussion on expanding cooperation between Parliaments of both countries as a way to further consolidate our cooperation," he said in a tweet.

Swaraj also laid a wreath at the Royal Mausoleum in Rabat, paying her respects to the Monarchs of Morocco.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri Monday asserted that strong measures must be taken against terrorists and terror groups, and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide them safe havens.

No country should allow their territory to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, they said.

Jorge Faurie, foreign affairs minister of Argentina said in an interaction with reporters, that one of the major issues for discussion between the two leaders was terrorism.

He said Argentina had to deal with the menace in 1990s.

Macri is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama attack that claimed lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir last week.

Argentina has condemned the attack in "strongest terms".

"I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed," Modi said in a press statement in presence of Marci.

"Now it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said, without naming Pakistan.

India and Argentina released a 'Special Declaration to Fight Terrorism'.

It said both leaders agreed that terrorism poses a grave threat to global peace and stability and noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism.

They stressed, particularly emphasising the "scourge of cross-border terrorism", that there could be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever.

"They reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and asserted that strong measures should be taken against terrorists, terror organisations, their networks and all those who encourage, support, finance and provide safe haven to terrorists and terror groups," the special declaration said.

The two leaders also underscored the need to ensure that terrorist organisations do not get access to any Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) or technologies or finances and committed to cooperate in the specialised multilateral fora.

The leaders stressed that terrorism is a "global scourge" that must be fought and terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world.

They resolved that India and Argentina will fight together against this challenge and committed to strengthen cooperation against terrorist groups listed in relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

The leaders also affirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention or International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation, it said.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Monday said while the BJP's motto was "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", the opposition SP, BSP and the Congress in the state stood for "Sabka Vinaash" (destruction of everyone).

His comments came when a discussion on the budget was underway at the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

"SABKA stands for SP (Samajwadi Party), BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) and Congress. Our Sabka slogan speaks about development of all. Their Sabka speaks about destruction of everyone...We stand for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas. Yours is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vinaash," Adityanath said intervening the discussion.

Taking a dig at the Congress, he said, "Every citizen of this country is proud of our traditions. If the Congress had tried to take pride in the country's traditions, it would not have come to its lowest tally in the state and the country. This situation has come as the Congress had insulted the culture and traditions of the country."



"When you want to garner votes, you show your janeu (sacred threads worn by Hindus). People have even started telling their 'Gotra' (sub-caste)... And even the SP did not find the Congress suitable to include it in the SP-BSP alliance," the chief minister said, targeting the opposition Congress in the state.

Adityanath also took a jibe at Ram Gobind Chaudhary (SP), the Leader of Opposition in the UP Assembly. "If you (Ram Gobind Chaudhary) had even an iota of sympathy for the poor, you would have been with Shivpal Yadav's political party and not with the SP. (Ram Manohar) Lohiaji had spoken about socialism, which is not seen in your party (SP). In reality, it is Shivpal Yadav who takes the name of Lohiaji. You (SP) people do not take his name," he said.

He briefed the House on the various aspects of the budget and spoke at length on the various schemes of the state government pertaining to women, girls, farmers, labourers, youth, villages, electricity, roads, Metro rail, development of airports, health and education.

"In a nutshell, I can say that this is a holistic budget. This is a budget which has taken care of the interests of all sections of the society and has given a new impetus to development. This is a budget which has brought smile and prosperity on every face," Adityanath said.

He announced that the state government will soon enhance the honorarium of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, those in the Panchayati Raj Department, village sevaks and cooks who make mid-day meals.

Speaking on the recent terror attack in Pulwama that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, Adityanath said, "The anger which is visible after the Pulwama terror attack is an eye-opener for the public representatives. If a person indulges in appeasement of self-interest, and encourages terrorism, then the same anger will be visible which is today seen on the streets."



The UP chief minister said the BJP government has worked hard to put the derailed system of the state back on track.

"UP, which was languishing among the bottom states of the country during the governments of the SP and the BSP, is now on the path of becoming the number one," Adityanath said.

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Six persons, including a sacked army major, were charged in Bangladesh on Monday with the gruesome murder of a controversial atheist blogger four years ago.

Avijit Roy, a Bangladesh-born US national, was hacked to death by machete-wielding assailants in February 2015 while returning home with his wife from a Dhaka book fair. His wife, Rafida Ahmed, was seriously injured.

Police Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit chief Monirul Islam said at a press conference that the charge sheet has to be approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs before it is sent to the court, bdnews reported.

Among the six accused in the murder are alleged Ansarullah Bangla Team leader and sacked military officer Major Syed Ziaul Haq and militant blogger' Safiur Rahman Farabi.

Of the accused, Ziaul Haq and Akram Hossain aka Abir are absconding. The remaining four are currently in prison.

Investigators say all of the suspects, aside from Farabi, were members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team.

"Through testimony, analysis of information and evidence collected by our detectives, we have come to the conclusion that the mastermind of the attack was sacked military official and fugitive Major Zia," Islam said.

The counter-terror unit's investigation found that 11 people were connected to the incident.

Investigators found the organisational aliases of the ten perpetrators, but have not been able to uncover the names and addresses of five of them.

"If the names and addresses of the others are uncovered in the future, a supplemental charge sheet will be submitted and they will be brought to justice," Islam said.

Al Qaeda and Islamic State had claimed responsibility for a series of killings in Bangladesh over the past few years, including that of Roy. However, the government has denied the presence of such groups, blaming domestic militants instead.

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Sixteen states and Union territories will Tuesday join a pan-India network of the single emergency helpline number '112' on which immediate assistance can be sought by people, the Home Ministry said Monday.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will launch various initiatives for women safety here on Tuesday.

These include the launch of the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in 16 states and UTs and Mumbai city; the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) and the safe city implementation monitoring portal.

The 16 states and UTs are Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, a home ministry statement said.

The ERSS is an integration of police (100), fire (101), health (108) and women (1090) helpline numbers to provide emergency services through the single number '112'.

To access the emergency services, a person can dial 112 on a phone or press the power button of a smart phone three times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre (ERC).In case of a normal phone, a long press of the '5' or '9' key will activate the panic call function, a home ministry official said.

People can also log onto the ERSS' website for the state and lodge emergency Email or send SOS alert to state ERC. They can use '112' India mobile app, which is available free on Google Playstore and Apple store.

The single number for various emergency services, which is similar to the '911' in the US, will be gradually rolled out across the country, the official said.

The home minister will also launch the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO).

The ITSSO is meant for law enforcement agencies in the country.

The system is an online module available to law enforcement agencies at all levels -- national, state, district and police station -- and allows the state to undertake real-time monitoring and management for completion of investigation in rape cases in two months.

It leverages the existing CCTNS data base, which covers nearly 15000 police stations in the country.

The ITSSO would greatly strengthen States ability for analytics and prognosis for timely investigation and prosecution in rape cases.

The safe city implementation monitoring (SCIM) portal will instil a sense of security in women in metro cities.

The government has identified eight cities for implementation of safe city projects in first phase at a cost of Rs 2,919 crore.

The cities are Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai. The projects are funded under Nirbhaya Fund scheme.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Singapore-based BIGO Technology Monday said it is planning to invest over USD 100 million into its business in India over the next three years.

The company said it would soon start a regional centre in India, and create employment opportunities for over 1,000 tech professionals, the company said in a statement.

In addition to the India centre, BIGO will also open two more regional research centres - one in the US and another in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa)-Europe region - by the end of this year.

BIGO Technology Chief Technology Officer Jason HU said factors like India being the second-largest market in smartphones, growing Internet infrastructure and the blooming young population in the country helped in making the decision.

With over 40 patents in VoIP and video-related technology and over 60 patents are under the process of application, BIGO Technology is a major player in app development and publishing of apps.

BIGO Technologies had received Series-D funding of USD 272 million in June 2018. It has built a team of over 100 artificial intelligence experts and engineers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling Monday said the state government would like to sponsor education of the children of 40 CRPF personnel martyred in the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama district last week.

However, this will be possible only if the central government agrees to the proposal, Chamling said in the assembly, without elaborating.

The chief minister said his government has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the next of kin of the CRPF personnel killed in the attack on February 14.

Members of the Sikkim Assembly also paid tribute to the martyrs and observed two-minute silence as a mark of respect to them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Manhattan, KS (66502)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 68F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Organisers of Pope Francis' summit on preventing clergy sex abuse will meet this week with a dozen survivor-activists who have come to Rome to protest the Catholic Church's response to date and demand an end to decades of cover-up by church leaders.

These survivors will not be addressing the summit of church leaders itself. Rather, they will meet Wednesday with the four-member organising committee to convey their complaints. The larger summit of 180 presidents of bishops conferences from around the world begins Thursday.

Chilean survivor Juan Carlos Cruz, who is coordinating the survivor meeting, told The Associated Press he hopes for a "constructive and open dialogue" and for summit committee members to convey the survivors' demand that bishops stop pleading ignorance about abuse.

"This has to stop," Cruz said. "Raping a child or a vulnerable person and abusing them has been wrong since the 1st century, the Middle Ages and now."



Francis called the summit in September after he himself discredited Cruz and other Chilean victims of a notorious predator priest. Francis was subsequently implicated in the cover-up of Theodore McCarrick, the onetime powerful American cardinal who just last week was defrocked for sexually abusing minors as well as adults.

Francis appointed a four-member organizing committee headed by the Vatican's top sex crimes investigator, Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, Mumbai Cardinal Osvald Gracias and the Rev. Hans Zollner, a member of Francis' sex abuse advisory commission.

They had urged participants to meet with victims before they came to Rome, to both familiarize themselves with victims' pain and trauma and debunk the widely held idea that clergy sex abuse only happens in some parts of the world, Cupich told AP last week. Survivors will be represented at the summit itself via some video testimony, he said.

Cruz said the key message for the bishops to take away from the summit is that they must enforce true "zero tolerance" or face the consequences.

"There are enforceable laws in the church to punish not only those who commit the abuse but those who cover it up," he told AP. "No matter what rank they have in the church, they should pay.

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Senior IPS officer Manoj Yadava was on Monday appointed as Haryana's Director General of Police.

The term of Yadava, the 1988 batch officer, who is currently on a central deputation, shall be for a period of two years from the date he will assume the charge, an official order stated.

Besides Yadava, the panel of officers shortlisted by the Union Public Service Commission for the top post in the Haryana Police had the names of 1985-batch officer K Selvaraj and 1986-batch officer Krishan Kumar Sindhu.

These names were forwarded to the Haryana government on Monday. The government picked Yadava as the new DGP.

The tenure of incumbent DGP B S Sandhu, who was scheduled to retire in September 2018, had ended on January 31 after he was granted a three-month extension in service earlier.

On February 1,K P Singh, senior IPS officer of the 1985 batch, had assumed the charge as officiating DGP, Haryana.

In September 2018, the Haryana government had promoted Yadava, who was then holding the rank of ADGP, to the DGP rank.

He had been granted proforma promotion as he was on central deputation.

Proforma promotion is a procedure followed mainly in the case of an employee who is on deputation to other departments/ministry and has been promoted in the parent department.

The apex court had on July 3 last year passed a slew of directions on police reforms in the country and chronicled the steps for appointment of regular DGPs.

It said the states will have to send a list of senior police officers to the UPSC at least three months prior to the retirement of the incumbent DGP. The commission will then prepare a panel and intimate the states, which in turn will immediately appoint one of the persons from that list.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government on Monday issued transfer and posting orders of 16 IPS officers and three Haryana Police Service officers with immediate effect.

Among those shuffled included superintendents of police of some districts, an official order said.

Among the IPS officers who have been shuffled included Astha Modi, SP Ambala, who has been transferred and posted as SP, Kurukshetra in place of Surender Pal Singh, who now will be Commandant of the 5th Batallion, Haryana Armed Police, Madhuban.

Mohit Handa, ADC to Haryana Governor, will be the new SP of Ambala.

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The Supreme Court Monday refused to entertain a petition challenging Centre's notification advising the media to not use the term "Dalit" to describe members of Scheduled Castes.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said it was not interested in entertaining a petition that challenged the 2018 advisory of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry asking private satellite television channels to use Scheduled Caste instead of Dalit.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioner V A Ramesh Nathan, questioned the legality of the circular and said, "How can the Government of India issue such a circular questioning my identity".

The bench remained unimpressed and said, "At this stage, we are not interested in entertaining this petition. Dismissed."



The ministry, in its August 7, 2018 circular, had advised that the media should refrain from using the word "Dalit" for members belonging to Scheduled Castes and had directed that 'Scheduled Caste' should alone be used for all official transaction, matters, dealings, certificates for denoting the persons belonging to the community.

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In a setback to Vedanta Ltd, the Supreme Court Monday set aside the NGT order that allowed opening of the mining major's Sterlite Plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, which was at the centre of massive protests over pollution concerns.

The top court, however, gave the liberty to the company to approach the high court against the closure orders of the Tamil Nadu government and its state pollution control board.

A bench of Justices R F Nariman and Navin Sinha said that if such a writ petition is filed by the company then it can seek an interim relief considering the fact that their plant at Tuticorin has been shut down since April 9, 2018.

It said Vedanta "may apply to the Chief Justice of the High Court for expeditious hearing of the writ petition".

At least 13 people were killed and several injured on May 22 last year when police had opened fire on a huge crowd of people protesting against environment pollution being allegedly caused by the factory.

The bench further said that while an appeal under the Air Act and the Water Act was pending before the appellate authority, the composite appeal was filed on June 22, 2018 before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the April 9, 2018 closure order of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

It said the NGT could only hear the appeal from an order or decision of the appellate authority under provisions of Water Act or the Air Act.

"Obviously, since no order or decision had been made by the appellate authority under either the Water Act or the Air Act, any direct appeal against an original order to the NGT would be incompetent," the bench said.

It further said the NGT's order was clearly outside its statutory powers conferred by the Water Act, the Air Act, and the NGT Act.

The court also referred to laws in United Kingdom and said there are some laws which allowed appeals to leapfrog a forum but in India there are no such provisions which permits leapfrog appeals to be filed in the NGT.

The apex court restrained itself from going into the merit of the case and decided the preliminary objection of Tamil Nadu government that appeals filed by Vedanta Ltd against its orders before the NGT were not maintainable.

Dealing with three orders of TNPCB passed under provisions of the Water Act and the Air Act by which it refused to grant permission to start production at the plant, the bench said that the NGT did not had any jurisdiction to entertain the appeal directly.

The bench, while dealing with the third order dated May 28, 2018, passed under the Water Act under which direction were issued by the state government to the TNPCB to seal the unit and close the plant permanently, said that under the provisions of the Water Act, the NGT cannot have "judicially reviewed" it.

Referring to an earlier verdict of 2014, the bench said, "we are of the view that the NGT has no general power of judicial review akin to that vested under Article 226 of the Constitution of India possessed by the High Courts of this country".

The top court said that the NGT is only conferred appellate jurisdiction from an order passed in exercise of first appeal and where there is no such order, the NGT has no jurisdiction.

The apex court delivered the verdict on Tamil Nadu's appeal against the NGT's order of December 15, last year by which it had allowed reopening of the Tuticorin plant saying that the tribunal had "erroneously" set aside various orders passed by the TNPCB.

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State Bank of India Monday said it would waive all outstanding loans taken by 23 personnel who were killed in the terror attack.

The state-owned lender would also expedite payment of insurance amount of Rs 30 lakh each to the families of personnel killed.

In a release, the bank announced a special initiative for the soldiers who were martyred in a dreadful terrorist attack in Pulwama,

Last week, 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in the attack.

All the CRPF soldiers were customers of the bank under Defence Salary Package where the bank provides insurance of Rs 30 lakh to each of the defence personnel. Bank is taking steps to expedite release of insurance money to the next of kin of the martyred soldiers, said.

"23 soldiers had also availed loans from and the bank has decided to waive off all the outstanding loans with immediate effect," it added.

Chairman Rajnish Kumar it was extremely distressing and disturbing to witness the loss of lives of the soldiers who always stand for safety of our country. In this moment of grief, our sincere thoughts are with the families of our brave hearts, he added.

The bank has also appealed to all its employees to voluntarily contribute towards the cause through dedicated government portal 'https://bharatkeveer.gov.in'.
Close allies and Pakistan on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up its efforts to brand the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move that may not go well in New Delhi.

Ahead of his visit to India amidst fresh Indo-Pak tensions, Saudi Crown Prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan, according to a joint statement issued at the end his visit.

Crown Prince Salman's high-profile visit to Islamabad comes in the midst of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. The attack was carried out when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying huge quantities of explosives into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district last Thursday.

Crown Prince Salman, who is visiting India on February 19-20, held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the issue of terrorism.

"They also underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime," the joint statement said in an apparent reference to India's bid to list JeM's Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist.

China, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council and a close ally of Pakistan, has consistently blocked moves first by India and later by the US, the UK and France to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by the 1267 Committee by putting technical holds.

The Saudi Crown Prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point for Sikh pilgrims, the joint statement said.

It also pointed out to the "efforts exerted by both sides, stressing that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues". The joint statement avoided mentioning Jammu and Kashmir by name, which has angered some Pakistanis.

"I am disappointed that Kashmir is not mentioned in the joint statement but I also understand why it is not," former foreign minister Khursheed Kasuri told Dunya TV.

However, a separate statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office showed that Khan in his meeting briefed the royal guest about the violation of rights in Kashmir.

The Prime Minister briefed the Crown Prince on the "grave human rights violations" in Kashmir and the need for resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people, the Foreign Office said.

The two countries "reiterated their commitment to continue combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism, the joint statement said.

"They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to join all international efforts to combat global terrorism," it said.

The Pakistan-Saudi joint statement also says that the two sides agreed on the importance of political settlement and promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan so that millions of Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries can return to their country and contribute to their development and lasting peace.

The Saudi side appreciated Pakistan's generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees and other initiatives by Pakistan in the Afghan context.

The two countries expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital, the joint statement said.

The Pakistani side appreciated the leadership and positive role of the Kingdom of in resolving the issues facing Islamic Ummah worldwide.

The Saudi side lauded Pakistan's important positions in the Islamic world and its efforts for regional peace and security.

Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties, and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives, the joint statement said.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding. "The total investment opportunities resulted in over USD 20 billion, which would increase the mutual investment and volume of trade between the two brotherly countries," it said.

The Crown Prince stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.

The two countries called to promote dialogue, respect and understanding among followers of different faiths to promote peace and interfaith harmony.

The Foreign Office said in its separate statement the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince has laid the foundation for a new chapter in Pakistan-Saudi relationship, marked by high level institutional framework to guide future direction of political, diplomatic, economic, investment, trade, people-to-people, defence, security and cultural aspects.
India is likely to strongly raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman even as the two countries will look at further enhancing defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise, during his two-day visit here beginning Tuesday, officials and sources said.

The Crown Prince who arrived in Islamabad on Sunday at the start of his tour of has returned to on Monday, official sources said. had reservations over his coming to India from Pakistan.

Ahead of the visit by the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said Monday that will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based

ALSO READ: Saudi prince pledges $20 bn investment for Pakistan amid India tensions



Official sources said was no longer accepting Pakistan's narrative on and and that India will forcefully raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups during delegation level talks between Prime Minister and the Crown Prince on Wednesday.

Secretary, Economic Affairs in the External Affairs Ministry T S Tirumurti said both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit.

"We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said.

Referring to cross border terrorism, he said, " has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on 14 February. We appreciate Kingdom's cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years."



Official sources said there has been a "change" in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism.

"India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture," said Tirumurti.

"As part of this engagement, we are finalizing the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," he said.

The sources said the two sides are looking at joint exercise between the two navies besides significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation.

They said Saudi Arabia has been providing India information and intelligence about various terror networks. The two countries had inked a pact on exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism during Modi's visit to in 2016.

The Crown Prince will be accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation.

Modi will host a lunch in honour of the Crown Prince at Hyderabad House on Wednesday.

The Crown Prince will call on and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary



During the visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. The Kingdom has shown greater understanding of India's terrorism-related concerns and also agreed to work with India in countering this global menace.

The two countries held meeting of 4th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee last month in during which both sides explored the possibility of elevating the defence engagement with joint production and joint exercises, particularly joint naval exercises, said Tirumurti.

India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was USD 27.48 billion in 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia its 4th largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's security, being a source of 17 per cent or more of and 32 per cent of LPG requirements of India.

Recently, in partnership with of UAE has agreed to partner in Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture of USD 44 billion.

Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and

"We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in to a broad-based partnership," said Tirumurti.

He said other areas of interest for joint collaboration are fertilizers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, etc.

"We are also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation, where there is considerable potential for enhanced links, especially in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel," the official said.

He said Saudi Arabia has conveyed to India that it will be joining 'International Solar Alliance' initiative.

The Crown Prince is expected to travel to from India.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to try to "de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to head to New Delhi from Islamabad.

The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 41 CRPF soldiers.

Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir met Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday.

Officials said that Qureshi briefed him in detail about the situation after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

Tensions have been mounting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours amidst war of words and diplomatic brinkmanship over the attack.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," Jubeir told the media.

He also said both countries were facing similar challenges, including the scourge of terrorism.

"We want both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations," he said.

Saudi Arabia has influence over Pakistan and the Crown Prince during two-day visit inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments of worth USD 20 billion.

The Kingdom also provided USD 3 billion loan and another USD 3 billion oil facility on deferred payment during the past three months.

Jubei's remarks to make efforts for reducing tensions came as Pakistan on Monday called back its envoy from India for consultations.

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest.

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was also called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

India has blamed Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group for the Pulwama terror attack on Thursday.

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Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in the Kingdom's jails, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan at a ceremony held to welcome the Saudi crown prince at PM House on Sunday night had made a "special request" to him on the Pakistani prisoners.

"There are some 3,000 [Pakistani] prisoners there and we just would like you to bear in mind that they are poor people who have left their families behind," Khan said.

Salman, who was here on a visit, responded by assuring Khan to consider him Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

"We cannot say no to Pakistan ... whatever we can do, we will deliver that," said the crown prince, who has been bestowed Pakistan's highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan for his "outstanding support for reinvigorating Pak-Saudi bilateral relationship".

Information Minister Chaudhry in a tweet said: "As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails."



Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also noted that the crown prince had "graciously agreed" to free the Pakistani prisoners "with immediate effect".

"Cases of the remaining will be reviewed," he announced.

The Saudi crown prince had arrived in Pakistan on Sunday on a two-day visit. He will also visit India and China.

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India on Monday tore through the "opaque proceedings" of Pakistani military courts which try civilians against the international norms, saying the judges, who tried Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, are not required to have judicial or legal training or even a law degree.

India's plea at the International Court of Justice came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

Ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who represented India, said that a foreign detainee has the right to life, the right to a fair trial and an impartial judiciary.

"However, Pakistan has sentenced 161 civilians to death in their military courts in opaque proceedings in the last two years," Salve said.

International standards require that military courts like all courts must be independent, impartial and competent, and must respect minimum guarantees of fairness, he said.

"Pakistani military courts are not independent and the proceedings before them fall far short of national and international fair trial standards.

"Judges of military courts are military officers who are part of the executive branch of the government and do not enjoy independence from the military hierarchy," Salve said.

He claimed that the judges of the Pakistani military courts are not required to have judicial or legal training or even a law degree, and they do not enjoy any security of tenure which are prerequisites of judicial competence and independence.

"Jadhav's trial by a military court hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and should be declared unlawful," he said.

Pakistan uses military courts to try civilians, and this was done by amending Pakistan's Constitution, Salve said.

"The military courts have been reinstated even after European courts (International Commission of Jurists) have expressed their reservations with the idea. They have emphasised the idea that military courts should only restrict to military trials, and civilians should not be tried in them at all," Salve said.

India submits that military courts of Pakistan cannot command the confidence of this court and should not be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case, he said.

"I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his (Jadhav's) trial has been conducted by a military court.

"Pakistan has knowing, wilfully and brazenly violated Article 36 of the Vienna Convention. Honourable judges, I respectfully submit that consequences must follow," Salve said, adding that the military court trial is unsatisfactory.

The military courts were first set up in January 2015 for two years for speedy trial of militants after the 2014 Peshawar school attack that killed nearly 150 school children.

Their tenure was extended for another two years in March 2017.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has shown willingness to give another term to the army-run courts but it needs the support of the opposition as the courts were created after an amendment in the Constitution which can be done by the support of two-third of lawmakers.

In the four years, they have been in operation, military courts have convicted 617 people for terrorism-related offences, out of which 346 people have been sentenced to death and 271 people have been given prison sentences. At least 56 people have been hanged. Only four have been acquitted, according to Pakistani media reports.

The primary concern of critics was the mystery surrounding military court trials: no one knows who the convicts are, what charges have been brought against them, or what the accused's defence is against the allegations levelled.

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As the end nears for the IS enclave in Syria and the fate of jihadists' family members becomes a prescient issue, Russia can be seen as a pioneer in systematically returning children of Islamist fighters home.

A potential homecoming of the many foreign women who have gone to live in the IS "caliphate" and their children, many of whom were born there, has been a subject of debate in Russia, with some security chiefs seeing them as potential threats.

Earlier this month, 27 children, from four to 13 years old, were flown from Iraq to the Moscow region.

Clutching stuffed toys and bundled in winter jackets, the children were carried off the cargo plane to face the Russian winter after years in the desert.

After health exams, they would be given into the care of their uncles, aunts, and grandparents in the Russian North Caucasus, the majority-Muslim territory in the south of Russia that is home to most of the Russians that had joined the Islamic State group.

Another 30 children were brought back in late December.

"They attend school and kindergarten. Volunteers work with them and talk to them about what they have been through, explaining how they have been indoctrinated," said Kheda Saratova, an advisor to Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov, who has assumed a central role in the process of repatriating Islamists' relatives.

Russian authorities have given sometimes conflicting figures of returnees. Saratova said that about 200 children have been brought to Russia, but nearly 1,400 are still stuck in Iraq and Syria.

Kadyrov, a longtime Kremlin protege with vast resources, began efforts to bring back fighters' children in 2017. Diplomatic negotiations are often led by Aleppo-born Chechnya senator Ziyad Sabsabi.

Endorsing Kadyrov's efforts, President Vladimir Putin in late 2017 called the drive to return the children "a very honourable and correct deed" and promised to help.

"It's very good for the image of Kadyrov. He seems somebody who doesn't just use violence against terrorists but who builds mosques and hands out humanitarian aid," said Grigory Shvedov, who edits a Caucasus-focused website Caucasian Knot.

When he began Russia's intervention in Syria in 2015, Putin justified it by the need to kill jihadists before they come to Russia.

Although some regions have tried rehabilitation programmes for Islamic extremists, these have failed to catch on at the national level. Young men who returned from Syria or Iraq and turned themselves in have faced harsh punishment.

This month Russia's Supreme Court confirmed a 16-year-term for a young man who went to Syria as a 19-year-old student and worked as a cook and driver on IS-controlled territory for six months.

Returning the wives of jihadists is also complicated by the absence of an extradition agreement between Russia and Iraq, where many have been sentenced, sometimes to life, in prison.

But there is also reluctance by Russia's powerful security services to bring home adult civilians.

FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov in November noted that many women with children exiting conflict zones have been used by jihadists as suicide bombers or recruiters.

"The FSB sees them as dangerous, even though many of these wives purchase their freedom from the Kurds and will eventually return one way or another," said Saratova.

Any affiliation with Islamic State jihadists is a crime, since the group is banned under Russian law.

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A sum of Rs 300 crore has been allocated for the celebration of 550thbirth anniversary of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev this year, Minister said while presenting the state budget for 2019-20 on Monday.

"The Government of as a humble tribute has endeavoured to celebrate '550thPrakash Purab' of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is a momentous occasion to celebrate and dedicate ourselves to the message of universal brotherhood given by the Great Guru," Badal said in his speech.

As a part of the ongoing celebrations, the state government has already launched a series of infrastructure development programmes in the historic towns of Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak and Batala, Badal said.

"We shall set up a heritage museum, named 'Pind Babe Nanak Da, at Sultanpur Lodhi, depicting the life and times of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The museum would help to connect with Punjabis who have been away from for a long time," Badal said.

He said as a part of the celebrations, the government shall establish the Sri Guru Nanak Dev National Institute of Inter-faith Studies in Guru Nanak Dev University at

The institute will provide a forum for study and research on Guru Nanak Dev and on comparative religions. It will also provide a platform for inter-faith studies and dialogue by fostering better understanding of the contemporary in the 21st century, the minister said.

Stating that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that and had agreed to open the to mark the historic 550th 'Prakash Purab' celebrations, Badal said, "This corridor would go a long way in fostering a sense of goodwill, brotherhood and friendship amongst both the countries. Our government will make every effort to make the corridor to Kartarpur Sahib (in Pakistan) operational before the momentous day."



The state government has decided to establish the Dera Baba Nanak Development Authority for the planned and holistic development of Dera Baba Nanak town as a mark of tribute.

"I propose an initial allocation of Rs 25 crore to undertake infrastructure development and other projects in the town in 2019-20.I also propose a humble allocation of Rs 300 crore in 2019-20 for celebration of 550thPrakash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I assure the House that suitable additional support, whatever and whenever required, would also be provided during the year to mark these celebrations," said Badal.

M Venkaiah Naidu and Punjab Chief Minister had on November 26 last year laid the foundation stone for the in Gurdaspur district.

The corridor was a long-pending demand of the Sikh community.

has committed to open the corridor in November on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

"Our government is commemorating the centenary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on 13thApril, 2019. The landmark incident shaped India's freedom struggle against the oppressive colonial regime. To mark this occasion, the state government has planned a number of literary & cultural activities and public functions, including a Shaheed Samman rally in An allocation of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for this purpose in 2019-20 and suitable additional support would be provided during the course of the year," he said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monday announced the payment of Rs 28,000 crore as interim dividend to the government, which has been looking at resources to roll out populist schemes ahead of general elections.

The RBI has in the past transferred its surplus profit or dividend to the government in August every year, including in election years in 2009 and 2014, after considering audited accounts for the year. RBI follows July to June year.

The central bank in a statement said its board approved Rs 28,000 crore payment to the government as an interim dividend after a "limited audit review".

This is the second straight year that the RBI has announced an advance payment to the government.

Last year, it paid Rs 10,000 crore in the interim dividend in March and a final dividend of another Rs 40,000 crore in August.

In August 2017, it had paid Rs 30,659-crore dividend, down from Rs 65,876 crore in the previous year. The government has been seeking about Rs 27,000 crore in dividend withheld in the past two financial years.

Payment of interim dividend was one of the contentious issues between the government and the RBI under earlier Governor Urjit Patel.

Patel resigned in December and was immediately replaced by retired bureaucrat Shaktikanta Das who has been systematically addressing every single issue that the government had been raising with the RBI.

"Based on a limited audit review and after applying the extant economic capital framework, the Board decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 280 billion to the central government for the half-year ended December 31, 2018," the central bank said in a statement Monday.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed the meeting of the RBI's central board here.

The interim dividend will help Narendra Modi-led government partly bridge the deficit its budget had developed after the announcement of a Rs 75,000 crore a year cash dole scheme for small farmers.

The scheme to give Rs 6,000 in three equal instalments to small farmers was announced in the Interim Budget 2019-20 and the first instalment is supposed to go out this month.

The government has budgeted Rs 20,000 crore for the scheme in the current fiscal year that is ending on March 31, 2018.

Fiscal deficit for 2018-19 is expected to be slightly higher at 3.4 per cent of the GDP instead of the 3.3 per cent Jaitley had budgeted when presenting the previous budget on February 1 last year. The fiscal deficit for 2019-20 financial year also has been estimated at 3.4 per cent instead of previously decided road map of bringing it down to 3 per cent.

Last month, Turkey's central bank agreed to pay an early dividend worth 33.7 billion lira (USD 6.30 billion) ahead of municipal elections in March seen as a referendum on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule.

In his address to the RBI board, Jaitley outlined various reforms and policy measures taken by the government over the last four years and the effects thereof.

The central bank transfers its surplus amount to the government, under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.

Section 47 of the Act says: "After making provision for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contribution to staff and superannuation fund and for all matters for which provision is to be made by or under the Act or which are usually provided by bankers, the balance of the profits shall be paid to the central government.

According to the Budget document, the government expects Rs 82,911.56 crore as dividend/ surplus of RBI, nationalised banks and financial institutions during 2019-20.

The statement further said the Central Board, chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, also observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect for the security personnel killed in the terror attack at Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

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A 22-year-old woman allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself in her house in Maharashtra's Nagpur district, after she was raped by an accomplice of her friend last week, police said Monday.

The woman, in a suicide note purportedly written by her, stated that she was ending her life out of shame as the incident has become public.

Police arrested four persons, including the main accused Mayur Kularkar (21) and two others, on Saturday, a day after the alleged rape. A minor boy has been detained.

The woman, a resident of Marodi village in Mauda taluka, hanged herself Sunday evening, a police officer said.

Other accused are identified as Rahul Kambli (25), Shyam Katore (19) and the minor. They also are residents of Marodi village.

"Katore, who is a friend of the woman, had called her to meet him at Marodi bus stop at 8:30 PM on Friday (February 15). Katore arrived at the isolated spot with three of his friends. He then made the woman drink alcohol," Assistant Police Inspector (API) Chandrashekar Maske said while narrating the sequence of events.

He said Kularkar then took the woman, who was under influence of alcohol, to an empty pan kiosk near the bus stop and raped her.

"Kularkar and other accused then dumped the woman in their car and roamed till late night before dropping her near her house on the wee hours of Saturday," Maske said.

The woman lodged a complaint with Mauda police on the same day, following which the four accused were picked up from different locations, the officer said, adding that they were remanded in custody till February 18.

"The woman, however, hanged herself in her house on Sunday evening. In a suicide note (which is being verified), she wrote that she was taking the extreme step, as she is feeling distressed due to the incident which has become public," the police officer said.

The victim wrote that Kularkar be hanged till death, he said.

All the accused have been booked under section 306 of the Indian Penal Code IPC) for abetment of suicide. Kalurkar has been booked for rape as well.

Further investigation is underway, the officer added.

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Boosting country's efforts in tackling cyber crimes, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday inaugurated a state-of-the-art national cyber forensic lab (NCFL) and the Delhi Police's cyber crime unit 'CyPAD' here.

Both the cyber crime fighting units are based in a complex at Dwarka, Sector 16C, Special Commissioner of Police (special cell) M M Oberoi said.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh termed cyber crime as the "biggest challenge" and expressed hope that the new facility will effectively meet the challenge.

"I assure that this CyPAD and NCFL partnership will leave no stone unturned in its quest to support the national effort to tackle the nefarious designs of terrorists," said Delhi Police Commissioner Amulaya Patnaik.

The Home Ministry's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) consists of seven verticals, including National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL), National Cyber Threat Analytics Unit (C-TAU), National Cyber Reporting Portal and National Cyber Research and Innovation Centre, according to a statement issued by the Delhi Police.

With this initiative, law enforcers will be able to proactively address cyber threats in coordination with other law-enforcement agencies, national & international cyber security organisation and various online intermediaries.

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal, who was also present at the event, said the facility will help in solving cyber crimes, including financial frauds.

The Union home minister said the government has taken several measures such as implementing a scheme Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC), under which cyber forensic training labs have been established in all the states and union territories. An online portal www.cybercrime.gov.in has also been set up.

Singh also felicitated 15 school teachers who have done commendable work as 'Cyber Awareness Mitras'.

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To promote cultural ties between Russia and India, the Russian Association for International Cooperation (RAIC) on Monday signed a trilateral agreement with Friendship Society of India and the India-Russia Foundation.

Talking about the cooperation between two countries, Sergey Kalashnikov, Chairman of the Presidium of the RAIC, said, "We know that India is developing very fast. And this development (signing of agreement) covers technical sphere, different humanitarian aspects, and we are confident that our ties are really the ties of strategic partners."



"I am confident that today's meeting will give impetus to multi-dimensional and multi-level ties between Russia and India," said Kalashnikov, who is also a member of Federation Council, the upper house of Federal Assembly of Russia.

Before the signing of the trilateral agreement, the RAIC as well as the Indian friendship groups had a meeting with President of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, who is a Rajya Sabha member from the BJP.

"I would like to say that now the world has to choose between two options, either we return to the past, or we create the new humanitarian order," said Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India.

"This would be the road for new level of international, interstate relations based on new cultural, humanitarian relations. And in this sense, the culture is not about some artifacts of the past," added Kudashev.

Before signing of the trilateral agreement, the RAIC also held a meeting with the members of India-Russia Foundation at Russian Embassy.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to launch the party's Lok Sabha poll campaign in Maharashtra from Dhule on March 1, sources said on Monday.

The Congress is also planning a rally of recently- appointed party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the state next month, they said.

Rahul Gandhi's rally will follow two joint public meetings of the Congress and NCP on February 20 and February 23, to be held in Nanded and Beed respectively.

The joint rallies will be attended by NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Maharashtra Mallikarjun Kharge along with other leaders of the two parties and their allies.

The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May, the schedule of which is yet to be declared.

"Rahulji will be in Dhule to campaign for the party. This will be his first rally in the poll season," a source said.

The rally is being organised in Dhule since it would be convenient for the party workers from the district and neighbouring Jalgaon and Nandurbar to attend it, he said.

Congress leaders from Maharashtra have requested the party president to address four-five rallies in the state, he added.

When asked about Rahul Gandhi's rally, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan said, "We are in the process. We are planning a rally in Dhule, but all this is yet to be finalised officially."



The Congress, which is joining forces with other like-minded parties, is seeking a return to power after its drubbing in the 2014 parliamentary elections at the hands of the resurgent BJP.

The party had managed to win only two seats - Nanded (represented by Chavan) and Hingoli (held by Rajeev Satav) - in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Maharashtra sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, second highest after 80 from Uttar Pradesh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to launch the party's Lok Sabha poll campaign in Maharashtra from Dhule on March 1 and also address a rally in Mumbai the same day, sources said on Monday.

The Congress is also planning a rally of recently- appointed party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the state next month, they said.

Rahul Gandhi's rally will follow two joint public meetings of the Congress and NCP on February 20 and February 23, to be held in Nanded and Beed respectively.

The joint rallies will be attended by NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Maharashtra Mallikarjun Kharge along with other leaders of the two parties and their allies.

The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May, the schedule of which is yet to be declared.

"Rahulji will be in Dhule to campaign for the party. This will be his first rally in the poll season," a source said.

The rally is being organised in Dhule since it would be convenient for the party workers from the district and neighbouring Jalgaon and Nandurbar to attend it, he said.

The Congress president is also likely to address a public gathering in Mumbai on March 1, another source said.

Congress leaders from Maharashtra have requested the party chief to address four to five rallies in the state, he added.

When asked about Rahul Gandhi's rallies in Maharashtra, state Congress chief Ashok Chavan said, "We are in the process. We are planning a rally in Dhule, but all this is yet to be finalised officially."



The Congress, which is joining forces with other like-minded parties, is seeking a return to power after its drubbing in the 2014 parliamentary elections at the hands of the resurgent BJP.

The party had managed to win only two seats - Nanded (represented by Chavan) and Hingoli (held by Rajeev Satav) - in the last Lok Sabha polls.

Maharashtra sends 48 members to the Lok Sabha, second highest after 80 from Uttar Pradesh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With the Lok Sabha elections around the corner, the Congress-led Punjab government cut fuel prices, petrol by Rs 5 and diesel by Rs 1 a litre, and announced a host of new schemes for farmers, youth, industry, Scheduled Caste population in the state budget presented Monday.

Deciding against levying any new tax, state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal highlighted "persistent efforts" of the Amarinder Singh-led government to bring the state on a "fiscal recovery path". He also accused the previous SAD-BJP government of leaving the state in a "fiscal mess".

Badal presented the budget with a total outlay of Rs 1,58,493 crore, including a 'ways and means' transaction of Rs 32,000 crore. The transaction is a credit facility extended by the RBI to the states.

Though with little "fiscal space" in the wake of high committed expenditures, the finance minister tried to provide something to each segment with the launch of new schemes such as 'Make in Punjab', 'Mera Kamm, Mera Maan' and laid thrust on improving rural and urban infrastructure, besides focusing on agriculture, health and education.

Badal's Budget Speech was marred by vociferous protest by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members against Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's remarks following the Pulwama attack. Due to disruptions caused by Opposition members, the speaker had to adjourn the House after naming SAD and BJP members.

In a major move, Badal while banking on buoyancy in revenue and better cash flow management announced to bring down petrol prices by Rs 5 per litre and diesel by Rs 1 per litre by resorting to rationalising of value-added tax (VAT) rates on petroleum products.

Badal, while later talking to reporters, said with Rs 1 reduction per litre, diesel in Punjab will be the cheapest in north India and it will be effective from Monday midnight.

"We will take it up with the Centre to align (VAT rates of petrol in) Chandigarh with (that of) Punjab," he said adding that a target of Rs 6,300 crore of collections from VAT had been fixed for 2019-20 which was the same as in 2018-19.

With his speech laced with couplets of famous poets Allama Iqbal and Jagannath Azad, Badal said the state government was committed to reduce "crushing burden" of debt and "revitalise" the economy.

Already facing opposition ire over farmers' issue, the finance minister announced an increase of allocation for the agriculture and allied sector to Rs 13,643 crore.

Earmarking Rs 3,000 crore for the farm debt waiver scheme, Badal announced to waive the loans of landless farm labourers and the families of farmers who committed suicides, while assuring the House that this government would take necessary steps to relieve farmers of its debt stress.

The allocation for free power subsidy has been kept at Rs 8,969 crore for 2019-20.

For sugarcane farmers and crop residue management, the FM proposed a sum of Rs 355 crore and Rs 375 crore, respectively.

Similarly, the fund allocations for education, health, rural and urban infrastructure have been proposed to be raised in the range of 9-36 per cent.

Lauding the government for offering 1.13 lakh jobs under its employment generation scheme, Badal announced to launch a new scheme 'Mera Kaam, Mera Maan' with Rs 90 crore of allocation wherein unemployed youth between the age group of 18 and 35 years will be assisted by the district bureaus of employment and enterprise for both skilling and wage employment for a specified minimum days in the year.

To keep the youth away from drugs, Badal announced to set up block-level multi-purpose stadiums in Ludhiana, Rajpura and other places.

A new policy 'Make in Punjab' is being drafted to promote goods manufactured in the state. "As per this policy, in a public procurement order, purchase preference shall be given to the local suppliers up to 50 per cent of the total quantity, provided that their goods have a minimum local content of 40 per cent and their bids come under 15 per cent margin of purchase preference above the lowest bid," Badal said in his speech.

With Punjab having the highest proportion of Scheduled Caste (SC) population, Badal said the state government accords the top priority to safeguard the interests of these vulnerable sections of the society.

"My government proposes a sum of Rs 1,228 crore for various welfare schemes including educational, socio-economic and other development programmes," said Badal.

A sum of Rs 938.71 crore has been allocated for various scholarship schemes for SC/BPL.

A sum of Rs 1,916 crore has been proposed for subsidised power to SC, backward caste, non-SC below poverty line population, freedom fighters and domestic categories.

The total outstanding debt of the state has been projected at Rs 2,29,612 crore for 2019-20, compared with an outstanding debt of Rs 2,12,276 crore as for 2018-19 (Revised Estimate).

However, Badal blamed the previous Akali-BJP government for its "irresponsible fiscal actions" for the accumulated debt.

Badal also told the Assembly that as against the allowed net borrowing limit of Rs 17,335 crore for financial year 2019-20, the debt servicing is whooping Rs 30,309 crore.

"The servicing of the state's huge debt pre-empted its major revenue receipts, leaving it with little resources for credible efforts," said Badal.

The finance minister pegged the revenue deficit and fiscal deficit at Rs 11,687 crore (2.02 per cent of GSDP) and Rs 19,658 crore (3.40 per cent of GSDP), respectively, for the year 2019-20.

"When I presented the first budget of this government in 2017-18, there was an unfunded gap of Rs 10,273 crore which was brought down to Rs 4175 crore in 2018-19. While we see a small carry forward of our liabilities to the next year, for 2019-20, there is now much reduced unfunded gap of Rs 2,323 crore," Badal said in his speech.

The total revenue receipts have been estimated at Rs 78,510 crore for the next financial year, against Rs 70,399 crore for 2018-19.

The total receipts of the state have been pegged at Rs 1,54,170 crore, Badal said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As calls for retaliatory action over the Pulwama terror attack grew, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said time for talks with Pakistan is over while BJP chief Amit Shah asserted that the NDA government would not let the sacrifices of jawans go in vain.

The assertions by the two top BJP leaders came on a day when the party's estranged ally Shiv Sena said it was time to "attack" Pakistan to seek revenge for the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the prime minister's assurance of taking the perpetrators to task should reflect in his actions.

The attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 when he rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus convoy in Pulwama district.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Gen(retd) VK Singh said India will choose the time and place for retaliation and that it will be "properly planned and well thought of".

"Any war, war-like or punitive action must be planned for success. It should be a cold act and nothing is to be done in a hurry," said Singh, a former Army chief.

"Even Osama (Bin Laden) was not killed in a day despite the fact that USA had known he was hidden in Pakistan. Let us wait and watch and support our forces," Singh told reporters in Shimla.

After holding delegation-level talks with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri in Delhi, Modi said any hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Without naming Pakistan, he said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.

"I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed.

"Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci.

Asserting that the BJP-led government would not let the sacrifices of jawans go in vain, Shah said no political leader in the world has Modi's political will to tackle terrorism.

Addressing party workers in Jaipur, Shah said the Army would give a fitting reply and only Modi could provide the strong government the country needs.

The BJP government, he added, has started giving terrorists a befitting reply and has achieved success.

The entire country is today standing rock solid with the families of martyrs. The Modi-led BJP government will not let their sacrifice go in vain. A befitting reply for the martyrdom of jawans will be given by the Army, Shah said.

Shah said the BJP has zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and "no leader in the world has political will like Modi to tackle terrorism".

At his conference, Gen(retd) V K Singh said Pakistan has been "isolated" internationally after the Pulwama attack.

He said more than 40 countries have issued strong statements against Pakistan.

In a veiled attack on Modi, the Shiv Sena said no political "wave" had ever solved the Kashmir issue or stopped the killing of soldiers.

It was not the time to launch a "surgical strike" against political opponents, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party remarked in an editorial in its mouthpiece, "Saamana".

The Sena said while the government patted itself for "isolating" Pakistan at the international level, the neighbouring country was still carrying out terror attacks on Indian soil.

"The country has seen waves of anger and political triumphs, but it neither solved the Kashmir issue nor stopped the killing of soldiers," it noted.

Referring to the Indian Army's surgical strikes in 2016 on seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) as a response to an attack on its base in Uri, it said the action was followed by "chest thumping" on how a lesson was taught to Pakistan.

"But we must understand what exactly a real surgical strike is. The way the US entered Pakistan and killed (al-Qaeda chief) Osama bin Laden (for the deadly 9/11 terror attacks in America), that is called a surgical strike," it opined.

"This is not the time for carrying out surgical strikes on political opponents, but it is the time to attack Pakistan and seek revenge for the killing of our jawans.... The prime minister has talked about seeking revenge, now it should reflect in actions," the Marathi publication said.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, meanwhile, sought to corner the Modi government over the death of soldiers in the Pulwama attack, asking "why the government is waiting and watching".

"Till when will the three day period of mourning keep getting extended? Everyday we get of the brave martyrdom of our jawans while smiling BJP politicians accompany their funeral processions. Why is the govt waiting and watching?," he said in a tweet.

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh Monday said the perpetrators of the Pulwama attack had committed a "grave mistake" and appropriate action would be taken against them.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

"Prime Minister Narandra Modi has assured the nation of appropriate action and those who indulged in such an act have committed a grave mistake," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office said.

"Whatever action will be taken under the leadership of the prime minister will be in national interest," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Reasi district.

He lashed out at Kashmir-centric mainstream parties and alleged that they indulge in selective criticism of security forces but their tongues flicker when it comes to criticising terrorists and Hurriyat leaders.

"It is easy to condemn BJP, which believes in democracy, and the security forces, which do not respond. NC, PDP and Kashmir-based Congress leaders did not speak a word against Hurriyat and their tongues waver in criticising terrorists," the BJP leader said.

Singh said the true character of these leaders was revealed in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and they had been exposed before the public.

He said people of Jammu are peace loving but the terror attack boiled the blood of nationalists across the country.

"The people of Jammu faced the grave situation of 1990 with patience. They once again demonstrated patience despite the fact that the deadly attack boiled the blood of nationalists and the reaction was natural but they did not allow violence," he said.

Massive protests rocked Jammu and Kashmir's winter capital in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

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While several Kashmiri students from different cities have been slapped with sedition charges for allegedly supporting the Pulwama terror attack, two colleges in Dehradun have decided not to admit those from the Valley, with students here saying they were in a state of fear after the incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration Monday asked students outside the state to not pay heed to any rumours and try to stay put at their respective places.

Dehradun-based Alpine College of Management and Technology, and the Baba Farid Institute of Technology have decided not to admit any Kashmiri students from the upcoming academic session.

Top officials of the two colleges have confirmed the development in separate letters shared with students' unions, who have been demanding expulsion of all Kashmiri students following the attack.

In the Uttarakhand capital, some Kashmiri youths had also alleged that they were harassed and asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations fearing attacks on their properties in the aftermath of the Pulwama incident.

On Friday, a student in Dehradun was also booked for allegedly sending WhatsApp messages supporting the Pulwama suicide attack.

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday had asked its liaison officers across the country to look into problems being faced by students from the state.

In Jaipur, four female paramedical students of Kashmiri-origin were slapped with sedition charges after being suspended from a private institute for allegedly celebrating the terror attack by posting "anti-national" messages on an instant messaging app, police officials had Sunday.

They were students of the National Institute of Medical Science NIMS.

Haryana's Swami Devi Dyal College has suspended a Kashmiri student after he allegedly posted a status on Whatsapp saying "Jaish the best...more to come".

The student was suspended with immediate effect but no police complaint could be initiated against him as he is in Kashmir since January and has not been attending college, according to the institute's management,.

In Bengaluru, one Kashmiri student was Saturday arrested for allegedly hailing the Jaish terrorist involved in the attack and three from Spurthy Group of Institutions on Sunday held on charges of sedition after they posted some messages on Facebook hailing Pakistan in respect to the Pulwama incident.

Several Kashmiri students in Delhi said they were in a state of fear after reports of alleged harassment of Kashmiris following the terror attack, even as police asserted that security had been enhanced in the national capital and they would ensure the safety of all citizens.

A Kashmiri student from Jamia Millia Islamia, who did not wish to be identified, said, "Just the fact that one is a Kashmiri, irrespective of his ideology or leanings, is enough to put one's life to risk. It is happening across the country. Kashmiri students are being harassed and hounded, be it Dehradun, Ambala or Bangalore. We really fear for our security here too."



JNU activist Shehla Rashid, who hails from Kashmir, said, "Throughout India, mobs are attacking Kashmiri students, verbally abusing them, asking for them to be expelled and filing false cases against them. The pretext being given in each case is that they said Pakistan Zindabad and even police is buying into these false claims."



Anis Ahmed, a Kashmiri student at Delhi University, said, "We are not at all reacting on social media to any abuses which are being hurled at us even if we are being labelled as terrorists. Students who are staying on rented accommodations rather than hostels are even more scared about their safety".

The Home Ministry on Saturday issued an advisory to all states and Union territories to take measures to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris, while



The ministry's advisory had come hours after Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack.

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Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who has been heading a dharna here since February 13 to protest the "negative attitude of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in approving 39 proposals of the government, on Monday denied her allegation that the agitation was "politically motivated".

The protest outside the Raj Nivas entered the sixth day on Monday.

Narayanasamy has accused Bedi of not approving his government's 39 proposals for welfare schemes, including one for a free-rice scheme, and on administrative matters.

Bedi had, in her letter to the chief minister on Sunday, pointed out that she had cut short her public engagements in Delhi and returned to the Union territory to hold a meeting with him to avoid inconvenience to the people of Puducherry "due to your politically motivated agitations".

Denying Bedi's charge, the chief minister said the dharna did not have a political motive and the aim was to ensure that the people's demands were met.

Bedi had also stated in a WhatsApp message that the chief minister had laid down conditions for accepting her invitation to a meeting to settle the issues contained in his February 7 letter.

These conditions put forward by the chief minister related to his choice of venue for the meeting, how to conduct the meeting and who all should or should not be present during the deliberations.

Bedi had said "his reasons for continuing the agitation are obviously for reasons other than what he is claiming".

The Lt Governor had also said at the end of her message that the "matter is over", rejecting the conditions.

She informed Narayanasamy through her letter that "it appears to me that you want to stretch the matter unduly as it suits you politically".

The meeting envisaged on Sunday did not take place following the Lt Governor's rejection of the conditions the chief minister had put in his missive to her.

"As the chief minister and a constitutional authority, I have the prerogative to inform you where to conduct the meeting and who all should be present and who should not be," Narayanasamy had pointed out in his missive to the former IPS officer.

He had minced no words and said, "I am able to understand that you are sitting with clear prejudices and decisions on all the issues raised before discussion."



The Lt Governor and the government headed by Narayanasamy have been at loggerheads over various issues ever since Bedi assumed office in May, 2016.

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The SIT on Monday arrested Inspector General Paramraj Singh Umranangal, who was commanding the police force when they allegedly opened fire on people protesting against desecration of religious texts in Punjab in 2015, citing "sufficient evidence" against him.

Two people were killed in police firing in Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura areas in Faridkot district in October 2015.

The Special Investigation Team, set up to probe the incidents, last month arrested former Moga district SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma, the first person held after the SIT was formed last year. He was leading a police team that allegedly opened fire at protesters in Behbal Kalan.

"I can confirm that Paramraj Singh Umranangal has been arrested from Chandigarh on the basis of sufficient evidence we have against him," SIT member Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh said.

"We have questioned a number of people, including police officials, as part of our investigation. He was questioned twice. We have got sufficient evidence that...the procedure adopted (to open fire) was not correct," Singh said.

"It was proved that protesters were sitting peacefully and there was no provocation by them. It was also proved that firing was opened deliberately," he said.

The SIT member said Umranangal was posted as Ludhiana Police Commissioner when the incidents happened.

"During investigation, it came to light that he was commanding everything and force in strength had gone there (the spot where protesters were sitting) from Ludhiana. He was managing everything," said the official.

Asked who ordered the firing, Singh replied, "As the investigation will progress, more things will come to light. For now, it is sufficient to say we have enough evidence, sufficient base for arresting him".

Umranangal will be produced before a court in Faridkot on Tuesday, he said.

Replying to another question, the official said the SIT will question more people if required. "It is a transparent investigation, and things are being made available in public domain."



Umranangal was previously questioned by the SIT last November.

Punjab government last year added the names of a few police officials, including former SSP Sharma, in an FIR registered in connection with the firing incident at Behbal Kalan.

The names were added on the recommendation of the Ranjit Singh Commission report.

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The Congress Monday said if any party tries to take political advantage out of the Pulwama terror attack, the people of this country will not forget and forgive such an action.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, at a press conference, said every person should be under a solemn self-imposed discipline to neither politicise nor cheapen, nor divert and digress the terms of discourse of this debate.

"If anyone and I am not at the moment taking the name of anyone or referring to anyone, tries to politicise it, to take political merit or demerit out of it, I do not think the people of this country would at all acknowledge it, recognise it or feed it as a valid form of discourse," he said when asked about BJP leaders raising the terror strike in their speeches.

"If any political party, ruling or otherwise, tries to make political capital advantage out of it, I do not think it is for me to say, I think the people of this country will not forget it and forgive," he said.

Asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi had consulted Congress President Rahul Gandhi about any proposed action against the Pakistan, Singhvi said even if there had been any such discussion, no one, not even the Congress as a party would be privy to it because this might well involve issues of national security.

"All that is in the public domain is what you and I know, that there was a political consultation between parties a couple of days ago, but beyond that, in terms of the confidential nature of the question...neither I am privy to it nor has anybody talked about it," he said.

On why the Congress was silent on the alleged "failures" of the government leading to the Pulwama attack, Singhvi said he as well as many other Congressmen and non-congressmen had tweeted their concerns in the first few hours on it.

Earlier, at another press conference, AICC general secretary in-charge of Bihar, Shaktisinh Gohil said for the Congress national interest was above

This is why party president Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress party is standing shoulder to shoulder with the government, he said.

"Those who have been martyred come from different religions. There are Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs....This is the strength of the country, unity in diversity," he said.

"Terrorism is the enemy of humanity, it does not have a colour. Our enemies want to weaken us. But the strength of the nation will never allow such elements to succeed," Gohil said.

On Thursday, 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

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In a tit-for-tat action, Monday called back its High Commissioner from India for "consultations" amid heightened bilateral tensions after the terror attack, days after New Delhi asked its envoy in Islamabad to return.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said envoy Sohail Mahmood left New Delhi on Monday morning.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," he said on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear as to how many days he will stay in

Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest over the killing of 40 soldiers in

Indian High Commissioner to Ajay Bisaria has already been called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack.

India has blamed Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group for the terror attack on Thursday.

JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India has demanded that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan with immediate effect on Saturday.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Monday held a joint business conference to strengthen bilateral economic ties, a day after they signed seven agreements worth USD 20 billion to promote trade and investment in the cash-strapped South Asian country.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is also Saudi Arabia's defence minister, arrived on his maiden trip to Pakistan on Sunday.

He will arrive in India on February 19 on his first official visit. Counterterrorism and energy security are expected to top the agenda for discussions during the two-day trip.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed a slew of investment agreements worth USD 20 billion which will provide a welcome relief to the teetering economy of the cash-strapped Pakistan.

Foreign Office said the signed MoUs and agreements cover areas such as standard specifications, mineral resources, investment in refining and petrochemical sectors, power generation, development of renewable energy projects, and cooperation in the field of youth and sports.

"These agreements will lay the foundation for enhanced economic cooperation between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," according to Pakistan Foreign Office.

Though no figure of the volume of investment was given in the documents signed, Crown Prince Salman while addressing the inaugural session of the Supreme Coordination Council said his country was initially investing about USD 20 billion in Pakistan.

"Today we signed MoUs. The amount of that kind of investment is USD 20 billion. It is big for phase one and definitely it will grow every month every year in bigger numbers and it will be beneficial for both countries," he said.

He also said Pakistan was an important country and his country was keen to build future ties with it.

"We believe Pakistan is going to be very very important country in the future and we want to be sure we are part of that," he said.

Speaking on the same occasion, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said the future of the bilateral cooperation was very exciting.

"The future is exciting for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after joining hands," he said.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood while addressing the Pak-Saudi Business Conference in Islamabad said a new chapter began in bilateral relations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi investment in Pakistan is highly significant for positive trajectory of Pakistan's growth and economy...Saudi Arabia is a partner of Pakistan in its journey of prosperity," he said.

Dawood said investment in mining and mineral development from Saudi investors will be highly appreciated.

"Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is escalating in a different direction and at a different level. The Saudi announcement of huge investment in various sectors of Pakistan will improve our economy," he said.

Saudi Minster for Commerce Majid Al-Qassabi said the Crown Prince wanted to turn the relations with Pakistan into a strategic partnership.

"Our bilateral trade volume stands at 3.7 billion dollars but we need to improve it. We need to market things rightly and attract investors from both sides," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan Monday tweeted that the Crown Prince won the hearts of the people of Pakistan.

"When he said 'consider me Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia' in response to my (Khan) asking him to treat the 2.5 million Pakistanis working in KSA as his own," he said.

Khan had urged the Crown Prince to look into the problems of 3,000 Pakistanis held in Saudi prisons and allow completion of immigration process of Pakistani pilgrims in Pakistan.

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry announced on Twitter that the Crown Prince in response to the request about jailed Pakistanis said his country will release more than 2,017 prisoners.

"As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails," Chaudhry said.

The Saudi embassy had already announced a massive reduction in the visa fees for Pakistanis ahead of the start of Crown Prince's visit.

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Pakistan has the potential to become one the top 20 economies of the world, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman said Monday as he concluded his two-day visit to Islamabad.

The Crown Prince briefly interacted with the media along with Prime Minister Imran Khan at Nur Khan air base at the conclusion of his first state visit to Pakistan.

"We saw the Pakistani economy grow by 5 per cent in 2018 so we believe that Pakistan has huge potential. It could be one of top 20 economies in the future, easily. If the efforts of the leadership, the people of Pakistan, and their allies come together, definitely it can reach that one day," he said.

"So because of that, we believe in Pakistan. Because of our long relations...We want to be part of that journey and we want to risk our money, to risk our efforts, to start from day one... What we did today, it's the beginning and we hope in the close future we do more and more partnering with Pakistan," he said.

The Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister Khan who drove him back to the air base. Khan and Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa saw off the royal guest at Nur Khan Airbase.

Prime Minister Khan said the relations between the two countries were focused on economic ties.

"The enhanced ties are just the beginning of future relations," he said.

"Pakistan's geo-strategic location, the comparative advantage Saudi Arabia has in certain areas, and the advantages that Pakistan has - the combination augurs very well for the future," Khan said.

"We want you to consider Pakistan your second home. The PM House, where you were staying, rest assured that when you are in Pakistan ... (you can) consider it your own house and come and stay there," he told the visiting dignitary.

Prince Salman responded by saying that he also feels "at home in Pakistan".

Earlier, Prince Salman held one-on-one and delegation level talks with Khan and the two sides also singed seven MoUs and agreements worth USD 20 million.

The Crown Prince also met President Arif Alvi, General Bajwa and a parliamentary delegation of all political parties.

It was his first visit to Pakistan since his elevation as Crown Prince in April, 2017.

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Pakistan said on Monday that India did not provide answers to the key questions it raised at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) about Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 41 CRPF soldiers.

On the first day of hearing, India urged the ICJ to annul Jadhav's death sentence and order his immediate release, saying the verdict by a Pakistani military court based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal in a video message posted on social media said that Indian arguments had nothing new.

"There was nothing new in India's argument on the issues which we raised, like our question about how he (Jadhav) got the passport with name of Hussain Mubarak Patel and how he travelled 17 time to India using that passport," he said.

Faisal said India also did not show any document like pension book or bank statement to prove that Jadhav had retired from the Indian Navy.

He said India demanded "acquittal, release and return" of Jadhav but "it had no answer to the question that how justice will be done with thousands of people who were killed due to his sabotage and terrorist activities."



Faisal said Pakistan would submit its argument on Tuesday.

The ICJ set a timetable for public hearings from February 18 to 21.

It is expected that the ICJ decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.

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The ad hoc judge for Pakistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) suffered a cardiac attack during the hearing of Indian Kulbhushan Jadhav's case on Monday, according to a Pakistani media report.

Tassaduq Hussain Gillani, 69, suddenly suffered a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital, however, his health was said to be stable, Abb Takk news reported.

Sources said that he is being given treatment in hospital.

The ICJ began a four-day public hearing in Jadhav's case on Monday.

Under Article 31 of the Statute of the Court, a State party to a case before the International Court of Justice which does not have a judge of its nationality on the Bench may choose a person to sit as judge ad hoc in that specific case.

It follows that the composition of the International Court of Justice will vary from one case to another, and that the number of judges sitting in a given case will not necessarily be 15.
Meghalaya Home Minister James P K Sangma Monday said the ruling National People's Party (NPP) will snap ties with the NDA if the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is brought again and passed as it is "harmful" to the indigenous people of the northeast.

Sangma's statement came a day after BJP president Amit Shah announced in Assam on Sunday that the BJP will bring the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill again if voted to power.

"Our (NPP) president was very clear when he said that if the bill is passed, we will break ties with the BJP. We would like to reiterate that if the bill is brought again and passed, we will break our ties with the NDA," the senior NPP leader told PTI on the sidelines of a programme here.

"The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is very harmful to the region. We will keep opposing the CAB in whatever format it comes in. Our stand is very clear on that," he said.

"We must all fight against it unitedly (in the northeast region) and we will continue to fight against it. If it is brought again, we will continue to oppose it," Sangma added.

The Meghalaya state leadership of the BJP has also expressed opposition to the bill.

According to BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh, BJP MLA and cabinet minister A L Hek had written to the central leadership on the stand of the party's state unit.

"Our LP leader, A L Hek, had written to the BJP leadership, informing about the stand of the party in Meghalaya," Lyngdoh told PTI.

BJP MLA and Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Sanbor Shullai had last month written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, threatening to resign from the party if the bill was passed.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is set to lapse on June 3, when the term of the present Lok Sabha ends as it could not be tabled and passed in Rajya Sabha which adjourned sine die last Wednesday.

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Regional authorities in northern Spain said Sunday they were battling around 50 fires, some of which were deliberately set.

By end of Sunday, 48 fires were still active, a statement from the government of the Cantabria region said.

"During the day we counted 50 fires, and 760 people from different administrations working to put them out," the statement added.

Since the first fires broke out on Thursday in the mountainous region, no people have been injured and "most of the fires took place in inaccessible areas and have not put the population or infrastructure in danger," the government added.

Two people have been arrested, the head of the Cantabria region, Miguel Angel Revilla, said on Spanish television, adding that there have been "no injuries, only five people have been evacuated" from the area.

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A police sub-inspector died from injuries after an unidentified vehicle allegedly rammed into his car in Greater Noida, officials said Monday.

The incident took place late on Sunday night in which the 50-year-old SI, Hariraj Singh, suffered grievous injuries and died, police said.

Singh, in-charge of the Atta Police Post under Sector 20 police station in Noida, was on his way from Gautam Buddh Nagar to Ghaziabad, they said.

"An unidentified vehicle allegedly rammed into Singh's personal vehicle on the Chaar Moorti to Tigri road," a police spokesperson said.

"Singh's vehicle was badly damaged and he was critically injured. He was taken to the Vrindavan hospital for treatment where he succumbed to the injuries," the spokesperson said.

A case has been registered at the Bisrakh police station under Indian Penal Code sections 279 (rash driving), 304A (causing death by negligence) and related offences, the police said.

No arrest could be made or the erring vehicle identified till late in the afternoon, according to a police official.

The last rites of the sub-inspector were held at the martyrs memorial in the Gautam Buddh Nagar police lines. Police officials including Senior Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Krishna paid tributes to Singh.

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The Supreme Court Monday said it would not allow anyone to make a mockery of medical and legal in the country and warned of stringent steps against those who play with its quality.

The top court said that for someone it may be a matter of making money but for the court it is only concerned with the quality of

The observations was made by a bench of Justices S A Bobde and Deepak Gupta when it was pointed out by the counsel for Medical Council of India (MCI) that it was not being allowed to carry out inspection in a medical college in Uttar Pradesh.

"We cannot allow anyone to make a mockery of medical in the country. The other field with which we are concerned is legal education. Any one playing with the quality of education will be dealt severely," the bench said.

"For some it may be a matter for making money but for the court it is only concerned with the quality of education," it added.

The bench said it has already dealt strongly with those who have played with the quality of education.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for MCI, said that in Uttar Pradesh one of the colleges did not allow the inspection team to enter despite apex court's direction.

"We must say that in one of the colleges the deficiencies are such that someone needs to be sent to jail," Singh said.

To this, the bench said that if that is the case then it may bar such colleges from taking admissions from next year.

The court asked Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand to reply to the report filed by MCI within four weeks.

It adjourned the matter for further hearing after four weeks.

On June 18 last year, the apex court had made an exception by allowing eight government medical colleges in three states, which were barred by the Centre for certain deficiencies, to enrol 800 students in MBBS and BDS courses for academic year 2018-19.

The top court had fixed the accountability on the chief secretary and principal secretary in-charge of medical education of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand for rectifying the deficiencies pointed out by the MCI within the stipulated time-line given by the respective state governments.

It had asked MCI to carry out an inspection after three months to verify if the state governments had rectified the deficiencies pointed out by it.

It had however clarified that the order passed in the present case should not be treated as a precedent and added that it was passed considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case as otherwise, over 800 seats in government medical colleges would have been wasted.

The eight government medical colleges which were barred from admitting students for 2018-19 are -- Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College, Gaya, Vardhman Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Nalanda and Government Medical College, Bettiah -- all in Bihar -- which have a total of 250 seats.

The Mahatma Gandhi Medical College at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand was also denied permission to admit students by the Centre owing to some deficiencies.

The four medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh that were denied permission are -- Government Allopathic Medical College at Banda, Government Medical College at Saharanpur, Government Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital at Azamgarh and Rajkiya Medical College at Jalaun district.

The three states had given an undertakings that they had either rectified the deficiencies -- mostly related to shortage of faculty staff -- or would remove the shortcomings within a fixed time-line.

MCI had then said an exception could be created for the colleges on the condition that officials would be held personally accountable for removing the deficiencies.

It had said that a one-time exception could be given, provided that the colleges strictly adhered to the time-line, so that the seats did not go waste.

It had said the letters of permission in respect of medical colleges run by state governments had a special significance as the seats in these institutes were given to students purely on merit and for a nominal fee.

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Asserting that the BJP-led government would not let the sacrifices of jawans go in vain, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said no political leader in the world has Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political will to tackle terrorism.

Addressing party workers here after the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed, he said the Army would give a fitting reply and only Modi could provide the strong government the country needs.

We should all be proud that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government which has come up with the largest defence budget since independence, he said at the Suraj Maidan here, kicking off his party's election preparation in Rajasthan.

Shah said the BJP has worked to further strengthen and modernise the army.

The BJP government, he added, has started giving terrorists a befitting reply and has achieved success.

The entire country is today standing rock solid with the families of martyrs. The Modi-led BJP government will not let their sacrifice go in vain. A befitting reply for the martyrdom of jawans will be given by the Army, Shah said.

He said the BJP has zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and "no leader in the world has political will like Modi to tackle terrorism".

The country needs a strong government and nobody can give it except Narendra Modi. There is no leader in (the opposition) alliance. Dealers will run the government and not leaders, he said.

Asking Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to announce the name of the leader of the opposition alliance, Shah said the grand alliance was moving forward only on the slogan of "Modi hatao".

The BJP has its government in 16 states and the party's expansion has taken place in new areas, he said, adding that the BJP has won in the north and north-east.

"Now, BJP flag will also flutter in West Bengal and Odisha," he added.

The BJP, he said, doesn't get disappointed by defeat or arrogant in victory and is in only to serve the people, he added.

The 2019 general elections are important for the BJP as well as for India because on the one hand is a party to work for the welfare of the poor and, on the other, is a party only aiming to get into power, Shah said.

Shah highlighted various developmental and public welfare works done by the Centre.

Hitting out at the Congress, Shah said the party's desperation was evident after the budget but it got deeper with the extradition of Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland helicopter scam.

All accused in AgustaWestland chopper scam were in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI, he added.

With what face will Congress face the people of the country after committing scams and corruption of Rs 12 lakh crore in 10 years of its rule," he said, adding that there were no allegations of corruption against the BJP-led Centre.

Taking a dig at the Ashok Gehlot government in the state, Shah said development works in the state have stopped due to the tussle between the chief minister and his deputy Sachin Pilot.

The defence budget was increased by 6.87 per cent to Rs 3.18 lakh crore against last year's allocation of Rs 2.98 lakh crore.

Presenting the interim budget for 2019-20 in Parliament, Union minister Piyush Goyal said additional funds, if necessary, would be provided to secure India's borders and maintain its defence preparedness.

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Assam government Monday informed the Assembly that it did not have any data whether any of the 29,800 "foreigners" deported to Bangladesh between 2016 and 2018 had returned to the state.

From May 2016, when the BJP led government came to power in the state, and August 2018, a total of 29,800 people were declared foreigners living in Assam illegally and were deported, minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said.

He was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who holds the Home portfolio, to starred questions of Ramendra Narayan Kalita of AGP and Nurul Huda of Congress.

Asked if those who had been deported to Bangladesh came back to Assam, the minister said there is no data immediately available on this matter.

Foreigners Tribunals have declared 1,03,764 people as foreigners living in Assam illegally between 1985 and August, 2018, he said.

To another query about granting Indian citizenship for those "foreigners", Patowary said granting of citizenship is in the purview of the central government.

There are 100 Foreigners Tribunals across Assam and Rs 147.84 crore has been spent between 2005-06 and 2017-18 fiscal for detection and deportation of foreigners, the minister said.

Patowary said 201.51 km of the 263 km Assam-Bangladesh border was sealed with barbed wire fencing and the remaining 61.49 km would be completed soon.

Replying to another question, he said as per the Supreme Court hearing on January 24, the date for publication of the final list of the National Register of Citizens is July 31.

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The National Green Tribunal Monday junked a plea challenging permission granted to a petrol pump by Ghaziabad Development Authority in a green belt area allegedly in violation to the provisions of the Master Plan-2021.

A bench headed by Justice Raghuvendra S Rathore dismissed the petition after noting that none was present on behalf of the applicant.

The petitioner had on February 13 sought adjournment citing personal reasons.

The tribunal had earlier rapped the GDA for granting permission to the petrol pump in the green belt area.

"How can you give permission to a petrol pump in green belt? You have given no objection certificate under what law, we want to know? Give us a provision in law, let us see how have you granted the permission.

"These activities have repercussions on the environment. Tomorrow every authority will give permission in this manner. You have to take care that environment is protected else there would be no green area in the future," the bench had said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by city resident Kamal, alleging that the land in question is likely to be put to illegal use of running the petrol pump in contravention of the provisions of the Ghaziabad Master Plan 2021, published under the provision of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973 as the land reserved as green zone is being used for running it.

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FMCG major Nestle India has lined up nearly two-three dozen products that it plans to launch in calender year 2019 across categories in the country to drive its aggressive growth plans, Chairman and Managing Director Suresh Narayanan said Monday.

The company, whose 6 per cent revenues come from exports, is now looking to tap more overseas markets by targeting countries with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia.

"In 2018, our core brands have performed well...We look forward for greater acceleration as we go forward....We have two-three dozen projects (products) in pipeline for launch in 2019. These products are across categories," Narayanan told reporters.

Reiterating the company's focus on the Indian market, he said, "As an organisation the one clarion call that we are working to is that we are in the business of growth to thrive and not to survive...It is not a survival mode that we look at the opportunity in India or the opportunity for growth..but a thriving mode."



While the domestic market has been driving its growth, Narayanan said Nestle India would now look at expanding its export basket.

The company is looking at tapping overseas market with higher Indian diaspora such as SAARC and South East Asia to expand its exports, he added.

Commenting on fake on nutrition, Narayanan said it was affecting choices and lives of people.

Therefore, Nestle India in partnership with Google, using a chatbot mechanism, will launch a personalised information dissemination website called "Ask Nestle", he added.

"Ask Nestle seeks to be a reliable and anchor platform for nutrition and lifestyle information for customers. India is the only market where this website is being launched," he added.

When asked if the company will in future also link Ask Nestle with its own e-commerce website for selling its products, he said it is a possibility.

"...Going forward it could morph into something bigger in terms of linking up with our own e-commerce intentions, if at all it happens. But today it is only for information sharing, dissemination and helping," he said.

When asked if there has been any impact on sales of Maggi Noodles after Supreme Court revived government's case in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) against Nestle India seeking damages of Rs 640 crore for alleged unfair trade practices, false labelling and misleading advertisements, Narayanan said "No".

When asked if the company is looking for manufacturing capacity expansion, he said: "...This is a question that is coming up with active consultation. That exercise is on but I can not share more at this stage".

Typically, our approach is to augment (capacity) at our existing factories, but it does not rule out a new manufacturing facility, Narayanan said.

Nestle India, at present, has eight factories across the country.

The company also did not rule out evaluating inorganic growth in the country and said it may consider it if any opportunity arises.

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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday inaugurated a new sub-jail with enhanced capacity at Bhanjanagara in Ganjam district.

Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore, the sub-jail has accommodation capacity of around 300 inmates - 250 men and 50 women.

It has 12 cells to house hardcore criminals.

"It will take about a fortnight to shift all inmates to the new jail. Presently around 200 inmates are housed in the old jail. Police will provide security during shifting of the prisoners to the new building," said Superintendent of Bhanjanagara jail, Sarbeswar Sahu.

Shifting of the jail from the over 100-year-old building to the new one was urgently needed from security point of view as it was in for frequent escape of inmates and murder of an undertrial prisoner in 2013.

The chief minister also inaugurated the bus-stand and town-hall at Bhanjanagara during his visit to the sub divisional town of his home district.

He also laid foundation stone for 24 projects involving roads, flood protection wall, three bridges and shelter homes for the homeless.

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Amid a turf war between Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, the Congress on Monday alleged that the LG's actions were detrimental for good governance in the Union Territory and asked the Centre to intervene in the matter.

Senior Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mukul Wasnik and Anand Sharma have written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, bringing to his notice the alleged "acts of ommissions and commissions" of the Lt Governor in Puducherry.

Narayansamy has been holding a dharna outside the LG's residence in Puducherry since February 13 to protest what he called the "negative attitude of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in approving 39 proposals of the government.

The Congress leaders asked Singh to intervene in the matter, alleging that Bedi's actions were becoming detrimental to the peace, progress and good governance of Puducherry.

The Congress leaders also attached Chief Minister Narayanasamy's letter to Bedi in which he has aired his grievances against her alleged interference in governance.

Bedi had, in a letter to the chief minister on Sunday, pointed out that she had cut short her public engagements in Delhi and returned to the Union Territory to hold a meeting with him to avoid inconvenience to the people of Puducherry "due to your politically motivated agitations".

The chief minister on Monday denied her allegation that the agitation was "politically motivated" and said the aim is to ensure that the people's demands were met.

The protest outside the Raj Nivas entered the sixth day on Monday.

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Roads and national highways were blocked in various places and state-owned buses were stoned as the flash hartal called by the Youth Congress, to protest the killing of two of its activists allegedly by ruling CPI(M) workers, began in Kerala Monday.

The state-wide dawn-to-dusk hartal was called past midnight by the Youth Congress leadership through social media, hours after its workers -Sarath Lal and Kripesh - were hacked to death in northern Kasaragod district.

Normal life was not affected much in the initial hours of the hartal as it was announced late night and common people came to know about it very late.

Youth Congress activists blocked vehicles in various districts including Kozhikode, Kollam, Idukki and Ernakulam.

KSRTC buses were pelted with stones by the protesters in several places.

Shops and hotels also remained closed in many places.

The state capital Thiruvananthapuram was exempted from the protest in view of the famous temple festival, Attukal Pongala on February 20, Youth Congress sources said.

University and school model examinations were postponed.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also cancelled his various programmes due to the hartal, official sources said.

State Director General of Police Loknath Behera Monday gave directions to the police to take stringent action against those involved in any violence in the name of hartal.

According to police, the gruesome murder of the two Youth Congress activists took place when they were returning home after attending a local function in Kasaragod Sunday night.

They were stopped by an unidentified gang and hacked to death, police added.

Though the opposition Congress lashed out at the ruling CPI(M) for the twin murder, the latter has categorically denied any role in the incident.

Soon after the incident, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala had said the



CPI(M) was trying to destroy the party using its goons.

He had also alleged that the murder was a conspiracy hatched by the CPI(M) as the Lok Sabha elections are round the corner.

However, CPI(M) Kasaragod district secretary M V Balakrishnan Master condemned the murder and denied his party's role in the killings.

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A man was Monday sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing another to death inside a car over a Rs 25 lakh loan he had given to the victim.

Additional Sessions Judge Shyayana Patil sentenced Madurai Devendra to life imprisonment for killing Mani Devendra based on circumstantial evidence, including the blood-stained car and testimony of 23 witnesses, said Chief Public Prosecutor Jaisingh Desai.

He said Madurai Devendra had given Rs 25 lakh to Mani Devendra which the latter was unable to repay, following which the former killed him.

Madurai Devendra called the victim to Juhu on July 23, 2014 and then stabbed him 18 times inside the car and dumped the body in Vidyanidhi Circle nearby, the CPP said.

The driver of the car, Parvesh Bhima Devendra, was also sentenced to five years in jail under Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), he said.

The driver washed off the blood stains in the car, thus causing disappearance of evidence, CPP Desai said.

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A court here sentenced a college peon to five years' rigorous imprisonment on Monday for molesting a girl student.

Sanjay Gaikwad was found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and section 354 (outraging woman's modesty) of the Indian Penal Code by Sessions Judge C A Nathani.

On January 20, 2015 the student, then 16 years old, had approached Gaikwad to ask about a lecture when he touched her inappropriately, the complainant had alleged.

She complained to the principal, who assured her that action would be taken against Gaekwad.

After no action was taken, she lodged a complaint at the D N Nagar police station.

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A 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly making objectionable comments about the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama attack and uploading an image of the Pakistan flag on his Facebook account in Madhya Pradesh, police said Monday.

Monti Khan, a resident of Birsinghpur in Pali town of Umaria district, was arrested on Sunday after a complaint was received and a probe was initiated by the police's cyber squad, said Superintendent of Police Asit Yadav.

Yadav said the man was produced before a local court and had been remanded in judicial custody.

Pali police station in charge Ashok Kumar Jha said a resident named Sonu Vishwakarma filed a complaint against Khan following which the action was initiated.

"Khan made objectionable comments about the CRPF martyrs of the Pulwama attack and also uploaded a picture of the Pakistan flag on his Facebook account," Jha said.

Monti was arrested under section 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 153 (A) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language etc) and 153 (B) (offence of promoting disharmony) of the Indian Penal Code, he informed.

Complainant Vishwakarma, the convener of the Bajrang Dal's district unit here, termed Khan's act as anti-national.

The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, held a protest march later on Sunday evening over Khan's act.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force troopers were killed on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed operative rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the paramilitary force's convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The morale of armed forces in the country is high and they are achieving success in neutralising terrorists, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday.

Singh's remarks came days after a terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 jawans.

"Despite all the situations, morale of armed forces is high. You can see how success is being achieved in neutralising terrorists," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

Inaugurating the Cyber Prevention Awareness and Detection (CyPAD) Centre and the National Cyber Forensic Lab (NCFL) in Dwarka here, Singh termed cyber crime as the biggest challenge to "a completely digital India".

The national security agencies and police will use facilities at NCFL set up under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (ICCCC).

Delhi's Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Commissioner of Police Amulya Patnaik were present at the function.

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BJP's Karnataka chief B S Yeddyurappa Monday said the 'Modi wave' has not waned across India and the party in Karnataka hopes to win more than 22 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity has not waned. His wave is still on across the country. There have been no major and chain agitations against his rule.

In Karnataka, we are hoping to win 22 Lok Sabha seats," he told reporters here.

On media reports that some Congress leaders are planning to join the BJP, Yeddyurappa said he has no knowledge about it, but would wait for any such developments.

Yedyyurappa, however, refused to make any comments on the issue of audio clip about a purported conversation in which he is allegedly trying to lure a JDS MLA through his son, to topple the Congress-JDS government in Karnataka.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy had recently released the audio tape and later announced a probe by the Special Investigation Team, a move opposed by BJP which is demanding an assembly house committee inquiry or a judicial probe.

On Lok Sabha election preparations, Yeddyurappa said the party would launch 'Modi Vijaya Sankalpa Yatra' across the state in all 28 Lok Sabha constituencies,from February 21.

Modi and BJP president Amit Shah would address public meetings during the 'Yatra'.

Senior party leaders including former Chief Ministers S M Krishna, D V Sadananda Gowda and Jagadish Shettar will also take part and address party workers besides public meetings.

The party also has drawn up a series of other programmes to reach out to the voters, he said.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Tuesday, where he will address a public meeting and inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, BJP leaders said.

Modi will also visit the Sant Ravidas temple on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti and lay the foundation stone of Ravidas Janmasthali (birthplace) area development project. As part of the project, a grand park will be constructed with a statue of the seer, the leaders said on Monday.

The prime minister will arrive at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International airport at Babatpur at around 9 am on Tuesday. He will head straight to Diesel Locomotives Work (DLW) to flag off an electric locomotive converted from a diesel engine, the leaders said.

From there, he will head to the Sant Ravidas temple to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of the mystic poet of the Bhakti Movement.

Modi will then inaugurate the Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Institute at Banaras Hindu University, where he will also interact with the beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Lastly, the prime minister will address a public meeting at Audhey village in Rohaniya area before flying back to Delhi in the afternoon, the leaders said.

At the public meeting, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth Rs 2,900 crore, they added.

The projects which will be inaugurated include super speciality and casualty blocks of 150-bed ESIC Hospital, 100-bed maternity wing of government women's hospital, upgradation of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and city community health centre at Shivpur.

Modi will also inaugurate a virtual museum at Man Mahal astronomical observatory and the long-awaited sound and light show at Sarnath.

A sewage treatment plant at Goithaha, drinking water project under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, dairy food project at Ramnagar, and three beautified parks under the Smart City scheme will also be inaugurated, the leaders said.

A senior police official said security has been tightened in and around the places which will be visited by the prime minister.

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Six Pakistani soldiers have been killed by militants in two separate incidents in the country's restive Balochistan province bordering Iran, officials said Monday.

The first incident reported from the mountainous Panjgur district where four soldiers of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed by militants on Sunday.

The attack took place hours after two FC personnel were gunned down in Loralai area near Iran border.

FC Balochistan spokesperson Wasay Khan said the militants struck when guards were being changed at the check posts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Madad Khan has condemned the attacks and termed them as attempts to disrupt peace and progress in the province which shares its borders with Iran and Afghanistan.

"It is a conspiracy against the Balochistan and development projects in the province," he said.

The attacks came days after the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Muhammad Ali Jafari, asked Pakistan to crack down on a banned terror outfit which killed 27 soldiers at a town in Iran's southeastern region which borders Balochistan.

Jafari in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants and said Iran reserves the right to use force to punish the militants.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has rejected the accusations.

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A senior Border Security Officer (BSF) officer Monday said adequate measures are being taken to thwart a new strategy which was adopted by terrorists in the last week's Pulwama bus bombing in which 40 jawans of CRPF were killed.

BSF Additional Director General (ADG) A K Sharma also said security forces would give a befitting reply to the anti-national forces.

"The government and security forces are doing their job in the wake of the recent incident (Pulwama terror attack)," ADG Sharma told reporters when asked about the Pulwama terror attack.

ADG Sharma was the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the BSF's 49th Inter-Frontier Platoon Weapons Shooting Competition in the city.

A total of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in Pulwama district.

"Whenever any incident occurs in the country because of anti-national forces present in India or from outside, then the government and security forces are always ready to give a befitting reply. This time also an appropriate reply will be given," the ADG said.

When asked about a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber ramming a SUV carrying over 100 kgs of explosives into the bus of the CRPF jawans in Pulwama, Sharma said a new method was used in that incident. "To deal with it, adequate measures are being taken with a new thinking so that such incident doesn't occur again," he added.

Meanwhile, teams from BSF's 11 frontiers took part in the competition in which Rajasthan Frontier emerged as the overall champion.

For the first time in the history of BSF, women personnel also took part.

Sharma said the role of women in BSF is growing.

"BSF's women personnel are discharging their duties efficiently. They have been trained to use modern weapons effectively against country's enemies on frontiers," Sharma added.

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"The Crown" star Matt Smith has defended his decision to play a homosexual character in his upcoming film.

According to Vulture, the 36-year-old actor gave his views on the debate over whether LGBTQ+ roles should only be played by LGBTQ+ actors during a session.

He said an actor's sexual orientation should have not any "bearing" on the roles they are offered.

"I think your sexual orientation, or your sex and your choices outside of work, shouldn't influence -- in either way, positive or negative -- what happens. So, to me, it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight. That has no bearing on whether you should get the part," Smith said.

Smith next stars as gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in Ondi Timoner's biographical drama "Mapplethorpe".

"Where does it stop? Like, do we then say, do we apply that logic to going, 'OK, I've got a part, and it's playing a brother, and he's addicted to heroin.' Do we then go to people that have only taken heroin?" he asked.

Eliza Dushku, one of the producers of the film, said it was an "important discussion", to which Smith agreed, saying, "Good that it's being had".

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: A 54-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir doing business here has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly cheating people to the tune of Rs 60 lakh after promising them government jobs, police said Monday.

A special police team arrested Gulam Mohammed Illahi alias Gulzar of Srinagar for having cheated24 job-seekers after collectingRs 60 lakh from them, Deputy Commissioner of PoliceAvinash Mohanty said in a press release.

He promised the victims employment in Railways, SBI and FCI among others, the official said in the press release.

From January 2018, the accused, along with other absconding accused, got the victims to pay Rs 2.50 lakh each by creating fake online website of Railway Recruitment Board, fake offer letters, fake training and also conducted medical tests at Bardhaman, Kolkata, the official said.

After receiving the cash, the accused and others absconded from Hyderabad since June last.

On receipt of complaint from the victims, a case was registered and investigation began, the senior police official said.

On information that the accused was moving around in Kolkata, UttarPradesh and Bihar, the special team apprehendedGulzar in Uttar Pradesh and brought him to Hyderabad on transit warrant and produced him before a local court, the release added.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday called upon leading higher educational institutes of the state such as Presidency and Jadavpur universities to strive towards occupying the number one slot in the world, pipping Harvard or Oxford.

Modern subjects should be taught in institutes of the state so that students do not have go outside, Banerjee said while inaugurating the second campus of the Presidency University at New Town near here.

She complimented Presidency for introducing five such new subjects - crop bio-technology, informatics-information security, digital forensic, public policy, and astrophysics.

These subjects will be taught in the new campus in collaboration with respective departments of the state government, the chief minister said.

"We are ready to extend you any help in your pursuit for excellence. If needed introduce five more subjects, we are ready to help," Banerjee commented.

"I am looking forward to the day when the largest number of students from all over the world will come to Bengal - to Presidency and Jadavpur. I am looking forward to the day when our institutes will be considered the world's best pipping institutions such as Harvard and Oxford," the CM said in her speech.

Banerjee said the state has given land free of cost to Presidency for building the second campus, the foundation stone of which was laid two years back.

"We have also given land to Calcutta University for building their new campus in the area, and Jadavpur. We have given land to St Xavier's and their new campus building has already come up. We wish to build an hub in the area," the chief minister said.

She said the government was working on a scheme under which teachers of one university can go to another as visiting professors as part of an exchange programme which was aimed at enhancing academic excellence.

Paying rich tribute to the Presidency, Banerjee said the 200-year-old institute have contributed to the progress of the state in different fields during the period.

Presidency Vice-Chancellor Anuradha Lohia said, the 'smart campus', built at a cost of Rs 183 crore given by the state, will help students in various disciplines which have more relevance in contemporary times.

"For instance in crop technology, we intend to pursue research so that we can provide high yield seeds to farmers with the help of agriculture department of state government," she said.

Lohia also mentioned the importance of subjects like Information Security and public policy.

The courses were slated to start from this July.

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A Maharashtra Congress MLA Monday said he wanted to donate his February salary to the kin of CRPF jawans who were martyred in the February 14 Pulwama terror attack.

The MLA Naseem Khan, a former minister, said he has written to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker's Office about his intention.

He also urged MPs and legislators from all parties to contribute their one-month salary for the cause.

"Each of the country's security personnel is ready to sacrifice his life. People of the country stand firmly with the kin of martyrs in this moment of grief," Khan said in a statement.

A total of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kgs of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

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The Madras High Court Monday directed the police chiefs of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to instruct higher rank officials to check the FIR index every month and guide their subordinates in investigating and filing final reports as laid down in a 1984 government order.

Justice M V Muralidharan gave the order in the backdrop of information furnished in the court earlier that 2.14 lakh FIRs had been closed by trial courts between 2009 and 2014 due to failure of police to file the final reports within the statutory time limit.

The director generals of police (DGP) should instruct the concerned assistant and deputy commissioners to keep a tab on the status of FIRs every month. They should also guide their subordinates properly in investigation of cases and filing of final report after getting the approval from the public prosecutors and assistant public prosecutors as per the June 5, 1984 government order, he said in his detailed order.

The judge also directed the magistrates in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry to summon the investigating officers and issue directions for filing the charge sheet immediately, before the statutory time limit lapses.

If police fail to file the charge sheets even then, the magistrates should inform the superior police authorities in writing about the inaction of the investigating officers, he added.

Muralidharan directed all the district judges and the chief judicial magistrates to issue suitable directions to the magistrates under their jurisdictions to maintain record of receipt of charge sheets with the time and date.

The magistrates must apply their judicial mind independently before passing orders under section 468 of Criminal Penal Code, which bars taking cognisance of a case after lapse of the period of limitation, and also file periodic report to district judges and the chief judicial magistrates on such orders.

After police furnished information about closure of FIRs, Muralidharan had sought a report on the action taken by the senior officials.

Subsequently, the DGP's office had submitted that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against at least 7,324 police personnel for failing to file final reports within the statutory time limit, which resulted in closure of the FIRs by trial courts.

The closure of such a large number of FIRs came to the court's notice during the hearing of a civil appeal moved by a Tirupur-based company against a compensation of Rs 3.94 lakh awarded to an employee who had died in an accident while at work.

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To fulfil their dreams of living a lavish life, a University of London MBA graduate along with her mother allegedly forged documents of their Greater Kailash house and sold the same property to five men, police said Monday.

Anuradha Kapoor (43) and her mother Molly Kapoor (65) have been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly duping the men to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore.

With the cheated money, they were leading a lavish life in five-star hotels of Delhi-NCR. They also made trips to the UK, the US, Singapore, Australia and Sri Lanka and were planning to net new targets, officials said.

They were arrested on Saturday after police got a tip off that the mother-daughter duo was staying at a hotel in New Friends Colony. A trap was laid at Surya Hotel following which they were taken into custody, police said.

Investigations revealed that in 2014-15, Anuradha along with her mother cheated five persons to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore on the pretext of selling their house in Greater Kailash. On the basis of forged "Agreement to Sale", they sold their house to five different men and took money from them and fled, Ghanshyam Bansal, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) said.

Three cases of cheating were registered against the accused duo at Defense Colony and Greater Kailash police stations. They were declared 'Proclaimed Offender' by a Saket court, he said.

During interrogation, Anuradha told police that in order to earn to quick money and live a lavish life, she hatched a conspiracy along with her mother to cheat people, the officer said.

Anuradha was arrested in 2015 by the Goa Police in the murder case of a casino agent and was later released on bail, he said.

Anuradha, is a Commerce graduate from Delhi University and went abroad to pursue MBA. She completed her MBA (Finance) from University of London. After returning from UK, she started working as a freelance stock consultant, police said.

Further probe is underway, they added.

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Major Chitresh Bisht was to come home later this month for his marriage. He did come but in a coffin wrapped in the national flag.

The Bisht household in Nehru Colony echoed with wails as the Major's mortal remains were brought home on Monday morningfrom the army hospital in the city where it was kept on Sunday.

A large crowd comprising Army men, policemen, politicians, relatives, friends and people in general throngedthe young army officer's home to pay their last respects as his coffin borne by Army men entered the gates.

His distraught mother wept inconsolably near the coffin as his father SS Bisht, a retired police officer, tried to comfort her even as he fought back his own tears.

Just a day after Pulwama terrorist attack in which 40 CRPF men were brutally killed, the 31-year-old Major Bisht was killed while defusing a mine along the LoC in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.

The family was preparing for the officer's marriage on March 7 when it was shattered by the on Saturday evening.

Major Bisht was to come home on February 28 for his marriage.

A large number of politicians including Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, a host of BJP leaders and MLAs including Pradesh party president Ajay Bhatt, legislators Vinod Chamoli, Ganesh Joshi and Munna Singh Chauhan besides former CM and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat placed a wreath on the officer's coffin to pay their homage.

Uttarakhand DGP Anil Raturi and ADG Ashok Kumar were also among a host of senior police officials who turned up to pay their tribute to the Army man.

Chants of "Major Bisht Amar Rahein" rent the air as the coffin borne on the shoulders of Army men was lifted to proceed for Haridwar for the last rites with wailing relatives and friends following behind.

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India on Monday accused Pakistan of misusing the International Court of Justice for propaganda as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay,"



He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

"In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access 13 reminders were sent but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said.

Pakistan did not inform of his rights, he said.

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A local court Monday directed police to arrest two key accused, who failed to appear before it for the second time in connection with the 2017 Kodanad heist and murder case.

As the case came up before district court Judge P Vadamalai, only seven of the ten accused appeared.

The judge posted the case for March 4 as the remaining accused did not appear.

The government had moved the court for cancellation of bail to key accused, K V Sayan and V Manoj, contending that they were hampering the investigation by their public statements.

It cited a video footage recently released by New Delhi-based journalist Mathew Samuel in which they had alleged involvement of Chief Minister K Palaniswami in the heist.

Palaniswami rejected the charges and filed a defamation suit in the Madras High Court which had restrained Samuel and six others, including Sayan and Manoj, from making any statement linking Palaniswami to the Kodanad case.

While Sayan and Manoj were absconding after the bail was cancelled, another accused Manoj alias Swamy failed to appear in the court Monday morning.

Directing police to apprehend Swamy and produce him on March 4, the judge issued order to arrest Sayan and Manoj, against whom he had already issued arrest warrants.

Of the seven, five accused are on bail, and two others are lodged in the Central jail in Coimbatore for various other cases.

On April 23, 2017, the security guard of the Kodanad estate, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's retreat home in Nilgiris district, was murdered in a robbery attempt by a 10-member gang.

It emerged during the probe that Jayalalithaa's former driver C Kanagaraj and Sayan had allegedly plotted the crime.

A total of 10 people were arrested in the case and a charge sheet was also filed.

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Voicing the demand for statehood for the national capital and Puducherry, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday alleged that the BJP-led NDA government was trying to suppress democracy and claimed the situation in the two union territories was the same.

"The kind of ruthlessness with which the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre is trying to suppress democracy all over the country is unprecedented," Kejriwal said.

Expressing solidarity with his Puducherry counterpart V Narayanasamy, who is locked in a turf war with Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, Kejriwal alleged that the Lt Governors of New Delhi and Puducherry have been interfering in routine administration of the elected governments.

Demanding statehood for both the national capital and Puducherry, the Aam Aadmi chief said people in these two union territories should not be discriminated against.

Narayanasamy, his cabinet colleagues and MLAs from both the Congress and the DMK have been staging a dharna against Bedi in front of the Raj Nivas in Puducherry since February 13 in protest against her "negative stand" towards various proposals of the territorial government.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Narayanasamy, whose protest has entered its ninth day Monday, Kejriwal expressed concern that under the BJP-led dispensation "chief ministers of West Bengal and Puducherry are sitting in dharnas and this is an absolutely shocking scenario."



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently sat on a dharna to protest CBI's action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund probe.

Kejriwal alleged that both the Puducherry and Delhi governments were in the "same predicament of interference" by Lt Governors in the day-to-day administration and remaining handicapped for want of powers.

Getting statehood is the only solution to tackle this situation, Kejriwal said.

He also alleged that Bedi and the Lt Governor in Delhi have been appointed with specific mandate by the NDA government "to interfere in the day-to-day administration of the union territories and also not to permit them to function."



"It is time that we (chief ministers) of the two Union Territories joined hands together to fight for statehood both politically and also through courts.

"We are accountable to the people as we were elected on the basis of promises we made at the elections to the people. But Kiran Bedi is not accountable to the people. She is informally accountable to the prime minister," Kejriwal said.

Welcoming Kejriwal, Narayanasamy said statehood was the only solution to help Puducherry overcome the current difficulties in running the government "because of the Lt Governor's interference."



"Puducherry has seen several Lt Governors in the past and they were all perfectly discharging their duties. The present incumbent is acting in an utterly undemocratic manner coupled with the highhanded approach of the central government.

"We seek your support and statehood is the only way out to wriggle out of the present predicament," he said, thanking Kejriwal for extending support to the dharna.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP MLA Somnath Bharti accompanied Kejriwal at the meeting.

Kejriwal also addressed a demonstration by workers of the Congress and its alliance partners at the Head Post office, held as part of the protest against Bedi.

Earlier on arrival at Chennai airport en route to Puducherry, Kejriwal said, "The LG of Puducherry is creating a lot of obstacles in the development work and creating problems for the elected government. We are facing exactly similar problems in Delhi."



The lieutenant governors in both Delhi and Puducherry were appointees of the BJP-led government at the Centre, he said.

"We will demand that both Delhi and Puducherry be made full states. There is no reason why people of these states should be discriminated against," he said.

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A Kashmiri doctor, who has been living in Kolkata for 22 years, has claimed that he has been asked to leave the city or face "dire consequences" following the Pulwama terror strike that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF men.

The doctor, however, has decided to stay put after the West Bengal government came to his rescue.

The doctor, who did not wish to be named, said he was heckled but he had not paid much heed to the threats he had received initially. However, his concern grew when some men gathered outside his residence and threatened to harm his daughter unless he "returned to Pakistan".

On February 15, a day after the Pulwama attack, five men aged between 20 and 25 years came to his house after he returned home from his chamber, the doctor said, adding that they asked him to leave the city immediately and "go back to Pakistan as Kashmiris have no place in this country".

"I was heckled by those men and threatened with dire consequences. Initially, I ignored those threats as I had never faced such a situation here in 22 years. The next morning, while I was leaving for my hospital, I again saw those men standing outside my house. They threatened me and said If I did not leave the city, my daughter would pay a heavy price," he said.

The doctor admitted that this time the threats sounded more serious and he even made up his mind to leave. However, before preparing to leave the city that he grew so fond of, the doctor tried reaching the West Bengal government as a last resort.

"I decided to inform Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the incident through social media platforms and posted a message on Facebook. I also left a message on the chief minister's Facebook page," he said.

The next day, the doctor received a call from the chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The official assured him of all help, he said.

When PTI contacted Ananya Chakraborti, Chairperson of the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, she said all steps were taken to ensure that the doctor's family did not face any difficulty.

"I had called the doctor after I came to know about his Facebook post. I told him not to worry and everything will be taken care of. Police protection has been provided to the family," she said.

The doctor and his family were provided with round-the-clock police protection, Chakraborti said, adding that officers of nearby police station were calling him regularly to ensure his well being.

"Initially, after the threat, I had decided to go back to Kashmir. But after receiving support from my neighbours and the administration, I have decided to stay back. The kind of love and respect I have received in Kolkata is unimaginable," the doctor said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was a "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Azhar, who had used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In the custody, the intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Azhar who started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer had shaken him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many a times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on the Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50's now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together. We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, he said.

After his arrival into India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar had travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during questioning sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed description to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had travelled in 1993 with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

"You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in exchange of the 1999 hijacking, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to release him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding out to a new posting to which he wished me good luck."



"I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999 in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant that we will not be able to keep him for long," he said.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.

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Only 89 of the 6,000-odd private sector specialists, who had applied for 10 posts of joint secretary in central government departments, have been short-listed, officials said Monday.

The Personnel Ministry had in June last year called for applications for the joint secretary-rank posts through "lateral entry" mode.

These posts are in revenue, financial services, economic affairs, agriculture and farmers welfare, road transport and highways, shipping, environment, forest and climate change, new and renewable energy, civil aviation and commerce departments.

The deadline to apply for the posts was July 30.

A total of 6,077 applications were received in response to the government's advertisement.

However, the Personnel Ministry had in December decided to entrust the task of selecting the candidates for these posts to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), that conducts examination to select the country's bureaucrat, diplomats and police officers.

The UPSC had then asked all such aspirants to fill a detailed application form (DAF) in order to obtain additional specific information from the candidates regarding qualifications and experience so as to facilitate the selection process.

Out of the 6,077 candidates who had initially applied for the post, a total of 3,768 (38 per cent less) filled up DAF, the officials said.

Of the 3,768 applications, the highest of 641 were for joint secretary (financial services), 590 for new and renewable energy, 545 for agriculture and farmers welfare, 405 for environment, forest and climate change and 346 for road transport and highways department, they said.

As many as 341 applications were received for JS in commerce department, 299 in revenue department, 238 in aviation, 201 in shipping and 162 for the joint secretary, department of economic affairs, the officials said.

Further scrutiny was done for the 3,768 candidates and only 89 of them have been short-listed.

"Nearly 98.54 per cent of the 6,077 candidates, who had initially applied for the posts, were rejected," a senior Personnel Ministry official said.

Of these 89 candidates, 14 each are for the posts of joint secretary in agriculture cooperation and farmers welfare, and shipping, 13 for aviation, 10 for the department of financial services, nine each for the departments of revenue and new and renewable energy, eight for road transport and highways, seven for environment, forest and climate change, three for department of economic affairs and two for the commerce department, he said.

"Now these short-listed candidates are likely to be called for interview," the official said.

The lateral entry mode, which relates to the appointment of specialists from private sector in government organisations, is considered as an ambitious step of the Modi government to bring in fresh talent in bureaucracy, the official said.

Usually, the posts of joint secretaries are manned by the officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS)) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) among others.

Government think tank Niti Aayog had in a report highlighted that it was essential that specialists be inducted into the system through lateral entry on fixed-term contract.

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Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

The gun battle took place in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his ex plosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five.

The encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said.

The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

"Kamraan's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got under way, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

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West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh Monday alleged that Trinamool Congress and other parties were opposing "strong action" against Pakistan and questioned whether waving a national flag is a crime in the state.

"When the entire country is demanding that Pakistan should be taught a befitting lesson, the opposition parties and TMC have opposed strong action" Ghosh alleged.

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegation that BJP-VHP-RSS were trying to foment trouble in the state by using the Pulwama attack, he wondered whether waving a national flag on the street is a crime in Bengal.

"I want to ask the chief minister whether waving a national flag and shouting slogans in favour of 'mother India' is a crime in Bengal," he said.

West Bengal, Ghosh alleged, has become a hub of "anti-national activities" and the TMC government has been unable to stop it.

Ghosh wondered what had stopped the state government from announcing compensation for the CRPF jawans from Bengal, who were killed in the Pulwama attack.

"When people die from consuming spurious liquor, their kin are immediately given Rs 2 lakh as compensation. But when jawans are killed, the Bengal government do not bother to announce any compensation, unlike the other states," he said.

Banerjee, a strident critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Monday questioned the timing of the Pulwama terror attack and asked whether the government wanted to go to war when Lok Sabha elections were round the corner.

She also accused the BJP, the RSS and the VHP of fomenting communal tension in the wake of the terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF troopers.

The RSS and the VHP termed Banerjee's accusations baseless and said a head of the state should be more cautious about her choice of words.

"The allegations are not only baseless but also a figment of imagination. In such a moment of crisis, a head of the state should be more cautious about her choice of words," RSS state secretary Jishnu Basu told PTI.

VHP state president Sachindranath Singha wondered whether Banerjee's statement was aimed at appeasing a particular community ahead of polls.

"Instead of attacking Pakistan and terrorist organisations, why is she attacking VHP-RSS?" he questioned.

Bablu Santra and Sudip Biswas, who hailed from the state, were among the 40 CRPF jawans who lost their lives in the February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Hours after the Shiv Sena and the BJP announced their tie-up in Maharashtra, the Congress on Monday said the BJP was striking alliances in one state after another and wondered whether it was "grand adulteration" or "grand fear".

Ruling allies BJP and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and MaharashtraAssembly elections.

Reacting to the development, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel tweeted: "First Bihar, then Maharashtra and now Tamil Nadu, the BJP has been engaged in striking one alliance after another."



"The grand question--Is it a 'mahamilavat' (grand adulteration) or 'maha bhay' (grand fear)?" he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier this month in the Lok Sabha said that 'mahamilavat' of opposition parties was not acceptable to the country.

It was announced in Mumbai that the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

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Iran's president has described the U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran as an economic war and stressed that "economic war is more difficult than military war."



Hassan Rouhani spoke on Monday as he inaugurated the third and final phase of the sprawling Persian Gulf Star refinery built in the Persian Gulf port city of Bandar Abbas.

Construction began in 2006. The refinery has the capacity of 400,000 barrels a day, or about 20 percent of Iran's 2.1 million barrels of daily refining capacity.

Rouhani praised the inauguration, saying in a televised speech that it comes despite America's "imposing the harshest sanctions" on Iran.

The Trump administration last year pulled the US out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers and re-imposed sanction on Iran, targeting its vital oil sector.

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Iran is harbouring terrorist groups and should be the last country to accuse others of terrorism, Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir said here on Monday.

Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Jubeir, who is part of the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's entourage, said Iran was supporting terrorism and Saudi Arabia was its victim.

"Iran should be the last country to accuse others of terrorism," Jubeir said in response to a query about Tehran accusing Islamabad of harbouring a jihadist group behind a deadly suicide attack in which 27 Iranian soldiers were killed in Wednesday.

Al-Jubeir said terrorism was a common enemy and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the US were working jointly to eradicate it.

To a question about India-Pakistan relations, the Saudi minister said both countries were facing similar challenges, including the scourge of terrorism.

"We want both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations," he said.

The minister said Saudi Arabia was working with Pakistan for reconciliation between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

"Saudi Arabia wants peaceful solution of Afghan crisis," he said.

Talking about investment, he said Saudi Arabia was investing in Pakistan and not giving money in charity.

He said Saudi Arabia will invest USD 10 billion to set up an oil refinery in the port city of Gwadar which was part of resolve to strengthen ties on key areas security, trade and economy.

"We want to see Pakistan as an economically stable country," he said.

Qureshi said Saudi Arabia will invest USD 20 billion in various sectors of Pakistan.

He said top leadership of both countries will meet at least once a year to review the progress on these matters.

Qureshi said Pakistan always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.

Crown Prince Salman arrived on his maiden trip to Pakistan on Sunday.

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/ -- The First International AYUSH Conclave, organized by the AYUSH Department, Government of Kerala with the aim of expanding the scientific base of the AYUSH medical branches and showcase it in the global platform commenced here on Friday. The 5 day conclave was formally inaugurated by Justice P. Sadasivam, the Hon'ble Governor of Kerala.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need for more facilities for researches in the traditional methods of treatment, including Ayurveda. "AYUSH educational institutions should come forward for encouraging researches. I hope the conclave will consider sponsoring researches in the AYUSH sector. The International Ayurveda Research Institute, which is planned to be set up in Kannur, will act as a flagship centre for Ayurveda researches," the Governor said.

The Governor further said the Kerala Model in Ayurveda Tourism is the best example for marketing by blending traditional treatment methods, natural beauty and cultural heritages of each places at the global level.

Presiding over the function, K. K. Shailaja, Minister for Health and Social Welfare, said the conclave is aimed at implementing the knowledge gained from it. P. N. Ranjith Kumar, Joint Secretary, National AYUSH Mission, read out the message of Shripad Yesso Naik, Union Minister of State for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy, at the conclave. The minister in his message said that Kerala is among the best performing states in the National AYUSH Mission.

Apart from 2000 delegates who have registered, research scholars, industrialists, representatives from various government agencies and self-governing bodies, NRIs and delegates from 43 countries are attending the conclave, which will provide an opportunity for the AYUSH sector to imbibe the new findings in the science and technology sectors. Tourism, Local self-government, Agriculture departments, National Health Mission, State Medicinal Plant Board and Medical University among others will be represented at the Conclave. Around 200 delegates from Australia, Austria, Germany, Russia, Greece, Malaysia, Singapore, Maldives, UAE, Italy and Philippines among others are attending the conclave.

A four-day Health Expo, in which 325 stalls of various AYUSH branches is on display is a major highlight of the conclave. Apart from that, an Education Expo, with participation from all AYUSH colleges in the state is also being held along with the Health Expo.

As part of the conclave, Leader's meet of all local self-government bodies was held on Friday. Various AYUSH projects, selected after district-level and zonal level competitions, implemented by the local self-governing bodies, were presented at the meet.

'Good Food Conclave', with the aim to develop a healthy food alternative based on the traditional systems of medicine is also being organized as part of the conclave. The proclaimed aim of the Good Food Conclave is that the food policy should be formulated jointly by medical practitioners, farmers and cooks. The conclave will also discuss protein deficiencies, excess food and other contemporary issues and propose solutions for the same.

Business Conclave is also being held in connection with the conclave. A Drug policy workshop is being conducted as part of the Business Conclave. Debate on the Infrastructure development in the AYUSH based health tourism sector is being held in the Business Meet Various Ayurveda treatment centres in Kerala, national and international tour operators in the sector and international media persons, among others are participating in the meet, which is deliberating on measures to transform AYUSH as the unique product of Kerala in the tourism sector.

Farmer's meet, which will be held on Monday will introduce various medicinal plants and discuss scientific cultivation of medicinal plants, their conservation and marketing avenues. Around 200 farmers, who are into medicinal plant farming will attend the meet.

A Start-up Conclave, showcasing novel ideas in the AYUSH sector will also be held on Monday. The Start-up Conclave aims to introduce new entrepreneurs in the AYUSH sector and provide them technical assistance and guidelines. Successful entrepreneurs will share their experiences and clear the doubts of the new entrepreneurs and will also discuss the steps needed to be taken for the development of basic infrastructure in the sector.

The valedictory function of the International AYUSH Conclave will be held on Tuesday, which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

For details: www.ayushconclavekerala.org



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IACK2019/



Contact: Dr. Deepak Krishnakumar, Organizing Committee, IACK 2019, 8113947061, Email icrdeepak@gmail.

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An intelligence input has warned of a possible terror attack in Gujarat in the wake of the last week's Pulwama bus bombing, prompting the state government to review overall security arrangements Monday.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani reviewed security arrangements and preparedness of the state police at a meeting in Gandhinagar where he sought views of top officials about the security set up at vulnerable places such as the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Somnath temple among others.

A high alert has been sounded by the Gujarat Police after the state intelligence bureau provided an input about a possible terror attack, immediately after the February 14 Pulwama incident in which 40 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, a police officer said.

Another officer said it was a general input recommending tightened security at vital installations to avert any possible terror strike.

At the meeting, the chief minister reviewed the measures put in place by police, said state Chief Secretary J N Singh.

Besides Singh, state DGP Shivanand Jha, Home Secretary A M Tiwari, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja and other senior officers of police and intelligence wing attended the meet.

"During the meeting, the CM took our views about the status of our preparedness as well as overall security arrangements at vulnerable places, such as the Statue of Unity, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and Somnath temple among others," Singh said after the meeting.

He maintained that the intelligence input was of a general nature and did not pinpoint a specific target.

"At the meeting, we have apprised the chief minister about the overall security set up. After the Pulwama attack, our security set up must be intense and up to the mark," the chief secretary said.

A total of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed and five injured in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kgs of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

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A high-level Indian delegation led by Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to Saudi Arabia has called for bilateral cooperation with the Gulf nation in sectors like energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

The delegation visited Saudi Arabia for two days from February 16.

It comes ahead of the visit of Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India on February 19 and 20.

The delegation took part in Niti Aayog-Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP) workshop and discussed cooperation opportunities in sectors like energy, food processing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, ICT, tourism, defence, among others.

"During this workshop, Invest India Grid was launched in Saudi Arabia. Invest India is setting up a dedicated team for facilitating Saudi investments in India," the Niti Aayog said in a statement.

Six working groups have identified 40 investment, trade and business opportunities with vast potential for expansion, it said.

India's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Javed was also a part of the delegation, the statement said.

The Saudi side was represented by senior officials from various ministries.

The bilateral trade between the countries during April-November 2018 stood at USD 23.24 billion, as per the statement.

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Demanding an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth", Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday wanted coercive action against Pakistan now in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, saying India should get two of them for every soldier killed in the carnage.

Asserting that the entire country was "fed up" with the senseless killings of Indian soldiers in Kashmir, Singh said the coercive action could be military, diplomatic or economic, or a combination of all the three.

Calling for the death of two "of them" for every Indian soldier killed in the attack on the CRPF convoy last Thursday, Singh said it's clear that the Pakistan Army was calling the shots, with Prime Minister Imran Khan also a "plant" of the military.

"We should get 82 of them since 41 of our men have been killed," asserted Singh, a former army captain, while demanding an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth".

Singh said it was for the Centre to decide what action should be taken, but it was clear that some measures have to be taken urgently.

"India wants it now," he said.

"No one is asking anyone to go to war, but these killings of soldiers are not a joke. Something has to be done. I'm fed up, the country is fed up," he said, according to an official release issued here.

The chief minister said the Indian government should take "whatever measures" are required and "we will support them."



"Pakistan can't hold India to ransom just because they are a nuclear nation, even we are nuclear," he said, asserting that Indian forces had defeated them during the 1999 Kargil war in spite of their nuclear capability.

In any case, Islamabad could never resort to use of nuke weapons, as international pressure would not allow that, he said, suggesting New Delhi should call Pakistan's bluff against such threats.

There is palpable anger across the country after the killing of CRPF jawans by a Jaish suicide bomber in Pulwama, he said.

"If they (Pak-backed terrorists) kill our soldiers, we have to do something," he said.

The statement of the senior Congress leader came just days after his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu called for dialogue with Pakistan even after the Pulwama attack.

Sidhu had condemned the "cowardly" attack by the Pakistan-based terrorist group but he also called called for dialogue to find a "permanent solution" to end the bloodshed.

Calling for a proactive role in destroying the safe havens of terrorists, Amarinder Singh said terrorist organisations within Jammu and Kashmir have to be dealt with.

He said the Army should go after Jaish-e-Mohammad in Kashmir, instead of firing pellets and blinding youth. "Let's win their (youths) hearts and minds with love," he said.

The chief minister also said that questions are bound to be asked on intelligence failure in Pulwama attack and the central government will have to answer them.

He called for a global diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, mooting harsh measures to put a lid on Islamabad's anti-India actions.

The surgical strikes had not achieved the desired objective, he said, adding that Islamabad needs to be made to understand that Indian soldiers are not dispensable.

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India Sotheby's International Realty, which markets luxury properties, Monday said it has appointed Samir Saran as managing partner to drive the company's growth.

Saran, who has over two decades of exposure in real estate and financial services, has also been inducted as a director to the board, the company said in a statement.

India Sotheby's International Realty is part of the of US-based Sotheby's International Realty, which operates a global network of over 22,000 affiliates with 970 offices across 72 countries.

From luxury farm houses, bungalows, villas, apartments and penthouses in India and overseas, India Sotheby's International Realty markets exclusive properties.

India Sotheby's International Realty has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata and is looking to expand its presence to other prominent cities. It has recently expanded its footprints to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and has dedicated India desks at Dubai, London, New York, Seattle and Toronto.

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India and Pakistan are set for a showdown at the International Court of Justice which will commence on Monday a four-day public hearing in the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18 to 21 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.

While India will argue first on February 18, Pakistan will get its chance to make submissions on February 19. Then India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21.

It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

While maintaining that India remains committed to make all possible efforts to secure and protect the rights of Jadhav, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar did not make public New Delhi would take at The Hague.

"India will present its case before the court. Since the matter is sub judice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court," Kumar said last week in New Delhi in response to a question.

Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor would lead the Pakistani delegation at the ICJ while Director General South Asia Mohammad Faisal would lead the Foreign Office side.

Ahead of the hearing, a senior Pakistani official said that his country is committed to implement the decision of the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"We are fully prepared with our strongest evidence being the valid Indian passport recovered from Commander Jadhav with a Muslim name," the official said.

Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy".

However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017.

The hearings at the ICJ is taking place four days after one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 41 CRPF soldiers. The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday.

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday said India needs fewer and mega banks to achieve economies of scale in the sector.

After the amalgamation of five associates and Bharatiya Mahila Bank with SBI in 2017, the government earlier this year approved the merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda.

"With the experience in the past really has been of SBI merger, now it is second one which is taking place," Jaitley said after the customary post-budget address to the RBI board.

"India needs fewer and mega banks which are strong because in every sense, from borrowing rates to optimum utilisation, the economies of scale as far as banking sector is concerned are of great help," he said.

The Union Cabinet last month approved the merger of the three banks to create the country's third-largest lender after SBI and ICICI Bank.

The amalgamation, the first-ever three-way consolidation of banks in India, would be effective from April 1, 2019.

After the merger, the number of public sector banks will come down to 18.

In September 2018, the Alternative Mechanism, headed by Jaitley, gave in-principle approval for the merger of the three banks to create a global-sized lender.

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Both Dhaka and New Delhi are working to improve connectivity between the two countries to boost trade and tourism, Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner to India, Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur said on Monday.

The Governments of Bangladesh and India are working on river routes, rail and air connectivity to boost tourism, he said.

"... From next month, the Civil Aviation Ministry of the Government of India is going to launch a direct flight between Guwahati and Dhaka. I am sure that this will address connectivity and boost tourism growth manifold between the two countries," Monsur said, addressing a tourism convention here.

"Currently, I am issuing 150 visas daily. I am sure from next month, the number of visas will increase three times or at least 400 every day," he said.

Monsur said Bangladesh will put its best efforts to export and enhance tourism medical, religious, archaeological tourism, between the two countries.

"The Government of Bangladesh is working on river connectivity presently. Dredging activity is going on in full swing. The Government of India has extended a line of credit to the tune of USD 7 billion and under the line of credit, the Government of Bangladesh is also establishing connectivity between Bangladesh and NE of India via rail links," he said.

Lauding the natural beauty of Meghalaya, Monsur said, "I endorse the belief that Meghalaya is more beautiful than Scotland. My last posting was in Russia. Before that I was at Dubai and Japan. I have visited many places but I have never come across a beautiful place like Meghalaya."



He said, "It is only in Meghalaya that you will find the clouds and rivers together in the same setting, a wonderful combination. In very few places in the world will you see such a place."



The Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner said "Meghalaya has become an abode of peace. We see the state is disciplined and there were no conflicts. Thanks to the Home Minister."Meghalaya Home Minister James P K Sangma said tourists visiting the state take in as much fresh air as they can but they leave behind trash and toxic wastes.

He warned that the trash left behind by tourists could affect the environment and indirectly affect the livelihood of the people of the state dependent on tourism.

Also addressing at the convention, addl chief secretary R V Suchiang said tourism in Meghalaya has increased by over 80 per cent in the past 10 years.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Monday said the trial of its Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed" to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process and requested the International Court of Justice to declare it "unlawful".

India's plea came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

Jadhav's trial by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process", Salve said.

No "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay," Salve said.

"Pakistan used confession document as propaganda. Pakistan has disrespected the Vienna Convention," Salve said.

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

ALSO READ: Kulbhushan hearing: India accuses Pakistan of using ICJ for propaganda

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

"In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access - 13 reminders were sent - but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said.

Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said.

Salve read out the various sections and articles of the Vienna Convention under which foreign prisoners fall.

"The Vienna Convention is a powerful tool that ensures the facility of consular access to foreign nationals who have been put on trial in foreign trial," he said.

"Article 36 of the Vienna Convention says that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan did not inform India about his arrest."

Without consular access, he said, "India has no information on what happened to Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan."

"India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement on consular access," he said.

"Bilateral treaties cannot modify Article 36 of Vienna Convention. It could only supplement it," Salve added.

Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation, Salve said.

ALSO READ: ICJ begins a four-day public hearing in Kulbhushan Jadhav case

Salve argued that Pakistan did not uphold the Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that states consular access applies all nationals, regardless of espionage claims in Jadhav's case.

He said that the ICJ has already upheld the importance of consular access under Article 36 in two previous cases LaGrand (Germany vs USA) and Avena (Mexico vs USA).

"This quite plainly, is an egregious violation of Pakistan's obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," said Salve.

"They at one point said they might consider it if India assisted their investigation into him being an Indian spy, asked for evidence of bank accounts, phone numbers, etc," he said.

ALSO READ: Kulbhushan Jadhav case: A timeline on India's quest for justice

Pakistan has not provided any evidence, he added.

"Inhuman detention violation of universal rights," Salve said.

He said Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25 December, 2017.

"India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest," he said.

Pakistan didn't send any details of the probe conducted by the Joint Investigation Team before informing the Indian side about the death sentence handed over to him. Jadhav was not appointed any lawyer during his trial by the Pakistani military court either, he said.

Serious charges need strict adherence to due process, he emphasised.
India and Argentina Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding to boost cooperation in the sector of nuclear energy.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Argentina, Jorge Faurie said his country has expertise in building small-capacity reactors and was looking to work with India in some third country in tripartite projects.

"They (Prime Minister Narendra and Argentine President Mauricio Macri) also noted that the MoU signed on the occasion between the Department of Atomic Energy, India and National Atomic Energy Commission, Argentina for cooperation within the framework of Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership would bolster institutional linkages in civil nuclear research, development and capacity building," a joint statement said.

The countries also wished to enhance and explore cooperative ventures in the area of nuclear power and its societal uses in health, agriculture, industrial application, training and capacity building, the joint statement said.

India and Argentina had signed an agreement in 2010 for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Argentine company INVAP is working on the Fission Molly Project to build a molybdenum plant in Mumbai. Faurie said the plant focuses on creating isotopes.

Argentina also manufactures some nuclear components used in Indian power reactors, Faurie said.

During the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mauricio Macri, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the on-going talks in the area of space.

"Both sides agreed to further explore avenues for space collaboration in areas such as as satellite building and launch," the statement said.

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India and Argentina Monday agreed to expedite signing of the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and the double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) between the countries to promote economic ties.

Taking note of the increase in two-way investment flows over the past few years and its contribution in strengthening the economic ties between the two countries, both the sides agreed to further promote bilateral investments in sectors of mutual interest.

They "agreed to expedite the signing of the BIT and the DTTA between the two countries," a joint statement issued after summit-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Argentine President Mauricio Macri here.

The two leaders also agreed that there was immense potential to increase two-way services trade in tourism, films, health care and information technology, among others.

With a view to initiate India-Argentina cooperation in the infrastructure sector, both the sides encouraged companies to explore partnerships including through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.

In the pharmaceutical sector, the leaders highlighted the importance of concluding enabling instruments such as a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in medical products regulation, which facilitates exchange of information on procedures for inspection and registration of pharmaceutical products.

Further, the two countries agreed to continue to work towards expeditious market access in other agricultural products of interest to each other.

"Argentina expressed interest in oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, grapes, blueberries, nuts, yerba mate and sesame seeds and India in, rice, onion, potato, pomegranate, grapes, banana, mango, poultry and poultry products," it said.

Acknowledging the immense potential for bilateral cooperation in the mining sector, the Argentine side expressed satisfaction that the Indian joint venture of three public sector mining companies, Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL), had shown interest in the lithium mining in Argentina.

Argentina expressed its readiness to facilitate geological information for lithium exploration and coordinate with the Argentine provinces through the Federal Mining Council.

India also invited Argentina's collaboration in meeting its target of 175 GW power generation from renewable energy sources by 2022.

"The Argentine side invited Indian companies to participate in its RenovAR renewable energy programme," it said.

It added that the two countries agreed on the necessity of expanding the India-Mercosur preferential trade agreement and add more number of products at the earliest.

MERCOSUR is a South American trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as full members.

The bilateral trade between India and Argentina stood at USD 2.94 billion in 2017-18 as against USD 3 billion in 2016-17.

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Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan Monday emphasised that it is important to regulate the use antibiotic drugs in animals as well as humans to tackle the overuse of this class of drugs.

"Use of antibiotics in chickens, in particular, is expected to triple in India by 2030 and therefore it is important to regulate the use of antibiotics in animals as well as humans to tackle the issue. It is also important to monitor the presence of antibiotic residues in animal food products as their presence can give chance to microbes to acquire resistance," Vardhan said at the inauguration of One Health India Conference.

Due to high burden of bacterial diseases, antibiotics have a critical role in limiting morbidity and mortality in India. Consequently Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has huge implications for the country, a government press statement said.

It is known that 60 per cent of human diseases are of animal origin and many of them have developed resistance to major antibiotics in nature, it said.

Therefore, the conference's deliberations are focused on identifying the needs and opportunities and developing a strategy map to address major human and animal diseases of concern including "Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Anthrax, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), together with biosafety, biosecurity, burden of disease and inter-sectoral collaboration considerations," the statement said.

"Estimates of global antibiotic use in poultry, swine and cattle in 2010 indicate that India accounts for 3 per cent of global consumption and is among the top consumers worldwide, along with China, the United States, Brazil and Germany," the statement quoted Vardhan as saying.

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Senior Hurriyat Conference leader Maulana Abbas Ansari Monday asked the Jammu and Kashmir government to withdraw security personnel posted at his residence.

His statement comes a day after security cover of six separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was withdrawn, a decision that comes in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

In a letter to the police's security wing, he said personnel deployed at his residence be withdrawn forthwith.

"We will not provide any kind of accommodation to the security personnel henceforth, " the Hurriyat Conference leader said.

A spokesman of the Ansari-led Ittehadul Muslimeen said it was the government's decision at that time to provide security and today, it is their decision to remove it.

"It's not an issue for us. With or without these police personnel at Hurriyat leaders residences, all remains the same. Hurriyat leaders had never asked for it," the spokesman said.

He claimed that Hurriyat leaders had never asked for security and it was the state government which had insisted on it.

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The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved verdict on a plea by National Herald publisher Associated Journals Ltd's (AJL) challenging a single judge direction to vacate its premises here.

A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao reserved the decision after AJL concluded its arguments.

The court also asked AJL and the Centre's lawyers to file their written submissions in three days.

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The Madras High Court Monday asked the Tamil Nadu government why there was such a big gap in the salaries of employees of the government and private companies.

Hearing a petition relating to anomalies in the pay and the recent strike by government employees and teachers, a bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and S S Sundar said as they talk so much about their rights, they should also discharge their duties.

"After implementation every pay commission recommendations, the gap between the government and private employees is widening," the bench noted.

The judges said the work of the government employees, including teachers, was as important as their demands.

Wondering why the children of government employees do not study in state-run schools, the judges asked why there should not be a rule to ensure that the children of government staff be put only in state-run schools.

Those who studied in private schools were seeking admission in government colleges, the bench said.

Counsel for Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisations and Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO), which spearheaded the strike, submitted that though the government was given time to rectify the pay anomalies and several guidelines were issued, no action was taken.

The government counsel said 71 paise out of every rupee of the government's income was spent on its employees and teachers, and added the state administration was taking steps to bridge the pay gap.

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"Are the officials flying in helicopters or using the road," the Madras High Court asked on Monday, expressing displeasure over non-removal of illegal roadside digital banners in Coimbatore.

A bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice Nirmal Kumar made the oral observation after social activist 'Traffic' Ramaswamy submitted that several illegal banners were put up welcoming Tamil Nadu ministers S P Velumani and M Vijayabhaskar to a recent 'jallikattu' event in Coimbatore.

Noting that the banners had not been removed for the past one week, the bench asked whether the officials were using the road or flying in helicopters.

It said it had been eight years since the court passed an order against erection of illegal banners on roadsides and the state government was not implementing it. Every time action was initiated only after the court intervened.

The bench then asked Ramaswamy, who has filed a series of petitions and contempt pleas over the years against illegal hoardings and banners, to file a petition about the mention he made on the banners in Coimbatore.

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The Kerala High Court Monday initiated contempt proceedings against Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose and two others for calling a flash hartal to protest against the twin murders of party workers in Kasaragod district.

Observing that the hartal by the Youth Congress amounted to contempt of court, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar directed issuance of notice to Kuriakose, Kamaruddin and United Democratic Front (UDF) Kasaragod district chairman A Govindan Nair.

The bench had in January banned 'flash hartals', making it mandatory for any organisation to issue a notice of at least seven days while calling for hartals.

When the case came up Monday, the bench pointed out that people who call for hartals are also responsible for the damage caused to public and private property when it is observed.

It directed the state government to file a detailed report on the damage incurred, if any, and pointed out that the government can initiate recovery proceedings and realise the damage from those who had invoked the flash hartal.

A state-wide dawn-to-dusk hartal was called past midnight by the Youth Congress leadership through social media, hours after its workers -Sarath Lal and Kripesh - were hacked to death in the northern Kasaragod district on Sunday.

Last month's order banning flash hartals was issued based on a PIL filed by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber's petition had stated that 97 hartals were held in Kerala in 2018, which had a severe impact on the business and livelihood of workers, causing loss worth crores of rupees.

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The Calcutta High Court Monday granted interim protection to Nalini Chidambaram, wife of former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram, from arrest by for six weeks in the

Directing Chidambaram to cooperate with the investigation, a division bench headed by Justice Joymalya Bagchi kept her application for anticipatory bail pending.

The court directed the and Chidambaram to file affidavits in support of their respective stands in the case in the meantime.

Appearing for Chidambaram, senior counsel Pradeep Ghosh submitted that the sixth supplementary charge sheet filed in the case on January 11 had mentioned her as an accused in the Saradha chit fund case, while the former charge sheet filed in 2016 did not name her as an accused.

The claimed that the Rs 1.3 crore paid to Nalini Chidambaram, a senior lawyer, was from the money collected by Saradha chit fund illegally from investors.

Denying the claim, her lawyer Ghosh submitted that the money was paid to her as a legal advisor of Manoranjana Sinh.

Manoranjana is the estranged wife of former Union minister Matang Sinh.
The Gujarat High Court Monday commuted the death sentence of two men, convicted for kidnapping and murdering a five-year-old boy in 2012, to life imprisonment.

A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and A C Rao dismissed the appeals filed by convicts Akshay Patel and Kuldeep Panchal against the trial court's judgement.

The duo would undergo "a minimum of 30 years in jail without remission", the high court said.

The trial court at Visnagar in Mehsana district had on March 17, 2016 awarded capital punishment to Akshay Patel and Kuldeep Panchal.

They were accused of kidnapping and murdering a five-year-old boy from Visnagar on March 17, 2012 when he was playing with his friends near his house.

The boy's father Pratik Patel received calls from Akshay Patel the next day, demanding Rs 50 lakh to release the boy.

However, on March 18, 2012, the accused, apparently in panic as police were closing in on them, killed the child by slitting his throat under a bridge near Rakhav village.

They were arrested the next day.

The high court held that the case did not fall in the category of 'rarest of rare', and set aside the trial court's decision to award them the death sentence.

Instead, they would undergo a minimum 30 years' sentence without remission before consideration for release, the high court said.

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A man facing prosecution in a molestation case has been asked by the Delhi High Court to plant 50 trees in a government school here while granting him anticipatory bail.

Justice Sunil Gaur said the principal of the school shall ensure that the tree plantation drive takes place and the investigating officer will file a compliance report in the court.

The man approached the high court seeking anticipatory bail in the criminal case for the alleged offences of molestation, wrongful restraint and mischief under the IPC. He sought parity with a co-accused who has already been granted regular bail by the trial court. The FIR was lodged at Connaught Place Police Station last year.

The high court noted that the man, through his counsel, voluntarily submitted that he will plant 25 'neem' trees and 25 'peepal' trees in the nearly government school in east Delhi's Chander Nagar within two weeks.

"Let it be so done. The principal of the said school shall ensure that the plantation of these trees takes place. The investigating officer shall obtain compliance report and submit it along with the final report," it said.

The court made it clear that in case the man misused the concession of pre-arrest bail or tampers with evidence, the state is at liberty to get this order revoked.

It also said that the court was not commenting on merits of the case and made absolute the interim order of December 17, 2018, by which the man was granted interim protection from arrest.

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A Haryana resident has been arrested for allegedly cheating in an Intelligence Bureau (IB) recruitment test in Himachal Pradesh here, police said Monday.

"Shalik, a resident of Rijhana village in Gohana tehsil, Sonepat district, was using an electronic chip during the test conducted by the IB on Sunday at Sanjauli College in Shimla," Superintendent of Police Pramod Shukla said.

A first information report (FIR) has been lodged against Shalik under sections 420, 120-B of Indian Penal Code and section 7 of Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board or other Specified Examination Act, 1984 at Sadar police station, he added.

Further investigation is on, he added.

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A man's nose was chopped off allegedly by the kin of his lover in Gujarat's Amreli district, leading to the arrest of five persons, police said Monday.

Prakash Koli (23) had gone on Saturday night to meet the woman he was in a relationship with, both residents of Jivapur village, around 250 kilometres from here, when the incident happened, Babra police inspector J D Ahir said.

"When he reached there at night, family members of the woman pinned him down and her uncle chopped off his nose. Koli was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is undergoing treatment," Ahir informed.

He said the woman's parents, her brother and uncle were arrested on Monday under section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons) and 146 (rioting) of the Indian Penal Code.

The official identified them as Jagdish Pipaliya, Sardaben Pipaliya, Suresh Pipaliya, Atul Pipaliya and Kalu Pipaliya.

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The Gujarat government has formed a special board for the transgender community, an official release said Monday.

The 'Transgender Welfare Bord' has been constituted by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide social security to the community, it said.

After the Supreme Court recognised transgenders as a third gender in 2014, the UnionMinistry of Social Justice and Empowerment had constituted an expert committee to examine various issues of the community, the release said.

Based on the committee's findings, the apex court had asked state governments to constitute welfare boards for the the transgender community, it added.

The new board will have the state social justice and empowerment minister as its chairman.

It will have 16 other members, including two transgender-women representatives, two male transgenders, two from the eunuch community and two representatives of NGOs. The rest of the members will be government officials.

It will work for uplift and development of the transgender community, it said.

As a state-run agency, the board will have powers to introduce special schemes for the community, the release added.

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Monday, February 18, 2019 at 12:47AM

by Nathaniel R

Richard E Grant's timing was impeccable during my own journey into cinephilia. I was in the process of falling madly deeply in love with movies when he made his debut in the cult classic With Nail and I (1987) and as I became more invested in not just movie stars but the crucial contributions of character actors to rich movies, he was everyone in so many movies I loved: Henry & June (1990), L.A. Story (1991), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), The Age of Innocence (1993). I bought his first book "With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E Grant" in hardcover right when it was published and later bought it again in paperback. I bring up this chronological personal fandom so that'll you'll understand that I was surely as visibly thrilled to sit down with Richard E Grant as he has appeared to be for the entirety of this awards season. We're both giddy about the Oscar nomination for his incredible performance as the slippery but loveable Jack Hock in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

But we began by discussing the book. I'd read it too often to begin anywhere else...

[The interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

One of the funniest film books you'll ever read. A must-have for fans of 1990s cinemaNATHANIEL R: Do you still do film diaries or did you do it only for your book 'With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E Grant"?

RICHARD E GRANT: I've kept diaries since I was 11 years old, since I saw my mother shagging my fathers best friend on the front seat of a car, by accident. I tried religion, got no reply, couldnt tell my friends, certainly couldnt tell my parents what Id seen, so I kept a diary to keep sane, and it has kept me relatively sane all these years. I was on the ill-fated Ready to Wear (Pret-a-Porter) movie for Robert Altman, and a newspaper in England asked me if I would write a diary, so I did, and they published it...

It came out on a Sunday and literally on the Monday, I had six calls from publishers saying, Do you have any more diaries? and I said, Yeah, Ive kept them since the year dot and thats how it came about!

I've always wanted you to do a sequel!

I have been asked about doing a sequel, but I thought that as it went from somebody who had never made a movie beginning with Withnail and I, and then ending up working for Scorsese, Altman... I thought it had a kind of complete trajectory...

A natural arc.

Exactly, and I thought anymore and its just going to be more of the same. Would it be of interest? So I didnt take the risk of people going, Oh, yeah more of that. Ive never published anymore, but its not for lack of keeping them.

[Excited] So you do still keep them!

Yeah [Laughs]

That run of yours, documented in the book, was so historic. So many classics and infamous movies. I know all careers are like this with ebbs and flows but I hope you're aware that we're totally in a new Richard E Grant upswing.

Well, Im 62. In my early 50s, I thought that that was it, that it would be crumbs off the big table. And essentially, you know, I accept that. I wrote a novel called "By Design" in 1996. It was set in Hollywood, and the first chapter was about this song & dance guy who was very old, so Steve Martin said, 'Oh, the person you really need to speak to about that is Roddy McDowall, because he knows everybody.' When I met Roddy [shortly before he died] he said that after 40 your parts get smaller. Whatever recognition youve had diminishes, and you have a choice to either become bitter and twisted like the majority of old actors or you make a conscious decision and you go, 'I cannot believe who Ive worked with, where Ive been, how much money Ive accrued!'

The wisdom of that has stayed with me. Through my 50s, when my parts were getting smaller, but I was still doing stuff that I enjoyed, I thought that was it. So the fact that Ive now been in Logan, that I have this part, that I'm now shooting Star Wars. It's exactly what John Lennon said before he was murdered, that 'life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.' You have no idea whats coming, so Im very grateful. The response to Can You Ever Forgive Me? has completely floored all of us.

This is the best part youve had in so long. I was excited as early as hearing you'd been cast. But the movie was better than I'd hoped and your rapport with Melissa McCarthy is so strong. It actually kind of feels full circle for your career, because of Withnail and I.

Now playing another alcoholic, exactly.

How do you feel about that? Do you think this means something or are careers just random?

I think its all random. Its all chaos and its random. Because, you know, I only got Withnail and I because Daniel Day Lewis had turned it down. He had just opened in Room with a View and My Beautiful Laundrette on the same day in New York and L.A., so everybody said, 'Who is this guy who is doing these two parts?' He was offered everything and, mercifully -- or otherwise I know I wouldnt be sitting here right now -- he did The Unbearable Lightness of Being instead of Withnail, so I got a chance to be in the movie as a complete unknown.

And in the case of this casting, I got a call from my agent last November saying, 'You have 24 hours to read this script,' and I was like, 'What is this, Mission: Impossible, its going to implode?' And then I said, 'Who died or dropped out?' and she said, 'Dont concern yourself with that. Just read it. Melissa McCarthy is playing the lead, Marielle Heller of Diary of a Teenage Girl is directing it. You have to make this decision very, very quickly.' So of course, I read it, and I thought it was an amazing part and an amazing story. I said, yes, and [two months later] we were doing it.

Not to give away your whole process but how do start on your characters to make them as vivid as they tend to be? Are you someone who thinks about the way the character looks and speaks or do you start with something more internal?

Its everything. Because of where I grew up in Africa, Ive always -- my understanding of the world is to imagine what kind of animal somebody is. Before anything else, to get an idea of what Im dealing with. Am I dealing with a predator or somebody who is going to be a cuddle? So I thought of these two characters: Lee is obviously a porcupine, as prickly and private and impossible to deal with, as you dare risk. And Jack is essentially, for all his scamming and alcoholism and his lack of morals, hes essentially a Labrador. I thought that he will try and lick anybody into submission, to either fuck him, feed him, cuddle him, or look after him. So theres a little boy lost Labrador quality to him. So thats what I went in with.

Amazing.

Thats the impression [I began with]. I had hoped that Lee Israels book would be a Wikipedia of information about him but because she was so eccentric and self-obsessed, shes very scant on information about him.

Oh, oops.

She said he was from Portland, blonde, tall, charming, 47 years old, died in 1994, had a short cigarette holder, because he was a chain smoker and believed that that would stop him getting lung cancer, and had been to jail for two years, because he had held up a taxi driver at knife point, arguing about a fare, naturally. And thats when shed had to fence her letters once the FBI had rumbled her. Letters that she thought might be worth $500, he would go out and get $2,000 for. So I knew from that that Jack was somebody that, even though he astonishingly didn't even know who Fanny Brice was, had street smarts and charm that he could go out there and [trick] people into believing that they could hand over their money. That was really the key.

And then there's his relationship with Lee which is so crucial to the movie.

I thought of the relationship in movie terms as Ratso and Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy. Youve got two people who are essentially very lonely, opposites, and grifters in New York where despite all the wealth and money around them, theyre failing upwards. And they find this unlikely co-dependent love-hate relationship. So that was my idea in the preparation, and I knew that because all the scenes I had were essentially two-handers with the Lee Israel character, that I had to, hopefully, find some connection with Melissa McCarthy.

And you obviously did.

I didnt know, having been obviously fairly well-versed in her movie roles, whether she would be playing it very subtle, small-scale, or whether shed be very broad...

Shes done both.

Exactly, and brilliantly. So when I saw how she was pitching it, that absolutely informed and guided how I would do it, and we really -- so many people say on a movie, 'Well, we were this great, big happy family' but we genuinely got on, and have continued to do so. Thats luck as much as anything, because you have no idea whether your sensibilities can meld with somebody else. But we just did.

I wanted to talk about your final scene. Obviously movies shoot out of sequence. Youre constantly dealing with 'this has happened and this hasnt happened.' But you have that jump in time where she hasnt seen him, and Jack comes across so differently. It's just such a interior soulful picture of him. I dont know how you conjured that.

Grant suggested Jack Hock's look in his final scene as a visual tribute to his friend Ian Charleson (pictured, triumphant, in Chariots of Fire) who died of AIDS in 1990.

RICHARD E GRANT: Well, thank you. I was great friends with the actor Ian Charleson, who played the Scottish runner who wouldnt run on a Sunday in Chariots of Fire. He died of AIDS in 1990. Ian had this incredibly loose scallywag salacious aspect to his character as well as an incredibly engaging little boy lost quality so I thought he was the perfect role model. Once Ian lost all his hair, he wore a bandana like that, so I got baby powder from the hotel I was staying in, put that on my face, took the scarf and sort of sunk my cheeks in with a pencil and then emailed these pictures to [Marielle Heller] the night before we did that scene. I said, 'This is the direction that I would like to go. I know its not scripted like that, but are you willing to let me try this?' And to her credit, she said 'Yup,' and then the make-up person and the costume designer said, 'We remember guys who looked exactly like this!'. So more than anything, that was an homage to my friendship with Ian for that.

Thats beautiful. The scene is so moving.

It was just it came right near the end of the shoot. We found it emotionally very draining to do, because the whole point of those scenes is [similar to] playing a drunk where youre trying not to be drunk --that sort of concentration of just getting through the door without falling over. In the same way when youre saying goodbye to somebody, you would think, 'Oh, yes. Its an obvious place for people to cry and fall apart,' but youre doing everything in the scene not to do that. I think its from that that people are moved. Otherwise, its a blub-fest. You know what I mean?

Yes, totally. I know we have to wrap up which pains me! But before you go I have to ask about that social media post you did on your Star Wars audition.

Oh my God, youve seen all of this, okay.

Richard E Grant, all smiles on BAFTA night. What a season he's having.

You had said that you did a blind audition and just a generic scene. That confused me because how on earth does one do a generic audition for something like Star Wars? I kept remembering all the times Carrie Fisher joked about how impossible the dialogue was to say in a natural way.

Yeah, I got a 10-minute scene that was an interrogation scene from a 1940s British film -- I knew by the language that this was not Star Wars talk, having seen all the Star Wars movies since 1977. And I thought, 'Well this is part of the secrecy.' So I self-taped that and sent it off.

You dont hear anything. You know, it sort of goes out into the stratosphere for two months, and then I got a call saying, 'A car is being sent to pick you up,' which had never happened to me before for an audition! And I go, 'What the hell is this? Oh, right. Im going to have to go and do scenes from the actual script' or whatever. I went to Pinewood Studios to meet J.J. Abrams. Within, I don't know, four minutes he said 'So are you going to do the part or what?' and I said, 'What part?,' of course, just gobsmacked! I absolutely levitated, I couldnt believe it!

Related

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Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leader Alpesh Kathiriya was Monday arrested in a 2015 sedition case registered at Amroli police station here, an official said.

Kathiriya was held from Velanja village near here, R R Sarvaiya, Surat Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) said.

The case pertains to the quota agitation organised by the PAAS in 2015 demanding reservations for the Patidar community in government jobs and educational institutions.

A Surat court had, on January 15, cancelled his bail in this sedition case after police told court that he had violated bail conditions by abusing police over a parking row.

Kathiriya's petition against cancellation of bail is pending in Gujarat High Court.

Police said Kathiriya was in the village to attend a friend's marriage when he was held.

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Gujarat Governor O P Kohli was forced to cut short his customary address to the state Assembly on Monday amid slogan shouting by Congress members over the Pulwama terror attack and farm loan waiver issue.

Kohli called for a five-day Assembly session from Monday to present the vote-on-account instead of a full budget in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

As soon as the governor began addressing the House, the Congress members started shouting slogans, making it difficult for other legislators to hear his speech.

Some Congress members, led by Vikram Madam, came near the well and raised slogans demanding stern action against perpetrators of the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district where 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14.

The Congress members also demanded loan waiver for farmers in Gujarat.

As the sloganeering continued for over five minutes, Kohli stopped his address and left the House after tabling his remaining speech.

Earlier, as the governor began his address to the House, he expressed grief over the death of the CRPF jawans.

"Intra-nation and international terrorism is a global menace, the terrifying result of which have been suffered by our nation recently," he said in his speech circulated to the House members and media persons.

"The brave CRPF jawans have become martyrs in a terrorist attack in Pulwama district of Kashmir. I express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to their families and pay tributes to them," Kohli said in his address.

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Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar told the Supreme Court Monday he was grilled for 40 hours in five days in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam, and said it was "very intriguing" as to why the agency took a "major decision" to interrogate him on February 3 -- last day of the then interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao.

The apex court on February 5 had directed Kumar to "faithfully cooperate with the investigating agency at all times" in connection with the chit fund scam and had ordered that the agency will not take any coercive steps including his arrest.

The order had come two days after the February 3 incident in which the CBI alleged that its sleuths who had gone to quiz him were bundled into a police van and detained in the police custody. The agency had also alleged that state police had surrounded the residence of its joint director Vikas Shrivastava and police personnel in uniform had joined Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had sat on 'dharna' to protest CBI action.

In his affidavit, Kumar claimed that he answered all questions to the "satisfaction" of the CBI which grilled him for 40 hours in five days at a neutral place in Shillong in Meghalaya. He said he reached Shillong on the evening of February 8 and joined investigation on February 9 at 11 am.

Kumar said he was "subjected to approximately 40 hours of questioning spread over 5 days, from February 9 to February 13" during which he was in Shillong, and "continued to join the investigation, responding to each query truthfully and to his best knowledge, despite the questions being repetitive in nature".

He said that on February 12, he was willing to continue with the examination even after 10 pm, but was given a notice to appear on the next date.

He stated that there were only 15-20 questions left which the CBI needed answers to, and it was only at 12.30 pm on February 13 that he "was discharged, after answering all the questions that the CBI had, to their satisfaction".

The Kolkata Police Commissioner said however that it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day of Rao in office.

Kumar, in his affidavit, said: "In this context, it is also pertinent to mention here that Sunday i.e. February 3, 2019, was the last day in office of the interim CBI Director, who was to be replaced by the present Director, CBI, the very next day i.e. on February 4, 2019.

"It seems very intriguing as to why such a major decision could not wait even for a single day for the new Director CBI to join, especially when the last notice was issued to the answering respondent, after a gap of more than a year, as noted hereinabove.

"The action taken by the CBI, was also de hors the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court keeping in abeyance the notices issued by the CBI under section 160, CrPC to the State Police Officials, in presence of the counsels representing the CBI."



Kumar, against whom a strong remarks were passed by the apex court on February 4, that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret," said "he was never in exclusive and direct possession of evidences/material/documents as alleged in the instant petition, for him to act contumaciously or subvert any orders passed by this Court.

He was accused by the CBI of shielding the owners of the chit fund companies -- Saradha chit fund and Rose Valley chit fund and the people close to the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state.

CBI had alleged that the directors of the companies had paid huge donation to the TMC.

On the February 3 incident, Kumar said the CBI officials, in a clandestine manner, approached his residence on Sunday at 6 PM, with media personnel, "after having gone in media describing me as an absconder, with the sole intent to harass me and tarnish my reputation and impeccable service record".

He also said that no police officer, ever sat or joined the the 'dharna' along with Mamata Banerjee "in uniform or otherwise" at any given point in time.

The CBI had told the apex court that Kumar, who was leading the SIT in the Saradha chit fund scam, destroyed, destructed and tampered with material evidence in the form of call detail records (CDRs) of the prime accused and potential accused persons.

The agency had said a strong prima facie case of Kumar having committed offences both under Prevention of Corruption Act and other IPC offences has been made out.

It had also claimed that companies like Saradha, Rose Valley and Tower Group had given huge contributions to the Trinamool Congress.

The agency had said that the entire SIT, set up by the West Bengal government, is under investigation as it was conniving with accused and potential accused to subvert the investigating process.

It had said there are large number of hard discs and other material still in custody of Kumar which he had collected as an investigating officer being the head of the SIT and being the functional head and day-to-day in-charge of SIT.

The CBI had said Kumar is prima facie guilty of having committed criminal offences and has not coordinated in spite of the summons being issued.

"Kumar has also destroyed, destructed and tampered with the material primary evidence in the form of CDRs while handing over the same to the CBI on June 28, 2018," the agency had said.

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Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Monday said the Narendra Modi government should reconsider introducing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Parliament again as it is connected with the sentiments of the people of the northeast region.

Athawale's remarks came a day after BJP president Amit Shah announced in Assam that the party will reintroduce the bill in Parliament if voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing reporters here, Athawale said, "We should think about the sentiments of the people of the northeast region."



"We should and reconsider introducing the bill again because the sentiments of the people of northeast are also very important and that is the stand of my party (Republican Party of India - Athawale)," he said.

"If the people of northeast are opposing the bill, definitely as a member of the NDA, I can discuss with the prime minister if any changes can be made to it," the minister of state (MoS) for social justice and empowerment added.

Athawale said his party supported the bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter session of Parliament, as a member of the NDA.

He expressed confidence that the NDA will return to power after the Lok Sabha elections.

"Modi is a clean prime minister and the present government is also clean," Athawale, who is in Nagaland to officially launch his party in the state on Tuesday, said.

He claimed that the present government had been sincerely working towards the welfare of the country's people.

Athawale was supposed to distribute assisted devices and appliances for empowerment of persons with disabilities and senior citizens in Mon district on Monday but was unable to make it due to bad weather conditions, officials said.

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A committee of displaced persons Monday demanded that those families rendered homeless due to armed tribal insurgency in the state since last two decades be given the status of 'Internally Displaced Persons (IDP).

West Tripura and Sepahijala District Udbastu Unnayan Committee took out a procession here and submitted a memorandum to West Tripura District Magistrate Sandeep Namdeo Mahatme demanding that the state government provide the displaced people in the two districts the status of IDP.

The committee secretary Sajal Podder said insurgents were granted rehabilitation packages after surrendering arms.

However, those whose lives were affected due to insurgency are living homeless, two decades after they were rendered homeless, he said.

"If the insurgents can be granted rehabilitation packages, why not us? We didnt commit any crime. We are homeless since 2000. We want the government to grant us IDP status and provide all benefits to all of us," Podder said.

"The erstwhile Left Front government provided housing to 202 families who lost their homes in armed insurgency along with some cash assistance. We want the government to ensure proper rehabilitation facilities and cash compensation to each family displaced due to insurgency. We also demand that they should be granted the status of IDP," Podder told reporters.

Over 6,500 non-tribal families were displaced due to armed insurgency and ethnic clashes in different parts of Tripura since 1980.

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Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti Monday issued a joint appeal for maintaining communal harmony across the country and urged the Centre to ensure safety and security Kashmiris in other states.

The appeal came in the backdrop of reports of attacks on Kashmiris in some parts of the country following the terror incident, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday.

The two leaders underscored the need to maintain communal harmony across the country.

By attacking, terrorizing, intimidating Kashmiris, the youngsters of Kashmir are implicitly being told that they have no future outside of the valley, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said.

"Intimidating Kashmiris was aimed at creating a wedge between different communities in India, they said.

We should not allow terror to divide us. By using such incidents to divide us, we fall into the trap of those behind the attack on CRPF soldiers; we are wittingly or unwittingly playing to the tunes of our enemies, the leaders said in the appeal.

They asserted that attacking innocent people because of their ethnicity or religion was no way to honour the sacrifice of the CRPF men.

Kashmiri Muslims or the Muslims of Jammu didn't attack our CRPF Jawans the other day, terrorists did. This violence is a convenient tool by some to shift the blame. Let us unite against terror, let's not allow terror to divide us, the NC and PDP leaders said.

They said it was tragic to see educated and civilized people spearheading vicious propaganda to paint Kashmiris and terrorists with the same brush.

The thought behind such attacks is to divide us. Our pain must not fuel such diabolical plans because eventually the axe forgets and the tree remembers, they said.

Expressing dismay over the continuous rhetoric being used against Kashmiris, the leaders said no mainstream political party would condone terrorism.

The ferocity of the rhetoric by certain media channels is also dangerous. They churn lies, hatred and divisive agenda by berating the national interests, they said.

The leaders while expressing concern over the reports of violence and arson in Jammu described the happenings as worrying and urged the political dispensation and civil society of Jammu to ensure that cooler heads prevail.

They made an appeal to the Centre to ensure the directions issued to all state governments to ensure safety and security of Kashmiris are implemented.

It doesn't augur well for a democratic country like India to hound its own people in its response to the heinous attack on our forces. Hounding innocent Kashmiris will indisputably disenchant them; the humiliation, suspicion, isolation will push innocent Kashmiris to the wall.

As a country, we need to stand together in this hour of grief and sorrow and not allow forces inimical to unity in our country to find any space Mehbooba and Omar appealed.

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A prostitution racket that was run at a house here has been busted with the arrest of two persons and three women were rescued, police said Monday.

A special police team raided a house at Seven Wells in the city and nabbed Naresh Kumar and Anand Raj, a police release said.

The duo were produced before a local court which remanded them to judicial custody.

They have been lodged at the Puzhal prison.

Three women, who were involved in the flesh trade, were rescued and sent to a government home for women, the release added.

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Medicines worth lakhs of rupees got destroyed in a major fire which broke out at the drug store of the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital here, officials said Monday.

The fire broke out in the drug store building of the hospital around 9 pm on Sunday and was put off after a hectic joint effort by the fire and emergency services personnel, the CRPF and local police, they said.

The officials said eight fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames.

The cause of the fire is being ascertained, they said.

Meanwhile, a CRPF spokesman said alertness of the CRPF guards ensured timely response to the fire after the jawans on duty noticed smoke coming out of the drug store building.

The CRPF personnel immediately rushed to the scene and informed the matter to the hospital authorities, the spokesman said.

He said the CRPF troops, along with the fire brigade staff, broke the windows and tried to retrieve the important logistics and started extinguishing the fire.

"The joint dousing operation of the CRPF and the fire brigade continued throughout the night and the fire was finally doused completely after a night-long operation," he said.

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A fire broke out in the gun cotton section of the cordite factory near here Monday and an employee was hospitalised after inhaling smoke, police said.

Pratap, one of the five employees working in the section, suffered breathlessness and fainted after inhaling the thick smoke, the police said.

He has been admitted to the factory hospital, they said.

The reason for the fire was being ascertained, they added.

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National Conference President Farooq Abdullah Monday took up the security-related issues of the students and others from Kashmir with chief ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttrakhand, urging them to ensure their safety and well-being.

"Abdullah spoke on phone with Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Uttrakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and urged them to take appropriate measures for instilling a sense of security among the students and other Kashmiri people," a spokesman of the NC said here.

Expressing concern over "threats and intimidation" to the Kashmiri students in various parts of the country, Abdullah told the chief ministers that the students are in panic and fearing for their lives.

"Security is needed to be beefed up in the areas they are staying besides anti-social elements need to be booked for their intimidating tactics," the NC leader said.

The spokesman said the chief ministers of the three states shared the concern of Abdullah and informed him about various steps taken in this regard.

They assured him that all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students, he said.

Meanwhile, Abdullah has again reiterated his appeal to the people of Jammu for maintaining peace and brotherhood.

He stressed the need for isolating elements inimical to peace.

"Foiling attempts of anti-social elements unitedly by the people belonging to various segments of the society is need of the hour," he said.

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Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said in an interview that aired Sunday that a "crime may have been committed" when President Donald Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia.

McCabe also said in the interview with "60 Minutes" that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, "Why would a president of the United States do that?" McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?" Asked whether Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, McCabe replied, "Absolutely." A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment Sunday night.

McCabe also revealed that when Trump told Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Comey a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo. Rosenstein did not want to, McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Comey's dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

"He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo," McCabe said. "And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway." Trump said in a TV interview days after Comey's firing that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he fired Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey." McCabe was fired from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a media disclosure. The allegation was referred to the U.S. Attorney's office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought.

McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said Sunday that he believes his firing was politically motivated.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

In the interview Sunday, McCabe also said Rosenstein in the days after Comey's firing had proposed wearing a wire to secretly record the president. McCabe said he took the remark seriously, though the Justice Department last September responding last September to a New York Times report that first revealed the conversation issued a statement from an unnamed official who was in the room and interpreted the remark as sarcastic.

McCabe said the remark was made during a conversation about why Trump had fired Comey.

"And in the context of that conversation, the deputy attorney general offered to wear a wire into the White House. He said, "'I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there,'" McCabe said.

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, McCabe also described a conversation in which Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. The Justice Department said in a statement that Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her party's nomination for president, told reporters after a campaign event Sunday in Las Vegas that if the people around Trump believe he cannot fulfill the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favorite target of Trump's ire, Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Trump from office but said that "there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment.

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Eight cows and a bull were found dead under mysterious circumstances at different locations in the city on Monday, police said.

According to sources, the bovines were apparently given some poisonous substance.

Commissioner of Police S S Srivastava said an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of death.

He said none will be spared if found guilty.

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The Enforcement Directorate on Monday opposed in the Delhi High Court a plea of alleged lobbyist Deepak Talwar against his detention by Indian agencies after being deported from the UAE in a money-laundering case.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench of justices Siddharth Mridul and Sangita Dhingra Sehgal that some accused do not want to face the material collected against them and instead they challenge the vires and constitutional validity of a law.

The court was hearing a habeas corpus plea moved by Talwar, challenging his detention by Indian agencies after his deportation here on January 31.

The ED has alleged that Talwar, who is in its custody, acted as a middleman in negotiations to favour foreign private airlines, causing loss to national carrier Air India.

A habeas corpus petition is a writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or in court, especially to secure his release, unless lawful grounds are shown for his detention.

The Solicitor General along with central government standing counsel Amit Mahajan said if the accused is so much concerned, he should file a regular bail plea which would be heard by the court concerned on merits of the case.

The law officer also said the same issue challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was pending in the Supreme Court and the high court should await the final verdict of the top court.

In the affidavit, filed by the ED in response to the plea, it has been stated that the constitutional validity of sections 19 (power of arrest) and 24 (burden of proof) of the PMLA were also challenged before the Delhi High Court in another matter of Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, which was then referred to a larger bench by a division bench as there was a difference of opinion with the judgment of another division bench of this court in the Moin Akhtar Qureshi and Vakamulla Chandra Shekhar cases.

While the matter was pending in the high court, an appeal was filed by the agency before the Supreme Court in one of the matters against an interim order and the apex court had transferred all such matters to itself.

The court also observed that Talwar's counsel can move a regular bail application.

While seeking Talwar's relase from jail, his counsel said he cannot be rendered remediless, but the the court said he was not remediless.

"Sanctity of the international law has to be followed. It's an extradition case and they have to follow the law. I am ex-facie in illegal custody," Talwar's counsel said.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on February 27, before when the counsel for accused has to file rejoinder to the ED's response.

The ED, in its response, has said that persons involved in large-scale money laundering and serious financial frauds have made it a practice to challenge various provisions of the PMLA, including the agency's power to arrest.

It has contended that a subterfuge was craftily designed by the "unscrupulous litigants" to bypass the exercise of filing a regular bail plea before the court concerned by directly seeking a habeas corpus writ or bail or anticipatory bail under the garb of challenging the constitutional validity of certain provisions of the PMLA.

In his habeas corpus plea, Talwar has claimed that his arrest and custody from January 30 onwards was illegal detention. He has alleged that his fundamental rights have been violated by the authorities.

He has claimed that when he was in Dubai, a travel ban was imposed on him by a court there in a commercial dispute, due to which he could not return to India despite repeated requests.

His counsel had earlier contended before the court that the Government of India had "abducted" Talwar, adding that when there was a summons for him to appear on February 4, he was picked up and there was no extradition.

He has urged quashing of the FIR against him under the PMLA and also that some provisions of the Act be declared unconstitutional and in violation of fundamental rights.

The ED had earlier told 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 the Qatar Airways, Emirates and Air Arabia.

The agency had claimed that entities directly or indirectly controlled by the accused received exorbitant amounts from the 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 and February 6, 2009.

Talwar has been accused of criminal conspiracy and forgery under the IPC and under various sections of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) for allegedly diverting foreign funds worth Rs 90.72 crore, 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 UPA regime is also under the scanner.

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Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra told party workers from Uttar Pradesh's Bundelkhand region that they should not expect a "miracle" from her and the party's performance depends on its booth-level organisation.

The AICC General Secretary Uttar Pradesh East warned the party workers that anyone found indulging in anti-party activities will be shown the door, a leader who attended the meeting said.

During the meeting, held at the Congress' war room at 15 Gurudwara Rakabganj Road, Priyanka Gandhi reviewed the booth-level organisation of the party in the region -- under which 19 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats fall.

The four parliamentary segments in Bundelkhand are -- Jhansi-Lalitpur, Jaluan, Banda and Hamirpur.

She asked the Congress workers to strengthen the booth-level organisation of the party.

"I cannot do a miracle from above, the workers need to strengthen the party at the booth level and I need your support for strengthening the party in the state," the leader quoted Priyanka Gandhi as saying during the meeting.

The leaders told Priyanka Gandhi that she reminded them of former prime minister Indira Gandhi.

They also presented a statue of Rani Laxmi Bai to Priyanka Gandhi, who said she was inspired by the erstwhile ruler of Jhansi, the leader said.

Priyanka Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia were appointed AICC general secretaries for UP east and UP west respectively in January and took charge earlier this month.

The Congress leader has held a series of discussions with party workers last week in Lucknow, with at least one session lasting through the night.

The Congress is trying to revive itself in the state where it faces a challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as an alliance of Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday the Pulwama terrorist attack has showed that the time to talk about tackling terror is over and the world is now required to unitedly take concrete action against terrorism and those behind its spread.

After talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Modi said dithering to take action against terrorists and their supporters will be like encouraging terrorism.

In his comments, Macri called for united action to deal with terrorism.

The two sides finalised 10 MoUs providing for deeper cooperation in a range of areas including in information and communications technology, nuclear energy and agriculture.

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The Delhi High Court Monday dismissed a Manipur student activist's plea challenging his arrest and transit remand here in a sedition case against him for allegedly making remarks over the controversial Citizenship Bill on social media.

Justice Sunil Gaur said prima facie it appeared that Veewon Thokchom's act attempted to bring hatred and incite disaffection to the government established by law.

The contentious Citizenship (amendment) Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on January 8 but it is set to lapse on June 3 as it was not tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session after which the Upper House was adjourned sine die on February 13.

Thokchom, former president of Manipur Students' Association, Delhi, was arrested by the Manipur police in Delhi on February 15 and was produced before a magistrate here on February 16 who granted five days transit remand till Tuesday.

The Manipur police had taken his transit remand to produce him before the concerned court in Imphal where the FIR was lodged against him.

Thokchom, a civil services aspirant, filed the petition through his brother seeking quashing of the transit remand claiming it to be defective and without application of mind.

The high court, however, said it found that the remand order was not opposed by the 'remand advocate', who appeared on behalf the activist before the trial court, and the memo of arrest was offered to be given to his sister to which there was a resistance.

"In any case, copy of memo of arrest has now been supplied to petitioner's counsel. It prima facie appears that the act committed by the accused/ petitioner's brother attempts to bring hatred and to incite disaffection towards the government established by law.

"Finding no infirmity in the impugned order,this petition and application are accordingly dismissed, while not commenting on the merits of the case," the court said.

During the hearing, the counsel for Manipur police contended that misleading facts were being placed before the court by the activist's lawyer and he would be taken to the state to be produced before the concerned court tomorrow.

Advocate L Roshmani, representing the Manipur police, submitted that mobile number of the investigating officer was given to the activist's sister but she resisted and they had also offered to supply copy of memo of arrest but it was rejected.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves and advocate Ajay Verma, appearing for Thokchom, said there was a video recording which showed that despite requests, copy of memo of arrest was not given to the family members and the place of his detention has not been disclosed.

They also cited the case of human rights activist Gautam Navlakha, who was arrested by the police here and released by the orders of the Delhi High Court in the Bhima Koregaon violence case.

Delhi government standing counsel (criminal) Rahul Mehra along with advocate Jamal Akhtar, said the Manipur police had sought the assistance of Delhi Police and they made a DD entry about it and their role was limited to this.

Mehra was also of the view that this cannot be a case of sedition under Section 124A of the IPC and like this half of the country would have been charged with the provision.

Earlier in the day, the matter was listed before another judge who transferred the petition to another bench for hearing due to some technical issues.

Thokchom's counsel claimed that the 23-year-old's arrest was illegal and after going through the FIR, no criminal offence, including sedition, was being made out.

He was arrested and charged with sedition for a Facebook post critical of the Citizenship (amendment Bill). The petition has made state of Manipur, Delhi Police as also central and Delhi governments as parties.

If convicted, the offence of sedition could entail a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

The petition claimed that Thokchom has been actively engaged in the affecting Manipur students in Delhi and elsewhere.

"He has, like millions of other citizens of this country, expressed his dissent about the Citizenship (amendment) Bill, 2018," it said.

The plea claimed that Thokchom was assaulted at the time of arrest in front of his brother and was not given time to inform his family or to wear his clothes and slippers.

Following his arrest, his brother had filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the high court which was disposed of since a judicial transit remand order was already passed.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

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The budget session of Delhi Assembly will begin with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's address on February 22 and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia will present the annual budget on February 26.

The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Delhi Assembly met Monday, under the chairmanship of Speaker Ram Niwas Goel, and took the decision, according to a Delhi Assembly secretariat statement.

"Being the first session of the year, Lieutenant Governor will address the Assembly at 11 AM on February 22. The formal sitting of the House will commence half-an-hour after conclusion of the L-G's address," it said.

Discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address will be initiated by Minister of Development Gopal Rai on February 23.

The Deputy CM will also present the 'Status Report of Outcome Budget 2018-2019 (as on 31.12.2018)' on the same day.

The Economic Economic Survey of Delhi 2018-2019 will be presented by Sisodia on February 25. The annual budget will be presented on February 26.

The budget proposals will be discussed on February 27-28, before being considered and passed by the House.

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Dassault Aviation, manufacturers of the Rafale, Monday said it would showcase its Falcon 2000S business aircraft, certified for low visibility approach, alongside the fighter jet at the five-day Aero India Show, beginning here February 20.

The 2000S was recently certified by EASA and FAA for low visibility approaches down to 100 feet, using the advanced FalconEye Combined Vision System (CVS), the company said in a statement.

The first Falcon 2000 nose section produced by Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), manufactured at Nagpur, will also be displayed at the show, it said.

"In addition to their unrivaled combination of range, agility and airport performance, the reputation of Falcon jets in India and the surrounding region rests on Dassault Aviation's half century of experience supplying the Indian Air Force with sturdy, technologically advanced fighters for its frontline combat aircraft requirements," Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said.

The Falcon 2000 twin-engine business aircraft has long been popular with Indian operators for its reliability, cabin comfort, hot-and-high capability and low operating cost, the company said.

Two-third of the Falcons currently operating in the region are the Falcon 2000, it said.

The FalconEye enhanced flight vision system capability greatly improves access to airports in bad weather and significantly enhances aircraft fleet efficiency, the company said.

The system is now also certified for the Falcon 2000LXS and Falcon 8X, it said.

Falcon twin-engine sales are expected to get a further boost in the region with the arrival of the all-new ultra wide body Falcon 6X twinjet, which will offer more cabin space than any other business jet in its category, the company said.

Moreover, the first fuselage front section of the Falcon 2000 series aircraft produced by Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) at its Nagpur facility is ready to be delivered to the Dassault Aviation Falcon final assembly line in France, it said.

In parallel, larger infrastructures are being developed and would soon be completed allowing the ramp-up of DRAL capabilities toward the assembly of a Falcon 2000 fully manufactured and assembled in India, the company said.

"Dassault Aviation's investment in India and our commitment to the "Make in India" and "Skill India" initiatives demonstrate our company's determination to help grow an Indian aerospace eco-system which matches the highest standards in the global aerospace market," Trappier said.

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The authorities Monday relaxed curfew for three hours in parts of the city where it was imposed on Friday following massive anti-Pakistan protests and sporadic incidents of violence over the terror attack in Pulwama district which left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

The authorities urged the people to maintain peace and tranquility and do not allow the miscreants to create any trouble in their respective areas.

District Magistrate, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar while announcing relaxation in curfew in areas falling under five police stations of the city said prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC will remain in force in these areas as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he added.

"Curfew was relaxed in the areas falling under police stations of Gandhi Nagar (except police post Nehru Park and Digiana), Channi Himmat, Sainik Colony, Trikuta Nagar and Satwari (except police posts of Belicharana and Gadighat) from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm today (Monday)," he said.

However, restrictions would be in place in these areas under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) on public gatherings, Kumar said.

He said official identity cards of the civil secretariat employees and the staff deployed with essential services would be treated as curfew passes to facilitate their movement in other curfew-bound areas.

In addition, he said, air tickets, railway tickets and admit cards for various examinations would also be treated as curfew passes.

The curfew remained in force in the city for the fourth consecutive day to maintain law and order.

All examinations, scheduled for the day, were postponed as educational institutions across Jammu city remained closed.

Over 150 people were taken into preventive custody over the past couple of days to ensure peace, officials said.

Earlier, Kumar said the situation was "well under control" and there was no report of any untoward incident from anywhere in the curfew-bound areas since Sunday.

Police, paramilitary forces and Army soldiers stand deployed and are strictly enforcing the curfew, he said.

The Army has deployed 18 internal security columns of the Tiger Division along with air support from the White Knight Corps in the city, including Gujjar Nagar, Janipur, Shahidi Chowk, Talab Khatika, Sidhra and other sensitive areas.

While nine columns were deployed on Friday after a requisition by the administration to bring the situation under control, nine more columns were deployed on Saturday.

"Helicopters and UAVs of the Army were also put into operation to monitor the situation. The proactive approach jointly taken by the J&K police, civil administration (divisional commissioner and district collector's office) and the Indian Army has ensured the situation is in control," a defence spokesman had said.

Mobile internet services continued to remain suspended as a precautionary measure to check spread of rumours but the BSNL broadband services are functioning normally.

The officials said all government-run and private schools of the Jammu province remained closed while examinations for Classes 8 and 9 and practical exams of Class 12, scheduled for the day, stand postponed.

A Jammu university spokesman said the teaching work in the varsity remained suspended in view of the prevailing situation and all examinations, both theory and practical, have been postponed.

The SKUAST-Jammu also postponed all internal examinations scheduled for the day, the officials said, adding that fresh dates for the exams will be notified later.

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The RSS-affiliated SJM Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create hurdles for Chinese companies doing business in India as China continues to block New Delhi's attempts to designate Masood Azhar, whose JeM carried out the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama, as a "global terrorist".

In a letter to Modi, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) co-convener Ashwani Mahajan said the dastardly terrorist attack in Pulwama has shaken the conscience of the nation and at this time steps should be taken to prevent the economic gain of any nation that directly or tacitly supports such terrorists.

"It is widely known that the Chinese government continues to block our nation's attempts to designate Masood Azhar, chief architect of these terror attacks, as a 'global terrorist'.

"At such a time, we believe it is imperative that the government create similar hurdles for Chinese companies that are using India for their economic gain," Mahajan said.

Welcoming the government's decision to withdraw the most favoured nation tag and raise customs duties for all products imported from Pakistan, he said India should not allow Chinese companies to capture its user data without any restrictions and monitoring, as data is new oil.

He claimed that in the past two years there has been a proliferation of Chinese social media and e-commerce companies and other applications in India.

A number of them have in recent weeks been called out by the media as well as various concerned citizens for having undesirable content.

Such apps have been banned in various countries including Indonesia. These apps are known for sharing the details of children and being an open ground for child pornography and possibly anti-national activities.

Indian government should take necessary steps to ban Chinese apps, including TikTok and Helo, as they have undesirable content, he said.

India also needs to curtail the operations of Chinese telecom companies in India, which have already secured many vital and sensitive 4G contracts in India, he said asserting that there is a case for enforcing national security provisions in telecommunications.

Concluding the letter to the prime minister, the SJM said the government must stop supporting the companies of an enemy state and take a more comprehensive view of national security.

Forty CRPF jawans were killed in the terrorist attack in Pulwama.

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A Delhi court has sought response from the Enforcement Directorate on the bail plea of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah, arrested in a decade-old money laundering case for alleged terror financing.

The application was moved before Additional Sessions Judge Satish Kumar Arora on the ground of parity after the Delhi High Court recently granted bail to co-accused and alleged hawala dealer Mohammad Aslam Wani in the case.

The court has directed ED's Special Public Prosecutor N K Matta to file a reply to Shah's application by February 23, when the court will hear the matter.

The application submitted that the accused was wrongly and falsely implicated in the case.

Advocate M S Khan moved the bail application on behalf of Shah, saying that Wani has already been granted bail and that there was lack of evidence against Shah.

The case was registered in 2007 for the alleged offence committed in 2005 and the accused was arrested on July 25, 2017.

"The petitioner is a respectable person and is a known political leader and the allegations levelled against him are motivated and based on falsehood," the application said.

It further claimed that Shah, who is in judicial custody and lodged in Tihar central jail, Delhi, was "innocent, having deep roots in the society and a permanent resident of Srinagar and, therefore, there is no chance of absconding or tempering with the prosecution evidence".

The court had in August 2017 denied bail to Shah after ED submitted that it was probing whether he had received money from "enemy countries" like Pakistan to promote terrorism in India.

Shah was arrested in connection with the August 2005 case in which the Special Cell of Delhi Police had arrested Wani, claiming that Rs 63 lakh was recovered from Wani, out of which Rs 52 lakh was allegedly to be delivered to Shah.

The agency had earlier issued summonses to Shah in the case, the prosecution had said, adding that Wani had claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah.

Investigating agencies such as the NIA have cracked down on Hurriyat leaders, arresting Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law -- Altaf Ahmed Shah, also known as Altaf Fantoosh -- and several other Kashmiri separatists.

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The Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department along with the Assam Rifles seized one lakh Methamphetamine tablets from a person here and arrested him, officials said Monday.

The seized contraband is valued at Rs 3.5 crore in the local market, an official said.

The man, a resident of Karimganj district in Assam was arrested on Sunday night and booked under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Also known as 'speed pills', 'party drugs' or 'crystal meth', Methamphetamine is illegally manufactured in Myanmar, the official added.

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The Congress said Monday that it will bring a breach of privilege motion against Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar for allegedly misleading the Goa Assembly through a Public Accounts Committee report on illegal mining.

The report had been prepared in 2011 when Parrikar was the leader of opposition.

The Congress has latched onto a statement by state power minister and BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral that the PAC report was a "political stunt".

All India Congress Committee Secretary A Chellakumar said the state Congress Legislative Party will meet in a couple of days to decide (formally) on moving the privilege motion against Parrikar.

The report had pointed out irregularities in the mining industry in the coastal state, after which the Supreme Court appointed M B Shah Commission to conduct inquiry.

Minister Cabral had said recently during a TV debate that the PAC report tabled by Parrikar was a "political stunt". He later claimed he meant to say "stand" and not "stunt"



Chellakumar alleged that to gain power in the 2012 Assembly elections, Parrikar used the PAC report to mislead people and the Assembly.

Leader of Opposition Chandrakant Kavlekar said Cabral's "confession" indicated that the BJP twisted the mining issue to target Congress leaders.

When contacted, Cabral claimed he was being misquoted.

"During the debate I said it was a political stand taken at that time to expose the then ruling Congress government," he said.

"I uttered the word 'stunt' but quickly clarified that I meant 'stand'," the BJP leader added.

The PAC report was based on the findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), he further said.

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The Congress on Monday backed the demand of about 2.5 lakh civil service aspirants who have been asking for a compensatory attempt to appear for the examination, saying the government should immediately address the issue.

The opposition party also assured the protesting students that as soon as it is voted to power, it will take a relook at the entire process and ensure there is no bias.

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi, in a statement, said 2.5 lakh affected aspirants have been protesting to get a compensatory attempt to appear for Civil Service Exam as at least four attempts were disturbed owing to "abrupt and frequent" alterations in pattern of the all India civil service exams after the introduction of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in 2011 prelims.

"The Modi government is hell bent on turning India's demographic dividend into demographic disaster," Chaturvedi said, alleging that the government was "anti-youth".

The NDA government in its five years of governance has proven that it continues to play over the future of the young population, she claimed.

Precedence in 1979, 1992 and 2011 suggests that students have been given compensatory attempts when big changes happen, the Congress leader said.

In a meeting with Congress president Rahul Gandhi in 2014 and at his intervention these students were given two additional attempts at the examination and a reassurance that entire CSAT would be reviewed once the election process was over, she said.

The students demand that due to the "abrupt changes" in the format and syllabus of the UPSC exams, those who appeared in those years should get another attempt in 2019.

"Since the notification would be out on 19th February, 2019, we demand this government looks at this immediately," Chaturvedi said.

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Coal India arms CCL and BCCL Monday announced contributing about Rs 1.75 crore to the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng from Jharkhand who was martyred in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were martyred in Pulwama on February 14 when a terrorist rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus carrying them.

Both Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) are based out of Jharkhand.

"CCL and BCCL, both subsidiaries of Coal India, have jointly decided to contribute about Rs 1.75 crore to the family of brave martyred Vijay Soreng of Jharkhand," CCL said in a statement.

In a meeting, "It was unanimously decided that an amount of Rs 200 will be contributed by every employee ie both executives and non-executives of CCL. The said amount will be deducted from their salary of February itself to be paid in March 2019," the statement said.

It added that a similar decision was also taken in BCCL.

Earlier, CCL Chairman and Managing Director Gopal Singh, who is also in the charge of CMD of BCCL, placed a wreath on the martyr's body at Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, before it was sent to his home district Gumla.

CCL has a manpower of 39,581, as on January 1, while the staff strength of BCCL is 46,344.

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Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has ordered an inquiry into alleged fake calls made by someone impersonating as the CJI to two high court chief justices, asking them to recommend names of some lawyers as judges of the high courts.

The CJI has ordered a probe into the calls made to Telangana High Court Chief Justice T B Radhakrishnan and the acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court L Narayana Swamy and issued an advisory to the judges of high courts not to entertain calls in his name or from his office.

The office of the CJI had come to know of the incident during routine conversations with Justices Radhakrishnan and Swamy following which the apex court's registry lodged a complaint at the Tilak Nagar police station.

According to media reports, the caller had last week, masqueraded as H K Juneja, personal private secretary of Justice Gogoi, over a voice call and asked the judges to send recommendations for elevation of judges in the high court.

The reports state that the unidentified caller had telephoned the judges again impersonating as Juneja and said that CJI Gogoi wanted to speak to him on the recommendations.

After this, the caller had spoken to the judges imitating CJI Gogoi's voice repeating the request to elevate the advocates.

A preliminary probe has revealed that the calls had originated from the apex court's electronic private branch exchange (EPBX) system but had actually been made from a mobile phone.

Justice Gogoi had convened a high-level meeting with the top court's telecommunication wing and other officials where it was confirmed that a call from a mobile can be routed through the court's EPBX system using a software.

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Congress Monday appealed to the people of Mizoram and the north eastern region to vote against the BJP and its allies in the coming Lok Sabha polls as it is determined to legislate the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill.

BJP national president Amit Shah told a rally at Lakhimpur in Assam on Sunday that if the the Narendra Modi-led BJP government returns to power in the coming Lok Sabha elections, it would ensure the passage of the Bill.

It had been passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8, it was not tabled in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is now set to lapse on June 3, when the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends.

"As BJP is hell bent on the passage of the proposed amendment bill, the people of Mizoram as well as the north eastern states should unite against the BJP and its allies for the defeat of the proposed legislation," the statement said.

The Congress said that the fact that Shah "dared" to express on the soil of the north east BJP's determination to pass the proposed amendment bill showed that he has no respect for the people of the region and their wishes.

The North East Students Organisation(NESO), which spearheaded the movement against the Bill, also issued a press statement condemning the speeches of Shah.

"We are against the illegal Bangladeshis and we do not differentiate them on the basis of their religion. An illegal Bangladeshi is an illegal Bangladeshi, irrespective of whether the person is a Hindu or a Muslim," it said.

The body further stated that the students of the north east region will never accept the 'draconian bill' and called upon all the indigenous peoples of the region to thwart the "evil designs" for the survival of the race, identity, culture, language and future generations.

The Citizenship(Amendment) Bill, 2019 provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

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Two subsidiaries of Coal India Limited - Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) - have decided to donate Rs 1.75 crore to martyred CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng's family, an official release said Monday.

Vijay Soreng was a resident of Pharsma village in Jharkhand's Gumla district and he was among the 40 CRPF personnel killed in Pulwama terror attack on February 14.

"At a meeting presided by CCL/BCCL CMD Gopal Singh here Sunday, it was decided that every employee, executive and non-executive, will contribute Rs 200 to the noble cause," the joint release from the public sector units said.

"Jharkhand is the land of supreme sacrifice and it is moral responsibility to ensure future life of Vijay Sorengs family," Gopal Singh said.

A CCL team will visit Soreng's family in Gumla, it said.

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West Bengal Chief Secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar Monday filed separate affidavits in the Supreme Court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.

They responded to the notices issued on February 5 by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said that after perusing the affidavits, a decision will be taken whether they would required to make personal appearance before it on February 20.

It said the Secretary General of the apex court will inform the trio on Feb 19 whether they are required to be present on February 20.

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West Bengal government and its police refuted CBI allegations in the Supreme Court Monday that they obstructed investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam cases, with the state cops asserting the central agency forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology" for alleged disobedience of the court.

The trio maintained however that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers opposed the contempt petition against in which CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to the probe agency not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

Referring to the February 3 incident, Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar said in his affidavit that CBI forcibly tried to enter his house without valid papers. The contention has been supported by the DGP in his affidavit.

They have also claimed that no police officials went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action.

The DGP and Kumar said no police officer, in uniform or otherwise at any given point in time, ever sat or joined the dharna along with Banerjee.

Kumar said it was "very intriguing" as to why a major decision by the CBI was taken to interrogate him on February 3, which was the last day in office of the then interim CBI director M Nageswara Rao.

"In this context, it is also pertinent to mention here that Sunday i.e. February 3, 2019, was the last day in office of the interim CBI Director, who was to be replaced by the present Director, CBI, the very next day i.e. on February 4, 2019," he said in his affidavit.

Kumar further said: "It seems very intriguing as to why such a major decision could not wait even for a single day for the new Director CBI to join, especially when the last notice was issued to the answering respondent, after a gap of more than a year, as noted hereinabove.

"The action taken by the CBI, was also de hors the orders passed by the Calcutta High Court keeping in abeyance the notices issued by the CBI under section 160, CrPC to the State Police Officials, in presence of the counsels representing the CBI."



Kumar, against whom CBI has alleged tampering of electronic evidence including call detail records, said he was never in direct possession of evidence, material or documents.

They responded to the notices issued on February 5 by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said that after perusing the affidavits, a decision will be taken whether they would required to make personal appearance before it on February 20.

It said the Secretary General of the apex court will inform the trio on February 19 whether they are required to be present on February 20.

The apex court on February 4 had said that "if the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret".

In the backdrop of the February 4 and 5 hearings, Kumar, who was also accused by the CBI of shielding people close to the ruling Trinamool Congress, said: "He was never in exclusive and direct possession of evidences/ material/documents as alleged in the instant petition, for him to act contumaciously or subvert any orders passed by this Court.

"Materials have either been in the exclusive custody of the various Investigating Officers as part of the investigative units under their supervisory officers across the state and/or the appropriate courts in accordance with applicable law."



He said in the Special Investigative Team constituted by the state that "he was a member and not in a supervisory role of investigation units but was discharging function as an administrative & logistic coordinator".

Kumar said there were Assistant Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Joint Commissioner of Police rank officers for closer and direct supervision of the investigation of cases in Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, where the deponent was posted as Commissioner of Police.

While maintaining that 76 cases have been lodged in connection with the chit fund scam, Kumar said that "his presence, adjacent to the site of dharna" was to "discharge his duties" as Director General of Police and Inspector General of Police, West Bengal, had come to the place which had become, for all practical purposes, a makeshift secretariat/camp office of the chief minister.

They were there to "tackle any unforeseen situation which could have arisen due to the volatile and evolving situation", he said.

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West Bengal government and its police refuted CBI allegations in the Supreme Court Monday that they obstructed investigation into the Saradha chit fund scam cases, with the state cops asserting the central agency forcefully tried to enter the Kolkata police commissioner's residence on February 3 without valid papers.

Chief secretary Malay Kumar De, DGP Virendera Kumar and Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar filed separate affidavits in the apex court on the contempt petition moved by the CBI in connection with the scam and tendered "unconditional and unambiguous apology" alleged disobedience of the court.

The trio maintained however that the West Bengal government and the state police at no point of time obstructed investigation nor any official denied cooperation to CBI.

The officers opposed the contempt petition against them in which the CBI alleged that they were tampering with evidence and not complying with the apex court's various orders relating to the probe by asserting that there was a need for directions to CBI not to make any vague allegations without substantial and cogent evidence.

Referring to the February 3 incident, police commissioner Rajeev Kumar said in his affidavit that CBI forcibly tried to enter his house without valid papers. The contention has been supported by the DGP in his affidavit.

They have also claimed that no police officials went on 'dharna manch' where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee sat to protest the CBI action.

Kumar, against whom CBI has alleged tampering of electronic evidence including call detail records, said he was never in direct possession of evidence, material or documents.

They responded to the notices issued on February 5 by the apex court which had asked them to clarify their stand on the allegation that evidence was tampered with and the state police was not cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said that after perusing the affidavits, a decision will be taken whether they would required to make personal appearance before it on February 20.

It said the Secretary General of the apex court will inform the trio on Feb 19 whether they are required to be present on February 20.

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Chinese police have investigated 380 online lenders and frozen USD 1.5 billion in assets following an avalanche of scandals in the huge but lightly regulated industry, the government announced Monday.

Beijing allowed a private finance industry to flourish in order to supply credit to entrepreneurs and households that aren't served by the state-run banking system. But that threatens to become a liability for the ruling Communist Party after bankruptcies and fraud cases prompted protests and complaints of official indifference to small investors.

The police ministry said it launched the investigation because person-to-person, or P2P, lending was increasingly risky and rife with complaints about fraud, mismanagement and waste.

The ministry gave no details of arrests but said more than 100 executives were being sought by investigators and some had fled abroad. It said authorities seized or froze 10 billion yuan (USD 1.5 billion) but gave no indication how much might be returned to depositors.

Police say some lenders and investment vehicles were brazenly fraudulent, while others collapsed after inexperienced founders failed to manage risk.

Monday's statement said P2P lenders were investigated for complaints including wasting money, reporting phony investment plans and using illegal tactics to raise money.

Lending through online platforms grew by triple digits annually until 2017 when regulators tightened controls.

Depositors lent 1.9 trillion yuan (USD 280 billion) last year, but that was down by 50 percent from 2017, according to the Shenzhen Qiancheng Internet Finance Research Institute.

The outstanding loan balance stood at 1.2 trillion yuan (USD 177 billion) at the end of 2018, down 25 percent from a year earlier, according to Diyi Wangdai, a web site that reports on the industry.

P2P lenders are part of a privately run Chinese finance industry the national bank regulator estimated in 2015 had grown to USD 1.5 trillion.

The internet has helped financial platforms attract money from financial novices with little knowledge of the risks involved.

Many lend to factories and retailers or invest in restaurants, car washes and other businesses. But inexperience and poor risk control means a downturn in business conditions can bankrupt them.

Finance as a whole has come under tougher scrutiny after a 2015 plunge in stock prices led to accusations of insider trading and other offenses.

In one of China's biggest financial scams, authorities say depositors lost 50 billion yuan (USD 7.7 billion) in online lender Ezubo before it was seized by regulators in 2015.

The founder and his brother were sentenced to life in prison in 2017.

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Chinese authorities on Monday defended a ban on schoolchildren attending informal Tibetan language classes taught by Buddhist monks in western China, as religious and cultural freedoms in the country come under increasing pressure.

A county in western Qinghai -- a province with a large Tibetan population that is mostly Buddhist -- in December ordered an immediate halt to informal language classes taught by monks during the winter school holidays.

The lessons taught in monasteries in the province bordering Tibet have gained popularity among parents as a way for their children to learn a language that is being sidelined from the official curriculum.

It follows a similar ban last summer barring Tibetan students from taking part in religious activities during their holidays.

The provincial government on Monday told AFP that the lessons were "illegal" and said the monasteries were "safety hazards" as well as being "ill-equipped" to teach students.

"According to Chinese law... is conducted by the government. No organisation or person can use religion as a means of obstructing the state system," it said in a statement.

It added that the classes pose a financial burden to students and their families, and contravene regulations to reduce the workload of students.

Monasteries and monks who do not follow the new rules will be "dealt with in accordance with the law", the statement said.

The regulations follow similar edicts by the ruling Communist Party in other regions with large ethnic minority populations, starting with a clampdown on Islam in Xinjiang, a Muslim-majority region in the far west.

Rights groups have accused the Chinese government of curbing religious freedoms and cultural rights.

"Qinghai authorities' responses about the ban strain credulity," Human Rights Watch China researcher Sophie Richardson said.

"They fail to address previous official comments demonising these informal classes, and are reminiscent of the after-the-fact justifications for other instances of disregard for cultural rights and religious freedom." China's constitution protects free speech and religion but critics say in reality there is little room for opinions that challenge government policies.

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China's government has accused Washington of trying to block its industrial development after Vice President Mike Pence said Chinese tech giant Huawei and other telecom equipment suppliers are a security threat.

A foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that Beijing would not use its companies to gather information about foreign companies.

The spokesman, Geng Shuang, said Washington was trying to "fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development" of Chinese companies.

Pence, speaking Saturday in Germany, urged European governments to take seriously "the threat" posed by Huawei as they look for partners to build next-generation wireless infrastructure.

Huawei has denied accusations that it facilitates Chinese spying.

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Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Monday claimed the Centre was "willing to apportion" the fiscal burden of about Rs 30,000 crore of food account between itself and banks but the previous government put this onerous burden on the state.

Also lashing out at the previous SAD-BJP government, Badal accused it of inflicting several wounds on the state's fiscal by converting cash credit limit gap into long term loan of Rs 30,584.11 crore.

Badal made these claims while presenting his budget for 2019-20 in the ongoing Punjab Assembly session here.

Notably, the food account arose because of the mismatch between cash credit availed for procuring wheat and paddy and foodgrain stocks in the account books of the state procurement agencies since 2004.

The account included Rs 12,000 crore principal and around Rs 19,000 crore interest and Punjab has been paying Rs 3,240 crore interest per annum on it which it has to pay for 20 years.

"While the previous government inflicted several wounds on the state's fiscal, the unkindest cut of them all was the conversion of Rs 30,584.11 crore of CCL gap into long-term loan on the last day of the previous government, Badal said in his speech in the House.

We now have documentary evidence that proves that the Government of India was willing to apportion the burden between itself and the banks, but the then government for reasons best known to them, put this onerous burden on the people of Punjab. Nothing can be more unkind to the Punjabi taxpayer than this, Badal claimed.

Nonetheless, faced with a burden of servicing the long term debt at the rate of Rs 3,240 crore per annum on account of the legacy gap in CCL, the state government is actively engaged in making all possible efforts to reduce the recurring gap arising on account of food procurement every year, said Badal.

However, the state FM informed the House that the 15th Finance Commission had notified a committee the chairmanship of Ramesh Chand, who is member of the commission with representatives from the Ministry of Food and Public distribution and Ministry of Finance, Government of India and Chief Secretary, state government to recommend a time bound resolution to the festering CCL issue that is plaguing the state's finances.

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Chairman of Peoples Conference and former minister Sajad Gani Lone Monday said he "cannot support" the decision to withdraw security to separatists in Kashmir, noting his father was killed months after his security was "lowered".

The security cover of six separatist leaders, including Sajad Lone's elder brother Bilal Lone, was withdrawn Sunday, a decision that comes in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"It is their (government's) decision (withdrawing security to separatists) but personally as far as I am concerned, I have lost my father and I cannot support it because I will never support violence of any sort against anyone," Sajad Lone, son of politician-turned-separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, said.

The elder Lone, a prominent Hurriyat leader, was assassinated in 2002 during a rally to mark the death anniversary of former Mirwaiz of Kashmir Moulvi Mohammad Farooq in Srinagar. Moulvi Farooq, father of Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was assassinated in 1990.

"The security of my father was lowered in 2002 and after a few months, I received his body at home. I am not in a position to defend this decision (withdrawal of security)," the separatist-turned politician said, adding that "had I not been provided security, I would not have fought the elections because I would not have been alive then".

Besides Bilal, the security cover of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Gani Bhat, Hashim Qureshi, Fazal Haq Qureshi and Shabir Shah has been withdrawn.

Replying to a question that the Hurriyat leaders are toeing the Pakistan line, Sajad Lone said it was also been said about him sometime back.

"Today I am being projected as an example... And give this example that had he not been given security, he should not have been alive today," he said.

Sajad Lone was a minister in the erstwhile PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir. His party, the People's Conference, is an ally of the BJP.

The PC chairman said one should not be selective. "My father and Mirwaiz's father were killed. I do not know what prompted this decision.

"Why they were provided security? There was no threat from the government side but they were provided security because there was threat to their lives from the same people who are your enemies as well," he said and added that there was no justification for taking away their security.

"India is a great country and if they feel their enemy is facing a threat, they provide security to him and that is how India is distinctive in the world," Sajad Lone said.

He also expressed concerned over "intimidation and harassment" of Kashmiri students, professionals and families living outside the valley and said "it is unacceptable and cannot be passed off as a purportedly natural outburst" to the terror attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead in south Kashmir on Thursday.

"These incidents are tantamount to trivialising the enormous sufferings and the pain suffered by the people of Kashmir over the period of the last three decades while their lives were engulfed by the scourge of violence and terror. They have been at the receiving end of the devastation that comes with a prolonged conflict and they have borne the brunt.

"To attack them, single them out and harass them is shameful and those behind such mob-mentality and bullying should be dealt with in the strongest of terms," the former minister said.

He said if stone pelting is wrong in Kashmir, it is equally wrong in Jammu and should attract the same legal and administrative response.

"What is wrong in Kashmir cannot be deemed acceptable and tolerable in Jammu. Law and order is the subject of the state administration and they need to ensure that there is zero tolerance for these mobs in Jammu and those who are involved are arrested and persecuted," the PC chairman said.

He said all the state governments are duty bound to ensure the safety and security of all Kashmiri students, professionals and families residing in their respective states and no laxity should be tolerated in this matter.

"I have spoken to various state government authorities and police authorities in various states and sought foolproof safety and security of Kashmiri students and families in those states," he said.

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The Calcutta High Court Monday allowed a 42-year-old woman to terminate her 29-week pregnancy since the foetus was suffering from Down Syndrome, considering her claim of mental, physical and financial stress.

Noting that the state has not come forward to alleviate her problems by offering any financial and medical assistance, a division bench headed by Acting Chief Justice B Somadder said along with the unborn child, the mother also has a right to life with dignity.

A report by a medical board constituted by the West Bengal government has said that the foetus is suffering from Down Syndrome and is likely to be affected by deformities in the oesophagus, heart and abdomen.

The report of the government-appointed panel said that the child, if born, would require long-term treatment and specialised care, but the outcome is uncertain, the woman's lawyers told the court.

The bench, also comprising Justice Arindam Mukherjee, observed that the birth of the child in such circumstances would lead to immense mental and physical agony to the mother.

The court allowed the woman, who is at present into 29 weeks of pregnancy, to have the abortion done at a registered private facility.

Her lawyers, Kallol Basu and Apalak Basu, had approached the division bench of the court after its single bench refused permission for the abortion.

Stating that losing a child is a mother's worst nightmare, the woman pleaded that her age and financial status will come in the way of giving the child required treatment and care.

The lawyers told the division bench that the child would suffer in absence of proper medical care owing to the family's humble financial condition.

They said that the petitioner, a homemaker, would approach a registered private facility for the medical process, if permission is granted, as government hospitals are averse to aborting a foetus at such an advanced stage.

Her husband (48) works in a private firm, earning a very modest salary, they reasoned.

The couple have another school-going child who is 13 years old.

According to the Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971, permission of high court is required to abort a foetus which is 20 weeks old or more.

A single bench of the high court had on January 29 refused permission to the woman to terminate her pregnancy, when the foetus was 26-week old.

The medical board at the state-run SSKM Hospital had in a report to the court said the prognosis of the baby is likely to be better if it is delivered on completion of the full term of pregnancy.

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder that involves birth defects, intellectual disabilities and characteristic facial features.

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The Calcutta High Court on Monday gave MP Soumitra Khan, who had recently joined the BJP after quitting Trinamool Congress, interim protection from arrest for four weeks in connection with cases of allegedly taking money on the promise of giving jobs.

Hearing an application by the Bishnupur MP for anticipatory bail in connection with the cases, a division bench headed by Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed Khan not to enter the jurisdiction of Bankura district till further order.

In complaints lodged with Barjora police station in Bankura district, three persons had alleged that Khan had taken money from them in 2018 on the promise of securing them government jobs.

They claimed that they had not been given jobs despite having paid money to the MP.

Praying for anticipatory bail to Khan, his lawyers Sandipan Ganguly and Suvasish Dasgupta submitted that the complaints were false and motivated and that the MP was a victim of political vendetta.

They told the division bench, also comprising Justice M Mandal, that the criminal cases were lodged on January 10, 2019, a day after he joined the BJP after quitting TMC, the ruling party in West Bengal.

Public prosecutor Saswata Gopal Mukherjee opposed the anticipatory bail prayer of Khan stating that there were written complaints of three persons who were allegedly duped, along with statements by two independent witnesses.

He submitted that since the investigation was at a preliminary stage with the complaints having been lodged on January 10, granting anticipatory bail would hamper the probe.

After hearing both the parties, the court granted Khan interim protection from arrest for four weeks and posted the matter for March 19.

The bench also directed him not to enter the jurisdiction of Bankura district other than the purpose of investigation or for appearance in local courts.

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Most shops and commercial establishments in Chhattisgarh remained closed on Monday in protest against the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The shutdown call, which exempted medical stores, perishable items' markets and petrol pumps, was given by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

Amar Parwani of CAIT's Chhattisgarh unit told PTI that shopkeepers were requested to down shutters till 1pm on Monday and all trade bodies, including the Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce, obliged.

He said shop owners in major cities like Durg, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Dhamtari and Korba participated in the shutdown.

As part of the protest, shopkeepers in capital Raipur gathered at Nagar Ghadi Chowk and observed two-minute silence.

He said traders have also been asked to voluntarily make donations to help the kin of the martyred jawans.

Forty Central Reserve Police Force troopers were killed on February 14 when a Jaish-e-Mohammed operative rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the paramilitary force's convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

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A Bangladesh national, who was caught by BSF trying to cross the International border in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district, was on Monday handed over to the BGB as a goodwill gesture, officials said.

The BSF troops deployed at Laijuri area in East Jaintia Hills district apprehended one Bangladeshi national



Saidul Islam - while trying to sneak into Indian territory.

After preliminary questioning, the 35 year-old man hailing from Utholigram village under Chouranga district was handed over to Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) in presence of local police as a goodwill gesture, a BSF spokesperson said in a statement.

He said the BSF troops has also seized 266 cattle and contraband items worth over Rs 57 lakh while being smuggled out from India to Bangladesh on the International Border along Meghalaya since in the past one week.

These cattle and items were seized from Tukya, Nayabazar, Lyngkhat, Umsyiem, Ryngku, Mukamchera and Shella in East Khasi Hills district, Muktapur in West Jaintia Hills district, Gumaghat in South West Khasi Hills and Baghmara in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, the statement said.

The apprehension and the seizure of cattle and items were made following the BSF stepping up their special drive against the illegal intruders and intensified operations on the Indo-Bangladesh Border to prevent trans border criminals from carrying out anti-national activities, it said.

Meghalaya Frontier of the BSF is in charge of guarding the 443 km-long Indo-Bangladesh border, most parts of which are unfenced, hilly and difficult to man.

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A Border Security Force (BSF) constable drowned in river Padma while chasing cow smugglers near the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal's Murshidabd district, an official said.

A BSF patrol party noticed miscreants along with cattle heads trying to cross over to Bangladesh on Thursday night, a BSF official.

The BSF troops challenged them to stop but they did not pay any heed and continued to move with cattle heads with intention to smuggle them to Bangladesh. The smugglers were armed with sticks and other sharp edged weapons, a BSF release said.

During the operation constable Debashis Roy who was part of patrol party ran towards the smugglers to apprehend them.

"During the chase, he ran after the smugglers and jumped into Padma River to catch them. During this process he got entangled in mud and could not come out from the water and made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," the release said.

The BSF patrol team apprehended 11 Indian and one Bangladeshi miscreant and caught 74 cattle heads during the operation, the official said.

The apprehended



smugglers and the cattle were handed over to the police, he added.

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The heir to Britain's throne, Prince Charles, has spoken out in favour of wider use of yoga by the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) as a means to ease the pressure on healthcare resources.

The 70-year-old royal, known for his support for alternative therapies, came out in favour of the ancient Indian practice in a written message to the Yoga in Healthcare conference in London over the weekend.

"The development of therapeutic, evidence-based yoga is, I believe, an excellent example of how yoga can contribute to health and healing, said Charles, the Prince of Wales.

"For thousands of years, millions of people have experienced yoga's ability to improve their lives This not only benefits the individual, but also conserves precious and expensive health resources for others where and when they are most needed, he said.

Queen Elizabeth II's son and heir expressed his support for more yoga classes because he said they not only had tremendous social benefits but also built "discipline, self-reliance and self-care".

"I will watch the development of therapeutic yoga in the UK with great interest and very much look forward to hearing about the outcomes from your conference," he said.

The Yoga in Healthcare Alliance was set up with a mission to make yoga more accessible and collaborates with the NHS to create a model to help integrate yoga into healthcare systems.

The conference, held at the University of Westminster in London from February 15-17, brought together opinion leaders and pioneers in yoga research, health policy, and government to address integration of yoga into the NHS.

"At a time when we are faced with unprecedented levels of preventable lifestyle diseases, and tragic levels of health inequality, the NHS and healthcare systems around the world are searching for low-cost ways to empower people towards better self-care. Increasingly, they are looking towards yoga, the alliance said in a statement.

Duncan Selbie, the chief executive of the UK government's Public Health England agency, told yoga therapists at the event that some of the government's health funding would go towards yoga classes.

"Yoga is an evidenced intervention and a strengthening activity that we know works," he said.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) the body responsible for laying out healthcare guidelines already recommends yoga for lower back pain. The Yoga in Healthcare Alliance said it now plans to map how yoga can become an integral part of the NHS.

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For over 40 years, spiritual healer Joao Teixeira de Faria drew people from all over the world to this small city in central Brazil, offering treatment for everything from depression to cancer.

His work was both praised Oprah Winfrey called de Faria "inspiring" while visiting in 2012 and heavily scrutinized. Now, de Faria, who goes by the name "Joao de Deus," or "John of God," is in trouble with the law.

Since December, more than 250 women including his daughter have come forward to allege abuse that ranged from being felt up during treatments to rape.

The mounting accusations are turning the 77-year-old spiritual guru into Brazil's first major figure to go down in the #metoo era, which has been slow to take off in Latin America's largest nation despite myriad problems with gender equality.

Meanwhile, the people in Abadiania, about a two-hour drive west from the nation's capital of Brasilia, are in disbelief. They also fear for their futures without de Faria.

"All of Abadiania depended on the work of Joao," said Claudio Pruja, the owner of a small inn who also sometimes worked as an assistant to de Faria. "We don't have a beach. This isn't Copacabana."



Indeed, de Faria's pull was so strong that the much more affluent "new" part of the town, built in the years since the healer opened his clinic in 1976, stands in sharp contrast to the older, run down part of town: There are brightly colored houses, swept streets, hotels with ATM machines inside a rarity in small Brazilian cities as well as specialty boutiques that cater to tourists and police constantly patrolling.

By some estimates, his "casa spiritual," or "spiritual house," attended to 10,000 patients a week. It was there that de Faria, who over the decades came under sharp scrutiny from critics who deemed him a charlatan, performed "psychic" surgeries that he said could heal a wide range of maladies.

Sometimes treatments were based on prayer, and sometimes they involved minor cutting into the body.

In 2012, Winfrey visited de Faria's center and interviewed him for her talk show, writing about the experience of seeing him cut into the breast of a woman without anesthesia.

"An overwhelming sense of peace" is how she described the experience in a column that has since been deleted on oprah.com.

Winfrey has issued a statement saying she sympathizes with the alleged victims and hopes they get justice.

According to more than 250 women, it was during the healing sessions that de Faria molested them or began grooming them for what would lead to forced sexual contact outside the clinic.

Luciano Miranda, a public prosecutor, told The Associated Press that his office had received testimony from women from six countries: Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Bolivia, the United States and Holland.

De Faria's victims were of all ages, and he would often begin by turning off the lights and asking for a massage, Miranda said.

"The biggest fear of victims was not being believed," Miranda added. He said some of the women said they held off talking publicly about it for years because of worry they "could lose their husbands." The scandal erupted when several women talked about their experiences on the show "Conversa com Bial" in December, leading to an avalanche of similar accusations in the weeks that followed.

The US Embassy in Brazil published an alert asking Americans to contact Brazilian authorities if they had been abused by de Faria.

De Faria's adult daughter, Dalva Teixeira, told Brazilian magazine Veja that her father frequently raped her between the ages of 10 and 14, all on the pretense of spiritual treatments.

"My father is a monster," she told the magazine.

De Faria's lawyers have noted that many of the allegations are decades old, and in some cases involved women who repeatedly visited the healer putting into question the veracity of their abuse claims.

They argue their client, who has been arrested, should be released before a trial. They have called on Brazilians to know all the facts before judging.

"Lynchings are always potentially unjust and lead a society to find scapegoats in individuals," lawyers Alberto Zacharias Toron and Luisa Moraes Abreu Ferreira wrote in a December op-ed in daily Folha de S. Paulo.

The accusations against de Faria come as cases of alleged abuse have emerged in several Latin American countries. In Argentina, a well-known actor, a senator and a legislative chief of staff have been accused of sexual harassment to assault. In Costa Rica, a criminal complaint alleging sexual assault was filed against former president and Nobel peace laureate Oscar Arias, leading other women to come forward with accusations.

Of the women who made the initial accusations on "Conversa com Bial," only one agreed to be identified. Zahira Lieneke Mous, a Danish choreographer, recounted how she visited de Faria to deal with sexual abuse in her past.

During a first consultation, she said he placed her hands on his penis, and in a second encounter penetrated her from behind. After remaining silent for four years, she detailed her accusations in a Facebook post last year and told her story on the show. Contacted since then, Mous has declined to be interviewed.

Two other alleged victims reached by the AP have also declined to give interviews.

In Abadiania, where many express surprise at the allegations against de Faria, the married guru was seen around town as a lady's man.

Norberto Kist, another inn owner who often assisted de Faria, said the man he considered a "father" was attractive to women.

"He had an energy," said Kist, waving his hands for emphasis. "And that generated fascination in women.

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The body of Havaldar Sheo Ram, who was killed in an encounter with terrorists in the Pinglan area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district Monday, is being brought to his native village in Rajasthan, an official said.

The body will reach the Jaipur airport on Monday night and will then be taken to Tiba Basat village in Khetri tehsil, where the last rites will be performed with full state honours Tuesday, Defence spokesperson Sombit Ghosh said.

Three Jaish terrorists, four Army personnel, including a Major, a policeman and a civilian were killed in the encounter in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans.

At least nine security personnel, including a brigade commander, a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general of the Jammu and Kashmir police, were injured in the gun battle that lasted nearly 16 hours.

Condoling the death of the security personnel, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "I am deeply saddened by the martyrdom of Army bravehearts, including Sheo Ram of Jhujhunu district. Our valiant soldiers of the Army have set a supreme example of bravery by sacrificing their lives for the country."



Sheo Ram, a 55 Rashtriya Rifles jawan, was posted in Pulwama. He is survived by his mother Sharli Devi, wife Sunita Devi and a four-year-old son, the Defence official said.

The three Jaish terrorists killed in the encounter includes a Pakistani national and top commander of the group linked to the February 14 CRPF bombing and a local recruited by the terror group, officials said.

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PDP president Mehbooba Mufti Monday expressed condolences to the families of soldiers killed in the Pulwama encounter, saying the bloodshed will only stop when the Centre overhauls its approach to Jammu and Kashmir.

"Deepest condolences to the families. This bloodshed will only stop when GoI (Government of India) overhauls its approach (rather lack of it) towards J&K," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said in a tweet.

She expressed the need to "stop the obsession with Pakistan" and "set our own house in order".

"Lets drop the obsession with Pakistan and get our own house in order. The current attitude will only worsen the situation & polarise the nation (sic)," she added.

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

At least six security personnel, including a Brigadier, a lieutenant colonel and a deputy inspector general, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from where a suicide bomber belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans.

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The Congress Monday alleged the BJP might have forced the bickering ally Shiv Sena to agree for the poll tie-up by "showing it fear" of Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil dared Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray to reveal the reasons behind taking a U-turn on alliance with the BJP for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

"I have information that the BJP might have compelled Shiv Sena to form an alliance by showing it fear of the Enforcement Directorate," Vikhe Patil told reporters in Pune, hours after the Sena and the BJP sealed a seat-sharing pact in the presence of BJP president Amit Shah in Mumbai.

The senior Congress leader said the tie-up underlines that the ruling allies have come together out of fear of losing polls.

As per the understanding between the two parties, the BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of total 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due later this year.

Vikhe Patil wondered how could the BJP approach the Sena for an understanding when the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah by "crossing all lines".

"The people of Maharashtra are mature enough and they will teach a lesson to both the parties. This alliance is a breach of trust of the people. It is ill-fated and opportunistic," he said.

In a tweet with a hashtag "GolmalReturns", Vikhe Patil stated, "As per my information, Shiv Sena is subjugated by BJP with by threatening the action by Enforcement Directorate. Therefore the declaration of alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena is taking place".

Vikhe Patil also said the Sena has proved again that "brokering a deal" was the only programme on its agenda.

Recalling that Thackeray had borrowed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's "chowkidar chor hai" jibe to attack the PM, the Congress leader accused the BJP of "forgetting insults heaped on its leadership".

"BJP too has lost all its self respect as its President Amit Shah went at the door steps of Uddhav Thackeray with a begging bowl. This goes to show that BJP has already sensed defeat. #GolmalReturns," he added.

The Congress and the NCP also wondered if the Sena had forgotten the slogan that it wanted a Ram temple to be constructed first in Ayodhya before talking about alliance.

Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil questionned if Sena has forgotten its criticism of Modi government on a range of issues and its declaration that it would go solo in elections.

Patil referred to the Sena's constant criticism of the government through editorials in its mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"The Shiv Sena had compared the Modi government with Britishers...It, however, has forgotten it," Patil tweeted.

NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik said that fear of losing the upcoming polls brought the ruling parties together.

"People will defeat the combine despite their coming together...the Shiv Sena will have to answer what happened to first temple and then government slogan," he said.

Referring to Thackeray's use of "chowkidar chor hai" slogan, Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam asked if the Sena wanted the same "thief" to retain power.

"It is clearly seen that the Shiv Sena is yet again joining hands with the BJP for power and that this is a selfish decision by both the parties," Nirupam told reporters.

Meanwhile, Nirupam said the Congress will give unemployment allowance to the youth if it comes to power, and announced the launch of the party's campaign in Mumbai.

TV actress Asawari Joshi joined the Congress in his presence.

"I always wanted to work for the people and therefore, I have decided to work with the Congress. I joined Congress because it is a secular party," she added.

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Overcoming their strained ties and grandiose declarations of going solo, the BJP and Shiv Sena Monday announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The announcement was made by BJP president Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at a joint press conference in the night, shortly after Shah flew in from Jaipur.

The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

Both Shah and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said public sentiment was that the two parties should come together.

Shah recalled his earlier remark that the BJP and Sena will together win at least 45 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Crores of workers of BJP and Shiv Sena wanted the alliance between the two parties, Shah said. The Sena is the oldest ally of BJP, he added.

The Ram temple has been the common thread for alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena and has to be built at the earliest, Thackeray said.

BJP and Sena are parties with national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said. In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, he added.

The alliance renewal announcement comes after several hard-hitting editorials in Sena mouthpiece Saamana blasting the BJP in general and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular.

At a public rally last year, Thackeray had declared that his party won't have a tie-up with the BJP. The party now appears to have given in to the 'persuasive skills' of Amit Shah and Fadnavis.

"We rotted for 25 years in the alliance with the BJP," Uddhav Thackeray had said last year, ruling out any pact with that party.

Announcing the seat-sharing, both the parties stressed that Hindutva was the common thread between them.

Fadnavis said the two parties with national ideology "have come together in the wider public interest".

Fadnavis also announced that the Nanar refinery project proposed in coastal Konkan will be shifted to a place acceptable to people.

Shah said it was the wish of the workers of the BJP and the Shiv Sena that the two parties joined hands for the elections.

"The two parties have respected that public sentiment and we have decided to contest the Lok Sabha, Assembly polls together," Fadnavis said.

"In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva," he said. Parties with national ideology have come together in wider public interest, he added.

The two parties have decided to join hands keeping in mind how they can work in the broader interest of farmers and the poor, he said.

"Uddhav ji has insisted on construction of Ram temple. And the BJP completely supports it," Fadnavis said, referring the Shiv Sena chief as 'margdarshak' (mentor) of his government.

On his part, Thackeray said there was anger and dissent among the people over the Pulwama attack. Thackeray said he expected the government to show to Pakistan that India was not a weak nation.

He also thanked Fadnavis for deciding to shift the proposed Nanar refinery project.

Shah said the two parties decided to contest the polls together after detailed thinking.

"This is not just a political alliance, but one based on principles. The two parties have fought for decades on the issues of Ram temple, national security and cultural nationalism and also attained victories. I am sure we will win again," he said.

"I thank and congratulate Uddhav ji for ending the differences with a large heart," he added.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the two parties along with their allies had won 42 out of the 48 seats. The BJP had bagged 23 seats, while the Shiv Sena had emerged victorious in 18 constituencies.

The two parties had contested the October 2014 Maharashtra Assembly election separately and had come together to form government in a post-poll arrangement in December that year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ruling allies and Shiv Sena, whose relations have been strained for quite some time, Monday announced a tie-up for the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

The will contest 25 seats and 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in The two parties will contest equal number of seats, along with their other allies, in elections for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

In a joint press conference with chief and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said public sentiment was that the two parties should come together.

The BJP and Sena alliance will win at least 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, Shah said.

Crores of workers of BJP and wanted the alliance between the two parties, Shah said. The Sena is the oldest ally of BJP, he added.

The Ram temple has been the common thread for alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena, Thackeray said. It has to be built at the earliest, he added.

BJP and Sena are parties with national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said. In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, he added.
Senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta Monday called for a probe against NC and PDP leaders for allegedly making anti-India statements.

"The BJP criticises the role of mainstream political parties which are giving anti-India statements and mislead the innocent Kashmiri people. The role of all such leaders from the National Conference and the PDP should be thoroughly examined and the culprits should be put behind the bars," Gupta said in a statement here.

His statement came a day after NC president Farooq Abdullah said the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the Pulwama terror attack, but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically".

Gupta said there was a need to formulate a policy to check the role of all those elements who were providing any type of assistance to "anti-national elements".

He hailed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik for withdrawing the security of separatist leaders.

He said it is a welcome step and there is a need to review the security cover of all those protected persons in the state who are provided with security from the pockets of tax payers of the country.

Paying homage to the four Army personnel who lost their lives in a gunfight with terrorists in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, the BJP leader said the sacrifice of the brave soldiers would not go in vain.

"Soon Pakistan will be taught a lesson that is providing all type of support to the anti-national elements," he said.

He appealed to the people of Jammu to maintain calm to keep alive the tradition of "Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb" (composite culture).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP in Odisha Monday said it will extend support to shutdown called in the state by Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), a farmers' organisation, on Thursday over pension and other demands.

Stating that farmers have the right to express their opinion and stage protest in a democracy, BJP Odisha unit president Basant Panda claimed that the BJD government has been trying to throttle the voice of the farmers which needs to be protested.

TheKS has called for a 12-hour Odisha Bandh on February 21 to protest the alleged apathy of the state government towards the farming community.

"Our party will support theKS, which has been demanding pension and proper price agricultural produce for farmers," Panda said.

National convener ofKS Akshaya Kumar alleged that the state government has deprived the farmers of their right to speech and freedom.

He said the organisation has requested political parties, think-tanks, traders' associations and the bus and truck operators to support the farmers' cause and make the bandh successful.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Augmented analytics, continuous intelligence and explainable artificial intelligence (AI) are among the top trends in data and analytics technology that have significant disruptive potential over the next three to five years, according to Gartner.

Speaking at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit in Sydney today, Rita Sallam, research vice president at Gartner, said data and analytics leaders must examine the potential business impact of these trends and adjust business models and operations accordingly, or risk losing competitive advantage to those who do.

The story of data and analytics keeps evolving, from supporting internal decision making to continuous intelligence, information products and appointing chief data officers, she said. Its critical to gain a deeper understanding of the technology trends fueling that evolving story and prioritize them based on business value.

According to Donald Feinberg, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner, the very challenge created by digital disruption  too much data  has also created an unprecedented opportunity. The vast amount of data, together with increasingly powerful processing capabilities enabled by the cloud, means it is now possible to train and execute algorithms at the large scale necessary to finally realize the full potential of AI.

The size, complexity, distributed nature of data, speed of action and the continuous intelligence required by digital business means that rigid and centralized architectures and tools break down, Mr. Feinberg said. The continued survival of any business will depend upon an agile, data-centric architecture that responds to the constant rate of change.

Gartner recommends that data and analytics leaders talk with senior business leaders about their critical business priorities and explore how the following top trends can enable them.

Trend No. 1: Augmented Analytics

Augmented analytics is the next wave of disruption in the data and analytics market. It uses machine learning (ML) and AI techniques to transform how analytics content is developed, consumed and shared.

By 2020, augmented analytics will be a dominant driver of new purchases of analytics and BI, as well as data science and machine learning platforms, and of embedded analytics. Data and analytics leaders should plan to adopt augmented analytics as platform capabilities mature.

Trend No. 2: Augmented Data Management

Augmented data management converts metadata from being used for audit, lineage and reporting only, to powering dynamic systems. Metadata is changing from passive to active and is becoming the primary driver for all AI/ML.

Augmented data management leverages machine learning capabilities and AI engines to make enterprise information management categories including data quality, metadata management, master data management, data integration as well as database management systems (DBMSs) self-configuring and self-tuning. It is automating many of the manual tasks and allows less technically skilled users to be more autonomous using data. It also allows highly skilled technical resources to focus on higher value tasks.

Through to the end of 2022, data management manual tasks will be reduced by 45 percent through the addition of ML and automated service-level management.

Trend No. 3: Continuous Intelligence

By 2022, more than half of major new business systems will incorporate continuous intelligence that uses real-time context data to improve decisions.

Continuous intelligence is a design pattern in which real-time analytics are integrated within a business operation, processing current and historical data to prescribe actions in response to events. It provides decision automation or decision support. Continuous intelligence leverages multiple technologies such as augmented analytics, event stream processing, optimization, business rule management and ML.

Continuous intelligence represents a major change in the job of the data and analytics team, said Ms. Sallam. Its a grand challenge  and a grand opportunity  for analytics and BI (business intelligence) teams to help businesses make smarter real-time decisions in 2019. It could be seen as the ultimate in operational BI.

Trend No. 4: Explainable AI

AI models are increasingly deployed to augment and replace human decision making. However, in some scenarios, businesses must justify how these models arrive at their decisions. To build trust with users and stakeholders, application leaders must make these models more interpretable and explainable.

Unfortunately, most of these advanced AI models are complex black boxes that are not able to explain why they reached a specific recommendation or a decision. Explainable AI in data science and ML platforms, for example, auto-generates an explanation of models in terms of accuracy, attributes, model statistics and features in natural language.

Trend No. 5: Graph

Graph analytics is a set of analytic techniques that allows for the exploration of relationships between entities of interest such as organizations, people and transactions.

The application of graph processing and graph DBMSs will grow at 100 percent annually through 2022 to continuously accelerate data preparation and enable more complex and adaptive data science.

Graph data stores can efficiently model, explore and query data with complex interrelationships across data silos, but the need for specialized skills has limited their adoption to date, according to Gartner.

Graph analytics will grow in the next few years due to the need to ask complex questions across complex data, which is not always practical or even possible at scale using SQL queries.

Trend No. 6: Data Fabric

Data fabric enables frictionless access and sharing of data in a distributed data environment. It enables a single and consistent data management framework, which allows seamless data access and processing by design across otherwise siloed storage.

Through 2022, bespoke data fabric designs will be deployed primarily as a static infrastructure, forcing organizations into a new wave of cost to completely re-design for more dynamic data mesh approaches.

Trend No. 7: NLP/ Conversational Analytics

By 2020, 50 percent of analytical queries will be generated via search, natural language processing (NLP) or voice, or will be automatically generated. The need to analyze complex combinations of data and to make analytics accessible to everyone in the organization will drive broader adoption, allowing analytics tools to be as easy as a search interface or a conversation with a virtual assistant.

Trend No. 8: Commercial AI and Machine Learning

Gartner predicts that by 2022, 75 percent of new end-user solutions leveraging AI and ML techniques will be built with commercial solutions rather than open source platforms.

Commercial vendors have now built connectors into the Open Source ecosystem and they provide the enterprise features necessary to scale and democratize AI and ML such as project & model management, reuse, transparency, data lineage, and platform cohesiveness and integration that Open Source technologies lack.

Trend No. 9: Blockchain

The core value proposition of blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies, is providing decentralized trust across a network of untrusted participants. The potential ramifications for analytics use cases are significant, especially those leveraging participant relationships and interactions.

However, it will be several years before four or five major blockchain technologies become dominant. Until that happens, technology end users will be forced to integrate with the blockchain technologies and standards dictated by their dominant customers or networks. This includes integration with your existing data and analytics infrastructure. The costs of integration may outweigh any potential benefit. Blockchains are a data source, not a database, and will not replace existing data management technologies.

Trend No. 10: Persistent Memory Servers

New persistent-memory technologies will help reduce costs and complexity of adopting in-memory computing (IMC)-enabled architectures. Persistent memory represents a new memory tier between DRAM and NAND flash memory that can provide cost-effective mass memory for high-performance workloads. It has the potential to improve application performance, availability, boot times, clustering methods and security practices, while keeping costs under control. It will also help organizations reduce the complexity of their application and data architectures by decreasing the need for data duplication.

The amount of data is growing quickly and the urgency of transforming data into value in real-time is growing at an equally rapid pace, Mr. Feinberg said. New server workloads are demanding not just faster CPU performance, but massive memory and faster storage.

@Technuter.com News Service
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd (Changan Automobile) said its vehicle sales in January amounted to 141,735 units, plunging 40.1% over a year ago and dropping 10.4% compared with the previous month.

However, speaking of the retail sales, the automaker delivered 196,478 vehicles in the first month of 2019, among which 146,965 units came from Changan-branded vehicles.

The deliveries of the CS75 jumped 19.4% from a month ago to 20,760 units. Besides, 20,334 units of the CS55 were handed over to consumers with an impressive month-on-month growth of 24.8%. The total deliveries of the CS35 and the CS35 PLUS also exceeded 20,000 units, leaping 41.8% from the previous month.

The EADO series, the sales mainstay of Chang-branded sedans, saw its retail sales substantially rose 26.5% from a month earlier to 14,875 units. This sedan series, currently containing the Changan EADO, the EADO DT, the EADO XT and the EADO EV, obtained a sales volume of 110,200 units last year with a year-on-year growth of 16.5%.

In 2019, Changan Automobile is going to roll out a number of new models, including the long-anticipated CS85.

Compared with the same period a year ago, major joint ventures all suffered significant drop. Both Changan Ford and Changan Mazda faced year-on-year plunge of over 40%. Particularly, Changan Ford had met a 30.8% slump in January 2018 from the same period in 2017.
The Bihar Assembly on Monday passed a resolution recommending to the Centre to conduct caste-based census in 2021, when the next head counting exercise would be held in the country.

The caste-based census was required to remove the present cap of 50 per cent on reservation and increase the quota for reserved categories of SCs, STs and OBCs on the basis of the increase in their population, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said in the House last week.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shrawan Kumar moved the proposal in the assembly amid din by Rashtriya Janata Dal members who demanded Nitish Kumar's resignation in the wake of an order passed by the special POCSO court at Muzaffarpur last week.

Shrawan Kumar read out the proposal for the caste-based census in 2021, an issue that has been raised on several occasions by the chief minister.

The resolution was passed five days after Nitish Kumar stressed the need for a caste-based census on February 13, while replying to a discussion on the Motion of Thanks for the governor's address.

The only caste-based census in the country had been conducted way back in 1931, he had said.

The parliamentary affairs minister also moved another resolution to implement a roster system at university level by abolishing the department-wise roster system in varsities as asked by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Following an Allahabad High Court order in April last year, the UGC had announced that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for SC and ST candidates.

The Supreme Court had last month upheld the Allahabad High Court's judgement.

Later, Nitish Kumar announced a hike in monthly emoluments of Vikas Mitras, Shiksha Sewaks, Talimi Markaj Sewaks and cooks who prepare food under the mid-day meal scheme.

Vikas Mitras, who work under the Bihar Mahadalit Vikas Mission, help the Mahadalit community in availing the benefits of several government welfare schemes.

Their monthly emolument has been increased by Rs 2,500 from the existing Rs 10,000 per month and it would benefit 9,875 Vikas Mitras across the state, Nitish Kumar said.

Shiksha Sewaks, Tola Sewaks, Talimi Markaj Sewaks work to motivate people belonging to SC, ST and minority communities to get their children enrolled in schools.

The emolument for 30,000 such sewaks was raised from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, the chief minister said.

The cooks who prepare food under the mid-day meal scheme in primary schools will now get Rs 1,500 per month instead of the current Rs 1,250, Nitish Kumar said.

He said the hike would be implemented from this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police on Monday arrested another person in Bihar for posting a controversial message on social media about the CRPF personnel killed in the Pulwama terror strike.

The man was held from Rahimabad village under the jurisdiction of Tajpur police station area of the district, following complaints about the social media message, Superintendent of Police, Samastipur, Harpreet Kaur, said.

"The accused has been booked under sections of the IPC relating to sedition and disturbing communal peace, besides the IT Act. His mobile phone has also been confiscated," Kaur said.

On Sunday, a resident of Muzaffarpur district in the state was arrested and sent to jail for a similar reason.

The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14 had claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel, two of them hailing from Patna and Bhagalpur districts of Bihar.

Spontaneous outbursts have been seen in several parts of the state since the attack, with citizens taking out candle light marches and raising slogans demanding retaliation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A foreign national was killed and three persons were injured on Monday after a speeding Bentley car hit an autorickshaw in Lutyens' Delhi, police said.

The incident took place around 1.32 pm after which police rushed to the spot, they added.

The speeding luxury car was being driven by 19-year-old Ashis Singh Chadha, a relative of business tycoon Ponty Chadha.

In 2012, Ponty Chadha was killed along with his brother after both sides fired at each other.

Ashis was caught by locals after the accident and was handed over to police.

The autorickshaw was carrying three women who belong to Turkistan. One of the women succumbed to injuries, while the other two women are currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital, police said.

The auto driver was also injured in the accident, which happened on Vinay Marg in Chanakyapuri, which houses several embassies, they added.

The car hit a lamppost after hitting the autorickhsaw. The front portion of the car was completely damaged, while the autorickshaw was mangled after the accident.

The blood samples of the errant car driver did not reveal any traces of alcohol.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Monday said a "sophisticated state actor" was behind a cyber attack on the Australian Parliament's computing network earlier this month and the "malicious intrusion" also hit the networks of some political parties.

Morrison's comments follow an investigation into the attempt, which was first thought to involve only the Parliament's servers.

''During the course of this work, we also became aware that the networks of some political parties - Liberal, Labor and the Nationals - have also been affected,'' he said.

Morrison said that there was "no evidence of any electoral interference".

is expected to hold elections in mid-May, raising concerns that hackers could be trying to influence the outcome of the vote.

'Our security agencies have detected this activity and acted decisively to confront it. They are securing these systems and protecting users,'' he told Parliamentarians.

He said the cyber experts believed that a sophisticated state actor was responsible for the "malicious activity". Morrison , however, did not name any country.

The parliament hack on February 8 had forced MPs and staff members to reset their computer passwords as a precaution.

At the time, the Australian Signals Directorate had confirmed it was working with parliament in response to the breach, a move that indicated possible involvement of sophisticated actors.

"The Australian Government will continue to take a proactive and coordinated approach to protecting Australia's sovereignty, our economy and our national security," Morrison said.

''Our political system and our democracy remains strong, vibrant and is protected. We stand united in the protection of our values and our sovereignty,'' he said.

Australia's chief cyber security adviser Alistair MacGibbon said it was too early to tell what information the hackers had accessed.

"We know that this state actor has been interacting with those networks," he said.

"These are very early days and a decision was made, I believe rightly in terms of risk management, to go publicly with this issue before we knew the full extent."



Politicians and their staff lost access to their emails as security agencies reset passwords when the breach was detected.

Ministers and their offices were not affected in the suspected hack because they operate on different computer servers.

MacGibbon said while the hacker's identity remained unknown, the list of suspects was small.

"The sophistication of their methodology to operate in those systems gives us the confidence to say it is a state actor," he said.

"There are a limited number of countries but we have low confidence at being able to publicly state who we think it is."



Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Labor and the Coalition had a "joint obligation" to protect Australia's democracy and national security.

In the wake of the breach, cyber security experts warned an attack on a foreign parliament would be the "crown jewels" for state-sanctioned hackers.

The Australian government has faced a number of cyber-attacks in recent years, some of which have been attributed in local media to nations such as China.

In 2015 and 2016, there were high-profile attacks on the government's weather and statistics agencies. In 2011, senior Australian ministers also had their email systems breached.
The Assam government is aware that a person from Golaghat district in the state was taken into custody by Pakistan authorities along with some other Indians while they were working on a ship at the Indo-Pakistan border, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary told the Assembly on Monday.

"On being contacted the father of the victim Pradip Saikia disclosed that Simanta Saikia aged about 33 years of village Nabagram, District Golaghat, Assam, was arrested on 28/10/2018 by Pakistani authorities," said Patowary in reply to a starred question of BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia in the House.

On Saikia's whereabouts, he said, "As per information available Simanta Saikia has been lodged in Landhi jail of Pakistan."



Landhi jail is in Pakistan's Karachi.

The Assam police has taken up the matter with the central agencies for consular access and release of the prisoner, Patowary added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
South American nation Argentina Monday sought investments from India in areas including renewable energy and tourism with a view to boost economic bilateral ties.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri said his country is investing heavily to create world-class infrastructure.

"You are most welcome in Argentina. If we work together, then potential is endless. I invite you," he said here at India-Argentina Business Forum meet, organised by CII.

Macri said there is potential in areas like agriculture, renewable energy and tourism.

Speaking at the forum, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said there are huge opportunities in both countries to increase bilateral trade.

Argentina is a leader in agriculture sector and "we look forward to increasing cooperation in this," he said adding India has huge expertise in IT and pharma sectors.

In agri sector, he said India can seek collaboration in post-harvest technologies.

India can get natural resources from the South American nation as India is focusing on boosting manufacturing sector, Prabhu said.

Talking about the India-MERCOSUR preferential trade agreement, he said going ahead, both countries can think of alleviating this pact.

MERCOSUR is a South American trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as full members.

The bilateral trade between India and Argentina stood at USD 2.94 billion in 2017-18 as against USD 3 billion in 2016-17.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Even as the last rites of Major Chitresh Bisht were still underway in Haridwar on Monday, Uttarakhand received the of another brave soldier -- Major Vibhuti Dhoundiyal -- attaining martyrdom in an encounter with terrorists in Pulwama in Jammu Kashmir.

Major Dhoundiyal, a resident of Dehradun, was among four Army men killed in an encounterwith JeM terrorists in Pulwama district just a short distance away from the spot where 40 CRPF personnel were killed recently in a suicide attack by the outfit.

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief at the martyrdom of Major Dhoundiyal, saying the entire country stood with the martyr's family.

Major Chitresh Bisht was killed while defusing a mine on the LoCin Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday.His mortal remains were consigned to flames in Haridwar on Monday afternoon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Monday urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Kulbhushan Jadhav's death sentence by a Pakistani military court and order his immediate release, saying the verdict based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.

"Military courts of Pakistan cannot command the confidence of this court and should not be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case. India seeks annulment of Jadhav's conviction, and directions that he be released forthwith," said Harish Salve, the lawyer representing India and Jadhav in the case at the ICJ.

The four-day trial opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters here amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 41 CRPF soldiers.

"India seeks relief in declaring that the trial by the military court in Pakistan hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process... and should be declared unlawful," said Salve, the former solicitor general of India.

Noting that military courts in Pakistan are not independent, Salve said the working of such courts have been censured by the European Parliament.

"A foreign detainee has the right to life, the right to a fair trial and an impartial judiciary. However, Pakistan has sentenced 161 civilians to death in their military courts in opaque proceedings in the last two years," Salve said.

He urged the ICJ to grant relief to Jadhav in the backdrop of fact that his trial has been done by a military court.

"Considering the trauma he (Jadhav) has been subjected to over the past three years, it would be in the interest of justice of making human rights a reality, to direct his release," Salve said on the first day of the hearing.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Making submissions in the ICJ that lasted nearly three hours, Salve said Pakistan's conduct doesn't inspire confidence that Jadhav can get justice there.

"Pakistan has in custody an Indian national who has been publicly portrayed to be a terrorist and Indian agent creating unrest in Balochistan...," he said, adding that there is no doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool.

No "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said.

Noting that under the international law Pakistan was bound to grant consular access to Jadhav without delay, Salve said India sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

"Pakistan knowingly, brazenly and willingly" violated the international law, Salve told the judges.

He said Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared "unlawful."



Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

He said Pakistan was embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav.

Salve read out the various sections and articles of the Vienna Convention under which foreign prisoners fall.

"The Vienna Convention is a powerful tool that ensures the facility of consular access to foreign nationals who have been put on trial in foreign trial," he said.

"Article 36 of the Vienna Convention says that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan did not inform India about his arrest."



Without consular access, he said, "India has no information on what happened to Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan.""India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement on consular access," he said. "Bilateral treaties cannot modify Article 36 of Vienna Convention. It could only supplement it."Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed three months for providing consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation, Salve said.

Salve argued that Pakistan did not uphold the Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that states consular access applies all nationals, regardless of espionage claims in Jadhav's case.

"This quite plainly, is an egregious violation of Pakistan's obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," said Salve.

He said Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25 December, 2017.

"India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest," he said.

Pakistan didn't send any details of the probe conducted by the Joint Investigation Team before informing the Indian side about the death sentence handed over to him. Jadhav did not get any lawyer during his trial, he added.

The ICJ adjourned the hearing till Tuesday when Pakistan will get the opportunity to present its case.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in Pune Monday condemned the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed and asked people from the restive northern state as well as the rest of the country to not take any steps that create mistrust.

At an interaction with media here, several students from J-K said they found Pune to be very safe and its people sensitive and accommodating.

"There are reports coming in from various cities that Kashmiri students are facing harassment in the wake of the Pulwama attack. I would like to appeal to fellow Indians not to hurt them. I would also like to tell my Kashmiri brothers not to indulge in any provocation," said Mukhtar Ahmed working here as a physiotherapist.

He said militant groups wanted to create a rift between residents of J-K and the rest of the country and harassment of Kashmiri students in different parts of the country would only give impetus to their nefarious designs.

Javed Wani, a Kashmiri student of Poona College here, said several of them wanted to go back to J-K following reports of attacks on students from his home state but had decided not to.

"We convinced them that Pune is indeed a safe city for us. These students have dropped their plans to go back. People in Pune are sensitive and accommodating and we have not faced any problems from Punekars," he said.

Yawar Khan, a graduate student from Poona College, recounted that he had lived here for the past two years and felt it was safer than most cities for students from Kashmir.

Owais Wani, working here, said more Kashmiri students should come out of the Valley to work and study in other states of the country and pursue their dreams.

Another student shared an anecdote that his parents in J-K did not want him to come to Pune but now didn't want him back in the northern state after he told them he had not seen a single gun in all the time he was staying here.

The students were speaking at a press interaction organised by Sarhad, an NGO working among Kashmiri students in Pune.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Asserting that the entire country was "fed up" with the senseless killings of Indian soldiers in Kashmir, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday called for coercive action against Pakistan, which, he suggested, could be military, diplomatic or economic, or a combination of all the three.

Calling for the death of two "of them" for every Indian soldier killed in Pulwama attack, Singh said it's clear that the Pakistan Army was calling the shots, with Prime Minister Imran Khan also a "plant" of the military.

"We should get 82 of them since 41 of our men have been killed," the chief minister asserted, demanding an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth".

He said it was for the Centre to decide what action should be taken, but it was clear that some



measures have to be taken urgently.

"India wants it now," he said.

"No one is asking anyone to go to war, but these killings of soldiers are not a joke. Something has to be done. I'm fed up, the country is fed up," he said, according to an official release issued here.

The chief minister said the Indian government should take "whatever measures" are required and "we will support them."



"Pakistan can't hold India to ransom just because they are a nuclear nation, even we are nuclear," he said, asserting that Indian forces had defeated them during the 1999 Kargil war in spite of their nuclear capability.

In any case, Islamabad could never resort to use of nuke weapons, as international pressure would not allow that, he said, suggesting New Delhi should call Pakistan's bluff against such threats.

There is palpable anger across the country after the killing of CRPF jawans by a Jaish suicide bomber in Pulwama, he said.

"If they (Pak-backed terrorists) kill our soldiers, we have to do something," he said.

The statement of the Punjab CM came just days after his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu called for dialogue with Pakistan even after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Sidhu had condemned the "cowardly" attack by the Pakistan-based terrorist group but he also called called for dialogue to find a "permanent solution" to end the bloodshed.

Calling for a proactive role in destroying the safe havens of terrorists, Amarinder Singh, a former serviceman, said terrorist organisations within Jammu and Kashmir have to be dealt with.

He said the Army should go after Jaish-e-Mohammad in Kashmir, instead of firing pellets and blinding youth. "Let's win their (youths) hearts and minds with love," he said.

The chief minister also said that questions are bound to be asked on intelligence failure in Pulwama attack and the central government will have to answer them.

He called for a global diplomatic offensive against Pakistan, mooting harsh measures to put a lid on Islamabad's anti-India actions.

The surgical strikes had not achieved the desired objective, he said, adding that Islamabad needs to be made to understand that Indian soldiers are not dispensable.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
What is Estonias e-Residency program? How many e-Residents are there globally and how many Indian e-Residents are there?

E-Residency is a status provided to people who are neither citizens nor residents of Estonia, but are granted an Estonian digital ID and access to Estonias e-services.

In practical terms, it connects you with Estonia and Estonian business environment, including the freedom to run a global, EU-company online from anywhere in the world.

The program was launched in December 2014 by the government of Estonia and it has so far attracted more than 50,000 people from 157 countries around the world. In India, there are over 2,321 e-residents who have created 307 companies. In the last one year alone, over 1062 individuals enrolled for the program in India and created around 205 new Estonian companies.

Among the notable Indian e-Residents are Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries and Union Minister of Information Technology  Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad. Reliance Industries has set-up a research centre for Jio in Estonia. The research centre aims at understanding digital society of Estonia and the benefit it can offer to India and Indians.

But of course, the majority of our e-residents in India are digital entrepreneurs, freelancers and IT specialists. For instance, Mr. Deepak Solanki is developing LiFi technology  an innovative alternative to WiFi  from Delhi through his company, Velmenni, registered in Estonia.

What is the reason behind the launch of e-Residency program?

The initial idea behind e-Residency was to make Estonia great. As you know, Estonia regained its independence in 1991 from Soviet occupation and we quickly realised that we needed to find something to set ourselves apart from our neighbours. Norway had oil, Finland mobile phones, Sweden design. So, we embarked on massive technological innovation. It was also very convenient for us because we had to build an entire and efficient administration and being digital helped us to mitigate the costs while providing public services, in that case e-services, to our population. The process took time. It took great courage to invest in IT solutions and take the information technology route. Now, we can say we have designed one of the most advanced digital societies in the world, a system offering efficient digital services to our population.

So, when we had to think about ways to make Estonia great. It quickly became obvious that this digital society that we have built throughout the years was one of our main assets. We envisioned that more people could benefit for this, even without coming to Estonia or being Estonian. This is how we got this idea of e-Residency, which came from a unique and simple question: Why should a country only offers its services to its population and not also to other people around the world who could benefit from these e-services?. It is not a technological innovation, we only offer access to an infrastructure that already exists for Estonians. It is an innovation in the mindset. With e-Residency, we serve people who are neither our citizens nor our residents. But opening our digital borders helps us to generate Estonias revenues for the future that will benefit all Estonian citizens, supports Estonian companies in connecting internationally and, by contributing to put the country on the map, it enhances our soft power and national security.

What are the benefits of e-Residency for Indian entrepreneurs?

For e-residents, Estonia offers increasingly convenient ways to successfully pursue activities independently of their location. Indeed, digital entrepreneurs selling digital services and offering cross-border IT and consultation services, location-independent entrepreneurs who could work from any location in the world and digital nomads  professionals who live and work in more than one country per year  are the people who benefit the most from e-Residency. E-Residency gives them a way to establish trusted company in Europe and remotely manage it with low overheads.

India has the worlds largest freelance workforce. Europe is one of the key markets for them owing to its huge demand. By bringing the freelancers under the e-Residency umbrella, we aim to provide them with a platform whereby they can further flourish their businesses.

India is an entrepreneurial country. Companies, especially those in software development & technology can leverage from Estonia since we pioneer in ICT technologies, especially in e-governance. e-Residency can provide Indian entrepreneurs with the opportunity to open and run a global EU company fully online while being in India and gain access to the European market of 500 million people.

Can e-Residency help in fund raising?

e-Residency enables an individual to become an e-Resident and create an Estonian company. The newly created company is treated at par with any other Estonian company and therefore has access to all the facilities which an Estonian company would have including fund raising.

For example, Deepak Solanki had difficulty raising finance until he re-established his company in the European Union through e-Residency. His company raised funds and is now being run remotely through e-Residency with investors from the UK and Zimbabwe, all of whom are also now e-residents.

Is it necessary for an e-Resident to have a physical presence or can he run his business completely online?

Companies established through e-Residency can be run completely online from anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact in Estonia, 99% of all the services are done online.

Does e-Residency facilitate easy cross border fund transfer?

We have several partnerships with payment institutions such as Holvi, InstaRem or Payoneer in order to widen the choice of financial services available to e-residents. e-Residents can also use one of Estonias best success stories  Transferwise Borderless for convenient cross border fund transfer.

Why is Estonia so successful in maintaining such a thriving startup culture?

I would say its the combination of several factors. First of all, the development of our digital administration and society allowed every Estonian to benefit from a hassle-free and non bureaucratic administration, which partially explains that Estonia has now the highest number of startups per capita in Europe. Estonia put the right public policies in place right after regaining its independence, making sure the country would be pro-business and initiative. Our government is always open to test innovation ideas. Estonia was the first country to authorize i-voting, to legalize ride-sharing apps and of course to launch e-Residency.

Estonia has always had excellent engineers, even during Soviet occupation, and an entrepreneurial mindset. That mindset let many Estonians to create amazing start-ups in the recent years, which inspired others and contributed to make our country one of the best startup hubs. Skype has been founded by Estonians, as well as Transferwise, Playtech and Taxify. We are all very proud of these unicorns. So, cooperation and mix between an innovative government, a digital society, pro-business public policies and a dynamic private sector is the key in my opinion.

What type of cybersecurity measures is in place?

By definition, when you launch any initiative and in our case any governmental initiative, you know it might bring both risks and opportunities. When Estonia launched the X-Road and the digital ID card in 2001, or the i-voting system in 2005, the zero risk didnt exist either, as it never does. Building a digital society involves risks but paper-based administration doesnt reduce these risks, its even the opposite. In the case of e-Residency, we assessed that it didnt bring any new risk to the country as there was no technological innovation, we only give access to an infrastructure that already exists.

We derive our legitimacy from the fact our programme involves several stakeholders: background checks of e-residents are done by the Police and Border Guard Administration, which has sovereign power of decision, companies are registered under the Company Registration Portal with the same obligations as any other company, including submitting an annual report, the country exchanges tax-related information with more than one hundred jurisdictions in the world on the basis of the relevant OECD convention, which also means such information exchange is also available to those with whom we have no valid tax treaty. The great thing for the growth of our programme is that the fact we take security very seriously has no negative influence on the number of submitted e-Residency applications, its even the opposite.

Our digital nation depends on the trust of all its people  citizens, residents and e-residents. You cannot expect trust if the State is not transparent and accountable. If there is no citizen control of the use of personal data, citizens would be legitimately worried about their privacy. In Estonia, to ensure transparency and accountability, citizens are allowed to monitor their own privacy. They can trace anyone who has tried to access their data by logging on to the state portal, eesti.ee. Protecting the integrity of our digital identity is always a top priority. But being pioneers in these fields also means we will sometimes be among the first to encounter new challenges. Ten years ago, Estonia was the first in the world to experience a nationwide cyber-attack, for example, although no data was compromised. The attack served as a wake-up call for how the countrys digital infrastructure could be secured through radical new technology. Of course, no system can be fully secured but we still believe paper-based administrations are less secured than digital ones.

Increased cybercrime and politically motivated attacks on electronic services mean cyber security is more important than ever for both the private and the public sector. Estonias preparedness to handle cyber crises has significantly increased over the past decade. The country has created intrusion detection and protection systems, practised cooperation with both public and private institutions, significantly contributed to the awareness of users, and is participating in intensive international cooperation. After its experience with the 2007 cyber attacks, Estonia has implemented blockchain technology to ensure data and systems integrity and combat insider risk, and became one of the most recognized and valued cyber security experts internationally. Since then Estonia became the home of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCD COE) and European IT agency. CCD COE is organizing the worlds largest and most complex international technical live-fire cyber.

Why is e-Residency focusing on India?

E-Residency mostly benefits to digital entrepreneurs, freelancers and digital nomads, so we focus on these profiles. This is why we see a lot of interest coming from India, of course, but also Ukraine, Turkey and several hubs for digital nomads such as Bali, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Berlin, Lisbon

There are some similarities between Estonia and India. Like Estonia, India has always been a very entrepreneurial country. India has the worlds largest freelance workforce with the highest percentage working in software development & technology, while Estonia is a global leader in ICT technologies, especially in e-Government. They operate in IT hubs such as Bangalore and Hyderabad as well from Tier II and Tier III cities. Goa is also increasingly becoming a hub for both Indian and international digital nomads. We look forward to build more connections between them and Estonian companies through e-Residency and bridge them to European market, while providing them with tools that will help their businesses to prosper.

What are the sectors which the program is looking at in India?

We are looking forward to enrolling digital entrepreneurs and freelancers and they operate in sectors such as software development, technology, web developers, consultancy, for instance.

@Technuter.com News Service
The electoral alliance landscape appears set to change for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana amid indications that the Congress may go it alone, and CPI and CPI(M) may join hands.

In the December 7 Assembly poll, the Congress had forged "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS).

But this pre-poll alliance came a cropper at the hustings with the Congress bagging only 19 seats and the TDP two in the 119-member House. The CPI and TJS drew a blank.

The Telangana Rashtra Samiti was swept back to power securing 88 seats.

Sources in the Congress said on Monday the party is likely to field own candidates in all the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in the State.

"It seems the Congress wants to contest all the seats," a senior Congress leader told PTI.

Some Congress leaders had blamed tie-up with the TDP, led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, for the poor performance in the Assembly polls.

In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the Congress had said it would fight the elections on its own, and would not have an electoral understanding with the TDP despite Naidu working in coordination with it for forging a broad opposition front to take on the BJP in Lok Sabha elections due by May.

CPI(M) had forged a front of its own with several parties for the Assembly poll in Telangana but it did not make any impact.

This time, CPI(M) has reached out to the CPI for a tie-up and "it's quite likely" that the two Left parties would fight the Lok Sabha elections together, sources said.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TRS bagged 11 seats and the Congress two, while the BJP, TDP, YSRCP and AIMIM won in one constituency each.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A central trade union on Monday condemned the plan to privatise 97 oil and gas fields discovered by state-run oil firms, terming it as a "quid pro quo" by the government to corporates.

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) argued that the government has no moral right to take such decisions now as there will not be any session of the Lok Sabha to vet such proposals.

"Reports have appeared in the press that a Group of Ministers-GoM- (headed by the Finance Minister and assisted by Ministers of Coal, Commerce, Power and Petroleum) has received and approved in its very first and last meeting, plans to auction 97 'small' oil and gas fields discovered by ONGC and OIL, the navaratna public sector companies, to private corporates," the AITUC claimed.

A cursory reading of the report shows that the proposal originated in the Prime Minister's Office, followed by a bureaucratic panel, headed by the CEO of the NITI Aayog and thereafter, rubber-stamped by the GoM, the union said in a statement.

The union said that even big fields that will be left for ONGC and OIL to operate, will be saddled with stringent conditions of showing enhanced production profile, which, if not adhered to, will also be taken away from them and handed over to the private parties.

The AITUC noted that the NITI Aayog recommendations also say that the new private players should not be charged for the past expenses of discovery or development!



It needs to be stated here that the workers unions in the oil sector have been agitating against such moves including the strike action. They were assured by the concerned managements that no such move is being made, it added.

The Modi government has no moral right to take such decisions now that there will not be any session of the Lok Sabha to vet such proposals. This seems more like a parting gift by Modi Government to the Corporates in return for the hospitality of the past five years - aquid pro quo!, it alleged.

The AITUC called upon the people of India and petroleum workmen unions and officers' associations to resist this.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After Pune University allegedly backed out, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh has decided to host the 79th Indian History Congress (IHC) here beginning February 26, an IHC official said Monday.

The 79th session was earlier supposed to be held at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) from December 28.

"However, it was cancelled by the local hosts apparently due to financial reasons," said professor Mahalakshmi Ramakrishnan, secretary, IHC.

She was speaking at a joint press conference with Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Minister PC Sharma.

"As an organisation, this cancellation was unprecedented in the history as the only time we had not held the Congress session was in times of national need like 'Quit India' movement in 1942 and the wars in 1962 and 1971," Ramakrishnan said.

"In the moment of crisis, the Madhya Pradesh government has come forward to support the IHC. Bhopal's Barkatullah University will be hosting it at such a short notice," she said.

Ramakrishnan, however, evaded reply when asked if there was any political reason behind the Pune University's refusal to host the IHC.

The SPPU had only said then that the session had been "postponed until further notice". The varsity had drawn flak over the decision.

Over 1,000 delegates including prominent historians are expected to participate in the IHC in Bhopal, Ramakrishnan said.

After 2011, this is only the second time the IHC would be held in Madhya Pradesh, she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday visited the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Maurya, who was killed in the Pulwama terrorist attack, in Deoria district in eastern Uttar Pradesh and stayed there for 20 minutes.

Vijay Laxmi, the slain CRPF jawan's wife, had refused to cremate the body till the chief minister visited them. She later allowed the last rites to be performed on Saturday night.

Adityanath paid floral tributes to the martyr as Jaidev Chapia villagers raised anti-Pakistan slogans.

He met the slain soldier's wife and his father Ramayan Maurya and promised them that India will give a befitting reply to Pakistan for the terrorist attack carried by a Pakistan-based group in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday.

Adityanath said the sacrifice of Vijay Maurya will not go in vain.

The soldier's wife said although Adityanath visited them, he did not talk to her.

"I am happy the chief minister visited my house, but I am very sad he did not talk to me. I am the martyr's wife and I was sitting there. But he didn't even ask what will I do with my one-and-a-half-year-old daughter," she told reporters after the visit.

The soldier's father, however, expressed satisfaction after the chief minister's visit.

"I requested him to provide a job to my (other) son at a nearby place, so that he could take care of us. He has done M.Sc. and is a manager in a private company. My daughter-in-law is not happy with the visit as she says the chief minister didn't talk to her.

"But a CRPF personnel who had come from Delhi talked to the CM on her behalf. She had asked him (the personnel) to do so, in case she was not able to talk to the chief minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Eight mandal unit chiefs of the BJP in Palghar district of Maharashtra have resigned amid apprehension that the Lok Sabha seat here, currently held by the party, may be given to the Shiv Sena as part of pre-poll alliance for the upcoming general elections.

Palghar BJP unit chief Pascal Dhanare said on Monday that eight mandal presidents of the party in the district have resigned and four more are likely to follow suit.

"They resigned on Sunday to protest any possible move by the party to give the Palghar Lok Sabha seat to the Shiv Sena," he told PTI.

Dhanare warned that all the BJP office-bearers in the district, including taluka presidents, would quit if the seat was given to the Shiv Sena.

The eight resignations have come amid speculation in local BJP circles that the Palghar constituency may be given to the Sena as part of the seat-sharing arrangements between the two parties ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The seat was earlier represented by senior BJP leader Chintaman Wanaga. After his death, the Palghar bypoll held in May last year saw a bitter face-off between the BJP and the Shiv Sena.

The BJP won the seat with its nominee Rajendra Gavit defeating Shiv Sena candidate and Chintaman Wanaga's son Shrinivas Wanaga.

While the BJP has indicated that it would like to form an alliance with the Sena for the Lok Sabha polls, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has been giving mixed signals.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had on February 14 met Thackeray, whose party is currently a coalition partner in the BJP-led central and Maharashtra governments but has been regularly hitting out at its senior ally on various issues.

Fadnavis later said that they had "positive talks" on some state-related issues.

Meanwhile, Dhanare said he would meet Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve and Chief Minister Fadnavis to convey the "mood and anger" among the party men over any possible move to give the Palghar Lok Sabha seat to Shiv Sena.

The district party leaders and office-bearers held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the issue, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three JeM terrorists, including two top commanders believed to be behind the Pulwama terror attack, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

A civilian died in the crossfire during the gun battle in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from the spot of the February 14 attack on CRPF personnel which claimed the lives of 40 jawans, officials said.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt. Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried out the operation suffered injuries, they said.

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran and Abdul Rasheed alias Ghazi, the so-called divisional commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir. The third one was Hilal, a resident of Pinglena in Pulwama, they said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police had been on the lookout for Ghazi and Kamran after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a bus carrying CRPF jawans in Lethpora in Pulwama last week.

The Jaish claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

A police spokesman said that all the three terrorists were wanted by the law enforcement agencies for their involvement in a series of terror crimes, including attacks on security establishments, and civilian atrocities.

Kamran had taken over as the operational commander of JeM after Mufti Waqas, who was killed in an encounter in February last year, the spokesman said.

"His role in the recent terror attack on CRPF at Lethpora is being probed as well," the spokesman said.

The soldiers killed in action were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. Head constable Abdul Rashid Kalas of Jammu and Kashmir was also killed.

Senior police officer Kumar received a gunshot wound in the abdomen and the brigade commander suffered injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area.

Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area.

As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. There after, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them -- Kamran and Hilal.

As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said.

Ghazi continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and the Brigade Commander as well as another Major.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son.

Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including 'Kamran', who was suspected to be linked to the February 14 terror attack on convoy, were killed in a fierce 16-hour encounter, in which an Army major and four security forces personnel lost their lives in south Kashmir on Monday.

The bloody gun battle left a civilian dead in the crossfire, besides injuries to Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Kashmir) Amit Kumar, a Brigadier, a Lt Colonel, a Major and four other ranks of the Army unit which carried the operation in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district, 12 km from Thursday's audacious attack on personnel which left 40 jawans dead.

Police was on the lookout for Kamran, the so-called divisional commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed for Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora areas of South Kashmir, after a suicide bomber belonging to the terror group drove his explosives-laden vehicle and detonated himself near a bus last week.

The Pinglan encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, a policeman, three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, the officials said.



ALSO READ: Responding to Pulwama

Two of the slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said, adding the identity of the third is being ascertained.

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. A head constable of the police was also killed.

The injured included DIG (south Kashmir) Amit Kumar, who received a gunshot wound in the abdomen, and a brigade commander, who suffered injury in the leg. All the injured are stable, the officials said.

Giving details, the officials said that an input was received from the police about presence of the Jaish terrorists in the area.

Immediately, a cordon-and-search operation was initiated and a house-to-house search was being conducted in the area.

As the process was going on, terrorists fired at the army party that resulted in the death of the major and other personnel in the early hours of Monday. There after, forces concentrated on the house from where the firing was coming and killed two of them -- Kamran and Hilal.

As the mopping up exercise was continuing, the third militant started firing, resulting in injuries to other personnel, they said.

The third militant, who is yet to be identified, continued to move from house to house and carried out surprise attacks that resulted in injuries to the DIG and Brigade Commander as well as another Major.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the valley, many returning to work after leave.

The Army paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at a solemn ceremony at Badami Bagh Cantonment, headquarters of the 15 Corps here.

Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon led other ranks in paying homage to the four soldiers including Major Dhondial, who laid down their lives in the operation, a defence spokesperson said.

Representatives from other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldiers.

An army spokesperson said the 33-year-old Major had joined Army in 2011 and belonged to village Dangwal in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. He is survived by wife.

Havaldar Ram (36) had joined Army in 2000 and hailed from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. He is survived by wife and a son.

Sepoy Singh (26) belonged to Rewari in Haryana. He joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his wife and son.

Sepoy Kumar hailed from village Bastikri in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The 27-year-old had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his wife and a son.

Their mortal remains were flown to their native places for the last rites.

In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved families of the slain personnel and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing, the spokesperson said.
Business activities came to a halt across Odisha Monday following a nationwide trade bandh called by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) as a tribute to the CRPF jawans martyred in Pulwama terror attack.

Shops, business establishments and commercial markets remained shut throughout the state as different traders bodies extended support to the 12-hour trade bandh.

Normal life remained largely unaffected as vehicles plied as usual in the state during the trade bandh, backed by Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangh in solidarity with the nation and families of 40 martyred soldiers.

While medicine shops and petrol outlets were kept out of the purview of the trade bandh, some of them voluntarily shut operations for sometime as a mark of solidarity, a functionary of the mahasangh said.

Traders and business outfits spontaneously supported the call all over the state including places like Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Berhampur, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Angul and Jajpur, he said.

Cuttack Chamber of Commerce said steps will be taken for extending some financial assistance to the families of the two martyred Odia CRPF jawans - Manoj Kumar Behera and Prasanna Kumar Sahu.

All traders were requested to close their establishments as a mark of tribute to the martyrs, while vehicular traffic was not affected, said president of Sambalpur Chamber of Commerce, Arun Patwari.

Arun Mukherjee, general secretary of Koshal Byabasayee Sangha, said the support came spontaneously from the entire trading and business community.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
THE SECOND phase of a project aimed at mapping the waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun.





This January the UK Hydrographic Office in partnership with the Maritime Department used a vessel equipped with state-of-the-art sonar equipment to scan the territorys sea beds.





It followed a seven week aerial survey with a specially adapted aircraft which took place last summer. The third phase is a satellite survey.





The in-depth study will allow the UK agency to update old seabed charts and identify hazards to allow for safer navigation around the territory.





Data from the survey will also enable scientists to carry out research based on the information, and enable government departments to use it for future planning.





Once completed the TCI will be one of the best surveyed countries in the Caribbean.





In January 2018, the UK Hydrographic Office undertook a technical visit to assess the current situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The visit looked at the legislation currently in place and what support could be provided to the TCI through the seabed mapping programme.





The agency identified potential areas for surveying and future capacity building through training and technical support.





In July, the UK Hydrographic Office began its survey of the waters around the Turks and Caicos Islands.





The seven week survey consisted of a small aircraft flying twice daily for up to four hours at a time over the Caicos Bank and Grand Turk areas.





The aircraft was at a height of about 300 meters and operated survey equipment to capture the depth of water, height of land as well as high resolution images of both the land and sea.





This January the second phase commenced with a multi-beam vessel equipped with sonar equipment for capturing sound waves into deep water and measuring refraction of the transmitted wave.





Equipment also recorded the movement of the ocean current, the locations of shoals, sea grass beds, as well as the depths of the various portions of the Caicos Banks.





Particular emphasis was placed on South Dock, Providenciales, South Caicos Dock and the area around Government dock in Grand Turk.





The three areas were highlighted due to vessel restrictions, with the inability to maneuver due to the shallow draft and also future concerns for dredging.





The project was scheduled for completion within four weeks depending on weather conditions.





During the project, tidal gauges were installed in various locations to provide accurate tidal readings at the docks and channels for the docking and safe passage of vessels.





Data collected will also be used to forecast future tidal changes, for ocean readings, storm forecasting and to help to provide updated information for nautical charts and maps.





The four year UK government funded seabed mapping programme is taking place around all of Britains overseas territories.





It will ensure that they are fulfilling their international maritime safety obligations under the International Maritime Organisations Safety of Life at Sea Convention.





The UK Hydrographic Office is the UKs agency providing hydrographic and marine geospatial data to mariners and maritime organisations across the world.





Together with other national hydrographic offices and the International Hydrographic Organisation, it works to set and raise global standards of hydrography, cartography and navigation.





The office has contracted Furgo USA, a company based in Texas, USA, to carry out the hydrographic surveys of the TCI banks.




Just a few weeks ago, the London Underground celebrated 156 years of operation. As one of the worlds earliest urban rail systems, it has influenced the design of dozens of urban transport networks, right down to its iconic map.

Even the Delhi Metro, with "mind the gap" announcements of its own (and a similar map design), reflects that influence, despite being several generations younger  just 16 years old, in fact. But in the world of infrastructure, younger also often means better as later projects learn from the successes and the mistakes of those who debuted ...
Asserting that the time for talks is over in the wake of Pulwama suicide bombing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the world should unite against terrorism and those supporting it.

His tough words came after discussions with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri at the Hyderabad House when India and Argentina came down heavily on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir which killed 49 CRPF troopers.

"President Macri and I are agreed that terrorism is the biggest threat to world peace and stability. The Pulwama terror attack shows that the time for talks are over. Now the entire world needs to unite and act against the terrorism and their supporters," Modi said.

"Not taking strict measures against the terrorists and those against humanity also encourages terrorism," the Prime Minister said.

Macri, in his remarks, condemned the terror attack. "We condemn any kind of terrorism. I am pleased to be able to work together to fight terrorism."

Macri is on three-day visit to India at the invitation of Modi. Accompanied by his wife Juliana Awada, Macri arrived in India on Sunday. He received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Monday morning in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Venkat Chary, Chairman of 63 moons Technologies, formerly Financial Technologies, on Monday said his company will file for damages worth Rs 10,000 crore against former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and then Chairman of Forward Markets Commission, Ramesh Abhishek, and former Additional Secretary for Finance K.P. Krishnan.

The company on Monday served notices to the three individuals, Chary said.

He noted that the company believes they played proactive roles in perpetrating the crisis, destroying the exchange ecosystem to favour the competitor -- National Stock Exchange (NSE) -- which resulted in huge losses to shareholders of 63 moons Technologies and loss of employment.

"The company has decided to file damage suits of Rs 10,000 crore against P. Chidambaram and others, in their individual capacities for taking mala fide actions against 63 moons by abusing their powers. Notably, the company has already filed criminal complaints against these three individuals with the CBI along with supporting materials," a statement by the company said.

"Curiously, they did not come forward to participate in an open public debate that 63 moons offered on August 4, 2018 to bring out the truth," it said.

Speaking to reporters here, Jignesh Shah, the promoter of NSEL (National Spot Exchange Ltd) and currently the mentor of 63 moons Technologies said that the alleged Rs 5,600-crore NSEL scam could have been solved much earlier, if then market regulator, Forward Markets Commission (FMC) had acted in time.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
During its 18-month-long investigation into disinformation and "fake news", a committee of the UK Parliament invited Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear before it three times. Zuckerberg didn't show up once.

This was, however, not the only reason why in its final report on Monday, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee accused Facebook of behaving like "digital gangsters" in the online world.

Facebook, which has over 2.32 billion users globally and made $40 billion in revenue in 2017, considers itself to be ahead of and beyond the law, according to the committee which concluded that the social networking giant intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws.

"Mark Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone who sits at the top of one of the world's biggest companies," Damian Collins, Chair of the DCMS Committee, said in a statement.

In its final report, the committee called for stricter regulation to make Facebook end spread of disinformation on its platform.

"Democracy is at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised 'dark adverts' from unidentifiable sources, delivered through the major social media platforms we use everyday," Collins said.

The report highlights Facebook documents obtained by the committee relating to a Californian court case brought by US-based app developer Six4Three.

Through scrutiny of internal Facebook emails between 2011 and 2015, the report found evidence to indicate that the company was willing to override its users' privacy settings in order to transfer data to some app developers.

The investigation found that Facebook was willing to charge high prices in advertising to some developers, for the exchange of data, and starve some developers -- such as Six4Three -- of that data, contributing to them losing their business.

The now-defunct start-up Six4Three alleged that Facebook collected information on users and their friends through its apps.

Launched in 2017, the inquiry intensified after the Cambridge Analytica data-harvesting scandal became public.

In the 108-page report, the UK lawmakers accused Facebook of continuing to prioritise shareholders' profits over users' privacy rights.

"We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform," Karim Palant, Facebook's UK public policy manager, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Social media companies have come under increased scrutiny of policymakers around the world for their failure to curb hate speeches and arrest the spread of false information in their platforms.

In India, a parliamentary committee summoned Twitter Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jack Dorsey to appear before it on February 11 over allegations of the social media site discriminating against "nationalist" posts on its platform.

Dorsey refused to appear before the committee citing "short notice" period, forcing the committee to again summon the Twitter CEO to appear before it on February 25.

While it is still not clear whether Dorsey will show up this time, reports suggests that the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology (IT) of the Indian Parliament could also invite Facebook and WhatsApp executives to appear before it.

--IANS

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An American woman captured by Kurdish forces after fleeing the last Islamic State stronghold in Syria, has said that she "deeply regrets" joining the terror group and has pleaded to be allowed to return to her family in Alabama.

Once one of the IS' most prominent online agitators who took to social media to call for the blood of Americans to be spilled, Hoda Muthana, 24, claims to have made a "big mistake" when she left the US four years ago, saying she was brainwashed into doing so online.

Speaking from the al-Hawl refugee camp in northern Syria, Muthana told the Guardian that she misunderstood her faith, and that friends she had at the time believed they were following Islamic tenets when they aligned themselves with the IS.

"We were basically in the time of ignorance.. and then became jihadi, if you like to describe it that way," she said. "I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God."

Muthana is the only American among an estimated 1,500 foreign women and children inside the sprawling camp of 39,000 people, which is situated about two hours from Baghouz Al-Fawqani in Deir al-Zour province, where a final battle to oust the extremists is days from being completed.

She also has an 18-month-old son.

Muthana fled her home and took a flight to Turkey in November 2014 after several months of planning, which she kept secret from her family.

She settled in the Syrian city of Raqqa where she married an Australian jihadi, Suhan Rahman, the first of her three husbands. He was killed a year later in Kobani.

Soon after, she married her second husband, a Tunisian fighter, with whom she had her son, Adam. Her husband was killed in Mosul, and Muthana retreated with dozens of other women deeper into the IS' ever-shrinking territory, where she briefly married a Syrian fighter last year.

Muthana told the Guardian that her family in Alabama were deeply conservative and placed restrictions on her movements and interactions, factors she claims contributed to her radicalisation.

She described her experience with the IS as "very mind-blowing", saying she was "really traumatised by my experience".

Muthana has not been in contact with US officials since her capture.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The University of Sydney on Monday announced a partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Tech Mahindra and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to provide scholarships worth more than Rs 25 million to Indian students.

The scholarship scheme aims to help discover India's next leaders and the "one idea that will bring positive change to the country".

"We live in a globalised world and when our students enter the workforce, they will have to work with colleagues, clients and stakeholders from around the world," Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Sydney, said in a statement.

"The best way for us to give them the intercultural and interpersonal skills they need for their future careers is to ensure that they have international experience as part of their degrees," Spence added.

The scheme includes three scholarships of approximately Rs 2.5 million each for undergraduate students paid over the duration of any undergraduate degree up to four years; 10 first-year scholarships of approximately Rs 1 million each for undergraduate and postgraduate students; and 15 first-year scholarships of approximately Rs 500,000 each for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

It is open to applicants who are Indian citizens currently residing in India and applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney.

The University's TISS partnership will look at real-world projects, developed and managed by both universities' academic staff, focusing on economic development, environmental sustainability and social inequality.

With Tech Mahindra, the varsity has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at allowing student groups to work with an academic supervisor and industry experts on problems around Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, virtual reality, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

With IIT Bombay, the University will facilitate the mobility of doctoral students between the two institutions -- with research projects focusing on a broad range of areas including nanoscale science and technology.

--IANS

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The team of "Total Dhamaal" has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the CRPF personnel who were killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

"In the light of the recent attacks, the makers and the actors got together to help out the families of the Pulwama martyrs. It is a sad thing to see the Indian soldiers suffer through this event and the team was keen on doing their bit to support them," a spokesperson of the film unit said in a statement.

In the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989, a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber on Thursday rammed his vehicle packed with explosives into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing at least 40 troopers on the spot. The toll rose to 49 on Friday as several injured succumbed.

Actor-producer Ajay Devgn has also shared that the film will not release in Pakistan.

"In light of the current situation, the team of 'Total Dhamaal' has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Ajay tweeted.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh also shared the same message on Twitter.

"Total Dhamaal" is the third instalment of the successful franchise "Dhamaal", which originally starred Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey and Riteish alongside Sanjay Dutt.

It also stars Madhuri Dixit Nene, Anil Kapoor and Boman Irani. Co-produced by Fox Star Studios, Ajay Devgn Ffilms, Ashok Thakeria, Kumar, Sri Adhikari Brothers, Anand Pandit, Sangeeta Ahir and Kumar Mangat Pathak, the film is slated to release on February 22.

--IANS

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Tamil Nadu Law Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court order allowing Vedanta's copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi to remain closed according to the state government's order.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in December 2018 had ordered opening of the plant known as Sterlite Copper.

Speaking to reporters here Shanmugam said: "The Tamil Nadu government had argued before the Supreme Court that the NGT does not have jurisdiction in deciding on the government's closure order.

"It is a victory for the Tamil Nadu government. The state government will face the case if the company approaches the High Court for relief."

The Tamil Nadu government had ordered closure of Sterlite Copper following protests in Thoothukudi in which 13 people died and several others got injured in police firing after the protest turned violent in May 2018.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) had rejected the company's application to renew its "consent to operate".

On an appeal by Vedanta, the NGT set aside the Tamil Nadu government's order to close the plant and ordered TNPCB to issue the renewal of consent to the company within three weeks.

Ever since the copper smelter plant was permitted to be set up in Tuticorin several years ago, people have been protesting against it, calling it a polluting industry.

The apex court's decision came earlier in the day on TNPCB's plea against the December 15, 2018, NGT order directing it to give its consent.

The grant of consent by the state pollution control board was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions by Vedanta.

The TNPCB had in the course of arguments asserted that the copper smelting plant was the cause of near irreversible ground water pollution and thus could not be allowed to resume operation.

On the other hand, Vedanta had described as "political" the decision to put the plant under the lock.

Vedanta had contended that the high-level ground water pollution was not limited just to Thoothukudi alone, and that similar situation existed in other parts of the state.

--IANS

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'Gurudev' Rabindranath Tagore was a remarkable genius, and remains not just India's, but the worlds foremost cultural icons, President Ramnath Kovind said here on Monday, while presenting the Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony.

The awards, for 2014, 2015 and 2016, were presented to Manipuri dance exponent Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Bangladeshi cultural organisation Chhayanaut and Statue of Unity sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar for "outstanding contribution towards promoting values of cultural harmony".

The annual award, carrying a prize of Rs 1 crore, was instituted in 2012 in recognition of Tagore's contribution and understanding of the role of culture in enriching the human spirit and in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary, Kovind said in his address.

"Gurudev was a remarkable genius. He was a writer of renown. When he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, he became the first Asian Nobel laureate.

"However, he was more than just a writer - he was a musician, artist, educationist and spiritual scholar of rare sensitivity. He is remembered every day as the poet who gave India its national anthem. And he remains one of our foremost cultural icons."

Adding that by "our", he meant not just India, Kovind said Tagore belonged to the world, who was "a nationalist and an internationalist, a child of Ma Bharati and an advocate of Vishvabharati".

Kovind also called the recipients as "emblems of the plural and singular beauty of India's culture and cultural harmony" and being "linked to the life and brilliance of Rabindranath Tagore".

The 2014 winner, Singh, who is a Padma Shri (1986) recipient and Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (2011), has been a performer and a choreographer of Manipuri dance for over 60 years.

Awardee cultural organisation Chhayanaut, which was part of the movement for an independent Bangladesh, has promoted and preserved the philosophy of Tagore in the country which shares Tagore as the author of its national anthem.

"The common cultures of Bangladesh and India, in West Bengal and beyond, forge a bond across boundaries. The cooperation between India and Bangladesh in recent years, in connectivity and developmental projects and, of course, in people-to-people engagement is blessed by the ethos of Gurudev," the President said at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here.

The third recipient, 94-year-old Sutar, a sculptor and scholar, is now most well-known for the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue and a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

"An earlier encounter with Sutarji's work was when I was a Member of Parliament and used to pass by and appreciate his statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside Parliament. That statue, capturing Gandhiji in a meditative pose, has become a signature representation of not just the Father of the Nation but also of Gandhian philosophy," Kovind said.

The first Tagore Award was conferred upon Indian sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar and the second in 2013 upon music maestro Zubin Mehta.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
TCI maritime sector officials took part in a seminar aimed at building capacity and supporting safe maritime trade and economic growth in the overseas territories.





The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) in collaboration with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency hosted the five day event in the United Kingdom from February 5.





The seminar saw representatives from ten overseas territories refresh and update their knowledge on maritime trade.





As part of the UK governments Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme, focus was placed on international regulations, with sessions on maritime safety information training, best practice governance and maritime law.





Kerrie Howard, hydrographic programme manager at the UKHO, said: "This hydrographic seminar provides a unique opportunity to assemble an array of delegates from across the world, with a shared vision for using marine geospatial data to unlock safety, prosperity and sustainability.





"Work that has been undertaken as part of the Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Programme to date has shown the benefits of marine geospatial data.





"The next step, in terms of implementation, will see tangible returns on hydrographic investment.





According to a statement issued by the UKHO, the guidance will help each of the participating territories to comply with international obligations and to share their own maritime safety information with ships operating in their waters.





For these ships, this information, including up-to-date bathymetry (seabed mapping data), navigational warnings and observations, is essential for safe navigation.





With the global ocean economy expected to double from $1.5 trillion in 2010 to $3 trillion in 2030, its vital that these overseas territories develop their capability to not only support maritime safety, but create opportunities to increase seaborne trade and tourism, a Government statement said.





This is particularly important for the many overseas territories like the TCI where these sources of income make up a significant part of their GDP.





Advice and support given through the seminar will also complement additional work carried out by the UKHO in collecting marine geospatial data - including bathymetry, tidal and a range of seabed features - in each territorys ocean environment.





The data, which has been collected through 11 surveys in six territories, will not only support navigation through the creation of charts but give authorities the information they need to support disaster planning and resilience, coastal infrastructure and environmental protection.





Howard said: "In the short and medium term, we expect new charts to be created with a higher level of detail than ever before, ensuring safety for mariners and providing businesses within OTs to begin planning for increased import/exports and even infrastructure development and coastal protection.





"In the long term, however, what this work will foster - spurred by this weeks session  is a shared culture of hydrographic excellence across the overseas territories, unlocking a marine geospatial-led future that maximises the potential of these territories blue economies.





This activity, including both the seminar and surveying, has been carried out under the UKs Conflict, Stability and Security Fund Programme funded by the UK government.





Representatives from Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and St Helena participated in the seminar. (By Olivia Rose)




A woman college teacher has gone missing since Sunday morning after being suspended by the college authorities for a Facebook post on the terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama district that left 49 dead last Thursday, police said here on Monday.

In her post, Papri Banerjee, who is a teacher at the city's Icon Academy College, condemned the terrorist attack but

also slammed the Indian Army for 'atrocities' on civilians in the Kashmir Valley and said that the recent attack was an expected move by the terrorists.

Following her post, Papri received rape and death threats from different Facebook users.

On Saturday, her college suspended her for the comment. An FIR was also filed against her under Section 505 of the IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act.

"She came to the police station on Saturday as we summoned her regarding the FIR. She was supposed to come to the station on Monday but she did not. Then we sent a police team to her house for questioning. But her father told us that she is missing since Sunday morning," said B.C. Deka, officer in-charge of Chandmari Police Station.

Police, however, said that they are yet to receive a missing complaint from her family members.

Papri lives in the city's Gandhi Basti Area with her father and brother, who were not available for comment.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
June 19, 2019, Wednesday

All private universities in Uttar Pradesh will now have to give an undertaking to the government, saying that their campuses will ...
A woman student of Jaipur Dental College was suspended by college authorities on Monday after she updated her WhatsApp status to 'Miss You Bhai' in support of Aadil Ahmad Dar, the suicide bomber behind the Pulwama CRPF attack, which went viral, confirmed college authorities.

Dr Manohar Bhatt, a college official, told IANS: "We have informed the matter to police and they are looking into it. Such activities can never be tolerated in our college. We have suspended the student, Saniya, who also belongs to Pulwama where the attack took place."

As soon as Sanya's WhatsApp status went viral, college students raised slogans against her at the campus.

Many social organisations also backed students demanding her immediate suspension.

Aadil rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a CRPF convoy on Thursday killing 40 troopers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Singapore-based social media platform BIGO Technology on Monday announced an investment of over $100 million to expand its business in India in the next three years, creating nearly 1,000 jobs.

As part of the investment, the internet company will start a regional centre by the end of this year in the country that will create employment opportunities for more than 1,000 tech professionals.

According to Jason Hu, Chief Technology Officer, BIGO Technology, as India is the second-largest market for smartphones amid growing internet infrastructure and has a huge young population, the company has taken the decision.

"India will act as a complementary centre to Singapore's Research and Development Centre. This step is the first-of-its-kind for BIGO, and a testament to the growing need for overseas centres as our user base grows," Hu said in a statement.

With over 40 patents in VoIP/video-related technology and over 60 patents under the process of application, BIGO Technology is one of the major companies globally in the field of app development and publishing of apps.

The company, which has built a strong team of over 100 Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts and engineers, recently received series D funding of $272 million.

In addition to the India Centre, BIGO would open two more regional research centres - one in the US and another one in MENA-Europe region by the end of this year.

The company's live-streaming app BIGO LIVE currently has a registered user base of 200 million globally.

Another short video app from the company called "LIKE" has hit 20 million daily active users around the globe.

--IANS

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Leading international carrier Singapore Airlines on Monday said it would fly Airbus A350-900 medium haul aircraft between Bengaluru and Singapore thrice a week from May 18.

The 325-seater A350-900 of the French aerospace major (Airbus Industries) is a twin-engine wide body passenger jet for medium and long-haul cruise in three-class configuration, with fuselage and wing structures made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer.

"The aircraft features higher ceilings, larger windows, an extra wide body delivering more space and comfort, besides lighting designed to reduce jetlag," said the Airlines' India General Manager David Lim in a statement here.

Of the total seats in the jet, 40 in the business class are in a 1-2-1 row for direct aisle access for every passenger while the 263 seats in the economy class are in a 3-3-3 row.

"Passengers will have access to high-speed in-flight wireless service on the aircraft, equipped with Inmarsat GX aviation's broadband connectivity system," said Lim.

The state-run Airlines placed order for 67 such aircraft, including 29 in its fleet operating on medium haul and long-range routes.

"With Singapore as its main hub, the Airlines operates services to 63 destinations in 32 countries/territories, worldwide," added the statement.

--IANS

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Ending weeks of speculation and tottering on the brink, the ruling NDA constituents - Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party - finally sealed a pact for the ensuing 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Announcing the alliance formula, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP will contest 25 and the Sena 23, of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

However, in the 288-member Assembly, after finalizing the share of other alliance partners, the two parties shall contest in the ratio of 50:50 for the remaining seats.

"We have been together for over 25 years because of our shared ideologies and spirit of nationalism. In 2014 elections, owing to certain reasons we had split, but later for the past nearly five years we are in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre," Fadnavis said.

IANS had first reported the formula that was expected to be finalized this morning.

BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and other senior leaders from both sides made the announcement at a joint media briefing late this evening.

Fadnavis said: "We are confident of returning to power both in Maharashtra and the Centre based on our exceptional performance for the past five years".

He said the BJP has accepted all major demands of the Sena including expediting the process to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, farmers' issues and problems in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to benefit the peasantry.

The CM said the demand for giving tax benefits for those in Mumbai living in flats of upto 500 sq. feet will also be considered.

Terming it as a "new beginning" between the two parties, Uddhav Thackeray said the "bitter experiences" of the past five years would not be repeated in future, and both parties will work and fight "shoulder-to-shoulder".

Shah said it was the long cherished desire of party workers from both sides to work out an alliance, and finally it has been done successfully.

He appealed to all workers that since the Sena is the oldest and most reliable ally, "to bury their bitterness of recent times" and start working for the elections with renewed vigour to ensure victory of the alliance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly.

Shah also reiterated that the BJP-Sena will bag 45 seats in the Lok Sabha in view of the performance of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, none of the leaders took any questions from the media, especially pertaining to the Sena's claim for the post of Chief Minister in the next Assembly elections.

Reacting to the developments, the Congress leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the Sena was arm-twisted into forging the alliance under threats of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state spokesperson Nawab Malik claimed that the Sena, which had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Chowkidar Chor Hai" in the past, is now allying with the same BJP.

--IANS

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An accountability court on Monday indicted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif along with nine others in a housing scandal.

The country's anti-corruption watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau, had arrested Sharif on October 5 in connection to the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

Sharif has been accused of misusing his authority during his tenure as Punjab province's Chief Minister from 2013 to May 2018 by unlawfully assuming powers of the board of directors of the Punjab Land Development Company and awarding a contract to an ineligible proxy firm that resulted in the failure of the housing scheme.

The scam reportedly caused losses of millions of rupees to the national exchequer and deprived 61,000 applicants of houses.

Sharif and other suspects appeared before the accountability court in Lahore on Monday as Judge Syed Najamul Hassan heard the case and framed charges, Geo News reported.

The former Punjab Chief Minister denied the charges and claimed that NAB framed him in a baseless reference. He said he never misused his authority and instead safeguarded the national wealth.

"The nation will see that it is the most fake case of the history. NAB is a liar," he said.

The PML-N chief was earlier released from sub-jail on February 15, a day after the Lahore High Court granted him bail in the housing scheme and Ramzan Sugar Mills cases.

--IANS

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The Supreme Court on Monday junked a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe into the crash of a Mirage fighter aircraft resulting in the death of two fighter pilots -- Squadron Leader Samir Abrol and Squadron Leader Siddartha Negi.

Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, seated with Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked the PIL petitioner as to which generation of fighter aircraft Mirage belongs to.

As the petitioner advocate looked for the answer, CJI Gogoi said that they were either third generation or third and a half generation aircraft. The third generation aircraft will crash.

Rejecting the PIL as a "gimmick", the CJI Gogoi said: "An accident is an accident."

--IANS

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Saudi Arabia on Monday vowed to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following last week's suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 49 CRPF personnel.

The remarks came as the Saudi Crown Prince, who was in Pakistan on a two-day visit, prepared to leave Islamabad for New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, who is travelling with the royal, told the media here that his country would try to de-escalate tensions between the two neighbours and see how differences between them could be resolved peacefully, Efe news reported.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," he said.

The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) took responsibility for the February 14 attack. Islamabad has dismissed New Delhi's allegations of its involvement in the attack.

Earlier on Monday, Pakistan summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" amid the tensions.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Republican Senator Marco Rubio arrived in Colombia to supervise the humanitarian aid that is being kept on the country's border with Venezuela, which is expected to be delivered to Caracas starting next week.

"I arrived in #Colombia this morning. Today another huge delivery of humanitarian aid for #Venezuela will arrive. I will be meeting with officials leading the effort to store this at the border and prepare it for delivery to the suffering people of #Venezuela," Rubio tweeted on Sunday.

During his stay in the border city of Cucuta, the capital of Norte de Santander province, the Florida Senator is also scheduled to meet Colombian government officials and tour the Simon Bolivar bridge, the main border crossing point between the two countries, Efe news reported.

Rubio travelled to Colombia with the US envoy to the Organisation of American States, Carlos Trujillo, and Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart who will also take part in overseeing the distribution of humanitarian aid via the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Rubio said in a statement that Americans, Colombians and Venezuelans were ready to provide humanitarian aid needed by the people of Venezuela.

On Saturday, three C-17 US Air Force cargo aircraft arrived at the Cucuta airport loaded with tonness of nutritional supplements and hygiene kits, which will be added to the humanitarian aid already collected there over the past week.

The first wave of US aid arrived on February 8 and included locally purchased food kits, hygiene kits, medical supplies, ready-to-use supplementary foods and high-energy biscuits.

Cucuta, along with Curacao and the Brazilian state of Roraima, are the collection and staging points for the humanitarian aid, and Miami joined them as another collection and staging centre on February 15.

The US and Colombia were the first countries - later joined by most of the Western Hemisphere and European nations - to recognise Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's opposition-controlled Parliament, as the country's interim president on January 23.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan opposition on Sunday set up about 10 camps around the country where it took a census of thousands of people who it promised to help with the humanitarian aid being collected in Cucuta.

The Venezuelan government, led by embattled President Nicolas Maduro, last week blocked a bridge connecting Venezuela to Colombia, effectively cutting off the humanitarian aid called for by Venezuela's opposition via that route.

Maduro has rejected the international aid, saying: "We are not beggars."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Delana Isles

THREE men have thrown their hats in the ring to lead the Progressive National Party (PNP) to a possible victory in the 2020 elections.





The three are Ricardo Donhue Gardiner, former minister of Government, George Lightbourne, elected member for Grand Turk North and former Government minister, and Reverend John Malcolm, former PNP all island candidate in the 2016 elections.





Strikingly absent are the women nominees for leader.





Current interim PNP Leader, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, who has been vocal about his lack of interest in being returned as leader of the party, spoke with the Weekly News on Thursday (February 14) about the nomination and election process for leader and other executive members of the PNP.





He noted that the party constitution provides that the party should have elections for the leader of the party, and requires those elections be held no less than a year before the dissolution of the House of Assembly.





Last Thursday (February 7)s process saw anyone who was interested in becoming the leader, or part of the leadership of the party, submitting their names for nomination.





Misick said: "We did get three nominations for leader and we have nominations for chairman of the party and deputy chair. What we havent gotten is the nomination for some of the other offices.





Misick added that as result of this, the party has extended the nomination for the other key slots that make up the executive of the party until Monday, February 18.





Vying for chairmanship of the PNP are Shaun Malcolm and Calvin Greene.





Following this the PNPs national congress will be held from March 2 to 3, with the actual voting process taking place on March 2.





The nominees

Hon. Lightboure served as Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning under the Rufus Ewing administration representing the Grand Turk North constituency.





During this time, he was very outspoken on issues affecting both his community and the wider territory.





Lightbourne won his bid for re-election in his constituency in the 2016 election.





He continues to use this platform to bring passion in his representation of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the assembly under the current Government.





Gardiner, also served under the Ewing administration, as Minister of Border Control and Employment.





In the last election, he ran as an all island member, but lost that bid for re-election.





Previously, Gardiner served as the elected member for Middle and North Caicos.





Reverend Malcolm was nominated as a PNP at large candidate during the 2016 election; he too lost in that race.





According to his platform during the 2016 election campaign, Rev Malcolm has committed his life to working with and empowering young people. He also works with rehabilitation services and is a positive role model for TCI youth.





Meanwhile, last week, former premier Rufus Ewing announced his intention not to contest the leadership of the party for a second time, even as many called on him to throw his hat in the ring.





Ewing is the only prominent PNP member to have declared why he will not be seeking election as leader.





No word has come from current elected members of the House of Assembly, most notably the women - Hon. Akierra Missick and Hon. Porsha Stubbs-Smith - on why they have not taken the step forward to lead.





Both Missick and Stubbs-Smith are returning members to the House, having won their constituencies in two consecutive elections - 2012 and 2016.




DMK President M.K. Stalin on Monday demanded the registration of a case against the US-based Cognizant Technology Solutions for bribing Tamil Nadu government officials in an effort to secure construction permits.

In a statement issued here, Stalin said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government should assist the state's Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in acquiring bribery evidence from US courts.

Last week, Cognizant said that it agreed to settle the case by agreeing to pay about $28 million to the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

Bribing of foreign government officials is an offence in the US under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Cognizant admitted that it had paid about $2 million as bribe to the officials through its construction company to get the permits.

The construction company in question is a large engineering firm with an office in Chennai, according to the case papers.

Stalin, in his statement on Monday, said the AIADMK government has brought a permanent blot on Tamil Nadu in the global arena by demanding and accepting bribe from Cognizant in 2014 to give construction permits for the KITS Campus in Shollinganallur.

Stalin said the AIADMK government was driving away investors thereby preventing job opportunities for the youth.

Although Cognizant has agreed to settle the case, the DVAC can start a probe to locate the corrupt officials, an agency official told IANS.

"It is not mandatory for DVAC to wait for a formal complaint to start an inquiry. Any credible information is enough to start an initial probe. So, even a newspaper report is information for DVAC. In such a situation, the DVAC Director can call for records, peruse, assess and proceed with future course of action," S.K. Dogra, former DVAC Director, told IANS.

--IANS

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will announce on Tuesday a range of citizen safety initiatives, including a national emergency number and a Safe City project.

Under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), citizens in distress can dial 112, a pan-India number. The call will go to a team of professionals, trained to handle emergency requests from police, fire & rescue, health and other emergency services.

The Centre will give Rs 321.69 crore to states/UTs for ERSS under the Nirbhaya Fund for Women's Protection. The states are required to set up a dedicated Emergency Response Centre (ERC) under the system.

The service is already operational in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

On Tuesday, it will be launched in Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, and Mumbai.

Singh will also unveil a 112 India app, equipped with a "special SHOUT feature" by using that one can raise an alarm in emergency to registered volunteers in the vicinity for assistance.

The government will also launch an Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences (ITSSO) to be used by the law enforcement agencies. The system will help these agencies track rape cases at central and state levels for time-bound resolution.

The Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2018 mandates completion of investigation and trials in rape cases within two months.

"To enhance women safety, the government has formulated a multi-pronged action plan and initiated a series of measures. ITSSO is one of such measures developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs towards smart policing," the government said in release.

The government has also identified eight cities -- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai -- for implementation of "Safe City" projects, which will involve "creation of on-ground assets, resources and behaviour change programmes for safety of women".

A joint endeavour of city's police and municipal bodies, the project will include identifying crime hotspots and saturating them with CCTV cameras, drone-based surveillance and deployment of automated number plate reading (ANPR) equipment through an integrated smart control room.

The first phase of the project will cost Rs 2,919 crore, the ministry said.

-- IANS

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi will launch the national campaign for the coming Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra with a mega rally in Dhule, a traditional party bastion, on March 1, an official said here on Monday.

Gandhi will begin the campaign at 3 p.m. in the presence of other top leaders.

The same day, as per a tentative schedule, he may even visit Mumbai and address a rally here.

The UPA alliance in Maharashtra will set the ball rolling for the parliamentary elections by its first joint poll campaign rally in Nanded on Wednesday, said state party chief Ashok Chavan.

The rally will see the participation of UPA constituents including the Nationalist Congress Party, the PRP and other parties and their top leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar and Jogendra Kawade.

This will be followed by another UPA rally to be hosted by the NCP's Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde, in his home town of Parli, Beed, on Saturday.

According to party sources, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi is also likely to address some rallies in the state, although the details are yet to be finalised.

Dhule and Nanded are traditional Congress bastions in Northern Maharashtra and the Marathwada regions of the state, with a fair sprinkling of minorities, tribals, Dalits and other sections of population.

--IANS

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the murder of two Youth Congress activists in Kerala.

"The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala, is shocking. The Congress prty stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men and I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice," he tweeted.

The activists - Krupesh, 19, and Joshy, 24 - were attacked by three assailants who came on motorcycles. While Krupesh breathed his last at the Kasargode district hospital, Joshy died en route to a medical facility in Mangaluru, Karnataka.

The Kasargode unit of the Congress has called for a dawn-to-dusk shutdown in the district on Monday to protest the murder.

While the state Congress president Mullapally Ramachandran alleged that CPI-M workers were involved in the murder, the Left party, has denied any involvement.

--IANS

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A 17-year-old boy from West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district has been apprehended for his objectionable social media posts against the Indian Army, police said on Monday.

"The boy made some objectionable and derogatory posts on social media against the Indian Army following the Pulwama terror attack which created turmoil in Hijalpukur area. He was apprehended on Sunday. We have kept him under safe custody to prevent any sort of attack on him," an officer of Habra police station said.

He mentioned that, based on the initial findings, it seemed that the teenager made the comments without understanding the gravity of it.

The boy told the police that he was instigated by some people.

The matter is under investigation.

"As he is underage, we produced him before the Juvenile Board," the officer said.

--IANS

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Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has cancelled a trip to Israel following comments on the Holocaust by Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu was quoted in Israeli media as saying "Poles co-operated with the Germans" during the Holocaust.

He later issued a clarification saying he was not referring to the Polish nation or all Polish people, the BBC reported.

Poland summoned the Israeli ambassador, and on Sunday, said Morawiecki would not attend a summit on Tuesday.

The meeting, hosted by Israel, is of the Visegrad Group that represents the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.

Polish government spokesperson Joanna Kopcinska said: "Morawiecki told Netanyahu in a telephone call that Poland will be represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz."

Netanyahu was on a state visit to Poland on Thursday when his comments were reported in Israeli media, including Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post.

The Jerusalem Post said its version used the term "Polish nation", which it said it quickly amended.

Netanyahu's office issued a clarification, saying: "In a briefing, PM Netanyahu spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland."

Morawiecki took to Twitter to say there was "no Polish regime" during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

Israel's ambassador to Warsaw was summoned by the foreign ministry on Friday.

President Andrzej Duda said that if Netanyahu had said what was first reported "Israel would not be a good place to meet".

On Sunday, Morawiecki announced his trip would be cancelled.

Israel offered to host the meeting of the Visegrad group to strengthen ties with members of the European Union.

During World War Two, Poland suffered brutal occupation by the Nazi and Soviet regimes and more than five million Polish citizens, three million of them Jews, died.

In terms of the Holocaust, the country has for years objected to the term "Polish death camps", saying it implies complicity in the Nazi camps built on its soil during occupation.

In February 2018, Poland introduced a controversial law making it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in the Nazi Holocaust.

Israel challenged the legislation, its president, Reuven Rivlin, last year saying that while many Poles had fought the Nazis, "Poland and Poles had a hand in the extermination" of Jews during the Holocaust.

Poland agreed to change the law and it now no longer carries the threat of up to three years in jail.

--IANS

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Security forces on Monday shot dead a Pakistani militant of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who masterminded the suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir killing 49 troopers, police sources said.

Kamran, a JeM commander, was killed in a gunfight barely 10 km from the spot in Pulwama district where the suicide bombing took place on February 14.

The second slain militant has been identified as Bilal Ahmed Naik alias Rashid Bhai, a Kashmiri militant, the sources said.

A Major and three soldiers, besides a civilian, were also killed in the gunfight, police said.

The suicide attack on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was claimed by the JeM. It was the worst ever attack on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989.

--IANS

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The retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack will come at a time and place of India's choosing, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to assuage the feelings of the country seething with anger after the killing of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in a suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir.

The reference to the place and time of revenge immediately after a major terrorist strike has gradually replaced the much-maligned and often-repeated government response of "strong condemnation".

IANS has carried out a quick check on the provocations from Pakistan in recent years and the Indian reaction.

Beheading of Indian soldier in 2013:

Lance Naik Hemraj was beheaded on the Line of Control (LoC) on January 8, 2013 resulting in massive anger over the mutilation of his body by Pakistan Army regulars. Then Army chief Gen Bikram Singh talked about retaliation at the time and place of India's choosing.

Response:

Though never publicized, Gen Bikram Singh, while retiring in July 2014, claimed that India had given a befitting response to the beheading. He did not share details of the response.

Attack on Pathankot air base 2016:

A group of terrorists entered the Indian Air Force (IAF) base in Pathankot in Janaury 2016. Seven security personnel and a civilian died in the attack. Though the high-value assets at the base were protected and the attack was foiled, it exposed serious chinks in the security of military installations. New Delhi promised to give a befitting reply.

Response:

India allowed an ISI team to visit the Pathankot air base in March 2016 to investigate the attack, in a first of the kind move. Islamabad refused to allow an Indian probe team to visit Pakistan.

Attack on Army camp in Uri in 2016:

Nineteen Indian soldiers were killed by terrorists in an attack on the Uri Army camp on the LoC in September 2016. It was one of the most daring attacks till then. The Army promised to retaliate.

Response:

India announced on September 29, 2016 that the Indian army carried out surgical strikes at terrorist launch pads across the LoC inflicting heavy casualties. The attacks took place simultaneously across several locations on LoC.

--IANS

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Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian honour on Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the end of his two-day visit to the South Asian country.

President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e-Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his outstanding support for revitalizing bilateral relations between the two countries.

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa among others. It was telecast live on the state-run television and was held a day after the Crown Prince announced multi-billion dollar investments in Pakistan.

The Saudi delegation travelling with the Crown Prince signed seven trade agreements on Sunday and $20 billion investment deals in areas including mining, petrol and renewable energy.

The Saudi royal said the relationship between the two countries was based on the principle of Islamic solidarity. He met Alvi and Gen. Bajwa before the ceremony to discuss Pakistan's role in peace talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban.

Bin Salman's Pakistan trip came as his global image took a hit after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October at the kingdom's Embassy in Istanbul.

--IANS

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By Olivia Rose

A WHOPPING 22,400 guests stayed at Airbnb properties in the Turks and Caicos Islands last year.





In a statement released on Wednesday (February 13), the accommodation rental company revealed that 450 people hosted in 2018 and an average stay in TCI homes was five days.





Airbnb runs a website that enables homeowners to rent out space in their property to visitors and make additional income.





Last year, hosts offered locals and foreigners alike a diverse, inclusive and sustainable travel experience, the statement said.





Carlos Munoz, Airbnb campaign manager for the Caribbean and Central America, said the TCI is an important destination in the Caribbean.





Airbnb has allowed travellers from the rest of the world to visit the territory and experience the territory in an authentic way, he added.





"This sustainable way of travelling generates a positive and significant impact within the country, and helps to economically empower our TCI hosts and their communities.





Although the Airbnb sector is largely unregulated in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Munoz said the company is looking to engage the Government to solidify a sustainable partnership.





"With its strong partnership with the CTO, Airbnb is steadily working to drive tourism in the region and grow economic opportunity by promoting authentic travel throughout the Caribbean, he added.





The statement further revealed that TCI hosts are a diverse group; 62 percent are female, the average host age is 51, with 78 percent of hosts in the TCI between the ages of 30 and 59.





For sharing their home, a typical host in the TCI earned up to $17,700 in the last 12 months.





This figure is a sample of how Airbnb allows hosts to become hospitality entrepreneurs by earning extra income, which in many cases allows homeowners to offset expenses and stay in their home, the company said.





Many residents also chose Airbnb when travelling home for vacation. Last year alone, more than 2,000 Turks and Caicos Islanders stayed at Airbnb listings both in the TCI and abroad.





In this way "Airbnb contributes to the development of the TCI tourism sector, which shows great potential for growth in 2019, Munoz concluded.





In 2018 more than 1.6 million guests booked accommodation in the Caribbean through the platform, an increase of 117 percent compared to 2016.




Pakistan on Monday summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" following diplomatic tensions between the two countries after the suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 49 troopers.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The February 14 attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Filmmaker Indra Kumar says it was his team's decision to prevent the release of "Total Dhamaal" in Pakistan.

On Monday, the cast of the third installment of 'Dhamaal' franchise, announced that movie will not release in Pakistan in the wake of terror attack on CRPF jawans in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.

Standing by the decision,Indra Kumar told IANS: "Being a part of Indian film industry, it's my and my team's way of protest against the heinous terror attack.

"It's our way of supporting our nation in hard time. Why should we release our movie in a country which is attacking our people?"

"The whole team including actors Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, mutually decided and came to the conclusion of abandoning the release of the film in Pakistan," he added.

Asked if he really feels that film trade with Pakistan must stop completely, he said: "I never want the two nations to fight or have hatred against each other. I always wish for peace but now looking at the situation, looking at those young martyrs and their families, how can I talk about trade with that nation.

"People are angry and their anger is justified. I am with my countrymen and to support them... I am not releasing my film in Pakistan."

The director also has high hopes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modiji is a great leader. I am sure he will find out some way," he added.

Apart from cancelling the release of the film in Pakistan, the team of "Total Dhamaal" has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the jawans who lost their lives in the attack.

In the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in the state in 1989, a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber on February 14 rammed his vehicle packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in Pulwama district, killing 40 troopers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The team of "Total Dhamaal" has decided to not release their film in Pakistan, said the film's director Indra Kumar.

On Monday, the cast of the film announced that the movie will not be released in Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Standing by the decision, Kumar told IANS: "Being a part of the Indian film industry, it's the team's way of showing protest against the heinous terror attack. It's our way of supporting our nation in hard times. Why should we release our movie in a country that is attacking our people?"

The whole team, including actors Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh, decided not to release the film in Pakistan, said kumar who has directed 16 Bollywood films and has produced one movies.

"People are angry and their anger is justified. I am with my countrymen and to support them, I am not releasing my film in Pakistan," he said. "Modiji is a great leader. I am sure he will find out some way," he added.

Apart from cancelling the release of the film in Pakistan, the team of "Total Dhamaal" has donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the attack.

In the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in the state in 1989, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber on February 14 rammed his vehicle packed with explosives into a CRPF bus on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in the Pulwama district.

The attack claimed the lives of 40 troopers.

--IANS

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The RBI decides independently on the quantum of interim dividend to be paid to the Centre and a central bank committee is currently examining the issue, the government said on Monday.

Queried on the issue following the customary post-Budget Reserve Bank of India (RBI) board meeting here chaired by him, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said it was the prerogative of the central bank to decide the quantum of RBI's interim dividend to be paid to the government.

"The RBI takes an independent decision on the interim dividend," Jaitley said.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said a decision on the issue was yet to be taken and a committee was going into the issue.

"Once the matter is decided, it will be communicated. I cannot pre-judge on the issue... The committee is meeting to decide on the interim dividend," he said.

The RBI's audit board had recently taken up the matter. The RBI, which follows the July-June fiscal year, has already transferred Rs 40,000 crore in the current fiscal as interim dividend.

The Finance Ministry wants formal commitment on Rs 28,000 crore interim dividend. If RBI agrees to pay Rs 28,000 crore as interim dividend, the total surplus transfer to the government in the current fiscal would total Rs 68,000 crore

--IANS

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There is no assurance from the Central government about resumption of mining, banned in Goa by the Supreme Court in February last year, and a solution to the crisis has to be worked out only at the state level, Goa's Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after attending a cabinet meeting at Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's private residence near Panaji, Sardesai said that during the meeting the issue of mining resumption was discussed.

"We are asked by citizens and we discussed (but) we do not have answers. We discussed it with the CM. He feels nothing is coming from Centre. State-level solution has to be worked," Sardesai told reporters, when asked if the issue of mining resumption was taken up at the cabinet meeting.

The mining ban issue has been hanging fire ever since the Supreme Court banned extraction and transportation of iron ore from 88 mining leases in February last year. The apex court also directed the state government to re-issue mining leases.

MLAs as well as the Goa Mining People's Front, a lobby of mining-affected people, have launched a campaign against the government seeking a solution to the mining ban ever since the apex court banned the activity.

After repeatedly pressuring BJP MLAs and MPs, members of the Front met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but were unhappy with Modi's assurance that he would "look into the matter".

The Congress, meanwhile, has also stepped up its attack on the BJP for failing to resolve the mining deadlock, despite heading governments both in Goa as well as at the Centre.

--IANS

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North Korea is at the cusp of a historical turning point, a state-run newspaper said on Monday.

Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, in an editorial stressed on making efforts for a greater economic development and highlighted the recent advances made on a small island called Edo, off the country's western coast, in the fishing and shipbuilding sectors, which it said should serve as an example for the rest of the nation, Efe news reported.

"Our country is facing a historic turning point. It is time for us to tighten our shoe strings and run fast, looking for a higher target as we are facing a decisive moment," the article said.

The editorial comes ahead of the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump slated to take place on February 27-28 in Vietnam's capital city Hanoi.

The two leaders met for the first time in Singapore last June.

Kim will travel to Vietnam on February 25 - the first visit by a North Korean leader since the country's reunification in 1975 - and meet Vietnam's President and General-Secretary of the ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong.

--IANS

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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is all set to hand over the probe of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), sources said on Monday.

"The MHA is likekly to issue a notification shortly," an MHA source told IANS.

The Jammu and Kashmir police has registered a case.

A day after the the February 14 terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF troopers were killed, an NIA team along with the explosive and forensic experts had collected the materials required for the probe.

It was the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since militancy erupted in 1989.

The suicide attack on the Srinagar-Jammu highway was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad.

--IANS

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The Union Home Ministry on Monday rejected as "untrue" some media reports suggesting that air transit facility on the Jammu-Srinagar sector for CRPF troopers has not been allowed.

It also said the movement of paramilitary convoys by road will continue in Jammu and Kashmir as it was necessary for logistical and operational reasons. This was also, it said, the case with the army.

"These (reports) are untrue. Over the last few years, MHA had significantly enhanced the air courier services for CAPFs (Central Armed Paramilitary Forces) in all sectors to help the jawans cut down on travel time during their journey to and back from home on leave," the ministry said in statement.

Its clarification came in the wake of reports suggesting that the Central government has rejected a proposal to ferry personnel of paramilitary forces from the Jammu-Srinagar sector by chopper.

The ministry said air courier services for transportation of jawans are already in operation for quite some time and included initially the Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu sector. Later, at the request of the CAPFs in December 2017, the services were extended to Delhi-Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi and there were 7 flights a week.

In addition, air support is provided by the Indian Air Force as and when required, it said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah said that the Citizenship bill will be passed if his party returns to power, Meghalaya Home Minister James Sangma on Monday reiterated National People's Party's (NPP) opposition to the contentious legislation.

The influential North East Student's Organisation (NESO) too called upon the indigenous communities to stand united against the Bill.

Shah said on Sunday that the BJP will make the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 part of the party manifesto for the next elections and pass it on return to power this year.

"We are very clear in our stand that the amendment bill is very harmful to the entire region and the people of the Northeast. No matter what, we are going to oppose the Bill," Sangma told journalists.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people belonging to minority communities - Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian - in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India.

However, the ruling BJP could not pass the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, as it was opposed by several civil society groups and political parties, including few BJP allies.

"NPP will again oppose the Bill if it is re-introduced. We reiterate our stand that if the Bill is passed, we would break ties with the NDA. The people of the region stood united and fought against it. Therefore, we must continue to oppose if the Bill is brought back," Sangma said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma too had threatened to severe ties with the NDA if the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

Condemning Shah's comments, NESO Chairman Samuel Jyrwa called upon all the indigenous people of the Northeast to stand united to thwart such evil designs for the survival of their race, identity, culture, language and future generations.

"NESO strongly condemns such statement as this is an insult to the people's movement in the whole of Northeast against the Citizenship Bill which resulted in the inability of the BJP-led Central government to table the Bill in the Rajya Sabha," 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.)
BJP President Amit Shah said on Monday that Indian security forces will give a befitting reply to the "cowardly" terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 49 CRPF troopers lost their lives.

"Indian forces will hit back at the right time to avenge this cowardly attack. The BJP has always followed the policy of zero tolerance against terror. The party stands with the families of the CRPF troopers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland," Shah said.

The BJP President was in the city on a one-day visit to address the Bharatiya Janata Party's Shakti Kendra Sammelan and chair a meeting of party workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Shah said the opposition parties had decided to form a grand alliance to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls.

"However, I want to ask Rahul 'Baba,' who is the leader of the grand alliance? Every day a new name is emerging as the leader of this much-talked about alliance.

"Why is the opposition not declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate?" Shah asked.

The BJP President also took a jibe at the opposition by asking whether different leaders in their ranks plan to take turns to become the Prime Minister on different days of the week and whether Sunday will be a holiday.

Shah said the BJP's defeat in the Rajasthan Assembly polls doesn't affect the BJP. "We believe in a fighting spirit. We never get disappointed with defeat, nor do we become arrogant after victory."

Soon after the programme, Shah returned to Delhi to attend a meeting on security issues in the aftermath of the Pulwama suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir, cancelling two other meetings scheduled in Jaipur for the evening, BJP sources 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 REGISTER of Interests for members of the TCI House of Assembly is complete and ready for public inspection.





It was put together by the TCI Integrity Commission and covers the period ending December 31, 2017.





Greg Christie, director of the Integrity Commission, said: "The compilation and maintenance of the Register of Interests is an important constitutional function of the commission.





"Its aim is to promote transparency, openness and accountability, and thus strengthen public trust and confidence in the parliamentary and democratic process.





"It also provides the Hon. members with a measure of protection against unwarranted criticism of perceived or actual conflicts between a members private interests and his or her public duty.





Members of the House of Assembly are required by the TCI Constitution and the Integrity Commission Ordinance to file with the commission, once every year, statements of registrable interests in respect of themselves as well as their spouses and dependent children.





The statements contain the following information:

- Particulars of any directorships held in any company or other corporate body.





- Particulars of any contract made with the Government.





- The name or description of any company, partnership or association in which the person is an investor.





- A concise description of any trust to which the person is a beneficiary or trustee.





- Any beneficial interest held in land.





- Any fund to which the person contributes.





- Particulars of any political, trade or professional association to which the person belongs.





- Particulars relating to sources of income.





- Any other substantial interest, whether of a pecuniary nature or not, which the member considers may appear to raise a material conflict between his private interests and his public duty.





All members of the House of Assembly have filed their respective statements of registrable interests for 2017, a statement from the TCI Integrity Commission on Thursday (February 14) said.





The commission has taken the time to examine these statements and has confirmed the accuracy of the respective entries with each member.





Christie said: "The commission wishes to commend the Hon. members of the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly for their exemplary cooperation and support in the compilation and production of this Register of Interests for 2017.





The Register of Interests 2017 is now available for public inspection at the House of Assembly in Grand Turk.





It is also available for inspection at the Offices of the Integrity Commission in Grand Turk and Providenciales, during the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and from 8.30am to 4pm on Fridays.





The register will also be available at the Offices of the District Commissioners in the family islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay.





The register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours, or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.





More information is available from the Integrity Commission at 946-1941 (Grand Turk) or 941-7847 (Providenciales) or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]




External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita on Monday signed four agreements to cement bilateral cooperation.

The two foreign ministers inked four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in the areas of security, housing, investments and youths, Xinhua news agency reported.

Speaking at a press briefing, Bourita said the signing of these agreements will strengthen the legal framework governing the relations between the two countries.

For her part, the Indian foreign minister stressed that India is committed to developing bilateral relations with Morocco.

Swaraj also met with several Moroccan officials, including the Prime Minister Saadeddine El Othmani.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India is a cultural treasure trove of thousands of years that has faced long periods of slavery and invasions unfazed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday, adding that its different cultural 'beads' make the country multi-dimensional.

Modi spoke after President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Tagore Awards for Cultural Harmony.

The awards for 2014, 2015 and 2016 were presented to Manipuri dance exponent Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, Bangladeshi cultural organisation Chhayanaut and Statue of Unity sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar for "outstanding contribution towards promoting values of cultural harmony".

Said Modi: "Culture is the oxygen of any nation, which powers a nation's identity and existence. Any nation's longevity and respect is determined by the strength of its culture's roots.

"India has a cultural treasure trove of thousands of years, has faced long terms of slavery and invasions unfazed. If this has been possible, it was because of intellectuals like Swami Vivekandanda and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and many like them," Modi said in his address.

"The cultural capacity of India is like a colourful string of beads (mala), with different beads giving it strengths of different colours. 'The water changes every mile, and the language every four miles' is what makes us multi-cultural and multi-dimensional," he added.

Pointing to Tagore, in whose recognition the awards were instituted in 2012, he said that Tagore understood this power and collated India's multiplicity in Rabindra Sangeet, which has colours from all of India and is without linguistic barriers.

"He was beyond every border, and was committed to nature and humanity. He thought of the world as his home and received love from all over the world. People from Afghanistan still speak of the story of 'Kabuliwala'."

Modi added: "Gurudev's creations and messages are beyond time, space and circumstances. His argument of protection of humanity needs to be strengthened today. Amid challenges the world is facing today, it is very relevant to read, and learn Tagore."

The annual award, carrying a prize of Rs 1 crore, was instituted in 2012 in recognition of Tagore's contribution and understanding of the role of culture in enriching the human spirit and in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary.

President Kovind said in his address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra that Tagore was a remarkable genius and one the world's foremost cultural icons.

Said the President: "He was more than just a writer - he was a musician, artist, educationist and spiritual scholar of rare sensitivity. He is remembered every day as the poet who gave India its national anthem. And he remains one of our foremost cultural icons."

He described Tagore "as an internationalist, a child of Ma Bharati and an advocate of Vishvabharati".

The 2014 winner, Singh, a Padma Shri (1986) recipient and Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (2011), has been a performer and a choreographer of Manipuri dance for over 60 years.

Awardee cultural organisation Chhayanaut, which was part of the movement for an independent Bangladesh, has promoted and preserved the philosophy of Tagore in that country which shares Tagore as the author of its national anthem.

The third recipient, 94-year-old Sutar, a sculptor and scholar, is now known for the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue and a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The first Tagore Award was conferred upon Indian sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar and the second in 2013 upon music maestro Zubin Mehta.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Against the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack, India battled Pakistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by asserting that the trial of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan did not meet minimum standards of natural and human rights and urged the court to declare that his detention since 2016 for espionage was "unlawful" and order his release.

India also insisted on consular access for Jadhav, a former naval commander awarded death sentence by a Pakistani military court in 2016 in an alleged espionage case, and accused Pakistan of denying him diplomatic access despite 13 reminders.

Appearing on behalf of India, eminent counsel Harish Salve accused Islamabad of committing serious violations of various provisions of the 1963 Vienna Convention and other laws and protocols.

Arguing before the court of 16 judges, presided over by ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf and including India's former Supreme Court judge Dalveer Singh Bhandari, Salve said Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared "unlawful" and the court should order his release.

"Among other things, considering the trauma he has been subjected to for three years, it is in the interest of justice and making human rights a reality, the court should direct his release," Salve said, adding Pakistan was using him as a propaganda tool.

Salve said the proceedings in Pakistani military courts fall far short of international standards. "In just two years, military courts in Pakistan have been allowed to convict civilians and 161 civilians have been given death sentence in an opaque manner," Salve added.

A former Solicitor General of India, he was presenting his arguments after India and Pakistan filed memorials and counter-memorials in the case in which the ICJ had in May 2017 stayed Jadhav's execution.

"I consider myself honoured to present India's case here to save an innocent Indian. The basis on which India is pursuing the case are: First issue relates to construction of the Vienna Convention and consular access was not granted," Salve said, accusing Pakistan of raising issues that have no relevance to the case.

He said the trial by Pakistan failed in following even the minimum standards of natural and human rights. Pakistan asserts Jadhav was arrested but India maintains he was abducted. Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay. On March 30, 2016, India reminded Pakistan of its request of consular access (for Jadhav) and received no reply. 13 reminders were sent by India on various dates.

"Pakistan did not disclose the date of detention as well. No document of Jadhav's trial was given to India. Despite repeated attempts for immediate consular access, Pakistan has not done that so far," he said.

Salve said finding itself bereft of any substantive defence, Pakistan has raised a host of issues that do not have relevance to the issue. "Pakistan runs unmerited defences. It mis-states the law, misreads commentaries and relies on material that is not recognised having any precedential value."

Having failed in its propaganda in a feeble attempt to counter global criticism of its role in cross-border terrorism, Pakistan has sought to raise issues like India's refusal to allow freewheeling inquiry into high functionaries without even disclosing the fundamental elements of the alleged offences that have been investigated, he said.

Referring to Jadav's passports, allegedly seized from him, the Indian counsel said it was India's case and did not call for resolution and decision by this court.

The relevant issues are, first, the Vienna Convention, second in application of its language to the conduct of Pakistan "which leads us to the step of deciding the appropriate relief to be granted", he said.

Salve further said that Pakistan was using the ICJ as a platform for propaganda and that in itself was an abuse of the court's process. The cased cited by Pakistan had no relevance to the present case, Salve added.

"Despite repeated attempts by India to sign a treaty for mutual legal assistance, Pakistan has refused. The reason is that there are several pending cases that involve terrorism," he said.

Further, Salve said that Pakistan was embarrassed to disclose the judgment in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, the charges against him and the evidence. The story had always been strong on rhetoric and weak on facts.

He asserted that Jadhav's trial by a military court hopelessly failed to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and should be declared "unlawful".

Slamming Pakistan for not complying with treaty obligations, India's counsel said Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation on why it needed three months to provide consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation. Even on he erroneous premise that para 4 applies, Pakistan had not complied with treaty obligations, he contended.

"Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on December 25, 2017. India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on December 27 marking its protest," Salve said.

"In the present case, review and reconsideration of case would be inadequate. The relief should be in the form of a direction to set Jadhav free.

"Rights of Kulbhushan Jadhav and India have been brazenly violated by Pakistan. Consequences must follow. Pakistan's conduct does not inspire confidence that Jadhav will get justice in Pakistan," Salve asserted.

"India has always offered consular access to Pakistan even when its citizens have been caught red-handed in acts of terrorism. It is another matter that Pakistan has never availed of the same."

While Salve concluded his opening arguments, Pakistan will have its turn to offer its counter arguments 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.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected a plea challenging arrest and transit remand of Veewon Thokchom, advisor to the Manipur Students' Association Delhi (MSAD), in connection with a sedition case.

The case was lodged against Thokchom for his comments on the Citizenship Bill on social media.

Justice Sunil Gaur said prima facie it appears the act committed by the accused was an attempt to spread hatred and create disaffection towards the government established by the law.

"Finding no infirmity in the impugned order, this petition and application are accordingly dismissed, while not commenting on the merit of the case," the court ruled.

Thokchom, arrested in Delhi on February 15, had filed the petition through his brother challenging arrest and transit remand. He was arrested by a joint team of Delhi Police and Manipur Police.

The court granted the transit remand and allowed Manipur Police to take him and present him before a court concerned by February 19.

According to the police, as Thokchom's messages on social media incited people, an FIR was registered against him under sedition charges.

The police said, "One message said 'the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 will be passed and in such a situation people of Manipur may seek self-determination.' Thokchom also referred to the incident of 'June 18, 2001 when the Manipur Assembly complex was burned.'"

He is the second person from Manipur to be arrested on sedition charges in recent times.

Few months ago, Kishore Chandra, a news anchor with a local channel, was arrested for speaking out against a government function to mark the birth anniversary of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, saying she had nothing to do with Manipur.

Though a district and sessions court ordered his release, the Manipur government rearrested him from the court complex and detained him for one-year under the National Security Act.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court has granted anticipatory bail to a man facing prosecution in a molestation case on the condition that he will plant 50 saplings in a government school.

Noting that the accused has joined the investigation into the case, Justice Sunil Gaur in his order, delivered last week, directed the principal of a school in Chander Nagar in East Delhi to ensure that 25 neem and 25 peepal saplings were planted at its premises.

The court also asked the investigating officer to file a compliance report in this regard.

The court has asked the accused to furnish a bail bond of Rs 15,000 with one local surety of like amount.

However, if the accused misuses the concession of pre-arrest bail or tampers with evidence, the state is at liberty to get the order revoked, it said.

The accused had been booked on charges of molestation, wrongful restraint and mischief at the Connaught Place Police Station last year.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cutting across party lines, Gujarat legislators on Monday decided to donate their one month's salaries to the families of the 40 Central Reserve Police Force troopers killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

Sources said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, during a meeting of the legislature party on Sunday, had initially decided that all MLAs will donate Rs 51,000 but after having learnt that the Congress legislators would send their salaries of a month, decided to follow suit.

The monthly salaries of Gujarat MLAs were hiked from Rs 70,727 to Rs 1,16,316 during the monsoon session in September last year. The ministers' salaries were increased from Rs 87,000 to Rs 1.32 lakh a month.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With a view to ensuring better safety of women, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry will on Tuesday launch three initiatives, including safety tool "Panic Button" and DNA analysis facilities, said an official on Monday.

The initiatives will be jointly launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and WCD Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The Panic Button, which was conceived in 2015, will be launched across 14 states at a cost of Rs 321.69 crore made available from the Nirbhaya Fund, said an official statement.

This emergency response system was soft-launched in Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland recently.

Safe City Implementation Monitoring (SCIM), a web portal developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will also be launched at Tuesday's event which will help online track deployment of assets and infrastructure created under the Safe City projects.

The DNA analysis centres will have facilities like refrigeration of samples, automated DNA extractor and sequencer, centrifuges and genetic analysers, among others. A sum of Rs 78.86 crore has been sanctioned for this initiative.

"WCD and Home ministries are collaborating intensively to ensure that women are safe in the country. Besides, the initiatives referred above, fast-track special courts for cases of sexual assaults are also being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Law for which Rs 767 crore has been sanctioned from the Nirbhaya Fund," Maneka Gandhi said in the statement.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lashing out at Facebook for behaving like "digital gangsters" in the online world, a UK parliamentary committee concluded that the social networking giant intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws.

In its final report on Monday after an 18-month investigation into disinformation and "fake news", the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) select committee of the UK Parliament called for stricter regulation to make Facebook end spread of disinformation on its platform.

"Democracy is at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and personalised 'dark adverts' from unidentifiable sources, delivered through the major social media platforms we use everyday," Damian Collins, Chair of the DCMS Committee, said in a statement.

The report highlights Facebook documents obtained by the committee relating to a Californian court case brought by US-based app developer Six4Three.

Through scrutiny of internal Facebook emails between 2011 and 2015, the report found evidence to indicate that the company was willing to override its users' privacy settings in order to transfer data to some app developers.

The investigation found that Facebook was willing to charge high prices in advertising to some developers, for the exchange of data, and starve some developers - such as Six4Three - of that data, contributing to them losing their business.

The now-defunct start-up Six4Three alleged that Facebook collected information on users and their friends through its apps.

The report also named Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg who refused summons to appear before the committee three times.

"By choosing not to appear before the Committee and by choosing not to respond personally to any of our invitations, Mark Zuckerberg has shown contempt towards both the UK Parliament and the 'International Grand Committee', involving members from nine legislatures from around the world," the report said.

"Mark Zuckerberg continually fails to show the levels of leadership and personal responsibility that should be expected from someone who sits at the top of one of the world's biggest companies," Collins said.

Launched in 2017, the inquiry intensified after the Cambridge Analytica data-harvesting scandal became public.

In the 108-page report, the UK lawmakers accused Facebook of continuing to prioritise shareholders' profits over users' privacy rights.

"We are open to meaningful regulation and support the committee's recommendation for electoral law reform," Karim Palant, Facebook's UK public policy manager, was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Robert Vadra, brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday in connection with the probe into a money laundering case involving a London property worth 1.9 million pound.

"He (Vadra) has been asked to appear before the agency on Tuesday at 10.30 a.m.," a senior ED official said here on Monday.

The fresh summons have come two days after a Delhi court on Saturday extended Vadra's interim bail till March 2.

Earlier, the directorate had questioned Vadra for over 24 hours in connection with the case on February 6, 7 and 9.

The case relates to ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pound, allegedly belonging to Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, Congress General Secretary in charge of Uttar Pradesh East.

He was also questioned twice by the ED in Jaipur in connection with the Bikaner land deal case.

The ED on Friday attached Rs 4.43 crore immovable property at Vadra's Sukhdev Vihar house in Delhi. The house was in the name of Vadra's company Sky Light Hospitality Private Limited.

On February 2, the court had granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join the investigation on February 6.

The ED had lodged a money laundering case against Manoj Arora after his role came up during the the Income Tax Department probe into another case under the 2015 anti-black money law involving absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality, was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED had conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With a focus to put Mizoram on the map of the burgeoning Indian contemporary art, 14 young artists from the northeastern state will exhibit their works here that speak of the contemporary Mizo identity as a complex mixture of global influences and valued regional traditions.

A group exhibition titled "Contemporary Art", organised by the government of Mizoram, will present a slice of Mizoram's budding art practice. It will open on Tuesday at the India International Centre (IIC) Annexe here.

The Mizo art scene, although replete with the use of Western artistic techniques and styles, is strongly rooted in the regional traditions.

"Taking up materials, techniques and idioms from Western cultural practices, the Mizos construct their own artistic language by amalgamating them with the Mizo sensibility and culture.

"We see in the current exhibition the idyllic Mizo rural scenes, Mizo lasses, and local flora and fauna as very dominant themes that the Mizo artists are working with, while using Western techniques and styles," Isaac Malsawmtluanga, a participant and art education professor at District Institute of Education and Training, Aizawl, told IANS.

A small art market and occasional sale of artworks does not stop local artists from exploring new media. Many self-taught and only a handful of academically trained artists, the practitioners mostly work with local subjects and topics.

Malsawmtluanga, who is part of an art movement at Mizoram Art Development Society (MADS), believes that like other regions Mizoram is also part of the global village "where things happen at a fast pace and where information and data bombards you by the second".

"So, the valued age-old traditions that had remained with us are also experiencing modifications and change so as to have more meaning and practicality. But, the Mizos closely guard the core and concepts of these traditions," the former M.Phil student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) explained.

He illustrates this with the example of the concept of 'tlawmngaihna' (selfless sacrifice).

"Back in the days, the braves of the village had to defend their homes from wild animals and enemies and had to possess the spirit of tlawmngaihna. However today, there is no need to protect one's village from these elements, and the Mizos ingeniously used the concept of tlawmngaihna in the sphere of social work.

"So whatever may be on the outside appearance, the core of the Mizo identity is still deeply rooted in their age old traditions and value," the 2016 Kochi-Muziris Biennale exhibitor said.

Malsawmtluanga, whose own art practice is a reflection of Mizo culture and identity filtered through his lens, tries to situate this indigenous existence in the bigger picture of Indian contemporary art and culture.

Along with his co-exhibitors who are mostly self-taught artists, some involved with art schools and galleries of Mizoram, the young artist hopes to bring their visual voices to a larger audience through the exhibit.

The exhibition will run from February 20 to 26.

(Siddhi Jain can be contacted at siddhi.j@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
INTERHEALTH Canada has applied for the territorys hospitals to be accredited to deliver medical internship programmes.





Members of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Accreditation Committee visited the TCI this month to assess the facilities.





The accreditation process involves the submission of an institutional self-assessment report by the interested facility.





The request is reviewed by the committee and where suitable, a team is selected to conduct an on-site assessment to verify the information provided in the report.





Four members of the committee conducted the assessment at the TCIs tertiary healthcare facilities on February 8 and 9.





The visiting team comprised of Professor Trevor McCartney, chairman of UWI Accreditation Committee and former chairman of Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (CAMC), CAMC registrar Professor Howard Spencer, Dr Tomlin Paul, Dean of Medical Sciences at UWI Mona Campus, and Dr Lenroy Bryan, lecturer at UWIs Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.





During the assessment, the team were given a tour of Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre and met various stakeholders.





Daniel Carriere, chief executive officer of InterHealth Canada at TCI Hospital, spoke to the visitors about past and present certifications pursued by the healthcare facility.





The hospital acquired three successive Diamond rankings by Accreditation Canada International in 2012, 2015 and 2018, he said.





In addition, it is currently seeking to become a Baby Friendly Hospital and Best Practice Spotlight Organisation.





Governance certifications were also successfully acquired from the Organisation of Information Security to bolster security practices for hospital information systems.





Chief of medical services Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant told the committee members of the value of strategic alliances in healthcare and the broad range of internal training programmes.





These programmes are designed to foster a culture of continuous organisational learning and development which paves a strong foundation for an internship programme, she said.





Under the internship programme, participants are required to undergo a one-year paid rotation across four of the major disciplines.





These are general surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology.





The programmes are structured in accordance with robust standards to ensure participants acquire the clinical competence to meet the requirements for medical licences.





The TCI Government has issued several educational scholarships within the field of medicine.





Also speaking to the guests were Edgar Howell, Director of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, and president of the TCI Community College Dr Hugh Fulford.





Several local medical students have expressed challenges for the internship component of their studies, said Howell.





The college has also started a nursing programme, which will benefit from locally accessible internships.





Both education representatives expressed hope that the medical centres would satisfy the requirements of the surveyors.





Health registrar for the TCI Government, Dr Derrick Aarons, provided an overview of his role with reference to the relevant ordinance, which makes provision for medical internships.





Pierre Richardson, chief executive officer of the Health Regulatory Authority, provided insight into the agencys role and responsibilities.





Dr Terese Maitland, chief executive officer of the National Health Insurance Board, gave remarks on the collaboration between TCI Hospital and the National Health Insurance Board.





Leader of the UWI assessment team, Professor McCartney commended InterHealth Canada for the comprehensive nature of the meetings and other stakeholders for the effort to maintain

high standards and regulations.





The Canadian company was also commended for the introduction a public private partnership healthcare model in the Caribbean.





The Minister of Health, Hon. Edwin Astwood also attended some of the sessions in support of the internship pursuit.





The findings of the on-site assessment will be reviewed in the next UWI Accreditation Committee meeting in April or March 2019 and later released to the hospital.




With a view to preventing infighting due to ticket distribution, the Congress has directed all its state units to expedite the process of candidate selection as well as state-wise electoral understanding for the Lok Sabha before this month which shall be then approved by the Congress Election Committee.

The recent Assembly polls, particularly in Rajasthan, saw a lot of infighting in the Congress over ticket distribution, causing embarrassment to the central leadership. Several disgruntled party leaders staged protests and over a dozen contested as independents, denting the party's showing.

In order to avoid a repeat of a similar situation, the state units have been told to expedite the procedure of candidate selection and submit the lists before the month end.

One of the major issues discussed during the recent Congress President Rahul Gandhi's meeting with general secretaries and state unit chiefs was ticket distribution.

"Ticket distribution has always been a contentious issue with all the parties. But this time it has been decided that ticket distribution will be finalized only after names recommended are approved. All state units will prepare their candidate lists before end of February," a Congress leader who did not want to be identified by name told IANS.

The leader also said that the Congress will announce most of its candidates by the end of March, allowing them sufficient time to campaign. The Lok Sabha election schedule is expected to be announced by the Election Commission in the first week of March.

"Soon after the schedule is announced, the candidate lists will be published gradually and we expect to complete the process by the end of March," said the leader.

Besides giving more powers in term of candidate selection, the state units have been asked to provide details of local issues and feedback on the central issues that are to be included in the election manifesto.

Along with the key issues of unemployment, agrarian distress, attacks on democratic institutions and "Rafale scam", suggestions from the Indian diaspora across the globe has also been taken to incorporate their views in the manifesto expected to be released in March.

The Manifesto Committee, comprising key party leaders P. Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh, Salman Khurshid, Shashi Tharoor and Sam Pitroda among others, so far has held 176 consultations in 56 cities taking public feedback on the issues to be incorporated in the manifesto.

Among the major highlights of the manifesto will be Gandhi's mega poll promise of "minimum income guarantee". With consultations from renowned economists that reportedly include former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, the manifesto will provide the blueprint of the scheme touted by the Congress as a "game-changer".

Involving the party's various wings including women, students and youth, the Congress has also taken the views of transgenders. An advocate of transgenders rights, Apsara Reddy was appointed the General Secretary of the Congress women wing in January.

The party has also been seeking ideas from the public through a dedicated website for the manifesto where netizens can submit their ideas and issues.

The meeting of the CWC - the Congress' highest decision making body - will be held on February 26 in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat. The meeting, presided over by Rahul Gandhi, will also be attended by newly-appointed General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh among others.

Besides the strategies and roadmap for the election battle, the party leaders will also discuss and chalk out a draft of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the anti-BJP front of opposition parties.

Following a meeting on February 13, opposition parties decided to have a pre-poll pact and Rahul Gandhi was tasked to circulate a draft CMP among the opposition parties.

"As has been decided by all the opposition parties earlier, the major agenda in the CMP will be unemployment, agrarian crisis, attacks on democratic institutions and the abuse of central agencies to stifle the opposition and dissenting voices," said a Congress leader.

(Anurag Dey can be contacted at anurag.d@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
People aged 65 years and older are expected to make up for around 30 per cent of China's population in the next 30 years, authorities said on Monday.

This is a significant rise as compared to the 11.9 per cent growth recorded in 2018, said an expert.

"Rapid aging of the population will place great pressure on the pension fund and the workforce, and family members will face unprecedented pressure to take care of the elderly," said Wang Guangzhou, a researcher at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

According to official data of 2018, people aged 65 and above account for some 11.9 per cent of the total population. But due to gradual decrease of the population in proportion to those above 65 years, their numbers "will increase rapidly" over the coming decades, Efe news quoted Wang as saying.

Yuan Xin, a population studies professor in Nankai University, said the overall population decrease along with an aging population could result in a fall of around 700 million people - in the working age group of 15 to 59 years - by 2050 from the current 897.3 million, marking a 22 per cent decline.

However, Yuan added that the changes in the economic structures would not lead to a shortage of workforce under the circumstances.

He said increasing the age of retirement from 60 to 65 could increase the workforce by some 100 million, reported the China Daily.

According to the "Green Book of Population and Labour", a report published by CASS in January, the Chinese population is set to peak in 2029 at 1.44 billion and is expected to start declining afterwards.

The population is projected to be some 1.36 billion in 2025 and will reach around 1.2 billion in 2065, a similar number to that of the year 1996.

However, the report said that if the birth rate remains unchanged at 1.6 children per woman, the population will begin declining 2027 onward and will drop less than 1.2 billion in 2065, recording the same number as in 1990.

China had put an end to its strict one child policy in 2015 to address the perils of a rapidly-ageing population.

--IANS

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With an eye on first-time voters, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is set to launch over a dozen programmes, including "NaMo Yuva connect" targeting one of the strongest support bases of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Under the leadership of BJYM President Poonam Mahajan, workers would visit every district and look for around 1,000 eminent young members of the society to turn them into BJP supporters.

Under the "NaMo Yuva Connect", the BJYM will seek to understand various aspects of their life, struggle in achieving the goal and how they "benefited" from the Narendra Modi government's initiatives.

"These 1,000 youths would be invited to a Town Hall programme, likely in Delhi next month, where they will share their experiences," BJYM leader Rohit Chahal told IANS.

According to sources, Modi may interact with these youths at the "Town Hall" event.

Chahal said the BJYM has prepared a road map to connect with maximum number of youths and the "NaMo Yuva connect" is one of the 17 programmes under the "Vijay Lakshya 2019 campaign" taken up by Mahajan.

"Under another programme we will visit colleges and make campus ambassadors. We will also hold a conclave of bloggers and writers. We will be holding youth parliament, town hall programmes and bike rallies across the nation."

To attract youth towards the BJP, 17 plans have been undertaken ahead of the polls, he said adding a social media campaign about these programmes would soon be launched.

BJYM Spokesperson Chahal said the aim is to target first-time voters, specially the millennials. "We have launched a massive programme to connect with the first-time voters. We are trying to convince them why they should cast their first vote in favour of Modi," Chahal said.

According to an estimate, over 15 crore first-time voters will use their franchise in this election.

The BJYM President kicked off the Vijay Lakshya 2019 campaign last month via video conference. The BJYM is also running a nationwide social media campaign to popularise Modi's idea under #IAmNewIndia entailing nine pledges for youngsters.

The exercise follows the Prime Minister's call to the BJP to connect with those born in this millennium as they would get voting rights this year only.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A woman from Turkmenistan was killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a speeding Bentley car rammed the auto rickshaw they were travelling in at Vinay Marg, a high-security area in Central Delhi's Chanakyapuri area, on Monday, the police said.

The driver of the Bentley, identified as Asees Singh Chadha, 19, was caught by the people and handed over to the police. He is nephew of liquor baron Ponty Chadha who was killed in 2012. He had two policemen from Punjab following him in an escort vehicle as security, the police said.

A motorist informed the police about the accident at about 1.45 p.m. When the police reached the spot, they found the car and the auto rickshaw in tatters following the accident.

"The passengers of the auto rickshaw were taken to a nearby hospital where Gulshat Alijanova, the Turkmenistan national, succumbed to injuries. The injured have been identified as Alma Gul Atayeba and Gulia Yyam, both from Turkmenistan, and Raghubir Singh, driver of the auto rickshaw. The Turkmenistan nationals were in India on tourist visa," said Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Asees, son of Rajender Singh Chadha, stays in a farmhouse in south Delhi's Mehrauli area.

--IANS

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"October" actress Banita Sandhu, who will be seen as the female lead in "Varmaa" - the Tamil remake of Telugu film "Arjun Reddy" - is looking forward to return to a film set. She says she was waiting for the right project to come her way.

For a few days now, news reports of Britain-based actress Banita, who played Varun Dhawan's comatose soul-mate in Shoojit Sircar's "October", replacing the orginal female lead, Meghna, a model from Kolkata, in "Varmaa" was doing the rounds.

Banita has confirmed she is indeed doing "Varmaa".

"Yes, I am doing 'Varmaa'. And I am quite excited about it. After 'October', nothing really interesting was coming way. Until now," Banita said.

She looks forward to begin preparation to play the out-of-control alcoholic hero's quiet subdued love interest.

"I am waiting for the acting workshops to begin. The shooting date is yet to be finalised. But I am hoping it would begin in the next month or so."

She says she cannnot wait to start shooting.

"I was just waiting for the right film to come along after 'October'. This ('Varmaa') made perfect sense. I am super excited about getting back on a film set."

A shake-up in the cast and crew of "Varmaa" left the project with only the hero in place, Tamil cinema doyen Vikram's son Dhruv, whose launchpad "Varmaa" is meant to be.

However, the producers were so disappointed by what director Bala had achieved that they decided to scrap the entire film after it was complete, dismantle the entire cast and crew, except for Dhruv and remake the film from scratch.

--IANS

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday that cyber attack on the country's Parliament earlier this month, was carried out by a "sophisticated" group controlled by a foreign government.

He however, did not identify the country behind the attack, reports Efe news.

"During the course of this work, we also became aware that the networks of some political parties - Liberal, Labor and Nationals - have also been affected," Morrison told in Parliament in Canberra, referring to the attack on the computer networks on February 8.

The Prime Ministersaid that a "sophisticated state actor" was behind the attack .

"Our security agencies have detected this activity and acted decisively to confront it. They are securing these systems and protecting users.

"Let me be clear, there is no evidence of any electoral interference," the premier said, referring to the general election that will take place in May.

"We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system."

After the attack, the legislature adopted a series of measures, such as changing passwords, even though data was not stolen or damaged.

In 2015, the Australian Meteorological Office's computers were subject to a massive cyber attack allegedly orchestrated by China, which led the Australian government to strengthen security measures against foreign espionage.

In December, Australia joined the US and the UK in condemning the supposed campaign of cyber attacks on intellectual property and worldwide trade data attributed to China.

These countries said the group known as Advanced Persistent Threat 10 (APT 10), allegedly linked to the Ministry of State Security of China, was responsible for a large-scale attack.

The National Cyber Security Centre (UK) concluded that APT 10 was responsible, at least since 2016, for attacks on information technology and infrastructure services in many organiSations, and on large and medium-sized companies in Australia and the rest of the world.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Argentina on Monday invited Indian business to invest in the Latin American nation in a move to boost the current low level of bilateral trade with India and take the relationship to a higher level.

Following Macri's talks with Modi on Monday, the two sides signed 10 MoUs for greater cooperation in a range of areas including in information and communications technology, nuclear energy and agriculture.

Addressing the India-Argentina Business Forum here organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Mauricio Macri said Indian enterprise is "most welcome" in Argentina in a situation of "endless potential" for economic cooperation between both nations.

Macri, who arrived on his first official visit to India on Sunday, held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier on Monday.

"I invite you to participate in this process of integration between our two countries...to invest, partner and participate in the unprecedented pace of development that is taking place in Argentina," Macri said, addressing the business forum.

Declaring that Argentina wants to learn from India's experience in "innovation and sustainable development," the President said his delegation includes representatives from Argentina's MSME sector, as well as business representing all the 11 provinces in the country.

"There are many complementarities between both countries, for instance, that between India's EV (electric vehicles) programme target for 2030 and Argentina's lithium programme," he said.

Lithium is important for solar power projects and a key element of lithium-ion batteries for EVs, while, following Modi's meeting with Macri in Argentina last year, an Indian consortium has been to the South American country to explore mining of lithium and copper.

Macri pointed to potential areas of cooperation as being agro-industry, non-conventional energy sources, renewables and the knowledge economy, among others.

Argentina, which supports India's bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), will hold its first nuclear talks with India in Mumbai later this week through the mechanism of a joint nuclear group.

While the current bilateral trade stands at a modest $3 billion, Macri's visit, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, is part of efforts to upgrade the relationship to the "strategic level".

Addressing the gathering earlier, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said that India is looking to expand the current preferential trade agreement (PTA) with Argentina to a "higher level."

He also praised Argentina's efforts in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the context of a "new wave of protectionism."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tottering on the brink for months, the Shiv Sena managed to bulldoze its way with the BJP, paving the way for a pre-poll alliance for the Lok Sabha and in all probability even the Assembly polls later in the year, party sources said on Monday.

"It is finalized. It will be closed around our proposed formula of 25-23 seats for BJP-Sena respectively in Lok Sabha and 50-50 in the Assembly. We shall announce the details formally this evening," a top Sena leader told IANS requesting anonymity.

However, the ticklish issue of Sena's demand for the post of Chief Minister remains unresolved and various options are being put forth by the BJP on this front. It will depend on how many seats each partner bags in the 288-member Assembly.

The two parties are expected to address a joint press conference with Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expected to be present, besides the possibility of BJP President Amit Shah joining them, on Monday evening.

The developments came after weeks of adamant public posturing on both sides, though second channel talks were secretly conducted between senior leaders of the two parties, culminating in the reported alliance.

The Sena is the biggest and oldest saffron ally of BJP - without break for nearly three decades, barring a brief snap-off before the 2014 Assembly election.

A couple of months after the BJP formed the government headed by Fadnavis, the Sena, which sat with the opposition, walked over to the ruling side.

Embarrassing the ruling NDA, during the entire tenure, the Sena remained the sharpest critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shah and Prime Minster Narendra Modi on various issues ranging from demonetization to the state of the economy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With a goal to win all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi, form a grand alliance government at the Centre and get statehood for Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is planning to launch a mass movement ahead of the general elections.

Speaking to the media, AAP leader Gopal Rai on Monday said the party would discuss strategies for the campaign at a meeting of MLAs on Saturday and office-bearers on Sunday.

"People have suffered enough due to lack of statehood to Delhi. We have tried everything, from approaching the central government to the Supreme Court, but no justice has been done. Now the party has decided to go to peoples' court," Rai said.

On the possibilities of an alliance in Delhi, he said: "The AAP will contest and win all seven seats." All our MPs would work and take the issue of statehood to Parliament, he added.

He said the Centre was not interested in fighting corruption. "The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) was taken away from us as the central government is not interested in ending corruption," Rai said.

Pointing out the issues Delhi is facing due to lack of statehood, Rai said the Delhi government could not do anything for the security of women as the police is not under the government and is not answerable to it or the public.

"The Narendra Modi government is hell-bent on taking revenge from the people of Delhi and this started within three months of the Arvind Kejriwal government getting elected in 2015 with the highest ever electoral mandate in the history of independent India. The people of Delhi will not tolerate injustice anymore," he said.

He said in 2014 the city gave all the seven parliamentary seats to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "But still the BJP deceived Delhi. it went back on its decades old promise of full statehood and on the contrary tried to stifle the elected government of Delhi," he said.

"The party will make voters aware that they need to elect MPs who will fight for their rights and not against them. Delhi needs full statehood," 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.)
Seven UK lawmakers resigned from the opposition Labour Party on Monday in protest over its policy on Brexit, allegations of anti-semitism and its general shift to the Left under the current leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

Lawmakers Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Mike Gapes, Gavin Shuker and Ann Coffey said they had left the party but will sit in Parliament as the Independent Group, the BBC reported.

"It's time we dumped this old-fashioned politics," said Umunna, Member of Parliament for Streatham in south London, as the Independent Group, whose slogan is: " is broken. Let's change it", announced its formation.

Umunna has been a vocal opponent of Corbyn's refusal to back a second Brexit referendum, which was one of the core reasons behind the party split, according to Efe news.

The Independent Group is not yet a registered political party, but it will have the ability to vote with other parliamentary groups and may find common ground on the topic of Brexit with the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party.

These seven MPs are widely regarded as representing the centrist elements of the Labour Party whose shadow Cabinet has tacked to the Left, away from the centre-ground policies embraced by ex-party leader and former Prime minister Tony Blair.

Corbyn lamented the split and said the Labour Party should stay focused on its principal aims to represent the underprivileged.

"I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election," he said in a statement.

In 2017, Conservative Party leader and current Prime Minister Theresa May lost her majority in a snap general election she herself called when Corbyn's Labour defied polls and gained 30 seats in the House of Commons.

"Labour won people over on a programme for the many not the few - redistributing wealth and power, taking vital resources into public ownership, investing in every region and nation, and tackling climate change," Corbyn said.

That electoral campaign saw Labour buoyed by strong support among young people and the emergence of an affiliated grassroots organization called Momentum. The party slid to the Left, making the nationalization of formerly public-owned industries like the railways a central part of its manifesto.

However, since the election, the UK's opposition has come under public scrutiny not only for its perceived inaction on Brexit but also for allegedly failing to properly address embedded anti-semitism.

Luciana Berger, a Jewish MP for Wavertree in Liverpool, said she could not continue in a party that she labelled "institutionally anti-semitic".

Conservative Party Chairman Brandon Lewis said the resignations had confirmed that Labour "has become the Jeremy Corbyn Party - failing to take action on everything from tackling anti-Jewish racism to keeping our country safe".

Former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "This moment may not look very exciting but it is the beginning of something bigger in British - realignment."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Gemma Handy

in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, and Providenciales, TCI





JULSAINT wipes sweat from his brow in between hammering nails into dexterously assembled wooden slats. Boat-building is brutal work under Haitis beating sun.





Today hes putting together a small fishing vessel which he will sell for a few hundred dollars.





Crafting a larger boat  a skill hes perfected over 21 years  takes three months to complete, he says, but will earn him closer to $5,000.





The dozens of industrious carpenters at work on handmade sloops along the Cap-Haitien coast make for a picturesque scene.





But this bustling port district has become a hub for a people smuggling trade which has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years and plunged the neighbouring Turks and Caicos Islands into a "national crisis.





Here, in an area known informally as La Banane, strangers are treated with polite suspicion.





Ask any of the boat builders what their vessels purpose is and "fishing is the standard response.





Julsaints are used to transport fresh produce and charcoal to Haitis outer islands, like nearby Tortuga, he says.





TCI officials say 90 percent of the boats ferrying illegal migrants to the archipelago 125 miles away depart from Cap-Haitien.





Increased competition has seen fares plummet to as little as 25,000 gourdes  around $300.





First-class travel is by the motor boats which also leave from the north coast and cost up to $1,500 per person.





For those that attempt the treacherous two-day journey by sloop, the benefits outweigh the risks. One domestic worker, speaking from a city suburb on condition of anonymity, says she has tried three times but been intercepted on each occasion by the US Coast Guard and repatriated.





It takes almost a year to save the $300, she reveals. But she knows, if successful, she can make her usual monthly salary of $100 in a couple of days.





"Its easy to arrange the journey - I know about four people running the boats  you just need the cash, she says through a translator. "Since my husband died, it seems like my only hope.





Once in Providenciales, she has cousins who can help her find work. She hopes to eventually regularise her status and arrange for her three children to join her. Ultimately, her dream is a modest one: a house to call her own.





Haitis poverty is well documented; Haitians are a proud people and resent the ubiquitous superlatives applied to illustrate it. Much less publicised is the glaring disparity. Haiti is ranked fourth on the CIA World Factbook for income inequality; the top 20 per cent of households hold two-thirds of the countrys total wealth. Sixty percent of people live on $2 or $3 a day.





In Cap-Haitien, tumbledown shacks are juxtaposed opposite pretty flowerbeds lining high compound walls.





Illegal sloop migration is undeniably a lucrative business. With some sloops carrying up to 200 passengers, those running them can easily collect $60,000.





Migrant vessels heading to the TCI are nothing new and the territory has struggled to deal with a deluge for several years. But recent strife in Haiti coupled with a wealth of new job opportunities in the TCI have triggered a dramatic surge.





Tragically, journeys aboard these rickety, overcrowded vessels too often end in disaster. A boat which sank on February 2 near the Bahamas is thought to have killed dozens.





Through the plane window en route to Providenciales, a number of wrecks are clearly visible in the ocean below.





At least five boats have made it to the TCI in the last month alone, including one in Salt Cay on January 17, poignantly named Sakalaka Wel which in Haitian Creole alludes to freedom.





But the anticipated hope for a brighter future does not always pan out as expected. Some migrants board in the expectation of docking in Florida, only to find themselves several hundred miles from their destination.





For numerous others, the crude shanties they end up living in are a far cry from the home they dreamed of.





TCI settlements

One TCI official, speaking off the record, estimates there are several thousand Haitians living in the Islands illegally.





And, as the boats keep coming, the territorys 14 shantytowns are "growing every day, says Housing Minister Hon. Goldray Ewing.





Eleven of the informal settlements are in Providenciales  predominantly around Blue Hills and Kew Town  and three in Grand Turk.





Many of their longer-term residents now have legal status but are trapped in a cycle of poverty, serving as cheap labour for menial work.





One such community known as Pelota, formerly home to up to 800 people including families with young children, was recently razed to the ground.





Piles of smashed plywood and scrap metal, interspersed with personal belongings such as sneakers and a babys car seat, are all that remains in this sprawling area found down a long bumpy road outside Snake Hill.





A 20-minute drive from the worlds best beach, this is a tableau you wont find in the tourist brochures. Dilapidated cars rest outside ramshackle structures with no running water and sparse, often illicitly acquired, electricity.





Some shanties house up to six people each, one resident testifies. "The place gets flooded with people coming off the boats and theyre not always friendly, he says.





"They sometimes bring guns with them; it's frightening for us. People keep coming; Haiti very hard.





High costs for work permits leave many resigned to a life in this sub-society. With no official status, children cant attend school.





One of the biggest problems for the TCI, Ewing continues, is the threat the shantytowns pose to the countrys mainstay of tourism.





"The settlements are not just an eyesore but a lingering one because even after theyre gone they leave a scar on the land with all the vegetation cleared, he explains.





"On top of that, many of the people living in them work in the tourism industry. Diseases can occur due to a lack of running water and sanitation, which could be passed onto a guest.





Enforcing the law in a "humanitarian way is a delicate balancing act, the minister says. The Government is tackling the issue by putting pressure on land-owners to issue eviction notices to squatters, who then have 28 days to vacate before the bulldozers move in.





"Haiti is becoming a more troublesome place to live; law and order are completely out the door, Ewing continues.





"With more construction jobs becoming available here, we are seeing an increase in the drift of these folks.





"We catch a lot of the boats but I would guess around 50 percent go undetected. The radar can only do so much; we need people out on the water too.





Exacerbating the problem is the fact police are not legally allowed to tow a boat to shore unless they can ensure passengers safety, the minister claims.





"So they have to wait until the boat is very close to land  and then everything goes crazy and the people all run into the bushes.





UKs obligations

The volume of sloops is a "real strain on resources too. The cost of repatriating 187 people aboard the Salt Cay boat topped $300,000.





"We have begged the UK to help. I dont think they realise how urgent the situation is, Ewing adds.





"As a British territory we dont have our own defence force. We told them its an invasion and a national crisis. Theres no other way to describe it.





Anger towards Britain straddles both sides of the political fence.





"The UK is not living up to its obligations. They need to provide us with better technology to intercept the boats, says Opposition Leader Washington Misick. "The situation poses an existential threat to our Islands and our way of life.





"Haiti is not going to become democratic overnight. The Haitian government has other priorities and its economy benefits from remittances, Misick adds.





Local efforts to identify people in the Islands illegally include regular stopping and searching of cars by police, along with visits to workplaces to view employees documents.





As of April 2016, anyone caught harbouring illegal immigrants faces a $20,000 fine and four years in prison.





A spokesperson for the Governors Office denied London was failing in its responsibility to the Islands. British experts are due to visit the TCI next month to assess its maritime security needs, he said.





"Last year the UK Government offered immediate crisis support to deal with the unprecedented seasonal surge in illegal sloops, he continued.





That included the deployment of a Royal Navy ship, funding for helicopter patrols and repairs to the Islands radar facility, the spokesman said, adding that discussions were ongoing regarding additional support.





Back in Haiti, where protests demanding president Jovenel Moise step down continued to result in bloodshed this week, there is little chance of the migration trade abating any time soon.





Asked if she intends to try to reach Providenciales again, the Cap-Haitien domestic worker looks at the ground before shyly answering. "Yes, she says. "Everybody miss home but its worth it to find a happier life.




The buzz around the first 5G-enabled smartphone and foldable devices will be the talk of the town as the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 opens in Barcelona next week.

According to Thomas Husson, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester, a global market research firm, the sessions on 5G and foldable phones are likely to cast a shadow over MWC.

"There is no denying that 5G is the infrastructure of the connected world, and precisely the reason why it is at the centre of the economic and political war between the US and China," Husson told IANS.

"However, the reality is that it will take another five to seven years before it reaches critical mass among consumers in most countries.

"While we will hear a lot about the first 5G smartphones, the challenge is to simultaneously roll-out the infrastructure and it will take time, especially in Europe where spectrum allocation remains a mess at a country level," he added.

Several smartphone and telecom infrastructure players are set to showcase their technologies at the event that begins from February 24 through February 28.

"It is likely top smartphone brands will claim to have reinvented smartphone design. However, it will take longer for these foldable screens to reinvent the smartphone category and deliver differentiated experiences," said Husson.

Foldable screens will accelerate the convergence between smartphones, tablets and laptops, progressively unleashing a new form factor.

According to Paul Miller, Senior Analyst at Forrester, early experiments in augmented and virtual reality have matured and we'll see tangible proof points of real value at the MWC.

"Endless pilots and proofs of concept in IoT are also maturing, reaching beyond the operational teams where they began into the mainstream business, where they simplify existing processes and open the door to new service-based business models," he added.

--IANS

na/ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Key benchmark indices were trading with small losses in early trade. At 9:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 89.69 points or 0.25% at 35,719.26. The Nifty 50 index was down 29.45 points or 0.27% at 10,694.95.

Among secondary barometers,the BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.18%. The BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.34%.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative . On BSE, 478 shares rose and 763 shares fell. A total of 65 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian shares edged higher on Monday, with trade talks between the US and China set to continue in Washington this week after high-level meetings in Beijing concluded on Friday.

US stock indices surged on Friday, 15 February 2019, buoyed by growing optimism that the US and China can strike a trade truce ahead of the March 1 deadline. US stock market will be closed on Monday in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

In political news, tensions rose in Washington D.C. when President Donald Trump declared a national emergency citing a humanitarian crisis at the Southern Border. In economic news, the Empire State manufacturing index rose 4.9 points in February to 8.8 and industrial production fell 0.6% in January, the first decline in eight months.

Back home, Yes Bank (down 4.89%), HCL Technologies (down 1.03%), Hindustan Unilever (down 0.79%), Coal India (down 0.78%), Mahindra & Mahindra (down 0.71%) and Hero Motocorp (down 0.46%), were the major Sensex losers.

ONGC (up 2.66%), NTPC (up 2.61%), Vedanta (up 1.39%), Power Grid Corporation of India (up 0.99%), Larsen & Toubro (up 0.86%) and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 0.72%), were the major Sensex gainers.

On the economic front, India's merchandise exports rose 3.7% to $26.36 billion in January 2019 over a year ago. Meanwhile, merchandise imports was flat at $41.09 billion. The trade deficit for January 2019 was at $14.73 billion as against the deficit of $15.67 billion in January 2018.

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Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu said that Government will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for good governance and proper regulations and corrective action will be taken to protect citizen's privacy and ownership of data. India is transporting more data than US and China put together and the top six companies in the world are using this data with value addition and monetization. Suresh Prabhu added that India is strengthening its legal system and regulatory framework to deal with this world of digital data.

The Minister said that AIis the technology of today and one who masters this will rule the world. Every country is developing an AI strategy and India too is working on developing a strategy for the use of AI for the common good.

Commerce Minister was speaking at the International Colloquium on Ethics and Governance of Autonomous AI System for a Better World held in New Delhi. The two-day Colloquium has been organized by Department of Science and Technology, CMS, ITUAPT and Infocom Think Tank.

This is the first time in human history that machines are taking decisions based on data and experience and we have to learn to deal with this kind of decision making. Government will have to put in place mechanisms on how data is used and algorithms are written. As all the data being generated in world today is being controlled by few companies, it is creating asymmetries as very few create, understand and use this data.

This has given rise to a very powerful elite who are controlling millions of lives. Government will have to take massive efforts in the fundamental education of every Indian from school level so that access to mathematics and technology is available to each and every student. In the present world those who can't access technology will be on the other side as AI is creating an ethical divide. Therefore, education at the foundation level has to be upgraded urgently.

Dr. R. S. Sharma, Chairman TRAI, in his address said that a data rich country like India must develop a national policy spelling out ownership of data, privacy of data generated by citizens and issues of data portability so that the sovereignty of country is not compromised.

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Headline indices of the Mainland China equity market spurted on Monday, 18 February 2019, as investor risk appetite increased amid optimism for a deal on the US-China trade war and new data showed Beijing's attempts to boost investment led to record new loans in January. At closing bell, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index added 2.53%, or 67.86 points, to 2,750.25. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, rose 3.48%, or 48.34 points, to 1,437.81. The blue-chip CSI300 index dropped rose 3.05%, or 101.49 points, to 3,440.49.

Mainland China stocks received a lift after Wall Street surged on Friday as the United States and China reported progress in five days of negotiations in Beijing last week. After the markets closed on Friday, China and the U. S. announced plans to resume trade negotiations in Washington, fueling hopes that both countries were edging toward a deal.

We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues, U. S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi expressed hope for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, according to the media reports.

A tariffs truce expires March 2 and will leave the U. S. free to more than double import taxes on $200 billion in Chinese goods. US President Donald Trump has suggested he may extend the deadline these if the country was close to a deal with China but has offered no firm guarantee. President Donald Trump has said he may hold off on these if the country was close to a deal with China.

China's banks made the most new loans on record in January as policymakers try to jumpstart sluggish investment and prevent a sharper slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.

CURRENCY NEWS: China's yuan climbed up against the U. S. dollar on Monday, after China and the United States agreed to carry on negotiating for a trade deal ahead of a looming March 1 deadline for an agreement, with U. S. President Donald Trump hinting at a truce extension. The People's Bank of China set the daily midpoint rate at 6.7659 per dollar prior to market open, weaker than the previous fix of 6.7623. Spot yuan was changing hands at 6.7558 at midday, 192 pips stronger than the previous late session close and 0.15 percent firmer than the midpoint of the yuan's trading band.

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Headline indices of the Australian financial market closed higher on Monday, 18 February 2019, as investor risk appetite increased on following the positive cues from Wall Street Friday, higher commodity prices, and expectations that the latest negotiations would reduce U. S.-China trade tensions. At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index finished up 27.73 points, or 0.39%, at 6,089.84 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 22.12 points, or 0.36%, at 6,170.70.

Australian stocks received a lift after Wall Street surged on Friday as the United States and China reported progress in five days of negotiations in Beijing last week. After the markets closed on Friday, China and the U. S. announced plans to resume trade negotiations in Washington, fueling hopes that both countries were edging toward a deal.

We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues, U. S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said, in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi expressed hope for a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

A tariffs truce expires March 2 and will leave the U. S. free to more than double import taxes on $200 billion in Chinese goods. President Donald Trump has said he may hold off on these if the country was close to a deal with China.

The finance sector was higher, with ANZ Banking, Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank higher in a range of 0.1% to 0.3%. Westpac's shares are rising 0.2% after the lender reported first-quarter unaudited cash earnings of A$2.04 billion, while its statutory net profit was A$1.95 billion.

Energy stocks gained after crude oil prices gained more than 2% on Friday. Oil prices reached some of their highest prices on Monday, touching to their highest level in 2019, amid OPEC-led supply cuts and US-imposed sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. US West Texas Intermediate WTI Crude futuress hit $56 per barrel for the first time in 2019, before edging back to $55.89 per barrel by mid-day on Monday. International Brent crude futures hit a 2019-high of $66.61 per barrel early on Monday before easing to $66.47 per barrel. Woodside Petroleum and Santos gained more than 1% each, while Oil Search added more than 2%

Materials and resources were also higher, with BHP Group and Fortescue Metals up more than 1% each, while Rio Tinto added almost 2%.

Among individual stocks, Ansell shares added more than 2% after health and safety manufacturer's posted a 91% fall in first-half net profit, but raised its full-year earnings outlook.

Brambles shares declined almost 3% after global logistics company's reported a 27% decline in first-half profit and said it expects to spin off its IFCO reusable plastic container business during 2019.

CURRENCY: Australian Dollar was up against greenback and against a basket of other peers on Monday. The Australian dollar was quoted at $0.7143, down from $0.7092 on Friday.

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As a mark of protest against the murder of two of its workers in Kasargod district, the Youth Congress has called for a statewide dawn to dusk bandh on Monday.

The two Youth Congress workers- Kripesh and Sarath Lal- were hacked to death in Kasargod on Sunday by unidentified assailants while they were on a motorcycle.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

"The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family in Kasargod, Kerala is shocking. The Congress Party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences. We will not rest till the murderers are brought to justice" he tweeted on Monday.

Soon after the death of Kripesh and Sarath, the Congress alleged that Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists were behind the attack that took place in Peria.

"The CPM government is attempting to destroy Congress using party goons. The young Congress activists 24-year-old Sarath Lal and 19- year-old Kripesh were attacked without any provocation in the Peria region," Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here.

"They were not involved in criminal activities. It is part of a tradition of killing in Kasargod and Kannur zilla areas. The government should identify the culprits and arrest them as soon as possible," he added.

A police probe is underway and more details are awaited.

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The entire nation is determined to ensure that the supreme sacrifice made by CRPF jawans does not go waste, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday.

Yogi, who visited the residence of Pulwama martyr Jaydev Singh at Chhapaiya village in the district, said: "India's fight against terrorism will continue with full force. We are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country."

"Our fight against terrorism is a fight for all of us. I reiterate what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that we will not let the sacrifice of our beloved martyrs go waste," Chief Minister Yogi told ANI.

Yogi also paid tribute to the martyr by garlanding his picture. Chief Minister Yogi was accompanied by senior officials of the state government.

"For all those who are responsible for this atrocious attack will get a befitting reply. Very stringent punitive actions will be taken against the perpetrators of Pulwama terror attack," he said.

The state government has already announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh and a government job to one family member of each of martyred soldier from the state.

Chief Minister Adityanath spent some time with the family of the martyred soldier, who is survived by his father, wife and a child.

In one of the deadliest terror attacks in the recent years, as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14 in Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, which was orchestrated by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

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The West Bengal police on Monday arrested a BJP leader along with two others for their alleged involvement in the abduction of the leader's daughter, police said.

Speaking to media here, Bolpur Additional Superintendent of Police Tanmoy Sarkar said, "We got a tip-off, following which our team of Birbhum and north Dinajpur district police rushed to the station and found her."

The 22-year-old woman was allegedly kidnapped by two armed youths on Thursday. She was rescued from the railway station in North Dinajpur district on Sunday.

Giving out more details about the same, Sarkar said "Apart from the two men involved in the abduction, we have arrested the girl's father as there was prima facie evidence of her link with the kidnapping. The motive behind the act could be political expediency. As per the preliminary investigation, a major chunk of the people from the BJP apart from the accused have been found guilty for fanning violence in the region.

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Dargah Ala Hazrat here on Monday urged the Muslims to not give shelter to any terrorist in their homes.

The Dargah released a statement that read, "There is no place for terrorism in Islam, and the Muslims do not give shelter to any terrorist".

Condemning the terrorist attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama, Sajjad Nusheen Subhan Raja Khan said, "The incident of Pulwama embarrassed the humanity. I appeal to the government to end the terrorism."

Dargah's spokesperson Nasir Qureshi said, "Our dargah supports the martyrs' families in their grief. Those are shedding the blood of innocents are the enemies of Islam and they are defaming our religion across the world."

The Dargah's directives read that the Muslim community should be united against those involved in terrorists activities.

As many 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district in a terror attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based and Pakistan backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack around 3.15 pm on February 14.

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By Delana Isles

NINETEEN new and technologically updated Ford SUVs have been gifted to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to boost their crime fighting abilities.





Eight of the new vehicles were on display at the Ethel Ingham Centre in Providenciales this past Tuesday (February 12) during a simple handing over ceremony.





In attendance were Governor John Freeman, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood, Minister of Home Affairs Vaden Delroy Williams, Minister of Education Karen Malcolm, Deputy Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams, and several other senior and junior members of the RTCIPF.





Commissioner of Police James Smith accepted the vehicles on behalf of the force.





"This represents a significant change in the way we do business in Turks and Caicos, not just because we have more vehicles, but because the vehicles are of a different standard they have come with the latest technology, Smith stated.





Significant upgrades in the new vehicles include all integrated radios, ability to take on two computers, floodlights and a loud horn.





They also have a purpose-built cage in the rear to safely house prisoners, who will be further prevented from escape as the back doors do not open from the inside of the vehicle.





The commissioner stated the vehicles have ballistic protection on the doors to ensure officers are not injured from gunshots, should such incidents occur.





Smith added: "They are ready to take radar, some of them have been fitted with radar already, and some of them have got other technologies in them that ensure that they are much safer.





The vehicles are also said to be very fast, and outfitted with special suspension, wheels, and gear bolts to enable them to go off road and still remain safe and without damage.





The vehicles - which are purpose built direct from the United States - were fitted up with the police decals upon their arrival in the Turks and Caicos Islands.





However, only eight of those vehicles, those on display, have the decals.





The commissioner explained: "Some of the vehicles are marked and some are unmarked.





"Members of the public should be aware that all of these vehicles are exactly the same specifications, they have the same technical capabilities, so they are able to detect offenders doing things, but they might not necessarily recognise them as police vehicles, but they are all fitted with emergency lights and sirens so if they are stopped they will know its one of

us.





Commissioner Smith also revealed that the force will soon be in possession of a K-9 vehicle, which will have cage in the back for prisoners and the entire back will be fitted with a double cage for two police dogs.





The marine department has also been gifted with two trucks to help them in their day to day operations.





The new vehicles will also be a great help to the RTCIPFs current Drive Safe operation.





The commissioner remarked on this: "Operation Safe Drive has been a significant success in the first couple of weeks; this fleet will add to our capability, not only to do with that but to do with the more serious crimes that occur in the country.





He concluded: "I am very happy that they [vehicles] are here, its a huge leap forward. Ive warned my staff that they are to take care of them.





In her remarks during the handover ceremony, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson reminded the audience that the delivery of the new vehicles is a return on one of the Governments earliest investments.





"This is one of our first investments in our first three months in Government, we invested not just in the purchase of vehicles, but in additional man power as well as the purchase of buildings for members of the public service the police will have its own building as well in another few months.





The premier stated that the Government will continue to do its best to continue providing the RTCIPF with much needed resources.





"It is important that you take care of the equipment that is given to you; we are rebuilding after two massive storms, there is no new tax, no cutbacks, so we have to take care of what we now invest in.





"My Government remains committed to the police force. We thank you for your service and your sacrifice and wish you well, she added.





In his remarks, Governor Freeman pointed to the need to resource the police force if they are to be effective in fighting crime.





"Alongside the men and women of the police force, alongside the capacity and capabilities recognised by vehicles and by other enhancements that have been made over the past year, alongside those two and crucial to success is leadership.





"And I want to therefore take the opportunity to thank the commissioner of police for his leadership in bringing this forward, and far more generally, to thank him and all of his senior team for the work they are doing and are continuing to do, the governor stated.





It was also revealed that a new building for police special equipment - the former Carlos Simmons building - has been tendered, and it is expected that the RTCIPF will be retrofitting the site to their specifications.




Negotiations between US officials and Taliban members which were supposed to be held in Islamabad on Monday has now been postponed.

In a statement, Taliban said that they were ready for talks on a peace process to end the nearly two-decades-long conflict in Afghanistan, but asserted that most of its members would be not able to attend the meeting as they are blacklisted by the US and the UN, TOLOnews reported.

Officials said that Afghanistan's foreign ministry had lodged a formal complaint with the UN Security Council over the planned meeting between Taliban representatives and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, terming it a clear violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.

In its complaint, the Afghan government stated that the Taliban officials invited to Pakistan have a travel ban against them and is a clear violation of international law.

Interestingly, the Taliban did not elaborate on how its representatives were able to travel to the UAE and Russia for similar meetings. The group has a political office in Qatar, where the negotiating team lives.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan lodged a similar complaint with the UN over a recent visit by Taliban members to Moscow. Kabul said that Moscow allowed them to enter the country despite them being blacklisted by the body.

The Afghan government has criticised the talks from the beginning by saying that the talks hosted by Russia were against the spirit of Afghan-led and owned peace process.

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A man was arrested in the US on charges of hate crime after he allegedly punched a Sikh clerk and threw hot coffee on him at a shop in California, believing that the victim was a Muslim.

According to the store's CCTV footage, the man dressed in black and identified as John Crain, entered the 7-Eleven convenience store in Marysville at around 2 am on February 13.

Moments later, the Sikh clerk emerged and the suspect attacked him near the front door of the shop, punching him on his face and throwing hot coffee on him before fleeing from the spot.

The victim suffered injuries on his face and is reported to be recovering.

The Sikh clerk later told the officers that the suspect had prepared a cup of coffee and tried to leave without paying, according to a police statement.

Later on that day, law enforcement personnel responded to another case of assault in an area and found the suspect walking away from the scene which matched his description from the earlier incident based on the CCTV footage. Subsequently, the man was arrested.

During interrogation, Crain told the police that he assaulted the Sikh clerk because he thought that he was a Muslim, and he "hated Muslims.

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On the occasion of Maghi Purnima, the Uttar Pradesh government on Monday issued a travel advisory in order to ease travelling for commuters.

In a press note, the state government led by Yogi Adityanath stated that from February 18 (12:00 am) to February 21 till 11:00 pm, the entry of all heavy vehicles will be restricted inside Janpad.

At Allahabad Railway Station, the entry will only be open from Civil Lines and the exit from City side on 18 and 19 February.

All four-wheeler vehicles will be parked inside Gangeshwar Mahadev and Bakshi Bagh Kachar area on February 17 from 5 am to February 18 till 4 pm.

Also, the state government has banned the use of two-wheelers on January 19 from 12 am onwards.

"Vehicle moving towards Lucknow and Pratapgarh will be only allowed to move via Kanpur Marg," the state traffic advisory read.

On the occasion of Maghi Poornima, the pilgrims today and tomorrow will worship Guru Bhrasapati with the belief that Hindu god Gandharva travels from the heavens to Sangam. This day sees a surge in pilgrims at the holy ghats owing to the belief that they will be guided to heaven in their humanly form.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the time for talks has passed and called on world leaders for united action against terrorism and its supporters.

The comments came as part of the joint statement between India and Argentina during the ongoing three-day visit of Argentine President Mauricio Macri to India.

"President Macri and I agree that terrorism is a huge threat for global peace & stability. Brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) proves that time for talks has passed. Now the entire world needs to unite against terrorism and its supporters to take strong actions," Prime Minister Modi outlined said on February 18.

"Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today," he further stated.

President Macri, while condemning the attack, extended its support to India in the fight against terrorism. "I would like to convey my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack (Pulwama) perpetrated just a few days ago. We condemn every kind of terrorist attack. I am truly pleased to be able to work together to fight this scourge on mankind," Macri also said.

The Prime Minister's statement comes after 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives following a terrorist attack on their convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama last week. Pakistan-based and backed terror outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The international community since has united in its condemnation of terrorism following the attack, with the USA telling Pakistan to stop providing a safe haven and support to terrorist organisations.

India had earlier called its High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria, to Delhi for consultations after the attack. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had also summoned Pakistan's High Commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, to lodge a strong demarche in connection with the dastardly attack, conveying that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM.

Pakistan has since rejected all allegations, going as far as calling Mahmood back to Islamabad "for consultations" on February 18.

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Amid chants of "Amar rahe ... amar rahe ... shaheed jawan amar rahe", thousands of people bid an emotional adieu to Major Chitresh Singh Bisht in Dehradun on Monday.

Major Bisht lost his life on February 16 while defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) in a mine across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Leading the Bomb Disposal Team, Bisht, a part of the Army's Corps of Engineers, successfully defused one mine. However, he died while neutralising another mine as the device got activated.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was present during the last rites and offered condolences to the family.

Major Bisht's final journey was conducted amidst "Hindustan Zindabad" and anti-Pakistan slogans.

The deceased was to return home next month for his marriage in Dehradun on March 7. His father, who is a retired police officer, was engaged with his son's marriage preparations when he received the news of his son's death.

Two days before the incident, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy, on its way to Srinagar from Jammu, was attacked in Awantipora area of Pulwama district by terrorists, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans.

Around 2,500 personnel were travelling in 78 vehicles on February 14 which were part of the convoy when the incident occurred.

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Taboola, the leading discovery and recommendation platform, today announced an exclusive partnership with The Hindu, one of India's leading publishers.

Taboola will work as The Hindu's sole content recommendation partner, allowing advertisers to place their content on The Hindu directly through Taboola. Set for a two-year duration, the partnership will see The Hindu website implement Taboola Feed, a vertical-scrolling feed that enable users to access content including articles, in-feed video and premium content.

The Hindu website, which gets 25 million users per month, will launch Taboola Feed on desktop, mobile web and in-app to increase user engagement and generate additional revenue. Similar to how people experience social networks, Taboola Feed encourages audiences to stay engaged on a publisher's site by scrolling through a personalized stream of content, video and other experiences the user might be interested in discovering next.

The Hindu will also leverage Taboola Newsroom's insights and A/B testing capabilities, providing editorial teams with actionable insights and data about content performance in real time. Editors and writers will now be able to test the performance of headlines, thumbnails and story placements in real time and discover topics their users are most interested in reading about. The platform also provides editors with unique insights on trending topics from Taboola's network.

"We welcome partnerships with key technology companies who can offer superior solutions to increase our readership and further our goals," said Pradeep Gairola, Head - Digital Media at The Hindu Group. "We were incredibly impressed by Taboola's capabilities and professional services and look forward to having an innovative partner on this journey."

"We are committed to the success of our publisher partners," said Adam Singolda, CEO and Founder of Taboola. "India is a key market for us, with consumers spending an average of 70 minutes per day on their mobile devices, and we look forward to innovating and driving growth together with The Hindu, one of the most respected and established journalistic names in India."

The deal follows recent partnerships around the globe of Taboola Feed including Tribune Publishing, The Weather Company and Le Figaro. This story is provided by NewsVoir.

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The apex court asked the Tamil Nadu government and Vedanta to approach Madras High Court on the issue.

A bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman set aside NGT's order on grounds that the plea of Vedanta before the tribunal was not maintainable.

The apex court said NGT did not have jurisdiction to entertain Vedanta's appeals against the Tamil Nadu government to close down the Sterlite plant.

The Tamil Nadu government in its appeal against the NGT order had sought that the tribunal order be set aside on grounds of it being "erroneous".

The tribunal failed to consider the data, documents, and evidence furnished by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to show that Vedanta had irreversibly polluted the groundwater in and around Thoothukudi district, the government has contended.

The state government had closed Vedanta's Copper plant six days after 13 people were killed in police firing against people who were protesting against the plant on grounds that it polluted the environment.

Vedanta had also approached the apex court accusing the Tamil Nadu government of delaying implementation of NGT's order that allowed its Thoothukudi plant to reopen.

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Sandeep Nanduri, Collector of Thoothukudi on Monday informed that Vedanta Limited owned Sterlite Copper plant will be closed permanently.

Addressing the media here, he said, "Removal of waste from the Sterlite plant will be stopped. The plant will be closed permanently and no work will be done. The police force deployed near the plant will be gradually reduced."

His statement came after the Supreme Court on Monday set aside Green Tribunal's (NGT) order of December 15, 2018, which had allowed Vedanta Limited owned Sterlite Copper plant at Thoothukudi to reopen.

The apex court said NGT did not have jurisdiction to entertain Vedanta's appeals against Tamil Nadu government.

In addition, the judicature has also asked CBI to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons during the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest last year.

The bench further stated that Vedanta has the liberty to approach the Madras High Court with its plea for reopening of the plant.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

The state government had closed the Vedanta's Copper plant six days after 13 people were killed in police firing against people who were protesting against the plant on grounds that it polluted the environment.

Vedanta had also approached the apex court accusing Tamil Nadu government of delaying implementation of NGT's order that allowed its Thoothukudi plant to reopen.

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Bahrain's focus on shaping a regional hub for entrepreneurs as part of its ongoing efforts to meet key goals within the Economic Vision 2030 comes under the spotlight next month when it hosts Startup Bahrain Week, a series of inspirational networking events for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses.

Running between 3-7 March 2019, the fast-emerging regional startup community will be able to enjoy a platform of events to network and learn about the startup ecosystem that has been created by Bahrain thanks to its business-friendly economic and regulatory framework.

H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: "Startup Bahrain Week promises to be a week-long of inspirational events for entrepreneurs and investors that will encourage innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem. Currently, the regulatory climate we have cultivated, in recent years, has provided a solid foundation for the startup community. We look forward to sharing knowledge, great ideas, and most importantly the opportunities available in Bahrain."

"We are now seeing our financial services sector transform due to technology and disruptive startups, and we hope to see technology and startups play a role in other sectors as well, such as Manufacturing, taking us forward to the fourth industrial revolution."

Dr. Ebrahim Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Tamkeen, said: "Tamkeen is delighted to once again be a strategic partner of Startup Bahrain Week. It underlines our commitment to helping promising talent develop the right skills for the knowledge economy. These are skills that we need to encourage and develop within Bahrain and across the region. Startup Bahrain Week comes just weeks after Tamkeen announced the region's first talent programme specifically for the financial services and technology industry focused on training and developing Bahrainis in the FinTech space, one of the fastest growing startup sectors."

Organised by the EDB, strategic partner Tamkeen (Bahrain Labour Fund) and in collaboration with the startup community in Bahrain, Startup Bahrain Week will attract key stakeholders including investors, corporates, accelerators, incubators, educational institutions and government agencies. More than 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the week-long events featuring over 20 speakers and two startup competitions.

These include: -

Unbound Bahrain: The anchor event of Startup Bahrain Week, the global innovation festival will showcase some of the Middle East and North Africa's most innovative startups and government initiatives.

Unreasonable Thinking Summit: A two-day forum on innovation and disruption designed to educate and inspire the Bahraini community, especially startup entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship Training: Workshops aimed at discussing opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs from idea conception to plan execution.

Bahrain Deep Tech Programme: A three-day boot camp with doctoral scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs discussing and showcasing cutting-edge technologies and how to turn their ideas into commercial opportunities.

Startup Bahrain Ecosystem Tour: An informative exploration of the burgeoning Bahrain startup scene, where participants will meet the key influencers who are driving forward the disruptive technology that is increasingly putting Bahrain on the map as the go-to destination for startups in the region.

Urban Experience: A networking event for the startup community to share ideas and identify potential areas of collaboration and cooperation.

Flat6Labs Bahrain: An opportunity to see startups pitch their inspiring ventures on stage to an audience of investors, government agencies and leaders that could lead to securing investment and a future commercial deal.

The week also features a line-up of high profile speakers from around the world including Nawaf Alkooheji, CEO of Tenmou, Bahrain's first business angel investment company; Tim Draper, one of the world's most highly respected venture capitalists; Waleed Alballaa, of Saudi-based STV, the region's largest venture capital fund, and a leading voice on the Middle East investment scene; and Wajeeha Awadh, a FinTech and digital banking expert with Bahrain-based Al Baraka Banking Group.

Other speakers include Indian politician and writer Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who will be joined by best-selling author, motivational speaker and business strategist John Sanei; Khaled Nuseibeh, GCC general manager of Careem, the region's first hail-riding app; Amir Farha, CEO of BECO Capital, a venture capital firm focused on reinventing the Middle East through innovation and technology entrepreneurship; A. Al-Shaksy, founder of Oman-based venture capital firm Phaze Ventures; and Dr. Cameron Mirza, head of strategy at the University of Bahrain.

Bahrain is home to a vibrant regional startup ecosystem of over 90 companies. This includes a concentration on tech based and tech enabled startups, which is underpinned by the 23 incubators and 4 accelerators, and an onshore regulatory environment with multiple funding options that enable startups to test their innovative products and services. Skiplino became the first tech startup in Bahrain to secure series A funding from a Kuwaiti venture capital firm KISP Ventures. With technology and innovation transforming the global industries, Bahrain's agile reaction to the transformation to a digital economy is an example of Bahrain's action-orientated approach to supporting the startup community. This story is provided by NewsVoir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea filed by a group of people challenging a media advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ban the usage of the word 'Dalit' by media in public debates.

The petitioners said that the Ministry, by erasing the term 'Dalit' from public debate, is creating a false impression that the term itself is derogatory.

The plea filed by some 'Dalits' objected to the Ministry's order saying it has violated the rights of the Scheduled Castes to determine and express their own identity.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi allowed the petitioners to approach the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, adding that if aggrieved, they can move the Supreme Court again.

An advisory was issued to the media on August 7 last year asking them to stop using the term 'Dalit' when referring to members of the Scheduled Castes.

This came after the Bombay High Court in June asked the Ministry to consider issuing a directive in this regard to the media.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A bench headed by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman set aside NGT's order saying, Vedanta's plea before the tribunal was not maintainable.

The apex court said NGT did not have jurisdiction to entertain Vedanta's appeals against Tamil Nadu government.

In addition, the judicature has also asked CBI to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into the police firing that killed 13 persons during the anti-Sterlite Copper plant protest last year.

The bench further stated that Vedanta has the liberty to approach the Madras High Court with its plea for reopening of the plant.

The court was hearing a plea by Vedanta group seeking a direction to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to implement the NGT order which had set aside the government's decision to close the plant.

The tribunal failed to consider the data, documents and evidence furnished by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to show that Vedanta had irreversibly polluted the groundwater in and around Thoothukudi district, the government had contended.

The state government had closed the Vedanta's Copper plant six days after 13 people were killed in police firing against people who were protesting against the plant on grounds that it polluted the environment.

Vedanta had also approached the apex court accusing Tamil Nadu government of delaying implementation of NGT's order that allowed its Thoothukudi plant to reopen.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's announcement of US $ 20 billion investment in Pakistan is a mere bailout, sources said here on Monday.

They further revealed that there is no comparison between Riyadh's investments in the two countries as "the investment in India is an investment in a robust economy growing at 7 per cent."

Saudi Arabia has ranked India as its 8th largest strategic partner.

MBS, as Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is also known, is scheduled to visit India from February 19, but he will not be flying directly from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The Saudi Crown Prince will return to Riyadh and then will leave for India on his two-day long maiden state visit to India. The issues related to counter-terrorism and energy security are expected to be among to agenda for the bilateral talks.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed eight agreements amounting up to US $ 20 billion investment in cash-starved Pakistan.

Last month, Saudi Arabia had agreed to provide US $ 3 billion to Pakistan as a balance of payment support to stabilise its ailing economy, besides providing oil on deferred payment for three years.

The Saudi Crown Prince was slated to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday, but the visit was postponed by a day. Pakistan Foreign Ministry did not divulge the reason, but stated that the bilateral engagements "remain unchanged."

The sudden change in his schedule had come close on the heels of Saudi Arabia strongly condemning Thursday's terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit claimed the responsibility for the attack.

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District Magistrate of Sheikhpura Inayat Khan is "raising funds" to support families of two CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the ghastly terrorist attack in Pulwama on February 14.

Inayat said, "I have directed officials to open an account to raise funds for families of two victims (Constables SK Sinha from Patna and RK Thakur from Bhagalpur). Whatever amount will be collected by March 10, we will divide and give it to their families."

"I want to appeal to the people to contribute as much as you can so that we can stand by their families at a time when they need our support," she added.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district in a terror attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based and Pakistan backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack around 3.15 pm on February 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Four Indian Army personnel, including a Major, were killed and another sustained injuries during an encounter with terrorists that broke out early on Monday in Pinglan area of Pulwama district.

According to sources, a top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander linked to the Pulwama terror attack is believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter.

The deceased personnel have been identified as Major V S Dhoundiyal from Dehradun, Havaldar Sheo Ram from Jhunjhunu, Sepoy Ajay Kumar from Meerut and Sepoy Hari Singh from Rewari. They belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed after their convoy came under attack in Pulwama's Awantipora area on February 14.

Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a blanket ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the Indian film industry.

The AICWA issued a statement condemning the attack that killed around 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

The statement added that despite the official ban if any organisation wants to work with Pakistani artists, the AICWA will take strict action against them.

"All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity. Were officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani Actors and Artists working in Film Industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani Artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation," the notice read.

Earlier in the day, actor Ajay Devgn also announced that his upcoming film 'Total Dhamaal' will not be released in Pakistan. The cast and crew of the film also donated Rs. 50 lakh to the families of the soldiers.

The terror attack has been strongly condemned by several Bollywood personalities including Priyanka Chopra, Ajay Devgn, Shahid Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Shankar Mahadevan, Rishi Kapoor who expressed anger and grief through social media.

Many Bollywood personalities including Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar extended financial assistance to the martyrs' families.

Bollywood also observed a black day on Sunday, in order to pay tribute to those killed in action. No work was done between 2 pm and 4 pm yesterday. A prayer session was also held for the brave hearts.

Kangana Ranaut cancelled the success party of her film 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi'. Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar put down the invitation sent by Karachi Art Council for a program on poet Kaifi Azmi in Pakistan.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a convoy in Awantipora area of Pulwama in Kashmir.

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Pakistan called its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood "for consultations" on Monday, just a few days after India registered a strong protest against Pakistan regarding the ghastly Pulwama terrorist attack which claimed the lives of nearly 40 security personnel last week.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Mohammad Faisal, the Spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted on February 18.

This comes after a horrific terrorist attack, for which Pakistan-based and backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility, on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on February 15 summoned Mahmood and issued a strong demarche in connection with the dastardly attack, conveying that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM.

The United States had earlier told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorist groups in the wake of the attack.

Pakistan has since rejected allegations.

There have been strong condemnations of the attack by the international community, with countries extending support to India in its fight against terrorism.

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Norwegian Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Nils Kamsvag Ragnar visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee today. The visit focussed on showcasing the technological advancements undertaken by IIT Roorkee through various projects around the campus.

Ragnar visited the Alternate Hydro Energy Centre at IIT Roorkee to understand the research work and various facilities including international level hydraulic turbine R&D laboratory for Hydro Power being undertaken by the Institute. He shown a keen interest in newly developed Hydro Kinetic turbine system which has been tested in the nearby canal as floating device developed by IIT Roorkee, which generates electricity from the water surface.

The Ambassador also visited the Earthquake Engineering Department, where research on earthquake hazard and risk reduction is currently underway. The department also showcased the 'Early Earthquake Warning System', which has been deployed across certain regions in Uttarakhand. As part of the visit, the ambassador has a detailed meeting with the Director and discussed the scope of research collaborations and student exchange programmes.

On his visit, the Norwegian Ambassador to India, Nils Kamsvag Ragnar said, "India and Norway have always had cordial relations and there is a huge scope of partnership between the two countries in the realm of science. It has been an interesting visit to IIT Roorkee and the kind of path-breaking research being undertaken here is important for the development of nations across the world."

Talking about the visit by the Ambassador of Norway, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, IIT Roorkee said, "It was an honour for us to host H.E. Mr. Nils Kamsvag Ragnar. This was a great opportunity for us to discuss the various research possibilities between the two nations as well as showcase the work being done by IIT Roorkee. We sincerely hope that this visit and discussion with pave way for many important research projects, students and technology exchanges in the near future."

IIT Roorkee is currently partnering with Norwegian Institute of Science and technology (NTNU) for designing turbine suitable for sediment laden water In Himalaya and he Research Council of Norway under a project granted by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) on the topic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The main purpose of this association is to increase Indo-Norwegian research and development cooperation in the Department of Biotechnology.

Speaking about the research partnership, Nils Kamsvag Ragnar, Norwegian Ambassador said, "Research associations between scientists and academicians like the one between IIT Roorkee and the Research Council of Norway, is a huge step towards fighting the menace of Antimicrobial Resistance. I believe this a great initiative and efforts by the scholars, will definitely generate positive outcome and lead us to a better future.

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Members of the Indian delegation at the hearing of Kulbhushan Jadhav case at International Court of Justice (ICJ) here snubbed their Pakistani counterparts by refusing to shake hands with them, reflecting the heightened chill in the bilateral relations in the wake of Pulwama terror attack.

A curt 'namaskar' (gesture with folded hands) was all that the senior Indian diplomats Deepak Mittal, Joint Secretary heading the Pakistan Division in the External Affairs Ministry, and Venu Rajamoney, India's Ambassador to the Netherlands, offered when Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan wanted to shake hands ahead of the hearing.

This was the clear reflection of increased chill in the Indo-Pak ties in the aftermath the killing of nearly 40 CRPF personnel in ghastly Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

The attack in Awantipora was orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which is based in Pakistan and backed by Islamabad.

48-year-old former naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism on April 11, 2017, following which India moved the ICJ, challenging the verdict. Subsequently, on May 18, 2017, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra to appear before it here on Tuesday for questioning in money laundering case linked to purchase of his London based property.

A Delhi court had over the weekend extended interim bail of Vadra and his close aide Manoj Arora till March 2 in connection with the case.

During the hearing, the ED's counsel informed the Patiala House Court that the agency will require Vadra to appear four or five times more to carry forward the ongoing probe in the case.

The counsel also raised the issue of a large media contingent following Vadra during all his appearances and said, "He (Robert Vadra) is accompanied by a "baraat" wherever he goes, whether to ED or to court."

Senior advocate KTS Tulsi, who appeared for Vadra and Arora, said that his clients have no problem in appearing for interrogation. "Robert Vadra has appeared on 6th Feb, 7th Feb, and 9th Feb. My client doesn't have a problem if they want to interrogate him for 5 days or 10 days," Tulsi said.

He also informed the court that cumulative questioning of his client (Vadra) lasted for 23 hours 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Jodhpur court today set March 15 as the next date of hearing in the Bikaner land deal case.

A money laundering case was registered by the ED in September 2015, claiming that Skylight Hospitality had acquired land in Kolayat village of Bikaner which was meant for the rehabilitation of the poor villagers.

It was alleged that Vadra bought 69.55 hectares of land at a cheaper rate and then sold the land to Allegheny Finlease for Rs 5.15 crore through illegal transactions.

In the Bikaner land scam case, fraudsters in collusion with the state government officials allegedly got land allotted in the name of fictitious individuals, though the land was actually meant for the people who were displaced due to the creation of Mahajan Field Firing range.

The fraudsters created forged allotment letters purportedly issued by the Colonisation Department of the state government and 1,422 'bighas' of land was recorded in revenue record in the name of fictitious allottees without due verification of the allotment letters from the concerned department.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Investigating officer probing the case of Veewon Thokchom, a student activist from Manipur who was arrested and charged with sedition for a Facebook post critical of the citizenship amendment bill, to present the file of the case by later today.

The direction from judicature came after Thokchom challenged his arrest.

Veewon, who was the Former president of Manipur Students Association Delhi, was arrested by the police on Saturday and was later produced in the special cell in Saket Court. He was given three days transit remand.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NASA astronaut Anne McClain works inside the Kibo laboratory module designed and built by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. McClain is working to install the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer in Kibo's airlock. Credit NASA. (Jan. 30, 2019)

The three residents onboard the International Space Station today worked with a diverse array of science hardware.

The trio continues to explore what living in space is doing to their bodies and helped scientists promote healthier humans in space and on Earth.

Astronauts have reported increased head and eye pressure during long-duration space missions. The Expedition 58 crew is researching that phenomenon today to help doctors reverse the upward fluid shifts that affect space residents.

One solution being studied is a special suit that draws fluids such as blood and water toward the lower body to prevent swelling in the face and elevated head and eye pressure. Astronaut Anne McClain tried that suit on today and Flight Engineer David Saint-Jacques used an ultrasound device to scan the activity. Commander Oleg Kononenko assisted the duo inside Russia's Zvezda service module.

Afterward, McClain glided to the opposite end of the station in Japan's Kibo lab module to work on the Two-Phase Flow fluid physics experiment. She set up and installed the research hardware inside Kibo's Multi-purpose Small Research Rack. The experiment may enable engineers to design advanced thermal management systems for use on Earth and in space.

Saint-Jacques returned to biomedical studies today collecting and stowing more breath, blood and urine samples for later analysis. The ongoing research is helping scientists understand the long-term space impacts to bone marrow, red blood cells and the overall human physiology.

Saint-Jacques finally reviewed instructions to install a docking station on Friday for new cube-shaped, free-flying robots that will arrive at the station later this year. The Astrobee autonomous assistants may free up more science time for astronauts and allow mission controllers better monitoring capabilities.

On-Orbit Status

Marrow: Today the crew collected breath, ambient air, and blood samples in support of the Marrow investigation. Marrow looks at the effect of microgravity on bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on the bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow. One of the impacts seen on the ground is fat cells growing at the expense of blood-producing cells during prolonged stays in bed. Blood-producing cells share the same confined space with fat cells within the bone marrow.

Fluid Shifts: The crew performed a repeat of the Fluid Shifts Chibis imaging session originally performed on 21-January-2019. The 21-January session experienced firewall-related video issues on the ground which resulted in a loss of ~33% of the science. Fluid Shifts is a NASA investigation, divided into Dilution Measurements, Baseline Imaging, and Baseline Imaging with Chibis (Lower Body Negative Pressure). The Fluid Shifts experiment investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut's eyes. Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is being evaluated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and prevention of eye damage.

Treadmill 2 (T2) Six-Month Maintenance: The crew completed the 6-month T2 inspection. During this task, the crew inspects the treadbelt slats and screws, cleans the treadmill drive shaft, and vacuums inside the rack and around the treadmill. An unmanned activation and checkout was completed succesfully. Engineering reviewed the data from this checkout and T2 is a Go for operations.

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Yesterday afternoon, Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the MSS and walked the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to the LAB Power and Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF). Then the SSRMS released Node 2 PDGF and the SSRMS was positioned for the MRM1 survey. At the same time, additional imagery was obtained for the Node 1 Nadir Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) Bolt 1-3. Once the MRM1 inspection was completed, the team maneuvered the arm to grapple Node 2 PDGF and released LAB PDGF, then parked the SSRMS and powered it down.

Completed Task List Activities:

SpX-DEMO1 Crew Dragon Mission Overview for ISS Crew

Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

LSR Troubleshooting

Two-Day Look Ahead:

Friday, 02/15

Payloads:

Astrobee docking port installation

Cubesat deployer removal from the JEMAL

HRF PC2 deploy

Refabricator hardware checkout

Team Task Switching

Time Perception

USND Data Transfer

Systems:

None

Saturday, 02/16 (Crew off duty name)

Payloads:

None

Systems:

None

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Nikon still camera sync with station time

Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Collection - Subject

Reminder 2 Fluid Shifts Imaging Measures With Chibis Service Module

Reminder 2G HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection

Reminder HRF Generic Urine Collection End

HRF Generic Urine Collection Male

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Retrieval And Insertion Operations

CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection 30 Minutes Subject

CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Operator

ISS Crew and  (RSA Flight Control Team) weekly conference

CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Configuration

ORLAN-MKC NO.5 - Prep

ORLAN-MKS #5 Sleeve Adjusting Assembly Check

CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Spin Conclude

MELFI Retrieval and Insert for JAXA Blood Samples

CSA Generic Sample MELFI Retrieve/Insertion

XF305 Camcorder Setup

HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion

PCG Temp Cntlr Setup

Post-EVA Orlan-ISS Spacesuit No.5 Equipment Stowage

FLUID SHIFTS. Comm Config for the Experiment

FLUID SHIFTS - Gathering and Connecting Equipment for TV coverage

ACTIVATION OF  OUTLET FOR ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT

Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Power On And Preparation

FLUID SHIFTS. Don Chibis

FLUID SHIFTS - Assistance During Operations with Chibis and KMA-01

Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Scan

FLUID SHIFTS. Doff Chibis

Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Food Intake Tracker (ISS FIT)

FLUID SHIFTS - Deactivation of  and USND P/L from 

FLUID SHIFTS. Power Off Crew Onboard Support System () and Close Applications on SSC1

Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Service Module Stow

FLUID SHIFTS. Restore Nominal Comm Config

Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Hardware Transfer

Multi purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Work Volume (WV) Cold Plate (CP) condition check

Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Setup to MSPR

Transfer Brine from EDV to Rodnik Water Tank #1 in SM Aft Progress #440 and Flush B1 Connector on Water Tank #1

Fluid Shifts Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Setup And Power On From Cargo Transfer Bag

Fluid Shifts Hardware Stow

ISS HAM Service Module Pass

Multi purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Video compression and Recording Unit 2 (VRU2) Cable Reconfiguration

IMS Edit

Atmospheric Control System (ACS) Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Oxygen Transfer to Low Pressure O2 Tank

Saibo Rack Video Survey

Multi purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Work Bench (WB) Cable Demate and Mate

Refabricator Installation Completion

EXPRESS Rack 10 Payload MTL Flow Rate Adjust

Refabricator Hardware Power up

CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow

HRF Generic Urine Collection Stow

Astrobee OBT Review

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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has handed over 179 Nepalese citizens including 147 women, rescued by the state police, to officials of that country.

They were handed over to a Nepalase team led by Counsellor Prakash Adhikari at an official event held in Khuman Lampak in Imphal on Sunday, officials said.

After a letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on February 14, the state Home Department issued an order on February 16 to pave way for their deportation/repatriation to Nepal.

All of Nepalese citizens were rescued from different hotels of Imphal, Moreh and other places earlier this month. They have been staying in eight different centres run by some NGOs.

The officials said the Chief Minister formally handed over all the rescued people to the Nepalese team. They were taken in eight buses and escorted up to Panitanki - Kakarbhitta border by officials of the State Social Welfare Department and police.

This was the biggest such rescue operation in the region. Officials believe that the women were to be trafficked to different cities of South Asian and Middle-East countries through Myanmar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The legislative assembly here on Monday passed a resolution unanimously condemning the ghastly terror attack in Pulwama in which nearly 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

The opposition leader Gopal Bhargav moved the proposal in the house.

As many 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district in a terror attack orchestrated by Pakistan-based and Pakistan backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack around 3.15 pm on February 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah have written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, conveying "utmost sorrow and pain" over the February 14 incident.

"....I would like to confirm the strong condemnations of the State of Kuwait for such a heinous terrorist act that caused the loss of lives of citizens and which is contrary to all values, charters and divine laws, stressing the need to continue all international efforts to combat, eradicate and defeat terrorism," he wrote.

"We offer, Your Excellency, our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the kin of the innocent victims, and we pray to God to shower his mercy on the victims and give their families patience, wishing a speedy recovery and good health for the injured," Al-Sabah said in the letter.

A CRPF convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit in Pulwama district on February 14, killing 40 personnel.

The convoy, comprising 78 buses carrying 2500 personnel, was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar when the terrorist struck.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and questioned the government as to what they are "afraid of".

At an event here on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Haasan said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (government) afraid of?"

Referring to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as 'Azad Kashmir', he said: "In Azad Kashmir, they are using Jihadis' pictures in trains to portray them as heroes. That is a foolish thing to do. India too behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it is not a correct thing to do. If we want to prove that India is a far better country then we should not behave like this. That is where begins, a new political culture begins," he said.

Talking at length about Kashmir and problems plaguing in the region, Haasan said that if India and Pakistan "behave well", the Line of Control (LoC) will be under check.

He added, "Why do soldiers die? Why should those guarding our home (border) die? If both sides (India and Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control."

On being asked about the ghastly Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy in which nearly 40 jawans lost their lives on February 14, the leader said: "When I was running a magazine called 'Maiyam', I wrote on the Kashmir issue and what is expected. Hold plebiscite and make people talk...why have they not conducted it? What are they scared of? They want to divide the nation, that's all.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Over 1,000 ISIS terrorists have fled Syria to western Iraq over the last six months with around USD 200 million in tow, according to a US military official, reported CNN.

The fleeing continues as the United States has upped the ante against the terrorist organisation in its fight to completely defeat ISIS in run-up to the US pullout from the region.

Quoting the US military official, CNN further reported that there are around 20,000 to 30,000 ISIS "fighters" remaining in Syria and Iraq combined.

Thousands are involved in efforts to completely defeat ISIS, including obliterating networks which fund the organisation and nabbing people who provide the terrorist outfit with safe havens.

US President Donald Trump had earlier cited the defeat of ISIS as one of the reasons behind the impending exit of US troops from Syria - a claim which was dismissed by US Congressmen and media alike. Following this, efforts have been accelerated to wholly quash the terrorist organisation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan's ambassador after Tehran accused Islamabad of harbouring the terror outfit responsible for the deadly terror attack on its security forces.

Iran lodged an official protest with Pakistan's envoy over the suicide attack in Sistan-Baluchestan province that claimed the lives of 27 paramilitary forces.

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghasemi said he "explicitly conveyed" to Pakistani Ambassador Rafat Masoud that Tehran expected Islamabad "to make a serious and decisive action" against the Jaish al-Adl outfit operating in Pakistani. The terror outfit claimed responsibility for the Wednesday's attack, Al Jazeera reported.

The Iranian government urged Pakistan to take "immediate and necessary measures" to identify and arrest the terrorists of the group, Ghasemi said.

In response, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that a special delegation will be sent to Tehran to discuss the suicide attack. He promised Pakistan's "cooperation", adding that the incident was "regrettable".

On February 13, a total of 27 members of Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed after an explosive-laden vehicle targetted the bus which was ferrying the military personnel in Khash-Zahedan sector of Sistan-Baluchistan province in south-eastern Iran. The bombing also injured 17 others.

The diplomatic protest came after Iran's Parliament speaker Ali Larijani asserted that Pakistan should be held accountable for the suicide attack.

"The Pakistani government should be held accountable for this act involving the group orchestrating and conducting the operation from their territory," he was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying while speaking at Sunday's session.

Larijani underlined that Islamabad "cannot act irresponsibly", adding that "such behaviour will severely damage the level of cooperation" between the two nations.

Iran which borders Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km between the two countries. In recent years, Iran has witnessed several cross-border attacks carried out by Jaish al-Adl and other affiliated groups.

On Saturday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchchi held a last-minute meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj where the two ministers discussed bilateral ties and close cooperation between the countries to combat terrorism in the region.

Swaraj, who was enroute to Bulgaria, as part of her three-nation tour, had a brief stopover in Iran during which she met with Aragchchi.

"Iran and India suffered from two heinous terrorist attacks in the past few days resulted in big casualties. Today in my meeting with Sushma Swaraj the Indian FM, when she had a stopover in Tehran, we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!" Araghchi tweeted.

Both India and Iran saw similar suicide attacks targetting their respective paramilitary forces earlier this week.

On February 14, around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy. The attack was orchestrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit.

Notably, both Jaish al-Adl and Jaish-e-Mohammed groups are based in Pakistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu who is facing flak for his recent comment on the Pulwama terror attack, said he is firm on his stand and reiterated that the country's fight is against terrorism and perpetrators of terror.

"I am firm on my stand. Terrorism will not be tolerated. People who are responsible should be punished so harshly that it acts as deterrence for generations to come," Sidhu told reporters here.

Following the terror attack, the Punjab Minister had said that a nation cannot be held responsible for the acts of terrorists.

Speaking to reporters today, Sidhu raked up the 1999 Kandahar incident wherein an Air India flight was hijacked by members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (the perpetrators behind the Pulwama terror attack) and asserted that those responsible should be extradited.

"I want to ask who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident? Whose responsibility is it? Our fight is against them. Why should a soldier die? Why can't there be a permanent solution? Terrorism has no community. The issue is not what I am saying - the issue is this (terrorism). Our fight is against those who claimed responsibility (for 1999 attack). It is my fight as well," he said.

Agitated by Sidhu's statement on "nation cannot be held responsible... ," Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders raised objections in the state assembly on Monday, demanding Sidhu's resignation over the matter.

"Navjot Singh Sidhu should be suspended from the Congress party for his comments on Pakistan. In fact, a case should be registered against those who make anti- statements," said SAD leader Parkash Singh Badal.

Another SAD leader, BS Majithia, claimed that the party was not allowed to pass a resolution against Sidhu in the House.

"Punjab CM passes a resolution condemning Pulwama attack. But a man (Sidhu) in the cabinet praises Pakistan. We wanted to move a resolution against it in the Assembly today, but we were not allowed. If we can't speak in the Assembly, where do we speak?" he asked.

A resolution was reportedly unanimously passed in the House on Monday, condemning the Pulwama attack.

Opposition members, however, protested against Sidhu in the state assembly today as a mark of protest against Sidhu. Moreover, at the commencement of the Question Hour in the Assembly, SAD-BJP MLAs raised slogans against Sidhu.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Awantipora in a terror attack orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan based terror outfit.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora on February 14.

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Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Monday expressed hope that bitter experiences between his party and the BJP would not crop up again and the two parties would work together to win the coming Lok Sabha elections.

Thackeray, who was speaking at a press conference along with BJP chief Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said: "Our relations have been going through a bittersweet phase over the past few years. I hope bitter experiences between us won't crop up again."

In Maharashtra where 48 Lok Sabha seats are at stake, Sena has agreed to contest on 23 seats, while 25 seats will go the BJP. The two parties have also agreed to contest the coming Assembly elections as allies.

"People have been seeing the Shiv Sena and the BJP for the past 30 years. For 25 years, we stood united, and for the last five years, there was confusion. But as Chief Minister Fadnavis said, I still provide guidance to the government from time to time," he said.

He went on to add that the two parties came together over the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya. "The Chief Minister has already made it clear that the Central government is serious about the issue of Ram temple in Ayodhya," Thackeray said.

"BJP is in full support of Uddhav Thackeray's demand of Ram temple in Ayodhya. We have tried to acquire 67 acres land for the temple trust," Chief Minister Fadnavis said.

Of late, Shiv Sena, which is part of the BJP-led governments at the Centre as well as in the state, has had a strained relationship with its key ally. It even targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rafale deal, Ram temple issue, farmers' crisis, and fuel prices among others.

Talking about the assembly elections, Fadnavis said: "For Maharashtra Assembly elections, we will hold discussions with our other allies too. After leaving seats to them, BJP and Shiv Sena will fight on an equal number of Assembly seats.

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Equity benchmark indices traded below their psychological support levels on Monday while the National Stock Exchange (NSE) expressed condolences to families of CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

After a flat start, negative sentiments prevailed as investors remained edgy over the short-term prospects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured against Pakistan-based terror group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, which claimed responsibility of Thursday's terror strike in Pulwama. The impending general elections and lacklustre corporate results during third quarter of current fiscal further dampened the spirit.

At the closing bell, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 310 points at 35,498, while the Nifty 50 closed 83 points down at 10,641.

Shares of Yes Bank Ltd closed 2.6 per cent lower after being pilled up by the Reserve Bank of India for breaching confidentiality and violating regulatory guidelines.

Other prominent losers were Reliance Industries, Asian Paints, TCS, Bajaj Finserve and HCL Tech. The losses were spread across various sectors.

The NSE decided to contribute an amount equivalent to one day's salary of all its group employees to a government sponsored fund set up for the purpose of supporting families of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces personnel killed or injured in action. "We are deeply grateful to the services personnel for their many sacrifices for the nation," it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Asian stock markets traded higher with trade talks between the United States and China scheduled for this week in Washington after a series of high-level meetings in Beijing concluded last week.

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Iran on Sunday called on the European Union (EU) to do more to keep the nuclear deal afloat and take a stronger stance against diplomatic pressure and trade sanctions by the US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif at the annual Munich Security Conference of global leaders said that a recent announcement by EU's major powers to initiate an alternative payments channel called INSTEX was not enough.

"INSTEX falls short of the commitments by EU 3 (Germany, France and the UK) to save the nuclear deal. Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism," Zarif was quoted by Anadolu News Agency as saying.

The EU 3 countries announced INSTEX last month to safeguard trade with Iran, in a move to defy the US sanctions.

His comments came barely a day after US Vice President Mike Pence called on the EU to leave the Iran nuclear deal and join Washington in its diplomatic and economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

"The time has come from our European partners to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and join us as we bring the economic and diplomatic pressure necessary to give the Iranian people, the region and the the peace, security and freedom they deserve," The Hill quoted Pence as saying while speaking in the same event on Saturday.

The Donald Trump administration has been closely watching European efforts to create a financial mechanism and has warned that any attempt to disassemble its "maximum pressure" on Iran will face more penalties.

In May last year, Trump announced that Washington would be withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), terming it as "defective" and the "worst ever deal" leading to a spike in tensions between the US and Iran.

In 2015, the deal was inked between five countries- the US, the UK, France, China, Russia, and also the EU. Under the agreement, the US and others agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for it agreeing to control its development of nuclear weapons programme.

In addition, Trump said the US would reinstate sanctions on Iran that were previously lifted under the JCPOA. Some of the restrictions were re-imposed on August 6 while the remaining penalties were levied on November 5.

Washington imposed the sanctions on Tehran's shipping, financial and energy sectors and also targeted the crude oil exports of the country.

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(WB) Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossellos administration on Feb. 8 issued guidelines that are designed to make the U.S. commonwealths public employees more sensitive to the needs of transgender people and same-sex couples and their children.

The guidelines specifically refer to trans Puerto Ricans who want to change the gender on their birth certificates and children whose parents are legally married same-sex couples.

A press release that Rossellos administration released notes the governors Advisory Council on LGBTT Affairs visited Puerto Ricos Demographic Registry on Dec. 18, 2018, in order to inspect how the process of changing genders on birth certificates were carried out and how the transgender people who went in to have the said change done were treated.

We decided to make these guidelines, in order to address any possible event that may arise and to be able to provide the necessary tools to our public employees about how to treat this population with the utmost respect, said Alberto J. Valentin, executive director of the Advisory Council on LGBTT Affairs, in the press release.

It is as a result of this view that we decided to make these guides, in order to address any possible event that may arise and to provide the necessary tools to our public employees on how to treat this population with the utmost respect, he added.

All of the Demographic Registrys employees on Feb. 5 attended workshops and trainings that Puerto Rico Civil Rights Commission Executive Director Ever Padilla moderated.

These workshops allow Demographic Registry employees to have the necessary understanding about the application of these guidelines; about how to treat members of the LGBTTQIA community with respect every day, understanding there are times when they are afraid to go government agencies to receive different services because they are afraid of being judged or mistreated, said Padilla in the press release.

Trans people in Puerto Rico have been able to legally change the gender marker on their birth certificates since July 2018.

Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of three trans Puerto Ricans and Puerto Rico Para [email protected], a local advocacy group, against a 2005 Puerto Rico Supreme Court decree that said trans people could not amend the gender marker on their birth certificates. A federal judge in 2018 ruled the provision was unconstitutional.

The governors press release says 104 Puerto Ricans have changed their gender marker on their birth certificates. It also notes more than 1,000 same-sex couples have received marriage licenses in Puerto Rico since 2015.

Advisory Council on LGBTT Affairs President Johanne Velez told the Washington Blade on Monday during a telephone interview from San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital, the new guidelines go hand and hand with policies implemented by the Puerto Rico Department of Health and other government agencies that are designed to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Velez said the new birth certificate and marriage license policies were new for Demographic Registry employees when they took effect. She told the Blade that many of them simply did not understand them or know how to react when a trans person asked to change the gender on their birth certificate or a same-sex couple asked for a marriage license.

We realized there was a need for sensitive training, said Velez, specifically referring to the birth certificate policy.

Guidelines are the first step

Puerto Ricos nondiscrimination and hate crimes laws include both sexual orientation and gender identity.

Rossello on July 5, 2017, signed an executive order that created the Advisory Council on LGBTT Affairs. The council, which includes activists, advises Rossello and his administration on LGBTI issues.

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, 2017.

A George Washington University study that Rossello commissioned attributes nearly 3,000 deaths to Maria.

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, a vocal champion of LGBTI rights who is expected to run against Rossello in 2020, is among those who has sharply criticized President Trump over the federal governments response to the hurricane. Activists in the U.S. commonwealth have told the Blade that discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity and poverty are among the factors that have left LGBTI Puerto Ricans even more vulnerable after Maria.

Rossello announced the new guidelines roughly a month after Kevin Fret, a well-known openly gay Latin trap artist, was murdered in San Juans Santurce neighborhood.

It is the first step of many other steps to take, Wilfred Labiosa, executive director of Waves Ahead, a San Juan-based advocacy group that is helping LGBTI Puerto Ricans recover from Maria, told the Blade on Monday in a text message. There is a lot more work to be done.

Velez stressed the Rossello administration remains committed to fighting anti-LGBTI discrimination in Puerto Rico. She noted to the Blade the Advisory Council on LGBTI+ Affairs is scheduled to hold its fifth public forum in the San Juan suburb of Bayamon on Feb. 21.

This is a governor that excels in listening and responding and looking for balance in a society as a whole, said Velez. We are emulating in that sense that style of leadership. We want to make sure that things happen correctly.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested for raping a minor in Delhi's New Ashok Nagar.

Police has registered a case under appropriate sections of India Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

On February 17, a police station in New Ashok Nagar received a call regarding rape of a 10-year-old girl.

On inquiry, police reached the spot where the victim along with her mother informed that accused, one Rohit Shrivastava, who lives nearby raped the minor and also threatened her.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The cross-LoC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been suspended for today.

The suspension of the service comes in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel.

Officials said Pakistani forces violated ceasefire in the Poonch sector last night.

Two cross-LoC buses are currently operational - one from Poonch to Rawalkot and the other from Srinagar to Muzaffarabad.

The Poonch-Rawalkot service is operational on Mondays.

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Congress general secretary Priyanka Gadhi Vadra has told party workers from Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh that they should not expect a "miracle" from her and that strengthening booth level organisation will be the key to the party's performance.

Congress leader and former parliamentarian Pradeep Jain Aditya on Monday said that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a detailed discussion with party workers from Bundelkhand and told them that "she cannot create miracles alone."

"She said all workers should come together and work on micro booth management. This is the first time that a leader has talked about booth in such details. She said election results are 'fruits' but booths are 'roots' and booth level workers are very important. She said those who break the party and work to make candidates lose will be shown door," Aditya said.

Aditya who was part of the meeting that the UP East general secretary Priyanka held with Congress workers from Bundelkhand, said that party workers were charged with new enthusiasm after meeting with Priyanka.

"Party workers all over Uttar Pradesh have got renewed confidence with Priyanka Gandhi taking charge of the region. During the meeting, it didn't feel like we were sitting with a big leader. Everyone felt like they are talking to a member of their family. She heard everyone and said that she can't create a miracle alone," Aditya told ANI.

Aditya also said that there is a possibility of the Congress leader paying a visit to Bundelkhand by the end of February or in early March.

On February 14, Congress MLA Aradhna Mishra had said the party will be contesting on all 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh.

After attending the Congress committee meeting in Lucknow, where Priyanka met party workers, Mishra said: "People from 11 constituencies met Priyanka ji and Jyotiraditya Scindia ji. Priyanka ji expressed clearly that we'll contest on all 80 seats."

The Congress is leaving no stone unturned in wooing the electorates of Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for the maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha.

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Pakistani nationals in Bikaner have been asked to leave the district within 48 hours, according to orders issued by the District Magistrate.

In the wake of Pulwama terror attack, the district administration has issued a list of orders on Monday, under section 144 of CrPC.

The orders effective immediately, also prohibit hotels and lodges of the district from allowing the stay of Pakistani citizens.

Indian citizens have also been ordered to not employ any Pakistani citizen and not to have any direct or indirect business relationship with the neighbouring country.

In the matter of receiving spoof calls from Pakistan, no citizen through any medium of telecommunication will exchange any kind of army/sensitive information to unknown persons. Any person of Bikaner district will not use sim card registered in Pakistan, according to the order.

The order is applicable for two months, but would not be applicable to Pakistani citizens who have registered with foreigner registration officer, said the district administration.

Earlier on Friday, India had withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status accorded to Pakistan, a day after the dastardly terror attack on CRPF's convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which as many as 40 jawans were killed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bihar Legislative Assembly on Monday passed the Bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker section in the general category.

The Supreme Court on February 8 declined a stay on the implementation of the constitutional amendment providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education to the economically weaker sections of the general category.

Maharashtra cabinet on February 4 had approved the Centre's scheme of 10 per cent reservation in government jobs and educational institutions across the state.

Other states which so far have implemented the reservation Bill include Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam.

Parliament recently passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, approving 10 per cent reservation for the economically weaker section in general category.

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Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, who is on an official three-day visit to India, paid his respect to Mahatma Gandhi on Monday by laying a wreath at Raj Ghat here, along with his wife, First Lady Juliana Awada.

Before this, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi accorded a ceremonial reception to Macri at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

"Celebrating 70 glorious years. President @mauriciomacri of #Argentina is accorded ceremonial reception @rashtrapatibhvn in the presence of #PresidentKovind & PM @narendramodi. India & Argentina share a deep historical, warm and cordial relationship," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on February 18.

Macri is currently on an official visit to India from February 17 to 19, which coincides with the completion of 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina.

The Argentine President is due to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House later today, followed by an exchange of agreements.

After this, he is scheduled to address the plenary session of the India-Argentina Business Forum at Hotel Taj Mahal before meeting with President Kovind in the evening.

Macri is slated to leave for Mumbai on February 19. Wrapping up his official visit, he is scheduled to return to Argentina from Mumbai on Tuesday.

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Argentina on Monday became the 72nd country to sign the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The agreement was inked on the sidelines of the official three-day visit of Argentinian President Mauricio Macri to India by Argentina's Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie in the presence of ISA's Director-General Upendra Tripathy.

"A new partner in the Alliance. Foreign Minister of Argentina, @JorgeFaurie signs the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance @isolaralliance. Argentina becomes the 72nd country to sign the Framework Agreement", Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Monday.

Countries which have signed the agreement until now include India, France, Australia, UAE, UK, Japan amongst others. The agreement was opened for signature during the COP22 at Marrakech on November 15, 2016.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a group of 121 solar resource-rich countries with headquarters in Gurugram, India. The organisation aims to deploy over 1,000 gigawatt of solar energy and mobilise more than USD 1,000 billion into solar power by 2030, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

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Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh met with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at the former's residence here on Monday.

During the meeting, Lokesh talked about the various welfare and development activities taken up in the state during the past four-and-a-half years.

Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) and changes brought in governance after the bifurcation of the state were also discussed during the meeting.

Kejriwal is also scheduled to meet the Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandra Babu Naidu during the visit.

Earlier in the day, Kejriwal had also joined Puducherry Chief Minister CM V Narayanasamy in his dharna outside governor's house in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least nine people died after Boko Haram militants launched a major attack on a Nigerian military base in northeastern Buni Yadi town, officials said on Sunday.

The terrorists were attempting to overrun the position of Nigerian Army troops in the town, said military spokesperson Sagir Musa.

"Though the terrorists appeared prepared for the attack as they approached the military location with four gun trucks, a mine resistant ambush protection and assorted arms and ammunition, they, however, suffered heavy losses as five of them were effectively killed," Musa was quoted by Anadolu News Agency.

He informed that four troops died in the attack, while five soldiers sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment.

The military personnel also seized heavy weapons and a motorcycle used by the Boko Haram militants.

The latest attack comes barely a day after 11 people, including three suicide bombers, belonging to the group, were killed near a mosque in Maiduguri city, the capital of Borno state.

Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group active in the western and central African region, which has pledged allegiance to the dreaded Islamic State terror outfit.

The Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009 when the terrorists staged an armed rebellion against the Nigerian government. Suicide attacks carried out by the outfit have claimed more than 20,000 lives and displaced at least two million people in the last few years.

The group is known to oppose western civilisation model of education and seek the introduction of sharia law in Nigeria.

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Two Youth Congress workers were hacked to death in Kasargod in Kerala on Sunday, police said. The duo Kripesh and Sarath Lal were attacked by unidentified assailants while they were on a motorcycle.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has called for a hartal in the Kasargod district on Monday.

The Congress alleged that CPM activists were behind the attack that took place in Peria.

"The CPM government is attempting to destroy Congress using party goons. The young Congress activists 24-year-old Sarath Lal and 19- year-old Kripesh were attacked without any provocation in the Peria region," Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here.

"They were not involved in criminal activities. It is part of a tradition of killing in Kasargod and Kannur zilla areas. The government should identify the culprits and arrest them as soon as possible," he said

Meanwhile, the NSUI also took to twitter and said, "We condemn the cowardly attack on two @IYC activists by CPM in Kasargod, Kerala while supporting KSU activities. The entire NSUI family extends its deepest condolences to the families of the aggrieved."

A police probe is underway and more details are awaited.

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(AP) An Instagram account that published comic strips depicting the struggles of gay Muslims in Indonesia has disappeared from the site following a frenzy of moral outrage online in the world's biggest Muslim nation.

The Ministry of Communications said Wednesday that the account under the username Alpatuni was pornographic, which violated the law on information and electronic transactions. In a statement it said Instagram had "fulfilled" its request made in a warning letter for the account to be removed.

Instagram, however, said it had not removed the account. A spokeswoman said there were a number of reasons an account may no longer be accessible including the account holder deleting it, deactivating it or changing the username.

The comics depicted gay characters facing discrimination and abuse, which has become increasingly common in Indonesia since late 2015 when conservative politicians and religious leaders began a campaign of portraying lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as a threat to the nation.

An account of the same name on Facebook, which owns Instagram, was also no longer accessible.

The social media company is regularly in the crosshairs of regulators, rights groups and the public as it unsuccessfully tries to balance what CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called "giving people a voice" and demands for censorship of content posted on the Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms.

Instagram's content guidelines, published in Indonesian, say the service is a mirror of the diversity of the community.

Human Rights Watch's Indonesia researcher Andreas Harsono criticized the government's demands that the account be blocked.

"That account describes mostly the problems of gay individuals in Indonesia. It's no secret that many LGBT individuals are arrested, their houses raided, some are sentenced to prison terms," he said. "The Indonesian government does not help them in demanding the removal of that account."

The communications ministry said it appreciated that members of the community reported the gay Muslim account, which "accelerated" its removal.

Some Indonesian netizens in turn congratulated the ministry. On Twitter, Fahmi Alfansi Pane, a policy analyst at the Indonesian parliament, thanked officials for "acting decisively" to protect public morality but also told The Associated Press he had never seen the comics.

Local media, quoting the communications minister, reported the ministry would block Instagram in Indonesia if the Alpatuni account wasn't removed.

The government frequently threatens to block Western social media and internet companies for content deemed illegal but has never taken such measures, possibly fearful of a public backlash due to the huge popularity of the services with Indonesians.

In 2017, it briefly and partially blocked the Telegram messaging app because of its failure to remove groups linked to violent jihad.
Shares of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) companies are in focus on Monday and rallied by up to 18 per cent on the BSE in intra-day trade, after the group reached an in-principle understanding with a little more than 90 per cent of its lenders regarding sale of pledged shares.

According to reports, the lenders to ADAG have agreed not to sell pledged shares in the group till September. That apart, the group informed the lenders that it had appointed investment bankers to sell up to 30 per cent of the shareholding in Reliance Power (R-Power) to institutional investors to repay the ...
The week-long deliberations of the Paris headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) began on Sunday. And India, for its part, is set to present a dossier on how the Pakistani state is supporting Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror group believed to be behind the suicide bombing in Pulwama.

At present, Pakistan finds itself in the category of monitored jurisdictions, where it was placed by FATF in 2018. India will be hoping its dossier will convince FATF to now place Pakistan in the category of high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdictions, along with North Korea and Iran. Some of the ...
Bill Gates is concerned about the high budget deficits being run by the US, and said if taxes are ultimately increased to make up the shortfall, then its appropriate for wealthy people to pay much higher taxes. We only collect about 20 per cent of GDP and we spend like 24 per cent of GDP. So you cant let that deficit grow faster than the economy, the worlds second-richest man said during an interview on CNNs Fareed Zakaria GPS broadcast on Sunday.

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Digital Editor
Opposition from farmers has prompted Maharashtra to move the location for what would be the country's biggest oil refinery, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said. Stare-run oil companies and Saudi Aramco have teamed up to build the $44 billion refinery, which is aimed at giving India steady fuel supplies while meeting Saudi Arabia's need to secure regular buyers for its oil. But thousands of farmers are refusing to surrender land, fearing it could damage a region famed for its Alphonso mangoes, vast cashew plantations and fishing hamlets that boast bountiful catches of ...
The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was an "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Azhar, who had used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir. In the custody, the intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Azhar who ...
Francisco D'Souza, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation, has told the employees that the settlement with the US regulators on the violation of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a positive outcome and the firm has zero tolerance for any illegal and improper conduct.

In a letter to the employees soon after the company agreed to pay $25 million to settle charges that it violated the FCPA, he said that the matter does not involve its work with the clients and has not had any impact on the company's ability to provide the ...
and are in talks to make a joint bid for Essar Steel in a last attempt to keep ArcelorMittal away. A bid together, or one from either company, could be made next week, said sources aware of the development.

said they did not comment on market speculation, while did not make a statement. The bid could be in the range of Rs 45,000-48,000 crore, and would be made on the grounds of value maximisation. Arcelors bid is for Rs 42,000 crore.

Sources said the were considering if should make the bid, or

Vedanta had submitted an expression of interest for Essar. JSW Steel had not, and therefore, had to partner as a step-down subsidiary in the second round of bidding. Both Vedanta and JSW Steel were aspirants for Essar Steel in the second round. This would be another attempt by both to get back in the fray.





ALSO READ: Essar Steel's former board members seek to take part in lenders' meet

After the Supreme Court order directed ArcelorMittal and to clear dues on account of defaulting firms that they were associated with, exited the race, and, in turn, JSW Steel. Between Vedanta and ArcelorMittal, the latter emerged as the preferred bidder.

Sources said even if the bid was put in by either of the companies, it would be jointly funded. In January, JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal, in an interview to BloomberQuint, had hinted that his interest in Essar might not be over yet.

Its not done and dusted. Its not over till its over, he had said.

He had also backed Ruias settlement offer and said, They (Ruias) should be given a chance. It is their company.

The bid was likely to be made by February 28, by which the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) would have to pass orders on the Arcelor resolution plan, according to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal directive.



ALSO READ: Essar Steel insolvency case: SC clears decks for ArcelorMittal's bid

The NCLT Ahmedabad Bench concluded the hearing on the resolution plan last Thursday (February 14).

The Essar case has been dragging for more than 570 days now against a stipulated 270 days for resolution. In the last leg, efforts were being made to wrap up the case after the lead lender, State Bank of India, put its loan exposure on the block. However, with yet another twist in the offing, it could be expected to stretch further.

There have been many turns in the case.

Essar Steel shareholders, the Ruias, had made a last-minute offer of Rs 54,000 crore to settle the dues of the company. However, it was rejected by the NCLT, though the have challenged the order in the appellate tribunal.

Also, in the NCLT, Essar Steel directors including Prashant Ruia, filed a fresh application that they should be consulted by the committee of creditors while considering resolution plans in line with a Supreme Court order.


The fund, which invests primarily in infrastructure assets, has bid for four of the six airports the government has put up for sale, said two persons aware of the development. Sources said the NIIF had tied up with Zurich Airport to bid for the airports. The NIIF has partnered Zurich Airport to bid for the airports in Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Mangaluru, said a source, adding that the equity structure of the partnership ...

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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.



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The Agarwal and Goenka families - promoters in Emami Ltd - have sold 10 per cent of their stakes for Rs. 1,600 crore to pare the debts of other Group companies like Emami Cement, Emami Power and others. The sale effectively brings down the promoters holding in Emami Ltd from 72.74 per cent to 62.74 per cent.

The sale was executed in the stock exchanges on Monday and the stakes were sold to SBI Mutual Fund, Premji Invest, Amundi, IDFC, L&T Mutual Fund and others. It is expected that paring debts of the Group will help reduce the pledged shares of the promoters in Emami Ltd ...
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
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Authorities are investigating after some bigot hurled an object through the window of a Bushwick synagogue, just as families gathered inside to break bread during the Sabbath, according to police and local religious leaders.

Our community was seated around the table, enjoying each others company and the peace and joy of the Shabbat, when our front window was shattered and destroyed by the attackers, feet from where my children were playing, Rabbi Menachem Heller, the head of Chabad of BushwickEast Williamsburg, said in a Facebook post published hours after the incident occurred.

The sacrilegious snake, whom cops have yet to identify, threw the unknown item through the Flushing Avenue synagogues window on Saturday around 2 am, shattering it and covering the sidewalk between Knickerbocker and Porters avenues with glass, according to authorities, who said the attack injured no one.

Gov. Cuomo on Sunday called on both the state and city Police Departments Hate Crimes units to investigate the alleged bout of anti-Semitism, which followed several similar attacks targeting the boroughs Jewish community over the past months.

This act of hate is shocking and abhorrent, especially at a time of great division in this country, said Cuomo, who spoke beside a handful of other local pols, including state Sen. Julia Salazar (DBushwick) and Councilman Antonio Reynoso (DBushwick).

But the biased baddie will not deter members of the congregation from convening at their synagogue, according to Heller, who said the incident further united his community, which will only strengthen its efforts to promote togetherness in the face of hate.

We face this unfortunate experience not with discouragement, but with solid determination: to continue celebrating our faith, sharing our rich heritage, and offering our culture in an inclusive and warm environment, the rabbi said in his Facebook post. At the same time, we acknowledge the disturbing and increasingly frequent incidents of hate and prejudice in our New York community, and their destructive and divisive effects, especially on young people. We encourage each other and the public to stand up against it, whenever it occurs, whatever form it takes, and towards whomever it is directed. An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.
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Mayor DeBlasios plan to open a local facility where drug users can inject heroin under the supervision of trained-overdose technicians could collapse, if state legislators approve a new bill introduced by a Bay Ridge state pol.

Republican Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis  whose Staten Island district stretches to include parts of the Ridge  on Feb. 11 introduced the legislation in her chamber, which if passed would create a state-level check on the scheme Hizzoner says will help Kings County addicts.

A state law explicitly prohibiting so-called safe-injection centers would go beyond existing federal statues used to challenge such facilities, ensuring there is no gray area when it comes to debating their legality, Malliotakis said.

Sadly, we have seen firsthand that Mayor DeBlasio has a complete disregard of our federal laws, so its necessary to spell it out in state law that his proposed injection sites are illegal, she said.

Last year, DeBlasio announced a plan to open four of the centers throughout the city  including one inside an existing needle-exchange facility on the Boerum HillGowanus border  in response to the 1,441 overdose deaths within the five boroughs in 2017, New York Citys deadliest year on record, according to a Health Department study.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez  who already largely decriminalized pot possession in Brooklyn, and instituted policies that offer convicted drug users alternatives to incarceration  immediately pledged his support for the proposed facility, vowing to abstain from prosecuting addicts who inject at the site.

Proponents of safe-injection sites in other United Sates cities, however, have faced legal challenges to their plans from the Feds. Earlier this month, Department of Justice officials sued a do-good group over its scheme to open a facility in Philadelphia, claiming the center would violate the Controlled Substances act of 1970, which prohibits the operation of any establishment for the purpose of unlawfully using a controlled substance, according to a federal complaint document.

Malliotakis, who unsuccessfully ran against DeBlasio in the 2017 mayoral election, turned to the Feds in her own effort to sabotage his safe-injection site scheme, last year writing to then Attorney General Jeff Sessions to complain about what she called Hizonners heroin-shooting galleries.

Sessions staff subsequently assured the assemblywoman that federal agents stand ready to crack down on any sanctioned drug use, according to the legislator, who said she worked with Republican state Sen. Fred Akshar, who represents counties upstate, to craft and introduce her bill as an added measure to squash the citys scheme.

Instead of wasting time and money on sites that promote continued drug use, DeBlasio should invest resources into opening more treatment centers that provide bespoke programming to get addicts off their narcotics of choice, Malliotakis said.

The DeBlasio administration continues to enable dependency with its push for supervised-injection sites, instead of fighting to end addiction with smaller treatment centers that give individualized attention to peoples addiction, she said.

Malliotakiss bill is far from a sure thing, however, now that Democrats hold a majority in the Legislature, and because Gov. Cuomo already signaled support for DeBlasios scheme, directing state health officials to find solutions to the intricate legal challenges that opening such facilities poses, according to a spokeswoman for the governor.

We have been actively working with advocates and the city on their proposal, and how to address the very real threat of federal legal challenges, said Hazel Crampton-Hays.

The mayors press office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Latest News ASIC to take rugby star Trevor Leota to court over unlicensed mortgage lending Former rugby international named as defendant in ASIC crackdown

Firstmac announces $750m green home loan RMBS deal RMBS deal thought to be the first of its kind in Australia

A broker group is calling on the treasurer to start a consultation with the broking industry before making any changes to remuneration.

Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell said brokers had just had their entire world changed without any consultation after the recommendations from Commissioner Hayne.

She said there was no right of reply to the royal commission and that the industry had concerns about the impact on consumers and competition if the changes were implemented without industry discussion.

The current government has said it will hold a review after trail commission is removed in July 2020 to assess the impact before deciding whether to remove upfront commission. But Mitchell said there needs to be discussion with the industry when it comes to removing trail as well.

She added that the industry was under unnecessary stress at the moment over the lack of clarity on broker remuneration plans.

She said, Im calling for confirmation from both sides of government that a consultation process will be instigated. This will at least give the broking industry comfort that our point of view will be heard.

It is understandable that the Australian public want to see significant change in banking practices following the evidence given at the Banking Royal Commission hearings but the mortgage broker channel, which is both successful and popular with borrowers, is bearing the brunt.

The same can be said for the smaller lenders that do not have a branch network, for whom brokers provide a shopfront.

Looking ahead, I hope common sense prevails and the industry and both sides of federal politics can all work towards a level playing field for lenders and brokers. I believe this can best be achieved through consultation with the mortgage broking industry. Australian borrowers deserve nothing less.

Concerned for Mortgage Choice customers, Mitchell said it was already hard enough for borrowers trying to afford a home.

Adding more costs in the form of an upfront fee paid regardless of whether the customer goes to a broker, or directly to a lender, cannot possibly be a good outcome for consumers, she added.

Fees could also prove to be a disincentive for refinancing and switching to a better financial product if the interest savings dont offset the switching costs.

These changes will result in poor consumer outcomes, which is not in line with the original intentions of the banking royal commission.
Latest News ASIC to take rugby star Trevor Leota to court over unlicensed mortgage lending Former rugby international named as defendant in ASIC crackdown

Firstmac announces $750m green home loan RMBS deal RMBS deal thought to be the first of its kind in Australia

Banks are writing to brokers to affirm their support of the industry, with one in particular informing them its CEO was travelling to Canberra to meet with the treasurer.

In a note to brokers, Bank of Queenslands group executive, retail banking, Lyn McGrath, said the bank believed in the value of a strong, vibrant and sustainable mortgage broking industry.

She added, We recognise that mortgage brokers support competition and choice by helping smaller banks compete against their larger rivals.

In our view, any reform to the mortgage broking industry must be managed in a way that does not undermine the viability of the sector and its positive impacts on competition and customer outcomes.

We remain committed to supporting the mortgage broking industry.

The note said that interim CEO Anthony Rose was travelling to Canberra to meet with key political stakeholders including the treasurer and shadow treasurer.

The Royal Commissions recommendations, and the risks to the industry of poorly considered reforms, will be one of the key topics of conversation, she added.

Last week Western Australian bank P&N bank also wrote to mortgage brokers and backed the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and MFAA in urging caution.

CEO Andrew Hadley said it was pleasing to see that many stakeholders, including the government, had stressed the need to be cautious so that unintended consequences do not result in customers being adversely impacted.

He added, We too support the position that caution needs to be applied to ensure that this particular recommendation does not play into the hands of the major banks which in turn will erode genuine competition for consumers.

"As such, P&N will continue to work with the industry to advocate for a solution that suits all parties and works best for all Australians.
Washington: Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe has said in an interview that a "crime may have been committed" when President Donald Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia.

McCabe also said in the interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday in the US that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI Director James Comey.

Andrew McCabe said a crime may have been committed by Donald Trump when he fired FBI director James Comey. Credit:AP

"And the idea is, if the President committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, 'why would a president of the United States do that?'" McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"
New York: Monday was Presidents' Day in the United States - a national public holiday created to mark George Washington's birthday but that now honours all those who have served as president.

People gather in front of the White House on Presidents' Day to protest against Donald Trump declaring a national emergency along the southern border. Credit:AP

Protesters in major cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles used their day off to hold rallies opposing Donald Trump's decision to declare an emergency at the US-Mexico border.

Meanwhile Trump was at Mar-a-Largo, his members-only resort in Florida, where he engaged in two of his favourite pastimes: a morning game of golf and a flurry of dark and angry tweets.
London/Madrid: Authorities in Madrid and Gibraltar have given differing versions of an incident in which a Spanish warship told commercial ships to leave anchorages near Gibraltar, the latest example of tension over the strategic port as Brexit approaches.

A Spanish flag flies on top of the customs house on the Spanish side of the border with the British overseas territory. Credit:AP

In toughly worded statements, Gibraltar said a Spanish warship ordered commercial ships to leave anchorages in British waters near Gibraltar, adding it was challenged by the British navy and sailed away, while the commercial ships stayed put.

The Spanish government said the commercial ships were in Spanish waters and they left the area after being contacted by the Spanish warship.

Neither side mentioned the nationality of the commercial ships.
(WB) Nearly a quarter century ago when Mitt Romney was seeking to unseat the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the Republican hopeful made a commitment that stood out from other politicians in the GOP: To be a champion of gay rights.

Now that hes finally been elected to the U.S. Senate 24 years later, some are wondering whether Romney will conveniently forget about that pledge as Democrats say theyll make a push to advance the Equality Act, legislation that would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBT people. After all, Romney has taken different positions on LGBT rights since 1994 and hes representing conservative Utah in the U.S. Senate, not progressive Massachusetts.

In a letter dated Oct. 6, 1994 to the Log Cabin Club of Massachusetts, Romney said he was not unaware of Kennedys commitment to gay rights, but said as a Republican in the U.S. Senate, unlike his opponent, he could make equality for gays and lesbians a mainstream concern.

Romney said he discussed with Log Cabin the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a bill introduced at the time by the late Rep. Gerry Studds of Massachusetts that would have banned anti-gay discrimination in employment. Romney said hed co-sponsor the legislation and if possible broaden [it] to include housing and credit.

That hypothetical bill as described by Romney is essentially three-sevenths of the Equality Act as it was introduced in the last Congress by Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The Equality Act seeks to ban anti-LGBT discrimination not only in employment, housing and credit, but also in public accommodations, jury service, federal programs and education.

The bill has yet to be introduced this year, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has signaled it would be a priority under the new Democratic majority.

Also in the 1994 letter, Romney said hed support a bill to create a federal panel to find ways to reduce gay and lesbian youth suicide. Although he said Dont Ask, Dont Tell was a step in the right direction from the militarys administrative ban on gays in the military, Romney called it the first of a number of steps that will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nations military.

Romney, despite the Republican wave that year against then-President Bill Clinton in 1994, lost to Kennedy. But Romney continued to pursue political office, becoming governor of Massachusetts a decade later and unsuccessfully running to become president of the United States in 2008 and 2012.

Over the years that followed, Romney struck a markedly different tone on LGBT rights than the views he articled in the 1994 letter to Log Cabin  many times offering contradictory positions.

Staying true to his reputation as a flip-flopper, Romney offered different positions on non-discrimination protections for LGBT people. With regard to ENDA, Romney said in 2006 during an interview with the National Review Online the measure would be an overly broad law that would open a litigation floodgate and unfairly penalize employers at the hands of activist judges. In 2007, he had yet another position on Meet the Press and said ENDA-like laws should be left to the states.

In his previous position in political office, Romney used his power to undermine gay rights instead of seeking to make them a mainstream issue. As governor of Massachusetts, Romney fought tooth-and-nail against the 2003 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court instituting marriage rights for gay couples in the Bay State.

Romney revived an antiquated law in Massachusetts forbidding non-residents from marrying in the state and called for a U.S. constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage nationwide. (Romney has never deviated from his support for a Federal Marriage Amendment.)

During the 2012 election, Romney was held accountable for his 1994 letter to Log Cabin by moderator Chris Wallace during the Dec. 11, 2011 Republican primary debate. Romney clarified he meant in the missive as a Republican hed have more opportunities than Kennedy to advance gay rights, not be better than Kennedy himself on the issue.

I do not believe in discriminating against people based on their sexual orientation, Romney said at the time. At the same time, I oppose same-sex marriage. Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman.

Based on the evolution of Romney on the issue of gay rights (to borrow a phrase used by Obama on his views on same-sex marriage) support from Republicans on LGBT rights or the Equality Act in the Senate seems unlikely.

Moreover, Romneys comments in 1994 were based squarely on gay rights and didnt address the issue of transgender rights. Now the LGBT movement and Democrats insist on transgender inclusion as trans voices have become more prominent, Romney could get out of his 1994 promises under the excuse the issue has changed.

If Romney were to support the Equality Act, hed be going beyond his state in LGBT non-discrimination protections. In 2015, the state enacted a LGBT non-discrimination law, but  consistent with other protected classes in the state  the law doesnt cover public accommodations and religious institutions are given broad leeway to engage in anti-LGBT discrimination, even for non-ministerial positions. The Equality Act, in contrast, would make anti-LGBT discrimination in those areas illegal.

Liz Johnson, a Romney spokesperson, had no comment when asked by the Blade if he still holds his 1994 view supporting pro-gay non-discrimination legislation in employment, credit and housing, nor whether hed now support the Equality Act.

Despite the trend in Romneys views, LGBT rights groups were optimistic about Romney returning to his 1994 position and backing gay rights now that hes finally accomplished his 24-year-old bid to win election to the U.S. Senate.

Jerri Ann Henry, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, said her organization hasnt yet met with Romney, but so far all indications are he will continue to be supportive of gay rights as he promised Log Cabin in 1994.

David Stacy, government affairs director for the Human Rights Campaign, was hopeful Romney would support the Equality Act when asked if the organization has reached out to him about his 1994 comments.

HRC is working to ensure every member of Congress knows the pressing need for the Equality Act, Stacy said. For LGBTQ people, discrimination is a real and persistent problem  yet we face a patchwork of protections across the country. No Americans civil rights should be determined by their zip code. We hope that Sen. Romney will do the right thing and heed the voices of the business community, Utahns from all walks of life, and the overwhelming majority of Americans who are calling for this crucially important legislation to be passed into law.
London: Seven British Labour MPs have quit their party and set up as a group of independents, saying politics in Britain is broken and criticising Labour policy on Brexit and its failure to tackle anti-Semitism among its membership.

The split was immediately compared to the Gang of Four who left Labour in 1981 to form the Social Democratic Party, splitting the left vote and resulting in Margaret Thatcher winning crushing parliamentary majorities at the next two elections.

But the new group said they were not forming a new political party, and rejected comparisons to the SDP, saying it was a different era and they would not be contesting byelections.

Politics is broken, it doesn't have to be this way, let's change it, said MP Chuka Umunna at the launch of The Independent Group, urging MPs from Labour and other parties to join them and support centrist policies that were evidence-led rather than ideological.
The Australian Electoral Commission has declared activist group GetUp! is not associated with any political party, defying conservatives who argued it should be treated as an arm of Labor and the Greens.

The commission found GetUp!'s campaigns were primarily issue-based rather than linked to a particular party, and that its conduct on polling booths urging a vote for Labor or the Greens did not constitute a significant part of its overall activities.

GetUp campaigners and campaign director Miriam Lyons during last year's Wentworth byelection. Credit:AAP

GetUp!'s national director Paul Oosting said the commission's decision had "strongly rejected the push by the hard right faction of the Coalition to shut everyday people out of politics".

The AEC accepted that GetUp! how-to-vote cards distributed in some electorates at the 2016 election directed voters to preference Labor and the Greens, which could meet the criteria for being declared an "associated entity" of those parties.
Taxpayers have paid up to $45 million for upgrades to Parliament House that have been beset by delays and cost blowouts, with one contractor leaving hundreds of creditors $10.1 million out of pocket.

Construction giant Lendlease was contracted in June 2016 to provide renovations to Parliament but sub-contracted blast-proof door upgrades to the entrances of the Senate and the House of Representatives to Victorian company Steelvision.

The company went into administration in January. It was taken to court by the Victorian government in April 2018 over $135,000 in unpaid payroll tax. Just a month earlier it had been awarded a $500,000 contract by the Victorian government as part of transition funding for businesses in the Latrobe Valley.

Australian Federal Police officers patrol the front of Parliament House in Canberra. Credit:Stefan Postles

The Morrison government was aware of allegations that Steelvision was not paying its contractors to deliver the critical security infrastructure as early as July 2018 after companies made their concerns known. Many of the 412 contractors estimated to be owed $10.1 million are also located in the Latrobe Valley, which has been hit by an economic downturn after the closure of the Hazelwood coal power plant.
The Australian Federal Police believes some evidence relevant to its inquiry into media leaks about its raids on the Australian Workers Union may have been destroyed, Deputy Commissioner Leanne Close has told a Senate estimates hearing.

The federal Small and Family Business Minister, Michaelia Cash, who gave evidence in the Federal Court last week about the raids, did not show up for the hearing in Canberra on Monday morning - even though she is the minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs in estimates hearings.

Michaelia Cash has denied having any prior knowledge of the AWU raids, despite staffers being implicated in leaks. Credit:AAP

"We understood that could have been the case," Deputy Commissioner Close said, after Labor senator Murray Watt asked if police had formed the impression that some evidence may have been destroyed.

It is understood the question related to the deletion of text messages, referred to in court last week by Senator Cash's former media adviser David De Garis.
The ACT government's online directory was hacked late last year, but the territory government did not discover the attack until internal information exposed in the breach was put up for sale online.

The breach saw the government's internal cloud-based directory of all territory public servants' government contact details exposed to hackers, in the first successful attack on a territory government website since 2012.

The ACT government's internal directory was hacked and offered for sale online last year. Credit:Mayu Kanamori

It comes at a time of increasingly sophisticated and numerous cyber attacks globally, including on Australia's Federal Parliament and government websites and, it was revealed on Monday, the country's largest political parties.

While the breach did not see ACT ratepayers' information exposed, the hackers did access the private home addresses of 14 public servants and personal email addresses of three public servants - information the group then tried to sell online.
Eight of the most congested major roads in Melbournes western suburbs are being widened to cope with more traffic and several bridges will be strengthened to handle heavier trucks, as part of a $1.8 billion state government contract.

The Andrews government has entered into a series of 20-year public-private partnerships, valued at $4 billion, to improve and maintain hundreds of kilometres of Melbournes arterial road network in the citys west, north and south-east.

It is the first time an Australian government has used a public-private partnership to complete suburban arterial roadworks.

Private consortiums will pay the upfront costs, for which they will receive quarterly payments from the state over a 20-year period.
A Melbourne woman blasted her former partner's home with a shotgun, claiming she was teaching him a lesson for a history of assault and abuse.

Lisa Wyka, 34, and her partner at the time Dean Gardiner, 33, went to the St Albans home on June 23 last year with a shotgun and a rifle to scare the victim. A pizza delivery driver arrived at the same time as the shooting.

In a phone conversation between the pair, Wyka was heard saying she wanted to shoot the victim  her former lover of five years  in the head and mutilate his body, and that she hoped the police were listening, the County Court heard on Monday.

"I honestly don't understand what kind of God would make a person need this kind of strength," she said in the call.

Hundreds of texts were allegedly exchanged between Wyka and the victim, in which she described "30 years of anger and rage and pain inside me" and that she was "going down in flames".
Queensland's former CFMEU boss Dave Hanna has pleaded not guilty to raping a woman multiple times.

Hanna appeared in the Brisbane District Court on Monday for the opening day of his trial.

Dave Hanna, a former CFMEU Queensland secretary, walking to court on the opening day of a trial following an alleged incident at a woman's home after the pair met outside a bar in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley in March last year. Credit:Dave Hunt/AAP

He entered pleas of not guilty to three counts of rape and another of recording in breach of privacy.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred on March 4, 2017 in the northern Brisbane suburb of Taigum.
As Australia loses its internet innocence in a state of mild surprise and confusion, other countries already have moved far beyond the concept of a worldwide web.

There are five key points. First, while the federal government is being very coy about naming the "malicious state actor" that attacked the Parliament House email system as well as the systems of the major political parties, let's be straightforward. It's China. I've had this confirmed by multiple authoritative sources.

The political question that arises immediately is why won't the government name the aggressor?

The government's cyber security adviser, Alastair MacGibbon, while claiming the source to be a mystery, said on Monday: "While this offender was sophisticated enough to compromise the networks, it was not sophisticated enough to remain undetected."

Or perhaps Beijing didn't care if it was noticed. We know that the Chinese Communist Party is deeply unhappy about Australia's decision to protect its sovereignty by banning Chinese telecoms firms - namely Huawei and ZTE - from any part in its 5G network, the next phase in global interconnectedness.
The use of carbon credits to meet Australia's Paris climate targets would be "consistent" with the current Kyoto Protocol, the Morrison government said in the strongest signal yet it plans to exploit accounting ambiguities to meet its international commitments.

Senator Simon Birmingham told estimates on Monday the application of so-called carryover credits was "an existing feature of the Kyoto framework" that runs to 2020.

The Morrison government has made its clearest signal yet that it plans to use Kyoto period credits to count against Australia's Paris climate goals. Credit:Andrew Taylor

To deploy a similar treatment for carbon credits to help Australia meet its abatement target for the 2021-30 Paris climate period "appears to be a consistent application of the rules and definitions", Senator Birmingham said.

By overachieving on the Kyoto Protocol period, Australia will have a surplus, measured in tonnes of carbon-dioxide equivalent. The government wants to do what no other nation has indicated it will do.
(WB) As legislative sessions continue across the country, South Dakota is leading the way with anti-LGBT bills through its recent advancement of a Dont Say Trans bill  but at least 78 anti-LGBT measures have been introduced in other states.

The South Dakota House of Representatives on Monday approved House Bill 1108 by a vote of 39-30. The legislation bars public school teachers in grades K-7 from instructing students about gender dysphoria, or the experience of being transgender.

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said in a statement the bill is a harmful effort to harm transgender youth that will have ramifications for every South Dakotan.

The people of South Dakota know their state cannot stay true to South Dakotan values with a bill like this one on the books, Keisling said. If passed, the legislature will have delivered a self-inflicted wound against the entire state.

The bill now heads to the South Dakota Senate. If the legislation is approved there, it will head to the desk of Gov. Kristi Noem. The Washington Blade has placed a request with Noems office seeking comment on whether shed sign or veto the bill.

But the Dont Say Trans legislation is one of three anti-transgender bills pending in South Dakota, according to the Equality Federation.

Ian Palmquist, senior director of programs for the Equality Federation, said Tuesday in a conference call with reporters South Dakota is a place for central concern in 2019 for LGBT advocates keeping an eye on anti-LGBT bills.

In addition to the Dont Say Trans bill, another bill allows parental refusal for transition-related care for children, and another limits transgender participation in school sports.

In total, Palmquist counted 78 bills pending in state legislatures across the country seeking to undermine LGBT rights. That number is actually down from the 2016 session, when more than 200 such bills were introduced in state legislatures.

So were not near that at this point, although, of course, bill introductions really arent finished in state legislatures all over the country yet, Palmquist said.

Of the 78 state anti-LGBT bills, Palmquist said there are 18 bills in 10 states that are specifically anti-transgender. Those bills, Palmquist said, range from limiting access to transition-related health care and defining gender to what was assigned at birth.

Two of those bills seek to deny transgender people access to the restroom consistent with their gender identity, which is a reduction from years past. Palmquist attributes that to the massive backlash over House Bill 2 in North Carolina and the defeat of anti-trans efforts in Massachusetts.

Another category of legislation is religious freedom bills seen to enable anti-LGBT discrimination. Palmquist identified 18 bills in this category.

In this category are bills in Colorado, Kentucky and Tennessee that would allow taxpayer-funded religiously affiliated adoption agencies to refuse child placement with a family inconsistent with their religious beliefs, such as LGBT homes. (Three states have enacted these laws just last year.)

That kind of legislation really puts young people at risk, leaving them in the system, keeping them from loving and caring families that could be taking care of them, Palmquist said.

With Republicans in control of the Tennessee Legislature and the governors mansion, LGBT rights advocates have expressed particular concern about the anti-LGBT adoption bills pending before that state.

There are two anti-LGBT adoption bills before Tennessee: HB0836 would allow adoption agencies to deny placement in an LGBT home and SB0848 would bar state and local governments from penalizing such agencies.

These measures represent state-sanctioned licenses to discriminate, GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. This effort in Tennessee is part of a coordinated campaign across the country to turn back the progress LGBTQ people have made, and the fair-minded people of Tennessee will see right through this charade, which harms families and children by hiding behind the false guise of protecting religion.

In seven states, Palmquist said religious freedom bills have been introduced along the lines of the law Mike Pence signed as Indiana governor in 2015 allowing refusal of service to LGBT people. However, Palmquist said theyre fewer in number than in years past.

Were seeing fewer religious exemption bills that would cover broad areas of the law and seeing more bills introduced that are focused narrowly on very specific areas of government work, Palmquist said.

Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of the Equality Federation, identified as a source for these anti-LGBT bills Project Blitz, a 148-page plan promoted by the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation that provides the model for the legislation.

In 2018 alone, more than 70 of these Project Blitz-related bills  including anti-LGBTQ bills, bills that would undermine reproductive health care, attempting to inject religion into public schools  these were bills that were introduced in state legislatures across the country, so its really something to look out for, Isaacs said.

But despite these efforts, Isaacs said on the conference call people are really looking to the states to advance LGBT rights in the face of a hostile Trump administration and uncertain Supreme Court.

As examples of victories, Isaacs cited Massachusetts voters decision to reject at the ballot last year a referendum seeking to undermine the states transgender non-discrimination law in addition to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signing into law bans on conversion therapy for youth and anti-transgender discrimination.

In 2019, we expect well be educating people more about the harms of conversion therapy, more education about why we need non-discrimination protections in employment and public accommodations, and again why its important to continue working on HIV and ending discriminatory laws against people living with HIV, Isaacs said.

As of right now, 30 states have no laws or incomplete laws against anti-LGBT discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation, but 45 bills have been introduced in 18 states seeking to enact those protections, according to the Equality Federation.

In the wake of New York approving its transgender discrimination law, Issacs said eyes are on Virginia to determine whether itll pass a law against anti-LGBT discrimination. Palmquist admitted efforts are complicated in Virginia by high-profile scandals engulfing each of the three top public officials in that state.

Palmquist said efforts are also underway to enact pro-LGBT bills seeking to ban conversion therapy. Bills along those lines are moving in Colorado and Minnesota, which are set to have committee hearings this week, Palmquist said.

Additionally, Palmquist said legislation is moving forward to seeking to bar gay panic as a legal defense against those accused of violent crimes. Nine states have introduced bills that prohibit the use of this kind of defense in their courts.

This is obviously a ridiculous justification for committing a violent act, but we have seen it used in defenses around the country, Palmquist said.

Palmquist said lawmakers have also introduced pro-trans bills in six states  Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Mexico and New York  for legal documents, such as birth certificates and drivers licenses.

These bills allow individuals to select a non-binary gender and to ease the requirement with which they can change their gender marker, which Palmquist said is critically important for trans people.

Five states, Palmquist said, are considering legislation permitting the teaching of LGBT history in schools. Other states, Palmquist said, are considering equal-pay-for-equal-work bills intended for women workers that would also include protections for LGBT people.

HIV-related bills are also present in state legislatures. Although some states, Palmquist said, are considering measures to decriminalize HIV and increase access to treatment and prevention, 10 states are also considering bills to further decriminalize HIV.

These bills are based on flawed science, increased stigma and discourage people from getting tested  and they treat HIV differently from other communicable diseases, Palmquist said.
Chicago: Chicago police said on Sunday they're still seeking a follow-up interview with Jussie Smollett after receiving new information that "shifted" their investigation of a reported homophobic and racist attack on the Empire actor.

Two Nigerian brothers told Chicago police investigators that they were paid by Smollett to stage an attack on him, anonymous police sources told USA Today, NBC and CNN.

Empire actor Jussie Smollett claims he was the victim of a brutal homophobic and racist attack. Credit:AP

A source close to the investigation, who asked not to be identified, told USA Today that police are attempting to interview Smollett again, so they can question him about the brothers' account. Smollett has hired a criminal defence attorney.

Police also found records in the Chicago home of one of the men that showed they purchased rope from a hardware store that was used in the alleged attack, the source told USA TODAY.
Yemen's government and the Houthi rebels have agreed on the first stage of a mutual pullout of forces from the port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for humanitarian aid, the United Nations said.

The agreement came after two days of meetings in Hodeida, a UN statement said.

The warring parties agreed to a ceasefire in the city and a prisoner exchange during talks held in Sweden in December, but the implementation of both has been stalled.

The statement said both sides "made important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces as envisaged in the Hodeida agreement".

Yemen's government has been battling the rebels since 2014, when the Houthis swept down from the north and seized the capital Sanaa.

A Saudi-led coalition entered the war on the side of the government in March 2015.

The stalemated conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and raised fears of famine.

"It's encouraging news that this has happened, as people had been losing faith in the process, causing fears that we'd soon see a return to combat in and around Hodeida," said Peter Salisbury, a senior analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group.

He said the parties now need to implement the agreement, warning that "there is plenty of room for them to play games here, so we shouldn't get overexcited".

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt hailed their progress, tweeting that the agreement must be "swiftly finalised & implemented" and urging progress on the prisoner release.

Under the UN-brokered agreement reached in December, both sides agreed on the redeployment of forces out of Hodeida, which is currently controlled by the Houthis.

Local authorities and police would run the city and its three ports under UN supervision.

The first stage of implementation, agreed upon over the weekend, would see both sides withdraw forces from the ports of Hodeida, Salif and Ras Issa, which handle about 70% of Yemen's imports.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, meanwhile, departed from Sanaa on Monday, a day after meeting with rebel leader Abdul-Malek al-Houthi to discuss the "complex situation" in and around Hodeida.

PA
Pope Francis has lifted the suspension imposed in 1983 on Nicaraguan priest and poet Ernesto Cardenal, the Vatican's ambassador to Nicaragua said.

A statement from nuncio Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag said Francis removed the canonical censures imposed on Cardenal.
New York City has unveiled novel anti-discrimination guidelines to ensure people do not have their hairstyles held against them.

The guidelines released by the city's Human Rights Commission were first reported by The New York Times, which said they are believed to be the first such measures nationwide.

They enable people to seek fines and other remedies if they have been harassed or punished in workplaces, schools or public spaces because of their hair texture or style.

The guidance says New Yorkers have the right to "maintain natural hair or hairstyles that are closely associated with their racial, ethnic or cultural identities".

The protections apply to everyone but were prompted largely by what the commission called "racist stereotypes that black hairstyles are unprofessional".

Hair nets can still be required for health and safety reasons.

PA
Poland's prime minister has cancelled plans for his country to send a delegation to a meeting in Jerusalem after the acting Israeli foreign minister said that Poles "collaborated with the Nazis" and "sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk".

The Polish pullout triggered the collapse of a planned summit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with leaders of four Central European nations known as the Visegrad group.

With the Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers already in Israel, bilateral meetings will take place instead, according to announcements by Czech Prime Minister Andrei Babis and Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon.

Mr Netanyahu had touted the meeting as an important step in his outreach to the countries of Central Europe, which have pro-Israeli governments that he is counting on to counter the criticism Israel typically faces in international forums.

The developments mark a new low in a bitter conflict between Poland and Israel over how to remember and characterise Polish actions towards Jews during the German occupation of Poland in the Second World War.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki had already announced on Sunday that he was pulling out of the meeting after a comment by Mr Netanyahu last week.

Mr Morawiecki cancelled Polish participation altogether after comments made by Israel's acting foreign minister Israel Katz, which he denounced as "racist" and "absolutely unacceptable".

Poland's Foreign Ministry also summoned the Israeli ambassador Anna Azari to demand a second set of clarifications in recent days.

Monday's development marks a deterioration of a spat that began last Thursday when Mr Netanyahu said: "Poles co-operated with the Nazis."

Mr Netanyahu's office said he was misquoted.

The Polish government first summoned the Israeli ambassador on Friday but said it was not satisfied with the explanation of the Israeli leader being quoted incorrectly.

Mr Katz made his remarks on Sunday in an interview on Reshet 13 TV.

"I am the son of Holocaust survivors," he said, in his first day in the new job.

The memory of the Holocaust is not something to compromise about. It is obvious. We will not forget, and we will not forgive.

He then vowed that no-one would change the historical truth of what happened.

"Poles collaborated with the Nazis, definitely. Collaborated with the Nazis. As (former Israeli prime minister) Yitzhak Shamir said - his father was murdered by Poles - he said that from his point of view they sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk. You can't sugarcoat this history," he said.

Poland was the first occupation of Adolf Hitler's regime and never had a collaborationist government.

Members of Poland's resistance and government-in-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews fleeing the Nazis, and Polish blackmailers who preyed on the Jews for financial gain.

PA
A former FBI deputy director has said that a "crime may have been committed" when Donald Trump sacked the head of the organisation and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia.

Andrew McCabe also said in the interview with CBS' 60 Minutes that the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Mr Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the May 2017 firing of then-FBI director James Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, sacked the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, 'Why would a president of the United States do that?'" Mr McCabe said.

He added: "So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

Asked whether deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein was on board with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, Mr McCabe replied: "Absolutely."

A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment on Sunday night.

Mr McCabe also revealed that when Mr Trump told Mr Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Mr Comey - a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing - the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo.

Mr Rosenstein did not want to, Mr McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Mr Comey's dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Mr Comey's handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

"He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo," Mr McCabe said. "And the president responded, "I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway."

Mr Trump said in a TV interview days after Mr Comey's firing that he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he sacked Mr Comey.

Those actions, including a separate request by Mr Trump that the FBI end an investigation into his first national adviser, Michael Flynn, made the FBI concerned that the president was illegally trying to obstruct the Russia probe.

Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," Mr McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey.

Mr McCabe was sacked from the Justice Department last year after being accused of misleading investigators during an internal probe into a news media disclosure.

The allegation was referred to the US Attorney's office in Washington for possible prosecution, but no charges have been brought.

Mr McCabe has denied having intentionally lied and said on Sunday that he believes his sacking was politically motivated.

"I believe I was fired because I opened a case against the president of the United States," he said.

In excerpts released last week by CBS News, Mr McCabe also described a conversation in which Mr Rosenstein had broached the idea of invoking the Constitution's 25th Amendment to remove Mr Trump from office.

The Justice Department said in a statement that Mr Rosenstein, based on his dealings with Mr Trump, does not see cause to seek the removal of the president.

On Sunday Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who is seeking her party's nomination for president, told reporters that if the people around Mr Trump believe he cannot fulfil the obligations of his office, then they have a duty to invoke the 25th Amendment.

A favourite target of the president's ire, Ms Warren said she has no special knowledge on whether there are grounds to remove Mr Trump from office but said that "there are a whole lot of people who do see him every day who evidently were talking about invoking the 25th Amendment".

PA
A judge in France has refused to block the release in French cinemas of a film based on a Catholic sex scandal.

French director Francois Ozon's movie Grace A Dieu (By The Grace Of God) won the Berlin Film Festival's jury grand prize on Saturday.

The film, which opens on Wednesday, portrays French priest Bernard Preynat, who has been accused of molesting dozens of boys during the 1980s and 1990s.

Preynat's lawyers said the film depicted allegations against their client as facts and should have been blocked because it does not respect the presumption of innocence.

Preynat has been handed preliminary charges of sexual assaults on minors and prosecutors are determining whether he will be brought to trial.

He has confessed to abusing boy scouts and his victims say church hierarchy covered up for him for years, allowing him to work with children right up until his 2015 retirement.

His lawyer Emmanuel Mercinier said the judge ruled that messages in the film noting that people are presumed innocent until proven guilty were enough to guarantee Preynat's rights.

Mr Mercinier said:

I'm bitterly ruing this decision. To depict a man as guilty for two hours, while he has not been convicted, infringes the presumption of innocence. That can't obviously be erased by writing the opposite for two seconds.

Preynat could go on trial accused of sexual violence against multiple children.

So far, 13 alleged victims are involved in that case, but he is accused of having abused as many as 70 children.

Preynat has not publicly spoken about the allegations but he has written letters to some families confessing to abuse.

The victims have accused Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, who became archbishop of Lyon in 2002, of having allowed Preynat to continue serving as a priest and having contact with children despite years of rumours about his actions.

Barbarin, 68, went on trial last month and testified that he was unjustly accused.

Because of lack of proof, or the statute of limitations that has expired on charges of failing to help a person in danger, even the prosecutor has argued against convicting him and other church officials, saying there were no grounds to prove legal wrongdoing.

A verdict is expected on March 7, 2019.

Ozon's film title comes from a press conference in Lourdes in 2016 when Barbarin, asked about the alleged abuses by Preynat, said "most of the facts, by the grace of God, fell outside the statute of limitations".

-Press Association
There's light at the end of the tunnel for a drought-stricken village and for a community where women have had their hair turned green by the public water supply.

For more than five years the people of Kildorrery, Co Cork, have suffered persistent problems with broken water mains and low water pressure due to an archaic reservoir.

Council officials have now confirmed that they have secured planning permission for a new reservoir to serve the village and its hinterland and expect to start construction on it by the end of this year.

Several kilometres of water mains have also been renewed. It is hoped that, together with the new reservoir, this will result in a far better supply for the area.

Families have regularly had to visit friends and relatives several kilometres away in order to avail of showers because of the inadequate supply.

Businesses have had to import milk churns full of water on a regular basis because of breakdowns in the system.

The news was welcomed by Cllrs Noel McCarthy, Frank O'Flynn and Deirdre O'Brien.

Cllr McCarthy said he is glad to see planning permission has been granted for the reservoir and asked for a timeline on its construction. When informed of this, he said he hopes this will be adhered to, saying: Irish Water's record (on doing works there) has been very slow. The people of Kildorrery got a lot of promises over the years about timeframes and were always let down."

Meanwhile, the County Council is starting to tackle a rather peculiar situation which came to light in another North Cork village a couple of years ago.

Women who were dyeing their hair blonde found after that repeatedly washing it that it was turning green.

It happened to a number of women who were living in the Bweeng area and they were at a loss to how this was occurring, until a local hairdresser came up with the answer. She discovered that there was a high concentration of iron in the local water supply and this was the root of the problem.

Council engineers told a meeting of the council's Northern Division today that they are about to start work on treating the water to eradicate the problem, which was first highlighted by Cllr John Paul O'Shea.

Engineers said to achieve this they are planning to install a new chlorination and PH correcting system to lower acidity caused by the iron.

Noreen Magner of Noreen's Hair Salon in Kildorrery, Co. Cork, washing a customer's hair with water obtained to facilitate her clients. Pic: Denis Minihane.

This has been a long time coming and I hope it will be completed shortly, Cllr O'Shea said.

Council engineers also told the meeting that water supply improvements are also being undertaken in the Ballydesmond and Kiskeam areas, which have also suffered from persistent water outages over the years.

They said a new reservoir is to be built which will serve both the communities, but they didn't provide a timeframe for construction.
Two restaurants in Cork and a restaurant in London have triumphed on the global food stage at the inaugural World Restaurant Awards.

The ceremony, dubbed the Oscars of the food world by co-founder Andrea Petrini, took place in Paris on Monday night.

London's Noble Rot won for its dedication to bringing vintage wines to drinkers, while Irish chef Darina Allen, 70, joked she was a "trolley dolly" as she celebrated a win for Ballymaloe House in Cork.

The county enjoyed double success as vegetarian restaurant Paradiso's long-standing partnership with Gortnanain farm was recognised for nearly two decades of close collaboration.

Mrs Allen dedicated the Trolley of the Year award to her late mother-in-law Myrtle Allen, who died last year, saying: "I hope she's looking down tonight."

She praised Ballymaloe's pastry chef JR Ryall for bringing "a little bit of magic" to the restaurant's renowned sweet trolley, which features dishes including Carrageen Moss pudding, made with seaweed from the Irish coast.

Laughing, she added:

JR creates the magic on the trolley and I'm the trolley dolly of the year!

Ultan Walsh, who runs Gortnanain farm with his wife-to-be Lucy Stewart, has been supplying vegetables to Paradiso for nearly two decades.

Restaurateur Denis Cotter said it was a "huge honour" to win the Collaboration of the Year crown for the relationship between his 40-seat restaurant and Mr Walsh's nine-acre farm which grows aubergines and artichokes alongside the more conventional potatoes and cauliflowers.

He said: "It's also an amazing recognition and a very unusual recognition of what we do and what we have been doing behind the scenes for such a long time. It's very touching."

Denis and Ultan trying to hide their excitement on arriving @worldrestawards in Paris pic.twitter.com/r1YDYbYuw1  paradiso (@paradisocork) February 18, 2019

Dan Keeling from Noble Rot, which won in the Red Wine-Serving category, said he aimed to make the Bloomsbury venue "a real drinkers' place, a real wine lovers' place", serving old vintages that are ready to drink, at good prices.

His colleague Mark Andrew said:

The idea of the restaurant is to bring not just fantastic service, which is a given at the top end of our industry, but also great food, really interesting wine, exciting wine, and present it to people in a way which really adds to their experience and where they can really get involved.

Top chefs including Alain Passard, Alex Atala and Clare Smyth were among those who descended on the French capital for a glittering ceremony at the Palais Brongniart.

Lorena Vasquez, master blender of Ron Zacapa rum, partner of the World Restaurant Awards, said: "We are so pleased for the Irish and UK winners here tonight. What a fantastic achievement for them to be recognised on this global stage, as the best in the world.

"This is testament to their passion and pursuit of flavour - a passion we at Zacapa share. Whether it's food or rum, we're all focused on letting flavour speak for itself.

"Congratulations and we look forward to toasting their win with them tonight."

South African restaurant Wolfgat, which specialises in local seafood, was named Restaurant of the Year.

-PA
Three people who are concerned their personal data may have been accessed during an alleged data breach at Independent News & Media in 2014 are seeking court orders which would allow them use certain materials in contemplated legal proceedings.

Former INM CEO Gavin O'Reilly, his former secretary Mandy Scott and Karl Brophy, former INM director of corporate affairs, want permission to use materials provided to them last year for the hearing of an application to appoint inspectors to INM.

A range of materials, including sworn statements from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) and INM executives, were provided to various third parties on condition those could be used only for the hearing about whether to appoint inspectors. Anyone seeking additional use of the material had to ask the court.

The president of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, was told the ODCE, who had sought the inspectors' appointment, was prepared to consent to the three using the materials in their contemplated proceedings.

INM was refusing consent for reasons including data protection concerns and lack of clarity about the nature of the contemplated proceedings and the identity of the respondents to those, he was told.

Counsel for the three said one of the entities against whom proceedings are likely is INM itself and his side should not be required at this stage to identify the nature of intended proceedings.

He also argued there could be no valid data protection objections as the materials were part of court proceedings heard in public.

Because of INM's opposition, there would have to be a formal hearing of the application by the trio, the judge said.

He fixed May 7 for the hearing and also directed the inspectors appointed last September to investigate INM's affairs be put on notice of that.

Last September, the judge appointed two inspectors - barrister Sean Gillane SC, who specialises in criminal law, and Richard Fleck, a UK based solicitor and corporate governance expert - to investigate the conduct of affairs at INM.

Their first report is due to be provided to the judge in April.

ODCE Ian Drennan applied for inspectors in spring 2018 following his offices year-long investigation into matters raised in protected disclosures made in 2016 and 2017 by former INM CEO Robert Pitt and INM's Chief Financial Officer Ryan Preston.

Arising from that investigation, the ODCE raised concerns about issues including an alleged data breach at INM in 2014 involving data being exported from the jurisdiction and interrogated by third parties.

The then INM Chairman Leslie Buckley, who stepped down in March 2018, has said that was done as a cost-cutting exercise called Operation Quantum.

Last September, Mr Justice Kelly ruled the ODCE had provided evidence that "well justified" inspectors being appointed.

He was satisfied many questions remain to be answered about disquieting issues raised by the ODCE, including the alleged removal from INM, and interrogation, of the data of 19 persons, including journalists, former INM employees and executives and two senior counsel for the Moriarty Tribunal.

The judge was also concerned about the circumstances concerning the proposed acquisition by INM of Newstalk Radio from a company of INM's largest shareholder, Denis O'Brien, and the proposed payment by INM of a 1m 'success fee' to another company of Mr O'Brien's.

While neither of those payments proceeded, they were "certainly suggestive of an unlawful purpose directed to the benefit of Mr O'Brien directly or indirectly and the detriment of the company", he said.

The appointment of inspectors' was in the public interest in the context of the regulation of public companies, the nature of INM's business and the importance of a free press, he held. On foot of the material before him, he found the ODCE had met certain criteria under Section 748 of the Companies Act 2014 for the appointment of inspectors.
The Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, is in Brussels today to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.

They will discuss issues including the situation in Syria as well as how the EU can increase ties with the Horn of Africa.
A huge number of previously unknown monuments, mostly located in crop fields, discovered during last summers heatwave are visible on the latest Google Maps/Google Earth.

Thats according to Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland, who with Ken Williams found the first and most well-known discovery of the heatwave - a previously unknown henge near Newgrange which continues to make international news.

Mr Murphy has been examining the new Google images and said as a result he has discovered a huge number of previously unknown monuments, most of them located in crop fields in the tillage-rich areas of seven different counties.

These are Meath, Dublin, Kildare, Carlow, Wicklow, Laois and Kilkenny, which are covered by the June 2018 satellite images which have recently been added to Google Maps/Google Earth.

He said that in many cases there are no marks or traces left on the surface so the farmers and landowners will be unlikely to know they even exist.

He believes that some are small ring-ditches, maybe 20m or 30m in diameter, but there are some truly enormous structures like ringforts and enclosures, in some cases measuring 100m in diameter and more. The largest structure visible in the Google imagery is in Co. Dublin and measures a staggering 350m wide.

In October last year the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said the heritage sites newly discovered during the summer heatwave near Newgrange in Co Meath, have the potential to transform our understanding of that landscape.

At the time it released a list of 71 new national monuments in 12 counties reported to it from June to August this year.

It said the majority were in counties Louth and Meath, with 13 and 25 new monuments respectively, but discoveries were also made across the country and include possible rock art and prehistoric art as well as enclosures, bronze age cemeteries, ring-ditches, souterrains, ecclesiastical enclosures and a road.
Update: A Longford councillor has told of the shock and dismay in the town at the vandalism of a local GPs premises which was covered in anti-abortion graffiti, writes Vivienne Clarke.

This is a very busy GP practice and it is very distressing for all the patients accessing services today, Cllr Joe Flaherty told RTEs News at One.

The tone of the graffiti is anti-choice, anti-abortion and included words such as nazi, murder, death and had racist tones, he said.

The councillor said: Dr Ali is embedded in the town, he made Longford his home. He has lived here for 30 years and also has a practice in Lanesboro.

The comments were very personal towards Dr Ali.

Cllr Flaherty said that the people of Ireland had gone out and voted and legislation was now on the statute books. He said that he did not think the vandalism was a Longford issue but a national issue as he had heard of car tyres being slashed in Cork.

Longford councillor says "mindless minority" are responsible for anti-abortion graffiti attack on GP's surgery https://t.co/Q6xevLnyrT pic.twitter.com/RyEVqFmoHS  Shannonside FM News (@shannonsidenews) February 18, 2019

When asked if he thought set back distances might help, he said that in this case a set back distance or safe zone would not have made a difference to people who crept about in the dark and daubed these words across a building.

Earlier: GP surgery daubed with anti-abortion graffiti

A GP practice has been sprayed with anti-abortion graffiti in Longford.

The incident has seen the Longford Medical Centre on the outskirts of Longford town daubed with the graffiti overnight.

It criticises doctors, the media and Government policy on abortion.

Shannonside News report that the surgery belongs to a long-serving GP, and it remains closed this morning.

A Garda statement said: "Gardai have not received a complaint regarding an incident overnight at a premises at Deanscurragh, Co. Longford."
Update: Dublin City Councils Chief Executive, Owen Keegan, has defended comments he made at the weekend in which he said that homeless numbers would drop if homeless services were cut, writes Vivienne Clarke.

He told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke show that the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) operates a very open system and that one of the prices to be paid for such a compassionate response is that such services are a magnet for people.

He said: I was trying to make a point if we really wanted to cut numbers, then cut the service. Im very unhappy with the numbers.

Mr Keegan said it was a jocular comment because there are municipal districts in the US where they deal with the problem of homelessness by decreeing it against the law and then move people outside the towns boundaries.

The high homeless figures in Dublin are not a negative as such, he said: People now have choices they didnt have before.

He wanted to acknowledge the work of the DRHE and he had been seeking to explain why Dublin figures are so high.

The reality is that if we make better services available, people are happy to access them.

Mr Keegan explained that because services are better, people who previously would have stayed with their family or parents in cramped conditions were instead presenting as homeless in a bid to access permanent social housing.

He said: There are cases where people turn down accommodation (under the HAP scheme). People choose to wait in temporary housing pending an offer of permanent social housing.

He also pointed out that many people in homeless services have a range of complex problems and should be receiving help elsewhere. These were the people, who he had said, wont move on. They are not capable of independent living, he said.

Homeless services are not the place for people with complex needs, but really homeless services are the only people offering services. It is not the best option for them.

Mr Keegan said that he is very confident that Dublin City Council will achieve the target figures set by Central Government for social housing, but the problem is not going to be solved until there is a significant growth in private accommodation.

He said: Were not in a position to meet all the burdens of housing needs. We are dependent on further significant recovery.

He anticipates 1,500 social housing units will be completed by Dublin City Council in the next two to three years. Meeting targets will be achieved through a combination of direct builds, leasing, and HAP.

He said that he can see considerable merit in the HAP system which was a way of getting people into sustainable tenancies.

Earlier: Dublin City Council head urged to apologise for 'very insulting' comments

Dublin City Council CEO Owen Keegan has been asked to apologise for claiming homeless services are "an attractive" option.

Speaking to the Sunday Business Post, he said massive investment in homeless services has led to a reluctance in some people to move on.

Dublin City Council CEO Owen Keegan.

Mr Keegan said: Every year weve added 200-300 bed spaces, theyre much higher-quality spaces, but one of the paradoxical problems with that is people are kind of reluctant to move on, theyre almost permanent.

This is not questioning peoples motives, but Dublin is a major draw for people who are homeless because there is a very wide range of service provision.

Sinn Fein TD Eoin O'Broin has disagreed with his comments, saying: "The reason why these families are homeless is because of the failure of the State to ensure an adequate supply of affordable housing, not because of the behaviour of the families themselves.

"So, whether he intended to or not, I think he has insulted many of these families and he should withdraw the comments and apologise."

Director of Advocacy, Communications and Research with Focus Ireland, Mike Allen has strongly disagreed with his comments.

Mr Allen said: "There is nobody who is becoming homeless who is putting themselves into that form of misery simply to avail of the wonderful facilities that are being offered, and it's obviously very insulting for people to hear that.

"He also said that people are staying on in homeless accommodation, people working for Focus Ireland over the many years never have come across anybody that wants to stay on in emergency accommodation."
(WB) Nashville on Monday became the first city in the South to recognize LGBT-owned businesses.

Nashville Mayor David Briley signed an executive order including LGBT Business Enterprises certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce in contracting and procurement opportunities throughout the city.

The new policy will give NGLCC-certified businesses in Nashville the same access to contracts and economic development opportunities as businesses owned by women and ethnic minorities.

Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Briley and of our local affiliate chamber, the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBT entrepreneurs in the Nashville region will now have the opportunity to create jobs and develop innovations that benefit all who live there, NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson wrote in a press release.

We hope this executive order in Nashville will encourage more mayors to proactively include the LGBT community for the optimum social and economic health of their cities, NGLCC Co-Founder and CEO Chance Mitchell added.

Nashville is the first new city in 2019 to recognize LGBT-owned businesses. 2018 saw Baltimore and Jersey City and Hoboken, N.J., added to the list of cities that track and include NGLCC-certified businesses.

NGLCC says certified LGBT-owned businesses add $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy each year.

We are excited to see LGBTBEs (NGLCC-certified businesses) in every field, from construction to catering and everything in between, help grow the economy of Nashville and beyond, Nelson wrote.
A healthcare support worker "lost his career" in the health sector after allowing a vulnerable teenager in his care to go to a public toilet unaccompanied at Pearse Street DART station in Dublin.

Now, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has ordered the mans former employer, a healthcare sector charity, to pay the man 20,000 for his unfair dismissal.

WRC Adjudication Officer, Eugene Hanly said that the punishment of dismissal in this case "does not fit the crime".

Mr Hanly said: I also find that this sanction of dismissal not only resulted in him losing his job, he also lost his career; the hearing was told he was good at his job as a carer.

Mr Hanly stated that the teenager in the care of the care worker was vulnerable during the external outing on November 24, 2017.

He said: The incident at the train station could have ended up a very serious matter with all sorts of possible outcomes, thankfully it didnt."

He found that the worker was not acting neglectfully, or lazy or disinterested.

Mr Hanly stated that the workers manager didnt see it as a dismissible matter and his colleague did not see it as an urgent matter.

He said: Therefore, I find that this action did not constitute gross misconduct warranting dismissal and that this dismissal was substantively unfair.

However, Mr Hanly also found that the worker contributed to his dismissal which must be taken into consideration when establishing the quantum of the award.

The mans employer told the WRC that, as a result of the teenager going to the toilet unaccompanied on a different platform, the teen was out of sight when going through an underpass and in the toilet itself.

After initiating disciplinary proceedings, the healthcare organisation - which provides services to children with a learning disability, mental ill-health and acquired brain injury - sacked the healthcare worker in January 2018.

At a hearing, the sacked worker said the decision to dismiss him was over the top.

He said he had known the teenager for four years and that the decision to allow him to go to the toilet on his own was to allow him to develop independence.

The worker stated that if he had known that this would lead to him losing his job he would not have done it. However, he accepted that he made a bad judgement call that day.

After being dismissed, the worker decided to apply for another job to which he got an offer but when the reference he received referred to gross misconduct he was unsuccessful in obtaining the post.

The man said that the dismissal has meant that he has lost his career and he applied for plenty of jobs in printing, shops, but he couldnt get social care work.

The man retrained as a Security Officer and he got a full-time job on June 16, 2018, where he is earning 10,000 less per annum.

On redress, the man said that he is seeking his good name back as he was good at this job.
Gardai wish to seek the publics assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 54-year-old Mary Ryan, who was last seen at Clonard Park, Waterford on December 15, 2018.

Mary is described as being 5 7 in height and of slight build with black hair.
A property developer who owed more than 1m in unpaid taxes and penalties has received 240 hours of community service.

James Jordan (51) of Laochfail, Outfarm Lane, Castleknock, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to knowingly and wilfully submitting 16 incorrect VAT returns, six incorrect income tax returns, four incorrect invoices and three false claims of income tax relief.

Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain sentenced Jordan to 240 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months imprisonment for one count of submitting an incorrect tax return.

Judge Ni Chulachain also sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment for one count of submitting an incorrect invoice, but suspended the entirety of the sentence for a period of three years on condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour and that he comply with the arrangement he has made with Revenue.

At an earlier sentence hearing, Seamus Clarke SC, defending, handed in a signed agreement between his client and Revenue that Jordan will pay around 5,000 a month for 113 months. Jordan has already made payments totalling 57,500.

The court heard that Jordan came to the attention of a special Revenue unit looking for high wealth individuals due to his having a large property portfolio in the 2000s.

Former Revenue Officer Elizabeth Keane testified that Jordan was required to pay capital gains tax on the sale of five properties which he sold for a total value of 1,960,500 between 2004 and 2010 and that he failed to do so.

She said the tax returns he submitted during that period were incorrect due to the failure to pay capital gains tax. He also submitted four incorrect invoices which lowered his VAT liability.

Judge Ni Chulachain noted that Jordan had failed to pay tax on rental income and had waived a tax exemption on this income which he was entitled to in order to offset it elsewhere.

She said he made a number of false claims for Income Tax relief for properties he owned. This relief was ineligible because the properties were not registered to the PRTB.

The total figure owed by Jordan when interest and penalties were factored in was 1,236,881. This figure included a VAT liability of 162,945 and a liability for 297,974 in capital gains gain.

The balance of 775,962 owed by Jordan was made up of interest and penalties.

Jordan has one previous conviction from 2017 for failure to file an income tax return.

Mr Clarke said Jordan ran a carpet business and that people would lose their jobs if he was given a custodial sentence.

Judge Ni Chulachain said she had regard not only for punishment while considering the sentence, but also deterrence.
Community employment supervisors have protested outside the Department of Finance over a 10-year dispute over pensions.

Around 1,250 supervisors and assistant supervisors do not get any access to occupational pension schemes and are calling on Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation.

Retired supervisor Paddy Quinn said: "In 2008 the Labour Court issued a recommendation saying that CE supervisor and assistant supervisors should be given access to a pension."

He said it had been stalled due to the recession but the Government is continuing to refuse to engage on the issue. "I had to retire without a pension...I went from 755 a week down to 230 a week. It's a big drop; it's difficult to come to terms with, and that's why I am out in support of my colleagues here today," said Mr Quinn who worked for 23 years as a supervisor in Co Laois.

More than 250 supervisors have retired with no occupational pension since the recommendation was published. Between 30 and 40 are currently retiring yearly.

Forsa assistant general secretary Brendan OHanlon urged the Government to sit down and engage with unions and to implement the recommendation: "I think the Government position has shifted over the years but they have never formally come out and rejected the Labour Court recommendation.

"The fact that they never rejected the recommendation, people assumed that this issue was going to be addressed and backdated probably to the recommendation," he said.

Mr O'Hanlon said that when the recommendation was determined, it was estimated the provision would cost around 3.6m each year.

Labours employment affairs spokesperson Senator Ged Nash accused the Government of "stonewalling" CE supervisors and called for meaningful engagement. The spirit and letter of the 2008 Labour Court recommendation, on a pension scheme for these workers who manage extremely important social programmes must be respected and implemented.

A process was established in 2015 by the Labour Party following discussions with SIPTU and Forsa which was designed to bring this important and long-standing cause of concern for supervisors to a satisfactory conclusion. Almost four years on, nothing of note has happened," he said.

Ian Thomas, a supervisor at the Carrigaline Community Employment scheme in Co Cork, said: Ive been working as a CE supervisor for 24 years and the pension issue has been an objective for us throughout that time. "The current government is the third administration since the recommendation was made. Nobody has lifted a finger to implement the Labour Court recommendation and, as a group of workers, we are frustrated and angry this has been allowed to idle for so long," he said.

A Department of Public Expenditure spokesperson said: "It continues to be the position that State organisations are not the employer of the particular employees concerned and that it is not possible for the State to provide funding for such a scheme. "The employees in question are, or were, employees of private companies notwithstanding the fact the companies concerned are, or were, reliant on State funding."
A Dublin deli is phasing out breakfast rolls and chicken fillet rolls and is replacing them with healthier options.

Fresh - The Good Food Market, which has five shops in Dublin city, says peoples foods habits are changing and they want to reflect that.
Honda is planning to close its UK plant in Swindon with the loss of 3,500 jobs.

Local Tory MP Justin Tomlinson confirmed the news, insisting that the decision "is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021".

The Japanese company declined to comment on the announcement which comes less than six months after bosses at the car giant pledged its commitment to the UK.

The company employs about 3,500 people at its plant in Wiltshire, building around 160,000 Honda Civics a year, more than 90% of which were exported to Europe and the US.

Last month Honda announced plans for a six-day shutdown to prepare for any Brexit-related disruption.

A company statement at the time said: "Honda has been assessing how best to prepare for any disruption caused by logistics and border issues following the UK leaving the EU on March 29.

"To ensure Honda is well placed to adjust to all possible outcomes, we are planning six non-production days in April.

"This is to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts.

These contingency provisions have been put in place to best mitigate the risk of disruption to production operations at the Swindon factory.

Speaking in September, Ian Howells, the senior vice-president of Honda Europe, said the company remained "right behind" its production facility in Swindon and was not considering moving the plant out of the UK after Brexit.

He said: "The only place we produce the vehicle we produce at Swindon is in Swindon itself. So from that point of view it's a very big decision to take a different approach.

"Certainly we are right behind our Swindon approach, and really it hasn't come up that we would have to look at putting Swindon somewhere else.

"The logistics of moving a factory the size of Swindon would be huge, and as far as we're concerned from a European (perspective), and as far as our Japanese head office is concerned, we're right behind supporting continued production at Swindon and indeed our whole European operation to continue there.

"In terms of the impact of Brexit, I think we are looking at hopefully relatively short-term disruption as we get used to the new rules and new ways of doing business."

Honda was the first major Japanese car company to get involved in large scale manufacturing the UK when it did a deal with British Leyland in 1980 to produce Honda-based models in BL factories.

Work began on its own plant at Swindon in 1985.

PA & Digital Desk
There is a growing shortage of cybersecurity workers in Ireland despite the country hosting a large slice of Europes data firms, experts have said.

An event by Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) promoting the new national cybersecurity body, Cyber Ireland, heard there are 2,500 unfilled vacancies in Ireland and a shortfall of 2 million cybersecurity jobs around the world.

An audience of more than 250 people from industry, colleges, and government agencies were told of the importance of bringing together all participants in the Irish cybersecurity industry.

In Ireland, the industry employs over 6,000 people in many of the worlds top security software multinationals, as well as SMEs.

Cyber Ireland, which is backed by the IDA, plans to enhance collaboration and the sharing of resources to combat what is seen as the exponential threat of cybercrime.

It is estimated that computer-related crime costs the world economy more than 1.5 trillion a year.

Its manager Eoin Byrne said the Republic was constantly competing internationally for cybersecurity jobs and investment.

A cybersecurity cluster can support the needs of this rapidly growing sector, based on best practices from European cluster organisations, to ensure Ireland is a competitive global location for cybersecurity operations and research and development, and to support indigenous SMEs, he said.

Richard Browne of the National Cyber Security Centre said the Republic could boast a large number of firms and academic researchers but said that such advantages needed to be nurtured.

However, he warned about the risks facing all types of organisations from global cybercrime and attacks, saying that it was akin to swimming with sharks.

Ireland has substantial equity in protecting data from attacks because the economy relied on multinational digital firms, he said.

Computer science lecturer Donna OShea said the time is now for academia and industry to work together on cybersecurity.

There was no national research centre in cybersecurity and there has never been a major investment in the research side, she said.

It was time for all participants to shout louder, she said.

The IDAs Donal Travers said cybersecurity was relevant to all industries, including pharma, life sciences, and financial services.
(AP) More than two-and-a-half years after 49 people were massacred at a gay nightclub in Florida, a prosecutor said Wednesday that no clubgoers were hit by responding officers' bullets and each time responding officers fired their weapons was reasonable and justified.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala said at a news conference that she had issued letters of clearance to the 14 law enforcement officers who fired more than 180 shots during a more than three-hour standoff with gunman Omar Mateen at the Orlando's Pulse nightclub in June 2016.

Ayala released the findings a day before the one-year anniversary of another Florida mass shooting  the massacre of 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The six-month review of the Pulse nightclub massacre included 350 witness statements, police radio traffic, officers' body and dash cameras, footage from cameras inside the club and 911 calls, according to Deborah Barra, the state attorney's chief assistant, who led the review.

"No civilians were struck. Each time law enforcement pulled the trigger, it was reasonable and justified," Barra said.

Dozens of other clubgoers were wounded during the massacre but lived. None of them was hit by law enforcement bullets, although there was a near-miss when two officers fired at a club patron who had come out of a bathroom during the standoff, crouching low and peeking around a corner. Officers commanded the patron to show his hands, and when the clubgoer didn't comply, they fired. Bullets hit a mirror and either part of a door or wall but not the patron, Barra said.

Mateen fired 186 times with an assault weapon and 22 times with a handgun. At one point, his assault weapon jammed, based on a spent shell found in the weapon, Barra said.

"That is significant because that actually saved lives," she said.

The prosecutor's office concluded that responding officers and deputies engaged with Mateen five separate times. Mateen was hit seven times during the fourth engagement and killed during the fifth engagement.

His wife was acquitted last year of aiding and abetting him and lying to FBI agents during a federal trial.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who was Orlando's police chief at the time of the massacre, said officers were relieved by the prosecutor's findings.

"I'm relieved for the officers and deputies, the brave men and women who went inside there and risked their own lives," Mina said. "They now have final closure and relief that they weren't responsible for the death of any victim."
Brexit remains the biggest worry for small and medium enterprises as business become increasingly concerned about the future.

44% of SMEs said they were worried about Brexit, with many trying to navigate in an uncertain business environment.

According to InterTradeIreland's latest Business Monitor for the last quarter of 2018, cross-border traders were the most affected, with just 37% reporting growth in the period of October to December 2018, down from 52% a year ago.

The report found that Brexit is also having a negative impact on business investments, with just 14% of firms planning to invest in new plant or equipment and only 4% considering spending money on Research and Development or new product development.

Until clarity is reached on the future trading relationship between the UK and EU, businesses are holding back on investment and planning, IntertradeIreland said.

However, there are other issues causing SMEs to be concerned which are not related to Brexit.

36% of small businesses said rising costs were a worry, while cash flow was an issue for 32%.

20% are struggling to recruit people with the necessary skillset, an issue that has been a persistent issue for bigger companies over the last three quarters.

There are many challenges facing businesses operating in a high degree of uncertainty, said Aidan Gough, InterTradeIrelands Designated Officer and Director of Strategy and Policy.

While we recognise this makes planning difficult we encourage businesses, particularly cross-border traders to take a deep dive into their supply chains and logistics operations.

"SMEs need to assess if they are ready to deal with the bureaucracy surrounding customs and tariffs and to be aware of the regulations that govern their market and the impact of any changes," he said.

Meanwhile, businesses have been urged to contact their suppliers to ensure continuity in the supply of their goods and services after Brexit.

The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys said it was crucial that businesses check their supply chains for vulnerabilities that may arise from Brexit.

She said that firms should make contact with their UK supplies to seek assurances about the supply of goods and services, and check if these suppliers use a landbridge to move their goods, as this may cause delays and increased costs.

The Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business Pat Breen recommended that businesses avail of the range of Government financial supports and advice available through InterTradeIreland, the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland.
OTTAWA - Canadian officials will be "cheering from the sidelines" over fresh signals that Britain believes it can manage any security risks posed by Huawei Technologies' involvement in building a next-generation wireless data network, says an intelligence expert who closely studies the issue.

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Huawei's 5G modem Balong 5000 chipset is displayed at a the presentation event in Beijing on January 24, 2019. A Canadian security expert says Ottawa will be cheering from the sidelines over fresh signals that Britain believes it can manage any 5G security risks posed by Huawei Technologies.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Andy Wong

OTTAWA - Canadian officials will be "cheering from the sidelines" over fresh signals that Britain believes it can manage any security risks posed by Huawei Technologies' involvement in building a next-generation wireless data network, says an intelligence expert who closely studies the issue.

British media reports say the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre has concluded that with care and safeguards, Huawei equipment can be used in "5G" networks, amid pressure from the United States to ban the Chinese supplier.

If Britain gives Huawei a cautious green light, it will allow Canada room to make an independent decision, said Wesley Wark, an intelligence expert who teaches at the University of Ottawa.

"Whether such an approach can prevail in Canada in the face of U.S. pressure is the question for us, as it is for Britain and Europe," Wark said Monday.

The federal government is weighing Huawei's possible participation in 5G wireless systems that will allow Canadians to do more on cellphones and other internet-connected devices at vastly greater speeds.

China's National Intelligence Law plainly says that Chinese organizations and citizens shall support, assist and co-operate with state intelligence work, prompting national security concerns in Canada.

Some security analysts argue that a Huawei role in 5G could give it access to a wide range of digital data gleaned from how, when and where Canadian customers use their electronic devices. In turn, government security agencies of a communist country with global ambitions would prize such information.

Huawei, though it is one of China's marquee international companies, emphasizes it is not a state-controlled enterprise and says it would never spy on behalf of Beijing or anyone else.

Still, three of Canada's partners in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group  the United States, Australia and New Zealand  have forbidden the use of Huawei products in 5G network development, though the U.S. ban is limited to government agencies  at least for now.

The Trump administration is said to be developing an executive order that would effectively ban U.S. firms from using components from China in key telecom networks.

The U.S. lacks a leading corporate player in the 5G supplier game, fuelling suggestions that Washington's drumbeat of fear is propelled by commercial worries as much as security and legal concerns.

Tension and speculation concerning Ottawa's coming decision on 5G have been heightened by the December arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver following a request from U.S. authorities and the subsequent detention of two Canadians by China on security grounds.

Wark pointed to Huawei's history of fostering technological innovation in Canada and supplying quality gear to major telecommunications providers as reasons to assess the security risks on rational, technical grounds.

He says an important marker in the British debate came recently in an opinion piece published in the Financial Times by Robert Hannigan, former head of the British signals-intelligence and cybersecurity agency, the Government Communications Headquarters.

Hannigan argued that British security officials had never found evidence of Huawei involvement in Chinese state-sponsored cyberespionage, and that political fashion or trade wars should not eclipse rational assessment of risk.

"Canadian officials will be cheering from the sidelines as the Canadian government ponders its own internal review of the threat posed by Huawei," Wark said. "The British approach, if it proves to be one of managed risk, will give Canada breathing space to resist the U.S. campaign and develop a similar strategy."

 Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter
TORONTO - A 42-year-old Ottawa man has been arrested and Toronto police say they are looking for two others after seizing guns, ammunition and drugs  including a large amount of the deadly opioid fentanyl  in a series of raids in the city.

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TORONTO - A 42-year-old Ottawa man has been arrested and Toronto police say they are looking for two others after seizing guns, ammunition and drugs  including a large amount of the deadly opioid fentanyl  in a series of raids in the city.

Drug squad Insp. Steve Watts said officers from both Toronto and Ottawa police participated in the investigation that led to the seizures last week.

Police have issued Canada-wide warrants for Vincent Yun-Hao Huang, 34, and Daniel Kam-Wah Siu, 33, both of Toronto, who officers allege are part of an organized crime group that was selling the drugs.

Watts said the police raids put a "significant dent" in the group's operations.

"To lose this much product and to lose this many firearms is very significant," he said.

Watts said the investigation, dubbed Project Moses, started in October 2018 and initially focused on one person.

Officers said they seized 1 kilogram of fentanyl, 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 500 grams of heroin and 2 kilograms of marijuana, as well as $60,000 in cash in the raids that took place last Thursday and Friday.

An assault rifle, six handguns and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

Police raided homes, vehicles and storage lockers where they found the illegal items. They located some of them in so-called "traps" within the cars and furniture where the suspects allegedly hid the drugs and guns.

"It's easy access to literally turn (a situation) into a shooting, a homicide," Watts said. "You have very quick access to your weaponry and that is really the key."

Police said Nicholas Ortega faces more than 30 firearms- and drug-trafficking-related charges.
WASHINGTON - Americans furious with President Donald Trump's latest gambit for financing his long-promised border wall vented their frustrations Monday, gathering at protests across the country to denounce the president's "fake emergency" and to demand that Congress stand up to his administration.

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In this Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, photo, a U.S. flag hangs on a border barrier in El Paso, Texas. Such barriers have been a part of El Paso for decades and are currently being expanded, even as the fight over President Donald Trump's desire to wall off the entire U.S.-Mexico border has sparked the longest government shutdown in the nation's history.(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

WASHINGTON - Americans furious with President Donald Trump's latest gambit for financing his long-promised border wall vented their frustrations Monday, gathering at protests across the country to denounce the president's "fake emergency" and to demand that Congress stand up to his administration.

In Washington's Lafayette Square, directly across the street from the White House, several hundred protesters brandished placards and chanted slogans as they used the President's Day holiday to drive home their dismay  both with the commander-in-chief and Capitol Hill.

On Friday, Trump  desperate to secure billions in funding for a wall he initially promised Mexico would pay for  declared a national emergency at the southern border, giving him access to nearly $7 billion in additional funding, including from the Department of Defense.

"It's the first emergency I've ever heard of where you can plan for it three weeks in advance. It's the first I've ever heard of where someone who called the emergency can leave to go golfing," said Elizabeth Beavers, associate policy director with the progressive grassroots advocacy group Indivisible.

"I actually do think we have quite an emergency, and I think it lives over here," she said, gesturing across Pennsylvania Avenue. "Donald Trump is the national-security crisis. He is the national emergency."

Two years into an almost non-stop barrage of what's-next revelations from perhaps the most unpredictable president in U.S. history, Trump was the main target of Monday's ire: T-shirts emblazoned with "Impeach 45," cardboard signs reading "Abuse of Power," a placard designed in the image of Pink Floyd's seminal 1979 album "The Wall" describing the president as "Comfortably Dumb."

But many are also looking further up the street at Capitol Hill, where a newly elected Democrat majority in the House of Representatives is under mounting pressure to do more to hold Trump to account.

"For a really long time, Democrats and Republicans in Congress have gotten a little too comfortable letting presidents do things in the name of national security, without stepping up to assert their power and their privilege to dial that in," said Beaver.

"We demand that Congress not sit idly by while a racist, xenophobic, unnecessary wall and deportation force is put forward in the name of our security. We reject that completely and we demand that Congress do the same."

Trump made the declaration Friday as an end-run around Congress, which has provided $1.4 billion in border-security money  well short of his original demand for $5.7 billion for a physical barrier along the border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants, drugs and crime.

Democrats and some Republicans have denounced the move as a violation of the constitution and a flagrant abuse of executive power. The American Civil Liberties Union, the government of California and others have already promised swift legal action to fight Trump's decision. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill plan a resolution to repeal it, although it's likely to face a presidential veto.

Monday's protests, co-ordinated by the non-profit advocacy group MoveOn.org, attracted more than 50,000 protesters to over 275 gatherings in cities and towns across the U.S., including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Houston, organizers said.

"The president, as it's envisioned in our constitution, is a custodian for our democracy. ... He serves we the people, not his own interests," MoveOn congressional liaison Reggie Hubbard told Monday's gathering.

"This president has consistently shown he has no regard for civil rights or the constitution. He shut down this government for a month to strong-arm us into building this racist wall, and what does he have to show for it? He dropped points in the polls."

Trump, who has said he expects his declaration to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court, appeared to undercut the sense of urgency by admitting he could take more time to build the wall.

"I didn't need to do this but I'd rather do it much faster," he acknowledged during Friday's rollicking Rose Garden news conference.

Those comments have been misconstrued, presidential adviser Stephen Miller said Sunday in a Fox News interview.

"What the president was saying is, like past presidents, he could choose to ignore this crisis, choose to ignore this emergency as others have," he said. "That's not what he's going to do."

California and 15 other states  including Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico  filed a lawsuit Monday against the declaration. Gov. Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser, both Democrats, said in a statement that the wall project could divert tens of millions of dollars from military construction projects in Colorado.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, decried the president's actions at a peaceful rally attended by a few hundred people outside Los Angeles City Hall. Police kept the crowd separate from a handful of pro-Trump counter-protesters who waved flags and wore red "Make America Great Again" hats.

A large crowd also gathered outside the Federal Building in San Francisco. One demonstrator carried a sign that read: "Step 1: Declare a national emergency. Step 2: Play golf. Step 3: Watch SNL."

A crowd of more than 100 protesters gathered in frigid weather at the state capitol in Denver roared with approval when Weiser told them his office was joining the multistate lawsuit, Denverite reported .

"There is zero real-world basis for the emergency declaration, and there will be no wall," New Mexico Gov. Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a statement.

 With files from The Associated Press

 Follow James McCarten on Twitter @CdnPressStyle
OTTAWA - A convoy of angry Albertans and other westerners rolls into Ottawa Tuesday for a mass protest against federal energy and environmental policies that has also become a magnet for extremist, anti-immigrant elements.

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The "United We Roll" convoy of semi-trucks travels the highway near Red Deer, Alta., Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, on its way to Ottawa to draw attention to lack of support for the energy sector and lack of pipelines. Hundreds of trucks are expected to roll into Ottawa Tuesday to protest the federal government's policies on the oil industry.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

OTTAWA - A convoy of angry Albertans and other westerners rolls into Ottawa Tuesday for a mass protest against federal energy and environmental policies that has also become a magnet for extremist, anti-immigrant elements.

A couple of hundred vehicles are expected on Parliament Hill as part of the United We Roll convoy, which began in Red Deer, Alta., on Valentine's Day and made its way east over four days with stops for rallies along the way.

"The core message is we need immediate action for our pipelines to get in the ground, to get to tidewater and to the rest of Canada," said lead organizer Glen Carritt, the owner of an oilfield fire and safety company in Innisfail, Alta.

The protesters want the Liberal government to scrap the carbon tax and two bills that overhaul environmental assessments of energy projects and ban oil tankers from the northern coast of British Columbia. Carritt said participants also are unhappy about the government's recently signing a non-binding United Nations compact on global migration.

Carritt said Canada's borders "need to be controlled" by Canada and its citizens, not the United Nations.

Another convoy was originally created by a group that called itself Canada Action, which cancelled the plan and refunded thousands of dollars in donations after that effort became associated with extremist elements in the Yellow Vests Canada movement.

Carritt originally referred to his convoy as a "yellow vest convoy" but renamed it United We Roll after it too was linked to people spewing hateful rhetoric against Muslims and immigrants.

"After much consideration we have decided to make this convoy about being inclusive and supporting Canadians first and foremost," Carritt wrote on the protest's GoFundMe page in late January. "Our new name is United We Roll! Convoy For Canada!"

Some trucks in the convoy display the signature yellow vest garment on their front grilles but Carritt stresses the rally is open to anyone fed up with the federal government as long as they aren't violent.

"Everybody's involved," said Carritt. "It doesn't matter  you can wear a yellow vest, or blue coveralls or black hardhat or suit and tie. Everybody that's peaceful is welcome."

Jason Corbeil, another organizer, renounced any association with a Sault. Ste. Marie, Ont., yellow vest group that had claimed online to be part of the convoy. The blog of one of those organizers includes calls for specific politicians to be executed, refers to immigrants as "sub-human" and argues women don't belong in politics.

Corbeil said the convoy does not condone hate and is about uniting people.

Evan Balgord, the executive director the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, however, is warning that the convoy is giving a platform for hate.

"This convoy is a Yellow Vests Canada convoy and any well-meaning pro-pipeline individuals involved are in fact legitimizing and breathing oxygen into the broader Yellow Vests Canada movement, which spreads hate, conspiracy theories, and death threats targeting Muslims, politicians, and other Canadians," he said.

Indigenous Solidarity Ottawa is planning a demonstration near Parliament Hill Tuesday to counter the convoy's protest, condemning what it calls "pro-pipeline, far right, and outright racist" rhetoric.

Saskatchewan Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall is planning to speak at the convoy's Parliament Hill event Tuesday. She said she is pleased to participate and that the organizers have made clear the protest is about pipelines and energy policy, not hate.

"I see everyday Canadians who are out speaking out strongly in support of Canadian pipelines and their jobs and I want to be there to say I appreciate what they're doing," she said.

The rally could bring much of downtown Ottawa to a standstill over the next two days, with street closures planned around Parliament Hill to make room for the 200 or more semi-trailers, pickup trucks, cars and buses expected. While the United We Roll group is largely made up of people from Western Canada, a group of like-minded protesters from Eastern Canada is to join up with them in Ottawa.
HALIFAX - A Halifax microbrewery has taken on the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation over beer markup fees  and lost.

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This article was published 18/2/2019 (858 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The logo of the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission is seen in Halifax on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013. A Halifax micro brewery has lost its court fight against a Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation markup fee applied to beer sold on its own premises. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

HALIFAX - A Halifax microbrewery has taken on the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation over beer markup fees  and lost.

The province's Court of Appeal found the NSLC's markup fee on beer sold on Unfiltered Brewing's own premises was a proprietary charge, not an unlawful tax.

When it challenged the fee, Unfiltered paid a 50-cent charge for every litre of beer it sells or gives away  and argued that it receives nothing for the liquor corporation's markup.

The appeal court disagreed.

"Unfiltered has the ability to sell beer in this province. Without the licences and permits issued by the NSLC and compliance with them, it could not do so," states the ruling, released last week.

The appeal court's decision upheld a January 2018 Nova Scotia Supreme Court ruling that the markup was within legal regulations.

"The ... judge correctly identified and applied the law with respect to proprietary charges to the facts of this case," the appeal court said.

"His conclusion that the markup was a proprietary charge is supported by precedent, the provisions of the Liquor Control Act, its regulation and NSLC policies."

Unfiltered Brewing was also ordered to pay $1,000 in costs to the province's attorney general as part of the appeal court's ruling.

Unfiltered first launched court action against the beer markup in August 2016, about two years after the microbrewer's startup.

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal decision comes on the heels of an Alberta court decision last year, where that province's beer markup scheme was found to be unconstitutional.

The Alberta government was ordered to pay $2.1 million in restitution to Great Western Brewing of Saskatoon and Steam Whistle Brewing of Toronto, after the court found the subsidies portion of the pricing scheme created a trade barrier against their products.

Alberta filed a notice of appeal over the ruling.

The case was noted in the latest Nova Scotia ruling.

The appeal court said in the Steam Whistle case, the applicant took positions that were "similar, it not identical, to those taken by Unfiltered."

It said the Alberta court reviewed several other cases, including the earlier Nova Scotia court decision, in reaching a conclusion that "the markup in question was, in pith and substance, a proprietary charge."

The ruling also cited the 2018 Supreme Court of Canada decision in the case of New Brunswicker Gerard Comeau, who fought the provincial law restricting the importation of alcohol from other provinces.

"Recently the Supreme Court of Canada ... reiterated that the provinces are permitted to enact schemes to manage the supply and demand for liquor within their borders."

"The reality is simply this: no one can sell liquor in Nova Scotia without complying with the procedures put in place by the Act, regulations and policies of the NSLC," the court said.

In December 2016, Nova Scotia reduced the bee markup fee to make it consistent with farm wineries and craft distilleries. Under the change, craft brewers pay five per cent of wholesale costs of sales made on their premises.

At the time the provincial government expected to reduce the amount paid by the province's craft brewers by about $800,000 per year.
OTTAWA - Justin Trudeau's Liberal government was rocked Monday by the resignation of his principal secretary, Gerald Butts, amid allegations that the Prime Minister's Office interfered to prevent a criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin.

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This article was published 18/2/2019 (858 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves his office with his principal secretary Gerald Butts to attend an emergency cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Butts has resigned amid allegations that the Prime Minister's Office interfered to prevent criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA - Justin Trudeau's Liberal government was rocked Monday by the resignation of his principal secretary, Gerald Butts, amid allegations that the Prime Minister's Office interfered to prevent a criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin.

The departure of the prime minister's most trusted aide comes just eight months before a federal election. Butts was expected to play as big a role in the Liberals' bid for a second mandate as he did in getting them their first.

In a statement, Butts unequivocally denied the accusation that he or anyone else in the office improperly pressured former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould to help the Montreal engineering giant avoid a criminal case on corruption charges related to government contracts in Libya.

Nevertheless, Butts said the allegation is distracting from the "vital work" Trudeau is doing, so it's in the best interests of the Prime Minister's Office for him to step aside.

"I categorically deny the accusation that I or anyone else in his office pressured Ms. Wilson-Raybould ... At all times, I and those around me acted with integrity and singular focus on the best interests of all Canadians," he said.

"Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the attorney general is simply not true ... But the fact is that this accusation exists. It cannot and should not take one moment away from the vital work the prime minister and his office is doing for all Canadians.

"My reputation is my responsibility and that is for me to defend. It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away."

Wilson-Raybould, who was demoted from justice to the veterans affairs post in January, resigned from Trudeau's cabinet last week. She has not explained why she quit and she has cited solicitor-client privilege to refuse comment on the allegation, levelled by anonymous sources in a Globe and Mail story 10 days ago, that she was improperly pressured to help SNC-Lavalin. She has hired a former Supreme Court justice to advise her on what she may legally say.

Trudeau has denied anyone pressured Wilson-Raybould to instruct the director of public prosecutions to negotiate a remediation agreement with SNC-Lavalin, a kind of plea bargain in which a company pays restitution but avoids criminal prosecution that could bankrupt it.

But Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said Butts' departure "is the clearest indication yet that there is much more" to the affair than Trudeau has admitted.

"The events of the last several days and the ensuing chaos that has engulfed the government are signs that the prime minister is desperate to keep the truth hidden," Scheer said in a statement. "Justin Trudeau must stop hiding behind other people and end the coverup he and his office have engineered since these allegations surfaced."

Both Scheer and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called on Trudeau to waive solicitor-client privilege to allow Wilson-Raybould to tell her side of the story.

The departure of Wilson-Raybould, Canada's first Indigenous justice minister and the embodiment of Trudeau's commitment to reconciliation with First Nations, was a big blow to the Liberals. But Butts' exit is arguably an even bigger one.

He has been close friends with Trudeau since their student days at McGill University in Montreal. He was instrumental in organizing Trudeau's successful leadership bid in 2013 and was one of two key architects  along with Katie Telford, now Trudeau's chief of staff  of the Liberals' stunning come-from-behind election victory in 2015.

Since 2015, Butts has been Trudeau's closest and most trusted adviser. Opposition critics have painted Butts as a Svengali-like puppet master and even some Liberal backbenchers have privately resented the power and influence he wielded.

Butts is one of several Trudeau aides the opposition parties had wanted to call before the House of Commons justice committee to testify on what happened in the SNC-Lavalin affair. Liberal MPs on the committee used their majority last week to limit the scope of the committee's inquiry to three witnesses  not including Wilson-Raybould, Butts or any other of Trudeau's staffers  and to the legal principles underpinning the controversy.

Those principles include the recently added Criminal Code provision, which made it legal to negotiate remediation agreements in cases of corporate corruption, and the so-called Shawcross doctrine, which spells out the degree to which an attorney general may consult with cabinet colleagues about a prosecution.

The committee is to meet behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss, among other things, possible additional witnesses.

Singh announced Monday that the NDP will propose a motion in the House of Commons calling for an independent inquiry led by a former judge, which will be put to MPs for a vote on Wednesday. Motions are not binding on the government, however.

Butts has been chief among those whom opposition parties suspect were behind the alleged pressure on Wilson-Raybould. He has confirmed that Wilson-Raybould briefly raised the SNC-Lavalin matter during a meeting in early December. Butts has said that he advised her to speak with the clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Wernick.

In his statement Monday, Butts spoke positively of his relationship with Wilson-Raybould.

"I encouraged her to run for the Liberal Party of Canada and worked hard to support her as a candidate and then cabinet minister. From my perspective, our relationship has always been defined by mutual respect, candour and an honest desire to work together."

Butts says he's served Trudeau "to the best of my abilities and I have at all times given the prime minister free and unfettered advice.

"I have served the public interest, not the interests of any individual or any narrow private interest of any kind, at any time. Life is full of uncertainties but I am absolutely certain of that."

Trudeau paid homage to his old friend in a tweet: "Gerald Butts served this government  and our country  with integrity, sage advice and devotion. I want to thank him for his service and continued friendship."
WASHINGTON

(February 18, 2019)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is awardedfor modification P00009 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-17-C-0030) for the manufacture and delivery of 12 Lot 16 AH-1Z aircraft for the kingdom of Bahrain under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2022. FMS funds in the amount of $240,266,448 are being obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00045 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0004). This modification provides for the maintenance and operation of the Australia, Canada, United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL). This effort includes support for all ACURL systems to include consumables for the F-35 aircraft in support of the governments of Australia, Canada and the U.K. Work will be performed in Valparaiso, Florida, and is expected to be completed in February 2020. Non-Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $18,265,659 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00002 to a previously issued cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order (N0001918F0472) placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-14-G-0020. This modification provides for additional ancillary mission equipment for F-35 Lightning II aircraft in support of the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (non-U.S. DoD), participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy); fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps); non-U.S. DoD participant; and FMS funding in the amount of $52,367,561 will be obligated at time of award, $35,913,912 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Marine Corps ($20,791,984; 39 percent); Air Force ($11,338,222; 22 percent); Navy ($5,016,648; 10 percent); non-U.S. DoD participants ($12,112,092; 23 percent), and FMS customers ($3,108,615; 6 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00002 to a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-price delivery order N6833518F0362 previously issued against blanket purchase agreement (N68335-18-A-0042) in support of the F-35 Lightning II affordability campaign for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The modification provides for maturation of the current effort through expansion and refinement of existing scope, including strategic sourcing, senior leadership team offsite, and major contract actions. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in June 2019. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps and Air Force) funds in the amount of $15,730,560 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Navy ($6,001,250; 38 percent); Marine Corps ($6,001,250; 38 percent), and Air Force ($3,728,060; 24 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00012 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-14-D-0022). This contract modification extends the period of performance and provides depot maintenance for 44 Navy and Marine Corps Reserve F-5N/F aircraft. In addition to depot maintenance, this modification provides for aircraft inspections, repairs, overhauls, emergency repairs, modifications, engineering support and procurement of structural components required for the operation and sustainment of the F-5N/F aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Augustine, Florida (96 percent); Springville, Utah (3 percent); and Emmen, Switzerland (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., are each awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts. The estimated aggregate ceiling for all contracts is, with the companies having an opportunity to compete for individual orders. These contracts provide for Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems Operations Onboard Ship and Shore support services for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD)Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems Division (NAWCAD 4.11.7). Services to be provided include operational, technical, logistical and system engineering support for system certification; technical assistance; systems analysis and engineering; test and evaluation; installation and maintenance; hardware design, development, technical logistics support; configuration management; training support; equipment manufacturing; quality control; and project management of Mobile Air Battle management systems and communication-electronic systems. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland (20 percent); and at various contractor locations within the continental U.S. (80 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2024. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. These contracts were competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals, with seven offers received. The, is the contracting activity., is awardedfor modification P00009 to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive firm contract (N0001918C1048) to provide for initial lay-in of repair material for seven F-35 Lightning II systems at various depots in support of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) participants, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (34 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (27 percent); Jackson, Mississippi (16 percent); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (16 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (4 percent); and East Aurora, New York (3 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps, and Navy); fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Air Force); non-U.S. DoD participant; and FMS funds in the amount of $14,498,758 are being obligated at time of award, $4,582,113 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Air Force ($6,332,003; 43.68 percent); Marine Corps ($3,128,745; 21.58 percent); Navy ($1,453,368; 10.02 percent); non-U.S. DoD Participants ($2,470,964; 17.04 percent), and FMS customers ($1,113,678; 7.68 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is awarded amodification to a previously awarded hybrid cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract (N00174-17-D-0026) to exercise an option for technical expertise in the development and testing of underwater weapons and underwater weapons systems components. This requirement is to develop an underwater weapons system acquisition/procurement program that provides underwater weapons systems (including authentic foreign mines) for research, development, test and evaluation of underwater weapons systems and mine countermeasures systems. Work will be performed in Tinton Falls, New Jersey (95 percent); Montenegro (2 percent); Bulgaria (2 percent); and Italy (1 percent), and is expected to be complete by February 2020. No additional funds are being obligated at the time of this action. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded afirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide contractor owned and operated aircraft for airborne threat simulation capabilities to train shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operations and aircrew to counter enemy electronic warfare and electronic attach operations. Work will be performed at various locations inside and outside the continental U.S., and is expected to be completed in February 2022. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N00421-19-D-0031)., was awardedfor modification P00002 to a previously issued delivery order (N0001918F1645) placed against basic ordering agreement, N00019-17-G-0002. This modification exercises the option to procure 12 A-Kits to retrofit legacy fleet aircraft with the AN/APR-39D(V)2, AN/AAQ-24B(V)27, and the ALE-47 Power Performance Computing, upgrading the MV-22 from Configuration A to Configuration C. In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 12 APR-39D(V)2 A-Kits to install the AN/APR-39D (V)2 system on any of the 48 previously Integrated Aircraft Survivability Equipment retrofitted aircraft, upgrading the MV-22 from Configuration B to Configuration C. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (65 percent); Miramar, California (14 percent); New River, North Carolina (13 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (6 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (1 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2023. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,656,686 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb.11, 2019), is awarded amodification to a previously awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-18-D-0001). This modification increases the ceiling of the contract to procure up to an additional quantity of two F/A-18E/F aircraft, modified to extend the service life of the aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (75 percent); and El Segundo, California (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on February 18, 2019

2019/02/18

Q: On February 16, in his speech at the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President Mike Pence said that the US has been very clear with its security partners on the threat posed by Huawei and other Chinese telecom companies, as Chinese law requires them to provide Beijing's vast security apparatus with access to any data that touches their network or equipment. Some other people of the US side have also accused China's National Intelligence Law recently, especially Article 7, claiming that it requires Chinese companies to coordinate with the government to steal secrets. What is China's comment?

A: I have taken note of Vice President Pence's remarks and similar remarks from the US side. In response, I'd like to emphasize a few points here.

First, relevant remarks made by the US side are just wrong and biased interpretation of relevant Chinese laws. China's National Intelligence Law stipulates not only the obligations of organizations and individuals to lawfully support, assist and coordinate with the country's intelligence service, but also the obligations of the national intelligence service to carry out its work according to law, respect and protect human rights, and uphold the legal rights and interests of individuals and organizations. Meanwhile, there are many provisions in other laws to protect the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals, including data security and right to privacy. Those stipulations also apply to intelligence-related work. The US should understand the relevant laws in a comprehensive and objective manner instead of making one-sided and wrong interpretation that is out of context.

Second, it is an internationally accepted practice to protect national security through legislation and require organizations and individuals to coordinate with a country's intelligence service. There are similar laws in the Five Eyes countries, namely the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and other western countries including France and Germany.

Third, the Chinese government has been asking Chinese companies to strictly abide by local laws and regulations when doing business overseas; this position will not change. China is committed to mutual respect of sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit and other basic principles of international law, as reflected in our Constitution and relevant laws. Therefore, China unequivocally opposes other countries' attempts to bypass normal channels of cooperation and unilaterally apply domestic laws to force companies and individuals to provide data, information and intelligence stored within China's territory. China has not asked and will not ask companies or individuals to collect or provide data, information and intelligence stored within other countries' territories for the Chinese government by installing "backdoors" or by violating local laws.

Fourth, as the US and certain of its allies practice double-standards on this matter and try to muddy the waters, their aim is to justify their attempts to curtail Chinese companies' legitimate rights and interests of development and interfere economic behaviors with political involvement. It is a bullying act that is hypocritical, immoral and unfair.

We hope all countries can truly follow the market principle of fair competition, jointly uphold a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment, and facilitate sound cooperation for relevant sectors.

Q: The Australian government said today that the servers of the two major political parties were subject to a hacking attack. The government says this was the work of a state actor, but did not name which state actor. Some Australian media have suggested China. Does the foreign ministry have any view on such commentary?

A: Cyber security should be upheld by all members of the international community as it is a global issue that concerns the common interests of all countries. China firmly upholds cyber security and opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyber attack and cyber theft. China calls on the international community to deal with threats to cyber security through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

With the cyberspace being a highly virtual one filled with multiple actors whose behaviors are difficult to trace, one should present abundant evidence when investigating and determining the nature of a cyberspace activity, instead of making baseless speculations and firing indiscriminate shots at others. Irresponsible reports, accusations, pressurizing and sanctions will only heighten tensions and confrontation in cyberspace and poison the atmosphere for cooperation.

China is firmly opposed to the reports made by certain media using cyber security issues to make unwarranted charges against China and mar China's image to serve their ulterior motives. We urge relevant media to stop tarnishing China's reputation by hyping up the so-called "cyber theft" and hacking attacks, and refrain from making remarks that undermine China's interests and its relations with the relevant countries.

Q: I want to ask about protests in Spain by Chinese citizens who say they are being unfairly targeted by anti-money laundering laws. Is China aware of this and in contact with Spanish authorities?

A: The information that I have is that the Embassy of China in Spain has received complaints from Chinese citizens including students there that their bank accounts have been arbitrarily frozen. The Chinese Embassy has expressed its concern to the Spanish side and offered assistance to the relevant Chinese citizens within its scope of duties. A senior official from the Department of Consular Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry has also met with Minister of the Spanish Embassy in Beijing to make representations over this matter.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas and hopes that the Spanish side will take effective measures to earnestly guarantee the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in Spain.

Q: According to reports, on February 17, a source said that the UK's National Cyber Security Center reached the conclusion in its study that potential risks from the use of Huawei equipment in its 5G networks can be effectively managed. What's your comment on that?

A: I saw relevant reports, too. This concerns professional technical issues, and I would like to refer you to relevant Chinese authorities or Huawei.

What I can tell you here is that, the Chinese government as always encourages overseas Chinese businesses to comply with market principles, international rules and local laws. We hope the governments of relevant countries will provide a fair, open and transparent environment for competition and do more to enhance mutual trust and cooperation.

Not long ago, during State Councilor Wang Yi's visit to France and Italy, the leaders of both countries made it very clear that Chinese businesses are welcome to operate and invest in their countries. They will neither take restrictive measures on a specific business nor discriminate against any business, and are ready to provide a fair, open and transparent business environment for all foreign enterprises, including Chinese ones. China highly appreciates their statements and hopes it can be a common understanding among European countries.

In the era of globalization, China will continue to embrace the world through openness and cooperation. Meanwhile, we hope the UK will remain true to its defining feature of openness, make the right choices that serve its own interests, and work with China to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
Demyanenko was among 21 officers of the former Soviet Union (present-day Russia) sent to Vietnam to help the country during the struggle to defence its northern border in 1979.

The 90-year-old Major General told a Vietnam News Agencys correspondent that he is proud to be one of the three people who advised then Party General Secretary Le Duan to withdraw a major army corp from the southwestern border to assist the northern border.

The corp, together with the BM-21 rocket artillery unit, created a shield protecting Hanoi capital city, he recalled.

Demyanenko lauded courage of local forces, especially civil defence force, during the struggle, saying Vietnamese people followed President Ho Chi Minhs teaching that nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.

He highlighted the tactics characterised by surprise attacks used by the Vietnamese army given a range of difficulties facing the country at that time.

Demyanenk, who worked for the military sector for 45 years, stressed that apart from a strong army, modern equipment and contributions of different forces, the strength is in patriotism and courage.

The Major General said he had always tried his best to protect Vietnam as his home country, and expressed his love for the Southeast Asian nation.
The drill was part of the annual Cobra Gold, one of the largest military exercises in Asia that is taking place from February 12-22.

This year's exercise consists of three primary events: military field training, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training.

Peter Haymond, acting charge daffaires of the US in Thailand, said the exercise aims to strengthen cooperation and security interaction between countries in the Indo-Pacific region.


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PR Newswire

WANAQUE, N.J., Feb. 18, 2019

WANAQUE, N.J., Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cynthia Hetherington, founder and president of Hetherington Group, will inspire young high school women from across the country on Feb. 19 at the 2018-19 Aspirations in Computing Awards ceremony hosted by CybHER at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, South Dakota. The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) awards will be bestowed upon 35 high school women who are active and interested in computing and technology.

Ms. Hetherington's keynote address, "Try to Grasp," challenges young women to get active in the world and to try everything. "Young women are now the reality of the promises women before them fought so hard to obtain," said Ms. Hetherington. "As much as I seek to inspire these intelligent, curious young awardees, I get inspiration from them, too. All I ask is that they try cybersecurity and new technologies and enjoy the role they play in this special field. As they grow from youth and curiosity and mature in these roles, they will grasp the ring of successan accumulation of wisdom and expertise. I'm proud to be working with CybHER, whose mission is to empower, motivate, and educate girls in cybersecurity."

Dr. Pam Rowland and Dr. Ashley Podhradsky founded CybHER at Dakota State University (DSU) in 2013. From 2013 to 2017, DSU saw an overall increase of 296% of women enrolled in cyber programs in the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. CybHER conducts activities at K-12 schools, science centers, and libraries and has reached over 10,000 girls and women. Each summer it hosts a GenCyber Girls in CybHER Security week-long camp for middle school girls where they explore all things cyber.

"We are pleased to have Cynthia Hetherington as our keynote this year," said Dr. Pam Rowland, DSU assistant professor and director of CybHER Institute and GenCyber Girls Camp. "CybHER first met Cynthia at our Rocket Girls' event at the Space Center in Florida last summer. The high school students that met her wanted more! Cynthia has a passion for cyber investigations that is contagious, and she is a wonderful role model for young women."

"Such a strong commitment to encourage young women to enter the cybersecurity profession was unheard of a decade ago," Ms. Hetherington noted, "but CybHER has made an incredible impact in the shifting of gender representation in such a traditionally male-oriented profession."

"I can without a doubt say that Cynthia has been one of the most inspiring, hardworking, and motivated women I have ever met," noted Kelley Criddle, a Florida CybHER Camp participant, and 2018 OSMOSIS Conference attendee. "Cynthia had a genuine curiosity about what I wanted to do in my future and how I wanted to get there. She did nothing but encourage me to reach high for what I wanted in life and to not let anything stop me from reaching my goals. It did not take long for me to realize that Cynthia is an inspiration to many people, not only myself."

Ceremony Details: Feb. 19, 2019, 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.Location: Beacom Collaboration Center, Dakota State UniversityLive Stream Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JouLiaZ8FTE

About Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM, CFE, CII

Cynthia Hetherington is the founder and president of Hetherington Group, a consulting, publishing, and training firm that leads in due diligence, corporate intelligence, and cyber investigations by keeping pace with the latest security threats and assessments. She has authored three books on how to conduct investigations, is the publisher of the newsletter, Data2know: Internet and Online Intelligence, and has trained over 180,000 investigators, security professionals, attorneys, accountants, auditors, military intelligence professionals, and federal, state, and local agencies on best practices. In 2015, Ms. Hetherington founded the OSMOSIS Institute, which hosts the annual OSMOSIS Conference. Hundreds of investigators across the nation gain insights into Open Source Intelligence and receive training from the most recognized social media and open source experts in North America. Ms. Hetherington is the recipient of Enterprising Women Magazine's 2019 Enterprising Woman of the Year Award and is shortlisted for Information Age and Diversity Q's 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year, Women in IT Series.

https://www.hetheringtongroup.com/about/cynthia-hetherington

About Hetherington Group

With over two decades of expertise, the Hetherington Group is a leader in investigative due diligence, corporate intelligence, and cyber investigations. Headquartered in Wanaque, New Jersey, Hg's investigators and analysts track down and expose vital data on national and international investigations; train thousands of investigators in public and private sectors annually; and share their expertise in this increasingly data-intensive, cyber-focused world through the publication of an Industry Newsletter and recognized investigative reference books. Hg is a certified National Women Business Owned Corporation, a certified Women's Business Enterprise, a NJ Women Business Owned Corporation, and NY-NJ Port Authority Women-owned Business Enterprise.

About CybHER

CybHER's mission is to empower, motivate, educate, and change the perception of girls and women in cybersecurity. By providing resources for girls from middle school through collegiate programs and into professional careers, CybHER will allow women to foster positive and encouraging relationships within this industry through original and curated content that educates and motivates women. Ultimately, our goal is to increase diversity by introducing more girls to cybersecurity, who will then transition to women in collegiate programs, and finally highly trained professionals.

www.CybHER.org

Contact: Paul Atkinson Phone: 973.706.7525 Email: [email protected]

Related Links Hetherington Group NCWIT Aspirations in Computing

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SOURCE Hetherington Group
PR Newswire

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 17, 2019

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipscreen Biosciences, a leading integrated Chinese biotech company specialized in discovery and development of novel small molecule pharmaceuticals with a primary focus in oncology, metabolic disease, and autoimmune diseases, announce the signing of a collaboration agreement with Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Chipscreen's Chidamide and Innovent's Sintilimab in combination with an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody IBI305 in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma.

Under the terms of the agreement, Chipscreen Biosciences and Innovent will jointly explore potential applications of this combination in colorectal carcinoma with unmet medical needs through development efforts to establish the safety and efficacy in China.

"There are significant unmet medical needs for patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma, and the combination treatment with different targeted therapy may prove to be an important solution", said Chipscreen's executive vice president, Dr. Zhiqiang Ning. "We look forward to partnering with Innovent to explore a potential clinical application with the combination regimen of immune check-point inhibitor, angiogenesis inhibitor and epigenetic modulator in this indication."

"Epigenetic aberrations appear to be one of the major causes of resistance to immune-oncological therapies. Chidamide, a novel epigenetic modulating agent discovered in China, seems to reverse patient resistance to immune therapy in early clinical studies," said Innovent's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Kerry Blanchard. "We are pleased to be partnering with Chipscreen Biosciences to explore combination therapy with Sintilimab, IBI305, and Chidamide in colorectal carcinoma. We hope this collaboration will bring clinical benefits to patients in need."

About Chidamide

Chidamide, a benzamide-based, selective inhibitor of class I (subtypes 1, 2, 3) and IIb (subtype 10) HDACs, reverses epigenetic abnormalities related to tumorigenesis. Chidamide induces chromatin remodeling by inhibiting specific subtypes of HDACs which leads to increased acetylation of histones (i.e., epigenetic changes), thereby modifying gene expression in multiple signal transduction pathways. Chidamide directly inhibits the cell cycle and induces apoptosis of tumor cells from the blood and lymphatic system. It can induce and activate tumor killing by natural killer cells (NK) and antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cells (CTL), and modulates the anti-tumor cellular immunity of the body. Chidamide also induces the differentiation of tumor stem cells and reverses epithelial mesenchymal phenotype transformation (EMT) of tumor cells through epigenetic regulation mechanisms, thereby playing a potential role in restoring the drug sensitivity of drug-resistant tumor cells, and inhibiting tumor metastasis and recurrence. It is a new molecular entity with global patent protection developed by Chipscreen Biosciences, China's first international-recognized subtype selective histone deacetylation enzyme (HDAC) oral inhibitor, and a national class 1.1 drug. In December 2014, it was approved for marketing by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Its first indication is relapsed and refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Meanwhile, clinical studies on other blood tumors, solid tumors and HIV with either a single drug or combined with other drugs are being carried out simultaneously in the United States, Japan, Mainland China and Taiwan, as well as in other countries and regions.

AboutSintilimab

Sintilimab (IBI308) is a fully human anti-PD-1 antibody. It binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking the PD-1 ligand from interacting with PD-1 to help restore T-cell response and immune response, thus destroying the tumor cells. Sintilimab is jointly developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly and Company in China. National Medical Products Administration (NMPA, successor to CFDA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) submitted by Innovent for sintilimab on April 16, 2018, and granted it priority review status on April 23, 2018. The indication for the first new drug application is relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

About IBI305

Innovent's IBI305 is a biosimilar of bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody for injection. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important factor in angiogenesis that is highly expressed by the endothelial cells in most human tumors. An anti-VEGF antibody binds VEGF selectively with high affinity and blocks its binding to VEGF receptors on the surface of vascular endothelial cells, thereby inhibiting signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt/PKB and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK. Bevacizumab ultimately produces anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the growth, proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, blocking angiogenesis, reducing vascular permeability, blocking the blood supply to tumor tissues, inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells.

About Chipscreen Biosciences

In 2001, Chipscreen Biosciences was founded in Shenzhen, specializing in the research and development of original small molecule drugs. With the self-created "integrated drug discovery and early evaluation platform based on chemical genetics" as its core competitiveness, Chipscreen Biosciences has now become one of China's leading innovative drug enterprises, forming a modern biomedicine group company in Shenzhen, as its headquarters / research and development center / GMP production base, Chengdu, as a regional headquarter / research and development center / GMP production base, Beijing clinical research center and Shanghai commercial center. At present, the company has developed a number of original new drug product lines for tumors, diabetes, and endocrine and autoimmune diseases. In December 2014, the original anti-tumor new drug Chidamide was approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for listing

For more information, please visit: www.chipscreen.com

For inquiries, please contact: +86-755-2695-2070 [email protected]

About Innovent

Innovent was established in 2011. Since it was founded, Innovent has developed a fully-integrated platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. These capabilities have enabled us to build a robust pipeline of innovative and commercially promising monoclonal antibodies and other biologics in the fields of oncology, ophthalmology, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases. Leveraging our platform, we have built up a pipeline of 17 antibody drug candidates in the last seven years, led by our four core products that are in late-stage clinical development in China. In addition, out of our pipeline of 17 antibody drug candidates, ten have entered in clinical development, four have entered Phase III clinical trials and two that have New Drug Applications (NDA) accepted by the NMPA including one with priority review status for sintilimab.

Innovent has built a biopharmaceutical production facility that operates under global standards. The design and operation of our clinical and commercial facilities are in compliance with the cGMP standards of NMPA, FDA and EMA. The existing production lines have already passed GMP audits by an international pharmaceutical company. The company has also entered into various key strategic alliances with Eli Lilly and Company, Adimab and other biopharmaceutical companies. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was successfully listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the stock code is 01801.

Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action", Innovent's mission is to develop and commercialize high quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Innovent wishes to work with all relevant parties helping the advancement of China's biopharmaceutical industry, improving the drug availability to ordinary people and enhancing the quality of the patients' life.

For inquiries, please contact: +86 512-69566088 [email protected]

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chipscreen-biosciences-announces-a-collaboration-with-innovent-to-evaluate-chidamide-and-the-combination-of-sintilimab-anti-vegf-monoclonal-antibody-ibi305-in-colorectal-cancer-patients-300795717.html

SOURCE Shenzhen Chipscreen Biosciences, Ltd.
Digital Humanities: Using tools from the 1990s to answer questions from the 1960s about 19th century America.
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District Media Group started with a single building wrap in the Johannesburg CBD five years ago and, this year, it has launched its first digital site in the heart of the Sandton CBD. The boards set in the heart of Africa's richest square mile are the first of its nationwide roll out.
This was one of the burning industry issues discussed in a roundtable meeting in Cape Town on 13 February 2019. Attended by various media owners (TV and radio) and startup businesses in the growth phase, the objective of the roundtable was to encourage collaboration between various parties to enable startups to include radio and TV in their media plans.

Roundtable participants discussing industry issues in Cape Town last week.

Using digital and social advertising as a starting point

Performance-based pricing models

Media owners need a different operating model for startups. These companies are still trying to figure out what they are doing and things change all the time. It is important to tackle these guys with a different approach.

Co-creation of content

Our job is not to take your money, our job is to accelerate your business.

Agility and costs

Summary

The need for minimum ratings

Some holy cows like prime time are better than off-peak arent relevant to start-ups

Neither is budget - if we have attribution in place we can track how much we are spending vs the return and if that sum balances out then the budget isn't a factor.

What we realised again in this discussion is that 1) media houses have a lot of data on how each channel performs in terms of reach and frequency 2) the startups that were present have all tested various media and channels on a small scale and know what works for them and what doesnt; and 3) using attribution software you have data on which channels, which dayparts and what type of creatives deliver the best performance for startups (measuring actual results e.g. visits to their website).So, if we can all work together and combine our data to be able to give startups a media plan that is highly likely to give them the growth they need, it is a very powerful offering that is a win-win for everyone.Setting the scene for the day, DCMN explained that the startups in attendance are in their growth phase and need partners that can assist them to grow their businesses. For these startups it is all about acquisition at this stage and they need media that will deliver on this metric.It was unanimously agreed in the room that using digital and social advertising as a starting point is ideal as it is measurable and agile, so it is easy to test on a small scale and make changes quickly. The overall perception was that, especially with TV, the measurability and agility (and of course budget too) are prohibitive factors for the startups.As Manuel Koser, founder and managing director of Silvertree Internet Holdings mentioned, Google and Facebook are the benchmarks for measurability and offline media will never be able to compete. But, when growth starts stagnating, it is crucial to start looking at different media to get new clients. And this is where TV and radio plays an important role.Koser added:This was wholeheartedly supported by Travelstart. Although they have successfully been able to grow the business using a combination of media tactics, including TV and radio, acquisition remains their main objective. Odette Faling, commercial director of Travelstart, was very clear that when budgets are cut, it is offline budgets that are cut first.In her opinion, performance-based payment models are crucial to ensure that brands like them can continue using offline media and justifying the spend. Performance-based payment models will remove the risk for the client. We provide our content and the media owners can decide on which channels they want to run it (unsold inventory or prime inventory), but we only pay for conversions received.We also understand that they run a business, but with the data we have gathered so far by using attribution software, we can give the stations a very good idea of the bookings we will get on specific channels and what income they can expect, said Faling.Understandably, from the media owners side, the perspective was met with some resistance since they would need to rely on data from the advertisers themselves and from attribution software to determine the conversions and being that co-dependent is a challenge for a big corporation. This highlights how big a role transparency will play in whether performance-based pricing models could be successfully implemented. Availability of prime inventory was also discussed.As Shamiel Salie from DStv said, Inventory is a finite thing in our world. But the general feeling was that startups sometimes get better results from smaller channels and non-prime dayparts and that prime inventory isnt necessarily what they are after. Koser also urged media owners to allocate a small percentage of their inventory to test the concept, thereby minimising the risk for themselves as well.Of course, it isnt just as simple as it sounds.The creative used also plays a big role in the success of the ad. The concept of co-creation is something that the startups feel very strongly about. They want to form real partnerships with the media owners where they can co-create content, understanding of their own audiences to create advertising that delivers performance.Stacey Vermaak from Lulalend urged radio stations to share the knowledge that they gain by testing different creatives, different messages, etc. with their clients to help them grow. There was a very positive reaction to this in the room from all parties and Kevin Fine from Jacaranda FM reiterated,Greg Maloka managing director of Kaya FM, also emphasised the need for these businesses to fully comprehend the South Africa landscape to realise real growth.The concept of agility and the need for startups to be able to change things quickly came up as a big pain point during discussions. However, it seems like even in TV there are ways to address this.As Fatulka Gaibi from eMedia explains, There are options for ads that we can explore that doesnt sit in the commercial break. We can also help startups with production and can make changes quickly.From the radio stations side, live reads are also a very good option for startups since it lends credibility and the message can be changed daily if needed. Which also addresses the matter of high production costs. Various parties reiterated that even with TV, an extended campaign that runs over weeks is not necessary. One or two spots can make a difference if you track it properly and know which channel at what time delivers the required results for your business.When we compare traditional TV planning vs performance TV planning there are some differences:Whereas some things stay the same, like having a clear idea of who you are speaking to, what insight or need drives purchase and having a distinctive brand message are still relevant and important.So, what are the next steps? Setting up an innovation lab to run a few tests seem like the most logical next step. If media owners, startups (and even SMEs and other e-commerce businesses) and marketing partners can all work together to find the solutions that will benefit everyone, we can all help to grow the market leaders of tomorrow.
Appeals against extended detention of another four Ukrainian sailors withdrawn

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

14:50 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court has refused to consider appeals against extended detention of four Ukrainian sailors charged with illegal crossing of Russian borders, the courts press service has told RAPSI.

Appeals filed in defense of Victor Bespalchenko, Vladislav Kostyshin, Vladimir Lisovoy, Vladimir Varimez have been excluded from consideration in the appeals court. They have been returned to Moscows Lefortovsky District Court for corrective actions.

On November 25, Russian border guard officers had to engage a weapon to stop unwarranted maneuvers of three Ukrainian ships in Russias territorial waters in the area of Kerch Strait. The ships were seized while 24 crew members were arrested. Three sailors were wounded.

Simferopol and Kerch courts ruled the sailors be detained. On November 30, all of them were transferred to Moscow.




Through its latest event, TiE Delhi-NCR aims to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to tap into the potential for disruption within the Indian healthcare ecosystem.

TiE Delhi-NCR, one of the most committed chapters in the global TiE network, is gearing up to organise Healthcare Summit 2019 under the aegis of its Healthcare Special Interest Group (SIG) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Scheduled on February 22, 2019, the day-long event will bring together key stakeholders  including policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs  to discuss existing challenges and opportunities within the Indian healthcare sector.

The topics that will be dwelt upon at Healthcare Summit 2019 will include a session demystifying the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Top industry leaders will also share insights on various topics such as emerging health-tech trends and tapping into opportunities within the healthcare sector. The issue of investments into new ventures by medical practitioners to facilitate affordable healthcare for less-privileged consumers across India will also be discussed at the event.

Healthcare Summit 2019 boasts an impressive speaker line-up of 25+ industry leaders. This includes Ashwin Raguraman (Co-Founder & Partner- Bharat Innovation Fund), Dinesh Goel, Partner at Saina Capital; Dr. Shuchin Bajaj (Founder Director  Cygnus Hospitals); Garth Holloway (CMD  Innotech Aqua Ltd), Siddhartha Bhattacharya (Secretary General, NATHEALTH  Healthcare Federation of India), and Rema Subramanian (Co-Founder and Managing Partner  Ankur Capital), Anamika Roy Rashtrawar, Director Marketing IFFCO Tokio General Insurance, Dr. Avijit Bansal, Co-Founder & CEO Windmill Health Technologies, Dinesh Arora, Deputy CEO National Health Agency, Govt. of India among others.

Through its latest event, TiE Delhi-NCR aims to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to tap into the potential for disruption within the Indian healthcare ecosystem. The summit will also provide a conducive space for meaningful conversations about emerging industry trends and recent technological developments, as well as its future direction.
Its Presidents Day and if George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were still around, I believe they would be depressed by what has happened to America. From the political hatred, to the proposed socialism, to the failure of the powerful media to seek the truth.

The truth situation is truly dire and heres the proof. In late January, TV actor Jussie Smollett apparently told Chicago police that two white men spouting pro-Trump slogans assaulted him at around 2am while he was walking home from a fast food place.

Smollett is African-American and gay. He claimed the assailants put a noose around his neck among other things.

The press, led by The New York Times of course, ran hard with Smolletts narrative just as it did with the Covington, Kentucky teenagers. ABC News gave almost one hour of sympathetic coverage to Smollett, NBC News 35 minutes on all its vehicles.

I did not even mention the story because it sounded phony but I had no facts, so best to wait for some to emerge.

Now, doubt has been established. A Grand Jury has been called to examine Jussie Smolletts actions as the local CBS station in Chicago is reporting that he paid two men to fake the attack.

Of course, Smollett remains innocent until proven guilty.

In addition to the corrupt media, a bunch of uber-left politicians jumped on the story to condemn people. Nancy Pelosi, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Corey Booker and Al Sharpton all convicted the phantom assailants, believing Smolletts account without any skepticism. They couldnt wait to begin virtue-signaling and bashing Trump.

You may remember that Harris, Booker and Gillibrand, all now presidential candidates, denied due process to Brett Kavanaugh.

Actor-director Rob Reiner, who is about as extreme as a human can get, said this: Homophobia existed before Trump, but there is no question that since he has injected his hatred into the American bloodstream, we are less decent, less loving and less human.

I will submit that it is Rob Reiner who is peddling hatred.

Tonight on the No Spin News, we will analyze how the media in conjunction with the far left is destroying honesty in America.

We will have a powerful program beginning at 7 eastern time
Spearfish, SD (57783)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
By Bonnie Blankinship

It felt like it went really fast, said a slightly breathless Nikolai Tcyrulnikov. I know it was the three minutes, but when I was up there it seemed to go by much faster than that.



Tcyrulnikov, a doctoral student in photochemical sciences, had taken the challenge of attempting to explain his thesis topic, Pyridinium Salts: From Photoinduced Through-Space Electron Delocalization to Novel Spontaneous Reactions Causing Thermal DNA, to a lay audience  in three minutes. He was one of 17 graduate students who participated Feb. 7 in BGSUs first-ever Three-Minute Dissertation Competition, or 3MT.



Not only did they have a mere three minutes, the competitors could use just a single, static slide, with no rap, music, poetry, costumes or other props. They brought energy, and sometimes humor, to their pithy talks, which were judged by a panel of faculty and administrators. Audience members voted for the Peoples Choice Award.



Developed by The University of Queensland, the fast-paced competition hones students academic, presentation, and research communication skills. For some, it helps to develop an elevator speech for their research, according to the Graduate College. Cash prizes were given to the first-, second- and third-place winners, along with a Peoples Choice Award.

Biological sciences graduate student Kevin Oyale Chiteri explains his thesis to a panel of judges.

All 17 presenters were great. For our first competition, I was so pleased, said Dr. Peggy Booth, Graduate College dean. Other institutions I know of in Ohio of similar size have not had such a successful quantity and quality of competitors. It is a very difficult thing to take a complicated research subject that one normally is able to present to disciplinary experts in perhaps 30 minutes and instead present to a general audience in three minutes. They all took on the challenge well.

The topics ranged widely, from the sciences to the humanities. Aju James, a student in American culture studies, presented Stand-up Comedy in Mumbai as a Site of Struggle over Globalization and National Identity. He spoke about how middle class people in urban spaces are using comedy to challenge hierarchies of class and gender by saying, in effect, Were just like you but a little bit different in small but cute ways, drawing laughter from the audience.

Graeme Wilsons slide showed President Donald Trump flanked by images of the heroes of two highly popular shows to illustrate his thesis Angry White Men: How Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead Predicted the Trumpian Zeitgeist.

Samantha Nesdiol, in industrial/organizational psychology, took second place with her lively description of her research topic Why Does the Public Sector Resist Unproctored Internet Testing? After analyzing what types of web-based testing people, and especially human resources professionals, are most and least trustful of, she predicted that perhaps in the future we might be able to apply for jobs from home in our pajamas.

Taking first place was Kacie Pummill, speech-language pathology, for Comprehension and Phenomic Mismatch in Disordered Speech. Third place went to clinical psychology student Emily Ferrell for Risk Factors for Disordered Eating among Military Personnel. Brian Timm in sociology won the Peoples Choice Award for The Long Reach of Delinquent Networks in Late Adolescence on Criminal Activity in Early Adulthood.
Norwegian regulator blocks transactions to overseas operators

by Victoria Hughes, 18 February 2019

The Norwegian regulator Lotteritilsynet has continued its assault on remote operators by ordering Norwegian banks to issue blocks on transactions to and from overseas operators.

Lotteritilsynet announced over the weekend that it had ordered Norwegian banks to block gambling payment transactions.

Three operators have been issued with cease and desist letters. Kindred Group, Dreambox Games OU, and Lucky Dino Gaming Ltd have all been told to stop offering their products in Norway.

In November last year four other operators were also served with cease and desist letters; Betsson, Cherry AB, Gaming Innovation Group, and L&L Europe Players Ltd. All of these operators will now see their transactions blocked by Norwegian banks.

Lotteritilsynet has also written to the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), where the operators are licensed, and demanded that it takes action. The regulator deems the operators to be illegally targeting the Norwegian market, as it explained in a statement:

It is stated clearly in the three Norwegian gambling acts that it is not allowed for any entity to process payment transactions to and from gambling operators that do not hold a permit in Norway.Statement, Lotteritilsynet

Operators appear unconcerned

But it may not all go the regulators way. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has filed a complaint against the move, arguing it breaches consumer privacy protections.

Operators also do not appear too concerned. Kindred Group has itself filed a lawsuit against the regulator at the Oslo High Court. A statement from Kindred read:

We firmly believe that Norwegian players have the right to choose who they wish to gamble with. Kindred operates under a license within the EU/EEA and thereby has the right to offer our services to Norwegian citizens and Norwegian citizens have the right to use our services.Statement, Kindred Group

Norwegian authorities have already attempted a transaction block via banks in 2017. The EGBA filed a lawsuit that time, and the move ultimately did not have the effect desired, with gambling firms continuing to operate in Norway. With that in mind, operators do not appear too concerned about this latest move.
Boxer sentenced to 6 years for beating military engineer

 flickr.com/ Kristin Wall

13:55 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI)  A court in the Rostov Region has sentenced prize fighter Daniel Gritsay to 6 years in high security prison for beating a military engineer, a statement published on the website of Russias Prosecutor Generals Office reads.

The boxer has been found guilty of hooliganism, intentional infliction of bodily injury, murder threat and property damage.

According to the Prosecutor Generals Office, in 2018, Gritsay was involved in five fights in Millerovo, a town in the Rostov Region, causing bodily injury to victims.

In June 2018, he along with another defendant Sergey Sileyev provoked a conflict and a fight with hotel guests near a local hotel. As a result, an engineer received bodily injury, the statement reads.

The second defendant pleaded guilty and compensated the caused damage. The case against him was closed.




@facebook.com/northeastberksnews/

Lisa Mitchell is an editor for Berks-Mont Newspapers, covering news and events in the Northeast Berks County area.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A few clouds with an isolated thunderstorm possible after midnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
A house burns after security forces set it on fire in Kashmirs Pulwama district to force suspected militants out, Feb 18, 2019.

Updated at 10:04 a.m. ET on 2019-03-01

Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir shot dead three suspected militants on Monday, including an alleged planner of last weeks car-bomb attack that killed at least 40 soldiers, authorities said.

Four Indian army soldiers, a policeman and a civilian were also killed during a 16-hour gun battle in Pulwama districts Piglin village, about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the site of the Feb. 14 attack claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), officials said.

A senior police official who asked not to be named identified one of the slain suspects as Pakistan national Abdul Ghazi Rasheed and said he was instrumental in plotting last Thursdays attack.

Rasheed was active in south Kashmir for the past three months. He was an expert at making explosives, said the official, who is part of a police team investigating the attack in which a militant rammed a bomb-laden car into a 78-vehicle convoy ferrying more than 2,500 paramilitary personnel.

Rasheed and another suspect slain Monday radicalized 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, a local man identified by JeM as the militant who carried out the suicide attack, the official said.

The attack, described as the deadliest militant strike in strife-torn Kashmir in decades, ratcheted up tensions between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan, both of which lay claim to the disputed Himalayan territory in its entirety.

Following the attack, the Indian government revoked the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status granted to Pakistan to diplomatically isolate Islamabad, and warned the neighboring nation of a befitting military reply.

Addressing a rally in eastern Indias Odisha state on Sunday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh vowed to avenge those responsible for the attack, which has sparked wide-spread anti-Pakistan protests across the country.

I understand everybody has this yearning about how best to avenge the terror attack. Being the Home Minister, I assure you our soldiers sacrifice will not go in vain. Our defense forces have been given a free hand to ensure the sacrifice doesnt go waste, Singh said.

Following Mondays encounter, Singh told the Delhi-based news agency ANI: The morale of security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralizing the terrorists.

Kashmir has grappled with a separatist insurgency that has killed more than 70,000 people since the late 1980s.

Soldiers gather near the shooting site in Kashmirs Pulwama district, Feb. 18, 2019. [Sheikh Mashooq/ BenarNews]

Backlash

Meanwhile, Kashmiris living in other parts of India claimed that they were facing the brunt of last weeks militant strike because the person who carried out the attack was a Kashmiri.

A group of about 10 stick-wielding men barged into my shop shouting anti-Kashmir and anti-Pakistan slogans yesterday. They started hurling abuses at me before pulling us by our hair, slapping us and vandalizing my shop, Hilal Ahmad, a garment merchant, told BenarNews in a phone interview from Patna city in Bihar state.

They kept saying that we should get out of here and return to Kashmir where we belong, he said.

As videos of Kashmiris being harassed and asked to vacate their rented homes in other parts of India emerged on social media, protesters took to the streets of Srinagar on Monday, calling on the government to ensure the safety of Kashmiris across India.

If people in India will not stop targeting innocent Kashmiris, Muslims in Kashmir will be forced to treat non-locals here in the same manner, Mushtaq Ahmad, a Srinagar resident who was part of the protests, told BenarNews.

The Indian government on Saturday issued an advisory to all states ordering security forces to ensure the safety of people from Kashmir.

An unnamed official of the Ministry of Home Affairs was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India that there had been reports of students and other residents from Kashmir being threatened and intimidated.

Therefore, the home ministry issued an advisory to all states to take necessary measures to ensure their safety, the official said.

At least 65 Kashmiris studying at the three universities in Uttarakhand state have temporarily left out of fear of attacks by Hindu groups, BenarNews has learnt.

An atmosphere of fear is prevailing in the state after a few Kashmiri students were beaten up after the militant attack last week, Naseer Bhat, a student at Baba Farid Institute of Technology in Dehradun city, told BenarNews.

Bhat, along with dozens of other Kashmiri students, has been provided temporary accommodation at the Jammu and Kashmir House in New Delhi.

Police in Indian Kashmir said steps were being taken to ensure the safety of Kashmiris.

We have set up a helpline for Kashmiris residing across India. We request people who are feeling threatened to call the helpline whenever they feel they need help, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh told BenarNews.

CORRECTION: An earlier version reported incorrectly that at least 46 troops were killed in the car-bombing.
Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has paid a deathbed visit to his dying paedophile brother Liam Adams.

The ex-West Belfast MP was spotted at a Belfast hospice in which his convicted rapist sibling is receiving end-of-life cancer care.

A republican source said: Whether to visit Liam before he dies presented Gerry with a terrible dilemma. In the end he called to his bedside to say his goodbyes.

Family of other hospice residents spoke of their shock at seeing Mr Adams on the premises.

One said: It was obvious that he was up to visit Liam. There are two prison guards standing at the door of the room where he is being treated at all times. Gerry was with him for quite some time.

Sinn Fein refused to comment on Mr Adamss deathbed visit to his ailing sibling Liam (63), who was moved from Maghaberry Prison to the hospice earlier this month. The terminal cancer sufferer is six years into a 16-year sentence for the rape and sexual assault of his daughter Aine Dahlstrom, now aged 45.

She bravely waived her right to anonymity to reveal how, starting when she was aged just four, the predator abused her for a six-year period between 1977 and 1983.

Liam Adams was convicted in 2013 after a lengthy legal battle that saw him extradited from the south after the PSNI issued a European Arrest Warrant. He later launched an appeal against his conviction which was rejected.

Aine told police about the abuse in 1987, but said detectives were more interested in getting information about her republican uncle Gerry Adams than her paedophile father Liam. Twenty years later she made a fresh complaint to the PSNI after learning how her pervert dad was working in a youth club with unsuspecting children.

During Liams trial, Gerry Adams admitted niece Aine told him about the abuse and rape in 1987, which he instantly believed.

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Whatsapp Liam Adams, who was convicted of the rape of his daughter Aine

He says he confronted his younger brother about this in Dundalk in 2000 and he confessed.

Despite this Liam would go on to work in youth clubs in Dundalk and in west Belfast, which Gerry was MP for at the time.

Aine referenced this after her father was convicted of her rape, saying: I was very concerned that Liam was seeking jobs working with children.

Gerry told me that was Liams way of trying to make up to the community for what he done to me.

I kept telling Gerry to get Liam out of the youth groups.

Gerry responded by saying he was very disappointed that his niece did not appear to believe he had acted with her best interests at heart.

Prior to being transferred to a Belfast hospice, Liam was held in the Vulnerable Prisoners Unit (VPU) at Maghaberry jail because his high profile made him the target for attacks.

This led to him striking up friendships with other notorious inmates caged there, including the child serial killer Robert Black, and rapist Trevor Hamilton who murdered pensioner Attracta Harron.

Republican sources say there is keen interest in whether Gerry Adams will attend his brothers funeral. His own father Gerry Adams Snr received a republican burial despite his son knowing that he was a paedophile who abused family members.

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Gerry Adams spoke about this candidly in a 2009 interview, saying: Personally that was one of the great dilemmas for me because Im a republican. Im speaking here as a human being, as a family member.

I didnt want him buried with the tricolour.

I think he besmirched it but it was a dilemma for other members of my family who felt that they didnt want this at that time out in the open.
Officials pour disinfectant at the port of Larne during the foot-and-mouth emergency

A hard border? Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

I'm not talking, by the way, about the hard, militarised border that used to scar the countryside.

Yes, it was traumatic, but it was not the only hard border we have had to get used to.

In February/March 2001 there was an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in south Armagh, beside the-then not-just-as-hard border.

It was part of a foot-and-mouth outbreak that had begun in Britain in February of the same year. Overnight a hard border, a hard economic border, descended - one that the Republic of Ireland brought down like an iron curtain over the not-just-so-hard border.

Given the importance the beef and dairy industry played - and plays - in the Republic's economy, it was no surprise.

It did not want foot-and-mouth getting a toe-hold among southern herds.

It acted swiftly and with the sort of methodical planning that one, well, associates with the Germans rather than the Irish.

The BBC news site of the time gives more than enough hints of what went on: "Irish premier Bertie Ahern tells the Irish Parliament that more than 1,000 police and soldiers are on duty at border crossings, ports and airports" and "Irish Defence Minister Michael Smyth criticises Northern Ireland border controls as not being rigorous enough to prevent foot-and-mouth spreading into the Irish Republic. He calls for a greater Royal Ulster Constabulary presence at the border."

Who, of course, would blame the Dublin Government for acting with such alacrity? Huge money and the livelihood of many people was at stake.

Of course, there was a knock-on effect for those crossing the border.

As a regular rail commuter at the time I well-remember the train being stopped just as we got to the border.

Rather elderly southerners would board to wake up us dozing northerners and check that we were not carrying contraband: milk and dairy products of any sort.

"Do you have any cheese sandwiches?" No, I had no cheese sandwiches. When we got to Dublin we were shepherded down the platform onto a long carpet that was covered in disinfectant before we were let loose among the herds of cattle that roamed around Dublin city centre (yes, you are right; there are no cattle in Dublin city centre).

It was a routine that carried on for as long as it carried on. We had no idea when it might end and we had no choice in it beginning. The train was stopped, the southerners boarded, armed with plastic bags, the carriages were swept for explosives ... no, I mean milk ... and we were let on our way. Those crossing in cars and lorries will have similar tales.

Of course, we commuters went mad about this delay. We regularly attacked the searchers with bottles of semi-skimmed, bricks of brie and chucked lumps of cheddar at our tormentors before razing the entire region to the ground.

Oh, no. Wait, we didn't.

We sat there and we co-operated. We all knew how dangerous the disease was and the need to minimise its effect. It was just one of those things that you had to put up with.

Further, we were a generation that had been regularly stopped and searched - on the street, in the car, on the way into town. It was nothing to us.

Honestly, when you have been stopped by a patrol of Royal Marines wanting to know your name and address, being stopped by some softy southerner asking about cheese sandwiches is nothing.

The stop, search and surrender your dairy products went on for as long as it went on.

The words "hard border" and "backstop" had not been invented. The policy would continue until the disease was stopped. The border was not hard, but we were; hardened by life and all that meant way back then.

However, the point is that the Government in the Republic acted immediately to protect its economy, to secure its side of the border with police and troops and complained that authorities in the north were too lax on their own border controls.

Dublin acted in its national interest without hesitation and no one thought that it should do otherwise.

Still, can anyone imagine the reaction were Theresa May to announce that, in the national interest of the UK, she was just going to follow the same plan as the Irish Government did in 2001? Surely, what is sauce for the Irish goose is also sauce for the British gander?

Of course, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth in Northern Ireland also had grave implications for the local economy, which was - and is - also heavily reliant on agriculture.

However, the EU found a way out of the mess for all concerned and, at the end of March 2001, the BBC reported: "The European Commission agrees that Northern Ireland can have regional status and will be able to begin exporting produce again within a week if the province proves it is successful in containing its one outbreak."

Was that a backstop that tore the UK apart?

Or just a sensible solution that recognised that farmers in Co Antrim could be treated differently to farmers in Essex, because of different circumstances?

I do not remember unionist politicians being particularly annoyed by the suggestion.

After all many farmers were - and are - from unionist backgrounds and their livelihoods were in danger, too.

As Brexit approaches, there is no doubt that issues around the border need to be addressed effectively.

The changes, whatever they may be after Brexit, will affect the lives and jobs of many.

That said, would it be too much to ask politicians and commentators to put a (back)stop to the hysteria?

Pol O Muiri is a writer and journalist
Being prone to insomnia, I keep on my Kindle a stock of really boring, sleep-inducing books. Recently I read two biographies of Jeremy Corbyn, who is interesting only because he accidentally became leader of the Labour Party.

I knew he was dull, but I hadn't established the sheer depths of his dullness, and certainly page after page about how he went day after day to give the same old speeches to the like-minded often caused my eyelids to droop and the Kindle to fall from my hand.

But there were occasional interesting bits. As, for instance, the allegation that he and his brother Piers chose to go to a political meeting rather than to their mother's death bed on the grounds that, as a socialist, she would understand their priorities.

Yet, because I am a politics anorak, I can't wait to get my hands on the third biography, Dangerous Hero: Corbyn's Ruthless Plot For Power, by the notoriously unforgiving Tom Bower, who has filleted many a household name including Tony Blair, Richard Branson and Prince Charles.

The book isn't published yet, but there have been substantial extracts in the Mail on the last two Sundays, and it's clear Bower's hatchet is as sharp as ever.

Corbyn is even duller and more boring than I'd realised, yet because of circumstances and the virulence and fanaticism of his west-hating, pro-communist, mostly clever inner circle, he has to be taken seriously as a potential danger to his country and its allies.

What is very clear is that the cuddly grandfather persona is a facade masking a thick, tunnel-visioned, inflexible ideologue who seems not to have had a new idea since his teens; is a disorganised ditherer who gets his news coverage from the communist Morning Star; is an academic failure who hates achievers; has no sympathy with anyone aspiring to better themselves and has a dreary vision of a world of socialist conformity.

The official story of the collapse of his first marriage after four years was that the couple grew apart because of his commitment to politics. But that was an understatement.

It was "joyless", said Wife Number 1, who left him because she couldn't stand living with a man who was out every evening at socialist meetings, never read a book, didn't care about music, art, beauty, drama, food or anything else, and on holiday insisted on sleeping in a tent and didn't want even to look at anything he disapproved of, like a magnificent royal palace.

We had been told that he and Wife Number 2 split because of a principled dispute over a son's schooling, but the reality was that she couldn't cope with a husband who resisted her getting a cleaner because that would show "bourgeois" tendencies, was just as dreary as her predecessor had found him, and risked bankruptcy because he preferred his money to fund his cause rather than his family.

Even Diane Abbott, with whom he had a one-year affair, packed her bags and left because there was no fun.

Corbyn has always hated the EU: in 2014 he told President Maduro of Venuezuela - who would go on to wreck his country and starve its inhabitants - that Europe "had suffered appallingly" because the EU was a capitalists' club and a barrier to his life's work of "building socialism".

Yet to keep his young party members happy, he pretended to be a Remainer while secretly undermining Labour's pro-EU campaign.

I have a deep faith in the common sense of the British voter, and am comforted that though Theresa May is a useless Prime Minister and a dreadful negotiator, the polls show she is rightly preferred to this sinister fool.

But Bower's evidence is so worrying that I've no doubt the full biography will not be sending me to sleep.
George Mendonsa holding a copy of the famous Alfred Eisenstaedt photo of him kissing a woman in a nurses uniform in Times Square on August 14 1945 (Connie Grosch/Providence Journal via AP)

The ecstatic sailor shown kissing a woman in Times Square celebrating the end of the Second World War has died aged 95.

George Mendonsa fell and had a seizure at the assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he lived with his wife of 70 years, his daughter Sharon Molleur told The Providence Journal.

Mr Mendonsa was shown kissing Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, on August 14 1945.

Expand Close This close-up shot of the pair kissing was taken by Victor Jorgensen from the US navy (Victor Jorgensen/US navy) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp This close-up shot of the pair kissing was taken by Victor Jorgensen from the US navy (Victor Jorgensen/US navy)

Known as VJ Day, it was the day Japan surrendered to the United States.

People spilled into the New York City streets to celebrate the news.

Mr Mendonsa planted a kiss on Ms Friedman, whom he had never met.

The photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt was first published in Life magazine and became one of the most famous photographs of the 20th century.

It is called V-J Day In Times Square, but is known to most as The Kiss.

Several people later claimed to be the kissing couple.

It was years before Mr Mendonsa and Ms Friedman were confirmed to be the couple.

Mr Mendonsa served on a destroyer during the war and was on leave when the end of the war was announced.

When he was honoured at the Rhode Island State House in 2015, Mr Mendonsa spoke about the kiss.

I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurseGeorge Mendonsa

He said Ms Friedman reminded him of nurses on a hospital ship that he saw care for wounded sailors.

I saw what those nurses did that day and now back in Times Square the war ends, a few drinks, so I grabbed the nurse, Mr Mendonsa said, according to WPRI-TV.

Ms Friedman said in a 2005 interview with the Veterans History Project that it was not her choice to be kissed.

The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed, she told the Library of Congress.

She added: It was just somebody really celebrating. But it wasnt a romantic event.

Mr Mendonsa died two days before his 96th birthday.

Ms Friedman fled Austria during the war as a 15-year-old girl.

She died in 2016 at the age of 92 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia, from complications of old age.
Top-level Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European Union will resume this week as the Prime Minister prepares to return to Brussels to gain concessions on her withdrawal deal.

Theresa May will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days, while Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay will hold talks with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday.

The pair are expected to discuss the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise solution to avoid the need for the controversial Irish backstop.

And in a speech on Tuesday, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the insurance policy to avoid a hard border.

It comes after Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright suggested Mrs May might not seek to reopen the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the backstop  prompting anger from Eurosceptic Tories.

Expand Close Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it wasnt the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it wasnt the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC)

Mr Wright implied the agreement could be amended via a codicil, saying the objective mattered more than the mechanism.

He told BBCs Andrew Marr Show: I think whats obvious is that Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop  thats what weve got to do something about.

If this is the only way of doing it then thats the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we havent yet explored then we will do that too.

But Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood said it was not possible to gloss the Withdrawal Agreement.

It needs significant changes, Im not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation, he told the Press Association.

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Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said if the changes were just flowery words then the deal wont wash.

The backstop is unacceptable because it means that we remain in the EU indefinitely and also would do immense damage to relations with Northern Ireland  and therefore as far as Im concerned unless the wording actually has legal force and has substance it isnt going to work.

Speculation that around half a dozen Labour MPs could quit the party this week mounted on Sunday night.

Key figures believed to be on the verge of leaving did not respond to the Press Associations requests for comment.

Former shadow cabinet minister Owen Smith said he was not commenting on the rumours.

Labour MP Stephen Kinnock told BBC Radio 4s The Westminster Hour: The talk has been going on so long that I say with great regret that yes, there probably will be some kind of splintering.

It just seems to have been in the rumour mill so long that its unlikely that wouldnt be the outcome.

On Sunday morning, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said he did not see any need for anybody to split from the party.

Mr McDonnell also revealed Labour would look at a proposal put forward by backbenchers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson to back a second Brexit referendum in the next round of Brexit votes on February 27.
Nicola Sturgeon will be in Paris on Monday and Tuesday (Adam Davy/PA)

Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened the Scottish Governments hub office in Paris.

The First Minister travelled to the French capital to address the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Assemblee Nationale, the lower house of parliament.

France is the third largest market for Scottish exports, with Ms Sturgeon saying the relationship between the two nations is one of the oldest in the world.

But she has come under fire for embarking on another overseas trip so soon after a visit to the US and Canada.

Another week and another jaunt abroad for the First Minister. Meanwhile, back home, we have a health service on its knees, our schools are struggling and councils are toiling to balance their budgets due to SNP cutsScottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden

The SNP leader visited Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Ottawa and Toronto earlier in February.

Scottish Conservative chief whip Maurice Golden said: Another week and another jaunt abroad for the First Minister.

Meanwhile, back home, we have a health service on its knees, our schools are struggling, and councils are toiling to balance their budgets due to SNP cuts.

The Tory MSP added: The SNPs only aim is to drive a wedge between Scotland and our largest trading partner  which is the rest of the UK.

Nicola Sturgeon should focus on growing Scotlands economy instead of attempting to grandstand on the world stage.

aThe @scotgov wants to strengthen our partnership - not just on the basis of our historic ties but our modern connections: friendships; cultural links, business ties; shared appetite for innovation & most of all, our shared valuesa @NicolaSturgeon at @ScotGovFrance launch   pic.twitter.com/nlPummtYWu  First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 18, 2019

Speaking at the hub offices opening, the First Minister said: The Scottish Government wants to strengthen our partnership  not just on the basis of our historic ties but our modern connections: friendships, cultural links, business ties, shared appetite for innovation and, most of all, our shared values.
Russian lawyers appeal against recovery of $4.5 mln scheduled for March 28

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

10:39 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI)  The Tenth Commercial Court of Appeals will consider an appeal lodged by Chairman of Tretyakov & Partners law firm Igor Tretyakov, a defendant in the Roscosmos embezzlement case, against a ruling to collect over 308 million rubles ($4.5 million) from him. The hearing has been scheduled for March 28, according to court records.

In late 2018, the Moscow Regional Commercial Court ordered recovery of the money Tretyakov allegedly received in the S.A. Lavochkin Scientific Union under the pretence of legal services. The court also declared 21 contracts signed by the Scientific Union and the lawyer between July 2016 and January 2018 invalid.

The court therefore granted a claim filed by the Moscow Region Prosecutors Office on behalf of the Federal Property Management Agency (Rosimushchestvo) and the state corporation Roscosmos. Prosecutors insisted that the agreements were invalid as Tretyakov had not participate in court proceedings himself. Thus, the lawyer has only created a semblance of his activity.

Currently, Tretyakov is also a defendant in the case on embezzling 330 million rubles (about $5 million) from Roscosmos. His detention was recently extended until December 19. Two other defendants, ex-CEO of the S.A. Lavochkin Scientific Union Sergey Lemeshevsky and chief of the Unions legal department Yekaterina Averyanova are also detained.

According to investigators, the defendants have stolen assets of Roscosmos by signing fraudulent contracts for provision of legal services with the law firm. All the works were allegedly performed by the corporations own specialists. The overall sum of payments to the firm reached 330 million rubles.
Runaway schoolgirl Shamima Begum has claimed she was just a housewife when she left Britain to join Islamic State (IS) in Syria and does not regret her decision.

Ms Begum, who has given birth to a baby boy, accepted she may have made a mistake but told Sky News that living under IS had made her stronger, tougher.

The 19-year-old said she had been attracted to go to Syria after seeing news and videos on the internet which emphasised the role of family, adding that her biggest priority now was her son.

But she admitted she knew the group was carrying out beheadings and executions before she left, adding that she was OK with it at first.

Asked if she felt she made a mistake travelling to Syria, she said: In a way, yes, but I dont regret it because its changed me as a person. Its made me stronger, tougher, you know.

I married my husband, I wouldnt have found someone like him back in the UK.

I had my kids, I did have a good time there. Its just that then things got harder and I couldnt take it any more and I had to leave.

Ms Begum was speaking next to her newborn son, who she said she had named after her previous son who died, in accordance with her husbands wishes.

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The teenager was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK to travel to Syria in February 2015.

She told The Times last week while heavily pregnant that she wishes to bring up her baby in the UK, and her family have begged for her to be shown mercy and to be allowed to return to east London.

She said she felt a lot of people should have sympathy for me as she did not know what she was getting into when she left the UK, before acknowledging that it would be really hard to be rehabilitated into British society.

They dont really have proof that I did anything that is dangerousShamima Begum

She said: It would be really hard, everything I have been through.

Im still kind of in the mentality of planes over my head and having the emergency backpack and starving and all these things.

It would be a really big shock to go back to the UK and start a life again.

When it was put to her that people in Britain may have concerns about the views she may still have about IS, she said: Thats something they have to question me about before they take my child away, I guess.

Asked to respond to comments that she could be potentially very dangerous if she returned, she said: They dont have any evidence against me doing anything dangerous, when I went to Syria I was just a housewife, the entire four years I stayed at home, took care of my husband, took care of my kids, I never did anything I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria.

They dont really have proof that I did anything that is dangerous.

Ms Begum said no British consulate officials had met or spoken to her, only journalists.

Earlier on Sunday, Ms Begums family revealed they had been told she had given birth.

In a statement released through their lawyer they said: We, the family of Shamima Begum, have been informed that Shamima has given birth to her child, we understand that both she and the baby are in good health.

As yet we have not had direct contact with Shamima, we are hoping to establish communications with her soon so that we can verify the above.

The lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, later confirmed: Its a boy.
A hate crime in Salford where racist graffiti was daubed on the door of a father and sons home is being investigated by police, who apologised for their delayed response.

Jackson Yamba said he reported the abhorrent crime more than a week ago, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had not yet visited to investigate.

He shared a photograph of a flat front door with the words NO BLACKS visible in dripped white paint on Twitter on Saturday evening.

My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti - after reporting it to @gmpolice they still haven't been here to investigate. How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home? @BBCBreaking @RLong_Bailey @guardian pic.twitter.com/WjGEz9rT7e  Jackson Yamba (@JacksonYamba) February 16, 2019

Alongside the image, he asked: How do I assure my traumatised 10 year old that he is safe in his home?

The following morning, chief constable Ian Hopkins said he had only just become aware of the appalling crime and apologised for the lack of response.

When Mr Yamba said he was told there were not enough staff when he contacted GMP on February 8, Mr Hopkins replied: That is frankly just not good enough.

There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. Its an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.

That is frankly just not good enough. There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. It's an appalling crime you and your family have suffered.  Ian Hopkins (@CCIanHopkins) February 17, 2019

GMP later said it was aware of concerns about its response to the reports of racist graffiti at the flat in Irlams o th Height, north east Salford.

The force added that it was sorry Mr Yamba had received a service below what we would seek to provide and that they had visited him on Sunday morning.

Since Mr Yamba tweeted the image, messages of support have flooded in to the father and son.

There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly. It's an appalling crime you and your family have sufferedChief constable Ian Hopkins

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the pair replace their door, and exceeded its 1,000 target in less than six hours.

And they were invited to be special guests at a local rugby match and meet the Salford Red Devils.

MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey, replied to Mr Yambas post asking him to email her.

We are investigating a report of a hate crime in Salford in which racist graffiti was painted on the front door of a flat in Irlams o' th' Height on Friday 8 February 2019. pic.twitter.com/gnTZM45Irp  Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) February 17, 2019

In response to the messages, Mr Yamba tweeted: I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.

There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.
A man who carried out a 180,000 VAT tax fraud to repay money he had previously made as a forger has been jailed for more than two years.

John Farrell, 61, used fake passports and driving licences to set up bogus companies and bank accounts to fraudulently claim VAT repayments, an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation found.

He laundered 75,000 of the money through a bogus Cypriot account before using it to pay most of a 96,000 confiscation order imposed after he was jailed for five years and eight months for running a counterfeiting operation at a factory in East Kilbride producing fake banknotes.

Farrell, from Thorntonhall, South Lanarkshire, was jailed for 27 months when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday after pleading guilty to VAT fraud and money laundering at a previous appearance in January, HMRC said.

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HMRC began looking into the bogus companies after concerns were raised about the VAT claims and an officer visited Farrell, who was using the name Andrew Strachan.

However, Farrells false identity was exposed when the eagle-eyed HMRC officer recognised him from a newspaper article about the forgery confiscation order.

Cheryl Burr, assistant director, fraud investigation service, HMRC, said: This was a shocking ploy by Farrell to pocket public money. His actions were one of pure greed, so he could lead a comfortable lifestyle in a house worth more than 1 million.

He then had the cheek to use the proceeds of this fraud to repay a confiscation order imposed on him. Rather than repay the public purse, he chose to steal from it.

The VAT he illegally reclaimed could have paid for the equivalent of seven new nurses in Scotland for a year.

HMRC will continue to pursue criminals who attack the tax system and we ask anyone with information about suspected VAT fraud to report it to HMRC online or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.

HMRC officers searched Farrells home on June 5, 2013 and found more than 24 mobiles, laptops, memory cards and false passports which they seized.

A bag containing a laptop, paperwork relating to the bogus companies, prepaid credit cards and phone sim cards was found hidden in the eaves of the 1 million mansion, while a false driving licence in the name of Andrew Strachan containing Farrells picture was discovered on an electronic device recovered.

Farrell was arrested and charged after interview on the same day.

HMRC said he stole 180,591.20 by claiming VAT repayments for several bogus companies between 2011 and 2012.

He laundered 75,000 of the stolen money through the bogus Cypriot company account before using it to pay part of the confiscation order.

Authorities are also seeking a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) against Farrell for when he leaves prison.

If successful, it would be the first to be imposed on the back of a HMRC conviction in Scotland, the organisation said.

Michael Mullen, 41, an associate of Farrells, pleaded guilty to owning or controlling registered addresses for false businesses to facilitate the commission of VAT fraud in a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court last month.

Mullen, from Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, was sentenced to a Community Payback Order and a Restriction of Liberty Order at the same court on Monday.
Huawei has always maintained it has no links to the Chinese government other than to pay taxes (Steve Parsons/PA)

Any potential risk posed by Chinese technology giant Huawei to UK telecoms infrastructure can be mitigated, government cybersecurity bosses have determined.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has concluded that it can mitigate any risks posed by using the Chinese firms equipment in communications systems such as the upcoming rollout of new 5G networks, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The reported conclusion, which has not yet been published, comes despite ongoing fears raised by the United States over the safety and security of Huawei equipment, which it believes could be ordered by the Chinese state to gather data for intelligence purposes.

Huawei has always maintained it has no links to the Chinese government other than to pay taxes, and last week accused the US of a geopolitical campaign against the company in an attempt to gain leverage in trade negotiations with China.

The report suggests this new UK stance could convince other nations to soften their position on the Chinese firm.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has previously expressed concerns over Huawei, but former GCHQ boss Robert Hannigan suggested last week that the issue was too complex to simply ban the firm.

The tech giant said it was committed to working with governments around the world  including the UK  and that its sharing of source code with the Huawei Cyber Security Evaluation Centre (HCSEC), which includes UK Government officials, mobile operators and Huawei executives, had left the firm naked in front of those assessing it.

When we look at major equipment providers for 5G, you have Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung and ZTE  as you can see, there is no American company hereEric Xu, one of Huawei's three rotating chairmen

An NCSC spokeswoman said: The National Cyber Security Centre is committed to the security of UK networks, and we have a unique oversight and understanding of Huawei engineering and cybersecurity.

As was made clear in Julys HCSEC oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huaweis engineering and security capabilities. We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make.

The latest annual HCSEC report will be published in the near future.

Downing Street said no decisions have been taken yet.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays official spokesman said: Our review of the right policy approach to 5G security and resilience is still ongoing, the review is looking at a range of options and no decisions have been taken.

He added: We are committed to ensuring the UKs telecoms networks are fully secure. The Government and British telecoms operators work with a range of companies to manage cybersecurity risks while ensuring the UK can continue to benefit from new technology.

Huaweis chief marketing officer for wireless network products, Peter Zhou, said last week that cybersecurity and privacy protection are the overarching priority of Huawei.

And the company has recently announced that in the coming five years an additional two billion dollars will be invested to further improve our software engineering capability so as to ensure that more trusted and reliable products will be developed, he said.

Several countries, including the US, Australia and New Zealand, have already taken steps to restrict or limit Huaweis presence in its 5G network infrastructure over security concerns.

The new communications technology is expected to begin rolling out later this year, greatly increasing the amount of data that can be sent over a network.

However, Eric Xu, one of Huaweis three rotating chairmen, recently suggested the US labelling of Huawei as a cyber threat was an attempt by the country to stifle the firms growing status as a tech industry leader.

When we look at major equipment providers for 5G, you have Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung and ZTE  as you can see, there is no American company here, he said.

Some other people argue that if Huawei equipment was used in those countries, US agencies would find it harder to get access to information about people or find it harder to intercept their mobile communications.
Honda is planning to close its plant in Swindon with the loss of more than 3,000 jobs.

Workers at the Wiltshire factory told the Press Association they were devastated by the announcement, which is expected to be confirmed by the Japanese car giant on Tuesday.

Honda failed to respond to repeated requests for a comment on Monday, and no reason for the decision has been given.

Swindon MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland said they were disappointed and surprised by the news, which comes less than six months after Honda bosses pledged their support for the plant.

A statement on behalf of the Conservative duo, after a meeting on Monday afternoon with Honda and Business Secretary Greg Clark, said: Honda have been very clear  this decision has been made because of the global trends and is not related to Brexit.

Honda: @RobertBuckland & I have already spoken to the Business Secretary & Honda. They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.  Justin Tomlinson MP (@JustinTomlinson) February 18, 2019

Honda have told us today that they will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses or change in production until 2021.

Staff in the Wiltshire town  which voted 55% in favour of Brexit in the 2016 referendum  said they were angry with the development.

One worker, who has been at the plant for 24 years, told the Press Association he blamed the closure on Brexit.

The Remain voter said: Perfectly viable car plant operating for 30 years, no problem at all  as soon as Brexit comes along the plant needs investment.

People like Justin Tomlinson, our MP, campaigned for this Brexit. He wanted Brexit  he gets to carry the can. If hes not unseated by a massive majority at the next election then this town gets what it deserves.

Asked how he felt about the news, the man replied: Pretty hacked off, to be fair.

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Another man leaving the site said staff had not been warned about the announcement.

He said: Devastated. Thats all I can say.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: Hondas decision to close its factory in Swindon is a huge blow to the thousands of workers and the whole community. The governments disastrous handling of Brexit is letting people down across the country.

Alan Tomala, regional officer for the Unite union, and a former employee at the plant between 1995 and 2007, said workers were angry, dismayed and worried.

If the speculation is to be confirmed, 3,500 jobs are at risk, Mr Tomala said.

The usual formula is one job in the plant equates to four in the supply chain and the local economy. If closure is confirmed, it will rip the heart out of this area.

Reports that Honda is set to close its factory in Swindon with the potential loss of 3,500 jobs would be aa shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturinga, Unite, Britain and Irelandas largest union, said today (Monday 18 February).https://t.co/j6rxeG4sy7  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) February 18, 2019

He said the union represented more than 1,200 workers at the plant, and they had not been told if the rumours were correct.

For employees, our members and the wider workforce, both in the plant and in the supply chain, to hear about this through the media I think is disrespectful and disgraceful, Mr Tomala said.

The workforce in there deserve better than that.

The company employs about 3,500 people at the Swindon plant, building around 160,000 Civics a year, more than 90% of which are exported to Europe and the US.

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The news comes a fortnight after Nissan told workers its next-generation X-Trail would be made in Japan and not Sunderland, as planned, despite the Governments so-called sweetheart deal of up to 80 million to protect the firm from higher post-Brexit trade tariffs.

Labour MP Rachel Reeves, chairwoman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, said the closure would be devastating for Swindon, for jobs, for the supply chain, and for the UKs car industry.

She added: The threat of Brexit is already having a damaging impact on investment decisions in the UK. The PM now needs to rule out no deal immediately and keep us in the single market and customs union rather than risk further fatal damage to our car industry.

Speaking in September, Ian Howells, senior vice-president of Honda Europe, said the company remained right behind its plant in Swindon and was not considering moving out of the UK after Brexit.

Honda was the first major Japanese car company to get involved in large-scale manufacturing in the UK when it did a deal with British Leyland in 1980 to produce Honda-based models in BL factories.

Work began on its plant in Swindon in 1985.
Honda has been urged to rethink its devastating decision to close its Swindon plant which will jeopardise 3,500 jobs.

Workers at the Wiltshire factory reacted angrily on Monday to the move at a time of turmoil for UK car manufacturing and fears over the impact of Brexit.

The Japanese car giant failed to respond to requests for comment over the proposal which comes less than six months after bosses pledged support for the plant, but confirmation is expected on Tuesday.

After a meeting with Honda and Business Secretary Greg Clark, Swindons Tory MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland said they were disappointed and surprised by the news, adding that job losses were not expected until 2021.

Honda: @RobertBuckland & I have already spoken to the Business Secretary & Honda. They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.  Justin Tomlinson MP (@JustinTomlinson) February 18, 2019

Speaking to ITN, Mr Buckland later urged the manufacturer to reconsider.

He said: Honda hasnt yet made its public announcement Ive already said that I think they should think again and I certainly would be ready to talk to them and anybody who cares to listen to make the case for Swindon as a strong centre for manufacturing.

He denied that Brexit was to blame for the surprising and shocking news, which he said was down to the firm wanting to take production back to Japan as it develops its electric engines.

Staff in the Wiltshire town  which voted 55% in favour of Brexit in the 2016 referendum  said they were angry about the development.

One worker, who has been at the plant for 24 years, told the Press Association he blamed the closure on Brexit.

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The Remain voter said: Perfectly viable car plant operating for 30 years, no problem at all  as soon as Brexit comes along the plant needs investment.

People like Justin Tomlinson, our MP, campaigned for this Brexit. He wanted Brexit  he gets to carry the can. If hes not unseated by a massive majority at the next election then this town gets what it deserves.

Asked how he felt about the news, the man replied: Pretty hacked off, to be fair.

Another man leaving the site said staff had not been warned about the announcement.

He said: Devastated. Thats all I can say.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it is a huge blow to workers and the wider community, adding: The Governments disastrous handling of Brexit is letting people down across the country.

Honda's decision to close its factory in Swindon is a huge blow to the thousands of workers and the whole community.



The government's disastrous handling of Brexit is letting people down across the country.https://t.co/E6MK8DuVcB  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) February 18, 2019

Alan Tomala, regional officer for the Unite union, and a former employee at the plant between 1995 and 2007, said workers were angry, dismayed and worried.

If the speculation is to be confirmed, 3,500 jobs are at risk, Mr Tomala said.

The usual formula is one job in the plant equates to four in the supply chain and the local economy. If closure is confirmed, it will rip the heart out of this area.

He said the union represented more than 1,200 workers at the plant, and they had not been told if the reports were correct.

Reports that Honda is set to close its factory in Swindon with the potential loss of 3,500 jobs would be aa shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturinga, Unite, Britain and Irelandas largest union, said today (Monday 18 February).https://t.co/j6rxeG4sy7  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) February 18, 2019

For employees, our members and the wider workforce, both in the plant and in the supply chain, to hear about this through the media I think is disrespectful and disgraceful, Mr Tomala said.

The workforce in there deserve better than that.

The company employs about 3,500 people at the Swindon plant, building around 160,000 Civics a year, more than 90% of which are exported to Europe and the US.

The news comes a fortnight after Nissan told workers its next-generation X-Trail would be made in Japan and not Sunderland, as planned, despite the Governments so-called sweetheart deal of up to 80 million to protect the firm from higher post-Brexit trade tariffs.

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Speaking in September, Ian Howells, senior vice-president of Honda Europe, said the company remained right behind its plant in Swindon and was not considering moving out of the UK after Brexit.

Honda was the first major Japanese car company to get involved in large-scale manufacturing in the UK when it did a deal with British Leyland in 1980 to produce Honda-based models in BL factories.

Work began on its plant in Swindon in 1985.
Honda is planning to close its plant in Swindon with the loss of more than 3,000 jobs.

Local Tory MP Justin Tomlinson confirmed the news, insisting that the decision is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.

The Japanese company declined to comment on the announcement which comes less than six months after bosses at the car giant pledged its commitment to the UK.

The company employs about 3,500 people at its plant in Wiltshire, building around 160,000 Honda Civics a year, more than 90% of which were exported to Europe and the US.

This will also affect thousands of jobs in the extensive supply chain across the countryDes Quinn, Unite union

Swindon North MP Mr Tomlinson said he and fellow Tory MP Robert Buckland (Swindon South) had spoken to the Business Secretary and the car firm about the decision.

He tweeted: They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.

Working with Honda, Gov (led by the Business Secretary), staff and Unions there will be a taskforce set up to provide support for all staff (as we did when jobs were lost previously at Honda).

Honda will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021.

Honda: @RobertBuckland & I have already spoken to the Business Secretary & Honda. They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.  Justin Tomlinson MP (@JustinTomlinson) February 18, 2019

Honda will be consulting with all staff and there is not expected to be any job losses, or changes in production until 2021.  Justin Tomlinson MP (@JustinTomlinson) February 18, 2019

Workers at the Honda plant in Swindon said they had not been informed about plans to close it.

When asked his reaction to the news, one man leaving the site said: Devastated. Thats all I can say.

Des Quinn, for the Unite union, said a closure would represent a shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing.

He added: We are seeking urgent clarification from Honda on the implications of these serious reports.

We will be doing everything we can in the coming days and weeks to support our members at this grave time for them, their families and the UK economy.

This will also affect thousands of jobs in the extensive supply chain across the country.

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The news comes a fortnight after Nissan told workers its next-generation X-Trail would be made in Japan and not Sunderland as planned, despite the Governments so-called sweetheart deal of up to 80 million to protect the firm from higher post-Brexit trade tariffs.

Labour MP Rachel Reeves, chairman of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee, described the how the closure would be devastating for Swindon, for jobs, for the supply-chain, and for the UKs car industry.

She added: The threat of Brexit is already having a damaging impact on investment decisions in the UK. The PM now needs to rule out no deal immediately and keep us in the single market and customs union rather than risk further fatal damage to our car industry.

Japan and the EU have a free-trade agreement, guaranteeing tariff-free access. It would be an act of folly to toss that away, along with friction-free access to the EU market, in the forlorn hope that we could negotiate a better deal.

Last month Honda announced plans for a six-day shutdown to prepare for any Brexit-related disruption.

A company statement at the time said: Honda has been assessing how best to prepare for any disruption caused by logistics and border issues following the UK leaving the EU on March 29.

To ensure Honda is well placed to adjust to all possible outcomes, we are planning six non-production days in April.

This is to facilitate production recovery activity following any delays at borders on parts.

These contingency provisions have been put in place to best mitigate the risk of disruption to production operations at the Swindon factory.

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Speaking in September, Ian Howells, the senior vice-president of Honda Europe, said the company remained right behind its production facility in Swindon and was not considering moving the plant out of the UK after Brexit.

He said: The only place we produce the vehicle we produce at Swindon is in Swindon itself. So from that point of view its a very big decision to take a different approach.

Certainly we are right behind our Swindon approach, and really it hasnt come up that we would have to look at putting Swindon somewhere else.

The logistics of moving a factory the size of Swindon would be huge, and as far as were concerned from a European (perspective), and as far as our Japanese head office is concerned, were right behind supporting continued production at Swindon and indeed our whole European operation to continue there.

In terms of the impact of Brexit, I think we are looking at hopefully relatively short-term disruption as we get used to the new rules and new ways of doing business.

Honda was the first major Japanese car company to get involved in large scale manufacturing the UK when it did a deal with British Leyland in 1980 to produce Honda-based models in BL factories.

Work began on its own plant at Swindon in 1985.

Swindon voted 55% in favour of Brexit at the referendum in 2016.
A group of seven Labour MPs have resigned from the party to sit in the House of Commons as independents, in the most significant split to hit the party since the breakaway of the Social Democratic Party in the early 1980s.

Luciana Berger, Chris Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey and Chuka Umunna are among the MPs from the partys centrist wing who have been the loudest critics of Jeremy Corbyns leadership, his stance on Brexit and his handling of allegations of anti-Semitism.

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Iave resigned from the Labour Party today. This is why a my message to my constituents in Nottingham East. #ChangePolitics pic.twitter.com/Z6qsLartQA  Chris Leslie (@ChrisLeslieUK) February 18, 2019

At a press conference at Londons County Hall to announce their move, Mr Leslie  a former shadow chancellor  said that Labour had been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left, while Ms Berger said she had come to the sickening conclusion that the party is now institutionally anti-Semitic.

Mr Corbyn said he was disappointed at their decision.

I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election and saw us increase our vote by the largest share since 1945, said the Labour leader in a statement.

Labour won people over on a programme for the many not the few  redistributing wealth and power, taking vital resources into public ownership, investing in every region and nation, and tackling climate change.

The Conservative Government is bungling Brexit, while Labour has set out a unifying and credible alternative plan. When millions are facing the misery of Universal Credit, rising crime, homelessness and poverty, now more than ever is the time to bring people together to build a better future for us all.

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Ms Berger accidentally introduced herself as the Labour Party MP, before correcting herself and saying: I am the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree.

She said: This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.

We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values.

From today, we will all sit in Parliament as a new independent group of MPs.

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Whatsapp Angela Smith and Gavin Shuker listen to Chuka Umunna answering questions following the announcement (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Ms Berger said she had become embarrassed and ashamed to remain in the Labour Party.

I have not changed. The core values of equality for all, opportunity for all, anti-racism against all and social justice  the values which I hold really dear and which led me to join the Labour Party as a student almost 20 years ago  remain who I am.

And yet these values have been consistently and constantly violated, undermined and attacked, as the Labour Party today declines to my constituents and our country before party interests.

I cannot remain in a party which I have come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic.
Arlene Foster has said the DUP will not be afraid to say yes to a "sensible" Brexit deal provided it works for every part of the UK.

It came as the party's deputy leader Nigel Dodds claimed a no-deal Brexit is better than leaving the EU with a bad deal - comments which were branded "astonishing" by the SDLP.

The pair were speaking at the DUP's spring conference in Omagh during the weekend.

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Last week MPs voted down Theresa May's approach to the Brexit talks - 303 to 258 against a motion endorsing the Government's negotiating strategy. With just over a month until the UK is due to leave, Mrs Foster said her party will say no when the deal is "not suitable", but will also "not be afraid to yes when the deal is right".

"We will measure any new draft withdrawal agreement against our own tests of both protecting the Union and respecting the referendum result," she said.

Mrs Foster added: "We must work for a sensible deal which works for every part of the United Kingdom."

Mr Dodds said Mrs May will have their support if "necessary changes" are made to the backstop.

He said the DUP wants a Brexit deal, "but we are very clear that a no-deal is better than a bad deal".

"As we leave the EU, for us the guiding star is the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland," he said.

Last night SDLP Brexit spokesman Daniel McCrossan hit out at what he termed the DUP's insistence on playing hardball with Brexit.

The West Tyrone MLA said: "It is astonishing that just five weeks out from leaving the European Union that the DUP continue to advocate for a no-deal Brexit."

Mrs Foster also focused on the absence of a functioning Stormont. She blamed Sinn Fein for the continued lack of self-government in Northern Ireland, more than two years after the powersharing institutions collapsed in January 2017.

It came a day after the five local parties met with the British and Irish Governments to discuss the resumption of political talks to revive Stormont.

Following the discussions on Friday, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald dismissed the efforts as a "sham".

London and Dublin are expected to produce proposals to restart the talks process.

On Saturday Mrs Foster accused republicans of engaging in the "politics of ransom".

"The restoration of Stormont should not be about political brinkmanship or about party advantage. "It should be about people," she said.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill hit back at Mrs Foster's comments.

"Sinn Fein wants to see the removal of the major obstacles to restoring the political institutions, an end to the denial of rights and the full implementation of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements," she said.

"The people deserve good government which has integrity and an end to the DUP's financial scandals. It is shameful the DUP leadership continues to set its face against achieving this."
The Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Health says he will back a vote of no confidence in Minister Simon Harris.

Dr Michael Harty, an Independent TD for Clare, said on Monday that a delay in providing a 60-bed unit at University Hospital Limerick sparked his decision.

This mornings shocking news that the urgently needed 60 bed modular unit at University Hospital Limerick has been delayed until at least mid 2020 is a betrayal of trust and of the people of the mid-west by government, Dr Hartys statement said.

In view of the failure to deliver this badly needed interim emergency unit for next winter, I will support the vote of no confidence in Simon HarrisMichael Harty

It is an indictment of both the Government, the Minister for Health and in particular Fine Gael TDs in Clare and Limerick who have failed abysmally to ensure that University Hospital Limerick is a properly functioning 21st century health care facility.

In view of the failure to deliver this badly needed interim emergency unit for next winter, I will support the vote of no confidence in Simon Harris.

Sinn Fein proposed the no confidence motion in Mr Harris after a number of issues in his department came to a head in recent weeks, most notably the significant cost overruns in the construction of the National Childrens Hospital.

Dr Harty had previously indicated that he would abstain on the vote of no confidence in Minister Harris as proposed by Sinn Fein, to ensure the government did not fall in the run up to Brexit.

However, the TD now says he has lost trust in this Minister and this government.

Simon Harris had previously indicated that funding would be provided to allow the unit to be completed by Autumn 2019.

The government came under fire last week when it was revealed that funding for the new ward has not yet been approved.

The 60-bed ward unit was hoped to alleviate the issue of overcrowding at the hospital.

Dr Harty added: I have said before that our dysfunctional health system is spiralling out of control and we are now just seeing the beginning of the knock on effects of health projects around the country following the scandalous overruns at the National Childrens Hospital.

A Statement from the UL Hospitals Group said that the objective has been to have the new beds available at the earliest opportunity subject to allocation of funding to deliver the project.

UL Hospitals Group understands that the draft HSE Capital Plan 2019 is due to be submitted to the Department of Health shortly, a statement said.

It will then be subject to the approval of the Minister for Health and the sanction of the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure.
An eighty-seven-year-old woman required hospital treatment after being pushed to the ground in Belfast city centre on Friday.

At around 3.10pm as the woman was standing at a bus stop outside a coffee shop on Donegall Square west it it is believed someone may have come up behind her and pushed her, causing her to fall to the ground.

She attended hospital for treatment to her injuries.

Sergeant Hagan said police were investigating the incident.

We are working to establish the circumstances of this incident. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact police at Lisburn Road on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 209 17/02/19," he said.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
The European Union has been urged to demonstrate trust and vision in talks with the UK at the start of a week of intense efforts to find a Brexit breakthrough.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the process was at a critical period but insisted there was a way through which could secure the support of MPs at Westminster.

His comments came as Theresa Mays effective deputy prime minister warned that a no-deal outcome would cause serious economic damage and could even put the future of the United Kingdom at risk.

Mr Hunt was speaking in Brussels at a foreign ministers meeting and is expected to have further talks with counterparts this week.

He said: What we need is trust and vision on both sides because what is at stake here is Britains relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years.

Just landed in Brussels for a day of talks with EU Foreign Ministers. This week Iall be travelling to visit 4 crucial European partners as well to discuss Brexit. Itas going to be busy... pic.twitter.com/VArF8yUmSv  Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) February 18, 2019

Mrs May will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days while Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay held a productive meeting with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Monday.

The Department for Exiting the EU (DExEU) confirmed officials discussed the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise to avoid the need for the controversial Irish backstop.

While the commission engaged seriously with these proposals it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop, a DExEU spokesman said.

We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements  especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force.

Ahead of his talks with Mr Barclay, Mr Barnier said time is very short as the clock ticks down to Brexit day on March 29.

After an intensive weekend @MunSecConf discussing global affairs, security and #brexit, I am now travelling back to Brussels to continue discussions with UK gov this week. Time is very short... pic.twitter.com/2fubHY4Zst  Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) February 17, 2019

Mr Lidington stressed the Governments determination to secure a deal and issued a stark warning about what was at stake.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that a no-deal Brexit was something that no member of the Cabinet wants to see, because it would cause some serious damage to our economy and, I think, put strain on the union of the United Kingdom.

In a sign of the increased Government activity, Mrs May spoke over the weekend to seven European leaders including Italys Giuseppe Conte, following talks last week with 13 counterparts including Germanys Angela Merkel and Frances Emmanuel Macron.

She hopes to speak to the remaining EU leaders over the coming days.

But despite the intensive engagement, Number 10 insiders acknowledged it was hard to judge what progress would be made this week.

In a speech later this week, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the insurance policy to avoid a hard border.

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Mr Lidington said the Attorney General on Tuesday would explain how the legal tests that he has set about ensuring the so-called backstop cannot be used to trap the UK indefinitely could be met and overcome and he expected MPs to put great weight on his advice.

Mrs May had made clear that she wanted to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement to secure legal reassurance on the backstop, said Mr Lidington, though he accepted that would be very difficult.

It comes after Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright suggested Mrs May might not seek to reopen the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the backstop, prompting anger from Eurosceptic Tories.

Expand Close Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it was not the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC) Press Association Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it was not the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC)

Mr Wright implied the agreement could be amended via a codicil, saying the objective mattered more than the mechanism.

Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood said it was not possible to gloss the Withdrawal Agreement.

It needs significant changes, Im not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation, he told the Press Association.

Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said, if the changes were just flowery words, then the deal wont wash.
DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has warned that the UK is heading for a no-deal Brexit if the EU and Republic of Ireland refuse to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.

Sir Jeffrey was speaking after Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said that their would be no "key-hole surgery" to the withdrawal agreement or the Irish border backstop.

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Mr Coveney was speaking ahead of a trip by Prime Minister Theresa May to Brussels this week to meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Last month MPs voted to replace the backstop, aimed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland, with "alternative arrangements".

However the EU and Irish Government have remained steadfast in their position that the backstop cannot be changed.

However, they indicated they might be willing to make changes to the political declaration, laying out the future relationship between the UK and EU, to allay concerns.

The backstop plan is opposed by Tory Brexiteers and the DUP and has been a constant sticking point in the Brexit negotiations.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney said that the Irish Government would not be "steamrolled" as the Brexit process draws to a close ahead of the UK leaving the EU on March 29.

A spokesman for Mr Coveney said that Ireland would not take the blame for any failure of Brexit talks.

"The Tanaiste made it clear that any attempt to isolate Ireland as the problem in the Brexit process in European capitals would fail," the spokesperson said.

In response to Mr Coveney's comments Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey said that "any agreement is never closed until it is agreed by both sides".

"Otherwise it isnt an agreement at all," he tweeted.

"UK Parliament has made it clear that change to withdrawal terms is needed.

"If EU/Republic of Ireland refuses then we are heading for no deal. Is that what Dublin really wants?" He asked.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill has told supporters that it is time to make partition in Ireland history.

Mrs O'Neill was speaking at a commemoration for murdered councillor John Davey in Lavey.

He was shot dead by loyalist terrorists in 1989.

Mrs O'Neill paid tribute to him as a patriot.

In her speech, a day after DUP leader Arlene Foster accused republicans of blocking the restoration of devolution, Mrs O'Neill said that if the DUP wanted to exercise political power, "then the cost is to embrace a rights-based society and openness, transparency and equal partnership government, which works for everyone".

"Sinn Fein wants to see the removal of the major obstacles to restoring the political institutions, an end to the denial of rights and the DUP's financial scandals, and the full implementation of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements," she said.

"We want an Assembly which operates differently from what has gone before, to usher in a new kind of politics, which is progressive, respectful, and has integrity.

"We will not be part of an unjust government. There will be no return to the status quo."

She went on to say it is time to talk about the future of Ireland.

"We are now in the midst of what is the most defining period politically, economically and constitutionally since the Good Friday Agreement 21 years ago," she added.

"It is time to talk about the future of our island and people together.

"And it is time to render the British border in Ireland permanently invisible and to make the partition of this country history."
Prison officer David Black was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 to work at Maghaberry Prison in 2012.

The son of a prison officer murdered by dissident republicans has been selected to stand for the DUP in May's council elections.

Kyle Black will be the DUP candidate for the Carntogher electoral area within Mid Ulster Council.

In November 2012, Mr Black's father, David, was shot dead by dissident republicans as he drove along the M1 to work at Maghaberry Prison.

Days after the killing, the New IRA claimed responsibility for the murder.

Speaking following his selection, Mr Black said his family has received a great deal of community support in recent years and he wanted to give back.

"I have obviously been shaped and moulded by my own background and circumstances, which will always be a massive part of who I am,"he said.

"I cannot change what has happened, however I will not let my circumstances totally define who I am as an individual.

"I feel that I now have a voice, which can be used in a positive way within the political arena. My family and I have received a great deal of public support in recent years and this has driven me to want to give back to the community.

"I am determined to play my part in building a better future for everyone in our society."

The DUP candidate has spoken out in recent years against terrorism, most recently in the wake of car bomb in Londonderry last month, which was blamed on the New IRA.

Mr Black said he wanted to speak for those in the Mid Ulster Council area where the "unionist voice is in the minority".

"Many people feel that republicans are very quick to demand respect from others but demonstrate no willingness to offer any such respect to the unionist community," he added.

"I firmly believe in equality and respect, however this approach does not reflect the true meaning of these phrases. Equality and respect cannot be a one way street."

DUP leader Arlene Foster said she was "delighted" Mr Black will be contesting the upcoming elections.

"As a young person Kyle has experienced some of the worst of our society but I have been hugely impressed with his determination to make a difference and desire to make a difference," she added.

"In Mid Ulster, like all of Northern Ireland only the DUP has the strength to deliver. A strong team of DUP Councillors can deliver the best services at the lowest possible cost to the ratepayer, can build better communities and strengthen the Union.

"I know that Kyle will play an invaluable role within that strong team in Mid Ulster."
Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald alongside Marian Walsh(front right) whose son was Damien was killed in 1993 was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Marian Walsh, whose son was Damien was killed in 1993, was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald alongside Marian Walsh(front right) whose son was Damien was killed in 1993 was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Sinn Fein is opposed to the next Northern Ireland police chief being appointed from within the organisation, Mary Lou McDonald has indicated.

The party president said she did not have confidence in any of the current senior PSNI command team to succeed George Hamilton after he retires in June.

Mrs McDonald said the PSNI had zero credibility in its handling of cases linked to the legacy of the Troubles.

Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Her comments came after she met bereaved families caught up in a controversy involving the polices failure to disclosure documents about historic killings to Northern Irelands Police Ombudsman.

After the meeting in Belfast, Ms McDonald was asked if she had confidence in any of the current leadership team to replace Mr Hamilton.

I dont, she replied.

The Sinn Fein leader added: Is there somebody inside who I think should be the chief constable, and I have to answer honestly that no, I cant identify such a person.

Lots of this is about who leads, who is in the top job in policing, but it goes much more broad than that. This is an issue of the culture of policing, its about the systems and its about their capacity to be and to be held fully accountable.

Last week, it emerged that the PSNI failed to disclose significant information relating to a notorious loyalist mass shooting.

Police Ombudsman Michael Maguire said significant, sensitive information around the incident at a bookmakers in south Belfast was not made available to his investigators.

Expand Close Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire (Paul Faith/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Five people were killed on February 5 1992, when members of the Loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) opened fire on the Sean Graham bookmakers shop on the lower Ormeau Road.

Dr Maguires office said the non-disclosed material, which it has now obtained, has opened new lines of inquiry in its investigation into the Ormeau Road shootings, as well as activities of loyalist paramilitaries in the north west between 1988 and 1994, and its probe into the murder of teenager Damien Walsh at a coal depot in west Belfast in 1993.

Last week, PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin apologised on behalf of the police and said they never sought to withhold the information from the ombudsman investigators, putting the incident down to human error.

Mrs McDonald, Sinn Fein vice president Michelle ONeill and other party figures met a number of the impacted families at a community centre close to the scene of the Ormeau Road shootings on Monday afternoon.

The party members also met with police commanders earlier in the day.

Afterwards, Mrs McDonald was scathing in her assessment of the police.

We have made absolutely clear to the PSNI that they have zero credibility in their dealing with legacy cases, she said.

We have made it clear to the PSNI that their very cynical strategy and policy of withholding information or selectively disclosing some information and holding back the rest is entirely cynical, its entirely unacceptable and it has dealt another blow to confidence in policing.

But, more importantly, it has confirmed for very many families who have been waiting almost a lifetime in some cases, it has confirmed again that the policing authority in this state is not capable and not willing to act in an honourable, in a truthful and I would say in a fully democratic fashion when it comes to telling the truth.

The chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, said Ms McDonalds comments were wholly inappropriate and offensive and called for an apology from the party leader.

This amounts to extraordinary interference in an open and transparent selection process, he said.

To adopt this public position now is wholly inappropriate, offensive and ill-judged.

Her comments have placed her partys representatives on the Policing Board in a difficult position and in the interests of fairness to senior PSNI officers who might put their names forward for the post, I call on the Sinn Fein President to reflect on her grave miscalculation and apologise.

Mr Hamilton liked and retweeted a number of tweets from the Police Federation calling for an apology from Ms McDonald on social media on Monday night.

A Department of Justice spokesperson also made reference to the comments, saying: The Northern Ireland Policing Board is putting in place a process for the appointment of a chief constable, she said.

It is important to attract the best candidates from all quarters for this important and challenging role.

Policing Board chairwoman Anne Connolly said: The appointment of a new chief constable is a priority for the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

The selection and assessment processes will be based on the key principles of merit, fairness and openness.

The Superintendents Association NI also raised concern.

The comments made by the president of Sinn Fein, regarding the selection process for a new chief constable, are very far from fair or reasonable, the SANI executive said in a statement.

Strong assurances will be needed from the NIPB and, in the absence of an Assembly, the Secretary of State regarding the objectivity, transparency and fairness of any future selection processes. We will seek a meeting with the chair of the Policing Board on this matter.
Ratepayers should not be left footing the bill after a council paid 1,500 for a table at a DUP fundraising dinner in breach of its own policy, TUV leader Jim Allister has said.

The event, hosted by North Antrim MP Ian Paisley and attended by top Tory Michael Gove, was held at the Tullyglass Hotel outside Ballymena in September 2017.

Last week an internal report by the NI Audit Office revealed that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has a policy limiting spending on attending gala dinners and events to 500.

If the Audit Office has found that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council breached its own rules in paying 1,500 to attend the Paisley dinner, then when and where will we see the accountability? Mr Allister asked.

Who is going to take responsibility for the breach of rules and recompense the ratepayers for 1,500 irregularly paid out?

That is a question I would like answered without any ducking and diving.

If 1,500 of ratepayers money was paid out improperly, then why should the ratepayers stand the loss?

The Audit Office report, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, says the council did not discuss its attendance at the dinner in line with this policy.

The council has undertaken to review its policy on attendance at gala dinners and will consider the approach taken by other local authorities.

However, the proposed new policy does not specify spending limits.

Sinn Fein councillor Patrice Hardy has previously said when she initially raised concerns that ratepayers money may have been used to fund the DUP, they were dismissed by the council.

I was forced to submit Freedom of Information requests and to ask the Electoral Commission to intervene, simply to try and get answers as to how ratepayers money was being used by the council, she said.

Ms Hardy added that if it is the case that council officers knowingly breached their own policy in order to pay this money, that is a very serious matter.

Under Electoral Commission rules, local authorities are not considered permissible donors to political parties.

Money from such bodies must be returned.

The council said in a statement last night: Elected members at full council in August 2017 agreed, without objection, to purchase this table and the event was attended by elected members from different political parties, senior officers and representatives from the agri-food sector across the borough to avail of the opportunity to discuss first-hand with the minister their issues and concerns in relation to the agri-food sector post-Brexit.

Council was requested to make payment to the Tullyglass Hotel and did so electronically.

Causeway Coast and Glens Council also paid 1,500 for a table at the dinner.
The Sinn Fein leaders comments on the selection of the new PSNI chief constable has led to criticism from a number of political opponents.

Mary Lou McDonald indicated she wants someone outside the PSNI to replace Chief Constable George Hamilton when he retires in June.

The party president said she did not have confidence in any of the current senior PSNI command team to succeed Mr Hamilton.

.@JohnBlairMLA questions whether Sinn FAin can remain on Chief Constable interview panel after comments.



See more here -https://t.co/SjYkYcOWIB  Alliance Party (@allianceparty) February 18, 2019

DUP Policing Board Member Mervyn Storey MLA said he was seeking legal advice from the Chief Executive of the Policing Board regarding Ms McDonalds comments.

This is a very foolish comment, he said.

There are many capable officers in the PSNI and to make such a blanket statement is an outrageous generalisation.

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Policing Board members will be responsible for interviewing and assessing any future chief constable.

How can any SF member sit on that panel and candidates from the PSNI expect to get a fair hearing?

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald alongside Marian Walsh(front right) whose son was Damien was killed in 1993 was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald alongside Marian Walsh(front right) whose son was Damien was killed in 1993 was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Marian Walsh, whose son was Damien was killed in 1993, was one of the family members who was at the meeting. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Michael McHugh/PA) / Facebook

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Anyone sitting on that panel must be fair and open-minded rather than having a pre-determined

outcome.

Likewise, Alliance Policing Board member John Blair questioned whether Sinn Fein can remain on the interview panel to select a new chief constable.

This was a careless and irresponsible thing to say, said the South Antrim MLA.

It would be the ideal scenario to have as broad a representation as possible on the selection panel which interviews candidates and decides upon George Hamiltons replacement.

However, this intervention from Mary Lou McDonald now begs the question as to whether any Sinn Fein representative can sit on that panel.

The Ulster Unionist Partys Policing Board representative, Alan Chambers, has responded by asking if Sinn Fein is preparing to withdraw support for policing.

Mary Lou McDonald needs to be very careful in what she says, he said.

There will be genuine concerns that this is Sinn Feins way of signalling that it is preparing to withdraw support for policing in Northern Ireland.

You would almost think they dont want to be policed by anyone.
Nearly 30m was spent in two years by drafting in temporary staff to plug gaps in the civil service.

The trade union NIPSA branded the issue of agency workers "a blight on our public services".

It said a lack of proper workforce planning meant that thousands of public sector staff were denied job security and could "be let go at the drop of a hat".

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Figures obtained by this newspaper in a Freedom of Information request show that from April 2017 until March 2018, 18.1m was spent employing 1,275 agency staff.

In the previous 12 months, 11.8m was spent on 812 temporary workers.

A total of 3,000 permanent staff had left the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) in its controversial voluntary exit scheme between September 2015 and May 2016.

More than 90m was spent on redundancy packages.

However, the Department of Finance defended the employment of so many temporary workers saying the expenditure represented 1.3% of the total NICS salary bill.

It said: "The use of agency staff is a legitimate and necessary way to manage some aspects of temporary work and meet particular business needs.

"This is normal practice in any modern large organisation providing a range of services to the public."

Asked if civil servants who had taken voluntary redundancy had subsequently come back as agency workers, the Department of Finance said: "Agency staff are not employees of the NICS.

"It is for the relevant agency to provide the best people for the jobs."

TUV leader Jim Allister said clear answers were needed.

He said: "To me the most shocking aspect of this matter is not just that the SF/DUP executive spent 90m on financial handshakes under the voluntary exit scheme, but then (the civil service) will not say how many of those who left came back as agency workers at further huge cost."

Mr Allister added: "Where was the financial sense in compensating people to leave and then taking them back as agency workers? The extent and cost of agency workers since suggests to me that much of the voluntary exit scheme was ill-conceived and an expensive exercise."

NIPSA general secretary Alison Millar said: "The issue of agency workers is a blight on our public services. NIPSA has been raising this issue with the NICS and other public sector employers for the last few years.

"There is a lack of proper workforce planning which means that hundreds if not thousands of staff working in the public sector have no job security and can be let go at the drop of a hat. The reality is a number of them have been there for years."

Ms Millar said that it was in the union's view a "cynical ploy" to keep agency workers "in their place".

She continued: "They are not able to access proper public sector pensions nor access mortgages or make long term financial commitments - they are stuck in a time warp.

"This is not the fault of the many hard working dedicated agency staff who want a proper permanent job.

"NIPSA continues to raise this issue for proper workforce planning for the NICS and other public sector employers."

Ulster Unionist MLA Steve Aiken said his party had expressed concerns at the time about how the voluntary exit scheme was being rolled out.

"Not only was it giving large sums of public money to some people who would have already been shortly leaving the Northern Ireland Civil Service anyway, but its chaotic rollout saw thousands of others leave in a totally unco-ordinated manner," he said.

"Essential positions were becoming vacant and departments and bodies simply had no choice but to fill them again, and often the only source of staff were agencies.

"Lessons must be learnt so that those same mistakes are never made again."
Aide to Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Andy Owusu says he will make videos available of what really happened in Talensi, Chereponi and Amenfi West bye-election to expose former President John Dramani Mahama.



According to him, the former president peddled falsehoods when he met some diplomats recently over the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency by-election shootings.



Mr. Mahama hosted the diplomatic community in Aburi to present the National Democratic Congress position on the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election shootings and in the process showed about two videos to the diplomats.



In one of the videos, the former President claimed, was on the funeral of the late New Patriotic Partys Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, Emmanuel Agyarko.



Whilst making reference to the funeral video, Mr. Mahama alleged that some persons captured on the tape were hoodlums of the NPP, claiming that one of the male hoodlums was wearing an earring and so cannot be said to be a national security operative as he believed male personnel of the Ghana Police Service do not wear earrings.



In the second video, Mr. Mahama told the diplomats that same hoodlums who attended the funeral of the late MP were brought to Accra on January 31, 2019 to provide security for the NPPs candidate for the by-election, Lydia Seyram Alhassan who is the spouse of the deceased lawmaker.



But Andy Owusu in a statement copied to Peacefmonline.com wondered why the former president did not show footages of similar occurrence during Talensi, Chereponi and Amenfi West bye-elections to the diplomats.



Sadly, he failed to include videos of violence acts from Talensi, Chereponi, and Amenfi West bye elections that happened during his unfortunate time as a President of this country. If indeed, Mr. Mahama was honest to himself and not desperate he would have included all these acts of disheartening violence that happened under him, Andy said in the statement.





Read Below full statement



Just recently Mahama gathered some Diplomats to mischievously show them unrelated and selective videos of some violence which occurred at the bye elections at Ayawaso.



This cruel move does not only expose his desperation and hypocrisy, but, it further gives us all a clear indication of his mission to destroy our country.



During his regrettable time with these Diplomats, he showed only some selected incidence and even a lot of unrelated events .



Sadly, he failed to include videos of violence acts from Talensi, Chereponi, and Amenfi West bye elections that happened during his unfortunate time as a President of this country. If indeed, Mr. Mahama was honest to himself and not desperate he would have included all these acts of disheartening violence that happened under him.



Since, Mr. Mahama was selective and joined unrelated videos to these Diplomats to please his selfish interest, I will personally go on a tour to premier those violence acts he left out in his video.



I will equally upload videos of the violence and lawlessness which took place at Talensi, Chereponi and the likes that happened under his poorly remarked presidency.



I want to show the world Mr. Mahama's hypocrisy and reasons why he should be ignored on these forms of defaming borne out of desperation.



I urge these Diplomats to ignore Mr. Mahama and not fall a victim of his desperation and hypocrisy.



They should know he had the chance to lead the country at the presidency for 8 years, and he messed up everything in this country and that is the very reason he was discontinued as a President of this country. So in his desperation to turn things around he's ready to do anything, fair or foul to succeed on his unattainable mission to ascend to the throne of the presidency to mess Ghana up again.



Signed

Andy Owusu

NPP, Ashanti Region













Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash









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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Police described accident and emergency (A&E) departments at two Northern Ireland hospitals as like "an Eastenders Christmas Special meets Jeremy Kyle" on Saturday night.

Extra police were required at Craigavon Area Hospital and Antrim Area Hospital to support medical staff.

Nineteen police officers were required to deal with individuals whod been arrested for drink driving, domestic abuse, assaults and road traffic collisions due to drink or drugs.

A PSNI spokesperson said that their Saturday night policing operation was "one of great frustration, and yet again a major strain on our resources".

"Thats nineteen officers many miles away from district, nineteen officers removed from Policing your area, nineteen officers unable to respond to calls and carrying out anti burglary patrols," the spokesperson said.

"The A&E department itself was like an Eastenders Christmas Special meets Jeremy Kyle, with additional local police required to deal with that side of things."

The spokesperson said that such operations were putting a strain on police resources.

"Its part of a wider debate about police resources and police being a general catch all service expected to plug endless gaps," the spokesperson said.

"As is so often the case most of these boil down to individuals and personal responsibility - or rather a severe lack of it, with the expectation that police will just pick up the pieces.

"The mindset needs to change, it is not sustainable."
The DUP last night said it would not support moves to add a 'codicil' to the Brexit agreement as the way to deal with the controversial backstop proposals it contains.

The party was responding to suggestions by a Cabinet minister yesterday that the Prime Minister may not seek to reopen the withdrawal agreement to make changes to the backstop, the insurance policy to prevent a hard border.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright indicated the backstop could be amended via a codicil, or supplement, saying the "objective" mattered more than the "mechanism".

But last night the DUP firmly ruled out anything other than a reopening of the draft agreement - a course of action Mrs May has already committed herself to in Parliament.

"We supported the Brady amendment which mandated the Government to seek a replacement of the backstop," a DUP spokesman said last night.

"During the debate the PM committed to legally binding changes to the draft withdrawal agreement. That's what's needed.

"There is no 'agreement' unless it's able to command support in Parliament. We will measure any new agreement against our tests of protecting the Union and respecting the referendum result."

Mr Wright told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show: "I think what's obvious is that Parliament, and I think probably people well beyond Parliament, are concerned about the potential indefinite nature of the backstop - that's what we've got to do something about.

"If this is the only way of doing it, then that's the way we will pursue. If there are other ways of doing it that are just as effective that perhaps we haven't yet explored, then we will do that too."

He added: "I don't think it's the mechanism that matters, it's the objective: if you can get to a place where the potential longevity of the backstop, the potential that the backstop lasts forever can be adequately dealt with, that's what we're all seeking to do."

But his words met a cool reception in Belfast. "The draft withdrawal agreement is flawed because the backstop would undermine the economic and constitutional integrity of the UK," the DUP spokesman said.

"The backstop is the problem. It must be dealt with."

Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood agreed that it "needs significant changes, I'm not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation".

Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said if the changes were just "flowery words" then the deal "won't wash".

"The backstop is unacceptable because it means that we remain in the EU indefinitely and also would do immense damage to relations with Northern Ireland... and therefore as far as I'm concerned unless the wording actually has legal force and has substance it isn't going to work," he said.

Mr Wright's comments came hours after Theresa May wrote to Tory MPs assuring them the Government would continue its work to secure changes to the backstop as she pleaded with them to unite and deliver on Brexit.

Mrs May urged her party to "move beyond what divides us" and sacrifice "personal preferences" for the national interest.

Meanwhile, senior Tory Sir Graham Brady urged his colleagues to "pull together behind the Prime Minister for that final push to Brexit on 29th March".

"Those who imagine things are irretrievable are wrong," he wrote in the Sunday Times.

"We need Theresa May to throw all her energy into ensuring that the backstop is replaced either by a rapid agreement about how the Irish border will function or by a legally watertight guarantee that the backstop could never be permanent."

The PM will return to Brussels for further talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker this week, and intends to speak to the leaders of every EU member state over the coming days.
Sinn Feins president Mary Lou McDonald has called for a compassionate approach to the past.

Sinn Feins leader has called for a compassionate approach to the past.

Mary Lou McDonald said the party should acknowledge all suffering during the Northern Ireland conflict and provide a space to remember.

The party president urged a duty of candour and acceptance of difference, and said reconciliation sits above the constitutional question surrounding the creation of a united Ireland.

Ms McDonald said: We need a new conversation about the past, a focus on finding common ground, a compassionate approach to the past.

All suffering is real and sincere  no one has a monopoly on suffering.

aWe now need an agreed process for reconciliation. A process to resolve the past, to live together in the present and to unlock the futurea - @MaryLouMcDonald at tonightas Civic Engagement in QUB pic.twitter.com/6QjlVFSm0I  Sinn FAin (@sinnfeinireland) February 18, 2019

She urged hard conversations, acceptance of difference and acknowledgement of change.

To manage and resolve disagreements, to find our common humanity and shared values amongst the rubble of the past and conflicting hopes for the future.

She said it was not a choice between reconciliation and a united Ireland.

Reconciliation is central. Reconciliation is not a Trojan horse for unity. Reconciliation cannot be made wait for unity. Reconciliation sits above the constitutional question.

She was addressing a civic unionist meeting at Queens University Belfast on Monday evening.

It is about remembering the dead, not celebrating conflictMary Lou McDonald

We have an agreed process to deal with the constitutional question. We now need an agreed process for reconciliation. A process to resolve the past, to live together in the present and to unlock the future.

She referenced the suffering of relatives of republican dead and the death of Queens lecturer Edgar Graham at the hands of the IRA.

Mr Graham, a Belfast barrister and unionist politician, was shot dead in 1983 near the university.

Ms McDonald said: I cannot undo that damage or that loss.

I and my generation of republicans will work tirelessly to build a society in which no other parent is left without a child or a child left without a mammy or daddy. To work to promote peace and reconciliation, to acknowledge all suffering and provide a space to remember. A space for each to remember in their own way.

It is about remembering the dead, not celebrating conflict.

Former speaker of the Stormont Assembly Eileen Bell said Ms McDonald did not use the word compromise during her speech.

Since her retirement, the former Alliance Party deputy leader has focused on community work.

She added: Unfortunately it is not over, in every community in the north of Ireland there are problems.
A man charged with an aggravated burglary in north Belfast where a suspected gun was brandished claims he was at a fast food restaurant 40 miles away, a court has heard.

Alan Lundy is accused of being one of two masked men who forced their way into a house on Ligoniel Road and asked the male and female occupants "where's the gear".

The 39-year-old, of Thornberry Close in the city, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court amid heavy security.

He denies entering the alleged victims' home last Friday night with intent to steal and having a firearm with him at the time.

According to police two men wearing balaclavas came in through an unlocked door.

Lundy was allegedly identified after his mask was pulled off, the court heard.

A woman in the property also claimed a second, unnamed intruder held her in a headlock and made a gun gesture with his fingers.

Opposing bail, a detective sergeant claimed there was a risk of interference with witnesses.

He said the alleged demand about the whereabouts of "the gear" may have been a reference to drugs.

Defence solicitor Darragh Mackin argued that his client has provided a detailed alibi.

"He gave an account of his movements on the night in question, which ranges from being in a KFC a good 40 miles away, to travelling home and accessing WhatsApp and Facebook," Mr Mackin told the court.

Cell-site analysis and wifi account details can be provided to show Lundy was messaging on social media rather than taking part in any burglary, it was contended.

"This is a fundamental case of mistaken identity," the lawyer added.

Refusing bail, however, District Judge Fiona Bagnall cited potential witness interference.

Lundy was remanded in custody to appear again by video-link on March 15.

As he was being led to the cells he waved to nearly 20 friends and supporters in the public gallery.
Former bank employee Karen O'Brien, 51, was convicted of disorderly behaviour and resisting police at Primark on New Year's Eve.

A Belfast woman who allegedly urinated in Primark changing rooms must remain sober for the next nine months, a judge has ordered.

Former bank employee Karen O'Brien, 51, was convicted of disorderly behaviour and resisting police at the city centre store on New Year's Eve.

Further charges of assaulting an obstructing a PSNI constable were withdrawn.

O'Brien, of Lenadoon Avenue, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday to have that case and separate allegations of common assault and witness intimidation dealt with.

But District Judge Fiona Bagnall decided to defer sentencing until November after warning that further offences could result in imprisonment.

Mrs Bagnall stressed: "She must engage with probation, she must stay sober, and she must not re-offend."

A previous court heard claims O'Brien started shouting and swearing after being discovered at Primark on Castle Street.

Prosecutors said at the time police were called amid reports that a woman was urinating in the changing area and "kicking off".

O'Brien was allegedly discovered semi-naked and attempting to put on a pair of jeans.

In court on Monday, defence barrister Luke Curran set out her struggle with alcohol addiction and domestic issues.

He said she had kept off drink for three years, but suffered a setback with a bereavement in 2018.

"She has been sober now for coming up on two months and she is committed to remaining sober," Mr Curran added.

O'Brien was told to return to court on November 18.
Tanaiste Simon Coveney on stage at the Global Ireland 2025: Making it Happen conference, at the Dublin Castle Conference Centre (PA)

Ireland will not be steamrolled into giving ground on the border backstop, the countrys deputy premier has said.

Simon Coveney also rejected any suggestion Ireland was to blame for the Brexit deadlock, insisting responsibility lay in London.

His comments came amid efforts by the UK Government to gain concessions from the EU on the contentious backstop mechanism.

Mr Coveney outlined Irelands position as he met with UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on the fringes of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

TAnaiste @SimonCoveney this morning met UK Foreign Secretary @Jeremy_Hunt in Brussels at the #FAC. The TAnaiste reiterated Ireland and the EUas position that the withdrawal agreement will not be reopened. #Brexit.    pic.twitter.com/nrwVd46vW4  Chris Donoghue (@chrisrdonoghue) February 18, 2019

Afterwards, he again made clear that the backstop as agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement could not be changed.

There is a deal on the table. The British Government signed up to it. Jeremy Hunt was part of the that government. They havent been able to sell that to their own parliament, he told RTE.

And I accept that has created a lot of uncertainty, but it is certainly not Irelands fault.

The responsibility to resolve this problem in terms of the way forward needs to lie where the problem is, which is in London not Dublin.

We would be very foolish if we allowed the onus to solve that problem to switch away from Westminster to Dublin. We have been consistent, we have been fair, we have negotiated as part of an EU team with the British Government in good faith and we will continue to do that, but we will not be steamrolled in this process.

Working with a@MichelBarniera as ONE TEAM on #Brexit - nobody should doubt EU solidarity.  pic.twitter.com/77NTI6CYlS  Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 18, 2019

Under the terms of the withdrawal treaty, the backstop would come into effect if a wider trade deal between the UK and EU fails to materialise at the end of the Brexit transition period.

It would ensure a free-flowing Irish border by tying the UK to the customs union while, in addition, Northern Ireland alone would continue to adhere to EU single market regulations on goods, meaning the region would operate under a different legal framework to Great Britain.

The backstop is the primary reason MPs voted down the withdrawal deal at Westminster.

Mr Coveney said any attempt to change the backstop with keyhole surgery, by either adding an expiry date or handing the UK the ability to withdraw unilaterally, would continue to be opposed by Europe.
A number of airlines are interested in taking over City of Derry Airport's London route following the collapse of flybmi.

The airport's contract boss Clive Coleman has said they are currently in discussions with a number of interested parties in an attempt to find a quick solution.

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Flybmi announced on Saturday that the company was going into administration with immediate effect, leaving some customers stranded and out of pocket. It operated 14 flights to London and the airline's collapse leaves it with three destinations from the airport, although that figure should increase in the summer months.

The announcement came just days after Transport Secretary Chris Grayling promised to continue funding direct flights between Londonderry and London until May 2021.

The loss of the service could put the future of the airport at stake, with City of Derry relying on heavy government subsidies in recent years.

City of Derry Airport is owned by Derry City and Strabane District Council and run by Regional and City Airports.

Contracts Director at Regional and City Airports Clive Coleman said negotiations had begun with a number of airlines.

"The Department of Transport have been working very hard, there's provisions in the rules to allow an emergency appointment to be made," he told BBC Radio Ulster.

"The critical factor is getting a new airline in to operate that route very quickly. We've been approached since BMI announced their administration by a number of airlines and we're carrying out an approach to evaluate those airlines

"It's public money and we've got to be very sure that we get somebody that's a sustainable product from a sustainable airline going forward."

Mr Coleman said it was vital to ensure a new service was in place as soon as possible.

"The challenge that a lot of regions have across Europe is that small airlines are just disappearing for a whole host of economic reasons," he said.

"There aren't that many airlines, there's four or five regional airlines left in the UK and we are talking to them all, we're talking to some other people as well, but it is challenging.

"We're hoping to get that service up and running as quickly as we can. It's absolutely crucial we get that in place quickly for the connectivity to the north west.

"We're moving quickly and giving preference to airlines who can do it quickly."
The Transport Minister has said she expects a contract allowing a new airline to take over the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stanstead to be signed later this week.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Nusrat Ghani said she expects services will "resume swiftly" following the collapse of Flybmi, who ran the route since 2017.

Flybmi announced on Saturday that the company was going into administration with immediate effect, leaving some customers stranded and out of pocket.

The announcement came just days after Transport Secretary Chris Grayling pledged to continue funding the route until May 2012.

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Ms Ghani told MPs: "The government recognises the importance of maintaining regional connectivity, that is why we fund a public service route from Derry/Londonderry to London which was recently extended from the 1 April 2019 for a further two years.

She said Derry City and Strabane District Council, who own the airport, has the power "to transfer the public service obligation contract to another airline for up to seven months to allow for a new procurement process to be conducted."

"Subject to due diligence we expect the council to sign contracts and appoint an airline later this week and we are expecting services to resume swiftly," she added.

Earlier on Monday, the airport's contracts boss, Clive Coleman, said negotiations had begun with a number of airlines.

"The Department of Transport have been working very hard, there's provisions in the rules to allow an emergency appointment to be made," he told BBC Radio Ulster.

"The critical factor is getting a new airline in to operate that route very quickly. We've been approached since BMI announced their administration by a number of airlines and we're carrying out an approach to evaluate those airlines

"It's public money and we've got to be very sure that we get somebody that's a sustainable product from a sustainable airline going forward."
Aftermath of one of the bombings

Relatives of people who died in the Birmingham pub bombings have threatened to boycott the start of a fresh inquest into the IRA attacks.

A new hearing into the 1974 atrocities, which killed 21 people and wounded 220 others, is set to open next Monday, February 25.

The families say a decision not to award them sufficient legal aid funding for lawyers to properly represent them means they will be left with more questions than they started with.

There are also concerns that vital documents relevant to the atrocities have disappeared.

IRA bombs devastated the Mulberry Bush and Tavern In The Town pubs in central Birmingham on November 21, 1974.

A third bomb, planted outside a bank, was destroyed in a controlled explosion.

Julie Hambleton (55), a sister of one of the victims, 18-year-old Maxine Hambleton, told The Observer newspaper: "Something is seriously amiss, it's absolutely outrageous. We are meant to have a judiciary system that is the envy of the world, but we're going to be left with more questions than we started with."

She also said she was 'incredulous' that no police force or government department, and no military intelligence agency, has said it has any material of relevance to the inquest.

Two folders containing sensitive information from the security services and GCHQ, the government intelligence and security organisation, have also gone missing, the newspaper reported.

The families are represented by Belfast-based legal firm KRW Law.

It has been awarded just a tenth of the legal aid it had applied for to represent the families.

There are no such financial constraints on the legal teams representing public agencies such as the police at the forthcoming hearing.

Christopher Stanley of KRW told The Observer that the families were concerned about the integrity of the inquest.

"We could walk away, we could boycott it. We could advise on that. We have discussed putting down tools because we have to act in the best interests of our clients," he said.

"An intelligent person in their position might say: 'What is the point in me engaging in this'?"

One option for the families, if they decide to boycott the inquest, would be to pursue a judge-led inquiry along the lines of the 2011 investigation by Sir William Gage into the death of Baha Mousa, who died in British army custody in Iraq.

The inquest, which is due to last for five weeks, will not address the question of which individuals planted the bombs, nor will it address whether there was any forewarning from any British spies within the IRA's ranks.

Instead, the inquest will centre on the nature of the IRA warnings and the response of the emergency services.

Those responsible for the attacks have not been prosecuted and the original inquest in 1974 was adjourned to allow the criminal investigation to take place, but never reopened.

The Birmingham Six were jailed for the murders and served 17 years behind bars before their convictions were quashed.
Gordon Lyons was speaking following the publication of a report analysing the possible results of a hard border on the island of Ireland.

A DUP MLA has hit out at claims violence could return to Northern Ireland "in as little as six weeks" if a hard border was installed following a no-deal Brexit.

The party's east Antrim representative Gordon Lyons was speaking following the publication of a report by Irish Senator Mark Daly and two UNESCO chairmen analysing the possible results of a hard border on the island of Ireland.

"In as little as six weeks it is possible that a hard border could materialise due to a no-deal Brexit, triggering a return to violence in Northern Ireland," the report states.

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"All indications are that without direct efforts to engage youth and citizens of all backgrounds, there will also be a return to violence in the event of rushed border poll on the island of Ireland."

Mr Lyons dismissed the predictions as "scaremongering" and said the report is focused on "hype and rhetoric" rather than finding solutions.

"Some in Northern Ireland still cling to the use of bombs and bullets. That terrorism predates the EU referendum and it should not be in any way excused or explained by whether a deal is in place or not when the UK leaves the EU," he said.

"An acceptance that violence is inevitable and the only question is over the scale of such trouble following Brexit, completely undermines any sensible analysis of the issues we face.

"It does not matter whether the authors foresee this violence arising from a no-deal Brexit or, as they have also referenced, from rushing to a border poll.

"We require a clear and unified voice from right across the community that there are no circumstances in which such violence is justified."

The report comes as Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to Brussels this week to meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, where she will be seeking changes to her withdrawal agreement.

Last month MPs voted to replace the controversial backstop, which is designed to a hard border on the island of Ireland, with "alternative arrangements".

The EU and Irish Government, however, have repeatedly stated that the backstop is not up for renegotiation.
Former Deputy Minster, Energy and Petroleum, John Abdulai Jinapor, has described the current happenings at the GNPC as a clear manifestation of corruption that has characterized the Akufo-Addo government.



In a statement, he said; "The GNPC as established under PNDCL 64 has amongst its functions, to promote petroleum exploration activities, to appraise existing petroleum discoveries, and to ensure that Ghana benefits the most from the development of the country's petroleum resources".



"However, the national aggregator of Oil and Gas resources has lost focus from these core mandates and has been engulfed in corruption, cronyism, nepotism and a complete breakdown of good Corporate Governance practices. This state of affairs threatens the sustainability of GNPC," he added.



He has therefore asked for an independent inquiry into the current happenings at the Nation's petroleum industry to avoid further damage.



Below Is a Copy of His Statement



Corruption At GNPC: Nepotism and Cronyism Collapsing Organisation



Recent happenings at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is clear manifestation of widespread corruption that has engulfed the Akufo-Addo led administration. The GNPC as established under PNDCL 64 has amongst its functions, to promote petroleum exploration activities, to appraise existing petroleum discoveries, and to ensure that Ghana benefits the most from the development of the country's petroleum resources.



However, the national aggregator of Oil and Gas resources has lost focus from these core mandates and has been engulfed in corruption, cronyism, nepotism and a complete breakdown of good Corporate Governance practices. This state of affairs threatens the sustainability of GNPC.





To avoid further damage to GNPC, it is important the underlisted issues are properly investigated:



1. The recruitment of 200 personnel without the knowledge of the Board.



2. Board Chairman (who doubles as the NPP Chairman) actively participating in procurement processes in clear violation of the Public Procurement Act.



3. Board Chairman giving directives to personnel of the corporation without recourse to the CEO.



4. Root cause of the low morale among staff of the GNPC as alluded to by the CEO and Board Chair.



5. The extent to which the finances of GNPC has been dissipated by the current Board, headed by the NPP National Chairman and Management as well.



Furthermore, happenings at GNPC suggest Ghanas petrochemical industry is certainly not safe under the current administration.



However, if previous allegations and investigations are anything to go by, then any discerning Ghanaian can come to a firm conclusion that the Akufo-Addo led administration cannot be trusted to conduct any transparent, unbiased and meaningful investigation into these scandalous and corruption-laden spectacle that has engulfed the GNPC.



Therefore, its obvious the only acceptable antidote to this canker of yet another national disgrace, this time at the GNPC, is for a bi-partisan Parliamentary enquiry to determine the underlying cause(s) of all these scandalous allegations and make appropriate recommendations in order to save the GNPC from collapse.





John Abdulai Jinapor

Former Deputy Minster, Energy and Petroleum.







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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Campaigners protest outside the former Good Shepherd mother and baby home on Belfasts Ormeau Road.

The Department of Health (DoH) has rejected claims from Amnesty International that a Stormont probe into clerical abuse and mother and baby homes is "shambolic".

The investigation was launched by the Executive Office and the DoH in February 2016. Norah Gibbons stepped down as chair in March last year due to ill health.

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Amnesty International said that a series of Freedom of Information requests have exposed failings with the investigation.

Complaints included the group having never met with victims, not holding a meeting since last January, being without a chairperson for almost a year, and not commissioning any research into clerical abuse.

However, a DoH spokesperson rejected the criticism, but accepted that progress had been "slower than it would have liked".

The spokesperson said that the investigation had been delayed by the resignation of Mrs Gibbons as Chair of the interdepartmental working group.

Research into the operation of historic mother and baby homes is currently being conducted by Queen's University Belfast and the University of Ulster.

"With the agreement of the working group, a key element of the research is accessing the accounts of those with experience of mother and baby homes," the spokesperson said.

"Both universities have engaged in awareness-raising through the local media to encourage individuals to come forward to inform the research.

"The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health has also written to known custodians of historic records to ask for their full cooperation with the research. In the main, this has been met with a very positive response."

The spokesperson said that a meeting between the interdepartmental working group and a group representing mothers and babies who were former residents of the homes had to be cancelled due to the resignation of the independent chair and that further meetings were declined by the group.

However, meetings have taken place with political representatives acting on the residents behalf. Representatives have also met with the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health Richard Pengelly.

The spokesperson said that interviews to appoint a new independent chair would take place "imminently" and that the process was difficult to undertake in the absence of a Stormont Assembly.

It was only after new legislative powers were handed to civil servants by Secretary of State Karen Bradley that the appointment process could begin.

The DoH spokesperson rejected claims that a report could be delayed and said it was due in June 2019.

"The report will be presented to and considered by the interdepartmental working group and will inform future recommendations to Ministers."
Time for Truth activists outside the Sean Graham bookmakers on the Ormeau Road in Belfast on Saturday

Sinn Fein will meet the Police Ombudsman, senior members of the PSNI and families of the victims of the Sean Graham bookmakers' attack and other killings today.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald and her deputy Michelle O'Neill will head delegations to discuss last week's revelations that police failed to disclose key information to investigations by the Police Ombudsman into the shootings.

Families of the Omagh bomb victims have also expressed concerns that the PSNI may not have given the Ombudsman all information in their cases.

Five people were killed on February 5, 1992, when members of the UFF opened fire on Sean Graham bookmakers on the lower Ormeau Road in Belfast.

Before today's meetings, Ms McDonald claimed that last week's events provided further evidence of a systemic cover-up of the role of British forces in Troubles killings.

"Confidence in policing is at its lowest level for many years. The delays in implementing the legacy structures agreed at Stormont House in 2014 must end," she said.

"The British Government must immediately provide funding to the Lord Chief Justice for legacy inquests and adequate funding to the Ombudsman's office to properly discharge its duties without further hindrance to its investigations.

"It was heartbreaking to hear the son of one of the victims saying publicly that it was 'demoralising' that justice had been delayed once again.

"Justice delayed is justice denied."

Meanwhile, campaigners calling for funding to help families bereaved in Northern Ireland's past to get the truth took to the streets of Belfast on Saturday. Time for Truth activists went to a number of locations across Belfast, including the Ormeau Road, calling for the implementation of legacy mechanisms which were negotiated in the Stormont House Agreement, adequate funding of legacy inquests and of the Police Ombudsman's office to allow it to complete outstanding historical investigations.

Tommy Duffin, whose 66-year-old father Jack was the oldest of those killed in the Sean Graham attack, was among the activists.

"The Stormont House Agreement has to be put in place, and the legacy inquests and Ombudsman need to be properly resourced," he said.

"Not just for us but all the families waiting for the answers they need."

Marian Walsh, mother of teenage victim Damien Walsh, refused to accept a PSNI apology and accused police of a "sham" and "excuses".

Time For Truth spokesman Ciaran MacAirt urged people to sign the petition in solidarity with victims and survivors.

"Families from the Ormeau Road have been failed yet again by police investigating atrocities in the past," he said.

"Hundreds of other families are experiencing the same and are being retraumatised daily. This could be our final opportunity to deal with the past."
A Stormont report into clerical abuse and mother and baby homes has been slammed as "shambolic" by Amnesty International

A Stormont report into clerical abuse and mother and baby homes has been slammed as "shambolic" by Amnesty International.

A joint probe was agreed between the Executive Office and the Department of Health in February 2016.

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Amnesty International, however, claim a series of Freedom of Information requests have exposed "a catalogue of failures" with the probe - something the Department of Health disputed.

These include the group having never met with victims, not holding a meeting since last January, being without a chairperson for almost a year, and not commissioning any research into clerical abuse.

Norah Gibbons stepped down as chair in March last year and efforts to find a replacement are ongoing.

Amnesty International also claimed the probe's timetable has badly slipped, meaning it would be an extra year before even a partial report is delivered to government ministers or senior civil servants.

However, a DoH spokesperson rejected the criticism, but accepted that progress had been "slower than it would have liked".

Patrick Corrigan is the programme director for Amnesty International in Northern Ireland.

He said women from mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland had told Amnesty International they suffered "arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, and the forced adoption and trafficking of their babies".

In addition, he said "countless child abuse victims" had come forward to reveal suffering at the hands of abusive clerics and "gross failures" by church and state authorities.

The Freedom of Information requests were made by Eunan Duffy, who was born in the Marianvale mother and baby home in Newry in 1968.

He was taken from his birth mother against her will, with only a few minutes contact before being placed for adoption.

Mr Duffy said victims had been "betrayed" by those receiving public funds to address the issues.

He said it was "farcical" that two years later, victims were resorting to Freedom of Information requests for answers.

The Executive has been contacted for comment but had yet to respond at the time of going to print.
"Bloodthirsty criminal gangs" are aware of virtually every local badger sett, an animal charity has warned.

The USPCA and the Northern Ireland Badger Group (NIBG) have urged the public and landowners to report suspected badger baiting.

NIBG chair Peter Clarke said the animals were being targeted relentlessly by criminal gangs "who roam our countryside at will".

He said reports showed "a clear picture of the shocking scale of this abuse".

Brendan Mullan, chief executive of the USPCA, said the badgers were snared or cage-trapped for baiting contests held at secret locations, and also dug from their setts or "lamped" when foraging "to satisfy the blood lust of these criminals".

"The dogs they employ to corner and capture badgers inevitability endure merciless suffering, with lower jaws commonly rent asunder," he said.

"Other flesh wounds are crudely stitched without any veterinary expertise, and dogs that fail to meet expectations are themselves slaughtered without mercy.

"The criminals involved seem to be aware of the location of virtually every badger sett in Northern Ireland and Sunday is their favoured day."

Pregnant or lactating badgers are targeted during January and February, as mothers will fight to the death to protect their cubs.

Mr Mullan said while the gangs were "extremely secretive and cunning", they were not invisible and would often use the excuse they were retrieving lost dogs or hunting for foxes. The extremely cruel practice of digging out foxes is inexplicably still legal in Northern Ireland despite being banned in Britain and has very close links to badger persecution," he added.

He warned the criminal gangs were also likely to use their time trespassing to look for other opportunities, like stealing equipment and livestock.

We currently have the toughest animal welfare legislation in Europe, with a maximum five-year sentence, lifetime bans from keeping animals and fines of up to 20,000.

But both groups say prosecutions are few and sentences are often not an adequate deterrent.

Mr Mullan said we should follow the example of England and Wales, where prosecutions often result in jail sentences and lengthy bans.
Maureen McKnown from Downpatrick who has written a book about a nun who ran away from a convent in Australia in the 1920's, the book is now going to be made into a movie. Pic by Peter Morrison

When Maureen McKeown started to research her family tree, she unearthed a gripping true story about her great aunt that she went on to turn into a fascinating book.

Today, the Downpatrick grandmother and mother-of-five is celebrating news that the incredible tale of her great aunt, Brigid Partridge, is to be made into a movie.

Brigid caused a scandal in 1920s Australia when she fled from her convent barefoot in the middle of the night, wearing just her nightdress.

She took refuge with a Protestant family, and the fallout from her actions caused a religious storm unprecedented in Australia's history.

But as captivating as Brigid's story - The Extraordinary Case of Sister Liguori - is, Maureen has an inspiring tale of her own about the great personal challenges she faced while writing the book.

Brigid's tale helped her heal after the trauma of a horrific armed robbery on her Downpatrick home, during which she and her two youngest daughters were tied up by masked gunmen.

Just as she found herself starting to recover from that nightmare, there was an even bigger shock ahead.

Four years ago, and halfway through writing her book, which was published in 2017, Maureen was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The rare neurological condition causes degeneration of the cells and nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which control the muscles in our bodies.

MND is progressive, meaning the symptoms worsen over time. It also severely reduces life expectancy.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Bridget Partridge the aunt of Maureen McKnown who has written a book on the Nun that ran away from a convent in the 1920's. Bridget Partridge the aunt of Maureen McKnown who has written a book on the Nun that ran away from a convent in the 1920's. / Facebook

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Maureen was diagnosed in 2015, and the impact on her quality of life has been great. However, the book and the new film help her to stay positive about the future.

"It (MND) is horrible," she says. "I am four years into it now. I wouldn't have great power in my arms and legs, and my speech is slow and slurred.

"My wee story keeps me going. The good thing is that my mind is still alert, and I think that sets your body into the right mode.

"My wee book lights up my life, and now that it is going to be made into a movie, it's a dream come true."

Maureen (65) spent five years researching for and writing her book, travelling to Brigid's hometown in Kildare and to Australia to visit the convent where her great aunt's story began.

She found researching her family tree very therapeutic, particularly after the attack on her home.

Maureen was born in Berkshire, England, but moved here with her family when she was 11.

She began her working life as a personal secretary in the Civil Service at Stormont, later quitting to raise her five children - four daughters and a son.

She also helped with the administration and running of the car-dismantling business she and husband Charlie (66) set up nearly 40 years ago.

It was the sad loss of her parents, and her only sister at the age of 52, that inspired her to start researching her family tree.

Her father was born in Newbridge, Co Kildare. His mother was Brigid's younger sister, Kathleen, who married a carpenter from Cushendall, Co Antrim, called James Laverty, then settled with him in Coalisland.

Her mother was born in Kilkenny and, after being orphaned at the age of 16, she headed to England to find work.

Expand Close Maureen McKnown from Downpatrick who has written a book about a nun who ran away from a convent in Australia in the 1920's, the book is now going to be made into a movie. Pic by Peter Morrison / Facebook

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Whatsapp Maureen McKnown from Downpatrick who has written a book about a nun who ran away from a convent in Australia in the 1920's, the book is now going to be made into a movie. Pic by Peter Morrison

She lost touch with her family, and Maureen is unaware of relations on her side.

"My dad, God rest him, was in the Army for 21 years, and was blinded in Palestine," she says.

"He moved to Northern Ireland because his aunt was here.

"I have relatives in Kildare connected to Brigid, and we do keep in touch.

"When your mum and dad are both dead and your sister is dead, there is nobody to turn to and ask about your family members.

"That's what made me start looking into my family tree - it was so that I could feel close to what I had lost.

"People say that stories find you, and I genuinely think Brigid came my way because of a particularly bad time for us.

"We had a burglary in our home in 2007. Seven masked gunmen tied up me and my two daughters and barricaded us into a wee back toilet.

"I took a heart attack out of it, but I didn't even know until a few days later.

Expand Close Charlie and Maureen McKnown from Downpatrick, Maureen has written a book about a nun who ran away from a convent in Australia in the 1920's, the book is now going to be made into a movie. Pic by Peter Morrison / Facebook

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Whatsapp Charlie and Maureen McKnown from Downpatrick, Maureen has written a book about a nun who ran away from a convent in Australia in the 1920's, the book is now going to be made into a movie. Pic by Peter Morrison

"We eventually got free after my youngest daughter, who was 17 at the time, kept pushing slowly against the door until she got out and was able to untie us. I went to the doctor two days later with pains in my chest, and she told me to go straight to casualty because I had suffered a heart attack.

"It left me traumatised. I was constantly looking at people as I passed them by, wondering if it was them who had done it (the burglary). I was watching all the time and had nothing in my head but those gunmen.

"It was only when I started getting into Brigid's story that I started to get over it. I found so much pleasure in the book."

Much of the scandal Brigid caused is a matter of public record, but Maureen still travelled many miles to her great aunt's hometown in the Republic and to the convent in New South Wales, where she found new details about the story.

And it is indeed an intriguing tale. Brigid entered a local convent and then left Ireland at the age of 17 to go to Australia because there was a need for teaching nuns.

In those days, nuns who taught were more highly thought of than lay nuns because they earned their own living.

All of the chores in the convent fell to the lay nuns, who had a tougher life than their colleagues.

Brigid proved herself capable and popular with the children she taught for six years.

However, her life took a dramatic turn after a teaching inspector was supervising her work on a particularly bad day when she was trying to keep a class full of unruly boys under control.

That led the convent to demote her to refectory duties.

Maureen brings the story to life as she describes what happened next.

"It was supposed to be for just two weeks, but that turned into two years, and it was very hard and demoralising for her because she had been teaching and loved children," she says.

"One day she wandered outside the convent walls. Tears welled up in her eyes as she called at a stranger's home.

"Her afternoon of tea and warm company by the fire ended all too soon, and Brigid was sent back to the convent, seen by a doctor and put to bed.

"The story really begins in earnest at this crossroads in Brigid's life.

"Drawing on every ounce of courage she had, she leapt from her bed that night and made a hasty escape, barefoot and in her nightgown, on a foggy winter's night in 1920."

Brigid found refuge in the home of Protestants, who refused to disclose her whereabouts to the Catholic authorities.

A bishop swore before a magistrate that Brigid was insane, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She was hunted down like an outlaw, and the local media attention created a level of sectarian tension rarely seen in that part of the world.

Eventually found in the home of the Reverend William Touchell and his wife, Laura, in a Sydney suburb, Brigid was arrested and taken to a hospital for the insane in Darlinghurst to be held for medical observation.

Appearing before a 'lunacy court' a week later, she was declared sane and released.

With no apology from the bishop for the slur cast on her character, she turned to the courts for redress, but taking on the senior cleric meant taking on the Catholic Church.

Those who helped when she fled the convent offered their support again - along with every member of the Loyal Orange Lodge of New South Wales - to sue the bishop.

An unholy war raged around her as the enmity between the two sides, rooted in history and religion, reached fever pitch.

Brigid lived the remainder of her life as a companion to the minister and his wife, passing away in 1966, aged 76.

Maureen, who has been fascinated with the story over the last number of years, is naturally thrilled that it is now to make it onto the big screen thanks to a movie deal with local writer and director Colin McIvor.

Colin, who made the film Zoo, which was set during the Belfast Blitz, has secured funding for the movie from NI Screen.

The first time he heard the story, he was impressed.

"To have optioned such a sought-after, powerful and timely book from a writer on my own doorstep is a great privilege," he says. "Audiences are currently demanding strong but also intriguingly flawed female leads in their films, and with Sister Liguori, it does not come more dramatic than this true-to-life David versus Goliath role.

"This is an extremely personal story to the endlessly impressive Maureen and her family.

"My goal, therefore, is to do the film adaptation justice and one day get it onto the big screen and to the audiences the book thoroughly deserves."

It will be 100 years next year since Brigid fled the convent, and it is Maureen's wish that the film of her life story can be made and released to coincide with the anniversary.

"I could not speak highly enough of Colin and the great work he is doing to bring my book to the screen," she says.

"My greatest wish is to see it on the big screen. I can only hope and pray that my health allows it. Filling my mind with positive thoughts keeps me free from darker thoughts about illness.

"Some people with MND describe it as 'living with MND' as opposed to dying from it'."

The Extraordinary Case of Sister Liguori, published by Leo Press, 8.99. For more information, visit www.theextraordinarycaseofsister liguori.com
There's no denying the fashion industry has a problem with sustainability and considering the popularity of fast fashion, it can be easy to feel, as a consumer, somewhat detached from the environmental issues. After all, you're just buying another T-shirt, right?

Liz Bonnin, Science and natural history presenter at BBC Planet, has teamed up with sustainable fashion brand Mother of Pearl to tackle these issues head on. To raise awareness of the issues, they've created a capsule collection using eco-friendly methods, and will unveil a short film (which will be available to watch across BBC Earth social platforms), narrated by Bonnin, that delves into fashion's impact on the planet.

We spoke to Bonnin and Mother of Pearl creative director Amy Powney to find out more about the fashion industry's eco record, and what we can all do to help.

The fashion industry has a major impact on the environment

Bonnin is no stranger to discussing environmental issues facing the planet - last year she made BBC One documentary Drowning In Plastic. However, she is still shocked by the fashion industry's impact - even if she's not totally surprised.

"The facts and figures are harrowing with this particular industry," she says. "But they're harrowing with a lot of other industries contributing to our environmental crises too."

Both Bonnin and Powney agree the culture of fast fashion is a big contributor. "It's a huge problem and it's just a matter of time before social media leaks the truth and for people to really start taking note," says Powney.

According to a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, if nothing changes, the fashion industry could use up more than a quarter of the world's carbon budget by 2050. Every year, it releases half a million tonnes of microfibres into the ocean - the equivalent of more than 50 billion plastic bottles.

It can be easy to feel detached from the fate of our clothes

When buying a new top online or picking up some trousers in your local shopping centre, thoughts of environmental sustainability are probably far from your mind.

For Bonnin, one of the most startling things she learned in making this documentary is how little clothing features recycled material. "Less than 1% of the materials used to produce clothing are recycled - I always thought we were more responsible than that," she says. "You'd think we'd be able to recycle more natural materials, like cotton - so how is it that less than 1% is recycled?"

It's a good point, and makes you think: what do you actually know about what happens to your clothes after you throw them out?

"We don't think enough about how we take from the natural world and then how we dispose of it," says Bonnin. "It's so easy to think things are different and to throw away things we use, thinking they go somewhere to be taken care of responsibly."

Powney has been considering issues of sustainability and fashion since producing her graduate collection more than a decade ago. When asked why it's taken so long for the industry to catch up with her, she pauses, then says: "The kindest answer is, a lot of people don't know how complex it is and how bad it is. From a consumer point of view, people don't relate fashion as having an environmental impact - they haven't put the two together, and quite frankly, a lot of people in the industry don't know either."

It's a case of being more mindful of how you shop

"There's something incredibly empowering and joyful about taking responsibility for how you shop," says Bonnin. "Whether you're giving back to nature by wearing a garment and not dumping it, or buying less, there's a feelgood factor which encourages us to act more responsibly."

Helping the environment, even in your own small way, can make you feel great - but what can you actually do to contribute?

"It is a bit of a minefield," notes Powney. "It's still a bit complicated knowing exactly what to buy." However, "shopping consciously is something that's really important", she explains.

"Before you buy something, ask yourself: do you really want that piece? Do you feel emotionally engaged with it so you want to wear it again and again? If the answer's 'no' you should maybe put it back on the rail.

"It's finding that love again for your garment. I remember being a child and begging my mum for a party dress - you loved it, you stared at it, you couldn't wait to wear it, and I think we need that back."

It's not always easy to shop ethically - the information on factors like supply chains are often quite hard to obtain, but you can still make an effort to shop consciously. Perhaps adopt the Marie Kondo method - if it doesn't spark joy, is it really worth spending money on?

"If you do fall out of love with something or grow out of it, think about reselling, repurposing or repairing," Powney advises, "even if throwing something in the bin is the easiest thing to do."

This will have a knock-on effect on the industry

Powney believes we're in a moment of real change. "Sustainability in fashion wasn't a widely discussed topic - until now," she says. "Consumers are waking up and asking where their products are coming from. There's a movement towards that in general across the world, so fashion's next.

"I do think there's a really positive possibility for consumers to drive that demand, which fundamentally will make a lot of brands change their ways."

"To turn something around of this scale - how we consume and how we produce - does take time," says Bonnin, but there's hope. However, it's clear we all need to act now - before it's too late.

Mother of Pearl's eco capsule collection, created alongside BBC Planet, will be available from June
Hondas decision to close its Swindon plant is the latest blow to the UKs car manufacturing industry, with news of the move emerging 39 days before the Brexit deadline.

More than 3,000 jobs are under threat with the planned demise of the Japanese companys Wiltshire plant.

Local Tory MP Justin Tomlinson said job losses are not expected before 2021 and blamed global trends and not Brexit for the closure.

Whatever the reason, the development will be highly unwelcome for those who rely on the plant for jobs and for those with high hopes for British manufacturing after the EU departure.

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The car industry has been warning for years about the impact of Brexit  particularly of a no-deal scenario  being added to issues including the slump in diesel sales.

A fortnight earlier, Nissan told workers its next-generation X-Trail would be made in Japan and not Sunderland as planned.

The decision came despite the Government offering the manufacturer a so-called sweetheart deal of up to 80 million in support to protect the firm from higher post-Brexit trade tariffs.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) had warned the industry was on red alert, with figures suggesting car production had slumped by almost a 10th last year.

Expand Close The number of cars being built in the UK has slumped (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The number of cars being built in the UK has slumped (Andrew Matthews/PA)

In 2018, just over 1.5 million cars were built in UK factories, a 9.1% slump on the previous year and the lowest in over five years.

Demand for diesel cars is drastically down, with a decline by 22% to 561,000 last year.

The SMMT said investment had effectively stalled, having halved in 2018 while firms delayed decisions until the UKs trading arrangements became clearer.

Ford is also seeking up to 400 voluntary redundancies at its Bridgend engine plant and Land Rover is to shrink its workforce by 4,500, with most of those cuts in the UK.

Meanwhile, Porsche began asking buyers placing orders to sign contracts containing a clause stating they would be prepared to cover the cost of a potential 10% tariff.

The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sectorUnites automotive sector officer Des Quinn

After the latest development, Swindon North MP Mr Tomlinson said Honda had told him the move was based on global trends and not on UKs nearing Brexit departure.

But that did little to dampen concerns with March 29 looming.

Unites automotive sector officer Des Quinn said the closure would be a shattering body blow for UK manufacturing.

The car industry in the UK over the last two decades has been the jewel in the crown for the manufacturing sector  and now it has been brought low by the chaotic Brexit uncertainty created by the rigid approach adopted by Prime Minister Theresa May, he said.

Professor Matthias Holweg, an automotive industry expert at Oxford University, said fears of the high tariffs that would accompany a no-deal departure were dangling Damocles sword over the manufacturers.

With a sales slowdown in key markets and a decline in diesel demand, the industry is not a happy place, but Brexit puts UK plants in a particularly bad position, he said.
Passengers have been told not to come to City of Derry Airport unless they have rebooked flights with alternative providers.

Flybmi said it will not purchase, rearrange or reschedule any flights.

Passengers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer for a refund.

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Those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said travellers should contact their insurance provider as their policy may include cover for scheduled airline failure.

It advised passengers whose flights were part of a package holiday to contact the travel firm they booked with.

If the firm holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence), it is responsible for flight arrangements and must either make alternative flights available so the trip can continue or provide a full refund, the CAA said.
Urgent talks are expected to continue today to reopen the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted.

Passengers were stunned by flybmi's shock announcement on Saturday that the airline was going into administration.

The carrier said rising fuel and carbon costs and the uncertainty of Brexit had made its challenges "insurmountable".

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Derry City and Strabane District Council, which owns City of Derry Airport, has promised to take action to put a new operator in place "as soon as possible".

The council's chief executive and senior officers, officials from the City of Derry Airport board and the Department for Transport are involved in talks to secure a replacement.

The closure comes just days after Transport Secretary Chris Grayling promised to continue funding direct flights between Derry and London until May 2021.

East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell raised the matter with Mr Grayling on Saturday.

"The Transport Secretary indicated that he is hopeful that a new operator will agree to take on the route," he said.

"There needs to be as seamless a transition as possible from flybmi to the new operator in order that the travelling public suffer as little as possible."

Brian McGrath, president of the city's Chamber of Commerce, said the loss was "terribly disappointing" after the new funding guarantee from Mr Grayling.

"The Derry to Stansted link is an incredibly important one for connecting those who live here in the north west to London," he said.

"The loss of this will also be very damaging to businesses in the region who rely on this flight.

"We understand that talks are ongoing to find a replacement airline and we hope that this is found, so that the Derry-Stansted link can be restored as soon as possible."

Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy said the disruption was of "huge concern" and hit out at the DUP and British Government for their "reckless Brexit agenda".

She also raised concerns that a new route from City of Derry Airport to Manchester that was due to be run by flybmi would now be in jeopardy.

The Alliance Party infrastructure spokeswoman Kellie Armstrong MLA said the collapse was a "warning sign over the ambiguity surrounding Brexit".
The Coalition on the Right to Information (RTI) Ghana together with Occupy Ghana has appealed to Parliament to speed up the passage of a credible Right to Information Act.



The group wants, in a statement copied to Peacefmonline.com is urging the Legislative House to make sure that they "pass a RTI Bill that truly guarantees the right to information and not a denial of information. If H.E. President Akufo-Addo and his government are to take credit for the completion of work on the Bill then it must be for a credible RTI law that strengthens our democratic governance.





Read full statement below:



The Coalition on the Right to Information (RTI) Ghana, the Media Coalition on RTI and Occupy Ghana (altogether the Coalition) have taken note of Parliaments decision to accept a new commencement clause that will technically activate the implementation of the expected RTI Act 2019 in January 2020.



Similar to our position on a proposal by Mr. Frederick Opare Ansah, Honourable Member of Parliament for Suhum, we consider the current amendment to the RTI Bill problematic and likely to cause unnecessary delay in the implementation of the overdue 25-year-old constitutional right.



The Commencement Clause proposed by the Hon. Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, requires that the RTI Bill when passed "shall come into force at the beginning of the next financial year."



The thrust of the argument is that government in the 2019 Budget did not make provision for the RTI and therefore have no resources to finance activities to be implemented under the law.



The acceptance of the commencement clause brought the Consideration Stage of the RTI Bill to an end in Parliament, pending the Third Reading and eventual passage of the Bill.



We wish to raise two issues with the commencement clause. First, there are various ways in which the budget can be varied to make provision for expenditures not anticipated.



The Ministry of Finance can use virements to reallocate money as well as make proposals for approval in a mid-year supplementary budget.



In fact, the Honorable Deputy Minister for Finance, Mr. Kweku Kwarteng affirmed these options during a media interview with Adom FM on 14th February 2019.



It is based on this understanding that the Coalition proposed 180 days for general implementation of RTI Act in a memo to the Leadership of Parliament.



Second, we find it worrying that the Bill has not proposed a defined schedule of what will be done between the period when it gets assented to by the President and the beginning of the next financial year.



Having a clear transitional schedule or provisions enshrined in the law has been the pathway that the countries of the World that were cited by Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu in his argument on the floor of House have taken.



It is for this reason that the Coalition proposed that the relevant Executive Agencies shall implement the provisions of sections 18, 19, 42, 50, 57, 78, 90 and other consequential sections within 180 days from the date on which this Act is assented to by the President.



This proposal was communicated to Mr. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu and other Leaders of the House on 5th February 2019. Therefore, it is disappointing that the Honourable Majority Leader did not even acknowledge our letter or engage us on this matter.



As stated in our 4th February 2019 Press Statement, experiences in Uganda, Malawi and other countries show that if clear obligations are not set in the Act, there will be implementation challenges.



In addition to the commencement clause, we reiterate our concern with current draft of Clause 13.



As it stands, it is inconsistent with the reasonable limitations imposed on Article 21 (1) (f). We therefore support the call by the Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, Mr. Ben Abdallah Banda, for a 2nd Consideration Stage in respect of some of these clauses.



We urge Parliament to ensure that we pass a RTI Bill that truly guarantees the right to information and not a denial of information.



If H.E. President Akufo-Addo and his government are to take credit for the completion of work on the Bill then it must be for a credible RTI law that strengthens our democratic governance.



The Coalition will visit Parliament on Tuesday 19th February, and will meet the Hon. Minority Leader, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, and leadership of Parliament's Committee charged with the responsibility of the Bill.



We wish to assure the general public of our commitment to advocating for the passage of a credible RTI law.



We urge our media and CSO partners to continue with the unflinching support given to the campaign so far, as we call on our Honourable Members of Parliament to crown their hard work on the Bill with the passage of a credible law.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ann McGregor, whos been chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a decade now, talks about the challenges of Brexit, the lack of an Assembly, and returning to NI after years spent in England.

Q. Is the uncertainty around Brexit unprecedented in your business career?

A. I joined the Chamber in 2008, just when the financial crisis started, becoming a global financial crisis which then did damage to countries, property and to the status of the euro. It impacted on everybody who had a house. People were left with negative equity, people were left with no homes. Organisations like Lehman Brothers that you thought of as totally resilient failed. So I think that crisis was pretty major and I'm not quite sure if Brexit is there yet. But Brexit is undoubtedly a big issue for this island, mainly for trade. We have all-Ireland supply chains and it could be extremely damaging for the whole agri-food sector and trade in general.

Q. What is the main distinction between that crisis and where we are now?

A. Back then we knew it was a crisis, everybody knew we needed to get out of it and there were actions taken.

There was unanimous opinion, basically. With Brexit, it's really challenging because there isn't unanimous opinion.

Q. What's the big difference between then and now as far as Northern Ireland is concerned?

A. What I think Brexit has done, it has brought a big crisis to government in Britain and it's damaging Anglo-Irish relationships and relations between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Queen visited Ireland in 2012 and the Irish President visited England and was invited to Windsor Castle. I attended that element of the visit. It was transformational, because you were in Windsor Castle with the likes of Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson. There was a real step forward for those relationships. I am nostalgic for those days. We had a working Executive, we had a united front to the world, no matter what it was like here. The parties all had their own issues here, but externally we had a united front.

Q. What did you think of the deal Theresa May reached with the EU, which was later rejected by MPs and strongly opposed by the DUP?

A. While the deal wasn't perfect, it was the best deal for trade and had our support. So we actually did step up. It was the first time you had over 20 business groups, including the four nationally-recognised business organisations (Chamber, FSB, CBI and Institute of Directors) plus the trade associations all 100% agreed.

Q. An organisation like the Chamber has always seemed to have a good relationship with the parties in power, particularly the DUP, which rejected the withdrawal agreement. What was it like to oppose the DUP on the subject of the agreement?

A. I think Brexit has been one of the biggest challenges. We would see the DUP as the party that was more pro-business than any other over the years. They were the party which for many years headed government departments like Enterprise, (now the Department of the Economy), Finance, and Environment, or as it is now, the Department for Infrastructure. They would be seen as business-friendly and they were the first movers on the campaign to bring our rate of corporation tax down and into line with the 12.5% rate in the Republic. This current situation, where the different political parties are taking totally different stances, is challenging for business. Across the whole of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Brexit is not an economic decision. It seems to be a political decision. In England it's been about sovereignty. In NI it's about sovereignty. It's political, rather than economic or social.

Q. You're from Limavady. What was your upbringing like?

A. I'm one of 10, including two who died in infancy. Of eight of us who grew up in Limavady, I was fifth, and of the 10, I was sixth.

My mother Mary Boyle was from Bunbeg in Donegal. She was a native Gaelic speaker, but when she was a young girl came up to work in Derry and came to work in someone's house as what we would now call an au pair. But she didn't speak Gaelic when she was there and for all her life, as Gaelic was seen as as a sign of poverty. She spoke English and never spoke Gaelic to us.

It's quite interesting for me now to see the whole growth of Gaelic. I'm nearly embarrassed now that I don't have any Gaelic, despite being brought up by a native Irish speaker. My father Alex was one of about half-a-dozen men from the village of Drumsurn who joined the Merchant Navy and he went on to become a chief engineer in the Merchant Navy.

Q. Were politics or religion ever discussed in the house when you were growing up?

A. My dad was working for a British company and my mother was from the south, we were brought up a very integrated household and never spoke about religion or politics. We were integrated before integrated became fashionable. They were both Catholics, but they just didn't get involved in Irish politics. My dad was travelling the world working for a British company and my mother was from Donegal. They had no axe to grind. We went to Limavady Grammar School so we were integrated all our life. We had a very balanced, integrated upbringing.

Q. What was it like growing up with seven siblings?

A. You always got a lot of attention and it never felt like you were a big crowd. My parents always emphasised education. We always had to work hard at school. In Donegal, where my mother was from, they were really into education in a big way. We really had to do the best we could at school. My father used to ask us our tables repeatedly. The message always was work hard, education is the only way to get on.

Q. How did your career develop after you studied at Queen's?

A. When I graduated with history and politics I did a post-graduate management course and ended up in production management. I started out in Warne Surgical Products in Lurgan as a production planner. I then went to England and worked in Birds General Foods in Banbury in Oxfordshire, in a big production unit which made Bird's Custards and Maxwell House coffee. My job was to bring in materials. If you didn't have the materials there, the factory didn't work, basically. Then I went into economic development and social enterprise. That was because when I came back to Northern Ireland in the 1990s, it was a time when there were no jobs in industry and the economy was very weak, By then I had my two daughters, Amanda (32) and Sarah (29).

Q. How did you and your husband meet?

A. I met my husband Paul Sistern through mutual friends in a pub. He was friends with a guy from Limavady called Michael Tierney. When I went to London we went up to Banbury for the weekend and we met Paul in the pub. We got married within 13 months. It was mad. We met on June 18 and got married on August 13 the following year. And we've been married 35 years.

Q. Have your career achievements made you a good role model for your daughters?

A. Apparently I've been very demanding! When I was younger I lacked confidence. I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I started out in production because it just happened, then I came home to Northern Ireland and got into economic development, because it just happened - whereas I would be encouraging them to have more of a career plan. But I also really encouraged them to think they are good enough now and as good as anybody else. Quite often, women's barriers are themselves. Sometimes they think that someone better than them does something, rather than people like them.

Q. What was it like to move home to Northern Ireland in the 1990s?

A. The reason we moved back here was because my husband bought into a business here. I didn't want to come. We came on the basis that if we sold our house we'd come and if we didn't, we wouldn't. It was literally the toss of a coin. So we sold our house in a place called Bourne End in Buckinghamshire within days. We moved then to Co Armagh. And the first night when we got here I went out to get something from the backyard and there were men with guns walking out the back streets, and I realised they were soldiers. I found it difficult to move back from a peaceful English life to a life here. But now I just love it. I think Belfast is a great place to live and work. I think in business everyone is very mixed, very ambitious for their businesses.

Q. How do you unwind?

A. We moved to Belfast from Limavady about four years ago and every Saturday my husband and I go wandering, basically. My husband loves craft beer so we go to places where there is craft beer and nice food. We're enjoying life and all that Belfast has to offer and living up this way now means we can walk most places we want to go. I love the sea and I go up home to Limavady for the odd fix of Downhill Beach. I love the rocks under Mussenden Temple. And I loved Roe Valley Country Park, it's gorgeous too.

Q. Who was your biggest role model?

A. I do think my mum was. You can name all these famous people when it comes to role models, but my mother was just a kind, fair person. Mammy always taught you to turn the other cheek. I've never fallen out with anybody, no matter how bad they are; I never fall out with them because you just move on. You don't know when you'll meet people again and what situations you'll meet them in, so just always be professional. My mother never held a grudge. She didn't have to score points, you just move on. And I think that's useful in business, you just move on.

Q. We're now into our third year without an Executive. Are you disappointed in the political parties?

A. Completely and utterly shocked that it's gone on so long. This is the longest that it's ever gone on. It's such a vital time for the economy.

Q. What do you think is the problem? Do they need some of the can-do attitude of business?

A. I think our d'Hondt system (which allocates ministries to parties on a cross-community basis based on the results of an Assembly election) probably needs some sort of review so that when they come back they can make decisions for the best of social and economic life.

We always get the best compromise, rather than the best decision. We'd hoped after 20 years we would have had a maturer government that was able to step on and move on from the d'Hondt system. It obviously shows that even after 20 years we haven't matured enough in government. This will drive them (the parties) crazy - but we'll probably need another 20 years before they will learn to trust each other. But it would be helpful if they were back in there in Stormont now.

Business is totally and utterly frustrated. Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness issued a joint letter at the start of the Brexit process, but we haven't had another joint letter since then. It's not just Brexit, though. It is around migration, it is around delivering the Programme for Government and improving productivity and also representing us on the world stage. We used to have a united front, across the world, and we're heading to another St Patrick's Day without someone representing us in the States.

Q. Have you any extra-curricular interests?

A. I'm on the Senate at Queen's, and I'm deputy chair of the Grand Opera House. What I like about those is that it helps you learn from another sector and realise that there's more to the world than you and business. I think the Opera House is a fantastic asset for Northern Ireland and they're working really hard to make sure the wider community has opportunities to engage with it. It's a really well-run business.
Comedy Ventriloquist Ian Varella will be the featured performer at the Bedford County Regional Education Foundations Speak Out for Scholarships fundraiser on Saturday, March 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Bedford Elks Country Club.
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith (Ark.) is reviving its neurosurgery program by hiring two neurosurgeons and remodeling space for its neuroscience center, according to Arkansas Business.

Things to know:

1. The hospital hired husband-and-wife team Ken Foxx, MD, and Kate Foxx, MD, who will join Mercy Fort Smith in August.

2. The hospital committed $10 million to equipment and remodeling efforts for its 16,000-square-foot Neuroscience Center. The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Smith is helping to raise money for the hospital campus renovations and equipment costs.

3. Mercy will also modify space at Mercy Orthopedic Hospital Fort Smith for elective spine surgeries.

4. Currently, only one neurosurgeon covers Mercy's Fort Smith hospital and has privileges at Baptist Health-Fort Smith. Another neurosurgeon practices exclusively at Baptist, which said one of its priorities was to recruit more neurosurgeons to the area.

5. For the past two years, more than 700 neurotrauma patients and 1,500 spine patients left the Fort Smith area due to a lack of neurosurgical treatment options.

6. Mercy used consulting firm Health Care Futures of Chicago's service to recruit Drs. Foxx and Foxx. The hospital also partnered with the Mercy Clinic Neurosurgery group in Springfield, Mo.

7. Drs. Foxx and Foxx will be a part of the Springfield group, but will work exclusively in Fort Smith.
Georgia's governor is eyeing a federal Medicaid waiver under a new proposal, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Three things to know:



1. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp rolled out the proposal, the Patients First Act, Feb. 13. It aims to give Georgia more flexibility in using federal healthcare funding for its Medicaid program.



2. Mr. Kemp said the proposed legislation would help lower healthcare costs in the state's private sector. The proposal would also increase access to healthcare and make it more affordable for low-income residents, according to the governor.



3. However, Democrats expressed concern over gaining Medicaid funding through a waiver as opposed to full expansion, according to AJC. Democrats argue the waiver could allow Mr. Kemp to control how the program is designed and implemented.

For the full report, click here.



More articles on payer issues:

Humana CFO says Trump's drug proposal will raise premiums

Utah may unwind voter-approved Medicaid expansion

UnitedHealth updates opioid policy


California will allocate $8 million in funding to 31 hospitals to provide medication-assisted treatment to patients battling opioid use disorder in rural areas, reports Capital Public Radio.



As part of the federally funded program, the hospitals will train physicians to administer medication-assisted treatment to patients in the emergency room.

Many of the hospitals are based in rural communities where patients may have difficulty accessing addiction care or rehabilitation services.

"Having a local program in rural communities is really a game changer," Arianna Sampson, a physician assistant at Marshall Medical Center in Placerville, told Capital Public Radio.

Marshall Medical Center plans to use its funding to hire an ER navigator to help patients treated for opioid use disorder find long-term rehab.
A Louisiana physician and his medical billing supervisor have pleaded guilty to participating in a Medicare fraud scheme, according to the Justice Department.

John Eastham Clark, MD, 66, of Baton Rouge, La., pleaded guilty Feb. 13 to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Charlene Anita Severio 56, of Walker, La., pleaded guilty Feb. 14 to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud and two counts of healthcare fraud.

Dr. Clark co-owned and served as medical director of Louisiana Spine & Sports, a Baton Rouge-based pain management clinic. From about June 2005 through March 2015, Dr. Clark, his billing supervisor Ms. Severio, and others participated in a scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and other insurers indicating that minor surgical procedures happened on days after office visits, when both occurred on the same day, according to plea documents cited by the Justice Department.

Dr. Clark admitted that the practice was intended to defraud healthcare insurers for nonreimbursable office visits. He said he also falsified records substantiating the fraudulent claims and directed Ms. Severio and others to do the same. Ms. Severio admitted to her involvement.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Georgia hospital enters $5M settlement with feds to resolve false claims case

Ex-pharmacy director pleads guilty to defrauding Nebraska hospital of $4.6M

Specialty pharmacy pays $17M to settle Medicare billing fraud lawsuit
From Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare and its CEO settling false claims allegations to nurses suing Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives over on-call pay, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.

1. Prime Healthcare, CEO settle billing fraud allegations

Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare Services and its founder and CEO Prem Reddy, MD, agreed to pay the federal government $1.25 million to settle false claims allegations.

2. Nurses sue CHI over on-call pay: 4 things to know

Seven current and former nurses at CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln, Neb., filed a federal lawsuit against the hospital's parent company, Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives.

3. Intermountain: Whistle-blower provisions of False Claims Act are unconstitutional

Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare argues the False Claims Act's whistle-blower provisions are unconstitutional in a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case.

4. Physician gets 75 months in prison for role in false billing scheme

A physician who worked at now-defunct New England Pain Management Associates, which operated clinics in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, was sentenced to 75 months in prison on Feb. 6 for conspiring to falsify patient medical records to obtain payments from insurers for medical services that were never provided.

5. California hospital system underpaid by Blue Shield for ER services, jury finds

Fairfield, Calif.-based NorthBay Healthcare may recover $16 million-plus from Blue Shield of California after a federal jury in San Francisco found the health insurer underpaid the hospital system for emergency care.

6. New York hospital retaliated against 2 physicians for reporting dangerous care, lawsuits claim

Two physicians filed lawsuits against Auburn (N.Y.) Community Hospital, alleging the hospital retaliated against them for raising concerns about another physician's dangerous conduct.

7. UPMC to litigate over Highmark consent decree

Pittsburgh-based UPMC will fight a petition filed Feb. 7 by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office seeking to modify a consent decree between UPMC and Pittsburgh-based Highmark that is set to expire June 30.

8. Florida hospital owes $35K for supplies, lawsuit contends

A lawsuit filed against a Florida hospital claims that the facility's owner has not paid invoices dating to 2017 and owes more than $35,000 for medical supplies.

9. Pennsylvania hospital accused of firing technician in cancer treatment

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia faces allegations that it fired an anesthesiology technician who asked for extended medical leave during breast cancer treatment.

10. AbbVie must hand over Humira documents, judge rules

A federal judge ruled that AbbVie must turn over documents in a lawsuit that accuses the drugmaker of using "unclean hands" to create a thicket of patents to protect its best-selling drug Humira from competition.

11. Judge halts NJ health system's move to expel physicians

A New Jersey judge on Feb. 8 temporarily stopped Bethlehem, Pa.-based St. Luke's University Health Network from pursuing its plans to prevent at least eight physicians from working at its hospital in Phillipsburg, N.J.

12. Optum's trade secrets appeal to be fast-tracked

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit agreed to fast-track its deliberation over whether Optum can block its former executive David Smith from using confidential information he allegedly obtained before being hired by the Amazon-Berkshire-JPMorgan venture.

13. Woman awarded $1M in discrimination lawsuit against California hospital

A jury awarded a former employee of Camarillo, Calif.-based St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital $1.03 million in a discrimination lawsuit.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Georgia hospital enters $5M settlement with feds to resolve false claims case

Ex-pharmacy director pleads guilty to defrauding Nebraska hospital of $4.6M

Specialty pharmacy pays $17M to settle Medicare billing fraud lawsuit
HHS Secretary Alex Azar has called for a review of the Indian Health Service after a joint investigation by The Wall Street Journal and PBS revealed the agency allowed a pedophile physician to treat pediatric patients for more than two decades, the WSJ reports.

Four things to know:

1. The joint investigative documentary detailed the IHS' handling of Stanley Patrick Weber, MD, a pediatrician convicted in 2018 of sexually assaulting pediatric patients. The investigation found IHS officials transferred Dr. Weber to different agency-run facilities for more than two decades despite officials' discovery that he had molested children in 1995. The organizations' documentary premiered Feb. 13.

2. In a Feb. 13 speech to the National Congress of American Indians, Mr. Azar said "the quality of care at IHS facilities has not always met the standards we set," and that the OIG will conduct a review of HHS' policies on handling abuse allegations.

3. The OIG previously conducted a criminal investigation into Dr. Weber that resulted in two indictments in 2017 and 2018 in South Dakota and Montana. In Montana, he was convicted of sexually assaulting two boys during a federal trial, and is expected to undergo a second federal trial in South Dakota in September. He was sentenced in January to serve more than 18 years in prison, according to the WSJ.

4. The IHS also plans to hold an independent review of its handling of Dr. Weber's case, to be conducted by an independent third party.

To access the full report, click here.
Pipeline Health, a Los Angeles-based privately held hospital ownership and management company, plans to close Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill., by July, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

The news comes weeks after Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare completed the sale of three Chicago area hospitals to Pipeline Health.

Pipeline Health previously revealed plans for part-owner and prominent Chicagoan Eric Whitaker, MD, to help turn around Westlake Hospital, Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago and West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, Ill., according to the report. But the company has decided to close the 230-bed, 670-employee Westlake Hospital and intends to ask the state to do so in the second quarter of this year.

The decision reportedly prompted surprise and disapproval from state lawmakers and Melrose Park officials, who pointed to the hospital's crucial role in serving a largely minority community.

Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico said in a news release obtained by the Tribune that "Pipeline Health's shameful lie will rob our communities of a vital asset."

Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Westchester, who was a hospital board member, told the publication the decision "was completely contrary to what we were told during the entire purchasing process. It's going to leave a gaping hole in healthcare right in the middle of a largely black and brown community."

But Pipeline's Dr. Whitaker defended the decision, telling the Tribune that closing Westlake Hospital will help keep the other two purchased Chicago area hospitals sustainable.

"As we looked at the financials, the losses had accelerated tremendously, and it was beyond what we had projected," he said. "To the extent that we would have to pour a lot of capital into Westlake, it really would have endangered the other two hospitals we had as part of the purchase."

Pipeline Health plans to consolidate some services now offered at Westlake Hospital with West Suburban Hospital. Westlake Hospital employees also reportedly will have the opportunity to apply for roles at the other two Chicago area facilities purchased by Pipeline Health.







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The company that operates Prague (Okla.) Community Hospital failed to pay workers Feb. 15, according to local TV station KFOR.

Four things to know:

1. This is the third time in recent months Kansas City, Mo.-based EmpowerHMS has failed to pay the hospital's workers. The management company missed payroll in early December and on Feb. 1.

2. Hospital employees also reported problems with their health insurance. Staff told KFOR that money is being deducted from their paychecks for health insurance, but EmpowerHMS let their health insurance lapse or didn't secure policies for them.

3. The City of Prague is suing EmpowerHMS and its CEO for breach of contract in federal court. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb. 19.

4. Lawyers for EmpowerHMS declined to comment to KFOR about the problems reported at Prague Community Hospital due to the pending litigation.

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Healthcare venture capital is growing: 13 latest deals
Venture capitalists poured $2.6 billion into healthcare startups in January, and several healthcare venture capital deals were announced in the first half of February.

Below are 13 healthcare venture capital deals announced in the past month.

1. Vicarious Surgical, a Cambridge, Mass.-based developer of virtual reality software for minimally invasive surgery procedures, completed a $10 million funding round led by Bill Gates' Gates Frontier.

2. Vor Biopharma, a Boston-based stem cell therapy startup focused on the treatment of hematological malignancies, completed a $42 million Series A financing round led by 5AM Ventures and RA Capital Management.

3. Phylagen, a San Francisco-based data analytics company building an environmental microbiome database, raised $14 million in Series A funding from Cultivan Sandbox, Breakout Ventures and Working Capital.

4. Nuvaira, a Minneapolis-based developer of therapeutic medical devices to treat obstructive lung disease, closed a $79 million equity financing led by U.S. Venture Partners.

5. Culture Biosciences, a South San Francisco-based biotechnology company, raised $5.5 million in a funding round led by Section 32.

6. KenSci, a Seattle-based risk prediction platform for healthcare, closed $22 million in Series B funding. Polaris Partners led the funding round.

7. Health Catalyst, a Salt Lake City-based data and analytics company, raised $100 million in Series F equity and debt funding. OrbiMed led the funding round.

8. HiberCell, a New York City-based biotechnology company, raised $60.75 million in Series A funding. Arch Venture Partners led the funding round.

9. Day Zero Diagnostics, a Boston-based infectious disease diagnostic company, completed an $8.6 million Series A funding round led by Triventures.

10. Clover Health, a San Francisco-based health insurance startup, completed a $500 million funding round led by Greenoaks Capital Management.

11. Dewpoint Therapeutics, a Cambridge, Mass.-based drug discovery startup, completed a $60 million Series A funding round led by Polaris Partners.

12. Phynd Technologies, a Dallas-based information management platform, completed an $8 million Series B funding round. Participating investors included MemorialCare Innovation Fund, Rex Ventures, Orlando Healthcare Ventures and Dallas Venture Partners.

13. Lyndra Therapeutics, a Watertown, Mass.-based biotechnology startup, raised $55 million in Series B financing. Polaris Partners led the funding round.

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Oroville (Calif.) Hospital has received $200 million in bonds from 48 large institutional investors to fund a five-story, 165,000-square-foot medical tower, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record.

The project will double the hospital's square footage and connect to the current hospital with a walkway. Investors in the bonds include Goldman Sachs, Franklin Funds and Barclays Bank, with bond maturities ranging from five to 35 years.

"For these New York markets to pay attention to us, it had to be kind of extraordinary because were an independent hospital in California," said Robert Wentz, Oroville Hospital's CEO. "It's due to how we operate. We have incredible employees that have done extraordinary work over a long period of time to put the hospital in a position where these people would think that we are a good investment."
Colorado Springs, Colo.-based Rocky Mountain Health Care Services sent letters to 971 patients alerting them of a recent data breach.

The hospital became aware that an employee's laptop was stolen May 15, 2018. The laptop may have contained patient's health information. RMHCS immediately began investigating to determine what information was stored on the laptop.

RMHCS determined patients' names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and limited medical treatment information may have been affected in the incident. The hospital reported the incident to HHS and law enforcement.

Since the incident, RMHSC has reviewed and updated its policies and procedures related to information security and mobile device management. The hospital is offering affected patients credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services.

This is not the first time laptops have been stolen at Rocky Mountain Health Care Services. In September 2017, the hospital reported a former employees' cell phone and laptop were stolen, making the May theft the second of its kind since June 2017.

Editor's note: Becker's reached out to the hospital for comment. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
Van Nuys-based Southern California Orthopedic Institute CNO Rashel Campos, RN, BSN, spoke to Becker's ASC Review about how using Global 1's bundled payments structure helped the organization move total joint and spine procedures to its outpatient centers.

Note: Responses have been edited for length and style.

Question: What are the benefits of a bundled payment model in your ASCs?

Rashel Campos: We're an orthopedic practice and we have physician-owned centers. Global 1 has been able to secure bundled payments, providing us the opportunity to do outpatient joints. People have been following the Medicare model: if you approve the code, we'll approve the code. Global 1's been able to secure coding and bundled payments for total joints that allows you, financially, to do it. Other places have given you codes that allow you to do the surgery, but the code's not reimbursed enough with the implant and contracts you had in place. So, Global 1's been able to secure payment for total joints, [which is] allowing us to move our total joint and spine programs into our centers.

Q: How many cases have you done under the bundled payment model? How long have you been doing the bundled payments?

RC: We've been doing the bundled payments with Global 1 since 2015. Our most recent [ASC started] in 2018. Everything that was Blue Shield now goes through our bundles. We were doing, on average, about 25 cases a month in 2018 [at The Center for Orthopedic Surgery]. So, we're doing [around] 250 to 300 in both of our bigger centers that have been doing the bundles for longer. Our other center [Bahamas Surgery Center] is doing about 15 to 20 a month.

We have a total joint program and a spine program that we have been increasing [since we started working with Global 1]. This year, we're going to be doing the AAAHC joint and spine accreditation. [The bundled payment model] alone has pushed our total joint program so much.

Q: How does the bundled model help you handle implant costs?

RC: Before, let's say, take a Blue Cross or a Cigna contract. Cigna will give you so much for the code and they'll reimburse you a max on your implants, which wouldn't cover your implants. So your implant cost is eating into the profit of your joint code. With the Global 1 bundled payments, it provides a large enough margin that it's reasonable and it meets the risk factor for bringing something like that to your center. So, it's been a big motivator for us to increase our joint and spine [programs].

Q: Do you now offer total joints in all three of your ASCs?

RC: In two of our ASCs, we do totals. Our third ASC's smaller; central processing isn't large enough in that center to do joints right now. In two centers, we do total hip, total knee and spine. And our surgeons in the last year have done quite a few total shoulders as well. So, our total joint program has greatly increased.

Q: What are the important elements of a successful bundled payment program?

RC: The first thing's good communication between your physicians, your scheduling physicians' office and the surgery center. You have to have a good working relationship with all three because everybody has to agree to the bundle. Once you've implemented the bundle, there has to be good communication so everyone working for you understands the bundle [and] what insurance payers go through the bundle.

We have weekly meetings with our ASC teams so that we review cases that we bill through the bundles. You have 20 different payers  between your primary commercial insurances, Global 1, worker's comp, Medicare  so, we review all of our cases to see what cases could go through the bundle.

To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Angie Stewart at astewart@beckershealthcare.com. For a deeper dive into ASC industry trends, attend the Becker's 17th Annual Future of Spine + Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC in Chicago, June 13-15, 2019. Click here to learn more and register.
In the midst of facility openings and hospital enhancements, Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare Regional President Jared Rogers, MD, told The News-Gazette that OSF may benefit from adding an ASC in the area.

What you should know:

1. Dr. Rogers said OSF HealthCare has been rapidly expanding its services based on community needs and values. "Bariatric surgery is a service line we don't currently have in Champaign-Urbana or Danville," he told The News-Gazette. "Nor do we have an ASC in Champaign-Urbana."

2. The health system plans to enhance patient care and surgery areas in two hospitals it purchased in February 2018, although no major renovations are planned. The hospitals are in Urbana, Ill., and Danville, Ill.

3. OSF HealthCare opened two Champaign, Ill.-based urgent care centers in the past year, and two more urgent care centers are expected to open this spring.
No doubt, some people who have been arrested on serious charges deserve high bail amounts  and sometimes no bail option at all. But many poor defendants in Texas facing minor charges remain locked up only because they cant make bail. That costs each county and can force the defendant to lose a job, miss a car payment or drop out of school. Its a bad system, and at long last the Legislature seems determined to improve it.

As with so many proposed changes in Austin, lawmakers took a run at this issue in 2017 but failed to make progress. Critics say that happened because of intense pressure from the states bail-bond industry, which likes the current system because it makes a healthy profit from it.

The momentum this year is unmistakable. The states two largest counties  Harris and Dallas  have been successfully sued for outdated bail policies, with federal judges calling their system unconstitutional. Even law-and-order stalwarts like Gov. Greg Abbott and the presiding justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals support reform this time.

Chief Justice Nathan Hecht told the Legislature two years ago that 75 percent of the states jail inmates have not been convicted of any crime, with most of them facing nonviolent or relatively minor charges. And of course some of them are actually innocent.

Yet a tradition of hardline policies in Texas basically presume them to be guilty and make it hard for poor defendants to make bail. Sometimes, the cases are ridiculously unjust. Hecht noted a grandmother who was kept in jail for two months on a $150,000 bond after being charged with shoplifting $105 worth of clothes for her grandchildren.

Most county jails spend at least $40 or $50 per day to keep inmates locked up, and sometimes even more. In Harris County, the figure is $87 per day. By comparison, most counties can monitor a defendant on pretrial release for less than a dollar per day.

As much as possible, jails and prison cells need to be reserved for people who are a danger to society and truly belong there. Few inmates have learned to change their ways while warehoused in facilities that cant do much more than feed them and provide a space for them to sleep.

Judges should be given more flexibility to evaluate inmates and decide which ones can be released for small bail amounts. Others can be freed with the likelihood that they will not attempt to flee because of job or family ties.

State Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said doing nothing is not an option. I dont believe Ive seen anything more broken in the criminal-justice system than our current bail-bond process, Whitmire said. If we do not fix it, ladies and gentlemen, the federal courts will.
Even after Homer Drive Elementary School Principal Belinda George puts on her pajamas at night, she's not content to rest as an educator. She still has important reading to do.

So, every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., George sits in front of her iPhone in her PJs  oftentimes a onesie  and reads a bedtime story streamed to children via the Homer Drive Elementary Facebook page.

"I don't call my children 'students,' I call them 'scholars,'" said George, who has found a novel way to enhance their education in her first year as principal of Homer.

Her online story sessions aim to encourage good reading habits early in a school district where 60 percent of all students approached state standards for English language arts and reading last year  compared to about a third who met the standards and about a tenth who mastered them, according to the Texas Education Agency.

George recognized an opportunity to foster literacy outside the classroom  to "bridge the gap between home and school"  when she saw the story streaming idea on a forum for teachers.

She knew she had to give it a shot.

"I want to extend what I do past 4 p.m. I'm not in every child's home, so I don't know if all or any of them have someone to read to them at night. This is just a way to give the children that exposure," George said.

After receiving positive feedback for the first reading, George made the bedtime stories a Tuesday night tradition.

"I don't have children of my own, so I love these kids with all my heart," she said.

Her videos have been viewed several thousand times locally and beyond since she began streaming in mid-December.

Keava Turner, a Beaumont mother of four, said all her children watch the live stream on the Homer Drive Elementary Face-book page.

"I love it because all of my children watch it. I have a 14-year-old, a third-grader and first-grader who go to Homer, and my 10-month-old even sits still to watch," Turner said.

Students who tune in to the live reading are eligible for accelerated reading points if they take the corresponding test after the reading.

Accelerated reading points are geared toward monitoring and managing a child's independent reading practices and allow students to choose the books they are interested in at their own level of reading.

"The point is just to get the children interested in what is being read or what they are reading by relating it to things that they may be experiencing," George said.

Erica.Apodaca@beaumontenterprise.com

Twitter.com/erica_a10
Beaumont Independent School District will hold another community meeting to educate parents and community members about the upcoming partnership between Fehl-Price Elementary School and ResponsiveED charter school management organization, according to information on the BISD website.

The event will take place at Fehl-Price at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 19.
Approximately 45 people were arrested for felony Driving While Intoxicated charges in Montgomery County throughout the month of January, according to records from a public information request filed by the Chronicle.

In Texas, a person is charged with DWI if their blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT.)
Pulwama encounter: The two terrorists were killed, one of them the mastermind behind the Pulwama terror attack, in an encounter in the Pinglina area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Reiterating his commitment to take a stringent action against the Pakistan-based terror groups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said time for talks with the neighbouring country was over, and that it's now time for "action". In a setback for the Indian security forces just three days after the attack on the CRPF convoy that left 44 jawans dead, four jawans, one of them a major rank officer, were also martyred in the encounter. As per information, a civilian has also been severely injured in the exchange of fire between the security forces and the terrorists in the Pulwama encounter. Initially, some Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) militants opened fire on the security forces. A major gun battle broke out between security officials and the terrorists, leading to severe injuries to four jawans, who later succumbed to their injuries.

Catch all the latest updates on the Pulwama terror attack and the encounter going on the Pinglina village of Pulwama at BusinessToday.In.

10:00pm:

Meerut: Family of Sepoy Ajay Kumar in mourning, he lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in #Pulwama earlier today. (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/uiKRBiWLuf - ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 18, 2019

9:10pm: Taiwan condemns Pulwama terror attack

9:00pm:

Srinagar: Earlier visuals from wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel- Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Sepoy Hari Singh, who lost their lives in terrorist attack in Pulwama earlier today pic.twitter.com/BTjk0nddmB - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

8:50pm: Central Reserve Police Force Director General R R Bhatnagar has reportedly said that Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Kamra, alias Ghazi, who was killed by security forces during encounter in Pinglana, was a 'very important commander'. 'It's an achievement,' the DG was quoted as said.

8:40pm: #ArmyCdrNC and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our brave officer and soldiers & offer deepest condolences to the families. @adgpi@PIB_India@SpokespersonMoDpic.twitter.com/qo8TzBJF89

8:30pm: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Navjot Sidhu has not been a soldier so he does not stand the sentiment of losing soldier.His comment came just days after his Cabinet colleague Navjot Singh Sidhu called for dialogue with Pakistan even after the Pulwama terrorist attack.

8:20pm: Case registered against former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Shehla Rashid in Prem Nagar police station in Uttarakhand for allegedly spreading misinformation in a tweet about the condition of Kashmiri students in the state after the Pulwama attack. Case registered under sections 505, 153 and 504 of the IPC, ANI reported.

8:10pm: Advocate Vineet Dhanda has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a judicial inquiry into alleged lapses which led to Uri and Pulwama attacks, ANI reported. Petition also seeks stern legal action against those locals in Jammu and Kashmir who attack the armed forces in any form.

8:00pm:

J&K: Earlier visuals from site of encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pulwama in which mastermind of terrorist attack at CRPF convoy in Pulwama on Feb 14 has also been killed. 3 terrorists were killed & 5 security personnel lost their lives in the encounter today pic.twitter.com/kRHeFgsbyC - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

7.00 pm: Petition filed in the Supreme Court by advocate Vineet Dhanda seeking a judicial inquiry into alleged lapses which led to Uri and Pulwama attacks. Petition also seeks stern legal action against those locals in Jammu and Kashmir who attack the armed forces in any form.

6.12pm: 12 Sector Rashtriya Rifles Commander of the rank of Brigadier also injured in the Pulwama encounter: ANI.

5.44pm: Captain Vinayak Vijay and Lt Col Rahul Gupta were also injured in the encounter. Captain Vijay is stable, while Lt Col Gupta is in a critical condition.

5.30pm: Pulwama mastermind Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, a Pakistani national, was one of the closest and most trusted aide of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Ghazi was an Afghan war veteran and an IED specialist.

He had trained Pulwama bomber Adil Dar, who drove the explosives-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy.

5.00pm: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists earlier today, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable: ANI.

4.30pm: The Govt had inputs from intelligence agencies on Feb 8 that such attacks might happen before elections. Why no action was taken? Why 78 convoys were still allowed?...I also have intelligence reports that my phone is always taped, as you all know: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.

4.00pm: Cricketer Mohd Shami donates money to the wives of Pulwama martyrs. "When we play for our country they stand at the borders protecting it. We stand with the families of our jawans, we will always be there for them," he added.

3.30pm: Two more security officials have been injured in the encounter in the Pinglina area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir; one more terrorist is reportedly still holed-up inside a house.

2:50pm: IPL chairman, Rajiv Shukla, has said that our position and policy are very clear. Unless the government gives a nod we will not play with Pakistan, ANI has report.

2:45pm: Situation improves in Jammu region. Administration announces 3-hour relaxation in curfew between 2 to 5pm in South Jammu city. However, relaxation not given in Digiana, Balicharana and few other areas.

Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar: Relaxation given in curfew between 2 pm to 5 pm at locations in South Jammu. Relaxation not given in Digiana, Balicharana & few other areas. Curfew was imposed in wake of #PulwamaAttack. #JammuAndKashmir. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/Yz78CWEqDc - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

2:40pm: Army Chief to brief Defence Minister on the ongoing security situation in the Kashmir valley including the Pulwama encounter today. Four personnel including one Army Major lost life in joint operations by security forces against suspected Jaish terrorists today.

2:35pm: Hesitating from taking actions against terrorists is also kind of encouraging terrorism, ANI quoted PM Modi as saying. Being a part of G20 countries, it's also important that we implement 11 point agenda of Hamburg Leaders Statement, he said. India and Argentina will issue a special declaration on terrorism today.

2.18pm: The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI) has said it would offer a two-bedroom house to each family of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu & Kashmir, reports PTI. "In a modest gesture of our solidarity and support to the grief-stricken families, CREDAI proposes to offer them one house each (2BHK) in the area or city of their state," President of the apex realtor body, Jaxay Shah, said in a statement.

2.13pm: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu clarifies about his comments on the Pulwama terror attack: "I want to ask who released those involved in 1999 Kandahar incident? Who's responsibility is it? Our fight is against them. Why should a soldier die? Why can't there be a permanent solution?," reports ANI.

2.10pm: The Indian security forces have relaxed curfew in some parts of Jammu between 2pm and 5pm, reports Moneycontrol.

1.39pm:Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Prakash Singh Badal has said the Congress party should sack the party leader and former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu for his comments on the Pulwama terror attack.

Parkash Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal in Chandigarh : Navjot Singh Sidhu should be suspended from the Congress party for his comments on Pakistan. In fact, a case should be registered against those who make anti-national statements. pic.twitter.com/Nn9Eh9fMxg - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

1.20pm: The All India Cine Workers' Association bans all the Pakistani artists working in the film industry in India.

All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttackpic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

1.18pm:Ripun Bora of the Congress says the BJP is responsible for the situation in Kashmir, and its poor diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

Ripun Bora, Congress: Ye (BJP) log banaya hai Pakistan, ye log Kashmir banaya hai. Abhi J&K ka jo haal hua hai, ye kisne kiya?Kashmir mein aatankwad ka itna ghatna chal raha hai,Govt kuch kar nahi paya. Ye log banaya hai J&K ka ye halat. Tum pehle Kashmir ko control karke dikhao. pic.twitter.com/aOf6jq6Y4y - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

12.42pm: Reports say one more militant is hiding inside the house in the same village; the security officials clearing the area amid protests from locals.

12.35pm: Mohammad Faisal, Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan, says the Pakistan government has called back the High Commissioner in India for consultations. India had recalled its ambassador to Pakistan last week.

We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning . - Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019

12.11pm: These are the latest visuals from the Pinglina area in Pulwama.

#WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmirpic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

#UPDATE on Pinglana, Pulwama encounter: One AK-47 & one pistol recovered. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during encounter, yet to be confirmed. Search operation continues. #JammuAndKashmirpic.twitter.com/CGYfIctxNL - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The Security forces have recovered AK-47 and pistols from the possession of the terrorists.

11.35am: Reports suggest the main mastermind behind the Pulwama terror attack on theCRPF convoy, Kamran alias Abdul Rasheed Ghazi, has been neutralised.

#JammuAndKashmir : Two terrorists have been killed during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district. Operation still in progress. - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

11.10am: The security officials are suspecting one more militant might be holed up inside the house in the Pinglina area.

10.52am: The two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists have been killed in the Pulwama encounter. These terrorists are believed to be the masterminds behind the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy.

10.40am: In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, a high-level meeting of all top officials is underway at the home ministry.

Delhi: Top officials arrive at Home Ministry for a high level meeting. #PulwamaTerroristAttackpic.twitter.com/Rcz3ZWZnNh - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

10.30am: The cross-LoC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been suspended for today.

10.18am: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a nationwide trade bandh to express solidarity with the families of martyrs who lost their lives in Pulwama terrosist attacks. In a statement, CAIT has said that the commercial markets will remain closed and the traders would observe a 12-hour fast and take out a tribute march in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, J&K, etc today.

9.55am: The cross-LOC bus service from Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been suspended for today, ANI has reported.

9.43am: Pakistan violates ceasefire: Army officials say a major violation of ceasefire was reported in the Poonch sector on Sunday night.

9.35am: The areas where 2G, 3G and 4G services have snapped include: Pulwama, Baramula, Handwara,Srinagar, Kupwara,Anantnag, Kulgam,Sopore, Bandipora, Shopain, and Awantipora.

9.20am: The critically injured armyman identified as Sepoy Gulzar Mohd; he has been evacuated to the Army's 92 Base Hospital in Badamibagh, Srinagar.

9.18am: The armymen martyred in the encounter include Major DS Dondial, Head Constable Save Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar and Seooy Hari Singh.

9.13am: The Pinglina area in Pulwama has been cordoned off; internet services have also been shut in the entire area. Two Jaish militants are believed to be holed up in a house.

9.10am: The latest visuals from the encounter site in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Visuals: The 4 Army personnel including a Major, who were killed in action during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district, belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. #JammuAndKashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/Wa2sxz3bzT - ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

9.08am: The four Army personnel who were martyred in during the encounter between terrorists and security forces belong to 55 Rashtriya Rifles, reports ANI.

8.45am: Four Army personnel including a Major killed in the exchange of fire.

8.30am: An encounter is going on between security forces and the terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir.

EDITED BY MANOJ SHARMA
Joseph Luiz can be reached at 395-7368 or by email at jluiz@bakersfield.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @JLuiz_TBC.
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The word research evokes images of scientists wearing white lab coats in a lab full of beakers. But important discoveries are made beyond the sciences in all fields.

For Dave Ketchen, Auburn Universitys Harbert Eminent Scholar and Professor of Management, research is the difference maker it can be the deciding factor when contracts are awarded; it helps lay the foundation for entrepreneurs moving their ideas into reality; and it distinguishes between elite business schools and good business schools.

Research is vital because it helps you create knowledge, improve lives and build your brand, said Ketchen, who in 2018 won the universitys top research honor, the Creative Research and Scholarship Award. The honor recognizes faculty members who have distinguished themselves through research, scholarly works and creative contributions.

Ketchen focuses on strategic management, entrepreneurship and supply chain management, and, away from campus, he researches and devotes time to his hobby of Austin Healey cars.

Ketchen joined the Auburn faculty in 2006 and, over his career, has written six books, published more than 160 articles in scholarly journals and had his research featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine and many other publications. His many awards include the Southeastern Conferences 2018 Faculty Achievement Award for Auburn.

In 2012, he was awarded the Smeal Graduate Distinguished Achievement Award by the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University, his alma mater, becoming the first academic to receive this lifetime achievement award. He earned his bachelors degree in marketing in 1988 followed by his doctorate in 1994 in business administration with a concentration in strategic management.

Implementing the research

In addition to statistics produced by studies, though, he knows that personal, long-lasting relationships, especially with former students, are the key to helping implement any research. It might even result in billions of dollars.

Case in point: One of his former students was working for defense-technology company Raytheon as it competed for an $11.2 billion contract that included classroom instruction, simulation and field exercises. The former students first call was to Ketchen, his mentor. I put together a six Ph.D. team, Ketchen said. We had knowledge of organizational structure, entrepreneurship, strategy and supply chain management, and we helped Raytheon win the contract. Raytheon said our academic knowledge was the difference.

Research must be put into the hands of those who need it.

I like to put people together to help each other, Ketchen said. My radar is always up for who might be able to help others. Students, really everyone, should find role models and reach out to them, such as alumni who have started successful businesses. They consider it a compliment.

To facilitate the connections, Ketchen seeks out these role models to speak to his entrepreneurship class. One prominent speaker is Stacy Brown, who started the highly successful Chicken Salad Chick in 2008; the franchise now has more than 100 location in 10 states. Another is Clay McInnis, owner of Commerce Consulting, a company that manages small political and trade associations. In 2011, McInnis was named one of BusinessWeeks Top 25 Entrepreneurs Under 25. Fieldtrips to business locations are incorporated as well, such as visits with Traweek Dickson, president of Joe Hudsons Collision Center.

Students see their success and learn from them, said Ketchen, who adds that so-called book learning remains vital because textbooks are based on volumes of real-world research and implementation. Textbooks are the product of research studies, so students are learning from research.

Ketchens research led to his authoring of the textbook, Mastering Strategic Management, that is widely used among U.S. colleges of business. His innovative teaching methods also include his three graphic novel textbooks, which might look like thick comic books, but are in actuality a proven educational tool. Many students are visual learners, so these books help them learn, he said. Students like using the books.

He says it is also important for business faculty to share knowledge beyond textbooks and professional journals. In 2017, he penned an opinion piece, based on his research, for the Wall Street Journal titled The Downside of Independent Boards, which went against popular opinion that independent boards were inherently better than ones with company officials on them.

After the Enron and WorldCom scandals, the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act said outsiders need to make up boards because CEOs had been putting their family and cronies on them, Ketchen said. However, we found if a CEO is the only insider, it hurts the company through an average 10 percent drop in profits. We also found that companies with lone-insider boards were 27 percent more likely to commit financial misconduct. If only one insider is on the board, the CEO controls what information other members receive and some CEOs take advantage of that information gap.

To be elite, we must compete

Conducting and publishing research, he says, helps determine which business schools are among the nations elite. To be elite, we must compete, Ketchen said. We need to compete for space in the best journals and publications. We need to compete for the best faculty and work hard to retain them. Retaining top faculty is smart business because it almost always costs more to replace a top professor than to keep one, assuming a suitable replacement can even be found. Also, we need to recruit the best Ph.D. students and help them achieve excellence.

He credits former Dean Bill Hardgrave, now Auburn provost, for putting Harbert College on the path to being one of the nations elite public business schools, and says Dean Annette Ranft brings an elite business school mentality to the faculty and students.

We are seeing our high rankings continue to go up, Ketchen said. Research helps our rankings. All business schools at universities like Auburn have really good teachersthe difference is conducting research that advances knowledge and improves lives.

A salute to veterans

While Ketchen enjoys helping all students, he has a special place in his heart for our nations veterans. He has helped numerous veterans start businesses and has participated for several years in the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans administered by Florida State University, where he worked prior to joining the Auburn faculty. Both of Ketchens parents worked for the Defense Logistics Agency and his father was in the 1st Infantry Division in the 1960s. His mothers father was a Navy aviator in WWII.

The goal of the EBV program is to put veterans in a position to start a successful business, said Ketchen. They create a business plan during the program and then they receive support as they launch their businesses. Many franchises give discounts to veterans.

One success story is his former EBV student and retired Army Sgt. Renee Floyd who started BRF Mobile Lube Services in Phenix City, Alabama, in 2007. Floyd said the idea of opening her own business began in the deserts of Iraq in 2004.

I was ready to retire from the military but I had no idea of what I wanted to do, Floyd said. During my mulling process, I realized that the easiest thing I did as a mechanic was change oil. I had often wished that we [Army mechanics] had a way to do the simpler jobs such as oil changes on line when the bays were full so after some brainstorming and conferring with a Senior Warrant Officer within my unit, I decided that I would open a mobile oil changing business.

From classic cars to brewing science

Floyd often visits Ketchen and his wife, Sharon, and recently made the short trip to Auburn to enjoy the Ketchens automotive hobbydriving their 1967 Austin Healey.

In 2008, Sharon was diagnosed with brain cancer, Ketchen said. She is doing okay now, but, we cant vacation like we used to. We were watching TV one day and saw an Austin Healey show. We bought one in 2012 and I joined the national Austin Healey Club and got involved.

Ketchen writes for and helps edit the Austin Healey Club magazine and he has written articles for Classic Motorsports and Grassroots Motorsports magazines.

Another passion for Ketchen is helping conduct Auburns Brewing Science and Operations Program, a graduate certificate course for students over 21 who possess a college degree, in which he teaches a class on the business of brewing. He is one of six Auburn faculty who kicked off the program in 2015.

We have had dozens of participants, most of whom did not have business experience when they enrolled. Many have now started their own breweries, and I hear from them often about how their businesses are excelling.

Once youre Dave Ketchens student, youll always be under his watchful eye.
By Trend

Uzbek delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, met with British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson at the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports with reference to press service of Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

"The sides discussed the state and prospects of expanding Uzbek-British relations, a number of international and regional problems, including issues of cooperation in the fight against modern challenges and threats to security," the press service of Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

Williamson expressed the interest of the British Defense Ministry to intensify cooperation in military sphere by positively assessing the level of Uzbek-British cooperation in this area. The British side is ready to render all possible assistance to reform processes in Uzbek Ministry of Defense system, including the improvement of Armed Forces and the advanced training of military personnel.

Special attention was paid to Afghan problem. The British minister stressed Londons support for the outcome of Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan in March 2018, where consensus was reached in international community on the need to help launching the peaceful political process in that country.

Moreover, Williamson called the Uzbek-British consultations on Afghanistan an important mechanism of bilateral relations and noted UKs readiness for closer cooperation in this area.

British side also supported the of the major socio-economic and infrastructure projects initiated by Uzbekistan in Afghanistan.

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By Trend

Iranian officials will not accept conditions under the EU's special financial mechanism, aka INSTEX, Abolfazl Hasanbeygi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, told Tasnim News Agency, Trend reports.

According to Hasanbeygi, Iran should not be optimistic about Europe's promises and should look domestically for ways to develop the country.

Commenting on statements by the EU officials on conditional execution of INSTEX with FATF's approval, Hasanbeygi said the Islamic Republic officials will not accept any conditions for implementation of the financial mechanism.

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.

FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is an intergovernmental organization that enforces international standards for combating money and property laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Two of the four FATF bills have been approved in Iran. Two others  namely, Palermo and CFT bills  are awaiting approvals.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) celebrated its four-year anniversary in January 2019. Kazakhstan as part of the EAEU shares all its achievements with other countries of the economic union, including the increase in trade turnover.

The volume of mutual trade of Kazakhstan with the EAEU states in January-December 2018 in monetary terms amounted to $19.1 billion, which is 7.5 percent more than in 2017, according to the Committee on Statistics of the Ministry of National Economy of Kazakhstan.

The trade turnover of Kazakhstan with the EAEU countries reached $ 17.1 billion

In particular, the volume of Kazakhstan's exports to the EAEU countries in the reporting period in monetary terms totalled $5.9 billion (which is 12 percent more than in 2017), imports - $13.2 billion (+ 5.6 percent).

In the total volume of the Kazakh foreign trade turnover with the EAEU countries, 91.8 percent accounts for Russia, 4.5 percent for Kyrgyzstan, 3.6 percent for Belarus and 0.1 percent for Armenia.

Earlier, Kazakh Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov said that the implementation of the basic agreements on the free movement of goods shows positive results of mutual trade of the EAEU states.

The influx of investments from the EAEU countries is also growing.

"Following the results of three quarters of 2018, the inflow of investments from the EAEU countries increased by 31 percent - from $941.5 million to $1.2 billion," Suleimenov added.

Kazakhstan officially entered the Customs Union with Russia and Belarus on July 1, 2010. Since that time, Kazakhstans trade policy has been heavily influenced by regulations promulgated by the Customs Union and its governing body the Eurasian Economic Commission.

On May 29, 2014, Kazakhstan and its Customs Union partners signed a treaty to create a common economic space known as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The EAEU is expected to further integrate their economies, and provide for the free movement of services, capital and labor within their common territory. The government of Kazakhstan has asserted that EAEU agreements comply with WTO standards.

In October 2016, a free trade zone (FTA) between the EAEU and Vietnam was launched.

Kazakhstan benefits from launching an FTA with Vietnam. In 2017, Kazakhstani-Vietnamese trade increased by 48 percent to $ 542 million, including exports from Kazakhstan, grew by 63 percent due to an increase in supplies of Kazakh food products and agricultural commodities, as well as metals and products from them.

By 2025, common markets for gas, oil and petroleum products will be formed within the EAEU framework.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Trend

Preparation for additional elections to the vacant parliament seats is underway in Turkmenistan, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen Central Election Commission (CEC) Feb. 18.

The elections are scheduled for March 31, 2019.

In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the electoral legislation and the principles of the existing international standards in this field, a broad election campaign has been launched everywhere in Turkmenistan, the report said.

The meetings are held to nominate representatives from the countrys Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party, as well as groups of citizens.

In line with the Constitution, the parliament adopts laws, makes changes and additions to the basic law, approves the state budget; resolves issues of holding national referendums; appoints elections of the president, members of the Parliament, members of representative bodies; considers issues of appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Justice based on the proposal of the head of state; ratifies and denounces international treaties; and solves the issues of changing the state border and administrative-territorial division of the country.

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By Trend

Irans new domestically-developed submarine Fateh joined the country's naval fleet, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attended the ceremony in the southern Bandar Abbas port in the Persian Gulf in which many military officers were present.

Fateh (Conqueror, in Persian) is Irans first semi-heavy submarine with outstanding and unique feature, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, said Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami on Sunday.

This submarine joined Iranian naval fleet after final successful tests, he added.

The Iranian defense minister said the submarines production shows the countrys self-sufficiency in defense sector.

He added that Irans defense industry is the fundamental part of the countrys independence and guarantees its security and stability.

Fateh is Irans most advanced domestically-built submarine. The submarine is equipped with sonar, electric drive, combined battle management, surface-to-surface guided missile guidance, torpedo guidance, electronic and telecommunication warfare, secure and integrated telecommunication systems and dozens of state-of-art modern systems.

Fateh submarine has underwater speed of 11 knots (20.35 km/h) and is capable of travelling submerged at 14 knots (25.9km/h). The submarine is armed with four 533-mm torpedoes.

It can carry eight sea mines and two reserve torpedoes.

The Iranian president also toured the Navy's factories that desgin, develop, manufacture and repair various military vessels.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Joint-stock innovative commercial bank "Ipak Yuli" and the European Development Bank signed an agreement on opening a line of trade financing worth $ 5 million on February 11.

This line will be aimed at financing external trade transactions for the purchase of goods and services.

Trade finance is the financing of clients' foreign trade operations by attracting guarantees or credit resources from international markets and is today considered one of the fastest growing types of banking business.

This line of trade financing will allow the Ipak Yuli Bank to expand its resource base and improve its reputation in the foreign market.

Documentary operations conducted by "Ipak Yuli" Bank help to reduce the risks of their clients when conducting foreign trade operations, increase cash flow, develop and strengthen solid trust relationships with foreign banks.

Ipak Yuli has been actively cooperating with the EBRD since 2001 and has the experience of an attracted credit line of $ 20 million.

The bank closely cooperates with international and foreign financial institutions in order to provide its clients with a wide choice of sources for financing promising projects.

The main mission of "Ipak Yuli" Bank is to professionally provide its customers with a wide range of banking services that meet the needs of their business, helping to strengthen the private entrepreneurship of Uzbekistan.

The strategic goal of the bank is to increase the value of the business while observing the optimal level of risks, ensuring transparency, stability and reliability.

Cooperation with international financial institutions is one of the priority strategic directions affecting the institutional development of the "Ipak Yuli" Bank, offering customers high-quality, often exclusive products, maintaining high standards of business conduct and transparency of the Bank's business reputation.

To date, the EBRD has invested 1.3 billion in 70 projects of the Uzbek economy.

Uzbekistan joined the EBRD on April 30, 1992. A representative office was opened in Tashkent in May 1993.

Uzbekistan and the EBRD signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2017, which serves as an intermediate framework document for the implementation of projects in the country by raising funds from the Bank.

A new approach by the Uzbekistan authorities has allowed the EBRD to re-engage in the country, open a new Resident Office in Tashkent and prepare a new Country Strategy adopted by the Board of Directors in September 2018.

The document identifies the following operational and strategic priorities for the EBRDs work in Uzbekistan: enhancement of competitiveness by strengthening the role of the private sectors role in the economy, promotion of green energy and resource solutions across sectors, support increased regional and international cooperation and integration.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Trend

With the development of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), Europes energy security will be ensured on a wider scale, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports with reference to the Energy Ministry.

He made the remarks at a meeting dedicated to energy security issues as part of the 55th Munich Security Conference in Germany.

In his speech, the minister spoke on the growing role of energy security in ensuring global security, energy policy, oil and gas projects of Azerbaijan that serve to the regional and global energy security, as well as sustainable development.

The minister stressed that the implementation of the SGC project being carried out with the participation of seven countries and numerous companies, entered the final stage, and informed about the strategic importance of the project recreating the energy map of the world.

The SGC is the first real project representing diversification on each of the sources and each route in the global energy security system, he said.

Despite that this project is aimed at the South-Eastern Europe market, which is considered a vulnerable region in terms of energy security, it has the prospect of greater coverage of the European market in the future, he noted.

The minister also informed about the fifth ministerial meeting as part of the SGC Advisory Council to be held in Baku Feb. 20, and about the contribution of the discussions of this format to energy security.

The SGC is one of the priority projects for the EU and envisages the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

The launching ceremony of the first stage of the Southern Gas Corridor was held in Baku on May 29, 2018, while opening ceremony of TANAP was held on June 12, 2018 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir.

The gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field has already gone through the first segment of the Southern Gas Corridor - from the Sangachal terminal to the expanded South Caucasus Pipeline.

Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) have been recently connected on the Turkish-Greek border.

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Makes perfect sense. Photo: Pool/The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images

One of the many random boasts President Trump made during his unfocused national emergency declaration and press conference on Friday was that he had been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Asked by a reporter about his administrations ongoing negotiations with North Korea  which have thus far produced next to no substantive progress toward the countrys denuclearization  Trump heaped praise on himself. In fact, he emphasized at length, he had done such a good job making peace in East Asia that Japans prime minister, Shinzo Abe, had nominated him for one of the worlds highest honors:

I have a very good relationship with [North Korean dictator] Kim Jong-un. And Ive done a job. In fact, I think I can say this: Prime Minister Abe of Japan gave me the most beautiful copy of a letter that he sent to the people who give out a thing called the Nobel Prize. He said, I have nominated you, or, respectfully, on behalf of Japan, I am asking them to give you the Nobel Peace Prize. I said, Thank you.

Many other people feel that way, too. Ill probably never get it. But thats OK. They gave it to Obama. He didnt even know what he got it for. He was there for about 15 seconds and he got the Nobel Prize. He said, Oh, what did I get it for? With me, I probably will never get it 

I mean, it was the most beautiful [five-page letter.] Nobel Prize. He sent it to them. You know why? Because he had rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan. And they had alarms going off  you know that. Now, all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that.

This claim was a bit of a surprise, since Abe and Trump have not seen eye-to-eye over the presidents approach to North Korea; most Japanese citizens dont think Pyongyang will ever surrender its nukes; Trump reportedly said to Abe, I remember Pearl Harbor, during a conversation at the White House last June; and no one with an honest understanding of the North Korea crisis, nuclear nonproliferation, diplomacy, foreign policy, signed agreements, or the presidents ability to learn things could possibly believe Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his fake-deal photo-op with Kim Jong-un in Singapore last year. Some had even speculated  because Trump so regularly doesnt know what hes talking about  that he may have meant to name-drop South Korean president Moon Jae-in, who did once say, out of modesty, that Trump deserved the award more than he did.

Then on Sunday, the Asahi Shimbun confirmed that Abe had indeed submitted the nomination  only not of his own accord. The prime minister did the deed because the White House had informally asked Japan to do so  meaning President Trumps nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize was apparently Trump or the White Houses idea, and one they successfully convinced a foreign government to go along with. Per the report:

Acceding to a request from Washington, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize around autumn for engaging with North Korea, Japanese government sources said Feb. 16. According to the sources, the U.S. government informally asked Tokyo to nominate Trump after he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June, the first-ever summit between the two countries.

When asked about this explanation, Japans foreign ministry later told Reuters that the government was aware of what Trump had claimed on Friday, but would refrain from commenting on the interaction between the two leaders.

In addition, Nobel Peace Prize nominations are supposed to remain anonymous for a period of 50 years, which is something Japan clearly knew because both Abe and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga cited that fact when refusing to comment about the report on Monday.

The Nobel Committee doesnt reveal the identity of those recommending or those recommended for the award for 50 years, Suga responded. And so based on this, he continued, I would like to refrain from making comments on this.

Prime Minister Abe had replied with something similar, but added, Im not saying its not true.

So when Abe agreed to nominate Trump at the White Houses request, he may have assumed that he, Trump, and a lot of other people would be long dead by the time anyone else found out. But if he hoped the nomination would remain a secret, it probably wasnt a good idea to write the worlds biggest narcissist a beautiful five-page letter acknowledging it  unless he was expecting something in return.

The White House has yet to comment on the matter, so its not clear if Trump was aware of the White Houses request or if he effectively made it himself. It would hardly be the first  or even the thousandth  time Trump has sought to invent his own accolades over the past few decades. And the president was already promoting the idea of him winning a Nobel Peace Prize for his summit with Kim before it had even happened.

Does Pres. Trump deserve the Nobel Prize? "Everyone thinks so, but I would never say it," Pres. Trump says.



"The prize I want is victory for the world." https://t.co/CFdzczE0fE pic.twitter.com/uqMlsth1UY  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) May 9, 2018

Going further back, the Washington Post reported in 2017 that at least five of President Trumps clubs and resorts had hung up a fake Time cover celebrating Trump over his Apprentice success and announcing that TRUMP IS HITTING ON ALL FRONTS  EVEN TV!

The magazine even had a random 2009 date and realistic-looking barcode on the cover  albeit the same one used in a Peruvian graphic designers 2010 tutorial on how to make a realistic-looking Time cover, per the Post. (Trump also performs an annual ritual of complaining when he is not named the magazines Man of the Year.)

But while we already know Trump covets awards which celebrate him at least as much as he loves celebrating himself, what we dont know is what a foreign head of state like the prime minister of Japan may have received or been offered in exchange for a Nobel Ego Boost like the one Trump reportedly got. And we also dont know if any other world leaders received a similar informal request. Kim Jong-un is undoubtedly not the only one who understands that the biggest button Trump likes to push is the one that turns on his spotlight.
By Trend

OPECs share of global liquids output is expected to fall to its lowest level since late 1980s in the first part of the BP Outlook, which covers the period by 2040, Trend reports citing BP.

In the Evolving transition (ET) scenario, total US liquids production accounts for the vast majority of the increase in global supplies out to 2030, driven by US tight oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs).

"US tight oil increases by almost 6 million barrels per day (Mb/d) in the next 10 years, peaking at close to 10.5 Mb/d in the late 2020s, before falling back to around 8.5 Mb/d by 2040. The strong growth in US tight oil reinforces the USs position as the worlds largest producer of liquid fuels," reads the report.

As US tight oil declines, this space is filled by OPEC production, which more than accounts for the increase in liquid supplies in the final decade of the Outlook, according to BP.

"The increase in OPEC production is aided by OPEC members responding to the increasing abundance of global oil resources by reforming their economies and reducing their dependency on oil, allowing them gradually to adopt a more competitive strategy of increasing their market share."

The stalling in OPEC production during the first part of the Outlook causes OPECs share of global liquids production to fall to its lowest level since the late 1980s before recovering towards the end of the Outlook, according to BP.
By Laman Ismayilova

The Tourism Students Meetup project will be held at Caspian Business Hotel on February 23 at 12:30.

The project will bring together 400 students studies on tourism, Trend Life reported.

Tourism Students Meetup is the first and only platform for large scale students in Azerbaijan to specialize in tourism.

In this platform tourism students will get acquainted with a professional business environment, listen to professionals of tourism industry and their advices and examples, discuss and give their open questions.

Participation in Tourism Students Meetup is FREE, registration is required.

Only students studying tourism specialty may participate

Do not forget to bring your ID card and student card, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter the hall.

Read more:https://www.tourismstudentsmeetup.com/

Hurry up, only 400 students will be able to attend the event.

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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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited a statue of national leader Heydar Aliyev in the city of Sumgayit.

Head of Sumgayit City Executive Authority Zakir Farajov informed the head of state of the work done in the city.

President Ilham Aliyev gave relevant instructions.

***

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of the High Density Polyethylene Plant of the SOCAR Polymer project in Sumgait.

The head of state was informed of the plants activities.

President Ilham Aliyev launched the enterprise.

The head of state then met with the plant staff and posed for photographs together with them.

+++

As part of his visit to Sumgayit, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has viewed the conditions created at the seaside boulevard built in the city.

Sumgayit residents approached the president and talked to him.

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By Trend

A domestic incident between Azerbaijanis and Chechens in Moscow cannot break long-standing friendly relations between Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples, Galina Niyazova, Russian expert, Ph.D. in political science, senior teacher at St. Petersburg State University, told Trend.

She said that there are fraternal relations that have developed over the years between the Azerbaijani and Chechen diasporas of Russia.

Representatives of the diasporas mutually attend each others mourning and celebration events, cooperate in business, science and educational activities, she noted. On the other hand, the conflict that occurred is the evidence of lack in the education of modern youth. The widespread use of social networks allows ignoring self-control and the need to be responsible for ones own words.

The expert noted that in such conditions, certain forces are trying to take advantage of any situation in order to politicize even a domestic incident.

Given the long-term close relations between Azerbaijanis and Chechens, it is obvious that this kind of incident cannot harm the bilateral ties, she said. Both people have respect for each other, they have mutual understanding and common traditions. In turn, Russia creates favorable environment for all small peoples in a single space.

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By Abdul Kerimkhanov

Military-technical cooperation of Azerbaijan and Belarus enjoys a good history, rather large volumes and a good tendency to expand.

Azerbaijan is among the leaders in the procurement of various types of weapons from Belarus. In the first place comes the purchase of tanks and artillery; in the second - armored vehicles, in the third - combat aircraft.

During his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, met in Abu Dhabi with the Minister of Defense of Belarus, Lieutenant-General Andrei Ravkov on February 18, according to the press service of the ministry.

During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of developing cooperation in the military, military-technical and military-educational fields, and also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

In the International Defense Exhibition IDEX-2019 framework, the Azerbaijani delegation got acquainted with military equipment and military products of the Belarusian defense industry, interest was shown in armaments and equipment capable of enhancing the combat capability of the Azerbaijani army.

During the exhibition, Hasanov met with the Chairman of the State Military-Industrial Committee of Belarus Roman Golovchenko.

The sides discussed the prospects of military and military-technical cooperation, the possibility of using modern military technology, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

The head of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry is visiting Abu Dhabi at the invitation of Vice President, Prime Minister and Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

In addition, Hasanov also met with the Minister of State for Defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed Ahmed Albawardi Al Falasi on February 17.

Military-technical cooperation between Azerbaijan and Belarus evolved in 2005 when Azerbaijan received the first T-72 tanks. Since then, Minsk sent to Baku at least 153 T-72 tanks, nine self-propelled 2S7 Pion artillery systems of 203 mm caliber, 30 towed 152 mm D-20 howitzers, 11 Su-25 attack aircraft, and two Buk-MB battalions of anti-aircraft missile systems -MB ", as well as anti-tank missile systems" Skif "Ukrainian-Belarusian production (JSC" Peleng "supplies guidance system).

IDEX is the only international defence exhibition and conference in the Middle East and North Africa region demonstrating the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence.

It is a unique platform to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments, businesses and armed forces throughout the region.

IDEX is held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and is organised by the IDEX LLC in association and with the full support of the UAE Armed Forces.

IDEX takes place biennially at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), which is centrally located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The IDEX exhibition takes over 100 percent of the state-of-the-art exhibition centre, utilising 133,000 square meters of event space.

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Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94

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By Trend

The incident, which occurred between Azerbaijanis and Chechens in the Moscow cafe Neolit, is a provocation directed against Azerbaijanis living in Russia, Farhad Ibrahimov, Russian political scientist, an expert of the Center for Post-Soviet Studies of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Trend.

He said that such a provocation is beneficial to those who are interested in worsening the lives of Azerbaijanis in Russia.

Of course, such domestic incidents cannot harm the friendly and fraternal relations between the Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples, he noted. These relations are of historical and exemplary nature, the Chechens and Azerbaijanis have been living in Russia compactly for centuries. Russia is doing everything so that there would be no inter-ethnic issue, especially between small nations, however, there are some people who are ready to break up these nations. Nevertheless, domestic incidents cannot cause a mass quarrel between Chechens and Azerbaijanis, the two peoples have much in common.

The political analyst regarded the personal friendship relations between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of Russias Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov as an indicator of trust and reliability between the two peoples.

Ibrahimov noted that the attempts of certain forces interested in the deterioration of relations between the two peoples are doomed to fail.

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By Leman Mammadova

Significant steps to develop pharmaceutical industry in Azerbaijan, that is mainly dependent on imports to the country, will be taken this year.

Construction of two pharmaceutical plants will be completed in the next two-three months in Azerbaijan, Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said on February 18, Trend reports.

He said that both plants are being built in the Pirallahi industrial park. The first plant (of the company Diamed Co) will allow Azerbaijan to become independent from the import of syringes, he noted.

As for the second plant, the minister noted that this is a joint Azerbaijani-Russian plant (owned by the company Hayat Pharm - a joint venture of Russias R-Pharm, Azerbaijans Vita-A and Azerbaijan Investment Company).

Hayat Pharm will produce medicines of various pharmaceutical groups, including cancer, antifungal, antiemetic, antiviral and other drugs.

Earlier, founder of Azerbaijans Diamed Co Ayten Guliyeva told Trend that in the first six months, 100 million syringes will be produced at the plant and production will further increase to 150-170 million syringes.

Pirallahi Industrial Park of Azerbaijan may become an important center for the local production of pharmaceuticals.

The park, established in 2016, is specialized in the production of pharmaceutical products. Here, as in other industrial parks, investors are exempted from various tax and customs duties for seven years.

The Pirallahi Industrial Park, located in the Pirallahi district of Baku, covers 30 hectares of land.

The foundation of this park aimed at the development of the pharmaceutical industry in the country, reducing dependence on imports in this area, meeting the medicine demand of the population and increasing employment.

The Pirallahi Industrial Park currently has four residents including the joint Azerbaijani-Russian plant Hayat Pharm, the Azerbaijani-Iranian plant Caspian Pharmed, the plant of Diamed Co., and the plant of IFFA. These plants are under construction.

Gilan Holding and India's "SunPharma" are currently negotiating to establish such a venture in Azerbaijan.

In addition, a big pharmaceutical enterprise will be built in Azerbaijan through Belarusian investments. The enterprise will provide the Azerbaijani market with the most modern high-tech oncology medicines.

German pharmaceutical companies are also interested in this sector and watch the Azerbaijani market, considering possible market entry in 2019-2020.

Azerbaijan plans to produce pharmaceutical products worth 1.3 million manats ($760,000) in 2019. The production will be expanded in subsequent years. Thus, the output will reach 38.8 million manats ($ 22.83 million) in 2020, 39.5 million manats ($ 23.24 million) in 2021 and 40.2 million manats ($ 23.65 million) in 2022 due to the operation of pharmaceutical companies here starting from 2019.

Developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in oil-rich Azerbaijan may become one of major directions in the country's aspiration to diversify its non-oil sector of the economy.

Easing tax burdens and allowing entrepreneurs more space to maneuver may have a positive effect on this industry in terms of big changes ahead.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Trend

Azerbaijans economy will grow 3.5 percent in 2019, Trend reports with reference to Fitch Ratings.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Azerbaijans Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB+' with a Stable Outlook.

The growth is supported by the coming on stream of Shah Deniz 2 gas field and investments stemming from the extension of the production sharing agreement for the exploitation of the countrys largest oil field, reads the report.

Tourism and agriculture will foster non-oil sector growth, the report said.

The assets of the Sovereign Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) increased by 9 percent in January-October 2018 to $39 billion ($35.8 billion in 2017), reads the report. We forecast sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA) at 75.4 percent of GDP in 2018.

Banking sector health is improving in Azerbaijan, according to the report.

Credit growth recovered to 7 percent in 2018, supported by lower interest rates, and capitalization improved to 19.5 percent (excluding International Bank of Azerbaijan; IBA) at end-2018, the report said.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
By Leman Mammadova

Yarag-Kazmalyar railway border crossing point in Russias Republic of Dagestan can be simplified, and funds are currently allocated for improving this checkpoint, Olga Rukhullayeva, Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the North Caucasus, said during the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi, Trend reports via TASS.

According to her, funds were allocated this year for funding the construction works next year for the improvement of the Yarag-Kazmalyar checkpoint located not far from Derbent, adding that this will increase and simplify the passenger flow.

It is also planned to negotiate a faster clearance of the border crossing of trains, in the same way as we have with Finland, she said.

Rukhullayeva noted that a simplified regime of border crossing between Russia and Azerbaijan will make creating an international tourist route possible, which "will immediately stimulate tourist exchange between Azerbaijan and Russias Caspian regions."

Recently, the Azerbaijani and Russian delegations examined the Yarag-Kazmalyar and Samur checkpoints at the Azerbaijan-Russia state border and got acquainted with the construction of the road over the Samur River, during the visit of Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin to Azerbaijan.

Dagestan authorities are counting on launching a new train between Makhachkala and Baku, which will contribute to the development of tourism in the region, head of the Republic of Dagestan, Vladimir Vasilyev said at the meeting with the president of the Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov within the framework of the Forum.

Today we touched a topic like tourism. In this regard, it will be very important and useful for the republic to launch a new train between Dagestan and Azerbaijan, which will have an abbreviated customs clearance procedure, said Vasilyev.

The head of Dagestan noted that a high-quality, modern, reliable rail service for the republic is economically significant.

The question of the new railway link on the route Makhachkala - Baku was considered by the authorities of Dagestan and Russian Railways at the beginning of April 2018. At the end of October 2018, Vasilyev said that Dagestan and Azerbaijan would link the permanent rail line.

On the margins of the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi, the acting Governor of the Astrakhan Region Sergey Morozov said that cooperation will be intensified with all the Caspian littoral states. For example, work is already underway to create the Astrakhan-Turkmen Business Council. The corresponding memorandum is planned to be signed during the visit of the Astrakhan delegation to Turkmenistan in the spring of this year.

A program of activities for the development of cooperation with Azerbaijan is also being formed, which will include such events as an economic forum, exchange of visits of journalists and tour operators, tours of creative teams.

The development of cooperation between the Astrakhan region and the Caspian countries is considered a strategic task in the region. Earlier it was reported that in the structure of the region's foreign trade turnover, the share of three Caspian states (Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan; Kazakhstan, as a member of the EEU, is not counted in customs statistics) accounts for 30 percent.

The Russian Investment Forum takes place in Sochi on February 14-15. The main topic of the forum this year is the implementation of national projects.
By Trend

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 26 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 18, 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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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
The European Union Monday reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen and to further support the UN-led political process.

In the conclusions on Yemen, adopted by the European Council at its meeting Monday, the EU underlines that it welcomes the Stockholm Agreement reached between representatives of the Yemeni parties under the auspices of the United Nations in December 2018.

The EU and its member states will continue to engage actively with all the parties to the conflict and are committed to further support the UN-led political process, including through political dialogue with relevant regional actors, with the aim of continuing to produce tangible results, ending the conflict and fostering an improved regional environment, the council says.

The EU reaffirms that only a negotiated and inclusive political solution can end the conflict in Yemen. The EU calls on all parties to maintain their commitment to the UN-led process in view of the upcoming talks, and reiterates that sustainable peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving the meaningful participation of all parties concerned, including civil society, women and youth.

At this critical juncture for the future of Yemen, the Council reiterates the EUs full support for the UN-led political process and the work of UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and of the UN mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA).

The EU has contributed over 560 million of assistance to Yemen since the beginning of the conflict.
American women are more educated than ever, but in a surprising twist, the workforce participation rate for women has plateaued and even fallen over the past few years, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Why it matters: If more women joined the workforce, that would help promote economic growth and help pay for the Social Security and Medicare needs of the large, retiring Boomer generation.

There are a few theories about this:

It could be a result of generational shifts: Women are beginning their careers later. And older people are retiring earlier in the U.S. than in places like Canada, economist Diane Schanzenbach, director of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University, told Axios.

Some economists and researchers point to a lack of generous family leave or child care assistance policies as a reason the rate of working women has fallen behind other nations, said Lisa Barrow, a senior economist at the Federal Reserve in Chicago. Ivanka Trump has made this her signature issue.

By the numbers: Women with a bachelor's, master's or professional degree are still less likely to be working than men with the same education level, according to BLS.

Less educated women are worst off: Workforce participation rates have fallen the most and wages have risen the least among women with only a high school diploma or less, Schanzenbach said.

The big picture: The U.S. used to be a global leader for female workforce participation. But the U.K., Canada and even Japan are now ahead, according to World Bank data.

The bottom line: The gender gap in the U.S. workforce is still a big problem  and it will be harder to maintain economic growth and sustain a large, retired generation if it isn't closed.
Venezuelas National Assembly, controlled by the opposition party, is seeking access to the $3.2 billion of funds it said are being held in U.S. bank accounts from embattled President Nicolas Maduros government and has asked 152 banks in the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Asia to freeze government accounts, Bloomberg reports.

Why it matters: Opposition leader Juan Guaido, whom the U.S. and several countries recognized as the country's interim president, has been leveraging his support from foreign governments to help identify and freeze Venezuela's bank accounts and other assets. Earlier this month, the Bank of England blocked Maduro's request to withdraw about $1.2 billion worth of gold, days after the U.S. government sanctioned Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA.
Seven members of the United Kingdom's Parliament resigned from the Labour Party today, citing dissatisfaction with party leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism within the party, the BBC reports.

The details: The Labour Party, which overwhelmingly supported remaining in the European Union in the 2016 referendum, continues to be plagued with charges of rising anti-Semitism within its ranks, with one departing MP calling the party institutionally anti-Semitic" at a press conference announcing her resignation.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe claimed in an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes" that President Trump chose to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims on North Korea's ballistic missile capabilities over the assessment of the U.S. intelligence community, saying in a White House briefing, "I don't care. I believe Putin."

The big picture: It's not the only bombshell claim from McCabe in the "60 Minutes" sit-down. He also said that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein discussed removing Trump via the 25th Amendment, a claim that was vehemently denied by the Justice Department earlier this week.

Go deeper: Trump's turbulent relationship with Andrew McCabe
Nicole Blount

Two high-school students have been awarded $10,000 each under the EAAs Ray Aviation Scholarships. Nicole Blount of Lake Placid, Florida, and Max Davidson of Jurupa Valley, California, will receive this important head start toward their flight training.

Through the generous gift of the Ray Foundation, aviation is a pathway to impart important life skills and introduce youths to aviation and aerospace careers, says Jack Pelton, EAA CEO. This grant furthers the legacy of James Ray, an EAA lifetime member who was dedicated to aviation and youth. Working with EAA chapters, we will grow this initiative to help meet the tremendous future demand for pilots and associated aviation careers.

Max Davidson

Blount, a student of Lake Placid High School, was selected through her local EAA chapter. Davidson is a student of Patriot High School in Jurupa Valley, California. He was announced as the Ray Aviation scholarship at EAA Chapter 1s 65th anniversary celebration in Riverside.

I couldnt believe it when my name was called to be awarded the scholarship, Davidson said. EAA members always told me if I was interested, good things would happen  Its every dream come true!

According to EAA, local chapters are tasked with mentoring and supporting the scholarship recipients. Chapters will play a critical role in the success of the Ray Aviation Scholarship program. In addition, the scholarship recipients must commit to volunteer service with the local EAA chapter.

EAA announced the scholarships in October 2018, saying it would fund up to $10,000 each toward the cost of flight training for up to 100 young people, thanks to a $1 million grant from the Ray Foundation. The foundation, based in Naples, Florida, aims to help boost the flight-training success rate from the current 20 percent to 80 percent.
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Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI), the exclusive distributor of Foton vehicles in the country, formally inaugurated the Foton Bacoor showroom last February 13, 2019. This facility serves as the brands 28th dealership nationwide, and the second in the province of Cavite.

The grand opening of Foton Bacoor is the latest proof point in the ongoing expansion of our dealer network. It also supports our aggressive growth and commitment to deliver a consistent and world-class customer and ownership experience in both rural and urban areas across the country. said FMPI President Rommel Sytin.

Located along the stretch of Bacoor Boulevard in Barangay Niog III, the 2,500 square meter facility showcases a completely-furnished vehicle showroom and a state-of-the-art service center with a total of 10 bays designed for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. To cap off, Foton Bacoor also boasts a display and repair area exclusive for heavy duty trucks.

Known as one of Luzons home of major townships and real estate hubs, Cavite also quarters economic zones focusing on food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agribusinesses. Because of these potential markets, Mr. Juanito Tionson, Dealer Principal of Foton Bacoor, took the opportunity to offer the Foton vehicles closer to these trading.

Similar to Absolute Advantage Inc. (Foton La Union) and SteeringWheel Inc. (Foton Puerto Princesa), Alphamile Automotive Dealers Inc. is also a first-timer in the car dealership business.

In line with its continuous dealership expansion, Foton Motor Philippines President Rommel Sytin announced, Our team is truly grateful for the opportunity to offer more of our products and services in Bacoor. The market demand for commercial vehicles outside the National Capital Region is expected to grow even further in the coming years. Having said that, it is our responsibility to reach out and provide our products and services that will make it more accessible and convenient to our customers, wherever they are located.

Foton Philippines has a clear plan to deliver notable sales and aftersales, as much as the brand eyes to expand business through retail and corporate and fleet sales.

Another is the PUV Modernization Program that aims to upgrade our public vehicle mobility system which provides a huge growth potential with the increasing demand on Light Commercial Vehicles, Light Duty Trucks, Medium & Heavy Duty Trucks and heavy equipment set to support the various infrastructure projects of the government.

When asked about Foton Bacoors vision as a new player in the auto industry, the younger Tionson proudly said, Foton Bacoor has an official vision statement, but if I were to share with you what it is we really see Foton Bacoor, Cavite being in several years down the line, it would be more apt to quote Christian Bales Batman: I am whatever Gotham needs me to be.

He further explained, The greatest pride and pleasure we derive from this endeavor is not the completion of this showroom. It is not the profits we stand to gain. It is not the number of vehicles we sell or service. It is in the confidence that with Foton, we can be whatever Bacoor, whatever Cavite, whatever our community needs us to be. It is the joy that we provide a balikbayan with an affordable family car, an aspiring UV Express operator with a spacious first van, a Bacooreno entrepreneur with a reliable delivery truck, and a Caviteno contractor with dependable heavy trucks and equipment. said Tionson.

The name Bacoor is said to have come from the word bakod, which means fence. This is how Bacoor has traditionally been viewed: a border, a gateway. Tionson added, I believe that together, we can play our part in driving Bacoor forward, and push it towards what we know it is and can be  a metropolis in itself and a destination of its own.

Foton is currently entering its 12th year in the country, yet the brand has already secured the 9th spot for overall sales in the local auto industry scene -- a big leap from 2017s number 12 position. With the opening of Foton Bacoor, we are confident that we can retain our hold of the 9th spot and improve our market share as well. said Sytin.

I would like to thank Alphamile Automotive Dealers, Inc. for trusting the brand. Choosing Foton as your first car dealership business is a flattering, and promising milestone from our end. Expect our team to continuously support you in redefining, and providing quality products and services to our customers in the Southern Tagalog Region. closed Sytin.

By the end of 2019, FMPI is targeting the opening and operation of 34 dealerships nationwide. Foton dealerships will soon land in Congressional Avenue, Pasig, Metro Clark, Bacolor, Tagbilaran, and Iloilo.
In unscripted remarks Friday morning, Trump depicted the emergency declaration as ordinary but also said he expected it to be challenged in court. He predicted hed eventually prevail, but conceded: I didnt need to do this. I just want to get it done faster, he said of the wall.

Now those comments may be used against him in court.

Words have meaning, said Allison Zieve, a lawyer for Public Citizen. The facts make clear that the premise of the presidents declaration  that the absence of a wall in the areas where construction is planned is an emergency  is legally untenable and an impermissible basis for seeking to obligate funds that Congress has refused to appropriate for a border wall.

One challenge for Public Citizen could be the funding Congress did give the president to build steel fencing along the border. Trumps emergency funds may not be drawn until existing allocations have been spent, which means it may be weeks or months until the consumer group can show that anyone has been harmed by the presidents actions.

Meanwhile, Nayda Alvarez, the lead plaintiff in Fridays case, fears for her home near the Rio Grande Valley. In September, Alvarez received a letter from US Customs and Border Protection seeking access to the property so that federal agents could assess future construction within feet of her house. Her concern is that construction of the wall would cut off several acres of her familys ancestral property and take away her view of the river.
The firm has also added Sydney-based partner Jason Munstermann to its senior leadership team, which also includes Michael Mick Moy, Matt Bradbury, and managing partner Kristen Podagiel.

Munstermann leads the firms Sydney commercial litigation practice and is joint head of regulatory investigation team in the city. He moved to the independent firm in 2017 from Henry Davis York, where he was the head of the dispute resolution practice.

The new appointments show the firms focus on strategic growth, both in the firms home state of Queensland and particularly within New South Wales, McCullough Robertson said. Munstermanns appointment shows the continued focus on the firms growth in Sydney, it said.

Podagiel said she is looking forward to working with the new executive leadership team. She also paid tribute to McGann and Adrian Smith, who is stepping down from the leadership team.

I would like to acknowledge and thank Dominic McGann for his contribution as chair of partners over the past five years. Dominic has made a significant impact in this role, working tirelessly in the best interests of the firm and our people. I also thank Adrian Smith for his involvement in the executive over the past two years, following his decision to step down from the executive, she said.
An Algerian student at the Ziania medical school was killed last week in the campus residence because he was allegedly gay.

The assailants smeared the wall with his blood, writing: He is gay, reports say.

Assil Belalta was found dead Sunday in his residence, in Ben Aknoun, a district outside the Algerian capital, Algiers.

The killers after slitting the throat of the 21-year old man, wrote on the wall with the victims blood: He is gay, Louen, an LGBT group in the North African country noted on facebook.

The group called the crime a homophobic act and said the act occurred two weeks after the statements of the president of the Algerian Magistrates Union, Mr Laidouni.

Laidouni said that human rights associations and NGOs asking for the decriminalization of homosexuality in Algeria and the fight against homophobia are trampling on the values and foundations of the Algerian people, who do not show tolerance to homosexual people. The magistrates will face anyone who wants to establish laws against the specificities of the Algerian people, Laidouni was quoted as saying.

Several hundred students paid tribute to Belalta outside the medicine school.

The assailants reportedly followed the student to his room and left with his car after slaughtering him.

The North African country has criminalized same sex act or homosexuality-related behaviors. People suspected for the offense can face up to three years in jail including financial fines.

In neighboring Tunisia, a gay man has ended up in prison for eight months for homosexual acts after he reported to police that he had been victim of theft and assault.

A court in the city of Sfax this week ordered the man, identified as Anas, to serve six months in prison and additional two months for lodging false allegations to police that he was victim of rape and theft, Shams, a civil society group fighting for decriminalization of homosexuality in Tunisia told media.

Anas, according to Shams, was detained on January 2 by police after he reported two men raped him and robbed him. Police used Article 230 of Tunisias penal code prohibiting homosexuality to subject the 26-year old man to anal examination  a procedure designed to detect evidence of sodomy.

The court found him accomplice of a consented sex. The court verdict also sentenced each of Anass two aggressors to jail for six months for sodomy, six weeks for theft and two weeks for violent behavior.

The North Africa country has witnessed an increase in the number of jail terms in homosexual cases: 127 in 2018, up from 79 the previous year and 56 in 2016, according to Shams.
That has paid dividends, with a number of achievements such as the launch of our global Legal Operations team, the introduction of decision analysis tools in the UK, and our work on the Australian National Blockchain, he said.

Pike says that the initiative will allow all staff to play an active role in the business transformation.

Theyll be able to collaborate, share ideas, and broaden their skillset while creating lasting benefits for our clients and the firm," he said.

A&O announces further leadership strength for consulting arm

Following the announcement of the expansion of Allen & Overys consulting business to Australia and the wider region, it has now added to its leadership team.

A&O Consulting will be led in the UK, Europe, and Middle East by former Barclays Bank head of regulatory policy Tom Lodder. He becomes the regions managing director.
A number of European airlines including Spanish Air Europa are expected to resume flying to Tunisia after a suspension on insecurity grounds, as the state brought guarantees for the safety of foreign holidaymakers.

Air Europa, Lonely Planet reports, will soon resume flights to the Tunisian capital, Tunis. The airline will service Madrid-Tunis route four times a week.

Following in the shade of Air Europa is TUI Fly that connects the Belgian city of Antwerp to the resort town of Hammamet will restart its twice weekly flights.

Another Belgian airliner, Belgium fly, is set to resume the connections between Belgian cities of Brussels, Charleroi, Liege and Ostend with Tunis and the island of Djerba.

The resumption comes as European countries are relaxing advice on the North African country and the increase in travel demands.

Several European countries including the UK suspended flights and issued travel warnings in June 2015 after terrorist attacks in Tunis and Souss killed 60 people, mostly foreign tourists.

The attacks dealt a blow to Tunisias tourism industry with many travel tours leaving the North African country and removing it from their list of offered destination.

Authorities have improved security at major tourist spots to charm again travel agencies and tourists.

The UKs Foreign and Commonwealth Office relaxed its advice on visiting Tunisia in July 2017 and again in June 2018, Lonely Planet recalls.
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Contrary to what the Telegraph pretends, the Musee du Louvre did ask for the loan of the Salvator Mundi and wishes to present it in its October exhibition.

So wrote Sophie Grange, the Louvres press spokesperson (with the link added by me), in response to my queries this morning regarding a widely disseminated reportParis Louvre will not show worlds most expensive painting amid doubts over authenticitya piece about the controversial Leonardo by veteran cultural journalist Dalya Alberge, published online by the Telegraph on Saturday. (I suspect that by pretends in the above quote, Grange may have intended, asserts or alleges.)

Leonardo da Vinci, Salvator Mundi, c. 1500

Photo by Lee Rosenbaum

Seemingly the go-to journalist for scholars seeking to debunk the paintings attribution to Leonardo da Vinci, Alberge wrote about an apparent snub from the Louvre in Paris, which is understood to have cancelled plans to display it [Salvator Mundi] in its major Leonardo exhibition [emphases added]

But the following passage, tacked on at the end of her article, seems to contradict both that statement about the Louvres plans and the pieces unchanged (at this writing) headline (linked above):

On Friday, the Louvre confirmed that it had requested a loan, but declined to comment on doubts about the attribution or concerns among politicians and art historians. On Sunday, the museum said that it is awaiting a response from the paintings owner on a loan.

Vincent Delieuvin, the Louvres curator in charge of 16th-century Italian art, co-organizer of its upcoming Leonardo exhibition

So maybe theres no snub after all. The Art Newspaper today ran a brief item by Cristina Ruiz, sorting out these conflicting accounts.

Heres what Grange of the Louvre told me today:

The Dalya Alberge article only expresses the Jacques Franck opinion. Franck was one of the scholars who have been consulted seven or eight years ago for the restoration of the Saint Anne [my link, not hers]. He is not currently working on the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition and has never been curator for the Louvre. His opinion is his personal opinion, not the one of the Louvre. We have asked the Telegraph to correct the false information of the title and to add the Louvre statement to present the Salvator Mundi at the Louvre. [Something was lost in translation here. I suspect Grange meant: to add the Louvres statement that it hopes to present]

In response to my question about whether the Louvre now doubts or rejects the paintings attribution to Leonardo (as suggested in Alberges article), Grange said:

The Musee du Louvre doesnt have to comment artworks from other museums [or other sources?]except during an exhibition. We hope we will have the opportunity to present this artwork in October and then, to answer your questions.

Im going to hold you to that, Sophie!

While we wait, heres what Dianne Dwyer Modestini, the conservator who restored Salvator Mundi, had to say today about the latest flareup over the painting, in response to my query:

My views [that the painting is a genuine Leonardo] havent changed in the slightest way [link added].

For what its worth, heres my own non-specialist view, arrived at after eyeballing the work on two separate occasions at the presale exhibition in New York at Christies, where it sold on Nov. 15, 2017 for $450.3 milliona record for any work at auction:

After had I stood and stared for a while at the face, however blurry, it mesmerized me.That hypnotic force is what overcame my skepticism, making me a convert to the painting.

Perhaps the Louvre will soon give others a chance to gaze at the painting, evaluate the arguments and form their own opinions.
So many things could have gone wrong. For instance: As ideally situated as it seems today, many officials charged with building the Memorial did not want to locate it at West Potomac Park, the once-marshy fringe of Washingtons National Mall. Bizarre alternative proposals included Virginias Arlington Cemeteryin the former Confederacy. Then lets talk about the statue.  The Wall Street Journal
Winter made the citys architecture come alive for the people he taught (at Occidental) and those he took on quirky, packed bus tours of the city he adopted. Winters gift to the city was An Architectural Guidebook to Los Angeles, a field guide of sorts that identified, cheered and occasionally mocked L.A.s diverse architecture. The book, now in its sixth edition, was embraced as a bible by many.  Los Angeles Times
The BBC has a new series about a Chinese family running a restaurant  but the writers arent from the community. Writers and actors from film, TV, and theatre have signed a letter that calls for all scripts on the series, called Living With the Lams, to be authored by British East Asian Writers.  The Stage (UK)
The government issued a decree that requires artists to obtain government approval before performing or displaying their work, while also regulating the artwork itself. For example, it prohibits audiovisual content that contains sexist, vulgar and obscene language or that uses national symbols in ways that contravene current legislation. Government inspectors can impose fines on offenders and confiscate their property.  The New York Times
Owosso, MI (48867)

Today

Cloudy with showers likely late, and possibly a thunderstorm. Low 67F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy with showers likely late, and possibly a thunderstorm. Low 67F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The UN mission in the Sahara, MINURSO, has taken seriously the recent threats voiced by Polisario propagandists via social networks against the presence of peacekeepers in the Guerguarat region.

The missions commander, Chinese Major-General Wang Xiaojun, is considering seeking the help of UNpol, the UN civil police, to face the threats, reports the e-journal le360.

On February 5, the media had reported that a Polisario propagandist, settled in Norrkoping, in Sweden had posted on social networks a message calling for killing the MINURSO peacekeepers in the Guerguarat region.

An advice to young Sahrawis in Guerguarat: before they think about harming you, take gas and sprinkle MINURSO vehicles, wrote subversive Said Zarwal, who is known for his close relationship with another Sahrawi subversive, Aminatou Haidar.

The Minurso Commander Major-General Wang Xiaojun who took the threat seriously traveled last week to meet with a senior UNpol executive, Luis Carrilho.

According to the e-journal, the agenda of the meeting featured the separatists threats and the means to be put in place to address these threats, including the possibility of deploying UN police along the blue helmets in Guerguarat, especially that the separatists indulge in all kinds of trafficking (drugs, weapons, stolen cars) in the area.

While the main role of MINURSO peacekeepers is to monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreement in the Sahara, UNpol has the role to enhance international peace and security by supporting Member-States in conflict, post-conflict and other crisis situations.

The Guergurarat border crossing saw multiple ceasefire violations by polisario militiamen who attempted at blocking commercial traffic between Morocco and Mauriatania putting the region on the verge of an outbreak of an armed conflict.

Polisario incursions into the demilitarized area of Guerguarat was condemned by the Security council putting pressure on the Algerian-armed separatist to withdraw amid threats of a military intervention by Morocco to secure its border crossings.
The airline industry made history by registering its busiest day ever when a record-making 202,157 flights were monitored criss-crossing the skies the world over in June last year. More than 19,000 flights at once at the days peak were recorded. A year earlier, it was found that there were on average 9,728 planes in the air at any moment, carrying 1.27 million passengers.

The civil aviation industry has been grappling with crowded skies. Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a crucial role globally taking into account the fact that over 1,300 airlines operate a fleet of 28,400 aircraft serving 3,759 airports through a route network of several million kilometres managed by 173 Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs).

The number of aircraft in the skies will more than double by 2037, according to Airbus which says half the present 21,450 aircraft flying will still be aloft in 20 years. By 2034, the fleet of passenger and freighter aircraft in the Middle East region alone will almost treble to over 2,950. The total aircraft movements to and from and within the Middle East region, which currently has 36 airports, is estimated to increase to 2,346,000 in 2025.

EUROCONTROL, the Brussels-based agency in charge of monitoring the continents skies, estimates that over 60 European airports will be heavily congested and the top 20 airports will be saturated at least 8-10 hours per day by 2025. It said there wont be enough capacity for approximately 1.5 million flights or 160 million passengers in 2040. In Dubai, home to the worlds biggest airport for international travellers, aircraft movements have grown 50 per cent since 2010. The emirate currently manages a daily average of 1,500 air traffic movements with new procedures enabling it to reduce peak arrival delays by 40 percent.

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, director general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) remarked: Technology plays a crucial role in todays ATM. The ANSPs have to invest in acquiring cutting-edge technologies to remain competitive and relevant with the changing times and meet the requirements of the present and future. As the volume of aircraft movements rises, ATM has assumed increasingly vital importance for the airports. Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) has invested significantly to remain an inspirational ANSP.

The number of flights that the emirate will be handling by 2020 will reach 665,000 yearly. Dubais two international airports are projected to handle up to 240 million passengers a year in the near future. Ensuring smooth, hassle-free and timely aircraft movements remains a priority for dans to keep up Dubais hard-won status as the worlds top airport for international travellers, His Excellency Mohammed Ahli observed.

A new ATC system to speed traffic flow through the Arabian Gulfs increasingly congested airspace has been introduced by the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). It has implemented the worlds first airspace structure to be completely based on performance-based navigation (PBN) which uses satellites and computerised on-board systems. It projected that there will be approximately 1.85 million flights in 2030 per annum to and from the UAE. The average number of daily flights will increase to 5,087 in 2030.

For the second successive year, Airport Show will feature the ATC Forum as a co-located event, providing a vital platform for global ANSPs, regulators and stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting regional airspace capacity and efficiency. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 29 to May 1. With a record 375 exhibitors expected from 60 countries, it will have about 7,500 attendees.

Mohammed Ahli added: The ATC Forum at Airport Show will provide ANSPs and others the opportunity to explore the latest technology and innovation in the ATM/ATC domain in order to remain on the cutting-edge of the business. One cannot eliminate technology from the present and future plans if the airport has set its sight on flying higher.

Daniyal Qureshi, Group exhibition director, Reed Exhibitions, organisers of the event, said This years ATC Forum will attract over 1,000 attendees, including a dedicated conference with up to 250 expected participants. We are pleased to be able to provide such an important platform for our industry to engage. With the projected enormous traffic growth and continued quest for better safety, aviation is redefining itself by deploying and expanding its infrastructure and adopting new technologies while remaining nimble and efficient in operations.

Driven by efforts to modernize ATM infrastructure and the need for efficient airspace management, the global ATC market is projected to reach US$56.07 billion by 2022, according to the latest MarketsandMarkets report. The rise in demand for air connectivity will see aircraft movements in the Middle East region go up 5.2 per cent annually by 2030 and Gulf airports are expected to handle 450 million passengers by 2020, according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Etihad Airways will introduce the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its daily service from Abu Dhabi to Chengdu, effective 1 July 2019, replacing the Airbus A330-200 currently operating the route. Also from 1 July, the airlines daily service from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai will be upgraded from the 787-9 to the larger 787-10 Dreamliner.

Chengdu to be served daily with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from 1 July 2019

Shanghai to be upgraded to larger 787-10 Dreamliner from 1 July 2019

Once the changes take effect, the airline will fly all 28 weekly services to Chinas four main gateways  Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong  with the next generation Dreamliner aircraft.

The 787-9 service to Chengdu will feature Etihad Airways next-generation Business and Economy cabins, configured with 299 seats - 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats. The upgrade of aircraft will also see an increase in belly-hold cargo capacity of four tonnes.

The 787-10 service to Shanghai will be configured with 336 seats - 32 Business Studios and 304 Economy Smart. Belly-hold cargo capacity will be increased by two and a half tonnes.

Robin Kamark, Etihad Aviation Group chief commercial officer, said: We are delighted to include Chengdu to our growing list of Dreamliner destinations. The move marks a milestone for Etihad as all our Chinese gateways will now be served by these technologically advanced aircraft, ensuring our guests experience the latest in-flight product innovations. We are equally pleased to be upgrading our Shanghai flights to our 787-10 aircraft.

China is an incredibly important market for Etihad and we have significantly grown our presence there since launching services to Beijing in 2008. Abu Dhabis non-oil trade shows that China is among the top-five countries with key trade relations with the emirate. We look forward to building on these strong foundations and for our guests to experience our 787 Dreamliner product on their flights to and from China.
Etihad Airways Engineering has signed a collaboration agreement with Argentinas main aircraft manufacturer, Fabrica Argentina de Aviones (FAdeA), to serve MRO customers in South America.

The agreement enables both companies to leverage their strengths and become significant players in the narrow body aircraft maintenance market in South America. As part of the collaboration, Etihad Airways Engineering will support FAdeA in developing the processes and capabilities to maintain and modify aircraft and aircraft components.

Abdul Khaliq Saeed, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways Engineering, said: Etihad Airways Engineering has built a strong customer base in Latin America, having carried out heavy maintenance work on a range of aircraft types from Airbus A330 to Boeing 767, 777 and the 787 Dreamliner for customers in Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Colombia.

Were pleased to collaborate with FAdeA and share our expertise and extensive capabilities to serve customers in the region.

Antonio Beltramone, President FAdeA, said: This is a strategic agreement for FAdeA that allows us to maximise the potential of our highly skilled labour force and facilities to provide sustainability for our company, and conquer new commercial aviation markets.

The partnership will capitalise on the existing facilities and manpower of FAdeA, coupled with Etihad Airways Engineerings MRO expertise as well as its strong customer footprint in Latin America. Etihad Airways Engineering will be FAdeAs preferred partner for Part 21J Engineering and Part 21G Production.

Following the signing of the multi-year agreement, seven Airbus A320 aircraft belonging to LAN Argentina were reconfigured at FAdeA facilities and more projects are planned in the coming months.
The service from Dubai to Phnom Penh, via Bangkok, will provide passengers travelling between the capital cities of Cambodia and Thailand with more flight options.

Emirates has been serving Cambodia with its flights to Phnom Penh since July 2017, carrying over 100,000 passengers on the route to date. As Cambodias largest and most rapidly developing city, Phnom Penh contributes significantly to the countrys economic growth and continues to witness a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals. Trade links between the UAE, Cambodia and Thailand will also be supported with daily Emirates cargo services on the same route.

We are pleased to enhance our services to these popular Southeast Asian destinations and offer more choices for travellers in Cambodia and Thailand. Passengers will not only be linked directly through our daily service, but will also have access to a host of domestic and regional routes from the two countries via Emirates codeshare partners Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Pacific and Jetstar Asia, said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' divisional senior vice president, strategic planning, revenue optimisation & aeropolitical affairs.

Emirates has been proudly connecting the UAE to Cambodia since 2017, and we look forward to building on the success of this route with our new link through Bangkok. The service will provide travellers from Cambodia with easy access to Dubai and Emirates vast global network of destinations, while also offering more choice and flexibility for tourists and its citizens residing overseas to travel to Cambodia, including those from Thailand. We aim to serve the healthy passenger demand, as well as deliver economic benefits, by providing air links that support tourism and the transportation of cargo, added Kazim.

The new service will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft.
Emirates has marked 20 years of successful operations in Lahore and Islamabad, two of Pakistans most populous cities. The airline has recorded solid year-on-year growth in Lahore and Islamabad over the years, carrying more than 8.4 million passengers on both routes in the last two decades.

Emirates hub, Dubai, has emerged as the most popular destination for passengers traveling from Lahore and Islamabad. Religious travel to Jeddah, Medina and Baghdad was also very frequent over the years while London, New York, Manchester and Birmingham were popular among leisure and business travellers.

Jabr Al-Azeeby, vice president Pakistan, Emirates Airline said: "We are embarking on a real milestone as we celebrate 20 years of service to Islamabad and Lahore. Pakistan is a major market for Emirates and we take great pride in the role we play in providing global connectivity both for business and leisure passengers who are travelling from Pakistan to Dubai and beyond. We remain committed to this market and look forward to continue working closely with our industry partners in Pakistan to provide the best possible services to our customers.
The Middle East is cited by Deloitte as one of the key regions that are expected to contribute to industry performance in the near term, in its 2019 global aerospace and defence industry outlook. It states that defence spending in the region is expected to increase as oil prices stabilise at much higher levels compared to recent years.

The Dubai Airshow has a well deserved reputation for representing all sectors of the aerospace industry and the 2019 edition, taking place 17-21 November at DWC, Dubai Airshow Site, will be no exception.

At the Dubai Airshow 2017, the UAE Ministry of Defence spent more than $4 billion on new products, services and technologies from a range of companies that were exhibiting at the event. The great thing about the Dubai Airshow is that people come there prepared to do business, says Major General Abdullah Al Hashemi of the UAE MOD. Having seen the show grow over the years to now attract the biggest and best of the industry from around the world, Im looking forward to seeing what will be on offer in November.

Of the 1300 exhibitors expected at the Dubai Airshow, around 40% are predicted to be defence companies, with many more companies represented that are part of the associated supply chain. Demonstrating the global appeal of the event, those already committed to exhibiting include Lockheed Martin and Raytheon from the USA, Sukhoi from Russia and Rafale from France as well as Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) from the UAE. In addition, new exhibitors to the event include the Korea Defense Industry Association.

The Dubai Airshow will once again include its reknowned Delegations Programme, in which military and civil delegations from across the world are invited to participate, co-ordinated by show organisers, in conjunction with the UAE Ministry of Defence, Dubais Department of Civil Aviation Authority and the Government of Dubai. In 2017, the show hosted 279 delegations from 76 countries around the world, with that number expected to increase in 2019.

Michele van Akelijen, managing director of Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East, said: The Dubai Airshow is the most effective the way to do business in the Middle East, and the networking value is immeasurable. The regions business culture is all about face-to-face communication where personal business relationships are highly valued. The Dubai Airshow provides the ideal platform for the aerospace industry as whole to come together and do business in the region and beyond.
Cooperation relations between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates was reviewed at a meeting Sunday in Abu Dhabi, with focus on defense cooperation.

The meeting gathered Moroccan Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and Emirati Minister of State for Defense, Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Bawardi.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the IDEX 2019 International Defense Exhibition, which opened earlier Sunday in the presence of senior government and military officials from several countries.

During their meeting, the two officials reviewed several aspects of Moroccan-Emirati cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen it, especially in the field of defense.

The two sides also exchanged views on several issues of common interest.

IDEX-NAVDEX, the largest defense and security biennial event in the Middle East, kicked off on Sunday in Abu Dhabi with the participation of senior government and military officials from 62 countries, including Morocco.

The International Defense Exhibition and the International Naval Defense Exhibition will run until February 21.

Some 1300 companies are taking part in this event, with the UAE having the biggest pavilion in terms of space.

According to local media The National, the UAE Armed Forces awarded Dh7 billion in contracts on the second day of the Idex, with the lions share of deals going to international companies.

The Armed Forces, which signed 24 contracts in total, awarded six international companies Dh5.87bn worth of contracts, General Mohammed Al Hassani, Idex spokesman was quoted as saying on Monday by The National.

Contracts awarded to local companies are worth Dh1.15bn, he said, adding that Raytheon of the US clinched a Dh5.73bn contracts related to its Patriot missile systems.

The value of deals during the five-day event is likely to exceed the Dh19.17bn reached in 2017, Idex organizers said earlier this month.
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds set to succeed last years Gear IconX wireless earbuds have been spotted in a new image gallery shared by WinFuture. The images confirm that the Galaxy Buds will be available in Canary Yellow aside from the usual black and white colors, and furthermore, they reveal some minor design changes for both the earbuds as well as the charging case.

The image gallery below reveals that unlike last years Gear IconX, the Galaxy Buds will have only two pogo pin connectors instead of five, as well as two circular sensor housings instead of a single rectangular sensor. Likewise, the charging case now has an indentation for easier opening, and inside the case the two cradles for each of the earbuds have been redesigned and slightly moved around, presumably to contribute to a smaller overall package. The exterior Samsung logo on the case is now accompanied by AKG branding, suggesting that this year the new earbuds may have been audio-tuned by the Samsung-owned acoustics manufacturing company.

The color yellow for the Galaxy Buds was indirectly confirmed last week when a list of accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S10 series leaked alongside live photos depicting various protective cases and covers. The list also mentioned the earbuds in the colors black, white, and yellow, the latter of which was likely created by Samsung for Galaxy S10e prospective buyers.

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The Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup will arrive in at least three main variants, with the Galaxy S10e being the only flat-screened model and the only variant to have been spotted in the color Canary Yellow so far. This is the same vibrant shade of yellow showcased by the Galaxy Buds in the image gallery below.

Furthermore, a couple of leaks so far suggest that Samsung Galaxy S10 pre-orders will include a free pair of Galaxy Buds at least in a couple of regions, with Russia and Vietnam being the prime contenders so far, particularly because thats where the initial leaks originated. As yet its unclear whether this generous pre-order bonus will apply for every Galaxy S10 variant or only to specific models like the higher-end Galaxy S10+, but nonetheless the Canary Yellow Galaxy Buds seem to go hand-in-hand with the Galaxy S10e sharing the same color.

The new Galaxy Buds are expected to be unveiled later this week on February 20 alongside the new flagship phone series as well as a newly redesigned smartwatch. Pricing for the Galaxy Buds remains unclear but last years Gear IconX launched for $199, so the newer generation will likely fit in a similar price range. It remains to be seen if the Galaxy Buds have received any other upgrades in terms of battery life and fitness applications, or if the new color and slight exterior redesign coupled with the AKG branding will be the main new features differentiating the upcoming earbuds from the older models.

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An expected but unconfirmed feature is the new charging cases ability to draw electrical current wirelessly from compatible devices, one of which could be the Samsung Galaxy S10 flagship expected to offer two-way wireless charging capabilities, or Powershare as Samsung will seemingly advertise the technology in its home country and possibly elsewhere. More details are bound to be revealed on February 20 during Samsungs Unpacked event in San Francisco.
Industry sources are claiming that Huawei is planning to dethrone Samsung as the largest smartphone vendor in 2019, reports Reuters. Huawei has set its annual smartphone shipment goal for this year at 250 million units, while it will aim to hit 300 million in 2020.

Such goals may seem a bit out of place to some of you due to Huaweis recent 5G equipment issues in some countries, and the fact that it is having a hard time dealing with the US in general, but no, Huaweis goals are quite ambitious.

Not only is Huawei planning to sell 250 million smartphones in 2019, but it is also aiming to enhance self-sufficiency in the supply of smartphone chip solutions. As many of you probably already know, Huawei is utilizing its HiSilicon Kirin-branded chips in its flagship smartphones, and some of its mid-range ones, but most of its low-end and mid-range offerings ship with either chips from Qualcomm or MediaTek.

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Moving forward, Huawei will be aiming to continue using Kirin chips, and maybe even use them even more in low and mid-range phones, according to industry sources, while the company has also required extra capacity support from its partners. Huawei has also, reportedly, asked its Taiwan supply chain partners to relocate to China, but that may prove to be a rather significant problem. It will be difficult to do something like that for FC-BGA and FC-CSP packaging equipment or chip probing lines due to Taiwans regulatory restrictions. This does indicate that Huawei is requiring its partners to provide more timely support, says the source.

Reuters reports that Huaweis global annual revenues are already breaking the $100 billion level, considering they did in 2018. The company has extended its business to North Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

Is There A Chance For Huawei To Dethrone Samsung in 2019?

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Huawei had shipped over 200 million smartphones in 2018, which marks yet another great year for the company, as far as smartphone sales are concerned, at the very leaks. According to IDCs report from the end of January, Huawei actually shipped 206 million smartphones in 2018, and is the third-placed smartphone OEM on a global scale.

Apple managed to ship 208.8 million units in 2019, and is second-placed, while Samsung is still in the lead, as the company sold 292.3 million devices in 2018. In translation, this means that Samsung holds 20.8-percent of the market, Apple is at 14.9-percent, while Huawei managed to grab 14.7-percent. These three companies are followed by Xiaomi and OPPO, and they hold 8.7-percent and 8.1-percent of the market.

Huawei has been growing constantly for years now, and its sales have been increasing. Huawei is really close to taking over that second place from Apple for a longer period of time, but Samsung is still selling almost 100 million phones more than Huawei on a yearly basis. Presuming that Samsungs sales will not drop significantly, and Huawei actually managed to ship close to 250 million smartphones in 2019, Samsung will still remain the number one smartphone OEM at the end of the year.

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Truth be said, if Huawei actually manages to have a brilliant year when it comes to smartphone sales, and steals those sales from Samsung in the process, a scenario where Huawei ends up becoming the number one smartphone manufacturer is possible, but that is not as likely. The difference between the two companies in terms of sales is still quite significant, not to mention that Huawei is having problems selling its phones in the US at the moment. All in all, Samsung will probably retain its position at the end of the year, but who knows what will happen in 2020, as Huaweis growth is hard to deny.




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The Environmental Partnership Association (EPA) is seeking votes from the public to help them select the winner of the European Tree of the Year competition 2019. Each year participating countries select an entrant by holding a national poll, from which a winner is selected in the European round by an online poll that runs throughout the month of February. The winner is announced at an awards ceremony in late March held in the EU Parliament, Brussels.

The contest has been running since 2011, and was inspired by a similar contest organized in the Czech Republic by the Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation for many years.

A total of 15 trees from as many countries are participating in this years contest. Let us look at these trees and the extraordinary stories behind them.

Gubec linden, Croatia

This ancient linden is a living witness of the Great Peasant Revolt that took place in 1573. According to the legend Matija Gubec gathered his followers beneath its canopy and led them into a fight for their class rights. Due to its age and historical significance the linden was declared a protected natural monument.

Lime tree of Liberty, Czech Republic

When Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918, people in Velke Opatovice planted 16 Lime trees of Liberty: symbols of independence, democracy and the end of WWI. One of them was the Lime tree in Zadvori. It was planted by a local patriot and pacifist Jan Pospisil after he had come back home from the First World War. Only his tree has survived until today in the middle of the crossroad of five streets. Both the German and Red Army marched around the lime at the end of WWII, and the lime became a symbol of Czech freedom and resilience.

Raudone Castle Lime, Lithuania

This small-leaved lime grows near the castle of Raudone. There is a metal rod in between two of its trunks at a height of about 3 meters. According to legend, seven serfs were tied to the rod and beaten to death, and so the lime split into seven trunks from great pain. The trunk of the lime branches up into several trunks that split into two or more parts. The branches are like the hands of the tormented people, reaching up to 30 m height.

The Pet-oak, Breda, The Netherlands

When highway A58 was constructed in 1986, numerous oaks on the Anneville Estate had to be cut down. This oak, in the center reservation, was the only one left standing. Close to the Belgian border, it became a landmark for many drivers on their journey.

Kneeling tree, Krasnystaw, Poland

Several years ago, this 'kneeling' tree was identified for felling, as "unsightly and deformed". This met with vocal opposition, as a result of which the tree was saved. Today, it is a popular object for photographers, a playground for children, as well as a common theme of artworks. The form of a tree falling to the ground, as if broken, then rising with its crown towards the sun symbolizes determination in pursuing a goal, as well as a hope that does not allow itself to give up.

The bird-tree, Ghisonaccia, France

The outline of a bird of prey spreading its wings: The unusual shape of the trunk of this Corsican cork oak is thought to have been caused by a fire, as shown by its calcined heart. Some claim that as one approaches its wings, there comes a growing feeling of protection, which mysteriously goes away when walks away from it.

Secular Holm Oak from Monte Barbeiro, Portugal

This Holm Oak was chosen by the Portuguese for its enormous spread, offering welcome shade in the summertime. The tree is 150 years old and has a diameter of 23 meters.

Nellie's Tree, Leeds, England

Nearly 100 years ago, Vic Stead would walk to the nearby village to visit Nellie, the young lady he was courting. One day, he came across three beech saplings on his route, and grafted one sapling between the other two to form the letter N, in an attempt to woo his sweetheart. Vic and Nellie would go on to marry and have a family, and although they are both gone now, Nellies tree, also known as the Love Tree, still remains. It is still popular with lovers today and is the site of proposals.

The towering plane from Campeni, Romania

The plane tree from Campeni, in the Apuseni Mountains, was marked for felling. But the community united around the tree and fought to save it, turning it into a symbol of love for nature and of unity for the community. In honor of the centenary of Romania, the tree was awarded the title "Romanian Tree of the Year".

The Abramtsevo Oak, Moscow

The mighty oak grows in the reserved area of the Abramtsevo State Museum of History, Art and Literature in the Moscow Region. It is 248 years old. Within its lifetime the tree has seen many outstanding Russian people of art - painters, poets, actors. Gogol, Turgenev, Repin, Vasnetsov, Levitan, Surikov and Polenov walked under its large spreading crown. One of the most famous works by V.M. Vasnetsov Oak Grove in Abramtsevo, painted in 1883, is still housed at the Tretyakov State Gallery.

Elm of Navajas, Spain

This Elm is one of the greatest sources of historical pride in Navajas, a small town of 750 inhabitants, where they have always professed a great love and respect for trees. On the plaque that recalls its origin reads "This elm was planted by Roque Pastor in the year 1636". Its 382 years of life make it unique in Europe. On its 350th birthday the inhabitants made a hymn to the elm tree, a program of events throughout the year and elm cuttings were distributed everywhere, even in Germany.

The Our Lady Tree of Lummen, Belgium

This monumental red beech stands on a high mound in a protected park behind the Our Lady chapel in the village of Lummen. In the early 17th century, an old beech had a statue of Mary that was worshipped. When the statue mysteriously vanished in 1641, a chapel was built and the original tree cut down. The faithful took pieces of the tree as relics and the wood was used to carve images of Mary. The current tree stands in the proud tradition of its ancestor.

The venerable Turkey oak near Rani lug village, Bulgaria

The impressive venerable Turkey oak grows near St. Nicholas Church. The locals take great pride in this beautiful tree, which creates a unique environment by the 15th century church. The church was home to the first local school, established in 1859. The village is in the Tran region, which is renowned for having preserved the most ancient names of its settlements.

The Almond Tree of the Snowy Hill in Pecs, Hungary

The almond tree in front of the the Church of Our Lady of the Snow has been delighting its visitors for 135 years. The almond blossoming has been a symbol of eternal renewal and education since Bishop Janus Pannonius wrote his poem about an almond tree in 1466. Standing on white rocks, defying the winds, this old tree was already being mentioned with love 100 years ago, and the wonderful panorama of the magical landscape and the imprint of the historical ages has astonished many more since.

The Guardian of Great Moravia's secrets, Slovak Republic

On the edge of the village of Kopcany, in a quiet meadow, there is an old lime and an old church. They protect each other and have resisted the weather for more than two hundred years. The church is from the 9th - 10th century, and is one of the oldest buildings of the Great Moravian period of Slovakia. They create a typical sacred couple for our country - the lime with its roots protects the forgotten stories of the ancestors from the Great Moravian Empire and completes the unspoken atmosphere of this archaeologically and culturally significant place.
New York (CNN Business)  Alec Baldwin, the actor who plays President Trump on "SNL," is responding to the president's latest shot at the show.

OK, now here's one for the "embarrassments of the Left" hall of fame:

Baldwin is asking if Trump's tweet "constitutes a threat" to his family's safety. On Saturday night Baldwin reprised his Trump impersonation for an "SNL" skit that recreated the president's Friday morning speech about the border, the budget, and assorted other subjects. By "SNL" standards, it was par for the course. But Trump  who has fired back at the show numerous times in the past  fired up his Twitter account again on Sunday morning. Trump called "SNL" unfunny and unfair, indicating that he probably saw at least parts of the episode from the night before.

What a baby.

If you can't stand the heat, it's time to get out of the kitchen. Baldwin has made a career of satirizing President Trump and has done it over and over, and now he's upset that President Trump doesn't like it? As if he hasn't noticed this before? Trump used the word "retribution" in the typical Trump boilerplate tweet that Baldwin is whining about, here:

Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

And for Trump, retribution has always been "you're fired," something that isn't going to happen, given that Trump has no influence over NBC or its Saturday Night Live show.

Baldwin is howling about that, worried sick over his "safety," as if his record as a bruiser isn't out there.

Trump's criticism didn't stop him in the past, but that was back when his skits were funny. This latest one was a failure  nearly seven minutes long, which is an eternity in television, and boring as hell, missing the key lashing points of good satire. I used to think his stuff was funny even if President Trump didn't, but now I think he's a bore. Here's a link if you really want to hear it. I think it was so bad that I won't waste time posting it.

Instead of bawling over Trump, Baldwin should actually be rejoicing. Trump's tweet is evidence that he watched it, and whatever he tweets about it amounts to free publicity and clicks for Baldwin and his Saturday Night Live skits, something he doesn't deserve, given how dull he' gotten. The criticism is actually a lifeline. It would be natural for him to be secretly pleased about the whole thing  I know I was pleased when Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro (or rather, the Cuban agent running his Twitter feed) banned me from his account after I wrote this one.

But now this boob  who's constantly in trouble with the law for, no kidding, assaulting people  is concerned for his safety? Give us a break. What this whole affair, breathlessly covered in the press, sounds like is that Trump punched bully Baldwin in the nose, and Baldwin is now crying like a baby about it, the way bullies do.

Give us a break.
Selling Americans down the Rio Grande

The funding bill President Trump signed that avoided a second partial government shutdown is a terrible piece of legislation. Republicans have to take at least as much of the blame as the Democrats for this latest affront to the American people. At more than a thousand pages, it is likely that many congressmen who voted on it have not read it. However, we can assume they know that it contains little money for a wall, fence, or barrier to slow drugs and human-trafficking. Perhaps even more important than the bill's failure to address the wall is an equally serious problem neither Republican nor Democrat politicians even talk about: an enforceable E-Verify program that would require employers to check a job applicant's legal right to work in the United States. A mandatory E-Verify program with real penalties would be a practical and commonsense way to discourage continued illegal immigration.

Too many Republicans continue to insist on cheap labor, and Democrats continue to covet likely Democrat voters. This dynamic leaves few in the establishment who really want to fix the nation's illegal alien problem. I believe that President Trump really wants to fix the problem, but unfortunately, declaring a national emergency will once again land the administration in federal court, where a judge, at least temporarily, will halt the executive branch's efforts.
In the absence of any smoking gun against President Trump from special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, that suggests President Trump's deep state opponents are now turning on each other.

Sometimes, things just all seem to come together. In his 60 Minutes interview, fired former FBI acting director Andrew McCabe threw a ton of shade on Justice Department operative Rod Rosenstein, effectively saying that yes, there was a Deep State coup attempt against President Trump, but Rosenstein Did It. It was all his fault.

I mentioned that a few days ago here, and it's even more obvious in Technicolor in the 60 Minutes report from this CBS transcript here:

Scott Pelley: Are you saying that the president is in league with the Russians? Andrew McCabe: I'm saying that the FBI had reason to investigate that. Right, to investigate the existence of an investigation doesn't mean someone is guilty. I would say, Scott, if we failed to open an investigation under those circumstances, we wouldn't be doing our jobs. Scott Pelley: When you decided to launch these two investigations, was the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, onboard with that. Andrew McCabe: Absolutely. Rod Rosenstein has spent 28 years at the Department of Justice. A Republican, he was appointed by President Trump as deputy attorney general, number two at the department. Mr. Trump's firing of James Comey on May 9, 2017 set off a week of crisis meetings between Rosenstein, who was in charge of the Russia investigation and acting FBI director Andrew McCabe. Andrew McCabe: I can't describe to you accurately enough the pressure and the chaos that Rod and I were trying to operate under at that time. It was incredibly turbulent, incredibly stressful. And it was clear to me that that stress was was impacting the deputy attorney general. We talked about why the president had insisted on firing the director and whether or not he was thinking about the Russia investigation and did that impact his decision. And in the context of that conversation, the deputy attorney general offered to wear a wire into the White House. He said, "I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldn't know it was there." Now, he was not joking. He was absolutely serious. And in fact, he brought it up in the next meeting we had. I never actually considered taking him up on the offer. I did discuss it with my general counsel and my leadership team back at the FBI after he brought it up the first time. Scott Pelley: The point of Rosenstein wearing the wire into a meeting with the president was what? What did he hope to obtain? Andrew McCabe: I can't characterize what Rod was thinking or what he was hoping at that moment. But the reason you would have someone wear a concealed recording device would be to collect evidence and in this case, what was the true nature of the president's motivation in calling for the firing of Jim Comey?

The news show's chief interviewer, Scott Pelley, didn't zero in on that McCabe-Rosenstein feud angle as strongly as he should have. Pelley did broadcast Rosenstein's Justice Department's denial of the entire dual-point charge of both invoking the 25th Amendment regarding presidential removal for incapacitation as well as Rosenstein offering to wear a wire to get something on Trump, all of which pretty much evaded and begged the entire question about whether he was the one leading the coup.

In response to our interview, the Justice Department gave us a carefully worded statement. It says McCabe's story is "inaccurate and factually incorrect." "The deputy attorney general never authorized any recording" [of the president.] "Nor was the deputy attorney general in a position to consider invoking the 25th Amendment."

Notice that the DoJ didn't precisely answer the question of whether Rosenstein offered to wear the wire, arguing that it didn't happen and wasn't authorized, and the DoJ also didn't directly deny that Rosenstein brought up the 25th Amendment, whether it was his job or not; he only said it wasn't his job.

None of those things directly answer what McCabe has brought up. But the DoJ reply does sound defensive. And if Rosenstein is on the defense, it means that McCabe is on the offense.

Would the two deep-staters really be that much at each other's throats, given their shared loathing for President Trump?

I think yes.

Number one, McCabe's top political ally, fired former FBI director James Comey - the man he says left the bureau in mourning after that firing - was fired at the recommendation of Rosenstein. Last October, the Washington Post reported that the pair of them were indeed in a feud with each one wanting the other to recuse himself from the special counsel's probe:

Shortly after Robert S. Mueller III was appointed to investigate possible coordination between President Trumps campaign and the Kremlin, he was drawn into a tense standoff in which Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein and then-acting FBI director Andrew McCabe each urged the other to step aside from the case, according to people familiar with the matter. At the time of the confrontation in mid-May 2017, tensions were running high at the FBI and Justice Department, and between Rosenstein and McCabe. Trump had just fired James B. Comey as the bureaus director, and almost immediately afterward, FBI officials had opened a case into whether the president had obstructed justice. Some in the bureau eyed Rosenstein warily, because he had authored a memo that was used by the administration to justify Comeys termination. If the president had obstructed justice, they reasoned, Rosenstein may have played a role in that. Justice Department officials, meanwhile, were concerned that the FBI  and McCabe in particular  may have acted too hastily to open an investigative file on the president after Comey was fired and that the move could be painted as an act of anger or revenge.

Aside from Rosenstein's role in the Comey firing, there also was McCabe's firing. While I can't find any evidence Rosenstein was behind it, was indeed done at the recommendation of the Justice Department, of which Rosenstein was a powerful official. Rosenstein, by the way, is still there, and McCabe is out.

So now we have the specter of McCabe saying there was a coup attempt against Trump, and he supported it because he was sure there was something to take Trump down for on the Russia front, yet the whole thing was Rosenstein's doing, not his.

Now he's trying to throw Rosenstein - a guy who got along very well with Trump's first Attorney General Jeff Sessions - under the bus as the coup plotter.

Does this sound like an intensifying feud? I think so. And with both men dyed-in-the-wool "never-trumps," they're about as sympathetic as two scorpions in a bottle. I suspect Rosenstein is going to retaliate against McCabe for this. McCabe's statement that he had no idea what McCabe's motivation for the whole thing is probably worth watching for a counter-reply, given that at a minimum he'd have a pretty good idea, but he didn't want to tell Pelley. For those of us on the Trump side, we can only watch and get out the popcorn as the #never-trumps, unable to pin anything on Trump over Russia, turn to devouring one another.

Image credit: Screen grab from CBS This Morning, via YouTube
Medvedev was not as pliant a puppet as Putin would have liked, so he assumed the top spot again in 2012. But the Russian autocrat has a problem. Once again, he is facing term limits - he began his second term last year. How will he maintain his power after his constitutionally limited term ends?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held the reins of power since 2000. After being constitutionally limited to two terms as president, he became prime minister in 2008 with Dmitry Medvedev serving as as figurehead president.

Speculation in Moscow is that Putin could be planning to annex the tiny Russian neighbor Belarus, run for president there, and then rule his empire from Minsk.

NZ Herald:

Russian media has speculated in recent months that Moscow is seeking to establish a unified state with ex-Soviet Belarus. A new "superstate" would require a new leader  potentially creating a powerful new position. Such a position would be ideal for Putin to side-step into when he reaches his constitutional limit as Russian president in 2024. And Putin's not making much effort in conceal his intentions. In December, Russia's largely irrelevant Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow was ready for closer integration with Belarus. According to him, this would include a common currency, shared customs services and courts. He said this was in line with a 1999 agreement to create a "union state." That agreement, signed by both Lukashenko and Putin's predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, outlines a full federation, including a new common flag, national symbols and a unified judiciary. The agreement outlines a Supreme State Council run by the presidents of each nation on a rotating basis  "unless the states agree otherwise". And that's the out Putin needs. It would entail the constitutional 'reset' Putin needs to remain top dog.

This is typical of Putin; brazen, clever, devious, and, by the way, a violation of established norms between states.

And what about Belarus? Don't they have a say in this?

Lukashenko, who has been visiting Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi since Wednesday, stressed the importance of his country's independence. "Why would we bring up questions of the sovereignty of Russia and Belarus? It is like an icon, it is sacred," Lukashenko bravely told a largely state-run press pack while standing next to Putin. "We have no problems with sovereignty, we did not even discuss it in this context," Lukashenko said. Moscow's takeover of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine in 2014 sent shivers through Belarus. Talks of Moscow pressure intensified after a recent oil tax change by Russia that could cost Belarus more than $10 billion by 2024. And Lukashenko has previously accused Russia of seeking to blackmail Belarus into deeper integration. But Belarus is already too beholden to Russian influence that he couldn't outright reject Putin's plan. So Lukashenko may have been attempting to buy time by saying the two countries were ready to "revise" their relations.

The reality is, Lukashenko won't have a choice - any more than Georgia or Crimea had a choice. When Adolf Hitler effected the Anschluss - the reunification of Austria and Germany - the Nazi dictator didn't bother with formalities. He simply marched his troops into the center of Vienna and took over.

You can bet that Lukashenko knows that history and fears something similar.

The west better get used to the fact that the only way Putin will give up power is when he's six feet under. Even then, the leadership precedent he has established for Russia will survive him long into the future.
Infantile disorder on the left

There are many ways to measure cultural decline, but the most important one might be emotional regression to infancy. This idea is old, but it has been studied carefully since Sigmund Freud saw it in Vienna. Freud himself came home one day and saw his house surrounded by Hitler thugs. He went at them with his heavy walking stick, and they scattered. Freud was already in his sixties, but the family realized that Vienna was no longer safe. Freud and his daughter Anna moved to England, a land he had always loved. The Freud Museum today is not in Vienna, where he lived, but in London.

Since that time, social scientists have taken a serious look at emotional "regression," as it's called, because it shows grownups falling back into infantile rage and "splitting." Mature coping includes problem-solving in the real world, and also rationalizing one's emotions and working out personal issues through the arts and work. Nobody was ever killed by rationalization, or by the arts and music. But regressive people live in a kind of nightmare, like infants in the Terrible Twos, switching between fits of rage and demanding love and worship. Normal parents start to wonder what they did wrong, but it's not they; it's the kid going through a phase. The Harvard psychiatrist Georges Vaillant ran in-depth studies of the emotional defenses. Humans can grow up to become balanced and reality-based adults, or they can become infantile and primitive. You might know people like that. I do.

Photo credit: Max Pixel. It's pretty obvious that the American left is now showing the classical signs of infantile regression, falling back to the Terrible Twos. In our universities, the civilized values of "lux et veritas" (light and truth) have been under mob attack for years. "Postmodernism," so called, is an assault on modernity, including respect and tolerance for the beliefs of others, and on science, reason, and mental balance. This assault was planned by the sexually manipulative Frankfurt School and the Alinsky left. Saul Alinsky told his gang to "pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." The "target" in that lingo means a scapegoated human being; freezing "it" means to smear the scapegoat, "personalize it" means to tag just one witch as the cause of all the trouble in the world, and "isolate" the target means scaring everybody else. This is the formula for murderous mobs that persecute indiscriminately. Every revolution in the 20th century used those tricks, and it's now going on in Venezuela. Obama taught Alinsky tactics in Chicago. The newest lefties are out to target scapegoats, and that means you. These are mob tricks through history, and they are not "progressive." They are deeply regressive and infantile. Cultural breakdown is not unusual. The Weimar Republic saw an endless assault on traditional culture. Germany at one time was thought to be the most educated country in Europe, the most religious, musical, and philosophical. The Germans produced Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Handel, Goethe, Brahms, and others who celebrated high culture and peace. Then Wagner came along, and he was different. In philosophy, they had a mixed crop, with Kant teaching the Golden Rule in the Enlightenment, then the Prussian philosopher Hegel, then Karl Marx, an unapologetic hate- and murder-monger, and Nietzsche, who gave a mixed message. A few decades later, Martin Heidegger joined the Nazi Party. In two centuries, they went from Kant, the Enlightenment humanist, to Heidegger, the opposite. Something happened to that culture even before Hitler, who exploited an already crippled culture. He used Alinsky tactics to persecute the Jews, but also to kill Christians and social democrats. In 13 years, the Nazis tore down the reputation of Germany, perhaps forever. Europe is still afraid of the Germans. The European Union rose by claiming to bring peace forever to Europe, but it made America the scapegoat. The welfare state was supposed to solve everybody's problems, and then the E.U. imported millions of unassimilated Muslims to split European populations. Now the E.U. looks like a fascist throwback. Here is a checklist of primitive emotions. You can check off whatever you are seeing today. Infantile defenses. 1. denial of reality 2. unrealistic celebration of self 3. living in a fantasy world, between nightmares and utopian dreams 4. splitting others into total good or total evil 5. major loss of emotional control, especially rage and hatred 6. witch-hunting: scapegoating against any victim available (see Alinsky) 7. rage-driven group violence, killing and destroying heedlessly 8. rise of narcissistic, violence-prone leaders There are other features like loss of traditional faith and loss of self-discipline and tolerance and the like. But this is a start You might check off whatever you are seeing today.
In Tanzania, Stieglers Gorge Dam, due to be built on a Unesco World Heritage site, will cost more than initial estimates, an independent study showed.

The 2,100 MW hydroelectric dam at Stieglers Gorge, which has been cleared for construction by the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) will cost twice more than estimated, according to Joerg Hartmann, an independent expert and assessor on the sustainability of hydropower projects.

Last year Tanzania signed a deal with two Egyptian companies, El Sewedy Electric Co and Arab Contractors, to build the $3 billion hydroelectric plant. But according to Joerg Hartmann, the dam was likely to cost $7.58 billion financing and $9.85 billion on account of cost overruns.

The costs of projects of a similar scale commissioned between 2010 and 2017 had risen by 31 percent on average, the study found, citing the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).

Project works involve the building of a major concrete dam and four additional dams to store the water needed for generating hydroelectric power from the power plant.

The scheme also includes the establishment of a hydroelectric power plant with a total capacity of 2,115 megawatts, a 400-kilovolt substation power station and 400-kilovolt power transmission lines to the nearest public grid.

Known for its elephants, black rhinos and giraffes, the Selous Game Reserve on which the dam will be built, covers 50,000 square km and is one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
"The America I see values basic human decency, not snatching children from their parents or turning our back on refugees at our border. Americans know that's not right," the former vice president and potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidate told the Munich Security Conference. "The American people understand plainly that this makes us an embarrassment. The American people know, overwhelmingly, that it is not right. That it is not who we are."

So there was the extremely sore loser, former Democratic senator from Delaware, former Democratic vice president of the United States, and president wannabe past and future, Joe Biden, speaking at the Munich (Germany) Security Conference, stating to the many European foreign leaders gathered there that he saw present-day America as "an embarrassment" and its trade policies "self-defeating."



YouTube screen grab.

Oh? So Biden believes he can gain points with Europeans by publicly bashing  overseas, in Europe  his fellow citizens who disagree with him, and indirectly the democratically (small d, not to be confused with the hate-America-first Democratic Party) elected president they chose. Against his wishes, as he despises the president  and, by extension, his own country. As do the Europeans. So yes, he gained the European approval he so desperately sought that he couldn't get from his own country.

Biden gurgled on. Biden's country now, under the administration he so opposes, boasts the lowest unemployment in years, including historically low unemployment for women, for blacks, for even the unskilled. The European leaders, whose countries on the whole suffer from high unemployment, especially among their youth and immigrant refugees, whose citizens endure a much lower standard of living than the USA, whose countries are basically stagnating at best, cheered! Cheered an American leader whose dislike for America and its leader matches theirs.

However, to use Joe Biden's own words, "the American people know, overwhelmingly, that it is not right. That it is not who we are."

The day before, Vice President Mike Pence (R) spoke to the same group. He did not receive cheers when he offered greetings from President Donald J. Trump (R). He also did not get any cheers when he told the Europeans to pay their agreed upon NATO commitments  only the USA pays its bill in full to defend Europe. More silence  even disagreement  when Pence told these security conference leaders to join the U.S. in sanctioning Iran and withdraw from its lucrative trade with that nation. The telling silence continued as Pence warned them about China's and Russia's less than friendly intentions and to lessen their trade with the Russians because "we cannot ensure the defense of the West if our allies are dependent on the East," Pence said.

The defense minister of our supposed ally Germany broke the silence when she "declared that Berlin would not be 'neutral' in the great power competition between the United States and China."

"NATO is more than just a military alliance," she said Friday through a translator. "It is a political alliance. And as a political alliance, we are faced with what is a prominent feature of the new security feature, the return of great power competition. Our American friends recognized that early on and we too understand this now."

And so, some things never change. Munich, Germany was the birthplace of the Nazi movement, where Britain's then-prime minister Neville Chamberlain signed a worthless piece of paper along with German, Italian, and French government representatives giving Germany parts of Czechoslovakia in exchange for "peace in our time," which  oh, what not a surprise  Germany violated. Exactly 75 years prior to Pence's and Biden's talks before this security conference, World War II Allies (mainly the U.S.) were in the final planning stages of saving Europe. Post-World War II, the U.S. donated untold billions over 70 years to rebuild the devastated continent and to protect it from Communist Russia. Nevertheless, the Europeans dislike America and Americans.

President Trump is now informing Europe that it is time to actively participate in its own defense; whiny opposition failure Joe Biden is willing to appease the equally failed Europe to spite his own country's leader, with whom he disagrees.

Joe Biden is more than an embarrassment. He is a danger to the freedom of the USA. This behavior indicates he is not fit to be president.
Dems' long knives unsheathed on Ocasio-Cortez on Meet the Press

When a prominent Democrat has lost Chuck Todd, the handwriting is on the wall. Three days ago, I predicted that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was sealing her fate when she took (and probably deserved) credit for killing the deal that would have brought 25,000 high-paying Amazon jobs to New York City. It's not that the young woman with boundless self-confidence in her views has no clue about how tax incentives work (though that is obviously true, since she crowed that the $3 billion in tax abatements could be spent on subways, schools, and the like). Ignorance and simple-mindedness are no obstacles to a Democrat winning approval from party bosses.

No, Sandy O's real infraction was in exposing and opposing the sweetheart deals between Democrats and the tech oligarchy. Both sides to the Grand Bargain see it as a key to their goals. The Democrats want and need the tech titans' thumbs on the scale in digital discourse and campaign donations from them. The new-age monopolists need antitrust protection for their market dominance, government contracts (see: Amazon's DOD cloud deal), and access so their concerns can be heard early, privately, and effectively, before the general public has a clue as to what is being protected, given away, or winked at. Yesterday, we saw the first video fruits of Democrats' need to undermine and eventually unseat the Queens phenom on Meet the Press. Both Mayor Bill de Blasio and host Chuck Todd impugned her intelligence. Here is the full eight-minute segment: The key moments making the same basic point I did in my blog three days ago, as summarized by Bruce Golding of The New York Post: During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," de Blasio agreed when host Chuck Todd said that the tax breaks offered to Amazon weren't "money you had over here. And it was going over there." "Correct," de Blasio said. He added: "And that $3 billion that would go back in tax incentives was only after we were getting the jobs and getting the revenue." To further drive home the point, Todd said, "There's not $3 billion in money " "There's no money  right," de Blasio said. My colleague Monica Showalter explains exactly how Sandy messed up: Messing with de Blasio was such a damn fool thing for her to do. She seems to not realize that the establishment is leftist, and any effort to storm the walls of the establishment as a good socialist is going to mean confrontation with other leftists and their rice bowls. When a Democrat had lost Chuck Todd...
Sen. Amy Klobuchar responds to Aurora, IL shooting: "It is time to put sensible gun legislation in place."



Sen. Klobuchar, who is running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, is speaking to voters in Eau Clair, Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/hMEvQjdCaj

One problem: the shooter in Aurora was already prohibited by existing laws from having a firearm. The problem was that existing laws weren't enforced. Via The Daily Wire:

During a Saturday press conference, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said that the suspect had previously been arrested on six separate occasions by the Aurora Police Department, "including arrests for traffic and domestic battery-related issues."

He was last arrested by the department "in 2008 for violating an order of protection." However, he was most recently arrested "in 2017 by the Oswego, Illinois Police Department for disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property."

The suspect obtained a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card in January 2014. Two months later, he purchased a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun.

"During the finger-printing and background process" for a conceal and carry permit, "it was discovered that [the suspect] had a felony conviction for aggravated assault out of Mississippi," Ziman stated.

She added:

The date of that conviction was August 3, 1995. It should be noted that this conviction would not necessarily have shown up on a criminal background check conducted for a FOID card. Once this felony conviction was discovered, the offender's conceal and carry permit was rejected, and his FOID card was revoked by the Illinois State Police.

During the press conference, a reporter asked the following question: "Does the series of events relating to the gun license and the revocation of his FOID card mean that he was in illegal possession of that gun?"

Ziman replied: "That is absolutely correct, yes."
Trump's National Emergency Draws Fire because He Rejects Globalism

Dan Balz, chief correspondent for the Washington Post, has written a powerful screed against President Donald Trump wherein he repudiates Trump's declaration of a national emergency. He expresses in word and tone his hatred and contempt for Trump the man. Sadly, he, along with most Democrats and some Republicans, has qualms about Trump's "national emergency." With compressed lips, they express fears about there being an assault on separation of powers. Or they insist his motive is not national defense, but mere egotistical self-assertion. The many betrayers of the precious soil of the USA offer rank, impromptu renditions of their theme song, called "Besmirch Trump," but in the end, their own inadequacies are on display. Actually, Balz's animus, and that of the arrayed MSM anti-Trump contingent, is due to Trump's incessant campaign against the agenda of the globalists both here and abroad. President Trump's insistence on the integrity of the American nation-state is profoundly at odds with the globalist mindset, which has taken over the minds and worldviews of many of those in positions of political power as well as the MSM and many of the technology gurus of Silicon Valley. His outspoken desire to improve our border security as well as to defend against Islamic terrorism is causing the apostles of globalism to react in rage against both the man and his policies. I see not only a "derangement syndrome," but a paranoia and extraordinary flight from reality.

One aspect of this campaign against the globalists is Trump's ability, both during his campaign and during his presidency, to look beyond individual accomplishments and likeability of various Americans who are Muslim. Policy issues and likeability quotients of people are two different dimensions of existence and must be addressed differently. Only President Trump took it upon himself to openly and without malice take on this difference, and to express concern about the radical jihadist nature of a percentage of Muslims in the world, and he openly stated that this issue should be addressed in American society before we go the way of Europe. Even when he spoke in Saudi Arabia, he had the courage to denounce jihadism. The open-door policies of the Left and the weak, go-along accommodation of more conservative elements have enabled unconscionably large numbers of citizens of Islamic countries to move into Europe. This hijrah or flood of Islamic immigrants is clearly a Trojan horse operation  an invasion, as has sometimes been stated  with "seeking a better life" as a cover for "seeking a violent takeover." Most are welfare recipients. Their communities are often so hostile to the laws of the countries where they reside that "no go" zones for non-Muslims, even police, exist in England, France, Belgium, Sweden, and other countries. Native-born non-Muslim women have been attacked in unacceptable numbers by immigrants from the Middle East and Africa. Why do European countries hold these policies? Answer: The Left has a history of being against the nation-state concept. Remember one of their original slogans, "Workers of the World Unite"? The ideal and idea of workers united across nation-state identities would to their minds become the basis of a new internationalism, where control of the means of production would be taken by workers with common interests  whether they be in Russia, Peru, France, or the Congo. This fantasy was never even close to being realized, but it's an ever burning flame in the hearts of the Left. President Trump clearly does not want to see the European experience vis-a-vis Islamist immigration repeated here. Our relations with Islam and with Islamic immigration are only one dimension of our need to regain our identity as a nation-state, a nation-state that saved liberty and justice twice in the twentieth century. Also by our protracted Cold War against communism (of which many of our young people have little knowledge or understanding), the values of liberty and justice for all were preserved, however imperfectly, from the murderous control freaks of the USSR and the People's Republic of China. Another dimension is the systematic deterioration of our controls over immigration to our country, particularly at our southern border. The porous southern border poses a different sort of threat to culture from Islamic jihadism. As with unwillingness to have a fully engaged discussion of the dangers of the excessive presence of illegals, the Left wants to exploit this for its own advantage. Leftists want to have these folks come in and vote for Democratic candidates. They want the violence to help de-stabilize our prosperity and security and send a message to the people that America the beautiful is not beautiful anymore. They want to destabilize society in order to effect change, change away from capitalist and toward socialist-communist values (government must grow when there is widespread crime and social disorder), and they want a society where the welfare state is the model of what caring and love look like. (The welfare state model of values and goodness is quite different from the image of peace, charity, love, and goodness advanced by the Bible.) Trump has dared to challenge this globalist vision that has been growing for decades. He has challenged this alliance at its heart, and sixty-two million Americans realized in November 2016  however vaguely  that the patriots, lovers of America's history, of our traditions, of Judeo-Christian morality, and of family life, needed to turn back the clock in order to go forward successfully in time and space. The momentum of the past few decades away from our national unity and consciousness has increased exponentially in recent years. Our prosperity, our identity as one country under God, as well as heirs to a tradition of personal autonomy and responsibility, can continue only if we re-affirm our historic, abiding appreciation for the nation-state concept  fifty stars on a field of blue emblazoned on the upper left corner of thirteen red and white stripes. Trump was our choice. Little did we know how effective he would be in challenging the globalist status quo. Despite differences among various factions on the Left, they have in common their desire to ally not with the underdog, as they profess, but with the unstable, disruptive, dependent, and profoundly anti-American elements in our world. In this way, they hope to increase dependence upon big government for security, jobs, education, health, transportation, homes, and energy. President Trump sees through this power-mad vision that is at its core un-American. This is why we must continue to support his attempt to build a wall, control our border, and stay strong in the face of criminals crossing our borders and Islamic de-stabilizing attempts.
Under President Barack Obama, the Constitution was violated more wantonly than a goat at a Taliban bachelor party, and the faithful cheered every violation. In early 2014, New Yorker editor and Obama groupie David Remnick wrote about his experience accompanying Obama on a west-coast fundraising tour.

Good constitutional arguments can be made for and against President Trump's evocation of emergency powers to address the crisis at our southern border. But the notion that such a declaration would encourage a future Democratic president to do something similar borders on the comic. Democrats don't need encouragement.

At one stop, when Obama walked out on stage, "It happened again: another heckler broke into Obama's speech. A man in the balcony repeatedly shouted out, 'Executive order!' demanding that the President bypass Congress with more unilateral actions."

Obama confirmed to the audience that, yes, people did want him to sign more executive orders and "basically nullify Congress." At that point, wrote Remnick, "Many in the crowd applauded their approval. Yes! Nullify it!" These were not wild-eyed tent-dwellers on Wall or some lesser street. These were potential donors.

By 2014, Obama had successfully nullified any number of laws with negligible media objection. In February 2011, for instance, Obama and "wing man" Attorney General Eric Holder came willy-nilly to the conclusion that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was not "constitutional." President Bill Clinton signed DOMA into law in 1996 with overwhelming support from Democrats in Congress and nearly unanimous support from Republicans.

No matter. Going forward, Obama decided that the Justice Department would no longer enforce DOMA. That simple. Constitutional scholar Jonathan Turley had a hard time making legal sense out of Obama's left-field decision to ignore DOMA. For one, Turley found the timing curious. The Obama administration had been defending the law for the previous two years, and the president, publicly, at least, had not changed his personal stance on redefining marriage.

For another, Obama was basing this policy change on an interpretation "that had thus far remained unsupported by direct precedent." By refusing to enforce DOMA, Obama was setting a precedent and not a good one  namely, that a president could refuse to defend a law based on a legal interpretation that no court had ever accepted.

On the subject of illegal immigration, Obama did not bother deeming existing laws unconstitutional. He chose not to enforce them because they did not poll well among Hispanic voters. It would get no deeper than that.

Since year one of the Bush administration, Congress had been trying to pass the awkwardly titled Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act, better known as the DREAM Act. In a nutshell, this bill would have provided permanent residency to those illegal aliens who had arrived in the United States as minors and behaved themselves well enough not to get their mug shots plastered on the Post Office wall.

Although President Bush supported immigration reform, as did President Obama, neither the DREAM Act nor any major immigration bill made it to their desks. The reason was simple enough: no variation of such a bill could muster adequate congressional support.

In his 2006 book, Audacity of Hope, Obama praised the system of checks and balances in that it "encouraged the very process of information gathering, analysis, and argument." Once Obama ascended to the presidency, all those checks and balances just made it harder for him to transform America.

Obama's constituencies, especially labor and the Hispanic lobby, wanted action, not gathering and arguing. They started leaning on him to ignore Congress and act unilaterally. One minor obstacle stood in the way, and that was Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution. For the previous 220 years, that article had informed Congress in some detail on how to turn an idea into a law.

Obama could not enforce the DREAM Act, said constitutional scholar Nicholas Rosenkrantz, "by pretending that it passed when it did not." As late as March 2011, legal scholar Obama seemed to agree. "America is a nation of laws, which means I, as the president, am obligated to enforce the law," he told a Univision audience. "With respect to the notion that I can just suspend deportations through executive order, that's just not the case, because there are laws on the books that Congress has passed."

By June 2012, what Obama said in March 2011 seemed as stale as a morning-after bowl of tortilla chips. The president had lost his taste for all that legislative analysis and argument, given that the result was "an absence of any immigration action from Congress."

Five months before the presidential election, he knew that the media would give him a pass, and he hoped Latinos would give him their vote. So he decided to dispense with debate and fix immigration policy by his own lights, confident he could make that policy "more fair, more efficient, and more just."

This fix started with presidentially guaranteed relief from deportation for the so-called "Dreamers." On top of that came the right to apply for work authorization, both guarantees in full defiance of existing federal law. "There has long been a general consensus that a president cannot refuse to enforce a law that is considered constitutionally sound," said Jonathan Turley. That chapter was apparently missing from Obama's law books.

On August 23, 2013, in a move that the major media barely noticed, the Obama administration subtly expanded the list of those who would be excluded from deportation. Deep in a nine-page memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters to its field offices was an order that "prosecutorial discretion" be shown to parents or guardians of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, AKA "Dreamers."

The news scarcely troubled the media, let alone the citizenry, but at least a few Republicans noticed. "President Obama has once again abused his authority and unilaterally refused to enforce our current immigration laws," said House Judiciary Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte. Jonathan Turley agreed. "In ordering this blanket exception," said Turley, "President Obama was nullifying part of a law that he simply disagreed with. There is no claim of unconstitutionality." Said Rosenkrantz, "Exempting as many as 1.76 million people from the immigration laws goes far beyond any traditional conception of prosecutorial discretion."

Encouraged by the media to keep drafting laws of his own choosing, Obama made nullification a central part of his governing philosophy. "I'm eager to work with all of you," he said to Congress of the 2014 State of the Union speech. "But America does not stand still  and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, that's what I'm going to do."

Said veteran civil libertarian Nat Hentoff, "Obama is a bad man in terms of the Constitution."
Danger Abounds for 2020 Democratic Presidential Contenders

Conventional wisdom posits that in the presidential primary season, the contenders focus most of their attention and efforts on the more extreme wing of their party, the thought being that these rabid partisans  be they extreme-left or extreme-right  dominate the primary voting turnout and thus play a decisive role in determining their partys eventual nominee. On the Democratic side, the first set of declared nominees (Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Corey Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Julian Castro and the presumptive entry of Bernie Sanders) has obviously been influenced by the strain of uber-liberal AOC-like thought, as they engage in a race to out-liberal each other, with their proposed Government giveaways reaching new heights. Astonishingly enough, Ocasio-Cortezs undeservedly-hyped, bereft-of-specifics Green New Deal (along with Sanders 2016 tenets) has served as the blueprint for every Democratic contenders platform. For them, no amount of Government-provided largess is too much or too unrealistic. Indeed, they present the notions of taxpayer-funded healthcare, free tuition, student loan forgiveness, guaranteed employment and income, guaranteed affordable housing, and unrestricted immigration as if they are perfectly normal, to-be-expected obligations of American government.

The liberal media  eager for political-presidential news of any kind and especially stories of the we really, really hate Trump variety  is inclined to give these early declarees an unprecedented amount of coverage, since covering them and their hyperbolic anti-Trump rants gives the liberal networks the opportunity to present an almost unlimited amount of over-the-top anti-Trump stories under the guise of legitimate news: Were simply covering what the candidates said. That these Democrat candidates opinion of President Trump is in agreement with CNNs editorial stance is merely a happy coincidence. The risk that all these early announcers face is overexposure and too-soon critical evaluation of their proposals. The danger for these early-announced Democratic contenders is threefold: Sameness and lack of individual identity and uniqueness. What is the difference among Harris, Warren, Sanders and Booker in their wildly anti-capitalist, pro-Socialist, free everything for everyone proposals? How is Harriscare different and better than Berniecare or Elizabethcare? There are no doubt some detail differences, but their over-arching goals are the same: Government-provided solutions financed by increased taxes. Damaging early policy evaluation. Trump beat Hillary in large part by winning the votes of previously Democratic blue-collar voters in PA, OH, MI, FL and WI. The middle of the Democratic voting bloc doesnt agree with all the radical positions espoused by this first wave of contenders. The longer these positions are exposed to the harsh sunlight of analysis, the more likely that a greater number of ordinary Democratic voters will reject them. Maybe the rabid extreme Progressive primary voters wont, but the casual rank-and-file Democrat  the Trump Democrat  likely will. Polls will sour. Publicity will turn negative. That new shine will lose some of its luster. Overexposure. For a politician, being in the public eye for too long can be hazardous. Familiarity breeds contempt, as the old saying goes. Warrens caustic, screechy voice may wear thin after several months on center stage. Bernies advanced age may suddenly become frighteningly apparent and unacceptable to Millennial Progressives, and he goes from cool old guy to Who are you kidding, Grandpa? in the blink of an eye. Perhaps some embarrassing and undeniable blemish from Harriss or Bookers past emerges and theres no explaining it away. The longer the at-bat, the greater the chance of a swinging strike three. All this leaves an opening for the Second Wave, a slightly more moderate brand of presidential contender. Joe Biden, Amy Klobuchar, John Hickenlooper or perhaps a dark horse like MA congressman Seth Moulton, possibly more palatable to a wider swath of voters. While they are just as capable of spouting anti-Trump do-goodism, give-stuff-away-free policies as the Early Contenders, theyd have an ability to speak to the Ohio/PA/MI blue-collar Democratic voter that went for Trump in 2016  and make a convincing case  in a way that the pro-Green New Deal Harris, Booker and Warren never could. Can any of the Second Wave do it? While its probably easier and more convincing in a general election campaign for a relatively moderate centrist Democrat to spout ultra-left positions than it is for a super-progressive to attempt to convince the middle of the voting populace of their moderate positions, this Second Wave would suffer from being behind the curve in terms of fundraising, name recognition (except for Biden), organization/logistics and they all run the risk of appearing opportunistic and insincere. Staking out such a far-Left position may help the Democrats in the primaries but may well prove to be a handicap in the general election. Remember, the Democrats have moved much farther Left than the Republicans have moved Right. A very strong case can be made that Republicans have not moved Right at all since 1960, but compared to a 1960 JFK Democrat, todays Progressives are unrecognizable. Points of fact: The words, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country from Kennedys 1961 inaugural speech seem laughable, utterly impossible, by todays Democratic standards. Todays Democrats no longer propose great national scientific or military initiatives like the Moon Landing or closing the Missile Gap, undertaken under a Democratic Administration strictly for the countrys benefit as a whole. In contrast, modern Democrats craft their policy proposalsincluding ones that seem all-inclusive at first blush in response to the needs of special interest groups (women, minorities, immigrants, LGTBQ, etc.), for the purpose of buying that groups votes with a taxpayer-funded program. As predictable as day turns into night, if theres a perceived issue affecting a demographic group, the automatic current-day Democratic response is to invent a new Government program to cure it and raise taxes to pay for it. Republican positions of limited taxation, necessary-but-reasonable business and environmental regulations, a strong military, support for law and order, favoring the philosophy of giving all groups equal opportunities vs. trying to artificially fabricate equal outcomes  these are unchanged from 60 years ago. It is the Democrats whove moved so far Left theyve had to change their name to Progressive. Republican governing ideals are essentially unchanged. Pointing this out infuriates todays Democrats, but its a matter of easily-observable fact, not opinion. The 2020 Democratic GND platform may appeal to effete coastal elitists who live in their unsullied theoretical world, but Joe and Jane registered Democrat factory worker/shelf stocker/middle manager isnt going to buy into it. If Booker-Harris-Warren dont float their boat, is Biden too old? A Terry McAuliffe too used-car-salesmanish? Hickenlooper too strange? The economy is doing very well, and peoples kids are getting good jobs and supporting themselves. Stocks are way up vs. the Obama years, recent volatility notwithstanding. Europe has finally been told to ante up for its NATO defense. Were producing a lot of oil and natural gas and everyone is really happy about it (whether they admit it out loud or not). The liberal media have finally met their match, and again, an awful lot of people like it. It is very easy and defensible to say that President Trumps official approval numbers are understated by 5-10%, at least, by all those liberal-leaning polls with their liberal-leaning methods and overly-liberal sample compositions. Every poll that has President Trump at 45% is likely 55% in the privacy of the voting booth. That is how and why President Trump beat Hillary Clinton so handily in 2016 and why the polls were so wrong. Democrats may think that President Trump is easy pickings in 2020 and all they have to do is promise a lot of free stuff and repeat the words Fair share! over and over again. In fact, Democrats are in for one very difficult uphill slog in 2020, and baring some unforeseen random outside factor, they probably will not reach the top.
While Washington was the founding father of the United States, Lincoln would later save the nation from division and collapse -- bringing an end to the Civil War and the scourge of slavery. In short, Lincoln saved the republic that Washington made possible. And two remarkable men they were, whose insight and wisdom is timeless and as relevant today as it was in their times many years ago.

Presidents Day is unique among American holidays in providing the opportunity to remember and appreciate why George Washington and Abraham Lincoln -- whose birthdays fall in February -- were the two greatest U.S. presidents.

George Washington had proven himself through the Revolutionary War, raising up the ad-hoc colonial militia into a fighting force worthy of the title: the Continental Army. In the first few years of engagement there were more setbacks than successes against the British. But Washingtons men were willing to sacrifice and press on even when their cause appeared hopeless because they saw in their general a compelling moral excellence. He deeply cared for his mens wellbeing, led by example, and continuously put his life on the line -- unhesitatingly and calmly charging to the front -- seemingly oblivious to fear. But Washington also knew when to protect his troops in retreat so as to be able to fight another day.

In the end, his execution of key strategic victories and his will to wear down, outlast and demoralize the more numerous and professional British forces paid off. More than six years after he first engaged the British in Boston, the stage was set, with the help of the French army and navy, to deliver a final knockout blow and victory at Yorktown, Virginia in October of 1781.

General Washington had pulled off the impossible: that of leading the inexperienced and poorly equipped Continental Army to defeating Great Britain -- then the worlds most powerful empire and advanced military power. Washington overcame the overwhelming odds on the ground with a spiritual power that combined faith in the cause of American independence with unwavering perseverance, making possible a final victory little short of miraculous.

Four years after peace was formalized through the Paris Peace Treaty of 1783, a second convention was summoned in Philadelphia to draft a new Constitution -- attended by George Washington, James Madison, George Mason, Alexander Hamilton, and Ben Franklin and some 50 others, eight of whom had signed the Declaration of Independence.

Washingtons reputation for undaunted courage in battle, dedication to his troops, reverence for the Almighty, and personal modesty preceded him to Philadelphia, and he was the unanimous choice to serve as president of the Constitutional Convention. And, not surprisingly, after the Constitutions ratification by the states, on February 4, 1789, the nations first Electoral College unanimously chose George Washington to be the first president of the United States. He was reelected unanimously for a second term, and the American people clamored for him to stay on for a third, but the founding father knew it was time to step aside.

Washingtons final gift to his country was his Farewell Address, calling it a warning from a departing friend. Prophetic in nature, it was a penetrating articulation of the key threats to freedom and the republican form of American democracy: the failure of institutions to keep people informed and enlightened, the problems of factions and hyperpartisanship, and the decline of religious obligation and national morality. So impressive was it, that Washingtons Farewell Address was more widely printed than the Declaration of Independence.

That parting exposition from Washington specifically described the problems facing the American republic in the need for enlightened public opinion, and the harm from the alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge [which] serves always to distract the public councils enfeeble the public administration agitate the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms. Washington also believed that the inner strength and morality of the nation could not be sustained without religion. On this, the Farewell Address is as relevant today as it was 222 years ago, wherein Washington asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, some 12 years after Washington left office, He would be elected 16th president of the United States in 1860, and immediately confront the greatest crisis in American history with the nation being literally torn in two as a result of numerous states asserting their rights to secede from the Union, claiming Constitutional states rights to manage the issues associated with slavery and its abolition.

What makes Lincoln one of the greatest presidents was in part that he embodied the American Dream, being born in poverty and self-taught with almost no formal schooling. Growing up in a Christian home, he was acquainted with Biblical teachings, but when he came of age, he didnt join a church because he took issue with denominational dogmas seemingly at odds with Christs essential teachings. Lincoln was also a late bloomer, holding many jobs before deciding to run for the Illinois state assembly and pursuing the practice of law when he was 26.

Lincolns address to the Young Mens Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois when he was just 29, expressed similar concerns about internal threats to Americas sovereignty that were raised by Washington. There Lincoln said, If [danger] ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide."

Perhaps more significant than the humble circumstances of his upbringing, the greatness of Lincoln was clearly in his mind, his moral compass, and his trust in God in the face of difficulty. Confronting the greatest crisis in American history upon taking the oath of office -- 72 years after Washington -- Lincoln declared, Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty.

Lincoln knew the solution to the challenges he faced with secession, Civil War, and the abolition of slavery were beyond his or anyones capability. He described the Declaration of Independence as a beacon to provide clarity and instill courage, so that truth, and justice, and mercy, and all the humane and Christian virtues might not be extinguished from this land; so that no man would hereafter dare to limit and circumscribe the great principles on which the temple of liberty was being built.

Gettysburg was a victory and turning point for Lincolns Union forces on that long and agonizing road to final peace. The bloodiest battle, it was also a turning point in the personal life of Lincoln, who acknowledged that, when I went to Gettysburg and saw the graves of thousands of our soldiers, I then and there consecrated myself to Christ.

Lincoln often said that the duration of the Civil War was in Gods hands, but in the Gettysburg address he left no room for doubt about the final outcome, that America would, have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

In Washington as the founder and Lincoln as the savior, we are confronted with qualities of character that made America great and exceptional. Presidents Day offers us the opportunity to recapture and celebrate those virtues. It also affords us time to reflect on both presidents observations that citizens need to moderate partisan behavior for the lasting common good, and to maintain heightened vigilance to preserve freedom and the rule of law.

Scott Powell is senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and teaches in the graduate program in Global Development at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Reach him at scottp@rrand.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month. The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping mil
The Congolese government has inked an agreement with the pan-African investment platform Africa50 to mobilize funds for tripling the capacity of the Congo Power Station.

The infrastructure, which currently has a capacity of 300 MW, should increase its capacity to 450 MW then to 900 MW by 2027.

Increased production from the station could improve Congos electricity production and, therefore, end the power cuts in the largest cities of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire.

According to the agreement, Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform that was founded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will evaluate the project to ensure that it is bankable and will take the necessary measures to mobilize the necessary funds for its implementation.

Last year, the debt-crippled Congolese government approved a plan to dissolve its loss-making power and water utilities and replace them with three public limited companies.

The government said the power company Societe Nationale dElectricite (SNE) and water utility Societe Nationale de Distribution dEau (SNDE) had failed to reach sufficient profit levels despite heavy state investment.

The country has a considerable hydrographic network and its water resources are estimated at 842 billion m3. The capacity of already identified sites for power production is estimated at 14 000 MW.
Ghanas Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta last weekend, told investors in Oslo, Norway, that overall crude oil production from Ghana was expected to more than double over the next four years.

Addressing the meeting of 20 key international companies, Ofori-Atta, stated that Ghana has re-asserted herself strongly as a key destination for petrochemical industry players.

In his words, production is expected to increase from 196,089 barrels per day in 2019 to 420,020 barrels per day in 2023.

Going forward, the vision of government is to create an optimistic, self-confident and building a prosperous nation, through the creative exploitation of our human and natural resources, the Minister said.

The Aker Energy ASA has confirmed a significant offshore resource base in Ghana and had committed to scaling up new development in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three (DWT/CT) points block.

Between 2012 and 2016, Hess  an Oil & Gas company  sought, unsuccessfully, to appraise the Pecan field (now with Aker as operator) and agreed with the government of Ghana on a feasible plan of development for the discovery.

In addition to the new Aker Energy reserves, the government plans to capitalize on Tullow Oils new drilling program, which is expected to begin in the second half of this year.
Indias External Affairs Minister who is on a visit to Morocco has hailed the North African country as being a leader in counterterrorism and a pioneer in the fight against radicalism.

Morocco has been a leader in counterterrorism efforts and is a pioneer in fighting radicalization. We are signing a MoU in this field to further deepen our bilateral cooperation, Sushma Swaraj said in an address to the Indian community in Rabat.

Swaraj Sunday arrived in Morocco, second leg of an international tour that took her to Bulgaria and that also includes Spain.

Her maiden visit to the Morocco comes in the wake of a terror attack that claimed 40 lives on February 14, in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

Its my first visit to Morocco. When I tour, I do so happily but I have come here with a heavy heart. I left on (February) 16th morning and on 14 February 40 of our jawans were killed in Pulwama. I thought I should cancel my visit, Swaraj said.

When I mentioned it to the Prime Minister, he pointed out that Morocco had always stood with us against terrorism and is going to sign an agreement with us on counterterrorism. He also said that the country is fighting radicalization and urged me to go. That is how I agreed to come here, the minister was quoted by Indian media as saying.

The visit is in pursuit of Indias objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues, the Indian Foreign Ministry had said in a statement announcing the visit.

On her maiden visit to the North African nation, the Indian Foreign Minister will discuss with several officials, including head of the Government Saad Eddine El Othmani and her peer Nasser bourita, ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest and expand avenues of cooperation.

Three MoUs in the areas of counterterrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit.
As the militarisation of Kashmir has grown, so have victimisation and radicalisation.

On February 14, 2019, a four-wheel drive loaded with 200kg of explosives rammed into a convoy of Indian armed forces in the Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir. More than 40 soldiers were killed in the blast and many were injured.

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a fighter outfit based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been banned since 2002 but is allegedly active through proxies.

The suicide bomber was a 22-year-old Kashmiri named Adil Ahmed Dar who had gone missing in the summer of 2018 and joined JeM. This is the heaviest loss encountered by the Indian forces since 1989 when agitation against Indian rule started.

The Indian government, politicians of all leanings, the masses, film celebrities, and media are united in denouncing Pakistan and Kashmiris. Many are clamouring to avenge the attack, using that specific word to express the response they want from the government.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the attackers and their supporters that they would be paying a very heavy price and that they had made a big mistake; he emphasised that Indian forces have been given permission to take decisions about the timing, place and nature of their response. This is an India of new convention and policy.

His home minister, Rajnath Singh, reiterated that the country will come together to avenge the attack. The Central Reserve Paramilitary Force (CRPF), to which the soldiers belonged, tweeted: We will not forget, we will not forgive. We salute our martyrs of Pulwama attack and stand with the families of our martyr brothers. This heinous attack will be avenged.

Slogans that rent the air in Jammu, the predominantly Hindu province of Indian-administered Kashmir, include shoot the traitor Kashmiris. Mobs in the area attacked Muslim neighbourhoods and set their cars on fire. Reports of similar violence against Muslim Kashmiris, including students and businesspeople, are on the rise across Indian cities as well. The clamour for revenge for the attack is high; the drums of war are beating.

Adil Ahmed Dar, who carried out the deadliest bombing in the history of the struggle against India has been described as shy and kind by his family. They claimed a government militia called the Special Task Force had humiliated him in the past, detaining him and making him rub his nose on the ground.

The family mark this originary act of violence as a point of departure in Adils life, which, coupled with an already present anti-India sentiment, set the young man on a path of violence.

Stories of rank humiliation at the hands of Indian forces are common among Kashmiris, gender no bar. While India is denouncing Kashmiris as if they possess a gene for violence, it conveniently glosses over the run-up to the suicide bombing.

The last four years have been staggeringly brutal for Kashmiris and manifest what Modi called the India of new convention and policy.

The Indian strategy in Kashmir has always been about managing Kashmiri resistance to integration with India. While human rights abuses by the Indian forces have been persistent, starting in 2014 when Modi was elected, they have intensified in brutality and frequency. Young people expressing their dissent have been routinely harassed and incarcerated. The use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), denounced as the lawless law by Amnesty International, has been rampant. The number of political prisoners in Kashmir is in the thousands and they include juveniles who have no legal protection.

In 2016, a major uprising broke out in Kashmir following the killing of rebel leader Burhan Wani, who belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen and who had his own story of humiliation at the hands of the Indian military before deciding to join an armed group.

Following his killing, Kashmir never seemed to recover. The Indian government has repeatedly suppressed peaceful means of protest. The Kashmiris demand for the right to self-determination has been met with indiscriminate military force and incessant curfews. That year, more than 75 people were killed and over 11,000 were wounded.

The use of pellet guns for crowd control has also intensified, which led to what is now known as the worlds first case of mass blinding. Among the wounded and blinded Kashmiris have been women and young children.

In 2017, the Indian home ministry approved Operation All Out, which is a joint counterinsurgency offensive between different sections of the Indian armed forces to crack down on Kashmiri resistance. As a result, there was an increase in killings of both combatants and civilians, cordon and search operations, incarcerations, and censorship.

In justifying the killing and blinding of unarmed protesters and ordinary civilians, the government has labelled them agitational terrorists and overground workers.

2018 was the deadliest year of the past decade during which at least 160 civilians, 267 fighters and 159 army soldiers were killed.

The Indian government does not seem to consider the human rights violations it commits in Kashmir as falling within the purview of international humanitarian law or international criminal law. It has failed to respond to repeated criticism by human rights organisations.

In June 2018, the UN Human Rights Office released a report taking account of the situation in the region of Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control, but especially focusing on Indian brutality in Kashmir. The outgoing UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein stated: The political dimensions of the dispute between India and Pakistan have long been centre-stage, but this is not a conflict frozen in time. It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights, and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering.

India denounced the report as fallacious, tendentious, and motived  effectively shutting down any public discussion or accountability for the report.

Unsurprisingly, with the increasing militarisation of Kashmir and the Indian governments failure to address human rights violations, fighter recruitment has seen an uptick, as well-educated Kashmiri youth from upper-middle-class homes with good careers are choosing to join armed groups.

From 2000 to 2008 there had been a major shift in the nature of Kashmiri resistance from arms to civil disobedience, yet the Indian government never changed its lethal response to Kashmiri resistance.

The policy of the Indian government towards Kashmir has been to replace one technology of punishment with another while sustaining the political status quo. The political conglomerate body called the Hurriyat  comprising 28 parties  which fronts the resistance movement is severely undermined and the voices of Kashmirs strong civil society presence are muzzled.

At this juncture, condemnations of the attack are pouring in from the international community and India is basking in righteous posturing, conveniently and in plain sight hiding its brutal military occupation of Kashmir.

The already demonised Kashmiri is being further demonised. The movement that Kashmiris call Tehreek (revolution) is being re-painted with the monochromatic brush of the erroneous stereotype of Islamic terrorism and reduced to being Pakistans proxy.

It is unfortunate that such stereotypical shorthand will find an audience, thus preventing the international community capable of empathetic investigation from seeking an answer to the simple question: Why would a Kashmiri offer himself as a human bomb?

Under the Indian rule, having patiently clamoured for the UN-mandated self-determination for decades since 1947 and suffering erosions to the autonomy thrust upon them through the dubious instrument of accession, the Kashmiris are increasingly losing faith in the tools of justice and liberty that this world has to offer.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Hubris.

Eventually, it infects, often fatally, all so-called Western liberal democracies. Still, some regimes fall prey to the corrosive conceit faster than others.

For Canadas natural governing party  the Liberals  hubris has, arguably since Confederation in 1867, been part of its defining nature, accustomed as it has been, not only to power but, perhaps more satisfying, to wielding it.

So, when the Liberal Party prevailed yet again in the October 2015 federal election after enduring the largely powerless gulag of opposition for almost 10 years, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and company regained what they considered, no doubt, their rightful place as the governors, not the governed.

Amid the giddy celebrations, there was, to be sure, the usual dollop of bromide-laced rhetoric about transparency, feminism, equality, and the rule of law, where the interests of ordinary Canadians would no longer be sacrificed to satiate corporate profligacy.

Only those unfamiliar with history took Trudeaus halting, sophomoric talk seriously. The Liberal Party has always been about one thing: power.

Now Canadians have learned that translates into mostly white, male, unelected officials who make up Trudeaus inner orbit  known as the Prime Ministers Office (PMO)  using their power reportedly to pressure the countrys first female Indigenous justice minister to let a big, powerful, scandal-plagued, Quebec-based engineering company off the criminal hook.

Everything else is trite symbolism designed to persuade the gullible of the Trudeau governments phantom progressive credentials.

This is the prism through which the Canadian prime ministers current travails, which have exposed the Liberal Partys signature hubris and habitual preference for power over principle, must be viewed. The veil has slipped and Trudeau et al may be headed back to the gulag come the next general election in October.

The scandal broke in early February, when word emerged that last October, then-Justice Minister and Attorney General Jodi Wilson-Raybould was allegedly leaned on by heavies in the PMO to, in effect, lean on the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to ditch bribery and corruption charges against the construction behemoth SNC-Lavalin in connection with lucrative contracts the firm secured in Libya more than a decade ago, and strike an agreeable plea bargain instead.

It has been suggested that Wilson-Raybould wouldnt play lets make a deal that, by probable and happy extension, would likely shore up Liberal support in seat-rich Quebec on the eve of the upcoming vote.

Then, curiously, the political dominoes began to fall. Wilson-Raybould lost her high-profile job and got shuffled to the more junior Veterans Affairs portfolio. She didnt take it well.

In her own fit of garrulous hubris, she penned a 2,000-word reflection on her time as justice minister and attorney general, citing her stellar achievements. Such humility.

In any event, in her ode to herself, Wilson-Raybould hinted that there was something rotten in Ottawa about her demotion, writing that the attorney general enjoys unique responsibilities to uphold the rule of law and the administration of justice [which] demands a measure of principled independence.

It is a pillar of our democracy that our system of justice be free from even the perception of political interference and uphold the highest levels of public confidence. As such, it has always been my view that the Attorney General of Canada must be non-partisan, more transparent in the principles that are the basis of decisions, and, in this respect, always willing to speak truth to power. This is how I served throughout my tenure in that role.

A few weeks later, a front-page story broke like a political thunderclap, implying that Wilson-Raybould got shunted to the minor leagues because she wouldnt play ball with the boys in long pants at the PMO on the SNC-Lavalin problem. Cue the scandal chorus.

At first, Trudeau responded to the politically combustible allegations like a metronome, saying any allegation that he or his office directed Wilson-Raybould to do anything on the SNC-Lavalin file was false.

Meanwhile, Canadas customarily moribund federal Ethics Commissioner stirred from his somnolence to announce a probe into the byzantine imbroglio.

Trudeau said, unconvincingly, that he welcomed the inquiry, reassuring reporters that the fact that Wilson-Raybould was still in cabinet speak[s]for itself  whatever that claptrap meant.

For her part, Wilson-Raybould kept mum, citing solicitor-client privilege. Then, hours after Trudeau claimed the pair were still bros on speaking terms, Wilson-Raybould quit cabinet and hired a former Supreme Court justice to advise her on what she could or could not say publicly about Laffaire SNC-Lavalin.

Trudeau tacked, insisting he was surprised by her sudden departure, while suggesting that Wilson-Raybould should have come to him with news about anyone close to his throne breaking sacrosanct rules around political meddling in the judicial process. She did not, he said.

By then, the frothing opposition parties called on Trudeau to waive privilege so Wilson-Raybould could tell her side of the sordid story and to convene an urgent justice committee meeting to question his top aides and Wilson-Raybould.

Not surprisingly, Mr Transparency and erstwhile defender of the rule of law, said no on both scores.

Wilson-Rayboulds many allies among Canadas Indigenous peoples have denounced Trudeau. Im ashamed at what the prime minister has done to my daughter. But Im also ashamed, if these allegations prove out, what he has done to this country, her father, Bill Wilson said. Its disgusting. No one should be treated this way.

Political reporters like to build myths about the people they cover. The myth manufactured about Trudeau and his confidants is that they represent the best and the brightest.

Turns out, theyre not that bright. The elixir of power made them too comfortable; it fed their innate hubris. Now, they can only watch, impotent, as, drip by drip, their equally swaggering boss is exposed as a feminist fraud, whose people possibly skirt the rule of law when corporate interests demand it, who disdains transparency to protect his incumbency, who casts aside accomplished Indigenous women when it is expedient, and who shifts his story faster than a weather vane in Manitobas tornado-prone plains.

Discerning Canadians knew it from the first. Today, others are finally, if belatedly, catching on.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Such policies may seem like a quick win with some domestic constituencies, but they are not wins in the long run.

Conducting Amnesty Internationals investigation on Nauru, one of the island nations where Australia sends its unwanted refugees, I felt furious and desperate.

I was furious to see hundreds of women, men and children subjected to physical and psychological harm that could only be characterised as torture: They were attacked, held in inhumane conditions, deprived of vital medical help and driven to insanity, self-harm and suicide. On Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, my colleagues witnessed a similarly shocking situation.

I felt desperate because, despite overwhelming evidence of the abuse, for years Australian authorities continued to claim  with no evidence  that the policy of sending asylum seekers to remote offshore locations is the only way to save lives by deterring people from trying to reach Australias shores. They did not seem prepared to move an inch.

Yet the work of a formidable alliance of people detained on Manus and Nauru, international and Australian civil society organisations, investigative journalists, as well as Australian human rights lawyers, might finally be bearing fruit.

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government suffered an unprecedented defeat, as Parliament passed a law making it easier for refugees from offshore locations to receive medical treatment in Australia. This may not sound like a ground-breaking development, particularly since the government now intends to reopen a detention centre on the Australian territory of Christmas Island.

But the laws significance is clear when you consider that for years, Australias ministry of immigration refused to transfer even critically ill patients from Manus and Nauru to Australia  saying it would be easier for them to get legal assistance and stay in the country.

On Nauru, in 2016, I spoke to an elderly man who was briefly evacuated to Australia after suffering a heart attack. He was promptly sent back to the island against the doctors advice  and subsequently suffered another heart attack, as the doctors had feared.

I interviewed other refugees suffering from cancer, diabetes, untreated fractures, gynaecological problems and many other conditions, none of which could be treated on the island  and all of them were refused a transfer for treatment. That is not to mention those, including children, who suffered from such serious mental health issues that they were repeatedly trying to kill themselves or ended up locked up in an improvised mental hospital  but again, not allowed treatment in Australia.

On Manus Island, an Iranian asylum-seeker, Hamid Khazaei, died because Australian officials ignored the pleas of his doctors for his immediate transfer to receive medical care on the mainland.

The new law will literally save lives. And it is another sign that Australias long-standing offshore detention policy is slowly being whittled away as it is exposed, time and again, for what it is: a vicious attack on people for the simple act of having sought sanctuary.

Only a few weeks ago, the government of Australia confirmed that all children would be leaving Nauru. Several hundred refugees have already settled in the United States under a deal signed between the two countries. One after the other, companies that the Australian government relied on to run its offshore detention system withdrew, and finding new ones proved to be hard as businesses worried about the reputational damage from complicity in such blatant abuse.

Perhaps equally significant is the international recognition of the very people that the Australian government tried to make invisible, delegitimise, silence, and deprive of agency and hope.

One is Kurdish Iranian writer Behrouz Boochani, a refugee on Manus, who earlier this month won the $25,000 non-fiction prize at the Victorian premiers literary award, as well as the $100,000 Victorian prize for literature. No Friend but the Mountains was his first book, which he wrote by text messages from the detention centre on the island.

The other is Behrouzs fellow detainee from Manus Island, Sudanese human rights defender Abdul Aziz Muhamat, who last week won the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights. Aziz has worked continuously to advocate for humane living conditions and adequate medical care on Manus, including through mass peaceful protests.

All of these developments indicate that the Australian governments offshore detention policy has utterly failed. The only way to avoid further suffering for the refugees and shame for the country is to put a decisive end to it, accept responsibility, and do everything possible to rebuild hundreds of lives affected by years of abuse.

There is also an important lesson here for other countries who might be looking at Australias policy as an example of how to stoke fear about  and among  people seeking safety. Such policies may seem like a quick win with some domestic constituencies, but they are not wins in the long run. Ultimately they are inhumane, unlawful, unsustainable, costly, and damaging to a countrys reputation.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Tunisia Sunday said its 14 citizens held hostage in neighboring Libya have been freed following the intervention of Libyan authorities.

The Tunisian foreign ministry expressed satisfaction at the release of the fourteen Tunisian workers, kidnapped on February 14 by a Libyan armed militia in Zaouia.

The kidnappers had claimed the release of a Libyan detainee involved in a common law case in Tunisia.

The Foreign Ministry specified, in a statement released Sunday night, that contacts had been made with the released Tunisian workers to check on their health condition.

Foreign Minister Khemaies Jhinaoui voiced satisfaction in a phone conversation with his Libyan counterpart Mohamed Tahar Siala at the release of the Tunisian nationals and thanked the Libyan authorities and the Government of National Accord for their commitment to closely monitor this case and exert the necessary efforts to ensure the safety and release of the kidnapped Tunisian workers, the statement said, as reported by the Tunisian news agency TAP.

Fourteen Tunisian nationals working in Libyas oil industry in the town of Zawiva were kidnapped by a group of unidentified armed men on February 14 while they were on a bus heading to work.

They later on posted a video on social media calling the Tunisian government to intervene for their release in exchange of the liberation of a Libyan prisoner in Tunisia.

The man was identified by the media as Kamal al-Lafi al-Hijaoui, who had been sentenced to 20 months in prison on drug-related charges.

Zawiva is held by armed groups loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli.
It's still going to rain this week, a lot, but there's some good news when it comes to how much.

The National Weather Service has scaled back rainfall forecasts a little but continued to warn that the potential for flooding is still very much a concern this week.

Earlier forecasts had predicted up to 10 inches of rain for parts of the state. But forecast totals have dropped slightly as of Monday morning.

Now 8 inches is the high-water mark.

North and central Alabama remain the areas expected to get the most rain, with widespread totals of 4-6 inches in the cards, according to the weather service.

Areas in south Alabama could get 1-3 inches of rain this week, the weather service said, with the threat for a few strong storms thrown in as well, mainly on Wednesday and Thursday.

Today might be the driest one this week, with only scattered rain showers expected, according to forecasters.

Rain will be likely starting on Tuesday and lasting into Friday, and it could be heavy at times, especially on Wednesday and Thursday.

Why the downward trend in rain totals? The weather service said forecast models are shifting the area of heaviest rain farther to the north.

Forecasters will be watching a front that is expected to stall somewhere over the state this week. Areas near the front will be in line to get the most rain.

Forecasters said areas from Birmingham northward are expected to get 3-6 inches, with up to 2 inches possible as far south as Montgomery.

And that's in addition to the rain that fell on Sunday, with some areas getting up to an inch already.

The weather service continues to remain concerned about river flooding, with minor river flooding expected in central Alabama and possibly significant flooding in north Alabama.

That could last into next week, forecasters said.

In addition, flooding will be possible in the usually flood-prone urban and low-lying areas.
A Hoover woman who traveled to Syria and joined ISIS wants to come back home, according to a recent interview.

Update: Alabama woman who joined ISIS ready to face the consequences

In an interview with The Guardian released Monday morning, Hoda Muthana said she deeply regrets joining the Islamic State.

I dont know, I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God, she said in the recorded interview. And when I came here and saw everything with my own eyes I realized Ive made a big mistake.

According to a report from The Guardian, Muthana was captured by Kurdish forces after fleeing the last area of land controlled by ISIS and is currently in a refugee camp in northern Syria. She has an 18-month-old son, the report said.

Muthana said in the recorded interview she ruined [her] future and [her] sons future. She also told the news outlet she and other recruits joined ISIS because they were ignorant and brainwashed.

According to a report from USA Today, Muthana was married three times in Syria. Her first two husbands died fighting for ISIS, and she is believed to be the only American woman inside the al-Hawl refugee camp. Her current legal status is not clear, the report said, and immigration officials have not commented about her case.

In November 2014, Muthana abandoned her family and fled to Syria to join the radical Islamic group. She was quiet and reserved in the halls of Hoover High School, a former classmate said. She graduated in 2013, and briefly attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham before leaving the country.

Muthana told her family she was traveling to Atlanta for a school trip. Instead, inspired by Islamic State radicals she had met online, Muthana left Atlanta on her way to Turkey before going to Syria. When she arrived, Muthana became a recruiter for ISIS on Twitter.

Muthana, whose family is Muslim but does not agree with the extreme views of ISIS, began delving more into jihadist interpretations of Islam that she found on the Internet after she graduated from Hoover High School and started college at UAB, according to an article published on BuzzFeed.

A family spokesperson, Hassan Shibly spoke in 2015 at the mosque where the Muthana family attends after the woman fled. He said the family was extremely traumatized for months and has been in contact with law enforcement and government officials since she disappeared while also pleading with their daughter to return home.

For them this is worse than losing the life of a child, to have them join such a horrible, horrible gang of violent extremists, Shibly said. Nothing can describe the pain they are facing.

Shibly is an attorney and chief executive director for the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He said the family isnt sure when Muthana made contact with ISIS militants, she withdrew from the Muslim community in Birmingham more than a year before her disappearance.

The reason she withdrew from the community is because the Muslim community is very vocal against groups like ISIS ... she made the decision based on her communication online with them that she wanted to join them, Shibly said.
Update:

Hoda Muthana, the young Alabama woman who fled to Syria to support ISIS and now wants to return home, has no legal basis to claim U.S. citizenship, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

You can read more on the secretarys statements here.

President Trump has also weighed in on the matter.

I have instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and he fully agrees, not to allow Hoda Muthana back into the Country!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019

Earlier:

Hoda Muthana, a Hoover woman who traveled to Syria and joined terrorist group ISIS, is back in the news.

Muthana told The Guardian she regrets joining the group and now wants to come home.

I dont know, I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God, she said. And when I came here and saw everything with my own eyes I realized Ive made a big mistake.

Muthana and her 18-month old son are reportedly in a refugee camp in northern Syria.

Muthana was 20 when she abandoned her family and fled to Syria in November 2014, a year after she graduated from Hoover High School. She later studied business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Muthana, who comes from a Muslim family that does not espouse extreme views, developed a jihadist interpretation of Islam from online readings. She tricked her family into letting her go to Atlanta for a school field trip, instead hopping on a plane to Turkey and then to Syria to meet with ISIS. Less than a month after arriving in Syria, she married Suhan Abdul Rahman, an Australian jihadist, who died only a few months later allegedly during a Jordanian air strikes during a battle.

She went on to marry at least two others times, according to reports, including her second marriage to a Tunisian fighter with whom she had her son, Adam. Her second husband was killed in Mosul and she went on to marry a Syrian man, the Guardian reports.

While in Syria, Muthana reportedly tweeted anti-American statements aimed at recruiting new ISIS supporters. Some of those messages encouraged people to spill American blood. She now said she lived under very harsh conditions.

It was like a movie. You read one book and think you know everything. Im really traumatized by my experience. We starved and we literally ate grass," she said.

Muthanas case is unique. Of the 94 cases of Americans that traveled to the area with the intent of supporting terrorists, only 27 actually arrived in the country. Of those 27, 12 have been killed. The Guardian reports Muthana is the only American among an estimated 15,000 foreign women and children inside the refugee camp of 39,000 people where she is now staying.

If Muthana does return to the U.S., she could likely face criminal charges. According to New America, six Americans have returned from fighting or training with militant groups in Syria. All were taken into custody.
Presidents Day is Feb. 18. The day is set aside to honor those who have serve as Americas Commanders in Chief.

There have been 45 chief executives, ranging from the first president, George Washington, to the current one, Donald Trump.

Heres a look at some of the most famous quotes and inspirational thoughts from Americas presidents:

"So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. " - Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933-1945

"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington, 1789-1797

"I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty." - Woodrow Wilson, 1913-1921

"There is nothing wrong in America that can't be fixed with what is right in America." - Bill Clinton, 1993-2001

"I hope we once again have reminded people that man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts." - Ronald Reagan, 1981-1989

We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and Freedom will prevail.  George W. Bush, 2001-2009

If national pride is ever justifiable or excusable it is when it springs, not from power or riches, grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence, information, and benevolence." - John Adams, 1797-1801

"No problem of human making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit." - George H.W. Bush, 1989-1993

"The business of America is business." - Calvin Coolidge, 1923-1929

"It is now our generation's task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law - for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." - Barack Obama, 2009-2016

"There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure." - Dwight Eisenhower, 1953-1961

"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right." - Lyndon Johnson, 1963-1969

No dream is too big. No challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach.  Donald Trump, 2016 - current

"He serves his party best who serves the country best." - Rutherford B. Hayes, 1877-1881

"Liberty without learning is always in peril, and learning without liberty is always in vain." - John F. Kennedy, 1961-1963

"While men inhabiting different parts of this vast continent cannot be expected to hold the same opinions, they can unite in a common objective and sustain common principles."- Franklin Pierce, 1853-1857

"The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others, the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name -- liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatible names -- liberty and tyranny." - Abraham Lincoln, 1861-1865

"We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles." - Jimmy Carter, 1977-1981

"America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens." - George W. Bush, 2001-2009

"The only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed." - William Henry Harrison, 1841

It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.  Martin Van Buren, 1837-1841

In the time of darkest defeat, victory may be nearest.  William McKinley, 1897-1901

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."- Thomas Jefferson, 1801-1809

Any man worth his salt will stick up for what he believes right, but it takes a slightly better man to acknowledge instantly and without reservation that he is in error.  Andrew Jackson, 1829-1837

The test of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.  James Buchanan, 1857-1861

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.  Harry S. Truman, 1945-1953

Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, youll still beat the pack.  Gerald Ford, 1974-1977
Alabama State Superintendent Eric Mackey, sued by the Baldwin County Public School System Friday, said any scenario involving him removing Superintendent Eddie Tyler is very bizarre.

Mackey told AL.com on Thursday that he was unsure where the idea of his removing Tyler came from, and denied suggestions that he was weighing whether to remove the head of Alabamas third largest school system.

I dont know of any situation where a state superintendent has ever removed a local superintendent, Mackey said, one day before the school system filed a lawsuit in Baldwin County Circuit Court against Mackey, the Baldwin County Commission and the Gulf Shores City School System seeking an injunction in the split of Gulf Shores from the Baldwin County School System.

The Baldwin County School System has scheduled at 12:15 p.m. news conference Monday to discuss the lawsuit.

Mackey, during his comments Thursday following an Alabama Board of Education meeting, denied that a letter he sent to Tyler last week included threats that if Baldwin County didnt approve a separation agreement with Gulf Shores, Tyler was out as superintendent.

The county school system, last month, blasted Mackey and his decision in the school split alleging that the state superintendents move could cost them $7 million from their budget this year to support the formation of the Gulf Shores city school.

Of course, I read the letter I sent the superintendent and nowhere does it say we would remove the superintendent, Mackey said. It cites authorities under a number of rules, and of course, there are authorities in there. But it doesnt mean just because you have the authority to do something, youd practice it.

Mackey said his decision on the separation between the two entities, which he requested approval by Friday, was binding and final.

Baldwin County Schools, one day later, filed a 40-page civil complaint against Mackey regarding his split decision initially rendered on Jan. 16. The lawsuit claims that if Mackey or the State Board of Education pursues action against Baldwin Count officials, the Baldwin County Board of Education will promptly seek a temporary restraining order.

Among the concerns raised in the lawsuit is that Mackeys ruling obligates Baldwin County Schools to pay its already allocated Foundation Program money to the Gulf Shores city schools for payroll during September 2019. At that time, the lawsuit contends, the Gulf Shores city school system will already be operating outside the county systems purview.

Under the state superintendents directive, the Baldwin County Board of Education will be forced to cover its own September payroll obligations as well as front the start-up cost for the Gulf Shores City Boards payroll obligations for the 2019-2020 school calendar contract period, the lawsuit, filed by attorney Don Beebe, states.

Baldwin County officials estimate a $7 million hit to the school systems budget this year resulting from Mackeys ruling.

A lawsuit was anticipated. School officials, during a Jan. 17 news conference in Robertsdale, said they anticipated legal action to occur, but admitted the lawsuit will not slow down the separation of Gulf Shores from the school system.

The newly-formed Gulf Shores city school district will start at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year in August. The school system, according to Mackeys separation agreement, will take over the schools, campuses, employees on June 1.

The Baldwin County School Board met in executive session on Thursday, and the school system did not release any public statement afterward.

Mackey, on Thursday, said his biggest concern is that students and parents are able to make a decision on where they are going to go to school in the fall. Incoming freshmen students living in Orange Beach or in unincorporated areas like the Fort Morgan peninsula are given a choice on where they want to attend school next year  Baldwin County schools or Gulf Shores.

We need that so we can decide funding and we need that so they can build high school schedules, Mackey said. He said there are fewer than 20 students who have yet to return forms, he said.

Other concerns remain, Mackey said, including property settlements.

This is the first times  weve gotten to this point and (one of the school boards) didnt pass the settlement, Mackey said. Its an unusual situation, but well all get through this.
The victims of an employee who started shooting after hearing he was being fired at a suburban Chicago industrial warehouse were co-workers that included a plant manager whose wife says he texted her I love you, Ive been shot at work, and an intern in his first day on the job. A look at the victims:

JOSH PINKARD

Terra Pinkard says it all started with a text from her husband, Josh: "I love you, I've been shot at work."

The Chicago Tribune reported that she later learned he was among the five victims of Friday's shooting at Henry Pratt Co. in Aurora.

She wrote in a Facebook post Sunday that she read the text message several times before it "hit me that it was for real." She called Josh's phone, texted him and FaceTimed him, but got no response.

She called Henry Pratt, where he had been plant manager since the spring of 2018, and a woman answered and said she was "barricaded in her room with police everywhere."

"Of course my heart dropped," Terra Pinkard wrote.

She loaded her and Josh's three children into her car and drove toward the plant. When an officer stopped her at a street that had been closed and couldn't provide information, she headed to two of the nearest hospitals.

Hours later, police told her about a staging area for victims' families. An officer there read Josh's name among the fatalities.

"I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing Josh was! He was brilliant! The smartest person I've ever met! My best friend! The man I would have leaned on during devastation like this who would tell me it's ok Terra, it is all going to be fine," she wrote in the Facebook post. "The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me."

Josh Pinkard, 37, had attended the meeting where the gunman was fired.

A native of Alabama, Josh joined the parent company 13 years ago at its Albertville, Alabama, facility.

He earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Mississippi State University and a master's degree from the University of Arkansas, according to his LinkedIn account.

TREVOR WEHNER

The 21-year-old Northern Illinois University student was on his first day as an intern in human resources at Henry Pratt and also was at the fateful meeting.

Jay Wehner said his nephew grew up about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Aurora in Sheridan and was expected to graduate from Northern Illinois University in May with a degree in human resource management. He was on the dean's list at NIU's business college.

"He always, always was happy," Jay Wehner said. "I have no bad words for him. He was a wonderful person. You can't say anything but nice things about him."

RUSS BEYER

Ted Beyer said his son had a "big heart" and tried his best to make his office a better place. He told the Chicago Sun-Times that's why the 20-year mold operator and union chairman sat in on Gary Martin's termination meeting Friday afternoon. Ted Beyer said his son had helped Martin win back his job months earlier.

Russ Beyer was shot outside the meeting.

"He was a hard worker, just like I was," Ted Beyer, 71, said of his son. "I loved him ... We were close. He was my first kid."

Russ Beyer had followed in the footsteps of his father, a previous union chairman who worked at Henry Pratt for four decades. Ted and his 46-year-old son enjoyed camping, fishing and swimming together, usually at Taylorville Lake in central Illinois.

They also shared one more connection: Ted Beyer had also previously vouched for Martin in grievance meetings with management. Beyer remembered Martin as a kind, caring man who brought him coffee and walked with him following back surgery.

But, Beyer said, that doesn't take away the pain of losing Russ, the oldest of three children, who also had two adult children of his own.

"Anybody who knew him knew he had a big heart," Ted Beyer said of his son. "I just recently lost my sister and now this and, you know, it hurts. It's just like somebody reached in there and took your heart out."

CLAYTON PARKS

The 32-year-old from Elgin, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Aurora, had joined Henry Pratt in November 2018 as HR manager responsible for operations in Aurora, Illinois; Hammond, Indiana; and Denver, the company said. He also was in the meeting where the gunman was being fired.

Parks was married and had an infant son Axel, according to a Facebook post by his wife Abby.

"Every time I've closed my eyes over the last twelve hours, I've opened them hoping to wake from a terrible dream, but that's not the case," Abby posted. "I'm living my worst nightmare. My husband, my love, my best friend."

Parks was a 2014 graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Business.

VICENTE JUAREZ

Neighbors remembered Vicente Juarez as a hardworking grandfather and rock of his tight-knit family.

Juarez was shot outside the meeting where the gunman was being fired. Juarez had been employed at Henry Pratt since 2006 and was a member of the shipping and warehouse team in Aurora. He had held several other jobs previously in the warehouse, the company said.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Juarez lived with his wife, adult daughter and four grandchildren in a subdivision in Oswego, about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of Aurora.

Relatives declined comment, saying they appreciate the support but are still dealing with the shock. Neighbor Julie Zigman called Juarez "the patriarch of the family" and said "everyone looked to him."

Neighbor Joven Ang said anytime he was working outside Juarez asked him if he needed help. Thats the kind of person he was, Ang said.
An attorney for Hoda Muthana, a young woman from Alabama who fled the U.S. to join ISIS in 2014, says she is ready to face any legal consequences of her work promoting ISIS and attacks on U.S. soil.

A report from The Guardian published Monday morning said she is pleading to return home to Alabama.

She tremendously regrets how misguided she was and recognizes she may have destroyed her life and the life of her child, Hassan Shibly told AL.com over the phone Monday afternoon. Shibly is an attorney for CAIR Florida and has represented Muthanas family since she left home. She wants to face the consequences and protect others from repeating those mistakes she made. Shes just another victim of these monsters.

Muthana is currently the only American among an estimated 1,500 foreign women and children inside the sprawling al-Hawl refugee camp of 39,000 people in northern Syria, according to a report from The Guardian. She also has an 18-month-old son.

Shibly told AL.com Muthana escaped from ISIS territory a few weeks ago. She turned herself into authorities with the Kurdistan Workers Party. He said hes made contact with the FBI in order to arrange for FBI officials to question her and take her into custody. Shibly claims US officials havent shown interest in her case. He said shes still in danger.

CAIR has nothing in common with ISIS and ISIS has nothing in common with Islam, so we do not feel more qualified or obligated than anyone else to comment. That being said, we hope Ms. Muthana recognizes how serious her mistake was. If she does, we hope that, just as the prodigal son was returned to the fold, she will return home and develop into a productive member of society, CAIR-Alabama board chair David Gespass told AL.com in an email late Monday afternoon.

Muthana was a student at Hoover High School where she graduated in 2013. She briefly studied business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before leaving the country in 2014.

Muthana told her family she was traveling to Atlanta for a school trip. Instead, inspired by Islamic State radicals she had met online, Muthana left Atlanta on her way to Turkey before going to Syria. When she arrived, she became a recruiter for ISIS on Twitter.

Muthana described herself as ignorant and arrogant when she fled the US to join ISIS, where she became a vocal proponent of the group, urging attacks on US soil and vowing vengeance on behalf of the terror group.

This is a great example of the messaging of groups like ISIS. They will destroy your life and you will regret going to live with them, Shibly said. Thousands of Americans get manipulated and recruited by sex traffickers, gangs and hate groups. They used the same tactics: manipulate, isolate and brainwash. Its just a different flavor.

"I think her story can serve as a warning to protect the next young, impressionable broken individual who is preyed upon by these thugs.

Shibly said he hopes her story motivates parents and leaders to actively protect youth from the influences of hate groups.

Updated at 5:50 p.m. to include a statement from CAIR-Alabama officials.
The new barbecue restaurant from James Beard Award-winning South Carolina pitmaster Rodney Scott is expected to open sometime this week in Birmingham.

Scott, who won the James Beard Award for best chef in the Southeast in 2018, first announced plans to open a Birmingham location of his Rodney Scotts BBQ last spring.

The restaurant, which is in the former Saigon Noodle House space at 3719 Third Ave. South in Avondale, could open possibly as early as Wednesday, Feb. 20, according to Birmingham restaurateur Nick Pihakis of the Pihakis Restaurant Group.

Rodney Scott's BBQ is part of the Pihakis Restaurant Group's portfolio of restaurants.

The staff at the Birmingham location has been in training for the past several days, according to Pihakis, and he said the restaurant will not open until he is convinced the staff is ready.

Scott, one of the South's most celebrated pitmasters, grew up in his parents Roosevelt and Ella Scott's barbecue joint, Scott's Bar-B-Que, in Hemingway, S.C., and he started working there full-time nearly 30 years ago, when he was 17. He cut and split his own firewood, and then came back and worked the barbecue pit from late at night until well in the morning.

In 2017, he partnered with the Pihakis Restaurant Group to open the first location of his own Rodney Scott's BBQ in Charleston, S.C. The new Birmingham location will be the second.

"What made me think about Birmingham is, that city is growing fast," Scott said in an interview with AL.com last year. "It is a beautiful city. The barbecue scene there has always been mentioned to me by people from Birmingham who would come eat here (in Charleston) and tell me, 'Have you ever thought about Birmingham?'

"At first, I didn't. Then, after visiting the city so many times, I thought, 'Why not?' Every time I cook there, the folks seem to enjoy it. So why not just go ahead and give Birmingham a shot?"

Scott is the first African-American to win the best Southeast chef award from the James Beard Foundation and only the second barbecue cook to win a best chef award from the foundation.

The menu at the Birmingham location of Rodney Scott's BBQ will be much the same as the one in Charleston, with slow-smoked whole hog barbecue, ribs and chicken served with Scott's vinegar-based sauce, as well as such sides as collard greens, hush puppies, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and banana pudding for dessert.

The menu basically came from my childhood, Scott said in his earlier interview with AL.com. "My mom would cook banana pudding on Sunday. Baked beans, that was usually on a Wednesday night.

"I made this long list of things that I loved to eat and even the one or two things that I wouldn't eat, like collards," he added. "We put them on the menu anyway."

To find out more about Rodney Scotts BBQ, go here.
NORFOLK - From debate on a proposed redevelopment area to fireworks sales beginning, here are some of the stories we covered for the week ending Saturday June 26, 2021.
The three actors with starring roles in a movie being filmed in Fairhope have made it to the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay. The Friend is based on an award-winning 2015 essay in Esquire written by Fairhope resident Matthew Teague, who convinced the producers to film it in the charming town where he lives with his two daughters.

In unflinching detail, the essay, The Friend: Love is Not a Big Enough Word, tells the story of Teagues wifes death after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and how one of their closest friends, Dane Faucheux, helped him and his girls through the process by moving from New Orleans to live with them.

In the movie, Teague is played by Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson plays his wife, Nicole, and Jason Segel plays Dane.

Teague and his daughters have been regular customers at Sage Lebanese Cuisine and Cafe since it opened nearly four years ago, says Maritza Salibi, who goes by the nickname Sage. She and her husband own the popular restaurant in downtown Fairhope.

She says they started coming in right after the eatery opened, almost four years ago. She didnt know the familys story, but she has observed that hes a great dad who is into his daughters all the time, talking with them. When she read Teagues essay, she cried. His wife was so young, she says. Im her age.

Last Thursday, Sage was surprised to recognize actor Jason Segel among the crazy busy lunch crowd. He wished her a happy Valentines Day, told her he loved his meal and said she would see him there often.

@jasonsegelofficial at @sagelebanesecuisine We love our little charming town with beautiful people and great... Posted by Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe on Thursday, February 14, 2019

Friday night at The Book Cellar at Page & Palette in downtown Fairhope, Segel posed for photos with the Krickets, an all-female Americana band performing there. Fairhopes a magical place where apparently big fancy movie stars come to your show and even laugh at your jokes, the group shared on Facebook.

Giant thank you to Page and Palette for having us last night. Fairhopes a magical place where apparently big fancy... Posted by The Krickets on Saturday, February 16, 2019

Saturday afternoon, Segel returned to Sage, this time joined by Johnson and Affleck and the actresses who are portraying the Teagues daughters in the film. They spent more than an hour at the restaurant, enjoying hummus, tabbouleh, falafel and other Lebanese dishes.

@caseyaffleck_ @sagelebanesecuisine We love our little charming town with beautiful people and great visitors....... Posted by Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe on Sunday, February 17, 2019

@dakotajohnson @sagelebanesecuisine We love our little charming town with beautiful people and great visitors....... Posted by Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe on Saturday, February 16, 2019

Johnson noticed the photos on the wall of actors Liam Hemsworth and Vince Vaughn, who also ate at Sage and posed for photos with the Salibis when they were in town in October filming the movie Arkansas. She said she wants to be on the wall, too, Sage says, noting that Johnson is a natural beauty who wasnt wearing any makeup.

On Sunday, their only day off, the Salibis went to the Grand Hotel for their daughters cotillion ball. They happened to see Segel a few tables away. He stood up and said, Hey! and gave me a hug, says Sage. She made sure to tell him why they were at the hotel because I didnt want him freaking out, she says.

To the contrary, he was really nice, really cool, she says.

Segel told her that The Friend starts shooting this week, and that hell be in town for the next seven weeks.

While Sage enjoys the publicity for the restaurant when celebrities visit, she insists that everyone who eats there gets the same treatment. Our restaurant is where it is because of locals and regulars, she says. Hollywood helps, but we love our community. They make us feel at home.
A man wanted for questioning in connection with a Samson shooting death was captured Sunday night and then died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said.

He was taken into custody an hour ago (about 5:30 p.m.) on Interstate 65 at Exit 168 and was transported to a hospital for treatment of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Montgomery County Sheriffs Office Captain George Beaudry. The hospital has pronounced him dead.

James Chadwick Green was pronounced dead at about 6:20 p.m., Beaudry told AL.com. Green is believed to be a former Samson police officer, Beaudry said.

Alabama law enforcement officers began searching for him after a Samson woman, Sarah Cooper, died from injuries sustained in a shooting.

Authorities received a call about the suspect vehicle, a red 2017 Toyota truck, on Interstate 85 southbound near Taylor Road and a deputy followed him; the vehicled did not pull over and a chase began.

The chase ended on Interstate 65 southbound at South Boulevard.

Samson is a city of just under 2,000 population in Geneva County, part of the Dothan metro area.
Google uses secrecy and non-disclosure agreements to keep details from the public while expanding its network of data centers around the country, according to The Washington Post.

This strategy makes it harder for communities to know ahead of time, debate or protest land uses or tax breaks until deals are set, The Post reported, using interviews and newly-released public records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

According to the report, documents show that the search giant used shell companies to negotiate to build data centers in at least five locations.

Last April, Google broke ground on a $600 million data center project in Bridgeport in Jackson County. The groundbreaking came three years after an initial announcement of the project. The center is projected to open this year.

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, Google will receive an investment credit from the state of up to $50 million over 10 years, with the state offsetting a portion of the companys income and utility tax liabilities. Google also received $20 million in non-educational state sales tax abatements, and $11.08 million in non-education state property tax abatements. These totals do not include local incentives.

Google is expected to create 75 to 100 jobs in the initial phase of its Jackson County operations, with the average annual salary of its employees being $45,000. A study commissioned by Google last year stated that, for every job created at the data centers, another 4.9 jobs were created.

The Commerce Department projects the center, once operational, to have an estimated gross statewide economic impact of $109.1 million over 10 years. Additional job gains near data centers usually include trade and transportation jobs, professional and business services, and leisure and tourism.

Scrutiny of Google comes at the same time Amazon backed out of its highly publicized HQ2 project in New York after officials there balked at incentives and secrecy surrounding the project. While confidentiality agreements are common in development, some say the level of secrecy involving data centers is more extensive.

Google has a strategic interest in getting their name out of these deals so that they go down more quietly, without public debate, Michelle Wilde Anderson, a Stanford Law School professor said.

To read the report, click here.
Alabamas softball team returns to Tuscaloosa this week on a hot start and five wins in Arizona.

The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 7 last week, swept the Hillenbrand Invitational in Tucson including a win over No. 9 Arizona. Alabama is now 10-0 entering the Bama Bash this weekend in Rhoads Stadium.

Alabama will play five games with Missouri State, Minnesota and Louisiana-Monroe coming to town of the annual event.

A new star is emerging in the pitching circle. Montana Fouts was named SEC freshman of the week Monday with complete-game wins over South Florida and Arizona. She allowed just one run while striking out 20 in Tucson. The win over Arizona was the first road victory at a non-conference top-10 team since 1999.

In the 10 games, Alabama is outscoring the opposition 82-18 with five shutouts. Murray State was the only opponent who has scored more than four runs in a 16-10 Tide win Feb. 9.

At the plate, two batters are north of .400 batting. Kaylee Tow sits at .480 (13 of 25) with five doubles and a home run while Bailey Hemphill is .414 with three homers.

Freshman Skylar Wallace had the best weekend in Arizona with a bat. She hit .417 with two doubles and five RBI as part of a six-game hitting streak.

Fouts leads a pitching staff with a combined 1.89 ERA. The rookie from Kentucky has a 0.26 ERA and a 4-0 record in four appearances. She has 33 strikeouts to 16 hits allowed.

Michael Casagrande is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.
The Syrian city of Idlib is swimming in alphabet soup, as myriad rebel factions vie for dominance.

As the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran met Feb. 14 in Russia's resort city of Sochi to discuss their accord on Syria, other players were pursuing their own interests in Idlib.

Russia, relying on the Sochi accord, has squeezed Turkey into a corner at Idlib, pressuring Ankara for months to control or exile jihadist factions. Ankara in turn is pressuring the jihadists, who are split over how to avoid Turkey's wrath. Meanwhile, Turkey supports the moderate factions  but not everyone defines "moderate" the same way.

The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance, once linked to al-Qaeda, routed the Turkey-allied National Liberation Front (NLF) in clashes during the first days of January and imposed control over 90% of Idlib. HTS then adopted a more pragmatic attitude toward Turkey  one that didn't sit well with all of the group's factions.

HTS is determined to: avoid negative reaction from Turkey, which has set up 12 military observation posts in a supposed de-escalation zone around Idlib; fend off operational plans developed by Russia and the Syrian regime; and soothe the local population that doesnt want HTS in their areas. But some influential HTS members see peace negotiations as a betrayal of the revolution.

Although HTS leaders didn't oppose Turkey placing observation posts around Idlib, they were uneasy with the Turkey-backed opposition groups adopting an anti-Kurdish agenda to please Turkey. HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Golani, after installing the Syrian Salvation Government in the areas the group captured at Idlib, extended an olive branch to Turkey and the moderate rebel groups it supports. Golani first revealed HTS' support of Turkeys military plans to advance on Kurds east of the Euphrates River. He then began a purge of the radical wing of his organization that caused a split with influential member Abu Yaqzan al-Masri. Golani also banned the issuing of fatwas (religious decrees) by any source other than the group's general council.

Abu Yaqzan had come to Syria in 2013 and joined Ahrar al-Sham, later transferring to Jabhat al-Nusra, the forerunner of HTS. He is known for his anti-Turkish fatwas and opposed the Turkish operation slated for east of the Euphrates, saying Islam has no place in a war between a secular army (the Turkish Armed Forces, TSK) and an atheist party (the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, YPG).

There could soon be other splits from HTS. Abu Malik al-Tali, a Lebanese commander of Jabhat al-Nusra/HTS at the Qalamoun front in the summer of 2017, is named among those likely to leave.

Sources close to the Turkish government said Abu Yaqzan and the radical HTS wing provoked clashes in January that decimated the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Battalion and forced Ahrar al-Sham north of Hama to surrender. Turkeys fervently pro-government daily newspaper Yeni Safak interpreted the clashes as a plot to interfere with Turkeys field aspirations.

"Their plan was to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere at Idlib, to unravel the Sochi accord and to divert Turkeys attention from east of the Euphrates to the west  that is, from Manbij to Idlib," Yeni Safak reported.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu supported this scenario, without giving names, telling the media: Some Western countries  are provoking the HTS to destroy the Idlib accord, giving them money and support.

Stress within HTS had begun escalating about a year ago as HTS sought to soothe Turkey and rid itself of the terrorist label. As tensions grew, some of the more radical members split to form Tanzim Huras al-Din (Religious Guardians' Organization). The groups met Jan. 31 for possible joint action in Idlib, but were unable to reach an agreement.

Abu Humam al-Shami, general commander of Tanzim Huras al-Din, and Sami al-Ureydi, the organizations judicial leader, exposed this bargaining between the two organizations. Accordingly, HTS asked Failaq al-Sham (a Turkey-backed rebel alliance) to leave the movement and join a common military council to be led by a former Free Syrian Army commander. HTS also said there should not be opposition to the regime forces use of the Aleppo-Damascus highway. Tanzim Huras al-Din officials, however, rejected these requests, asked HTS to return the heavy weapons they had captured and declared, It is time for general mobilization of regional forces to wreck the regimes power.

Tanzim Huras al-Din was particularly strong in fighting the regime and moderate rebel factions in northwest Hama, northern rural areas of Latakia and south of Idlib. Another claim was, if it had agreed to a joint military council, Failaq al-Sham would have been in charge of political affairs while HTS would be leading military affairs.

While HTS and the NLF couldnt agree, they nevertheless reached an understanding that would fend off clashes. Accordingly, HTS will provide safe zones to Tanzim Huras al-Din in return for the latter not building secret shelters and not openly commenting on HTS political and religious statements.

HTS appeared to be opting for such cooperation because of its lack of adequate manpower and financial resources to impose control over areas it had captured. That might explain why HTS, which routed and disarmed Ahrar al-Sham and Shugur al-Sham, allowed them to resume their former operations a short time later.

For HTS, which controls the border crossings to Turkey, to become part of a ploy to anger Ankara could result in hard blows to HTS' financial resources and humanitarian assistance flows. Nevertheless, there have been cases where HTS has abandoned its pragmatism. For example, it handed over the areas it had captured west of Aleppo to the Syrian Salvation Government, but then intervened with the police organization Turkey had set up. It raided and seized 31 police stations, their equipment and vehicles.

For some time now, there have been reports that Turkey will combine the Syrian National Army and HTS, and thus preserve the status quo at Idlib. If this goal is reached, next in line would be the purge of foreign Uighur, Uzbek, Arab and Caucasian fighters from HTS ranks. In the latest tension among the jihadists, foreign outfits that usually try to maintain good relations with Turkey took positions supporting the HTS. The Turkistan Islamic Party of the Uighurs, the Tawhid and Jihad Brigade of the Uzbeks, and the Chechen-led Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar (JMA, the Army of Emigrants and Supporters) issued a joint declaration of being in the HTS ranks.

Just as arguments were raging on how to purge foreign fighters, Russian sources said about 1,500 fighters from the West, Asia and East Turkistan entered Syria via Turkey and deployed at HTS and Tanzim Huras al-Din camps.

In summary, while HTS prefers to hold on to the liberated territory, Tanzim Huras al-Din wants to expand its fight against the regime. Organizations affiliated with al-Qaeda that find HTS too reconciliatory  such as Jaish al-Melahim, Jaish al-Sahil, Jaish al-Badiya, Saraya al-Kabil, Jund al-Sharia and some minor Jund al-Aqsa cells  formed Tanzim Huras al-Din with the goal of attacking the Syrian regime army, rendering the Sochi accord meaningless and further complicating the Idlib issue.

It's hard to predict how Golanis latest initiative will change the story in Idlib, but it's certain that further splits of some radical wings from HTS will strengthen Tanzim Huras al-Din. The Islamic State also can expand its cells with segments splitting from HTS. For the past two years, when Turkey couldn't fully control HTS, it tried splitting it into smaller units. HTS could again find common ground with Turkey-supported groups. Russia constantly reminds Turkey that there are deviations from their road map for Idlib and their obligations over the Sochi accord.

An Idlib operation is waiting for the United States to complete its Syria withdrawal. If the United States withdraws before the end of April, an Idlib operation will be seriously on the table. Even if HTS is included in the Turkey-guided Syrian National Army (formed from factions of the Free Syrian Army) as discussed, Russia will stick to the option used in eastern Aleppo, eastern Ghouta, Daraa and Quneitra: Factions will hand over their weapons and allow the Syrian regime army to return.
The pharmaceutical sector is the latest field where Turkeys economic crisis is producing alarming consequences. The severe depreciation of the Turkish lira last year and the corresponding increase in foreign exchange prices have led companies to curb supply, with 20% of patients said to be returning empty-handed from drugstores.

Medicine shortages have plagued Turkey for the past three years. It is a serious crisis that is related to Ankaras policies and regulations in the sector, which relies heavily on imports. In 2004, the Ministry of Health amended pricing regulations, indexing prices to a fixed lira-euro exchange rate. At the beginning of 2018, when a euro was worth 3 liras, the rate was fixed at 2.69 liras for the year. Yet, following the currency turmoil that shook the country in the ensuing months, the price of the euro stands at about 5.95 liras today. The huge gap between the market price and the fixed rate for the pharmaceutical sector has led companies to cut back or halt supplies, fueling an extraordinary crisis that stands out among crises bruising other sectors of the economy.

Erdogan Colak, the head of the Turkish Pharmacists Association, told Al-Monitor that the gap between the fixed exchange rate, which is decided by the Ministry of Health, and the real foreign exchange prices is at the core of the crisis. As the currency turmoil unfolded last year and the gap widened, shortages began in many types of medicines, especially imported ones, he said. The supply of myriad medicines was either curtailed or halted by pharmaceutical companies.

Nurten Saydan, the chairwoman of the Employer Pharmacists Syndicate, explained that pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers based their production and delivery planning on the timing of price increases. Many medicines are not available on the market both because year-end quotas are up and companies are waiting for medicine prices to be hiked, Saydan told Al-Monitor. Pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers keep deliveries to pharmacies at a minimum level because production and imports have been deferred in anticipation of an increase in [the fixed rate]. Thats why the number of medicines not available on the market is sharply increasing, she added.

According to Burhanettin Bulut, a parliament member for the main opposition Peoples Republican Party and a pharmacist by profession, 417 medicines are not available on the market at present. There are big shortages in many items, from cancer medications to pills for high blood pressure," Bulut told Al-Monitor. "Those medications have been unavailable on the market for two months. Pharmacies are out of stock."

Bulut said that 25 basic and vital medicines were unavailable in Turkey. "Even medicines such as insulin and blood pressure-lowering medications, which are supposed to be compulsorily available in hospitals and pharmacies, are currently unavailable on the market. Many medicines without equivalents are not available either, he said.

This crisis in the health sector is more alarming than the hardships experienced in other sectors, since, for many patients, it could mean a life-or-death struggle. The government refuses to acknowledge the scale of the damage the economic downturn is causing, constantly placing the blame on others. In the face of skyrocketing food prices, for instance, it has blamed hoarders and price gougers, which, at one point, led to unprecedented raids on onion depots. Amid a similar approach to the medicine crisis, pharmaceutical warehouses were raided and 32 pharmacies were found to have stocks of medicine.

Commenting on the raids, Bulut said, There are 23,000 pharmacies in Turkey. The discovery of stocks in 32 pharmacies means nothing. The government cannot resolve the crises in all those sectors  from food to medicines  by blaming hoarders or middlemen. Such tactics are aimed at political gains only.

The Health Ministry must have also realized the raids were futile, for it later struck a deal with a pharmaceutical company that re-priced 42 medications and paved the way for their return to the market. According to Bulut, this could only be a temporary solution. One company is the manufacturer of all those 42 medicines," he said. "After the company stopped marketing those medicines, the minister negotiated with the company, adjusted the prices and secured the flow of the medicines to the market. So, the minister could well negotiate with all pharmaceutical companies and adjust prices. It is because the ministers failure to do that that patients are currently going through a medicine crisis.

He warned that Ankaras attitude to the crisis could lead international pharmaceutical companies to leave Turkey. Because of this chaos on the medicine market, many companies [are considering a] pullout from the Turkish market. In case they do that, Turkey will still have to buy those medicines, but at higher prices. And the higher prices will bear on the pockets of patients.

Turkeys economic downturn has already led a number of international companies to quit Turkey. Those in the health sector appear to be next in line. As the deepening crisis takes its toll on one of the most fragile segments of society  the sick  the governments failure to come up with a fundamental policy solution is further reason for gloom.
While Moscow may have failed to reconcile Palestinians factions during a three-day-long meeting in the Russian capital that kicked off Feb. 11, it did manage to once again throw down the gauntlet on US plans in the Middle East.

The event, which gathered delegations of 12 political movements from Palestine  including Fatah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad Movement  was hosted by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the third time. Two previous summits had taken place in 2011 and 2017.

Egypt has long reserved the subject of the Palestinian reconciliation as its own "area of responsibility. Moscow does not question Cairos status; moreover, it wholeheartedly supports the North African countrys efforts to resolve the controversies, coming of the belief that cohesion inside Palestine is mandatory for the progress of its negotiations with Israel.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov directly stated that Russia strives to see the Cairo agreement actually implemented. A source in the Russian Foreign Ministry who spoke with Al-Monitor not for attribution said back in December 2018 that the ministry considered the planned visit of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh to Moscow to be inappropriate and insisted that the intra-Palestinian meeting should take place first. Nevertheless, Hamas representatives still hope that Haniyeh will arrive in Moscow in April or May  though Russia still hasnt extended an official invitation. A lot depends on the progress of the intra-Palestinian dialogue itself.

Moscows persistent efforts to consolidate Palestine contradict the US position. The Trump administration has recently claimed that should Ramallah fail to approve the new project of Palestinian-Israeli resolution, dubbed the deal of the century, the United States will discuss it with Gaza.

We have no doubt that news of restored unity in the Palestinian ranks will take the trump cards away from those who would like to destroy the foundations of the settlement laid down in UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, Lavrov said in his opening remarks to the Palestinian delegations, alluding to the United States.

We see the greatest danger in the stance of the United States, he stressed.

Our US colleagues are bluntly putting forward new recipes in an attempt to resolve this issue, and have for more than two years now been promising to come up with the 'deal of the century.' However, the information we have shows that this future deal will destroy everything that has been accomplished so far, the minister added.

Remarkably, this statement was made a few hours before the opening of the US-initiated conference on the Middle East in Warsaw. Russia declined the invitation for the Warsaw conference for two reasons: the anti-Iranian intonations and, initially, the lack of Palestinian issues on the agenda, which Moscow insists are one of the top problems in the region. Poland later insisted on putting the Palestinian issue on the conference agenda. The Warsaw conference was expecting to see a disclosure of parts of the deal of the century, which both Russians and Palestinians object to. When the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem and refused to fund the UNRWA, Palestine refused to interact with Washington yet remained deeply concerned that its own fate would be decided behind its back. Moscow thus acts as a guarantor that this will not be the case.

This deal is aimed to bury our hopes and efforts to establish the Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, with its capital in Eastern Jerusalem, Azzam Al-Ahmad, the member of Fatahs Central Committee and the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), claimed during the press-conference concluding the Moscow meeting.

The head of Hamas delegation and deputy leader of the organization Mousa Abu Marzook expressed the same opinion saying, We reject the American plan of Middle Eastern resolution.  Since the very beginning of Trumps presidency and his administrations rule, a number of decisions associated with the deal have been made. The first and foremost one is recognizing Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel and moving the US Embassy there. Later, Americans attempted to eliminate the refugee problem, he complained.

Moscow commends the Palestinians for declining the American plan. Moreover, it became clear that all political factions present at the summit in Moscow object to the deal unanimously. It should be noted that this intra-Palestinian meeting became the first in almost a year, which the Russian organizers see as a success given the amount of effort spent on bringing opposing factions at the negotiating table. The Russians cannot be naive enough to actually believe that three days would suffice to reconcile Fatah and Hamas, ultimately consolidating Palestinian elites. Yet it was planned that as a result of the summit, the delegates would make a joint statement.

We do not expect the process to change entirely after less than two days of negotiation. If they agree upon such a document, this will basically be the outcome needed, Vitaly Naumkin, the academic president of the Institute of Oriental Studies, who moderated the meeting, told the Interfax media agency before opening the event.

The sides, however, failed to draw out such a statement. The debates continued until the last minute, and the concluding press conference was delayed for an hour. However, the Palestinians have not managed to reach a consensus. The Islamic Jihad Movement proved to be the most obstinate among the factions. According to the Kommersant newspaper, which cited the sources close to the meeting, after delegates of the movement had protested against several paragraphs of the agreement, Hamas decided to follow suit to avoid seeming more flexible and expressed its own objections.

We refrained from signing the document mentioning the creation of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as a capital, Mohammed Al-Hindi, member of Islamic Jihads Political Bureau, told Kommersant. The movement believes that Israel continues to occupy the territories that should be included in the nation of Palestine, and the forms of Palestine-Israeli resolution enlisted in the Oslo Accord of 1993 must be abolished. The debates revolved around whether it was acceptable to mention the nation of Palestine specifically within the 1967 borders and whether to call the capital Jerusalem or East Jerusalem.

Another controversy arose around the role of the PLO. If we claim that the PLO represents the interests of Palestinian people, it should be added that Hamas and Islamic Jihad demand the reform of the organization. How can it represent everyone if we are left outside? Hindi asked.

During the final press conference and later in private conversations with reporters, participants said the controversies around the terms had not been highly significant. They emphasized that as the main result, the sides had ultimately accepted the necessity to continue the national dialogue. Moreover, they agreed to find a format allowing Russia to cooperate with Egypt as a co-organizer of intra-Palestinian dialogue.

We hope that we will find the formula allowing Egypt and Russia to support each other, Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, told Al-Monitor.

At the same time, in spite of the attempts to smooth the controversies out, the Palestinians had to admit that their work had not been enough to meet Russias expectations. Ahmad even apologized to the hosts of the summit for this while Barghouti extended his apologies to the people of Palestine for not being able to deliver on their expectations just yet.
The Donald Trump administrations two-year deadline to take a fresh look at the Obama-era New START nuclear treaty with Russia could give pro-Israel advocates another chance to deepen defense ties.

The potential lapse of the treaty, inked in 2009, would remove a prime legal obstacle to transferring US-made bombers overseas. Such a sale would in turn give Israel the platform it currently lacks for delivering bunker-busting bombs that could target Iran.

The possibility of the United States leaving New START, or the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, has increasingly been raised after the Trump administration gave Russia notice it would leave the Ronald Reagan-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in six months. The president himself called the pact another bad deal in a 2017 interview with Reuters, while The Guardian reported late last year that national security adviser John Bolton has blocked talks on renewing the treaty.

New START establishes limits on the number of strategic offensive weapons such as nuclear weapons, bombers, ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable submarines in US and Russian arsenals, and bans their transfer to other countries. Asked about the future of the New START Treaty, or NST, in a recent interview, the State Departments top arms control official demurred on extending the deal past February 2021.

I have no intentions of addressing that today, Andrea Thompson, undersecretary of state for arms control, told PBS NewsHour on Feb. 7. We have got two more years.

But the treaty still holds sway in the US administration, according to documents reviewed by Al-Monitor.

In a report on the implementation of the treaty delivered to Congress in December, the Defense Department indicated that the deal gives the United States an extensive ability to watch the comprehensive modernization of Russias nuclear forces.

The NST remains in the national security interests of the United States, the Pentagon report said. Without continued implementation of NST, the United States would lose access to valuable information on Russian strategic forces, as well as access to Russian strategic facilities.

As of the end of 2018, both the United States and Russia remained in compliance with the treaty, the report said.

The Trump administrations review of New START is occurring as the Defense Departments longstanding relationship with Israel is getting even tighter. In February, the US Army announced it had opted to purchase two Israeli-designed Iron Dome batteries after lawmakers called on the Pentagon to quickly set up a system to help defend US troops from cruise missiles.

The dissolution of the treaty, which explicitly bars selling controlled technology to foreign powers, wouldnt remove all obstacles to selling bombers to Israel. The United States is in short supply of the aircraft, and has not sold one to a foreign power since World War II, though the United States did explore the joint development of bomber designs with the British.

Even without the treaty there would be plenty of other obstacles, said Kingston Reif, director of disarmament and threat reduction policy at the Arms Control Association in Washington. For example, the B-2 and the B-52H are of course critical and prized US assets. Given the Pentagons argument that we dont have enough strategic bombers, its hard to imagine the Pentagon being supportive of such a transfer.

The possibility of a bomber transfer to Israel generated buzz in 2015, as the Barack Obama administration was negotiating its nuclear deal with Iran. David Deptula, a retired three-star Air Force general who co-authored a Wall Street Journal op-ed at the time calling on the United States to loan Israel several bunker-busting bombs and the B-52 bombers to drop them, said doing so could send a message to the Iranians to the potential of what could have been done if Tehran pursued a nuclear weapons program.

Israeli military sources who spoke to Al-Monitor in 2015 questioned whether the countrys armed forces would want to sustain US bombers and massive ordnance penetrators, which could potentially be used to target Irans underground uranium enrichment facilities.

Deptula said he no longer supported a potential sale, but said he thought that the Israeli military should be able to absorb such a system despite its cost and complexity.

It doesnt mean we cant do it, Deptula told Al-Monitor. All it takes is money, resources and material.
RAMALLAH, WEST BANK  The Ramallah-based Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC) is arranging a visit by its delegation to the Gaza Strip to meet with the Palestinian factions there, mainly the Hamas movement, to discuss participation in the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections.

CEC director Hisham Kahil told Al-Monitor that no date has been set yet, pending the return of Hamas leaders from their overseas tour and obtaining the necessary permits from the Israeli authorities.

A delegation from Hamas headed by its political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh met with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo Feb. 3 to discuss the truce with Israel, national reconciliation with Fatah and the blockade in place against the coastal enclave since 2007. The delegation met with representatives of the Palestinian factions in the CEC headquarters in Ramallah Feb. 4.

During a meeting with CEC President Hanna Nasser in Ramallah Jan. 20, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gave his blessing to the CEC's preliminary works and talks with the different factions. The commission will submit a report to Abbas on the results of its consultations for the elections.

Kahil stressed that the CEC will make every effort to ensure the participation of all forces in the elections, which would require several visits to the Gaza Strip and meetings with Hamas and the other factions.

The Palestinian Constitutional Court decided Dec. 12, 2018, to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council and hold legislative elections within six months of the resolution. Hamas condemned the move as illegitimate.

The PA is also working to arrange elections in Jerusalem, where polling will be impossible if Israel does not agree. Fatah Central Committee member Azzam al-Ahmad said in a Feb. 6 interview on Palestinian state TV that Abbas confirmed in his speech to the Revolutionary Council Feb. 6 that there would be no elections without East Jerusalem.

In another Feb. 6 interview with Russian Sputnik, Abbas said, We will announce the date of the elections when they can be held in both Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, along with the West Bank.

Ahmad Majdalani, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, told Al-Monitor the elections must include Jerusalem, otherwise they will not be held. He explained, Jerusalem is a national and political issue. Holding elections in the city is the essence of the electoral process.

Majdalani said, If Israel rejects [PA elections in Jerusalem], it will have to assume its responsibilities before the entire world. This is what makes holding elections in Jerusalem a political issue and a struggle.

Majdalani expressed fear that Israel will block the elections to destroy the Palestinian political system, which derives its legitimacy and strength from elections at home and abroad. He believes that Israel may argue that Jerusalem is its capital under Israeli law and with US President Donald Trumps recognition.

Last year, the Hamas movement said it would participate in elections provided they include the presidency and the PLO National Council in tandem with the legislature.

Should Hamas prevent the elections from taking place in Gaza, we will have to find alternative options to deal with the situation, Majdalani noted. He explained that one option could be for candidates from the Gaza Strip to run in the elections, but for Gazans living in the Strip to be excluded from voting.

Elections in East Jerusalem are governed by specific agreements between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. Article 6 of Annex II of the Palestinian-Israeli Interim Agreement, commonly known as Oslo II of Sept. 28, 1995, stipulates that voting in East Jerusalem would take place at five Israeli post offices.

The last Palestinian legislative elections, held in 2006, included the Jerusalem district, where the CEC opened three voter registration centers for Jerusalemites and Israel established another post office, bringing to the polling places in the city to six. Another 14 polling stations were located in the citys suburbs, according to the CEC website.

Kahil explained that holding elections in East Jerusalem requires unity among the Palestinian factions and leadership as well as international pressure on Israel to allow them. He noted that representatives of the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs are in constant contact with the Israeli authorities on the issue of elections.

Kahil stressed that since 2005, the CEC has been clear that it will not supervise any elections that do not include Jerusalem, which is also the position of the PA presidency. He added that Gazan citizens must be included as well. He said elections are based on the participation of all citizens, and voting is their constitutional right. Furthermore, the participation of all citizens ensures the credibility of elections.

It appears that 13 years after the last Palestinian legislative elections, the road to the ballot box is riddled with obstacles that are unlikely to be overcome in the foreseeable future.
There is a new date for the "deal of the century" US President Donald Trump promised at the start of his term two years ago. White House senior adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner said at the Warsaw Mideast Conference that the United States will put forward a Middle East peace plan after the Israeli general election on April 9 and that both sides will have to make some compromises. Knowledgable sources confirmed to Al-Monitor that Trump plans to lay out his detailed plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians after the Israeli election but before the formation of a new government, regardless of who heads it.

The choice seems a missed opportunity. The US administration could have laid out its plan during the electoral race, which does not seem to focus on any significant diplomatic issue. That way, it would have appeared on the public agenda and required the parties to adopt a stance in reaction to it. But that wont happen. It is safe to assume that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled to Trump that by keeping the promise he made last year to submit his plan within four months, he could cost the Likud seats to other right-wing parties such as HaBayit HaYehudi. Netanyahu knows that the later would oppose any diplomatic plan even if it came from such avid settlement supporters as Ambassador David Friedman. At the same time, Israel Resilience head Benny Gantz probably has no qualms about the delay, either. His party is far from reaching any agreements with its partner, Moshe Yaalons Telem, over the issue of partition of the land, without which there can be no peace plan.

In these circumstances, laying out the plan just before a new government is formed could turn out to be a blessing. On the backdrop of Israeli politicians' statements over the past few months, whoever forms the next government will have a hard time bringing in parties that are stubbornly opposed to the diplomatic solution on the table. It is similarly safe to assume that anyone tasked by President Reuven Rivlin with forming the next government will say that he considers the American plan a basis for negotiations despite his reservations, which will be raised during the negotiations if they take place. If it is Netanyahu, he can only hope that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rejects the plan out of hand, as he has in the past. That way, Netanyahu can claim yet again that Israel has no partner for peace. On the other hand, if Gantz is tasked with forming a government, it can be assumed that he will not reject negotiations with the Palestinians even if he has reservations about certain components of the plan.

Should the outcome of the election make it possible for a bloc of center-left parties to prevent the right from forming an ideological coalition, the most likely scenario is the formation of a national unity government or a government with the ultra-Orthodox. In any event, the US peace plan could increase the chances of a unity government, regardless of who heads it. Netanyahu may be very popular with the current administration, but Trump himself is pushing for the implementation of the deal that he promised. At a press conference at last year's UN General Assembly summit, he called the plan his dream. He must also realize that Netanyahus next term in office may be too short to complete such a diplomatic maneuver, particularly since he is the kind of leader who would have a hard time leading such a project with the Palestinians. At the same press conference in 2018, Trump said that he wants to finish dealing with the peace plan by the end of his term in 2021. As such, it can be assumed that he would appreciate an Israeli prime minister who is willing to take his plan seriously.

In anticipation of the plan, Abbas set off this week for a round of talks with the leaders of the Arab Quartet (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan). He wanted to ensure that the pro-American Arab states, which provide vital support to the PLO, do not surprise him by adopting a plan that does not include all the components of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative (two states based on the 1967 borders, with an exchange of territory agreed by both parties, East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and an agreement on resolving the issue of Palestinian refugees from 1948).

A senior Palestinian source told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the emerging understanding between Abbas and the other Arab leaders is that the Arab League will promise to support the PLOs positions in exchange for Palestinian willingness to begin talks about the plan, unless the Palestinians and the Quartet agree that the plan is a non-starter. If that is their understanding, the plan could still send Israel and the Palestinians back to the negotiating table. The pragmatic Arab camp is showing willingness to back the Palestinians, but would also likely reject the Palestinians total boycott of the American proposal. Meanwhile, the Russians, who play no small role in the region, may have reservations about the plan, but they are still not rejecting the initiative out of hand. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Feb. 12 that the United States intends to force a solution on the Palestinians that they cannot accept. While he does not oppose the idea of an emerging American initiative, he is against any plan that does not include the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The administrations proposal faces a particularly difficult road. There hasnt been such a serious rift between the US administration and the Palestinian pragmatists since 1993. Abbas regards Trump as his enemy, or rather as someone who is making it difficult for him to run the affairs of the Palestinian Authority. Furthermore, he is unwilling to submit to American economic pressure. The current Netanyahu coalition includes dominant forces who are unwilling to even entertain the possibility of creating a Palestinian state, no matter its borders. If Netanyahu succeeds in forming the government he continuously speaks about (one made of parties on the right rather than a unity government), he will have a hard time avoiding sounding like he is rejecting Trumps plan completely. If he does feel the need to reject it out of hand, the Palestinian response won't matter.

If a broad government is formed under Gantz, the plan could become one of its underlying principles. It is possible that the Trump team considered this possibility. It is, after all, reasonable to think that someone at the White House considered it when they came up with the idea of presenting the deal of the century sometime between the Israeli election and the formation of the next government.
South Africa: SA to host EU-SADC joint council

South Africa will on Tuesday host the first European Union (EU)  Southern African Development Community (SADC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) joint council meeting.

The meeting which will be held in Cape Town will provide an opportunity for the ministers of the SADC EPA states and the EU to discuss the state of play in the trade between the parties and how the EPA can contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

The ministers will also consider a number of procedural issues such as the approval of the rules of procedure of the various committees created to oversee the implementation of the EPA, said Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

The core objective of the SADC EPA Group and EUs joint efforts in implementing the agreement must be to ensure that the EPA enables sustainable development in the SADC EPA states through changing the structure of trade, including the fundamental structural imbalance in the trade between the parties, and promote enhance value-added trade, says Davies.

South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia signed the EPA that has been negotiated with the EU in June 2016.

The EPA provisionally entered into force on 10 October 2016 - replaced the trade chapter in the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) between SA and the EU that entered into force in 2000.

Through the EPA, South Africa gained improved market access into the EU for agricultural products such as wine, sugar, ethanol and fruit, as well as for fisheries. SA exports to the EU have increased from R214 billion in 2015 to R262 billion in 2017.

Davis says SA exports to the EU are led by vehicles which contributed 26% of the countrys total exports to the EU in 2017.

This is followed by precious stones and metals, nuclear reactors, edible fruit and nuts and ores, slag and ash which contributed 17%, 8%, 8% and 7% respectively in the same year.

Although South Africa has managed to increase exports of value-added products to the EU, thus contributing to South Africas industrial development objectives, there is still a need for further improvement in changing the structure of trade, said Davies. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Kurds say they have no friends but the mountains. The Zagros Mountains that zig-zag along the Iran-Iraq border have provided safety for Kurds fleeing conflict for centuries. In the 1970s, Kurdish rebel fighters, or Peshmerga, made guerilla raids against Iraqs Baathist state from mountain strongholds. In 1988, Kurdish civilians fled their villages during the Anfal campaign and sought refuge in the mountainous and porous borders with Iran and Turkey to escape Iraqi bombs and bulldozers.

More recently, Kurds have begun to find another purpose in their mountains beyond survival: recreation. Within the last decade, Iraqi Kurdistan has experienced a boom in mountaineering and hiking groups who weather adverse conditions, including land mines and drone strikes, to go climbing on weekends. Arezoo Vaske, who founded the group Kurdistan Outdoors in Sulaimaniyah in 2013, organizes hikes on Fridays. She is inspired by how hiking bridges many divisions within society, including gender, urban-rural and political.

It is incredible. Our group members have unified around going into nature each week. Through scaling mountains, hiking to waterfalls or crawling through caves, we have formed what I think will be lifelong bonds, she told Al-Monitor.

Rekan Rasool, who co-founded the popular Erbil-based hiking group Rock Ur Bones in 2008, encourages people to go out and climb together. Friendships and even marriages have started in the mountains, he told Al-Monitor.

These hiking trips also provide opportunities to learn to appreciate and protect the natural heritage of the region. Rock Ur Bones guides begin each hike with a message about the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Our message about conservation has helped cut down on the amount of waste we throw away after each hike, even as our membership has grown, said Rasool.

Other groups include the Kurdistan Moutaineering and Climbing Federation, the Nawdaran Mountaineering Group and many more. The Peramagron Mountain Climbers, named after the prominent rocky massif near Sulaimaniyah, specialize in difficult mountain trekking. The groups founder Dana Jamal told Al-Monitor, Although Peramagron is the most recognizable mountain among locals, not many people have actually hiked it. We are working to change that through frequent trips to the mountains peak. There are also informal guides who offer a range of hiking options, from a breezy stroll to the full ascent. Although trekking remains the predominant activity, these groups also organize mountain biking, river kayaking, cliff jumping and even paragliding excursions.

Amid the adventure and other rewards, there are always dangers to be aware of when hiking. And hiking in Iraqi Kurdistan has a way of both magnifying these typical hazards and exposes hikers to other dangers unique to the region. Just 10 years ago, three American hikers were taken prisoner by Iranian border guards while allegedly crossing the border during a trek around Ahmed Awaa, popular for its scenic waterfall and pistachio groves.

Iran and Iraq filled their mountainous border with mines during their nearly decade-long war with one another. That war and the 2003 US invasion left Iraq littered with land mines, cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance, making it one of the most heavily mined countries in the world.

Earlier this year Salar Chomany, a guide who for a decade has organized tours to Halgurd Mountain, the second highest in Iraq, had to rescue a group of hikers who went out on their own and got caught in a previously undiscovered mine field. I never take a group out to an area unless I have first gone with local authorities to make sure it is safe, Chomany told Al-Monitor. This year, a federation of hiking groups plans to collaborate and mark the most popular trails, including Halgurd, to keep hikers safe.

Militants and drone strikes present another logistical challenge to hikers. The Kurdistan Workers Party, a Turkish Kurdish militant group, attracts Turkish drone strikes in a large swath of Halgurd-Sakran National Park, a national park that exists only on paper. In the wake of the Islamic State and the economic collapse of Iraqi Kurdistan in 2014, guides must plan ahead, researching recent skirmishes or strikes before taking groups to these popular highlands. Further to the south, it was reported that members of the Islamic State, when driven out of Mosul, fled to the rugged Hamrin Mountains as a hideaway. To mitigate the risk, the Kurdish intelligence agency Asayish has begun to require groups to apply for permits before hiking in certain areas with militant activity.

These lasting and complicated wounds of war make the emerging hiking trend all the more interesting. Former Peshmerga have come full circle and joined hikes, excited to experience in a new way the mountains where they once played a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Saddam Husseins forces. On these hikes, the Peshmerga take pride in demonstrating their orienteering skills while also sharing war stories with a younger generation.

Kurds often joke that picnicking is their national sport. With the growing interest in mountaineering and hiking, there might be a new national pastime on the horizon.

People I take out often tell me how afraid they are, recounted Chomany. Fear of nature or the mountain. But then they make it to the top and the fear melts away. Now they feel they can accomplish anything and cant wait to come back hiking next week.

With the mountain snow starting to melt as spring approaches, the iconic yellow-and-white daffodil, the harbinger of Newroz in the Kurdish world, begins to dot the countryside. Newroz, the Kurdish New Year marking the first day of spring, is around the corner and hiking season will soon be in full swing.

No matter how much Iraqi Kurdish society might evolve, some things  like the connection between the Kurds and their mountainous terrain  never seem to change.
ERBIL, Iraq  Yazidi Prince Tahseen Said died in a hospital in Germany Jan. 28 at the age of 86 after a long struggle with illness. His death launched a debate about his potential successor in the international Yazidi community. The debate revealed strong divisions over the leadership of this minority group that lived through a genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State in the summer of 2014.

The prince's remains reached Iraqi Kurdistan Feb. 4. Officials from both the Baghdad and Erbil governments attended the funeral. Prince Tahseen was buried in his hometown of Baadra in the Shekhan district of the Ninevah governorate.

Prince Tahseen was born Aug. 15, 1933. He was crowned prince of the Yazidis following the nomination of his grandmother, Princess Meyan Khatun, and the approval of the government of the Kingdom of Iraq. After his father, Prince Saied Ali Bek, died in 1944, he took over and led the Yazidis for more than seven decades.

The prince did not nominate a leader of the Yazidi emirate  a social and symbolic entity  or a successor to the throne. The void left the Yazidi community filled with uncertainty.

Some Yazidi writers have suggested organizing elections for the Yazidis of Syria, Iraq, Turkey and Georgia to vote for their new prince. While there is no standard for choosing a new prince, those writers have suggested that an oversight committee be formed to run the elections. Then, once the new prince is chosen, he would choose two of the royal line to succeed him. He would then assign a successor and a delegate. This could be a way to preserve the Yazidi emirate and avoid clashes and divisions.

Six candidates nominated themselves to succeed the prince. Yazidi writer Saman Dawed revealed the names of those candidates. Each candidate is backed and campaigned for by a group of Yazidis on social media. Dawed believes that the two biggest names are the princes eldest son and fiduciary, Prince Hazim Tahseen Bek, and his youngest brother, Prince Ismat Tahseen Bek.

According to Dawed, Ismat has been better received by the public. Yet the eldest is more powerful, as he enjoys political support from the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

Yazidi Princess Oroub Ismail told Al-Monitor it should be possible to nominate a princess to lead the Yazidis. She believes that women could lead the Yazidi community better than men if they are given the chance. Men have recently failed to protect the Yazidis from genocide. The princess expressed her interest in putting her candidacy to lead the Yazidi emirate if the competition were fair and transparent.

A number of Yazidi intellectuals issued a statement regarding the future of the royal family. They wrote that there should be a consensus on the successor and that the Yazidis should follow the established norms of the emirate dictating that both parents of the chosen prince be of the royal line.

The statement called on the Yazidi community, the Spiritual Council and the royal family to unite their discourse on the matter and respect the fundamental norms that the Yazidi emirate was founded on.

The statement concluded with the hope that the choice will be made away from the external influences, whatever their sources are. The new prince must represent the will of the Yazidis and reflect their aspirations.

Dawed pointed out that the insistence of the educated elite on a prince of pure royal descent poses complications. Neither Hazim nor Ismat satisfies the condition, which may lead to the nomination of other descendants, such as the diplomat and grandson of the prince, Prince Breen Said Tahseen Bek.

Yet Khalil Jindy, a Yazidi author and researcher, believes that politics will dominate when choosing a successor. For example, when the late prince was appointed in 1944, he was supported by the kingdoms government at the time. Another component was the support of the Baath Party, which took power in 1968. The Baath Party nominated Bayezid Ismail Bek as prince. At the time, the Yazidi community could do nothing but comply with the political pressure.

Jindy believes that since the Yazidis and the royal family are located within areas where the Kurdistan Democratic Party is powerful, the latter will surely have a strong say regarding the nomination of a new successor. They certainly want someone who supports their politics. Because of this influence, the new prince will be weak and lack the power to resist political pressure. Local matters will become more complicated, and the Yazidi community will become even more divided, with more insurgent groups working against the new prince.

For the Yazidi community to overcome its current situation, Jindy suggests that the new prince, the Spiritual Council and the Yazidi elite reform the Yazidi spiritual institution by adopting modern methods for electing a leader. They must shift the decision-making power from individuals to institutions so that it will become harder to make unilateral decisions and possible to protect the process from outside influence. A parliament or assembly is also needed. Such a body should include Yazidi representatives from different areas within Iraq and the Kurdistan region. Without these changes, the emirate will remain weak.

Yazidi elites who are keen to protect Yazidi unity and identity agree with Jindy.
To address the shortage of jobs in the country, Irans government has banked on the thriving technology sector. Yet, despite the alarming unemployment rate, fledgling service sector startups have difficulties with hiring unskilled workers. In this regard, traditional mentalities and new working conditions should be blamed.

In July 2018, when Habib Afzali and his business partner established Carno  an on-demand service that allows customers to order waterless car washes at their locations of choice  they thought their biggest problem would be to create enough demand to secure a safe profit margin.

But the problems that emerged were unexpected. Soon they reached a point when orders they received outnumbered the employees daily missions. We have to cancel nearly half of our orders each day. We do try to keep our customers satisfied, but this is affecting our revenue, Afzali, Carno CEO, told Al-Monitor.

They tried various approaches. At first, they set fixed monthly salaries, which is a common type of employment contract in Iran. Before the app was launched, they hired a small team. But most of the employees were not satisfied with the working conditions and left. They preferred doing easier jobs at an industrial town with payment close to that of our company, but with fewer working hours, Afzali said. Also, workers mostly came from the poorer, southern parts of Tehran or the outskirts of the capital. Therefore, they found it difficult to commute every day to the wealthier, northern parts of the city, where most of the customers are located, he said.

Meanwhile, Carno started to cooperate with other new-emerging service sector applications, such as Achareh, which offers car care among several other services it provides. As a result, we started to receive a mass of orders that created a major challenge for us, Afzali told Al-Monitor. The company saw an increase in the number of subscribers to nearly 4,000, including online users and those using the service via their smartphones, he said.

We posted job ads on several career and advertisement websites. At the same time, we tried to increase our salaries to encourage our employees to stay. This was helpful to some extent. But we noticed a drop in productivity, he said. Therefore, the company decided to pay commission to its workers as a strategy to increase productivity, Afzali added. This way, we were able to take care of an acceptable number of daily orders, even though our need for a workforce is still in place.

Irans unemployment rate stood at 11.7% during the autumn of 2018, according to the Statistical Center of Iran. The same figures show 27.5% of Iranians who are between 15-29 years of age have been jobless during that period. To reduce that number, the government aims to exploit the enormous entrepreneurial potential in the tech and startup sector.

Although Iran has harmed internet freedom considerably by blocking social media websites and online messaging platforms, the government has helped increase internet speeds and facilitated access to mobile data  most noticeably after President Hassan Rouhani took office in 2013. His administration previously set a target of creating 100,000 jobs in information technology and telecommunication sectors in the Iranian year ending March 21, 2019.

But the problems faced by job seekers are not restricted to finding open positions. Those who are successful in finding employment have been demanding legislative backing to protect their job security, criticizing short-term contracts that have been gradually replacing life-time employment over the past decades. Although in the absence of independent labor syndicates, workers have been forced to accept these conditions. Still, they demand assurances for their financial security.

What we couldnt offer to our employees was insurance, Afzali said. This is the main matter of concern for many Iranians. They prefer to work in a company that provides social security, health insurance and other benefits. When these benefits are not included, he added, employees prefer to work for bigger startups with more flexible conditions  namely well-known ride-hailing apps Snapp and TAP30.

In recent years, Irans startups and e-commerce companies have flourished. Young, educated Iranians seized the opportunity when international sanctions along with limited engagement between businesses in Iran and those abroad kept the competition out of the untapped technology sector. This comes as two-sided marketplaces such as Snapp and TAP30 have had a substantial share of the jobs that were created by startups.

The conditions offered by businesses like Snapp have lured many job seekers, Arash Khosravian, digital marketing manager at package delivery app Snapp, told Al-Monitor. Users on the supply side of these businesses enjoy flexible working hours, he said, while workers are not saddled with the limitations they would face if they worked directly with an employer.

Nevertheless, the old mentality remains among the majority of Iranian job seekers. The characteristics of the new business model do not allow startups to use traditional working arrangements, which include the additional benefits workers desire.

The employees sometimes dont see this as an official full-time job. Their social security is not covered, and they dont receive additional year-end benefits as theyre not officially hired, Khosravian said, referring to relatively large bonuses commonly paid on the occasion of the Iranian New Year. Although people can earn a very good income, sometimes they are not satisfied with this employment method.

Many tech firms, including TAP30, Snapp and similar startups, act as go-between platforms that connect service providers to customers. Those companies earnings come from a percentage of the service providers income.

Many employees see working for these startups as a second or temporary job, he said, adding, As they work for a platform, they often look for a job with a fixed payment and an official contract.

I think it is more of a cultural issue, he said. Living in Iran, [beginning at birth], youre told by your parents that you should find a reliable job with a stable monthly payment and social security to know you will keep receiving payments when youre retired. The new jobs do not fit into the deep-seated cultural standards, said Khosravian.

The number of those earning a living via the likes of Snapp and TAP30 has been on the rise, Khosravian said, indicating a will among workers to change old paradigms. Meanwhile, new startups rely on the creativity of tech-savvy entrepreneurs to come up with workarounds to tackle their many issues, including those related to human resources.
TUNIS, Tunisia  The Feb. 10 announcement that 81-year-old Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika would seek a fifth term in office has confirmed and confounded expectations in equal measure.

Few would deny that the incumbents health is poor. Since suffering from a devastating stroke in 2013, he has rarely appeared in public. Rumors of ill health are rife. In 2017, the abrupt cancellation of a diplomatic visit by Angela Merkel was enough to spark rumors of the presidents death.

However, after nearly two decades in power, the announcement of Bouteflikas fifth bid for the presidency provides further evidence of the Algerian leaderships unwavering commitment to safeguarding the countrys stability. Faced with the potentially destabilizing conflict between maintaining a generous subsidy package at home and falling hydrocarbon prices and shifting market tastes abroad, it is not yet clear how well equipped Algiers entrenched status quo may be to navigate the stormy weather ahead.

There is a deep wariness of instability within Algeria, professor Jonathan Hill, director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies at Kings College, told Al-Monitor. Theres also a deep awareness of the presence of the security services within the country and what they could do in the case of any major upheaval, Hill said.

Algeria and Bouteflika are both children of the army. It was the National Liberation Army (ALN) that wrested independence from the French in 1962 and it was within the ALN that a young Bouteflika fell in with the close-knit group of officers within the Oujda Group, who were to not only prove pivotal in securing the countrys independence, but in establishing the armys historical political dominance of it.

That Bouteflika has successfully maintained the post-war status quo is beyond doubt. Assuming the presidency in 1999 as the countrys savage civil war ground to a halt, Bouteflika was responsible for overseeing the amnesty program that finally robbed Algerias Islamist rebels of much of their fight and positioned him among the saviors that delivered the country from that dark decade.

Though returning the country to some kind of stability, and despite widespread accusations of war crimes, the army and the old networks of power remained. Nobody wants to go back to the 1990s, Hill continued. However, this [peace] was achieved without holding anyone within the security services or the army to account. There was never any public reckoning for what they did during the civil war.

Desired or not, fundamental change may be on the horizon. Almost the entirety of Algerias economy is predicated on the production and export, mostly to Europe, of oil and gas. Algeria has the 10th largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the sixth largest gas exporter.

All told, hydrocarbon production accounts for around 30% of the countrys gross domestic product and makes up over 95% of export earnings. This in turn subsidizes a generous social program, which sees 21% of the states budget earmarked for extensive subsidies.

However, faced with oil prices that have declined more or less consistently since 2014, growing consumption at home and a shift within Europe toward renewable energy, how long Algeria will be able to withstand economic and political change is uncertain.

Bouteflika is given credit for (providing) economic and social stability through a generous social welfare program, Jihane Boudiaf, Africa analyst at risk consultants IHS Markit, said, citing the governments support for areas such as housing programs, health care and loans to young entrepreneurs. A large part of Algerian society, mainly lower and middle classes, question the need to change a leader who is providing this.

Moreover, Boudiaf continued, Bouteflikas reputation as the politician who contributed to ending Algerias civil war and provided economic and social stability has placed him beyond public criticism. Nonetheless, the perceived existence of a shadowy circle of power has largely contributed to public disillusionment with most existing political parties (both ruling coalition parties and opposition) and civil society movements, referring to the clique of advisers said to surround the president.

In the 2014 poll, Bouteflika captured an impressive 82% of a 52% turnout, against 90% of a significantly higher 74% turnout in 2009.

Yet the challenges facing Algerias bedrock of stability within changing domestic and regional waters are wider than political and economic concerns. Both Algeria and the region are also undergoing fundamental change. Within Algeria, the median age is 28. Across the region, as the youth bulge takes hold, the median age is just 22. At the age of 81 and infirm, Bouteflikas mandate over his increasingly youthful population is growing increasingly less sure. Moreover, as Bouteflika is almost certainly the last of Algerias leaders to claim a direct link to the countrys liberation, the credibility of further candidates is also unclear.

I dont really get the sense that theres a contingency plan, Hill continued, Bouteflika is an old, ill man overseeing a country going through a significant shift.

Asked if he foresaw the potential for future unrest as the impact of changing demographics and markets make themselves known, Hill was unequivocal, Yes. Yes, I do.
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To me, this is like asking, are you alive? Are you awake? Are you a thinking person? Do you care about the world? Almost all of us we have been critical at some point for some reason of the UN or the US, because these are complex institutions with varying actions and inactions of all kinds on many issues.

And how many of you have ever been critical of the United States of America, for any reason? Foreign policy, domestic policy, role at the UN. OK. So you are all here, at the United Nations, in the United States, but the vast majority of you have been critical of these institutions at one time or another for one reason or another.

I want to start by asking a couple simple questions by a show of hands. How many of you have ever, for any reason, been critical of the United Nations? Security Council, peacekeeper, budget issues come to mind. For any reason. OK.

Health and Environment: Global Partner for Global Solution  30 Years of Chornobyl Legacy for the Nuclear Safety of the World Panel discussion on Health and Environment: Global Partner for Global Solution  30 Years of Chornobyl Legacy for the Nuclear Safety of the World. Organised by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine, in collaboration with the World Information Transfer, Inc.

On Tuesday, April 26, many of us in the vaccine safety/autism community attended a conference at The United Nations in New York City. We were there to hear Professor Mary Holland, Dr. Martha Herbert and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak during the second half of this conference, which was devoted to children and toxicity. Kevin Barry presented in lieu of Mr. Kennedy, who was called away due to family obligations. Below is the video from the 3 hour event. Professor Holland's presentation begins at 1:12 - 1:27 and she appears again during the Q&A from 2:09 - 2:18. Her written presentation is below the video.Also, If you have the time, we invite you to watch the exchange with Dr. Bernard Goldstein during the Q&A. He is the head of the U Pitt School of Public Health and was a panelist. He took umbrage with most of what Professor Holland had to say about vaccines and legal and medical rights. He wiggled in his seat, rolled his eyes and made faces to express his dismay while she spoke. It was a strange display to be sure.

But now if I ask you, have you ever been critical of your countrys vaccine policies, you may be reluctant to raise your hand. And for good reason, because in the supercharged public discourse about vaccines, were you to have answered, Yes, I have been critical of some aspect of vaccine policy at some time, you would likely be branded anti-vaccine, that fundamentalist bogey-man term. And not by a militant or fringe publication or spokesperson. You might be branded anti-vaccine by the likes of the New York Times, the New England Journal of Medicine, the World Health Organization and by spokespeople from national centers for disease control and national pediatric associations. Your views on vaccines might be considered outside the mainstream, and equivalent to the views of those who deny climate change. You might be considered a flat-earther.

No matter if your critique were categorical, and that you truly oppose all vaccines for all people at all times, or if you simply believe, as Bobby and I and many others do, that mercury should never be a preservative in any vaccine anywhere in the world because there are better and safer alternatives.

Many in the audience here today are branded anti-vaccine, although that is a gross distortion. We are called this primarily to marginalize and dismiss our views. But just as most of you are critical of some aspects of the UN and the US but think they are important institutions, most of us have views that are nuanced, pro-health and pro safe, affordable, necessary and effective, or sane, vaccines.

My focus today is on the role of law in protecting human rights when it comes to vaccines. How can we balance the rights of the collective vs. the rights of the individual? Vaccines, by their very nature, are a population-based medical intervention. If enough people take this medical intervention, then the so-called herd will be protected from the circulation of a communicable disease, based on the theory of herd immunity. Although individuals receive vaccines, the rationale for vaccines is for the good of the individual and the society.

One of the core purposes of the United Nations, set forth in Article 1 of its Charter, is to achieve international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all. So the UN and the international community have obligations to respect human rights related to vaccination. How must nations and the UN do this? That is an important question that deserves scrutiny, as it profoundly affects both individual and global public health.

Since World War II, the international community has recognized the grave dangers in involuntary scientific and medical experimentation on human subjects. In the aftermath of Nazi medical atrocities, the world affirmed the Nuremberg Code which stated that the voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights further enshrined this prohibition against involuntary experimentation in its 1966 text, stating no one shall be subjected without his free consent to medical or scientific experimentation. Such a prohibition is now so universally recognized that some courts and scholars have pronounced the right to informed consent in experiments as a matter of customary international law. In other words, it applies everywhere, whether or not a country has specific laws on its books, as customary norms now prohibit slavery, genocide, torture and piracy.

But what about informed consent in the area of medical treatment, including preventive medical treatment? What about informed consent to vaccination? This is a controversial issue today in many countries, including the United States.

In 2005, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, addressed this issue, adopting the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights on the consensus of 193 countries. The participating countries hoped this Declaration, like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights before it, would become a set of guiding principles. On the issue of consent, the Declaration states that

any preventivemedical intervention is only to be carried out with the prior, free and informed consent of the person concerned, based on adequate information.

It further notes that the sole interest of science or society does not prevail.

This pronouncement is an extension of the medical oath, attributed to Hippocrates 2500 years ago, that doctors must work for the good of their patients and never do harm. Abbreviated as the first do no harm principle, this credo embodies the precautionary principle in medicine, clearly placing the interests of individual patients above the interests of the collective or the herd.

This precautionary principle in medicine leads directly to the view that vaccination policies must be recommended, not coerced. The doctor-patient relationship depends first and foremost on trust, and coercion undermines it. When the doctor-patient relationship is based on coercion, trust is a casualty, and doctors then serve the state, and by extension the society, above their individual patients. This is a slippery slope, where civilized medicine has too often derailed in the past.

Dr. Leo Alexander, the chief U.S. medical consultant to the Nuremberg Trials, warned in 1949 that From small beginnings the values of an entire society may be subverted. He pointed out that long before the Nazis came to power in Germany, a cultural shift in the medical community had already paved the way for the adoption of a utilitarian, Hegelian point of view, with literature on the euthanasia and extermination of those with disabilities as early as 1931.

Following the medical precautionary principle, the default position for vaccination must be recommendations, not compulsion. Individuals, for themselves and their minor children, should have the right to accept or refuse these preventive medical interventions based on adequate information and without coercion, such as the threat of loss of economic or educational benefits. Informed consent must be the default position because compulsion, on its face, not only undermines trust, but limits the fundamental rights to life, liberty, bodily integrity, informed consent, privacy and to parental decision making.

Many developed countries vaccination policies embody this principle of childhood vaccination recommendations, including conference co-sponsors Ukraine, Germany and Japan. Other developed countries that achieve impressive public health without resort to compulsion, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, South Korea, and Spain, among others.

Nonetheless, the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights Article 27 permits limitations on fundamental rights, but these limits must be imposed by law and must be for the protection of public health or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Furthermore, any such law needs to be consistent with international human rights law.

International courts have developed a test to assess whether restrictions of fundamental rights are legitimate and lawful. The test studies whether the measure is lawful, strictly necessary and proportionate to the risk. The State enacting such a restriction bears the burden of proof that the compulsory medical intervention is lawful, strictly necessary and proportionate. Generally, the strict necessity element must be the least restrictive alternative to achieve the public health objective, and non-coercive approaches must be considered first. Thus, the State must show that a less restrictive alternative is not feasible before adopting a highly restrictive one.

In addition to these criteria, if a State does mandate vaccination, then it has an affirmative obligation to provide an effective remedy for those who may be injured as a result. Like all prescription drugs, vaccines carry the risk of injury and death to some. The guarantee of an effective remedy is a basic pillar of the rule of law in a democratic society. And the remedy must actually be an effective one; it cannot be an illusory remedy, which in fact provides no relief.

Vaccination policies have changed drastically since the early twentieth century when they were primarily emergency medical interventions for the whole population in times of smallpox outbreaks to the policies of today, when they primarily target infants and young children for non-emergency prevention of many diseases of differing severity. Legislatures and courts have had to grapple with many issues flowing from these policies, including vaccine injury compensation, religious exemptions, philosophical exemptions, the right to education, the right to informed consent, and the right to parental decision making. I provide a few examples of court decisions related to vaccination and human rights from different countries.

In Japan, in 1992, the Tokyo High Court heard a case from 159 survivors of vaccine-induced injury or death. The Court concluded that the Ministry of Health had been negligent in failing to establish a screening program to exclude people with contraindications to vaccination. The court noted that the Ministry of Health had focused on measures to raise the vaccination rate at the expense of attention to vaccine adverse reactions. Furthermore, the court noted that the Ministry had not provided sufficient information about vaccine adverse events to doctors and the public. The court concluded that the injured victims were entitled to compensation as a matter of state redress.

In Ukraine, in 2004, its Constitutional Court interpreted its Constitutional guarantee of the right to education on the principle of equality. It found that its Constitution guaranteed every individual the right to education. Thus in Ukraine, no child, vaccinated or unvaccinated, may be refused the right to attend school.

The Turkish Constitutional Court in 2015 upheld the principle that parental consent is necessary for the vaccination of infants and children. It found that despite its Ministry of Healths assurances that childhood vaccinations are in the best interests of the child, that an infants interest in bodily integrity may only be violated for medical necessity and based on law, and that routine childhood vaccination required parental consent.

On the other hand, a January 2015 judgment of the Czech Constitutional Court upheld a public health law prohibiting young children from attending preschool without vaccinations against nine diseases unless the children have permanent medical contraindications. But the judgment was issued over a stinging dissent, arguing that the Courts decision was more politically motivated than based in a rigorous constitutional legal analysis. The dissent found that the majoritys decision had turned a blind eye to the unconstitutionality of its public health law and that as a result, the Courts decision ultimately would undermine rather than advance the legitimacy of vaccination mandates.

In the United States, the legitimacy of school vaccination mandates came into sharp focus in 2015, when almost twenty states introduced legislation to limit or prohibit altogether exemptions from vaccination except very limited medical ones. Only in the state of California did blanket legislation pass, which prohibits all exemptions save limited medical ones, although similar laws already exist in two other states, Mississippi and West Virginia. We are likely to see in the near future whether California courts will uphold or reject this new law which directly contradicts the California Constitutions guarantee of a right to a public school education to all children. We will see whether the courts are prepared to endorse a new kind of school segregation against 225,000 children whose vaccination status does not conform perfectly to Californias mandates.

With over 270 vaccines in the global research and development pipeline, the role of law and courts in upholding or rejecting vaccination mandates and in compensating the victims of vaccine injury is critical. As we all understand, healthcare is big business the world over, and vaccines represent a growing medical market with increasingly high profit margins. If we dont adhere to first principles of the rights to life, liberty and bodily integrity of the individual, and of the right to prior, free and informed consent in medicine, we may find ourselves with known and unknown harms.

To conclude, I paraphrase President Eisenhowers farewell address to the United States in 1961 when he was addressing the risks posed by the military-industrial complex. I substitute the term medical-industrial complex, which I believe today poses many of the same risks he foretold:

The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this complex endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and medical machinery of health with our methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.[I]n holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.

So let us be alert, knowledgeable and properly integrate the interests of global health security with global liberty.
The RemoveDebris European project has successfully tested a harpoon system for removing debris from space.

According to the US Space Surveillance Network there are 40,000 defunct objects, more than 7,600 tonnes of space junk, in and around Earths orbit. Some are moving as fast as 30,000mph (48,000km/h).

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During the test a harpoon was deployed at 20m/s from a spacecraft into a satellite panel attached to a 1.5m (5ft) from the same spacecraft. The harpoon penetrated the target, demonstrating its capability to capture space debris.

The harpoon test is the third successful test and follows the deployment of an on-board net to capture a simulated piece of debris, and the trailing of a LiDAR and camera based vision navigation system to identify space junk.

Researchers are now preparing for the final experiment next month, which will see RemoveDebris inflate a sail that will drag the satellite into Earths atmosphere where it will be destroyed. Destruction in the atmosphere is another method for disposing of old satellites and space vehicles.

Professor Guglielmo Aglietti, director of the Surrey Space Centre at the University of Surrey, said, The harpoon was RemoveDebris most demanding experiment and the fact that it was a success is testament to all involved. The RemoveDebris project provides strong evidence of what can be achieved with the power of collaboration  pooling together the experience across industry and the research field to achieve something truly remarkable.

Chris Burgess, harpoon lead engineer at Airbus Defence and Space, said, The successful demonstration in space of the harpoon technology is a significant step towards solving the growing issue of space debris.

RemoveDebris is a small satellite mission to test four Active Debris Removal experiments. The satellite is designed, built and manufactured by a consortium of space companies and research institutions, led by the University of Surrey in the UK. The spacecraft is operated in orbit by engineers at Surrey Satellite Technology in Guildford, UK. The project is co-funded by the European Union.

Read more on the RemoveDebris project, including its developmental testing, here.
Reuters today announces National Geographic and PBS NewsHour as the latest content partners to join its Reuters Connect platform, offering subscribers photography from the National Geographic Image Collection, and b-roll from PBS NewsHour for the first time.

The prestigious brands join a growing list of third-party content providers available on Reuters Connect  the single destination for Reuters News Agency customers - including the BBC, USA Today and Variety.

National Geographic, one of the worlds most well-known sources of stunning photography, will offer Reuters Connect customers captivating images of wildlife, culture, history and the environment, from the ever-growing National Geographic Image Collection.

PBS NewsHour will provide footage from the U.S. and around the world, including content from current news locations, as well as historic and evergreen footage from the NewsHours rich 40-year-old archive.

National Geographic and PBS NewsHour join a growing roster of 30 partners on Reuters Connect, including Accuweather, Jukin Media, WENN, Omnisport, Newsflare and StarNews Korea.

Justine Flatley, Product Manager for Content Partnerships, Reuters, said: Reuters customers expect high quality, topical content from Reuters Connect and that is why the partnerships with National Geographic and PBS NewsHour are such a natural fit. These prestigious brands, and the exceptional content they produce, add significant value to our customers subscriptions and to their experience on the Connect platform today.

Alice Keating, SVP National Geographic Image Collection, said: At National Geographic, we strive to tell stories that matter. We are pleased to bring some of the most compelling content from our ever-growing collection that spans over 130 years to Reuters Connect customers."

Annette Miller, Vice President, NewsHour Productions, said: PBS NewsHour is pleased to make available our b-roll content on the Reuters Connect platform. There, editorial clients will find compelling video on global issues, culture, politics, environment and more, gleaned from current news stories, as well as our 40-years plus archive of award-winning journalism.
Lokmat, Indias No.1 Marathi newspaper today changed its newspaper masthead to black from red to pay respect for the death of 44 CRPF jawans in Kashmir. Commenting on this initiative, Vijay Baviskar, Group Editor  Lokmat Media Group said Lokmat has come out with black masthead on 15th February issue across Maharashtra, New Delhi & Goa editions.

This initiative is taken to protest, mourn and pay condolence to the sacrifice of 44 CRPF jawans yesterday in Kashmir and our support with the families of the brave martyrs.
Praveen Kenneth, Founder Law & Kenneth, and who retired last year as Chairman of Law & Kenneth | Saatchi & Saatchi, has launched a campaign under the platform of Ek Desh, Ek Hum. The platform kicks off with a video that stresses on the theme of Stronger Together theme.

The campaign comes at a time when the nation is mourning the loss of 40 CRPF personnel in a terrorist attack in Pulwama. Amid growing calls for holding Pakistan accountable for its hand in the terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, India has come together and so has its political leadership.

Stating on the intent of the messaging, Praveen Kenneth said, What we are conveying is not new. Its simple, its obvious. We all know the Magic of India is the amazing diversity of its people, across cultures and religion. Our life is fuller, vibrant, expanded, thanks to our Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists friends, brothers and sisters. I believe this is the underlying strength of our Nation.

Continuing further, Kenneth said, The important thing, however, is that we need to keep bringing this back into the centerstage of conversation and consciousness. Its like brushing teeth  it needs to be gotten into our collective consciousness, always. And this needs to be an on-going and a engaging conversation  Nation above all. A nations health and progress is directly proportional to the quality of the collective and inclusiveness of the society, and thats the truth. We all know and have been taught this from school - that only in Connection there is Progress/ Growth/ Joy, and in Disconnection, there is pain, suffering, chaos.

In a daily life which zigzags through understandable difference, disagreements, arguments and loud and angry debates  which is the beauty of a Democracy and always encouraged  the interest of India and Indians should and will always be the in the center. The campaign is an effort to bring back this conversation. This effort will be wasted if this ends up trying to pick up holes and complaining. Instead, we need to focus on moving forward, always improving, always enabling, always looking at the bigger picture of great progress.

The Ek Desh, Ek Hum launch video has been directed by noted filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, while the music has been scored by Dhruv Ghanekar and the lyrics have been penned by Ishita Arun. The video shows a young nation awakening to the need to come together. The narrative of togetherness is spread by people across the country, from every section of society and incorporates Indias great diversity.

Togetherness is strength  this is the singular message that we want to convey, Kenneth said.

The video is accompanied by Twitter push that will be hosted on #Ekdeshekhum. The campaign will be supported by extensive TV and Radio support.

We hope to reach out to people across the political and civil spectrum, taking along all ideologies and views, Kenneth said. In the end, everyone wants growth, progress and fraternity  for that, we need to remind ourselves the very much used adage  Unity in Diversity.
CHICO, Calif.- The winter storm has some California farmers worried, especially with temperatures below freezing across the valley overnight.

Those little pink or white flowers poking through the buds on almond trees across the valley are not exactly good news.

It's not just Butte County, but all across the region growers have had to tackle wind, rain and hail.

Last year at this time the struggle was a warm winter that got the bees going early - temperature hit the 70s in mid-February, followed by a cold snap.

2019 has been cold and wet.

The Fresno County Farm Bureau says trees with blossoms could face major damage.

"Those very sensitive blossoms as well as those that haven't just quite opened yet but are still you know formed on the tree can completely get wiped out and knocked onto the ground," said Ryan Jacobsen of the Fresno County Farm Bureau.

There are a few things farmers can do though to protect the buds, like use groundwater to run sprinklers, that helps raise their temperatures, and even a few degrees helps.
CHICO, Calif.-- The Western Miracles Foundation held a pop-up shop in downtown Chico on Sunday for Camp Fire survivors.

Hundreds of survivors shopped for brand new clothing, shoes, pillows and bedding.

Western Miracles Foundation recieved a 25,000 grant from an Arizona businessman named Jim Kufeldt. They also recieved donations from Space Foam and Helix Sleep and Butte Glenn 211 provided gift cards.

Western Miracles Foundation is Diamond W Western Wear's charitable foundation. They hope to have another pop-up shop pending another grant. Contact the Diamond W. Western Wear store in downtown Chico for more information on future pop-up shops.
PARADISE, Calif. - People started showing up early on the Ridge on Sunday to participate in a photo shoot designed to capture aerial images of people impacted by the Camp Fire.

The group Climate Uprising organized the photo shoot hoping to capture the determination and resilience of Camp Fire survivors.

Camp Fire survivors have been recognized by news organizations worldwide as victims of global climate change.

"We're surrounded here by evidence of the reality of climate change," said Bob Van Fleet, a supporter of Climate Uprising.

The photoshoot took place at 1:30 p.m. in Paradise at the intersection of Elliot and Debbie Ln.
Fox Searchlight Pictures/A24 Movie

'The Americans', 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and 'American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace', in the meantime, land the top prize in TV category at the 71st Writers Guild of America Awards.

Feb 18, 2019

AceShowbiz - "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", "Eighth Grade", "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and "The Americans" were among the big winners at the Writers Guild of America Awards on Sunday night (February 17).

Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty picked up the Best Adapted Screenplay prize for "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", based on Lee Israel's memoir, while Bo Burnham's grabbed the honours for Best Original Screenplay for the acclaimed "Eighth Grade".

TV drama "The Americans" landed the Best Drama Series prize and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" picked up the Comedy Series gong, while "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace" was named Best Adapted Longform Series, and the Stephen King-inspired thriller "Castle Rock" scored the Original Longform Series award.

The awards were handed out in bi-coastal ceremonies. The WGA East held its ceremony at the Edison Ballroom in New York, while the WGA West staged its bash at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

Full List of Winners at the 2019 WGA Awards:
SBS Productions Movie

Meanwhile, French film 'By the Grace of God' wins the Silver Bear prize, and German filmmaker Angela Schanelec is hailed Best Director for her work in 'I Was at Home, But'.

Feb 18, 2019

AceShowbiz - Israeli drama "Synonyms" has won the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

Directed by Nadav Lapid, the film follows the journey of a young Israeli man in Paris who has turned his back on his native country.

Accepting the award, the writer and filmmaker, who was born in Tel Aviv, acknowledged his movie would likely be considered "scandalous" in Israel and France, but added that his project was "ultimately a celebration".

The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize went to Francois Ozon's French drama, "By the Grace of God"  a fact-based account of the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal behind the ongoing trial of the Archbishop of Lyon, Philippe Barbarin  while German filmmaker Angela Schanelec scooped best director for her drama about a troubled family, "I Was at Home, But".

The six-person festival jury, headed by French actress Juliette Binoche, awarded the best actor and actress "Silver Bears" to Wang Jingchun and Yong Mei, respectively  the stars of Wang Xiaoshuai's Chinese drama "So Long, My Son".
WENN Celebrity

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says new information has 'shifted the trajectory of the investigation' as police reportedly block contact between the brothers and the 'Empire' actor.

Feb 18, 2019

AceShowbiz - Despite police's initial denial that the hate attack on Jussie Smollett was "hoax," new evidence reportedly points out that the "Empire" star orchestrated his own attack. Sources said the actor paid Nigerian brothers Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo $3,500 before leaving for Nigeria and were promised an additional $500 upon their return for staging the attack.

The source said the attack was supposed to happen before January 29 and that they rehearsed days before the January 29 attack. The two brothers, who have been released after being arrested at O'Hare airport on Wednesday, February 13 and questioned by police, are now reportedly cooperating with detectives after police threatened them with battery and hate crimes. They are allegedly staying in an undisclosed location to make sure that Smollett does not contact the brothers.

Hinting at this development, Chicago police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement released on Twitter, "We can confirm that the information received from the individuals questioned by police earlier in the Empire case has in fact shifted the trajectory of the investigation. We've reached out to the Empire cast member's attorney to request a follow-up interview." He, however, did not mention in which direction the case has shifted.

Guglielmi then stressed in a follow-up tweet, "While we are not in a position to confirm, deny or comment on the validity of what's been unofficially released, there are some developments in this investigation and detectives have some follow-ups to complete which include speaking to the individual who reported the incident."

Responding to the latest allegations, Smollett's attorneys Todd S. Pugh and Victor P. Henderson said in a statement on Saturday, "As a victim of a hate crime who has cooperated with the police investigation, Jussie Smollett is angered and devastated by recent reports that the perpetrators are individuals he is familiar with. He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying."

"One of these purported suspects was Jussie's personal trainer who he hired to ready him physically for a music video," the statement continued to read. "It is impossible to believe that this person could have played a role in the crime against Jussie or would falsely claim Jussie's complicity."

Weighing in on the case, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on late Saturday, "It appears that Jussie Smollett tried to manufacture a hate crime to make Trump supporters look bad and most of the media not only uncritically accepted his lies as facts for weeks, but attacked those who questioned the validity of his false story."

It appears that Jussie Smollett tried to manufacture a hate crime to make Trump supporters look bad and most of the media not only uncritically accepted his lies as facts for weeks, but attacked those who questioned the validity of his false story.  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 17, 2019

TMZ reports the case will go to grand jury next week, though it's not clear who is facing charges. If the new reports are true, Smollett will face charges for filing a false police report.
WENN/Tony Oudot Celebrity

A few days after declaring that she is no longer interested in acting, the former 'Charmed' actress hits the runway in a white mini-dress adorned with democracy slogans and an 'Angel' hat.

Feb 18, 2019

AceShowbiz - Outspoken actress Rose McGowan made a style statement as she walked the catwalk for Vivienne Westwood during London Fashion Week on Sunday, February 17.

The "Charmed" star strutted her stuff in a white mini-dress daubed with political slogans, referencing freedom and democracy, and thigh-high silver boots for her fashion turn, and stepped out wearing a yellow hat with the word 'ANGEL' written on it.

Rose was also spotted at New York Fashion Week a few days ago, when she told reporters she was no longer interested in acting: "I don't f**k with Hollywood. I don't like it," she told the New York Post.

The actress hit headlines in 2017 when she became one of the first women to publicly accuse Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of rape and sexual assault.

McGowan claimed she was raped by the movie mogul in a hotel at Utah's Sundance Film Festival in 1997.

Weinstein was arrested in New York in May, 2018 and charged with rape and a variety of other sexual crimes. He is scheduled to face the charges in court in May (2018).

His legal team includes lawyers Jose Baez and Ron Sullivan, who represented Rose in her 2017 drug possession charge two years ago after the actress was accused of leaving a wallet laced with cocaine on a plane at Dulles International Airport in Virginia.

At the time, McGowan alleged the wallet was planted by Weinstein's allies. She pleaded no contest, was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to pay a fine.
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Five years after Netflix teamed with Marvel Television for a run of the series, Netflix has announced the cancellation of The Punisher and the series conclusion of Jessica Jones. The news, which follows last years cancellation of Luke Cage, Daredevil and The Iron Fist, ends the Disney-owned Marvels partnership with the streaming giant.

The demise of the two shows was confirmed in a statement by Netflix. Marvels The Punisher will not return for a third season on Netflix, it read, acknowledging the work of showrunner Steve Lightfoot, star Jon Bernthal and the cast and crew.

The statement went on to say that in reviewing our Marvel programming, we have decided that the upcoming third season will also be the final season for Marvels Jessica Jones. Thanking the cast, crew, showrunner Melissa Rosenberg and star Krysten Ritter, the statement added, We are grateful to Marvel for five years of our fruitful partnership and thank the passionate fans who have followed these series from the beginning.

The end of the series was alluded to in a vague open letter posted Monday from Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb. Published on Marvels website as a letter to Marvel Television fans, Loeb acknowledged the news without once mentioning Netflix by name.

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We loved each and every minute of it, Loeb wrote. And we did it all for you  the fans  who cheered for us around the world and made all the hard work worth it.

He then promised that Marvel TV productions would continue, writing: Our Network partner may have decided they no longer want to continue telling the tales of these great characters  but you know Marvel better than that.

Indeed, Marvel TV already has its queue lined up. In early February, it confirmed a deal with Hulu for four animated series. As reported in The Times, The four series, which will target adults and be comedic in tone, are: M.O.D.O.K, featuring an egotistical super villain; Tigra & Dazzler Show, about the struggles of two best friends; Howard the Duck; and Hit-Monkey, about a Japanese snow monkey.

Marvels brand will also be a major driver for Disneys own upcoming streaming service. Called Disney+, the Netflix competitor is slated to launch by the end of the year.



2019 Los Angeles Times

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A Public Regulation Commission decision to re-examine Public Service Co. of New Mexicos entrance into an energy trading market could cost ratepayers $10 million in savings.

The PRC decided on Feb. 6 to re-open proceedings on PNMs pending membership in the Western Energy Imbalance Market, vacating a previous decision in December that authorized the utility to recover expenses for joining the EIM in a future rate case.

PNM doesnt need PRC permission to join the market. But it needs to guarantee cost recovery before investing in hardware and software to participate in the EIM, which manages real-time trading among eight western states representing some 42 million electric consumers.

The market, managed by the California Independent System Operator, uses state-of-the-art technology to automatically find and deliver the lowest-cost energy, especially carbon-free generation to maximize environmental gains. Participating utilities collectively report more than $565 million in benefits since the EIM launched in November 2014, plus a 314,000 metric ton cut in carbon emissions by favoring excess renewable energy rather than fossil fuel generation.

PNM estimates the system will provide more than $10 million in benefits for New Mexico ratepayers per year to start, and up to $21 million or more by 2024 as the utility adds more renewables to the local grid. Customers benefit from lower-cost fuel purchases through the EIM, and from sales of excess PNM generation, which the utility passes on to ratepayers.

It generally takes two years for prospective entrants to begin actively participating in the EIM, and utilities can only join on April 1 of each year. That puts PNM on an expedited timeline to get in this April and start trading in 2021, otherwise participation would be delayed to 2022, depriving ratepayers of a year of benefits, said PNM Vice President of Generation Thomas Fallgren.

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PNMs decision to join the EIM was dependent on the commissions December 2018 approval, Thomas said in a prepared statement. PNM has suspended all work on the (EIM)Any further delays or changes of the December order may now jeopardize our ability to reap the customer benefits.

No party opposes PNMs participation. But some want cost recovery restricted to actual expenses with no return on investment.

The PRC doesnt expect to review the case until Feb. 27, which may be too late for PNM to meet its deadline, said Steve Michel of Western Resource Advocates. WRA and the Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy filed an emergency motion last Friday for the PRC to hear the case this Wednesday.

PNM needs to move forward to get ready, Michel said. This case seems like a no brainer because of the obvious benefits for everybody. It makes no sense to hold it up.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A row of stacked containers outline what will soon be a 4-acre vending space called Irving Village on the West Side site where the old Rowland Nurseries used to be.

Its the brainchild of radio personality, photo enthusiast and car buff Alan Pettit, who is leasing the property from the Rowland family.

The idea here is to have what we call a container village that will be split into different sections that will be set up for various items, Pettit said.

Irving Village will be an open-air market, and the containers will be used by vendors for storage.

The northeast corner of the property will be a farmers market, the northwest corner will host arts and crafts vendors, the front end will be a flea market and the southwest corner will host an assortment of food trucks next to a stage for live music.

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Pettit has been putting bits and pieces of his open space market together since late November, and has moved in eight 53-foot containers to outline some of the markets different sections.

He said he has eight vendors already using the space on weekends but will have room for 200. The next step will be putting in light poles and a new reseal on the existing parking lot.

My intention is to paint the containers and use them for storage so vendors dont have to load up their goods every time they leave, he said. This is not going to be like Green Jeans, this is going to be something completely different. We arent taking shipping containers and building them out as retail spaces. Instead we are using our containers for storage.

Green Jeans Farmery on 3600 Cutler Avenue is a collection of shipping containers turned into eateries and a brewery in the shape of an old Spanish plaza.

The cost for vendors at Irving Village is $25 a day for a 10-by-10 space, but Pettit said he would work out a deal with vendors who want the space for a longer period.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA TERESA  Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Attorney General Hector Balderas announced the state will sue President Donald Trump for his inappropriate and overreaching declaration of a national emergency to fund a border wall.

The presidents absurd and dangerous declaration, a bald-faced end run around Congress and the basic tenets of our nations system of governance, will not stand, Lujan Grisham said in a statement issued by her office Monday.

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The lawsuit seeks to block the president from using the emergency declaration to divert federal funds.

As Attorney General of a border state, I am appalled that President Trump would bypass the rule of law, manufacture an emergency, and weaken our national defense and readiness for a potential terrorist attack or catastrophic natural disaster, Balderas said.

New Mexico joins 15 other states suing the president: California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Virginia. Maryland is the only state in the coalition suing the president that does not have a Democratic governor.

The American Civil Liberties Union and Citizens for Responsibility in Government were the first to file lawsuits on Friday shortly after the presidents emergency declaration.

After he failed to secure the full amount he wanted from Congress, Trump said he needs to divert federal funds to pay to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, a major entry point for criminals, gang members, and illicit narcotics.

Well, looks like its the only way he can do it, said Billy Darnell, a retired Hidalgo County sheriff. The remote, rugged area has long-been a drug-smuggling corridor.

In recent months, that stretch of New Mexico border has seen a spike in large groups of Central Americans crossing the border near Antelope Wells. The vast majority are parents with children and minors traveling on their own to the border to ask for asylum, a legal claim decided in immigration court.

Its a humanitarian problem, Darnell said. Hes in favor of more border security.

I dont think well ever get a wall here, and Im not asking for a wall here. Im asking for infrastructure, technology, equipment, roads on the border, Darnell said. He lives just south of the remote small town of Animas.

A wall is not practical here, he said.

Near the busy border crossing in Santa Teresa, Border Industrial Association CEO Jerry Pacheco questioned the presidents emergency declaration and characterization of the border in crisis.

Theres not anybody here who lives on the border who can look at you with a straight face to say this is a national emergency, Pacheco said.

He supports the governors filing a lawsuit and is concerned about funding for military housing and other projects being cannibalized for the wall.

The general sentiment I feel down here is everybody is sick of being used as a pawn or being used as a scapegoat to try to declare a national emergency, Pacheco said.
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YUMA, Ariz.  Staff Sgt. Chris Cazares is panting to catch his breath after slicing down a salt cedar on the banks of the Colorado River with one of those orange-handled saws commonly used in school shop class.

A supervisor at a nursing home, the longtime soldier in the Army National Guard was previously deployed twice to Iraq, where he specialized in neutralizing chemical attacks. Now he is deployed to his hometown on Arizonas border with Mexico. Here, he is neutralizing trees.

Cazares is one of roughly 600 guardsmen serving on the border in Arizona since President Donald Trump dispatched the National Guard last April in support of Customs and Border Protection. Numbering about 2,200 as of early this month, the guardsmen Trump supplied from across the nation answer to the governor of the state in which they are deployed. The active-duty troops the president sent to the border last fall now number about 4,350; they report to U.S. Northern Command.

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Whether Cazares and his fellow guardsmen are needed here on the border has become the subject of a renewed debate that has cleaved along party lines. It has again put the U.S. border with Mexico at the center of national political rancor that is poised to escalate after Trump declared a national emergency Friday, bucking Congress to secure more funding for a wall.

In recent days, the newly inaugurated governors of California and New Mexico, both Democrats, ordered the withdrawal of most guardsmen from the border in their states, suggesting Trump had deployed the Guard not because CBP is facing a crisis but rather because the president wants to sow fear and appear tough on illegal immigration by showing off uniformed officers in the field.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called the deployment a theater of the absurd upon withdrawing the bulk of the forces from the border in his state and redeploying them to fight fires and target drugs. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who retained a handful of guardsmen on the border, said her state would no longer abide the presidents charade of border fearmongering by misusing our diligent National Guard troops.

The Republican governors of Arizona and Texas, meanwhile, have kept the full National Guard border deployments in their states. Supporters of the deployment say the back-end assistance from the Guard frees up Border Patrol agents to deal with threats from drug smugglers and human traffickers. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, they point out, both deployed the National Guard to the border during their presidencies.

The American military cannot conduct domestic law enforcement activities owing to an 1878 federal law called the Posse Comitatus Act. As a result, the uniformed personnel are helping in the background rather than dealing directly with migrants crossing the border.

In Yuma, about 100 guardsmen are performing ancillary tasks for CBP  clearing brush, fixing machinery, stocking foodstuffs and monitoring surveillance cameras at the sector headquarters. The idea is to free up border agents previously assigned to those duties so that they can instead apprehend and process migrants.

Its kind of a godsend, said Vincent Dulesky, special operations supervisor for public affairs at the Border Patrols Yuma sector. As we were getting strained out, you have the National Guard.

The 126-mile stretch of Arizona and California border that comprises the Yuma sector is a melange of worlds  tribal areas, military installations, government parks, majestic sand dunes and vast stretches of agricultural land, much of it harvested by Mexican seasonal laborers who traverse the border with work permits. Sometimes described as the sunniest place in the United States, Yuma grows much of Americas lettuce. In a local souvenir shop, one Yuma T-shirt reads: If youve had a salad in the winter, youre welcome.

Overall, the number of people apprehended for crossing the border illegally has decreased dramatically from a multi-decade high nearly two decades ago. In the Yuma sector there were 26,244 apprehensions of migrants crossing illegally in the 2018 fiscal year, down from 108,747 in 2000. Across the entire border with Mexico, apprehensions decreased to 396,579 from 1.68 million over the same time period.

Although the number of apprehensions in Yuma are down from 20 years ago, they have more than quadrupled since 2014 amid an influx of families and children, primarily from Honduras and Guatemala, fleeing poverty and violence. The number of border agents assigned to the sector, meanwhile, is roughly the same now as it was in 2014.

More than three-quarters of the people apprehended in Yuma last year crossed as unaccompanied minors or members of families including children. They tend to surrender to Border Patrol immediately after crossing into U.S. territory in what the agents call give ups  and many file asylum claims. Border Patrol is supposed to hold them for a maximum of 72 hours. After that, Immigration and Customs Enforcement can keep minors in immigration detention for no longer than 20 days. If a family hasnt received a hearing by then, authorities must transfer the children to a licensed child-care facility or release them with a parent, who often receives a tracking bracelet and a court date.

The Trump administration says these standards create a loophole that is incentivizing migrants to cross the border with children and remain in the United States illegally after their release.

The administration initially tried to stem the influx of Central American families by separating children from parents who entered unlawfully, prompting a national outcry. Now the administration has moved to terminate the 20-day rule and expand ICEs family detention facilities.

In Yuma, Border Patrol agents say the changing character of the migration has strained their force. Whereas years ago they tracked mostly Mexican border crossers looking to evade detection, now they say children and families from Central America are showing up in large groups, many requiring medical care after a perilous journey through the Sonoran Desert.

Last month, a group of 376 migrants from Central America crossed into the sector by burrowing under one of the walls erected there during the Bush administration. Nearly half of them were children.

Every day that we get over 100 in a group is a strain, Border Patrol agent Justin Kallinger said.

When the sector was apprehending adult Mexican border crossers, agents would detain them for an average of about eight hours and often send them back across the border, Kallinger said. Now, he said, the average time in sector custody is about the 72-hour maximum, because Central American migrants require a flight to get home and often are making asylum claims. Agents must provide transport, hospital escorts and food in the interim, duties now claiming far more of their time.

For relief, they are relying on the National Guard.

Guard. Boom. Here we are, says Tech. Sgt. Dan Broughton, a 36-year-old member of the West Virginia Air National Guard, who after four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan is monitoring cameras and sensors in the sectors surveillance room.

Now staffed by about half guardsmen and half civilian employees, the room no longer has border agents behind the monitors because they were moved to front-line law enforcement roles.

In a supply room across the parking lot, guardsmen surrounded by diapers, bottles, baby formula, emergency blankets, cheese crackers and Cup Noodles have come up with a trolley-cart system to save border agents time while distributing goods to detained migrants.

Closer to the border, Cazares is overseeing about 17 guardsmen on the vegetation team, which is clearing brush along a part of the Colorado River that forms the border with Mexico for seven miles.

The goal, he says, is to give migrants coming across the river fewer places to hide and ensure that CBP cameras affixed to nearby towers can scan the area without obstruction. Though most of the sectors crossers are looking to surrender, the agents say some still seek to evade detection.

Before the guardsmen arrived, about six border agents who have now been moved to primary law enforcement duties took responsibility for taming the brush, Dulesky said.

Whether the Guard is the most cost-effective way to relieve Border Patrol sectors is a question of cost and the definition of need. The deployment is projected to cost the Defense Department about $550 million by the end of September, raising questions about whether the same funds could have gone directly to CBP for additional agents, technology and resources, offering a more permanent fix.

Guard missions tend to cost the Pentagon more than active-duty ones, because guardsmen receive additional pay and benefits when deployed. Most of the guardsmen deployed to Yuma are staying in local hotels; active-duty forces operating in the United States tend to stay on bases.

On Friday, Trump said a bill Congress passed to fund border security this week provided so much money, we dont know what to do with it, just not enough for the wall. The additional funding raised questions about using relatively expensive uniformed personnel to carry out duties such as clearing trees.

On the river outside Yuma, those are faraway Washington concerns.

On the American side, Mexican seasonal workers are harvesting broccoli for American diners. On the Mexican side, the clouds are hovering over Los Algodones, a town nicknamed Molar City for its bargain Mexican dentists who fix American teeth.

Cazares is busy getting down and dirty with his team, which has cleared more than 165,000 square feet of brush since mid November. He is upbeat, unfazed by a job that can involve laboring under the brutal desert sun.

Everything has to be cleared out, the 42-year-old says with a sweep of the hand across the horizon.

The alarm on a mobile phone blares, interrupting Cazares as he extols Yumas bean-and-cheese burritos. The chorus of machetes and axes tires into silence, and guardsmen catch their breath. Cazares spins around, Break!
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SANTA FE, N.M.  More trees on Santa Fe-owned land might have to be pruned or removed, which officials in New Mexicos capital city said is a result of climate change.

The city Parks and Recreation Department conducted an audit last year of the citys dead and dying trees that department director John Munoz said will be removed or pruned only as a last resort, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported last week.

Crews removed a handful of dead cottonwoods outside Santa Fe City Hall earlier this month. The weight of some branches caused the trees to become a public safety issue, Munoz said.

This is collateral damage caused by climate change and in reality one of the daunting issues of our lifetime because climate change is changing our ecosystem, Munoz said. The U.S. Forest Service states we will see significant tree loss by 2027, so its a race against time.

Mayor Alan Webber said hes worried about the health of the trees on the Santa Fe Plaza, which serves as a gathering point for tourists. The city is considering ways to save the trees, he said.

Disease and pests, such as the European elm scale, spruce beetles and Janets looper caterpillar, are among the many factors affecting city trees, Munoz said. The city utilizes natural and organic methods to protect our trees and vegetation, he said.

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It takes extra time and extra resource but definitely it is a reasonable approach, Munoz said. Its heartbreaking that disease and climate change impact the health of our trees and limit their life cycle.

The removal of trees requires a thorough and mindful process as well as approvals from the Land Use Department, Munoz said.

Every tree removed on city properties will be replaced, Munoz said. Parks and recreation has proposed replacing the 52 trees around City Hall with oaks or redbuds.

We will be proposing modernization of our irrigation systems, which is sorely needed for proper water but also for the efficient use of water, Munoz said. Another enhancement I am requesting is a forester position and a full-time and dedicated trees crew. And begin a focused approach on how to shield what are the longest-living organisms on our planet . from the effects of climate change and soil compaction.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Editors note: This is part two of the Journals three-part series

Dr. Paul Willette served as the chief of staff, surgeon, hospitalist, primary care clinician and chair of the quality assurance committee at the Union County General Hospital in Clayton, N.M.

He has taken credit for upgrading the 25-bed hospital in northeastern New Mexico to a Level IV trauma center, advocating for rural critical access hospitals, and sponsoring the county rodeo.

But his stint at Union County General lasted only 14 months after he was deemed a clear and immediate danger to the public health and safety in a 2016 summary suspension by the New Mexico Medical Board, which ultimately revoked his medical license.

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Willette, who no longer lives in New Mexico, blamed his many roles and workload for his alleged substandard care of patients, including an 81-year-old cancer patient who died of an alleged drug overdose after Willette upped the frequency of his medication.

Im someone who did multiple things. It was impossible to keep up with the work, Willette said during a Medical Board hearing in 2017.

Willette, whose attorney didnt return a request for comment last week, is suing the Medical Board in state district court to get back his license. He was also sued for medical negligence and wrongful death by the cancer patients estate.

While the circumstances of Willettes departure may be unique, losing a physician is nothing new to Union County, which has seen a revolving door of doctors and, according to a 2016 hospital needs assessment, longs for access to consistent, local primary care physicians.

According to the assessment, those residents interviewed overwhelmingly agreed that instability with primary care providers is the biggest problem for the county.

While Albuquerque and its surrounding areas may experience health care access issues, outside of the four or five county area (around the city) it is truly a crisis, said Dr. John Cruickshank, CEO of Lovelace Medical Group, based in Albuquerque. These smaller towns, the rural cities and frontier cities  are struggling to recruit providers.

Doctor worked himself to death

Union County, with a population of about 4,187, is among seven New Mexico counties with fewer than four physicians, according to a recent state health workforce study. In 2017, there were federally designated health professional shortage areas in all of New Mexicos 33 counties but one, Los Alamos County.

Larry Fluhman, president of Claytons Farmers & Stockmens Bank, said the community really needs two doctors.

We had a second physician until a week ago. They kind of had it solved, but that would be the first time in 15 years, said Fluhman, who grew up in Roy, some 88 miles away. You get some of these guys to move to Clayton. But if theyre not born and raised in a rural community or have some ties, its extremely difficult to keep them.

Sometime back, Fluhman said, the town had a popular homegrown physician/surgeon who worked 24/7 for 25 years.

He passed away and he was pretty young. But I think thats what happened to him. He worked himself to death. They wear those guys out. Theyre pretty much doing everything all the time.

Fluhman said his wife, Jessie, is a certified nurse practitioner in Clayton. Nurse practitioners, who can work independently from a doctor under New Mexico law, have taken the pressure off (doctors) and helped a bunch, he said.

But it seems like the demand for medical care continues to increase, he said. I know my wife saw 28 patients yesterday and thats almost unheard of to see that many people.

Asked about Dr. Paul Willette, Fluhman said he knew him briefly.

It just seems like the ones that we get, aside from this last doctor who just got frustrated with whatever (and left), it seems like if we get them to move to a rural community, they have some baggage or something that shows up later that we werent aware of.

Or they cant adjust to the low-key rural life, he added. Clayton has some amenities, such as a theater and an old hotel and dining room, but you certainly cant go to the opera or anything, I mean thats for sure.

Litany of complaints

While working at the nonprofit Union County hospital, Willette was paid up to $350,000 in yearly compensation and other benefits, according to hospital 990 tax filings for the years 2014 and 2015.

But he appeared at a Medical Board hearing in early 2017 representing himself because he said he had no money for an attorney.

The boards investigation of Willette, who previously worked in Nebraska and the East Coast, involved a review of dozens of his patient files. According to board testimony, allegations and findings:

 A patient with diabetes and hypertension admitted to the emergency room at the Union County General Hospital waited nearly two hours one night while Willette, who had ER duty, failed to answer a nurses repeated calls.

The nurse finally alerted police, who found him down the road at the Days Inn Motel.

 Another patient was admitted to the ER in severe distress, needing help to even get out of the car. When told by hospital staff to come now, Willette instead gave treatment orders over the phone. He was criticized for the lack of more immediate and aggressive treatment and for failing to prepare the patient for a higher level of care.

The patient was moved six hours later to an Amarillo hospital at the insistence of his wife. He died the following day.

 One patient who had trauma to the head, bleeding and loss of consciousness arrived at the ER. A nurse called Willettes cellphone five times. Each time, Willette would immediately hang up without saying a thing. He arrived 35 minutes later.

 Willette injudiciously prescribed controlled substances to at least one patient. The board focused on the elderly cancer patient who arrived at the hospital in January 2015 needing to have an artery repaired.

Willette testified at a Medical Board hearing that the patients wife came to him saying her husbands condition had deteriorated so poorly that she felt he was suffering.

He changed the mans medications after she pleaded with me to make sure he was  comfortable.

Willette upped his medication to every two hours, and the patient was found dead in bed 12 hours later.

Willette testified that he wasnt intentionally trying to kill the man.

 Willette engaged in excessive and fraudulent billing practices and during an emergency medical procedure on a patient, slapped a nurses hand in anger.

Medical Board hearing officer Monica Ontiveros asked Willette during the hearing about his contention that he was overworked.

Did you ever have a conversation with the hospital about the fact that you really couldnt wear all those hats and see the patients in the time period that you were required to? she asked.

I think that  yes. But it seemed like it never really turned into action, Willette said.

A Journal phone call to the hospital CEO wasnt returned last week.

Colorado Medical Board files show that before he was hired in Union County, Willette had two malpractice settlements against him in 2005 and 2009  one in Massachusetts and another in New Hampshire.

Willette said at the state Medical Board hearing that he came to New Mexico to really help support the rural critical access hospitals. I have had opportunities to work at the bigger hospitals, and its completely different.

While revoking his license to practice medicine, the Medical Board stated that he was eligible to apply again if he can prove clinical competency and submit to a neuropsychological evaluation.

And now?

As to the current Clayton hospital physician, the New Mexico Medical Board last August lifted a requirement set in 2015 that Dr. Mark Van Wormer practice under the observation of a worksite monitor.

However, by order of the board, Van Wormer is still barred from treating cosmetic dermatologic conditions.

U.S. District court records show Van Wormer, who didnt return calls seeking comment, served a year in federal prison after he pleaded guilty in 2007 to federal felony charges that he sold anti-wrinkle injections at his Albuquerque clinic in 2004 and misbranded the drug as Botox.

Prosecutors found no evidence that anyone was injured by the injections of the fake Botox, which wasnt approved for use on humans.

The Medical Board revoked his medical license after his plea, but allowed him to reapply.

Coming next Sunday: Reasons for New Mexicos doctor shortage and possible solutions being considered by lawmakers, state officials.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Bernalillo Public Schools, in collaboration with seven pueblos, College Horizons Inc. and the Leadership Institute at the Santa Fe Indian School are using a $3.2 million four-year grant to develop culturally responsive curriculum for Native American students in grades 7-12.

The initiative, known as the Student Success Program, will be aligned with values and cultural needs of the pueblos so students will not have to choose between culture or college, Bernalillo schools officials said in a news release.

Working with the pueblos of Cochiti, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Zia, Jemez, and Sandia, the federal grant from the U.S. Department of Educations Native Youth Community Project was awarded to Bernalillo Public Schools last month, according to a news release.

This is a great opportunity for family and community to come together to discuss the future of their children. It will allow communities to voice their thoughts through the lens of a pueblo prospective, said Dr. Curtis Chavez, Indian Education Coordinator at BPS, in a statement.

BPS Superintendent Keith Cowansaid, Students will receive individual support in regards to internships and advisement for college opportunities

The money is expected to support a project director responsible for overall management and seven student success coordinators at the middle and high school level with regular workshops and training in schools and the pueblo communities.

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The Bernalillo Public Schools system, which has an Indian education department, serves 1,327 Native American students throughout the district.

Regis Pecos, co-founder of the Leadership Institute at the Santa Fe Indian School, predicted the project no doubt will become a model in New Mexico and the nation.

This epitomizes what is possible when Pueblo leaders and educators work collaboratively with local School Boards and their education leaders, he said in a statement.

Carmen Lopez, Executive Director of College Horizons, in a statement said the project will allow Native students to bring their culture, language, ancestors and indigenous ways of knowing with them because these are gifts, blessings and educational asset.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Navajo students pursuing degrees in health science at Fort Lewis College are eligible for new scholarships.

Outgoing tribal President Russell Begaye and college President Tom Stritikus recently signed the scholarship agreement.

Navajo students in health or exercise science can apply to receive $2,500 per semester in the 2019 calendar year. Students must be enrolled full time.

About 20 percent of students in the colleges Health Sciences Department are Navajo.

The school in Durango, Colo., waives tuition for Native American students. The scholarships funded by the Navajo Nation will help cover living expenses, textbooks and student fees.

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Students who receive the scholarships must agree to serve the Navajo Nation for at least two years after graduation.

Begaye says the scholarships will help address gaps in the tribes workforce.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Bernalillo Public Schools, in collaboration with seven pueblos, College Horizons Inc. and the Leadership Institute at the Santa Fe Indian School are using a $3.2 million four-year grant to develop culturally responsive curriculum for Native American students in grades 7-12.

The initiative, known as the Student Success Program, will be aligned with values and cultural needs of the pueblos so students will not have to choose between culture or college, Bernalillo schools officials said in a news release.

Working with the pueblos of Cochiti, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, San Felipe, Zia, Jemez, and Sandia, the federal grant from the U.S. Department of Educations Native Youth Community Project was awarded to Bernalillo Public Schools last month, according to a news release.

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This is a great opportunity for family and community to come together to discuss the future of their children. It will allow communities to voice their thoughts through the lens of a pueblo prospective, said Dr. Curtis Chavez, Indian Education Coordinator at BPS, in a statement.

BPS Superintendent Keith Cowan said, Students will receive individual support in regards to internships and advisement for college opportunities

The money is expected to support a project director responsible for overall management and seven student success coordinators at the middle and high school level with regular workshops and training in schools and the pueblo communities.

The Bernalillo Public Schools system, which has an Indian education department, serves 1,327 Native American students throughout the district.

Regis Pecos, co-founder of the Leadership Institute at the Santa Fe Indian School, predicted the project no doubt will become a model in New Mexico and the nation.

This epitomizes what is possible when Pueblo leaders and educators work collaboratively with local School Boards and their education leaders, he said in a statement.

Carmen Lopez, Executive Director of College Horizons, in a statement said the project will allow Native students to bring their culture, language, ancestors and indigenous ways of knowing with them because these are gifts, blessings and educational asset.
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Students should come first.

That was how the New Mexico Lottery was sold to the public when it was created back in 1996. That is how it should continue to operate.

Senate Bill 283, sponsored by Sens. Jacob Candelaria, D-Albuquerque, and John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, would revise the lotterys enabling legislation by removing the 2008 mandate that 30 percent of gross sales go to scholarships. Thats a gamble, considering that every year before the mandate went in, the lottery kicked in around $36 million or less to scholarships. Post mandate, that number has exceeded $40 million for all but one year, 2017.

Candelaria and Smiths argument for giving up the sure thing of 30 percent for students is one the lottery has made for years  if they can plow more money into prizes, attracting more players, then a smaller percentage of a bigger number means more for education.

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And while the morality of that argument  lets get more folks gambling in a state where one in two residents is on Medicaid and one in four is on food stamps  is highly suspect, a few amendments to SB 283 would make it more of a safe bet thing for students.

While the legislation would do away with the 30 percent mandate, it would require the lottery to put a minimum of $40 million into the scholarship fund in fiscal 2020, increasing to $40.5 million in fiscal 2021 and $41 million in fiscal 2022 and subsequent years. It includes a provision that if the lottery does not hit those contribution benchmarks, it would revert to the 30 percent requirement. However, that wording needs tweaking to make it a true sunset so the 30 percent would apply to every year going forward.

The bill would also set up a schedule restricting operating costs to no more than 17 percent of revenues in fiscal 2020, 16 percent of revenues in fiscal 2021 and 15 percent thereafter. (Operational costs, which include vendor contracts, are separate from the prize money and the scholarship fund.) Again, an important fiscal brake.

In addition, there is an amendment that puts unclaimed prize money into the scholarship fund, rather than into the prize fund as it does now. Twenty-nine states already do this, and an amendment from Senate Bill 80, sponsored by Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces, would bring New Mexico into that fold. Unfortunately, as worded it would include the unclaimed prizes in the revenues that add up to the $41 million. That measure needs to be revised so students are ensured $41 million for scholarships, with unclaimed prizes added on top rather than supplanting revenues. With the 30 percent mandate removed, the argument the lottery doesnt have enough for prizes should be moot.

These precautions that protect students have the support of two groups normally on opposite sides of the issues: The University of New Mexicos College Democrats and College Republicans, as well as Santa Fe think tank Think New Mexico.

Since 1996, more than 117,000 students from across the state have attended New Mexico public colleges, universities and technical colleges with the assistance of the Legislative Lottery Scholarship program. More than 66,000 of those students have already graduated from college, according to the lottery. With rising costs of a college education, and even given the smaller percentage of tuition it covers, the lottery scholarship is a way for thousands of New Mexico students to continue their educations past high school without being saddled with crushing debt.

And that needs to be the bottom line lawmakers focus on when making any changes to the New Mexico Lottery.

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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Here is the problem for Trump critics. They began with the wrong premise. They believed that Hillary Clinton should have won the 2016 presidential election. Then they deluded themselves by embracing the notion that Trump was illegitimate, unstable, stupid and an offense to everything they consider normal.

This led the Obama holdovers in the Justice Department and the major media to construct a Russian collusion scenario, based on evidence they had to know is false. These included Andrew McCabe, the former deputy director of the FBI, who was fired for lying to government investigators. In his new book and in a 60 Minutes interview, McCabe admits he was part of a coup attempt to remove Trump from office, using the 25th Amendment as the means. McCabe said that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was not joking, as Rosenstein claims he was, about wearing a wire, hoping the president would say outrageous things Rosenstein could take to the vice president and the Cabinet to convince them that Trump was unfit to hold public office.

Theres your real collusion and also a conspiracy to oust a duly elected president.

On his radio program, Rush Limbaugh said he thinks the entire Russian collusion investigation is a waste of taxpayer money and has come to nothing. About McCabe, he said: He is bragging about his efforts to undermine and overthrow Trump. Hes admitting, essentially, that he and his buddies put in motion a silent coup to get rid of Donald Trump. He admits that the talk of wiring Rosenstein to entrap Trump in an Oval Office conversation was real.

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At the same time various leaks and reports even from NBC News, which has been among the numerous media outlets promoting collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, are beginning to back off. On the NBC News website there is this headline: You may be disappointed by the Mueller Report. That seems to suggest the special counsel has found nothing to prove collusion and the disappointed will be those who believed he would. The anti-Trumpers need not worry, though. Having failed to prove collusion, the Democrat majority in the House of Representatives and attorneys in the Southern District of New York will keep investigating the Trump organization in an attempt to find anything that might sour his re-election prospects, or lead to his impeachment, as unlikely as that seems.

What is needed is a special counsel to investigate numerous allegations of wrongdoing not only by McCabe, but the rest of the cast of characters from Hillary Clinton and her missing emails and foreign donations to the Clinton Foundation, to those Obama holdovers who conspired to overturn election results.

The next step for Trump haters will be an effort to thwart his national emergency declaration in order to finish building his promised border wall.

According to the Federal Register, 58 national emergencies have been declared since the National Emergency Act of 1976 was signed into law by President Gerald Ford, writes ABC News, though many of those froze funds rather than appropriated new ones. Thirty-one are still in effect. President Obama declared 10 national emergencies, including actions blocking property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in Somalia, in respect to threats posed by Somali pirates; blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Burundi after a failed coup and blocking property and suspending entry of certain persons contributing to the situation in Venezuela in response to human rights violations.

Axios, a conservative news and information website, quotes an outline it received from the White House that says the president plans to   unlock access to up to $8.08 billion dollars for physical barriers, including the funding dedicated in the (Department of Homeland Security) appropriations bill. The funding will   come from Treasury Forfeiture Funds and other sources, which might include billions seized from drug cartel leader El Chapo and the Defense Departments military construction projects.

Its an interesting premise. The courts will likely decide whether it is constitutional.

E-mail tcaeditors@tribpub.com.  2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Gary Hines, founder and owner of the Stripes Biscuit Co. on Gibson said he is opening a new drive thru/eatery on Menaul NE named the Stripes Burrito Co.

Hines said he purchased the old Valero gas station at 2204 Menaul NE because he thought it would be a great location to expand his patriotic themed business.

Stripes Burrito Co. has been completely remodeled inside and out to look like a retro drive-through, and with only 900 square feet of space that will seat 10.

Whats happening is a lot of these little gas stations are closing because the big ones have taken over, he said. So I thought I would tap into this trend and see how it will go.

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Hines opened the Stripes Biscuit Co. just over a year ago offering the Veterans Affairs Hospital 15 percent of his proceeds to honor veterans, a tradition he says he will carry to the new business.

Another way Hines is honoring veterans is by placing photos of them on every square inch of wall space.

Hines said the breakfast burritos at the Stripes Burrito Co. will be made with finely chopped red potatoes that are never frozen. The burritos will come in two sizes: regular and large.

The regular size will be what most people get at a Blakes (Lotaburger), and the large will be for those with a hearty appetite, he said.

Hines said the patriotic theme that infuses his restaurants come from the heart.

 My dad, who was in the Army, has always been my idol, so this was my way of honoring him and all the men and women who fight for our freedom, he said. He left me too soon. And, also, this is a way of honoring my daughters husband, who is also in the service.

A select style

A new style of cuisine is being offered at two new Wecks Select locations in the former Le Peep restaurants at 4921 Jefferson NE and 11004 Montgomery NE.

Joe Garcia, vice president for operations at Wecks, said the idea to rebrand the two locations has been in the works for a while.

These two locations are a spinoff of the Wecks concept with an avenue for culinary creativity, Garcia said. We are excited about the future and thankful to the community for being so supportive.

Garcia said many of the ideas for new menu items at the Wecks Select locations came from customers. The new items include traditional corned beef hash, different styles of eggs Benedict, and multiple combinations of waffles, pancakes and French toast.

Wecks Select will also offer weekly specials that are not available at any other Wecks family restaurant locations.

We always say that our board of directors sits in our restaurants every day, he said. So when a customer gives us a suggestion, we try to listen.

Garcia said Wecks isnt ruling out any future plans to rebrand its other locations to Wecks Select restaurants.

We are open right now to any future possibilities, he said. If this is a success, then we may offer it at other locations, but for now we are happy with the outcome at out first two Wecks Select locations.

Happy at 100 mph

David Hanisch, owner of Daves Valley Grill, 6601 Fourth NW, said he never thought running a restaurant would become part of his retirement plan.

Hanisch, a seasoned restaurateur who has owned and operated six restaurants, said a twist of fate made him return to the food service business.

In 2017, I left food service and became a full-time Realtor when I found this location while on a listing appointment, Hanisch said. After I stopped in, the owner said he wanted to sell his restaurant, and I said I would buy it.

And hes already got expansion plans. Hanisch said he will be opening up an additional 1,600 square feet by transforming the store west of his restaurant into a taproom that offers a wide selection of wine this summer.

I am the kind a of guy that wouldnt have really enjoyed retirement, he said. Im only happy if Im moving 100 miles per hour.

Hanisch, 69, said he wanted to create a place that reflected his Minnesota roots. The items on Daves menu include sweet cream griddle cakes, a tavern pot roast bowl and seven gourmet burgers.

I wanted to create a place that had American comfort food by creating a meat-potatoes type menu, he said. Theres nothing like that around here at all. Most of the restaurants in this area offer New Mexican or Mexican-style food.

Hanisch began renovating the 4,600-square-foot space last summer, transforming it from a burger joint into what he describes as an industrial modern chic-style eatery.

I dipped into my retirement fund to make this happen, he said. I had no plan whatsoever to be doing this at my age, but I believed in this location enough to give it my all.

Coffee spot in the Sawmill District

Allen Bassett, former president of New Mexico Pinon Coffee, has opened a new coffee business at 815 Bellamah NW called Sol Rio Coffee.

According to a news release, the new facility is capable of roasting and distributing 1.2 million pounds of coffee and has been distributing three brands of coffee to Albertsons Market since July.

Coffee is such a daily staple in so many lives we had to find a fit that made sense, Basset said in a press release.  Going with organic blends and flavors seemed obvious and gives us the vehicle to impact the local community as we continue to grow.

Basset celebrated Sol Rio Coffees grand opening on Feb. 1 giving away full bags of freshly roasted coffee to the first 200 customers.

A star is moving

Rustic Star owner Kelly Adams said he is moving his Nob Hill business at 3407 Central NE to the Tin Can Alley development going up at Alameda and San Pedro NE.

They just broke ground at the new location, which is basically going to be like Green Jeans 2.0, Adams said. We completed our lease here and saw the opportunity to start anew in a different location.

According to Adams, the Albuquerque Rapid Transit project hurt his business enough that he wasnt interested in sticking around in the Nob Hill area.

I not saying we lost any money here; Im just saying we didnt make a penny, and thats not a good business model at all, he said.

Adams said he will be offering more Italian-style dishes at the new location, as well as the food Rustic Star is already known for.

Basically we are going to stick to our rustic roots, which is back to the food truck  stuff like burgers and fries, and Im sure we will make some stuff up, Adams said.

Rustic Star will reopen at its new location in about eight months, he said.

Stephen Montoya is the Journals retail reporter. He can be contacted at smontoya@abqjournal.com or by calling 505-823-3911.
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New Space NM is giving fresh thrust to the states emerging commercial space industry.

The organization, which launched in May, released a new report on Feb. 8 that provides a comprehensive overview of the states assets and advantages to lure more space-related investment and business to New Mexico. And it offers four immediate steps for local companies, investors, professionals and public officials to work together on building the industry.

The first step is creation of a New Mexico Space Council, something thats already poised for takeoff through outreach to key players around the state over the past 10 months, said New Space founder and director Casey DeRaad.

About 250 public and private sector representatives have joined a New Space advisory team since May, including key industry leaders, economic development professionals, and academic directors and researchers from state universities. A broad range of local, state and federal officials have also participated, including appointees from the Air Force and New Mexicos congressional delegation.

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That advisory team will now segue into the new space council, DeRaad said.

The council will build a strong, unified voice for the space industry, DeRaad said. Members will work to plan events, create marketing strategies, and advocate for the industry at the state and federal levels.

The next steps are creation of two connector programs, one to rapidly link entrepreneurs with direct access to people, tools and resources to help establish or grow space-related businesses in New Mexico. The other will focus on workforce development, connecting businesses and job seekers and creating educational opportunities to build more talent in the state, such as internship programs.

The final step is launch of a public-private space investment fund, although that initiative is potentially more complicated and will likely take a lot of time to build, DeRaad said.

We need to research potential funding and investment opportunities first, DeRaad said. It could include venture investment and opportunities for federal funding, particularly with the Department of Defense.

With or without a dedicated investment fund, a lot more space business opportunities are coming to New Mexico, thanks to the Defense Departments growing focus on modernizing its space capabilities. The Air Force is leading that effort, a lot of which is concentrated at Kirtland Air Force Base, which hosts three key space-related agencies.

They include the Space & Missiles Center, the Space Rapid Capabilities Office and the Air Force Research Laboratorys Space Vehicles Directorate. Those three agencies together receive $900 million in annual funding and employ about 1,600 people in New Mexico.

Spending to build new, more-resilient satellite technology is a prime focus, and the Air Force is turning heavily to the private sector to help it with those efforts, said Co. Eric Felt, director of the AFRLs Space Vehicles Directorate, who spoke at New Space NMs public forum to present its new report.

The importance of space has never been higher as competition grows with Russia and China, Felt said. Were more dependent than ever before on space-based navigation, GPS signals, weather and missile warning systems. We must have those things in a conflict and theyre not assured today, creating a gap in our capabilities that were working to fill.

Like NASA, the military is turning to the private sector to tap its agility and lower-cost approach to building new space systems.

That enables space architecture that was unaffordable in the past, Felt said. The cost of components for satellites are down by a factor of 10 because of commercial space companies.  Theres a whole new world of capabilities, and we want to harness that.

New Space can count on state officials to help local companies tap those opportunities, said Economic Development Secretary Alicia J. Keyes, who also spoke at the event.

The space industry is one of the most vital sectors to help our economy grow, Keyes said. Well work with New Space NM to build a cluster of companies, and to leverage the New Mexico Spaceport, which offers real opportunities.
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Copyright  2019 Albuquerque Journal

Until recently, Paulina Diaz-Ruiz and Nuvia Valenzuela struggled to care for their young children while holding down odd jobs at a restaurant and a cleaning company.

Now, theyre managing their own business, Learning Together Childcare Center, which provides before- and-after-school services at Kirtland Elementary for 45 children under contract with Albuquerque Public Schools. Its the first of a chain of child care centers the women hope to open at other schools in the coming years.

Its been a long, winding road for the two who, with a group of Southeast Albuquerque moms, have built an informal co-op that offers day care services for kids at Manzano Mesa Elementary into a formal business that employs five women.

Diaz-Ruiz and Valenzuela own and operate Learning Together with Rosalia Hernandez. Two others will join as partners after graduating from Central New Mexico Community College with child development certificates, likely this spring. Many groups assisted the women in their efforts, including the ABC Community School Partnership, the University of New Mexico Law School and CNM.

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The culminating boost, however, came from CNM Ingenuitys new business accelerator program, Crianza, which helped Learning Together make the leap from a great idea into an operating business.

We had no idea how to start a business, Valenzuela said. Crianza guided us through everything  all the state requirements to set it up, how to manage a budget, how to administer day-to-day operations. Without Crianza, it would have been very difficult.

Crianza, Spanish for upbringing, started in summer 2016. Its graduated 79 women from its eight-week program, most of them Spanish speakers from the South Valley who either already operated home day care services and wanted to build them into successful operations, or who never ran a day care and wanted to start one, said Catron Allred, CNM director of educational programs.

The accelerators current and future achievements, however, could be affected by legislative initiatives to overhaul the states early childhood programs. One, Senate Bill 298, would move all prekindergarten services for 4-year-olds out of private care and into public schools, eliminating a major source of income for private providers like the ones emerging from Crianza.

The program is really about workforce development, especially for women in underserved communities, Allred said.

It provides opportunities for families to work while creating a strong foundation for children in early childhood development, she said.

UNM Law School professor Serge Martinez, who helped Learning Together register its business with the state, said New Mexicos private day care industry is empowering women, because theyre predominantly the ones operating those businesses.

Theyre not working for others, Martinez said. Theyre taking control of their own efforts and work and pushing back on patriarchal business models.

The accelerator grew out of a Kellogg Foundation-funded survey of Spanish-speaking home providers for preschool children in the South Valley.

We found there was nothing to support the business side of early childhood services, Allred said. There are a lot of predominantly women opening home businesses and eventually day care centers, and they lack the business skills and often end up closing because of it.

To address that, the college turned to CNM Ingenuity, which manages the colleges commercial endeavors. It runs the STEMulus Center Downtown, which includes the Ignite Community Accelerator for Main Street-type businesses.

We decided to create an early childhood accelerator program, and we received a Daniels Fund grant to develop it, Allred said.

They built a bilingual curriculum with supporting materials in Spanish and English, including a manual to guide Crianza participants in building their businesses. Five cohorts have graduated since 2016, most in Spanish, reflecting overwhelming demand, said Mercy Alarid, a CNM adjunct faculty member who teaches the Crianza curriculum.

We have a long waiting list of students who want to take the (accelerator) course, and theyre all Spanish speakers, Alarid said.

Crianza informs participants about all requirements for a day care business, starting with the basic education to earn a child development certificate. Mentors help them acquire needed knowledge and skills through CNM early childhood courses. That includes women starting from scratch who offer informal child care for family, friends and neighbors.

Were trying to make those informal services a thing of the past, Alarid said. We want everyone, whether its grandma or a business person, to meet state standards for all kids.

Basic goals include getting day care services registered with the Children, Youth and Families Department, which ensures standards are met and allows providers to receive subsidies for children in their care. The bigger goal is to move services from registered to licensed, which requires higher standards but allows providers to care for more children and receive higher subsidies.

Crianza encourages licensed providers to continue improving their businesses through CYFDs Focus Program, which uses a five-star rating system for providers to increase the number of children they serve and the level of subsidies they receive.

Last fall, the Small Business Development Center at CNM began partnering with Crianza to offer free individual mentoring services in Spanish to Crianza participants during and after the program. The development center tripled its Spanish-speaking staff from one to three to work with Crianza, and to increase Spanish-language services in general for South Valley entrepreneurs, said center business councilor Liliana Reyes.

Were now working individually with 10 of the 17 graduates from Crianzas fall cohort to help them continue building and growing their businesses, Reyes said.

The center helped Crianza graduate Andrea Maldonado obtain a $150,000 loan to buy and remodel a commercial space in Southeast Albuquerque. Maldonado previously ran a home day care with 12 children, but the new business will allow her to care for 20 or 30, she said.

Crianza graduates Norma and Erika Estrada opened A&V Daycare Center in December at a 3,000-square-foot space they rented in Barelas.

Norma operated an informal home day care for years. She registered it three years ago and licensed it last year. But it can serve only up to 12 children, so Norma and daughter Erika participated in Crianza to gain the knowledge and assistance needed to open a full center, where they plan to care for up to 50 children in morning and afternoon shifts.

Crianza helped me turn a dream into reality, Norma said. They encouraged us and showed us how to do it step-by-step.
Tom Lawrence

Special to the American News

A bookish, bespectacled astrophysicist, dead more than 30 years, is an unlikely hero for a TV series.

But Dr. J. Allen Hynek was a truly unique scientist with a fascinating story to tell. Thats why a History Channel series is well worth your time.

Its a Tuesday evening feature called Project Blue Book. Its guided by executive producer Robert Zemeckis, who directed the Back to the Future trilogy, Forrest Gump and Cast Away. It has drawn mixed critical reactions, but is required viewing at our house.

Hynek is depicted as an earnest young professor who gradually senses he is being used by the Air Force to cover up the truth behind strange events and mysterious lights in the sky. The truth isnt quite that black and white, although Hynek did start as a total skeptic and ends up believing UFOs were ... something from somewhere.

After a few years, he said, two things stood out in his mind.

One was the completely negative and unyielding attitude of the Air Force, Hynek said. They wouldnt give UFOs the chance of existing, even if they were flying up and down the street in broad daylight. Everything had to have an explanation.

I began to resent that, even though I basically felt the same way, because I still thought they werent going about it in the right way. You cant assume that everything is black no matter what, he said. Secondly, the caliber of the witnesses began to trouble me. Quite a few instances were reported by military pilots, for example, and I knew them to be fairly well-trained, so this is when I first began to think that, well, maybe there was something to all this.

His first field research took him to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City as well as to Bismarck, N.D., where a 27-minute dogfight between a fighter pilot and a UFO is still being studied. Its the basis for the opening episode of the series.

Over the course of nearly two decades, Hynek traveled the country and met people who told him amazing stories. Eventually, he came to believe weather balloons, swamp gas, misidentified planets and aircraft could not explain about 20 percent of the cases.

I hold it entirely possible that a technology exists, which encompasses both the physical and the psychic  the material and the mental. There are stars that are millions of years older than the sun. There may be a civilization that is millions of years more advanced than mans, he said. We have gone from Kitty Hawk to the moon in some 70 years, but its possible that a million-year-old civilization may know something that we dont ... I hypothesize an M&M technology encompassing the mental and material realms. The psychic realms, so mysterious to us today, may be an ordinary part of an advanced technology.

I saw Hynek speak at South Dakota State University on March 2, 1978. A large crowd came to his lecture, and the headline in the SDSU Collegian, the school newspaper I joined that fall, said Hynek: UFOs are real.

More than 40 years later, that remains an open question.

Project Blue Book, starring Irish actor Aidan Gillen as Hynek, is based on his experiences with the top-secret UFO investigations he worked on from 1952-69. It also features pilots and UFO witnesses struggling with what they saw and experienced  typically corrupt military leaders trying to hide the truth and a pair of Russian spies.

Some critics say the series would have been better served to take a more documentary approach, and I lean that way as well. Hyneks experiences and his decision to become an outspoken UFO advocate are an incredible story that has largely been forgotten. Adding the Cold War aspect, the mysterious men in hats and the people they kill and seek to silence, may provide more drama, but it gets in the way of a truly historic tale.

When Hynek spoke at SDSU, he was promoting his 1976 book The Hynek UFO Report. In it, he explained why the people he met had raised doubt in his mind.

The witnesses I interviewed could have been lying, could have been insane or could have been hallucinating collectively  but I do not think so, he wrote. Their standing in the community, their lack of motive for perpetration of a hoax, their own puzzlement at the turn of events they believe they witnessed, and often their great reluctance to speak of the experience  all lend a subjective reality to their UFO experience.

Many people were impressed by Hyneks research and willingness to consider the amazing theory about visitors from another planet, or dimension, or perhaps a manifestation of our collective conscience. He died in 1986, still searching for answers.

The History Channel series, coming on the heels of a new biography, shows Hynek remains a figure of great fascination. During the last 20 years of his life, he became a celebrity interviewed on talk shows and consulted by filmmakers.

Stanley Kubrick praised Hynek as he was making 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kubrick said he was impressed by Hyneks belief we were starting on the greatest adventure in mans history.

Steven Spielberg said Hynek was a key advisor to him during the making of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the 1977 blockbuster starring Richard Dreyfuss as a man who sees a spaceship close up and is compelled to learn more. He ends up having a third kind  he meets the aliens, who take him aboard their ship at a prearranged landing at Devils Tower in Wyoming.

Hynek came up with the terms for the three kinds of encounters: the First was seeing something. The second was discovering evidence, such as burn marks, broken tree limbs or marks in the ground, where a UFO was reported. A Close Encounter of the Third Kind was actually meeting an alien.

In the Spielberg movie, as the aliens emerge from their ship, a bearded, bespectacled man steps through a crowd, puts a curved pipe in his mouth and takes a long look.

Its J. Allen Hynek himself.
Katherine Grandstrand

kgrandstrand@aberdeennews.com

Travis Netzer can thank bad TV reception in the 1990s for his unique take on rock music.

As a kid growing up on a farm outside of Ipswich, the Netzers didnt have a satellite and picked up about one-and-a-half TV stations through over-the-air broadcast, so Netzer said he spent a lot of time watching VHS tapes.

One of them had a cartoon called Tubby the Tuba. I still have it memorized  so when fifth grade came around, I was like, Hey, I could play tuba, Netzer said. The band teacher did a backflip because she finally had someone who wanted to play tuba.

That tuba would lead him to a bachelors degree from Northern State University, where he currently serves as an adjunct music professor, a masters degree from Western Michigan University and a doctorate from Arizona State University.

It would also lead him to create a new way to play rock music on his tuba.

I went into a Guitar Center and I said, I want to make my tuba sound like an electric guitar, Netzer said. Once they stopped laughing, they saw I meant it. So we spent about an hour, hour and a half trying different things and different microphones and different pedals and got it so that it sounds like a frayed out electric guitar.

He attaches a mic to his tuba and then runs the sound through guitar distortion pedals, giving the tuba a rock n roll sound.

Hes also able to use the rig to record loops, which is essential for the style.

The form of the song has to be right because I dont have time to stop singing, record the background music on my loop for the chorus, then sing the chorus  that doesnt work, Netzer said. So I was kind of limited in the song choices.

His overall goal is to prove that you can like multiple genres of music.

You can like Bach, and you can like AC/DC, believe it or not, Netzer said, You can like Led Zeppelin and want to listen to Rachmaninoffs second symphony  you can like both of them.

Hes part of a bigger movement thats trying to bridge the gap between popular music and other genres like classical or jazz, Netzer said.

So far, hes mostly done outreach shows with Northern sophomore Roger Frank, a percussionist. Theyll play at area schools, mixing rock in with classical numbers.

Last year, he won a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council to record a music video playing the rock tuba and purchase more equipment, Netzer said.

I just got in a loop station thats got a lot more possibilities, so the doors open way wider for songs that I can cover, he said. A huge thank you to the South Dakota Arts Council because thats an enormous help for me.

Music is very important to the Netzer family. His wife, Marcie, is the vocal music teacher at Holgate Middle School. They have two children, Cecelia, 5, and Oliver, 2.

The pair met at Northern  Marcie grew up in Montana  and got married before moving to Michigan in 2011, where Travis Netzer was able to study tuba with Deanna Swoboda through a fellowship.

Shes a big mentor in my life. I always jokingly tell people, Id follow her to hell and back, Travis Netzer said. I spent four years in the desert in Arizona, so Ive done that, and now Im back.

He spent three years working on his doctorate in Arizona, graduating in 2016. The Netzers got the opportunity to come back to South Dakota in 2017.

Stuff lined up pretty awesome for us to get back here, Netzer said.

In addition to working at Northern, he headed back to Taylor Music to repair instruments  a job he started as an undergrad that helped him work his way through graduate school.

But mostly, Netzer said he just wants people to play music, and Northern has a lot of opportunities for students who choose other majors to keep playing or singing.

At least a third of the people in the symphonic band arent music majors, he said. We want people to keep playing their instruments. Music gives joy to your soul, why would you want it to stop just because its not your career?
Bart Pfankuch

South Dakota News Watch

A debate is raging in Pierre this legislative session over how  and some say even if  taxpayers will see a reduction in the sales tax rate now that South Dakota has begun to collect new money from online retailers.

When it comes to legislative intrigue, the contentious wrangling over the sales tax rate has all the elements of great theater: millions of dollars at stake, intraparty division among the Republican majority, past promises made and fears of future promises broken.

Standing at the center of it all is state Sen. Jeff Partridge, a Rapid City Republican with an imposing physical presence, a deep booming voice and a professional background in finance.

Partridge, who sits on the powerful Joint Appropriations Committee, set the debate in motion in 2016, when he offered a measure now known as The Partridge Amendment. The amendment stated that the state sales tax would slowly be reduced if South Dakota won its U.S. Supreme Court case that sought to collect sales taxes from online retailers located outside the state who refused to pay up. For each $20 million in new tax revenues collected from online retailers, the state sales tax  the main funding source of state operations  would be lowered by one-tenth of one percent a year a maximum of five times.

The amendment was put forth as a balm to fiscally conservative Republican lawmakers who, at the time, were on the fence about whether to raise the sales tax from 4.0 to 4.5 percent to get money to help boost the pay of teachers, whose average wage was lowest in the nation. The first vote to raise the sales tax to help teachers lost by one vote in the House of Representatives, and Partridge recalls that his amendment helped push a second vote on the sales tax hike through the House and eventually into law.

I think there were legislators that were wanting to get us out of last place in teacher pay, but had heartburn about raising taxes, Partridge said in a recent interview. This amendment was one way to say if we receive the money, well lower the rate and so were not really growing government.

Last summer, the state prevailed in the landmark Supreme Court case against Wayfair and other online sellers, and in November, new sales tax revenues started rolling in.

To follow up on his 2016 promise, Partridge said he met with lawyers in the Legislative Research Council, the group that helps draft legislative language and protects the legality of actions taken by state government.

The result was this years Senate Bill 86, which strikes all the language in his 2016 amendment and clears up what Partridge describes as ambiguities in the process of determining how much new money is being collected from online retailers, what time frame is used to determine if the $20 million threshold is met and how a sales tax reduction would take place. The measure passed through the Senate 28-6.

The bill states that the $20 million must be new money in one calendar year derived as a result of the high court ruling and that the sales tax would be reduced the following year. The bill names the Appropriations Committee as the entity to manage the process in the Legislature.

The sales tax could be reduced by 0.1 percent a year to no lower than 4 percent; sales tax rates charged by municipalities, capped at 2 percent, would not be affected.

In recent committee meetings and in an interview with News Watch, Partridge said his bill simply lays out a legal process for calculating the new revenue and then creating language to reduce the sales tax rate as promised in 2016.

Its my amendment and I fully intend to reduce the sales tax rate, he said.

But opponents of SB 86, including several lawmakers from within Partridges own party, note that as in all legal matters, the devil is in the details.

Vocal opposition arises

The opponents say the bill language is problematic in that it removes the trigger that would require future legislatures to reduce the sales tax. In fact, the measure states that the Appropriations Committee may file a bill to reduce the sales tax rate if online collections top $20 million, rather than it shall file such a bill.

It leaves it all discretionary into the future, Sen. Lance Russell, a Hot Springs Republican who serves on the Taxation Committee, said at a recent cracker barrel event. If you think these people have any intention of reducing the sales tax, think again.

Furthermore, some lawmakers have argued that the $20 million threshold should not be restricted to collections from a single calendar year, but instead should lead to a sales tax reduction anytime the new revenue exceeds $20 million.

The bill had a bumpy path through three meetings of the Senate Taxation Committee before it passed 4-2. At one point, it was amended to use the new revenues to reduce the sales tax on food, though that amendment was stripped away two days later.

At the last minute, Russell tried to kill the bill, but was rebuffed by the committee.

The political action group Americans for Prosperity South Dakota has taken a strong interest in SB 86, and opposes the measure, said Don Haggar, a former Republican lawmaker from Sioux Falls who is now state director of the national lobbying group.

He testified against the bill in the Senate committee, saying the language, particularly the word may, provides too much leeway for future legislatures to find justification to not reduce the sales tax as promised in 2016.

I dont think that carries enough weight, Haggar said.

He also said the process for determining the new online revenues is vague in SB 86 and does not address complex situations in which an online retailer could open a building in the state, or in which a business with a store in South Dakota sees its online sales become dominant.

How do you measure that growth when its a moving target? he said.

Haggar said he is working with the Legislative Research Council on a separate measure that could use a so-called vehicle bill  one filed early in the session without language that has its intent language added later  to accomplish his groups goal of upholding the pledge to reduce the sales tax rate. The prosperity group has hinted of bringing the sales tax reduction measure to a statewide referendum if it doesnt believe actions taken by the 2019 Legislature go far enough to ensuring the rate gets reduced.

Partridge said the Appropriations Committee is best equipped to make decisions on sales tax projections and any potential reductions in the rate. He noted that if the new revenues came close to $20 million in one year, but technically did not reach the threshold, the committee could still file a bill to reduce the rate.

He acknowledged that current events could also play a role in the actions future appropriators would take.

Its integral for them to reduce the tax rate in conjunction with estimates of the revenues based on what else is going on, based on econometrics and potential current events, Partridge said. Even with the sales tax increase, we continue to have a very low burden on the citizens of South Dakota.

That description doesnt totally jibe with what Partridge, then a House member, said when introducing his initial amendment on the House floor in 2016.

In those remarks, he assured his colleagues the amendment would bind future legislators to reduce the sales tax rate.

The 0.5 percent sales tax rate increased implemented in 2016 raised roughly $108 million a year, of which about $68 million went to raise teacher pay and another $40 million for property tax relief for residents.

Since the debate over Senate Bill 86 began, there has been no indication that the sales tax revenue provided to teachers or for property tax relief would be affected.

A call for flexibility

Sen. Susan Wismer of Britton, the lone Democrat on the Senate Taxation Committee, said that future legislatures should have some flexibility in determining whether to reduce the sales tax. She said there may come a time when the $20 million threshold is met, but that the sales tax should not be reduced if money is needed to solve a social services or health care crisis, similar to what the state is now seeing with the closings of nursing homes.

She said the opposition to SB 86 is rooted among hardline fiscally conservative Republicans who refuse to raise taxes no matter what the consequences are to the residents of the state.

They dont want to acknowledge the cost to society and this state of their refusal to adequately fund education and health care, she said.

Wismer, who voted in favor of SB 86 in committee, said more moderate Republicans see the data and understand our terrible rankings in umpteen categories and know that we want to do better, and are willing to take the hard votes to make that happen.

How a lawmaker votes on the measure and whether the sales tax rate ever gets reduced, could also serve as fodder in future election campaigns, not unlike how the vote to raise the sales tax for teacher pay in 2016 came up as an election issue in some 2018 races.

Wismer said lawmakers should put the needs of South Dakotans above any pledge or commitment they made to never raise taxes.

Its important to our communities, because state government isnt just about a healthy state government, its about the health of our citizens, and we are ignoring the health of our citizens over bragging rights to have the No. 1 business climate and lowest state tax ranking.

Estimates of how much new sales tax revenue will be generated by the remote online sellers vary wildly. Prior to the Supreme Court ruling, state officials said South Dakota was losing an estimated $48 million to $58 million a year in uncollected taxes from remote online retailers, though it is unlikely that full amount would ever be collected.

Partridge said he suspects the state will see right around the $20 million mark per year, though the figure could rise as more retail purchases are made online over time. He added that reducing the sales tax by a tenth of a percent would probably cost the state about $24 million in lost revenues based on current collections.

Gov. Kristi Noem, who has said she supports efforts to lower the sales tax rate if new collections are high enough, said in her recent budget address that online sales now make up nearly 10 percent of retail sales in the state and that online sales are growing by about 15 percent a year.

If the state receives a windfall of new revenue due to our new remote seller law, we should return that windfall to the taxpayers, Noem said. I know there is interest in clarifying this language, and I want to be part of that conversation.

Senate Bill 86 has moved to the House for debate, where it will be considered by the House Taxation Committee.
George F. Will

Washington Post Writers Group

In 1994, the Clinton administration decreed a bright shining future for education. Its Goals 2000 legislation proclaimed that by that year Americas high school graduation rate would be 90 percent and American students would lead the world in math and science achievements. Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., was unimpressed: That will not happen. It didnt, to the surprise of no one with an inkling of realitys viscosity.

Bill Clintons (then Congress) goals, which Moynihan compared to the Soviet Unions penchant for delusional grain quotas, illustrated what the senator called the leakage of reality from American life. Speaking of which:

Democrats, including many presidential candidates, have endorsed something that makes Goals 2000 look like the soul of sobriety. The Green New Deals FAQ sheet says:

In 10 years America will have only non-carbon renewable energy. (Exxon Mobil plans to produce 25 percent more oil and gas in 2025 than in 2017.) By then, every building in America will be environmentally retrofitted, farting cows (methane gas; say goodbye to hamburgers) will be on the way out, fast electric trains will make airplanes unnecessary, every combustion-engine vehicle will be gone (but relax: charging stations will be everywhere).

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, averse to government by arrested-development teenagers, dismissed the Green New Deal as a suggestion. Its enthusiasts, buffeted by gales of derision, responded with gusts of dissembling as implausible as the GND: Their fact sheet was a mere draft, or a dirty trick (doctored), or something.

Do they know how the actual New Deal fared? Devoted to curing unemployment, the unemployment rate never fell below 14 percent until 1941, eight years into the New Deal, as America prepared for war. The 1937-38 depression within the Depression was the twentieth centurys third-worst recession.

Every endorser of the GND thereby endorses its claim to life-and-death urgency, yet  cognitive dissonance alert  every endorser knows that none of it will happen. Its authors say, There is no time to waste. Strange. The last Democratic administration, which departed just 25 months ago, proposed approximately none of what the GND says we cannot survive without.

The GND has no practical importance, but much significance. First, it underscores the rise of the politics of gestures that are as flamboyant as they are empty: Donald Trump has his wall, the left has its GND. Second, it reprises the progressive desire to militarize everything but the military, to conscript everyone into vast collective undertakings that supposedly justify vast excisions from personal liberty and the setting side of pesky constitutional impediments. See Franklin Roosevelts call in his first inaugural address for power as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe.

Third, the GND reveals progressives embrace of Trumps political style, a stew of frivolity and mendacity. Remember his campaign boast that he would erase the national debt  not just the budget deficit, the then $19 trillion debt  in eight years, meaning by more than $2 trillion a year? This was ludicrous, but not more so than the GND, which is not the only example of the Trumpification of the left. The Wall Street Journals James Freeman notes that last year Elizabeth Warren said this on NBC:

My mother and daddy were born and raised in Oklahoma. My daddy first saw my mother when they were both teenagers. He fell in love with this tall, quiet girl who played the piano. Head over heels. But his family was bitterly opposed to their relationship because she was part Native American. They eventually eloped.

Bitterly? Because of the mothers Native American part? Which could not have been much more than Warrens still-hypothetical miniscule part? As Freeman writes: If Native American ancestry was so distant on her mothers side that the senator has never been able to name any native relatives  and even now her own DNA expert cannot rule out the possibility that she has no such relatives at all  how would her fathers family have known enough to object?

What a tangled web we weave ... . It is now reasonable to conclude that Warren has made birther claims for self-serving reasons that remain opaque, claims that are no more factual or unimportant than the birther fabrications Trump concocted for use against Barack Obama. What explains Trump and his progressive emulators? No doubt many things, but begin with the leakage of reality from American life.
Weather Alert

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS ISSUED A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR MONICA ROSE DOWNS. MONICA IS A 39 YEAR OLD, WHITE FEMALE, 5 FEET, 7 INCHES TALL, AND WEIGHS 105 POUNDS, WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES. SHE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING A WHITE TANK TOP, WITH BLACK AND WHITE YOGA PANTS, AND BLACK FLIP FLOPS. MONICA WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE AREA FROM WASHINGTON STATE WITH HER BOYFRIEND. SHE WAS LAST SEEN NEAR BOZEMAN, ON I-90 AROUND MILE MARKER 321. MONICA AND HER BOYFRIEND WERE POSSIBLY ARGUING IN THE PULLOUT AREA AT THE TOP OF THE BOZEMAN PASS. MONICA HAS NOT BEEN SEEN OR HEARD FROM SINCE THE ARGUMENT. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR MONICAS SAFETY DUE TO SOME OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING HER DISAPPEARANCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON MONICA DOWNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 406-582-2100 OR CALL 911.

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TUESDAY TO 8 PM MDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Temperatures up to 102 degrees expected for multiple days. * WHERE...Bitterroot Valley, Missoula, Highway 93 Sula to Lost Trail Pass, Lolo Pass, Highway 200 Bonner to Greenough, Highway 83 Seeley Lake to Condon, and I-90 East Missoula to Bearmouth. * WHEN...From noon Tuesday to 8 PM MDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
*UPDATE June 10, 2020: Due to the outrage caused by the death of George Floyd and the surge in actions being taken to support our black communities, this archival post from our partners at KQED is getting a lot of fresh traffic. To keep the content current, we have fact-checked and updated the post to let you know what remains openduring COVID-19, many of these eateries have shifted gears to temporarily offer takeout and delivery only.

February is a time for us to honor Black History Month with art, music, and, of course, food.

There are a number of chefs around the Bay Area providing a special menu this month, but, with this guide, you can support black-owned restaurants doing their thing year-round.

Isla Vida The menu at Isla Vida. (Grace Cheung, for KQED) In our last visit to Isla Vida, chef-owner Jay Foster and co-owner Matthew Washington told us, "We're trying to touch on a few of the little things that we really like, try to represent it really well and hopefully make our ancestors proud." Though it took over a decade to get the idea to be a reality, their Caribbean-centric restaurant finally opened last year in the Fillmore district, the former "Harlem of the West." Black-owned restaurants previously thrived there, but now Isla Vida (in a space formerly taken by another black-owned business, Black Bark BBQ) is just one of a few black-owned businesses in the neighborhood. There's not many places to get Caribbean food in the Bay, and Foster and Washington have definitely done their research. As Trevor quotes in his piece about the restaurant, Foster is simply "trying to follow the footsteps of our ancestors culinarily. The food of the Diaspora is very similar...it just depends on where the boat stopped." // Isla Vida, 1325 Fillmore St. (NoPa), islavidasf.com *UPDATE June 10, 2020: Isla Vida is now permanently closed.*

Kendejah Restaurant Have you sampled Liberian cuisine? Time to visit the Bay Area's only Liberian spot, Kendejah Restaurant in San Leandro (which Check, Please! Bay Area visited in Season 13). According to the owner, Dougie Uso, he wants you to feel like you're visiting a friend's house, so the vibe is very friendly and casual, but you can get a dash of history with your food at the same time. Recommendations from the show? Oxtail stew, attieke with fish and jollof rice to name a few. // Kendejah Restaurant, 197 Pelton Center Way (San Leandro), kendejahrestaurant.com *UPDATE June 10, 2020: This restaurant is open for pick up and delivery via Seamless, Grubhub, Doordash, UberEats.

Reve Bistro Chef Paul Magu-Lecugy, a classically trained French chef whose esteemed resume includes the Gerard Besson in Paris, La Bastide de Moustiers, and the Ritz Carlton and St. Regis in San Francisco, always had dreams of opening a bistro that offers a five star dining experience at an affordable price. Today, Magu-Lecugy owns and operates Reve ("dream" in French) in Lafayette, offering Lamorinda residents the chance to experience a traditional French bistro, not unlike those he experienced during his childhood in Paris. With an extensive wine list (mostly French and some Californian) and seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients, Reve (which made an appearance on Check, Please! Bay Area) offers a culinary escape to France, without the price of a plane ticket. // Reve Bistro, 960 Moraga Rd, suite F (Lafayette), revebistro.com *UPDATE June 10, 2020: Open for takeout via revebistro.com.

Brown Sugar Kitchen Chef Tanya Holland, making her famous buttermilk fried chicken and cornmeal waffles. (Wendy Goodfriend) This is an honorary mention since Brown Sugar Kitchen made the 2017 list! Chef and owner Tanya Holland opened Brown Sugar Kitchen in 2008 on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland, but that location closed in the latter half of 2017 to make way for Holland's projects in Uptown Oakland and the San Francisco Ferry Building. For anyone that has been missing the buttermilk fried chicken and Holland's other signature items, the Ferry Building location just opened! For now, you can also try making some of that fried chicken and cornmeal waffles with her recipes on Celebrity Chefs. // Brown Sugar Kitchen, 1 Ferry Building, suite 41, brownsugarkitchen.com *UPDATE June 10, 2020: Brown Sugar Kitchen's Ferry Building location has permanently closed. The Oakland location is open for pick up and delivery via trycaviar.com.

Horn Barbecue A platter for two at Horn Barbecue. (Grace Cheung, for KQED) Despite making its mark as one of the best Texas-inspired barbecue eateries in the bay, cooking barbecue wasn't always owner and chef Matt Horn's goal. According to Horn's bio, after grilling a particularly bad batch of spare ribs, Horn vowed to "never cook bad cue again" and took to his grandmother's backyard to perfect the art of pit-smoking meats. To say Horn has honed his meat-smoking techniques is an understatement; with days to prepare between each pop-up, no shortage of time and dedication is put towards preparing meats (including brisket, homemade sausage and pork cuts), as well as homemade rubs and sauces. You can catch Matt Horn, and his 500-gallon custom smoker, Lucille, at various pop-up locations around Oakland; check Horn Barbecue's Facebook page for future dates and locations. // hornbarbecue.com *UPDATE June 10, 2020: Open for takeout via hornbarbecue.com. For more black-owned eateries, see below.

Black-Owned Restaurants in San Francisco Miyako Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, currently not taking online orders, call (415) 931-5260 for more details. Auntie Aprils, currently not taking online orders, but will soon according to their Grubhub page. Sheba Piano Lounge, temporarily closed; donate to their team GoFundMe. Little Skillet, open for pick up and delivery via chownow.com. Queen's Louisiana Po-Boy Cafe, currently open for takeout, call-in orders at 415-656-0711. Radio African Kitchen, open for takeout; order at radioafricakitchen.com and DoorDash. Frisco Fried, open for pick up via friscofried.biz and delivery on DoorDash. Yvonne's Southern Sweets, open for curbside pickup by calling (415) 368-7900; check out other Bay Area locations currently carrying her famous butter cookies here. Amawele's South African Kitchen, temporarily closed. Club Waziema, temporarily closed. Two Jacks Nik's Place, open for pickup and delivery via DoorDash and Postmates. International Smoke, open for pick up and delivery at michaelmina.net.

This article was written by Grace Cheung and Daphne Ford for KQED's Bay Area Bites; it was first published on 7x7 in February 2018 and has been updated for closures as of June 10, 2020. It is an updated guide to KQED's 2017 Celebrate Black History Month At These Black-Owned Bay Area Restaurants. Sadly, some of the restaurants covered in that 2017 list have closed since then, so KQED created this new one. Please note, this guide does not include every black-owned restaurant, bar, bakery or pop-up in the whole Bay Area, so please feel free to add any favorites we may have missed by tagging KQED on social! You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
by Ali Minai

Most people see understanding as a fundamental characteristic of intelligence. One of the main critiques directed at AI is that, well, computers may be able to calculate and compute, but they dont really understand. What, then, is understanding? And is this critique of AI justified?

Broadly speaking, there are two overlapping approaches that account for most of the work done in the field of AI since its inception in the 1950s  though, as I will argue, it is a third approach that is likelier to succeed. The first of the popular approaches may be termed algorithmic, where the focus is on procedure. This is grounded in the very formal and computational notion that the solution to every problem  even the very complicated problems solved by intelligence  requires a procedure, and if this procedure can be found, the problem would be solved. Given the algorithmic nature of computation, this view suggests that computers should be able to replicate intelligence.

Early work on AI was dominated by this approach. It also had a further commitment to the use of symbols as the carriers of information  presumably inspired by mathematics and language. This symbolic-algorithmic vision of AI produced a lot of work but limited success. In the 1990s, a very different approach came to the fore  though it had existed since the very beginning. This can be termed the pattern-recognition view, and it was fundamentally more empirical than the algorithmic approach. It was made possible by the development of methods that could lead a rather generally defined system to learn useful things from data, coming to recognize patterns and using this ability to accomplish intelligent tasks. The quintessential model for this are neural networks  distributed computational systems inspired by the brain.

Over the last three decades, neural networks have become exceptionally good at many tasks that the algorithmic approach had failed on, and gone on to even bigger things such as beating grandmaster at chess and Go. However, neural networks have run into their own limitations. It can be argued that not every aspect of intelligence can be reduced to pattern recognition. To be sure, neural networks can do other things too, such as organizing data into useful representations, storing and recalling complex memories from partial cues, finding structure in complex data, and so on  all important aspects of intelligence. However, every task requires its own kind of network, trained on its own data, and in its own way. Ultimately, each neural network too is just an algorithm, albeit one that is not pre-designed by a clever human designer, and of a form that can be adapted flexibly to multiple tasks and implemented in distributed hardware. These are big improvements, but can they lead to the kind of general intelligence that one expects even from a rat or a lizard, let alone to human intelligence? The difficulty of doing so can be seen in the fact that, while neural networks  and their latest form, deep learning  are being applied widely to information-driven tasks such as image processing, recommendation, text analysis, etc., they are meeting with considerably less success in more performative ones such as building intelligent robots. This is largely because behavior is not a specialized task, but a very general one. A robot that can only do a few things is not much more intelligent than a backhoe. Intelligent behavior requires engaging with the complexity of the world in the wild, not in controlled situations or on specific tasks. There is no deep learning system for that  so far.

But why not? And can there never be such a system?

Insight into this can be gained by looking at how AI is tackling what is arguably its most challenging area: Language. After decades of evolution, the AI of language  usually called natural language processing or NLP  has branched into two approaches mirroring the algorithmic-symbolic vs. pattern recognition divide of AI in general. The first approach looks at language in terms of symbol manipulation, leading it to focus on grammar, syntax, prosody, etc., as fundamental to turning meaningful words into meaningful expressions. This is an extremely laborious task, requiring a great deal of knowledge and organization of information, not all of which is easily automatable. Dictionaries must be constructed, ontologies built, and texts parsed to make sense of them. As a result, systems that adhere to this approach do not scale easily, and are typically limited to specific tasks. The other approach is data-driven and based on the assumption that applying a large, flexible learning system such as a powerful neural network to vast amounts of natural language data will infer meanings, learn analogies, translate texts, and thus understand language without explicit design: Dictionaries and ontologies will emerge; syntax will be accounted for implicitly; grammar will be sublimated after serving its purpose without ever being dealt with explicitly.

To some extent, this has been uncannily successful, as exemplified in methods such as word2vec and fastText  and most spectacularly in the language model GPT-2, which can generate extremely complex, comprehensible, and grammatically correct texts on arbitrary topics after being primed with a brief snippet. The approach has shown that, in many cases, linguistic tasks that might have been thought to require sophisticated analysis can indeed be accomplished in a rather simple  even mindlessly automated  way. However, when one compares the performance of even the most sophisticated deep learning methods to human performance, it is dismal. Nowhere is this seen better than in machine translations, where much lauded systems such as Google Translate or the translator built into Facebook fail miserably and comically when faced with translating languages outside a narrow set. Douglas Hofstadter and others have suggested that this is precisely the result of a failure to operate from understanding, which, they say, is very different than just recognizing patterns. And this brings us back to the original computers dont understand critique. If they could, they would surely be able to behave intelligently, engage in complex conversation, solve difficult problems, and be creative. In other words, they would demonstrate artificial general intelligence (AGI), not just the narrow types of AI seen in todays systems. So what is understanding, and why is it important?

Two related points need to be made before looking at what understanding might be. First, the critics who dismiss every performance of a complex task by a machine as mere calculation need to specify how exactly one can know that something is not calculation. What can one ask of a putatively intelligent system beyond that it generate intelligent responses in a general sense, i.e., not just on narrowly specific tasks? To ask for anything more is just a kind of dualism  a demand for a disembodied mind, an immaterial soul. Second, one reason why it is difficult to extend the presumption of understanding to machines is a primordial notion of agency embedded in the human psyche, which assigns agency to those systems  mainly humans and animals, but not necessarily all of these  that are considered to be like us  i.e., of the same category  and deny it to the rest. Both these issues are exactly what the Turing Test seeks to address.

But even with these qualifications, there is clearly something missing from the current AI systems. One possibility is that we are just early in the process, and AGI will emerge from the current way of doing AI at some point  that we have the principles right. I expressed this optimistic opinion some time ago, but it is becoming clearer that fundamental changes are needed that move the AI enterprise towards a less reductionistic, goal-driven paradigm, and give greater space to the emergent, creative aspect of intelligence that are fundamental to understanding.

The good news for a pattern-recognition based approach to intelligence is that, in fact, understanding is a form of recognition*. We understand something when we find a resonance for it in our own mind; when the relationships involved click into place by fitting some template that already exists within our cognitive repertoire. The feeling of understanding is the internal perception of this resonance. But there is a very important difference between the recognition involved in understanding and the pattern recognition performed by most neural networks. The latter respond to recognizing a pattern declaratively, saying that is a car or there is a dog in the lower left corner of the image, or by classifying a review as good or bad. This, clearly, is a necessary component of understanding, but not a sufficient one. The pattern recognition involved in understanding is internal to the animal, and goes beyond the declarative: It is fundamentally generative.

When some piece of information clicks into a mental template, it immediately makes possible the generation of many new things: Ideas, analogies, intuitions, insights, expressions, etc. This is because the web connecting such things already exists within the mind, for which an understood idea acts as a stimulus. Integrated intelligent behavior is possible because, as information flows continuously into the brain-body system, it is processed within this unitary but multi-level web of perception, memory, and behavior that has been put in place by genetics, development, and previous experience. Intelligence arises only in the context of this web. If we want to produce general intelligence, we have to focus less on teaching machines to do very specialized tasks, and concentrate instead on understanding how the web of the mind comes to be, and how it is instantiated in the physiology of the brain and the body. Ultimately, perception, cognition, and behavior are all memory  a deep, complex, layered memory from which the environment continuously generates patterns. Some of these patterns are perceptions; others are thoughts or ideas; and some are behaviors. A thought is a pattern of activity across cells of the brain; and action is a pattern of activity across the muscles of the body. Both are intimately connected and in continuous coordination.

Ultimately, the data-driven, machine-learning based view of intelligence is not very different than the earlier algorithmic-symbolic view. Both concentrate on procedure, albeit at different levels and in different ways. The algorithmic view makes the procedure explicit. The neural network approach embodies it in the architecture of the network and the learning procedure  algorithm  it uses to acquire its intelligence. Both visions are fundamentally reductionistic, seeking to solve the problem of intelligence piecemeal, in the hope of eventually putting it all together. This did not work with the algorithmic-symbolic approach, and it likely will not with neural networks  especially since researchers in the field have every incentive to focus on finding useful and lucrative solutions to particular tasks, and almost none for addressing the larger problem. Even those who try to look at the big picture end up focusing on issues such as mental architectures or cognitive maps  general and important, to be sure, but still far from the level of integration needed. Most importantly, too much (though not all) of todays data-driven AI uses supervised learning, i.e., learning in a goal-driven manner from data labeled with correct answers. Almost none of the learning done by animals is supervised. Rather, it is based on the perception of regularities in the world (unsupervised learning), or the experience of consequences (reinforcement learning). Such learning is more uncertain, but also potentially more creative.

Notably, the most successful AI models today, such as GPT-2 and AlphaZero, make substantial use of these learning modes, for which well-developed methods exist in the field of neural networks. This is one way in which the neural approach has a decisive advantage over its earlier algorithmic methods. Another one is that, however imperfectly, it is grounded in the principles of biology and biophysics. As such, there is the possibility that more sophisticated and biologically informed versions of neural networks could, in principle, get closer to general intelligence. They will do so, not by running as abstract programs on disembodied GPU clusters, but by being embedded in behaving bodies that can experience the world directly and build minds for themselves. And, as we know from biology, minds are not built from scratch: Much of the framework for this is pre-configured by evolution into the genetic code, and instantiated physically by development. The biases  the priors  configured into the body by these processes serve as the scaffolding on which experience builds the mind through continuous learning. Somehow, from the arrangements of sensory receptors, neurons, muscles, tendons and joints, there emerges a behaving animal with intelligence. If we want to build artificial intelligence, we will need to build bodies with minds, not just neural networks that can learn to play Go.

The limitations of current AI methods show up in many ways, but one simple example will suffice to illustrate the main issues. One of the most successful recent advances in automated processing of language has been the development of word embedding methods such as word2vec, which allow words in any language to be represented as vectors in a semantic space that can be inferred automatically by a neural network using a large amount of text (e.g., the entire content of Wikipedia). This technique has also been extended to phrases, sentences, documents, and even to networks. One astonishing  and purely emergent  capability of the representations produced by word2vec is the automatic production of analogies. Given the pair of words man : woman and queried with the word king?, the system returns queen as the likeliest response. It also works for France : Paris, with Italy? yielding Rome. Very impressive! And most reports make this point before moving on (read this for a nice overview).

However, it is instructive to look at the results reported by one user of the method in a recent blog. He trained the word2vec model on a very large body of hotel reviews  clearly a biased source  and then queried it for various analogies. Sure enough, analogizing man : woman with king? produced queen as the likeliest match, but the second likeliest match was kingsize, followed by double, twin, and queensize! It is obvious what has (hilariously) happened here (or is it?) The poor network, with its knowledge limited to the pros and cons of hotels, associates the words king and queen with mattress sizes, not with humans. But then it is interesting that the man : woman template did return king : queen. A complete explanation of this would be hard to find  it is unlikely that the hotel reviews included anything about real kings and queens or even men and women!  but perhaps the system inferred something about size. In any case, the opacity of the system is not the issue  humans too are often at a loss to explain why they think something. The issue is the kind of error being made, and why.

The limitations of the system become even clearer when human : house, queried with bird? produces charlie, brandt, horse and frankies! And grass : green queried with sky? leads to woodside, ravenscourt, beihei, and belsize. Clearly, something is amiss, and it is not hard to guess what it is. The system is being asked to do the impossible in two ways. First, it is being asked to use knowledge about a single domain  hotels  to answer general questions. But a human would never be in that position except in very peculiar circumstances. The problem humans face is usually the opposite: Being asked to say something on a specialized topic based on generic knowledge  as is on painful display at most US Congressional hearings! This is because the human experience is automatically that of the world at large. The general in artificial general intelligence comes  in part  from the generality of experience that any human (or other animal) undergoes. Only computer programs and animals in captivity are limited to narrow experiences. But a second  related  point is even more important: The knowledge in the human mind is connected and grounded across many modalities of experience.

Even to a person who has never met a king, the word king conjures up feelings, thoughts, images, stories, legends, visions of pomp and grandeur, of war and peace, and many other things based on their own subjective experience. Crucially, a person thinking of a king automatically identifies him as a fellow human, which links him immediately to the persons own perceptions, needs, emotions, and desires. Their understanding of queen is in context of all this, and is thus a far richer informational object than that which emerges in the computer  even in one that has been trained on all of Wikipedia rather than on hotel reviews. Of course, the word king, also activates many things  called features  in the computer, and it would be incorrect to say that these are different in principle from those activated in the human mind, but there is a difference in the source of the features.

The features in word2vec come from the analysis of word statistics; those in the human brain are laid down by genetics, development, and experience of the physical world. In other words, the latter are grounded in experience  not only at the individual level, but the experience of countless generations as distilled into the genome by evolution  not just from relationships between words. The hope is that human language, in all its complexity, has captured enough of the worlds complex reality that one can infer most of human experience purely from the patterns of language  or from images, or audio, or video data. This hope is not as vain as it might appear, and is the inspiration behind some of the most ambitious computational projects in history, such as Googles Knowledge Graph. Even more ambitiously, GPT-2 embodies a generative approach to learning language that actually begins to resemble the processes of the mind, but still learns all its knowledge from text rather than experience. It can thus generate plausible texts  e.g., fake news  and engage in natural conversations. Most importantly, it can make inferences and statements that go beyond what it was taught explicitly, thus evincing a degree of thought and creativity. Will this approach bootstrap its way to truly general intelligence, or remain confined to superficial tasks?

At some point, it may become impossible to answer this question, since general plausibility of response is indistinguishable from understanding. However, the likelier scenario is that, as long as systems such as GPT-2 remain confined to learning only from text rather than from actual experience, they will not become sufficiently grounded to achieve the elusive goal of AGI. A system such as GPT-2 but using much more than just text, implemented in a complex robot with multiple modes of sensing and the capability to act, would be another matter  and one that requires very careful thinking.

In his masterpiece, The Lady of Shalott, Alfred Tennyson describes a character from the Arthurian legend who is cursed to remain in a tower, looking at the world only through a mirror, and weaving the mirrors magic sights into her web. AI today is, it seems, in its Lady of Shalott stage, trying to weave four-dimensional reality into a two-dimensional web by looking into the dim, distorting, and often deceptive mirror of data. Eventually, even the Lady of Shalott had to exclaim, I am half-sick of shadows, but it was only when Sir Lancelot showed up in her mirror that she finally decided to look upon the world rather than its reflection. This encounter with reality did not end well for the Lady of Shalott, and perhaps it will not for the builders of AI, since creating an autonomous embodied intelligence with open-ended learning capabilities is ultimately the path to Skynet and Ultron. That seems far off for now, but you never know..

* * *

* This comes close to the assertion of Recognition Theory that all cognition is recognition  a phrase used by Jung in the context of unconscious knowledge, but much discussed by epistemologists and psychologists with regard to cognition in general. However, here the reference is only to the feeling of understanding, which is certainly not all of cognition.
by Jeroen Bouterse

I dont know how much you know about Petrarch. My guess is that you know him as a poet, primarily for his sonnets. Maybe you associate him with early Italian humanism and its reinvigorated dedication to the wisdom of classical Antiquity. Or perhaps you think of him as someone who expressed transcendental truths about the soul and its searching and wandering nature.

All of this may be true. As of recently, however, I cant help but think of him as that guy who spent dozens of pages (more than 80, in a modern printed edition) yelling at a physician.

Or yelling at all physicians, possibly. Petrarch is slightly abstruse about the extent to which he seeks to put down physicians in general, or some subclass of physicians, or this singularly annoying physician in particular.

Petrarch never set much store by physicians. He lived through the horrors of the Black Death, and seems to have concluded from the destruction caused by the Plague that medical professionals were as powerless as anyone against the will of God. When the pope in Avignon fell ill (with a different illness), Petrarch thought it prudent to advise him, in writing, against relying on his doctors. The doctors were none too pleased, and one of them must have written a rebuttal of Petrarchs letter. It is to this doctor that Petrarch devoted what grew into four books of seething invective.

A small taste:

Cease [] to infect people in good health with your leprosy and with the maladies of your ambition and avarice. You are a manipulator of your patients, an insincere and disgusting adulator, if I correctly judge your nature. In the hope of a vile little gain, you frequent the latrines of both popes and paupers. By contrast it is my custom to frequent verdant woods and solitary hills, desiring only knowledge or glory. (I. 6)

Liberal and mechanical arts

In the paragraph quoted here, Petrarch sought to justify his intercession with the pope. For yes, all right, the pope had recovered from his illness; but no doubt, he would have done so even sooner if his physicians had been on the far shores of India. What started out as an argument about the lacking efficacy of medicine and the legitimacy of pointing that out, however, quickly developed into a disparagement of the status of medicine as a profession.

The immediate cause, as it appears from Petrarchs response, was that his hated doctor had been so insolent as not merely to defend his own profession, but also strike back at Petrarch where it hurt: by attacking poetry. This was uncalled for, Petrarch sulked; after all, he hadnt attacked medicine in verse. Now that the question of the relative status of medicine and poetry was on the table, however, Petrarch readily escalated it: what was at stake, to him, was the priority of the liberal or the mechanical arts.

The tradition of the liberal arts went back to classical Antiquity, though it was only in the early Middle Ages that a canon of seven arts had crystallized: the trivium of grammar, rhetoric and logic, and the quadrivium of geometry, arithmetic, astronomy and music. As not all subjects fitted comfortably within the framework of these seven arts, some medieval authors had sought to expand upon them. John Scotus (9th century) suggested that there were seven mechanical arts to parallel the liberal arts: crafts such as agriculture or metallurgy. Hugh of St Victor (12th century) had fleshed out a broader function of these mechanical arts, and included medicine among them.

Petrarch, aware of this tradition, wielded it against his opponent: to him mechanical was principally a term of abuse. In the search for truth, he sneered, I admit every kind of learned man. I exclude only those who practice mechanical arts. Without question, the liberal arts were above the baser mechanical crafts; the more strongly Petrarch could frame medicine as a craft, the more freely he could kick it down. In his second invective, Petrarch expanded upon this motif to deride his opponent for having the nerve to write at all:

Hurry, philosophers! Hurry, poets! Hurry, scholars! Hurry, everyone who writes books anywhere! Your business is at stake. A mechanic is writing books. [] Were done for. Even cattle and stones will write. (II.45)

Philosophers, poets, physicians

In his response to Petrarch, it seems that the physician had sought to reinforce the ties between medicine and philosophy. Those ties were strong already: in Antiquity, the physician Galen was at the same time a respected natural philosopher, and the Arabic writers who became eminent authorities in the later European Middle Ages (such as Averroes and Avicenna) were physicians-philosophers. Medicine was not a mere craft, but a learned and scholarly activity, intimately tied to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in general. The burden of proof was upon Petrarch to show that medicine was not philosophical.

Instead of proof, Petrarch had more abuse to hurl at his opponent. No, he said, clever syllogisms dont make a philosopher; following that godless Averroes doesnt make a philosopher. The bottom line was that a practitioner of a mechanical art could never be a philosopher:

How can I believe that you are a philosopher, when I know you are a mercenary mechanic? I gladly repeat this term, since I know that no other reproach stings you more. I often call you a mechanic, not by chance but by choice; and I call you a second-rate one, to cause you more pain. [] By now, others may be calling you a philosopher. But I shall not consider you a philosopher, no matter how many methods you cram into every line you write. (II.89)

Undisputed between Petrarch and the physician was that the title of philosopher was worth striving after. But what, precisely, was worthy of the name philosophy? The physician had made a stab at Petrarch by wielding the authority of the respected philosopher Boethius against poets, who in his Consolation of Philosophy wrote how philosophy sent away the Muses. In the Middle Ages, philosophy was seen as requiring clear, methodical and responsible reasoning. Within the trivium, the highest art was logic, a discipline in which Petrarchs opponent seems to have found him lacking.

Petrarch, indeed, had a view of wisdom that involved less logic and more rhetoric; less methodical and strict thinking, more imagery and poetry. We may discern here the beginnings of a humanistic perspective in which language is more than just a vehicle for thought. It has value and beauty of its own. It has its own power aside from its content  power which we may see Petrarch as testing here, by verbally eviscerating his opponent. That at least is my most charitable reading.

In this reading, Petrarchs attack, vile though it was, had everything to do with his identity as a poet, a learned man, and a spiritual being  with precisely the things he has become famous for, as the first great writer of the Italian Renaissance. By driving medicine out of philosophy, Petrarch was making room for something else to replace it.

The good life

Philosophy, by all accounts, included ethics. In the third book of his invective, Petrarch dealt with the claim that medicine had something to teach us about living well. According to the physician, medicine helps us live well, and the liberal arts serve to help medicine do that. Speaking well, then, is ancillary to living well. This became, to Petrarch, the ultimate issue: O mechanic, if you can prove to me that medicine teaches us to live well, then the arts will justly serve medicine because it insures what all the rest aspire to. (III.151)

Of course, medicine couldnt teach this. As a mechanical art, it concerned the body, not the soul. Evidently, the noble art of rhetoric would never be subordinate to it:

I come to the crux of our debate. I say that even if you enslave all the arts, however free, as servants of your humble and mercenary trade, because they are useful and necessary to your goal  and I dont know what justifies this  then rhetoric will never be your servant. (III. 155)

Rather than claiming the art of rhetoric and eloquence for its own, medicine had better know its place and be completely mute. It did not serve its patients by long speeches. In fact, those speeches only enabled it to hide its many failures: through eloquent oratory, physicians might try to shift the blame for the deaths they caused onto their patients. It was all empty words. Driving the motif of speech and silence to its extremes  speech befitting the philosopher or poet, silence the mechanical arts and therefore the physician  Petrarch now cried out for some friend of the republic [to] do what nature left undone. Let him cut off your tongue. (III. 161).

In the fourth and final book, Petrarch tied his own solitary lifestyle to his attack against medicine. Apparently, the physician had attacked Petrarch for his solitude. Petrarch was unsurprised that the profit-seeking class of physicians felt itself naturally drawn to city life: hating solitude is typical of a mechanic (IV. 177). Petrarchs solitude had been more spiritually and socially beneficial to him than the physician could imagine, he boasted: no one has shown me his urine, but many great people have intimately revealed the secrets of their souls. My wishes came true. I was dear to illustrious people, and unknown to the masses. (IV. 196) This is a thinly veiled challenge, and it may remind us of what started the row in the first place: here are two different kinds of scholars vying for the ear and favor of popes and princes.

In these four books, Petrarch seems to take care never to construct a sustained and structured argument in favor of anything  every sentence is just another insult, or the same insult another time; just pages and pages of screaming abuse. Yet, slowly but surely, he is making a point: there is a new kid on the block, a new model of thinking about the relation between language and life; a new ideal of scholarship and of philosophy; or, in even more anachronistic terms, a second culture. Other humanists would continue to make this point, even if they found more dignified ways to express it. The Florentine chancellor Coluccio Salutati, for instance, would write a witty but respectful book about the priority of law over medicine (in response to a certain Bernard of Florence who had systematically argued the opposite case). But if you ask me, it started here, with Petrarch yelling at a doctor.

Reference

Franceso Petrarca, Invectives against a Physician in: Petrarca, Invectives. Edited and translated by David Marsh. Harvard University Press: Cambridge (Mass.) 2003, p. 2-179.
by Max Sirak

Step-by-step, breath-by-breath, thought-by-thought, our feet carry us toward our future. (How Things Find Us, Kevin Dann)

All of our contact with the world starts with our feet (Yoga Ranger Studio, Aprille Walker)

They are our vehicle. They move us in any direction we choose. They are the first impression we make. They are our calling card, hug, and handshake with the world.

They are our feet.

It Was A Day Like Any Other

I needed a new pair of shoes. Need is the appropriate word. Despite my intellectual acceptance of impermanence, I think anything I buy should last forever. (See this shirt? I bought it at a concert in high school.)

Its also fair to note  sartorial excess isnt a vice I embrace. For example, I own a single pair of jeans. When they begin to fall apart, Ill get a new pair. This is the general way I approach my wardrobe.

So, as I was trying to tape my left shoe back together, it became apparent the time for patchwork fixes had come and gone. There was no re-attaching my sole.

It was time to discard the old that I might regard new.

My first instinct was to go online. It is, after all, 2019. I have the power to click buttons and make things appear, as if by magic, at my door. However, having been burnt once or twice (three times a lady?), Im wary when it comes to ordering online the wears I wear.

Lucky For Luckys

Fortunately, the loss of my sole stuck while I was visiting my parents. They live in Northeast Ohio. And, little known fact it may be, Northeast Ohios shoe game is strong.

Lucky Shoes is locally-owned. This year marks their centennial celebration and the store is a family favorite. Its where my grandmother took my mom and her brother to get their first pair of shoes.

My grandmother, (aint she cute?), was a woman who knew the sorrows of a sorry fit. She was in her 20s, a full grown woman, before she got her first pair of new shoes. Prior to that, she was stuck with hand-me-downs.

I digress.

Into Luckys I went. Being a relic of a different age, Luckys stays true to the old ways of retail. Things like customer service and a knowledgeable sales staff matter. Upon entering the store, you sign in. When its your turn, your own personal shoe consigliere comes to your aid.

My name was called.

And Thats When I Met A Girl Named Maria

(And my feet will never be the same.)

After getting a sense of what I was looking for, Maria lead me over to the appropriate section. She showed me some shoes and asked me to choose a few I liked. Then, she told me to have a seat and busted out her trusty Brannock Device.

(You now, the thing-a-ma-jig people at shoe stores use to measure your feet.)

Charles Brannock was a man after my own heart. Or, to be more temporally accurate, I his.

He built the prototype of his titular device out of an Erector Set while in college. Also, Im guessing because he too believed the things you buy should last forever, Brannock refused to manufacture his device out of plastic. He instead chose steel.

Feet, it turns out, are like folks. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Meaning one-size-fits-all is a poor strategy.

Brannock knew the importance of getting the heel-to-toe length right. No one likes having their tootsies mashed. However, he also realized there were other equally opportune metrics.

Back to Maria

She adjusted the Brannock device. It looks like your toe-length is about an 11. But youve got high arches. So, I think an 11.5 would be a better fit for you, she said. Let me run into the back and grab a couple for you to try on.

Back she came, boxes stacked high over her head. When she sat, I asked her about arch length.

Feet are all different, she replied. Im not sure most people appreciate what that actually means. Personally, I think fitting for arch length makes way more sense than toe length.

Makes sense, I said. Bodies are all different. Feet are parts of our bodies, that means feet are all different too. Tell me more about arches.

Maria laughed. Evidently most customers arent as inquisitive as I am. Theyre weird, she said. We arent born with them. They develop on their own. Usually, when were between the ages of five to seven. Do you have kids?

I dont.

Well, if youre ever hanging out with any kids that age, and you notice them walking kinda funny, thats their arches coming in.

Get out! I said. I meant it too. I have a strangely vivid memory of overhearing my grandfather talking to my dad when I was kid. It was summertime. I was barefoot. We were all at a pool and he wanted to know why I was walking so funny.

So, then that makes shopping for shoes online kinda tricky, right? I asked.

It does. She continued, Most people dont know their own arch lengths. Honestly, Im not sure most people even know that arch length is a thing. Plus, theres no industry standard between toe length and arch length. Each manufacturer does it a little different.

She finished lacing me up and told me to stroll the store.

The shoes felt good. They were roomy, which I liked, but to a hazardous degree. My heel kept slipping out.

I returned to my seat. Theyre great, I said. Except my heels swimming around back there. Is there another pair I could try?

Actually, let me try something else first, said Maria. Im going to give you a runners lace. It should stop that from happening.

I think the ambient overhead Muzak record skipped.

Wait. What? I asked.

She laughed. Yeah, so it turns out therere many ways of lacing up shoes that change the way they fit and feel. When I started working here, they made me learn some of them. There was even a quiz. This any better?

Mind. Blown.

It was like I was walking around in a totally different pair of shoes. But I wasnt. It was the same comfy shoe Id enjoyed a moment ago, but my heel wasnt squirming. Maria was right.

I sat back down. She must have read the surprise on my face because I didnt speak a word.

Crazy, right? she said.

I feel like Ive been lied to my entire life, I admitted. I had no idea there were other ways to lace shoes. Not to mention how lacing affected fit. Plus, everything you taught me about arches? Maria, you rock.

I gave her a high five.

I hate shopping but this has been one of the best retail experiences of my life. I said. I learned so much. Im going to tell everyone I see. People have to know.

She laughed and walked me to the register. I paid for my purchase, thanked her again, and stepped out in my new shoes.

Keeping My Word

I learned a while back the importance of being impeccable with my word. As good as Ive been about my podalic preaching, telling those whos path I crossed, I knew I could do better.

This being the largest platform Ive got  I decided to take it to the Quarks.

Below are some lacing links. The first one is my favorite. What can I say? Like finds like. Steve the Faithful Runner had me with the all the action figures in the background of the intro.

His video features lacing techniques for a wide foot, a narrow foot, a high arch, for heel slippage, and for black toe nails.

If Steve isnt your speed, try these:

Lacing for wide or narrow feet (video)

Lacing to prevent unsightly toenails (video)

If video isnt your thing (webpage)

Aprille Walker and Kevin Dann are right. Its with our feet we meet our future and the world.

Dont we owe it to both of them, and Maria, to make sure we put our best, most comfortably supported foot forward?

***

Max is almost finished ghostwriting his second book. He really appreciates being able to write for 3qd.
Dongsi Culture Centre, formerly known as Dongsi 77 Courtyard, is located in one of the 25 historical and cultural heritage areas in the old city centre of Beijing. It has been set up as the first historical and cultural region in China. In order to alleviate the non-core functions of capital, the project focuses on its historical context, protecting the ancient capital scenery and cultural assets.

March Urban Art Centre, a team based in Beijing, is committed to transforming the space into a showcase with the spiritual and cultural features of the Dongsi Community, upgrading the original space into Dongsi Museum. The renovated museum space will serve as a space for cultural practice and experience.

Front yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Front yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

"The display techniques we suggest to interpret a listed building include: remaining sympathetic to the existing fabric through minimal interventions; creating a distinct legibility between old and new; finding non-destructive ways of attaching physical elements to the building; making reversible interventions; and most importantly, privileging non-intrusive interpretive techniques such as audiovisual presentations, projections and live performance," said March Urban Art Centre.

Front yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

The design team added that "meantime, space will carry the function of cultural popularization education, showing that Capital Urbanization Group attaches great importance to the social responsibility of cultivating and creating a good social and cultural environment for the next generation."

Tiling array. Image  Weiqi Jin

Spatial installation

Time and Tile

In the process of urban development, a large number of traditional courtyard buildings are gradually disappearing. The tiles, the core element of Beijing courtyard buildings, has become the symbol of historical buildings. Starting from the appeal for the protection of traditional culture and combining with contemporary art, we have created the Time and Tile as an artistic space. From the artistic point of view and by means of artistic installations, we appeal to everyone to remember history and culture, with inherited beliefs and spirits.

Tiling array. Image  Weiqi Jin

Tiling array. Image  Weiqi Jin

Through the trail, into the tiles space, transparent tiles float with the rhythm of traditional music. The Combination of Historical Element Tiles and Modern Material. It represents the perfect combination of past and future, history and modern.

Cultural showroom in the west side house of the middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Cultural showroom in the middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Cultural showroom in the middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Cultural showroom in the middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

The cultural showrooms allow visitors to know the history and culture of Dongsi area.

Middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Middle yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Public Art

Armillary

Material: Stainless Steel

Size: 12.7m L

Introduction: An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky (on the celestial sphere), consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on Earth or the Sun, that represent lines of celestial longitude and latitude and other astronomically important features, such as the ecliptic. As such, it differs from a celestial globe, which is a smooth sphere whose principal purpose is to map the constellations.

Back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Stella

Material: Stainless Steel

Size: 0.8m R

Introduction: The concept of spherical shape with 28 star images comes from the cognitive thinking mode of the universe of the ancient Chinese. The star images are most commonly used in 28 stars, occasionally referring to four images (or four-dimensional, four beasts) and three plains. Twenty-eight perches on the zodiac are usually divided into four large celestial regions. They are named "four symbols" by the name of animals. Each scenery contains seven perches:

Oriental Dragon (including Jiao, Kang, Di, Pang, Xin, Wei);

North basalt (including Dou, Niu, Nv, Xu, Wei, Shi);

Western white tigers (including Kui, Lou, Wei, Xie, Bi, Xie);

Southern Suzaku (including Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi).

Washroom in the back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Training room in the back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Training room in the back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

Training room in the back yard. Image  Weiqi Jin

March Urban Art Centre explained that "the design approach to the narrative makes the heritage story of time and space relevant to todays visitors, by revealing the connective threads between the past, present and future. The renovation space will be appealing to diverse audience groups, shared experiences interweave with interpretation targeted specifically for children, adults, learning and engagement participants, community members, specialists and enthusiasts."

Aerial view. Image  March Urban Art Centre

Plan. Image  March Urban Art Centre

Section. Image  March Urban Art Centre

Project info.:

Project: Dongsi Culture Centre  77 Courtyard Renovation Project

Location: 77 Courtyard, Dongsi Sitiao, Beijing, China

Design Company: March Urban Art Centre

Producer: Jeffrey Zhang

Planning and Public Art: Dr. Jack Tian

Design Principle: Rik Zou, Jing Liu

Design team: Xingang He, Changxin Zhao, Qiang Fu, Liying Qiu

Client: Capital Urbanization Group

Project Type: City Renovation

Site Area: 1023 sqm

Design Period: 2017.9-2017.12

Completion Date: 2018.10

Photographer: Weiqi Jin

Top image: Front yard  Weiqi Jin

> via March Urban Art Centre
WATERLOO  Police have arrested a Waterloo man who has allegedly been on the run for more than five years in connection with a 2013 shooting.

Officers received a tip about the whereabouts of Willie Douglas Guyton Jr. last week and found him cleaning his vehicle at the Kwik Star on West Ninth Street on Friday, said Maj. Joe Leibold with the Waterloo Police Department.

Guyton, 48, was arrested on warrants for willful injury causing bodily injury, felon in possession of a firearm, intimidation with a weapon and going armed. He was also arrested for failing to appear for court in a 2012 operating while intoxicated case.

According to police, the shooting victim, Carlos Fontez Calhoun, was at a friends house at 26 Ricker St. around 3:35 p.m. on June 23, 2013, when someone opened fire on the house.

Calhoun suffered injuries to a wrist, a shoulder and his head, mostly from bullet fragments and debris, police said. He was treated at Covenant Medical Center.

Witnesses reported seeing Guyton outside the house before the shooting, according to police.

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CEDAR FALLS  A Cedar Falls woman who was hospitalized after her home caught fire Thursday afternoon has died.

Fire officials on Sunday confirmed Melissa Jensen, 42, died Saturday at 6:40 p.m. at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City where she was taken following the blaze.

An autopsy performed by the Johnson County Medical Examiner Department will determine the cause of death. Authorities said those results likely wont be finalized for several months.

Police Chief Jeff Olson said there are no indications of anything suspicious. He said no one else lived at the house.

The cause of the fire hasnt been determined, and the Iowa State Fire Marshall Division is assisting with the investigation.

Crews were called to Jensens home at 2216 Victory Drive around 5 p.m. Thursday after a neighbor noticed smoke. Firefighters and public safety officers found a fire burning in the basement and Jensen unconscious inside near the front door. A locked car containing her two cats and pet supplies was idling outside.

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Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany signaled at the Munich Security Conference she has no intention of being a slave to President Trumps knee jerk foreign policy.







By James DiGeorgia

On Saturday Chancellor Angela Merkel speaking at the Munich Security Conference made it clear that our European allies will not succumb to American demands to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

In what may be her last speech at this yearly international security conference, Merkel gave a passionate speech, that made it clear that she believes the best way of influencing Iranian behavior on a range of non-nuclear issues, from missile development to terrorism is by staying in the historic nuclear agreement and remaining engaged.

Ms. Merkel went on to criticize other unilateral moves, President Trump without mentioning his name including withdrawing U.S. troops from of Syria, Afghanistan and the U.S. decision to suspend the Intermediate-Range Missile Treaty with Russia, which directly impacts European security. Her speech was met in the crowded auditorium with a standing ovation, while Ivanka Trump, as well as the Russian foreign minister and a high-ranking Chinese official, all pointedly remained seated.

Ms. Merkel reception at the security conference was in sharp contrast to the polite near-silence that greeted Mr. Pences reference to President Trump. The silence of the audience in response to his reference to President Trump seemed to jar the Vice President. The response shows that our European allies growing anxiety over President Trumps erratic leadership, decision making and see it as a threat to European security.

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Vice President spoke after Chancellor Merkel and despite her clear message made minutes before that she and Europe will not withdraw from the Iranian nuclear deal, Pence repeated the Trump administrations demand in Warsaw that Germany, France, and Britain join Washington in pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal saying 

The time has come for the Europeans to leave the Iranian nuclear deal,

Vice President Pence speech has very little to do with multi-national cooperation and instead was a laundry list of list of demands the Trump Administration has for its European allies that focused on solely American interests with a focus on Iran as an evil regime...

The Iranian regime openly advocates another Holocaust, and it seeks the means to achieve it.

Chancellor Merkel lamented over the split over Iran by saying it depresses me very much, but she stressed that Europe and United States were ultimately pursuing the same goal and was also concerned about Iranian behavior saying

I see the ballistic missile program, I see Iran in Yemen, and above all, I see Iran in Syria.

The only question that stands between us on this issue is, do we help our common cause, our common aim of containing the damaging or difficult development of Iran, by withdrawing from the one remaining agreement?

Or do we help it more by keeping the small anchor we have in order maybe to exert pressure in other areas?

Merkel strenuously defended multilateralism. She stressed that collective solutions were the only way to tackle global challenges  from a rising China to climate change to mutually beneficial trade.

The chancellor was especially pointed on the Trump administrations decision to withdraw from Syria, asking

Is that not also strengthening the possibilities for Iran and Russia to exert influence there?

Vice President Pence continued with President Trumps accusations that the Nordstream 2 gas pipeline agreement between Russia and German, which bypasses Ukraine, and was giving Russia a possible tool to pressure the West

We cant ensure the defense of the West if our allies are dependent on the East,

Ms. Merkel said that Europe was buying Russian natural gas, regardless of the sources of delivery citing the fact that even during the Cold War

We imported large amounts of Russian gas. I dont know why times should be so much worse today.

Do we want to make Russia only dependent on China? Is that our European interest? she asked. I dont think so.

Merkel mocked the idea that German cars could be considered a national security threat by the United States

If that is viewed as a security threat by the United Stateswe are shocked.

Declaring that BMWs largest plant was now not in Bavaria but in South Carolina, Merkel added We are proud of our cars, and so we should be.

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After both leaders had delivered their speeches, many said the difference in tone and reception by the audience was stark. Amanda Sloat, a scholar with the Brookings Institution in Washington and a former official in the Obama administration, was quoted as saying 

In contrast to Merkels visionary outward-looking speech that triggered warm applause, Mr. Pence delivered a stilted defense of Trumps achievements to a skeptical audience.










BMW Manufactururing Facility Spartanburg, NC





Besides making Vladimir Putin ecstatic; a new Commerce Department report delivered a report on the auto industry will likely trigger tariffs of up 25% against imported cars and car parts. Were on the verge of a complete meltdown of European U.S. Relations.







By James DiGeorgia

The intellectual dishonesty of the Trump administration reached a new level of mendacity today.

President Trump received a report from his Commerce Department that could serve to damage European, U.S. relations severely.

The Commerce Report blatantly confirms the fears of German Chancellor Angela Merkel that President Trump will declare European car imports a threat to the United States. A prospect that Merkel labeled as frightening during her speech at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend,

This report was written with one thing in mind, validating Trumps America First agenda that has to lead to trade wars with Mexico, Canada, Europe, Japan as well as China,

As part of his US President Donald Trump has already imposed a range of tariffs against allies, as well as China.

Today, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross formally submitted to President Donald J. Trump the results of the Department of Commerces investigation into the effect of imports of automobiles and automobile parts on the national security of the United States, according to an official statement issued by the Commerce Department.

President Trump ordered the investigation in May. He now has 90 days to decide whether or not to impose additional tariffs on the European exporters. He has already threatened to impose tariffs on 25% on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry even though German automakers manufacture in the United States the vast amount of their cars sold here in the United States.

While Canada and Mexico imported 17 million in 2017 that were sold in the United States, German automobile groups last year exported only 470,000 cars from Germany to the United States, according to the VDA manufacturers federation.

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Mexico and Canada have reached a new free trade pact with Washington and are expected to be exempt from any new automobile tariffs.

The Commerce Department report is likely to end the July, trade truce that President Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in which they agreed not escalate or impose new tariffs while negotiations continued. Trump increasingly under pressure by his anti-free market, America First base could set off an economic catastrophe by ratcheting up tariffs on European imports.

'Ryan Hill Gets it'







No matter how many times Trump is told that any tariffs imposed on imports amount to a tax on U.S. consumers. President Trump continues to insist that the billions collected are a windfall for the U.S. While he has collected $8 billion on tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, he has paid out over $11 billion to farmers to cushion the damaged by his trade war with China. No matter how you add it up, trade wars have no winners. Trumps trade war despite his rhetoric isnt winning and isnt making America great again.










 International UFO Museum



The International UFO Museum And Research Center is dedicated to exploring the 1947 Roswell Crash and the events that surrounded it, as well as other alleged UFO incidents in the United States and around the world.

Founded in 1991, the museum was opened to explore the details of the world famous incident when a rancher found metal debris and a giant trench spanning hundreds of feet outside of Roswell.

Housed in a former 1930s movie house, the museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Roswell, New Mexico. It boasts a variety of exhibits, displays, and information about the history of UFO encounters, as well as an extensive library on the subject matter. The museum also has a gift store with unique UFO-inspired souvenirs and many books on the subject.

114 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88203, 575-625-9495




Bill Weld's in the Republican field, while several Democrats also announced their candidacy for US president. The field is expected to grow even larger as time goes on. Speculation had been ripe as to whether any Republicans would challenge President Donald Trump.

While many would consider it a long-shot, there have been indicators that Republican voters would like another option. And it seems that they might now have one.

Bill Weld formed an exploratory committee

Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld has made his first official move in seeking the Republican nomination for president.

He recently announced the creation of an exploratory committee regarding the nomination. Weld made the announcement in the neighboring state of New Hampshire. The second state to vote in the primary process, New Hampshire would likely be essential in his plans.

Many have expressed doubts about his chances. While Trump is highly polarizing even in the Republican Party, he still has a base of loyal supporters. The Washington Post reports that a key part of Weld's platform is portraying Trump as being 'reckless in spending.'

Weld has experienced several successes and failures in politics. After an unsuccessful campaign for Massachusetts attorney general, he became a United States attorney. During his tenure, oversaw the investigation into the corruptions in the administration of Kevin White, the mayor of Boston.

After serving as a deputy attorney general, Weld was elected governor of Massachusetts in 1990. He would later win re-election in 1994 in a landslide.

While still governor, he made an unsuccessful attempt for the US Senate. He later resigned from the governorship before the completion of his term. Democratic President Bill Clinton had nominated Weld for US ambassador to Mexico.

His nomination would eventually stall due to opposition from Jesse Helms, then-chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Ultimately, Weld withdrew his name from consideration.

Afterward, Weld made run at the Republican nomination for governor of New York, losing in the end. In 2016, Weld was the Libertarian Party's nominee for vice president of the United States.

Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was at the top of the ticket. Johnson and Weld received roughly three percent of the popular vote. It was one of the most successful showings for a third party campaign in recent history.

Other candidates may also emerge

Other Republicans have also been thought of as potential candidates. Jeff Flake, a former US Senator and Representative from Arizona, has declined to run. Reuters reports that John Kasich has also 'flirted with the idea.'

Kasich ran for the Republican nomination in 2016. He served as governor of Ohio for two terms. Previously, he had been a member of the US House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate. For part of his tenure in Congress, he chaired the House Budget Committee.

Former Tennessee Senator Bob Corker has said he hasn't ruled it out. Corker was previously mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee and eventually chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse has expressed similar sentiments about the possibility.
Dying in Boulder is a new play being performed in NYCs La MaMa that was written by playwright Linda Faigao-Hall and directed by Ian Morgan. The show will preview on February 28 and open on March 3, 2019.

Dying in Boulder centers on a white American woman who identifies as a Buddhist. Living in the city of Boulder, Colorado, the woman and her mixed-Filipino family must cope with arranging the rotes of her impending funeral. Despite dealing with the somber topic of death, this play is a comedy that explores the cultural confusion that occurs in America when it comes to the processes of aging, death, and humans inability to control the inevitable.

Recently playwright Linda Faigao-Hall discussed this play and more in an exclusive interview.

Plays, theater, humor, and death

Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get into the theater and what inspired Dying in Boulder?

Linda Faigao-Hall (LFH): Ive been writing plays since I was a child in the Philippines. It was always a passion. I continued to pursue it when I immigrated in 1971. My first production was in 1984. I havent stopped writing. Dying in Boulder was inspired by a Caucasian-American sister-in-law who was a baptized Buddhist who, along with my brother, taught tai-chi at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I was there attending to her care during her last week.

She arranged for Tibetan Buddhist funeral rites; at that time, I was a practicing Catholic and was directly involved with the rituals. I was both fascinated and appalled.

MM: The play centers on a woman who is a Buddhist, are you a follower of that religion?

LFH: No. My brother was a baptized Buddhist who also taught tai chi at Naropa.

Like me, he was born and raised a Catholic until he immigrated to the US in the 70s. I fell under his influence, but I never became a Buddhist like he did. I simply dabbled in Asian mysticism, like many hippies at the time.

MM: How did you manage to include elements humor into a play about death?

LFH: Many times, when we listen to someone telling stories about attending to someone who is dying, the account always includes very humorous elements.

The interplay between profound absurdity and deep mindfulness when we watch someone die is actually a universal experience.

MM: What were the challenges of writing and staging Dying in Boulder?

LFH: How do you write a play about aging and dying and not turn people off? How do you strike a balance between moments of hilarity and profound sorrow? How do you accept aging? How do you own it? How do you not make it into a melodrama or a sitcom? How do you accept aging without aspiring to be Jane Fonda? What is a good death? The play has both exterior and interior landscapes. How does one stage interior experiences without breaking the flow? How do you dramatize American cultural appropriation without making Americans wrong?

Characters, audiences, projects, and La MaMa

MM: What do you most enjoy about the characters and what do you hope audiences remember most about the show?

LFH: I hope for audiences to be moved  very few plays move me these days  many plays are issue-driven; theyre debates about issues. I wanted to write about human beings living in the moment.

MM: How did you secure the La MaMa venue and what are the perks of working with them?

LFH: Its a trade secret. (Im joking.) I was a La MaMa supporter of Cecile Guidote, an anti-Marcos activist who fled the country during the regime. I was in a few of her productions as a performer, though I never got produced there at the time. One of the perks of working with La MaMa is their commitment to making sure you have a successful production  the space and their technical support.

MM: What other theatricalor other kindsof projects are you working on at the moment and what are your exciting plans for 2019?

LFH: I have a new full-length play called Dance Me! about Filipino ballroom dancing. It will be produced by Out of the Box Theatrics in the fall of 2019.
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.
The European Union has been urged to demonstrate trust and vision in talks with the UK at the start of a week of intense efforts to find a Brexit breakthrough.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the process was at a critical period but insisted there was a way through which could secure the support of MPs at Westminster.

His comments came as Theresa Mays effective deputy prime minister warned that a no-deal outcome would cause serious economic damage and could even put the future of the United Kingdom at risk.

Mr Hunt was speaking in Brussels at a foreign ministers meeting and is expected to have further talks with counterparts this week.

He said: What we need is trust and vision on both sides because what is at stake here is Britains relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years.

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Mrs May will meet European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days while Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay held a productive meeting with the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels on Monday.

The Department for Exiting the EU (DExEU) confirmed officials discussed the proposals of the Alternative Arrangements Working Group of Tories, who have been seeking a compromise to avoid the need for the controversial Irish backstop.

While the commission engaged seriously with these proposals it expressed concerns about their viability to resolve the backstop, a DExEU spokesman said.

We agreed to keep exploring the use of alternative arrangements  especially how they might be developed to ensure the absence of a hard border in Northern Ireland on a permanent footing, avoiding the need for the backstop to ever enter force.

Ahead of his talks with Mr Barclay, Mr Barnier said time is very short as the clock ticks down to Brexit day on March 29.

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Mr Lidington stressed the Governments determination to secure a deal and issued a stark warning about what was at stake.

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He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that a no-deal Brexit was something that no member of the Cabinet wants to see, because it would cause some serious damage to our economy and, I think, put strain on the union of the United Kingdom.

In a sign of the increased Government activity, Mrs May spoke over the weekend to seven European leaders including Italys Giuseppe Conte, following talks last week with 13 counterparts including Germanys Angela Merkel and Frances Emmanuel Macron.

She hopes to speak to the remaining EU leaders over the coming days.

But despite the intensive engagement, Number 10 insiders acknowledged it was hard to judge what progress would be made this week.

In a speech later this week, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will set out what changes would be required to eliminate the legal risk of being indefinitely trapped in the insurance policy to avoid a hard border.

(PA Graphics)

Mr Lidington said the Attorney General on Tuesday would explain how the legal tests that he has set about ensuring the so-called backstop cannot be used to trap the UK indefinitely could be met and overcome and he expected MPs to put great weight on his advice.

Mrs May had made clear that she wanted to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement to secure legal reassurance on the backstop, said Mr Lidington, though he accepted that would be very difficult.

It comes after Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright suggested Mrs May might not seek to reopen the legal text of the Withdrawal Agreement to make changes to the backstop, prompting anger from Eurosceptic Tories.

Jeremy Wright, talking about the backstop changes, said it was not the mechanism that matters but the objective (Jeff Overs/BBC)

Mr Wright implied the agreement could be amended via a codicil, saying the objective mattered more than the mechanism.

Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood said it was not possible to gloss the Withdrawal Agreement.

It needs significant changes, Im not saying a little change would be sufficient, it requires a renegotiation, he told the Press Association.

Sir Bill Cash, Conservative chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, said, if the changes were just flowery words, then the deal wont wash.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has produced its final report.

Social media sites should face a compulsory code of ethics in order to tackle harmful or illegal content online, a Commons committee has said.

The report comes after a parliamentary inquiry into fake news by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

Here are some key questions around what it all means.

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 What is the fake news inquiry?

MPs began looking into the issue of fake news in 2017 after a rising tide of hoaxers and propagandists spread misinformation on social media, either to push an agenda or make money.

As time went on, the inquiry expanded to investigate wider issues around the effect huge technology companies such as Facebook can have on citizens and society, how some individuals and companies try to manipulate people through social media, and whether Russia had a role in influencing voters in the EU referendum.

MPs from across the House of Commons heard from dozens of academics, executives, political operatives and experts between October 2017 and July 2018 before producing an interim report last year, followed by this final report.

 What does the final report say?

MPs warned that democracy was at risk from the malicious and relentless targeting of citizens with disinformation and adverts from unidentifiable sources, delivered through social media.

Much of this is directed from agencies working in foreign countries, including Russia, said committee chairman Damian Collins.

He added that big tech companies were failing in the duty of care they owe to their users to act against harmful content, and to respect their data privacy rights.

The report also said electoral law was not fit for purpose and should be updated to reflect the move to microtargeted online political campaigning.

For 2018, my personal challenge has been to focus on addressing some of the most important issues facing our community Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Friday, December 28, 2018

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Meanwhile, MPs rounded on Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, who was accused of showing contempt towards the committee by choosing not to appear before it last year.

 So what does the report recommend?

The committee said ethics guidelines were needed to set out what is and what is not acceptable on social media. The latter includes harmful and illegal content that has been flagged to the platforms by users or identified by the companies themselves.

If tech companies fail to meet their obligations under the code, then an independent regulator should be able to launch legal proceedings against them and have the power to issue large fines, the MPs said.

The committee also called for a comprehensive review of the current rules and regulations surrounding political work during elections and referenda, and separately urged the Government to put pressure on social media companies to publicise instances of disinformation.

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 What happens next?

The Government is expected to publish a white paper later this year on proposals to reform laws to make the internet and social media safer.

A Government spokesman said the Culture Secretary would travel to the United States to meet with tech giants including Google, Facebook, Twitter and Apple to discuss many of the issues raised in the report.
FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) logo is seen during the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates February 17, 2019. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo

By Stanley Carvalho

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) aims to generate $10 billion in revenue over the next five years, its chief executive said on Monday, as the wealth fund-backed group spearheads a drive to localise military spending.

SAMI, owned by the Public Investment Fund, wants exports to account for 30 percent of its revenue by 2030, Chief Executive Andreas Schwer told Reuters at a defence event in Abu Dhabi.

The company, established in May 2017, seeks to localise 50 percent of military spending by 2030 as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to diversify the kingdom's economy away from oil revenue.

"By 2030 SAMI will be more than just a regional player. We will be a truly global player, to be among the top 10 companies," Schwer said. "We won't serve only the domestic market. We will generate 30 percent of revenues from export markets by 2030."

He said Saudi Arabia has a $70 billion annual defence budget plus a $30 billion security-related budget from other ministries.

Schwer said SAMI had signed 19 joint venture deals with companies from Western Europe, the United States, Asia and South Africa since 2018 and planned to sign 25 to 30 more in the next five years.

Schwer said SAMI would not do business with Russia due to U.S. sanctions. "SAMI as an entity will not do any business with any country or company which is falling under embargo or sanctions," he said.

SAMI also planned to build a company in the kingdom as part of a joint venture with Abu Dhabi state investor Mubadala to build aircraft components for commercial and military uses. A foreign partner could join the venture.

"We are looking to acquire other existing assets as a technology provider," Schwer said.

(Writing by Saeed Azhar; Editing by Edmund Blair)
The Polish prime minister has cancelled plans to send a delegation to Jerusalem after the acting Israeli foreign minister said Poles "sucked antisemitism from their mothers' milk".

Mateusz Morawiecki had already pulled out of a meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders of four central European nations, following a comment by the Israeli leader last week that "Poles collaborated with the Nazis".

Poland's foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz had been chosen to take the prime minister's place at the meeting on Monday and Tuesday but has now cancelled the Polish participation altogether.

Israel Katz, acting foreign minister in Israel, said in an interview on Sunday: "I am the son of Holocaust survivors.

"The memory of the Holocaust is not something to compromise about. It is obvious. We will not forget, and we will not forgive.

"Poles collaborated with the Nazis, definitely. Collaborated with the Nazis. As (former Israeli prime minister) Yitzhak Shamir said - his father was murdered by Poles - he said that from his point of view they sucked antisemitism with their mothers' milk.

"You can't sugarcoat this history."

It was Mr Katz's first interview since being made acting foreign minister on Sunday.

Mr Morawiecki called the comments "racist" and "completely unacceptable".

Poland's withdrawal has triggered the collapse of the summit with the four nations known as the Visegrad group. The Hungarian and Slovak prime ministers are already in Israel and bilateral talks will take place instead.

Mr Netanyahu had said the meetings would be an important step in his outreach to central European countries.

Many have pro-Israel governments, and he is relying on them to counter the criticism the nation faces in international forums.

Mr Netanyahu's comments came as he was asked about hosting delegations from countries like Lithuania and Ukraine who have taken part in selective Second World War commemorations, playing down their countries' involvement.

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The Israeli leader said he challenges those who try to revise history.

He said: "I know the history. I don't starch it and I don't whitewash it. In Lithuania, in particular, there were some horrible things. No one is concealing that.

"This whole idea that we diminish history - we don't distort, and we don't hide, and no one has any interest in that, on the contrary."

During the briefing, Mr Netanyahu tried to deflect criticism over the deal he struck with Polish leaders on their Holocaust speech laws, which has criminalised blaming Poland for crimes against Jewish people in the Second World War.

He said: "Poles collaborated with the Nazis and I don't know anyone who was ever sued for such a statement."

He was reported by some to have said "the Poles", prompting fury.

Mr Netanyahu's office said he had referred to "Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland".

Poland was the first occupation of Adolf Hitler's regime and never had a collaborationist government.

Members of the resistance in Poland struggled to warn the world about the mass killings and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have also collected evidence that shows Polish villagers murdered Jews as they fled the Nazis, and some preyed on Jews for financial gain.
Paul Flynn - a maverick, a campaigner and a parliamentary wit - has died at the age of 84.

He was the second eldest MP in parliament and one of Labour's longest serving, elected to the seat of Newport West in South Wales in 1987.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has paid tribute, calling him a "good friend" with a "dry wit" and an "independent thinker".

Mr Flynn's was not a career of high office but instead of long-fought causes.

He was on the left of the party - a long-standing opponent of the Iraq war and Western military interventionism and the monarchy.

He was also noted as the doughtiest proponent of cannabis legalisation.

Having spent the mainstay of his parliamentary career on the backbenches, in his twilight years he achieved a final distinction: the oldest shadow cabinet member for a century.

In 2016 after Jeremy Corbyn faced an exodus of MPs from his top team, Mr Flynn was dragooned as shadow leader of the House.

He was believed to be the oldest person to speak from the frontbench since Gladstone was prime minister.

Eventually, as MPs trickled back, he was released to the backbenches, joking: "Our glorious leader, in an act of pioneering diversity, courageously decided to give opportunities for geriatrics on the front bench and this was so successful that he decided to create opportunities for geriatrics on the back bench.

"I'm double blessed."

This was characteristic of the man's wit and he was much respected across the Commons.

It will be a duller place without his colour.

This will mean the first by-election of the year in his seat of Newport West.

On paper it should be a safe Labour hold, with a majority of around 5,500.

Nonetheless as South Wales seats go, it isn't as scarlet red as many of its neighbours and was briefly Tory before Mr Flynn's victory in the late 1980s and the Conservatives are second there.

It was a Leave-voting seat and how the main parties perform will be closely watched.

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It could well be the first electoral contest after March 29th - Brexit day- or at least when Brexit day is supposed to be.

If it is delayed, it could be the first opportunity for Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party to dip its toe into the electoral waters.

But that's for another day.

For now, Welsh Labour and the party more generally will mourn one of their longest serving comrades.

First minister of Wales and Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford said the MP was a "giant of the Welsh Labour movement".

He added: "Today's news will be a source of great sadness to all those who knew him.

"He was one of the most effective communicators of his generation - inside the House of Commons and outside.

"But it was Paul's willingness to speak up for causes beyond the political mainstream which marked him out as a politician of real courage and integrity.

"I first met him more than 35 years ago, and it has been a privilege to have worked with him, in the run-up to the devolution era and beyond."

Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, described Mr Flynn as a "kind, principled, fascinating man".

She tweeted: "So very sad to hear that my lovely colleague Paul Flynn MP has died. A kind, principled, fascinating man who was devoted to his constituents & constituency.

"Sending deepest sympathy to Sam, their family & to all our comrades in @nptwestlab."
By Crispian Balmer

ROME (Reuters) - Members of Italy's ruling governing party the 5-Star Movement voted on Monday to block a possible kidnapping trial against Matteo Salvini, its coalition ally and leader of the hard-right League party.

The online ballot is meant to dictate how 5-Star senators should vote on Tuesday in a parliamentary committee reviewing whether magistrates can continue a probe into Salvini, who is also interior minister and deputy prime minister.

5-Star said on its website that 59 percent of its members had voted to protect Salvini - a result that will help defuse tensions within the government.

The contested case has sown division within 5-Star, which has built its support on pledges to bring transparency to Italian politics and has traditionally denounced parliamentary manoeuvring to halt judicial proceedings against lawmakers.

Prosecutors in Catania, Sicily, need permission to continue an investigation for alleged abuse of power and kidnapping that began when Salvini ordered some 150 migrants be held onboard an Italian coast guard ship for five days in August.

Salvini has asked for parliamentary immunity, saying the case focuses on decisions taken by the entire government for the good of the country.

Some of his supporters have questioned how he could stay in an alliance with 5-Star if it did not rally to his side.

Looking to deflect any blame over the awkward decision, 5-Star leader Luigi Di Maio decided to turn the question over to the party's membership. Some 52,000 party supporters cast a ballot despite technical issues on the website.

After the Senate's Elections and Immunity Commission rules on the matter, the issue must go before the full Senate for ratification. While some 5-Star lawmakers have indicated they want to see the legal probe continue, the online vote is likely to tie their hands.

Tensions within the coalition are running high, with the allies at odds over a long list of issues, including whether to forge ahead with a new Alpine rail tunnel between France and Italy and whether to grant Italy's regions more autonomy.

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The 5-Star blog post announcing the online vote said the decision to block the migrants on board the Diciotti coast guard vessel was not Salvini's alone, but was shared by Di Maio and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Since forging a coalition with the League last June, support for 5-Star has fallen sharply, while backing for Salvini has soared, complicating relations between the two parties.

The League has doubled its support to around 34 percent in just a year, lifted by Salvini's anti-immigration stance. By contrast, 5-Star has dropped to some 24 percent - down about 8 percentage points since national elections last March.

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Peter Cooney)
The Irish deputy premier said his government was not to blame for the Brexit impasse.

Ireland will not be steamrolled into giving ground on the border backstop, the countrys deputy premier has said.

Simon Coveney also rejected any suggestion Ireland was to blame for the Brexit deadlock, insisting responsibility lay in London.

His comments came amid efforts by the UK Government to gain concessions from the EU on the contentious backstop mechanism.

Mr Coveney outlined Irelands position as he met with UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on the fringes of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

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Afterwards, he again made clear that the backstop as agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement could not be changed.

There is a deal on the table. The British Government signed up to it. Jeremy Hunt was part of the that government. They havent been able to sell that to their own parliament, he told RTE.

And I accept that has created a lot of uncertainty, but it is certainly not Irelands fault.

The responsibility to resolve this problem in terms of the way forward needs to lie where the problem is, which is in London not Dublin.

We would be very foolish if we allowed the onus to solve that problem to switch away from Westminster to Dublin. We have been consistent, we have been fair, we have negotiated as part of an EU team with the British Government in good faith and we will continue to do that, but we will not be steamrolled in this process.

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Under the terms of the withdrawal treaty, the backstop would come into effect if a wider trade deal between the UK and EU fails to materialise at the end of the Brexit transition period.

It would ensure a free-flowing Irish border by tying the UK to the customs union while, in addition, Northern Ireland alone would continue to adhere to EU single market regulations on goods, meaning the region would operate under a different legal framework to Great Britain.

The backstop is the primary reason MPs voted down the withdrawal deal at Westminster.

Mr Coveney said any attempt to change the backstop with keyhole surgery, by either adding an expiry date or handing the UK the ability to withdraw unilaterally, would continue to be opposed by Europe.
Hundreds of passengers have been left scrambling to reorganise cancelled flights after the collapse of flybmi.

It is understood 1,500 passengers had been scheduled to fly with the airline on Sunday, a day after it announced it had ceased operations.

British Midland Regional Limited, which operated as flybmi, said difficulties which led to the announcement that it was filing for administration included increases in fuel and carbon costs, and challenges particularly those created by Brexit.

Scottish regional airline Loganair confirmed it had stepped in to take over five routes out of Aberdeen and Newcastle, and expressed its interest in the City of Derry to London Stansted route.

Cancellations notice at Bristol Airport (PA)

Loganair also said it was working on employment opportunities to strengthen the Loganair team.

A total of 376 employees based in the UK, Germany, Sweden and Belgium were employed by bmi Regional.

The East Midlands-based airline had operated flights on routes to 25 European cities, including Aberdeen, Bristol, City of Derry, East Midlands, London Stansted and Newcastle.

The news, which came the weekend many schools cross the country finished for half-term holidays, saw hundreds of passengers face travel disruption.

One university student told the BBC earlier on Sunday that she was stranded in Brussels and did not know how she would get back to Newcastle.

Mary Ward said: All the flights for me to return home are really expensive and flybmi have said they wont return the 134 that I initially spent, so I dont know how I am going to get back.

Another passenger said he had already gone through security at Bristol airport when his flight was cancelled on Saturday, and another said their planned flight this Tuesday was up the swanny then, adding: Charity event to be revisited as and when I get official word.

Civil engineer Danny McLaughlin, who lives along the Irish border, said it is the first direct effect of Brexit he has felt.

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The 46-year-old father-of-two, who lives near Buncrana in Co Donegal, had 14 flights booked through his job over the next seven weeks between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted.

He said: Im a bit stunned to be honest with you. I know airlines and things have been saying this for quite a while but it just came as a bolt out of the blue.

It was claimed some passengers were still able to make bookings on Saturday, hours before the announcement of the collapse came.

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A tweet from the airline a day earlier invited people to book a trip with flybmi to Munich for winter sports.

Rory Boland, travel editor at Which?, said: Some customers have claimed that tickets were being sold in the hours before the airline went bust, knowing full well those tickets would never be honoured, and passengers will rightly be outraged if this is proved to be the case.

Mr Boland said it is the latest incident which has seen people forced to deal with having their plans disrupted, and advised holidaymakers to ensure they have cover for their trips.

He said: Instability in the travel industry has seen several airlines collapse in the last 12 months  exposing thousands of people to the nightmare of having their trip cancelled at the last minute or struggling to get home from abroad.

That instability looks set to continue, potentially putting Easter and Summer holiday plans at risk.

Its never been more important for people to check they have some cover  by ensuring their travel agent offers Atol protection when booking a package holiday or considering scheduled airline failure as an add-on to travel insurance for those booking flights.

A statement on the flybmi website said: The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs, the latter arising from the EUs recent decision to exclude UK airlines from full participation in the Emissions Trading Scheme. These issues have undermined efforts to move the airline into profit.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, which has led to our inability to secure valuable flying contracts in Europe and lack of confidence around bmis ability to continue flying between destinations in Europe.

Additionally, our situation mirrors wider difficulties in the regional airline industry which have been well documented.

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Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40 million in the last six years.

We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable.

Customers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer to get a refund for flights, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline for details of their options.

Just two days before flybmis collapse, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling had announced the Governments commitment to the route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted for a further two years until May 2021.

Derry City and Strabane District Council said it is committed to securing an immediate replacement airline for the route.

Cancellations at Bristol Airport (PA)

A DfT spokesman said: It is very disappointing that flybmi has gone into administration and we know this will be a very difficult time for those who have lost their jobs as a result.

This will also of course be disruptive for passengers. We are fully focused on supporting those affected and are in contact with airports, airlines and other transport providers to ensure everything possible is being done to help them.

Brian Strutton, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), said: The collapse of flybmi is devastating news for all employees.

Regrettably Balpa had no warning or any information from the company at all.

Our immediate steps will be to support flybmi pilots and explore with the directors and administrators whether their jobs can be saved.

Flybmi is the latest of several airlines to collapse in recent years as firms complain about rising fuel costs and concerns about Brexit.

In October 2017, Monarch became the biggest ever British airline to suffer a collapse when it went into administration.

Customers have been advised to contact their payment card issuer to get a refund for flights, while those who have booked through a travel agent or partner airlines are advised to contact their agent or airline for details of their options.
A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, without naming any suspects. As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliament's computer network.The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators."Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he told parliament. "We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected."Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference.Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security."Our political institutions represent high-value targets," MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra. "We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent."Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits."When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldn't rule out Russia either," said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute."It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display."Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs.Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China.Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network.Officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency covertly monitored computers of U.S. Democratic candidate, Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign and campaign committees, and stole large amounts of data, U.S. investigators have concluded.(REUTERS)

A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, without naming any suspects.

As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliament's computer network.

The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators.

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he told parliament. "We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected."

Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference.

Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security.

"Our political institutions represent high-value targets," MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra. "We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent."

Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits.

"When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldn't rule out Russia either," said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

"It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display."

Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs.

Story continues

Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China.

Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network.

Officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency covertly monitored computers of U.S. Democratic candidate, Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign and campaign committees, and stole large amounts of data, U.S. investigators have concluded.

(REUTERS)
Holidaymakers stocking up on euros as Brexit looms Post Office Travel Money said sales of the euro are up by 3% year-on-year in 2019 to date.

Holidaymakers have been stocking up on euros as Brexit draws nearer, new figures suggest.

Post Office Travel Money, which accounts for one in four UK foreign exchange transactions, said there has been strong demand for euros in recent months, suggesting there is still a significant appetite among holidaymakers to travel to Europe in the months ahead.

Euro sales are up 3% year-on-year in 2019 so far compared with January to mid-February in 2018, figures provided by Post Office Travel Money to the Press Association showed.

(PA Graphics)

Sales of the euro also surged by 5% year-on-year in November and December 2018 compared with the same months in 2017.

As well as planning holidays to Europe, some holidaymakers may be considering changing their money now because they are unsure about potential future currency swings in the uncertain political and economic climate.

Sterling remains resilient against the euro, around 2% up on its position a year ago.

Those travelling overseas for half-term will find sterling has strengthened against many currencies compared with a year ago, making holidaymakers cash go further on their getaways.

Post Office Travel Money said sterling has strengthened over the past year against 18 of its top 40 best-selling currencies.

Sterling has strengthened particularly against the Turkish lira, with holidaymakers seeing their money go the equivalent of 98 further on a 500 currency transaction compared with a year ago.

Visitors to Iceland will get the equivalent of nearly 50 more on a 500 currency purchase than a year ago.

Andrew Brown, Post Office Travel Money expert said: There is little doubt that the strength of sterling will exert some influence on holiday choice in the coming months and that is why it is important for people to do their homework before booking.

Our research has shown that over two-thirds of holidaymakers bust their budget by nearly 100 on their last trip abroad.

Story continues

Choosing a destination where sterling is performing best and where the cost of meals, drinks and other tourist staples is low could help to prevent that.

Sterling has also strengthened compared with a year ago against the South African rand, the Swedish kronor, the Russian ruble and the Brazilian real.

But those travelling to some long haul destinations may find their spending power has weakened compared with a year ago, with sterling having weakened against the US dollar, the Thai baht and the Hong Kong dollar.
New Zealand, West Auckland: A bridal party rented a holiday home online, to prepare for a wedding. However, it turned out that their rental unit had a 360-degree camera concealed inside a light bulb. The New Zealand Herald reported that it was capable of recording sound and video. Bridesmaid Sarah Muir told the NZ Herald that they "were pretty violated. If we hadn't have found that, we would have been getting changed in there the next day."

Bridal party in New Zealand found the camera in the lounge, dining area

Stuff News reported that photographer Michael Kouk went to the rental accommodation on Friday to meet with the bridal party.

When they discovered the concealed camera, it was located in an open-plan lounge-come-dining area. However, the party of people could not discover any other hidden cameras. For all they knew, there could have been one elsewhere. The party of people were so concerned that they changed in the bathroom.

Discussing the incident with TVNZ1s Breakfast show on Sunday, Kathryn Dalziel, a privacy consultant, said that it's not the "first time" this sort of thing happened. She noted that there's cause for concern as it's illegal to Film people in underwear. In fact, if that had happened, the guests in the rental could have "laid a complaint" with the police. However, the bridal party made their protest to the Privacy Commissioner.

360-degree camera allegedly found in rental booked via Booking.com

The home that contained a secret camera that could reveal a 360-degree view was allegedly in a home advertised on Booking.com. Both the NZ Herald and Stuff News mentioned that particular online accommodation site. However, Otago Daily Times wrote that the party of people were "angry after discovering a camera hidden in a light bulb at their Airbnb accommodation." It should be noted that Airbnb and Booking.com have separate websites.

In any event, Booking.com was approached by Stuff for comment.

What concerned the bridesmaid who spoke to NZ Herald, was the fact that next day they would have been using the accommodation to get ready for the wedding. She was horrified at the potential privacy invasion. She also mentioned that they found the camera after watching a news segment about "a man who put double-sided mirrors in his bathroom." Weirded out by that, they checked and discovered the camera inside the light bulb.

It had a black dot in the centre of it. The cameraman told Stuff that it made a slight whining sound.

Concealed cameras must be declared to guests of rental homes

In New Zealand, cameras inside homes must be declared to guests. If not, they face the possibility of charges of invasion of privacy. In this instance, the guests allegedly were not informed about its presence. What do you think of the news that if you book a rental accommodation unit online in New Zealand, there may be a concealed camera recording what you do? Have your say in the comments section.
The Sparrows have been whistling from the roofs for quite some time that Nvidia is preparing to release a Geforce GTX 1660 Ti. The 1660 Ti is one of the most highly anticipated GPUs of this year. The rumour mill has already spoken several times regarding 1660 Ti, which might strike a kind of bridge between Pascal and the previous Turing graphics cards. According to Tom's Hardware, the GPU is going to be Nvidia's first Turing-powered 12nm Gaming graphics card that will not come with the real-time ray tracing capability.

The release date of Geforce GTX 1660 Ti

An official release date of the rumoured Nvidia graphics card is not confirmed yet. However, NDTV reported that the GPU might launch on February 22. If rumours are to be believed, the graphics card will come up with 6 GiByte and 3 GiByte models. On the other hand, 1660's Non-Ti version might be unveiled during the beginning of March. GTX 1650 will also be launched; the entry-level graphics card is due to go on sale in late March. The official prices of all the versions are not known yet. However, speculations suggest that GTX 1660 Ti will indeed cost 279 USD.

Meanwhile, the snapshots from videocardz.com were released, comparing the TU116-400-A1 GPU to the heart of the Geforce RTX 2060 - TU106-400-A1.

It was speculated in advance that the TU116 GPU is based on the TU106, it is now clear that this is not the case. Notably, Asus has registered several custom designs of the graphics card with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC). In addition to 6 GiByte models, several are listed with 3 GiByte memory.

GPU got listed

The custom design of the GPU was already confirmed by the end of January by the EEC.

Four models registered the manufacturer with the economic commission. The leaked picture of the GPU shows the 4 + 2 VRM phase design; there is also an 8-pin power connector and six memory chips from Micron. A German Amazon listing shows graphics card with a triple-fan cooler, backplate, three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI port, reports NDTV.

The Twitter user Tum Apisak has found the benchmark of GTX 1660 Ti on a website. The GPU was tested in 2560x1440 at high graphics settings and ranks just above the GTX 1070 or a Vega 64. Austrian-based dealer I-CS also lists two custom designs by Zotac in advance. In Russia, several dealers have listed the first custom designs of the Geforce GTX 1660 Ti with the specifications including reportedly 12 instead of 14 Gbps fast GDDR6 memory.
The terror attack acknowledged by the Jaish-e -Mohammed which resulted in 44 CRPF troopers being killed has caused widespread anguish in India. Prime minister Modi has said that Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for this act. He has promised the Indian people to revenge for the suicide bombing at Pulwama. The Hindustan Times has quoted defense experts who have said that India has multiple options to avenge the terror attack which India claims emanated from Pakistan. This includes using air power, precession air strikes. Surgical strike at key targets and other covert operations.

Indian action

On the home front, the Indian government has announced a free hand for the security forces to combat the terror outfits in the valley and the security provided to the Hurriyat leaders has been withdrawn. In addition, the government has withdrawn the MFN status to Pakistan and tax on Pakistan goods exported to India hiked to 200 percent. A diplomatic offensive has been mounted to inform the entire world of the hand of Pakistan in fomenting terrorist activity. BBC has reported that India will ensure the complete isolation of Pakistan as it has "incontrovertible" evidence of its involvement.

The situation in Kashmir is tense, and passions in India are running high. The Modi government after making many bellicose statements will find it hard to backtrack, and in case no action is taken it will reflect badly on the BJP in the coming general election just two months away.

Limited war

Many defense experts feel that a limited war may be in the offing. Lt. Gen. DS Hooda, who retired as Northern Army commander under whose aegis the 2016 surgical strikes were conducted, has said that the government would be under pressure to take action against Pakistan. He was of the view that Not taking Military action is not an option."

Pakistan claim

Pakistan has denied any involvement and claimed the Jaish-e- Mohammed is banned in the country, but facts speak otherwise.

The chief of the Jaish -e- Mohammed, Maulana Masood is free to move around Pakistan and is respected despite the International community including the USA, having designated him a wanted terrorist. This has been stalled in the UN by China aspiring to be the world's number one power and Pakistan's all-weather friend.

Future

The Indian military will have to think hard how to react militarily to Pakistan.

The jingoist statements of Narendra Modi should have been followed by some action but precious time has been lost, and as per reports the Pakistan military has already depopulated the terrorist launch pads and camps. Thanks to the inaction by India the question has now become like a catch- 22 situations for India.
A haunting teaser trailer was recently released for season 3 of "The Handmaid's Tale," showing hundreds of handmaids gathered in Washington, DC in what appears to be a protest. The story is an extension of that in Margaret Atwoods book of the same name.

As noted by Lad Bible, these chilling words were heard in that trailer: "We were asleep before. Now we're awake." Judging by the images below, the handmaids are awake indeed and are protesting against the dystopian circumstances under which they are forcibly raped to produce babies for the commanders' barren wives. That trailer is included here.

"The Handmaid's Tale" season 3 is set to air on Hulu in the US on 5 June 2019, and it is expected that it will air on Channel 4 in the UK soon after.

While it was a teaser trailer, the producers and Film crew couldn't exactly hide their film set in Washington, DC, which shows the handmaids gathered in their hundreds. In the image at the top of this article, it can be seen that the Washington Monument has been converted into a giant cross.

Kenneth Vogel of The New York Times commented on the perfect timing of the filming, as it took place on the same day US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over his border wall desires. Funnily enough, the show is about a totalitarian regime toppling the US government after the army had declared a national emergency.

Refinery29 reports that many images soon appeared on Twitter of the filming of season 3 and some are included below.

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Many South Korean holidaymakers were injured after their tourist bus collided with a trailer truck at the entrance of the Hai Van Tunnel in central Vietnam on Monday afternoon.

The accident happened at around 12:10 pm along the road leading to the Hai Van Tunnel, a more convenient and shorter alternative to the Hai Van Pass, which lies at the border of Da Nang City and Thua Thien-Hue Province.

The tourist bus was traveling from Thua Thien-Hue to Da Nang when it crashed into the truck running in the opposite direction.

Initial information showed that 11 people on the bus were injured, most of whom are South Korean visitors.

Both vehicles were damaged following the collision.

The trailer truck and tourist bus following the collision. Photo: Tuoi Tre Contributor

The injured were brought to the hospital for emergency treatment, as police arrived at the scene for investigation.

Traffic along the route was back to normal at around 1:30 pm the same day.

The number of accidents along the Hai Van Tunnel has recently increased due to the rising volume of traffic.

Mondays incident came less than a month after a tourist bus crashed into the fence and overturned inside the tunnel in late January, injuring five people.

More than 10,000 vehicles travel through this route on a daily basis, according to data released late last year.

This volume of traffic is nearly three times the average daily number of vehicles in 2005, when the structure was put into operation.

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Read what is in the news today, February 18!

Society

-- The scorching heat of up to 36 degrees Celsius that has been baking southern Vietnam since last week is expected to decrease in both intensity and area of effect over the next few days, while high tides peaking at 1.5 meters are forecast to cause inundation in some areas in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.

-- Hanoi chairman Nguyen Duc Chung has asked the administration of Long Bien District to investigate a claim by a local resident that his house was illegally demolished by neighbors to build a road while he was absent during the Tet holiday.

-- Police in Binh Phuoc Province in southern Vietnam said on Sunday they had booked three drivers and one attendant of passenger buses moving on the National Route 14 for testing positive with narcotics while operating the vehicles.

-- A trailer truck driver was killed and seven others injured in a seven-vehicle pileup among a semitrailer, a pickup truck, an SUV, two vans, and two motorcycles on the National Route 1 passing Thanh hoa Province in north-central Vietnam on Sunday.

-- Police in the northern province of Dien Bien is conducting a second autopsy on the body of Cao My Duyen, a female college student who was murdered and had her body thrown into an abandoned pig pen while delivering chickens to a customer on February 4, after testimonies from two suspects in the case did not match which results from the first autopsy.

-- Vietnamese police in the north-central province of Ha Tinh on Sunday busted a shipment of nearly 300 kilograms of narcotics from Laos into Vietnam and arrested a Laotian transporter who drove the van that was carrying the drugs, as a second suspect who had escaped from the vehicle is being hunted by authorities.

Business

-- Experts estimate that Vietnams current underground or non-observed economy is worth around US$50-60 billion, or 25-30 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP), as the government has plans to transform this sector into observable economy by 2025.

-- State-owned Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) is withdrawing from a $522 million project to mine salt in the Lao province of Khammuane after 15 years of pouring money into the megaproject, with experts estimating that losses can amount to trillions of Vietnamese dongs (VND1 trillion = $43.3 million).

-- Flowers and fruits are selling like hot cakes in Vietnam as the first full moon of the new lunar year (February 19) nears, when residents are expected to pay worship and make offerings as per local tradition.

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One person was killed and seven others injured in a multiple-vehicle crash involving a trailer tractor, a pickup truck, three automobiles, and two motorbikes in the north-central Vietnamese province of Thanh Hoa on Sunday morning.

The accident occurred on a section of National Highway 1A in Quang Tan Commune, Quang Xuong District at around 7:00 am, according to the provincial traffic police division.

Preliminary information showed that a trailer truck first rear-ended a pickup truck before slamming into the median strip.

The trailer truck is on its side following the pile-up crash. Photo: Thanh Hoa traffic police

The trailer truck then hit two motorcycles traveling in the opposite direction and only stopped after crashing into a house at the side of the highway.

Meanwhile, after being hit by the tractor trailer, the pickup truck also collided with three other automobiles running in the same direction.

The trailer truck driver, Dao Dau Tuan, 40, was killed on the spot, while seven people were injured.

The pickup truck is damaged after the collision. Photo: Thanh Hoa traffic police

Among them, three victims on the two motorbikes needed emergency treatment due to their serious injuries.

At the crash site, the trailer truck was on its side, while its cabin was heavily distorted. The other vehicles were also severely damaged.

The porch of the house collapsed following the accident.

It was raining on Sunday morning, making the roadway wet and slippery.

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A contractor in Ho Chi Minh City has recruited and provided a living for a group of construction workers who are deaf and mute people for nearly a decade.

Ho Vu Anh Tuan, a 36-year-old director of a construction company, has not felt any regret after deciding to employ a team of physically challenged workers some seven years ago.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters met Tuan at the construction site of a four-story house in District 12 as the man was moving his arms around, trying to instruct the team.

Despite their disability, they are very skillful. Communication was a challenge at first but we have been able to understand each other over the years, Tuan said of the workers.

Upon graduation from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Tuan spent three years working before starting his own company, the man said.

During his time working at a construction site in the southern province of Binh Duong, Tuan saw a group of young men dredging a local canal and sewer.

They were working hard but often yelled at and even beaten by their employers whenever they made mistakes, Tuan recalled.

He found out the workers were deaf and mute people before inviting them to work with him without any hesitation.

Two of the disabled workers came to his workplace the following day, Tuan said, adding that the number doubled a week later. There are currently eight of them, who are between 30 and 40 years old.

They prefer working there thanks to a better salary and environment, the contractor elaborated.

After finishing their construction in Binh Duong, Tuan and his team continued to do their job at other building sites in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces.

After about seven years, the two most skilled workers in the group can now earn VND330,000 (US$15) a day while the other members make VND250,000 ($11) daily.

Commitment and dedication

The first days were the hardest, Tuan said, explaining that communication was one of the reasons.

Other colleagues also complained about not being able to talk to the deaf and mute workers as well as their lack of experience in building houses.

However, Tuans commitment and dedication to help the men later changed how we felt about them. We all joined hands to help, Binh, human resources manager of the firm, said.

They are now all senior employees. In some ways, the men can even be more skilled and devoted than the rest of us, a colleague said.

Tuan believed that helping such people is a way to contribute to society.

Aside from being an understanding boss, Tuan also assists the deaf and mute workers in their daily life by helping them find a place to live.

The company director often organizes casual gatherings between the men and their peers on the weekend.

Tuan also opened up about his intention to run a housekeeping service to create jobs for deaf and mute women in Binh Duong.

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Construction has started on a megaproject to rebuild a war-destroyed palace located inside Vietnams ancient Forbidden City in the central city of Hue, the countrys former capital.

The Kien Trung Palace, first built between 1921 and 1923 under the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh, was an important building of the Forbidden City serving as a living and working space for the final two emperors of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam.

It was also the place where Emperor Bao Dai and the newly-formed Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, headed by President Ho Chi Minh, met to discuss his abdication, following the August 1945 Revolution that liberated the country from colonialism.

Located at the far back of the imperial complex in Hue, Kien Trung Palace incorporates elements of three types of architecture -- traditional Vietnamese, French, and Italian Renaissance -- to form a unique style that embodies an era of Western influence over Vietnam.

The building was completely ravaged in the late-1940s during the First Indochina War (1946-1954), leaving only its elevated foundation.

An elevated foundation of Kien Trung Palace is left after the building was destroyed during the war. Photo: Thanh Binh / Tuoi Tre

On Saturday, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center (HMCC) kick-started a project to rebuild Kien Trung Palace.

The VND123 billion (US$5.32 million) project, expected to finish in 2022, will fully erect the building from the ground based on old photos and historical records.

Phan Thanh Hai, director of HMCC, said the reconstruction of Kien Trung Palace reflects continued efforts to conserve the Forbidden City complex, which is a popular cultural attraction in the central Vietnamese city.

Officials perform a groundbreaking ceremony to start the rebuilding of Kien Trung Palace in the Forbidden City in Hue. Photo: Thanh Binh / Tuoi Tre

A file photo of Kien Trung Palace in the Forbidden City in Hue. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center

Emperor Khai Dinh (L) works at Kien Trung Palace in the Forbidden City in Hue. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center

A reconstructed photo of Kien Trung Palace in the Forbidden City in Hue. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center

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In a simple house in the heart of a Barbados cherry plantation in the southern province of Tien Giang, away from all the noisy and busy life, a Vietnamese couple has been together for more than half a century and just had their 55th Valentines Day together last week.

Looking at their 55-year marriage, it would be impossible to believe that Huynh Van Bau, 88, and his wife Nguyen Thi Cuc, 78, came into union by sheer coincidence.

Bau is a war veteran who was really into music, and he still now is, while Cuc was a gorgeous tailor.

Their lifelong marriage is a result of matchmaking, which took place when the man returned from the battlefront. After getting to know each other through a matchmaker, Bau and Cuc quickly wed without much courtship.

But it does not mean their marriage would not last long.

The couple enjoys a meal consisting of rice cooked by Bau, dishes prepared by Cuc, and fruits from their farm. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

The couple has three adult children, who are now all married. After the marriage of their last child, Bau and Cuc decided that it was time to start spending their life in tranquillity, thus relocating to a humble house surrounded by Barbados cherry trees in Tien Giangs Go Cong Dong District.

Although they are both reticent, Bau and Cuc try their best to support and care for their significant other just as much; should Cuc do the washing, then Bau will be in charge of cooking. There are no petty arguments to be found at all.

According to Cuc, her husband is only good at cooking rice. Therefore, whenever she has to leave the house for a few days, Bau would only eat rice with soy sauce or fish sauce, which Cuc feels is all her fault.

But what Bau fails to do in cuisine, he does it well with music. Under the pseudonym Huynh Bau, he has composed countless songs of a traditional music genre of southern Vietnam.

Though Cuc is no fan of music, she respects her husbands passion and never ceases to support him.

Huynh Van Bau is seen playing his guitar for his hundred-year lover Nguyen Thi Cuc. Cuc admitted that it has been quite a while since she last heard his melodies. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

After more than half a century in each others companion, the couple knows all too well their srengths and weaknesses.

Even so, sometimes they still get into heated arguments. But once this occurs, one of them chooses to remain silent to cool things down, before they both take a step back to lend an ear to the other.

Happy as they are, both are aware that they are quite old, and that their clock will stop ticking any moment now. Then again, Bau and Cuc are not afraid of the inevitable, claiming that they have fulfilled the other with the best they have got.

Even so, Bau admitted that every time the question of life and death is raised, he still feels hurt deep inside thinking he or his wife will have to continue the rest of their life by their lonesome when that day comes.

Not living with their children, both Bau and Cuc are overjoyed on every occasion their children and grandchildren visit them.

The farm yields prove plentiful for the couple. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

The two are great advisors when it comes to marriage.

The key to a lifelong commitment both of them agree upon is respect: respect your soulmate, share responsibility, and always remember to take a step back once dispute arises.

For two strangers to become lovers, and then husband and wife, they must accept each other for who they are, not who they want them to be.

While it is easy to fall in love at first sight, one needs responsibility and seriousness to keep the relationship long and worthwhile, according to the couple.

With all said and done, let us take a look at Bau and Cucs daily life, and figure out to ourselves the secret to a long but in no way dull marriage:

Cuc has been washing Baus clothes for roughly over half a century now. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

Though Bau only knows how to cook rice, his rice is the best all around  and he is content with helping his wife like that. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

Aside from Cuc, music is the lifelong companion Bau treasures very much. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

The farm requires both the husband and wife to attend to for the best result. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

Cuc pours all of her love into making the best dishes for her husband. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

Bau takes medicine every day, so that he can remain healthy to stay with his wife longer. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

Bau sings a song to commemorate his union with Cuc on 2019 Valentines Day. Photo: Tuyet Kieu / Tuoi Tre

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Vietnam has plans to prepare legal grounds to monitor and measure its non-observed economy, estimated to be equivalent to 25-30 percent of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP), with the ultimate goal of bringing this unofficial sector to light.

A countrys non-observed economy (NOE) is comprised of activities that are missing from the basic data used to compile the national accounts because they are underground, illegal, informal, household production for own final use, or due to deficiencies in the basic data collection system, according to a definition by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Experts place the scale of Vietnams NOE at around US$50-60 billion, equivalent to 25-30 percent of its GDP, economists estimated.

Vietnams GDP in 2018 was estimated at $240.5 billion, according to government data.

Commenting on the purported NOE value of up to $60 billion in Vietnam, Nguyen Bich Lam, general director of the countrys General Statistics Office (GSO), underlined that this is not an official number and should only be used as a reference.

In 2018, there were 581,700 household businesses in Vietnam that remained unregistered and were not subject to any form of tax, according to the General Department of Taxation.

NOE also takes the form of activities such as online shops that take orders through social media platforms, xe om motorbike taxis, prostitution, gambling, usury and the countless roadside shops that spring up on Vietnamese sidewalks, according to Dau Anh Tuan, head of the legal department at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

A roadside eatery is seen on the sidewalk of Pham Van Dong Boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently approved a plan to measure the countrys NOE and tasked the GSO with taking steps to bring this underground sector to light by the year 2025.

The ultimate goal of this plan is to achieve complete and comprehensive national accounts of Vietnams economy as well as perfect the countrys statistical data collection methods and standards.

The four-point plan includes establishing an input indicator system and test-measuring the scale of Vietnams NOE, which are to be done in 2019.

Between 2019 and 2025, legal documents concerned with the monitoring and measuring of NOE must be drafted, passed and implemented to provide legal grounds for recognizing this economic sector.

From 2020, Vietnam should start including the NOE in its official national accounts and GDP reports.

Between 2020 and 2025, efforts must be made to gradually transform non-observed economic activities into observed activities, according to the plan.

Lam said out of the five components of the NOE as per the OECD definition, only underground and illegal activities remain unaccounted for in Vietnams yearly GDP reports.

Efforts have already been made in the last few years to include informal activities, household production for own final use, and activities that are missing from national accounts due to data collection deficiencies, the GSO general director said.

With the government-approved plan in place, Vietnam is heading toward a more accurate measurement of the scale of its economy for better-informed policy-making decisions.

As steps are taken to recognize Vietnams NOE, efforts will also be made at the same time to reduce the size of the underground and illegal sectors to protect law-abiding businesses, he stressed.

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OPINION: "The fact that he kept this small black book for almost nine decades suggests he may have wanted us to learn more about him, even after he was gone," writes Amy Hirshberg Lederman.
The primary race was close, with Ethel winning by 45 votes. She now had to face Republican Morgan Maxwell Jr., a real estate appraiser, creating what one newspaper called an unprecedented situation since both candidates were black.

Handily winning, Ethel became the first black woman to hold a seat in the Arizona Legislature. She almost immediately had her hands full.

Speaking about racial unrest at the 1967 regional convention of the National Association of Colored Womens Clubs, she argued, Some of my people feel that white people have offered only token words and that they therefore must take to the streets. Well, I think theyve made their point. Its time to stop now before more innocent people are killed. You can build nothing on hate. Civil rights and civil riots are not the same. Now you will have to take a stand. Instead of Burn, Baby, Burn, we should be saying, Build, Baby, Build, or Learn, Baby, Learn.

Seeking re-election in 1968, Ethel had proved herself in the Legislature by serving on the House Public Health and Welfare Committee. She was again elected to serve the people of Tucson.
Less than two years after beginning a campaign to raise money for the Pima Animal Care Center, a local organization has officially reached its $5 million goal.

The funding given to the Your Love Saves Lives campaign ran by Friends of PACC  a nonprofit partner to the county animal shelter  is a result of community partners, private donations and grants.

Some of the larger grants came from Maddies Fund, a nonprofit founded in 1994 to help expand PACCs foster program.

Beyond the expansion of PACCs foster program, Friends of PACC says the money will go toward a slew of initiatives including animal care excellence, community engagement and veterinary care.

We really wanted to create a strong foundation, so voters investment in PACCs new facility could really succeed, says Sara Wolfe Vaughan, Friends of PACCs marketing and development specialist. Friends of PACC exists to fill in gaps of care from the county mandate.

In 2014, Pima County voters approved Proposition 415, which primarily went toward renovations for a new state-of-the-art facility. The new building opened in late 2017.
If theres one thing that most Tucsonans experience in their daily commutes, its potholes.

You know, those sometimes large, crater-like holes in the road that trigger drivers to swerve to keep them from being another victim of vehicle damage.

You may find them on major thoroughfares or on lesser roads, but one thing is certain: Potholes are a real problem, and our local transportation departments recognize that.

At this point, we have 70 percent poor or failed roads; were really to the point that we need good solutions, said Robert Lane, manager of the Pima County Department of Transportations maintenance and right-of-way management division. You cant patch your way out of a failed roadway.

County officials are working to address the problems by testing 14 different paving treatments on 4.3 miles of San Joaquin Road, southwest of Tucson. The goal is to find an economical and long-term solution to the problem.

The treatments are laid out in 1,000-foot stretches along the 4.3 miles of road using materials such as asphalt and concrete. The testing is paid for with a portion of $16 million in 1997 Highway User Revenue Funds reallocated by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to assist with road repairs.
The 2019 La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo has been a mainstay of Tucson annually since 1925. The historic rodeo brings cowboys from around the country to compete in bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team, tie-down and barrel racing. The mens events are sanctioned by the Professional Cowboys Rodeo Association. Womens barrel racing is sanctioned by the Womens Professional Rodeo Association.

For more information about events, tickets and results, go to tucsonrodeo.com
TUSD educator named Illuminator of the Year

Illuminate Education has named Daniel Sanchez, TUSDs instructional data coordinator, as an Illuminator of the Year.

Sanchez scored the honor for his work on SchoolCity, Tucson Unifieds one-stop-shop system for data, assessment and instruction, according to a press release. He has also led the effort alongside TUSDs language-acquisition department to translate assessments for English-language learning students.

Im humbled by this recognition, Sanchez said in a press release. Empowering our younger learners with their data is a crucial next step in educationally serving them.

2 Tortolita teachers win $5,000 grants from Fiesta Bowl program

Tortolita Middle School teachers Adam Scafede and Flor Preciado have been awarded $5,000 each through the Fiesta Bowl Charities Wishes for Teachers program.

Scafede, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher, said he will use the money to teach his students engineering design through underwater ROVs, or remote-controlled robotic systems.

Preciado, a Spanish teacher, will use her grant to purchase art supplies for student projects and an interactive projector.

The Tortolita teachers competed against more than 4,100 educators from over 115 cities across Arizona for the grants.

Contact reporter Brenna Bailey at bbailey@tucson.com or 520-573-4279 . On Twitter: @brennanonymous

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From changing jobs to leaving relationships, at one point or another, we've all had to take big risks, make life-altering shifts, or completely start over.

Tucson Storytellers, a live storytelling event hosted by the Arizona Daily Star and This is Tucson in partnership with Startup Tucson, is sharing stories about the times in life when we've had to pivot.

Six community members will take the stage on February 19 at the Rail Yard to share their true, first-person stories about the pivots in their lives.

Among them is local author Adam Rex, who will be telling about the biggest pivot in his life  adopting his son.

Entrepreneur Janelle Briggs will be sharing a story about three monumental conversations in her life, and how those shaped her into the person she is today.

And Andrea Carmichael, who works at a non-profit, will be sharing about how practicing ballet helped her find the confidence to live as her true self.
Opinion Coordinator

Sara Brown joined the Star in 2014 after working for the San Pedro Valley New Sun in Benson. She works with letters to the editor, produces Opinion Team chats, and curates columns such as Keeping the Faith, Business Awards and Adopt A Friend.
SALT LAKE CITY  Republican lawmakers remained divided Friday on a proposal to strengthen hate-crimes legislation in Utah, leaving its future in doubt.

Senate President Stuart Adams said the legislation lacks majority support in the GOP caucus. Though he supports it, concerns remain among members about what groups would have protections and whether its broad enough.

Utah has a hate-crime law, but it doesnt protect specific groups and prosecutors have said its essentially unusable.

The proposal to strengthen it has been stuck in a legislative logjam for years after the influential Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints raised questions about whether its protections for LGBT people struck the right balance with religious rights.

The bill has been gathering momentum, though, since the church said last month it doesnt oppose the idea.

The legislation, sponsored by Republican Sen. Daniel Thatcher, would mandate heavier punishments for people found guilty of committing a crime to terrorize groups of people based on factors such as race, religion and sexual orientation. Thatcher is revising the bill to add factors such as age and disabilities.
LINCOLN, Neb.  Nebraska's habit of booting mayors and county commissioners out of office before their terms end could be in jeopardy under an unusual proposal that would end the state's status as one of the nation's most prolific users of recall elections.

Voters have attempted to oust local officials at least 45 times since 2008  proportionally more than Arizona, California and other states where voters can recall their elected leaders, an analysis by The Associated Press shows. Nebraska ranks sixth nationally in the number of recall elections held over the last decade, adjusting for the state's small population.

That could change this year under a bill in the Legislature that would abolish recall elections. Sen. Curt Friesen, a former mayor, said he introduced it because he believes activists are using recall campaigns to retaliate against officials who make decisions they oppose.

"It's getting to the point that I think it's going to be difficult to get people to run for elected offices," Friesen said. "Every time you make a decision, you're going to be looking over your shoulder."
The committee, in making its cuts, looked at spending that is actually needed now, considering ways funding could be leveraged in some regards and done away in others. The University of Wyoming, for instance, wants to pump its own water. But the conference committee only recommended money to dig the well, with the idea that the money to distribute the water throughout campus could be appropriated next year.

Lets find the water first, Rep. Lloyd Larsen, R-Lander, explained in an interview Wednesday.

While numerous requests introduced via the amendment processes in the House and Senate were incorporated, others werent or werent funded to the desired level, which drew criticism from lawmakers behind-the-scenes. Sen. Eli Bebout, R-Riverton, a co-chairman of the committee, said on Wednesday that such a process might not be satisfactory for all, but that it produces a position of compromise and, hopefully, an on-time and balanced budget.

I think thats a process, he said. Weve come to the JAC position on some things, and sometimes weve gone to the Senate or House position. And where we havent, weve tried to come to a middle position that makes sense for us. Its a process that works, and if we hadnt gotten together and figured it out, we wouldnt have had a budget bill. I think common sense prevailed.
Despite this inherent advantage  as well as a corporate tax rate passed in the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that can be up to 16 percent lower than that paid by small businesses  industry voices have called the National Retail Fairness Act unfair and discriminatory to multi-jurisdictional retail and lodging chains. Chris Brown, the director of the Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association, said one of their biggest issues with the bill is the disparities within the businesses he represents, noting that on Dell Range Boulevard in Cheyenne, while one company would be subject to the tax, another would not, and that the topic should be revisited in the interim. Rep. David Miller, R-Riverton, noted in testimony that one of his towns largest private employers is one of those box stores, and he was worried about their competitiveness against companies like Amazon, a concern shared by other lawmakers to speak out against the bill.
TORRINGTON (WNE)  A pair of misdemeanor charges against former Goshen County School District No. 1 Superintendent Jean Chrostoski relating to an alleged vehicle accident and subsequent cover-up were dismissed on Feb. 11 in the best interest of justice, according to court documents.

Chrostoski was facing a charge of conspiracy to commit interference with a police officer and failure to report a motor vehicle accident to law enforcement.

The case had previously been scheduled to go to trial on Wednesday, but Deputy Goshen County Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Wright filed a motion to dismiss the charges.

Charges against another GCSD No. 1 employee, Kimberly Flock, were dismissed earlier this month. As of Thursday morning, GCSD administrative assistants Loreen Fritzler and Kim Cawthra were still facing single charges of conspiracy to interfere with a police officer. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and are being represented by James Eddington.

Chrostoski retired from her superintendent post on Feb. 1. She announced her retirement with a letter to the GCSD Board of Trustees in January.

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He added that parents of boys should sit down with their kids.

The other side of it too is if youre a parent of a middle or high school-aged boy, it would probably be a good idea to sit down with them and say ... its not funny, its not a game, its not a bet, its serious, he said. The last thing, if I was a parent of a high school-age boy, the last thing I would want to do at this junction or education or development, is go to court for a sex crime, sexual battery. That is something you do not want hanging over you as you proceed and progress through life.

District spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said individual schools were aware of the incidents and had been investigating, but that Jones  who oversees the school resource officers  was able to compile reports taken by the SROs and notify administrators that it was a districtwide issue.

Southerland said some schools had already disciplined students.

We are asking parents and guardians to speak to your children about the seriousness of this information. This behavior is not a game. It is a crime, the district wrote. Students are encouraged to contact a school official, trusted adult, and/or law enforcement if they have been a victim of sexual assault or battery.

Southerland said every staff member in the district, from principals to custodians, was sent the same message that parents received to alert them to the issue. She said the Casper Police Department had made its victim-witness team available to victims to help them better understand any upcoming court proceedings.

Follow education reporter Seth Klamann on Twitter @SethKlamann

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The preschool through high school St. Anthony Tri-Parish School is having its largest fundraiser of the year soon and the public is invited. We checked in with Anne Derby about the plans for Future & Hope, the 2019 Partners in Education event.

What are the specifics for the evening? Its 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, inside our beautiful school at 1145 W. 20th St. Tickets are $75 each, friends and family tables are $800, and we have sponsorship tables that start at $1,500 up to $10,000. Stop by school or call the office 234-2873 to order your tickets. Our space is capped at 400 and we will sell out, so dont wait.

What can people expect during the evening? There is a silent auction as well as a live auction. There is a delicious catered dinner by Eggingtons and cocktails by Poplar Wine and Spirits.

Describe some of the auction wow items. Theres a Willamette Valley wine trip and a New Orleans trip. The silent auction is very unique in that our parents provide a lot of the silent auction items. Every family is required to donate something and the items are as diverse as our families are. We have some really wonderful stuff.
Utilities like Rocky Mountain Power, predicting increased demand prior to the recession, started developing new generation. In some areas that meant natural gas fire. In Wyoming, it meant wind.

Now, though electricity has remained relatively flat, Rocky Mountain Power is building more wind and repowering the old fleet to take advantage of federal tax credits before the sunset. The company has argued that this new generation will not fall back on the customer base as a cost but as a benefit given the cheap resources.

The wind boom has also driven pushback politically, as some lawmakers in Wyoming have questioned the benefits that wind offers the state versus its downsides.

Solar, however, has largely been an individuals game. Only in Jackson, where community solar is being explored, had large solar energy been considered in Wyoming before the Green River Sweetwater Solar farm went up last year.

The cost of solar generation now has reached a pivot point  the cost of the motors to turn the panels, the structures to hold them and the land leases to locate the farms are greater than the cost of the panels, said Bruce Parkinson, School of Energy Resources professor of chemistry at the University of Wyoming.
Miners lost on both counts, though now the buyer of the Kemmerer mine will be obligated to bargain a new contract with the union.

Westmoreland released the name of the likely buyer earlier in the week. Tom Clarke -- a Virginia businessman that got into coal during the recent downturn -- is the stalking horse bidder for the Kemmerer mine. He has said that he sympathizes with miners but would not take on the retiree liabilities at Kemmerer for former miners and their dependents.

Energy bills

A bill that attempts to force utilities like Rocky Mountain Power to try and sell their coal-fired plants instead of closing them keeps advancing in the Wyoming Legislature. It's an idea that's not just popular among some lawmakers, but one that has been floated in Kemmerer where the future of the Naughton power plant is tied to the fate of the local coal mine.
Layoffs at Cloud Peak are not the first sign of distress from the firm. Cloud Peaks Altman Z-score, a rating used to determine risk of bankruptcy, is in the distress zone. In November, the company announced that it would lighten its balance sheet by cutting retired employees health care benefits. Late that month, the company announced it had hired consultants to consider a range of options for the companys future, including sale. By December, the New York Stock Exchange had warned the firm that its consistently low stock price would result in a delisting if not improved. Most recently, the company eliminated corporate bonuses that were to be paid out over a period of years and replaced them with lump-sum retention payments to be handed out immediately.
Bengaluru, for many Keralites, is the destination for good education and employment. This metro city welcomes all with open arms. Since there is a good number of Keralites in Bengaluru, both permanent residents and those coming on and off for work, Kerala cuisine is available in plenty even in the nooks and corners of the city.



Madiwala is a famous locality in Bengaluru where every person who has a palate for traditional Kerala food visits at least once. It is not just a place for food as it has shopping malls, IT establishments, and is a popular destination for travellers, foodies, and those on the lookout for jobs.

From roadside stalls selling bhajjis, vadas, and chutneys to small hotels serving typical Kerala dishes like 'ila ada,' 'unnakaya,' all types of food outlets can be encountered here.

One of the major attractions of Madiwala is the 'Mammu's store.' They specialize in traditional Malabar dishes. This small shop comes alive in the evening. By then it starts to look quite like a roadside tea shop in Kerala. Keralites flock to Mammu's for nnnakkaya, banana fry, iIla ada, vada, and more. The evening tea becomes an even more exciting experience with egg and chilli 'bajjis' served with chutney.

It is not just Mammu's which serve the Kerala dishes in Madiwala. There are many other restaurants and hotels serving traditional Kerala food here, satisfying the taste buds of Keralites coming there. There are numerous outlets in Madiwala serving food ranging from full-fledged typical Kerala style feast to Thalassery biryani. Even if you are looking for the unique Kerala toddy shop dishes that are high on chilli and tamarind, all you have to do is to visit the hotel named 'Shaap.' Many restaurants and hotels here are named 'tharavad' and 'oottupura,' ringing with the mood of homely food.

Madiwala is not just about food. Many visitors come to Madiwala for spending their weekends by the Madiwala lake which is a big tourist attraction here. Boating facility is available in this lake which is about 400 years old. There is also a children's park by the lake. The islet in the middle of the lake and the migratory birds flocking there attract many visitors. Madiwala is much like a cross-section of Kerala. With the largest concentration of Keralites, this Bengaluru suburb has a Kerala flavour. Madiwala, where majority of people speak Malayalam and which carries the flavour of Kerala in its soul, is a good place to visit while touring Bengaluru.
On Tuesday 12 February, a Norwegian Cruise ship crashed into a pier in Puerto Rico.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruises told the Miami Herald that "prevailing wind" caused the Norwegian Epic to crash and damage two mooring points.

The 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic, which was headed on a week-long journey from Orlando, Florida, to the Eastern Caribbean, ended up off course in Puerto Rico to deal with reported mechanical issues, the Miami Herald reports.
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And South Carolina is not at the bottom of the list. In the lowest-performing state, Louisiana, a mere 27 percent were able to pass. West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky all scored worse than the Palmetto State.

Only in Vermont could a majority (53 percent) pass the test to become a U.S. citizen. The next best states were Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana and Virginia.

Nationally, only four in 10 Americans passed the exam. Even more disturbing, only 27 percent  less than three in 10 people -- of those under the age of 45 nationally were able to demonstrate a basic understanding of American history.

Unfortunately, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation has validated what studies have shown for a century: Americans dont possess the history knowledge they need to be informed and engaged citizens, foundation President Arthur Levine said.

American history education is not working, as students are asked to memorize dates, events and leaders, which the poll results shows are not retained in adulthood, Levine said. Based on our research, this is not an issue of whether high school history teachers are adequately prepared or whether kids study American history in school. The answer to both questions is yes. This is an issue of how we teach American history.
Ichiro Suzuki fluidly went through a variety of stretches on the floor in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse even before going onto the field. Once outside, he smoothly went through fielding, hitting and baserunning drills.

At 45 and in spring training again, Ichiro is working toward the chance to play for his original major league team in his home country.

"Being able to put on the Seattle Mariners uniform as a player, being here the first day, it is just amazing, it is great," Ichiro said through a translator. "Very satisfied with today and how it went, and I'm just going to take it day by day."

The former MVP and 10-time All-Star outfielder is in camp on a minor league deal after serving in a special assistant's role for most of last year, when he still worked out with the team. If he's healthy, Ichiro will be part of the Mariners' expanded 28-player roster next month for their two season-opening games in Tokyo against Oakland.

"My body really hasn't changed," he said.

Ichiro, who said he took off only two or three days from working out during the offseason, checked in at camp with only 7 percent body fat.

"He looks unbelievable, like he's prepared every minute of every day to get to this time, and it's probably because he has," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "He's so focused on his goals, and right now his goal is to make sure that he is on that plane when we leave for Tokyo."

Large groups of fans and Japanese media followed Ichiro everywhere he went during the first workout.

When asked how much he looked forward to the series in Japan, Ichiro insisted that he's not yet thinking about that. The player with 4,367 career hits - 3,089 in 18 MLB seasons and 1,278 in nine seasons in Japan with the Orix BlueWave before that - is focused on his daily work. - Japan Times
Dont look now, but theres a bogeyman out there, and the Democrats are hot on the case. If Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez get their way, billionaires will finally be forced to pay their fair share.

Ocasio-Cortez has called for increased taxes on their incomes, and Sanders their wealth in the form of increased death taxes. But Warren has proposed something new and unprecedented: She wants to tax their savings while they are still alive. At best, Warrens proposal reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of basic economics. At worst, its a massive smoke screen.

First, the misunderstanding. Humans invented money to get around problems with barter. With money, you can save dollars over long periods of time to use whenever you want. This was a profound improvement over bartering, mostly because things like wheat, produce, meat and just about everything else humans grow and harvest go bad pretty quickly. Money is simply a placeholder for goods and services; it has no intrinsic value. Its the goods and services money represents that have value.

Politicians always manage to miss this, perhaps because they typically provide neither. But money has become so integral to the things we do, that many of the rest of us miss this too.
Though she married into the family, the need to honor the Crider Farms legacy was important to her.

"It is very much about the past, but it is every bit about the future as well," Griffin said. "It is eventually going to be a bicentennial farm and it will keep on going. This is the legacy."

Crider Jr. said the key to keeping the farm going all these years can be summed up in a few words: "Long hours and hard work."

"The rules and regulations have gotten stricter," Crider Jr. said. "The water usage and irrigation are being monitored now. There is so much paperwork and record keeping. Pesticides and everything -- you have to keep up with all of this now. It has changed. It is not simple no more."

Crider Jr. said while input is "four or five times what it used to be," the "prices are the same prices they were 40 years ago."

"You've got to love to do what you are doing," he said.

Crider III agrees.

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"I love it," the 30-year-old said. "It is in my blood and I love being outside working with my crops. There is always something different every day."
Jefferson noted personnel costs will be the biggest part of the budget.

"We are starting from scratch," Jefferson said. "We are starting out new. We want it to be attractive for our students. Our biggest obstacle is time."

Trustee Dr. William O'Quinn asked if existing employees will have to leave their current positions if theyre selected for the new jobs.

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"Will they be paid by their home districts or do we have it in our budget to pay them between now and July 1?" he said.

"We do not have the funding available to hire them," Jefferson said, noting the existing school districts will have to pay the salaries of the new district's employees until a budget is put in place after July 1.

In other business:

 Trustees gave Jefferson permission to engage in contractual financial services on behalf of the board and the new school district.

 Trustees are planning a two-day bus trip to visit all of the schools around the county.
Is your cheeseburger an endangered species?

Reports of the death of Americas beef and dairy industries at the hands of the Green New Deal may be exaggerated, but both farmers and their Philly steak n cheese eating fans have reason to be concerned about policies embraced by progressive Democrats.

Claims by some opponents of the #GreenNewDeal that it would mean an end of the cattle industry in America are inaccurate  for the simple reason that the GND doesnt offer any specific policies. The legislation actually filed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is merely a resolution declaring general goals and directions, not specific laws and regulations.

On this issue, the resolution merely calls for working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to eliminate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible.

However, the FAQ handout from Ocasio-Cortez that originally accompanied the proposal was much more aggressive and, many farmers fear, far more accurate about the GNDs goals.
Marc Ayers, the state director for the humane Society, said Illinois is considered a leader in animal welfare law. The current law has worked well so far, he said in other parts of the state.

He pointed to work done by other Illinois law enforcement and animal control agencies to educate themselves and the public on the new law. Prior to the cold snap, both the Rock Falls Police Department and DuPage County Animal Control wrote on their Facebook pages about the new law, warning that no animal of any breed should be out in the cold that day.

Macon County Animal Service and sheriff's deputies attended free training sessions McBride held about what is required to keep an animal warm. Two Sangamon County animal control officers attended as well, she said.

"The (Springfield) police were just not ready for it," McBride said.

Officers will not impound the animals themselves, Winslow said. The city contracts with Sangamon County animal control and police officers will defer to their expertise, he said.

"We don't have the tools or equipment to transport, nor does the law mandate that we shall take custody of an animal," Winslow said. "(The law) says nothing prohibits us from doing it."
Many of our students have been getting these jobs, but I felt like we could do more to make a good transition from their work in classes to their careers, Calvert said. They take classes that make them really knowledgeable in statistics, modeling, optimization, analytics and more. But we needed a way to connect them with what real projects for real companies look like, and to give them real experience to prepare them for real jobs.

One of the things he did was apply to a program at the Mathematical Association of America. The National Science Foundation grant helps professors learn to organize classes such as the one he envisioned.

Once I was awarded the grant, they took me out to their workshop last spring where I could hear advice from professors who had done this at their own universities, and from industry and government professionals who had worked with students on these projects, Calvert said.

Along the way, he sent a message to Ameren Illinois, asking if the company might be interested in cooperating on a project. Ameren Illinois engineers contacted him just a few days later.
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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.
Bradley Theodore is a NewYork based artist who was in Kenya recently as part of his 2019 worldwide tour.

He sat down for a chat with Nation.co.ke and talked about his beginnings, what inspires his large-scale works, use of colours, skull motifs and vivid skeletal interpretations.

When did it all start?

I was born in the Turks and Caicos Islands. My family moved to a very psychotic neighbourhood in Miami when I was six months old. As a child I always got a whooping from my parents because I loved drawing on the walls. I went to a specialised junior high school for arts, a senior arts school before joining the school of visual arts where I studied computer graphics.

What made you fall in love with art as a child?

It was something that I was good at, but I really didnt necessarily want to be an artist. I was not good at talking to people that well, so the only way I could express myself was through art. When I got to college I was forced to read manuals and express myself in terms of what I was doing.

After working for different international corporations in the US, like Def Jam Records, for about 10 years, I decided to go back to art. It dawned on me that the one thing that will always be there was art.

How can you describe your work?

I would say its savage, beautiful, colourful and serene at the same time.

Most artists are influenced by their towns, how would your art be different if you were from Kenya?

The first time I was influenced by New York City. I hanged out with designers, celebrities and that was my environment. So fashion was my environment. I feel Kenya is an amazing country, filled with colour and a richness of thought and if you take time and look at it you will see how arty complex it is.

You started your work as a street artist, in what way has it influenced your work today?

Sometimes, when I discover something about a person, a place, I really want to find a way to express it in one swoop, one painting; to inspire people to think about themselves and plot out their future.

What is the story behind Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld?

In 2005, I was at a Paris Fashion Week party and Anna was there, and I liked her fashion and style. I just said I would paint her. Anna and Karl are the ultimate leviathans of fashion. They have survived a world that is as complex as derivative trading.

How did Puma approach you for the capsule?

I was painting a wall in NY. A guy walks up to me and asks if I was Bradley Theodore. I didnt know who he was. I wondered if he was a cop, just to make sure. He tells me he works for Puma and hes been looking for me. And that is how we did a collaboration.

Why did you decide to visit Kenya now?

I think that as an artist you have to visit different places. I wanted to come to the motherland, where my DNA and roots are, and view it with my own eyes. I would say it is one of the best trips in my life, honestly, and I have been everywhere. Kenya is one of the best countries; rich in culture and diversity, and the people are really, really nice.

Why a silent auction and why did you settle for SHOFCO?

A friend of mine once told me to invest in NGOs, and I do support many of them around the world. Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is building something and you can see it, so it is not like you are giving money to the sky. There is something that will be left behind to benefit others.

Which one do you enjoy doing, painting on the walls or movable surface?

I enjoy painting the walls because the walls will give people  a regular guy on the street  a chance to see the work for free and is not hidden in a $20 million mansion for only a few people to see. I have people who have approached me and told me their day was sad, they walked past my painting and everything changed. I do also enjoy painting pieces on canvas because that is the nature of the art industry.

Why skeletons?

I feel like one of the biggest problem we have in society is racism, but the foundation of the human form is the skeleton. When you see a skeleton, you do not think race, you just think human. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that we are all human.

Inspiration wise  what moves you and how will your Kenyan visit fuel your art?

I might have a hundred cows after this trip. (Laughs) The culture in Kenya is interesting and that is inspiration in itself. It allows me to see things differently and to see my art differently, and what it could do for people.

What advice would you give a 21-year-old Bradley today?

I would tell him to believe in himself and you have the best interest at heart. At 21-years-old, I had a lot of ideas which I pushed to people and they shut them down. Later on, they copied them and made millions. I made a lot of people rich and didnt know it.

I would tell him to study economics and learn finance. Not being successful early brought me to where I am today, so I dont regret not making money when I was young. All those failures allowed me to be at this very point in time. Everything happens for a reason.
While some areas of the country are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the Golden Isles is on pace to have an all-time record year for tourism.
Reports say Honda will close its British plant for the potential loss of 3,500 jobs

Japanese car giant Honda is expected to announce the shutdown of its plant in south west England in 2022, putting 3,500 jobs at risk, media reports said Monday.

The carmaker is to announce the closure of its Swindon plant on Tuesday, according to Sky News, but still keep its European headquarters in nearby Bracknell.

Nissan and Ford have also warned that jobs could be lost at British plants as Britain prepares to leave the European Union (EU), but local MP Justin Tomlinson said the Honda decision was not down to Brexit.

"I have already spoken to... Honda. They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021," he tweeted.

The company is not expected to announce job losses until 2021, he added.

The carmaker said in a statement that "we are not able to make any comments regarding the speculation.

"We take our responsibilities to our people very seriously and will always communicate any significant news with them first," it added.

Finance worker Sue Davis, 49, told AFP the move was "devastating" for her area.

"I think Swindon's finished without Honda," she said. "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years, he's going to be without a job, so I just think it's really really bad news."

The Swindon plant, Honda's only one in the EU, has produced the Civic model for global markets for more than 24 years, with 150,000 units rolling off the line annually.

Rival Japanese carmaker Nissan announced earlier this month that it was cancelling plans to build its X-Trail SUV in north east England, citing uncertainty surrounding Brexit as a factor.

Jaguar Land Rover has also warned about the risks of leaving the EU without a deal, which would trigger the imposition of tariffs on exports to the bloc.

Senior vice-president of Honda Europe Ian Howells said last year that if Britain left the EU without a deal it would cost the company tens of millions of pounds, but added that it was nonetheless preparing for such an outcome.

Explore further Nissan cancels investment plan for UK plant

 2019 AFP
The US Commerce Department has filed a report that could trigger tariffs against imported cars and intensify tensions with Europe

The EU promised a quick and effective response if the United States imposes import duties on European autos, a spokesman for the European Commission said on Monday.

Brussels issued the threat after the US Commerce Department filed a report that empowers President Donald Trump to apply car duties within the next 90 days.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has labelled as "frightening" the prospect that this report could label European car imports as a national security threat to the United States, enabling the tariffs.

The White House has already used the national security argument, saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims, to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

"Were this report translated into action detrimental to European exports, the European Commission would react in a swift and adequate manner," EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news briefing in Brussels.

The protectionist Trump has threatened 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

European officials have said that Brussels has drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) of potential countermeasures, without providing further details.

In 2017 just under half of the 17 million cars sold in the US were imported, most of them produced in Canada and Mexico which are expected to be exempt from any new automobile duties.

German automobile groups last year exported 470,000 cars from Germany to the United States, according to the VDA manufacturers' federation.

The transatlantic flare-up followed a truce established in July, in which Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs while both sides pursued a limited trade deal.

Juncker "trusts President Trump's word. The European Union will stick to its word as long as the US does the same," Schinas said.

Germany is pushing hard for the trade deal with the US, but according to a European source, France is reluctant to pursue talks fearing they may stoke popular anger ahead of European elections in May.

EU trade ministers will discuss the talks, as well as the possible countermeasures against the US, at talks in Bucharest on Thursday.

Aside from economic matters, US-European ties have already been upended over Trump's approach towards Iran and Syria, as well as other issues.

Explore further White House gets report that could trigger auto tariffs

 2019 AFP
Huawei is the leading manufacturer of equipment for the next generation of mobile phone networks, but several Western nations have banned the Chinese company's products over security concerns

British intelligence has concluded that security risks posed by using equipment made by Chinese telecom giant Huawei can be managed, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) sees ways of limiting risks from using Huawei in future 5G networks, according to two unnamed sources cited by the FT.

The firm is the leading manufacturer of equipment for next-generation 5G mobile networks that will bring near-instantaneous connectivity for smartphones, but some Western nations have barred it amid fears Beijing could gain access to sensitive communications and critical infrastructure.

The United States has been leading a campaign to persuade allies to blacklist Huawei equipment, and a decision by Britain, a key intelligence gathering partner, could undermine its effort.

"Other nations can make the argument that if the British are confident of mitigation against national security threats then they can also reassure their publics and the US administration that they are acting in a prudent manner in continuing to allow their telecommunications service providers to use Chinese components," one source was quoted by the FT as saying.

Responding to the report, a NCSC spokesperson said that "the National Cyber Security Centre is committed to the security of UK networks", adding that it has "a unique oversight and understanding of Huawei engineering and cyber security".

In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China expects Britain "to maintain its open nature and make wise choices based on its own interests."

Security concerns have prompted the United States and Australia to ban Huawei equipment from their future 5G networks.

New Zealand has blocked its largest telecom carrier from using Huawei technology for the next generation network while the Czech Republic has reportedly excluded it from a 20-million-euro ($22 million) tender to build a tax portal.

In December, Britain's largest mobile network provider BT said it was removing Huawei equipment from its 4G cellular network after the foreign intelligence service singled out the company as a security risk.

Meanwhile last week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed that it would be difficult for the United States to partner with countries that co-locate Huawei equipment near "important American systems"a claim Beijing described as "groundless".

Huawei, which is the world's second-largest smartphone maker, has also recently had a senior executive arrested in Canada on accusations of busting US sanctions on Iran.

Explore further China accuses US of trying to block its tech development

 2019 AFP
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Schools are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence-backed solutions to stop tragic acts of student violence such as the shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, a year ago.

Bark Technologies, Gaggle.Net, and Securly Inc. are three companies that employ AI and machine learning to scan student emails, texts, documents, and in some cases, social media activity. They look for warning signs of cyber bullying, sexting, drug and alcohol use, depression, and to flag students who may pose a violent risk not only to themselves, but classmates.

When potential problems are found, and depending on the severity, school administrators, parentsand under the most extreme caseslaw enforcement officials, are alerted.

In the fall of 2017, Bark ran a test pilot with 25 schools. "We found some pretty alarming issues, including a bombing and school shooting threat," says Bark chief parent officer, Titania Jordan.

A few months later Parkland happened and we knew what we had, and how it could help, but "we didn't want to seem opportunistic or capitalize on a tragedy," Jordan said.

The Bark product is free to schools in the U.S. for perpetuity. The company says it can afford to give the service away to schools, because of the money it makes from a version aimed at parents.

There are limitations.



None of the companies USA TODAY talked to for this story claim the ability to catch suspect behavior every time. Loosely defined, artificial intelligence describes machines that may demonstrate human behavior and learn from the data they digest. False positives sometimes arise.

A school can't police a student's smartphone or other devices outside the ones it issued, unless the student signed into a social media, or other account, using the email or credentials the school provided.

Students also are often more tech savvy than their parents and won't tell them about every account they have.

If an issue is detected, Bark sends a text and/or email alert to parents and schools, with recommended steps on how to address the issue.

Bark's parent product costs $9 per month, per family, or $99 per year, and includes monitoring across more than 25 social media platforms, from Twitter and Instagram to Snapchat and YouTube.

Bark is currently used in more than 1,100 school districts, covering 2.6 million children. If it detects something that is considered exceedingly severe such as a child abduction or school shooting threat, the issue is escalated to the FBI.

According to Jordan, Bark sends out between 35,000 and 55,000 alerts each day, many just instances of profanity. But 16 plausible school shootings have been reported to the FBI since Bark launched its school product last February, she says.

Preventing deaths by suicide

Gaggle, which has been around 20 years, charges schools $6 per student, per year. Since July 1, the company claims to have stopped 447 deaths by suicide at the 1,400 school districts that use its service, and that last year it prevented 542 potential deaths by suicide.

Gaggle also says it stopped 240 instances last year where a child brought a weapon to school to harm another student or intended to. Under such circumstances, Gaggle will immediately alert an emergency contact at the school and, if needed, law enforcement.

"Studies have shown that kids will communicate before a violent act happens and they will communicate electronically. If you don't have the means to hear those cries out for help you're going to have children in jeopardy," said Bill McCullough, vice president of sales at Gaggle.

McCullough adds that the company doesn't rely on machine learning alone to make threat determinations. If a Gaggle scan of school-issued emails and documents uncovers a child in crisis, the content is analyzed by trained human safety experts who verify whether the threat is legitimate and then determine its severity. If the threat is deemed minor, maybe the use of profanity, a student may be warned directly. If a student's life is considered to be in jeopardy, an emergency contact at the school is notified immediately.

For its part, a third company, Securly, works with about 2,000 school districts. It charges $3 per student per year for a flagship product called Filter, with premium add-ons that can add about $2.50 per student to the cost.

This past October, one of Securly's premium services known as 24it combines AI with trained human analystsflagged a student who had searched Google for both "how to make a bomb" and "how to kill yourself." The analyst contacted the school.

Another recent example involved a student who searched for "painless ways to kill yourself" and watched YouTube videos on the topic.

Real threat or harmless language?

As AI systems have become more sophisticated, so has the machines' ability to apply contextual analysis to determine if there's real danger, or if school-age friends are harmlessly using what looks like threatening language to just rag on one another, maybe when playing a game.

"Our machine learning algorithm is smart enough to know the difference between a tween texting another tween "KMS" which stands for "kill myself" if they're just embarrassed....and using it as a colloquialism. (Or) somebody with an actual propensity to have depression, anxiety or expressing the desire to take their own life or do harm," Jordan says.

McCullough at Gaggle, says the company's algorithms are constantly being updated to detect the tone of despair in a message, to pick up symbols and misspellings, and to better analyze language.

"We've had suicides that we've stopped where there's no word of "kill" or "suicide" in there, McCullough says.

Gaggle may even warn the authorities of threats coming not from a school district it monitors but outside.

"We had one instance where a third grade girl was getting solicited by an outside email address asking for nude pictures or that person was going to kill her parents," McCullough says. "She tried to send those pictures but because we run our service live, it never got out of our environment." The person was arrested.

Balancing privacy, cost

There is a "delicate balance" on privacy, says Rob McCartney, director of technology at the Sioux Central school district in Iowa, which uses Bark. "Even though the school district we manage and maintain owns the student's email addresses, the (student) has the right to a sufficient amount of privacy without us going in and looking and saying, 'oh this is who your boyfriend is, or you came home late last night?' That's not what we're there for."

Vinay Mahadik, CEO of Securly, also navigates the fine line between privacy and security: "We go to a lot of effort in trying to be a responsible company. Not a single time has a parent that we've served or a school district that we helped come back and told us that this is an awful thing that you're doing."

McCartney appreciates that Bark is free, given the tight budget constraints many school districts face.

But Rich O'Malley, superintendent of Florence 1 schools in South Carolina, a district which pays for Gaggle, says that "just saving one life or being able to touch one student who has an issue makes it priceless. As a superintendent, probably the number one issue I hear from parents is school security."

Explore further Bad math: Software error tweaks grades in N Carolina schools
Did you know that the first Samsung Galaxy S first came out in 2010? That was almost 10 years ago! Samsung sure has come a long way and they have been continuously pushing innovation in their Galaxy S flagships, raising the bar to become one of the most recognizable smartphone brands globally. With the Galaxy S10 series coming on the way on 20 February 2019, we decided to take a look back at some of the innovations they have done and overcome. So sit back, relax and read the Top Innovations brought by the Samsung Galaxy S Series.

The Dual Edge Curved Display + Edge UX

Back in their earlier days, Samsung Galaxy S devices weren't really much to look at. It only really began to stand out from the crowd with the Galaxy S6 series with the most distinctive look for having the display bending on both sides of the body. Not only did this set the standard look for the Galaxy S and other smartphones until today, but it also allows users to utilize and customize the edge of the display for app shortcuts.

At first glance, it didn't really look like a useful feature but from my experience, this is a really convenient way to get to the apps for daily usage faster. It's not just the apps, but you can customize contacts, news, weather reports and other widgets like a music player. To add on to that, the Dual Edge Curved feature soon became a part of the Infinity Display, which maximizes the screen without making the phone size fatter.

The DeX mode

While maximizing the screen panel is a nice touch, it's never enough for some users who want it bigger. With this, Samsung introduced the DeX mode for the Galaxy S8 series and it was a great way for users to use it as a "PC" with a window-based user interface. To fully utilize it, we had to use the DeX Station and it was compatible with any PC monitor, it also worked as a phone charger.

This is how the DeX Station looks like

Now you can just use a HDMI to USB Type-C cable and even connect it to a TV monitor!

Samsung further improved the DeX mode in the Galaxy S9 series (and Galaxy Note 9) with just a HDMI to USB Type-C cable needed, making everything easier to connect and play, as well as allowing professionals on-the-go to work on the phone and in the office efficiently.

Dual Pixel technology

If you know your history, Samsung was actually the first company to integrate Dual Pixel technology into a smartphone, which was the Galaxy S7 series. This was a big deal back then because Dual Pixel is usually used in a DSLR camera, so the fact that it found its way to a smartphone means users can take much better photos, particularly at night!

A photo sample shot on the Galaxy S7 phone

By all means, this doesn't put the Galaxy S7 series on the same level as a DSLR camera. But it's sure convenient for photographers to quickly capture a shot and upload on their social media accounts quickly. In a way, Samsung did kind of pave the way for other smartphone brands to follow suit, asadopting the Dual Pixel technology is the norm nowadays.

Dual Aperture technology

Finally, while the Galaxy S9 series look more or less the same as the Galaxy S8 series, they did have even better features. For one, the company was the first to install the first ever Dual Aperture on a smartphone camera which was mindblowing because it can switch between F/1.5 and F/2.4 apertures automatically or manually, thus taking mobile photography to further heights. Also, the aperture F/1.5 is the highest and first ever on any smartphone at the time of release.

Available on both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, the latter also has a secondary 12MP telephoto lens for better portrait shots. Samsung also threw in a Super Slow Motion feature which was fun because you can actually put in your own music choice for the "epicness".

Now we wait for the Galaxy S10 series

So those were some of the many innovative features achieved in the Samsung Galaxy S series so far. To add on to that, we heard a lot of rumours about the Galaxy S10 series having some awesome features like the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset, a new Infinity O display, a triple camera setup, 5G connectivity and many, many more which you can read about here. The new Samsung flagship will be revealed on 20 February 2019 so do stay tuned for our official coverage only at TechNave.com!
The two men arrested by German authorities have been named as Anwar Raslan and Iyad al-Omar, both of whom have been charged with crimes against humanity reports Al-Modon.

It has become clear that the two Syrian intelligence officers arrested by German authorities two days ago are Anwar Raslan and Iyad al-Omar. They are charged with committing crimes against humanity while they worked for the regime, before defecting.

Raslan was head of the investigation section at Branch 251 and later Branch 285 of the General Intelligence Service. His colleague Omar is accused of involvement in the killing of two people, and the physical abuse of about 2,000 people between 2011 and 2012. He was responsible for the arrest of about 100 people a day, who were transferred to the interrogation branch run by Colonel Raslan.

Raslan has been a refugee in Germany for years, while Omar has been living on German territory since 2018. Recently, the German Federal Prosecutor gave orders to have them arrested. One of the men is based in Berlin and the other in the border town of Zweibrucken on the borders with France. The security authorities quickly arrested a third officer, apparently in connection with the cases against Raslan.

Raslan joined the opposition military delegation that participated in the Geneva negotiations in February 2014. In addition to Raslan, the delegation included defected Brigadier General, Fayez Amr, Brigadier General Asad al-Zubi and Irfan al-Hammoud. The delegation participated in the negotiations as military consultants. Raslan applied for asylum in Germany in 2014, after the Geneva conference.

According to the German prosecutors office, eyewitnesses provided information of crimes committed by the two former officers between 2011 and 2012. In June 2018, the German prosecutor issued an international arrest warrant for the head of the Air Intelligence Service, Major General Jamil al-Hassan, after nine Syrians accused him of murder, torture and physical violence.

In November 2018, the French Public Prosecution issued an arrest warrant against the head of the Office of National Security, General Ali Mamlouk, and Jamil al-Hassan, and the head of the investigation branch of the Air Intelligence in Damascus, Major General Abdel Salam Mahmoud, following a lawsuit that was compiled by the French War Crimes Unit, by a Syrian-French Obeida Dabbagh in October 2016, for the murder of his brother and nephew, under torture at Mezze airport in 2013.

The Office of the Prosecutor and the Federal Criminal Investigation Office in Germany are investigating more than 20 regime officers who are thought to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Syria. The investigation is being carried out in partnership with the Public Prosecutors Office in Paris. The parties have set up a joint investigative team to track down war criminals, facilitating the exchange of information and testimonies.

Director of the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research, Anwar al-Bunni, said on his page on Facebook, A change in the position or attitude of a person does not exempt him from prosecution for crimes he has committed, especially crimes against humanity If we protected criminals who say they support the revolution, we would justify the criminal Bashar al-Assad in protecting the criminals who support him.

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.
Khan Sheikhoun is supposed to be included in the demilitarized zone that was established by Russia and Turkey reports Zaman Al Wasl.

A bombardment by militias loyal to Bashar al-Assad killed at least nine civilians, including two children and women, in the northern town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idleb province, activists said Friday.

The heavy artillery fire targeted the town of Khan Sheikhoun for the second time, pushing the death toll to 14.

Idleb has been hit by sporadic regime shelling for weeks despite the buffer zone deal between Russia and Turkey.

Turkey, which backs moderate Syrian rebels, and Russia, the regimes principal foreign ally, agreed in September to create a demilitarised zone in northwestern Idleb, which would be evacuated of all heavy weapons and hardline fighters.

Since the Syrian revolution erupted in 2011, more than 560,000 people have been killed, and more than 6 million people have been displaced.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Born Rodgers Ray Ondieki and hailing from Kisii Town, DJ Roudge is the next big thing in the turntabling scene.

DJ Roudge was recently crowned the winner of the Smirnoff deejaying competition, Battle of The Beats. The competition drew a total of 19 contestants from across the country.

Following his big win, DJ Roudge talked to Buzz about his journey.

Who is DJ Roudge?

A versatile and upcoming superstar from Kisii Town, looking forward to take over the industry in 2019.

How did you come up with the name Roudge?

(Laughs). Its a combination of my shortened name Rodgers, and rouge, meaning red in French. My logo and my dressing are red as well.

How did you get into turning tables?

I was at a point of frustration in life. I completed my Masters in Purchasing and Supplies, worked for the county government and a retail bank as a teller, but whatever I earned didnt seem to make ends meet. I had to think of something else to do. Ive always had a passion in music and turn tables, so I decided to take it up and see where I would go. That was in 2014.

Tell us how you learnt about the competition?

I had been going back and forth between Nairobi and Kisii doing gigs, for almost two and a half years. It was one early Friday morning, after finishing a gig here in Nairobi, as I was staying at a friends place when I received a call from a friend who lives in Kisumu. He told me to get on a bus to Kisumu because he was a judge for a competition which had Sh100,000 at stake. I decided to try it out. Over the years, I had tried a number of competitions and auditions but won none.

How was the competition?

It was quite fine. All 20 of us had different skills and personalities, and we all grew into a family that I had always wished for. As much as it was a competition, these were people I had needed in my life.

Everyone wanted to come out a winner, of course. We all bonded well. Despite it being a competition, I also took it as a platform to know and interact with my new found family.

What did the competition involve?

DJ Stylez was our principal. We were assigned tasks on a weekly basis, which we would showcase on the weekends in different towns. We went to Kisii, Mombasa, and Nakuru among other towns. This went on for 12 consecutive weeks. The tasks varied depending on that weeks mentor. For example, DJ Adrian is into vinyl and turn tables, so his task after mentoring us involved use of the two.

What challenges did you face in the 12 weeks?

Facing the judges had to be my biggest one. (Laughs). They were pretty hard on us.

Impressing DJ Stylez was also tough because he doesnt just open up to anyone. I had to find a way to do it.

Exact feelings after being crowned winner?

It never really sank. I was shocked. At the academy, I simply wanted to be in third place. Nothing more. Reality hit me after we performed for Sauti Sol and Ali Kiba.

What did the win mean to you?

It meant a lot because of the time and effort I have put into doing turn tables over the years. I took a big risk venturing into music by quitting my job. Its my prayer that the deejays out there will accept me with open arms. I know it will not be easy and that Ill have to position myself well.

Who are your biggest influences?

Internationally, I look up to Chris Villa because of his skill and creativity. In terms of packaging, I look up to A-Track because he has really made it as a deejay and producer worldwide. Locally, I have, and always will, look up to Joe Mfalme because of how he has found a way to turn the passion into a business. He has built a successful brand that I believe is still relevant nine years later. I also look at DJ Stylezs skill and perfection. A number of my teachers, who introduced me to turn tables have also been an influence: Jeff, Caleb and Q.

Whats your biggest motivation?

My mother. She has always supported me in everything. Shes my hero and a pillar in my life. I want to see her somewhere on a beach in Dubai having the time of her life.

Plans for 2019?

Basically, to take over. Its my time now.
German warnings of a US withdrawal, Islamic State sleeper cells, the Warsaw conference and humanitarian corridors. Catch up on everything that happened over the weekend.

1. On Saturday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that a hasty US pullout from Syria runs the risk of strengthening the roles of Russia and Iran in the Middle East. Asharq al-Awsat quoted Merkel as saying, Is it a good idea for the Americans to suddenly and quickly withdraw from Syria? Or will it once again strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence? Merkel said at the Munich Security Conference. The Belgian Foreign Minister, Didier Reynders, said US had told partners in the global anti-ISIS coalition that its soldiers would leave in weeks rather than months. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian asked why the US would create a vacuum in Syria that could benefit its enemy Iran, calling the approach a mystery. A French government source criticized the Trump administrations approach to the withdrawal as were leaving, youre staying. Theyre trying to manage the consequences of a hasty decision and making us carry the responsibility, the source said, adding that coalition members were united in rejecting the idea of staying on in Syria while the US leaves.

2. On Monday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham raided Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells in Dana town in Idleb province, activists said. Two ISIS militants and a young girl were killed in the clashes between the former al-Qaeda branch and ISIS. Seven more jihadists were detained by Tahrir al-Sham, source told Zaman al-Wasl. ISIS has carried out a series of assassinations that have targeted commanders of the group formerly known the al-Nusra Front in Syria.

3. Bombardment by militias loyal to Bashar al-Assad killed at least nine civilians, including two children and women, in the northern town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idleb province, activists said Friday. Zaman Al Wasl reported that the heavy artillery fire has targeted the town of Khan Sheikhoun for the second time in the southern countryside, pushing the death toll to 14.

4. Vice-President of the Syrian Coalition, Dima Moussa, said that the international consensus among participants of the Warsaw Conference, which considers Iran to be the biggest threat in the Middle East, should be followed by tough, practical measures that twist the arm of Iran, which this state sponsors cross-border terrorism. According to the Syrian National Coalition, underscored that the Iranian danger is not limited to aiding Assad in the killing of the Syrian people only but also represents a threat to the security of the whole region. She noted that Iran is sending sleeper cells and sectarian militias to many countries in the region. Moussa said that Irans sprawling tentacles are aimed at creating chaos and instability in the countries of the region. She noted that Iran is serving its goals through the Houthi militia in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and dozens of terrorist militias operating in Syria and Iraq. Moreover, Moussa voiced her support for the US calls for the withdrawal of European countries from the Iran nuclear deal as Iran poses a serious threat to international peace and security.

5. SANA reported that the Syrian government, in cooperation with Russia, decided to open two humanitarian corridors as of Tuesday in Jabal al-Ghurab and Jleib towns on the outskirts of the al-Tanf region. The move aims to evacuate displaced citizens besieged by the US occupation forces and their terrorist mercenaries from the al-Rukban camp in al-Tanf near the Syrian-Jordanian border. A statement by the Syrian-Russian joint coordination bodies for the return of displaced people said that centers would be set up to facilitate the voluntary and safe evacuation of displaced Syrians to residential areas according to their choices.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Displaced people in northern Syria are continuing to try and cross over into Turkey, despite the physical risks and the high financial costs reports Zaman Al Wasl.

Despite the dangers and the risk to life and limb, many Syrian are still taking their chances on the smuggling routes to escape the hell of bombardments and reach a better life.

Efforts to enter Turkey are increasing after every displacement inside northern Syria.

Several networks and groups in the region are working to smuggle people across the Turkish border, while Turkish authorities and border guards have put up a wall to stop the smuggling.

A source from the Turkish border told Zaman al-Wasl that on Saturday, the Turkish gendarmerie found the bodies of eight Syrians, including women and children, near the border with Syria.

The source said that they had died as a result of the severe cold after they lost the road while trying to enter Turkish territory through illegal routes near the town of Kherbet Eljoz near the Turkish border.

Zaman al-Wasl was able to identify one of the victims, a girl from the city of Kafranbel, who died three days leaving for Turkey to meet with her fiance, and was one of the eight people that were found dead on the border.

In a related context, on Monday evening, Turkish border guards found the bodies of a man and two women who were killed by the cold. The two women were able to be identified, while the identity of the man remains unknown. They were transferred to the university hospital in Turkey.

With tighter security on the Turkish border it is difficult to escape and enter Turkish territory, but human smugglers are becoming more able to exploit these situations and organize themselves as large gangs that control a large part of the Syrian-Turkish border.

I was forced to enter Turkish territory after I was displaced from Ghouta. I searched for a smuggler to help me, and then one day he asked me for 600 dollars. It was planned for us to cross from the village of Kherbet Eljoz across Nahr Al Asi said Dhia, who is one of the displaced to northern Syria.

Methods of Smuggling

According to smugglers promises on how to secure transit routes, there are three main roads, the day road, the night road and the fog road.

The day time trip is the most expensive, because it does not require those travelling to walk.

The smuggler tells people that he has permission to enter Turkish territory and there is often agreement with the border guard, who takes half the fee, which is normally between 1,800 and 2,500 dollars per person.

Smuggling operations are not daily, but are according to Turkish border guards and their schedules.

The night road is the most common route used by most smugglers, with people being taken daily. The smuggling process takes place at night and it is on foot. The walk takes between six and eight hours, and the roads are rugged and between mountains and mud.

The third way is the fog road, but only at certain times of the year, via the Asi River. The smugglers idea is that people will wait for the foggy atmosphere and then cross the Asi River from Syria to Turkey. The thick fog prevents them from being seen and can cost travellers between 1,000 to 1,500 dollars.

This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
With the announcement that the US is to withdraw from Syria, Iran has been adapting its plans to fit a new landscape and ensure that it comes out on top writes Al-Watan.

International and regional powers involved in the big game of the Middle East are re-adjusting their policies in preparation for a changing situation in eastern Syria, once the United States completes its withdrawal from areas east of the Euphrates.

Iran has long focused on the development of tools that could be used in a confrontation with Israel, while at the same time preferring to contain the American strategy for the Middle East and its tools in the Astana tripartite. In this way, Iran has been able to continue to expand its regional role and influence across the region.

As US policy towards Iran shifts from appeasement to punishment, which made Tehran adjust its regional tactics; continuing the policy of confrontation with Israel has become secondary to Irans wider interests of confronting Americas hostile strategy towards Iran.

The new strategy emerged after the United States imposed sanctions on Iran in November last year and accelerated with Trump announcing his intention to withdraw US troops from eastern Syria.

Iran is no longer willing to work against Israel, but rather against the United States. The battlefield has moved from the Israeli borders to Mesopotamia. Within this context, Tehran decided, for the first time, to transfer the issue of Israeli attacks on Syria to the Astana Group. The message was clear: the Astana Group must deal with the Israeli attacks on Syrian sovereignty, and not only against US plans in the region. The head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Shura Council, Hashmatullah Flahat Bisha, flew to Damascus carrying a message about the new Iranian approach, stressing that his country does not intend to engage in a war with Israel on Syrian territory. He stressed that Israel, will be defeated in the right place.

The American decision to withdraw from eastern Syria into Iraq represents both a chance and a danger for Irans interests in the region. On the one hand, it will cause a bigger confrontation between Washington and Tehran and its Iraqi allies. On the other hand, this could help Iran consolidate its geopolitical control over the modern Silk Road from China to the eastern Mediterranean through Iraq and Syria.

Moreover, filling the vacuum created by the American withdrawal from eastern Syria allowed Iran to allocate more resources to eastern Syria and western Iraq. Iran will also have a role in determining the future of Idleb, especially since the Russian-Turkish talks on this province are in their final stages.

After it contributed to the success of forming the Iraqi government, Tehran supports an Iraqi consensus on the demand for the withdrawal of US troops. At the same time, it is calming the Lebanese arena with the formation of a new government there in accordance with the Europeans and Russians, in exchange for the launch of the European financial mechanism to trade with Tehran, aimed at bypassing US sanctions against Iran.

Thus, Iran is reshaping its regional policy to confront the Americans in Iraq, filling the vacuum in eastern Syria, and contributing to resolving Idlebs dilemma.

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.
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Special Prosecutor Kovacik denies speculations over his loan

His bank reported a suspicious bank operation to the police, but they did not deal with the case. The incumbent police corps president may order the case to be re-opened.

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Special Prosecutor Dusan Kovacik reportedly went to the Slovenska Sporitelna bank in September 2017 and deposited 204,000, in cash, into his account. The bank reported the operation to the financial intelligence unit at the Police Corps Presidium, claiming that Kovacik is an exposed person and the bank should devote special attention to him, particularly because he should be the first one to fight against corruption and money laundering.

However, the police did not deal with the case, the Dennik N daily reported.

At the time, the unit was led by Pavol Vorobjov, a person who is believed to have been involved in the screening of journalist Jan Kuciak shortly before his murder.

Incumbent Police Corps President Milan Lucansky has admitted some deficiencies in the investigation file, which is why he has now ordered its detailed scrutiny. If needed, the case will be reopened, the Police Corps Presidium informed, as reported by Dennik N.

The daily also wrote that Kovacik first claimed to have received the money from his brother. The special prosecutor confirmed this in his first statement provided to the media. He added that he had mentioned everything that he was required to in his property disclosure for 2017 and called any speculations concerning the origin of the money, as described by Dennik N, as untrue.

Read also: Special prosecutor now wants the original Gorilla recording Read more

He later altered his statement, claiming that the money came from the legal sale of a property which he will prove after being approached by respective authorities. At the same time, he mentioned the possibility that he would submit a criminal complaint.

Its another unprecedented leak of bank secrecy misused to discredit the special prosecutor, which is why the special prosecutor will consider, in the context of deliberately fabricated suspicions, taking legal recourse, said his spokesperson, Jana Tokolyova, as quoted by Dennik N.

Kovacik claims that the loan was given in compliance with valid laws and ethical principles.

A problematic loan

Kovacik reportedly used the money to buy a house for his son Martin. He also stated this was his intention in the bank. The house was bought via a real estate agency. Shortly after depositing the money in the account, he sent it to the person from whom his son bought the house in Pezinok.

The house cost 270,000, with the remaining sum being paid by Kovaciks son. No mortgage was taken to purchase the property, Dennik N wrote.

Kovacik has been publishing his property disclosures since 2012, but has not admitted to such a high amount of money in the documents. He said in the bank that the money came from his brother, Tibor. The same explanation was given to the police. Although scrutiny of his property was to follow, nothing happened.

Kovaciks brother is active in one company: TI&MA, according to the business register. However, the company has neither such profit nor such revenues to enable them to provide the sum to Kovacik. The same applies to the agricultural collective in which his brother was active in the past.

Read also: Special prosecutor Kovacik will not leave for now Read more

Moreover, the family of the special prosecutors brother owns properties for which they had to take a mortgage, Dennik N wrote.

The daily reported that Kovacik and his wife took a mortgage for a house in Trencin. His latest property disclosure suggests that he saved 60,000 in cash and owns securities worth about 30,000. He also stated in his 2017 property disclosure that he had taken a new loan, but did not specify the details.

Dennik N suggests that the police should have started a proper investigation into the origin of the money from Kovaciks brother as soon as it had received a report about the transaction from the bank. Under ordinary circumstances, the investigation would be supervised by the Special Prosecutors Office, led by Kovacik, since it deals with the fight against corruption and money laundering. It also supervises the investigation of suspicions towards public officials, the daily reported.

18. Feb 2019 at 13:58 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Constitutional Court forced to follow plan B

The court now has only four active judges and has published new work schedule.

The Constitutional Court published an amendment to its work schedule shortly before noon on February 16 suggesting how it will operate now that it is left with only four out of its normal complement of 13 judges.

The work schedule is a key document. It sets the number of senates, their composition and which judge will prepare the decision proposals.

From February 17, the Constitutional Court will have only one functional senate, according to the amendment. As a result, the it will work to only a very limited regime since the senate will not be able to deal with all the cases the court will receive, the Sme daily reported.

Work to a limited regime

The senate will be composed of all four remaining judges, but will work only with three of them, since that is what the law requires. In the first variant, it will be composed of Jana Baricova, Miroslav Duris and Mojmir Mamojka and in the second by Jana Baricova, Jana Lassakova and Mojmir Mamojka. In the latter combination, two former Smer MPs will have the majority, Sme pointed out.

Read also: Parliament fails to elect Constitutional Court candidates Read more

If anybody objects to the members of the senate, pointing to the potential conflict of interests, the complaint will not be taken into consideration, the document reads. Under normal circumstances, the objection would be judged by another senate. However, since there is only one at the moment, there is nobody to make that decision.

The amendment also reads that the senate will not deal with all the complaints and motions the court receives after February 17. They will start by dealing with only three of 10 motions, with the rest being left for new Constitutional Court judges. However, the document suggests that court-appointed advisors could work on them, which may speed up the decision-making process after the new judges are appointed, Sme wrote.

This rule will not be applied to urgent cases though.

Moreover, the three-member senate will only be able to decide on complaints submitted by people or companies against the actions of the general courts, the police and other offices. The court will also decide on complaints concerning candidates for public functions, aimed against parliament or the president.

The Constitutional Court will not decide on any important political and legal decisions made in the plenum, such as decisions on the constitutionality of laws. The reason is that there will be no plenum after February 17, Sme wrote.

Moreover, the plenum decides on complaints over election results. If no plenum is created before March 16, the court will not be able to decide on any complaints over the outcome of the presidential elections.

The temporary rules will be applied until new Constitutional Court judges are appointed and approve their change, Sme wrote.

Pellegrini critical towards Smer

Meanwhile, PM Peter Pellegrini has criticised his own Smer party for its behaviour during the February 14 vote for the candidates for Constitutional Court judge.

He will not initiate any special cabinet session, nor will he ask the parliament to debate the law to prolong the tenure of the current Constitutional Court judges, Pellegrini said on February 15. The coalition should have elected the number of candidates for the court to be functional, as reported by the TASR newswire.

He hopes a new vote will be announced soon and those responsible will make a deal and secure the functionality of the Constitutional Court.

Juraj Blanar of Smer said during the political talk show O 5 Minut 12 (Five to Twelve) broadcast by the public-service RTVS on February 17, that the coalition parties will seek agreement on the new Constitutional Court judges.

18. Feb 2019 at 13:41 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Noerr Slovakia is pleased to announce its new department Digital Business

Slovakia, like all other national economies is being changed at an amazing rate by technology. Companies in the field break new ground almost hourly, and law firms that offer their service to such companies must keep up.

WebSupport s.r.o. is a success story in Slovakia and central Europe. Home grown, it is the dynamic technology startup which became the leading Slovak web host and main registrar of .sk and .eu domains.

When Swedens Loopia Group AB wanted to purchase 100% of WebSupport s.r.o., they needed a firm with both the local knowledge and a team with the technical expertise to handle the deal.

 To build on this existing competitive advantage, we will implement the expertise of our German colleagues in the new department Digital Business in Slovakia.  JUDr. Pavol Rak

They called Noerr.

Noerr Slovakia is pleased to announce its new department Digital Business. It will cover a range of legal fields related to technology and doing business locally and globally in the 21st century. Digital Business is designed to meet changing client and regulatory requirements, while advising clients as to how best to anticipate and embrace new and future market trends. Backed by Noerrs time tested, highest quality advisory approaches, the new Digital Business department will have advice on, and answers to, all your technology related legal issues.

JUDr. Pavol Rak, Managing partner

Digitalisation is increasingly changing our clients business models and will continue to do so even more in the future: digital supply chains, the internet of things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, smart factory, robotics, and the data economy are topics no company can afford to ignore. Noerr is already one of the first movers among legal advisors in the interdisciplinary legal field of digitalisation in Germany. To build on this existing competitive advantage, we will implement the expertise of our German colleagues in the new department Digital Business in Slovakia. says Noerrs managing partner in Bratislava JUDr. Pavol Rak.

Martin Baraniak

Digital Business is also designed to cover legal issues related to technology and business. Its team is happy to advise clients on data protection issues in all areas of business and, as increasingly trademark infringement occurs on digital platforms, assist clients in protecting their digital intellectual property.

The head of the new department Digital Business in Slovakia is Martin Baraniak. Mr. Baraniak specialises in Information Technology and data protection law. Besides complex data protection law matters, like the structuring of international data flows, his areas of expertise include IT compliance, e-commerce, contract drafting and legal support for IT projects, outsourcing and litigation, software licensing, and telecommunications law.

or more information please visit: www.noerr.com

18. Feb 2019 at 6:00
by Wallace Wyss 

When I was one and twenty, or thereabouts, I bought an old Mercedes. It was a Gullwing 300SL. I heard about it from a car designer at GM who was restoring one. He didnt want to sell his but said he had an old roommate up in Canada that might sell his and I went up there and bought it for a song.

But it was a SOB to keep running. I was astonished when I found out the fuel injection diaphragm was leather! Yes, a modern car depending on part of an animal!

Anyhow I shoulda pulled a Chuck Porter. Chuck Porter, a body shop operator out in Hollywood had, a few years earlier, taken a wrecked Gullwing, cut off the roof and doors and cut it down into a copy of the factory SLR roadster, the one with the straight eight they raced at the Mille Miglia.

I am not sure which shop built the body for Porter, but it was a loose copy of the original SLR. But at least it was aluminum. Porters version had a wider grille and no windshield just a windscreen for the driver like the factory SLR.

Porter called his car the SLS for Super Light Special but it could have been Mercedes was already using that name for some race cars they built and funneled to US racers.

There was a strong Mercedes-Benz family resemblance, though his grille was wider than the factory car. I always thought he took out the Mercedes six when he first ran it and dropped in a Corvette but now I heard that the first engine he put in it was a Buick and only after that did he try a lot of Chevy V8s.

He ran the car from 55 to 59 with a variety of drivers, some of whom went on to pro racing. Hell, if I had gone the Porter route, I would have been able to keep running my car! Of course there was the problem of the Mercedes engine being slanted over to keep the hoodline low and if I had put in a Chevy V8 Id have to have some big old hood bump as Porter did himself when fitting some of his engine choices.

In the back of my head I filed the info that such a car existed and meant to look for it when I arrived in California from Michigan but of course I forgot about it. It is only now when researching the car in February 2019, that I found out that it was restored in 1999 by renowned 300SL specialists HK Engineering in Polling, Germany, and run in the famous Goodwood race where it came a cropper, wiping out the front end by impacting a Lister-Jaguar.

I am unclear whether its going to re restored as the Porter Special or as a regular Mercedes Gullwing (now Gullwings are worth $1,000,000. I wont tell you what I sold my forbut it was low. Winter was coming and I couldnt bear to park it outside in the snowa good car shouldnt have to endure such misery.

Let us know what you think in the Comments.







THE AUTHOR: Wallace Wyss has owned many collector cars and written about them in his 18 books. He currently is portraying classics in oil. A list of available prints can be had by writing mendoart7@gmail.com












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.
About Me MLove Sandpoint, Idaho, United States Visit wwww.mariannelove.com to learn more about my three books "Pocket Girdles," "Postcards from Potato Land" and "Lessons with Love." visit www.mariannelove.com. For autographed copies, contact me at potatohead89@hotmail.com. Books are also available at www.amazon.com. I'm 65, married, mother of two, retired English/journalism teacher and freelance writer. Besides writing, I enjoy gardening, photography, geocaching, horses and traveling. My quirky, sometimes irreverent sense of humor comes naturally through family genes. So, bear with me. View my complete profile

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A hundred years ago, in February 1919, the world had made it through two waves of the worst influenza outbreak in history and was suffering the final sporadic throes of the so-called Spanish flu. This flu delivered a gruesome and sudden death: Sickness could come on in the morning and have somebody seriously incapacitated by night, then dead by the next morning. Because of the biological particulars of this virus, half of the victims who died were between 20 and 40 years old. This flu, unlike more common strains that primarily victimize the young and old, killed working people, soldiers, politicians, mothers and fathers of small childrenthe people most occupied with the labor of society. In all, 675,000 Americans probably died from the flu in 1918 and 1919far more than the 53,402 who died in combat in World War I.

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And yet, for years, Americans didnt talk about it much in public. Historians of the flu, starting with Alfred Crosby, whose 1976 book Americas Forgotten Pandemic was the first comprehensive account of the outbreak in the United States, have long wondered at the curious fact that this terrible experience left so little mark on the cultural record. Looking at major American newspapers and political discourse in the years after the flu ended, Crosby found that the whole thing seemed to have vanished without a trace. The flu never inspired awe, not in 1918 and not since, Crosby wrote. Crosby notes that the major writers of that generation, who were busy memorializing the experience of the Great War and probing the depths of the modern soul, didnt talk much about the flu either. It was left to a few scattered authors less central to the canonKatherine Anne Porter, William Maxwell, Thomas Wolfeto write about the epidemic in the ensuing decades. It wasnt until the end of the 20th century that American historians and documentarians turned their attention to the pandemic.

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What was it about the flu that provoked this silent response? Is there something about mainstream American culture, with its optimism and pride, that simply refuses to reckon with the idea of mass death from an unstoppable illness? A close read of recent history suggests that the 20th century silence about the flu epidemic of 191819 shows how uneasy many Americans have been with failure, death, and loss, and how strongly most of the nation seems to prefer stories that celebrate heroic achievement to those that memorialize acts of caregiving. Indeed, as the flu came and went, the only people who felt like theyd done anything to help were nurses, who offered palliative care to alleviate symptoms as the sick suffered on. Given Americas somewhat pathological focus on results-oriented medicine, and aversion to the acceptance of death, its little wonder that these womens efforts went unhailed.

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Some of the underresponse to the Spanish flu might have been the product of historical circumstance, rather than an artifact of Americans particular culture. In 1918, the nations attention was directed toward the denouement of the war in Europe. Its also worth remembering that 100 years ago, people were much more accustomed to losing family members to infectious disease. For Americans of the early 20th century whose grandparents might have died of diseases like smallpox or yellow fever, the flu may have seemed like too simple a thing to fear. Despite its severity, it didnt sound scary. Influenza, flu, grippe, gripwhatever you called it or however you spelled itwas a homey, familiar kind of illness: two or three days in bed feeling downright miserable, a week or so feeling shaky, and then back to normal, Crosby wrote.

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Is there something about mainstream American culture, with its optimism and pride, that simply refuses to reckon with the idea of mass death from an unstoppable illness?

But this homey, familiar affliction was singularly murderous. Perhaps it was the contrast between its familiarity and the actuality of its terror that made it difficult to process. Literary scholar Jane Elizabeth Fisher posits that the American failure to respond to the flus true threat could have been a matter of overload: The silence surrounding the 1918 influenza pandemic can also be interpreted as a kind of tribute to its awe-inspiring destructive power, the terrifying number of people it killed, and the inability of human language to adequately represent mortality on such a large scale.

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It is also a story with few visible protagonists. Doctors, the manly conquerors in other American stories about illness in the early 20th century, came up completely short in 1918. All the physicians of 1918 were participants in the greatest failure of medical science in the twentieth century or, if absolute numbers of dead are the measure, of all time, Alfred Crosby wrote. Doctorsthen almost universally maleremembered the flu as a dire time of self-doubt and anguish. Give us another war with Germany, Mexico and all the other heathenish countries in preference to another blast of this distressing flu, a physician from Tennessee wrote. This doctor felt like a great, merciless juggernaut has rolled over the land and left us weeping and wailing in its path. Historian Nancy Bristow, in her book American Pandemic, quotes one physician who described the heartbreaking experience: There wasnt much a doctor could do. The patient would be dead before you could get back to see him. He could diagnose you and give you some medicine and the next day youd be dead.  The main thing of visiting every day was to find out who was dead and then bury them.

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This ordeal wasnt just emotionally upsetting; it was a real blow to doctors collective professional ego. During the epidemic, mainstream medicine found itself beset on all sides by doubters. The flu was so impossible to treat that folk remedies filled the gap: People tried powdered lobelia, sagebrush tea, rabbits feet, and a laundry list of other home cures. Homeopathic and osteopathic doctors trumpeted their supposed successes with the flu. These doctors leveraged their mainstream colleagues failures to criticize them: Dominant therapy has been weighed in the balance and found wanting,  one homeopath wrote. Bristow quotes a flu-period advertisement for a medicine that questioned the single largest advancement of late-19th-century medical science, germ theory: Those doctors who believe GERMS the cause of disease and have to give drugs to KILL the GERMS are butting their heads against a stone wall and will have to start a new theory of disease. Mainstream physicians had little with which to counter these attacks. Historian John M. Barry quotes Victor Vaughan, a former president of the American Medical Association, who said of the flu: Never again allow me to say that medical science is on the verge of conquering disease.

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The most common treatment for a flu patient was bed rest, pain relief, isolation, and plenty of warmth. Beyond that, a prescription was anyones guess, and the remedies that doctors prescribed make for quite a list. All kinds of useless vaccines were developed. Patients might be prescribed castor oil to purge the bowels, turpentine enemas for the same purpose, bloodletting, quinine (because it worked for malaria, so  try it?), camphor injections, typhoid vaccines (to stimulate the immune system), alcohol in heroic doses, narcotics, linseed poultices, or (a treatment documented in Willa Cathers novel One of Ours) an egg in a cup of orange juice, given every two hours. In such a varied list, you can see how frantic doctors must have felt to make a differenceany kind of difference.

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While male doctors flailed, women took charge of the day-to-day care for flu sufferers. Perhaps this is another reason why the flu epidemic faded in memory: It was the women who did most of the work, and that work was dangerous drudgery. In the United States, home-based care for sickness was de rigueur in the 19th century, and it was still customary in the second decade of the twentieth century for serious illnesses to be treated at home, historian Emily Abel writes. Care for the flu was an hour-by-hour labor of loveor duty. The nurse would keep the patient hydrated and nourished, ventilate the room and make sure it was warm enough, and administer whatever remedies the doctor had recommended. Along the way, of course, the nurse risked being infected herself.

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Some people had no female relative to care for them, or the women in their families were sick too. These patients looked to professional nursesprivately engaged in their homes, visiting under the auspices of the government, or working in hospitalsto fill the gap. For these professionals, the epidemic was the ultimate test. Professional nurses, who were already in high demand because of the war, actually seem to have found the epidemicdespite its dangersa time of great professional fulfillment. Nancy Bristow found, through reading their memoirs and writings, that such nurses remembered the epidemic period with something you could even call fondness. She quotes Mabel Chilson, a student nurse who recalled how it felt to start to work in 1918: The nurses soon became the happiest family and when off duty we had jolly good times. The greatest comfort we possessed was the knowledge that each girl was doing her best and making good as a nurse.

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Bristow found similar responses in diaries and letters written by nurses across the country. Their cheerfulness is jarring. The happy memories of the epidemic are many.  The list of treasured experiences is long, wrote one. Terrible as was the influenza epidemic, with its frightful toll, there was a certain tremendous exhilaration to be felt as well as many lessons to be learned from such a terrific test, wrote another. Nurses at the time insisted that their job, which some saw as simply the natural work of women, should be respected as a legitimate career, and they saw their record during the epidemic as a way to claim professional recognition. One nurse wrote: It was a most horrible and yet most beautiful experience.  The nurses rendered as noble service as any soldiers in battle. In 1918, Bristow points out, male physicians believed that doctors should be heroes, a perspective the flu compromised: They embraced an understanding of their profession as one that healed patients and cured disease, standards difficult to meet during the pandemic. The nurses, on the other hand, needed simply to administer carenot to fix the disease. They could not only do this, but be proud of having done it.

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Some nurses understood this noble service as socially significant, not just personally virtuousa gesture of inclusion, proving that the United States had the heart to comfort all sufferers. Writing in the Survey, a progressive magazine, in November 1918, Frances Hayward recounted the story of her experience nursing indigent and immigrant men in New York during the pandemic. I cannot help feeling that in the old building on the river, something more than a fight against influenza had taken place, Hayward wrote. Another disease was being fought, a disease from which the nurses were suffering as well as the patientsthe disease, the plague of class feeling. Amidst the inconveniences and discomforts of the Lodging House hospital, the kind of democracy toward which we are all working showed a sign of health.

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Some nurses understood this noble service as socially significant, not just personally virtuousa gesture of inclusion, proving that the United States had the heart to comfort all sufferers.

And its these reactionssomehow cheerful in the face of great tragedythat feel the most characteristically American. In Katherine Anne Porters novella Pale Horse, Pale Rider, the main character Miranda and her lover Adam, before they get the flu, chat while theyre walking down the street during Adams leave from the military: Did you ever see so many funerals, ever? Miranda asks. Never did. Well, lets be strong minded and not have any of it, Adam says, shifting the conversation to their plans for that night. Miranda makes it through the flu, though shes forever changed; when shes returned to the living, she finds out that Adam has died. Porter, who tapped her own experience as a flu sufferer to write the novella, critiques American optimism, what she saw as our singular tendency to look forward instead of backwarda tendency that also blunted the memory of the flu, with its shame and confusion and sadness.

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Perhaps mainstream culture in the United States and other Western countries is still too optimistic to reckon with this kind of threat. Weve made progress in preparedness for another such epidemic, but not nearly enough. In a paper published in 2015, summarizing findings from interviews about the 2009/2010 H1N1 pandemic with people in Australia and Scotland, Mark D.M. Davis and a team of researchers wondered what might be causing apparent resistance to public health advice about the possibility of a flu pandemic. Was it something the researchers termed health threat fatigue? But complacency and resistance were not the major responses they found; rather, health individualism determined peoples responses to the prospect of pandemic flu. Respondents didnt think a pandemic was preventable; they just believed that they could boost their own immunity as a defense. People who were by and large in good health believed that they could push through any influenza.

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Theres something about the idea of a flu pandemic that would kill you and your loved oneswhether or not you eat your vegetables and exercise regularlythat is difficult to imagine. This is why most of our pandemic-oriented fantasy in culture and public life (Contagion aside) tends to personalize the threat of disease by making it a bioweapon wielded by a terrorist, turning the afflicted into zombies that can be fought, or attaching the threat to the specter of invading immigrants. We like a war so much more than a flu. But it might be the flu that gets us.
Mars One Ventures, the company behind an improbable plan to colonize the red planet via global reality show, confirmed last week that it is now in bankruptcy. News reports of this demise brought on a whipping storm of schadenfreude: The Fyre Festival of Spaceas several outlets called ithad been canceled before liftoff. It was terribly mismanaged, shortsighted and possibly even fraudulent, said the New York Post. The false promise is over, added Forbes.

Forget the fact that Mars One failed; I mean, we all knew that it would fail. The mission, which aimed to send four amateur astronauts on a one-way trip as soon as 2023, never really had a chance. Its projected budget of $6 billion was always risible, and many of the technologies that its organizers intended to deploy simply dont exist and may not for many decades yet. Still theres something strange and sad, I think, about the glee with which this weeks news has been received, as if Mars One and its adherents had been dealt a necessary comeuppance. This was not a swindle based on sleight of hand. It was a gesture of prodigious and preposterous ambitiona beautifully stupid idea, really, that should be missed now that its gone.

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The recent sneering comparisons of Mars One to the Fyre Festival fiascoand by implication, of Mars One CEO Bas Lansdorp to federal prison inmate and convicted Fyre fraudster Billy McFarlandonly help to illustrate this point. Its true that both were wild whiffs ginned up by their founders as dreams that could be peddled on social media. Both Lansdorp and McFarland hoped that once they had enough publicity, the other obstacles they faced (insufficient money, impossible logistics) would disappear. But in every other way, and in all the most important ways, the two endeavors could not have been more different.

Fyre was a monument to status-seeking, greed, and Ponzi capitalism. Take the would-be participants, the suckers who signed up for McFarlands boondoggle. The festivals attendees were, by most accounts, well-heeled millennials seduced by viral clips of supermodels drinking on a sandy Caribbean island that was said to have belonged to Pablo Escobar. They got lured into buying tickets to this nonexistent luxury resort, and reserving rooms in imaginary houses, so they could party in paradise with some bands that werent really booked.

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Mars One applicants, by contrast, were never soaked. Yes, there was a fee for entry into the process of astronaut-selectionbetween $5 and $75, depending on their place of birth. Beyond that, Mars One raised money from its fans via sales of (real) merchandise, or by asking them to donate to the cause. At one point the project managed to raise more than $300,000 from individuals on Indiegogo, to fund a satellite mission that was supposed to launch in 2018 but never took off. I guess you could label the project a scam solely on the basis of these facts. (Many have.) But as the website Inverse pointed out last year in an in-depth piece about the project, if Mars One really was a money grab, it did a hell of a bad job at generating booty.

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Heres another interpretation: The Aspiring Martians werent really dupes. Sure, theyd been pitched on something notionala trip to Mars without a blueprint. But the sketchiness was well-established, not some hidden grift. Back in 2013, when Mars One still was pretty new, I spent some time with members of this group. As far as I could tell, not one imagined that theyd signed on for something fun or safe or even altogether reasonable. They knew the sand on Mars would be grim in its ubiquity; that the air would be unbreathable; that the solar radiation and the winter freezes would be treacherous; and that they may not ever get to face these circumstances, anyway. They didnt care.

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It didnt seem to bother them too much that the mission of Mars One was so likely to miscarry. Everyone who is a fan of space travel has learned to live with disappointment, one applicant told me. That doesnt mean you dont try. Even if it never launched, the project was excitinga bold attempt to change the conversation around a trip to Mars. The U.S. government has been making promises of such a mission, and breaking them, for years. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush promised that wed soon establish a colony on the moon, and then, he said, a journey into tomorrow, a journey to another planet, a manned mission to Mars. Democrats shot down the plan without delay. Bushs plan was a daydream, said Al Gore, then a senator from Tennesseea daydream about as splashy as a George Lucas movie, with about as much connection to reality.

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This history of failure has continued in the years since, as BuzzFeeds Dan Vergano has chronicled. In 2004, President George W. Bush laid out another plan for getting astronauts to Mars. President Barack Obama had one, too. Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump offered NASA all the money you could ever need to make the Mars trip happen while he was still in office. Told that this could never happen, Trump appears to have moved on.

They knew the sand on Mars would be grim in its ubiquity; that the air would be unbreathable; and that they may not ever get to face these circumstances, anyway.

Absent federal investment, any hopes of getting humans to the red planet has been passed off to millionaires and billionaires, Dennis Tito, and Elon Musk. If Mars One had a deeper purpose, it was to make this project democraticto rescue Martian exploration from the crude arithmetic of politics, and the whims and vanities of wealth. It aimed to fuel the trip with grass-roots biodiesel, in the way TV-show superfans might try to force a canceled series back to life. This wasnt just a mission; it was a movement.

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As a movement, it succeeded. Even if their rocket never flew, Mars One volunteers had the chance to make connections with their peers. Some, like Boston-based selection-process finalists Yari and R. Daniel Golden-Castano, fell in love and got married. To me the sweetest, saddest thing about Mars One was its very premise: that we may sooner get ourselves to space through Facebook groups and meetups and enthusiasm than any government investment.

No one paused last week to mourn their poignant optimism. Instead the nation paid tribute to the robot rover Opportunity, now dead or dormant in the Martian soil. But our tears for Oppy should be wiped away. Studies of the planet via robot will continue in the years to come: A different, better rover has been on Mars since 2012, along with a burrowing mole-bot that landed last November. NASA plans to send yet another rover in 2020, along with a third from space authorities in Europe. The age of exploration via remote-control is still very much alive.

We will continue to study Mars. Perhaps one day we will even get there. But the real death this week was of any hope for near-term human settlement on another planet. Mars One may have been a pipe dream from the start, but at least it was a dream. For now, at least, thats over.
California and at least a dozen other states will be joining a lawsuit to challenge President Donald Trumps national emergency declaration, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Monday. The president admitted that theres not a basis for the declaration, he admitted theres no crisis at the border, hes now trying to rob funds that were allocated by Congress legally to the various states and people of our states, Becerra told MSNBC. The separation of powers is being violated, were going to go out there and make sure that Donald Trump cannot steal money from the states and people who need them, since we paid the taxpayer dollars to Washington, D.C. to get those services.

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Speaking on CNN, Becerra said the lawsuit is imminent. We should be filing sometime today, Becerra said. Were going to try to halt the President from violating the Constitution, the separation of powers, from stealing money from Americans and states that has been allocated by Congress, lawfully.

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This marks the latest effort to challenge Trumps emergency declaration in the courts. Earlier, three environmental and advocacy groups joined a lawsuit against the emergency declaration. The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit over the weekend arguing that the White House doesnt have the authority to use emergency funds to build a wall along the Mexico border. The only emergency here is Trumps assault on the Constitution, said Brian Segee, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, in a statement. Separation of powers is at the heart of our democracy and the power of the purse is a critical check on the president. Trumps authoritarian attempt to build his destructive border wall is a flagrant abuse of that constitutional structure. If he gets his way, itll be a disaster for communities and wildlife along the border, including some of our countrys most endangered species. This came after the advocacy group Public Citizen also filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Texas landowners and an environmental group. The American Civil Liberties Union also said it was preparing a lawsuit claiming that Trump doesnt have the authority to redirect taxpayer money to build a wall.

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All the lawsuits shouldnt come as a surprise to the White House. In fact, Trump said he fully expected to be sued when he announced the emergency declaration Friday, but he was confident his administration would eventually come out on top of any legal challenge. And Ill sign the final papers as soon as I get into the Oval Office. And we will have a national emergency, and then we will then be sued, and they will sue us in the Ninth Circuit, even though it shouldnt be there, Trump said. And we will possibly get a bad ruling, and then well get another bad ruling. And then well end up in the Supreme Court, and hopefully well get a fair shake. And well win in the Supreme Court, just like the ban.

Challenge to the emergency declaration could also come from Congress, where lawmakers could put forth a joint resolution to terminate it. But White House adviser Stephen Miller hinted Trump wouldnt hesitate to cast the first veto of his presidency if lawmakers tried to undo his emergency declaration. Obviously the president is going to protect his national emergency declaration, Miller said on Fox News Sunday.
The man who is pictured in one of the most iconic photos of the 20th Century has died. George Mendonsa, who was pictured kissing a nurse in Times Square at the end of World War II, had a seizure and fell in an assisted living facility in Middletown, Rhode Island on Sunday, two days shy of his 96th birthday. Mendonsa for years claimed he was the sailor who was photographed on Aug. 14, 1945 by Alfred Eisenstaedt and published in Life as a scene from V-J Day in Times Square.

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Several sailors claimed over the years that they were the ones in the famous photo although Mendonsas claim was finally verified in a 2012 book that used facial recognition software to help rule out all the other claims. The evidence is so overwhelming. Lawrence Verria, a coauthor of the book, told the Providence Journal. There really is no doubt. This man deserves the credit during his lifetime.

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Mendonsas daughter, Sharon Molleur, told NBC News her father was proud of the photo and what it represented. He was very proud of his service and the picture and what it stood for, Molleur said. Always, for many, many years later, it was an important part of his life.

Mendonsa claimed he was so ecstatic by news of the end of the war that he grabbed Greta Zimmer Friedman, a dental assistant in a nurses uniform, and planted a kiss on her even though he had never met her before. Friedman also reached out to Life in the 1960s to claim she was the woman in shot but was told she was wrong until 1980, when she met with Esenstaedt. In an interview in 2005, Friedman made it clear she didnt exactly consent to the smooch. It wasnt my choice to be kissed, she said in an interview with the Library of Congress. The guy just came over and kissed or grabbed. Friedman died in 2016 at 92.
Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe said that President Donald Trump believed the Kremlin over his own intelligence agencies. McCabe, who took over the FBI after Trump fired James Comey in 2017, made the stunning revelation in an interview with 60 Minutes. The former acting FBI chief said the president chose to believe Moscow during a meeting about North Koreas weapons capability. Trump told officials that he didnt believe that North Korea had missiles that could strike the U.S. mainland despite what his own intelligence agencies said. The reason for his skepticism? Russian President Vladimir Putin had told him it wasnt the case.

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The president launched into several unrelated diatribes. One of those was commenting on the recent missile launches by the government of North Korea. And, essentially, the president said he did not believe that the North Koreans had the capability to hit us here with ballistic missiles in the United States. And he did not believe that because President Putin had told him they did not. President Putin had told him that the North Koreans dont actually have those missiles, McCabe said. Intelligence officials who were at the briefing said that they believed otherwise. To which the president replied, I dont care. I believe Putin, McCabe said.

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I dont care. I believe Putin, Pres Trump allegedly said, rejecting U.S. intelligence regarding North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile capability. McCabe says he heard this from an FBI official who was at the meeting with POTUS. https://t.co/9zmoxrYNjm pic.twitter.com/lo0g9VOMAG  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) February 18, 2019

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McCabe wasnt at the meeting but he says he was shocked when he heard about the comments from a colleague. Its just an astounding thing to say, McCabe said, noting that it reflected a complete lack of confidence on the intelligence professionals who were part of his administration. To be confronted with an absolute disbelief in those efforts and an unwillingness to learn the true state of affairs that he has to deal with every day was just shocking, McCabe said.

Trump, who had already angrily responded to excerpts of the interview that were released late last week, once again went on the offensive Monday morning. Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged, Trump tweeted. The president went on to accuse McCabe and Rod Rosenstein of planning a very illegal act. Trump was likely referring to another point of McCabes interview in which he claimed Department of Justice officials discussed the possibility of removing the president from office using the 25th Amendment.

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Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2019

....There is a lot of explaining to do to the millions of people who had just elected a president who they really like and who has done a great job for them with the Military, Vets, Economy and so much more. This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 18, 2019

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Sen. Lindsey Graham reacted with shock at McCabes claim, saying it could amount to an attempted bureaucratic coup against the president. Its stunning to me that one of the chief law enforcement officers of the land, the acting head of the FBI, would go on national television and say Oh by the way, I remember a conversation with the deputy attorney general about trying to find if we could replace the president under the 25th amendment, Graham said in an interview Sunday.
Alec Baldwin has decided not to ignore President Donald Trumps criticism of Saturday Night Live. The actor who impersonates the president on the NBC comedy show spoke up hours after the president sent out a tweet criticizing SNL, characterizing it as a purveyor of total Republican hit jobs that the Networks get away with and dont suffer any retribution. Trump said that media criticism of his administration is very unfair, should be looked into and amounts to the real Collusion! He then sent an all-caps tweet slamming the media as a whole: THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!

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Nothing funny about tired Saturday Night Live on Fake News NBC! Question is, how do the Networks get away with these total Republican hit jobs without retribution? Likewise for many other shows? Very unfair and should be looked into. This is the real Collusion!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

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THE RIGGED AND CORRUPT MEDIA IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

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Baldwin took to Twitter to respond to the presidents comments later on Sunday. I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family? Baldwin wrote.

I wonder if a sitting President exhorting his followers that my role in a TV comedy qualifies me as an enemy of the people constitutes a threat to my safety and that of my family?  HABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) February 18, 2019

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The actor responded to the president after many analysts and commentators blasted Trump for what seemed to be a pretty direct attack on the First Amendment. Although Trumps attacks on the media are pretty common, its still an astounding aspect of this administration. Its worth remembering that no other president in decades publicly threatened retribution against a television network because it satirized him, wrote the New York Times Peter Baker.

It's become commonplace enough in the past two years that it no longer gets much notice. But it's worth remembering that no other president in decades publicly threatened "retribution" against a television network because it satirized him.  Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) February 17, 2019

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Rep. Ted Lieu from California also responded to the president, saying that being on the receiving end of criticism just comes with the territory as commander in chief. One thing that makes America great is that the people can laugh at you without retribution, Lieu wrote. Many also pointed out that the president isnt easing on the heated rhetoric against the media even after violence has been directed toward journalists in recent months.

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Dear @realDonaldTrump: One thing that makes America great is that the people can laugh at you without retribution. The First Amendment allows Saturday Night Live to make fun of you again, and again, and again. @nbcsnl



You should read the Constitution, or get briefed on it. https://t.co/4QxoMrLcmI  Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) February 17, 2019

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How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Send your questions for Stoya and Rich to howtodoit@slate.com. Dont worry, we wont use names.

Dear How to Do It,

I adore my husband of 12 years. We have two kids, a great house, and are very close. The big catch: When we met I was very inexperienced and he failed to disclose a lot of information about his own sexual history, which included a boatload of gay sex and orgies and humiliation play. He lied to me for years before finally telling me he was bi. Over the last two years, we have tried a lot of new things to make him happy: We had an open marriage, used toys on each other, watched gay porn, and talked a lot about his fantasies. He stopped talking to his extended family during this time frame and told me one night that he probably would have identified as gay rather than bi if he had a more accepting family.

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He insists that he only loves me and doesnt want to end our relationship, but he also calls me vanilla all the time and insists I find him disgusting. When I make a move, he will often flinch. He gets extremely upset if I express concern that he is going to opt out of our relationship, which I feel is a legit concern. Now he says he is just going to repress that side of himself. I dont want him to lie to himself, or me, and I dont care if he is bisexual. I dont even care if he has someone on the side as long as he is super careful with protection. I love my husband and I dont want to break up our life, but I dont know how to move past the unhealthy sexual dynamic in our relationship. Sexually, he has made me feel like I will always be second best.

I dont think that I should have to feel bad for enjoying heterosexual sex and not needing a lot of the extra bells and whistles, especially since I am ready and willing to play along with the things that interest him. What should I do?

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Blast From the Past

Dear Blast From the Past,

I think you should focus on yourself because youve spent way too long focusing on and accommodating your husband. A partnerespecially one who failed to disclose so much about himselfshould be so lucky to receive a quarter of your effort and acceptance. I almost feel like typing an itemized list based on your question to reflect back to you how much you have done, because Im not sure that youre aware of the extraordinary degree of your generosity.

It breaks my heart a little that your husband makes you feel that you will always be second best, and yet youre still with him and actively pursuing a sex life. I have to wonder why you keep at it. Has the sex, when its actually happened, been that good? Until he gets therapy to work through issues around his sexuality, self-hate, and upbringingwhich seem clear in your letterI dont think either of you will be satisfied, nor will the emotionally abusive ways hes lashing out at you stop.

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But you asked me what you should do, not him. You didnt mention much about your own sexuality, only as it implicitly relates to your husbands. To write a proper prescription, Id need to know more about you. But taking you at your word that your everything else is dandy at home, have you considered seeking some action of your own on the side? I totally understand not wanting to give up the domestic bliss you have with your partner, but it sounds like sex with him is a dead end for now. If youre really after good old vanilla heterosexual gratification, I agree you shouldnt feel bad, but I think youre going to have to look elsewhere. Inquire how he would feel about both of you having someone on the sidemaintain your life partnership and compartmentalize your sex as something you have only with others. Its possible it will make him feel worse, or maybe a sense of relief, but you dont know until you broach it, possibly with a counselor.

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Its not ideal, but what relationship is? If you set off to find one as an example right now wed all die before you returned back to your computer to finish reading my answer to your question. So dont bother. If youre getting some (which is to say enough) from someone else, the issue of sex will cast a much shorter shadow over your partnership, and it may make your happy home even happier. Or maybe itll make him jealous enough to snap him out of simultaneously shaming you and imposing his cockeyed interpretations of your sexual feelings for him. Im not sure exactly what you need from a short letter, but Im certain that you deserve better than what youre getting.

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Dear How to Do It,

Im a woman in my early 20s. I grew up imagining sex was going to be amazing, but so far, its never quite worked. I get off fine on my own while reading or watching kinky porn or using my imagination, but I get stuck in my head when Im with another person. Im not sure if its because the sex Ive been having has been too vanilla, or Im just finding bad sexual partners, or if theres something wrong with me. Ive hooked up with both men and women. I just got out of a serious relationship, and it was some of the worst sex of my life. I definitely dont think Im asexual because the desire is still there. I just cant seem to master the execution.

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Ive been open with partners in the past about not having had an orgasm with another person. They always take it as a challenge, and when whatever theyre doing doesnt work immediately, they take it personally. Or they just totally give up because they assume Im not going to come anyway, so why bother? A lot of articles tell you not to worry if you arent having orgasms, but Im not having fun either. Its almost like because its been so bad in the past, Im too jaded to be present with whoever Im with. Ive gotten really good at faking it. I think I used to see being good at sex as being really good at getting the other person off, but now Im realizing that Ive spent next to no time trying to figure out how to enjoy myself in my own body. I am interested in exploring kink, but I havent even mastered the basics yet. I feel like most people my age have figured out what works for them by now. All the advice Ive read about this kind of thing tells you to get better at masturbating, but I have that part down! Ive had so much sex, but I feel like a virgin.

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Forever Virgin

Dear Forever Virgin,

It sounds to me like your problem may be as simple as youre innately kinkier than the sex youre having. Please do not feel self-conscious about realizing this in your early 20s. In your early 20s, your brain is still developingtheres no way you are who you will come to be. As we live, we learn more about ourselves, and as we learn more about ourselves, the sex we have changes. Most people do not have this all figured by your age.

So you are by any reasonable measure very young, and youll likely find plenty of people happy to show you the ropes of whatever kink youre interested in trying out. In fact, a lot of people find the combination of eagerness and inexperience in a partner to be a particular turn-onyou likely wont merely be taught, youll be taught by a teacher who cares, like Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds, but for kink. I dont know which kink zests your lemon, so I cant provide advice beyond that. But the internet is a big place with very specific connections, so Im going to assume you can Google your path to an orgasm attended by at least one partner of your choice.

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Dear How to Do It,

My husband and I have been together for 10 years. Our sex life is mutually satisfying except for one small (big?) problem. My husband is a big guy: 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. I am smaller at 5-foot-2, 130 pounds. Our size mismatch is further complicated by the fact that his penis is smaller than average, and his belly can get in the way of deep penetration during sex. The result is that there are exactly three positions that allow us satisfying friction: missionary, cowgirl, and doggy style. After 10 years, Im fairly bored with these same three positions and long (ha!) for something more. Am I doomed to forever repeat the same old routine? Is there some kind of workaround that I havent thought of?

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Mismatched

Dear Mismatched,

Youre going to have to think beyond positions here. When a dick doesnt expand your hole of choice, youre just going to have to expand your mind. By now, the two of you are road-tested enough that you can tick off exactly what positions work for you. I could bust out some old action figures (say, a He-Man and Princess Leia) to strategize how to further negotiate your size difference, but I think youre good there. Luckily for both of you, there are several sexual avenues you can explore that dont involve penetrative sex (like say, oh, oral), or that dress it up to the point of making penetration function more like a side dishor at least like a co-main (like, say, bondage).

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But really, your multiple Freudian pratfalls (those were not slips!) suggest that youre jonesing for a bigger dick, at least sometimes. So get one. Recruit a living one if your husband is down for a threesome, or get yourself a nice fat dildo and play with it with him. Buy an extender he can put on his penis during sex, or a vibrating cock ring that will add some zing to your bang. By now, through the sheer positioning trial and error that your letter alludes to, he must know that his dick is not huge. Its OK for you to want some variation, especially if your sex life with him is active, and a toy is a completely reasonable negotiation if hes not willing to explore group sex. I trust you know the best way to broach this with your husband, and Id wager he wouldnt mind mixing it up too.

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Dear How to Do It,

Im a 61-year-old manactive, fit, and married for 25 years. My wife, whom I love and would never want to hurt, is 66, post-menopausal, and has completely lost interest in sex.

I havent had intercourse in two years or experienced any real physical passion, and Im starting to lose my mind. Ive considered using a hookup app or going to a prostitute, but both options arent very attractive to me so Ive been reluctant to pull the trigger. What else can I do?

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Still in It

Dear Still in It,

You dont give any indication that youve discussed this in any detail with your wife, so thats what you should do first. I dont recommend seeking outside sex without her blessing or at least her knowledge. Its perfectly reasonable for you to want to find another target for your sexual energy. While getting there is likely to be an emotional process that requires compassion and reassurance, this is a purely pragmatic issue. You want sex, she doesnt, so youre going to have to get it outside your home. If shes truly not interested anymore, its a fair ask, though it may take her some getting used to, and it may come with a list of requests and rules to make this process as painless for her as possible.

Honor all of them.

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Please, though, make sure that you confirm in words that shes completely lost interest in sex. Ive only been writing this column for a month, but Im already acutely aware that a lot of people are living unsatisfying sex lives in (and because of) silence and uncertainty. Maybe she does still have desires and needs your help to realize them.

If youve discussed all this and still, for unspecified reasons, arent interested in a hookup app or paying for sex, you have more options. Make a sexy friend. Dabble with guys and visit a glory hole or a gym saunaless work than an app. Or resign yourself to a life wherein your primary sexual activity is masturbation. If you dont do anything about this situation, youre going to have to.

Rich
The Africa Energy Indaba conference held in collaboration with strategic partners, the World Energy Council, NEPAD Agency and SANEA, will kick-off on Tuesday, February 19, in South Africa, according to the organizers.

Africa is the next investment frontier for energy. Energy access is now part of the political debate on the continent and there is an increase in political will to provide energy for African countries, says Africa Energy Indaba Managing Director, Liz Hart.

The conference will address key issues that are impacting the African energy sector together with solutions to best mitigate these concerns.

International delegates of the Africa Energy Indaba will deliberate and devise solutions to appease Africas energy access concerns.

This includes rural energy solutions, services for major energy projects, urbanization and energy needs as well as the implementation and management of renewable and sustainable energy projects.

The event will serve as a platform for participating exhibitors to prove their commitment to seek the necessary solutions to confront the challenges Africa faces owing to current and future energy demands.

According to projections published by the United Nations Population Division, Africas population has grown by 30 million people in the past year and by 2050, annual increases are expected to exceed 42 million people per year meaning that the total population will have doubled to 2.4 billion.

The vast increase in the number of people in Africa along with increased standards of living puts significant pressure on the demand for affordable energy.
What kind of person would spend $155,000 to buy a burned-down shack on a trash-covered lot? Jordan Strang and Aubree Bernier-Clarke did just that on a 2016 episode of Tiny House Hunters, passing up a rustic cabin and a roomy ranch in favor of a pile of charred remains. When I spoke to them shortly after the episode aired, the couple made a compellingly sane case for their choice as the most sensible option for the L.A. real estate market.

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Strang and Bernier-Clarke wanted to build not one but two small structures on the property: a 600-square-foot main house and a bonus, 333-square- foot guesthouse. But once building began and they ran into unexpected expenses, the couple decided that the main house would be too cost-prohibitive and moved into the guesthousea true tiny houseinstead. Strang and Bernier-Clarke recently moved out and closed on a standard-size two-bedroom house.

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Slate caught up with the couple to see what theyve learned from their experience with tiny living. This interview has been edited and condensed.

Slate: The last time we spoke, more than two years ago now, you had demolished what was left of the existing house and were hauling trash off the property. How long did that end up taking?

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Aubree: Oh God, I mean, every time it rained, more stuff would emerge from the ground, so I wouldnt even say its fully cleared today. The real trash haul, it took like a month to get out all the main stuff, but there were areas that even now still have piles of weird stuff.

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I asked you then, and Ill ask again: Anything interesting?

Aubree: What did we find? Some creepy baby dolls 

Jordan: We found thousands of these green, 1-liter glass bottles, and we continued to find them. If we had counted them, I think there would be, oh my gosh, upward of 3,000 of them.

Aubree: Its this beer bottle that has a little pop-top that you could reattach; I dont remember what its called, maybe Grolsch. Youd think you cleared an area of trash and then you would hit what shouldve been the ground but it was pieces of plywood and then youd pull those off and there was another hole full of glass bottles.

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Jordan: We found a cool wooden bear that I have still.

Aubree: I found a weird little ceramic elf. Thats the last funny thing that I found.

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When did you finish construction on the house itself?

Jordan: We moved into the tiny house in May 2017. There was some gap time between the trash clearing and the building of the tiny house when we were just kinda planning.

And to exorcize the baby-doll spirits, I assume.

Aubree: A lot of sage got burned on our property.

Tell me about the house you built.

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Aubree: Basically, its an approximately 18-by-18-foot square. And when you enter into the house, youre in sort of an L-shaped main room that takes up 75 percent of the space. And one corner of the L is the kitchen, one corner is the living area, one corner is the bedroom. The other 25 percent is the bathroom, which did have a door. That was the one separate space.

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Jordan: The best thing I think we did in kind of maximizing the space was making sure that it had a real bed. Even though the house was small, we didnt loft the bedwe kept it on the ground. We were able to have a queen-size bed, a proper large closet where we each had half of a very big amount of storage space. We had a living room area with a sectional sofa, a kitchen with an island and two bar stools that you could sit at, and then a full bathroom.

Aubree: Really, it was just like living in a very nice studio apartment.

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Why did you ever move out?

Jordan: It was all about the bed thing.

What about the bed thing?

Jordan: When your bed is in your living room, its kind of hard to ever be like, Id rather put clothes on and sit at a bar stool and eat my breakfast. Im like, Oh, I could just eat it in bed in my pajamas. You just start to devolve into this primal human thats like, I could just do everything in bed.

Aubree: I felt like an animal taking food back to its den at a certain point.

Jordan: We would come home from wherever we were and be like, OK, were in for the night and just immediately put on pajamas and be in bed. Its fine, but its kind of hard to live like that after a while. You feel like a frat boy or something.

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The other thing we did, which I think was good but then also turned out to be bad, was we got really nice closets from Ikea with sliding doors with mirrors on them, which helps the space feel larger. But you can only access one side of them at a time, cause youre pushing the other slider over the persons closet. If I was in there and Aubree wanted to get dressed, I had to take my clothes and move them somewhere else. That was definitely another challenge, a time where it felt small. When I was like, Oh, I just wanna be able to open my own closet.

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Aubree: Then if Jordan was getting ready, Id be like, Well, I guess Ill just stay in bed.

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Youll soon move into a normal, not-tiny house.

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Aubree: I think were gonna be happy. Itll be interesting to see what its like to sit at a table again and have a kitchen thats not necessarily in the bedroom.

Jordan: We did host people at our tiny house and we had a nice outdoor dining area but it is challenging when youre like, Oh, Id love to have people over and want to be able to shut the door to my bedroom and not have to think about how every element of my life has to be on display at all times.

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Aubree: When we were just watching shows about tiny houses, people would always be like, Oh, theyre so easy to clean. Its so fast to clean your tiny house.

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Is that true?

Aubree: Its much faster to clean a tiny house than a full-size house because its such a smaller housebut you literally have to clean it every day.

Jordan: Because if not, everywhere you look is messy.

Aubree: Any amount of mess becomes overwhelming really fast. Whats good about it is that I was kind of a slob before this, and Ive become a very neat, organized, clean person that doesnt collect a bunch of crap anymore. Ive gone from just being a hoarder to Marie Kondo.

Youve gone full Kondo? Wow.

Aubree: Im like 70 percent Kondo now.

Speaking of reality TV, do you ever watch Tiny House Hunters now?

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Aubree: No, its triggering.

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Do you ever regret not choosing a more traditional tiny houselike the two options you passed over in favor of the burned-down shackinstead of building your own?

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Aubree: No. I think if we were dead set on living in a tiny house, the one that weve built was definitely the best one. I feel so proud of what we made. I liked living there. It would be more of a question of choosing tiny over traditionalwhich I still dont regret, because I think Im a better person for living tiny. Thats so fuckin cheesy to say. But Im a much cleaner, less messy, less clutter-y person. And I think that thats something Ive struggled with throughout my life, and I feel Ive completely exorcized those demons now. Jordan can live with me forever and not get annoyed with my mess from this point forward.

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Jordan: I think it forced us to do a lot more things outside of our home, which greatly improved our life. I think that if your home is small, you wanna hang out there less of the time, and you spend more time hiking or going out and hanging out with friends or having experiences and traveling. The house really forced us to do a lot of those things that we wouldnt have felt the need to do otherwise if we were living in a place that was comfortable. Then youre like, Oh, I never need to leave here.

What advice do you have for people who are considering a tiny house?

Jordan: I think personally that you need minimum 100 square feet per body.

Thats still very small!

Jordan: It is, but you see people on shows all the time and theyre like, Were gonna build a tiny house and its 240 square feet and us and our three children are gonna move in. And those people, I would love to know where they are after even two months.

Aubree: Tiny House Hunters: Where Are They Now has got to be a show.
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Roger Oliver, of Rock Rapids, asked King what he was doing to get back on committees. The outspoken conservative congressman replied he needs to get a "critical mass" of the Republican House caucus to support him, adding some Republican lawmakers have privately told him they think he got a raw deal.

"Kevin McCarthy has been getting a lot of phone calls, and the more phone calls he gets and the more persistent that it is, the more he is gonna realize that it was a bad decision he made, based upon one comment misquoted in The New York Times, reported as fact," King told the audience.

Trump on Friday declared a national emergency at the southern border, a day after he signed a spending bill with $1.3 billion in border fence funding, far short of the $5.7 billion he wanted. His insistence on more funding led to a lengthy government shutdown.

Trump's emergency has drawn threats of legal challenges and sparked a foundational dispute over the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. The move triggered outrage from Democrats, unease among some Republicans and flew in the face of years of GOP complaints that President Barack Obama had over-reached in his use of executive authority.
SIOUX CITY -- The U.S. Marshals Service Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force is seeking the public's help in locating the following person:

* Jessica Martinez, 29. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. She has "Harmony" tattooed on the right side of her neck.

Martinez is wanted by the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office for violating her probation. She is on probation for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine.

Anyone with information about Martinez can call the Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force at 712-252-0211 or email Siouxlands.MostWanted@usdoj.gov.

Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Court Reporter

Hytrek has been at the Journal since 1998, covering courts for much of that time. He is a Nebraska native and University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate.
Hundreds of Algerians staged demonstrated Saturday in several provinces and also in some European capitals, including Paris, to voice opposition to President Bouteflikas candidacy for a fifth term in office despite his poor health condition.

Demonstrators in Bejaia, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Oran and Annaba took to the street holding placards reading no to 5th term or evil power in reference to President Abdelazziz Bouteflikas candidacy to run for April presidential elections.

Bouteflika early this month confirmed his plans to seek a fifth term in office after his candidacy was proposed by the ruling coalition.

If he wins, and he probably will, the 82-year old leader will run a country he has been heading since 1999.

The fifth candidacy comes as the former army leader finds himself disabled as 2013 stroke impaired his mobility and speaking capacity.

Thousands of Algerian believe that the President cannot rule the country. Early this month, the countrys main Islamist opposition party, Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP) criticized the candidacy noting that Bouteflika was being held hostage by his entourage.

Bouteflika is not able to continue to govern because of the nature of his illness, the Islamist party said in a statement.

His candidacy for a fifth mandate is not in his interest, but in the interests of those who benefit from this situation, the party added.

Some of the protesters during the Saturday demonstrations in Kherrata in the Bejaia reportedly called the President Moroccan over his Moroccan roots.

Bouteflika was born in 1937, in Oujda, northeastern Morocco. The Algerian leader has however repeatedly rejected his Moroccan origins.
Hoberg and four other Iowa high school history or civics teachers were also invited to attend.

The trip, which began Sunday and will conclude on Friday, will allow Johnson to meet with Iowa's U.S. representatives and senators as well as visit various historic sites.

At the same time, Hoberg will be attending Close Up workshops, in which educators find innovative ways of incorporating the U.S. Constitution into the high school curriculum.

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"I'm looking forward to it," Hoberg said a few days prior to the trip. "It will only be the second time I've visited Washington."

This will also be the second time that Johnson has been in the nation's capital.

"I went on a family vacation to Washington when I was 12," she explained. "Still, it will be interesting to see the city with adult eyes."

Which isn't to say that Johnson won't have time for fun.

"The last time I was in D.C., the highlight of the trip was seeing all of the beautiful dresses worn by First Ladies at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History," she said. "I'd love to see those gowns one more time."
Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu look on during the Middle East summit in Warsaw, Poland, February 14, 2019. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's prime minister has cancelled a trip to Israel in the wake of reported remarks made by his Israeli counterpart suggesting Polish complicity during the Holocaust, an aide in his office told Polish media on Sunday.

A government spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters that Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki would not attend the summit and would send Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz instead.

Morawiecki informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision to cancel his visit in a telephone call on Sunday afternoon, spokeswoman Joanna Kopcinska said.

The summit of four central and Eastern European countries is set to be held in Jerusalem this week.

Poland's government has sought to debunk references to potential Polish collaboration in the Holocaust, in an effort to "fight for the truth," Morawiecki told Poland's parliament last year.

Netanyahu's office said in a statement the prime minister, who was in Warsaw for a U.S.-sponsored Middle East conference when he made the comments, had been misquoted by The Jerusalem Post, which issued a corrected story.

In a later statement, Netanyahu's office said in his remarks on the question of Polish collaboration with Nazi occupiers, he had not cast any blanket blame.

Netanyahu's acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, sounded circumspect about Morawiecki's cancellation.

"In diplomacy one always tries to avoid causing offence. But no one will change historical truth," Katz told Israel's Reshet 13 TV. "Poles collaborated with the Nazis, certainly."

Israeli Ambassador Anna Azari was summoned by Poland's government on Friday and was asked to clarify Netanyahu's comments.

Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday by Polish news agency PAP that Azari explained that Netanyahu was referring to individual cases of Poles collaborating with Nazis.

Poland had summoned Israeli Ambassador Anna Azari on Friday for clarification of Netanyahu's comments.

Story continues

Tensions between Israel and Poland ran high last year after Poland introduced new legislation that would make the use of phrases such as "Polish death camps" punishable by up to three years in prison.

After pressure from the U.S. government and an outcry in Israel, Poland watered down the legislation, removing the prison sentences.

Many Poles still refuse to accept research showing thousands participated in the Holocaust in addition to the thousands who risked their lives to help the Jews.

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska, Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk and Dan Williams; editing by David Evans)
New research shows us just how important primary care physicians are in prolonging our lives.

Every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people in the United States was associated with a 51.5-day increase in life expectancy during the decade from 2005 to 2015, according to a study led by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School.

By comparison, the researchers found that an increase of 10 specialists per 100,000 corresponded to only a 19.2-day increase.

Greater primary care physician supply was associated with improved population mortality, suggesting that observed decreases in PCP supply may have important consequences for population health, the study said.

Nationwide, the researchers found that the number of primary care physicians has increased. However, disproportionate losses of primary care physicians in rural areas and overall population growth has led to a decrease in the density of PCPs per 100,000 people from 46.6 to 41.4 per in that same decade. Rural populations were particularly hard hit.

Primary care physicians serve as the primary point of contact for most of the population and often perform preventive care, cancer screening and early diagnosis, said Sanjay Basu, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at Stanford.

The researchers finding were published Feb. 18 in JAMA Internal Medicine. Basu, a core faculty member at Stanford Health Policy, is the lead author. The senior author is Russell Phillips, MD, professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard.

Dramatic shortfall in near future

The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the United States will see a dramatic shortfall of primary care physicians by 2030.

Many believe that a well-functioning health care system requires a solid foundation of primary care, the study said. Yet, persistent payment disparities between primary care and procedural specialties continue to erode the U.S. PCP workforce.

The researchers say that a lack of health care policies aimed at increasing primary care physician supply, compounded by market forces, have reduced the number of primary care physicians relative to higher-income specialties, such as cardiology and orthopedic surgery.

There are few incentives to go into primary care among U.S. medical school graduates, Basu said. Pay tends to be lower, burnout rates higher and prestige lower.

The researchers set out to identify the extent to which the number of primary care physicians might impact mortality  and to encourage policymakers to consider the importance of encouraging more medical students to become primary care physicians.

They defined primary care physicians as nonfederally employed physicians younger than 75 years old who are not hospital residents and whose major professional activity is outpatient care in general practice, family medicine, general internal medicine and general pediatrics in every U.S. county and the District of Columbia.

The primary care physician counts were obtained from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile for the years 2005, 2010 and 2015, and population counts came from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Five major causes of death were considered: cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious disease, respiratory disease and substance abuse or violence (such as death from alcohol and drug use, self-harm and interpersonal violence).

Bottom line

The association of PCP density with life expectancy was approximately one-fifth the magnitude of the association of poverty with life expectancy, and approximately two-thirds the magnitude of the association of tobacco with life expectancy.

Breaking that down to cause-specific mortality, the researchers found an increase of 10 PCPs per 100,000 people was associated with a 0.9 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality, a 1 percent reduction in cancer mortality and a 1.4 percent decline in respiratory mortality.

The surprising result was how much PCP supply has declined despite so much emphasis on primary care over the last decade, Basu said. I think the problem comes down to money. We pay less for prevention than treatment  and the former is where primary care lives.

There are few incentives to go into primary care among U.S. medical school graduates.

Basu believes another key benefit of the study is the methodology that was used.

We tried to test whether this is just an association at the area level, or more likely to be a causal connection, he said. We looked at people who moved between ZIP codes and compared how their survival changed when moving to higher-PCP ZIP codes versus lower, controlling for other individual and area characteristics.

They found that those people who moved to ZIP codes with more primary care physicians had substantially higher survival rates, as much as 114.2 days per decade for every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people.

Basu laments that despite the clear correlation between better health and primary care, the number of primary care physicians is likely to continue to decline.

The passionate students who care about population health really want to go into primary care, Basu said. But they also have serious education debts and are looking at the paychecks for fields like dermatology, ophthalmology or urology. They dont actually find those fields compelling, but the pay disparity is often just too much for them to take a low-level primary care job instead.

Basu is a member of Stanford Bio-X and the Stanford Maternal & Child Health Research Institute.

Other Harvard researchers and researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the American Board of Family Medicine Center also contributed to the study.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grant DP2MD010478).

Stanfords Department of Medicine also supported the work.
If you remember from the time when a Singaporean undergraduate traded verbal blows with the Malaysian prime minister at Oxford Union, the worlds oldest leader is still very miffed about the issue of water.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced yesterday that his foreign minister, Saifuddin Abdullah, will be leading the charge in renegotiating prices of raw water sold to Singapore. Minister Saifuddin and a team of Malaysian officials will be planning to speak to their Singaporean counterparts about making adjustments to the water agreement signed between the countries in 1962.

The source of Malaysias unease is the set price of raw water being sold to Singapore, which will only expire in 2061. The water deal in question allows Singapore to draw 250 million gallons of raw water daily from the Johor River at 3 sen per 1,000 gallons. Once it is filtered in Singapore, Malaysia then buys back a portion of that at 50 sen per 1,000 gallons.

The agreements allowed for a price review 25 years after signing the contract  but the Johor government chose not to revise the prices.

Dr. Mahathir has made it clear since he was re-elected that he wants to renegotiate the terms with Singapore. In an interview with Channel NewsAsia last year, the prime minister believes that it is manifestly ridiculous for Malaysia to sell water at that 3 sen per thousand gallons. That was okay way back in the 1990s or 1930s. But now what can you buy with 3 sen? Nothing.

He repeated the same sentiments to reporters yesterday, according to Bernama.

By right, price of goods should be current. Today we are not talking about millionaires, but billionaires because income has increased tremendously, Bernama quoted Dr. Mahathir at the sidelines of an event in Puchong yesterday.

So, if you think that the price set in 1926 still remains until the year 3000? Is it reasonable? I feel it is unreasonable.

Singapore has been steadfast in refusing to budge on the issue, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) affirming that all the provisions of the 1962 Water Agreement must be complied with fully. MFA reminded Malaysia that it had the chance to review the prices back in 1987, but it didnt. Nonetheless, Singapore has been supplying Johor with treated water in excess of Johors entitlement under the agreement out of goodwill.

The price of water would yet be another source of contention brewing between the two countries on top of the ongoing conflict about their maritime borders.

This article, Malaysia doubles down on push to renegotiate water prices with Singapore, originally appeared on Coconuts, Asia's leading alternative media company. Want more Coconuts? Sign up for our newsletters!
Anyone who doubts that some seconds last a lot longer than others should try riding a bull at the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in El Paso. As in all great rodeo classics, the rider has to hang on with just one hand as the bull bucks and kicks. Some 25 contestants tried their luck and skill Saturday night in El Paso: the challenge was to ride a bull for at least eight seconds without getting thrown and without touching it with their free hand. The Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour is named after a four time world bull riding champion, who today is retired. The competition carries a $30,000 prize and cowboys come from far and wide to participate. For instance, Ben Jones, who injured his face during the event, is originally from Australia. - Inseparable from the American West - Juan Alonzo, a Texan, can also testify to the dangers of rodeo. He served in the US army for five years, and while on a tour of duty in Iraq, he trained on a wooden barrel. The rider grips a leather handle attached to a flat braided rope cinched around the bull. The bulls can weigh a ton. Inseparable from the American West and the myth of the cowboy, but in reality owing much to Spanish and Mexican vaqueros, rodeo celebrates balance and resistance to pain.
Ukraine's capital has seen its first death from measles in a major outbreak, the health ministry said Monday. A 57-year-old woman died in hospital of complications from the highly infectious illness, health ministry spokeswoman Maryna Dadinova told AFP. Eight people, including two children, have died of measles in Ukraine this year. There were 16 deaths nationwide in 2018. Around 20,000 people in Ukraine have contracted the highly contagious viral disease since the start of the year. Measles is characterised by high fever and a reddish rash. It usually triggers only mild symptoms but remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 95-percent vaccination rate to prevent mass hospitalisations and fatalities. But in Ukraine, just 42 percent of one-year-olds had been vaccinated by the end of 2016, according to the United Nations children's agency UNICEF. The latest measles outbreak, which began in 2017, has prompted calls for mass vaccinations and for schools to turn away children who have not been vaccinated. Although the vaccination follow-up rate more than doubled in 2017 to over 93 percent, Ukrainian authorities and international organisations blame the outbreak on the lengthy hiatus in immunisations. In May 2018, an official with the National Medical Academy, Fedir Lapiy, said that parents' "reluctance to vaccinate their children comes from distrust of vaccines, distrust of doctors." Measles cases more than tripled across Europe in 2018, and Ukraine drove most of the surge. The European region saw nearly 83,000 cases of measles last year, WHO said. The Ukrainian government reported 54,000 cases in 2018.
Having the right team is the single biggest determinant of your success: 123RF Co-founder Stephanie Sitt

She strongly encourages young entrepreneurs to be opportunists and approach as many investors as possible

Stephanie Sitt, Co-founder and CEO of Inmagine Group

How hard is to build a global tech company without taking VC money?

Quite hard, admits Stephanie Sitt, Co-founder and CEO of Inmagine Group, parent of well-known stock images site 123RF.com.

Andy Sitt and his wife Stephanie Sitt started Inmagine in 2000 when startup was still an alien word in most part of the world. Today, with over 350 employees across 44 offices worldwide and with a content portfolio of over 100 million unique files, Inmagine owns and operates a number of companies across stock libraries of images, vectors, audio, footage, design elements, templates and editing tools to cater to multiple clientele, geography and partner. Its business units also include CraftBundles, Designs.net, EasyDesign, LoveSVG, TheHungryJPEG (which it acquired in March 2017), Pixlr, SoundBounce, StockUnlimited, Story & Heart, and Vetr (acquired in November 2017).

In an email interaction with e27, Stephanie Sitt talks about the groups growth, challenges, acquisitions and future goals.

Below are the edited excerpts from the interview:

Inmagine Group was started in 2000. Had the founders imagined the company to become global when they started?

Having run a bootstrapped startup for 19 years, it has definitely been a rewarding journey. We always ensured that our goals are placed at every milestone, as well as hiring the right talent to grow and become a global, holistic creative ecosystem.

Additionally, we strive to always stay ahead of the curve and be consistent year-on-year growth by being a fluid and dynamic organisation that respond to customers and acclimatize towards market conditions.

There are only a few tech companies in the world that have conquered great heights without raising external investment. How did Inmagine manage to grow big without funding? Did it have any VC investment offers during its more than 18 years of existence?

Story continues

We are proud to be 100 per cent bootstrapped and our growth had historically been funded through internally generated funds. There were offers of investments in the past, but generally, its all about having the right fit at the right time where the factors are aligned with our vision.

Your business is centred around designs and digital pics. Are all your business units profitable already? What are the new products in the pipeline? Do you have plans to venture out to any other verticals, moving forward?

While our core business focuses with offering world-class content stock libraries and editing tools to cater for multiple clientele, geography and partners, we are more than just a content company. As a global key player, one of the elements that sets us apart from our competition is our blend of creativity and technology. And so, apart from possessing a wealth of stock content at our fingertips, we offer a more complete solution specifically catered to our customers needs using Artificial Intelligence, content and data, and Machine Learning.

Inmagine has acquired several companies, mostly in the US. Have you ever looked at any companies in Asia/Southeast Asia for acquisition?

We do not determine our acquisitions based on location. We have acquired companies in the US, the UK, Canada, and Taiwan, and have joint venture partnerships as well as investments in others. Many of the investments and acquisitions are strategic and are meant to complement our creative ecosystem.

We analyse the current market opportunities and gaps within our current portfolio and move forward with identifying and determining the right organization to fill those gaps.

Have you ever been approached by any MNCs to buy you out?

No comments.

Do you have plans to launch an IPO or get any other forms of exit in the near future?

We are always open to different strategic options at a corporate level.

Which of the business unit is your key revenue generator, and which is your largest target market  Asia, Europe or America?

It goes without saying that historically most of the revenue has come from 123RF.com, our hero brand. Nonetheless, as our portfolio gradually strengthens, we are noticing that the spread of revenue is becoming uniform across the business units  especially Pixlr, TheHungryJPEG, etc.

With regards to geographies, we have a very evenly split across North America, Europe and Asia. Although we are an Asian-based company, we are still recognised as a global player with revenue coming in from more than 40 locations that we operate in.

Also Read: Malaysias stockphoto darling 123RF gets capital injection via venture debt

As of today, we have hundreds of customers across the globe, ranging from small SMEs looking for simple solutions on branding and creative, to large enterprise clients utiliSing multiple services of ours to help create engaging brand experiences and stories. Our client reach is across every market segment encompassing of media and publications, advertising and creative agencies, travel and transpire, eCommerce and Internet, etc.

Can you share your FY18-19 revenue details?

No comments.

There have been a handful of free stock images sites in the market. Does this affect the revenues of 123RF?

Although there is a certain market segment for free sites, companies such as Inmagine Group focus on quality. assurance and authority. As mentioned, while we focus on offering micro stock content and editing tools to various clients and consumers, we are more than just a content licensing company.

Also Read: Astrology-agnostic? Wait. Heres a startup that can predict whether your startup will fail or not

Apart from having a platform with more than 120 million content, we offer a holistic solution tailored towards customers needs using AI, content and data, and Machine Learning.

There are quite a few stock images firms across the globe. How tough is the competition?

With large organisations like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock and Getty, one can affirm that were in a highly competitive market space. However, we like to differentiate ourselves based on our ability to consider our customers demands and feedbacks, needs and requirements as well as anticipate challenges ahead of the curve by delivering quality solutions. We have an increasingly varied portfolio of products and services especially in the SaaS space which differentiate us from the rest.

How have been your acquired companies getting along? Are they adding real value to your businesses?

Yeah, without a shadow of doubt!

Our acquisitions have been thought about long and hard, and have been hand-selected on our ability to predict market and customer requirements. All acquisitions fit into fulfilling our mission in empowering creative professionals.

Have you ever thought of integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain to your products?

We were entertaining the idea, but have decided that it is not an area of focus for now as its still in the premature stages due to market fragmentation.

What are your long-terms goals? Where do you want to see Inmagine, say, 10 years down the line?

World domination!

While we pride ourselves on being a leading global creative ecosystem, we are moving forward to strengthen the duality of being a creative tech company, especially on the technology-driven aspect that involves AI, content and data, and Machine Learning. This will allow Inmagine Group to serve startups, freelancers, agencies and enterprises better.

How are you contributing to the Malaysian startup industry? Do you have plans to launch, say a VC fund, for startups?

We invest occasionally into startups and businesses with relevance to our industry but there are no plans to setup a VC fund. As mentioned above, our investments are not restricted to Malaysia as most of the players in the creative industry serve the international and global markets.

How hard was it to start and build the company without taking external financing when the Malaysian startup ecosystem was still in the early stages? What were the major challenges the company faced back then? What would be your advice for young entrepreneurs who are always hungry for VC funding?

Nineteen yeas ago, I co-founded Inmagine Group with the goal of building a better creative ecosystem for tomorrow, so we can help individuals and businesses tell their stories using creative imagery, sounds and motion contributed by talents from around the world.

As of today, weve amassed 115 million online content online across all media type with 10 million to 12 million visitors monthly. Considering only about half of businesses survive five years, my advice is to reach out and network with the right circle as well as acknowledge your startups greatest asset  people.

During the initial years, it was a lonely journey because not many was ready to take the same leap of faith as yourself to go on an entrepreneurial venture. However, corporates today are keener to invest for ideas that have the potential to be ahead of the curve in the market. And so, I strongly encourage young entrepreneurs to be opportunists and approach as many investors as possible; and then make the effort to socialise especially at entrepreneurial events.

At first, all a startup is a collection of people. Having the right people on your team, especially early on, is the single biggest determinant of your success. So, find the best people and invest in them. When youre a startup, theyre likely the only real assets you have.

The post Having the right team is the single biggest determinant of your success: 123RF Co-founder Stephanie Sitt appeared first on e27.
(Reuters) - Berlin will stop extraditing Germans to Britain immediately after Brexit even if it leaves the European Union with a deal, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, citing a formal notification submitted by Germany to the European Commission last week.

The notification cites concerns faced by Britain and the EU in maintaining their security cooperation at the current level after Brexit, according to the report.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Having been non-active in the past one year, Assegaf left Female Daily Network due to personal reason

Left to right: Female Daily Network co-founders Affi Assegaf, Novita Imelda, Hanifa Ambadar

Following collaboration with Co-Founder and CEO Hanifa Ambadar, Female Daily Network Co-Founder and Business Director Affi Assegaf announced her resignation from the companys management team.

Ambadar told DailySocial that Assegafs decision to leave the company had been made two years ago. In the past one year, Assegaf no longer actively working at the Female Daily Network office.

The point is that Assegafs decision to leave the company is due to personal reasons. Assegaf, who was in charge of content on the Female Daily Network platform, could no longer contribute fulltime to the platform, Ambadar said.

When asked about whether Assegafs resignation will affect operations at the company, Ambadar stressed that her resignation will not disrupt business and managerial activities. The CEO also stated that the company currently has no plan to recruit a new executive to replace Assegafs position as Business Director.

We will remain focussed on recruiting young talents to host the Female Daily segment on YouTube and our own site, she added.

Also Read: Indonesias women lifestyle portal Female Daily Network acquires mobile developer JTECH

Gaining popularity among Gen-Z

While the platform maintains its focus on beauty information, Female Daily Network claimed that it has begun to be visited by users of Gen-Z.

Millennials are no longer the target of startups and major brands; secondary school students have started reading and enjoying the content on Female Daily.

The Female Daily app itself is currently available on both Android and iOS apps.

At the moment we have two million users, in line with our commitment to focus on 99 per cent beauty content since 2014. It is expected that the number of our users will continue to increase, Ambadar said.

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Female Daily also plans to announce its most recent business plans and updates in the year 2019.



The article Affi Assegaf Keluar dari Jajaran Manajemen Female Daily Network was written in Bahasa Indonesia by Yenny Yusra for DailySocial. English translation and editing by e27.

The post Co-founder Affi Assegaf leaves Female Daily Network management team appeared first on e27.
Vietnam based startup founders to share important tech insights at the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh

With Echelon Asia Summit right around the corner, one of the questions that begs to be asked is: how can startup founders maximise their Echelon experience?

Thankfully, your Echelon experience can start sooner than you hope for. Between rubbing elbows with potential future partners, to sharing insights with other startup founders, and even to dazzling potential investors with your one-in-a-million idea, you can start making noise in the startup scene early with the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh!

What better way to boost your business and amplify your reach than by learning from the best? With Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh only a few short weeks away, you dont only get to listen to experts on stage, but you get to mingle with them as well as other key figures who can help you scale your business.

This is ultimately what sets Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh apart: it is not only a celebration of great ideas and a chance to expand your network and learn from the best, but imagine being to do it in a beautiful metropolis surrounded by the Saigon River! On top of that, this is your chance to check out your countrys representatives to the Top 100an opportunity to immerse in the community and see what efforts other Vietnam based startups are employing to materialize their vision.

Also Read: Tweet about your #startuplyfe and win tickets to Echelon Asia Summit 2019!

The Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh is a part of a series of international stops leading up to the annual Echelon Asia Summit happening in May. It is happening on 12 March, 2019, from 5pm to 9pm at the WeWork E. Town Central.

RSVP to the Roadshow is free, so if you want to score insights on Southeast Asian techgrab your tickets now! Tickets are running out fast so visit the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh page here to secure your seat!

The post Build buzz in the startup scene through the Echelon Roadshow 2019 Ho Chi Minh appeared first on e27.
"I'm bemused by Ressa's latest antics."

I was more than a little elated when the office of Senator Ping Lacson responded to my column last week with an op-ed piece that came out the very next day. Columnists are craven attention-getters, even if the attention is disagreeable. My elation was dampened somewhat, however, when the senators office also replied to a column by the redoubtable Kit Tatad in thewho apparently agreed with my views on the same issue (Lacsons institutional amendments, otherwise not known as pork). Lacsons people darkly speculated that Kit and I had engaged in copy-paste journalism from the same common source, and within just a day of each other. Im tempted to offer an alternative explanation for this coincidence: Great minds think alike. But since the senators office appears to be a humorless lot, I will simply advise them not to be surprised if columnists who want to be topical end up writing about the same hot-button issue at pretty much the same time.What can I say about the comments from Lacsons people on my latest column? One: They claim that Lacsons amendments to the national budget are well-thought-out responses to funding requests from the implementing agencies. By comparison, the insertions by congressmen are nothing but personal interventions by the lawmakers, done without consultation, and tantamount to the whimsical and arbitrary projects proscribed in the Supreme Court ruling in 2013 against pork barrel. Reply: These are fighting words from Lacson indeed, which it really is up to the congressmen to answer back. Theyre big enough to carry their own waterperhaps starting with a challenge to the senator to name specific unworthy projects inserted by the House, the congressmen involved, and why he thinks theyre unworthy. Everyone loves a good catfight. Two: Continuing silence from Lacsons office on the truthfulness of his claim about a thousand percent increase in Arroyos pork, to a humongous P606 million worth of projects in 2019. Congressman Nonoy Andaya, a former budget secretary, has already flat-out denied those numbers exist. So is Lacson calling Andaya a liar, or is the senator himself the liar? Three: Lacsons people claim that hes already made peace with Arroyo. That would bring tears to the eyes of any lover of peacewere it not for the still-unsubstantiated story he spread about the humongous pork in her district for this year.If this is how the senator treats those hes made peace with, Id sure hate to be an enemy lined up in front of his infamous cross-hairs.Im bemused by the latest antics of the screaming, screeching diva at Rappler, the doyenne of online yellow journalism, Maria Ressa. This time around, shes converted a libel case filed against her by a private citizen, businessman Wilfredo Keng, into a human rights offense of the highest order that has even usually level-headed ladies like Christiane Amanpour and the distinguished diplomat Madeline Albright up in arms on her behalf. One can only blanch at the credulity being evidenced at the highest levels of punditry. As P.T. Barnum usefully reminded us, theres a sucker born every minute. Stories are now coming out about how Maria waited literally for days for the charges to be filed and the NBI agents to knock on her door so she could manufacture a tale of official persecution made for TV. Its so blatant that even the National Press Club distanced itself from her antics and advised her to cool it. If anybody knows from libel as an occupational hazard for media men, its the NPC. At a TV talk show, Maria repeatedly bobbed and weavedManny Pacquiao would have been impressedat the repeated reminders from Palace spokesman Sal Panelo that the law was just being followed. Its the same bob-and-weave strategy shes followed in evading the cogent issues brought up against her: tax evasion, violating the Constitution, and lately, shilling for the yellows as Facebooks mistakenly-appointed online watchdog. Most recently, online stories have been coming out about how her accuser, Mr. Keng, was recently rewarded a Manila Bay reclamation contract. The stories clearly state that its the provincial government of Cavite who awarded the contract, and nobodys showing any shred of proof of misbehavior by Keng. But one can always count on the yellow hucksters-when they totally cant connect any of the dotsto resort instead to blowing smoke up our asses to convince us theres a fire.My own experience with libel suits is limited to just once. Decades ago, when I was cooling my heels in a martial-law prison, a Lyceum student leader named David Odilao charged me with libel for something I had written against him, not even as a journalist, but as a hot-headed know-it-all. The suit had me being flown to Cebu several times for the trial, always in handcuffs, in the company of a personable Constabulary officer named Lt. Lopez. I looked forward to the trips as opportunities to leave the Crame stockade and hang around ordinary people on the outside. It certainly never crossed my mind to blame President Marcos for the suit; hed already thrown the maximum charge at mesubversionand this was clearly nothing more than a personal beef by Odilao. In the end, I think the libel charge was dismissed. I never met Odilao, but if hes still around, Id love to get together with him over a beer or two. I think well both agree that libel is essentially a private quarrel that shouldnt be elevated into a cause celebre by people who want us to believe theyre martyrs but are really just plain law-breakers.
A view of the One Fullerton and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. (Photo:REUTERS/Edgar Su)

By Francis Kan

With talk of impending elections, there were high hopes that Singapores 2019 Budget would be brimming with goodies. And for the most part, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered on expectations during his two-hour Budget statement in Parliament on Monday (18 February).

Beyond the $6.1b Merdeka Generation Package that will help subsidise healthcare for those born in the 1950s, there was a pleasant surprise in the form of a Bicentennial Bonus for Singaporeans that included income tax rebates and CPF top-ups. Some 1.4 million lower-income Singaporeans will also receive up to $300 in the form of GST Voucher cash payouts, among other benefits.

On the economic front, a slew of measures were announced to help Singapores SMEs grow and internationalise, and innovate in the face of a fast-changing and uncertain global environment. Measures including new funding for training programmes were also announced to encourage the development of a skilled workforce.

Responding to the announced measures, Soh Pui Ming, head of tax services, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, said: Transformation is a journey, not a destination. Budget 2019 recognises this and continues to provide support to help Singapore enterprises to deepen capabilities, innovate and internationalise in order to compete in the new global economy.

The two other focal points were Singapores safety and security, and social measures, part of the governments long-term plan to build a caring and inclusive society. The latter includes measures to help Singaporeans maximise their potential, provide greater assurance for healthcare, and encourage Singaporeans to help others around them.

WINNERS

SMEs

Help for growth and innovation

The ability to innovate has become critical to success in the digital economy. Enterprise Singapore will launch a Scale-up SG programme in partnership with the private and public sectors that will work with aspiring, high-growth local firms to identify and build new capabilities for innovation, growth, and internationalisation.

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A pilot Innovation Agents programme will also be launched to allow firms to tap on a pool of experts who can help them innovate and commercialise technology.

Co-investing in SMEs

The Ministry of Finance will set aside an additional $100 million to establish the SME Co-Investment Fund Ill this year, a third round of funding for Singapore-based SMEs that are ready to scale up. It is expected that this will bring in at least $200 million in additional funding from the private sector. Since 2010, the Government has set aside $400 million through two rounds of fund injections through the Co-Investment Programme (CIP).

Existing financing schemes offered by Enterprise Singapore will also be streamlined into a single Enterprise Financing Scheme to be launched in October. It will cover trade, working capital, fixed assets, venture debt, mergers and acquisitions, and project financing. This will make it simpler for companies who currently have to apply for the different schemes at different government agencies.

The SME Working Capital Loan scheme will also be extended to March 2021, while the SMEs Go Digital programme  which funds SME adoption of pre-approved technology solutions  will be expanded.

Helping companies go digital

To help companies become more efficient in a tight labour market, the Automation Support Package (ASP) will be extended by two years. The ASP supports firms that deploy impactful, large-scale automation such as robotics, Internet of Things, and other Industry 4.0 technologies.

Making government transactions easier

To make it easier for businesses to transact with the government, the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other relevant agencies will develop a one-stop portal for doing business with the public sector. A pilot for this portal will be launched for the food services sector by the third quarter of 2019. Businesses will have only one point of contact, instead of up to 14 different ones.

WORKERS

Income tax rebate for all

As part of the Bicentennial Bonus, the government will provide a 50 per cent Personal Income Tax Rebate, subject to a cap of $200, for the Year of Assessment 2019.

Re-skilling workers for new roles

Since its launch in 2007, over 100 Professional Conversion Programmes (PCP) have been launched to help job seekers acquire the necessary knowledge and competencies to take on jobs in emerging sectors. This year, new PCPs will be launched relating to blockchain, embedded software, and prefabrication to prepare Singaporeans to move into new growth areas.

The Career Support Programme, launched in 2015 to provide wage support for employers that hire Singaporeans who are 40 years and older and have been retrenched, will also be extended by two years to March 2021.

Funding support for internships

Local and overseas internship programmes will be combined into a single Global Ready Talent Programme for students in institutes of higher learning. The programme will provide enhanced funding support to students interning overseas with Singapore firms.

The scheme will also support high-growth Singapore firms that send Singaporeans with up to three years of working experience for postings in key markets such as South-east Asia, China, and India.

More help for low-income earners

The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme provides cash payouts and CPF top-ups for workers whose earnings are in the bottom 20 per cent, with some support for those slightly above. The WIS will be enhanced to better support lower-wage earners. From January 2020, the qualifying income cap will be raised from the current $2,000 to $2,300 per month. The maximum annual payout will also be increased by up to $400.

Easier to hire older workers

To support employers who hire older Singaporean workers, the government introduced the Special Employment Credit (SEC) scheme in 2011, and later an Additional SEC (ASEC) scheme. Both schemes will be extended for another year until Dec 31, 2020. To support this extension, the Finance Ministry will top up the SEC Fund by $366 million.

HOUSEHOLDS

More help for lower-income earners

The Government will hand out a $1.1 billion Bicentennial Bonus, including up to $300 in GST Voucher cash payouts, that will benefit 1.4 million lower-income Singaporeans. There will also be a CPF top-up of up to $1,000 for Singaporeans aged 50 to 64 years old in 2019 who have less than $60,000 in retirement savings in their CPF accounts. About 300,000 Singaporeans will benefit from this CPF top-up, aimed at beefing up their retirement savings.

Conservancy Rebates for HDB homeowners

HDB homeowners will receive a Service and Conservancy Charges rebate of between 1.5 and 3.5 months, depending on the annual value of the property. This will cost $132 million and benefit about 930,000 households.

Edusave top-ups

As part of the Bicentennial bonus, primary and secondary school students will each get a $150 top-up in their Edusave accounts. Those aged between 17- 20 will get up to $500 in their post-secondary education accounts.

Enhanced Community Health Assist Scheme

The Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) was introduced in 2012 to help lower- to middle-income families by making primary care and basic dental care at clinics near their homes more affordable.

Chas subsidies at GP clinics will be extended to cover all Singaporeans for chronic conditions, regardless of income. Lower- to middle-income Singaporeans who are Chas Orange cardholders currently receive Chas subsidies for chronic conditions only. The government will extend subsidies to cover common illnesses for this group, and will also increase the subsidies for complex chronic conditions.

Support for long-term care

As healthcare costs rise, a new $5.1 billion Long-Term Care Support Fund will be set up to help fund CareShield Life subsidies and long-term care support measures, such as ElderFund, that benefit older Singaporeans.

MERDEKA GENERATION

Targeted at Singaporeans born in the 1950s as a way of recognising their contributions, the $6.1-billion Merdeka Generation Package is made up of five key benefits:

All Merdeka Generation (MG) seniors will receive a one-time $100 top-up on their Passion Silver cards. They will receive a MediSave top-up of $200 a year for five years. This will begin this year with the final payment made in 2023. MG seniors will receive additional subsidies, including Chas subsidies, for outpatient care for life, including for common illnesses, chronic conditions and dental procedures MG seniors will receive additional MediShield Life premium subsidies, for life. The Government will provide an additional participation incentive of $1,500 for MG seniors who join CareShield Life when it becomes available for existing cohorts in 2021.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans aged 50 and above in 2019 and who do not get Merdeka or Pioneer Generation benefits will get a MediSave top-up of $100 a year for 5 years.

LOSERS

Services sector employers

One key loser in a Budget filled with goodies will be employers in the services sector who depend on foreign workers. To keep Singapores services sector competitive, companies in the sector will have to rely even less on foreign workers.

As such, the government is tightening the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), or the proportion of foreign workers a firm can employ, from 40 per cent to 38 per cent on 1 Jan next year, and to 35 per cent on Jan 1, 2021.

For the subset of S Pass workers  mid-skilled foreigners earning at least $2,300 a month, the quota will be cut from 15 per cent to 13 per cent on Jan 1 next year, and to 10 per cent on Jan 1, 2021.

Jetsetting Singaporeans

It was also bad news for the jetsetters. From Tuesday (19 February), returning travellers who spend fewer than 48 hours outside Singapore will have to pay the 7 per cent goods and services tax (GST) on items bought abroad worth more than $100, compared to the current $150. The threshold will be lowered from $600 to $500 for travellers who spend 48 hours or more outside the country.

From April 1, the duty-free concession on alcohol will also be reduced to two litres from three litres.

More stories on Budget 2019 here.

Our live blog:

Singapore Finance Minister Heng unveils Budget 2019

Related stories:

NDR 2018: CHAS extended to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions

Budget 2019: $5.1B to be set aside for long-term care of Singaporeans

Budget 2019: Government to tighten workforce quota for services sector from 2020
SINGAPORE (Feb 18): Singapore will set aside $6.1 billion for a new Merdeka Generation Fund to provide benefits for close to 500,000 Singaporeans born in the 1950s.

With interested accumulated over time, this amount is expected to cover the full projected costs of over $8 billion, which will last over the lifetimes of these Singaporeans currently aged 60 to 69.

This is a significant commitment by the government, says Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in the Budget 2019 speech. We hope that it will go some way in providing greater peace of mind for the Merdeka Generation and their families.

The Merdeka Generation Package comprises five key benefits.

First, all Merdeka Generation seniors will receive a one-time $100 top-up to their Passion Silver cards, which can be used to pay for activities and facilities at Community Clubs, entry to public swimming pools, and public transport, among others.

Starting this year, Merdeka Generation seniors will also receive a MediSave top-up of $200 per year over five years up to 2023.

Third, they will receive lifelong additional subsidies for outpatient care, including special CHAS subsidies for common illnesses, chronic conditions, and dental procedures, as well as additional 25% subsidies off their bills at polyclinics and public specialist outpatient clinics.

Next, Merdeka Generation seniors will enjoy additional MediShield Life premium subsidies for life. The subsidies will start from 5% off their annual MediShield Life premiums, and increase to 10% after they reach 75 years of age.

Finally, the government will provide an additional participation incentive of $1,500 for Merdeka Generation seniors who join CareShield Life when it becomes available for existing cohorts in 2021, on top of the $2,500 previously announced.

An enhancement of the ElderShield scheme, CareShield Life will feature higher payouts that increase over time with no cap on payout duration. This is to provide better protection against the uncertainty of long-term care costs if an individual becomes severely disabled.
 Can judges, legally or functionally, actually refuse to allow a prosecutor to drop or dismiss charges as an exercise of discretion? | Main | Compassionate release after FIRST STEP: Should many thousands of ill and elderly federal inmates now be seeking reduced imprisonment in court? 

The title of this post is the headline of this new Hill commentary authored by David Oscar Markus. Here are excerpts:

A jury has spoken on Paul Manafort. He was found guilty, and he should be punished. But his reported sentencing guideline range of 19.5-24.5 years is a good example of how our criminal justice system has lost its way.

Once, when trials were common, our system was the envy of the world. Now, trials almost never occur. (In the 1980s, over 20 percent of cases went to trial while less than 3 percent proceed to trial today). The reason is simple: defendants who go to trial and lose in todays system now suffer the trial penalty, and receive a much more severe  sometimes decades longer  sentence simply for exercising a fundamental Constitutional right to trial.

Even innocent people plead guilty because of the risk/reward analysis that all defendants consider. The risks of going to trial have become way too high. You can plead guilty and get probation or go to jail for a manageable amount of time. But if you go to trial and lose... well, youll be crushed.

A jury found Manafort guilty of tax and related offenses, but suggesting that a 20 year sentence is appropriate in this case is just wrong. Twenty years! Manafort is a 69-year old, first-time offender. If the judge sentences him to anywhere in that range, he will most likely leave prison in a box.

Make no mistake, the sentencing range is that high only because Manafort had the audacity to make the government actually prove its case at a trial. Does going to trial warrant a sentence 15 years longer than his co-defendant, Rick Gates? Rick Gates hasnt been sentenced yet, but his sentencing range is around 5 years. And he will most likely get a sentence much lower than that because of his cooperation. His lawyers will certainly ask for probation as have numerous other cooperators in the Special Counsels cases.

Some will respond that Gates should get less time than Manafort because he is less culpable and decided to cooperate. Thats of course true. But that doesnt mean that Manafort should get 20 years simply because he had the temerity to go to trial.

The truth is that being less culpable becomes a minor factor when the trial penalty comes into play. There are many examples of the least culpable defendant getting the highest sentence solely because of the trial penalty. One such victim of the trial penalty was James Olis, a securities fraud defendant who worked at Dynegy Corporation in Houston, Texas. Olis was sentenced to 24 years in prison after trial, while his boss who testified against him received about a year.

Before trial, Olis had been offered 6 months in exchange for pleading guilty and cooperating. Olis lawyer, David Gerger, predicted: If theres a 20-year penalty for going to trial, then innocent as well as guilty people will simply decide they have to give up their right to a trial. He was right. The case was ultimately reversed, and Olis was resentenced to 6 years. Until the reversal, prosecutors in Houston expressly mentioned Olis to any fraud defendant who wouldnt plead. The line went something like this: You can plead or risk ending up like Olis. Prosecutors in every district have their own Olis line.
 "Paul Manafort should not be sentenced to 20 years in prison" | Main | "A World of Steel-Eyed Death': An Empirical Evaluation of the Failure of the Strickland Standard to Ensure Adequate Counsel to Defendants with Mental Disabilities Facing the Death Penalty" 

February 18, 2019

Compassionate release after FIRST STEP: Should many thousands of ill and elderly federal inmates now be seeking reduced imprisonment in court?

In this post on Friday, I mentioned that I consider the statutory changes to the so-called compassionate release provisions in federal law to the "sleeper provisions" of the FIRST STEP Act. This four-page FAMM document, titled "Compassionate Release and the First Step Act: Then and Now," reviews some basics of the changes made by the FIRST STEP Act, and on page 3 one finds this account of what I think is a very big deal: "The most significant change to compassionate release is that the Act provides prisoners the power to file a motion for compassionate release if they can demonstrate they have tried and failed to convince the BOP to do so for them. Before passage of the First Step Act a denial by the BOP was not appealable." In other words, courts rather than the BOP are now ultimately to decide who may merit a reduced "term of imprisonment" under 18 USC 3582(c)(1)(A)(i).

To focus on the statutory language, prior to the FIRST STEP Act, a federal judge under 3582(c)(1)(A)(i) needed to first receive a "motion of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons" in order to have authority to "reduce the term of imprisonment [based on] extraordinary and compelling reasons [that] warrant such a reduction." The BOP was notoriously stingy about filing such motions (with only about .01% of inmates benefiting), and the program was, in the words of the Justice Department's Inspector General, "poorly managed and implemented inconsistently." Now persons in federal prisons still need to request the support of BOP for such a motion, but courts can now consider a sentence reduction "upon motion of the defendant" based on a claim that "extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such a reduction" if BOP refuses move the court or 30 days after making the request. Importantly, the US Sentencing Commission has set forth a (reasonably expansive) policy statement concerning criteria for compassionate release via USSG 1B1.13, but it will now be fundamentally the province of the federal courts to develop jurisprudence on what should be deemed "extraordinary and compelling reasons" warranting a sentence reduction under 18 USC 3582(c)(1)(A)(i).

I plan to do a series of posts explaining why I think a number of different criteria ought to meet the (textually vague) requirements of "extraordinary and compelling reasons." For this first post in this series, I will focus on suggestions by the Justice Department's Inspector General when he testified on this issue back in 2016 before the US Sentencing Commission. Specifically, in testimony to the USSC, IG Michael Horowitz suggested that BOP make inmates eligible for consideration for compassionate release starting at age 50. According to the latest BOP data, there are currently nearly 35,000 persons in federal prison aged 51 or older. Of course, the IG did not call for early release of all post-50 prisoners, but he did urge: "Within that larger pool of eligible aging inmates, we believe the BOP could further identify more aging inmates whose offenses, criminal histories, conduct in prison, and release plans make them suitable candidates for compassionate release, resulting in reduced overcrowding and cost savings to the Justice Department and the BOP." As explained above, it would seem that it is now appropriate for the courts, and not just BOP, to take an active and ongoing role in deciding who among the 35,000 are "suitable candidates for compassionate release."

Importantly, ill prisoners as well as elderly prisoners should be ready candidates for compassionate release (and these two groups surely overlap). The latest BOP data here on medical placement shows that more than 5000 federal prisoners are in "care level" 3 or 4 facilities, and "Care Level 4 facilities are reserved for inmates who require daily nursing care or therapy." As the IG explained to the USSC in his testimony three years ago, beyond the humanitarian value of allowing ill persons to receive treatment outside of prison facilities, releasing ill prisoners helps "reduce overcrowding in the federal prison system" and can "result in cost savings for the BOP" and in turn the federal taxpayer.

Even if we imagine only 10 percent of elderly and ill federal inmates are "suitable candidates for compassionate release," we still could be looking at a means for releasing many thousands of federal prisoners in relatively short order. I fear, because these provisions are unfamiliar, that courts may not start making robust use of compassionate release right away. But I hope they will, and I especially hope that federal prisoners and their advocates will press this important new frontier for federal sentencing improvements.

A few prior related posts:

February 18, 2019 at 01:04 PM | Permalink

Comments

When I was an inmate at USP-1, Coleman Florida circa 2006, I drafted a Petition for Compassionate Release for the longest serving inmate in the entire Bureau of Prisons. He began serving his (paroleable) life sentence for kidnapping resulting in death in June 1964. During 13 days of parole circa 1994, the defendant and his brother committed a series of bank robberies, he was caught and were caught and prosecuted for those crimes, as well as for the parole violation. By 2006, the inmate was in his 80s, frail and restricted to a wheel chair, where he chain-smoked cigarettes (he died before the BOP eliminated tobacco products from the Commissary). He had been diagnosed with cancer, which had metasticized throughout his body - he was terminally ill, with a short time left to live. The Warden told him to get someone to write him a Petition for Compassionate Release, and said that he would approve it and try to get the man "home" so that he could die among his family on the street. His dead brother's widow agreed to take him in and let him live at her house in Tennessee. He met me at the prison law library after dinner and I pulled the appropriate volume of the Code of Federal regulations off the shelf and reviewed it to determine what information I needed to put in his Petition. I asked him the questions and he provided me with the appropriate information. The Warden approved the Compassionate release, but he died a month later, while his Petition languished at the office of the BOP Regional Director. There was no work call or education call that morning, and all inmates were locked on their living units, while the County Coroner came and removed the body through back hallways. Because 2/3 of the inmates at a Federal Penitentiary have life sentences, the BOP does not like to permit them to see the dead bodies of inmates who die inside the prison. Wardens try to ship very sick or severely injured inmates to hospitals, so they will die there instead of inside the prison, where the County Coroner can conduct an investigation and inquest (if the inmates dies inside the prison). The elderly inmate's cellmate had returned from breakfast about 6:40 a.m., to find him dead, with his body half in his bunk and the other half hanging off the bed and on the floor. The cellmate was permitted to leave their Unit to go cry and grieve at a table outside. I watched him cry for a while through the window in my cell next door. The old Compassionate Release process takes too long (approval by the Warden, Regional Director, Staff of the Director in D.C. and the Director's Medical Adviser), about six months and most terminally ill inmates are dead before their Petition can make it through all of the required reviews. The old program was a sick joke. Hopefully the new and improved procedures will work better and be applied with real compassion.



Posted by: Jim Gormley | Feb 18, 2019 2:18:06 PM

Could I have the legal cite for the April Johnson case that seems to have expanded the scope to include caring for an adult (child) with minor children of their own?

Posted by: Wayne Boatwrgith | May 15, 2019 1:03:51 AM



I do white collar criminal defense as part of my practice. I find your blogs and your links extremely helpful, particularly since my practice includes non-criminal work so that I need a quick site to catch up on the latest in sentencing considerations.

Posted by: Abe Singer | Jun 5, 2019 1:51:54 PM

Does an inmate have to continue through the administrative remedy process even after the First Step Act and the warden had denied the inmate. If they are able to proceed to the court after a denial by the warden, where can I find that fact? I am a defense attorney. Thanks

Posted by: Christopher Devine | Jun 14, 2019 9:21:36 PM

Here is the new language added by FIRST STEP ot 18 USC 3582(c)(1)(A): "the court, upon motion of the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, [NEW LANGUAGE] or upon motion of the defendant after the defendant has fully exhausted all administrative rights to appeal a failure of the Bureau of Prisons to bring a motion on the defendants behalf or the lapse of 30 days from the receipt of such a request by the warden of the defendants facility, whichever is earlier...". So yes, can go to court have a exhaustion of BOP remedies or 30 days from request.

Posted by: Doug B | Jun 15, 2019 12:16:27 PM

My son is currently incarcerated at the Cuyahoga County Jail, Which has been deemed as being inhumane. His civil rights have been violated countless times while there. He is serving 18 months for violating his probation for misdemeanor alcohol related offenses. He is an alcoholic with mental health issues such as Aspergers syndrome, bipolar and anxiety. The sentencing court told me he would transfer him to an inpatient treatment facility if I did all the leg work. I know he said that thinking I would never get it done. But I did and within a week. Now hes refuses to transfer him to an inpatient treatment facility even though I have a bed waiting for him in one. The court is playing games like saying the paper from the facility has expired we need a new one, even though theyve had the paper for two weeks. They did that twice, until I gave them a paper with no admission date, just saying when hes released they guarantee a bed for him. After that was filed with a new motion, a hearing was scheduled, just to have it cancelled the very next day. Another motion was filed on April 16, 2019 and were still waiting for a response from it. I spoke with the warden of the jail hes currently in and he even agreed that he should not be there, they are already overcrowded and he has already served 9 months for violating his probation! Hes not violent. Hes an alcoholic that desperately needs addiction and mental health treatment- which he doesnt get where hes at. Please help me!

Thank you!

Posted by: Lee Ann | Jun 21, 2019 5:53:00 PM

You can read more news about compassionate release on https://compassionaterelease.com/

Posted by: roel | Oct 7, 2019 6:08:00 AM

You can read more news about compassionate release on https://compassionaterelease.com/

Posted by: roel | Oct 7, 2019 6:08:00 AM

You can read more news about compassionate release on https://compassionaterelease.com/

Posted by: roel | Oct 7, 2019 6:08:00 AM

My brother was serving time at U.S.P.Leavenworth Penitary,he had a cut on his foot and got an infection,without proper medical care ,the infection left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.He has since been sent to Springfield Mo.Medical Prison.He has applied for a compassionate release,the warden agreed the counselor agreed,they contacted me to see if I'd take him,I agreed.They wanted to do an inspection of my home and to make sure it would be safe for my brother to live here,we put new wider doors on the front door,back door,bought a hospital bed,put a ramp on the front door so I could take him places,doc,and the like.Very expensive,so Probation can out and did an inspection and we passed,so,probation sent a letter of exceptence to the B.O.P.My brother just received a letter a denial! I'm devistated.The BOP.said they had 8 pieces of criteria they had to meet.only one needed,he has all 8! Disgusted,and Tired,Penny Young

Posted by: Penny Young | May 4, 2020 9:44:44 PM

My brother was serving time at U.S.P.Leavenworth Penitary,he had a cut on his foot and got an infection,without proper medical care ,the infection left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.He has since been sent to Springfield Mo.Medical Prison.He has applied for a compassionate release,the warden agreed the counselor agreed,they contacted me to see if I'd take him,I agreed.They wanted to do an inspection of my home and to make sure it would be safe for my brother to live here,we put new wider doors on the front door,back door,bought a hospital bed,put a ramp on the front door so I could take him places,doc,and the like.Very expensive,so Probation can out and did an inspection and we passed,so,probation sent a letter of exceptence to the B.O.P.My brother just received a letter a denial! I'm devistated.The BOP.said they had 8 pieces of criteria they had to meet.only one needed,he has all 8! Disgusted,and Tired,Penny Young

Posted by: Penny Young | May 4, 2020 9:44:44 PM

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 "On probation until 2053? Sentencing disparities, lack of guidelines get long look at Minnesota Legislature" | Main | "Paul Manafort should not be sentenced to 20 years in prison" 

February 17, 2019

Can judges, legally or functionally, actually refuse to allow a prosecutor to drop or dismiss charges as an exercise of discretion?

The question in the title of this post is prompted by an interesting on-going story out of Norfolk, Virginia which I have blogged about over here at my marijuana blog. This recent local article reports on these particulars:

The judges on the citys top court have decided to block Norfolks chief prosecutor from essentially decriminalizing marijuana possession, a setback hes thinking about appealing to the state Supreme Court. On Tuesday, prosecutors under Commonwealths Attorney Greg Underwood went to court for at least the third time to try to drop or dismiss misdemeanor marijuana charges. Prosecuting people for having marijuana disproportionately hurts black people and does little to protect public safety, hes said. For the third time, a judge rebuffed them, and told prosecutors shes not alone, but joined by her seven colleagues. We are of one mind on this, Circuit Judge Mary Jane Hall said. The decisions adds to the confusion about whether its OK to have a small amount of weed in the city. Norfolk police have said they will continue to cite people for misdemeanor marijuana possession as theyve always done. Circuit Court judges appear determined to make sure offenders are tried, even if the commonwealths attorney refuses to prosecute them.... Underwoods change on marijuana possession is part of his larger effort to bring what he calls criminal justice reform to Norfolk. In a Jan. 3 letter to judges, the police chief and other public safety officials, he announced he would support ending cash bail in many cases and seeking more equal sentences between prostitutes and their clients. In 2016 and 2017, more than 1,560 people have been charged with first- or second-offense marijuana possession, prosecutor Ramin Fatehi told the judge in court Tuesday. Of them, 81 percent were black in a city thats 47 percent white and 42 percent black. This breeds a reluctance on the part of African Americans, particular young African American men, to trust or cooperate with the justice system, according to a Commonwealths Attorneys Office memo announcing the policy changes. Such prosecution also encourages the perception that the justice system is not focusing its attention on the legitimately dangerous crimes that regrettably are concentrated in these same communities. On Tuesday, Hall denied Fatehis motion to dismiss charges against Zemont Vaughan. The 24-year-old Norfolk man, who is black, had been convicted in a lower court in October, but on Tuesday, he went to the higher Circuit Court to appeal that conviction. Prosecutors motions to dismiss or drop charges are typically formalities. They dont generally like giving up on cases, so when they make what amounts to an admission of defeat, judges almost always grant them. Not this time. Hall told Fatehi she and the other seven judges think the Norfolk commonwealths attorney is trespassing on the state legislatures territory: making laws. The judge said Fatehi made an extremely compelling case with his statistics on racial disparities, but should pitch it to lawmakers in Richmond. I believe this is an attempt to usurp the power of the state legislature, Hall said. This is a decision that must be made by the General Assembly, not by the commonwealths attorneys office. Fatehi countered: Underwood is exercising the executive power voters gave him when they elected him the citys top prosecutor. Part of the job is prosecutorial discretion, or deciding which laws should be enforced, especially since he has a limited amount of resources. In contrast to the misdemeanor possession charges, Underwoods lawyers will keep prosecuting people accused of trafficking or dealing marijuana. This is an exercise of our discretion, Fatehi said. Fatehi said Underwood is thinking about asking the state Supreme Court to reverse the judges decisions, adding that hes very close to making a decision.

It seems like an indisputable given that a judge cannot legally make a prosecutor bring a charge. But once a charge has been brought, and perhaps especially once a conviction has been obtained, I can envision plausible bases for wanting to preserve some formal judicial authority to refuse to allow charges to be dropped or dismissed in some extreme circumstance. For example, refusing dismissal could seem justified if a judge had a reasonable basis to believe that the prosecutor had been bribed to dismiss certain charges or if a judge concluded that dismissals were driven by some kind of unconstitutional motive. The judges here are arguably asserting that these dismissals are constitutionally suspect, but that seems like a stretch on these facts. (Indeed, I wonder if Commonwealths Attorney Underwood might try to defend his dismissals by saying he is worried about constitutional infirmities concerning who gets arrested and charged by police for marijuana offenses. Surely a prosecutor must have broad authority to seek dismissal of charges that he believes may be infected with constitutional problems.)

Whatever one thinks of the legal basis for judges refusing dismissals here, I also wonder how this will continue to play out practically. Will judges in this jurisdiction seek to appoint another prosecutor to pursue charges that the local prosecutor seeks dismissed? Do they have authority to do so and is there any other way for these cases to proceed absent such an appointment? If and when these cases are on appeal, might the defendants seek amicus support from Commonwealths Attorney Greg Underwood or at least a formal statement from him saying he believes the cases should no longer proceed?

February 17, 2019 at 08:37 PM | Permalink

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For what it's worth, in Louisiana the answer is no: "The district attorney has the power, in his discretion, to dismiss an indictment or a count in an indictment, and in order to exercise that power it is not necessary that he obtain consent of the court." La. C.Cr. P. art. 691.



Posted by: MBC | Feb 18, 2019 12:11:14 AM

Thanks, MBC, very interesting. But would this apply also to a conviction --- e.g., could a DA seek dismissal while case is on appeal without needing court help to vacate conviction?

Posted by: Doug B | Feb 18, 2019 11:54:26 AM

There is a finality concern. When the judgement has become final then I agree that the prosecution cannot dismiss the charges. The process has done its work, the proper recourse thereafter is clemency. But prior to a final judgement to me it is a no brainer that charges can be dismissed because that is the essence of the separation of powers. I am huge fan of legislative power vs the executive but judges are wrong. The executive serves as a check on the power of the judiciary just as much as the legislative does. If it didn't the American legal system would all of a sudden look a lot more French.

Posted by: Daniel | Feb 18, 2019 5:03:37 PM

Sounds to me like what often happens in VA, NC, etc. when conservatives there lose any culture war. They find a way to illegally usurp power.

Posted by: Rory Fleming | Feb 18, 2019 6:51:48 PM

In Missouri, the answer is currently pretty clear that the local prosecutor has unfettered discretion to decline to file charges or to dismiss charges prior to verdict. (There are some bills pending that would allow police to refer cases to state attorney general if local prosecutor declines charges.) Once sentence is imposed, however, appeals are handled by the state attorney general. There are some post-sentencing motions in which the prosecutor could consent to relief being granted, but the trial court would still have to grant that relief and could decline to do so if defense motion and evidence supporting it was insufficient.

Posted by: tmm | Feb 20, 2019 1:09:22 PM

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Toyota plans to release the

PASTA (Portable Automotive Security Testbed) Car-Hacking Tool on GitHub next month.

Takuya Yoshida from Toyotas InfoTechnology Center and his colleague Tsuyoshi Toyama are members of a Toyota team that developed the new tool, called PASTA (Portable Automotive Security Testbed).

PASTA is an open-source testing platform specifically designed for car hacking, it was developed to help experts to test cyber security features of modern vehicles. The tool was presented by the security duo at the BLACK HAT EUROPE 2018 that revealed Toyotas plans to share the specifications on Github and will start selling the fully built system in Japan.

Now Toyama announced that the carmaker plans to make the PASTA tool available via GitHub as early as next month or April.

Toyama and his team will share open-source the platforms specs, CAN (controller area network) ID maps, ECU (engine control unit) program codes, and ECU circuit diagrams for vehicle testing. The carmaker also plans to offer PASTAs driving simulator programs as open source.

The PASTA car hacking tool is contained in an 8 kg portable briefcase, experts highlighted the delay of the automotive industry in developing cyber security for modern cars.

Source: Dark Reading

Giving a close look at pasta case, we can find four ECUs inside, as well as a console to run tests of the car system operation or to carry out attacks, for example injecting CAN messages. The platform simulates the remote operation of a vehicle and its components, including wheels, brakes, and windows.

Its small and portable so users can study, research, and hack with it anywhere. said the expert during thedemonstration at Black Hat Europe. .You can modify the programming of ECUs in C as well, he said.

Among future improvements for PASTA there is the implementation of other connectivity features, including Ethernet, LIN, and CAN FD, Wi-Fi and of course Bluetooth.

You can download slides and the research paper from the following link:

 Download Presentation Slides

 Download White Paper

Toyama will demonstrate PASTA at the next Black Hat Asia in Singapore.

Pierluigi Paganini

(Security Affairs  car hacking, cybersecurity)

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"Today JRU's alumni and friends should just raise their glasses."

Vicente Fabella was no ordinary Filipino. He was this countrys first certified public accountant. He achieved that distinction in the early days of the US presence in the Philippines, a time when this country was just beginning to build up a corps of professionals. Americas colonial officialdom cannot have failed to take notice of the young Filipino who was a whiz with numbers. Vicente Fabella chose to direct his special professional capabilities towards financial education, believing that if the Philippines were to be viable as a full-fledged member of the community of nations, it had to have a corps of Filipinos well-trained for the principal professions. Accounting was among the most important of these, in Fabellas view. Accordingly in 1919 Mr. Fabella founded the School of Accounts, Commerce and Finance of the Far Eastern Institute, which was renamed Jose Rizal College (JRC)as a tribute to the national heroin 1922. JRC remained in its R. Hidalgo St. (Quiapo) location until 1950, when it transferred to Mandaluyong, which at that time was a quiet neighborhood of the nations capital. This year is 100 years after 1919, and today, February 19, Jose Rizal University (JRU) is celebrating in grand style the day 100 years ago when the School of Accounts, Commerce and Finance opened its doors to the first group of Filipino students. All alumni and friends of JRU have been asked to participate in the centennial celebrations this evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.Only a few tertiary-education institutions in this country can claim to be 100 years old or older, and there are not many cities and municipalities that can claim to be hosts of educational centenarians. Today the city of Mandaluyong joins the ranks of those hosts. The Tiger City has been hosting a tiger university. The century-long progress of a modest school of accounting to one of the nations most prestigious universities has been overseen by three generations of Fabellas. Vicente Fabella was succeeded at the helm of Jose Rizal College by his son Armand, a Harvard-trained economist, who later was to become President Diosdado Macapagals chief economic adviser and, later still, President Ramoss Secretary of Education. When Dr. Armand Fabella passed away several years ago, his son Dr. Vicente took his place at the helm of Jose Rizal University. How does an educational institutionany institution, for that matterget to become 100 years old? First, it must be run by men of principle. JRC was closed throughout World War II, and the reason for that was Vicente Fabella wanted to show hisdespite enormous pressuresolidarity with the anti-Japan cause. In addition, it is well known that Dr. Armand Fabella preferred to step down as Secretary rather than agree to the break-up of the Department of Education. A second requirement is vision. Vicente Fabella saw a first-rate institution of higher learning emerging from his modest school of accounting, commerce and finance. With his exposure to the Harvard system, Dr. Armand Fabella saw no reason why JRC could not reach the highest levels of educational achievement. Confirming the saying that the fruit does not fall far from the tree, current president Vincent Fabella has determinedly been building upon the foundation laid down by his grandfather and father. JRU has always had a strong high school structure. Over the years it has established a business Graduate School and a school of law that is steadily gaining acclaim and respect. The roster of JRU alumni has expanded beyond the world of commerce to encompass the worlds of governance, diplomacy, military service and the judiciary, among others. Numerous members of the banking community have passed through JRCs portals along Shaw Boulevard. Given the vision-filled service and the dedication that have been displayed during the past 100 years by the Fabella family and the administration of the university, there is no reason why JRU should not be able to reach another centennial milestone. But 2119 is too distant to contemplate. Today JRUs alumni and friends should just raise their glasses and drink a toast to the success of one of the finest educational institutions in the nation.
This is how rating works: upon entering the venue, audience members are given cards with the numbers one (bad) to five (very good) on them. When leaving the venue, all you need to do is pull a small tear in the card at the rating you want to give. These cards are collected at the exit, counted, and the average ratings appear in the festival's website.

I heard people complain about a "bad selection this year", but frankly the numbers do not show much of a decline. Out of the 250 feature films, 130 got rated 3.5 or higher. Any film ending up with a rating of 4 (out of 5) can be safely seen as a general crowdpleaser, and there were 62 of those. For the same reason, getting an average of 4.5 or higher is pretty amazing, and 12 films managed to get this. Check out which, so click on the edge of the picture to start browsing the list!
Monday, February 18, 2019

Choppy trading ahead of busy week. Global stocks were shaky on Monday as U.S.-China trade talks head into a crucial week. Negotiations continue in Washington with less than two weeks until the deadline, which would see tariffs jump without a deal. However, talks have progressed and the tone, especially from the White House, has turned positive. Meanwhile, the minutes of last months meetings from both the U.S. Federal Reserve and the ECB will be released this week, which could offer further guidance into the thinking of central bankers. U.S. stock markets were closed on Monday for the federal holiday.

Chart of the Week

(Click to enlarge)

- Chinas appetite for natural gas imports is insatiable, according to Commerzbank.

- Chinas natural gas imports surged by 26 percent in January compared to a year earlier. Last year, imports jumped by 40 percent.

- However, inventories are now relatively high, which could mean that imports could slow in the coming months.

Markets

U.S. Congress considers curtailing Trumps trade power. Momentum is growing in the U.S. Congress to curtail presidential trade authority. Feeling burned by Trumps trade wars, the legislation would claw back power from the executive branch, putting more authority in the hands of the Congress. Notably, the push for curtailing executive branch authority over trade comes from two Republican senators  Rob Portman (R-OH) and Pat Toomey (R-PA)  and has some support from the powerful Sen. Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

Spain calls snap election. Spains Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a snap election for April. The push for Catalan independence, as well as the rise of nationalism and a far-right party, has raised concerns about political and economic turmoil returning to Spain. That will add to the political malaise in Europe, bedeviled by growing euro skeptics and a yet-to-be-determined UK exit from the European Union. Related: Silver Demand Set To Grow Significantly In 2019

Trump receives report on autos. A Commerce Department investigation into whether or not car manufacturing is a national security concern has finally been completed and sent to President Trump, a development that could be used for tariffs on car imports. Potential car tariffs come as the global auto market has slowed down. China reported a 17.7 percent decline in auto sales in January from a year earlier, adding to a string of monthly sales declines.

Commodities

Investors burned on EV metals. The spike in prices for a variety of metals used in electric cars  lithium, cobalt, nickel, among others  over the last few years ran into a wall in 2018. Prices for these all-important metals declined in 2018 and continue to slide this year. Cobalt prices are down more than 30 percent so far in 2019, dropping to a two-year low. Lithium is at a multi-year low and has declined for ten consecutive months. Higher production came after the spike in prices from a few years ago, while slowing growth in China has also contributed to the declines.

China commodity imports remain strong. The Chinese economy has begun to slow down but imports of several key commodities remained robust in January. Crude oil, natural gas, copper and coal imports expanded by 5 percent, 26, percent, 15 percent and 20 percent year-on-year, respectively, according to Barclays. [T]he strong January imports should ease some concerns about a sharp downturn in Chinas commodity imports in the wake of the recent weakness in macroeconomic indicators, Barclays said in a note.

Gold nears nine-month high. Gold prices jumped to $1,325 per troy ounce, nearing a nine-month high. Even benign stock markets and renewed ETF outflows are not impeding its rise given that the political and economic uncertainty remains, Commerzbank wrote in a note. The bank cited the National Emergency declaration by President Trump as well as the split between the U.S. and its European allies over Iran at the Munich Security Conference. Meanwhile, the deadline over Brexit continues to draw near.

Energy

U.S. shale industry to slow. Pressure from Wall Street and lower oil prices could contribute to a slowdown in the shale patch. Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE: PXD) announced a cut in 2019 spending plans last week, trimming its budget by $350 million, or 11 percent. That adds to a growing list of other spending cuts from the shale industry. There arent nearly as many drilling dollars available, Bobby Whiteside, president of Midland, Texas-based oil producer Regions Permian LLC, told Reuters. If Wall Street wants you to drill within cash flow, youre going to have slower growth.

BP: Renewable energy and natural gas to dominate. The bulk of energy supply growth going forward is going to come from renewable energy and natural gas. According to BPs (NYSE: BP) long-term energy outlook, renewable energy and natural gas will account for 85 percent of supply growth through 2040. Renewable energy supply will grow at an annual rate of 7.1 percent over that timeframe. This brings into sharp focus just how fast the worlds energy systems are changing, and how the dual challenge of more energy with fewer emissions is framing the future, said BP Chief Executive Bob Dudley.

Related: Billion Dollar Bust Proves The World Still Has A Drug Problem

Oil prices jumped on trade optimism. President Trump said that the U.S.-China trade talks were very productive, helping to provide a lift to oil prices. Meanwhile, an outage at the Safaniyah oil field in Saudi Arabia resulted in an unexpected production cut. Markets are astonished by the amount of production cuts and the further reductions Saudi plans to make, Howie Lee, a Singapore-based economist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp., said in a Bloomberg interview. Even though there was no conclusive trade deal from Beijing, the already bullish oil market took no news as good news.

Cryptocurrencies

JP Morgan to create cryptocurrency. In the next few months, JP Morgan Chase is set to launch trials for its own cryptocurrency, dubbed the JPM Coin. The digital coin will instantly settle payments between clients. The investment bank envisions a future in which the financial system transitions over onto the blockchain. So anything that currently exists in the world, as that moves onto the blockchain, this would be the payment leg for that transaction, said Umar Farooq, head of J.P. Morgan's blockchain projects, according to CNBC. The applications are frankly quite endless; anything where you have a distributed ledger which involves corporations or institutions can use this.

Bitcoin to turn positive? Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are on track to post their first month of price gains since July 2018. Why? First, the crypto market may have been oversold. Also, the fundamentals are set to improve. Ethereum prices have also stabilized. Bitcoin is also finding more acceptance as a method of payment.

Japanese bank pushes forward on cryptocurrency. The Mizuho Financial group, which runs Japans second-largest bank (Mizuho Bank), has developed a smartphone app that allows customers to pay for transactions at a wide array of Japanese retail stores with J Coin, a forthcoming cryptocurrency to be launched by the bank. It looks like Mizuho is aiming to win the race to become the first Japanese megabank to get its stablecoin into circulation. By all accounts, the bank wants to ensure its tokens are accepted at all the major shopping hotspots popular with Chinese tourists, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, a Tokyo-based banking consultant, told Cryptonews.com

By Josh Owens for Safehaven.com

More Top Reads From Safehaven.com:
Did an environmentalist decide that the plaque was defiling the grandest summit in the Teton Range? their book reads. Did a vandal simply pry it loose and pitch it off the north face to crash below? Did the Bonneys, in their lonely crusade for the 1872 claim, make a political statement?

At least for now, there will be no blanks filled in the Teton history books. Like the question of who first summited the Grand, the answer remains shrouded by memories as distorted by time as the weathered plaque.

That controversy is active and continues on today, Jackson said. Its probably the most enduring controversy of a significant peak  and who made its first ascent  in the United States.

New evidence settling the Grands decidedly grander mystery will be hard to come by.

But Boutin, the San Francisco attorney with blood ties to Billy Owen, is hopeful that his $500 offer will catch the eye of the lesser controversy: the pilfered plaque.

It is a bit of a mystery, he said. You never know. Maybe somebody sold it, but I think the more likely thing is somebody took it, and they put it in a garage some place.
President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Congress to craft another general tax amnesty bill with provisions that will break down the walls of bank secrecy, include an automatic exchange of information and provide safeguards to ensure truthful tax administration in the country. While he understood the legislatures objective in proposing an unconditional latitude in the grant of amnesty, Duterte said, he thumbed down the measure because the original objective will not be met under the proposed framework. In his letter to the members and leaders of Congress released by the Palace on Monday, Duterte said he vetoed a portion of Republic Act 11213, or the Tax Amnesty Act, because its overgenerous and unregulated implementation would harbor acts of tax evasion in the future. Without the provisions breaking down the walls of bank secrecy, setting the legal framework for us to comply with international standards on exchange of information for tax purposes, and safeguarding against those who abuse the amnesty by declaring an untruthful asset of net worth, a general amnesty that is overgenerous and unregulated would create an environment ripe for future tax evasion, the very thing we wish to address, Duterte said. Without these measures, the government and ultimately the Filipino people will incur long-term substantial revenue losses. Duterte said the Philippines experience with the 2006 tax amnesty under Republic Act 9480 had shown that without enough safeguards and measures against tax evasion, the objectives of an amnesty such as raising revenues and expanding the tax base cannot be fully achieved. Duterte said the general amnesty program was meant to give taxpayers a fresh start and signal the start of a fair enforcement campaign by the tax authorities. It is not meant to be abused for the gain of the few and the loss of the rest of the citizenry. These safeguards against tax evasion are estimated to contribute P76.6 billion to the public funds in the next five years, which we hope to use to better our infrastructure and services, Duterte said.Given these, I ask Congress to pass another general tax bill that includes the lifting of bank secrecy for fraud cases, the inclusion of automatic exchange of information, and safeguards to ensure that asset or net worth declarations are truthful. Duterte expressed hope that with his recommendations, the general tax amnesty would meet both its tax administration and revenue purposes. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said it was Dutertes desire to lift the bank secrecy for fraud for transparency. He recommended that because you cant really know the truth if its confidential. But if you lift it, your bank deposits can be checked easily, so you cannot lie about it. Thats the reason why, Panelo told reporters. We are confident that the members of Congress will fulfill their duty to the Filipino people as mandated by the Constitution, which is, they should be honest in all dealings and they should pursue a policy of accountability and transparency in the realm of governance. On Thursday, Duterte signed the Tax Amnesty Act, but line-item vetoed its general amnesty provision except for the portions covering the estate tax amnesty and the amnesty on delinquency taxes.
The bighorn sheep that make their home around Painted Rocks Reservoir owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Ravalli County Fish and Game Association.

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the association will remember the efforts to return bighorns to the area at their annual banquet at the First Interstate Building at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

Thats the theme of our banquet this year, said Tony Jones, a longtime association member.

Jones helped with the second capture of bighorns in the Anaconda area that helped bolster numbers of the first 38 trans-located from the Sun River in March 1990.

Those first 28 ewes and 10 rams spread out over their new range rapidly from Warm Springs to Piquett Mountain to Blue Joint and Coal and Mud creeks.

The next winter, Jones and other volunteers worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists to capture another 22 ewes and six rams using a helicopter to drive the sheep into long lines of nets. Once the sheep were in the nets, people wrestled them to the ground and eventually loaded them into trucks for the trip to the Bitterroot.

Another 10 bighorns  nine ewes and one ram lamb  were translocated from the Sun River to Painted Rocks in 2004.
I came to Congress to solve real issues for South Dakotans. This office has awarded me the opportunity to meet and engage with constituents that perhaps I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to know. Every meeting that comes through my door is important, but I am particularly impressed with the purpose of South Dakotas tribal members.

Since being sworn in on Jan. 3, Ive had the privilege and honor of meeting with Rosebud Sioux President Rodney Bordeaux, Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner and Cheyenne River Sioux Chairman Harold Frazier. Dozens of tribal program administrators, tribal educators and tribal citizens have also traveled to Washington to discuss education and health care shortfalls and opportunities. Meeting with tribal leaders almost daily leaves me with even more questions and the urge to research solutions. If one thing is clear, its this  Ive got a lot to learn.

Ive certainly never pretended to know everything. If anything, Im eager to share where my knowledge falls short and how learning from others can help fill in those gaps. The relationships Im building with Indian Country emphasizes the importance of jointly recognizing our complicated history. We must work together through our differences to make South Dakota, and our country, better for all people.
Thank you to the city and state plow drivers who have worked so hard to keep our roads clear. It is amazing to watch you guys line up and hand off from plow to plow to be able to clear 2-3 lanes at one time.

Here is a solution for President Trump to fund the border wall: Take money from the states and cities that are harboring the illegal immigrants and use that money to fund the wall.

After Trump declared his phony emergency, just keep in mind when a Democrat is elected president there will be no crying allowed by Republicans when he declares guns, climate change and the lack of abortion clinics a national emergency.

It's becoming boring listening to the "Never Trumpsters" say the tax cuts were for the rich. I am far from being financially rich and the tax cuts meant an extra $150 a month for my family.

There have been zero shootings on South Dakota campuses without the Legislature getting involved in an area where no problem exists. Leave rules governing university safety and life to campus officials and the Board of Regents who are in a position to make informed and thoughtful decisions.

Leave early voting alone, it is working, it does not need fixing.

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June 20, High Plains Ag Lab, Sidney: Morning field day featuring wheat on dryland crops, grazing systems, and integrated crop-livestock research.

June 20, Box Butte County: In the afternoon, irrigated wheat variety plot tour, followed by evening dryland wheat variety trial tour.

June 21, Box Butte County: In the morning, pea variety trials tour.

The High Plains Ag Lab Field Day on June 20 will include presentations on all the field trials under way at HPAL, both crops and livestock, according to Dipak Santra, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist in the Panhandle District. This includes crop research affecting wheat and pea in both varieties and production aspects such as pests, weeds and disease. It also is likely to include livestock topics and integrated crop-livestock systems research into grazing and forage crops.

The HPAL Field Day will begin around 8 a.m. and include a tour of wheat varieties in the HPAL plots before lunch.

Then, at 3:30 p.m., a field tour at the Chris Cullan Farm in Box Butte County will begin at the plots for irrigated wheat varieties. Following a break, at 5:30 p.m. the tour will switch to dryland variety trials.
Landmarks Illinois thanks the Rock Island City Council for passing a resolution in support of the privatization and redevelopment of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse. Like the city council, we recognize that the redevelopment of the courthouse presents an opportunity to increase the tax base and alleviate local tax burdens.

Landmarks Illinois joins the city in offering its resources, including an engineering assessment of the building or an adaptive reuse study.

Several developers have expressed interest in redeveloping the courthouse. We urge the county and Public Building Commission to consider the markets interest in reusing the courthouse.

Instead of the county using public funds to tear down the building, developers can leverage federal and state historic tax credits for courthouse reuse, adding to the tax base and creating jobs. The State Historic Tax Credit has worked since 2012 to spark over $400 million in private reinvestment in five pilot communities, and is newly available in Rock Island as of January 1, 2019.
Tuesday will be partly sunny with a high near 26 degrees and wind-chill values as low as zero.

Tuesday night will bring snow after midnight with an overnight low of around 22 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent with new snow accumulation of around 2 inches.

2. Snow emergencies in Moline, Davenport

A snow emergency is in effect for Moline and Davenport.

In Moline, parking is prohibited on a snow route effective immediately until snow has stopped and has been cleared. Vehicles in violation are subject to being enforced by the Police Department.

In Davenport, the emergency is in effect until 6 a.m. today.

Vehicles parked on posted snow routes during a snow emergency may be ticketed and towed. As an alternative to on-street parking in the downtown, residents and visitors to the area may park for free in any one of the citys parking ramps through 7 a.m. today.

3. Fire damages Davenport apartments
DAVENPORT -- The front door at 2426 N. Michigan Ave. stands slightly ajar. Photos adorn the wall of the smallish home in a quiet portion of Davenport's northwest corridor.

Snow falls, covering the downed tree branches in the front yard. A light at the home's back door shines. An empty blue cooler sits next to the garage.

At 1:06 a.m. Sunday, police were summoned to the home where they would find one person dead from a gunshot wound.

"We heard nothing until the eight squad cars arrived,'' said Carol Ramsey, who lives one door north of the house where the alleged shooting took place."It's a quiet neighborhood; I certainly didn't expect this.''

Accident? Intentional? No one at this point, can say.

Ramsey says she believes a mother, two young girls and two teenage males live in the rented home. According to assessor's records of Scott County, the home is owned by an Eldridge couple.

"We knew the mother only that she would always wave to us when she was coming and going,'' Ramsey, a retired Oscar Mayer employee, said. "Nothing that would make you think something could happen like this. My teenage granddaughter had talked occasionally with the two boys.''

Davenport Police said it is continuing to investigate and asked that anyone with information to call 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip via the app, CityConnect Davenport IA.

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Davenport Fire Department investigators are back on the site of an apartment fire that broke out Sunday night in northwest Davenport.

Davenport Fire Capt. Jim Woods said in a news release that six fire companies were dispatched shortly before 6:30 p.m. to the Breckenridge apartment complex in the 4300 block of North Division Street.

Woods said the first arriving crews advised nothing was showing until they exited the rig and found smoke and heat conditions as they entered the building.

Fire was found on the third floor of the 24-unit apartment complex. Forty-eight people live in the building and crews had to deploy a ground ladder to rescue two people from the third floor. They were treated for minor injuries.

Several pets in the building also were rescued by firefighters. The Red Cross of the Quad-Cities was on scene to assist the displaced residents.

Fire Department Command staff worked closely with the building owner to get the residents back into the building after it was safe to retrieve belongings from several apartments.
CEDAR FALLS  Jeff Danielson, an Iowa state senator, and Cedar Falls firefighter, is resigning from both positions for a new job he won't yet comment on.

"So I'm closing two wonderful chapters in my life, 25 years as a firefighter and 15 years as a state senator, and I'm opening a new exciting chapter for which we'll be able to share at a later date," Danielson said.

Danielson, 48, announced his immediate resignation on Thursday. In interviews afterward, he cited the citys Public Safety Officer program as one of the reasons for his departures. Danielson represented Senate District 30, which includes parts of Hudson, Cedar Falls and Waterloo.

He said he doesn't have political aspiration coming into his next position, and he'll be able to reveal that position in the next week.

Gov. Kim Reynolds will have to schedule a special election, and whoever wins will be up for re-election in 2020. Danielson said he won't be involved in the campaign for his replacement.

The Black Hawk County Democrats released a statement thanking Danielson for his many years of dedication, service and commitment, both as a firefighter and a state legislator calling him a tireless advocate for the Cedar Valley.
References to President Trump were largely oblique, save for a reference to "governing by tweets" and "Snow woman" not being such a bad presidential nickname to be hit with.

Her sternest rebuke came in a brief stop off, after the main speech, at the north-facing Southbridge Mall entrance which was the overflow area for Lorado's.

"I know that I can beat Donald Trump," Klobuchar flatly stated to the crowd. "I don't have super PACs or well-oiled machines, (but) what I do have is grit and my friends and my neighbors."

Path forward

Whether that grit will be enough to propel Klobuchar to the nomination remains to be seen.

Lydia Futrell, a 17-year-old Clear Lake resident, who came out to the event with her mom Alice admitted that she didn't "know a lot about Senator Klobuchar" who had only 2 percent of support among Democratic voters in a recent Monmouth 2020 primary poll.

The high school student said that her top two issues were climate change and gun violence.

Klobuchar didn't address the issue of gun violence nor did she spend much time on recent allegations that she is an abusive boss to staff members and once threw a binder at an aide.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said Monday coconut farmers could fall deeper into poverty because of the low prices of copra. Copra prices are so low that our farmers are no longer able to live decently, Marcos said. She urged the government to release the P180-billion coconut levy fund to help resuscitate the coconut industry and help the coconut farmers recover. Our farmers have been waiting for so long to avail of the benefits due them through the coco levy fund. They should not be made to wait any further, said Marcos, who is running for senator in the midterm elections in May. Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the bill that was supposed to strengthen the Philippine Coconut Authority and address the problems besetting the coconut industry. Malacanang says the measure lacks vital safeguards and does not fully use the coconut levy assets for the benefit of marginalized farmers. Instead of increasing the representatives on the PCA board, the Senate should have provided for the payment of loans which is allegedly the reason for the veto, Marcos said.The immediate release of the coco levy funds was promised by the President during his first 100 days in office. Data from the PCA show that the average farm-gate price of copra has declined by almost 60 percent, or from P38.70 per kilo in 2017 to P15.52 per kilo last year. The coconut industry is also suffering from slow replanting programs; the scale insect infestation that has hit the Bicol region, Basilan, Zamboanga peninsula and Romblon, and the governments failure to adjust to the needs of the domestic market, which has been losing to Thailand in coconut water production. As for rice tariffication, Marcos issued an urgent appeal that the farmers concerns against unbridled importation be addressed by the government. The shortfall in local produce is at a mere 1.5 million metric tons against the 12 million consumed annually, Marcos said. Imported rice should be limited and timed not to enter the local market during our harvest season because this will push local prices to unbearable levels for our farmers.
Economist Dave Swenson, also with Iowa State, argued in both of the examples, there was no indication of meaningful movement of labor from one state to the other.

People do not migrate toward a higher minimum wage to the degree to which people think they would, he said. All of Iowas neighbors, except for Wisconsin, have higher minimum wages, so there are already a lot of higher wages surrounding the state. Theres no evidence that Iowa workers are migrating into South Dakota or Nebraska.

With low unemployment, Swenson said the majority of employers already are paying more than the minimum wage, with little disparity across both sides of the river in the Quad-Cities.

The minimum wage is the wage at which some employers will hire people, then theres the market wage. The market wage is what it takes to get somebody to flip burgers, to work at Walmart or to cook in the kitchen. Thats closer to $9 to $11 an hour, he said. So a lot of workers are not working at the minimum wage in both jurisdictions, and theres little difference between the market wage on the Rock Island side versus the Davenport side.
In Illinois, there were 2,778 in 2017, which followed 2,411 in 2016 and 1,835 in 2015. In states that have already legalized marijuana for recreation, the number of opioid deaths is dropping. In some states, fatalities have fallen as much as 33 percent. It's a number we have to take seriously.

The climate is right in Illinois to take the next step in marijuana legalization, but that alone doesn't warrant charging ahead blindly. With other states having gone before us, there is no excuse for not moving methodically and purposefully in preparing to make this significant change. There is time to do it right.

Though Pritzker has made it clear that revenue through taxes is a priority, the predominance of the plan seems to focus on creating opportunities for minority businesses and benefits to communities affected by drug crime. There does not seem to be, however, a thorough analysis pondering through what system that revenue stream is built.

If economics is one of the key reasons justifying legalization, that's a question that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

The process of legalizing a once illegal substance is challenging. It does not just involve taxes and licenses.
I talked mayoral politics last week with a young political junkie friend, who is deep into the citys Democratic ward politics. She thinks the brouhaha over corruption may cause some voters to turn away from the four who are being bruised by the Burke/corruption issue.

They might shift from these better-known aspirants to clean-as-a-whistle candidates like former federal prosecutor Lori Lightfoot and my former student Paul Vallas, a one-time, nationally known schools reformer.

If no candidate receives 50 percent of the vote Feb. 26 (and none will), the top two vote-getters square off April 2. Since most of the 14 candidates have their respective voter bases, polls show that any of up to eight candidates could end up among the top two, even if no one receives more than 15 percent of the vote.

Early voting has already started, yet my political junkie friend thinks such will be low -- because many voters, including herself, are still undecided.

For example, does my friend vote for her favorite, who may not end up among the top two at the Feb. 26 scrum, or vote to help ensure that her second choice makes it.

Friend thinks this kind of strategic voting could deprive an unattractive candidate, or worse, two unattractive types, from taking the top spots in the runoff.

Oh, the Chicago Way of politics, always fascinating, but in need of exorcism.

Jim Nowlan is a former Illinois legislator and state agency director. He is a retired senior fellow at the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs; jnowlan3@gmail.com.

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Instead, Tiffany used glass that was colored at the outset, and he achieved different effects by layering it and folding it over itself. He also pioneered an effect called confetti, dropping broken bits of colored glass into a hot layer of glass of a different color.

The pieces of his windows are thick and have depth; as you look, you can see different colors, streaks and dots between the layers.

A piece called the "Geometric Window" incorporates dozens of fairly round pieces of opaque quartz in the place of glass, a mixed-media work, if you will. Light shines through the mineral almost as brightly as it does the glass next to it.

It is this range of glass effects that makes Tiffany glass so interesting, so sought-after and so valuable, Wallace said.

Tiffany also made church windows, and this exhibit includes one of those, too. It depicts a soldier-like character who is intended to symbolize the need for humans to battle evil.

Tiffany had 1,100 church and memorial contracts all over the country, Wallace said, adding that some contracts might have been for an entire suite of windows.
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The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over the arrest of Rappler CEO Maria Ressa following cyber libel charges against her, urging the countrys Justice department to veer away from political pressures in handling media cases. For Rupert Colville, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesman, Ressas arrest, which caught international attention, had become the latest element in pattern of intimidation of a media outlet that has fiercely guarded its independence and its right to conduct in-depth investigations and to criticize the authorities. Maria Ressa, who has frequently been critical of President [Rodrigo] Duterte and his administrations policies, has previously faced charges of tax evasion as well as attempts to revoke Rapplers license to operate. These have been widely viewed as efforts to silence Rapplers independent investigative reporting and critical voice, by misusing judicial and administrative powers, including libel laws, Colville said. Rappler journalists have also allegedly been threatened with physical harm, he added, emphasizing that the international organization remained very concerned about the state of Ressa. In related developments:  Malacanang said Ressa was a walking testament that press freedom remained vibrant in the country, reacting to criticism her arrest was meant to stifle opposition. Ressa said her legal plight showed how far the government will go to try to silence a voice. President Rodrigo Dutertes spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, said Ressa was the walking testament that freedom of the press, as well as of expression, are very alive in this country. Until now, shes still using that freedom to assault the government and this administration, he told ANC, which was beamed nationwide. The Philippines, he added, is the freest country with respect to expression of oneself and publication of newspapers, considering that the administration itself had not filed a complaint against any journalist.  Senator Francis Pangilinan said he was baffled when the government suddenly became interested in clearing its name before the international community on the arrest of Ressa. He noted that before, the Philippine government was just ignoring criticisms on extrajudicial killings as a result of the drug war. Arent the Presidents defenders enough to parry the views on the apparently harassment incident? he asked. Could it be that Secretary Martin Andanar and the PCOO people just want a whiff of winter, thus, the sudden urge to go into this information caravan? also questioned Pangilinan as he pressed on the PCOO spending for this trip which involved the taxpayers money. Isnt it more worthwhile and beneficial to spend it in helping the DOH in its information drive to get as many children vaccinated to help curb the measles outbreak? On Wednesday authorities from the National Bureau of Investigation stormed in Ressas office, serving the arrest warrant in regard to the cyber libel case filed by businessman William Keng in May 2012. Ressa then wasted no time in pursuing legal remedies on the eve of her arrest, but a Pasay City Court refused to process her temporary release over jurisdiction issue. Ressa spent the night with the authorities. She was freed the next day.The case stemmed from a story about Keng first published in May 2012 or four months before the Cybercrime Act of 2012 was enacted. After investigating Kengs complaint, the NBIs legal and evaluation service junked the case against Ressa. Rappler reported that the NBI legal team found that the one-year prescriptive period for libel had lapsed with the complaint filed five years after the publication of the story. However, the NBI revived the complaint on March 2, 2018, recommending the indictment of Rappler on cyber libel charges even if the Cybercrime Law was signed into law in September 2012. With the seeming flip-flop of NBI, Colville then called on the Philippine government to conduct an independent and thorough review of all charges against Ressa and other media professionals. The UN official also urged the Department of Justice to dismiss cases that are clearly politically motivated or are not in line with international human rights standards, including freedom of opinion and expression. Any charges that appear to be aimed at preventing journalists from undertaking their profession, thereby depriving the public of their right to information, should be dropped immediately, Colville continued. Attempts to intimidate or muzzle independent news sources has a serious effect on freedom of opinion and expression in general, and the rights of journalists to carry out their professional duties safely and without fear of reprisal are clear under international law, he added. Moreover, Colville said that UN Special Rapporteurs David Kaye, Anges Callamard, and Michel also expressed their indignation, describing Ressas arrest as a very serious escalation of media harassment. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights fully endorses the positions they have taken, he said. Meanwhile, the Palace on Monday also called on those who rallied on Ressas unworthy cause not to just take one side of the story. What those who invoke the freedom of the expression and (freedom) of the press forgot is that even an ordinary citizen has the right to demand his rights against journalists or columnists if his/her rights have been violated, Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. They have their own rights too. The Supreme Court has always said that the freedom of the press is not absolute. If you violated the rights of another person, then you will be held accountable. For Panelo, Ressa only wanted to have a special treatment from the countrys judicial processes. That will not be possible. All of us are equal. Fair should be fair. In a separate interview, Panelo even stated that the Philippines remains the freest country with respect to expression of oneself and publication of newspaper. In fact, I would even say that she [Ressa] is a walking testament that the a freedom of expression and freedom of the press are very alive in this country. Why did I say that? Because until now, she is still using that freedom to assault the government and this administration, Panelo told ANC, maintaining that the high profile journalist should not blame the government for the inexperience of her lawyers.
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
War was still raging in the former Yugoslavia on January 31, 1994 when RFE/RL started broadcasting in the Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages. The South Slavic Language Service, as the Balkan Service was then known, was a brave voice against conflict and an advocate for tolerance, reconciliation, and peace. It would expand its audience and languages over the ensuing decade to include Albanian, Montenegrin, and Macedonian. On the services 25th anniversary, Director Arbana Vidishiqi sat down with RFE/RLs Pressroom to discuss its impact.

RFE/RL PRESSROOM: RFE/RLs Balkan Service was launched as voice of moderation in the 1990s amid a devastating war. Twenty-five years later, how has its role changed?

ARBANA VIDISHIQI: Unfortunately, the Western Balkan countries are still very much in need of a voice of moderation. Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro  the five countries we cover now  all face bitter inter-ethnic relations, a rise of aggressive nationalism, poor economic outlooks, a rhetorical war on corruption, and a youth battling with two choices, unemployment or migration. Lately, there has been much talk about new wars in the Balkans. The wars of the 1990s will not come back, but fires can be ignited that are difficult to contain.

PRESSROOM: What are the biggest challenges the Service faces today?

VIDISHIQI: Like with any other serious media outlet, we face a serious challenge from todays different propaganda industries. What is genuine news and what is disinformation? How do you reach that layer of your audience that might be a potential victim of a disinformation campaign? And all this, with the head-spinning evolution of social networks and the role they play in todays information space.

PRESSROOM: Does the threat of disinformation in the Balkans come only from Russia, or from elsewhere?

VIDISHIQI: Moscow is taking the opportunity to undermine Western influence and fan the flames of underlying conflicts. It is actively using Kremlin-sponsored media to spread propaganda in the countries across the Balkans, specifically in Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Republika Srpska part of Bosnia. But besides Russia, someone else has increased its presence in the region  radical Islamists, in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Balkans was one of the largest recruiting grounds for ISIS extremist group. About 900 nationals of Balkan countries have traveled to Syria and Iraq.

PRESSROOM: How do you define your audience?

VIDISHIQI: The future decision-makers, the next-generation influencers. Our audiences are unique in each country, but they also have so much in common. Our mission is to provide information, fact-based and fact-checked. Its not easy though. The competition is tough, the propaganda is aggressive, and we need support to succeed.

PRESSROOM: What makes the Balkan Services coverage unique?

VIDISHIQI: Theres no other media outlet like it in the region. Macedonian, Albanian, Bosnian, Serbian, Montenegrin speakers in one format, with one mission, and yet, many different platforms, sewed together specifically for our unique followers. We all speak the same language of values within the service, regardless of our ethnic backgrounds. Thats something very worthy of mentioning as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.

--Claudia Shute

Arbana Vidishiqi is the director or RFE/RLs Balkan Service and head of the services Kosovo Unit. She joined RFE/RL in 1999 as a Pristina-based political affairs correspondent, becoming chief of the ethnically diverse Pristina bureau in 2001, during the volatile inter-ethnic tensions that followed the 1999 war in Kosovo. Vidishiqi is a native Albanian speaker and is fluent in English and south Slavic languages.

Contact her at VidishiqiA@rferl.org

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Alvin Breisch looked up at the canopy, which was quiet except for the peeps of a few chickadees.

He is perhaps the one man who has spent the most time on the island, having studied its vegetation for the Nature Conservancy since 1973, when he was in his late 20s.

The original description (for the job) I read was that this was a very mature, undisturbed forest with almost no impact by man, so they expected it to just stay the way it was, Breisch said. Even if man is not here, it doesnt stay the way it was.

Over the first couple of decades, Breisch said, he saw more beech and oak trees. Now theyre declining, and nearly 40 percent of the island is Eastern hemlock trees, which is scary, when you have woolly adelgid showing up at the other end of the lake, he said.

+4 Experts: Winter is a good time to check hemlock trees for invasive bug BOLTON  The Adirondacks are covered in Eastern hemlock trees, evergreens that take nearly three centuries to reach maturity. But in just a fr

Hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive insect that kills hemlock trees. The Lake George Land Conservancy and many other environmental groups are monitoring the region for its presence, especially after a small infestation was found on Prospect Mountain in 2017.

Caldwell said the bug could have a devastating impact on Dome Island.
Stephen Baratta, who is running for Ward 4 county supervisor, said immigrants are not to blame for crime.

We need to stop scapegoating people in this country, he said.

The event was sponsored by Crisis Response Network, a coalition of advocacy groups, and was part of hundreds of protests across the country on Presidents Day speaking against Trumps action and standing with immigrants, Muslims and people of color against the presidents policies, according to a news release.

When asked for comment, Stefanik did not say whether she would sponsor that legislation but issued the following statement:

I remain committed to securing our border and funding our government, and I voted for the bipartisan appropriations package in the House last week that was signed into law by President Trump, she said. However, I believe that declaring a national emergency will be challenged in the courts. The House needs to work together on a bipartisan legislative solution to fund comprehensive border security.

Budget amendments

Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week released some amendments to his budget to plug a $2.6 billion hole, as tax revenues have come in lower than anticipated, which the governor blames on the 2017 tax reform package.
Police agencies from New York and Vermont issued more than 100 traffic tickets during a cross-border crackdown Friday night at the state line in Hampton and Fair Haven, Vermont.

The collaborative effort between 4 and 9 p.m. was the latest in an ongoing crackdown on speeding, aggressive driving and other traffic problems in the Route 4 corridor in New York and Vermont.

In all, police made 195 traffic stops, resulting in two DUI arrests, two drug arrests, 96 speeding tickets, three unlicensed operation tickets, three portable electronic device tickets, one "failure to move over for police" ticket and four other violations.

New York State Police, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Rutland County Sheriffs Department, Addison County Sheriffs Department, Castleton Police Department, Fair Haven Police Department, Brandon Police Department, Vergennes Police Department and Poultney Constable participated in the effort.

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President Rodrigo Duterte has vetoed a second bill regarding the coconut industry,In a letter to Congress, the President expressed serious concerns about a bill that establishes a P100-billion trust fund for coconut farmers, saying that its provisions fail to target the full utilization of the coco levy fund for its beneficiaries. After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that the bill may be violative of the Constitution and is lacking inDuterte said. The President said the creation of an effectively perpetual trust fund would violate a constitutional provision that money collected on any tax levied for a special purpose shall be treated as a special fund and paid out for such purpose only. If the purpose for which the special fund was created has been fulfilled or abandoned, the balance, if any shall be transferred to the general fund of the government, the constitutional provision says. The President also said that the absence of limits against a land area entitled to the benefits of the trust fund may disproportionately benefit wealthy coconut farm owners more than the smallholder farmers who desperately need the governments affirmative assistance. The broad powers given to the Philippine Coconut Authority, which would have managed the supposed multi-billion-peso funds, would undermine relevant regulations and safeguards that were established to avoid abuses, Duterte added. Last week, the. The Palace said the bill would be susceptible to corruption. READ: Rody vetoes coconut bill for lack of safeguards The President said he still hoped that members of Congress would continue to work together to come up with a new bill that is acceptable to all. Also on Monday, Senator Cynthia Villar said if she is reelected, she would give priority to enacting a law that would finally allow 3.5 million coconut farmers and their beneficiaries to directly benefit from the P100-billion coconut levy fund. In a recent visit to Laguna, a coconut-producing province, Villar said she is saddened that President Duterte vetoed Senate Bill 1233 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Act, but said she trusts the Presidents action and expressed willingness to work with him to improve the bill. We want to take care of coconut farmers, who, together with rice farmers, make up 90 percent of the farmers in the Philippines, she said. If we can improve the lives of coconut farmers and rice farmers, we have already improved the lives of majority of our farmers. READ: Rody seeks graft-proof coconut bill
Credit: Wikipedia.

More than half of the carbon sink in the world's forests is in areas where the trees are relatively youngunder 140 years oldrather than in tropical rainforests, research at the University of Birmingham shows.

These trees have typically 'regrown' on land previously used for agriculture, or cleared by fire or harvest and it is their young age that is one of the main drivers of this carbon uptake.

Forests are widely recognised as important carbon sinksecosystems capable of capturing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxidebut dense tropical forests, close to the equator have been assumed to be working the hardest to soak up these gases.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have carried out fresh analysis of the global biosphere using a new combination of data and computer modelling in a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Drawing on data sets of forest age, they were able to show the amount of carbon uptake between 2001 and 2010 by old, established areas of forest.

They compared this with younger expanses of forest which are re-growing across areas that have formerly experienced human activities such as agriculture or logging or natural disturbances such as fire.

Previously it had been thought that the carbon uptake by forests was overwhelmingly due to fertilisation of tree growth by increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

However, the researchers found that areas where forests were re-growing sucked up large amounts of carbon not only due to these fertilisation effects, but also as a result of their younger age. The age effect accounted for around 25 per cent of the total carbon dioxide absorbed by forests.

Furthermore, this age-driven carbon uptake was primarily situated not in the tropics, but in the middle and high latitude forests.

These forests include, for example, areas of land in America's eastern states, where settlers established farmlands but then abandoned them to move west towards the end of the 19th century. The abandoned land became part of the US National Forest, along with further tracts abandoned during the Great Depression in the 1930s.

Other significant areas of forest re-growth include boreal forests of Canada, Russia and Europe, which have experienced substantial harvest activity and forest fires. Largescale reforestation programmes in China are also making a major contribution to this carbon sink.

Dr. Tom Pugh, of the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), explained: "It's important to get a clear sense of where and why this carbon uptake is happening, because this helps us to make targeted and informed decisions about forest management."

The research highlights the importance of forests in the world's temperate zone for climate change mitigation, but also shows more clearly how much carbon these re-growing forests can be expected to take up in the future. This is particularly important because of the transient nature of re-growth forest: once the current pulse of forest re-growth works its way through the system this important part of the carbon sink will disappear, unless further reforestation occurs.

"The amount of CO2 that can be taken up by forests is a finite amount: ultimately reforestation programmes will only be effective if we simultaneously work to reduce our emissions," explains Dr. Pugh.

Explore further Untouched forests fight climate change, but face threats

More information: Thomas A. M. Pugh el al., "Role of forest regrowth in global carbon sink dynamics," PNAS (2019). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Thomas A. M. Pugh el al., "Role of forest regrowth in global carbon sink dynamics,"(2019). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1810512116
This decades-old Murray cod was among millions of fish which died in mass kills in December and January in the Darling river

The viability of a key river that feeds into Australia's biggest water system is under threat if poor conditions that killed millions of fish are not improved within six months, scientists warned Monday.

The management of the Murray-Darling River system, which stretches thousands of kilometres across several states and supplies Australia's food bowl, has been under close scrutiny following three mass fish deaths in December and January.

Authorities said millions of fish died in the Darling River events, blamed on low water flow and oxygen levels in the river as well as possibly toxic algae.

Leading scientists who studied the three bouts of kills said that while a severe drought plaguing inland eastern Australia contributed to the deaths, there were also "serious deficiencies in governance and management" of the river network.

"Our review of the fish kills found there isn't enough water in the Darling system to avoid catastrophic outcomes," said Craig Moritz, chair of the independent expert panel commissioned by the opposition Labor Party to investigate the deaths.

He said an analysis of rainfall and river flow data over recent decades points to "excess water extraction upstream" in the agricultural regions of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states.

If urgent steps are not taken within six months to increase the flow of water, the expert report said, the "viability of the Darling" as well as the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods would be under threat.

Authorities in 2014 launched a vast MurrayDarling Basin Plan to manage water sharing and usage along the length of the system, which runs through five states and territories.

Last month a Royal Commission launched by South Australia state accused officials of "maladministration", "negligence" and "unlawful" actions in implementing the plan.

Environmental activists and many residents living along the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling system have put much of the blame on abusive water extraction for irrigation by agribusinesses, including major cotton farms in Queensland and NSW.

But officials of Australia's conservative federal government have focused on the impacts of prolonged drought and an unprecedented heat wave during this southern summer as the primary causes of low water flow in the Darling River.

Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price said Monday that "significant rainfall" was needed to alleviate the poor water quality and that release of more water into the system from upstream dams would not improve the conditions.

Explore further Australia river agency pilloried amid mass fish deaths

 2019 AFP
Sara Duterte-Carpio

President Rodrigo Dutertes daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday asked her supporters to stop labeling her as the countrys next president, as this has made her a target for others who want to be president.I wish they would not talk about me like that because those who are eyeing the presidency as early as now, they would make me number 1 on their hate list, she said in Filipino to ABS-CBN News. What Im just doing is to help the President get through the remaining three years of his administration. Last week, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said he wouldnt be surprised if Duterte-Carpio became the next president, saying she had many admirers that made it easy for her to gather funds for support. Meanwhile, senatorial frontrunner Senator Grace Poe said she would not seek the presidency again in 2022. Poe, who lost to then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 presidential race, said she could still contribute to the country by running for re-election to her Senate seat rather than taking another shot at the presidency. Thats already in the past, and I was already given a chance. There are other potential candidates for the public to consider, Poe said in Filipino in an interview at the Obrero Public Market on Blumentritt Road, Manila.Even in the Senate, we could still do something for the country, she said. Poe brought her campaign at the public market to hear the concerns of vendors, as she called for local governments to aid small-time market vendors amid attempts for modernization. Poe, an independent candidate, said rent should be affordable even when markets are privatized. READ: Sara wont run for senatorRody
Credit: 3000ad, Shutterstock

Ever since the first successful landing on Mars in the 1970s, scientists have striven to deepen their knowledge of the red planet's surface. The first successful rover, the Sojourner, was deployed on Mars's surface in July 1997. Since then, there have been another three successful robotically operated rovers on the planet, collecting information on water, rocks, soils and minerals, and the presence of organic material.

However, if the dream of landing a human mission on Mars is to ever come true, then rover technology will have to advance by leaps and bounds. To date, rovers have lacked the capabilities needed to advance exploration and support human presence on Mars. For one, they have no autonomy. Unable to evaluate the surrounding risks, they have to wait for commands to be sent from Earth. They can also only travel a few tens of metres in one sol (Martian solar day) and stick to predetermined paths, potentially missing sites with valuable information.

Scientists working on the EU-funded PERASPERA project took up the challenge of creating rovers that can cover greater distances in a day, make their own decisions and work with other rovers to access difficult sites. Coordinated by the European Space Agency (ESA), the project recently conducted Europe's biggest rover field test involving 40 engineers. The trial took place on the northern edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco, where the terrain is said to resemble that of Mars.

From lab to field

Three self-driving rovers  Mana Minnie and SherpaTT  were tested over 2 weeks to see if they would work well in a Mars-like environment. The automated navigation systems developed were tested in up to five different sites. "Lab testing of the hardware we design doesn't take account of the variability nature brings from the light of the sky to the shape of the landscape the texture and colours of the sand and rock. Operating outdoors in this way proves that our systems work in much more complex and elaborate settings than can ever be simulated" explained ESA Automation and Robotics Section head Gianfranco Visentin in an article posted on 'Phys.org'.

The rovers of tomorrow

One of the rovers, the SherpaTT, travelled 1.3 km entirely autonomously. In fact, after spotting some unusually shaped stones, it instructed the main planner to position itself better so that it could capture more images. The autonomous long-range navigation and decision-making capabilities demonstrated by the rover are vital to the future exploration of Mars. "There won't be schools of analysts to scrutinise every image  intelligent rover systems will be needed to detect what is interesting and send it back to Earth," Visentin added. The data collected by the rovers were compared with a map of the location created by a drone before the field test.

PERASPERA (PERASPERA (AD ASTRA) Plan European Roadmap and Activities for SPace Exploitation of Robotics and Autonomy) ends in 2019. The project's achievements include key technologies and robotic systems for on-orbit satellite servicing and planetary exploration. Project results will be used to support an orbital robotics space mission planned for 2023.

More information: PERASPERA project website: PERASPERA project website: www.h2020-peraspera.eu/
Matt Helgeson knew it was time to pull the plug. For weeks, the University of California, Santa Barbara professor of chemical engineering had held out hope that politicians in Washington would find a way to end the government shutdown. If they did, his graduate students could still make their long-planned trip to Maryland to conduct experiments at the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Center for Neutron Research in mid-January.

A slot at the NCNR is a precious commodity, and Helgeson's students had spent six months meticulously preparing for theirs. But every day the shutdown limped on, their prospects dimmed.

The final blow came when President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office and doubled down on his demand for a border wallwhich Democrats refused to fund.

Helgeson called the two students into his office the next day. They skimmed the latest headlines to convince themselves that they had lost their shot. Nobody at the NCNR could give them any guidance; most employees were furloughed.

They bailed.

"This is apparently the reality now," Helgeson told his students. "It's really unfortunate that all of your work and resources are lost because of what is more or less political infighting."

More than a month later, the researchers are still coping with the fallout. Helgeson's students finally left for the NCNR on Monday and will work through the weekend, now that lawmakers have averted a second shutdown.

They are just a few of the scientists who were hobbled by the 35-day lapse in federal funding that began just before Christmas. The government reopened on Jan. 26, but the shutdown's effects continue to ripple through the global scientific community.

The closing of the NCNR alone affected hundreds of researchers, and will complicate the center's operations for at least six months, according to the NIST's own assessment.

Set in the Washington suburb of Gaithersburg, Md., the NCNR is one of just three neutron-scattering facilities in the country. It houses a nuclear reactor that produces streams of particles, which scientists use to study superconductors, plastics, drug compounds and a variety of other materials.

Neutrons don't carry an electrical charge, so they can pass right through substances and reveal their structure and magnetic properties on an atomic level, said University of California, Berkeley physicist Bob Birgeneau.

"They are a unique and important probe," he saidwhich is why the NCNR's instruments are booked up months in advance.

When the shutdown began, the NCNR's reactor had been powered down for routine maintenance over the holidays. It didn't come back on in early January as planned. Instead, the reactor sat quiet while dozens of staff scientists were forced to stay home.

The NIST hasn't released a detailed account of the full effect on federal researchers. But in a recent meeting with a committee of the NCNR's users, agency representatives shared a few figures that hint at the broader effect on U.S. research: Taking the facility's 29 instruments down for 25 days of planned operations cost scientists 725 daysnearly two yearsof work and represented $3.5 million in lost value.

More than 100 experiments were canceled, according to Michael Hore, a materials scientist at Case Western Reserve University who sits on the user committee. And 200 to 300 government, university and industry researchers were directly affected, Hore estimated, because most experiments involve a minimum of two or three scientists.

The disruption has created a range of problems, from the personal to the professional, the economic to the intellectual.

Many researchers had to absorb hundreds of dollars in travel expenses for trips that never happened. Jodie Lutkenhaus, a chemical engineer at Texas A&M who studies thin films like those used in anti-reflective coatings, had to pay for a canceled plane ticket and rental car when her student had to miss an experiment at the NCNR scheduled for Jan. 23.

Lutkenhaus covered the costs with funds she normally uses for conference travel and lab repairs. Now that money "isn't going toward the pursuit of academic research," she said.

One graduate student at the University of Tennessee had arranged for her in-laws to visit and care for her young child while she traveled to the NCNR. She'll have to make new plans when her experiment is rescheduled for this spring.

In addition to eating nearly $1,000 worth of travel costs, Helgeson's students scrapped the samples they had planned to analyze. They study the behavior of tiny particles suspended in fluids and emulsions, like those used in injection molding and to make certain kinds of drugs, but the solids can settle out of solution over time.

"The actual raw materials weren't all that expensive," Helgeson said. "But it is quite a bit of time for the students to prepare those materials."

Yumi Ijiri, a physicist at Oberlin College in Ohio, had the opposite problem: The shutdown meant that NCNR's staff could not prepare for her experiment, which was originally scheduled for this week. It will be the first time the NCNR uses polarized neutrons in a new instrument, a technique that allows researchers to better distinguish the magnetic qualities of a material from its structural properties. NIST scientists had to make custom parts and tweak their software before Ijiri's team arrived.

"And that all didn't happen," she said.

The consequences of the shutdown will spread over months, and maybe years, as the facility clears its backlog.

Hore had an experiment planned for this spring, which will likely be bumped to accommodate rebookings. "From what I'm told," Hore said, "the soonest we can make measurements will be sometime in the fall."

One of his graduate students needs those data to finish his Ph.D.; without it, he'll likely have to stay on for another semester or two. "This is holding him back," said Hore, who has to find a way to pay him for the extra time. (One option: Holding off on having a new student join his lab.)

Indeed, delays could be particularly devastating for scientists who are just starting out, said Birgeneau, who studies high-temperature superconductors like those used in MRI machines and satellites.

Two post-doctoral researchers in his lab had their NCNR experiments postponed for several months. That may not seem like a long time, he said, but post-docs only have a few years to crank out high-impact work to help launch their careers.

"They are going to be competing for jobs with other people who weren't reliant on federal government facilities that were shut down," he said.

The closing will hamper many researchers' abilities to apply for new grants and additional time at the NCNR, which is only awarded twice a year, and to publish scientific papers. Already, the NIST estimates that the shutdown has held up about 35 research articles.

Mark Dadmun, a polymer scientist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studies materials used in 3-D printing and ways to make them stronger. His January experiment has been rescheduled for April, and an upcoming measurement has been pushed even later. The delay affects not just him but also his partners on a multimillion-dollar research project.

"I've got about three other collaborators that are waiting for our results," he said.

Stephen Wilson, a materials scientist at UC Santa Barbara, said the shutdown puts all U.S. scientists at a disadvantage. "Science, to a large degree, is a race," he said.

Wilson studies materials for quantum computing, and he's one of many researchers jockeying to produce technology that will underpin the next generation of electronics. The shutdown thwarted his plans to wrap up a yearlong project with some final measurements at the NCNR last month.

"It certainly slows down our research," he said. "Internationally, people don't care the reason."

The NCNR also serves companies such as Toyota, Dow Chemical, Pfizer, and L'Oreal. The shutdown's direct effect on them remains unclear, but it certainly undermined a primary goal of the center's industrial consortium: to provide industry with "predictable and timely access to neutron facilities," according to the NIST's website.

Right now, NCNR staffers are scrambling to make new plans. "They've been working very hard to reschedule everyone," Wilson said.

Complicating matters was the looming threat of a second shutdown. Some researchers feared they would make it to the NCNR, only to be stymied again when the government's temporary funding ran out.

On Thursday, the White House said Trump would sign a deal hashed out by lawmakers to keep the government open. But that announcement came too late for some.

Anine Border, a doctoral student from Denmark who studies polystyrene, had an experiment slated to begin Feb. 22, but she postponed her trip until mid-April, just in case.

The experience has been eye-opening for her. "The political situation in a completely different country across the Atlantic can actually affect the course of my Ph.D.," she said. "I definitely did not expect that."

Explore further U.S. science gets shut down right along with the federal government

2019 Los Angeles Times

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Fossilised burrows are changing what we know about the evolution of life. Author provided

In a suspension of disbelief, the countless readers who have picked up J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books have readily accepted that Ents, the ancient treelike creatures of the fictional Fangorn forest, walk, talk and even dispense wisdom for hobbits lost in the woodland they shepherd. But while our imaginations can readily accept that tree people walk around Middle Earth, it can be harder to fathom how the first creatures that lived on our own planet came into being and started moving around.

We know that the first life on Earth was in the form of microscopic single cell organisms, which have been dated back to at least 3,400 million years ago. But these creatures didn't just stay where they were and then all of a sudden start evolving into complex cells, the predecessors of plants and animals  they moved around.

Locomotion enables life to escape danger, reach new food sources and find mating partners. While complex animals walk around on legs and feet, swim with fins or fly with wings, these primitive prokaryotes (single cell organisms which don't have a nucleus) had a very different, rather bizarre, style of locomotion. In addition to amoeboid movements (in which cells move in a crawling motion), researchers have found that prokaryotes tumble, swarm, and glide.

Until recently, scientists believed that the first credible and abundant traces of locomotion associated with macroscopic life only appeared relatively recently in the geological record, around 600 million years ago. But now our team of international scientists has found evidence that sets a new upper boundary to when complex eukaryotic-like locomotion first appeared on Earth.

As detailed in our newly published paper, what we found shows that previous examples of mobility were not the first on the planet. In fact, we have found proof of locomotion on Earth 2.1 billion years ago  much further back than previous evidence of single cell organisms alone, let alone their movement.

The fossilised burrows, found in rocks from West Africa.

Moving the time frame

The type of movement we found was more than just a single cell going it alone. In rocks from Gabon, West Africa, we found fossilised burrows which suggest a cluster of single eukaryotic cells came together to form a slug-like multicellular organism. Alongside these burrows, which are just a few millimetres in diameter, we also found fossilised microbial mats (communities of microbes), which we think the organism that produced the trails may have fed on.

After analysing these burrows and trails with sophisticated X-ray imaging techniques, together with biological and chemical characterisation of isotopes of sulphur, and mineralogical information captured in the trace fossils, we concluded that they were produced by an object that was moving through preformed seafloor sediments, and that this object was biological in origin. These primitive creatures probably went about their business in the same way slime moulds  unrelated eukaryotic organisms that live together as a mass  do today, coming together to push through the sediments of an oxygenated inland coastal sea.

So what does this mean for our understanding of life on Earth? Oxygen first appeared permanently in the atmosphere around 2,450 million years ago. It is believed that some time after 2,100 million years ago, for reasons that are still unclear, atmospheric oxygen content began to fall below the level needed to sustain the successful development of complex life forms. Then, around 635 million years ago, oxygen began to take a reverse turn and rose again in the atmosphere. Intriguingly, this second rise in atmospheric oxygen content coincides with the first widespread and unambiguous appearance of complex animals.

Around this time, similar locomotive traces like those reported in our paper appeared in oxygenated seafloor sediments. These remained a permanent fixture and can be found in modern marine sediments, where they are linked to the movements of complex diverse eukaryotic organisms.

The question now is whether the trails and burrows we found from 2,100 million years ago are life's first failed experimentation at locomotion at a complex level. If so, this may also be indicative of the fact that the decline in atmospheric oxygen content could have accounted for why it took hundreds of millions of years for complex animal life to emerge after the first rise in atmospheric oxygen content.

If this is true, then it may be pointing us to the fact that the appearance of sufficient oxygen in the atmosphere after 635 million years ago may have spurred and supported the large-scale emergence and radiation of complex life to ecological dominance.

Explore further Discovery of the oldest evidence of motility on Earth

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
CN vs CH for all member stars in Hodge 6. A spread of 0.7 mag in N is much larger than the negligible spread in C. Purple points indicate the enriched stars, more than 1 from the median of the population. The blue points are non-enriched stars. Image credit: Hollyhead et al., 2019.

Using ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT), astronomers have found that the cluster Hodge 6 hosts multiple stellar populations. The detection could provide important hints on the formation and evolution of Hodge 6 and star clusters in general. The finding is detailed in a paper published February 7 on arXiv.org.

Observations show that almost all globular clusters (GCs) exhibit star-to-star abundance variations of light elements such as helium (He), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and calcium (Na). This indicates self-enrichment in GCs and suggests that star clusters are comprised of at least two stellar populations.

Recent studies have found that multiple stellar populations are also present outside GCs, including intermediate age massive star clusters (between 2 and 8 billion years old). With an age of about 2 billion years, Hodge 6, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), is an example of such cluster. A team of astronomers led by Kathie Hollyhead of Stockholm University, Sweden, now reports that Hodge 6 also hosts at least two populations of stars.

The astronomers employed VLT's FORS2 instrument to conduct spectroscopic analysis of Hodge 6. They obtained low-resolution spectroscopy of lower red giant branch (RGB) stars in the cluster in order to look for signatures of multiple populations in CN and CH band strengths that trace nitrogen and carbon.

"We report the spectroscopic discovery of abundance spreads (i.e. multiple populations) in the 2 Gyr old cluster in the LMC, Hodge 6. We used low-resolution VLT FORS2 spectra of 15 member stars in the cluster to measure their CN and CH band strengths at ~3883 and 4300 A, respectively, as well as [C/Fe] and [N/Fe] abundances," the researchers wrote in the paper.

FORS2 spectra allowed the team to detect a sub-population of two stars enriched in nitrogen, which, according to the study, is indicative of multiple populations in Hodge 6. The researchers add that these stars showcase spread in CN, which traces nitrogen, with negligible spread in CH, which traces carbon.

Furthermore, given that Hodge 6 exhibits no extended main-sequence turn-offs (eMSTOs), features commonly found in the color-magnitude diagrams of young and intermediate-age massive star clusters, the scientists suspect a possible correlation between this phenomenon and the presence of multiple populations. However, more studies are needed in order to determine whether these two phenomena are related.

"The apparent coincidence of the lack of eMSTOs and the beginning of MPs [multiple populations] could well be just thata coincidence. Relatively few clusters have been studied at this exact age limit, so there is not a statistical consensus to indicate that these two phenomena are related, though studies so far do point to an age dependence on the onset of MPs," the paper reads.

The researchers note that Hodge 6 turns out to be the second cluster with an age of around 2 billion years and that hosts multiple populations, after NGC 1978 in LMC. Their study also marks the first spectroscopic detection of multiple populations in a cluster of this age.

Explore further The oldest star cluster in Tarantula Nebula even older than previously thought, study finds

 2019 Science X Network
Research taking place in Wales could see the return of lost eagle species to our countryside, bringing both conservation and economic benefits.

As part of pan-European efforts to restore eagles across their historic breeding range, researchers at Cardiff University are investigating whether the modern Welsh landscape has the potential to support their reintroduction.

Once a common sight in our skies, both the Golden and White-tailed eagle were driven to extinction in Wales in the mid-1800s. Today, the total European population of both eagle species is relatively small, and numbers are in further decline in many countries, primarily due to human persecution and habitat loss.

Bringing eagles back to Wales will help to strengthen ongoing efforts to conserve this endangered species. But, while the reintroduction of eagles to Wales is not a new concept, until now there has not been a rigorous assessment of whether it may be possible.

Eagle Reintroduction Wales Project researcher, Sophie-lee Williams from Cardiff University, explained: "Wales is home to large expanses of potentially suitable eagle habitat, but, before we begin reintroducing the species, there are many questions we need to answer about the quality of habitat, and whether it can sustain eagles.

"Working closely with partners such as the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Trust Wales, we are currently carrying out a full feasibility study which will enable us to answer some of these questions and determine whether the Welsh countryside is a suitable location for eagle reintroduction."

Reintroducing eagles to the Welsh countryside would be an achievement of international conservation importance and, as seen with similar projects elsewhere in the UK and Ireland, it could also bring significant benefits to local communities and regional economies through wildlife tourism.

The reintroduction programme of White-tailed Eagles on the west coast of Scotland attracts an extra 1.4 million visitors to the region every year, generating up to 5 million of tourist spend on the Isle of Mull, and supporting 110 jobs.

Rewilding projects are often not without controversy, but the project team are keen to allay any concerns about the potential return of eagles to the country.

"The project is in the very early stages of development, and a reintroduction is not likely to happen for some time", commented Sophie-lee.

"If our landscape research is positive, there will be a significant and strictly regulated licensing and consultation process before eagles are re-introduced, which would enable residents to have their concerns heard and addressed.

"However, if successful, the project could bring far-reaching benefits, helping to restore Wales' diminished biodiversity, regenerating local economies, and aiding the conservation status of both the Golden and White-tailed eagle at a national and international level."

Explore further Newly sequenced golden eagle genome will help its conservation
Drawing of a Rufous Bettong from 'Mammals of Australia', John Gould, 1845-63. Credit: Public Domain

Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinction in the world. Resettlement of indigenous communities resulted in the spread of invasive species, the absence of human-set fires, and a general cascade in the interconnected food web that led to the largest mammalian extinction event ever recorded. In this case, the absence of direct human activity on the landscape may be the cause of the extinctions, according to a Penn State anthropologist.

"I was motivated by the mystery that has occurred in the last 50 years in Australia," said Rebecca Bliege Bird, professor of anthropology, Penn State. "The extinction of small-bodied mammals does not follow the same pattern we usually see with people changing the landscape and animals disappearing."

Australia's Western Desert, where Bird and her team work, is the homeland of the Martu, the traditional owners of a large region of the Little and Great Sandy Desert. During the mid-20th century, many Martu groups were first contacted in the process of establishing a missile testing range and resettled in missions and pastoral stations beyond their desert home. During their hiatus from the land, many native animals went extinct.

In the 1980s, many families returned to the desert to reestablish their land rights. They returned to livelihoods centered around hunting and gathering. Today, in a hybrid economy of commercial and customary resources, many Martu continue their traditional subsistence and burning practices in support of cultural commitments to their country.

Twenty-eight Australian endemic land mammal species have become extinct since European settlement. Local extinctions of mammals include the burrowing bettong and the banded hare wallaby, both of which were ubiquitous in the desert before the indigenous exodus, Bird told attendees at the 2019 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science today (Feb. 17) in Washington, D.C.

Drawing of Banded-hare wallabies from John Gould Mammals of Australia, 1845-63. Credit: Public Domain

"During the pre-1950, pre-contact period, Martu had more generalized diets than any animal species in the region," said Bird. "When people returned, they were still the most generalized, but many plant and animal species were dropped from the diet."

She also notes that prior to European settlement, the dingo, a native Australian dog, was part of Martu life. The patchy landscape created by Martu hunting fires may have been important for dingo survival. Without people, the dingo did not flourish and could not exclude populations of smaller invasive predatorscats and foxes that threatened to consume all the native wildlife.

Bird and her team looked at the food websinteractions of who eats what and who feeds whom, including humansfor the pre-contact and for the post-evacuation years. Comparisons of these webs show that the absence of indigenous hunters in the web makes it easier for invasive species to infiltrate the area and for some native animals to become endangered or extinct. This is most likely linked to the importance of traditional landscape burning practices, said Bird.

Indigenous Australians in the arid center of the continent often use fire to facilitate their hunting success. Much of Australia's arid center is dominated by a hummock grass called spinifex.

In areas where Martu hunt more actively, hunting fires increase the patchiness of vegetation at different stages of regrowth, and buffer the spread of wildfires. Spinifex grasslands where Martu do not often hunt, exhibit a fire regime with much larger fires. Under an indigenous fire regime, the patchiness of the landscape boosts populations of native species such as dingo, monitor lizard and kangaroo, even after accounting for mortality due to hunting.

"The absence of humans creates big holes in the network," said Bird. "Invading becomes easier for invasive species and it becomes easier for them to cause extinctions." The National Science Foundation and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology supported this work.
Princeton researchers have created a mathematical model to explain how desert harvester ants collectively weigh the cost of losing water while foraging against the benefit of bringing in more food. Credit: Renato Pagliara Vasquez

Ants' frenzied movements may seem aimless and erratic to a casual observer, but closer study reveals that an ant colony's collective behavior can help it thrive in a harsh environment and may also yield inspiration for robotic systems.

In a new analysis, Princeton researchers have created a mathematical model to explain how desert harvester ants collectively weigh the cost of losing water while foraging against the benefit of bringing in more food. The model is a tool for investigating how ant colonies respond to a changing environment, and how behavioral differences among colonies affect their long-term survival and reproductive success. The team published their results Dec. 4, 2018, in the journal PLOS Computational Biology.

Professor Naomi Ehrich Leonard, the study's senior author, has previously analyzed the dynamics of bird flocks and fish schools to better understand how large groups can operate efficiently without central control. She is a leader in a multidisciplinary approach at Princeton to the field of robotics and cyberphysical systems in service to society. Insights gained from these natural systems can help in the design of robot teams to carry out search and rescue missions or take measurements of environments inaccessible to humans.

A few years ago, when Leonard met Stanford University biologist Deborah Gordon at a research conference, she was intrigued by the prospect of examining the behavior of harvester ants, which Gordon's team has been tracking for the past three decades at a field site in the New Mexico desert.

"It was this beautiful marriage of the opportunity not just to collect data, but to define experimentsto use our models and our perspective to try to understand the connection between what individuals are doing and what happens at the level of the group," said Leonard, Princeton's Edwin S. Wilsey Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The ants offer an excellent system for investigating how a group of interacting individuals makes tradeoffs in uncertain conditions. In the hot, dry deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, red harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) rely on seeds for both food and water. But leaving the nest to gather seeds is a risky business: A colony must collectively weigh the cost of losing water while foraging against the benefit of bringing in more seeds.

"The ants are able to regulate the rate at which they send out foragers with a very limited communication framework" that uses their sense of smell, said graduate student Renato Pagliara Vasquez, the study's lead author. When two ants tap their antennae together, he explained, "they can smell what are called cuticular hydrocarbons, and that smell changes when they've been outside the nest. One ant can also tell if the other is carrying a seed, and this information is enough to regulate the entire foraging behavior of the colony."

Pagliara Vasquez and Leonard worked with Gordon to develop a model that connects these interactions to the likelihood that a potential forager will leave the nest in search of seeds, allowing them to analyze how a colony's foraging rates respond to environmental conditions.

Princeton graduate student Renato Pagliara Vasquez spent part of two summers conducting field research on desert harvester ants in southern New Mexico. Credit: Renato Pagliara Vasquez

To gather the data that informed the model, Pagliara Vasquez spent part of two summers with Gordon's team at their study site in southern New Mexico, just east of the Arizona border. The researchers used videos and computer-vision software, as well as manual counts, to record 13 colonies of ants entering and exiting their nests during the morning hours, before it got too hot for the ants to forage. By 11 a.m., soil surface temperatures sometimes exceeded 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), with relative humidity dropping to 20 percent, in contrast to the moist, 80-degree (27 degrees Celsius) conditions inside the ants' nests.

These measurements allowed the researchers to compute each colony's incoming and outgoing foraging rates. They also tracked how these rates changed over the course of a morning and how foraging dynamics differed among colonies.

The team studied foraging behavior as a "closed-loop system" in which the environment and the colony's foraging activities outside the nest influence the ants' interactions inside the nest, which in turn affect further foraging. Interactions with ants returning from foraging influence whether an ant inside the nest will go out to forage. The researchers are interested in how ants' sensitivity to these signals shifts with changing conditions.

The researchers call this sensitivity level volatility, a measure of an implicit threshold of interactions required to influence an ant to forage. The concept is inspired by neuroscience. Similar patterns of excitability allow collections of neurons to carry out complex tasks such as memory and movement through many interactions between individual neurons.

"Researchers in the field have previously drawn broad analogies between populations of neurons and populations of social insects, but either at the level of behavior, or patterns of interaction," said James Marshall, a professor of theoretical and computational biology at the University of Sheffield in the U.K., who was not involved in the study. "In this case the researchers have really pushed the analogy down to the level of describing individual ant behavior as if they were single neurons, and shown how this can result in sophisticated colony-level behavior."

"The ants don't know what the current temperature or humidity is outside the nest, so they become informed the first time they leave the nest," explained Pagliara Vasquez. "So, we proposed this very simple mechanism, which is very powerful: Once they've been outside for the first time they change how sensitive they are to interactions with returning foragers. In essence, the colony can use the accumulated information from the incoming ants to regulate how sensitive the colony is to sending out new foragers."

The researchers are continuing to examine what underlies the ants' volatility by closely analyzing the behavior of single ants throughout the day. Gordon also plans to integrate the foraging model with years of genetic data on the ant colonies to explore whether foraging behavior that helps the ants conserve water is heritable, since it is known to affect a colony's reproductive success.

"This model puts together the interactions of ants inside the nest and the rate at which they forage outside into one system, so that we can understand the process that evolution is shaping," said Gordon. "Natural selection is acting on how this all works dynamically, and now we have a way to describe that. It's a very elegant way to think about a lot of noisy dynamics and put it together into a model that can be used to guide further work."

Explore further Feeding ants dopamine might make them smarter foragers

More information: Renato Pagliara et al. Regulation of harvester ant foraging as a closed-loop excitable system, PLOS Computational Biology (2018). Journal information: PLoS Computational Biology Renato Pagliara et al. Regulation of harvester ant foraging as a closed-loop excitable system,(2018). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006200
Phuket, 18 February 2019  To celebrate the month of love, La Gritta launches five special dishes to serve gueststhroughout February 2019. Guests are invited to bring their loved ones to discover a wonderful taste of steak and seafood selected from popular destinations. To deliver a magical dining experience, Chef Patrizia has created dishes perfectly with imported ingredients including the Australian Wagyu prime rib, Australian black Angus sirloin, Japanese pork tomahawk, Canadian lobster, Andaman tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, Sicilian red prawns, Andaman mussels and Mediterranean seabream.

Costata di Manzo Wagyu Frollato alla Griglia, priced at 3,950 THB++

Grilled dry age Australian Wagyu prime rib green, served with peppercorn sauce, deep-fried artichokes and roasted potatoes

Controfiletto di Manzo, priced at 1,350 THB++

Australian black Angus sirloin mixed with red wine, served with bearnaise sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes and grilled asparagus

Tomahawk di Maiale Korobuta, priced at 890 THB++

Grilled Japanese pork tomahawk served with apple cinnamon compote and caramelised onions

Grigliata di Crostacei, priced at 2,950 THB++

Mixed seafood; Canadian lobster, Andaman tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops, Sicilian red prawns and Andaman mussels, served with salmorillo sauce and mixed salad

Orata alla Griglia, priced at 990 THB++

Grilled Mediterranean seabream served with lemon white wine sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes

All prices are subject to a 10% service charge and 7% VAT. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please contact +66 (0) 7634 0112, email lagritta@amari.com

or visit www.lagritta.com and https://www.facebook.com/LaGrittaPhuket.

Address: Amari Phuket, 2 Muen-ngern Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
For 20 years, the Shell Captain Albert Aguilar (CAA) branch has been the go-to gasoline station in the South of Metro Manila. Its service has been fast and impeccable, and its workers are hard-working and reliable.

The success of the CAA branch may be attributed largely to the man who has been tasked to oversee its operationssomeone fondly referred to by the stations customers simply as Kuya Benny, their very own Fix-it Felix in the flesh.

Kuya Benny, whose real name is Benigno Cruz, is the head mechanic for Shell Helix Oil Change Plus (SHOC+) center in the CAA branch. At 60, he is still spearheading the service center, wherein he was also entrusted to train their new employees.

This industry will let you meet a lot of people, of different personalities, and thats what I want to instill in our new generation of mechanics and employeesthat they should know how to handle picky, prudish customers, Kuya Benny said.

For his customers, Kuya Benny is someone trust-worthy and reliable. Whenever theres an emergency with their cars, he is always just a phone call awayanytime, anywhere.

Every time I have a problem with my car or during an emergency, even if he is not available he would still make an effort to extend a helping hand and assist me over the phone, Francisco Koko Santiago, Air Asia Airline pilot, and a loyal customer of Shell CAA SHOC+ said. What I like most about his attitude is that he will always give you options, depending on your budget, Santiago added.

SHOC+ Don Bosco Training

It wasnt Kuya Bennys first choice to become a mechanic, but his parents pushed him to take that course which turned out for the best. With all his experience and knowledge, Kuya Benny was entrusted to train fresh graduates in dealing with customers.

Kuya Benny also believes that theres a big difference between sit-down trainings and the actual trainings. This is why Kuya Benny is thankful for the partnership between Shell and Don Bosco, in which trainees undergo actual Special Modern Engines and Lubrication Services training which will help them hone their craft and make sure they provide the best possible service to their customers.

Story continues

Kuya Benny used to be a customer of SHOC+ himself. This was why he doesnt just recommend SHOC+ service because he works for Shell but because of his personal experience with it. He attests to the fact that Shell uses the best-in-class lubrication technology which goes a long way in taking care of a vehicles engine.

At Shell, we recommend the best oil based on the vehicle and driving needs of each customer, Kuya Benny said.

Values: what Shell and Kuya Benny have in common

Shell values will bring you back to the basics of dealing with relationships, Hernan Butch Escober, Shell CAA branch owner begins. When I talk about relationships, these are the ones that can go long term. As to what our loyal customers have said, its all about honing the next generation of mechanics to satisfy the next generation of customers.

TRUST. Shell is one of the most trusted fuel brands not only in the country but globally. The brand is trustworthyjust like Kuya Bennybecause the company believes that trust is what matters the most in any kind of service. According to CAA branch owner Escober, entrusting the car to a service center is like going to a barbershopif the customer trusts his barber, he could sleep soundly and relax.

And this is what Shell SHOC+ is all abouta service center that offers customers a wide-range of car-care products and services.

MONEY. Shell CAA was established in 1996 with the aim of providing quality service to its customers. For its branch owner, it is not about earning a profit but earning your customers loyalty, which is why he is very thankful for Kuya Bennys unwavering service and commitment. Without him, the branch wouldnt be successful at all.

SERVICE. Kuya Bennys wealth of experience is living proof of Shells commitment to provide quality service to their customers. We will continue to provide our personnel with knowledge, trainings and experience that they can use even if theyre no longer working for Shell, Kuya Benny said.

Pilipinas Shell has been dedicated to helping empower Filipinos everywhere for over a decade now. Their drive for innovation and desire for nation-building has constantly guided their actions in using energy for the good of the country. May there be more people like Kuya Benny who will continue Shells commitment to its loyal customers.

The post Shell PHs Kuya Benny: From Loyal Customer to Well-Loved Mentor appeared first on Carmudi Philippines.
Poland's prime minister on Monday cancelled Warsaw's participation in a summit in Jerusalem, accusing Israel's foreign minister of "racist" comments about the actions of Poles during the Holocaust, in a row that has stoked outrage and soured relations. Mateusz Morawiecki's decision to scotch Poland's involvement in the summit of central European nations follows days of angry exchanges that were originally sparked by quotes from Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu over the role of Poles during World War II. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said said the summit with Israel and the Visegrad Four -- the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia -- was cancelled but that there would be bilateral talks. Polish leader Mateusz Morawiecki, who said on Sunday he would not attend the Jerusalem summit over the row, said the country's foreign minister would now not be attending the meeting. "The words of the Israeli foreign minister are racist and unacceptable," he said. Poland's foreign ministry had summoned Israeli ambassador Anna Azari over the remarks by acting Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Sunday, the second time in just days that Warsaw has taken such action. Katz told Tel Aviv-based international television station i24 News that "there were many Poles who collaborated with the Nazis, and like Yitzhak Shamir, whose father was murdered, said: Poles suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk." The Visegrad Group, often known as the V4, was due to hold its first summit in Jerusalem Monday and Tuesday for talks with Israeli officials. Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz had been due to replace Morawiecki before he pulled the plug on Poland's participation. Morawiecki said it was up to other central European leaders due to attend the summit, including the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, to decide how they would proceed. Czech premier Babis told reporters that since Poland has cancelled its participation "the trip will change to bilateral talks between the individual countries and there will be no V4 summit with Israel". - Sensitive subject - The initial row broke out last week when Netanyahu -- who was quoted in Haaretz newspaper as saying that "the Poles collaborated with the Nazis" -- was condemned in Poland for appearing to accuse all Polish people of cooperating with Nazi Germany during World War II. Warsaw has long been at pains to state that Poland, which was occupied by Nazi Germany, could not have and did not collaborate in the Holocaust although individual Poles gave up Jews to the Nazis. The Israeli prime minister's office said on Friday that Netanyahu had not implicated all Poles in the Holocaust. It insisted that Netanyahu was "misquoted" in Haaretz and other publications that reported different versions of the quote. The clarification came hours after the Polish foreign ministry had summoned Azari over the remarks. Netanyahu was in Warsaw last week for a two-day summit on the Middle East, co-hosted by Poland and the United States, which focused on isolating Iran while building Arab-Israeli ties. The fresh controversy in Polish-Israeli ties comes after a row last year over a Polish law that made it illegal to accuse the Polish nation or state of complicity in Nazi German crimes. After protests from Israel and the United States, Poland amended the law to remove the possibility of fines or a prison sentence. Poland was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II and lost six million citizens including three million Jews.
Jose Sel Yulo

Police have formed a special task group to investigate thein Mandaluyong City Sunday afternoon.Metro Manila police chief Guillermo Eleazar said the businessman,. The woman in the van, 38-year-old stockbroker Esmeralda Ignacio, was wounded and taken to VRP Medical Center. Eleazar said Yulo was a namesake of Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands president Jose Luis U. Yulo Jr. The victims were on board a Toyota Hi Ace Grandia and had just come from a drag racing event at the Clark International Speedway in Angeles City when they were attacked at about 3:23 p.m. PNP spokesman Sr. Supt, Bernard Banac said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, was looking for CCTV footage near the crime scene to identify what motorcycle they used and determine their getaway route.Mandaluyong City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Moises Villaceran told CNN Philippines that Yulo was the clear target of the assassins. He has a lot of businesses in Metro Manila and Laguna. We are now looking [into whether this was] related to his business, he said. Villaceran said they would deploy more personnel along the eastern portion of EDSA to increase police visibility and to deter crime.
THREE Filipino traffickers were arrested, while 15 minors were rescued in entrapments operations conducted in Taguig City and Cebu City Saturday, February 16.The first operation, conducted at 1:30 p.m.

THREE Filipino traffickers were arrested, while 15 minors were rescued in entrapments operations conducted in Taguig City and Cebu City Saturday, February 16.

The first operation, conducted at 1:30 p.m. of February 16 in Taguig City, resulted in the arrest of a man and woman, who were caught offering children to be sexually exploited online in exchange for money.

The names of the suspects were withheld due to their relationship with some of the victims.

Five girls were rescued, along with a one-year-old baby.

Three more children -- two girls and one boy, with ages 10 to 17 -- were found and rescued in a follow-up operation.

In Cebu City, around 5 p.m. of February 16, authorities also arrested a 33-year-old man after he offered two underage boys for commercial sexual exploitation.

Members of the Women and Children Protection CenterVisayas Field Unit (WCPC-VFU) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) caught the suspect, identified as Joey Michael Donozo, in the act of offering the minors, ages 9 and 14, for sexual abuse by a foreigner.

The operation took place in a fast food restaurant in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. Police and social workers rescued the two minors.

Authorities said Donozo also previously transmitted online sexually explicit images involving one of the boys in exchange for money from online predators.

Following the entrapment operation Saturday, authorities searched the neighborhood, looking for four more boys who were previously offered for in-person and online sexual exploitation. All four boy -- ages 12, 13, 13, and 14 -- were found and rescued.

The arrest and rescue operation in Cebu City was a result of a case referral from the Australian Federal Police to the PNP.

According to the referral, the suspect had been arranging for foreigners to meet underage boys in person for sexually explicit acts. He had also filmed underage boys doing sexually explicit acts and had himself sexually abused the victims.

In Taguig City, the entrapment operation resulted from a referral sent by the US Homeland Security to the PNP-Transnational Criminal Investigative Task Force.

Story continues

The referral notified the Taguig police about a trafficker who is offering children online in exchange for money. Further investigations led to identifying three suspects and the home where the crime was occurring.

Young vulnerable Filipino boys were sexually exploited online and through in person abuse just so a pimp could earn easy money selling the body and dignity of precious children. Praise God for the WCPC police unit that continues to courageously rescue children from the clutches of sexual depravity and send the arrested abusers and traffickers to jail to await justice for their crimes, said IJM Field Office director John Tanagho.

The WCPC-VFU operation was supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Central Visayas, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Central Visayas, the Cebu City Police Offices Special Weapons and Tactics and Women and Children Protection Desk, and the International Justice Mission.

To those who are engaging in online sexual exploitation of children, you should stop your illegal activity now because the WCPC Visayas Field Unit will catch and bring you to the court of law, Senior Superintendent Romeo Perigo said.

The children rescued from both operations are now in the care of the DSWD and are receiving proper trauma-informed interventions.

Online sexual exploitation of children (Osec) is a serious threat to children and is a devastating form of modern-day slavery. Nearly 50 percent of victims are 12 years old or younger.

Occurring in communities all over the Philippines, Osec is a crime that violates the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act or Republic Act (RA) 9308 (as amended by RA 10364), which comes with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of P2 million to P5 million.

Typical Osec offenses also violate RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) and RA 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009). Both have penalties equivalent to 20 to 40 years imprisonment.

With thanks to the diligence and collaboration of authorities local and abroad, three more traffickers are stopped from committing this heinous crime, and 15 more children are rescued and beginning the healing and restoration process. Our country is known as the global epicenter for this crime. May we make up to this reality. Our children deserve to live in a trustworthy society, said IJM Manila Field Office Director Rey Bicol.

As of January 2019, IJM has supported Philippine law enforcement agencies in the arrest of 183 Osec perpetrators and in the rescue of 429 victims around the country since 2011. (PR)
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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



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Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



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!


Discussion about wargaming and military history, primarily WWII in North Africa. Also discussion about AFV's and artillery.
Kenya broke diplomatic relations with neighbor Somalia after a row over several oil and gas blocks escalated into an open conflict, media report, adding Nairobi expelled the Somali ambassador on Saturday and summoned its own representative in Somalia home.

Kenya has accused its neighbor of auctioning oil and gas blocks that fall within Kenyan territory, but Somalia has rejected the accusations, which stem from a long-running maritime border dispute between the two.

The authorities in Nairobi said the "egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area that borders Somalia" caused the recall of its ambassador in Mogadishu and the expulsion of the Somali diplomat, adding the auction was an "unparalleled affront and illegal grab at the resources of Kenya," AFP reports.

Somalia has responded with a statement by the foreign ministry that says "Somalia is not now offering nor does it have any plans to offer any blocks in the disputed maritime area until the parties' maritime boundary is decided by the ICJ."

The International Court of Justice is currently hearing the case regarding the maritime border between the two Horn of Africa countries.

Somalia said last week it will tender several offshore oil and gas blocks later this year despite criticism from the opposition that the tender should wait until the country gets a law and regulations governing the use of the countrys natural resources. Somalia may sit on as much as 1 billion barrels of oil and gas.

Kenya is also a newcomer on the oil stage but it is further along the way: Tullow Oil discovered reserves that could reach 1.2 billion barrels of oil in the Turkana County and is already preparing for commercial production in 2022.

For both countries, the newly discovered oil wealth would be an important new source of revenue, so the current spat might be the start of a prolonger bilateral tension.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Indian Oil Corp., the countrys largest oil refiner, has signed its first annual contract for deliveries of crude oil from the United States, Reuters reports, citing a statement by the companys chairman.

IOC will buy an average of 60,000 bpd for a total price of US$1.5 billion in the year to March 2020. The seller is Norways Equinor. Previously, Indian Oil Corp. had only bought U.S. crude on the spot market. Last year, Reuters recalls, the company bought 6 million barrels of U.S. crude under a mini-term deal for the period November to January this year.

Most of the oil the refiner imports, however, comes from OPEC under long-term deals, at 75 percent. While this has been the traditional approach, now the company wants to diversify its sources of the commodity, especially in light of the increasingly difficult geopolitical situation.

Lots of geopolitical issues are going around. We expect lots of volume going away from Venezuela, west Africa and Iran, so it makes sense to have guaranteed term supplies from the U.S., where crude production is increasing, FGE analyst Sri Paravaikkarasu told Reuters.

However, right now India is taking more oil from Venezuela. This month, the country became the largest importer of Venezuelan crude, receiving it at a daily rate of over 600,000 bpd over the first two weeks of February, or up 66 percent from a month ago. The biggest buyers of Venezuelan crude were Reliance Industries and Nyara Energy, in which Rosneft holds a 49-percent stake.

Crude oil source diversification is particularly important for India, which is one of the biggest drivers for global oil demand growth. Last month, Wood Mackenzie forecast Indias oil demand will this year continue growing at a rate of 245,000 bpd, the same as last year, when it accounted for 14 percent of global growth.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Gazprombank has reportedly frozen accounts held by Venezuelas state oil company PDVSA and has stopped conducting transactions involving these accounts on concern of getting penalized under the latest round of U.S. sanctions against PDVSA, Reuters wrote, quoting an unnamed source from the bank.

The report follows another one from last week, which said PDVSA was telling the buyers of oil produced by its joint ventures to deposit the money for purchases in a new bank account recently opened at Russias Gazprombank.

The report, by Reuters, which said it had seen an internal document pointing in that direction, followed statements from the Venezuelan oppositionwhose leader and President of the National Assembly declared himself interim president last monththat a special fund will be set up in the United States where proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude would go.

However, to make matters more interesting, Gazprombank was quick to deny the Reuters report. RT quoted the bank as saying, No new accounts have been opened, adding that the Reuters report does not reflect the actual situation. Yet the bank also said PDVSA had several accounts in it, although all of them were opened several years ago.

This time, Gazprombank has not replied to a Reuters request for comment while PDVSA was quick to call the report fake news on Twitter. Yet Reuters reporters note Russian companies are wary of falling under secondary sanctions for doing direct business with PDVSA, despite the Kremlins official support for the Maduro government.

Venezuela is still producing over a million barrels of crude daily, but finding buyers for the oil is becoming harder. Since the sanctions went into effect, exports to the U.S. effectively stopped but shipments to India increased: imports there went up by 66 percent to 620,000 bpd, making India the biggest importer of Venezuelan crude.



By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Vietnams Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on Tuesday that the choice of Vietnam as the location for this months meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shows that the Southeast Asian country is headed in the right direction. Last week, Trump announced that the meeting would be held in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam on Feb. 27 and 28.

"This important event has shown that Vietnam's investment environment is good, that Vietnam's development model is going in a right direction and especially that the security and safety in Vietnam is wonderful," Phuc told government officials at the Hanoi Stock Exchange.

"Vietnam will demonstrate its international role and do its best to let the word 'Vietnam' ring out." To prepare for round two of Trump meets Kim, Vietnams foreign minister Pham Binh Minh, will visit North Korea from Feb 12 to 14 ahead of the summit.

Significant take-aways

There are several takeaways from both Phucs statements as well as the fact that the summit will be held in Vietnam. Phuc is right that Vietnams safety and security are excellent, even though much of that can arguably be attributed to the top down authoritative nature of the Vietnamese government that allows scant dissent from the party line in Hanoi.

Vietnam is also being touted as a reform model as the economic path for North Korea to follow. Last year, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said North Korea could follow the example of Vietnam, adding that Trump believed Pyongyang could replicate Hanoi's path to normal relations with Washington and to prosperity.

Phuc is also correct in his assertion that Vietnam will demonstrate its international role by hosting the summit. Moreover, Vietnams status as a growing political force in Asia and globally is gaining ground. Just a few months ago, on October 3, a Vietnamese military medical team took part in a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Related: U.S. Biofuel Just Got A Major Bump

Moreover, Vietnam is taking a more assertive role closer to home within the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country is also playing a delicate balancing act, albeit with impressive diplomatic results, as it increases ties with a former foe, the U.S., India, Japan and others as a counterweight to China in the region.

Oil and gas overtures

Vietnam's economy is also flourishing, only send to China in the Asia-Pacific region in sustained economic growth over the past decade-plus. However, therein lies the rub, as is often the case with the Southeast Asian tiger of nearly 100 million people. Tense bilateral relations with Beijing are rife with geopolitical, territorial and oil and gas overtures.

Its no secret that Beijing lays claim to more than 90 percent of the South China Sea, in what is now called its nine-dash line. Other rival claimants in the South China Sea include Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. However, Vietnam and the Philippines have been hardest hit by China's assertiveness in the troubled body of water. In 2012, the Philippines lost Scarborough Shoal, clearly within Manilas UN-mandated 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after a tense naval standoff with the Philippine ships. Since then, the Philippines has largely made a pivot toward China for economic benefit but at the end of the day it will backfire when a new president takes office in two years and as the often politically vocal Philippine populace pushes back against Chinese land grabbing in the region.

Chinese pressure

Recently, Beijing has disrupted Vietnamese gas exploration and production activities clearly within Hanois EEZ, but in areas that Beijing also claims. According to a BBC report last March, which cited an industry source, state-owned Petro Vietnam, under threat from Beijing, ordered Spanish energy firm Repsol to suspend an oil and gas project, which was in its final stages, off the countrys southeast coast. The pull-out could cost Repsol some $200mn in lost investment, the report said.

The site in question is called Ca Rong Do (Red Emperor) and lies in block 07/03 in the South China Sea. Repsol's local subsidiary estimates that it contains 45 million barrels of oil and 172bn ft of gas. A drilling rig, the Ensco 8504, was scheduled to depart from Singapore for the drill site on March 22. Repsol had already contracted Yinson, a Malaysian owned company, to provide a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at the site for 10 years at an estimated cost of more than $1 billion. Related: How Long Will This Oil Rally Last?

It was the second time in less than a year that Hanoi bowed to Chinese pressure in its own waters. In July, 2017, Vietnam also ordered Repsol to stop oil drilling operations at an adjacent location, Block 136/3, in response to what media at the time called threats from China.

Beijings pressure against Vietnam to halt development of its own hydrocarbon resources will exacerbate an already looming gas shortage. To meet the upcoming shortage, the country will have to turn to liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, likely from the U.S., but also from other producers, including Malaysia, Qatar and Australia. However, LNG offers a more expensive alternative that sourcing Vietnams own natural gas reserves.

At the end of the day, though Vietnam is indeed pivoting itself to a stronger regional power and even garnishing international attention, its centuries old problems with China will still create impediments for both energy planners in the country as well as the political power base in Hanoi.

By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com

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The Tingog partylist is urging for a timely, targeted, and transitional scheme in the Conditional Cash Transfer program under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, saying this is the best way to improve the lives of the beneficiaries. Philip Jude Acidre, the second nominee of Tingog, said that one of their legislative agenda is to institutionalize the 4Ps of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that the cycle of intergenerational poverty will be totally stopped. How can the CCT be effective when it is delayed? It should be given to the beneficiaries every month and not every quarter, Acidre said. He said that government should maximize the postal offices across the country to deliver the check or the cash every month to free the beneficiaries from spending long queues at the banks. Acidre added that CCT should be given to those who need it most, at the same time increase the amount of the cash transfer. Were giving too little amount and we try to spread it too wide to accommodate everyone. In the end, what we got is a small and delayed amount of money for the already poor beneficiaries. But in Latin American countries like Brazil and Mexico, where this conditional cash transfer program came from, the beneficiaries received their cash every month and the amount is equivalent to a minimum wage, Acidre said. According to Acidre, the government should invest more on 4Ps and work double time to end the economic woes of the beneficiaries.Poverty is exponential. If we cannot resolve it fast, the children and even the childrens future families will suffer the most. They will become poorer than their parents if we will not come up with a better intervention. This is the reason why we are committed to institutionalizing of 4Ps so it will become a stronger anti-poverty program of the government, said Acidre. Meanwhile, Acidre said that the public should not forget that the cash transfer is conditional in its term and should mean transitionary. One cannot be a 4Ps beneficiary forever. Ideally, one should also graduate as 4Ps beneficiary. Thus, there has to be a transition plan. We need strong community support on this. There has to be a market along the way to accommodate those who finish in this program. If 4Ps beneficiaries will be able to send their children to school, finish their studies, and get a better job, then it would be now easy for them to move into the middle class, said the Tingog nominee. If we invest more, then more children will be able to avail better social services like health, education, and job opportunities, Acidre added. As of November 2018, a total of 4,876,123 poor families have benefitted from the governments 4Ps since its start in 2008.
Oil market sentiment has swung from bearish to bullish in the last few days as tailwinds for the commodity strengthen. A string of updates from OPEC and Venezuela, along with a couple of oil price forecasts served to push Brent to the highest since the start of the year, with prospects for the near future also positive.

OPEC said in its latest monthly oil market report its total production last month had fallen to 30.8 million bpd, down by almost 800,000 bpd, as the cartel seeks to prop up prices once again. Thats down from 31.6 million bpd in December and was in large part driven by Saudi Arabias efforts to accelerate the price rise by cutting more. The Kingdom pumped 350,000 bpd less oil in January than in December, at 10.2 million bpd, which was also more than it had agreed to cut.

Judging by the reaction of prices, with Brent touching US$65 a barrel earlier this week for the first time in more than a month, the whatever it takes approach has finally started working. Russia, meanwhile, added to the optimism with Energy Minister Alexander Novak saying it will speed up the cuts it had agreed to make this month and next.

The latest from the oil cartel prompted Goldman Sachs to issue an update on its expectations for prices and, unsurprisingly, this update was quite bullish. The investment bank said OPEC cuts will drive prices higher as they turn out to be deeper than expected and as they combine with stronger demand that will reduce inventories. Related: How Blockchain Is Changing The Face Of Oil Trading

Venezuela was the other factor that drove prices higher. After the U.S. imposed new sanctions on the government in Caracas, expectations among traders seemed to be of a quick escalation and a regime change that would limit the effect of lower Venezuelan production and exports on global markets, said Reuters John Kemp in a recent column on prices.

owever, the Maduro government has turned out to be more resilient than anticipated and now traders are beginning to expect a longer confrontation that could have a more lasting effect on global oil supply, with Venezuela being one of the worlds largest suppliers of heavy crude.

This is not a universally shared opinion, however. The International Energy Agency, for example, does not believe the removal of Venezuelan heavy crude from markets will have too grave of an effect on price patterns.

What we do know is that the sanctions are already making it difficult for PDVSA to export oil, the IEA said in the latest edition of its Oil Market Report. Even so, headline benchmark crude oil prices have hardly changed on news of the sanctions. This is because, in terms of crude oil quantity, markets may be able to adjust after initial logistical dislocations. Stocks in most markets are currently ample and, with the implementation of the new Vienna Agreement at the start of the year, there is more spare production capacity available.

However long the Venezuelan situation takes to resolve, previous supply shocks of a similar kind suggest the markets reaction is strong at first but later mellows out and prices stabilize in the absence of another shock. Whether this is what will happen now as well, in spite of the OPEC cuts, remains to be seen. Especially given these cuts may have to be extended over a longer period of time than the initial four months to April: oil demand forecasts are still on the bearish side.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Brent oil prices should trade between a relatively narrow range of $50 to $70 per barrel through 2024, with prices anchored around $60, according to a new report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

This dovetails with the current futures prices five years out, centered around $60 per barrel. Prices will bounce around, but should remain within that $20-per-barrel range.

But, of course, there are plenty of caveats with this outlook. A year ago the bank said that the risks to the forecast were skewed to the upside. Now, it believes that the downside risks are growing. U.S. shale supply continues to rise, expanding faster and by larger volumes over the past year than anticipated. Also, demand is slowing and expected to continue to decelerate.

In the short run, BofAML sees Brent rising back to $70 per barrel. The combination of OPEC+ cuts, involuntary outages in Venezuela and Iran, declines in Mexico and elsewhere, will all contribute to tighter supply. And unlike in 2017, the OPEC+ reductions this time around are occurring against tighter backdrop of lower inventories and a smaller production surplus, which should make the output curtailments more effective.

However, the flip side of the OPEC+ production cuts is that OPEC is building back up spare capacity. The phase in of the supply curbs at the start of this year translated into a jump in spare capacity from 1.1 mb/d to 2.5 mb/d in a matter of weeks, Bank of America Merrill Lynch stated. Throttling back on production simply means there is more supply sitting on the sidelines, ready to go in the event of an outage. Related: Saudi Aramco Makes Existential Bet On Oil

As a result, the supply risks to the market are diminished, which tends to reduce volatility and lower futures prices. The growing spare capacity volumes should keep long-dated prices anchored in a $55 to $65/bbl range even if prompt Brent crude oil prices rebound above $70/bbl over the course of 2019 as we currently project, Bank of America Merrill Lynch wrote.

However, one enormous source of uncertainty is the trajectory of the global economy. Manufacturing activity has dipped in multiple places around the world, particularly in China. China has seen the most significant drop in activity when looking at the PMIs, BofAML analysts wrote. And of course, China has remained the pillar of global demand for most commodities in the past two decades. Also, China just reported another month of poor auto sales, adding to the evidence of a slowdown.

The potential for a hard landing in China is the largest downside risk to Bank of Americas medium-term oil market forecast.

At the same time, it isnt just the prospect of a global slowdown that threatens oil demand. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicles and natural gas take on a larger share of the total energy mix. Bank of America sees oil demand hitting a peak in 2030, but as soon as the mid-2020s, demand growth will fall by half compared to this years growth rate.

However, there are a few more reasons why Bank of America believes oil prices will trade within a relatively narrow range. OPEC has shown a willingness to cede market share as U.S. shale output continues to expand. That keeps prices from gyrating too much. Meanwhile, last year President Trump and the U.S. government put pressure on Saudi Arabia to take action to keep prices in check whenever they rose too much. Political pressure could limit the upside to crude prices. Related: Lower Your Costs, Or Die Big Oils New Mantra

More importantly, however, Bank of America argues that supply is ultimately more elastic than previously thought. Over the past year, the more prices rose, the faster U.S. shale grew. American shale companies are still struggling to report profits, but recent history has demonstrated that the flood of Wall Street finance has increased anytime oil prices have climbed. Ultimately, when looking out over a few years, this leads Bank of America to conclude that prices will remain in check.

This echoes the shale band theory that emerged a few years ago. Price increases are met with faster U.S. shale supply, which drags prices back down. Conversely, any plunge in oil prices knocks shale offline, which firms up the market again. The responsiveness of shale keeps prices within a narrower band than has historically been the case. Prior to the shale revolution, the oil market overshot to the upside and downside to a much greater degree, owing to the inelasticity of conventional supply. Many analysts believe that is no longer the case because of shale.

In short, Bank of America sees oil prices rising to $70 per barrel in the short run, but trading within a $50 to $70 range through the mid-2020s.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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Despite the inconsistencies, I cant blindly believe Chicago PD. The department that covered up shooting Laquan McDonald over a dozen times? That operated an off-site torture facility? That one? Ill wait. Whatever the outcome, this wont stop me from believing others. It cant.  Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 17, 2019

Yessir. I hear you. And agree. I wrote thatthere are inconsistencies. He might have lied. He might be not have. I dont know. But what I do know? I never believe police on general principle just cause they say so. My experience, our history, makes it impossible for me to do so.  Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 17, 2019

The long, divisive battle over the future of the Chicago PD hit a turning point as a federal judge approved a plan intended to fundamentally alter the way a troubled police force treats the people it is sworn to serve and protect. https://t.co/F9qtPSb2Dy  Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 18, 2019

A hot one.  Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 17, 2019

Same.   Ava DuVernay (@ava) February 17, 2019

Jussie Smollett Attack Investigation Takes a Major Turn: Everything We Know https://t.co/rwFsYXE0pK  E! News (@enews) February 18, 2019

JUST IN: Chicago police release surveillance images of potential persons of interest wanted for questioning in reference to the assault & battery of "Empire" star Jussie Smollett. https://t.co/VHaFPMqCNu pic.twitter.com/oi5aAI2lGE  ABC News (@ABC) January 31, 2019

Through s meticulous investigation, #ChicahoPolice detectives have identified the persons of interest in the area of the alleged attack of the Empire cast member. These individuals are not yet suspects but were in area of concern and are being questioned. Investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/tmy2jNvww5  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 14, 2019

.@JussieSmollett to @RobinRoberts on attack: "I will never be the man that this did not happen to. I am forever changed...I do subscribe to the idea that we have the right & responsibility to make something meaningful out of the things that happen to us." https://t.co/3HbyU2SFxe pic.twitter.com/QPeSISqOXf  Good Morning America (@GMA) February 14, 2019

Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019

Case Update: Due to new evidence as a result of today's interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the Empire case have now been released without charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete. pic.twitter.com/Hswn1Qjgcy  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 16, 2019

He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack. Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying, @JussieSmolletts lawyers wrote in a statement.https://t.co/gOwaM2t3p4  NTDNews (@news_ntd) February 18, 2019

Police seek to re-interview Jussie Smollett https://t.co/h2C66bCIci pic.twitter.com/nXptMOuGv5  ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) February 18, 2019

Jussie Smollett Case to Go to Grand Jury https://t.co/K9oH6fASWg  TMZ (@TMZ) February 18, 2019

Jussie Smollett Grand Jury May Be Postponed, 2 Brothers to Testify https://t.co/cAD8VkFDvg  TMZ (@TMZ) February 18, 2019

Hate crime or hoax? The drama behind the Jussie Smollett case, explained https://t.co/7hQBsC4AVE  Vox (@voxdotcom) February 17, 2019

-Ava DuVernay blasted the Chicago PD for their actions during the Justice Smollett case.-Update: Ava blasts USA Today.January 22: Jussie got a threatening letter containing white powder (Tylenol?) which was confirmed by the Chicago PD.January 29: Jussie reports to police that he was assaulted in Chicago by two men who said racial and homophobic slurs. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.-He told police that he had just landed in town from New York, and was attacked near a Subway restaurant around 2 a.m. on East North Lower Water Street, in the upscale neighborhood of Streeterville.-Jussie went to Subways at 2 a.m. in East North Lower Water Street which is in the upscale neighborhood of Streeterville.The perpetuators began to pour bleach on him and one of them wraps a rope around Jussie's neck. Jussie states that the two men wore dark clothing and ski masks.The two offenders also yelled out "This is MAGA country." Chicago PD said that when the detectives up with Jussie later in the day, he told them that the offenders made those comments. The detectives completed a supplemental report.January 29: Many Celebrities Rally Behind Smollett and call for Justice on him with #JusticeforJussie With Lee Daniels (Executive Producer of Empire is one of the first celebs to reach out)-He also briefly uploaded the pic of Jussie in the hospital and then took it down.January 30: Two Persons of Interest found?Meanwhile Jussie's Empire costars lend their support to him.January 31: Donald Trump responds to Jussie's case"That, I can tell you, is horrible," the U.S. President, who Smollett has occasionally criticized online, tells reporters. "I've seen it, last night. I think that's horrible. It doesn't get worse as far as I'm concerned."January 31: More details emerge from the caseSmollett alerted the Chicago PD 30-40 min. after the incident. After the incident, Jussie spoke to his manager Brandon Moore.January 31: Jussie's siblings and family lend their support to him.February 1: Jussie releases his first public statement since the incident"Let me start by saying that I'm OK. My body is strong but my soul is stronger. More importantly I want to say thank you. The outpouring of love and support from my village has meant more than I will ever be able to truly put into words. I am working with authorities and have been 100 percent factual and consistent on every level," Smollett adds. "Despite my frustrations and deep concern with certain inaccuracies and misrepresentations that have been spread, I still believe that justice will be served."February 1: Many LGBTQ and Black communities lend their support to Jussie as they stand along with him.February 2: Jussie emerges in public for the first time onstage at a concert.February 11: He Provides the Police his Phone Records-Sources close to the case say he gave them a PDF file of redacted phone calls but did not provide a download of the phone or a digital record."Smollett's rep tells the outlet that information in the phone records given to police was redacted "to protect the privacy of personal contacts or high-profile individuals not relevant to the attack," adding, "Jussie has voluntarily provided his phone records from within an hour of the attack and given multiple statements to police. Chicago PD has repeatedly informed us that they find Jussie's account of what happened that night consistent and credible."February 13: Two of the alleged suspects are detainedTwo brothers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo are arrested for their alleged doing in the incident.February 14: Persons of Interest IdentifiedFebruary 14: Jussie gives his first televised interview to GMAFebruary 14: The Chicago PD can't confirm whether the incident was a HoaxSources close to Jussie states that police are investigating claims that Jussie and the two "persons of interest" were involved in his attack b/c he was supposedly being written off of Empire.Fox the company that owns/produces Empire comes out with a statement denying that they were ever going to write him off of the show. And also state that they continue to stand by the actor.February 15: The two brothers are releasedOne of them appeared on Empire and the other one had an affiliation with Jussie prior to the incident.The men's lawyers state that their clients were confused to why they were persons of interests and that they aren't guilty of it, and that they send their best to Jussie.February 16: Former Potential Suspects Are Cooperating With PoliceAccording to a source to NBC News, that the two men purchased the rope which was laterfound around Smollett's neck at a hardware store.Smollet's lawyer retaliates the claims and states this Saturday:February 17: Police seek to re-interview Jussie SmolletFebruary 17: His case is to go grand juryFebruary 18: Jussie Smollett Grand Jury May Be Postponed, 2 Brothers to TestifyFebruary 18: Jussie's lawyers respond:"There are no plans for Jussie Smollett to meet with Chicago police today," the attorneys say in a statement to E! News. "Any news reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. Smollett's attorneys will keep an active dialogue going with Chicago police on his behalf."February 18: Jussie Smollett will not meet with CPD today-Three weeks have passed since the incident occurred. Since then, there have been countless anonymous sources who have called his story into question "fueling a firestorm of outrage and confusion over what to believe and how to feel about the case."-The narrative to this incident surrounding it by the media have changed a lot. It was a tragedy and now there are some people who believe it was a hoax.-Because of the context of Jussie who is a Black Gay man and the MAGA words/our political climate right now, this incident has become a lighting rod in which these issues are further perpetuating the racism, homophobia, and our distrust in the media.-He has lawyered up since January 16 and is being represented by Chicago defense attorneys Todd S. Pugh and Victor P. Henderson.What has emerged from this is that it has riled up the conservatives into a conspiracy surrounding Smollet's case.-When rumors began to spread about the alleged hoax and such, many Conservative pundits said that Smollet's case is a reaction to Trump's supporters who are being 'vilified by the media.' Ex. Case in point the Convington Catholic school situation a couple weeks ago.-To conservatives they view this as an attack on Trump supporters and not LGBTQ folks, minorities, and other disenfranchised groups who are the most affected by this.-Smollet's case is still ongoing and most of the media coverage was taken from the police's statements.-"The developing narrative is being taken as a sign that journalists blindly accept any stories with a careless disregard for the facts  particularly those stories that support liberal ideals."-In both the Convington and Smollet cases, liberals were quick to condemn the attacks.Sources: 1
What a mess.

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One of his charges should be giving my old ass MAGA father cause to shout "I told you so" everything I see him till Christmas.

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It baffles me how much Trump supporters are stans for him. To them he does no wrong & anyone who questions him or doesnt believe hes making America great again is a libtard. I mean, I supported Obama, but that doesnt mean I supported his every decision or felt he handle everything correctly. The president is supposed to be the president, not your favorite teeny bopper star.

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with him as the defendant? or???

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TMZ's stellar journalism strikes again.



They seem to be implying strongly that the DA will ask the Grand Jury to indict Jussie, but this could also mean that they are leaving it up to the Grand Jury to decide if the two brothers should be indicted for having purchased the rope and participating.



Or both. Or neither. Or they have no idea.

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i have no clue what is going on with this anymore

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i was thinking about this earlier

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Disclaimer that I did 100% believe Jussie in the beginning and felt really bad for him, but Ive read since that theres evidence that he paid both those men in the days before the attack (he says the payment was for them training him for a music video), and his phone records may also indicate that they had contact right before the attack. I hate to say it, but honestly its not looking good at this point, especially when they have no real motive to randomly commit a hate crime like that on an actor from the same show that they were working on themselves

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If he did stage it, he probably thought he wouldn't get caught so it wouldn't be a matter of "throwing his career away over a hoax", so long as he figured he wouldn't be caught. The whole case is a mess.

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What would Jussie have to gain from paying someone to attack him? wtf??



Edited at 2019-02-18 12:22 am (UTC)

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I think of that was the case, he would say so. But hes saying it wasnt them.

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Exactly. One of my friends who was a victim of a hate crime was assaulted by someone he knew. It doesn't change the fact that it's a hate crime.

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Not saying he did this, but devils advocate, he could see some artists get so much more popularity and support after a tragedy and thought let me do that to level up my career. Theres no denying artists like Ariana or Britney or Demi were more embraced after their challenges / tragedies.

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Alt Right is having a field day. Ugh.

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i genuinely do not believe this was staged. i think it's extremely fucked up that people are so quick to believe that it was. as if the *chicago PD* has the best intentions when it comes to hate crimes. as if victims of assault are expected to remember every detail and have a consistent story amid suffering from trauma.



maybe i'll be dead wrong. but i'm going to believe victims.

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Same. I dreamt about the case the other day and it just didnt make sense that hed stage such a horrendous act.

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Same. I'm pretty floored by the comments I saw.

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I do too. The fact that people are questioning the authenticity of this attack is absolutely disgusting and telling to say the very least.

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Same - maybe Im naive, but Im having a really hard time doubting Jussies story. Chicago PD is corrupt AF.

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careful, you'll get a comment 24 hours later asking if you're an idiot from some user you've never seen.

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i hope it's mother! icon

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same, all the comments about him getting more fame make no sense to me either, he's a Smollett, they've been around since they were kids, he's got a stable job, why the need to elevate himself with this?

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me too. i literally do not give trvmp supporters or those in power aligned with that, the benefit of the doubt.

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Whenever I see a clip of his interview on ABC, his sadness and rage is so apparent. How can anyone think he was lying?

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100 fucking percent. The speculation that this was staged makes me sick.

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I think it was police officers and now they are framing him

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mte

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same

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what the fuck..? good luck finding someone not biased from all the news reports the past couple of weeks



also.. what?

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I continue to be so fucking confused.



But fuck ChicagoPD as always.

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Like so many police departments, the Chicago Police Department is corrupt and I'm going to have a hard time believing anything they say. In case people need a reminder of how corrupt they are, they had a secret interrogation center in which they grossly violated the constitutional rights of everyone they detained illegally there.



https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/homan-square I'm going to believe Jussie until either he says this version of events happened or there is 100% undeniable proof that he set it up.Like so many police departments, the Chicago Police Department is corrupt and I'm going to have a hard time believing anything they say. In case people need a reminder of how corrupt they are, they had a secret interrogation center in which they grossly violated the constitutional rights of everyone they detained illegally there.

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seriously

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IA

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I listed some more links later on in this post. The Homan Square stuff is so horrifying to me. Over the span of 9 years, at least 7,000 people were illegally detained at that place.

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Did a cop really say word for word that his story has to be fake because conservative white people don't watch Empire? That's literally the stupidest fucking thing I have ever heard even by idiot cop standards.

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You had people saying this in previous posts as well. Like people don't hate watch things.

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It is far-fetched that racist homophobes watch Empire, although it isn't impossible. At this point, the only suspects they've found are Black people who worked on the show.

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A user was literally saying that in the last post and was like demographics support this. I had to walk away.

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i mean, girl, we had ONTD users saying it so...

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Oh look, you popped back up.

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Where is this gif from?!

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lmfao

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f iconic

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you stay popping up in every one of these posts just to shit on people who had the gall to believe a victim and it's insidious and gross as hell.

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Gross

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Whoever drew this must have loved having an excuse to draw a noose around a black man's neck and not get told off for it for once!

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I look forward to your inevitable ban.

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Oh wow. This is super racist. Choke.

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Keep digging your grave.

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I assumed someone posted this to show how disgusting and offensive the MAGA faithful are being about this. Then I saw it was you.

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Why a grand jury if the persons of interest were released?  This story has had so many twists and turns.

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So Jussie claims he was attacked by the brothers but the brothers are saying that Jussie paid them to attack him? Whether Jussie is telling the truth or not, he is fucking screwed. The confirmation bias in this case is set and the police officers are going to stop at nothing to prove what they believe is the truth.

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I'm not that kind of lawyer, but I thought for a grand jury trial was used to indict a person - so who are they trying to charge? Or is it some special circumstance where they want to see if there is enough evidence to pursue a trial?

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they probably wanna indict Jussie, hence why he hired 2 lawyers

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I figured - damn. I know people were being simple as hell when it came out that he hired lawyers, but something like this is pretty run of the mill when law enforcement treats you as a suspect.

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Sounds like they want Jussie's phone, and he is refusing to give it to them.

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Of course mother! deleted that disgusting pic - no stand in that racist bullshit like you did earlier

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That pic was repulsive, I cant believe were at the level of someone posting shitty right wing political cartoons.

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Ive never seen that user before till all this mess and their comments are so disgusting.

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What happened to your female rapper post? I know its not related to this comment but I really liked it :(



Edited at 2019-02-17 11:34 pm (UTC)

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mte i tried to comment and it disappeared :(

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I deleted it because I was tired of the shady and rude ass comments left by some people. I just wanted to have a fun post where people could share some of their favorite tracks of people I didn't mention. Saying shit like the list was "bullshit" or invalid because I didn't mention someone was really fucking annoying. I don't know every black female rapper on the planet and I can't submit a post with 50 songs on it. It got kind of irritating dealing with people with no home training to not keep their rude comments to themselves.



Maybe I'll make another one soon - I'm not sure.

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Butbutbut the woke groupthink is much worse! /s

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Washington, PA (15301)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 67F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

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The EU promised a quick and effective response if the United States imposes import duties on European autos, a spokesman for the European Commission said on Monday. Brussels issued the threat after the US Commerce Department filed a report that empowers President Donald Trump to apply car duties within the next 90 days. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has labelled as "frightening" the prospect that this report could label European car imports as a national security threat to the United States, enabling the tariffs. The White House has already used the national security argument, saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims, to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports. "Were this report translated into action detrimental to European exports, the European Commission would react in a swift and adequate manner," EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news briefing in Brussels. The protectionist Trump has threatened 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry. European officials have said that Brussels has drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) of potential countermeasures, without providing further details. In 2017 just under half of the 17 million cars sold in the US were imported, most of them produced in Canada and Mexico which are expected to be exempt from any new automobile duties. German automobile groups last year exported 470,000 cars from Germany to the United States, according to the VDA manufacturers' federation. The transatlantic flare-up followed a truce established in July, in which Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs while both sides pursued a limited trade deal. Juncker "trusts President Trump's word. The European Union will stick to its word as long as the US does the same," Schinas said. Germany is pushing hard for the trade deal with the US, but according to a European source, France is reluctant to pursue talks fearing they may stoke popular anger ahead of European elections in May. EU trade ministers will discuss the talks, as well as the possible countermeasures against the US, at talks in Bucharest on Thursday. Aside from economic matters, US-European ties have already been upended over Trump's approach towards Iran and Syria, as well as other issues. The US Commerce Department has filed a report that could trigger tariffs against imported cars and intensify tensions with Europe
The Court of Appeals has upheld its decision ordering the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City to revive the criminal case filed against a partylist lawmaker and several others for illegal refilling of liquefied petroleum gas tanks belonging to giant oil companies. In a seven-page resolution, the CAs Special Former Special Fifteenth Division through Associate Justice Marlene Gonzales-Sison denied the motion for reconsideration of petitioners Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association party-list Rep. Arnel Ty, Marie Antonette Ty, Benson Ng, Carlton Ng, and Alvin Ty for failure to raise reasonable ground to warrant the reversal of its ruling issued on June 22, 2018. Wherefore, premises considered, the motion is denied for lack of merit. Our decision dated June 22, 2018 stands, the appellate court declared. In its June 22, decision, the CA overturned and set aside the order issued by the Pasig RTC which granted the Office of the Prosecutors motion to withdraw information against Ty and co-petitioners for violation of Section 3 (d) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33 or An Act Defining and Penalizing Certain Prohibited Acts Inimical to the Public Interest and National Security Involving Petroleum and/or Petroleum Products, Prescribing Penalties therefor and for other Purposes. The appellate court noted that the trial court failed to give a detailed assessment of the evidence in its order to support the dismissal of the case. It also ruled that such omission ran counter to established jurisprudence, thus, constitute a grave error on the part of the trial court, and justifying a reversal of the order. In accordance with the ruling, the CA directed the Pasig RTC to conduct further proceedings in said cases. In its motion for reconsideration, the petitioners argued that Section 14, Article VIII of the Constitution does not provide for the form and content of court decisions. They pointed out that it is sufficient for the judge to just state the factual and legal basis reached and that the court had considered the evidence. The petitioners argued that no specific rules apply with respect to the RTCs disposition of cases, thus, a thorough discussion may not be necessary for the purpose of determining whether there is probable cause to proceed with the case. However, the appellate court held that the petitioners wrongly relied in Section 14, Article VIII of the Constitution in seeking the reversal of its decision. The CA ruled that the said provision applies only to decisions on the determination of courts concerning the merits of cases. The orders we annulled are plainly not properly subsumed under the term, the appellate court said.Also, the CA did not give credence to the claim of the petitioners that the trial court is not mandated to specifically discuss its rationale for dismissing the case. The argument simply cannot prosper. Case law has stressed that where the trial court has to resolve whether or not an information has to be withdrawn, the judge must evaluate the evidence separately and independently, and that should the judge opt to withdraw the information, such assessment must be palpable on the orders face, the CA ruled. If the trial court merely adopts or accepts the prosecutions findings justifying the withdrawal, its order woul be void, it said. Associate Justices Victoria Isabel Paredes and Jhosep Lopez concurred in the ruling. In 2016, Ty, the owner of Republic Gas Corp (Regasco) refilling plant, was found guilty by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Malabon City of unauthorized refilling of cooking gas cylinders belonging to giant oil companies -- Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron and Total Gas. Ty was ordered by the trial court to pay a fine of P50,000 with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency. The court also ordered the cancellation of Regascos license to operate and the forfeiture in favor of the government of the petroleum products seized from its warehouse. The trial court did not give credence to Tys claim that the empty and underfilled branded cylinders seized from their warehouse were actually part of its marketing strategy of offering their own brand in exchange for partially consumed LPG of other brands. It noted that the accused failed to provide a logical explanation for the presence of the filled LPG tanks of Shell, Petron and Total Gas which were likewise seized from the warehouse. It also did not give weight to Tys argument that he cannot be held criminally liable for the violation committed by the corporation since his function as president was limited to policy making. The CA said Ty cannot escape liability for the infraction because the by-laws of the corporation itself expressly provide that as president he shall manage and supervise the business affairs of the corporation.
When you're retired, you need all the income you can get. This income may derive from many sources, including retirement investment accounts, pensions, and Social Security. However, there's a good chance you'll lose at least part of your retirement income to the IRS -- and potentially to state taxes as well.

The good news is, not all of your retirement income is necessarily subject to taxation. It's important to understand how tax rules apply to different sources of funds in retirement so you can plan accordingly and be prepared when taxes come due. This guide will help.

A 1040 form and pen next to a calculator

Image source: Getty Images.

How are retirement benefits taxed?

Federal tax rules for retirement income differ depending on the source of the income, as well as on how much you make. Things get even more complicated when it comes to state taxes, because there are big differences from one state to another.

Here's what you need to know about how the federal government and the state you live in may tax different benefits.

Social Security benefits

The federal government taxes Social Security benefits, but only if your income reaches a certain threshold.

Income is calculated in a special way when determining whether your Social Security benefits are taxable. Your income is determined by adding half your Social Security benefits to all your other taxable income from other sources. Some tax-free income, such as municipal bond interest, is also added to determine your total income.

If your income using this calculation exceeds $25,000 as a single filer or $32,000 when married filing jointly, you could be taxed on up to 50% of your Social Security benefits. If your income exceeds $34,000 as a single filer or $44,000 when filing as married filing jointly, you'll be taxed on up to 85% of benefits.

As for state taxes, only 13 states tax Social Security benefits: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia. If you live in one of them, you'll also need to learn your state's rules for when and how your benefits will be taxed.

Story continues

Pension income

If you're lucky enough to get a pension from your employer, the entire amount you receive is probably taxable income federally. This is the rule if you didn't contribute any of your own money to your employer's pension plan. However, if you contributed to your pension with after-tax funds, you don't have to pay taxes on any part of the pension that's considered to be a return of these contributions you made. The IRS explains how to determine what portion of your pension isn't taxed, but the general rule is that you divide the contributed amount by the number of months the IRS estimates as your remaining life expectancy.

The IRS treats pension income you're taxed on as ordinary income, so you're taxed on the entire amount at your normal tax rate. Because we have a pay-as-you-go system in the U.S., either taxes will need to be withheld from your pension checks or you'll need to pay estimated taxes to avoid penalties.

As far as state taxes go, if you live in Alaska, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, or Wyoming, your pension income won't be taxed. If you live in any other state, you'll need to find out your local rules. Many other locales also exempt some types of pension income from taxation, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Retirement account distributions

When you make withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts, including IRAs, 403(b)s, 401(k)s, 457s, and thrift savings plans, the federal government will tax you on those distributions as ordinary income. That means you'll pay taxes based on whatever your tax rate is. If you have Roth accounts, on the other hand, you aren't subject to any federal taxes on withdrawals as long as you've complied with requirements related to your age and how long you've had your accounts open.

State tax rules also differ on how retirement account distributions are taxed. In Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, there is no state income tax, so you don't have to worry about being taxed on your account distributions. In other states, including Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, at least some retirement account distributions are tax exempt. You can check with the Department of Revenue where you live to find out the specific rules.

Plan ahead and be prepared for taxes

It's important to be prepared for the reality that taxes will take a bite out of your retirement income. When you're figuring out what your retirement income will be, don't forget to consider the taxes you'll need to pay -- and if you want to limit the amount the government gets, consider investing in Roth accounts so you can make withdrawals tax free.

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Home | World | Africa | SADC diplomats meet in Zimbabwe

Southern African Development Community Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe have met in the capital this Monday afternoon for their monthly consultative meeting.

The sub-regional diplomats who met at the Malawian ambassador's residence in Harare have been holding such meetings to share ideas on different issues pertaining to the region with a view of updating their principals.

The meeting was chaired by Namibian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mrs Balbina Daes Piennar whose country is currently chairing the sub-regional body, SADC.

The monthly review meetings are hosted by member states on a rotational basis, and all member countries with representatives based in Zimbabwe were in attendance, namely South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania Botswana and others.

The Angolan ambassador requested to be excused due to earlier commitments.

SADC Heads of State and Government recently met on the sidelines of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa and called for the removal of sanctions against their neighbour and colleague, Zimbabwe.

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Home | News | General | Amina Zakari was not responsible for postponement of 2019 election - INEC REC

- The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom state, Mike Igini, said Amina Zakari is not responsible for the logistics that led to the postponement of the general elections

- Zakari, chairman of the INEC committee on collation centre for the elections, has been blamed for the logistic challenges that made the commission shift the elections

- Igini earlier accused politicians of not sticking to INECs timetables

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom state, Mike Igini, said Amina Zakari, the chairman of the INEC committee on collation centre for the general elections, was not in charge of operations and logistics.

Zakari been blamed for the logistic challenges that made the commission shift the elections by a week with critics claiming that she oversees electoral operations and logistics.

Igini, who was a guest on Channels Televisions Sunday Politics, said she was being wrongly targeted and called on citizens to make more effort in verifying claims.

READ ALSO: INEC REC reveals those who contributed to postponement of presidential election

According to him, I want to appeal to Nigerians that, this time, let us not just be name-calling without fact-checking some of the things people talk about. Amina Zakari is no longer the chairperson of electoral operations.

According to the Akwa Ibom REC, contrary to the reports making the round in some circles, a different national commissioner is in charge of electoral operations and logistics.

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The person in charge of electoral operations today is Professor (Okechukwu) Ibeanu, he said stressing that issues concerning arrangements for NYSC, and the welfare of ad hoc staff fell under him.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Mike Igini, the INEC REC in Akwa Ibom revealed that the failures of political parties to stick to INECs timetables and a plethora of petitions against the commission with regards to primaries, was one of the main reasons why the 2019 general elections was postponed.

Today within this period we are talking about, we have had a total of 640 cases joining INEC, and a total of 14 court orders either asking INEC to add or remove a name, Igini stated.

According to him, issues stemming from various party primaries caused a delay in the printing of ballot boxes which indirectly added to the rescheduling of the elections.

He also claimed that INEC was left with just one month to produce over 400million ballot papers due to the way the parties handled their primaries.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better

Will postponement of election have any effect on the outcome?| Legit TV:

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Home | News | General | APC demands 7 things from INEC ahead of rescheduled elections

- The ruling party, APC, has asked INEC to be opened about its dealing ahead of the resheduled elections

- The APC said the commission should also let Nigerians know if all materials required for the elections were in the country

- The ruling party also said INEC should also let Nigerians know what it encountered in the failed election attempt of the February 16 and measures taken to overcome them

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Directorate of Election Planning and Monitoring on Sunday, February 18, demanded more transparency from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party urged the commission to be open in its dealings ahead of the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Babatunde Fashola, Director of the Directorate and Minister of Power, Works and Housing made the demand at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja.

He was reacting to the postponement of the elections by INEC, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had a few hours to commencement of the presidential and National Assembly elections, announced the rescheduling by one week of the elections earlier scheduled for February 16.

READ ALSO: Elections 2019: No political party should be blamed for the postponement - Okorocha

By the postponement, the Presidential and National Assembly elections now come up on February 23, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections come up on March 9.

Yakubu had said the decision to postpone the elections was taken after a meeting with INEC Commissioners, citing logistics problems as issues that prompted the postponement.

He said the decision was further necessitated after reviewing the level of the commissions preparedness for the exercise.

He stressed that postponing the elections was a difficult decision, but was necessary for successful delivery of the elections and to consolidate on Nigerias democracy.

However, Fashola said there was need for the commission to keep Nigerians updated on preparations for the rescheduled elections. He also demanded more transparency.

The APC demanded for the following 7 things from INEC:

1. Transparency in its preparedness for the February 23 elections

2.The commission should let Nigerians know if all materials required for the elections were in the country

3. The commissions plans to redeploy and distribute materials ahead of elections

4. The commission should let Nigerians know what transport logistics is in place ahead of February 23

5. Steps INEC has taken with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assess, take inventory of materials

6. The commission should also confirm to Nigerians that the configuration of its card readers would be completed before February 23

7. INEC should brief Nigerians daily on an ongoing basis until the end of this general elections

Fashola said: As a result of the common pain shared by us all, we demand greater openness and transparency in the Commissions preparations ahead of Saturday 23rd February 2019 elections.

We believe that members of the public should know what steps INEC have taken with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assess, take inventory of materials and what their conditions are, he said.

He added that the commission should also let Nigerians know if all materials required for the elections were in the country and if not what plans it had to ensure that they were on ground.

He further added that the commissions plans to redeploy and distribute materials ahead of elections should also be made known to Nigerians.

Fashola said INEC should also let Nigerians know what it encountered in the failed election attempt of the February 16 and measures taken to overcome them.

He added that the commission should also confirm to Nigerians that the configuration of its card readers would be completed in readiness for the rescheduled elections.

He said it was also necessary for the commission to let Nigerians know what transport logistics and further materials it required in terms of vehicles, boats, trucks, airplanes, helicopters, manpower and funding to execute the elections.

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In addition to all of these, we believe that INEC should brief Nigerians daily on an ongoing basis until this process is concluded.

This is one way to elicit the buy-in of Nigerians that INEC is serious and this will replace disappointment with enthusiasm.

INEC has the duty to now make its processes open, believable and inspiring. This is the road to free and fair elections which is a victory for Nigeria and not for any party, he said.

The minister said that elections and political parties were primarily about people.

He noted that before the elections were postponed, millions of Nigerians had sacrificed their time, resources and convenience to perform their national civic duty only to be disappointed by the postponement.

He added that as a political party, the disappointment of the APC was doubled.

This, he said was especially so because unlike some who were privy to the postponement, the APC got to know of it alongside the public a few hours before the polls opened.

To the stranded youth corpers, voters and volunteers who have travelled at great cost to cast their votes, we empathise with you, he said.

He also empathised with the partys agents and its members across the federation, saying that they should not be discouraged.

He stressed that because Nigerians were a determined and resilient people, they should not let the shortcomings of INEC as an institution deter them from exercising their franchise.

Fashola therefore, charged Nigerians to stay calm and be determined and to come out en masse on February 23 to vote for the APC, presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and all the partys senatorial and House of Representative candidates.

He urged Nigerians to convert their disappointment following the postponement of the elections to determination and to ensure that their previous sacrifices do not go to waste.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, February 17, announced that it would continue with its presidential and National Assembly rallies following due consideration of the prvisions of the electoral act of the country.

The PDP also said that INEC erred in its prohibition directive concerning campaigns.

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#Election2019: International, local observers comment on poll's shift | Legit TV

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Home | News | General | Election 2019: Zamfara governor responsible for polls postponement - APC senator

- Senator Kabiru Marafa says Governor Abdulaziz Yari is responsible for the sabotage that led to the postponement of the 2019 general elections

- The APC senator says the Zamfara governor should be held responsible for the shift in election dates

- The senator cited the governor's recent comments that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there won't be elections in the country

Chairman of the Senate committee on petroleum (downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, has alleged that Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state is responsible for the sabotage that led to the postponement of the 2019 general elections.

In a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, February 17, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator described the postponement as unfortunate, while insisting that Governor Yari is the cause of the shift in dates.

The senator cited the governor's recent comments that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there won't be elections in the country.

The senator and the governor are currently battling for the soul of the Zamfara APC chapter, after disagreements over primary elections last year.

READ ALSO: Please mount more pressure on INEC- Wike tells international community

The disagreements were subjected to legal disagreements, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare that the APC won't be fielding candidates for the election.

Part of Senator Marafa's statement read: During the grand finale of his illegal campaign rallies in his hometown, Talata Mafara, Zamfara on Friday, 8th February, he rained abuses and said unprintable things on the person of INEC chairman Prof Mahmood, and swore that unless his candidates are enlisted to contest, there won't be elections in Zamfara state and the entire country. Now it has come to pass, what next?

I'm calling on the authorities to hold Yari and his accomplices responsible for this tresaonable sabotage against the country, Nigerians and humanity in general. Just search on the internet, including YouTube, you will see the stories and videos of where Yari stated emphatically that unless his candidates are accepted, elections won't hold in Zamfara state and Nigeria.

Marafa recalled that, When Yari conducted illegal primaries, I drew the attention of Nigerians and the world on the dangers inherent in accepting that abuse of our laws, instead of being reprimanded, Yari went ahead to the courts to legalise his illegality.

Today, the APC has abandoned its earlier position, that its only had a consensus, to supporting Yari's illegal election. This is very sad and unfortunate.

I am not surprised that immediately after the announcement of the postponement, Yari's boys rushed to the media, radio stations jubilating that they have succeeded. This unfortunate incidence should be probed and condemned by all lovers of the country.

This is the time to tell Yari and his co-travelers, that Nigeria is bigger than them and their collective ambitions.

READ ALSO: US reacts to postponement of Nigerias election

Meanwhile, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and its partners have expressed disappointment over the postponement of the 2019 general elections, saying the decision of INEC has socio-economic and political consequences for all stakeholders.

This was the position of the group at a press briefing on Saturday, February 16 in Abuja, even as it urged Nigerians not to be discouraged but to come out en masse on 23rd February and 9th March 2019 to exercise their civic rights.

WANEP also called on the international community, partners and domestic observers not to be deterred or lose faith in Nigeria's electoral process, urging them to remain resolute in their support to ensure peaceful and credible elections.

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Some of our people traveled for this election, Anambra residents lament| Legit TV

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Former Cebu City councilor Nestor Archival on Monday pleaded the Department of Justice to prosecute policemen implicated in the killing of his brother, lawyer Noel Archival, five years ago. In a letter, Archival appealed to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to expedite the resolution of the petition seeking to file murder charges in court against regional officers of the Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group. In particular, Archival called on the DOJ to resolve the petition for review seeking the reversal of the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors' Office dismissing the charges against Chief Insp. Eduardo Mara and Senior Police Officer 4 Edwin Galan. The councilor also asked Guevarra to reconsider the DOJ's resolution last year that junked the same charges against Chief Supt. Romualdo Iglesia, Sr.Insp. Joselito Lerion and PO1 Alex Bacani. "The evidence is very clear that these HPG officials had conspired in the murder of my brother Atty. Noel Archival," the letter said. "I am writing this letter because I have full faith and trust in your leadership as the head of the Department of Justice," Archival added. He lamented how their petition for review against Mara and Galan has remained pending before the DOJ for two years now."Our family was completely shocked and surprised why the Petition for Review filed by Iglesia has been recently granted by the Department of Justice with speed and dispatch while our Petition for Review with the Department of Justice has not yet been acted upon until now," he said. Archival urged authorities to also implement the outstanding warrant of arrest issued by the Cebu regional trial court against Iglesia, Lerion, and Bacani. "Instead of submitting themselves to the authorities, the three accused have remained fugitives of justice for more than four years," he said. The PNP HPG - Region 7 officers were accused of killing Archival, his driver Alejandro Jayme, and bodyguard Candido Minoza on February 18, 2014 in Dalaguete, Cebu. Archivals assistant, Paolo Cortes, survived the attack. They were charged with multiple murder and frustrated murder.
Home | News | General | Elections 2019: No political party should be blamed for the postponement - Okorocha

- Governor Okorocha said the postponement of the general elections was not caused by any political party

- The governor said it is not the first time the nation will witness such setback during elections

- Governor Okorocha also urged INEC to use the week of postponement to resolve all the challenges

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state says no political party should be blamed for postponement of the February 16, 2019 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement in Owerri on Sunday, Okorocha attributed the postponement to challenges faced by INEC, recalling that this was not the first postponement of elections in the nations history.

He further said that the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) was ready for elections, describing the postponement as regrettable.

He urged INEC to ensure that all issues were ironed out within the week to ensure seamless elections in the country.

READ ALSO: INECs contractor is an APC senatorial candidate - Prof Yakubu reportedly admits

The postponement of the election by INEC is an unfortunate development and also regrettable, but it is important to note that no political party should be blamed for the postponement, but rather on the challenges facing INEC.

This is also not the first time the nation will witness such development during elections, it happened in 2011 and in 2015 respectively.

I only want to urge INEC to use the week of postponement to resolve all the challenges it has and ensure that Nigerians have a smooth, free and fair elections.

APC as the ruling party is ready for the elections and it will be absurd to accuse the ruling party of being responsible for the postponement, he said.

He also urged Nigerians to show patriotism by maintaining peace and understanding.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the chairman of the Senate committee on petroleum (downstream), Senator Kabiru Marafa, alleged that Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state is responsible for the sabotage that led to the postponement of the 2019 general elections.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senator described the postponement as unfortunate, while insisting that Governor Yari is the cause of the shift in dates.

The senator cited the governor's recent comments that if his candidates are not included in the ballot paper, there won't be elections in the country. The senator and the governor are currently battling for the soul of the Zamfara APC chapter, after disagreements over primary elections last year.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

Some of our people traveled for this election, Anambra residents lament| Legit TV

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Home | News | General | Election 2019: Accord Party seeks alliance with Rivers APC ahead of polls

- The Accord Party has declared its intention to form an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state

- The party's stance is against the backdrop of the exclusion of APC in the elections by a Supreme Court verdict

- Two factions of the APC in the state had been at loggerheads over the authentic party primaries in the state

The Accord Party has declared its intention to form an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state to boost its strength in order to defeat the incumbent Governor Nyesom Wike in the Saturday, March 9 gubernatorial election in the state.

The party's stance is against the backdrop of the exclusion of APC in the elections by a Supreme Court verdict

Two factions of the APC in the state had been at loggerheads over the authentic party primaries in the state before the apex court's ruling.

The governorship candidate of the Accord party, Dumo Lulu Briggs, who addressed a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, February 17, said his party will be happy to partner APC in the elections in the state.

READ ALSO: Election 2019: Governor Yari responsible for polls postponement - Senator Marafa

Briggs said though Accord is strong enough and has the capacity to win the election on its own; the victory will be landslide if the party can get the support of APC in the state.

His words: It remains a matter for the APC to consider if they will collapse their structures into Accord; we are not endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari because we are not expecting anything in return but because we believe in the efficacy of our elections and the good work that the president is doing, therefore we want him to have a second term.

I can tell you that Accord is very strong in Rivers to win that elections, forget what you see on the television screen, the bigger they come, the harder they fall; to some of you in the media, Governor Wike is like a Goliath, but here is a David; so be rest assured that we are going to win the next governorship election, and if we get the support of the APC, it will be a landslide.

According to him, Rivers state is presently at its lowest ebb in terms of development, adding that the level of unemployment in the state has risen to 41.8 per cent, while 18.8 per cent others are underemployed.

He pointed out that the Rivers people are anxiously yearning for change and empowerment, which he said he is known, having empowered many young people with scholarship and money to start off different small scale businesses.

He said Accord Party has agents and supporters in all the polling units across the state, adding that they have their campaign itinerary lined up to reach all the hinterlands in the state to interface with community leaders, young people, market women, saying the reception they have received is awesome.

Meanwhile, KOWA Party has rebuffed claims of endorsing either Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party or President Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling APC ahead of the presidential elections.

The party made the clarification via a statement sent to Legit.ng by the national chairman of the party, Saidu Bobboi on Thursday, February 14.

READ ALSO: Elections 2019: No political party should be blamed for the postponement - Okorocha

Bobboi stated that KOWA Party is an alternative platform to the bigger political parties, stressing that the party has fielded 300 candidates for the 2019 general election at all levels of government including the presidential election.

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Home | News | General | Breaking: Gunmen kill APC chairman of Benue LGA

- Unknown gunmen have killed the chairman of the APC in Ohimini local government srea of Benue state

- The chairman, Boniface Okloho, was killed while returning from a party function

- Benue APC governorship candidate, Emmanuel Jime, has condemned the killing

Unknown gunmen over the weekend assassinated the Boniface Okloho, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ohimini local government area of Benue state, while he was returning from a party function.

Police spokesperson in the state, Moses Yamu, confirmed the killing and said investigation into the murder has started.

The Nation reports that the APC governorship candidate, Emmanuel Jime, also confirmed the killing and called for security operatives to get justice for Okloho.

READ ALSO: APC demands 7 things from INEC ahead of rescheduled elections

Jime said: I condemn in very strong terms, this unnecessary politics of violence and bloodshed that has claimed the life of Mr. Okloho, our beloved brother and staunch member of our great party in Ohimini.

Okloho was one of the committed leaders of our party in Zone C. We regret that he lost his life in such a horrible circumstance, in the service of his state and his party. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Demsa local government area, Adamawa state, Hamisu Mijinyawa, was reportedly kidnapped.

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The party chieftain was said to have been abducted by around 1am on Wednesday, January 30, at his residence ahead of the flag-off of the presidential/governorship campaign in Demsa local government area of the state.

In the same vein, the chairman of the APC in Abia state, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better.

Nigerians rip Buhari, Atiku apart over absence at presidential debate | Legit TV

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Home | News | General | No politician caught with ballot papers - INEC

- INEC has denied allegations in the media that some politicians were caught with original ballot papers

- The electoral commission said the allegation is not true as all sensitive materials are in the commission's custody or the Central Bank of Nigeria

- The commission also said it should be noted that only duly stamped and dated ballot papers would be counted for the poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied the allegations that some politicians, especially in Kogi Central Senatorial District, were caught with ballot papers ahead of February 23 elections.

The commission said the allegations were untrue and insisted that all sensitive materials are in the commission's custody or in the Central Bank's vaults.

In a series of thread on its official Twitter handle, the commission said only duly stamped and dated ballot papers with the endorsement of the INEC Presiding Officer's signature are valid and will be counted for election.

READ ALSO: APC demands 7 things from INEC ahead of rescheduled elections

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria's aviation minister, Captain Hadi Sirika dismissed claims made by the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, saying bad weather prevented movement of election materials on the eve of the postponed elections.

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Professor Yakubu had while addressing stakeholders on Saturday, February 16 in Abuja, stated that some election materials could not be transported by air due to bad weather.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better!

Some of our people traveled for this election, Anambra residents lament| Legit TV

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Harare (AFP) - A Zimbabwe court Monday convicted leading opposition figure Tendai Biti of an election crime and fined him for announcing his own results for presidential polls last July, which he claimed he won.

Biti, a respected former finance minister, proclaimed his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) the victor of the contested July 30 poll which sparked anti-government protests that were put down by soldiers.

Six people were killed in the violence.

Magistrate Gloria Takundwa ordered Biti to pay $200 -- the price of a full tank of petrol -- or go to prison for a week. He was also handed a jail term of six months, which was suspended for five years.

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who was in court, said the conviction "casts a very dark shadow on our politics".

Zimbabwe was thrown into chaos following the elections, the first in the country's history not to feature former president Robert Mugabe following his resignation in the wake of a brief military takeover in November 2017.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa had promised not to repeat the rigging and intimidation that characterised previous votes, but delays in announcing results enraged the opposition and led to street demonstrations.

Mnangagwa, Mugabe's successor at the head of ruling party ZANU-PF, was later declared the winner according to the official results, but the MDC claims the election was rigged.

Biti fled the country for neighbouring Zambia at the height of the poll tensions but was returned to Zimbabwe despite seeking asylum, sparking an international incident.

The international community has urged Mnangagwa to guarantee the safety of Biti, who was the internationally-respected finance minister in Zimbabwe's 2009-2013 power-sharing government.

Biti's lawyer Doug Coltart described Monday's conviction as a "travesty, and said it remained "open to challenge."
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Yemen's government and Huthi rebels have agreed on the first phase of a pullback of forces from the key city of Hodeida, in a deal the United Nations described Sunday as important progress.

The redeployment from Hodeida is a critical part of a ceasefire deal reached in December in Sweden that calls on the government and Huthis to move forces away from ports and parts of city.

The fragile truce deal marks the first step toward ending a devastating war that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

Following two days of talks in Hodeida city, the government and Huthis finalized a deal on the first phase of the pullback and also agreed in principle on the second phase, a UN statement said.

The talks were led by Danish General Michael Lollesgaard as chair of a redeployment coordination committee (RCC) that includes the government and the Huthis.

"After lengthy but constructive discussions facilitated by the RCC Chair, the parties reached an agreement on Phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces," said the UN statement.

The sides made "important progress on planning for the redeployment of forces" but no date was given to begin the demilitarization.

"The parties also agreed, in principle, on Phase 2 of the mutual redeployment, pending additional consultations within their respective leadership."

The first phase provides for a pullback from the ports of Hodeida, Saleef, Ras Issa and from parts of the city where there are humanitarian facilities.

Under the Stockholm agreement, the pullback was supposed to have taken place two weeks after the ceasefire went into force on December 18, but that deadline was missed.

- Getting aid into Yemen -

The United Nations is hoping that a de-escalation in Hodeida will allow desperately-needed food and medical aid to reach millions in need in Yemen.

The Red Sea port is the entry point for the bulk of imported goods and relief aid to Yemen, which the United Nations has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

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A new round is planned within a week to finalize details on the second phase of redeployment, the UN statement said.

The ceasefire and a Hodeida pullback agreed in Stockholm have been hailed as a breakthrough toward ending Yemen's nearly four-year war.

Yemen's rebels have been mired in a war with government forces backed since 2015 by a Saudi-led coalition.

The talks on Saturday and Sunday were the fourth meeting held to try to agree on the modalities of the pullback of forces since the ceasefire came into force on December 18.

The United Nations is also brokering a separate set of talks on an exchange of thousands of prisoners that is seen as a key confidence-building measure in the peace process.

UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who brokered the Stockholm deal, is due to report to the Security Council on Tuesday.

About 10,000 people have been killed in the war, according to figures from the World Health Organization, but rights groups say the death toll is much higher.
































































































How the world mocks Trump in protest art A giant statue of US President Donald Trump depicted as an evil clown holding a French President Emmanuel Macrons puppet in his hand parade during the 135th Nice Carnival on Feb. 16, 2019 in Nice, France (Photo: Patrick Aventurier/Getty Images)

Americans arent the only ones with strong feelings about President Trump. Protest art and other depictions have cropped up in countries like Indonesia, Serbia, France and Japan, mocking and belittling the U.S. leader.

And those depictions have continued as Trump visited Europe this week, first to meet other NATO leaders, then to visit with the queen of England, and finally to sit down with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trumps critics in the United Kingdom have even created a Trump baby balloon version of him.

Click through to see how the celebrity president is represented both in the U.S. and abroad. (Yahoo News)

See more news-related photo galleries and follow Yahoo News Photo on Twitter and Tumblr.
The wife of one of five people killed in last weeks Aurora, Illinois, massacre revealed her husbands final text message: I love you, Ive been shot at work.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Terra Pinkard grieved husband Josh, who was killed Friday at water valve manufacturer Henry Pratt Co. when a fired employee opened fire. Six law enforcers were wounded.

Pinkard called the day a literal nightmare.

It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real, she wrote of the text from her husband. She said she called him, texted him back and attempted to FaceTime him with no response.

I called his plant and a lady answered and said she was barricaded in her room and police were everywhere. Of course my heart dropped.

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Delivering the news to her family, Pinkard said, I told my children their dad did not make it and is in heaven with Jesus. Ive never had to do something that hard.

Pinkard described Josh, the newly appointed plant manager, as brilliant, her best friend and the man I would have leaned on during devastation like this who would tell me its ok Terra, it is all going to be fine.

The man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.




Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has declined to say if he nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Mr Trumps assertion on Friday that Mr Abe had nominated him for the honour and sent him a copy of the letter has led to criticism in Japan.

Questioned in parliament about reports he had done so, Mr Abe said: In light of the Nobel Committees policy of not disclosing recommenders and nominees for 50 years, I decline to comment.

However, neither the prime minister nor his spokesman denied Mr Trumps comment.

The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported on Sunday, citing unnamed government sources, that Mr Abe had nominated Mr Trump at the presidents request.

Mr Trump claims Mr Abe nominated him for the prestigious award and sent him a copy of the letter, following a White House request.

I never said I didnt nominate him, Mr Abe said in response to a follow-up question by Yuichiro Tamaki, a politician for the opposition Democratic Party for the People.

Mr Tamaki said in a tweet that given the lack of progress on various issues with North Korea that he was concerned such a nomination would send the wrong message to North Korea and the rest of international society.

In responding to Mr Tamakis questions in parliament, Mr Abe praised Mr Trump, saying he has been decisively responding towards resolving North Koreas nuclear and missile problems, and last year he held historic US-North Korea summit talks.

Mr Abe added that Mr Trump had also passed on to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Japans own concerns about abductions of Japanese citizens by Pyongyang, saying he and the entire White House also actively cooperated in resolving the issue.

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I highly praise President Trumps leadership, Mr Abe said.

Mr Trumps claim that Mr Abe had sent him a beautiful copy of a letter sent to the Nobel Committee could not be immediately verified.

Trump had said: Prime Minister Abe of Japan gave me the most beautiful copy of a letter that he sent to the people who give out a thing called the Nobel Prize, the US president said. [Abe] said, I have nominated you, respectfully, on behalf of Japan. I am asking them to give you the Nobel Prize.

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He had rocket ships, and he had missiles flying over Japan, and they had alarms going off, you know that, Trump continued. Now all of a sudden, they feel good. They feel safe. I did that.

The governments top spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, echoed Mr Abes remarks in refusing further comment.

Former president Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, his first year in office, for laying out the US commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.

Mr Trump complained on Friday that Mr Obama was there for about 15 seconds before he was awarded the prize.

The deadline each year for nominations is midnight on January 31. According to the website of the Nobel Committee, there are 304 candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize for 2019. It said 219 are individuals and 85 are organisations.

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Erika Christensen, her husband, Garin Marschall, and their daughter, Pepper Marschall, age 1, at home in Brooklyn. (Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News)

It had been two and a half years since Erika Christensen had flown from New York to Colorado for a late-term abortion, but the news over the last few weeks brought it all back to her: the articles and protesters who called changes in New York and Virginia law infanticide, and the State of the Union speech that made the same claim. This convergence of voices saying that the agonizing choice she had made with her husband, Garin Marschall, was equivalent to murder. So they started writing.

He wrote an open letter, titled We are later abortion patients. He wrote: We are not monsters. We are your family, your neighbors, someone you love.

She, in turn, wrote on the websites of several support groups  secret, members-only sites with names like Ending a Wanted Pregnancy.

Are you a later abortion patient (21 wks+) from anywhere in the country who is interested in a quick advocacy opportunity for later abortion access? her messages said. Please reach out through any of our channels or PM for more info. #theirliesdependonoursilence.

Before long they had nearly 130 signatures on his letter, more than half from people going public with their stories for the first time.

In the course of the struggle over abortion rights in the U.S., there have been periodic episodes of attention to late-term terminations, defined as ending a pregnancy after about the 20th week. Each spike brings a wave of patients who step forward to share details of their own late abortion, hoping to give a human face to what they describe as personal anguish but know that some others see as callous disregard for life. In the past few weeks there has been a larger, more public and seemingly angrier outpouring of such tales than in recent memory, one that seems in keeping with these angrier, more anguished times.

Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News

People told us Im sick of hiding, Im sick of pretending that this didnt happen in my life, says Christensen, who herself had to travel from her home in Brooklyn to a clinic in Colorado for an abortion in her 32nd week of pregnancy. The son she was carrying had a number of malformations which doctors told the couple were incompatible with life. If he were born alive, he would suffocate either immediately or soon after birth. By the time this could be diagnosed with certainty on a sonogram, she was well past the 24-week cutoff for termination in New York state.

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Those who signed her letter have similar tales and are angry at being accused of killing their babies on a whim, Christensen said. They hope their stories can add context to this hideous rhetoric that were hearing.

Only 1 percent of abortions in the U.S.  around 15,000 a year  occur in the 21st week or beyond, according to the Guttmacher Institute. The organization, which both sides of the debate usually credit as an impartial source, says there is no hard data on the reasons for those abortions, but offers some explanations. Some women do not know they are pregnant until well into their pregnancy, some try to have the procedure sooner but are stymied by legal or practical obstacles such as waiting periods and the need to travel long distances to clinics, and some only learn of fetal anomalies or risks to their own health until the second or third trimester.

This small percentage of pregnancies has been in the news a great deal, as some states seek to secure abortion rights in anticipation that the Supreme Court will overturn federal protections. New Yorks Reproductive Health Act, for which Christensen and Marschall have been lobbying for for several years, would allow abortions after 24 weeks if the fetus is not viable or if there is a risk to the mothers health, eliminating the need to travel to other states. And Virginias HB 2491 would have expanded the circumstances under which third trimester abortions would be permissible, including nonviability and severe fetal anomaly.

PreTrump referred to both during his State of the Union address, saying, among other things, that Lawmakers in New York cheered with delight upon the passage of legislation that would allow a baby to be ripped from the mothers womb moments before birth.

Photo: Yana Paskova for Yahoo News

Anti-abortion groups are pleased with this recent focus on later abortions, says Mallory Quigley, vice president of communications for the Susan B. Anthony List, because they regard it as a wedge issue that can bring voters around to their side. Polls find that 60 percent of Americans say abortion should be legal in the first three months, 28 percent in the second three months and 13 percent in the final three months.

The pro-life movement is only too glad to talk about [later-term abortion], Quigley said. When its in the news like this, theres a visceral reaction and people are repulsed.

To be clear, the goal of the anti-abortion movement is to end all abortions; activists hope to capitalize on the publics visceral reaction to aborting a fetus late in pregnancy to make it illegal at any point.

But patients who have had abortions after the first trimester say public opinion reflects the fact that the issue is oversimplified at best and lied about at worst  by voices that now include the president of the United States.

To have the nation recoil in disgust and horror at what was our lives has a lot of us feeling tense and exhausted, said Margot Finn, a lecturer at the University of Michigan and an administrator of the private Ending a Wanted Pregnancy Facebook page, which she says has seen a surge in membership requests in recent weeks. And then our president called us murderers in his State of the Union address and promised to make what many of us did illegal. Half of his audience our elected representatives  stood and applauded that line.

People who condemn this law often have no apparent familiarity with the circumstances that cause people to seek abortions after 24 weeks, she wrote in her own coming-out essay in Slate soon after the State of the Union with the angry title I Had a Late-Term Abortion. President Trump and Pro-Lifers Have No Right to Call Me a Murderer.

They assume the babies aborted after this point would otherwise be healthy and the only reason to end any pregnancy is because you were careless with sex, she wrote. They seem to assume ending your pregnancy after 24 weeks is something you do because you find pregnancy suddenly inconvenient.

The lies, its hard to watch the lies, agreed said Val Goehring, a Baltimore pharmacist and mother of two who terminated her pregnancy with her third child, a daughter, in her 27th week last August.

During the State of the Union, the president told lies about women like me who have been through hell, she said. I was yelling at the TV, They dont kill healthy babies when they are coming through the birth canal. Thats not how any of this works. Thats a personal attack on me and the memory of my daughter.

President Trump delivers the State of the Union address as Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi look on, Feb. 5, 2019. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP)

Goehring was in her 25th week when an ultrasound was able to give an accurate view of the fetal face, which had no nose, a cleft down the center and eyes where the temples should be. Moving outward, it became clear that the vessels around the heart were misaligned and there was a large cyst near the brain stem. After an autopsy, Goehring would learn that the reason was a condition called acromelic frontonasal dysostosis, and that her daughter was the 19th recorded case in all of medical literature. She has since found two children who survived with the condition for several years, both of whom needed reconstructive surgery just to breathe, do not walk, sit or talk, have trachs and breathing tubes, she says.

Looking at the sonogram, and hearing doctors opinions of the prognosis, Goehring and her husband opted to terminate. I couldnt risk bringing my daughter into this world to suffer, she says. I couldnt do this to my two living children either.

Maryland allows abortion until late in pregnancy for any medical reason and Vanessa Marie Goehring was born and died on August 28 of last year. Watching the president speak earlier this month Goehring says I wanted to get a loudspeaker and say I loved my daughter, I wanted my daughter, I didnt just change my mind about having her. Instead of doing that, she signed onto Christensen and Marschalls letter when she saw it posted on a Reddit subgroup.

That is the first thing so many patients whove had late abortions say at the start of a conversation: They were wanted.

Carolyn Harpers daughter was so wanted that she tried to carry to term even while knowing the girl would die. Her first sonogram, at 22 and a half weeks, showed fluid buildup on the brain that would be fatal soon after birth, should she even survive that long. Under Michigan law, Harper had four days to have an in-state abortion by the 23-week cut off.

I had only 4 days to make an impossible choice: Should I continue to carry my daughter, giving her the gift of her full natural lifespan  brief as it was?, Harper wrote on a secret Facebook group the day after the State of the Union, in a post that received 4,000 comments and 30,000 likes. It was the first time she had discussed her pregnancy publicly.

Or should I end it now, she continued, spare myself the months of carrying a child who would die, of fielding excited queries and unsolicited advice? Should I end my child's life before it truly began, in hopes that she would never suffer?

Part of her decision against a 23-week abortion was financial, she says. Termination that was essentially a dilation and evacuation procedure carried a $3,000 fee. A hospital termination, which was the vaginal delivery of a dead baby, was $10,000. Medicaid did not pay for either, and she and her husband did not have the money to pay out of pocket.

But there were other reasons. She decided to carry to term and hope for the best because I wanted to see and hold her, I wanted all the time I could have with her, she wrote. So she named the girl Nienna, after the Tolkien demigod who was the lady of sorrow and mourning but also compassion and wisdom. Then, she waited.

By 29 weeks and five days, Niennas cerebral spinal fluid was draining so poorly that Harper was in danger of a ruptured uterine wall. Nienna was delivered by caesarean section and Harper did get to hold her. They put her right on my chest, she said in an interview with Yahoo News. We believe she lived for about 20 minutes. Her passing was very peaceful and she did not ever seem to be in distress.

Darla Barars twins, in turn, were so wanted that, when in-vitro treatments failed, she and her husband traveled to the Czech Republic to hire a surrogate egg donor. They named the girls Olivia and Catherine and looked forward to passing the 20-week mark, when the risk of miscarriage for the twins was essentially over.

Peter and Darla Barar with their kids, Noah and Olivia. (Photo: Courtesy of the Barar family)

But at the 20-week scan they learned that Catherine, whom they had nicknamed Cate, had a number of physical anomalies, the worst of which was a neural tube defect, or encephalocele. She was also a few weeks behind her twin in growth, had some apparent brain malformation and a large cleft lip and palate, which made it impossible to swallow amniotic fluid, meaning her amniotic sac was growing dangerously large, endangering Olivia.

If she somehow survived to delivery she would face a barrage of surgeries, Barar says, which even in a best-case scenario she would be severely disabled if not a vegetable. And she would likely be born prematurely, another risk to her sister.

The Barars learned all this 12 days before the pregnancy reached 21 weeks, which was the Texas abortion cut off. On the last possible day, doctors injected Cate with a substance that stopped her heart. Then husband and wife lay together on the exam table and cried.

Because she was too developed to be reabsorbed by her mothers body, we saw her at nearly every ultrasound, her mother said. Then, when Barar went into labor at 35 weeks, the twins were born together. Catherine weighed 6.4 ounces and was quite small and shriveled, but was very much a tiny human, her mother said in an interview. We held them together, the only time we got to hold our twins. We sang them Happy Birthday.

In an essay she wrote in addition to signing the online letter, Barar said of Cate: This wasnt a choice of convenience, and she wasnt unwanted. Never think that we went into this with eyes closed or made our decision lightly. I promise you we did not.

Cate Barar's footprints. (Photo: Courtesy of the Barar family)

Another decision that has not been easy for many is whether to talk openly about their late-term abortion. Krista Goodrich, a nuclear medicine technologist in Portland, Maine, says it took me weeks before I would say anything to anybody.

Why? Because I had an abortion, and thats not OK  that was my mindset. That was just nothing that people like me do. It was the stigma that kept me silent.

She had gone for second, third and fourth opinions before doing deciding to abort in April of last year, and while all the doctors said they could operate after birth on the transposed arteries to her sons heart, his displaced bowels and his apparent liver problems, not one could tell her that he would not suffer or ever live a life of any quality.

In the end, she decided it wasnt about me and continuing my pregnancy, it was about my son and saving him from his body, she says. So she was induced on the last day it was legal to have an abortion in her home state, delivering a living 1-pound baby who she held until doctors had to take her to the operating room because they could not successfully deliver her placenta. While she was in surgery, the baby, who she named Lucas, died in her husbands arms.

Back at home, where the nursery was half painted, she told almost no one, then a few close friends, slowly gaining confidence to tell the whole story rather than just saying I lost him. When New York passed its law earlier this month, a distant relative of Goodrichs posted objections to the law  and to all abortion for any reason  on Facebook. Goodrich wrote her a private message with all her own details.

These reasons are very intimate, she wrote, of her choice and of others she learned about in online support groups. Certainly not because the mother doesnt want their child. Women do not just decide that late in pregnancy that they all of a sudden do not want their child. Later-term abortions happen to people like me.

Then a few days later she signed the online letter.

She is pregnant again, with a baby conceived right around Lucass due date. When she passed the 23-week mark, it was a time for both relief and grief  and determination to speak out from now on.

I dont want to be that silent voice, she said. I want to be the voice that helps women to get through it. I could have used that voice while I was going through it, because I felt so alone.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
BI apprehends 2 Africans with fake Canadian visas

posted February 18, 2019 at 10:40 pm by Vito Barcelo February 18, 2019 at 10:40 pm

The Bureau of Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport held two Africans who recently attempted to enter and leave the country for Canada with fake Canadian visas. The foreigners, identified as Etienne Makang Nformem, a Cameroonian national and Abdelmotalab Idris Himat Mohamed, a Sudanese were intercepted at the NAIA 1. BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina said the Africans were arrested separately at the NAIA terminal 1 by members of the bureaus travel control and enforcement unit. We were able to frustrate their plan to gain entry into Canada illegally because their fraudulent scheme did not escape the watchful eyes of our immigration officers at the airport, Medina said.He said the two Africans are just the latest catch in the BIs intensified campaign in preventing international syndicates from using Manila as a jump-off point in smuggling illegal aliens to Canada. We are warning these syndicates to stop their nefarious activities because our men at the airports are experts in detecting fraudulent visas and passports, Medina said, adding that the two Africans are now detained at the bureau pending prosecution for violating the immigration act.

COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publications right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section.
AURORA, Ill.  The victims of a gunman's rampage at a manufacturing plant were memorialized in a prayer vigil Sunday as authorities investigated how the killer had a firearm almost five years after his permit was revoked.

The Aurora Prayer Coalition and area churches hosted the vigil at the Henry Pratt Co., where police said Gary Martin fatally shot five co-workers and wounded six other people, including five police officers, before being killed in a gunfight.

About 1,700 people gathered in snow and freezing drizzle at the site, heads bowed as clergy led them in prayer two days after what Rev. Dan Haas described as "senseless killings."

All of these were relatively young people  many of them were very young people. We will never know their gifts and talents. Their lives were snuffed out way too short, Haas said of the victims, who included a 21-year-old university student on his first day as an intern.

The Kane County Coroners Office said autopsies performed on three victims  Russell Beyer, 47, Trevor Wehner, 21, and Clayton Parks, 32  determined a preliminary cause of their deaths as multiple gunshot wounds. An autopsy on Martin, 45, resulted in the same findings, the coroner's office said.

The wounded officers ranged in age from 24 to 53. Aurora police said two remained hospitalized Sunday, and both were expected to survive.

At the vigil, Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin told the crowd: When I thought about the words that I might share with our community and the families of the victims today, I thought to myself that just to simply offer condolences is not enough. It doesnt measure the amount of pain that we feel, for the loss that weve experienced in this community.

Martin, a 15-year employee, had been called into a meeting and was being fired when he began shooting, authorities said. Three people at the meeting, including human resources intern Wehner on his first day at work, were among the victims.

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Police secure the area following a shooting at the Henry Pratt Company on February 15, 2019 in Aurora, Illinois. Five people were reported dead and 5 police officers wounded from the shooting. The gunman has been identified as Gary Martin, a 45-year-old man believed to be an employee at the company.

"I love you so much bro," his brother Thomas wrote on Facebook. "I remember all the times we would fight but no matter what happened I still loved you. Rest easy big bro. Im so proud of you. Ill miss being that annoying little brother to you."

Parks was the human resources manager and Beyer a mold operator. Also killed were plant manager Josh Pinkard and fork lift operator Vicente Juarez.

The company is owned by Mueller Water Products, and President Scott Hall pledged to "continue to work closely with all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies involved. We are grateful to them for their swift and tremendous response efforts."

Martin had his gun permit revoked in 2014 after a background check turned up a felony conviction in Mississippi, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said.

He was not supposed to be in possession of a gun, Ziman said.

More: Rampage victims include HR manager, intern and forklift operator

More: Gunman in shooting rampage had 6 prior arrests in Aurora

Martin was issued a firearms ID in January 2014 and applied to purchase a Smith & Wesson handgun from an Aurora gun dealer two months later. Days later, when Martin applied for a conceal carry permit, it was discovered he had a felony conviction in 1995 for aggravated assault in Mississippi.

Martin's conceal carry permit was rejected, and his firearms ID was revoked by Illinois State Police.

Ziman said state police should have sent Martin a letter informing him that he was illegally in possession of a firearm and needed to turn in his weapon. Police are trying to determine whether that letter was sent and why the gun was never turned in.

In addition to the Mississippi conviction, Martin had been arrested six times by Aurora police, including once in 2008 for a domestic matter. He was arrested in 2017 in nearby Oswego for disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property.

Bacon reported from Mclean, Va. Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vigil honors victims of gun rampage at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, Illinois
Exaggerated collars, leopard print and a strong colour palette: British designer Victoria Beckham turned to "pinches of the '70s" as she showcased her latest collection Sunday at London Fashion Week.

The former Spice Girl chose the rarified galleries of the Tate Britain museum, a neoclassical building home to some of the country's most treasured art, for only her second catwalk show in the British capital.

"I have been thinking about what women want, about modern femininity," she told audiences in show notes describing her autumn/winter 2019 collection.

"There are touches of retro, pinches of the '70s. Yet it's all brought together into something encapsulating what we call the modern feminine alphabet," the 44-year-old said.

The audience was as expected packed with fashion industry celebrities, including Vogue magazine heavyweights Anna Wintour and Edward Enninful.

Meanwhile her family, from husband David Beckham to kids Romeo, 16, Cruz, 13, and seven-year-old Harper, were front row to show their support.

Beckham celebrated a decade of her brand -- previously only exhibited in New York -- by showcasing in London for the first time, in the autumn of 2018, in a homecoming of sorts.

"The studio is based here, as is our flagship store, and I felt I wanted to continue to be a part of London Fashion Week," she told The Guardian of the decision to feature in Britain again.

This time around the designer said she wanted to accentuate "lots of colour, lots of pattern" in her collection, with a bold palette ranging from absinthe green to lipstick red, dusty pink to pale teal.

Tweeds, wools and silks were "matched and mismatched", in everything from blazers and trousers to sweaters and scarves, alongside a plethora of high-heeled boots, closed or open-toed.

"Throughout, there is a celebration of the inherent femininity of dresses -- ideas of their past, and proposals for the future," the designer explained in her show notes.

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Despite being a respected figure in the fashion landscape, Beckham is still sailing in troubled financial waters, with losses rising to 10.3 million ($13.3 million, 11.7 million euros) for 2017, according to figures published in December.

Meanwhile after the show, while her crew packed up, around 20 activists from "Extinction Rebellion", a civil disobedience campaign group focused on climate change, blocked traffic in front of the museum to raise awareness for the cause.

Dozens of protesters also targeted the main fashion week venue on The Strand in central London as they called on the industry to do more to reduce its impact on resources.

"We are in an ecological emergency and we need all sectors of society to tell truth about that, and that especially includes the cultural sectors who are some of the best communicators," Clare Farrell, one of the organisers, told AFP.
Abu Dhabi (AFP) - The US is still supporting the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen, an American army general told AFP Sunday, days after lawmakers voted to end involvement in Riyadh's war effort.

The US continues to "provide support to the coalition, in particular to help them... be discriminative in targeting and to minimise the risk of civilian causalities", said Major General David C. Hill, deputy commander of US Army Central.

The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to direct President Donald Trump to end within 30 days all participation in hostilities "in or affecting Yemen", where Washington supports the Saudi-led coalition against Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

The US has been providing bombs and other weapons, as well as intelligence support, to the coalition, but announced in November it was ending refuelling of Saudi warplanes.

The World Health Organisation says some 10,000 people have been killed since the coalition intervened in 2015, but rights groups state the death toll could be five times as high.

The White House maintains close relations with Riyadh, but the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi's Istanbul consulate in October has been followed by lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle increasingly pushing back.

Should the Senate pass the resolution on Yemen, it could force Trump to issue the first veto of his tenure.

In other comments to AFP on the sidelines of a military exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Hill said US Central Command remains focused on fighting Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group in the Middle East.

"I believe that the end of the physical caliphate doesn't mean the end of ISIS" he said, using an alternative acronym for IS.

"We will continue to work closely with our partners across the region here to do just that."

The US is set to pull its soldiers out of Syria after allied Kurdish-led forces capture IS' last holdout in the war-torn country, nearly five years after the jihadists proclaimed a "caliphate" across large swathes of the country and neighbouring Iraq.

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In December Trump shocked allies when he announced he would withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria because IS had already been "beaten".

The withdrawal plan is set to be accelerated after a victory announcement.

"We are conducting a withdrawal from Syria... but I am confident that we remain postured to continue fighting against ISIS," Hill told AFP.
Sydney (AFP) - The viability of a key river that feeds into Australia's biggest water system is under threat if poor conditions that killed millions of fish are not improved within six months, scientists warned Monday.

The management of the Murray-Darling River system, which stretches thousands of kilometres across several states and supplies Australia's food bowl, has been under close scrutiny following three mass fish deaths in December and January.

Authorities said millions of fish died in the Darling River events, blamed on low water flow and oxygen levels in the river as well as possibly toxic algae.

Leading scientists who studied the three bouts of kills said that while a severe drought plaguing inland eastern Australia contributed to the deaths, there were also "serious deficiencies in governance and management" of the river network.

"Our review of the fish kills found there isn't enough water in the Darling system to avoid catastrophic outcomes," said Craig Moritz, chair of the independent expert panel commissioned by the opposition Labor Party to investigate the deaths.

He said an analysis of rainfall and river flow data over recent decades points to "excess water extraction upstream" in the agricultural regions of Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) states.

If urgent steps are not taken within six months to increase the flow of water, the expert report said, the "viability of the Darling" as well as the communities that depend on it for their livelihoods would be under threat.

Authorities in 2014 launched a vast MurrayDarling Basin Plan to manage water sharing and usage along the length of the system, which runs through five states and territories.

Last month a Royal Commission launched by South Australia state accused officials of "maladministration", "negligence" and "unlawful" actions in implementing the plan.

Environmental activists and many residents living along the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling system have put much of the blame on abusive water extraction for irrigation by agribusinesses, including major cotton farms in Queensland and NSW.

But officials of Australia's conservative federal government have focused on the impacts of prolonged drought and an unprecedented heat wave during this southern summer as the primary causes of low water flow in the Darling River.

Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price said Monday that "significant rainfall" was needed to alleviate the poor water quality and that release of more water into the system from upstream dams would not improve the conditions.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's off-hand comment in Warsaw about Poland and the Holocaust set in motion a diplomatic crisis that on Monday scuttled this week's summit of central European leaders in Israel.

Poland's abrupt decision to cancel its participation in the planned Visegrad conference in protest blew up the gathering, which Netanyahu has touted as a major milestone in his outreach to emerging democracies in eastern Europe and his broader goal of countering the criticism Israel typically faces in international forums.

The crisis was sparked last week when Netanyahu told reporters that "Poles cooperated with the Nazis." The seemingly innocuous comment infuriated his Polish hosts, who reject suggestions that their country collaborated with Hitler.

Poland's prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, announced Sunday that he would be skipping this week's Visegrad summit, a gathering with fellow prime ministers from Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz was supposed to replace him at Tuesday's meeting in Jerusalem, the first time the gathering is being held outside of Europe.

But after Israel's acting foreign minister reiterated the collaboration claims, Morawiecki cancelled Poland's participation altogether, denouncing the comments as "racist." As a result, the summit was called off and Netanyahu was planning to meet the other leaders independently.

Lost in the diplomatic uproar was that Netanyahu was actually defending his close alliance with Poland and other eastern European leaders when he made his comments.

Historians and domestic critics have accused Netanyahu of cozying up too tightly to nationalistic leaders who have promoted a distorted image of the Holocaust and turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism associated with them.

Morawiecki himself last year equated Polish perpetrators of the Holocaust to supposed "Jewish perpetrators." Netanyahu has recently hosted leaders of Lithuania, Ukraine and other countries who have engaged in selective World War II-era commemorations that play down their countries' culpability while making heroes out of anti-Soviet nationalists involved in the mass killing of Jews.

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In response to a question from The Associated Press during his two-day visit to Warsaw, Netanyahu said he raises the issue of historical revisionism with the various leaders. He rejected the notion he was a partner to diminishing anyone's complicity in the genocide of Jews in World War II.

"I know the history. I don't starch it and I don't whitewash it. In Lithuania, in particular, there were some horrible things. No one is concealing that," said Netanyahu, the son of a historian. "This whole idea that we diminish history  we don't distort, and we don't hide, and no one has any interest in that, on the contrary."

In the same briefing with his travelling press corps, Netanyahu tried to deflect prominent criticism by Israeli historians of the deal he struck with Polish leaders over their country's controversial Holocaust speech law, which criminalized blaming the Polish nation for crimes committed against Jews during World War II.

Israeli officials saw it as an attempt by Poland to suppress discussion of the well-documented killing of Jews by Poles during and after the wartime German occupation.

"Poles collaborated with the Nazis and I don't know anyone who was ever sued for such a statement," Netanyahu told the reporters.

However, some media outlets reported him saying "THE Poles," which set off an angry rebuke in Warsaw, including a summoning of the Israeli ambassador for clarifications. Netanyahu's office said he was misquoted and blamed the misunderstanding on an editing error in an Israeli newspaper.

Netanyahu's office then reiterated that he "spoke of Poles and not the Polish people or the country of Poland." That only got him in hotter water at home for seemingly catering to the Polish obsession over his wording.

"The prime minister of the Jewish state is selling out the memory of the Holocaust for a dubious alliance with an anti-Semitic leader," said Tamar Zandberg, leader of the opposition Meretz party.

Nonetheless, the Polish government said it considered Netanyahu's response insufficient and threatened to withdraw from the conference.

With emotions running high in Poland, Israel's new acting foreign minister, Israel Katz, went on TV Sunday to reiterate that "Poles collaborated with the Nazis"  even mentioning Poles who "sucked anti-Semitism with their mothers' milk."

That prompted Poland to withdraw completely. Following that announcement, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the so-called V4 summit was cancelled altogether and bilateral meetings would be held instead.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon confirmed the summit was off, saying all four prime ministers had to be present for it to take place.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is already in Israel, is another leader who has trod into the sensitive terrain of World War II conduct.

Orban has lavished praise on Miklos Horthy, Hungary's World War II-era ruler, who introduced anti-Semitic laws and collaborated with the Nazis. Orban also has backed a state-funded museum that experts say plays down the role of Hungarian collaborators and also used anti-Semitic imagery in a campaign against the liberal American-Hungarian billionaire George Soros.

When pressed by the AP, though, Netanyahu came to his ally's defense.

"His response was the most direct, saying 'we are not willing to accept this,'" Netanyahu responded. "He (Orban) attacked Horthy at some point. They are going the furthest here."

Netanyahu also addressed his warm welcome in January to President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine, whose parliament had just designated the birthday of Ukrainian wartime collaborator Stepan Bandera a national holiday.

Bandera's forces fought alongside the Nazis and were implicated in the murder of thousands of Jews. The same day Poroshenko was visiting Israel, another memorial was being erected in Kiev for Symon Petliura, whose troops are linked to pogroms that killed as many as 50,000 Jews after World War I.

Netanyahu said he was not aware of that specifically but that he had some discussions with Poroshenko on the larger issue.

"I spoke to him too. I speak to them all. It's not that we can't raise the issue. We raise it freely," he insisted.

Still, he then quickly shifted attention toward the contemporary anti-Semitism from the "anarchist left" and Muslim communities.

"I think the mass of anti-Semitism today in Europe is what is happening in western Europe," Netanyahu said. "What is happening in Britain is astounding. This is the new phenomenon. There is the anti-Semitism of the right that hasn't changed. That existed and still exists."

___

Follow Heller at www.twitter.com/aronhellerap
SANAA, Yemen (AP)  U.N. envoy Martin Griffiths arrived on Sunday in the capital, Sanaa, to discuss the "complex situation" in and around the key port city of Hodeida, Yemeni security officials said.

The Houthi rebels said their leader, Abdul-Malek al-Houthi, met with Griffiths to discuss the implementation of peace deals from December talks with Yemen's internationally recognized government.

In Sweden in December, the two sides agreed to confidence-building measures, including to a cease-fire in Hodeida and the exchange of thousands of prisoners. But the implementation of those deals has been slow and marred by violence.

Separately, Yemeni security officials said a bout of fighting between Houthi rebels and tribal fighters in the northern province of Hajjah has killed more than 85 combatants in the past two days.

The officials said weeks of fighting has displaced dozens of families from the Hajour tribe in the Kushar district in Hajjah.

They say the tribe sought help from the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognized government in the fight against the Houthis. The coalition bombed the rebels who sieged the district, the officials said.

The officials spoke anonymously as they weren't authorized to brief journalists.

Yemen, the poorest Arab country, plunged into civil war in 2014, when the Iran-backed rebels captured the capital, Sanaa. The Saudi-led coalition intervened a year later.

The fighting has taken a terrible toll on civilians, with thousands killed amid a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Millions suffer from food and medical care shortages and the country has been pushed to the brink of famine.
By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Ukraine's foreign minister asked the European Union on Monday for hundreds of millions of euros in loans and aid for infrastructure and businesses in its troubled east and south, regions he said Russia was trying to "suffocate". EU foreign ministers were discussing increasing support for Ukraine, which holds a presidential election next month in tough conditions. Russia annexed its Crimea peninsula in 2014 and backs armed separatists in its eastern industrial Donbas region. The EU's top diplomat also confirmed the bloc would put more Russians under sanctions over Moscow's standoff with Kiev in the Azov Sea, to the southeast of Ukraine. "We need targeted... support for the Ukrainian south, to work with us on infrastructure... Further Russian attempts to destabilize Ukraine's south would be very detrimental for European security," Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told reporters in Brussels. "(There is) an attempt to suffocate the whole Ukrainian Donbas... We need infrastructure, it's about roads and railways. And to support people... help them to launch new small and medium businesses because we need to fundamentally reshuffle the whole economic model there," he added. President Petro Poroshenko, elected amid high hopes for change in Ukraine after street protests ousted his pro-Russian predecessor in 2014, is in an uphill battle for re-election after his popularity plunged over graft and sliding living standards. Klimkin accused Russia of turning the Donbas region - which remains outside the control of the Kiev government - into a "big (money) laundering machine". The EU's top diplomat, Federica Mogherini, who chaired Monday's ministerial meeting, stressed the bloc's "unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty" but also urged Kiev to press on with economic and political reforms. Confirming the planned new sanctions against more Russians, she said: "I believe the formal adoption of the legal acts will be finalised in the coming days." Despite Western pressure, Moscow has vowed never to return Crimea - home to Russia's Black Sea fleet - to Ukraine. A peace plan for eastern Ukraine, sponsored by Germany and France, has helped put an end to heavy fighting there but has since largely stalled. Relations between the EU and Russia plunged to fresh lows last year over the poisoning of a former Russian double agent in Britain. But the EU is divided over how hard to punish Moscow - or how far to support Kiev - as some would prefer to prioritize business ties with Russia. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska; Editing by Gareth Jones)
A teenage girl who fled Britain to join Islamic State has said the Manchester Arena bombing was justified.

In an interview with the BBC, Shamima Begum, now 19, said the deaths of 22 innocent people in the terrorist attack on an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 were akin to the women and children being bombed in Syria.

She said: I do feel that its wrong that innocent people did get killed. Its one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you, its self-defence, but to kill the people like women and children.

Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. Its a two-way thing really.

Because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now and its kind of retaliation.

Like, their justification was that it was retaliation so I thought OK, that is a fair justification.

The mother-of-three, who gave birth to her third child at the weekend, left east London with two friends in 2015 to join the terrorist group.

She was partly inspired by videos of fighters beheading hostages and partly by other propaganda films showing the good life IS could offer.

Shamima Begum told the BBC she didnt see herself as an IS poster girl (Picture: BBC)

Since she has been there, her two older children have died. The teenager insisted she did not ask to be the subject of international media attention and didnt ask to be an IS poster girl.

She said: I didnt want to be on the news at first. I know a lot of people, after they saw that me and my friends came, it actually encouraged them.

I did hear, yeah, a lot of people were encouraged to come after I left but I wasnt the one that put myself on the news. We didnt want to be on the news.

UK authorities now face the difficult question of what to do if Ms Begum manages to return to Britain.

Her familys lawyer, Tasnime Akunjee, said he anticipated that she would face criminal proceedings upon any return to the UK, but said it was the familys hope that she would be given professional help following her experience in Syria.

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He told BBC Breakfast: The family have gone out of their way from day one to try to get her away from the IS narrative and the context which she finds herself in.

Shes been there for four years and we would be surprised if she hadnt been further damaged beyond the degree she had already been groomed into.

The family are concerned, as they have been for the last four years, not just to get her away, but, as of yesterday, to make sure that their grandchild  her child  is not influenced by that sort of thinking.

Earlier, he said the UK has a moral duty to let her come home, and compared her to a shellshocked soldier from the First World War.

Speaking to ITVs Good Morning Britain on Monday, he said: They said the same thing about First World War soldiers in the middle of shellshock.

Shamima Begum has just given birth to a boy (Picture: PA)

Co-presenter Richard Madeley said the comparison was a bit of a stretch.

At the weekend, Mr Akunjee said any attempt to deny Ms Begum due process would mean she was being treated worse than Nazi war criminals.

He told The Times: In terms of the political landscape what shes saying isnt helpful [but] shes somebody who was persuaded to go out there. She will need help. She will obviously have to be de-radicalised.

The Nazis had the Nuremberg trials. They were given due process. This girl was a victim when she went out there at 15 years old.

Our politicians are saying that she should be denied protections and due process that would have been granted to Nazis.

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In an interview with Sky News at the weekend, Ms Begum said she did not regret joining IS, and that people should have sympathy for her.

She left Bethnal Green in February 2015 with two other schoolgirls, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase.

Ms Begum claimed she was just a housewife when she left Britain to join Islamic State in Syria and does not regret her decision.

Shamima Begum, right, fled the UK for Syria with fellow teenagers Amira Abase, left, and Kadiza Sultana, centre (Picture: PA)

Ms Begum, who has given birth to a baby boy, accepted she may have made a mistake but told Sky News that living under IS had made her stronger, tougher.

The 19-year-old said she had been attracted to go to Syria after seeing news and videos on the internet which emphasised the role of family, adding that her biggest priority now was her son.

But she admitted she knew the group was carrying out beheadings and executions before she left, adding that she was OK with it at first.

Asked if she felt she made a mistake travelling to Syria, she said: In a way, yes, but I dont regret it because its changed me as a person. Its made me stronger, tougher, you know.

I married my husband, I wouldnt have found someone like him back in the UK.

Ms Begum fled the UK to join IS in Syria (Picture: PA)

I had my kids, I did have a good time there. Its just that then things got harder and I couldnt take it any more and I had to leave.

Ms Begum was speaking next to her newborn son, who she said she had named after her previous son who died, in accordance with her husbands wishes.

She told The Times last week while heavily pregnant that she wishes to bring up her baby in the UK, and her family have begged for her to be shown mercy and to be allowed to return to east London.

She said she felt a lot of people should have sympathy for me as she did not know what she was getting into when she left the UK, before acknowledging that it would be really hard to be rehabilitated into British society.

She said: It would be really hard, everything I have been through.

Im still kind of in the mentality of planes over my head and having the emergency backpack and starving and all these things.

It would be a really big shock to go back to the UK and start a life again.
The UGG brand has announced the upcoming launch of a collaboration with American fashion brand Eckhaus Latta for the fall/winter 2019 season. This collection of footwear and coats was unveiled last week at New York Fashion Week.

Collaborations continue for UGG, each time bringing something fresh to the brand's offering. After joining forces with the Japanese streetwear brand Bape, UGG headed to New York Fashion Week to present the fruit of an exceptional partnership with Eckhaus Latta. The result is a collection of footwear styles -- sometimes inspired by iconic UGG models -- as well as a series of coats.

"We like the fact that the UGG products are so laid-back that they've surpassed their casual status to become style icons," said the American brand's designers, Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta, in a statement. "To be able to add something to this icon has been an honor."

The collaboration brings a collection of six footwear creations -- four women's styles and two unisex designs. These include the "Court Boot" and "Court Mule," with a wooden heel contrasting with lamb suede and a sheepskin lining, as well as the "Court Mule Open Toe," finished in suede and sheepskin, and the "Court Not Clog" featuring Toscana sheepskin.

A boot model, inspired by the "Classic" UGG book, and a slide style complete this footwear selection. These "Block Boot" and "Block Slide" models are both unisex designs.

The collection also features four coats in Toscana sheepskin or curly sheepskin. The collection is due out in September.
The Bureau of Internal Revenues move to trace the number of Chinese nationals working in online gaming business in the country is a good measure, the Palace said on Monday after the BIR required foreign- and local-based offshore gaming operators (POGOs) to register with the tax agency. Thats a good measure to determine exactly how many Chinese nationals are here in violation of our laws. From my point of view, the move of BIR is a good thing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. I think they really want to determine the number of [Chinese] nationals because thats connected to the declaration of income for us to collect the right amount of corporate tax, he added. In a statement on Sunday, the BIR said the registration of POGOs would now be required for the renewal of their license to operate from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. We want to trace these Chinese nationals employed by these gaming operators. They allowed us to join the task force because we are asking data from Immigration and DOLE on the list of these foreign nationals, BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa said in the statement. According to Guballa, the implementation of the Revenue Memorandum Circular 78-2018 gave the tax agency more teeth over online gaming operations in the country. It also effectively reinforced RMC 102-2017. Under RMC-No 102-2017, the online activity is sufficient to constitute doing business in the Philippines. Thus, a foreign corporation engaged in POGO is considered as Resident Foreign Corporation engaged in business in the Philippines and not a Nonresident Foreign Corporation. With this, the BIR said it already tapped the Department of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Department of Finance to observe the influx of Chinese nationals working in the online gaming scene. Last month, the Palace allayed concerns the apparent surge of Chinese workers in the country would diminish job opportunities for Filipinos.Even after he admitted it as a reality, Panelo argued that the efflux of Chinese nationals in the country was because of the supposed shortage in Filipino manpower in the construction industry. But he stressed that those who would enter the country through lawful means must be a cause of alarm. Last November, President Rodrigo Duterte told government officials to be cautious in deporting Chinese nationals who illegally worked in the country. Earlier that month, the Bureau of Immigration deported at least 36 Chinese nationals who were caught illegally working in online gambling dens and in shopping malls in Metro Manila. In that same month, the DOLE reported there were about 115,652 foreign tourists, including 51,000 Chinese nationals, who ended up as workers in the country in 2015 to 2017. On top of that, over 119,000 have been given special working permits, most of whom are working as POGOs, excluding illegal workers. The BI also noted that 393 foreign nationals were arrested in last year, including 304 Chinese nationals for overstaying or working without permit.
By Steven Grattan CUCUTA, Colombia (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, visiting the Colombia-Venezuela border on Sunday, warned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of severe consequences if he takes action against the country's opposition leader and self-declared president or U.S. citizens. In a televised interview, Rubio declined to say if he would support U.S. military action against Venezuela, which is mired in a political and economic crisis. But the Republican senator said he was confident that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration would not stand by if the Venezuelan government harmed or imprisoned opposition leader Juan Guaido, who declared himself interim president last month. "There are certain lines and Maduro knows what they are," Rubio, a senator from Florida seen as an influential voice on Venezuela policy in Washington, told CNN. "The consequences will be severe and they will be swift." Rubio also warned Maduro against harming U.S. personnel working in the country and said the United States would also respond if aide workers were targeted. The senator was part of a U.S. delegation visiting the Colombian border city of Cucuta, where humanitarian aid is being stockpiled for planned delivery to Venezuela. While Maduro is refusing to allow in the food, medicine and other supplies, Guaido has vowed to move hundreds of tonnes of the aid into the country on Saturday. Guaido has said he will announce details on Monday of how he plans to get the aid into the country from Colombia, Brazil and Curacao, despite Maduro's opposition. The Feb. 23 deadline sets the stage for a showdown with Maduro, who calls the aid a U.S.-orchestrated show and denies any crisis despite many Venezuelans' scant access to food and medicine. It is unclear whether the military will allow aid to cross the border. Most Western countries and many of Venezuela's neighbors have recognized Guaido as the legitimate head of state after Maduro won a second term in an election last year that critics denounced as a sham. Maduro retains the backing of Russia and China and control of Venezuelan state institutions including the military. The U.S. delegation included Carlos Trujillo, the U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States, and Republican U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida. (Reporting by Steven Grattan in Cucuta; Additional reporting by Jason Lange in Washington; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Peter Cooney)
Beirut (AFP) - A double bomb attack in Syria's jihadist-held city of Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, a war monitor said.

The first blast was caused by a bomb planted under a car in the main city of the Idlib region, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

A motorcycle bomb detonated after ambulances arrived at the scene of the first explosion, the Britain-based monitoring group said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, which the Observatory said also wounded at least 51, updating an earlier casualty toll.

Idlib, the last major part of Syria still outside the control of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, is held by an alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.

HTS took administrative control of the whole of the region last month, after overpowering smaller Turkey-backed factions.

The Islamic State group also has sleeper cells in the area.

A local office of the "Salvation Government", an administrative body created by HTS, is located on the street targeted by Monday's attack.

Four HTS fighters were killed in the blast, the Observatory said, while the other 20 victims were civilians.

Idlib has been protected from a massive regime offensive since September by a buffer zone deal agreed by regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey.

But it has been hit by sporadic government shelling.

Eight years into the conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, the government controls nearly two-thirds of the country.
Washington (AFP) - A small group of demonstrators rallied outside the White House Monday to protest President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to fund a wall on the US-Mexico border.

The declaration allows Trump to bypass Congress, which approved only a quarter of the $5.6 billion he wanted for the wall.

"Donald Trump is trying to subvert our democracy," said Sam Crook, 65, a Green Party activist, holding a sign that reads: "Trump is a two-bit tin-pot wannabe dictator."

Although presidents have declared national emergencies before, Friday's action is believed to be the first time one has been used to raise funds that were specifically rejected by Congress.

The action will be fought in court, with California's attorney general already warning that his state will file suit.

The declaration enables him to divert funds from the Pentagon's military construction budget and other sources.
Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump said Monday a top Justice official's reported discussions about invoking the Constitution to remove him from office were part of an "illegal and treasonous" push against him.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein raised the possibility of removing the president in 2017 after Trump fired FBI director James Comey, according to Andrew McCabe, who replaced Comey as the bureau's acting director.

McCabe and Rosenstein "look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.....," Trump said in a series of tweets.

"This was the illegal and treasonous 'insurance policy' in full action!"

Trump has often attacked the federal investigations into his campaign's links to Russia as a "witch hunt" aimed at sabotaging his presidency.

The "insurance policy" he cited refers to an ambiguous text message a top FBI investigator sent to his lover in August 2016 that alludes to their concerns about then candidate Trump, which the president often points to as evidence of a "deep state" conspiracy against him.

"I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andys office  that theres no way he gets elected  but I'm afraid we cant take that risk," the investigator, Peter Strzok, wrote. "Its like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before you're 40."

- Comey firing -

Trump abruptly fired Comey May 9, 2017 as pressure rose over the Russia investigation, setting off alarm bells in the FBI and Justice Department.

According to McCabe, in a lengthy interview that aired Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes," Rosenstein brought up the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment of the US Constitution, which provides for the removal of a sitting president for incapacity.

"Rod raised the issue and discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort," said McCabe, who has a book coming out, "The Threat."

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Rosenstein even pondered wearing a wire to secretly record his conversations with the president, he said.

The deputy attorney general, who remains in office but no longer supervises the Russia investigation, appears never to have acted on those ideas.

"But what I can say is the deputy attorney general was definitely very concerned about the president, about his capacity and about his intent at that point in time," McCabe said.

McCabe himself was fired in March 2018 for "lack of candor" in an internal investigation into the FBI's handling of a 2016 probe into Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

In the interview, McCabe also touched on Trump's inclination to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin over what his own intelligence services are telling him.

He recounts a meeting he did not attend but was witnessed by another FBI agent, in which Trump reportedly said he did not believe North Korea had missiles capable of reaching the United States because Putin had told him that.

"Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses," McCabe said. "To which the president replied, 'I don't care. I believe Putin.'"
Donald Trump has accused his own deputy attorney general of breaking the law in a series of early morning tweets railing against current and former law enforcement officials.

Mr Trump lashed out on Twitter at former FBI director Andrew McCabe, whose new book details his concerns about potential foreign influence over the president, and current deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who initiated special counsel Robert Muellers investigation.

Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, Mr Trump tweeted on Monday morning. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught.

In an interview with CBSs 60 Minutes, Mr McCabe described Mr Rosenstein as having raised the prospect of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Mr Trump from office.

Mr Trump said: This was the illegal and treasonous insurance policy in full action!

The US presidents outburst comes after Mr McCabe, who was fired last year the day before his scheduled retirement, said last week Mr Rosenstein offered in May 2017 to secretly record himself in conversation with Mr Trump following the presidents firing of then-FBI director James Comey.

In an interview with 60 Minutes that aired on Sunday, Mr McCabe said a crime may have been committed when President Trump fired the head of the FBI and tried to publicly undermine an investigation into his campaigns ties to Russia.

McCabe also said the FBI had good reason to open a counterintelligence investigation into whether Mr Trump was in league with Russia, and therefore a possible national security threat, following the firing.

And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russias malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator you have to ask yourself, Why would a president of the United States do that? Mr McCabe said.

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He added: So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?

Asked whether Mr Rosenstein was onboard with the obstruction and counterintelligence investigations, Mr McCabe replied, Absolutely.

Mr McCabe also revealed that when Mr Trump told Mr Rosenstein to put in writing his concerns with Mr Comey  a document the White House initially held up as justification for his firing  the president explicitly asked the Justice Department official to reference Russia in the memo.

Mr Rosenstein did not want to, Mr McCabe said, and the memo that was made public upon Mr Comeys dismissal did not mention Russia and focused instead on Mr Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email server investigation.

He explained to the president that he did not need Russia in his memo, Mr McCabe said. And the president responded, I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP)  For nearly four years, Gavin Grimm has been suing his former school district after it banned him from using the boys bathrooms in high school.

Along the way, he's became a national face for transgender rights. His case almost went to the U.S. Supreme Court. He graduated and moved to California but kept fighting.

The school board in Virginia may finally be giving in, although not in court. It will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss the possibility of allowing transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

"I have fought this legal battle for the past four years because I want to make sure that other transgender students do not have to go through the same pain and humiliation that I did," he said.

The Gloucester County School Board's meeting comes just months before a trial is set to begin over its current bathroom rules.

Grimm said the proposed policy "is far from perfect, but would represent an important first step for Gloucester." The policy "would also send the message to school districts across (Virginia) and the country that discrimination is unacceptable," he said.

Grimm has also been expanding his case against the school board. A federal judge ruled Thursday that he can sue over its refusal to change the gender on his high school transcript, which still lists him as female.

Grimm said the unchanged transcript will stigmatize him every time he applies to a college or potential employer that asks for it.

"I shouldn't have to be outed against my will in every situation where I would have to give that document," Grimm said during a phone interview from the San Francisco Bay Area, where he moved after graduating in 2017.

A court order legally made Grimm a man. And he is listed as male on his birth certificate, passport and a state-issued identification card in California.

The issue of Grimm's transcript highlights another concern in the transgender community that, like bathroom policies, remains far from settled across the nation.

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Federal law does not directly address the issue. Some states, such as Massachusetts, provide explicit guidance to schools for updating records. Others, such as Virginia, do not provide a clear path forward to schools.

"The issue is certainly rising as more students express their gender identity," said Francisco M. Negron Jr., chief legal officer for the National School Boards Association.

"We would hope states offer clear guidance," he added. "The alternative is that students would have to make the case on their own, and school districts would not have the benefit of clarity under state law."

Paul D. Castillo, an attorney for the LGBT rights group Lambda Legal, said Grimm's effort to update his transcript is "not an isolated incident."

"But it might be one of the first challenges based on federal law to update a student's legal record," Castillo said.

David Corrigan, the lead attorney for the Gloucester County School Board, declined to comment on the case or on how it could be impacted by a possible policy change. The district is located about an hour east of Richmond.

Grimm's lawsuit has followed a circuitous path that almost included a stop at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The high court had scheduled arguments for 2017. But they were scrapped after the Trump Administration withdrew recommendations from the Obama-era to allow students to use the bathroom of their chosen gender.

As recently as December, Gloucester was still fighting the lawsuit as well as Grimm's efforts to bring his transcripts into it.

Grimm and the American Civil Liberties Union claim the policy violated his rights under the U.S. Constitution's equal protection clause and federal policies that protect against sex discrimination. They make the same argument about Grimm's transcripts.

The school board had argued that its bathroom policy did not violate Grimm's rights but protected students' privacy.

Regarding the transcripts, the board says such records are a matter of state law, which shouldn't be argued in federal court.

Plus, the board said, Grimm has ignored federal guidance on such matters. The guidance recommends holding a hearing with school officials to discuss changing "misleading" or "inaccurate" information on a record.

If the board refuses to make a change, the guidance says a person can then place a statement with the contested record that lays out his or her point of view.

It's unclear if a change in the board's bathroom policy could lead to a change on Grimm's transcripts.

Since moving to California, Grimm has been studying at a community college and working as an activist and educator.

He's been able to avoid submitting his transcript to anyone so far. But that will likely change soon. He's looking for more traditional work and will eventually apply to four-year schools.

"I'm still tethered to 2017 by this document," he said. "It's unfair that a high school that put me through so much is able to wield that much negative influence over my adult life."
A council headed by Cabinet officials asked state-run National Food Authority to submit a restructuring plan within 30 days as the open rice trade is set to start on March 3. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III headed the NFA Council meeting Monday following the signing of Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Act by President Roderigo Duterte on Feb. 15. The new law that amended RA 8178 lifted the quantitative restrictions on rice and replaced it with 40-percent tariff. The NFA Council also instructed the NFA to submit a restructuring plan within 30 days, instead of the initial proposal of 180 days. Dominguez presided over the meeting as endorsed by Agriculture Secretary and NFA Council chairman Emmanuel Pinol, who was unavailable during the meeting. Our objective in liberalizing rice imports is to bring down the costs of the staple. Our price is 50-percent higher than the others, including Singapore which does not produce rice. Will it take us 180 days to effect a reduction in the cost of living our the people? said Dominguez during the meeting. Dominguez proposed during the meeting that the National Economic and Development Authority determine what funds could be freed up as a result of the restructuring of the agency to ensure that farmers would receive the support they needed. The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund mandated under the rice tariffication law is still in the process of being set up.The meeting was called to immediately discuss the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11203. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez proposed that the shift to a tariffied regime as mandated under the law be done as soon as possible. Lopez said the reorganization of the NFA could be done separately from the move to shift from quantitative restrictions to tariffs which should be implemented faster. The council also approved the transfer of the NFA functions to the Department of Agriculture as provided under the rice tariffication law, effective March 3. Dominguez said the transfer of the Food Development Center from the NFA to the DA could also be done in a short time instead of the NFA proposal of 60 days. Other officials who attended the meeting were Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua, National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon, Monetary Board member Bruce Tolentino and representatives from the NFA, Neda, Land Bank of the Philippines, DA, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The US-China trade war has dealt a glancing blow to American toys, hitting putty and arts and crafts items, while sparing superhero action figures, toy cars and most best-selling offerings.

Yet uncertainty about the trading relationship between Beijing and Washington hangs over this weekend's Toy Fair, dampening the festive mood amidst giant balloon cartoon figures and karaoke cars as some 30,000 industry representatives survey the latest and greatest in play.

China manufactures around 85 percent of the toys and games sold in the United States and is also home to a growing consumer market estimated to overtake the US play market in 2022.

Aaron Muderick, founder of "Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld," a Pennsylvania company, has seen profits hit by US tariffs on raw materials to make his colorful putty and on steel cans, which bear the made in the USA mark.

But Muderick is most worried about losing momentum in the booming Chinese market where he has worked to establish distribution channels and build brand identity.

"We've invested a lot of time and dollars," he told AFP. "If it creates a market where the product is not welcome, where there are retaliatory tariffs that make it impossible for me to reach that consumer, then I lose."

About 40 Chinese booths are displaying with China Toy & Juvenile Products Association, including companies selling stuffed bears, trampolines, magnetic building blocks and flashing beads.

"Some members feel uncertain, but the business is so far going okay," said the group's president, May Liang in an interview.

Company representatives have reported no drop in interest among their US buyers, said May, who expressed skepticism that the US would impose broad tariffs on toys.

"We believe toys are really consumer-focused especially at holiday season, so we think toys should not be on the tariff list because it will harm consumers.

"But we feel we should closely watch it," she added.

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- Bigger tariffs ahead? -

A trip to a US toy store shows the near-ubiquity of "Made in China" on any number of gadgets, games and super hero dolls, but the country's playworld dominance sometimes surfaces in unexpected ways.

For example, youth-oriented books on display by the Quarto Group at Toy Fair about black role models like Nelson Mandela and gay and lesbian icons such as Freddie Mercury were printed in China -- another testament to the country's competitiveness.

The toy industry dodged a bullet last September, when finished toys were left off the list of expanded US tariffs.

Toy Association Chief Executive Steve Pasierb said such broad tariffs look unlikely at this point US President Donald Trump has spoken more optimistically of a trade deal with Beijing.

But "this is a tweet-driven scenario we're in here... so you could see that come back," added Pasierb, whose association, the hosts of Toy Fair, has aggressively lobbied on trade.

Toy industry consultant Richard Gottlieb considers US tariffs on finished toys "highly unlikely" and doesn't expect the current trade conflict to fundamentally change China's position in US toys.

"People think we make it in China to make more money," he said. "The reason is because if we made it America, it would be five times more expensive and people wouldn't buy it."

But the US industry is still worried about Trump administration plans to lift tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on raw materials. That increase was scheduled to take effect March 1, but Trump on Friday reiterated that he could delay the increase if a deal is close.

Companies have mostly eaten the hit from a 10 percent hike, but a 25 percent tariff would be much more painful.

Putty maker Muderick, for example, saw 2018 profits hit by the tariff on steel but suffered no real hit last year from tariffs on rubber silicone because he bought supply ahead in anticipation of the levy. But he expects more of a profit hit in 2019.

Some toymakers may be in long-term contracts with retailers that lock in price.

"If it goes to 25 percent, companies will go out of business, or they will cut back jobs," said Neil Helfand, an attorney specializing in trade whose clients include toy companies.

- US toymaker rebirth? -

The trade conflict has given impetus to major toy companies to shift more manufacturing to other markets, a trend that was already underway due to rising costs in China.

By 2020, Hasbro plans to source 60 percent of its toys from China, compared with 69 percent in 2018 and 86 percent in 2012, with the company shifting more production to the US, Mexico, Vietnam and India, Hasbro executives said Friday.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have all enjoyed double-digit annual toy manufacturing growth between 2012 and 2017, according to data from Euromonitor International, a market research provider.

Still, those three countries plus Thailand accounted for just nine percent of China's toy output as of 2017, said Euromonitor senior industry analyst Justinas Lasinskas.

Significant additional production is "unlikely" in the United States, "where production would be still more expensive even with the introduced tariffs," Lasinskas added in an email.
Ottawa (AFP) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top advisor quit on Monday amid allegations of political interference in the criminal prosecution of engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.

One of the key architects of Trudeau's 2015 electoral win and his longtime friend, Gerry Butts said he resigned as the prime minister's principle secretary to avoid distractions for the government facing another tough ballot fight in eight months.

In a statement, Butts "categorically" denied accusations that he personally applied undue pressure on former attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould for an out-of-court settlement with the firm.

"Any accusation that I or the staff put pressure on the attorney general is simply not true," he said, but added: "It is in the best interests of the office and its important work for me to step away."

For weeks, Trudeau's government has been rocked by the meddling allegations first reported by the Globe and Mail, citing unnamed sources.

The political crisis deepened last week with Wilson-Raybould's surprise resignation, and the launch of an investigation by the independent ethics commissioner.

Opposition members of the Commons justice committee also sought to put a spotlight on the issue, but the Liberals used their majority to block motions to have Butts and other senior government officials testify. The committee is to discuss the issue again on Tuesday behind closed doors.

Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin was charged in 2015 with corruption for allegedly bribing officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to secure government contracts during former strongman Moamer Kadhafi's reign.

It lobbied the government, including senior officials in Trudeau's office, for an out-of-court settlement that would include paying a fine and agreeing to put in place compliance measures.

A possible guilty verdict at trial, the company argued, risked crippling its business and putting thousands out of work.

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But Wilson-Raybould refused to ask prosecutors to settle with the company, and the trial is set to proceed.

Trudeau has denied the allegations, saying that he had made clear to Wilson-Raybould that any decision on the case "as attorney general was hers alone to make."

Wilson-Raybould has declined to speak, citing solicitor-client privilege and cabinet confidentiality.

Butts became close friends with Trudeau in university and over the next two decades would help chart Trudeau's political future.
INDIANAPOLIS  Bailey Brazzel and her wife Samantha weren't trying to make a political statement last week. They were just trying to file their taxes.

But when the owner of an Indiana tax service refused to help because the same-sex couple was married, Brazzel said she felt she had to make some noise.

"I went in there to have my taxes done, not push my beliefs on her," said Brazzel, 25. "It's not professional to me to turn someone away because they do something differently than you would like."

Nancy Fivecoate, owner of Carter Tax Service in Russiaville, Indiana, said she's been harassed and abused after Brazzel spoke to media and posted on Facebook about her experience. Fivecoate said she is the one being persecuted for her beliefs.

"I've never repeated her name to anyone ... I haven't answered social media," said Fivecoate during a phone conversation. "I've done absolutely nothing except (follow) my religious beliefs. I cannot put my name on that return."

Bailey and Samantha Brazzel were married in July 2018.

This is the latest skirmish in a culture war ignited by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. There have been controversies involving cake bakers, pizza-makers and now a tax preparer who have refused to serve same-sex couples based on the religious beliefs of business owners and employees.

That's allowed under state law, unless a local ordinance says otherwise.

Brazzel said Fivecoate has prepared her taxes for the last four years. She and Samantha married in July. This is the first year they filed a joint tax return.

They went to Fivecoate's office Tuesday and she turned them away.

Jan. 31: 'Sobering reality': LGBT progress report shows gains, but most states still won't grant rights

Jan. 24: South Carolina foster care program that only works with Christians granted religious exemption

"My taxes don't have anything to do with our marriage," Brazzel said. "If you are going to run a business, you should be professional enough to do business with people from all types of backgrounds."

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Fivecoate said she was polite and respectful to the couple. She gave them the name of another tax service who would help them.

"I am a Christian and I believe marriage is between one man and one woman," Fivecoate said in an emailed statement. She said she has prepared taxes for gay clients, but that she objects to same-sex marriage.

"The LGBT want respect for their beliefs, which I give them. I did not say anything about their lifestyle. That is their choice. It is not my choice. Where is their respect for my beliefs?"

Steve Sanders, associate professor at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, called the dispute a "symptom of the larger controversy surrounding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act."

"The sort of general principle of American law is a business is free to refuse to serve anybody they want for whatever reason except for where the law has provided specific protections," said Sanders.

The question here, Sanders said, is should business owners be allowed to refuse service based on religious beliefs?

Bailey and Samantha Brazzel.

In most parts of Indiana, including the Russiaville address where Fivecoate's business is located, there is no law that would prohibit a business from turning away a gay couple because of their sexual orientation.

Indianapolis, Carmel and other cities have local ordinances that prohibit employers, landlords and business owners from discriminating against gay people.

In the spring of 2015, Indiana's then-Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president, signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that drew intense controversy to the state.

The law, known as RFRA, bars the government from infringing on a person's ability to practice his or her religion unless the government can prove it has a compelling reason for doing so. That includes the right to turn away some customers.

The law was passed by a Republican-majority Legislature and lauded by religious conservatives. Others, including the LGBTQ and business communities, voiced forceful objections, saying it allowed discrimination and would drive companies away from Indiana.

Bowing to intense national criticism, lawmakers passed a "fix" to RFRA that made it clear that it could not be used to dilute local ordinances that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

RFRA only applies in areas where the government tries to prevent discrimination, Sanders said, noting it would not apply to the Russiaville tax service where there is no ordinance.

In the absence of any protection law, Sanders said Brazzel's only recourse was to go public.

April 24: Indiana pizzeria that declined to cater same-sex weddings closes for good

May 2017: Trump to sign executive order to 'protect and vigorously promote religious liberty'

"In a free market, we want to know as much as possible about the businesses we patronize," Sanders said, noting the media attention will hurt the tax service with some while boosting it with others.

Brazzel said she and her wife went to another tax service and filed their taxes. Even if the law doesn't agree, Brazzel said she and her wife were victims of discrimination.

"It was shocking to us," Brazzel said. "We hear about it all the time but nothing like that ever happened to us."

Fivecoate said everyone deserves respect, and she should not be forced to do something that runs counter to her beliefs.

"I have my religious beliefs, she has hers," Fivecoate said. "I respect hers, she should respect mine."

Follow Vic Ryckaert on Twitter: @VicRyc

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: A tax service turned away a gay couple. Both sides claim discrimination
Aleppo (Syria) (AFP) - As soon as they spotted a truck distributing gas canisters, residents in the Syrian city of Aleppo formed a long queue stretching down the street -- a now-familiar sight due to crippling shortages.

Security forces and members of a municipal committee shuffled people around into an organised line, as men climbed into the back of the muddy lorry to hand out the cylinders.

The mayor of the Salah al-Din district wrote down the personal details of each person who received a gas canister that day.

Umm Bader was one of them.

A smile beamed across her face as she struggled to drag the heavy cylinder back home.

"I've been standing here every morning for the past three days," said the women in her 50s, wearing a long robe and a black veil.

"Today I was lucky," she said.

Since December, queueing for hours to buy gas has become part of everyday life in the Salah al-Din district.

The crisis has also hit other government-held cities in Syria, including the capital Damascus, sparking a wave of discontent.

Persistent power cuts and a spike in the price of fuel oil has forced residents to increasingly rely on gas to cook and heat their homes.

Swelling consumption and increased demand during winter has led to one of the most serious gas shortages in recent years.

The scale of the crisis prompted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to acknowledge the problem during a televised speech Sunday.

"There has been real suffering, which most of the Syrian people have felt," he said.

"There needs to be a change in the distribution system to take into account consumption and population density" in each province, he said.

- 'Punitive' sanctions -

In Aleppo, the mayor of Salah al-Din said just 200 gas canisters a day were reaching a district of 25,000 families.

"Salah al-Din is considered to be the most populated neighbourhood in Aleppo," 44-year-old Hassan al-Jok said.

Electricity cuts and high fuel oil prices mean residents are relying mainly on gas for heating, causing "excess in consumption", he said.

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"I expect the gas supply will improve as spring approaches," he said.

The mayor pointed to sanctions imposed on Syria as a reason behind the crisis, but said they only served to "punish" the population.

Since 2011, the United States and Europe have both slapped sanctions on imports including fuels, as well as Syrian individuals accused of financially backing Assad's regime.

In November, the US Treasury issued a new advisory threatening penalties against "insurers, shipping companies, financial institutions, and others involved in petroleum-related shipping transactions with the Government of Syria".

That same month, the treasury moved to disrupt an international network "through which the Iranian regime, working with Russian companies, provides millions of barrels of oil to the Syrian government".

The General Competition and Anti-Monopoly Commission, a state body, said last month the gas crisis was linked to sanctions.

In a report published by the pro-government Al-Watan daily, it said economic sanctions were disrupting gas shipments to Syria, which imports up to 80 percent of its fossil fuels from allied countries.

- Bad for business -

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Ghanem told parliament last month work was being done to boost local gas production and to identify alternative sources to satisfy growing demand.

On average, Syria requires 130,000 gas canisters a day, according to official figures.

The government sells each cylinder at a subsidised price of 2,700 Syrian pounds ($5) but limited supply has forced residents to purchase gas from private vendors at more than double that rate, according to residents.

Local businesses and restaurants that rely heavily on gas are struggling to stay open.

In Aleppo's al-Hamidiyah neighbourhood, the owner of a rotisserie chicken shop said he now closes his restaurant early.

"Ever since the gas crisis started, we have decreased the amount of food we sell and shortened working hours to avoid closing down completely," said 50-year-old Mohammad Fattouh.

"We can't wait in line for hours everyday to buy (state-subsidised) gas, so we are forced to pay more to get gas" from private sellers, he said.

Gas shortages are also a problem for Fattouh at home.

His wife, Umm Abdu, says she is cooking less and preparing salads instead to limit gas consumption.

"We're used to electricity cuts and fuel oil shortages but we're not used to not enough gas, which is a basic necessity," she said.

"Finding a gas canister has become yet another dream to add to all the other dreams of a simple Aleppo resident," she said.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP)  The daughter of a Swedish publisher detained in China says two Chinese businessmen she met in Stockholm said her father could be released if she stopped talking to the media.

Angela Gui says that when she questioned the plan, the mood "became really threatening."

Gui spoke Sunday to Swedish broadcaster SVT about the meetings with the men, which were arranged by Sweden's ambassador to China, Anna Lindstedt.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry was not informed in advance of the meetings, and has summoned Lindstedt for an investigation.

Gui said Lindstedt was "very much engaged" in her father's case and "I don't think she had any evil intentions, but it was poor judgment."

Her father Gui Minhai, a naturalized Swede, co-owned a Hong Kong store which sold gossipy books about Chinese leaders.
These stunning shots may look like abstract works of art, but they are actually aerial photographs of some of nature's most intriguing landscapes. Whether it be the vibrant reds of Australian salt flats or the soothing greens of the Faroe Islands' veins, photographer Kevin Krautgartner has traveled the world to capture the most unusual landscapes from above. The photographer's series, titled "Mountain Waves," has seen adventurous him travel to the likes of Iceland, Norway, Italy, Spain and the Seychelles. (Caters News) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.
LONDON/MADRID (Reuters) - Authorities in Madrid and Gibraltar gave differing versions on Monday of an incident in which a Spanish warship told commercial ships to leave anchorages near Gibraltar, the latest example of tension over the strategic port as Brexit approaches. In toughly worded statements, Gibraltar said a Spanish warship ordered commercial ships to leave anchorages in British waters near Gibraltar, adding it was challenged by the British navy and sailed away, while the commercial ships stayed put. The Spanish government said the commercial ships were in Spanish waters and they left the area after being contacted by the Spanish warship. Neither side mentioned the nationality of the commercial ships. "Anyone who believes in the rules-based international legal order will have been shocked by the cavalier and quixotic actions of the Spanish military vessel at the weekend," Fabian Picardo, Gibraltar's chief minister, said in a statement. "This childish behavior is unsatisfactory whether it is errant or directed from above," Picardo said. "The people of Gibraltar won't be bullied now or after the 29th of March," he added, referring to the date when Britain is set to leave the European Union. Tensions over territorial waters often erupt between Spanish and British vessels around Gibraltar, a peninsula on the southern tip of Spain overlooking the strait between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea that has been ruled by Britain since 1713. The status of Gibraltar and its 30,000 residents have been gaining attention amid the uncertainty around Britain's exit from the EU, whether with a deal or without, with questions over free movement across its land and sea borders with Spain. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said a Spanish navy ship named Tornado was policing the area on Sunday in what he said was a standard procedure. "The Tornado called three commercial ships that were breaking maritime security law in Spanish territorial waters by standing still ..." Borrell told reporters in Brussels. "Those ships responded to the requests of the Tornado and abandoned the area," he added. The British government said Britain would always defend its sovereign interests in Gibraltar. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May said there was no incursion by Spanish naval forces during the incident. "We are certain of our sovereignty over the whole of Gibraltar, including British-Gibraltar territory waters, and any incursions are a violation of sovereignty, but not a threat to it," the spokesman said. Spain has already secured a right of veto over whether future Brexit arrangements can apply to Gibraltar. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez held up an agreement on Britain's withdrawal treaty in November over the issue and said Spain would seek joint sovereignty after Britain leaves the EU. This also takes place as Spain gears up for an early general election on April 28. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge, Jose Elias Rodriguez and Joan Faus; Editing by Ingrid Melander and Frances Kerry)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Japan's SoftBank Group has provided nearly half of the cash for Abu Dhabi's state investor Mubadala Investment Co's new $400 million fund investing in European start-ups, a source familiar with the matter said. Mubadala, which has committed to invest $15 billion in SoftBank's Vision Fund, last week announced that Mubadala Ventures was planning to launch a $400 million technology-focused European fund this year. Softbank and Mubadala declined to comment on the story, first reported by the Financial Times earlier on Monday. The Softbank Vision Fund, managed by Softbank Group, raised more than $93 billion from investors including the Abu Dhabi investor, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Apple Inc, Foxconn, Qualcomm, Sharp Corp and SoftBank Group Corp. The European venture fund, which has already made a few undisclosed investments, will be run from a new office in London, the FT said. In late 2017 Mubadala had announced the setting up of a venture capital arm that it said will oversee an early growth fund set up with Japans SoftBank. The ventures team was to be based in San Francisco, its first office in the United States. Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment manages a $225 billion portfolio. (Reporting by Saeed Azhar in Dubai and Sam Nussey in Tokyo; Additional reporting by Ishita Chigilli Palli in Bengaluru; Editing by David Goodman)
The Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority approved a P1.3-billion project to upgrade the capacity of the Philippine Competition Commission. The National Economic and Development Authority said the Capacity Building to Foster Competition Project of the PCC would cost P1.322 billion, with P1.217 billion to be funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank. It aims to institutionalize the capacity of the government to enforce the Philippine Competition Law and promote free and fair competition in economic activities through capacity training, scholarships and establishment of academic centers. The project is set to be implemented from the third quarter of 2019 to January 2025. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who co-chairs the ICC-CabCom with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, said the project was expected to contribute to the enhancement of market competition in the economy.With improved manpower of PCC and other government agencies, through exposure to different fields, including competition economics, competition policy, and data science, we can expect market competition in the economy to be enhanced, Pernia said. The project is seen to foster competition in key economic sectors that are crucial in achieving inclusive development and improve the countrys ranking in the World Economic Forums Global Competitiveness Index. In 2017, the Philippines ranked 56th out 137 countries in the GCI. Julito G. Rada The ICC-CabCom also re-confirmed its earlier approval of the Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit Line 1, along with its updated project description and cost amounting to P5.46 billion. The project involves the construction of 17 stations on an 11.4-kilometer stretch from Manila City Hall to Philcoa in Quezon City.
Singapore Budget 2019

Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat unveiled the Budget for fiscal year starting April 2019 in Parliament at 3.30 pm on Monday (18 February).

The Budget speech was his first since he was picked as first assistant secretary-general of the ruling Peoples Action Party last November.

The following are some highlights of Singapores budget proposals for Budget 2019.

The budget plan comes days after data showed Singapores economy grew at its slowest pace in more than two years in the fourth quarter, and its trade ministry warned that manufacturing is likely to face significant moderation this year.

EXPENDITURE

 To set aside about 30 percent of its total expenditure this year to support defence, security, and diplomacy efforts

BUDGET FORECAST

For fiscal 2018 Singapore expects an overall budget surplus of S$2.1 billion or 0.4 per cent of GDP. This is a $2.7 billion increase from the $0.6 billion deficit forecasted a year ago on the unexpected 2-year suspension of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail project and the higher-than-expected Stamp Duty collections.

For fiscal 2019, the budget position remains expansionary. An overall deficit of $3.5 billion, or 0.7 per cent of GDP, is expected.

PRODUCTIVITY AND MANPOWER

 Automation support package will be extended by two years.

 To reduce quota for foreign workers in the services sector in coming years.

The foreign worker dependency ratio ceiling (DRC), or the maximum proportion of foreign workers in a company, will be lowered to 38 per cent on 1 January, 2020 and to 35 per cent on 1 January, 2021, from 40 per cent now. The service sector S Pass sub-DRC will be similarly lowered from the current 15 per cent to 13 per cent, and then to 10 per cent.

 Firms can continue to apply for additional manpower in some cases. On a case-by-case basis, firms can bring in foreign workers with specialised skills that are in demand globally.

 Expect to spend S$4.6 billion over the next three years on new and enhanced economic capability-building measures, with S$3.6 billion going towards helping workers thrive amid industry and technological disruptions and $1 billion to help firms build capabilities.

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SUPPORT PACKAGES

 To set aside S$6.1 billion ($4.5 billion) Merdeka Generation Fund to support elderly Singaporeans, including help to save for their healthcare needs. The Merderka Generation Package to benefit close to 500,000 Singaporeans born in the 1950s.

Those in the Merdeka Generation will receive a $200 Medisave top-up every year until 2023. They will also get higher subsidies under the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) and an extra 25 per cent discount on their bills at polyclinics sand specialist out patient clinics.

They will also get between 5 and 1`0 per cent off their MediShield Life premiums, as well as an extra participation incentive of $1,500 if they choose to join the national disability insurance scheme CareShield Life.

The government will also give a one-off $100 top-up to their PAssion Silver concession cards.

The government will provide a special MediSave top-up of $100 per year for the next 5 years for Singaporeans aged 50 and above in 2019 who are not eligible for the MGP or the Pioneer Generation Package (PGP).

 To introduce S$1.1 billion Bicentennial Bonus

As part of the bonus, 1.4 million lower-income Singaporeans will receive up to $300 through a GST Voucher cash payout. The payment, which will be received at the end of this year, is meant to help them with their daily living expenses.

For all tax resident individuals, a 50 per cent personal income tax rebate capped at S$200 will be granted for the year of assessment 2019. The rebate is estimated to cost about $280 million.

Lower-income workers who received Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) payments will also get a Workfare Bicentennial Bonus. They will receive an additional 10 per cent of their WIS payment for work done in 2018, with a minimum payment of $100, in cash.

There will be a one-off $150 top-up to the Edusave accounts of Singaporean students aged seven to 16. Singaporeans aged between 17 and 20 will receive $500 in their Post Secondary Education accounts (PSEA).

Singaporeans aged 50 to 64 in 2019 and who have less than $60,000 of retirement savings in their CPF accounts will receive a top-up of up to $1,000. This will be credited into the Special Savings Account for members aged 50 to 54 and Retirement account for members aged 55 to 64.

To introduce a $200 million Bicentennial Community Fund $200 million to encourage Singaporeans to give back.

The fund will provide dollar-to-dollar matching for donations garnered by Institutions of a Public Charter (IPCs) in 2019.



Donations to Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) qualify for a 250 per cent tax deduction. Businesses also enjoy a 250 per cent tax deduction on qualifying expenditure when their employees volunteer or provide services to IPCs, under the Business and IPC Partnership Scheme.

HEALTHCARE

 To provide greater healthcare assurance, the government will extend the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), to cover all Singaporeans for chronic conditions, and enhance subsidies for existing CHAS cardholders.

The government will set aside another $3.1 billion towards the long-term care of Singaporeans in the form of premium subsidies and other types of support. This is on top of $2 billion that was earmarked last year. The government will put the $5.1 billion into a new Long-Term Care Support Fund, to fund CareShield Life subsidies and other support measures, such as ElderFund.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Starting Tuesday, 19 February, returning travellers will have a smaller allowance of tax-exempt shopping.

Those who spend fewer than 48 hours outside Singapore will have to pay the 7 per cent goods and services tax (GST) on items bought abroad worth $100 and more, down from $150. The threshold will be lowered to $500 from $600 for those who spend 48 hours or more outside the country.

The alcohol duty-free concessions for travellers will be cut to two litres from three litres starting 1 April.

DIESEL TAX

Starting immediately, the excise duty for diesel will be raised by $0.10 per litre to $0.20 per litre.

The government will also permanently reduce the annual special tax on diesel taxis by $850, and on diesel cars by $100. The government will also provide a 100 per cent road tax rebate for one year, and partial road tax rebate for another two years for commercial diesel vehicles.

Additional cash rebates of up to $3,200 will be given for diesel buses ferrying school children.

 with reporting from Reuters
WARNING  DISTRESSING CONTENT: Days from death at the hands of the one he loved this footage shows the heartbreaking impact of domestic abuse.

Alex Skeel was days from death when rescued by police.

And this bodycam footage, shared as part of a new BBC documentary, Abused by my Girlfriend, shows the point he was saved.

Alex from Bedfordshire in England, reveals the extent of the abuse he received at the hands of his controlling girlfriend, Jordan Worth.

She would tell him what he could wear, where he could go and eventually  who he would see.

Following the intense mental abuse, Worth then began starving her boyfriend, giving him just scraps of food to eat.

He lost close to 20kg and when police finally arrived he was close to death.
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In 2016 Hai Li was appointed CEO of Shenzhen International Holdings Limited (HKG:152). First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at similar sized companies. Then well look at a snap shot of the business growth. And finally  as a second measure of performance  we will look at the returns shareholders have received over the last few years. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid.

Check out our latest analysis for Shenzhen International Holdings

How Does Hai Lis Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

At the time of writing our data says that Shenzhen International Holdings Limited has a market cap of HK$33b, and is paying total annual CEO compensation of HK$2.4m. (This figure is for the year to 2017). We think total compensation is more important but we note that the CEO salary is lower, at HK$278k. When we examined a selection of companies with market caps ranging from HK$16b to HK$50b, we found the median CEO compensation was HK$4.3m.

A first glance this seems like a real positive for shareholders, since Hai Li is paid less than the average compensation paid by similar sized companies. Though positive, its important we delve into the performance of the actual business.

The graphic below shows how CEO compensation at Shenzhen International Holdings has changed from year to year.

SEHK:152 CEO Compensation February 18th 19

Is Shenzhen International Holdings Limited Growing?

Shenzhen International Holdings Limited has increased its earnings per share (EPS) by an average of 21% a year, over the last three years (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 23%.

Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. Its also good to see decent revenue growth in the last year, suggesting the business is healthy and growing. Shareholders might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts.

Story continues

Has Shenzhen International Holdings Limited Been A Good Investment?

I think that the total shareholder return of 46%, over three years, would leave most Shenzhen International Holdings Limited shareholders smiling. As a result, some may believe the CEO should be paid more than is normal for companies of similar size.

In Summary

It looks like Shenzhen International Holdings Limited pays its CEO less than similar sized companies. Since the business is growing, many would argue this suggests the pay is modest. And given most shareholders are probably very happy with recent returns, you might even think that Hai Li deserves a raise!

Its not often we see shareholders do so well, and yet the CEO is paid modestly. The cherry on top would be if company insiders are buying shares with their own money. Whatever your view on compensation, you might want to check if insiders are buying or selling Shenzhen International Holdings shares (free trial).

Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
Seven Labour MPs quit the party this morning (Getty Images)

Seven Labour MPs have quit the the party in protest over Jeremy Corbyns handling of Brexit and failure to tackle antisemitism within the party.

Luciana Berger, Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, Ann Coffey resigned the Labour whip and formed a Parliamentary coalition called The Independent Group.

At a press conference announcing the decision, MP Luciana Berger said she was embarrassed and ashamed to be part of a party that is institutionally antisemitic.

Jeremy Corbyn leaves his home in north London as speculation mounts that several Labour MPs could be about to quit the party. (Photo by PA/PA Images via Getty Images)

The MP for Liverpool and Wavertree is a vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyns handling of antisemitism within Labour and has been at the centre of a party dispute in recent weeks.

The Jewish MP, who is nine months pregnant, has been threatened with deselection by her local party after speaking out against her partys leader.

She said: This morning we have all now resigned from the Labour Party. This has been a very difficult, painful, but necessary decision.

Independent Group MPs (PA)

We represent different parts of the country, we are of different backgrounds, we were born of different generations, but we all share the same values.

From today, we will all sit in Parliament as a new independent group of MPs.

MP Mike Gapes, who joined Labour as a 16-year-old, accused the party of being antisemitic and complicit in facilitating Brexit.

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He said: Im sickened that Labour is now a racist, anti-semitic party.

Jeremy Corbyn and those around him are on the wrong side of so many international issues from Russia to Syria to Venezuela.

The Corbyn government would threaten our security and international alliances.

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Ann Coffey told the press conference: I thought I would be in the Labour Party for the rest of my life.But political parties are not an end in themselves in a parliamentary democracy. The Labour Party has lost sight of this, it is no longer a broad church.

Any criticism of the leadership is responded to with abuse and accusations of treachery. Anti-Semitism is rife and tolerated.

Story continues

Chukka Umunna called on MPs from other parties to join their movement.

He said: We invite you to leave your parties and join us in forging a new consensus.

The MP said that the group could vote with the Tories in future and would decide whether to do so on an issue-by-issue basis.

What has the reaction been?

Jeremy Corbyn responded to the news, saying: I am disappointed that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election.

Labour won people over on a programme for the many not the few  redistributing wealth and power, taking vital resources into public ownership, investing in every region and nation, and tackling climate change.

The Tories are bungling Brexit while Labour has set out a unifying and credible alternative plan. When millions face the misery of Universal Credit, rising crime, homelessness and poverty, now more than ever is the time to bring people together to build a better future for us all.

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On social media some of the reaction has been significantly more hostile, including from the Young Labour Twitter account who implied that the seven MPs were cowards and traitors.

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Labours Jon Ashworth said that the move would keep the Conservatives in power.

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Many others expressed sadness and disappointment over the split, including former Labour leader Ed Miliband and Lucy Powell, who expressed sadness over the departure of her friend Luciana Berger.

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Seven members of British Parliament  Chuka Umunna, Luciana Berger, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes, and Ann Coffey  resigned from the Labour party Monday over concerns about Jeremy Corbyns leadership, forming their own contingent, the Independent Group.

Berger, Labours most high-profile Jewish member, called the party institutionally anti-Semitic and accused it of a culture of bullying, bigotry and, intimidation, saying she is now embarrassed and ashamed to be a member.

Leslie said the party has been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left.

In a statement, the group charged that Labour, once committed to pursue a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect, has changed beyond recognition, and lamented that, Today, visceral hatreds of other people, views and opinions are common-place in and around the party.

Besides the partys struggles with anti-Semitism, the seven lawmakers cited Corbyns weak handling of Brexit, policies damaging to Britains national security and economy, and lack of action on humanitarian distress.

The values we hold mean that, in all conscience, we can have no confidence in the partys collective leadership, competence or culture, the groups statement said. It stressed that more power should be delegated to local governments who have their finger on the pulse of their communities needs. It also said that economic advancement should occur on the basis of merit, asserting that everybody can and should make a contribution to society and that contribution should be recognized.

Corbyn said he was disappointed in the members decision.

The Conservative Government is bungling Brexit, Corbyn said, while Labour has set out a unifying and credible alternative plan.

More from National Review
London (AFP) - Seven MPs quit Britain's main opposition Labour Party on Monday, citing the leadership's support for Brexit and a growing culture of racism, intimidation and abuse.

The departure of the seven moderates was the biggest split in UK politics in nearly four decades, illustrating the divisions that Brexit has stretched to breaking point.

The group include Chuka Umunna, who has led a campaign for a second Brexit referendum as a path to stop Britain's departure from the European Union.

Umunna called for a centrist alternative in British politics as the rebel MPs detailed how a far-left internal coup at all levels of the Labour Party had taken place under the watch of veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn.

"The bottom line is this: politics is broken, it doesn't have to be this way, let's change it," Umunna said at a packed, hastily-arranged press conference in London's County Hall.

The seven MPs will form a breakaway independent group in parliament and expect others to join them, not only from Labour but from other parties too.

It is the most serious split in British politics since the so-called "Gang of Four" heavyweight Labour moderates quit to form the Social Democratic Party in 1981, with 28 Labour MPs eventually joining.

- 'Marxism masquerading as Labour' -

The rebel MPs recounted their difficult journey towards leaving Labour, saying the party had changed since Corbyn became leader in 2015 and there was no longer space for their centre-left views.

Chris Leslie, one of the seven, said the party had been "hijacked" by the "hard left".

"Marxism is now masquerading as the Labour Party. It has the Labour brand but it is a machine that has taken over," he said.

Corbyn has been criticised for months for his handling of anti-Semitism within the Labour movement and his own past associations with Palestinian militants.

Another of the seven MPs, Luciana Berger, a victim of online anti-Jewish abuse for years, said: "This has been a very difficult, painful but necessary decision."

Story continues

Berger said Labour had become "institutionally anti-Semitic".

"I have become embarrassed and ashamed to represent the Labour Party," she said.

"I am leaving behind a culture of bullying, bigotry and intimidation."

The MPs said they would not resign their seats and fight by-elections because it would be a distraction from Brexit.

Britain's departure from the EU -- the terms of which are still up in the air -- is set for March 29.

Besides being "sickened that the Labour Party is now a racist, anti-Semitic party", Mike Gapes said he was "furious that the Labour leadership is complicit in facilitating Brexit".

His colleague Chris Leslie said he too was leaving because of "Labour's betrayal on Europe".

- Agonising decision -

Many traditional Labour voters, particularly in northern England, chose to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum -- but a majority of Labour MPs and members supported staying in.

Corbyn has come under fire from europhiles for failing to push for a second referendum. He has instead called on Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May to negotiate a customs union with the EU to ease trade ties after Brexit.

Corbyn said he was "disappointed" by the MPs' defection.

"Now more than ever is the time to bring people together to build a better future for us all," he said, pointing to Labour's surge in support at the last general election in 2017.

The new grouping is the sixth-biggest out of eight represented in the House of Commons but is yet to crystallise into a formal political party.

The group is meeting in the next few days to divide up their portfolios and build upon their statement of values issued Monday.

Gapes told AFP it had been an agonising decision to leave Labour, saying he had reached breaking point and could no longer fight to save the party.

"I will not rejoin. Apart from my mother, this is the longest relationship I've had in my life," he said.

"All of us are committed to pressing and campaigning for a people's vote. We believe Brexit will be an economic and political disaster," he added, calling for a second referendum.

"We expect and hope that there will be other MPs who will join us."
WASHINGTON  Former acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe hinted at an "inappropriate relationship" between President Donald Trump and Russia during a wide-ranging interview on CBS' "60 Minutes" that has already sparked calls for a congressional investigation.

Speaking to "60 Minutes" correspondent Scott Pelley, McCabe said the FBI had reasonable cause to open a counterintelligence investigation into Trump's connection with the Russian government, a potential national security threat, following the firing of then-FBI Director James Comey in May 2017.

He also said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was "not joking" when he offered to wear a wire into the White House to "collect evidence" into Trump's motivation for firing Comey.

"And the idea is, if the president committed obstruction of justice, fired the director of the FBI to negatively impact or to shut down our investigation of Russia's malign activity and possibly in support of his campaign, as a counterintelligence investigator, you have to ask yourself, 'Why would a president of the United States do that?'" McCabe said on "60 Minutes."

"So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder if there is an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?"

Asked by Pelley if Trump is "in league with the Russians," McCabe said, "I'm saying that the FBI had reason to investigate that. Right  to investigate the existence of an investigation doesn't mean someone is guilty. I would say, Scott, if we failed to open an investigation under those circumstances, we wouldn't be doing our jobs."

Prior to the airing of McCabe's interview, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, said Sunday he planned to conduct a Senate investigation into what he characterized as "an attempted bureaucratic coup."

Story continues

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"We're going to find out what happened here and the only way I know to find out is to call the people in under oath and find out, through questioning, who's telling the truth because the underlying accusation is beyond stunning," Graham said on CBS' "Face the Nation."

Graham, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, added that he would subpoena McCabe and Rosenstein if they did not agree to testify voluntarily.

Via Twitter, Trump responded Thursday to the news of McCabe's interview by calling him a "disgrace to the FBI and to our Country" who was trying to pretend to be a "poor little Angel." He also repeated many of his past criticisms of McCabe, who he says helped start the "Russia hoax" and was biased in favor of Hillary Clinton.

During the "60 Minutes" interview, McCabe said Rosenstein resisted Trump's insistence of referencing Russia in a memo to justify Comey's firing  "And the president responded, 'I understand that, I am asking you to put Russia in the memo anyway,'" he said  and later raised the idea of wearing a wire to the White House.

"He said, I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldnt know it was there, McCabe said. "Now, he was not joking. He was absolutely serious. And, in fact, he brought it up in the next meeting we had."

He added, "I never actually considered taking him up on the offer."

The Justice Department last September, responding to a New York Times report that first revealed the conversation, issued a statement from another official who was in the room and interpreted Rosenstein's offer as sarcastic.

Asked during Sunday's interview if Rosenstein supported obstruction and counterintelligence investigations against Trump, McCabe answered, "Absolutely."

McCabe was fired from the Justice Department last March by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions for "an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor  including under oath  on multiple occasions." In the "60 Minutes" interview, McCabe described his firing as politically motivated, telling Pelley he was authorized to release information to the media.

Graham's "coup" comment echoed criticisms from other Republicans and Trump supporters who have long claimed there is a "deep state" conspiracy of career Justice Department officials against the president. They believe that the opening of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into a potential conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russians trying to sway the 2016 election is a part of that conspiracy.

"When is someone going to finally investigate the investa(g)tors?" tweeted the president's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., on Friday. "If this isnt an attempted coup I dont know what is. Regardless of party if youre not troubled by this, youre part of the problem."

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In the "60 Minutes" interview, McCabe recalled meeting with Trump after the president had just fired Comey.

"I was speaking to the man who had just run for the presidency," McCabe said. "And won the election for the presidency and who might have done so with the aid of the government of Russia, our most formidable adversary on the world stage."

"And that was something that troubled me greatly," he added.

When Pelley asked how long after Comey's firing he decided to begin an investigation into possible obstruction of justice by the president, McCabe replied, "I think the next day, I met with the team investigating the Russia cases and I asked the team to go back and conduct an assessment to determine 'Where are we with these efforts and what steps do we need to take going forward?'"

60 Minutes (@60Minutes) | Twitter

McCabe said he was "very concerned" and wanted to make sure that he had "the Russia case on absolutely solid ground, in an indelible fashion." He said wanted to make sure that if he was "removed quickly, or reassigned or fired, that the case could not be closed or vanish without a trace in the night."

His book, The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump," hit bookshelves on Tuesday.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: McCabe on '60 Minutes': FBI had good reason to open counterintelligence investigation into Trump
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has vowed to launch an investigation into whether top officials at the Justice Department and the FBI plotted to carry out a bureaucratic coup to force President Trump from office. Graham was speaking Sunday on CBS Face The Nation about a 60 Minutes interview with Andrew McCabe, in which the former FBI deputy director confirmed that Justice Department officials discussed ousting Trump in 2017, invoking the 25th Amendment.
By Tatiana Voronova

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Rusal, the world's second-largest aluminum producer, is in talks to resume reinsuring its risks with Western companies after Washington lifted sanctions on it, officials with Russian National Reinsurance Co (RNRC) said.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Jan. 28 lifted sanctions on Rusal and other core assets of tycoon Oleg Deripaska. The reinsurance talks show the company is now trying to return to normal operations.

Natalia Karpova, deputy chief executive of RNRC, told reporters on Monday that Rusal is in talks with Western reinsurers to get them to once again share the aluminum company's risks.

She did not name any of the companies involved.

Rusal's primary insurer is Ingosstrakh, one of Russia's largest insurance companies, according to two sources familiar with the process. Ingosstrakh had been reinsuring those risks with Western reinsurance firms prior to the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. Treasury on April 6 last year in response to what it called Russia's "malign activities".

RNRC Chief Executive Nikolai Galushin told Reuters last year that after April 6 his firm was forced to take on almost all the risks of a number of Russian industrial plants previously shared among Western reinsurers.

If Rusal persuades Western reinsurers to once again share Ingosstrakh's risks, RNRC is ready to share 20 percent of that reinsurance with Western firms, Galushin said on Monday.

RNRC was set up by the Russian central bank chiefly to offer reinsurance to firms barred from using Western providers after sanctions were first imposed on Moscow in 2014.

The lifting of sanctions on Deripaska's interests remains contentious and U.S. congressional Democrats said on Jan. 29 they were not satisfied with the decision.

Ingosstrakh did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Rusal declined to comment.

(Additional reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Editing by David Holmes/Andrew Osborn)
By Alexander Cornwell and Stanley Carvalho ABU DHABI (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates on Monday awarded Raytheon Co. a 5.7 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) contract to supply its air force with platform systems to launch missiles, a UAE military spokesman said. The agreement was signed at the week-long IDEX military exhibition in Abu Dhabi and followed the award on Sunday of a 1.3 billion dirhams contract to Raytheon to supply the UAE with patriot missiles. The UAE armed forces signed a total of 7.2 billion dirhams in contracts on Monday, including 5.8 billion dirhams with international companies, Brigadier General Mohammed al-Hassani said, speaking through a translator. The UAE has signed a total of 12 billion dirhams in contracts since the IDEX exhibition started on Sunday, he said. Lockheed Martin, Germany's Diehl Defence, and Sweden's Saab on Monday launched at IDEX the Falcon air defense weapon system, billed as a replacement to the Hawk system used by countries in the Middle East. Falcon was developed in response to a UAE request for a replacement for the Hawk system and talks are underway to sell it to the Gulf state, Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin's vice-president and deputy head of Integrated Air and Missile Defense said. Weapons sales to the UAE have come under scrutiny over the past year due to the country's involvement in the Yemen war that has killed tens of thousands of people and pushed the country to the brink of starvation. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading a military coalition, which includes local forces drawn from Yemeni factions, that is trying to restore the internationally recognized government ousted from power in 2014 by the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. ($1 = 3.6728 UAE dirham) (Writing by Alexander Cornwell. Editing by Jane Merriman)
German carmaker Porsche hosts a photo tour showing the production and the manufacturing of the new Macan in Leipzig, Germany, December 13, 2018. Photo: REUTERS/Matthias Rietschel/File Photo

One of the worlds most iconic luxury carmakers warned that it may slap on a 10% surcharge onto a Porsche (PAH3.F) vehicle after Britain leaves the European Union on 29 March, this year.

In a statement to Yahoo Finance UK, it said that this is a precautionary step in the interests of allowing our customers to plan ahead. It added that the current state means a further period of insecurity and planning uncertainty.

The price rise would mean an entry-level Porsche 911 priced at 93,110 ($120,153) would rise to 102,421.

Here is the full statement given to Yahoo Finance UK from a Porsche spokesperson:

We are keeping a very close eye on developments and reviewing the entire spectrum of possible effects. For us, the current state means a further period of insecurity and planning uncertainty. In light of the current difficult situation we continue to prepare for all eventualities.

When our customers are looking to order a car, we try to keep them informed with as much information as possible  this includes any changes outside of our control that may affect the price of the car theyre interested in purchasing.

As one potential outcome of the Brexit negotiations, there is a possibility that a duty of up to 10% may be applied to cars imported into the UK by us after March 29th. In light of this Porsche Cars Great Britain has chosen to inform customers whose cars are likely to arrive after Brexit occurs to warn them that they may be affected by this tariff  allowing them to be fully informed at the point of sale and, if they wish, to adjust their order accordingly.

This is a precautionary step in the interests of allowing our customers to plan ahead, should this situation arise. Customers who have placed deposits on or before January 17th this year will not be affected by this change.

Like the rest of the industrial sector, we need comprehensive clarity on the shape of future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union very quickly.

Story continues

For the automotive industry, open market access and clear customs processes have priority in order to avoid any negative impact on just-in-time production and our European supply chains.

The German car firms owner Volkswagen (VOW.DE) has not declared whether its other luxury brands, such as Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ducati will follow Porsches suit. VW also has not confirmed whether its more affordable lines, such as Audi, Skoda, and Seat, will incur a Brexit price rise.

It is currently unclear what the trading conditions will be like in a post-Brexit Britain. There is still a possibility that the UK will leave the bloc without a deal, meaning all rules and regulations between the parties will cease to operate in the same way.




Pope Francis during a Mass in St Peter's Basilica in January - Corbis News

Victims of clerical sex abuse have warned Pope Francis that his credibility is on the line as he confronts the biggest challenge of his papacy with a landmark conference on protecting children from rape and molestation.

Nearly 200 bishops, archbishops, patriarchs and other senior Catholic figures from around the world will convene in Rome on Thursday for an unprecedented four-day conference that is supposed to tackle the scourge of child abuse by clergy.

It is the biggest effort so far to address scandals that have eroded faith in the Catholic Church in the US, Ireland, Australia and elsewhere.

Theres going to be every effort to close whatever loopholes there are, said Charles Scicluna, an archbishop from Malta who is one of the organisers of the summit.

This is a new day in terms of transparency. Bishops are going to be held accountable. My hope is that people see this as a turning point.

Members of the survivors' group Ending Clergy Abuse in front of St Peter's Square at the Vatican Credit: Gregorio Borgia/AP

But victims groups are furious that it has taken this long for the Church to organise such a high-profile meeting, pointing out that is has been 17 years since the Boston sex abuse scandal, which lifted the lid on the problem in the Church.

They accuse Pope Francis of failing to clearly decree that priests, and the bishops who protect them, should be reported to the police, prosecuted and sent to jail if found guilty of abuse.

They say the Vatican has had years to set out clear guidelines to every diocese in the world, instructing them to hand over to the civil authorities any priest accused of abusing children. It has not done so.

Pope Francis has been talking about zero tolerance ever since he was elected. Its time to deliver on that promise, said Peter Isely, from Ending Clergy Abuse, a victims support group.

There needs to be a universal law for the Church around the world  if you are a priest who rapes or sexually assaults a child, then you are going to be removed from the priesthood. And you are going to be turned over to the authorities and prosecuted and imprisoned.

Story continues

Peter Isely, founding member of Ending Clergy Abuse, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Credit: Gregorio Borgia/AP

Survivors of sex abuse are tired of the years of empty rhetoric and lack of action coming from the Vatican.

Weve been waiting a long time. Weve waited too long. This is a historic moment. This has never happened before in the history of the Catholic Church. The Pope has acknowledged that this is a global problem in the Church and thats important. He now has to deliver, said Mr Isely, speaking in front of St Peters Basilica.

They can do something in the next few days that could save a child somewhere in the world from undergoing what we went through as children  these horrible, horrific, terrible crimes.

Peter Saunders, a British victim of sex abuse by priests, said: This pope is the best public relations pope of our lifetime. He is very media savvy. But his credibility on this issue has been blown away.

The Vatican made Mr Saunders a member of a special commission for the protection of children, but he resigned in protest at how little progress the body made, saying it was starved of funding.

Around a dozen survivors have been invited to meet the Pope during the conference. What we need is action. We need to have a real conversation about this - why is there not zero tolerance for priests who have assaulted children? Whats the hold-up? Whats the problem? said Mr Isely.

The Vatican insists that this time, it means business.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, is one of the organisers of the summit Credit: AP/Gregorio Borgia

Its going to be a rallying moment, said Cardinal Blase Cupich from Chicago, another organiser of the conference. We want to make sure that bishops claim ownership of the problem.

Archbishop Scicluna vowed that the days of omerta  the code of silence which normally refers to the mafia  were over.

Whether you call it omerta or a state of denial, its a no-go. We need to face the facts. This is not the end game but we are going to do everything possible to make people accountable.

On Saturday, Pope Francis defrocked an American cardinal, Theodore McCarrick, for historical sexual abuse allegations.

The 88-year-old, a former archbishop of Washington, is the most senior Catholic figure to be dismissed from the priesthood in modern times.
By Alan Charlish and Dan Williams

WARSAW/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Poland pulled out of a planned summit in Israel after Israel's acting foreign minister said on Monday that "many Poles" had collaborated with the Nazis in World War Two and shared responsibility for the Holocaust.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki branded the remarks "racist and unacceptable". He had previously said he would not join Tuesday's gathering of central European leaders in Israel, sending instead a lower-level delegation, but said on Monday that no Polish officials would now attend.

"Not only can we not accept such racist comments, but with all our strength we want to stress that we will fight for historical truth, for the honour of Poles," he told reporters.

The leaders of the other three 'Visegrad Group' nations - Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia - all still planned to attend the talks, Israel said, but Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said they would instead consist of bilateral discussions and that the summit would be rescheduled for later in 2019.

Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government has made what it sees as the defence of national honour over its wartime record a cornerstone of foreign policy since taking power in 2015.

Many Poles refuse to accept research showing thousands of their countrymen participated in the Holocaust in addition to thousands of others who risked their lives to help the Jews. They say Warsaw's Western allies have also failed to acknowledge the scale of Poland's own suffering under wartime occupation.

The diplomatic row between Poland and Israel has been escalating since Friday, when Israeli media reported remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday suggesting Polish complicity in the Holocaust.

Israel's Acting Foreign Minister Israel Katz exacerbated the dispute on Monday when he told Israel's Army Radio: "Many Poles collaborated with the Nazis and took part in the destruction of the Jews during the Holocaust."

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Katz also quoted comments attributed to Israel's late prime minister Yitzhak Shamir: "Shamir said that every Pole suckled anti-Semitism with his mother's milk. Nobody will tell us how to express our stance and how to honour the dead."

DIPLOMATIC SETBACK

The Polish decision is a blow for Netanyahu, who had hoped the Visegrad summit would burnish his diplomatic credentials ahead of Israel's April 9 election. He sees the Visegrad-4 as a counterbalance to western European countries, which tend to be more critical of Israel's policies towards the Palestinians.

But Netanyahu has also faced criticism in Israel over what some see as a bid to win allies in central Europe at the expense of revising Holocaust history and whitewashing anti-Semitism.

"There will be no full V4 meeting. Three PMs are arriving will hold meetings with (Israel's) PM," Emmanuel Nahshon, spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry, said in a text message.

The dispute also harms Poland's ambitions to lead the V4 and give the region a bigger international voice, though many PiS voters will welcome Morawiecki's decision. PiS leads opinion polls ahead of a national election due in the autumn.

"Morawiecki had to call off the summit after the affront from Netanyahu because otherwise he would appear too soft," said Piotr Buras, head of the Warsaw office of the think-tank ECFR.

Before World War Two Poland was home to one of the world's biggest Jewish communities but it was almost entirely wiped out by the Nazis who set up camps such as Auschwitz on Polish soil.

Tensions between Israel and Poland also rose last year after Poland introduced new legislation that would have made the use of phrases such as "Polish death camps" punishable by up to three years in prison.

After pressure from the United States and an outcry in Israel, Poland watered down the legislation, scrapping the prison sentences.

(Reporting in Warsaw by Marcin Goclowski, Anna Koper, Joanna Plucinska and Alan Charlish and in Jerusalem by Dan Williams and Jeffrey Heller; additional reporting by Jan Lopatka in Prague and Gergely Szakacs in Budapest; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Devon and Cornwall Police have questioned a 73-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting a suicide after a 74-year-old was found dead at the bottom of cliffs in Cornwall. Stock image. (PA)

A woman has been questioned by police after a pensioners body was discovered at the bottom of a cliff.

Police were called to Hells Mouth, in Gwithian, near Camborne, in Cornwall, at around 4.25pm on Friday by a member of the public who reported seeing a body.

Emergency services attended the scene and recovered a the body of a 74-year-old woman from Wiltshire.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the womans next of kin have been informed and the death was not being treated as suspicious.

But a spokesman said they had questioned a 73-year-old woman as part of a probe looking into whether the deceased woman was helped into ending her life.

The suspect is understood to have been interviewed under caution over the weekend and has now been released under investigation.

The spokesman added: Her next of kin have been informed, her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.

In connection to this matter, a 73-year-old woman from Westbury, Wiltshire, has been questioned on suspicion of aiding or abetting a suicide, under The Suicide Act 1961.

She has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

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ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has ordered the release of about 2,100 Pakistani prisoners from the kingdom's jails during a high-profile visit to Islamabad, Pakistan's information minister said on Monday. Prince Mohammed arrived in Pakistan on Sunday at the beginning of an Asian tour, which will include China and is seen as an attempt by him to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia on Sunday signed investment agreements with Pakistan worth $20 billion. The crown prince had "ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners", after a request by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a post on Twitter. The fate of thousands of Pakistani workers locked up in jails across the Middle East is a sensitive issue in Pakistan, where there is a perception the prisoners are mostly poor laborers who have no real legal recourse. Huge numbers of Pakistanis travel to the Middle East every year, with many working on construction sites or as domestic helpers. The remittances they send back are vital for Pakistan's dollar-starved economy. Saudi Arabia has yet to comment on the Pakistani announcement of a prisoner release. The crown prince's visit marks a deepening of ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centered on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistan's economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistan's powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family. As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious influence in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mostly Muslim country of 208 million people. Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistan's economy afloat by propping up rapidly dwindling foreign reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving it breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund. Pakistan has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammed's trip as the biggest state visit since one by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of China's Belt and Road initiative. Many in the West blamed Prince Mohammed for the killing of the journalist Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. The murder triggered the kingdom's biggest political crisis for a generation. The crown prince has denied being involved. (Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Robert Birsel)
If youre searching Google for the best toilet paper in the world, you wont come across Charmin or Angel Soft.

The top result: the green and white national flag of Pakistan.

Why? In a statement to USA TODAY on Monday, Google said it was looking into the oddity but had "not found any evidence that Google Images was ranking the Pakistani flag in response to this particular search."

The abnormality began in the days following a Valentines Day terror bombing in Indias Pulwama district of Kashmir that killed 41 soldiers in a paramilitary convoy  the deadliest attack against Indian government forces in the regions history.

While we continue to investigate the matter, we have not found any evidence that Google Images was ranking the Pakistani flag in response to this particular search. Many news outlets wrote about an old screenshot from a meme website that is inconsistent with our UI and dates back to 2017, and we have not seen any independent verification that these results ever appeared as depicted," the Google statement said. "Since these news stories published, images from those articles are now ranking for this query, as the pages contain words relevant to the search.

The Pakistani militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for last week's attack, the Greater Kashmir newspaper reported, and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a crushing response. About 70,000 people have been killed since 1989 in Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. The 2018 death toll was the highest in nine years, with at 260 militants, 160 civilians and 150 government forces killed.

A similar oddity popped up last summer on Google Search, when President Donald Trumps face appeared as the top result for the word idiot. The British were partly to blame after using the Green Day song American Idiot to protest Trumps visit to their country.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pakistan flag is top result for 'the best toilet paper in the world' on Google. But, why?
Winning  and even just being nominated for  an Academy Award is supposed to be the defining moment of an actors career. Yet for some recipients it can bizarrely be the beginning of the end.

Rather than propelling them further up the Hollywood echelon this so called Oscar curse can actually lead careers to stagnate and sometimes, even go into reverse.

Whose been afflicted by this jinx in the past though? Here are 10 Oscar nominees that are now making straight-to-DVD films.

Adrien Brody

The youngest actor to ever win the Academy Award for Best Actor, Adrien Brody picked up the gong for his performance in The Pianist at the tender age of 29. Since then though things havent gone quite as smoothly.

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Sure, he popped up in Midnight In Paris and The Grand Budapest Hotel, but other than that, Brodys film career has stalled to such an extent that he co-starred in the 2014 indie action American Heist with the rapper Akon and Hayden Christensen, a film that never even received a UK release. He was most recently seen lending star power wattage to Peaky Blinder S4.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage is a cinematic enigma. He can go from the glorious, like when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 1995s Leaving Las Vegas, to slumming it in things like Chinese co-production Outcast alongside Hayden Christensen, which was released through video on demand in 2015 after a wave of negative reviews. His lowest point arguably came in 2014s religious thriller Left Behind which currently has a 2% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Still cant help but root for him though.

John Travolta

Travoltas career has more ups and downs than a runaway rollercoaster. In fact, following Travoltas Oscar nominations for Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction it plummeted with the 1991 made for TV movie Chains Of Gold and 2013s Killing Season, respectively.

The latter of which, even with Robert DeNiro as his co-star, was released on both the home screen and in cinemas simultaneously, and grossed the grand sum of 30,000. Which brings us neatly on to

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Robert De Niro

In between cameo performances in David O Russell films and legacy-threatening howlers like Dirty Grandpa, the two-time Oscar winner can be found in straight-to-DVD thrillers like Heist and The Bag Man.

Were not sure what De Niros agent is thinking, or whether Bobby just does not give a hoot any more, but the Raging Bull star deserves much more than this. Hes reteaming with Martin Scorsese for mob thriller The Irishman, out later this year, which could be a return to form.

Anthony Hopkins

The Welsh acting titans acting career has taken a bit of a downwards turn since his mid-90s heyday where he received four Oscar nominations, winning one for Silence Of The Lambs. His nadir came in 2015 with the release of two straight-to-DVD quality movies Solace, and Kidnapping Mr. Heineken which Variety called about as appealing as day-old beer littered with cigarette butts.

Gary Busey

Before Gary Busey became the Gary Busey that equally enthrals as beguiles the world, he was nominated for the 1978 Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Buddy Holly Story. Those times are long gone though. His last IMDb credit was in 2018s The Last Sharknado: Its About Time.

Geena Davis

The late 1980s and early 1990s were very kind to Geena Davis. She received Oscar nominations for Thelma & Louise and The Accidental Tourist, the latter of which she won a Best Supporting Actress gong.

Since the Shane Black scribed The Long Kiss Goodnight though, Davis cinematic career has nose-dived. In fact, except for the Stuart Little franchise, voice work in When Marnie Was There, and Accidents Happen, which was only released in Australia, she has inexplicably been unable to find other great movie roles. Her most high profile role of recent years came in the largely overlooked 2017 sci-fi thriller Marjorie Prime.

Proof of just how cruel Hollywood can be some times.

Mercedes Ruehl

The winner of the 1992 Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Fisher King, Mercedes Ruehls career has rather petered out since then. In fact her most recent movie role came all the way back in 2014, when she appeared in a comedy called Chu and Blossom. Never heard of it? No, us neither. Ruehl recently featured in the TV series Power.

Marlee Matlin

The youngest ever actor to win a Best Actress Academy Award, which she did for her leading role in 1986s Children Of A Lesser God, Marlee Matlin is also the only deaf performer to win an Oscar too.

As was always likely, this was the pinnacle of Matlins career. However that still means she deserves more than roles like Diner Patron in 2014s The One I Love and Unknown in How To Make Love Like An Englishman. Shes a series regular in Quantico, The Magicians, and Family Guy.

Read more

The worst movies made by Oscar winners

Why did Harry Potter never win any Oscars?

The worst Best Picture Oscar winners
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - In January, thousands of North Korean students travelled to Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain where the ruling family claims its roots and where leader Kim Jong Un is building a massive economic hub at the alpine town of Samjiyon.

It is one of the largest construction initiatives Kim has launched, part of his campaign for a "self-reliant economy" even as he seeks to convince U.S. President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions at their second summit later this month.

State media painted an inspiring picture of patriotic students braving harsh weather, eating frozen rice, and ignoring supervisors' worries about their health in order to work harder on the huge building site.

Kim has visited Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, at least five times for inspections over the past year.

He envisages a "socialist utopia" with new apartments, hotels, a ski resort and commercial, cultural and medical facilities by late 2020, barely four years after Kim ordered modernisation of the "sacred land of the revolution".

North Korean defectors and human rights activists say such mass mobilisations amount to "slave labour" disguised as loyalty to Kim and the ruling Workers' Party. Young workers get no pay, poor food and are forced to work more than 12 hours a day for up to 10 years in return for better chances to enter a university or join the all powerful Workers' Party.

But as private markets boom and more people cherish financial stability above political standing, the regime has been struggling to recruit the young labourers in recent years, they say.

"Nobody would go there if not for a party membership or education, which helps you land a better job. But these days, you can make a lot more money from the markets," said Cho Chung-hui, a defector and former labourer.

"Loyalty is the bedrock of the brigades but what do you expect from people who know the taste of money?"

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'BOILING BLOOD OF YOUTH'

Last year, after declaring his nuclear weapons programme complete, Kim shifted his focus towards the economy, saying people's well-being was a top priority.

Samjiyon is at the centre of his new economic initiative, touted as what would be a "model of modern mountainous city to be the envy of the world," alongside an ongoing project to create a tourist hotspot in the coastal city of Wonsan.

The labour units, called dolgyeokdae or youth brigades, were created by Kim's late grandfather Kim Il Sung to build railways, roads, electricity networks and other infrastructure projects after the Korean peninsula was liberated from Japan's 1910-45 occupation.

Open North Korea, a Seoul-based rights group, estimated the total brigade workforce at 400,000 as of 2016. A landmark 2014 U.N. report on North Korean human rights put it at between 20,000 and 100,000 per municipality, depending on its size.

"How did Kim rally manpower and resources for so many big construction programmes despite sanctions? It's simple - whatever you need, suck it out of the people," said Kwon Eun-kyoung, director of the group, who has interviewed more than 40 former brigade members.

North Korean state media has run a series of articles over the past month appealing for young people to dedicate their "boiling blood of youth" to renovate Samjiyon, while Kim has expressed his gratitude to those who sent construction materials and supplies.

Articles and photos show factories, families and individuals packaging winter jackets, tools, shoes, blankets and biscuits in boxes to be delivered to Samjiyon.

The state provides a limited amount of materials including cement and iron bars, leaving brigades to bring gravel and sand from river banks themselves, Cho and Kwon said.

A 60-minute documentary on state television, broadcast 10 times since December, shows young men carrying stones in heavy snow and doing masonry work on a tall structure without any apparent safety devices.

Last month, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said thousands of university students produced 100 metre-high (300 ft-high) piles of gravel by crushing rocks with nothing but hand tools on their first day alone. It likened the feat to the efforts of forefathers who fought against Japanese imperial forces during World War II.

"The weather was so cold the rice were like ice cubes, but we didn't want to waste a single precious second heating it up. I thought of our anti-Japan revolutionary martyrs while chewing frozen rice," the article quoted one student's diary.

State media often exaggerates loyalty pledges of the citizens toward the leaders as part of efforts to craft a personality cult around them.

But Cho, the defector, said the reports were "far from reality" as most workers would not even get a safety helmet, and labour conditions were so hostile that many ran away.

MONEY OVER LOYALTY

The untrained workers, along with the military, provide most of the construction labour essential to accomplish Kim's pet economic projects.

But mounting public resistance toward the mobilisation of free labour and supplies may spell trouble for Kim's ambition to transform Samjiyon, defectors and observers say.

Cho said authorities offered him party membership and college entrance if he gave three years service to the brigades. The commitment eventually stretched to eight years before he received the suggested rewards in 1987.

Not all promises are kept. Lee Oui-ryok, 29, said he fled a brigade he had served for three years from age 17 and came to the South in 2010 after realising he would never be allowed to join the party due to his background.

In addition, human rights abuses of brigade members are rampant, prompting many to escape or injure themselves to be discharged, said Cho, who defected to the South in 2011 and is now an economist in Seoul.

Nowadays, those who have money exempt themselves from the service by sending supplies, paying someone else to fulfil the duty, or bribing brigade leaders to turn a blind eye, Cho and Kwon said.

Most new labour unit members are from the most underprivileged households and harbour ill feelings about the system and its growing inequality, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"They will push out the propaganda claims about these projects and the love of Kim Jong Un motivating people to work, but the reality is punishments await those who refuse," said Robertson.

"It's usually the poorest denizens in the area who have few connections and cannot afford to pay bribes - so they are the ones being targeted."

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment.

In late 2017, the U.S. State Department described the mass mobilisation of forced labour as one of the human rights abuses underwriting North Korea's weapons programme. It blacklisted seven individuals and three entities, including two construction agencies.

The rise of markets and growing public resentment toward forced labour have eroded the quality of labour at most brigades nationwide, defectors say.

Kang Mi-jin, a defector who regularly speaks with North Koreans for the defector-run Daily NK website, said some construction work at Samjiyon was temporarily halted last month due to safety problems.

"It's inconceivable for North Korea to complete such a large project without these brigades, but there's no way they have the full labour force they need, which is why they're trying to mobilise more through state media," Cho said.

"But they would only continue to see more people run away and more cracks in buildings. That's the reality."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
By Marti Maguire RALEIGH, N.C. (Reuters) - A Republican operative directed an unlawful absentee ballot scheme in North Carolina's 9th congressional district and tried to hide the evidence, an election official said on Monday at a hearing that could lead to a new vote in the disputed contest. Republican candidate Mark Harris leads Democratic rival Dan McCready by 905 votes out of 282,717 ballots cast in the November 2018 congressional election. But the U.S. House of Representatives seat has remained vacant, with state officials refusing to certify Harris as the winner due to accusations of election fraud in two counties in the district. Kim Strach, executive director of the state election board, on Monday said investigators had uncovered a "coordinated, unlawful and substantially resourced absentee ballot scheme" orchestrated by a political operative working for Harris. Strach said operative Leslie McCrae Dowless hired workers to collect absentee ballot requests from voters and then return to retrieve the ballots, in violation of state law. In some instances, the paid workers falsely signed as witnesses and filled in votes for races left blank at Dowless's home or office, Strach said. Dowless attended the hearing in Raleigh but declined to testify voluntarily after the board said it would deny him immunity. Dowless's lawyer, Cynthia Adams Singletary, said afterward that "he hasn't done anything wrong." Harris has said he was unaware of any wrongdoing. Lisa Britt, who worked for Dowless on the absentee ballots, testified that he instructed his workers to fill in responses for races left blank to avoid red flags with the local elections board. She said she was not told how to vote in those races. What I would do is vote for whoever was the Republican, she said. Britt also said Dowless tried to prevent her from testifying at Monday's hearing by asking her to invoke her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Investigators found Dowless sought to avoid detection by instructing those who worked for him to deliver ballots in small batches to a post office close to the voters and to ensure the same color ink was used for the voter and false witness signatures, Strach said. Dowless and his workers handled at least 788 ballot requests in Bladen County and 231 in Robeson County, the two counties at the center of the state probe, Strach said. Voter Kimberly Sue Robinson testified that she returned a blank, unsealed ballot to Dowless representatives. "I was told if I didnt fill it out, it would get filled out for me, Robinson said. Under state law, the five-member elections board can call a new election if the number of contested votes would sway the original election or if the irregularities or improprieties occurred to such an extent that they taint the results of the entire election and cast doubt on its fairness. Alternatively, the board could certify Harris as the district's congressional representative. Republicans have pushed for that outcome, while Democrats want a new election. The hearing resumes on Tuesday. If the Democrats pick up the seat, they would widen their 235-197 majority in the House after taking control of the chamber from President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans in the Nov. 6 election. (Reporting by Marti Maguire; Additional reporting by Gabriella Borter in New York; Writing by Colleen Jenkins)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - No one in Europe would oppose a British demand for an extension of talks on Britain's exit from the European Union beyond the March 29 deadline, the head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker told the Stuttgarter Zeitung in an interview. With only weeks left to the exit date, Britain's parliament does not want to accept the withdrawal agreement that has been reached between Prime Minister Theresa May and the EU, and many EU officials see postponing the exit date as the only way to avoid Britain crashing out without any deal. "Any decision to ask for more time lies with the UK. If such a request were to be made, no one in Europe would oppose it. If you are asking for how long the withdrawal can be postponed, I have no time frame in mind," Juncker told the German newspaper. Many EU officials note that elections to the European Parliament on May 23-26 and the first sitting of the new parliament at the start of July creates a natural time-limit for any extension, which should not go beyond end of June. Juncker also indicated a longer extension could be problematic, but did not exclude it. "With Brexit so many timetables have already gone by the wayside. But I find it hard to imagine that British voters would again vote in the European elections. That to my mind would be an irony of history. Yet I cannot rule it out," he said. "When it comes to Brexit, it is like being before the courts or on the high seas; we are in God's hands. And we can never quite be sure when God will take the matter in hand." (Reporting By Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Lagos (AFP) - In the Ago Egun Bariga area of Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos, there is no road, no electricity, no running water and no rubbish collection.

Now that high grass has blocked access to the water, there is no work either.

The people of Ago Egun Bariga have made a living from fishing ever since their families first settled on the edge of the lagoon more than 50 years ago.

At the time, local chief Agemo Akapo's grandfather lived comfortably surrounded by the tropical vegetation.

But as urbanisation gathered pace at breakneck speed, Lagos' population mushroomed from 300,000 people in 1950 to some 20 million today -- and the trees disappeared.

In their place are makeshift shanties as far as the eye can see.

"We would like to have electricity, schools, hospitals, running water," said Agemo Akapo.

"But this is not our number one priority. They need to open access to the sea again, so that we can go to work, buy food and feed our children."

He added: "We live like doves in a cage."

The Lagos state government has filled in vast stretches of the water with sand to build much-needed homes, contributing to major changes to the local ecosystem.

As a result, the fishing boats of Ago Egun have lain idle in the mud for the last two years among the detritus of daily life.

The fishermen can no longer put to sea. Their wives can no longer sell the catch at market. There is no money to send children to school.

"If my children can eat once a day, we can thank our god," said Abiodun Kakini, who used to earn about 3,000 naira (about $8, 7 euros) a day selling fish her husband caught.

She now earns a little money smoking and selling large tilapia imported from the Netherlands.

"I have to buy a carton of imported fish on credit. So, I have almost nothing left at the end of the day. I need to pay back my debts," she told AFP.

In just a few years, the people of Ago Egun Bariga have gone from poverty to extreme poverty.

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- World record -

Oxfam this week published a sobering report that suggested the world's 26 richest billionaires owned more wealth than the poorest half of the planet combined.

Overall, the World Bank has said the number people living on the less than $1.9 a day -- the benchmark of extreme poverty -- has fallen overall.

But rates were rising in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigeria overtook India as the country with the most number of people living in extreme poverty last year, with 87 million people in dire financial hardship -- or nearly half the country's population.

The World Poverty Clock estimated that six Nigerians slip into extreme poverty every minute.

Between now and 2030, it said 45.5 percent of the population or 120 million people will be living in extreme poverty.

In Ago Egun Bariga, the statistics have faces.

Five-year-old children carry heavy jerrycans of water on their heads, scale tilapia in brackish water or sell dried fish even before they have learned to read.

Nigerians vote for a new president and parliament on February 16. Two weeks later, there are elections for new state governors and state assemblies.

Places like Ago Egun Bariga give an indication of the task facing the country's new political leaders.

Local chief Akapo said he had attended a political meeting the day before.

"They told us to stick these posters on our walls. But once we vote for them, they disappear," he said, gesturing to adverts for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

- Theft and corruption -

For Emmanuel Onwubiko, the head of a local human rights association, both leading candidates for the upcoming polls have largely ignored the needs of those being economically left behind.

"In Nigeria, politicians are busy playing politics and patronage strategies instead of implementing programmes to take people out of poverty," he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari is proposing social assistance and micro-finance for the poorest.

His main challenger Atiku Abubakar, a wealthy businessman and former vice-president from the Peoples Democratic Party, is more market-driven.

Onwubiko complained there was no formal means of ensuring that politicians followed through on their promises once they get into power.

"The military government looted public funds for decades but the politicians who have been elected since 1999 have also failed to solve this issue," he added.

In theory, OPEC-member Nigeria, Africa's leading oil producer which churns out some two million barrels of crude every day, should not be in this position.

"Between 1960 and 2005 about $20 trillion was stolen from the treasury by public office holders," said Oxfam.

"The combined wealth of Nigeria's five richest men ($29.9 billion) could end extreme poverty at a national level," it assessed.

"Oil is not a curse," said Onwubiko. "What we have is a political curse."
NatWest has apologised for the staff members outburst (Picture: PA)

A customer who called a bank to apply for a loan was told by a member of staff that all vegans should be punched in the face.

The woman from Bristol, who didnt want to be named, contacted NatWest for a loan to pay for a 400 nutrition diploma.

Her application was initially rejected but NatWest offered to pay for the course after listening to a recording of the call.

The bank apologised to the customer and said the staff members conduct was wholly inappropriate.

It also offered her compensation of just under 200.

The woman told BBC Radio Bristol that the call on January 23 made her really uncomfortable.

She said he told her that all vegans should be punched in the face.

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She said he told her that vegan activists had drawn pictures of animals and written messages such as friends not food in chalk on pavements near his home.

She said he felt vegans were forcing their beliefs on to him.

The vegan customer was left upset by the phone call (Picture: PA)

She said: He wasnt happy to be speaking to me at all, his tone was really unpleasant.

Being vegan is a lifestyle choice, I shouldnt be penalised for it, especially by a big organisation. Its extremely unfair.

NatWest said: We are extremely sorry for the way our customer was treated by a member of our staff and apologise for any distress and upset that this behaviour caused.

These comments were wholly inappropriate and we have commenced disciplinary proceedings.

We have also provided feedback to the relevant sections of the bank to ensure that lessons are learnt so that a situation like this never happens again.

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A U.S. military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine are being stored amid uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed. Havovi Cooper reports.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexican authorities have arrested a suspect in the killing of a local Red Cross official in the southern state of Guerrero.

The Guerrero state security spokesman said Monday that the man allegedly pulled out a pistol and killed the local Red Cross assistant coordinator in the resort city of Zihuatanejo on Feb. 8. Spokesman Roberto Alvarez did not mention a possible motive in the crime.

In November, a Mexican Red Cross paramedic was slain and six wounded by a gang of young gunmen in another part of Guerrero state.

But there is no indication the medical group is being specifically targeted. Several Roman Catholic priests have also been killed in Guerrero, in what the church says is a climate of generalized violence.
Roma star Yalitza Aparicio (Credit: Reuters)

A Mexican actor has apologised after unleashing a racist slur against Yalitza Aparicio, the Oscar-nominated star of Alfonso Cuarons Netflix hit Roma.

On Friday veteran actor Sergio Goyri was captured on video complaining about the nomination, and referencing Aparacios indigenous Mexican heritage.

He called 25-year-old breakout star Arparicio, who plays a live-in domestic worker for a wealthy family in 70s Mexico City, a f**king Indian who says, Yes, maam, no, maam.

Aparacio is the first indigenous woman ever to be nominated for an Oscar.

Sergio Goyri (Credit: Victor Chavez/WireImage)

Responding to a backlash against his comments, Goyri said in a video posted to YouTube and Instagram: It was never my intent to offend anyone. I apologise to Yalitza, who deserves [the Oscar nomination] and much more.

For me, it is an honour to see a Mexican be nominated for an Oscar.

Aparacio said in a statement following Goyris comment: I am proud to be an Oaxacan indigenous woman and it saddens me that there are people who do not know the correct meaning of words.

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The movie is tipped for Oscar success next weekend, having been nominated for 10 awards.

The ceremony takes place on 24 February. Roma is streaming on Netflix now.

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By Robin Emmott and Paul Carrel MUNICH (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence rebuked European powers over Iran and Venezuela on Saturday in a renewed attack on Washington's traditional allies, rejecting a call by Germany's chancellor to include Russia in global cooperation efforts. In speeches and in private talks at the Munich Security Conference, Pence and Chancellor Angela Merkel laid out competing visions for how the West should address world crises. "America is stronger than ever before and America is leading on the world stage once again," Pence told European and Asian officials in Munich, listing what he described as U.S. foreign policy successes from Afghanistan to North Korea, and urging support from American allies. "America First does not mean America alone," he said, hailing the results of Donald Trump's presidency as "remarkable" and "extraordinary", and calling on the EU to follow Washington in quitting the Iran nuclear deal and recognizing the head of Venezuela's congress, Juan Guaido, as the country's president. Addressing an audience that included Trump's daughter Ivanka, Pence's speech was the latest attempt by a Trump administration official to put the president's "America First" agenda into a coherent policy plan. European leaders are troubled by Trump's rhetoric, which they say is erratic and disruptive, citing his decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as undermining an arms control agreement that prevented Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb. But Pence -- who last week accused Britain, Germany and France of undermining U.S. sanctions on Iran -- repeated his demand for European powers to withdraw from the deal. "The time has come for our European partners to withdraw from the disastrous Iran nuclear deal," he said, and later pressed Merkel over the issue in bilateral talks. He also reiterated to her Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea. "We cannot strengthen the West by becoming dependent on the East," Pence said. Merkel, who made a robust defense of Germany's foreign trade relations and ties with Russia during her speech, said later it was unreasonable to assume that Russia would be an unreliable energy supplier. "AMERICA WILL BE BACK" Speaking before Pence, Merkel questioned whether the U.S. decision to leave the Iran nuclear deal and withdrawal from Syria was the best way to tackle Tehran in the region. During a question-and-answer session, she added that it would be wrong to exclude Russia politically, but Pence said Washington was "holding Russia accountable" for its 2014 seizure of Ukraine and what the West says are efforts to destabilize it through cyber attacks, disinformation and covert operations. "Geostrategically, Europe can't have an interest in cutting off all relations with Russia," Merkel said. Pence, who used his trip to Europe to push Trump's policy of favoring sovereign states as opposed to alliances and blocs, took aim at the EU over Venezuela's political crisis. "Today we call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognize Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela," he said, calling President Nicolas Maduro a dictator who must step down. In his roving address, Pence also stepped up U.S. pressure on Chinese telecoms gear companies such as Huawei Technologies Co, urging allies to avoid the firms and saying Chinese law requires them to give Beijing access to networks and data. China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi rejected Pence's comments. "Chinese law doesn't require companies to install back doors to collect intelligence," Yang told the conference. Yang, one of the architects of Chinese foreign policy, echoed Merkel's vision, saying the world should "pull together" to address global challenges, while former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden got a standing ovation for a speech in which he said that after Trump, close traditional U.S.-EU would resume. "America will be back," he said. (Additional reporting by John Irish and Madeline Chambers; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Helen Popper)
Andrew McCabe is a good witness and he made a favorable impression, at least on me, in his 60 Minutes interview with Scott Pelley. Pelley and his editors did a great job highlighting McCabes down-to-earth likability. Unlike Jim Comey, a career prosecutor and corporate lawyer before he became FBI director, former deputy director McCabe is a career agent; his relation of events smacks of the Bureaus just the facts, maam ethos. And McCabes account of Trump telling him to ask his wife what it was like to be a loser (after she lost a Virginia state senate race) is devastating, precisely because it sounds just like something Trump would say.

That aside, there are problems with McCabes story.

First, Pelley failed to ask him the screamingly obvious questions: What about Russia did Trump want included in Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosensteins memo supporting Comeys dismissal? McCabe obliquely said Trump wanted Rosenstein to put Russia in the memo about Comey (Im quoting from memory). But Pelley never asked what in particular about Russia Trump wanted included. What about Russia was Trump referring to when he spoke  in conversations with NBC News and Russian diplomats  of Russias part in Comeys firing? Pelley highlighted the word Russia, but he sidestepped what Trump was concerned about regarding Russia.

The viewer was thus left to conclude, from McCabes other comments, that Trump must have fired the FBI director because he was fearful of the Bureaus investigation of Russias interference in the election; because he was concerned that the FBI would find that Russia intended to benefit Trump and would therefore deduce that Trump was complicit.

But that is misleading. We know that what Trump wanted made public was something very specific about Russia, namely, that Comey repeatedly told the president he was not a suspect in the Russia investigation. Trump was frustrated  over time, ballistic  over the fact that Comey was privately telling him that he was not under investigation, yet making statements that would lead the public to believe Trump was suspected of conspiring in Russias hacking operations. Trump wanted Comey to state publicly that he was not a suspect; Comeys refusal to do so made no sense to the president, especially after Comey gratuitously implied, in his stunning March 2017 House testimony, that Trump was a suspect.

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Pelley never asked McCabe about this. It might have been interesting. McCabes statements in the interview support the theory I have long posited here: Trump was always the main subject in the investigation. The real reason Comey did not want to repeat publicly the assurances he made to Trump privately is that these assurances were misleading. The FBI strung Trump along, telling him he was not a suspect while structuring the investigation in accordance with the reality that Trump was the main subject. This is why, as Comey conceded in Senate testimony, a member of his advisory team was very uncomfortable with the directors decision to assure Trump he was not a suspect. (See the last section of my column, here.) Just because the presidents name was not put on the file, just because he was not named as the intended target of a surveillance warrant, did not mean that they were not investigating him. They were hoping to surveil him incidentally, and they were trying to make a case on him. I believe that a big part of the reason Comey did not inform the congressional Gang of Eight about the investigation (even though such sensitive matters are what the Gang of Eight is for) is that he would not have been able to explain the contradiction of claiming both that the FBI was investigating the Trump campaign for complicity with Russia to help Trump win and that Trump himself was not a suspect.

Obviously, what Trump wanted Rosenstein to put in his memo was not just anything about Russia but specifically that Comey had said Trump was not a suspect. We know that because Trump put on Rosensteins memo a cover letter pointing out that Comey had told him three times that he was not a suspect.

When Trump spoke to NBC, he explicitly said he was not shutting the Russia investigation down; he simply did not trust Comey to do it right. Trump even acknowledged that the effect of firing Comey might be to expand and lengthen the investigation but that this was worth it because he lacked confidence in Comey. One can disagree with Trumps assessment of Comeys capabilities. (I know from experience that Comey is highly capable.) But Trump is president, he gets to make that judgment, and making it does not mean he is obstructing an investigation, especially when he took no steps to limit it. (McCabes suggestion that the Russia investigation might have disappeared if he didnt open an investigation of Trump after Comeys firing is absurd.)

While Trumps abomination of Comey in remarks to the Russian diplomats was disgraceful, his statement that removing Comey relieved pressure on him owing to Russia did not mean Comeys removal ended the Russia investigation. Again, he never took any step to close or even restrict the investigation; in his mind, the pressure was off him because he was finally able to inform the American people that their president was not suspected of a traitorous conspiracy with the Kremlin  information he was livid at Comey for withholding.

The second big problem with McCabes story involves his stated fear that Trump could be interfering in the FBIs probe of Russias interference in the election. This brings us to my oft-rehearsed focus on salient differences between counterintelligence and criminal investigations.

Lets put aside that Trump has never lifted a finger to prevent the FBI and other intelligence agencies from examining Russias meddling in the campaign. It is illogical to speak of a president obstructing a counterintelligence investigation. Unlike criminal investigations, which are designed to uphold the rule of law through court prosecution, counterintelligence investigations are done strictly for the presidents benefit. They gather intelligence in order to help the president carry out his mission to protect the nation against foreign threats. In our constitutional system, that mission is assigned to the president, not to the FBI  notwithstanding McCabes apparent belief to the contrary. If the president suddenly decided that quite enough investigation had been done to determine the nature and extent of Russias election interference, and that he wanted those intelligence resources to be targeted at other threats, that would be his call to make.

You could argue that it was a foolish call, even a reckless one. I thought it was reckless for President Obama to ignore intelligence that Iran was the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism so that he could cut a naive nuclear deal with Tehran; but that was his call to make  the American people having elected him to be responsible for our security against foreign threats.

Significantly, it would be different if McCabe had said that the FBI had a factual basis in evidence to believe that Trump was complicit in a criminal conspiracy with the Kremlin. In that situation, if Trump tried to restrict or shut down the probe, he would be obstructing a criminal investigation into his own suspected crimes. But McCabe does not make that claim. He concedes, instead, that FBI agents were conducting a counterintelligence investigation in which they suspected that Russia favored Trump in the election but did not claim to have evidence that Trump was complicit in any violations of criminal law.

As to Trump, then, the FBI was not conducting a criminal investigation that the firing of Comey could conceivably have obstructed. The Bureau was conducting a counterintelligence investigation, which is done in support of the presidents constitutional duties. It is up to the president, not the FBI, to determine what the presidents intelligence needs are. (By McCabes lights, a mid-level FBI supervisor can shut down a counterintelligence investigation conducted for the purpose of informing the president, but the president himself may not interfere in any way.)

In any event, the president merely removed the FBI director, which he did not need any reason to do; which he is empowered to do at will, even for dumb reasons. Trump did not order the Russia investigation closed or restricted. And to the extent he said the Russia investigation played a role in Comeys firing, he was clearly referring to Comeys refusal to state publicly what he was assuring the president privately  that the president was not a suspect.

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Alex Skeel and Jordan Worth began dating when they were 16 years old. Source: ITV

WARNING  DISTRESSING CONTENT: A man who was just days away from death when police rescued him from the grips of his violent girlfriend has told of how he was stabbed, burned, starved and isolated by the woman he thought he loved.

In an eye-opening documentary, Alex Skeel, from Bedfordshire in England, reveals the extent of the abuse he received at the hands of his controlling girlfriend, Jordan Worth.

She used to say things like I dont really like the colour grey, I dont think you should wear the colour grey, Mr Skeel, now 22, says in the BBC documentary Abused By My Girlfriend.

Oh I dont like your hair like that, you should have your hair like this.

But I never took it as a negative. It was more like I wont wear it again  it wont impress her.

Mr Skeel and Worth met through friends in 2012 when they were both 16 years old and they quickly became a couple.

However, over the years Worth forced her partner to cut ties with his family, taking control of his phone and sending messages to his loved ones telling them not to talk to him anymore.

She told Mr Skeel his grandfather had died, and after he spent two hours crying and mourning the death, she revealed she had been lying.

Following the intense mental abuse, Worth then began starving her boyfriend, giving him just scraps of food to eat. He lost close to 20kg.

According to the documentary, the abuse turned violent in 2016. Worth would strike her partner with a hammer or any weapon she could find, and would throw boiling water on him as he slept.

On one occasion, after a beating with a hairbrush Mr Skeel was forced to rip out his own tooth as he wasnt allowed to seek treatment. When he needed urgent care for his burns from the scalding water, Worth also refused to let him have an operation.

He was forced to treat his second and third-degree burns with cling wrap, the BBC reported.

Mr Skeels injuries after being stabbed by Worth. Source: ITV

Finally, after neighbours witnessed Mr Skeels constant stream of injuries and overheard one of the many violent beatings, police were called.

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Mr Skeel was hesitant to reveal the truth behind his injuries out of fear of what Worth would do to him, but eventually he told the officers about his girlfriends violent attacks.

In hospital, doctors told Mr Skeel he was 10 days away from death. He underwent operations to his brain, head and hands.

Worth was arrested, charged with grievous bodily harm and coercive controlling behaviour and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail.

People always ask me, why didnt you walk away  but its so complicated, Mr Skeel said.

As each day goes by Im understanding it more.

Worth was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in April 2018 after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm and coercive controlling behaviour.

The prosecution was the UKs first conviction for coercive control involving a female offender.
An Alabama jury has awarded $151.8m (117.4m) to a young man paralyzed in a 2015 rollover accident involving a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, Ford and lawyers in the case said on Sunday.

The jury awarded $100m in punitive damages and the rest in compensatory damages after finding that the 1998 Ford Explorer did not meet the companys own safety guidelines, according to a court document seen by Reuters and lawyers for plaintiff Travaris Tre Smith.

The document, released on Friday, said Ford acted wantonly in designing the vehicle.

Mr Smith was riding in the SUV when its driver swerved to avoid an animal and the vehicle rolled over twice, attorneys at law firms Beasley Allen and Gamble, Gamble, Calame and Jones said in a statement.

Ford said it plans to appeal to the ruling.

Monique Brentley, a spokesperson for the car company, told Reuters:

Our sympathy goes out to Travaris Smith and his family. At the same time, we disagree with the jurys conclusion in this case as well as with a series of rulings by the Alabama court that kept the jury from hearing critical evidence  and will appeal.

Ford said it has redesigned the Explorer since 1998.

Mr Smiths attorneys said the verdict would give him access to home care and assistance.

We represent a 24-year-old young man who cannot be left alone to care for himself in any way, Kendall Dunson, a lawyer at Beasley Allen, said.

This verdict represents justice for Tre and his family. Thanks to a courageous jury, he will now be able to access basic necessities within his home and have access to the care he needs.

Reuters
Male (Maldives) (AFP) - Maldives authorities on Monday detained former strongman president Abdulla Yameen after he was accused of trying to bribe witnesses in his money laundering trial, officials said.

The arrest came after the Criminal Court began a hearing into allegations that Yameen received nearly $1.5 million in illicit payments just before he lost an election in September and was forced out of power.

"Prosecutors said that Yameen had allegedly attempted to bribe witnesses," a court official said, adding that the former president would be held at the Dhoonidhoo prison island near the capital.

If convicted, the 59-year-old could face up to 15 years in jail and be fined three times the amount of the fraud involved.

Yameen, who came to power in 2013 and jailed many of his opponents or forced them into exile, was summoned to the Criminal Court Sunday to formally receive his indictment. He sent his lawyers in his place.

The court then scheduled a rushed hearing after prosecutors told judge Ahmed Hailam that Yameen was attempting to interfere with witnesses.

Since Yameen's shock election defeat, all dissidents have returned to the Indian Ocean archipelago and most have had their convictions overturned.

During his five-year tenure, Yameen relied heavily on China for political and financial support as he came under international criticism over his dismal human rights record.

The nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims is now heavily in debt to China.

- Loot stashed abroad -

Authorities believe millions of dollars allegedly siphoned off by Yameen could be stashed abroad, and have said that talks are under way with foreign entities to repatriate any cash found.

The court has already frozen Yameen's local bank accounts holding about $6.5 million, a decision the former leader has contested.

Last week, an anti-corruption body came up with a report saying $79 million was embezzled from state-run Maldives Media and Public Relations Corporation during Yameen's tenure.

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There was no immediate comment from Yameen or his legal team on the detention order.

The arrest of Yameen came a day after his chief lawyer and former justice minister Azima Shakoor was also charged with embezzlement and helping her boss to launder money.

Maldivian police earlier announced they had evidence linking Yameen and Shakoor to the theft of millions from the country.

The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before opposition leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won an unexpected landslide in last year's election, campaigning on a pledge to end corruption in the country otherwise known for its luxury tourism.
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Police in the world's biggest gambling hub of Macau are investigating what they suspect is a rare murder in a five-star casino resort after a Chinese man was found stabbed in his bed, broadcaster TDM reported on Monday. Murder cases have been rare in the Chinese territory since Portugal ceded control of what had been a colonial backwater on the heel of China's southern coast 20 years ago. The suspected murder took place in Sands China's Conrad Macau hotel, TDM reported, citing police. It comes as slower mainland growth, a weaker yuan and a simmering trade war with the United States threaten to derail Macau's growth. The 41-year-old victim, an active gambler from the mainland, had been stabbed. The case was being investigated and no further details were available, TDM said. Macau police and Sands China did not respond to requests for comment. The company is controlled by U.S. billionaire Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands. Macau is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. Casino revenues shrank in January for the first time in more than two years. Violent crime in Macau has often been linked to its junket operators - the middlemen who bring China's wealthiest to the gambling tables. Slower growth and tighter regulations have made it hard for many small junket companies to stay in business. Criminal gangs known as triads, which are known to operate in Macau, are typically involved in extortion, money laundering, murder and prostitution. (Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Robert Birsel)
Seven members of Parliament have quit the British Labour party, citing anti-Semitism, far-left thuggery, and Brexit mishandling under Jeremy Corbyns leadership. The Conservative party may be increasingly shambolic, but polling shows that Labour is even less popular. The seven defectors have named themselves the Independent Group, and they hope more MPs will join them. Time will tell.

I cannot remain in a party that I have today come to the sickening conclusion is institutionally anti-Semitic, said Luciana Berger, who has endured sustained anti-Semitic attacks and accordingly had a bodyguard at the partys annual conference last year. Chris Leslie added, We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard Left.

Jeremy Corbyn expressed his disappointment that these MPs have felt unable to continue to work together. But even his own deputy, Tom Watson, conceded, I love this party but sometimes I no longer recognize it.

Since April, the Labour party has received 673 official complaints, according to its National Executive Committee, of anti-Semitism and has suspended 96 individuals. Much of this is visible at the grassroots level, for instance, in the movement Momentum (Jeremy Corbyns unofficial fan club), which was described last year by a Labour backbencher as a party within a party full of Trots, Stalinists, Communists, and assorted hard-left activists for whom anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism is fundamental to their politics and their values.

Since becoming leader, Corbyn has been personally implicated in a number of anti-Semitic scandals. Britains former chief rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, compared Corbyns derogatory remarks about Zionists to Enoch Powells 1968 Rivers of Blood speech. A survey conducted by the Jewish Chronicle found that 40 percent of British Jews say they would consider leaving the United Kingdom if Corbyn were to become prime minister.

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But while opposition to glaring anti-Semitism is reasonable grounds for leaving the party, why now? The answer to this is that the creation of the Independent Group is also a Brexit-induced faction  one that has been a long time coming.

Polling suggests that over two-thirds of Labour-party members want a second referendum. But, on this front, Corbyn has been uncompromising. A lifelong socialist Euroskeptic, Corbyn may harbor pro-Brexit sympathies but has opted to stay quiet during the national debate for tactical reasons. Other than to point out the obvious problems Theresa May faces  and to call her a stupid woman  he seems to hope that Tories will do his dirty work for him in pushing through Brexit.

Perhaps the most-high profile Labour MP of the Independent Group, Chuka Umunna, said that Corbyns approach to Brexit was a betrayal of the British people.

As for their alternative?

So far, the faction appears to be vaguely centrist, hoping to reach across the parties (some Tories also favor a second referendum). Umunna added that he hopes the IG will provide a home for the politically homeless. He said: We invite you to leave your parties and join us to find a new way forward for Britain.

It is one of the quirks of modern democracy that voters elect individuals, but that parties decide policies. Since coalitions are a feature of most European states, policy outcomes depend on how well the parties can compromise. But in the U.K.s unexpected 2017 general-election results, no party won a majority. And the result has been two years of internal division, political paralysis, and procedural chaos.

But in the 2017 general election, there was high turnout among young voters aligned with Corbyns Labour party. Corbyns achievement over the past two years has been to mobilize such people, despite his vain, ignorant, and duplicitous personality.

In Parliament, on the other hand, support for Corbyn is in short supply. As the Conservative MP and environment secretary Michael Gove said in the House of Commons shortly before the governments recent confidence vote:

Who does he [Corbyn] stand beside? Well, it was fascinating to discover that that he was there when a wreath was laid to commemorate those who were involved in the massacre at the Munich Olympics of Israeli. Now, he says he was present, but not involved. Present but not involved sums him up when it comes to national security. When this House voted to bomb the fascists of Isis after an inspirational speech by the Member for Leeds Central in which 66 people voted with this government in order to defeat fascism. Im afraid that the honourable gentleman the Leader of the Opposition was not with us. In fighting fascism, he was present but not involved. . . . If the leader of the Opposition wont stand up against Putin when he attacks people in this country, if he wont stand up against fascists when they are running riot in Syria, if he will not stand up for this country when critical national security questions are being asked  then how could we possibly expect him to stand up for us at European negotiations?

That sentiment is commonly held across the country according to a recent YouGov poll, which found that only one in five voters think that Corbyn would be a better prime minister than Theresa May.

As for whether a meager seven individuals can attract more to their ranks and rescue British politics  this seems far-fetched. Whether they will, as shadow chancellor John McDonnell warned yesterday, risk the downfall of the Labour party and a decade of Tory government  that, too, is a stretch. Rather, the Independent Group are symbolic and symptomatic of a politics and country in crisis.

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Buenos Aires (AFP) - The corruption trial of former Argentina president Cristina Kirchner, set to begin next week, has been postponed until May, authorities said on Monday.

It is one of several corruption trials facing the center-left Peronist politician, who turns 66 on Tuesday.

In this case, she is accused of having favored businessman Lazaro Baez in the attribution of 52 public works contracts worth 46 billion pesos ($1.2 billion) during the 2007-15 period when she was president.

Next Monday, she is also due to appear before judge Claudio Bonadio to answer questions relating to the "corruption notebooks" case in which she is accused of having received tens of millions of dollars in bribes.

Kirchner, now a senator with partial parliamentary immunity, claims to be the victim of political persecution from the center-right government of President Mauricio Macri.

The two are widely expected to lock horns in an election battle in October.

The favoritism case had been scheduled to proceed on Tuesday next week but has been postponed until May 21, as one of the judges due to hear the case needs an operation in the coming days.

Baez and other officials are being held in pre-trial detention.

Kirchner was ordered to be held in pre-trial detention over the corruption notebooks case but her partial parliamentary immunity protects her from imprisonment, although not prosecution.

The corruption notebooks scandal revolves around the meticulous records kept by a government chauffeur, Oscar Centeno, of cash bribes he is said to have delivered from businessmen to government officials.

Prosecutor Carlos Stornelli has said a total of $160 million in bribes was handed over between 2005 and 2015.

Meanwhile, authorities ordered the detention of Kirchner's former vice-president Amado Boudou.

Last August, Boudou was sentenced to almost six years in prison for "passive bribery" and conduct "incompatible" with his duties as a public servant, but he was then released on bail in December.

That related to his attempt to buy a company that printed currency through a front business while serving as Kirchner's economy minister.

Anti-corruption authorities appealed the decision to release him on bail, and the federal chamber of cassation agreed that his liberty presented a "procedural risk."
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP)  The trial for four inmates charged with murder in a 2017 Delaware prison riot ended Monday with no convictions.

Jurors deliberated about five days before acquitting Abednego Baynes, 26, and Kevin Berry, 28, of all charges filed after the uprising at Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna in February 2017, The News Journal of Wilmington reported .

Officer Steven Floyd died during the 18-hour standoff. The two other guards were released and a prison counselor was rescued by police.

The jury could not reach unanimous verdicts on a riot and assault charge against John Bramble, 29. Jurors also didn't reach a unanimous decision on murder charges and a riot charge against Obadiah Miller, 26. The two were acquitted of all other charges.

Prosecutors must decide whether to retry Bramble and Miller. Deputy Attorney General John Downs declined comment as he left the courthouse after the verdict.

Each defendant proclaimed his innocence from the stand during the four-week trial, which was the second of four associated with the uprising and hostage standoff. The first ended in mixed verdicts.

Defense attorney Thomas Pedersen, who represented Bramble, said the state must "give their case some serious thought and consideration."

"The witnesses they have called have told so many different stories there are so many contradictions that I don't know how they will convince any jury beyond reasonable doubt," Pedersen said exiting the courthouse.

Prosecutors argued the men were "soldiers" in the deadly plot to take over Building C at the prison. Witnesses said inmates used violence to subdue the building's three correctional officers into closets.

While it was unclear who struck the fatal blows, prosecutors argued the men were all liable for Floyd's murder as accomplices participating in the takeover.

The main witnesses were other inmates, who defense attorneys said couldn't be believed. They said prosecutors ignored inconsistencies in the stories of their own witnesses.

Story continues

The uprising led to reforms with how the state treats its inmates, a $7.5 million settlement between the victims and the state and ongoing civil rights lawsuits claiming inmates have been mistreated before and after.

Delaware Correction Department Commissioner Perry Phelps said he was disappointed in the verdict but respected the jury's decision.

Four more inmates from the building are set to go to trial on murder charges next month. Sixteen were indicted on murder charges and two were indicted on lesser charges. One took a plea to cooperate with the state.

Another killed himself after taking a plea late last year.

___

Information from: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., http://www.delawareonline.com
The British schoolgirl who ran away to join Isil has appealed for public sympathy following the birth of her son, as a row intensifies over whether she should be allowed to return to the UK.

Shamima Begum, 19, went to Syria in 2015 and was discovered there in a refugee camp last week, heavily pregnant and insisting she wanted to go home.

The birth of her child over the weekend prompted calls for the baby to be subject to care proceedings should Begum be able to return from Syria, as it emerged that the Family Division of the High Court had presided over cases involving at least 150 children deemed at risk of radicalisation in the last five years.

In an interview with Sky News recorded at the Kurdish-controlled camp to which she fled from the last pocket of Isil-controlled territory, Begum said there was no evidence she had done anything wrong and she could not see any reason why her child should be taken from her when she had simply been living as a housewife.

Speaking just hours after giving birth, her baby at her side, she said she had no regrets about fleeing the family home in Bethnal Green, east London, to support Isil, claiming the experience had made her stronger, tougher.

Shamima Begum's Dutch-born husband Yago Riedjik

She said she could see a future for herself and her son, whom she has named Jarah after one of the two children she lost to malnutrition and disease in the last three months, if the UK are willing to take me back and help me start a new life again and try and move on from everything thats happened in the last four years.

She added: I wouldnt have found someone like my husband [Yago Riedijk, 26, a Muslim convert from the Netherlands] in the UK. I had my kids, I had a good time there.

Her other children, Jarah and Surayah, a daughter, died aged 18 months and nine months. Asked how she felt about the debate over whether she should be allowed to return home, Begum said: I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything Ive been through.

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I didnt know what I was getting into when I left, I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back.

I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

In the interview, Begum apologised for the first time to her family for running away, and said that though she knew it was like a big slap in the face for her to ask after she had previously rejected their calls for her to return, I really need their help.

Tim Loughton, deputy chairman of the home affairs select committee, said he thought it extraordinary that Begum was asking to come back while showing not a scintilla of regret.

The Conservative MP added: My own feeling is in line with most others, that she has made her bed and should lie in it. But the law must prevail and we are probably going to have to let her back.

However, I think her child should be subjected to care proceedings due to the threat of radicalisation.

He said a forthcoming report by the Henry Jackson Society disclosed that the Family Division of the High Court had presided over cases involving at least 150 children deemed at risk of radicalisation in the last five years.

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, said last week that he would not hesitate to prevent the return of anyone who supported terrorist organisations abroad.

He reiterated his stance in a Sunday newspaper article, expressing compassion for any child born or brought into a conflict zone, but stating that the safety and security of children living in this country had to be the priority.

Jeremy Wright, the Culture Secretary and former Attorney General, said Britain was obliged to take back British citizens.

However, he added: That doesnt mean that we cant put in place the necessary security measures to monitor their activities. It doesnt mean either that we cant seek to hold them to account for their behaviour thus far.

He said the nationality of Begums baby was a difficult question, but the pairs health was the most pressing matter. In the end she will have to answer for her actions, he added. So I think it is right that if shes able to come back to the UK that she does so on the understanding that we can hold her to account for her behaviour thus far.

Begum said she was attracted to Isil by videos that she had seen online, which she said showed how theyll take care of you.

She said she knew that the group carried out beheadings, but that she was OK with it at first. I started becoming religious just before I left and from what I heard Islamically that is all allowed.

At first it was nice, she said of life in the so-called Islamic State. It was how they showed it in the videos, you know, you come, make a family together, but then things got harder.

We had to keep moving and moving and moving. The situation got fraught. Begum acknowledged that it would be really hard to be rehabilitated after everything she had been through.

Im still in that mentality of planes over my head, emergency backpacks, starving... it would be a big shock to go back to the UK and start again, she said.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Javid said that decisions about what to do with potential returnees had to be made on a case-by-case basis, based on the facts of each case, the law and the threat to national security.

He added: I think about the children that could in future get caught up in dangerous groups if we dont take a firm stance against those who support them And that means sending a message to those who have backed terrorism: there will be consequences.

His comments were described as sick by Begums lawyer on Sunday. Tasnime Akunje told Radio 4s The World This Weekend: We are talking about a newborn baby who poses no risk or threat to anybody, [who is] not even cognitive, and yet hes speaking about a child whos a British citizen in terms of a security threat.

Mr Akunje suggested that the birth of Begums child increased pressure on the British authorities to allow her to return home.

He also revealed that Begums family has struggled to make direct contact with her and is now considering the possibility of getting out to Syria themselves.

Her family has indicated that if she is jailed for supporting a terrorist group, they want to step in and raise her son themselves.

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Wikimedia Commons

Charlie Gao

Security, Asia

We have a look at what Tokyo is planning.

Japan's New F-3 Fighter: Why Not Just Buy More F-35s?

In February 2019, Japan turned heads with its decision to proceed with the development of an indigenous stealth fighter jet. This came in the wake of the decision to purchase more than one hundred American F-35 jets, and the supposed cancellation of the Japanese X-2 stealth fighter prototype in 2018.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced the move to develop the new fighter, currently named Future Fighter or F-3 as part of their Mid-Term Defense Program (MTDP) that lays out modernization and procurement decisions for the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) for the next ten years.

The addition of a new fighter to Japans MTDP is a surprise but not out of character. The last revision of the MTDP significantly increases defense spending in response to what Japan perceives as a worsening security situation in the region.

But what will the F-3 actually look like?

According to the Japanese MoD, the F-3 is expected to replace Japans Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets. The F-3 is a single-engine light tactical fighter developed from the American F-16, with the addition of Japanese technology.

At the turn of the millennium, it was one of the most advanced fighters in the world, featuring an AESA radar and composite materials for limited radar cross-section minimization. It also had increased wing area to be able to carry powerful anti-ship missiles. The last production F-2 rolled off the line in 2011 and the type is expected to exit service in the 2030s.

However, based on earlier projects the new F-3 may not look much like the F-2. Being based on the F-16, the F-2 is a single engine design. But the two airplanes that were offered for the new Japanese stealth fighter contract are both double-engine designs.

There could be a few reasons for this. Double engines are an advantage when patrolling over large distances as they provide for increased reliability and the ability to restart one engine in midair with power from another. Also, the F-15J, itself a double-engine design might be reaching the end of its lifespan as well around the same time being introduced into service earlier than the F-2, and the new design could be slated to replace both airframes in service.

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So how does the F-35 fit into this picture as a single-engine fighter itself? Wouldnt it be more logical for the F-35 to replace the F-2?

The hundred or so F-35s Japan plans to buy will probably lead to the phasing out of the extremely old F-4EJ fighters, of 1970s vintage, which are of dubious utility in modern air combat. It also provides a relatively combat-ready boost to Japans airpower, as opposed to waiting for the X-2 to finish development.

Since Japan is buying F-35Bs, they could also potentially be based further forward and on austere airfields (as well as on the Izumo). This could allow Japan to generate airpower on the more remote islands of its chain that lack developed airfields, something that the F-3 will unlikely be able to do as a conventional jet.

The F-3, on the other hand, will probably have a larger internal weapons bay than the F-35 (given that its replacing the F-2, which also carries more than its American counterpart) and feature more advanced strike capability. Japan also fields two-seat versions of the F-2, and the F-35 is not currently offered or being bought in that configuration, so the F-3 is likely to be developed into a two-seat version for more demanding strike missions or possibly use as a mothership that can control future combat drones.

The F-3 is also a way for Japan to maintain its domestic aerospace design capability. The decision to adapt the F-2 from the F-16 was already controversial in Japan due to the limited technology transfer that took place from the Uniteed States to Japan, so its possible that the Japanese MoD is offering a concession to the domestic aerospace industry with F-3 procurement. Unlike some other F-35 partners, Japan is playing a minor role in producing the aircraft for the JSDF.

Regardless, the F-3 is going to be an important plane for the JSDF in the decades to come. It must stand up to Chinas rapidly developing air force while still being economical enough to procure in number. It may even have a chance to compete on the export market, as Japan loosens its military export restrictions. If it fails, Japans domestic fighter design capability might fail with it.

Charlie Gao studied Political and Computer Science at Grinnell College and is a frequent commentator on defense and national security issues.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declined to reveal Monday whether he nominated President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, but he lauded the U.S. leader for his efforts to defuse the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump said Friday that Abe had nominated him.

Im not saying its untrue, Abe told a Budget Committee session of Japan's Lower House. The Nobel committee doesnt reveal who submits nominations, or those who were nominated, for 50 years.

"In accordance with this policy, Id like to refrain from commenting."

Abe credited Trump with responding to North Korea's nuclear efforts "in a decisive manner." Abe said Trump conveyed to dictator Kim Jong Un the urgency of resolving the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents.

Abe's claims drew rebuke from Yuichiro Tamaki, who heads the opposition Democratic Party for the People.

Nothing has been resolved. None of the abduction, nuclear and missile issues were resolved, Tamaki said.

The deadline for submitting nominations to the Norwegian Nobel Committee was Jan. 31. The committee said there are 304 candidates for the prize  219 individuals and 85 organizations. The winner will be selected in October.

"Abe gave me the most beautiful copy of a letter that he sent to the people who give out a thing called the Nobel Prize," Trump said. "He said: 'I have nominated you, respectfully, on behalf of Japan. I am asking them to give you the Nobel Peace Prize.' "

The Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun reported that the U.S. government "informally" asked Tokyo to nominate Trump for the 2019 prize after Trump met with Kim in Singapore in June. The meeting was the first summit between the two countries.

In recent months, Trump has showered praise on Kim, whom he used to derisively call Little Rocket Man. Months after their Singapore summit, Trump said that Kim had written him beautiful letters and that the two fell in love. The duo are scheduled to meet again next week in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

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Trump was asked Friday why he merited Abe's nomination for the iconic prize.

Because he had rocket ships and he had missiles flying over Japan," Trump responded. "They had alarms going off. You know that. Now, all of a sudden they feel good. They feel safe. I did that.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Japan's Abe won't deny nominating President Donald Trump for Nobel Prize
Peter Daniel Drummond was sentenced to eight years in prison (Picture: SWNS)

An anti-terrorism police officer has been jailed for eight years for having sex with a 14-year-old girl who he tracked down using Snapchat maps.

Peter Daniel Drummond, 38, travelled from his house in the Home Counties to the South West on two occasions to have sex with his underage victim.

On one occasion he let himself in via an unlocked gate at the home the girl shared with her mother and her mothers partner and on the second visit he climbed through her bedroom window, a court heard.

Drummond, of Three Mile Cross, Berkshire, had been on trial at Truro Crown Court charged with three counts of rape and three alternative charges of sexual activity with a child.

Four of the charges relate to October 26, 2017, while two date to November 17, 2017.

Drummond denied the charges throughout but did admit to having consensual sex with the girl, saying that he had no reason to believe she was under the legal age of consent.

After a week-long trial and three hours of deliberation a jury convicted Drummond on Monday of three counts of sexual activity with a child.

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He was sentenced to eight years in prison for each count to be served concurrently.

He was found not guilty of three charges of rape.

The court had heard Drummond, a married father, has worked as a specialist anti-terrorism police officer with the Ministry of Defence since 2006.

The court heard that the victim had been left broken and had attempted to take her own life.

Her mother said her daughter had been utterly destroyed by Drummonds actions.

On his second visit to the girls house, Drummond climbed in through an upstairs window while her stepfather was downstairs.

Opening the case, Fiona Elder, prosecuting, said Drummond befriended the girl on social media, using Kik messenger and Snapchat.

Ms Elder said police used automatic number plate recognition cameras to show that Drummonds BMW had travelled down and returned from Cornwall on the dates when they had sex.

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He had come to her house using Snapchat mapping, she added.

The court also heard how the girl received 30 from a bank account in Drummonds name so that she could buy a new pair of shoes.

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Istanbul (AFP) - Concerned for the health of a black cat roaming around the university campus where she works, Mevlude dropped off the feline at the veterinary clinic for street animals run by the Istanbul municipality.

Visitors to the Turkish city, who admire its centuries-old mosques and Ottoman palaces, are often surprised to see cats and dogs making themselves at home on the streets, and watch them taking the best seats in cafes and restaurants without a care for the world.

Like Mevlude, many Istanbul residents try to help these four-legged friends in their neighbourhood, putting out bowls of food and offering shelter by their doors or windows.

Now Istanbul officials are increasing efforts to ensure the good health of the street animals, and thereby of the residents who come into contact with them.

That care can be seen at the "Vetbus", where Mevlude brought the black cat because one of its eyes had been closed for several days.

The bus is a mobile clinic stationed for several days in different neighbourhoods around the Turkish metropolis.

"We often get in touch with the municipality when we see animals who are in need of care," Mevlude said, once reassured over the cat's health whose eyes were now wide open.

"People generally bring the animals that they take care of... so that they are given anti-parasite" treatment, said Nihan Dincer, a veterinarian working for the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

And "because people are in constant contact with them, they are also protected", she added.

- Islamic tradition -

The attention given by Istanbul residents to caring for street animals partly "comes from the Islamic tradition, and part of it... comes from the structuring of the public space in the Ottoman Empire," Mine Yildirim, a doctoral candidate at the New School for Social Research in New York, said.

In Ottoman times, people moved between home, the mosque and the market. The streets were the space for the dogs, the researcher said.

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Then in the early 20th century there were extermination policies like in the West, and even in the 1990s city officials would put poison on the streets to kill animals, said Yildirim, coordinator of the collective "Dort Ayakli Sehir" (Four-legged City).

But an animal protection law passed in 2004 forced municipalities to take care of street animals.

In Istanbul, as well as the mobile clinic, IBB maintains six health centres.

The aim is to vaccinate, sterilise and take care of around 130,000 dogs and 165,000 cats who live on the streets, according to the municipality.

The animals, fitted with a microchip, are then taken back to where they were found, except those which are adopted by individuals during their stay at the health centres.

Due to the development of these services, the municipality has cared for 73,608 animals in 2018 -- that compares with only 2,470 back in 2004.

There hasn't been a single case of rabies in Istanbul since 2016, according to the municipality which employs 100 veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

While the municipality refused to say how much the services cost, Agriculture and Forests Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said last month that his ministry has provided 31 million Turkish lira (around $6 million) of support to local authorities across Turkey for the care of street animals between 2009 and 2018.

"If people knew how much money was spent on these services, maybe people would be more upset, but these figures are not disclosed," Yildirim commented.

- Puppies -

While animals living on Istanbul's streets are often well fed, in the forests surrounding the city, "animals don't have a place to feed themselves," Umut Demir, also a veterinarian at IBB, said during a patrol in Belgrade Forest on Istanbul's European side.

So around a tonne of food is distributed each day by vans dispatched full of dry food, towards which dogs come running after hearing the horn.

According to Tugce Demirlek, chief veterinarian at Sultangazi district health centre, the fact that the animals are well fed and cared for ensures that they are calm and limits any aggressive behaviour.

But the number of dogs has remained fairly stable in the past few years despite sterilisation efforts. "We sterilise them systematically, but the animals that we do not catch continue to reproduce," she explained.

Puppies continue to be born every year in Istanbul, like a small golden puppy only 40 days old, that was found alone, whimpering, on the side of a road.

Once examined and chipped, the dog is put up for adoption, its picture displayed in the Vetbus.

One recent afternoon, the puppy attracted a lot of attention, but it still has not found a home.

"We will try our luck again tomorrow," Dincer said.
Tel Aviv (AFP) - Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday.

The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and technology NGO SpaceIL announced the date at a press conference.

Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv.

"We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished," SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said.

So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon.

The Chinese craft made the first ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3.

NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe.

NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026.

It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed.

Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement.

It will carry a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag.

The $100-million project will measure the lunar magnetic field to help understanding of the moon's formation.

"This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," the IAI statement said.

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"Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government."

The project started as a potential entry for the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered a $30-million reward to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to offer relatively inexpensive lunar missions.

The contest closed without a winner in March 2018 but SpaceIL decided to keep working on the challenge.
More than 300 Islamic State militants surrounded in a tiny area in eastern Syria are refusing to surrender to U.S.-backed Syrian forces and are trying to negotiate an exit, Syrian activists and a person close to the negotiations said Monday.
Shamima Begum believes people should have 'sympathy' for her - PA

The Isil bride who travelled to Syria to marry a terrorist is "traumatised", according to her lawyer, who likened his client to a First World War soldier.

Shamima Begum, 19, flew to the Middle East four years ago to join the terror group. There, she married a Dutch-born fighter with whom she had three children.

Her two eldest children have died, but she gave birth at a refugee camp in northeastern Syria on the weekend and now wants to return to Britain.

In an interview over the weekend, Begum said that people should be feeling sympathy for her, and her lawyer Tasnime Akunjee defended her attitude.

He told ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday: "I think it's difficult to take what she's saying in the current circumstances and try to draw from the lack of emotion that she has.

"She's a traumatised person. She finds herself in a camp and was clearly quite attached to her husband, it would seem, and suddenly he's not by her side."

When confronted with the fact Begum does not seem traumatised and instead appeared to be composed, Mr Akunjee said: "You might've said the same thing about a World War One soldier in the middle of shellshock."

Presenter Richard Madeley said this comparison was "a bit of a stretch", to which Mr Akumjee responded: "It's a warzone. They're both warzones."

Lawyer Tasnime Akunjee Credit: Emrah Gurel/AP

The teenager, who gave birth to a baby boy on the weekend, appeared to defend the Manchester Arena bombing as tit-for-tat retaliation for air strikes in Syria.

In an interview with the BBC, she said the deaths of 22 innocent people in the terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 were akin to the "women and children" being bombed in Isil territory in Baghuz.

She told the broadcaster: "I do feel that it's wrong that innocent people did get killed. It's one thing to kill a soldier that is fighting you, it's self-defence, but to kill the people like women and children...

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"Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. It's a two-way thing really.

"Because women and children are being killed back in the Islamic State right now and it's kind of retaliation. Like, their justification was that it was retaliation so I thought 'OK, that is a fair justification'."

She was partly inspired by videos of fighters beheading hostages and partly by other propaganda films showing the "good life" IS could offer.

The Begum's family lawyer, Mr Akunjee, said he understood some of the responses to her pleas for sympathy.

He told BBC Breakfast: "The family have gone out of their way from day one to try to get her away from the Isil narrative and the context which she finds herself in.

"She's been there for four years and we would be surprised if she hadn't been further damaged beyond the degree she had already been groomed into.

"The family are concerned, as they have been for the last four years, not just to get her away, but, as of yesterday, to make sure that their grandchild - her child - is not influenced by that sort of thinking."

Mr Akunjee said he anticipated that Begum would probably face criminal proceedings upon any return to the UK, but said it was the family's hope that she would be given professional help following her experience in Syria.

Begum was one of three schoolgirls, along with Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase, from Bethnal Green Academy who left the UK for Syria in February 2015.

Ms Sultana was reported to have been killed in an air strike in 2016, while the other two are reported to still be alive.

'Show me some sympathy', says Isil bride after giving birth

The British schoolgirl who ran away to join Isil has appealed for public sympathy following the birth of her son, as a row intensifies over whether she should be allowed to return to the UK.

Shamima Begum, 19, went to Syria in 2015 and was discovered there in a refugee camp last week, heavily pregnant and insisting she wanted to go home.

The birth of her child over the weekend prompted calls for the baby to be subject to care proceedings should Begum be able to return from Syria, as it emerged that the Family Division of the High Court had presided over cases involving at least 150 children deemed at risk of radicalisation in the last five years.

In an interview with Sky News recorded at the Kurdish-controlled camp to which she fled from the last pocket of Isil-controlled territory, Begum said there was "no evidence" she had done anything wrong and she could not see "any reason" why her child should be taken from her when she had simply been living as a housewife.

Speaking just hours after giving birth, her baby at her side, she said she had no regrets about fleeing the family home in Bethnal Green, east London, to support Isil, claiming the experience had made her "stronger, tougher".

Shamima Begum's Dutch-born husband Yago Riedjik

She said she could see a future for herself and her son, whom she has named Jarah after one of the two children she lost to malnutrition and disease in the last three months, "if the UK are willing to take me back and help me start a new life again and try and move on from everything thats happened in the last four years".

She added: "I wouldnt have found someone like my husband [Yago Riedijk, 26, a Muslim convert from the Netherlands] in the UK. I had my kids, I had a good time there."

Her other children, Jarah and Surayah, a daughter, died aged 18 months and nine months. Asked how she felt about the debate over whether she should be allowed to return home, Begum said: "I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything Ive been through.

"I didnt know what I was getting into when I left, I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back.

"I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible."

In the interview, Begum apologised for the first time to her family for running away, and said that though she knew it was "like a big slap in the face" for her to ask after she had previously rejected their calls for her to return, "I really need their help".

Tim Loughton, deputy chairman of the home affairs select committee, said he thought it "extraordinary" that Begum was asking to come back while showing "not a scintilla of regret".

The Conservative MP added: "My own feeling is in line with most others, that she has made her bed and should lie in it. But the law must prevail and we are probably going to have to let her back"

"However, I think her child should be subjected to care proceedings due to the threat of radicalisation."

He said a forthcoming report by the Henry Jackson Society disclosed that the Family Division of the High Court had presided over cases involving at least 150 children deemed at risk of radicalisation in the last five years.

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary, said last week that he would "not hesitate" to prevent the return of anyone who supported terrorist organisations abroad.

He reiterated his stance in a Sunday newspaper article, expressing compassion for any child born or brought into a conflict zone, but stating that the safety and security of children living in this country had to be the priority.

Jeremy Wright, the Culture Secretary and former Attorney General, said Britain was "obliged" to take back British citizens.

However, he added: "That doesnt mean that we cant put in place the necessary security measures to monitor their activities. It doesnt mean either that we cant seek to hold them to account for their behaviour thus far.

He said the nationality of Begums baby was a "difficult question", but the pairs health was the most pressing matter. "In the end she will have to answer for her actions," he added. "So I think it is right that if shes able to come back to the UK that she does so on the understanding that we can hold her to account for her behaviour thus far."

Ms Begum said she was attracted to Isil by videos that she had seen online, which she said showed "how theyll take care of you".

She said she knew that the group carried out beheadings, but that she "was OK with it at first. I started becoming religious just before I left and from what I heard Islamically that is all allowed".

"At first it was nice," she said of life in the so-called Islamic State. "It was how they showed it in the videos, you know, you come, make a family together, but then things got harder.

"We had to keep moving and moving and moving. The situation got fraught." Begum acknowledged that it would be "really hard" to be rehabilitated after everything she had been through.

"Im still in that mentality of planes over my head, emergency backpacks, starving... it would be a big shock to go back to the UK and start again," she said.

Writing in The Sunday Times, Mr Javid said that decisions about what to do with potential returnees had to be made on a case-by-case basis, based on the "facts of each case, the law and the threat to national security".

He added: "I think about the children that could in future get caught up in dangerous groups if we dont take a firm stance against those who support them And that means sending a message to those who have backed terrorism: there will be consequences."

His comments were described as "sick" by Ms Begums lawyer on Sunday. Mr Akunje told Radio 4s The World This Weekend: "We are talking about a newborn baby who poses no risk or threat to anybody, [who is] not even cognitive, and yet hes speaking about a child whos a British citizen in terms of a security threat."

Mr Akunje suggested that the birth of Begums child increased pressure on the British authorities to allow her to return home.

He also revealed that Begums family has struggled to make direct contact with her and is now considering the possibility of getting out to Syria themselves.

Her family has indicated that if she is jailed for supporting a terrorist group, they want to step in and raise her son themselves.

Begum names boy after Islamic warlord, historian says

Quoting Sunday's Telegraph story on Twitter, leading historian Tom Holland accused Begum of having "the moral self-awareness of a brick".

He said that the Isil bride's baby boy has been named after Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah - a general from the early days of the Arab conquests chiefly famed for beating infedels.

Begum said she named the boy after one of her other two children who have since died in Syria.

But Mr Holland said it was the name her husband took after converting to Islam, insisting it was a deliberate glorification of Islamic brutality.

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Cressida Dick hits back at claims Met failed

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has hit back at claims that officers failed to stop another runaway schoolgirl on the same flight as a 15-year-old arrested as she attempted to flee the UK to join Islamic State (IS).

Cressida Dick said it was "incredibly complicated" and difficult to know about somebody's intentions, and claimed the schoolgirls - Sharmeena Begum and another unnamed passenger - were in fact on separate flights as the latter was pulled from the runway at Heathrow in December 2014 when she sought to get to Syria.

The Times newspaper said the 15-year-old was arrested but not prosecuted, despite officers finding extremist material on her devices.

Asked about the flight to Istanbul, on which both Sharmeena Begum and the unnamed 15-year-old were said to have been passengers en route to Syria, Ms Dick told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "I think it was actually a different flight and I think the question that's being asked is whether we were able to pass on sufficient information and understand well enough what these three girls were intending.

"The truth of the matter is it's incredibly hard to know what somebody's intending.

"The moment we informed the school about the girl who came off the flight, we did not know these girls were intending that, they were merely witnesses and we were talking to them as witnesses. These things are incredibly complicated.

"We try to stop people from travelling when we knew they were travelling with ill-intent."

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By John Irish MUNICH (Reuters) - Iran's foreign minister on Sunday accused Israel of looking for war and warned that its actions and those of the United States were increasing the chances of a clash in the region. Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also criticized the U.S. administration after Vice President Mike Pence this week called on European powers to pullout of the nuclear deal with Iran. Zarif urged France, Germany and Britain to do more to save that accord. "Certainly, some people are looking for war ... Israel," Zarif said. "The risk (of war) is great. The risk will be even greater if you continue to turn a blind eye to severe violations of international law." Accusing Israel of violating international law after bombing campaigns in Syria, Zarif criticized European powers for not calling out Israel and the United States for their behavior in the region. "Israeli behavior is putting international law on the shelf, U.S. behavior is putting international law on the shelf," he said. Speaking to his cabinet on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iranian belligerence was the main destabilizing factor in the entire Middle East. "We must deny Iran nuclear weaponry and block its military entrenchment in Syria. We will continue taking constant action to ensure Israel's security," he said in remarks broadcast on Israeli media. EUROPE FALLING SHORT Vice-President Pence on Friday accused Iran of Nazi-like anti-Semitism, maintaining his harsh rhetoric against Tehran just a day he attacked European powers for trying to undermine U.S. sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Zarif said the U.S. had an "unhealthy" and "pathological obsession" with Iran and accused Pence of trying to bully his allies. "All in the name of containing Iran, the U.S. claims, and some blindly parrot, that it is Iran that is interfering in the region, but has it been asked whose region?" Zarif said. "Look at the map, the U.S. military has traveled 10,000 kilometers to dot all our borders with its bases. There is a joke that it is Iran that put itself in the middle of U.S. bases." Zarif, who said Iran was committed to the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers for now, also accused France, Britain and Germany of not doing enough to ensure Tehran received the economic benefits of that accord. These three countries this month set up the Instrument In Support Of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a new channel for non-dollar trade with Iran to avoid U.S. sanctions. But diplomats say it is unlikely to allow the big transactions that Tehran says it needs to keep a nuclear deal afloat. Washington's major European allies opposed last year's decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to abandon the deal, which also includes China and Russia, under which international sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear program. "INSTEX falls short of commitments by the E3 (France, Germany, Britain) to save the nuclear deal," Zarif said. "Europe needs to be willing to get wet if it wants to swim against the dangerous tide of U.S. unilateralism." (Additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Editing by Jane Merriman)
By Parisa Hafezi DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Monday warned his country's government not to be deceived by European countries that say they want to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by U.S. President Donald Trump last year. The comments by the long-serving hardline cleric demonstrate the difficulty the elected government of pragmatist President Hassan Rouhani has in maintaining his policy of keeping Iran open to the outside world in the face of new U.S. sanctions. Washington's major European allies have said they want to save the agreement under which world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for curbs to its nuclear program. The Europeans have promised to guarantee that Iran benefits from abiding by the deal, even though Trump reimposed sanctions. In practice, European companies largely abandoned plans to reinvest in Iran after Trump's decision. "America's enmity toward Iran is obvious," Khamenei said, according to state TV. "Europeans also practice deception today.... The enemy sometimes shows his teeth, sometimes his fists, and sometimes his smile. All these tactics are the same. Even their smile is out of animosity." Since Washington walked out of the deal, Iran has so far continued to observe it. However, with few economic benefits to show for it, Rouhani has faced a backlash from conservatives. The Trump administration says the nuclear deal did not do enough to curb Iranian meddling in regional affairs or restrict its missile program. European countries say they share U.S. concerns about Iran, but that scrapping the deal would strengthen the hands of hardliners and undermine reform. Britain, France and Germany are co-signatories of the deal along with Russia and China. A new EU mechanism has been put in place to facilitate trade with Iran without using U.S. dollars, drawing a sharp rebuke from Washington. In practice, EU diplomats say it is likely to be used only for trade permitted by Washington anyway, such as for food or humanitarian supplies. Iran has called on the EU to do more to demonstrate its commitment to the deal. Khamenei, a hardline cleric in power since 1989, is Iran's ultimate authority, but the country is run on a day-to-day basis by the government of Rouhani, who won landslide elections in 2013 and 2017 on promises of opening Iran to the world. "I am not telling the officials what to do, but I am advising them to exercise caution (in dealing with Europe), so that they will not be tricked by them and cause problems for the country, Khamenei said. During a conference on the Middle East organized by the United States in Warsaw last week, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence accused Washingtons European allies of trying to break U.S. sanctions against Tehran. The meeting was attended by more than 60 nations but major European powers such as Germany and France declined to send top diplomats. Khamenei said the "anti-Iran" conference in Warsaw had failed: "America invites weak and frightened puppets to conspire against Iran in Warsaw but to no avail," he said. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Toby Chopra and Peter Graff)
Several inmates in Florida are being praised for breaking into a couples locked car and rescue their trapped toddler.

The inmates put their unconventional skills to the test outside a courthouse in New Port Richey on Thursday morning, Tampa Bay station WFTS reported. They heard about the parents situation while repairing medians in the same parking lot.

Only when the deputies are around we give permission, [asking], Can you break into that car? Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco told the station, describing the inmates as low-level offenders.

According to the girls mother, it was her husband who absent-mindedly left the keys inside their Chevy Tahoe as their 1-year-old daughter, Dallas, quietly sat buckled in the backseat.

One-year-old Dallas sits patiently inside her parents' car as several inmates work to open the locked vehicle with a wire clothes hanger. (Photo: Courtesy Shadow Lantry)

He puts her in the car seat and straps her in. He tosses the keys to the front seat. He shuts her door and goes to open his door and all the doors are ... locked, the mom, Shadow Lantry, recalled in a video posted to Facebook.

Lantry, reached by HuffPost on Sunday, credited local sheriffs deputies with calling the inmates over to lend a hand within a few minutes.

Video capturing the resulting ordeal shows several inmates wearing striped uniforms using a wire coat hanger to unlock the door as Dallas calmly watches from inside while sucking on a pacifier. After a couple minutes, the door opens, triggering the car alarm and cries from both mom and baby.

Thank God, Lantry joyfully exclaimed once the door was open. Thank God for all the criminals in the world. I respect all yall, Lantry later added.

The little girl was found to be all right.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
An Indian solider stands guard in Jammu, the winter capital of the Indian-controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. - REUTERS

Indian forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of an Indian security convoy that killed 44 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday.

The 23 men included members and sympathisers of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group that claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in decades.

The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan. India has demanded Pakistan close down Jaish-e-Mohammad and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil, while Islamabad has rejected suggestions it was linked to the attack.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region at the heart of decades of hostility, is claimed in its entirety by India and Pakistan, but is ruled in part by both south Asian countries.

Representatives of India's National Investigating Agency questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said.

"They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir Chief," one of the sources said.

Mohammed Umair, the commander of the group in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said.

The officials say Mr Umair had "radicalized and motivated" the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday.

Mr Umair is thought to have entered Indian Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the Jaish in the region.

Security forces suspect he is in hiding in southern Kashmir, according to the officials, who could not be named as a matter of policy.

Indian officials say Mr Umair is a nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammad's chief, Masood Azhar, who is believed to be in Pakistan.

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, has promised a strong response to the attack and says he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border militancy.
By Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia's top opposition leader accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday of aiding President Aleksandar Vucic and his allies in the "economic destruction of Serbia". In an op-ed piece published by Belgrade daily Danas, Dragan Djilas, a key leader in the opposition Alliance for Serbia, said IMF policies were contributing to poverty and low living standards in the Balkan country. Djilas is also the former Mayor of Belgrade and ex-president of the opposition Democratic Party. The Alliance for Serbia is leading street protests against what they see as Vucic's authoritarian rule and his Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Djilas accused the IMF and James Roaf, the former head of an IMF mission to review Serbia's finances, of overlooking the government's damaging policies. Djlas said these include borrowing from China and Russia, corruption, subsidizing state firms, privatization of key assets such as the sale of the RTB Bor copper mine to China's Zijin Mining and IMF-backed austerity measures introduced in 2014. He also singled out low wages, poor living standards and weak economic growth estimated at 4.4 percent for 2018 and 3.5 percent for this year, among the lowest in the region. "Having in mind their silence over ... catastrophic decisions of Alleksandar Vucic and the government they praise, ... IMF representatives in Serbia, led by Mr. Roaf, qualified for the status of accomplices in the project of economic destruction of Serbia," Djilas wrote. The IMF last week praised Serbia's economic performance in 2018 and said it agreed with government plans to privatize a major bank and a loss-making petrochemical plant. The IMF mission in Belgrade declined to comment. Serbia ended a three-year, 1.2 billion-euro ($1.41 billion) loan deal with the IMF IN 2018. It did not draw on any of the funds. That agreement came after the IMF in early 2012 froze a previous 1 billion euro ($1.13 billion) standby loan with the-then Democratic Party-led government due to overspending. The IMF is currently monitoring the Serbian economy under a 30-month non-financial advisory Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) arrangement, designed for countries that do not need the fund's financial backing. Djilas also said Serbia should nationalize some assets that were privatized since 2012 when SNS and their Socialist allies came to power, boost wages in the public sector and pensions, and end subsidies to state public utility firms. ($1 = 0.8847 euros) (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Ed Osmond)
In a viral exchange at a congressional hearing last week, the new congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, who is quickly establishing herself as the most reprehensible member of the House Democratic freshman class despite stiff competition, launched into Elliott Abrams. She accused the former Reagan official and Trumps special envoy to Venezuela of being complicit in war crimes.

Yes or no, she demanded, would you support an armed faction within Venezuela that engages in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, if you believe they were serving U.S. interest, as you did in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua?

Omar was cribbing from the Lefts notes on U.S. Latin American policy, and doing it badly. She made much of the 1981 El Motoze massacre in El Salvador. The idea that Abrams is somehow directly implicated in this bloodcurdlingly awful event is completely absurd. He was assistant secretary of state for international organizations in the Reagan administration, then became assistant secretary of state for human rights and humanitarian affairs on December 10, 1981. The massacre occurred the next day. Unless we are to believe the El Salvadoran military unit took his change of jobs as a green light to indiscriminately kill villagers (which unfortunately was not a new practice), Abrams obviously had nothing to do with the massacre.

Nonetheless, the Omar attack is an opportunity to examine the premises of the Lefts narrative on Reagans policy in El Salvador, which supports the persistent attacks on Abrams as a war criminal. To paraphrase the famous Mary McCarthy line about Lillian Hellman, every word in this narrative is a lie, including and and the.

In what follows, I rely throughout on Russell Crandalls book The Salvador Option: The United States in El Salvador, 19771992, a fair-minded, factual account thats a marked contrast to the tendentiously left-wing material that dominates online.

El Salvador Was a Violent Mess Before Reagan Got Involved

First, some background. El Salvador was not a liberal bastion prior to the Reagan administrations showing up. The political order in El Salvador had long depended on a partnership between oligarchs and the military. Beginning in the 1960s, they fashioned rural paramilitaries to maintain their rule. In the late 1970s, upon increased leftist agitation, these groups began to target alleged subversives in the Church, or as one flyer from a death squad put it, Be Patriotic  Kill a Priest.

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The country was undemocratic and coming apart at the seams. A former general, Carlos Humberto Romero, stole the 1977 election. His ascension brought more instability, violence, and repression.

Anyone who thinks this situation would have resolved itself easily and peacefully absent U.S. involvement should consider the example of Guatemala. When the Guatemalan government, facing its own Communist insurrection, rejected military assistance from the U.S. in the late 1970s, it didnt lead to a better outcome, but almost certainly a worse one. The absence of American advisors, Crandall writes, did not prevent the Guatemalan military from launching a genocidal, scorched-earth counterinsurgency campaign against Marxist guerrillas  or, more specifically, against the civilian and desperately poor Mayan population believed to be supporting these guerrillas.

The FMLN Received Massive Foreign Support

Attacks on U.S. intervention always leave out the other foreign players. Havana, Crandall writes, forged the El Salvadoran left-wing groups together into the FMLN and provided significant logistical, intelligence, strategic, and military assistance. And Nicaragua lent major support, shipping materiel to the guerrillas by sea and air.

At the outset, Hanoi offered the guerrillas 60 tons of arms. At one point the Nicaraguan Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega said in a speech in Hanoi, We sincerely thank the Vietnamese people and highly value their support for the heroic Salvadoran people.

Ethiopia and Czechoslovakia also chipped in. None of this, of course, ever brings denunciations of imperialism.

The foreign aid is one reason that the FMLN achieved an astonishing strength of over 10,000 troops by 1983, and as late as 1989 could launch a substantial attack on the capital that aimed, among other things, to assassinate the democratically elected president.

FMLN Atrocities Get No Attention

The guerrillas were nasty bastards who sought to inflict as much physical damage to the country as possible. They started early. Former leftist militants and guerrillas revealed then and now, according to Crandall, that as early as 1970, they were in fact initiating violent acts in what they considered a mostly urban revolution, such as bombings, killing police officers, and kidnapping political figures and businessmen.

Their methods were brutal, including coerced recruitment, and often self-defeating. In the words of one correspondent in the mid 1980s, the guerrillas handed the government propaganda victories by attacking unarmed peasants in La Paz province, razing municipal halls in nearly three dozen villages, executing two town mayors and kidnapping several others. The guerrillas did everything they could to wreck the country. They attacked the countrys most important hydroelectric dam and destroyed electrical towers.

And they carried out truly infamous acts, although they are rarely mentioned now.

In a neighborhood called Zona Rosa in 1985, guerrillas ambushed six off-duty U.S Marines who provided security for the American embassy. They killed nine civilians and four Marines.

In 1991, a U.S. military helicopter was downed by guerrilla fire. The co-pilot died in the crash, then the FMLN executed the surviving flight mechanic and pilot.



Jimmy Carter Began Our Aid to the El Salvadoran Government and Persisted in His Support

U.S. policy in El Salvador wasnt the invention of the Reagan administration. It basically stayed on the path set out by the Carter administration.

In March 1977, the strongman Romero rejected American military assistance, upset by criticism of his human-rights record. In October 1979, the Air Force carried out a coup. The moderate reformer Jose Napoleon Duarte, a Christian Democrat and civilian, came to head the junta. The Carter administration supported the government, and it authorized military assistance as Carter was leaving office in 1981.

The Carter administration didnt end its backing after the assassination of Archbishop Romero on March 1980. It briefly suspended aid after the horrific killing of four American church workers, but with the government seemingly teetering on the brink, it quickly reinstated and augmented the aid.

Were the Carterites war criminals, too, or did they just want to avoid a repeat of Nicaragua, where the Communist takeover had done nothing for democracy or human rights? Clearly, the latter.

The Reagan Administration Got the El Motoze Massacre Wrong

It is true that the Reagan administration wrongly minimized the 1981 El Motoze massacre. But this wasnt out of malice or support for the killers.

U.S. ambassador Deane Hinton doubted the initial reports about the atrocity, since they were aired on the FMLNs propaganda arm, Radio Venceremos, not otherwise a credible source. Embassy officials couldnt get on the ground to investigate, according to Crandall, and an inspection from the air was cut short when their helicopter was shot at. When Abrams publicly relayed bad information about the massacre, he was relying on the erroneous reporting from the embassy.

It is true that the perpetrators were troops trained but the U.S., but, as well see, we didnt train Salvadoran troops to carry out massacres. Far from it.

Democracy Was the Reagan Policy

The Reagan administration backed the 1982 election in El Salvador, and after its success, doubled down on elections. The 1982 vote, which had been threatened by the guerrillas, was a way to show the lack of popular support for the FMLN. Reagan took the opportunity to occupy the rhetorical high ground, telling Congress that the Salvadoran peoples desire for democracy will not be defeated.

The Reagan Administration Supported the Moderates

In the 1982 vote, the Christian Democrats got 35 percent, while the right-wing party, ARENA, linked to the death squads, got 26 percent. The U.S. worked to ensure in the aftermath that the ARENA leader, Roberto DAubuisson, didnt take power with the support of minor parties. Under U.S. pressure, the military backed an alternative, Alvaro Magana, who became president.

In the 1984 presidential election, the administration strongly supported the moderate Jose Duarte against DAubuisson. In case there was any doubt where the U.S. stood, it denied DAubuisson a visa. Duarte ended up defeating DAubuisson 54 to 29 percent. The political end of the line for DAubuisson came in ARENAs poor showing in National Assembly elections the next year.

As far as the Reaganites were concerned, it was good riddance.

The Reagan Administration Attacked the Death Squads

In a controversial speech in 1982 to the Salvadoran-American Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Deane Hinton (mentioned above regarding the El Motoze massacre) said of the death squads, the mafia must be stopped. Your survival depends on it. The gorillas of this mafia, every bit as the guerrillas in Morazan and Chalatenango, are destroying El Salvador.

His replacement, Thomas Pickering, spoke in the same key, denouncing the death squads as murderers, torturers, and kidnappers who must be held to account and threatened to cut off aid. In a 1983 visit to El Salvador, at a dinner with the president, Vice President Bush used his toast to calls the death squads a cowardly group of common criminals and murderers.

The rightists bristled at the criticism, but death-squad activity diminished.

The U.S. Worked to Create a Better Military

The U.S. trained El Salvador military officers outside the country to remove them as much as possible from the influence of the militarys existing culture. Slowly, the U.S. weaned the military from its traditional, malign relationship with the countrys oligarchy. The amount of U.S. aid and the threat of cutting it off gave the U.S. crucial leverage to push reforms.

The U.S. Supported Negotiations

The Reagan policy was a dual track of keeping up the military pressure on the guerrillas while supporting negotiations with them. After an unsuccessful but harrowing 1989 offensive by the FMLN, both sides were ready to deal. The U.S. pressured president Alfredo Cristiani, elected from ARENA in 1989, to get it done. When the two sides hammered out an agreement, the George H. W. Bush administration pledged its support, and indeed poured in resources by the tens of millions to buttress the peace.

The military was dethroned from its leading role in society, among other important reforms, while the FMLN put down its arms and became a political party. Amazingly enough, it worked and the agreement stuck, making Representative Omars question to Abrams whether he still considered Reagans El Salvador policy a fabulous achievement a very stupid one.

The excuse for her is that shes profoundly ill-informed. More blameworthy are all those people who should know better but spread the big lie about Reagan policy in Central America, and give the likes of Representative Omar their noxious lines to read.

More from National Review
Hondas Swindon car and engine factory employs 3,500 people. Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Honda is preparing to announce it is closing its Swindon factory in the UK in 2022, according to Sky News.

Swindon acts as the Japanese companys European hub, employing about 3,500 workers. The factory builds about 150,000 Civic cars every year that are shipped to 70 countries.

UK car manufacturers build about 1.5 million cars per year, so a Honda closure would cut out 10% of all UK production.

Representatives at Honda were not immediately available to comment.

The union representing Hondas Swindon workers, Unite, said it had no prior knowledge of any potential closure.

Honda (HMC) said last month it would shut its British operations for six days in April to help it counter any border disruption from the Britains planned departure from the European Union.

Other car manufacturers with operations in the UK, including Jaguar Land Rover and Ford (F), also recently announced plans in the past two months to cut thousands of jobs as they face deep uncertainty over Brexit, along with a crash in diesel sales and a shift towards electrified technology.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany can take back Islamic State fighters captured in Syria only if the suspects have consular access, the interior ministry said on Sunday, playing down the likelihood of Berlin meeting demands made by U.S. President Trump to his European allies. With U.S.-backed fighters looking poised to defeat Islamic State in Syria, Trump on Saturday called on Britain, France and Germany to take back more than 800 captured Islamic State fighters and put them on trial. "In principle, all German citizens and those suspected of having fought for so-called IS have the right to return," said a spokeswoman for Germany's interior ministry, adding, however, that the condition for that was consular access for suspects. She said Iraq had shown an interest in having some IS fighters from Germany put on trial. "But in Syria, the German government cannot guarantee legal and consular duties for jailed German citizens due to the armed conflict there," she said. Some 1,050 people have traveled from Germany to the war zone in Syria and Iraq since 2013 and about a third have already returned to Germany, according to German authorities. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Susan Fenton)
PARIS (Reuters) - France will for now not act on U.S. President Donald Trump's call for European allies to repatriate hundreds of Islamic State fighters from Syria, taking back militants on a "case-by-case" basis, its justice minister said on Monday. U.S.-backed fighters appear poised to capture Islamic State's last enclave in Syria and Trump on Saturday pressed France, Britain and Germany to bring home more than 800 captured Islamic State fighters and put them on trial. Trump has sworn to pull U.S. forces from Syria after Islamic State's territorial defeat, raising concerns in Paris and other European capitals that jihadists from their countries could disperse and try to return to their home countries. "There is a new geo-political context, with the U.S. withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy," Belloubet told France 2 television. "At this stage France is not responding to (Trump's) demands." French government policy had been to categorically refuse to take back fighters and their wives. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian referred to them as "enemies" of the nation who should face justice either in Syria or Iraq. But the prospect of the United States' withdrawal from Syria has forced France to prepare for the return of dozens of French jihadists held by U.S.-backed Kurdish authorities, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner acknowledged in late January. Paris is already trying to repatriate minors on a case-by-case basis. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are holding about 150 French citizens in northeastern Syria, including 50 adults, military and diplomatic sources say. Germany, too, was cool toward Trump's demands, saying it could only take back Islamic State fighters if the suspects had consular access. (Reporting by Richard Lough and Caroline Pailliez, editing by Ed Osmond)
LONDON (AP)  The family of a British teenager who ran away to join the Islamic State group and now wants to return to the U.K. said Sunday she has given birth to a baby boy.

The family's lawyer said 19-year-old Shamima Begum and the baby are in good health. In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Begum said she had previously lost two babies to illness and malnutrition.

News about Begum and her desire to go back to Britain have ignited a debate in the U.K. about how to deal with citizens who joined IS and want to leave Syria now that the extremist group is on the verge of collapse.

Begum was one of a group of schoolgirls from London's Bethnal Green neighborhood who went to Syria to marry IS fighters in 2015 at a time when the group's online recruitment program lured many impressionable young people to its self-proclaimed caliphate.

Speaking to Britain's Sky News from Syria, where she has been living in a refugee camp, Begum said she didn't know what she was getting into when she left and wants to bring her baby back to Britain with her.

"I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything I've been through," she said in an interview broadcast Sunday.

"I just was hoping that maybe for me, for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back," the young woman said. "Because I can't live in this camp forever. It's not really possible."

"I don't want to take care of my child in this camp because I'm afraid he might even die in this camp," she said.

Begum said she had been only a "housewife" during her time with IS militants.

"I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria. So they'd only have proof I didn't anything that is dangerous," she said.

She added she had been "OK with" beheadings carried out by Islamic State adherents because she had heard it was allowed under Islamic law.

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While it is unclear whether Begum committed any crimes and her legal status is uncertain, it's possible Begum could face charges for supporting IS if she returns to Britain. Some people in her native country have focused on her apparent lack of remorse and argue she would be a security threat to Britain.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who oversees immigration, wrote in the Sunday Times he would "not hesitate" to prevent the return of Britons who traveled abroad to join IS.

"If you do manage to return, you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted," Javid said.

Asked during the Sky interview if she felt she made a mistake going to Syria, Begum said: "In a way, yes. But I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person. It's made me stronger, tougher, you know."

Two days before the baby's birth was announced, Begum's relatives in Britain said they were "shocked" by her comments but thought she should be brought back and dealt with by the British justice system.

"The welfare of Shamima's unborn baby is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby, who is entirely blameless in these events," the family had said.

The family said it is concerned about Begum's mental health and characterizes her as having been groomed by Islamic State fighters.
By Allison Lampert and Hyonhee Shin MONTREAL/SEOUL (Reuters) - The United States has blocked efforts by a U.N. agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace to foreign flights, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The U.S. move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February. Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programs. The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace. Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights. If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry. The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Korea's aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said. North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said. U.S SEEKS LEVERAGE But the United States discouraged the U.N. agency from helping North Korea with its air program as Washington wanted to "pool all the leverages and incentives" until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearization, a third source said. "They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward," the source said. All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states. Asked for comment, a U.S. State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations. An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Korea's foreign ministry. In 2017, the United States proposed the U.N. Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members. Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 200,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation. That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said. The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA. DENUCLEARIZATION PRESSURE The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearization, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid. South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted U.S. officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearization. A fourth source told Reuters that the U.S. move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions. "But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress," said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. (Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal and Hyonhee Shin in Seoul. Additional reporting by Jamie Freed in Singapore, David Shepardson in Washington and Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Tracy Rucinski and Lincoln Feast)
Brussels (AFP) - The EU promised a quick and effective response if the United States imposes import duties on European autos, a spokesman for the European Commission said on Monday.

Brussels issued the threat after the US Commerce Department filed a report that empowers President Donald Trump to apply car duties within the next 90 days.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has labelled as "frightening" the prospect that this report could label European car imports as a national security threat to the United States, enabling the tariffs.

The White House has already used the national security argument, saying that undermining the American manufacturing base impairs military readiness, among other claims, to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

"Were this report translated into action detrimental to European exports, the European Commission would react in a swift and adequate manner," EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news briefing in Brussels.

The protectionist Trump has threatened 25 percent duties on European autos, especially targeting Germany, which he says has harmed the American car industry.

European officials have said that Brussels has drawn up a list of 20 billion euros ($22.6 billion) of potential countermeasures, without providing further details.

In 2017 just under half of the 17 million cars sold in the US were imported, most of them produced in Canada and Mexico which are expected to be exempt from any new automobile duties.

German automobile groups last year exported 470,000 cars from Germany to the United States, according to the VDA manufacturers' federation.

The transatlantic flare-up followed a truce established in July, in which Trump and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pledged no new tariffs while both sides pursued a limited trade deal.

Juncker "trusts President Trump's word. The European Union will stick to its word as long as the US does the same," Schinas said.

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Germany is pushing hard for the trade deal with the US, but according to a European source, France is reluctant to pursue talks fearing they may stoke popular anger ahead of European elections in May.

EU trade ministers will discuss the talks, as well as the possible countermeasures against the US, at talks in Bucharest on Thursday.

Aside from economic matters, US-European ties have already been upended over Trump's approach towards Iran and Syria, as well as other issues.
The building that was used as the fake Farmington University campus by the federal government seen on Thursday, February 7, 2019, in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

DETROIT  In the summer of 2017, a foreign student in Michigan received an email from an official at the University of Farmington.

"It was a pleasure speaking with you," university official Ali Milani wrote to the student from India. "Thank you for your recent interest in The University of Farmington, a nationally accredited business and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) institution. Here at the University of Farmington we have created an innovative learning environment that combines traditional instruction with fulltime professional experiences. We offer flexible class schedules and a focus on students who do not want to interrupt their careers."

At the bottom of the email, it described the university as: "A nationally accredited institution authorized to enroll international students by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

The email and others like it were obtained by the Detriot Free Press, revealing how the university portrayed itself to potential foreign students. The email exchanges with Ali Milani  who is described in a LinkedIn profile as the president of the University of Farmington  show how the school in Farmington Hills, Michigan, may have lured students to enroll in a fake university set up by The Department of Homeland Security.

Jan. 30: Feds set up fake university in Michigan to nab undocumented immigrants

A federal indictment unsealed Jan. 30 said that the university was produced by federal agents with an investigative division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is part of DHS. Federal agents posed as university officials such as "Ali Milani" to trick the students, say attorneys.

Federal prosecutors allege that more than 600 students enrolled at the university knew it was improper, but the emails and attorneys tell a different story.

In addition to the emails, federal undercover agents took other steps to manipulate the foreign students, according to public records and attorneys:

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Undercover investigators with the Department of Homeland Security registered the University of Farmington with the state of Michigan as a university using a fake name.

At the request of DHS, a national accreditation agency listed the University of Farmington as being accredited in order to help deceive prospective students.

The university was also placed by federal investigators on the website of ICE as n university approved by them under a government program for foreign students known as SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).

"It seems quite clear the scheme was set up by the government not to go after legitimate offenders, but to create fear in our immigration system," said Amer Zahr, an adjunct professor of law at the University of Detroit-Mercy and a spokesman for one of the 146 students who were detained by ICE. "They're going after students who are trying to better their lives because America has the best education. This is who they're choosing to go after? It's really disturbing."

Out of the 600+ students who were enrolled, 146 have been arrested and detained by ICE on civil immigration charges. All are from India except for Najlaa Karim Musarsa, 29, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, who is Palestinian. She was released last week and went back to the West Bank.

In addition, prosecutors have charged eight people for being recruiters of the students, most of whom studied in engineering and technology fields. Five of them were arraigned in U.S. district court in Detroit last week and pled not guilty.

Feb. 3: India urges U.S. to release foreign students detained by ICE in fake university sting

"It really shows a contempt for immigrants, Zahr said of the detaining of Musarsa and other students.

"She's not a danger to society. She's not trying to defraud. To treat her and others as hardcore criminals" is concerning, Zahr said. "They want to create fear, so nonwhite people, brown people don't think of coming to America anymore."

University of Farmington office in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Photo taken in 2017.

Concern about the detainees

There are reports in Indian-American and Indian media outlets such as The American Bazaar saying that some of the students were being held in poor conditions and not getting vegetarian food in accordance with their religious and cultural beliefs. Some students were already removed, and are now stuck in India with debt, said a Times of India report. The report said some come from poor farming backgrounds and had to take out loans to support their studies in the U.S.The university charged $11,000 a year for graduate students.

On Thursday, four U.S. House Reps, including U.S. House Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) released a letter they sent to DHS and ICE, expressing "concerns surrounding the recent undercover operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)." The Indian government has also expressed its concern in a letter from its Ministry of External Affairs.

The letter from the Congressmen said that Indian-Americans "have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of these detained foreign nationals. We urge DHS and ICE to ensure the detained students are treated properly and afforded all rights provided to them under the law, including access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible."

In a statement, ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls said: "ICE remains committed to ensuring its facilities adhere to ICEs detention standards which provide several levels of oversight in order to ensure that residents in ICE custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments."

Many of the students who were enrolled at the University of Farmington had previously received masters degrees from a different university, like the student that Milani had written to. The name of the student in the email is not being identified at the request of an attorney.

They were generally admitted to the U.S. on non-immigrant F-1 student visas and were allowed to work while enrolled at a university on programs known as OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training), said attorneys in contact with the students. Some were trying to get H1-B visas to stay for a longer time in America, but there is a cap on those, and so they sought other ways to remain working in the U.S.

Attorney: Fake university sting by ICE was entrapment

After their master's degree programs ended, the students would be ineligible to remain working in the U.S. and so some sought to get a second masters degree at the University of Farmington. In other cases, their previous universities had problems with accreditation, which made them ineligible to work, and so they tried to transfer, said Atlanta-based immigration attorney Ravi Mannam.

Emails from the university to student

In the June 2017 email sent by Milani, the president of the fake university, Milani wrote to the Indian student: "In many instances, your prior Masters Degrees (MA) credits, combined with CPT, can be applied to a second MA in lieu of a traditional course load."

Milani wrote to the student about its tuition and accreditation: "The University of Farmington operates on a quarterly academic calendar, each term is generally ten weeks, excluding exams, and the admissions process is on a rolling basis. Terms start every three months, beginning in September, December, March, and June. Sessions begin every month. Graduate programs tuition is $2500 per quarter. Depending on fees, average cost is $1,000 per month."

"We are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (www.accsc.org) and licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs as a private postsecondary college," he wrote.

The executive director of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Michale McComis, told the Free Press that his group worked with federal agents on the sting operation.

"Upon request by the US Department of Homeland Security ACCSC assisted in the operation by listing the school as being accredited by ACCSC," McComis said.

The same group had accredited a fake University of Northern New Jersey at the request of DHS. In that case, though, ICE didn't make mass arrests of students like they have of the Farmington students.

More: 21 Savage says he was 'definitely targeted' by ICE in first interview since arrest

Records filed with the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) show that the University of Farmington was incorporated in January 2016. Prosecutors have said their undercover operation started in 2015.

Ali Milani is listed in the state records as the university's resident agent. A spokesman for LARA, Jason Moon, refused to comment on the fake university and whether the state had cooperated with federal investigators on their sting investigation.

Admissions section of the website of the University of Farmington, a fake university created by ICE and Dept. of Homeland Security. It reads: "We are very excited about welcoming you to the UF community and helping you"

Many of the students were trying to work while enrolled in a university, which is an accepted practice approved by the U.S. government.

In the June 2017 email to the student, Milani sent the student a 2-page application form that asks applicants to send a $100 application fee.

"If you are interested in having your tomorrow start today, please complete the attached application and submit a copy of your passport and current visa," Milani wrote.

His email ended with: "Good luck in all your endeavors."

The student filled out the application and emailed Milani back in a couple of hours. The next day, June 29, Milani said the student was admitted, writing that he was attaching the "admission letter along with the international student checklist and SEVIS transfer form."

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Program that is run by ICE, which oversees the program for students on F-1 visas, like the ones at the University of Farmington.

More: Deported after 30 years in US, father still stuck in Mexico one year later, without wife and kids

The next week, the student asked to defer his admission until December. In October, the student then asked Milani to transfer his SEVIS "today" because his OPT expires.

"I have been trying to reach out to you since morning, but couldn't get hold of it. Please let me know ASAP, its URGENT," the student wrote.

After enrolling at the university, some of the students discovered there were no classes, said attorneys. But the university kept on telling the students that classes would soon be held.

The entrance sign at 30500 Northwestern Hwy. in Farmington Hills, Michigan references the University of Farmington.

Students 'taken advantage of'

"I was told by the students, that the university reassured them that classes would be held and everything would be fine and that they are following the immigration laws," said Prashanthi Reddy, an attorney in New York City. "The students paid them the tuition fees and were trapped once they realized that classes were not being held, as some didn't have the money to transfer and pay tuition at another university."

Reddy said "some did transfer out, some said they called and emailed the university and asked for SEVIS to be transferred but did not get a response, some others said they were reassured by the fact that the University was accredited and listed on the ICE website."

Adding to the confusion was a website that led viewers to think it was a legitimate place, with photos of students in classrooms and claims that students could work while enrolled.

More: ICE tried to deport a U.S.-born Marine, and his mom wants to know why

"The University of Farmington is a nationally accredited business and STEM institution located in Metro Detroit," read the university website created by DHS that was taken down the day after the indictments were unsealed. "Our innovative curriculum combines traditional instruction and distance learning with fulltime professional experiences. We offer flexible class schedules and a focus on students who do not want to interrupt their careers."

The university even had a fake backstory, saying that it "traces its lineage back to the early 1950s, when returning soldiers from the Second World War were seeking a quality and marketable education. At the time, Detroit was the center of innovation and manufacturing. ... Please explore our academic offerings to see if University of Farmington is the right place to achieve your success."

"It was a very well put together website," said Russell Abrutyn, an immigration attorney in Berkley, Michigan, who is contact with some of the students. "It looked like a real school."

"I think a lot of these students ... were essentially taken advantage of or taken in by what appeared to be a legitimate school."

Follow Niraj Warikoo on Twitter @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Emails show how fake university set up by ICE lured foreign students
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

For investors with a long-term horizon, examining earnings trend over time and against industry peers is more insightful than looking at an earnings announcement in one point in time. Investors may find my commentary, albeit very high-level and brief, on Fortis Inc. (TSE:FTS) useful as an attempt to give more color around how Fortis is currently performing.

View our latest analysis for Fortis

How Did FTSs Recent Performance Stack Up Against Its Past?

FTSs trailing twelve-month earnings (from 31 December 2018) of CA$1.1b has jumped 14% compared to the previous year.

However, this one-year growth rate has been lower than its average earnings growth rate over the past 5 years of 24%, indicating the rate at which FTS is growing has slowed down. To understand whats happening, lets examine whats occurring with margins and if the entire industry is facing the same headwind.

TSX:FTS Income Statement Export February 18th 19

In terms of returns from investment, Fortis has fallen short of achieving a 20% return on equity (ROE), recording 7.0% instead. Furthermore, its return on assets (ROA) of 3.9% is below the CA Electric Utilities industry of 4.2%, indicating Fortiss are utilized less efficiently. And finally, its return on capital (ROC), which also accounts for Fortiss debt level, has declined over the past 3 years from 5.5% to 4.8%. This correlates with an increase in debt holding, with debt-to-equity ratio rising from 123% to 134% over the past 5 years.

What does this mean?

While past data is useful, it doesnt tell the whole story. While Fortis has a good historical track record with positive growth and profitability, theres no certainty that this will extrapolate into the future. I recommend you continue to research Fortis to get a better picture of the stock by looking at:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for FTSs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for FTSs outlook. Financial Health: Are FTSs operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the trailing twelve months from 31 December 2018. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
Devendra Banhart has joined forces with the Los Angeles musician on a new song called "Bright Future Ahead," all proceeds from which will be donated to the Trans Lifeline organization, which is dedicated to improving the quality of trans lives by responding to the critical needs of the community, Pitchfork.com reports.

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Presenting the new single, Kera evokes "the urgency to live unapologetically," the music website reports. Last year, Kera shared a three-track EP called "Fall.Apart." Devendra Banhart's most recent album, "Ape in Pink Marble," was released in 2016. He is set to perform June 9 at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany.

Last year, Devendra Banhart hosted a series of workshops titled "Imaginary Universes" at the Accademia dei Bambini at Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy. The workshops included a presentation of the film "The Astonishing Adventures of a Celestial Archaeologist" featuring the track "Celebration" from his "Ape in Pink Marble" album.

Watch "The Astonishing Adventures of a Celestial Archaeologist" by Devendra Banhart on YouTube: https://youtu.be/S65dqCUcO50
The Hague (AFP) - Islamabad should be ordered to immediately free an Indian man sentenced to death for alleged spying in Pakistan, India's lawyers told the UN's top court Monday, saying his military trial was a "farcical case" based on "malicious propaganda".

The hearing concerning Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav at the International Court of Justice comes amid a sharp spike in tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, after a suicide attack on an Indian military convoy last week and renewed fighting in disputed Kashmir.

Jadhav, a former navy officer, was arrested in the restive southwestern Pakistani province of Baluchistan in March 2016 on charges of espionage and sentenced to death by a military court in 2017.

India insists Jadhav, 48, was not a spy and that he was kidnapped in Pakistan. New Delhi is now asking the ICJ -- which rules in disputes between countries -- to nullify his sentence and to order Islamabad to set him free.

- 'Unlawful' -

"Considering the trauma he has been subjected to over the past three years, it would be in the interest of justice of making human rights a reality, to direct his release," India's lawyer Harish Salve told the judges.

He said Jadhav's trial by military court "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process... and should be declared unlawful".

Furthermore, he said, Pakistan "grossly violated" Jadhav's human rights by refusing him consular access he was entitled to under the Vienna Convention, the treaty that governs diplomatic relations between countries.

India's joint secretary at its External Affairs Ministry, Deepak Mittal, told the court the proceedings against Jadhav in Pakistan were based on a "farcical case" and "malicious propaganda".

But Pakistan's lawyer Khawar Qureshi hit back after the hearing, saying: "There are fundamental questions that India has yet to answer.

Story continues

"Today, we are disappointed with India's position. They've said nothing new," Qureshi said, adding: "You will hear what we have to say about this tomorrow."

New Delhi's move in the controversial case comes as fresh bloodshed in Kashmir sent tensions between the neighbours soaring.

The rare foray into the international courts by India and Pakistan could be another flashpoint after Thursday's suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 41 troops.

Indian troops suffered new losses Monday in a fierce battle with Kashmir militants that left at least seven more dead.

The latest confrontation piled more pressure on the Indian government, which has blamed Pakistan for the suicide attack that sparked widespread calls for action against its neighbour.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

- 'Blurry on facts' -

Jadhav was accused of working for the Indian intelligence services in the province bordering Afghanistan, where Islamabad has long accused India of backing separatist rebels.

After a closed trial he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on April 10, 2017, on charges of "espionage, sabotage and terrorism".

Pakistan's "story has always been strong on rhetoric and blurry on facts," Salve told the judges, adding that consular access should be granted immediately.

Islamabad reacted coolly to the ICJ's urgent order at the time to stay Jadhav's execution, saying it "has not changed the status of commander Jadhav's case in any manner".

The ICJ's decision will likely come months after this week's hearings.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947 with both countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it as their own.

India and Pakistan also routinely accuse each other of sending spies into their countries and it is not uncommon for either nation to expel diplomats accused of espionage, particularly at times of high tension.

Death sentences however have been rarely issued in recent years.

The last time India and Pakistan took a dispute to the ICJ was in 1999 when Islamabad protested at the downing of a Pakistani navy plane that killed 16 people.

The tribunal decided that it was not competent to rule in the dispute and closed the case.




Danny Dyer has weighed in as an unlikely commentator on the Shamima Begum debate, saying he believes she should be allowed back into the UK and must have been lost within her soul.

The EastEnders actor known for his hard man and gangland film roles was a guest on Good Morning Britain announcing the finalists for the Princes Trust Mentor of the Year awards, but ended up speaking out in defence of the teen ISIS bride.

Begum, 19, travelled from her home in Bethnal Green, London to Syria aged 15, where she married a member of ISIS but is currently in a Syrian refugee camp.

Her first two children, born in Syria, had died and at the weekend she gave birth to her third, a boy, but now wants to return to the UK to ensure his survival.

Dyer asked for his opinion on the story, said: If you think about it, what on earthhow has she got into her head that going to Syria is the answer when she lives in this country? What is that about?

So whos there to guide her, talk to her, why is she so lost within her soul that she thinks thats the answer?

In a recent interview with Sky News, Begum said that a lot of people should have sympathy for her because of what she had been through.

GMB host Richard Madeley had earlier clashed with the Begum family lawyer when he appeared on the programme and likened the young mum to a World War One soldier.

But Dyer argued with Madeley when the presenter suggested that the internet was the big game changer in radicalising UK teens.

He said: Weve all got the internet Rich, are you thinking of going to Syria?

Madeley argued that she wouldnt have been radicalised in the same way without access to the internet.

But Dyer replied: Being radicalised, though, and actually jumping on a plane and going to Syria, I dont understand whats going on there, and now she wants to come back.

Dyer would support Begums return to the UK (ITV)

Asked whether he thought Begum should be allowed to return home, Dyer said:

Yes, I do. I feel she needs a chance maybe to explain what was going on, about how they got to her, about how she felt it was the right move to jump on a plane at 15 and leave this country.

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Shes still a young girl, and look at the people around her, who was looking after her? Maybe we can learn from it, I dont know.

Begum has said that she does not regret having travelled to Syria and when asked by Sky News whether she was aware of ISIS carrying out beheadings, said: I knew about those things and I was ok with it.

Her husband is a Dutch convert to Islam who is thought to have surrendered to Syrian fighters, after which she escaped from the last IS stronghold Baghuz two weeks ago.





Read more

Shamima Begum  A lot of people should have sympathy for me

UK return for Shamima Begum should be an option

Shamima Begums lawyer says shes being treated worse than Nazi war criminals
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  Republican U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr. of North Carolina, a once-fervent supporter of the 2003 invasion of Iraq who later became an equally outspoken critic of the war, died Sunday on his 76th birthday.

The congressman's office confirmed his death in a statement, saying Jones died in Greenville, North Carolina. His health declining in recent months, Jones entered hospice care in January after breaking his hip. He had been granted a leave of absence from Congress in late 2018 and was sworn in for his last term back home.

Jones was a political maverick unafraid to buck his own party. He was one of the first Republicans to reverse direction on the war in Iraq, even as his North Carolina district included the sprawling Marine installation Camp Lejeune.

His ultimate opposition to the Iraq war came with the irony that he instigated a symbolic slap against the French when their country early on opposed U.S. military action. Jones was among the House members who led a campaign that resulted in the chamber's cafeteria offering "freedom fries" and "freedom toast"  instead of French fries and French toast.

Jones said he introduced legislation that would have required President George W. Bush's administration to begin withdrawing troops in 2006 because the reason given for invading Iraq, weapons of mass destruction, had proved false.

"If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have supported the resolution" to go to war, Jones said in 2005. Jones took heat for his reversal from GOP colleagues. He ultimately signed well over 11,000 letters to the families of dead troops, describing that as a penance of sorts.

"For me, it's a sacred responsibility that I have to communicate my condolences to a family," Jones said in a 2017 interview with The Associated Press. "And it's very special to me because it goes back to my regretting that I voted to go into the Iraq war."

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Jones, who had served in Congress since 1995, had already announced his 2018 campaign would be his last. His death means Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper will schedule a special election to decide who will complete Jones' two-year term in the coastal 3rd Congressional District. State law requires the schedule include primary races as well in the GOP-leaning district. No specific dates are mandated in the law for the elections.

Jones also was a relentless advocate for campaign finance reform and controlling the national debt. The fiscal and social conservative won unopposed in last November's general election after fending off Republican primary challengers stoked partly by Jones' willingness to dissent from the Washington leaders of his party. For example, he voted against the tax overhaul promoted by President Donald Trump and a "repeal and replace" plan for President Barack Obama's health care law.

In a 2018 AP interview, Jones said that he wasn't afraid to oppose GOP leaders "when I don't think they're right."

"It's absolutely about principle," he said. "When I leave Congress, I would rather have one thing said about me: 'I will never question Walter Jones' integrity.'"

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a release that Jones' "relentless work on behalf of our men and women in uniform, veterans, military families and caregivers honored our American values and strengthened our country."

"He will be long remembered for his tireless advocacy for eastern North Carolina, which he loved dearly, and for always following his convictions, no matter the political cost," added Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Either Jones or his father, Walter Jones Sr., represented eastern North Carolina in Congress for five decades. The elder Jones, a Democrat, represented the region from 1966 until his death in 1992. Walter Jones Jr., then also a Democrat, lost the party primary to succeed him. He became a Republican and was sent to Washington two years later.

Walter Beamon Jones Jr. was born in Farmville in 1943. He attended Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia during high school and then graduated with a bachelor's degree from Atlantic Christian College  now known as Barton College  in 1966.

He served in the North Carolina state House from 1982 through 1992, where he often clashed with Democratic leaders. He and Cooper were among 20 House Democrats who joined Republicans in toppling state Democratic Speaker Liston Ramsey from power in 1989.

In a statement, Cooper on Sunday called Jones a longtime friend and "public servant who was true to his convictions and who will be missed."

Survivors include his wife, Joe Anne, and a daughter, Ashley. Funeral arrangements weren't immediately announced.

___

Associated Press writers Jonathan Drew and Martha Waggoner contributed to this report.
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C.  After the Civil War, former slaves across the South left the region to escape white terrorism. But along the Carolina coast, many remained. They claimed land from abandoned plantations, opened businesses during Reconstruction and, as Jim Crow laws took hold, increasingly isolated themselves in communities along the coastal corridor, especially on sea islands where their descendants settled for generations.

They became known as Gullah Geechee  the names origin is unknown  and the area where they live is now widely acknowledged as the most African place in America.

They farmed collards, lettuce, tomatoes and butter peas; fished for oysters, shrimp and sea bass; and raised hogs and chickens. Their relative isolation from white society left intact much of the traditional culture that had developed during slavery and harks back to African and Caribbean roots.

Gullah communities built wooden one-room praise houses to worship with energetic singing and shouts. Many painted their shutters and porches a shade known as 'haint' blue to ward off angry dead spirits. The Gullah culture can be seen in the sweet-grass baskets some still weave on the sidewalks of Charleston or in the creativity and adaptability of Gullah soul food that incorporates the ingredients available to cooks during slavery  rice, seafood, sweet potatoes, grits, local vegetables and basic spices.

More than anything else, Gullah people share a distinct dialect, a creole language that has similarities to some West African languages melded with English to create a quick-paced, easily flowing language.

Joseph Fields stands next to rows of cabbage at his family farm on Johns Island, S.C.

During Reconstruction, Joe Fields grandparents bought 11 acres on Johns Island, where they first raised hogs and lived a quiet lifestyle of subsistence farming in the poor rural communities south of Charleston. His parents bought more acreage across a winding two-lane road in the 1960s and expanded as commercial farmers. Then Fields took over, the youngest of eight children and a third-generation farmer who began by spreading chicken and horse manure over 46 acres and grew tomatoes, collards, cabbage and peas.

Story continues

He returned the land to its organic roots in 2010 and now farms 35 acres of organic collards, lettuce, kale, spinach and more.

Joseph Fields Family Lane is a dirt road that leads to his house. The lane bisects Fields Family Lane, which leads to other houses on the back of the farm. The entire family still lives here, and many work the farm together.

We all built around the farm so all of the houses that you see are brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews, Fields said. Its something we love to do. Farming is in our heart.

Fields doesnt plan to go anywhere, but real estate signs have sprung up all along the stretch of road nearby. Its a sign of the rapid suburban development thats reached its tentacles from Charleston and the resort islands nearby.

Development is one of the leading threats to the Gullah way of life. On some islands, such as Hilton Head and Kiawah, the Gullah have virtually disappeared.

Because of their isolation, they lived in tight-knit communities with families often sharing land passed down through generations. Most remained poor and suffered through segregation and are poorly educated and bereft of wealth-building opportunities afforded white landowners who ranched cattle or managed forestry operations.

Parents left no more than oral wills, telling their children not to sell the land but to share it and live on it. Many did, and because the children shared ownership and often passed it down to their children, the specifics of land ownership have gotten murky.

Children who owned shares of land got married or took jobs and moved away. Others who stayed shoulder the burden of paying property taxes. Because of shared ownership, many Gullah people cant get mortgages to build homes on their property. So they often bought trailers.

Artist, author and community activist Marquetta Goodwine, who holds the elected title of Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation, said attitudes of some property heirs pose a threat to the Gullah way of life.

Many that have not grown up on the land do not value it in the same manner that those that live on it do, said Goodwine, a native of nearby St. Helena Island. They often see it as a cash cow for an instant (profit), but they do not look at the long-range value of it and how you cannot calculate the value of cultural heritage and self-sufficiency.

Marquetta Goodwine, also known as Queen Quet, is proud her people left the coastline alone, particularly the stretches of salt marshes critical as habitats. Marquetta Goodwine, also known as Queen Quet, chieftess of the Gullah-Geechee Nation, is pictured at an outdoor market on St. Helena Island on Saturday, April 15, 2017.

Some families have chosen to relocate, unable to afford rising property taxes, while others have ended up in court because they cant agree on whether to sell or stay, she said.

Ed Atkins took over Atkins Live Bait, which his parents started in 1957. He lives on inherited land along with 10 brothers and sisters and their families, and hes watched his livelihood erode because of increasing development.

More: Soul food returns to black history roots as USA's first fusion cuisine

More: In search of Wakanda: A new world of black agency and identity

So much regulation has run the poor man off the river, he said. Used to be you could go out and catch a little something to feed your family or trade shrimp for peas to somebody who do farming. They limit you on the shrimp you can catch. They limit you on the fish you can catch. They limit you on the oyster you can go out there and get. Its a mess.

In addition, he said, tourists are overfishing for oysters and shrimp, and land-clearing for expensive homes is removing oyster and shrimp habitat along the rivers edge.

Despite the challenges, Goodwine said the Gullah peoples embrace of their history and culture over the past few decades can be seen in those who have begun to speak the dialect more openly and proudly and have opened businesses with Gullah or Geechee in the title.

Louise Cohen stands outside her father's restored house, now called the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island, on January 15, 2019.

Some of that newly exhibited pride has to do with the work of Gullah activists like Goodwine and Zenobia Harper, a guide at a former rice plantation who has started the Gullah Preservation Society of Georgetown County.

Harper walks visitors up to the second-floor Rice Museum and shares a fuller history of rice cultivation in Georgetown. Or she leads them on a tour of the plantation to share her ancestors history. She tells visitors of the wealth of knowledge and culture of those who created those cash crops and the way the Gullah culture first developed, as disparate Africans became a people in the New World and tried to figure out how to mesh together all of those traditions and languages and religious beliefs under extremely hostile situations.

Ive been trying really hard to get an expansion of the narrative so that when people come out theyre not just focused on the planter class narrative, Harper said.

Louise Cohen carries on the Gullah culture at Hilton Head, where she restored her fathers 1930s one-bedroom house as a museum on the land where he lived and she was raised. Gated communities and giant resorts lie just down the street, but the Gullah survive, one generation passing its traditions to the next.

And in Georgetown, Natalie Daise sits and paints inside an old red-brick building on the citys main drag, where oral history says slaves once changed hands. Daise and her husband, Ron, starred in the mid-90s Nickelodeon TV series "Gullah Gullah Island," which has been partly credited with bringing the Gullah culture to national exposure, along with the 1991 film "Daughters of the Dust," written and directed by Julie Dash. Beyonce used imagery from Dashs movie in her 2016 visual album "Lemonade."

Daises husband wasnt allowed to speak Gullah at home, she said, because his parents werent aware that the creole language was a sign of great creativity and the ability to adapt in difficult situations.

Natalie Daise, who starred in the 90s Nickelodeon show Gullah Gullah Island, now paints and gives tours in Georgetown, S.C.

Then he wrote a book about it, began to share Gullah culture in schools, and eventually they landed on television.

Where before, Gullah was a thing you didnt want to be ... now its like, Im Gullah, Daise said. I have such gratitude to see that embrace.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In coastal SC, Gullah culture's African roots persevere amid community change
BEIJING (Reuters) - Major Chinese frozen food producer Sanquan Food Co Ltd said on Monday it has recalled products that may be contaminated with African swine fever, following media reports that some of its dumplings tested positive for the virus. African swine fever is incurable in pigs but does not harm people. An epidemic of the disease has spread rapidly across China since August 2018, reaching 25 provinces and regions. Dumplings, which consist of dough wrapped around meat or fish that are then boiled, fried or steamed, are a staple Chinese dish and are also a central meal for the Lunar New Year holiday. Sanquan, one of China's top dumpling brands, said in a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it has recalled all products suspected of contamination, specifically citing reports of contamination in three batches of pork dumplings. The company said it is cooperating with local authorities on an investigation into the reports. The company did not confirm or deny the reports in the statement. Late on Friday, the Communist Party-run Beijing News said that dozens of samples of processed pork products sold in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu were found containing the virus. The positive samples, confirmed by local authorities, according to the report, came from 11 different companies including Sanquan, Kedi Group and Synear. Kedi Group and Synear could not be reached on Monday for comment. Another report on Friday by the Economic Observer said Sanquan products sold in Hunan province had also tested positive for the virus. The media reports show that diseased pigs are entering the food supply chain, although it was not clear if the virus was still in a viable form. The suspected contamination was expected to further hit pork consumption in China, as consumers worry about eating infected meat, analysts said. "We are already in the flat demand season," said Yao Guiling, an analyst with consultancy China-America Commodity Data Analytics. "Now that brand products were reported with issues, pork consumption will be further hit." Pork consumption in 2018 was estimated to decline by 0.5 percent because of consumer fears over safety, market research firm Euromonitor International told Reuters in late January. Overall, however, consumption will still be up slightly on the prior year at 41.3 million tonnes. Fitch predicts a similar hit to consumption in 2019, and has revised up poultry consumption. Other Chinese food products have also been found containing the virus in recent months, prompting Beijing to issue stricter rules for slaughterhouses including a requirement to sample batches for the virus. Last month, frozen food firm Fujian Anjoy Foods Co. Ltd said that some of its meat balls were suspected to contain the African swine fever virus. Sanquan, headquartered in China's central Henan province, said it was implementing further measures to test and control against African swine fever. It added that every batch of its pork came from quality suppliers and was certified by relevant authorities. The company's shares fell 1.72 percent by the end of trading on Monday. The benchmark Shenzhen index ended up 3.71 percent. African swine fever contamination in Chinese food products raises the chance of its spread to other countries as consumers take food with them overseas to neighboring Japan, South Korea and Taiwan and even Australia. (Reporting by Hallie Gu and Dominique Patton; editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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If you own shares in China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Limited (HKG:3669) then its worth thinking about how it contributes to the volatility of your portfolio, overall. In finance, Beta is a measure of volatility. Modern finance theory considers volatility to be a measure of risk, and there are two main types of price volatility. The first type is company specific volatility. Investors use diversification across uncorrelated stocks to reduce this kind of price volatility across the portfolio. The second sort is caused by the natural volatility of markets, overall. For example, certain macroeconomic events will impact (virtually) all stocks on the market.

Some stocks see their prices move in concert with the market. Others tend towards stronger, gentler or unrelated price movements. Some investors use beta as a measure of how much a certain stock is impacted by market risk (volatility). While we should keep in mind that Warren Buffett has cautioned that Volatility is far from synonymous with risk, beta is still a useful factor to consider. To make good use of it you must first know that the beta of the overall market is one. Any stock with a beta of greater than one is considered more volatile than the market, while those with a beta below one are either less volatile or poorly correlated with the market.

See our latest analysis for China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings

What does 3669s beta value mean to investors?

Given that it has a beta of 1.58, we can surmise that the China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings share price has been fairly sensitive to market volatility (over the last 5 years). Based on this history, investors should be aware that China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings are likely to rise strongly in times of greed, but sell off in times of fear. Beta is worth considering, but its also important to consider whether China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings is growing earnings and revenue. You can take a look for yourself, below.

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SEHK:3669 Income Statement Export February 17th 19

Could 3669s size cause it to be more volatile?

China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings is a small cap stock with a market capitalisation of HK$9.9b. Most companies this size are actively traded. It is quite common to see a small-cap stock with a beta greater than one. In part, thats because relatively few investors can influence the price of a smaller company, compared to a large company.

What this means for you:

Since China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings tends to moves up when the market is going up, and down when its going down, potential investors may wish to reflect on the overall market, when considering the stock. This article aims to educate investors about beta values, but its well worth looking at important company-specific fundamentals such as China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdingss financial health and performance track record. I urge you to continue your research by taking a look at the following:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 3669s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 3669s outlook. Past Track Record: Has 3669 been consistently performing well irrespective of the ups and downs in the market? Go into more detail in the past performance analysis and take a look at the free visual representations of 3669s historicals for more clarity. Other Interesting Stocks: Its worth checking to see how 3669 measures up against other companies on valuation. You could start with this free list of prospective options.

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.
Beijing (AFP) - Chinese authorities on Monday defended a ban on schoolchildren attending informal Tibetan language classes taught by Buddhist monks in western China, as religious and cultural freedoms in the country come under increasing pressure.

A county in westernQinghai -- a province with a large Tibetan population that is mostly Buddhist -- in December ordered an immediate halt to informal language classes taught by monks during the winter school holidays.

The lessons taught in monasteries in the province bordering Tibet have gained popularity among parents as a way for their children to learn a language that is being sidelined from the official curriculum.

It follows a similar ban last summer barring Tibetan students from taking part in religious activities during their holidays.

The provincial government on Monday told AFP that the lessons were "illegal" and said the monasteries were "safety hazards" as well as being "ill-equipped" to teach students.

"According to Chinese law... education is conducted by the government. No organisation or person can use religion as a means of obstructing the state education system," it said in a statement.

It added that the classes pose a financial burden to students and their families, and contravene regulations to reduce the workload of students.

Monasteries and monks who do not follow the new rules will be "dealt with in accordance with the law", the statement said.

The regulations follow similar edicts by the ruling Communist Party in other regions with large ethnic minority populations, starting with a clampdown on Islam in Xinjiang, a Muslim-majority region in the far west.

Rights groups have accused the Chinese government of curbing religious freedoms and cultural rights.

"Qinghai authorities' responses about the ban strain credulity," Human Rights Watch China researcher Sophie Richardson said.

"They fail to address previous official comments demonising these informal classes, and are reminiscent of the after-the-fact justifications for other instances of disregard for cultural rights and religious freedom."

China's constitution protects free speech and religion but critics say in reality there is little room for opinions that challenge government policies.
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While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. By way of learning-by-doing, well look at ROE to gain a better understanding of China MeiDong Auto Holdings Limited (HKG:1268).

Our data shows China MeiDong Auto Holdings has a return on equity of 26% for the last year. That means that for every HK$1 worth of shareholders equity, it generated HK$0.26 in profit.

See our latest analysis for China MeiDong Auto Holdings

How Do I Calculate Return On Equity?

The formula for return on equity is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit  Shareholders Equity

Or for China MeiDong Auto Holdings:

26% = 325.433  CN1.3b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.)

Most readers would understand what net profit is, but its worth explaining the concept of shareholders equity. It is all earnings retained by the company, plus any capital paid in by shareholders. You can calculate shareholders equity by subtracting the companys total liabilities from its total assets.

What Does ROE Signify?

Return on Equity measures a companys profitability against the profit it has kept for the business (plus any capital injections). The return is the profit over the last twelve months. The higher the ROE, the more profit the company is making. So, all else equal, investors should like a high ROE. That means it can be interesting to compare the ROE of different companies.

Does China MeiDong Auto Holdings Have A Good Return On Equity?

One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. Pleasingly, China MeiDong Auto Holdings has a superior ROE than the average (11%) company in the Specialty Retail industry.

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SEHK:1268 Last Perf February 18th 19

Thats what I like to see. In my book, a high ROE almost always warrants a closer look. For example you might check if insiders are buying shares.

The Importance Of Debt To Return On Equity

Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first two cases, the ROE will capture this use of capital to grow. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used.

China MeiDong Auto Holdingss Debt And Its 26% ROE

Although China MeiDong Auto Holdings does use debt, its debt to equity ratio of 0.72 is still low. The combination of modest debt and a very impressive ROE does suggest that the business is high quality. Judicious use of debt to improve returns can certainly be a good thing, although it does elevate risk slightly and reduce future optionality.

But Its Just One Metric

Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, Id generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, youll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. The rate at which profits are likely to grow, relative to the expectations of profit growth reflected in the current price, must be considered, too. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
BEIJING (AP)  China's government on Monday accused the United States of trying to block its industrial development after Vice President Mike Pence said Chinese equipment poses a threat to countries that are rolling out next-generation mobile communications.

And in a potential blow to U.S. efforts to rally its allies on the issue, British media reported U.K. intelligence agencies found it is possible to limit potential security risks of Chinese equipment in fifth-generation networks.

The U.S. argues Beijing might use Chinese tech companies to gather intelligence about foreign countries. The Trump administration has pressured allies to shun networks supplied by Huawei Technologies Ltd., threatening the company's access to 5G markets.

Huawei, the biggest global maker of switching gear for phone and internet companies, denies accusations it facilitates Chinese spying. Its founder said last month it would reject government demands to disclose confidential information about foreign customers.

The U.S. government is trying to "fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development" of Chinese enterprises, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang.

He accused the United States of using "political means" to interfere in economic activity, "which is hypocritical, immoral and unfair bullying."

Mike Pence, speaking Saturday in Germany, urged European allies to take seriously "the threat" he said was posed by Huawei as they look for partners to build 5G networks.

The 5G technology is meant to vastly expand the reach of networks to support internet-linked medical equipment, factory machines, self-driving cars and other devices. That makes it more politically sensitive and raises the potential cost of security failures.

Pence said Huawei and other Chinese telecom equipment makers provide Beijing with "access to any data that touches their network or equipment." He appealed to European governments to "reject any enterprise that would compromise the integrity of our communications technology or our national security systems."

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In what could amount to a turning point for the U.S. effort to isolate Huawei, Britain's National Cyber Security Centre has found that the risk of using its networks is manageable, according to the Financial Times and other British media outlets.

The reports, citing anonymous sources, said there are ways to limit cybersecurity risks. They said the U.K.'s decision would carry weight with European allies who are also evaluating the safety of their networks.

The British government is due to finish a review of its policies on the safety of 5G in March or April. The office of British Prime Minister Theresa May said Monday that "no decisions have been taken."

If eventually confirmed, "such a decision by the U.K. would be a strong message and could be influential in the medium term," said Lukasz Olejnik, a research associate at Oxford University's Center for Technology and Global Affairs.

The British review "could inevitably serve as an input or a reference point in other countries' risk assessments," he said.

Officials including a vice president of the European Union have expressed concern about Chinese regulations issued last year that require companies to cooperate with intelligence agencies. No country in Europe, however, has issued a blanket veto on using Huawei technology in the way the U.S. has urged.

The U.S. Justice Department last month unsealed charges against Huawei, its chief financial officer  who had been arrested in Canada  and several of its subsidiaries, alleging not only violation of trade sanctions but also the theft of trade secrets.

The United States has not, however, released evidence to support its accusations that Huawei and other Chinese tech companies allow the Chinese government to spy through their systems. That has prompted some industry analysts to suggest Washington is trying to use security concerns to handicap Chinese competitors.

"China has not and will not require companies or individuals to collect or provide foreign countries' information for the Chinese government by installing backdoors or other actions that violate local laws," said Geng.

Britain's National Cyber Security Centre acknowledged last summer that it had concerns about the engineering and security of Huawei's networks. While not commenting Monday on the media reports, it added: "We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make."

Huawei said in a statement Monday it is open to dialogue and that "cybersecurity is an issue which needs to be addressed across the whole industry."

___

Associated Press writer Kelvin Chan in London contributed to this report.
What happened?

Seven MPs announced today that they are quitting the Labour Party. Luciana Berger, Chuka Umunna, Gavin Shuker, Angela Smith, Chris Leslie, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey resigned the Labour whip and formed a Parliamentary coalition called The Independent Group. The group is not an official political party. The MPs said that Jeremy Corbyns handling of Brexit and his failure to stamp out antisemitism in Labour were their reasons for leaving Labour.

What does it mean for Labour?

The departure of seven MPs shows the level of discontent within the Parliamentary Labour Party  and the strength of language used was astonishing (Luciana Berger: I am embarrassed and ashamed; Yahoo News UK). The move is evidence that Jeremy Corbyns attempts to tackle anti-Jewish racism within Labour have failed to convince, with the departing MPs calling Labour institutionally antisemitic. The deep divides over Brexit have also been thrown into relief, and Mr Corbyn was accused of colluding with the Tories to push through Theresa Mays deal.

The seven MPs will now sit as independent candidates in the House of Commons and there are currently no plans for by-elections in their constituencies. However the fact that they were elected on a Labour manifesto could put pressure on them to put their new stance to a vote. The MPs are no longer required to vote how Labour whips tells them to, so a chunk of Labours power has been removed. Chuka Umunna told the groups press conference that they would decide which way to vote on an issue-by-issue basis, opening the door to supporting the Tories on some issues.

Mr Umunna also invited members of other parties to join the group in what was seen as a play for support from moderate Conservatives unhappy with their partys approach to Brexit. There is no suggestion so far that any Tories are planning to defect.

Seven Labour MPs quit to form The Independent Group (Yahoo News UK)

Independent Group blasted by constituents for abandoning Labour (Evening Standard)

OPINION: Labour rebels just increased Mays chances of keeping her job (The Independent)

Everything you need to know about the Independent Group (HuffPost)



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The vast majority of Yahoo users believe those found guilty of child sex-related offences should be dealt with more harshly by the courts. As a senior police boss hit out at the lenient suspended sentence handed to a former officer who made hundreds of indecent images of children, we asked if sentences for those offences should be longer. Read the full story and have your say below:

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Jihadi bride says Manchester Arena bombing was justified

A teenager who fled Britain to join Isis aged 15 has said the Manchester Arena bombing was justified.

Shamima Begum, now 19, said the deaths of 22 innocent people in the terrorist attack on an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 were akin to women and children being bombed in Syria. She said: Just people like the women and children in Baghuz that are being killed right now unjustly, the bombings. Its a two-way thing really. Read the full story here (Evening Standard)

NatWest employee told customer all vegans should be punched in the face

A customer who called a bank to apply for a loan was told by a member of staff that all vegans should be punched in the face. The woman from Bristol, who didnt want to be named, contacted NatWest for a loan to pay for a 400 nutrition diploma. Her application was initially rejected, but NatWest offered to pay for the course after listening to a recording of the call. The bank has apologised and said the staff members conduct was wholly inappropriate. Read the full story here (Yahoo News UK)

Gravity-defying Wesley Williams has a very special skill  he can jump enormous distances. The 24-year-old American caused a splash online thanks to this compilation of his most impressive leaps, which feature vending machines and even cars.

30,000

The number of prisoners who have been given short sentences (out of a total of 83,000). The justice secretary David Gauke has said there is a very strong case to abolish jail sentences of six months or less, with some closely defined exceptions. The proportion of offenders with shorter jail terms has doubled since the 1990s. Read the full story here (Independent)
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Today we are going to look at Caltex Australia Limited (ASX:CTX) to see whether it might be an attractive investment prospect. In particular, well consider its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), as that can give us insight into how profitably the company is able to employ capital in its business.

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 measures the return (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. Generally speaking a higher ROCE is better. Ultimately, it is a useful but imperfect metric. Author Edwin Whiting says to be careful when comparing the ROCE of different businesses, since No two businesses are exactly alike.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

The formula for calculating the return on capital employed is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets  Current Liabilities)

Or for Caltex Australia:

0.24 = AU$951m  (AU$7.1b  AU$2.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.)

So, Caltex Australia has an ROCE of 24%.

Check out our latest analysis for Caltex Australia

Does Caltex Australia Have A Good ROCE?

One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. In our analysis, Caltex Australias ROCE is meaningfully higher than the 6.9% average in the Oil and Gas industry. I think thats good to see, since it implies the company is better than other companies at making the most of its capital. Regardless of the industry comparison, in absolute terms, Caltex Australias ROCE currently appears to be excellent.

In our analysis, Caltex Australias ROCE appears to be 24%, compared to 3 years ago, when its ROCE was 14%. This makes us wonder if the company is improving.

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ASX:CTX Last Perf February 17th 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. This is because ROCE only looks at one year, instead of considering returns across a whole cycle. We note Caltex Australia could be considered a cyclical business. Future performance is what matters, and you can see analyst predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

Caltex Australias Current Liabilities And Their Impact On Its ROCE

Current liabilities are short term bills and invoices that need to be paid in 12 months or less. Due to the way ROCE is calculated, a high level of current liabilities makes a company look as though it has less capital employed, and thus can (sometimes unfairly) boost the ROCE. To counteract this, we check if a company has high current liabilities, relative to its total assets.

Caltex Australia has total liabilities of AU$2.5b and total assets of AU$7.1b. Therefore its current liabilities are equivalent to approximately 35% of its total assets. Caltex Australia has a medium level of current liabilities, boosting its ROCE somewhat.

The Bottom Line On Caltex Australias ROCE

Despite this, it reports a high ROCE, and may be worth investigating further. 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.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are 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.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra - REUTERS

California is set to become the first state to legally challenge Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency to secure funding for a border wall, its attorney general said on Sunday.

After a failed attempt to convince Congress to sign off on his demand for $5.7 billion (4.4 billion) to build a structure along the country's southern border with Mexico, the US president announced he would be invoking the controversial power on Friday.

By doing so, he is now theoretically able to siphon off money - up to $8 billion - from government departments to fulfill his key campaign pledge.

But it was long expected that the move would be slowed down and possibly torpedoed by legal challenges.

Already, landowners in Texas have filed lawsuits saying it violates the Constitution and would infringe on their property rights.

On Sunday Xavier Becerra, California's attorney general, signaled the Golden State would lead the way, arguing that money directed to the wall project would mean less federal funding for vital services for emergency responses, the military and tackling drug trafficking.

A section of the border fence in Naco, Arizona, being replaces with modern barriers Credit: UPI / Barcroft Media

When asked whether and when California would sue the Trump administration, he replied: Definitely and imminently. We are prepared, we knew something like this might happen.

"And with our sister state partners, we are ready to go, he told ABC's "This Week."

Were confident there are at least 8 billion ways that we can prove harm."

Other Democrat-controlled states are expected to join the action and House Democrats have said they will introduce a resolution that would block the declaration.

Ultimately, the legal battle will probably end at the conservative-leaning Supreme Court to which Mr Trump has appointed two justices since he took office.

Stephen Miller, a senior White House adviser, told Fox News on Sunday that the declaration would allow the administration to build hundreds of miles of border wall by September 2020.

Story continues

We have 120-odd miles that are already under construction or are already obligated plus the additional funds we have and then were going to outlay - were going to look at a few hundred miles.

He also suggested the US leader would veto Congress should there be any resolution to block the emergency declaration.

"Obviously the president is going to protect his national emergency declaration.

"This (illegal immigration) is a threat in our country  and if the president cant defend this country, then he cannot fulfill his constitutional oath of office," he added.
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"I know there is deep anger, your blood boils looking at what has happened. At this moment, there are expectations and the feelings of a strong response which is quite natural," Modi said in a speech mourning the police forces killed and those injured.



India regularly accuses Pakistan of training and arming militants and smuggling them across the border into the Indian region of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region on the countries' shared border.



Following the terror attack, where an explosive-laden truck plowed into a bus carrying police forces, India said it had "incontrovertible evidence" of Pakistan's involvement in the attack. Pakistani-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed the attack, but Pakistan quickly denied any official involvement.



"Our neighboring country thinks such terror attacks can weaken us, but their plans will not materialize," said Modi of Pakistan.



"Security forces have been given permission to take decisions about the timing, place and nature of their response," Modi continued.



Rajesh Rajagopalan, a professor of international politic at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, tweeted that Modi's statement was an "abdication of political responsibility," because he handed over control of the response to the military.

Kashmir map Reuters



Christopher Clary, an international affairs expert and professor at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University of Albany, said that Modi unleashing the military had the potential to get out of control.



While Clary told Business Insider he didn't interpret Modi's words to mean he had authorized a major military action against Pakistan, cross-border conflicts happen frequently.



India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals for decades, but enjoyed a period of relative clam for the past few years. But recently, both Pakistan and India have grown in nationalist fervor, with online militias on Facebook and elsewhere lusting for blood and mocking each other's militaries and nations.





https://www.businessinsider.com/indias-m...ism-2019-2 Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi on Friday unleashed the country's military against rival Pakistan in response to a terror attack by Muslim separatists that killed 44 on Thursday."I know there is deep anger, your blood boils looking at what has happened. At this moment, there are expectations and the feelings of a strong response which is quite natural," Modi said in a speech mourning the police forces killed and those injured.India regularly accuses Pakistan of training and arming militants and smuggling them across the border into the Indian region of Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region on the countries' shared border.Following the terror attack, where an explosive-laden truck plowed into a bus carrying police forces, India said it had "incontrovertible evidence" of Pakistan's involvement in the attack. Pakistani-based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed the attack, but Pakistan quickly denied any official involvement."Our neighboring country thinks such terror attacks can weaken us, but their plans will not materialize," said Modi of Pakistan."Security forces have been given permission to take decisions about the timing, place and nature of their response," Modi continued.Rajesh Rajagopalan, a professor of international politic at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, tweeted that Modi's statement was an "abdication of political responsibility," because he handed over control of the response to the military.Kashmir map ReutersChristopher Clary, an international affairs expert and professor at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University of Albany, said that Modi unleashing the military had the potential to get out of control.While Clary told Business Insider he didn't interpret Modi's words to mean he had authorized a major military action against Pakistan, cross-border conflicts happen frequently.India and Pakistan have been bitter rivals for decades, but enjoyed a period of relative clam for the past few years. But recently, both Pakistan and India have grown in nationalist fervor, with online militias on Facebook and elsewhere lusting for blood and mocking each other's militaries and nations.

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(PHOTO: Lee Hsien Loong/Twitter)

The government will set aside $6.1 billion under the Merdeka Generation Package, which is set to benefit close to 500,000 Singaporeans, said Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat in his Budget 2019 speech on Monday (18 February).

Announcing the details of the package, Heng called it a gesture of our nations gratitude for the contributions of the generation, aged between 60 and 69 years old, and a way to show care for them in their silver years.

They will provide them with better peace of mind over future healthcare costs while helping them to stay healthy and active, he added.

The Merdeka Generation Package, first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during last years National Day Rally, will consist of five key benefits, said Heng.

All Merdeka Generation will receive a one-time $100 top-up to their PAssion Silver concession card. This can be used to pay for activities and facilities at community clubs, public transport, entry fees to public swimming pools and more. Starting from this year to 2023, the Merdeka Generation will receive Medisave top-up of $200 per year to help them save more for healthcare needs. This is on top of the GST Voucher-MediSave top-ups that eligible seniors aged 65 and above receive every year. They will receive special Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies for common illness, chronic procedures, and dental procedures that will be higher than CHAS Blue Health Assist card subsidies. All Merdeka Generation seniors will receive these subsidies regardless of income, including those who do not have a CHAS card. They will also receive an additional 25 per cent off  on top of prevailing subsidies  at polyclinics and public specialists outpatient clinics. They will also receive between five and 10 per cent off their MediShield Life premiums for life. Subsidies for the premiums will start from five per cent and increase to 10 per cent when they reach 75 years of age. For those who join CareShield Life, they will get an additional participation incentive of $1,500. In addition to the $2,500 dollars previously announced, this means that all Merdeka Generation seniors who join the severe disability scheme will receive $4,000.

Heng said that the package is estimated to cost over $8 billion, in current dollars, over the Merdeka Generations lifetimes. With interest accumulated over time, the $6.1 billion set aside during Budget 2019 will cover the projected cost of the package, he added.

Story continues

A Singaporeans average life expectancy is currently 84.8 years which means the Merdeka Generation will be able to enjoy the package benefits for many years, said Heng.

The Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health (MOH) have taken this into account when sizing this years budget, he added.



Noting that the sum is a significant commitment by the government, Heng said, It is important that the government of the day continues to monitor the patterns and cost of healthcare utilisation, and life expectancy, over the next 30 years or more, so that the government is able to meet this commitment.

Those who were born in 1950s and obtained citizenship by 1996 will be eligible for the package.

Those born in 1949 and earlier will also be eligible if they missed out on the Pioneer Generation Package if they obtained citizenship by 1996.

Those who are eligible will be notified by April and receive their Merdeka Generation Package cards starting from June.

More information will be provided by the MOH at the upcoming Committee of Supply debate.

More stories on Budget 2019 here.

Related stories:

Highlights from Singapore Budget 2019

NDR 2018: Healthcare package launched for Singaporeans born in 1950s
A powerful storm that began its journey Sunday in California will roar across the country over the next two to three days, spreading heavy snow, torrential rain and crippling ice to more than 200 million Americans.

That's about 60 percent of the population, AccuWeather said. "Parts of 39 of the 48 contiguous United States will be touched by the massive storm, including every state east of the Mississippi River," AccuWeather meteorologist Faith Eherts said.

On Monday, the storm aimed its fury on the southern Rockies. As much as a foot of snow fell in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.

By Tuesday, the storm will spread heavy snow and strong winds into the central U.S., the National Weather Service said.

Late Tuesday and into Wednesday, the threat for heavy snow, ice and dangerous travel will expand across the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid Atlantic and the Northeast.

Drivers make their way up and down a snow-packed street in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. A winter storm will spread weather misery across the nation from Tuesday to Thursday this week.

"Kansas City, Omaha, Des Moines, Minneapolis and Duluth could all receive several inches of snow," said AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys.

More: Airlines begin waiving change fees for new winter storm

The Weather Channel warned that the Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia metro areas will see accumulating snow to start before it changes to a mix of sleet, freezing rain and then rain. That could make the Wednesday morning commute in those cities hazardous.

Freezing rain and ice will be especially dangerous in the mountains of West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina, weather.com said, causing tree damage and scattered power outages. Lighter amounts of ice are forecast for portions of Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In the South, several rounds of heavy, flooding rainfall and even some severe thunderstorms are expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

Up to a half foot of rain could swamp much of northern Mississippi, northern Alabama and Tennessee, where flood watches and warnings have been posted.

Summer will continue to pay an early visit to Florida on Tuesday as temperatures soar into the 80s. Several Florida cities set record highs Monday, including Vero Beach, which tied an all-time February record high of 89 degrees.

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The unusual warmth is expected to continue in the Sunshine State for most of the week.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buckle up and hunker down: Coast-to-coast storm to bring weather misery to 200 million
Lille (France) (AFP) - A British boat rescued between 18 and 20 migrants crossing the Channel aboard a small motorised boat Monday, French maritime authorities said.

"A fishing boat gave the alarm shortly after 8:00 am (0700 GMT)" after spotting the boat off the tip of northern France, authorities said.

French navy, police and customs launched a helicopter, a tug boat and three fast vessels, while sea rescue services also tried to rescue the migrants, believed to include children.

By the time they reached the migrants' location however, "they had crossed over to the English side" of the Channel where they were picked up by a British vessel, said the regional authority in northern France.

British media reports said a lifeboat from the southern English coast and a Royal Navy cutter were involved in the rescue.

Some 500 people -- most of them over the last two months of the year -- attempted to cross the Channel to Britain in 2018, compared to just 13 known attempts the previous year.

French interior ministry figures show 276 people successfully reached British waters last year.

London in December dispatched a navy ship to help coastguard boats watch over the 21 miles (33 kilometres) of sea that separate France and Britain at its narrowest point.

France also responded by announcing broader surveillance measures in early January.

The number of Channel crossings was just a tiny fraction of the 55,756 successful attempts made across Mediterranean to Spain that were recorded by the UN's refugee agency in 2018.
LONDON (Reuters) - Queen Elizabeth's 97-year-old husband Prince Philip received a warning from police after he was photographed apparently driving without a seat belt, just two days after he was involved in a crash while at the wheel.

Newspapers showed pictures of Philip driving a replacement Land Rover on Saturday at the royals' Sandringham residence in Norfolk. He did not appear to be using a seat belt while traveling on a public road.

"We are aware of the photographs," a police spokesman said. "Suitable words of advice have been given to the driver and this is in line with our standard response when being made aware of our receiving such images showing this type of offence."

On Thursday, Philip escaped without injury when his car flipped over following a crash with another vehicle close to Sandringham.

Philip was unhurt, although shaken in the crash. The other driver, a 28-year-old woman, suffered cuts to her knee and a 45-year-old woman passenger in the car, which also had a nine-month-old baby on board, sustained a broken wrist. They were taken to hospital but later released.

A spokeswoman for Philip, asked about Saturday's incident, said: "It's a matter for Norfolk police."

Philip has developed a reputation for brusque comments and often headline-grabbing verbal gaffes.

(Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Jack Stubbs and Kanishka Singh (Reuters) - British security officials do not support a full ban of Huawei from national telecoms networks despite U.S. allegations the Chinese firm and its products could be used by Beijing for spying, people with knowledge of the matter said. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, with the United States calling for its allies not to use its technology. Although no evidence has been produced publicly and Huawei has denied the claims, the allegations have led several Western countries to restrict its access to their markets. "We don't favor a complete ban. It's not that simple," one of the sources told Reuters on Monday after a Financial Times report on Sunday said that Britain had decided it could mitigate the risks of using Huawei equipment in 5G networks. The FT cited two sources familiar with what it said was a conclusion by the government's National Cyber Security Council (NCSC), which last year said technical and supply-chain issues with Huawei's equipment had exposed national telecom networks to new security risks. Huawei had no immediate comment. Any decision to allow Huawei to participate in building next-generation 5G networks would be closely watched by other nations, because of Britain's membership of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group with the United States. Britain is an important market for Huawei and last month Vodafone, the world's second-largest mobile operator, said it was "pausing" the deployment of its equipment in core networks until Western governments give the Chinese firm full security clearance. Other operators in Europe, including Britain's BT and France's Orange have already removed Huawei's equipment or taken steps to limit its future use. Two sources said the NCSC did not think it was necessary to completely bar Huawei from British networks, believing it could continue to manage any risks by testing the products at a special laboratory overseen by intelligence officials. Both sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the position was consistent with public statements made by the NCSC and British officials. "As was made clear in July's HCSEC oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huawei's engineering and security capabilities. We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make, an NCSC spokeswoman said on Monday. CONFIDENCE MEASURES People with knowledge of the matter said the next NCSC report on Huawei's position in Britain will criticize its slow response to issues raised in last year's report and detail tense relations with British officials. The report, which is expected to be released in coming weeks, does not itself set government policy. The results of a government review of British telecoms infrastructure is expected later in the year and will include recommendations on managing security risks, including in future 5G networks. Fellow Five Eyes member Australia has banned Huawei from supplying 5G equipment, while New Zealand said on Monday it would make its own independent assessment of the risk of using Huawei equipment in 5G networks. Huawei has set up security labs in Britain and Germany aimed at building confidence that its equipment does not contain "back doors" for Chinese intelligence services. It has also offered to build a cyber-security center in Poland, where authorities have arrested a Chinese Huawei employee along with an ex-Polish security official. Last week Alex Younger, the head of Britain's MI6 foreign intelligence service, said it was more complicated than "in or out" when asked if Britain was seeking to manage risks perceived as being attached to Huawei rather than simply to ban it. Younger also told journalists in Munich that it was not desirable that "any piece of significant national infrastructure is provided from a monopoly supplier". (Reporting by Jack Stubbs in London and Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; writing by Jack Stubbs and Georgina Prodhan; editing by David Evans, Sandra Maler and Alexander Smith)
Brasilia (AFP) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Monday sacked a close aide who helped get him elected after a storm within his party over suspected improper campaign financing.

The allegations are the latest scandal to hit the party of the far-right president, who comfortably won elections last October in large part by vowing to stamp out corruption.

Bolsonaro "has decided to dismiss as of today Gustavo Bebianno as minister of the general secretariat of the presidency," spokesman Otavio do Rego Barros told a news conference in Brazilia.

The spokesman did not explain the firing, saying it was a "personal decision" by Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro did not clarify much further in a video he released later that was broadcast by Brazilian media.

He said only that "different points of view on relevant issues brought a need for a re-evaluation."

The president recognized Bebianno had played a vital role in his election campaign. "His work was important to our success," Barros said.

The sacking could impact legislative passage of an upcoming bill Bolsonaro is to present to Congress this week to reform Brazil's unsustainable pension system. The reform is considered by investors to be the most crucial promise the president made to overhaul Latin America's biggest economy.

Bebianno, who held cabinet rank and was former leader of the ultraconservative PSL, was replaced by a retired general, Floriano Peixoto, boosting to eight the number of military men running Bolsonaro's 22 ministries.

- Key figure -

As chief of the ruling PSL party, Bebianno had been a key figure in Bolsonaro's campaign last year that led to the 63-year-old politician being elected in October polls. When Bolsonaro took office at the beginning of January he rewarded Bebianno with the ministerial post by his side in the presidential palace.

But that close alliance became broken after a newspaper, the Folha de Sao Paulo, reported that the PSL was thought to have nominated fake candidates in the general election to divert public funds to its coffers.

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Bebianno had denied involvement and sought to downplay the crisis. He also said he had spoken several times with Bolsonaro while the president spent the first half of this month in hospital recovering from stomach surgery.

But one of Bolsonaro's sons, Carlos Bolsonaro, who is a state legislator in Rio de Janeiro, said Bebianno was "lying" and no such discussions took place. He also said he had asked for a police investigation against Bebianno.

That triggered ructions in the PSL and among allies of the president, who questioned why Carlos -- who has no position in the presidency or federal government -- was permitted to act that way against Bebianno.

After several days of back-and-forth among top officials, Bolsonaro -- who campaigned on pledges to clean up political corruption -- acted Monday by firing Bebianno.

Bolsonaro's reputation has been further sullied by suspicions of illegal financial transactions surrounding another of Bolsonaro's sons, Flavio, who is a senator.

A third politician son, Eduardo, a federal lawmaker, has embraced a nationalist politics platform created by Steve Bannon, US President Donald Trump's former strategist.

Bebianno's dismissal, anticipated by investors, prompted a 1.04 percent fall in the stock market Monday, and a dip in the value of the Brazilian real.
By Nelson Renteria SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador's President-elect Nayib Bukele spoke by phone on Wednesday with U.S. National Security advisor John Bolton, who said he requested cooperation to counteract what he called the "predatory" expansion of China. Bukele, the first candidate not from the poor Central American country's two civil war-era parties to win a presidential election in a generation, said that his government would be a strong U.S. partner to the United States. "The United States will find in El Salvador, not only an ally, but also a friend," Bukele wrote on Twitter. Relations with Washington suffered under the outgoing government of the left-wing Faribundi Marti National Liberation front (FMLN), the party of El Salvador's former guerrilla movement, which established relations with China at the expense of Taiwan in August. Bolton criticized the benefits that El Salvador received after establishing diplomatic relations with China. "We discussed ways to strengthen the U.S.-El Salvador friendship and to collaborate to restore democracy in Venezuela and counter Chinese predatory practices in the hemisphere," Bolton said. China describes its relationship with El Salvador as friendly cooperation. Beijing offered El Salvador about $150 million to develop social projects and 3,000 tons of rice for people affected by a drought. A Bukele aide said last week that the president-elect was evaluating the value of its relations with China. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria, Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Susan Thomas)
Jaguar Land Rover is cutting 4,500 jobs, or about 10% of its workforce. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Thousands of car manufacturing jobs are expected to disappear in the UK in the coming years and industry insiders say Brexit is a big part of the problem.

At the start of 2019, Jaguar Land Rover announced plans to cut 4,500 jobs, or about 10% of its workforce. Ford (F) said at the same time that it would cut thousands of jobs in Europe, but did not provide UK-specific plans. Now, Honda is looking to shutter its Swindon factory, with expectations that this could affect another 3,500 jobs.

Honda (HMC) declined to confirm that it was planning to close its UK hub, which was first reported on Monday by Sky News. But local North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said on Monday that Honda was moving its production back to Japan in 2021.

They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021, Tomlinson said on Twitter.

That statement rings hollow when another Japanese car company  Nissan (7201.T)  said this month that it wouldnt build its X-Trail SUV in the UK as planned and Brexit was not helping the situation.

Nissans Europe chairman Gianluca de Ficchy said at the time that continued uncertainty around the UKs future relationship with the EU is not helping companies like ours to plan for the future.

The new X-Trail would have created roughly 740 new jobs at Nissans British factory.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been warning for years about the damaging impact of Brexit uncertainty, saying it was hurting business sentiment and investment.

Business needs certainty so we now need politicians to do everything to prevent irreversible damage to this vital sector, the SMMT warned in January.

Car manufacturers are concerned about the risk of new border checks and tariffs between the UK, EU, and other trading partners after Brexit.

Oxford professor Matthias Holweg, who specialises in manufacturing and operations management, told Yahoo Finance UK earlier this month that the industry could see death by a thousand cuts.

Story continues

The real danger is, in the long run, were going to see death by a thousand cuts and the industry becomes, essentially smaller and smaller, and thereby loses scale and competitiveness, Holweg warned. Its an immediate, logical consequence of the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

The British car industry directly employs roughly 186,000 people in the UK, with a total of 856,000 jobs dependent on the sector, according to recent SMMT data.





Other UK-based automakers have also been vocal about their Brexit concerns and the threat of a no-deal Brexit.

With a no-deal [Brexit], we would have stop-start production for weeks, possibly months. It would be very, very difficult for us to cope, Tony Walker, Toyota Motor Europes deputy managing director, warned MPs at a parliamentary committee hearing last year.
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Post: #1 Secret Backstory To Venezuela's Crisis

Advertisement



Exxon in Guyana



In 2015 Guyana awarded an oil exploration contract to ExxonMobil, former company of former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Exxon soon discovered an oil field estimated at 5 billion barrels, significant enough to change the economy of tiny Guyana once production begins next year. Unlike the heavy and expensive oil of Orinoco/Chavez, the oil found offshore Guyana is high quality, light. Oil analysts cite an astonishing 82% success rate for Exxon drilling in frontier areas compared with industry averages of 35%. Wood Mackenzies analysts say the offshore region will easily become the fourth largest oil producing nation in Latin America by the next decade, with chances to outperform the countries preceding it. If Venezuela and Mexico fail to address production declines, Guyana could quickly surpass them to number two.



Keep in mind until now this entire Esequiba region, offshore and on, had been off limits to oil exploration by mutual agreement of the countries. The Exxon Guyana discoveries confirmed the belief that the Esequiba region holds enormous oil resources.



Here enters the complication of Venezuelas Maduro government and the bizarre declaration of opposition National Assembly President Juan Guaido to be deemed legitimate president. The entire tragic drama now unfolding can be better understood if we look beyond Orinoco Belt oil to the huge untapped potential reserves of Esequiba.



Since the 2015 Exxon finds, Venezuela has launched complaints with Guyana and on occasion interdicted Exxon oil exploration vessels. Complicating the situation for the Maduro regime is the fact that a partner of Exxon offshore Guyana in the disputed waters is the state oil company of Maduros largest creditor, Chinas CNOOC.



Imagine a scenario where Maduros regime is replaced by a free-market Guaido who reopens Venezuela to foreign oil interests and reprivatizes the state PDVSA. Then Guaido, with help from his various international friends, aggressively asserts Venezuelas claims to Esequiba. Britain, France and Spain, all with major oil companies in the region, have joined the US in recognizing Guaido as interim president. So long as Venezuela was controlled by Maduro, it suited Exxon and their backers in Washington to recognize Guyanas legitimacy to the offshore Esequiba fields. Were Guaido to come in, that could easily change and a fragile Guyana could be arm-twisted to resolve the Esequiba issue to the benefit of Venezuela.

https://www.blacklistednews.com/article/...a-oil.html The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free. --Baruch Spinoza Anyone with any knowledge of the Venezuela situation knows Oil is a primary reason the US is interested in Venezuela. The largest oil reserve in the world is situated just off the coast. Unfortunately the oils is very thick, so it commands a lower price. But Exxon has discovered what might be an even larger reserve jut south off the coast of Guyana. It is possible the reserve straddles Venezuela and Guyana and may extend south of Guyana also. It is light "sweet" oil, preferred as it is easier to refine into gasoline. There is a dispute going back many years over this deposit between Venezuela and Guyana:Exxon in GuyanaIn 2015 Guyana awarded an oil exploration contract to ExxonMobil, former company of former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Exxon soon discovered an oil field estimated at 5 billion barrels, significant enough to change the economy of tiny Guyana once production begins next year. Unlike the heavy and expensive oil of Orinoco/Chavez, the oil found offshore Guyana is high quality, light. Oil analysts cite an astonishing 82% success rate for Exxon drilling in frontier areas compared with industry averages of 35%. Wood Mackenzies analysts say the offshore region will easily become the fourth largest oil producing nation in Latin America by the next decade, with chances to outperform the countries preceding it. If Venezuela and Mexico fail to address production declines, Guyana could quickly surpass them to number two.Keep in mind until now this entire Esequiba region, offshore and on, had been off limits to oil exploration by mutual agreement of the countries. The Exxon Guyana discoveries confirmed the belief that the Esequiba region holds enormous oil resources.Here enters the complication of Venezuelas Maduro government and the bizarre declaration of opposition National Assembly President Juan Guaido to be deemed legitimate president. The entire tragic drama now unfolding can be better understood if we look beyond Orinoco Belt oil to the huge untapped potential reserves of Esequiba.Since the 2015 Exxon finds, Venezuela has launched complaints with Guyana and on occasion interdicted Exxon oil exploration vessels. Complicating the situation for the Maduro regime is the fact that a partner of Exxon offshore Guyana in the disputed waters is the state oil company of Maduros largest creditor, Chinas CNOOC.Imagine a scenario where Maduros regime is replaced by a free-market Guaido who reopens Venezuela to foreign oil interests and reprivatizes the state PDVSA. Then Guaido, with help from his various international friends, aggressively asserts Venezuelas claims to Esequiba. Britain, France and Spain, all with major oil companies in the region, have joined the US in recognizing Guaido as interim president. So long as Venezuela was controlled by Maduro, it suited Exxon and their backers in Washington to recognize Guyanas legitimacy to the offshore Esequiba fields. Were Guaido to come in, that could easily change and a fragile Guyana could be arm-twisted to resolve the Esequiba issue to the benefit of Venezuela.The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free. --Baruch Spinoza
Brussels (AFP) - The trial of a Frenchman accused of shooting dead four people at the Jewish museum of Belgium was briefly interrupted on Monday as police were summoned to question a juror.

"We cannot start the closing arguments under these conditions," judge Laurence Massart said, after recusing the juror for having communicated with outside parties.

"The sixth juror contacted police officials on Friday afternoon to say he met with parties not heard in this trial with whom he discussed the case file," she added.

The juror related to the court that he was approached by a colleague at work who said she was a witness to the assault and shared an elaborate conspiracy theory involving the Belgian foreign minister.

"This is probably a person in search of attention," said Sebastien Courtoy, the lawyer for the accused Mehdi Nemmouche, referring to the juror's work colleague.

French national Nemmouche, 33, the accused jihadist gunman, faces life in prison if convicted of the "terrorist murder" of four people during the anti-Semitic attack on May 24, 2014.

The trial, which began on January 10, was scheduled to hear closing arguments Monday after witness testimonies ended on Friday. A verdict is expected in early March.

Nemmouche is being tried along with fellow Frenchman Nacer Bendrer, a petty criminal from Marseilles who is accused of supplying the weapons for the attack.

m/dc/boc
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. By way of learning-by-doing, well look at ROE to gain a better understanding of Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group Limited (HKG:1250).

Our data shows Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group has a return on equity of 18% for the last year. Another way to think of that is that for every HK$1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn HK$0.18.

View our latest analysis for Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group

How Do You Calculate ROE?

The formula for ROE is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit  Shareholders Equity

Or for Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group:

18% = 1624.113  HK$9.4b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.)

Its easy to understand the net profit part of that equation, but shareholders equity requires further explanation. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. You can calculate shareholders equity by subtracting the companys total liabilities from its total assets.

What Does ROE Signify?

ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The return is the profit over the last twelve months. The higher the ROE, the more profit the company is making. So, all else being equal, a high ROE is better than a low one. Clearly, then, one can use ROE to compare different companies.

Does Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group Have A Good ROE?

Arguably the easiest way to assess companys ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group has a better ROE than the average (8.6%) in the Renewable Energy industry.

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SEHK:1250 Last Perf February 18th 19

Thats clearly a positive. We think a high ROE, alone, is usually enough to justify further research into a company. For example you might check if insiders are buying shares.

How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity?

Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used.

Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Groups Debt And Its 18% ROE

Its worth noting the significant use of debt by Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group, leading to its debt to equity ratio of 2.14. Its ROE is quite good but, it would have probably been lower without the use of debt. Investors should think carefully about how a company might perform if it was unable to borrow so easily, because credit markets do change over time.

The Bottom Line On ROE

Return on equity is one way we can compare the business quality of different companies. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, Id generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of forecasts for the company.

But note: Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
Australia on Monday said a "sophisticated state actor" had hacked the country's main political parties and parliament, just weeks before a closely fought election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told lawmakers that investigators looking into a hack of parliament computer systems revealed two weeks ago "also became aware that the networks of some political parties" had been breached.

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he said.

Australian security agencies said they did not know who was behind the attack or their motives.

It is not yet clear what, if any, material was stolen during the hacks, how long the perpetrators went undetected, or whether it could make some political figures vulnerable to blackmail.

Earlier this month, Australia reported a "security incident on the parliamentary computing network".

That forced users -- including the prime minister and the cabinet -- to change passwords and take other security measures.

Experts warn that attribution is time-consuming and difficult.

"I think it's definitely too early to say," said Fergus Hanson, a cybersecurity expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

He added, however, that there were only "one or two actors" capable of carrying out such an attack.

Hanson said he would put China "at the top" of the list of possible suspects, but "wouldn't rule out" Russia's involvement.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said such speculation about Beijing was "irresponsible" and an attempt to "smear" the country.

"When investigating network breaches, there should be sufficient evidence, unreasonable guesses can't be made," Geng said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

Geng urged media to "stop using so-called cyber leaks and hacking attacks to discredit China and stop compromising China's interests and China's bilateral relations with the countries concerned".

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Beijing and Canberra have sparred over access to natural resources, maritime claims and the use of Chinese state-backed technology companies.

Relations have recently been frayed over Canberra's decision to ban Huawei from the country's 5G network amid national security concerns and the expulsion of Huang Xian, a Chinese billionaire who doled out millions in Australian political donations.

- High-value target -

Australians are expected to go to the polls mid-May, raising fears that hackers could be trying to influence the outcome of the vote, or change the tenor of the debate.

Both Russia and China have used cyber operations in a bid to influence democratic votes.

Beijing's spies are accused of targeting Taiwanese officials before the election there last year.

Dozens of Russians have been indicted for trying to tilt the 2016 US presidential election, and alleged Russian involvement in Britain's referendum on leaving the European Union in the same year has been well documented. Moscow has denied the accusations.

As part of the Five Eyes intelligence network -- which also includes Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States -- Australia is a particularly rich target for foreign interests.

"Our political institutions represent high-value targets. But we have resilient systems in place to detect compromises and remediate them," said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Five Eyes membership also gives Australia access to a host of signals and human intelligence to back up any suspicions of state hacking.

MacGibbon said the hackers were sophisticated enough to get into the network, but "not sophisticated enough to remain undetected".

His organisation has already briefed electoral commissions across the country and could be deployed to provide technical support to those affected.

He said it was unclear whether the attackers gained access to sensitive data or emails.

"We don't know. These are very early days," he said. "We genuinely do not know."

Morrison insisted, however, "there is no evidence of any electoral interference".

"We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system."
A man who shot five people dead and left six wounded began his shooting rampage the moment he was fired from his job at a factory in Chicago on Friday.

Gary Martin, 45, reportedly brought the loaded weapon into the meeting at Henry Pratt Company, opening fire immediately after he was told of the decision, police said.

During this meeting he was terminated and my understanding from the witnesses is that he opened fire right after the termination, Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said in a statement. We believe that several people who were involved in that meeting are the ones who are deceased.

Martin was killed following a shootout with the police.

His state gun license permit had revoked in 2014, the police chief said. But Martin never gave up the .40-calibre Smith & Wesson handgun he used in the attack.

An initial background check failed to detect a conviction that should have stopped him from being able to purchase the gun he used in the killing spree.

Months later, a second background check revealed an aggravated assault conviction in Mississippi in 1995 in which he had stabbed his ex-girlfriend. But it only prompted a letter stating his gun permit had been revoked and ordering him to turn over his firearm to police  raising questions about the states enforcement to ensure those who lose their permits also turn over their weapons.

Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what measures law enforcement agencies took after that letter was sent, Ms Ziman said.

Illinois lawmakers who support stricter gun control measures said he was able to keep the weapon because of a flaw in the 1968 law that requires residents to get a Firearm Owners Identification card, or FOID card, to purchase firearms or ammunition. They must pass a background check, but the law does not mandate that police ensure weapons have been removed if a red flag is raised later.

Legislation was introduced in 2016 to require police go to the homes of gun owners who have their FOID cards revoked and search for the weapons, but it failed over concerns it would overtax police departments, said Democratic lawmaker Kathleen Willis. She wants to see a similar measure introduced again.

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Lets use some common sense. If you have someone with a felony, obviously they are not the best law-abiding citizens who are going to follow through when they get the letter and go, oh yeah, heres my gun, no problem, Ms Willis said. We have to have oversight. Thats the biggest flaw in the whole system. Were asking people who already have done something wrong, to do something right.

Last year, Illinois joined other states like California in passing a law that allows family members to petition to have a gun removed from a home and a persons permit revoked if they believe they might use it to harm themselves or others.

A vigil for the victims, including a university student on his first day as an intern and a longtime plant manager, was held on Sunday outside the Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, about 40 miles west of Chicago. More than 1,500 people braved snow and freezing drizzle to attend.

Additional reporting by AP
Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin on Monday said the arrest of a major US investor on fraud charges should "not affect the investment climate" in Russia.

A Moscow court at the weekend placed Michael Calvey, founder of the multi-billion-dollar investment fund Baring Vostok Capital Partners (BVCP), in custody until at least April 13.

Calvey and five others are awaiting trial on charges they embezzled 2.5 billion rubles ($37.7 million). He says the charges have been fabricated for use in a shareholder battle.

"We are very closely following developments in the situation and we hope that this will not at all affect -- and should not affect -- the investment climate," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Of course, we have been well aware of Michael's investment activities in the Russian market over many years," Peskov told journalists, declining to comment on the specifics of the case.

Authorities detained four Baring Vostok employees on Friday, including French national Phillipe Delpal.

Two other suspects include a former fund employee and someone at another firm mentioned in the probe. All six are now under pre-trial arrest.

In a statement Saturday, Baring Vostok said the claims made against its employees "have no merit".

The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile probes against foreign investors in Russia, notably one against Bill Browder and the Hermitage Capital fund.

Calvey argued in court that the probe is a bid to exert pressure on him amid a shareholder conflict within Vostochniy Bank, which he is trying to resolve in a London arbitration court.

The charges against him are intended to "pressure Baring Vostok to drop its arbitration claims in London or to obstruct the new share emission of Vostochniy Bank," the Baring Vostok statement said.

Investigators say that in 2017 a firm controlled by Calvey owed 2.5 billion rubles to Vostochniy Bank and paid the debt with a 59.9 percent stake in the Luxembourg company International Financial Technology Group (IFTG), which was valued at three billion rubles.

The investigators allege that IFTG's real value was only 600,000 rubles.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel zinged the Trump administration over threatened tariffs during a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday and the audience erupted in applause  except for Ivanka Trump, who remained stone-faced as she listened to the translation via headphones.
Beirut (AFP) - Rights group Amnesty International called Monday for the release of an Egyptian lawyer arrested after posing in a photo wearing a yellow vest symbolic of protests in France.

Mohamed Ramadan, a human rights lawyer, was arrested on December 10 in the northern city of Alexandria on charges including spreading false news, distribution and possession of leaflets and yellow vests.

His arrest came as reports circulated that Egyptian authorities were restricting the sale of yellow vests -- the symbol of an ongoing protest movement in France.

Several traders told AFP in December that sale of the vests had been curbed under instructions from Egyptian authorities.

Ramadan's "detention over a Facebook post mocking government restrictions on the sale of yellow vests is utterly absurd," said Amnesty's North Africa campaigns director Najia Bounaim.

"The Egyptian authorities must release him immediately and unconditionally and drop all the charges against him," she added.

Ramadan has been held in custody since his arrest and a hearing on Tuesday is set to discuss prolonging his pre-trial detention, his lawyer Mohamed Hafez said.

France's "yellow vest" protests began in November against rising fuel taxes and quickly evolved into broader opposition to government policy, spiralling into violence in Paris and other cities.

Egypt imposed heavy restrictions on demonstrations under a 2013 law passed following the military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi after mass protests against his rule.

Rights groups regularly criticise Egypt for curbing freedom of expression and crushing dissent.
An American woman and a British teenager who fled to Syria to marry Islamic State group fighters pleaded to be allowed to return home.

Hoda Muthana, 24, left Alabama four years ago for Islamic-State-held territory in Syria. She was found living with her 18-month-old son in the same refugee camp in northern Syria where Shamima Begum, 19, from London, gave birth to a baby boy over the weekend, according to British media reports and Begum's lawyer.

Muthana told The Guardian newspaper that she regrets joining the terrorist group and that she and other recruits did so because they were "ignorant" and "brainwashed."

"I look back now, and I think I was very arrogant," said Muthana, who was married three times in Syria. Her first two husbands died fighting for the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Muthana is among about 1,500 foreign women and children inside the al-Hawl refugee camp. Her legal status is not clear, and U.S. immigration authorities were not immediately available to answer questions about her case.

Muthana claimed she has had no contact with U.S authorities.

She is not allowed to leave the camp and has armed guards.

"I believe that America gives second chances. I want to return, and Ill never come back to the Middle East. America can take my passport, and I wouldnt mind," Muthana said.

Begum, who left Britain as a 15-year-old, also wants to be allowed to travel home, but her story has become the subject of intense debate in Britain because she has expressed little remorse for the Islamic State's brutality, including its beheadings, in Syria.

"Yeah, I knew about those things, and I was OK with it. I started becoming religious just before I left. From what I heard, Islamically, that is all allowed, so I was OK with it," Begum told British media. "I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria."

A family member of Shamima Begum holds a picture of the British girl, left, while being interviewed by the media in London, on February 22, 2015.

Begum had two other children during her time in Syria, but they both died in infancy from malnutrition and illness. Mohammed Akunjee, Begum's London-based lawyer, said in a statement that Begum's baby, born Sunday, is believed to be in "good health."

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She wants to care for her newborn son back in Britain.

Begum's Britain-based family said Begum's new son is a "total innocent," is British and has "every right" to grow up on British soil.

Alex Younger, former head of Britain's foreign intelligence service, MI6, argued that Begum can't be prevented from returning home unless she is also a national of another country, which she isn't.

Sajid Javid, Britain's interior minister, indicated he may take steps to block Begum's return. "My message is clear: If you have supported terrorist organizations abroad, I will not hesitate to prevent your return," he said last week.

More: Report: Girl who fled London to join ISIS killed in airstrike

More: Video appears to show missing London schoolgirls

More: Trump: ISIS caliphate has been decimated

President Donald Trump  who declared the Islamic State defeated in Syria though military experts disagreed with that assessment  urged European allies to "take back over 800" Islamic State fighters captured in Syria and put them on trial.

"The Caliphate is ready to fall," Trump said in a tweet Saturday. "The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them ... The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!"

About 300 Islamic State fighters are clinging to a tiny area in eastern Syria under siege from U.S.-backed Syrian forces.

Gen. Joseph Votel, in charge of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, testified this month during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that there are 20,000-30,000 Islamic State fighters in Syria. Votel's appraisal is in line with estimates from the United Nations and U.S. Department of Defense.

The number of young Western women who traveled to Syria to participate in Islamic State activities, whether on the battlefield or as spouses, is not known. Estimates vary from about 550 to as many as 1,000. In addition to the USA and Britain, they traveled from France, Germany, Russia, Scandinavia and from across North Africa.

"Women and children, even if not complicit in or contributing to what (ISIS) was doing, will require repatriation and resettlement assistance," wrote Daniel Milton and Brian Dodwell, researchers at the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, the U.S. military academy. "Those who were willing participants in the organization will be of special concern to security services."





This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: American and British ISIS brides Hoda Muthana and Shamima Begum plead to go home
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declared victory when Amazon announced Thursday that it would not build a second headquarters (known as HQ2) in Queens, New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it a lost economic opportunity and blamed a small group [of] politicians [who] put their own narrow political interests above their community.

The dispute between the two Democrats lays bare a divide over the plan to offer $2.8 billion in tax breaks for Amazon to establish a major presence in New York City. On one side, old hands like Cuomo; on the other, the newly insurgent, left-leaning wing represented by Ocasio-Cortez.

Today was the day a group of dedicated, everyday New Yorkers and their neighbors defeated Amazons corporate greed, its worker exploitation and the power of the richest man in the world, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter. The new development would have been in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, near Ocasio-Cortezs district.

The outspoken freshman Congresswoman was a critic of the deal Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio had brokered with Amazon.

Cuomo and other supporters of the project said that Amazon would have brought more than enough investment to the city to justify the tax breaks, and would have established New York as a tech hub to rival other hubs like San Francisco.

Additionally, he said, HQ2 would have brought at least 25,000-40,000 good paying jobs for our state and nearly $30 billion dollars in new revenue to fund transit improvements, new housing, schools and countless other quality-of-life improvements.

However, Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter questioned the validity of the jobs figure and pointed to a report that Amazon will pay zero federal income tax in 2018, despite $11 billion in profits.

$0 for schools. $0 for firefighters. $0 for infrastructure. $0 for research and healthcare, she tweeted Thursday. Why should corporations that contribute nothing to the pot be in a position to take billions from the public?

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In Amazons search for a city to host HQ2, the company invited city boards to put forward bids, which Ocasio-Cortez and others criticized as a means for the company to secure the largest tax breaks possible.

Ocasio-Cortez was elected to Congress for the first time in last years midterm elections. The following week, Amazon announced that New York and Arlington, Va., were the winners of its much-hyped HQ2 search competition. Immediately, the congresswoman-elect stated her opposition to the proposal.

Amazon is a billion-dollar company. The idea that it will receive hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks at a time when our subway is crumbling and our communities need MORE investment, not less, is extremely concerning to residents here, she said on Twitter last November. Its possible to establish economic partnerships [with] real opportunities for working families, instead of a race-to-the-bottom competition.

Amazon has said it will continue to hire extra workers in New York despite walking back its HQ2 plans.
A Dallas County jury has awarded $151,791,000 to a Selma, Alabama man who was left paralyzed after a 1998 Ford Explorer rolled over, leaving him paralyzed.

The jury found that Ford Motor Co. failed to meet its own safety guidelines for the Explorers rollover resistance requirement and attempted to cover up the defective design. They ruled that Ford must pay Travaris Tre Smith $100 million in punitive damages and $51,791,000 in compensatory damages.

One of Smiths lawyers, Kendall Dunson of Montgomery-based Beasley Allen, said the decision will give him access to home care and assistance.

We represent a 24-year-old young man who cannot be left alone to care for himself in any way, Dunson said in a release announcing the decision. This verdict represents justice for Tre and his family.

In August 2015, Smith was a passenger in an Explorer when the driver swerved to miss an animal. Instead of sliding out, the vehicle rolled over twice and snapped Smiths spine. The jury ruled that was because of a flaw in the Explorers design.

Smiths attorneys said engineers at Ford advised the company to change the design, but that it instead changed the testing process and destroyed data from the original testing.

Another of Smiths attorneys, Beasley Allens LaBarron Boone, said the verdict should send a message about destroying safety documents.

We have seen bad conduct before but the egregiousness of Fords scheme to mislead the jury was stunning, Boone said in a release.

Ford plans to appeal the ruling. "Our sympathy goes out to Travaris Smith and his family," the company said in a statement. "At the same time, we disagree with the jurys conclusion in this case as well as with a series of rulings by the Alabama court that kept the jury from hearing critical evidence  and will appeal."

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama man awarded $151M in Ford Explorer rollover lawsuit
Flickr / U.S. Air Force

Heather Venable

Security,

There is no need to borrow from seapower theory to think soundly about airpower theory.

This Is the Airpower Theorist the Air Force Needs (And Already Has)

If ones main text on airpower is Douhets Command of the Air, as it appears to be at the Naval War College, then it is no wonder that one feels the need to call for a Corbett of airpower.

James Holmes recently argued that airpower needs a theorist with the heft of Clausewitz. This, he insists, would help us to steer clear of tiresome, never-ending debates about whether the Air Force needs to invest more in A-10s, F-35s, or light-attack aircraft.

Perhaps Holmes correctly suggests that these debates on the blogosphere have been overdone. Yet he frames his entire article in this same tired discussion. And he is flat out wrong that Douhet is still the best available guide to air-power theory. He omits an entire body of airpower theory from his discussion in arguing that no extant author can help aviators debate how best to configure air forces and deploy them for tactical, operational, and strategic gain. Relevant names to add to this discussion include John Slessor, John Warden, and John Boyd, to name a few.

A less known airpower theorist, however, holds even more relevance to the kind of discussion Holmes seeks. Back in 2012, Air University commissioned and published Colin Grays Airpower for Strategic Effect, which opens up the aperture on airpower thinking. Some might suggest that Air Universitys sponsorship of the work represents a desperate attempt to legitimize the Air Forces existence. But to dismiss the work outright would be to fail to appreciate how much it represents a departure from traditional Air Force thinking. This can be seen in the way that Gray takes on two of the Air Forces most prominent airpower advocates who tend toward the more zealous, namely Philip Meilinger and Richard Hallion.

Graywhom some consider to be one of the worlds foremost strategic thinkerswrote in his work in the context of the ongoing insurgency during Operation Iraqi Freedom. At first, airpower performed brilliantly in a combined air-ground campaign that in many ways hearkened back to World War I, the first time that airpower was used in great power conflict. But this soon dissolved into years of close air support in support of an insurgency that had many asking, to what end?

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What Gray critically sought to delineate was the nature of airpower, no easy task. Indeed, much airpower theory has reflected the ever-shifting character of war. To do so, Gray drew on his grounding in Clausewitzian thinking, so much so that he provided twenty-seven dictum, or one less point than those outlined in the masters essential Book 1 of On War, perhaps in an attempt at humility.

To read Grays twenty-seven dictum today is not to receive something akin to manna from a pallet dropped by a C-130 if one is conversant in airpower. In other words, many airmen will agree with much of what Gray says because it represents sound thinking about airpower. Grays discussion encapsulates how airpower thinking has evolved, particularly since 1999, the Air Forces last gasp of strategic airpower. Gray might fail at representing the nature of airpower in something as neatly digestible as Clausewitznamely that it is violent, political, and interactivewhat he does provide a comprehensive yet nuanced discussion of airpowers timeless attributes

Of his twenty-seven dictum, a handful are of particular importance. First, solid airpower theory serves to inoculate practitioners from flights of fancy and the latest fads. In other words, it provides the essential perspective of a longue duree. Of all the services, the Air Force has long seen itself as forward leaning and not limited by pesky traditions. It is the greyhound first out of the gates, in hot pursuit of the rabbit. Gray cautions the Air Force to take a deep breath and be sure its choices are grounded in airpowers demonstrated nature. Indeed, setting aside the generations of aircraft that have come and gone and the other massive technological developments, there is much that remains the same. The Air Forces institutional choices and preferences have sometimes masked that reality, though.

Gray also sets out the capabilities and limitations of airpower that are essential for considering what airpower can do well and what it cannot do so well. For example, Gray provides eighteen digestible bullet points, including that airpower ably project[s] force rapidly and globally but that it cannot seize and hold contested territory. This provides a starting point for discussing how airpower can meet objectives at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war, as Holmes wants.

In regard to Holmes assertion that strategic bombing continues to be a glamour mission for the Air Force, Gray weighs in helpfully on the contentious debate over whether airpower can go it alone and win wars. He insists that situations enabling such victories are rare, in part because airpower can set the conditions for victory but only if the ground follows up. Even then, though, Gray argues that there is no such thing as strategic airpower as determined by platform or mission, for all military action is tactical in the doing. A B-52 carrying a nuclear weapon, then, is not engaged in a strategic mission. It might have what Gray calls strategic effect, but only if ones adversary judges it to have that effect. Grays contention that even helicopters can do strategy similarly keeps the reader grounded in a holistic appreciation for the range of what airpower can do. In effect, it helps to collapse the silos separating communities within the U.S. Air Force at which Holmes aims.

Similarly, Gray takes on the primary airpower text used by Holmes and others at the Naval War College in arguing that air strategy is about far more than targeting. In effect, Douhet was wrong. Yet he shies away from incorporating cyberspace and space into his discussion. In doing so, he offers yet another challenge to the Air Force. It defines Airpower as the ability to project military power . . . through the control and exploitation of air, space, and cyberspace. Again, this reinforces the contention that he is no stooge to the Air Force

Like the best theory, Grays twenty-seven dictum are hardly prescriptive. As such, they leave readers looking for easy answers unsatisfied. But they provide a starting point for thinking about airpower in the broadest ways, both historically and conceptually. It is indeed a theory that naval aviators, Air Force officers, international officers, and others can begin wrestling with to consider how best to keep airpower from being grounded in the future fight. In short, there is no need to borrow from seapower theory to think soundly about airpower theory as Holmes suggests. The book is in the mail.

Dr. Heather Venable is an assistant professor of military and security studies at the Air Command and Staff College where she teaches airpower. Her research interests include organizational culture, the Marine Corps, and airpower. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

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During his wide-ranging interview with '60 Minutes,' Andrew McCabe recounted his final months at the FBI, from the hours after James Comey was fired to his assertion that President Donald Trump may have an "inappropriate relationship" with Russia.

Trump on Monday blasted McCabe, a Republican who was fired last March as FBI deputy director just a day before he was set to retire.

"Wow, so many lies by now disgraced acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe. He was fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged. He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught," Trump tweeted, appearing to point to McCabe's assertion that Justice Department officials had discussed asking the Cabinet about potentially invoking 25th Amendment to remove the president from office.

On March 16, 2018, Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe

More: McCabe says FBI had good reason to open counterintelligence investigation into Trump

25th Amendment:It's never been used, but ex-FBI head says officials thought about it

Here's what you need to know from the interview:

Rosenstein and the 25th Amendment

According to McCabe, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein raised the issue of invoking the 25th Amendment, asking McCabe if he believed other Cabinet officials would "support such an effort."

"He was discussing other Cabinet members and whether or not people would support such an idea, whether or not other Cabinet members would, shared, his belief that the president was  was really concerning," McCabe said.

McCabe also noted that Rosenstein offered to wear a wire into the White House, though he said he "couldn't characterize" what Rosenstein hoped to accomplish.

Reports about Rosenstein considering wearing a wire and invoking the 25th first surfaced last year. The Justice Department has flatly denied the reports, including McCabe's own assertions.

Investigating Trump and Russia

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McCabe said Trump's actions, such as asking FBI Director James Comey to discontinue the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn and the subsequent firing of Comey, led to a counterintelligence investigation.

"So all those same sorts of facts cause us to wonder, is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?" McCabe said.

"Are you saying that the president is in league with the Russians?" Scott Pelley of "60 Minutes" asked.

"I'm saying that the FBI had reason to investigate that," McCabe replied.

Trump and Putin

McCabe went further into Trump's relationship with Russia, discussing the way the president spoke about Vladimir Putin.

According to McCabe, Trump had dismissed concerns about North Korea's ballistic missiles because Putin had told him they didn't have the capability of reaching the United States.

"Intelligence officials in the briefing responded that that was not consistent with any of the intelligence our government possesses, to which the president replied, 'I don't care. I believe Putin,'" McCabe said. "...It's just an astounding thing to say."

What happened after Comey was fired

Comey's abrupt firing in May 2017 meant McCabe, who had worked for two decades at the FBI, was now acting director.

McCabe described being called to the Oval Office, during which Trump told him that people were "thrilled" about Comey.

"And he said, 'I heard that you were one of the people that did not support Jim Comey. You didn't agree with him and the decisions that he'd made in the Clinton case. And is that true?' And I said, 'No sir. That's not true. I worked very closely with Jim Comey. I was a part of that team and a part of those decisions.'"

McCabe described this as the "wrong answer."

McCabe's memos

When asked how he had such clear memories of his interactions with Trump, McCabe replied that he was trained to make memorandums so he could recall those interactions.

Pelley asked what had become of the memos.

McCabe: Those memos are in the custody of the special counsel's team, Pelley: Robert Mueller's team  McCabe: That's correct. Pelley:  has your memos. McCabe: He does.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From the 25th Amendment to Vladimir Putin: Five takeaways from Andrew McCabe's 60 Minutes interview
(Updates with release of suspects)

By Gabriella Borter

Feb 15 (Reuters) - Suspects arrested in connection with an alleged racist and homophobic assault on "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago were released on Friday, police said.

"Due to new evidence as a result of today's interrogations, the individuals questioned by police in the Empire case have now been released without charging and detectives have additional investigative work to complete," the Chicago Police Department said in a email to Reuters.

The individuals are no longer being classified as suspects, the department said.

A spokesman for the department on Friday night declined to confirm to Reuters whether the individuals released were the two Nigerian brothers police said they arrested on Wednesday at Chicago O'Hare Airport in connection to the attack.

Authorities had previously said only that the pair, whose names have not been released, were persons of interest after they were recognized from surveillance camera footage taken in the area where Smollett said two men shouted slurs at him and put a rope around his neck on Jan. 29.

"Detectives have probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime and we are working to corroborate the allegations and investigative timeline as our investigation continues," police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

He has denied a media report on Thursday that said officers were investigating whether Smollett staged the attack because he was being written out of the television show.

"While we haven't found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is no evidence to say that this is a hoax. The alleged victim is being cooperative at this time and continues to be treated as a victim, not a suspect," Guglielmi said on Friday.

News of the alleged attack on Smollett, a 36-year-old openly gay African-American who plays a gay character on the hip-hop drama "Empire," caused uproar on social media, but some have doubted Smollett's account.

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In an interview with "Good Morning America" that aired on Thursday, Smollett said he was angry that some people questioned his story, and he suggested the disbelief might come from racial bias.

The two men know Smollett from working on "Empire" and were picked up at the airport on Wednesday after returning from Nigeria where they were visiting family, their lawyer Gloria Schmidt told Chicago TV station CBS2.

Schmidt could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday.

Twentieth Century Fox Television, the producer of "Empire" released a statement on Thursday saying the idea that Smollett has been, or would be, written out of the show was "patently ridiculous," and that they continue to stand behind him. (Reporting by Gabriella Borter and Brendan O'Brien Editing by Alistair Bell and Susan Thomas)
E!

All these years later, one man still stands out to Jennifer Aniston when it comes to bad Friends guest stars. Why? You'll just have to keep reading.
Feb 18 Bhagwat and Ram Katha reciter Morari Bapu will extend financial help of Rs one lakh to each family of CRPF martyred in Pulwama terrorist strike on Thursday.

Condemning the gruesome attack on the CRPF convoy, Morari Bapu has announced to donate the said amount just as token of gratitude for the bereaved family.

Saluting the supreme sacrifice of those brave hearts, he exhorted the people of the country to come forward and help the those families who lost their men in this ghastly attack.

Mr Bapu also appealed political parties should not exploit this situation for their political interests.

 I am Happy that all political parties have spoken in one voice and stood united with the Government, Mr Morari Bapu said.
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23:29

Students of the Aligarh Muslim University ended their six-day-old agitation in Aligarh to protest against the booking of 14 students under sedition charges, after a meeting between varsity administration, district officials and leaders of the students' union.





The dharna ended midnight on Monday after the agitating students were assured by the district authorities that no vindictive action would be taken against any student in the meeting that took place at the residence of AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor.





Fourteen AMU students, including their union chief, were booked under sedition charges after violence broke out between two student groups on the campus on February 12 over reports of a planned visit by AIMIM lawmaker Asaduddin Owaisi.





The protest intensified on Monday after the arrest of a student from the university campus on Sunday night.





AMU spokesman Professor Shafey Kidwai said, "The protesting students have agreed to end their dharna after the district authorities gave an assurance that no vindictive action will be taken against any student and justice will be meted out after carefully scrutinising all allegations as per the law."





Kidwai said that the campus atmosphere was expected to 'rapidly normalise'.





District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh told reporters, "We have given an assurance that no innocent student would be harassed. Further action including arrest of those named in the FIRs would only be taken after a thorough inquiry."





Leaders of the AMU students union, while addressing the protestors on Monday afternoon gave a call for a 'jail bharo andolan' urging the students to court arrest in protest against the manner in which AMU students had been unfairly booked under stringent sections including sedition.







President of AMU students union Salman Imtiaz told reporters, "We have written to the President, who is also the university's Visitor asking him to intervene in this grave crisis."





"We are anguished over the fact that whereas fourteen of our students were charged with sedition our FIRs were not even registered," he added.





The AMU Vice Chancellor welcomed the students' decision to call off the agitation and urged them to restore the peaceful atmosphere on the campus as the country was passing through a 'difficult phase' following the threat to its national security which 'stems from the despicable terrorist attack in Pulwama'.





In an open letter to the student community and their parents, Mansoor wrote, "The AMU has always stood with the nation in its darkest hours and we will continue to do so... Students should display exemplary behavior at this critical juncture."





"Let us be ready to pay our debt to the nation in blood," he said in the letter, being sent to every hostel room in the university and the parents of all students. -- PTI


Story Highlights 35% say government/leadership is top problem facing the country

Mentions of government jumped during the shutdown, and increased since

Views of government as the top problem have gained since 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Thirty-five percent of Americans name the government, poor leadership or politicians as the greatest problem facing the U.S. This is the highest percentage Gallup has recorded for this concern, edging out the previous high of 33% during the 2013 federal government shutdown.

The latest update is from a Feb. 1-10 Gallup Poll. Full results from this month can be found at the end of the article.

Gallup has asked Americans what they felt was the most important problem facing the country since 1939 and has regularly compiled mentions of the government since 1964. Prior to 2001, the highest percentage mentioning government was 26% during the Watergate scandal. Thus, the current measure is the highest in at least 55 years.

The current percentage of Americans naming government as the most important problem is nearly twice as high as the 18% recorded in November. That increase likely reflects public frustration with the government shutdown that occurred from late December through most of January. Gallup observed a similar double-digit spike spanning the 2013 government shutdown, from 16% in September 2013 to 33% in October 2013.

Americans have different things in mind when they name the government as the most important problem. An analysis of the verbatim responses to the question from the latest survey finds that 11% of Americans specifically cite "Donald Trump" as the most important problem, while 5% name "the Democrats" or "liberals" and 1% "Congress." About half of those who say the government is the most important problem -- 18% of U.S. adults -- blame both parties or cite "gridlock," "lack of cooperation" or the shutdown more generally. The latter figure has grown from 6% in December and 12% in January.

Since January 2017, about the time Donald Trump took office, the government has been the top problem each month except in the November poll, and in July 2018. In both of those months, immigration edged out the government at the top of the list.

Views of Problematic Government Have Been on the Rise Since 2001

Americans have become more likely to name the government and/or leadership as the country's greatest problem over the past decade. From 2001 through 2009, yearly averages of this measure were consistently below 10%, but mentions of government as the foremost challenge have become more pervasive in the decade since. In 2010 to 2016, average mentions of the government as the biggest problem ranged from 12% to 19%.

President Donald Trump's first two years in office so far have produced the highest average mentions of government as the most important problem for recent presidents, at 20% and 22%. Though just six weeks into the new year, 2019 could top Trump's first two years if this trend continues.

Few Problems Have Registered Such a High Percentage of Mentions

Gallup began asking about the most important problem on a monthly basis in 2001; since then, few other issues have matched or exceeded the 35% currently mentioning the government.

In the immediate months after the 9/11 attacks, mentions of terrorism topped the list as the most important problem, peaking at 46% in October 2001.

topped the list as the most important problem, peaking at in October 2001. Mentions of the situation in Iraq as the greatest U.S. problem escalated in early 2007 after President George W. Bush's announcement of a "surge" in the numbers of American troops sent to the country. The highest percentage naming Iraq as the biggest problem was 38% in February of that year.

as the greatest U.S. problem escalated in early 2007 after President George W. Bush's announcement of a "surge" in the numbers of American troops sent to the country. The highest percentage naming Iraq as the biggest problem was in February of that year. In the year leading up to and after the global financial crisis of 2008, the percentage of Americans naming " the economy " reached record heights for any mention on Gallup's list, reaching 58% in November 2008.

" reached record heights for any mention on Gallup's list, reaching in November 2008. Mentions of unemployment/jobs as the greatest problem surpassed those of "the economy" at certain points in the years after the financial crisis, with the percentage naming unemployment as the greatest problem peaking at 39% in September 2011, when President Obama unveiled an ambitious jobs plan at a time of high unemployment.

Republicans, Democrats About Equally Likely to Name Government

Mentions of the government have become more frequent among all party groups in recent months -- especially Republicans, among whom there has been a 14-point increase in mentions of the government this past month.

While Democrats were more likely than Republicans to name government and leadership as the top problem facing the nation in the year leading up to the latest poll, both party groups are now about as likely to name government as the top U.S. problem.

Roughly half of Republicans, Democrats and independents who say the government is the most important problem point to gridlock, lack of bipartisanship, both parties or other general concerns about the way government is operating. As would be expected, Republicans disproportionately mention Democrats or liberals as the problem, while Democrats (as well as independents) disproportionately mention Trump. The number of Democrats who mention Trump specifically has been quite stable in recent months, but there has been a surge in the percentage of Democrats seeing both parties as the problem or citing general concerns about gridlock and lack of cooperation. Likewise, there has been a sharp increase in the number of Republicans and independents seeing both parties, gridlock or related issues as the problem.

Bottom Line

Federal government shutdowns have clear, negative effects on Americans' views on a variety of measures, including their general satisfaction with the direction of the country. But shutdowns aside, Americans' views of the government itself as a problem -- rather than the means of solving problems -- have increased over the past two decades. On one end of Gallup's 2001-2019 trend is the record low of 1% naming the government as the greatest problem, recorded one month after 9/11. On the other end is the latest 35%, as the longest shutdown on record left bad feelings on both sides of the political aisle.

At the moment, Democrats and Republicans are aligned in this view, though likely for different reasons. For Democrats, the shutdown was a stalemate over a border wall they overwhelmingly reject -- from a president of whom few in the party approve. For Republicans -- who show an even greater recent increase in mentions of government as the top U.S. problem -- the ramifications of losing control of the House of Representatives and the party's inability to pass legislation it favors may be dawning on the party's rank and file.

Americans' Views of the Top Problem Facing the U.S. Problems mentioned by at least % of respondents in February Feb. 1-10 , 2019 % The government/Poor leadership 35 Immigration 19 Healthcare 6 Race relations/Racism 5 Unifying the country 4 Poverty/Hunger/Homelessness 4 Environment/Pollution 3 Ethics/Moral/Religious/Family decline 3 Federal budget deficit/Federal debt 3 Economy in general 3 Unemployment/Jobs 3 Lack of respect for each other 2 Education 2 GALLUP, FEB. 1-10, 2019

View complete question responses and trends (PDF download).

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
The United Arab Emirates announced Monday it had signed deals worth more than $1.6 billion for the purchase of Patriot missile launchers from US arms giant Raytheon, Daily Mail reported.

The deals, inked on the second day of an international military exhibition in Abu Dhabi, come a day after the UAE announced it would buy $353 million worth of Patriot missiles from Raytheon.

Some $3.2 billion in deals have been signed between the oil-rich state and western companies at the expo, set to run through Thursday, state-run WAM news agency said.

The UAE, long a key ally of the United States, maintains close ties with the adminstration of President Donald Trump.

The US is preparing to build a military hospital, funded by the UAE, in Abu Dhabi to treat Emirati soldiers and American troops based in the region, a US army official said Sunday.

The facility would be "very similar" to the one in Landstuhl, Germany, the biggest American hospital outside the US, said Lieutenant General Charles Hooper, director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has turned down a call by the U.S. to scrap a deal to buy the Russian S-400 missile defense systems, saying Washington should not conflate the issue of Ankaras procurement of defense systems with the two NATO allies cooperation in Syria, Hurriyet Daily reported.

Turkey had to seek alternative air defense systems and has reached an agreement for the procurement of the Russian S-400 systems at a time when the country needed the equipment amid increasing risks on its border but could not find support from its allies, the president said on Feb. 18 at a rally in the southwestern province of Burdur.

We asked Western allies for the delivery of air defense systems, but the existing systems were withdrawn let alone giving a new one, Erdogan said, referring to the U.S.s Patriot systems deployed in southern Turkey to protect its borders from threats it says it feels exposed to across the Syrian border.

Erdogan did not directly point to the U.S., but insinuated that Turkeys ally was trying to convince it to change its mind on the issue of the Russian missile defense systems.

Having the S-400 from Russia is an outcome of this pursuit. Now you tell us to give up purchasing the S-400 [systems], he stated.

You dont provide us joint production and financial support, Erdogan said, referring to Turkeys ongoing talks with the U.S. to purchase the American Patriot air defense systems which Washington conditioned for Ankara to abandon the S-400 systems.

Its unacceptable to criticize Turkey with this argument, he said.

Erdogan also urged the U.S. not to link the issue of the procurement of the Russian missile defense system with a deal on the Syrian city of Manbij. We will never accept to associate this issue with the steps we agreed to take in Syria. We expect the administration of Manbij to be left to its locals. We expect [the U.S.] to end support to the terrorists in the east of Euphrates, he said, referring to the YPGs presence in the region.
France will for now not act on U.S. President Donald Trumps call for European allies to repatriate hundreds of Islamic State fighters from Syria, taking back militants on a case-by-case basis, its justice minister said on Monday, Reuters reported.

There is a new geo-political context, with the U.S. withdrawal. For the time being we are not changing our policy, Belloubet told France 2 television. At this stage France is not responding to (Trumps) demands.

French government policy had been to categorically refuse to take back fighters and their wives. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian referred to them as enemies of the nation who should face justice either in Syria or Iraq.

But the prospect of the United States withdrawal from Syria has forced France to prepare for the return of dozens of French jihadists. Paris is already trying to repatriate minors on a case-by-case basis.

Germany, too, was cool toward Trumps demands, saying it could only take back Islamic State fighters if the suspects had consular access.
Chinas government on Monday accused the United States of trying to block its industrial development by alleging that Chinese mobile network gear poses a cybersecurity threat to countries rolling out new internet systems, AP reported.

The U.S. argues that Beijing might use Chinese tech companies to gather intelligence about foreign countries.

The U.S. government is trying to fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development of Chinese enterprises, said the spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang. The U.S. government is trying to fabricate an excuse for suppressing the legitimate development of Chinese enterprises, said the spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking this weekend in Germany, urged European allies to take seriously the threat he said was posed by Huawei as they look for partners to build the new 5G mobile networks.

The United States has not, however, released evidence to support its accusations that Huawei and other Chinese tech companies allow the Chinese government to spy through their systems. That has prompted some industry analysts to suggest Washington is trying to use security concerns to handicap Chinese competitors.
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Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f BLAME TRUMP

lop guest

User ID: 453356

02-18-2019 08:59 AM











Post: #1 Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f

Advertisement Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals fact that busts the narrative.



Five people were tragically murdered when a man opened fire inside a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, on Friday.



Almost immediately after news of the mass shooting spread, Democrats and gun control advocates  before many of the basic details were reported, yet alone known  used the tragedy to bolster the gun control narrative.



Unfortunately for gun control advocates, Illinois law enforcement released a key detail Saturday busting the narrative that more gun control may have prevented Friday's tragedy.

What did police say?



According to law enforcement, the killer was a convicted felon. That means he was already ineligible to purchase or possess a firearm.



"He absolutely he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday, according to NBC News.



Ziman explained at a press conference that the killer purchased a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun on March 6, 2014 after being issued an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card, or FOID.



Unfortunately, FOID applications only require a background check, and not mandatory fingerprinting. That means the shooter's 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi did not surface until he applied for an Illinois concealed carry permit on March 16, 2014.



It was only when the killer's previous felony conviction surfaced that Illinois authorities denied his concealed carry application and revoked his FOID. Five people were tragically murdered when a man opened fire inside a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, on Friday.Almost immediately after news of the mass shooting spread, Democrats and gun control advocates  before many of the basic details were reported, yet alone known  used the tragedy to bolster the gun control narrative.Unfortunately for gun control advocates, Illinois law enforcement released a key detail Saturday busting the narrative that more gun control may have prevented Friday's tragedy.What did police say?According to law enforcement, the killer was a convicted felon. That means he was already ineligible to purchase or possess a firearm."He absolutely he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday, according to NBC News.Ziman explained at a press conference that the killer purchased a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun on March 6, 2014 after being issued an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card, or FOID.Unfortunately, FOID applications only require a background check, and not mandatory fingerprinting. That means the shooter's 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi did not surface until he applied for an Illinois concealed carry permit on March 16, 2014.It was only when the killer's previous felony conviction surfaced that Illinois authorities denied his concealed carry application and revoked his FOID. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 457878

02-18-2019 01:45 PM











Post: #2 RE: Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f



Only Murdered White & Latin Male Humans

Trevor Wehner White Male

Josh Pinkard White Male

Russel Beyer. White Male

Clayton Parks White Male

Vincente Juarez Hispanic Male fork lift operator not in meeting just in wrong place.



Shooter:

Gary Martin 45

Gary had been a life long member of the

North American Ground Ape society NAGA:



This organization has been existence in the USA 300 years. originally brought over as farm implements it has now gained the ability to interact and murder human beings and cause mass destruction were ever it is aloud exist.



Gary was a good boy who never Di n do Nu ff in wrong

except being a felon in illegal possession of a hand gun

which then was used to murder 5 humans

Gary liked to buy his Cigarillos from a local store in which he would mix his pot and make his blunts

In his spare time he liked to hang out the clubs drink smoke and get as many hoes and future baby momas knocked up as possible

When not visiting the local health clinic for treatment of his latest STD he liked to file lawsuits and grievances against his employer because he should be aloud to sleep at work and not do anything because ad a life long member of NAGA it was his right.



Oh yeah uuuuusssse Racist

[/size] [ ]Only Murdered White & Latin Male HumansTrevor Wehner White MaleJosh Pinkard White MaleRussel Beyer. White MaleClayton Parks White MaleVincente Juarez Hispanic Male fork lift operator not in meeting just in wrong place.Shooter:Gary Martin 45Gary had been a life long member of theNorth American Ground Ape society NAGA:This organization has been existence in the USA 300 years. originally brought over as farm implements it has now gained the ability to interact and murder human beings and cause mass destruction were ever it is aloud exist.Gary was a good boy who never Di n do Nu ff in wrongexcept being a felon in illegal possession of a hand gunwhich then was used to murder 5 humansGary liked to buy his Cigarillos from a local store in which he would mix his pot and make his bluntsIn his spare time he liked to hang out the clubs drink smoke and get as many hoes and future baby momas knocked up as possibleWhen not visiting the local health clinic for treatment of his latest STD he liked to file lawsuits and grievances against his employer because he should be aloud to sleep at work and not do anything because ad a life long member of NAGA it was his right.Oh yeah uuuuusssse Racist[/size] LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 489647

02-18-2019 01:57 PM











Post: #3 RE: Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f

Only thing america needs is treasonous unconstitutional filth control...get rid of trash like this pig LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 489647

02-18-2019 02:12 PM











Post: #4 RE: Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f

That's two Aurora mass killers where all the liberal wet dream constitutional violations were employed and they were monitored by other liberal losers....liberal philosophies cause mass death and misery in all instances LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 454574

02-18-2019 02:27 PM











Post: #5 RE: Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals f









BLAME TRUMP Wrote: (02-18-2019 08:59 AM) Dems call for more gun control after Aurora shooting. Then police chief reveals fact that busts the narrative.



Five people were tragically murdered when a man opened fire inside a manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, on Friday.



Almost immediately after news of the mass shooting spread, Democrats and gun control advocates  before many of the basic details were reported, yet alone known  used the tragedy to bolster the gun control narrative.



Unfortunately for gun control advocates, Illinois law enforcement released a key detail Saturday busting the narrative that more gun control may have prevented Friday's tragedy.

What did police say?



According to law enforcement, the killer was a convicted felon. That means he was already ineligible to purchase or possess a firearm.



"He absolutely he was not supposed to be in possession of a firearm," Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said Saturday, according to NBC News.



Ziman explained at a press conference that the killer purchased a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun on March 6, 2014 after being issued an Illinois Firearm Owner's Identification Card, or FOID.



Unfortunately, FOID applications only require a background check, and not mandatory fingerprinting. That means the shooter's 1995 felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi did not surface until he applied for an Illinois concealed carry permit on March 16, 2014.



It was only when the killer's previous felony conviction surfaced that Illinois authorities denied his concealed carry application and revoked his FOID. obviously moarrrrrr gun control is needed to stop terrible staged tragedies like this one

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The United States blocked IAKOs efforts to improve civil aviation in North Korea when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace for foreign flights, Reuters reported.

This US move is part of the talks tactics to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, a source said ahead of upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam, late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.

The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member states, is working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that will pass through the airspace of North and South Korea.

Airlines currently use indirect routes to avoid North Korea due to the threat of undeclared rocket launches.

If the space is considered safe, international airlines can save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea can revive its own commercial aviation industry.

ICAO is ready to help improve North Koreas aviation system, the sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis says a planned summit meeting in Israel with his counterparts from Hungary, Poland and Slovakia has been canceled over a bitter new Holocaust spat between Poland and Israel, ABC News reported.

Babis, who is leaving for Israel later Monday, told reporters: "No V4 meeting in Israel is going to happen."

The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia form an informal group known as the Visegrad group, or V4. The prime ministers regularly invite counterparts from other countries for those summits.

Babis says only bilateral meetings are planned in Israel. The prime ministers of Slovakia and Hungary are already in Israel.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon confirmed the cancellation of the summit. "There will be no full V4 meeting (it requires the presence of all four). Three PMs are arriving and will hold meetings with PM," he said in a statement.

Babis says a V4 summit might take place in the second half of the year when the Czech Republic holds the V4 presidency.
YEREVAN.  President of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, on Monday received Bulgarian Ambassador Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova-Kaymaktchieva.

Mirzoyan stressed the historical ties, cultural connections, and diplomatic relations between the two peoples, the NA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In connection with the development of bilateral relations, the speaker of the parliament highlighted the unique role of the Armenian community of Bulgaria.

Evaluating the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in the strengthening of the two countries relations and deepening of their cooperation, the head of Armenias legislative body noted that the respective parliament friendship group of the newly elected NA will play a considerable part in the invigoration of bilateral contacts.

Touching upon the full ratification process of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, the President of the National Assembly thanked the Bulgarian authorities for ratifying this document.

Ambassador Tzotzorkova-Kaymaktchieva, for her part, conveyed to Mirzoyan the invitation by the president of the Bulgarian NA, Tsveta Karayancheva, to visit Bulgaria.

Highly assessing relations between the two countries, the Bulgarian diplomat also highlighted the cooperation between the friendship groups of the parliaments, and the deepening of cooperation within various international organizations. Also, the ambassador recorded that Armenians have a considerable contribution to life in Bulgaria.

Regarding her countrys ratification of the Armenia-EU agreement, Ambassador Tzotzorkova-Kaymaktchieva expressed a conviction that this will boost the deepening of relations between Armenia and EU member states, including between Armenia and Bulgaria.

Also, the interlocutors discussed the agenda of bilateral cooperation, and underscored that there was still considerable untapped potential for the development and expansion of Armenian-Bulgarian cooperation.
Tehran urged Europe to speed up work on settlement mechanisms with Iran, said the spokesperson for the Iranian MFA, Bahram Ghasemi.

According to him, the US continue to exert pressure in this regard, speaking out against the Iranian and European interaction, Mehr reported.

With the exception of the registration of this mechanism, there is no other important achievements from Europe, Ghasemi said.

"We will continue our intensive talks with Europeans and hope they accept more and more effective measures for cooperation. We have told them that the patience and tolerance of our people and the government is limited, and urged them to quickly implement the mechanism," he added.

Earlier, the FMs of France, Germany and the UK announced the registration of INSTEX- a joint settlement mechanism to ensure the supply medical equipment and agricultural products. The decision to establish a payment mechanism for cooperation with Iran was made after the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. The content of posts on this site, including but not limited to links to other web sites, are the expressed opinion of the original poster and are in no way representative of or endorsed by the owners or administration of this website. The posts on this website are the opinion of the specific author and are not statements of advice, opinion, or factual information on behalf of the owner or administration of LunaticOutPost.Com. The owners or administration of this website can't be hold responsible for content hosted on sites that posters link to in; including, but not limited to, posts, signatures, private messages and such. This site may contain content not suitable for minors and if you feel you might be offended by such content, you should log off immediately.This site may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Users may make such material available in an effort to advance awareness and understanding of issues relating to civil rights, economics, individual rights, international affairs, liberty, science & technology, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.In accordance with industry accepted best practices we ask that users limit their copy / paste of copyrighted material to the relevant portions of the article you wish to discuss (no more than 50% of the source material) provide a link back to the original articleIf you are a legal copyright holder or a designated agent for such and you believe a post on this website falls outside the boundaries of "Fair Use" and legitimately infringes on yours or your clients copyright please contact [email protected] This website is owned by :Marco ZwaneveldDrijfriemstraat 522516 XR The HagueNetherlands.I will not rent, sell, share or otherwise disclose your personal information to any third party.We might contact you from time to time regarding your purchases or the services (like forums and announcement lists) you have subscribed to.Some of the 3rd party advertisers on lunaticoutpost.com may use cookiesto track peformance and/or to serve relevant ads.If you wish to read more and/or opt out of such cookies, please visit: http://www.networkadvertising.org/choices/
Panasonic sells its stake in Tesla

Why has the Armenian dram sharply valued against the dollar?

Indian strain of COVID-19 detected in Abkhazia

Garibashvili: Mediation for return of Armenian POWs is victory of Georgia's policy

'I Have Honor' bloc on consultations for applying to Armenia Constitutional Court regarding electoral violations

Armenia President hosts Diaspora Armenian actress Nora Armani

Armenia Administrative Court abolishes Central Electoral Commission's warning against Nikol Pashinyan

Armenia President receives Austrian, Lithuanian and Romanian FMs who are on visit to the region

Armenian acting PM discusses Armenia-European Union agenda with FMs of EU countries

Grassy area at park near Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan is burning

Armenia acting MOD pays visits to arms industry companies

Karabakh emergency situations service: Searches for remains of servicemen continue in Varanda (Fizuli) region

Ilham Aliyev has no intention to continue negotiations over Artsakh issue

Prince Harry receives millions from Prince Charles after final break

Armenian doctor says Armen Charchyan is in bed with oxygen mask, blood pressure is fluctuating

Armenia Administrative Court grants Armenian political party leader's claim

Barcelona Metro removes Azerbaijani posters

Magnitude 4.0 earthquake hits Turkey

Robert Kocharyan holds meeting with heads of 'Armenia' bloc's supportive communities

Digest: Armenia soldier goes missing for month; Macron, Putin congratulate Pashinyan on election win

Armenia acting deputy PM: There was widespread increase in pensions in 2020

539 Armenian doctors hold protest in front of Armenia Prosecutor General's Office in support of Armen Charchyan

Armenia economic activity index up by 10.9% in May compared to same period last year

Ursula von der Leyen says it is necessary to be ready for decline in relations with Russia

Ameriabanks Mashtots Branch Opened its Doors and Has a Special Offer on Privileged Terms for New Clients

Ombudsman attends UN online discussion, condemns Artsakh isolation by international community

US President Joe Biden declares emergency in State of Florida after building collapse

One dollar drops below AMD 500 in Armenia

Group leaves inscription on George Floyd's statue in New York

Iran MFA says Canada not qualified to present reports on crash of Ukrainian airliner

Armenia MP applies to government with proposal regarding servicemen

Tert.am: Azerbaijanis complete engineering work, install serious equipment in Armenias Syunik Province village

14 Armenian POWs may face 14-20 years in prison or life imprisonment in Baku

Armenian NGO president on results of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Austrian Prime Minister condemns Turkey for human rights violations

Armenia ruling party MP drops mandate after receiving it a week ago

Armenia President receives acting high-tech industry minister

Lockdown announced in Sydney

US Congressman Schiff: We must not allow Azerbaijan to violate human rights with impunity

Armenia conscript not yet found more than one month after going missing

Leaders of 27 EU states instructed Borrell to prepare options for sanctions against Russia

New program in Artsakh: Other countries citizens also can be appointed to police positions

UK ambassador to OSCE congratulates Armenian people on snap elections

NGO director: Armenia authorities have actually transferred countrys security to Azerbaijan

Belarusian MFA intends to response to European sanctions

NGO chief: Armenia authorities contribute to Azerbaijanis return to Artsakh

5 political forces at Karabakh parliament: Polarizations are observed which are accompanied by labeling

Biden confirms plans to send billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine to other countries

President meets with Prosperous Armenia Party leader, they discuss internal political situation

Woman, 59, dies at hospital 6 days after Armenia road accident

Commander of Armenia air defense troops is sacked

Head of Armenia army engineering troops is dismissed

One new case of coronavirus reported in Artsakh

EU leaders instruct European Commission to prepare new financial aid to Turkey for refugees

Analyst: Azerbaijan has launched total psychological attack on people of Karabakh

Pope Francis recalls his visit to Armenia

102 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Biden says US COVID-19 death toll to rise due to Delta strain

World oil prices going up

Frances Macron to Armenias Pashinyan: I will be glad to continue with you the work we jointly launched

Armenia acting deputy PM appoints new adviser, sends him to US on business trip

Lawyer on Prosecutor Generals Office explanation on Armenia bloc member doctors criminal case: An absolute lie

Israel trying to influence Biden administration approach to nuclear deal with Iran

About 150 people injured due to tornado in Czech Republic

Newspaper: Heated post-election developments unrolling at Armenia I Have Honor bloc

Newspaper: Vetting that failed in Armenia is being attempted again

Armenian political party leader on double votes

12-story South Florida apartment building partially collapses, there are victims

Zatulin: 'Declaration of Shushi' is clearly targeted against Armenia

Iranian Supreme Leader to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with Iranian-made vaccine

Armenia Ombudsman: I sent video of Azerbaijan President-Turkey's First Lady talk to EU administration

Armenia Ambassador to Poland lays wreath near plaque dedicated to Raphael Lemkin in Warsaw

Iran Ambassador on 'Zangezur corridor': We support exploitation of any corridor without change of borders

Honduras moves its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

Armenia Izmirlian Medical Center Director Armen Charchyan's attorney appeals court decision

Armenia 3rd President: Yes, he [Nikol Pashinyan] won the elections, but the victory sparks many questions

Putin, Erdogan discuss situation around Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenian general manager of Respect-SM construction firm to be detained for two months

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of another serviceman found in Varanda (Fizuli)

Oman hopes new Israeli government will take steps to create independent Palestinian state

Turkish and US military discuss plans to continue guarding Kabul airport by Turkish Armed Forces

Lithuania is against direct dialogue between EU and Russian President

Armenia acting PM meets with Tashir Group president Samvel Karapetyan

One dollar falls below AMD 508 in Armenia

Armenia Parliament Human Resources Management Department head sacked

Merkel says EU will discuss Turkey and possible steps in development of cooperation with Russia

Prosperous Armenia Party comments on news about acting PM's initiative in regard to extra-parliamentary forces

Armenian POW Mels Ambardaryan's brother stopping sitting strike in front of govt building for now

Armenia Chamber of Advocates launching process to provide legal aid to Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan

UN Secretary General calls for wealth tax

ARF-D member: Prosecutor General's Office needs to take steps to change pre-trial measure against doctor Charchyan

Dutch MPs urge not to send delegation to Baku, COVID-19 in Armenia, Jun 24 digest

Zatulin: Azerbaijan President is demonstrating low-browed nationalism against Armenians

Zatulin: Results of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia spark doubts

The Kremlin on Putin-Pashinyan phone talks

Armenia acting PM holds phone talks with Russia's Putin, reminds about return of Armenian POWs

Armenia health ministry to propose joint approach to issue of preserving fallen soldiers remains

Russian MFA: NATO's strategic concept will return situation to Cold War

Lavrov: Russia is helping Armenia, Azerbaijan build confidence along with other OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs

PACE committee: Problem of political prisoners in Azerbaijan neither recognised nor adequately addressed
Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has canceled his trip to Israel for a high-level summit slated to take place this week, and over comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Polish collaboration with the Nazis during World War II, the Times of Israel reported.

The Polish embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that Morawiecki would not attend the summit of the Visegrad Group of central European countries that will be held in Israel. Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz was expected to attend instead.

Morawiecki informed Netanyahu that he would not attend the Visegrad summit in Jerusalem in a phone conversation Sunday, Polands wPolityce news website reported.

A senior Israeli diplomatic official said Israel was happy to host Czaputowicz instead, and hinted that Morawiecki was playing to domestic pressures by canceling his visit.

We expect this summit to become a great success, the official said in a statement. We understand that also in Poland there are elections.

Israel was set to host the prime ministers of the four countries in the groupPoland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungaryin Jerusalem, on Monday and Tuesday.
At a time when entire Northeast is agitating against BJPs move to push for the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, Swarajya Magazine, a right-wing publication has blamed the Assamese people for the influx from Bangladesh.

Journalist, Jaideep Mazumdar in his article titled, Assamese Must Ask Themselves: Who Allowed Millions of Bangladeshis to Settle in the State? said this, which was published by the digital version of the magazine.

Mazumdar also said that the successive governments in Assam (mostly Congress governments) encouraged this influx in order to create vote banks for their petty political gains and pointed out that it is no secret that the Congress created, nurtured and gained from these vote banks (of poor Muslim immigrants). The Congress leaders were all Assamese. The indigenous people of Assam need to hold their past rulers responsible for the fast-changing demography of their State and the perils that this poses for them.

The magazine which also has a print edition is known to be close to the BJP quarters.

Muslims are the fastest growing community in Assam and it is widely estimated that by the middle of the current century, Assam will become a Muslim-majority state. And most of these Muslims will not only be of Bangladeshi origin, but also poor and a highly-radicalized (by Salafi preachers) lot, he said.

He also blamed that while the Bangladeshis provided cheap labour they were employed by the Assamese. Even today, most masons and construction workers, rickshaw pullers and landless farmers in Assam are of Bangladeshi origin. And the Assamese continue to patronize them while, at the same time, blaming the Union government for not doing anything to stop the illegal influx and drive out the infiltrators, he said.

Indigenous Assamese landlords let out their farmlands to the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants or employed them as cheap labour at subsistence wages, and Assamese businessmen and factory owners did the same. The Assamese prefers to employ a Bangladeshi at low wages rather than a labourer from another part of the country. That is why Hindi-speaking labourers have been replaced by Bangladeshis in Assam. All of them  the Assamese landlord, businessman, factory owner and the ordinary Assamese patronizing a Bangladeshi labourer, mason, vegetable seller, rickshaw puller and the like are primarily responsible for Assam being overrun by Bangladeshi immigrants, Mazumdar said in his article.

Urging the people of Assam to ask themselves who is responsible for the influx, Mazumdar said that the indigenous people of Assam have to ponder over these questions and come up with honest answers.

The Assamese have to take primary responsibility for what has happened to Assam. And then take corrective action. Blaming New Delhi and looking to the Union government for solutions is not going to help, Mazumdar concluded.
Bangladesh information minister Dr Hasan Mahmud lashed out at the terrorists and their patrons for the devastating suicide car bomb attack at Pulwama in Kashmir, saying both India and Bangladesh had suffered enough.

Addressing media persons at Kolkata Press Club on Saturday, Dr Mahmud said these terrorists had both a regional and global network and called for further strengthening India-Bangladesh joint intelligence cooperation and better coordination between security forces of the two countries to deal effectively with the terrorist threat.

Also read: Pulwama warning for Northeast, Bangladesh

Dr Mahmud did not name Pakistan as the source of terror, but to a specific question by Northeast Now, he said his government had very valid reasons  to refuse acceptance of credentials of Syedah Saqlain, the Pakistani ambassador designate for Bangladesh.

I will not elaborate on the reasons we have refused to accept her credentials but I can tell you we are absolutely justified in doing that, Dr Mahmud said.

Describing how he personally survived the August 21, 2004 terror attack on Sheikh Hasina, Dr Mahmud said both India and Bangladesh had suffered enough at the hands of terrorist elements.

We both have to work closely to eradicate this scourge, he said.

Dr Mahmud called for developing a trans-Bengali market for films produced on either side of the border in Bangladesh by easing restrictions on joint collaboration.

Many films are produced jointly with actors on either side and some of them are hits. More the merrier because the integration of the film market will help Bengali films compete with Hindi films, Dr Mahmud said.

He said India should push cable operators in this country to allow Bangladeshi channels on reasonable payment.

We allow screening Indian channels in our country for Rs 2 lakh but Indian operators ask for Rs 5 crore. Is it not very unreasonable because we know the nearly 80 million Bengalis in India want to see Bangladesh channels, Dr Mahmud said.

He said an MoU will soon be signed with Indian government after which the official TV channel BTV will be available to Indian viewers.
Recently I joined a group of other activists to present Congressman Mike Thompson the gathered petitions for a Green New Deal. It's really disturbing that Democrats are going to such great lengths to not mention that the Green Party has been pushing a solid Green New Deal for a decade that they (Democrats) are starting with an outline, with their media cohorts trumpeting that it will take years to formulate the full plan. This is a red flag.

If this was truly about caring, they would be moving forward with the Green Party version, but instead they're going to drag this out so that they can pretend the Green Party wasn't involved. We don't have time for this. The minorities and working families we are trying to advocate for don't have time for this.

I went there with the intention of calling Mr. Thompson out for his pro-military votes and for anti-environmental votes such as voting three times to weaken the Clean Air Act. When we got there, we realized he wasn't there, so we spoke to his staff instead. I left him; A) what I had written to read to him; B) Another copy of my letter challenging him to debate; and C) A copy of the Green Party version of the Green New Deal.

Here is a copy of what I had intended to say to him:
But that doesn't mean it's always simple. Think about the way Trump talks about the terrible threat we supposedly face from immigrants. When he was running for president, he described America as a hellhole of horrific crime and economic misery, encouraging people to feel as angry, afraid, and resentful as possible. Those are powerful emotions, and they helped him get elected, in part because many people who weren't regular voters were thrilled enough by Trump's message that they got out and voted.

But now that he's been president for two years, it gets more complicated. He still wants people to feel anger and fear, but he also wants them to believe that he's been a tremendous success and delivered us to a paradise of safety and prosperity. It's almost impossible to make both arguments at the same time, which is we he keeps toggling manically back and forth between "The wall is being built" and "We need the wall."

When the wall only existed in his supporters' imaginations, it could take on huge symbolic weight. Not only would it keep out immigrants, it would enable us to humiliate the country from which many of them came ("Who's going to pay for it? Mexico!"), and finally allow us to stand tall again, our strength and dignity restored.
Las Alcobas, at 1915 Main St. in St. Helena, features 68 guestrooms and suites, 3,900 square feet of meeting space, a spa and swimming pool.

Unfortunately, we are left with no recourse other than asking the court to recover damages and protect our reputation as an outstanding community supporter, business partner, and industry member, said Guneet Bajwa, Presidios managing partner.

The complaint states that despite repeated requests, Sam Leizorek and his companies failed to explain and define what the Las Alcobas brand was meant to be and how it would be delivered.

Such standards are used to attract the appropriate clientele at the luxury property. The standards would have dictated everything from the materials used in the hotel to the color palette, design of the website, marketing brochures  even the type of sheets and towels used and trash cans in the guests rooms.

The absence of written Las Alcobas brand standards meant that decisions affecting the construction of the hotel, the operations of the hotel, and all aspects of management and execution of the hotel operating model, were adversely impacted, the release stated.
The Napa County Sheriffs Office reported that a deputy fatally shot an armed motorist in the south county Sunday night after the driver fired first.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on the 1100 block of Henry Road when the deputy stopped to investigate a parked car on the rural road. The male driver, who was seated behind the wheel, died at the scene, the Sheriffs Office reported.

In a Monday afternoon press release, the Sheriffs Office said the suspect, who has not been identified, fired the first shot from inside his car at the female deputy.

The deputy returned fire and the suspect died at the scene, the Sheriffs Office said. The deputy was not injured.

The fatal encounter began when the deputy, who also has not been named, spotted the parked vehicle at 10:59 p.m. and got out to contact the driver, said Henry Wofford, a Sheriffs Office spokesman.

Six minutes later, the deputy radioed that shots had been fired, Wofford said. The suspect was armed with a firearm.

There was only the driver in the car, he said.
A former Vallejo employee accused of embezzling city funds pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment hearing earlier this month, Solano County Superior Court officials confirmed.

Shirley Ann Boex-Herbert of American Canyon was arrested last December on two felony counts of embezzlement and grand theft for allegedly stealing about $10,000 in permit fee revenues that she collected in her capacity as fire prevention secretary with the city's fire department.

City officials have previously said the fire prevention secretary handles the monies collected for plan review and fire inspection fees, along with collecting fees for those wishing to obtain a copy of a fire report.

Boex-Herbert's employment with the city was terminated during the time of her arrest.

Court records show that Boex-Herbert has retained Vallejo-based attorney Daniel Russo.

Herbert's arrest and subsequent termination occurred about a year after another Vallejo employee was arrested for attempting to establish a bribery scheme involving city contracts.
We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips.
On Feb. 24, the Academy of Motion Pictures will be presenting its annual Academy Awards, the Oscars. However, long before the first Oscars were awarded in 1928, Napans were entertained by the newest Hollywood releases at various local theaters. Also, Napa County was already a movie star.

The names of Napas movie theaters were the Hayes, Empire, Novelty, Main Street, State, Nickelodeon, Hippodrome, Fox and Uptown. A few of these local theaters had more than one of the names listed above during their existence as they were renamed due to changes in ownership and/or film distributors.

One of the first movie houses in Napa was the Hayes Theater. Located on the northeast corner of First and Coombs streets, it was demolished in the 1920s to make way for the Gordon Building. This circa 1929 building still stands at this site.

Although the community had lost its Hayes Theater, Sam Gordon, Sr. had already constructed a new movie house. Located at the northeast corner of First and Randolph streets, the 1921 theater was originally known as the Hippodrome. Due to the insistence of a film studio and its distributor, the Hippodrome was renamed the Fox Theater. After World War II, the theater was converted into a bowling alley, only to be razed in 1962.
MTN is struggling to combat theft and vandalism of its backup batteries and copper wiring at its network sites.

In a press statement, MTN said that it is focused on keeping customers connected despite the extensive nature of load-shedding, but criminals are making the task challenging.

Although MTN has improved security and is making strides in limiting instances of theft and vandalism with the assistance of the police, the increase in power outages has made this issue even more pressing, said executive for corporate affairs at MTN, Jacqui OSullivan.

The batteries cost up to R28,000 each and are sought after on black markets.

Ernest Paul, MTNs general manager of network operations, said that battery theft is an industry-wide problem that needs to be solved by communities, the private sector, the police, and prosecutors.

Apart from the cost of replacing the stolen batteries and upgrading the broken infrastructure, communities suffer as the network degrades without the backup power, said Paul.

The situation is even more dire with the rolling power cuts expected due to Eskom load-shedding.

The extent of MTNs issues

According to MTN, the loss of services as a result of battery theft can range from a radius of 5-15km on certain sites.

These losses in network connectivity can affect anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 people, while on hub sites, network coverage can be lost for entire suburbs or regions.

MTN has beefed up its security significantly, and has achieved immense recent successes in the fight against theft and vandalism, but it says that the battle is far from over.

There is a high cost to customers and the network providers each time a battery is stolen. We have, for instance, had to spend in the region of R11 million to replace batteries at 100 sites in Gauteng, said Paul.

More broadly, MTN has spent R285 million on fixing additional infrastructure.

How criminals are using the batteries

MTN said that criminal syndicates often steal their lead acid 12V batteries because they can be used to power appliances such as televisions or microwave ovens.

While household equipment usually doesnt work with their 48V lithium ion batteries, MTN said these syndicates use 48V-12V converters to circumvent this.

This is an opportunistic crime and many of these batteries seem to leave the country  which is interesting as it means criminals in other countries are choosing not to steal from their own networks, said Paul.

In addition to this, MTN stated that the high frequency of load-shedding has meant their batteries are unable to fully recharge.

They generally have a capacity of 6-12 hours, depending on the site category, and require 12-18 hours to recharge, said OSullivan.

MTN said it understands this can be a frustrating time for South Africans, and it has implemented task teams across the country to resolve any matters which arise.

Maintenance crews are also working additional shifts to restore connectivity as quickly as possible after it goes down.
When an Air New Zealand jet to Shanghai was forced to turn around earlier this month, it seemed a relatively innocuous event put down to misfiled paperwork.

But it was the first of a string of incidents that are fueling concerns China may be turning a cold shoulder toward New Zealand after it barred Huawei Technologies Co. from its next-generation wireless networks. While Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern denies any friction, the opposition is calling on her government to shore up the relationship to avoid potentially dire economic consequences.

Our relationship with China is worth over NZ$27 billion in two-way trade, opposition National Party foreign affairs spokesman Todd McClay wrote in a New Zealand Herald column on Sunday. The prospect of a deteriorating relationship with China is a major risk. It hampers certainty in the economy and creates uncertainty for our exporters and tourism operators.

Any cooling of the friendship could have significant ramifications for the tiny South Pacific nation, which is in the process of negotiating an upgrade of its free-trade agreement with China. The worlds most populous country and second-largest economy has become New Zealands biggest trading partner, taking a quarter of all exports, while surging Chinese visitors have helped make tourism the countrys biggest foreign-exchange earner.

New Zealand, which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance that includes the U.S., Australia, Canada and the U.K., wouldnt be the first to face a backlash from China. Since Canada arrested Huaweis chief financial officer on a U.S. extradition request in December, China has detained two of its citizens and sentenced a third to death for drug trafficking. In Australia, beef and wine exporters complained of customs delays after the government implied China was meddling in its politics and media.

Huawei Decision

The trigger for Chinas displeasure with New Zealand may have been the Ardern governments decision in November to block Huawei from supplying fifth-generation wireless equipment to its telecommunications operators. Following Australias lead, and after reported pressure from the U.S., New Zealand said the Huawei 5G technology represented an unspecified national security risk, raising the ire of the Chinese authorities.

That came against the backdrop of a defense strategy paper in June that identified Chinas growing influence in the Pacific as a concern.

Earlier this month, Air New Zealand, the government-controlled airline, was forced to redirect a flight to Shanghai, apparently because paperwork included a reference to Taiwan.

Within days, other signs of strain in the relationship were being identified:

the formal launch of the 2019 China New Zealand year of tourism in Wellington was postponed because senior Chinese officials were unable to attend seafood exporter Sanford said several of its fresh salmon shipments had faced delays in being cleared through Chinese ports a report in a Chinese newspaper said tourists were cancelling plans to visit New Zealand due to the Huawei ban and strained political relations Arderns planned trip to Beijing to meet Premier Xi Jinping, originally scheduled for late last year, was postponed due to scheduling issues

If it had just been the plane that was turned around, I might have said it was just misfiled paperwork, said Stephen Noakes, a senior politics and international relations lecturer at University of Auckland who specializes in Chinese foreign policy. But all these things happening at once makes it look like China is less than happy with New Zealand right now.

Scaremongering?

The Ministry for Primary Industries said Feb. 15 that exports continue to be cleared into China as usual despite recent media reports suggesting delays. And Ardern has accused the opposition of scaremongering, saying it is blowing small administrative issues out of proportion.

Ive heard statements made by the opposition that I deem to be incorrect and its in the national interest to correct them, she told a news conference in Wellington on Monday. Our relationship with China is complex, but our goods exports are up, our tourism numbers are up and there are a number of other indicators that show we still have a strong relationship despite those complexities.

Feedback from New Zealands dairy exporting giant Fonterra Cooperative Group was that they havent seen any issues, Ardern added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing didnt immediately respond to a faxed request for comment.

Noakes said its impossible to say for sure whether China is snubbing New Zealand, and in any case things could be a lot worse.

Canadian-China relations are at an all-time low, I dont think thats true of New Zealand, he said. Were only at the point where were speculating that its not as good as it was last week.

Now read: When companies fight back against hackers
EOH has published an announcement informing shareholders of developments in the media concerning the termination of its partnership with Microsoft.

These developments include a report that EOH was involved in a corrupt R120-million contract with the South African Department of Defence.

After learning of the allegations, Microsoft reportedly hired Seattle law firm Perkins Coie to look into the situation  which advised the company to end its agreement with EOH.

EOH was given notice by Microsoft on 12 February regarding the termination of Microsofts Channel Partner Agreement with its subsidiary EOH Mthombo.

EOH said that its law firm, ENS, is now examining all major contracts with the government to determine whether there is any substance to the allegations laid against it.

EOH added that it would take swift action as it is given updates on the situation by ENS.

This matter is now sub judice. ENS continue to give us regular updates and we are committed to swift and appropriate action, EOH said.

EOH CEO Stephen Coller encouraged anyone with evidence of unethical business practices within the company to come forward so that the problems can be rooted out.

Now read: UK lawmakers recommend harsher penalties for tech companies
The bill still has to clear two more hurdles before it becomes law. The U.S. House is expected to take it up later this month and prospects for passage are good, according to The Washington Post. Gianforte has pledged his support. Although President Trump has not commented publicly, the Post reported that he has privately said that he will sign the lands bill.

Another provision that will have a direct affect in Montana is the revival of the Land Water Conservation Fund, which expired on Sept. 30 because Congress failed to renew the highly popular program. The LWCF has provided about $540 million for federal, state and local parks, fishing access sites and other outdoor recreation in Montana since 1964. The money comes from revenue the federal government receives from offshore oil drilling.

The LWCF would be permanently reauthorized under the Senate bill  something Daines and Tester have both promoted. They and other members of Congress have also called for full funding of $900 million annually. However, the Senate Natural Resources Management Act does not include any funding. The compromise budget bill that averted another government shutdown last week has $435 million for LWCF this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2019. That's $10 million more than last fiscal year.
On Saturday, Trump the elder tweeted a jab at senator and presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren, referencing her claim of Native-American ancestry: "See you on the campaign TRAIL, Liz!" Then his son Donald Jr. tweeted a screenshot of his father's tweet along with this response from another Twitter user: "The Native American genocide continues with another murder by the president."

"Savage!!!" exulted Don-Boy. "Love my president."

Have you slapped your knee yet?

Not that this blithe disrespect is unique. To the contrary, in the ridicule of these two rich twits, one hears an echo of school kids mocking a Native-American elder chanting a prayer song on the National Mall. For that matter, one spies a white medical student in blackface standing by a classmate in a Ku Klux Klan hood.

And one hears too many white people laughing under the delusion that these things are jokes. It is ridicule as barrier to knowing or feeling, as all-purpose defense against claims on conscience. And never mind that when you laugh at someone else's traumas and passages, you diminish them. You exile them from empathy.
Theft by deception

Butte police arrested a 32-year-old woman for trying to return a stolen belly button piercing kit to Walmart on Friday night.

Police received a call from Walmart around 7 p.m., informing them Tenielle Gruss had tried to return a stolen belly button piercing kit in exchange for cash. When Gruss realized employees knew the kit was stolen, police were told she ran out of the store.

Officers located Gruss hiding under a tree near the bus stop in front of Walmart. They allegedly located a syringe full of suspected heroin in her possession before also discovering two warrants for her arrest, a felony warrant from Anaconda-Deer Lodge County and a misdemeanor warrant from Butte City Court.

Gruss was cited for felony possession of dangerous drugs, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor theft by deception and misdemeanor criminal trespass to property, as she had been banned from Walmart for alleged previous shoplifting incidents.

Assault near Silver Bow Homes

A man was transferred to the hospital after being thrown to the ground and punched in the head near the 1300 row of Silver Bow Homes on Sunday.
Its much more of a partnership where people can work together rather than push people off the land, which creates a lot of conflict, said Brian Martin, Grassland Conservation director for TNC.

Conflict has been a byproduct of the nearby American Prairie Reserve buying ranches in the same neighborhood to create its planned 3.5 million-acre grassland preserve  only about 500,000 acres of which would be private land. So far, the APR has acquired about 399,000 acres of private and deeded land.

Those large land purchases have pushed property values higher for landowners looking to sell, a benefit to their bottom line. But that rising price has pushed out locals looking to add to their acreage.

The hard part is for landowners to compete in the market because land prices have gone so high, Martin said.

He estimated prices have risen sixfold since 2000 when The Nature Conservancy purchased the 60,000-acre Matador Ranch.

We dont believe you have to create a private nature reserve to protect the prairie and its wildlife, Martin said in a press release. These ranching families have been doing it for generations through their good stewardship and their demonstrated commitment to conservation.
As a writer who recently attended Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, I understand how the significance of art in society plays an urgent role in our community.

My husband and I are proud supporters of the Zootown Acts Community Center, a community-minded art center in Missoula looking to expand their services to all of western Montana. Both Montana natives, our creative endeavors have exposed us to travel, personal growth, and the camaraderie and support attainable through self-expression.

The recent growth in downtown Missoula is a testimony of a vibrant community that seeks culture and health through an appreciation of music, arts and literature, with the understanding that a well-rounded lifestyle provides the highest quality of life with the additional benefit of human connection. Individual health and community health are intertwined through available and accessible resources.

With support, the new ZACC will provide more artists, musicians and students with educational offerings, studio space, events, summer camps and a sense of belonging. A meaningful community serves its individuals. The ZACC supports a strong, vibrant and diversified community known for its support of each other. Please help us in supporting the ZACC at https://newzacc.org.
Robert Nichols is the state senator for Senate District 3. First elected in 2006, Nichols represents 19 counties, including much of East Texas and part of Montgomery County. He can be reached at 699-4988 or toll-free at (800) 959-8633. His email address is robert.nichols@senate.state.tx.us.
As proposed in Gov. Steve Bullocks budget, the Romney project can be authorized by the current session of the legislature. It is a great idea that is long overdue. It will only become more expensive with more delay.

The Montana Historical Society is the oldest continually operating state historical society west of the Mississippi. It is currently housed in the 70-year-old Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building. Like Romney Hall, the Historical Society building is structurally strong, but woefully in need of renovation and significant expansion. Also like Romney, it is perfectly located. It is in the center of the capitol complex where it is readily accessible to student groups and all Montanans visiting the capitol. Like Romney, it is recommended in the governors budget.

Tragically, nearly 90 percent of the museums nearly 50,000 wonderful artifacts and artworks are in storage for lack of exhibit space. This includes about a third of the 225 original Russell works which are owned by the Montana people but which they cannot see.

Most of the state museum facilities around the country have been converted into modern facilities. Montanans need to catch up with our history, too. Our history is a great one. It is our Montana memory. Our generation has a civic duty to adequately preserve it and pass it on.

Bob Brown is a former Montana secretary of state and state Senate president.

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Instead, trying his best to devise some kind of cover for his dereliction of duty, Daines claims: This is a national crisis. Look no further than what is going on right now in Montana with methamphetamine and whats coming across the southern border is methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

The facts, however, contradict Daines fearmongering since its well-documented that the vast majority of illegal drugs that come into the country through the southern border do so at established border entry stations, not through the areas in which Trump wants to build his vanity wall. Short on originality, Gianforte simply parrots Daines to falsely claim there is a crisis on our southern border.

Yet, for the last two years Trump had Republican majorities in both the House and Senate and if there was a crisis surely those majorities would have jumped to provide the billions of dollars building the wall will cost. After all, there are nearly 2,000 miles of southern border and if the crisis was so severe the Republican-dominated Congress would certainly have appropriated the necessary funds. But they did not.
The overgrown nature of the road made it excellent grizzly habitat, according to the Forest Service record of decision. Opening it would require offsets in other areas by closing existing roads. The area currently has about 34 miles of open road and 97 miles of seasonally restricted use. At the moment, Bog Creek Road is considered too overgrown for even hiking or mountain biking.

The plan would allow nonmotorized use on the Bog Creek Road and completely close 26 miles of seasonally restricted roads to all motorized use except snowmobiles. Private mining and livestock grazing would still be allowed under special use permits.

Higgins said that Customs and Border Patrol agents needed the road to prevent illegal activities before perpetrators can reach areas where they can blend into legitimate activities and elude apprehension. That includes smuggling firearms, bulk cash, human trafficking and illegal immigration. But the biggest threat mentioned was the bi-directional flow of illegal drugs.

The road was needed also for potential future installation and maintenance of technological assets designed to detect incursions into the United States. Adding such gear might reduce the need to patrol the area, Higgins added.

The Selkirk Grizzly Recovery Area is one of six set up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after the grizzly was declared a threatened species in 1975. About 50 grizzlies live there today, although the area is assumed capable of supporting about 125 bears.

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Nnamdi Kalu, a Nigerian native and graduate student at Montana State University, said he didnt fully appreciate how much he stood out from the rest of the student body the first time he came to the state.

That was three years ago, when along with more than a dozen of his fellow Nigerians, Kalu visited Bozeman as part of a documentary filmmaking workshop. During that trip, Kalu said he spent all of his time, from breakfast through class sessions and on to dinner, with his countrymen, and barely noticed the group was a distinct racial minority.

After returning home, Kalu applied to the English program at MSU and started in the fall, this time coming back to Bozeman alone.

I remember my first thought was something like, Oh my God its white, he said.

Kalu was one of the presenters over the weekend at the second annual Black Solidarity Summit at the University of Montana, put on by the schools Black Student Union.

At MSU, Kalu said hes the only black person in his department and in many of his classes. Sitting in on a presentation by UM professor Tobin Miller Shearer about the history of Black Lives Matter on Sunday, Kalu raised his hand during a question-and-answer period at the end and asked Shearer what advice he had for students like him.
New associates

Julye Whitener has joined First Call Computer Solutions as a new member of the Triage Support staff. She will be answering and directing support calls from First Call's clients. Whitener plans to complete her degree in Environmental Studies while she works at First Call.

Lay Vang has joined Child Care Resources as a Professional Development Specialist. Vang attended California State University, Sacramento where she received her Master of Arts in Child Development and her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. She has over ten years of experience providing school services, child care services and college mentorship. She is an advocate who assists others in discovering their own navigation system to create opportunities for growth and change within themselves and others.
About 3/4 of parents say dispensaries should not be near schools; 1/2 concerned about the risks of people driving while impaired near children's areas. Credit: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at the University of Michigan.

With medical marijuana now legal in about two-thirds of U.S. states, there's growing concern about how dispensaries may impact surrounding neighborhoods and communities.

And parents in a new national poll overwhelmingly agree on one place dispensaries should not be allowed: anywhere near children.

Seven in 10 parents think they should have a say in whether dispensaries are located near their child's school or daycare and most say they should be banned within a certain distance of those facilities, according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health at the University of Michigan.

Highest on the list of concerns was the risk impaired drivers may pose to childrenwith nearly half of parents saying this was a significant worry. A recent study found that more than half of people taking cannabis for chronic pain report driving while high.

"Medical marijuana has become legal in the majority of states but there is wide variation in state and local policies that regulate the location and operation of dispensaries," says poll co-director Sarah Clark, M.P.H.

"The majority of parents feel strongly that they should give local input on decisions regarding where dispensaries may open and also support limitations on how close dispensaries could be to children's areas."

Aside from the top concern involving drivers under the influence, some parents also worried about the possibility of a child finding and ingesting edible marijuana inadvertently left behind by a dispensary customer (48 percent), and teens having easier opportunities accessing marijuana (49 percent.) Other dispensary concerns included setting a bad example for kids (45 percent) and bringing violent crime to the area (35 percent).

Three quarters of parents indicated general support for legal medical marijuana, including one third of parents who support the option for children. Just 26 percent of parents opposed medical marijuana.

At the same time, most parents agreed that dispensaries should be banned within a certain distance of elementary schools, middle and high schools, and daycare centers. Forty-four percent of parents also believed dispensaries should not be close to places of worship. Support for such bans was equally strong among both mothers and fathers, younger and older parents, and parents of higher and lower income.

"Most parents seem to understand that marijuana can have legitimate medical benefits, but parents also have major concerns about the risks that medical marijuana dispensaries might pose to children," Clark says. "When it comes to where dispensaries are located, many parents feel that any area near children is too close for comfort."

Most parents (77 percent) agreed that medical marijuana dispensaries should have the same regulations as liquor stores for where they can be located. Meanwhile, 52 percent of parents said dispensaries should have the same rights as other businesses. Nearly all parents (90 percent) felt dispensaries should undergo inspections to ensure they are following all regulations.

Nearly half of parents (45 percent) said that medical marijuana is legal in their state, and 24 percent knew there was at least one medical marijuana dispensary in their community. Only 20 percent reported that their state or community has regulations about where dispensaries can be located, while 59 percent did not know if such regulations exist.

While most parents wanted to be consulted about locating a dispensary near their child's school or daycare, this may prove difficult, Clark says. There is no consistent state or local framework to regulate the location and operations of dispensaries. Some states may have added legal complexities differentiating the sale of medical versus recreational marijuana.

It may also be confusing about whether parents need to contact elected officials or commissions, and if they should focus on the state or local level when an application is filed for a new dispensary. Decisions about the location of new dispensaries could be made through a state law, a local zoning regulation, or other action.

"Parents who want to share their views about dispensaries before any open in their school's neighborhood may have limited opportunities to do so. They may not even be aware that a specific dispensary location is under consideration until the decision has already been made," Clark says.

"The lack of established standards may lead officials to enact policies that may not address parents' concerns," Clark adds. "Parents who want to provide input about local dispensaries may need to take the initiative to learn about the rules for opening a dispensary in their community and what steps they should follow to be involved in these decisions."

Explore further Many dispensaries in CO proffer marijuana for morning sickness
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Susceptibility to obesity, insulin resistance and other cardio-metabolic traits may also be dependent on a person's sex. An international research team of the University of California (UCLA), Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, a partner of the DZD, and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen studied sex differences and sex-specific interaction with the genetic background in cardio-metabolic phenotypes. The researchers discovered, among other things, a sex-specific obesity locus of the Lypla1 gene, which is associated with human obesity. The results of the study have now been published in Cell Metabolism.

Men and women may be differently susceptible to obesity, insulin resistance, and other cardio-metabolic traits. Women often have more advantageous metabolic profiles. This has been described for mice but also for humans. But how does sex interact with genes? What role does natural genetic variance play? And how does this affect the development of cardio-metabolic traits? In order to answer these questions, an international team of researchers used an animal model (hybrid mouse diversity panel) to search for sex-specific differences in 50 cardio-metabolic traits. The effect of sex on cardio-metabolic traits was investigated in terms of sex-specific correlations with specific disease phenotypes, their genetic architecture and the underlying expression networks in fat and liver. It was found that sexdepending on the genetic backgroundplays a role in gene expression and the development of cardio-metabolic traits. The research team discovered a sex-specific obesity locus for the Lyplal1 gene.

"In addition, we were able to show that there is sex-specific regulation for the 'beiging' of white adipose tissue and sex-specific interactions for mitochondrial function," said UCLA Professor Aldons J. Lusis, last author and head of the study. Brown adipose tissue can produce heat through the oxidation of fatty acids. This takes place in mitochondria, which are also responsible for the brownish coloration of the tissue. If the "good" brown fat is activated, the metabolism is stimulated and the "bad" white fat deposits are reduced. The occurrence of brown or beige adipocytes in white adipose tissue is called "browning" or "beiging," a phenomenon associated with increased energy consumption and, at least in the mouse model, with protection against obesity.

The current study showed that females have a higher mitochondrial activity and produce more brown adipose tissue. This reduces fat mass and insulin resistance. In males, the interaction between genes and sex tends to lead to low mitochondrial activity and low beiging. Weight and insulin resistance increase.

"In the reference literature, there are already indications of major differences in adipose biology between sexes also in humans. This study provides insights into the depth and breadth of sex differences in metabolism. We believe that our results provide compelling evidence as to why males and females in biological research should be treated as distinct organisms as a whole, rather than attempting to reconcile these differences one molecule at a time," said DZD researcher Professor Susanna Hofmann, MD of the Institute for Diabetes and Regenerative Research of the Helmholtz Diabetes Center. Her group, together with Professor Axel Walch from the Core Facility Pathology & Tissue Analytics at Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, examined the adipose tissue and analyzed the sex differences in the browning of white adipose tissue.

There are still many gaps in the understanding of the biology underlying these sex-specific differences. As a long-term goal, the researchers therefore want to develop a biological network model that describes the differences between men and women (the ''sex-ome'') at system level. Such a model will require identifying the primary and downstream sex-biased factors that act on the network and understanding how the sex-biased network interactions give rise to sex differences in the emergent phenotypes.

Explore further Blocking hormone uptake burns more fat

More information: Frode Norheim et al, Gene-by-Sex Interactions in Mitochondrial Functions and Cardio-Metabolic Traits, Cell Metabolism (2019). Journal information: Cell Metabolism Frode Norheim et al, Gene-by-Sex Interactions in Mitochondrial Functions and Cardio-Metabolic Traits,(2019). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.12.013

Provided by Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

UC San Francisco scientists have used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system to create the first pluripotent stem cells that are functionally "invisible" to the immune system, a feat of biological engineering that, in laboratory studies, prevented rejection of stem cell transplants. Because these "universal" stem cells can be manufactured more efficiently than stem cells tailor-made for each patientthe individualized approach that dominated earlier effortsthey bring the promise of regenerative medicine a step closer to reality.

"Scientists often tout the therapeutic potential of pluripotent stem cells, which can mature into any adult tissue, but the immune system has been a major impediment to safe and effective stem cell therapies," said Tobias Deuse, MD, the Julien I.E. Hoffman, MD, Endowed Chair in Cardiac Surgery at UCSF and lead author of the new study, published Feb. 18 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

The immune system is unforgiving. It's programmed to eradicate anything it perceives as alien, which protects the body against infectious agents and other invaders that could wreak havoc if given free rein. But this also means that transplanted organs, tissues or cells are seen as a potentially dangerous foreign incursion, which invariably provokes a vigorous immune response leading to transplant rejection. When this occurs, donor and recipient are said to bein medical parlance"histocompatibility mismatched."

"We can administer drugs that suppress immune activity and make rejection less likely. Unfortunately, these immunosuppressants leave patients more susceptible to infection and cancer," explained Professor of Surgery Sonja Schrepfer, MD, Ph.D., the study's senior author and director of the UCSF Transplant and Stem Cell Immunobiology (TSI) Lab at the time of the study.

In the realm of stem cell transplants, scientists once thought the rejection problem was solved by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are created from fully-mature cellslike skin or fat cellsthat are reprogrammed in ways that allow them to develop into any of the myriad cells that comprise the body's tissues and organs. If cells derived from iPSCs were transplanted into the same patient who donated the original cells, the thinking went, the body would see the transplanted cells as "self," and would not mount an immune attack.

But in practice, clinical use of iPSCs has proven difficult. For reasons not yet understood, many patients' cells prove unreceptive to reprogramming. Plus, it's expensive and time-consuming to produce iPSCs for every patient who would benefit from stem cell therapy.

"There are many issues with iPSC technology, but the biggest hurdles are quality control and reproducibility. We don't know what makes some cells amenable to reprogramming, but most scientists agree it can't yet be reliably done," Deuse said. "Most approaches to individualized iPSC therapies have been abandoned because of this."

Deuse and Schrepfer wondered whether it might be possible to sidestep these challenges by creating "universal" iPSCs that could be used in any patient who needed them. In their new paper, they describe how after the activity of just three genes was altered, iPSCs were able to avoid rejection after being transplanted into histocompatibility-mismatched recipients with fully functional immune systems.

"This is the first time anyone has engineered cells that can be universally transplanted and can survive in immunocompetent recipients without eliciting an immune response," Deuse said.

The researchers first used CRISPR to delete two genes that are essential for the proper functioning of a family of proteins known as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II. MHC proteins sit on the surface of almost all cells and display molecular signals that help the immune system distinguish an interloper from a native. Cells that are missing MHC genes don't present these signals, so they don't register as foreign. However, cells that are missing MHC proteins become targets of immune cells known as natural killer (NK) cells.

Working with Professor Lewis Lanier, Ph.D.study co-author, chair of UCSF's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and an expert in the signals that activate and inhibit NK cell activitySchrepfer's team found that CD47, a cell surface protein that acts as a "do not eat me" signal against immune cells called macrophages, also has a strong inhibitory effect on NK cells.

Believing that CD47 might hold the key to completely shutting down rejection, the researchers loaded the CD47 gene into a virus, which delivered extra copies of the gene into mouse and human stem cells in which the MHC proteins had been knocked out.

CD47 indeed proved to be the missing piece of the puzzle. When the researchers transplanted their triple-engineered mouse stem cells into mismatched mice with normal immune systems, they observed no rejection. They then transplanted similarly engineered human stem cells into so-called humanized micemice whose immune systems have been replaced with components of the human immune system to mimic human immunityand once again observed no rejection.

Additionally, the researchers derived various types of human heart cells from these triple-engineered stem cells, which they again transplanted into humanized mice. The stem cell-derived cardiac cells were able to achieve long-term survival and even began forming rudimentary blood vessels and heart muscle, raising the possibility that triple-engineered stem cells may one day be used to repair failing hearts.

"Our technique solves the problem of rejection of stem cells and stem cell-derived tissues, and represents a major advance for the stem cell therapy field," Deuse said. "Our technique can benefit a wider range of people with production costs that are far lower than any individualized approach. We only need to manufacture our cells one time and we're left with a product that can be applied universally."

Explore further Scientists generate functional, transplantable B cells from mice

More information: Hypoimmunogenic derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells evade immune rejection in fully immunocompetent allogeneic recipients, Nature Biotechnology (2019). Journal information: Nature Biotechnology Hypoimmunogenic derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells evade immune rejection in fully immunocompetent allogeneic recipients,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0016-3
Credit: University of Saskatchewan

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in North America and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, after it has spread to other parts of the body. Patients with advanced colorectal cancer generally have a life expectancy of around 24 to 30 months.

A USask team of researchers led by Humphrey Fonge, an assistant professor in the College of Medicine's medical imaging department, has created an assassin antibody with attached radioactive molecules which cling to colorectal cancer cells and destroy them.

"I have designed a molecule that will attach itself to colorectal cancer cells and destroy them, with little to no impact on neighbouring healthy cells," Fonge said. "This could transform outcomes for many colorectal cancer patients including, those at the advanced stages of the cancer."

The assassin antibody attaches itself to a specific protein which appears on colorectal cancer cells, and then kills it.

"This is a personalized medicine approach enabling us to treat the cancer in a very pinpointed way, while sparing healthy tissue," he said. "It is a novel radio-immunotherapy approach."

The five-year research program has been awarded $872,100 by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)one of five USask health research programs awarded a total of $4.9 million by the CIHR in its fall 2018 funding competition.

Fonge said that the evaluation of the antibody in mice has been very promising and he hopes to move to human trials in two years.

"We are very encouraged by our initial results in mice," he said.

The assassin antibody kills the colorectal cancer cell by releasing high energy to the DNA of the cell. Current antibody drug therapies can slow down the spread of colorectal cancer, but do not destroy the existing cancer cells.

The USask research team, which includes post-doctoral trainee Behlol Khan, is planning to study whether the assassin antibody could be used to treat other cancers, including breast and pancreatic cancers, which express the same protein.

Colorectal cancer patients are often diagnosed when the cancer is advanced and has spread, relying on scans to determine whether tumours have grown or have slowed down following treatment.

The protein found in colorectal cancer cells makes the cells spread in an uncontrolled manner. They can double in number every few hours, leading to the rapid spread of this type of cancer.

The USask team is developing another antibody which will allow doctors to specifically track the spread of colorectal cancer cells and the growth of tumours, enabling earlier diagnosis and targeted personal treatment.

To speed diagnosis, this antibody will attach itself to colorectal cancer cells, allowing them to be identified and monitored for spread. But unlike the assassin antibody, it will not destroy the cancer.

Explore further New study shows sitting, watching TV linked to colorectal cancer risk before age 50
Fixate the black dot and move your head towards and away from the image and you should perceive the rings rotating. Credit: Junxiang Luo

A study of humans and monkeys published in JNeurosci has found the same subset of neurons encode actual and illusory complex flow motion. This finding supports, at the level of single neurons, what the Czech scientist Jan Purkinje surmised 150 years ago: "Illusions contain visual truth."

The Pinna-Brelstaff figure is a static image of rings that appear to rotate clockwise as one moves toward and counterclockwise as one moves away from the figure. Having previously identified particular parts of the human brain that represent the Pinna illusion, Junxiang Luo and colleagues at the Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences first confirmed that male rhesus macaques likely perceive the illusion similarly to people. The researchers then recorded activity from individual neurons in the previously identified brain regions, and discovered cells that signal the illusory motion similarly to actual motion. A delay of about 15 milliseconds enables the brain to register the illusory motion as if it was real. This study provides new insights into how the brain grapples with the continual mismatch between perception and reality.

Explore further Illusory motion reproduced by deep neural networks trained for prediction
Its been a festival here all month leading up to the opening, Raizy Zaklas, Chabads representative to Zagreb, Croatia told me Wednesday morning. She and her husband, Rabbi Pini Zaklas, were counting down the hours to the formal inauguration of Zagrebs new mikvah, the first in seventy years. Aromas wafted out of Chabads kitchen where a chef was preparing food to feed a crowd. Raizy was wrapping up a private Torah class with a local woman, and the rabbi was greeting guests who had come from abroad for the occasion.

Zagreb is a picturesque city. Its Upper Town retains historic cobblestone streets and Austrio-Hungarian architecture dating back to the middle ages. Looking out to its Lower Town, colorfully tiled clay roofs and open marketplaces in historic town squares offer stunning views. But, like most Balkan cities, its once thriving Jewish scene has long since disappeared. Roughly 25,000 Jews lived in prewar Croatia. Today, some 3000 are formally registered as Jews.

There are more, I learn, but fear of anti-Semitism that carried over from parents and grandparents have made subsequent generations of Jews afraid to identify. Conversions in the past, and intermarriage to this daypractically at 100 percenthave created profound assimilation, leaving an otherwise highly educated demographic ignorant about their own heritage.



Rabbi Pini Zaklas toasts lchayim with participants of the dedication of Zagrebs new mikvah

In recent years, though, cautious curiosity has prompted many to explore their roots. V. Mayer, a local journalist, learned the truth a few years ago when her mother lifted the lid on a family secret. With her suspicion of Jewish ancestry finally confirmed, she wanted to know more. But I wasnt going to submit my name to the communitys Jewish registry, she tells me. Mayer bided her time until, one day, she spied the Chabad rabbi with his children at one of the citys public playrooms. I observed him and knew that if Im going to learn about Judaism, I would like to learn from himan authentic, traditional Jew. Still, it would take a year before she worked up the courage to ask him to meet with her in the lobby of a local hotel.

The Zaklases, who came from Israel in 2004 to open Chabad in the city, had the odds stacked high against them. This is a poor country. The community is small. And people were afraid to come forward. But their honest commitment to Jewish life and Jewish values finally resonated with locals. Gingerly at first, individuals accepted invitations. They came to learn, to question, to discover. And then, like Mayer, they kept coming, not only for the learning, but because theres so much joy and love here.



Immersion pool of new mikvah

I listen as Pini and Raizy speak during the mikvah inauguration. Their easy manner and embracing warmth are indeed contagious. But I wonder if the content of their message is not too specific for people who are new to this. I ask a few of the locals sitting near me. It is a bit more than they can relate to, they admit. Ironically though, it seems to have the effect of actually drawing people closer. We know they are giving us the whole picture. It may be more than we are prepared to take on, but at least we know, a participant said.

Until the new mikvah opened, Raizy and a handful of women would fly or drive to more established neighboring Vienna or Budapest. Since it opened for use less than a month ago, more women have been reaching out to Raizy to learn about the mikvah. This is a really foundational Jewish practice, and it struck a chord with the women here. They clearly appreciate the significance of mikvah.

Locals I meet speak not only of a Jewish revival that Chabad has brought to town, but of a sense of pride at identifying as Jews that had been starkly absent in Zagreb. The confidence in their Jewish identity as modeled by Pini and Raizy, a Croatian businessman tells me, has created a shift. Its made people feel comfortable to identify and happy to belong.



Raizy Zaklas and a member of the Zagreb community



The crowd at the dedication of the new mikvah in Zagreb, Coroatia



Rabbi Pini Zaklas addresses the crowd



Raizy Zaklas addresses the crowd



Chabad center in Zagreb, Croatia
A new study found no detectable impact on brain development. Credit: shutterstock.com

Making the decision to operate on a baby or toddler can be complex and confronting for parents. It involves weighing the risks versus the expected benefits for the child.

One of the questions impacting the decision has traditionally been whether general anaesthesia is safe for vulnerable, rapidly developing brains.

Parents in this situation can be reassured after a new study published in The Lancet this week showed a single episode of general anaesthesia in infancy had no detectable impact on subsequent brain development.

Why the worry?

The Food and Drug Administration in the United States sounded a note of caution as long ago as 2007 after some studies showed some of the gases used in general anaesthesia seemed to have permanent negative effects on the developing brains of rats and monkeys.

Research was planned and funded to settle this issue by examining evidence in the real world. After all, human brains are not the same as rat brains.

Studies that had been done in humans were observational (backward-looking). This makes it hard to differentiate the effect of the anaesthesia from effects of the condition for which the surgery was being performed, or other factors affecting the child.

What this study offers

The strengths of the study are significant. First, it was large, involving 722 participants from children's hospitals across seven countries, including Australia.

It was also well-designed. In particular, this was a prospective (forward-looking) study with a design that enabled researchers to clearly discern the isolated effect of the anaesthesia.

This was achieved by comparing the same procedure done for the same reason using either spinal anaesthesia, where the patient is numb in the area of surgery but awake, or conventional general anaesthesia, where the patient is unconscious.

The procedure chosen for the study was the repair of a groin hernia, a condition where internal tissues of the abdomen protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal muscle. People who undergo the surgery overwhelmingly have good outcomes and low complication rates. It's also performed in children who are generally otherwise fairly healthy.

This surgery is usually done within the first couple of months of a child's life to prevent abnormal development of the lower abdominal wall which would make the hernia difficult and painful to repair later. It also decreases the risk of requiring emergency surgery.

The children recruited into this study were all younger than six months old at the time of surgery.

Another major strength of the study was the length of time the children were followed. Those who were operated on stayed under assessment until they turned five. At this age, the children were given standard tests of brain function which are known to be good at predicting future development. Normal testing at this age would show with a lot of confidence that there was no detriment from the general anaesthesia. And this was found to be the case.

Each of these attributes means the findings are likely to be reliable and able to be generalised from country to country.

Some things to be aware of

The only real weakness of the study was that the population assessed was overwhelmingly male (84% of participants) as groin hernia is much more common in baby boys. The authors acknowledge this and highlight the need for future studies to include more girls.

It's also important to emphasise that in order to enable a clear and definite answer, this study only looked at a single episode of general anaesthesia. It was not designed to assess the risk of repeated or unusually prolonged exposure to general anaesthesia. So it provides a piece of the puzzle, but not the complete picture.

Taken as a whole, this study is reassuring for parents of children undergoing elective surgery at an early age. In a practical sense, it allows other factors such as surgical risk, or the impact of deferring or avoiding the operation, to take a more important place in decision-making.

Parents can put concerns about general anaesthesia harming their baby's brain to bed for now, at least as far as one-off operations go.

Explore further General anesthesia is unlikely to have lasting effects on the developing brains of young children: study

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Last year the voters in Wisconsin elected Democrats to the U.S. Senate and the offices of governor, attorney general, secretary of state and treasurera sweep. In that same election, in the state Senate where 17 seats were on the ballot, Democrats won six, or about a third; and in the House (or, Assembly as its called there), Democrats took 36 seats compared to the Republicans 63.

Might that at-variance legislative result have happened because of a mass of split ticketsmore Wisconsin voters opting for Republicans down-ballot after checking off all those Democrats above? Nope. In the Assembly races, for example, Democrats won 1.3 million votes compared to the Republicans 1.1while losing seats at a rate approaching two to one.

How could that happen? Its what can occur when you get clever, and unscrupulous, about how you draw the legislative district maps. Similar stories can be told in other states in recent years, including Pennsylvania and North Carolina; Democrats have done the same in Maryland.

Idaho has managed to evade this sort of thing, mostly. It might not much longer.
When state lawmakers decided a few years ago that theyd (finally) revise the public school funding formula, they promised a proposal in which money would follow the student via a plan that was more transparent and accountable. With the proposal presently in front of the Legislature, lawmakers have failed on both counts.

Though the funding proposal focuses more on student enrollment than before, it quickly deviates from there. The proposed plan assigns extra dollars to schools based on myriad factors, which includes district wealth and ruralness, in an obvious attempt to buy support from school districts that benefit from the status quo. The proposal also promises a steady flow of increased funding over the short term to prevent any school from losing long-term financial support due to funding formula changes.

The plan includes no accountability for schools or districts that fail to educate students, nor does it reward high-performing schools. It does nothing to promote the safeguarding of taxpayer money. If anything, it does quite the opposite. Additionally, the funding proposal gives lip service to the existence of technology and to the fact that the state commits billions of dollars to provide the same information that students are accessing on their smartphones for free.
The grief support group is open to anyone in the community who has experienced a loss.

Information: John or Tonya, 208-735-0121.

Asthma education

Free asthma education class for patients and caregivers to assess and manage asthma, 6 p.m. Thursday.

The class is presented by St. Lukes Magic Valley and meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Pre-registration is required. To register and for location of the class: 208-814-8765.

Brain injury support

College of Southern Idaho Traumatic Brain Injury Group meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the CSI Shields Building room 109, 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls.

The group is hosted by Michael Howell and meets on the third Thursday of the month.

Individuals of all injury levels are welcome to attend. Free. Information: Amy Barker at CSI, 208-732-6800.

CPR, infant safety

Infant safety and cardiopulmonary resuscitation class, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in Oak Rooms 2-4 on the lower level of St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, 801 Pole Line Road W., Twin Falls.
Little pushed hard for full literacy funding, Bair said after Mondays hearing. His exact words: This was my top priority of all.

Said Ward-Engelking: Thats a No. 1 priority for (Little) and certainly for many of us who are educators.

Discretionary funding for schools: JFAC voted to put $14.6 million into operational, or discretionary, school funding. This includes $7.5 million to cover the rising cost of health, vision and dental insurance.

All told, schools stand to receive $28,416 in discretionary funding per classroom, up from $27,481.

Little did not propose an increase here. Ybarra did  and budget-writers considered this a priority. The committee felt very strongly about putting that back in, said Rep. Rick Youngblood, R-Nampa, JFACs House co-chair.

Advanced opportunities: JFAC wants to put $18 million into this growing program, which gives students a $4,125 allowance to earn college credits before graduating high school. This is a $3 million increase, requested by both Little and Ybarra.
TWIN FALLS  Dr. Steven Kohtzs office has received phone calls lately from parents whove chosen not to vaccinate their children asking how to protect them from measles.

Kohtz, a family medicine physician and primary care leader at St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center, said he loves that theyre calling and are concerned about their children. But he said theres nothing else he can offer for measles prevention beyond the vaccine.

The way they can protect their children is through vaccination, he told the Times-News. There really isnt any other way.

Kohtz said he wants to implore parents who are on the fence about their children receiving the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to get it done now.

There havent been any recent cases of the measles reported here in Idaho, but outbreaks are happening this winter in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of the country.

Recent data compiled by Idaho health officials show about 3,800 school-aged children in the state likely are not fully immunized against the measles, The Associated Press reported Feb. 4.
JEROME  A Burley woman was taken to the hospital after police say she got out of the pickup truck she was driving on Interstate 84  while it was still moving.

Idaho State Police responded to the crash around 12:48 a.m. Monday at milepost 168 in Jerome. Maribel Villeda, 33, of Burley was driving east on I-84 in a 2006 Ford F-150. Also in the vehicle was passenger Aguilar-Romero Cruz Lorenzo, 26, of Mexico.

Sergio Ramirez Cornejo, 21, of King Hill was driving behind the Ford F-150 in a 2000 Freightliner commercial vehicle pulling a trailer. Police don't know why, but Villeda got out of the pickup on driver's side while it was still moving. Ramirez Cornejo swerved to avoid hitting her while she was in the roadway. His Freightliner struck the rear of the Ford F-150, and the pickup stopped in the lane of travel. The commercial vehicle came to rest in the median.

Villeda was taken by ambulance to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. She and her passenger were not wearing seat belts, ISP said. Ramirez Cornejo was wearing a seat belt.

The roadway was blocked for approximately four hours. The Idaho State Police was assisted by the Idaho Transportation Department, Jerome Police Department, Jerome County Sheriff's Office and Magic Valley Paramedics.

As of 11 a.m. Monday, Villeda was in "fair" condition, a hospital administrator said.

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Farms and ranches could also sell allowances on the open market generated by projects that sequester carbon  known as offset projects  though specific details are still subject to rule-making.

A 72-page economic report on the cap and trade proposal, prepared for the Carbon Policy Office, states the policy may actually boost job growth over the long run. The analysis, by Berkeley Economic Advising and Research in Berkeley, Calif., forecasts that Oregon can hit its 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals while boosting the states economy by 2.5 percent, adding 23,000 jobs.

Brad Reed, a spokesman for Renew Oregon, a clean energy advocacy group formed in 2015 that has campaigned for cap and trade, said the bill is still far from perfect. He said supporters would like language that sets aside a certain percentage of funds for rural Oregonians, and hopes the state will limit the amount of free credits being offered to businesses that are trade dependent.

Because there is some back and forth about how many free allowances to give to various entities, that is going to cut into the amount that is collected for the program, Reed said. Its going to affect our ability to reinvest that amount of money.

Dembrow said Oregonians need to do their part, and he is confident they will not be acting alone.

If we can come up with a good program that can significantly reduce our emissions while at the same time benefiting Oregons economy, then we believe other states will follow us, he said.

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And now, an Illinois addition to the list of mass shootings that agonize all Americans on somber anniversaries  and that agonize survivors and the families of victims every day of the year.

Last week already had delivered anniversaries of the Northern Illinois University shooting in 2008, and the Parkland, Florida, high school shooting in 2018. Fridays bloodshed was at the Henry Pratt Co., a valve manufacturing firm in the western Chicago suburb of Aurora. The casualty count that authorities disclosed Friday evening  six civilians killed including the gunman, five police officers wounded by gunfire  adds still more families to what Gov. J.B. Pritzker termed a group that should not exist yet continues to grow.

What might the death toll have been if police hadnt responded within four minutes to 911 calls and hustled into the 29,000-square-foot facility? Unknown, thankfully. Well echo Aurora police Chief Kristen Zimans public message to her officers: Thank you for running toward gunfire.






By Lee Kyung-min



Korean lenders enjoyed steady growth in their income from abroad in 2018 on the back of their continued efforts to expand their overseas presence.



The jump in earnings came as four major banks have strengthened their footholds in Southeast Asia to find new revenue sources and diversify their business portfolios amid the rapid saturation of the domestic market.



Shinhan Bank, the nation's top lender by net profit, recorded the largest overseas profit of 321 billion won ($284 million) in 2018, a 36.8 percent increase from a year earlier. This accounts for 10.15 percent of its total net income of 3.16 trillion won, and came as the bank's businesses in Vietnam and other Asian countries generated stable earnings.



Shinhan Bank Vietnam maintains its position as the largest foreign-invested financial firm there, beating out HSBC, one of the major U.K. banks.



The bank has 30 branches serving about 900,000 locals since it opened its first office in Ho Chi Minh City in 1993.



Its online app SOL with over 110,000 Vietnamese subscribers is becoming more popular following timely upgraded features including customized apps and secure login methods.



KEB Hana Bank recorded a net income of 285.5 billion won in its global operations in 2018, a 19.5 percent increase from a year earlier, making up 12.72 percent of its total 2.24 trillion won net profit.



The bank's profits would be far higher if dividends from overseas corporate bodies are included, a KEB Hana official said.



"We have yet to release our data on dividends, but our overseas performance was definitely higher than available information shows. We are continuing efforts to strengthen our overseas network by capitalizing on our well-established overseas channels based on foreign currency exchange operations," he said.



The bank aims to increase the portion of its overseas income to 40 percent by 2025, with the recent approval from the Mexican financial authorities to operate a corporate body there.



"We received the approval late January. We opened a liaison office in 2015 and obtained preliminary approval in 2017. We think it's possible to officially begin business there within 2019," the official said.



Woori's overseas net earnings reached 196.9 billion won last year, up 19.7 percent from a year earlier.



KB Kookmin recorded 60.5 billion won in net income in the same period.



While the amount is the smallest among the four banks, its year-on-year growth stood at a whopping 157.4 percent.



"It is true that we have the smallest business presence overseas, but we consider last year's performance an indicator that our company can expect only growth from now on, a vision shared by our CEO as well as the bank's workers," a KB official said.



KB Kookmin Bank CEO Hur Yin recently went on an eight-day trip to Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, India and Vietnam to speed up the lender's expansion in the promising ASEAN market.


$333 BILLION APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE: Voting 300 for and 128 against, the House on Thursday gave final congressional approval to a $333 billion appropriations package (HJ Res 31) that would fund eight Cabinet departments and numerous agencies in fiscal 2019, ending the prospect of another government shutdown. The bill would provide $49.4 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, including $7.6 billion for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE); $1.325 billion for building 55 miles of physical barriers along the southwest border; $564 million for electronic drug inspections of vehicles and cargo at ports of entry from Mexico, $415 million in humanitarian aid including medical care for immigrants detained at the border, and funding for an annual average of 45,274 beds for immigrants being held while their status is under review. In addition, the bill requires ICE to grant admission to any member of Congress to border facilities where children are being housed, publicly report the number and types of immigrants in its custody and preserve all records of sexual assaults occurring under their custody. A yes vote was to send the bill to President Trump.
Who has the best vision and who is dedicated to working for their families with more than intent, but experience and expertise in equity first? Pettaway said.

In the midst of an ultimately unsuccessful campaign for governor, Soglin said in July he wouldnt run again for mayor. But after placing a distant seventh in the Democratic primary, and following historic flooding in August that demanded quick action by the city, Soglin, 73, said he was re-energized and jumped into the mayoral race in October.

His current top priority, he said, is engaging with about 80 to 120 youths, mostly African Americans, who are involved in stealing cars, break-ins, violent assaults and other crimes. Soglin also wants to establish better budget practices, especially on reducing borrowing, persuade the state to allow regional transit authorities to raise revenue for strained transit systems, and continue efforts to get people signed up for health care coverage programs.

Soglin has kept Madison moving forward, significantly reduced racial economic inequities, cut African-American unemployment, took a stagnant housing market and opened it up for all income levels, and collaborated with the county and state to increase the number of families with health insurance, campaign manager Melissa Mulliken said.

Money flowing
One person is dead and another presumed missing after authorities found a crashed semitrailer submerged in a lake near Wisconsin Dells Sunday morning.

Authorities found a damaged guardrail on Interstate 90-94 just north of the Mirror Lake bridge in Sauk County at about 7:30 a.m., leading them to find a semi completely submerged in the lake, said State Patrol Sgt. Nathan Henricksen.

One person was found dead in the cab of the semitrailer after authorities worked for hours to pull the vehicle out of the water after it slid through a ditch and off a cliff into Mirror Lake.

It was not known what might have caused the crash.

Henricksen said the search for another person believed to have been in the semi was called off Sunday evening due to decreasing visibility and weather conditions. He said the search would resume Monday morning.

The crash occurred on eastbound I-90-94 at mile marker 91, he said.

I-90-94 was closed for several hours Sunday to allow authorities to pull the semi out of the lake and clean up spilled diesel fuel.

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A Madison man fleeing from Janesville police Saturday night was arrested for allegedly having a loaded assault rifle and a box of ammunition in the backseat of his car.

Jordan Hawkins, 29, was taken to the Rock County Jail, tentatively charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting, fleeing an officer and a probation hold, Janesville police said.

The incident started at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday when an officer tried to pull Hawkins over for an equipment violation.

Hawkins went into a parking lot on Kennedy Road and fled on foot, with officers setting a perimeter around the area to contain him.

When he was spotted again, he was crossing Milton Avenue but fell in the northbound lanes. Police needed to use a stun gun on him to take him into custody.

A search of his vehicle turned up the rifle and ammunition.

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Born did not share additional specifics on the proposal, including the proposed pay increases for corrections officers, ADAs and public defenders, but said the proposal would cost about $50 million over the course of the two-year budget cycle.

Last month, six plaintiffs filed a federal class-action lawsuit arguing their rights to an attorney and a speedy trial are being violated. The lawsuit alleges the plaintiffs, facing charges in Ashland and Bayfield counties, have had to wait in jail from 21 to 75 days as they wait for an attorney to take their cases.

Thompson said the Republican proposal would "enable all of us in the criminal justice system to work together to protect Wisconsins communities and guarantee the constitutional rights of individuals."
Without having specific details, his proposal appears to go too far," Vos said. "It makes it easier to get recreational marijuana and provides a pathway to full legalization, which I do not support. Im open to medical marijuana when its prescribed by a doctor but it has to be done in a targeted way without allowing recreational use.

A Marquette University Law School poll released last month found that 59 percent of Wisconsin voters support legalizing marijuana, while 35 percent oppose it.

Evers said he is proposing decriminalization and medical marijuana rather than full legalization because he thinks those proposals are currently more likely to earn bipartisan support.

"Its a great starting place, because its going to help people that need additional resources at their disposal to take care of pain and other issues that they might have, and its a good place to start to make sure were having fairness in our criminal justice system," Evers said.

The medical marijuana program would be regulated by the state Department of Health Services and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum announced Friday the launch of an online resource for the public to access and compare data for all school districts in Wisconsin.

The School DataTool builds on previous efforts to provide educational data resources from the group's predecessors, the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance and the Public Policy Forum, according to a news release.

"We're offering one-stop shop analysis of many major educational indicators, from enrollment and school spending to graduation rates and student performance," Wisconsin Policy Forum President Rob Henken said in a statement.

The DataTool houses data from the state Department of Public Instruction, including interactive dashboards on topics such as enrollment, student performance, student engagement and district finances. It also has ways for users to compare school districts to each other as well as the statewide averages.

The group said overall enrollment in Wisconsin schools has continued to decline. The number of students enrolled in Wisconsin schools declined 0.4 percent in 2018. The percentage of enrolled students who are minorities rose to 30 percent statewide in 2018.
Sitting in her living room, 65-year-old Tatyana Rybalchenko goes through a stack of black-and-white photos from more than 30 years ago. In one of them, she is dressed in a nurses coat and smiles sheepishly at the camera; in another, she shares a laugh with soldiers on a road with a mountain ridge behind them.

The pictures dont show the hardships that Rybalchenko and 20,000 Soviet women like her went through as civilian support staff during the Soviet Unions 1979-1989 invasion of Afghanistan. Although they did not serve in combat roles, they still experienced the horrors of war.

As Russia on Friday marked the 30th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, the memories are still fresh for the nurses, clerks and shopkeepers, predominantly young, single women who were thrust into the bloody conflict.

Rybalchenko enlisted on a whim. In 1986, she was 33, working in a dead-end nursing job in Kiev, the capital of Soviet Ukraine, and was going through a breakup. One day, she joined a colleague who went to a military recruitment office. The recruiter turned to Rybalchenko and asked if she would like to work abroad  in Afghanistan.

She recalls that she was fed up with her life in Kiev, so I told him: Id go anywhere, even to hell! And this is where he sent me.

Family and friends tried to talk her out of it, telling her that Afghanistan is where the bodies are coming from. But it was too late: She had signed the contract.

At least 15,000 Soviet troops were killed in the fighting that began as an effort to prop up a communist ally and soon became a grinding campaign against a U.S.-backed insurgency. Moscow sent more than 600,000 to a war that traumatized many young men and women and fed a popular discontent that became one factor leading to the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union.

Rybalchenko, who worked as a nurse at a military hospital in Gardez, was stunned by the many casualties  men missing limbs or riddled with shrapnel. But there was so much work that she found herself shutting off her emotions.

At the end, I did not feel anything anymore. I was like a stone, Rybalchenko said, shedding her normally perky persona.

Friendships helped, and she befriended a young reconnaissance officer, Vladimir Vshivtsev.

He once confided to her that he was not afraid of losing a limb, but he would not be able to live with an injury to his eyes. She recalled him saying if I lose eyesight, Ill do everything to put an end to it.

In November 1987, the hospital was inundated with casualties from a Soviet offensive to open the road between Gardez and the stronghold of Khost, near the Pakistani border.

One of the wounded was Vshivtsev, and Rybalchenko saw him being wheeled into the ward with bandages wrapped around his head. She unwrapped the dressing and gasped when she saw the gaping wound on his face: The eyes were not there.

She convinced her superior to let her accompany him to a bigger hospital in Kabul as part of a suicide watch. She stayed friends with Vshivtsev, and he later became a leading activist in the Russian Society for the Blind. Decades later, he briefly served in the Russian parliament.

Alla Smolina was 30 when she joined the Soviet military prosecutors office in Jalalabad near the Pakistani border in 1985. It wasnt until 20 years later that Smolina started having nightmares about the war.

The shelling, running away from bullets and mines whizzing above me  I was literally scared of my own pillow, she said.

She put her memories on paper and contacted other women who were there, telling the stories of those who endured the hardships of war but who are largely absent from the male-dominated narratives.

She is trying to raise awareness of the role the Soviet women played in Afghanistan, believing they have been unfairly portrayed or not even mentioned in fiction and nonfiction written mostly by men.

The deaths of Soviet women who held civilian jobs in Afghanistan are not part of the official toll, and Smolina has written about 56 women who lost their lives. Some died when a plane was shot down by the Afghan mujahedeen, one was killed when a drunken soldier threw a grenade into her room, and one woman was slain after being raped by a soldier.

In an era when the concept of sexual harassment was largely unfamiliar in the Soviet Union, the women in the war in Afghanistan  usually young and unmarried  often started a relationship to avoid unwanted attention from other soldiers.

Because if a woman has someone, the whole brigade wont harass you like a pack of wolves, Rybalchenko said. Sometimes it was reciprocal, sometimes there was no choice.

She said she found boyfriends to protect her.

While the war grew unpopular at home, Soviet troops and support staff in Afghanistan mostly focused on survival rather than politics. While Afghans largely saw Moscows involvement as a hostile foreign intervention, the Soviets thought they were doing the right thing.

We really believed that we were helping the oppressed Afghan nation, especially because we saw with our own eyes all the kindergartens and schools that the Soviet people were building there, Smolina said.

After Rybalchenko came home, she could hardly get out of bed for the first three months, one of thousands with undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.

When she asked officials about benefits for veterans and other personnel in Afghanistan, she faced hostility and insults. She said one told her: How do I know what you were actually up to over there?

In 2006, Russian lawmakers decided that civilians who worked in Afghanistan were not entitled to war benefits. Women have campaigned unsuccessfully to reinstate them.

Rybalchenko eventually got an apartment from the government, worked in physiotherapy and now lives in retirement in Moscow, where her passion for interior decorating is reflected by the exotic bamboo-forest wallpaper in her home.

Smolina, who lives in Sweden, is wary of disclosing all the details about her own Afghan experiences after facing a backlash from other veterans about her publications.

Our society is not ready yet to hear the truth. There is still a lingering effect from the harsh Soviet past, she said. In Soviet society, you were not supposed to speak out. Nataliya Vasilyeva, Moscow, AP
U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has canceled a trip to China, a government official said, a day after a Chinese official in London criticized Britains defense secretary for making a return to a Cold War mentality.

The trip was to discuss issues affecting China-U.K. economic and financial relations. Hammond was expected to talk about plans for a stock market connection between the countries and wanted to fix a date for the postponed U.K.-China Economic and Financial Dialogue.

The chancellor is not traveling to China at this time, a spokesperson for the Treasury said Saturday. No trip was ever announced or confirmed.

Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson last week said in a speech the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth would be deployed to Asia on its maiden voyage and said China is developing its modern military capability and its commercial power. Williamson said the deployment was a U.K. show-of-strength as China increasingly disputes the waters in the region.

A spokesman at Chinas embassy in London said Williamson made groundless accusations that he said reflected a type of Cold War mentality.

China firmly opposes that, the spokesman said. Meanwhile, China has also noticed the prime ministers spokesman stressed that U.K. holds strong and constructive relationships with China.

Separately, Williamson drew a jibe on Saturday from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Munich Security Conference. In a reference to a speech in which Williamson accused Russia of trying to goad the west into a new arms race, Lavrov mixed up his title.

If you listen to some people like the minister of war  oh, sorry the minister of defense  of the United Kingdom, then you might get an impression that nobody except NATO have the right to be anywhere, Lavrov said as he discussed security in the Arctic region.

Hammonds visit to China will be scheduled at a later date, according to the official. Jessica Shankleman, Ellen Milligan, Bloomberg
President Donald Trump said that theres a possibility he would extend a March 2 deadline in trade talks with China if the two countries are closing in on a deal.

Trump made the remarks after two days of high-level negotiations broke up in Beijing Friday, and the two countries announced plans to resume talks next week in Washington. The worlds two biggest economies are locked in a dispute over Chinas aggressive push to challenge American technological dominance.

The U.S. is scheduled to hike import taxes on USD200 billion worth of Chinese goods on March 2. But Trump told reporters that he might extend the deadline if I see that were close to a deal or the deal is going in the right direction. He had made similar comments earlier this week.

Earlier Friday, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiators made headway in talks this week in Beijing.

Economists said this weeks two days of talks were too brief to resolve the sprawling dispute that extends to cyber-spying and Chinas trade surplus. They said Beijing is trying to persuade Trump enough progress is being made to postpone the penalties.

I hope you will continue to work hard to promote a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Lighthizer in a meeting after the negotiations ended, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The decision to hold more talks suggested they were making progress. But there was no indication of movement on the thorniest dispute: U.S. pressure on Beijing to scale back plans for government-led creation of Chinese global leaders in robotics and other technologies.

We feel we have made headway on very, very important and difficult issues, Lighthizer told Xi. We have additional work we have to do but we are hopeful.

Xi said Beijing and Washington share broad mutual interests in promoting global economic prosperity and stability.

We shoulder important responsibilities, the Chinese leader said.

Washington, Europe, Japan and other governments say Beijings industry plans violate its market-opening obligations. Some American officials worry they might erode U.S. industrial leadership.

Trump raised tariffs in July over complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. He imposed 25 percent penalties on $50 billion of goods from China and 10 percent on $200 billion.

China retaliated by raising duties on American soybeans and other imports and ordering its companies to find other suppliers. Imports of American goods plunged 41.2 percent in January compared with a year earlier, according to customs data.

Trump agreed Dec. 1 to postpone further penalties by 90 days while the two sides negotiate. Once that expires March 1, the charges on $200 billion of goods are due to rise to 25 percent.

Both governments face growing pressure to make peace as global economic growth weakens and the cost to their companies increases.

Beijing has offered to narrow its trade surplus by purchasing more American soybeans, natural gas and other exports. But the government has resisted pressure to cut back development plans it sees as a path to prosperity and global influence.

From politics to economy to ideology, the United States hopes to intervene in Chinas affairs, said the newspaper Global Times, published by the ruling Communist Party.

Companies on both sides have been battered by penalties. Foreign manufacturers in China are starting to shift production of goods bound for the U.S. market to other countries to avoid Trumps tariffs, suggesting they anticipate an extended conflict.

A possible sticking point is Chinese reluctance to agree to an enforcement mechanism demanded by American officials to monitor whether Beijing carries out its promises.

Beijing has tried to deflect pressure by emphasizing Chinas growth as an export market. It has announced changes over the past year to open finance and other fields, including allowing full foreign ownership in its auto industry for the first time.

The U.S. delegation also included Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and David Malpass, a Treasury undersecretary who is Trumps nominee for World Bank president.

The Chinese delegation was led by Vice Premier Liu He, Xis chief economic adviser.

Chinese regulators also have announced plans to improve protection of foreign patents and copyrights.

It is unclear whether that will satisfy Washington and other governments that complain the system is rigged to extract technology from foreign companies and to use official industrial standards to shield Chinese enterprises from competition. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP
The political party seen as the main challenger to military-dominated government in Thailand held its first rally in the capital on Friday, as campaigning heats up for the first election since a 2014 military coup.

Several thousand Pheu Thai party supporters gathered outside Bangkoks city hall, waving signs of support as they listened to hours of speeches seeking to fire up the faithful for the March 24 polls.

Pheu Thai is the flagship party of the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which has won every national election since 2001. Thaksin was accused of abuse of power and disrespect toward the monarchy and deposed by a 2006 military coup.

Since then, Thailands conservative establishment, fearful of his populist appeal, has sought to oppose his comeback. The 2014 coup ousted the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

Team Thaksin faces an uphill battle because Thailands military overlords for the past five years enacted legislation virtually ensuring that no single political party can win a majority of parliamentary seats, and that the next prime minister has to have the backing of pro-military lawmakers. Its efforts make the prime minister in the current military government, Prayuth Chan- ocha  who led the 2014 coup  the odds-on favorite to keep his job.

Thaksins forces suffered a setback last week with the spectacular failure of a plan by another of its affiliated parties to make Princess Ubolratana Mahidol, sister of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, its candidate for prime minister. The monarch slapped down the attempt as inappropriate and unconstitutional, and now the Thai Raksa Chart Party has suspended campaigning and faces possible dissolution by a court. The failed effort is likely to eat into the number of House seats Thaksins side can accumulate.

At Fridays rally, however, the speakers went on the offensive.

We will lead a green revolution, everything will be green, said Plodprasop Suraswadi, a former chief of the Royal Forestry Department who also was a deputy prime minister in Yinglucks government.

The only green we dont want is the army. Go back to your barracks! he shouted, to enthusiastic applause.

A speech by the partys main candidate for prime minister, longtime Thaksin loyalist and former Cabinet minister Sudarat Keyuraphan, capped the evening. She accused the military government of hurting the economy and said Pheu Thai could bring prosperity as we have done before.

The time is up for the tank government, she said, in a reference to the tanks the army traditionally rolls out when it stages a coup. Its time for professional economists. Its time for Pheu Thai to save the economy.

I will always vote for them, said 74-year-old Buay Saeiam, who attended the rally. They always have practical policies whose results we can see.

Another in the crowd, Reungsak Benjapan, said he also has voted for the party many times.

There is always an attempt to get rid of this party, using all sorts of methods, he said. But for those who love this party, it will be hard to get rid of it from our hearts. I have given my faith to them long ago.

Thaksin has denied involvement with the Pheu Thai party because election rules forbid parties from being led by outsiders. But he said in March last year during a reception in Tokyo that he believes the party is led by many good people that should be able to lead the party to another landslide victory. AP
Swiss actor Bruno Ganz, who played Adolf Hitler cooped up in his Berlin bunker in Downfall and an angel in Wim Wenders Wings of Desire, has died. He was 77. German news agency dpa reported that Ganzs management said Saturday he died in Zurich. Ganz, a prominent figure in the German-language theater world, shifted into movies in the 1970s, appearing in Werner Herzogs Nosferatu and Wenders The American Friend among others. In one of his more recent appearances, he starred as Sigmund Freund in The Tobacconist, released last year. Berlin Mayor Michael Mueller said Ganz was one of the greats of the screen and stage. He said that the death of Bruno Ganz is a great loss for the German-speaking theater and film world.

Israel | PM appoints interim foreign minister

Israels prime minister has appointed an interim foreign minister after holding the post himself for the last four years. Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that Transportation Minister Israel Katz would serve as foreign minister until the formation of a new government after April elections. A good governance group petitioned Israels Supreme Court against Netanyahus multitude of roles after he took over the defense ministers portfolio following his resignation late last year. Netanyahu also serves as Israels health minister. Katz recently finished first among serving ministers in the ruling Likud party primaries, and the upgrade solidifies his position as Netanyahus top deputy and potential successor. Katz says hell run for party chairman and prime minister after Netanyahu retires.

France | Yellow vests mark three months amid racist tensions

Paris authorities opened an investigation yesterday into anti-Semitic remarks hurled at a noted philosopher during a yellow vest protest in the capital, an incident that raised national concerns about the movements ascendant radical fringe. The Paris prosecutors office said yesterday an investigation was launched into public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion. A few demonstrators targeted philosopjer Alain Finkielkraut with insults on the sidelines of a yellow vest protest through Paris on Saturday. The shocking incident prompted criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron and other prominent figures.
As India considers its response to the suicide car bombing of a paramilitary convoy in the disputed region of Kashmir that killed dozens of soldiers, a retired military commander who oversaw a much-lauded military strike against neighboring Pakistan in 2016 has urged caution.

A local Kashmiri militant rammed an explosive-laden van into a convoy bus on Thursday, killing 41 soldiers and injuring two dozen others in the worst attack against Indian government forces in Kashmirs history. India blamed the attack on Pakistan and promised a crushing response. New Delhi accuses its archrival of supporting rebels in Kashmir, a charge that Islamabad denies.

The retired commander, Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, told The Associated Press on Saturday that while some kind of limited [military] strike [against Pakistan] is more than likely, he hopes for rethinking and reconciliation from all sides in the conflict.

The former general, who was in charge of the armys northern command at the frontier with Pakistan in Kashmir and counterinsurgency operations, oversaw Indias surgical strikes in September 2016 after militants attacked a military base in the frontier town of Uri near the highly militarized Line of Control.

Nineteen Indian soldiers and three assailants were killed in that attack. India instantly blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers, who New Delhi alleged were Pakistani nationals.

At the peak of a 2016 civilian uprising triggered by the killing of a charismatic Kashmiri rebel leader, Hooda called for all sides to take a step back from the deadly confrontation, suggesting that political initiatives be taken instead. It was a rare move by a top Indian army general in Kashmir.

Later that year when the attack on the base in Uri happened, Hooda commanded what New Delhi called surgical strikes against militants in the Pakistan-controlled part of Kashmir  which India said involved the countrys special forces killing an unknown number of insurgents. Pakistan denied that the strikes ever occurred, demanding that India produce evidence to back up the claim.

Hooda has since said that the constant hype of surgical strikes was unwarranted.

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua rejected Indias allegations about Pakistans involvement in the attack, saying Saturday that it was part of New Delhis known rhetoric and tactics to divert global attention from human rights violations. According to foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal, Janjua called for implementation of U.N. resolutions to solve the issue of Kashmir.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or become an independent country. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

A pre-recorded video circulated widely on social media showed the purported attacker, Adil Ahmed Dar, in combat clothes surrounded by guns and grenades claiming responsibility for the attack and calling for more such measures to drive India out of Kashmir.

Since 2016, soldiers from India and Pakistan have often traded fire along the frontier, blaming each other for initiating the skirmishes that have resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides in violation of a 2003 cease-fire accord.

Hooda said that considering the state of affairs in Kashmir, he wasnt surprised by the bombing.

I just hope this all leads to some introspection, some deep thinking and engagement to do everything afresh and rethink what we all should be doing to settle issues once for all, he said. Aijaz Hussain, Srinagar, AP
The Philippines tax agency is setting its sights on more than 50 companies operating online casinos catering to Chinese punters, and their thousands of Chinese workers.

The companies in question must register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue before the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. will renew their licenses, the Department of Finance said in a statement yesterday. The tax bureau also wants to join an inter-agency team monitoring the number of Chinese nationals working in the online gaming industry.

More than 50 companies referred to as Philippines- based offshore gaming operators, or POGOs, have set up businesses since President Rodrigo Dutertes government began awarding licenses in 2016, triggering the migration of tens of thousands of Chinese workers. Of the more than 115,000 permits given to foreign workers from 2015 to 2017, 51,000 were issued to Chinese nationals, a labor ministry official said in November.

More than 3 million Chinese have entered the Philippines from 2016 and many of them have applied for work permits, the labor ministry official said. In November, Senator Joel Villanueva expressed alarm, saying the number of Chinese workers in the Philippines is much higher than the number of permits issued. That prompted Duterte to say days later that Filipinos must not  get rough on this issue.

We want to trace these Chinese nationals employed by these gaming operators, the statement cited Bureau of Internal Revenue Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa as saying during a recent Department of Finance Executive Committee meeting. They allowed us to join the task force because we are asking for data from Immigration and the Department of Labor and Employment on the list of these foreign nationals.
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The former dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Macau (UM), John Mo, was acquitted from all the charges of rape, the Court of First Instance (TJB) ruled on Friday.

Mo was immediately released from the preventive custody in which he had spent almost nine months since June last year.

According to the decision of the court, announced by the judge that presided over the trial, it was not proven beyond reasonable doubt that the former UM professor had forced the student who pressed charges against him into any form of sexual act.

Evidence included surveillance camera footage from bars and other public venues where Mo and the student had been together, in which it is shown that the student never tried to refuse any of Mos advances. According to the TJB, this footage indicates that the sexual contact among the two was consensual.

The TJB said there was proof that the scholar did have sexual contact with the complainant, but that such acts were consented to and did not fit with the definition of rape.

Equally, the other two defendants on the case, Lei Iok Pui and Yang Manman, who were also accused of the crimes of rape and inaction, were also found not guilty.

The trial, which gathered a lot of media interest, was held behind closed doors on Jan. 25, reaching the sentencing stage in just two audiences, with a single audience in which all the defendants and the witnesses were heard.

While exiting the court, Mos lawyer Oriana Pun said that the accusations from the complainant were found to be groundless, expressing satisfaction with the decision of the court. The [alleged] victim made her statements in court and then vanished, she said, noting that the student was always represented in court by the Public Prosecution.

The judges were very well prepared, Pun said. What was said is true. Although the trial lasted only a day, we were all prepared and we all watched the video. So it was quick and effective. Pun remarked that the court accepted and agreed with most of the defendants views and doubts regarding the case.

As for further actions regarding the case, Pun said that the defense is still evaluating further actions, though noted that it is a right of her client to sue the complainant, and that further actions regarding the termination of contract by the UM are still being considered.

Mo had been listed as a suspect in June 2018 when a student from the mainland pressed charges against him for rape.

The investigation that followed led the UM to terminate the contract with Mo, who was at the time Dean of the Faculty of Law. RM
Chinese enrollments are helping to buoy profits at Thailands only listed school operator.

SISB Pcl, or Singapore International School of Bangkok, sees 2018 net income at the high end of expectations in part because of a jump in Chinese student numbers, Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Koh said.

A former Thai finance minister has said the school should lose tax breaks aimed at spurring investment in private-sector education, given that listed firms seek to maximize shareholder returns. Koh said the proceeds from the share sale can help SISB expand its campus and pay for new technology.

Whether were listed or not listed, we should be treated the same as other schools, Koh said in an interview in Bangkok.

Koh said hes looking at options for expansion into nations such as Vietnam and Myanmar. SISB owns and operates four schools in the Thai capital and has a joint venture in Chiang Mai, for a total student count of 2,400.

About 85 percent of students are Thai, with the rest from countries led by Singapore and China. The English- language curriculum is partly based on the Singaporean system. Annual fees are mid-tier for international schools in Thailand, in the range of USD10,000 to $20,000, Koh said.

Finansia Syrus Securities Pcl, which managed the share sale, forecasts net income of 97 million baht ($3.1 million) in 2018 and almost double that for this year. The stock has climbed about 8 percent since listing, while the overall Thai stock market fell 0.2 percent. Bloomberg
The submission of registration forms by candidates for the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election is scheduled for April, the Commission announced on Friday.

Following its inauguration last week, the Commission held its first meeting on Friday. After the meeting, the Commission met with the media to explain the content of the meeting.

Chairman of the Commission, Song Man Lei, reported that, between April 8 and 23, lega person voters should register their representatives authorized to nominate candidates for the Chief Executive Election Committee.

Candidates for the Chief Executive Election Committee should then submit their candidature applications to the Electoral Affairs Commission from 24 April to May 7.

Moreover, in April, the Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP) will hold a briefing on the Committee election, with the detailed schedule and location to be announced later.

During the meeting, the Commission also discussed a webpage on election matters that would release the latest news and information.

When questioned about matters concerning the candidates for Chief Executive, Song explained that lawmakers who intend to run for CE will have to suspend their duties as lawmakers once they are admitted as candidates. The suspension should start from the moment a lawmaker is admitted, and last until the announcement of the elections results.

Principal officials of the government, members of the Chief Executive Council, judges, judicial assistants, members of the Commission, members of the Committee, and Public Administration staff may be nominated as candidates unless they have resigned or retired on the nomination date.

The Electoral Affairs Commission is responsible for coordinating the process to choose the 400-member Chief Executive Election Committee, and thereafter to coordinate the actual election of a new Chief Executive. This must be determined by June 16.

Regarding the schedule for the CE election, Song noted that the Commission has already started discussions.

Earlier last week, the president of the Legislative Assembly (AL), Ho Iat Seng, acknowledged that he was actively considering his candidacy to become the next Chief Executive when the successor to Chui Sai On is chosen later this year. Also last week, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong remarked that he will listen to the communitys opinions and consider them comprehensively when choosing whether to run in the election [more on page 4]. JZ
The Secretary for Economy and Finance hinted on Friday that he might run in the upcoming chief executive election, becoming the second possible candidate after Ho Iat Seng, the President of the Legislative Assembly, who said earlier in the week he was actively considering the job.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a Chinese Lunar New Year dinner hosted by the Macau Chamber of Commerce, Secretary Leong said that he is listening to the opinions of the community and will consider them comprehensively.

His statements echo that of potential rival Ho Iat Seng, who signaled a similar consideration of the position almost one year ago before repeating that sentiment last week.

Leong said Friday that he is willing to adopt any position in public service provided that it is within his personal capability and that it allows him to contribute to the development of China and Macau.

Citing the words of the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of Chinas State Council, Leong specified that there are just four requirements for a person to be eligible for the Chief Executive post: to love the country and love Macau; to be trusted by the central government; to have administrative abilities; and to be supported by the Macau people.

The Secretary added that in this new era of the countrys development, he believes that the Chief Executive needs to be someone who can lead the civil service and who can coordinate all sectors in the society. Macaus top official should also have experience and capability in public administration, an extensive social network, and the trust of various interests in the city.

This is not just a personal choice, answered Leong when asked if he feels qualified for the position. I think I need to listen to the opinions of the various sectors within the community, and I will engage in a positive attitude [] when considering them.

Leong and Ho have long been favorites to succeed incumbent Chui Sai On, whose second and final five-year term in office will conclude on December 19.

The two potential candidates are currently on equal footing. Neither has officially confirmed their participation in the election, nor ruled it out.

Lawmaker Pereira Coutinho and social commentator Larry So both said they welcomed a second contender for the role, which would interrupt the pattern of the previous two elections when Chui Sai On ran unopposed. The only time there was more than one candidate in a Chief Executive election was the very first, when Edmund Ho ran against Stanley Au.

Although I am against a minority of 400 people having the [sole] privilege of electing the chief executive, it is a positive sign to have more than one candidate, said lawmaker Pereira Coutinho.

But the lawmaker warned that both candidates would face the same major challenge as Chief Executive.

Anyone who is elected will have a very big problem [regarding] indebtedness to the vested interests of the 400 electors, he cautioned. Macau is very small. Everyone is tied to many other people  whether thats media links, commercial links or casino links. Its very hard to find truly independent candidates.

Larry So said he was glad that we might have more than one candidate this time, but offered the opinion that Ho was the frontrunner in the race. Secretary Leong may have a chance although if Ho Iat Seng runs, Leong will face very strong competition, he said.

Meanwhile, lawyer and political analyst Sergio Almeida Correia holds the reverse opinion. Leong has been the main candidate for the job since he started his rise in local politics in the early 2000s, he said, adding that the surprise is that Ho Iat Seng is considering the role.

[Ho] previously said he didnt have the profile because of a lack of experience in politics and public administration. He also said that he was too old, recalled Correia. He suddenly changed that position in March last year [] and it is my conviction that someone in Macau put him forward for this.

For Correia, Leong is anchored in Macau society much better. For example, in the aftermath of typhoon Hato, there is a picture of Leong cleaning the streets, carrying a tree branch. That is a very powerful image. It says to people that Leong is on their side. He was the first to get on the street, and then the others [high-profile officials] followed.

And although the Macau public will not have a direct say in who becomes the next Chief Executive, they are interested in this decision and their opinion will weigh on the privileged electorate. [The publics] quality of life is decreasing and thats something everyone has an interest in, said Correia. Daniel Beitler, Julie Zhu

Tam does not rule out candidacy

QUESTIONED YESTERDAY about a possible candidacy to the post of Chief Executive, Alexis Tam would not give a definite answer. My current hope is to fulfill the duties as the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and supporting the development of the country, in order to increase the welfare of the Macau population, Tam said, quoted in a statement issued by his office.
The World-Herald creates lots of important journalism  stories, photos, video  that is both timely and compelling. But we also know our readers are busy.

Here is a convenient roundup of some of our best work from the last several days that's worth checking out.

* * *

When it comes to grappling with how to fix an underfunded pension system, Omaha Public Schools isn't alone.

How to fix the OPS pension gap? Some solutions could make it harder to hire, retain top teachers There are plenty of other states and school districts trying to stabilize pension systems so that budgets can be balanced and employees can be guaranteed the benefits they were promised. Solutions have included increased contributions from current workers, cuts to current benefits through reduced cost-of-living adjustments and increased contributions from taxpayers.

* * *

Maurice Washington is charged with felony possession of a video depicting a person under 18 engaging in or simulating sexual conduct and misdemeanor disorderly conduct for distributing the video without consent.

Arrest warrant signed for Maurice Washington; Nebraska officials detail contact with investigators Washington is accused of sending a sex video of a girl to that girl, a former girlfriend.

* * *

On Thursday, Valentines Day, mourners packed into St. Augustine Catholic Church to say goodbye. They crowded around the gravesite. They filled a parish hall for chicken soup and quiet comfort and the well-wishes of the childrens classmates scrawled on paper hung on the walls.

Grace: Four white caskets line front of church at funeral for Schuyler family killed in crash A pregnant mother and her three-school age sons died in a three-vehicle crash just west of Fremont at dusk on Feb. 2.

* * *
In his homeland of England, his quest is overshadowed by that of superstar Mo Farah. In his temporary home in America, though, he could be gunning for an anecdotal local precedent.
December 14, 1937  February 6, 2019

Madelynn Sue Mariner, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at the Regent Court Memory Care in Corvallis.

Sue was born in Minot, North Dakota on December 14, 1937, to Edgar and Madeline Evenson. In her early years, the family lived in North Dakota, Florida, Oklahoma, and Alaska before moving to Zaragoza, Spain in 1954.

Sue attended the University of North Dakota and University of Maryland and received certificates of scholastic achievement in liberal arts and languages. Sue worked as a translator/interpreter in Madrid with the military/diplomatic corps for 20 years, and was awarded the Department of Armys distinguished civilian service medal and citation upon leaving in 1979.

She met her husband Mel, a major in the United States Air Force, in Spain. After they married, they returned to the United States and made Corvallis their home. Sue began working as Executive Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Corvallis in 1979. She was appointed as City Recorder in 1990 until she retired in 2001.
A study by the apartment search website RentCafe finds that more wealthy Americans are choosing to rent living spaces instead of buying them.

The studys writer, Alexandra Ciuntu, collected information from the U.S. Census Bureau. She found that the number of U.S. households earning at least $150,000 a year that chose to rent increased 175 percent between 2007 and 2017.

This new kind of renter goes against the idea that Americans rent mostly because they do not have enough money to buy a home.

Ciuntu told VOA by email, "Lifestyle plays an important part in their decision to rent."

Business and technology centers like San Francisco, California, and Seattle, Washington, have the highest numbers of wealthy renters.

In San Francisco, the number of renters grew from 21,000 in 2007 to 71,400 in 2017. That is an increase of 240 percent. The number of wealthy buyers increased by 56 percent -- from 40,100 in 2007 to 62,400 in 2017.

Ciuntu says that, with the rise in housing prices, it seems like a better decision to rent than to buy.

She added, In San Francisco, for example, $200,000 buys you just 260 square feet [24 square meters]. It's understandable why top earners give renting a serious try before deciding whether to invest in a property or not."

In San Francisco and New York City, wealthy renters outnumber wealthy buyers. There are more high-earning renters  about 250,000  in New York City than anywhere else in the country.

But Ciuntu notes that the interest in renting does not mean wealthy Americans are rejecting homeownership. Between 2007 and 2017, Seattle gained 13,400 more wealthy home owners than it did high-income renters. Cities like Chicago and Denver also saw thousands more wealthy homeowners move in than wealthy renters during that 10-year period.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Dora Mekouar reported this story for VOA News. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English with additional content from the RentCafe blog. Ashley Thompson was the editor.

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Words in This Story

lifestyle  n. a particular way of living; the way a person lives or a group of people live

household  n. the people in a family or other group that are living together in one house
From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.

Being able to find high quality health care at an affordable price is an issue in many countries.

In the United States, Walmart, a large chain store, is trying to help. It is offering something new to its employees: cutting the cost of a doctors appointment to only $4.

The Associated Press (AP) news agency notes that Walmart once required its employees to pay $40 for the same service.

Why is the price so low, you might ask? Whats the catch?

The catch is that the patient and doctor must meet electronically -- over the internet. This online service is called telemedicine.

Walmart is the latest major business in the United States to push its workers toward a high-tech way to be examined and treated by doctors. Thanks to telemedicine, people can talk with medical experts from the privacy of their own homes, often using a secure video connection.

Many in the U.S. healthcare industry see this as a good time to teach people how telemedicine services can help them. The AP reports that widespread use of smartphone technology, an easing of rules and employer interest are all fueling the expansion of telemedicine.

Supporters say online visits make it easier for patients to see an expert or quickly find help for problems considered non-emergencies. But many people continue to go to the doctors office when they are sick.

Some healthcare needs are well-suited for telemedicine

Some areas of healthcare seem like a good choice for telemedicine. It can help people seeking treatment for insect bites or skin conditions. Patients who have had medical treatments and cannot move around easily can use telemedicine for their follow-up visits. Also, people seeking help for mental health issues can benefit from the privacy that telemedicine gives.

Still, many people do not use telemedicine

But generally, Americans have been slow to try virtual health care.

The AP reports that 80 percent of middle-size and large U.S. companies offered telemedicine services to their workers in 2018. That is up from only 18 percent in 2014. However, the AP found that only 8 percent of eligible employees used telemedicine at least once in 2017.

This seems to support what many health care experts say -- people are often not willing to change their way of thinking about health care.

Who uses telemedicine? And who doesnt?

Compared with seeing a real doctor in person, some people may think the quality of telemedicine is not as good. Parents, for example, may feel they are not giving their child the best care if they use a virtual doctor appointment.

Older adults may also not want to see a doctor online. Experts say that one reason may be that older people may look forward to their in-person doctor appointments.

The company InSight Telepsychiatry provides virtual mental health services. Geoffrey Boyce, the head of the company, spoke with the AP about the people who use telemedicine.

Boyce explained that, going to the doctors office is a big event in the lives of many older people. He said it is something they look forward to.

Another reason some adults may not use telemedicine services is trust.

Tom Hill, age 66, lives in the state of Indiana. Hill told the AP he has no plans to ever use telemedicine. He does not buy anything online, let alone do something as personal as seeing a doctor. He says, for him, it is important to look his doctor in the eye and shake hands.

However, for some people -- such as young people and busy students -- telemedicine might be a good choice. It can cut down on the time away from work. It can also cut down on the cost of doctor visits.

And that's the Health & Lifestyle report.

Im Anna Matteo.

Tom Murphy reported this story for the Associated Press. Anna Matteo adapted his report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

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Quiz - People Unsure About Virtual Doctor Visits Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

affordable  adj. having a cost that is not too high

chain store  n. one of numerous usually retail stores having the same ownership and selling the same lines of goods

Whats the catch?  slang phrase : What is the drawback? This means something sounds too good to be true. So, a person asks if there any hidden problems.

virtual  adj. being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

high-tech  adj. technology involving the production or use of advanced or sophisticated devices

benefit  n. a good or helpful result or effect

eligible  adj. qualified to participate or be chosen
Native American flute players perform at music festivals around the world. But few belong to any Native tribe or nation. That concerns award-winning flutist Darren Thompson. He is a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northern Wisconsin.

Thompson told VOA, "The Native American flute is the name of the instrument, so anybody who picks one up and plays it can call himself a Native American flute player."

This week, Thompson is performing at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in New York. He will share music and stories connected to the history and struggles of the Ojibwe people.

Playing an inauthentic flute violates the U.S. Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The law, passed in 1990, bans the sale of goods falsely identified as "Native American." But there is nothing to stop non-Native performers from falsely claiming Native American heritage.

Thompson said, "It's not so much the fact that they are playing the flute that bothers me. It's the fact that a lot of them are non-Native and try to play the part of a Native, wearing what they think is Indian attire...

Thompson grew up hearing traditional Ojibwe music. But it was not an important part of his life until he left the reservation.

He said, "I went to Marquette University, where there weren't any other Native kids. I was still in Wisconsin, but it was a foreign environment."

His longing for home led Thompson to the music of Navajo/Ute flutist Raymond Carlos Nakai. Nakais music brought back childhood memories.

"One of the first stories I ever heard came from the elders, who talked about trees," Thompson said. "I remember them saying trees sing to us and give us guidance. I think I was four, and that story came to mind 15 years later when I first heard Nakai playing."

Thompson bought his first flute from a non-Native seller at a cultural event. He taught himself to play. As he learned, he says he felt moved to connect to the music of his ancestors.

He added, "I went out to museums to research actual instruments that were seized 200 years ago and taken into collections."

Traditionally, players made their own instruments from a single piece of wood. No two instruments would have been exactly alike.

Thompson said, "The length of the instrument would be the distance from that person's armpit to his first knuckle. The width would be the same as the width of his thumb.

The number of open holes carved into the flute also differs. Thompson owns several flutes. He made a few of them himself. Some have only four holes, while others have five or six.

The result is a sound unique to each player  a deep and clear sound that Thompson says "touches a lot of people."

He has wanted to perform at NMAI for at least 10 years.

Thompson said, "NMAI has a program called The Art of Storytelling. My performance is unique, in that I try to reintroduce stories and music from history. Songs I've learned that were recorded in the early 1900s, before our culture got erased."

Im Jonathan Evans.

Cecily Hilleary reported this story for VOA News. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

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Words in This Story

inauthentic  adj. not real, accurate, or sincere; not authentic

elders  n. people who have authority because of age and experience

heritage  n. the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc., that are part of the history of a group or nation

attire  n. clothing

erase(d)  v. to remove any thought or memory of something

reintroduce  v. to begin using something again

unique  adj. very special or unusual

actual  adj. real and not merely possible or imagined : existing in fact
The capital of Iraq is known for its cultural center and book market. Now, Baghdad has a new place for visitors: a war museum. It honors the thousands of mainly Shiite militiamen who died fighting the Islamic State group.

The museum also shows the Iran-backed militias growing importance in the country. Their political and military power rose sharply after they helped the government defeat IS. Now they are accused of trying to build their own state within Iraq.

War museum

The museum is housed inside one of Baghdads historic buildings. It shows rocket launchers, drones and other weapons from the four-year fight with IS. Visitors can look through the items taken from the front lines, as well as personal items fighters left behind on the battlefield.

One recent visitor to the museum was a 55-year-old teacher named Umm Hassanin al-Oukeily. She expressed feeling very thankful for the militia. I feel that Iraq exists because of them, she said. They are like the beating heart of Iraq, she added.

Who are the militia?

The militia are mainly Shiite groups with close ties to Iran. They also include some Christian, Yazidi and Sunni groups. Together they are known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi in Arabic.

They appeared following a call in June 2014 by Iraqs top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. He asked for volunteers to fight against IS. Tens of thousands answered the clerics call.

At that time, Iraqs military and security forces had collapsed. Islamic State militants had taken the northern city of Mosul, Iraqs second-largest, and much of northern and western Iraq. Islamic State control came dangerously close to Baghdad and Shiite religious lands farther south. Desperate for a defense, the Iraqi government accepted the militias as an important part of the fight against IS.

The militias lost about 7,000 fighters in the war. They came out of the war with the image of an almost holy force protecting Iraqs Shiite Muslim majority.

Effect of the militias popularity

Their popularity has helped make the militias a major political and military player following the defeat of IS. Today, militias are present in almost every Iraqi province. In some areas, they are in local government. Pictures of dead fighters are shown in shop windows in Baghdad and other areas.

The 2018 parliamentary elections were the first after the victory over IS. The militias coalition won 48 seats, making it the second-largest bloc in Parliament. Their wins gave the militias a formal position in politics. Under the new budget, militiamen are for the first time being paid as soldiers.

But the mix of arms and political power is dangerous for Iraq because of its history of sectarian fighting. Iraqs Sunni minority, the military, and the government fear the Shiite militias may control Iraq the way the powerful Revolutionary Guard does in Iran or the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon.

A Western diplomat in Baghdad who did not want to be named spoke about his concerns. The Shiite militias are building economic empires, taking control of state reconstruction companies and projects, and developing into economic organizations, he said.

The more than 50 militias in Iraq have up to 140,000 fighters, according to some estimates and the Popular Mobilization Forces itself. They are backed by tanks and weapons, and have their own intelligence agency, operations room and court of law.

In an interview with the Associated Press last month, the leader of one of the most powerful of the militias, Qais al-Khazali, said their existence helps the Iraqi military. He suggested that the militias would remain a force as long as theres an ongoing military threat to Iraq.

Im Susan Shand.

Susan Shand adapted this story for Learning English based on an original report from the Associated Press. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor.

Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

drone  n. a type of small aircraft that flies without a pilot

booty  n. money or goods stolen or taken in war

cleric  n. a religious man

desperate  adj. having a strong need or desire for something or to do something

sectarian  adj. relating to religious or political sects and the differences between them

empire  n. a group of countries or regions that are controlled by one ruler or one government
As reported in this local article, headlined "Norfolk judges unite to block prosecutor from dropping marijuana cases," a fascinating tussle has broken out as an elected prosecutor tries to move away from criminally prosecuting marijuana offenders. Here are the details:

The judges on the citys top court have decided to block Norfolks chief prosecutor from essentially decriminalizing marijuana possession, a setback hes thinking about appealing to the state Supreme Court.

On Tuesday, prosecutors under Commonwealths Attorney Greg Underwood went to court for at least the third time to try to drop or dismiss misdemeanor marijuana charges. Prosecuting people for having marijuana disproportionately hurts black people and does little to protect public safety, hes said.

For the third time, a judge rebuffed them, and told prosecutors shes not alone, but joined by her seven colleagues. We are of one mind on this, Circuit Judge Mary Jane Hall said.

The decisions adds to the confusion about whether its OK to have a small amount of weed in the city. Norfolk police have said they will continue to cite people for misdemeanor marijuana possession as theyve always done. Circuit Court judges appear determined to make sure offenders are tried, even if the commonwealths attorney refuses to prosecute them....

In 2016 and 2017, more than 1,560 people have been charged with first- or second-offense marijuana possession, prosecutor Ramin Fatehi told the judge in court Tuesday. Of them, 81 percent were black in a city thats 47 percent white and 42 percent black.

This breeds a reluctance on the part of African Americans, particular young African American men, to trust or cooperate with the justice system, according to a Commonwealths Attorneys Office memo announcing the policy changes. Such prosecution also encourages the perception that the justice system is not focusing its attention on the legitimately dangerous crimes that regrettably are concentrated in these same communities.

On Tuesday, Hall denied Fatehis motion to dismiss charges against Zemont Vaughan. The 24-year-old Norfolk man, who is black, had been convicted in a lower court in October, but on Tuesday, he went to the higher Circuit Court to appeal that conviction.

Prosecutors motions to dismiss or drop charges are typically formalities. They dont generally like giving up on cases, so when they make what amounts to an admission of defeat, judges almost always grant them. Not this time.

Hall told Fatehi she and the other seven judges think the Norfolk commonwealths attorney is trespassing on the state legislatures territory: making laws. The judge said Fatehi made an extremely compelling case with his statistics on racial disparities, but should pitch it to lawmakers in Richmond.

I believe this is an attempt to usurp the power of the state legislature, Hall said. This is a decision that must be made by the General Assembly, not by the commonwealths attorneys office.

Fatehi countered: Underwood is exercising the executive power voters gave him when they elected him the citys top prosecutor. Part of the job is prosecutorial discretion, or deciding which laws should be enforced, especially since he has a limited amount of resources. In contrast to the misdemeanor possession charges, Underwoods lawyers will keep prosecuting people accused of trafficking or dealing marijuana. This is an exercise of our discretion, Fatehi said.

Fatehi said Underwood is thinking about asking the state Supreme Court to reverse the judges decisions, adding that hes very close to making a decision.
Sunday, February 17, 2019



photo Troy Catchings / Clarksdale Press Register / AP file

Check out this disturbing article from Mother Jones about the detention of asylum seekers at a Core Civic facility in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi.

The facility has, until now, been principally used to house out-of-state inmates for states whose own prisons are too full to accommodate all those convicted of crimes. But when California decided to stop sending inmates across the country to Mississippi, Core Civic signed a contract with the feds to house immigration detainees.

The problem with housing migrants in this part of the country is that there are no immigration attorneys within miles of the facility. Since it hadn't previously housed migrants, there are no nonprofit organizations or even private immigration counsel to assist the detainees.

Jeremy Jong of the Southern Poverty Law Center told Mother Jones: If someone wanted to build a jail where asylum-seekers lose otherwise winnable cases because of lack of access to the outside world, that jail would probably look a lot like Tallahatchie does now.

The article follows the story of one migrant with a compelling claim for asylum currently housed at this facility.

-KitJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/02/new-immigraiton-detention-center-in-tallahatchie-mississippi-far-from-immigration-counsel.html




November 2020 Update: THE MORTAL STORM is now also available on : THE MORTAL STORM is now also available on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive.

On Friday our most enjoyable day in Los Angeles concluded with the UCLA Festival of Preservation screening of THE MORTAL STORM (1940).Earlier in the day, as I wrote about here , we had enjoyed a 35mm screening of THE CROOKED WAY (1949), a film I originally reviewed here in 2013 The 35mm screening of THE MORTAL STORM was preceded by the short WINGS OVER EVEREST (1935), about the first-ever flights over Mount Everest in 1933 to film the summit. The film's presentation was quite hokey at times, but as someone with a longstanding interest in Mount Everest I found the footage fascinating. It would be another two decades after the aerial footage was shot before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit and successfully returned.THE MORTAL STORM, released 18 months before Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into World War II, begins as Hitler has become Chancellor of Germany and shows the effects of the rise of the Nazis on a single family.Professor Viktor Roth (Frank Morgan) is a "non-Aryan" (i.e., Jewish) science professor at a university at the foot of the Alps. Honored by his students and family on his birthday as the film opens, he soon finds himself ostracized for being non-Aryan and for teaching the scientific fact that all blood is alike.Roth's stepsons (Robert Stack and William T. Orr) from his marriage to Emilia (Irene Rich) become Nazi stormtroopers, as does Fritz (Robert Young), who is engaged to Roth's daughter Freya (Margaret Sullavan). Freya, dismayed with Fritz's militarism and increasingly unkind temperament, breaks the engagement and falls in love with her childhood friend Martin (James Stewart), who resists Nazi conformity and must remain in Austria after helping a Jewish friend escape over the Alps. (Incidentally, although it's never said, wouldn't Fritz have eventually seen the need to break the engagement, as Freya -- Professor Roth's oldest child -- must have been "non-Aryan" herself?)The Roths find themselves increasingly isolated, with the stepsons even moving out of the house and separating themselves from the family. The professor is jailed, and when Emilia and Freya attempt to leave the country with youngest son Rudi (Gene Reynolds), Freya is pulled off the train at the border after one of her father's notebooks is found in her luggage. Martin returns for her, and they make one last desperate attempt to flee the country.THE MORTAL STORM is an interesting and powerful film showing what happens when good people remain silent and allow evil to flourish. Emilia's sons and Fritz are all convinced there is only one correct view of Hitler and German politics and that those who disagree are traitors to the country. Those who aren't part of the Aryan "club" are viewed as worthless outsiders, and Fritz is thus willing to look the other way when a man is beaten merely for being Jewish. A university colleague (Russell Hicks) won't help the professor because he fears for his own family, and the longtime maid (Esther Dale) leaves so that she won't be tainted by working for the Roths. And on it goes, as the Nazis become more and more entrenched. The professor and Martin simply want to be able to quietly continue their lives as they see fit, but their non-conformity is a threat which must be extinguished.The performances are all excellent, with Morgan's final scene with Rich in the prison a particular standout. What a fine actor!A young Dan Dailey (billed Dan Dailey Jr.) and Ward Bond are effective as lead villains of the piece; Bond tended to be a bit over the top at times, but Dailey was quite chilling.Maria Ouspenskaya plays Martin's mother, with Bonita Granville an emotional young local girl targeted by Bond to supply information. I did think Granville's character could have used a little more back story to help viewers better understand her. A young Tom Drake can be easily spotted in a non-speaking role as a student. It was his second film credit. Brad Dexter and James Millican are also billed as students, but I didn't spot them.The production has the typical MGM polish. One of my only critical comments was thinking it strange that Sullavan's character skis by moonlight with no coat or hat -- wasn't it cold?!THE MORTAL STORM was directed by Frank Borzage , who also directed Sullavan in another film about the Nazi rise to power, LITTLE MAN, WHAT NOW? (1934). The film runs 100 minutes. The film was based on a novel by Phyllis Bottome; the screenplay was by Claudine West, Hans Rameau, and George Froeschel. The latter two men were actually refugees from Nazi Germany.The movie was filmed in black and white by William Daniels , with uncredited work by Lloyd Knechtel and Leonard Smith THE MORTAL STORM is available on DVD from the Warner Archive . It's also been released on VHS and is shown from time to time on Turner Classic Movies . The trailer is on the TCM website Two footnotes. One is that the UCLA program notes, quoted by UCLA's Jan-Christopher Horak in his introduction, state THE MORTAL STORM "is only one of two films made in Hollywood during the war that actually explicitly identifies the victims of Nazism as Jews, the other being Andre de Toths NONE SHALL ESCAPE (1944)." I'm not sure what prompted this statement, as at least two other films tackling this issue come easily to mind; 20th Century-Fox's THE MAN I MARRIED (1940), released just weeks after THE MORTAL STORM, and Columbia Pictures' ADDRESS UNKNOWN (1944) both make clear the plight of Jews at the hands of Nazis. The ending of THE MAN I MARRIED, in which a fervently pro-Nazi character learns he is "non-Aryan," is a memorable stunner. As a further footnote, given that one of the film's significant themes was about the ways in which Nazis imposed conformity of thought, I found it more than a bit ironic that Horak's introduction clearly assumed there is only One Right Way to view current U.S. politics. I otherwise admire Mr. Horak, but I run into these types of political remarks fairly often at screenings, which leave no room for the possibility that things might be seen by reasonable people through another prism, and the clear view of "correct thinking" and the unspoken expectation of agreement from a friendly "L.A. audience" honestly seemed a little...fascistic...in and of itself. It reminded me eerily of the film, which I'm sure was the last thing which crossed his mind. Food for thought?THE MORTAL STORM is a well-acted and beautifully produced film which is engrossing and interesting on many levels. Recommended.
Howard County bares an unusual significance in Hoosier history as the only county to have ever been renamed.

But its original namesake, a prominent civil chief of the Miami Indians, has garnered renewed attention thanks, in part, to his descendant Tyler Moores run for mayor, as well as the 175th anniversary of the founding of the county.

Prior to becoming known by its modern-day moniker, Howard County first existed as Richardville County. That name, garnered at the time of the countys founding in 1839 after the Miami Indians ceded the last of their land to the state, came from Miami Civil Chief Jean Baptiste Richardville. Also known as John B. Richardville or by his Miami name, Peshewa, meaning the wildcat, Richardville rose to prominence in negotiating multiple treaties between the United States and Miami Indians. And one of his direct descendants, Moore, remains prominent today as a Howard County Commissioner and Republican candidate for mayor.

According to the writings of historian Craig Leonard, Richardville was the son of French-Canadian trader Joseph Druet de Richardville and Tacumwa. According to Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society, Tacumwa was the sister to the Miami War Chief Little Turtle.

Born about 1761 in the Miami village of Kekionga, which today is known as Fort Wayne, Richardville served as the civil chief of the Miami Indians from 1816 to the time of his death in 1841.

Renowned for his negotiating skills, which historical references credit to his mixed heritage, allowing him to better understand both the cultures of the Miami and European culture, Richardville was amongst those who signed the Treaty of Greenville in 1795. He again garnered a similar distinction after the signing of the Treaty of Fort Wayne in 1803.

He had that French influence, and obviously the French traders were very prevalent here, said Moore. I think he was a good bridge, if you will, between the two cultures and garnered enough respect from the Miami tribe. And with his French background, he was able to negotiate well, just keep the peace almost, as it continued to develop.

Eventually, through multiple treaties, the Miamis land was ceded to the United States. The largest single acquisition of land by the United States came by way of the 1818 Treaty of St. Marys, where the tribe relinquished more than 7 million acres, leaving a 35-square-mile area that became known as the Big Miami Reserve, according to local historian Gilbert Porter.

That reserve, which totally encompassed Howard County, lasted longer than many other similar reserves as the country pushed Indians out west, lasting 22 years before being relinquished in the Treaty of 1840, which Richardville negotiated.

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He did, however, succeed in procuring land to exempt half of the tribe from forced emigration. Of this, Leonard wrote, This provision is perhaps the best measure of the extent to which Richardville's strategy of securing individual land titles for members of the tribe succeeded in thwarting the federal government's policy. Richardville may also have known it was the only basis on which he could secure the Miami council's approval.

At the time, Richardville served as a civil chief for the tribe, and as a part of that treaty he garnered seven sections of land, which were near Fort Wayne, along the Wabash at the Forks, and one section in Howard County near modern-day Greentown. Each section of land amounted to 640 acres.

Richardvilles son-in-law, Civil Chief Francis LaFontaine, also garnered land on modern-day Kokomo.

Although Richardville never lived in Howard County, instead opting to live in Fort Wayne, multiple references to Richardville and his family lasted through local history.

A Combination Atlas Map of Howard County printed in 1877 and provided by the Howard County Historical Society indicated that state legislators officially organized Richardville County on Jan. 15, 1844. The origins of the decision to name now-Howard County after Richardville arent within known historical records.

Moore, the fourth great-grandson of Richardville, postulated that his relatives influence was widespread, leading to the county originally being named after him.

I think it was just his influence that spilled down into the area, said Moore. The Miami inhabited such a large part of the northern state. Just at that time, his influence and presence, like anything else, they decided to honor him with that.

That name was changed for unknown reasons to Howard County in 1846.

The reason for the change is up to speculation.

The impetus to change the name, Im not sure exactly why, said Porter. It was sort of the common, and it may have been just  it was difficult to pronounce. Theres probably some validity to that. Never the less, the previous gubernatorial election, the person who was defeated was Howard. This was right about that time, 1846. The name change occurred in December 1846. It was either that year or the year before when Howard had lost, and there was a feeling to honor him. I think he had just died. It was a confluence of events. There is some documentation that it happened very quickly.

Richardville even served as the original name of Russiaville, according to Porter. However, over time the name was anglicized into Russiaville.
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HARRISBURG  Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is playing an outsize role in the Capitol. In just a few weeks on the job, the Democrat and No. 2 in Pennsylvania government has taken on more policy responsibilities than his predecessor.

He is now on a statewide listening tour with respect to recreational marijuana  which will eventually bring him to Lancaster County  as well as taking on other major issues.

He says its part of his mission to find common ground among citizens and their elected representatives.

If you like the professional wrestling, the politics and the partisan back and forth, you can get your fill in Washington right now, he said.

In Pennsylvania, I very much want it to be What can we get done? Where can we get together?  Fetterman said in a recent interview.

Pennsylvania is among 33 states that have legalized medical marijuana. Only 10 have legalized recreational marijuana. Fetterman supports such a move, and Gov. Tom Wolf has sent him on a tour of the state to find out where citizens stand.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has said legalizing recreational use could generate $500 million a year in new tax revenue.

Reporters for LNP and The Caucus caught up with Fetterman to ask him about the listening tour. Here is what he had to say.

Tell us about your marijuana fact- and opinion-gathering tour.

Been getting a lot of interest in it and been hearing a lot of views in between the time when we announced up to today, and the feedback has all been productive and respectful, and thats whats really impressed me. There hasnt been any angry trolling or fringe kind of feedback. I can say anecdotally its trended very positive for adoption.

We know the governor has tasked you to do this and is open to the idea. Do you favor the idea?

The last time I went to all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, it was about me sharing what I think. Thats not interesting. The next time Im going to all 67 counties, its about what you all think. And thats whats interesting and whats important. And thats what this tour is all about  finding out exactly where people are coming from. And we are doing it in a transparent and accessible way that will  be in respect for anyone, regardless of their views. Theres no hidden agenda, theres no guided discovery or whatever euphemism you want to use. Its strictly a listening tour.

If it comes back extremely positive, do you expect there to be action taken as a result of that? Would you have somebody introduce a bill to legalize it?

I honestly dont know. What I do know is that each and every resident of Pennsylvania will be able to examine the feedback, examine what each room looks like in terms of the number of people, what they thought, where they came down. Were doing it completely transparently. Each view is given the same consideration and weight. In fact, at the end of each meeting, Im trying to say, All those aye? All those no? And the people of Pennsylvania will be able to go through every county meeting and see what each room looks like in terms of supporting, because I think its important for people to see.

Have you smoked marijuana?

I have. I have tried it. Once specifically was when I attended Burning Man, and it was either 99 or 2000. Its a festival of sorts held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. Its grown in scope since me attending.

So you just dont know what will come of this tour?

Not only dont I know, the decision of how to proceed is going to be up to the governor.

A lot of the hesitation from Republican lawmakers is just the fact that its still illegal on a federal level. How do you have those conversations and proceed with this legally in the state?

Very valid point. One of the non-negotiable aspects of this listening tour is I personally call and invite every state representative and state senator, knowing that Im coming to his or her district, and I encourage and welcome them to participate. Theyre the local leaders. Theyre the ones who know the communities better than I do.
Editor's note: This story was originally published in February 2017.

In the long history of the United States, only one Pennsylvania native has risen to the nations highest office.

Lancaster County was not the birthplace of President James Buchanan, but it was the place Buchanan called home.

For history buffs, who like to see how the countrys presidents lived, there are six presidential homes in Pennsylvania  none more than a day trip from Lancaster.

Wheatland, Buchanans Lancaster home

Its the rare Lancaster County resident who hasnt visited  or at least passed by  Wheatland, an imposing 19th-century mansion just outside the city.

Wheatland, at 1120 Marietta Ave., housed the only U.S. president born in Pennsylvania. Buchanan, the 15th president who preceded Abraham Lincoln in office, also is buried locally, at nearby Woodward Hill Cemetery.

According to the National Park Service, Buchanan bought the large, Federal-style house and 22 surrounding acres in 1848. He died there 20 years later, and in the meantime spent four years as president over a rapidly splintering nation.

Buchanan described Wheatland as his agreeable country residence outside the bustling city, according to LancasterHistory.org.

The brick mansion stands two and a half stories tall in the middle, with two three-story wings on either side. Features include 17 rooms and a front porch with Doric columns.

The home was built in 1828 for local lawyer William Jenkins, according to the Lancaster Township website. It was sold in 1841 to William M. Meredith, and to Buchanan in 1848.

Buchanans niece, Harriet Lane, sold the house in 1881 to George Willson, and in 1934 it was purchased by a foundation intended for its preservation. According to Wikipedia, Wheatland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The home today, furnished with many period items including some that belonged to Buchanan. Besides the conveniences of modern heating and lighting, the house has never been significantly altered or remodeled.

It and three outbuildings are available for tours on the LancasterHistory.org campus, which preserves 10 of Buchanans original 22 acres.

Website: lancasterhistory.org/visit/wheatland

Address: 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 1.6 miles

Buchanans birthplace at Stony Batter

The home where James Buchanan was born is gone, but the site remains as a monument to the man.

Cove Gap, in the Tuscarora Mountain near Mercersburg in Franklin County, was on the western edge of civilization when Buchanan was born in 1791, according to documents from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Buchanans father owned a store there  the last stop in those days for people heading west  and called it Stony Batter after the familys ancestral home in Northern Ireland. The family moved to Mercersburg when James was 6 (see below).

The buildings that were there in Buchanans lifetime are long gone, although the spot today is marked by a 31-foot-tall granite pyramid that Buchanans niece, Harriet Lane, commissioned in her will. The site is part of an 18.5-acre park.

According to PresidentialAvenue.com, the log cabin in which Buchanan was born was moved to Chambersburg, and in 1953 it was moved again to a site on the grounds of Mercersburg Academy.

Website: dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/buchanansbirthplace/

Address: Stoney Valley Road, Mercersburg

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 110 miles

Buchanans boyhood home in Mercersburg

Buchanan spent his childhood in Mercersburg, and his family home is still open for business.

The future presidents father, James Buchanan Sr., bought the lot in 1796 and built a two-story brick structure  his home and store  in a Scottish community of several dozen homes. Ten years later, Buchanan left home to attend Dickinson College.

The Buchanan home eventually became the Hotel Mercer and, today, the James Buchanan Hotel. The property changed hands several times over the years, at one point containing a drug store. It was listed by the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The present owners, Judy and Catalin Bonciu, bought the property in 1988 and run it as a hotel, pub and restaurant.

Website: jamesbuchananhotel.com

Address: 15 N. Main St., Mercersburg

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 112 miles

The Presidents House in Philadelphia

Before occupying the White House in Washington, D.C., in 1800, the first two U.S. presidents lived in the first capital city: Philadelphia.

The three-and-a-half-story brick mansion in Philadelphia, where George Washington and John Adams both lived during their presidencies, was demolished nearly 200 years ago  but that doesnt mean its not still a tourist destination.

According to a timeline provided by UShistory.org, the home was built in 1767 and was used as the Governors Mansion for the Pennsylvania colony starting in 1772. General William Howe of the British army used it as his headquarters in 1777 and 1778.

Robert Morris, a financier and signer of the Declaration of Independence, bought the house in 1780. He rented it for Washingtons use beginning in 1790, then sold it to the city in 1795.

Washington occupied the house as president from 1790 to 1797, and Adams followed until 1800, when he moved to Washington, D.C.

No longer needed for official business, the house became the Union Hotel, then was gutted in 1832, leaving only side walls and foundations for use as a storefront.

Most of the western wall was removed by 1941, according to UShistory.org, and the remaining eastern wall was demolished in 1951 to create Independence Mall.

Its story doesnt end there, however. According to VisitPhilly.com, excavations beginning in 2000 exposed the buildings history, and visitors now can see a recreation of the original walls and look through glass at the underground foundations.

The site also houses an exhibit on the slaves who worked in the president's home.

Website: phila.gov/presidentshouse/

Address: 600 Market St., Philadelphia

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 71 miles

The Deshler-Morris House in Germantown

The Germantown White House, as it is commonly known, was just a temporary solution to George Washingtons housing needs but, unlike his Philadelphia residence, this ones still standing.

According to the National Park Service, which maintains the property today, Washington took refuge in the house for two weeks in November 1793, when Philadelphia was suffering from a deadly yellow fever epidemic. He returned in September and October 1794 to escape a heat wave in the city.

Like the Philadelphia house, British General Howe also used this home as a military headquarters in 1777.

Originally built as a four-room summer cottage, it was expanded in the 1770s with a three-story, nine-room addition.

The home is called the Deshler-Morris house after David Deshler, who built it in 1752, and Elliston Morris, who donated it to the National Park Service in 1948. Today it has been restored to its 18th-century appearance.

Website: nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/places-germantownwhitehouse.htm

Address: 5442 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 68 miles

Eisenhowers house and farm in Gettysburg

The Eisenhower National Historic Site, home of President Dwight David Eisenhower from 1950 until his death in 1969, is adjacent to the Gettysburg National Battlefield. The site was opened to visitors in 1979.

According to Destination Gettysburg, the farm served as Eisenhowers weekend retreat, and it also was a meeting place between the president and various world leaders.

According to Wikipedia, the 189-acre farm was dilapidated when the Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower bought it. They renovated and rebuilt the buildings, and they expanded the property to 230 acres.

They donated the property to the National Park Service in 1967, although both Dwight and Mamie lived there until their deaths in 1969 and 1979, respectively.

Visitors today can tour the house and grounds.

Website: nps.gov/Eise/index.htm

Address: 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg

Distance from downtown Lancaster: 59 miles
With Lancaster County's bucolic backdrop and proximity to Washington, D.C., it's little wonder that this region has been a frequent stop for traveling presidents through the years. Today we take a second look at 10 of those presidential visits -- including one by a soon-to-be president - through the coverage each received in the local newspapers.

This story is part of LNP's 225th anniversary in 2019. Today's newspaper can be traced back to its start as the Lancaster Journal in 1794. In that year, George Washington was president and the United States of America was still in its early years.

Below, you'll find a look at some of the historic stops and front pages.

As part of our 225th anniversary coverage, LNP | LancasterOnline will be looking at other presidential visits throughout the years. A full list of presidential visits can be found at the bottom of this story.

PRESIDENTIAL VISITS TO LANCASTER

These presidents visited while they were in office

George Washington: July 4, 1791; November 14, 1793; October 26, 1794; September 20, 1796

John Adams: May 28, 1800

Zachary Taylor: August 9, 1849

James Buchanan: He was in office from 1857 through 1861 and lived here throughout his term.

Ulysses S. Grant: June 24, 1876

William Howard Taft: September 25, 1912

Woodrow Wilson: July 4, 1913

Franklin D. Roosevelt: May 30, 1934 (from the rear of the train)

Harry S. Truman: November 14, 1953 (from train)

Richard D. Nixon: October 17, 1970

Ronald Reagan: October 29, 1984

George H. W. Bush: March 22, 1989

George W. Bush: June 6, 2001, July 9 and October 27, 2004; August 16, 2006, October 3, 2007

Prior to taking office

George Washington: June 4, 1773

Andrew Jackson: February 15, 1819

William Henry Harrison: October 10, 1836

Abraham Lincoln: February 22, 1861; April 22, 1865 (train carrying his body)

Theodore Roosevelt: 1895 and other times not documented

Woodrow Wilson: November 21, December 5 and 12, 1895; January 2,9,15, 1896; January 7, 1910; fall, 1912

Dwight D. Eisenhower March 2, 1950, and October 27, 1952

John F. Kennedy: September 16, 1960

Richard Nixon: November 1, 1960

Gerald Ford: June 22, 1967, October 3, 1968

George H.W. Bush: April 1988 (GOP Banquet) others as VP October 31, 1986, April 13/14 1984

Barack Obama: April 1, 2008; September 4, 2008

Donald Trump: October 1, 2016

After leaving office

Theodore Roosevelt: Memorial Day, 1909; 1911, April 12, 1912; Fall, 1912.

William Howard Taft: November 14, 1917

Herbert Hoover: November 14-15, 1942; October 12, 1945

Dwight D. Eisenhower: June 3, 1963; June 17, 1964; May 27, 1967

Gerald Ford: April 27-28, 1978; May 5, 1982

Bill Clinton: May 4, 2005; April 24, 2016

Barack Obama: September 21, 2018

For more on LNP's 225th anniversary coverage, click here.

For more Lancaster County history, click here.
At Bluestone Estate, Chad and Erin Vinelli have blended the past with the present.

They opened the wedding and special-event venue last June at 30A Refton Road, Willow Street, on the footprint of a 19th-century barn.

We wanted to do something no one else in Lancaster was doing, Erin Vinelli says. We wanted to provide a space that included everything people would want for their wedding or special event.

Erin Vinelli, the daughter of retired state Sen. Gib Armstrong and his wife Martha, grew up on a 110-acre farm where the barn is. The Armstrongs have painstakingly restored the farms circa-1770 stone house, where they still live.

When the Armstrongs considered selling the property a few years ago, they contacted local Realtor Marilyn Berger, who convinced them not to.

I talked myself out of a great commission, Berger laughs.

Instead, she suggested that the barn, built in 1822, would make a unique venue for weddings and events.

When the Armstrongs asked the Vinellis if they would be interested in creating the venue, the couple said yes immediately.

We knew it was the answer for how to preserve the farm and keep the property but still make it viable, Erin Vinelli says.

Her husband, 43, a Millersville University industrial-technology graduate who works as a contractor, knew he could handle a lot of the renovations himself. If a task was beyond him, he had a wide network of industry professionals to tap.

Erin Vinelli, 42, a former special education teacher who holds bachelors and masters degrees from James Madison University, knew her experience in entertaining would prove to be an asset for the project as well.

I love to cook, and Ive always entertained, Erin Vinelli says. Its something Ive always loved to do.

Complementary skills

The Vinellis met in 2004 when she bought a foreclosure property to fix up and live in and he sold her a kitchen for the property.

In hindsight, that seems like a hint about their future.

Bluestone Estate is the couples fifth project together. Their previous projects include flipped properties and the construction of their home, which is just up the driveway from the venue.

The couple work well together, Chad Vinelli says, because each brings different skills.

She is a people person, and shes creative, Chad Vinelli says. Im more of the hands-on worker.

Adds his wife, Bluestone Estate is our biggest project, but we had no trouble working together on it. We kind of know how to stay out of each others way and stay in our own lanes.

The transformation of a crumbling barn into a state-of-the-art special-events venue took about a year.

Working with architect Mark Myers, as well as a variety of subcontractors, Chad Vinelli says the project went smoothly but was not without its difficulties.

Sometimes, I felt like it was one obstacle after another, he says.

Trying to save as much of the original stone walls as possible, Chad Vinelli soon discovered it wouldnt be easy. One wall collapsed as soon as cables holding it up were cut. Another wall fell over in the middle of the night.

He was able to salvage some of the original stone that had been quarried on the farm property nearly two centuries ago. New bluestone limestone was quarried on site, too.

Hardwood floors run throughout the 9,000-square-foot facility, to which the Vinellis added a ballroom with seating for 260, a bridal suite, a grooms suite and an outdoor patio overlooking a pond.

Pieces of the original barn floor were restored to create unique features, including bathroom counters, while the main room has 30-foot post-and-beam cathedral ceilings.

Envisioning a venue

When I got married (on the family farm in 2007), I thought about all the things I wanted to have at my venue, and we tried to include all of those here, Erin Vinelli says.

The bridal suite includes an area for hair and makeup, a kitchenette, a private bath, a private deck and a spiral staircase leading up to a loft, while the grooms room features a large HD TV, a bar and a private bathroom.

A former garage space on the side of the barn provides room for caterers to set up and includes a kitchen area.

The Vinellis installed geothermal heating and cooling throughout the property for a practical purpose and an aesthetic one.

All of the units are inside the building, so you dont have big air conditioning units sitting outside, Chad Vinelli says. You also dont have units kicking on in the middle of the ceremony.

Chad Vinelli says the renovations were all-consuming for a year, causing a little anxiety about meeting a deadline for their first wedding last June.

I used to wake up in the middle of the night, panicked, he says. But not once did I have second thoughts. I knew we could get it done.

It was close, but they did, finishing on June 15 and holding their first event the next day.

Chad Vinelli declined to disclose how much the renovations cost. A Strasburg Township building permit lists the cost of the construction work alone at $700,000.

He says word about the venue is spreading and business is brisk.

We are hosting our first wedding this year in March, and we have 30 weddings on the calendar, Erin Vinelli says. Were booking into 2021.

The venue also hosts bridal and baby showers as well as corporate events.

About half of the booked events are from local couples, but the venue has drawn customers from Massachusetts, Colorado, Ohio, New Jersey and more.

Were seeing a lot more people who are interested in coming to Lancaster for their wedding, Erin Vinelli says. Lancaster is really becoming a hotspot.

Rates start at $8,000 for a wedding (with a $500 discount for weddings booked in 2019) and vary for other events.

Berger, the Realtor who planted the idea for Bluestone Estate, says she knew right away the barn would make a unique wedding venue.

When I saw the property, I saw they had a barn that could be just beautiful, she says. I suggested the idea for the venue and told them what they needed to do to get started.

The Vinellis arent finished with Bluestone Estate. They hope to add an outdoor bar this year and have plans for other additions.

Were looking at overnight accommodations down the road, Erin Vinelli says. We talked about using a building on the farm and turning it into a honeymoon suite.

Erin Vinelli says they plan to tackle one big project a year and to make sure everything they do meets two goals: to preserve the farmland as much as possible and to create a business they can pass down to their children, ages 8 and 5.

Even our parking lot is grass because we dont want this place to look too commercial, Erin Vinelli says. Its important to us.

They also dont want it to be too trendy.

We want to outlive the barn-wedding trend, Erin Vinelli says. This is a barn, but its not a barn. Its so much more.

Chad Vinelli says the couple has also considered building a dock for the pond as well as a gazebo.

Were always thinking about how we can make it better, he says. Its limitless what we can do here.
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As The Academy gets ready for its closeup on Oscar Sunday, they're holding a number of panel discussions and showcases. For food fans, the Golden Bull celebrates 70 years, Michael Cimarusti prepares one-night-only dishes and there's an Israeli food workshop. Just for fun, check out a Bowie skate night or a comedy/variety show that's Woke AF.

TUESDAY, FEB. 19 - SATURDAY, FEB. 23

Oscar Week Events

Samuel Goldwyn Theater -- 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

The Academy holds several events showcasing filmmakers and their nominated movies . The Documentary Short Subject and Documentary Feature categories are in the spotlight on Tuesday, followed by Animated Short Film and Live Action Short Film categories on Wednesday, Foreign Language films on Thursday and Feature Animation and a MakeUp & Hairstyling Symposium on Saturday. The discussions should be especially interesting since some of these categories have been axed from the live televised broadcast.

COST: $3 - $5; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 19; 7:30 p.m.

Modern Israeli Cuisine

The Skirball Cultural Center -- 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood

Chef Lior Hillel from Bacari W. 3rd hosts a class and demo, creating his version of lamb kebabs with beet tahini. Food culture and history specialist Lara Rabinovitch will facilitate a conversation on food and culture and how the two are deeply intertwined. Yes, there will be samples after the demonstration.

COST: $40, $33 for Skirball members; MORE INFO

TUESDAY, FEB. 19; 8 p.m.

Jon Daly Kills It

The Satellite -- 1717 Silverlake Blvd., Silver Lake

The comedian performs sax with the Magic Sax Band (featuring Cyrus Ghahremani and Joe Wong) while welcoming an awesome lineup of comic performers including Jenny Slate, James Adomian, Max Silvestri, Patti Harrison and Andrew Michaan. Additional music by Night Talks. Devendra Banhart spins pre-show tunes.

COST: $10; MORE INFO

Eddie's Restaurant became the Golden Bull in 1949 when original owner Don Cranford bought it. The restaurant / pub celebrates 70 years this week. (Photo Credit: Golden Bull Restaurant)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20; 5 p.m.

Golden Bull's 70th Anniversary

Golden Bull -- 170 W. Channel Rd., Santa Monica

The popular watering hole celebrates seven decades in business and offers patrons special deals all day. For those 21+, sip on $7 Old Fashioneds and Manhattans or specially priced wines. There are also tastings and giveaways from Pali Wine Co. Diners can partake in a $27 three-course menu featuring the restaurant's most famous dishes.

COST: Varies; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 - SATURDAY, FEB. 23

Aziz Ansari

Orpheum Theatre -- 842 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.

Ansari haskept a low profile since he was accused of sexual misconduct last year. But now, he has embarked on his national Road to Nowhere tour, performing five shows over four nights in L.A.

COST: Tickets start at $39; MORE INFO

New York-based Andrew Coalson brings his absurdist comedy show to L.A. (Image: Courtesy of Andrew Coalson)

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20; 8 p.m.

Silly Boy

Comedy Central Stage at the Hudson -- 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood

Andrew Coalson, a NYC based writer, actor and comedian presents his one-man, absurdist comedy show. He's performing a mix of stand-up, sketch and original songs.

COST: FREE with RSVP; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20; 8 p.m.

These Violent Delights

Theatre West -- 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., Hollywood Hills

Playwright Jonathan Josephson, executive director of Unbound Productions, wrote the short play, "This Hungry Churchyard," which he dubbed Act VI, Scene I of Romeo and Juliet (what happens after the lovers died). Josephson has now turned that short into an "action-adventure-horror-comedic evening-length play" and holds a staged reading with Wicked Lit veterans and actors. The play is suited for patrons ages 13+.

COST: Pay what you can; MORE INFO

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20 - THURSDAY, FEB. 21; 10 p.m.

The Living Room

Lyric Hyperion Theatre -- 2106 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake

Amrita Dhaliwal and Gemma Soldati workshop their "comedy about death, conceived in grief." It's a clown show inspired by their loss of loved ones and straddles the line between comedy and tragedy. In the play, two Accountants of Death work to record the death toll while questioning their existence.

COST: $10; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, FEB. 21; 7:30 p.m.

Juilliard String Quartet

Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University -- One University Dr., Orange

The famed string quartet formed in 1946 and it has been the quartet-in-residence at the New York conservatory ever since. The latest iteration performs a program that include: Joseph Haydn's String Quartet in F Major, Op. 77, No. 2; Gyorgy Kurtag's 6 Moments Musicaux, Op. 44 and Antonin Dvorak's String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96, B. 179 ("American").

COST: $25 - $45; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, FEB. 21

Thursdays With Michael

II Pesce Cucina within Eataly LA at Westfield Century City -- 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City

Chef Michael Cimarusti creates and serves a one-night-only dinner that highlights seasonal seafood in Italian dishes. By making a reservation in advance, dinners can score the best seats to watch Cimarusti and his eam prepare each course in the open kitchen.

COST: $65 per person; MORE INFO

THURSDAY, FEB. 21; 8:30 p.m.

WOKE AF: A Mind-Opening Variety Show

UCBT Sunset -- 5419 Sunset Blvd., East Hollywood

The all-inclusive, monthly comedy and variety show tackles social issues. Artists perform and share experiences -- some are funny, some are more serious -- about the social issues they're most passionate about. Performances by Joel Kim Booster, Jenny Yang, Charla Lauriston, Oscar Montoya, Fremmedy Trio (UCBT) and Janie Stolar. The night is hosted by hosted by Nicole Pasquale, with music by DJ Big Willy Get Silly.

COST: $7; MORE INFO

February 5, 1979: An acrobatic dancer doing the splits in mid-air at a roller disco. (Photo by Chris Moorhouse/Evening Standard/Getty Images)

THURSDAY, FEB. 21; 8 p.m.

Annual Bowie Skate Night

Moonlight Rollerway -- 5110 San Fernando Rd., Glendale

Skate to Bowie tunes spun by DJ Flavahoov. Tickets are only available at the door. No presale tickets.

COST: $20 (includes skates); MORE INFO

How are you spending your week? Let us know on Twitter @christineziemba and @LeoHasACat.
In a time where the challenging economic situation in agriculture swarms the media, FFA members remain confident that the future of agriculture is a bright one.

And as students and parents are making decisions on post-secondary options this February, the Wisconsin Association of FFA is celebrating National FFA Week (Feb. 16-23) and a 39-year membership high of 21,185 members. Those students are preparing to be college and career ready by developing their premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Premier leadership is gained through the opportunity to attend various conferences at the state and national levels throughout the year.

FFA equips members with skills necessary to impact and engage with their communities, which in turn, helps grow them and their communities alike. The organization promotes career success through hands on experiences in and out of the classroom in programs known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences, ranging from working on a farm or agribusiness, owning livestock, conducting laboratory research, or community service.

Once students gain these skills, FFA helps them turn aspirations into reality  offering $2.7 million in scholarships at the national level each year.
Recent public polls have found about six in 10 Wisconsin voters favor legalizing recreational marijuana.

We need an off-ramp

Steve Acheson, a founding member of Wisconsin Veterans for Compassionate Care, said medical marijuana is a nonpartisan issue and that its time to give veterans safe access to it.

An Iraq War veteran, Acheson said he suffered a spinal injury during his service. He said he initially was prescribed painkillers and other pills that made him a zombie and nearly forced him to drop out of college.

Acheson said he later tried medical marijuana, and it relieved his pain and enabled him to stop taking pills while living his daily life  but not without triggering new concerns.

Its put me in this really gray area where every day I step out of my door, I have to worry about being convicted of a crime, Acheson said. Theres way too many of our fellow veterans dying of over-prescription and suicide.

We need an alternative, and we need an off-ramp, he said.
A house on the city's North Side was damaged Sunday in a fire.

Flames were coming from the attic at 1453 Charles St. when firefighters arrived at about 12:30 p.m. Residents were safely evacuated, and the fire was extinguished, according to the La Crosse Fire Department.

No injuries were reported, according to authorities, and the Red Cross is assisting residents with temporary housing.

The La Crosse Police Department, Xcel Energy, Tri-State Ambulance and the Red Cross assisted the La Crosse Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Three Democratic candidates seeking offices in this years city election are under fire after their eligibility in the upcoming election has been questioned.

CAN-1 forms, or candidate filing challenge forms, were filed last week against Kokomo Common Council at-large candidates Chris Wendt and Bob Hayes, an incumbent. Another also was filed against District 2 candidate Jimmy Jones. Now the local election board will be forced to weigh in on the challenges, determining whether each candidate can remain on the ballot this year.

The challenge filed against Hayes serves as the only one directed at an incumbent candidate. Hayes, who currently serves as the president of the Kokomo Common Council, was challenged on grounds concerning his residency in Kokomo.

Joshua Layton, a Kokomo resident, wrote in the CAN-1 filing that Hayes primary residency may not be Howard County.

Attached to the filing was a print out from Geographic Information System (GIS), showing Hayes listed as an owner of a property, along with his wife, in Osceola, Ind. In his filing for candidacy Hayes listed a Kokomo address.

Hayes issued a statement after being reached for comment once the challenge was made public, apparently referring to Laytons social media page.

Its my understanding that someone is challenging my candidacy, said Hayes. At the time of this interview I dont know. I havent seen the documents. However, I look forward to unequivocally disproving any challenge to my candidacy. I have been a lifelong resident of this community for 67 years. I think it is somewhat concerning that this challenge is coming from a website that deals in lies, innuendos, racist comments, homophobic comments, and they are coming after me who happens to be an African-American candidate. So at this time, until I am served with the document and given the challenge to defend myself, I cant really say anymore because this may end up in a higher court.

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The challenges against Jones and Wendt both were filed by Justin Kingery, a Kokomo resident.

Kingery wrote in each of his challenges that the candidate has not voted in a Democratic primary and is ineligible to file on the Democratic ballot.

According to Indiana election law, candidates seeking to run as a Democratic or Republican Party candidate must have either 1) selected the ballot of the political party they claim affiliation with in the last Indiana primary they participated in, or 2) be certified as a member of that party by the county chair of the county where the candidate resides. This certification takes the form of a written certified statement attached to the declaration of candidacy.

Both Wendt and Jones declined to comment on the matter.

Howard County Democratic Party Vice Chair Steve Geiselman confirmed that neither Jones nor Wendt asked for certification from the party. He also decried the challenge submitted against Hayes.

Councilman Hayes is a steadfast member of the city council who has served his home well for many years, said Geiselman. This challenge is a distortion of the political process and nothing more than another incident in a string of harassment that Councilman Hayes has faced from this same hateful group. Bob Hayes is a proud resident of Kokomo. Any suggestion to the contrary is absurd.

Howard County Clerk Debbie Stewart said the challenges will go before the Howard County Election Board, and a date for such a hearing likely will be decided during next weeks board meeting.
Annie Jungmeyer, who plays Little Mushroom, said its her tap routine that saves the day.

All of the heroes and villains say you have to do this, so I do it, she said. I earn gold rings for doing it, and I become a hero.

Yarielis Guzman plays Young Adventurer, Little Mushrooms nemesis.

Shes really mean to Little Mushroom, and she wants to be the star of the show, she said. Shes really sassy and kind of rude, and shes like one of those kind of popular kids.

Isabella Hilt plays Princess Pomegranate, who is the cousin of Princess Peach and is a very positive person. She described the musical as dramatic, which she likes.

Guzman appreciates the musicals message.

I like how it shows that a hero doesnt really mean anything, because everyone can be a hero, she said. It doesnt matter what youre told to be because you can be whatever you want to be.

Hennegan said she always looks for a positive message when choosing a musical for the elementary school students.

Every year we try to find a good show with a message, and they deliver it in a really fun way, a way that is going to get kids attention ... and (this year) its with video games, she said. I dont think any kids can ignore something about video games these days.

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A Sparta man wanted for an arson in the town of Little Falls has been arrested in Michigan.

Brian T. Zillmer, 42, was taken into custody without incident Feb. 16 at a Calhoun, Mich., residence belonging to a family member.

Police believe that Zillmer intentionally burned a residential structure located at 1050 Hwy. S in the town of Little Falls Feb. 11. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, Zillmer, a resident of the building, fled the home before emergency personnel were called.

Zillmer had recently been released from the Monroe County Jail and was on electronic monitoring; however, it appears that at the time of the incident he had tampered with his monitoring equipment to elude apprehension.

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Doing as little as possible at all times and thoroughly enjoying life in doing so...
- Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie just had a good time in New York with Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers

- The representative of Vietnam posted their photos on her Instagram account

- Her post elicited mixed reactions from the netizens

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The candidates of Miss Universe 2018 including Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie and Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers were spotted hanging out in New York.

KAMI learned that the stunning Vietnamese beauty queen uploaded their photos together and she also captioned it with a sincere appreciation message for Sarah Rose.

"What a wonderful Valentine's Day with my loved sis @sarahrosesummers I had so much fun and happy meeting my smiling sis in New York," she wrote.

"Thank you Sarah for such a meaningful day in NYC with me and my team: watching the sunset in the ferry, taking the subway, chatting with @francesca.hung, enjoying Vietnamese food, giving roses and together pray for the victims of 9-11 terrory! Thank you very much Sarah for these wonderful moments and see you soon in Vietnam," she added.

Summers also posted a sweet message for H'Hen Nie on her Instagram account.

"Romantic sunset ferry ride with my 2019 valentine! But truly, so grateful to spend the day with @hhennie.official and her amazing team," she wrote.

Moreover, some netizens have given different reactions to their closeness especially Miss USA.

It can be remembered that she became controversial because of the issue that she allegedly bullied Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia Nat Rern because of their skills in speaking the English language.

This might be the reason why some netizens had negative comments, here are some of them.

"Don't trust women like @sarahrosesummers. She's just using you as a prop to appear like she isn't racist. She's only sorry she got caught, and now she has to be your "friend"."

"Sarah is so fake. She dont deserve you."

"Wasnt she the one to make a mockery of your English skills?'

"Miss USA is trying to redeem herself from the bashing.."

On the other hand, there were also some who appreciated their friendship.

"H'hen what a remarkable friendship you have with Sarah! Americans and Vietnamese citizens are unite, but please ignore the haters who are still reminiscing the past controversy before MU pageant night last year."

"You 2 are so adorable"

"My heart melts looking at these photos of you both. From your smiles and the way you look at each other, I can feel that your friendship is unshakable and real. God has given you the best--a friendship that withstands adversity."

"I am glad that you and Sarah have good time. I feel sorry for Sarah because some people have misleading her meaning."

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In a previous report by KAMI, Trending Miss Universe Vietnam Hhen Nie went to the Philippines.

Hhen Nie was one of the crowd favorites during the Miss Universe 2018 pageant because of her physical appearance and her compelling story. She was able to clinch a spot in the final 5 but failed to advance to the Top 3.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

Our HumanMeter team attended a special screening of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil's new movie "Alone /Together"! There, we were able to conduct a super edition of tricky questions. The people's responses were super hilarious as well  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
- Catriona Gray recently went back to the Philippines for her grand homecoming celebration

- Her new post on Instagram went viral in an instant

- It was about her beach photos that really wowed the netizens

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Catriona Gray delighted her followers with her recent Instagram post.

KAMI learned the Miss Universe 2018 posted her stunning beach photos and immediately went viral on social media.

She said in her post that she is very excited about her grand homecoming.

"How Im feeling that Im home!! Philippines, Ive missed you!! I cant wait to see and celebrate with all of you!!! She wrote.

Furthermore, Catriona's IG post already garnered more than 318,000 likes as of this writing and most comments from the netizens were all positive.

"So beautiful ! The best Queen ! Love from Korea! I am your Korean fan"

"Palaban!!!!"

"Awww always beautiful, Cat"

"This is a great style... I dont like your styles in NY (your Team is better)"

"This is exactly how a Miss Universe should be styled! Shinnnnne, Queen shine"

POPULAR: Read more news about Catriona Gray

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In a previous report by KAMI, Catriona Gray & Miss Vietnam H'Hen Nie stole spotlight at New York Fashion Week.

Catriona Gray is a Filipino-Australian actress and model who was born on born January 6, 1994. She already joined and became a finalist in Miss World 2016 before winning the Miss Universe Philippines this year.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news!

Our HumanMeter team attended a special screening of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil's new movie "Alone /Together"! There, we were able to conduct a super edition of tricky questions. The people's responses were super hilarious as well  on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: Kami.com.ph
I often reflect on my life of good luck (of course with bumps): Being born in the USA, into a loving family, etc. I can even express my though
And so, in hopes that the process is indeed open and ongoing, and not a done deal, I wish to add my thoughts and feelings to those expressed so fulsomely and passionately a the hearing:

According to Climate Central, an independent organization of leading scientists and journalists researching and reporting the facts about our changing climate, levels of mercury already exceed the safety limits in the Great Lakes, and the mercury level has been increasing for the past decade.

Mercury is highly toxic, and is most harmful to fetuses, babies and children as it can prevent proper brain development. Children exposed to mercury in the womb are more likely to have problems with memory, attention, language and motor skills. A recent health survey of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota found that eight percent of newborns had mercury levels in their bodies above the safety limit set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

And where might so much of this mercury be coming from? No surprise, Mercury gets into the air and water from manmade sources such as the burning of fossil fuels. An estimated 37 percent of current annual human mercury emissions are due to such burning, mostly coal.
Once more, for the people in the back who either couldnt hear us or think they know better:

Herd immunity is when a high enough percentage of a communitys population has been immunized against a certain disease. When herd immunity is achieved  in the case of measles, its 90 to 95 percent of a population  a disease cannot spread easily through the community, and protects those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborn babies and people with vaccine allergies or compromised immune systems.

In Clark County, Wash., which is just outside Portland, Ore.  and where enough people evidently believe something they read on the internet, or their non-physician friend, more than they believe an actual physician  theyve lost herd immunity on the measles vaccine.

Guess what they have in Clark County?

Thats right, a measles epidemic.

As of Feb. 7, there were 50 cases of measles in Clark County, Vox.com reported. Most all of them involved children between 1 and 10 years old who had not been vaccinated.

In the U.S., before a vaccine was introduced in 1963, there were 4 million measles cases with 48,000 hospitalizations and 500 deaths in the U.S. every year. Measles also was a leading killer of children globally.
Out of Unifieds three comprehensive high schools, Case had the highest graduation rate and saw the biggest increase, of 4.4 percent, and Horlick and Park also increased 3.3 and .5 percent, respectively.

What were really excited about is the increase at all three comprehensive high schools, said Unified spokeswoman Stacy Tapp. We want that trajectory to continue.

Although the rates dropped at Unifieds two choice high schools, the REAL School and Walden III, rates at those schools both remain higher than the state average and well over 90 percent. Walden dropped to 95.6 percent in 2018, down from 100 percent the previous year and the REAL School dropped to 93.5 percent from 97.5 in 2017.

Tapp credited several of the schools efforts as having an impact on the graduation rates, including the districts virtual learning program and a push for youth apprenticeships. The district is also working to better engage students, especially through its academy model, which asks students to pick a career pathway of choice their freshman year.

If a student is engaged, theyre more likely to graduate, Tapp said.

The first students to start in the academy model as freshmen will be seniors next school year.
I have never, ever removed any campaign literature from the doors, Taft told The Journal Times on Sunday night.

I dont like this negative stuff, Balcer said, a sentiment shared by both Taft and Seaman.

Texts

On Feb. 2, someone who identified themselves as Breanna sent a mass text message to voters in the 13th District, encouraging them to vote for Seaman. This texter shared inaccurate information regarding how phone numbers were acquired by Seamans campaign, according to a Wisconsin Ethics Commission complaint filed Friday by Beth Pramme, who is a friend of Tafts and responded to texts from Breanna on Feb. 2.

Then, late Saturday night, texts purporting to be from Taft were sent to voters, encouraging them to vote for her. Taft said that she never sent the texts and doesnt know who did.

Taft told The Journal Times that she first heard about these texts from a voter who was annoyed by the late-night arrival of the text, and had chosen to not vote for her specifically because they were annoyed by the late-night message.

Seaman said that she received the text too, as did Balcer, although neither is sure who actually sent them.
Reba Harris sat in her office last week at Gilead House, a transitional house for women with felonies who are battling addictions, counseling some of the clients shes helping find better lives for themselves.

Harris knows all about overcoming obstacles in search of a better life, and shes empathetic to the fact that life is simply harder for some people who werent given the tools to be successful early on. Harris was one of those people.

Her story began in 1940 when she was born in a barn in Marion, Ind., to an African American father and biracial mother. The first seven years of her life, schools were segregated, so she and her four brothers were taught  a term she used loosely  in a one-room schoolhouse in an environment that wasnt conducive to learning.

We had one teacher teaching eight grades, so often I did not receive a class. The teacher could not get to us, so we would just sit there and doodle on paper or something, said Harris, 78.

Harris didnt blame the teacher, Miss Nevada Pate of D.E. Payne School. In fact, she remembered her fondly and said she did the best she could with what she had. Pate told her students that if she can at least teach them two skills, reading and math, she believed they could make it in the world.

So thats what Pate set out to do and put aside other subjects that were mandatory in the white schools, such as grammar, history, and science.

Once Harris got a little older, Pate had her teach the first through fourth grades so those students would have something to do while Pate worked with the older students.

Harris remembered a time when her father went to a meeting to see about getting his children into the white school, which wasnt located far from where the family lived. He came home from the meeting, and Harris remembered him telling her mother, They cant come.

We didnt ask why. We grew up walking to school, and the bus with the white kids drove past us. But we never went home and said to our parents, Well, whats wrong with that picture? she said.

They also didnt ask why they werent allowed to swim at Matter Park, a main park in Marion, or roller skate at the Idyl Wyld Roller Rink. Instead, one night a week the black children got on a bus and went to Huntington where they could roller skate, and one day a week they were able to go to Anderson to swim.

The reason we didnt create a lot of disturbance as children was they lynched people in Marion. They lynched people in Marion, and so the parents raised us  this is me. I dont know what the rest of the people did; Im just talking about my household  our parents raised us to behave ourselves, respect, do not cause any trouble. I wonder how much of that was from fear about what could happen to them in Marion, Ind.

Harris didnt have to finish her education in the all-black school, though. The Brown v. Board of Education decision took place on May 17, 1954, and the U.S. Supreme Court declared that segregated schools were unconstitutional. This decision resulted in the closure of D.E. Payne, and Harris and her classmates then were allowed to attend school with the white students.

Harris started her eighth-grade year at an integrated school called Central.

That was such a big change for us to come out of this room, one room, and a back porch where there was a coal stove and go to this school, she said. I got along with the girls, but I noticed some things. They dressed a lot different than we did. They had on clothes that I wore to church. I thought, Theyre wearing pantyhose to school! It was phenomenal. It was such an eye-opener.

Harris was treated fairly at the school, she said. She became a cheerleader in eighth grade.

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The welcoming was good for me. I had no ill problems, she said. I dont know how the other children did.

Harris went on to graduate from Marion High School, but she always knew a chunk was missing from her education. She wanted to be a nurse, but she wasnt able to pass the entrance exam and had to give up that dream.

She got married and moved to Kokomo in 1958 and began working at then-Howard Community Hospital the first day it opened. She took meals on carts up to patients. The job required a lot of weekend work, and with a growing family, she switched jobs and got on at Delco Electronics.

General Motors was good to us, but I always knew I wanted to do something else, she said.

She went to classes a few times, but she said she didnt do well because she didnt have the education. Instead, she began going to a skill center that GM had for its employees that was located behind JC Penney, and Harris took advantage of it. For years she went every day to help grow the skills she missed in elementary school.

After more than 30 years at Delco, Harris retired, but she wasnt done yet. Now that she had the foundation of an education, she was ready to start her real career, and she felt more confident that she could do it. She enrolled at Indiana Wesleyan University and began going to college. She graduated in 1997 and said she answered Gods calling to open a home for his daughters.

Starting that year, she went around talking to people in the community about the prospect of opening her own nonprofit, Gilead House, which would focus solely on women battling addictions.

You got to remember, people werent dying in the streets then. They had crack, and they had prescription addictions. Wasnt anybody dying. Homes were being destroyed, but nobody was really dying, she said.

In 2000, she opened her office and worked to help women for the next 17 years. In 2017, she stepped up to do even more. With people now dying in the streets from overdoses, Harris decided counseling and classes werent enough. Against the odds, she opened a transitional house for women, and now 22 women live at Gilead House where theyre working toward sobriety.

Harris early life, she said, laid the perfect foundation for this type of work.

So I have a lot "So I have a lot of understanding and a lot of empathy because our women will tell you, My parent was there, but I couldnt reach them because they were passed out with a needle. "

I have a real understanding for family members who didnt get what they needed. I know. It looks good on the outside, but a lot of times the parents are not able to give you what you want from them or what you need from them because of what theyre going through. So I have a lot of understanding and a lot of empathy because our women will tell you, My parent was there, but I couldnt reach them because they were passed out with a needle. So I could hear that. I can understand that. A lot of them cant read, and its not because they didnt have a chance to go to school. A lot of them didnt get to school. A lot of them, life was not conducive to learning. Life is not always conducive to learning. A lot of them called themselves homeschooled, but it was just home.

I understand them not learning. I understand people being behind. I understand that. I understand not getting it when youre supposed to get it, but I also understand being afraid and not letting what you didnt get preface what you think you cant get. Because you didnt get it, you assume youre not smart enough to get it. I tell them, You can get it; you just have to try harder, she said.

Harris shares her own examples. She sought extra help every chance she could get from attending the skills center to going to college where she had to also seek extra help through tutors. Trying harder also means being strong enough to deal with the naysayers.

Harris heard it a lot. She said she has been reminded many times that she was born in a barn. When she decided to leave Delco to go to college, that decision was met with skepticism. And when she opened her own nonprofit, eyebrows raised. But she was determined.

Youve got your own fear in you, and youve got to recognize the still small voice of God that says, Do it. Thats a struggle. Youll hear the voice of culture, but you need to listen to the voice of God. And thats how you get here, said Harris, sitting at her desk in front of a framed painting of Harriet Tubman leading slaves to freedom.

That, she said, was what she inspires to do for women in this community, lead them to a better life.
Discussions for possible partners at the facility are continuing as well. Kamin said Gateway Technical College and Racine County Workforce Solutions could be future partners.

Were all members of communities and the kids are returning to the communities, so they need to be involved in all aspects of it, Kamin said.

Otto said a task force is being created for input for the design and programming of the facility. She said county staff, Racine County Board supervisors, members of the faith community and others might be a part of the task force. It would likely be co-chaired by her and Kamin. Otto also wants the task force to include an individual who previously went through the juvenile detention system.

Its also really important to have someone who has gone through the system to talk about their experience and what can be done to improve it or making sure there are certain parts included, Otto said.

A resolution regarding authorizing the submission of a final grant application will likely not be held by the committee until its March 11 meeting. However, the March 31 deadline may be pushed back as the grant committee has not been selected by the state yet.
What they train for

Smetana said that, although police quickly realized that the initial call may have been false, the intensity from the officers did not diminish as the investigation continued.

When police respond to potentially volatile situations, like the one reported in the initial call, Smetana said that his officers have to keep in mind all the possibilities  starting as a worst-case scenario and work backwards from there.

This is the type of call we train for, Smetana said.

To share information regarding this incident, call the Pleasant Prairie Police Department at 262-694-7353.

What is swatting?





A press released referred to the incident as a swatting.

Swatting is considered to be a form of harassment, in which somebody makes a serious threat  oftentimes falsely claiming there has been or will be a bombing or shooting  in an attempt to draw a significant police response to an area without cause.
Bob served in the 397th Engineer Battalion/ Wisconsin Reserves. He retired, after 21 years of service, in 2003 as a battalion sergeant. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1994 with a bachelors degree in communications. His career job was with the Wisconsin State Prison System where he faithfully served for 22 years and continued working there until the very end of his life. He worked for his friend Rick Fink painting homes for 26 years on the side. He was a home grown master mechanic, handyman and professional painter (Bob could fix anything). He loved his garage and all of the people who frequented it. Cooking on the grill was another thing he mastered, he even made pasties. But his true passion and master work was being a father to three beautiful daughters, attending and participating in all of their events made him very proud and content. He was an active Catholic and belonged to Saint Roberts Parish.
When I visited her in her home in Kabul in 2011, she had been elected to parliament from Badakhshan (27 percent of all seats in the national legislature are reserved for women). Even then she was fighting for female representation in peace talks. Her 12- and 13-year-old daughters told me they dreamed of becoming, respectively, a political leader and a space engineer.

One daughter is now studying at Montclair State University in New Jersey, the other at the American University of Afghanistan, Kabul.

Last week, Koofi traveled to Moscow with a group of senior Afghan politicians (none from the government) for informal talks with some Taliban leaders. She told them: "If a girl was born 19 years back (after the defeat of the Taliban) she grew up with a new world, and you cannot put her back. You say women have 'Islamic rights,' but you have a different interpretation of what this means."

Indeed, the Taliban back in 1999 said women had a right to "Islamic education" but insisted the time wasn't ripe for that to happen. If the current Taliban have changed their views, says Koofi, they need to prove it by opening girls' schools in areas they control. Beyond "rights in Islam," she asks, "what about women's human rights according to international conventions? They must accept this, they can't insist on religious education only."
But even were there no discrimination at all, the denial of the presence of the imam would by itself present a strong case for judicial intervention in defense of religious liberty.

Imagine a state rule that no clergy from any faith could enter the death chamber. I would argue that such a ban would itself be unconstitutional, for we are speaking here not of a prisoner's access to the holy books of his faith -- the denial of which the courts have struck down even in cases where prison authorities concluded that the books were not religious at all -- but of spiritual comfort at the moment of death.

No one who is now alive, it almost goes without saying, can truly know what death is like. What will we find on the other side?

Many insist there will be only oblivion. Others are confident that they will step into paradise. Still others fear eternal punishment.

Whatever may lie beyond the threshold, however, we surely commit a great wrong when, having the chance to do otherwise, we force a person who knows he is about to die to face that great opaqueness alone.
One did some modeling, one liked to skinny dip and one wasnt allowed to dance in the White House.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has named a new leader for its largest academic unit.

Mark Button will begin as dean of UNL's College of Arts and Sciences on July 1, pending approval from the NU Board of Regents, the university announced Monday.

At the University of Utah, where he works, Button has held several positions, including political science department chair, associate chair and the director of graduate studies.

He was responsible for recruiting faculty to the university's ranks, pursuing new research projects, and expanding the undergraduate curriculum and majors.

Button will work with other deans across UNL, as well as leaders on campus and within the college, to promote the liberal arts education mission at the College of Arts and Sciences.

"I strongly believe in the mission and values of a robust liberal arts education that integrates the sciences, humanities and social sciences in research and teaching," Button said in a statement.

"I have great respect for the values and commitments of Nebraska's land-grant mission and I'm excited to embark on this leadership opportunity with the university," he added.
An inmate walked out of the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln on Sunday afternoon and remained at-large Monday, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Dominique Moody, 27, was discovered missing from the minimum-security prison at about 4:30 p.m., the release stated. Prison staff told local law enforcement that Moody had absconded from the center a short time later.

Moody is serving a six- to nine-year sentence for a 2015 burglary at a Lincoln apartment complex.

Inmates at the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln are allowed to work and go to school or religious services with prior approval and supervision.

Moody is the second inmate from the center to abscond in less than a month. In late January, convicted murderer Anthony Gafford didn't return to the prison from his job at Smithfield Foods. He was arrested two weeks later in Las Vegas.

Anyone who knows Moody's whereabouts is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

Today's mugshots

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Zach Hammack Education reporter/Night content coordinator Zach Hammack, a 2018 UNL graduate, has always called Lincoln home. He previously worked as a copy editor at the Journal Star and was a reporting intern in 2017. Now, he covers students, teachers and schools as the newspapers K-12 reporter. Follow Zach Hammack 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
By Bui Huu Long, Vietek.

The term smart home first started to be known among Vietnamese home developers around ten years ago, when a handful of start-ups began researching and developing smart devices for homes.

The past five years have seen a boost of nearly 200% in the number of newly-built homes that include smart devices. At the same time, the number of smart home suppliers has greatly increased. Indeed by the end of 2018, there were approximately 20,000 homes in Vietnam that have at least one smart device. Most of these devices are, however, based on non-KNX standards such as ZigBee and Z-Wave. This is in contrast to Europe, where KNX has a leading position.

Growth of KNX in Vietnam

Looking back to five years ago, there were only three KNX suppliers in Vietnam, and all were small. KNX was almost unknown among architects, consumers and even in the major universities. This lack of KNX-aware engineers, architects, users and managers was the biggest obstacle to introducing KNX to Vietnam.

In the past two years, however, things have changed dramatically, thanks in large part, to two key drivers. The first was the Worldskills ASEAN competition, dedicated to South-East Asian countries, which required all smart home teams to use KNX. This really helped to increase awareness of the protocol.

The second driver was that two major national buildings in Vietnam, namely the National Assembly Building and Vietnam National Convention Center, were fitted with KNX. These prestigious projects have done much to put KNX on the map.

Opportunities for KNX in Vietnam

There has also been a significant increase in the number of certified KNX Partners over the last few years: in 2018 there were 50 KNX certificates issued in Vietnam, compared to only 1 in 2012.

While the absolute figures are promising, their relative size is still modest: in 2018 there were only a handful of KNX solution providers in Vietnam, and only 5% of newly-built smart homes were using KNX. When one considers that the population of Vietnam is around 95 million, the country has a GDP growth of 7% and a government that is embracing modernisation, it is obvious that there is a huge opportunity for KNX.

Promoting KNX in Vietnam

In order for the KNX market to grow in South East Asia, we need to make it extremely easy for users to control smart devices of different standards, and to boost KNX training at universities, training centres, architect practices and construction firms. Partnering with other international KNX providers, and lobbying at governmental level will help to get KNX recognised as a major standard in Vietnamese smart homes.

Conclusion

There are great opportunities for KNX in Vietnam, and I hope that through this article we will connect with other KNX providers to help grow the market and share in the endless possibilities offered by Vietnam and South East Asia  the worlds fastest growing region in terms of GDP.

Bui Huu Long is the CEO of Vietek, KNX specialist and supplier of the Vity Smart Home, which, when combined with the Vietek mobile app, allows control of KNX, ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi smart devices.



Email: longbh@vietek.com.vn

www.vietek.com.vn

www.vity.vn

Editors note: KNX Basic, Advanced, Tutor and HVAC Specialist courses are available through the KNX Certified Training Centre Vietnam at the Hanoi Vocational College for Electro Mechanics.

www.knxvietnam.vn
CHICAGO  Caterpillar is growing its digital team as the company works to embed technology deeper into its operations and earth-moving equipment, and it opened a new Chicago office to accommodate the expansion.

The Deerfield-based company moved its downtown digital team into the office in the West Loop Gate neighborhood in September, almost two years after opening its first downtown office in the city's de facto tech hub, the Merchandise Mart.

That first office, which fit about 45 employees and opened as an innovation-focused space, was meant to attract tech talent. The tactic worked and now, as Caterpillar focuses more on tech, it's critical to keep attracting that talent, said Ogi Redzic, vice president of Caterpillar's roughly 600-person Cat Digital division.

"The things we're building right now are foundational for the future of Caterpillar," Redzic said. "Customer expectations are changing. ... He is expecting the same tools he (uses) for his daily life to be as good and better in the equipment that he gets."

Roughly 90 employees work out of the new office, the majority of whom are digital team members. Redzic declined to share hiring plans, but said the office provides room to grow.

The heavy equipment-maker isn't alone in its quest to use a downtown outpost to lure highly sought-after data scientists and other tech workers. Companies in industries from fast food to insurance have opened offices in the heart of the city, where tech employees want to work. The hip office spaces have proven to be worth the extra cost for suburban companies, who often end up competing for talent with behemoths like Facebook or Google.

Companies that aren't traditionally thought of as being part of the tech industry can face an extra challenge winning over potential recruits that might not be aware of their digital work.

"Before I joined, I really did not know the scope and breadth of CAT's products," said Redzic, who has a background in connected vehicles and other digital services. "I was quite surprised actually myself, thinking, 'I'm joining a company that does excavation and mining,' to learn about all the other things Cat is doing globally."

The types of digital talent on Redzic's team is vast, from software developers and data analysts to telecommunication experts and computer engineers.

They work on Caterpillar's e-commerce operations, through which customers buy parts for their machines. They develop apps for internal and external use. Last month, the company rolled out an app that lets equipment owners monitor their machines' maintenance schedules and operation times.

The team also gathers and analyzes data from Caterpillar machinery, in order to make the equipment more efficient for customers.

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About Me William Kelly I am a freelance writer, journalist and historian whose major interests are music and history, with a special emphasis on the assassination of President Kennedy. View my complete profile

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The protesters called on the international community to denounce his presence there. The Iranian Foreign Minister is part of the Iranian regimes Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and he has declared on countless occasions that the Supreme Leader of Iran  Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  approves the regimes activities across the region.

This involves Irans support of the following: Houthi rebels in Yemen, Syrian President Bashar al Assad and his regime, the Lebanese Hezbollah group and the pro-Iran militias in Iraq.

Zarif spoke at the Munich Security Conference, calling on Europe to provide Iran with further concessions

.

The Iranian Foreign regime has been involved with the planning of terrorist activities on European soil in the past 12 months. One of these was a plot to bomb the Free Iran rally during the summer of last year just outside Paris. This plot alone could have killed or injured thousands of members of the Iranian opposition.

The aim of the Munich Security Conference is to work towards the resolution of conflicts in the most peaceful way possible. It aims to do so through sustaining a continuous, curated and informal dialogue within the international security community. Iran represents the greatest threat to peace and security, especially in the Middle East, so that fact that Zarif was even there, never mind the fact that he was asking for concessions, is completely against the aim of the event.

The people protesting outside the conference, many of whom are members or supporters of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), voiced their support of the Resistance Units in Iran that are currently uprising against the clerical regime.

The protesters called for Irans terrorist activities in the U.S. and Europe to be condemned and they said that the notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) must be designated as terrorist organisations.

The protesters also called on the international community to support the Iranian opposition coalition that is led by Mrs. Maryam Rajavi  the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). They emphasised that it is the only viable democratic alternative. Mrs. Rajavi has established a ten-point plan for a future Iran to guarantee rights and freedom for all.

The Iranian regime, for decades, has violated the human rights of the people of Iran. Executions are carried out systematically for arbitrary reasons and the people are arrested, tortured, imprisoned or even executed for taking to the streets and protesting against the cruel and misogynistic regime.

The international community needs to come together and work towards ending the Iranian regimes reign of terror. It is a threat to all  not just its closest neighbours in the region. The fact that the Iranian regime will brazenly plan terrorist attacks on European soil cannot be ignored.
When it comes to Directive 2015/2436 (the new Trade Mark Directive , which had a transposition deadline of 15 January 2019), this blog has recently reported on the Finnish and Greek implementation thereof [ here and here ]. With Finland and Greece in mind, one might wonder what the status is in other EU Member States? Attention can be turned to Cyprus, and in this regard, one might ask the question of what has been the Cypriot take on implementation?





Katfriend Nicoletta Epaminonda discusses the Cypriot transposition of the Trade Mark Directive and reflects on what the future might hold for trade marks in this Member State.





Heres what she writes:



"The new Cypriot Trade Marks Law Act (the Trade Marks Law Act) was presented by the Intellectual and Industrial Property Section of the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver, at a seminar organized jointly with the EUIPO in Nicosia, on 7 February 2019. No copy of the bill is yet available.





From the outset, the Trade Marks Law is still a bill and has yet to be passed by the Cypriot House of Representatives (Parliament). However, according to what was said at the presentation, it is expected to be enacted by the House of Representatives in the near future.





The Trade Marks Law will transpose the new Trade Mark Directive and replace the old colonial Trade Marks Law (Cap. 268) , which was in dire need of modernisation from both a substantive and a procedural aspect.





New features in the proposed Trade Marks Law Act





As indicated above, the purpose of the new Act is to approximate national trade mark legislation to the trade mark law in other EU countries, as well as to transpose the Trade Mark Directive into domestic law. Herewith are some relevant changes which will be brought about by the new Trade Mark Act:
decision given by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case on the registration of the trade mark BOOKING.COM. Is survey evidence regarding secondary meaning relevant when the trade mark is composed of only two generic elements? Is an 1888 precedent of the US Supreme Court useful when deciding whether a domain name can be registered as a trade mark? And, most importantly, is the whole greater than the sum of its parts? This Kat did not expect to find answers to all of these questions (and more) in a recentgiven by the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in the case on the registration of the trade mark BOOKING.COM.





The case

Amsterdam-based Booking.com B.V. sought to register the word mark BOOKING.COM with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) inter alia for online hotel reservation services (class 43). The USPTO found that the sign was generic as applied to the relevant services and rejected the application. The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board agreed, reasoning that--

booking generically refers to a reservation or arrangement to buy a travel ticket or stay in a hotel room or the act of reserving such travel or accommodation; .com indicates a commercial website; and consumers would understand the resulting composite BOOKING.COM to primarily refer to an online reservation service for travel, tours, and lodging, which are the services proposed in Booking.coms applications.

The applicant filed a civil action against this decision with the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This avenue (instead of the alternative, filing an appeal with the Federal Circuit) allowed the applicant to submit further evidence, in particular a consumer survey, that purported to show that --

74.8% of consumers recognized BOOKING.COM as a brand rather than a generic service.

The district court found that although booking was generic for the claimed services, hotel reservation services, the mark BOOKING.COM, as a whole, was not. Based on the evidence, BOOKING.COM had acquired secondary meaning and was thus protectable. The USPTO appealed to the Fourth Circuit.





The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts (Sometimes)

Under US law, genericness is an absolute bar to trade mark registration, as otherwise, as the Court of Appeals explains, a competitor could not describe his goods or services as what they are. Generic signs, contrary to merely descriptive signs, cannot acquire secondary meaning through intensive use, because they must remain available for use by all persons, including competitors. The only question before the Court was whether BOOKING.COM was generic or merely descriptive. If it is generic (as argued by the USPTO), it cannot be registered, while if it is descriptive, the survey evidence filed by the applicant would have established secondary meaning, rendering the sign protectable (as admitted by the USPTO).

As the Court noted, there is no evidence that consumers refer to online hotel reservation services as bookings.com, rather than using the term booking website(s) or the like. What is more,

Unlike hotels or lawyers, booking is used to describe a plethora of reservation services, including, for example, theatrical or musical engagements.

The Court lists two ways by which terms may be classified as generic: where the term began life as a coined term that had become generic through common usage and where the term was commonly used prior to its association with the products at issue. Survey evidence, in principle prepared to establish secondary meaning of a descriptive sign, can however also be used as evidence of (non-)genericness in the former scenario, as acknowledged by the Court.

1888 precedent in which the US Supreme Court held that adding a commercial indication, such as company, to generic terms cannot be trademarked. The underlying question is, therefore, whether the sign as a whole is more than its component parts, i.e. whether the combination of a generic word with a generic TLD can result in something that is non-generic. The USPTO contended that adding a generic TLD like .com to a generic word like booking necessarily results in a sign that is itself generic. It relied in particular on anin which the US Supreme Court held that adding a commercial indication, such as company, to generic terms cannot be trademarked. The underlying question is, therefore, whether the sign as a whole is more than its component parts, i.e. whether the combination of a generic word with a generic TLD can result in something that is non-generic.

The Court of Appeals relied heavily on the requirement that genericness must be established by looking at the proposed mark as a whole, in particular what the public primarily perceives the term as a whole refers to. As a result, there is no general rule regarding the combination of two generic elements with respect to genericness of the combined sign as a whole.

Where, as the Fourth Circuit puts it, evidence [in this case the consumer survey] demonstrates that the trade marks primary significance to the public as a whole is the source, not the product, the combination should not be deemed generic. Considering the component parts of a domain name thus may not unambiguously point to the primary significance of the term taken as a whole. Even where a domain-name-as-mark technically describes the service provided, it does not necessarily follow that the public commonly understands the mark as referring to the service broadly speaking.

Based on the foregoing, the Court of Appeals affirms the District Courts ruling that--

adding .com to a [second-level-domain] can result in a non-generic, descriptive mark upon a showing of primary significance to the relevant public.





This Kat should have booked her

beach holiday on booking.com

Ok, now you got your trade mark. What do you want to do with it?

The Court nevertheless suggests (by way of obiter dictum) that once registered, the trade mark BOOKING.COM may well have a limited scope of protection, stating that it

would not necessarily preclude another company from using, for example, carbooking.com or flightbooking.com.
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his arrival at Pakistan Air Force Nur Khan Base in Rawalpindi Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (R) greets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his arrival at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Nur Khan Base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan February 17, 2019. Press Information Department (PID)/Handout via REUTERS

By Drazen Jorgic and Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday said Saudi Arabia has signed investment agreements worth $20 billion during his high-profile visit to Pakistan, where tensions were flaring up with nuclear-armed rival India.

Kicking off his tour of South Asia and China with a far higher Pakistan investment than expected, the crown prince said the $20 billion figure represents only the start of an economic tie-up that would bring the historic Muslim allies even closer.

"Its big for phase 1, and definitely it will grow every month and every year, and it will be beneficial to both countries," said the crown prince.

"We have been a brotherly country, a friendly country to Pakistan. Weve walked together in tough and good times, and we (will) continue."

But Prince Mohammed's visit is at risk of being overshadowed by Pakistan's growing tensions with India. Earlier this week a suicide bomber killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement.

Cash-strapped and in need of friends, Pakistan welcomed the crown prince with open arms and in grandiose fashion, including sending fighter jets to guide his incoming plane once it entered Pakistani airspace.

Prime Minister Imran Khan and Pakistan's army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa greeted Prince Mohammed on the red carpet of a military airport in the garrison town of Rawalpindi, before Khan personally drove the crown prince to the capital Islamabad.

"Saudi Arabia has always been a friend in need, which is why we value it so much," said Khan, while seated next to Prince Mohammed. "I want to thank you for the way you helped us when we were in bad situation."

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistan's economy afloat by propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Story continues

Islamabad has shown appreciation by treating Prince Mohammed's trip as the biggest state visit since Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of China's global Belt and Road initiative.

The tour is seen as a attempt by the crown prince to rebuild his reputation after the murder of Saudi critic and journalist Jamal Khashoggi, analysts say. Many in the West blamed Prince Mohammed for the killing, which triggered the kingdom's biggest political crisis for a generation. He has denied being involved.

He had also planned to visit Indonesia and Malaysia during the tour, but those trips have been postponed, according to Malaysian and Indonesian officials.

In Pakistan, most of the agreements signed focused on energy projects, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port. Memorandums of understanding were also signed for investments in minerals and agriculture, Khan said.

The two nations' relationship has in the past centred on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistan's economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistan's powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious clout in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mainly Muslim nation of 208 million people.

"What is happening in this relationship is a renewal of Pakistan's commitment to help protect the royal family and the order as it exists in Saudi Arabia," said Mosharraf Zaidi, Senior Fellow at Tabadlab, a Pakistani think tank focused on global and local public policy.

"On the flip side, there is reassurance that Saudi Arabia will not only continue to serve as a strategic friend who will help shore up Pakistan's finances when needed, but it's also going to become a participant in the wider investment in Pakistan."

Prince Mohammed was also set to meet representatives of the Afghan Taliban militant group to discuss peace negotiations to end the 17-year civil war in Afghanistan, Pakistani government and militant sources said.

But that was unlikely after the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group's planned meetings with Khan and U.S. officials in Islamabad were called off.

(Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Additional reporting by Jibran Ahmad in PESHAWAR and Abdul Qadir Sediqi in KABUL; Editing by Nick Macfie, Sam Holmes and Mark Potter)
By Ruth Anderah.

Former Bubulo West member of parliament Tony Kipoi Nsubuga has been denied bail by High court Judge Jane Francis Abodo in his absentia.

Justice Abodo ruled that Kipoi is charged with a grave offence related to security before a General court martial which is also has jurisdictions to handle his bail application.

Kipoi is currently on remand at Makindye Military barracks since March 21st 2018 after he was charged with offences related to National security by the General court Martial.

Last week justice Abodoalso heard his bail application in his absentia, after his lawyer Richard Iduli informed court that the UPDF has deliberately refused to produce Kipoi in court two consecutive times despite having served them to do so.

Iduli had asked court to grant his client bail on grounds that it is his constitutional right and the fact that he is being detained in an illegal detention of the army at Makindye military barracks yet he is a civilian.

He further stated that his clients arrest in Botswana on March 18th 2018 was illegal because their was no warrant of arrest issued nor any extradition proceedings conducted while being brought back in the country.
Kulbhushan Jadhav was apprehended on March 3, 2016 after he illegally crossed into Pakistan from Iran, according to Pakistani officials.

India will ask the UN's top court on Monday to give consular access to former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested in Baluchistan in 2016 on charges of espionage and sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) urgently ordered Pakistan in 2017 to stay the execution of Jadhav, pending hearings on the broader Indian case that take place this week in The Hague.

Follow LIVE UPDATES on the Kulbhushan Jadav hearing

Jadhav was accused of working for Indian intelligence services in the province bordering Afghanistan, where Islamabad has long accused India of backing separatist rebels. After a closed trial, he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on April 10, 2017, on charges of "espionage, sabotage and terrorism". India insists Jadhav was not a spy, and that he was kidnapped in Pakistan. New Delhi in court documents is asking that the ICJ order Islamabad to annul the sentence.

Explained: Kulbhushan Jadhav case at ICJ - Here's what will happen today

Explained

Ties strained, India to push its point

The hearings come at a time when ties between India and Pakistan have hit a low following the Pulwama terror attack. The Indian side is expected to push its point that Pakistan has been breaking international rules and human rights laws. While India will argue on Monday, Pakistan will make submissions on February 19. India will then reply on February 20 and Pakistan will make its closing submissions on February 21.

It has accused Islamabad of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide him with consular access, as well as breaking human rights laws. If Pakistan is unable to quash Jadhav's death sentence, Islamabad should be found in violation of international law and treaties, and be told to "release the convicted Indian national forthwith", India said. The ICJ's decision will likely come months after this week's hearings.
By Damali mukhaye.

The opposition forum for democratic change has called on government to reveal the actual cause behind the rampant deportation of MTN staff.

Addressing journalists at their party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, the party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda says while government is citing national security, for the deportation, of the staff from Rwanda and South Africa, there seems to be something more.

He says the President Museveni should inform the citizens if there is tension between Uganda and Rwanda and embrace dialogue due to the uncertainty caused.

Four MTN Uganda staff including the CEO have since been deported for compromising national security according to government.
After reports of the Pakistan flag showing up if one searches for Best toilet paper in the world, Google has come out with a statement, saying that it has not found any evidence that Google was ranking the Pakistan flag in response to this search.

"While we continue to investigate the matter, we have not found any evidence that Google Images was ranking the Pakistani flag in response to this particular search. Many news outlets wrote about an old screenshot from a meme website that is inconsistent with our UI and dates back to 2017, and we have not seen any independent verification that these results ever appeared as depicted. Since these news stories published, images from those articles are now ranking for this query, as the pages contain words relevant to the search. " - Google Statement

It was reported that Google was showing the Pakistan flag when one searched for the "best toilet paper in the world", the "best China-made toilet paper" or just "toilet paper".

The glitch on Google Search results was noticed a couple of days after the 14 February terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district that left 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel dead.

Screenshots of the search results have gone viral as memes, posts and status updates on several social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Apart from images of the Pakistan flags, a search for toilet paper-related queries on Google shows results for a number of media reports that have been circulating around the subject. However, now the image of the flag has been overpowered by the heavy SEO being used by all the media reports reporting the glitch.

A query to Google about whether the glitch has been taken care of or not went unanswered.

This happens as a result of Google algorithms that have often displayed inappropriate search results on certain topics, owing to the popular user behaviour around the said topic.

Story continues

Earlier, searching words like "Feku", "Pappu" and "Idiot" led users to images of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi and US President Donald Trump, respectively.

To read this story in Hindi, click here.

(With inputs from IANS)

. Read more on Tech News by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsSC to Hear Plea Seeking CBI Probe in Killing of BJP Workers in WB . Read more on Tech News by The Quint.
Dr. Charles Huttar, who is a retired member of the Hope College English faculty, recently delivered invited lectures in both the Netherlands and Lithuania on C.S. Lewis.

He presented the address C.S. Lewiss Socratic Myth of the Fall in Its Cultural Context on Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and on Thursday, Feb. 7, at LCC International University in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Huttar initially developed the lecture for the presentation at LCC International University, which was established in 1991 and provides a Christian liberal arts education, offering bachelors and masters degrees in social sciences and humanities. The university enrolls approximately 550 students from more than 38 countries, many from Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

My hope was to introduce C.S. Lewis to them as a major Christian thinker whose work they need to be acquainted with, he said. The lecture itself addressed issues in the relationship between Christian theology and evolutionary theory.

Huttar has published many book chapters and journal articles on Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and others of the famous Inklings group based in Oxford, England, as well as on other literary topics. He edited or co-edited the books Imagination and the Spirit: Essays in Literature and the Christian Faith Presented to Clyde S. Kilby (1971), Word and Story in C.S. Lewis (1991), The Rhetoric of Vision: Essays on Charles Williams (1996) and Scandalous Truths: Essays by and about Susan Howatch (2005).

His talks in the Netherlands and Lithuania are part of a book on which hes working, New Bodies in Narnia and Elsewhere: C.S. Lewis and the Mythography of Metamorphosis. Beginning with an observation about Lewis narrative style in Narnia, his inquiries have expanded to include a study of sources, influences and Lewis originality as seen in the range of his workfiction, poetry, literary and social criticism, theological writing and the critique of science. Huttars work on the book project has received support from Wheaton Colleges Marion E. Wade Center, which focuses on seven British authors including C.S. Lewis and three other members of the Inklings. Huttar will also be presenting a lecture based on his book in April at the center.

Huttar taught at Hope from 1966 until retiring in 1996, with his service to the college including chairing the Department of English from 1971 to 1976. He continues to be active in professional associations, including the Conference on Christianity and Literature (CCL) and the Guild of Scholars of the Episcopal Church. The CCL, of which he was a founding member in 1956 and is also a past president and past board member, presented him with its inaugural Margaret Patterson Hannay Service Award in January 2018.
Dr. Kendra R. Parker of the Hope College English faculty will present She Bites Back: Black Women as Predators in Life and Lit on Thursday, Feb. 28, at 3:30 p.m. at Hope in the Fried-Hemenway Auditorium of the Martha Miller Center for Global Communication through the Department of English Colloquium Series.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

Parkers book Black Female Vampires in African American Womens Novels, 1977-2011: She Bites Back was published in December by Lexington Books. In it, Parker examines five novels by four African American woman writers that feature black female vampires: Mind of My Mind and Fledgling, by Octavia E. Butler; The Gilda Stories, by Jewelle Gomez; The Bitten, by L.A. Banks; and Just Wanna Testify, by Pearl Cleage.

While presenting settings and conflicts with supernatural or fantastic elements, the stories explore serious questions about society, stereotypes and expectations as they relate to black women, who are portrayed as both strong and nurturing as they navigate the challenges they face. The authors approach, Parker said, is a response to the social construction of African American women as predators.

I was interested in the ways that these black female vampires were different than the ones that weve seen in other films, television series and books, said Parker, who is an assistant professor of English and affiliate faculty member in the colleges Womens and Gender Studies Program. I wanted to see how the novels spoke to our past, present or even the future.

The authors dismantle the stereotypes, and I was interested in how they present a holistic picture of black womanhood, Parker said. Theyre collapsing the binary of either/or and replacing it with both/and.

In four of the five cases, the vampires  whose condition doesnt always involve taking blood  are the protagonists, confronting relationships and systems that are damaging to them and others.

The scary part isnt the black female vampire, Parker said. The scary part is what they face.

The heroine in Fledgling, for example, survives an attempted genocide with critical injuries and finds her credibility as a witness challenged by the tribunal that investigates. The central character in The Gilda Stories experiences life at the margins of society for two centuries, beginning as a slave in Louisiana. Even the predatory vampires of Just Wanna Testify are more than they first appear.

Author Tananarive Due of the faculty of the University of California, Los Angeles is among those who have praised Parkers book, noting in her review, Parkers energetic, well-researched book chronicles the creative and subversive ways black women have written about vampires. Rooted in history, but firmly aimed at the present and future, Parkers research and analysis reveal the deeper meaning behind black womens depictions of vampires in myriad forms  and how sometimes the unhuman can be the most human rendering of all.

Parker joined the Hope faculty in 2013 as a Preparing Future Faculty Teaching Fellow in English while in the final year of her doctoral program at Howard University, and she was appointed an assistant professor on the tenure-track in 2014. In addition to African American literature, she teaches first-year composition, cultural heritage, and Womens and Gender Studies courses.

She is the former assistant editor for the CLA Journal, where she most recently guest edited and wrote the introduction for Decolonizing the University: A Battle for the African Mind  a special issue of CLA Journal. Additionally, she has published Octavia Butler and Afrofuturism (Gale Researcher 2016) and Unchaining Selves: Contemporary Slavery and Health Care Freedom in Tananarive Dues Blood Colony (CLA Journal 2015). She has two forthcoming publications: Intergroup Dialogue and Difficult Conversations: Teaching Octavia Butler at a Private, Christian PWI, in PMLA: Approaches to Teaching Octavia E. Butler (edited by Tarshia Stanley), and Noble Savages, Magical Negroes, and Exotic Others, Oh My!: Black Female Vampires in Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, in Monster Media in their Historical Context (edited by Frank Jacob and Verena Bernardi). She is also the co-editor of The Bloomsbury Companion to Octavia E. Butler (scheduled for a 2019 publication).

In addition to her doctorate from Howard University, Parker holds a bachelors degree in English from the University of West Georgia, from which she graduated in 2008. She received the David Bottoms Distinguished Alumna Award from the University of West Georgias Department of English and Philosophy in April 2018.

Parkers presentation is among a variety of public events scheduled at Hope in conjunction with national Black History Month, which runs Feb. 1-28. Others include a presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 19, by Franklin J. Macon, a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman who is author, with 1991 Hope graduate Elizabeth Blom Harper, of the book I Wanted to Be a Pilot: The Making of a Tuskegee Airman; a Gospel Fest concert on Saturday, Feb. 23, featuring the Hope College Community Gospel Choir and other regional choirs; and the address Speaking Truth to Power on Wednesday, Feb. 27, by author Austin Channing Brown.

The Martha Miller Center for Global Communication is located at 257 Columbia Ave., at the corner of Columbia Avenue and 10th Street.
People in 19 states may have been exposed to drug-resistant Brucella RB51, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal agencys Emergency Preparedness and Response teams alert suggests the exposure may be linked to consuming raw, unpasteurized milk from Millers Biodiversity Farm in Quarryville, Pa.

This particular strain of Brucella RB51 is a live-attenuated cattle virus strain. That means it can be shed in milk and cause infections in humans.

RB51 is resistant to the antibiotics rifampin and penicillin. Regrettably, in this case, rifampin typically had been one of the antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis.

Raw milk sales are illegal

By state law, Pennsylvania allows farmers to sell unpasteurized milk on-farm or via retail stores. Those farms must have a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to sell milk, milk products, and manufactured products from unpasteurized milk within the state of Pennsylvania.

However, that milk cannot cross state lines. Thats because federal regulations explicitly prohibit the sale of unpasteurized milk and milk products across state borders.

Simply said, its against the law.

So how did milk travel so far and wide?

Some of the people may have traveled to Pennsylvania to buy the product. However, there are farms involved with underground sales of raw, unpasteurized milk. In some documented cases, distributors have used vans and burner cellphones to move the product.

No such details have come out in this particular case.

The states where people have been believed to be exposed to raw milk from this particular farm are Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Its nasty

Brucellosis symptoms can occur anywhere from five days to six months following exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms can include:

Fever

Sweats

Malaise

Anorexia

Headache

Fatigue

Muscle pain

Joint pain

There are potentially more serious complications:

Endocarditis (inflammation of the hearts lining)

Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)

Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

Neurologic (nerve system disorders)

In pregnant patients, Brucella infections can be associated with miscarriage.

All this from drinking a glass of raw, unpasteurized milk.

All this could have been prevented by purchasing pasteurized milk that complies with federal law.

All this could have been prevented by using a technology that French scientist Louis Pasteur discovered in the mid-1860s when the American Civil War was being fought. Pasteurization has been proven effective. Its stood the test of time.

Not the first case

This investigation is associated with the third known case of brucellosis from Brucella RB51 due to raw milk acquired in the U.S. since August 2017, wrote the CDC. Those other cases were in New Jersey and Texas. This means hundreds of other people have been potentially exposed to RB51.

A New York resident, who drank raw milk purchased from Millers Biodiversity Farm in Quarryville, Pa., was diagnosed with brucellosis in November 2018. Milk samples from the dairy tested positive for Brucella strain RB51. People who consumed raw milk or raw milk products from this dairy since January 2016 may have been exposed, stated the CDC.

Patients who are still within six months of the date they last consumed raw milk are at increased risk for brucellosis and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended, along with six months of symptom monitoring.

If patients are outside of the six-month window following their last consumption of the raw milk and have or develop an illness consistent with brucellosis, a blood culture should be obtained prior to starting any treatment, preferably while the patient is symptomatic.

For more on this situation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, read: Exposures to Drug-Resistant Brucellosis Linked to Raw Milk.

Final recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following to medical professionals:

1. A 21-day course of both doxycycline and trimethoprim/sulfmethoxazole for first-line PEP for RB51 exposure. If brucellosis occurs despite prophylaxis, treatment should be pursued; alternative options should be considered for those with contraindications to the stated PEP and treatment regimens. Please note that RB51 is resistant to rifampin and penicillin.

2. When ordering blood cultures to diagnose brucellosis, please advise the laboratory that blood culture may grow Brucella and that appropriate laboratory containment and precautions should be observed.

3. Advise patients to discard any leftover or stored raw milk or raw milk products from this dairy farm.

Again, all this could have been prevented by drinking pasteurized milk.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2019

February 18, 2019
Food safety training, exam offered

CLINTON -- The University of Illinois Extension office in DeWitt County will hold a state-mandated course and exam for Certified Food Protection Manager over two days, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tues. and Thurs., March 5 and 7, in the DeWitt County Extension office at 8425 Katie Road in Clinton.

Students must attend both classes and bring a valid photo ID to take the exam. The course fee is $115, or $75 for SNAP-Ed or EFNEP employees. Fees cover the textbook, class materials and exam. The class will be taught by Extension educator Caitlin Mellendorf and meets the minimum classroom hours required for the national exam.

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that someone holding this certification be on duty at all food establishments during hours of operation. Certification must be renewed every five years.

Registration deadline is Friday, Feb, 8. For more information or to register online, go to go.illinois.edu/dmp or call (217) 935-5764.

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ARGENTA  Choir directors at a high school concert don't often sing a solo, but Rae Ann DeSutter is not just any choir director.

DeSutter, who will retire at the end of the school year after a 36-year teaching career, sang What I Did for Love by Marvin Hamlisch at Argenta-Oreana High School's Valentine's Day concert on Feb. 13. She has taught at the school for 22 years.

Her last concert will be in May, though a final date has not yet been decided.

When I first knew her, my mom did musicals with her, said Matthew Lightner, speaking of his mother, Maria Lightner. They did productions very frequently, about twice a year, until a couple of years back.

"Man, what haven't I learned from her," he said of DeSutter. "She's really helped me fix my tonal quality. I used to be kind of whiny and that sort of thing. I've gotten a little more mature tone. She's just taught everyone how to be a good person in general, just her energy that you can feel around the classroom.

Lightner is a senior and said he plans to continue singing after he graduates, though probably not in a competitive setting as he's done during high school.

DeSutter's son is graduating from college this year, and that's part of the reason she decided it was time to retire, she said.

There's never a perfect time (to retire), she said. I don't think I'm done being involved in music. I think I'm still going to find my name in it someplace and keep busy, but I just thought it was time. Thirty-six years is long enough.

She is certified to teach band and vocal music, but found her niche teaching choir, and most of her students stick with her throughout their school years, so she's known them long enough to really understand their voices. She also nudges them to try things that they might not realize they can do, and concerts feature several student solos to give everyone a chance to shine.

DeSutter began her career in Nebraska, coming home to Illinois to teach in Olney and Bethany before settling down at Argenta-Oreana. She's originally from Gurnee.

One of her favorite memories is the school's Christmas concert, when she invited alumni back to sing with the choir on the Hallelujah Chorus, and 22 of them accepted.

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I don't have any famous students, she said. But the memories of the students and watching them get older and keeping in touch with them, watching them grow up and have families of their own.

"As much as when you have the kids through here, especially in music, you get to know the families as much as you do them," she continued. "So when they graduate, you kind of lose their family, too. It's nice to keep connected with everybody.

Taking sixth-graders and guiding them through music all the way through their senior year in high school means keeping things interesting and fun, DeSutter said. When things go crazy, such as when the boys' voices start changing, she works around it.

OK, let's see where you are and let's make it work, she said, laughing. When they can feel successful with what they're doing, then they'll stick with it.

Sophomore Peyton Hayes said he has benefited from DeSutter's guidance over the years.

I've always really enjoyed singing and performing, but I was never really good until I went to fourth-grade choir and that's when I began to develop my talent more, and that's when it really started to be fun, he said.

Sophomore DeLanee Miller said DeSutter asked the students to promise they wouldn't drop choir next year when there's a new teacher, because she wants them to continue singing.

The students clearly will miss her, though.

I don't think, no matter who they bring in here, no one's going to be as good as Mrs. DeSutter, DeLanee said.

A tour of recent Argenta-Oreana School District upgrades

Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter

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DECATUR  A prisoner who sparked a medical emergency at the Macon County Jail with smuggled drugs was sentenced Friday to five years in prison.

Romell D. Hill, 35, appeared in Macon County Circuit Court and pleaded guilty to a single count of bringing contraband, ranging from heroin to methamphetamine, into a penal institution, a Class 1 felony. As part of a plea deal negotiated by his public defender, Scott Rueter, 17 other drug smuggling and possession charges were dismissed.

A sworn affidavit from corrections Sgt. Roger Pope described jail staff receiving confidential information that illegal drugs were being handed out and used in part of the facilitys maximum security section on the afternoon of April 20.

Pope said jail staff began a series of strip searches and found four inmates, including Hill, suffering from the effects of illegal drugs. Pope said Hill appeared extremely intoxicated and  breathing heavy and was administered the drug overdose antidote Narcan while staff awaited the arrival of emergency medical personnel.

Pope said four inmates, including Hill, had to be treated at a local hospital for extremely high blood pressure and other medical issues linked to drug use. It was later determined that, out of 17 inmates held in the high-security area, 14 of them had taken drugs smuggled in by Hill.

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The full list jail staff composed of what Hill brought in included: 0.4 grams each of cocaine and heroin, 5.9 grams of methamphetamine, 1.4 grams of a drug called pink bath salts, 10 morphine (30 milligram ) tablets and two ecstasy pills.

Pope said Hill managed to smuggle in all these drugs concealed in his rectum after he was arrested April 18 on a warrant. He then started trading the drugs for commissary items and potentially other funds he planned to use in a scheme to raise bail money for himself.

In addition to the prison term, Hill was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $1,700, although they were largely offset by an incarceration credit of $1,515 earned since Hill has been held in custody since April 18.

2019 mug shots from the Herald & Review

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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SPRINGFIELD  The Rev. Augustus Tolton escaped from slavery as a child and went on to become the nation's first black Catholic priest.

His life shows students how they can also live a life of purpose, actor Jim Coleman told students of local Catholic schools during a recent presentation about Tolton's life.

"Don't let anyone tell you you can't be what you want to be," said Coleman, who portrays the priest in Saint Luke Productions' one-man multimedia ,"Tolton: From Slave to Priest."

"If you have a vocation, don't let anything give you away, don't let anybody bully you or tell you that you can't do. Whatever you want to do, God can make it happen."

Tolton, who escaped slavery in Missouri during the Civil War and later lived and ministered in Quincy, is moving closer to being canonized.

Earlier in February, a nine-member theological commission unanimously voted to move forward Tolton's cause. Another final vote needs to be taken and approved before Tolton is given the title "Venerable," recognizing that he led a heroic life of Christian virtue.

The Rev. Daren Zehnle, a pastor at St. Augustine Parish in Ashland who is an expert on Tolton's life and is from Quincy, is hoping that declaration comes later this year.

"This is a very exciting time," Zehnle said. "To have someone from (the Springfield diocese) on the way to sainthood is a source of great joy."

Tolton, who died in Chicago in 1897 at age 43, would be the first saint from the diocese, according to Zehnle.

Chicago Cardinal Francis George opened the cause for sainthood for Tolton in 2010.

"He wanted to find a priest that he could hold up as an example of priestly holiness before the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago and before the whole U.S.," said Zehnle. "I'm not exactly certain how he settled on Father Tolton, but he did. He started to examine more and more of Father Tolton's life, and the more Cardinal George looked at that the more he was convinced that his life had a mark of holiness."

From slave to Quincy

Tolton was born April 1, 1854, to Catholic slaves on a farm in Ralls County, Missouri, near Brush Creek, a short distance from Hannibal, Missouri.

After Tolton's father fled to St. Louis to join the Union Army during the Civil War, Tolton's mother escaped to Quincy with Tolton, his brother and sister.

"It was twenty miles from the Elliott farm to Hannibal, and then there was the big river, and then 21 more miles to Quincy," according to the biography by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Union soldiers defended the family when Confederate officials accosted them as runaways in Hannibal. They crossed the Mississippi River in a dilapidated rowboat the Union soldiers helped them find, as a Confederate fired at the boat before it finally reached the Illinois side of the river. They stayed in the Negro district in Quincy for years with a widow and her daughter.

From the time of their arrival in Quincy, Tolton's family attended St. Boniface Church. Tolton was confirmed in St. Peter's Church June 12, 1870.

"Gus was such a devout young man, serving Mass daily before going to work, that at some point Father (Peter) McGirr and Gus discussed the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood," the biography said. "They found out there were no black priests in the United States, although there were the Healy brothers out east, whose father was an Irishman and their mother was a mulatto."

Because no seminary in the United States would accept Tolton because of his race, several Quincy priests outlined a study plan for him. In 1898, St. Francis College (now Quincy University) enrolled him. He later was accepted as a seminarian at the Propaganda in Rome.

From Quincy to Rome and back

The Propaganda Fide was Rome's missionary school, training priests to send out to parts of the world where Christianity either had not yet been brought or was still in its fledgling stages, Zehnle said.

"So, when Father Tolton went to Rome, he had every expectation that he would be sent as a missionary priest to somewhere in Africa, and in all of his time in Rome, that's what he prepared for. He studied African geography, cultures, languages, whatever he could find to do that," Zehnle said.

Tolton was ordained a priest April 24, 1886.

However, the night before Tolton was ordained a priest, Cardinal Giovanni Simeoni, who had taken Tolton under his wing, told him that the committee to decide where he would be sent had just agreed that he should go to Africa.

Zehnle said: "But Cardinal Simeoni said, 'But I've overruled them,' and he said, 'America has been called the most enlightened nation on earth. We shall see if it deserves that honor.' He said, 'If America has not yet seen a black priest, it must see one now.' And he told Father Gus, 'You're going back home to Quincy.' He must have been a bit shocked."

Some 1,500 people greeted Tolton in July 1886 when he returned to Quincy.

"He was beloved by the people in Quincy, and the priests of Quincy generally spoke well of him. He was renowned for his singing and for the power of his sermons -- none of which we have," Zehnle said.

"When he left Quincy to go to Chicago (in December 1889), he talked about how well the city of Quincy loved him and that he would never forget them for all of their goodness to him."

Process of sainthood

Tolton died at age 43 of heatstroke July 9, 1897, and is buried in St. Peter's Cemetery in Quincy.

Tolton's cause for beatification and canonization moves to the Cardinal and Archbishop members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and to the Holy Father Pope Francis, for their consideration. If Pope Francis agrees that Tolton lived a life of heroic virtue, Tolton would receive the title "Venerable."

Rome specifically asks the question, "Did he live a life of heroic virtue?" Zehnle said.

"Not just simply the Christian life that we're all called to live, but he did do that ... above and beyond what most people will do?" Zehnle said. "So, that's where we are right now."

If Tolton were to be declared "Venerable," Rome would investigate a miraculous healing attributable to Tolton's intercession. If that is found to have occurred, he would be declared "Blessed." Another miracle would make him a saint.

"What always draws me to Father Tolton's life is what Father Roy Bauer always called his 'long-suffering.' He endured a lot, and he struggled a lot," Zehnle said.

"By our standards, his mission was to bring in black people into the Catholic Church, and if you look at numberwise, in Quincy or in Chicago, he was not very successful.

"He had a few converts here and there, but never what we would term 'a huge success,' just by population, but if you look at his life, if you look at his writings, everything that he talked about, his long-suffering, his patience, his refusal to lash out at people, so as a priest of the Propaganda of Rome ... his obedience was to Rome," Zehnle said.

Tolton accepted the cross as it came and remained faithful through that, Zehnle said.

"To me, that's the greatest of his story for our own day," Zehnle said. "I think that's part of what the church always looks for when looking to name somebody a saint, is we're looking to see, 'Does the life of Christ shine through this particular person's life? Did they imitate him so well?' And I think in Father Tolton, the answer to that question is, 'He did.' "

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SULLIVAN  Sullivan Chamber & Economic Development recently celebrated the recipients of itS annual awards.

Jake and Melissa Hagen were named the 2018 Citizen of the Year for their dedication to community's park and recreation program.

The Sullivan VFW is the recipient of the Community Service Organization Award for its hosting of community events and support of military veterans and their families.

CF&H is the Small Business of the Year. The group recognized owner Linda Huber and her staff for their willingness to support everything.

Agri-Fab is the Business of the Year Award for making a lasting impact in the community of Sullivan for its continued growth and giving back to the community daily.

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The urgent need to make sure people have access to behavioral health care is real. Medicaid spending on substance use disorders has increased fivefold from 2015 to 2017, most of which is new federal funds as more people are able to get the care they need. Expansion is the most cost-effective way that we can ensure Montanans have access to the help they need to manage mental health issues and to successfully recover from addiction.

Mental health and substance use disorder treatment service providers across the state have seen the life-changing impacts of Medicaid expansion. We will tell you time and time again that if Medicaid expansion were repealed or if the Legislature imposed new, strict requirements on enrollees, that our states progress and ability to successfully meet the behavioral health needs of Montanans would be rolled back five to 10 years. In addition, many of the providers will be unable to keep their doors open as reimbursements has been severely reduced.

The people who work in this field every day  therapists, mental health providers, licensed addiction counselors and community service providers  will tell you the same thing: there is no viable solution to address the mental health and substance use crisis in our state without Medicaid expansion.
"We've heard a lot of talk today about Judeo-Christian values ... but there are two hats here. There is the hat of the Christian, but there is also the hat of the civil servant. And God set up both institutions, the church and civil government. And it's one of the primary responsibilities of civil government to protect the citizen."

Laszloffy also said while there was a lot of discussion about cases of people being wrongly convicted, victims of crimes needed to be talked about, too.

"We talk about the possibility of an innocent person being put to death, but in 100 percent of the cases of the victims, innocent people were put to death," Laszloffy said. "A death penalty was carried out on them."

The committee did not take immediate action on the bill Monday.

The last time someone was put to death in Montana was 2006. Legislators have explored abolishing the death penalty for at least 20 years, and in the 2015 session, a bill that would have done so died on a split vote in the House.

Rep. Brad Hamlett, a Democrat from Cascade, also has a bill this session that would let a defendant be sentenced to death only if DNA or biological evidence was admitted at trial linking the defendant to the crime.

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Grand Old Partisan salutes William Calkins, born this day of 1842. During the Civil War, he served in the 14th Iowa Infantry and the 12th Indiana Cavalry. Settling down as a Hoosier, he was district attorney and then state representative.

In 1876, Colonel Calkins won the first of four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His next career move was practicing law in Tacoma. President Benjamin Harrison named him to the Washington territorial supreme court.

Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j6OOku4X2ZE

Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.

Each day, Michael Zak's 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"
parker wrote:

Great explanation fluke!



This is a classic type of assumption. Anytime you are presented with an observation about two events that CORRELATE, and the conclusion makes a CAUSAL claim, it's a very good idea to check that there were not alternate models of causation that could have explained the observed phenomenon.



Remember that you're looking for a *necessary* assumption for these arguments--without that assumption being true, the argument falls apart. As gmatpassion said above, if you negate choice B the conclusion will no longer hold. That means the positive version of the answer choice must have been necessary to uphold the conclusion. In this case, the argument makes a causal claim (family problems CAUSE academic difficulties) based on the observed correlation between one student's drop in GPA and that student's family difficulties. This observation is of two events that happened at the SAME TIME. CAUSATION, however, implies that one happened BEFORE the other and LED to the other. One possible explanation of the correlation is the conclusion mentioned, but it's just as possible that the reverse model of causation was true (or that some third unknown factor caused both...for example, what if the student developed a psychological disorder that affected both relationships and GPA?)



I don't recommend defaulting to negation for all five choices because it can take some time, but if you're down to 2 answers choices and are having a hard time figuring out which is necessary and which is merely "helpful," negation is a very powerful tool. Here, if we say that the GPA decline WAS the reason for the arguments, then it's not possible for the arguments to have been the reason for the GPA decline (as the original conclusion posits). This must be our answer.

(is it right?)

Hi,thanks for your helpful sulotion, but I am wondering why (C) is not correct. In this case, one of my brainstormed assuption is that "GPA can be the indicator for acedemic ability, which is the intellectual ability". So, when it comes to (C), it meets the assumption that GPA is the accurate measure of intellectual ability. Here, we can use the negation method. Then (C)'s negation is GPA is not the accurate measure of intellectual ability, and that clearly hurts the conclusion based on the above assumption. If GPA cannot reflect the academic ability, how can they say the lower GPA means academic difficulties? -----even stronger than (B)Is there anything i misunderstood? Thanks for more explanation:)
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is pleased to present Vickie Whitehead, CPA, CGA, director at Deloitte Canada, with a Distinguished Service Award for her remarkable commitment and dedication to the community.



Vickie Whitehead, CPA, CGA has provided leadership to First Nations across Canada for over 20 years. As a director with Deloitte Canada, she leads the firms Indigenous Wealth Services in B.C. and the North. Passionate about the power of diversity, she is a regional co-leader for the firms inclusion program.

Before joining Deloitte, she managed program planning and implementation with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.

Whitehead is a dedicated volunteer and leader in the community and has mentored other indigenous women formally and informally. As vice-chair of the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA), she helps the charity provide First Nations with the resources to create and operate trusts, and she has improved NATOAs financial management through an annual budgeting process and expenditure approval process.

She also chaired an advisory group for AFOA Canada, a not-for-profit organization that supports First Nations with training and professional development to foster finance skills, served on the board of directors of AFOA BC, and was recently elected to the AFOA Canada board by her peers.

Active within her profession, Whitehead is a member of the CPABC Bylaws Committee, contributing to the strength of CPABCs governing documentation and code of professional conduct. Her ability to quickly grasp the broader implications of a bylaw change adds remarkable value to her role as an advisor to the board of directors on proposed amendments.

Quote from Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC

The philanthropic work of volunteers like Vickie brings a positive impact on communities and the lives of others. They are truly deserving of this award.

To read the profiles of all the award winners, visit bccpa.ca/members/recognition-program .

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Individual profiles and publication quality photos of the recipients are available by request.

About CPA British Columbia

The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for more than 36,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students and candidates. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. CPAs are recognized internationally for bringing superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, and leadership to organizations.
Bolingbrook, Ill., Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATI Physical Therapy announced today that Joseph Jordan has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer for the organization. He moves into the role from Senior Vice President and Controller. Al Hamood, who was serving in a dual role of CEO and CFO, will move into the role of President of the company with Jordans promotion and the recent announcement of Labeed Diab as ATIs new CEO. Jordan joined the organization in April 2018, coming to ATI from Sears Holdings where he was Corporate Controller.





One of ATIs key attributes that I immediately saw was the depth of its bench strength across the organization. Joes arrival was part of a concerted effort by ATI to bring in top talent with experience to continue to grow and expand its leadership position in the industry, said Diab. The structure and discipline that Joe brought to ATI finance and accounting departments in short order is a testament to his leadership ability and financial acumen. Its great to be stepping into my role as CEO knowing that I have that type of experience by my side.

Jordan brings a long history of financial leadership to the CFO role. In his various leadership roles, he has worked with a variety of multinational public companies, overseeing corporate accounting, finance, tax, external and SEC reporting. In addition to his role as Corporate Controller at Sears, he served as Assistant Controller for Suncoke Energy. Jordan began his career at Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

ATI represents what customer service should be to the healthcare industry. I am thrilled to be working with an organization that has not only a vision for itself, but for the industry as a whole, said Jordan. With the support of Labeed, Al and the entire leadership team, my role now is to ensure that we have the necessary financial structure and processes in place to make that vision a reality for our patients and our employees.

About ATI Physical Therapy



ATI is a privately held, nationally recognized healthcare company, specializing in outpatient rehabilitation and adjacent healthcare services. With a focus on delivering a remarkable experience to every patient, every day, ATI has more than 800 locations from coast to coast. ATI was named Best Physical Therapy Practice in the Nation by ADVANCE magazine, and was one of the first physical therapy companies in the country to achieve URAC Core Accreditation, a mark of distinction that recognizes its commitment to quality healthcare. Based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, ATI gives back to communities across the country through the ATI Foundation, a non-profit established by ATI, which has provided more than $4 million in resources and funding to children with physical impairments. For more information on ATI Physical Therapy, and a complete list of clinic locations, services and the ATI Foundation, please visit ATIpt.com.

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CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canadas premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it welcomed a delegation of local public officials and representatives from Renfrew and Pontiac counties to the Chalk River Laboratories today for a series of presentations on its operations and activities. Among other topics addressed during the information session and site tour, CNL provided attendees with an update on its nuclear science and technology programs, the Chalk River Laboratories site revitalization program, CNLs major environmental remediation projects, and procurement opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.



Overall, CNL welcomed more than 30 visitors to the session, with representatives from 12 municipalities within Renfrew County and the City of Pembroke in attendance, including Sue DEon, the new Mayor of Deep River, and representatives from municipalities within Pontiac County, including Warden Jane Toller of MRC Pontiac.

Id like to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the site today, to learn more about the major research projects and commercial work that is underway here at CNLs Chalk River Laboratories, commented Mark Lesinski, CNL President and CEO. This is the first time CNL has hosted local mayors and councillors from both Pontiac and Renfrew counties at the Chalk River site together, which is a great way for us all to get to know one another and better understand the challenges and opportunities we face as a community. Everyone at CNL is working hard to grow our commercial work and build a bright future for the company, which benefits local residents and businesses, and I believe that message resonated with our guests today.

One of the many topics discussed during the visit was CNLs 10-year plan to modernize the Chalk River Laboratories campus. Funded through a $1.2 billion investment from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) on behalf of the Government of Canada, the capital program is designed to transform the site into a world-class and sustainable national nuclear laboratory. Once complete, the site will support the research needs of the Government of Canada and evolving science and technology needs of the Canadian and global nuclear industry, and is designed to spur commercial growth as the company transitions to alternate areas of work.

CNL also discussed its pursuit of a variety of new technologies and services as part of its transformation, including the deployment of small modular reactors in Canada and the use of hydrogen to decarbonize the country`s transportation sector. And, CNL shared its plans to pursue work around the commercial production of Actinium-225, a rare medical isotope that has the potential to serve as the basis of new, ground-breaking cancer treatments. This form of therapy combines alpha-emitting isotopes with a protein or antibody that specifically targets cancer cells, creating a new treatment that is extremely effective at killing cancer cells without doing damage to surrounding, healthy cells.

As one of the largest employers in the region, CNL has an enormous economic impact on the Ottawa Valley, and their success benefits everyone living in Renfrew and Pontiac counties, commented Sue DEon, Mayor of the Town of Deep River. But its also important to recognize that their work goes beyond our local communities, improving the lives of Canadians in areas such as public health, nuclear security and clean energy. I was really pleased that CNL hosted local public officials today, so that we have a clear understanding of the many projects that are underway at the Chalk River Laboratories.

Finally, participants also received an update on CNLs environmental remediation activities. Among other responsibilities, CNL manages nuclear liabilities at the Chalk River Laboratories site on behalf of AECL. The work includes the planning and execution of a number of major environmental remediation projects, including the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) project and the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) Closure Project, both which are going through a public environmental review process.

For more information on CNL, including its environmental remediation projects, research programs and the revitalization of the Chalk River site, please visit www.cnl.ca.

About CNL

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is a world leader in nuclear science and technology offering unique capabilities and solutions across a wide range of industries. Actively involved with industry-driven research and development in nuclear, transportation, clean technology, energy, defence, security and life sciences, we provide solutions to keep these sectors competitive internationally.

With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is well positioned for the future. A new performance standard reinforced with a strong safety culture underscores every activity.

For more information on the complete range of services Canadian Nuclear Laboratories please visit www.cnl.ca or contact communications@cnl.ca .





Contact:

Patrick Quinn

Director, Corporate Communications

CNL, 1-866-886-2325

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce1780a3-eff6-4377-920a-a6d9edd1b634
Dublin, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Agricultural Micronutrients Market by Type, by Form Factor, by Crop Type, by Application Mode, by Geography - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Agricultural micronutrients market is projected to reach $9,009.2 million by 2023, the market growth is driven by the fact that growing global population will continue to boost the demand for cereals and grains, thereby boosting the demand for micronutrients used for the promoting the growth of the crops.



On the basis of type, the agricultural micronutrients market is categorized into zinc, iron, boron, molybdenum, manganese, and others (copper, nickel, and chlorine). Of these, zinc micronutrients contributed the largest revenue to the market in 2017, accounting for more than 25.0% share. The demand for zinc micronutrients is majorly driven by its potential value that helps in increasing crop yield in a wide array of agronomic crops such as rice, bean, maize, potato, sorghum, and soybean. Additionally, research indicates that the rate of protein synthesis and protein content of zinc-deficient plants are lower than zinc-neutral counterparts.



Based on form factor, the agricultural micronutrients market is categorized into EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA, HBED, and non-chelated. In 2017, non-chelated micronutrients accounted for the largest share in net sales volume and constituted a share of more than 70.0% in the market, owing to increasing application rates of non-chelated micronutrients due to low price over chelated counterparts, thereby boosting of the demand for non-chelated agricultural micronutrients.



On the basis of crop type, the agricultural micronutrients market is categorized into cereals and grains, fruits and vegetables, oilseeds and pulses, and others (sugarcane, cotton, coconut, rubber, and tea and coffee). In 2017, cereals and grains were the largest category in the market. The high demand for cereals and grains is driven by increasing population and an ever-diversifying nutritional behavior of population, which is likely to propel the adoption rates of micronutrients and thus boost the growth of the market during the forthcoming period.



Based on application mode, the agricultural micronutrients market is categorized into soil, fertigation, foliar, and others (broadcasting and banding). In 2017, the market for application of micronutrients via soil held a significant share, owing to host of factors such as relative ease of application, low requirement of advanced machinery (such as sprays and drippers), and easy incorporation with fertilizers.



APAC accounted for the largest revenue share in terms of value in the agricultural micronutrients market, accounting for more than 55.0% in 2017. The high demand for the product is driven by increasing demand for processed and non-processed food, which in turn, is boosting the adoption of micronutrients used in growing different types of crops.



Increasing practice of contract farming is the major opportunity area identified in the agricultural micronutrients market. The emerging economies including China, India, and Brazil, are expected to witness a high population growth, thereby, creating an ever-increasing pressure on scarce farmlands. This creates pressure on farmers to maximize crop production. In order to deal with such issues in India, one of the initiatives launched and supported by the government of India is contract farming. Additionally, the agreement involves the buyers to provide a degree of production support such as supply of raw materials or technical expertise to farmers.



In May 2018, in India, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare unveiled the Model Contract Act 2018, aimed to offer support to the contract farming ecosystem by introduction of crop/livestock insurance and registration of contractual obligations and commitments. This is earmarked to offer awareness and technology, which were previously unknown to farmers. Consequently, this is likely to open new avenues of maximizing yield and production using application technology and chemicals such as micronutrients, thereby boosting the agricultural micronutrients market in the coming years.



The agricultural micronutrients market is characterized by presence of large number of multinational corporations as majority of the major players operating in the market are present in more than three countries. FMC Corporation, Akzo Nobel N.V., Yara International ASA, BASF SE, Sinochem Group, and SAPEC SA were the leading players in 2017.



Companies such as FMC Corporation and Akzo Nobel N.V. have wide range of agricultural micronutrients products. Apart from significant global presence, majority of the leading players also have a strong distribution network in the different countries across the world.



Some of the other major players operating in the global agricultural micronutrients market are The Mosaic Company, Coromandel International Limited, Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited, and Haifa Group.



Market Dynamics

Trends



Increase in horticulture, consolidation of farmlands, and intensification of agricultural crops

Drivers

Population growth, increasing food demand, and requirement of supplements to maximize crop yield and productivity

Deficiency of micronutrients in soil and its after-effects on crop yield

Increasing investments in the agricultural sector

Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast

Restraints

Lack of awareness regarding importance of micronutrients in soil in farmers

Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast

Opportunities

Increasing practice of contract farming

Companies Mentioned



The Mosaic Company

Yara International ASA

BASF SE

Akzo Nobel N.V.

SAPEC SA

Coromandel International Limited

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited

Sinochem Group Co. Ltd.

Haifa Group

FMC Corporation

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bjjmr6/9_bn?w=12

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.
English German

Zurich, February 18, 2019  In line with its strategic priorities to focus on select markets, Falcon has decided to discontinue its operations in the UK and agreed to sell the assets of its London-based subsidiary, Falcon Private Wealth Ltd. to Dolfin Financial (UK) Ltd. Falcon will continue to provide custodian services to its UK clients, whose wealth management needs will be served by Dolfin upon completion of the transaction.

Falcon is implementing its strategic plan as communicated in autumn 2018, focusing on select markets and growth initiatives, and will further concentrate its efforts on the main platforms in Zurich and Dubai. As a result, Falcon has decided to withdraw from the UK market. The renowned London-based wealth manager Dolfin Financial (UK) Ltd. has agreed to take over the wealth management activities of Falcon Private Wealth and acquire the corresponding assets, while Falcon Private Bank will continue to provide custodian services to its UK clients. To ensure a high level of continuity, Dolfin will retain the existing relationship managers, and clients will benefit from the same first-class wealth management service going forward. The transaction is expected to close in May 2019 at the latest. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Falcon CEO Martin Keller stated: We are focused on the delivery of our strategic priorities. While I regret our withdrawal from the UK market, this is the right step for Falcon to take. I am pleased about this agreement with Dolfin, a highly reputable wealth management firm that will guarantee the same exceptional service for our UK clients.





# # #





Rely on more than 50 years of experience and dedication. Trust in our commitment to superior performance and in our financial strength and stability. We serve our clients from our headquarters in Zurich and our locations in Dubai and Luxembourg.





Media contacts

Falcon Private Bank Ltd.

Gianmarco Timpanaro

Head Marketing & Communications

Phone +41 44 227 57 47

Mobile +41 79 404 37 73

Gianmarco.Timpanaro@falconpb.com

www.falconprivatebank.com

Falcon Private Bank Ltd.

Urs Fehr

Deputy Head Marketing & Communications

Phone +41 44 227 57 45

Mobile +41 79 694 47 65

Urs.Fehr@falconpb.com

www.falconprivatebank.com







Attachment
LONDON and SYDNEY, Australia and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FXCM Group, LLC ("FXCM Group" or FXCM), a leading international provider of online foreign exchange trading, CFD trading, cryptocurrencies and related services, announced today that it has launched its 20th anniversary campaign. FXCM was founded in 1999 and will officially celebrate its 20 Years of Trading in September 2019.



To celebrate, globally, FXCM has updated its logo and will be launching a variety of events and activates across its international entities.

Brendan Callan, CEO of FXCM Group stated: In 1999 FXCM identified a void in the currency markets and provided a solution for individual investors to trade FX at institutional prices. Since its inception FXCM has offered traders innovative technology paired with first-class customer service; 20 years later our focus remains the exact same. Over the years, we have made exceptional advancements to our platforms and product offering all while lowering trading costs. We are thankful for the privilege of serving our clients for the past two decades and look forward doing so for many years to come. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the entire FXCM team for their inspiring commitment and drive and for always putting our clients first. I am honored to be part of such a team. Like every 20 year old, we have great aspirations for the years ahead and we are excited to continue the journey.

20th Anniversary Celebrations:

Look out for invitations to our next trading seminars and education workshops around the globe throughout the year!

Active Trader Events - Meetings and workshops for Active Traders to meet one-on-one with their dedicated FXCM representative to explore FXCMs services and products. The meetings will help traders understand the concepts of online trading, boost their forex knowledge and learn how to use FXCMs powerful trading platforms. Traders will have the opportunity to showcase and share trading experiences, gaining practical information as well as seeing other trading perspectives and learning tips to build their own trading strategies. Geared towards high net worth clients to discuss markets, trading strategies and how FXCM can best provide support.

Algo and API Trading Seminars  Algo and API traders and enthusiast can join FXCM and industry experts for discussions, education and networking. These summits aim to provide an ideal learning environment for Quants, Data Scientists, Programmers, and Algo Traders. FXCM and industry experts will look for attendees to be able to leverage FXCMs market data solutions for volume, price and sentiment data to develop powerful market insights to help drive their Algo trading. These events will be an opportunity to network with like-minded Algo traders and professionals.

Educational Seminars - Traders will gain insight into topics such as the global market outlook, emerging market trends and risk management, and all topics, tools and products to make the most of all trading opportunities throughout the year. These seminars also provide a chance to learn more about FXCMs HTML5 Web platform and its competitive advantages.

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 (FX) trading, CFD trading, and related services. Founded in 1999, the company's mission is to provide global traders with access to the world's largest and most liquid market by offering innovative trading tools, hiring excellent trading educators, meeting strict financial standards and striving for the best online trading experience in the market. Clients have the advantage of mobile trading, one-click order execution and trading from real-time charts. In addition, FXCM offers educational courses on FX trading and provides trading tools, proprietary data and premium resources. FXCM Pro 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(s) with Forex Capital Markets Limited ("FXCM LTD"), retail clients could sustain a total loss of deposited funds but are not subject to subsequent payment obligations beyond the deposited funds and professional clients could sustain losses in excess of deposits. Prior to trading any products offered by Forex Capital Markets Limited , inclusive of all EU branches, FXCM Australia Pty. Limited , FXCM South Africa (PTY) Ltd , 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 (FXCM AU) (AFSL 309763), you must read and understand the Financial Services Guide , 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 Groups websites prior to taking further action.

Read full disclaimer.
CHARLES CITY | A Osage Community Schools administrator is on paid administrative leave after he was charged with an OWI in Charles City over the weekend.

Jay Dean Marley, 42, was charged with misdemeanor operating while intoxicated-first offense. Marley is the Osage Middle School principal.

According to court documents, he was operating a 2012 Chevy Malibu on Saturday in Charles City when he was pulled over for a turning violation.

Test results showed Marley had a .152 BAC, nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08.

Osage Community Schools Superintendent Barb Schwamman said Marley is on paid leave while the district investigates the situation. She said the district is following standard procedures.

We expect no disruption of the Middle School learning environment as HS Principal, Tim Hejhal, will assume 5-12 duties, Schwamman said in an email to parents Monday.

Marley was released from Floyd County Jail on his own recognizance Sunday.
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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Firefighters braved sub-zero wind chills early Tuesday to battle a blaze that started in the chimney of a home in northwest Colorado Springs.
The race is heating up for Colorados U.S. Senate seat held by Cory Gardner, considered one of the nations most vulnerable Republican incumbents on the ballot next year.

Including candidates who have launched campaigns and a handful facing pressure from party leaders to run, as many as a dozen Democrats are putting together campaigns to challenge Gardners bid for a second six-year term.

Political consultants and potential candidates say it could be months before the Democratic field takes shape, while perhaps the most formidable candidate might not get in the race until later in the year.

Democrats who have announced a bid or are said to be considering one include two members of Congress, a former state senator fresh off an unsuccessful run for governor, and two former speakers of the Colorado House.

Theres a state lawmaker from rural Colorado with a couple of swing-district wins under her belt and a former diplomat who turned heads with his fundraising success during a brief congressional run in the last cycle.

Throw in a young scientist who has been crisscrossing the state in an effort to build grassroots momentum, and its shaping up to be the most crowded Democratic statewide primary field in memory  nearly rivaling the 15 Republicans who vied for the chance to take on Colorados other U.S. senator, Democrat Michael Bennet, in 2016.

Strategists say that the race is attracting so much interest  including from younger politicians ready to dismiss the notion that they ought to wait their turn  because polling and Colorados sharp turn to the left in the most recent election suggest that winning the Democratic nomination could spell a better-than-even chance of landing in the U.S. Senate.

It could be a crowded field, because whoever wins the Democratic primary is likely to be the next U.S. senator from Colorado, says veteran Democratic strategist Alan Salazar, a top adviser to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. As long as Donald Trumps in the White House, that dynamic will be alive and well in Colorado.

Gardners 39 percent favorability rating in Colorado precisely matches Trumps, a recent poll by Democratic firms found, though Trump has higher negatives than Gardner among the states registered voters.

In addition, a survey conducted after the 2018 election by a Republican firm found that Trumps lopsided disapproval rating among unaffiliated voters  the largest share of the states electorate  threatens to drag down Republicans who back the president.

Gardner placed himself in that column in late January when he endorsed Trumps 2020 re-election bid, a move that left some Democrats puzzled and others cheering.

While Gardner didnt support Trump in 2016  he called on Trump to drop out in the wake of the Access Hollywood tape and later said he voted for Mike Pence, Trumps running mate  he told a Washington, D.C.-based news site that endorsing Trump was the right thing to do for Colorado.

Gardner added that he disagrees with the president on some things but is concerned about what some Democratic presidential front-runners will do to the state.

Republicans warn against writing off Gardners chances, particularly in a presidential election year when Colorados notorious ticket-splitters will have the chance to register their opposition to Trump by voting for his Democratic opponent while also supporting Gardner as a check on single-party rule.

Whats more, Republicans appear to be heeding the alarm sounded by Dick Wadhams, a former state GOP chairman, who has been warning since the November election that Republicans face an epic crisis if Democrats oust Gardner, the only Colorado Republican to win a top-of-the-ticket race for senator or governor since 2002.

So frustrating

I think Republicans overall are understanding that the best way, and frankly the only way, the Colorado Republican Party makes a comeback after this drubbing that occurred in 2018, is the re-election of Sen. Gardner, Wadhams said.

If Cory is re-elected in 2020, it will set the Republican Party up for what could be a good year in 2022, he added. Thats when Colorado will elect the states other senator, a governor and other statewide offices, as well as an additional congressional seat and a reapportioned General Assembly.

The comeback starts with the re-election of Gardner, Wadhams said. But if hes not re-elected, it will be a huge, huge defeat for the Colorado Republican Party.

North Jeffco Tea Party founder and former county GOP officer Jimi McFarland, who goes by Jimi Mack, said its exceedingly unlikely Gardner will draw a primary opponent, even as grassroots conservatives grow frustrated with Gardners more moderate positions.

Hes been a bit wishy-washy, waffled on a few of the issues, McFarland said.

He was not real supportive of Trump on the budget and (border) wall issue, and then all of a sudden he was. It seems like he has really tried these last few weeks to be more of a centrist in a fairly transparent effort to reach out to the moderates, the unaffiliateds.

But if we lose Corys seat, it may be another 10 years before Colorado is taken seriously again as a viable Republican vote. It is crucial, but this is why its so frustrating to grassroots folks.

Still, McFarland added, You dont go to war with the army you want, you go to war with the army you have. And this is the army we have.

A Gardner spokesman, predictably, sees things differently.

Cory has been one of the most bipartisan and effective members of the Senate, and hell continue to work hard for Coloradans across the state, Casey Contres, a spokesman for the Gardner campaign, said via email.

In regards to the Democrat primary, it appears that each entry to the race will drag the Democratic primary even further to the far left of the mainstream, Contres added.

Salazar said that the candidates lining up to take on Gardner  and those mulling a bid  span the Democratic Partys ideological range, from avowed centrists to unabashed progressives

The question is whether the Democratic Party in Colorado cares about building a big tent or anointing the person who is most ideologically pure, he said.

The Democratic Party is wrestling with that across the country, and Colorado is no exception.

A formidable fundraiser

A handful of long-shot Democrats have been running against Gardner for months, and now some of the big names long expected to run are beginning to make their candidacies official.

A lot of people are trying to figure out where the chips are going to land, one potential candidate said.

You cant game this out, but you can ask, Can a decent person make a credible run? Thats really all a person can go on, thinking this through at this point.

The day after Gardner endorsed Trump, former state Sen. Mike Johnston, a candidate for governor in last years primary, announced he was in the race.

Donald Trump and Cory Gardner have failed to protect us from the real threats America faces, Johnston said.

When hes campaigning in Colorado, Cory Gardner claims hes independent, but when hes voting in Washington, he sticks with Trump 92 percent of the time.

Johnston said he has spent his life running towards the hardest problems. I did it as a public school teacher and principal, as an adviser to President Obama, and then as a state senator, where I passed major legislation opening the doors of college to undocumented students, investing in renewable energy and taking on the NRA to pass common sense gun safety.

Although he finished third in Junes gubernatorial primary  behind now-Gov. Jared Polis and former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy  Johnston has long been considered a rising star in the party and proved to be a formidable fundraiser.

He pulled in $2.5 million for his gubernatorial campaign, while a PAC supporting his run raised an additional $5.7 million, including $2 million in contributions from Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire and former New York mayor, as well as a number of wealthy tech entrepreneurs.

Johnston drew fire in the gubernatorial primary for his education reform agenda  a deeply controversial flashpoint in Democratic Party politics  but a leading consultant cautioned against assuming the same dynamics would be at play in a Senate primary.

Thats both because education issues play out differently at the federal level, the consultant said, and because many of his chief competitors have held similar positions over the years.

A Democrat long considered to be interested in the race  former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff  made it official Feb. 7 by announcing his candidacy.

In his announcement, Romanoff laid out a platform focused on energy and the environment, immigration reform, health care and drug addiction, and fostering an economy that enables all Americans to thrive.

Romanoff stepped down as president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, a nonprofit advocacy organization, to make the run.

He lost a primary challenge against Sen. Michael Bennet in 2010 and ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, an Aurora Republican, in 2014, though he outraised Coffman in what was one of the most expensive congressional races in the country that year.

At a Feb. 2 meeting with Douglas County Democrats, Romanoff previewed his campaign, recalling that he served with Gardner in the Colorado House.

I disagree with him on just about every issue thats at stake over the next two years, Romanoff told Douglas County Democrats.

Cory Gardner voted to slash Medicare; I think we ought to expand it to everyone, he said.

Cory Gardner describes the Green New Deal as a lot of red tape; I think it is our last, best chance to rescue the planet. Cory Gardner has showered billions of tax dollars on those at the top; I think we ought to provide a leg up to those in the middle and at the bottom.

Romanoff concluded: I ran for the state House, frankly, I became a Democrat, because I wanted to make sure that all of us, whether we have wealthy friends, political connections  whether we have all of the odds stacked in our favor or none at all  all of us have a seat at this table. I think we can get from here to there. I hope to be part of that effort in 2020.

A potential powerhouse

Former House Speaker Crisanta Duran, D-Denver, is also expected to run, though two Democratic consultants say shes recently decided that shes in no hurry to declare shes running and could wait until the beginning of April, after the first campaign finance reporting quarter has closed  a timeline that several potential candidates suggested they could follow.

Im thinking about where I can be most effective moving forward, Duran said earlier in January, adding that her tenure in the Legislature demonstrated time and time again, theres more that binds us together than divides us.

She added: I am seriously considering it, and I am going to continue to do my due diligence to decide where I can be most effective.

In recent weeks, U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, the newly elected representative of the 2nd Congressional District, has been attracting wide attention in progressive circles  including numerous appearances on national cable news shows  and has emerged as a top prospect for the Senate nomination.

While Neguse declined to comment, the son of Eritrean refugees and Colorados first African-American member of Congress has been receiving calls from people saying he would make a great candidate, a source close to Neguse confirmed.

His colleague, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, who represents the suburban 7th Congressional District, hasnt ruled out a run for the Senate seat  a campaign spokeswoman last week had no comment on his plans  and a Democratic consultant said the eight-term congressman would be considered the powerhouse if he jumps in.

Observers, however, point to several factors that might dissuade Perlmutter from jumping in, including his withdrawal from the 2018 gubernatorial primary after running for a few months  he said he lacked the fire in the belly necessary to raise the kind of funds it would take to compete with Polis, a multimillionaire who self-funded his campaign  and the chance to continue serving in the House majority.

Former Gov. John Hickenlooper, who has been inching toward a presidential run, is another heavyweight whos being encouraged to challenge Gardner by national Democrats  he said in a recent interview that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been reaching out to him  but the former Denver mayor has insisted that he isnt interested in a Senate run. But he could change his mind this year if his presidential bid fails to catch fire.

Dan Baer, former U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe under former President Barack Obama  and who ran for Perlmutters congressional seat before Perlmutter reversed himself  is also said to be considering a run for Senate after a stint heading Colorados Department of Higher Education.

According to recent financial disclosures, Baers federal campaign committee still has roughly $250,000 on hand, funds that could seed a Senate race.

Im focused on the fact that sending Cory Gardner back to Yuma has to be the No. 1 priority, Baer said.

State Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, an Eagle County rancher and one of five Democratic state Senate candidates who prevailed in battleground districts last fall on the way to the party winning back a majority in the chamber, said shes weighing a run for the U.S. Senate.

Its something I want to approach cautiously and work with trusted advisers and get the pulse of the state, she said.

I think I would be a great candidate and would certainly bring regional diversity.

She added: Cory Gardner needs a strong challenger and someone who knows the problems all of Colorado faces, and I think I can be that voice and be a strong representative for the entire state. Weve seen over Sen. Gardners term, he hasnt always matched up for the values of the state. A lot of people feel he isnt representing the states values.

Meanwhile, biomedical educator and researcher Trish Zornio  a little-known candidate, yet one who insiders caution against dismissing outright  made her campaign official on the day of the Womens March, but only after spending a year and a half holding meet-and-greets in all 64 counties and amassing tens of thousands of followers on social media.

Ive been prioritizing meeting and talking with Coloradans across the state, she said. In a time when people feel more than anything that they arent getting listened to, this is about valuing people.

Noting that her campaign is on track to meeting its grassroots fundraising goals, Zornio added: We might not have the Bloombergs, but what we have are everyday Coloradans who want to see change and a different type of person in office.

Previously announced candidates include Lorena Garcia of Denver, executive director of Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition; Navy veteran Keith Pottratz of Grand Junction; and Denver pharmacist Dustin John Leitzel.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Thunderstorms. Low 54F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 54F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
The Senate voted to sustain the president's veto of Democratic-sponsored legislation reversing his raid of military base project money in Colorado and elsewhere to pay for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
A man checks his phone in Cambridge, Mass. Mike Johansson, a senior lecturer in communication at Rochester Institute of Technology, has asked his students to keep track of how they spend their time. Over time, I had a few students who came back to me and said, I was amazed. I didnt realize that over the course of a week I was averaging three to four hours on YouTube every day. It adds up, Johansson says.
FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, file photo, Billy Joel performs the first show of his Madison Square Garden residency, in New York. Baby boomers Joel, Maria Shriver and Samuel L. Jackson will be among those featured in an upcoming PBS documentary about the post-World War II generation. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)
Additional dogs were surrendered to Killeen Animal Services before the dangerous dog investigation was initiated.

15 dangerous dogs were declared in 2018

7 dangerous dogs were declared in 2017

28 dangerous dogs have been declared by the city since 2014

Dog Safety

Ask permission before petting a dog

Sudden movements or loud noises can startle a dog

Do not fight or be physically aggressive in front of a dog

Always approach a dog slowly

Speak gently to dogs

Keep dogs properly restrained in public

Be sure fences are adequate to contain your dog

What to do if a dog attacks you:

Do not turn your back on the dog

Communicate in a low calm voice Say go home or down

Avoid quick or sudden movements
Thousands have turned out in Iran for the mass funeral of 27 Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) troops killed in a suicide car bombing near the border with Pakistan on February 13.

Shouts of "Death to America," and "Death to Zionism" could be heard from the crowd gathered on February 16 in the central city of Isfahan, where the elite troops were based.

Speaking to the crowd, IRGC commanding General Mohammad Ali Jafari threatened to retaliate against neighboring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the attack.

Earlier, he claimed without providing evidence that the United States and Israel ordered Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to carry out the attack, which also wounded 12.

"We will get revenge for the blood of our martyrs from Saudi Arabia and the Emirates," Jafari said in a speech to the crowd. He asked President Hassan Rohani to give the IRGC the authority to retaliate.

The Sunni Muslim extremist group Jaish al-Adl claimed responsibility for the attack in southeastern Iran. The group claims it is seeking better conditions for Iran's ethnic Baluch minority.

Jafari said Iran expected Pakistan to "punish" the group, which allegedly has taken refuge in the country's southwest.

"If they do not punish them, our retaliatory measures will be carried out," he said.

The bomb struck a bus traveling on a road between the cities of Khash and Zahedan, a mountainous region along the Pakistani border that is also near Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, India was also pressuring Pakistan to crack down on extremist groups that it says are carrying out cross-border attacks in the disputed Kashmir region.

A Pakistan-based extremist group has claimed responsibility for a February 14 attack in India-controlled Kashmir that left 44 paramilitary police officers dead.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
Iran's parliament speaker has said that an attack that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) was "planned and carried out from inside Pakistan.



In the remarks carried by the state-run IRNA news agency on February 17, Ali Larijani said that Pakistan should answer for its involvement in the attack.



The comments come as Irans Foreign Ministry summoned the Pakistani ambassador on February 17 to protest the assault, one of the deadliest attacks on Iranian security forces in years.



Islamabad condemned the bombing but has not commented on Tehrans allegations.



The IRGC says a suicide bomber on February 13 drove an explosives-laden vehicle into a bus that was transporting troops in Sistan-Baluchistan Province.



A militant Sunni Muslim separatist group called Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) claimed responsibility for the attack.



Sistan-Baluchistan is a volatile area near Iran's borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan where militant groups and drug smugglers frequently operate.



The province is populated mainly by Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchis.



Tehran has repeatedly accused the United States, Israel, and U.S. ally Saudi Arabia of backing Sunni militia groups that carry out attacks against Iranian security forces, charges those countries have denied.

The U.S. accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that a hasty U.S. pullout from Syria runs the risk of strengthening the roles of Russia and Iran in the Middle East.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 16, Merkel questioned whether the planned U.S. withdrawal was "a good idea."

"Will it once more strengthen the capacity of Iran and Russia to exert their influence?" she asked.

She also cautioned against a premature U.S. withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, saying that NATO's Resolute Support mission in that country was dependent on the U.S. military's commitment.

The German leader also called on Beijing to join the international disarmament process. Earlier this month, the United States announced it was withdrawing from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty after claiming that Russia was violating it. But Washington is also concerned that the treaty restricts U.S. weaponry in Asia, but does not limit those of China.

Merkel noted that the INF Treaty was negotiated "essentially for Europe" and that without it, Europe would have to push for future disarmament agreements to ensure its own security.

"Disarmament is something that concerns us all and where we would, of course, be glad if such talks were held not just between the United States, Europe, and Russia, but also with China," she said.

Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi told the Munich Conference shortly after Merkel's speech that the INF Treaty should be saved, but that China would not sign it.

"China develops its capabilities strictly in accordance to its defensive needs and doesn't pose a threat to anybody else," Yang said. "So we are opposed to the multilateralization of the INF."

Merkel also defended the joint German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, which Washington is concerned will make Europe overly reliant on Russian gas.

Speaking as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko looked on, she said his country would continue to be a transit country for Russian gas even after the pipeline was complete.

Merkel noted that Europe also has enough terminals to receive more liquefied gas from the United States, among other options. "There's nothing that speaks against getting gas from the United States, but to exclude Russia is the wrong strategic signal."

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, dpa, and TASS
Afghanistan has expressed concerns to the UN Security Council about a planned visit by Taliban negotiators to Pakistan, asserting that the militant groups members traveling to Islamabad are under UN sanctions and that Kabul should have been consulted prior to any such meeting.



Taliban negotiators on February 14 announced they will meet U.S. representatives in Pakistan on February 18 as part of ongoing Afghan peace talks and that they will also meet with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to hold "comprehensive discussions about Pakistan-Afghanistan relations."



In a letter to the Security Council seen by RFE/RLs Radio Mashaal, the Afghan UN mission wrote that the Taliban-Pakistan meeting constitutes a violation of the national sovereignty of Afghanistan.



These engagements, which are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan, are void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the government of Afghanistan, it said.



The letter said that an invitation by Khan for a Taliban delegation to travel to Pakistan for talks amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan, and whose members are sanctioned by provisions of the UN Security Council's 1988 Committees Sanctions Regime.



Pakistan has not responded to remarks made in the Afghan letter to the Security Council.



The United States has not officially commented on the Talibans announcement of a potential meeting in Islamabad.



Tensions run high between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kabul and Washington have accused Islamabad of providing safe havens for terrorists in its territory, allowing them to cross the border into Afghanistan and attack government troops and Western forces. Pakistan denies the allegations.



The discussions in Islamabad would come a week before previously scheduled February 25 talks in Qatar between U.S. officials and Taliban negotiators.



Talks between U.S. officials -- including Zalmay Khalilzad, the special peace envoy for Afghanistan -- have intensified in recent months. Khalilzad and Taliban negotiators have both said progress has been made, but U.S. officials caution that much work needs to be done before an agreement can be finalized.



The U.S.-Taliban talks are aimed at finding a negotiated end to Afghanistan's 17-year war.



The United States has been attempting to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table with officials in Kabul.



The Afghan government has been absent from the U.S.-Taliban talks, prompting anger and frustration in Kabul. The Taliban considers the Kabul government a Western puppet and has so far refused to directly negotiate with it.



U.S. troops have been in Afghanistan since an October 2001 invasion that brought down the Taliban government after it refused to hand over Al-Qaeda terrorists, including Osama bin Laden, blamed for launching the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
A majority of the issues reported Nov. 6 came from Douglas County, where voters reported "poll greeters" blocking entrances to voting areas and checking photo identifications  which Civic Nebraska noted is "in violation of Nebraska's Constitution."

Voters at multiple locations in Douglas County also reported receiving one page of a two-page ballot, or receiving duplicate pages.

Lancaster County had fewer problems, according to the observers who watched polling places and voter reports, but issues including electioneering and the lack of voting instructions in languages other than English were reported.

In one instance, a voter refused to take off a hat promoting a candidate at a polling place and became angry at the poll workers who asked him to do so, an observer reported. In another, a voter wearing a shirt expressing support for women's issues was not allowed to vote until she covered up the message on the garment, which she did, the report indicated.

Meanwhile, Civic Nebraska said the lack of voter instructions in languages other than English was problematic across the state, but particularly in Lancaster County, where 48 different languages are spoken, according to census data.

There were also reported problems with voting machines in Saunders and Saline counties.
The U.S. is putting the full-court sanctions press on Venezuela, while at the same time vowing to get Iranian oil exports to zero, which on its own is a very ambitious goal.

The Trump administration is trying to nuance oil sanctions on Iran, while at the same time trying to effect change in Venezuela by "steeping up" sanctions on disputed President Nicolas Maduros key associates. The U.S. is now directly targeting Venezuela's oil chief and intelligence officials with fresh sanctions.

Yet in the complex world of global oil market sanctions and embargoes, you must be careful how you sanction because many times you end up hurting yourself. Already with the double dose of sanctions, oil prices are on the rise.

Many barrels of Venezuelan oil are now stuck in limbo. That could become a big problem for U.S. refiners who rely on the Venezuelan type of crude oil. If refiners cant get their hands on that crude soon, then it is possible they will have to cut back production, leading to higher gas and diesel prices for U.S. consumers.

The Trump administration did mention that it thought other OPEC producers, especially those with heavy crude, would raise output to offset Venezuelan crude losses, but dont count on it. In fact, the cartel will likely show little sympathy, especially Saudi Arabia, which is already showing a dogged determination to drive oil prices back to $80.

This may also force the U.S. to pick its sanction poison. Its clear that we will need crude. So, will the U.S. be forced to again grant waivers on Iranian oil export sanctions, or not look too closely at who is getting paid for some suddenly appearing heavy barrels of oil?

Thats not to say that the sanctions on Iran and Venezuela are not the right course of action. It actually is the right course of action. It is just that sometimes doing the right thing is not easy.

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The truth is that it is not only in the interest of the Venezuelan people that Maduro goes, but it is also very much in the best interest of the United States -- and the world. And the same goes for stalling Irans nuclear ambitions.

Story continues

Phil Flynn is senior energy analyst at The PRICE Futures Group and a Fox Business Network contributor. He is one of the world's leading market analysts, providing individual investors, professional traders, and institutions with up-to-the-minute investment and risk management insight into global petroleum, gasoline, and energy markets. His precise and timely forecasts have come to be in great demand by industry and media worldwide and his impressive career goes back almost three decades, gaining attention with his market calls and energetic personality as writer of The Energy Report. You can contact Phil by phone at (888) 264-5665 or by email at pflynn Learn even more on our website at www.pricegroup.com.@pricegroup.com.

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LONDON (Reuters) - Britain and Switzerland will sign an agreement on Monday to continue trading on preferential terms after Brexit, the British trade department said, protecting a trade relationship worth 32 billion pounds.

The formal signing of the deal, on which agreement had previously been announced, is one of only handful of concrete steps Britain has made towards ensuring that all the trade deals it currently benefits from as an EU member will continue after it leaves the bloc next month.

"Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU, International Trade minister Liam Fox said in a statement.

The deal reflects Switzerland's "mind the gap" strategy of ensuring seamless trade ties with Britain, regardless of whether London is able to strike and approve a formal exit agreement with Brussels by March 29, the date it is scheduled to leave.

Britain has reached an impasse in its last-minute renegotiation of an exit deal that it agreed with the EU last year but that was overwhelmingly rejected by the British parliament in January.

The government said last month it expects Britain will have most of the agreements it needs to replicate existing trade deals between the EU and third countries ready by the end of March.

A similar continuity agreement has been announced with Israel, and 'mutual recognition' deals have been agreed with Australia and New Zealand.

But the head of the Confederation of British Industry, Carolyn Fairbairn, said on Sunday the "unfolding nightmare" of Britain's exit meant that major trade partners like Japan and South Korea were reluctant to sign deals until they knew the exact shape of future EU-Britain ties.

"It will be the decisions that businesses take about jobs and investment - and they will reduce them - so you have less potential to trade globally, that will mean less investment in the future and that will mean fewer jobs in the future," she told Sky News.

(Reporting by William James; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Steven Madden, Ltd. SHOO is likely to register a substantial improvement in the bottom line when this designer, marketer and seller of footwear and fashion accessories reports fourth-quarter 2018 numbers. Notably, this New York-based company had reported higher earnings in the preceding three quarters and also comfortably surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.



In the trailing four quarters, the company has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by average of 5%. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered positive earnings surprise of 6.6%.



Drawing focus back on the to-be-reported quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is currently pegged at 38 cents, reflecting year-over-year increase of roughly 19% from year-ago quarters figure of 32 cents. We note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate has remained stable in the last 30 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $400.6 million, up about 10% from the year-ago quarter. We note that both the top and bottom line had increased 3.9% and 27.5% in the last reported quarter.



Factors Holding Key to Steven Maddens Performance



Steven Madden is leaving no stone unturned to boost the top and bottom line. Notably, the company is focusing on enhancing product portfolio. It is also taking several initiatives to expand globally. The company witnessed revenue growth of 24% internationally in the third quarter. The companys directly-owned subsidiaries in Canada and Mexico, SM Europe JV, and the distributor business reported strong results.



Further, Steven Madden expects its international business to sustain momentum on strategic investments. The company is optimistic about growth in the Middle East, Italy and India. The company anticipates Asia to be a major contributor to net sales. The company also continues to witness robust growth in the Wholesale Footwear and Accessories segments.



The company is witnessing solid trends at the Steve Madden handbag and special make up businesses. Analysts expect the wholesale accessories business to sustain momentum, backed by strength in Steve Madden and private label handbag businesses, and addition of Anne Klein handbags.



However, Steven Madden is witnessing a rise in cost of goods sold and operating expenses that may weigh on margins. Additionally, the imposition of tariffs on additional consumer goods such as shoes, handbags and others imported from China, owing to US-China trade war may hurt business prospects of Steven Madden. Nonetheless, to lower its dependency on China, the company is contemplating shifting most of its handbag production to Cambodia.

Story continues

Steven Madden, Ltd. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise





Steven Madden, Ltd. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Steven Madden, Ltd. Quote

What the Zacks Model Unveils?



Our proven model shows that Steven Madden 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.



Steven Madden has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of +3.09%. This makes us reasonably confident that it is likely to outperform estimates.



3 Other Stocks With Favorable Combination



Here are three other companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these too have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:



Zumiez ZUMZ has an Earnings ESP of +0.45% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Foot Locker FL has an Earnings ESP of +2.78% and a Zacks Rank #2.



Abercrombie & Fitch ANF has an Earnings ESP of +0.94% and a Zacks Rank #2.



The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All



Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce ""the world's first trillionaires,"" but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.



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Zacks Investment Research
Youth-focussed panel discusses social media, entrepreneurship and freedom of speech

At the first edition of the ongoing Kantipur Conclave at the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu on Sunday, a youth-focussed panel discussion saw conversation on a wide range of issues and ideas, including homecoming, entrepreneurship, social media and freedom of speech.
(Bloomberg) -- Masayoshi Sons appeal to investors and analysts that SoftBank Group Corp. doesnt have a debt problem hasnt convinced the firms that assess its bonds as junk.

While Son has won some converts among the analyst community, SoftBanks debt-fueled growth strategy is preventing S&P Global Ratings and Moodys Investors Service from upgrading the company to investment grade, according to analysts at both rating companies. A downgrade to SoftBanks ratings, now one level below investment grade, is more likely than an upgrade, both say.

SoftBank listed its Japanese telecom unit last year as Son reshapes the company he founded almost four decades ago into one of the worlds biggest investors in technology startups, with the backing of Saudi Arabian cash. SoftBank is still in its infancy as a holding company, according to the rating companies. It also has $96 billion in net debt at the end of December on a consolidated basis.

SoftBanks financial risk profile is significant, Makiko Yoshimura, S&Ps Tokyo-based director of corporate ratings, said in a phone interview Wednesday. How they balance their aggressive growth strategy and financial policy will be crucial.

Son said at SoftBanks earnings presentation earlier this month that leverage is actually low by one key metric: the loan-to-value ratio, which measures net debt against the value of a holding companys investments. He put the figure at 14 percent.

Challenging Step

The rating companies calculate Sons preferred measure as being higher. The difference largely comes down to a higher estimation of net debt, into which the rating companies add such things as commitments to the $100 billion Vision Fund. S&P expects LTV to hover between 30-35 percent over the course of the year. Moodys expects it to skirt 25 percent.

SoftBank isnt in a position to comment on how rating companies arrive at their own calculations for LTV, according to Kenichi Yuasa, a spokesman for SoftBank in Tokyo.

Story continues

Mr. Son says he intends to monetize the portfolio more actively, but the company has yet to establish a track record of that, said Motoki Yanase, Tokyo-based vice president and senior credit officer at Moodys, said in a phone interview Wednesday. It would be a very challenging step to upgrade this company to investment grade.

The loan-to-value ratio is the best measure of SoftBanks creditworthiness, which is relatively high, according to Toshiyasu Ohashi, Daiwa Securities Group Inc.s Tokyo-based chief credit analyst. Thanks to valuation gains, profits from SoftBanks Vision Fund and the companys Delta Fund more than tripled to 176 billion yen ($1.6 billion) in the quarter ended Dec. 31.

While there is merit in measuring net debt-to-equity valuations as an assessment of SoftBanks leverage, CreditSights analysts led by Mary Pollock questioned in a report this month whether the company is overestimating the value of its holdings. Investors would be better off selectively reducing exposure to SoftBanks bonds, they said.

SBG clearly has a knack for adding leverage to maximize returns, but the extent to which it prioritizes risk management is not clear, the analysts wrote in their report. This makes us cautious.

(Adds analyst quote in final paragraph.)

To contact the reporter on this story: Kevin Buckland in Tokyo at kbuckland1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Andrew Monahan at amonahan@bloomberg.net, Finbarr Flynn, Ken McCallum

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Japans SoftBank has invested $200 million in a UAE fund for Europes leading tech start-ups.

The fund will help Abu Dhabis state investment company, Mubadala, to grow its international presence.

SoftBank provided half of the cash for the $400 million fund.

SoftBank has provided half the money for a $400 million fund that will allow Abu Dhabi's state investment firm to invest in European start-ups.

The fund will help Mubadala to invest between $5 million and $30 million in individual start-ups, people briefed on the deal told the Financial Times which first reported the news.

Mubadala announced in June that it would create the $400 million fund to invest in European tech companies. It said at the time that SoftBank would participate as a strategic investor but did not disclose the extent to which it would contribute.

The two organizations were already connected, with Mubadala investing $15 billion in SoftBank's Vision Fund in 2017. At the time, Mubadala's CEO Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said in a press release that the investment would help the firm's strategy as a long-term global investor.

The Vision Fund has a track record of making large scale investments. Earlier this month, it invested $940 million in U.S. tech start-up Nuro and $390 million in British fintech company OakNorth.

The new European venture fund will reportedly be run out of a new London office, expected to open in the spring. Mubadala already has a U.S.-venture fund based in San Francisco.

A spokesperson for SoftBank was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. Mubadala declined to comment further on the report.





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If you want to know who really controls China Railway Signal & Communication Corporation Limited (HKG:3969), then youll have to look at the makeup of its share registry. Large companies usually have institutions as shareholders, and we usually see insiders owning shares in smaller companies. Companies that used to be publicly owned tend to have lower insider ownership.

With a market capitalization of HK$55b, China Railway Signal & Communication is rather large. Wed expect to see institutional investors on the register. Companies of this size are usually well known to retail investors, too. In the chart below below, we can see that institutional investors have bought into the company. Lets take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholder can tell us about 3969.

See our latest analysis for China Railway Signal & Communication

SEHK:3969 Ownership Summary, February 18th 2019

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About China Railway Signal & Communication?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

China Railway Signal & Communication already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own 5.4% of the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. Its therefore worth looking at China Railway Signal & Communications earnings history, below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

SEHK:3969 Income Statement, February 18th 2019

Hedge funds dont have many shares in China Railway Signal & Communication. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of China Railway Signal & Communication

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

We note our data does not show any board members holding shares, personally. It is rare to see such a low level of personal ownership, amongst the board (and it is possible that our data might be incomplete). Concerned investors should check here to see if insiders have been selling or buying.

General Public Ownership

With a 15% ownership, the general public have some degree of sway over 3969. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Company Ownership

It seems that Private Companies own 77%, of the 3969 stock. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

Its always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand China Railway Signal & Communication better, we need to consider many other factors.

I always like to check for a history of revenue growth. You can too, by accessing this free chart of historic revenue and earnings in this detailed graph.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
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Weve lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. The flip side of that is that there are more than a few examples of insiders dumping stock prior to a period of weak performance. So before you buy or sell Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Company Limited (ASX:SOL), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

What Is Insider Buying?

Its quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information.

We dont think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. As Peter Lynch said, insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise.

See our latest analysis for Washington H. Soul Pattinson

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Washington H. Soul Pattinson

In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Chairman of the Board Robert Millner bought AU$609k worth of shares at a price of AU$24.36 per share. That implies that an insider found the current (approximate) price enticing. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. In any event its generally a positive if insiders are buying shares at around the current price. Robert Millner was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

ASX:SOL Insider Trading February 18th 19

I will like Washington H. Soul Pattinson better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Story continues

Insider Ownership

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon its a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Washington H. Soul Pattinson insiders own 6.1% of the company, currently worth about AU$420m based on the recent share price. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Washington H. Soul Pattinson Insiders?

It doesnt really mean much that no insider has traded Washington H. Soul Pattinson shares in the last quarter. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. It would be great to see more insider buying, but overall it seems like Washington H. Soul Pattinson insiders are reasonably well aligned (owning significant chunk of the companys shares) and optimistic for the future. Of course, the future is what matters most. So if you are interested in Washington H. Soul Pattinson, you should check out this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

Of course Washington H. Soul Pattinson may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
Amid calls by U.S. lawmakers to reduce weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries involved in offensive warfare in the Middle East, corporates in the defense space are coming under increased scrutiny.

Bipartisan support in Congress has been building at an unprecedented pace for cuts to support for Saudi Arabia in its war in Yemen, which the UN has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

"We are an element of U.S. policy  our role is not to make policy, our role is to comply with it," Raytheon International CEO John Harris told CNBC at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Doing business in the Middle East often presents numerous minefields. Few likely know this better than John Harris, CEO of defense manufacturing giant Raytheon International.

Amid calls by U.S. lawmakers to reduce weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries involved in offensive warfare in the Middle East, corporates in the defense space are coming under increased scrutiny. But their sales adhere strictly to U.S. policy, Harris told CNBC at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, deflecting policy responsibility away from the company itself.

"We are an element of U.S. policy  our role is not to make policy, our role is to comply with it," Harris told CNBC's Hadley Gamble.

"What we're trying to do is make sure we remain relevant, we have the right capabilities, to the extent there are questions that we provide the responses, and that we continue to comply with U.S. laws and regulations."

Bipartisan support in Congress has been building at an unprecedented pace for cuts to support for Saudi Arabia in its war in Yemen, which the UN has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain and others, is backed by the U.S. with intelligence, logistics and training support. But since the October murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which numerous lawmakers blame squarely on the Saudi government, U.S. support for the kingdom is coming under serious pressure.

Story continues

House passes resolution to cut Yemen war support

On February 13, the House of Representatives voted 248 to 177 to advance a resolution invoking the War Powers Act of 1973 to end U.S. support for the war in Yemen.

The resolution directs the administration to "remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in or affecting Yemen within 30 days," unless Congress authorizes a later date or issues its own declaration of war. Support for the Saudi-led offensive began under the Obama administration without approval from Congress.

"Prohibited activities include providing in-flight fueling for non-U.S. aircraft conducting missions as part of the conflict in Yemen," the resolution said. It now requires a vote from the Senate before it can be brought to the president's desk.

Business with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the top customer of the U.S. weapons industry, with some 20 percent of American defense exports between 2012 to 2017 going to the kingdom and more than $90 billion in arms sales since the 1950s, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Raytheon's senior management has previously said that it does business in some 80 countries and does not rely on any particular buyer for the majority of its business. Saudi Arabia has deployed the company's flagship Patriot missile defense system since the 1990s, with a record of mixed success.

Weapons sales to foreign militaries require U.S. government approval, meaning they are often incremental and can take many years to complete. Buyer countries negotiate with defense contractors, who then must obtain export permits through the State Department.

In an October 2018 earnings call, Raytheon described its business from Saudi contracts as constituting about 5 percent of that year's revenue so far. Its Chief Financial Officer Anthony O'Brien said that he expected Saudi revenues to be "flattish" for 2019, with a few contracts expected in the final quarter of the year.

As to whether it would alter its sales to the Saudi Kingdom or other Middle Eastern governments, Harris said, "Our job is to always stay within the laws, and that is our intention."

Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson, in a late 2018 earnings call, had a similar response to Harris's.

"Most of these agreements that we have are government-to-government purchases," she said, "so anything that we do has to do with following strictly the regulations of the U.S. government."





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Bitcoin, crypto

Its time institutional whales put their money into cryptocurrency according to major investment management firm Cambridge Associates.

ITS TIME TO BEGIN EXPLORING SAYS CAMBRIDGE ASSOCIATES

The Boston-based consultancy only advises major institutions who manage more than $300 billion worth of clients assets. Cambridge was quoted in Bloomberg on Monday as saying:

Despite the challenges, we believe that it is worthwhile for investors to begin exploring this area today with an eye toward the long term. Though these investments entail a high degree of risk, some may very well upend the digital world.

Thats a remarkably on-point statement in a space dominated by optimistic cheerleading and deathly pronouncements. Cambridge specializes in pensions and endowments, and its declaration of support for crypto is probably not a spur of the moment decision.

Read the full story on CCN.com.
The OPEC cuts are not about turning crude oil into a raging bull market, but rather to drive prices into a balance area. Currently, both WTI and especially Brent crude oil are within striking distances of that area.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil futures finished the week sharply higher with tightening supply providing the most support for prices. For a second week, Brent crude oil outperformed U.S. crude oil because most of the bullish price action has been centered on deeper-than-expected OPEC-led production cuts and the impact of U.S.-led sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports. Despite these moves, on a macro level, the global oil market remains well-supplied, mostly due to increasing U.S. supply. Additionally, gains are being limited by concerns over weakening global demand.

For the week, April WTI crude oil settled at $55.98, up $2.89 or +5.44% and April Brent crude oil closed at $66.25, up $4.15 or +6.26%.

Supply Issues Providing Most Support for Brent Crude Oil

Prices were primarily supported last week by the news that Saudi Arabia, the defacto leader of OPEC, said it cut daily production and exports by a further 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) on top of its agreed OPEC quota reduction. Since January 1, an OPEC-led group has been cutting at least 1.2 million barrels per day from production in an effort to trim the global supply and stabilize prices. Last Tuesday, the Saudis said it had cut its output by almost 800,000 bpd in January to 30.81 million bpd.

The markets received a boost late in the week after Saudi Arabia said it would cut even more in March than it originally pledged. Russia said that it has cut its oil production by 80,000-90,000 barrels per day from its level in October, Moscows reference level for its cuts, the countrys energy minister said.

In the meantime, the political rift between Venezuela and the United States continued with the U.S. sanctions against the South American nation giving prices a slight boost.

While U.S. Production Caps WTI Gains

While the supply cut news has been especially bullish for Brent crude oil futures, the news from the U.S. governments weekly inventories report wasnt particularly bullish for WTI crude prices.

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According to the U.S. Energy Information Administrations weekly inventories report for the week-ending February 8, U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose last week to the highest since November 2017 as refiners cut runs to the lowest since October 2017.

Crude oil inventories built for a fourth week in a row, rising 3.6 million barrels to 450.8 million barrels in the week to February 8. Traders were looking for an increase of 2.7 million barrels.

Most analysts expect U.S. to rise past 12 million bpd soon, and perhaps even hit 13 million bpd by the end of the year.

IEA Thinks Supply Will Outstrip Demand

According to the International Energy Agency, the global oil market will struggle this year to absorb fast-growing crude supply from outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), even with the groups production cuts and U.S. sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

Furthermore, the IEA said it expected global oil demand this year to grow by 1.4 million bpd, while non-OPEC supply will grow by 1.8 million bpd. This doesnt bode well for the long-term crude oil bulls.

Big Jump in Brent Prices Over West Texas Intermediate

Brent crude oil continued to outperform WTI, hitting its highest level since November 21 while the U.S. contract remained below its early February high.

The spread between Brent crude oil and WTI crude oil has risen from a low of $6.80 on January 31 to a high of nearly $10.00. This is the result of a combination of the OPEC-led production cuts and the sanctions against Venezuelan exports, which are supportive for Brent crude oil, and the rising U.S. production, which is helping to limit gains for WTI crude oil.

Weekly Forecast

The OPEC cuts are not about turning crude oil into a raging bull market, but rather to drive prices into a balance area. Currently, both WTI and especially Brent crude oil are within striking distances of that area.

For April WTI futures, the target zone is $59.51 to $63.40. For Brent, the upside target zone is $67.77 to $71.59. Given the current fundamentals, prices are likely to consolidate once these zones are reached.

The wildcard is a U.S.-China trade deal. If this occurs in a timely manner, crude oil prices could easily exceed their current targets.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:
President Bhandari hands over Kantipur Icon awards

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Monday handed over the Kantipur Icon awards under four different categories announced by Kantipur Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic wing of Kantipur Media Group.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Malaysia kept its export duty on crude palm oil for March at zero percent, according to a circular on the Malaysian Palm Oil Board's website on Monday that cited the national customs department.

The duty has been at zero percent since September.

Malaysia, the world's second-largest producer of palm oil, calculated a palm oil reference price of 2,084.37 ringgit ($511.88) per tonne for March. Any price above 2,250 ringgit incurs a duty.

Malaysian benchmark palm oil futures fell 1 percent to 2,254 ringgit a tonne on Friday evening. ($1 = 4.0720 ringgit) (Reporting by Emily Chow; Editing by Joseph Radford)
Large Cap Growth fund seekers should not consider taking a look at Laudus US Large Cap Growth (LGILX) at this time. LGILX possesses a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 4 (Sell), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance.

Objective

We classify LGILX in the Large Cap Growth category, an area rife with potential choices. Large Cap Growth funds invest in many large U.S. companies that are expected to grow much faster compared to other large-cap stocks. To be considered large-cap, companies must have a market cap over $10 billion.

History of Fund/Manager

Laudus is responsible for LGILX, and the company is based out of Boston, MA. Laudus US Large Cap Growth made its debut in July of 2009, and since then, LGILX has accumulated about $2.39 billion in assets, per the most up-to-date date available. The fund's current manager, Lawrence G. Kemp, has been in charge of the fund since October of 2013.

Performance

Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. LGILX has a 5-year annualized total return of 12.43% 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 18.02%, 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. Looking at the past 5 years, the fund's standard deviation is 14.17% compared to the category average of 1.05%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade.

Risk Factors

Investors cannot discount the risks to this segment though, as it is always important to remember the downside for any potential investment.

Nevertheless, with a 5-year beta of 1.13, the fund is likely to be more volatile than the market average. Because alpha represents a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark, which is the S&P 500 in this case, one should pay attention to this metric as well. Over the past 5 years, the fund has a positive alpha of 0.4. This means that managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns.

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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 primarily on equities that are traded in the United States.

As of the last filing date, the mutual fund has 98.4% of its assets in stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $290.23 billion. The fund has the heaviest exposure to the following market sectors:

Technology Retail Trade Finance

Turnover is 49%, which means, on average, the fund makes fewer trades than comparable funds.

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, LGILX is a no load fund and it has an expense ratio of 0.74%.

Investors should also note that the minimum initial investment for the product is $0 and that each subsequent investment has no minimum amount.

Bottom Line

As a mutual fund with a 'sell' rank, LGILX is in the bottom 40% of all funds we cover and it may be one to avoid putting on your short list of possible picks in Large Cap Growth. This fund from Laudus needs to turn around some of its key fundamental metrics such as the Zacks Ranks of its holdings, alpha, and performance in order for investors to consider Laudus US Large Cap Growth in the future.

This could just be the start of your research on LGILXin the Large Cap Growth 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. Zacks provides a full suite of tools to help you analyze your portfolio - both funds and stocks - in the most efficient way possible.



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Federal judge rules against TransCanada doing most pre-construction work on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

The decision marks the latest setback for the long-delayed project and potentially pushes the start of construction into 2020.

The pipeline also faces a challenge in the Nebraska Supreme Court.

A federal judge in Montana dealt the Keystone XL pipeline another setback on Friday, effectively blocking TransCanada TRP-CA 's latest effort to begin work on the project.

U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris ruled that TransCanada cannot do most work to prepare for construction, including setting up camps for workers who would build the pipeline if it is allowed to move forward. The judge said TransCanada can move pipe to storage yards along the pipeline route.

The decision threatens to prevent TransCanada from beginning construction on the pipeline this year, and may push its earliest start date into 2020.

The ruling is the latest blow in a series of defeats for the $8 billion project. The line would transport heavy crude from Alberta, Canada to Steel City, Nebraska, where it would link up with existing lines to transport oil supplies to Gulf Coast refineries.

Keystone XL has become a major flash point in the growing war between environmentalists and the oil industry over expanding pipeline infrastructure. The line has now been tangled up in political battles for about a decade.

"It's been two years since the Trump administration tried to revive this pipeline from the dead, but Keystone XL is still far from being built," Jackie Prange, senior attorney at Natural Resource Defense Council said in a statement. "Today's decision is one more victory for the rule of law over this reckless and risky project."

TransCanada could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Obama administration blocked the cross-border pipeline in 2015, largely over environmental and climate concerns. The line would carry oil sands, a type of crude that former Secretary of State John Kerry called "a particularly dirty source of fuel."

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In one of his first acts as president, Donald Trump signed an executive order to advance Keystone XL and another controversial pipeline, Dakota Access, which started service over a year ago.

In November, Morris ruled that the Trump administration failed to conduct the necessary environmental review when it approved Keystone XL in 2017. The judge blocked construction of the line, and a month later prohibited TransCanada from any activity that advances the project until new environmental reviews have been completed.

Shortly after, TransCanada asked Morris to allow the company to prepare for construction, like hauling pipes to the site and setting up worker camps, while the firm appealed the decision.

TransCanada said the injunction put its investment in 700 workers and its ability to retain the skilled laborers at risk. If the workers left to pursue other opportunities, it would make it impossible to begin construction in 2019, lawyers for TransCanada argued.

On Friday, Morris largely blocked that work. Meanwhile, there are other obstacles that could prevent TransCanada from building the pipeline.

The Nebraska Supreme Court is considering a lawsuit over the pipeline route approved by the state's Public Service Commission brought by landowners. The Nebraska stretch of Keystone XL is the last portion of the project facing legal opposition at the state level.

The route being challenged is not TransCanada's preferred path through Nebraska, and it does not have another alternative. A decision in Nebraska is expected soon.





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By Nidhi Verma and Florence Tan

NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Indian Oil Corp, the country's top refiner, has signed its first annual deal to buy U.S. oil, paying about $1.5 billion for 60,000 barrels a day in the year to March 2020 to diversify its crude sources, its chairman said on Monday.

IOC is the first Indian state refiner to buy U.S. oil under an annual contract, in a deal that will also help boost trade between New Delhi and Washington.

The company has previously purchased U.S. oil from spot markets and signed a mini-term deal in August to buy 6 million barrels of U.S. oil between November and January.

IOC chairman Sanjiv Singh said the annual contract will begin from April. He declined to give the name of the seller or pricing details, citing confidentiality.

A trade source, who is not authorised to speak to media, said IOC signed the deal with Norwegian oil company Equinor which will supply a variety of U.S. crude grades.

Equinor, which has set up an office in New Delhi to support oil marketing and trading, declined to comment.

Indian Oil buys about 75 percent of its oil needs through long-term deals, mostly with OPEC nations.

The term deal will help cut IOC's dependence on OPEC crude, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, head of east of Suez oil for consultants FGE in Singapore.

"Lots of geopolitical issues are going around. We expect lots of volume going away from Venezuela, west Africa and Iran, so it makes sense to have guaranteed term supplies from the U.S., where crude production is increasing," she said.

"There is a push for diversification everywhere. South Korea is giving a freight rebate for non-Middle East crude imports," she added.

India and the United States, which have developed close political and security ties, are also looking to develop bilateral trade, which stood at $126 billion in 2017 but is widely seen to be performing well below its potential.

The two countries have set up seven groups of chief executives with top U.S. and Indian firms to boost bilateral trade in areas including energy.

Last week India's top gas importer Petronet LNG signed an initial deal to invest and buy LNG from Tellurian Inc's proposed Driftwood project in Louisiana in the United States.

(Reporting by Nidhi Verma; editing by Richard Pullin and Kirsten Donovan)
Only a few restaurants take service charge off the menu

Prithvi Awasthi, who works at a private bank in Kathmandu, went for lunch at a cafe in Jhamsikhel with his friends last Friday. When he was given the bill, he saw 10 percent mandatory service charge added on it.
BBVA, Bitcoin

Spains second-largest bank, BBVA, has aggressively frozen up to 5,000 accounts without warning.

Many of the accounts belonged to Chinese clients, leading to cries of racism. The bank, however, claims it was acting on Spanish anti-money laundering rules.

This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it.

Its yet another reminder that traditional banking institutions have the power to shut down and block access to your money without notice.

Read the full story on CCN.com.
(Bloomberg) -- When U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May flew to China last February looking for business deals to cushion the fallout from Brexit, Huawei Technologies Co. delivered with a multibillion-dollar commitment to help keep Britain at the very forefront of the digital age.

A year later, the U.K. is among European nations weighing restrictions on the Chinese tech giant that phone carriers say could delay the fifth-generation mobile networks needed to connect driverless cars and automated factories.

Their lobbying exposes a weakness: Europe hasnt been at the forefront on 5G, even before the Trump administration began pushing allies to block Huawei over concerns that the Chinese government could use its equipment for spying, which the company has repeatedly denied.

The risk is that it puts Europe further behind the curve, said Neil Campling, an analyst at Mirabaud Securities in London.

The U.K. has been considering whether to block Huawei from 5G or keep managing it through dialog and oversight. While no decisions been made, the country may be headed toward a softer approach than the bans in Australia and New Zealand.

The countrys cybersecurity watchdog has determined the risks can be managed, people familiar with the matter said on Monday. That follows Britains spy chief last week saying that barring Huawei might not be right. Last month, a British official speaking on condition of anonymity said a ban was unlikely.

While Europe led the way with earlier mobile technologies, China, South Korea, Japan and -- to a lesser extent -- the U.S., are ahead on the next rollouts.

Despite beating the drum for 5G, which promises gigabit-per-second download speeds -- 10 times faster than 4G and at a lower cost to carriers -- European telecom executives are expected to be relatively slow to invest for fear the spending wont pay off for a long time.

European carriers are generally less profitable and regulators have blocked mergers that would allow a patchwork of operators to scale up. The spectrum needed for 5G hasnt all been assigned yet and governments are set to tap them for billions of euros at auctions in the coming year.

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Huawei is deeply embedded in Europes telecom networks, so restrictions could be more disruptive than in other places. In the U.S., the industry has generally avoided Huawei under government pressure. The Chinese government, far from limiting its telecom vendors facing global scrutiny, may dictate a faster 5G deployment to back Huawei and ZTE Corp., analysts at New Street Research said last month.

The U.S. and China are actually in a good place, because one has never allowed Huawei and one is agnostic to it, said Guy Peddy, an analyst at Macquarie.

Huawei has come from almost nowhere in Europe a decade ago to supply about a third of telecom systems. Its positioned itself to be a critical provider of antennas, switches, routers, small cells and network slicing gear for 5G by conducting trials with carriers. The company has been helped by security agencies that opened the door while closely monitoring its equipment.

That cautious acceptance is now in question as governments realize how hard it will be to police 5G. With 4G networks, data is usually channeled through a central core, or brain, whereas in 5G, it will be processed and sent between multiple points in a more scattered arrangement that could make it harder to spot weaknesses and hacks.

To avoid bans on Huawei, telecom executives are suggesting software fixes, tighter monitoring and excluding its gear from sensitive parts of their networks. BT Group Plc has been highlighting its policy of keeping the company out of its wireless core -- including a program to rip out and replace pieces of the EE network it acquired in 2016. Vodafone Group Plc last month said it had paused buying Huawei core gear.

In Germany, one idea considered last month at a meeting of network operators and government officials was to give state security full access to the source code of suppliers including Huawei, Ericsson AB and Cisco Systems Inc., according to a person briefed on a meeting, who asked not to be identified as the deliberations were private.

If the oversight proposals fail and Huawei is banned from 5G, Deutsche Telekom is predicting a two-year delay, according to an internal paper written in recent weeks. A person at another major European phone company, asking not to be identified, said barring Huawei would delay its 5G launch by 18 months.

With the outlook murky, carriers in the region dont appear ready to abandon Huawei. BT is ramping up building its 5G network assuming Huawei will be involved, while studying contingency options that could include relying more on other suppliers, said a person involved in the planning. A spokeswoman for BT declined to comment.

One concern is the testing and costs tied to making 5G gear from Huaweis European rivals Nokia Oyj and Ericsson compatible with its 4G kit. Carriers also see Ericsson and Nokia as being about a year behind on 5G product development, said Macquaries Peddy.

Nokia and Ericsson say Huawei doesnt have a product edge and that they both are already deploying 5G equipment. Ericsson Chief Executive Officer Borje Ekholm, in a blog post, said Europe isnt moving as quickly as other markets because of the lack of spectrum, high spectrum fees and heavy regulation. Eric Mangan, a Nokia spokesman, said the Finnish company can upgrade 4G equipment from any vendor to 5G.

The nightmare scenario for phone companies would be if they have to remove existing Huawei 4G gear. While some analysts see that as unlikely, Deutsche Telekom has flagged the risk: In its internal note, it put the cost of a retroactive ban at many billions of euros.

That would seriously disrupt the whole mobile ecosystem, Stockholm-based consultant Bengt Nordstrom said in an interview.

(Updates with Britains cybersecurity watchdog view on Huawei in sixth paragraph.)

--With assistance from Angelina Rascouet and Niclas Rolander.

To contact the reporters on this story: Thomas Seal in London at tseal@bloomberg.net;Stefan Nicola in Berlin at snicola2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Rebecca Penty at rpenty@bloomberg.net, Thomas Pfeiffer

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- The venture capital arms of Alphabet Inc.s Google and Salesforce.com Inc. are investing in U.K. payments startup GoCardless, which has has raised an additional $75 million to fund expansion.

The financing is being led by Adams Street Partners, GV, formerly known as Google Ventures, and Salesforce Ventures, GoCardless said in a statement. Existing investors Accel Partners, Balderton Capital, Notion Capital and Passion Capital are also participating.

Valuation terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sky News first reported the interest from Salesforce.

GoCardless, founded in 2011, lets businesses set up recurring bank payments from customers online, rather than relying on a debit or credit card. It said it was currently processing $10 billion in payments annually.

The companys betting it can take a larger share of the $2 trillion annual global payments market at a time when businesses are increasingly turning to subscription models. Meanwhile, card networks such as Visa and Mastercard are reportedly planning to raise the fees they charge U.S. merchants to process transactions.

About 18 percent of the worlds payments are recurring, GoCardless said. "The way these payments are collected around the world is pretty broken," Hiroki Takeuchi, GoCardlesss co-founder and chief executive officer, said in an interview.

He said the companys platform allows businesses to take direct debit payments from customers, whereas before companies would have had to use different procedures to set up payments in different geographies, or even between different banks in the same country.

The company, which employs 290 people, said in the statement it would use the new money to open new offices across Europe, Asia, and North America. Takeuchi said the company would open a U.S. office this year. It currently has offices in the U.K., France, Australia and Germany.

GoCardless also said it would launch new features for customers, including the ability to process foreign exchange transactions, instant settlement, and using machine-learning to increase transaction success rates.

Story continues

Takeuchi said companies should be able to get paid by direct debit in their local currency irrespective of where their customers are, and that this foreign exchange feature would "launch soon."

To contact the reporter on this story: Jeremy Kahn in London at jkahn21@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Giles Turner at gturner35@bloomberg.net, Nate Lanxon

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
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Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). Well use ROE to examine Franco-Nevada Corporation (TSE:FNV), by way of a worked example.

Franco-Nevada has a ROE of 4.5%, based on the last twelve months. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each CA$1 of shareholders equity it has, the company made CA$0.045 in profit.

View our latest analysis for Franco-Nevada

How Do I Calculate Return On Equity?

The formula for ROE is:

Return on Equity = Net Profit  Shareholders Equity

Or for Franco-Nevada:

4.5% = 213.8  US$4.7b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.)

Its easy to understand the net profit part of that equation, but shareholders equity requires further explanation. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. Shareholders equity can be calculated by subtracting the total liabilities of the company from the total assets of the company.

What Does ROE Signify?

ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The return is the yearly profit. The higher the ROE, the more profit the company is making. So, all else being equal, a high ROE is better than a low one. That means ROE can be used to compare two businesses.

Does Franco-Nevada Have A Good Return On Equity?

By comparing a companys ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, Franco-Nevada has a lower ROE than the average (10%) in the Metals and Mining industry.

TSX:FNV Last Perf February 18th 19

That certainly isnt ideal. Wed prefer see an ROE above the industry average, but it might not matter if the company is undervalued. Still, shareholders might want to check if insiders have been selling.

Story continues

How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity?

Most companies need money  from somewhere  to grow their profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the use of debt will improve the returns, but will not change the equity. In this manner the use of debt will boost ROE, even though the core economics of the business stay the same.

Franco-Nevadas Debt And Its 4.5% ROE

Shareholders will be pleased to learn that Franco-Nevada has not one iota of net debt! So although its ROE isnt that impressive, we shouldnt judge it harshly on that metric, because it didnt use debt. After all, when a company has a strong balance sheet, it can often find ways to invest in growth, even if it takes some time.

But Its Just One Metric

Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. In my book the highest quality companies have high return on equity, despite low debt. All else being equal, a higher ROE is better.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. The rate at which profits are likely to grow, relative to the expectations of profit growth reflected in the current price, must be considered, too. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company.

If you would prefer 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.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
Now is the most appropriate time to invest in Nepal, prime minister says

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday rolled out the red carpet to all aspirant investors saying that Nepal has an immense possibility for investment and that it can offer both secure opportunities and profit.
By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - A cyber attack on Australian lawmakers that breached the networks of major political parties was probably carried out by a foreign government, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, but did not name any suspects. As Australia heads for an election due by May, lawmakers were told this month told to urgently change their passwords after the cyber intelligence agency detected an attack on the national parliament's computer network. The hackers breached the networks of major political parties, Morrison said, as he issued an initial assessment by investigators. "Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he told parliament. "We also became aware that the networks of some political parties, Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected." Morrison did not reveal what information was accessed, but he said there was no evidence of election interference. Investors are still securing local networks, said Alastair MacGibbon, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the government department responsible for online security. "Our political institutions represent high-value targets," MacGibbon told reporters in the capital, Canberra. "We will continue to work with our friends and colleagues, both here and overseas, to work out who is behind it and hopefully their intent." Analysts have said China, Russia and Iran were the most likely culprits. "When you consider motivation, you would have to say that China is the leading suspect, while you wouldn't rule out Russia either," said Fergus Hanson, head of the International Cyber Policy Centre at think-tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. "It is the honey pot of juicy political gossip that has been hoovered up. Emails showing everything from the dirty laundry of internal fights through to who supported a policy could be on display." Ties with China have deteriorated since 2017, after Canberra accused Beijing of meddling in its domestic affairs. Both countries have since sought to mend relations, but Australia remains wary of China. Tension rose this month after Australia rescinded the visa of a prominent Chinese businessman, just months after barring Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies from supplying equipment to its 5G broadband network. Officers of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency covertly monitored computers of U.S. Democratic candidate, Hillary Clintons 2016 presidential campaign and campaign committees, and stole large amounts of data, U.S. investigators have concluded. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: The corporate logos of the state oil company PDVSA and Citgo Petroleum Corp are seen in Caracas, Venezuela April 30, 2018. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

By Marianna Parraga and Deisy Buitrago

(Reuters) - Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSA is taking steps to remove at least two American executives from the board of directors of its U.S. refining subsidiary, Citgo Petroleum Corp, according to people close to the matter.

Citgo is facing unprecedented challenges to its finances and management after the U.S. government last week imposed tough sanctions on Petroleos de Venezuela designed to prevent oil revenue from going to leftist President Nicolas Maduro. The United States and dozens of other nations have refused to recognize Maduro, viewing his reelection last year to another six-year term as fraudulent.

Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido is setting up bank accounts with U.S. help that would take income accrued by Citgo, Venezuela's top foreign asset, to finance an interim government. Maduro has denounced Guaido as a U.S. puppet who is seeking to foment a coup.

The board of Houston-based Citgo includes at least two U.S. citizens, Art Klein and Rick Esser, as well as Venezuelans Asdrubal Chavez, Frank Gygax, Nepmar Escalona, Simon Suarez and Alejandro Escarra, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

PDVSA and Citgo did not respond to requests for comment. Esser and Klein did not immediately reply to emails and phone calls seeking comment on their status.

It was unclear if PDVSA's board has already approved the changes at Citgo's board and who would replace the American executives.

Citgo also has an executive board that includes the refiner's general managers, its corporate treasurer and the controller, and other vice presidents.

Esser was among a team of Citgo executives who met with U.S. officials last month in Washington amid efforts by Guaido and the U.S. government to appoint a new Citgo board of directors.

Citgo operates three U.S. refineries that supply about 4 percent of total U.S. fuel production and is PDVSA's largest U.S. customer for its oil exports. Sanctions have forced Citgo and other U.S. refiners to seek crude oil supplies from other nations.

Story continues

Delaware-registered Citgo operates plants in Texas, Louisiana and Illinois that are capable of processing a combined 750,000 barrels per day of oil. It distributes fuel through about 5,500 independent retail stations in 29 U.S. states.

Citgo, which has been owned by PDVSA for three decades, has not publicly detailed the composition of its current board since late 2017, when Asdrubal Chavez, a cousin of the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, was nominated by Maduro to run the business unit.

Asdrubal Chavez, Escalona and Escarra have been working from an office in the Bahamas since the U.S. sanctions were issued, according to the sources.

On Friday, Venezuelan oil minister and PDVSA President Manuel Quevedo held a meeting with his deputy ministers and directors, one of the people said. The agenda was not revealed.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Mexico City, Deisy Buitrago and Corina Pons in Caracas; editing by Gary McWilliams and Leslie Adler)
FILE PHOTO: People walk at a branch of Tsesnabank in Astana FILE PHOTO: People walk at a branch of Tsesnabank, Kazakhstan's second biggest lender by assets, in Astana, Kazakhstan September 12, 2018. REUTERS/Mariya Gordeyeva/File Photo

By Olzhas Auyezov and Mariya Gordeyeva

ALMATY (Reuters) - The Kazakh authorities are urgently looking for a bank to take over no. 2 lender Tsesnabank as they believe it needs new financing to prevent a collapse, three sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

Officials from the government and central bank have approached at least three other Kazakh banks and hope to tie up a deal in February, the sources said. They are offering financial incentives for any bank prepared to take it over.

The authorities want to avoid liquidating the bank, which has over $1 billion in retail deposits and received a $1.8 billion state bailout in September, because of the impact on the wider economy, the sources said.

They want to move quickly to prevent a run on deposits. Also, some analysts say a presidential election could be called in the spring. A spokesman for the election commission could not be reached for comment. President Nursultan Nazarbayez would almost certainly be reelected but the authorities would be keen to tie up a takeover before any poll.

The state-owned "bad bank" said on Friday it planned to buy some of Tsesnabank's assets. One of the sources said this was part of the plan to make the troubled bank more attractive to another bank.

"The scheme is simple  an investor puts his own money into the bank and the state helps them clean up its loan book," one of the sources said.

Spokesmen for the central bank, the government, Tsesnabank, and its main shareholder, former Nazarbayev chief of staff Adilbek Zhaksybekov, did not reply to requests for comment.

The "bad bank", the Non-Performing Loan Fund (NPLF), said in a bourse announcement on Friday it planned to sell 604 billion tenge ($1.59 billion) in domestic bonds next week in order to finance asset purchases from Tsesnabank.

The approach raises more questions about the health of the oil exporter's banking system after Nazarbayev declared in April that bailouts worth nearly $10 billion for several banks in 2017 would be the last.

Story continues

Tsesnabank's September bailout came in spite of that promise. The authorities said it was a move to support indebted farmers, who are clients of the bank, and would help an otherwise healthy bank bridge a short-term liquidity gap.

BAD LOANS

But some bankers told Reuters that Tsesnabank's financial reports indicate that it is in distress due to bad loans.

The authorities have also now decided that the balance sheet is so unhealthy that it would be easier for another bank to take it over than to liquidate or bail it out, the sources say.

Chief executive Ulf Wokurka said the balance sheet problems were to do with "worsening asset quality". His deputy, Dmitry Li, said in a written reply to Reuters queries that it reflected "seasonal cash flows of borrowers in the agricultural sector".

The banking sector was hit hard by a fall in oil prices and subsequent tenge devaluation in 2015 because many banks lent in dollars. Customers then found it hard to repay the debts.

More than half of Tsesnabank's loan book was denominated in foreign currency, mostly dollars, at the end of 2017.

Although oil prices have recovered, economic growth has slowed and some non-oil sectors are in crisis, such as farming where several large companies have defaulted on their debt.

The central bank also says some banks have been poorly managed and large bailouts have already drained billions of dollars from state coffers.

The IMF said in December "the recent additional financial support for Tsesnabank raises concerns".

It said state support was justified only for "systemic, viable banks." The only bank considered by economists to be of systemic importance to the financial system in Kazakhstan is Halyk which is five times larger than Tsesnabank and accounts for a third of total banking sector assets.

Nevertheless, economists said a collapse of Tsesnabank could be a headache for the authorities if they were forced to compensate the large number of depositors from the deposit insurance fund.

DISTRESS

Tsesnabank showed first signs of distress when it reported a sharp liquidity drop in the second quarter last year. In September, the central bank provided a 150 billion tenge ($407 million) liquidity support loan, later increased to 200 billion tenge.

Shortly afterwards, the central bank and the government said Tsesnabank would sell agricultural loans worth 450 billion tenge ($1.2 billion) to the NPLF. The loans, a quarter of Tsesnabank's overall loan book, were sold at face value so it did not book a loss, the bank said.

While the bank reported either growing or stable total interest income in its income statements for 2016, 2017 and 2018, interest income in its cash flow report was declining, according to the publicly available accounts.

The discrepancy means that Tsesnabank either extended long-term loans that were not expected to generate cash flow for some time or booked interest income from loans even though that interest had not been paid by the borrower, bankers say.

The gap between Tsesnabank's accrued and received interest income grew from 12 percent in 2015 to 36 percent in the first half of 2018, the accounts show.

The central bank told Reuters in an email in November that "generally, a declining ratio of received interest to accrued interest is being observed at certain banks, which is linked to the worsening financial situation of borrowers whose loans are denominated in foreign currency".

($1 = 379.3700 tenge)

(Editing by Anna Willard)
(Bloomberg) -- It was one of the most infamous companies in Japan, rocking the nation with a corporate scandal that ousted a prime minister and then nearly collapsing under a mountain of debt.

Now, Recruit Holdings Co. is back, reinvented by a group of employees who quietly turned the magazine publisher and job-placement firm into an internet giant that touches the lives of almost every consumer in the worlds third-biggest economy.

If Recruit were a U.S. company, it would be like having LinkedIn, Zillow, Yelp, eHarmony, Booking.com, Square and dozens of other apps  all under one roof.

We are there, every time people choose to do things, said Masumi Minegishi, Recruits 55-year-old chief executive officer.

As the biggest internet companies compete for world domination with apps that track consumers and use artificial intelligence to crunch data and provide tailored services, Recruit is Japans leading contender. With a value about a tenth of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and barely 5 percent of Amazon.com Inc., its up against giants. But Minegishis goal is to attract the most consumers in the world by 2030, and hes betting that Recruit has the cash and experience to mount a serious challenge.

Recruit was an internet pioneer, starting their first website in the same month that Yahoo launched in 1995 said Sandra Sucher, a Harvard Business School professor who published a case study on the company last year. This is not their first rodeo  they know how to leverage new technology.

Born more than half a century ago during Japans economic boom, Recruit found infamy in the 1980s when founder Hiromasa Ezoe concocted a shares-for-favors scheme to grease business deals and gain insider information. He gave more than 70 politicians and business leaders stock in a subsidiary that was about to go public, netting many of them a fortune.

The Incident

When the bribes of Recruit jiken, or The Recruit incident, came to light, even cabinet ministers were implicated, forcing Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita to resign. Then, in the 1990s, Japans asset bubble burst and Ezoes speculative property bets saddled the firm with $14 billion in debt, leading to his resignation and the sale of a controlling stake to Daiei, a Japanese retailer.

Story continues

The experience left Recruit in the hands of its employees just as the internet era was dawning and they soon began moving their job-recruitment services and publications onto the web.

Now, when the archipelagos 124 million citizens look for a job, an apartment or a haircut, most tap into one of Recruits 200 websites and 350 apps. The companys magazines, such as the Jalan travel guide, Travail for women seeking jobs and Car Sensor, a three-inch thick tome that used to be stacked waist-high in bookstores, are now all online.

That constellation of web portals, apps, and its job-placement business has given Recruit a valuation of about $46 billion, three times more than Yahoo Japan Corp. and four times that of Rakuten Inc., its nearest web and e-commerce rivals. Recruit went public five years ago, after paying off its massive debt and buying back some of its shares from Daiei.

Like Alibaba and Tencent, Recruit has a very large home market to build and grow its multiplatform businesses, but it is far more focused in its mission and strategy, Sucher said. Investors have backed Minegishis strategy, with its stock almost tripling since listing.

Instead of delivering search results like Google, or shipping merchandise like Amazon, Recruit acts as a go-between, matching businesses with customers and taking a cut or selling ads along the way.

Its restaurant-review site Hot Pepper is Japans No. 1 dining portal, and property website Suumo has the most real-estate listings. Many of its online booking services are linked to a tablet-payment network called AirRegi that gives the company valuable troves of data on shoppers.

It feels radically different from any other Japanese company

Using information generated by web traffic, reservations, payments and a loyalty-point network, Recruit can track consumer behavior in minute detail, and pass that knowledge on to businesses eager to attract and retain customers. It not only benefits consumers with easier and faster payments, but also retailers, said Taro Yamato, a researcher at Euromonitor International.

What differentiates the company is a culture that was forged from the failures in the 1990s.

We had to take ownership to bring the business back, Minegishi said.

In Recruits head office, spread over 19 floors of a building linked by footbridge to Tokyo station, few people wear suits and many dispense with the formal honorifics typically used between managers and subordinates in corporate Japan.

It feels radically different from any other Japanese company, said Howard Yu, professor at the IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, who also wrote a case study.

Recruit empowers individuals, says Minegishi, a departure from traditional education and employment in Japan with its focus on rote learning and respect for authority. New recruits and staff are often asked Why are you here? or What do you think? prompting them to challenge the status quo.

From being a national pariah, Recruit has developed an ethical base that gives it a competitive advantage, according to Harvards Sucher. I honestly dont know any other company that operates like Recruit, she said.

That empowerment has generated some winners.

Rebel Educator

At one of Recruits annual internal startup competitions, a staffer named Fumihiro Yamaguchi proposed a web portal to help students study  a kind of Netflix for online learning in a nation notorious for cramming.

I thought I could launch the business with four people and about 100 million to 200 million yen, ($900,000-$1.8 million) said Yamaguchi, 41, wearing a T-shirt, hoodie and jeans. Instead, he got 200 people and 2 billion yen and was told to get on with it.

Today, Study Sapuri (Study Supplement) has more than 40,000 online courses. A graduate of Tokyos prestigious Keio University, Yamaguchi says he spent much of his own student years drinking in bars and paying other undergraduates to write his essays with the money he earned gambling in pachinko pinball parlors. Now, from fourth grade through college, nearly half a million students pay 980 yen a month each to access the site he created.

Hes got fighting spirit, Minegishi said of Yamaguchi. You cant just be strange. You have to be able to define the challenge, come up with the solution and then execute it.

Recruit even discourages lifetime employment, for decades the backbone of Japanese industrial labor policy. Staff whove worked for the company for more than 6 1/2 years are eligible for an early retirement bonus, making it easier for them to seek work elsewhere.

That makes Recruit a rich fishing ground for companies looking to poach staff, and turnover is high  around 10 percent. In its first 54 years, only a few dozen employees reached retirement age. The average age is 35.

Recruit is extremely well-managed, but it operates in what are already mature industries and markets, said Shinnosuke Takeuchi, an analyst at Jefferies Group. The biggest weakness  and opportunity  for Recruit is whether it can come up with a completely new business model that can challenge companies like Google and Amazon.

To compete globally, the company must figure out ways to combine user information from all its apps, websites, payment platform and loyalty-points network, and develop algorithms that use the data to deliver new services, according to Chief Strategy Officer Shogo Ikeuchi.

For example, Recruit now offers direct loans to small businesses, using customer traffic and daily sales to assess creditworthiness.

That puts Recruit in direct competition with the big global players in one of the most expensive labor markets in the world, where annual salaries can top $1 million: AI software engineers.

Engineers are critically important, Ikeuchi said. They are vital for a business thats built on matching services.

To gain talent and fuel growth, Recruit has been buying startups abroad. In 2012, it acquired job-search portal Indeed.com, gaining vital AI know-how. Indeed is now a global competitor to LinkedIn, with 250 million monthly unique views.

Overseas Push

Last year, Recruit paid $1.2 billion for Glassdoor, the U.S. website that collects and shares employee reviews of companies and salaries. Now, Glassdoor is set to expand into Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Recruit has also acquired European restaurant-booking site Quandoo, U.K. spa and salon reservation portal Treatwell and Dutch staffing firm USG People, helping to boost sales outside Japan to 46 percent of revenue, from 20 percent five years ago.

And it still has a war chest of about $3 billion in cash.

The success of its app-based services has raised questions about the value of the companys traditional media business. Recruit still publishes 54 magazines, and has an employment and staffing services division that accounts for a majority of sales. But the faster-growing media and internet divisions generate two-thirds of operating profit from just about 30 percent of total revenue.

Minegishi says he has no plans to split the enterprise. We wouldnt carve it up. Were at the top in each category, so theres no value lost.

Still, Recruit may eventually have to shed some of its older, cash-generating businesses, according to Kenji Nonaka, senior partner at McKinsey & Co. in Tokyo. Its important to be willing to cannibalize your own business, he said.

If that happened, the transformation of Recruit would be complete.

To contact the author of this story: Reed Stevenson in Tokyo at rstevenson15@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Robert Fenner at rfenner@bloomberg.net, Adam Majendie

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Nepal on the right path to development: Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Kantipur Conclave that kicked off in Kathmandu on Sunday, Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, World Banks country director for Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, said that the stable government the country now has, after decades of instability, has been able to conceive and execute long-term visions for the country.
Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and receive a $20 prize!

Today we are going to look at China Leon Inspection Holding Limited (HKG:1586) to see whether it might be an attractive investment prospect. 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.

Firstly, well go over how we calculate ROCE. Next, well compare it to others in its industry. 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. Generally speaking a higher ROCE is better. Ultimately, it is a useful but imperfect metric. 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 China Leon Inspection Holding:

0.12 = CN42m  (CN269m  CN58m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.)

Therefore, China Leon Inspection Holding has an ROCE of 12%.

View our latest analysis for China Leon Inspection Holding

Does China Leon Inspection Holding Have A Good ROCE?

ROCE can be useful when making comparisons, such as between similar companies. China Leon Inspection Holdings ROCE appears to be substantially greater than the 6.3% average in the Energy Services industry. I think thats good to see, since it implies the company is better than other companies at making the most of its capital. Regardless of where China Leon Inspection Holding sits next to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms appears satisfactory, and this company could be worth a closer look.

Story continues

China Leon Inspection Holdings current ROCE of 12% is lower than its ROCE in the past, which was 43%, 3 years ago. This makes us wonder if the business is facing new challenges.

SEHK:1586 Last Perf February 18th 19

When considering this metric, keep in mind that it is backwards looking, and not necessarily predictive. Companies in cyclical industries can be difficult to understand using ROCE, as returns typically look high during boom times, and low during busts. This is because ROCE only looks at one year, instead of considering returns across a whole cycle. We note China Leon Inspection Holding could be considered a cyclical business. If China Leon Inspection Holding is cyclical, it could make sense to check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Do China Leon Inspection Holdings Current Liabilities Skew Its ROCE?

Liabilities, such as supplier bills and bank overdrafts, are referred to as current liabilities if they need to be paid within 12 months. Due to the way ROCE is calculated, a high level of current liabilities makes a company look as though it has less capital employed, and thus can (sometimes unfairly) boost the ROCE. To counter this, investors can check if a company has high current liabilities relative to total assets.

China Leon Inspection Holding has total liabilities of CN58m and total assets of CN269m. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 22% of its total assets. Low current liabilities are not boosting the ROCE too much.

What We Can Learn From China Leon Inspection Holdings ROCE

Overall, China Leon Inspection Holding has a decent ROCE and could be worthy of further research. Of course you might be able to find a better stock than China Leon Inspection Holding. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.



If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. On rare occasion, data errors may occur. Thank you for reading.
By Gianluca Semeraro and Massimo Gaia

MILAN, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Italian bad loan investor Fire is looking to add 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in assets under management this year as it works towards an eventual stock market listing, its chief executive said.

Italian banks' efforts to cut a bad loan pile that peaked at 360 billion euros after a recession turned Italy into Europe's biggest market for soured bank debt, with sales totalling some 150 billion euros in the past two years.

"(In 2019) we want to approach the 10 billion euro psychological threshold (of assets under management) which separates big players from small- and medium-sized ones," CEO Claudio Manetti told Reuters.

Manetti said the group, which currently manages 9 billion euros and is awaiting a regulatory green light to start operating in Greece, would aim for a stock market listing at some stage following bigger rival doBank and Cerved .

Fire had in the past discussed a possible investment by private equity firm TPG as part of a joint acquisition of rival debt collector CAF, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The deal fell through when CAF was bought by Sweden's Intrum Justitia.

TPG declined to comment.

Fire, based Messina in Sicily, is fully owned by Italy's Bommarito family.

Manetti said Fire was in talks to buy the debt collection business of a small Italian bank. He declined to name the bank but said the deal was expected to come through by the third quarter.

"The deal would have the usual shape, a sale of the unit together with a 10-year debt servicing accord," he said.

Italian banks Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco BPM last year sold a majority stake in their debt recovery units together with a chunk of bad loans.

The sale of a loan servicing business helps banks to cushion any hit from a bad loan sale, normally carried out at a loss. The value of the business is closely linked to the fees that the spun-off business will then charge the bank over an agreed number of years to recover its impaired loans.

($1 = 0.8839 euros) (Additional reporting and writing by Valentina Za; editing by Jane Merriman)
Bhrikuti Rai is an investigative reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering technology, environment and human rights. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2019, she was a reporter at Nepali Times and South Asia Check. She loves all things audio, and is co-creator of the Boju Bajai podcast.
Associated Banc-Corp ASB recently received the Office of the Comptroller of the Currencys approval to acquire the Wisconsin operations of Huntington Bancshares HBAN arm  The Huntington National Bank. The deal is expected to close in June 2019.

Per the terms of transaction, Associated will acquire about $850 million of deposits, $134 million worth loans and 32 branch locations. The companies expect this deal to be immaterial to their performance.

Associateds president and CEO Philip B. Flynn noted, We are excited for the opportunity to welcome Huntingtons Wisconsin customers to Associated Bank as we strengthen our franchise and expand services into 13 additional communities.

Associated has been expanding inorganically over the past several years. Earlier, in 2018, the company acquired Bank Mutual Corporation for $485.26 million.

Acquisitions by Other Banks

Synovus Financial Corp. SNV completed the buyout of FCB Financial Holdings, Inc. Following the completion, systems, customers, branches and branding of FCB are expected to be transitioned into Synovus by the second quarter of 2019. The deal was announced in July 2018.

SVB Financial Group SIVB closed the acquisition of Boston-based Leerink Holdings LLC  an investment bank focused on the healthcare and life science industries  for $280 million in cash. The deal was announced in November 2018.

Our Take

Associated is well positioned to grow further from opportunistic acquisitions, given its strong liquidity position and favorable banking consolidation environment.

Shares of Associated have lost 4.4% compared with the industrys 4% decline in the past year.

Associated currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

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Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.



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The video shows women dressed as flight attendants singing "Big Spender" from the musical "Sweet Charity" to a man depicting a high-paying customer.

American Airlines said it was not a corporate event and it had no say in the content.

The flight attendants' union said it is demanding an investigation into the video.

The union that represents American Airlines AAL has demanded an investigation into a skit that surfaced over the weekend depicting cabin crew singing "Big Spender" to a man portraying a high-paying customer.

The video of the skit, which was performed on a small stage that featured American Airlines' name and logo on a screen, was posted to Twitter by Jamie Larounis, who writes the Forward Cabin travel blog.

Larounis, who has since removed the video, tweeted that the "the people in the skit were on the payroll of AA" and that they have a group called Salute, which performs at shows.

In the video, four women presented as flight attendants sing the song from "Sweet Charity," a musical about a dance-hall hostess, to a seated man, changing some words to include "Executive Platinum," the top frequent flyer status for American's frequent flyers.

American Airlines said the skit was performed at a "customer-organized" concert in a private residence. The airline said it did not control the content or preview the agenda.

"What was portrayed in the skit was not sanctioned by the airline and is not representative of the 27,000 professional flight attendants who take great care of millions of customers each year," the airline said in a statement to its employees. "We spoke to the customer who posted the original video and shared our concerns that the actions depicted in the skit he witnessed are demeaning to our professional flight attendants and crew members throughout the industry. We are thankful that he listened to our concerns and that he agreed to remove the video."

Story continues

American's flight attendants' union said they want to be included in an independent investigation about the incident.

"This cannot be happening in today's environment. We will not tolerate our profession being objectified in a sexist manner," Lori Bassani, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said in a statement. "We want the facts about the company's involvement and we want answers."

Flight attendants have for decades fought against sexism and sexual harassment they have experienced on the job. A survey last year by the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents about 50,000 flight attendants at United UAL , Hawaiian HA , Alaska ALK and Spirit SAVE airlines, among others, found that 68 percent of flight attendants have been sexually harassed at some point in their careers.





More From CNBC


(Bloomberg) -- Its been a rough few weeks for the worlds wealthiest man. Amazon.com Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos announced his divorce. He became engulfed in a tabloid scandal complete with blackmail allegations. And, on Thursday, his company abruptly scrapped plans to invest $2.5 billion and hire 25,000 people for a giant new office in New York City.

Yet investors dont seem to be spooked just yet. Strip out Bezos and Amazon from the headlines and the stories are more mundane. A 25-year marriage ends. A publicly subsidized office park deal falls apart. A rich guy accuses someone of blackmailing him with embarrassing photos.

Amazon still has more than 100 million Prime members, whose subscription fees make them more loyal to the company because they can capitalize on shipping discounts. It has fast-growing cloud computing and advertising businesses that have made the company increasingly profitable. And even if Bezos gets distracted, the e-commerce giant has a deep bench of executives who oversee day-to-day operations in the shadow of their boss. Most notable are cloud chief Andy Jassy and retail chief Jeff Wilke, who were promoted to division CEO roles almost three years ago.

Theyve got a deep management team, said RJ Hottovy, an analyst at Morningstar Inc. Jeff Wilke and Andy Jassy keep the business running pretty smoothly at this point, even though they might not get the credit.

Bezos, 55, who founded the company in his Seattle garage in 1994, remains the key visionary and the public face of Amazon. The companys growth has forced the notoriously detail-oriented CEO to delegate more day-to-day operations. That also frees Bezos up for side endeavors like his space exploration company, Blue Origin, and the Washington Post, which he purchased in 2013.

Jassy, 51, shadowed Bezos earlier in his career as one of the CEOs technology advisers. He runs Amazon Web Services, the cloud-computing group. In a company full of semi-autonomous units, AWS is its own universe, with its own set of technologists, sales representatives and marketing people focused on the fast-growing business of renting processing power and software services.

Story continues

Since his elevation to CEO, Jassy has raised his public profile and amassed the clout to break some of Amazons rules. The company preaches an obsessive focus on customers with little public regard to its competitors. Yet Jassy trades barbs on Twitter and the conference circuit with Oracle Corp. Chairman Larry Ellison. His leadership is working well for AWS. If it was an independent business, AWS would likely rank among the worlds largest technology companies. It had revenue of $25.7 billion in 2018, up 47 percent from the previous year.

Wilke, 52, who joined Amazon nearly 20 years ago, oversees global retail operations, which includes the companys online marketplace and delivery system, Amazon Prime membership and a growing physical store presence, including Whole Foods supermarkets and AmazonGo cashierless stores. Beyond the U.S., where Amazon makes most of its revenue, Wilke is in charge of a global expansion that includes new consumer markets such as India, Australia and Brazil. Like Jassy, Wilke has also become more visible as a company representative in public. He participated in discussions with New York officials regarding the companys now abandoned expansion plans.

Other notable long-time Amazon executives include Dave Limp, whose role as senior vice president of devices includes expanding the line of gadgets running on Amazons Alexa voice-activated platform; Jeff Blackburn, senior vice president of business development, and Dave Clark, senior vice president of operations, who will help build out Amazons new hub in Nashville, Tennessee, where the company plans to hire as many as 5,000 people.

Some investors and analysts think Amazons decision to pull out of New York City may have lasting effect. Not expanding there will hurt Amazons recruiting efforts, especially in advertising, said Tom Forte, an analyst at DA Davidson & Co.

Since Bezos announced his divorce in early January, the companys shares have declined 2.9 percent, missing Wall Streets early 2019 rally. The S&P 500 has jumped 6.9 percent during the same time.

Im worried the narrative isnt just about them being distracted, but the public going negative, Forte said. Ive heard people say for more than a year, that Walmart isnt the enemy, its Amazon. The difference now is its not just coming from competing retailers, its also coming from the court of public opinion.

To contact the reporters on this story: Spencer Soper in Seattle at ssoper@bloomberg.net;Matt Day in Seattle at mday63@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Andrew Pollack, Alistair Barr

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
London-based GoCardless processes direct debit payments on behalf of businesses.

The fresh capital will be used to help GoCardless expand its payments product to the U.S.

CEO Hiroki Takeuchi voiced his frustrations with Brexit, labeling the current situation as a "joke."

British online payments start-up GoCardless has landed a $75 million investment backed by U.S. tech giants Alphabet GOOGL  the parent company of Google  and Salesforce CRM .

The funding round was co-led by Alphabet's venture arm GV and private equity firm Adams Street Partners. Existing investors Accel, Balderton Capital, Notion Capital and Passion Capital also contributed.

London-based GoCardless processes direct debit payments on behalf of businesses. These are recurring transactions withdrawn directly from a customer's bank account.

"We focus on what we think of as the recurring payments market  subscriptions, invoicing, installments  and each of those markets is super broken," Hiroki Takeuchi, co-founder and chief executive of GoCardless, told CNBC in an interview.

"Overall, we think these kinds of recurring payments make up about 18 percent of total payment volume globally. So it's quite a big chunk of all the payments that are going on around the world."

The firm's clients include newspapers like The Guardian and the Financial Times, as well as tech firms like Box BOX and Sage. It says it now processes payments for more than 40,000 merchants, handling more than $10 billion worth of transactions every year.

GoCardless was set up in 2011 by Takeuchi and fellow entrepreneurs Tom Blomfield and Matt Robinson. Blomfield went on to create mobile bank Monzo, while Robinson left to start up digital estate agent Nested.

The fresh capital will be used to help the company expand its payments product to the United States, Takeuchi said, with a view to cover about "70 percent of recurring payment volume globally" by the spring. It currently only has offices in Europe and Australia.

Story continues

"We'll be opening up an office in Spain later this year, and we're opening up an office in the U.S. and increasingly going after companies with more of a global footprint," GoCardless' boss said.

The company counts the likes of multi-billion dollar payment firms Stripe, Adyen ADYEN-NL and Square SQ  all of which have a strong presence in the U.S.  as rivals. Although, Takeuchi noted, they differ in that they are more focused on taking card payments instead of bank-to-bank transactions.

"GV invested in GoCardless because it is the only global payments company focused on recurring payments," Tom Hulme, general partner at GV, told CNBC.

"The advantage of a pull mechanism through bank debit to receive these payments is that it is lower cost and far less prone to failed transactions versus using cards."

Brexit a 'joke'

Takeuchi voiced his frustrations with Brexit, labeling the current situation a "joke."

"It's crazy that we still don't know what's going to happen and apparently the deadline's in just over a month's time," he said.

"I'm sitting in meetings where great people are doing huge amounts of work and effort preparing for every eventual possibility just on the off chance that it goes one way or the other."

GoCardless has put a contingency plan in place, he said, to ensure there's no discontinuity in its service and that no disruptions occur for its customers.

Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29. Whether it leaves smoothly with a divorce deal has been complicated by a lack of support for Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in the U.K. Parliament.

U.K. and EU negotiators are set to meet for further talks next week, but the lack of certainty surrounding Britain's exit from the bloc has proven difficult for businesses.

Though he was critical of the uncertainty surrounding the withdrawal from the EU, Takeuchi said that there was an "opportunity" to build bridges between the U.K. and Europe by making cross-border payments simpler.

"The more different the U.K. is from Europe, the harder the challenge is so the more value we can provide," he said.

"I hope it doesn't go in that direction, I think it will be really bad for our country if it does."

He added: "We're well prepared, begrudgingly."

Despite the cloud of Brexit overhanging, investors have been ploughing cash into the country's fintech sector. In recent weeks, a number of British companies  including online lenders Starling Bank and OakNorth  have announced substantial funding rounds.

According to a report from industry group Innovate Finance, the U.K.'s fintech industry attracted a record $3.3 billion in venture capital and private equity deals last year, up 18 percent from 2017.





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SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

First intraoral scanner with near-infrared imaging (NIRI) technology that scans the internal structure of a tooth (enamel & dentin) in real time 1 .

First integrated dental imaging system that simultaneously records 3D, intra-oral color and NIRI, and enables comparison over time using iTero  TimeLapse 1 .

NIRI technology of the iTero Element  5D system aids in detection and monitoring of interproximal caries lesions above the gingiva without using harmful radiation 1 .

New web-based interface MyiTero.com complements visualization of the iTero Element 5D system.

Limited-release direct doctor-lab workflow automatically sends scan to lab of choice.

Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN) today announced that it is launching the iTero Element 5D Imaging System, which provides a new comprehensive approach to clinical applications, workflows and user experience that expands the suite of existing high-precision, full-color imaging and fast scan times of the iTero Element portfolio. The entire iTero product family, including the iTero Element 5D Imaging System, will be showcased at the 38th International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne Germany, which runs March 12  16, 2019.

iTero Element 5D Imaging System: more than just a scanner

In addition to offering all of the features and functionality that doctors have come to expect and rely on with the iTero Element 2 scanner, the iTero Element 5D scanner is the first integrated dental imaging system that simultaneously records 3D, intra-oral color and NIRI images and enables comparison over time using iTero TimeLapse1. Integrated 3D, intra-oral color and NIRI technology of the iTero Element 5D Imaging System aids in detection and monitoring of interproximal caries lesions above the gingiva without using harmful radiation1. With one full arch scan, in as little as 60 seconds, the iTero Element 5D Imaging System provides doctors with powerful visualization capabilities, including the following:

Story continues

3D impressions for restorative and orthodontic work

Analysis instruments, such as the occlusal clearance tool 2

NIRI imagery

Intraoral camera imagery

iTero TimeLapse technology

Invisalign  Outcome Simulator 2

Invisalign Progress Assessment2

The iTero Element 5D Imaging System combines the cutting-edge technology of the iTero Element portfolio of intraoral scanners, with advanced integrated imaging features, such as NIRI, which aids in interproximal caries detection and clear intra-oral images with the built-in intraoral camera, said Zelko Relic, Align Technology, CTO and senior vice president, global research and development. With this new imaging system, doctors can efficiently and effectively scan every patient at every visit and visualize treatment options together that result in more informed decisions for optimum oral care.

Diagnosing carious lesions or cavities, especially ones that are interproximal or between teeth, can be hampered by numerous factors, including variations in tooth shape and alignment, traditional X-ray film limitations that include variability in exposure levels, poor angulations in image capture or overlapping contacts in the image, and more, said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology, vice president, global clinical. The iTero Element 5D Imaging System aids doctors in detecting and monitoring the progression of interproximal cavities above the gingiva without harmful radiation, thereby helping to ensure that their patients receive even better care.

Dr. Tim Nolting, a general practioner from Freudenberg, Germany, who was part of the iTero Element 5D Imaging System limited market release said, The iTero Element 5D scanner has been a real game changer and given me a totally new reason to incorporate digital technology in my practice. Patients value minimally invasive treatment and radiation free diagnosis. With the addition of the iTero Element 5D System in my diagnostic tool box, diagnosis itself is easier to make and since I can show my patients what I am seeing, they understand the situation better and in turn accept the proposed treatment.

The pace of innovation at Align continues to accelerate, and the Element 5D Imaging System expands the iTero portfolio by offering dental professionals a wide range of powerful scanning technology at every price point, said Yuval Shaked, Align Technology, senior vice president and managing director, iTero Scanners and Services. As the leader in digital scanning technology with over 20 years of experience, we understand the nature of platform evolution and how important it is to support our doctors and provide an upgrade path that protects their investment. With iTero Element 5D Imaging System, dental professionals now have the ability to invest in more than an intraoral scanner, thus maximizing opportunities within their dental practice. The platform nature of iTero Element 5D System makes it easy for dental professionals to upgrade to the latest digital technology when they are ready.

MyiTero.com: New web-based interface that frees the scanner for scanning

Align Technology now also offers a web-based platform called MyiTero.com that complements the comprehensive visualization of the iTero Element 5D Imaging System and can be used to set up prescription before the appointment and review scans with the patient on multiple devices, giving the practice the flexibility to assist more patients with this cutting-edge technology. MyiTero.com frees up the scanner so the practice can really maximize the utilization of their scanner and the overall investment in the technology.

Direct doctor-lab workflow in limited release: Workflow options that fit doctor-lab needs

Align Technology is continuing to streamline workflows for dentists and labs with the addition of direct doctor-lab workflow. The new workflow will allow the scan to be automatically sent to the doctors lab of choice and the doctor can engage with the lab through the MyiTero.com account to determine if the scan is acceptable or if additional information is needed. This workflow will continue to be supported with on-demand services like iTero modeling and iTero customer milled models, both unique to iTero Element scanners, that the labs have come to count on. Direct doctor-lab workflow is currently in limited market testing in North America and Europe.

1Data on file at Align Technology, as of December 4, 2018.

2Comes standard in all iTero Element scanners.

The iTero Element 5D Imaging System is commercially available now in Canada, European Union countries accepting CE-Marking (excluding Greece), Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Thailand. The iTero Element 5D Imaging System is not yet available in the United States or Latin America.

Information about the iTero Element 5D Imaging System can be found at http://www.itero.com/en .

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign system, the most advanced clear aligner system in the world, and iTero intraoral scanners and services. Align's products help dental professionals achieve the clinical results they expect and deliver effective, cutting-edge dental options to their patients. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign system or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com. For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com.

Align Technology

Karina Ludz

(316) 21143420

kludz@aligntech.com

Zeno Group

Sarah Johnson

(828) 551-4201

sarah.johnson@zenogroup.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b06170ee-c19b-4093-b5c1-fcbc8aae9455

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76a84de2-12fd-4978-8699-7a7a07d5a706
An illegal immigrant swindled 60,000 for hotel and food bills by claiming he was a victim of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Tunisian Abdelkarim Rekaya, 28, took advantage of the governments policy of providing amnesty for illegal immigrants living in the gutted tower block in June last year.

He had been in the country since 2009 and by 2010 he had been cautioned by police for trying to steal bicycle.

Abdelkarim Rekaya first claimed he was living in flat four when the inferno (pictured) claimed the lives of 72 residents

Rekaya first claimed he was living in flat four when the inferno claimed the lives of 72 residents.

He later changed his story to say he was homeless and sleeping in the stairwell of the 11th and 12th floor.

Shortly after the blaze he was put up in a luxury Chelsea hotel at a cost of 60,000 for just under a year.

Judge Robin Jonathan warned him he faced a substantial custodial sentence.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow for Grenfell Trauma psychology reports.

Rekaya, of Chelsea, originally denied fraud by false representation and obtaining leave to stay in the country by deception but today admitted the offences.

Sentencing was adjourned until 27 November at Isleworth Crown Court.

Hospital worker Koffi Kouakou has become the 11th person jailed after Grenfell.

He swindled 24,572 worth of handouts when he was put up in a hotel for three months.

He told the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea that he had been living in flat 115 with Zainab Deen, which officers soon discovered was a lie.

Bangladeshi Mohammed Syed Rinku claimed he was in a gay relationship with a resident of the 20th floor of the west London block and his boyfriend had died in the blaze.

But when he was asked about his affair by the police, it became clear he had researched who had died in the fire. Officers then found heterosexual porn and dating apps on his phone.

The 46-year-old was jailed for 18 months for the fraud.

Anh Nhu Nguyen pretended his wife and 12-year-old son were killed in the blaze so he could claim charity handouts.

He pocketed 11,270 as he was put up in hotels and given clothing, laptops and cash.

But police discovered the 53-year-old had 28 convictions for 56 offences spanning more than 30 years, including theft, dishonesty offences, arson and grievous bodily harm.

Nguyen, who was born in Vietnam, even tried to apply for a passport by claiming his had been incinerated. He was jailed for 21 months in February.

Another fraudster, Anh Nhu Nguyen, met Prince Charles during his time posing as a victim

Elaine Douglas and Tommy Brooks falsely claimed they lived in Grenfell Tower to claim more than 120,000.

The illegal immigrants spent eight months living in a four-star hotel, with taxpayers footing the 400-a-night bill.

They also spent more than 20,000 on meals and clothing on pre-paid credit cards which were given to them by Kensington and Chelsea council.

The pair entered Britain illegally from Jamaica 16 years ago on separate flights and were ordered to leave by immigration officials only to vanish  reappearing in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy last year.

Douglas, 51, was jailed for a total of three years while Brooks, 52, received a sentence of three years and three months.

Joyce Msokeri falsely claimed to have lost her husband in the blaze so that she could claim thousands of pounds.

The conwoman travelled 14 miles from her own flat to the tower block and convinced charity workers she had survived the inferno.

She feigned trauma to obtain handouts of 19,000 in cash, food, clothing, three mobile phones and free stays at a Hilton hotel. The 47-year-old would have received 203,000 in handouts if she had not been caught.

When Msokeri, from Zimbabwe, kept giving them different numbers for her flat in the tower block, her apparent forgetfulness was put down to trauma. She was jailed for four-and-a-half years in April.

Mohammad Gamoota is pictured

Mohammad Gamoota trawled a list of the dead then told officials his father was Abdeslam Sebbar, who had died after becoming trapped in his flat.

The 31-year-old said he had survived only because he was attending midnight prayers at his mosque when the inferno took hold.

In reality, he was not related to Mr Sebbar, 77, and did not live in Grenfell Tower, but took the details from a newspaper.

Two days later, Gamoota presented himself as a bereaved relative. He was given 500 and booked into a Holiday Inn hotel where he racked up a 374 room service bill.

He tried to claim a further 5,000  but a technical issue with his bank account prevented the money being paid in. He was jailed for 18 months.

Yonatan Eyob falsely claimed 81,000 in cash and free hotel stays, as well as 11,000 towards a new permanent home.

Eyob claimed he had lived alone in a flat that actually contained a family of five who perished in Britain's worst fire for a generation.

Neighbours said he didn't and CCTV proved he had never been there.

He was later charged with dishonestly making a false representation for accommodation and subsistence between June 2017 and June 2018.

The 26-year-old pleaded guilty and was jailed for more than six years.

Council worker Jenny McDonagh blew money for victims on holidays and meals out

Jenny McDonagh stole pre-paid cash cards while working as manager of the Grenfell Fire fund at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

In total she took about 62,000 from pre-paid cash cards meant for several survivors, including Fadumo Ahmed, Sacha Salaabi and Christos Fairbairn, the court heard.

The money was spent on online gambling and foreign holidays.

She was jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Antonio Gouveia , 33, lied about escaping the inferno.

The fraudster claimed to be the flatmate of 80-year-old Hermine Harris who was living in the block of flats on the night of the tragedy which left 72 people dead in June 2017.

He has been jailed for three years.

Abdelkarim Rekaya , 28, took advantage of the governments policy of providing amnesty for illegal immigrants living in the gutted tower block in June last year.

He had been in the country since 2009 and by 2010 he had been cautioned by police for trying to steal bicycle.

Rekaya first claimed he was living in flat four when the inferno claimed the lives of 72 residents.

He later changed his story to say he was homeless and sleeping in the stairwell of the 11th and 12th floor.

Shortly after the blaze he was put up in a luxury Chelsea hotel at a cost of 60,000 for just under a year.

Judge Robin Jonathan warned him he faced a substantial custodial sentence.
On 10 February 2019 Prof Dave Richardson from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and a leading scientist in the field of invasion biology, will receive the 2018 Kwame Nkrumah Award for Scientific Excellence

Prof Dave Richardson from the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) at Stellenbosch University (SU) and a world leading scientist in the field of invasion biology, is the recipient of the 2018 Kwame Nkrumah Award for Scientific Excellence.

This continental award is one of three awards made annually by the Commission of the African Union to recognise outstanding African scientists for their achievements, discoveries and innovations. It was established in 2008 in memory of the well-known Pan-Africanist leader Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Prof Richardson is a distinguished professor in the Department of Botany and Zoology at SU, James Marsh Professor-at-Large at the University of Vermont in the United States of America, and director of the CIB, one of the most productive and influential research groups working in the field of biological invasions in the world. Biological invasions are a rapidly growing threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in Africa and many parts of the world.

Prof Richardson says he is extremely honoured to receive this award: "I hope that it will help to spread awareness of the massive problems with invasive species worldwide, and the urgent need for innovative solutions to prevent the escalation of impacts on biodiversity and human livelihoods."

He also commended South Africa's Department of Science and Technology and Stellenbosch University for their substantial investments in this field through their funding of the CIB: "The Centre has created a critical mass of knowledge and expertise across disciplines to address diverse issues pertaining to biological invasions in Africa".

Prof Louise Warnich, Dean of the Faculty of Science, says the award is well-deserved and recognises Prof Richardson's significant contributions to the field of invasion biology: "The awards confirms his status as an influential international leader in this field. The CIB has continued to blossom under his leadership and he is an excellent role model for young researchers."

The Award Ceremony will be held at the AU Conference Center on 10 February 2019 during the Assembly of the AU Heads of States (The Summit) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

More about Prof Richardson

Prof Richardson is regarded as one of the most influential authors globally in the field of invasion science. His research focuses on biological invasions, and in particular the dynamics of plant invasions, specifically trees and shrubs. He has worked predominantly on invasive species in South Africa, mainly in the fynbos and savanna biomes, but has also published widely on invasive species in other parts of Africa and the world, on global patterns and trends in biological invasions, and on developing a sound theoretical basis for invasion science.

One of his major contributions to invasion science has been the thorough development and exploitation of new model systems for the elucidation of all the diverse perspectives that need to be considered to understand and manage invasive species. His contributions on the ecology of pines and Australian acacias are widely recognised as foundation studies in invasion science.

Prof Richardson has also contributed substantially to the formulation of practical guidelines for the improved management of invasions. He is frequently consulted by conservation agencies and government departments, and serves on various committees related to environmental management in South Africa and abroad.

He is currently one of only a handful of African scientists rated as a "Highly Cited Researcher" by Clarivate Analytics - these are scientists who rank in the top 1% by citations for their field in the Web of Science and are making an impact in solving some of the world's biggest challenges. He has received numerous awards, including the Hans Sigrist Prize (2006), the John F.W. Herschel Medal from the Royal Society of South Africa (2012), and the Havenga Prize for Life Sciences from the South African Academy for Science and Arts (2013).

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Historic time for Nepal as political, economic, social factors fall into place

Sandip Ghose, executive president for sales, marketing, and logistics of Birla Group, said on Sunday that the present is a historic time for Nepal, as all factorspolitical, economic and socialhave fallen into place to push the nation forward.
EVANSTON --- Northwestern University researchers are developing a predictive model to help NASA anticipate conflicts and communication breakdowns among crew members and head off problems that could make or break the Mission to Mars.

NASA has formalized plans to send a crewed spacecraft to Mars, a journey that could involve 250 million miles of travel. Among the worldwide teams of researchers toiling over the journey's inherent physiological, engineering and social obstacles, Northwestern professors Noshir Contractor and Leslie DeChurch, and their collaborators, are charting a new course with a series of projects focused on the insights from the science of teams and networks.

In a multiphase study conducted in two analog environments -- HERA in the Johnson Space Center in Houston and the SIRIUS mission in the NEK analog located in the Institute for Bio-Medical Problems (IBMP) in Russia -- scientists are studying the behavior of analog astronaut crews on mock missions, complete with isolation, sleep deprivation, specially designed tasks and mission control, which mimics real space travel with delayed communication.

The goal is threefold: to establish the effects of isolation and confinement on team functioning, to identify methods to improve team performance, and to develop a predictive model that NASA could use to assemble the ideal team and identify potential issues with already composed teams before and during the mission.

Contractor and DeChurch discussed their latest findings and next steps at a 10 a.m. EST, Feb. 17 press briefing at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

"It's like astronaut Scott Kelly says, 'Teamwork makes the dream work,'" said Contractor, the Jane S. and William J. White Professor of Behavioral Sciences in the McCormick School of Engineering, School of Communication and the Kellogg School of Management.

Even for an astronaut, the psychological demands of this Mars journey will be exceptional. The spacecraft will be small, roughly the size of a studio apartment, and the round-trip journey will take almost three years.

"Astronauts are super humans. They are people who are incredibly physically fit and extremely smart," said DeChurch, a professor of communication and psychology at Northwestern. "We're taking an already state-of-the-art crew selection system and making it even better by finding the values, traits and other characteristics that will allow NASA to compose crews that will get along."

Communication delays with worldwide mission controls will exceed the 20-minute mark. In that sense, the Mars mission will be like no mission that has come before.

"A lot of the past efforts to try to create models to simulate the future have run into criticism because people have said it's not really grounded in good data," Contractor said. "What we have here is unprecedented good data. We aren't talking about intuition and expert views, this model is based on real data."

The Northwestern researchers have been culling data from the Human Experimentation Research Analog (HERA) at Houston's Johnson Space Center. HERA's capsule simulator houses astronauts for up to 45 days; a mock mission control outside the capsule augments the realism with sound effects, vibrations and communication delays.

Those on the inside undergo sleep deprivation and try to perform tasks. The researchers collect moment-to-moment metrics about individual performance, moods, psychosocial adaptation and more.

The teams DeChurch and Contractor have studied experienced diminished abilities to think creatively and to solve problems, according to results from the first eight analog space crews, and are able to successfully complete tasks between 20 and 60 percent of the time.

"Creative thinking and problem solving are the very things that are really going to matter on a Mars mission," DeChurch said. "We need the crew to be getting the right answer 100 percent of the time."

The next phase of the research, just begun on Friday, Feb. 15, involves using the model to predict breakdowns and problems a new HERA crew will experience and making changes to "who works with whom, on what, when," Contractor said. "We are going to run our model to see how we can nudge the team into a more positive path and make them more successful."

The researchers are also expanding the experiment to the SIRIUS analog in Moscow, where, beginning on March 15, four Russians and two Americans, will undertake a 120-day fictional mission around the moon, and including a moon landing operation.

Contractor and DeChurch are in the midst of four NASA-funded projects exploring team dynamics and compatibility in preparation for the Mars journey.

Their NASA studies address different aspects of the crew's challenges:

The likelihood that the crew and its support teams on Earth will have good chemistry and coping mechanisms; how to predict possible crew-compatibility outcomes

Work design; structuring the workflow so that astronauts can better manage transitions from solo to team tasks

Identifying and building shared mental models, whereby a team of varied specialists can find enough common ground to effectively accomplish their tasks but not so much that they engage in "group think" or form alliances.

Contractor, a leading expert in network analysis and computational social science, leads Northwestern's Science of Networks in Communities (SONIC) research group. DeChurch, a leading expert in teamwork and leadership who leads Northwestern's Advancing Teams, Leaders, and Systems (ATLAS) lab, focuses on team performance; psychology, social interactions, and how multiteam systems best function.

"Our complementary strengths have been a winning combination for tackling the big interdisciplinary questions," said DeChurch.

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Fair promoting homemade goods to kick off on March 7

The 15th edition of International Industrial Trade Fair will kick off on March 7 at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu with an objective to promote homemade products.
Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade.
Montreal/Seoul: The United States has blocked efforts by a UN agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea at a time when Pyongyang is trying to reopen part of its airspace to foreign flights, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The US move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes.

The United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace.

Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights.

If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry.

The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Korea's aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said.

US seeks leverage

But the United States discouraged the UN agency from helping North Korea with its air programme as Washington wanted to "pool all the leverages and incentives" until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearisation, a third source said.

"They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward," the source said.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states.

Asked for comment, a US State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations. An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Korea's foreign ministry.

In 2017, the United States proposed the UN Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members.

Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 200,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation.

That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said.

The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA.

Denuclearisation Pressure

The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearisation, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid.

South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted US officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearisation.

A fourth source told Reuters that the US move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions.

"But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress," said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" following diplomatic tensions between the two countries after the suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir killed at least 40 CRPF troopers.

"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The February 14 attack in Pulwama district was claimed by the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

On Friday, New Delhi had summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner and lodged "a very strong demarche" or diplomatic protest over the attack.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale told him that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against the JeM and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism and operating from Pakistani territory.

India also withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status given to Pakistan and also slapped a 200 per cent import duty on all goods originating from Islamabad.
London: Seven Labour lawmakers quit on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Britain's main opposition party had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left".

In a direct challenge to Corbyn, the seven centrist MPs said they were courting others from across parliament to join their group, saying "enough is enough" in keeping silent over their doubts about the Labour leader's fitness for office.

United by a desire for a second referendum on Britain's decision to leave the European Union, they acknowledged that their resignations would not change the arithmetic in parliament, where there is as yet no majority for such a vote.

But their move underlines the increasing frustration within Labour over Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy - the leftist leader and long-time critic of the EU has stuck to his preference for a new election or his plan to leave the bloc.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new ad hoc coalitions.

"The Labour party we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party ... it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

"Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit - constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say."

The seven lawmakers are Leslie, Luciana Berger, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as members of parliament under the banner "The Independent Group".

Corbyn expressed his disappointment that the group had left, referring in a statement to "Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election" when the opposition party saw its biggest increase in vote share since 1945 to win 262 seats.

Britain's Labour Party MP Luciana Berger arrives at a news conference in London. Photo: REUTERS/Simon Dawson

His finance policy chief, John McDonnell, called on the lawmakers to "stand down" and try to win back their seat in parliament. The local branch for Labour in Umunna's constituency asked him to call a so-called by-election.

But the party's deputy leader, Tom Watson, described the resignations as a "wake-up call", saying "unless we change we may see more days like this" - a guarded suggestion that Corbyn and his team had taken Labour too far to the left.

Enough is enough

Britain's 2016 EU referendum, when 52 percent voted to leave versus 48 to remain, has split not only British towns and villages but also parliament, with both Conservative and Labour leaders struggling to keep their parties united.

Eurosceptics in Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party flexed their muscle by voting against her government in a symbolic Brexit ballot last week though have so far given little sign of formally breaking away.

But lawmakers in the new Labour independent grouping may hope to tempt away some pro-EU members of the governing party.

"We believe that the entire political system is now broken ... We've had enough evidence to suggest that people out there will come forward, register their support and help us... build a new political movement," Angela Smith said.

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can break an impasse in parliament, preferring a new election or his own proposed deal.

The prospect of holding a second referendum poses a dilemma for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's Vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

But it was clear that for the seven lawmakers, Corbyn's wider beliefs had spurred them to leave the party.

Corbyn has cemented a shift to the left in Labour, taking control of a party that, under former prime minister Tony Blair, moved to the centre to win and retain power for 13 years.

Some accused Corbyn of failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the Labour chief, a supporter of Palestinian rights and critic of the Israeli government, since he took over the party in 2015. Corbyn denies the allegation, saying he is stamping anti-Semitism out.

Luciana Berger, a Jewish lawmaker who has faced abuse, said the party had become "institutionally anti-Semitic".

For others, Corbyn was just not up to the demands of his office, they said. Mike Gapes said it was now a question of lawmakers' moral integrity whether to stay in Labour.
Srinagar: A Pakistani JeM terrorist who plotted the suicide bombing on a CRPF convoy and an Indian Major were among nine people killed in fighting between security forces and militants that also left 10 security personnel, including a senior police officer and three Army officers, injured in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities said on Monday.

In the biggest crackdown after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber killed at least 40 CRPF troopers in Pulwama district, the security forces ringed a militant hideout in Pinglena village, just 10 km from the terror attack site, triggering a gun battle overnight Sunday which continued intermittently till Monday evening.

A Major and three soldiers besides a civilian were killed in the initial burst of gunfire by the militants. The Army, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) fought back, killing three militants of the Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), one of them a Pakistani identified as Kamran.

The soldiers who died were identified as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Hawaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. The second slain militant was identified as Bilal Ahmed Naik, a Kashmiri. The third militant's identity was not known.

4 soldiers were killed in Pulwama encouter Monday

The security forces recovered the bodies of the militants and were carrying out searches in the area when some militants hiding in a cow shed suddenly opened fire, injuring Deputy Inspector General of Police Amit Kumar, Brigadier Harbir Singh, a Lt Colonel, a Captain and five soldiers and a Sub-Inspector of SOG.

Amit Kumar's Personal Security Officer (PSO), Abdul Rashid, was killed.

All the injured, were rushed to the 92 Base Hospital of the Army, police said. "A fourth terrorist is still firing," said an officer.

The Pakistani terrorist who was killed reportedly masterminded the February 14 attack on the CRPF, inflicting the worst loss suffered by security forces at one go since militancy erupted in the state in 1989.

Soldiers at the site where a gunfight erupted between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday. Photo: IANS

Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said: "One of the two slain JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) terrorists was a top commander and belonged to Pakistan." The civilian who died was identified as Mushtaq Ahmad.

As the fighting raged, civilians poured out of their homes in nearby areas and pelted stones at the security personnel in a bid to help the militants escape.

The security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

"Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since it is a prohibited zone and can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials," an official said.

"People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any."
The Hague: India on Monday said the trial of its national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed" to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process and requested the International Court of Justice to declare it "unlawful".

India's plea came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues  breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

Jadhav's trial by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process", Salve said.

No "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay," Salve said.

"Pakistan used confession document as propaganda. Pakistan has disrespected the Vienna Convention," Salve said.

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

"In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access - 13 reminders were sent - but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said.

Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said.

Salve read out the various sections and articles of the Vienna Convention under which foreign prisoners fall.

"The Vienna Convention is a powerful tool that ensures the facility of consular access to foreign nationals who have been put on trial in foreign trial," he said.

"Article 36 of the Vienna Convention says that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan did not inform India about his arrest."

Without consular access, he said, "India has no information on what happened to Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan."

Attorney Anwar Mansoor Khan greets an Indian advisor at the International Court of Justice during the final hearing of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case in The Hague, the Netherlands. Photo: REUTERS/Eva Plevier

"India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement on consular access," he said.

"Bilateral treaties cannot modify Article 36 of Vienna Convention. It could only supplement it," Salve added.

Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation, Salve said.

Salve argued that Pakistan did not uphold the Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that states consular access applies all nationals, regardless of espionage claims in Jadhav's case.

He said that the ICJ has already upheld the importance of consular access under Article 36 in two previous cases LaGrand (Germany vs USA) and Avena (Mexico vs USA).

"This quite plainly, is an egregious violation of Pakistan's obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," said Salve.

"They at one point said they might consider it if India assisted their investigation into him being an Indian spy, asked for evidence of bank accounts, phone numbers, etc," he said.

Pakistan has not provided any evidence, he added.

"Inhuman detention violation of universal rights," Salve said.

He said Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25 December, 2017.

"India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest," he said.

Pakistan didn't send any details of the probe conducted by the Joint Investigation Team before informing the Indian side about the death sentence handed over to him. Jadhav was not appointed any lawyer during his trial by the Pakistani military court either, he said.

Serious charges need strict adherence to due process, he emphasised.
New Delhi: A 28-year-old Kashmiri man was beaten up by public before being detained on Sunday allegedly for raising "anti-India" slogans during a protest against the Pulwama terror attack at Jantar Mantar here, police said.

The man, identified as Abid Hussain, had come from Kashmir on Saturday, they added.

Hussain was at Jantar Mantar where he was beaten up by public for allegedly raising "anti-India" slogans, police said.

He has been detained and is being interrogated, Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said.

Hussain was under the influence of alcohol, he said.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life gathered at India Gate and Jantar Mantar on Sunday to hold candle light marches to express solidarity with the families of the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

As the protests continued for the third day on Sunday, police enhanced security in the national capital with special deployments in the protest areas.

Students, corporate employees and members of social organisations gathered at the two venues demanding that Pakistan be given a "befitting reply" in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

In one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's three decades of militancy, a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.
Kalpatta: Martyred CRPF jawan from Kerala VV Vasanthakumar had a providential escape from the clutches of death in November last year in Chhattisgarh. But at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, luck did not help him. He was one of the 40 CRPF personnel killed in the suicide bomber attack on their bus last week.

Vasanthakumar came face-to-face with death at Bijapur in Chhattisgarh when they were targeted by Maoists. Six of his colleagues were injured in the attack. Some of them recollect how Vasanthakumar took a seriously injured Lakshman Rao to safety.

The convoy in rebel-infested Bijapur was attacked with a land mine. Lakshman Rao hit on the leg. Vasanthakumar took Rao to a safe place evading mine traps all around. After this, he was called Daredevil in the 85th Battalion. He was also promoted as Havildar.

Wife to get permanent job

Vasanthakumars wife Sheena is employed with the veterinary university as a temporary staff. Her job will be made permanent, minister AK Balan said. An official order will be issued soon. Sheena is a temporary employee at the Pookode Veterinary University, Wayanad, now. Vasanthakumars mother is a MGNREGA worker.

A decision on financial aid and support to the childrens education will also be taken soon.

Minister AK Balan visited Vasanthakumars family and assured that Vasanthakumar's wife's job will be made permanent

Vasanthakumar, who used to call home daily, made his last call on Thursday. Its snowing here, will call later, was his last message. A Tamil colleague called later in the night only to say we couldnt save him.
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.
Kozhikode: Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, the biggest collective of merchants in the state, on Monday asked all its members to defy the dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Youth Congress across the state. Samiti president T Nasseruddeen urged all shop owners to continue their business normally and sought police protection to the shops.

However, majority of the shop owners did not follow the directive issued by Nasseruddeen and refused to open the shops. However, shops owned by Nasseruddeen and a few office-bearers of the Samiti were opened in SM Street, Kozhikode, one of the major shopping centres in Malabar. Out of over 200 shops in this shopping zone, only seven were opened with police protection.

Other shop owners said if more people were ready to open shops, they would also join. In the first week of January, the same area witnessed tension after some right-wing organisations called a hartal and clashed with shop owners and police when the merchants defied the hartal call.

The Samiti had decided not to cooperate with any hartal after the December 14 call by the saffron brigade. They had claimed that from October onwards, four hartals were called over the Sabarimala issue and their businesses were badly hit.

The Youth Congress called for the dawn-to-dusk hartal in Kerala on Monday after two of its workers - Kripesh and Sarath Lal -were hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Kasaragod late Sunday night. The Kerala High Court has also taken a suo motu case against the Youth Congress over the impromptu hartal.

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Kasaragod: Local political leaders on Monday revealed that political rivalry between Congress and CPM led to the brutal killing Sharathlal and Kripesh, two Youth Congress workers, at Periya in Kerala's Kasaragod district.

Sharathlal was hacked 15 times and Kripesh's head was smashed in the attack.

While the CPM denied any role, Congress alleged that the murders were premeditated and well-orchestrated.

Congress leader Balakrishnan Periya, who accompanied the bodies to Pariyaram Medical College, said the rivalry between the YC workers and the CPM began with an attack on Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists at Munnad People's College, a self-financing college in Kasaragod, in January. After the KSU activists were attacked, some Youth Congress workers stopped the college bus in Periya and threatened the staff.

This led to a scuffle between the local DYFI and Congress workers at Kallyott, an area where the Congress has an upper hand. CPM local committee member Peethambaran was injured in the fight and Sharath Lal was arrested and remanded in the case.

Sharath and Peethambaran were members of the same local temple committee, and on Sunday, an organising committee for the temple festival was called. DYFI sources say that an effort was made by the temple committee for compromise talks between the two parties and it failed. Sharath and Kripesh were hacked while they were returning from the meeting on the premises of the Devi temple in Kallyott.

Congress leaders alleged that Peethambaran planned the murder with the support of the district leaders. Sources in CPM admitted that Peethambaran is in hiding along with several other local leaders.

Police sources said a 'quotation gang' (hired) was behind the murders and the gang had followed the movements of the duo before attacking them.

Cops also claimed that the gang had received support from local people for committing the crime.

According to relatives, the duo had received death threats several times before and this was conveyed to the police and local MLA.

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Kochi: The Kerala High Court has slammed the Youth Congress (YC) for calling an impromptu hartal in the state after two of its workers were killed in Kasaragod Sunday night.

The HC took a suo motu case against the YC after it called for the hartal in the wee hours of Monday. The sudden call for hartal is in violation of the HC ruling that said no strike can be called in the state without a prior notice of at least seven days. The HC on Monday said YC's call for hartal amounted to contempt of court.

The court sought to know who were behind the hartal and warned that they would have to face dire consequences. The court also sought to know the steps taken by the government to counter the hartal. While pointing out that everyone was duty-bound to implement the court ruling, the HC asked the government not to stop services.

The HC has issued notices to three people, including YC state president Dean Kuriakose.

Meanwhile, Dean Kuriakose said that the party would fight the case legally.

"The court is liable to protect the lives of the citizens. Two of our innocent colleagues were brutally hacked to death," he added.

The Kerala HC had in January ruled that political parties, organisations and individuals who call for hartals were bound to give seven days' prior notice.

The court made the comment while hearing a petition moved by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Thrissur-based NGO 'Malayala vedi against hartals' against shutdowns in the state.

The court further said that organisations and individuals, who call for hartal, shall be responsible for loss and damages caused on account of the shutdown.

It said in the absence of adequate enactments, hartals have become a continuous process. Such flash hartals would affect the state's economy as well as the country's tourism prospects.

The bench said though right to protest exist, that shall not affect the citizens' fundamental rights.

The hartal has affected life in Kerala with public transport keeping off the roads and business establishments remaining shut.

Kripesh and Sharathlal were hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Kasaragod late Sunday night. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala lashed out at the ruling CPM and expressed his strong protest against the double murder. However, the CPM has denied any role in the killings.

Read more: Latest Kerala news


Kasaragod: Stray incidents of violence were reported during the dawn-to-dusk hartal called by the Youth Congress (YC) in Kerala on Monday after two of its workers were hacked to death by unidentified assailants in Kasaragod late Sunday night.

Hartal did not have an impact in the initial hours as it was announced late night and people came to know about it very late. The hartal was called past midnight by the Youth Congress leadership through social media, hours after its workers were hacked to death.

Roads and national highways were blocked in various places and state-owned buses were stoned on Monday.

KSRTC buses conducting services with police protection in Kozhikode.

Youth Congress activists blocked vehicles in various districts including Kozhikode, Kollam, Idukki, Malappuram and Ernakulam. KSRTC buses were pelted with stones by the protesters at several places. Shops and hotels also remained closed at many places.

The state capital Thiruvananthapuram was exempted from the protest in view of the famous temple festival, Attukal Pongala, on February 20.

Youth Congress workers block road in Malappuram.

One worker was injured in stone pelting in Ernakulam. He was taken to the Ernakulam Medical College Hospital.

Protesters at Palakkad KSRTC depot.

The KSRTC curtailed its services from Palakkad depot after stones were hurled at the buses.

The Kerala High Court on Monday flayed the Youth Congress for calling an impromptu hartal. The sudden call for hartal is in violation of the HC ruling that said no strike can be called in the state without a prior notice of at least seven days.

Youths killed



Sharathlal and Kripesh were hacked to death allegedly by ruling CPI(M) workers at Periya in Kasaragod district on Sunday night.

"Two youths have been killed. We have just confirmed the identity of the deceased. Further investigation is on," the police said.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala lashed out at the ruling CPM and expressed his strong protest against the double murder.

Youth Congress workers with the body of slain activist Krupesh at Kasaragod general hospital.

"The CPM is trying to destroy the Congress party using the party goons. The Youth Congress activists were attacked without any provocation. They were not involved in any kind of criminal activities. No cases were there against them. The government should identify the culprits and arrest them as soon as possible," Chennithala told media persons.

Passengers, who arrived at the Kozhikode railway station Monday morning, had a harrowing time as public transport kept off the roads.

He also alleged that the murder was a conspiracy hatched by the CPM as the Lok Sabha elections are near.

However, CPM district secretary M V Balakrishnan Master categorically denied any role of his party in the killings.

Police keep a watch near Kozhikode railway station. Photo: Russell Shahul

"We strongly condemn this murder. We are against murderous politics. We don't have any role in this," he told mediapersons.

KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran has cancelled the functions related to his Janamahayathra and would head to Kasaragod.

Sources said the workers were returning home after attending a local function on Sunday night and they were stopped by a gang of unidentified people who came in a car and hacked them to death.

KSU workers block buses in Ernakulam.

The identity of the attackers was yet to the confirmed, the police said.

Educational bandh

The Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student's wing of the Congress, has called for an educational bandh in the state. The SSLC model exam scheduled to be held Monday has been postponed. Kerala, MG, Calicut and Kannur universities have postponed exams. The revised dates would be announced later.

Kripesh (L) and Sharathlal, both hailing from Kalliyode near Periya.

Kerala Police chief Loknath Behera has instructed all district police chiefs to ensure that law and order was maintained, and to take action against agitators if they tried to block roads or attack people.

Youth Congress state president Dean Kuriakose, however, said that the hartal would be peaceful and would ask the workers to show restrain.

Read more: Latest Kerala news
Kozhikode: The development projects of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, especially the projects announced in the recent budget would be the highlight of the 1,000 days of government celebration set to start on February 20 from here.

The inauguration of the state-wide celebration would be attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, other ministers and people's representatives in Kozhikode beach at 5pm on Wednesday. The tagline for the week-long celebration is '1,000 days, 1,000 projects and development to the tune of Rs 1000 crore'.

Though usually, inaugurations of such celebrations are held in the state capital, the inauguration in Kozhikode is aimed at highlighting the development projects announced in northern districts, said transport minister AK Saseendran.

Government is giving priority to the developments in northern Kerala, especially areas like Wayanad, where a special package was announced in the recent budget, said the minister, who represents Elathur constituency in Kozhikode.

The concluding session of the week-long celebration would be held on February 27 at the Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.

Jobs created by Kozhikode cyber park and opening of the Kannur International Airport are the highlights of government advertisements. Though no major projects were announced in Kozhikode in the new budget, the CPM is planning to counter the development claims of sitting MP MK Raghavan, who is set to contest for a third time.

However, Congress has challenged the CPM for a public debate over the development projects by the MP in the last 10 years. Raghavan will be taking out a 'Janahrudaya Yathra' from February 19 to March 1. The yathra, that was scheduled for Monday, was postponed after the murder of two Youth Congress workers in Periya, Kasaragod.
Kasaragod: Suspecting that the killers of the two Youth Congress workers at Periya in Kerala's Kasaragod district fled to the neighbouring Karnataka, DGP of Kerala Loknath Behera sought the help of Karnataka police to track down the the killers.

The two Youth Congress workers Sharathlal (Joshi) and Kripesh were hacked to death allegedly by CPI(M) workers at Periya on Sunday.

The police have already detained two persons and seized two bikes in connection with the murders. They are being questioned by the cops.

According to the inquest report, Kripesh, one among the two victims, had suffered as many as 15 fatal injuries and even his brain was sliced. The most serious injury extended 23 cm from the left side of the forehead. He suffered as many as five hackings below the knee. It is presumed that the two Youth Congress workers were attacked with a sharp-edged weapon like a chopper.

Police claimed that parts of weapons used to kill the duo were recovered from the spot.

Describing the incident as "extremely unfortunate", Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that strong action would be taken against the accused.

DGP Loknath Behera has been instructed to bring all the accused to book as early as possible, the Chief Minister's office said in a statement.

A meeting of the investigation team was held at Bekal police station on Monday. The team is headed by crime detachment DySP Pradeep Kumar T. Kannur range IG Balram Kumar Upadhyaya is also reviewing the situation at Periya.

South zone Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), who is handling the additional charge of the north zone, will also visit Kasaragod as tension prevailed in the district with Youth Congress workers taking out protest rallies during the hartal. Huge police force has been deployed in areas near Periya. Kanhangad DySP A Sajeevan is in charge of law and order in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, police sources confirmed that both the youths were hacked multiple times. While Kripesh suffered injuries in the head, breaking his skull, Sharathlal suffered injuries on neck and both legs. Even though the petitioners made statements against the CPM, no accused was named by them, police said.

Opposition leader and senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala lashed out at the CPM, alleging that the CPM was trying to destroy the Congress using the party goons. He also alleged that the murder was a conspiracy hatched by the CPM as the Lok Sabha elections are near.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi too condemned the double murders in Kerala. "The brutal murder of two members of our Youth Congress family is shocking. The Congress party stands in solidarity with the families of these two young men & I send them my deepest condolences," Gandhi tweeted.

However, CPM district secretary M V Balakrishnan categorically denied any role of his party in the killings. "We strongly condemn this murder. We are against murderous politics. We don't have any role in this," he told mediapersons.

BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai alleged that party workers had to pay the price for the 'cooperation' between CPM and the Congress.

Both the parties are allies in national as well as the state level and the party workers have to pay the price. They should realise this betrayal and react against it. KPCC chief Mullappally Ramachandran gave green signal for CPM-Congress cooperation and the partymen believed it. This gave them confidence to come out and work in the open even amid threat to life and finally got killed by the CPM, Pillai said.

Pointing out Congress chief's tweet on the killings, Pillai said: Rahul Gandhi's tweet exposes this betrayal to the party workers. He did not even give any indirect hint at the CPM.

Agitators at Palakkad KSRTC bus depot

Hartal

Life was affected during a statewide dawn-to-dusk hartal called past midnight by the Youth Congress leadership through social media, hours after its workers were hacked to death.

Roads and national highways were blocked in various places and state-owned buses were stoned on Monday.

Youth Congress activists blocked vehicles in various districts including Kozhikode, Kollam, Idukki and Ernakulam. KSRTC buses were pelted with stones by the protesters at several places.Shops and hotels also remained closed in many places.

The state capital Thiruvananthapuram was exempted from the protest in view of the famous temple festival, Attukal Pongala, on February 20.

The Kerala High Court on Monday flayed the Youth Congress for calling an impromptu hartal. The sudden call for hartal is in violation of the HC ruling that said no strike can be called in the state without a prior notice of at least seven days.


Sabarimala: After nearly four months of unprecedented agitations over women's entry into the shrine, the Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala witnessed a peaceful pilgrim season that ended Sunday.

The hill shrine premises were calm from February 12 when the temple was re-opened for the five-day monthly pujas.

The temple had seen much turbulence every month since September 2018 when the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala shrine. The BJP and other right-wing outfits had been on a warpath ever since the LDF government decided to implement the SC's landmark verdict.

Police lift curbs

The Kerala Police had lifted the stringent restrictions at the temple. Prohibitory orders were not implemented this time. Only 475 policemen were on duty, against 3,000 during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season from mid-December to January 20.

Entry to appam and aravana counters was also hassle-free.

Most devotees were from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Some women in the 10-50 age group from Andhra sought entry to the temple. However they were dissuaded reportedly by police from entering the temple. Even those who got past Pamba were intercepted by police and sent back. Most of them belonged to families that came to Sabarimala with groups on pilgrimage to state.

Earlier the police had tried to escort several women in the child-bearing age to the temple, leading to widespread protests and they had to abandon the visit. Only two women in their 40s  Kanakadurga and Bindu  had entered the temple on January 2. Their entry to the shrine had sparked widespread protests across Kerala. Though some other women in the child-bearing age claimed that they entered the temple, these were not officially confirmed.

The shrine will open again for monthly pujas and festivities on March 11 and close on 21.

The temple had seen much turbulence every month since September 2018 when the Supreme Court allowed women of all age groups to enter the Sabarimala shrine. T

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Bhopal: The Holy Cow is returning to the political minefields of central India.

And this time, it is a Congress-led government which is drawing flak for incidents related to cow vigilantism.

After the Narendra Modi government assumed power in 2014, there have been widespread incidents of cow vigilantism, especially in the northern parts of the country, or the cow belt.

Modi's detractors, including the Congress, had blamed it on the tacit support extended by Hindu right-wing groups, which have been emboldened by the the BJP's ascension to power.

Politics of Malwa

Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh is considered a nerve centre of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the state.

The region saw a spate of crimes in the name of smuggling of cows and cow vigilantism after the Kamal Nath government took over last December. The Congress wrested power in the state after a gap of 15 years, a period in which the BJP ruled the state.

The Congress had made significant gains in Malwa in the assembly polls held in November 2018.

Its tally in the previous (2013) polls in the region, which accounts for 65 seats, was a mere nine. In last year's assembly elections, the Congress managed to increase its count in Malwa nearly four-fold to 35 seats, a key factor which propelled the party to power.

The BJP's tally dropped to 28 in this assembly, from 43 in the previous assembly.

The 2014 Lok Sabha polls too was a dismal outing for the Congress. It managed to win just a seat out of the eight from Malwa.

Fresh incidents

After the Congress assumed power, Malwa witnessed a spate of events related to cow vigilantism and smuggling of cows.

It all began as a local tiff in Khandwa district, considered a communal flashpoint.

Acting on a tip-off, police arrested three people and recovered a cow carcass from the area.

Just two days after the incident, law enforcement authorities in Agar Malwa district arrested two people for smuggling cows.

The Kamal Nath government drew flak for invoking the National Security Act (NSA) in such cases while police and the administration looked elsewhere as cow vigilantes go on a rampage.

A series of similar incidents were reported from the districts of Ujjain, Agar Malwa and Guna, which borders Rajgarh in Malwa region.

Allies fume

Cow vigilantes stopping trucks transporting cattle alleging cruel treatment of cattle was the predominant narrative that unfolded before the ensuing violence. But invoking NSA for such offences, especially against those who transported cattle, has not gone down well with the Congress' allies.

Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) minced no words and compared the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh to the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.

The BSP's sharp reaction is a cause of concern for the Kamal Nath government as it requires support of all anti-BJP forces to stay in power.

The Congress fell two short of majority in the assembly polls and eventually gained power with support of the BSP, independents and other small parties.

The Left parties also expressed dismay at the Nath government's move to invoke the NSA.

Fighting the BJP is one thing. How can they justify such actions? Rahul Gandhi must explain what his party's governments are up to, D Raja, CPI national secretary, said.

Opposition within

Even within the Congress, the move to slap the NSA has not gone down well.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh disowned the move terming it as unnecessary.

The district administration invokes the NSA to maintain law and order. Police decide which sections in law to invoke. But in these cases, I personally believe, invoking the NSA doesn't make sense, Singh said in Mandsaur.

Singh is not alone.

If the government is taking action on cow slaughter, it must act against cow vigilantes as well, who also create disturbances, Congress MLA from Bhopal South West Arif Masood said.

The criticisms had some impact.

The government has issued instructions to police to act sternly against those involved in violent activities and hooliganism in the name of saving cows, Chief Minister Kamal Nath said after chairing a high-level meeting on Gau Shala Bill at the Mantralaya.

Opening of gau shalas or cow shelters is a campaign promise of the Congress, which validates parallels drawn between Congress and BJP governments by BSP chief Mayawati.

The Nath government also came out with a justification for invoking NSA. Home Minister Bala Bachchan said NSA had been invoked against those who had several cases registered against them. The government will not tolerate any disruption of law and order, he declared.

For the saffron camp, though, the Nath government's move is akin to a validation of their stance.

BJP Hazur (Bhopal) MLA Rameshwar Sharma said invoking the NSA will check disturbance in the area. Those who are opposing the decision are trying to save criminals, he said.

Officially, no one has been killed in Madhya Pradesh in violence related to cow slaughtering or smuggling.

According to data analytics site India Spend, 45 people were killed in 120 cases of cow-related violence reported across the country between 2012-2018.

Slaughter of law

Cow slaughter is illegal in many states and penalties range from six months to five years in prison. Cruelty to cattle is outlawed across the country.

The most outrageous case of cow vigilantism was reported from north-western state of Rajasthan. Pehlu Khan, hailing from Haryana, was fatally assaulted by a vigilante mob on April 1, 2017. The incident sparked a national outrage.

In May the same year, the Modi government banned the trade of cattle for slaughter, a move many saw as a step to squeeze a section of people who benefited from beef and leather industry.

The Supreme Court later intervened to lift the ban on trade of buffalo for slaughter.

Beef is a favourite delicacy in most North Eastern states and many southern Indian states, but is mostly abhorred as a dish in the northern belt.

Cow is considered sacred by devout Hindus.

The Modi government's move to control cattle trade led to vehement protests in Kerala, where the ruling Left Democratic Front's feeder organisations organised beef festivals. The BJP's state unit was muted in its criticism as beef is a popular delicacy in the state cutting across religious communities.

So, the politics of Holy Cow is nothing new to the country.

The MP government's move to invoke NSA on seemingly minor cases related to cattle trade suggests that the Holy Cow will occupy centre stage in the country's political domain as a general election looms in the horizon.

Read more from Lok Sabha Elections 2019


The year 2018 was indeed a special one for Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurana with two big hits - Badhaai Ho and Andhadhun. And it was a special night for the actor who flew all the way to Dubai to receive his Best Actor (critics) award at the AsiaVision awards in Dubai.

During the event, when host Ranjini Haridas asked the star about his feelings on his journey in the industry, he took the mike with ease and made everyone applaud by trying to speak in Malayalam.

Namaskaram, if you ask me naad evide (where are you from) I would say Mumbai via Chanigarh, he said and there were loud cheers from the audience.

He went on to add, 2018 was a special year for me especially because for Andhadhun. I actually approached the director to take my screen test and I am a huge fan of director Sriram Raghavan.

Badhaai Ho! was an extremely special film because it was a tribute to all the elderly couples to keep their romance brewing. I love you all and thank you for this recognition. Elavarkum nanni (Thank you all).

He also treated his fans by singing the song 'Pani Da Rang' from his first movie 'Vicky Donor'.
Mumbai: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) on Monday announced a ban on Pakistani artistes in the country, saying they will resort to strong action against anyone who collaborates with talent from Pakistan.

The announcement comes in the aftermath of the February 14 terror attack on CRPF troopers in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

In a notice undersigned by Ronak Suresh Jain, General Secretary, AICWA, it said: "All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity.

"We are officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes working in (our) film industry. Still if any organisation insists on working with Pakistani artistes, (it) will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation."

The announcement comes a day after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) said Indian filmmakers must not work with Pakistani artistes and must not even release their films in Pakistan.

The "Total Dhamaal" team has already said the movie will not release there.
Marissa Taylor is the Culture and Arts editor at The Kathmandu Post. In addition to her copy-editing duties, Taylor also pursues long-form reporting. Before joining the Post, she worked as a journalist at The Himalayan Times and M&S VMAG.
Kozhikode: Physically challenged boy Mohammed Azim's fight for a convenient educational institution near his house is still on. After his early pleas and protests failed, the Velimanna resident has commenced a long ride on wheelchair to press the government for securing his long-pending demand. The unique campaign will conclude in state capital Thiruvananthapuram, which is 380 km from his village Velimanna, after 40 days.

The protest rally was inaugurated by former Lokayuktha Justice K P Balachandran from the Velimanna School near here. The first days journey ended at Koduvally in Kozhikode district on Saturday.

Every day the rally will be on between 7am and 9am, and 4pm and 7pm. The team will travel through various districts and reach Thiruvananthapuram. Social activist Harris Raja is the captain of the rally.

Azim is protesting against the state governments decision to appeal against a court order to upgrade his current Government Upper Primary School, 200 m away from his home at Omacherry Velimanna, to a high school.

The Congress-led UDF Government had upgraded a lower-primary school to upper-primary school for the benefit of Azim in 2015. Considering Azims commitment towards social causes, the government had also bestowed the Ujjallabalyam award on him.

There is no high school in Velimanna and in four nearby panchayats, and the Kerala High Court had issued an order to convert the Velimanna UP school into a high school in June last year. But the state government appealed against the court ruling resulting in Azim losing an academic year. The decision to undertake this journey was undertaken after complaints lodged at different places did not yield any result.

Peoples forum president P K Abdul Karim presided over the function on Saturday. Delhi Human Rights Foundation chairman Dr P C Achankunju, vice-chairman Dr Shahul Hamid and Noushad Thekkayil spoke before the wheelchair trip was flagged off.

Read more Kozhikode News
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank will pay an interim dividend of Rs 28,000 crore to the government, a move that will help the Centre keep fiscal deficit in check.

The announcement on Monday came after the bank's Central Board meeting, which was addressed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

This is the second successive year when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will be transferring an interim surplus.

This is in addition to Rs 50,000 crore surplus transfer announced by RBI in August 2018 for 2017-18 (RBI follows July-June financial year). Of this, Rs 10,000 crore was given as interim dividend to the government on March 27, 2018.

"Based on a limited audit review and after applying the extant economic capital framework, the Board decided to transfer an interim surplus of Rs 280 billion to the central government for the half-year ended December 31, 2018," the central bank said in a statement.

RBI had given Rs 30,663 crore as dividend to the government in 2017-18.

In his address to the Board, Jaitley outlined various reforms and policy measures taken by the government over the last four years and the effects thereof.

The central bank transfers its surplus amount to the government, under Section 47 of the RBI Act, 1934.

Section 47 of the Act says:"After making provision for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets, contribution to staff and superannuation fund and for all matters for which provision is to be made by or under the Act or which are usually provided by bankers, the balance of the profits shall be paid to the central government.

As per the Budget document, the government expects Rs 82,911.56 crore as dividend/ surplus of RBI, nationalised banks and financial institutions during 2019-20.

The statement further said the Central Board, chaired by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, also observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect for the security personnel killed in the terror attack at Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.

Fiscal deficit for 2018-19 is expected to be slightly higher at 3.4 per cent of the GDP on account of Rs 20,000 crore budgeted for income support to farmers.

For 2019-20 too, the government has retained the fiscal deficit at 3.4 per cent.
New Delhi: As the entire nation unites in grief and anger over the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir Pulwamas on Thursday, that left 40 CRPF soldiers dead, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the time for talks with Pakistan is over. In Bihar, yesterday, PM Modi expressed his anguish over the attack and said a fire is raging in my heart.

A suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had denoted around 60 kg of powerful explosives near a massive CRPF convoy in Pulwama, comprising soldiers reporting to duty.

At a rally in Assam yesterday, BJP chief Amit Shah had said the government will not let sacrifices made by the soldiers go in vain. BJP ally Shiv Sena had said it was time to attack Pakistan and seek revenge for the deaths of soldiers.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd.) VK Singh said India will choose the time and place for retaliation and that it will be properly planned and well thought of.

Any war, war-like or punitive action must be planned for success. It should be a cold act and nothing is to be done in a hurry, General Singh, former Army chief, said. Even Osama (Bin Laden) was not killed in a day, despite the fact that US knew he was hiding in Pakistan. Let us support our forces, he told reporters in Shimla.

PM Modi had also said hesitation in taking action against terrorists is similar to encouraging them After a meeting with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, PM Modi said, I and President Macri agree that terrorism is a serious threat to world peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed.
Mumbai: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artistes in India on Monday in the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama. The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama on February 14 claimed the lives of 40 jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

In a letter on Monday afternoon, the AICWA said that they were announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in film industry.

The letter went on to say, Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them.

The AICWA letter reads, All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AWCWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity.

Were officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in film industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them, read the letter, signed by AICWA general secretary, Ronak Suresh Jain.

On February 14, a suicide bomber belonging to the Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed an explosive-laden SUV into a bus in the 78-vehicle security convoy. The attack is the deadliest on security forces in decades.

The Pulwama terror attack saw an outpouring of grief on social media from across various fields. The attack is the worst in Jammu and Kashmir in more than a decade.
Syrias return to the League of Arab States will contribute to searching for a political solution to the Syrian crisis and normalizing the relations between Damascus and Arab countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a joint news conference after talks with his Omani counterpart Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah on Monday, Trend reports referring to TASS.

"We share stance on Syria," Lavrov said. "The Security Council Resolution 2254 has no alternative, it should be fully implemented and in this context we informed our interlocutors about the efforts taken in this direction by the countries-guarantors of the Astana format - Russia, Iran and Turkey - including the outcome of the February 14 summit of the Astana trio in Sochi."

According to Lavrov, Russia is convinced that normalization of ties between Syria and other Arab states and its return to the Arab League would contribute to solving these issues.

The Arab League suspended Syrias membership in November 2011 amid the civil war that had engulfed the country. Most of the Arab nations recalled their ambassadors from the capital and joined the economic boycott against Damascus. During the conflict, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and a number of other states provided financial and military assistance to the armed units opposing the Syrian government.
Indonesian presidential candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto on Sunday traded barbs over the issues of foods, infrastructure, energy, environment and human resources during the second debate two months ahead of presidential polls, Trend reports citing Xinhua.

Both candidates, incumbent President Widodo and former army general Prabowo, squared off in the second out of five debates leading up to the presidential poll on April 17 in an effort to win undecided and swing voters.

Incumbent President Widodo, 57, a former furniture and businessman, defended his track record in the sectors, and aims to boost them further if elected.

His opponent Prabowo, 67, offered a strategy which will accelerate efforts to bring just and prosperity for the whole of the people, and establish a clean and strong government.

The contest is a repeat of the 2014 race when Widodo narrowly defeated Prabowo.
As many as six people were killed and three others were wounded in a shooting by a criminal gang in the Mexico City suburb of Iztapalapa, the prosecutor's office said in a statement, as Trend reffers to Sputnik.

"Five men and one woman were killed, and two women and one man were injured as a result of a shooting in Los Reyes Culhuacan neighborhood of Iztapalapa. They were in public place during the attack", the statement read.

According to preliminary findings, a group of people was drinking alcohol when a group of four criminals approached them in a car and opened fire on them before fleeing the scene. The prosecutor's office launched an investigation in connection with mass murder.

Over recent years, Mexico has been reportedly facing high crime rates due to the surging criminal activities of various drug cartels and violent skirmishes between them.

Grab taken from a video of policemen inspecting a burnt police vehicle on April 7, 2015 on a Jalisco state road, Mexico, where at least 15 police officers were killed, overnight, in an ambush carried out by a gang called Jalisco New Generation Drug Cartel.

The war against drug cartels, unprecedented in its intensity, began in Mexico in 2006 under then-President Felipe Calderon, who deployed army units for operations against the raging gangs, reformed the Mexican federal police and announced a hunt for the most notorious leaders of the Mexican criminal world.

The successor to Calderon, Enrique Pena Nieto, continued the policy of his predecessor. Under his rule, the police killed or arrested a number of notorious drug lords, including the kingpin and alleged head of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin Guzman Loers, nicknamed "El Chapo" ("Shorty"). The trial against him is now underway in the United States.

The country's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in January that Mexico had stopped the "war" against the drug cartels, stressing that the authorities have concentrated lately on ensuring public safety and reducing the number of murders, robberies, and kidnappings.
British security officials do not support a full ban of Huawei from national telecoms networks despite U.S. allegations the Chinese firm and its products could be used by Beijing for spying, people with knowledge of the matter said, Trend reports referring to Reuters.

Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecoms equipment, faces intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with the Chinese government and allegations of enabling state espionage, with the United States calling for its allies not to use its technology.

Although no evidence has been produced publicly and Huawei has denied the claims, the allegations have led several Western countries to restrict its access to their markets.

We dont favor a complete ban. Its not that simple, one of the sources told Reuters on Monday after a Financial Times report on Sunday said that Britain had decided it could mitigate the risks of using Huawei equipment in 5G networks.

The FT cited two sources familiar with what it said was a conclusion by the governments National Cyber Security Council (NCSC), which last year said technical and supply-chain issues with Huaweis equipment had exposed national telecom networks to new security risks. Huawei had no immediate comment.

Any decision to allow Huawei to participate in building next-generation 5G networks would be closely watched by other nations, because of Britains membership of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group with the United States.

Britain is an important market for Huawei and last month Vodafone, the worlds second-largest mobile operator, said it was pausing the deployment of its equipment in core networks until Western governments give the Chinese firm full security clearance.

Other operators in Europe, including Britains BT and Frances Orange have already removed Huaweis equipment or taken steps to limit its future use.

Two sources said the NCSC did not think it was necessary to completely bar Huawei from British networks, believing it could continue to manage any risks by testing the products at a special laboratory overseen by intelligence officials.

Both sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the position was consistent with public statements made by the NCSC and British officials.

As was made clear in Julys HCSEC oversight board, the NCSC has concerns around Huaweis engineering and security capabilities. We have set out the improvements we expect the company to make, an NCSC spokeswoman said on Monday.
Poland on Monday summoned the Israeli ambassador for a reprimand  the second in four days  and was considering canceling altogether its participation in a conference in Israel this week and reportedly even recalling its envoy from the Jewish state after Israels new acting foreign minister said that the Poles suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers milk, Trend reports referring to The Times of Israel.

The Polish Embassy told The Times of Israel that a decision has not yet been made on Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowiczs participation in the summit, and the prime minister is awaiting an appropriate reaction from Israeli authorities.

The head of Polands prime ministers office, Michal Dworczyk, told state radio Monday that Israel Katzs comments were disgraceful.

In the light of this statement, any participation of representatives of the Polish state in the V4 summit in Israel is under a very big question mark, Dworczyk said, according to the Reuters news agency.

We are considering recalling the Polish ambassador from Israel, a source close to Polands Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was quoted as saying by the Ynet news site. There is a consensus in Poland that what has been done is very severe and cannot be ignored.

Morawiecki himself warned that if Katz didnt not apologize for his comments, Poland wouldnt be sending any officials to the summit.

This is an example of racist anti-Polonism, he said, according to Polish media. At the moment we are waiting for a firm reaction to the reprehensible, unacceptable and simply racist words of the newly appointed foreign minister of Israel.

If there is no such reaction from the other side, we will wish them the best possible meeting, but [Foreign] Minister Jacek Czaputowicz will also not attend the meeting in Israel, he added.

Morawiecki on Sunday canceled his trip to Israel for the high-level summit, as a diplomatic spat continued over comments made last week by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Polish collaboration with the Nazis. Czaputowicz was expected to instead attend the summit of the so-called Visegrad Group of central European countries.

Katz made the remark in a TV interview on Sunday, after earlier the same day he was appointed acting foreign minister by Netanyahu.

I am a son of Holocaust survivors and I was even born and grew up in a community made up of Holocaust survivors, Katz told Channel 13. The memory of the Holocaust is something we cannot compromise about; it is clear and we wont forget or forgive.

In diplomacy you try not to offend, but nobody will change the historical truth to do something like that, he added. Poles collaborated with the Nazis, definitely. As [former prime minister] Yitzhak Shamir said, they suckle anti-Semitism with their mothers milk.

On Monday morning Katz told Israel Radio that the Poles took part in the extermination of Jews in the Holocaust. Poland became the biggest cemetery of the Jewish people.
A high-speed train carrying 240 people on board from Germany derailed in the Swiss city of Basel late Sunday, local media cited a spokesman for the German rail company as saying.

The engine car and one carriage derailed as the train arrived at Basel's central SBB station, he said, Trend reported citing Xinhua.

The train was on its way from Berlin's Ostbahnhof station to the Swiss resort town of Interlaken.

No injuries have been reported so far.
Bagmati Hydro project to begin test operation by mid-March

The 22-megawatt Bagmati Hydroelectric project in Makwanpur is slated to begin trail production by mid-March, four years after the construction started.
State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) signed an agreement on Monday with Spanish state-held shipbuilder Navantia to set up a joint venture to provide combat systems, the new partnerships chief executive said on Monday, Trend reports referring to Reuters.

The SANNI venture, the name of which stands for SAMI Navantia Naval Industries, will integrate and adapt Navantias combat management systems for Saudi navy corvette ships, said Antonio Barberan at the IDEX military exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

SANNI is also in talks with other potential customers in the Middle East, he said.

SAMI owns 51 percent of SANNI, with Navantia holding the remaining 49 percent.

In November SAMI and Navantia signed an agreement to jointly manufacture five corvettes for the Saudi navy.
At least nine Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were injured on Sunday evening during clashes in the northern Gaza Strip, Trend reports referring to Israeli and Palestinian sources.

Ashraf al-Qedra, health ministry spokesman in Gaza, told reporters that one of the nine Palestinians injured by Israeli soldiers' gunfire was in serious condition.

Earlier in the day, security officials in Gaza said Israeli army artillery fired several shells at a military lookout post belonging to Hamas' armed wing al-Qassam Brigades in northern Gaza close to the border with Israel.

No injuries were reported, according to the security officials.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army spokesman also said in a statement that Palestinians carried out violent actions in the northern Gaza Strip close to the border with Israel, adding that they burned tires and threw hand grenades at the army forces stationed on the border.

The Israeli army spokesman said one Israeli soldier was injured and sent to hospital for medical treatment.

The border between the Gaza Strip and Israel has been witnessing tension since the Palestinian anti-Israel "Great March of Return" started on March 30, 2018.

More than 250 Palestinians have since been killed by Israeli fire and 26,000 others injured, according Gaza health officials.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Matanat Nasibova - Trend:

A domestic incident between Azerbaijanis and Chechens in Moscow cannot break long-standing friendly relations between Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples, Galina Niyazova, Russian expert, Ph.D. in political science, senior teacher at St. Petersburg State University, told Trend.

She said that there are fraternal relations that have developed over the years between the Azerbaijani and Chechen diasporas of Russia.

Representatives of the diasporas mutually attend each others mourning and celebration events, cooperate in business, science and educational activities, she noted. On the other hand, the conflict that occurred is the evidence of lack in the education of modern youth. The widespread use of social networks allows ignoring self-control and the need to be responsible for ones own words.

The expert noted that in such conditions, certain forces are trying to take advantage of any situation in order to politicize even a domestic incident.

Given the long-term close relations between Azerbaijanis and Chechens, it is obvious that this kind of incident cannot harm the bilateral ties, she said. Both people have respect for each other, they have mutual understanding and common traditions. In turn, Russia creates favorable environment for all small peoples in a single space.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Matanat Nasibova - Trend:

The incident, which occurred between Azerbaijanis and Chechens in the Moscow cafe Neolit, is a provocation directed against Azerbaijanis living in Russia, Farhad Ibrahimov, Russian political scientist, an expert of the Center for Post-Soviet Studies of the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Trend.

He said that such a provocation is beneficial to those who are interested in worsening the lives of Azerbaijanis in Russia.

Of course, such domestic incidents cannot harm the friendly and fraternal relations between the Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples, he noted. These relations are of historical and exemplary nature, the Chechens and Azerbaijanis have been living in Russia compactly for centuries. Russia is doing everything so that there would be no inter-ethnic issue, especially between small nations, however, there are some people who are ready to break up these nations. Nevertheless, domestic incidents cannot cause a mass quarrel between Chechens and Azerbaijanis, the two peoples have much in common.

The political analyst regarded the personal friendship relations between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of Russias Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov as an indicator of trust and reliability between the two peoples.

Ibrahimov noted that the attempts of certain forces interested in the deterioration of relations between the two peoples are doomed to fail.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Members of the Iranian Parliament have evaluated the Iranian budget for the coming Iranian year (begins March 21, 2019), Trend reports referring to IRNA.

The MPs set 1.42 trillion rials (about $ 33.9 billion) of revenue for oil exports as the goal for next year.

They further confirmed that, should the revenues from crude oil, gas condensate and gas exports for the next years budget be less than the nominated amount, the government may, based on Irans Law on the Sixth Five-Year Economic, Cultural, and Social Development Plan for 1396-1400 (2016  2021), withdraw funds from Irans foreign exchange reserves to make up for any shortcomings.

According to the confirmations of the Iranian MPs, the National Iranian Oil Company has to pay 60 trillion rials (app. $1.42 billion) to Iran's main treasury monthly from its reserves obtained in exchange for fuel sold to petrochemical and oil refineries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iranian officials will not accept conditions under the EU's special financial mechanism, aka INSTEX, Abolfazl Hasanbeygi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, told Tasnim News Agency, Trend reports.

According to Hasanbeygi, Iran should not be optimistic about Europe's promises and should look domestically for ways to develop the country.

Commenting on statements by the EU officials on conditional execution of INSTEX with FATF's approval, Hasanbeygi said the Islamic Republic officials will not accept any conditions for implementation of the financial mechanism.

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.

FATF (Financial Action Task Force) is an intergovernmental organization that enforces international standards for combating money and property laundering, financing terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Two of the four FATF bills have been approved in Iran. Two others  namely, Palermo and CFT bills  are awaiting approvals.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Preparation for additional elections to the vacant parliament seats is underway in Turkmenistan, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen Central Election Commission (CEC) Feb. 18.

The elections are scheduled for March 31, 2019.

In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the electoral legislation and the principles of the existing international standards in this field, a broad election campaign has been launched everywhere in Turkmenistan, the report said.

The meetings are held to nominate representatives from the countrys Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party, as well as groups of citizens.

In line with the Constitution, the parliament adopts laws, makes changes and additions to the basic law, approves the state budget; resolves issues of holding national referendums; appoints elections of the president, members of the Parliament, members of representative bodies; considers issues of appointment and dismissal of the Chairman of the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Justice based on the proposal of the head of state; ratifies and denounces international treaties; and solves the issues of changing the state border and administrative-territorial division of the country.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.18

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Bulgaria welcomes involvement of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR in future tenders for expansion of the capacity of the underground gas storage facility Chiren, Bulgarian Energy Minister Temenuzhka Petkova said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

She noted that the expansion of the capacity of the underground gas storage facility in Chiren is important for Bulgarias energy security and is in synergy with the regional gas hub Balkan.

Technical studies are currently being carried out before the actual expansion of the storage capacity of UGS Chiren which will start with new drillings and construction of the ground infrastructure. Its capacity is estimated to reach up to 1 bcm with a daily withdrawal capacity of up to 10 million cubic metres. The involvement of SOCAR that has exclusive experience and expertise in such activities in future tenders for the expansion of UGS Chiren is welcomed by the Bulgarian side, said Bulgarias energy minister.

Petkova went on to add that Bulgaria closely monitors the forecasts for consumption on the regional and European gas markets and is involved in the development of important gas projects.

Over 30 years our country has been the gas hub in SEE and it intends to maintain and expand its position as a main transporter of natural gas in the region, through the implementation of new interconnectors with Greece, Serbia and Turkey, the infrastructure of the regional Balkan gas hub, including through the expansion of the capacity of UGS Chiren, she added.

Earlier, head of SOCAR Balkan Murad Heydarov told Trend that the company had participated in a tender for 3D seismic studies at the gas storage.

"The tender is complete. SOCAR Balkan came in second in the tender and suspended its participation in this project. However, for us it was a very valuable experience. For the first time, SOCAR Balkan participated in a tender for technical work in the EU countries. In addition, we were able to get ahead of some European companies and took second place, which in itself is not bad for a newcomer to the EU technical services market," he said.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.18

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

OPECs share of global liquids output is expected to fall to its lowest level since late 1980s in the first part of the BP Outlook, which covers the period by 2040, Trend reports citing BP.

In the Evolving transition (ET) scenario, total US liquids production accounts for the vast majority of the increase in global supplies out to 2030, driven by US tight oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs).

"US tight oil increases by almost 6 million barrels per day (Mb/d) in the next 10 years, peaking at close to 10.5 Mb/d in the late 2020s, before falling back to around 8.5 Mb/d by 2040. The strong growth in US tight oil reinforces the USs position as the worlds largest producer of liquid fuels," reads the report.

As US tight oil declines, this space is filled by OPEC production, which more than accounts for the increase in liquid supplies in the final decade of the Outlook, according to BP.

"The increase in OPEC production is aided by OPEC members responding to the increasing abundance of global oil resources by reforming their economies and reducing their dependency on oil, allowing them gradually to adopt a more competitive strategy of increasing their market share."

The stalling in OPEC production during the first part of the Outlook causes OPECs share of global liquids production to fall to its lowest level since the late 1980s before recovering towards the end of the Outlook, according to BP.

OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached an agreement in December 2016 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices. OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1.

Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 1, 2017.

OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till the end of 2018 in Vienna on November 30, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry.

The 5th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting was held in Vienna, Austria, on December 7, 2018.

The meeting participants decided to adjust the overall production by 1.2 million barrels per day, effective as of January 2019 for an initial period of six months. The contributions from OPEC and the voluntary contributions from non-OPEC participating countries of the Declaration of Cooperation will correspond to 0.8 million barrels per day (2.5 percent), and 0.4 million barrels per day (2 percent), respectively.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Back to school

Providing midday meals is a step towards curbing drop-outs in schools
Trend's exclusive interview with Romanian Secretary of State Iulian-Robert Tudorache ahead of the 5th meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council in Baku

Question: Romania will be able to receive Azerbaijani gas via BRUA pipeline. How much Azerbaijani gas do you expect to receive via this pipeline? How do you asses the significance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania in this context?

Answer: Romania particularly appreciates the active participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the joint efforts to increase Europe's energy security, as well as the decisive role in the development of the Southern Gas Corridor.

The BRUA project will physically ensure the continuous bidirectional flow between Romania, on one hand, and Bulgaria and Hungary, on the other hand, at the following capacities:

transmission capacity to Hungary of 1.75 bcm/year, respectively of 1.5 bcm/year to Bulgaria, after the completion of Phase 1;

transmission capacity to Hungary of 4.4 bcm/year, respectively of 1.5 bcm/year to Bulgaria, after the completion of Phase 2.

I want to highlight that last year, at our first participation to the meeting of the Advisory Council of the Southern Gas Corridor, we proposed to the Consortium to take into consideration, for the future stages of expansion, the infrastructure offered by the Interconnector between Bulgaria and Romania and the BRUA pipeline. Having in mind the excellent progress of the BRUA project, at this years meeting we would like to propose to the Advisory Council of the Southern Corridor the evaluation of the interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the opportunities for using the transport infrastructure provided by the RO-BG Interconnector and the BRUA pipeline, in the forthcoming stages of expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor. This would have a positive impact for many countries in the region, in terms of increasing regional energy security, diversifying sources and routes of energy supply and reducing the energy vulnerabilities. The link between BRUA and SGC is in line with the interests of extending the Southern Corridor infrastructure to the Balkans and Central Europe through a safe and efficient transport infrastructure.

More than that, in the context of Romania`s permanent efforts to increase its energy security, the Romanian public-owned company ROMGAZ, which is the greatest producer and the main natural gas supplier in Romania, have in plan to send a Letter of Intent to the Southern Gas Corridor Consortium related to the interest in purchasing gas from the volumes that will be transported through this infrastructure.

Q.: At what stage is the implementation of the BRUA pipeline project?

A.: Along with the Interconnector between Romania and Bulgaria, BRUA project has a significant relevance at the regional level, assuring the possibility of integrating the natural gas sources from the Caspian Region with the Central and Western Europe, after the completion of the natural gas infrastructure projects of the Southern Gas Corridor. BRUA is a very important component of the Vertical Corridor which will integrate the gas transmission systems from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. This is why BRUA pipeline is an essential link in the context of Azerbaijani gas transmission towards Europe.

BRUA has three execution phases. Once the phases 1 and 2 are completed, a new gas corridor for the Caspian Sea gas will be created, stretching from the Southern border of Romania, further through to the North-Western border of Romania with Hungary. In concrete terms, the phase 1 of BRUA consists of a 479 km pipeline on the territory of Romania and three Gas Compression Stations, assuring bidirectional gas flow. I can tell you that the BRUA project has progressed very well so far: we are in the full process of implementation of phase 1 and the works on the territory of Romania are on the agreed schedule, some of them being even finalized in advance. The works on the compressor stations started in April 2018 and the pipeline construction works started in August 2018. The estimated deadline for the completion of Phase 1 works of the BRUA project is December 2019.

We have made sure that BRUA receives all necessary funding, in a timely and efficient manner. TRANSGAZ company has obtained two grants from the European Union through the National Agency for Innovation and Networks (INEA). The first grant was granted for financing the design for the three compression stations within the project and the second, more than 180 million EUR, was granted to finance the BRUA Phase I project implementation. The project is also funded by loans from the EIB and EBRD. This shows the importance of the BRUA project for the future energy map of Europe.

Q.: How do you asses the operation of SOCAR in Romania? In which sphere are you interested in expanding SOCAR' activities in Romania?

A.: SOCAR is involved in key European energy projects designed to increase Europe's energy security. We can only enjoy the fact that Romania features among the priority directions of SOCAR business development, not only in the area of retail operations, but also as regards the transmission of Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe.

SOCAR has been involved in Romania since 2011 and currently operates a growing distribution network on the market, with more than 40 gas stations throughout the country. I am convinced that, following the significant investments SOCAR has proposed, the company will become an even stronger player on our market.

I would like to emphasize that the presence of a leading company such as SOCAR on the fuel market in Romania is very welcomed by the Romanian consumers. Stronger competition is always good news in the field, leading to lower fuel prices and guaranteeing better services in the retail business.

I can tell you that during the recent discussions between the representatives of ROMGAZ and SOCAR several ideas have been put forward for future cooperation. These involve the off-shore gas exploration and exploitation in the Romanian sectors of the Black Sea, if the Romanian company will decide to be involved in this project in the future. It was also mentioned the opportunity to cooperate in the projects related to the TANAP and TAP pipelines, important components of the Southern Gas Corridor. The Romanian company ROMGAZ expressed the interest to collaborate with SOCAR in the on-shore area on the territory of Azerbaijan and also in the off-shore area from the Caspian Sea. Another important direction of cooperation identified is the natural gas underground storage sector, taking into consideration the similar situation in Azerbaijan and Romania  around 3 bcm storage capacities.

Also, considering the potential of the Caspian Sea gas fields, we may state that TRANSGAZ, the Romanian company operating our national gas transmission system, has set ambitious goals in this respect in its Ten Years Network Development Plan. Once the link between the Southern Gas Corridor and the Vertical Gas Corridor will be physically established, Caspian gas volumes could be delivered to the Romanian, to the neighboring and to the Central European gas markets.

Q.: What are the ways of eve more expending the energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Romania?

A.: A time reference point in our bilateral relationship was the signing on September 28, 2009, by the Presidents of the two countries, of the "Declaration on Establishing a Strategic Partnership between Romania and Republic of Azerbaijan", on the occasion of the official visit to Romania of His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev. The Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Azerbaijan was signed also in Baku in 2011.

Romania and Azerbaijan have excellent cooperation relations and a very strong Energy Partnership. The cooperation between Romania and Azerbaijan is of particular importance considering especially the possibility to diversify the gas supply sources and implicitly to increase the energy security.

Both TRANSGAZ and ROMGAZ, two of the most important Romanian companies in the natural gas sector, have long-standing cooperation relationships with SOCAR. For example, to better structure the existing cooperation, TRANSGAZ and SOCAR have signed in 2016 a Memorandum of Understanding with the view of joint participation in projects of wide regional interest and in the context of linking the Southern Gas Corridor to the Vertical Corridor.

There is undoubtedly a significant potential for cooperation between our countries in the energy sector and important opportunities were recently identified at the companies level: the underground gas storage, cooperation in on-shore and offshore Caspian gas projects, cooperation in the exploration and exploitation of gas volumes discovered in the Romanian Black Sea area, development of cooperation in the fields of research, operation, design, dispatching, maintenance, including potential future common approaches to the development of the Shah Deniz 3 field and in the context of SOCAR participation as shareholder in major projects such as TAP, TANAP etc. We also envisage setting up a Joint Working Group, maybe even tripartite with the participation of our Bulgarian partners, for the configuration of the Azerbaijani gas routes to Bulgaria and Romania. For TRANSGAZ, SOCAR can become a bridge to Azerbaijan and the Caspian region. For SOCAR, TRANSGAZ can create the necessary infrastructure for a safe and efficient gas transport corridor to the European market. As I mentioned before, the pre-conditions for the gas from the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz fields to reach the Bulgarian, the Romanian and Central European gas markets are in place. To this effect, new strategic partnerships with SOCAR could be developed.

We have to admit that it is a moment when we are discussing extremely interesting developments in the regional and global energy landscape. That is why, I wish that all the experience that Romania has accumulated at the national level in the energy sector over the past 100-150 years, as well as the long tradition that the Republic of Azerbaijan enjoys in the energy sector, especially in the oil and natural gas sector, to lead to a much higher level of cooperation, to a much stronger ambition of local companies in our countries to put into practice projects of common interest. I want Azerbaijani companies to invest more in Romania, as well as Romanian companies to be more present on the Azerbaijani market, to identify and to capitalize on the business opportunities and to be able to play a significant role in the region, including with a view to ensuring energy security. And I think we have both in Romania and Azerbaijan many national companies that can do this successfully.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

One of the main tasks is to increase transport safety in Azerbaijan, chairman of the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Javid Gurbanov said.

Gurbanov made the remarks at a meeting with a delegation led by chairman of the Austrian Federal Railways JSC (OBB) Andreas Matte, Trend reports.

He spoke about the work on the further development of the railway transport system, which is one of the priority areas of the non-oil sector as part of the ongoing progressive reforms in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting the sides stressed that among the main tasks are to increase transport safety and improve the competitiveness of transport corridors passing through the country.

Gurbanov updated about the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North-South and South-West transport corridors and, in particular, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, which was commissioned in October 2017.

Then bilateral relations, mutual cooperation were discussed.

In turn, Matte said that the relations between Azerbaijan and Austria have been recently expanding in all spheres, including the economic sphere.

He stressed that the Austrian side is interested in the intensification of these ties.

President of the Austria-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Gerald Gerstbauer spoke at the meeting.

A decision was made to further expand the relations of bilateral cooperation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The second meeting of Qatar-Azerbaijan Economic Commission is set to be held in Doha, Qatar on Feb. 20, said Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the State of Qatar Rashad Ismayilov.

In the upcoming bilateral economic, trade and technical commission meeting, many important agreements are to be signed which will enhance existing bilateral economic, strategic and political relations, Ismayilov added, Trend reports referring to Qatars The Peninsula.

Unlike the high level of political cooperation between the two countries, the volume of trade turnover between the two countries is not big, he said. During the last two years the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Qatar figured $8m despite there exist more opportunities to expand trade ties.

He said that currently Azerbaijan is mainly exporting food and agricultural products to Qatar.

We hope that we will be able to increase the level of economic cooperation to the grade of political relations, the ambassador said. We have more potential for this and now we are concentrating on using this potential.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Qatar reached $3.6 million in 2018. Almost the entire amount of trade turnover accounted for the export of Azerbaijani products to this country.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iranian exports to Iraq via the Mehran customs point in the Ilam Province made up $1.06 billion from the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21, 2018) to the end of its 10th month, Saeed Sharifi, deputy director of Industry, Mines and Trade Organization of Ilam Province, told IRNA.

According to Sharifi, the value of exported goods rose by $994 million, compared to the same period last year.

Sharifi added that construction materials, metal, agricultural and rubber products, as well as automobiles, their spare parts and petrochemical products were among the main exports during the said period.

Sharifi said that the value of goods imported via the Mehran customs made up $2.51 million during the mentioned period.

The Mehran customs point of Irans Ilam Province lies on the border with Iraq.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

There are no legal obstacles to the creation of private pension funds in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Sahil Babayev told Trend on Feb. 18.

Every citizen may apply for the creation of a private pension fund system, he said.

The commercial aspects of the system must be examined and determined for its operation, in particular, profitability, which is directly related to labor market and income, Babayev said. Today, this function is performed by life insurance companies that receive benefits for rendering this type of service. Life insurance services are the first step in creating private pension funds.

The activity of this model is connected with the development of the pension system and the labor market, he said.

"The creation of private pension funds is the fourth degree in carrying out reforms of the insurance pension system, the minister said. The first degree is the basic or minimal, then the insurance part of pensions, then the accumulative one and then voluntary one. Today, its insurance part is widely used in Azerbaijan while the cumulative part is developing and this will take a little more time.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Matanat Nasibova  Trend:

The producer of dairy products and fruit juices in Azerbaijan, Goychay Sud, intends to export the products to the markets of Eastern European countries, the company told Trend.

The products are expected to be exported in the second half of 2019, the company said.

"Presently, we continue negotiations with our partners abroad and intend to export Sonti and Gar Net fruit juices, which are especially popular in the Russian market," the company said.

The company also intends to export juices to the Belarus and Ukrainian markets.

"The negotiations are underway, but so far there are no specific agreements on supply volumes," the company said.

The company's products have ISO 9001: 2008 certificate and a certificate of conformity issued by the Azerbaijan State Committee on Standardization, Metrology and Patents.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend:

New generation cash registers have been launched in test mode in a number of filling stations and trade facilities in Azerbaijan, Deputy Minister of Taxes Sahib Alakbarov told reporters in Baku Feb. 18, Trend reports.

He said that considering the interest of both entrepreneurs and citizens in these devices, their introduction will be accelerated.

Last week, the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan approved the Schedule for the Introduction of Cash Registers. In accordance with the schedule, a full introduction of these cash registers across Azerbaijan is expected until 2023. The first stage should be completed by October 2019.

The next generation cash registers will not only be able to print checks, but also transfer information about all transactions online directly to the tax service.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Valiyev - Trend:

Artificially high prices for food products arent observed in Azerbaijan, Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev told reporters in Baku Feb. 18, Trend reports.

Commenting on the probability of a rise in price for bread in the country, the minister noted that no changes in the cost of bread are expected.

Mustafayev reminded that a part of the grain used in the production of bread in Azerbaijan is imported.

This product has risen in price in a number of countries from where we import grain, and this could have affected prices in Azerbaijan, he said. However, we are taking measures - we meet with manufacturers and representatives of market chains so that there would be no increase in the price of bread.

In general, the minister stressed that the relevant state bodies daily monitor the prices of food products in Azerbaijan, and no artificially high prices were recorded.

The minister also raised the issue of drug price regulation. He noted that if consumers have suspicions about the overpricing of state-regulated medicines, they may contact the Economy Ministry or the Tariff Council.

The state is taking the necessary measures to curb the facts of artificially high prices, he added. In particular, importers and manufacturers, the market share of which is 35 percent, are under the state supervision and they cannot change their prices without permission.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Elnur Baghishov  Trend:

Iran exported $340 million worth of goods to Azerbaijan during the 10 months of the current Iranian year (starting from 21 March 2018), Trend reports referring to the report of the Iran Trade Promotion Organization (TPO).

According to information, Iran exported 707,000 tons of products to Azerbaijan during this period.

Export of goods to Azerbaijan in the mentioned period amounted to 0.9 percent of all export value of Iran.

Iranian exports to Azerbaijan rose by 37 percent in terms of value and 35 percent in terms of weight, compared to the same period of the previous Iranian year.

Azerbaijan ranks 12th among Irans export destinations.

As for the neighboring countries, Iran has exported 372,000 tons of products worth $219 million to Russia, with the Iranian exports to Russia increasing by 9 percent in terms of value, when compared to the same period of the previous Iranian year. Russia ranks 17th among Irans export destinations.

Moreover, Iran's exports to Turkey amounted to 6.20 tons worth $2.02 billion during 10 months, with Turkey ranking 5th among Irans export destinations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend:

Competition Code may be adopted soon in Azerbaijan, Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said, responding to questions from entrepreneurs at the forum Taxes, Transparency and Development in Baku Feb. 18, Trend reports.

He said that this issue was also discussed with Azerbaijans Ministry of Taxes. The minister noted that the draft law is being prepared for the third reading.

The creation of the Competition Code is envisaged in the Strategic Roadmap for the Production of Consumer Goods at the Level of Small and Medium Entrepreneurship. It was reflected in the roadmap that international experience is used in the preparation of this Code, including experience of the US, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and other countries.

An independent competition authority may also appear in Azerbaijan, according to the roadmaps.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Over 100 companies have joined the Green Corridor system in Azerbaijan since February 1, 2019, Safar Mehdiyev, chairman of the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, said, Trend reports.

Mehdiyev made the remarks at the "Taxes, Transparency and Development" forum in Baku on Feb. 18.

All export companies and about 40 percent of importers must join the Green Corridor till the end of 2019, he said.

Mehdiyev called the implementation of the Green Corridor as one of the main measures taken in Azerbaijan to develop business in the country and a vivid example of Azerbaijans care for entrepreneurs.

The Green Corridor, launched on February 1, 2019, allows transporting goods through the border upon a brief declaration, which helps to speed up customs procedures and implement a more flexible and transparent customs control.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend:

Azerbaijans economy will grow 3.5 percent in 2019, Trend reports with reference to Fitch Ratings.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Azerbaijans Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB+' with a Stable Outlook.

The growth is supported by the coming on stream of Shah Deniz 2 gas field and investments stemming from the extension of the production sharing agreement for the exploitation of the countrys largest oil field, reads the report.

Tourism and agriculture will foster non-oil sector growth, the report said.

The assets of the Sovereign Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) increased by 9 percent in January-October 2018 to $39 billion ($35.8 billion in 2017), reads the report. We forecast sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA) at 75.4 percent of GDP in 2018.

Banking sector health is improving in Azerbaijan, according to the report.

Credit growth recovered to 7 percent in 2018, supported by lower interest rates, and capitalization improved to 19.5 percent (excluding International Bank of Azerbaijan; IBA) at end-2018, the report said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

The trade turnover of Azerbaijan with the five main trade partners of the country reached $1.05 billion in January 2019, which accounted for 45.95 percent of the total trade turnover of the country, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee.

During the reporting period, Italy became the biggest trading partner of Azerbaijan with a trade turnover of $476.5 million and a specific weight of 20.7 percent. It is followed by Turkey  $220 million (9.56 percent), Russia  nearly $169.5 million (7.36 percent), Portugal  $101.5 million (4.41 percent) and China  $90.25 million (3.92 percent).

Comparative table of TOP 5 trading partners of Azerbaijan:

Countries January 2019 January 2018 Trade turnover (thousand $) Specific weight (percent) Trade turnover (thousand $) Specific weight (percent) Italy 476,516.54 20.7 297,817.01 17.24 Turkey 220,029.33 9.56 124,374.04 7.2 Russia 169,486.08 7.36 163,984.81 9.49 Portugal 101,518.41 4.41 0.956 0.06 China 90,252.59 3.92 69,627.44 4.03

During the reporting period, Azerbaijan purchased most of products in Russia  $120.6 million (11.8 percent). It is followed by: Turkey - $92.31 million (9.03 percent), China  $87.48 million (8.55 percent), Australia  $80.47 million (7.87 percent) and Iran  $78.34 million (7.66 percent). The share of these countries in Azerbaijan's total imports is almost 44.91 percent.

According to the results of the reporting period, Italy remained the main consumer of Azerbaijani products, as it accounts for $444.44 million (34.73 percent) of all exports. It is followed by Turkey - $127.7 million (9.98 percent), Portugal  $100.9 million (7.89 percent), Israel - $76.4 million (5.97 percent) and the Czech Republic  $70.68 million (5.52 percent). The share of these countries in Azerbaijan's total exports is 64.09 percent.

In total, in January 2019, Azerbaijan's foreign trade operations increased by 35.3 percent compared to the same period in 2018, amounting to $2.3 billion.

The positive balance in the reporting period was $256.9 million, which is by 26.6 percent less than the figure of the same period of last year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

The governments of Uzbekistan and Qatar are preparing agreements on air traffic, mutual protection and promotion of investments, as well as on avoidance of double taxation, Trend reports with reference to the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry states that consultations were held in Doha on February 17-18.

"In particular, the parties agreed on draft agreements on air traffic and cooperation in plant quarantine," the report on the ministry's website said.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry said the delegations will also agree on and prepare for signing draft agreements on mutual protection and promotion of investments and on avoidance of double taxation.

In the framework of the consultations, separate negotiations were also held with experts from a number of ministries and agencies of Qatar, where draft agreements on customs and culture were discussed.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

By Fakhri Vakilov  Trend:

An Uzbek government delegation, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Tanzilya Narbayeva, took part in the annual meeting of Cotton Campaign, an international coalition that initiated a "boycott" against the Uzbek textile products, Trend reports with reference to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The participation of representatives for the first time in Cotton Campaigns history was regarded as evidence of the Uzbek governments readiness to open dialogue and constructive interaction on the most sensitive human rights issues, the Uzbek Foreign Ministrys press service noted.

The founder of the Cotton Campaign, Bennett Freeman noted that Uzbekistan is in a historically significant reform process and there is considerable progress in eradicating forced labor in the country.

We are encouraged by the commitment of the Uzbek government to put an end to decades of forced labor and we are currently focused on many aspects of this historic task, which has yet to be accomplished, he stated during the meeting.

One of the key topics of the discussions was ending the so-called cotton boycott. In this context, representatives of the coalition noted the particular importance of achieving meaningful progress during the upcoming cotton harvest season in 2019.

In general, the representatives of Cotton Campaign described the consultations as constructive and expressed hope that the open dialogue and productive interaction would continue in the future.

Judy Gerhart, executive director of the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF), also welcoming the outcome of the meeting, said they are encouraged by the dialogue with the Uzbek government, and we look forward to achieving success, which the coalition has been striving for since 2008.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, February 18

By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend:

Uzbek delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov, met with British Defense Minister Gavin Williamson at the Munich Security Conference, Trend reports with reference to press service of Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

"The sides discussed the state and prospects of expanding Uzbek-British relations, a number of international and regional problems, including issues of cooperation in the fight against modern challenges and threats to security," the press service of Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.

Williamson expressed the interest of the British Defense Ministry to intensify cooperation in military sphere by positively assessing the level of Uzbek-British cooperation in this area. The British side is ready to render all possible assistance to reform processes in Uzbek Ministry of Defense system, including the improvement of Armed Forces and the advanced training of military personnel.

Special attention was paid to Afghan problem. The British minister stressed Londons support for the outcome of Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan in March 2018, where consensus was reached in international community on the need to help launching the peaceful political process in that country.

Moreover, Williamson called the Uzbek-British consultations on Afghanistan an important mechanism of bilateral relations and noted UKs readiness for closer cooperation in this area.

British side also supported the of the major socio-economic and infrastructure projects initiated by Uzbekistan in Afghanistan.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

An exhibition titled Upon request. The Russian Avant-Garde Collection of the Regional Museums, 1900-1930. Part 3 has opened at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

Addressing the event, executive director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov shared his ideas on the exhibition.

Anar Alakbarov noted that the exhibition is held for the first time in Azerbaijan, and thanked First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and Vice-President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva for their support for the organization of the exhibition.

The event participants then viewed the artworks.

The display features unique avant-garde paintings from 17 regional museums scattered all over Russia. The works include canvases by some recognized classical artists like Kazimir Malevich, Wassily Kandinsky, Alexander Rodchenko, Vladimir Tatlin, Alexandra Exter, Marc Chagall, as wel as Victor Bart, Alexei Grischenko, Alexei Morgunov, Sergei Romanovich, Pavel Mansurov and other figures known for their contribution to avant-garde art.

The exhibition brings together artifacts presented at the Upon request, Part 1 and Upon request, Part 2 exhibitions held in Moscow in 2016 and 2017 respectively. The time period spans from the very emergence of the Russian avant-garde art as of the mid-1900s all the way to its decline in the early 1930s.

The projects objective is to promote works by well-known, lesser-known and unknown artists nowadays kept at various Russian regional museum collections, as well as to demonstrate the major techniques having prevailed in the Russian art throughout the first three decades of the 20th century.

Supervised by Andrei Sarabyanov, an art historian and the author of a great number of works on the Russian avant-garde art, the exhibition is a joint effort of the Russian Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, and the Modern Art Museum of Moscow.

The exhibition will run until May 5.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

In 2018, Carlsberg Azerbaijan continued to grow in all sales channels, which became possible due to the growth of the beer market in the country.

Currently Carlsberg Azerbaijan keeps leading positions in the beer market of Azerbaijan.

In 2018, the company's shipments increased compared to last year, which was due to the stabilization of the macroeconomic environment in the country, favorable weather conditions and key projects aimed at improving efficiency and increasing sales volumes. It is worth noting the positive impact of the increase in tourist flow to the country in 2018.

The company showed growth in volumes and market share in all sales channels. Thus, the growth of market share in the traditional trade channel (small shops) was +1.1%, in the modern trade channel (large chain supermarkets) +2%, and in the on-trade channel (pubs, restaurants) +7%.

In 2018, the company continued to improve brand portfolio. Thus, in 2018, for the first time in Azerbaijan, a large-scale national promotion campaign from the flagship brand Xrdalan was held, as a result of which 3 consumers of Xrdalan won apartments in the Kristal Absheron Complex in Khirdalan city. The Carlsberg, Krounenbourg Blanc 1664, Seth&Riley's Garage, Somersby brands, that relished the Azerbaijani consumer, have settled successfully in the premium portfolio of the company.

Within the framework of sustainable development program of Carlsberg Group "Together Towards ZERO", the company continued to work according to the priorities of ZERO Carbon Footprint, ZERO Water Waste, ZERO Irresponsible Drinking and ZERO Accidents. Thus, within three years, the consumption of natural gas was reduced by 34%, water consumption by 43%, and electricity by 33%.

In addition, last year the company traditionally organized event, dedicated to sober driving in the framework of the Global Beer Responsibility Day, which is celebrated by the largest breweries in the world since 2015. Prior to the Global Beer Responsibility Day within the month in social networks, as well as on major information resources and bloggers' pages, a video dedicated to sober driving was distributed.

Viacheslav Maltsev, Carlsberg Azerbaijan Managing Director: "I am very glad that in 2018 we managed to consolidate the growth dynamics, the basis of which was laid in 2017. I would like to emphasize that we highly appreciate the business atmosphere in the country in recent years, and the steps taken by the government in terms of "whitewashing" the shadow market of alcoholic beverages in the country, the presence of which has a negative impact on the health of the population, and on contributions to the state budget. Carlsberg Group believes in the success of its business in Azerbaijan and has long-term plans for the development of the company. I can proudly say that we, in turn, being a transparent company, are trying to contribute to the development of the economy of Azerbaijan. Thus, in 2018, our tax deductions amounted to more than 18 million AZN, which is 2 million AZN more than in 2017. The predictable legislative environment and stable dialogue with the business regarding any changes in the market are our main expectations for 2019".

It should be noted that in 2019 the brewery will turn 50, in connection with it Carlsberg Azerbaijan plans to conduct a number of large-scale projects aimed at consumers, employees and partners.

Results of Carlsberg Group in Eastern Europe:

Our Eastern European business, to which Azerbaijan belongs within the corporate governance structure, delivered 9.3% organic net revenue growth, driven by 3.1% volume growth and +6% price/mix. Reported net revenue declined by 1.3% due to currency fluctuations in all markets in the region.

Organic operating profit grew by 11.3%, driven by volume growth, the positive price/mix and tight cost control. The operating margin improved to 20.6%. Volumes increased in all markets of region.

Sustainable development results:

For 2018, the Carlsberg Group reports steady progress on its sustainability ambitions, during a year in which the Group also presented strong financial results  accelerating top-line growth and improving margins. Since its 2015 baseline, Carlsberg has reduced relative carbon emissions by 20% and water consumption by 9%, showing the Groups determination to decouple growth from environmental impacts. In 2018, Carlsberg launched a series of consumer-facing sustainable innovations, including Snap Pack, which reduces both plastic waste and carbon emissions.

Carlsberg Azerbaijan brewery is located in Khirdalan, 10 kilometers from the capital of Azerbaijan. The production capacity of the plant is 8 million decaliters per year, the company employs about 250 people and about 400 indirectly (distributors, agencies, contractors). Annual payments of Carlsberg Azerbaijan to the budget are about 15 million AZN, the company has the status of tax partner of the Ministry of Taxes of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The total investment of the company in the development of the plant is about 50 million AZN. The company's portfolio includes such popular brands as Xirdalan, Tuborg, Baltika 7, Baltika 0, Baltika 9, Baltika 4, Baltika KULER, Efsane, Zhigulevskoe Firmennoe, Carlsberg, Holsten, Kronenbourg Blanc, Seth&Riley's Garage.

Carlsberg Group was founded in 1847 and is currently one of the world's largest beer producers. The company is headquartered in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. Carlsberg Group has factories in many countries of the world's three major regions - Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia and its products are represented in 150 countries. The company's portfolio includes more than 140 brands of beer. The total number of employees of the Group is more than 42000.

Carlsberg Azerbaijan Contacts

Senior Corporate Affairs Manager of the Carlsberg Azerbaijan LLC

Nadejda Ovsiannikova

Cell phone: +994 50 245 27 41

[email protected]

or

Senior Corporate Affairs Specialist of Carlsberg Azerbaijan LLC

Lala Afandi

Cell phone: +994 50 286 76 64

[email protected]

www.carlsbergazerbaijan.az
Details added (first version posted on 13:32)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson.

The president recalled with pleasure his visit to the United Kingdom and his meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May. President Aliyev hailed Baroness Emma Nicholsons role in and contribution to the development of friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and the UK.

Baroness Emma Nicholson extended Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Theresa Mays greetings to the president.

The importance of Bakus hosting the next meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council was emphasized, the successful development of energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK was hailed at the meeting.

The sides exchanged views on prospects for cooperation between the two countries in healthcare, tourism, agriculture and other fields, underlining the importance of high-level reciprocal visits in terms of the development of bilateral relations.

President Aliyev thanked for Theresa Mays greetings and asked Baroness Emma Nicholson to extend his greetings to the prime minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

A group of Azerbaijani peacekeepers returned from Afghanistan, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

According to the rotation plan, a group of servicemen of the Azerbaijani army returned from Afghanistan to Baku. The group has been serving in Afghanistan within the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

As part of his visit to Sumgayit, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has viewed the conditions created at the seaside boulevard built in the city.

Sumgayit residents approached the president and talked to him.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

If negotiations on the settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict yield no results, Azerbaijan will use force to restore its territorial integrity, Azer Khudiyev, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Ukraine, said in an interview with the public radio of Ukraine, Trend reports quoting the Azerbaijani Embassy in Ukraine Feb. 18.

Aggression policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan was the main topic of the interview.

The ambassador said that the Armenians began to make territorial claims to Azerbaijan, relying on such a sick ideology as Greater Armenia. As a result, 20 percent of the territory of Azerbaijan is still occupied by Armenia.

The ambassador reminded that in different periods of history, Armenia pursued aggression policy against Azerbaijan, and noted that terrorism and occupation became the state policy of Armenia.

Answering the question of the Ukrainian journalist regarding the position of new Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Khudiyev noted that Pashinyan isnt taking decisive steps towards the fair settlement of the conflict yet.

We dont see constructive steps by the Armenian leadership regarding the conflicts settlement, they only make ordinary statements, the ambassador said. When it comes to concrete negotiations, they demonstrate a non-constructive position.

Despite that Azerbaijan is a supporter of peaceful settlement of the conflict, military intervention isnt excluded if the process continues in this way, the ambassador added.

At the same time, Azerbaijan allocates most of the state budget funds to strengthen the national army, he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of the High Density Polyethylene Plant built as part of the SOCAR Polymer Project in Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park.

President of Azerbaijans State Oil Company (SOCAR) Rovnag Abdullayev and Chief Executive of SOCAR Polymer Farid Jafarov informed the head of state of the work done.

President Ilham Aliyev then viewed the plants management center.

There is a photo section reflecting national leader Heydar Aliyev`s visits to Sumgayit in different years.

President Ilham Aliyev launched the High Density Polyethylene Plant.

The first product of the plant then was presented to President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state then met with the plant staff and posed for photographs together with them.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

Azerbaijani defense minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov as part of his visit to the UAE has met with defense minister of Belarus, Lieutenant General Andrei Ravkov in Abu Dhabi, Trend reports with reference to Azerbaijans Defense Ministry.

During the meeting, the parties stressed the importance of developing cooperation in the military, military-technical and military-educational fields, and also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

As part of the IDEX-2019 International Defense Exhibition, the Azerbaijani delegation familiarized with military equipment and military products of the defense industry of the Republic of Belarus, as well as inquired about weapons and equipment capable of strengthening the combat capability of the Azerbaijani army.

During the exhibition, Hasanov met with Chairman of the State Military-Industrial Committee of Belarus Roman Golovchenko.

The sides discussed the prospects of military and military-technical cooperation, the possibility of using modern military technology, as well as other issues of mutual interest.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 18

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have 26 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Feb. 18, 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.
Iran is marking the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution that ended the monarchy and heralded the start of four decades of clerical rule.



Hundreds of thousands of people were expected to attend government-orchestrated demonstrations in Tehran and other cities to commemorate February 11, 1979, when followers of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini ousted a U.S.-backed monarch, Shah Reza Pahlavi.



In the capital, crowds were heading toward the central Azadi (Freedom) Square, where President Hassan Rohani was set to deliver a speech, as revolutionary and nationalist songs played over loudspeakers.



The festivities to mark the Iranian Revolution start every year on February 1, the day that Khomeini returned from exile to become supreme leader of the Islamic republic. They end on February 11, the day that the outgoing government collapsed.



This years celebrations come amid heightened tensions with the United States, which last year withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers and reimposed tough sanctions on the Iranian economy.



European signatories of the 2015 deal, under which Tehran pledged to curb its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, have been trying to save the accord.



In a February 8 speech to a gathering of Iranian Army Air Force officers, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Iran will not give up the Death to America chant as long as Washington continues its hostile policies toward Tehran.



Ahead of the celebrations, Iranian officials announced that up to 50,000 prisoners would either be released or have their sentences reduced.



According to official figures, nearly 250,000 people are incarcerated in Iran.



It was not clear whether the amnesty would also apply to political prisoners.



In a report coinciding with the celebrations, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said that 61,900 political prisoners had been held in Iran since the 1980s.



Citing leaked Iranian Judiciary documents, the Paris-based media watchdog also said that the authorities had arrested, imprisoned, or executed at least 860 journalists in the three decades between the 1979 revolution and 2009.

With reporting by AP
On Monday, February 18, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference by Kostiantyn Bondarenko, the head of the "Ukrainian Politics" Foundation entitled "Main Trends of Presidential Campaign in Ukraine." During the press conference the results of sociological data, commissioned by the "Ukrainian Politics" Foundation will be presented (8/5a Reitarska Street). Registration requires press accreditation.
The EU needs to provide support to Ukraine in connection with the situation in the area of the Sea of Azov, Vice President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini has stated.

Five years after Maidan, wide discussions took place among the EU member states about our support for this country [Ukraine], we discussed the further components of our support that we will need in connection with the situation in the area of the Sea of Azov, she told reporters.

In particular, according to her, after the visit of the European mission to this region, the EU should decide on the development of possible routes by road and rail with Ukrainian settlements located near the Sea of Azov.
SBU head Hrytsak accuses Russia of playing 'religious card' in Ukraine for interference in electoral process

The Russian Federation is using religious issues to destabilize the situation in Ukraine and interfere in the electoral process, Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said.

There will be interference in Ukraine's elections, Hrytsak said at a coordination meeting with the heads of the law enforcement agencies on Monday. "The key issue is maximal destabilization of the operative situation, including that leading to the commission of grave crimes," he said.

The Ukrainian law enforcement agencies will together do everything to ensure that the election in the country is valid, Hrytsak said.

The presidential election will be held in Ukraine on March 31.

When asked who the Ukrainian security structures expect to interfere, Hrytsak said: "The Russian Federation. We have recently seen the 'religious card' being played in order to destabilize the situation."

Hrytsak said the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) is not directly involved in this process.

"There are no grounds to say that representatives of this church are involved [...] The task is to intimidate representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), to make their reaction as natural as possible," he said.
Eight candidates for the presidency of Ukraine have appealed to the police to ensure their protection, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov has said.

During the coordination meeting of the heads of law enforcement agencies on Monday, he noted that the police are paying particular attention to ensuring the protection of presidential candidates.

"Currently, eight candidates have turned to us with such a request," Avakov said.

The next presidential elections in Ukraine will be held on March 31. The Central Election Commission registered 44 candidates.
Canada has sent 50 observers for the presidential elections in Ukraine, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has said.

Fair and just elections are a big priority. We spent $25 million to support the Ukrainian elections. Fifty Canadian observers have come to Ukraine this week, she said, speaking at a Ukrainian lunch organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

According to her, Canada's support is assistance in the fight against disinformation.

I think that Ukraine daily suffers from external intervention. This intervention is direct - part of Ukraine is occupied, the war continues, Freeland explained.
Ukraine's international partners in the Ukrainian lunch organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in Munich called on Russia to release the POWs-sailors.

I call for new sanctions, and they should be introduced if Russia does not let the Ukrainian sailors go ... I'm optimistic that this will happen, said Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland supported her Danish counterpart, adding that Canada will continue to make efforts to free them.

If we shout loudly, Lavrov [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov] will hear us: Free hostages!, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid said.

U.S. State Department Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations also joined the initiative. 'I also call for releasing Ukrainian POWs. Immediately, he said.

As earlier reported, On November 25, 2018, Russian border guards used weapons to stop three Ukrainian naval vessels, the Yany Kapu tug and the Berdiansk and the Nikopol armored gunboats, which were traveling from Odesa to Mariupol in the Kerch Strait. The vessels were escorted to Kerch.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said the ships entered Russia's territorial waters on orders from Kyiv and described the incident as an act of provocation coordinated by two Ukrainian Security Service officers. Russia also said that Kyiv did not duly notify it that naval vessels were planning to pass through the Kerch Strait.

Kyiv called the border guards' actions unlawful and accused Moscow of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and a treaty between Ukraine and Russia on cooperation in using the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.

Courts in Simferopol and Kerch remanded the 22 sailors and two Ukrainian Security Service officials in custody until January 25, 2019.

The Ukrainians are charged with "conspiracy by a group of persons or an organized group to illegally cross the border using violence or the threat to use violence." If found guilty, they could face up to six years in prison.

In late November, the Ukrainians were transferred to Moscow. The court extended all the Ukrainians' arrests until April 24.

Kyiv calls the detained sailors prisoners of war.
Ukraine is ready to consider any initiatives relating to security in Europe, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko said, speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

He responded this way to the suggestion of the candidate for the presidency of the European Commission from the EPP, German MEP Manfred Weber that the European Union can build a missile defense system with the participation of Ukraine. The INF Treaty has come to an end, and we are faced with new challenges. If we offer Germany, France, Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine to jointly build an anti-missile system for the EU for our defense, said Weber.

According to the German politician, it will help to return unity to Europe.

This is something that can really convince people in Poland, in Ukraine, that they can trust the Germans, the French, that we can do something [to protect against external threats], the parliamentarian said about the initiative.

In turn, Poroshenko said: "I positively assess the agreement between France and Germany, as well as discussions about such initiatives. But we need to realize that Europeans should protect themselves within NATO, if it is effective, or within other structures. Ukraine will be happy to be part of any security initiatives."

The president noted that Ukraine cannot ignore security challenges.

"The only efficient system for today is NATO. That is why I have taken an initiative with the Parliament on amendments to the Constitution regarding Ukraine's future membership in NATO and the EU. An overwhelming majority of deputies voted for this presidential initiative. Therefore, if we talk about the most Euro-optimistic nation, Ukraine will be among the first one," he explained.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin at the 55th Munich Security Conference has spoken about threats posed by the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline for the security of European countries, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

"Any gas transmission project without full application of European rules is a gray zone for Russian manipulations," Klimkin said at a round table on European energy security and the future of the Ukrainian energy industry.

This was also discussed during a bilateral meeting between Ukraine's Foreign Minister and German Federal Minister of Economics and Energy Peter Altmaier. The Ukrainian side thanked Germany for supporting the importance of preserving the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine.

An important topic of negotiations, as well as discussions with the participation of leading diplomats and experts, was also the importance of countering Russian intervention in the electoral processes in Europe and the United States.

Klimkin also met with German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Haiko Maas, during which the parties positively assessed the results of the trilateral consultations between Ukraine, Germany and France on the application of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait.

Ukraine's foreign minister participated in the "Empty Chairs" action organized by the Ukrainian community from different cities of Bavaria: in one of the central squares of Munich, Ukrainians drew attention to the need to put pressure on the Russian authorities in order to immediately release more than 70 political prisoners and 24 prisoners of war.
Ukraine insists on a permanent observation mission in the Kerch Strait, and Russia does not agree with this, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said.

Now we are talking about making this mission permanent, to observe both from space and from water in order to know exactly what Russia is doing there and what it is not doing ... We need to get a permanent mission. Russia refuses it, the minister told reporters in Munich on Saturday.

The foreign minister noted that he had discussed the issue of the mission with the French and German side.

They understood that if you send a couple of Germans, a couple of French to occupied Kerch, then this is not a mission, added Klimkin.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands, has officially announced a partial arbitration decision in favor of PrivatBank and against the Russian Federation in a case estimated by the bank at more than $ 1 billion on the expropriation of its assets in Crimea, the bank said on Friday, February 15.

"The Court of Arbitration has recognized all claims of PrivatBank against the Russian Federation fall within its jurisdiction. The Russian Federation violated its obligations under a bilateral agreement on the encouragement and mutual protection of investments by illegally expropriating the assets of PrivatBank in Crimea, and that PrivatBank has the right to compensation for such expropriation in full volume," the bank said.

The bank said that it learnt about this partial arbitration decision of February 4, 2019, on Friday, February 15.

"The Court of Arbitration left the question of the amount of compensation payable to PrivatBank for the Russian Federation's illegal actions for the next stage of the arbitration proceedings. PrivatBank plans to recover more than $1 billion," the bank said.

According to a press release of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on February 15, on February 4, 2019, the tribunal issued its unanimous partial award addressing the respondent's liability in respect of the claimants' claims under the Ukraine-Russia Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT), as well as all outstanding issues of jurisdiction and admissibility. The award was issued in relation to two cases: PrivatBank vs. Russia and Ihor Kolomoisky, the former shareholder in PrivatBank, Airport Belbek LLC vs. Russia.

The tribunal recalled that after the hearing on the merits was held in this matter from November 1 to November 3, 2017, the tribunal invited both Parties to file post-hearing submissions. The Claimants filed their post-hearing submissions on January 26, 2018. The Russian Federation did not file any post-hearing submissions. On July 5, 2018, the tribunal requested an additional document from the Parties, which the claimants provided on July 12, 2018.

In the Kolomoisky and Belbek airport case, after the hearing on the merits was held in this matter from November 4 to November 7, 2017, the tribunal requested the claimants' expert on quantum to update his valuation report and invited both parties to file post-hearing submissions. The claimants filed an updated valuation report by their quantum expert on December 6, 2017 and their post-hearing submissions on 13 January 2018. The Russian Federation did not file any post-hearing submissions.

On July 5, 2018, the tribunal requested certain additional documents from the parties, which the claimants provided on 12 July 2018.

By letter to the parties dated February, 4 2019, the tribunal recalled that, in July 2017, it had reserved its decision regarding whether, following the hearing of November 2017 and in the event that liability was established, its award would include consideration of issues of quantum or postpone these to a further phase of the proceedings. The tribunal indicated that, having now studied the record and deliberated, it had arrived at the conclusion that it will require additional information from the parties in order to decide the issues of quantum and that, accordingly, it had decided to render a partial award on the issues of liability, and the outstanding issues of jurisdiction and admissibility, and to postpone issues of quantum to a further phase of the proceedings in which it will ask the parties for additional information.

The tribunal recalled that the above-referenced arbitration was commenced by the claimants against the Russian Federation pursuant to the Ukraine-Russia BIT and in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules 1976 on January 13, 2015. The claimants contend that the Russian Federation breached its obligations under the Ukraine-Russia BIT by taking measures that deprived the claimants of their property, contractual and other rights to operate a passenger terminal for commercial flights at the Belbek Airport in Crimea. The arbitrators in the case are Prof. Pierre Marie-Dupuy (presiding arbitrator), Sir Daniel Bethlehem KCMG QC and Dr. Vaclav Mikulka.
Nikol Pashinyan receives MEP Frank Engel

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received MEP Frank Engel on February 18. As the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the PM congratulated MEP Frank Angel on being elected the Chairman of Christian Social Democratic Party of Luxembourg and wished him productive activities. Pashinyan highly appreciated the MEPs pro-Armenian activities and thanked him for regularly raising issues of Armenian concern at the European Parliament, as well as presenting the real situation of Artsakh issue at the international platforms. Frank Engel assured that he will continue the active cooperation with his Armenian partners. He also presented to Nikol Pashinyan the plans of Christian Social Democratic Party of Luxembourg and spoke about the current political situation in the country. The sides discussed issues related to the relations between Armenia and Luxembourg, as well as Armenia-EU. Nikol Pashinyan and Frank Engel also touched upon the issues related to strengthening of democracy in Armenia, fight against corruption, economic development, and reforms in various spheres. The sides also exchanged views on the Karabakh conflict settlement process.
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Minister of Defense participates in International Defense Conference

Armenias Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan has participated in the Abu Dhabi International Defense Conference, as well as the IDEX 2019 exhibition. The minister also visited the Armenian pavilion where the countrys military production is presented, the ministry said in a news release. On February 17, Tonoyan met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE military Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. During the meetings the sides discussed possibilities for enhancing defense cooperation between Armenia and the UAE. Speaking about prospects for developing bilateral military cooperation, Tonoyan attached importance to the necessity for placing the cooperation on planned and contractual bases. In Abu Dhabi, Tonoyan also held a meeting with his Greek counterpart Evangelos Apostolakis. Tonoyan congratulated Apostolakis on assuming office and invited him to pay a visit to Armenia. The Armenian and Greek defense chiefs discussed a broad range of issues concerning military cooperation. Highlighting the significant achievements in defense cooperation, the ministers expressed readiness to enhance it. Tonoyan, accompanied by Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahagn Melikyan, also visited the Armenian Embassy to the UAE in Abu Dhabi where they took part in a symbolic tree planting event. Tonoyan then visited the Abu Dhabi St. Martyrs Church, where the Ara Khanoyan National College is located.
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Trump would have to sign the bill before it became law.

U.S. senator Bob Menendez says the new Russia sanctions bill that he is cosponsoring will not affect the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline carrying Russian gas to Germany underneath the Baltic Sea.

The bipartisan bill that would impose drastic new sanctions on Russia over its meddling in U.S. elections and aggression against Ukraine is the latest congressional effort to push U.S. President Donald Trump to ratchet up Washington's response to Moscow, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) said.

It was introduced on February 13 by Democrat Menendez and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, as well as other members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez is the top Democrat on the Committee.

Read alsoEU amendments on Nord Stream 2 may lead to Russia's more aggressive behavior  Ukraine's MFA

Menendez told a media briefing in Brussels on February 18 that "there's no specific provision here on Nord Stream 2, let me start off with that, in terms of the sanctions that we have envisioned, and we seek to have a close collaboration with Europe on perfecting sanctions that can hit our ultimate target which is Russia for its violation of international law."

Nord Stream 2, scheduled to be completed in 2019, will run directly from Russia, under the Baltic Sea, into Germany, bypassing several European transit countries, helping Moscow avoid the transit fee disputes and other nettlesome politics that have plagued its existing pipeline network.

Some European leaders fear that without legal changes, the pipeline will deepen the continents dependence on Russian gas, and give Moscow more negotiating leverage over unrelated political issues.

Menendez said that "our friends in Europe have to think about their security and the balancing of their security with economic issues that they often face with Russia, including the question of energy. That's why working with Europe to diversify their energy sources, I think it is incredibly important, so that they're not dependent upon [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and Russia."

The bill cosponsored by Menendez is a tougher version of legislation he and Graham backed last year but which failed to pass.

It includes sanctions that would target Russian banks that support efforts to interfere in foreign elections as well as individuals deemed to "facilitate illicit and corrupt activities, directly or indirectly, on behalf of Putin."

It also envisages strict measures against Russia's oil and gas sector, including imposing sanctions against people who provide goods, services, or financing to support the development of crude oil in the country.

A similar bill, also backed by Menendez, was voted down in the Senate last year, but he believes the new package has a bigger chance of passing either as a whole or as amendments to other legislation, in the face of growing bipartisan anger over Moscow's interference in other countries' affairs.

Trump would have to sign the bill before it became law.
Ukraine needs US$10 bln in investment annually to accelerate economic growth  Finance Minister

Effective privatization of state property and a better business climate are required to attract such investment, Markarova said.

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Ukraine harvests first greenhouse cucumbers in 2019

Ukrainians are already used to eating fresh salad all year round, not just in season.

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Ukraine sent its grain mostly to Spain, Netherlands and Egypt.

Ukrainian grain exports from sea ports in the week of Feb 9-15 fell to 877,000 tonnes from 1.31 million tonnes a week earlier, the APK-Inform consultancy said on Monday.

It said corn exports decreased to 715,000 from 1.04 million tonnes while wheat shipments fell to 162,000 tonnes from 260,000 tonnes, Agriculture.com reported citing Reuters.

Ukraine sent its grain mostly to Spain, Netherlands and Egypt.

Read alsoAgriproduction in Ukraine up 3% in Jan: report

APK-Inform said Ukraine has exported 26.07 million tonnes of wheat, corn and barley so far this season which runs from July to June. The exports stood at 22 million tonnes in the same period in 2017/18.

This season's exports include 13.3 million tonnes of corn, 10 million tonnes of wheat and 2.7 million tonnes of barley.

Ukraine harvested a record 70 million tonnes of grain this year and expects to export around 47 million tonnes in the 2018/19 July-June season.
President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un meet at the start of their summit at the Capella Hotel on the resort island of Sentosa, Singapore June 12, 2018. Photo by Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

The U.S. has blocked efforts by a U.N. agency to improve civil aviation in North Korea, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The U.S. move is part of a negotiating tactic to maintain sanctions pressure on North Korea, one of the sources said, ahead of a second summit between President Donald Trump and leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam in late February.

Washington is seeking concrete commitments from Pyongyang at the summit to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.

The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with 192 member countries, has been working with Pyongyang to open a new air route that would pass through North and South Korean airspace.

Airlines currently take indirect routings to avoid North Korea due to the threat of unannounced missile launches, which have been witnessed by some passengers on commercial flights.

If the space was deemed safe, international airlines could save fuel and time on some routes between Asia and Europe and North America, and North Korea could begin reviving its own commercial aviation industry.

The cash-strapped country has a population of more than 25 million but its economy has been squeezed by a series of sanctions for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Montreal-based ICAO was prepared to help improve North Koreas aviation system by leading training sessions between its military and civil aviation staff, two sources said.

North Korea also asked ICAO for access to U.S.-produced aeronautical charts, they said.

U.S. seeks leverage

But the United States discouraged the U.N. agency from helping North Korea with its air program as Washington wanted to "pool all the leverages and incentives" until Pyongyang makes substantial progress on denuclearization, a third source said.

"They would keep tight hold of all available leverage to make sure there is no loophole until the North Koreans take action that deserves a reward," the source said.

All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

ICAO cannot impose binding rules on governments, but wields clout through its safety and security standards which are approved by its member states.

Asked for comment, a U.S. State Department official said it does not publicly discuss details of diplomatic conversations. An ICAO spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The North Korean mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a request for comment and there was no immediate reaction from South Koreas foreign ministry.

In 2017, the United States proposed the U.N. Security Council freeze the assets of state-carrier Air Koryo, which flies to a handful of cities in China and Russia, as part of new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure was dropped during negotiations between the 15 members.

Airlines including Air Koryo and Air China Ltd offer less than 200,000 available seats a year in the North Korean market, according to a January note from independent research firm CAPA Centre for Aviation.

That compares with over 13 million seats available in the South Korean market, which has roughly double the population, CAPA said.

The biggest beneficiaries of lifting air restrictions over North Korea would be South Korean carriers including Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines Inc, according to CAPA.

Denuclearization pressure

The United States has doubled down on sanctions enforcement ahead of the planned second summit amid concerns Pyongyang is not committed to denuclearization, though Washington promised to relax some rules on humanitarian aid.

South and North Korea, meanwhile, have rapidly advanced relations, which prompted U.S. officials to openly warn against moving too quickly without sufficient progress on denuclearization.

A fourth source told Reuters that the U.S. move to facilitate humanitarian aid was intended to appease South Korea, facing some complaints that Washington is not willing to make any concessions.

"But they made it clear that there will be no relief of economic sanctions until they see substantial progress," said the source who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Motorbike drivers shield themselves with face masks and sweaters in Saigon. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen

Saigon residents face the risk of burned eyes and skin even after brief exposure to the sun, doctors caution.

Consistently high UV levels have been hitting Saigon in recent days, posing a serious health threat to its residents.

In February, the UV Index in the southern city has consistently been rated 10 or above, indicating very high or extreme level of ultra violet radiation under U.N. standards, the Southern Regional Hydrometeorology Center has reported.

Weather Online, a U.K.-based meteorological service firm, also reported similar UV levels in the city from late January, with a peak UV level of 13 on February 8.

Health experts say such UV levels could pose several health risks, including skin cancer.

"When exposed to too much sunlight, the skin can get burnt, become dry, lose its elasticity, accelerate aging and may even cause skin cancer," said Nguyen Trieu Vu, head of the Oncology Department at the Thu Duc District Hospital in Saigon.

The city is undergoing one of the most severe heat waves in this years dry season, with temperatures reaching 35-36 degrees Celsius at peak hours from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., according to the hydrometeorology center. Saigons dry season is expected to last at least until early May.

Experts have advised residents to wear sunscreens, sunglasses and brimmed hats, among other measures.

The UV Index is an international standard measurement of the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is designed as an open-ended linear scale, directly proportional to the intensity of UV radiation. An UV Index of between 0 and 3 is considered low, and above 11 is considered extreme.
Taiwan police Sunday detained seven Vietnamese migrant workers in connection with the murder of their compatriot in Taoyuan City.

The Vietnamese men are suspected of taking part in the fatal stabbing of a compatriot who tried to act as peacemaker during a work-related dispute Sunday morning, Taiwan News reported.

A migrant worker, whose surname is Vu, got into a quarrel with his colleague over work-related issues. Truong and another man, surname Nguyen, tried to stop the dispute.

However, the two men were stabbed during in a scuffle that followed.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Truong and Nguyen lying in a pool of blood. Both were taken to the local hospitals emergency ward, but Truong succumbed to his injuries and died later while the other man is still being treated at the hospital.

Police are holding the seven Vietnamese suspects, including Vu, in custody on homicide charges. An investigation is ongoing.

Ever since Taiwan lifted a 10-year ban on certain categories of Vietnamese workers in 2015, the territory has emerged as a promising destination for Vietnamese workers looking for jobs overseas.

The average wage that Taiwanese employers pay to Vietnamese workers is around $700- 800 a month, which is three or four times the typical remuneration in Vietnam.

In 2018, 65,000 Vietnamese workers were sent to Taiwan, accounting for nearly half of Vietnam's overseas workforce last year.
Two video clips of people holding parties on an expressway near Hanoi late last week has caused public anger.

On Friday a video of five people celebrating on the median strip of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, which connects Hanoi and the northern highlands resort town of Sa Pa, went viral on social media.

There was an online public outcry, with many criticizing it as "death-defying."

Just a day later netizens were shocked to see a similar clip showing a group of four men parking their car on the expressway's shoulder, and having a party apparently on Friday night.

Expressway shoulders are only meant for vehicles to pull over in an emergency and for those with priority.

A Facebook photo shows a group of four men drinking on the shoulder of the Noi Bai-Lao Cai Expressway on Friday night.

The police are investigating both cases.

Earlier, a man named Ho Chi Viet in Hanoi was fined VND5.5 million ($237) and had his driving license suspended for two months after he posted pictures and a livestream video of his family enjoying a Tet meal on the shoulder of the same expressway on February 6.

Parking violations on expressways are subject to fines of VND5-6 million ($215-$258).

Road crashes are a leading cause of death in Vietnam, killing almost one person every hour. More than 18,720 accidents occurred last year, killing 8,244 people and injuring nearly 14,800, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee.
Lao man nabbed for trafficking 300 kg of meth in Vietnam

Vietnamese police Sunday detained a Lao man and is hunting for other people involved in a central Vietnam drug trafficking ring.

Vangchueyang Briachear was captured on Sunday. Photo courtesy of Ha Tinh Border Guards

Vangchueyang Briachear, 25, was captured at 1 a.m. in a forest in the central province of Ha Tinh.

The police found 294 kilograms of methamphetamine, divided into 278 packs in 12 bags.

"At least one other man was involved in transporting the drugs. The police are searching for him in the forest," said Vo Tien Nghi, commander in chief of Ha Tinh Border Guards.

The nationality of the second man is unknown.

The drugs were contained in 12 bags. Photo courtesy of Ha Tinh Border Guards

Briachear told the police that he entered Vietnam Saturday and stayed at a motel about 30 kilometers from the border with Laos to wait for the packages. He was caught soon after he received them.

Drug trafficking and consumption have persisted and worsened in Vietnam of late, despite the country having some of the worlds toughest anti-drug laws.

Those convicted of possessing or smuggling more than 600g of heroin or more than 2.5kg of methamphetamine face the death penalty in Vietnam.
Three Vietnamese women and a man have been charged with trafficking meth and ecstasy in Cambodia.

Local newspaper the Khmer Times reported that Nguyen Thi Le, Bui Thi Lo, Truong Thi Mai, and Ha Vo Khong were working in a Vietnamese-owned casino in the Cambodian border city of Bavet.

It quoted a senior police officer as saying the anti-drug police arrested the four last Friday following a tip-off from an Israeli man who had been part of their alleged drug network and was arrested on February 3.

The police said a raid on their rented apartment in Bavet Kandal village in Svay Rieng Province netted two large packages of meth weighing nearly half a kilo, 40 ecstasy pills, a scale, and five phones.

"They were drug distributors, and had been selling drugs to users gambling in casinos and night clubs on the Cambodian-Vietnamese border," the officer in charge of the anti-drug operation said.

The suspects are being held pending their trial. If found guilty, they face up to 10 years in prison.

Vietnam and Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding on cross-border drug crime enforcement in 2017 after Cambodian anti-drug officials visited Hanoi to seek funding for a drug rehabilitation center in Sihanoukville.
11 South Korean tourists were injured following a coach-truck collision near Hai Van Tunnel on Monday. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong

11 South Koreans were hospitalized Monday after a bus-truck collision near the Hai Van Tunnel in central Vietnam.

The bus carrying South Korean tourists was driving on the approach road leading to the Hai Van Tunnel from Da Nang City to Thua Thien-Hue Province Monday afternoon when it suddenly encroached the opposite lane and collided with the container truck, initial reports say.

Local authorities said 10 tourists suffered serious injuries and one sustained minor injuries in the collision. They were taken to the local hospital for treatment.

The accident is being investigated.

South Koreans are among the biggest groups of visitors to Vietnam, with more than 3.4 million arrivals last year, a 44 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Road crashes are a leading cause of death in Vietnam, killing almost one person every hour. More than 18,720 accidents occurred last year, killing 8,244 people and injuring nearly 14,800, according to the National Traffic Safety Committee.
Resorts and hotels in Con Dao are looking to hire hundreds of employees for various positions. Photo by VnExpress/Meo Gia

Con Dao Islands businesses are unable to hire staff despite flourishing tourism, with people preferring to work on the mainland.

Almost a week after Tet, Vietnams longest holiday of the year, resorts and hotels in Con Dao, a 16-island archipelago off the country's southern coast, are looking to hire hundreds of employees for various positions including managers, waitresses and tour guides.

The Poulo Condor Resort on the island is looking for 33 new employees for 14 positions, while the Saigon Con Dao Resort and the Six Senses Con Dao Resort are looking for seven new staff each.

Phuong Ly, head of recruitment at Saigon Con Dao Resort, said that more resorts and hotels are being built on the island but there are few experienced staff available to work in them.

"The local authority does provide training courses, but not many participate. Most staff are young people, so they jump between jobs very often."

Smaller businesses are also looking for people. A cafe on Pham Van Dong Street is looking for 32 staff, offering bonuses, meals, accommodation, social insurance and annual travel to the mainland.

Thuy, owner of a local seafood restaurant, said businesses start looking for staff in March when tourists start arriving in large number.

"But this year, many businesses are already short-staffed so we are already searching for people as the number of tourists has been rising. Last year, a tour guide could earn up to VND30 million ($1,296) a month during peak season."

Con Dao is 180 kilometers away from the shores of southern Ba Ria- Vung Tau Province, and accessible by air and boat.

Industry insiders said that attracting people from mainland to Con Dao to work is a challenging task given the long distance from the shores while most people dont want lower income jobs like serving in restaurants, driving taxis or guiding tours.

The high cost of living on the island is another reason that people prefer to work on the mainland, they said.

Con Dao served as prison islands for political prisoners during the French colonial era, and in later years the Saigon regime imprisoned opponents of the regime in the infamous cells known as the "tiger cages".

The old prison buildings are still standing and are open to the public as is a small museum tracing Con Dao's history.

Con Dao also boasts pristine natural beauty with forested hills, sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs.

Last year, Con Dao welcomed over 286,000 tourists, up 17.31 percent from 2017.
Vietnamese fishermen collect fish from boats in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. Photo by Shutterstock/Quang Nguyen Vinh

Vietnam hopes to export $10 billion worth of seafood this year, meeting its 2020 goal a year early.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) said at a recent conference it would include $4.2 billion worth of shrimp, $2.3 billion worth of pangasius fish and the rest from other products.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said the $10 billion target is high but achievable since Vietnamese seafood is liked in international markets.

VASEP president Ngo Van Ich said shrimp exported to the U.S. is expected to face a lower anti-dumping tariff this year.

Vietnams recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership would also help increase exports, he said.

But there are also challenges.

Truong Dinh Hoe, VASEP general secretary, said the country faces difficulties like shrinking catches and intense competition from other exporting countries.

A major hurdle is the yellow card restriction slapped by the European Union since 2017 for illegal fishing.

The European Commission has said it would ban seafood imports from Vietnam unless it does more to tackle illegal fishing by Vietnamese vessels in other countries territories.

After an evaluation done last May the European Commission said it would consider lifting the yellow card in 2019.

Vietnam ranks among the top ten seafood producers in the world, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Last year its exports were worth $9 billion against a target of $9.5 billion.




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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.
Woburn, MA (01801)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
But I dont want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you cant help that," said the Cat: "were all mad here. Im mad. Youre mad."

"How do you know Im mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldnt have come here.

 Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland





With freedom comes responsibility.

 Eleanor Roosevelt




#cityforall

The idea of a zoning code was first introduced in early 1900s and dramatically changed the way land ownership was viewed in the US. In a 1926 landmark case Euclid v. Ambler the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Village of Euclid, Ohio and upheld its zoning ordinance that prevented Ambler Realty from developing 68 acres into an industrial park.

Early zoning codes focused on separating residential areas for industrial nuisances and regulating height and intensity of land use (i.e. Washington, DC 1899). However, in many cases they became tools for racial segregation. Baltimore passed the first racially based zoning ordinance in 1910 and this practice quickly spread, mainly in the Southern US cities. In 1917, US Supreme Court declared Louisville, Kentuckys racial zoning ordinance unconstitutional on the basis of violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. But the practice of segregation disguised in zoning laws persisted while cities hired sophisticated planners to draft ordinances that would be defensible in courts.

Denvers first zoning code dates to 1925 when, under Mayor Stapleton, the city was divided into residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The ordinance was to promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare. The predominantly white areas of town were zoned single family while areas occupied by minorities were more likely to be zoned for multifamily housing. The political influence of the Ku Klux Klan prevented minorities from geographic migration.

The 1955 Denver zoning code further exacerbated the citys existing racial and social divisions. Residential zoning was divided into four categories from the most restrictive R-0 that prohibited renting out any parts of the property, R-1 (single family), R-2 that allowed duplexes and townhomes, and R-3 and R-4 that allowed multifamily housing. The code also defined family as a group of people related by blood, marriage, and adoption and defined R-0 zoning as areas where children and their parents would thrive excluding non-traditional households.

In 2010, Denver adopted a form-based code that promised to focus on building forms rather than segregation of uses. However SU (Single Unit) and TU (Two Units) designations are still present in the mapping and descriptions of the building forms. Moreover vast areas that were zoned R-2 under the previous code were downzoned to SU.

This brings us to the current day and the vision of complete neighborhoods outlined in the new Blueprint Denver plan. Complete neighborhoods are defined as accessible to all regardless of age, ability, or income, and providing housing options for all people. Our land use regulations no longer exclude minorities and we strive for inclusivity. However, Denvers established neighborhoods lack diversity of housing inventory, particularly affordable rentals. Moreover, they are expected to absorb 10% of Denvers anticipated growth of 200,000 new residents.

Examples of how small multi-family dwellings can integrate with single-family dwellings to create complete neighborhoods while maintaining the neighborhoods built character.
TAIPEI: Taiwan hit out at Spain on Monday after two Taiwanese fraud suspects were deported to China over objections from the government in Taipei and human rights groups.





Returning Taiwanese criminals to China has become a major source of friction between Beijing and Taiwan  and illustrates the islands isolated diplomatic status.





Taiwans Criminal Investigation Bureau says more than 400 Taiwanese fraud suspects arrested abroad have been deported to China since April 2016.





Most are caught operating lucrative boiler room style phone scams whose victims tend to be mainland Chinese.





Beijing views self-ruling Taiwan as a breakaway part of its territory.





Since the election of Taiwans China-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016, it has begun insisting scammers should be deported to the mainland, where they often serve lengthy sentences.





Analysts say the policy is designed to pressure Taipei which has condemned the deportations as abductions.





But Taiwan  which is only diplomatically recognised by 17 countries  has often found itself powerless to persuade countries over the clout of China.





On Monday Taiwans foreign ministry said it had expressed grave concerns and strong regret after Spain deported a pair of Taiwanese suspects to the mainland on Friday.





The move, it said, disregards Chinas human rights conditions.





The two suspects were part of 219 Taiwanese arrested in Spain in 2016 on fraud charges.





Madrid had previously vowed to return the Taiwanese passport holders to the Chinese mainland.





Spanish lawyers and local rights groups fought in the courts to halt the deportations.





But in May 2018 two suspects were deported, a move which the UNs human rights watchdog said contravened Madrids international commitments not to return people to places where they face torture, forced labour or the death penalty.





It is unclear how many of the group of 219 have since been deported to mainland China.





In recent years more than 2,000 Taiwanese fraud suspects have been arrested in more than a dozen countries.





Beijing has justified its demands that the suspects be deported to the mainland rather than Taiwan because the majority of the phone fraud victims are mainland Chinese.

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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 18, 2019
This teen says he's both Christian and gay - both death sentences in Iran - but Sweden's government says he's lying





A gay 19-year-old is fighting for survival as he fears being executed in his home country of Iran.





Mehdi Shokr Khoda, who also identifies as Christian, is hoping he will be granted asylum in Sweden in his final appeal.





The final decision will be made in two weeks.





Terrified of being deported to Iran





I cannot live open as a gay in Iran, Mehdi told Gay Star News.





They wont understand something about you. They will just kill you first.





In his corner is his partner, 23-year-old Carlo Rapisarda  originally from Italy.





The two of them have been together close to a year.





Mehdi followed his transgender sister, who fled to Stockholm from Iran a few years ago.





Because she was granted asylum, he traveled to Sweden in 2017 in the hopes he would be given the same protection.





Their parents are unaware of their two childrens true sexual or gender identity.





Finding love in Sweden





Mehdi met Carlo on Tinder in January last year. The two quickly fell for each other and moved in with each other after six months.





He understands me well. When we fight we are not fire with fire  we are fire with water, Mehdi added to GSN.





Hes so mature This is the kind of thing I love about him so much.





At the end of last year, the Migration Board rejected Mehdis application as they thought he was lying.





They appealed the decision and went to court at the end of January 2019.





Carlo testified for their relationship.





They want evidence, Carlo said.





We live together, we love each other, weve known each other a long time. Isnt that evidence enough?





Theres not a scientific way  you cant hook him up to cables and check.





The couple also got a letter from the Swedish Federation for LGBT rights. It said: Theres no doubt. Medhi is gay and in need of protection. 





They were once again rejected saying Mehdi was unable to explain his coming out process.





Rejected on basis of lacking nuance





Swedens government questioned why Mehdi had only been baptised when he came to Stockholm. They also said the 19-year-olds thoughts and reflections on Christianity were lacking.





Mehdi said his faith is private, something he learned to do in Iran.





Youre either Muslim or youre dead, Mehdi added.





The couple also blames their failure on a terrible interpreter.





But what the Swedish courts dont understand, Mehdi says, is that he didnt really have a coming out process.





He was bullied for speaking higher than other boys, a gay voice, from a young age.





At 15, a boy befriended him and gained his trust. But then the boy screen-shotted the chats they had and sent them around the school.





It was awful for me, Mehdi said, quietly.





Mehdi and Carlo have considered getting married. However, theyre in a Catch 22. To go through the normal route involves getting permission from Iran (not an option). But to get married also means Mehdi needs a residents card, something he cant have without the Swedish governments permission.





Slim chance at survival





If the asylum appeal fails, Mehdi will have two weeks to leave the country.





If he is deported, his life is in immediate danger.





[Officers] will absolutely figure it out, he said. Theyll ask questions.





If they find out Im Christian or Im gay or I tried to seek asylum, they will not understand that.





They will execute me.





There is still a slim chance Mehdi and Carlo will win their court battle. Thousands have already been raised on their Go Fund Me page





And if they do win, theyll be able to start their lives together. Mehdi will be able to finish school, get a job, and start a life where hes free to do so.





I would like to be a pharmacist  make medicine  make people better, he said.





And while Carlo is a Masters student at a technical university, hes willing to drop it all to follow his partner.





He said: If he has to go to another country, I will follow him.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
A Central teacher was awarded the Young Educator Award earlier this month by the Midwest Education Technology Community.

The award was presented to Bethany Petty during the METC annual conference held over the weekend in St. Charles.

The Young Educator Award is given to a teacher under the age of 35 who has demonstrated a use of technology and innovative learning approaches in the classroom.

Petty explained that after Central implemented the 1:1 technology initiative, in which students were given Chromebooks, she saw an opportunity to use the technology to enhance student learning experiences.

After I heard about the initiative, I just went full speed ahead and jumped into the deep-end of technology integration, said Petty. I do something called the Flipped Classroom for my American Government classes.

Petty teaches American Government and dual-credit Social Studies. Here students are encouraged to work at their own pace when it comes to instructional content.

I do videos for students, they interact with them and instead of doing worksheets and such they create a digital representation of what theyve learned explained Petty.
The probable cause statement shows she then went to New Era Bank in Desloge and went through the same process for a third time, obtaining another $3,000 in cash.

Eventually Stanford Federal Credit Union was contacted by authorities and advised that the card Grayson used was invalid and no card by that number had ever actually been issued.

The Social Security numbers Grayson used during the fraudulent transactions were checked by police and found to be those of an El Paso, Texas woman and a California man.

Grayson was able to fraudulently obtain $9,500 cash in a matter of approximately an hour.

She was caught on Dec. 27 in Bismarck for a similar attempted crime, which was stopped prior to her obtaining the cash. She was arrested by an officer of the Bismarck Police Department and transported to the St. Francois County Jail pending the filing of formal charges. She was eventually released.

A warrant was issued Friday for Graysons arrest and her bond has been set at $20,000. Anyone who knows her whereabouts can contact the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department at 573-431-2777 and leave a message on the crime tip line.

Matt McFarland is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3616, or at mmcfarland@dailyjournalonline.com.

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Question: Regarding my posts about the terrible perversion of Torah and halacha that Rav Shmuel Kaminetsky has engineered with his prod...

Important!! email - yadmoshe@gmail.com
Iran announced the successful test flight of Hoveizeh long-range cruise missile on February second which marks the 40th anniversary of 1979 Islamic revolution.

The Hoveizeh Cruise Missile is part of the Soumar family of cruise missile and has a range of over 1,350 km (840 miles). It is designed to use against ground targets. The Hoveizeh missile needs a very short time for its preparedness and can fly at a low altitude and is manufactured by the Aerospace Industries Organization of Iran.

1979 Islamic Revolution

The democratically elected prime minister in Iran was thrown out and the Shah was restored to the throne with the help of American CIA. In the times of cold war, the US wanted to keep the Shah in power as a bulwark against the Soviet Union.

Iran was reaping enormous benefits from oil production and the gap was widening between the wealthy and the poor. The recession in 1975 led to tension between the classes.

In October 1977, the son of the Shia cleric Ayatollah Khomeini died of heart attack and the rumours spread that he had been murdered by the SAVAK secret police. Shah was battling for life due to cancer at the time. Shah had his Information Minister published an article in the leading newspaper that slandered Ayatollah Khomeini was a tool of British neo-colonial interests and a man without faith.

This angered people and the theology students in the city of Qom exploded in angry protests. To suppress the protests the shah came down heavily on the protestors and what followed as a massacre at Qom.

Further, there were series of protests across Iran against the misadventures of Shah and his administration which culminated in the revolution of 1979 where the monarch of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was overthrown and his government was replaced with an Islamic republic under the Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a leader of one of the factions in the revolt.
Unlike George Washington, Carlisle area merchants did not use the proverbial hatchet to cut down a legendary cherry tree.

But they did have a reasonable facsimile of the first U.S. president advertise deep price cuts planned for a birthday sales day.

This weeks Tour Through Time salutes Presidents Day by taking a close look at people who have portrayed either Washington or Abraham Lincoln in the course of local history.

It was Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1967, and Eugene Wade was scheduled to appear as Washington the next day making the rounds of downtown stores and doling out prizes to shoppers.

His gig as a founding father was sponsored by the Retail Merchants Bureau in its attempt to boost sales downtown and at the MJ Mall and Carlisle Plaza shopping centers.

Fast forward 27 years to October 1994 when actor William Sommerfield came into Carlisle to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion. Back in 1794, the real George Washington was in Carlisle to muster troops to quell the insurrection.
Pennsylvania State Police are no longer looking for the driver of a bobtail truck in connection with a fatal pedestrian crash on Interstate 81 in December in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County Crime Stoppers announced for police Monday.

Police are still investigating the death of Martese Davenport, 30, of Hempstead, New York, who was struck and killed while walking on I-81 north in the early morning hours of Dec. 23.

Police previously released surveillance footage of a bobtail truck that they believed was in the area at the time, but police said it determined that the truck was not connected with the hit-and-run.

Police said three other bobtail trucks were traveling north in the area of I-81 between 1:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Police said they believe that the truck involved in the incident may have minor damage to the right front of the truck, likely to the mirror, and may also be leaking oil.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Trooper John Boardman at 717-249-2121. Cumberland County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward in the case.
Mechanicsburg Borough is looking at an ordinance change that would allow borough council to permit public consumption of alcoholic beverages for special events and for restaurants sidewalk cafes.

The idea of modifying Mechanicsburgs current blanket ban on public consumption will be discussed at Tuesday nights borough council committee meeting, held at 6 p.m. at the borough offices.

This is the start of the process to get council members opinions and get everyone on the same page, said Kyle Miller, the borough council member who proposed the change. Hopefully we can get this done. I think itll be great for business.

As Miller noted in his memo to council, such a move could be a boon to downtown Mechanicsburgs restaurant scene and the overall vitality of its streetscape.

Mechanicsburg current ordinance on the matter, written in 1979, provides no exceptions to the prohibition of consuming alcohol upon any public street, public municipal parking lot, private parking lot open to public use, or public park.
Varner said shes not sure people understand the implications of such things as warnings not to go to certain parts of town or what they are really saying when they repeat it. The workshops will look at why that came about and has remained part of the language of the town. It will also look at what such language does to the overall community.

Were hoping that with the implicit bias workshop, we can start to come to the roots of some of that and maybe look at how we change our view of the community, Varner said.

The program will end with a celebration of the communitys heritage and culture with a potluck dinner at Second Presbyterian Church on April 24. Those who attend are asked to bring a dish that means something to their family, and they may also submit the recipe for the dish to a community cookbook that will be created by the Historical Society.

Every family has one dish. It can be a dessert. It can be a main. It can be a side, something, Varner said.

Each of the events builds on the previous event, but they are also independent enough that those interested in participating can attend one event without attending others. All events are free and open to the public.
Marion senator now has his own bourbon One of Crittenden Countys favorite sons died 94 years ago on Tuesday of this week, and now he has a Kentucky bourbon named for him. William...

Bluegrass Auction Saturday in Marion Click Image to Enlarge Bluegrass Realty-Auction will conduct a personal property auction June 26. The sale begins at 9 a.m. The absolute auc...

Great Race rolls through Marion Classic cars of various tripes rolled through downtown Marion today as part of the Great Race, a 2,300-mile speed and endurance competition ...

Lane, width restrictions on Smithland Bridge Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to place a lane and load with restriction on the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland o...
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We are so thrilled to have you join us. We are many of the authors from Harlequin's Christian-fiction Love Inspired Imprints. We've been putting Christian romances in your hands since 1997. If you're looking for friends, family, faith, and fiction then settle back, get to know us and our books, and basically join in and have a good time.
An American woman captured by Kurdish forces after fleeing the last pocket of land controlled by Islamic State says she deeply regrets travelling to Syria to join the terror group and has pleaded to be allowed to return to her family in Alabama.

Once one of Isiss most prominent online agitators who took to social media to call for the blood of Americans to be spilled, Hoda Muthana, 24, claims to have made a big mistake when she left the US four years ago and says she was brainwashed into doing so online.

Speaking from al-Hawl refugee camp in northern Syria , while her 18-month-old son played at her feet, Muthana said she misunderstood her faith, and that friends she had at the time believed they were following Islamic tenets when they aligned themselves to Isis.

We were basically in the time of ignorance [] and then became jihadi, if you like to describe it that way, she said. I thought I was doing things correctly for the sake of God.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest There are 1,500 foreign woman and children being held at al-Hawl camp in Syria. Photograph: Achilleas Zavallis/The Guardian

Her experience in the so-called caliphate tracks the arc of Isiss shocking rise and precipitous collapse over five brutal years. Muthana fled her home and took a flight to Turkey in November 2014 after several months of planning, which she kept secret from her family.

She settled into the Syrian city of Raqqa, then one of Isiss two main hubs  the other being Mosul in Iraq  where she married an Australian jihadist, Suhan Rahman, the first of her three husbands.

Rahman was killed in the town of Kobani, and soon afterwards Muthana angrily tweeted: Americans wake up! Men and women altogether. You have much to do while you live under our greatest enemy, enough of your sleeping! Go on drivebys, and spill all of their blood, or rent a big truck and drive all over them. Veterans, Patriots, Memorial, etc day  Kill them.

For many months in 2015, her Twitter feed was full of bloodcurdling incitement, and she says she remained a zealot until the following year. She now says her account was taken over by others.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Women and children in the back of a truck that will transport them to the refugee camp. Photograph: Achilleas Zavallis/The Guardian

Soon after, she married her second husband, a Tunisian fighter, with whom she had her son, Adam. Her husband was killed in Mosul, and Muthana retreated with dozens of other women deeper into Isiss ever-shrinking land, where she briefly married a Syrian fighter last year.

Muthana says her family in Alabama were deeply conservative and placed restrictions on her movements and interactions, factors she claims contributed to her radicalisation. You want to go out with your friends and I didnt get any of that. I turned to my religion and went in too hard. I was self-taught and thought whatever I read, it was right.

I look back now and I think I was very arrogant. Now Im worried about my sons future. In the end I didnt have many friends left, because the more I talked about the oppression of Isis the more I lost friends. I was brainwashed once and my friends are still brainwashed.

Six weeks ago, Muthana fled the village of Susa, not far from the current frontline in Baghuz. She said she slept in the desert for two nights with a group of Isis exiles. She was eventually captured by Kurdish forces who transferred her to al-Hawl, where she now mingles with wives and widows of fighters from around the world.

The women cannot leave the camp and are escorted to meetings by armed guards. They have access to food and some aid.

At al-Hawl, grudges from over the past four years have surfaced and new alliances and enmities have formed; the foreign women of the camp fall gang-like into three categories: Russians, Tunisians and other westerners, camp residents say.

They [Russians and Tunisians] are making life hell for us, said a Swedish detainee, Lisa Andersson. If you go outside the tent without your burqa, or say something to the management, they beat you or your children up. They threaten to burn your tent.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Civilians who fled the fighting in the city of Baghuz arrive at a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) forward screening point. Photograph: Achilleas Zavallis/The Guardian

Anderssons one-year-old daughter died in the camp a month ago, and she blames her death on substandard healthcare. Emphasising the desperate plight of some of the Isis children, Khadija Suleiman, a South African woman, has taken two German boys into her care. Their father is detained in a separate camp and their mother is dead. She is also caring for a French orphan.

Muthana describes her experience with Isis as very mind-blowing. It was like a movie. You read one book and think you know everything. Im really traumatised by my experience. We starved and we literally ate grass.

Donald Trump on Sunday urged western countries to repatriate captured fighters , appearing to ignore the fact that his administration has shown little enthusiasm for doing so.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 Isis fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial, the US president said. The caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them ...

Muthana said she had not been in contact with US officials since her capture. I would tell them please forgive me for being so ignorant, and I was really young and ignorant and I was 19 when I decided to leave. I believe that America gives second chances. I want to return and Ill never come back to the Middle East. America can take my passport and I wouldnt mind.




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.
Late in 2016, the owners of Tabacalera Las Lavas S.R.L. decided to introduce their own brand to market known as Casa Cuevas Cigars. Tabacalera Las Lavas is located in the Dominican Republic and is owned by the father and son team of Luis Cuevas Sr. and Luis Cuevas Jr. For many years, the factory has produced cigars for such brands as Gurkha, Torano, and Leccia Tobacco. Casa Cuevas introduced three core line offerings in 2016: Connecticut, Maduro, and Habano in three vitolas. Last year, Casa Cuevas announced a pair of line extensions to the Maduro and Habano lines with the Clasico Prensado and the Edicion Limitada Flaco). The Flaco is a near Cazadores size measuring 7 x 43. Today we take a closer look at one of those offerings  the Casa Cuevas Habano in the Flaco size.

Luis and Luis Jr. are of third and fourth generation Cuban descent. The Cuevas family traces its roots in the cigar industry back to the 19th century. This is when Juan Cuevas settled in the Pinar del Rio valley and started cultivating tobacco. Juans son Juan Jr. would take over the business from his father, but with the Cuban Revolution, Juan Jr left Cuba for the Dominican Republic. This is where the family has been based ever since.

Now lets take a closer look the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco and see what this cigar brings to the table.

SPECIFICATIONS

Blend and Origin

The Casa Cuevas Habano consists of a three-country multi-national blend.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: Tabacalera Las Lavas S.R.L.

Vitolas Offered

There are now five sizes of the Casa Cuevas Habano line. Each is a regular production 20-count box offering, except for the Flaco which is presented in a 10-count box.

Flaco: 7 x 43 (Edicion Limitada)

Clasico Prensado: 6 x 48

Robusto: 5 x 52

Toro: 6 x 50

Gordo: 6 x 60

Appearance

The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco had a medium brown color with a slight rosado tint. There was a thin coating of oil on the surface of the cigar. The Flaco had somewhat of a bumpy surface with some visible wrapper seams and some thin visible veins present. The cigar was finished with a cinnamon-bun style spiral-cap.

There are two bands on the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco. The primary band has a dark red and gold color scheme to it. On the front of the band is a large dark red oval with text CUEVAS prominently displayed in a large gold font. Just above that text is the text Casa in a thin cursive gold font. The remainder of the band features some gold medallions also on a dark red background. The band is finished with a thick gold foil-like trim.

The secondary band of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco also has a dark red background with gold trim. On the center on the band is the text EDiCiON LIMITADA in gold font.

PERFORMANCE

Pre-Light Draw

Instead of pulling off the spiral tail of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco, I opted to use a straight cut to remove both the cap and tail at the same time. Once the cap was removed, it was on to the pre-light draw. The dry draw delivered a mix of sweet natural tobacco, fruit, floral, and wood notes. Overall this was an excellent pre-light draw experience. At this point, it was time to light up the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco and see what the smoking experience would have in store.

Tasting Notes

The start of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco was similar to the start of my experience of the Robusto size. This includes a mix of natural tobacco, fruit, wood, black pepper, and bakers spice. Early on the natural tobacco and fruit became primary notes with the other notes settling in the background. The fruit and natural tobacco alternated in intensity. The retro-hale delivered additional black pepper and bakers spice.

During the second third, the fruit notes diminished leaving the natural tobacco as the primary note. A bready note surfaced joining the fruit, bakers spice, black pepper, and wood in the background. Both the bakers spice and black pepper increased in intensity with the bakers spice joining the natural tobacco in the forefront past the midway point.

The last third of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco saw the bakers spice recede into the background leaving the natural tobacco primary. Meanwhile, there still were notes of black pepper, fruit, and wood in the background. This is the way the cigar experience of the Casa Cuevas Habano Flaco came to a close. The resulting nub was slightly soft to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn

The burn of the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco performed quite well. The cigar maintained a straight burn path. There was a slight amount of jaggedness from time to time, but this burn was never in danger of meandering. The resulting ash wasnt overly firm, but it wasnt loose or flakey either. The burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.

Draw

The Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco performed excellently when it came to the draw. This was a draw that had a nice balance of openness and resistance. This made for a low maintenance experience to derive flavor.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength and body, the Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco was in a similar range to when I smoked the Robusto size. The Habano Flaco stated out with medium strength and medium to full body. Both the strength and body increased intensity in the first third. By the second third, the Habano Flaco moved into medium to full strength and full-bodied territory. During the second half, I found the increase in intensity for both attributes leveled off.

When it came to strength versus body, both attributes balanced each other nicely with neither attribute overshadowing the other.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

Its no secret that hard-core cigar enthusiasts will get very excited over a lancero. When it comes to a classic 7 x 38 lancero, I dont share in that excitement. Often I find the amount of filler is compromised and whatever ratio you get from the wrapper can be negated. Fatten up a lancero to a Cazadores or Lonsdale, and thats a different story. I love that the Flaco was fattened to a 7 x 43 near-slightly-elongated Cazadores size. To me, it better expressed the blend and balanced out the tobaccos nicely. This cigar executed nicely when it came to flavor, complexity, and construction. This is a cigar that also generated a nice tobacco-like aroma. I would recommend this cigar to an experienced cigar enthusiast, but wouldnt discourage a novice from trying it. As for myself, this is a cigar I would smoke again  and it should garner box worthy consideration.

Summary

Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Bakers Spice, Fruit, Black Pepper, Bread, Wood

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium to Full

Strength: Medium (1st Third), Medium to Full (Remainder)

Body: Medium to Full (1st Third), Medium to Full (Remainder)

Finish: Very Good

Rating

Assessment: Box Worthy Consideration

Score: 91

References

News: Casa Cuevas Releases Clasico Prensado and Flaco Habano and Maduro Offerings

Price: $9.50

Source: Casa Cuevas

Brand Reference: Casa Cuevas

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
Agile Cigar Reviews are cigar assessments where we use a lightweight, shorter format. These will never take the place of our comprehensive reviews. They are only used on blends we have previously assessed. This might be a blend we are re-scoring or giving a score for the first time. It might be a blend we are looking at in a different size Today we look at the Davidoff Yamasa in the Robusto Tubo size. This is a cigar and size we have previously assessed back in December 2016.

Wrapper: Yamasa (Dominican Republic)

Binder: San Vincente from Yamasa (Dominican Republic)

Filler: Nicaragua (Condega, Esteli), Dominican (Piloto, Mejorado)

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: Cigars Davidoff

Robusto: 5 x 50

Last fall, Davidoff announced it was adding a Tubo offering to its Davidoff Yamasa line. Davidoff Yamasa had been the one line under the Discovery Pillar (Black Label) series that prior to this release did not have a Tubo offering. That would change with the addition of the Yamasa Tubo. Like the other Discovery Pillar Series (Davidoff Nicaragua and Davidoff Escurio), the Davidoff Yamasa Tubo offering would come in a Robusto size. Today we take a closer look at the Davidoff Yamasa Tubo.

The Davidoff Yamasa is a blend that incorporates tobacco from the Yamasa region of the Dominican Republic. Its a region in the Dominican Republic where Davidoff has been growing and cultivating proprietary tobacco. Its also a region not known to produce a lot of cigar tobacco until Davidoff decided to invest resources in it. While this tobacco has been used on several other Davidoff releases, the Davidoff Yamasa represents a blend built around tobaccos from this region.

The blend utilizes a wrapper and binder from the Yamasa region as well as tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The Yamasa Robusto Tubo is 5 x 50  the same as when the Robusto was originally released under the line. The Davidoff Yamasa Tubo offering is packaged in 12-count boxes. Each Tubo features a cedar lining along the inside sides of the cigar.

Looking at the tasting notes of the Davidoff Yamasa Robusto Tubo, the cigar delivers notes of chocolate, lemon-citrus, natural tobacco, black pepper, oak, and cedar. Early on the chocolate and lemon notes became primary. Later in the second third, the lemon notes receded and the oak notes advanced to the forefront. During the second third, there was an increase in cedar notes. The second half saw the oak notes take a slight edge, but this is a cigar that was not wood heavy in terms of oak and cedar. The chocolate, lemon, and natural tobacco notes rounded out the flavor profile very nicely.

In terms of strength and body, the Davidoff Yamasa Robusto Tubo delivered a medium experience from start to finish. There wasnt much in the way of variance of the intensity levels. Both the strength and body balanced each other nicely with neither attribute overshadowing the other.

OVERALL ASSESSMENT

Final Thoughts

One question many will ask is whether or not a Tubo can change the flavor profile of a cigar. Im going to conclude that it can. I believe the storage of the cigar in the Tubo combined with the close proximity of the cedar will change the cigar. As I mentioned, there was more in the way of wood and cedar notes with the Davidoff Yamasa Robusto Tubo, but it didnt throw off the balance of the flavor profile. Davidoff Yamasa is a blend that has worked extremely well in the traditional Robusto size, and with the Tubo offering, it makes it even a little better. This is a cigar I would recommend to a seasoned or novice cigar enthusiast. Its a cigar I would smoke again and garners box worthy consideration.

Summary

Key Flavors: Chocolate, Lemon, Natural Tobacco, Oak, Cedar, Black Pepper

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium

Strength: Medium

Body: Medium

Finish: Very Good

Rating

Value: Box Worthy Consideration

Score: 92

References

Previous Assessment: Davidoff Yamasa Robusto

News: Davidoff Adds Yamasa Robusto Tubo Offering

Price: $16.40

Source: Davidoff

Brand Reference: Davidoff

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop

Update 2/20/19: Corrected Pricing
The headline glared at me: "How to unboil an egg".

I wondered if this was possible; I was sure it violated some law of physics. Even The Scriptures tell us that things cannot be returned to their initial state once some change has happened: Isaiah 55:10 ESV "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,..."

The short version of the egg story is that a group of chemists have made coagulated (cooked) egg-white turn back to a clear gelatinous substance. They have not really "unboiled the egg", but instead they have used legitimate chemical and mechanical procedures to totally reprocess the mixture. Because this takes quite a lot of energy and is in no way a spontaneous reaction (such as the initial cooking), the second law of thermodynamics is still totally intact. (This law implies that a spontaneous process will result in more disorder you need to put energy into a process if you want to create an ordered system).

The chemists have done the equivalent of putting a deck of cards back into organised suits after the cards have been shuffled. It does not happen spontaneously, but you can make it happen by putting in some degree of effort to re-sort them by hand. You are not really "unshuffling" the cards, you are doing a new and legitimate process to make them into an ordered state again.

The nature of raw and cooked egg-whites.

WARNING - some science terminology in this section.

It is the 10% of proteins in an egg white that are responsible for its uncooked guey, jelly-like nature. The rest is mostly water. This particular protein solution provides protection for the growing embryo in the yolk, and extra nutrition for it as it grows.

Proteins in nature come in a wide variety of forms, with a huge array of functions. There are 20 amino acids that are connected in a specific way in long chains to make proteins, but each functional protein has a different combination of these building blocks, and a different length. Depending on the chemical properties of those amino acids, some proteins will naturally fold up or scrunch up in different ways a for example muscle proteins have a totally different structure from the digestive enzymes (also proteins) in your stomach, and these are different again from those in the egg white.

If any protein in a living organism becomes "mis-folded" or "unfolded" from its natural state, then that protein will not function properly. This is what probably happens in Alzheimer's disease (and some other medical conditions).

The egg-white proteins are folded into loose ball-shapes (the technical term is "globular proteins"), and they float in the watery solution. Some of the water molecules are integrated inside the balls too, helping them to swell and retain a bouncy structure, so that the uncooked white seems gluey and sticky.

When these proteins are subjected to stress a such as beating with a whisk or cooking a the balls move around quickly and bash into each other, as well as into the water molecules, and they unfold and become long wiggly chains. The delicate bonds that were holding the balls in shape have broken. In this unnaturally energetic environment, it is much easier for the long chains to stick to other long chains, resulting in more and more chains clumping together in a bunch. Soon an interconnected network of many different protein chains forms, and entraps some of the water, making the opaque, slippery, rubbery "cooked egg" structure that we are familiar with.

"Untangling" rather than "unboiling" - a longer version

Gregory Weiss (professor of chemistry, molecular biology and biochemistry) and his team at the University of California Irvine set about trying to find a way to untangle the massed protein chains in the semi-solid "white" and allow them to form loose balls again, making a clear jelly-like liquid resembling the uncooked egg. They knew this could not happen spontaneously just by cooling the white because of the laws of physics. So they devised a chemical and mechanical set of processes to gradually unwind the long strands and persuade them to go back to their original ball-shapes.

Simple right? Simple in concept, as many good scientific principles are. Not so easy to prove the principle in practice, as is often the case.

For many years, there have been salts and nitrogenous chemicals such as urea used by biochemists to tease apart proteins from cells, so that they could study individual proteins. The team at UC Irvine persevered in modifying the temperature, the concentrations and the various "tried and true" chemicals known to gently disrupt the bonds holding proteins to surfaces. Eventually, by careful manipulation, they got the exact methodology right to tease apart the protein in the solid egg white.

Although the white dissolved, it still did not look like uncooked egg-whites. The proteins had broken up a bit too much into small pieces.

I am pleased to say there is an Australian connection here. Professor Colin Raston from Flinders University had developed a tiny little machine to do exactly what they needed to do a a "vortex fluid device" that was able to squeeze the small protein chains (they are too small to be seen under a microscope) and slide them over each other with just exactly the right amount of tension a not too much, not too little a so that they were forced together to make the delicate bonds to hold them in little balls again.

As Goldilocks said, it was "just right".

Applications

The scientists explain that manipulating proteins is a very useful skill to have in the medical, biological and food-processing industries. The egg was a cheap and convenient experimental tool no-one in the kitchen would really want to unboil their egg!

Their methods for changing the protein structure without destroying the actual long chain may be important in recovering valuable waste protein material in research, or in making some processing of medicines more efficient (for example, antibodies for cancer treatment or some vaccines), or even in areas such as cheese-making. No-one can predict what other processes that involve some degree of biochemistry may be made more sustainable by using these methods once the patents have been granted and the processes made public.

I hope you enjoy your (cooked) eggs more in the future, knowing why they have that lovely structure. All this sounds a little like Salvation, it has a lovely structure!

Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.

Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
The pique in LGBTQ rights has also witnessed the resurgence of accusations of the Church being intolerant towards to this community when speaking of sexual sin. This view is flawed for various reasons that are elucidated below.

Flaw One  Universal endorsement

First, other activity labeled as sexual sin in the Bible (or sin in general) has brought together open forums of practitioners and allies to rally significant political clout and campaign internationally for the sake of advancing not only the practice of said sin, but also its universal endorsement.

How many Adulterers Unions do we see lobbying today? How many times have we heard of a Child Molesters Association openly fighting for the social, legal and moral acceptance of their behaviour? Do rapists adamantly insist that the states support of their right to rape not be infringed upon by their victims dissent? How many persons do you know that genuinely believe their countrys social problems could be solved with more extra-marital sex?

Flaw Two  Moral codes

Second, Western society, for the most part, agree with the Church on a number of moral issues, sexual and otherwise. Persons adhering to other religions, or even no religion at all, still (unknowingly) abide by a Judeo-Christian moral code in regard to theft, murder, lying, gossip and bitterness among other sins.

Indeed, even persons who engage in activities that the Bible says are wrong will still refer to the same as a moral compass. For instance, even a promiscuous person would not condemn monogamous, faithful marriage as being less moral or less honorable than their current lifestyle. Unsurprisingly, other sexual sins do not attract heated debate because there is nothing to debate as far as non-Christians are concerned.

Flaw Three  Has the bully changed?

Third, the LGBT community has marched, protested, picketed, vetoed, published and campaigned themselves into the forefront of every discussion on human rights, at the local and international level. Complaining about the disproportionate attention they are now receiving from the Church is unjustified and serves as evidence of superficial consideration of the wider context in which this debate is conducted and more significantly, their very active role in garnering this attention.

Furthermore, the LGBTQ community is guilty of reframing this disproportionate attention to make the Church seem ungrounded, even irrational and reckless, in its condemnation of their behaviour. At best, it is a misinterpretation of the Church prioritizing problems by what is most pertinent to society today, as opposed to what the Church deems as most sinful.

At worst, it is an attempt of the LGBT community to subtly shift from being bullied to being the bully, breaking the boundaries of free speech, liberalism and mutually respectful debate to literally demonising anyone who disagrees with them.

Flaw Four  Intolerance of other groups

Fourth, the LGBTQ community is guilty of the very same intolerance for which they judge the church. In jurisdictions in which same-sex marriage has been legalised, supporters dubbed this as marriage equality, because gay men and lesbian women finally have the freedom to marry other men and women respectively.

Nevertheless, two men and two women cannot marry each other if they are blood relatives, because there is no marriage equality for incestuous couples. An adult cannot marry someone under the age of consent (typically 18 years), regardless of his/her minor-attracted orientation. And at the end of the day, marriage still discriminates against single people, heterosexual or not, by necessitating the involvement of two persons. Lesbians and gays do not intrinsically have the right to marry; they can only marry if another lesbian or gay person is willing to marry them too.

Every person, irrespective of their sexual orientation, will disprove of some behaviour or another  and even the disillusioned liberal who preaches tolerances implicitly disproves of the act of disapproval, to their own shame and hypocrisy. At some point, we all have to draw a line.

Kacy Garvey is a Christian poet and activist. In 2011, she launched "Rahab", an outreach to prostitutes in Geneva, Switzerland. She is a certified HIV Testing and Counselling Provider and has also successfully completed training in Human Trafficking Awareness.
School forms in France are set to go gender neutral after the French parliament voted to replace the words 'mother' and 'father' with 'Parent 1' and 'Parent 2'.

The new terms are being introduced following changes to the country's education laws passed by President Emmanuel Macron's majority REM party this week that also make school attendance mandatory for three-year-olds.

The removal of les peres and les meres in official paperwork within the education system is being brought in to stop discrimination against same-sex parents, The Times reports, but it does not have the backing of the education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer.

'This amendment aims to root in law children's family diversity in administrative forms submitted in school,' said REM minister Valerie Petit.

'We have families who find themselves faced with tick boxes stuck in rather old-fashioned social and family models. For us, this article is a measurement of social equality.'

The changes are yet to be approved by the Senate but the French upper house is not expected to block the measures.

But concerns have been raised and not only by conservatives.

Alexandre Urwicz, president of the Association of Homoparental Families, said it could lead to a hierarchy of parents.

'Who is 'parent number 1' and who is 'parent number 2'?' he said, adding that it might be less controversial to use 'father, mother and legal representative' instead.

Conservative MP Xavier Breton suggested the change did not reflect reality.

'When I hear people say this is an old-fashioned model [to use 'mother' and 'father'], I would remind people that today among unions celebrated, civil or marital, some 95 per cent are man-woman couples,' he said.

Conservative MP Xavier Breton went further in his criticism, saying it was indicative of a 'frightening ideology'.

Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the opposition Republicans party, said 'mother' and 'father' would be reinstated if his party wins the elections.

'Our citizens do not share anything with the political class nor the policies they are imposing,' he said, according to The Times.

Ludovine de la Rochere, leader of the Catholic Demonstration for All, which protested against the introduction of same-sex marriage, called the new terms 'absolutely dehumanising'.

'Children need guidance,' she said. 'This amendment goes towards the disappearance of fundamental references.'

The debate has continued on Twitter where some people mocked the terms 'Parent 1' and 'Parent 2'.
There was a period of entrepreneurial fervor in my life, when I spent a frustrating year running an Ecommerce store. The Holy Grail was (if you were really good) to get 5-6% conversion rate. I never came close to reaching these dizzy heights of success, and so that millionaires yacht, cruising the Caribbean vanished like a fools dream.

Moving from the secular to the sacred. I have to say that I was more than impressed when I read about Sam Chan1 (the author of Evangelism to a Skeptical World) a Chinese migrant studying medicine in Sydney, how in the course of four years, all three of his flat mates (all non-Christians also studying medicine) became Christians because of his witness.

Thats a 100% success rate. I think youd agree, thats not a bad effort.

How did Sam get a 100% Conversion Rate?

Well according to Sam, it comes down to Plausibility Structures. Lets take a look what he means by this plausibility thing.

In order for us to accept something as true and then act on it, there are 3 elements that must be meet; Community Validation, Personal Experience and hard-core Evidence.

But before we look at each of these more closely, and I can assure that you wont be disappointed when we do, Id like to digress to a scenario, which Im sure will resonate with you.

My Evangelism Effort Fell Flat  Boy it was Embarrassing

Weve all been there, smitten by guilt for not witnessing to a friend or work colleague. Finally, we marshal enough courage to make a concerted effort to corner them, so that we can hit them straight between the eyes, with the gospel.

But it didnt go down well. We limp away licking our wounds, at the same time assuaging our conscience that at least we tried. However, we rarely ask the question, that we ought to ask; Why did it go so badly? Why did I fail?

Sams three elements, reveal the reason for our failure and how to fix it. Its so simply, youll wonder why you never thought of it.

The Three Elements

In order for us to believe and act on a proposition, it must be plausible. Thats not the same as absolute certainty. However, its enough to start the process towards absolute certainty.

Firstly, theres community validation. If I were to tell you that a space ship landed in my front yard, took me to Mars for a meal then brought me back home, all in a nano second, although it seemed like a couple of hours to me, I doubt youd believe me.

One of the reasons for your doubt, is that you dont know anyone else in your street or neighbourhood whos had the same experience. Now imagine that youre at a neighbourhood barbecue with over 50 people there, and everyone of them has the same story to tell. At first, youd think there all crazy or having a joke at your expense.

Yet if they persisted and seemed genuine, you still wouldnt believe them, but youd start to wonder if there is something that could explain this space ship incidence.

Lets take this idea into an evangelism life setting. I bet the person you tried to witness to, has zero community validation. That is he/she doesnt know a single Christian, other than you. Our message, of God, sending his Son from heaven (like a space ship) to earth, to die for their sins, and then being raised to life, and being sent back to heaven (theres that space ship again) would sound just as crazy to them, as Martians visiting us in a space ship.

Whether we admit it or not, community validation influences what we believe. For instance, in Australia as Christians we believe in a universal health care system and that this system is consistent with our biblical world view.

Yet in American, Christians are opposed (as are most Americans) to universal health care. They aver that the biblical principle for the importance of the individual to care for themselves, is right and proper.

So whos right? Well youre asking the wrong question. What it demonstrates is that in this case, as Australians and Americans we have been influenced by the community in which we live, and therefore hold the values it espouses.

That Aha Moment

Still not convinced? My country cousins will corroborate this phenomenon. We in the country attend small churches, with small youth groups. You know 50 may be 100 people. However, its mind blowing, when for the first time you attend a Hillsong Conference or a Katoomba Convention. Standing in solidarity with 5,000 to 10,000 other Christians and raising the roof in praise.

This has a powerful validation effect on you. Your spirit is lifted, you just feel so good, that youre not the only crazy person in the world. There are tens of thousand other crazy people just like you.Praise the LORD.

Well look at the other two elements next time and tie it all together then.

[1] Evangelism in a Sceptical World How to make the unbelievable news about Jesus more believable

Vic Matthews, has three degrees B.Optom, B.Arts & B. Christian Studies. He is a kiteboard tragic, who now works as a Christian Copywriter. He can be found at http://trustworthycopywriter.com/writing-services/christian-copywriter/

Vic Matthews' previous articles may be viewed http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/vic-matthews.html
On Aug. 6, 1945, the United States used the Enola Gay, a B-29 bomber, to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, hoping to secure Japans surrender in World War II.

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Sadako Sasaki was 2, and she and her family were home  about a mile away from ground zero, according to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The blast blew her out of her home, but she escaped uninjured.

In the fall of 1954, Sadako noticed she had swollen lymph nodes, went to see the doctor and was diagnosed with leukemia brought on by the radiation from the bomb.

Hospitalized in early 1955, she knew the prognosis wasnt good, and she didnt want to die, according to a blog written by Michael Rose, an author, journalist and documentary filmmaker, and posted on HuffPost website.

Her father told her a Japanese legend that said if you folded 1,000 cranes you would be granted a wish. She began furiously folding cranes.

Sadako folded 1,000 paper cranes and started on a second batch, but she died on Oct. 25, 1955, less than a year after she was diagnosed, according to the blog.
A proposal to add a second youth services officer for the School District of the Menomonie Area will not proceed in 2019 after the district and city of Menomonie disagreed on funding.

The district and the city jointly fund one officer to support students during the school year and address emergency situations.

The district pays 60 percent of the cost; the city contributes 40 percent.

The district approached the city in 2018, looking for the same agreement to add a second youth officer.

The city council responded with a different offer: The city would pay 20 percent under an 80-20 funding agreement.

However, school board members said in July they were in favor of the 60-40 agreement.

District administrator Joe Zydowsky said Monday that the two parties havent reached an agreement and the board is not considering the 80-20 proposal.

The city has included 20 percent of a second youth services officer in its 2019 budget, city administrator Lowell Prange said Monday: Thats what the city council offered.
The West Central Drug Task Force, which includes Dunn County law enforcement and the UW-Stout Police Department, received a $50,000 state grant to investigate and respond to drug trafficking, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced in a news release Thursday.

The Department of Justice gave a total of $1 million to law enforcement agencies in 48 Wisconsin counties Friday after lawmakers passed a bill to fund the fight against drug trafficking.

The West Central Drug Task Force received the maximum amount of $50,000.

The grant dollars will be used to buy undercover vehicles, surveillance equipment and safety equipment, Kaul said.

While we need to continue expanding access to substance-abuse treatment, we also must ensure that investigators have the resources they need to dismantle drug-trafficking organizations, Kaul said in the release.

Still available is $85,000, which the state will distribute through another grant.

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NORTH HARWICH State police are trying to determine what caused a fatal truck accident on Route 6 early Saturday morning.

At around 2:15 a.m., Massachusetts State Police troopers responded to the crash between Exit 9 and 10, and found an overturned tractor trailer cab. The driver, 46-year-old David Marceline of Harwich, was killed.

A preliminary investigation by Trooper Gary Turgiss indicates that the cab, which was not hauling a load at the time, was traveling west at the time of the accident. For reasons still under investigation, Marceline lost control and swerved toward the eastbound lane, hitting the median strip. He apparently attempted to correct the vehicle by swerving back into the westbound lane, but traveled off the right side of the road and rolled over.

The highway was closed in both directions for around five hours to allow crews the difficult job of extricating the driver from the vehicle, and also to allow police to investigate. State police were assisted by officers from Harwich, Dennis and Barnstable, along with Harwich fire and MassDOT.

The crash remains under investigation by Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

.

..Algeminer..17 February '19..Theis suddenly and retroactively blaming Israel for motivating the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, without much evidence to support the claim.A recentnews article about deadly attacks in Africa by affiliates of the terrorist group Al Qaeda blames them on President Trumps decision to obey an American law that required him to move the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.Thereports, The attacks came fully seven months after President Trump moved the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the disputed holy city, which Mr. Trump recognized as the countrys capital. Widely seen as inflaming tensions and as a demonstration of the administrations favoritism toward Israel in its long conflict with the Palestinians, the move drew condemnation at the time from many corners, including Al Qaeda and other extremist militant organizations.Thementions that the Jerusalem embassy move drew condemnation  from many corners but fails to mention that it also drew praise from many corners, including from the elected government of Israel and many American Jews and Christian Zionists.But thats just a mild precursor compared to theSeptember 11 revisionism, which comes in a paragraph of the article that immediately follows the description of Jerusalem. Thereports, The suffering of the Palestinians has long been an animating cause for Al Qaeda, a stand-in for the victimization of Muslims at the hands of Western powers. Biographies of Osama bin Laden say that as an adolescent, he cried watching news coverage of displaced Palestinians who had been forced off their land.These are new claims by the, which has previously had rejected them.
A veteran Alaska journalist and editor with about 25 years of experience in publications around the state has bought The Skagway News.

The community of Skagway has a population of just under 1,000 people.

Larry Persily says he will manage and edit the paper remotely from Juneau and Anchorage. He still plans on printing the paper at the Whitehorse Star, in Whitehorse.

In 1976, Persily and his wife bought a weekly newspaper in Wrangell, Alaska, a small community about 300 kilometres south of Juneau. He's run papers in Juneau, and has done work with the Associated Press and Anchorage papers before moving into public policy work and taking on jobs with various levels of government.

Leigh Armstrong/The Skagway News

Only now in his 60s, Persily gravitated back to journalism.

"I miss newspapers and I think small town newspapers in particular are very important," he said.

"I think small newspapers in small towns will always survive."

Submitted by Larry Persily

Persily says the staff will stay the same but changes are coming.

"We need more news," said Persily, adding that he'll try to add more pages and more coverage of Skagway and surrounding areas. He said he can't afford more staff but will buy pieces from freelancers.

"There just needs to be more content so there's more of a reason for people to pick up The Skagway News."

Persily takes over officially on April 1.
Islamic State militants are preventing more than 1,000 civilians from leaving a tiny area still held by the extremist group in a village in eastern Syria, a spokesperson for the U.S.-backed Syrian militia fighting the group said Sunday.

"Regrettably, Daesh have closed all the roads," Mustafa Bali, a spokesperson for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, told The Associated Press, referring to ISIS by its Arabic acronym.

SDF officials have said the extremists are hiding among civilians in a tented village and using a network of caves and tunnels. ISIS, which once ruled a proto-state in large parts of Syria and Iraq, is clinging to an area of less than a square kilometre in the village of Baghouz, in eastern Syria.

The extremists may include high-level commanders, and could be holding hostages among those trapped inside.

'We will very soon bring good news'

Occasional coalition airstrikes and clashes continue inside the village of Baghouz. Artillery rounds were meant to clear land mines for the SDF fighters to advance. SDF commanders say the end of ISIS's self-declared caliphate is near.

"We will very soon bring good news to the whole world," Ciya Furat, an SDF commander, said Saturday at a news conference at the al-Omar Oil Field Base, miles away from Baghouz in the Deir el-Zour province.

The capture of the last pocket of territory held by ISIS in either Syria or Iraq would mark the end of a devastating four-year global campaign to end the extremist group's so-called caliphate. At the height of their power in 2014, the extremists controlled nearly a third of both countries.

But experts and U.S. defence officials warn that the group still poses a major threat and could regroup within six months if pressure is not kept up.
Amid violent protests and civil unrest, the Canadian Border Services Agency halted deportations to Haiti on Friday, offering a temporary reprieve for 421 Haitian nationals still under an enforceable removal order.

Unfortunately this reprieve came too late for Oberne Pierre, a Haitian asylum seeker whose claim was denied after a year of living in Quebec.

Pierre crossed into Quebec at Roxham Road in the summer of 2017, but his refugee claim was denied and he was deported in August 2018.

Canadian authorities determined there was not enough evidence to prove Pierre's safety was "at risk" in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.

Radio-Canada

Like hundreds of Haitian asylum seekers who were denied the right to stay in Canada, Pierre had to pack his bags.

Returning to the life he had before has been difficult, especially since getting a taste of what his life could have been.

"I'm very frustrated," Pierre said, "but we must abide by the law."

Pierre's dream of finding a better future in Canada is over, but he says his nightmare in Haiti is all too real.

"Haiti isn't a life. People who live in Haiti, I don't know, but for me it's hell. We're living in hell."

He told Radio-Canada that it's been difficult to access even the most basic services, and finding clean drinking water has been a challenge.

"It's been three days now that I haven't found water," he said, adding that his family only has access to limited electricity and sometimes goes days without it.

The water shortage is affecting millions of Haitians and is linked to the protests. Roadblocks make deliveries of gas to pumping stations impossible, and the government has been using petroleum imports as leverage to try and quell the demonstrations.

"It's thanks to the grace of God I'm still living. Because I have nothing. No work, nothing at all," he said.

He lives in a tiny home with a kitchen and bedroom in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince.

Story continues

Radio-Canada/Laurence Martin

While living in Quebec, waiting for news about his claim, Pierre worked for a temp agency in Laval and sent money home to his wife and daughter.

Now, he says his hope lies with his eight-year-old daughter Tanorah, who stayed behind with his wife in Haiti while Pierre attempted to claim asylum in Canada.

"I'm going to fight so her future doesn't happen in Haiti," he said.

Frantz Andre, a Montrealer who has been helping many Haitian asylum seekers through the Action Committee for People Without Status, worked on Pierre's case and got to know him before the deportation.

Andre described him as "a gentleman," saying that "he was the hope of the family since he came here."

He said taking Pierre to the airport on the day he had to leave was "really painful" and the two still keep in touch every week.

"I've called everybody that I know in Haiti who could perhaps give him a job." said Andre. "Right now he has not a penny to his name."

Radio-Canada/Laurence Martin

Andre said that Haitian asylum seekers currently make up the largest proportion of those being deported from Canada.

He said it's hypocritical that Canada has closed its embassy in Haiti and is advising Canadians not to travel there, but continued deporting people up until Feb. 15.

"Suddenly, because we have a 113 Canadians that are stuck in a hotel, they suddenly have to realize, 'Okay we better put a moratorium.'"

The CBSA told CBC in an email Sunday that officials are "aware of the situation in Haiti and its impact on persons facing removal" and that the temporary stay on deportations is in effect until further notice.
The Brexit stakes are high for Chayenne Wiskerke, who owns and manages an onion packing and exporting firm in Kruiningen, near the Netherlands' border with Belgium. Wiskerke Onions, a fourth-generation family business, says it packs an eye-watering 185,000 tonnes of onions a year and ships them to more than 100 countries. A whole 20 per cent of production, though, is destined for the United Kingdom. But what will happen as the U.K. moves to leave the European Union, particularly if there is no deal for the divorce by the March 29 deadline? Wiskerke worries about her company's trucks being stopped at the border for inspection, leading to delays for supermarkets that can't stockpile fresh produce. "That's the most difficult thing  you don't know how to prepare," Wiskerke said.

As is happening in the U.K., politicians and executives in the Netherlands are working to alleviate the economic fears that could haunt businesses such as Wiskerke Onions while Britain's uncertain political future sends shockwaves to continental Europe.

The Dutch government says it's been in talks with 250 foreign firms considering moving or expanding operations into the Netherlands in the wake of Brexit. At least 42 made the move in 2018, according to figures recently published by a Dutch foreign investment organization. The European Medicines Agency is in the process of relocating from London to Amsterdam. Electronics giants Sony and Panasonic have announced plans to move their European hubs from Britain to the Netherlands.

Not a good outlook

But the outlook overall is hardly positive, even for this country. While some Dutch entrepreneurs see it as a business opportunity, government officials here use stark language to warn of domestic economic trouble as a result of Britain's EU breakup. Trade with the U.K. accounted for $43 billion US of the Netherlands' exports in 2017, according to World Bank data.

Story continues

The uncertainty is also affecting operations for British firms looking beyond March 29, and prompting them to take action on the continent.

In a conference room in the suburban Dutch city of Breda on a recent morning, Brian McKenzie handed over his British passport to a notary to be photocopied. Both of them signed paperwork.

Stephanie Jenzer/CBC

What may have seemed like a mundane interaction highlighted both the fears and business opportunities Brexit represents in the Netherlands, a top trading partner for Britain.

McKenzie acts as chief operating officer for Process Systems Enterprise (PSE), a London-based tech firm developing tools and services for petrochemical companies such as Shell and pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline. His recent visit to the Dutch notary's office was a step in the process to legally set up a European mainland subsidiary for PSE  a plan to avoid disruptions caused by Brexit. "It feels like we're moving away from where our roots are," McKenzie said later. "But it's a necessity."

Gateway to the mainland

McKenzie said other British companies seeking international contracts or staff would plan to keep a foothold in an EU member state such as the Netherlands. "I don't think there's a business in the U.K. that's not considering it," he said.

Stephanie Jenzer/CBC

Brexit represents a boon for Bjorn Wagemakers, the Breda-based businessman who helped PSE move some operations to the Netherlands. Wagemakers said business is "great, because of Brexit."

He said his firm, Intercompany Solutions, has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from companies with British operations seeking to move ever since Britain voted to quit the 28-member bloc in 2016. He says he's received 15 such requests just this year

Stephanie Jenzer/CBC

Rotterdam, a 40-minute drive from Breda, already presents itself as a gateway to the European mainland. It's home to the continent's largest port, adjacent to the North Sea. Local business promoters say it stands to reason that Rotterdam would also act as an entryway to EU-based trade.

"When forced to leave Great Britain, Rotterdam is the first port where they arrive, literally," said Jeroen Redder, who manages the business hub at the towering World Trade Centre in the middle of Rotterdam. The building is undergoing renovations and hoping to attract businesses with U.K. operations seeking greener pastures on the mainland.

A warning to businesses

A top economic policy maker in the Dutch government told CBC News the worst is yet to come. "The effects on the Dutch economy will be big," said Mona Keijzer, the Netherlands' state secretary for economic affairs. "We say to our Dutch entrepreneurs: Prepare yourselves."

Stephanie Jenzer/CBC

Indeed, the government recently released uniquely colourful imagery in a bid to underscore the potential risks Brexit poses to Dutch companies with international supply chains and trade links. Foreign Minister Stef Blok tweeted a photo featuring a giant fuzzy blue monster lying on his desk, wearing a T-shirt marked "Brexit."

"Make sure Brexit doesn't sit  or lie  in your way," the tweet warned, with a link to a government website that lays out potential pitfalls for Dutch firms. The longer parliamentarians in London grapple over the best way forward, the greater the odds Britain crashes out of the EU on March 29 without a divorce deal. It could leave the U.K. bound to impose  and suffer  tariffs and trade delays. "It's a bit messy on the other side and that's a shame because our economies are very intertwined," Keijzer said. For Wiskerke, the uncertainty is very real.

Stephanie Jenzer/CBC

As it stands, British grocery stores can order Dutch onions one day and have them on shelves the following day. In the event of a disorderly Brexit, she says there's "absolutely" a risk British supermarkets will run out of onions. Wiskerke hopes Dutch produce trucks can be pre-screened before reaching Britain to avoid any delays in supply. She's confident governments will eventually agree to plans to avoid the worst Brexit-induced trade disruptions. "They will always need onions," she said.
(Bloomberg) -- Yayvo, Pakistans second-largest online retailer, is planning to bring in new investors amid competition from Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

The e-commerce company has appointed advisers to help with the fundraising, Yayvos head, Adam Dawood, said in an interview in Karachi last week. Yayvo aims to start meeting with potential investors in the Middle East and China next month, according to Dawood.

We want to bring in experts who can help us grow faster and bring in more money to the point that we can grow much, much faster, he said. We are actually looking for the right investors who can come in, be very strategic investors, who can help out with our future plan.

Yayvos valuation before the fundraising is estimated at around $100 million, people with knowledge of the matter said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Dawood declined to comment on the companys valuation.

Pakistans rising middle class and young population have turned it into one of the worlds fastest-growing retail markets. Alibaba, backed by Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, last year bought Yayvos larger domestic rival Daraz, which is also active is Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Yayvo, founded in 2014, sells more than 150,000 products from detergent to mobile phones and televisions on its website. Its current shareholders also own Pakistans largest logistics company TCS, Yayvos website shows. TCS has a network of more than 950 outlets that make about 500,000 deliveries a day.

To contact the reporters on this story: Vinicy Chan in Hong Kong at vchan91@bloomberg.net;Faseeh Mangi in Karachi at fmangi@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Ben Scent at bscent@bloomberg.net, ;Arijit Ghosh at aghosh@bloomberg.net, Timothy Sifert

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

2019 Bloomberg L.P.
Grounded: A Flybmi plane. Photo: Rui Vieria/PA

The collapse of regional airline Flybmi has left 10,500 passengers scrambling to rebook seats over the next week, administrators have confirmed.

Regional airline Flybmi filed for administration on Saturday, citing higher fuel prices and Brexit uncertainty. Accountants BDO announced on Monday that they have been appointed as administrators for the collapsed airline.

BDO said that Flybmi was scheduled to operate 76 flights on Monday with a total of 2,000 seats booked. The airline was due to fly 10,500 passengers on 440 flights across the next seven days. All flights have been cancelled.

BDO is advising customers who had bookings with Flybmi to contact their card issuers in order to get a refund for flights. Customers who booked through outside websites or travel agents should contact the third party who they booked with.

The collapse of the airline has left some passengers stranded overseas. Travellers in this situation are being advised to seek a refund and rebook with another airline rather than rely on any repatriation efforts, similarly to what happened with the collapse of Monarch Airlines in 2017.

Tony Nygate, a BDO business restructuring partner, said in a statement: Customers can find information on the Flybmi website regarding the steps they need to take to apply for a refund from their payment provider or travel company.

BDO also confirmed in a statement that the majority of Flybmis 376 employees across the UK, Germany, Sweden, and Belgium have regrettably been made redundant.

We are also working with the Companys employees to provide them with guidance on how to make a claim for monies which may be due to them. In addition, we are contacting suppliers to explain how to apply for monies owed to them, Nygate said.

Flybmi is the latest of several airlines to collapse since 2017 as firms complain about rising fuel costs and concerns about Brexit.

In October 2017, Monarch became the biggest ever British airline to collapse when it went into administration.

Story continues

One year later, in October 2018, the Danish airline Primera Air ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy. Days later Cobalt, a Cypriot airline, announced its collapse as it also cancelled all flights and operations.

Germania, the German airline, filed for insolvency on 4 February of this year, blaming unforeseeable events such as massive increases in fuel prices last summer.

Flybmi operated 17 aircrafts on routes to 25 cities across Europe. It flew 522,000 passengers on 29,000 flights in 2018.




(Bloomberg) -- How does a cybersecurity powerhouse guard its elections against online manipulation?

Not as well as youd think.

While Israeli engineers develop some of the worlds most sought-after online protection, the government has yet to come up with a coordinated defense to shield the April 9 vote against fake news and other malicious meddling. According to the Israel Democracy Institute research center, responsibility for protecting the vote is divided among at least nine entities.

Non-governmental players are stepping into the breach, and volunteers say theyve already uncovered hundreds of fake accounts with links to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and domestic political parties.

There are even suspicions that the primaries in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud party last week were compromised. The party ordered a recount following complaints of discrepancies in the number of ballots cast versus the number of voters, but denied a hack, saying the votes were tabulated in a closed computerized system. The Haaretz newspapers tech writer, Ran Bar-Zik, a web developer who has focused on security, said, however, there was a serious security breach that exposed the results to tampering.

Those who set up the server relied on its address remaining secret, but it was inadvertently disclosed, he wrote in Haaretz. Once it was revealed, anyone could change the recount as he or she pleased.

Polarized Electorate

In a deeply divided country like Israel, which has always been governed by a coalition of parties, small election margins can be decisive. A movement of a few seats could tilt the breakdown of conservative and liberal blocs.

Concerns about foreign intervention have come from officials as senior as Nadav Argaman, head of the domestic Shin Bet security service, and Hanan Melcer, the Supreme Court judge who heads the Central Election Committee.

I cant say Im at ease, Melcer said. Im concerned.

Cyber security specialists say a major aim of peddling disinformation and fake news is to deepen the rifts in Israels already polarized society, inflaming conflicts between conservatives and liberals, Jews and Arabs, secular and religious. Another is to infiltrate Israeli news sites and distribution lists to disseminate disinformation.

Story continues

An Iranian network sought to follow an online Israeli news service, Walla, as well as Israeli politicians and journalists, said Noam Rotem, a web activist whos been volunteering to identify and block manipulation. He and a colleague asked social media companies to block the network and they did, he said.

In all, theyve persuaded Facebook and Twitter to remove hundreds of fake accounts and take down about a dozen networks distributing disinformation, he said.

The activity is massive and we believe that the closer we get to elections, the more volume we will see and the more hostile the messages will be, Rotem said.

No Stranger

Israel is no stranger to cyber attacks: The countrys high-profile enmity with Iran and occupation of land Palestinians want for a state have made it a particular target. Even before elections were called in December, hackers created a near-replica of the website of Harvard Universitys Belfer Center to publish a bogus report that ex-Mossad chief Tamir Pardo had claimed Moldovan-born former Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman was a Russian spy.

Between the government and private security operations, the country fends off millions of cyber assaults a day, officials say. Iran says Israel has also targeted its digital operations.

Coherent Defense

Amid a surge in foreign meddling in the election, the Foreign Ministry built a public-private initiative with Israeli cybersecurity company Communit360 to provide real-time alarms. The governments Israel Cyber Directorate is advising parliament and the elections authority on how to protect the election process.

Facebook executives told Melcer that from March, political ads would have to carry a disclaimer identifying who paid for them, and that advertising from outside Israel would be blocked, his office said. Detractors say the changes will come too late. To parry domestic manipulation, Tehila Shwartz Altshuler, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, has drafted a covenant of acceptable conduct on social media and asked all political parties to sign. Only Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud has refused, she said. A Likud spokesman didnt reply to repeated requests for comment.

Gabi Weimann, who authored a report on cyber manipulation for the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism at IDC Herzliya university, said the government could be more proactive.

To say this is the responsibility of Facebook or Google is useless because they dont have the manpower or the motivation, Weimann said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Gwen Ackerman in Jerusalem at gackerman@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Riad Hamade at rhamade@bloomberg.net, Amy Teibel, Mark Williams

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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- T. S. Eliot

Thoughts After Lambeth

"The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide."
Opinion / Columnist

It is critical and paramount of importance to do case studies, researches and analysis in any situation, mainly because they curb problems, and act as an indicator and eye opener for future events. Basically Zimbabwe lacks well documented research for future studies. It would be unfair to the future generation for lack of information and archives for empirical and scientific studies on specific areas of governance. The mass stay away was bigger than what people thought, as we speak we could be in another political debacle and debunk. There was likely to be another implosion similar to that of November 17, 2017. One could tell, the opposition in this country particularly the MDC Alliance could not have the capacity or sponsor such a big project.Indeed it was a big project which had both an inside and external hand, but according to my critical analysis I don't think opposition could handle such a huge project. It was bigger than them. Basically what it means is that it was inside job, well designed and carefully managed. To add on to the frustrations that people had before the stay away, what fuelled the mass stay away was the announcement of fuel hike by Mnangagwa which was more than 150% increment of the fuel price. Whoever advised Mnangagwa to do so was wrong and that was political suicidal because the announcement was supposed to be done by ZERA, the fuel regulatory board, then in turn an appeal would then be made to the current Minister of Energy, and later on the appeal to President Mnangagwa. So whoever came up with the decision to announce fuel hike was totally wrong and offside.If ZERA had announced it would then create room for ED and the public to negotiate for a better price, so people were frustrated because ED would be the last men to speak on whatever decision be it political or economic, his position would be final and there will be no room for appeal or negotiation. With Mugabe it was totally different, because he would create room for negotiations and allow people to take out their frustration, and he chips in and come up with a resolution. Something must be done on his advisory part so that it improves. We don't want a situation, were the President is allover to make every decision, some of the issues can be left out to other people like ministers or even deputy ministers or permanent secretaries, imagine the announcement of fuel prices can be done even by a principal director of a ministry or Minister in charge of the energy sector.ED and 2023 AgendaWhat led to people's frustrations is the announcement of the political agenda ahead of 2023. Whoever advised ED and Zanu-PF to do so was wrong and ill-timed. Mnangagwa has all the time till 2022 to make such crucial decisions, so there was likely to be an internal implosion within Zanu-PF who were against the idea of ED running for another term. This emanated from the economic and political pressures that this country was facing. Imagine with the current hikes of basic commodities, then suddenly someone announces the 2023 agenda, to povo this would be regarded as failure on its part and also deal with any threat which might want to target his position. So this was a direct message from ED's supporters to which ever faction is within Zanu-PF to stay put because ED is there to stay. We were just coming from another election and people expected something better from the current Government. Frustration on the part of citizens, opposition and factions from Zanu-PF joined forces to dethrone ED during the mass stay away. The other Zanu-PF within Zanu-PF had nothing to lose they would rather join forces with the opposition, and in politics anything is possible. Generally what we saw on the mass stay away was a combine attack from within the system and opposition forces.Factional fights in both MDC and Zanu-PF working against each otherIn both Zanu-PF and MDC Alliance, factions exist and they are working against each other. In Zanu-PF there are two main factions, one believed to be working in ED's corner and the other working in Chiwenga's corner and both exist. In any political organization it is normal to have factions and whoever denies that is living in his own world. In MDC Alliance there is one led by the current President, Nelson Chamisa and the other one led by Mwonzora who is believed to be a dark horse using Mudzuri. So basically what this means is that, one MDC faction was or is working with another Zanu-PF faction and the other MDC faction is working with the other Zanu-PF faction. Politics is interesting and in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies. Even Khupe could be working with either both factions in Zanu-PF and one in the Chamisa led party. It looks like one Zanu-PF faction in the MDC connived with another Zanu-PF faction during the mass stay away with possibly a future arrangement. That's politics. The stay away was bigger than the opposition matrix and it had a bigger hand within the system.Arrests were well calculatedThe arrests behind opposition leaders were well calculated and meant to destabilize the opposition which had a chance to form an alternative Government. What this means is that, by arresting Chibaya who is the national organizing secretary of the main MDC Alliance, the target will be to cripple Chamisa financially and politically. If you remember very well Chibaya is the one who organized the movement for 2018 elections and he is a good mobiliser and coordinator and by arresting him, there are two reasons behind that, to cripple Chamisa and also to target Chamisa ahead of October elective congress and at the same time the 2023 elections. National organizing secretary is a key position, it matters most because it deals with structures and organization of the party, and so by arresting him, you will be draining the party financially through bail applications and at the same time weakening Chamisa and the opposition. Another key issue, is mostly the Chamisa faction or his key allies were targeted leaving out Mwonzora's allies. The idea is to cripple Chamisa ahead of the congress and to eliminate the idea of Chamisa's presidency ahead of elective congress. Look at the people who were targeted, Chibaya, Mafume, Biti, Komichi and Hwende and these are key to Chamisa's presidency. So basically Zanu-PF is already preparing for elections for 2023. What this means is that ED is already in 2023 mood and he is trying to deal with any opponent within and outside. Remember he narrowly won, controversially so he wouldn't want the same situation to happen and he is under pressure from the international community over disputed polls and electoral reforms.Midlands PoliticsWhat Zanu-PF is targeting is to destabilize the opposition is some key areas which they feel opposition has strongholds and try to cause by elections. For example by arresting Chibaya and Chikwinya, these are perceived to be Mnangagwa strongholds probably in Midlands and Masvingo and by doing so, ED is trying to send a clear message that I'm still in charge of those areas. If you remember very well, Chibaya and team are facing serious charges which may result in losing their Parliamentary seats so by doing so, by elections will be called and the number of opposition will be reduced in parliament, 2. Perceived vocal people in parliament will be eliminated from parliament, the few remaining ones will not voice in parliament. So the target is to cause by elections and destabilize the party, and at the same time ED will regain control of his home town provinces, Masvingo and Midlands. He could be sending also a strong signal to his ester while cdes in Zanu-PF that I'm still strong both within and outside Zanu-PF. So the arrests basically are to send a clear political message to everyone that I'm in charge.AU Meetings and DialogueAU meeting was key for both Chamisa and ED. They were positioning themselves politically ahead of the crucial meeting. Chamisa's demands are clear to have an outside mediation and this would be a blow to ED's presidency. Mnangagwa knew very well that Chamisa will not attend the dialogue meeting at State House, but he wanted to send a clear message within and outside the country that he wanted to resolve the political impasse. Mnangagwa was under immense pressure from the international community over the gross human rights violations and brutal issues. What that basically means is that politically he was correct, because by doing so, Zimbabwe would not be put on the AU agenda meeting which was in Ethiopia. There were some countries which were eager to have Zimbabwe returned on the agenda, and it was going to be suicidal for ED's presidency. AU meeting was crucial for ED because it was strategic, both political and economic. Basically it means that the meeting was supposed to endorse his presidency. ED clearly knows that dialogue must be between himself and Chamisa, but the State House meeting was meant to appease international leaders who were piling pressure on ED and his Government to come up with a dialogue structure.------------Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes in his personal capacity as the Head of Global Institute of Policy Analysis and Research  GIPAR. He is also a leading consultancy in Project Management and he is studying Doctor of Philosophy in Development studies. He holds a B.A and M.A from Solusi University and another M.A from University of Lusaka, Zambia. He holds a certificate in Project Management and he can be contacted at tanteminvestments@gmail.com
Opinion / Columnist

Don Chigumba is a mixed methods research specialist can be found on twitter @Donchigumba

Allegations by the MDC-T spokeswoman Linda Masarira that MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa is secretly training soldiers (possibly in Zambia or Botswana) should not go unchallenged. The allegations appears to conclude that Linda Masarira is a C10 planted by the system to monitor the activities opposition parties. I won't die if Linda is going to be included in the list of individual sanctions by EU this week if committing lies/falsehoods is part of the criteria to identify these unholy individuals. This piece seeks to convince MDC-T party to terminate Linda Masarira immediately and MDC Alliance should take either legal or traditional action against her for treasonous allegations.I don't think Linda Masarira is always speaking on behalf of her party as a spokeswoman. In most cases, she sounded to be speaking on behalf of the system rather that her party. I am surprised as to why action has not been taken against Linda for damaging the reputation of MDC-T party. If it is true that MDC is training soldiers outside the country, Thokozani Khupe and Orbert Gutu should be responsible because they were key figures during the late Morgen Tsvangirai's regime. It is Khupe who remained with MDC-T name when Nelson Chamisa formed MDC Alliance, the implication is that, Khupe, Gutu and Linda are now in charge of the soldiers being trained secretly outside the country.It was not possible for Nelson Chamisa's MDC Alliance to organize the training of soldiers outside the country because he took over leadership during the time of campaigning and his party was broke to fund such activities. After all Nelson Chamisa is a foot soldier of Jesus Christ. Linda Masarira and his MDC-T should be hold accountable to these allegations of training soldiers outside the country. The MDC-T leadership should take action against Linda now. If they can't do that, their party will be in jeopardy soon.Giving Linda Masarira a position of a spokesperson is not different from giving a baboon a whistle. She is always making a lot of blunders on reporting, she lacks not only wisdom but also humility and composure. Linda is a political/spy garbage, giving her such a big post is a political blunder. MDC-T is performing badly in terms of public relations (PR) because of Linda. Thokozani Khupe should be very careful unless if she is a C10 as well.I am now convince from the actions of Obert Gutu and Linda Masarira that MDC-T is now a wing of the system. Herald and other ZANU PF propaganda links cannot spend 24 hour without quoting Gutu or Linda. I am also not going to be surprised if Gutu is going to be on the EU's list of devils. There are also allegations that, the incarceration/jailing of Linda was stage managed just like what has been happening with the former Chairperson of Vendors' Association (who is now hibernating possibly enjoying the profits awarded to him).Linda Masarira is a threat not only to democracy but also to the survival of opposition parties in Zimbabwe. Therefore, all political parties should be careful when working with her, she is a woman on mission. Linda created fictitious allegations against the innocent Rashid Mahiya and fled to South Africa claiming that her life was in danger. She set a C10 trap to Rashid Mahiya but we all know that Rashid Mahiya is innocent. Time will tell.
Opinion / Columnist

Misunderstanding or mischief

Narrow and selfish interests

Not serious about the national dialogue

The reality on the ground

President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with the 2018 presidential election candidates at State House on 6 February to lay the ground work for national dialogue, which is aimed at forging unity in order to face the challenges that the country is facing as a united front. The MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa was conspicuous by his absence despite his recent shrill atttention-seeking calls for dialogue. Chamisa mistakenly thought that the event was only for himself since he thinks that the Zimbabwean opposition and, indeed, the whole of Zimbabwe revolves around him.Chamisa cited reasons such as the neutrality of the venue and the convenor of the meeting as his reasons for not attending. It is clear that he either does not understand the nature and objectives of the national dialogue or his is mischievously seeking to abuse it to recover the power which the Zimbabwean electorate denied him on 30 July last year. He seems to be misconstruing the President's call for national dialogue as an invititation to settle what he terms President Mnangagwa's illegitimacy.The President has no illegitimacy issue to discuss as he won his term fair and square, a fact which was announced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and confirmed by the Supreme Court in August 2018. Given this background Chamisa's actions are what the young would term "kurasa kunyepera network (pretending to have lost one's marbles as a strategy to win or get something)."Chamisa's insistence on the President meeting conditions such as using a neutral venue exposes his selfishness. A few months ago when one of his deputies, Elias Mudzuri attended a Parliamentary event at the State House, the latter was booed by his fellow senior party members such as Kuwadzana legislator, Chalton Hwende for attending "a ZANU PF event." Realising that going to the State House would invite subdued scorn among his inner circle, Chamisa chose to preserve his personal prode at the expense of national unity.Going by Chamisa's utterances, it is clear that what he wants is dialogue between him and the President. In September, last year President Mnangagwa made it clear that he would not just speak with one political party or politician."Zimbabwe is not owned by one political party or by one individual, anyone who can add value to the well-being of our country is welcome to the table," he said.In his own words, Chamisa wants to resolve the creature of his own mind - the legitimacy crisis - and discuss electoral reforms but everyone knows that what he is really looking to achieve is to come to an agreement for a national transitional authority (NTA) or a government of national unity (GNU) to accommodate him and his senior members into government.What he is forgetting is that the circumstances that brought together his late predecessor, Morgan Tsvangirai and former President Robert Mugabe in 2009 are different from the current scenario so simply disputing an election result does not bring about a GNU. Mugabe had won power through the 27 June 2008 run off election which Tsvangirai had pulled out of citing violence. President Mnangagwa won in an election whose pre-election season was characterised by peace and the opening of the democratic space, allowing Chamisa to chalk up over 80 rallies mostly in rural areas which were no-go areas before the new dispensation. Realising that he could not wave the violence card, Chamisa is now using charges of a stolen election to get into power but the stakeholders who matter most such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) have refused to buy the trash.Following the State House meeting, which Chamisa rebuffed, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) organised a churches dialogue prayer meeting which was held the following day at the Harare International Conference Centre. It has since emerged that Chamisa's wife, Sithokozile is the ZCC Co-ordinator and is strongly suspected to have facilitated the bankrolling of the meeting to enable Chamisa to indulge his pettiness by holding a counter dialogue meeting. This also demonstrated that he is not interested in dialogue for the nation's sake but to advance his own selfish agendas.To President Mnangagwa dialogue for national unity and national prosperity is not an afterthought that crossed his mind after Chamisa's goat-headed insistence on the non-existent "stolen election" and "legitimacy crisis." When he came onto power in November 2017, he invited the opposition and other stakeholders to join him and his Government in rebuilding the country which had been riven by polarisation for nearly two decades. Even the "freedom of the rural areas" which Chamisa enjoyed was part of the President's measures to ensure a free democratic environment ahead of the election.Following his poll victory, the President on 3 August 2018, maintained his inclusiveness by inviting Chamisa to work with him fostering peace and unity for the country's progress."To Nelson Chamisa I want to say, you have a crucial role to play in Zimbabwe's present and its unfolding future, let us both call for peace and unity," Chamisa however, spurned the invitation.President Mnangagwa was not daunted. On 21 September 2018, he indicated his Government's intention to create the position of Leader of the Opposition in parliament, a position which borrows from the British and Commonwealth. Chamisa initially responded by promising to evaluate the President's offer but before the latter could make a formal offer, the opposition leader rejected it.His spokesman Nkululeko Sibanda revealed that Chamisa wanted dialogue which would follow his own template that he termed a five-point plan. "We have a five-point plan for a national dialogue that would help boost confidence in our political processes and in our economy; the problem is if (President) Mnangagwa does not listen," said Sibanda. The 6 February State House meeting provided Chamisa with an opportunity to sell his five-point plan but he squandered it.It is clear that Chamisa is not sincere about the national dialogue. He, however, should know that while it is his constitutionally-guaranteed right to fantasise about exploiting the process to land himself some form of power to silence his restive and impressionable youths, merely creating a non-existent legitimacy crisis does not cause one to exist. Wishes for a crisis cannot translate onto a crisis. He has sold the world the "stolen election" story for nearly seven months now and no one has taken him seriously.Whatever machinations he may organise with the ZCC, other like-minded organisations and embassies, one truth cannot be wished away - that President Mnangagwa won the 30 July polls and that he is the President of Zimbabwe. Therefore, whatever Chamisa thinks of himself, he cannot drive the national dialogue or dictate how it should be held. That he came second in the poll does not make him a special stakeholder.He is a dyed-in-wool disciple of the Kenyan opposition figure, Raila Odinga from whom he even copied the silly and illegal self-inauguration. He should also borrow Odinga's unpopular-but-great decision to bury the hatchet for the good of the nation. After all, one cannot be fighting from August 2018 to July 2023.
Opinion / Columnist

Zimbabwe has sixteen official languages set out in section six of the Zimbabwe Constitution. In terms of that esteemed document our country is a Christian nation. It respects Christian values and upholds Christian milestones such as monogamy, marriage, right to life and many other values. The preamble to our constitution expressly stipulates that:"We the people of Zimbabwe, United in our diversity by our common desire for freedom, justice and equality, and our heroic resistance to colonialism, racism and all forms of domination and oppression, Exalting and extolling the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives during the Chimurenga / Umvukela and national liberation struggles, Honouring our forebears and compatriots who toiled for the progress of our country, Recognising the need to entrench democracy, good, transparent and accountable governance and the rule of law,Reaffirming our commitment to upholding and defending fundamental human rights and freedoms, Acknowledging the richness of our natural resources,Celebrating the vibrancy of our traditions and cultures,Determined to overcome all challenges and obstacles that impede our progress,Cherishing freedom, equality, peace, justice, tolerance, prosperity and patriotism in search of new frontiers under a common destiny,Acknowledging the supremacy of Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies,Resolve by the tenets of this Constitution to commit ourselves to build a united, just and prosperous nation, founded on values of transparency, equality, freedom, fairness, honesty and the dignity of hard work,And, imploring the guidance and support of Almighty God, hereby make this Constitution and commit ourselves to it as the fundamental law of our beloved land"Our Chimurenga imvukela was fought for our freedom. It united us in our quest for freedom and democracy. It brought one man one vote. A systematic method of political contestation which was popular in the 1970s to the 1980s and widely touted as the epitome of democracy and good governance. This model of contestation failed to give us economic freedom. It did not assist us to redistribute our land equally. In short, we had to wrestle it from a small white minority and restore it to the black majority, it had been violently seized from. Violence is abhorrent, it begets violence. It is never an answer. The use of unorthodox means, that of using violence lost us the high moral ground as the deserving survivors of historical and colonial imbalances. It has earned us the ire and condemnation of our colonial masters.Who then in the typical Bible verses sword style invoked the sword of international condemnation and restrictive economic measures, the infamous Zimbabwe Democracy Recovery Act of 2001?We fast forward to August 2018. We have a government that spends beyond its means. The fiscal indiscipline that prevails continue to see our nation importing trinkets that doesn't benefit the man in the street. The internal party factionalism that has characterised the ruling political party after the elections has seen a divided government that appears to be pulling in different directions.Across the political divide we have an opposition that is bereft of an ideological foundation that can be sold to the people of Zimbabwe as an alternative narrative. An opposition that is more interested in joining the fast diminishing gravy train.So, where are we as Zimbabwe. Our beloved Zimbabwe dollar was killed by us, by our former colonial masters who even now want to return and show us who is boss. As citizens, do we know that there is no greater advertisement for a country than the images on its national currency. Consider the Victoria Falls, the balancing rocks of Epworth, the Kariba Dam, a cheeky tsuromangen'a on a five-cent coin to remind us of ngano dzatsuro nagudo that we were all raised on. Consider all the images on all currencies or pseudo currencies that we have ever had.Then consider Queen Elizabeth's head on the pound sterling, Benjamin Franklin on the USD and his significance in American history. Consider a South African using the Rand and how proudly South African it makes them feel. Then consider other African countries who have joined the rand monetary union and subjected their own currencies to the South African Rand as if that's not humiliating enough.Consider, a Zimbabwean using not only the USD but a basket of currencies. Who feels nothing when looking at an image of Benjamin Franklin? Imagine using the currency of the country who's so called restrictive economic measures is compounding your misery as a person. A country robbing you of your dignity, your pride, all in your name contributing to your decimation as a people.To bring you democracy. Human rights. Good leaders who love you and your country so much they beg your former coloniser to increase your misery so that when elections come around again. If you still alive. You will vote RIGHT.So, our national pride as a people, black, white, Indian, Ndebele, Venda, Chewa or Shona, our collective psyche, as a people, born in the house of stone. It has been so eroded such that it no longer exists. We are happy as long as we get paid. We are willing to lie, beg, steal, cheat and sell our mothers for some foreign currency.Who amongst us is willing to lie, beg, cheat, borrow or die for Zimbabwe? Not me! Those who died to liberate us from oppression died and they are not coming back ever. Why should I be a martyr and die for all of you? Why should I make sacrifices when you are pouring sand into every effort to free Zimbabwe from the tentacles of neo colonialism?Why should I die for you so that you can mortgage our country to our former political but current oppressors?Why should I cry when I remember that some people way back then were raped, murdered and extinguished for daring to resit marauding hordes of so-called settlers with divine right on their side, the bible in the left hand and the gun in the right. I turned the other cheek. I am born again. I forgave them. But dear God, can I not have just one little thing to remind my future progeny, my descendants. That they are Zimbabwean, maybe not proudly so at the moment. This generation is taking a beating.But tomorrow, what will be left of us to show future Zimbabweans that we fought a good fight. In our lifetime. To remember who we are. Mari inechitema. Money is the root of all evil. My case is we should bring our own currency. It identifies who we are as a nation. It divides us because we all want it to have value, but currently that value is non-existent. I will end with a stanza from our national anthem, our anthem, our flag, our constitution, our own currency, our Zimbabwe. Bring back our Zimbabwe dollar.Mwari ropafadzai nyika yeZimbabwe, Nyika yamadzitateguru edu tose;Kubva Zambezi kusvika Limpopo, Navatungamiri vave nenduramo;Ngaikomborerwe nyika yeZimbabwe.This is an emotive piece, it is not about statistics or economics or the United Nations or the International Criminal Court. It is about a country, once proud, now lost, no bearings, no moral compass, its citizens have lost their patriotism. Their sense of pride in themselves. They have no confidence in their leaders in the land of their birth. We don't carry our flag everywhere, but we surely carry currency in our wallets wherever we go.
Opinion / Columnist

Victor Bhoroma is business and economic analyst. He is a marketer by profession and holds an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). For feedback, mail him on vbhoroma@gmail.com or alternatively follow him on Twitter @VictorBhoroma1.



Air Zimbabwe was placed under reconstruction on 4 October 2018 after operating for over 51 years in the skies. The airline has debts of over $350 million that are weighing down any restructuring exercise or potential bids. Before the airline was placed under reconstruction, losses averaged $2 million per month and fleet age averaged 30 years. In 1980 Air Zimbabwe had a fleet of 18 planes that serviced over 30 destinations locally, regionally and internationally. Passenger numbers averaged 900 000 to 1 million per year from 1980 to 1998. Fast forward to 2019, only one plane is functional from the 6 planes remaining and passenger numbers fall below 200 000 per annum. As if that was not enough for the troubled airline, flights had to be suspended temporarily from 11 to 15 January 2019 to afford the only functioning plane (Boeing 767-200ER) to go for maintenance. The nation can only imagine revenues that the airline could make from the 2.7 million tourist arrivals that touched on Zimbabwean Airports in 2018.The government has of late resorted to charting private jets and booking its executive in competitor airlines for business trips abroad. A few competitor airlines that ply the local routes have taken over the Zimbabwean skies and now command massive market share in the region. The government recently announced that it will acquire 4 Boeing 777 planes from Malaysia and 1 Embraer aircraft from the US at unspecified prices after the reconstruction exercise. This comes after a $70 million deal to buy the same 4 planes under Zimbabwe Airways was abandoned last year. However, questions remain on whether Air Zimbabwe can be run profitably with the government in total control and how Air Zimbabwe can be turned around.Historically, the aviation industry has never seen any company declare profits consistently over a sustained period as observed in other sectors such as energy, technology, banking, automobiles and mining. The aviation industry has proved that no company can create long term sustainable competitive advantage over others. From the year 2000 to 2010, at least 3 legacy airlines (Delta, American and United) filed for bankruptcy in USA alone, joining Northwest, Continental and Eastern Airlines that had gone down the same route. Very few national airlines make revenues that cover their massive operating costs and the African continent is no exception. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that Africa's airlines are expected to continue making a combined loss of $100 million in 2018, the same as 2017. Africa as a whole only has about 2% of global passenger traffic.Today, there are only three major sub-Saharan intercontinental airlines i.e. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways. The only profitable one is Ethiopian Airlines (not managed by the government) which made a profit of $233 million in 2018 and has a fleet size of 108 planes. The rest incur millions of losses yearly and rely on government bailouts for survival. In South Africa, the government has pumped millions to save South African Airways (SAA) in the last 10 years to no avail. Even though SAA has a fleet of 68 planes, cumulative losses from 2011 to 2018 exceed $1.7 billion. Air Tanzania and Kenyan Airways face the same hurdles in terms of debt and losses despite boasting of large fleet sizes for economies of scale. Other African national airlines such as Air Gabon, Air Burundi, Air Congo, Air Togo, Cameroon Airlines, Zambian, Ghana, Nigerian, Lesotho and Ugandan Airways liquidated several years back and opened up their skies for private competition.Air Zimbabwe plays a critical role in facilitating business, international trade and tourism in Zimbabwe while carrying the pride of the nation, however the time has come for the government to let go its majority shareholding in the airline. The current reconstruction exercise under the Reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Companies Act Chapter 24:27 should be used to push for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with a few renowned airline operators or investors. It is now imperative to allow private players to independently manage the airline operations for the good of Zimbabwean tourism. Leasing or buying new planes and restructuring the airline while maintaining 100% government ownership may delay the inevitable but cannot prevent it. A partnership allows the government to maintain some level of influence for purposes of national security, infrastructure maintenance, local employment and skills development while benefiting from aviation industry expertise from private investors who are motivated by profits. Only through that can Air Zimbabwe be run profitably and sustainably.
News / National

by Staff reporter

FOR over 37 years, former president Robert Mugabe had remained untouchable as many citizens suffered in silence at the hands of the autocratic leader. But when his rule came to a dramatic end nearly two years ago, Mugabe's world crumbled, leaving him exposed and open to numerous lawsuits, which were not possible to pursue during his time at the helm.With the number of cases before the courts swelling, his legal bill can easily be running into hundreds thousands of dollars.The cases before the courts involve him, his company Gushungo Holdings (Private) Limited as well as his wife Grace.As president, Mugabe amassed wealth and wielded immense power. Many who were wronged by him - rightly or wrongly - licked their wounds in silence during the 37 years he was in power without recourse.But since his resignation following an army intervention, Mugabe, his wife and their companies have been in and out of the courts, defending several litigations, dating back to his time when he was the country's president.The former president could be losing a fortune, through engaging lawyers to defend these cases. Only recently Mugabe's wife, was ordered to pay $278 304 to Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners for representing her in a botched $1,4 million diamond ring deal.In the court case, Grace claimed to have been duped by Lebanese businessman Jamal Ahmed, before approaching the lawyers for them to represent her in 2016. However, the law firm claimed in court that after being represented for two years, Grace did not pay the legal fees, convincing the court to give an order for the money to be paid. While this is a recent development, legal woes against Mugabe started as early as he left office.As president, he enjoyed enormous power and authority and people would always cautiously deal with cases involving him and his family.According to Section 98 of the country's Constitution, a sitting president is immune to prosecution in his personal capacity.The national charter says while in office, the president is not liable to civil or criminal proceedings in any court for things done or omitted to be done in his or her personal capacity."Civil or criminal proceedings may be instituted against a former resident for things done and omitted to be done before he or she became president or while he or she was president."The running of prescription in relation to any debt or liability of the president arising before or during his or her term of office is suspended while he or she remains in office," the Constitution states.Upon leaving office in November 2017, all hell broke loose. In January 2018, he was ordered to vacate Mazowe Smithfield Farm and give way to operations by small-scale miners, who claimed ownership of the same property.In March of the same year, Mugabe through his company Gushungo Holdings, dragged the miners Shepherd Nyazvigo, Bright Mawonga, Mohammed Rezwan Khan and the officer in charge Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Support Unit, demanding to be allowed back to the farm.As if this was not enough, Mugabe's company was also dragged to the High Court in May 2018 for failing to pay over $174 000 for potato seed acquired on credit from Seed Potato Co-op (Private) Limited in 2015. However, Mugabe's company turned the tables against the potato producing company, accusing the firm of breaching a verbal contract entered between the two parties.Mugabe's company in its papers claimed the potato seed that was delivered was substandard and defective and resulted in the company incurring losses instead of profits.During the same month, Mugabe's other company Alpha Omega Dairy (Private) Limited was also in court facing eviction from its offices after it allegedly failed to pay $29 000 for rentals.As the litigation kept coming, in October last year, Mugabe and his wife were again back in court defending an application by three Mazowe farmers who were evicted from Teviotdale Farm in 2009 to pave way for the ex-first family's company Gushungo Holdings (Private) Limited.In their application, the three farmers - Adonia Makombe, Sahungwe Hungwe and Nyika Chifamba - cited Mugabe, his wife Grace, Gushungo Holdings, police commissioner general Godwin Matanga, Lands minister Perrance Shiri and Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema and police chief superintendents only identified as Nhubu and Kunene, as respondents.The three told the court that they grabbed Lot 1A Teviotdale Farm in Mazowe District of Mashonaland Central Province at the height of the land reform programme in 2000 and were given government offer letters in 2009 before being kicked out by police on Mugabe's orders in 2009. They however, demanded Mugabe's eviction from the farm.Last June, Mugabe's son Chatunga Bellarmine's property was set to be auctioned over a $12 000 debt after he allegedly failed to pay rentals for his butchery business in Chitungwiza. According to court papers, Chatunga was to lose various items that include a fusion small plasma television set, office chair, office desk, one plastic chair, one small chair, one small broken chair, one small table, three display fridges, a c40 deep freezer, two tables, a computer till, meat cutter, a working table and a generator. While the whole family seemed to be enjoying immunity based on their father's position during his tenure in office, the diplomatic veil has since been lifted.This include the diplomatic immunity initially applied on Grace in South Africa, after she assaulted a model in Johannesburg in 2017.At the time when the incident took place, the South African government granted Grace diplomatic immunity, allowing her to leave South Africa.The immunity was however, scrapped last July by the court.South African police last December issued an arrest warrant against the former first lady for attacking the model - Gabriella Engels - using an electrical extension cord at an upmarket hotel in the business district of Sandton where the Mugabes' two sons were staying.
News / National

by ZimLive

MDC deputy chairman Tendai Biti was fined $200 by a court in Harare on Monday after he was convicted of falsely declaring an election victory for his party leader Nelson Chamisa in July last year.Prosecutors had asked Harare magistrate Gloria Takundwa to give Biti a custodial sentence.With Chamisa watching proceedings from the gallery, Takundwa sentenced Biti to a $200 fine on the first count of announcing results before the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and a suspended six-month jail term on the second count of declaring Chamisa the winner.Biti "presented his announcement as authentic and his actions had potential to undermine the official announcement by ZEC," the magistrate ruled."The accused announced that they (MDC-Alliance) had results that showed that the next president of Zimbabwe is Nelson Chamisa at which time ZEC had not finished collating results. Evidence from the State's four witnesses was not discredited. The accused in his testimony said he held a press conference to compel ZEC to quickly announce results. The intention of the Act is to prevent such behaviour exhibited by the accused which undermines the authority of ZEC," the magistrate said.Jonathan Murombedzi, for the prosecution, had asked the magistrate to jail Biti for a total of 12 months  six for each count."A custodial sentence will meet justice while a fine will trivialise the matter," the prosecutor said.Alec Muchadehama, for Biti, said the former finance minister was a first offender and a fine would suffice.In the end, Takundwa fined the politician and gave him a suspended six-month jail term on condition of good behaviour. He is not to commit a similar offence within five years.Biti's trial heard that a day after voting on July 31 last year, he called a press conference at which he declared that from returns seen by their agents at voting centres, Chamisa had won the election. He called on ZEC to release election results which he said would confirm his assertions.ZEC did not announce the final results until the early hours of August 4 by which time riots had broken out in Harare, and the army deployed. Six people were killed and 35 others were shot, an inquiry concluded by the military and police.Zanu-PF's Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the elections held on July 30, 2018, but the MDC refuses to recognise him as President claiming the result was rigged.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Energy and Power Development Minister Joram Gumbo says his ministry has requested funding, potentially several millions of dollars from Treasury, to start fuel marking to curtail illegal activities such as adulteration and diversion of fuel.These have been identified as partially contributing to fuel shortages rocking the country.The request comes as Zimbabwe, since October last year, has been experiencing acute shortages of fuel after demand surged drastically.Addressing a media briefing in Harare early last week to give an update on the fuel situation, Minister Gumbo said his ministry had requested funding from Treasury to implement fuel marking, as Government moves to resolve challenges in the industry.Secretary for Energy and Power Development Engineer Gloria Magombo said the energy ministry was "looking at about 1,5 cents per every litre that is marked."As such, going by current fuel consumption levels of 2.77 billion litres per year, the ministry would require an average of $41 million to implement the fuel marking programme.However, constrained Treasury is yet to avail the funding given it is running on a shoestring budget due to resource limitations, which saw Finance Minister Mthuli introducing austerity measures to efficiently manage little available finances.Minister Gumbo said consumption of fuel in Zimbabwe had increased drastically from about 1 million litres of petrol and 1,9 million litres of diesel per day in April 2018 to an average 7,6 million litres daily for both petrol and diesel in six months to October 2018, after demand inexplicably sky-rocketed."As a ministry, we have not been able to get funding and we are still negotiating with the ministry of finance so that we can do what we call fuel marking, so we can know that the fuel sold outside or inside the country is our own or is not ours," said Minister Gumbo.The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) is on record saying some unscrupulous individuals misrepresent that fuel is in transit and avoid paying the relevant duties yet the commodity would be destined for domestic consumption.Minister Gumbo indicated that it was possible the sudden huge demand for fuel in the country last year partially stemmed from the arbitrage activities by people who were hoarding the precious commodity and reselling it at higher prices on parallel markets either in or outside the country.This is the reason the Government just more than doubled the prices for both diesel ($1,24 to $3,11/litre) and petrol ($1,49 to $3,31/litre) to make hoarding of fuel for arbitrage, fanned by currency issues in Zimbabwe, less profitable.Minister Gumbo said records existed of some people who were recently arrested in neighbouring Zambia after smuggling 15 tankers worth of fuel from Zimbabwe.Governments and oil companies across the world lose significant amounts of revenue every year as a result of the illegal diversion of low-grade or tax-free transit fuels into premium grade domestic fuels, research findings show.Analysts have also estimated that global demand for petroleum products will increase by 50 percent over the next 20 years, regardless of growing presence of electric vehicles.And as the oil industry expands and prices of petroleum products increase, the threat from people seeking to profit from fuel adulteration and illegal trading is projected to grow in tandem.As such, fuel marking can help by deterring illegal trade in fuel and fuel adulteration with substandard products, ensuring government collects appropriate revenues from excise taxes on fuel, protects integrity of automotive and heating fuels- thereby increasing the confidence of consumers.Further, the fuel marking strategy can help in protecting vehicles by ensuring the correct quality of fuel and preventing the illegal import of no or low-tax products and the dumping of transit, export or subsidised fuels in the country.Zimbabwe consumed almost 480 million more litres of petrol and diesel in six months between June and November last year compared to the same period in 2017, representing a staggering 77 percent increase, at an additional foreign currency cost of more than US$200 million.And in the period to October 2018, the country imported US$1,8 billion worth of fuel, which is the single biggest consumer of hard currency.What is, however, intriguing is that the significant growth in fuel consumption, especially diesel, has not been matched by marked improvement in economic activity, raising questions about whether the demand is genuine or artificial.This is because while official statistics show similar growth in the consumption of diesel and petrol, this discounted explanations around more personal use or more people driving to work for the huge jump in consumption.A high percentage of diesel fuel is used by commercial entities than by private commuters. Thus one would expect a close correlation between diesel consumption and economic growth.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The number of soldiers at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has increased amid indications that civilian prosecutors are being relegated do to minor tasks, raising fears of the militarisation of the critical institution in the justice delivery system.Since he took over as acting prosecutor-general last year, Kumbirai Hodzi allegedly embarked on a purge of civilian law officers with more than 80 of them having been relegated to the periphery and replaced them with soldiers.Insiders said the changes had compromised the justice delivery system as shown by a recent controversial case involved security agents that the NPA was allegedly trying to sweep under the carpet.Last week Hodzi allegedly refused to prosecute a team of security agents made up from the Military Intelligence, Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and the police's internal security who were accused of robbing a shebeen in Harare's Mbare suburb.The 10-member team of the armed robbers were arrested on Monday and spent a night at Harare Central Police Station.However, Hodzi allegedly refused to prosecute them on the basis that they were on a mission to deal with opposition supporters who were accused of orchestrating violence during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions stay away.Police documents from Harare Central and NPA indicate that the crew robbed Norah Kandawasvika a shebeen owner along Mangwende Street in Mbare on February 8 while armed with assault rifles.They took away $2 800 in bond notes and $100 hard currency before fleeing the crime scene using a Nissan NP 300 registration, AEA 4471 and a Datsun Go without registration numbers.The vehicles were linked to the CIO and the police were ready to have the matter prosecuted.But after Kandawasvika reported the matter to the police leading to the arrests, her husband who is believed to be a soldier was allegedly assaulted by suspected MI operatives and is believed to be detained at a military cell.According to the documents, the gang included, Pride Ziwenga, Wilson Masvayamwando, and Admire Gasva (all MI operatives), Matthews Tshuma, Fidel Marume and Simbarashe Bwititi (CIO); Henry Banda (PISI) and Dennis Muroyiwa (ZRP Law and Order).A police sergeant Wellington Mushosho who was accused of being part of the gang appeared before a Harare magistrate separately.Sources said Hodzi indicated that the matter would proceed by way of summons as he was shielding the security agents from publicity and avoided exposing how the military abused civilians under the disguise of maintaining law and order."Senior prosecutors are now taking orders from the guys from the military. In fact, the trained lawyers are now concentrating on set down of cases and vetting them only. The real work at the courts is now being done by soldiers who do not know the law," said a source within the NPA."Most prosecutors handling cases involving public violence at Harare magistrates courts are soldiers. All matters that are sensitive are held by this team hence the matter could not proceed."The NPA is a constitutional body which institutes criminal proceedings on behalf of the state and it must be manned by trained lawyers.For years, it had relied on police and army members to act as prosecutors while trained law officers would focus on complicated matters mostly at the higher courts.The militarisation of the NPA, has strained relations between the security personnel and civilians who are against the command-style administration now in place at the body.Attempts to get a comment from Hodzi failed as he was not picking up calls and he did not respond to text message sent to him on Friday.Justice ministry secretary Virginia Mabhiza said the government was in the process of removing soldiers from the NPA."The matter is still pending at the Constitutional Court but as government we would want the NPA to be manned by civilians," she said. "We would want the NPA to be demilitarised and I understand the NPA has started doing that."Meanwhile, human rights lawyers have condemned the continued secondment of the members of the military to the NPA saying such actions destroy the administration of justice.Prominent human rights lawyer Alec Muchadehama said they had complained about the militarisation of state institutions and hiring of underqualified prosecutors from the military will not help the administration of justice."Some of the members of the security forces are not qualified," he said."We have been complaining about the militarisation of state institutions and this is not good for our justice system because if we see them in courts we start thinking the courts are now being run from the barracks."The prosecutor must be independent, free from any influence. We have been complaining of selective application of law and prosecution. Military personnel who are seconded to the NPA are easy to be influenced."They cannot take orders from the NPA as opposed to their boss and this will create a conflict of interests."Politician and lawyer Job Sikhala said the influx of soldiers at the NPA was worrying as it compromised the justice delivery system.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa says mini-power grids based on solar energy are the solution to Africa's energy problem.Masiyiwa made the prediction at a global conference of investors in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates."The technology for solar power and battery storage has reached a stage where the cost and capability will deliver power to all within a generation."Twenty-five years from now, it will be difficult to find anyone in Africa who does not have access to power because of the profound technological solutions that make it possible for entrepreneurs to solve this problem," Masiyiwa said.He reminded his audience that 25 years ago when cellphones were being rolled out for the first time, less than 1% of people in Africa had access to a telephone."Today, 75% of the people have a cellphone, with some countries now recording over 100% penetration. Fifty percent of the African population will be connected to the internet within 10 years. Would you have believed this was possible in 1993?"With renewable energy solutions, we are at the same point as cellphones in 1993. The technology is available, and what remains now are visionary entrepreneurs backed by real capital."He said cellphones were rolled out by private sector companies, and not by state enterprises, and that the same would happen with power, if policymakers and regulators allowed it."This is not the time to protect failing state power companies. It is time to allow the private sector and entrepreneurs to solve the problem," he said.The Econet Group has launched two solar businesses, DPA Solar Africa, which builds solutions for large industrial and commercial customers, and its latest business, Ugesi Solar, which provides residential and communal power solutions.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Speculation that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is readying itself to reintroduce the demonitised local currency gained momentum last week when former Finance minister Tendai Biti tweeted that the government was about to revive the Zimbabwe dollar.Denials by the government have failed to calm the market as Zimbabweans continue to bear the brunt of a currency crisis that worsened following the introduction of bond notes in 2016.RBZ governor John Mangudya (JM) yesterday told our senior reporter Xolisani Ncube (XN) that he does not see Zimbabwe introducing its own currency in the next 12 months because the economic fundamentals were not yet in place.Mangudya also spoke about the alleged rift between him and Finance minister Mthuli Ncube caused by disagreements over currency reforms. Below are excerpts from the interview.XN: What is your comment on reports of a fallout between you and the Finance minister Mthuli Ncube over the monetary policy statement, resulting in delays in its delivery?JM: There is no fallout between the minister, Honourable Professor Ncube, and myself as alleged.The whole story is all fiction and fake news of the highest magnitude. The meeting that is alleged to have taken place between officials from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, including myself, with the minister never took place, which means everything else that was alleged to have happened at the non-existent meeting is fiction meant to confuse the market for reasons better known to the so-called "reliable sources". I don't stoop that low.XN: If that is the case, what has caused the delay in the presentation of the monetary policy statement which you once indicated was due early this month?JM: There is no delay in the presentation of the monetary policy statement. The last one was done on October 1, 2018.I am quite aware that the market is waiting for the statement in view of the need to ensure that the economy remains competitive.We shall soon advise the public of the date for the presentation of the statement. The idea that we have delayed is being peddled by people with an agenda only known to themselves.XN: How about reports that the delays are being caused by disagreements over the pending re-introduction of a local currency? Have you made any plans to re-introduce the Zimbabwe dollar?JM: No, not at all. I read that from the newspapers and social media. It is fake news again.XN: Do you think it is feasible to introduce a local currency in the next 12 months considering that the state of the economy remains poor?JM: Economic fundamentals need to be right before introducing our local currency. We also need social cohesion. People must be prepared to accept it for it to succeed. So we need those to be in place and we are working on ensuring that we deal with the fundamentals. We can then start to talk about the introduction of a local currency.XN: Considering that your tenure as RBZ governor is about to come to an end, what would you consider to be your biggest achievements and failures?JM: I believe that I did my best by modestly working for the economy under very difficult exogenous geopolitical conditions and sanctions on the country.The sanctions have three layers (which is) Zidera (US' Zimbabwe Democracy and Recovers Act), Ofac (US's Office of Foreign Assets Control) and Agoa (United States' Africa Growth and Opportunity Act). Access to foreign finance under these conditions becomes very difficult, more so, for a dollarised economy like Zimbabwe that depends on access to foreign finance.XN: Do you ever regret introducing the bond notes in light of the fact that their introduction worsened foreign currency shortages and did not solve cash shortages as was anticipated?JM: No, not at all. The introduction of bond notes did not worsen foreign currency shortages. That's a myth and fiction.Bond notes were introduced to monetise the export incentive scheme, which greatly assisted the growth in exports over the past three years by an average of 25% per year.Cushioning exporters by between 5% and 20% is meant to make exporters competitive and to increase foreign currency generation.That policy cannot, therefore, cause shortages of foreign currency. In fact, the opposite is true.The country needs to increase production and productivity across all the sectors of the economy in order to increase and conserve foreign currency.XN: During your time as governor, the RBZ has signed deals with Afreximbank worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Why are the terms of these deals kept a secret if they are transparent and meant to help Zimbabwe?JM: All the facilities granted to Zimbabwe by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) were done transparently in line with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act.The facilities have greatly benefited Zimbabwe at the hour of need.XN: If you are given a fresh term as RBZ governor, what would you do differently?JM: The role of the governor of RBZ as enshrined in the RBZ Act is to safeguard price and financial sector stability, I would do that as required by the law and I am doing it.XN: Has the recent fuel price increase eased the pressure on the RBZ in terms of sourcing for foreign currency?JM: The increase in the price of fuel indeed eased pressure on foreign exchange demand and on arbitrage opportunities.We had a lot of exploiting of the price to the detriment of the economy.The price of fuel was undervalued compared to its value across the region and this caused the pressure on us.XN: For how long will the RBZ maintain the 1:1 rate between the US dollar and the bond notes given the fact that the market has rejected this notion?JM: The purpose of the export incentive scheme was to provide a premium to exporters so that they continue to increase foreign currency earnings required to maintain the 1:1 parity and I think we are doing that.As I said, I believe the export incentive has helped us increase our foreign currency earnings and maintain the 1:1 parity.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is not feeling well and is currently receiving medical attention, President Mnangagwa has said.Zanu-PF's Second Secretary resultantly missed yesterday's Meet the People Rally in Mwenezi.The party's national chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, also failed to make it as she gone for a routine medical check-up following last year's bombing incident in Bulawayo.Addressing a well-attended rally, President Mnangagwa said the two members of the party's presidium were receiving treatment."As you can see, I have only Vice President Kembo Mohadi to assist me, the other Vice President, General Chiwenga, is not feeling well. So that is why he is not with us here. We thought it would be important to officially make this announcement because these are our senior Politburo members."The national chairman (national chairperson Muchinguri-Kashiri) is also not here. She had to receive her regular treatment for the injuries she suffered during the bomb explosion."When the bombing incident happened in Bulawayo, Chinomona and Vice President Mohadi also got injured, but it's good that we have them here."Zanu-PF secretary for administration Dr Obert Mpofu was delegated by the party to attend the funeral of the late national hero Callistus Ndlovu, who died last week."Our flag is flying at half-mast because yesterday we conferred national hero status to Callistus Ndlovu. I have sent Mpofu to Bulawayo to confer my condolence message to the family of the deceased."
News / National

by Staff reporter

A VILLAGE head from Jambezi who allegedly turned a 25-year-old mentally challenged woman into a sex slave has been dragged to court facing rape charges.Walter Ncube (43) of Monde Village who is a village head under Chief Mvuthu told Hwange regional magistrate, Mr Collet Ncube that contrary to the rape allegations, he was in a love affair with the woman and the sexual encounters were consensual.He, however, claimed ignorance on the complainant's state of mind."Accused had sexual intercourse with complainant who was his girlfriend with her full consent. He had no knowledge that the complainant was mentally incompetent as they agreed to have sexual intercourse as lovers. It came as a surprise when he was told by the complainant's aunt that she was mentally ill and on medication after they had had a relationship for quite sometime because the complainant appeared normal to him," his lawyer, Mr Givemore Mvhiringi of Mvhiringi and Associates Legal Practitioners told the court.According to the State led by Mrs Charlene Gorerino on a date and time unknown but in May last year, Ncube proposed love to the complainant and she turned down his proposal. On 10 June 2018 he proceeded to the woman' place of residence and asked her aunt to allow him to take the woman to Victoria Falls.Later that day at around 10pm, on the way back from Victoria Falls, Ncube drove his vehicle to a nearby bush in Monde where he parked it. He went on to order the woman to lie facing upwards, before allegedly raping her. From then on Ncube allegedly continued having sexual intercourse with the woman on different occasions several times without her consent until August last year when she ran away.This was after realisation that the village head continued to abuse her and that her aunt was failing to protect her even though she informed her about the abuse. She would later reveal the ordeal to her uncle who then encouraged her to report the matter to the police leading to Ncube's arrest. Ncube will learn his fate on 26 February after the matter was remanded for judgement.
News / National

by Staff reporter

DICTATORIAL tendencies by the MDC-Alliance has once again come to fore after and a member of the party's MDC Veterans Activists Association suspended its deputy treasurer-general on allegations of challenging the "authority" of party president, Mr Nelson Chamisa on television.Sunday News is in possession of a letter addressed to Mr Edwin Dzambara notifying him of his suspension as deputy treasurer-general following his remarks on ZBCtv where he said Mr Chamisa was no more than an ordinary member of the MDC-Alliance."Dear Mr E Dzambara, be informed forthwith that the National Executive of VAA has suspended you (Mr Edwin Dzambara) from your deputy treasurer's post of the same, for denigrating the MDCVAA patron, who doubles as the MDC party president, Advocate Nelson Chamisa, for reasons best known to yourself.Yesterday, the 15th you instantly, appeared (with known rebels, anti-MDC people, among them a Webber Chinyadza) on ZTV castigating the MDC president and the MDC party without a justifiable cause. To protect the organisation, VAA has therefore, relieved you, instantly, of your VAA post as its DTG. With immediate effect, disciplinary hearing proceedings are underway on the said charges, and you will be given a fair chance to be heard and to explain/ defend yourself at a date to be informed," read part of the letter.VAA national deputy chairperson Mr Felix Mafa confirmed the suspension."VAA believes in the freedom of speech and all human rights. Leader Edwin Dzambara has a right to his opinions, however, he should first discuss his reservations with his executive not in collaboration with MDC and president Chamisa political adversaries. He alleges that president Chamisa is just a card carrying MDC member contrary to VAA and MDC, the mainstream, said Mr Mafa.Mr Chamisa is reportedly facing strong opposition to the post. The party is set to hold its congress later this year to elect new office bearers but Mr Chamisa has been reportedly purging those against his leadership so that he is re-elected.
News / National

by Staff reporter

BULAWAYO residents this weekend went through a further 24-hour water shedding period, adding on to the 48-hour weekly shedding period as the water situation in the city continues to deteriorate.Although the Bulawayo City Council continues to insist that their shedding period is 48 hours a week, the city's Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube released a statement where he announced that residents will this weekend go through further 24-hour shedding regime as reservoir levels remained critically low.This is the second week in the last three weeks the local authority has had to shed a further 24 hours, meaning residents will go for a total of 72 hours without water."The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public that council will continue shedding water into the weekend on a 24-hour regime. After the weekend, the shedding programme will revert to a 48-hour water shedding programme. This is a result of the low water levels at Criterion Raw Water Reservoir, the city's largest water treatment plant, due to disruption of continuous pumping at Umzingwane and Inyankuni. Council is currently working on the breakdowns at the dams so that raw water pumping is improved. This will enable the city to build on the levels of raw water reservoir which still remain critically low," said Mr Dube.The town clerk said water consumption remains very high despite the shedding programme with consumption between 128 and 135 mega litres a day against a system input of 108 mega litres a day. He urged residents to further adhere to the water rationing allocations to conserve water and avoid penalties. Rationing levels are pegged at 450 litres a day for high density areas while low density areas can use 650 litres a day.Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association acting co-ordinator, Mr Emmanuel Ndlovu took a swipe at the local authority saying the sudden announcement of the extra 24-hour shedding period was going to hugely affect the ordinary resident.Bulawayo is said to be operating with a deficit of four dams as an additional supply dam is supposed to be constructed after every 10 years. The current shortages are said to have been caused by breakdowns in reservoirs which supply the city with water.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ONE of Bulawayo's oldest supermarkets, Haddon and Sly Supermarket has suspended 52 workers with immediate effect for participating in what it called an illegal job action last year, it has been established.Sunday Business is in possession of one of the suspension letters that were sent to the workers."By copy of this letter you are hereby notified of your suspension from employment in terms of the National Employment Council for the Commercial Sector Zimbabwe Code of Conduct with Effect from 4 February 2019 from your position," read the letter from Haddon and Sly Management.The management said the suspensions would be without any salary and benefits."Your suspension is without salary and benefits pending completion of investigating and or disciplinary hearing. You are alleged that on or about 14 to 16 September 2018 you breached group (iii) paragraphs four and six, group (iv) paragraphs five, seven and nine of the NECSZ Code of Conduct," it read."In particular it is alleged that you threatened to harm and or used abusive, offensive, threatening or insulting language against your superiors. You failed or refused without valid cause to obey a lawful instruction given by a person in authority. You willfully committed an act that interfered with the normal operations of the employers business."The letters of suspension further read that the workers were to attend a hearing on 13 February 2019 at Haddon and Sly complex and also informed the workers were entitled to be represented by a person of their choice at the hearing.However, the hearing was postponed twice."The hearing date was first on the 13 of February 2019 but it was moved to 20 February 2019 as they said they were not ready so we are waiting to hear from them," said one of the workers who refused to be named for fear of victimisation.Recently the workers were up in arms with their employer after he had failed to pay them their dues."We agreed to go on two months leave while they were renovating the supermarket and we were to come to work on 21 November 2018 and resume operations by 5 December 2018. When we returned we found that all the stocks that were in the shop warehouse had been removed and the company vehicles that we were using were taken away from us," said the chairman of the workers committee, Mr Tapiwa Tafatata Phiri.The workers have for the past two months been coming to work and spending the day seated in the midst of rubble in the incomplete shop saying they did not want to be found guilty of not reporting for duty.They said they were seeking to engage their employer so that they would be given their dues and terminate their contracts as they felt that they were being taken for a ride. Efforts to get a response from the owner and businessman Mr Deans Chibhanguza were fruitless.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe is adopting a vibrant education system that imparts knowledge, which is suitable for the exploitation of locally available resources for its transformation towards industrialisation and modernisation of the nation.In the same vein, the mantra Zimbabwe is Open for Business is realising the opening up of space for various players to also take part in advancing modern day education through teacher education as well as polytechnic education. Recently, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development approved the operation of Blended Education College of Southern Africa (BECSA) situated in Bulawayo to offer both Teacher Education courses as well as Polytechnic education.BECSA is going to be one of the private teachers' colleges in Zimbabwe, and will be the first institution run by a Private Trust which is BES-Trust Schools whose trustees are seasoned professionals in various areas of specialisation and guided by an advisory council who are respected technocrats. It will open its doors in May, offering a Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Development, ECD and General Course) certificated by the University of Zimbabwe of which BECSA is in a Scheme of Association with.Also on offer are a variety of courses under the HEXCO curriculum. It joins the league of teachers' colleges like United College of Education (UCE), Mkoba Teachers' College, Hillside Teachers' College among others.One of the founding trustees, Mrs Rosemary Sibanda, a doctoral candidate in strategy herself, said she was humbled by the development which took them over two years of compliance working on the requirements such as ministerial approval, licensing and certification."This has been an emotional journey, which had many sacrifices, physical and financial including sleepless nights for the team in order to meet the rigorous criteria of associateship by the Department of Teacher Education which took close to two years. This is a game changer in the education space and the wait has been worthwhile, we have entrusted the operations to players who have experienced the gaps and appreciate what they have to solve."The focus of the college is to produce a technically competent individual with a mindset to create jobs and impact the communities. The college will use incubation hubs for skills development. BECSA is equipped to use blended learning and cutting edge technology in line with global technological trends.The college will spearhead the industrialisation drive through producing a versatile and competent teacher who is technically oriented and innovative. BECSA has the capacity to expose students to the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, mathematics as well as heritage studies.Both the teacher education and polytechnic education offered by the institution will be primarily based on the Heritage philosophy. On the whole, BECSA products will be able to translate their knowledge into goods and services, culminating into socio-economic development," said Mrs Sibanda.She said the college is geared to bring the future of education into reality."It has to start with educational and vocational training. Educators and observers agree that the future conservatory is electronic with a capital E. The imminent is upon us and there is an urgency to undo how things have been done in the past with regard to instruction and learning methods. The imprint is indelible, the time is now.Technology has transformed nearly every area of our lives, including education. In response to technology's impact and the potential to transform education, excelling in eLearning is BECSAs key deliverable and one of the institutions' primary goals. Driven by leadership from the college then enhanced by community involvement and partnership, BECSA has taken a first decisive step towards realising this goal and positions itself as a leader in Blended and Flipped eLearning."National critical skills audit conducted by the Education Ministry, outlines that the gap between the literacy rate and skills level has remained wide as the former is at 94% while the latter is at 38%. The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development has always urged polytechnics and teachers' colleges that they are important protagonists in bridging the gap between literacy rate and skills level."BECSA has the capacity and potential towards achieving the vision of attaining an upper-middle income economy by 2030. BECSA pursues to propel Zimbabwe's education system in order to bring peace, hope and prosperity through its products as desired by the Honorable Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira," said Mrs Sibanda.The institution will pursue electronic learning, or eLearning, which refers to all types of education that leverage technology-based products and services, including but not limited to face-to-face, flipped, hybrid, blended and fully online courses that employ technology."The objective is to cultivate an innovative, collaborative and evolving communities of learning based on the principles of servant-leadership. The college strives to further establish itself as one of the leading higher education institutions excelling at eLearning in the Sadc region and beyond.BECSA believes that everyone deserves to be educated. With support from strategic partner institutions like Eduloan-Fundi, BECSA is able to provide study opportunities for all students as it works together with the community to bridge the knowledge gaps and reduce poverty through education."The institution will provide every student who enrolls for the diploma in teacher education with a laptop from which they upload preloaded study material.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has announced that it is charging $1 for a return trip on its City-Cowdray Park route while its multiple ride ticket has been slashed to $5 from $9.NRZ public relations manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said the new fares are with effect from tomorrow in response to the public's request of accommodating them at all levels of society. Before the latest announcement NRZ was charging $1 per single trip, having recently increased the fare from 50 cents per trip."NRZ would like to report to its valued customers that they are introducing a $1 return ticket, 75 cents ticket for a single trip and $5 for the multiple ride budget ticket which is valid for 10 trips. Since increasing our commuter fare to $1 in the past two weeks, we have received numerous pleas from our valued commuters to reconsider the then proposed fares," he said.Mr Maravanyika said the adjustment in fares was just the parastatal's way of giving back to the community which it serves and not to profit."We are acting as a good corporate hand that supports the community as our duty is to provide affordable transport services to the people despite the current economic challenges we are all facing," he said.Mr Maravanyika said the company was still working on introducing other routes to service most western suburbs within Bulawayo. The Government through Zupco has also introduced more buses to ply urban routes, forcing commuter omnibuses to reduce their fares.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government is aware of a renewed bid by the MDC-Alliance and its allies to relaunch violent demonstrations, and will deal decisively with elements that are hell-bent on making the country ungovernable, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.Addressing a sea of Zanu-PF supporters that attended the ruling party's Thank-You Rally in Rutenga, Masvingo province, yesterday, the Head of State and Government said authorities will bring all those who instigated and stoked the recent violent demonstrations to book."Nyika yedu ye Zimbabwe, vatakabvisira chingwa pamuromo, vachena, havasati varegera kurwisa kuti chingwa chidzoke pamuromo yavo nenzira dzakasiyana."There are puppets that they have been creating in the country that move around preaching violence. We in Zanu-PF want unity and development of our country. If our chiefs preach unity, our churches preach unity and our party Zanu-PF preaches unity, our country will develop; there is nothing that will take us back," said President Mnangagwa."When we went to the AU (African Union) last week, first I had sent some of my members to Sadc countries to brief them on how the violence had erupted in January. Because in areas like Bulawayo, people were moving around telling others that you must engage in violence and anyone who gets arrested will have legal representations and there are lawyers waiting to assist. They were saying there are doctors waiting to treat those that get injured. We are going after those doctors and nurses."Added the President: "Uyo anenge asarudza humhesvamukono, aiwa, takakwana, tosangana naye."Anenge asarudza runyararo nerugare, hallelujah kwaari, mazuva ako ngaavedzegwe munyika inotongwa navatema. Asi avo vakasarudza mhirizhonga, mazuva avo anounyana."The violent protestors, he said, had the audacity to bar people in Harare and Bulawayo from going to work."Vaipisa mabhazi, vachipisa police station nemota dzemapurisa. Makazviona kupi izvozvo?"Ndikati haiwa, aiwa, hatidi violence, pasi nayo. Ndikati masoja pindai munyaradze vanhu avo, vakanyaradzwa, saka tava nerugare. Ikozvino, varikuronga zve kuti vaite mhirizhonga. Aiwa ndirikuudza nyika yose zvayo kuti vasingadi runyararo moita izvozvo moinda kumhirizhonga. Asi vanoda runyararo, garai kudzimba dzenyu titarisane nevanenge vachiita mhirizhonga tigovagadzirisa," he said.He said investigations were in progress to fish out some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that were behind the violence, which claimed six lives and prejudiced businesses of more than $500 million in damages and unrealised earnings."We saw that the January violence that was organised by the MDC-Alliance was being backed by some NGOs. So we are investigating those NGOs that led to the destruction of a lot of properties and looting of businesses."They burnt police cars and killed a police officer. This was organised by the MDC-Alliance as they were fulfilling what they had said during the campaign last year, when we were moving around saying we want free, fair and non-violent elections."Asi ava veMDC-Alliance vaiti tikaita sarudzo idzi tinofanira ku-winner isu, kana tisina ku-winner tichakanda jecha musadza. Ndozvavaireva izvi, mhirizhonga iriko nhasi, ndokukanda jecha musadza."Zvino kune varipano here vanobva kudzimba kwavo vanofarira kuti nyika iva nemhirizhonga? Hapana."Isu mu Zanu-PF ticharamba tichiparidza runyararo. We shall campaign for peace, for peace, for unity ndokuti hurongwa hwedu hwekusimudzira nyika yedu hubudirire."President Mnangagwa thanked the people of Masvingo for not being swayed to participate in the violent demonstrations. Zimbabwe, he said, could only prosper and develop if people were united.The President said the Thank-You rallies were also designed to preach peace and unity. The rally was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, senior Zanu-PF members and Government officials.He added that Government had made significant headway in dealing with various challenges affecting the economy, and has since addressed fuel and wheat challenges, while satisfactory progress has been made in key developmental projects.The President said the progress that was currently being made by Zanu-PF will effectively make opposition political parties irrelevant by 2023. President Mnangagwa said the whole country would be provided with food relief as Government had enough maize stocks.He said fuel shortages had been resolved as it was now readily available, while the country had also begun to take delivery of wheat recently secured from his recent trip to Eurasia. The President added that there was now a deliberate push to develop rural areas as they had lagged behind.The President added that Zimbabweans can bust sanctions through sheer hard work and leveraging on the country's God-given resources. He said despite sanctions, the Second Republic would continue with its re-engagement efforts with the international community to break the jinx of isolation from the global family of nations.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government has begun accepting applications for voluntary retirement from civil servants as authorities move to trim its workforce and reduce costs.Voluntary retirement was identified as one of the means through which Government can contain recurrent expenditure and make savings.Treasury spends an estimated $120 million on salaries each month, which effectively undermines Government capacity to finance capital projects and productive sectors.Workers who are opting to take up voluntary retirement will receive their statutory gratuities and pension benefits.Although our Harare Bureau could not establish the exact number of workers who have applied for retirement, Secretary to the Service Commissions Ambassador Jonathan Wutawunashe said there has been favourable response from civil servants."The commission (Public Service Commission) continues to receive and process applications for voluntary retirement forwarded by heads of ministries."Voluntary retirement is, by its very nature, voluntary, and it is encouraging to see that members who are so inclined are taking serious Government's readiness to facilitate them."At this stage, I cannot offer numbers, which I believe will become more significant as the year progresses beyond January. Those who retire are entitled to their gratuity and pension benefits," said Ambassador Wutawunashe.Last year, authorities budgeted $39 million for severance packages for civil servants who took up the offer to retire voluntarily.From the allocation, $12 million was set aside for retiring employees aged 65 and above, while $17 million was earmarked to pay off 3 188 youth officers whose contracts were terminated last year.Around $8,7 million was meant to cover civil servants who were retired for not possessing requisite qualifications.A civil service audit conducted in 2015 recommended aggressive downsizing of public service workers through abolition of vacant posts, discontinuing free transport services and reduction of allowances paid to student teachers, among other measures.The audit revealed that dominant labour-cost drivers are abusing overtime allowance facilities and leave days, salary fraud, idle manpower, role duplication and unco-ordinated recruitment.According to the auditors, an aggressive cost-cutting exercise would likely to result in annual cost savings of $388 million.More than 158 994 civil servants are on Government's payroll, with about 123 000 (77 percent) employed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.However, a major restructuring exercise, which involves eliminating duplication of roles, abolition of vacant and non-essential posts, redeployment of redundant workers, optimisation of departmental functions and retirement of eligible staff, is presently underway.Posts for clerks, executive officers, typists, data capturers and dark-room assistances have since been abolished.The new structure of Government, which will be aligned to enhanced mandates and functions of ministries and departments will determine the number of civil servants on the payroll.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Government will this year spread its food aid programme to vulnerable households in urban areas, as it moves to cushion residents against the fallout from El Nino-induced dry weather conditions, particularly during the lean season.Agricultural experts usually describe the lean season as the time between the harvest and the first plant of the following cropping season.Food aid is traditionally directed to rural areas, which make up the bulk of the country's population, but this year major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo are expected to benefit.Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza told The Sunday Mail last week that the food relief programme will begin soon."The Lean Season Rapid Assessment report indicates that food and nutrition insecurity extend to the urban population, with 40 percent of this population projected to be incapacitated to meet subsistence food needs. As a food-deficit mitigatory strategy, the Department of Social Welfare has requested for the grain from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement to feed the urban vulnerable groups," said Dr Nzenza."The total grain tonnage required is 1 247.55 metric tonnes (mt), with 612,7 mt and 635 mt requested for Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces, respectively. However, these figures are expected to rise due to the increasing number of urban food-insecure households who require food assistance."Therefore, urban grain distributions will commence as soon as a positive response is received from the respective ministry," she said.The programme is currently ongoing in rural areas.Government reportedly has the capacity to support 1,8-million households in need of food aid countrywide."Distribution of grain is ongoing and at the present moment, it is being done through the District Drought Relief Committees within the respective districts. A total of 602 792 households are currently being reached with a total of 30 139.60 mt of grain per month. However, with the release of the results of the ZimVAC Lean Season Rapid Assessment report for 2019, modalities are being put in place to re-target for increased coverage."It is believed that Matabeleland North (58 percent) and Mashonaland West (56 percent) had the highest proportion of food-insecure households, while Mashonaland Central and Midlands  both at 47 percent  have the lowest.Minister Nzeza said Government will ensure that food distribution is not politicised.Eligibility to the scheme, she said, will largely depend on vulnerability."However, it should be noted that my office is always open to receive reports regarding any challenges in the distribution of grain, including politicisation of grain distribution," she said.Government  which is buoyed by strategic grain reserves that presently stand at 1,1 million metric tonnes  says it has the ability to feed the nation for the next seven months.Development partners such as the World Food Programme are encouragingly also weighing in to enhance the capacity of the food aid programme.Further, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and other development partners have pledged cooking oil, corn soya and cash to food-insecure households.The National Climate Outlook Forum (NACOF) convened last year forecast normal- to below-normal rains in the six-month period through March this year.Zimbabwe is among 25 high-risk countries globally to be negatively affected by El-Nino weather conditions.The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee's 2018 Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report estimates that more than 2,4 million people will be food insecure during the peak 2018-2019 lean season.
News / National

by Staff reporter

HOPES to build bridges between warring camps in one of the biggest churches in Zimbabwe  the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM)  have been dashed as the factions continue counter-plotting against each other despite international mediation to break the stalemate.With over 2 million members countrywide, the AFM has been teetering on the brink of a nasty split after a faction led by Reverend Amon Madawo and another under Rev Cossam Chiyangwa have been fighting over the adoption of a new church constitution.Rev Madawo took over leadership from Rev Aspher Madziyire who had served for 16 years before passing the baton in 2018.The fight erupted after Rev Madziyire initiated a process to reconfigure the AFM constitution to make sure pastors  whether in towns or rural areas  earned the same salary in line with a new grading system.The draft constitution also seeks to limit the collection of "pastors' appreciation" where church members give offerings to the church leader and his spouse.Rev Chiyangwa broke ranks and opposed the constitutional changes.This resulted in the two factions electing parallel leaderships with one led by Rev Madawo and the other siding with Rev Chiyangwa.The legitimacy battle has since spilled into the courts and is yet to be decided.The AFM International led by its president Professor Frank Chikane has been sucked into the cat-fight.Rev Chiyangwa's spokesman Rev Togara Mapingura attacked the Madawo camp for negotiating in bad faith.He said Prof Chikane was determined to break the deadlock starting with a meeting he held with the Madawo faction in December 2018 before meeting Rev Chiyangwa on January 31.Prof Chikane also met the apostolic council, 800 pastors and their spouses belonging to the Chiyangwa group last month, as part of efforts to reunite the fighting church factions.As a preliminary stage for dialogue, the two camps agreed to immediately stop the messy mudslinging and also agreed that no faction should disrupt the other camp's church activities.AFM International also ordered the factions to withdraw pending court cases over the church leadership wrangle.Rev Mapingura said their group was disappointed after the Madawo camp moved to block a Widows Single Mothers Conference (WISMO) last week.Apparently, the Madawo group held its WISMO between January 30 and February 2, 2019 at Rufaro Conference Centre in Chatsworth.The Chiyangwa led executive then decided to host its WISMO on February 7, 2019 at the same venue.This is when all hell broke loose as the Madawo leadership picked a fight by booking the venue for another prayer meeting when they were aware that their counterparts were scheduled to host a widows' conference.Rev Madawo, on February 4, 2019, went behind Rev Chiyangwa's back and sought a High Court order to block the WISMO.As the widows meeting was going on at Rufaro on February 7, 2019, Rev Madawo's camp, which was armed with a court order to stop the meeting, invaded the prayer session to disperse the gathering.This was in violation of an agreement that no camp should disrupt another group's church activities.Rev Chiyangwa then appealed against the High Court decision at the Supreme Court where he won the case to continue with the WISMO.On the same day on February 8, 2019, Rev Madawo approached the High Court seeking a stay of execution which was dismissed.The Chiyangwa widows and singles meeting was then held on Saturday and Sunday under a heavy police presence.This marked the collapse of the dialogue as the factions have continued warring.Rev Mapingura said: "We thought Rev Madawo was genuine but they are plotting against us at a time (when) we are saying let's discuss the matter."We had said they should withdraw the suspension of 400 pastors; withdraw court cases; throw away the draft constitution. This will never happen and it spoils the dialogue."The Chiyangwa camp is infuriated that Rev Madawo will lead a Workers' Council  a decision making body of the church  on Saturday at Rufaro Conference Centre where the draft constitution will be adopted.Rev Madawo told The Sunday Mail that he was not at liberty to discuss the Saturday meeting."Let's talk after 23 February (2019). Otherwise we don't want our issues to be published in newspapers; we want to keep out of the public eye," he said.Rev Madawo said his group was open for dialogue and met with Rev Chikane in South Africa on February 13 and 14."Chiyangwa didn't attend because he's in Ethiopia while his other team members are in Australia. We are setting the ground for dialogue to solve our sticking issues," he said.Rev Mapingura said Rev Chiyangwa was expected to travel to South Africa on February 25, 2019 to meet Prof Chikane.For the past two years, AFM has been divided over the draft constitution and some pastors are quitting the church in droves to start new ministries.Fist-fights have been captured on videos which went viral in 2018 as the AFM factions battle for the control of the mega church.Some pastors are fighting for the control of assets as they claim to have sacrificed their personal finances to build church buildings.The key question that remains unanswered is whether the AFM fight is about proper running of the church or it's just the love of money?
News / National

by Staff rpeorter

A 23-year-old Chitungwiza man will spend six months in prison after he was convicted of wearing a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) uniform when he was not a member of the force.Tafadzwa Marumanadzo was convicted of unlawful wearing of camouflage uniform after a full trial by Chitungwiza magistrate Mrs Winfilder Tiatara.Initially, Mrs Tiatara slapped him with a nine months jail term, but suspended three months on condition that he does not commit a similar offence in the next five years.In his defence, Marumanadzo said the uniform belonged to his friend who was a member of ZNA, but had since relocated to South Africa.Prosecuting, Mr Farai Katonha proved that on January 30, a member of ZNA based at Tongogara Barracks in Harare, David Ruzvidzo, met Marumanadzo at around 9:15am at Zengeza 5 corner shops.He noticed that he was putting on army fatigue and worn-out civilian shoes without the hat. Ruzvidzo interrogated Marumanadzo, who failed to produce his army identity card to explain why he was putting on the uniform.Ruzvidzo then took him to the police where he was arrested. Meanwhile, Artwell Chigumbu (28) from Wedza and Linos Chaoneka (31) from Chitungwiza yesterday appeared before magistrate Mrs Blessing Murwisi facing charges of unlawful wearing of camouflage uniform and impersonation.The matter was remanded to Tuesday next week for trial continuation.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Mnangagwa will today descend on the Zanu-PF stronghold of Mwenezi for the Masvingo leg of the ongoing "Thank You" rallies to pay tribute to the people of Zimbabwe for voting for him and the party's candidates in last year's harmonised elections that ushered in the country's Second Republic.The Zanu-PF leader romped to victory after polling 50,6 percent of the votes against his nearest challenger Mr Nelson Chamisa of MDC Alliance who managed 44,3 percent.Today's rally at Rutenga Primary School is being held in Mwenezi East where President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF National Assembly member for the constituency Joosbi Omar amassed the second highest number of votes in last year's election in Masvingo province after Chiredzi North.Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chair Ezra Chadzamira said all was set for the rally expected to be graced by more than 50 000 ruling party supporters."All roads lead to Rutenga Primary School where we will welcome our President and we chose Mwenezi as the venue for the President's visit because he had long-planned to visit the district when he was still Vice President of the country and Zanu-PF in 2017 only for the visit to be scuttled after he was poisoned at the Youth Interface rally in Gwanda," he said."This is now the time for him to fulfil his promise to the people of Mwenezi and it's even sweeter now because he is now President of the country."Masvingo ruling party spokesperson Ronald Ndaba said the rains that have been falling across the province will not deter the enthusiasm over President Mnangagwa's visit."We are waiting for the President's arrival tomorrow (today), Masvingo is ready, we are ready and everything is in place in terms of logistics ahead of the big day," he said."We will welcome our President in style and we anticipate a record crowd of 50 000 people to descend on Rutenga Primary School."The rains that are falling are more than welcome. We want the rains and they will not in any way affect our preparations to welcome the country's President. We have organised lorries to transport people to the venue and people will start travelling from around 4am tomorrow (today)."We have also organised a train to ferry people from Chiredzi to Rutenga, so we expect a bumper crowd. Preparations have been flawless."President Mnangagwa held his first "Thank You rally" in Mashonaland West Province, before pressing national commitments prevented him from gracing the Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provincial legs.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum (the Forum) has written to the African Union (AU) chairperson and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, demanding the regional body to urgently intervene and assist in ending the crisis in Zimbabwe.According to the letter dated February 10, 2019, the Forum's chairperson Jestina Mukoko, claimed there has been a systematic attack on people's basic rights in Zimbabwe."Zimbabwe as a member of the African Union is bound by the African Charter on Human and People's Rights. Zimbabweans have the right to enjoy the rights guaranteed in the African Charter. While Article 3 of the African Charter guarantees that everyone is equal before the law, and must enjoy equal protection of the law, Zimbabwe has violated this Charter by unlawfully imposing the state of emergency and deploying the military without following due process," Mukoko said.She said to date, 800 Zimbabweans including 40 minors have been subjected to arbitrary arrests and detention without due process."Not only are people being arrested and detained unlawfully, but they are also being subjected to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment in violation of Article 5 of the African Charter," she said, further lamenting "increased targeting of human rights defenders"."The health sector in Zimbabwe has collapsed as evidenced by Zimbabwe's own leaders seeking medical treatment in other countries."Targeting organisations providing medical services to victims of torture, assault and sexual assault is a direct violation of the right to access medical treatment enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Section 76) and a violation of Article 16 of the African Charter."According to the letter, from the Forum, which is a coalition of 20 human rights organisations operating in Zimbabwe, at least 17 people were killed during the recent crackdown. The organisation claimed the majority of these people were killed by the military and the police."Your Excellency, there is nothing as un-African as state attacks on the family unit which is specifically protected by Article 18 of the African Charter which obliges the State to support, protect and assist the family unit in the spirit of Ubuntu."During the period complained of, members of the Zimbabwe National Army invaded family compounds, rounded up all males and assaulted them using rifles, sjamboks and bicycle chain. Over a period of 15 days, families were terrorised and ended up staying in the mountains," Mukoko said.She further said the violations that they documented were so gross to an extent that they were convinced the acts constituted crimes against humanity and were in sharp contrast with what the AU stands for."While there may be many remedies for dealing with this attack on African lives, we believe that it is in your power and in the power of the African Union to ensure that there is justice and accountability for victims and the departed, as well as healing, reconciliation and non-occurrence for the survivors," Mukoko said.She demanded the African Union to condemn human rights violations in Zimbabwe, deploy a fact finding mission to uncover the truth, set up a committee to investigate reports of rape of women by soldiers, call the government to end the de-facto state of emergency, ask government to cease attacks on civil society members and to assist Zimbabwe's efforts to initiate an inclusive national dialogue process.
News / National

by Staff reporter

OPPOSITION MDC leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday said he would not be bulldozed into "a meaningless dialogue" with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, vowing that any talks with the Zanu-PF leader to resolve the current political stand-off would only start after government has stopped the arbitrary arrests and persecution of his party members.But Mnangagwa, addressing foreign diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe at State House yesterday, took a dig at the youthful opposition leader, accusing him of being "immature" and playing to the gallery by spurning his recent offer to kick-start the negotiations.Speaking during a public lecture in Harare to celebrate the life of the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, Chamisa said he would also only agree to dialogue with Mnangagwa after identification of a neutral arbiter and venue.Chamisa told the public lecture that his party was prepared to use its political muscle through demonstrations, where all its supporters countrywide would descend on Harare and demand dialogue to discuss Mnangagwa's legitimacy and genuine electoral and political reforms."The dates of the demonstration will come, but we want this country to be peaceful and prosperous. But that has to be done on account of dialogue and we have said we need dialogue on these issues," he said."If Mnangagwa is not willing to dialogue, we will have to invite him to dialogue through political pressure. In terms of the Constitution, we have a democratic right to demonstrate. We will have to bring everyone to Harare and this is the mother of all demonstrations. This country must be liberated."We continue on the same path led by Tsvangirai. I have refused to have my victory stolen by Mnangagwa. We are not going to stop, we are going after him until he lets go of what he stole. He has to return what is ours."But Mnangagwa, who last week held an indaba with a majority of last year's presidential aspirants minus Chamisa, reiterated his call for dialogue among political players, adding that those refusing to co-operate were "playing with the people's lives"."All the presidential candidates, who have the maturity and sense of leadership joined us. I call on those who refuse to take part in the national dialogue to stop grandstanding and playing games with the lives of the people of Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa said."I will remain a listening President. My arms are outstretched and my door is open. We hear your criticism, and when it is fair, the insights are noted or implemented."Mnangagwa accused a hidden "foreign hand" of sponsoring last month's violent protests, which broke out after he announced a 150% fuel price hike.To quell the protests, which had turned into an orgy of arson and looting, government unleashed the military and police, who allegedly fatally shot at the protesters and left 17 people dead and dozens others injured.Yesterday, Mnangagwa said he was still probing allegations that the military abused civilians."Any evidence of rogue police officers or soldiers taking the law into their own hands will be dealt with and they will face the full force of the law," Mnangagwa said."The demonstrations were, therefore, neither civil nor peaceful and were bent on effecting a regime change. I urge you to give the new Zimbabwe a chance. Stand with us. Stand with us as we toil to chart a new course for our nation, for the people of Zimbabwe."This came as Chamisa threatened to unleash a humongous demonstration against the Zanu-PF government, despite threats of another military crackdown."The ZCTU [Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions] is our mother. They called for a peaceful stayaway and when it was very successful, they blamed the sins of the mother on the child. You will see us when we call our own. Very soon, we are calling for one, we are going there," he said.Chamisa, who has refused to recognise Mnangagwa's victory in last year's presidential poll, said he would mobilise his supporters to march against gun-toting security forces."Are we afraid to die? We are not. We are already dead. Do we fear getting injured? We are already hurt. Are you afraid that these people will finish you? They can't finish us, we are many. It's us who will finish them," he said.Chamisa reaffirmed his desire to retain his post at the MDC elective congress slated for October.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE High Court has quashed an attempt by Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi to prevent it from hearing a case in which chief law officer Chris Mutangadura is challenging his decision to unilaterally transfer him to Guruve Magistrates Court.Barely a month into his new job, Hodzi ordered Mutangadura's transfer without stating reasons on Friday last week.However, Mutangadura on Monday filed an urgent chamber application through his lawyers, G Sithole Law Chambers, seeking an order staying the transfer.Mutangadura contends that Hodzi usurped the powers of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) board in violation of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, which specifies that such a decision can only be done by the full board. He also argued that Hodzi's decision was "outrageous and unreasonable" since he did not make arrangements to cater for his family's relocation.In his opposing affidavit, Hodzi argued that the court was not supposed to hear the case because Mutangadura rushed to approach the court without exhausting internal remedies available to him.Hodzi wanted the court to refer the former director of economic crimes back to the NPA. He also argued that the case was not urgent. Hodzi was listed as the first respondent while the NPA was the second respondent.High Court judge Happias Zhou, however, dismissed all of Hodzi's submissions and allowed the case to be heard on an urgent basis. He is expected to make a ruling today."If the relief for the suspension of the decision is to be dealt with as an ordinary court application after the applicant has already relocated to Guruve, the relief sought would be nothing but academic since the decision would have already taken effect," Zhou said."The issue of the prejudice which the applicant would suffer is highlighted in the founding affidavit. The validity of the allegations of prejudice has to be tested in the determination of the merits of this application for the purposes of inquiring into whether it is urgent or not."Zhou ruled that: "It is sufficient to accept the argument of the applicant that no arrangement has been made for his family if they are to be moved to Guruve. The memorandum to the applicant does not state where he will stay. For these reasons, the matter is urgent. The objection therefore that the matter is not urgent is therefore dismissed."The judge said Hodzi's submission that the court should not entertain the case because Mutangadura did not exhaust domestic remedies had no merit as there was no guarantee he would be treated fairly since the PG would chair the same hearing."The first respondent argued that the application was not urgent because the applicant does not have the rights to which he seeks to enforce and that the application should not be entertained because the applicant did not exhaust domestic remedies available to him. The principle is that he must exhaust domestic remedies available to him in terms of the law before approaching this court."However, the court has the discretion as to whether or not to entertain the application where the applicant does not exhaust domestic remedies. The domestic channels available must provide an effective remedy to the grievances raised and the relief sought in the application. It was not until the applicant's counsel had made its submissions that respondent then sought to rely on the grievance procedure outlined in section 24 of the NPA Act."Before that, there had been a submission that the applicant ought to have approached the first respondent for audience after receiving the memorandum transferring him to Guruve before instituting the urgent application. That submission is startling given that the first respondent is the one who made the decision."Also when consideration is given to the fact that the decision being complained against is that of the first respondent, who is the head of the second respondent, it is inconceivable that the grievance procedure would provide an effective remedy which this urgent chamber application seeks. The submission is therefore dismissed," Zhou ruled.
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu

The European Union



1. Underlines its unanimous desire for Zimbabwe to become a peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation in which all citizens are treated well and equally under the law and where the organs of the state act on behalf of the citizens and not against them;



2. Strongly condemns the violence that occurred during the recent protests in Zimbabwe; firmly believes that peaceful protest is part of a democratic process and that excessive force in response must be avoided in all circumstances;



3. Urges President Mnangagwa to remain true to his inaugural promises, to move rapidly to take control of the situation and to put Zimbabwe back on a path of reconciliation and respect for democracy and the rule of law;



4. Urges the Zimbabwean authorities to put an immediate end to abuses by security forces and to promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of excessive use of force by police and state officials in order to establish individual responsibilities, with a view to ensuring accountability; recalls that the country's constitution establishes an independent body to investigate complaints of police and military misconduct, but that the government has yet to set it up;



5. Urges the Government of Zimbabwe to withdraw urgently all military personnel and the youth militia deployed across the country that are terrorising residents in clear violation of the Zimbabwean Constitution;



6. Believes that freedom of assembly, association and expression are essential components of any democracy; stresses that expressing an opinion in a non-violent way is a constitutional right for all Zimbabwean citizens and reminds the authorities of their obligation to protect the right of all citizens to protest against their deteriorating social and economic conditions; calls on the government to put an end to the specific targeting of leaders and members of the ZCTU;



7. Underlines the fundamental role that the opposition plays in a democratic society;



8. Urges the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners;



9. Asks the Zimbabwean Government to conform to the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and the international human rights instruments ratified by Zimbabwe;



10. Is deeply concerned about reported violations of due process through fast-tracking and mass trials; insists that the judiciary must uphold the rule of law and ensure that its independence and the right to a fair trial is respected in all circumstances; denounces all arrests made without bringing forward charges;



11. Calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to undertake a prompt, thorough, impartial and independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations and abuses, including rape and sexual violence by security forces, and to bring those responsible to justice; demands that access to medical services should be universally provided to the victims of such sexual violence without fear of retribution;



12. Condemns the internet shutdown that allowed the authorities to conceal the human rights abuses committed by the army and internal security forces and to obstruct independent reporting and documentation of abuses during the crackdown and immediately after the election; stresses that access to information is a right that must be respected by the authorities in accordance with their constitutional and international obligations;



13. Denounces the abusive use and restrictive nature of POSA, and urges the Zimbabwean authorities to align legislation with international standards for the protection and promotion of human rights;



14. Expresses particular concern at the economic and social situation in Zimbabwe; recalls that the country's main problems are poverty, unemployment and chronic malnutrition and hunger; considers that these problems can only be solved through the implementation of ambitious policies on employment, education, health and agriculture;



15. Calls on all political actors to exercise responsibility and restraint, and in particular to refrain from inciting violence;



16. Reminds the Government of Zimbabwe that the support of the European Union and its Member States in the context of the Cotonou Agreement, and for trade, development, and economic assistance, is conditional on its respecting the rule of law and the international conventions and treaties to which it is party;



17. Recalls that long-term support hinges on comprehensive reforms rather than mere promises; calls for European engagement with Zimbabwe to be value-driven and firm in its positioning towards the Zimbabwean authorities;



18. Urges the government to immediately implement the recommendations on post-election violence made by the Commission of Inquiry, in particular, the promotion of political tolerance and accountable leadership, and the setting up of a national dialogue conducted in a credible, inclusive, transparent and accountable way;



19. Notes the government's will to deliver on reform commitments; stresses, however, that these reforms should be political as well as economic; encourages the government, the opposition, civil society representatives and religious leaders to engage on an equal footing in a national dialogue in which human rights are respected and protected;



20. Calls on the government to fully implement the recommendations made by the EU EOM, especially with regard to the rule of law and an inclusive political environment; underlines the ten priority recommendations identified by the EOM and set out in the letter of 10 October 2018 from the Chief Observer to President Mnangagwa  namely, in order to create a level playing field for all political parties, to ensure a clearer and coherent legal framework; to strengthen ZEC by making it truly independent and transparent, thereby restoring confidence in the electoral process; to ensure that strengthening ZEC's independence makes it free from governmental oversight in the approval of its regulations; and to create a more inclusive electoral process;



21. Calls on the EU delegation and EU Member State embassies in Zimbabwe to continue their close monitoring of developments in the country and to use all appropriate tools to support human rights defenders, civil society organisations and trade unions, to promote the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement and to support pro-democracy movements;



22. Calls on the EU to step up its political dialogue with Zimbabwe on human rights on the basis of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement;



23. Calls on the European Council to review its restrictive measures against individuals and entities in Zimbabwe, including those measures currently suspended, in the light of accountability for recent state violence;



24. Urges the international community, notably the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), to give more active assistance to Zimbabwe to find a sustainable democratic solution to the current crisis;



25. Urges neighbouring countries to comply with the provisions of international law and to protect those fleeing violence in Zimbabwe with the provision of asylum, especially in the short term;



26. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EEAS, the Government and the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the governments of the South African Development Community and the African Union, and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.







The European Union Parliament has called upon the European Council to review sanctions against Zimbabwean individuals and companies in light of the recent alleged human rights abuses by the security forces.In a resolution issued on Thursday, the EU Parliament said it, "calls on the European Council to review its restrictive measures against individuals and entities in Zimbabwe, including those measures currently suspended, in the light of accountability for recent state violence."The European Union also condemned the arbitrary arrest of citizens by the government and the decision by the Mnangagwa administration to turn a blind eye on the atrocities committed by the state apparatus.It also noted with concern how the court officials were abusing rule of law and judicial processes through mass trials and denial of bail for accused persons.It further called for the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners arrested over the recent violent protests and state crackdown on civilians.Find the full resolutions below:
Bowalley Road Rules



The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place.

So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules.

These are based on two very simple principles:

Courtesy and Respect.

Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned.

Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym.

Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse.

However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen.


A LOOK AT COMICS, BOOKS, MOVIES, CARTOONS, TELEVISION SHOWS, MUSIC AND MORE POP CULTURE GOODNESS FROM MY VAST AND VIRTUAL PERSONAL LIBRARY!
[UPDATE 2/18/2019, 3:37pm PT: Here's a statement from a Google spokesperson: "While we continue to investigate the matter, we have not found any evidence that Google Images was ranking the Pakistani flag in response to this particular search. Many news outlets wrote about an old screenshot from a meme website that is inconsistent with our UI and dates back to 2017, and we have not seen any independent verification that these results ever appeared as depicted. Since these news stories published, images from those articles are now ranking for this query, as the pages contain words relevant to the search."]

[UPDATE 2/18/2019 I've learned that tt's likely the screenshot images are fakes, and are based on a 2017 meme. I'll post an update as I get more information.]

Unknown persons gamed Google's algorithm so that search results for "best toilet paper" returned photos of the Pakistan flag.

From BBC:
Today is the U.S. federal holiday known as Washingtons Birthday (not Presidents Daysee item #1). In honor of George Washingtons birthday, here are 5 things you should know about the day set aside for our Americas premier founding father.

1. Although some state and local governments and private businesses refer to today as Presidents Day, the legal public holiday is designated as Washingtons Birthday in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code. The observance of Washingtons birthday was made official in 1885 when President Chester A. Arthur signed a bill establishing it as a federal holiday.

2. Washington was actually born on February 11, 1732, under the Julian calendar in effect at the time he was born. But his birthday is considered to be February 22 under the Gregorian calendar which was adopted throughout the British Empire in 1752.

3. Because the public holiday is on the third Monday in February, the observance can never again occur on Washingtons actual birthday since the third Monday in February cannot occur any later than February 21.

4. Some sourcesincluding Wikipedia and the U.S. Mintincorrectly claim that President Nixon changed the name of the holiday to Presidents Day to honor all past presidents. While Nixon did issue an executive order making the third Monday in February a public holiday, the claim that he changed the name is a modern myth. Presidents Day was created by marketers who jumped at the opportunity to play up the three-day weekend with sales, and Presidents Day bargains were advertised at stores around the country.

5. Almost every February 22 since 1888 President Washingtons 1796 Farewell Address has been read in the United States Senate. Here is the text of that address:

Friends and Citizens:

The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.

I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.

The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to the opinion of duty and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.

The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.

Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole.

The North, in an unrestrained intercourse with the South, protected by the equal laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise and precious materials of manufacturing industry. The South, in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation invigorated; and, while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national navigation, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength, to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications by land and water, will more and more find a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, and, what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest as one nation. Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign power, must be intrinsically precarious.

While, then, every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations; and, what is of inestimable value, they must derive from union an exemption from those broils and wars between themselves, which so frequently afflict neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which their own rival ships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter. Hence, likewise, they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty. In this sense it is that your union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.

These considerations speak a persuasive language to every reflecting and virtuous mind, and exhibit the continuance of the Union as a primary object of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government can embrace so large a sphere? Let experience solve it. To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. It is well worth a fair and full experiment. With such powerful and obvious motives to union, affecting all parts of our country, while experience shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason to distrust the patriotism of those who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken its bands.

In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views. One of the expedients of party to acquire influence within particular districts is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heartburnings which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. The inhabitants of our Western country have lately had a useful lesson on this head; they have seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Mississippi; they have been witnesses to the formation of two treaties, that with Great Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them everything they could desire, in respect to our foreign relations, towards confirming their prosperity. Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the Union by which they were procured ? Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their brethren and connect them with aliens?

To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a government for the whole is indispensable. No alliance, however strict, between the parts can be an adequate substitute; they must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a constitution of government better calculated than your former for an intimate union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. This government, the offspring of our own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confidence and your support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty. The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.

All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests.

However combinations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.

Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing constitution of a country; that facility in changes, upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion, exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion; and remember, especially, that for the efficient management of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest guardian. It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and property.

I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.

This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

Without looking forward to an extremity of this kind (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of political power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositaries, and constituting each the guardian of the public weal against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?

Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it  It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas! is it rendered impossible by its vices?

In the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against another disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence, frequent collisions, obstinate, envenomed, and bloody contests. The nation, prompted by ill-will and resentment, sometimes impels to war the government, contrary to the best calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject; at other times it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of nations, has been the victim.

So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. It leads also to concessions to the favorite nation of privileges denied to others which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted, or deluded citizens (who devote themselves to the favorite nation), facility to betray or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity; gilding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption, or infatuation.

As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practice the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils. Such an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter.

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. But that jealousy to be useful must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.

Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice?

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.

Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences; consulting the natural course of things; diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing; establishing (with powers so disposed, in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our merchants, and to enable the government to support them) conventional rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit, but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experience and circumstances shall dictate; constantly keeping in view that it is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character; that, by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favors, and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giving more. There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion, which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.

How far in the discharge of my official duties I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to you and to the world. To myself, the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.

In relation to the still subsisting war in Europe, my proclamation of the twenty-second of April, I793, is the index of my plan. Sanctioned by your approving voice, and by that of your representatives in both houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me, uninfluenced by any attempts to deter or divert me from it.

After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, with moderation, perseverance, and firmness.

The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only observe that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the belligerent powers, has been virtually admitted by all.

The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations.

The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. With me a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes.

Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence; and that, after forty five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.

Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.
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).
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Who could possibly need to terminate a pregnancy after 20 weeks? Our family needed that medical option and we are not alone.

Over 10 years ago my husband and I faced with a high-risk twin pregnancy. Facing the decision to terminate one twin to save the other. At 19 weeks 5 days we decided to try bed rest and wait another week to see if that would help. Sadly, we lost both babies as I laid on bedrest at home and faced a nightmare. With a 20-week ban we would have had to decide before we had the amniocentesis results, tried bed rest and to be honest before we were ready to make that decision.

The continued politicization of this issue by the North Dakota Legislature is beyond belief. HRC3029 would urge Congress to pass a 20-week abortion ban without one single exception for the life or health of the women. This is reckless and shameful.

I am tired of our family's nightmare being used as a political pawn. I am tired of others thinking, including the Legislature, they know what was best for our family. A 20-week abortion ban would place the government into our personal medical decisions -- I don't want to imagine that added to my nightmare of that time. This decision was between me, my husband, and our God.
This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up and thumbs down on the issues from the past week.

Up

The North Dakota House did the right thing on Wednesday when it put the brakes on a higher speed limit. The bill by Rep. Jake Blum, R-Grand Forks, would have raised the speed limit on multilane highways from 70 mph to 75 mph and on interstates from 75 mph to 80 mph. Many drivers already exceed the speed limit, so going to an 80-mph limit would likely push some motorists to 85 mph. The higher the speed the greater the risk that accidents will occur. With the state trying to reduce the number of road fatalities it makes sense to keep the speed limits at 70 mph and 75 mph.

Down

The North Dakota Senate missed an opportunity to take a hard look at flaring last week. Senate Bill 2332, rejected 15-32, would have allowed a legislative management study to analyze flaring rates and public policies in other states as well as federal and tribal lands and other countries. The goal of the study would have been to reduce flaring and methane emissions and provide guidance on how the North Dakota Industrial Commission could improve gas capture rates. So far efforts to reduce flaring have sputtered and a study might have prompted some progress.

Up
Krugman mocks Trump, saying that "there is essentially no one in American political life who advocates such things" as government control of industry, as is the case in Venezuela.

When Democrats say "socialism," says Krugman, they really mean "social democracy" -- a market economy with a social safety net and use of the tax system as an equalizer.

The issue really isn't how we technically define socialism. The issue is really the extent to which we are free.

What difference is it really if a firm is privately owned, but the government has vast latitude to regulate what it does? Or if a private firm pays me but government taxes away a large chunk of what I earn?

Venezuela is, of course, the extreme case. Total collapse as a result of political despots taking over everything.

But socialism is not like good wine, which, in moderation, might not hurt and might even be beneficial.

Every step in which economic freedom is cut back bears costs.

We see what is happening now, as the U.S. economy surges back to life as a result of cutting back regulation and taxes.

But our nation has not totally escaped the Venezuelan phenomenon.
I also think its neat to visit Washington and see how our lawmakers work, she said. They have so many meetings to go to. Meeting to meeting to meeting. Its fun to see their personalities and connect with them.

The organic group was very busy itself, visiting 15 officials over the two days, Buck said.

Some of the visits were with lawmakers who voted for the 2018 Farm Bill, which was pretty good for organic. So we made sure to thank them (the legislators who voted for it), she said.

The Buck dairy farm, which now milks about 120 cows, was certified organic in 2003. The Bucks began transitioning to organic after buying the farm in 1999 from Dennis mother, Ruth Buck said.

Three of the six children seem interested in joining the farm full-time after they are finished with school. If so, they would be the fourth generation on the family farm, giving her even more incentive to work to enhance the organic industry, Buck said.

Her most recent trip to Washington, despite some travel problems, was time well spent, she said.

I left (Minnesota) in an ice storm and came back in an ice storm. The travel part was no fun. But the experience in Washington was so worthwhile. Its so completely different from our everyday life, she said.

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Kilzer said Chase Lake is one of her favorites  right in the central flyway of North America. The shallow, alkaline lake is a global breeding ground for American white pelicans. Roosevelt established the refuge in 1908.

"That's something North Dakota gives to the world, if you will, by being part of that flyway and providing the habitat for those breeding grounds," Kilzer said.

At least four statues commemorate President Roosevelt throughout North Dakota, in Dickinson, Mandan, Medora and Minot.

But does the state embellish its ties to the beloved president? After all, he only spent about a year in Dakota, all together.

"For me, I think he  not only here in North Dakota but throughout his life  was genuinely able to learn from his circumstances and the people around him," Kilzer said.

"During the period he was here, he genuinely learned and grew from this environment, the physical environment he was formed by and from the people here."

Gov. Doug Burgum has proposed using $50 million in Legacy Fund earnings with $100 million in donations to build the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at Medora, the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
North Dakota senators approved a resolution Monday asking the state's voters to give the Legislature input on initiated constitutional amendments.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 4001 seeks to send voter-approved changes to the state constitution to the Legislature. If lawmakers approve, the amendment would be enacted. But if legislators reject the proposal, voters could override their decision.

The resolution itself seeks to amend the state constitution and therefore would require voter approval in 2020. It comes after voters have approved ballot measures that were unpopular with the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot, previously said his proposal was meant to protect the constitution from well-funded outside interests. He emphasized it wouldn't change the process for altering state law or referring statutes passed by the Legislature.

Critics called it an attempt to shift power away from voters.

North Dakota is one of more than a dozen states with a direct initiative process for amending its constitution, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. It requires nearly 27,000 signatures, or 4 percent of the state's population at the 2010 Census, to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

The resolution passed in a 31-16 vote and moves to the House for consideration.

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They also could opt for yellow, for controlled access with permission required. Landowners would then have to provide their contact information on a secure site.

The database would only be for hunting access. Other people seeking to use private land, such as bird watchers, would have to ask permission directly from landowners.

Landowners do not have to participate in the database, but would then have to continue to post their land to keep out hunters.

Sen. Dale Patten, R-Watford City, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the database would be phased in over several years. The database would start with counties' data to debut in the autumn of 2020.

Statewide landownership could be available in the proposed database by the autumn of 2022, Patten said. The database could eventually include time and species limitations on hunting access.

The bill also calls for an advisory group to guide development of the database.

Patten and Sen. Larry Luick, R-Fairmount, who chairs the Senate Ag Committee, said they hope the bill rebuilds or "fosters" the relationship between landowners and hunters. Luick said committee work has been exhaustive on the bill.
North Dakota lawmakers have yet to act on Gov. Doug Burgum's proposal for a Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library at Medora, seeing a coming revenue forecast as key for the session's second half.

Burgum has proposed using $50 million in Legacy Fund earnings with $100 million in private donations to build the facility at the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit. In January, he gave testimony to the Education and Environment Division of the House Appropriations Committee, urging support for his proposal.

Because of a rule change in how lawmakers budget for the new biennium, Burgum's proposal must enter through an amendment to House Bill 1018, the budget bill for the state Department of Commerce. Burgum has been critical of the rule change, saying "it felt" like his budget recommendations were "tossed in the garbage."

Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, who chairs the Education and Environment Division, said the governor's proposal is "certainly not dead." He pointed to a revenue forecast due in March as an indicator of how the library may move forward.

"We've got to fund a lot of other things as well, so we're balancing everything out," Monson said. "Right now, we didn't know if we had the revenue stream that we felt we needed for all the other things, plus the library."
WEST FARGO  A bill making its way through the North Dakota Legislature would, if approved, make North Dakota the fifth state in the nation to officially observe Patriots' Day as a holiday.

"I just think it's an opportunity for education, education, education," said Rep. Austen Schauer, R-West Fargo, who's a sponsor of the bill that has passed the House and is now on to the Senate.

If approved, the bill would establish Patriots' Day as a state holiday.

Jim Shaw, a supporter of the bill and a native of Massachusetts, a state that observes Patriots' Day, says there would essentially be no cost to making Patriots' Day a holiday in North Dakota, and he said schools and businesses would stay open that day.

What it would do is commemorate the start of the Revolutionary War, those who fought in the war, and the birth of the United States, according to Shaw, a former broadcast journalist who is now a columnist for The Forum of Fargo.

The Revolutionary War started on April 19, 1775, so Patriots' Day is observed on the third Monday in April.
We didnt remove that plaque, Black said. That would have been illegal.

In fact, Black said, this is the first Ive ever heard that the Owen-Spalding plaque was taken down.

What Black did, he said, is add a second plaque, with the help of his brother, Petrilak and another friend. They timed their climb on the 100-year anniversary of the questionable Langford-Stevenson ascent and toted a second, competing commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

I decided that Langford and Stevenson were right and first climbed it in 1872, Black said. So I decided to make a plaque for it.

Forged in Washington, D.C., the unsanctioned Langford/Stevenson plaque didnt last long atop the Grand.

Within a few days of putting it up, it was removed by, I think it was a guide, Black said. But he turned it over to the National Park Service. They wanted to get in touch with me, and I went into their office, and they fined me $35. They gave me the plaque back, and I still have it, in fact.

After conferring with Black, Janiga backtracked on her story. Her late-ex, she said, just added the second plaque  he didnt steal the first.
Wow! In my 77 years, I thought I had seen or heard most everything. I never thought I would ever read Donald Trump described as a man of integrity, dignity, and the spirit of America (Trump restored honor to the presidency, Feb. 11 letter I was shocked. When Trump paid a porn star and a Playboy centerfold to keep the stories about their trysts quiet, and when Trump describes how to assault women and get away with it, the writer didnt get it. To me, this describes an adulterer, not a man of dignity or integrity.

When Trump said he is smarter than the generals and the rest of government, it must have made the writer feel safe. I fear that Trump, who seems to believe Putin and Kim Jong-Un over our intelligence services, will start a war. Trump also ignores climate change. This isnt my idea of a great leader.

The news outlets say Trump has lied over 8,000 times in two years, yet Trumps followers call this fake news. For years, he maintained that Obama wasnt an American, even after Obama produced his birth certificate. Trump also called Mexicans rapists and criminals and tried to ban all Muslim immigrants. Our president separated babies and young children from their parents and put them into cages. Finally, Trump said some white supremacists are good people. How can Trump be described as the man who is not a racist and who has restored honesty to the presidency?
Since the Yellowstone County no vaping and 20-foot smoke-free zone rule has been in effect, there have been a grand total of five complaints, each of which resulted in informational letters from public health professionals to the local business. That's it. Statewide, so far, nobody has ever been fined for violating any local health board's Clean Indoor Air Act rule.

State law makes the health board responsible to "protect the public from the introduction and spread of communicable disease or other conditions of public health importance, including through actions to ensure the removal of filth or other contaminants that might cause disease or adversely affect public health."

Lawmakers who are inclined to do the tavern association's bidding on SB17 should consider: Is the county commission more knowledgeable about public health matters than the board of health? No way.
In Montana, weve recently experienced historic funding cuts to services for people with disabilities; thousands have been displaced in the process. These community-based supports assist people with mental illness and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible with dignity and respect. These services provide alternatives to costlier crisis-based responses like hospitalization, incarceration, or institutionalization.

Many people have seen reductions in care, and some have lost their support system. Theres no longer a psychiatrist for medication management, no therapist to assist with managing thoughts and behaviors, and no social worker to help navigate the complexities of life, employment, and healthcare. This is during a time when Montana has the highest suicide rate in the nation.

These cuts have been devastating to our communities, and ramifications will be seen for years to come. Many people who are proud to be active members of our communities will slip through the cracks. When crises occur, instead of engaging with the previous community-based support system, theyll find themselves involved with law enforcement, justice systems, emergency rooms, and disability institutions. How can we let that happen?
Author Mary Budd Flitner will discuss her new book, "My Ranch, Too: A Wyoming Memoir," at the Pahaska Corral of Westerners meeting on Feb. 25.

The meetings are held in the Governors Room at the Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming. The meeting starts with a no-host dinner starting at 6 p.m. followed by the presentation around 7 p.m. Both the meal and the program are open to the public; however, due to limited seating nonmembers must RSVP by emailing Lynn Houze ljhcody@tctwest.net

I wrote my book to preserve stories from my childhood, continuing through my adult life as a rancher near Shell, Wyoming," Flitner said. "I soon realized that beyond tales of ranch life, characters and cowboy ways, the book is a compilation brought from observing people, business, livestock, politics, attitudes, and dynamics which occur in everyones life, in every profession.

Flitners ranching heritage began in 1879 when her great-grandfather drove a herd of cattle from Eureka, Nevada, to the Green River Valley of Wyoming. She grew up on the ranch he established and several generations later married into a Big Horn Basin ranching family. Mary and her husband, Stan, have lived in the Shell Valley since that time, raising four children.

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Fear can keep people away from dentists, she said. But waiting until a tooth aches to get treatment only makes things worse.

Its much better to go when youre not having pain and catch things early because the fix is simpler than waiting until it causes pain, she said. By the time something starts to hurt, were usually at a much more challenging place.

One other factor may be involved in the states poor oral health rating: a lack of fluoride in the drinking water. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking fluoridated water helps keep teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25 percent both in kids and adults.

Fluoride is naturally present in most drinking water. Levels in the Yellowstone River, the source of city water, average 0.4 parts per million. Under a fluoridation program, that level would be increased to 0.7, what is considered the optimal level.

The CDC has named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Yet only three communities in Montana, Scobey, Bozeman and Miles City, add fluoride to their public water systems.

Three times in the past 51 years, Billings residents have voted against adding fluoride to the city water supply, the last vote taking place in November 2002.

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Spokane-based Avista Corp. is making plans to be financially ready to shutter Colstrip power plant by 2027.

One of the coal-fired power plants six corporate owners, Avista reached an agreement with Idaho utility regulators to be fully depreciated by December 2027. The utility with customers in Idaho, Washington and Montana had already agreed to a 2027 deadline in its home state. The dates sync up the eastern Washington utility with Puget Sound Energy, which agreed in 2017 to be financially prepared for closure by 2027.

Avista has a few Montana customers in the Noxon area in northwest Montana, where it operates a hydroelectric dam.

We have reached an agreement in Washington that sets the same 2027 depreciation schedule for Colstrip, said Mary Tyrie, Avista spokesperson. In Montana we dont have a commission docket open and dont plan to file one related to depreciation.

Early in 2018, in an attempt gain regulatory approval for a merger with Ontario-based Hydro One, Avista had made plans to depreciate its Colstrip interests by 2027. That deal fell apart after Canadian elections changed the direction of partly government-owned Hydro One. Previously, Avista planned to depreciate its interest in Colstrip Unit 3 by 2034 and Unit 4 by 2036.

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In the schools

Forty of Montana State Universitys top seniors and their faculty and staff mentors will be recognized on Feb. 19, at the 37th annual Awards for Excellence event held on the MSU campus.

Honored students are nominated by faculty in their college or department. Qualified seniors must have at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale, as well as demonstrated campus leadership and community service.

Area students to be honored include Tara Sundsted, a chemical engineering major, Nathanial Tranel, a computer science major, and Marisa Barthuly, a nursing major, all of Billings, and LaTisha Demarais, an elementary education major, of Laurel.

A complete list of honorees is available at msuaf.org/awards19.

The following students recently received Standout Student Awards from Arts Without Boundaries:

Maisee Brown , an orchestra student at Senior High

, an orchestra student at Senior High Sabrina Charney , a band student at Central High

, a band student at Central High Ezra Creitz , a choir student at West High

, a choir student at West High Cade Schulze, a choir and orchestra student at Senior High
Much of the debate about the proposed development of the One Big Sky District centers on how it would use public funding.

Ultimately, that question won't be answered until the legislative bill, which would map out and authorize the public funding, is finalized and brought to the floor for debate and a vote in the state legislature.

But the proponents of One Big Sky have sketched out what they hope the public finding will look like and what it will do. Most importantly, the plan  and the state bill that would authorize it  would require private investment of $300 million in project development before any public funds would kick in.

Opponents worry the public funding component will put businesses outside the One Big Sky District at a financial and competitive disadvantage, and that the project itself will end up being a boondoggle for the city.

And so those invested in the outcome of the One Big Sky District have their eyes on a public foreclosure auction to be conducted next month in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
School District 2 superintendent Greg Upham will recommend that trustees run a high school operational levy in May's election.

The move would ask for a tax raise of up to $5.02 per $100,000 of home value, which Upham said would fund the replacement of outdated textbooks and new staffers that would coordinate opportunities like job shadows and internships for students.

Trustees at a Feb. 5 committee meeting decided to place the levy question on the full board's agenda for its Feb. 25 meeting. Upham said he's not recommending an elementary levy, citing recent levies passed for K-8 schools and 2013's $122 million bond.

I think the board just wants to be respectful to the community and their support and only go for one, he said.

The levy emphasis comes one year after Billings' previous superintendent, despite saying that the high schools were in "dire need" of levy passage, recommended that trustees not run a levy in 2018 to instead zero in on a future high school bond  perhaps in 2019.
One of the three "Sokal Squared" academic hoaxers, Peter Boghossian of Portland State University, has been accused of violating his university's research policies. Boghossian is the only one of the three to hold an (untenured) academic position and so is the only one vulnerable to disciplinary action.Boghossian and his compatriots parodied fashionable social-"science" research; now, some in the academy are crying that parody is not fair play.The charge against Boghossian is a clever catch-22. Any research with human subjects-in this case, the "subjects" were the editors of the targeted academic journals-must be approved by the local Institutional Review Board. IRB rules always require the subjects' consent. Since any hoax depends on the ignorance of its targets, a hoax always violates IRB rules. So, hoaxes are never allowed, then.And that eliminates an important variety of intellectual criticism. The Oregon Association of Scholars, in this press release defending Boghossian, points out,There are three questions about this attempt to punish Prof. Boghossian: Is punishing a hoax actually an infringement of the faculty member's free speech rights? Is an academic hoax actually "research?" Are there any other means available to prove the absurdity of what the hoaxers called grievance studies? The answer to the first question, I believe, is "yes." A faculty member at a public university should be allowed to write whatever he or she wants. Boghossian's intention was to deceive, but for an academic purpose that he later revealed. The attempt at punishment is an obvious attack on his academic freedom.The answer to the second question is obviously "yes and no." A hoax is not research in the sense of a controlled experiment with randomized groups and all the usual statistical apparatus. On the other hand, it is a way, perhaps the only way, to show that the field targeted is often incapable of discriminating reasonable scholarship from fashionable nonsense. As I will show, in this case hoaxing may be the only way to demonstrate scholarly absurdity.Which brings us to the third question: What other means are available to show the inadequacy of the kind of research targeted by the hoaxers?Here, critics of the hoaxes, in the form of two classical scholars, Joel Christensen and Matthew Sears, have provided a suggestion. In an Inside Higher Education op-ed , the two classicists first admit that "while the trio has talked about postmodernism and identity politics in general, the focus in their publications has been on gender studies in particular." They nevertheless go on to allege that "race is central to their project and...they [the hoaxers] specifically discredit and insult scholars who call attention to the social and cultural factors behind racism" [emphasis added].Since race is a notorious hot potato, this charge of "crypto-racism" inevitably taints the hoaxers. But it also allows Christensen and Sears to defend the discipline Boghossian parodied by offering up a counter-example: a "seminal" article in thetradition. White fragility by Robin DiAngelo is evidently a model of scholarship on race: An exemplary contribution that defends "critical whiteness theory" and related ideas. "[The hoaxers] sully the reputation of DiAngelo's work implicitly by getting everyone to think of it in the same mind-set as their satirical dog rape without actually engaging in the substance of DiAngelo's work," claim Christensen and Sears. (Boghossian and his fellow hoaxers referred to DiAngelo's work in this article they wrote about their project.)So perhaps White Fragility is the paper to examine, an exemplary work. Some may object that one good article doesn't justify a whole bad area. On the other hand, if it is the best the field can produce, an acknowledged masterwork, then if it falls, the field falls with it.In fact, DiAngelo's piece is just as worthy of parody as the other targets of the hoaxers.DiAngelo is an Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. HerA gushing New Yorker review of her 2018 book White Fragility calls it aDiAngelo begins White Fragility with a series of claims and allegations:This is followed by an italicized autobiographical paragraph:Apparently, a white man in the group gets angry. Her "definition" contains an unproved accusation against white people. Surely a reaction from a white person is expected. Could his objections be justified? We don't know and DiAngelo has no interest in the question.She continues with more claims and allegations:DiAngelo confidently attributes unconscious motivations to white people. But psychologists continue to struggle with the role of the unconscious. She seems to be completely unaware of the uncertainty surrounding the concept and the difficulties psychologists have in measuring unconscious effects (see, for example, the controversy surrounding the so-called implicit-bias test .)There's more:How can you reveal something without proving it? DiAngelo offers rhetoric but no evidence.To parody this kind of writing is not wrong; in fact, it's arguably the most effective way to counter it.What is a serious social scientist to make of all this?These quotes and the rest of the article consist largely of claims that lack any empirical backing. Some claims are sociological: That the social environment of whitesBut evidence to support that assertion is entirely absent, and agreement from other students of critical race studies doesn't suffice.Other claims are psychological: Whites are said to be "stressed." What does this mean? How is stress measured/validated? How is "race-based stress" different from other kinds of stress?None of these claims are followed by proof, other than citations to other authors who just make similar unsubstantiated claims.In sum, DiAngelo's "seminal" article is little more than a series of unfounded allegations about the faults, debts owed, and injuries done to blacks by white people. It is anti-white propaganda masquerading as social science. To parody this kind of writing is not wrong; in fact, it's arguably the most effective way to counter it.So, here's another parody, from the neglected field ofLike white fragility, it also presents an irrefutable view of our racial problems:Neither White Fragility nor White Hostility has any factual basis beyond the concurrence of a sympathetic audience. I leave the reader to decide whether DiAngelo's supposedly iconic academic paper is anything more than anti-white propaganda masquerading as social science.Perhaps a hoax is the best response.
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..
Yorkshire bakery Lottie Shaws has gained listings at Sainsburys for its Yorkshire Parkin cake.

The Great Taste Award-winning cake will be stocked at more than 280 Sainsburys stores nationwide, marking the first national listing in a multiple for the bakery, which also has listings at Ocado.

Lottie Shaws said the listing of its Yorkshire Parkin  a sticky ginger, oatmeal and treacle cake  had achieved its aim of spreading the joy of traditional Yorkshire baking nationwide.

Charlotte Shaw, founder of Lottie Shaws, said she was delighted at the Sainsburys decision to support an independent local bakery on a national scale.

We look forward to partnering with Sainsburys and spreading the joy of seriously good Yorkshire baking throughout the country. And to sharing exactly why Yorkshire Parkin is so celebrated in our home county throughout the rest of Britain, added Shaw.

Last year the business gained listings for its Yorkshire Parkin Biscuit Tubes at 160 Marks & Spencer stores, and 60 Yorkshire-based Morrisons outlets began selling a bespoke pack of its Yorkshire Parkin.
Voting in Arizona has been one of the most pleasurable and easy experiences of my life. We also haven't had any issues with corruption of votes or voter fraud until this last election, it seems. Because the people voted for a politician others in the government didn't like, suddenly we supposedly have a crisis of epic proportions ruining the sanctity of voting here.

We don't need more laws restricting voting. We don't need to make it more difficult to vote. We don't need to require voter ID for early voting. If there's no proof of major corruption and fraud, there's no need to impose these new laws to make things difficult for the average person. I've seen how our government is lately, and I haven't been pleased with it. The government shutdown over a wall, and now this in my home state because the Republicans didn't win as many offices as they wanted to?

Republicans are making the American government look like a sham and they should be ashamed of themselves. That they've chosen to make an outcry about this and put laws in place shows they only care about losing, not about keeping our freedom safe. We're all Arizona citizens, and if the Republicans want our vote, they should listen to our concerns instead of making it harder for us to vote against them.

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BUDAPEST, HungaryDirector/performer "Porno" Dan Leal released the following statement Monday morning on behalf of the Hungarian-based adult industry community regarding the current production shutdown in Europe due to an HIV-positive test result in the talent pool:

On the morning of Thursday, February 14 we were notified of a possible positive HIV test at one of the labs by several individuals and quickly went into to a course of action to immediately suspend all productions. By mid-afternoon, this person (patient zero) was confirmed to be positive.

Since models travel throughout Europe for work patient zero let the agencies across Europe know who they worked with in the time period between his last negative test and his positive test. This list was a total of nine models (first generation exposures). Through the hard work of JulModels, Euromodels, White Models, United Modeling, Model Mania, Sandys Models, Brill Babes, Nikki's Models, and others, all first generation exposures were contacted and quarantined by the night of the 14th as well as their partners (second generation exposures).

Announcements for a shutdown of production across Europe, until this situation was resolved, were made on adult industry boards, online magazines media sources, and platforms, as well every major mainstream social networking sites. Too many models and companies to be listed here are to be commended in their hard work for getting this message out in a timely manner.

A meeting was called for on the night on Friday, February 15 in Budapest, Hungary on the best course of action to take regarding this very unfortunate situation. Before this incident, most companies in Europe took tests that were normally based on the Elisa detection system for HIV. This has a window of detection of 45 to 60 days. A test was valid up to one month in parts of Europe. It was decided that the producers and talent in Hungary would only accept PCR/RNA testing for HIV going forward which has a significantly lower time table for detection of 7 to 10 days and testing would be done every 14 days. All models of Hungarian agencies will only work with production companies in other parts of Europe who abide by these same guidelines.

Also, all productions would only accept tests after February 18 which require everyone who shoots here to retest using PCR/RNA before resuming production.

In addition, the adult industry in Hungary is committed to making the adult industry a safer and better place. We will be having meetings to try and get even more advanced and better testing practices and policies enacted here and encourage all production in other parts of Europe to make the switch to PCR/RNA testing every 14 days.

It should be noted that [this] is the first adult industry HIV shutdown in Europe and hopefully with the new testing measures will be the last.

Over the weekend, much commentary was volleyed on social media among European talent and producers about when production would resume there, with some suggesting that it may start back up as early as today. Asked whether any decision had yet been reached about this among the community, Leal told AVN, "There is no unanimous decision from Hungary but as of now no one is shooting as we are still working on the logistics of switching tests."
Agriculture contributes so much to our daily lives, but it is an industry that has specific challenges. It is a demanding occupation and those who take up the farming mantle are very special. Preparing the next generation of farmers is also a critical role. All of those individuals are being duly recognized from February 16 - 23 - National Future Farmers of America Week.

Founded in 1928 by thirty-three young farm boys at a hotel in Kansas City, the FFA is currently made up of nearly 670,000 student members in grades seven through twelve. There are over 8,600 chapters headquartered in every state in the nation, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. More than 11,000 advisors and agriculture teachers work with students on subjects like agriscience, biotechnology, and horticulture. FFA students divide their time between classroom learning and hands-on experience in the field. After high school, many of these students go on to productive careers in various agriculture fields. Others parlay their FFA knowledge into further studies at colleges and universities and graduate with advanced degrees.

It is clear that the FFA has played a significant role in making certain that agricultural education is a mainstay of our communities. I am also confident that the FFA will continue to connect students to exciting careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
She becomes a famous actress, but is haunted by what is going on in Europe. Hedys father encouraged her to study, and she was fascinated by science. When she was held prisoner, she pored over her husbands technical arms books, learning much from them.

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Hedy teamed up with a music composer to create a system for torpedoes to change frequencies, enabling them to bypass attempts to jam them. They worked endlessly for months, perfecting it and eventually getting a patent and submitting it to the government for use in war.

Hedy Lamarrs role in this invention was relatively unknown until recently, and after reading The Only Woman in the Room, youll have an appreciation for her brains and work ethic, as well as her beauty and acting ability. Fans of Adriana Trigianis All the Stars in the Heavens will enjoy this one.

The first sentence in Stephanie Lands memoir, Maid, is a memorable one: My daughter learned to walk in a homeless shelter. Land ended up there after her relationship with Mias father turned violent and she had to leave for their safety.

She and Mia moved in with her father and stepmother, only to find that her father couldnt cope, and became violent as well. With nowhere else to go, Stephanie was forced to move into a homeless shelter with Mia.
Some of the most recent changes at Wegmans stores in Auburn and the rest of the region, including those prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, were influenced by a local native.
The sponsors of legislation to temporarily ease the signature requirement for candidates in local elections this year hope Gov. Andrew Cuomo will take quick action when the measure is sent to his office in the coming days.

State Sen. Rachel May and Assemblyman Billy Jones authored the bill that would lower the number of signatures needed by 25 percent to qualify for the June 25 primary election ballot. The change, which would only apply to this year's election, excludes candidates in New York City.

Jones, D-Chateaugay, and May, D-Syracuse, introduced the measure to address concerns about the new political calendar this year. In January, the state Legislature passed  and Cuomo signed  a package of election reforms. One of the bills moved the state and local primary to the fourth Tuesday in June.

While the goal of that legislation was to consolidate the federal and state primaries in presidential and midterm election years, it also resulted in the local primaries being moved beginning this year. To qualify for the primary in June, candidates will begin circulating petitions Tuesday, Feb. 26. Petitions are due by April 4.

It's a significant change because in past elections, candidates didn't start circulating petitions until early June for the September primary.
The US-China trade war has dealt a glancing blow to American toys, hitting putty and arts and crafts items, while sparing superhero action figures, toy cars and most best-selling offerings. Yet uncertainty about the trading relationship between Beijing and Washington hangs over this weekend's Toy Fair, dampening the festive mood amidst giant balloon cartoon figures and karaoke cars as some 30,000 industry representatives survey the latest and greatest in play. China manufactures around 85 percent of the toys and games sold in the United States and is also home to a growing consumer market estimated to overtake the US play market in 2022. Aaron Muderick, founder of "Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld," a Pennsylvania company, has seen profits hit by US tariffs on raw materials to make his colorful putty and on steel cans, which bear the made in the USA mark. But Muderick is most worried about losing momentum in the booming Chinese market where he has worked to establish distribution channels and build brand identity. "We've invested a lot of time and dollars," he told AFP. "If it creates a market where the product is not welcome, where there are retaliatory tariffs that make it impossible for me to reach that consumer, then I lose." About 40 Chinese booths are displaying with China Toy & Juvenile Products Association, including companies selling stuffed bears, trampolines, magnetic building blocks and flashing beads. "Some members feel uncertain, but the business is so far going okay," said the group's president, May Liang in an interview. Company representatives have reported no drop in interest among their US buyers, said May, who expressed skepticism that the US would impose broad tariffs on toys. "We believe toys are really consumer-focused especially at holiday season, so we think toys should not be on the tariff list because it will harm consumers. "But we feel we should closely watch it," she added. - Bigger tariffs ahead? - A trip to a US toy store shows the near-ubiquity of "Made in China" on any number of gadgets, games and super hero dolls, but the country's playworld dominance sometimes surfaces in unexpected ways. For example, youth-oriented books on display by the Quarto Group at Toy Fair about black role models like Nelson Mandela and gay and lesbian icons such as Freddie Mercury were printed in China -- another testament to the country's competitiveness. The toy industry dodged a bullet last September, when finished toys were left off the list of expanded US tariffs. Toy Association Chief Executive Steve Pasierb said such broad tariffs look unlikely at this point US President Donald Trump has spoken more optimistically of a trade deal with Beijing. But "this is a tweet-driven scenario we're in here... so you could see that come back," added Pasierb, whose association, the hosts of Toy Fair, has aggressively lobbied on trade. Toy industry consultant Richard Gottlieb considers US tariffs on finished toys "highly unlikely" and doesn't expect the current trade conflict to fundamentally change China's position in US toys. "People think we make it in China to make more money," he said. "The reason is because if we made it America, it would be five times more expensive and people wouldn't buy it." But the US industry is still worried about Trump administration plans to lift tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on raw materials. That increase was scheduled to take effect March 1, but Trump on Friday reiterated that he could delay the increase if a deal is close. Companies have mostly eaten the hit from a 10 percent hike, but a 25 percent tariff would be much more painful. Putty maker Muderick, for example, saw 2018 profits hit by the tariff on steel but suffered no real hit last year from tariffs on rubber silicone because he bought supply ahead in anticipation of the levy. But he expects more of a profit hit in 2019. Some toymakers may be in long-term contracts with retailers that lock in price. "If it goes to 25 percent, companies will go out of business, or they will cut back jobs," said Neil Helfand, an attorney specializing in trade whose clients include toy companies. - US toymaker rebirth? - The trade conflict has given impetus to major toy companies to shift more manufacturing to other markets, a trend that was already underway due to rising costs in China. By 2020, Hasbro plans to source 60 percent of its toys from China, compared with 69 percent in 2018 and 86 percent in 2012, with the company shifting more production to the US, Mexico, Vietnam and India, Hasbro executives said Friday. Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have all enjoyed double-digit annual toy manufacturing growth between 2012 and 2017, according to data from Euromonitor International, a market research provider. Still, those three countries plus Thailand accounted for just nine percent of China's toy output as of 2017, said Euromonitor senior industry analyst Justinas Lasinskas. Significant additional production is "unlikely" in the United States, "where production would be still more expensive even with the introduced tariffs," Lasinskas added in an email. Crazy Aaron's Puttyworld CEO and Founder Aaron Muderick, whose company has been hit by US tariffs on raw materials, fears the US-China trade war could also damage his growth prospects in the Chinese consumer market. Two children interact with a giant doll during the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 16, 2019 in New York City. An exhibitor sleeps at a booth in the China Pavillon of the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 16, 2019 in New York City. A woman is surrounded by a giant soap bubble during the annual New York Toy Fair, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 16, 2019 in New York City.
A tiny beach restaurant in an isolated South African fishing village was named the best in the world on Monday. Chef Kobus van der Merwe, who did not begin to cook seriously until he was 30, forages every day for ingredients on the wild Atlantic shore of the Western Cape near his Wolfgat restaurant, where he also makes his own bread and butter. The Wolfgat -- whose six mostly female staff have no formal training -- opened just two years ago in a 130-year-old cottage and cave on the beach at Paternoster. Its seven-course tasting menu costs the equivalent of 53 euros ($60), a fraction of what you would pay at a top Paris table. But its humble setting, and Van der Merwe's belief in sustainable, back-to-basics cooking won over the judges of the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in the French capital. The 38-year-old, who can feed only 20 people at a sitting, told AFP, "I don't feel worthy. It's a big title. My staff who go out every day gathering herbs, succulents and dune spinach, should be here... It's their baby. "I can't wait to celebrate with them with a big glass of South African sparkling wine." With dishes such as twice-cooked laver (seaweed), angelfish with bokkom sambal and wild garlic masala, limpets, mussels and sea vegetables harvested within sight of its "stoep" (porch), Wolfgat also won the prize for best "Off-Map Destination". The bearded Van der Merwe -- a former journalist -- said that apart from the influence of the subtle spices of local Cape Malay cooking, his philosophy was to "interfere as little as possible with the products, and to keep them pure, raw and untreated. "It's hyper local cuisine but we try to come up with new flavours, like dune celery spice." - Pig's bladder pasta - With "no kitchen hierarchy", he said, "we all do everything. "If you pick something you prepare it yourself and maybe then take it to the table and explain it to the customers." The chef, who said he would not be hiking up prices, said his win was a victory for the African "continent and my beautiful, diverse country". No-nonsense restaurants known for their affordable food featured prominently in the awards, set up by one of the 50 Best Restaurants list's own founders, Joe Warwick, to challenge its primacy. While the 50 Best has been hit by allegations of lobbying and bias against French cuisine, the new awards claim to pride themselves on their "diversity and integrity", with 50 men and 50 women on the judging panels. Nor were they afraid to send up industry cliches with a range of tongue-in-cheek prizes for the "Tattoo-free chef of the year" (won by French culinary legend Alain Ducasse) and the "Tweezer-free kitchen of the year" (Bangkok's Bo.lan). Sao Paulo's lively Mocoto, named for the Brazilian cow's hoof stew its serves, won the "No Reservations Required" category, while the house special went to Italy's rather ritzier Lido 84 -- overlooking Lake Garda -- which boils its "cacio e pepe" pasta inside a pig's bladder. - French hat-trick - Andoni Luis Aduriz, regarded as Spain's most pioneering chef since El Bulli's Ferran Adria hung up his apron, won the "Forward Drinking" prize for the "stellar" good value wine list at his San Sebastian eatery, Mugaritz. London's Noble Rot took a subsidiary "small plate" prize for its red wine. The "Event of the Year" continued the down-to-earth theme, going to the Refugee Food Festival, which began in France and has now spread to 18 cities worldwide. It completed a French hat-trick of top prizes with the legendary La Mere Brazier in the country's culinary capital of Lyon taking the "Enduring Classic" crown, while the top-end Paris table Le Clarence won for "Original Thinking". Italian superchef Massimo Bottura, whose Osteria Francescana tops the 50 Best list, took the "Ethical Thinking" honour for the Food for the Soul community kitchens he helped set up to fight food waste. Ireland scored a surprise double, with two Cork restaurants bringing home prizes. Ballymaloe House won for best dessert trolley and the vegetarian mecca Paradiso for its hook-up with Gortnanain Farm. Judges including Rene Redzepi of Denmark's Noma restaurant, cookbook king Yotam Ottolenghi and Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth, the first woman to win three Michelin stars in Britain, also had to cogitate over which restaurant had the best Instagram account -- that of Paris vegetable guru Alain Passard. While Redzepi narrowly missed out on three prizes, his longtime Noma underling German-born Thomas Frebel won the "Arrival of the Year" prize for his new Tokyo table, Inua, which has been hailed as "Japan's most exciting" new restaurant. Chef Kobus van der Merwe received the Restaurant of the Year award for his beach restaurant Wolfgat in South Africa during the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in Paris
A tiny beach restaurant in an isolated South African fishing village was named the best in the world on Monday. Chef Kobus van der Merwe, who only began to properly cook when he was 30, forages every day for ingredients on the wild Atlantic shore of the Western Cape near his Wolfgat restaurant, where he also makes his own bread and butter. The Wolfgat -- whose mostly female staff have no formal training -- opened just two years ago in a 130-year-old cottage and cave on the beach at Paternoster. It's seven-course tasting menu costs the equivalent of 53 euros ($60), a fraction of what you would pay at a top Paris table. But its humble setting, and Van der Merwe's belief in sustainable, back-to-basics cooking won over the judges of the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in the French capital. The 38-year-old, who can only feed 20 people at a sitting, told AFP, "I don't feel worthy. My staff who go out every day gathering herbs, succulents and dune spinach, should be here... It's their baby. "I can't wait to celebrate with them with a big glass of South African sparkling wine." With dishes such as twice-cooked laver (seaweed), angelfish with bokkom sambal and wild garlic masala, limpets, mussels and sea vegetables harvested within sight of its "stoep" (porch), Wolfgat also won the prize for best "Off-Map Destination". Bearded Van der Merwe -- a former journalist -- said apart from the influence of the subtle spices of local Cape Malay cooking, his philosophy was to "interfere as little as possible with the products, and to keep them pure, raw and untreated." - Pig's bladder pasta - "It's a very minimalist approach -- it doesn't make sense to gather amazing herbs but then transform them into a sauce that has nothing to do with them," he added. He said his win was a victory for the African "continent and my beautiful, diverse country". No-nonsense restaurants known for their affordable food featured prominently in the awards, set up by one of the 50 Best Restaurants list's own founders, Joe Warwick, to challenge it primacy. While the 50 Best has been hit by allegations of lobbying and bias against French cuisine, the new awards claim to pride themselves on their "diversity and integrity", with 50 men and 50 women on the judging panels. Nor were they afraid to send up industry cliches with a range of tongue-in-cheek prizes for the "Tattoo-free chef of the year" and the "Tweezer-free kitchen of the year". Sao Paulo's lively Mocoto, named for the Brazilian cow's hoof stew its serves, won the "No Reservations Required" category, while the house special went to Italy's rather ritzier Lido 84 -- overlooking Lake Garda -- which boils its "cacio e pepe" pasta inside a pig's bladder. - French hat-trick - Andoni Luis Aduriz, regarded as Spain's most pioneering chef since El Bulli's Ferran Adria hung up his apron, won the "Forward Drinking" prize for the breadth and value of the wine list at his San Sebastian eaterie, Mugaritz. The "Event of the year" continued the down-to-earth theme of the World Restaurant Awards, going to the Refugee Food Festival, which began in France and has now spread to 18 cities worldwide. It completed a French hat-trick of top prizes with the legendary La Mere Brazier in the country's culinary capital of Lyon taking the "Enduring Classic" crown, while the top-end Paris table Le Clarence won for "Original Thinking". Ireland scored a surprise double, with two Cork restaurants bringing home prizes. Ballymaloe House won for best dessert trolley and the vegetarian mecca Paradiso for its hook up with Gortnanain Farm. Judges including Rene Redzepi of Denmark's Noma restaurant, cook book king Yotam Ottolenghi and Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth, the first woman to win three Michelin stars in Britain, also had to cogitate over which restaurant had the Instagram account (that of Paris vegetable guru Alain Passard). While Redzepi narrowly missed out on three prizes, his longtime Noma underling German-born Thomas Frebel won the "Arrival of year" prize for his new Tokyo table, Inua, which has been hailed as "Japan's most exciting" new restaurant. Chef Kobus van der Merwe (L) receives the Restaurant of the Year award for his beach resto "Wolfgat" in South Africa during the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in Paris.
Six people have been charged with the gruesome murder four years ago of a controversial atheist blogger, Bangladesh police said Monday. Avijit Roy, a Bangladesh-born US national, was hacked to death on a busy road outside Dhaka University in February 2015. His wife was critically injured in the attack. Police investigators said 11 of the 12 militants from the outlawed Ansar al Islam group implicated in the murder took part in the street killing. "Six people have been charged over the murder of Avijit Roy. Of the six, two are on the run," Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman told AFP. A sacked army major who masterminded the attack was one of those still on the loose, Rahman said, adding police could not identify the other five involved. One suspect was killed by police in a crackdown that followed the murder. Roy, who migrated to the United States two decades ago, was known in Bangladesh for his Mukto-Mona (Free-mind) blog, where he railed against all forms of organised religion. One of his books, "The Virus of Faith", became a controversial bestseller in Bangladesh, which is officially secular even though 90 per cent of the population is Muslim. Ansar al Islam has been accused of the 2013-14 murders of atheist and secular bloggers and gay activists that prompted many to flee the country. The government launched a crackdown on Ansar and other radical groups after an attack on a Dhaka cafe in July 2016 left 18 foreigners dead. Nearly 100 extremists have since been killed by police while hundreds have been arrested. Activists protested in Bangladesh after the grisly 2015 murder of atheist blogger Avijit Roy. Police said on Monday they had charged siux people with his killing
Indian troops suffered new losses Monday in a battle with Kashmir militants that left nine dead, officials said, just days after a major suicide bomb attack escalated tensions with neighbouring Pakistan. The confrontation piled more pressure on the Indian government, which has blamed Pakistan for last Thursday's suicide attack on a convoy that killed at least 41 paramilitaries. Several hours of shooting rocked the Pulwama district, south of Kashmir's main city of Srinagar, after officials said four soldiers, a policeman, three militants and a civilian were killed in the latest clash. An army major was among the dead, along with three militants from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group which claimed last week's attack, military and police officials said. Six senior army men including a brigadier and a lieutenant colonel were injured in the hours-long gun battle, a police official told AFP. "A police deputy inspector general has also suffered injuries," the official said. The identity of the militants was not revealed but local media reports said one of those killed was Abdul Rashid Gazi, a Pakistani national whose role in Thursday's attack was being probed by investigators. Hundreds of soldiers raided villages and fired warning shots at a suspected militant hideout, unleashing the firefight in the village of Pinglan late Sunday. Images showed flames and smoke billowing out of one of the residential houses in the area. Government forces have launched a massive hunt since an explosives-packed van struck the convoy transporting 2,500 security men close to Pinglan on Thursday. A video on social media purportedly shows a pre-recorded message by the 20-year-old Kashmiri suicide bomber warning of more attacks. India accuses Pakistan of harbouring the JeM group, a charge Islamabad denies. With tensions mounting, Islamabad recalled its envoy to New Delhi for "consultations" while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater international action against "terrorism". "The cruel terrorist attack in Pulwana shows that time for talks is over," Modi said after a meeting with Argentina's President Mauricio Macri in New Delhi. - Mob attacks - Thursday's attack sparked anger and outrage across India. Thousands of demonstrators staged angry rallies in several Indian cities over the weekend, with attacks on Kashmiris reported in several towns. Protesters in New Delhi on Sunday burned effigies of Pakistani and JeM leaders. Many small businesses closed Monday following a call for a nationwide shutdown. In the capital, a Kashmiri man was beaten by a mob that accused him of chanting anti-India slogans. He was later detained by police. A curfew remained in force for a fourth day in Jammu city, in the Hindu-majority part of Kashmir, where mobs attacked and set fire to properties belonging to Kashmiri Muslims. Thousands of residents in the city have fled to Muslim-majority areas. The government faces increased pressure because of an upcoming national election. New Delhi has withdrawn trade privileges for Pakistan and ended police protection for four Kashmiri separatist leaders. Some commentators have called for military action against Pakistan. India launched what it called 'surgical strikes' on targets in Pakistani Kashmir in September 2016, 11 days after a militant attack on an Indian army base in Kashmir which left 19 soldiers dead. Pakistan denies the strikes took place. But experts say India has limited options for action now. "Whatever retaliation India takes will be symbolic. It won't have any real impact," Ajay Sahni, executive director of the New Delhi based Institute for Conflict Management, told AFP. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said during a visit to Islamabad that his country "will try to de-escalate tensions" between India and Pakistan. He is due to visit New Delhi with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday. JeM is one of several militant groups fighting Indian troops in Kashmir, which has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan region and have fought two wars over the territory. Kashmir is the world's most militarised zone with some 500,000 Indian troops deployed to fight a rebellion that broke out in 1989. Tens of thousands of people, mainly civilians, have died in the conflict. Violence has spiked since 2016 with almost 600 killed last year, the highest toll in a decade. The Indian government has blamed Pakistan for the attack on a paramilitary convoy A map of Indian-administered Kashmir showing Pulwama, the site of Thursday's suicide bombing Thousands of demonstrators staged angry rallies in several Indian cities over the weekend A Kashmiri man was beaten by a mob in New Delhi that accused him of chanting anti-India slogans
Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi. The kingdom's foreign minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for "consultations", the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a suicide blast which killed 41 Indian paramilitaries in Kashmir on Thursday, the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region in decades. The attack has sparked widespread calls in India for action against Pakistan. "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. Following the pledge, the crown prince -- widely known as MBS -- held a series of meetings Monday afternoon with the Pakistani leadership before flying on to India. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety. The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant. India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role. Pakistan has rejected the allegations. - Warm welcome - After his arrival late Sunday, MBS signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody. Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy. Pakistan laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort and honour guard. He also received the country's highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis. After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday. The Saudis, after initially denying they knew anything of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince. Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation. Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah. Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay. But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a "chief sponsor of terrorism" during Monday's live press conference. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic. However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour -- and Saudi Arabia's regional foe -- Iran. Jubeir also noted that Riyadh continues to participate in a months-long push by Washington for peace talks in Afghanistan, saying that if the war-torn country can be stabilised "it will be to benefit... the region as a whole". Last week the Taliban announced they would attend talks in Islamabad with the US and Pakistan on Monday that had been due to coincide with the crown prince's visit. Neither Washington nor Pakistan confirmed the talks, however, and the Taliban announced Sunday that they had been postponed as its militants "were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist". Taliban negotiators have recently visited Russia, Qatar, and the UAE. Fresh talks are set to be held between the US and the militants in Doha on February 25. Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reviews a guard of honour at the Pakistan Prime Minister's House in Islamabad. Pakistan has rolled out the red carpet for the Saudi royal in exchange for economic deals worth over $20 billion Pakistan has laid on a lavish welcome for the Saudi crown prince, including a 21-gun salute and fighter jet escort Saudi Arabia-Pakistan trade profiles according World Trade Organization.
The royals are known for speaking out about kids health and wellbeing, and the Swedish royal family have now released a handbook for teens on how to deal with unwanted attention online.

Prince Carl Philip and his wife Princess Sofia have teamed up with BRIS (Childrens Rights in Society) to release a Handbook for Parents, available both online and in print.

The handbook, which landed in the post box of every parent in Sweden with a child who turns 10 this year, gives advice on everything to do with millennials, including d*** pics and terms such as Yas and Bae.

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According to the Express, the handbook states that teens are getting unwanted sexual questions, propositions and pictures while theyre browsing the web.

Its become routine that some boys send pictures of their penis to girls, but also to other boys, the handbook reportedly reads.

Its for different reasons: to freak out and exercise power, but also because they think people will like it.

Girls and boys can certainly send each other pictures out of curiosity, lust and free will, but its an illegal act to send sexual pictures, or expose your genitalia, to another person against their will.

The handbook is also said to contain advice for parents on how to deal with cyberbullying and how to talk to kids when something difficult happens.

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Over in the UK, Prince William spoke about his worries on how much time his kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will spend online when theyre older.

This generation are going to be the first generation to grow up fully immersed in mobile phones, social media, lots of stuff, he told the BBC to mark Anti-Bullying Week last year.

And yet our generation, the older generation, the parent generation, were completely left at, how do we deal this this? Where do we go to? Where do you learn about how to look after your childrens digital world?'

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Two opposition leaders in Nicaragua were handed sentences of more than 200 years on Monday for participating in violent protests last year against President Daniel Ortega that left 325 people dead, their lawyer said. Medardo Mairena was sentenced to 216 years in prison for "terrorism" and six other offences related to his participation in the protests that caused the death of four police officers and a civilian, said lawyer Julio Montenegro from the non-governmental Permanent Commission for Human Rights. Pedro Mena was given 210 years for terrorism and other offences. Montenegro described the sentences as "unprecedented" and "overly exaggerated." The two opposition leaders will serve only 30 years in prison, though, as that is the maximum allowed in Nicaraguan law. Mairena is one of the leaders of the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy, an opposition group that was formed in May to try to find a solution to the country's political crisis through dialogue with the government. Protests had begun in April and escalated quickly as they were met by a brutal government crackdown. The talks broke down in June as Ortega refused the opposition's main demands to step down and bring forward presidential elections. Protests lasted until October and as well as the many dead, more than 750 people were arrested and accused of terrorism. The Nicaraguan opposition accuses former guerrilla leader Ortega, in power since 2007, of establishing a corrupt dictatorship with his wife and vice president Rosario Murillo. Anti-government demonstrators staging a protest against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo in May
For Lebanon's Nadine Labaki, whose social-realist epic "Capernaum" is an Oscar contender for best foreign film, the toughest battle is only just beginning. Her heart-wrenching story of poverty and survival in Beirut's wretched underclass won a 15-minute standing ovation and the Jury Prize in Cannes last year. A former election candidate in Beirut, Labaki now hopes an Academy Award will not only complete the film's impressive harvest of distinctions but also boost its impact at home. "So the conversation is starting now and that was my aim, to create this shock, and to create this debate," Labaki told AFP in her Beirut office. The 45-year-old has arguably become Lebanese culture's most prominent export and she is bent on making good use of her growing celebrity. "I feel it like a duty, it's not a choice even, and this is what we're going to start doing, very, very soon: show the film to the government and organise these round tables with judges and lawyers," she said. "Maybe it's going to have a big influence and maybe it won't, but we have to try," Labaki said. The film has already changed the lives of its cast members, many of whom were experiencing the same struggles as their characters during the gruelling six-month shoot. "Capernaum" follows the travails of Zain, a malnourished boy who runs away from his family when his 11-year-old sister Sahar is sold into marriage. He is sheltered by an undocumented African worker named Rahil and ends up looking after her baby boy Yonas when she is arrested and jailed. The parallels between the film's script and what happened to the actors in real life are uncanny. - 'No make believe' - Baby Yonas's on-screen and real-life mothers were arrested together during filming and both were in jail when the scenes of the two children being left to their own devices in the streets of Beirut were being shot. In the film, Zain keeps dreaming that he will one day escape his misery and move to Sweden. The Syrian refugee child who plays Zain's character was recently resettled by the United Nations in Norway, where he now lives with family in a house overlooking the sea. "I don't know why those things kept happening, maybe because the script was inspired by so much reality that it was actually bound to happen," Labaki said. Zain is now going to school as are his parents as well as several other of the film's children. Capernaum has already achieved new milestones for Lebanese cinema and received glowing endorsements from media mogul Oprah Winfrey and others. Some critics however argued the film was unsubtle in rubbing the viewer's nose in social squalor, telling the audience when to smile and when to cry. But restraint, Labaki retorts, is just not in her culture. "It's as if people, especially critics, want all cinemas coming from all parts of the world to look the same way," she said. "Let each country bring its own identity." "It's really very hurtful to hear words like 'poverty porn' or 'emotional manipulation'," Labaki said. "Especially when there's no big make believe in the film, everything that is in the film is a reality." The activist in her wanted to jolt her audience into action and mobilise decision-makers in Lebanon, a country where Syrian refugees account for a quarter of the population but where faith in the government is rock-bottom. "People come to me in tears, people say 'You changed me forever', 'I'm not looking at the child I see under the bridge every day in the same way', 'I want to do something about it', 'How can we help?'," Labaki said. She said an Oscar on February 24 would further increase her chances of making a difference. "Why do we use the word influencers? A celebrity is an influencer whether they like it or not, so they need to use this influence in the best way possible." Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki hopes an Academy Award will not only complete her film's impressive harvest of distinctions but also boost its impact at home Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki is bent on making good use of her growing celebrity
South Africa: SAA settles Comair dispute

South African Airways (SAA) has reached a settlement with Comair following a protracted legal battle, saying it paves the way for the airline to reach financial sustainability.

The finalisation of this case marks the conclusion of one of the disappointing legacy matters that dragged on for far too long and was overdue. The current airline leadership at board and executive management level is committed to closing all legacy issues and to start on a clean slate, said SAA on Saturday.

This follows Fridays Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment in the matter that the national carrier has described as an unnecessary protracted legal battle which only served to maximise risk exposure for the airline. It said that the matter could have been handled differently.

The legal dispute between the two airlines relates to commissions  or override incentive agreements - paid to various travel agents between April 2000 and May 2001 as well as between June 2001 and March 2005.

These were found to be prohibited practices and in contravention of the Competition Act, following which Comair sued SAA for damages.

The national carrier said parties in the dispute were able to reach a settlement which was made an order of the court.

The national carrier will pay R1.1 billion to Comair following the more than a decade-long legal battle.

SAA which falls within the ambit of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), said its leadership will act decisively on matters that must finalised to ensure that there is mitigation against any possible liability that may arise from any legacy issues.

The finalisation of this matter is a deliberate decision of SAA, to clean up and focus on transforming the airline as it undertakes the journey towards financial sustainability. The airline must execute its strategy without being distracted by legacy issues in order to reach a break-even point by the end of financial year end 2021, it said.

Briefing Parliaments Public Enterprises Portfolio last week, the DPE said SAAs audit outcomes for 2017/18 is yet to be finalised on a going concern basis.

Funding options have been explored and an announcement is expected soon, said the department at the time. - SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.


The family of a British teenager who ran away to join the Islamic State group and now wants to return to the UK say she has given birth to a baby boy.

The familys lawyer said 19-year-old Shamima Begum and the baby are in good health.

In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Begum said she had previously lost two babies to illness and malnutrition.

News about Begum and her desire to go back to Britain have ignited a debate in the UK about how to deal with citizens who joined IS, and want to leave Syria now that the extremist group is on the verge of collapse.

Shamima Begum fled London with two friends to join the terror network in 2015 when she was just 15. Source: AFP

Begum was one of a group of schoolgirls from Londons Bethnal Green neighborhood who went to Syria to marry IS fighters in 2015 at a time when the groups online recruitment program lured many impressionable young people to its self-proclaimed caliphate.

Speaking to Britains Sky News from Syria, where she has been living in a refugee camp, Begum said she didnt know what she was getting into when she left and wants to bring her baby back to Britain with her.

I think a lot of people should have sympathy towards me for everything Ive been through, she said in an interview broadcast on Sunday.

I just was hoping that maybe for me, for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back, the young woman said.

Shamima Begums family claim she has given birth. Source; Metropolitan Police via AP

Because I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

I dont want to take care of my child in this camp because Im afraid he might even die in this camp, she said.

Begum said she had been only a housewife during her time with IS militants.

I never did anything dangerous. I never made propaganda. I never encouraged people to come to Syria. So theyd only have proof I didnt do anything that is dangerous, she said.

She added she had been OK with beheadings carried out by Islamic State adherents because she had heard it was allowed under Islamic law.

Begum may face charges in the UK

While it is unclear whether Begum committed any crimes and her legal status is uncertain, its possible Begum could face charges for supporting IS if she returns to Britain.

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Some people in her native country have focused on her apparent lack of remorse and argue she would be a security threat to Britain.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who oversees immigration, wrote in the Sunday Times he would not hesitate to prevent the return of Britons who traveled abroad to join IS.

CCTV of Shamima Begum leaving the UK. Source: Metropolitan Police

If you do manage to return, you should be ready to be questioned, investigated and potentially prosecuted, Javid said.

Asked during the Sky interview if she felt she made a mistake going to Syria, Begum said: In a way, yes. But I dont regret it because its changed me as a person. Its made me stronger, tougher, you know.

Two days before the babys birth was announced, Begums relatives in Britain said they were shocked by her comments but thought she should be brought back and dealt with by the British justice system.

The welfare of Shamimas unborn baby is of paramount concern to our family, and we will do everything within our power to protect that baby, who is entirely blameless in these events, the family had said.

The family said it is concerned about Begums mental health and characterizes her as having been groomed by Islamic State fighters.

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A Jerusalem court refused Monday to release to house arrest an ultra-Orthodox Israeli woman sought by Australia over accusations of sexually abusing girls under her care there. District court justice Ram Winograd said that Malka Leifer would remain in detention for the duration of her extradition hearings, rejecting her lawyers' argument that treatment for her alleged mental condition in prison was "life threatening." "The respondent is under the medical supervision of the prison, and undergoes weekly psychiatric evaluations," Winograd said at the end of the hearing. "There is no room to assume that the treatment in the prison was risking her life." Leifer's mental condition and her fitness to stand trial were at the heart of Monday's session, which drew increased attention after recent allegations that Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman had used his authority to help prevent her extradition. According to media reports beginning last week, Litzman, who is also ultra-Orthodox, had pressured medical officials to proclaim Leifer unfit to stand trial. Litzman and a number of his aides were questioned by police, with his office denying any wrongdoing. Leifer, who did not attend the Monday hearing, is accused of child sex abuse while she was a teacher and principal at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Melbourne, where she had relocated from her native Israel. According to Australian media, Leifer is facing 74 counts of child sex abuse, but her lawyer Tal Gabay told the court on Monday there were "three actual complaints." After allegations surfaced against her in 2008, Leifer and her family left for Israel and have been living in the settlement of Emmanuel in the occupied West Bank. A previous extradition attempt between 2014 and 2016 failed after Leifer was hospitalised in mental institutions and expert opinions determined she was not fit to stand trial. But undercover private investigators filmed Leifer depositing a cheque at a bank and shopping, prompting Israeli authorities to launch a probe to see if she was faking mental illness to avoid extradition, leading to her arrest in February 2018. Leifer's attorneys Yehuda Fried and Gabay rejected Winograd's proposal to have her undergo another psychiatric evaluation within the confines of her custody, saying that it would likely cause her duress that would further deteriorate her condition. Dassi Erlich, one of the women accusing Leifer of sexually abusing her, said she was "hugely relieved" the court had refused the house arrest request. Speaking to AFP from Australia ahead of the hearing, Erlich said she was "incredibly angry" over the possibility Litzman had intervened on behalf of Leifer. "The manipulation of justice has reached very far, something we suspected all along, but we can't believe how far the manipulation has reached," she said by phone. Hearings on Leifer's extradition will resume in March. After allegations surfaced against her in 2008, Malka Leifer (R) and her family left Australia for Israel


A man claims he found fly eggs in his KFC after purchasing chicken through a restaurants drive-thru.

Tom Masterton, who lives in Aucklands south, shared pictures of his find from a nearby KFC on Facebook. He claims he purchased the chicken on Sunday about 11.30am.

Mr Masterton told the New Zealand Herald he took the chicken home, ate a few pieces and pulled it apart when he noticed something strange.

The Auckland man told Newshub he found fly eggs under the chickens coating along with a dead fly in the container.

He told the NZ Herald he vomited before taking photos and sending them to KFC at 2.30pm. He left the chicken on his table before sharing pictures online claiming KFC never responded to his queries.

An Auckland man claims he found fly eggs in his KFC chicken. Source: Facebook/ Tom Masterton

Ewwww  This is disgusting, one woman wrote on Facebook.

However, many have questioned whether his claims about finding the eggs straight away on bringing the chicken home are legitimate.

Theres no way that chicken had eggs as a full piece, the eggs have just been laid, chicken piece would have to have been pulled open for them to be there, one person wrote.

Another pointed out the eggs are laid on the bone and it would take a Hulk fly to tear through the chicken and lay the eggs.

Mr Masterton said it would be a s***load of effort to go through to get a free meal if he chose to lie.

However, KFC are also doubtful the Auckland man found the eggs inside the chicken right after buying it.

Theres been a suggestion the fly in this pic may have laid the eggs after the man arrived home to eat the chicken. Source: Facebook/ Tom Masterton

Geraldine Oldham, of Restaurant Brands NZ which represents KFC in New Zealand, told Yahoo7 in a statement its very unlikely the eggs were laid pre-purchase and could have only occurred after the product left the store.

Our chicken is delivered fresh and cooked fresh every day, Ms Oldham said.

It is prepared by trained cooks and cooked according to correct process and served immediately from the sealed cabinet. All food at KFC is served at a minimum temperature of 60 degrees, as required under the Food Act 2014.

Our strict food safety procedures in-store mean any contamination like this can only occur after the product leaves the store, particularly if it is left sitting un-refrigerated where flies and other contaminants can access it.

Story continues

We urge customers to cover and refrigerate food after leaving the store, particularly during the hot summer months.

She also pointed out a dead fly in one of the pictures, suggesting the chicken was contaminated outside of the restaurant.

The eggs are present within the cavity of the chicken and not on the surface of the skin, which again suggests it had been eaten and then been left uncovered, Ms Oldham said.

We are concerned that a lack of food safety knowledge can lead to customers making false claims about KFCs food safety on social media, or putting themselves at risk by not correctly storing or covering food that they dont eat immediately.

We have asked the customer for proof of purchase, which he has said hes not able to provide. We will also review our security footage as part of the investigation.

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Islamic State group jihadists defending their last scrap of territory in Syria have no choice but to surrender, a Kurdish-led force said on Monday, ahead of a victory declaration expected within days. The warning by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) came as European nations reacted coolly to a US call to repatriate their nationals from Syria, which Germany said would be "extremely difficult". Diehard IS fighters are now trapped in a final patch of territory of less than half a square kilometre (0.2 square miles) in the village of Baghouz near the Iraqi border. From an SDF position hundreds of metres (yards) away, an AFP reporter spotted people moving between white tents inside the last jihadist redoubt, including a woman clad in black and masked men. An SDF fighter pointed towards a water tanker parked in the arid plain that separated his force from jihadists. "Do you see people moving behind the water truck. It's not clear if they are fighters or civilians," he said. The SDF are moving cautiously on the jihadist holdout, saying IS is increasingly using civilians as "human shields". Spokesman Mustefa Bali said the alliance was "still working on trying to get civilians out". "The clashes are sporadic and very limited," Bali told AFP on Monday. "There have been no significant changes on the ground." - 'No choice' - Thousands of people have streamed out of IS turf in recent weeks, but no civilians have made it out in the last three days. Those that managed to escape have been ferried on trucks to Kurdish-held camps for the displaced to the north. The International Rescue Committee said Monday that 62 people, mostly children, had died on the way to the Al-Hol camp or shortly after arriving in the past few weeks. An informed source told AFP that IS fighters are seeking safe passage to the jihadist-held city of Idlib in northwestern Syria. "They want to take remaining civilians with them as human shields. But the SDF are not willing to discuss this," said the source, asking not to be named. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the SDF have turned down the request. AFP could not confirm this with an SDF official, but a commander with the alliance said IS has no leverage to negotiate. "They are besieged in a very tight area and they have no other choice but to surrender," said the commander. IS declared a "caliphate" across large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, which at its height spanned an area the size of the United Kingdom. Successive offensives in both countries have since shattered the proto-state, but the extremist group still retains a presence in Syria's Badia desert. After years of fighting IS, the Kurdish-led SDF hold hundreds of foreigners suspected of being IS fighters, as well as related women and children. Syria's Kurds have long urged their home countries to take them back, but these nations have been reluctant. - 'Extremely difficult' - European countries gave a cool response to a call by US President Donald Trump to take back their citizens captured in the fight against IS. British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said Monday that foreign fighters should be tried "in the region where the crimes had been committed". Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned that it would be "extremely difficult" to organise the repatriation of European nationals from Syria. In France, Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet said the government would stick to its current policy of dealing with fighters on a case-by-case basis. European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini ruled out any EU involvement in the disputes, saying they are a matter for national governments. Trump stunned allies in December when he announced all 2,000 US troops would withdraw from Syria as IS had been defeated. General Joseph Votel, commander of US forces in the Middle East, was in Syria earlier Monday but "has since left the region", a US-led coalition spokesman said. A top Kurdish official called on Europe not to abandon Syria's Kurds. European powers "have a political and moral responsibility" to the Kurds, Aldar Khalil told AFP in Paris. The Kurds fear the US withdrawal will leave them facing a long-threatened assault by Turkey, which views their fighters as terrorists. They have begun looking to President Bashar al-Assad for possible cover, as his regime has gained the upper hand in the civil war with Russian backing. Almost eight years into a conflict that has killed more than 360,000 people, SDF-held areas and the northwestern Idlib region remain beyond government control. Two bomb attacks in Idlib on Monday killed 24 people, including four children, the Observatory said. The area is administered by a jihadist alliance led by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. A member of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces stands guard on top of a building in Baghouz during an operation against the Islamic State group Map of the offensive against the last pocket of IS territory in Syria A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces rests in the village of Baghouz during an operation against the Islamic State group The Syrian Democratic Forces are advancing cautiously on the last pocket of Islamic State group territory in eastern Syria


A Sydney cleaner has been hailed a saint after he gave his co-worker the incredible gift of donating his kidney for a transplant so she could have a second chance at life.

Over a coffee, 59-year-old Sydney Trains cleaner Nerissa Plummer revealed devastating news to her co-worker, telling him her kidney was failing.

Sydney Trains cleaner Andrew Day offered a kidney to co-worker Nerissa Plummer whose kidney was failing. Source: 7 News

In an incredible act of selflessness, Andrew Day, 52, didnt hesitate to offer her the ultimate gift.

I wanted to do the best I could do to help her. I made the decision to help her straight away, he told 7 News.

The pair recover at Sydney North Shore Hospital following the life-changing operation. Source: 7 News

He has no regrets, only gratitude, over his decision to donate his organ.

Ms Plummer was extremely grateful for her friends generous act.

He was so brave. I think hes a saint, she said.

The result was even more astonishing because there was only a slim chance of a match between donor and recipient as Mr Days blood type was rare.

Nerissa Plummer has called her Sydney Trains workmate Andrew Day a saint for donating his kidney. Source: 7 News

A living donors donor kidney generally lasts about 15-16 years, compared with about 12 years from a deceased person, Nephrologist Associate Professor David Goodman said.

The pairs procedure was one of about 900 kidney transplants performed in Australia last year.

Around 250 Australians donate organs to a friend or family member every year. All potential donors undergo extensive psychological and medical testing before a transplant is given the green light.

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Toto Wolff, the Mercedes Formula 1 CEO, said on Monday Brexit could do untold damage to the F1 industry in the UK, calling it "the mother of all messes". The Mercedes team is based in Northamptonshire, while Red Bull -- whose their Team Principal Christian Horner on Monday said "life ultimately will go on" regardless of how the United Kingdom leaves the European Union -- is based in Milton Keynes. "Brexit is a major concern for all of us that live in the UK and operate out of the UK," Wolff said at Montmelo where Formula 1 pre-season testing began on Monday. "Formula 1 teams travel to races at least 21 times a year, we are moving in and out of the UK, our people move in and out of the UK," he added, in reference to customs delays that could be incurred by Brexit. Austrian Wolff, who is a former racing driver, was also concerned about customs for motor parts. "The way we get parts and services is just in time at the last minute ... taxes would massively damage the Formula 1 industry in the UK," Wolff said. Visa and right to work concerns were also high on Wolff's worry list, thanks to the "26 nationalities in our team". Wolff said there were no doubts in his mend that "no-deal Brexit or Brexit" would be "damaging to what for me is one of the outstanding industries in the UK". He explained: "Formula 1 feels like very much exposed to the decisions that could be made at a political level and it is a risk for our people and a risk for our industry." - Life goes on - Meanwhile Red Bull Team Principal Horner played down the drama, insisting that he and his team would adapt to any potential changes. "Whether there is no deal, any deal, life ultimately will go on. I think it's important that we get to conclusion sooner rather than later to get rid of all the uncertainty because it is unsettling," said the 45-year-old Briton. Horner said that in fact nobody really understood Brexit. "Every time you turn the television on at the moment you've got somebody talking about hard Brexit or soft Brexit, the back stop, whatever it is," he said before tuning his ire on his rival Wolff. "You complain to doomsday scenario of Brexit or you can actually maybe see how much it is going to affect our daily lives. I don't think any of us can actually answer that question," he said. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff talking with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
The trial of a Frenchman accused of shooting dead four people at the Jewish museum of Belgium was briefly interrupted on Monday as police were summoned to question a juror. "We cannot start the closing arguments under these conditions," judge Laurence Massart said, after recusing the juror for having communicated with outside parties. "The sixth juror contacted police officials on Friday afternoon to say he met with parties not heard in this trial with whom he discussed the case file," she added. The juror related to the court that he was approached by a colleague at work who said she was a witness to the assault and shared an elaborate conspiracy theory involving the Belgian foreign minister. "This is probably a person in search of attention," said Sebastien Courtoy, the lawyer for the accused Mehdi Nemmouche, referring to the juror's work colleague. French national Nemmouche, 33, the accused jihadist gunman, faces life in prison if convicted of the "terrorist murder" of four people during the anti-Semitic attack on May 24, 2014. The trial, which began on January 10, was scheduled to hear closing arguments Monday after witness testimonies ended on Friday. A verdict is expected in early March. Nemmouche is being tried along with fellow Frenchman Nacer Bendrer, a petty criminal from Marseilles who is accused of supplying the weapons for the attack. m/dc/boc Nemmouche faces life in prison if convicted of the "terrorist murder" of four people during the anti-Semitic attack in 2014


Passengers have had a terrifying surprise on a plane after seeing a scorpion crawl out of an overhead luggage compartment.

The Lion Air flight set off from the international airport in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, bound for Jakarta on February 14.

But when the plane had landed and a woman stood up to open the locker, the venomous creature scampered out  sparking panic from those onboard the Boeing 737.

Concerned cabin crew rushed over to see what had caused the panic and began searching for the critter, which had already disappeared back inside the planes roof.

The scorpion disappeared into the planes roof. Source: Reuters/Newsflare

Its not known how long the scorpion had been inside the plane, but it is believed to have been living deep within the aircraft for some time.

I was in row 19 with two other passengers. Next to me, a married couple, too. Seeing the scorpion just above our seat, we rushed out as fast as we could, onlooker Karim Taslin said.

I didnt have time to catch the scorpion. So it disappeared into the cabin baggage area. I pressed the emergency button. There was no response, so I shouted for help.

The scorpion was found after the plane landed in Jakarta. Source: Reuters/Newsflare

Lion Air said in a statement that the plane had been sprayed a week earlier to remove any creatures. They are now investigating.

Ground service officers and technicians immediately carried out in-depth search and thorough handling of the aircraft after the passengers and cargo were removed, but no animals were found, spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro said.

 Newsflare

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Two former French air force pilots went on trial in France on Monday six years after they fled the Dominican Republic following a spectacular drugs bust on a private jet in the Caribbean nation. In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos are accused along with seven other defendants of trying to smuggle 680 kilogrammes (1,500 pounds) of the drug out of the country. Dominican police found the narcotics packed into 26 suitcases onboard a Falcon 50 jet as it prepared to fly from the Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana to Saint-Tropez in the south of France in March 2013. While out on bail, the two men managed to flee the Dominican Republic to French territory in the Caribbean in mysterious circumstances, but were re-arrested upon their return to the French mainland in November 2015. They, along with two passengers, were found guilty in absentia and sentenced to 20 years in jail for drug-trafficking in the Dominican Republic in 2015. All of them deny they knew that the cocaine was on board the flight. The French court will hear scores of witnesses and experts over seven weeks and the defendants face up to 30 years in prison. Only one suspect, Ali Bouchareb, is in detention in the case while the other eight were granted bail pending the trial. The two French pilots, Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos, were caught in a spectacular seizure of the drug-packed jet in March 2013 as they prepared to fly to France through Azores
(Repeats Feb 15 story with no changes to text)

By David Lawder and David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - A confidential Commerce Department report due to be sent to Donald Trump on Sunday is widely expected to clear the way for the U.S. president to threaten tariffs on imported autos and auto parts by designating the imports a national security threat, auto industry officials said on Friday.

The report's recommendations may bring the global auto industry a step closer to its worst trade nightmare - U.S. tariffs on millions of imported cars and parts of up to 25 percent that many in the industry fear would add thousands of dollars to the cost of vehicles and potentially cost hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the U.S. economy.

The contents of the report are expected to remain classified while Trump considers its recommendations, leaving the industry and major car exporters Japan, the European Union and South Korea in the dark about its consequences.

Auto industry officials said they expect the report to recommend at least some tariffs so that the administration can use the findings of the probe as negotiating leverage during negotiations this year with Japan and the EU.

The report is the result of an investigation started by the Commerce Department in May 2018 at Trump's request. Known as a Section 232 investigation, the probe's purpose is to determine the effects of imports on national security.

The final version will be sent to the White House on Sunday to meet a statutory deadline, a Trump administration source told Reuters.

Confidential draft versions of the recommendations have circulated to the White House and other government agencies for review since last November.

Automakers and parts suppliers are anticipating its recommendation options will include broad tariffs of up to 20-25 percent on assembled cars and parts, or narrower tariffs targeting components and technologies related to new energy cars, autonomous, internet-connected and shared vehicles.

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"Nobody I've talked to in the industry thinks the report won't recommend tariffs" in view of the Trump administration's stated trade priorities, said an automotive official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"And there's not much chance that Trump decides not to impose them."

Administration officials have said tariff threats on autos are a way to win concessions from Japan and the EU. Last year, Trump agreed not to impose tariffs as long as talks with the two trading partners were proceeding in a productive manner.

The Commerce Department alluded to a focus on emerging vehicle technologies when it opened the probe.

A report from the well-respected Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, published on Friday showed that its worst-case scenario of a 25-percent tariff would cost 366,900 U.S. jobs in the auto and related industries.

U.S. light duty vehicle prices would increase by $2,750 on average -- including U.S.-built vehicles -- reducing annual U.S. sales by 1.3 million units and forcing many consumers to the used car market, the think tank's report said.

Major automaker groups said last year that the cumulative effect for the United States would be an $83 billion annual price increase and argued that there is no evidence auto imports pose a national security risk.

Canada and Mexico each won duty-free access to 2.6 million vehicles as part of a new North American free trade deal even if the administration moves ahead with the tariffs.

Senator Rob Portman, an Ohio Republican, recently introduced legislation that would shift responsibility for Section 232 investigations from Commerce to the U.S. Defense Department. The law containing the provision was passed in 1962 to keep U.S. industries healthy to meet Cold War defense needs.

"There is no way that minivans from Canada are a national security threat," Portman told reporters.

Under the statute, Trump has 90 days to consider the report and act on its recommendations.

Trump said on Friday that tariffs protect industry and also help win trade agreements.

"I love tariffs, but I also love them to negotiate," he said. (Reporting by David Lawder and David Shepardson Editing by Simon Webb and Sonya Hepinstall)
The latter was important because we were relatively impecunious at the time and the cost of the ferry to access the island was (and remains) perhaps the most costly ferry journey in Australia

Fortuitously, a friend owned a beach shack on the island and kindly allowed us to rent it for a couple of weeks at a very nominal charge.

Despite having lived in South Australia for most of my life, I had never visited Kangaroo Island and so we decided that it would be our holiday destination.

ADELAIDE - When my children were young, my wife and I decided to take them and ourselves on a holiday.

KI, as it is known locally, lies a few kilometres off the mainland. It is 145 kms long and 90 kms wide at its widest point, covering an area of 4,405 sq kms. According to the 2016 census, the population is around 4,700.

As its name suggests, the island is hopping with kangaroos, not to mention a whole range of other fauna. Tourists flock there to experience the wildlife, beautiful beaches, great surfing, superb fishing and the excellent food and wine produced there.

In short, KI is a marvellous tourist destination and certainly worth a visit if you are ever in South Australia.

What the island is not especially noted for is being the headquarters for obscure corporations.

After all, it is not a tax haven like, say, the Bahamas or Cayman Islands or even the Isle of Man. Consequently, there is no great incentive to set up a head office there unless, I suppose, the islands relative obscurity is an attraction.

Anyway, you can imagine my surprise to discover that the Australian government had contrived to award a tender for the provision security and support services at its detention facilities on Manus Island to a company called Paladin, which is (or was until a couple of days ago) headquartered on KI. The contract is worth more than $420 million or about K1 billion.

Now the term headquarters may conjure up images of a shiny, multi-story tower block, with the name of the corporate owner emblazoned upon it in very large illuminated letters. In this case however, the head quarters building takes the form of a non-descript beach shack located amongst others of its kind down a long dirt road.

This is rather surprising because, if my research on the internet is any guide, Paladin Group Australia holds itself forth as being at the very forefront of the provision of project support services in the Asia-Pacific. This includes PNG, where Paladin Group, Black Swan International and ECM appear to be working hand in glove.

Given this background, there seems to be a mismatch between the purported corporate HQ and the ambitions of the company but, hey, from humble beginnings great things sometimes flow, right?

Since the curious location of its corporate HQ became public knowledge, Paladin reportedly has moved swiftly to relocate its HQ to Canberra. It is still not connected to the phone system apparently, but at least it is in a recognisably less obscure location.

According to yesterdays Australian Financial Review, the family of one of PNG's most powerful politicians is directly benefiting from Paladin's $423 million worth of security contracts on Manus Island, awarded by the federal government in a closed tender.

Documents released under Freedom of Information show in January last year Paladin Solutions PNG entered into an agreement with Peren Investment, a company controlled by the brothers of PNG's parliamentary speaker, Job Pomat.

Mr Pomat is the local member for Manus, a key ally of Prime Minister Peter O'Neill and deputy leader of the ruling People's National Congress. His family are among those who claim traditional ownership of the land where the refugees are being housed.

The people who control Paladin deny that the arrangement is a means by which to direct funds to Mr Pomat.

Now call me a cynic but I am afraid that I am struggling to believe Paladins protestations that there is nothing to see here.

Anyone with even the briefest acquaintance with PNG government and politics knows that corruption and dirty deals lie at its very heart.

Unsurprisingly, the Australian Senate has decided to inquire into just how this contract was awarded to Paladin and, in particular, why it apparently was the beneficiary of a limited tender process whereby only it could actually submit a tender for services.

This whole transaction fails the sniff test. It stinks and the odour cannot be disguised or denied.

My suspicion is that the current Australian government, which is engaged in a desperate fight for political survival, has found it expedient to succumb to suggestions emanating from PNG government sources, that Paladin was exactly the right organisation to undertake the contract.

After all, an open tender process could have become messy, with all sorts of unpredictable consequences, especially within PNG. This could lead to unhelpful complications with implementing the contract which, in turn, might attract the interest of the Australian media at an inconvenient time in the electoral cycle.

The current Australian government is running a full scale fear and loathing campaign in which it asserts that only it can prevent a deluge of illegal immigrants attempting to reach Australia by boat. This is its proverbial ace in the hole for the election, where it knows it can put the opposition parties on the back foot.

It simple cannot afford to talk much about the health or education or energy policy or water policy or, God forbid, climate change, because it is hopelessly compromised in these areas.

This has made it vulnerable to suggestions of the type I have outlined. It has become, in effect, a hostage of fortune over Manus Island.

This is deeply ironic given that those being kept on Manus are, in practice, being kept hostage to discourage both prospective illegal immigrants and the Indonesian based criminals who control the people smuggling business.

Of course, I am engaging in speculation as to the motives and machinations of those involved in this matter but, given the track record of the PNG government over things like medicinal drugs, logging, SABLs and so forth, there must be reasonable grounds for suspicion that I am right.

If the Australian Senate focuses upon following the money in this case, I will be surprised if it does not lead back to the PNG government.

There is already prima facie evidence that the pernicious infection of corruption that has PNG in its grip is now spreading within Australia too.

I hope I am wrong but greatly fear that I am not.

Time will tell.
As I joined the end of the queue, the image of Alice being late for tea with the Mad Hatter jumped at me.

I had arrived at the bank at 8:40, 10 minutes after the morning queue was ushered in.

"Em ya, sanap long hia," he said, pointing with his left hand which also clutched a bundle of bank deposit slips.

"Yu kam," I felt a firm hand tapping me on the shoulder. I turned and faced a clean-shaven security guard, looking smart in his bank issued uniform.

I slowly scanned the winding line of bodies as it coiled around the foyer looking depressingly like "a long and sad tail".

I glanced at my wrist watch  Id probably be in the bank for three hours max. Two or three hours of jostling, complaining and chit-chatting. Not to be defeated, I looked around to occupy myself.

The deposit queue was a confusion, its arrangement hard to decipher. But like all bank queues in Papua New Guinea, some semblance of order would be unexpectedly be worked out. PNG is the land of the unexpected if you dont know.

The enquiry queue was shorter. The smart-looking security guard continued to usher in clients. The maze continued to grow.

"Security, pasim dua!" someone suddenly called out as two more clients rushed to get in first.

"Nogat moa speis ya!"said a voice behind me.

I turned. There were five or six people who had piled in before the door shut. I was reminded of what a slow morning had entrapped me.

The young man behind leisurely spoke. "Ol security tu ya! Yupla lukluk na controlim dua!" he hissed, "benk pulap olgeta ya!"

"Larim ol wokim lain na sanap autsait pastaim," he continued while those in hearing range turned and nodded in agreement.

"Hey! Maski lo katim lain," a skinny man with a small bilum around his neck reacted angrily to well-dressed man who looked like a former government employee who was standing lost in the maze.

"Nogat, mi no katim lain. Mi painim lain blo Enquiries ya," he explained to the skinny man.

"Oh, okay ... sori, em ya! ... lain blo Enquiries lo hap ya," the skinny man said, pointing.

"Ol security tu stap we? Kam na stretim ol kastomas ya," the skinny man continued talking to nobody in particular.

Then the main entrance door opened and a senior looking female bank employee walked in.

"Hey! Yupla sanap lo hap givim speis lo wokmeri blo benk!" the other heavy-set security guard barked and pointed into the queue.

The bank employee strolled over with the guard, the human maze parting respectfully like the Red Sea.

The bank employee paused. It seemed like a light bulb had suddenly switched on.

"Ol security! Yupla controlim ol lain kam insait lo benk! Sapos pulap, larim sampla stap autsait!" She spoke firmly looking at the two security personnel and eyeing the human muddle that had fallen silent to give her space.

"Yumi mas save olsem Papua Niugini nau i gat ol cases blo strongpla sik TB! Disla kain yumi olgeta pulap na bung olsem bai isi tru lo sik TB i ken spred!"

And she walked on, the burly guard used the security ID card to unlock the electronic door to the bank's work area. The queue spread out again.

I scanned the foyer. Everyone just continued with what they were doing before. Everyone clung to the long and sad tail feeling secure in their spot.
The best site I know for information about Southern Rhone wines is run by a Danish man who loves Chateauneuf du Pape: http://www.chateauneuf.dk/ Chris Kissack, an English physician, has a good grasp of French wines, particuarly those from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux: http://www.thewinedoctor.com/ Jacqueline Friedrich's book on Wines and Foods of the Loire Valley is a favorite of mine. She also runs an interesting, albeit a bit unusual, wine site: http://www.jacquelinefriedrich.com/ Jason looks for best values, mostly at Trader Joe's: http://www.jasonswineblog.com/ Wine Review Online offers columns by several knowledgeable wine lovers: http://www.winereviewonline.com/ Alice Feiring, http://alicefeiring.com/ , has a unique approach to wine and life that I appreciate.Since the early 1980s, Village Corner in Ann Arbor has been my primary source of wine and wine information. The store was closed for awhile but has now re-opened in a new location on Plymouth Road: http://www.villagecorner.com/ And a few other sites give me an insight into what is happening in some of my favorite wine areas: http://vmv.eu/uk/presentation/introduction.php

Why I Blog

If you read this blog fairly regularly, you've probably figured out that it's mainly a diary of the wines I drink every night with dinner. You're invited to share them vicariously with me, if you wish. Artisan Wine on a Budget is admittedly an act of self indulgence. My wines and my views about those wines are ultimately not all that important to anyone but me. The act of writing helps me understand and appreciate the wines on a different level, and I enjoy that. I should make it clear that I am not ranking nor recommending these wines. They are not necessarily the best wines nor the best values. They are simply the wines I enjoy for the reasons that I state. Although I have been tasting and enjoying wines for about 30 years, that doesn't qualify me for any special expertise or critical judgment. In fact, it may have locked me into certain biases that you have probably already discovered. The product of my self indulgence, however, is an ever-growing collection of tasting notes, which I trust will be useful. As a wine lover, I spend a good part of my life searching for tasting notes on wines--those I haven't tasted and those I have. I want to compare notes with others who enjoy wine. When I agree with the taster, whoever it may be, I gloat; when I disagree, I move on to find someone who has tastes closer to my own.


YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Switzerlands highest court has rejected the opposition raised by several Genevans to a recently-unveiled monument commemorating the Armenian genocide in the city, ARMENPRESS reports, citing Swissinfo.

The decision published by the Federal Court on Monday rejected claims by residents that the monument would lead to the area becoming a site of demonstrations, or even conflict between members of the Armenian and Turkish communities.

Residents can appeal when they are definitely, or at least with sufficient probability, affected by the repercussions of such a decision, the court wrote. This was not the case for the monument in Parc Tremblay, Geneva.

The decision should bring to an end the long saga of the monument, which was unveiled in April 2018 after a decade of debates and delay.

The Armenian Genocide was recognized by the parliament of Geneva in 2001 and by the Swiss federal parliament in 2003.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service of Armenia has neither confirmed, nor denied the information on filing accusation against Sedrak Kocharyan, elder son of former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who is remanded in custody. ARMENPRESS news agency tried to get some comments on the issue from the NSS.

The investigative department of the National Security Service will issue a relevant statement in case of necessity. At the moment we have nothing to inform the media, head of NSS press service Samson Galstyan said.

Earlier today, Sedrak Kocharyan told 2rd.am website that he has been charged by the National Security Service with money laundering and tax evasion.

Sedrak Kocharyan, 38, said that he has been confined to the country limits with a signature bond. In the interview he denied the accusations, calling them "fake".

Robert Kocharyan is charged for overthrowing constitutional order during the 2008 post-election unrest, when clashes between security forces and protesters left 10 people dead, including two police officers, during his final days as president.

He vehemently denies wrongdoing.

On February 12, authorities announced theyve filed new charges against Kocharyan concerning bribery.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received MEP Frank Engel on February 18.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the PM congratulated MEP Frank Angel on being elected the Chairman of Christian Social Democratic Party of Luxembourg and wished him productive activities. Pashinyan highly appreciated the MEPs pro-Armenian activities and thanked him for regularly raising issues of Armenian concern at the European Parliament, as well as presenting the real situation of Artsakh issue at the international platforms.

Frank Engel assured that he will continue the active cooperation with his Armenian partners. He also presented to Nikol Pashinyan the plans of Christian Social Democratic Party of Luxembourg and spoke about the current political situation in the country.

The sides discussed issues related to the relations between Armenia and Luxembourg, as well as Armenia-EU. Nikol Pashinyan and Frank Engel also touched upon the issues related to strengthening of democracy in Armenia, fight against corruption, economic development, and reforms in various spheres.

The sides also exchanged views on the Karabakh conflict settlement process.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan
YEREVAN, 18 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 18 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 487.43 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.42 drams to 551.53 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 7.36 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 4.72 drams to 629.32 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 76.55 drams to 20631.97 drams. Silver price up by 1.45 drams to 245.65 drams. Platinum price up by 92.01 drams to 12348.93 drams.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan has participated in the Abu Dhabi International Defense Conference, as well as the IDEX 2019 exhibition.

The minister also visited the Armenian pavilion where the countrys military production is presented, the ministry said in a news release.

On February 17, Tonoyan met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE military Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. During the meetings the sides discussed possibilities for enhancing defense cooperation between Armenia and the UAE.

Speaking about prospects for developing bilateral military cooperation, Tonoyan attached importance to the necessity for placing the cooperation on planned and contractual bases.

In Abu Dhabi, Tonoyan also held a meeting with his Greek counterpart Evangelos Apostolakis.

Tonoyan congratulated Apostolakis on assuming office and invited him to pay a visit to Armenia.

The Armenian and Greek defense chiefs discussed a broad range of issues concerning military cooperation. Highlighting the significant achievements in defense cooperation, the ministers expressed readiness to enhance it.

Tonoyan, accompanied by Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahagn Melikyan, also visited the Armenian Embassy to the UAE in Abu Dhabi where they took part in a symbolic tree planting event. Tonoyan then visited the Abu Dhabi St. Martyrs Church, where the Ara Khanoyan National College is located.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on February 18 visited the Munich Technical University on the sidelines of his working visit in Germany, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

At the beginning of a meeting with the University executives and teaching staff, University President Wolfgang Herrmann welcomed the Armenian Presidents visit to the educational facility and stated that its a great honor for them to host Armen Sarkissian who is also a scientist. Wolfgang Herrmann introduced the Universitys main activity directions, in particular, in the fields of natural sciences and medicine.

President Armen Sarkissian said it is necessary not only to preserve, but also to develop our traditions in the science field and reach them to a new level. I would like to develop the cooperation between the Armenian and German universities, scientists of the two countries, the President said.

Armen Sarkissian noted that Armenia relies not on the natural resources, but the human resources. New technologies, innovations and startups are going to be our main locomotive. I am here to start a new partnership and will assist all efforts aimed at developing Armenias scientific and technological potential, he said and invited the meeting participants to visit Armenia.

The University President highly valued President Sarkissians efforts aimed at developing science in Armenia and stated that they are ready to cooperate, adding that the Munich Technical University is carrying out programs of international exchange.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Ex-President Robert Kocharyans son Sedrak Kocharyan says he has been charged by the National Security Service with money laundering and tax evasion.

Sedrak Kocharyan, 38, said in an interview to 2rd.am, a website affiliated with his father, that he has been confined to the country limits with a signature bond. In the interview he denied the accusations, calling them "fake".

Sedrak is the eldest of Robert Kocharyans three children, the other two being Levon and Gayane.

Sedraks younger brother Levon is married to pop diva Sirusho.

Authorities werent immediately available for comment.

2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who ruled the country from 1998 to 2008, spent two weeks in jail in summer of 2018, but was eventually freed. But on December 7, a higher court overruled the release and ordered him to be remanded into custody pending trial again.

At the time the court announced the verdict, Kocharyan turned himself in to authorities.

Kocharyan is charged for overthrowing constitutional order during the 2008 post-election unrest, when clashes between security forces and protesters left 10 people dead, including two police officers, during his final days as president.

He vehemently denies wrongdoing.

On February 12, authorities announced theyve filed new charges against Kocharyan concerning bribery.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian sent a condolence letter on the death of Founding President of the American University of Armenia (AUA), AUA Honorary Chairman Mihran Agbabian, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

With a deep sorrow I have learnt about the death of Professor, foreign member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Founding President of the American University of Armenia (AUA), AUA Honorary Chairman Mihran Agbabian.

Mihran Agbabian was one of the greatest sons of our people who was always with the homeland with his activities.

Being one of the best specialists in the field of engineering seismology and seismic resistance construction, he visited Armenia shortly after the Spitak earthquake and provided professional support to the native specialists.

The American University of Armenia, one of the best universities in the region, has been created in 1991 by the initiative of Agbabian and a group of dedicated specialists. Mihran Agbabian chaired the University until 1997 and later became its Honorary Chairman.

Understanding quite well that education is going to be the key of Armenias future, Mihran Agbabian greatly contributed to developing that field in our country with his activities.

I offer sincere condolences to his family, relatives and share their grief, reads the Presidents letter.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Greater Washington DC community members joined the Armenian Youth Federation protesting outside the Azerbaijani embassy who demand justice for the Sumgait, Kirovabad, Baku and Maragha pogroms from 1988-1992 and raise their voices in support of freedom and security for the independent Republic of Artsakh, Asbarez reports.

We join communities around the world in commemorating the massacres against the Armenian populations of Sumgait, Kirovabad, Baku, and Maragha and standing strong with the people of the independent Republic of Artsakh in their quest for a lasting peace, said AYF-YOARF Washington D.C. Ani Chapter chairwoman Galin Tanashian. Our protest today is part of ongoing political action  in Congress, in state capitols and local communities  to strengthen U.S.  Artsakh ties and ensure the long-term safety and security of the Republic.

This years protest also marked the 15th anniversary of the axe-murder and decapitation of 26-year-old Armenian serviceman Gurgen Margaryan, killed in his sleep on February 19, 2004, by Azerbaijani soldier Ramil Safarov during a NATO language-training exercise in Hungary.
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan on February 18 received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Armenia Maria Pavlova Tzotzorkova-Kaymaktchieva, the Parliament told Armenpress.

The Parliament Speaker highlighted the ancient historic ties, cultural and diplomatic relations between the two peoples and attached importance to the unique role of the Armenian community in the development of the bilateral ties.

Speaker Mirzoyan said the parliamentary friendship group will play a major role for boosting the bilateral contracts.

Touching upon the complete ratification process of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Ararat Mirzoyan thanked the Bulgarian authorities for ratifying the document.

In her turn the Bulgarian Ambassador congratulated the Speaker on assuming office and conveyed the invitation of the Bulgarian Parliament Speaker to visit Bulgaria.

The Ambassador highly valued the current relations between the two countries and attached importance to the cooperation of parliamentary friendship groups, as well as the deepening of mutual partnership in various international structures.

As for the CEPAs ratification by Bulgaria, the Ambassador noted that it will contribute to deepening the relations of Armenia and the EU member states, including Bulgaria.

The sides also discussed the bilateral cooperation agenda and emphasized that there is a great potential for the development and expansion of the Armenian-Bulgarian mutual partnership which is not utilized.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Egypts President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has briefly talked about the Armenian Genocide during a speech at the Munich Security Conference, however, President el-Sisi avoided to use the actual term genocide. Egypt has not formally recognized the massacres of Armenians committed by Ottoman Turks in 1915 as genocide.

Talking about migrants and minorities, as well as terrorism, the Egyptian president emphasized that over 100 years ago his country accepted and gave refuge to survivors of the Armenian Genocide. However, he did not speak about what had led to the Armenians being scattered all over the world, including to Egypt.

The Armenian National Committee of Egypt has labeled el-Sisis statement as a pre-step towards recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

True, although the Egyptian president did not use the term genocide, he did however make the first step in this direction, by seeing the need for mentioning it in light of current realities, the Armenian National Committee of Egypt said in a news release.

Initially he spoke about Egypt having accepted Armenian refugees, however he did not speak about the reason. The Armenian National Committee of Egypt commends this step of the Egyptian president, assessing it not only as a pre-step towards recognizing the Armenian Genocide, but also as the Middle Easts and Northern Africas main actors positive response and vow to join the civilized initiative of the Republic of Armenia on preventing and banning future genocides.

We join our voice to President el-Sisi, demanding to hold to account those who encourage terror organizations and those who shatter peoples fates.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Consul General of Armenia to Los Angeles Armen Baibourtian has attended the February 15 plenary session of the California State Senate, where Senator Scott Wilk formally introduced Baibourtian to the lawmakers.

Senator Wilk presented the relations between California and Armenia, the broad circle of friendly ties and prospects for developing partnership.

California State Senators expressed readiness to deepen practical steps and contacts for enhancing the ties between California and Armenia, the foreign ministry said.

Baibourtian was appointed Consul General in September 2018.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan on February 18 attended the Stepanakert Memorial Complex and laid a wreath at the tomb of Artur Mkrtchyan, first chairman of the NKR Supreme Council, on the sidelines of events dedicated to his 60th anniversary, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

Bako Sahakyan considered exemplary Artur Mkrtchyans patriotism, dedication and honesty, stating that his bright memory will live forever in the hearts of the Artsakh people.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenia plans to acquire 4 Russian SU-30SM multirole fighter aircrafts by the end of 2019 or early 2020, but, in general, Yerevan wants to purchase 12 such fighter aircrafts, Defense minister Davit Tonoyan said during the IDEX-2019 international defense exhibition, RIA Novosti reported.

We continue the talks over the supply of the next batch of SU-30SM multirole fighter aircrafts. Everything will depend on how quickly that products will be ready. We plan to receive the first batch by the end of 2019, in the extreme case, in early 2020, he said.

Asked, overall, how many fighter aircrafts Armenia would like to purchase, the defense minister said the talk concerns one squadron (12 fighter aircrafts).

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Russia and Belarus intend to launch an Arctic exploration project, State Secretary of the Union State of Russia and Belarus Grigory Rapota said, as reported by the Union State official website.

Arktika-SG Foundation has already been established to carry out the project. According to Rapota, researchers from both countries, as well as young people will be invited to contribute to this effort. The Murmansk Arctic State University will serve as the project's chief platform. The project's main objectives include natural resources' development in northern regions, promoting technological integration and creating new lubricant oils for equipment operating in challenging weather conditions.

"I believe that this is an interesting sphere for young people. There are many challenges, so it could be interesting for them to engage in these projects. The Arctic climate is different from ours, and there are many interesting and promising aspects that have yet to be studied. We are currently discussing practical steps that can be undertaken as part of this project. We will see what comes out of this," Grigory Rapota pointed out.

According to the Union State website, Rapota has already discussed the project with the corresponding agencies and institutions. At this stage, the foundation will focus on aligning its activities with the national programs that are currently being implemented in Russia.

"The Foundation has been registered, and we have to understand how its work will be coordinated with the initiatives undertaken in Russia at the federal level in order to make sure that the project is consistent with the state policy and non-governmental initiatives," Rapota noted.
A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression.
Abstract

Memphis is considered to have been the main metropolis of dynastic Egypt. For more than 3000 years the settlement played a primary role in political, economic and cultural life of the state, functioning as capital for long periods. Nonetheless, little is known about the setting and archaeology of the city itself, even when compared to other Egyptian settlements. This work investigates the context and archaeology of Memphis, recognising distinctive development phases, and examines potential reasons for historical changes. Sedimentary records of 77 boreholes taken in the area of Mit Rahina are analysed to detect palaeoenvironmental conditions and palaeo-landscape features. Their interpretation is sustained by a multidisciplinary approach drawing together prior archaeological, historical and geomorphological studies. A model reflecting the transformations of Memphis is formulated and multi-scale landscape and environmental changes in the Memphite region over the last 5000 years are established. According to this new model, a settlement was founded during the Early Dynastic Period on a complex of sandbanks which were separated and surrounded by three branches of the Nile. After its foundation and during the Early Dynastic Period and the Old Kingdom, the city grew on the western cluster of sandbanks while the West Channel was losing flow. During the First Intermediate Period and the beginning of the Middle Kingdom extreme floods significantly affected the settlement. It recovered during the Middle Kingdom when large-scale landscape management initiatives and strong interventions on the margins of the Central Channel were undertaken. By the New Kingdom, the Middle Birka was already dry land, mainly as a result of human intervention. The East Channel became the only active branch of the Nile serving the city and the Eastern Koms were intensively settled. In the Late Period the city had expanded to the Northern Koms and the North Birka silted up. During the Ptolemaic Period, the city reached its maximum extension, despite important changes in its status and social-economic background. Subsequently, the importance of the city declined with the end of the dynastic state, while the East Channel started to migrate slowly eastward. The city decayed and was abandoned after a few centuries. Some landscape and environmental changes are positively associated both with urban mutation and with different social, economic and political phases of Memphis history. Human interventions actively induced the evolution of both landscape and local environment. Events at the supra-regional level, both natural and especially anthropic, also had impact and are linked to changes at Memphis. Conversely, contingencies restricted to the Memphite region influenced the development of the state. Local situations at Memphise.g., crisis, disaster, conflict, prosperity, or affluencecould be magnified to the extent that they have been perceived as having affected the state as a whole. The foundation and development of Memphis were tightly interconnected with the fortunes of state and power. The city embodied the cultural and political identity of the state and maintained its prominence through dynastic Egyptian history. Triangular complex causeeffect relations between local changes in Memphis, historical change in Egypt, and climatic and environmental evolution both at regional and supra-regional scales are recognised. The significance of each varied with time, determining the evolution of Memphis and also of dynastic Egypt.
AWOL is a project of Charles E. Jones , Tombros Librarian for Classics and Humanities at the Pattee Library, Penn State UniversityAWOL began with a series of entries under the heading AWOL on the Ancient World Bloggers Group Blog . I moved it to its own space here beginning in 2009.The primary focus of the project is notice and comment on open access material relating to the ancient world, but I will also include other kinds of networked information as it comes available.The ancient world is conceived here as it is at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University, my academic home at the time AWOL was launched. That is, from the Pillars of Hercules to the Pacific, from the beginnings of human habitation to the late antique / early Islamic period.AWOL is the successor to Abzu , a guide to networked open access data relevant to the study and public presentation of the Ancient Near East and the Ancient Mediterranean world, founded at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago in 1994. Together they represent the longest sustained effort to map the development of open digital scholarship in any discipline.AWOL is syndicated to Facebook and Twitter.
Sport

Uruguay and Paraguay reach Copa America quarter-finals

An own goal in the first half and a late second from Edinson Cavani gave Uruguay a 2-0 win over Bolivia on Thursday and guaranteed their place in the last eight of the Copa America. Uruguay have won this tournament more than any other country but they have laboured
When we first encountered New York City photographer Thomas Holton in 2008, he was five years into what originally started out as a masters project at the School of Visual Arts: documenting the Lams, a Chinese-American family living in a 350-square-foot apartment in a five-story walk up building in Chinatown. Since then, his photos, which now span a 15-year period and cover the changing relationships in a family, have been written about in various publications, including the New York Times and Aperture magazine, featured in several exhibitions across the city, and published as a book.

Holton's work is currently on view at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibition, "Interior Lives: Contemporary Photographs of Chinese New Yorkers," features the work of three photographers who examine the lives of Chinese Americans. We recently interviewed Holton via email about the project, how all it began and why his working and personal relationship with the Lams has endured for so long. The exhibit runs through March 24th.

How did you come across the Lams? Did you anticipate that the project and your relationship with them would last 15 years?

After working for around 10 years as a photographer's assistant, I realized I was not making my own work and wanted to explore my own creativity and potential further. So I was lucky enough to get in and enroll at SVA and earned my MFA three years later. I was 32 when I went back to graduate school and had no idea what to expect or that my "thesis project" would become so engrained into my personal life.

I worked with a local Chinatown housing advocate who was kind enough to take me along her neighborhood walks to visit and check in with her clients. This was initially my way of getting behind closed doors and seeing what "life" was really like in the area. The Lams were one of maybe seven families I met but were very friendly and welcoming, so I decided to maintain contact with them and visit regularly.



"Waiting For Dinner"

What were the challenges of shooting subjects in such a confined space? How did you gain their trust and weave yourself into their routines?

The only challenge with shooting in such a small space is making sure I had a wide enough lens to at least get some space within my frame. I always and only photograph with a 35MM lens and still often find myself scrunched up into the corners and walls to get the image I want. It is fun to contort myself and continually find new ways to photograph a very familiar space. Over a period of time, my presence became "normal" and I found myself running errands and doing chores for the Lams too. I often picked up the kids from school. The project and visiting the Lams morphed into something I simply did every week and I never found it to be a job or not worthwhile.

Did certain aspects of their lives and personalities resonate with you in a deeper way?

My overall interest in Chinatown is because of my Chinese heritage. Even though I am half-Chinese and half-American and had Chinese relatives living in the area, I never felt a true connection or bond with the neighborhood...I always felt like a visitor. I certainly was familiar with the food and customs but the Lams' everyday life was foreign. I certainly did not grow up in a tenement on the Lower East Side or immigrate from Hong Kong. As I got to know them better and better, our relationship grew beyond photography as we became more like family.



"Dinner For Seven"

As you yourself have noted, the photos feel heavier in tone as the children grow older and as the Lams struggle to make ends meet. How much did the pressures of gentrification and the growing economic divide of New York City inform your work?



I never considered the changing neighborhood to be a part of why the Lams family struggled to stay whole in any way. Let me make it very clear that both parents work and they never "struggled to make ends meet." Steven did lose his job in 2008 during the real estate bubble "Great Recession," but so did many people. The parents always provided for the children, so please let's not portray them this way. The parents broke up, which sadly happens on a very regular basis in all walks of life and cultures...rich/poor, white/black or gay/straight.

Both parents work and are just as challenged as most New Yorkers are in trying to raise three kids and provide. Ultimately this Lams project is about how life is messy and not so easily scripted...just like ours!

While the neighborhood is definitely changing, they still live in their Ludlow Street apartment.

Was there ever a time when one of the Lams objected to you photographing them? Was there ever a photo they didnt want you to publish?

No. They have always been open to me showing the work to the world. They trust me to not make or showcase work that is overly angry or negative in any way.

The Lams' daughter was the flower girl at your wedding. Were you ever afraid of becoming too close with your subjects? Was it painful to see the family splinter due to divorce and the kids leaving for college?

On the contrary, I want to get as personal and close as I can to my "subject matter." I want to feel an emotional connection to what I am photographing. Otherwise, I will lose interest. It was rough to see the parents break up, but there was nothing but pride and happiness for the children getting into college and grow into young adults.



"A Month Before College"

What is the family doing today? What do you think it is that keeps drawing you back to the Lams?

Two of the three kids are in college while one is still in New York City, working. Steven [the dad] lives in the Bronx, and Shirley and the kids still maintain Ludlow Street as their home. What keeps me making work is that while life can be messy, it continues on so why wouldn't I want to be involved? I can't wait to see how the kids grow up and what kind of adults they'll be. As a father myself, what's more special than that?

Listen to an audio segment on this story that aired on WNYC:
In May of 2017, after a laser-focused Twitter account showed how drivers park illegally with embarrassing frequency using city-issued parking placards, Mayor Bill de Blasio promised "real consequences" for the scofflaws. While New Yorkers are still waiting on the results of the mayor's crackdown, the City Council isn't: last Wednesday, five bills were introduced that aim to stop the culture of placard abuse on city streets.

Placard abuse is corruption, plain and simple, and New York City cannot tolerate it any longer, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is co-sponsoring all five of the bills, said in a statement.

Wait... we thought @NYPDONeill said you weren't parking in bus stops anymore @NYPD52Pct.



You didn't get the memo? pic.twitter.com/IFJVkIxCFs  placard corruption (@placardabuse) February 14, 2019

The way the city currently issues parking placards is arbitrary and not need-basedas part of contract negotiations with the education unions in late 2016, Mayor de Blasio agreed to give one to any school employee who had a car and wanted one. Drivers are supposed to use the placards to park in their official capacity as city employees.

There are roughly 124,000 city-issued parking placards out on the city's streets, according to City Hall; 31,500 of them are issued through the Department of Education, 38,500 are issued through the NYPD, and 54,000 are issued through the Department of Transportation.

And that's not counting the state-issued placards for District Attorneys offices, state police, MTA police, the attorney general's office, and the Port Authority.

One of the bills would create a standardized application process for all of the city's placards, and gather information on how they are used to further the city's business.

The rest of the bills are aimed at ramping up enforcement: one would require the NYPD to conduct "at least 50 targeted enforcement sweeps each week," with the Department of Investigation ensuring that the department complies. Another would allow New Yorkers to use 311 to submit complaints and photos of illegally parked vehicles, and would force the city to respond when a bike lane, bus lane, crosswalk, sidewalk, or fire hydrant is blocked, and a third would mandate towing for those vehicles. While it is already illegal for city vehicles to block those five street elements, a fourth bill makes it illegal, again.

Speaker Johnson is co-sponsoring all the bills; other co-sponsors are Council Members Margaret Chin, Ritchie Torres, Robert Holden, and Keith Powers.

Im going to end todays tour here, in front of the Stuy Town leasing office, where a NYPD officer just parked in the bus lane and walked into a Dunkin Donuts. Ill have a summary for you (and Manhattan CB6) later today. pic.twitter.com/YXBCpwd51J  Rich Mintz (@richmintz) February 14, 2019

On Thursday morning, Rich Mintz, a member of Community Board 6 in Manhattan, biked along the bus lanes on Second and First Avenues as part of what he said was the board's effort to improve bus lane enforcement (another stated priority of the mayor's). Mintz found that they were blocked by 21 vehicles, 9 of which had parking placards.

"I watch the placard issue pretty carefully because I depend on the M23 and M15 SBS personally, and I haven't seen any change in enforcement," Mintz said of the mayor's 2017 announcement.

The M23 crawls along at an average speed of 4.3 mph, according to a recent report from the Comptroller's office.

Mintz says that he supports the new placard legislation, but added that he would go even further.

"Speaking for myself and not the board, I personally would like to see all the existing placards invalidated and a new system established that is not under the enforcement control of the police department," Mintz said. "Because in my opinion, the NYPD has not demonstrated it is willing to enforce the law against the members of the service."

Six of the vehicles Mintz observed blocking the bus lanes belonged to the NYPD or the City.

"The NYPD is reviewing the bills, including their operational impact and associated costs," Lieutenant John Grimpel, a spokesperson for the department, told Gothamist. "In 2017, the NYPD created a new placard unit comprised of 100 TEAs [Traffic Enforcement Agents] to increase enforcement, resulting in 54,608 placard-related summonses in 2018."

Seth Stein, a spokesperson for Mayor de Blasio said that the administration is also reviewing the bills, and that the public will get an update on their efforts to crack down on placard abuse before the end of the month.

"The Mayor agrees that placard abuse erodes faith in government and has no place in our city," Stein said.
On Monday, the New York City Commission on Human Rights released new guidelines that classify any attempt to single people out based on their hair or hairstyle as racial discrimination.

The measure, thought to be the first of its kind nationwide, was enacted to protect people who have faced anti-Black racism, particularly in the form of hair-based discrimination. "Bans or restrictions on natural hair or hairstyles associated with Black people are often rooted in white standards of appearance and perpetuate racist stereotypes that Black hairstyles are unprofessional," the commission writes. Under the New York City Human Rights law, New Yorkers have the right to "maintain natural hair or hairstyles that are closely associated with their racial, ethnic, or cultural identities."

Theres nothing keeping us from calling out these policies prohibiting natural hair or hairstyles most closely associated with black people, Carmelyn P. Malalis, the Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights, told the NY Times, adding that "they are based on racist standards of appearance."

Legally, employers are banned from any form of discrimination that dictates how someone wears their hair. This includes enacting inherently-racist "grooming policies" that prohibit employees from wearing their hair in "twists, locs, braids, cornrows, Afros, Bantu knots, or fades which are commonly associated with Black people." Additionally, employers can't ask their employees to chemically relax or straighten their hair, and impose "unfair conditions, or otherwise discriminating against employees based on aspects of their appearance associated with their race."

One of my favorite photos of @BarackObama #PresidentsDay



Hair is a part of you. Race discrimination based on hair is illegal in NYC. #YourHairYourRightNYC@NYCCHR released new legal enforcement guidance addressing discrimination based on hair  https://t.co/NX1V9356g5 pic.twitter.com/LOBUcqVK5L  Carmelyn P. Malalis (@CarmelynMalalis) February 18, 2019

As the NY Times notes, the measures came on the heels of investigations that looked into employee complaints of discrimination at several businesses across Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Anti-black hair-based discrimination resulting in threats, harassment, and firing has long been pervasive. Destiny Tompkins, who formerly worked at the Banana Republic in White Plains, New York, sued the Gap, Inc. in 2017 on the grounds of discrimination: Tompkins says her manager, who was white, told her that her box braids were unkempt and not "Banana Republic appropriate."

Back in December, Andrew Johnson, a student at Buena Regional High School in Buena, New Jersey, was forced by a wrestling referee to cut off his dreadlocks moments before a match, or forfeit. The incident was captured on a video that went viral, ultimately resulting in the referee's ban from calling matches in the school district.

According to Times, individuals who violate these guidelines can face penalties in up to $250,000, with "no cap on damages."


The Gateway Tunnel project, which seeks to connect Penn Station and New Jersey with a newly built rail tunnel under the Hudson River, is expected to receive a fresh injection of funding after President Donald Trump signed a federal spending bill on Friday that included $650 million for Amtraks Northeast Corridor.

A significant portion of the earmarked Northeast Corridor funds is expected to go to Gateway, according to Congressman Jerrold Nadler. Keeping this project on track is vital, and Im pleased we were able to have this vital funding included, he said in a statement last week.

In a separate press release, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, of New Jersey, said that an additional $130.1 million in transit formula grants can also be used toward the project. He called the funding another major victory that keeps the Gateway Project on the right track.

The spending package, which won bipartisan support and ended weeks of fighting between Democrats and the president over his desire to fund a southern border wall, will fund the government through September. The bill did not include funding for the border wall and Trump has instead declared a national emergency in an attempt to redirect taxpayer money toward erecting it.

Despite threats of a veto last year from Trump, last years spending bill also included funding for Gateway: a total of $540 million. It also made the project eligible for several U.S. Transportation Department grants.

Fridays legislation also reverses the administrations decision to prevent states like New York and New Jersey from using federal loans to cover their share of jointly financed transportation projects.

All told, the project, which is considered the most important and urgent transportation initiative in the Northeast, is expected to cost at least $13 billion. The existing tunnel, which is 108 years old, was badly damaged during Hurricane Sandy and has been described as a "ticking time bomb."

Gateway has been imperiled under Trump, who initially tried to use the project as a bargaining chip with Democrats over their dispute in funding his southern border wall. Ever since that tactic failed, he has repeatedly sought to block federal funding and renege on a deal made under the previous administration. In 2015, after being urged by federal transportation officials to come to a consensus, New York and New Jersey agreed to pay for half of the funding for the first phase of the project. The other half was to be paid by the federal government.

In November, Governor Andrew Cuomo met with Trump in Washington D.C. in hopes of persuading the president to change his mind. Prior to their meeting, Trump told the New York Post, Its a very expensive project, as you know. Probably the worlds most expensive project.

Nevertheless, Cuomo came out of the meeting sounding positive. "It's fair to say the president was receptive to what we were talking about," he told reporters. "The president said he wanted to take next steps to find a way forward."


Vandals smashed the storefront window at Chabad of Bushwick early Saturday morning, as about 15 congregants inside were wrapping up Shabbat dinner. Rabbi Menachem Heller told the NY Times that he heard a loud crash around 2 a.m. and immediately told his children, who had been playing in the synagogue's front room, to go hide. The glass had been shattered, and through the hole, he made out two faces before the vandals took off.

"I was up the whole night," Heller told the NY Post. "It's very shocking and very scary. We're obviously going do things to increase security. We['re] going to keep the shul open and talk to police about what needs to be done."

Heller added that, because Bushwick skews young, Shabbat dinners frequently run into the early hours of the following day. But because "Bushwick is a very progressive, very welcoming place," he told the Times, the vandalism caught him off guard. Hate crimes are "on our mind[s] all the time," he explained. "We've had many incidents in Crown Heights," where two attacks on Hasidic men occurred within minutes of one another in late January.

Anti-Semitic crimes have become more frequent in recent years, having risen 6 percent citywide in 2018. Swastika graffiti has become 76 percent more common in New York City since the 2016 election, spiking after a gunman with documented Nazi sympathies opened fire on a Pittsburgh synagogue in October of last year.

On Saturday, a number of the synagogue's neighborsincluding some who aren't Jewish and don't belong to the synagogueshowed up to offer their support, while Governor Andrew Cuomo later described the attack as a "shocking and abhorrent act of hate." An NYPD spokesperson told Gothamist that the department sought two men in connection with the "criminal mischief" report, which they are investigating as a bias incident. Although Chabad of Bushwick lacks security cameras, investigators are reportedly reviewing footage from other businesses nearby.

"I would like to say this wasn't anti-Semitism, but I'm doubtful," Heller told the Post. "We are one of four storefronts that look exactly the same [on that stretch of Flushing], and three were lit up the same way. Ours happened to be the one that was hit, on a Friday night, no less."

Heller's synagogue sits between the Morgan and Jefferson L stops, a rapidly gentrified area with a large number of bars and restaurants. Debbie Perez, manager of one neighboring business, told the Times that she worries about leaving her store at night, when rowdy crowds get "pretty spicy."

"Especially over the weekends," she told the Times, "I always hear of something."
Many times you might have found the multiple casinos available in the online market but when you are going to...
Bodega owners across the city are urging officials to let them sell marijuana in their stores once it becomes legal in New York State.

The United Bodegas of America held a Sunday morning press conference outside of Anthony's Mini Market the Bronx neighborhood of Melrose. Shop owners argue that bodegas, as well as the communities they serve, should see financial benefits from any legislationespecially as rents continue to rise in gentrifying parts of the city.

Last month, Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled his plan for legalizing cannabis. In his proposal, women and minority-owned businesses would be given priority to obtain licenses to grow and sell, and different licenses would be given to people operating in different parts of the business, from selling to producing, in order to curb monopolization. Criminal records for prior cannabis offenses would also be sealed.

Mateo said that union representatives have drafted a proposal to send to Cuomo, and have insisted that bodega owners be a part of the legalization and sales talks, the NY Post reports. "Bodega owners are honest, hard-working people who employ over 100,000 people in the NYC area alone, we deserve to participate in this new opportunity," UBA President Radames Rodriguez wrote in a statement.

The governor is pushing for the state legislature to vote on legalizing marijuana by April 1st, when the budget is due. If all goes according to plan, marijuana sales would begin in the spring of 2020, and it would be legalized not long after the legislation is passed.

The United Bodegas of America say the move could be a boon for communities who have long suffered from the racial and socioeconomic disparities that have historically driven marijuana-related arrests. "All this money should not go to white-owned businesses," Fernando Mateo, spokesman of the United Bodegas of America, told reporters at Sunday's press conference. "It should not go to corporate America. It should be shared with the underdogs." The group noted that owners are often subject to fines when cannabis-related arrests take place outside their bodegas (people sometimes stash their weed inside stores).

Advocacy groups and some officials have called for potential new cannabis revenues to go directly to communities that have been hit the hardest by cannabis-related enforcement. In December 2018, City Comptroller Scott Stringer released an analysis detailing how cannabis arrests adversely affect people living in lower-income neighborhoods (seven out of ten of the neighborhoods with the lowest median household incomes saw one third of the city's total cannabis-related arrests).

As Mateo pointed out, bodega owners already abide by numerous regulations governing the sale of cigarettes and lottery tickets. "We will follow the rules, the regulations and we will makes sure that none of that is broken," Mateo said. "But allow us to be part of a new industry that is coming into the city.
DEL RIO, Texas, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Premier High School - Del Rio, a ResponsiveEd charter school, opened its doors last year and now officially announces the move to its new location with a ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce.

Del Rio Mayor Bruno Lozano joined Chamber officials along with school administrators, students, parents and community members who gathered on the morning of February 15 to commemorate the occasion at the campus located at 1701 Kings Way in Del Rio.

We are honored to be recognized by the Del Rio Chamber and proud to provide a quality education for high schoolers who need to recover credits or have the mindset to graduate early with dual-credits toward college, says Campus Director Carol Mireles. We are a small school with a relaxed environment offering a flexible schedule that is convenient for students who are looking for something different than a traditional campus.

With a growing enrollment of around 120 students, Premier High School - Del Rio is part of the ResponsiveEd system of charter schools. This school is one of 37 Premier High Schools serving students in Texas and Arkansas. With the motto Dont Wait. Graduate. the Premier High School model helps students recover high school credits and work toward early graduation. For more information or to enroll your student, visit www.DontWaitGraduate.com.

ResponsiveEd is a non-profit corporation that operates more than 70 tuition-free public schools throughout Texas and Arkansas, including Premier High Schools, ResponsiveEd Classical Academies, Founders Classical Academies, Quest Academies, iSchool High, and iSchool Virtual Academy of Texas. ResponsiveEds mission is to provide hope for students through educational options that promote a free society and cultivate moral and academic excellence. To learn more, visit www.ResponsiveEd.com.

Attachments
Paris, Amsterdam, February 18, 2019

Press release

Apportionment ratio as of December 31, 2018, between the underlying shares of Unibail-Rodamco SE ("Unibail-Rodamco") and WFD Unibail-Rodamco N.V. ("WFD-UR")

The shares of Unibail-Rodamco and the class A shares of WFD-UR are stapled and traded under a single quotation line, ticker URW, ISIN FR0013326246 (the "Stapled Shares"). They are treated separately for French tax purposes.

Shareholders must apportion the sale price of each Stapled Share between the Unibail-Rodamco share and the WFD-UR share. Such apportionment can be made on the basis of consolidated equity attributable to the shareholders' of each companies.

Based on shareholders' equity, the apportionment ratio from the day the Stapled shares have been traded is:

Date Unibail-Rodamco share WFD-UR share URW Total December 31, 2018 93.959% 6.041% 100.000% June 30, 2018 94.545% 5.455% 100.000% June 5, 2018 93.235% 6.765% 100.000%



The apportionment ratio will be updated after the publication of Unibail-Rodamco and WFD-UR's consolidated financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2019.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Samuel Warwood

Maarten Otte

+33 1 76 77 58 02

Maarten.otte@urw.com

Media Relations

Tiphaine Bannelier-Suderie

+33 1 76 77 57 94

Tiphaine.Bannelier-Suderie@urw.com





About Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is the premier global developer and operator of flagship shopping destinations, with a portfolio valued at 65.2 Bn as at December 31, 2018, of which 87% in retail, 6% in offices, 5% in convention & exhibition venues and 2% in services. Currently, the Group owns and operates 93 shopping centres, including 56 flagships in the most dynamic cities in Europe and the United States. Its centres welcome 1.2 billion visits per year. Present on 2 continents and in 13 countries, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield provides a unique platform for retailers and brand events, and offers an exceptional and constantly renewed experience for customers.

With the support of its 3,700 professionals and an unparalleled track-record and know-how, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield is ideally positioned to generate superior value and develop world-class projects. The Group has the largest development pipeline in the industry of 11.9 Bn in total.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield distinguishes itself by its Better Places 2030 agenda, that sets its ambition to create better places that respect the highest environmental standards and contribute to better cities.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield stapled shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris (Euronext ticker: URW), with a secondary listing in Australia through Chess Depositary Interests. The Group benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor's and from an A2 rating from Moody's.

For more information, please visit www.urw.com

Visit our Media Library at https://mediacentre.urw.com

Follow the Group updates on Twitter @urw_group, Linkedin @Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Instagram @urw_group
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. has donated more than 42,000 pounds of protein to the Central Illinois Foodbank . Smithfields contribution was part of the companys 2019 Helping Hungry Homes  donation tour. Helping Hungry Homes is Smithfields signature hunger-relief initiative focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. The donation, equivalent to more than 169,000 servings, will help families fight hunger across central and southern Illinois.



Smithfields Helping Hungry Homes initiative supports our vision to provide access to and awareness of healthy food for all, said Pam Molitoris, executive director of Central Illinois Foodbank. This donation not only helps to serve our communities by providing nutrient-rich protein, but also expands upon our core values of partnership and accessibility, while raising awareness of food insecurity in the 21 counties we serve across central and southern Illinois.

This is the second large-scale protein donation made by Smithfield to food banks across the country during its 2019 Helping Hungry Homes tour. Since the programs inception in 2008, Smithfield has provided more than 120 million servings of protein to food banks, disaster relief efforts, and community outreach programs nationwide.

As a food company, Smithfield values the opportunity to provide hunger relief to areas in need across the country, said Jonathan Toms, associate manager of charitable initiatives for Smithfield Foods. We hope this donation will help to alleviate food insecure situations for our neighbors in need and that it inspires others here in Illinois to get involved in the fight against hunger.

For more information about Smithfield Foods Helping Hungry Homes initiative and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com .

About Smithfield Foods

Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathans Famous, Farmland, Armour, Farmer John, Kretschmar, John Morrell, Cooks, Gwaltney, Carando, Margherita, Curlys, Healthy Ones, Morliny, Krakus, and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com , and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , and Instagram .

About Central Illinois Foodbank

Central Illinois Foodbank, established in 1982, distributes more than 9 million pounds of food annually to over 160 food pantries, soup kitchens, residential programs and after-school programs in a 21-county region. Central Illinois Foodbank is a member of Feeding America, the nations largest hunger relief organization. The mission of the Foodbank is to provide food, and develop awareness of and creative solutions for food insecurity.

Media Contacts:
Dublin, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Research Report on Dairy Products Import in China, 2019-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



With the development of China's economy and the rise in Chinese people's living standards, the per capita consumption of dairy products in China keeps rising. Despite the increasing demand for dairy products, the domestic production of dairy products sees a rather anaemic growth. In 2017, the apparent consumption of dairy products in China reached about 31.79 million tons, representing a CAGR of about 2.7% from 2013 to 2017, according to the researcher.

However, the production volume of dairy products in China grew at a CAGR of only 2.1% during the same period. The main reasons for the sluggish growth include: (1) The costs of domestic dairy production in China are higher than the global average as affected by the costs of feed, labor and land, and the low profitability inhibits the production growth; and (2) Chinese people lack confidence in domestic dairy products as safety incidents occurred frequently in China's dairy product industry in the recent decade. The above factors drive the growth of dairy product imports in China.

According to China Customs, in 2018, the import volume of dairy products in China reached 2.74 million tons, up by 7.80% YOY; the import value reached USD 10.65 billion, up by 14.80% YOY, the researcher concludes. The dairy products imported to China include milk powder, liquid milk, cheese, etc., with milk powder taking the major share.



In 2018, milk powder imports contributed nearly 70% to the import value of dairy products in China. The milk powder imported to China includes infant formula milk powder, raw milk powder, etc. China needs to import a large quantity of infant formula milk powder because its consumers lack confidence in the safety of domestic counterparts. And raw milk powder is imported because of low prices and high quality.

The growing imports of dairy products have had some impacts on China's domestic dairy producers, for example, the decline in sales revenue and profit margins. Therefore, the Chinese government introduced restrictive policies on dairy product imports. For example, to restrict the import of infant formula milk powder, on Jan. 1, 2018, the China Food and Drug Administration put into force the Measures for Administration of Registration of Formulas of Infant Formula Milk Powder which stipulates that infant formula milk powder that has not been registered in China is not allowed to be sold in China, and the Certificate of Registration of Formulas of Infant Formula Milk Powder must be obtained according to the law for imported infant formula milk powder to be marketed in China.



On Mar. 14, 2018, the Announcement of the State Certification and Accreditation Administration on Renewing the Registration of Overseas Manufacturers of Imported Infant Formula Milk Powder specified that the registration of overseas producers of imported infant formula milk powder would be valid for four years and should be renewed upon expiration. These policies are expected to drive away more than 80% of the over 2,000 imported brands (products) of infant formula milk powder on the Chinese market.

The researcher estimates that Chinese people will have a growing demand for dairy products as their income increases. However, domestic dairy production has limited growth potential as restricted by several unfavorable factors, and faces rising costs. Therefore, the annual import volume and import value of dairy products in China will continue to grow. Some Chinese dairy producers are acquiring overseas dairy enterprises to make profits from exporting dairy products to China. It is evident that the Chinese market presents huge opportunities for global dairy producers.



Topics Covered:

Major factors influencing dairy product import in China

Dairy product import in China

Major sources of China's dairy product imports

Comparison of prices of domestic and imported dairy products

Prospect of dairy product import in China from 2019 to 2023

Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Dairy Industry

1.1 Definition of Dairy Products

1.2 Classification of Dairy Products

1.3 Industry Chain of Dairy Products



2 Analysis on Development Environment of China's Dairy Industry

2.1 Economic Environment

2.2 Policy Environment

2.2.1 China's Policies on Dairy Product Import

2.2.2 China's Import Tariffs on Dairy Products



3 Analysis on Supply of and Demand for Dairy Products in China, 2013-2018

3.1 Supply of Dairy Products in China

3.2 Demand for Dairy Products in China



4 Analysis of Dairy Product Import in China, 2013-2018

4.1 Analysis on Dairy Product Import in China

4.1.1 Import Volume of Dairy Products in China

4.1.2 Import Value of Dairy Products in China

4.1.3 Average Import Prices of Dairy Products in China

4.2 Analysis on China's Reliance on Dairy Product Imports

4.3 Analysis on Sources of China's Dairy Product Imports

4.4 Analysis on Dairy Product Imports by Type in China

4.4.1 Import Volume of Dairy Products by Type in China

4.4.2 Import Value of Dairy Products by Type in China

4.4.3 Average Import Prices of Dairy Products by Type in China

4.5 Comparison of Average Prices of Domestic and Imported Dairy Products in China

4.5.1 Average Prices of Domestic Dairy Products

4.5.2 Comparison of Average Prices of Domestic and Imported Dairy Products



5 Analysis of Dried Dairy Product Import in China, 2013-2018

5.1 Analysis on China's Reliance on Dried Dairy Product Imports

5.1.1 Consumption Volume of Dried Dairy Products in China

5.1.2 China's Reliance on Dried Dairy Product Imports

5.2 Analysis on Milk Powder Import in China

5.2.1 Apparent Consumption of Milk Powder in China

5.2.2 China's Reliance on Milk Powder Imports

5.2.3 Price Trend of Global Milk Powder, 2013-2018

5.2.4 Import Volume of Raw Milk Powder in China

5.2.5 Import Value of Raw Milk Powder in China

5.2.6 Average Import Prices of Raw Milk Powder in China

5.3 Analysis on Sources of China's Dried Dairy Product Imports

5.3.1 Sources of China's Milk Powder Imports

5.3.2 Sources of China's Cheese Imports

5.3.3 Sources of China's Whey Imports

5.3.4 Sources of China's Cream Imports



6 Analysis of Liquid Milk Import in China, 2013-2018

6.1 Analysis on Liquid Milk Import in China

6.1.1 Import Volume of Liquid Milk in China

6.1.2 Import Value of Liquid Milk in China

6.2 Analysis on Average Import Prices of Liquid Milk in China

6.3 Analysis on Consumption Volume of Liquid Milk in China

6.4 Analysis on China's Reliance on Liquid Milk Imports

6.5 Analysis on Sources of China's Fresh Milk Imports

6.6 Analysis on Yoghurt Import in China

6.6.1 Import Volume of Yoghurt in China

6.6.2 Import Value of Yoghurt in China

6.6.3 Average Import Prices of Yoghurt in China

6.6.4 Sources of China's Yoghurt Imports



7 Prospect of Dairy Product Import in China, 2019-2023

7.1 Major Factors Influencing Dairy Product Import in China

7.1.1 Driving Forces and Market Opportunities

7.1.2 Threats and Challenges

7.2 Forecast on Dairy Product Import in China, 2019-2023

7.3 Forecast on Demand for Dairy Product Imports in China, 2019-2023



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xt42z4/china_dairy?w=12

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Dublin, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Research Report on China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry, 2019-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



In 2017, the sales volume of new energy vehicles totaled 777,000 units, increasing by 53.3% YOY and accounting for 2.7% of the total vehicle sales in China. As the new energy vehicle market expands rapidly, lithium-ion batteries, especially lithium-ion power batteries, has also seen exponential growth in China.

Critical to the performance of lithium-ion batteries, cathode materials are the major sources of the lithium ion in commercial lithium-ion batteries. Their performance and prices have a great impact on lithium-ion batteries.

By chemical composition, lithium battery cathode materials are classified into lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and ternary materials including lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA).

According to this analysis, cathode materials have different applications in China. The direct consumers of lithium battery cathode materials are lithium battery manufacturers. With distinctive advantages and disadvantages, LCO, LMO, LFP and ternary materials are applied in different downstream industries. LMO and LCO are mainly used in the batteries for consumer electronics while ternary materials and LFP are mainly used in the power batteries for new energy vehicles including electric vehicles.

This market survey shows that LCO, LFP and ternary materials are the mainstream of the cathode materials in China. LMO has good cycle performance and rate discharge performance at normal temperature but it has poor high-temperature performance. Therefore, LMO is mostly used in mobile phones, tablet computers and other digital products but seldom used in power batteries. Because of high technical barriers, the production capacity of NCA concentrates in Japan and South Korea. NCA sees little production and application in China though it is known for the electric vehicles of Tesla. The mainstream ternary material in China is NCM.

According to this analysis, China's lithium battery cathode material market is highly concentrated. In 2017, the top 10 manufacturers of lithium battery cathode materials contributed more than 60% production volume in total. Hunan Shanshan Energy Technology Co., Ltd., GEM Co., Ltd., BTR New Energy Materials Inc. and Xiamen Tungsten Co., Ltd. have great advantages on the market.

According to this market survey, with the development of the cathode material market, the demand for raw materials such as lithium carbonate, nickel, cobalt and manganese has been growing. As a result, the prices of these raw materials showed an upward trend from 2013 to 2018. For example, the prices of cobalt rose from about 204,000 CNY/ton in 2013 to 535,800 CNY/ton in 2018. However, the prices of cathode materials showed different trends. From 2013 to 2018, the prices of NCM, LCO and LMO all increased except that the prices of LFP decreased.

If the sales volume of new energy vehicles in China exceeds 2 million units in 2020 and 5 million units in 2025 as planned by the Chinese government, China's cathode material market will maintain rapid growth from 2019 to 2025.



Topics Covered:

Development environment of China's lithium battery cathode material industry

Supply of and demand for lithium battery cathode materials in China

Competition in China's lithium battery cathode material industry

Development of LFP, LCO, LMO, NCM and NCA in China

Major factors influencing the development of China's lithium battery cathode material industry

Prospect of China's lithium battery cathode material industry from 2019 to 2023

Key Topics Covered:



1 Overview of Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

1.1 Definition of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials

1.2 Classification of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials

1.2.1 Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO)

1.2.2 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)

1.2.3 Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO)

1.2.4 Lithium Nickel Cobalt Manganese Oxide (NCM)

1.2.5 Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA)

1.3 Overview of Industry Chain of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials

1.4 Methodology



2 Analysis of Global Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

2.1 Global Supply of Lithium Batteries

2.2 Global Demand for Lithium Batteries



3 Analysis of China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

3.1 Development Environment of China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

3.1.1 Economic Environment

3.1.2 Policy Environment

3.1.3 Technological Environment

3.2 Supply of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

3.2.1 Production Volume of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

3.2.2 LFP

3.2.3 Ternary Materials

3.2.4 LCO

3.2.5 LMO

3.3 Demand for Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

3.3.1 Major Consumers of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

3.3.2 Market Size of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China



4 Analysis of Import and Export of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

4.1 Import of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

4.1.1 Import of Ternary Materials

4.1.2 Import of LFP

4.1.3 Import of LMO

4.1.4 Import of LCO

4.2 Export of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

4.2.1 Export of Ternary Materials

4.2.2 Export of LFP

4.2.3 Export of LMO

4.2.4 Export of LCO



5 Analysis of Competition in China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry, 2013-2017

5.1 Barriers to Entry in China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

5.1.1 Raw Material Barriers

5.1.2 Technical Barriers

5.1.3 Scale Barriers

5.2 Competitive Structure of China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

5.2.1 Bargaining Power of Raw Material Suppliers

5.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

5.2.3 Internal Competition

5.2.4 Potential Entrants

5.2.5 Substitutes



6 Analysis of Manufacturers of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

6.1 Rankings of Manufacturers of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

6.1.1 Manufacturers of LFP

6.1.2 Manufacturers of Ternary Materials

6.1.3 Manufacturers of LCO

6.1.4 Manufacturers of LMO



7 Analysis of Costs and Prices of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China, 2013-2017

7.1 Costs of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

7.1.1 Price Trend of Lithium Carbonate, 2015-2018

7.1.2 Price Trend of Nickel, 2015-2018

7.1.3 Price Trend of Cobalt, 2013-2018

7.1.4 Price Trend of Manganese, 2013-2018

7.2 Prices of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

7.2.1 Prices of LFP

7.2.2 Prices of LMO

7.2.3 Prices of Ternary Materials

7.2.4 Prices of LCO



8 Forecast on Development of China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry, 2019-2023

8.1 Factors Influencing Development of China's Lithium Battery Cathode Material Industry

8.1.1 Major Driving Forces and Market Opportunities

8.1.2 Threats and Challenges

8.2 Forecast on Supply of Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China

8.3 Forecast on Demand for Lithium Battery Cathode Materials in China



Companies Mentioned



BTR New Energy Materials Inc.



Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd.

GEM Co. Ltd.

Hunan Shanshan Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/cn8cs3/china_lithium?w=12

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Blockbonds together with I&M Bank Tanzania Limited proudly announces full product rollout of SPENN.



SPENN is a mobile banking app powered by I&M Bank Tanzania Ltd, covering both personal and business accounts.

Mr. Jens Glaso, CEO of Blockbonds and SPENN, is proud to enter another African market, after a successful launch in Rwanda in 2018.



Our mission is to give everyone equal financial opportunities through innovative technology. Making SPENN accessible in Tanzania is a big step to achieve our long-term goal, Mr. Glaso said.



By downloading the cost-free SPENN mobile banking app, anyone can get a bank account, cost-free. Every user can perform money transfers, payments in stores, and cash-out and deposit at any I&M Bank Tanzania Ltd branch throughout Tanzania completely cost-free.

SPENN also offers a cost-free business solution, which is a free point-of-sale solution to anyone selling goods and services, by upgrading to a SPENN+ user.



Anyone who holds a smartphone can instantly register with SPENN. The registration only requires phone number, name and NIDA (National Identification Agency) number.



Having a bank account is the first step out of the cash society and can also be the first important step out of poverty Mr. Glaso said. We believe it is a human right for everyone to have a bank account, and SPENN is the solution that contributes to financial inclusion and supporting a cashless society for everyone.



I&M Bank Tanzania Ltd is a proactive bank and SPENN is a response to customers requirements and expectations. SPENN will change the way Tanzanians transact with each other, making it more efficient, more secure and cost-free. We strongly believe that SPENN will increase prosperity for the people of Tanzania, CEO of I&M Bank Tanzania Ltd, Mr. Baseer Mohammed said.



With a population of more than 57 million people, having fast and affordable internet access, Tanzania is an emerging market expecting a high rate of adoption for the product SPENN.





About Blockbonds AS

Blockbonds is a Norwegian Fintech company and has developed the product SPENN, an advanced Mobile Banking App utilizing blockchain technology with a clear purpose:

Make the world financially connected by uniting the banked with the unbanked population

It is estimated that two billion people worldwide do not have access or use formal financial services. 73% of the poorest population are unbanked because of costs related to setting up services, travel distances and the often-burdensome requirements involved in opening a bank account. SPENN is the solution for everyone to be a part of the cashless society, enabling them to transact money instantly and communicate financially, cost-free.



Contact:

Jens Glaso, CEO & Founder

jens@blockbonds.io

Tel: +47 40 40 47 50

www.blockbonds.io

www.spenn.com







About I&M Bank Tanzania Ltd

I&M Bank was founded in 1974 as a financial service company and started operations in Tanzania in 2010 by acquiring CF Union Bank.

I&M Bank Group traces its roots to Investments & Mortgages Limited, a financial services company started by our Chairman Sarit S Raja Shahs father SBR Shah in 1974 which operated out of Nairobis Koinange Street at the site where the current 16-storey I&M Bank Tower was built later. I&M Bank (T) Ltd came into operation in 2010 when I&M Bank acquired CF Union Bank which had been operating in Tanzania since 2001.

I&M Bank (T) vision is to become a company where the best people want to work. the first choice where customers want to do business, and where shareholders are happy with their investment.



Contact:

I&M Bank (T) Ltd.,

Maktaba Square,

Maktaba Street,

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Tel: +255 22 2127330-4

Fax: +255 22 2127336

Email: invest@imbank.co.tz
English French

2018 CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

Achievements exceeding announced targets:



Strong growth in the Group's customer base to 61 million customers (+6.5%) ;

to 61 million customers ; Sustained growth in consolidated revenues (+3.1%);

In Morocco, excellent Mobile revenue performance which up 4.7%;

Increase in the Group's EBITDA (+4.1%) and improved profitability: the EBITDA margin reached the high level of 49.6%;

the EBITDA margin reached the high level of Group share of net income up 5.3%.

Proposed dividend payment of MAD 6.83 per share, up 5.4% over 2017 and representing a yield of 4.5%*.

Maroc Telecom Group outlook for 2019 at constant scope and exchange rates:

Stable revenues;

Stable EBITDA;

CAPEX of approximately 15% of revenues, excluding frequencies and licenses.



To mark the publication of this press release, Mr. Abdeslam Ahizoune, Chairman of the Management Board, made the following comments:





"In an environment marked by significant changes and an intensely competitive market, the Maroc Telecom Group registered sustained growth in its key performance indicators. Thus, in its domestic markets as well as in its subsidiaries, growth is driven by Data, which reaffirms the relevance of the Group's investment strategy. Continued cost control in all markets allowed the Group to achieve a strong profitability growth, in spite of the new taxes implemented in certain countries.

In 2019, digital transformation and innovation will form an even bigger part of our strategic priorities."







*Based on the share price on February 15, 2019 (MAD 151.00)

Group adjusted* consolidated results

IFRS in MAD million 2017 2018 Change Change at constant exchange rates(1)



Revenues 34,963 36,032 +3.1% +2.6% EBITDA 17,160 17,856 +4.1% +3.7% Margin (%) 49.1% 49.6% +0.5 pt +0.5 pt Adjusted EBITA 10,553 11,052 +4.7% +4.5% Margin (%) 30.2% 30.7% +0.5 pt +0.6 pt Group share of adjusted net income 5,871 6,005 +2.3% +2.1% Margin (%) 16.8% 16.7% -0.1 pt -0.1 pt CAPEX(2) 8,232 6,643 -19.3% -19.9% Of which frequencies & licenses 217 719 CAPEX/revenues (excluding frequencies & licenses) 22.9% 16.4% -6.5 pt -6.5 pt Adjusted CFFO 11,019 9,982 -9.4% -9.5% Net debt 13,042 13,872 +6.4% +6.0% Net debt/EBITDA 0.8x 0.8x

* Details of the financial indicator adjustments are provided in Appendix 1.

Customer base

At the end of 2018, Maroc Telecom Group's customer base reaches nearly 61 million customers, up 6.5% year-on-year, driven by strong growth in both Mobile and Fixed-line broadband customer bases in Morocco (+14.2% and +8.9% respectively) as well as in subsidiaries' Mobile customer bases (+8.5%).

Revenues

Maroc Telecom Group's consolidated revenues(3) at the end of December 2018 amounted to MAD 36,032 million, up 3.1% (+2.6% at constant exchange rates) compared to the end of December 2017. This performance was mainly due to sustained revenue growth in Morocco (+4.6%) driven by the increase in usage and data customer base, combined with the increase of the new subsidiaries (+3.5% at constant exchange rates).



Earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization

At end-2018, Maroc Telecom Group earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounted to MAD 17,856 million, up 4.1% from the previous year (+3.7% at constant exchange rates), thanks to the strong EBITDA growth in Morocco (+6.1%). EBITDA margin increased by 0.5 pt to reach the high level of 49.6% thanks to the Group's ongoing efforts to control the operating costs and the favorable impact of lower mobile call termination in its subsidiaries.

Earnings from operations

The Group's adjusted consolidated earnings from operations (EBITA)(4) at the end of 2018 amounted to MAD 11,052 million, up 4.7% (+4.5% at constant exchange rates) compared to the same period in 2017, thanks to the 4.1% increase in EBITDA and the contained increase in depreciation and amortization expenses (+2.3%). The adjusted EBITA margin increased by 0.5 pt to 30.7%.

Group share of net income

The Group share of adjusted net income amounted to MAD 6,005 million, up 2.3% (+2.1% at constant exchange rates) compared to 2017 due to the strong increase in net income in Morocco.

The reported Group share of net income rose sharply by 5.3% (+5.2% at constant exchange rates), due to business growth in Morocco and a favorable base effect due to restructuring charges recorded in 2017.

Capital expenditure

The capital expenditure excluding licenses and frequencies amounted to MAD 5,924 million for the Group, a significant decrease of 26.1% compared to 2017 (-26.6% at constant exchange rates). They account for 16.4% of revenues, versus 22.9% for 2017. The optimization of development projects and the synergies found within the Group enabled this reduction while improving network coverage and quality of service, both in Morocco and in the subsidiaries.

The new licenses acquired in Mali and Togo amounted to MAD 719 million in 2018.

Cash flow

Adjusted cash flow from operations (CFFO)(5) amounted to MAD 9,982 million, down 9.4% year-on-year.

As of December 31, 2018, consolidated Maroc Telecom Group net debt(6) was up 6.4% at MAD 13.9 billion following the payment of licenses in the subsidiaries. Nevertheless it only represents 0.8 times the Group's annual EBITDA.

Highlights

Maroc Telecom obtained approval from Bank Al Maghrib to launch "MT Cash" payment, deposit, withdrawal and transfer services.

In November 2018, Maroc Telecom's subsidiary in Mali extends its license to 4G for MAD 245 million, which will be paid as from 2019.

Appointments to the Supervisory Board

Maroc Telecom's Supervisory Board has co-opted Mr. Mohamed Benchaaboun as Chairman of the Supervisory Board to succeed to Mr. Mohamed Boussaid.

Dividends

The Supervisory Board of Maroc Telecom will propose to the general shareholder's meeting on April 23, 2019 to effect the payment of an ordinary dividend of MAD 6.83 per share, up 5.4% over 2017, representing a total amount of MAD 6.0 billion. This dividend corresponds to 100% of the Group Share of Net Income. This dividend payment date would be from June 4, 2019.

Maroc Telecom Group outlook for 2019

On the basis of the recent changes in the market, to the extent that no new major exceptional event impacts the Group's business, Maroc Telecom is projecting the following for 2019, at constant scope and exchange rates:

Stable revenues;

Stable EBITDA;

CAPEX of approximately 15% of revenues, excluding frequencies and licenses.

Review of the Group's activities

Details of the financial indicator adjustments for "Morocco" and "International" are provided in Appendix 1.

Morocco

IFRS in MAD million 2017 2018 Change Revenues 20,481 21,414 +4.6% Mobile 13,335 13,966 +4.7% Services 13,214 13,731 +3.9% Equipment 121 235 +94.2% Fixed-Line 8,962 9,239 +3.1% Of which Fixed-Line Data* 2,664 2,935 +10.2% Eliminations and other income -1,816 -1,790 EBITDA 10,804 11,460 +6.1% Margin (%) 52.8% 53.5% +0.8 pt Adjusted EBITA 6,954 7,620 +9.6% Margin (%) 34.0% 35.6% +1.6 pt CAPEX 4,589 2,749 -40.1% Of which frequencies & licenses 61 CAPEX/revenues (excluding frequencies & licenses) 22.1% 12.8% -9.3 pt Adjusted CFFO 7,319 7,498 +2.4% Net debt 11,009 10,422 -5.3% Net debt/EBITDA 1.0x 0.9 x

*Fixed-line data includes Internet, ADSL TV and Data services to businesses

In 2018, the Moroccan operations generated revenues of MAD 21,414 million, up 4.6%, thanks to the growth of Data Mobile customer base whose revenue increased by 39.2% compared to the same period in 2017.

Earnings from operations before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached MAD 11,460 million, up 6.1% thanks to the increase in revenues. The EBITDA margin increased by 0.8 pt to 53.5% thanks to the 0.5 pt improvement in the gross margin and the control of operating costs.

Adjusted earnings from operations amounted to MAD 7,620 million, up 9.6%, due to the increase in EBITDA and the 1.0% decrease in the depreciation and amortization expense. The adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 1.6 pt to reach 35.6%.

Adjusted cash flow from operations in Morocco amounted to MAD 7.5 billion at the end of 2018, up 2.4% thanks to the increase in EBITDA and an optimization in CAPEX, which represents 12.8% of revenues.





Mobile





Unit 2017 2018 Change Mobile Customer base(7) (000) 18,533 19,062 +2.9% Prepaid (000) 16,766 17,068 +1.8% Postpaid (000) 1,767 1,993 +12.8% Of which 3G/4G+ Internet(8)



(000) 9,481 10,828 +14.2% ARPU(9) (MAD/month) 58.0 58.6 +1.0%

As of December 31, 2018, the Mobile customer base(7) numbered 19.1 million customers, up 2.9% year-on-year, thanks to the 12.8% rise of postpaid customers and the +1.8% rise of prepaid customers.

Mobile revenue recorded their fourth consecutive quarter of growth. They grew 4.7% over the year to MAD 13,966 million. Outgoing revenue increased by 6.9% driven by the sharp growth in Mobile Data, which more than offset the decrease in Voice.

Blended 2018 ARPU(9) amounted to MAD 58.6, up 1.0% compared to the same period in 2017 thanks to Data.

Fixed-Line and Internet





Unit 2017 2018 Change Fixed-Line Fixed lines (000) 1,725 1,818 +5.4% Broadband access(10) (000) 1,363 1,484 +8.9%

The fixed-line customer base grew 5.4%, with 1.8 million lines by the end of December 2018. The Broadband customer base grew by 8.9%, to nearly 1.5 million subscribers.

Fixed-line and Internet activities generated revenues of MAD 9,239 million, up 3.1% compared to 2017 thanks to the growth of customer bases.





International

Financial indicators

IFRS in MAD million 2017 2018 Change Change

at constant exchange rates(1) Revenues 15,733 16,041 +2.0% +0.9% Of which Mobile Services 14,274 14,647 +2.6% +1.5% EBITDA 6,357 6,397 +0.6% -0.2% Margin (%) 40.4% 39.9% -0.5 pt -0.5 pt Adjusted EBITA 3,599 3,431 -4.7% -5.3% Margin (%) 22.9% 21.4% -1.5 pt -1.4 pt CAPEX 3,643 3,894 +6.9% +5.5% Of which frequencies & licenses 156 719 CAPEX/revenues (excluding frequencies & licenses) 22.2% 19.8% -2.4 pt -2.4 pt Adjusted CFFO 3,700 2,484 -32.9% -33.0% Net Debt 5,767 6,514 +13.0% +12.2% Net debt/EBITDA 0.9 x 1.0 x

The Group's international operations generated revenues of MAD 16,041 million, up 2.0% year-on-year (+0.9% at constant exchange rates), driven by the 5.1% growth in revenues of new subsidiaries (+3.5% at constant exchange rates), which offset the impacts of the erosion of incoming international traffic and of mobile call termination decrease.

At 2018-end, earnings from operations before amortization (EBITDA) amounted to MAD 6,397 million, up 0.6% (-0.2% at constant exchange rates). The EBITDA margin was 39.9%, down 0.5 pt, penalized by the weight of regulatory taxes and fees. Excluding this impact, the EBITDA margin grew by 0.6 pt to 41.0%.

Adjusted earnings from operations (EBITA) amounted to MAD 3,431 million, down 4.7% (-5.3% at constant exchange rates) due to the 6.8% increase in amortization expense as a result of the significant investments, which represented 19.8% of revenues excluding frequencies and licenses. The EBITA margin declined 1.4 pt at constant exchange rates to 21.4%.

Adjusted cash flow from operations (CFFO) from international activities amounted to MAD 2,484 million, down by 32.9%.

Operating indicators

Unit 2017 2018 Change Mobile Customer base(7) (000) 34,967 37,926 Mauritania 2,139 2,397 +12.0% Burkina Faso 7,196 7,634 +6.1% Gabon 1,547 1,620 +4.7% Mali 7,190 7,320 +1.8% Cote d'Ivoire 7,734 8,646 +11.8% Benin 3,960 4,279 +8.1% Togo 2,943 3,405 +15.7% Niger 2,114 2,485 +17.5% Central African Republic 144 140 -2.6% Fixed-Line Customer base (000) 302 318 Mauritania 51 55 +9.4% Burkina Faso 76 77 +1.0% Gabon 21 22 +3.0% Mali 155 164 +6.0% Fixed-Line Broadband Customer base (10) (000) 107 114 Mauritania 13 13 -0.9% Burkina Faso 13 15 +10.7% Gabon 16 17 +4.1% Mali 64 69 +7.5%







Notes:

(1) At a constant exchange rate for the MAD, Ouguiya and CFA franc.

(2) CAPEX corresponds to purchases of tangible and intangible assets recognized for the period.

(3) Maroc Telecom consolidates the following companies in its financial statements: Mauritel, Onatel, Gabon Telecom, Sotelma and Casanet, as well as the new African subsidiaries (in the Cote d'Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Niger, and the Central African Republic) since their acquisition on January 26, 2015.

(4) EBITA corresponds to EBIT before the amortization of intangible assets acquired through business combinations, write-downs of goodwill and other intangible assets acquired through business combinations, and other income and expenses relating to financial investment transactions and transactions with shareholders (except when recognized directly in equity).

(5) CFFO includes net cash flow from operations before tax, as set out in the cash flow statement, as well as the dividends received from companies booked at equity and non-consolidated equity investments. CFFO also includes net capital expenditure, which corresponds to net uses of cash for acquisitions and disposals of tangible and intangible assets.

(6) Borrowings and other current and non-current liabilities less cash and cash equivalents, including cash held in escrow for bank loans.

(7) The active customer base consists of prepaid customers who have made or received a voice call (excluding ERPT or Call-Center calls) or received an SMS/MMS or used Data services (excluding ERPT services) during the past three months, and postpaid customers who have not terminated their agreements.

(8) The active customer base for 3G and 4G+ mobile Internet includes holders of a postpaid subscription agreement (with or without a voice offer) and holders of a prepaid Internet subscription agreement who have made at least one top-up during the past three months or whose top-up is still valid and who have used the service during that period.

(9) ARPU is defined as revenues (generated by inbound and outbound calls and by data services) net of promotional offers, excluding roaming and equipment sales, divided by the average customer base for the period. In this instance, blended ARPU covers both the prepaid and postpaid segments.

(10) The broadband customer base includes ADSL and FTTH (fiber optic) access and leased lines in Morocco, as well as the CDMA customer base for the historical subsidiaries.

Important notice:

Forward-looking statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Maroc Telecom's financial position, income from operations, strategy, and outlook, as well as the impact of certain transactions. Although Maroc Telecom believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they do not amount to guarantees for the company's future performance. The actual results may be very different from the forward-looking statements, due to a number of risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. The majority of these risks are beyond our control, namely the risks described in the public documents filed by Maroc Telecom with the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority (www.ammc.ma) and the French Financial Markets Authority (www.amf-france.org), which are also available in French on our website (www.iam.ma). This press release contains forward-looking information that can only be assessed at its publication date. Maroc Telecom does not undertake to supplement, update, or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or for any other reason, subject to the applicable regulations, and especially to Articles III.2.31 et seq. of the circular issued by the Moroccan Capital Markets Authority and to Articles 223-1 et seq. of the French Financial Markets Authority's General Regulations.

Maroc Telecom is a full-service telecommunications operator in Morocco and the leader in all of its Fixed-Line, Mobile and Internet business sectors. It has expanded internationally, and currently operates in ten African countries. Maroc Telecom is listed on both the Casablanca and Paris Stock Exchanges, and its majority shareholders are Societe de Participation dans les Telecommunications (SPT*) (53%) and the Kingdom of Morocco (30%).

*SPT is a company incorporated under Moroccan law and controlled by Etisalat.

Contacts Investor Relations

relations.investisseurs@iam.ma Press Relations

relations.presse@iam.ma

Appendix 1: Change from adjusted financial indicators to published financial indicators

Adjusted earnings from operations, Group share of adjusted net income, and adjusted cash flow from operations, are not strictly accounting measures and should be considered as additional information. They are a better indicator of the Group's performance as they exclude non-recurring items.

FY 2017 FY 2018 (in MAD million) Morocco International Group Morocco International Group Adjusted EBITA 6,954 3,599 10,553 7,620 3,431 11,052 Non-recurring items: Restructuring costs -193 -49 -243 -2 +2 +0 Published EBITA 6,760 3,550 10,310 7,618 3,434 11,052 Group share of adjusted net income 5,871 6,005 Non-recurring items: Restructuring costs -165 +5 Group share of published net income 5,706 6,010 Adjusted CFFO 7,319 3,700 11,019 7,498 2,484 9,982 Non-recurring items: Restructuring costs -579 -41 -620 -2 -9 -11 License payments -61 -578 -639 -524 -524 Published CFFO 6,679 3,081 9,761 7,496 1,951 9,447

2018 was marked by the incremental payment of MAD 524 million for licenses in Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Togo.

In 2017, MAD 639 million were paid for licenses in Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Togo, as well as for the reorganization of the 4G frequency spectrum in Morocco.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

ASSETS (in MAD million) 2017 2018 Goodwill 8,695 8,548 Other intangible assets 7,485 7,681 Property, plant and equipment 32,090 31,301 Equity affiliates 0 0 Non-current financial assets 335 299 Deferred tax assets 273 224 Non-current assets 48,879 48,053 Inventories 296 348 Trade and other receivables 11,325 11,839 Short-term financial assets 119 138 Cash and cash equivalents 2,010 1,700 Assets available for sale 54 54 Current assets 13,803 14,078 TOTAL ASSETS 62,682 62,131 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES (in MAD million) 2017 2018 Share capital 5,275 5,275 Retained earnings 4,854 4,383 Net earnings 5,706 6,010 Shareholders' equity attributable to equity holders of the parent 15,835 15,668 Non-controlling interests 3,916 3,822 Shareholders' equity 19,750 19,490 Non-current provisions 570 464 Loans and other long-term financial liabilities 4,200 3,475 Deferred tax liabilities 244 246 Other non-current liabilities 0 0 Non-current liabilities 5,014 4,185 Trade payables 25,627 24,095 Current tax liabilities 563 906 Current provisions 838 1,325 Loans and other short-term financial liabilities 10,890 12,129 Current liabilities 37,918 38,456 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 62,682 62,131

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

(In MAD million) 2017 2018 Revenues 34,963 36,032 Cost of purchases -5,937 -6,011 Payroll costs -3,138 -2,891 Taxes -2,838 -2,818 Other operating income (expenses) -6,183 -5,923 Net depreciation, amortization, and provisions -6,557 -7,337 Earnings from operations 10,310 11,052 Other income and expenses from ordinary activities -32 -11 Income from equity affiliates



0 Income from continuing operations 10,278 11,040 Income from cash and cash equivalents 6 3 Gross cost of financial debt -497 -527 Net cost of financial debt -491 -524 Other financial income and expense -1 99 Financial income -491 -425 Income tax -3,208 -3,677 Net earnings 6,579 6,938 Translation differences resulting from foreign business activities 463 -239 Other income and expenses -45 -5 Comprehensive net income 6,997 6,693 Net earnings 6,579 6,938 Attributable to equity holders of the parent 5,706 6,010 Non-controlling interests 873 928 Earnings per share 2017 2018 Net earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent (in MAD million) 5,706 6,010 Number of shares at December 31 879,095,340 879,095,340 Earnings per share (in MAD) 6.49 6.84 Diluted earnings per share (in MAD) 6.49 6.84

Consolidated cash flow statement

(In MAD million) 2017 2018 Earnings from operations 10,310 11,052 Depreciation, amortization, and other restatements 6,582 7,318 Gross cash flows from operating activities 16,892 18,370



Other changes in net working capital 1 189 -883



Net cash flows from operating activities before tax 18,081 17,487



Income tax paid -3,170 -2,967



Net cash flows from operating activities (a) 14,911 14,520



Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets -8,370 -8,075 Purchases of consolidated investments after acquired cash 0



-469 Increase in financial assets -319 -194 Disposals of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 0 31 Decrease in financial assets 622 335 Dividends received from non-consolidated equity investments 6 2 Net cash flows used in investing activities (b) -8,061 -8,369



Capital increase 0 0 Dividends paid to shareholders -5,598 -5,732 Dividends paid by subsidiaries to their non-controlling shareholders -921 -798 Changes in equity -6,519 -6,529



Proceeds from loans and increase in other long-term financial liabilities 1,681 1,347



Proceeds from borrowings and increase in other short-term financial liabilities 910 1,933



Payments on borrowings and decrease in other current financial liabilities -2,545 -2,682



Net interest paid -784 -575 Other cash items relating to financing activities -9 6 Change in borrowings and other financial liabilities -747 29



Net cash used in financing activities (d) -7,266 -6,501



Translation adjustment and other noncash items (g) -13 40



Total cash flows (a)+(b)+(d)+(g) -428 -310



Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 2,438 2,010



Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 2,010 1,700





Attachment
Zach Gibson/Getty Images(CUCUTA, Colombia) -- U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., made a surprise visit to Cucuta, Colombia, a town along the Venezuelan border on Sunday, visiting centers where the humanitarian aid is being stored. The senator also sent a message to Venezuela's military, which has so far stood by embattled president Nicolas Maduro and has blocked aid from entering the country.



"Sometimes the time comes when we have to make a decision, a decision that will define the rest of our lives," Rubio said. "I believe that time has come for many military and police and national guard members."



"Will you prevent the food and medicine from reaching your own people? Your own families, your neighbors? Because if you do, not only will God condemn you in the other life, but you will also be condemned by the law because that is an international crime, a crime against humanity, that is very clear and they must make the right choice because the moment to make a decision has arrived," Rubio said.



Rubio spoke at the Simon Bolivar Bridge, which thousands of Venezuelans cross every day to flee the countrys economic crisis or to buy essentials like food and medicine. He was accompanied by delegates sent by Venezuelas self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido, Florida congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Mark Green and U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States Carlos Trujillo.



"You are not alone, freedom is coming. The ocean of waves of freedom are growing. What is inevitable, what will happen is the absolute freedom of the Venezuelan people," Diaz-Balart said.



Rubio has advocated early on for the global recognition of Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim president, often tweeting and addressing Maduro directly, sending firm messages that his time in power is coming to an end.



"Maduro thinks he can wait this out. Just buy time until the protests lose momentum and the world loses interest" Rubio tweeted on Saturday. "Not gonna happen! It only gets worse for him from here."

Maduro thinks he can wait this out. Just buy time until the protests lose momentum & the world loses interest.



Not gonna happen!



It only gets worse for him from here. I know for a fact that several in his inner circle are looking for an exit strategy. Just a matter of time. https://t.co/zV5b6MHvy9  Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 16, 2019

During his visit to the Simon Bolivar Bridge, Rubio called Guaido, saying that while they were currently not together, "soon, Mr. President, we will be standing together in a free Venezuela."



Afterwards, Rubio and those accompanying him visited the Tienditas Bridge where U.S.-provided humanitarian aid is currently being stored.



"We have over 300 metric tons of food and medicine ready to deliver to the suffering people inside Venezuela. #MaduroCrimeFamily is doing everything they can to keep this from reaching their own people. This is pure evil," Rubio tweeted from inside the warehouse, surrounded by bags of USAID supplies.



Rubio, Diaz-Balart and Trujillo also walked along the bridge to the gates and containers that are currently blocking access to the Venezuelan side, placed by Maduro and guarded by Venezuelas military under his command.



"Those containers behind us were put there by a terrorist, criminal regime. It isnt going to work. Food and medicine will reach the people of Venezuela," Rubio tweeted, along with a video of himself, Diaz-Balart and Trujillo standing in front of the containers.



Guaido has vowed the aid will enter Venezuela, and announced that on Feb. 23 he will make the first attempt to bring aid across the border. He has asked for people to volunteers to help deliver it to those inside the country who need it the most.



According to Guaido, over half a million Venezuelans have signed up to volunteer to distribute aid in the country.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
The story of Mabel Dodge Luhan's personal evolution as a writer, salon hostess, art patroness and social activist and a resident of N.M.

The release version of the award-winning documentary Awakening in Taos: The Mabel Dodge Luhan Story is narrated by Academy-Award nominee Ali McGraw. Tony Lujans Great Grandson Blue Spruce Standing Deer will perform live Taos native music. Ali McGraw, as well as other producers, cast and crew will join Mark Gordon, Director/Writer, at the screening which will be followed by a Q & A.

Updates to the release version include additional newly-restored historic photographs and paintings reproduced courtesy of the Georgia OKeeffe Museum. Filmed in Taos and Santa Fe, with an all New Mexico cast and crew, Awakening in Taos will be broadcast over New Mexico PBS station, KMNE, beginning on February 28 at 7 pm.

Awakening in Taos recounts the personal life journey of Mabel Dodge Luhan, an independently wealthy writer, salon hostess, art patroness, and social activist. In 1917 she moves from Greenwich Village New York to Taos, New Mexico and finds discovers the home she has been seeking  magical, untouched, luminous. She falls in love with and marries Antonio Tony Lujan, a full-blooded Tiwa Indian from Taos Pueblo in a time when this was revolutionary. Inspired by the native culture and distinctive landscape of Taos, New Mexico she invites many well-known artists, writers and social activists to Taos, forever shaping the character of the region. She was responsible for bringing Georgia OKeeffe, Ansel Adams, D.H. Lawrence and many others to New Mexico. Its a story about the search for love, spiritual inspiration and personal freedom.

The film features stunning cinematography of Taos landscapes and landmarks by Bob Willis. These physical features of the landscape produced a school of painting that evolved over the early twentieth century. The film explores paintings and photos major artists, some of whom were guests of Mabel and her husband, Tony.

Mabels influence extended into the world of arts, music, literature, women and Native American rights and activism. Her concerns about equality and social justice remain poignant today. In this present age of environmental crisis and social evolution, the time has come to reawaken the issues for which Mabel Dodge Luhan campaigned with her heart, mind and soul.

Get tickets: www.kimotickets.com

GET TICKETS NOW http://bit.ly/2GeKgWy

www.awakeningintaos.com
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!)
Later this week sees the seventh anniversary of the death of the legendaryjournalist Marie Colvin, killed when her impromptu media base in Homs, Syria was shelled on 22 February 2012.Lindsey Hilsums terrifyingly honest biography In Extremis: The Life of War Correspondent Marie Colvin kept me awake into the wee small hours over Christmas reading about the seemingly fearless yet troubled journalist. I cant recommend this book enough.Photographer Paul Conroy was with Colvin on her final assignment, and had worked with her for many years. He delivered the annual Amnesty Lecture at Belfast Festival in 2014 His appearance, promoting his book, was so popular that it sold out and he somewhat traumatically repeated his talk immediately afterwards to meet demand.The Marie Colvin from those books is brought to life in the film A Private War , detailing her style of journalism and peeking between the sheets of her private life.The film picks up in Sri Lanka where Colvin lost the sight in her left eye. It wasnt an excuse to stop travelling and reporting. With a near reckless bravery, she ran into situations while others withdrew or stayed away: she was compelled  probably addicted  to war reporting. Caring for vulnerable people caught up in conflict more than the reasons for the conflict, she often highlighting the plight of women and children as a way of connecting western audiences with the horrific situations she encountered, giving voice to the voiceless.Colvin was a charismatic figure that instilled loyalty (we have to go she tells colleagues), was dogged, temperamental, ignored advice, unreliable, was hard to manage, was bad about phoning home to the Sunday Times foreign desk and continually challenged by technology (she jinxed laptops and once ran up a five figure satphone bill). She wore the finest underwear in the field, about her only luxury other than cheap cigarettes. She interviewed PLO chairman Yasser Arafat and Libyas Colonel Gaddafi on multiple occasions, asking tough questions but staying in relationship.Rosamund Pike brings the central character to life, unravelling the private and public contradictions of a woman who was both wracked with anxiety yet fearless under pressure, an alcoholic yet could be sober when reporting, sensual yet able to work and sleep in primitive conditions. With tousled hair tied back and wearing the trademark eyepatch, Pikes Colvin is lean and upright.Jamie Dornan plays photographer Paul Conroy, the main witness to Colvins final moments. He captures the somewhat blase attitude I saw in Conroy when he was in Belfast , and the Scouse accent mostly stays intact.Theforeign editor Sean Ryan is played by Tom Hollander, capturing the tension between wanting his prize pig to deploy overseas to bring in the stories and wanting her to stay alive. Though at times, Hollander seems smug and derivative of some of his other high profile roles.Colvin told stories about the human cost of conflict, finding truth while writing the rough draft of history and injecting her own feelings and emotions into pieces that could otherwise have been merely factually shocking reports about terrible atrocities. But her writing didnt acknowledge the panic attacks, sadness at being childless, multiple partners and fear of aging and dying.As well as being a tribute to Colvins unique attitude and style,reminds audiences about the appalling situations that she reported from, bringing forgotten and continuing horrors back to public attention. She might have liked that, even if the rest of the film might have embarrassed her.The strength and clarity of her words in live audio interviews with TV broadcasters around the world was likely to have intensified the targeting of her shelter and ultimately cost her her life. While Paul Conroy escaped with injuries, another photographer Remi Ochlik was also killed in the raid.Director Matthew Heineman crams a lot in to the 110 minutes to give a good flavour of the character and the conflicts. The quotes from Colvins articles and snippets from an interview about her style of reporting give a sense of the character driven to be reckless in order to make a difference.Each new reporting trip is captioned with the time before Homs, building up the sense of forbearing. Yet the journey through the tunnel to Homs is rushed and underwhelming  much better described in the books  with effort instead put into the later hair-raising journey by road dodging bullets and rockets to reach the media centre. But the ending is strong, rising up from a singular incident to survey the devastation that the city of Homs suffered.The lights came on far too soon in the Lisburn Omniplex, diminishing the intensity of Annie Lennoxs song that plays over the closing credits and images of some of Colvins reportage in theis only showing in a handful of Omniplex Cinemas (including Lisburn and Dundonald).
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The workers of the prison explained that Balukhs documents were not printed. This is why Nataliya was denied to pass the delivery

Ukrainian political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh could not receive delivery from Nataliya Balukh in Simferopol remand center, as Crimean human rights group reported.

The workers of the prison explained that Balukhs documents were not printed. This is why Nataliya was denied to pass the delivery.

Since Wednesday, over three working days, people responsible for deliveries did not receive required documents, and the chiefs do not work on Saturday and Sunday, Nataliya Balukh said.

Earlier it was reported that Balukh was forcefully taken to Simferopol remand center from Kerch prison.

Earlier, the deputy chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people, Ahtem Chyigoz, reported that Ukrainian political prisoner Volodymyr Balukh was beaten up and threatened to get killed in the Simferopol remand center.

According to the Deputy Chairman, Balukh was taken out from his cell, severely beaten up and is threatened to get killed.

On September 10, the Supreme Court of occupied Crimea controlled by the Kremlin did not grant the appeal of Volodymyr Balukhs lawyer Olga Dinze on his conditional release. It was noted that the activist participated in the session through a video conference from the remand prison.

Balukh was arrested on December 8, 2016, nine days after he nailed a plaque renaming his home No. 18 Heroes of Nebesna Sotnya St in memory of the over 100 Maidan activists who were killed during Euromaidan.

He had rejected demands from the head of the local council to remove it. During an irregular search of his home, 90 bullets and several TNT explosive devices were allegedly found in his attic.

Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (KhPG) stated that he had no record of violence and the constant searches and series of administrative prosecutions he had faced since Russias invasion of Crimea for his openly pro-Ukrainian position made it inconceivable that he could have held anything illegal in his home.

The implausibility of the charges was just one of several compelling reasons why the renowned Memorial Human Rights Centre declared him a political prisoner well before the trial.

Related video:
Open source

Three people tried to set fire to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate in Zaporizhya, reports UNN, citing its own sources in law enforcement agencies.



According to the message, an extraordinary event occurred the day before. Two men and a woman climbed over the wall of the church and, with the help of an improvised torch and inflammable substance, wanted to set fire to the temple premises. However, they did not succeed, because the law enforcement officers arrived at the scene of the incident on time.



On this fact, criminal proceedings are open and an investigation is underway under art. 258 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - a terrorist attack.

Earlier the special services of Russia tried to destabilize the religious situation in Ukraine. They offered money to people who could set fire to the church buildings of the Moscow Patriarchate. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported it on Facebook.



The Security Service has managed to establish that the Russian special services are looking for people who can set fire to the church buildings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). They offered $ 2,000 for the arson, which they promised to transfer to a card account opened in one of the Ukrainian banks.



The Russian special services promised to send money only after they see the video.



The message says that you need to draw one of the proposed symbols on the building and start shooting so that they can see the moment of fire. Russian special services needed only 10 seconds of video of the temple on fire. They emphasize that this should be only the church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and which one is unimportant.



The customer requires from executor to come to the place with the phone, but without a SIM card. At the same time, they are asked to put the phone in airplane mode so that it does not accidentally connect to Wi-Fi.



Employees of the Ukrainian Security Service claim that the recruitment of people is still ongoing.
Head of Kherson Regional Council was released from the remand center on bail

Vladyslav Manger, the Chairman of Kherson Regional Council Kherson Visti

Head of Kherson Regional Council Vladyslav Manger, the suspect in the organization of the murder of Kherson official Kateryna Handziuk has returned to work as the correspondent of 112 Ukraine reported.

We stay near the building of Kherson Regional State Administration, where Vladyslav Manger returned for work as he occupies the position of the head of the regional council. He held the apparatus meeting, which main issue was the fulfilling of the program on the fight against cancer. Now, he is at his working place, the correspondent said.

Kherson Regional Council specified that Manger deals with working issues and works as usually.

On February 11, Vladyslav Manger was served with charge papers in Handziuks murder. In his turn, Manger said that he would not escape from the country due to suspicion of organizing the murder of Handziuk.

The court ruled to arrest Manger until March 3 with the possibility of bail. However, later lawyer Dmitry Ilchenko has posted a bail for his client Kherson Regional Council Head Vladyslav Manger.

On November 4, 2018, it became known that Kateryna Handziuk died at the age of 34. She was doused with sulphuric acid in July this year. According to preliminary information, her death was caused by blood clot's detachment.

Related: Handzyuk case as pre-election argument in Ukraine

Besides, the doctors specified the cause for the death of Handziuk was specified. It was due to multiple organ failure and chemical burns.

Handziuk case evoked a huge public outrage, with people demanding to find the orderer of the murder of the activist.
The reasons for the tragedy are being defined

Three children died in a fire in Dyahiv, Chernihiv region, as Ukraines State Emergency Service reported.

The ignition occurred in a private house at 8:05 pm, firefighters put the fire at 10:10 pm. According to them, the fire covered the area of 50 square meters.

The rescuers of the State Emergency Service found three dead children born in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

The reasons for the tragedy are being defined.

According to the State Emergency Service, 401 Ukrainians died in fires this year.
Ukrainian side will work to fulfill the Azov package with content and enhance it in the future.

Council of the European Union has agreed on the Azov package of the sanctions against the Russian Federation as 112 Ukraine reported citing Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Ukraine Kostyantyn Yeliseev.

Our partaking in the conference coincided with the preparation of the EU to the session of the Council of the European Union, which took place today. It is fundamentally important that the EU finally made an important decision on the new Azov package of the sanctions after some pause, Yeliseev said.

He reminded about the sanctions, which were earlier imposed against the Russian Federation.

Thus, we have the package of the sanctions connected with the occupation of Crimea, the second one with aggression in Donbas and the third now is tied with the situation in Azov. Of course, it is only the beginning, we will not stop on it, he said.

Yeliseev expressed the confidence that the Ukrainian side will work to fulfill the Azov package with content and enhance it in the future.

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.

As we reported, lawyer Nikolai Polozov, who deals with the defense of Ukrainian prisoners of war, confirmed that three Ukrainian sailors wounded in the Russian Navy attack on Ukrainian ships were brought from Matrosskaya Tishina to Lefortovo prison in Moscow. He also added that it happened on Monday, January 28.

Related video:
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko plans to visit New York in February and to take part at the session of the United Nations General Assembly concerning the situation on the occupied territories of Ukraine. Kostiantyn Yelisieiev, the Deputy of Head of Presidential Administration of Ukraine, stated this during the session, broadcasted by 112-Ukraine.

The very hectic schedule of the President also includes the trip to New-York on February, 20, where for the first time the debates will start from the new agenda item  the current situation on the occupied territories of Ukraine. This new item was included to this coming session, and it is rather symbolic that the debates will be held on the fifth anniversary since the beginning of the Russian aggression, - Yelisieiev said.

According to the Deputy of the Head of the Presidential Administration, Poroshenko intends to remind everyone from the highest rostrum in the world once again about the Russian aggression, which includes not only military attacks but also humanitarian and ecological crimes.

The trip also includes the meeting with the President of the United Nations General Assembly; the program is rather hectic as well. It will be a short one-day visit, as the President has to return to Ukraine, - Yelisieiev added.
Next week, Dombrovskis, the VicePresident of the European Commission, will examine the prior projects and those which should be implemented right now

The EU is ready to fund loan infrastructural programs in the east and south of Ukraine, as Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said before the journalists, 112 Ukraine reported.

We will have actual support not only for the Ukrainian Donbas, but for all the eastern region. Next week, Dombrovskis, the VicePresident of the European Commission, (European Commission Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, - ed.) will examine the prior projects and those which should be implemented right now. What projects exactly (these are mainly large-scale infrastructural projects)  it is a short term question. He will be joined by one of the representatives of the European investment bank, maybe, the president, Klimkin told.

According to him, the development of the infrastructure is a huge priority, concerning the roads, logistics, railways This is also the support of the people, as Klimkin explained.

There will be business-schools, workshops, to organize small and medium-sized business, there will be a European office, which will deal with the European projects in Mariupol, maybe, there will be more offices, Klimkin added.

Earlier, it was reported that the European Commission intended to allocate around $396 billion for Ukraines integration in the trans-European transport network.
"We are authorized lawyers, so we will file an appeal against the sentence of Obolon District Court on the state treason case, and it will be filed before the deadline, - Serdiuk emphasized

The paid lawyers of the ex-president Viktor Yanukovych intend to appeal against the sentence of Obolon District Court on the state treason case. Vitaliy Serdiuk said this, as the press service of the Aver Lex reports this.

According to the report, the lawyer from the Center of Provision of Secondary Freed Legal Assistance Yury Ryabovol has no authority to represent Yanukovychs interests and to file appeals. Serdiuk added that the ex-president refused from Ryabovols services in August 2018.

We are authorized lawyers, so we will file an appeal against the sentence of Obolon District Court on the state treason case, and it will be filed before the deadline, - Serdiuk emphasized.

Earlier today, Yury Ryabovol, the state lawyer of Viktor Yanukovych has filed the appeal against the sentence of Obolon District Court on the state treason case of the ex-president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

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 asked the court to sentence ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to 15 years of imprisonment in the case on state treason.
The Shyrokyne military operation, which lasted from February 10 to 15, 2015, remains the most successful offensive of the Ukrainian soldiers in the Donbas conflict zone over the past 4 years. Yesterday, on February 16, the celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Shyrokyne offensive operation took place in Kyiv. The event was joined by veterans of the war and patriots who wished to honor the heroes of these battles, UNIAN reports.



As part of this operation, in February 2015, the soldiers of the Azov regiment freed five settlements in the Donetsk region, changing the front line and protecting the city of Mariupol from bombardment. This offensive is an example of the resilience and professionalism of Azovs commanders and was one of the turning points in the war in eastern Ukraine.

During the Russian aggression, 2945 Ukrainian servicemen died in the Donbas conflict zone, 948 of them died after signing the Minsk agreements. Poroshenko stated this during the Munich security conference, as Ukrinform reports. He also added that over last 24 hours one more Ukrainian serviceman died as well.
According to Vasyl Hrytsak, the attacks at the religious buildings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of Moscow Patriarchate were organized on the territory of occupied Donbas

Russia special forces started a rally of firing the churches and intimidating the priests in Ukraine, as the Head of Ukraines Security Service Vasyl Hrytsak said during a coordinated meeting of the law enforcement agencies, broadcasted by 112 Ukraine.

I can assure you that the attacks at the religious buildings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of Moscow Patriarchate were organized on the territory of occupied Donbas, but we have confirmed data that the plan to destabilize or trick religious aspect in Ukraine were agreed with the Russian Security Service in Rostov region, he noted

This weekend, two cases of attempted arsons in the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of Moscow Patriarchate buildings in Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhia.

Earlier the special services of Russia tried to destabilize the religious situation in Ukraine. They offered money to people who could set fire to the church buildings of the Moscow Patriarchate. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has reported it on Facebook.



The Security Service has managed to establish that the Russian special services are looking for people who can set fire to the church buildings of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). They offered $ 2,000 for the arson, which they promised to transfer to a card account opened in one of the Ukrainian banks.
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini should report on details soon

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin at the OSCE Summit in Milan Reuters

If the Council of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union adopts the so-called Azov package, sanctions against Russia will be imposed in few weeks, as Ukraines Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin stated before the journalists, 112 Ukraine reports.

Tomorrow Federica Mogherini (High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, - ed.) will talk about it after the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers. As far I as understand, the decision (if adopted, - ed.) will take effect in a few weeks. And Mogherini will report what they decide, he noted.

At the same time, Klimkin stressed that he knew what sanctions might be imposed.

This will be personal sanctions, he hinted.

But, according to the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, the discussions are still going on, there are some other ideas.

I said it would be better for us if access for Russian vessels is limited, there are some ideas on that, it is being discussed, he specified.

As we reported earlier, the European Union will approve the Azov package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. According to Poroshenko, the project consists of 124 pages, and the price that Russia has to pay for the act of aggression against Ukraine will increase this time.

The President of Ukraine has informed Barnier on the developments in Donbas and the failure of Russia to comply with the Minsk agreements. The President urged him to support the introduction of a new "Azov package" of EU sanctions against Moscow.

Related video:
Open source

Ukraine will welcome the Azov-related package of sanctions against Russia, regardless of their type - sectoral, personal or thematic ones. Serhiy Popyk, the foreign affairs counselor of Ukrainian Prime Minister said this commenting on the EU plans to impose the restrictions.

Talking to 112 Ukraine TV channel, Popyk reiterated there are several options, for that matter.

'These could be personal sanctions; and this could be the right thing to do, since Ukraine identified all those who attacked the three Ukrainian vessels in the Sea of Azov. They also could be sectoral sanctions, and this is what the Prime Minister mentioned during his visit to Brussels. It was about sanctioning the Russian vessels based in the docks of the Sea of Azov, which also enter the European ports - or limit the access for the European vessels to these [Azov] ports, if they come there. It was a matter of research. I guess this is the moment when the first decision on the Azov sanctions package will be done', the official said.

'Our position should lie with the fact that we will welcome, ask and insist on the maximally possible tools of the sanctions regime against Russia: personal, sectoral or thematic ones. It will only help and deter the aggressor,' he concluded.
The members of the armed detachment Rubizh (Frontier) of annexed Crimea put on the wanted list

The Ukrainian law enforcers put the leadership and members of the armed detachment Rubizh (Frontier) on the wanted list. It entered the armed formation self-defense of Crimea and acted in the territory of Sevastopol as Police of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol reported.

9 fighters of the illegally created armed formation Rubizh were identified; they actively participated in the armed seizure of the anti-submarine corvette of Ukraines Naval Force Khmelnytsky, reconnaissance craft Slavutych, military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and deployment and activity of the checkpoints in March 2014. The identified persons are suspected in the commitment of the crime such as participation in the activity of the armed formation not provided by the law, the message said.

The police added that the investigation established the head of the illegally created armed formation Rubizh and he was notified about suspicion in the commitment of the crime such us leading of the illegally created armed formation, which led to the severe consequences.

Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yury Lutsenko reported that the Ukrainian law enforcers established about 900 members of the self-defense of Crimea.

Self-defense of Crimea appeared at the beginning of 2014 and supported the Russian annexation. On June 11, 2014, the parliament controlled by Kremlin legalized this organization and adopted proper law.

Crimea was annexed by Russia after the illegal referendum held on the peninsula in March 2014. Earlier, the Russian military captured all strategic military objects and buildings of the key authoritative bodies. Neither Ukraine nor the rest of the civilized countries recognized the results of the referendum. A number of the European and the world countries, including Ukraine, imposed the economic sanctions against Russia.
It is considered a response to the combat wound of an Israeli soldier on February 17

The tanks of Israeli Defense Forces attacked two outposts of the HAMAS terrorist movement in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that on Twitter.

The attack took place in response to the injury inflicted on an Israeli serviceman. On Sunday, February 17, the militants threw an explosive device over the wall on the border with Israeli-controlled territory. An Israeli soldier was wounded. In response, IDF tanks moved on to the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian side reported that the Israeli strike resulted in wounds for nine people. Their actual condition is not revealed.

In November 2018, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry strongly recommended citizens to refrain from going to southern districts of Israel, because of the escalation of hostilities in the area. Back then, on November 12, Hamas militants launched more than 80 missiles at southern regions of Israel from the territory of Gaza Strip. As a result of the shelling, more than 50 people injured. Later, Israel paid a return air strike.
Open source

Germany controlled by the European Commission will observe the compliance of the rules of the EU toward the Nord Stream 2 as 112 Ukraine reported citing Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin.

The compromise, which we have, says that Germany will observe the compliance of the rules of the EU toward the Nord Stream 2 but under control of the European Commission. Generally, it is a compromise, which I would call, as usually people say save face but I cannot tell it toward our friendsNevertheless, there is no compromise in the sense of pithy. We and all our friends worked a lot on it, Klimkin said.

Foreign Minister commented the amendments to the European gas directive concerning the project of the gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

The European rules are very important for us. Why? Because if they did not exist, it would be a grey zone, the manipulation zone of Gazprom and Russia. And now it will take place transparently and in accordance with the European rules. And I think it is a good achievement. In other words, I would like to say that it will not impossible but much harder to manipulate this gas pipeline. Now it is necessary just to implement the decision, when it will come into force. I, for example, do not leave the attempts to prevent the emergency of the stream and I think that there are quite good chances for it. But even if it is built, the Russian manipulations will be impossible according to the European rules, the diplomat said.

Earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda urged the German government to give up on Nord Stream 2 construction. He insisted that the new pipeline would breach the current energy balance, posing danger to the energy safety of some countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

Russian president Putin claimed that the Russian Federation was ready to save the gas transit through Ukraine after the launch of the Nord Stream 2.

Gazprom and its partners intended to begin the realization of the Nord Stream 2 project, which costs ten billion dollars. It is expected that the 1,200-km gas pipeline will be laid through the Baltic Sea, and will connect Russia and Germany bypassing Ukraine, Poland, and Baltic countries. The capacity of the gas pipeline will be twice increased compared to that of the first Nord Stream. The construction is estimated to be completed by the end of 2019.

Ukraine is adamantly opposed to the construction by calling it politically motivated and suggesting the EU to create a consortium with the involvement of European companies to manage the existing more efficient transportation route through Ukraine. A number of EU countries have expressed their disagreement with the Nord Stream 2 project in particular Poland and Lithuania.
On February 1, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would suspend its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

US President Ronald Reagan (R) Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev sign the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty in the White House in Washington December 8, 1987 112 Agency

On February 1, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the United States would suspend its obligations under the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Pompeo said Russia had violated the treaty for years. The next day, the State Department notified the Russian embassy and the embassies of the other treaty parties, including Ukraine, of the US intention to withdraw from the treaty. President Vladimir Putin that same day said that Russia also would suspend its treaty obligations.

Unfortunately, the INF Treaty is headed for demise.

Signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, the INF Treaty banned the United States and Soviet Union from having land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. Intermediate-range nuclear forces is something of misnomer, since the treaty does not constrain nuclear forces; it bans land-based intermediate-range missilesregardless of whether they are nuclear or conventionally armed.

The treaty entered into force in June 1988. By June 1991, the United States and Soviet Union had destroyed their inventories, which totaled nearly 2,700 missiles. In December 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed.

The United States and Russia, however, are not the only parties to the agreement. Eleven other post-Soviet states became successors to the Soviet Union for purposes of the INF Treaty, including Ukraine. (The three Baltic states, which considered their incorporation into the Soviet Union illegal and which had regained independence earlier in 1991, did not).

In like manner in the 1992 Lisbon Protocol, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine took on the Soviet Unions treaty commitments under the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I). The latter three countries further committed to eliminate all strategic offensive arms on their territory and to accede to the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear weapon states.

What does this short diplomatic history mean for Ukraine? With the United States and Russia no longer subject to the INF Treatys limits, it would be hard to argue that Ukraine and the other states should remain constrained by the agreement. If Kyiv chooses, it can invoke the same treaty right to withdraw that Washington exercised two weeks ago.

Ukraine would remain bound by other agreements. The Non-Proliferation Treaty bars it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Under the terms of the 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime, Ukraine has committed to restrict exports of missiles that can carry a 500-kilogram warhead to ranges of 300 kilometers or more.

START I lapsed in 2009 and was replaced by the 2010 New START Treaty, a bilateral US-Russian agreement. One might argue that Ukraine carried out its commitment made at the time of the Lisbon Protocol to eliminate all strategic arms on its territory but did not commit to never acquire them in the future. An attempt to build intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), however, would undoubtedly meet strong opposition from the United States, whose ICBMs and other strategic arms are limited by New START.

Land-based intermediate-range missiles, however, pose a different question. The US government would have no legal grounds to object if Ukraine were to withdraw from the INF Treaty, since Kyiv would only be following Washingtons lead. Moreover, given ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the US government would have little basis for complaint if Kyiv concluded that intermediate-range missiles could contribute to its capability to deter further Russian hostilitiesprovided that those missiles were armed with conventional, not nuclear, warheads.

Others might object. Russia certainly would, but Moscow has violated the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, used military force to illegally annex Crimea, invaded the Donbas, violated the INF Treaty by deploying a prohibited intermediate-range cruise missile which can target Ukraine as well as other countries in Europe, and suspended its obligations under the treaty. Kyiv could be forgiven for giving any Russian complaints short shrift.

Some European states might express concern. Technically, they could end up in range of Ukrainian intermediate-range missiles. European Union members and other European states, however, would have no more reason to fear Ukrainian conventionally-armed intermediate-range missiles than Polish F-16s carrying conventional bombs. And most European states voiced no serious protest about Russias violation of the INF Treaty until just recently.

This is not necessarily to advocate that Ukraine proceed to develop and deploy land-based intermediate-range missiles. The Ukrainian government would have to assess a host of political, military, and cost factors, including weighing the potential military benefits of having such missiles against the blowback from Moscow and possibly some European states. But if Kyiv decides to withdraw from the INF Treaty and consider building its own intermediate-range missiles, it should be able to do so without fearing or facing a negative reaction from the United States.

Read the original text at Atlantic Council.
The Europeans no longer believe that Washington will change, not when Mr. Trump sees traditional allies as economic rivals and leadership as diktat. His distaste for multilateralism and international cooperation is a challenge to the very heart of what Europe is and needs to be in order to have an impact in the world

Mike Pence, the Vice President, and Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, in Munich Associated Press

European leaders have long been alarmed that President Trumps words and Twitter messages could undo a trans-Atlantic alliance that had grown stronger over seven decades. They had clung to the hope that those ties would bear up under the strain.

But in the last few days of a prestigious annual security conference in Munich, the rift between Europe and the Trump administration became open, angry and concrete, diplomats and analysts say.

A senior German official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak on such matters, shrugged his shoulders and said: No one any longer believes that Trump cares about the views or interests of the allies. Its broken.

The most immediate danger, diplomats and intelligence officials warned, is that the trans-Atlantic fissures now risk being exploited by Russia and China.

Even the normally gloomy Russian foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, happily noted the strains, remarking that the Euro-Atlantic relationship had become increasingly tense.

We see new cracks forming, and old cracks deepening, Mr. Lavrov said.

The Europeans no longer believe that Washington will change, not when Mr. Trump sees traditional allies as economic rivals and leadership as diktat. His distaste for multilateralism and international cooperation is a challenge to the very heart of what Europe is and needs to be in order to have an impact in the world.

But beyond the Trump administration, an increasing number of Europeans say they believe that relations with the United States will never be the same again.

Karl Kaiser, a longtime analyst of German-American relations, said, Two years of Mr. Trump, and a majority of French and Germans now trust Russia and China more than the United States.

Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, a former adviser to the German president and director of the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund, said, If an alliance becomes unilateral and transactional, then its no longer an alliance.

There were signs that not all American and European leaders were willing to surrender the alliance so easily.

To show solidarity with Europe, more than 50 American lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats  a record number  attended the Munich Security Conference. They came, said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, to show Europeans that there is another branch of government which strongly supports NATO and the trans-Atlantic alliance.

The most visible pushback against Washington came from Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany  who delivered an unusually passionate speech  and from her defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen. They spoke about the dangers of unilateral actions by major partners without discussing the consequences with allies.

They cited Mr. Trumps recent announcements that American troops would leave northern Syria and Afghanistan, as well as the administrations decision to suspend one of the last remaining arms-control agreements: the ban on land-based intermediate range missiles.

That decision affects European security, and there has been no alternative strategy, Ms. Merkel said. Abandoning the treaty, despite Russias violations, helps decouple Germany from the American nuclear umbrella.

We sit there in the middle with the result, Ms. Merkel said.

The Syria pullout, she continued, could only help Russia and Iran. That view was echoed by the French foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, who called American policy in Syria a mystery to me.

When he was told by Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, that the United States would preserve some capacity in Syria, the normally diplomatic Mr. Le Drian said, sarcastically: Oh, thats good news. I didnt know. And then he added acerbically, That fills me with joy.

Vice President Mike Pence, who spoke after Ms. Merkel in Munich, met stony silence when he tried to pressure allies to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, a sign of the continuing anger at Washingtons decision to scrap the deal unilaterally. European allies regard the pact as vital to European security and to the preservation of nuclear nonproliferation.

Even more, the Europeans are angry that renewed American sanctions hurt European companies far more than any American ones.

Ms. Merkel said the split over Iran depresses me very much, but she stressed that Europe and the United States were ultimately pursuing the same goal. She said the deal was one way to have influence over Iran  influence she clearly felt that Washington was throwing away.

Mr. Pence, in his speech, praised Mr. Trump and what he called the restoration of American leadership of the West. But Europeans were not convinced.

Its very odd to talk of American leadership of the alliance when its Trump who has caused the crisis, said Marietje Schaake, a Dutch member of the European Parliament. The Trump administration is seen by many Europeans as chiefly responsible for the tensions and the weakening of the West.

Nathalie Tocci, a senior adviser to the European foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said that for Europeans, the divide went to the heart of how we view international relations and our national interest.

Were small and understandably need partnership both inside Europe and outside, with NATO, Ms. Tocci said.

But that is also a sign of European weakness and division. We want to believe it will be fine again later because we have no alternative, she said.

It means the dependency on the United States will continue, even as the Europeans look for ways not to depend on Washington as much, analysts say.

The Europeans are beginning to do what we should, Ms. Tocci said  spend more on the military, discuss some sort of European army in coordination with NATO, think more strategically as Europe in the face of Russia and China. But no one believes its doable in the short run, she added, and many believe its not easily doable at all.

Europeans are waiting for change in the White House, Ms. Tocci and others said.

The Europeans are holding their breath and thinking that its maybe only two more years, said Victoria Nuland, a former senior American official. At the same time, they dont want to do anything to wreck things further or to insult Trump personally and risk an angry response.

A growing number of European voices warn that the current trans-Atlantic discord has more fundamental roots, and that there will be no returning to the past.

Mr. Trump is not the cause, said Norbert Rottgen, the chairman of the German Parliaments foreign relations committee, but a symptom of the tectonic shifts in geopolitics that have led to the return of great power rivalry and centrifugal forces away from multilateralism.

In the post-Trump era, there is no return to the pre-Trump era, he said. The status quo was Europes security is guaranteed by the United States. That wont happen again.

Jan Techau, director of the Europe Program at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin, worries that the intervening gap will mean strategic vulnerability to Russia and China. The United States faces a superpowers dilemma, Mr. Techau said.

It has to pressure allies to do more, he said. At the same time, the message has to be We will always be there.

Trump does not understand the price he pays in strategic terms when he bashes his allies so publicly and openly, Mr. Techau added.

If there is any ambiguity, he said, Russia and China know that the security guarantee is no longer real. When that protection goes, he said, then this strategic space is up for grabs.

Read the original text here.
The German leader once again reiterated that Russia attacked Ukraine in Donbas, annexed Crimea and violated the INF Treaty; on the other hand, the Chancellor has been protecting the construction of Nord Stream II

Russia could be a Cold War-type "partner" for Europe, German leader Angela Merkel has said.

But US policy on Iran was "depressing" and its claim that German cars were a "security threat" was "scary", she added in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, an international congress in Germany, on Saturday (16 February).

Russia had "illegally" annexed Crimea, "attacked" eastern Ukraine, and "violated" a ban on short-range nuclear missiles, Merkel said.

The EU ought to consider extra sanctions on Moscow over its recent naval aggression against Ukraine, she added.

But there was hope of returning to better times via diplomacy, she also said.

"After the fall of the Berlin Wall, we certainly had the hope ... that we could come to better cooperation," Merkel said.

"Today, in 2019, that seems like a long time ago ... [but] in a few years, it could look very different again," she said.

There was also nothing wrong in Germany's plan to build a new gas pipeline to Russia, called Nord Stream 2, she added.

"If we got Russian gas already in the Cold War ... and the old German Federal Republic introduced Russian gas on a large scale - then I don't know why times today should be so much worse than we cannot say: Russia remains a partner," Merkel said, referring to former West Germany.

The chancellor spoke as EU foreign ministers prepared to add names to a Russia blacklist on Monday over its naval skirmish against Ukraine in November.

She has long supported EU and US sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

But she has also defended Nord Stream 2 despite US and wider warnings that it posed a strategic threat for EU energy security.

US rift

Merkel spoke amid an EU rift with US president Donald Trump on Iran and on transatlantic trade.

Trump, last May, walked out of an EU-backed nuclear arms control pact with Iran and has threatened EU firms with sanctions if they did business there.

He has also imposed tariffs on EU products, including German cars, which his administration has described as posing a risk to American "security".

"We have to be careful about this split [on Iran], which is very depressing," Merkel said.

"Look: we are proud of our cars; and we may as well be. These cars are also built in the United States of America. South Carolina is the largest BMW plant - not in Bavaria, South Carolina," she added, referring to a German region and a US state.

The chancellor mocked previous US justifications of the tariff regime.

"If these cars, which are no less threatening by the fact that they are built in South Carolina than by being built in Bavaria, are suddenly a threat to the national security of the United States of America, that scares us," she said.

She made an impassioned appeal for a return to normal US ties.

"We have to fight for Europe. We have to fight for multilateralism," she said.

Her views were echoed by a senior EU official and a former US one at the Munich event.
The serviceman was 23 years old

Open source

Ukrainian serviceman from Mykolaiv region Vitaliy Narozhenko died in Joint Forces Operation zone, as the press office of Mykolaiv Regional Administration reported on Facebook.

Yesterday, on February 17, at the age of 23 a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine born in Kostuvate village, Mykolaiv region Vitaliy Narozhenko died performing his duties, the message says.

In September 2018, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko stated that since the beginning of combat actions in the east of Ukraine, around 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

Earlier, the UN reported that since Donbas war started, around 3,000 civilians died in that area. 298 civilians died in MH17 crash in 2014.
Ukrainian servicemen in Donbas captured one militant of the illegal armed formations, as the Joint Forces Operation HQ reported.

The group of the Special operation forces, which is a part of the Joint Forces, took captive a Russian militant today, on February 18. The combatants, who acted on the defense line of one of the brigades in the south direction noticed moving of the enemys diversion intelligence groups towards our posts. After a short fight, the enemy retreated. Four saboteurs were eliminated, one captured. The hostage is being interviewed now, the message says.

As it was reported, today, on February 18, Ukrainian military captured a fighter of the illegal armed formations in Donbas combat zone. The Ukrainian fighters managed to spot the enemy just in time. The enemy assault was repelled, and one of the occupants was captured. He is currently interviewed by the Joint Forces Operation units.

As of Monday, February 18, there have been 41 Ukrainian army fighters held in captivity of the Russian terrorists in Donbas. Three servicemen have been captured since the beginning of 2019; over the entire 2018, the enemy captured four Ukrainian defenders.
All three blasts thundered in the same quarter where the residence of Denis Pushilin is located

Explosion in Donetsk Open source

Three explosions took place in the occupied Donetsk. The local authorities, including the police and emergency services, reported that as quoted by RIA Novosti news agency.

All blasts were observed not far from the residence of Denis Pushilin, the self-styled 'leader' of 'Donetsk People's Republic'. Two explosions thundered near the hotel where OSCE observers are currently staying. Another one hit the deserted area in the same district.

No casualties were reported immediately after the incident.

Currently, the local services are defining the kind of explosive used in the attack.

Earlier, we reported that a group of Russian saboteurs tried to penetrate the defense lines of the Ukrainian troops in Donbas. The incident occurred in the Svitlodarsk area, Donetsk region, on February 17. The Joint Forces Operation HQ reported that on Facebook.

The Ukrainian fighters managed to spot the enemy just in time. The enemy assault was repelled, and one of the occupants was captured. He is currently interviewed by the Joint Forces Operation units.
Open source

The Russian Federation does not want to take action to resolve the conflict in Donbas during the presidential campaign in Ukraine. About this said U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker on the fields of the Munich security conference, reports Interfax-Ukraine.



We are always in favor of meeting and talking. Russia does not show any interest or progress on this issue. In fact, they said they did not want to do anything during the presidential election, he said.



Speaking about the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements, Volker noted: "The Minsk agreements are extremely important, and we would like them to be implemented. We would like to see the peace, the removal of heavy weapons, if we succeed in creating the conditions - for elections, amnesty, implementation of the special status of Donbas, Ukrainian control and sovereignty over the territory. This is what the Minsk agreements speak of, and we all support them. It is only necessary to implement them."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 05:49:26|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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RABAT, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Nasser Bourita and Libya's Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha discussed Monday in Rabat security situation in Libya.

Bashagha said at a joint press conference following talks with Bourita that the meeting focused on security issues and ways to achieve stability and avoid political and military chaos in Libya, as well as means to fight organized crimes, terrorism and illegal immigration.

The Libyan minister said Morocco has always stood on the side of Libyans in a neutral manner, adding that Libyan Political Agreement, which was signed in the Moroccan city of Skhirat, remains the "ideal framework" to achieve national reconciliation.

For his part, Bourita reaffirmed Morocco's support to the efforts aimed at restoring stability in Libya, stressing the Skhirat agreement is "the only framework that has been agreed upon by Libyans to manage the transitional period on the institutional, political and security levels."

The Moroccan minister also highlighted the importance of the security approach to solving the Libyan crisis, adding that Libya needs stability and strong security institutions to address the spread of armed and terrorist groups in some parts of the country, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 01:03:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Five people died and three others injured in a road crash in eastern Tanzania's district of Bagamoyo in Coast Region, police said on Monday.

Barnabas Mwakalukwa, acting Police Commander for Coast Region, said that the accident occurred on Sunday around midnight at Makole village on Segera-Chalinze road.

The head-on collision involved a Noah van and a Toyota Hilux.

The regional police chief said: "Initial investigations show that the Noah driver was trying to overtake other vehicles thus falling into head on collision with the Toyota Hilux Car."

The police are still hunting for the Noah driver who escaped soon after the accident.

Mwakalukwa called on drivers to always adhere to traffic regulations when in motor vehicles to avoid accidents arising from reckless driving.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:53:45|Editor: Chengcheng

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LONDON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The breakaway independent group of members of parliament (MPs) launched Monday by seven disaffected Labor politicians could be a game changer in British politics, a leading academic expert told Xinhua.

Professor Anthony Glees from the University of Buckingham was giving his reaction following the decision of the seven MPs to resign from the Labor Party in protest at leader Jeremy Corbyn's handling of Brexit and anti-Semitism within the party.

Glees, director of the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) at the University of Buckingham, told Xinhua: "British politics is ensnared in a deep existential crisis at the moment and no one can properly predict how, or if, we will emerge from it with our stability and our economy in tact."

"My feeling is that this new grouping could be a game changer, and could be as momentous as the formation of the SDP (Social Democratic Party) forty years ago," he added.

SDP was launched in 1981 by a group of disaffected Labor politicians.

Glees said everything depends on how the new group develops, in particular whether there is mass support for them among Labor voters, and whether Conservative MPs like Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve try to do a similar thing in relation to their party.

However, the expert doubted whether they would "cross the floor" by joining the other side.

"If Labor is weakened, as we now expect it to be, the immediate result will be to strengthen the Conservatives, and in particular to boost the confidence of the European Research Group of MPs, the Hard Brexiter wing of the Conservative Party," he added.

"That is because they didn't think Corbyn could win a general election in any case. But with a party split underway, he's even less likely to make 10 Downing Street," said Glees.

He also predicted that a so-called "people's vote" to determine Britain's future in the European Union is now further off, not closer.

Glees added that Labor leader Corbyn and Shadow chancellor John McDonnell "will be spitting blood and bile".

"Yet ironically that will focus the minds of the Remain and soft-Brexit Conservatives, which is why there might be a breakaway in Conservative ranks as well."

Glees said there is also the question whether there's a by-election in the offing. "We might see a repeat of Shirley Williams and Roy Jenkins's success when the SDP was formed.

"It's possible," said Glees, but he added if the new grouping fizzles out, the prospect of Britain crashing out of the EU on March 29 becomes ever more likely.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:48:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOSCOW, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Kremlin on Monday condemned the blocking of Russian government-backed RT video channels by Facebook as "unprecedented and undisguised pressure on the Russian media."

"Unfortunately, many large companies that provide services in the field of social networks and in other, let's say, digital formats, are also used by the authorities of unfriendly countries as a tool to exert pressure on Russian media," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.

Such actions lead to a loss of confidence and, probably, to serious damage to the reputation of these largest and quite respected international companies, Peskov added.

Facebook suspended on Friday three online video channels run by Maffick Media, a company whose majority stakeholder is Ruptly, a subsidiary of RT, CNN reported Saturday.

Peskov said he hoped that RT would manage to defend its rights.

RT Editor Margarita Simonyan twitted on Monday that Facebook blocked the channels after a CNN article written following a tip from a fund sponsored by the U.S. State Department that the channels were actually sponsored by the Russian government.

She said that Facebook immediately blocked the channels without advancing any accusations, although RT had never violated any Facebook rules, nor had any complaints from it.

She said just one of the blocked channels, In the Now, was "wildly successful" with 2.5 billion views and 4 million subscribers on Facebook.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:43:44|Editor: Chengcheng

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Cambodian Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (Center, R) visits a booth exhibiting Chinese calligraphy during the "Perceiving China-Jiangsu Culture Week" in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Feb. 18, 2019. "Perceiving China-Jiangsu Culture Week" kicked off here on Monday, aiming at strengthening cultural exchanges and enhancing friendship between China and Cambodia. (Xinhua/Phearum)

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- "Perceiving China-Jiangsu Culture Week" kicked off here on Monday, aiming at strengthening cultural exchanges and enhancing friendship between China and Cambodia.

Cambodian Princess Norodom Buppha Devi, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, and Ek Sam Ol, president of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association, attended the opening ceremony at the Diamond Island's Grand Theatre, which attracted about 600 visitors.

The event included cultural performance and exhibitions featuring Wuxi photography and intangible cultural heritage such as Huishan clay figurines, Liuqing bamboo carvings, calligraphy, paper-cuts, erhu, a Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument, and Wuxi fine embroidery.

Echoing the "Belt and Road Initiative" and the concept of "building a community of shared future for mankind", the event was designed to showcase the Chinese history and the charming Jiangsu culture to Cambodian visitors.

Speaking at the opening speech, Princess Buppha Devi expressed her warm welcome to the Chinese artists for bringing Jiangsu's wonderful arts performance to Cambodian audiences.

"The Cambodia-China friendship has deeply rooted in culture and hearts of the two countries' peoples," she said. "The frequent cultural exchanges have injected greater vitality into the traditional friendship between the peoples of our two countries."

The princess said the Jiangsu culture week would enable Cambodian people to further understand Jiangsu's beauty and wonder.

The Chinese ambassador said the Jiangsu culture week provided a channel for Cambodian visitors to explore Jiangsu's culture and history so as to further promote friendship and cultural exchanges.

He also introduced the economic and social development and historical and cultural characteristics of Jiangsu at the ceremony.

Visitor Bun Nita, 27, said the event contributed to building closer cultural ties and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

"Such an event in Cambodia allows us to better understand China's culture and civilization, especially those in Jiangsu province," he told Xinhua after watching the cultural performance.

"Both the exhibitions outside and the cultural performance have told us about lifestyles, culture, and development (in Jiangsu)," he said.

Another spectator Im Sreymom, 30, said "it lets us know about their culture. I've never seen it before, this is my first time, and it is very interesting."

The Jiangsu cultural week will also be held in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk and the cultural province of Siem Reap on Feb. 20 and 21, respectively.

Organized by the Information Office and the Foreign Affairs Office of the government of China's Jiangsu Province, the event marked the coming of "Perceiving China-Jiangsu Culture Week" to two Southeast Asian countries, namely Cambodia and Thailand.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:33:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ARUSHA, Tanzania, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has set aside 4.3 million U.S. dollars to boost cultivation of oil palm as part of its strategy to end importation of edible oils, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Monday.

Majaliwa revealed this when speaking in the western Tanzania's region of Kigoma soon after inspecting an oil palm farm of the National Service Department (JKT) Bulombora camp.

The Tanzanian leader said the money will be spent in developing the crop so that its farmers are on the same level as growers of other cash crops. He also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to prepare a demonstration farm in the region where farmers can learn modern methods of oil palm production.

"The government will not tolerate anyone who goes against the strategy to revive the crop in the country," the premier cautioned.

Omary Mgumba, Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Agriculture said the government's strategy in reviving the crop is meant to save foreign currency used to import edible oils.

Kigoma region accounts for over 80 percent of palm oil produced in the country and given its soils and weather, it has the potential to make Tanzania one of the world's top palm oil producers and exporters.

Tanzania imports 55.5 percent of its total edible oil despite having a vast and promising production potential in palm oil and sunflower sub-sectors.

Despite the huge potential, the country relies on imported raw materials for producing edible oils and soaps.

Tanzania has similar weather conditions as Malaysia from where it imports most of its palm oil. Malaysia is the world's second largest producer of palm oil while Tanzania is not even on the list of palm oil producing countries.

The private sector has been in the forefront to increase the production of the crop since 2017. Their engagement has seen financial institutions collaborating with the sector to improve performance.

Palm oil is used in most oil-based products which consumers purchase and use on a daily basis. Palm Oil and its derivatives are used in the manufacture of pre-packaged foods, cosmetics, cleaning products, hair care, soaps and personal care items.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:28:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Spring Airlines, China's largest low-cost carrier, has signed an agreement with Airbus to put into use its Skywise Core platform in the airline's fleet, announced Airbus China Monday.

According to the agreement, by using Skywise Core, Spring Airlines will integrate its operational, maintenance, and other aircraft data into the Skywise cloud and receive data-related services through it.

The Shanghai-based Spring Airlines operates an all Airbus A320 fleet of more than 80 aircraft.

With the cloud-based data platform, the airline can store, access, manage and analyze selected Airbus data together with its own fleet operation data and global benchmarks without the need for additional infrastructure investments.

The agreement between Spring Airlines and Airbus is an important step of the Skywise application in the Chinese market. Both sides will work closely together to develop and demonstrate new data-driven applications in the civil aviation sector, Airbus said.

Digitalization is among the major trends of the global aviation industry. It is highly expected to help manufacturers and airlines reduce costs and upgrade work efficiency through the collaboration of digital technologies.

Skywise is an enterprise data platform driving digital collaboration across the aerospace value chain. This data would provide immediate value for airlines' independent maintenance and other operations, Airbus said.

By the end of 2018, there were more than 1,700 Airbus aircraft serving in the Chinese market, said statistics from Airbus China.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:23:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States discussed exchanging liaison officers with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), U.S. media reported on Monday.

Washington and Pyongyang were seriously considering exchanging liaison officers, an incremental step toward building formal diplomatic relations, according to a CNN report citing two high-level diplomatic sources.

The sources said that if this plan were to move forward, there would be several U.S. liaison officers sent to set up an office in Pyongyang, led by a senior foreign service officer who speaks Korean.

U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo said in an interview last week that a U.S. work team would travel to Asia to prepare for the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and top leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Un in Hanoi at the end of February.

Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for DPRK affairs, said last month that the U.S. side expected to hold working-level negotiations with DPRK in advance of the summit with the intention of achieving a set of concrete deliverables, reiterating that sanctions against the DPRK would not be removed until denuclearization is complete.

Trump announced on Feb. 8 that his second meeting with Kim would take place in Hanoi on Feb. 27-28. He met with Kim for the first time in Singapore on in June 2018, reaching several consensuses, which have led to the improvement of U.S.-DPRK relations.

However, differences on such key issues as the roadmap of denuclearization, U.S. lifting sanctions and whether to issue a war-ending declaration, still haunt the two sides and hinder negotiations.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:18:39|Editor: Chengcheng

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SURABAYA, Indonesia, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese cultural mission made its first leg of their Indonesia tour in the capital of East Java province here on Monday, performing various performances to promote cultural relations between China and Indonesia to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"The Festival of Spring show here is to extend the Chinese New Year celebration to the Indonesian people. May this cultural exchange advance further and bring benefits to the two countries," Chinese Consul General in Surabaya Gu Jingqi said in his remarks to open the Chinese cultural show held in a lavish hotel here.

He added that the exchange of people between China and Indonesia has been increasing in the last few years. The increasing visit of Chinese tourists to Indonesia during the New Year holiday has also nurtured friendship between the people of the two nations and benefit Indonesia's economy, he added.

He expected the show would also make the Chinese nationals working and studying in Surabaya feel like celebrating the Lunar New Year at home.

The Festival of Spring art troupe arrived in Surabaya after its performance in Japan's cities of Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya. After the show in Surabaya, the troupe will perform in Medan, the capital of Indonesia's North Sumatra province.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:18:39|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Emergency air rescue has played a key role in relieving southern China from frequent forest fires during the Spring Festival, according to the emergency management authorities Monday.

During the week-long Spring Festival holidays from Feb. 4 to 10, helicopters were dispatched 91 times to fight forest fires in southern China, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

In a total of 170 flight hours, they carried a 735 tonnes of water with hanging buckets to fight eight forest fires with a total range of 25,000 kilometers.

The Spring Festival has been a key time for forest fire control in southern China due to the warmer weather and more frequent outdoor fire use during the holiday, especially during tomb sweeping and when setting off fireworks.

Emergency air rescue is playing a more important role in fighting forest fires in China, especially in southern regions with high-altitude mountains or rough terrain.

Aerial extinguishing teams take firefighters, equipment and water closer to the sites with fire fighting helicopters, allowing them to control the fire more quickly.

China is making efforts to strengthen emergency air emergency rescue capabilities by introducing new equipment, cultivating professionals and improving infrastructure, according to Ministry of Emergency Management.
A staff member demonstrates dumpling-making during a celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A grand Chinese Lunar New Year celebration was held at the Original Farmers Market downtown here on Sunday, attracting many locals and tourists.

The celebration kicked off with the unveiling of a steel handmade pig statue weighing 400 pounds (181 kg) in honor of this year's zodiac sign, and was followed by a kung fu demonstration, acrobatic performance, a magic show and a traditional lion and dragon dance.

Themed craft activities such as lantern making and calligraphy attracted many locals.

A child makes a Chinese lantern with his mother during a celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

"We are doing a new tradition. Three years in a row, we are celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year because Los Angeles is home to over 1.5 million Asian Americans," said David E. Ryu, council member of District Four of Los Angeles.

A staff member demonstrates dumpling-making during a celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

"Every year we've seen an increase in Chinese tourists," said Ilysha Buss, director of marketing for the Original Farmers Market. "We expect this year just to be as strong. We love being the melting pot where all kinds of cultures come together."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:08:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Photo taken on June 6, 2017 shows the construction site of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in the Lingdingyang waters, south China. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Monday unveiled the outline development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, aiming to develop the region into "a role model of high-quality development."

The plan was released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council.

Promoting the development of the Greater Bay Area is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, said an official in charge of the office of the leading group for developing the area.

"It is a national strategy General Secretary Xi Jinping has planned for, made decisions about and promoted in person," the official said.

STRATEGIC ROLE

The bay area consists of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR), as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province -- Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing.

Covering a total area of 56,000 square kilometers, the bay area had a combined population of about 70 million at the end of 2017 and its gross domestic product reached around 10 trillion yuan (1.48 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2017.

"As one of the most open and economically vibrant regions in China, the Greater Bay Area plays a significant strategic role in the overall development of the country," says the plan.

The development of the area is hailed not only as a new attempt to break new ground in pursuing opening up on all fronts in a new era, but also a further step in taking forward the practice of "one country, two systems."

The plan covers the period from now to 2022 in the immediate term and extends to 2035 in the long term.

The plan has 11 chapters: the background, the overall requirements, the spatial layout, developing an international innovation and technology hub, expediting infrastructural connectivity, building a globally competitive modern industrial system, taking forward ecological conservation, developing a quality living circle for living, working and traveling, strengthening cooperation and jointly participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly developing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao cooperation platforms, and the implementation of the plan.

WORLD-CLASS CITY CLUSTER

The plan says the bay area will be turned into a vibrant world-class city cluster, a globally influential international innovation and technology hub, an important support pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative, a showcase for in-depth cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao, and a quality living circle for living, working and traveling.

Efforts should be made to build on the four core cities of Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Shenzhen as core engines for regional development, continue leveraging their comparative advantages in striving for excellence and achievements, and strengthen the radiating effect in leading the development of nearby regions.

Setting development objectives, the plan says by 2022 the framework should essentially be formed for an international first-class bay area and world-class city cluster that is vibrant and highly innovative with an optimized industrial structure, a smooth flow of various factors and a pleasant ecological environment.

By 2035, the bay area should have an economic system and a mode of development mainly supported by innovation, with its economic and technological strengths vastly increased and its international competitiveness and influence further strengthened, it adds.

By then, the markets within the Greater Bay Area should basically be highly connected, with a very effective and efficient flow of various resources and factors of production; the coordination of regional development should remarkably improve, with the influence on neighboring regions further strengthened.

The people should become wealthier; the level of social civility should reach new heights, with cultural soft power demonstrably strengthened, Chinese cultural influence broadened and deepened, and exchange and integration between different cultures further enhanced, the plan says.

Meanwhile, the levels of conservation and efficient use of resources should be significantly improved, the ecological environment should be effectively protected, and an international first-class bay area for living, working and traveling should be fully developed.

PLAN HAILED

The People's Daily hailed the plan, saying the Greater Bay Area facilitates the enrichment of the implementation of the "one country, two systems," creates more opportunities for the socio-economic development of the two special administrative regions and for Hong Kong and Macao compatriots wishing to develop careers on the mainland.

We must "free our minds, make active explorations and bold trials, and strive to play a pioneering role," the article says.

Both HKSAR and Macao SAR governments issued statements welcoming the promulgation of the plan.

An HKSAR government spokesperson said the Greater Bay Area will help Hong Kong find new drivers for economic growth and advance the diversified development of local economy and industries, as well as expand the living and development space of Hong Kong residents.

"Bay areas play a big role in global economic powerhouses such as the United States and Japan," said Liang Haiming, head of China Silk Road iValley Research Institute. "China's bay area will become a world-leading one and demonstrate the vitality of our systems."

Lin Jiang, vice dean with the Center for Studies of Hong Kong, Macao and Pearl River Delta at Sun Yat-sen University, noted the complexity of building this bay area because different social and legal systems, three separate customs territories and three currencies are involved.

"Such uniqueness brings challenges," Lin said, but adding that they can be overcome by improving the unified mechanism of regional public goods.

Ip Kuai Peng, pro-rector of the City University of Macau, said he is confident that the Greater Bay Area will evolve into a vibrant, innovative world-class area with high efficiency, rich resources, a strong economy, and good opportunities.

"The high degree of resource flow and integration in the area will truly enhance the well-being of Macao residents," he said. "For example, the 'one-hour living circle' will greatly facilitate the life and employment of bay area residents."

Fang Zhou, research director of the Hong Kong-based One-Country-Two-Systems Research Institute, said developing the bay area will provide young people with new opportunities.

It will allow Hong Kong residents to further enjoy the benefits of the country's economic development and sustain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, he said.

(Video reporters: Lin Ning, Wan Houde; Video editors: Zhang Yucheng, Zhu Jianhui)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:08:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Exports of the German engineering sector grew by 5.3 percent to a new record level of 177.8 billion euros (201.4 billion U.S. dollars) worth of goods in 2018, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) announced on Monday.

"We can look back on a very pleasing 2018 trading year," commented Olaf Wortmann, economic expert at the German engineering association VDMA. "The growth in exports shows that our medium-sized industry with its high-tech products is in high demand even in difficult times, because customers from all over the world need these machines and plants."

Exports to the United States, the largest individual export market for German engineering companies, grew by 7.1 percent to 19.25 billion euros in 2018, closely followed by exports to China, which increased by 9.6 percent to 19.06 billion euros. The United States and China thus accounted for 10.8 percent and 10.7 percent respectively of exports of the German engineering sector.

"In terms of deliveries to the USA, machine builders benefited not only from the good economic situation in the United States but also from the corporate tax reform there and the significantly improved depreciation and amortization conditions," said VDMA expert Wortmann.

For 2019 the VDMA is expecting a slight growth in exports to China from the German engineering sector despite the "economic slowdown in China". Although this growth would "unlikely" be as strong as in 2018, Wortmann told Xinhua on Monday.

Trade with other member states of the European Union accounted with an increase of 6.6 percent to 83.91 billion euros for nearly half of the exports of German engineering companies and thus Europe remained the largest sales region. The most important European export country was France with exports worth 11.55 billion euros in 2018.

In Britain, exports of German engineering companies grew by 5.1 percent to 7.68 billion euros in 2018. "Here, pull-forward effects due to the Brexit may have played a major role. Companies in Great Britain have increased their inventories or brought forward orders," added Wortmann.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-19 00:08:38|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JUBA, Feb 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday urged South Sudan's warring parties to commit to cessation of hostilities following recent fighting.

The EU in a statement issued in Juba also condemned the recent fighting between Feb.2-3 that left seven rebel soldiers and one civilian dead following clashes between Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and National Salvation Front (NAS) led by ex-deputy army chief Thomas Cirilo in areas of Kediba, Kanjawa and Wandi in the Central Equatoria region.

"The EU Delegation acknowledges and welcomes the relative calm across the country, but follows with deep concern the ongoing violence in Yei River and Amadi States and condemns violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) which have taken place, as confirmed by the ceasefire monitoring body CTSAMVM," it said.

Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO spokesman said in Juba that their forces came under attack by NAS at Kediba, Kanjawa and Wandi but they managed to overpower the attackers from NAS.

"The truth is NAS forces under direct command of Gen. Kenyi Latio and Gen. Azhari Wad Rajab Kagyani attacked Kediba and Kanjawa at 5:00 A.M and 3:00P.M respectively and Wandi on 03/02/2019 at 6:00A.M," said Gabriel.

"They were all repulsed by the SPLA-IO forces. Seven NAS fighters were killed in Kediba while one civilian was killed by their forces in Wandi. The SPLA-IO sustained two minor injuries and no death cases. The aggressors are now being pursued towards Rokon by the SPLA-IO forces," he added.

The EU noted that the impact of the ongoing violence on the lives of civilians is grave and unacceptable as lives are being lost and livelihoods destroyed.

It also added that humanitarian access is being blocked for vulnerable people, citing the recent displacement of about 5,000 civilians who fled into DR Congo following renewed violence in these areas.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said last week that another 6,000 internally displaced persons have been registered by South Sudan in Yei town.

"The EU Delegation, in line with the IGAD statement of 31 January, calls on all the parties to cease hostilities and military preparations immediately, to step up efforts to come to a political solution and to take all possible action to ensure the safety of civilians, their freedom of movement, and to ensure unhindered access to humanitarian actors, UNMISS and CTSAMVM," it said.

The EU added that all parties should implement the ARCSS in a timely manner and in good faith.

South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013, and the conflict has created one of the fastest growing refugee crises in the world.

The UN estimates that about 4 million South Sudanese have been displaced internally and externally.

In September 2018, South Sudan's conflicting parties signed a peace deal in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:58:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BANGKOK, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Eighteen Cambodians were arrested with equipments typically used for poaching precious rosewood trees inside a national park in northeastern Thailand, police announced on Monday.

Police said they had netted the 17 Cambodians after authorities sealed off the park in Nakhon Ratchasima Province on Saturday.

Police captured a Cambodian man in the same area and found a chainsaw, a home-made gun and 37 bags containing food on Saturday before they busted the other 17.

The gang, believed to have been crossing the border into Thailand in the eastern province of Chanthaburi to meet up with their handler, tried to flee deep into the forest. However, they were arrested as authorities blocked all routes out of the park.

Police said they were hired to poach Siamese rosewood, a protected species listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The case is under investigation.

Rosewood, famed for its blood red hue, is the world's most trafficked wildlife product. It accounts for a third of all seizures recorded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime from 2005-2014.

Most of the valuable Siamese rosewood has already been logged out in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, leaving Thailand's remaining stands prey to cross-border incursions by poaching gangs.
Alexandra Beier/Getty Images(MUNICH) -- Vice President Mike Pence accused Iran of advocating for another Holocaust on Saturday as he finished up a European tour in which he threatened tougher U.S. sanctions against the country, and asked for other countries to follow Americas decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

The Iranian regime openly advocates another Holocaust and it seeks the means to achieve it, Pence said while speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

Pences latest remarks come on the heels of appearances at international conferences in Warsaw, Poland, and Munich, Germany, in which he repeatedly attacked Iran, and the Iran nuclear deal.

That deal, signed by the Obama administration in 2015 along with leaders from the U.K., France, Russia, China and Germany, offered Iran relief from economic sanctions in exchange for restricting its nuclear program. Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the deal in 2018.

Along with accusations of state-sponsored terrorism, Pence blasted Iran during his week in Europe for anti-Semitism, going as far as to compare the country to Nazi Germany.

Pence visited Auschwitz on Friday, a former concentration camp in Nazi Germany-occupied Poland, and said he was deeply moved. As the vice president left Poland en route to Germany, he reflected on the trip, noting the importance of honoring Holocaust victims, and saying that ant-Semitism needed to be universally condemned.

Traveling to Munich to deliver his second international address, Pence condemned the Iranian regime for spewing the same vile anti-Semitic hatred that animated the Nazis in Europe.

During his Munich remarks, the vice president said Iran had supported terrorist proxies and militias, Hezbollah and Hamas; exported missiles; fueled conflicts in Syria and Yemen; plotted terrorist attacks on European soil; and openly advocated the destruction of the State of Israel.

Pence said that he had frank discussions with world leaders during his trip, but stopped short of suggesting any European nations had to immediately answer U.S. calls to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:48:35|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China has urged pork food firms to enhance their management of pork to guard against African swine fever after media reports of suspected contaminated dumplings.

Samples from three batches of pork-filled dumplings from Sanquan Foods tested positive for the nucleic acid associated with African swine fever, according to media reports.

The State Administration for Market Regulation and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs urged the company to trace the source of the pork and dispose of related products.

The two ministries required local governments to beef up risk control measures, regulate information disclosure and crack down upon unscrupulous firms.

The African pig plague is a highly contagious viral disease that is believed to only infect pigs. No humans or other species have thus far been infected.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:48:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HANGZHOU, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Alibaba founder Jack Ma officially launched a fund Monday with the aim of providing 10 million U.S. dollars to outstanding African entrepreneurs in the coming decade.

The Africa Netrepreneur Prize will be awarded to 10 African entrepreneurs each year with a total funding of one million dollars, according to the Jack Ma Foundation.

The first contest will be open for enrollment to all African citizens on March 27, and the final contest is expected to be held in Africa in November.

The foundation aims to nurture 100 outstanding African entrepreneurs by 2030 to help serve the continent.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma announced last August to set up the fund to encourage African people to tap the growing digital economy.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:48:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TOKYO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- A panel for dispute resolution on Monday rejected a complaint by Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki over the Japanese central government's plan to relocate a U.S. air base within the southern island prefecture, local media reported.

The Japanese government authorized the landfill work in October for the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko coastal area of Nago, a controversial decision which has drawn criticism and opposition among local people.

Tamaki said in a statement that he was "extremely disappointed" in the rejection of his argument.

The governor had called the relocating move "illegal", urging the panel to investigate into Land Minister Keiichi Ishii's decision which allowed the government to continue with the landfill work.

The five-member panel works under the internal affairs ministry and is in charge of issuing recommendations when concerns are raised over the state's intervention in local administrations.

A poll conducted by Kyodo News over the weekend revealed that more than 67 percent of Okinawa residents plan to vote against the central government's plan of relocation in the local referendum scheduled on Feb. 24.

According to the opinion poll with 1,047 eligible voters in the prefecture, 67.7 percent said they will vote "no" on the plan while only 15.8 percent said they are in favor of the relocation.

Tamaki said he hopes the result of the referendum will show local people's opposition to the relocation, although the vote is not legally binding.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:43:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BERLIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China remained Germany's most important trading partner for the third consecutive year with a total trade volume of 199.3 billion euros (225.7 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018, according to preliminary figures published on Monday by the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

China accounted for the largest share of imports into Germany with goods worth 106.2 billion euros, followed by the Netherlands with 98.2 billion euros and France with 65.2 billion euros.

"It is noteworthy that Germany's trade with China is almost balanced, suggesting that with the right products, it is possible to engage in mutually beneficial trade," Reint Gropp, president of the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH), told Xinhua. Germany's trade deficit with China amounted to 13 billion euros in 2018.

"Tariffs and unilateral sanctions are the wrong path to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes from international trade. Progress in the fairness of international trade can only be achieved through multilateral negotiations within the framework of the WTO (World Trade Organization)," Gropp added.

The Netherlands, as an important transit country for goods arriving at its ports, such as Rotterdam, Europe's largest harbor, was Germany's second largest trading partner. The value of goods traded between Germany and the Netherlands totaled 189.4 billion euros. The United States was third on the list with 178 billion euros.

The top customer for German goods was the United States with a volume of 113.5 billion euros. Placed second and third, respectively, were France (105.3 billion euros) and China (93.1 billion euros).

"Although China is not Germany's most important export destination, it is ranked first among the countries of import origin since Germany traditionally has a trade deficit with the Middle Kingdom," Juergen Matthes, head of the research unit for international economics and economic outlook at the German Economic Institute (IW), told Xinhua.

"China is currently facilitating access to its market for German companies in some areas," Matthes said.

Germany's trade surplus was the highest with the United States, totaling 48.9 billion euros, followed by the United Kingdom (45 billion euros) and France (40.2 billion euros). U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized the German trade surplus and threatened to impose punitive tariffs on German exports, such as cars.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:38:33|Editor: Chengcheng

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SHANGHAI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- An indoor 5G network will be installed in the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station by the end of this year, mobile operator and technology provider said Monday.

China Mobile Shanghai and Huawei jointly made the announcement on building the 5G digital indoor system (DIS) at the station, a major railway hub that handles 60 million passengers every year.

The network will cover the entire station by the end of 2019 to meet passenger demand for high-speed connectivity, said the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization.

A 5G network in the railway station will be part of the effort to speed up the digital economy development in Shanghai, said Zhang Jianming, deputy director of the commission.

Shanghai is committed to building a smart city through investment in new infrastructure including AI, industrial Internet, and the Internet of Things.

The network will be able to handle twice the current data usage by passengers during the next Spring Festival travel season, said Zhou Yuefeng, chief marketing officer for Huawei Wireless Network Product Line.

He hopes the technology will be used in airports and other public venues. As of mid-January this year, Huawei has signed 30 5G contracts, he said.

The 5G network, or the fifth generation wireless network, promises faster speeds, less lag, or "latency," when connecting to the network and the ability to connect many devices to the Internet without bogging it down.

However, 5G uses high frequencies, which means that network signals will weaken when encountering physical barriers. This makes it challenging to provide full 5G coverage indoors, industry experts say.

At the launch event, China Mobile Shanghai and Huawei demonstrated the 1.2Gbps peak rate enabled by the 5G DIS. Passengers will be able to download a 2GB HD film in less than 20 seconds. The network will also support services including 4K HD video calling and multi-way ultra-HD video uploading.

The Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is one of Asia's biggest traffic hubs in terms of passenger throughput. During the peak season, about 330,000 people pass through the station on a single day.

Chinese cities are adopting the 5G network to meet public demand. The Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in south China's Guangdong Province launched a 5G base station. A 5G-based smart highway project is under construction in central Hebei Province to accommodate self-driving vehicles.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:38:32|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China has launched a campaign to curb drunk driving across the country, the Ministry of Public Security said Monday.

Traffic police nationwide should step up traffic checks, including daily and regular inspections on the streets, according to a guideline released by the ministry's traffic management bureau.

The one-year campaign is aimed at reducing the number of traffic accidents and casualties caused by drunk driving, said the traffic management bureau.

Drunk driving has long been one of the major causes of traffic accidents in China. A total of 17,264 Chinese drivers were banned from driving for life in 2018. Among them, 5,149 were caught drunk driving in serious traffic accidents.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:33:32|Editor: Chengcheng

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The development plan of the Greater Bay Area in southern China has presented new opportunities for the deepening of cooperation within the region, said a commentary to be published Tuesday on People's Daily.

The Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was released on Monday, which includes the strategic positioning, development objectives, the spatial layout and other aspects of the project.

Following the programmatic plan, the building of a dynamic and internationally competitive bay area and a world-class city cluster will be realized through hard work, said the commentary.

The plan was designed to facilitate overall and long-term development.

The development of the Greater Bay Area will facilitate the implementation of the new concept of development, the further deepening of reform and opening up, the building of a new system of open economy in line with international standards, and the development of a new platform for high-level international cooperation, said the article.

Developing the Greater Bay Area is also a major decision to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs).

The project will facilitate the enrichment of the implementation of the "one country, two systems," create more opportunities for the socio-economic development of the two SARs and for Hong Kong and Macao compatriots wishing to develop careers on the mainland, said the commentary.

It called for innovation in building the Greater Bay Area, as it will be carried out under "one country, two systems," involving three customs territories using three different currencies, without any precedent to follow.

We must "free our minds, make active explorations and bold trials, and strive to play a pioneering role," said the article.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:28:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Hakan Cakil said Monday that Turkey is committed to supporting the new Lebanese government, the National News Agency reported.

"We will cooperate with this new government by contributing to developing the economy for the interest of the Lebanese people," Cakil said during his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri at Grand Serail.

Cakil said that he discussed with Hariri ways of enhancing cooperation between Lebanon and Turkey.

"We witnessed, following the government formation, the visit of the Lebanese minister of economy and minister of state for foreign trade," he said, adding that he encourages such visits which will continue in the future.

Cakil added he will work personally on boosting relations between the two countries on all levels.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:28:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Monday called for gradual and progressive takeover of security responsibilities from the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The AU Peace and Security Council made the call in a statement issued on Monday following decisions made during its recent meeting on the consideration and adoption of the Concept of Operations (CONOPs) of the AMISOM for 2018 to 2021.

AMISOM in November last year developed a document that will provide an effective framework for the gradual transition of security responsibilities to Somalia's security institutions from the AU mission.

The new concept of operations, which guides AMISOM's activities and operations for the 2018-2021 period, marks the final phase of the AU mission's transition and eventual exit from Somalia.

"The council emphasizes that the successful implementation of the AMISOM CONOPs 2018 - 2021 and the Somali Transitional Plan (STP) will largely depend on the effective generation of the Somali Security Forces required for the gradual and progressive takeover of security responsibilities from AMISOM," the council said in statement on Monday.

The council further underscored continued provision of required trained and equipped personnel by police and troop contributing countries and availability of required and predictable resources for AMISOM's sustainment to support the Somali government in the implementation of the transitional plan.

"The Council calls on the UN and all stakeholders to continue supporting AMISOM and the Somali government in the provision of resources required for the effective implementation of the AMISOM CONOPs 2018-2021 and the (STP)," the statement read.

The AU Peace and Security Council meeting on the new CONOPS came as AU mission is expected to downsize its troops by one-thousand by the end of February, in line with the UN Security Council's resolution, it was noted.

UN Security Council's Resolution 2431 that was adopted in 2018 mainly called for a further reduction in the number of troops, following the first reduction undertaken in December 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:23:28|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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SOFIA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- A 25-year-old man suspected of killing his father, mother, brother and grandmother was arrested here on Monday, the Bulgarian Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

Police found the dead bodies before noon on Monday in the house of the family in Novi Iskar district, and the man was there "in inadequate condition", the ministry said.

The four were killed with an ax, but it was not yet clear when the crime was committed, said the ministry, adding that the ax was found at the scene.

According to initial data, the alleged killer was examined by a psychiatrist in the years 2015, 2018 and 2019, but there was no information about mental illness at the moment.

The investigation is ongoing, the ministry said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 23:03:24|Editor: Yamei

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Tourists visit the Ice-Snow World in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

HARBIN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's largest ice-themed park closed Sunday night as the weather has started to warm up in the country's northeasternmost province.

The 20th Ice and Snow World in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province, has stopped its operation due to the rising temperature, according to the park.

The highest temperature will rise to 6 degrees Celsius in Harbin in the coming week.

Built with 110,000 cubic meters of ice and 120,000 cubic meters of snow, the 600,000-square-meter winter wonderland has over 30 interactive rides and more than 2,000 ice and snow sculptures.

The park has attracted over 1 million tourists since it reopened on Dec. 23, and more than 10 million visits have been made in total since its founding in 1999.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 22:13:16|Editor: xuxin

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will set up a new Science and Technology Agency by the end of 2019 to help safeguard the nation's interest and shore up its security in the face of evolving threats, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said here Monday.

Heng revealed the plan in front of the Parliament, noting that while Singapore has consistently been one of the safest cities globally, security threats have been evolving and becoming more complex, which has called for new measures to counter these threats.

The ministry of home affairs will set up the new agency by the end of this year to strengthen its ability to safeguard Singapore and more details will be given by the minister of home affairs later, Heng said.

Singapore will also continue its "Total Defense" approach in dealing with threats, and guarding against divisive forces, Heng said.

The sixth pillar of total defense -- digital defense, was formally incorporated into Singapore's Total Defense framework last week by Minister-in-charge of Cyber Security S Iswaran.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 21:58:11|Editor: ZX

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MACAO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government on Monday welcomed the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by the central government.

The Macao SAR government is thankful to the central government for attaching great attention to and supporting Macao's involvement in the development of the Greater Bay Area and would study the plan well and work for its implementation, said a statement issued by the Macao SAR government information bureau.

The central government highly values the status of the Macao SAR and the role it can play and has sought the region's opinions in the course of the plan's formulation, the statement noted.

The Macao SAR government vowed to strictly follow the country's plan and work with other cities to leverage their comparative advantages in implementing the development plan of the Greater Bay Area, to create a better environment for Macao to achieve appropriately diversified economic development.

China on Monday issued the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The plan, an important outline document guiding the current and future cooperation and development of the Greater Bay Area, covers the period from now to 2022 in the immediate term and extends to 2035 in the long term.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 21:48:10|Editor: ZX

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HONG KONG, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam on Monday welcomed the promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area by the central government.

Lam expressed gratitude to the central government for placing importance on HKSAR government's views in the process of drafting the plan, which sets out the directions guiding the Greater Bay Area's development.

A HKSAR government spokesperson described the plan as "a major development strategy in the country's reform and opening up in the new era."

The full implementation of the policies of "one country, two systems," "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy for the region, as well as acting in strict compliance with the country's Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law, are the guiding ideology for the Greater Bay Area's development, the spokesperson stressed in the statement.

The spokesperson said that the development of the Greater Bay Area will bring Hong Kong opportunities in two aspects, namely helping Hong Kong find new drivers for economic growth and advance the diversified development of local economy and industries, as well as expand the living and development space of Hong Kong residents.

"The HKSAR Government will fully seize the opportunities brought about by the development of the Greater Bay Area, integrate the needs of the country with the strengths of Hong Kong and fully leverage the market-driven mechanism, enabling Hong Kong to enjoy brighter development prospects amid its integration into the overall development of the country," said the spokesperson.

In accordance with the development plan released Monday, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are listed as central cities and core engines for spearheading regional development, which will leverage their comparative advantages and strengthen the radiating effect in leading the development of nearby areas.

The HKSAR government will actively work with the relevant ministries and commissions of the central government, the Guangdong provincial government, and the Macao SAR government to jointly advance the development of the Greater Bay Area in accordance with the plan, the spokesperson said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 21:38:06|Editor: xuxin

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- India and Argentina signed ten memorandums of understanding (MoUs) Monday in areas including defense, tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, civil nuclear energy, information technology, and cooperation in the Antarctic.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri in the Indian capital.

Macri is on a three-day state visit to India on the invitation of Modi, to mark the 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, Macri and Modi held delegation level talks during which they reiterated on bilateral relations based on shared values, principles, freedom, rule of law, respect for human rights and territorial integrity of states.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 21:33:05|Editor: xuxin

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NAIROBI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (APNI) on Monday announced that applications for its flagship competition for digital entrepreneurs in the continent funded by Jack Ma Foundation, will start in March.

APNI said in a statement released in Nairobi it will be hosting an annual contest for Africa's technology based enterprises in the next decade where 10 finalists will compete for 100 million shillings (1 million U.S. dollars) in total prize money.

"The Netpreneur Prize Initiative has brought together a strong ecosystem of players to support both technology driven and traditional businesses," said Sam Gichuru, Founder and CEO of Nairobi-based innovation hub Nailab.

"We look forward to unveiling the full slate of regional partners and to receiving applications from promising African entrepreneurs in the coming weeks," he added.

The Jack Ma's funded contest worth 10 million dollars is primarily focused on empowering the next generation of African technology based start-ups whose founders are either women or youth.

The 10 finalists are expected to receive grant funding from Jack Ma Foundation alongside access to the Netpreneur community of African business leaders to help leverage on shared expertise, best practices and resources.

"By 2030, we hope to identify and shine spotlight on 100 African entrepreneur heroes who will inspire the continent. From day one, our approach has been community based and focused on inclusiveness, to be truly for Africans and by Africans," said Beth of APNI.

"To realize these goals, we are excited to work with Nailab as our implementing partner in Africa and multiple African partners across the continent," she added.

The African digital entrepreneurs' prize is open to innovators and start-up founders across all industry sectors in the continent's 54 countries.

Female and young entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the prize before the June deadline to be followed by announcement of top 50 regional finalists in August and final 10 finalists in October.

The grand finale pitch event will be held in November when the overall winner of the Africa's technology entrepreneur prize contest will be announced.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 21:28:04|Editor: ZX

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by Naftali Mwaura

NAIROBI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Mercy Wafula's face radiated with excitement as a top Chinese tenor belted a classical piece during a spring festival performance in downtown Nairobi on Sunday.

The 24-year-old tourism major, who is pursuing a certificate course in Mandarin, was one of around 2,500 Kenyans and Chinese feted with a blend of traditional and modern Chinese music, dance and acrobatics inside a packed ballroom at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.

"I was impressed by the performances that brought out the best in Chinese contemporary art and culture," Wafula said. "The solo artists were remarkable in terms of vocals and stage presence."

Wafula and her friends also savored the powerful rendition of a Chinese patriotic song by a soprano.

"The patriotic song was so uplifting and was a reminder that we should all cherish our homelands even as we seek for opportunities in the diaspora," she said. "I liked the costumes and gyrations of solo artists whose stage presence was awesome."

Kevin Okeyo, a 28-year-old driver, strutted along the pathway leading to the stage to have a glimpse of the artists and take photographs.

"This my second time to attend a performance by Chinese artists," he said. "I was thrilled by the melodies and Kung Fu, even if I did not understand the spoken words."

"It was an uplifting experience that I will cherish in the years to come," he said, adding that he looks forward to attend similar performances with his family.

Watching the performance inspired him to learn Chinese martial art, which requires mental agility and focus, attributes key to the success of his driving career, Okeyo said.

"Like many Kenyans, I have learned about Kung Fu through films, but am proud to watch a live performance by a group of Chinese nationals who have mastered the art," he said.

"I will spare some time in future to try my hand in it," Okeyo said.

The performance Sunday, a highlight of Lunar Chinese New Year festivities in the Kenyan capital, helped showcase the time-honored cultural heritage of an ancient civilization.

Hope Njeri, a 25-year-old cabin crew pursuing a diploma in Chinese language, said she was impressed by the neo-classical lyrics that reaffirmed the virtues of love, unity and patriotism.

"The songs were outstanding and lifted my mood even though I have a limited grasp of the Chinese spoken words. It was an honor to witness a live performance by talented Chinese musicians and acrobats," she said.

Njeri hopes to better facilitate exchanges between Kenyans and their Chinese friends when she completes her diploma course in Mandarin at a Nairobi-based private college.

"Our relationship with China has come of age thanks to cross-cultural exchanges that have been going on and the youth of this country are in a vantage position to promote greater understanding and friendship with the Chinese people," she said.

Martin Ngugi, a 20-year-old high school graduate, held his smartphone to record the action as it unfolded, from his seat in the front rows.

The slightly built youth, who recently enrolled for a Chinese language class at a private college, said sitting through the entire performance was an uplifting experience.

"It was refreshing to watch the solo artists' belt out love-themed lyrics with conviction, pride and honor," Ngugi said.

"I wish I had a better understanding of Chinese language but all in all, the performances were world-class and fit for the occasion," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 20:57:56|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Implementation is stressed in a development plan released by China for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The plan calls for efforts to strengthen organization and leadership, including enhancing coordination and guidance regarding the implementation of the plan, establishing the leading group for the development of the Greater Bay Area, and examining and resolving major issues that may arise during the course of the development of the area.

China on Monday issued the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The plan, an important outline document guiding the current and future cooperation and development of the Greater Bay Area, covers the period from now to 2022 in the immediate term and extends to 2035 in the long term.

Major tasks should be taken forward, the plan says, urging relevant central ministries, in the context of their own responsibilities, to concentrate on formulating concrete policies and measures supporting the development of the Greater Bay Area, strengthen communication with the governments of Guangdong Province as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and uphold the rule of law and market-based approach in coordinating and resolving issues that arise from the Greater Bay Area development.

The plan also demands efforts to prevent and mitigate major risks and calls for broader social participation in the development of the Greater Bay Area.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 20:47:55|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled the world's first technical standards on energy consumption of electric vehicles (EV).

The national standards specify the energy consumption limits for different types of EVs, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

It is expected to facilitate applications of EV energy conservation technologies and reduce energy consumption.

China is the world's largest EV market, with sales of new energy vehicles soaring 61.74 percent year on year to 1.26 million units in 2018.

The administration also released 645 other standards covering a wide range of fields such as traffic signs and nursing homes.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 20:37:53|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation will intensify in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative as China presses ahead with developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

That came from the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area China released Monday.

Efforts should be made to create a globally competitive business environment, increase the level of market integration, and jointly expand opening-up, said the plan.

Cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao should be deepened, the plan said, calling for efforts to improve investment and business environment in the nine Pearl River Delta cities and to raise the level of market integration in the Greater Bay Area.

Measures should be taken to ensure alignment with advanced international market norms and regulatory standards, expedite the establishment of new institutional arrangements for an open economy, and create an environment for opening-up on all respects, according to the plan.

It called for joint efforts to develop new strengths in international economic and trade cooperation, which will provide solid support to the Belt and Road Initiative.

In these regards, investment facilitation and trade liberalization should be promoted and the flow of people and goods should be facilitated, the plan said, urging efforts to fully participate in international economic cooperation and jointly expand international markets.

The plan, an important document guiding the current and future cooperation and development of the Greater Bay Area, covers the period from the present to 2022 in the immediate term and extends to 2035 in the long term.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 20:27:51|Editor: xuxin

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CAIRO, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League strongly condemned on Monday Israel's decision to deduct some part of amount of taxes it collected on behalf of Palestine.

"The move comes in retaliation for the Palestinian Authority (PA) pays to families of Palestinian prisoners in Israel," the statement said.

Earlier, Israel said its security cabinet decided to withhold 138 million U.S. dollars in tax transfers to the PA over its payments to prisoners jailed for attacks on Israelis.

Meanwhile, the PA says the payments are a form of welfare to the families who have lost their main breadwinner.

The statement slammed Israel's continued arbitrary measures against the PA and rejection of setting up a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It is a flagrant violation of all signed agreements and international law, it added.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 20:02:40|Editor: xuxin

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said in his Budget Statement in Parliament on Monday that the city-state's budget position remains expansionary in financial year 2019, with a basic deficit of 7.1 billion Singapore dollars (about 5.24 billion U.S. dollars).

He said Singaporean ministries' total expenditures will reach 80.3 billion Singapore dollars in the year, 1.6 percent more than in financial year 2018. Meanwhile, the government will set aside funds to meet Singaporeans' long-term needs.

On the whole, the overall budget deficit of Singaporean government is expected to hit 3.5 billion Singapore dollars in financial year 2019, accounting for 0.7 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"We have sufficient fiscal surplus accumulated over this term of government to fund the overall deficit in financial year 2019," Heng added. "There is no draw on past reserves."

The minister announced that Singapore's overall budget surplus for financial year 2018 hit 2.1 billion Singapore dollars, or 0.4 percent of GDP.

This is a 2.7-billion-Singapore-dollar increase from the 0.6 billion Singapore dollars deficit forecasted a year ago, due to the unexpected two-year suspension of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail Project and higher-than-expected Stamp Duty collections, he said. (1 U.S. dollar equals to 1.36 Singapore dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 19:52:39|Editor: xuxin

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MADRID, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Arsonists are suspected to be behind a wave of wildfires which have hit the region of Cantabria in the north of Spain, the regional government confirms.

The Cantabrian regional authority reports that round 32 different forest fires were active in 20 municipalities in the region at around 7:40 a.m. local time.

This was a reduction of six fires from the 38 which were active at around 6 a.m. after around 430 members of the fire brigade, along with civil guards and volunteers from civil protection units and the Red Cross had spent all night combating the flames.

Since Thursday 194 wildfires have been reported in the region with 50 active at nightfall on Sunday, although authorities hope that the arrival of daylight will allow the use of two aircraft and three helicopters to return to the battle against the flames.

Authorities also report that the majority of the fires were started deliberately.

Both the Civil Guards and Regional Government are investigating who is behind the wave of fires and have already made two arrests. One of the detainees is described as a 35-year-old man who was arrested on Saturday with a "hot" cigarette lighter moments after starting a fire in an area known as Monte Saja.

Another 39-year-old man was also detained on Sunday after authorities received information from citizens, who reported him in an area where a fire was detected shortly afterwards. Police followed him and made the arrest after a second fire began in the same area.

No people have been killed or injured as a result of the flames and although one fire caused moments of tension close to the town of Saja, no damage to property has yet been reported, although the damage to an area of great natural beauty is extensive.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 19:37:35|Editor: xuxin

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MOGADISHU, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Monday denied losing three of its soldiers in a terror attack northwest of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, on Friday.

The U.S. Africa Command (AFICOM) accused extremist group al-Shabab of falsely claiming its fighters killed three U.S. soldiers in the attack on a military base at Baledogle on Feb. 15.

"No U.S. casualties were reported after an airfield at Baledogle, Somalia, received indirect fire Feb. 15," Africom spokesman Christopher P. Karns told Xinhua. "The terrorist group al-Shabab falsely claimed it killed three U.S. soldiers in the attack."

Karns said there is an uptick in instances where extremists resort to making false claims to the press.

Al-Shabab had claimed that its fighters fired mortar rounds, killing three American soldiers and five Somali members of a special commando, whose training base is at Baledogle, about 95 km northwest of Mogadishu.

Karns said increased pressure is being placed on the al-Shabab network, helping to create enhanced security conditions while creating time and space to bring about political progress and economic development.

"In 2019, persistent pressure has been placed on al-Shabab by the federal government of Somalia, its forces, and partners in an effort to degrade its network," he added.

U.S., Somali and African Union forces have increased ground and air offensives against the militant group in the last few months.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 19:32:34|Editor: xuxin

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TEHRAN, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) dismantled terror cells in southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province and arrested several suspects linked to the recent deadly terrorist attack on border guards, official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

In the operation on Sunday night, "three terrorists were arrested, and 750 kilograms of explosives and some ammunition were seized from them," according to the report.

On Wednesday terrorist attack against the IRGC forces in Sistan and Baluchestan province, bordering Pakistan, 27 died and 13 others were injured.

According to the Iranian media, the Sunni rebel group the Jasih al-Adl, based in Pakistan, has held responsibility for the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 19:27:30|Editor: xuxin

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JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- African Global Group, which has been accused of involvement in corruption in South Africa, on Monday announced voluntary liquidation following notification that its bank accounts will be closed.

"We received formal notification from our financial institution of the decision to distance itself from the Group and as a result the closure of all the entities' bank accounts on or before Feb. 28," African Global chairperson John Gumede said.

"To avert a situation whereby the Group would not be able to further operate as of March 1, African Global board applied with various financial institutions, locally and internationally for a trading account," he said.

According to testimony in the so-called state capture commission, the company is accused of bribing government officials to get tenders.

Gumede said negative media coverage about his firm made financial institutions think it poses a "reputational risk."

"The decisions made by the financial institutions are not based on the African Global Group's liquidity status, financial stability and operational performance or growth forecasts," he said. "On the contrary, the Group is both factually and commercially solvent."

"Tragically, the Group will be unable to trade without a bank account," Gumede said.

African Global group said the liquidation will result in job losses and other consequences.

They company now employs 4,500 South Africans and has 108 interns who are getting stipends.

"The devastating ripple effect on suppliers and contractors is unparalleled as the group has in excess of 3,100 suppliers, many of whom are small businesses dependent on the work received from the Group," Gumede said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:37:15|Editor: ZX

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GUIYANG, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's mountainous province of Guizhou plans to finish building forest trails with a total length of 6,000 kilometers by 2025, local authorities said.

Located in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Guizhou is known for its rich natural resources, with a forest coverage rate reaching 57 percent in 2018.

The provincial government will take full advantage of Guizhou's myriad mountains and lush woods to build four to five long trails that connect forests, wetlands and geo parks as well as other natural sceneries.

According to Guizhou Provincial Forestry Department, over 2,000 kilometers of forest trails will be built by 2020.

Guizhou will also have 80 provincial-level forest cities, 300 forest towns and 2,000 forest villages by the end of 2025, providing its residents with green recreational sites.

China saw 1.6 billion forest visitors in 2018, accounting for nearly one-third of the country's overall domestic tourists.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:37:14|Editor: xuxin

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NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The outcome of the ongoing U.S.-China trade talks if based on mutual respect may not only benefit the two countries, but the rest of the world as well, the founder and CEO of Hape Toys Peter Handstein has said.

While attending the 2019 North American International Toy Fair in New York City, Handstein told Xinhua in an interview that the whole world has been nervously awaiting the outcome of the trade talks, and he hopes the trade frictions will be resolved on the basis of mutual respect.

Handstein established his company in 1986 in Germany and expanded the business to China in 1995. In China's east coastal city of Ningbo, he set up a base and has lived there for over 20 years.

Hape Toys has become one of the world's largest producers of toys made from sustainable materials. Bamboo, which has been widely planted in south China and known as the food of the giant panda, is one of the materials most frequently used by the company. There is a full collection of toys made from bamboo that has been sold to overseas markets, including the United States.

However, potential tariffs on all goods imported by the United States from China have dampened the mood of many toy industry insiders.

"Today, we are all worried about what will happen between China and the United States," said Handstein.

Hape Toys has expanded its footprint from Germany to China and Canada. "We believe we are global citizens . . . the success of our company comes from the togetherness of an open market," he said.

"We have received a lot of respect in China for what we are doing, and we respect them," Handstein said. "I hope the U.S.-China negotiations will strike a deal based on respect ... (which) will benefit the rest of the world, including China and the United States."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:32:12|Editor: xuxin

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LUSAKA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Anti-drug authorities in Zambia arrested 5,241 people last year over drug-related offenses, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

The arrests represent a 9 percent reduction from the previous year's 5,757.

Drug Enforcement Commission spokesperson Theresa Katongo said of the total number of people arrested last year, 375 were females and 4,866 were males, including 295 juveniles aged between 11 and 17 years.

A total of 1,888 convictions were recorded during the year against 77 acquittals, with a further 2,804 cases pending in the courts of law at various stages, she said.

The authorities, she added, also seized 128.82 tons of cannabis plants and 22.3 tons of cannabis herbs during the year.

Other drugs seized in 2018 included 177.75 kg of miraa, 57.11 kg of ephedrine, 2.32 kg of cocaine and 4.12 kg of heroin.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:17:10|Editor: Li Xia

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ISLAMABAD, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood for consultations after a suicide attack in India-controlled Kashmir, Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal said here in a tweet on Monday.

Confirming the return of the Pakistani high commissioner, sources in the Pakistani Foreign Ministry told Xinhua that the consultations regarding possible actions by the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF), the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, will also be made.

A recent suicide attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir left 40 people killed. India blamed the attack on Pakistan after an organization proscribed by Pakistan claimed the incident.

Faisal said on Sunday that the Indian allegations were made within a short time from the attack and without carrying out any investigations.

The spokesman said that Pakistan desires normalization of relations with India.

"In his letter to (Indian) Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi, Prime Minister Imran Khan followed his intention of taking two steps if India takes one, with the proposal for both foreign ministers to meet at the sidelines of the UNGA (the United Nations General Assembly) and a comprehensive, tangible roadmap for normalization of ties."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:12:09|Editor: Li Xia

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KABUL, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Afghan forces have killed five local commanders of the Taliban group in eastern Laghman province, the defense ministry said in a statement on Monday.

According to the statement, Mawlawi Lal Mohammad, Mawlawi Fazilullah, Abdul Ahmad, Mawlawi Nasir and Abdullah who had served as judge and senior leaders in eastern Laghman province were killed and another local commander Mawlawi Sayed Rahim was wounded during series of airstrikes launched late Sunday in Badpakh district.

Similarly, the security forces elsewhere in Maiwand district of southern Kandahar province have arrested eight militants loyal to the Taliban outfit over the past couple of days, said a statement from the provincial governor's office on Monday.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:12:09|Editor: Li Xia

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DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- An outbreak of anthrax in Tanzania's southern highlands region of Songwe that killed four people in January is now under control, a senior official said on Monday.

Songwe Regional Administrative Secretary David Kafulila said since the outbreak of the disease in the region on Dec. 10, 2018, regional authorities have taken measures aimed at ending the spread of the disease that left 81 people falling ill after they ate infected meat.

"Since Jan. 7 this year, we haven't recorded any new cases of anthrax in Songwe region," Kafulila told Xinhua in an interview.

According to medical experts, anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis. Symptoms begin between one day and two months after contraction.

Kafulila said measures taken by Songwe regional authorities to control the outbreak of the disease included vaccinating all livestock in the region.

He said by Feb. 14, a total of 20,181 heads of cattle, 292 goats and 29 sheep were vaccinated.

"Our target is to vaccinate the region's population of 123,219 heads of cattle, 78,000 goats and 40,000 sheep," he said, adding that the region has bought 50,500 vaccines and more will be purchased through a revolving fund.

Last month, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the four people died after they ate meat suspected to have been contaminated with the bacteria that cause anthrax.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 18:07:08|Editor: Li Xia

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SEOUL, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday expressed his hope that great progress would be made in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during the upcoming second summit between the Democratic People's Republic Korea (DPRK) and the United States.

Addressing a meeting with the country's top religious leaders, Moon said he hoped that great progress would be made in denuclearization and the normalization in relations between Pyongyang and Washington at the second DPRK-U.S. summit, according to the presidential Blue House.

Top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet again in Hanoi, Vietnam From Feb. 27 to 28 after their first-ever summit in Singapore in June last year.

During the Singapore summit, Kim and Trump agreed to the Korean Peninsula's complete denuclearization and setting up of new bilateral relations while making joint efforts to build a lasting peace regime on the peninsula.

Regarding inter-Korean relations, Moon said great progress had been made in less than one year since the first summit between the current leaders of the two Koreas was held in April last year, expecting further progress to be made.

Regarding possible options for resuming inter-Korean economic cooperation, Moon said the suspended tour to the DPRK's scenic resort of Mount Kumgang could be resumed as the first inter-Korean cooperation project in the post-sanctions era.

The tour by South Koreans to the Mount Kumgang resort has been halted since 2008 when a South Korean female tourist was shot dead by a DPRK solider after allegedly venturing into off-limit areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 16:26:44|Editor: ZX

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NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Around 1,500 people celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year at Columbia University here on Sunday night, with a focus on Chinese culture and youth in the United States.

The Columbia University Spring Festival Gala 2019, comprised of 14 programs, covered a wide variety of performances, included traditional Chinese dances, crosstalk, comedy sketches and rhythmic gymnastics.

Shan Mengxuan, a sophomore who is studying economics at the university, liked the best songs mashup performed by a young Chinese actress called Ouyang Nana and electric guitarist Liu Jiakai of the popular Indie band Sodagreen from China's Taiwan.

"Watching this gala is part of my personal celebration of the Spring Festival in the United States," Shan told Xinhua. "I think such an event is of great significance, because it makes me feel an atmosphere of homeland (in America) and helps ease my homesickness."

The gala aimed at displaying traditional Chinese culture, especially contemporary Chinese youth culture to the world, said Zhao Erfei, director of the gala, as a majority of the 14 programs were presented by students and alumni of the university.

The production team arranged a traditional Chinese dance called "Cheng," meaning inheritance in Chinese, as the opening program, which featured Chinese drummers and dancers performing with red silk.

"We selected programs that are in line with our theme," said Zhao, a second-year postgraduate studying social work at the university. "We hope the show would not only make Chinese audiences feel the warmth of motherland, but also draw American audiences."

Zhang Xu, a woman who has lived in New York City for nearly 19 years, said she was very happy to watch the gala. "The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year has been growing more and more in recent years in New York. It's also part of my celebration of the Spring Festival," said Zhang, an investment manager at the New York City-based Aurora Investment Group.

It was the first time for Huang Liying, a software developer at Pennsylvania State University, to watch the Spring Festival gala at the university. "The event makes me feel a connection between China and the United States," she said.

The gala was held by the Columbia University Chinese Students and Scholars Association which was established in 1996 and is the largest non-governmental organization for Chinese students and scholars in the United States and one of the most influential Chinese organizations.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 16:01:38|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The widely used new media has become an efficient tool for China's anti-graft body to promote information transparency.

Commentary in a newspaper administrated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission said Monday netizens can find the latest information released by the top anti-graft watchdog on its website and post suggestions there.

People can report corrupt practices and other violations of disciplines and laws online, such as posting on the micro-blogging site Weibo, sending a message to anti-graft authorities' accounts on the instant messaging tool WeChat or reporting through an app run by the top anti-graft authority.

Varied reporting channels have helped expose more officials violating disciplines and laws that were hard to be found out by anti-graft authorities in the past, the commentary said.

Improved information transparency has also helped ensure more objective and fair investigations, it added.

Anti-graft authorities can post online information of corrupt officials, including those fleeing overseas, meaning there will be more chances to capture them, said the commentary.

It also said as anti-graft authorities' articles and video clips are reaching more people online through Weibo, Wechat and their apps, people are now able to learn about the ongoing crackdown on corruption, which also benefits the anti-graft work.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 15:21:28|Editor: xuxin

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A staff member demonstrates dumpling-making during a celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 17, 2019. The Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday attracted both locals and tourists. It kicked off with the unveiling of a steel handmade pig statue weighing 400 pounds (181 kg) in honor of this year's zodiac sign, followed by a kung-fu demonstration, acrobatic performances, a magic show and a traditional lion and dragon dance. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A grand Chinese Lunar New Year celebration was held at the Original Farmers Market downtown here on Sunday, attracting both many locals and tourists.

The celebration kicked off with the unveiling of a steel handmade pig statue weighing 400 pounds (181 kg) in honor of this year's zodiac sign, and was followed by a kung fu demonstration, acrobatic performance, a magic show and a traditional lion and dragon dance.

Themed craft activities such as lantern making and calligraphy attracted many locals.

"We are doing a new tradition. Three years in a row, we are celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year because Los Angeles is home to over 1.5 million Asian Americans," said David E. Ryu, council member of District Four of Los Angeles.

"Every year we've seen an increase in Chinese tourists," said Ilysha Buss, director of marketing for the Original Farmers Market. "We expect this year just to be as strong. We love being the melting pot where all kinds of cultures come together."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 15:21:27|Editor: xuxin

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ISLAMABAD, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Monday the country's high commissioner in India was called back and left New Delhi Monday morning.

He said on his official Twitter that "we have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations."

The announcement came after the two countries traded words over an attack last week in Indian-controlled Kashmir that left 40 paramilitary troopers dead. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack, but the latter rejected the allegation.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 15:06:21|Editor: xuxin

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China will establish a national collaborative network of hospitals for rare disease diagnosis and treatment to promote the early detection and effective treatment of such diseases, according to a decision by the National Health Commission (NHC).

Comprised of 324 hospitals selected for their capacity and experience in treating patients with rare diseases, the network will facilitate the timely transfer of difficult and complicated cases between hospitals and the allocation of quality medical resources for them, an NHC statement says.

Meanwhile, hospitals in the network are urged to further train medical workers on rare disease knowledge and clinical skills, focusing on improving their abilities to identify, diagnose and treat such cases.

China will establish a system for rare disease patients to be registered, the NHC adds.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 15:06:20|Editor: xuxin

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Four troopers including an officer and two militants were killed Monday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight broke out early Monday at village Pinglan of Pulwama district, about 30 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In a gunfight that broke out here early today two militants were killed," Srinagar based Indian army spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia told Xinhua. "While fighting these militants three army troopers and an officer of the rank of major were also killed."

The identity of the slain militant was being ascertained.

According to police, contingents of army and paramilitary cordoned off the village on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

"No sooner the government forces zeroed in on suspected area, the militants present there fired upon the advanced contingent wounding four personnel, who later succumbed," a police official said.

Unconfirmed reports said a civilian was also killed in the gunfight.

The gunfight comes four days after a suicide bomber carried out a car bomb blast targeting paramilitary convoy in the district, killing at least 40 troopers.

Internet service in the district have been suspended and roads leading to the village have been closed.

Reports said civilians have started assembling outside the village and clashes have broke out between locals and government forces.

A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 13:56:07|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank continued to skip open market operations on Monday, citing increased liquidity in the banking system.

The liquidity level has been pushed up due to factors such as cash returning to the banking system, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said in a statement.

No reverse repos will be conducted Monday "in order to maintain reasonably sufficient liquidity in the banking system," the statement said.

A reverse repo is a process by which the central bank purchases securities from commercial banks through bidding, with an agreement to sell them back in the future.

No reverse repos are due to mature this week.

The PBOC has skipped reverse repos for six work days consecutively since the end of the week-long Spring Festival holiday, when cash demand is usually strong.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 12:41:00|Editor: mmm

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DHAKA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Huawei, the world's leading ICT solutions provider, has launched a new round of its global flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) program "Seeds for the Future" to select 10 youngsters from Bangladeshi universities.

The program was launched on Sunday at a press conference. "Seeds for the Future" is designed to cultivate more ICT Talents in Bangladesh and provide an opportunity for the students to learn ICT Technologies, said the company.

In the next two months, Huawei said it will select 10 promising students from five noted universities of Bangladesh.

Those selected students will get intensive experience in technology and training in the headquarters of Huawei, it said.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Mustafa Jabbar, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said Bangladesh is moving fast towards "Vision 2021."

"Our youth have significant contribution to the development of ICT. So, we are very much responsible to take care of our youth by nurturing their talent. We always feel proud when our youth do something good or make a good contribution to society."

He said for the last few years Huawei has been doing that noble job by igniting the digital innovation thirst in youth's mind.

"Thanks to Huawei. It is a good opportunity for them to gather knowledge so that they can innovate better things in the future," he said.

Zhang Zhengjun, chief executive officer of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd, said at the press conference that "Bangladesh has a large portion of youths who are full of energy and dreams. Huawei believes youth is the main engine of development as well as digital advancement."

He said this ICT talent hunt education program "Seeds for the Future" will help them bring new ideas to make the society fully connected and intelligent.

"With this project, we want to plant that visionary seed in their mind so that in coming years they can come up with new ideas to make this society a better living place."

This program is organized every year in Bangladesh starting from 2014. This year, Huawei will select students from Dhaka University (DU), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) and Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET).

For the selection round, Huawei's expert team with relevant university judges' panel will go to the five universities step by step and select two best students from each university, said the company.

Starting in 2008 globally, "Seeds for the Future" has been implemented in 108 countries and international organizations worldwide, benefiting over 30,000 students from 350 universities, among them more than 3,600 university students have taken a study trip to the Huawei headquarters.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 12:35:59|Editor: mmm

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Four troopers including an officer were killed on Monday in a fierce gunfight with militants in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight erupted early on Monday at village Pinglan of Pulwama district, about 30 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"In a gunfight that broke out here early today three army troopers and an officer of the rank of major were killed," a senior police official posted in Pulwama told Xinhua. "The gunfight is underway in the area."

According to the police, contingents of army cordoned off the village on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

"No sooner the government forces zeroed in on suspected area, the militants present there fired upon the advanced contingent wounding four personnel," the official said. "Though the personnel were removed to hospital, they succumbed there."

Reports said three militants were believed to be trapped in the area.

Unconfirmed reports said a civilian was also killed in the gunfight.

The gunfight comes four days after a suicide bomber carried out car bomb blast targeting paramilitary convoy in the district, killing at least 40 troopers.

A guerrilla war is going on between militants and Indian troopers stationed in the region since 1989.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 12:15:56|Editor: mmm

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from a federal prison in Massachusetts and is serving out the rest of his sentence in a reentry center in Brooklyn, New York, local media reported.

Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence after being convicted of exchanging lewd texts with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

Records show that Weiner served about 15 months at the Federal Medical Center Devens in Massachusetts until he was transferred to the Brooklyn facility.

The ex-congressman is set for a full release on May 14.

Weiner pleaded guilty to sending sexually explicit photos to the underage girl and encouraging her to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 11:55:52|Editor: mmm

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CANBERRA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The fate of as many as 100 Australians who left the country to fight for Islamic State (IS) remains unknown, the Australian government said.

Of the 230 Australians who travelled to the conflict zone in the Middle East to take up the fight for the jihadist militant group, nearly 100 have been confirmed dead and 40 have returned while a handful were caught and arrested.

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that around 100 Australians who fought for or supports "Islamic extremist groups" remain in Syria and Iraq but could not confirm how many are living, dead or captured.

"The government doesn't provide a running commentary on the status of individuals in the conflict zone for security reasons," a spokesperson told News Corp Australia on Monday.

"The Australian government's capacity to confirm reports of deaths in either Syria or Iraq is extremely limited."

It came as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is supported by the United States, prepares to seize the final 700 square km of territory held by IS in Syria including the town of Baghouz.

Greg Barton, a terrorism expert at Australia's Deakin University, said it was unlikely that many Australians remained in Baghouz.

"Clearly a lot of IS figures in northern Iraq and presumably a lot in Syria were not in this last stand and (there's) an unknown number in Turkey that may be many thousands," he said.

"So as to where the Australians are, my guess would be that quite a few are in Turkey.

"I don't think many of them will end up in this last siege. I think they would have gotten out in some of the negotiated evacuations of Raqqa and smaller settlements further east, or in other movements."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 11:30:44|Editor: Li Xia

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People read books at a Xinhua Bookstore in Jizhou District of Hengshui City, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 3, 2018. Chinese readers, many of whom had switched to e-reading devices and online bookstores, are now flocking back to traditional stores as they are offering a wider range of new products. The Bookdao New Publishing Institute, a consultancy to the country's publishing and book selling industry, surveyed 62 chains and found that some 65 percent plan to open more than five new stores this year, and 18 percent of them will open over 100. There were 225,000 bookstores and sales outlets in the country by the end of last year, up by 4.3 percent over 2017. Total sales of publications in the domestic retail sector reached 158 billion yuan (about 23.3 billion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year growth of 11.3 percent, the report said. Industry insiders said the revitalization of bookstores is largely due to favorable policies that have been unveiled in recent years. The upgrading of cultural consumption has also helped the bookstore industry as consumers are now demanding more quality content and lifestyles. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)

BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese readers, many of whom had switched to e-reading devices and online bookstores, are now flocking back to traditional stores as they are offering a wider range of new products, the China Daily reported Monday.

The Bookdao New Publishing Institute, a consultancy to the country's publishing and book selling industry, surveyed 62 chains and found that some 65 percent plan to open more than five new stores this year, and 18 percent of them will open over 100.

There were 225,000 bookstores and sales outlets in the country by the end of last year, up by 4.3 percent over 2017. Total sales of publications in the domestic retail sector reached 158 billion yuan (about 23.3 billion U.S. dollars), a year-on-year growth of 11.3 percent, the report said.

Dan Jie, who founded the popular Yanjiyou bookstore chain in 2013, was quoted as saying all his stores attach great importance to an elegant atmosphere and unique outlook. They also include coffee shops, art galleries, and sections selling cultural products.

Some bookstores like Sisyphe have also used big data technology to ensure the books in every store match the tastes of consumers in a specific business district.

Industry insiders said the revitalization of bookstores is largely due to favorable policies that have been unveiled in recent years. The upgrading of cultural consumption has also helped the bookstore industry as consumers are now demanding more quality content and lifestyles.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 11:25:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CANBERRA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has made up ground on the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP), according to an opinion poll published on Sunday night.

The Ipsos poll showed that the incumbent Liberal-National party coalition (LNP) trails the ALP 49-51 on a two-party-preferred basis, a significant shift from the 46-54 recorded by the same poll in December.

It came as the two parties engage in a raging debate over the nation's border protection policies after the ALP teamed up with independent members of parliament (MP) to pass the medical evacuation bill earlier in February.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday appealed to migrant communities for their votes, writing an opinion piece that was published in Mandarin, Korean and Arabic community newspapers.

According to the Ipsos poll, Morrison was preferred by voters as prime minister over ALP leader Bill Shorten by a margin of 48 to 38 percent.

The medical evacuation bill, which represented the first time an Australian government has lost a vote on the floor of the lower house of Australian Parliament since 1941, will see an increased number of asylum seekers being held in offshore detention transferred to Australia for medical care.

The government has argued the bill will undermine Australia's strict border protection policies and pave the way for an influx of refugees trying to come to the nation by boat.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 11:15:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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CANBERRA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia's opposition Labor Party (ALP) has promised funds to keep two giant pandas on loan at an Australian zoo.

Wang Wang and Fu Ni have been on loan from China at the Adelaide Zoo in South Australia since November 2009 but the 10-year loan, which costs the zoo approximately 1 million U.S. dollars annually, is set to expire.

Penny Wong, the ALP's foreign affairs spokesperson, promised on Sunday that the party would extend the deal until at least 2024 if victorious at May's general election, describing the pandas as a "great boost for tourism."

"Without funding, unfortunately the pandas would have to go home in November," she told reporters in Adelaide.

"But today I'm announcing that a Labor government, if elected, will ensure that the pandas stay here in Adelaide and will fund (the deal) for five years at 1.3 million Australian dollars (928,000 USD) a year.

"I hope the (incumbent government) can come aboard and match what we've committed to today."

The announcement was mocked by Prime Minister Scott Morrison who suggested it was inappropriate to focus on the pandas at a time when Queensland was recovering from widespread flooding.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 11:05:39|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in wild deer, elk or moose in at least 24 U.S. states, warned the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the weekend, advising people to avoid handling or eating potentially infected meat.

"Since 2000, the area known to be affected by CWD in free-ranging animals has increased to at least 24 states, including states in the Midwest, Southwest and limited areas on the East Coast," the CDC said.

No evidence currently could prove that the disease can spread to humans, but it could affect the central nervous system of animals and make them more aggressive and less afraid of human contact. Once infected, animals can show signs of drastic weight loss, lack of coordination and listlessness, the CDC said.

The CDC described the disease as "a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorder," and it is passed between animals through bodily fluids.

It has an incubation period of over a year, with some animals not showing symptoms for years after being infected, the CDC said. But the disease is always fatal.

The disease was first found in captive deer in Colorado, the United States in the 1960s, and discovered in wild deer in 1981. Cases of the disease have also been reported in Canada, Norway and Finland.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 10:30:33|Editor: zh

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BEIJING, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Leading economists have called for increased efforts to support employment and curb risks amid growing downward pressure on the Chinese economy, China Daily reported Monday.

China should step up efforts to implement supply-side reform and stabilize the economy, given that investment-driven growth remains insufficient, the newspaper quoted National Economic Research Institute Director Fan Gang as saying at the annual Chinese Economists 50 Forum on weekend.

More work should be done on the demand side, including moves to adjust money supply, but no massive stimulus plans should be adopted, Fan said.

While some progress has been achieved in China's deleveraging moves, economists said more efforts are needed to curb risks in the financial sector as corporate bonds and local government debts account for a big percentage of total debts, according to the report.

Lu Lei, deputy director of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, said China should pay more attention to the risks of piling up debt in the private sector.

To tackle the challenges of local government debt, Li Yang, chairman of the National Institute for Finance and Development, said China could learn from Japan's experience and establish financial institutions to provide cheap, long-term financing, particularly for local governments.

China's economy expanded 6.6 percent in 2018, lower than the 6.8-percent growth registered in 2017 but above the official target of around 6.5 percent.

Policymakers have unveiled a series of supportive measures to stabilize growth, including reduction of taxes and fees, expanding consumption and investment and boosting employment.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 10:20:30|Editor: zh

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by Raul Menchaca

HAVANA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- A new exhibit of Chinese porcelain highlights the vitality of Cuba-China trade and cooperation, both in the past and in the present.

Havana's National Museum of Decorative Arts (MNAD) is showing more than 40 pieces of 19th-century Chinese porcelain, including items that were custom-made for wealthy Cuban families.

The show was curated by Yosvanis Fornaris, a young Cuban archaeologist who received a scholarship to study at the Jingdezhen Ceramics University in Jiangxi.

His recent research uncovered the first evidence of direct trade ties between Cuba and China, reflected in some of the exhibit's beautiful tableware.

Luisa Calvo owned more than 200 pieces of the tableware collection.

Trade in Chinese porcelain has provided concrete proof of the bilateral ties that existed between Chinese merchants and craftsmen and their Cuban clients, Fornaris said.

"China did not know about Cuba. This marks the first time that China finds out about Cuba, at least as demonstrated through art," Fornaris told Xinhua.

Cuban buyers were either aristocrats in the service of the King of Spain or simply rich enough to afford having fine Chinese porcelain imported from Asia.

Cubans who were granted noble titles would often celebrate their social ascent by commissioning elaborate tableware via Spain, which had a commercial office in the Philippines, very close to today's Guangzhou, a vital export city for Chinese porcelain. These commissioned works are the first known trade exchange between the island and China.

In addition to traditional Chinese design motifs, these works bear the coat of arms, name and title of the owner.

Chinese products regularly arrived in Cuba aboard Manila Galleon, a trade ship that crossed the Pacific Ocean, bringing silk, spices and other goods to the Americas and Europe.

The galleon would make the journey once or twice a year, from the capital of the Philippines to Spanish colonial ports in the Americas.

In his research, Fornaris was supported by Chinese specialist Cao Jianwen, his tutor for four years before he earned a master's degree in archaeology in Jingdezhen in July 2018.

With Cao's assistance and MNAD funding, Fornaris was able to put together an exhibit that showcases the exuberant richness, chromatic effect and glasslike texture of antique Chinese porcelain.

Fornaris, 35, is considered a leading Latin American expert in the field.

As porcelain is baked at 1,200 degrees Celsius, "it is a very resilient material when it comes to conservation and that is why we have so many good pieces in the museum's collection," he said.

The museum has a collection of some 1,200 pieces of Chinese porcelain.

Fornaris is looking forward to returning to China to work on his doctorate. He expects to delve deeper into the treasure of imported Chinese porcelain in Cuba.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 09:55:16|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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MEXICO CITY, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and three more wounded in a shooting at a street party Sunday in the Mexico City suburb of Iztapalapa, local media reported.

The city prosecutor's office said in a statement that five men and one woman were killed, and two women and one man were injured, as a result of a shooting in the Los Reyes Culhuacan neighborhood of Iztapalapa.

A group of people was drinking at a party outside a church when four criminals approached them and opened fire, according to local media.

The shooters fled the scene and authorities are reviewing videos from security cameras nearby.

The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 09:50:06|Editor: zh

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Fireworks are displayed to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year in New York, the United States, on Feb. 11, 2019. With China in festive mood, cultural activities are being held across the United States. Dragon and lion dances, Peking Opera performances, concerts, fireworks and light shows... a flurry of events in the United States helped people understand the most important festival of China. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 09:35:13|Editor: zh

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SINGAPORE, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) to Chinese mainland decreased by 25.4 percent year-on-year in January, compared to the previous month's expansion of 15.4 percent, according to a media release issued by a government agency Enterprise Singapore on Monday.

In a breakdown, the electronic exports of Singapore to Chinese mainland declined by 12.3 percent year-on-year, while the non-electronic exports went down 29.2 percent year-on-year.

All Singapore's top 10 NODX markets saw the city-state's NODX to them decreased in January.

Singapore's total NODX declined by 10.1 percent year-on-year in January, after the recalculated 8.5-percent decrease last December. On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, the NODX decreased by 5.7 percent to 13.4 billion Singapore dollars in January (about 9.88 billion U.S. dollars).

In a breakdown of Singapore's total NODX, Singapore's electronic exports declined by 15.9 percent year-on-year in January, after the 11.2 percent decrease in the previous month. Meanwhile, the non-electronic exports declined by 7.9 percent year-on-year, after the 7.4 percent decrease in December 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 09:20:11|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WELLINGTON, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's estimated resident population as of Dec. 31, 2018 is 4.93 million, up from 4.84 million in December 2017, the country's statistics department Stats NZ said on Monday.

The annual population growth rate was 1.7 percent, Stats NZ said.

"Migration data is an essential component of population change," population insights senior manager Brooke Theyers said in a statement.

The national population estimates in Monday's release are based on 2013 Census results and estimated population change since 2013, Theyers said.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 08:30:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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JAKARTA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian presidential candidates Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto on Sunday traded barbs over the issues of foods, infrastructure, energy, environment and human resources during the second debate two months ahead of presidential polls.

Both candidates, incumbent President Widodo and former army general Prabowo, squared off in the second out of five debates leading up to the presidential poll on April 17 in an effort to win undecided and swing voters.

Incumbent President Widodo, 57, a former furniture and businessman, defended his track record in the sectors, and aims to boost them further if elected.

His opponent Prabowo, 67, offered a strategy which will accelerate efforts to bring just and prosperity for the whole of the people, and establish a clean and strong government.

The contest is a repeat of the 2014 race when Widodo narrowly defeated Prabowo.
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Palestinian students throw back tear gas canisters fired by Israeli soldiers near a school in the village of Sawyeh near the West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 15, 2018. (AP File photo)

RAMALLAH/GAZA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians have condemned on Sunday some Arab countries' warming ties with Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with leaders and foreign ministers of several Arab countries, including Oman, on the sidelines of a U.S.-sponsored conference on Middle East affairs held last week in Warsaw, the capital of Poland.

Earlier in the day, Israel Radio quoted Netanyahu as saying "making peace with the Palestinians would largely contribute to improvement of Israel's ties with the Arab world."

But as peace with the Palestinians hasn't been achieved yet, Israel cannot normalize ties with the Arab world, said Netanyahu.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Executive Committee of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), told Voice of Palestine Radio in response to Netanyahu's remarks that the Arab countries' signal of normalization with Israel is "a stab in the back of the Palestinian people."

"(Their) normalization of ties with Israel will not affect the Palestinians who are determined to carry on with their struggle until they gain their legitimate rights ... mainly the establishment of a Palestinian state on 1967 territories with East Jerusalem as its capital," said Erekat.

The veteran Palestinian negotiator stressed that those who seek for peace in the Middle East must count on international resolutions, the international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

In 2002, the Arab League launched the peace initiative with Israel, which was based on Saudi Arabia's proposal on resolving the Palestinian cause and the conflict with Israel.

According to the initiative, Arab and Islamic normalization with Israel should happen after Israel ends its occupation of the Palestinian territories which has been going on since 1967 and after the establishment of the independent Palestinian state.

Israel rejected the Arab peace initiative and since 2002, Israel has worked on establishing direct ties with Arab countries without linking the normalization of ties with resolving the Palestinian question.

Meanwhile, several Palestinian factions and political groups in the West Bank said in a joint statement that they reject all types and kinds of Arab normalization with Israel, whether it is academic, cultural or economic.

Islamic Hamas movement, which rules the Gaza Strip, condemned the Arab participation in Warsaw Conference together with Israel.

Hamas urged all to consider Arab normalization with Israel as a "big crime," while Israel is committing "the most awful kinds of crimes" against the Palestinians and violate their human rights and their holy places.

A Palestinian campaign has also been organized in several Arab countries and on the Palestinian territories to reject all kinds of normalization with Israel.

The Highest Commission of the Great March of Return has organized the campaign, mainly on the social media. Hundreds of young men, activists and leaders of various Palestinian factions joined the campaign, which is called "No for normalization. Normalization is a betrayal."

Mohamed Nashwan, a Palestinian social media activist from Gaza, said on his Twitter account that "those who were unable to support the Palestinians' rights on their land must stop supporting the occupation (Israel) through normalization with it."

Nisrin al-Sadi, another female social media activist from the West Bank, also tweeted "every day, the occupation (Israel) commits all kinds of crimes against the Palestinian people and in return Arab leaders are hurrying up to normalize ties with it."

Abdul Nasser al-Najjar, a Ramallah-based political analyst, told Xinhua that Israel and the United States will never succeed in imposing their solutions on the Palestinians, who will confront and challenge all these plans.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 02:34:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ALGIERS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Algerian army on Saturday arrested an armed "terrorist" in the capital Algiers, the defense ministry said Sunday.

The "terrorist," identified as B. Yacine, is wanted by security services, according to a ministry statement.

The statement did not provide further details on where he was arrested.

A terrorist is rarely arrested in the Algerian capital after security authorities have secured the city for more than a decade.

In addition, the army also arrested a man suspected of providing support to terrorist groups in the northern province of Msila, 250 km south of Algiers.

Located in a region plagued by unprecedented instability, Algeria faces ongoing terrorist threats.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-18 01:44:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GAZA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Authority accused on Sunday the Islamic Hamas movement of tightening its security measures against the PA employees who work at the only commercial crossing in southern Gaza Strip with Israel.

Nazmi Muhana, head of the PA Crossing Corporation, told Xinhua that there is no PA official decision to withdraw its employees from the Israeli-controlled commercial crossing point of Kerem Shalom on the border between southern Gaza and Israel.

"What happened at the crossing today (Sunday) is an individual incident that Hamas is responsible for," said Muhana, who insisted that the PA hasn't decided to hand over the Kerem Shalom crossing to Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.

Hamas-run Ministry of Interior said in an emailed press statement that they were "surprised" to see the employees of the PA leaving the Kerem Shalom crossing.

"The PA employees left the crossing point in protest over the measures recently taken by our security apparatuses at the crossing point due to security necessities following the recent incidents that happened in the Gaza Strip," said the statement.

On Jan. 6, PA employees pulled out from Rafah crossing point between southern Gaza Strip and Egypt to protest Hamas crackdown on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas then took control of Rafah crossing point in coordination with Egypt.

Both Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossing points are now run by Hamas, while Erez crossing point between northern Gaza Strip and Israel is still operated by PA liaison and police employees.

In 2007, Hamas violently seized control of the Gaza Strip following weeks of fighting with Abbas' security forces. However, Hamas and Fatah signed an agreement in Cairo in October 2017 to hand over power to the PA.

The agreement hasn't been fully implemented due to endless deep differences between the two parties.
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-17 18:47:50|Editor: ZX

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Artists perform lion dance at the 2019 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra, Australia, Feb. 16, 2019. The festival, held from February 15 to 17, provided a stage to various cultures around the world and mesmerized every visitor. (Xinhua/Pan Xiangyue)

CANBERRA, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Vigorous dragon and lion dances, demonstration of gorgeous traditional Chinese costumes, and peaceful Chinese music attracted hundreds of visitors at the annual Australian National Multicultural Festival.

The festival, which runs from Friday to Sunday, is in its 23rd year. "It is Australia's largest multicultural festival," said Chris Steel, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

"It is a proudly community-based festival...with three hundred stalls and fabulous programs with 2,000 performers in three days."

A total of six stages featuring 150 acts were set up, among which the Chinese stage, or known as the China Village, was in Ainslie Place at the heart of Canberra.

"We have sponsor this year and the stage is about one-third bigger than last year," said Sam Wong, Chair of Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc.

Wong, who was also a host at the stage, told Xinhua that more than 20 groups in Canberra participated in this year's China Village performances, plus five from elsewhere in Australia and three from China who came especially for the event.

Among the performers some were locals, like Caroline Giddings. In a blue Qipao, or cheongsam, and dancing elegantly, the elderly lady was proud to be on the stage.

"It is very good for old person to come along to do something different," she said. "It is about different culture, and learning to get along with other people. I have some Chinese friends, and I have Chinese friends doing Taichi."

In spite of the scorching sun and the high temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, visitors, Chinese and foreigners alike, watched attentively, applauded and took photos while enjoying the show.

"I think there is a wonderful performance going on," said spectator Marlene Reud. "I have been enjoying the music, and especially last night the women's orchestra is absolutely amazing, with those traditional musical instruments. I really am impressed."

Reud said she didn't know much about Chinese culture, but at the festival she was impressed by the music. "And the color of very vibrant culture," she said.

At the opening ceremony of China Village on Saturday evening, Chris Steel said it "was fantastic to have so many performances from China coming to the festival, to strengthen the festival, and strengthen the relationship between our two nations."

"Our Chinese community around Australia are 1.2 million," said Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Treasury and Finance. "Their focus on hard work, entrepreneurship, their focus on family, community, and their focus on retaining the heritage are making an amazing contribution to Australia."

His view was echoed by Senator David Smith for the Australian Capital Territory. In an interview with Xinhua, he noted that the Chinese community is making so much contribution, from art and literature, to the cuisine and people's way of thinking and philosophy.

"The Chinese people here participated in the social development," said Yang Zhi, Minister-Counselor for Culture at the Chinese Embassy to Australia. "At the meantime, they love culture and this festival provides a platform for them to showcase the Chinese culture."

Yang has been in Canberra for three years and he saw a growing influence of Chinese culture overseas, a change observed by Wong, who has been in Australia for decades, as well.

"Nowadays the Australians love our Chinese food and they go to travel in China," he said.

"We could easily find Chinese products in the supermarkets. Australians now know China better."
Source: Xinhua| 2019-02-12 19:46:52|Editor: xuxin

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SOFIA, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Bilateral trade between Bulgaria and China amounted to 4.039 billion BGN (some 2.34 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018, a 15.4 percent increase year-on-year, official Bulgarian statistics revealed on Tuesday.

According preliminary data of the country's National Statistical Institute (NSI), Bulgaria's exports to China amounted to 1.463 billion BGN last year, while in 2017 the figure stood at 1.329 billion BGN.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria's imports from China reached 2.576 billion BGN in 2018, an 18.6 percent increase year-on-year, the figures revealed.

Statistics also showed that in 2018, China was Bulgaria's second largest export partner outside the European Union (EU) and third largest non-EU import partner.

In 2018, the exports of goods from Bulgaria to non-EU countries decreased by 12.5 percent in comparison with the previous year to 17.551 billion BGN, the NSI said, while imports of goods to Bulgaria from non-EU countries increased by 7.4 percent year-on-year to 23.012 billion BGN. (1 U.S. dollar = 1.73 BGN)
MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) - Charlene Balewa from FAMU visited Second Cup to talk about the Harambee Festival, an event to educate people about the contributions of African Americans throughout history.

She spoke with WTXL Sunrise Anchor Malcolm Hornsby.

The festival will be Saturday, February 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cascades Park.

The Harambee serves as a catalyst to connect FAMU with local residents.

This community-wide cultural celebration will showcase FAMU's colleges in an effort to enhance the university's recruitment and student retainment efforts.

The festival expects to attract more than 10,000 patrons, students, and alumni in the North Florida Region.

For more information, visit their site: famunews.com/event/harambee-festival-2019/.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A famous scientist will be coming to Tallahassee to share his story about being a whistle blower against Big Tobacco companies.

Doctor Victor DeNoble worked in the Tobacco industry during the 80's and later helped bring to light the dangers of the industry.

The event is a part of American Heart Month with Tobacco Free Leon.

Doctor DeNoble explains why he goes to cities to share his experiences.

"I want people to understand what the tobacco industry knew and What they covered up, and what is the state of the tobacco industry today. What are they doing today that we should know about," said Dr. DeNoble.

There are two presentations on Sunday from Doctor DeNoble. One at 9 a.m. and the other at 11:30 a.m. both are open to the public.

Both will be held in the Ornate Chorus Ballroom at the Four Points Sheraton.
(WTXL) - Authorities in several Big Bend counties are investigating after multiple credit card skimmers have been discovered at local gas stations.

Three credit card skimmers have been found in the local area within the course of a week, according to deputies.

The first was found on Feb. 14 at an undisclosed gas station in Perry, Florida.

That day, officers with the Perry Police Department, along with deputies from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, arrested two people that were in possession of many credit card skimmers and other items used to steal money.

Deputies have not released the identities of the two people arrested.

The next day, another credit card skimmer was found at the Mobile gas station in the 6300 block of South State Road 53 in Madison. Deputies say the skimmer found at that gas station was similar to the one found in Perry.

Madison County investigators are working with the Perry PD to determine if the same suspects are responsible for the skimmer at the Mobile station.

Another skimmer was discovered at Jimmies Auto Port in Madison back in September, though the case remains under investigation.

On Feb. 16, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office alerted residents that a credit card skimmer was found at an undisclosed gas station in Jefferson County. Deputies have not said whether they believe that skimmer is connected to the two arrests in Perry.

Credit card skimmers are small, illegal devices that are installed on top of real card readers at self-service terminals like those at gas stations and ATM machines.

As you slide your credit or debit card into a compromised machine, the card skimmer stores the card number and your PIN can even be captured, if a fake keypad was placed over the real one.

That info is then used to conduct fraudulent transactions or is sold to other criminals.

To avoid being a victim, deputies recommend taking the following steps:

Pay inside whenever possible. If you fail to notice that the device you're using is compromised, your card and identity could be stolen. Inspect the card reader. Look for any damage, obscured words, or mismatched graphics. M ake sure the red security seal on the pump has not been altered or missing and give the card reader a shake before swiping your card to make sure it is the original equipment. If the seal has been altered, alert the cashier and call your local law enforcement. Use a credit card over a debit card. If you do have to used a debit card, do the transaction as credit to protect personalized PIN numbers. Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit report for fraudulent or suspicious activity.

MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Authorities are investigating after another credit card skimmer was found at a gas station in Madison.

The Madison County Sheriff's office reports that on Thursday morning deputies were dispatched to the Mobile gas station in the 6300 block of South State Road 53 in Madison.

The concerned customer who called told investigators he believed a skimming device was installed on a pump and feared his debit card may have been compromised.

Deputies, assisted by an employee of the gas station, were able to successfully remove an illegal card skimming device that was installed on the fuel pump. They don't know how long the skimmer had been there.

MCSO says they were later made aware that two people in possession of several similar looking credit card skimmers were arrested in Perry.

Now, Madison County investigators are working with the Perry Police Department to determine if the same suspects are responsible for the skimmer at the Mobile station.

Deputies say this is the second reported card skimmer found in Madison County in recent months.

On Sept. 19, another credit card skimmer was found on a gas pump at Jimmies Auto Port on South S.R. 53 in Madison. This case remains under investigation.

"The Madison County Sheriffs Office continues to warn consumers to always be aware of their surroundings and closely inspect fuel pumps prior to inserting any credit or debit cards into the fuel pump," deputies wrote in a Facebook post. "It is also advisable to utilize debit cards as credit to protect personalized pin numbers. As a matter of good habit, routinely review your financial accounts and credit report for fraudulent or suspicious activity."

Credit card skimmer found at local gas station, two people arrested

PERRY, Fla. (WTXL) - Law enforcement arrested two people after a credit card skimmer was found at a local gas station.

Officers with the Perry Police Department were helped by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office in arresting two people that were in possession of many credit card skimmers and other items used to steal money.

Perry PD said skimmers are installed in fuel pumps and when you pay at the pump, it "skims" your credit card info.

That info is then used to conduct fraudulent transactions or is sold on the Dark Web.

The investigation is still continuing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Perry PD said to be safe, pay for your purchases inside the store, paying at the pump can result in your card and identity being stolen.
Six North Wales Police officers assaulted over weekend  one in Penycae

This article is old - Published: Monday, Feb 18th, 2019

Six North Wales Police officers have been viciously assaulted over the course of the weekend whilst assisting members of the public the North Wales Police Federation has said.

North Wales Police has also reiterated that it will not tolerate assaults on officers after the attacks in separate incidents across North Wales.

All the officers sustained injuries in the incidents in Penycae, Abergele, Gronant and Bagillt.

Two of the officers were injured when, in Abergele, Conwy, a male allegedly drove a motorbike at them, losing control then making contact with the officers. There a 35-year-old local man remains in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on the officers and other offences.





Superintendent Neil Harrison said; An assault of any kind should never be considered part of the job. Our officers are out there doing a demanding job, working hard to protect the most vulnerable and to keep people safe.

They get good training and equipment and we seek to ensure that welfare arrangements are readily available when they become victims of an assault. These attacks leave their mark physically and mentally on the officers and in some cases their families and are totally unacceptable.

To improve the safety of officers the force recently announced that 100 more will be Taser trained. We want is to make sure that officers are equipped to protect themselves as best they can and to feel confident out on duty on our streets. Tasers and also body worn video play an important part in this.

Six people were arrested in relation to the weekend offences.

Mark Jones, from North Wales Police Federation said: The incidents over this weekend, particularly the incident in Abergele, highlight the extreme risks our police officers face on a daily basis.

It is only by pure luck that our colleagues were not severely injured but although the physical injuries may be relatively minor, we should never underestimate the mental trauma endured.

The Police Federation will make sure our members are cared for and that they get all the support they need. Our commitment is to continue working with North Wales Police to ensure that our members are afforded the best possible protection, equipment, training and resources to keep them safe whilst protecting the public.

We also demand that the justice system fully utilises their sentencing powers to send an clear message that assaults and attacks on emergency workers will never be accepted.

Those who attack police, paramedics, firefighters, nurses and other blue light workers face tougher sentences following new legislation introduced late last year.

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act creates a new aggravated offence of an assault against a member of the emergency services and doubles the maximum sentence for these cowardly and despicable acts from six to 12 months.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Protect the Protectors campaign was launched at Parliament in February 2017 in connection with a Ten-Minute-Rule Bill introduced by Halifax MP Holly Lynch.

She had joined PC Craig Gallant on patrol in West Yorkshire in summer 2016 and had dialled 999 after witnessing the single-crewed officer being surrounded by a hostile crowd.

The Bill was later picked up by Chris Bryant MP and it received universal support to become law.
Red Cross staff and volunteers to offer winter pressure support at Wrexham Maelor Emergeny Department until next month

This article is old - Published: Monday, Feb 18th, 2019

Emergency Department staff at Wrexham Maelor Hospital will continue to receive extra support from the British Red Cross until March.

Red Cross staff and volunteers have helped more than 5,400 patients at the Wrexham Maelor and Glan Clwyd Hospital hospital sites this winter by providing non-medical assistance and helping to organise transport for patients back home.

The charity is helping patients to collect their medication, equipment and test results, as well as accompanying patients to other hospital departments such as X-ray and offering emotional support.

Since mid-December, the charity has been operating emergency department support services at seven hospitals  Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport, Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan.





It comes as part of the Welsh Governments 20m integrated winter delivery plan, with the Red Cross services running until the end of March.

Irene Woodward who was admitted to the Emergency Department following a fall has praised the efforts of the Red Cross during her stay at hospital.

She said: I have received an excellent service from the staff at the hospital and also the Red Cross since I was admitted following my fall.

The Red Cross team are very kind bringing me drinks and taking the time to have a chat with me to make sure Im ok, I cannot praise them enough.

Jackie Williams, Matron of Glan Clwyd Hospitals Emergency Department, said the support from the Red Cross over the winter had been amazing.

We have received fantastic feedback from the patients here at the Emergency Department who have praised the staff and volunteers for their kindness and support, continued Jackie.

They really are part of the team here at Glan Clwyd and wed like to thank them for their continued support during the winter period.

Cathrin Manning, who is part of the Red Cross team supporting Ysbyty Glan Clwyds Emergency Department, said she was pleased they are able to offer support to ease pressures on the health service this winter.

She added: The staff at both Glan Clwyd and Wrexham Maelor Hospitals have been very welcoming since we arrived in December.

We have seen first-hand how busy the departments can be and we are pleased to have been able to provide extra support for patients and the staff.
During the 1980s, two overseas photographers traveled to China. They have visited many regions of China during the past 40 years. They have used their cameras to record Chinese lives and development, in all segments of society. At the same time, they have witnessed the great changes that have occurred in China since implementation of the reform and opening-up policy.



Barbara Crane: Impressed by 'Lovely People'

Crane was born in Chicago, the United States, in 1928. She is an outstanding photographer, and she is an honorary professor with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

"My first trip to China was to attend a big photography show in Shanghai in 1985. My first impression of China was the lovely people," Crane recalled. She has been to many places, both urban and rural areas, in China. Back in the 1980s, Crane used her camera to record Chinese, from all segments of society.

After China implemented its policy of reform and opening to the world in 1978, a group of overseas photographers visited China, and they recorded classic social images. "People were so generous. In return, I gave them photos taken by my Polaroid SX 70 camera. In the 1970s, pictures were rarely seen in China," Crane said. "I believe in peace. I learned so much during my trips to various places in China. I have shot a huge number of photographs." Crane says she hopes to have her photos published in albums to show the precious images of China.

Bruce Connolly: Evolution Is 'Amazing'

Connolly, a photographer from Scotland, the United Kingdom, has settled down in Beijing. Many people have asked him how many places he has visited in China. "Literally, let's say almost the whole of China, over the past 31 years. Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Gansu, and way through Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, and right there through Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Guangdong, Hainan  It goes on and on and on," Connolly said.

Connolly visited China for the first time in 1987. He said many foreigners visited China because the country still used steam engines, which were fabulous for photography. "But over the years, I have witnessed great changes (leading to) the evolution of the railway system in China. Today, we have the gaotie (high-speed train), like the Fuxing. When you walk into a modern railway station in Beijing, and when you compare it with the situation in old days, you will realize the old stations were crowded, and it was difficult to get tickets. But now, you get open an air-conditioned modern train and can arrive in Shanghai (from Beijing) within five hours. It's amazing!"

Connolly adds China can be very proud of its railway system. "Through improving the diesels, Chinese have removed all of the problems they had in the past to have one of the world's best railway systems," he says.

Back in 1987, Chinese were living a lifestyle very different from that of the West. "Things were not technological. Not many people had telephones or cars, and they did not go on holidays. But look at the changes we have today, like what I have witnessed. I am using smart technology. I travel and I can do everything here on my smart phone. I can book my hotels in Guizhou or Yunan. I can book my train tickets. I can check the weather in Guangzhou. I can contact people by using WeChat ... All the new technologies have really made life so easy." Connolly said it has been a great experience to have lived in China for 31 years, as it has allowed him to personally witness the changes that have happened in people's lives.

Nowadays, Connolly enjoys afternoon tea, or coffee, in the Bookworm Cafe (in Sanlitun, in eastern Beijing's Chaoyang District). He said it is possible, and convenient, to do almost anything in China if you have a mobile phone.

Connolly spends much of his spare time strolling around, and taking photos of the beautiful scenes along his way. Of course, he likes to share those photos on his WeChat Moments. "It's a joy of my life to do that," he said.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly December 2018 issue)
MSU's Herring Finalist For Director of the Year

By MSU Public Relations

MURRAY - Murray State University Chief of Police Jamie Herring has been selected as a 2018 Director of the Year finalist by Campus Safety Magazine.

Herring began at Murray State in 2016 after serving for more than 30 years in numerous roles at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.



The Director of the Year winners and runners up will be announced at Campus Safety Conference West, to be held in Las Vegas June 17-19.



Since beginning at Murray State, Herring has led the University's Police Department through numerous changes and continued innovations in equipment, resources, and programs to best assist the department and its relationship with the campus and greater community while fulfilling the following departmental vision statement: "To be the best university police agency of our size in the nation by building trust, creating partnerships, and providing effective, caring, and courteous service."

Programs developed under Herring's leadership have included a police/community fun day, the DoNut Worry exam day event, a student police advisory board and 'Carols with Cops' event held prior to the winter holiday.

Last year, the Police Department and Center for Adult and Regional Education were named first in the nation for campus safety initiatives with both University units receiving the 2018 Department of the Year award from Safe Campus.

"Everything I've achieved since I arrived at Murray State has been the result of a team effort," said Herring. "The members of the Murray State Police Department and many others at the University deserve much of the credit for what has been accomplished over the past two-and-a-half years. I'm happy I have been able to do my part, and I'm proud to be a Racer."
Graves County Crash Leads to Injuries, Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

GRAVES COUNTY - A one-vehicle crash in Mayfield Saturday morning left two people facing charges.

The Graves County Sheriff's Office says the wreck happened around 5:20 am on KY 464, near Hillmount Drive. Deputies say 20-year-old Brandon Arellano, of Mayfield, lost control of his vehicle and ran off the road.

Arellano's vehicle struck four mailboxes, travelled down an embankment and struck a ditch. Arellano was transported to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Two passengers were not injured and refused treatment at the scene.

Arellano was arrested and charged with DUI, two counts of wanton endangerment and four counts of criminal mischief. One of the passengers, 18-year-old Jordon Melgarejo, was arrested and charged with alcohol intoxication and possession of marijuana.
Flash Flood Watch Through Wednesday

By National Weather Service

PADUCAH - The flash flood watch continues for all of western Kentucky and far southeast Missouri, from this evening through Wednesday afternoon.Heavy rainfall from just under two inches to nearly three inches is forecast through Wednesday. The heaviest of these rains should be in western Kentucky, from around the Land Between the Lakes area east toward Hopkinsville, and up to around Madisonville.These rainfall amounts will likely result in areal flooding, and isolated instances of flash flooding. The ground is still recently saturated and it will not take long for the rain to run off. This will no doubt stress the already swollen creeks, streams, rivers, and their tributaries, many of which will be remaining in flood this week.Use extreme caution in areas were flooding may occur.On the Net:
First KY Bank Donates $21,500 to Backpack Program

By Amanda Rorer, 1st Kentucky Bank

MAYFIELD - For the past five years, First Kentucky Banks Employee Charity of Choice has been the Feeding America Backpack Program, and during that time they have given over $100,000 through employee payroll deductions, which has provided over 833 local children with a bag of food (10-15 items) every week throughout each school year (40 weeks/year).For 2018 alone, they donated $21,500, which provided over 179 children with a bag of food each week as part of the Backpack Program.

Nicole Sullivan, First Kentucky HR Officer, exclaimed, "Over $100,000 in five years," Nicole Sullivan, First Kentucky HR Officer exclaimed. "What an amazing accomplishment! We are very proud of our employees for their continuous donations and support for this awesome program, which helps prevent children from going to bed hungry each night and improves their academic performance during each school day. The Backpack Program helps these children gain access to easy-to-make foods so they can care for themselves (and their siblings in some cases). The FRYSCs at each school help identify which kids are in need each year, and they distribute the food to them every week. We are honored that our employees have chosen to once again support this cause in 2019!
Essayist Haskell Comes to MSU Thursday

By MSU Public Relations

"David Haskell is a rising star in literary environmental writing," says Carrie Jerrell, creative writing professor at Murray State. "His work includes all the rigorous research that one would expect from a scientist, but he has a poet's ear for language. Both of his essay collections, The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees, are beautiful, lyrical, and compelling. He's also a gifted, award-winning teacher, and we're so pleased he's part of our reading series this year."

Haskell is the author of The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature's Great Connectors (Viking, 2017), which examines the many ways that trees and humans are connected. The book was winner of the 2018 John Burroughs Medal, named one of the Best Science Books of 2017 by NPR's Science Friday, selected as Favorite Science Books of 2017 by Brain Pickings, and in the 10 Best Environment, Climate Science and Conservation Books of 2017 at Forbes.com. His first book, The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature (Viking, 2012), was winner of the National Academies' Best Book Award and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction, among other honors.

Haskell earned his BA from the University of Oxford and his PhD from Cornell University before joining the faculty of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, as a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies. He is also a Guggenheim Fellow, a Fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies, and an Elective Member of the American Ornithologists' Union. His scientific research on animal ecology, evolution, and conservation has been sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the World Wildlife Fund, among others. He serves on the boards and advisory committees of local and national land conservation groups.

Haskell's classes have received national attention for the innovative ways they combine action in the community with contemplative practice. In 2009, the Carnegie and CASE Foundations named him Professor of the Year for Tennessee, an award given to college professors who have achieved national distinction and whose work shows "extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching." The Oxford American has also featured him as one of the southern U.S.'s most creative teachers. His teaching has been profiled in USA Today, The Tennessean, and other newspapers.

MURRAY - The Department of English and Philosophy at Murray State University will host its next Reading Series event on Thursday, February 21, at 4:30 p.m. with a reading from biologist and essayist David George Haskell. The reading will be held in the Waterfield Library Gallery on the Murray State campus and is free and open to the public.
Murray Drug Investigation Nets Three Arrests

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MURRAY - An early-morning traffic stop in Murray led to the arrest of three people on drug charges on Friday.The Murray Police Department says officers stopped a vehicle near the 1400 block of North 12th Street. Officers said they learned 30-year-old Diana Hernandez had purchased methamphetamine shortly before she was stopped, and they got descriptions of the people who sold the drugs. Hernandez was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.While officers were still on the traffic stop, the suspects who reportedly sold the drugs to Hernandez drove by and officers stopped their vehicle. During the stop, officers charged 28-year-old Ashely Burse and 25-year-old Ralton Spradling, both of Murray with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Spradling was also wanted for parole violation.The Murray Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the Calloway County Sheriffs Office.
Reidland Schools Receive Arts Inclusion Grant

By Jayme Jones, McCracken County Schools

REIDLAND - With the help of a $1,300 grant from VSA KY, this spring Reidland Intermediate and Middle Art Teacher Cathy Lyles will work with Yeiser Art Center Executive Director Lexie Abra Milliken to teach students the meditative art of weaving.

Lyles secured the grant through the competitive Arts Inclusion Award Program, VSA KY's largest program serving schools across the state, helping schools provide experiential learning through the arts for children with and without disabilities in inclusionary settings.

Lyles and Milliken will work with students during school hours, and Milliken will donate her time. All grant funds will go toward supplies for the students to use.

Lyles built her Arts Inclusion project around weaving because she's seen firsthand the benefits to students of the focus, pattern recognition and rhythmic, hands-on learning involved in weaving, especially for students with attention disorders and learning challenges.

"It takes so much concentration and focus, but it's also such a hands-on thing that once they understand the rhythm and pattern, any student can do it, and it's so calming for them all," she said.

"I've found that whenever I teach any kind of weaving, it's the quietest, calmest that my classes ever are. The kids enjoy learning how to make something with their own hands."

Over the course of several weeks, ALL students at Reidland Intermediate and Middle schools will create a functional piece of art with their own hands through a meditative, rhythmic process that will appeal to students of all learning styles and needs.

Lyles has 20-plus years' experience teaching art to students of all ages and ability levels, and has been with Reidland schools since 2016. Millikan has years of experience as a professional fiber artist and instructor, and is currently the Fiber Artist-In-Residence at the Paducah School of Art & Design, in addition to her position as executive director at YAC.
Man in US Illegally Charged with Rape of Minor

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - A man is facing multiple counts of rape in McCracken County.According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, on Feb. 10, deputies began investigating a report of sexual assault. Deputies say a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on three different occasions between March and May of 2016 by Andres Villarrealmercado.According to deputies, Villarrealmercado is in the United States illegally.Villarrealmercado was arrested Friday without incident and charged with three counts of first-degree rape. He was lodged in the McCracken County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Former Endowment Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Theft

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - The former treasurer of a local endowment fund plead guilty on Monday morning.According to the McCracken District Court Clerk, 58-year-old Danny W. Fugate pleaded guilty to two charges of theft by unlawful taking (more than $10,000).Fugate was arrested in January 2018 after board members of the McCracken County Community Career Endowment told police they suspected money had been taken from the fund, which provides scholarships for African-American students.In May, a grand jury indicted Fugate on an additional charge of theft by unlawful taking (more than $10,000.) Those charges related to a position he had with the local NAACP.Fugate's sentencing is set for April 3rd.
Deputies Search for Missing McCracken County Teen

By West Kentucky Star Staff

MCCRACKEN COUNTY - The McCracken County Sheriff's Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing juvenile.Deputies said 17-year-old Dakota Scott was last seen at approximately 9:00 am on Sunday at his home on Bradford Road. Scott is described as a white male, 5' 8" tall, 130 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Deputies said Scott may be carrying a backpack with additional clothing. The backpack is black with a multicolor watercolor pattern on the front.

Anyone with information on Scott's whereabouts is asked to contact the McCracken County Sheriff's Department.


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On 11 February 2019, new collective efforts among six Customs administrations in West Africa to create an experts pool on Intelligence Analysis were launched in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, with the objective of further enhancing Customs control, trade facilitation and revenue collection in West Africa through intelligence-driven risk management. Six countries in West Africa, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo participated in the program called Master Trainer Program (MTP) on Intelligence Analysis jointly supported by the WCO and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Directors General and/or others senior officials from the six Customs administrations as well as representatives from the WCO, JICA, Japan Customs, Regional Office for Capacity Building for West and Central Africa (ROCB WCA), UEMOA and ECOWAS got together for the launching ceremony of the MTP on Intelligence Analysis held in Abidjan on 11 February 2019 to commemorate the commencement of newly launched important initiative for West African Customs Administrations. During the launching ceremony, participating six Customs administrations expressed their utmost appreciation to the WCO and JICA for the new opportunity offered and reaffirmed their commitments to take ownership of the Program.

The Master Trainer Program or MTP is conducted under the auspices of the WCO/JICA Joint Project to develop sustainable and self-contained training capacity by 1) developing a pool of well-experienced trainers and (2) regionally featured training materials and program to be used by these trainers. To achieve that objective, a series of progressive activities will be undertaken by the six participating Customs administrations and jointly supported by the WCO and JICA. Upon completion of this MTP, successful alumni are expected to become a shared WCA regional asset and to deliver training on Intelligence Analysis not only in their respective administration but also for the Customs officials of the entire WCA region.

Immediately after the launching ceremony, eighteen nominated officials from the six Customs administrations commenced their work by participating in the kick off WCO/JICA Joint Sub-regional Workshop on Intelligence Analysis for West Africa. Both the WCO and JICA welcomed the strong ownership and commitment of the six countries and reaffirmed their continued support for the Customs administrations in West Africa to ensure more sustainable capacity development.
The 3rd Regional Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop on the WCO Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP) was held at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Mombasa, Kenya from 5 to 13 February 2019, under the WCO-ESA Project II.

The WCO-ESA Project II, To progress the Trade Facilitation agenda within the framework of the WCO Mercator Programme in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region, 2016 - 2019 is funded by the Finnish Government.

A total number of fourteen Customs Officers who had previously attended the 1st and 2nd ToT Workshops held in February and November 2018, from across the ESA Region (Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) participated.

During the workshop participants were provided additional information and training materials relating to the technical aspects of the ECP including the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and the WCO Mercator Programme, along with further guidance in relation to the delivery of effective training techniques. The participants also had the opportunity to make presentations on specific TFA articles and on WCO ECP tools.

The participants also had the chance to demonstrate their ability in relation to strategic planning activity, analytical assessment and letter writing. They were also provided information on the principles of effective Project Management.

All the participants were considered suitable to become ESA National and/or Regional ECP Trainers. In addition, the series of workshops provided a good opportunity for the WCO to identify three potential Mercator Programme Advisors (MPAs) with the ability to assist Member administrations to implement the provisions of the WTO TFA.

It is anticipated that these officials from across the WCO ESA Region, will now contribute, both at national and regional level, to enhancing the overall capacity of the Region in the area of the WCO ECP.
Government of Gibraltar and Cancer Relief Gibraltar to offer Hospice Outreach Service

Her Majestys Government of Gibraltar has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Cancer Relief Gibraltar for the provision of additional hospice care at home and palliative care support for terminally ill cancer patients.

The term hospice care, describes holistic, compassionate care, for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. It involves a team-focused approach to medical and nursing care, symptom management, emotional and psychosocial support, expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes, whilst also supporting the patient's loved ones. This form of care aims to provide comfort to terminally ill patients, assisting them to live well within the limitations of their illness and enabling them to reach their end of life with dignity, whilst recognising and respecting their individual choices.

There are different models in the delivery of hospice care; it is commonly provided at hospitals, dedicated facilities or at home. The Gibraltar Health Authority and Cancer Relief Gibraltar, after careful consideration, have decided to deliver the care as a Hospice Outreach Service within the community setting, including patients homes. There are various benefits to providing hospice care at home; patients and their loved ones may feel more comfortable in a familiar environment, which also facilitates visits from relatives and friends. The Hospice Outreach Service, which will be medically led, will work together with the GHAs Palliative Care team, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, using a multi-disciplinary partnership approach.

Mrs Marisa Desoiza, Chairwoman of the charity stated that she was: Absolutely delighted with this exciting development in the provision care of those affected by cancer in Gibraltar. She explained that The Hospice Outreach Service will enable Cancer Relief Gibraltar and its partners in the GHA, to provide an enhanced and integrated community based care for those with complex cancer, palliative and hospice care needs.

Minister for Health, Care and Justice, the Honorable Neil F. Costa MP, added: I would like to wholeheartedly thank Mrs Desoiza, and all those who have contributed to the development of the Hospice Outreach Service. Hospice care is provided at a time, when a person and their loved ones are potentially facing the most challenging periods in their lifetimes. Highly competent, safe and compassionate care and support, be it clinical, or emotional, delivered during such difficult times, is truly invaluable. I am convinced of the benefits of being able, whenever possible, to die at home surrounded by ones family and loved ones. I am pleased that, following HM Government of Gibraltars agreement with Cancer Relief Gibraltar, we are now able to increase, in a structured and professional service, the provision of this extremely valuable care.
Office of the Governor Issues Statement in Relation to Spanish Incursion

"We are looking into this incident and are concerned about reports, apparently confirmed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the Spanish vessel instructed boats in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters to leave. Our Ambassador has raised these concerns with the Spanish Government."

The statement continues, "As our PMs comment this morning made clear, we have no doubt about UK sovereignty over all of Gibraltar, including British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

"As the Defence Secretary said in parliament today We will always be there to defend our sovereign interests and defend Britains national interests.

"The Royal Navy challenges all incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. We back this up by making formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish government."

"Incursions do not undermine our sovereignty"
Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the first American Samoan and Hindu member of Congress, formally launched her campaign for president on Jan. 24.

Gabbard, 37, who kicked off her campaign with an official announcement in Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 2 made her 2020 plans known in a video she posted to Twitter.

We are being torn apart, with divisions that seem too deep to heal, Gabbard wrote. But when we are united in the spirit of love, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

We are being torn apart, with divisions that seem too deep to heal. But when we are united in the spirit of love, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. Join me in building a movement for peace to create a bright future for all. https://t.co/NmMa4BpqOW pic.twitter.com/PGd9FHUxwS  Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) January 24, 2019

Gabbard faced backlash from the Republican National Committee (RNC) within minutes of her informal announcement. The RNC put out a cheat sheet on Gabbard calling her Assads mouthpiece in Washington, referring to a controversial meeting she had in 2017 with the Syrian leader. Gabbard stood by the meeting telling CNNs Jake Tapper that leaders in the U.S. must meet with foreign leaders if we are serious about the pursuit of peace and securing our country.

Internally, Gabbard's campaign got off to a rocky start with her campaign manager reportedly leaving, according to Politico shortly after a campaign rally in her home state.

Gabbard told CNNs Van Jones in an interview on Jan. 12 she will be running on criminal justice reform, healthcare for all Americans, and enacting policy to combat climate change. However, the Iraq War veteran, says her primary focus will be war and peace.

Heres everything you need to know:

Name: Tulsi Gabbard

Party: Democrat

Date of Birth: April 12, 1981

Age: 37

Born: Leloaloa, American Samoa

Education: She earned a degree in international business from Hawaii Pacific University in 2009.

What she does now: U.S. Representative for Hawaiis 2nd congressional district since 2013 and she's a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard.

What she used to do: She was a member of the Honolulu City Council from 2010-2012 and served on the staff of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. She also served as a member of the Hawaii state House of Representatives from 2002-2004.

Key life/career moments:

Gabbard was just 21 when she was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002. She was the youngest person ever elected in the state.

She was also the first state official to voluntarily step down from public office to serve in a war zone when she volunteered to deploy with her fellow soldiers in 2004 while in the Hawaii Army National Guard, according to her official website.

In 2007, Gabbard graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy. She was the first woman to finish as the distinguished honor graduate in the academy's history, according to her website. In the same year, Gabbard was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

What you might not know about her:

Gabbard is the first Hindu member of Congress.

When she was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, she was one of the first two female combat veterans to ever serve in the U.S. Congress.

Gabbard served two tours of duty in the Middle East.

She served as a specialist in a field medical unit with a 29th Support Battalion medical company during her 12-month deployment in Iraq in 2005.

Gabbard was one of the first women to set foot inside a Kuwait military facility and the first woman to ever be awarded and honored by the Kuwait National Guard for her work in their training and readiness program, according to her official website.

Also according to her website, Gabbard co-founded an environmental non-profit called Healthy Hawaii Coalition, which focused on educating children about protecting Hawaiis environment, when she was a teenager.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Government Condemns Illegal Spanish Naval Incursion into BGTW

The Government has said it condemns the incursion by the Spanish navy into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW) yesterday. "This is yet another senseless provocation that achieves nothing expect generating an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility which benefits nobody."

"The Spanish Foreign Ministry is now itself on record as having confirmed that the communications in question were made by their naval vessel because the commercial ships in question were, according to them, inside Spanish waters. The reality is that the merchant vessels were in BGTW when they were instructed to move. In other words, the Spanish vessel sought to exert jurisdiction and control in an area of water where they are not legally entitled to exert such control.

"Given that Madrid itself has confirmed that the motive behind the incursion was in pursuance to their sovereignty claim over Gibraltars waters, the incident was therefore indisputably a breach of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"Article 19 of UNCLOS states that Passage is innocent so long as it Is not prejudicial to the peace, good order or security of the coastal State. It is clear that the attempt to interfere with merchant shipping by instructing the merchant vessels to move on the basis that the waters are Spanish is prejudicial to the peace, good order and security of the coastal State. Moreover, the pictures show that the weapons on the vessel were uncovered and manned.

"The Government therefore maintains that this was an illegal incursion which aimed to make a political point about the sovereignty of our waters. While this action in itself may not be a threat to sovereignty, because the waters remain British in international law, the reality is that it represented a challenge to our sovereignty and that it purported to undermine our sovereignty.

"The Straits of Gibraltar are an important strategic location for western interests. There are military movements as well as illegal movements of people and goods that need to be monitored and controlled. Gibraltar plays a key role in upholding western interests in the region. It is nonsensical that Spain should deploy one of its warships to play war games in British waters at a time when there are serious threats in this area which are well known. The Spanish actions serve as a dangerous distraction to wider military and security interests in the region.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: "Anyone who believes in the rules based international legal order will have been shocked by the cavalier and quixotic actions of the Spanish military vessel at the weekend. Her actions outside our waters, when she sought to direct shipping outside her jurisdiction, and when she sailed throughout waters with her weapons naked, was an amateurish attempt at bravado. It achieved nothing more than to provoke - whilst is was properly ignored by the masters of the vessels at anchor. But this childish behaviour is unsatisfactory whether it is errant or directed from above. It highlights a Spain that is either unable to control its military or, conversely, that is prepared to use its military to advance a political claim in 21st Century Europe. Another key factor is the danger to safety at sea if one country pretends it can give orders to vessels that are under the lawful instructions of another country. Actions such as this just create confusion and unnecessary risk to the lives of mariners. That is the nonsense that we are dealing with. Foolish actions which achieve nothing but provoke and raise tensions. It reflects extraordinarily badly on the lack of professionalism of the Spanish navy. If they can't read the charts that show they are in British waters, they shouldn't be left in charge of a vessel. If they won't respect the rules based international order, they are pursuing a chaos that will create problems beyond BGTW. And if they play games with the safety of lives at sea they will be seen for the bullies that they are. The people of Gibraltar won't be bullied now or after the 29th of March. Incidents like this, however, are a useful reminder of why we will never agree to be Spanish."
No Deal Brexit  UK Government Guarantees EU Funding Programmes in Gibraltar

In November, the European Union and the United Kingdom concluded the terms of an agreement for the orderly departure of the UK from the European Union. Gibraltar was part of that agreement. The Withdrawal Agreement includes a transitional phase until the end of 2020, which also covers Gibraltar.

This agreement is subject to ratification by the UK Parliament and by the European Parliament.

In the meantime, planning continues for the eventuality that the UK and Gibraltar leave the European Union without this agreement.

This notice provides an overview of how the UK governments guarantee for EU-funded programmes applies to Gibraltar, if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.

For Gibraltar, it covers:

 EU Structural Funds, specifically the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

 the European Social Fund (ESF)

 European Territorial Cooperation programmes Before 29 March 2019

Until the UK leaves the EU, the UK remains a member state, with all the rights and obligations that includes. The UK and Gibraltar, will continue to participate in EU programmes while the UK remains a member of the EU.

As agreed as part of the UK financial settlement with the EU, we will continue to take part in all EU programmes after 29 March 2019 for the rest of the 2014 to 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.

The financial settlement has been agreed by both UK and European Commission negotiators in a draft Withdrawal Agreement and welcomed by the other 27 EU countries at the March European Council.

After March 2019 if theres no deal

In the event of a no deal Brexit, the UK along with Gibraltar will leave the EU Budget in March 2019. Without further action, this would mean Gibraltar could lose future funding for existing projects under EU programmes. However, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer has agreed that the UK government will guarantee funding for specific EU projects. This will provide certainty for Gibraltar and participating organisations over the course of our EU exit.

This guarantee covers:

EU Structural Funds that Gibraltar receives as part of the 2014-20 Multiannual Financial Framework allocation  the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF), and European Territorial Cooperation programmes (a sub-fund of Structural Funds that involves cross-border projects).

The UK governments guarantee ensures that Gibraltar will continue to receive funding over a projects lifetime if they successfully bid into EU-funded programmes while the UK remains a member of the EU, and, where access (for example as a third country) is available, before the end of 2020.

Over the coming months the UK government will set out the precise arrangements for the specific programmes outlined in this notice.
Normal, IL (61790)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
UW Spring Faculty and Staff Town Hall March 7

Members of the University of Wyoming community will receive updates on the 2019 Wyoming legislative session and a number of other topics during the Spring Faculty Town Hall Thursday, March 7, from 1:20-2:35 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Ballroom.

President Laurie Nichols and others will give reports and then answer questions from the campus community. Faculty, staff, students and others are invited and encouraged to attend.

An agenda detailing the topics of presentations included in this springs town hall will be distributed to campus in advance of the event date.
During this talk, Romero will explore the opportunities and pitfalls of civic engagement.

(Feb. 18, 2019) -- To celebrate 50 years as San Antonios urban serving university and to thank San Antonio for its support and commitment to higher education, UTSA is presenting its 50th Anniversary Scholars Speaker Series throughout 2019, featuring experts on a broad range of contemporary issues that impact society. On February 26, the speaker series, which is free and open to the public, will feature Not In My Backyard! The Power and Pitfalls of Citizen Engagement, presented by Francine Romero, associate dean in the College of Public Policy and associate professor in the Department of Public Administration.

Romero will explore how citizen participation in a democracy can be simultaneously difficult, messy, productive and liberating. Her 45-minute talk will delve into the opportunities and pitfalls of civic engagement, with a particular focus on how citizens can most constructively participate in land use planning.

Civic engagement is the most potent force in our democracy, and we ignore its value at our peril, said Romero. But citizen demands can also be exclusionary and elitist, especially in the realm of land use and zoning. Striving to find the right balance is one of the most important things government can do.

>> Learn more about this Scholars Speaker Series.

Romeros work emphasizes land use policy, civil rights and Progressive Era reforms. Her recent publications have examined the overlooked northern state civil rights statutes that preceded the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act as well as the determinants of U.S. Senators roll call votes on the nations first immigration restrictions laws. She is currently investigating the ways in which municipal annexation plays out in various Texas cities and how San Antonios tree preservation ordinance compares with tree ordinances in other municipalities.

The UTSA faculty member has served on the City of San Antonio Planning Commission, its Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and its Zoning Commission, where she recently completed a two-year term as chair and remains the District 8 Commissioner. Additionally, she serves as the chair of the City of San Antonios Conservation Advisory Board, which oversees the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, an innovative policy on which she has also produced published research.

Romero earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.

Not In My Backyard! The Power and Pitfalls of Citizen Engagement is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at The Historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, Texas 78207. Doors will open and a cash bar will be available at 6 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the speaker following the presentation at 7:15 p.m.
UTSA graduate Sarah Rodgers 18 begins life after college as a bride, new employee and Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program winner.

(Feb. 18, 2019)  UTSA civil engineering graduate Sarah Rodgers 18 has started her life after December graduation wearing many new hats. Not only is she recently graduated from UTSA, she is also a new bride, and now working at a local engineering firm. But, perhaps her most exciting achievement is to win the Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program(DDETF).

The DDETF promotes students interested in research pertaining to transportation and, in the case of Rodgers, in transportation structures. She was chosen to receive a $10,000 fellowship and to attend the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Conference in Washington D.C. where she competed in a research poster presentation competition. Her work was about the low-cycle Fatigue Analysis of High Strength Reinforcing Bar. The project seeks to explore the fatigue behavior of newly developed high strength rebar (HSRB). The material was placed under very large compression and tensile strains, similar to the strains the material would experience in the event of an earthquake, repeatedly until the material breaks. The number of times the material is pulled in tension and pushed in compression is defined as half cycles to fracture, and is used as a measure of the fatigue life. By understanding the performance of high strength steel, we will develop and submit a set of recommendations for code provision committees that will help engineers implement HSRB in structural gravity systems in seismic regions.

At the conclusion of the conference all of the fellowship recipients gathered at a reception to hear encouraging words about the next steps in our academic careers and the hurdles that higher education comes with, Rodgers said. Next, they announced the winner of the poster competition, and to my surprise it was me. The fellowship recipients are from all levels of higher education (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) and from schools across the US. There were almost 70 presentations total.

We sat down with Rodgers to discover more about this bright UTSA research award winner:

How did you decide your major area of study?



I have always been fascinated with the built environment, and I wanted to do something both important and humbling. The difficult part of this decision was deciding what I wanted to focus on, and whether I wanted to work in design or research- I chose both.



How did UTSA help you to achieve your goals?



UTSA gave me room to grow, and room to make mistakes. My professors are world class experts in their fields, and even better people. I had a handful of mentors within the structural department that pushed me, had the heart of a teacher in their criticisms, and were excited to celebrate my milestones.



>> Learn more about the UTSA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

How did Dr. Wassim Ghannoum assist you the most in your field of study?



Dr. Ghannoum taught my Mechanics of Solids class. I was in his office hours often because I took a particular liking to materials science, and had lots of questions regarding the curriculum. While in this class I was working 3 jobs part time, one of which was a co-op for a Blast Resistant design firm in San Antonio. My co-op supervisor tasked me with reading about Structural Dynamics- A topic way above the head of any starting junior in CE. I sought out Dr. Ghannoums help with this. I was not the brightest student in his class, nor was I the most technical. In all honesty I would say Im pretty average (comparatively speaking). Instead of writing me off as a B student, Dr. Ghannoum asked me if I would be interested in academic research. I hadnt given research much thought before my conversation with him because I felt inadequate. On the condition that I quit my many jobs, I joined Dr. Ghannoums research team. In a matter of months, I felt a drastic change in my attitude towards my classes. I was no longer taking classes to get an engineering job one day, I was taking classes that contributed to the way I conducted my research. I became more and more intrigued by all things relating to reinforced concrete structures. When you ask me: How did Dr. Wassim Ghannoum assist you the most in your field of study, what I can say is that Dr. Ghannoum was the catalyst in my academic career. He changed my perspective. He helped me realize that my drive to learn and succeed would take me so much further than my scores on a piece of paper ever would.



>> Learn more about Wassim Ghannoum's research.

What were the biggest obstacles you faced with this project?



Failure. Research fails all the time. I had to get comfortable with adapting and problem solving early on. From the experimental challenges to the code intensive analysis, this project was very challenging to execute. I had so many failed test specimens, that I too felt broken. I remember breaking down after losing 3 rebar specimens in a row. At the time Dr. Ghannoum was in Lebanon, so I turned to Dr. Matamoros for words of encouragement. I tried again the next day, and failed another 2 before getting a successful test! The lows can drag on. I saved the successful test (its on my desk). I have never been so excited over a piece of rebar.



What doors does an award like this potentially open for you?



Besides helping fund my graduate degree, the DDETFP and Best Poster Presentation award gave me the ability to network with individuals across the world that I would not have met otherwise. I got to teach people about what I do, and in turn take a part in learning what others do. The fellowship gives me the opportunity to work less and focus on my studies. The networking opportunity allows me to collaborate with professionals and continue to develop relationships within my field.



Is there something important going on in your field that people are talking about?



One of the big topics at the conference was autonomous vehicles! Even though its not in the structures sub discipline, the thought of self -driving, safe cars were mind blowing. We even got to ride in one.



Where do you see yourself in 10 years?



As much as I love the academy, I ultimately want to work in industry while participating in the research world as much as I can. I would like to help bridge innovation and practice. In 10 years, I hope to have a Ph.D. and my PE license. I want to focus on rehabilitation of existing structures (particularly reinforced concrete ones), and natural disaster resistance.



What is one thing readers would be surprised to learn about you?

I take my 2 dogs to doggie school 3 times a week, because their education is important too!


The 2021 USA Cycling Professional Road National Championships came to Knoxville on Father's Day weekend. This is the fourth year for Knoxville to host the U.S. Pro Road and Individual Time Trial Championships and the third year to host the U.S. Pro Criterium Championships.
[CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY]



STATEMENT BY SIMONETTA DI PIPPO

DIRECTOR

UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS

56th Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee

of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

11 February 2019

Vienna, Austria

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

On behalf of the Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), I warmly welcome you all to the fifty-sixth session of the Subcommittee and thank you for the opportunity to address this session on the work of the Office. I would like to assure you Madam Chair of our commitment to assist you in running the meetings. At the outset, I join you in welcoming Cyprus, Ethiopia, Finland, Mauritius and Paraguay as new State members of the Committee, and the European Union, International Organization of Standardization, CANEUS-International and For All Moonkind, as the newest observer organizations to the Committee.

Indeed, the growth in membership of the Committee is remarkable. Membership grew by nearly 25% since 2014, rising from 74 to 92 States members. This makes our Committee a fast-growing body in the United Nations system and this accelerating growth testifies the increasing importance Member States of the United Nations assign to this unique intergovernmental platform. If we look at the distribution of members by regional group, we can also see that the overall composition is fairly balanced. There are currently 19 African States; 23 Asia-Pacific States; 12 Eastern European States, 15 Latin America and Caribbean States; and 23 Western European and Other States. The membership of the Committee is moreover representative of major space-faring nations, emerging space nations and space middle powers.

Currently, the Committee has 41 observer organizations comprising 11 international inter-governmental organizations and 30 international non-governmental organizations. These are impressive figures witnessing the importance of our work in the Committee and its Subcommittees to the space community.

UNOOSA receives on a regular basis interests from potential new States members, as well as international organizations that qualify as becoming observers to the Committee. Request for information on membership and observer status procedures are dealt with on a priority basis tailored to the interest of the States and organizations concerned.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Today 11 February we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 70/212. We will acknowledge this important event with a high-level panel discussion today at lunch-time. I invite you all to attend.

Here I wish to emphasise that to help address Sustainable Development Goal 5 in an all-inclusive manner, UNOOSA has initiated a dedicated 'Space4Women' project in order to facilitate access to STEM education, capacity-building and training for women and girls particularly on access to and use of space technology. This approach serves also very well SDG4, quality education. The development of "Space4Women" endeavours to establish a leading platform for gender equality in the space sector, which is a firm priority of UNOOSA, and which must be seen in close coordination with other core priorities of the Office, that I will present to you in a minute. Allow me first to express my thanks for the support received from Austria, Israel, the European Space Agency and Women in Aerospace Europe for this important project. I encourage others to join the Office in facilitating the entry of more young females into the space sector through this initiative.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Of the many contributions to the success of UNISPACE+50 I would like to extend my warmest appreciation to our generous host country Austria for its steadfast support. Going forward, and building upon this legacy, we could explore ideas of using the two days preceding the COPUOS sessions, as we did in 2018, for a dialogue with the broader space community - in fostering partnership - including the private sector.

I also wish to bring your attention to the brand new outreach hub on our website, where we hope to present in the near future a comprehensive list of space agencies around the world. Currently, we have 20 countries represented and 3 regional entities. We are actively reaching out to all space agencies to ensure this resource is as comprehensive as possible. National space agencies not represented, and wishing to be added, are warmly encouraged to contact us.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Research shows that around 40% of the 169 targets behind the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) benefit from the use of geo-location and earth observation satellites. With the inclusion of telecommunication satellites, this statistic rises substantially. The global space sector is evolving rapidly across political, legal and technical aspects. The United Nations needs to keep pace. Considering the expected future challenges of maintaining effective governance of space activities, I wish to outline the following strategic priority areas for 2019:

Strengthening support to Member States, through UNOOSA, as the gateway to space in the United Nations; Expanding delivery and services on space-based information for disaster management; Working with Member States to ensure that technical, legal and policy frameworks are maintained to ensure that space activities remain safe, secure and sustainable, and provide targeted capacity-building in space law and policy to that effect; Enhancing advocacy to deliver strategic coordination and awareness on 'Space4SDGs'; and Continue to increase benefits from space activities through the "Access to Space for All" initiative.

Identifying and meeting user needs is key in all those areas. I wish to thank here New Zealand for its commitment in building partnerships for the needs of Pacific States. Likewise, the Space4Water portal, launched in 2018 together with the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulazis International Price for Water (PSIPW) brings new dimensions to global water management addressing at the same time SDG6.

In the past 45 years of the Programme on Space Applications (PSA) and 12 years of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), UNOOSA has collected and assessed user needs; responded to governmental requirements through advisory missions; and organized training workshops and conferences. I would like here to express my sincere gratitude to Austria, China and Germany for their long-standing support to UN-SPIDER. Allow me also to reiterate the global need for accessing space-based data for disaster risk reduction and emergency response is growing and we remain committed to expanding this donor base going forward so we can continue to meet the demand from Member States for these services.

Likewise, since 2005 the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) has promoted cooperation on civil satellite-based positioning, navigation and interoperability among the GNSS systems. I would like to thank all partners involved through the organization of annual meetings of ICG, and in particular, express my gratitude to the United States of America and the European Commission for their long-standing financial support to this important work of the Office. I also wish to bring to your attention the successful partnership established with the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) and the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). Here, I particularly wish to thank the European Space Agency. I am confident that our summer school, currently scheduled for spring 2020, at Erice, Sicily, Italy will bring educational incentives to the near-Earth object agenda.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Space as an innovative approach should provide answers to a country's needs. However, space-related infrastructure, data, information and integrated services will play crucial roles only if they become an essential and integral part of a whole society effort to achieve the SDGs. UNOOSA focuses on position space as an invaluable tool to support the implementation of the SDGs - Space4SDGs - which is a core action to meet the increasing demand for enhanced services. Meeting the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will require a stronger role of science, technology and innovations (STI). This is being recognised at the highest level within the UN system. In 2018 we saw the Secretary-General launch three key strategy documents, with space contributing to each of them, as follows:

First: The Secretary-General released his New Technologies Strategy. Targeted at the UN system itself, the strategy outlines a path to modernising the UN by facilitating the adoption of more cutting-edge technology such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technology into the programmatic activities across the UN system. Recognising the roll that space technology and applications can play, not least in the provision of data sets to enable Artificial Intelligence systems to have real impact, it is with great pleasure that I report to you that the Executive Office of the Secretary-General invited UNOOSA to join the internal group advising and guiding implementation of the strategy.

Second: The Secretary-General launched a new Disarmament Agenda, specifically calling for UNOOSA to work hand in hand with our colleagues at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs and UN Institute for Disarmament Research to deepen their engagement with Member States on the practical implementation of transparency and confidence-building measures in outer-space activities.

Third: A key policy document recently launched by the Secretary-General was the Youth 2030 strategy. Focussing on opening the UN system to the next generation, the strategy calls upon all UN entities to consider how they can contribute to these aims. It is my pleasure to confirm that UNOOSA has been in the position to respond quickly to this call. Over the next few months, we will be collaborating with our colleagues at the Space Generation Advisory Council to launch a project to engage with global youth, encouraging them to share their stories about space science and technology supporting the implementation of the SDGs in their countries.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Our activities engaging directly with the broader space sector continue to go from strength to strength. As an example and part of the "Access to Space for All" initiative, UNOOSA started a new partnership with Airbus Defence and Space to offer the opportunity to accommodate a payload on the Airbus Bartolomeo external platform on the International Space Station. The mission is targeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will be open to all Member States, and developing countries are particularly encouraged to participate. The platform will operate payloads provided by institutions in the participating countries. A Call for Interest (CFI) was launched at the end of 2018 to solicit information from Member States' entities interested in providing payloads that could be flown on this mission. The Office has received 63 expressions of interest covering all regions of the world. SDG9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure scored the highest rate.

This collaboration forms part of a growing portfolio of opportunities, including our partnerships with the China Manned Space Agency to open the China Space Station to emerging space-faring nations for orbital opportunities. We welcomed over 40 applications received to the first announcement of opportunity. Such activities are complemented by other established collaborations with partners such as the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) with which we are working towards a Dream Chaser Mission dedicated to emerging space-faring nations. Further, our work with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the pioneering achievements of our joint KiboCUBE project saw Kenya launch its first satellite in May last year. Allow me to thank each and every one of our partners who we are already working with for their support to expand the opportunities the Office can offer to emerging space-faring nations.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

I have in this address outlined some features of the work of the Office. The annex with appendices to this statement contains comprehensive information complementing this statement. As the UN hub for space affairs, UNOOSA works every day with the global space community to deliver the benefits of space to everyone, everywhere. Our staff complement is key and here I wish to express my profound gratitude to Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Turkey, United States of America, and PSIPW for their contributions to the Office with resources that support our current staffing levels.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

Lastly, in an effort to increase awareness of fundamental space science research and space exploration efforts to the broader space community, the Office has entered into a formalized cooperation with the Committee on Space research (COSPAR). Office staff with relevant competence have been elected by the COSPAR Bureau to serve as Vice-Chairs of the Panel on Planetary Protection and Panel on Space Weather, respectively. The Panel on Planetary Protection held its first formal meeting under the re-constituted Panel here at the Vienna International Centre in January this year. Upcoming meetings will be held here in Vienna.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates,

In concluding, let me reassure you of the full support of the Office for Outer Space Affairs. We stand ready, as always, to support Member States in space science, technology, law and policy, thus covering the full spectrum of global governance of outer space activities.

Thank you.

Annex

HIGHLIGHTS OF SUBSTANTIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE

United Nations Programme on Space Applications

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document, as well as to documents and reports referenced in the annotated provisional agenda in A/AC.105/C.1/L.373.

United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER)

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document, and to document A/AC.105/1190.

Activities of the Office for Outer Space Affairs in the framework of the workplan of the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document, and to documents A/AC.105/1191 and A/AC.105/1192.

Fellowships

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document.

Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education, affiliated to the United Nations

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document.

Cooperation Agreements

The following agreements have been negotiated and signed between the Office for Outer Space Affairs and various parties in 2018:

Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Collaboration between the United Nations, represented by the Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) (in Force as of 26 February 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and Committee on Space Research (19 March 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations Represented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and Caneus International on the Rules- And Principles-Based Cooperation in Promoting Partnerships Between OOSA and Industry and the Private Sector (17 April 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and Spacetrust (4 June 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (18 June 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the German Aerospace Centre (18 June 2018);

Amendment No. 1 to the Framework Agreement between the United Nations, represented by the Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the China Manned Space Agency concerning Cooperation on the Utilization of China's Space Station (19 June 2018);

Declaration of intent to cooperate on the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor between the United Nations, Represented by the Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the China National Space Administration (19 June 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding Between the United Nations and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (21 June 2019);

Letter of Agreement from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for Funding Secretariat Support Services to the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (ICG) (4 September 2018);

Letter of Grant to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs from the Government of New Zealand to support the Space Solutions for the Pacific Project (22 October 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and Universita Bocconi (8 November 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding Between the United Nations and the World Space Week Association (22 November 2018);

Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education of the Portuguese Republic and the Ad-Air Centre for Cooperation in the Field of Space Technology, Applications and Data Utilisation (27 November 2018).

Exchange of Letters

In 2018, for conducting its activities outside of the established headquarters of the United Nations, the Office concluded host country agreements through the exchange of letters with the Governments of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, Pakistan and Russian Federation.

Awareness-raising and Outreach

Please refer to Appendix I and II to the present document.

RESOURCES OF THE OFFICE

Human Resources overview

Funding Source 2010-2011 2012-2013 2014-2015 2016-2017 2018 2019 (as at February) Regular Budget 24 (19P/5GS) 24 (19P/5GS) 23 (18P/5GS) 23 (18P/5GS) 23 (18P/5GS) 23 (18P/5GS) Extra-Budgetary (Cash) 2 (2GS) 2 (2GS) 3 (1P/2GS) 4 (2P/2GS) 6 (3P/3GS) 2 (Temp) 6 (3P/3GS) 2 (Temp) Extra Budgetary (In-kind) 9 (6NRL/3JPO) 9 (5NRL/4JPO) 7 (5NRL/2JPO) 8 (6NRL/2JPO) 9 (6NRL/3JPO) 9 (6NRL/3JPO) Total Staff* 35 35 33 35 40 40

Financial resources overview



Regular Budget

Thousands of United States dollars

2010-2011 Expenditure 2012-2013 Expenditure 2014-2015 Expenditure 2016-2017 (Final revised appropriation) 2018-2019 (Appropriation) 8 592.0 8 305.5 7 774.3 7 561.8 7 616.2

Extra-budgetary

Thousands of United States dollars

2018 Donors Cash contributions (excl. prior period adjustments) 1 241.5 Airbus, Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO); Austrospace; Beihang University, China; Brazilian Space Agency (AEB); CANEUS; Centre for Remote Sensing of Land Surfaces of the University of Bonn, Germany (ZFL-UniBonn); Centre for Space, Science and Technology Education for Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP), India; China Manned Space Agency (CMSA); China National Space Administration (CNSA); China Satellite Navigation Office; City of Graz; City of Vienna; Comision Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE), Argentina Delta State University; DigitalGlobe; European Commission European Space Agency; Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil; German Aerospace Centre (DLR); Government of Austria (Office of the President, Ministry of Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Innovation and Technology and Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG); Government of China (Ministry of Emergency Management); Government of Germany (Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs of Germany (BMWi) and Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)); Government of Israel; Government of New Zealand; Government of the United States of America (Department of States Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration); Graz University of Technology; the Holy See; Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), Brazil; Inter-Islamic Network on Space Science and Technology (ISNET); International Astronautical Federation (IAF); International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP); International Water Management Institute; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA); Joanneum Research Forschungsgessellschaft mbH; Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan; National Disaster Reduction Centre of China (NDRCC); National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil; National Point of Contact for Space Law, Austria; National Space Agency of Pakistan (SUPARCO); Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW); Sierra Nevada Corporation; South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Disaster Management Centre (Interim unit), India; Spacetrust; State of Styria, Austria; State Space Corporation (ROSCOSMOS); University of Bonn, Germany Women in Aerospace; World Vision International and ZARM Fallturm-Betriebsgessellschaft mbH. In-kind Contributions (excluding value of staff placement with Office on non-reimbursable loan basis (NRL) or under the junior professional programme (JPO)) 976,5
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Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 5 yrs in prison for George Floyd's murder 26 Jun 2021 | 4:24 AM Washington, Jun 26 (UNI) A US court on Friday sentenced former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to 22 years and six months in prison for the murder of George Floyd during his arrest last year. see more..

Derek Chauvin sentenced to 22 5 yrs in prison for George Floyd's murder 26 Jun 2021 | 1:42 AM Washington, Jun 25 (UNI) A US court on Friday sentenced former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to 270 months in jail for the murder of George Floyd last year. see more..

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list 25 Jun 2021 | 7:59 PM Paris, Jun 25 (UNI) After holding its five-day plenary meeting, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) announced on Friday that Pakistan will continue to remain on the watchdog's "increased monitoring list", which is known as the grey list. see more..

Minneapolis court to sentence ex-officer Chauvin over George Floyd's death 25 Jun 2021 | 12:30 PM Washington, Jun 25 (UNI) A Minneapolis judge is expected to pass on Friday a sentence on former law enforcement officer Derek Chauvin over the death of African American George Floyd, finalizing the case that sparked the nationwide movement against racially motivated police brutality. see more..
Haryana to import bull from Brazil, enhance milk production

New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) To improve the breed of milch cows and become number one state in milk production in the country, Haryana government on Monday decided to import good quality bull from Brazil, which has quite a reputation of ruling the globe in the sectors of animal husbandry and milk production.

According to state Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister OP Dhankar, the state government is paying special attention to double the income of farmers and increase milk production.

Mr Dhankar said in a statement here that the state government has decided to develop an excellence centre for milk production with the help of Brazil, on the lines of an excellence centre, already developed for enhancing the production of fruits and vegetables, with the help of Israel.
New $180-million Global Environment Facility programme will improve health conditions for artisanal miners across eight countries, while slashing mercury emissions harmful to the environment

 The artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector accounts for 20 per cent of the world's annual gold production;



 As many as 15 million people work in the ASGM sector globally  including 4.5 million women and over 600,000 children;

 The ASGM sector is the single largest source of man-made mercury emissions, responsible for the release of as much as 1,000 tonnes of mercury to the atmosphere annually, which represents nearly 40% of the total emissions.

London, 18 Feb - Urgent action is needed to protect millions of men, women and children exposed to toxic levels of mercury through gold production every year, according to the supporters of a new $180-million programme to reform the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) sector.

Launched today at Londons Goldsmiths Centre, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) supported Global Opportunities for the Long-term Development of the ASGM Sector (GEF GOLD) programme aims to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining and introduce and facilitate access to mercury-free extraction methods, while also working with governments to formalize the sector, promote miners rights, safety and their access to markets.

Spanning eight countries the five-year programme is a partnership between the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Conservation International and the governments of Burkina Faso, Colombia, Guyana, Indonesia, Kenya, Mongolia, the Philippines and Peru.

From smartphones to wedding rings, gold passes through all of our hands every day. But for most of us the source of that gold, and its real cost, remains a mystery, said Gustavo Fonseca, GEF Director of Programs. Introducing safe, mercury-free technologies into the ASGM sector will help provide a safe transition to job formality and dignified work for millions, while putting an end to the environmental impacts that can pave way to sustainably produced gold.

Every year, more than 2,700 tonnes of gold is mined around the world. Twenty percent of that  over 500 tonnes annually is produced by artisanal and small-scale miners. These miners and processors majority of them in developing countries often work in harsh conditions, without the protection of industry regulations on pay, health or safety, in order to sate the global hunger for goldinvestment in jewellery and consumer products.

While ASGM represents a development opportunity for rural populations, who often have few livelihood alternatives, miners operate on the edges of legality in many countries, with ASGM either banned outright or limited by legislation and licensing procedures designed primarily for large-scale operations.

By supporting the regulatory and policy reforms needed to formalize the work of artisanal and small-scale miners across the eight programme countries, GEF GOLD aims to secure miners livelihoods, through opening up the access to markets and finance needed to increase incomes and enable the uptake of mercury-free technology. By phasing out mercury use, the programme aims to achieve eventual mercury emission reductions of 369 tonnes, supporting countries commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate mercury use in the sector.

Studies indicate that mercury exposure in artisanal and small-scale miners is a major, largely neglected global health problem  putting miners and their communities at risk of impacts from permanent brain damage to seizures, vision and hearing loss, and delayed childhood development.

Promoting and facilitating access to non-mercury processing techniques for artisanal and small-scale miners is vital  not only to reduce mercury emissions, but to protect the health of vulnerable communities, UN Environment GEF GOLD Programme Manager Ludovic Bernaudat said.

By phasing out mercury use and connecting miners to markets for responsibly produced and sourced minerals, GEF GOLD is working to ensure the gold value chain both supports miners and provides consumers with access to ethically produced, environmentally sustainable gold.

Alongside working directly with artisanal and small-scale miners and national authorities, the GEF GOLD programme will work with the private sector across industries and partners including the Better Gold Initiative, Alliance for Responsible Mining and Fairtrade International to promote compliance with international standards on responsible mineral supply chains.

Additional quotes:

Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDPs Bureau for Policy and Programme Support- Transforming the extremely harmful practice using mercury in the artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) is essential to protect human health and ecosystems. GEF GOLD is a flagship initiative designed to tackle the global concern on mercury emissions. About 1.14 million people are engaged in ASGM in Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, and Peru. As part of GEF GOLD, UNDP will support the adoption of sound mining practices in these countries through strengthening institutions, policy and regulation framework, increasing the access to mercury-free technologies, disseminating best practices, rising awareness and sharing information. These package of interventions will contribute to poverty alleviation, addressing inequality, and improving the health and livelihoods of vulnerable communities engaged in ASGM.

Joyce Msuya, Acting Executive Director, UN Environment- Mercury emissions impact health and ecosystems, contaminating the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. This is a long-term problem we need to confront now. Joint initiatives like GEF GOLD demonstrate that when we unite for environmental action we can protect community health, provide livelihoods to those most in need, and save the planet.

Philippe Scholtes, Managing Director of Programme Development and Technical Cooperation, UNIDO- The widespread use of mercury in the artisanal and small-scale sector affects the environment and people, particularly in developing countries. UNIDO is proud to be a part of the GEF GOLD programme, which supports innovative and viable solutions focusing on formalization, access to markets and finances, mercury free technologies and awareness raising. UNIDO will be working in Burkina Faso, and jointly with UNEP in Mongolia and the Philippines, with the aim of providing sustainable livelihood for the miners and their communities.

Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International- Mercury is not necessary to mine and process gold. In the developed world, mercury has not been widely used in gold production for a century. By improving small-scale gold mining in the developing world, we can improve the health of people and preserve Nature that provides us so much. That means mining in the right places and in the right ways. It means professionalizing practices to not only protect human health and the environment, but to create better returns for mining communities. With the support of the Global Environment Facility, and in close consultation with the government, we are doing exactly this in Guyana.

For more information and interview requests:

Christian Hofer, Senior Communication Officer, GEF: chofer@thegef.org

Shari Nijman, Communication Officer, UN Environment News and Media Unit: nijman@un.org

Sangita Khadka, Communications Specialist, UNDP Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, New York: sangita.khadka@undp.org

Sayaphol Sackda, Advocacy and Media Relations Officer (OIC), UNIDO: s.sackda@unido.org
A philosopher from the University of Houston is leading a multi-continent exploration of the evidence for religious belief and the rationality of religious traditions. Photo: Pexels

Theologians focus on the content of different religious traditions, while psychologists focus on the causes of religious beliefs. Philosophers, on the other hand, focus on the evidence for these beliefs and the rationality of these traditions. The field is called the epistemology of religion.

Luis Oliveira, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Houston, will lead a multi-continent exploration of the epistemology of religion with a $1.3 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation.

What arguments are there for believing in God or for following a specific religious tradition? Oliveira asked. What reasons and arguments are there in support of believing or not believing, in support of belonging or not belonging to a religious community? How can individuals justify either choice?

Summer workshops planned over the next three years in Brazil, Argentina and Chile will connect Latin American philosophers with colleagues from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to stimulate academic interest and research in the epistemology of religion. Fellowships will bring Latin American scholars to U.S. universities in order to further strengthen research ties between the two groups.

The project is religiously neutral. This means the work wont be limited to one religious tradition and will include study of the reasons for atheism and agnosticism, Oliveira said. Scholars of every persuasion will be involved.

He said the timing is right. In the last 15 years, discussions of religion in the public sphere have become very acrimonious and not very philosophical at all, he said. There has been too much one-sided conviction. The atheists think religious people are ignoring the scientific evidence. The religious people think atheists are ignoring obvious aspects of the human experience. Very few acknowledge the force of the points made from the other side.

Cue the community of academic philosophers who specialize in such questions. In stark contrast to popular culture, Oliveira said the philosophical discussion of religion has grown increasingly sophisticated. Yet there has been little interaction between Latin America and the English-speaking world in this regard.

Thats about to change. His project will connect Latin American scholars working in the epistemology of religion with the thriving English-speaking philosophical community and will infuse the English-speaking community with new perspectives and insights from Latin America.

More information is available here.
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The number of travellers visiting the UAE from Europe is on the rise, according to the latest data compiled by Expedia Group, furthering the countrys position as a top tourist destination in the Middle East.



The Q4 2018 data showed the top 10 markets into the UAE included USA, UK, India, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, China and Sweden - a total of six European countries.



According to the research, while travellers from the USA topped the list for travel into the country in the last three months of the year, there has been a rise in European travellers from the UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy and Sweden into the UAE. These countries contributed to a total of approximately 30 per cent of the room nights in the UAE in Q4 of 2018.



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Travel from the UK can be predominantly contributed to UAEs strong trade relations with the UK. UAE is the fifth largest trading partner for the UK and has increasing investments in various sectors.



Package demand

According to Expedia Groups data, there was an overall rise in demand for package bookings in Q4 2018. The USA led room night share of package demand at just above 30 per cent, which is an impressive increase of over 55 per cent compared to 2017. This was followed by the UK at just above 15 per cent, which is an increase of 15 per cent when compared to the same period in 2017. Chinese travellers, once again, showed one of the highest year-on-year increases in demand for package travel into the UAE, with an increase of over 190 per cent compared to the same period in 2017. Indian package demand increased just under 45 per cent year-on-year.



A surge in package demand is great news for hoteliers as package customers tend to have a longer booking window, a longer length of stay and a smaller cancellation rate than standalone bookings.



Paula De Keijzer, senior director Market Management Middle East, Africa, Greece & Turkey at Lodging Partner Services, Expedia Group, said: As seen from the recent findings, UAE continues to be a tourist hotspot for European travellers. This growth could be driven by various factors introduced into the region including an increase in air capacity, rise in business opportunities, strategic marketing tie-ups and promotional activities, etc. All these factors could be adding to the appeal of UAE to European visitors." - TradeArabia News Service
Breaking boundaries in the Middle East, ArtBAB 2019 (Art Bahrain Across Borders) will push technology to the next level, offering visitors a multi-dimensional experience through its Virtual Reality Corner, the first of its kind in the region.



The fairs diverse talks programme will bring together art foundations, cultural districts and museums with FinTech, Blockchain, AI and VR specialists. Themed Legacies, the fair will explore the Bahraini contemporary art scene and its foundation in the kingdoms rich art heritage.



Kaneka Subberwal, Fairs and Programme director of ArtBAB 2019, commented: "The art fairs 2019 edition is an exciting amalgam of Bahraini art and cutting-edge trends which will be discussed at the conference. This year, in a first for the region, ArtBAB will take visitors beyond the canvases of the gifted artists of Bahrain and the exhibiting gallerists and take them not just across borders but across time-frames too. In our Virtual Reality Corner, the public will be able to have three different VR experiences using Vive Pro Headsets. They can literally touch celebrated contemporary Chinese art collections, 17th century Dutch and Flemish masterpieces as well as millennial VR artwork."



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The programme includes several discussions on the impact of technology and how it is disrupting the art economy. BlockchainHub from Berlin will give an overview of Blockchain and how the art world can benet from it. Also explored will be issues around Blockchain Art Provenance, AI and Artistic Creation, AI and Applied Science and the concept of VR as a game changer for the arts. The use of AI Innovations for Attribution, Augmented Creativity and Forecasting Art Trends will be uncovered with Verisart London, RunwayML New York, and Thread Genius, an AI SaaS startup based in New York, which was acquired by Sotheby's in early 2018. ArtBAB will also be hosting a debate on Art & Islamic Finance between Deloitte Art & Finance and Deloitte ME Islamic Finance and Knowledge Centre (IFKC). Other talks will discuss arts philanthropy and arts patronage to empower cultural development in the Arab World, the use of big data and analytics in helping collectors better manage liquidity, risk and volatility, and the growth of cultural and educational districts in building a creative economy.



The fair will also see the return of BAB, the platform to showcase Bahraini artists which this year has attracted more than 100 applicants. Artists will be selected by a curatorial panel consisting of Amal Khalaf (Projects curator, Serpentine Galleries, London), Nathalie Angles (Co-founder and executive director of Residency Unlimited, New York), Rebecca Anne Proctor (Editor-in-chief, Harpers Bazaar Art Arabia) and Snejana Krasteva (Curator, Garage Museum, Moscow).



ArtBAB 2019 will also redefine Bahrains rich crafts heritage through a contemporary design exhibit. Visitors can view large modern installations of Bahraini crafts and explore contemporary Bahraini crafts that will present Bahrain as a country which is open to modern thought, without losing the essence of its timeless traditions. This Artisans Across Borders initiative will open new creative channels, making the arts and crafts relevant in the new millennium. The project will be headlined by acclaimed Indian fashion designer JJ Valaya, who will work closely with the Bahraini craftspeople.



Unfold Art Xchange aims to be one of the largest multicultural art exchanges and its referential art talks platform brings together diverse cultures across local, regional and international art landscapes to share best practices. Launched in Dubai in 2018, the platform will present its second edition in Bahrain at ArtBAB 2019, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty The King of Bahrain, President Of The Supreme Council for Women, in collaboration with Tamkeen.



This fourth edition of ArtBAB, which will take place at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 6-10, aims to reinforce the kingdom's position in the Gulf as a regional arts hub, inspiring entrepreneurship, art education and local skills development. - TradeArabia News Service


Raffles Dubai, a landmark luxury hotel in the UAE emirate, has appointed Hady Ibrahim as its new director of revenue.



Ibrahim brings 12 years of extensive expertise to this role and is responsible for driving integrated strategies to expand sales, market share and RevPAR growth as well as lead the Revenue and Reservations teams.



Ibrahim joins Raffles Dubai from the Kempinski group, where he held several roles starting from assistant reservations manager at the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, then Revenue and Reservations manager for three Kempinski properties in Egypt achieving commendable success during and after the political revolution. He also led the revenue strategy for the Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel in Bahrain cluster, which became established as the number one city hotel shortly after opening. Finally, in his most recent role as the director of revenue management at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, Ibrahim was in charge of driving occupancy, average rate and revenue since the pre-opening. Throughout his impressive career, he also assisted in numerous task force assignments in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.



Commenting on the appointment, Ayman Gharib, managing director for Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Wafi, said: We are very pleased to welcome Hady onboard amongst our exceptional team. Hady will fulfil an exciting role and I am confident that his comprehensive experience and leadership skills will prove to be an invaluable asset in developing Raffles Dubai revenue and market share growth. - TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim, a leading retail chain in the Middle East, is digitally transforming its Carrefour brand with global technology company SAP.



Carrefour now has one digital platform that integrates over 100,000 products on its website, in-store kiosks and tablets, and mobile app. Majid Al Futtaim is re-inventing experiences for over 750,000 daily customers and also simplifying its supply chain.



The Middle East retail sector is undergoing a sea-change. As more malls open, the GCCs retail sector will grow by 25 percent to $313 billion by 2021, according to Alpen Capital. Online shopping revenues are also increasing. Deloitte projects the Middle East e-commerce market will triple to $49 billion by 2021.



The Middle East retail sector is experiencing seismic changes, which is a major opportunity to enhance our customer experiences with real-time insights, said Marco Antonio Urios, senior vice president, Omnichannel Solutions and Supply Chain at Majid Al Futtaim Retail. As part of our vision of creating great moments by offering inspiring experiences, our digital transformation with SAP enables our customers to order online or from our mobile app and have them delivered to their doorstep.



Worldwide, 81 percent of retailers say it is important to transform customer experiences and equip store associates with real-time insights, according to SAP research. Among customers, Accenture shows that 91 percent are more likely to shop with brands that recognize and remember them and provide relevant offers.



In 2018, Majid Al Futtaim launched the Carrefour digital platform, running on the SAP Hybris solution, now called SAP Commerce Cloud, in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and the UAE. This year, Majid Al Futtaim plans to extend their services across more markets it operates Carrefour in.



The company also launched an express online one-hour delivery service, CarrefourNow; Scan&Go - enabling customers to scan and pack products as they shop the aisles for seamless in-store shopping; among several other omnichannel digital solutions for in-store and online shopping.



Majid Al Futtaim demonstrates how a home-grown UAE brand can compete on a regional and global level thanks to the power of digital transformation and e-commerce innovation, said Abdullah Saqqa, head of Customer Experience, SAP Middle East and North Africa.



As an Intelligent Enterprise, Majid Al Futtaim is transforming customer experiences to allow customers to purchase the products that they want from anywhere, at any time, and from any device. - TradeArabia News Service
Euro Motors has announced a special extended warranty offer to all the customers of Jaguars and Land Rovers, thereby ensuring the utmost satisfaction long after the vehicle has been purchased.



An exclusive dealer for Jaguar Land Rover vehicles in Bahrain, Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover said its top priority was to keep the customers needs as the top priority.



The Extended Warranty offer provides customers with generous claim limits, up to the purchase price of the car.



Unveiling the offer, Stephen Lay, the general manager, said: "On behalf of Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, it gives me great pride to announce that our loyal customers now will be able to benefit from our highly advantageous Extended Warranty option."



"With the vast array of offerings we have introduced over the years, we demonstrate our dedication to our loyalists and extend the privileges that come with being a Jaguar and Land Rover owner," he noted.



The extended warranty comes into effect once the vehicle exceeds 3 years from the date of delivery and expires after 5 years from the date of delivery or at 250,000 km for Jaguar owners, except for the Jaguar E-PACE which expires at 150,000 km, whichever comes first.



For Land Rover owners the extended warranty comes into effect once the vehicle exceeds three years from the date of delivery and expires after five years from the date of delivery or at 150,000 km, whichever comes first.



"The Extended Warranty provides comprehensive coverage against unexpected mechanical and electrical vehicle failure; the categories covered typically include engine components, powertrain control unit, gearbox and suspension as well as catalytic convertors and electrical systems amongst others," explained Lay.



"With Travel Protection also included in the Extended Warranty, customers will be able to benefit from Road Side Assistance while travelling to a number of countries in the Mena region which includes; Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and Tunisia," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
A total of 22 US companies are representing a broad swath of US dairy resources at the ongoing Gulfood, the world's largest annual food, beverage and hospitality exhibition in Dubai, UAE.



The event runs until February 21 at Dubai World Trade Centre.



The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is a key market for US Dairy, with a rapidly growing population that is interested in high-end products and a conducive business environment that is open to trade. US dairy products exported to the Middle East, Morocco and Egypt from January-November 2018 amounted to 62,882 MT worth around $224 million.



Beyond the large presence at Gulfood, the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) has ongoing programming to further support US cheese entry into key retailers across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. The multifaceted retail program builds on product education and merchandising training for buyers and store staff as well as sampling support to encourage consumer trial.



With more than 600 varieties of US cheeses, the region can benefit from the infusion of many new cheeses and award-winning popular choices as well. USDEC also launched a cheese certification program to educate chefs about the craftsmanship, variety, innovation and versatility of US cheese and grow demand within the foodservice sector.



Angelique Hollister, vice president, Cheese Marketing said, Milk from 1 in 7 trucks leaving American dairy farms ends up in products and ingredients sold overseas, making serving export markets an ever-important area of focus for our industry. We are meeting the evolving needs of the regions dairy demand by establishing partnerships with retailers, high-end foodservice entities, culinary institutes and universities.



Economic growth in the Mena region is forecast to reach an average of 2.6 percent in 2019-2020 supporting imports of dairy products. Mena] will account for as much as 24 per cent of world dairy imports in 2027. The US dairy community is increasing engagement and visibility in the Mena region of both cheese and ingredients to benefit the regions vibrant business success.  TradeArabia News Service
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)  the Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise  has inaugurated the DMCC Coffee Centre, a state-of-the-art 7,500-sq-m temperature-controlled facility.



The centre, the first of its kind in the Middle East, was launched during Dubais Gulfood event, the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition.



From crop to cup, the Centre offers cost-effective logistical support and services that connect producers to buyers. Core services include warehousing, logistics, green coffee cleaning, contract roasting and packing, as well as more specialised offerings for re-bagging of green coffee, sample evaluation and training.



The Centre houses a coffee quality laboratory, cupping labs and a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus, in addition to a range of commercial office space. Projected to handle up to 20,000 tonnes of green coffee bean annually  with an estimated annual trade value of around Dh367million ($100 million)  the Centre is set to attract new trade flows to Dubai and boost the national economy.



Today represents a significant milestone, and one that places Dubai firmly at the heart of the global coffee trade. First conceptualised in 2016, it is promising to see our vision to serve the market in an entirely different way become a reality, said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, DMCC.



Dubai is uniquely positioned to serve the significant emerging markets trade corridor of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, and well connected to the coffee-producing regions of Africa, China, India, Latin America and South East Asia.



The DMCC Coffee Centre will connect international coffee traders with sophisticated logistics, and a host of value-add services, providing operational excellence to meet growing global demand. Until now, the region simply did not have the capacity, equipment or expertise to facilitate global coffee trade on this scale, and we look forward to seeing the impact of our Centre on the industry going forward, he added.



Dubais strategic geographic location offers connectivity between the fast growing and high value consumer markets in the Middle East and Europe, to some of the worlds major coffee producing nations such as Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Uganda and Vietnam. Operational since November 2018, the Centre is set to become the preferred hub for specialty coffee buyers, traders, roasters and producers.



Other services offered by the DMCC Coffee Centre include three fully outfitted cupping rooms with water to SCA standards; a coffee quality laboratory; a sample (Probat and Ikawa) and small batch (Diedrich) roasters to assist customers in quality assessment, and shipments of roast and green coffee samples to buyers ; and two Brambati production roasters (30kg and 60kg)  which can accommodate specialty and commercial coffee roasting.



Coffee is the one of the worlds most widely consumed hot beverages. The global coffee industry is worth an estimated Dh367.3billion ($100billion), with the industry in the Middle East expected to climb to Dh16.2 billion ($4.4 billion) by 2021, according to Euromonitor.  TradeArabia News Service
BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company, said one of its units has signed an agreement with The Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre (Ammroc) to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Al Ain.



Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Ammroc is a joint venture company owned by Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), Lockheed Martin Corporation and Sikorsky Aerospace Services.



The BAE deal is aimed at providing repairs and upgrades to aircraft at a facility in Al Ain under Ammroc, said a top official.



Speaking to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, after the signing on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2019), in Abu Dhabi, Paul G. Markwardt, the Vice President and General Manager of BAE Systems, said: "Basically, what we are doing is setting up a partnership with Ammroc to have a local capability that supports our products and capabilities on F-16."



BAE Systems has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide flight controls to upgrade next-generation F-16 aircraft for the UAE.



The company will provide the F-16s with its advanced Digital Flight Control Computer, which receives demand inputs from the pilots control stick and rudder pedals, and monitors current flight conditions from on-board sensors. It also rapidly computes and transmits commands to all actuators throughout the aircraft, including rudders, stabilisers, and spoilers to maintain controlled flight, he noted.



"We are planning to get the facility operational later this year. We are now in the process of discussing the products and which of the capabilities to bring first. We dont have yet an exact timeframe set, but we are in the process in that discussion," he added.



London-headquartered BAE Systems said the agreement envisages plans for the two companies to work together on aviation maintenance repair and overhaul opportunities that will allow them to better support the UAE defence industries.



"Our agreement with Ammroc allows us to work with an established leader in Maintenance, Repair and Operations, MRO, and benefit from the skill and experience of their local workforce in the UAE," Paul further explained.



Under the MoU, the two organisations will work closely together on multiple possible projects, ranging from testing and repair services to manufacturing, support, and product installation. Potential projects include BAE Systems avionics, communication, display, sensor, and survivability products.



"This agreement enhances our position in delivering a fully integrated, world-class MRO solutions in accordance with industry best practices," said Ammroc CEO Abdul Hakeem Ahmed Saif Al Muflahi.



"The potential projects represent an exciting opportunity for both companies to work together in the field of MRO," he stated.



"Ammroc is proud to partner with BAE Systems, one of the worlds leading defence companies, and we look forward to working with their team to develop and execute on the MoU," he added.
T Choithrams & Sons, a leading supermarket chain in the Middle East, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Future Consumer Limited (FCL), a major player in the food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market in India.



FCL and Choithrams have identified an opportunity to strategically partner across the UAE, Bahrain and other markets  to bring FCLs portfolio of leading brands to consumers across the Middle East.



Rajiv Warrier, chief executive officer, Choithrams, said: Our company came to the UAE in 1974 and has since established itself not only as a conveniently located supermarket chain with 39 outlets across the UAE, but has also become a leading player in retail distribution.



Our expansion into Oman and Bahrain ensures the distribution of brands into key markets of the Gulf, he said.



Future Consumer is a company for the fast-moving consumer generation which has consistently brought innovative products to the market that appeals across all generations, so this agreement is mutually beneficial, he added.



Under the agreement, Choithrams will initially market, distribute and retail five of Future Consumers 30 brands comprising favourites such as the Tasty Treat range of ready-to-eat snacks; Sangis Kitchen, a variety of sauces and dips; Desi Atta Company, a wide range of flours; Golden Harvest, everyday kitchen essentials  flour, rice cereals and spices amongst others and Mother Earth, organic and natural products.



The partnership enables Future Consumer to grow its Middle East exports business and leverage Choithrams 60-strong retail network throughout the region, while consumers will have access to some of Indias most popular food brands.



Ashni Biyani, managing director, Future Consumer, said: As an FMCG 2.0 company, within a span of few years we have created unique brands that cater to different Indian communities, new age consumers, various taste buds and all age groups.



Through Choithrams distribution channels we are confident that this partnership will explore untapped international markets for our leading brands in the UAE and the wider region, Biyani said.



Future Consumer Limited has also created an end-to-end food value chain from sourcing of fresh agricultural produce to establishing and operating integrated Food Parks. The fresh sourcing capabilities will be extended to Choithrams.



Future Consumer Limited is a part of the Future Group which operates more than over 24 million square feet of retail space, serving customers in more than 350 cities across India. The Future Group welcomes almost 500 million customers into their stores each year employing around 60,000 people, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
France-based Sopexa, an international partner of food and beverage companies, is launching the largest cheese event of its kind in the Middle East, as part of this years Dubai Food Festival, to be held later this week.



The event will take place at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, on February 22 and 23.



The inaugural edition of the festival will feature cheeses from around the world, served by a line-up of prestigious and acclaimed producers. During the two-day event, producers will be joined by cheese experts, sommeliers and chefs, who are prepared to wow even the most knowledgeable cheese lover  or to use the correct term, turophile.



Edwina Salvatori, managing director, Sopexa Middle East, said: As the first and only cheese festival of its kind in the region, it is clear UAE cheese afincionados have been waiting for such an event.



The festival will feature an enormous selection of rare, vintage, new and classic cheeses and will wow even the most educated and experienced cheese connoisseurs. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and interact with award-winning cheese specialists from different parts of the world and learn from the best, Salvatori said.



Internationally recognised cheese expert Mark Todd, aka The Cheese Dude, the US Dairy brand ambassador will be on hand to share encyclopaedic knowledge gleaned over a near 30-year career as an artisanal cheese aficionado, author and dairy industry expert. He will showcase a wide range of US cheeses highlighting their impressive flavours and unusual textures, while drawing on their versatility and quality to complement the diverse local cuisine.



The House of Cheese, by the Cheeses of Europe, brought to Dubai by the French Dairy Board, CNIEL will feature a mouth-watering display of French cheeses presented by four cheese experts. The team will deliver workshops and demonstrate how their unique cheeses can be eaten.



Between demos and cooking sessions, visitors can indulge in traditional cheese-based dishes from Latin America, Italy, Eastern Europe, Greece, India and the Middle East amongst others, as they amble dozens of exhibitor booths.



They will also have the opportunity to sample produce from well-known cheese producers including Soignon goat cheese or discover cheeses from as far away as New Zealand.



Salvatori continued: This isnt just a tasting or education event, its a whole world of cheeses, featuring a diverse mix of international varieties and recipes. In recent years, people have become much more aware of the broad spectrum of cheese on offer and as a result, global demand has increased.



Today everybody has a favourite cheese, however the Dubai Cheese Fest will be for many the first chance to sample so many different and often unique varieties, all in one place. We are confident that every visitor will be amazed by the new flavours and recipes they try, he added.



Demonstrating the versatility of different types of cheese, the festival will showcase the talents of experts such as cheese word champion Fabien Degoulet, award-winning cheesemonger Francois Robin, Indian artisan cheesemaker Mansi Jasani and critically acclaimed chef Mohanad Alshamali from BHAR, Renaissance Hotel Dubai. They will be creating unique and original pairings with unconventional ingredients from around the world.



The event, which is free to enter, is produced by Sopexa, the international food and drink marketing agency, heavily involved in promoting food culture worldwide, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a number of investment deals worth $20 billion at the start of a two-day visit to the South Asian country by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In the presence of the Crown Prince and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, seven bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. They are related to: an MoU on technical cooperation; an agreement to finance the supply of crude oil and petroleum products to Pakistan; an MoU to finance power generation projects; an MoU to study investment opportunities in the refining and petrochemical sectors in Pakistan; an MoU related to mineral resources in Pakistan; an MoU on developing renewable energy projects; and a cooperation agreement in the field of sport.

Prince Mohammed arrived in Islamabad yesterday (Feb 17) on an official visit to Pakistan. At Khan Military Base Airport, he was received by Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan; Commander of the Pakistani Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa; Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Al-Malki, and Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ejaz.

A bilateral meeting was held between the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister, during which Prince Mohammed conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. On his part, the Prime Minister extended his greetings and appreciation to the King.

The Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Pakistan also chaired the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad. During the meeting, they reviewed the historical relations between the kingdom and Pakistan, the prospects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries and the opportunities to develop them, in addition to discussing the latest developments and situations on the Islamic and international arenas and efforts exerted towards them.

In his speech during a dinner banquet, Prince Mohammed stressed that Pakistan is a very dear country to King Salman and the Saudi people. He also stressed the strength of the strategic relations between the two countries and the desire to strengthen and deepen this relationship in all fields.

He added that Pakistan's GDP growth during the last year was 5 per cent. "So, we believe that Pakistan will be a very prosperous country in the future and we want to make sure that we are part of that boom.

Pointing at the signing of MoUs between the two sides, he said: We believe that the amount of investment of $20 billion is large for the first phase and will certainly grow each month and every year for larger numbers.

Speaking on the Saudi tourism sector, the Crown Prince said: Today, we have 18 million tourists and we will achieve 50 million tourists quickly and easily in the coming years. We have many heritage and beautiful places, infrastructure and stability. We have everything, including funds to invest in tourism.

"We believe in our region and therefore we invest in it and we are sure that we will have one day a great Middle East, he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed the visit of the Crown Prince to his country, stressing the deep relations between the two countries in all fields. He described Saudi Arabia as a true friend who stands with Pakistan in all circumstances.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are now taking this relationship to a level which was never seen before.
The Saudi Arabian Military Industries Company (SAMI) and Naval Group, a French naval defence company, have entered into a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to create a joint venture company in Saudi Arabias naval defence domain.

Signed on the sidelines of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2019 in Abu Dhabi, the MoA sets out the framework for the establishment of this joint venture that will further strengthen Saudi Arabias efforts focused on localising essential industrial skills and capabilities, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

The joint venture company will be at the helm of naval programmes for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and will support its existing and future requirements for state-of-the-art systems, including full life-cycle support of these systems.

Dr Andreas Schwer, CEO of Sami, said: Our joint venture agreement with Naval Group laid the foundation of a strategic partnership that will reinforce Samis commitment to helping Saudi Arabia develop self-sufficient defence capabilities. The collaboration offers us an excellent opportunity to leverage Naval Groups strong track-record of helping its partners develop sovereign defense capabilities to create an integrated military industries ecosystem in the kingdom.

Dr Schwer added: Through design, construction, and maintenance activities, the joint venture will contribute significantly to further enhancing the capabilities and readiness of our Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

Building on the longstanding partnership between Saudi Arabia and Naval Group, the joint venture aims to play a key role in helping achieve the objectives of the kingdom's Vision 2030 by maximising local content and creating highly skilled jobs for Saudis, the report added.
Costa Ricas Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) has opened a new representative office at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industrys headquarters, aiming to promote bilateral ties and identify opportunities in the UAE that Costa Rican companies can benefit from.



The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Maria del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo, Minister of Planning and Economic Policy, Costa Rica; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy; Francisco Jose Chacon Hernandez, Ambassador of Costa Rica to UAE; Juma'a Rashid Khamis Al Rumaithi, UAE Ambassador to Costa Rica, and the visiting Costa Rican delegation joined by several government representatives, said a statement from the organisation.



Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber; Hamad Buamim, president and chief executive officer of Dubai Chamber; and Dubai Chamber board members and officials received Maria del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo and the Costa Rican delegation at Dubai Chambers headquarters.



The inauguration of the Procomer office came during a high-level delegation visit to the UAE led by Costa Rican vice president Epsy Campbell Barr.



The move also came on the back of a memorandum of understanding signed last year between Dubai Chamber and the Costa Rican government to open a representative office in Dubai.



During the ceremony, Maria del Pilar Garrido Gonzalo said the new trade promotion office will help boost Costa Rican exports to the UAE and expand the scope of bilateral trade beyond agricultural commodities and foodstuff to products in other areas such as medical and life sciences industries.



Costa Rican companies and businesses are eager to show what they have to offer for this beautiful part of the world, and there is no better place to do that, other than here in Dubai, an international business hub, she said.



For his part, Al Ghurair congratulated the Costa Rican government on the opening of its trade promotion office which he described as an important development that reflects Costa Ricas strong commitment to enhancing its ties with the UAE.



Al Ghurair said: Our economies may be different, but they complement one another in many ways. There is great potential for businesses in Dubai and Costa Rica to cooperate in the areas of food security, tourism, logistics, and renewable energy. Your presence and support provides us with an opportunity to build new bridges between our regions which share so many synergies and similarities.



In addition, Al Ghurair pointed out that the opening comes at an ideal time with the 3rd Global Business Forum Latin America set to take place in Panama this April.



He added that the high-level forum organised by Dubai Chamber would provide an ideal opportunity for Costa Rican companies to explore business prospects with their UAE counterparts.  TradeArabia News Service
The upcoming StartUp Bahrain Week, a series of events for entrepreneurs and investors, will feature premier startup forums organised by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and strategic partner Tamkeen (Bahrain Labour Fund).



Bahrains focus on shaping a regional hub for entrepreneurs, as part of its ongoing efforts to meet key goals within the Economic Vision 2030, comes under the spotlight between 3 7 March 2019.With the regions



The events, running from March 3 to 7, will provide an environment for like-minded individuals to network and learn about the startup ecosystem that has successfully been created by Bahrain thanks to its business-friendly economic and regulatory framework.



Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said: StartUp Bahrain Week promises to be a week-long of inspirational events for entrepreneurs and investors that will encourage innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem. Currently, the regulatory climate we have cultivated, in recent years, has provided a solid foundation for the startup community. We look forward to sharing knowledge, great ideas, and most importantly the opportunities available in Bahrain.



We are now seeing our financial services sector transform due to technology and disruptive startups, and we hope to see technology and startups play a role in other sectors as well, such as Manufacturing, taking us forward to the fourth industrial revolution, he added.



Dr Ebrahim Janahi, chief executive officer of Tamkeen, said: Tamkeen is delighted to once again be a strategic partner of StartUp Bahrain Week. It underlines our commitment to helping promising talent develop the right skills for the knowledge economy.



These are skills that we need to encourage and develop within Bahrain and across the region. StartUp Bahrain Week comes just weeks after Tamkeen announced the regions first talent programme specifically for the financial services and technology industry focused on training and developing Bahrainis in the FinTech space, one of the fastest growing startup sectors.



StartUp Bahrain Week will attract key stakeholders including investors, corporates, accelerators, incubators, educational institutions and government agencies. More than 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the week-long events featuring over 20 speakers and two startup competitions.



These include:



Unbound Bahrain: The anchor event of StartUpBahrain Week, the global innovation festival will showcase some of the Middle East and North Africas most innovative startups and government initiatives.



Unreasonable Thinking Summit: A two-day forum on innovation and disruption designed to educate and inspire the Bahraini business community, especially startup entrepreneurs.



Entrepreneurship Training: Workshops aimed at discussing opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs from idea conception to business plan execution.



Bahrain Deep Tech Programme: A three-day bootcamp with doctoral scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs discussing and showcasing cutting-edge technologies and how to turn their ideas into commercial opportunities.



StartUp Bahrain Ecosystem Tour: An informative exploration of Bahrains burgeoning startup scene, where participants will meet key influencers who are driving disruptive technology that is reaffirming Bahrains position as the go-to destination for regional startups.



Urban Experience: A networking event for the startup community to share ideas and identify potential areas of collaboration and cooperation.



Flat6Labs Bahrain: An opportunity to see startups pitch their inspiring ventures on stage to an audience of investors, government agencies and business leaders that could lead to potential new investments and a future commercial deal.  TradeArabia News Service
Hi, everyone! I'm Frances. I'm the author of Not Invisible, a lifestyle and parenting writer, and book editor. I also dabble in PR for family- and women-friendly brands. When I find time away from my busy life as all mentioned and as a wife and mom, I blog here.



Welcome to my blog! It's a 15-year-old honest and safe space for working moms, mothers of boys, and feminists (I just described all of myself). Thanks for dropping by!
MBABANE  Sometimes life takes over and you have to make the difficult decision to suspend your studies in favour of finding work.



The reasons for this vary; from needing employment so you can give financial assistance at home to being offered an opportunity thats too great to pass up.

Whether its to pursue a passion or to enter the working world, it can be difficult to return to your studies, but local comedian, Dr Shakes and actor Thembinkosi Mthethwa have made a decision to go back to school.



The two joined hundreds of students at the Institute of Research Management & Development (IRDM) College after securing scholarships to study towards a Diploma in Business Management and Leadership. IRDM is a higher education Institute that is registered with the Eswatini Higher Education Council (SHEC).

The famous personalities joined other well-known faces in Tony TT Tsabedze and former Miss Eswatini Samukeliso Magagula, who have previously enrolled at the institute.



Comedian Dr Shakes, whose real name is Bonginkosi Dlamini, confirmed he got a scholarship to study at the college after he personally approached its management. He said he was excited to be in class as this would make him a professional comedian and also widen his options. He used to attend school at Ka-Boyce High.



These two artists are being sponsored by the college and they said they were grateful for this as they dearly wanted it.

I personally approached the Institution for career guidance and to enrol, met the executive director whom together we agreed that well advocate for more young people and fellow artists to improve them through education. So far my classes are so amazing, the institute has full-time lecturers that are always available, and I do not regret the choice of college. You can come witness the experience, Dr Shakes said.



Described



On the other hand, Mthethwa, a voice over artist and theatre artist, described how the college had helped him so far as he has previously enrolled in Speech and Drama at WITS.

In the past few days I have been to class, I have realised that as artists, its important to acquire knowledge that helps you in managing yourself and becoming professional, Mthethwa said. IRDM Marketing Officer Bathulile Khayoni also confirmed the exciting news while adding that their aim was to contribute to the arts industry through the provision of quality education.
The following blog post, unless otherwise noted, was written by a member of Gamasutras community.

The thoughts and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not Gamasutra or its parent company.

This is a modified version of a post that first appeared on Meeple Like Us.

You can read more of my writing over at the Meeple Like Us blog. You can some information about my research interests over at my personal homepage.

---

Introduction

One of the things I really like to do with Meeple Like Us is write the stuff that I wished had existed before I made certain decisions and agreed to certain things. Its something I do a fair amount in academia too  when I cant find a paper that makes an argument I want to cite, sometimes I just go ahead and research/write the paper. Its kind of like an adult colouring book but for pompous self-aggrandising. Its nice sometimes just to fill in the blanks.

Its in that spirit I want to put this post in front of you  the post about Patreon that I would have valued at the time I was preparing to launch our own. Ive already written some honest reflections about Patreon  particularly the anxieties and incentives behind ours. That post is more about the psychology of opening yourself up to the process and what Itll take from you in return. Today I want to look at the nuts and bolts of the financials and the rise and fall of patron growth. Our third anniversary is coming up and weve been running a Patreon campaign for about ten months now. Thats long enough to draw some conclusions, as well as show you where the money goes.

As with the last Patreon post we did, I feel a little uncomfortable opening up in this way. It always feels a little like stripping in public, and trust me  nobody wants to see me do that. Nonetheless, if someone had done me the favour of flashing a little of their Patreon skin it would have gone a long way to contextualising what would follow for myself. Hopefully someone finds this useful.

Why Ask for Money?

Ive been primarily responsible for spearheading many projects over the years  free textbooks, multiplayer text games, and various software tools for education. Ive never asked for a penny for any of them because first and foremost they were about me. Things I wanted to do and other people were mostly just invited along for the ride. In the end if nobody appreciated the end product they were still fun to work on. That was how it worked with Meeple Like Us for the first two years  I had a question about board game accessibility, I answered it to the best of my ability, and I made the results and observations available to anyone that wanted them. Every teardown we publish is under a CC BY 4.0 licence which means, provided you attribute, youre free to do pretty much anything you like with our findings. As long as my curiosity was being sated, everything else was irrelevant.

The thing is, the accessibility figures have stabilized . We have a pretty accurate snapshot of the hobby  or at least the part that is most heavily emphasized in the BGG Top 500. Or rather, we have a snapshot as best we, through heuristic analysis alone, could assess the situation. Our averages and stats are available on the site, as is our masterlist. The average recommendation for each category we cover hasnt changed in any significant way for about 18 months. I dont expect it to change at any point in the future. Sure, different games occasionally offer different insights, but basically my question has been answered and published accordingly. As far as my initial incentives went, the project is done. Nothing majorly different is likely to emerge with continued investigation. All that remains is corroboration of already pretty robust data. Robust, of course, within the margin of error that come from a single person doing the majority of the work.

At this point what I normally do with an investigation is put a line under it and move on to something else. The thing is  the feedback I have received from hundreds of people has been they find the site valuable. They are finding great games that they can play with the people they love and often they did not realise accessible games existed at all. Theyre benefiting from this build up of annotated recommendations, not for the grades themselves but for the discussion around each grade. They see As and Bs in the masterlist and dig deeper, then make their own decisions. They use our recommender to short-list games and then see which they fancy. The tools weve written are used by schools, libraries, universities, advocate groups, charities, gaming stores and gaming clubs. In that respect, the investigation cant ever be done. The more data points we add, the more effectively we link people up with great games that they can play.

The thing is that Im not getting research data out of Meeple Like Us anymore. Or, perhaps more accurately, Im not getting the amount of research data Id need to justify the time that goes into it. I could swap gears and do something different and get a much richer, more publishable stream of information  either something new or within the topic of board game accessibility. There are much better ways available to me now to create publishable units of work for journals and conferences. Research output is no longer a driving incentive for the site. It just doesnt serve that purpose any more. It did, and well, but no longer.

I still enjoy doing the site though, and people seem to think the work is valuable. The obvious question that emerges then is Do people find it valuable enough for me to justify the time I sink into it, when that time could profitably be spent elsewhere? In basic Capitalist terms  can this site survive as a (heavily subsidised) funded endeavour?

Thus, Patreon  Im looking to see if the financials of this project can ever reach the point where it merits the operation and opportunity costs of the work. So far, the answer is no but theres time for that to change.

Operational Costs

We dont operate a tight ship on Meeple Like Us. We can function with a smaller percentage of what we spend on almost everything. We pay for ads every post, for example. We have a web hosting package considerably more sophisticated than we need for this specific site. We could very easily tighten our belts, but given this is a labour of love theres a point where you need to ask yourself why the belt-tightening is even necessary.

Our monthly expenses break down into following core expenses, averaged out:

Facebook Ads  60 p.m

WordPress  Jetpack  3 p.m

Content Delivery Network  7 p.m

Web hosting  15 p.m

Instantly 85 a month goes towards regular activities. Of these the advertising figure is perhaps the most eye-opening but the simple fact is Facebook is an awful company and they charge you for access to the audience you have built. Of our 1250ish Facebook subscribers, if we dont serve an ad for those that have liked the page only 100-200 of them will see any new post we publish. Assume around 5 a post to make sure that the people who have chosen to see our updates can actually see our updates. If I sound ridiculously bitter about that, its just because Im ridiculously bitter about it. This is why I keep telling people that if they cant support us on Patreon they will genuinely be worth their weight in gold if they boost our signal on social media and Reddit. A single Reddit post that doesnt get aggressively downvoted will send more traffic our way than any six Facebook ads we run.

We also spend some of the Patreon money on games for review. We can probably request review copies of most things at this point but I always feel somewhat beholden there. If I request a review copy, Im obligating myself to a review. I also try to operate on a policy where I wont request a review copy of a game Id otherwise buy myself. I try to ensure a clear break between review copies and games I want for my library. When the overlap comes in, its after the fact. If my primary interest in a game is that I want to play it, it seems only appropriate that I actually buy it.

In terms of game and supporting component purchasing, it breaks down to another 30 a month. Thats both physical games and apps. I sometimes use apps to explore games at inconvenient player-counts or just to work out whether the physical game might be worth attention.

On top of that we have convention costs  Over the past ten months weve been to two  the Glasgow Games Festival and Tabletop Scotland. We also went to UKGE last year but that was paid for by my employer because we were giving the equivalent of a research seminar. Convention costs, averaged out over the ten months, is another 30.

There are other things that need to be taken into account  banking fees, registering with Companies House, branded T-shirts, occasionally foreign currency fees and so on. They add on a bit but theyre also erratic and irregular so well discount them for now.

With these were at 145 a month, although if we needed to pare operations to the bone we could probably get away with considerably less. If we were happy with nobody reading anything we do, and relying on publishers for new games, we could probably get ongoing monthly expenses down to maybe 40 or so a month. We could cut down web hosting, and remove the software that we have written that takes advantage of the hosting capabilities that we have. We could let the site lag or crash rather than pay for a content delivery network. We dont though. the expenses we pay are what we think is needed to operate the site at a convenient level of impact and flexibility.

Total in American Silver Dollars  $188 p.m at time of writing.

Even this is lower than it might otherwise be because of our ongoing Depth Year and a question mark over whether were attending UKGE this year. The figure would be closer to 195 ($250) otherwise. Im also going to discount the money that we are pledging to other creators, which I aim to be approximately 10% of what we are receiving. Thats not really a business expense. Its a pay it forward expense.

Notice here that not one penny is spent on actually funding someone to do the work, because at the moment thats just not paid for at all. The best I can say is that these expenses sort of pay for my hobby, except I dont ever need to spend another penny to continue enjoying gaming for the rest of my days. I have hundreds of games. Im over forty years old now. How many more days can I realistically have anyway?

Income

The income we get is broken down into a few categories:

Patreon Personal funding from myself Consultancy (I wont disclose the figure but not very much) Amazon Affiliate funding

By far the largest chunk of this money is Patreon. For most of our time operating a Patreon its been under the privacy system  you could see how many patrons we had but not how much money we were bringing in. Graphtreon comically estimated that we might be making as much as $800 a month from the site, which just goes to show how much you should trust averages. Before I get into figures, I want to show you the graph of our Patreon income from when we started and when we opened up the info. All Graphtreon can do with that is say This is how much it was then and this is how much it is now and then draw a line between them. Ideally, that line would skew upwards.

See that long line where nothing changes? Thats because we went eight months without improving from our position early on in the year. Or rather, by improving in some measures and degrading in others. We were very, very fortunate to receive an extremely generous pledge of $100 p.m. early on from Totalbiscuit, but he then sadly passed away. As such, our early performance was an aberration and the rest of 2018 was spent ever so slowly making up lost ground.

The spike at January 2019 was when we opened up our pledge information and also redesigned our tiers. Thats been successful, sort of, but I dont really want it to ever feel like were trying to bilk ever increasing pledges out of our already generous patrons. Ive said many times that Id prefer 75 patrons that pledged a dollar to 10 patrons that pledged $10. It feels more proportionate, it shows greater public support, and its also considerably more robust. Every large pledge is an anxiety because of the impact it has on the bottom line of a small site like ours- a dropped $10 pledge has percentage points of ramifications. Pledges go away all the time  we have many more patrons now than when we began but comparatively few that have been with from the start. New pledges are the life-blood of a project because theyre helping deal with the attrition rate of a subscription model. In retrospect, I probably would prefer to do year on year pledge drives via Kickstarter. If Patreon never gets to the point it justifies the existence of the site I will cancel all pledges and try one last ditch effort with crowdfunding. At least that way a failed campaign gives me a definite point where I can say Fine, were done.

Anyway, over the past ten months our average Patreon monthly income has been 178. In 2018 we pulled in $2138.89 from Patreon, which seems like a lot until you compare it against the expenses. Basically with Patreon alone we have about 30 a month that we havent already spent on site activities.

Thats not the only source of income we have though, but the others are pretty small in comparison. I directly transfer approximately 20 a month of my own money into Meeple Like Us  basically Im one of our more generous patrons myself, although I dont do it through Patreon. We also occasionally get some affiliate money from Amazon, but that only comes to perhaps 10 a month if were lucky. Consultancy brings in even less than either of those income streams but Im hoping that will change as time goes on.

The total of our income then is around 215 ($277.58) a month although at the moment Im actually paying money to work on Meeple Like Us so realistically its 195. Occasionally we get little bonuses like free Facebook credits and so on but it doesnt really make a difference to the bottom line.

Monthly Surplus

All that means that every month we have a profit of 70 ($90), but the actual figure is a little bleaker. Take away my personal support and its down to 50. If we were to go to UKGE this year it would go down to well, judging by last years expenses it would go down to about -10. Remove the Depth Year that is forever pushing our expenditure lower and its probably closer to -25 or more.

In other words, the difference between being in surplus and losing money is whether or not we go to UKGE and thats an incredibly precarious position to be in. Currently we have a balance of 363 in the Meeple Like Us account and thats already pretty much been spent on future expenses. It doesnt take into account UKGE at all.

Now, this isnt a sob story  after all, all of this money used to come directly out of my own pocket so its not like I havent personally benefited from running a Patreon. But the thing is  if I stopped running Meeple Like Us Id personally be better off and would have more time to play games. I wouldnt lose access to an important research project because its already accomplished what I wanted. From this point on, the value of Meeple Like Us becomes whatever the community assigns it.

The Rise and Fall of Patreon Patrons

Weve done very well in increasing the number of Patrons backing us, and honestly while that hasnt been mirrored by an increase in income it has come with a decrease in anxiety. By one important metric, simple number of patrons is a very valuable sign of visible support. I definitely dont underestimate the value that comes from knowing a certain number of people think the site is worth money when theyve got no real reason to give it. Im not convinced of the 1000 True Fans idea, but its always good to know that you have people out there that value your efforts.

The problem though is that you always need to bear in mind that any patron is temporary. No matter how much they might like your work and support your efforts, everyone has their own life situation they need to manage. Sometimes financial circumstances change. Sometimes people think Thats enough after pledging for a while. Sometimes its always intended to be a short-term thing. Patreon reports the number and value of pledges but it doesnt do anything to reflect the intensity of support. Nobody pledges you their sword or axe here and you need to make space in your mind for losing people as time goes by. The trajectory of a Patreon account is not always upwards.

The chart above shows our pledge growth from day one until the time of writing. You can see we started off very well, but every month theres always a decay in pledges. Sometimes that decay outstrips the growth, and thats where the real problems arise for sustainability. You cant just look at the total pledges  you need to look at the direction of momentum. Some months have been very good for us in terms of pledge growth. Some have been terrible in terms of pledge decay. Too many of those in a row can knock the wind out of your sails and thats certainly how I was feeling towards the end of December. October had been a bad month, November hadnt been great, and then December came with its own problems. Remember, each pledge thats there isnt a guarantee  you cant ever be satisfied with where you are in Patreon, you always need to be thinking about the growth needed to offset the future losses. We had a good January, but so far February has been a story, once again, of losing ground.

The table above puts that graph into specifics. Notice how in October we only lost one patron overall, but still dropped $14 a month. Thats because some of the larger pledges we had were decreased. We got new patrons, but not at the rate needed to maintain equilibrium. December left us with the same number of pledges with which we started, but again  the new pledges we got didnt offset the ones that left. That more than anything else is why our private Patreon gave a misleading impression  patron numbers trended generally upwards but Patreon income was still erratic. We hit a high back in September 2018 but we havent yet made up the lost ground. If every month was like June or July of 2018 Id have absolutely no worries about the long term funding profile of the site  all that would be required would be patience. Even if every month was November 2018 it would argue for slow and steady. Unfortunately its more often a case of one step forward, two steps back in a weird foxtrot where sometimes were ahead and sometimes were behind.

Patreon tells creators when a pledge is reduced, but it never tells us when a pledge is deleted. That is a bizarre design choice. It basically means you can never be sure where you are  you could have had a massive waterfall of deleted pledges in the night and be none the wiser until you check. Its not like Twitter where it never tells you who unfollowed you. You can see pretty easily from your creator dashboard which pledges are deleted. You just dont get told when it happens. I never contact anyone who drops a pledge  it feels a bit too manipulative. I appreciate every penny as long as people can spare it and I certainly dont want anyone to feel guilted into giving anything more than they already have. Generally what I rely on instead are responses to the exit survey, and they tell a reasonable and predictable story  people have their own financial worries and they absolutely should focus on themselves first. Heres how my exit survey looks over the course of the last ten months  parts that are blacked out are just to hide personal comments people left.

The problem for me as a creator is that I cant do much about anyone elses financial situation and that means My financial situation changed comes with a sense of helplessness. Theres nothing that I can do to fix whatever issue is at the root of it  its not related to the site (although I assume occasionally that reason is chosen mostly out of politeness). Similarly with those unhappy at Patreon  theres not much I can do about that and I suspect that particular reason is going to become more popular as time goes by. For a few of the some other reason ones I can make an educated guess. Pledge decay is outside your control and pledge growth is difficult to sustain. All of that needs to be factored in to your decisions when it comes to what youre hoping to get out of the service. A lot of the time youre going to see yourself falling backwards, at least in my personal experience. You need to be prepared for some months to hit you hard.

The Tipping Point(s)

I have two specific things in mind for the continuation of Meeple Like Us. The first is a funding goal  $500 p.m. The second is a date  6th of April, 2020. If I hit that funding goal by that date (our fourth birthday) then Ill be happy to commit to the site indefinitely. As long as people think its worth that level of funding, I think its worth my investment of time. Mentally I carve off $250 p.m. as expenses  thats the point where money stops disappearing into simply sustaining what we already have. Past $250 p.m. it starts to become payment for work done  to me, sure, but also potentially to other people.

A conservative estimation of how time I spend on Meeple Like Us would be around 15-20 hours a week. That includes writing posts, site administration, backend sysadmin stuff, handling social media, and playing games for the purposes of the site. Our monthly output is at least the following:

Four reviews per month

Four teardowns per month

Two editorials or special features per month (of which this is one)

One depth year diary per month

One Patreon roundup per month

One media roundup per month

Often there is more  software and special features and the like. A month will have at least that in terms of posts for the blog. Thats thirteen posts, each of which is going to be a good 2000 words or so. Word count is not a great way of determining value (even I know that) but its a good metric for working out how much people are rewarded for effort. $250 for 26000 words would be less than a penny per word. Thats considerably less than any freelancer should expect. It would be $20 per article, which is a rate nobody should ever accept for paid work. Im absolutely not doing this to make a profit from the site. I say this occasionally but for some freelance work I have done I was paid upwards of 150 an hour. If it was about the money, Id give up the site and just spend a couple of hours a month doing more stuff like that.

The tipping point here is mainly  do I believe this community values the work, with reference to how much they value other creators seeking community funding. Are we willing, as a community, to ensure that people are minimally rewarded for work that is of a communal good? Not rewarded to the levels they may think the work warrants, but simply enough to fund someone at a bargain basement rate to produce unique content? I understand that Patreon is not a great benchmark for that  the monthly subscription model is psychologically pungent. However, its the one Im using and the penny per word rate Im seeking seems suitably modest a goal under the circumstances.

If the answer is no for Meeple Like Us I can make my peace with that. I can move on knowing that Ive done the best job I can do with the resources available. This is a personal project that has given me considerable joy but that doesnt mean Im shackled to it forever. I hope the answer will be yes but Ive already pretty much resigned myself to the fact it wont be. I hope to be proven wrong, but Im not expecting it.

Conclusion

Were actually doing relatively well for a written blog, but numbers by themselves can be deceptive. Weve spoken in the past about the psychological costs of opening a Patreon but what would have been worth its weight in gold would be a realistic view on what you actually get out of starting one up. As a working-class middle-aged man from Britain, talking about money is often considered somewhat gauche. Attaching monetary value to pro-social projects is often considered tasteless. Opening up your wallet to show the moths flying from it is considered undignified.

All I can say is, I wish this post had existed when I started our Patreon, and Im hoping someone will find their plans improved and their expectations refined by the fact the post exists now. Let me know either way!

Maybe youre not a creator yourself. Maybe though you find value in the work that others, not necessarily Meeple Like Us, are doing in and around the hobby. Perhaps you might consider whether you can reasonably offer some support so that people can keep on doing the work of exploring, and critiquing, and analysing the world of tabletop gaming. Nobody should feel compelled to support a creator at the expense of their own quality of life, God no. Look though at the number of pledges even a mediocre Kickstarter gets within minutes, from people that likely will never even play the thing when it arrives. Our hobbyist media on the other hand is mostly funded by creator enthusiasm  not by choice, but because its sometimes the only currency thats available. Love can only go so far though. Kissing dont last, as George Meredith said. At some point you need something more tangible to keep you going. If thats not forthcoming, you need to consider whether what you do had the value you hope it does and thus whether its worth your own time and effort to sustain.
MBABANE  It is not over! The fight over the cancellation of a contract between Timber Product Management Services Propreriatary Limited and Swaziland National Trust Commission (SNTC) is far from over.



Timber Product Management Services Proprietary Limited has again instituted legal proceedings after the arbitrator ruled in favour of SNTC.

The arbitrator was senior lawyer Zweli Jele, who found that SNTC was entitled to conclude that the cancellation had been accepted.

Jele has been cited as the second respondent in the matter.



Review



The company wants the court to review and set aside Jeles decision, handed down on December 19, 2018.

The genesis of the matter is that on or about June 26, 2006 SNTC and the applicant (Timber Product Management Services Proprietary Limited entered into an agreement.



According to the applicant, the material terms of the agreement were that; SNTC would sell to the company certain gum trees situated at Mantenga Nature Reserve growing on an area measuring a total area of 146 hectares.

In consideration of the sale of the gum trees by the respondent (SNTC) to the applicant, the latter would pay to the respondent an amount of E370 000. It was also alleged the terms of the agreement were that the applicant would commence felling the trees within 60 days of signature of the agreement.

These are allegations contained in an affidavit whose veracity is still to be tested in court and SNTC is yet to file its papers in the event it is opposing the application.



Agreement



According to the purported agreement annexed to the court papers, the company was to begin an operation that was, felling the trees, after furnishing respondent with an approved Environmental Assessment and Environmental Certificate or a notice to issue an Environmental Certificate from the Eswatini Environmental Authority.



The balance of the purchase price was reportedly to be settled by instalments of E40 000 at four month intervals.

Other terms of the agreement were that; applicant was to pay a deposit of 50 per cent of the purchase prices and that the final payment was to be made upon the harvesting and transportation.



Paid



The applicant submitted that it paid SNTC an amount of E150 00 as deposit as envisaged in the agreement. According to the applicant, although this was not 50 per cent of the purchase price, SNTC accepted it.



According to the Director of the company, Sandile Sibeko, the applicant was unable to begin felling the trees in terms of the agreement on account of the fact that the Eswatini Environmental Authority had not issued the Environmental Assessment and Environmental Compliance Certificate.



Issued



Sibeko asserted that the certificates were eventually issued by the authority on October 12, 2006 way after the 60-day period had lapsed.

This is an eventuality that neither of the parties had anticipated. Further to this, when the certificates were eventually issued by the Eswatini Environmental Authority, the rainy season had resumed making it untenable for the applicant to begin operations.



He averred that none of these facts rendered the agreement between the parties invalid.

He submitted that when his company wanted to begin the operations in terms of the agreement, SNTC allegedly prevented them from doing so and sought to re-negotiate the terms of the agreement.



The director pointed out that his company refused to renegotiate the agreement but insisted that the agreement be performed.

Sibeko informed the court that SNTC allegedly sought to resile from the agreement by attempting to reimburse the deposit paid by the company.
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Salem, MO (65560)

Today

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely. Rainfall will be locally heavy at times. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
James Jim Skura turned musical talent into a long career.

After winning awards for his saxophone playing as a high schooler, he earned a degree in music education and eventually served as band director in the Southgate Community School District for more than 30 years.

Mr. Skura, who also spent 16 years as the conductor of the Downriver Community Band, died Feb. 5, 2019, at the age of 76.

Russell Schafer, one of his former students, remembered him as an engaging teacher who liked to have fun.

He enjoyed goofing around just like any other person, but he was always encouraging kids to practice, Schafer said. He gave me a real appreciation of music growing up. To this day, I can still play the fight song without the sheet music.

After Schafer graduated from high school, he stayed in touch with Mr. Skura, joining the Downriver Community Band once Mr. Skura became conductor.

I bought my first horn after saving up money delivering newspapers for The News-Herald, he said. When I started practicing with the Downriver Community Band years later, I had the same horn. Every time Jim had a gig to play, hed give me a call, Id grab my horn and away we went.

When Mr. Skura joined the Downriver Community Band in 1994, he had just retired from Southgate Community Schools. Of the decision, he told The News-Herald in 2010: I wasnt interested at first, but they convinced me to come to a rehearsal, and one thing led to another.

He ended up staying for 16 years.

He was a master editor of music literature that always put the band in the best position for greatness, said Chris French, president of the Downriver Community Band. Many of our members were conducted by him in school. Thats really where he made an impact.

French said Mr. Skuras school bands were the preeminent bands in the Downriver area and the envy of contemporaries.

He went to state festivals and competition and almost always received superior ratings, French said. At one time, I think he had 300 students in his band program. Thats an unheard of number in todays world. He taught a lot of people.

The Downriver Community Band will honor Mr. Skura at its 30th anniversary concert, scheduled for April 7 at the Flat Rock Community High School auditorium, 25600 Seneca St. The concert will run from 3 to 5 p.m.

Voran Funeral Home, 23750 Goddard Road, Taylor, will hold a visitation for Mr. Skura from 1 to 8 p.m. March 3. Christ The King Lutheran Church, 15600 Trenton Road in Southgate, will then hold a memorial service at 11 a.m. March 4.
Taylor Schools is set to host a community open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27, according to a post by Karl Ziomek, the Director of Community Relations for the City of Taylor on Talking Taylor Schools, which is the official blog of the Taylor School District.

Entitled Taylor Schools Extravaganza, the event will showcase Taylor Schools at Taylor High School and include musical performances and a light dinner.

The event will also feature Make and Take Math Games, Virtual Reality, Reading Activities , STEAM Activities, Makerspace materials.

It will also highlight the Schools technology.

The post was shared out on several city Facebook pages, including the City of Taylor, Good to Great Neighborhood Program, City of Taylor and the Taylor Police Department, as well as Ziomeks own page.

For more information, visit talkingtaylorschools.blogspot.com.
Elizabethtown, KY (42701)

Today

A few clouds. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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here

protestors taking on London Fashion week here.

The protests, which took place in London and Belfast, amongst other locations, saw students demand the Government declare a climate emergency and take active steps to tackle the problem. Their message was largely conveyed via placards and signs  here are 12 of the most powerful from the thousands of protesters who took part.
The Influencer industry has come under fire recently, with the comment pages on YouTube filled with criticism about wastefulness and encouragement of fast fashion. But in a world fuelled by fast fashion, can we really blame influencers for this problem?

The big players in the fashion industry are made up almost entirely of men - Sir Philip Green (Arcadia), Pablo Isla (Inditex), Karl-Johnan Persson (H&M), Nitin Passi (Missguided) and Umar Kamani (Pretty Little Thing) to name but a few. So why are we excusing them for the blame of contributing to a world-wide problem, and instead of passing it onto a community of (mostly) women who are just making a living from sharing their love of clothes?

Pictured: Zoe Sugg, who has over 11 million YouTube subscribers. Image Credit: Gage Skidmore on Flickr

YouTube is awash with hauls where influencers show off what they have been buying (or been gifted) recently. In a way that differs from traditional media, these influencers show their audiences what the clothes look like on without any prior styling (or clips to make them more flattering) they are often un-retouched and totally off the cuff, which gives consumers a real insight into the products.

Unlike magazines, these influencers will also discuss the products that they dont like. The ones that dont fit well or arent true to size. This is great for consumers as they can be more educated before going online (or into the store) and spending their well-earned money.

But is this trend of hauling just another way of promoting fast fashion? Are these influencers really to blame for the effects of fashion on the environment?

In a post on her blog entitled Fashion Haulers v Sustainability blogger and YouTuber Samantha Maria wrote: This is a confusing place to find yourself in as a Youtuber. Here we are, we have built our platforms and our followings after years of sharing our personal style, what's new in our wardrobes & showing you how to make items work - after being asked multiple times for this content. No party in this exchange has had bad intentions. It helps to see that jumper you've had your eye on styled by someone with the same body-type as you or the same height as you. You are happy as a creator that you're having such great feedback to your videos and that you can make content that you and your audience really enjoy. 10 years later we find ourselves in a spiralling vortex of eco-guilt.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAMMI MARIA (@samanthamariaofficial) on Feb 11, 2019 at 11:23am PST

As Samantha explains, these hauls are heavily requested by the audience, there is a huge demand and as this is their job why would they not respond to their audience?

Essentially with or without influencer culture, we as a society are always going to shop in this fast fashion shops. Did you stop shopping in Primark after their factory in Bangladesh collapsed and killed thousands of their workers? I can guess that the answer is no. You shouldnt be made to feel guilty and neither should these influencers.

When they do shop from more sustainable and often more expensive brands, they are criticised for being out of touch, and un-relatable. Their audiences want to see affordable clothing, and with affordability often comes issues.

They are just doing their job, and many of them have families to support. You wouldnt criticise someone working in Topshop for utilising their staff discount and posting a cute Instagram picture online, so why is it any different? Yes, they have big audiences, but that is the decision of the followers. They are not forcing you to follow them, theres no contract, no fee  if you dont agree with hauls, which are a fundamental part of their jobs, then the unfollow/unsubscribe button is right there.

Influencers are an easy group of people to blame because nobody really understands their jobs. Recently the BBC broadcast a Panorama episode discussing the effects of influencer marketing and how essentially these people are to blame for the rise for a whole multitude of problems. This, again, shows how influencers are being used as a scapegoat for a much bigger problem.

Zoe Sugg, the YouTube star behind Zoella, has over 11 million subscribers. Despite not uploading a video on her main channel in over 7 months, she has still been exposed to more criticism than any male influencer Ive ever seen, purely because shes successful. When will this trend of needing to drag women down end?

Maybe next time you think about passing the blame, why not go to the sources of the problem? The people who are profiting off of the exploitation of women in factories. Those who are contributing to a detrimental impact on the environment. They are the ones whose products arrive wrapped in tonnes of plastic, whose cute pink packaging goes straight in the bin because it cant be recycled. Why not challenge them instead of women who are just doing their job?
Along with Swaroksi, BAFTA brought together all of the nominees in the best costume designer category to talk about their craft, the films they have been working on, and any other fashion-related on set secrets.

From left: Julian Day, Sandy Powell, Alexandra Byrne, Mary Zophres and Rhianna Dhillon. Image Credit: Ruby Naldrett

On

colour

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jewellery

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Image Credit: David Holt on Flickr





Mayors and council leaders joined Khan,and Unicef, to propose a 1.5 billion investment towards reducing CO2 produced by diesel and petrol emissions.is a network of local government leaders who in 2018 pledged to shift their communities to 100% green power sources by 2050. This means switching to sustainable sources which create little pollution like solar, wind and geothermal power.Khan's proposed investment would fund businesses upgrading their vehicles to cleaner models and launch low emission bus zones nationwide. Tougher and legally binding(WHO) limits on air pollution would also be enforced. Mayors representing 20 million people presented this plan to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Health Secretary Matthew Hancock and Chief Executive of NHS England Simon Stevens. They were joined by school children who helped highlight the effects of air pollution on schools in urban areas. Gove promised he would sign the pledges according to director of the cities network UK100 and former BBC journalist Polly Billington. Ms. Billington said, UK100 are delighted that city leaders and mayors representing 20 million people across the length and breadth of the country have...signed up to the worlds most ambitious plans for clean air legislation. She added, air pollution is a national health crisis.

Image Credit: Garry Knight on Flickr

Although the government has pledged to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, clean air campaigners have argued that this is not enough.

It was recently revealed that air pollution causes tens of thousands of premature deaths in the UK every year, according to a 2019

In the Paris Agreement 2015, 195 countries agreed to keep global average temperature well below 2C above pre-industrial levels.

However, it has been widely recognised since then that nations like the UK will have to invest in much more ambitious environmental policies if they want to achieve this aim.

Hopefully, yesterday's actions are a step in the right direction.

Lead Image: Financial Tribune
Protesters called for the British Fashion Council to declare climate emergency on the biggest day of London Fashion Week.

Hundreds of climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) peacefully formed roadblocks in front of fashion events yesterday.

#LFW models join #ExtinctionRebellion to tell the truth about the climate and ecological crises. pic.twitter.com/rvXtdlxIFB  Extinction Rebellion (@ExtinctionR) February 17, 2019

The protest was held in response to the British Fashion Councils failure to respond to the groups demands for the council to be transparent and use its influential position to tell the truth about climate change.

"We ask the fashion industry, who do you want to listen to, the youth and the future or the words of our current Prime Minister whose Government is criminally neglecting the UK's agreed responsibilities under the Paris agreement in the face of the ecological emergency? Now it is time for the fashion industry to hear the call of the youth."

The fashion industry is said to be the second biggest polluter in the world, after oil, 'generating more greenhouse gas emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined'.

Protest members were urged to dress in black as though they were attending a 'glamorous funeral'. The colour symbolised mourning for the hundreds of natural species and human lives affected by the disastrous impacts and lives lost due to the industry.

The crowd gathered at 12 oclock in front of Temple station.

Let us all take a moment of silence before we begin, said one of the group leaders. For those of you who dont know, fashion is an incredibly toxic industry, the carbon emissions from fashion alone is the same as that of Russia. Let that sink in.

Leaders emphasised the importance of peace, before the crowd split into groups in order to cover four locations surrounding the roads leading to 180 Strand, where fashion shows from major brands were being held.

A young protester held up a sign: Eco Not Ego. / Image Credit: Kezia Victoria Kho

One protester told us: We are horrified by certain aspects of the fashion industry - of consumerism in general, using animals and living beings as resources. We hope these protests will help reshape the trends and culture of fashion".

The Consequences of the Industry

Every day, untreated toxic wastewater from cloth manufacturing is frequently dumped into rivers. Polyester, the most popular fabric used in fashion, also sheds microfibres that add to the increasing levels of plastic in the oceans. As a result, killed around 100,000 marine animals areeach year.

The use of toxic chemicals in agriculture for growing cotton has been shown to have caused the death of a US cotton farmer from a brain tumour, as well as serious birth defects in Indian cotton farmers children.

Read more on the effects of the fast fashion industry

Artist Pam Luca, who attended the protest, told us: The forces of supply and demand [of this industry] are very, very complex, but there are certain companies that are making a start and having a look on how to do better.

Artist Pam Luca // Image Credit: Kezia Victoria Kho

Luca continued: 'Every company now needs to stand up, work together, collaborate and say: 'How do we eradicate the excesses of this industry?' There are various problems, fossil fuels depletion, [ labour ] exploitation of humans, children. There has to be a conscious awakening now. There is money, there is expertise, it is time we sort it out.

Protests such as these are crucial in catching the attention of the government and big companies, putting pressure on them to change their policies. This is one of the most pressing issues of our day, and the time we have left to act is running out.

Read more from the Environment Section

Lead Image: Julia Hawkins via Flickr


Salida, CO (81201)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 52F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming NW and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Scattered thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with more showers at times. Low 52F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming NW and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
This watch was presented to Morgantown native son Don Knotts in 1965 at the end of his fifth season on The Andy Griffith Show.
Meet Sam. Sam is a 9-year-old lab mix rescue and the resident shop dog at Defense In Depth in Sabraton. His favorite treat is chicken.
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Al Drago/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee maintained over the weekend that investigators spent more than two years pursuing a face-to-face interview with Christopher Steele, but remained unsatisfied with written answers to questions regarding the former British agent's controversial dossier about Donald Trump's alleged ties to Russia.

Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and other committee members have "sought an in-person interview with Mr. Steele for 25 months," a Republican committee spokesperson told ABC News.

As weve made clear to Mr. Steele and his attorney, there is no substitute for a face-to-face interview when it comes to answering some of the Committees most pressing questions," the spokesperson said. "We wouldnt be satisfied with written responses from any other key witness, and we are not here, either.

The committee's push to go beyond Steele's written responses and speak to him in person comes on the heels of an interview Burr conducted with CBS News earlier this month in which the GOP senator said the former British agent had refused to cooperate with the congressional inquiry.

Burr said the committee was still interested in Steeles feedback, but that several attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful.

"We've made multiple attempts," he said.

But a lawyer for Steele, who spoke to ABC News on the condition that he not be identified, said the committee didn't require any follow-ups after Steele submitted a comprehensive document of written answers in August.

The Atlantic, citing two anonymous sources, first reported Steele's cooperation via written answers last week.

Steele, a co-founder of the firm Orbis Business Intelligence, has maintained a low public profile since he was outed as the author of a series of memos meant to provide his raw intelligence about Trumps alleged Russia ties to the Washington, D.C.-based Fusion GPS.

The company was conducting research for Trumps political opponents during the 2016 campaign.

For years, Steele had served as an officer for the British Secret Intelligence Service and was the head of its Russia desk. The agency is known informally by its previous name, MI6, and is the British equivalent to the CIA.

Steele has sought to cooperate with the Senate investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 campaign, his lawyer told ABC News.

Its not true that Chris did not engage with the committee, Steeles lawyer said. The committee pronounced itself satisfied with Chriss engagement ... by way of written answers and [they] committed to not seek any further information from Chris.

Steele brokered a formal agreement that had been produced in writing, which the committee accepted, his lawyer said. The existence of that agreement, if revealed by a member or employee of the committee, would violate a strict confidentiality agreement, he added.

The agreement had very explicit confidentiality provisions. They were very explicit and strict provisions, the lawyer said.

A Republican committee spokesperson said Burr has done nothing to reveal the content of Steeles limited responses.

Chairman Burrs comments were accurate and preserved the discretion Mr. Steele requested, the spokesperson said.

To date, the committee has interviewed over 200 witnesses and reviewed more than 300,000 pages of documents, held more than a dozen public hearings, and released two interim reports.

Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.


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Italy's Five Star votes against possible Salvini migrant trial



Rome, Feb 18 (AFP) Feb 18, 2019



Italy's anti-establishment Five Star Movement voted Monday against possibly putting Interior Minister Matteo Salvini on trial for alleged kidnapping after he refused to let migrants disembark from a rescue ship.

Prosecutors in southern Italy want to continue an investigation into Salvini, head of the far-right League party, for alleged abuse of power as well as kidnapping following his decision to hold migrants at sea last year.

The Five Star Movement (M5S) and League have been governing in a populist coalition since June but frequently clash over key electoral pledges, with political watchers warning the partnership risks collapse.

The vote was conducted online, allowing M5S members to say whether they think Salvini should be stripped of parliamentary protection, paving the way for a possible trial. Nearly 60 percent voted in Salvini's favour.

The charges relate to the rescue in August of 190 people by Italy's Diciotti coast guard ship, who were left stuck at sea for five days without permission to dock.

Thirteen migrants with health problems were disembarked on Lampedusa island in Italy's southern tip.

The ship then headed to Catania in Sicily, but was blocked for another five days before the remaining 177 migrants were allowed off.

The permission came only once the interior minister had been assured other European countries would take them in.



- 'This case is different' -



The final word on whether Salvini can keep his protection lies with parliament.

A Senate committee is scheduled to discuss the matter on Tuesday, after which the Senate will vote -- with M5S senators taking the lead from the result of the online poll.

M5S prides itself on its honesty and has long railed against lawmakers who use their parliamentary privilege to avoid trials.

In a bid to stave off a political tsunami, both Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, an M5S sympathiser, and the movement's leader Luigi Di Maio have said Salvini was acting with their full support and would stand trial alongside him.

The M5S official blog told members this case was "different" from those where ministers had tried to get away with "bribes, fraud or rigging the markets", because Salvini was doing his job and "not acting for personal interest".

Salvini, whose League party has soared ahead of the M5S in popularity in the polls, said Sunday he was not worried about the vote because he had "given (his) word" that the government would not fall.
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Toinette Powers, a third-year majoring in international studies, looks at one of the pieces on display at the Politicization and Sexualization of Black Bodies art exhibit. The opening reception was held on Monday, Feb. 11 at the African American Cultural Center Witherspoon Art Gallery, and was hosted by the NC State Women's Center and the African American Cultural Center. The gallery features stories and paintings created by NC State students and staff.
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Critical Race Theory Now those that remain in the Republican Party are all upset that the Critical Race Theory might be revealed through the ...
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It used to be copper cabling that was stolen from local streets, but now daring thieves have turned their attention to taking manhole covers, drain covers and grids in a bid to get extra cash.

Town halls on the western Costa, including Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos, have found hundreds of these metal covers have been forcibly removed recently and members of the public are being asked to keep an eye out for the culprits.

While the thieves can sell for little more than an estimated one euro for every four kilos to unscrupulous scrap metal dealers, replacing each one is costing 200 to 300 euros, by the time the labour cost is taken into account and due to the fact that town halls are now buying more expensive theft-proof versions to replace them.

Although several councils are reporting incidents, Torremolinos has been particularly badly affected. Two hundred of the protective covers on the resort's water and sewage system have disappeared recently.

The council-owned water company says that total costs have reached 80,000 euros, adding that, "this money could be used for public services, cultural events or sport".

Council officials say that usually the thieves choose quiet areas and seem to wrench the grids and covers off by tying them to a car and pulling away at speed. Recently though, say reports, the thefts have been more daring in busier areas.

"It's dangerous for pedestrians but also for cars, motorbikes and bicycles," said officials in Torremolinos.

There's a similar story in neighbouring Benalmadena where Local Police have been put on alert and two weeks ago the local water company had to spend 3,000 euros on replacements.

Local people on the western Costa who spot anybody removing a drain cover or grid, or acting suspiciously, are being urged to call police on 112 and if possible note down the registration number of any vehicle involved.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses or information following an attempted robbery in Bidford-on-Avon.

The incident happened at around 8pm on Friday, 15th February at the Esso Petrol Station on High Street.

A man entered the shop, threatened staff and demanded money before running out of the shop empty handed. He ran off along the Pleck in the direction of the boatyard and is then believed to have gone down an alleyway and onto the High Street. No one was injured.

The man is described as white, in his 20s, and is believed to have been wearing a black puffa jacket with a white hood up and a scarf covering his face. He is also believed to have spoken with an Irish accent, police understand.

Detective sergeant Gavin Lambert from Warwickshire Police said: "Thankfully no one was hurt as a result of this incident but this was a frightening ordeal for staff at the petrol station.

"We are therefore appealing to anyone who may have seen anything or has any information that could help us with our investigation."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting incident number WK-20190215-0399 of 15th February. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
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.
GENEVA [emdash] Funeral services for Carol Henninger, 68, who passed on 6/18/2021 will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at the Fleming-Billman Funeral Home, 323 S. Broadway St. Geneva at 1:00. The family will receive guests from 12:00-1:00.
Arrests in Germany Syrian Torturers Face Justice in Europe

In a first, German authorities have arrested two men accused of being part of the Syrian regime's torture apparatus. Thousands of Syrian residents, and even German citizens, have been caught in Assad's jails, which have been the sites of widespread human rights abuses.
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Gibraltar accuses Spanish warship of 'childish behaviour' in its waters



Gibraltar, Feb 18 (AFP) Feb 18, 2019



Gibraltar on Monday accused Madrid of "childish behaviour" after a Spanish warship ordered commercial vessels to move from British-controlled waters near the tiny territory.

It is the latest in a long string of diplomatic skirmishes over the tiny Mediterranean peninsula which has been governed by Britain since 1713 but is claimed by Spain.

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the incident was "childish behaviour" and an amateurish attempt at bravad which "achieved nothing more than to provoke".

"Actions such as this just create confusion and unnecessary risk to the lives of mariners. That is the nonsense that we are dealing with," he added in a statement.

The skirmish took place on Sunday when the crew of a Spanish navy vessel ordered commercial ships to move from waters which Gibraltar says it controls.

The crew aboard the Spanish ship can be heard ordering boats to "leave Spanish territorial waters" in an audio of the incident obtained by the Gibraltar Chronicle newspaper.

The government of Gibraltar called it an "illegal incursion which aimed to make a political point about the sovereignty of our waters."

Spain, too, claims ownership of the waters around the self-governing territory which measures just 6.8 square kilometres (2.6 square miles) and is home to about 33,000 people.

Tensions over the waters around the Gibraltar, which is strategically placed at the mouth of the Mediterranean, often erupt between Spanish and British vessels.

Britain's looming exit from the European Union on March 29 has raised questions about the continued flow of goods and people along Gibraltar's border with Spain.

A draft divorce deal between London and Brussels -- rejected by British MPs -- sought to defuse any future tensions over Gibraltar when Britain leaves the EU on March 29.
President shakes up Zimbabwe army command



Harare, Feb 18 (AFP) Feb 18, 2019



Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa shifted four top generals into diplomatic jobs Monday, state media reported, in a sign he is asserting control amid rumours of a power struggle in government.

"Major Generals Martin Chedondo, Douglas Nyikayaramba, Anselem N Sanyatwe and Air Vice Marshal Shebba Shumbayawonda are set to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," presidential chief secretary Misheck Sibanda told the state-run Herald newspaper.

The focus of rumours of a power tussle, Mangagwa's deputy Constantino Chiwenga, has not been seen in public in weeks, prompting speculation about his health.

On Saturday, Mnangagwa told a rally that Chiwenga "is not feeling well.

"So that is why he is not with us here. We thought it would be important to officially make this announcement," the state-run Sunday Mail quoted the president as saying.

Chiwenga was in charge when the police and military cracked down on public protests last month following the government's decision to double fuel prices.

Mnangagwa was in Russia courting investors at the time and was compelled to cancel a planned trip to the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) regional analyst Dewa Mahvinga has said there could be "tensions" between the president and his deputy over control of Zimbabwe's economic levers, including fuel prices.

Mnangagwa did not say what Chiwenga was ailing from, or where he was convalescing.
Boko Haram kills two soldiers in NE Nigeria: security sources



Kano, Nigeria, Feb 18 (AFP) Feb 18, 2019



Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and six others injured when Boko Haram jihadists attacked a military post near the Cameroon border, security sources told AFP Monday, days before rescheduled presidental elections.

Fighters loyal to long-time factional leader Abubakar Shekau launched the attack on Sunday evening some 15 kilometres (nearly 10 miles) from the town of Banki.

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari came to power on a pledge to defeat the Islamist militants but despite his repeated claims that they have been weakened to the point of defeat, attacks persist.

His failure to end the violence is again a polling issue as Buhari seeks re-election this weekend.

"We lost two soldiers to Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Alpha Company location..." a military officer in Banki said on condition of anonymity.

"Six soldiers were also injured in the attack," he said. The account was backed by a civilian militia member in the town.

The injured troops were evacuated to a hospital in Mora, across the border in Cameroon.

Banki is 130 kilometres (80 miles) southeast of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, and houses some 45,000 people displaced by the conflict in a sprawling camp.

Boko Haram has launched several attacks in and around Banki, targeting troops and the displaced.

Last month two soldiers were killed and seven civilians injured in an ambush on a convoy of traders under military escort in Chachile village.

Boko Haram has in recent months stepped up attacks against military targets which have been blamed on or claimed by IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

On Saturday, four soldiers and five jihadist fighters were killed when ISWAP fighters attacked a base in the town of Buni Yadi, in nearby Yobe state, the military said.

Five civilians were killed and 11 injured in the crossfire.

The conflict, which began in 2009, has killed more than 27,000 people and left 1.8 million homeless in northeast Nigeria.

The violence has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
Steele County History Center to host 'Where They Once Stood, Finding Your Immigrant Ancestor's Place of Origin' genealogy class
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Madhya Pradesh governments decision to impose draconian National Security Act (NSA) against three persons accused of cow slaughter has shocked many. Many Muslim intellectuals have publicly expressed outrage over the fact that this has been done by a government that came to power with the overwhelming support of the Muslim community.

Many people have said that the imposition of NSA is an extreme step, not just because of the fact that it came during the Congress regime, but also because of the fact that the cow slaughter is yet to be proved. The family members of the three accused have said that they were merely cattle traders and had nothing to do with slaughter of cow or buffalo.

Three people had been arrested and slapped with National Security Act (NSA) in Madhya Pradeshs Khandwa district. The family members of the trio have denied that they were involved in the cow slaughter. If that was not enough, another two people have been detained and booked under NSA in Agar Malwa district of the state. The duo has been detained for allegedly illegal transportation of cattle and disruption of public peace.

Not just the Congress supporters, the Congress leadership has also come out as a rather very confused on the issue. Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot, while speaking at the The Hindu Huddle Conclave said that the Rajasthan government could have handled the cow issue differently. While speaking on the occasion, the Congress leader said, It is fine to protect animals that are sacred and I believe in that too, but I think we could have done a better job by prioritising those issues first and then taken on the cow issue. I think that for Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Kamal Nath is the best person to decide on the issue, but for Rajasthan, this is what I feel.

This is the toughest criticism that has come from within the party against the move. Nonetheless, Sachin Pilot was not the only Congress leader who criticised the move. Several other Congress leaders including P Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh and Salman Khurshid also criticized the move, though in mellowed down tone.

The central leadership of the Congress party has said that it will not unwarrantedly interfere in the functioning of the Madhya Pradesh government. Congress spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala, while echoing the opinion of the top party brass said, Kamal Nathji has categorically said the law will take its own course. Nobody who is innocent will be persecuted or punished in any manner and nobody who is guilty will be sparedHe is experienced and seasoned enough to see if any officer of the police has made any overreach at the instance of somebody who is previously embedded on behalf of the BJP regimeKamal Nathji is also competent enough to see whether the particular offence provides what kind of punishment under the law and I think we should leave it to his seasoned wisdom.

The imposition of the NSA against five Muslims in a state ruled by the Congress party seems to have apparently shocked the Muslim community. Urdu media has come out strongly against the Congress Madhya Pradesh government as well as against the Congress top leadership that they believe came to power riding on the support of the Muslim votes. While this may not be true, as the Muslims make miniscule minority comprising less than seven percent of the population, it is also true that the community overwhelmingly voted for the Congress party.

An edit page article in Urdu daily Inquilab says, the Congress triumph in three states out of the five states where polls were held a few weeks ago, was helped by the wholesome Muslim support. Congress is free to accept or reject this fact. This is an altogether different matter. Nonetheless, the community shouldnt feel insecure in the Congress ruled states and there should be a concerted effort to bring them out of the fear psychosis that seems to have gripped the community in a large part of the country. This is not just the need of the Muslims, but also of the Congress party. It is true that the Congress party cannot win elections on the support of the Muslim community alone. This is also true of other secular organizations. We dont have any disagreement and want the Congress president, Rahul Gandhi, to try to bring the majority community solidly under its influence. We dont really have any objection over Mr Gandhi donning a Hindu image by visiting temples. If he wants to express his association with Sanatan Dharma, it is his pejorative and no Muslim has any objection.

But the Muslim community should be made to realise the fact that there is some real change on the ground following the change of the governance in the state. They should have the sense of security, to travel securely across the country and have faith that they will not be discriminated against and should have assurance that their lives will not be turned miserable in the name of cow protection. Whatever has happened in Khandwah district doesnt give any insight about any positive change taking place on the ground. The Congress shouldnt use the BJP and RSS tactics to win elections. If the Congress makes such mistake, it will have serious repercussions for the grand old party.

While there are people who are criticising the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, there are many others who believe that it is the handiwork of the RSS infested bureaucracy that is still influenced by the 15-year long BJP. They claim that it is going to take some time before the Congress party is able to cleanse the bureaucracy of the RSS elements and according to them it is going to take years.

More columns by Syed Ubaidur Rahman:



Will Dalit-Muslim-Yadav alliance stop BJP juggernaut in UP, Bihar?

BSP-SP alliance minus Congress party is an advantage for BJP

Why VHP's efforts to exploit Ram temple proved a dud this time

Asia Bi and the misuse of blasphemy law in Pakistan

Hashimpura massacre by police Finally, a semblance of justice

Will Owaisi-Ambedkar alliance in Maharashtra benefit the BJP?

Modi with Syedna: PM's Muslim outreach is a lost cause now

Mob lynching in India - The menace is growing
The chief minister was addressing a public rally of the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha Lakhimpur in presence of Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah.

: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday likened the Pulwama terror incident, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Forces personnel were killed, to the "attacks of Mughals".

"The recent Kashmir incident is an Islamist terrorist attack on India. Our brave jawans were martyred and I pay my sincere homage to them.

"... We have to continue the fight against the Mughals even today. The attack of the Mughals is not over yet and the Kashmir incident is a proof of that," Sonowal said.

Forty CRPF jawans were killed and five injured when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a bus carrying the soldiers on Thursday, nearly 20 kilometres outside Srinagar.

The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles in which the CRPF soldiers were heading to the Kashmir Valley.
Matt Anderson/iStock(WASHINGTON) -- A pair of House Democrats are launching a new probe of what they called the complex web of relationships between members of the National Rifle Association and Russian individuals with close ties to the Kremlin.



In a letter members said they were sending to NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre, a copy of which was shared with ABC News, Rep. Ted Lieu of California and Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York expressed concern about the NRAs attempts to distance itself from any formal involvement in a now infamous trip to Moscow undertaken by a group of its high-ranking members.



While the NRAs outside counsel William Brewer told The New York Times that LaPierre was opposed to the trip and even prohibited staff members from joining the delegation out of concern that it would be perceived as officially sanctioned, internal NRA emails and photos posted on social media reviewed by ABC News appear to show the organization was significantly involved in planning it.



Lieu, a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, and Rice, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, suggest that the discrepancy might be evidence of a broader deception and requested a full accounting of any communications, meetings and monetary transactions between the NRA officials and Russia-linked individuals.



We are disturbed by the lack of transparency the NRA has demonstrated surrounding the December 2015 trip to Moscow, wrote Lieu and Rice on Feb. 15. Furthermore, we are concerned that this extends to other allegations that have been made against the organization as it relates to Russia.



Citing what they called the NRAs unusually close relationship with the Trump campaign, as well as its record spending in support of then-candidate Donald Trump, Lieu and Rice ultimately questioned whether the Kremlin might have used the NRA to funnel foreign money into the U.S. election system.



How much money did the NRA receive from Russia or Russia-linked individuals or entities during the 2016 election cycle? the lawmakers asked. Did the NRA use any of that money in their 2016 election campaign contributions?



Its not the first time the NRA will have faced questions about its election spending. After initially telling ABC News the organization had received a single contribution of less than $1,000 from one Russian individual, the NRA later disclosed two dozen additional contributions from Russian donors totaling approximately $2,512.85.



A similar probe is already underway in the Senate, but the Democrats hold the majority in the House, meaning their requests for documents or interviews can be compelled by subpoena -- an authority controlled by the party in power.



Brewer, the NRAs outside counsel, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in response to previous questions, he pointed ABC News to the statement issued to the Times, which highlighted LaPierres concern back in 2015 that the group traveling to Moscow "not be viewed as representing the NRA."



When he became aware of the details of the trip, Wayne was personally opposed to it," Brewer told ABC News through a spokesman. The spokesman also noted that the groups president at the time, Allan Cors, opted not to attend at LaPierres suggestion, and the NRA declined to send staff to Moscow with the group, as they had typically done on officially sponsored travel.



The December 2015 trip, which involved meetings with senior Kremlin officials, has attracted increased scrutiny in the wake of the arrest and guilty plea to conspiracy charges of gun rights activist and alleged Russian agent Maria Butina, who was involved in planning the trip. Her alleged efforts to infiltrate the NRA as part of a covert influence operation in the United States have come to light in court filings by U.S. prosecutors.



Dozens of pages of email correspondence between August 2015 and November 2016, shared with ABC News by a source who asked not to be identified, detail Butinas efforts to organize the summit, which brought high-ranking NRA members and powerful Russian nationals together in Moscow in December 2015, a trip championed by Butinas fledgling gun-rights group Right to Bear Arms.



The American delegation met with Butina and the man described by U.S. officials as her Russian handler, Alexander Torshin, a wealthy politician who at the time was deputy governor of the Russian Central Bank; Dmitry Rogozin, Russias then-deputy prime minister who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2014; and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, a powerful member of Russian President Vladimir Putins inner circle.



This latest probe follows the investigation launched by Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat and the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, who is reportedly preparing a detailed report on the trip. Wyden has already publicly disputed the NRAs attempt to downplay its involvement in organizing the excursion.



Its not credible for the NRA to claim that they played no official role in the 2015 Moscow trip, Wyden told ABC News.



Internal emails obtained by ABC News show that an NRA employee, Nicholas Perrine, worked directly with Butina to coordinate travel arrangements for the trips attendees. A 2016 wedding announcement in Politico identified Perrine as a special assistant to the president of the NRA.



A source familiar with the arrangements told ABC News that the NRA ultimately did pay some travel-related expenses and assisted with coordinating some aspects of the trip, an accommodation to the members who made the trip of their own accord.



An attorney for Butina, who is in jail as she continues to cooperate with investigators under the terms of her plea agreement, declined to comment.



Wyden has declined to discuss the specific information his office has obtained to date but pledged to continue his probe, citing what he characterized as the NRAs changing positions on Russia-related matters.



Certainly that has caused many of my colleagues to want additional information on these issues, Wyden told ABC News. And our investigation is going to continue.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Its well known that Tamil Film Producers Council had issued red card against Vadivelu for delaying the shoot of Imsai Arasan 24am Pulikecei. The comedy actor has now come down and told Tamil Film Producers Council that he is ready to attend the shoot of the film.





Before commencing the shoot, the films producer Shankar and Chimbu Devan will be discussing various other issues with Vadivelu and the representatives of the Tamil Film Producers Council. Meanwhile, reports are emerging out that Yogi Babu has replaced Vadivelu in Imsai Arasan 24am Pulikecei.




New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may impose monetary penalty on Yes Bank for breaching the confidentiality norms of its communications exchange with the private bank which the central bank is said to be treating as a market-related information slip aimed at boosting the stock.

Sources said this calls for penalty as in other regulatory lapses of public sector banks (PSBs) or private banks, similar penalties have been imposed. "Why should Yes Bank not be handed down one as a future deterrent?" a source asked.

Following RBI's order, the bank had to disclose the RBI warning to it and its stock price went down 1.72 per cent to Rs 217.45 on February 15. Yes Bank's stock had soared 31 per cent on February 14 after the bank disclosed the RBI's observation in clearing it of divergence in NPA reporting.

Yes Bank made an exchange between it and the RBI public where it said that the central bank had not found any divergence in its non-performing asset recognition for 2017-18. Soon after its stock soared and it attracted the attention of the apex bank which in a first-of-its-kind criticism told Yes Bank that the risk assessment report was intended to a be a "confidential" document and that disclosures made by the lender was viewed by the regulator as a "deliberate attempt to mislead".

Shriram Subramanian, MD of InGovern, Institutional shareholder Activitism, told IANS that the central bank can impose a fine in this case which may not be a huge amount. In the last one month, RBI has fined several banks over this. This is not so grave a misdemeanour that RBI would cancel the banking licence. It will be just signalling that there is a violation, he said.

Recently RBI imposed a Rs 5 crore penalty on four PSBs -- a penalty of Rs 2 crore on Corporation Bank and Rs 1 crore each on State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Union Bank of India. The monetary penalty on the banks has been imposed for non-compliance with various directions issued by RBI on monitoring of end use of funds, exchange of information with other banks, classification and reporting of frauds, and on restructuring of accounts.

The clearance report from the RBI had come after two years of divergence in bad loan reporting as in FY16, after its first assessment, the RBI found Yes Bank's divergence of bad loans at Rs 4,176.70 crore -- much higher than the reported gross NPA of Rs 748.9 crore during the period. Again, in FY17, the central bank had found the private lender's divergence at Rs 6,355 crore, or three times the reported bad loans.
The suicides of farmers and frequent farmer agitation reflect the structural imbalances in our economy which call for serious in-depth analysis and political will to address them. The jobless growth, together with rural indebtedness and urban chaos have made the aspirational youth of our country more and more restless, he said while addressing the convocation ceremony of a management institute here.

New Delhi: Jobless growth, together with rural indebtedness and urban chaos, has made the aspirational youth of our country more and more restless, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Sunday.

Singh, who has criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for demonetisation and implementation in the past, said that attempts at creating additional job opportunities in the industrial sector have failed as industrial growth is not picking up fast enough.

The small unorganised sectors which were vibrant and contributing to the generation of wealth and employment opportunities have grievously suffered in the wake of the disastrous demonetisation and slip-short introduction and implementation of the GST, he stressed.

Underlining the economic and social challenges before India, the former Prime Minister said, We are living in a fast-changing world. On the one hand, we are getting more and more integrated with the world economy and exposed to the global institutions and market. And on the other hand, there are massive economic and social challenges at home..

While talking about the Indian economy, the former prime minister told management students, You are joining the business world at an important time when India is projected to be one of the world's three or four economies of the world by 2030."
New Delhi: The Finance Ministry will take up the issue of dividend and Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) and easing of SME loan norms by public sector banks banks with the RBI when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address the Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank on Monday in his first meeting after the Interim Budget.

There will be discussions on these three issues with RBI. The Ministry will seek alignment of capital norms with Basel III, informed sources said.

Indian banks as per RBI directions are required to maintain 5.5 per cent Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) as against 4.5 per cent required under the Basel III framework. Currently, the RBI applies stricter norms and not those specified under Basel III for capital adequacy, leading banks to set aside higher capital for loans.

The government has been in favour of alignment of the capital adequacy norms with Basel III norms. This higher capital norms translate into additional capital requirement, restricting lending potential and income generation, the sources said.

Many of the RBI's Indian framework on banking capital regulatory rules are more conservative than the Basel framework. This includes higher minimum capital requirements and risk weightings for certain types of exposures as well as higher minimum capital ratios.

The RBI also applies certain restrictions to banking activities through its prudential framework. This needs to change. If RBI relaxes the norms, around Rs 6 lakh crore of lending can be achieved without any additional requirement for provisioning, said the sources.

With three banks out of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) and two banks set to be out of PCA by default, of the 11 banks six remain the restrictive framework. The government wants the capital norms to be relaxed. RBI may have already tweaked the RoA or return on assets norms which allowed Bank of Maharashtra, Bank of India and Oriental Bank of Commerce to come of PCA framework.

Currently, banks having negative RoA for two-four consecutive years are brought under PCA framework. Under the PCA framework, the regulatory trigger points in terms of three parameters - capital to risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR), net non-performing assets (NPA) which are taken care of through recapitalistaion of banks by the government.

The Finance Ministry wants formal commitment on Rs 28,000 crore interim dividend. If the central board of RBI agrees to pay Rs 28,000 crore as interim dividend, total surplus transfer to the government would be Rs 68,000 crore in the current fiscal. RBI has already paid Rs 40,000 crore.

Last month, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das had said the central bank was yet to take a decision on dividend. So far RBI has not indicated anything but its audit board had taken up the matter recently. The RBI, which follows the July-June fiscal year, has already transferred Rs 40,000 crore in the current fiscal.

In order to enhance bank lending to MSMEs, the Finance Ministry will seek easing certain 'risk-weight' guidelines for lending to MSMEs and align them to globally accepted benchmarks. Globally accepted benchmark of a maximum of 75 per cent risk weight for smaller companies as compared with present 150 per cent risks weight for both rated and unrated MSME loans.
CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle of the government, has started the registration process for PM-SYM covering unorganised sector in the financial inclusion flagship programme of the government.

New Delhi: Informal sector workers will now be able to subscribe to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) scheme and get an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 at 3.13 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country.

The SPV is under the Ministry of Electronics & IT and it will be the nodal agency for the registration process for the scheme covering unorganised sector workers up to 40 years of age making them eligible for a minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after the age of 60 in lieu of contributions made under the scheme, an official statement said.

Dinesh Tyagi, CEO, CSC, was not available for comment.

CSC has a network of over 3.13 lakh CSCs spread across India. Of these, over 2.13 lakh are operating at gram panchayat level. With such a reach, CSC is seen as the perfect partner to ensure that the scheme reaches to all needy people, particularly those living in rural and semi-urban areas.

PM-SYM is being implemented by the Union Labour Ministry and is an ambitious social security scheme conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The scheme was announced in the Interim Budget and is targeted at unorganised sector workers with monthly income of up to Rs 15,000.

Stating that the target is to reach 10 crore workers of the unorganized sector in the next five years, a Labour Ministry official said to begin with CSC e-Governance Services has been roped in for mobilizing and registering beneficiaries across India.

The enrolment will be carried out by all the CSCs. The unorganised workers may visit their nearest CSC along with their Aadhar Card and Savings Bank account passbook/Jandhan account and get registered themselves for the Scheme. The contribution amount for the first month shall be paid in cash for which they will be provided with a receipt.

Sources said CSC has prepared an application for PM-SYM and is also hosting it to ensure that the entire registration process and data collection takes place in a smooth manner. CSC will mobilise and register beneficiaries and also issue cards having unique ID number to all those who register under the scheme. CSC is the exclusive partner of Labour Ministry in implementing the scheme.

CSC, which also works as banking correspondents for several banks in remote, rural locations, will also help those willing to enrol under PM-SYM to open bank accounts at the CSC without going to bank branches.

At a later stage, the Labour Ministry is looking at enrolling people through PM-SYM web portal or can download the mobile app and self-register using Aadhar number/savings bank account/ Jan-Dhan account number on self-certification basis.

The monthly contribution by the worker joining the scheme would be Rs 55, with matching contributions from the government. The contributions would rise at higher age.

The worker joining the scheme at the age of 40 years would contribute Rs 200 while workers at the age of 29 years would pay Rs 100. The scheme would cover unorganised workers who are working or engaged as home-based workers, street vendors, mid-day meal workers, head loaders, brick kiln workers, cobblers, rag pickers, domestic workers, washer men, rickshaw pullers, landless labourers, agricultural workers and construction workers among others.

However, informal workers will not be eligible for the scheme if they are covered under the National Pension Scheme, the Employees' State Insurance Corp Scheme or Employees' Provident Fund Scheme.
Special Judge Arvind Kumar also extended till March 2 interim protection from arrest to Vadra's close aide Manoj Arora till March 2.

New Delhi: A Delhi court on Saturday extended Robert Vadra's interim bail till March 2. Vadra was present at the court for the first time in connection with a money laundering case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The ED told the court Vadra was not cooperating in the investigation.

Defending Vadra, counsel K.T.S. Tulsi said he has visited the ED office thrice and was grilled for 23 hours and 25 minutes.

Special Public Prosecutor D.P. Singh said the ED wanted to interrogate him further in the case.

The court asked Vadra and Arora to join investigation as and when required by the ED.

The prosecutor argued that Vadra was taking to social media and claiming to be a victim, by posting that he was being "harassed".

He said Vadra's visit to the court had attracted a lot of media attention and seemed like a wedding procession (baraat).

The case relates to ownership of undisclosed assets abroad worth 1.9 million pounds, allegedly belonging to Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi, General Secretary of the Congress for Uttar Pradesh East, and brother-in-law of Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

On February 2, the court granted Vadra interim bail till February 16 and asked him to join investigation on February 6.

The ED had lodged a money laundering case against Arora after his role surfaced during an Income Tax Department probe into another case under the new Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

The London property was allegedly bought by Bhandari and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses on renovation.

On December 7, as part of the investigation, the ED conducted searches at a number of premises in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.
The scandals exposed by Australias royal commission into financial services dont appear to have dented New Zealanders trust in banks.

In fact, consumer banking satisfaction went up for three of the big four Australian-owned banks in the latest Roy Morgan Single Source (NZ) survey. And the overall satisfaction with banks rose to 79.1 percent from 78.2 percent a year ago.

ANZ was the only major bank to see its customer satisfaction rating fall - down 1.9 percent to 77.1 percent.

Still, the most trusted banks in New Zealand remain the smaller banks, with the exception of SBS Bank (formerly the Southland Building Society), which is the least trusted bank in the survey. But even SBS, which registered as a bank in 2008, saw its approval rating rise five percentage points to 75.1 percent.

While the finance royal commission in Australia has had a negative impact on bank customer satisfaction in Australia, particularly for the big four, it appears that this has not generally been felt by the Australian banks operating in New Zealand, says Norman Morris, industry communications director at Roy Morgan.

Satisfaction with New Zealand banks is generally positive and improving, as evidenced by the fact that over the last year, eight of the nine largest banks showed increased satisfaction, Morris says.

However, he notes the wide disparity between the highest and lowest performers, and that ASB, ANZ and Westpac are all below the average.

TSB bank was the top rated bank this year, overtaking Kiwibank with a 6.1 percentage point gain to 88.5 percent, while Kiwibanks rating grew just 0.7 points to 84.6 percent.

The Co-operative Bank came in third with its rating rising 3.9 percentage points to 81.7 percent.

Bank of New Zealand, which is owned by National Australia Bank, was the most highly rated of the big four, its satisfaction rating growing 0.8 percentage points to 80.4 percent.

Westpac was the least rated of the four, although its satisfaction score still rose 2.1 percentage points to 76.5 percent.

The Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry has caught Australian financial institutions involved in practices like charging fees to dead people, charging fees when no service was delivered, and lying to regulators.

Yet astonishingly, even now the Australian banks haven't seen their reputations too tarnished.

For example, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which owns ASB Bank, saw its satisfaction rating fall just three percentage points to 77.1 percent. That still leaves it just one percentage point below the ASBs rating in New Zealand.

National Australia Bank, whose managing director Andrew Thorburn and chair Ken Henry both resigned in the wake of the royal commissions final report, has a 75 percent satisfaction rating, down 4.1 percentage points, although thats a good 5.4 percentage points lower than its New Zealand arms rating.

ANZs Australian rating is 74.2 percent, nearly three percentage points lower than in New Zealand.

And Westpacs Australian rating was the lowest at 72 percent, while its New Zealand rating was 75.1 percent.

Despite the political conditions that led to the royal commission, which began in late 2017, Roy Morgan finds that dissatisfaction with banks in Australia is actually considerably lower than it was a couple of decades ago. In 2001, customer dissatisfaction with banks was 18.2 percent, whereas it was just 5.6 percent in December 2018. And that latter figure is only slightly higher than the 4.9 percent it scored before the royal commission started.

The Roy Morgan NZ results come despite damning findings by New Zealands Reserve Bank and Financial Markets Authority, published in early November. The regulators found there are significant weaknesses at our banks in terms of governance and the management of conduct risks.

The two regulators also criticised the banks for lacking proactivity in identifying and remediating conduct issues and risks. However they said that apart from a small number of specific issues, they dont think widespread misconduct or poor culture issues exist across New Zealand banks.

(BusinessDesk)

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The New Zealand dollar slipped from a 13-day high after failing to break above 69 US cents. Trading is relatively muted with US markets closed for the Presidents' Day holiday.

The kiwi fell from as much as 68.93 US cents and was trading at 68.48 cents as at 8am in Wellington from 68.83 cents yesterday. The trade-weighted index decreased to 74.30 from 74.59.

European equity markets were mixed in relatively quiet trading, with Wall Street closed for the holiday. Asian markets had been buoyed on Monday by optimism over last week's US-China trade talks, however, a US Commerce Department recommendation on whether to impose tariffs on auto imports reignited fears over US trade protectionism.

"Headlines that Donald Trump has received advice that auto imports may represent a threat to national security has added fresh uncertainties around the trade protectionism saga," ANZ Bank New Zealand economists Miles Workman and Sandeep Parekh said in a note. "Despite the optimism around US-China trade, the kiwi ran into some headwinds overnight as it tested 69 US cents before consolidating."

No local data is scheduled today, although minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's last policy meeting will be watched. The kiwi declined to 96.03 Australian cents from 96.30 cents yesterday.

The British pound rose 0.3 percent to US$1.2924 per pound after a group of anti-Brexit Labour Party MPs said they would quit their party and sit as independents. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has so far failed to gain support for her transition plan when Britain leaves the European Union.

Bank of New Zealand senior markets strategist Jason Wong said the Labour split reduces the odds of May getting her Brexit deal over the line, and could extend the timing of a possible Brexit.

"The modest positive pound response likely reflects the reduced odds of a socialist Labour Party forming a government should early elections occur," Wong said.

The local currency slipped to 60.56 euro cents from 60.82 cents yesterday and dropped to 75.74 yen from 76.67 yen. It declined to 4.6337 Chinese yuan from 4.6506 yuan yesterday.

(BusinessDesk)

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Saliva test



Since the late 1980s, 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as ecstasy, has been the illicit drug of choice for lovers of dance music. Regularly consumed at music festivals, it is the most widely used synthetic stimulant in Europe, with an estimated 2.1 million young adults taking it in 2015.

Detecting this consumption is far from easy, though, especially if attempting to do so via an easily obtainable biological fluid such as saliva. At the moment, this tends to require conducting an initial test on the saliva sample with an immunoassay, which is not particularly sensitive, and then sending samples that tested positive away to a laboratory for confirmation with a more accurate technique such as liquid chromatography.

But this isnt much use if people are being tested for consumption of ecstasy to determine whether they are safe to drive home after a festival. That requires a test that can provide an immediate, reliable answer, which is what Maria Kulp and her colleagues at Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia have now developed by turning to capillary electrophoresis (CE).

Cotton pads



They chose CE because, compared with liquid chromatography, it is much easier to formulate as a portable, microchip-based device. In this initial study, however, they just focused on developing a CE method that could quickly and reliably detect ecstasy, as well as the related amphetamine-based drugs methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), in saliva.

The method they came up with involves first collecting saliva samples using a commercially-available system known as Salivette, which requires sucking on cotton pads for two minutes. The pads are then spun in a centrifuge, mixed with acetonitrile and centrifuged again, to produce a solution that can be analyzed by CE.

For a separation buffer, Kulp and her colleagues chose a solution of phosphoric acid with a pH of 2.5, because this gives all three drugs a positive charge. They also added triethanolamine to the buffer to prevent the drugs from sticking to the walls of the silica capillary. In order to enhance the sensitivity as far as possible, they decided to combine CE with fluorescence detection, as all three drugs fluoresce when excited with ultraviolet wavelengths. But with a mind on developing a future microchip-based version, they conducted this fluorescent detection with a light-emitting diode (LED).

Music festivals



When they tested their CE method on saliva spiked with the three drugs, they found it could detect them at concentrations as low as 3ng/mL. This is at least 100 times lower than the concentrations usually found in saliva when someone has taken ecstasy, but it helped deal with the fact that the Salivette system only recovered about 40% of the three drugs spiked into saliva. The method was also quick, with the whole process, including saliva collection and analysis, only taking 15 minutes.

As a proper test, Kulp and her colleagues then used their CE method to analyze samples of saliva collected by police officers at Baltic Weekend, an annual music festival in Estonia, in August 2016 and sent back to their laboratory. They were able to detect ecstasy and MDA in many of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 42ng/mL to 7126ng/mL, although they didnt detect any MEA. As an added bonus, however, they were also able to detect cocaine and cocaethylene, which is produced if cocaine and alcohol are consumed together.

Now, Kulp and her colleagues are planning to develop a microchip version of this CE method and start taking it round a few music festivals.

Related Links Talanta, 2019, 197, 390396: "Rapid and sensitive capillary electrophoresis method for the analysis of Ecstasy in an oral fluid"

Article by Jon Evans Read more about Jon and our other columnists >>> The views represented in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

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Press Release

February 18, 2019 Villar vows to prioritize law allowing coconut farmers to benefit from coco levy funds If re-elected, Sen. Cynthia Villar vowed to prioritize again the enactment of a law that will finally allow 3.5 million coconut farmers and their beneficiaries to directly benefit from the P100 billion coconut levy fund. In a recent visit to Laguna, a coconut-producing province, Villar said she is saddened that President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed Senate Bill 1233 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Act, but said she trusts the president's action and expressed willingness to work with him to improve the bill. "Huwag po kayong malungkot. Makakaasa ang mga coconut farmers na as soon as I go back to Congress in July, we will refile the bill," Villar said. "Sisiguraduhin na natin na papasa ito at pipirmahan ng president. Made-delay lang ng one year but we will do it," she added. Villar also enumerated the merits of the bill which will create the coconut levy trust fund and will provide P5 billion a year for the next 25 years for programs that will directly benefit the coconut farmers and their beneficiaries such as scholarship, health and medical programs, empowerment of coconut farmers organization and their cooperatives and farm improvement and shared facilities program to encourage self-sufficiency. This is in addition to the P10 billion funding from the General Appropriations Act which will fund programs for the development of the coconut industry such as infrastructure, planting, replanting and establishment of nurseries, intercropping, shared facilities, research and development, disease control, treatment and eradication, fertilization, new products and derivatives of coconut oil products and credit through LandBank and Development Bank of the Philippines. Villar said this law is a priority bill "because we want to take care of coconut farmers, who, together with rice farmers, make up 90 percent of the farmers in the Philippines." "Kapag napaganda natin ang buhay ng mga coconut farmers and rice farmers, napaganda na natin ang buhay ng nakakarami sa ating mga magsasaka," Villar said.
Sen. Nancy wants an advisory office to prevent scammers from targeting senior citizens

Senator Nancy Binay has filed a bill seeking to shield senior citizens from fraudulent schemes of scammers.

"It is our duty to protect and free senior citizens from abuse and exploitation of any kind," Binay said in filing Senate bill No. 2158 entitled "Seniors Fraud Prevention Act."

In her explanatory note, the senator said it is the duty of the State to care for the elderly through just programs of social security.

In seeking to protect and promote the welfare of senior citizens, Binay said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should be directed to establish an advisory office within the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection to assist and support the department in the prevention of fraud and scams targeting seniors' finances.

The advisory office will help the DTI alert consumers about new scams targeting senior citizens and requiring the establishment of an effective complaints system to ensure that reports of fraud are given immediate action.

The advisory office shall monitor the market for mail, television, internet and telemarketing fraud including recorded message telephone calls or "robocalls" targeting seniors.

It will also be tasked to disseminate to the senior citizens, their families and caregivers the information, including descriptions of the most common fraud schemes, complaints regarding such scams either through telephone or website.

Reported complaints will be made immediately available by the advisory office to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Press Release

February 18, 2019 Legarda: Health Facilities Enhancement Program Funded in 2019 Budget Senator Loren Legarda today said that the Department of Health's (DOH) program to provide quality and affordable health care for Filipinos through the upgrading of health facilities has funding under the 2019 national budget. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, said that the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) has Php15 billion funding for this year. HFEP is the upgrading of health facilities through investments in infrastructure and medical equipment. "We restored the budget for HFEP because we recognize the value of this program in improving people's access to quality health care services. But the DOH should ensure the efficient utilization of funds," said Legarda. The HFEP is among the programs of government that has registered low obligation and disbursement rate throughout the years. During the budget hearings last year, it was revealed that from 2008 to 2018, the HFEP had total appropriations worth Php138 billion but as of June 30, 2018, only Php15.5 billion, or around 11% of the total funds, were actually disbursed. As a result, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) allotted only Php50 million under the 2019 budget intended for the monitoring of previous years' implementation of HFEP and operations of HFEP Central Office implementation unit. The HFEP funding was restored in the Senate version of the 2019 budget and was adopted by the bicameral committee. Aside from the restoration of HFEP budget, Congress also allocated Php4.797 billion to complete the Php7 billion requirement for Human Resource for Health Development and increased allocation for Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) Program. "We have ensured that the 2019 national budget will cover the health care needs of our citizens, especially the poor and marginalized, not only through the actual provision of assistance but also by improving our hospitals and other health care facilities all throughout the country," Legarda concluded.
Press Release

February 18, 2019 Gatchalian: Majority of Filipinos back ROTC revival A Pulse Asia survey shows a majority of Filipinos support the return of the Reserve Officers' Training Course (ROTC) in the country, Senator Win Gatchalian revealed Monday. "According to the Pulse Asia's latest Ulat ng Bayan Survey conducted on December 14-21 last year, 1,440 of 1,800 respondents or 80 percent agree to the implementation of the ROTC either in senior high, in college, or in both. Meanwhile, 270 respondents or 15 percent do not want the program implemented, while the rest have no opinion on the issue," Gatchalian said. The same survey showed that 34 percent want ROTC implemented in both senior high school and college, 28 percent want the program to be implemented only in college, while 18 percent want ROTC only in senior high school, according to the lawmaker. The respondents were asked, "There are proposals to implement ROTC to all students in Senior High School or Grades 11 to 12 and in college. The ROTC or Reserved Officers' Training Corps is a program which aims to teach the youth about discipline and love of country by military training. Which of the following do you favor more regarding this issue?" Gatchalian said he will be holding a public hearing on February 20 to consult stakeholders on their position on the issue. "Mukhang malinaw naman na karamihan ng mga Pilipino ay pabor sa pagbabalik ng ROTC. Makakatulong ito sa character-building at pagdevelop ng disiplina sa ating mga kabataan," he said. Among the guests invited to the hearing are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal and other AFP officials, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Commission on Higher Education chair Prospero de Vera, and University of the Philippines Vanguard Executive Director Robert Coscolluela. Representatives from various groups opposing the return of ROTC will also be invited. Gatchalian was previously designated by the Senate Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture as chairperson of the Senate Subcommittee on ROTC, which is tasked to study the possible re-institutionalization of the program. The senator said he supports the return of ROTC as it was a "powerful means of instilling patriotism and discipline in the Filipino youth." "By instilling in our students a sense of patriotism and discipline, we are also unlocking their potential to become future leaders and training them to become productive members of society," he said. In 2016, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 200 seeking to re-institutionalize ROTC for students in all colleges, universities, and technical or vocational schools. He also filed House Bill No. 2338 seeking the same in 2013 while he was still representative of the first district of Valenzuela City. The House of Representatives, meanwhile, recently approved on second reading a bill requiring ROTC training for senior high school students.
Press Release

February 18, 2019 Sen. JV Ejercito says PRRD's signing into law of cancer measure a heartwarming V-Day 'gift' REELECTIONIST Senator JV Ejercito on Monday expressed gratitude to President Duterte for signing into law the National Integrated Cancer Control Act measure, now Republic Act No. 11215. "Nakakataba ng puso dahil pinirmahan ito ni Presidente noong February 14 mismo, Valentine's Day. I am very thankful for this very heartwarming and very affectionate 'gift' by the President to cancer patients and their families and to the people," he said in a statement. Ejercito, principal author and sponsor of the measure, was also thankful to various civic organizations and stakeholders, like the Cancer Coalition Philippines, for their support while it was still being deliberated in the Senate. "I also would like to extend my gratitude to the various organizations and stakeholders, like the Cancer Coalition Philippines and its member organizations and advocates, for their full and generous support," he said. Ejercito, also author of the Universal Health Care measure, said the law would address the various gaps in the cancer care continuum and integrated solutions. He said it mandates a more focused prevention and integrated cancer program that would improve the survivorship of cancer patients, noting that the dreaded illness is the third leading cause of adult death and fourth in child mortality. The Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates from the Department of Health has revealed an alarming increase in the incidence of cancer, estimating up to 8 deaths per day for childhood cancer and up to 11 new cases and 7 deaths every hour for adult cancer. This computes to a figure of approximately 110,000 new cancer cases and over 66,000 cancer deaths each year.
Press Release

February 18, 2019 UN expert concerned over De Lima's plight A United Nations (UN) expert has expressed concern over the situation of Senator Leila M. de Lima who has been unjustly detained for almost two years now due to trumped-up illegal drug trading charges hurled against her by the Duterte administration. In a Report submitted to the 40th Session of the UN Human Rights Council this Feb. 25 to March 22, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Michel Forst cited De Lima's plight among women human rights defenders under threat in the Philippines. "Women leaders who represent their groups and speak out on issues tend to be targeted for their visibility - not only to silence them but also to discourage broader dissent," the 20-page UN report stated. De Lima, considered as a prisoner of conscience, was cited in the report, along with former Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Filipino journalist Maria Ressa, all of whom have spoken critically of Mr. Duterte's flawed policy on illegal drugs. "She (De Lima) has been held on politically-motivated, non-bailable charges for violating the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002; while in detention, she has been subject to restrictions," the report added. The UN Report also mentioned Sereno who was unprecedentedly and unconstitutionally removed from office last May 2018 due to her strong objection to the Duterte administration's policies on drugs and martial law. "When she (Sereno) refused to resign, he (Duterte) pushed for her impeachment, even ordering Congress to remove her," it pointed out. As chief executive of the news website Rappler, Ressa was also cited in the UN Report for having been charged by the Duterte administration with tax evasion, a move many believed to be political persecution due to her news agency's criticism on Duterte. Last Dec. 18, news reports have quoted Forst's report naming the Philippines as among the countries whose government put human rights defenders and activists under what it called "an alarming and shameful level of harsh reprisals and intimidation." He called on the Philippine government to stop what he called the "public stigmatization, defamation, judicial harassment, arbitrary arrest, and criminalization of defenders" of human rights defenders and activists. Last Aug. 24, the UN Human Rights Council - Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNHRC-WGAD) has also called on the Philippine government to free De Lima from illegal detention and accord her an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, including her reinstatement in the positions from which she was ousted. It has also recommended to the Philippine government to take necessary steps to remedy De Lima's situation without delay and bring it into conformity with relevant international norms set by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The UN panel asked the Philippine government to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding De Lima's arbitrary deprivation of liberty and take appropriate measures against those responsible for violating her right. The UNHRC-WGAD has further referred De Lima's case to (1) UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, (2) the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences and (3) the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers.
Box volumes last year at 14.5m teu is an increase of 5.7% compared to 2017. Transhipment volumes recorded 4.5% year-on-year growth.

A key factor in the increase in 2018 was the growth in numbers of transhipment and full import containers. Container exports developed less strongly, partly due to Chinese import restrictions on waste flows. The shortsea segment suffered from slowdowns in the British and Russian economies, Port of Rotterdam Authority stated.

While container transhipment continued to grow at a healthy pace, that of crude oil, mineral oil products and agribulk fell.

At 469m tonnes, the port of Rotterdams total throughput volume ended up slightly higher in 2018 than in 2017, which was itself a record year at 467.4m tonnes.

The port authority expects throughput volume to increase slightly in 2019, with container sector growth being lower than the exceptional levels seen in previous years, the port authority said.

The authority said it is implementing a both-and strategy aimed at strengthening the existing port industrial complex and embracing new initiatives in the fields of energy transition and digitisation.

Partly because of this, we also expect high investment levels in the years ahead, the port authority said.

The authority also pointed out that its progress in environmental and social contribution has been equally important.

Read more: Rotterdam port to widen green shipping discount from 2019

The Port of Rotterdam Authority is committed to drastically reducing CO2 emissions in order to help achieve the ambitious national climate target, the authority said.

We want to play a pioneering role and make the port an inspiring example of human capital, so that the Rotterdam port and industrial area will still be making a substantial contribution to Dutch prosperity and employment in 2050.

One important initiative highlighted is the Leer Werk Akkoord involving the municipality, educational institutions and the business sector to offer jobs for the long term unemployed in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond region.
Tianjin Intermediate Peoples Court has accepted Shunhangs application for bankruptcy. The court will appoint the administrator to monitor the liquidation process of Shunhang.

Shunhang owned a debt of RMB3.824bn ($565.1m) due at the end of October 2018. The company was unable to pay back the debts as the end of 22 Jan 2019 and had to file for bankruptcy locally.

Tianjin Shunhang, established in 2003, is focused on domestic shipping business. The company had suffered several debt dispute cases in recent years.

Sinotrans & CSC Phoenix warned in its announcement that the bankruptcy of Shunhang will not affect the companys operations in the short term, but will bring the risk of changing its controlling shareholder.
About a third of the normal matter  meaning hydrogen, helium and other elements  created shortly after the Big Bang is not seen in the present-day Universe. One idea is that this missing mass resides in large-scale filaments in the form of warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM). Using a new technique, an international team of astrophysicists from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Konkoly Observatory and Eotvos University has found strong evidence for the hot component of the WHIM based on data from NASAs Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes. The results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

If we find this missing mass, we can solve one of the biggest conundrums in astrophysics, said Dr. Orsolya Kovacs, lead author of the study.

Where did the Universe stash so much of its matter that makes up stuff like stars and planets and us?

Dr. Kovacs and colleagues used Chandra to look for and study filaments of warm gas lying along the path to a quasar, a bright source of X-rays powered by a rapidly growing supermassive black hole.

This quasar, called H1821+643, is located about 3.4 billion light-years from Earth.

If the WHIMs hot gas component is associated with these filaments, some of the X-rays from H1821+643 would be absorbed by that hot gas.

Therefore, the astrophysicists looked for a signature of hot gas imprinted in the quasars X-ray light detected by Chandra.

One of the challenges of this method is that the signal of absorption by the WHIM is weak compared to the total amount of X-rays coming from the quasar. When searching the entire spectrum of X-rays at different wavelengths, it is difficult to distinguish such weak absorption features from random fluctuations.

Dr. Kovacs and co-authors overcame this problem by focusing their search only on certain parts of the X-ray light spectrum, reducing the likelihood of false positives.

They did this by first identifying galaxies near the line of sight to H1821+643 that are located at the same distance from Earth as regions of warm gas detected from ultraviolet data. With this technique they identified 17 possible filaments between the quasar and us, and obtained their distances.

Because of the expansion of the Universe, which stretches out light as it travels, any absorption of X-rays by matter in these filaments will be shifted to redder wavelengths. The amounts of the shifts depend on the known distances to the filament, so the team knew where to search in the spectrum for absorption from the WHIM.

While narrowing their search helped, the scientists also had to overcome the problem of the faintness of the X-ray absorption. So, they boosted the signal by adding spectra together from 17 filaments, turning a 5.5-day-long observation into the equivalent of almost 100 days worth of data.

With this technique they detected oxygen with characteristics suggesting it was in a gas with a temperature of about one million Kelvin.

By extrapolating from these observations of oxygen to the full set of elements, and from the observed region to the local Universe, we can account for the complete amount of missing matter. At least in this particular case, the missing matter had been hiding in the WHIM after all, the researchers said.

We were thrilled that we were able to track down some of this missing matter, said Dr. Randall Smith, also from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

In the future we can apply this same method to other quasar data to confirm that this long-standing mystery has at last been cracked.

_____

Orsolya E. Kovacs et al. 2019. Detection of the Missing Baryons toward the Sightline of H1821+643. ApJ, in press; arXiv: 1812.04625
Sellbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/18/2019 -- The European virtual private network market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 13% in 2017. This growth in the region can be attributed to favorable government initiatives and compliance regulations mandating companies to adopt advanced security measures. The Asia Pacific region is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 20% over the forecast timespan. The widespread digitalization across various industry verticals and the growing number of smartphone owners are driving the growth of the market in the region. The presence of protectionist policies in the region is limiting the growth of the VPN market. For instance, in March 2018, the Chinese government restricted the use of VPN services by foreign providers. Furthermore, it has also instructed the foreign companies to establish a dedicated line for cross-border communication. This is expected to increase the cost of the company's communication infrastructure.



Request for a sample of this research report @

https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2756



Virtual Private Network (VPN) Market size is set to exceed USD 54 billion by 2024. The virtual private network market is propelled by the rising number of advanced and complex cybersecurity threats. Over the last decade, the internet has become a universal platform for conducting business. The cybercriminals are leveraging on the internet to commit thefts and frauds. The mobile devices are also not immune to this trend. The organizations and consumers are looking for products and services to safeguard their transactions conducted through the internet. The VPN provides a safe and cost-effective solution to protect the company networks.



Company profiled in this report based on Business overview, Financial data, Product landscape, Strategic outlook & SWOT analysis:

- Airvpn Di Paolo Brini

- Anchorfree Gmbh

- Anthasoft, S.A. De C.V.

- Array Networks, Inc.

- Avast Software s.r.o

- Blackberry Limited.

- Bufferd Inc.

- Checkpoint

- Cisco Systems, Inc.

- Citrix Systems, Inc.

- Columbitech Ab

- Cryptzone

- Cyber Ghost

- Express VPN, LLC

- Golden Frog, GmbH

- Google, Inc.

- IBM Corporation

- Juniper Networks, Inc.

- Microsoft Corporation

- Mudhook Marketing, Inc.

- NCP engineering GmbH

- NetMotion Software, Inc.

- Nord VPN

- OPENVPN, Inc.

- Opera Software

- Safer Social Ltd.

- Smith Micro Software, Inc.

- TunnelBear, Inc.

- WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

- Windscribe Limited



The explosion of mobile and wireless devices within organizations is driving the virtual private network market. Falling prices and improving internet speeds are driving the adoption of mobile devices across businesses and consumers. The organizations are leveraging on the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to access various business applications from remote locations. Security has become a primary focus for the organizations as increasing number of transactions are carried out through mobile devices. Hence, the VPN technology has become a crucial component across various business verticals.



The remote access market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 17% over the forecast time frame. The growth of the market can be attributed to increasing need for an affordable way of sending secure data to offsite employees. Therefore, remote access topology has been widely implemented across SMEs. The extranet market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14% over the projected timeline. The increasing demand for secure remote access solutions to communicate with external stakeholders, such as customers and business partners, is fostering the growth of the virtual private network market.



The commercial application sector is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 15% over the forecast time period. The commercial segment comprises healthcare, BFSI, IT & Telecom, manufacturing, and government. The increasing adoption of cloud technology and digital recordkeeping in the healthcare industry is changing the way people access data. Thus, the healthcare establishments are embracing VPN technology to protect patient's sensitive information from unauthorized access. The consumer market is expected to register a CAGR of approximately 20% over the projected timeline. The increasing internet penetration and widespread adoption of internet-enabled devices are driving the growth of the virtual private network market.



The IP segment held 25% share in 2017. The virtual private network market is primarily driven by its cost-effective nature. It provides WAN engineers with total control over the company network and allows them to perform any on-the-fly configuration changes to rectify any problems that might arise. The limited quality of services over public internet connections is restricting its adoption across large corporations. The cloud VPN market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 21% during the forecast timeline. The increasing shift toward virtual applications and the surge in demand for cloud services are nurturing the growth of the cloud market. In addition, the rising data concerns are also further adding to the growth of the cloud market.



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The companies operating in the virtual private network market are Airvpn Di Paolo Brini, Anchorfree Gmbh, Anthasoft, S.A. De C.V., Array Networks, Inc., Avast Software s.r.o, Blackberry Limited., Bufferd, Inc., Checkpoint Software Technologies, Cisco Systems, Inc., Citrix Systems, Inc., Columbitech Ab, Cryptzone, Cyber Ghost, Express VPN, LLC, Golden Frog, GmbH, Google, Inc., IBM Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Mudhook Marketing, Inc., NCP Engineering GmbH, NetMotion Software, Inc., OPENVPN, Inc., Opera Software, Safer Social Ltd., Smith Micro Software, Inc., TunnelBear, Inc., WatchGuard Technologies, Inc., and Windscribe Limited. The players working in the market are forming alliances with various VPN providers to strengthen their product portfolio and increase their customer base. For instance, in March 2017, NCP Engineering announced its partnership with Juniper Networks to enable a VPN remote access solution for SRX series firewalls.



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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.
Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- Trade 21 is out on a mission to serve the people engaged in science by providing them with an ever available partner to handle all their supplies requirements. The laboratory products suppliers have made this possible by building an e-commerce store which has seen them break the limitations of clients having to locate a store physically. Consequently, the creation of a robust online presence has seen Trade 21 accomplish its objective which is reaching out to clients not only in Singapore and Asia but across the globe.



Speaking about the backbone of their operations, the Company Spokesperson said, "The high demands of the research sector and laboratories place an ever constant necessity of having quality products to facilitate day-to-day operations. To meet all the requirements for the industry, we draw from the expertise of our management team that has provided a firm professional foundation that enables us to be a one-stop store. We, in turn, make what would have otherwise been a hectic process to one that can be completed in the shortest duration with the assurance of excellent solutions."



The search for 50 ML centrifuge tubes for use in the rigorous process of centrifugation comes to an end at Trade 21. By taking to account all the factors required for the tubes to sustain the high velocities when spun in the machines, the store has exclusively built an inventory comprised of top of the line brands. Trade 21 has further gone the extra mile to give their clients the freedom to have a tailored solution depending on their needs as they have different models of the 50 ml centrifuge tubes.



Talking further on the necessity of always having disposable gloves in a laboratory, the Company Spokesperson said, "For functionality, there are items that any laboratory must never miss as they are required for day to day operations. While this list depends on the line of specialization for the scientists, there are items which cut across the board, and they include disposable gloves. We give you the opportunity to buy nitrile gloves which are specially designed to give you the much-needed protection without the worries on latex allergies."



A simple and efficient way to ensure a laboratory never runs out of disposable gloves in Singapore is to maintain a regular order system. Trade 21 gives their clients a platform that they can maximize on to ensure they never run out of the must-have items for any laboratory or research project. The store stocks both disposable latex and nitrile gloves which their clients can order depending on intended purposes and preferences. Since Trade 21 has a massive capacity bulk orders are never a problem and will be completed and shipped as fast as possible.
Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2019 -- Sandwich panel systems are insulated roofing systems manufactured by combining layers of insulated composite materials with binding agents. The composite material between the layers of metals is of low density and is bonded under high pressure. Sandwich panel systems have the ability to protect the interior from extreme weather conditions, sound and fire hazards. Moreover, the durability, structural integrity, strong insulation properties and light weight of sandwich panel systems make them the preffered solution a number of applications. These systems are easy to install, require no maintenance and are cost effective, which make them a viable option over traditional panels, particularly in certain applications such as cold storage warehouses and rural area construction. Commercial, residential and industrial sectors and cold storage facilities and warehouses are prime end users of sandwich panel systems.



Sandwich Panel System Market: Drivers and Challenges



The growth of the sandwich panel systems market is predominantly driven by the expansion of infrastructural projects in developing economies. Housing recovery and new constructions are estimated to contribute significantly to commercial and residential construction sectors. Also, the need for easy and rapid construction solutions is slated to augment the growth of the sandwich panel systems market over the forecast period.



With consumer inclination towards better integrated building solutions with lower carbon emission and reduced lifetime costs, sandwich panel systems are estimated to witness widespread adoption in the coming years. Further, the market is expected to witness potential demand in rural areas, owing to the cost effectiveness and durable qualities of sandwich panel systems.



Government efforts towards rural development are also expected to contribute towards the growth of the sandwich panels market. Sandwich panel systems offer quite a level of thermal and water insulation. Thus, increasing awareness regarding energy efficient infrastructure and establishment of energy conservation rules by regulatory bodies, coupled with the enhanced thermal performance of these panels via innovation, could create notable opportunities for market players in the global sandwich panel system market over the projected period.



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Sandwich Panel System Market: Segmentation



On the basis of composite type, the global sandwich panel system market has been segmented as:



Glass Wool Sandwich Panel System

Rock Wool Sandwich Panels System

Polyurethane/ Polyisocyanurate Sandwich Panels System

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Sandwich Panels System



On the basis of application, the global sandwich panel system market has been segmented as:



Residential

Commercial

Industrial



Sandwich Panel System Market: Regional Outlook



South East Asia Pacific, China and India are expected to emerge as prominent regions in the sandwich panel system market, owing to the increasing number of large-scale residential as well as industrial infrastructural projects in the region, coupled with the increasing number of government subsidies for rural buildings. Post the recession in North America, the construction industry has been gaining momentum and is expected gain traction and witness positive trends in the coming years, specifically in the residential sector, which in turn is anticipated to drive the market for sandwich panel systems in the region, especially in the United States. The population in Europe is inclined towards the consumption of packaged foods and beverages, which require temperature-controlled infrastructures (warehouses). This has been fueling the unit sale of sandwich panel systems in the region. Thus, prominent players in the sandwich panel system market are strategically expanding their presence in Europe to gain better opportunities and a high market share. For instance, in the first quarter of 2018, Areco Group announced the acquisition of TPE Spirit Oy, a manufacturer of finished sandwich panel systems.



In the Middle East Africa, countries such as Oman, Iraq and Sudan register extremely high temperature areas and a sandwich panel system offers the ideal solution for new constructions. Therefore, the region is estimated to witness above average growth in the sandwich panel system market during the forecast period.



Sandwich Panel System Market: Market Participants



Examples of some of the market participants in the global sandwich panel system market identified across the value chain include:



Sintex

Tata Steel

Areco Group

Multicolor Steels (India) Pvt. Ltd.

NCI Building Systems

Romakowski GmbH & Co. KG

Zhong Jie Group

Manni Group

ArcelorMittal

Hoeschbausysteme GmbH

Assan Panel A.S.

Nucor Building Systems

Kingspan Group

Invespanel

DANA Group of Companies



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Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- According to the new market research report "Low Voltage Protection and Control Market by Product Type (Protection Equipment, Switching Equipment, and Monitoring Devices), End-use (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (Oil & Gas, EV Charging), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Low Voltage Protection and Control Market is projected to reach USD 19.8 billion by 2025 from an estimated USD 13.2 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 5.97%. This growth can be attributed to the increased demand for renewable energy sources, growing per capita consumption of energy, and demand for safe and secure power distribution systems



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The protection equipment segment is expected to hold the largest share of the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market, by product type, during the forecast period.



The protection equipment segment is estimated to dominate the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market in 2018 and is projected to have the largest market share during the forecast period. This is mainly because there is increased global urbanization and growing per capita consumption of energy due to the rising global middle-class, specifically in countries such as China and India, in the Asia Pacific region. Furthermore, these countries also have high renewable energy targets and increased emphasis on energy efficiency which is further expected to contribute to the growth of the protection equipment segment.



Browse and in-depth TOC on "Low Voltage Protection and Control Market"

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The residential segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment of the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market, by end-use, during the forecast period.



The residential segment accounted for the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing solar residential rooftop installation in countries such as China, India, Japan, and Australia, and increasing urbanization in regions such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. Countries such as China and India have the majority of the growing affluent middle-class in the world and this proportion is expected to rise even further in the coming years. This is expected to increase the demand for Low Voltage Protection and Control Market in the forecast years. In addition to this, grid upgrade and transmission and distribution investment in North America and Europe is further contributing to the growth of the residential segment.



Asia Pacific: The leading market for low voltage protection and control.



In this report, the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market has been analyzed with respect to 5 regions, namely, North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is estimated to dominate the global Low Voltage Protection and Control Market in 2018 owing to the development and growth of countries such as China, Japan, Australia, and India, where there is huge requirement for power and infrastructural development due to growing population and urbanization. Other countries in this region are also investing in infrastructure and power generation projects to tackle growing population demands. The growth of Low Voltage Protection and Control Market in this region is also driven by increasing necessity to meet climate change and renewable energy targets. Subsequent rural electrification programs and increasing data center and EV charging infrastructure is further expected to propel the growth of the market in the region.

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To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market. Some of the key players are ABB (Switzerland), Eaton (Ireland), Fuji Electric co. ltd (Japan), Hitachi (Japan), Rockwell Automation (US), Schneider Electric (France), Siemens (Germany), WEG SA (Brazil), Legrand (France), and Emerson Electric Co. (US). The leading players are adopting various strategies to increase their shares in the Low Voltage Protection and Control Market.



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Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2019 -- A floating dock, also known as dry-dock, is a part of a dock system. It has the ability to submerge to a sufficiently adequate depth, which enables cargo or a vessel to coast in and be anchored in position close to the entryway and push out the water. Another benefit of a floating dock is that proprietors do not need to tie up the dock systems at the harbourfront. Instead, they can put it on the floating dock. Floating docks are used for residential, commercial and industrial applications for ferry landings, fuelling cargos, helicopter landing pads and others. Furthermore, they are also used for the repair or maintenance of large cargo tankers, carriers or icebreakers.



Floating Docks Market: Drivers and Challenges



Dock systems, such as floating docks, are important as they benefit in making tasks, such as loading or unloading, repair and maintenance, easier for export and import business. The efficient transportation of goods has always been a topic of concern in the export and import business, which is increasing year-by-year, thereby fuelling the demand for these docks. The to or fro movement of cargo can cause the separation of the cargo from the doc, in which case, these docks help stabilise the cargo or the ship, thus offering the smooth transition of goods or passengers from the ship/cargo to the dock or the shore. In addition, these docs eliminate the necessity of hiring either expensive skilled labour or economical less-qualified manpower, which is likely to result in hampering the quality of port operations. Moreover, these docs offer cost-efficiency as they provide a solution that is safer, offers better performance and can also be considered a good return on investment. With state-of-the-art design features, floating docks are built to last and deliver maximum performance in minimum downtime, hence, the aforementioned factors are expected to significantly drive the market during the forecast period.



The supply chain scenario for floating docks market can be perceived both strong as well as weak. In the recent years, the integration of the supply chain has emerged as a trend in the import-export business. Terminal operators, shipping companies and logistics providers are going global and gaining more bargaining power. In addition, globalisation and the developing world economy are estimated to fuel the growth of the global freight transport market in the years to come, which is, in turn, expected to drive the market.



Moreover, these docks are replacing old dock systems, which is, in turn, stipulated to drive the demand for the same during the forecast period.



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Floating Docks Market: Segmentation



On the basis of type, the global market can be segmented into the following:



Concrete Floating Docks

Metal Floating Docks

Wood Floating Docks

Plastic Floating Docks



On the basis of application, the global market can be segmented into the following:



Residential

Commercial

Industrial



Floating Docks Market: Regional Market Outlook



European standard EN 1398 focuses on the quality of products during handling as well as the safety of employees. Hence, the usage of floating docks is estimated to gain significant traction over the forecast period in the region. The Middle East Africa is expected to witness a higher CAGR by value as compared to Japan over the forecast period. Furthermore, the growing e-commerce industry in North America and the role of freight forwarding for the transportation of goods via the sea is estimated to fuel the growth of the market in the coming years. Moreover, increasing private-public partnerships in Latin American, countries, such as Colombia and Ecuador, has resulted in the expansion of the coastal lines, which is contributing to an increase in the unit sales of these docks. Asian countries, such as India, China and Japan, are expected to witness above-average market growth owing to an increase in export and import businesses.



Floating Docks Market: Key Market Players



Examples of some of the market participants in the global market identified across the value chain include:



Bellingham Marine Industries

EZ Dock, Inc.

SF Marina Systems

Marinetek

WALCON MARINE AUSTRALASIA

INGEMAR S.r.l.

Flotation Systems Aluminum Boat Docks

Technomarine

Wahoo Docks



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Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- HTF MI recently Announced Global Electric Motorcycle study with 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and easy to understand detailed TOC on "Electric Motorcycle. Global Electric Motorcycle research allows you to get different methods for maximizing your profit. The research study provides estimates for Global Electric Motorcycle Forecast till 2025*. Some of the Leading key Company's Covered for this Research are Yadea, AIMA, Lvyuan, Sunra, TAILG, Lima, BYVIN, Zongshen Electric Motorcycle, Wuyang Honda, HONG ER DA, Lvjia, Slane, Opai Electric, Supaq, Xiaodao Ebike, Sykee, Aucma EV, Terra Motor, Govecs, ZEV & Zero Motorcycles.



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Electric Motorcycles & Scooters can be classified as a combination of electric scooter, electric motorcycle, and so on. The power-assisted electric scooter with pedals is also called electric bicycle in China, and China is the largest producer of the Electric Motorcycles & Scooters products, about 90% of the global total production is from China in the past years. In the past several years, the global Electric Motorcycles & Scooters market is relatively stable with CAGR of 4.6% from 2013 to 2018. In 2017, the global actual consumption amount of Electric Motorcycles & Scooters was around 17368.3 K Units.



The global average price of Electric Motorcycles & Scooters is in fluctuation in 2013-2018, from about 260 $/Unit in 2013 to 277 $/Unit in 2017 The price will be in increase trend while demand is going to be saturated and the price of the raw material (e.g. Steel) will increase. The sales volume of Electric Motorcycles & Scooters will reach to around 23052.3 K Unit in 2024 from 18045.0 K Units in 2018 all around the world, with the CAGR of 4%.



China is the largest sales market of Electric Motorcycles & Scooters in the world in the past few years and it will keep the same position in the next years. China sales volume took up about 80% the global market in 2017, but it has changed a lot in 2018 due to the saturated demand (means that the demand is relatively rated, but the production increased too fast and began to be oversupply). China sales share dropped to 79% in 2018. At the same time, the export to Europe and USA increased dramatically. Apparently, many Chinese producers of Electric Motorcycles & Scooters are trying their best to look for new growing-market, while Chinese market is in fierce competition and some small players have quitted this business especially in recent years.



Currently, AIMA, Yadea, Sunra, BYVIN, TAILG, Lvyuan, Incalcu, Lvjia, Lima and Supaq are the top ten players in the global Electric Motorcycles & Scooters market. The Hero Electric (from India), Accell Group (From EU) Terra Motor (from Japan), ZEV (From USA), Giant EV (brand from Taiwan, but produced in China), and Yamaha (brand from Japan, but produced in China) are other key brands outside China.



Global Electric Motorcycle market size will reach 7690 million US$ by 2025, from 5330 million US$ in 2018, at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019-2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Electric Motorcycle.



This industry study presents the global Electric Motorcycle market size, historical breakdown data (2014-2019) and forecast (2019-2025). The Electric Motorcycle production, revenue and market share by manufacturers, key regions and type;



The consumption of Electric Motorcycle in volume terms are also provided for major countries (or regions), and for each application and product at the global level. Market share, growth rate, and competitive factors are also evaluated for market leaders Yadea, AIMA, etc.



Global Electric Motorcycle 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 Electric Motorcycle 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 Electric Motorcycle market space?



Following are list of players that are currently profiled in the report "Yadea, AIMA, Lvyuan, Sunra, TAILG, Lima, BYVIN, Zongshen Electric Motorcycle, Wuyang Honda, HONG ER DA, Lvjia, Slane, Opai Electric, Supaq, Xiaodao Ebike, Sykee, Aucma EV, Terra Motor, Govecs, ZEV & Zero Motorcycles"



** 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 Electric Motorcycle 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: , Electric Motorcycle & Electric Scooter



Major applications/end-users industry are: <14 yrs, 14-35 yrs, 36-60 yrs & >60 yrs



**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 Electric Motorcycle market dynamics in the world mainly, the worldwide Electric Motorcycle 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.



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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 Yadea, AIMA, Lvyuan, Sunra, TAILG, Lima, BYVIN, Zongshen Electric Motorcycle, Wuyang Honda, HONG ER DA, Lvjia, Slane, Opai Electric, Supaq, Xiaodao Ebike, Sykee, Aucma EV, Terra Motor, Govecs, ZEV & Zero Motorcycles 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 Electric Motorcycle 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 Electric Motorcycle 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.



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In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Global Electric Motorcycle are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2018

Base Year: 2018

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2025



Key Stakeholders in Global Electric Motorcycle Market:

Global Electric Motorcycle Manufacturers

Global Electric Motorcycle Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers

Global Electric Motorcycle Subcomponent Manufacturers

Industry Association

Downstream Vendors



**Actual Numbers & In-Depth Analysis, Business opportunities, Market Size Estimation Available in Full Report.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- Morocco Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles, Bathroom Materials, and Furniture and Accessories Market: Snapshot



The construction industry, which is mainly concentrated in cities such as Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, Agadir, Rabat, and Marrakech, is one of the major contributors to Morocco's GDP. The growth of this sector goes hand in hand with the rising GDP of the country and is likely to expand at a moderate to high rate in the next few years owing to the surge in tourism and favorable government policies.



Tiles form a key component of residential and commercial flooring. Typically, ceramic tiles of low grade and cement tiles are produced locally in Morocco, while high-quality porcelain tiles and tiles of other materials are imported from neighboring countries. The growth of the tourism sector and the changing consumer preference for modern, high-cost porcelain tiles are driving the ceramic and porcelain tiles, bathroom materials, and furniture and accessories market in Morocco.



The market is expected to rise from a valuation of US$1.5 bn in 2015 to US$2.7 bn by 2024. The ceramic and porcelain tiles market, in particular, is estimated to expand at a 6.4% CAGR from 2016 to 2024.



Growing Sense of Aesthetics among Consumers Driving Demand for Porcelain Tiles and Accessories



In terms of revenue, full-body porcelain tiles held the leading share in the Morocco ceramic and porcelain tiles market, accounting for more than 30% in 2015. The segment is anticipated to continue its dominance during the forecast period due to the steady growth in the construction industry. In terms of volume, ceramic floor tiles hold a significant share in the market owing to their inherent characteristics and economical nature. Thin tiles, forming one of the most lucrative segments, is projected to play a pivotal role in the Morocco construction sector, especially in commercial construction.



Baths and sanitary ware is one of the key segments of the bathroom furniture and accessories market in Morocco and accounted for a share of more than 55% in 2015. Consumers are increasingly preferring imported sanitary ware products due to the rising influence of foreign players from Turkey, Spain, Italy, and the Middle East and the shifting trend toward aesthetic and exclusive brands. Ongoing development in the construction industry is also expected to propel the baths and sanitary ware market during the forecast period.



The bathroom materials market in Morocco includes ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. In terms of revenue, ceramic held more than 40% in 2015, emerging as the leading material segment. However, the growing preference for an aesthetic outlook has been driving the demand for porcelain materials and this segment is likely to gain much traction in the bathroom materials market in the coming years.



Casablanca Surges Ahead in terms of Revenue; to Retain Lead through 2024



Casablanca led the ceramic and porcelain tiles, bathroom materials, and furniture and accessories market in Morocco. In terms of revenue, Casablanca held a share of more than 30% in 2015. Casablanca is the economic capital and leading financial hub of Morocco. Major industrial facilities and the headquarters of several Moroccan and international companies are based in Casablanca. The increasing demand for affordable housing within the middle-class population and the rising efforts of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Policy (MHU) to develop social and residential housing are likely to fuel the residential construction sector. This, in turn, is estimated to boost the Casablanca ceramic and porcelain tiles, bathroom materials, and furniture and accessories market during the forecast period.



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The Casablanca market is followed by Agadir and Tangier. A rise in the number of construction projects in these cities is estimated to be the key driving factor during the forecast period. A significant expansion in the construction industry in other cities such as Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech is projected propel the ceramic and porcelain tiles, bathroom materials, and furniture and accessories market in Morocco.



Major players operating in the Morocco ceramic and porcelain tiles, bathroom materials, and furniture and accessories market include Roca Sanitario, S.A., Jaquar, CERA Sanitaryware Limited, Kohler Co., Grohe AG, HSIL Hindware, Hansgrohe Group, Kajaria Ceramics Limited, Duravit, S.B.S. Porcher, Supercerame, Porcelanosa, Marazzi, NG Kutahya Seramik, Jacob Delafon, Creavit, and RAK Ceramics.



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Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- Lignosulfonates are one of the abundantly available wood chemicals. These are commonly obtained as by-products during the sulfite processing of wood pulp. Lignosulfonates are primarily anionic polyelectrolytes that are easily soluble in water. These are natural anionic surfactants with high molecular weight, and are primarily used in the ceramics, construction, chemicals, oil & gas, and animal feed additives industries.



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Lignosulfonates are of various types, such as calcium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate, and ammonium lignosulfonate. Calcium lignosulfonate is an amorphous light-yellow-brown powder obtained from the sulfite pulping of softwood. It is soluble in water, however, practically insoluble in organic solvents.



Sodium and calcium salts are the commercially available types of lignosulfonates. Calcium lignosulfonate exhibits properties such as dispersing, binding, complexing, and emulsifying, that enable its usage as an additive in applications such as concrete admixture, animal feed, dust suppressant, agriculture chemicals, and oil well drilling muds, among others.



Calcium Lignosulfonate Market: Trends and Segmentation



Calcium lignosulfonate is employed in oil well drilling muds as reagents to control various parameters of drilling fluids. It is primarily used to control the viscosity of drilling mud and to facilitate oil recovery.



Calcium lignosulfonate is also used in the food industry as a carrier for the production of encapsulated fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), carotenoids (e.g. ?-carotene, ?-apo-8'-carotenal, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene), and other functional ingredients to facilitate their introduction to water-based foods.



Concrete admixtures and animal feed are the two key applications of calcium lignosulfonate. Calcium lignosulfonate plays the important role of water-reducing chemical in concrete admixtures. It typically possesses the capacity to reduce water by 8% to 12% in the form of plasticizer, and up to 25% in the modified form (superplasticizer grade). Calcium lignosulfonate is used as pellet binder in animal feed.



Calcium lignosulfonate, owing to its property as a binder, is employed in applications such as animal feed, paints & pigments, dust control, and in the food industry. The oil & gas industry uses calcium lignosulfonate as a dispersant.



Based on application, the market for calcium lignosulfonate can be segmented into concrete admixture, animal feed, dust control, oil well additives, agrichemicals, and others.



The key players in the calcium lignosulfonate market are backward integrated, which strengthens their dominance. However, companies are facing steep competition from the substitutes available in the overall lignosulfonates market. This is anticipated to affect the global dynamics of the calcium lignosulfonate market in the next few years.



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Calcium Lignosulfonate Market: Region-wise Outlook



Demand for calcium lignosulfonate is primarily observed in Europe. Countries such as Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the U.K. are the key importers of calcium lignosulfonate. Both production and consumption of calcium lignosulfonate in Europe are high, with countries in the region trading it among themselves, as well as exporting it to other regions.



In the global market, countries such as South Africa, Russia, Germany, Sweden, the U.S., Canada, and China are some of the key exporters of calcium lignosulfonate. Companies such Borregaard LignoTech, Tembec Inc., Burgo Group S.p.A., and Sappi operate their production facilities in these countries.



The overall consumption of calcium lignosulfonate in Middle East & Africa is lower as compared to its production in the region (the top producer being South Africa). Demand for calcium lignosulfonate in the region is fulfilled with the help of regional trade as well as through imports to a certain extent.



China is the leader in terms of production and consumption of calcium lignosulfonate in Asia Pacific. Demand in Asia Pacific is estimated to arise from countries such as India, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/17/2019 -- The Top key vendors in Artificial Implants Market include are Abiomed, Inc. (USA), Advanced Bionics Corporation (USA), Bicon, LLC (USA), Biomet 3i, Inc. (USA), Biotronik SE & Co. KG (Germany), Boston Scientific Corporation (USA), Cochlear Limited (Australia), Dentsply Sirona (USA), DePuy Synthes Companies (USA), Exactech Inc. (USA), GS Medical LLC (USA), Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Integra Lifesciences Holdings , Corporation (USA), Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing Inc. (Japan), MED-EL Medical Electronics (Austria), Medtronic plc (Ireland), Nobel Biocare Services AG (Sweden), RTI Surgical, Inc. (USA), Showa Ika Kohgyo Co., Ltd (Japan), Smith & Nephew Plc (UK), Sonova Holding AG (Switzerland), St. Jude Medical, Inc. (USA), Stryker Corporation (USA), Terumo Corporation (Japan), TTK Healthcare, Ltd. (India), Wright Medical Group N.V. (Netherlands), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (USA).



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Apart from this, the valuable document weighs upon the performance of the industry on the basis of a product service, end-use, geography and end customer.



The industry experts have left no stone unturned to identify the major factors influencing the development rate of the Artificial Implants industry including various opportunities and gaps. A thorough analysis of the micro markets with regards to the growth trends in each category makes the overall study interesting. When studying the micro markets the researchers also dig deep into their future prospect and contribution to the Artificial Implants industry.



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 Artificial Implants business, but also provides insights into competitive development such as acquisition and mergers, joint ventures, product launches and technology advancements.



A quick look at the industry trends and opportunities



The researchers find out why sales of Artificial Implants are projected to surge in the coming years. The study covers the trends that will strongly favor the industry during the forecast period, 2019 to 2025. Besides this, the study uncovers important facts associated with lucrative growth and opportunities that lie ahead for the Artificial Implants industry.



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On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into

- Orthopedic Implants

- Dental Implants

- Cardiac Implants

- Cochlear Implants



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

- Hospitals

- Clinical Research Institutions

- Others



Region wise performance of the Artificial Implants industry



This report studies the global Artificial Implants market status and forecast, categorizes the global Artificial Implants market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia India and Other regions (Middle East & Africa, Central & South America).



Key points from TOC



7 Global Artificial Implants Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis



7.1 GAF Materials

7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.1.2 Artificial Implants Product Category, Application and Specification

7.1.2.1 Product A

7.1.2.2 Product B

7.1.3 GAF Materials Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview



7.2 Owens Corning

7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.2.2 Artificial Implants Product Category, Application and Specification

7.2.2.1 Product A

7.2.2.2 Product B

7.2.3 Owens Corning Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross

argin (2013-2018)

7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview



7.3 CertainTeed

7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors

7.3.2 Artificial Implants Product Category, Application and Specification

7.3.2.1 Product A

7.3.2.2 Product B

7.3.3 CertainTeed Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)

7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview



Continue..



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This Artificial Implants market report holds answers to some important questions like:



- What is the size of occupied by the prominent leaders for the forecast period, 2019 to 2025? What will be the share and the growth rate of the Artificial Implants market during the forecast period?



- What are the future prospects for the Artificial Implants industry in the coming years?



- Which trends are likely to contribute to the development rate of the industry during the forecast period, 2019 to 2025?



- What are the future prospects of the Artificial Implants industry for the forecast period, 2019 to 2025?



- Which countries are expected to grow at the fastest rate?



- Which factors have attributed to an increased sale worldwide?



- What is the present status of competitive development?



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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/16/2019 -- The latest report on the 1,6-HEXANEDIOL market offers detailed information about the industry based on the total revenue generated for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. The comprehensive study performs an in-depth analysis of the 1,6-HEXANEDIOL industry and lays immense emphasis on the major driving forces and restraints expected to govern the overall business for the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. Most importantly, researchers assessing the business environment take a closer look at the past and present trends as well as the future prospect to offer business owners, stakeholders and field marketing executives an intellectual understanding of the winning strategies.



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Scope of the 1,6-Hexanediol market

The research takes a closer look at prominent factors driving the growth rate of the prominent product categories across major geography. Furthermore, the study covers a lot of the sales, gross margin, consumption capacity, spending power and customer preference across various countries. The report offers clear indications how the 1,6-HEXANEDIOL market is expected to witness numerous exciting opportunities in the years to come. Critical aspects including the growing requirement, demand and supply status, customer preference, distribution channels and others are presented through resources such as charts, tables, and info graphics.



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Competitive Landscape:

To help gain the business owner further gain business intelligence the study on the 1,6-HEXANEDIOL market for the forecast period 2019 - 2026 brings to light data on production capability, consumption capacity, spending power, investment feasibility, and technology innovation. A thorough assessment of market performance across different regions is presented through self-explanatory graphic images, charts, and tables that add weight to corporate presentations and marketing materials. The study offers regional profiles of major vendors and extensive country-level break down to empower companies to make a wise investment decision when exploring new regions.



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Major Players in 1,6-Hexanediol market are:



- Ube Industries

- Perstorp

- Lishui Nanming Chemical

- Lanxess

- Shandong Yuanli Science and Technology

- BASF

- Fushun Tianfu Chemicals



Most important types of 1,6-Hexanediol products covered in this report are:



- Purity grade 99%

- Purity grade 99.7%

- Others



Most widely used downstream fields of 1,6-Hexanediol market covered in this report are:



- Coating

- Polyurethane

- Polyester Plasticizers

- Others



1,6-Hexanediol 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.)



Market Share:

In addition, the competitive dynamics of the 1,6-HEXANEDIOL market are evaluated in detail during the study. Current and future trends shaping the progress of the industry are evaluated during the study, which offers a review of the major technology trends expected to dominate the during the forecast period, 2019 - 2026. The assessment report not only identifies but also anticipates and satisfies business owners' questions pertaining to the dramatic shift in customer preferences, spending power and consumer demands worldwide. Along with this, import and export status, demand and supply, distribution channel, cost structure, gross margin and profits generated across different segments are thoroughly examined.



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The research provides answers to the following key questions:



- What will be the size and the growth rate of the 1,6-Hexanediol market for the forecast period 2019 - 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 1,6-Hexanediol 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 1,6-Hexanediol capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2019-2026) and forecast (2019-2026);

#Focuses on the key 1,6-Hexanediol 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 1,6-Hexanediol are as follows:

History Year: 2013-2017

Base Year: 2017

Estimated Year: 2019

Forecast Year 2019 to 2026

Continue...



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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes a no-deal Brexit could severely disrupt Formula 1 and play right into the hands of Ferrari.

With no agreeable terms on the table to manage its exit from the European Union, Britain's economy could be set for a very painful period of uncertainty from the end of March.

As collateral damage, Formula 1 teams based in the UK - such as Mercedes - could be facing major disruptions that could impact their operations.

"Brexit is a major concern for us and should be a major concern for all of us that live in the UK and operate out of the UK," Wolff told the media in Barcelona on Monday.

"We are Formula 1 teams that travel to races and tests at least 21 times a year.

"We are moving in and out of the UK, our people move in and out of the UK, the way we are getting parts and services is just-in-time at the last minute into the UK and any major disruption in borders or with taxes would massively damage the Formula One industry in the UK.

"We are looking at the various scenarios with Mercedes-Benz UK because it not only impacts Formula 1 but it impacts also the mother brand in terms of getting cars and parts in and out of the country," Wolff told the media in Barcelona on Monday.

"But I can see very much that if a no-deal Brexit would happen, like it's being discussed, I think we would have a major impact in terms of our operation going to the races and getting our cars developed and ready.

"So that is a nightmare scenario that I dont want to even envisage."

According to Wolff, that state of affairs, should it come to pass, would hand a massive advantage to teams based in Europe, namely Ferrari, Alfa Romeo/Sauber and Toro Rosso, although the later would still need to contend with border issues that would involve Honda, its engine supplier.

"Our team is an international team," he added.

"We are German car brand that has its own Formula 1 operations in the United Kingdom we have many different nationalities.

"And there is uncertainty at the moment of whether the industry is going to be impacted by a no-deal Brexit or a Brexit that is damaging to what for me is one of the outstanding industries in the United Kingdom. And weve said that before. The mother of all messes."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers


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 Karl Marx

Norman Thomas was not easily discouraged. Running for president in 1932, three years into the shattering, terrifying Depression, which seemed to many to be a systemic crisis of capitalism, Thomas, who had been the Socialist Partys candidate in 1928 and would be in 1936, 1940, 1944 and 1948, received, as this column previously noted, fewer votes (884,885) than Eugene Debs had won (913,693) as the partys candidate in 1920, when, thanks to the wartime hysteria President Woodrow Wilson had fomented, Debs was in jail.

In 1962, Michael Harrington, a founder of the Democratic Socialists of America (it succumbed to a familiar phenomenon: two American socialists = three factions), published The Other America. It supposedly kindled President John Kennedys interest in poverty, which had not escaped his attention while campaigning in West Virginias primary. Harrington, like democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders today, thought socialism should be advanced through the Democratic Party.

Today, socialism has new, angrier advocates. Speaking well of it gives the speaker the frisson of being naughty and the fun of provoking Republicans like those whose hosannas rattled the rafters when the president vowed that America would never become socialist. Socialism is, however, more frequently praised than defined because it has become a classification that no longer classifies.

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So, a president who promiscuously wields government power to influence the allocation of capital (e.g., bossing around Carrier even before he was inaugurated; using protectionism to pick industrial winners and losers) can preen as capitalisms defender against socialists who, like the Bolsheviks, would storm Americas Winter Palace if America had one.

Time was, socialism meant thorough collectivism: state ownership of the means of production (including arable land), distribution and exchange. When this did not go swimmingly where it was first tried, Lenin said (in 1922) that socialism meant government ownership of the economys commanding heights  big entities. After many subsequent dilutions, todays watery conceptions of socialism amount to this: almost everyone will be nice to almost everyone, using money taken from a few. This means having government distribute, according to its conception of equity, the wealth produced by capitalism. This conception is shaped by muscular factions: the elderly, government employees unions, the steel industry, the sugar growers, and so on and on and on. Some wealth is distributed to the poor; most goes to the neglected middle class. Some neglect: The political class talks of little else.

Two-thirds of the federal budget (and 14 percent of GDP) goes to transfer payments, mostly to the non-poor. The U.S. economys health care sector (about 18 percent of the economy) is larger than the economies of all but three nations, and is permeated by government money and mandates. Before the Affordable Care Act was enacted, 40 cents of every health care dollar was governments 40 cents. The sturdy yeomanry who till Americas soil? Last years 529-page Agriculture Improvement Act will be administered by the Agriculture Department, which has about one employee for every 20 American farms.

Socialists favor a steeply progressive income tax, as did those who created todays: The top 1 percent pay 40 percent of taxes; the bottom 50 percent pay only 3 percent; 50 percent of households pay either no income tax or 10 percent or less of their income. Law professor Richard Epstein notes that in the last 35 years the fraction of total taxes paid by the lower 90 percent has shrunk from more than 50 percent to about 35 percent.

In his volume in the Oxford History of the United States (The Republic for Which It Stands, covering 1865-1896) Stanfords Richard White says that John Bates Clark, the leading economist of that era, said true socialism is economic republicanism, which meant more cooperation and less individualism. Others saw socialism as a system of social ethics. All was vagueness.

Todays angrier socialists rail, with specificity and some justification, against todays rigged system of government in the service of the strong. But as the Hoover Institutions John H. Cochrane (aka the Grumpy Economist) says, If the central problem is rent-seeking, abuse of the power of the state, to deliver economic goods to the wealthy and politically powerful, how in the world is more government the answer?

The boldness of todays explicit and implicit socialists  taxing the rich  is a perennial temptation of democracy: inciting the majority to attack an unpopular minority. This is socialism now: From each faction according to its vulnerability, to each faction according to its ability to confiscate.

Will can be reached at georgewill@washpost.com.
Campaigns for the five members of the U.S. House of Representatives who serve communities in San Diego County raised a combined $7.5 million dollars last year in what has been described as the most expensive election ever, according to federal election data.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reviewed financial disclosures covering the 2018 calendar year, filed with the Federal Election Commission as of Jan. 31 by the campaigns for Representatives Mike Levin, D-Oceanside; Susan Davis, D-San Diego; Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine; Scott Peters, D-San Diego; and Juan Vargas, D-Chula Vista.

The reports provide a snapshot of the campaign fundraising landscape in the run-up to the 2018 midterm elections and show how Democrats harnessed the power of special interest groups and a popular, online grassroots fundraising tool known as ActBlue to inject millions of dollars in donations from individuals into competitive, expensive races.

The campaign for Levin, alone, raised $4.8 million in 2018 to defeat Republican challenger Diane Harkey in the 49th Congressional District, a longtime Republican stronghold that Democrats had targeted to flip. Republican Darrell Issa had held the seat for nine terms before announcing his retirement in January 2018.

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FEC data show contributions from political action committees (PACs) made up less than 11 percent of Levins total receipts.

Unlike any of the other county incumbents, Mike (Levin) was in both highly competitive primary and general elections, which generated a great deal of local and national interest, said Adam Berkowitz, a spokesman for his campaign. That interest was reflected in the huge number of individual, small donors who contributed to Mikes race  over 113,178 unique donors who gave an average contribution of $31.87.

According to FEC data, Peters raised a total $1.2 million in 2018, the second largest sum among the San Diego County representatives. About 40 percent -- some $490,000 -- came from individuals.

Many of the individual contributions to campaigns for Levin and Peters came through ActBlue, FEC records show.

The ActBlue platform has proven itself popular and powerful, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into Democratic campaigns nationwide during the 2018 election cycle. Political observers say it has effectively leveled the playing field for underdog candidates.

If candidates want to raise money in small chunks from normal everyday donors, that means you have to process a lot of transactions, said Thad Kousser, chair of the political science department at University of California, San Diego. So ActBlue is just a technology, kind of like VenMo or PayPal, set up to make it easy.

According to an analysis of campaign finance data by the political blog and polling website FiveThirtyEight, and according to the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative news organization, nearly $564 million -- or about 55 percent of all contributions from individual donors to Democratic congressional candidates -- passed through the ActBlue platform between January 2017 and Oct. 1, 2018.

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By comparison, about 19 percent went through the platform during the same months of the 2014 election.

ActBlue started out as a lot of small donations, but that is starting to change, said Brendan Glavin, a senior data analyst for the Campaign Finance Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that studies political money.

There are larger contributions going through ActBlue now ... because candidates are starting to rely on it more, he said.

Total political spending in the nations 2018 election surpassed $5.7 billion, making it the most expensive race in history, according to an analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics. The previous record was set in the 2008 presidential election, when spending reached $5.3 billion.

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Kousser pointed to a combination of factors that led to increased fundraising and spending in certain House races.

Congressman Scott Peters gathers with Democrats at the Hotel Republic on election night in November 2018. Peters raised a total $1.2 million in 2018, the second largest sum among the San Diego County representatives. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Peters was the perfect storm, Kousser said. He was in a relatively competitive race, and he was an incumbent. Research shows those are all factors that lead to a fundraising boost.

According to Kousser, Peters and Levin were both successful in fundraising this year due, in part, to the uncertainty of power in the House of Representatives and rumors of a blue wave.

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When control of Congress is up for grabs, when the stakes are elevated, you see more money in campaign contributions across the board, Kousser said. And [the money] tends to lean toward whichever side has the political momentum to retake Congress.

Kousser said this idea also extends to special interest groups who want to secure clout with the winning side.

We see this year after year. The expectation that one side will sweep the election leads to an increase in special interest donations, Kousser said. These groups want to make sure they maintain a good relationship with whoever holds the majority.

FEC records showed that money from special interests played a meaningful role in the campaigns of Levin and Peters.

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MaryAnne Pintar, a spokeswoman for Peters campaign, said the campaigns fundraising efforts did not target any one group of donors over any other, as it sought support in challenging circumstances.

Raising from the district last year was tough, as locals were more focused on the high-profile challenger and open-seat races in San Diego, Pintar said.

About 58 percent of the total raised by Peters campaign in 2018 came from political action committees, according to FEC records.

Levins campaign reported receiving tens of thousands of dollars in individual contributions bundled together by J Street, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that describes itself as pro-Israel and supports a two-state peace solution.

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Candidates in competitive races also appear to have benefited from PAC money in more subtle, indirect ways.

For example, in one of the countys less-competitive races, the campaign for Davis brought in about 70 percent of its total receipts during 2018 from political action committees, according to FEC data.

With her campaigns own needs met by contributions from PACs, Davis could afford to sacrifice individual support to fill the coffers of Democrats in tighter contests, said Aaron Hunter, a spokesman for her campaign.

Because Rep. Davis was fortunate enough to not need a huge war chest in 2018, she urged local donors to contribute to candidates in swing seats, as Democrats worked together to successfully take back the House, Hunter said.

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The campaign for Vargas, who won a reelection in a relatively less-competitive race, also received the bulk of its money from PACs, according to FEC records. A campaign spokesman for Vargas did not respond to requests for comment.

The campaign for Hunter, the sole Republican member of San Diego Countys delegation to the House, raised most of its 2018 revenue through individual donations, FEC records show. Individual donors contributed about 68 percent of the total $725,000 raised.

Hunter won reelection in a close contest while under federal indictment.

He and his wife and former campaign manager, Margaret Hunter, were charged in August with 60 counts of crimes, including conspiracy, bank fraud and prohibited use of campaign contributions stemming from their alleged theft of more than $250,000 from their campaign.

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Both have pleaded not guilty. Hunter has denied involvement in any criminal actions, calling the indictment a politically-motivated witch hunt.

The indictment has cost Hunter his committee memberships in the 116th Congress. A new internal Republican party rule requires members who are under indictment for certain felonies to give up their committee seats.

A spokesman for Hunters campaign did not respond to requests for comment on his 2018 fundraising.

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morgan.cook@sduniontribune.com
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is expected to sit for a U.S. Supreme Court argument Tuesday for the first time since she underwent surgery in December to remove cancerous masses from one of her lungs.

Ginsburgs presence will be a relief to liberals worried about any prospect that the 85-year-old justice might have to step down and give President Trump a third Supreme Court vacancy to fill.

Ginsburg has been working from home while recovering from the operation. She missed two weeks of arguments in January -- a first for her -- but is taking part in those cases by using the briefs and transcripts, court officials have said. She attended a private conference at the court with her fellow justices on Friday, the same day that the court agreed to decide whether the Trump administration can ask about citizenship on the 2020 census.

The court said in January that Ginsburgs recovery was on track and there was no evidence of remaining disease. She has already survived bouts with colon and pancreatic cancer.

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The court has an abbreviated schedule this week, with only two 60-minute arguments. In the Tuesday case, the issue is whether federal agencies, such as the U.S. Postal Service, can use an administrative system set up by Congress in 2011 to challenge patents held by private parties.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was seen in public, alive and well. Conspiracy theorists still insist shes dead. 

Doctors discovered the growths on Ginsburgs lung through tests performed after she fell and broke three ribs. Ginsburg was discharged from the hospital Dec. 25.

Ginsburg, who was nominated by President Clinton in 1993, has said on several occasions that she intends to stay in the job as long as she can do it full steam.

The last time a member of the Supreme Court missed any extensive time on the bench was the 2004-05 term, when Chief Justice William Rehnquist missed 44 arguments while battling thyroid cancer. Rehnquist died in September 2005 and was replaced by John Roberts.
This is a teens brain on marijuana.

This is a teens brain on social media.

See any difference?

In a groundbreaking study, a UCSD psychiatrist is investigating whether social media affects the adolescent brain in the same way as cannabis. Establishing a link could change how medical professionals view teens engagement with Instagram, Snapchat and other social media platforms.

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Psychiatrists dont recognize excessive social media use as addictive behavior, said Dr. Kara Bagot, a child psychiatrist and assistant professor in residency at the University of California San Diego. If it shows similar changes in the activation of the brains reward circuitry, then we can develop a treatment model.

Other researchers have looked at how social media, for better or worse, affects teens. But Bagots study is the first to compare social media to cannabis.

There are studies already that show video games, computer games, social media and increased tech use associated with poor outcomes in physical health, mental health and risk-taking, she said. We have to have more conversations about how to responsibly use social media.

Rare stance

Bagot was a high school junior in Los Angeles when AOL introduced Instant Messenger, an early texting system. She was not an avid user.

As an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins, a medical student at the University of Illinois at Chicago and then a resident at Yale, she paid scant attention to online platforms.

That pattern continues. The last time she posted to her Facebook page, George W. Bush was in the White House. Shes never Tweeted, although her Twitter account contains messages from others, with several applauding her December 2018 appearance on 60 Minutes, discussing adolescent brains and social media.

I have too much going on in my real life to worry about other peoples lives or some representation of my life, she said. We communicate in other ways that are more real and more meaningful.

Bagot insists she has no bias against social media, but she is concerned about electronic medias effects on children. The mother of two sons, ages 5 and almost 3, she limits what and when they can watch when it comes to videos and television.

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Now, she said, my 5-year-old knows. He doesnt even ask about watching Paw Patrol on a weekday. It just doesnt happen.

Hers is a rare stance, Bagot acknowledges: I had to drag my husband into that.

In the U.S., it would be virtually impossible to create a social media-free bubble around adolescents. In a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 95 percent of teens said they had a smart phone, the device most often used to access social media. Moreover, 89 percent said they were online almost constantly or several times a day.

Evidence shows that social media usage offers some benefits. While roughly six in 10 teens have experienced cyberbullying, eight in 10 insist that social media makes them feel more connected to friends.

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Researchers have noticed that, at the same that social media use among adolescents has risen, teens are delaying getting their drivers licenses. Rates of underage use of alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs are all falling.

The thinking is, Bagot said, if you are not hanging out with your peers you tend to use drugs less.

Yet studies also link social media use to depression, insomnia and negative body images. And while postponing some rites of passage (learning to drive, say) may benefit society (and other drivers), Bagot wonders whether this is healthy.

Kids are increasingly engaging with each other online, she said, but they are engaging less with real life.

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Four groups

Bagot is a co-investigator in the massive, $300 million Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) initiative, which will track nearly 12,000 children across a decade. The largest study ever conducted on the minds of teenagers, it was launched in 2015 with experts from more than 20 research institutions, including UC San Diego.

When ABCD began, Sandra Brown, UCSDs vice chancellor for research, predicted that it could lead to novel approaches to education as well as new types of interventions for common problems emerging during adolescence.

While Bagots current study is not part of ABCD, it does plan to use a novel approach: scanning teens brains as they view images of marijuana, pot paraphernalia and their own Instagram posts. Researchers will alter the latter, adding or subtracting likes, to inspire positive or negative emotions.

Looking at images from captured by a functional MRI, Bagots team will see if images of marijuana and Instagram posts light up the same portion of the brain.

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While the 60 adolescent subjects will be evenly divided into four groups  heavy marijuana users, light marijuana users, heavy social media users and light social media users  none will be intoxicated while undergoing brain scans.

We drug test them before they go in, Bagot said. We want them to go in completely sober.

Subjects, 14- to 18-years-old, are still being recruited and none have yet undergone a brain scan. Bagots experiment is funded through the spring, so she plans to finish by the end of the school year.

Education on social media, the professor said, should continue even further.

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We have to teach kids to be good stewards of their own information, Bagot said, citing instances where old Instagram or Facebook posts of reckless or risque behavior have led to rescinded job offers. They dont understand that they are leaving a digital footprint.

And those footprints sometimes track mud on other people. Often, objectionable posts include more than one person.

At some point, Bagot said, you are responsible for your friends information as well.

Acting responsibly, though, can be difficult if you are high  on cannabis or social media.
A stretch of state Route 79 from Interstate 8 to state Route 78 into Julian has been reopened for cars with chains, but snowy conditions have closed other roads in the mountains of San Diego County.

The California Highway Patrol also has reported that chains are mandatory on a reopened stretch of Sunrise Highway, from Olde Highway to Mile Post Marker 27.5. Sunrise Highway is closed from SR-79 south to Mile Post Marker 27.5.

SR 79 remained closed Monday morning from Harvey Moore Trailhead at Mile Post Marker 5 to SR 78.

CHP units are out assisting motorists, and the chain requirements are being enforced.

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Snowy conditions prompted California Highway Patrol officers to close state Route 79 between Lake Cuyamaca and Julian and north state Route 78 at Old Highway 80.

A CHP dispatcher said officials chose to close the highways after a number of vehicles, including snow plows, got stuck.

A number of crashes were reported in the area, including one on Route 79 that involved a pedestrian who suffered major injuries, according to the CHPs website. Emergency vehicles were having a hard time accessing the area.

Porter Lane between State Route 78 and 79 in Julian was also closed.

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The closures will remain in effect until Monday morning.

County and state authorities said vehicle chains would be required for drivers headed into snow-filled mountains, including Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain.

The National Weather Service said the counties mountains could get 4 to 10 inches of snow through Monday, with snow accumulation starting at about 3500 feet.

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The true story of how Oprah Winfrey helped promote a mass rapist who ran a child slave farm

Back in 2010, talk show guru Oprah Winfrey dedicated an entire episode of her show to a self-professing faith healer with whom she claims she had a blissful encounter. But as we recently reported, this faith healer has since been exposed as a serial rapist who had actually been operating a massive child sex slave farm and birth factory behind his religious facade.

At the time, Oprah was convinced that Joao Teixeira de Faria, more popularly known as John of God, was the real deal. She contends that she almost fainted upon first meeting him, as his presence was apparently too much for her to handle, causing her to feel an overwhelming sense of peace.

Entitled, Leap of Faith: Meet John of God, this particular episode of Oprahs show is said to have generated interest in John of God. Because of Oprah, in other words, tens of millions of people who had previously never heard of John of God were quickly introduced to the many amazing miracles of this faith healer, which include tales of him healing a woman of cancer simply by slicing into her breast without anesthesia and removing a tumor.

John of God is also said to have healed many other people simply by touching them and saying a succinct prayer, which would seem to make him a modern-day miracle worker, of sorts, with supernatural healing powers  or so his followers were led to believe.

Fast-forward to 2019 and hundreds of women have come forward with claims that John of God raped them. The faith healer is also being accused of recruiting young girls to his many child slave farms, where they were repeatedly impregnated as part of a birth factory, before eventually being killed off and discarded.

One of these women, Zahira Lieneke Mous of Holland, reportedly told The New York Times that she first heard about John of God from a friend and had seen Oprah Winfreys documentary. A victim of previous sexual assault, Mous confided in John of God, believing him to a righteous and spiritual man  only to learn the hard way that he, too, is a sexual predator.

I really hope I can help other women out of this shadow, because we do not need to feel ashamed, Mous told the hosts of TV Globo, a Brazilian media network. He has to feel ashamed, and all the people who protect him so he can continue to do what he does.

Woman who came forward with accusations that John of God was running sex slave operation mysteriously commits suicide

But Mous horrific experience is just the tip of the iceberg. Thanks to Oprahs promotion of John of God  Oprah also aggressively promoted Barack Obama as a type of messiah, by the way  he allegedly went on to commit sexual assault, rape, and worse against hundreds of other women and children, using his perceived status as a man of God to lure his victims into his clutches.

According to Brazilian prosecutors, more than 200 women have come forward to accuse John of God of sexual improprieties against them  including his own daughter, Dalva Teixeira, who says her father repeatedly abused and raped her between the ages of 10 and 14. He only stopped, she claims, after she became pregnant by one of his employees, which resulted in John of God beating her so badly that she miscarried.

Another woman, Sabrina Bittencourt  who, since the writing of our last article and this one, was reported to have committed suicide while on the run and living under protection in Lebanon  told officials that John of God had been running a sex slave operation in which newborn babies were being sold for upwards of $51,000 each to clients in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

Bittencourt claimed that John of God offered poor girls between the ages of 14 and 18 the opportunity to go live on various mineral mines and farms he owned throughout the Brazilian states of Goias and Minas Gerais. After their arrival, these girls were turned into sex slaves, forced to get pregnant, and their babies sold off for cash to the highest bidder.

In exchange for food, they were impregnated and their babies sold on the black market, Bittencourt stated before her mysterious death. Hundreds of girls were enslaved over years, living on farms in Goias, and served as wombs to get pregnant, for their babies to be sold. These girls were murdered after 10 years of giving birth. We have got a number of testimonies.

Its the type of horror story that may never have become a reality were it not for the ignorant promotion of this monster, as his daughter called him, by the naive and spiritually gullible Oprah Winfrey  who, in response to the unfolding of this case, could only offer empathy for the women now coming forward and I hope justice is served.

For more related news, be sure to check out Evil.news.

Sources for this article include:

NaturalNews.com

NYTimes.com

ZeroHedge.com

Politico.com
Firefighters extinguished a fire that started in the garage of a San Marcos home Sunday afternoon.

The blaze was reported just before 1 p.m. at a home on Valencia Avenue just west of Vista Colina Drive in the Lake San Marcos area, according to information from the San Marcos Fire Department.

There was reportedly an explosion before the fire began in the homes garage, according to San Diego County Sheriffs Lt. Dave Perkins.

Firefighters had the blaze under control at 2:30 p.m., according to Perkins.

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Crews were still at the scene for cleanup, and investigators were working to determine the cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

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No injuries were reported after an 80-foot pine tree fell onto a house in Oceanside on Sunday night.

Oceanside Police Department spokesman Tom Bussey said the tree fell around 8 p.m. and landed on a house on Horne Street between Whaley and Cassidy streets.

No one was inside the house struck by the tree, which narrowly missed hitting a house next door, according to reports from the scene.

The incident was the second of its kind in North County over the weekend. A large oak tree fell on a house in Escondido early Friday morning, but did not injure anyone inside.

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In January, two people were killed when a tree fell on a house in Point Loma.

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An unoccupied hilltop home in Harbison Canyon appeared gutted by a fire that broke out and burned for hours Monday morning.

Cal Fire Capt. and public information officer Isaac Sanchez said calls about the fire came in at about 6:25 a.m. Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke and a large fire on the scene, he said.

The house is on Crows Nest Lane, near Silverbrook Drive and south of Harbison Canyon Road.

Video on the Cal Fire San Diego County Facebook page showed the house had a large silver-colored silo in front. The structure was still standing, but the roof had collapsed from fire damage.

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Crews fought the fire for about three hours. Sanchez said its cause was under investigation.

Besides Cal Fire, other crews on the scene were from San Diego County Fire Department, Sycuan Fire, San Diego Sheriffs bomb and arson squad, Viejas Fire Department and San Miguel Fire Department.

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A man dead of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound was found Sunday near a Ramona home that was destroyed by a fire the day before, a sheriffs official said.

Investigators did not say whether the body was that of a resident who was reported missing during the blaze.

The body was found about 50 yards from the charred home on Black Canyon Road near the Cleveland National Forest about 8:45 a.m., said sheriffs Lt. Ken Jones.

The fire  which is being investigated as suspicious  was reported shortly after some kind of domestic dispute about 5:20 p.m. Saturday.

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When firefighters arrived, the house was already nearly engulfed in flames, Jones said. The roof later collapsed, and the two-story house was reduced to its framing.

A woman and a child made it out of the home, but the womans husband was never located.

Due to the condition of the house and poor lighting, a bomb/arson team returned the next morning to finish the investigation.

The Medical Examiners Office was called after the body was found and will determine his identity and the cause of death.

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While San Diego police still are investigating his assault, the man known as the Birdman of East Village said he has been touched by an outpouring of sympathy, financial donations and offers to replace his cockatoo that was killed last week.

San Diego police Sgt. Matt Botkin said there are no suspects in the assault on Victor Vasquez, 54, who said he was beaten by two people outside the San Diego Central Library the morning of Feb. 6.

During the incident, one of three birds Vasquez had with him flew out of its cage and was run over and killed by a passing trolley.

Botkin said a security guard who was at the library that day told officers he had admonished Vasquez that he was not allowed on the property because of a previous, unspecified incident.

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The sergeant also said the security guard told officers Vasquez argued with him and used a racial epithet when referring to one of the attackers.

Vasquez called the claim that he used a racial slur a lie.

Video footage taken from the librarys security camera does not capture the assault, and the images were not clear enough to identify suspects, Botkin said.

In Vasquezs version of the exchange, he said he was at the library to return a rented DVD and said he was leaving after the security guard told him he was not allowed on the property. Vasquez said a young man sitting on a wall said something like, Get out of here with your dirty clothes, and he replied that he should mind his own business.

The man then came out him and soon was joined by his female companion in hitting and kicking him on the ground, Vasquez said.

A week after the assault, the abraisions on his head are healing and the black eye he sustained has faded, but Vasquez said he still feels traumatized by the loss of his beloved cockatoo, Sydney.

Theres been no good days, he said. Its more like not waking up from a nightmare.

Vasquez, who said he is formerly homeless, HIV positive and has PTSD, became known as the Birdman of East Village for his daily walks around downtown and Balboa Park with his two cockatoos and one parrot kept in three cages strapped on his back.

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He is comforted, and somewhat surprised, by the unexpected support hes received. Although he didnt ask for help, at least three people started online fundraisers for him and have collected $6,100 in all as of Friday.

Several people asked to buy or give him a new cockatoo, and one man offered to pay for Sydneys funeral in a pet cemetery.

Vasquez said hes touched by the offers, but has declined them so far. Sydney is buried  the funeral was the only time hes taken his two other birds out of his apartment since the attack  and he isnt ready to adopt another cockatoo just yet.

I dont think Id be able to carry on if it werent for the support Im getting from people, he said. Its had a very profound effect on me. I dont believe Id be able to get through this without the emotional support. Theres just no way to measure the power of it.

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A day after posting bail, a defiant Maria Ressa sat in a car winding its way through Manilas notoriously congested traffic to attend a rally in support of press freedom.

The chief executive and executive editor of the news site Rappler, Ressa was arrested last week and charged with cyber libel, a move she described as an act of naked intimidation to quash critical reporting of President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration.

Ressa, a 55-year-old veteran journalist who spent nearly two decades with CNN and authored two books on the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia, said she would not be cowed and hoped that others would speak out against the administrations tactics.

I will hold the government to account as a Filipino citizen, said Ressa, who was a Time magazine Person of the Year in 2018 and garnered support from around the world after her arrest. I will hold the government to account as a journalist.

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The odds are not in her favor. Though Duterte said he had nothing to do with Ressas arrest, he has proven in the past that he can use the law to silence media publications that challenge his authority and policies.

The cyber libel law, which applies to speech online and carries far more serious penalties than ordinary libel, provides Duterte and his supporters a powerful tool to go after perceived enemies.

Students protest in support of free speech and the press in Manila on Feb. 14. (Ted Aljibe / AFP/Getty Images)

Freedom of speech is constitutionally protected in the Philippines. But fears of a chilling effect as a result of Ressas arrest were quickly realized. On Saturday, the Philippine Star, one of the countrys leading broadsheets, removed from its website a 2002 story about influential businessman Wilfredo D. Kengs suspected links to the death of a former Manila councilor.

It was Keng who instigated the libel suit against Ressa after Rappler published a story in 2012 that alleged he was involved in human trafficking and illegal drugs. (The Duterte administration has denied any ties to Keng, who called Rapplers reporting false). Rappler stands by its story, which remains online.

Ressas attorney has argued that the charges shouldnt apply. The story ran four months before the cyber libel law was introduced within a broader cyber-crime bill.

The Philippine Star wasnt taking any chances. In a statement, the newspaper said it took down the story after Keng threatened legal action.

Although laws are not supposed to be applied retroactively, the scope and bounds of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 are still unexplored and the takedown was seen as a prudent course of action, the newspaper said.

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Experts say other news organizations, many already struggling to maintain revenue in the digital era, will self-censor rather than deal with the consequences of a law that was primarily designed to address online scams and child pornography but also expanded the scope of libel beyond print and broadcast to include online speech.

This is proof of the chilling effect, said Nonoy Espina, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.

With the way the government has mangled the cyber libel law, it can be used on all of us, he added. It is beyond an issue of press freedom; it is now a question of basic freedom of expression.

Carlos Conde, a Philippines-based researcher for Human Rights Watch, agreed, saying the law could be applied to any form of dissent.

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If the government pursues this line of thinking and ignores the statutes of limitations, he said, it can use cyber libel to go after journalists, bloggers, anyone.

The law mirrors efforts in authoritarian and one-party states, particularly in Asia where governments are wary of the way social media has wreaked havoc on the U.S. elections and Brexit, and of how it can be used to sway popular opinion.

Philippine journalists and media rights groups have been lobbying to decriminalize libel and cyber libel for years. But in 2014 the Supreme Court junked a petition calling for decriminalization. The government also raised penalties on cyber crimes, which happened to include libel online, reasoning it had to deter the increase in illegal behavior on the internet.

Online libel carries a penalty of six years, at minimum, to 12 years of imprisonment. A fine, if imposed, can run from a minimum $120 to any amount determined by the court.

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The law adds to an already difficult environment for journalism in the Philippines. The country ranked 133rd out of 180 countries on last years World Press Freedom Index maintained by Reporters Without Borders.

In December, the International Federation of Journalists tagged the Philippines as the deadliest peacetime country for journalists in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism said 12 journalists had been killed since Duterte assumed office in 2016.

The mercurial president is prone to making inflammatory remarks about one of his least-liked professions, calling reporters sons of bitches and warning that theyre not exempt from assassination.

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Early on, Duterte decided he had little use for the establishment news media. He banned them from covering his inauguration, opting instead to broadcast the event on state-owned media and Facebook, where he commands a troll army that can attack his opponents and spread misinformation. And when a news organization becomes too big an irritant, he has applied pressure through official channels.

That was the case when he threatened not to renew the franchise of media broadcasting giant ABS-CBN and when he accused the owners of the Philippine Daily Inquirer of tax evasion after the newspaper was critical of his war on drugs, in which thousands of poverty-stricken Filipinos have been killed by death squads. The owners relented and sold the broadsheet to one of Dutertes deep-pocketed allies.

Ressa and Rappler have been subjected to similar official harassment. The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission attempted to revoke Rapplers business license, citing foreign ownership, and Ressa herself has been charged with tax evasion. She has had to post bail six times since December  five times for tax evasion and, now, one time for cyber libel.

A presidential spokesman on Friday accused Ressa of abusing her power as a journalist and weaponizing free speech to attack Duterte and his administration.

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The National Bureau of Investigation dismissed Kengs case against Ressa last year, saying the one-year prescriptive period for libel had already lapsed. But the Philippine Department of Justice came back and charged Ressa with cyber libel, arguing that the crime was classified as a special act that had a longer statute of limitations.

It didnt matter to prosecutors that the law didnt exist when the Rappler story was first published seven years ago because the story was republished in 2014. Rappler said it merely updated the story then to correct typographical errors by adding punctuation marks.

This particular case of cyber libel is a travesty, Ressa said.

Times staff writer Pierson reported from Singapore and special correspondent Santos from Manila.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus wager that he could cement his status as a master diplomat by allying himself with a coalition of right-wing Central European countries unraveled on Monday when the Polish and Czech governments pulled out of a Jerusalem summit following a row over Holocaust history.

Netanyahus gambit was intended to give him leverage against the majority of European Union states that oppose Israels policies toward Palestinians and to highlight his close association with President Trump, who has been critical of the EU and friendly to right-leaning European states.

But comments by Netanyahu and his acting foreign minister prompted the collapse of a summit meeting planned in Jerusalem with members of the Visegrad Group, a coalition consisting of Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. The Jerusalem summit, set to begin Tuesday, was the first of the groups annual meetings to be planned in a non-European country.

From the archives: Central Europes 4 Visegrad Nations Knock at EUs Door 

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The cancellation was a stinging defeat for Netanyahu, who faces reelection in April and has staked much of his prestige on his success in, as he puts it, expanding Israels diplomatic horizons.

Netanyahu had already stirred controversy during a U.S.-sponsored conference on Middle East security that was held in Warsaw last week. He was quoted telling Israeli reporters covering the Warsaw summit that the Poles cooperated with the Germans during the Holocaust.

His office subsequently modified the statement by removing a single word  the -- to remove the implication that all Poles were complicit. But the revised statement that Poles cooperated with the Germans still caused an uproar in Poland, where a 2017 law criminalizes assertions of Polish collaboration with Nazis during the Second World War with sentences of up to three years in jail.

In response, Poland downgraded its representation to the Visegrad event in Jerusalem, announcing that Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz would replace Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at the meeting. But Morawiecki pulled out completely after Israels interim foreign minister, Yisrael Katz, refused to clarify his statement that Polish people collaborated with the Nazis and that the Poles were breastfed anti-Semitism by their mothers.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki speaks to journalists on a bus before leaving Warsaw on Feb. 18. (Radek Pietruszka/EPA-EFE/REX)

The breastfeeding remark was a quotation from former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir, whose family was killed during the Holocaust.

After Poland pulled out, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced his countrys withdrawal from the Jerusalem summit as well.

Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said that bilateral meetings between Netanyahu and the Czech, Slovak and Hungarian leaders were still scheduled. And Netanyahu, speaking in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon to leaders of the Conference of Major American Jewish Organizations, called the Warsaw meeting something spectacular, and made no mention of the canceled Jerusalem summit.

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But the collapse of the summit was an embarrassing setback for Netanyahu, as well as a blow to the Trump administration, which located last weeks Middle East security conference in Warsaw to underscore a realignment of nations opposing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

It is not the first time Netanyahus acquiescence to the rising wave of Holocaust revisionism in Central Europe has clashed with domestic politics in Israel, where a substantial proportion of the population descends from survivors of Nazi persecution.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whom Netanyahu lavishly welcomed in Jerusalem last July, is an admirer of Miklos Horthy, the Hungarian leader who collaborated with Nazi Germany to deport almost all of Hungarian Jewry to concentration camps.

At about the same time as the Orban meeting, Netanyahu attempted to smooth over differences with Morawiecki by issuing a joint statement clarifying Polands World War II status as a nation under the yoke of German occupation. That statement was slammed by Holocaust historians and Israeli politicians.

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Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid, the son of a Holocaust survivor, defined Netanyahus attempt to undo the damage caused by his utterance in Warsaw as another surrender.

Daniel Shapiro, the former U.S. ambassador to Israel, said that while it is perfectly valid for Israel to seek productive relations with nations of all kinds, there is an inherent tension between who you can work with and who you identify with.

Israel has always identified with the camp of democracies and, of course, it has been faithful to the memory of Jewish people, so that makes it hard to form lasting partnerships with autocratic governments that engage in Holocaust denial, and were seeing that tension play out, he said.

Martin Weiss, the Austrian ambassador to Israel, said the question of Israels alliances with European nations struggling to define themselves in the long shadow of the Holocaust is a philosophical and historical debate Israelis have to hold.

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Netanyahus diplomatic strategy, Shapiro said, had shown its limitations.

The group of nations that caucused in Warsaw is not proving to be a new set of relationships for the framework of Israels international relations.

Tarnopolsky is a special correspondent.
Islamic States self-styled caliphate once spanned territory larger than South Carolina. The extremist group controlled the lives of more than 8 million Iraqi and Syrian residents and established its own currency, a taxation system and a sprawling bureaucracy that went so far as to dictate what its subjects were allowed to wear and to think. Its fighters vowed they would conquer Rome, Paris and Washington.

Four years and a bloody military campaign later, all thats left of Islamic States real estate holdings is a fraction of a square mile in a remote Syrian hamlet near the border with Iraq.

There, hundreds of the remaining militants and more than 1,000 members of their families were holed up on Sunday in Baghouz al Fawqani, surrounded by Kurdish-led militiamen allied with the U.S.

In recent days, tens of thousands of people have streamed out of the groups shrinking enclave, many of them die-hard followers of Islamic State who moved repeatedly as the militant group ceded territory across Syria and Iraq.

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On Saturday, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said their offensive had stalled at the edge of one of Baghouzs neighborhoods, where officials said Islamic State militants had prevented the last civilians from leaving and were using them as human shields.

The fate of thousands of foreign-born Islamic State adherents now held in makeshift prisons and camps run by the Kurds has become the subject of heated global debate: Their home countries have long refused to repatriate them, viewing them as an unacceptable security risk and a political millstone.

President Trump waded into the issue late Saturday, tweeting that the caliphate was ready to fall and that the United Kingdom and other longstanding European allies should take back more than 800 Islamic State fighters captured in Syria and put them on trial  or see them released when some 2,000 U.S. military personnel withdrew from Syria.

The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them, Trump tweeted.

The US does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing.

Kurdish officials Sunday reiterated the need to arrange repatriation.

This large number of mercenaries is a burden and a danger to us and all the international community. Its not just fighters, but thousands of women and children, said Abdul Karim Omar, co-chairman of the SDF Foreign Relations Committee, in an interview.

The cost of housing families in the Al Hawl refugee camp, home to some 14,000 Islamic State suspects and 1,650 of the groups family members (thousands of other Islamic State family members are sprinkled across a number of camps), runs upward of $100,000 per month, said Mohammad Karo, deputy head of the Kurds refugee affairs commission.

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The children, Omar said, are especially vulnerable.

Theyre all raised in the mindset of terror. If theyre not sent back to their societies, rehabilitated and reintegrated, they themselves will be potential terrorists in the future, said Omar. Just because these people are in this area, that doesnt mean they dont represent a danger to the international community. Its an opportunity for these nations to round their citizens up and either make them face justice at home or rehabilitate them.

Few countries have heeded the call. In January, the SDF announced that Kazakhstan had taken back five fighters, 11 women and 30 children. Last week, Saudi Arabias foreign affairs minister Adel Jubeir said his government would take back some 50 Saudi men held in Kurdish custody.

Yet there is also the issue of justice for those victimized by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The fight to dislodge the group has left wide swaths of both Iraq and Syria in ruins. Residents singled out foreign members of Islamic State as being particularly vicious in applying harsh forms of their interpretation of Islamic law.

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These people appear in the media and say they were tricked. Had that been true, they would have run back when they first came and saw the situation wasnt as Daesh [the Arabic word for the group] depicted it, said Ali Baroodi, a university professor in Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city, which in 2014 became Islamic States Iraqi capital. Half of it was later leveled in the fight to remove the militants.

He added that nations should place Islamic State members on trial in Nuremberg-style courts like those used to try Nazis.

Shamima Begum, 19, has become a focus in assessing international governments reactions.

The British teen, along with two of her friends, traveled to Islamic State as a 15-year-old schoolgirl in 2015. Within three weeks, according to interviews she gave to British media outlets, she had married Yago Riedijk, 26, a Dutch Muslim convert and fighter with Islamic State.

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By the time she fled to Al Hawl earlier this week, she had given birth to two children who died as babies and was pregnant with a third. She was desperate to return to Britain, she said, for the safety of her soon-to-come baby but had nevertheless shown no remorse for joining Islamic State.

The British government, including British Home Secretary Sajid Javid, sought to block her return, cancel her passport and revoke her citizenship.

On Sunday, her family announced that Begum had given birth to a boy in Syria. Both she and the baby were in good health, according to the familys statement.

Tasnime Akunjee, the familys lawyer, said the U.K. should take responsibility for its citizens.

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You cant remove someones citizenship and render them stateless, said Akunjee in a telephone interview Sunday, adding that the U.K.s international obligations meant that Begum had to be allowed to return home.

In usual circumstances, states try to track people who commit crimes and bring them to justice. Its interesting how the British government is accusing her of participating in some crime and yet is not interested at all in bringing her back to British justice. Im still wondering why thats the case.

Begum, meanwhile, insisted she represented no threat.

When I went to Syria, I was just a housewife. The entire four years I stayed at home, took care of my husband, took care of my kids. I never did anything. I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria, she said in an interview with British broadcaster Sky News on Sunday, with her newborn at her side.

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She was hoping, Begum said, maybe for the sake of me and my child, they let me come back.

Because I cant live in this camp forever. Its not really possible.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them........  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019

....The U.S. does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2019
Disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison after being convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website shows the 54-year-old New York Democrat is currently in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn.

Its not immediately clear when Weiner was transferred and where hes staying now, but Weiner will have to register as a sex-offender and spend three years on supervised release under the terms of his sentence.

The prison bureau and Weiners lawyer didnt respond to emails seeking comment Sunday. Federal prosecutors in New York referred an inquiry to the prison bureau.

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Weiner began serving a 21-month prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts, in November 2017.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence May 14, a few months earlier than scheduled because of good conduct in prison.

A once-rising star in the Democratic Party who served nearly 12 years in Congress, Weiner had a dramatic and sordid fall from grace after he sent a lewd picture of himself to a college student over Twitter in 2011.

Weiner initially claimed his account had been hacked, then admitted hed had inappropriate online interactions with at least six other women while married to top Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

Weiner resigned from Congress that year but mounted a campaign for New York City mayor in 2013.

But his personal behavior was again his undoing after it was disclosed he sent explicit photos under the alias Carlos Danger to at least one woman after resigning from Congress.

Weiner ultimately garnered less than 5 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary.

His final fall came in 2017 after prosecutors say he sent a series of sexually explicit messages to a North Carolina high school student. Weiner pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor.

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At his sentencing, he said hed been a very sick man for a very long time because of his sex addiction.

Weiners attorney said the ex-lawmaker likely exchanged thousands of messages with hundreds of women over the years and was communicating with up to 19 women when he encountered the teenager.

Abedin also filed for divorce from Weiner in 2017. But the two, who have a young son together, later agreed to discontinue the case in order to negotiate their separation privately.
In a warehouse in Escondido on a February afternoon, mechanics installed electric motors, drivetrains and batteries in a row of white Peterbuilt freight trucks.

Theyre known as yard goats, said Joshua Goldman, vice president of sales and marketing for TransPower, one of a handful of companies in California developing electric powertrains for heavy-duty vehicles.

Businesses, backed with state funding, have in recent years started piloting such cargo-handling equipment at ports, rail yards and distribution centers around California. Such electrified trucks, forklifts and cranes move goods short distances, never straying too far from charging stations.

Now the race is on to roll out the first battery-powered big rigs  a move aimed at not only curbing greenhouse gases but harmful air pollution that overwhelmingly impacts low-income neighborhoods from Oakland to Long Beach to Barrio Logan.

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Experts disagree on how fast the state will see widespread adoption of electric trucks that can travel hundreds of miles on a single charge. While estimates have ranged from several years to more than a decade, competition among truck manufacturers now seems to be ratcheting up fast.

Alejandro Flores (left) and James Torres prepare to install an electric motor as they assemble a Peterbilt truck (background) in February at a TransPower warehouse in Escondido, California. (Eduardo Contreras / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Telsa is expected to start delivering a handful of electric long-haul trucks by 2020, with companies such as Daimler, Volvo and Peterbuilt following close behind.

The big news on electrification is how much more feasible its gotten with Daimler and Tesla introducing some electric truck options that seem like they can do the job, said Ethan Elkind, a researcher at UC Berkeleys Center for Law, Energy and the Environment who has been studying the issue closely.

They are expensive still, but this is something that a year ago we wouldnt even have been talking about, he added.

Diesel-powered freight operations account for roughly half of the states toxic air pollution, notably nitrogen oxide and fine particulate matter, according to state regulators. Health experts have said that reining in those emissions could dramatically reduce rates of asthma, heart disease and cancer.

The big news on electrification is how much more feasible its gotten with Daimler and Tesla introducing some electric truck options ... Ethan Elkind, a researcher at UC Berkeleys Center for Law, Energy and the Environment

While moving to zero-emission cargo equipment could save billions in health-care costs annually, it could also put economic pressure on the freight sector, which employs roughly a third of the states workforce.

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Its a large transformation were talking about, said Chris Shimoda, vice president of government affairs for the California Trucking Association. Were talking about a complete buildout of electric charging infrastructure. I think everyones invested in making sure this goes the right way.

Still, transitioning to electric vehicles could eventually make financial sense for many companies regardless of state regulations, Shimoda said. As the technology keeps improving, we may get the point where this is the rational business decision.

What about diesel?

Diesel engines have become dramatically cleaner over the last two decades, according to the California Air Resources Board. Regulations and technological advances have resulted in new heavy-duty diesel engines that are more than 97 percent cleaner than those built in 1990.

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Rather than focusing on electrifying fleets, advocates for diesel power have said the state should work harder to phase out older freight trucks.

The nonprofit trade group Diesel Technology Forum estimates that only 29 percent of the states commercial diesel trucks are equipped with the latest technology, compared to a national average of 36 percent.

Theres a danger in saying, Were going to electrify all these trucks in the port and all our problems will be solved, said Allen Schaeffer, the groups executive director. When you step back and say whats delivering clean-air progress in California today, the answer has to be turnover of the old generation of diesel technology to the newest generation.

Air board officials have said the agency is addressing both issues at the same time, pointing to regulations that require diesel-truck fleets to increasingly adopt the latest technology. According to the agency, about 70 percent of the most toxic air pollution from on-road vehicles in California comes from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

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The agency estimates that nearly all trucks in California will be required to have model year engines of 2010 or newer by 2023. Regulators said the reason the states fleet looks older than the national average is many drivers register their vehicles in states with cheaper fees, while trucks in California also last longer because of the mild winters.

Tenants at the Tenth Avenue Terminal at Port of San Diego have started to purchase electric freight equipment in effort to clean up the air in port-side communities such as Barrio Logan and National City. (John Gastaldo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Pressure to electrify

While freight businesses, such as those at the Port of San Diego, have started to purchase electric forklifts, cranes and short-range trucks, environmental-justice advocates have called on businesses to ramp up and expand those efforts.

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Its great that they have cargo-handling equipment, but the trucks are not being electrified yet, said Diane Takvorian, executive director of the San Diego-based Environmental Health Coalition, who also sits on the California Air Resources Board. The Port (of San Diego) isnt putting in or applying for the electrification infrastructure yet.

Historic effort launched to clean up toxic air pollution in San Diegos portside communities 

Much like the air boards rules for public buses that aim to transition transit agencies to all-electric fleets by 2040, regulators are now gearing up to consider similar rules for truck manufactures and commercial fleets by the end of this year.

Port and rail officials have tried to pump the breaks on expectation around purchasing expensive and often experimental battery-powered freight technology.

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Theyre saying we want more trucks, and were pushing back a little bit saying the technology is not quite there yet, said Job Nelson, assistant vice president of government and civic relations at the Port of San Diego. Its very much in demonstration mode. They can only go 50 or 150 miles, and then you have to plug in for 8 hours. If youre a trucker thats not an ideal situation.

Regulators have said that pollution from freight operations will have to be cut for California to meet its ambitious goals to slash greenhouse gases 40 percent by 2030. The sector currently accounts for six percent of the states climate-warming emission.

Air board officials said they are trying to strike a balance between whats technologically possible and whats financially feasible for businesses.

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As we develop rules that impact truck manufactures and fleets, we look at economic impact and cost, said Kim Heroy-Rogalski, chief of the air boards mobile source regulatory development branch. If you were just worried about air pollution, you would say everyone has to use electric tomorrow. But because it has trickledown effects in the economy, you have to be careful.

The California Energy Commission and air board have spent more than $450 million since 2004 in grants and other programs to help boost the transition to zero-emission technologies.

Thats money that companies such as TransPower have taken advantage of.

This is stepping toward the future, Goldman said, pointing to a battery-powered big rig parked at the warehouse in Escondido.

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Behind him, workers connected a complicated maze of blue hoses and orange power lines as they lowered a zero-emission motor suspended on a hook onto a chassis where a diesel engine would traditionally sit.

Were going to have one of these semi-trucks operating this summer between the 10th Avenue Terminal at the Port of San Diego and a regional yard just down the street in National City, he said.

The factory floor at TransPower in Escondido, California, which makes battery-powered freight equipment. (Eduardo Contreras / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Whats the hold up?

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Technically speaking, the technology to haul heavy cargo using electric vehicles is available today, even for massive 18-wheelers.

However, loading a truck up with enough batteries to travel hundreds of miles on a charge, would require scaling back how much a truck can carry or exceeding weight limits. Without running afoul of the law, companies would lose out on revenue from moving the smaller loads.

That means batteries will have to get more efficient before they make financial sense for many commercial fleets, said John Gerra, director of business development for BYD North American, which builds battery-electric buses and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Energy density is continuously increasing, he said, but its going to be a number of years before we see trucks doing 300 to 500 miles on one charge.

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I would say that long-range will be prevalent by 2025, he added.

However, changes in the industry could evolve to accommodate the current limits of the battery technology. For example, trucking companies may increasingly employ on a relay system where drivers only move goods between regional storage facilities .

This could not only help usher in battery-powered freight transportation, but better meet the needs of truck drivers, said Elkind, with UC Berkeley. A lot of these trucking companies are not even doing long haul anymore because truckers want to sleep in their beds every night.

While the cost of electric trucks is more expensive, commercial fleet operators are expected to recoup their investments over time. With fewer moving parts, the vehicles are projected to require less maintenance, and while there are concerns about the fluctuating cost of electricity, recharging is expected to be cheaper than fueling up at the pump.

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Twitter: @jemersmith

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Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra is asking a federal district judge in Los Angeles to place a hold on the sale of two struggling hospitals to Santa Clara County, a request the county says could scuttle the purchase.

Becerras action is the latest skirmish in a years-long effort by the state to maintain oversight of six financially beleaguered not-for-profit hospitals. The hospitals, located in both Northern and Southern California, are now in bankruptcy.

They were originally owned and operated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul but were plagued by spiraling operating losses.

The states involvement began when the Catholic organization decided to sell the nonprofits.

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State law gives the attorney general responsibility for reviewing sales of not-for-profit assets, and former Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris imposed conditions on the sale.

Harris, now a U.S. senator and Democratic presidential candidate, required the hospitals to maintain specific services and bed counts and to treat the poor.

The conditions also called for capital improvements and a commitment that the 7,000 jobs at the health facilities would continue, with comparable salaries, wages and job duties.

The hospitals were to make annual reports on compliance to the attorney general.

Verity Health System purchased the hospitals but could not restore them to financial health. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August.

Santa Clara County now wants to buy two of the hospitals  OConnor Hospital in San Jose and St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy  and a medical center for $235 million. The sale is on schedule to be completed by the end of the month.

Becerra, though, wants the county to assume the conditions negotiated by Harris, albeit with some reworking to make them applicable to a government owner.

Jeff Smith, chief executive of Santa Clara County, said the attorney general has no authority over a sale of a nonprofit hospital to a county.

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The bankruptcy judge overseeing the case agreed, and Becerra asked a district judge for an emergency stay.

U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, appointed by President George W. Bush, has asked for written arguments. He is expected to rule this month.

Becerras office, which does not object to the sale, points to language in the agreement negotiated by Harris that says the conditions would be binding on future owners.

Were going to do everything we must to make sure that the people whose lives depend on those health facilities will be protected, Becerra said in a statement released by his office.

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Smith said that many of the conditions make no sense for a government buyer and that the county has agreed to all of the clinical conditions, including keeping emergency services.

The plan is to increase the services, Smith said.

If Becerra succeeds in putting a hold on the sale, the hospitals could end up closed, and the future of the other four also would be more at risk, Smith said.

The countys purchase agreement expires March 1, so if they cant sell it to us free and clear by March 1, we would have to step out, Smith said.

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When asked whether that would scuttle the deal permanently, Smith said he could not rule anything out.

We think it is important to keep these hospitals open, he said.

Becerra put the blame on Santa Clara, saying the county should agree to the conditions.

Santa Clara County has no reason to put in jeopardy the purchase of these hospitals, just as it has no reason to put in jeopardy the medical services and protections patients rely on and currently receive, he said.

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Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, said attorneys general have been important in the past in overseeing sales of nonprofit hospitals to ensure continued access and services.

Santa Clara would be a good steward for those two hospitals, said Wright, whose group advocates for healthcare consumers. At the same time we do support the attorney generals authority in imposing conditions.

Santa Clara County already operates a $1.5-billion healthcare system with a hospital and 10 clinics. But the hospital operates at high capacity, and bed shortages are common.

Two million people live in Santa Clara County, and about a fourth of them have inconsistent health insurance or are underinsured, Smith said.

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Strategic Global Management Inc., a California-based for-profit hospital operator, has bid $610 million to take over the other four hospitals: St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, Seton Medical Center in Daly City and Seton Coastside in Moss Beach.

St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles is one of the six former Daughters of Charity hospitals being sold out of bankruptcy by Verity Health System. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Those hospitals are subject to the attorney generals oversight, although lawyers could try to get the conditions struck down in bankruptcy proceedings.

In a court declaration, Verity CEO Richard G. Adcock said the attorney generals conditions locked the hospitals into a failing business model, dictating both minute details of business operations and prohibiting change.

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For example, the conditions required Verity to enter into contracts with certain entities, he said.

Because those entities were well aware of the AGs requirement that Verity contract with them or be in default, Verity had no bargaining power with those entities or payors, Adcock said.

Integrity Healthcare took over management of Veritys six struggling hospitals in 2015.

NantWorks, a Culver City company controlled by Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, purchased Integrity in 2017, and the company loaned Verity $148 million, according to court records.

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Many healthcare advocates were initially thrilled that the Southern California medical entrepreneur was taking charge, but the cash influx and new management did not stop the losses. The delight turned to anger when the hospitals declared bankruptcy.

Integrity no longer has a contract with the hospitals. Soon-Shiong, a physician and inventor who owns the Los Angeles Times, is a creditor in the bankruptcy.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan
A Buena Park man is in custody on suspicion of killing four people in a drunk driving crash in Santa Ana early Sunday, police said.

The driver, Vincent Michael Calvo, 28, was westbound on 4th Street before 3 a.m. when, police say, he ran a red light at Tustin Avenue and slammed into a southbound Chevy pickup truck carrying four people.

Both vehicles rolled over.

This was a violent crash, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

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Though an off-duty firefighter tried to help the four passengers in the truck, all were pronounced dead at the scene, Bertagna said. Calvo was not seriously injured.

You see it often when people are intoxicated, somehow, and nobody seems to know why, whether its their relaxed state or what, they seem to survive, Bertagna said.

Calvo was eventually taken to jail, where he is being held on suspicion of four counts of murder and driving under the influence causing great bodily injury. His bail was set at $4 million, Bertagna said.

The victims in the truck have not been identified but they appeared to be two men and two women, all of whom were in their 30s, Bertagna said.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
For Kika Keith, a dream deferred looks like a bare, brightly illuminated room in South Los Angeles.

After California legalized recreational cannabis, Los Angeles leaders had vowed that entrepreneurs such as her  with roots in communities hit hardest by the war on drugs  would get an upper hand in L.A.s potentially lucrative marijuana market. Keith, a single mother of three, snapped up a lease on a Leimert Park storefront and lined up an investor.

This empty room was supposed to hold her dream  a shop that would sell beverages, tinctures and salves infused with cannabis, and reinvest a share of the profits in community groups.

But more than a year after sales of cannabis became legal in Los Angeles and other California cities and counties that have allowed it, Keith still cannot apply for a local license as a retailer. And L.A. officials cannot tell her exactly when that will change.

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The slow rollout in a city that could become the biggest market for legal cannabis in the country has frustrated would-be entrepreneurs. Critics complain the delays have taken an especially heavy toll on people who L.A. leaders said they wanted to help with a social equity program.

That program, one of several struggling to get going in cities across California, is designed for people whose communities bore the brunt of marijuana arrests and convictions to benefit financially from the drugs legalization.

In L.A., for instance, black residents were much more likely to be arrested in marijuana crimes during the drug war, despite studies showing that they are no more likely to use or sell the drug. Many neighborhoods with high numbers of cannabis arrests also were poorer and had a higher-than-average percentage of people of color, an analysis conducted for the city found.

L.A. leaders said that to address those past injustices, they would give an edge to cannabis entrepreneurs who are low-income and had been arrested in or convicted of marijuana crimes, or who had lived in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by such arrests, providing them advantages and assistance in the licensing process.

The problem facing many entrepreneurs now  whether they are eligible for the equity program or not  is that they decided to spring for storefronts, knowing that there would be limited real estate available for cannabis businesses. When Los Angeles passed its regulations on cannabis businesses, it set caps on the number of retail shops in each neighborhood and banned them from opening near schools, public parks and other marijuana shops. Cannabis growers and manufacturers also face restrictions on where they can operate.

At first, the city said that all cannabis business applicants needed to have a location before they applied for a license. That changed in July, when the city decided to loosen that requirement for people in its equity program. But by then, many of those entrepreneurs had already signed leases, expecting that they would soon be able to get a license.

For many hopefuls, that hasnt happened. By February, L.A. had granted temporary approval to roughly 180 shops, which had already been operating under an earlier set of city regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries and got first dibs on recreational licenses under the new regulations.

Next in line have been hundreds of existing growers and manufacturers that supplied those medical marijuana dispensaries. This second phase of licensing had initially been expected to wrap up last April, but the process didnt start until August.

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Dozens of growers and manufacturers have gotten temporary approval from the city since then, while many more are still being processed.

The third and final step will be to throw the doors open to license new operators, including many entrepreneurs who are eligible for the citys social equity program. But for more than a year, L.A.s Department of Cannabis Regulation could not say when that would happen.

They just keep saying, We dont know, said Benjamin Brayfield, who shut down his cannabis collective more than a year ago, trying to stay in line with the law while L.A. started its licensing process. In January, he abandoned his Mid-Wilshire location and has been working with a company in Palm Springs instead.

This month, the department said it hopes to begin the last phase of local licensing this spring or summer. At a meeting on Friday, both City Council President Herb Wesson and Cat Packer, executive director of the Department of Cannabis Regulation, said L.A. needs to proceed thoughtfully, not rush.

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People wanted their licenses yesterday, Packer acknowledged. But the truth of the matter is that we are just getting started.

L.A. officials blamed the longer-than-anticipated timeline on slow hiring at the newly formed Department of Cannabis Regulation, a deluge of applications from existing businesses that took priority over newcomers, and the daunting work of creating the infrastructure for a new agency, including setting up offices and an online licensing system.

The city also has had to grapple with issues such as how to prevent equity applicants from being exploited by other operators in the licensing process.

Bringing cannabis above ground is an incredibly complex process, and L.A. is doing it on an unprecedented scale, Alex Comisar, a spokesman for Mayor Eric Garcetti, said in a statement. Our goal is to do this the right way, not the quick way or the easy way  and weve always been very clear about that.

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Some argue that the city should have provided more help to the fledgling Department of Cannabis Regulation, which began with only an executive director and has grown slowly to 13 employees, as of February. More positions have been funded but havent been filled yet, the result of a lengthy process for city hiring.

The mayor didnt put any priority on anything, said Donnie Anderson, president and co-founder of the California Minority Alliance, which supports the participation of people of color in the cannabis industry.

Others had other gripes: Cannabis consultant Sergio Ingstrom complained in an email last May that L.A. was driving away businesses by spending too much time on the idealization of social equity instead of the implementation of it and raised concerns about the demands on firms that partner with equity applicants.

When someone forwarded that email to Andrew Westall, a top aide to Wesson, Westall was unfazed, emails obtained by The Times show. I have no time for folks that want to go somewhere else. Let em, he replied.

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Westall, one of the top figures at City Hall on cannabis issues, declined to be quoted for this article. Emails show that in May, he was confident that licensing for new operators would begin soon, assuring someone assisting a cannabis applicant that it would start by the end of summer.

Instead, as months have passed, industry groups and consultants have complained that many cannabis entrepreneurs are stuck paying steep prices for multiyear leases, after landlords hiked prices on eligible storefronts.

You had a lot of people who followed the citys guidance and signed leases, paying upwards of $10,000 a month in rent, said Larry Mondragon, vice president of zoning and entitlements for Craig Fry & Associates, a consulting firm helping cannabis businesses. People are holding onto leases, paying exorbitant checks, not even knowing when theyre able to turn in applications to the city.

By February, Keith said she had been renting out the vacant storefront in Leimert Park for eight months.

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At one point, she worried that her dream could be squelched when another cannabis shop that already had city approval moved in a few doors away  a move that could make her site ineligible for cannabis sales.

Keith was relieved when that shop eventually closed and the city tightened its rules about such relocations. But in December, her rent doubled  an agreement that Keith had struck when she believed she would be in business by that time. She feared that her investors, who she said had been paying her a small salary, might pull out in frustration.

What kind of business-minded investor is going to continue to shell out money with that much uncertainty? Keith asked.

A Sacramento-based cannabis investment firm, MWG Holdings, ultimately decided to keep supporting her dream. But the firm backed away from plans to fund another social equity applicant in L.A.

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Its tough, said David Spradlin, chief executive of MWG Holdings. A lot of our investors didnt invest to be activists. They invested to make a return.

Another investment group has shifted its attention from L.A. to the Bay Area. We decided we couldnt wait, said Good Tree founder Rashaan Everett, who runs a fund that invests in equity applicants. San Francisco and Oakland had made so much more progress.

Anderson, of the California Minority Alliance, said that although such delays have aggravated all cannabis entrepreneurs, they could be especially hazardous for the social equity applicants that L.A. set out to help.

Under the equity program, the city must review applications from two shops run by eligible applicants for every application it vets from another cannabis retailer. Because the city has already approved scores of licenses for shops that had already been operating, L.A. will likely hand out the licenses still available for new storefront retailers to equity applicants, according to city officials.

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And to even be eligible for the second phase of licenses, marijuana growers and manufacturers had to be part of the equity program  either as an applicant disproportionately affected by the war on drugs or a business that agrees to help them.

Equity applicants are supposed to get a helping hand from the city through business, licensing and compliance assistance. But more than a year after recreational cannabis sales became legal, there are no city programs providing such aid.

So far, the only funding the city has approved for social equity is $250,000 for a fee deferral program. Department officials say they now are seeking more than $4 million for the program, hoping to roll out support services, such as business development training, no sooner than July.

Some advocates argue that, in the absence of those services and an abundance of illegal cannabis businesses still competing for customers, it is a blessing in disguise that many equity applicants have not been able to start the licensing process.

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They need the support system, said Dani Shaker, one of the co-founders of Think and Grow Lab, which assists equity applicants with funding and training. Its not just getting priority in licensing  how do they stay viable and successful?

emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlpertReyes
The United States was newly at war in 1942 when the Marines moved into their new base on Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores, a cattle ranch nestled between the Southern California cities of Oceanside and San Clemente.

The coastal location was ideal for a force in need of an amphibious training base. Scores of temporary military buildings were erected.

Today most of those buildings have either been replaced or remodeled.

One from that era remains relatively unchanged and some of its tenants hope remains that way long after theyre gone.

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The building known colloquially as The White House has been the command post of the 1st Marine Division since 1946.

Built in 1943, it was constructed as a temporary structure, originally intended to stand for five years. Instead it has seen the division through almost every American military engagement since then.

Now the division has outgrown the facility, and a new modern headquarters is in the works. The future of this historic building is up in the air.

Kelli Brasket, Camp Pendletons cultural resources manager and archaeologist, said the base is nominating the building to be placed on the national register of historic places.

Its an early example of the Marine Corps growing presence on the west coast, she said. Its (also) associated with a master architect  Myron Hunt.

Hunt, whose firm designed many of the bases early military buildings, is more well-known as the designer of the Rose Bowl.

The 1st-floor corridor of the 1st Marine Division headquarters is a character-defining feature of the historic building. (Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

The two-story-tall White House features a wide, deep porch along its front, old wood floors creaking under modern carpeting inside, and long, narrow hallways on both levels. Brasket calls them character defining features.

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Artifacts from each major engagement are displayed around the two main staircases, along with photos of every commander in the divisions 78-year history.

The 1st Marine Division is the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. It is the largest and most equipped command in the Marine Corps, according to its commanding general, Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi.

When you think of the Marine Corps, Castellvi said, you think of the 1st Marine Division and where it all began, here at Camp Pendleton.

The 1st Marine Division was activated in 1941. It saw heavy fighting in the Pacific theater, notably the battles of Guadalcanal, Peleleu and Okinawa.

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It deployed during the Korean War, Vietnam, both wars in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. Some of the most notable names in Marine Corps history went through the division  Alexander Vandegrift, Chesty Puller and John Basilone served during World War II and Former Defense Secretary James Mattis commanded the division during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The top landing of one of the main stairwells at the headquarters of the 1st Marine Division on Camp Pendleton Marine Base, CA. Division artifacts from World War II and the Korean War are on display. (Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

Throughout the decades, the division headquarters has remained the same. Thats becoming a problem, Castellvi said.

About 22,000 Marines fall under the command of the division. To manage them and their subordinate commands, Castellvis staff is spread out among six buildings on Camp Pendleton.

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The White House, with all its charms, just wasnt built to for the demands of a modern military force, he said.

Weve made it work, he said, but we now need a better facility.

Plans for a new headquarters are in their early phases, said Marine Capt. Luke Weaver, a base spokesman. Base and division leaders are looking at a preliminary location in the Margarita area of the base, he said, adding that the 1st Marine Division could have a new command post as early as 2024.

As for the White House, people are in the early stages of discussing whether the building can become a command museum, Weaver said.

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Castellvi said the building represented everything it meant to be a Marine; he hopes it will be preserved.

When you come to this headquarters it reminds you why you came into the Marine Corps to begin with  to be part of something larger than yourself, he said. The history, the legacy, the traditions are embodied by what you see in this building. This place is special.

Behind the White House, in a nondescript bunker that dates back to Vietnam, sits the divisions bar, Matildas. Its where, since 2005, division staff have met every other Thursday afternoon.

Matildas is unlikely to make the trip to the new headquarters, said Castellvi.

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Well find something suitable, he said. Or, well come back to this place. I hope that long after we build a new headquarters that every one of us can come back here and see it preserved in the same way it was.

The name tapes and rank insignia of prior and current division staff adorn the walls behind the bar at Matildas the division bar, located in a bunker behind headquarters. Prior commanding generals  including former Defense Secretary James Mattis  are at the top left. (Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

Faye Jonason, the base history and museum director, hopes the Marines find a way to preserve the White House.

When it gets to be important for me is when I do oral histories with the veterans, or have them come and visit, said Jonason. Its an important building for them. Its for them, their families and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know this was important and what they did was important.

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Right now, one hurdle to securing a command museum is financial.

Also, there is already a museum on the base, the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum, which features Marines ground vehicles since World War II.

Castellvi said the mechanized museum cam be a template for transitioning the White House into a museum.

The 1st Marine Division Association is very interested; theyre part of the solution, he said. Nobody wants to see ... what some will refer to as the White House go away.

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The exterior of the 1st Marine Division headquarters. Build in 1943, it has been the home of the division since 1946. The division will be moving into a new building once construction is funded. (Andrew Dyer / Union-Tribune)

Contact Andrew Dyer via email or Twitter.
National City Councilman Ron Morrison, who termed out as mayor last year, has decided to forgo the salary and benefits council members receive, opting to collect his pension instead.

Morrison, 68, said the decision benefits both himself  his pension will pay more than the salary and benefits for council members  and the city, which will save money.

Faced with term limits after 12 years in the top elected post, Morrison ran successfully for a seat on the City Council in November. Following the victory, he completed paperwork to take on the new role as a volunteer  a move that designated him as retired and allows him to collect pension  $42,000 a year.

He received an initial, one-time payment of $5,000 on Feb. 2 and is set to collect his first monthly $3,500 check on March 1, a California Public Employees Retirement System spokeswoman said.

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As a councilman, Morrison has opted out of an annual compensation package of about $37,000, including a salary of about $14,300, a $4,200 expense allowance, a $14,400 employer contribution for medical and dental insurance and a $4,000 employer contribution to his pension. The city does not participate in a Social Security program.

Thats a burden off the citys books, the one-time mayor said of the compensation he chose to forgo.

He said the transition from mayor to council member late last year felt like the right time to begin collecting his pension. He added that he didnt feel the need to accumulate more as a council member.

Before he was elected mayor in 2006, Morrison had served as a councilman for 14 years  since 1992.

CalPERS spokeswoman Amy Morgan said Morrisons pension was calculated based on factors including his age, 26 years of service and  as allowed under the plan  his highest annual salary over the course of his career ($54,000 between 2017 and 2018).

As mayor, Morrison faced criticism in 2017 when he was up for a 32 percent raise, which the City Council rejected in the end. The raise would have set the mayors base salary at $65,000 and made Morrison eligible for up to $50,700 a year in retirement benefits. At the time, Morrison said the proposed raise had nothing to do with increasing his retirement benefits. He insisted the pay increase would have helped attract a better field of candidates to replace him.

Last year, the then-mayor supported a ballot measure that would have set new term limits for all city elected officials, allowing Morrison to seek re-election. Critics speculated he wanted to remain in office to collect more salary and benefits as mayor. He said at the time he wanted to extend his time in office to continue progress made under his leadership and because he hadnt seen a qualified candidate step forward.

Morrisons pension from CalPERS will not be his sole source of income. He said he also intends to collect the pension he accumulated under the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations  as a union member in the construction industry for more than 20 years before his time in office. He estimated his annual pension from the ALF-CIO at $10,800.

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Combined with his CalPERS payments, his annual pension will be comparable to the salary he received as mayor.

Morrison said he enrolled in a Kaiser insurance plan under Medicare, which provides health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older.

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

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Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
Julius Zolezzi first went out on a San Diego tuna boat when he was just 9 years old. It wasnt until many years later, he said, that he realized why he was allowed to go out at such a young age.

My mother couldnt handle me, he said.

Zolezzi, 89, and five other retired fishermen swapped sea stories Sunday at a symposium on the history of tuna fishing in San Diego  from a Portuguese perspective  at Saint Agnes Church in Point Loma. The panel discussion detailed the rise and fall of what was, at one time, a top local industry.

Therese Garces, president of the Portuguese Historical Center, said keeping this history alive was important.

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The tuna industry is the heart and soul of this community, Garces said, adding that her grandfather and father were both tuna fishermen. She said she had fond memories of when her father would go out to sea, and even fonder ones of when hed return.

Wed go to the Embarcadero to say goodbye, then race our cars to Shelter Island to honk our horn, she said, remembering the ships heading out. It was a big party every time dad came home. If he wasnt home for Christmas, the Christmas tree stood there until March or April and we celebrated Christmas again.

A guest in the audience looks over photos of past and present tuna boats. The public was invited to listen to guest panelist talk about the tuna fishing industry in San Diego at Saint Agnes Church in Point Loma. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune)

Sundays panel was part of a series of symposiums the historical center hosts throughout the year, Garces said.

August Felando, who worked from another major tuna port in San Pedro, talked about the changes in technology that affected the tuna industry. Until the 1950s, tuna were fished from bait boats by fishermen using bamboo poles to fish one by one. However, a new type of fishing vessel, the purse seiner, soon took over.

Felando said San Diegos fleet transitioned from bait boats to purse seiners in the 1960s. It was a more efficient way of fishing tuna. So that developed from California all the way down to Chile, he said.

Zolezzi, who once served as the director of the American Tunaboat Association, also talked about the switch in technology from his fathers generation to his.

He built his first boat in 1937, a 65-ton bait boat, he said. Later on, I built a 600-ton purse seiner.

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San Diego was once the tuna capital of the world  with the tuna industry lagging only behind the military and aerospace in the local economy. There were four large canneries operating on the waterfront.

However, stricter environmental regulations pushed fishing grounds further away, and many American companies began operating from more distant ports.

A recession in the early 1980s did the rest. In 1984, the last San Diego cannery, owned by Van Camp Seafood, closed, taking 12,000 jobs with it.

Garces said the impact of the industry on San Diego should not be forgotten, and that the Portuguese Historical Center would like to see a permanent reminder on the Embarcadero, where the fishing vessels once moored.

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Were in the process of working with the Port (of San Diego) to see if we can get a tuna purse seiner as a museum downtown next to the Star of India, she said. Its going to cost money, but if the port says OK then well start fundraising. I think the community will come out for something like that.

Garces said members of her family are still involving in the tuna fishing industry  her husband is a tuna captain  but she wasnt sure the tradition would continue.

We never left, but its getting there, she said. This is probably the last generation. It just doesnt pay the bills.

Contact Andrew Dyer via email or Twitter.
Your first business idea out of college is supposed to flop, right? Not so for San Diego State University grads Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman, who have spent their post-college years building a retail empire.

The two young men had barely reached their 20s when they launched Pura Vida, a jewelry company inspired by the Costa Rican lifestyle, in 2010. They started the business with $100 and never took funding from investors. Today, the company ships about a million products a month. They help employ over 650 people in Costa Rica and El Salvador, and about 30 San Diegans at their beachside La Jolla headquarters.

What do they make? Mostly string bracelets.

Bracelets are one of those products in which innovation seems unlikely. In a retail world flooded with brands, how do newcomers get the attention of customers? For Pura Vida  Spanish for the pure life  it was all about their story.

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How street peddlers became huge suppliers

Fresh out of college, Thall and Goodman took a graduation trip to Costa Rica. They stayed for five weeks, backpacking through the regions tourist spots. Both guys were unemployed and a little freaked out about college life ending. What would they do once they got back to California and had to get jobs? One day, they walked past two street peddlers selling handmade bracelets out of their backpack.

Thall and Goodman got an idea. What if they could sell bracelets to earn some cash when they got back, thereby delaying real-world jobs a little longer?

We had just got out of the Greek system at SDSU, and we thought we could sell the bracelets to sorority girls or guys in the frat, Thall said.

They asked the street peddlers if they could handle an order of 400 bracelets. Keep in mind; these guys made bracelets by hand with candles and scissors. No, they could not make 400 with just two sets of hands. So the guys  Jorge and Joaquin (Pura Vida would not share their last names)  recruited friends to help. They delivered the bracelets in four days.

Thall and Goodman took the colorful bracelets home and placed them in a boutique in San Diego, where the surfer style and beach vibes were welcomed. They promptly sold out.

The two grads had just earned $1,200 easy peasy. Could jobs be delayed even further? They reached back out to Jorge and Joaquin through email, asking if they could make 1,000 more bracelets. They didnt hear back for weeks. Finally, they got an answer. Yes, Jorge and Joaquin could do it.

After those sold out, Thall and Goodman asked for 2,000. Then 10,000. Today, Pura Vida gets about 1 million handmade bracelets from Jorge and Joaquins artisan manufacturing operations in El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Its pretty incredible, Thall said. They werent bracelet vendors, they were just artisans that literally made bracelets, slept in the rain, and woke up to eat food. Their end goal was to make $10 to $20 a day to buy that food. Now those two guys pay the salaries of over 650 people.

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Pura Vida specializes in handmade bracelets, made by artisans in Costa Rica and El Salvador using scissors and candles. (Courtesy/ Pura Vida)

The marketing is the money

That origin story was powerful in Pura Vidas branding messages. Their target customer  young women in high school and college  loved the inspiring tale.

The company also leveraged some of the hottest, most effective branding strategies of their time. Thall, who went to school for marketing, put Pura Vida on Instagram in the early days of the social media platforms life. The companys account has over 1.4 million followers, which is somewhat unheard of for an independent jewelry company.

Instagram is the best platform to reach younger millennials and Generation Z, said Miro Copic, a marketing lecturer at SDSU. Its far better than Facebook or Twitter, and especially for this kind of product. Instagram is a very visual platform.

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Pura Vida also commissioned influencers  celebrities and social media stars with large followings  to sport their bracelets online. The company regularly sends models and influencers to beautiful, exotic locales to do photo shoots.

The companys social media accounts are a deluge of picturesque beach shots, and golden women clad in bikinis and drapey knits. But its not just beauty that sells Pura Vida. The company ties its bracelets to causes, like saving endangered sea turtles or funding breast cancer research.

Copic said its no wonder Pura Vida has struck a chord with customers.

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This brand resonates, Copic said. "(Customers) feel compassion for these people in Costa Rica, theyre creating jobs and the proceeds are being used to support causes  now thats a compelling story.

Pura Vida has expanded from just selling string bracelets into jewelry made of pure metals. That was smart, Copic said, as string bracelets might be a fad. Metal jewelry is more timeless.

The company would not share exact revenue figures but did note that it was profitable and grew by 120 percent last year. And thats pretty similar growth to the years prior.

Weve doubled our growth every year, Thall said.

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The companys bracelets range in price from $6 to $20, while the popular variety packs (a bundle of four to five bracelets) sell for $45 to $50.

In February, Pura Vida is moving into a new glamorous office space in La Jolla. Thall describes the new space as a mix between an Apple store and an Anthropologie: a full glass office facing the ocean, decorated with denim furniture, shag rugs and a bronze chandelier.

The product started on the beach, and we want to keep the company where it began, Thall said.

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brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling
You recently fired an employee after your investigation substantiated a complaint that he had engaged in sexual harassment. Now, months later, a prospective employer calls to ask about the former employee. Are you legally required to disclose why the employee was fired? What are the consequences if you do? What are the consequences if you dont and your former employee engages in sexual harassment in his new job?

The Democratic Governors Association in D.C. faced essentially this situation when, months after firing senior official Kevin OBrien, it received an inquiry about OBriens application for a top job with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. According to a report in The New York Times last month revealing the situation for the first time, the DGA advised city officials only of OBriens title and work dates  what human resources professionals call name, rank, and serial number -- and disclosed no problems with his employment.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, then DGAs chairman and now a potential candidate for president, said through a spokeswoman that he had withheld information about the substantiated harassment claims because he was sure being fired for sexual harassment would keep OBrien, who previously had worked for Bullock in Montana, from engaging in the same conduct in his new job. Bullock apparently was wrong.

The Times broke the news last month that OBrien lost his job with Mayor de Blasio early last year after two women accused him of sexual harassment. The Mayors office did not announce OBriens resignation at the time or why he was forced to quit. OBrien soon got a new job. His new employer, who had known OBrien for years, did not contact the city for a reference. Had he done so, he would have been told only that OBrien had resigned in lieu of termination. That, said the Mayor, would have been a red flag. Perhaps, but a red flag is not a telegram.

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Many new laws encourage the transparency of sexual harassment claims. One such new law explicitly protects a California employer that, upon request of a prospective employer, discloses that a former employee applying for a job was terminated or is ineligible for rehire based on credible evidence of sexual harassment from a defamation claim by the applicant-former employee. The defense is available if the disclosure is made without malice, meaning without hatred or ill will or without reasonable grounds for believing the employee had engaged in sexual harassment.

A legislative analyst predicted the measure would embolden . . . former employers to communicate more freely about incidents of sexual harassment. But to embolden disclosure is not to require it. And a former employee may later contend the disclosure of the information was ill-motivated or that the employers conclusion that the employee had engaged in sexual harassment was unreasonable.

This law does not address an employers liability for providing a positive recommendation to an employee ousted for engaging in sexual harassment. In Randi W. v. Muroc Joint Unified School District, a case involving the sexual molestation of students, the California Supreme Court ruled that the writer of a positive letter recommendation who knowingly misrepresents the qualifications and character of a former employee may be liable to a third person, such as a co-worker, to whom the former employee causes reasonably foreseeable physical injury in his new job.

The Supreme Court said a former employer may avoid liability to the former employees later victims either by (1) writing a full disclosure letter revealing all the circumstances of the former employees dismissal or (2) providing a no comment letter omitting any statement about the applicants qualifications or merely verifying basic employment dates and details.

The prudent employer who chooses to share more than the name, rank, and serial number of an employee fired for sexual harassment will do so only upon request of a prospective employer and will share only the reasonably substantiated facts of the harassment. On the other hand, an employer that provides an unconditionally positive recommendation for an employee fired for sexual harassment needlessly assumes the risk he wont reoffend.

Dan Eaton is a partner with the San Diego law firm of Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek where his practice focuses on defending and advising employers. He also is an instructor at the San Diego State University Fowler College of Business where he teaches classes in business ethics and employment law. He may be reached at eaton@scmv.com. His Twitter handle is @DanEatonlaw.
The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will receive a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house.

For more than a decade, the nonprofit set a threshold of tickets that had to be sold before a dream house could be awarded. While details about the rules could be found in the fine print, an advertising blitz each year  including ads in the Union-Tribune  focused on the wonders of the house itself.

During those years, the charity never sold enough tickets to give away the grand prize house, leading charity watchdogs to criticize the contest for being called a Dream House Raffle when the main advertised prize was unlikely to be given.

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Charles Day, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, said the charity made the change after surveying past raffle participants.

Guaranteeing the availability of the dream house was something participants were interested in seeing, he said, so this year were doing just that.

The changes instituted by the charity came after an investigation by The San Diego Union-Tribune into the raffle and its consultant, Neal Martin Zeavy, was published in March. Three months later, the nonprofit announced it had cut ties with the consultant, which it paid more than $3 million from 2008 to 2016.

The home offered in this years San Diego raffle is of less value than the dream houses offered in recent raffles. The La Jolla dream house in 2017 was listed for sale at $5.3 million before it was promoted in the raffle, and the Poway dream house in 2016 was put on the market for $3.3 million after that years raffle.

This years house, on Via La Ventana in the Stonebridge Estates in Scripps Ranch, sold for $1.1 million in 2009. It was listed for sale for $2.4 million in 2015 and lowered to $2.1 million in November. It is now off the market for the raffle.

Even with the promise of a house give-away this year, some former participants say they wont be buying a ticket. James Graham of Point Loma, who bought raffle tickets about five times, e-mailed the charity after reading the original Union-Tribune article to say he felt too much money was going to a consultant instead of a good cause.

In my view, the charity has probably lost trust, he said. After 10-plus years of the dream house raffle not raffling off a home, I think my response of not choosing to participate in the raffle might be how others respond.

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The Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos mission is to provide a place to stay, meals and other resources for families with seriously ill children receiving hospitalized care. Day said the charity no longer has any business connection with Seattle-based consultant Zeavy.

The nonprofit said staff members are now running the raffle. Day said it was done to ensure we are maximizing the proceeds which support the families who rely on our charity.

1 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the front of the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 2 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 3 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 4 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 5 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 6 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the in-ground trampoline inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 7 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 8 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 9 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the grotto, slide and waterfall of the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 10 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 11 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the outdoor grill of the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 12 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 13 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the gym inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 14 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 15 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 16 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the guest bedroom of the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 17 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the master bathroom inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 18 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the master bedroom inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 19 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 20 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 21 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 22 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the foyer inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 23 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the downstairs living room inside the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego) 24 / 25 2019 Dream House Raffle () 25 / 25 The Dream House Raffle will actually give away a dream house this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diegos annual contest guarantees that the winner will get a Scripps Ranch mansion, or a cash prize instead, unlike past years in which no one actually won the house. Pictured is a view of the cabana of the home. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego)

The dream home this year is a 6,200-square-foot house built in 2009. It has five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a four-car garage, formal dining room, in-ground trampoline, gourmet kitchen, saltwater pool with grotto and water slide, gym and other features.

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The winner of the house will also have the option of taking money instead. The winner can get $2.1 million paid out over 20 years, or a $1.3 million lump-sum payment.

A single raffle ticket is $150, but participants can also buy a pack of three for $400 or a pack of five for $550. No more than 50,000 raffle tickets will be sold.

Other prizes include a trip to South Africa, a Tesla Model S, a Ford F-150, a Samsung 75-inch TV, Vacheron Constantin watches, Steinway upright piano, infrared sauna, handheld vacuum, Canon Ivy mobile photo printer and a host of other smaller prizes.

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Other contests

Zeavy earned $17 million over a decade running dream house raffles across the western United States. Most of the other charities Zeavy has been associated with did not return calls for comment for this story.

The other raffles run by Zeavy are similar in that they are called dream house raffles, even though they have rarely awarded a dream house. Most media coverage in those markets focuses on the attributes of the house.

One other dream house raffle contest made a change recently, after a local CBS station ran a story in May about millions paid to the consultant.

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which paid Zeavy $5.5 million from 2009 to 2015, said it cut has ties with him. It did not respond to inquires about why, and has yet to establish a website for this years raffle. The San Francisco charity has been doing dream house raffles since 2008, selling enough tickets twice to give away the grand prize.

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Special Olympics Southern California has run a dream house raffle for eight years and never sold enough tickets to give away the main prize, spokesman John Shaffer previously told the Union-Tribune. It has a 58,000 threshold this year to give away the grand prize of a house or cash prize. The charity paid Zeavy $3.5 million from 2010 to 2016 to run its raffles.

Bill Shumard, president of Special Olympics Southern California, declined to answer questions about how short the raffle was on meeting ticket thresholds in previous years, if it was still working with Zeavy or how it determines ticket thresholds.

Fundraisers like the Dream House Raffle are vitally important to Special Olympics being able to enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, wellness, and leadership programming, he said in an emailed statement.

Hello @dlenox, I was trying to find out how many times @SO_Washington has sold enough tickets to give away the grand prize in the Dream House raffle (house or money option). I sent you a few emails. Thanks! pic.twitter.com/tvwB5oSk6u  Phillip Molnar (@PhillipMolnar) March 7, 2018

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Three other charities did not respond to questions about their raffles.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, which paid Zeavy $2 million from 2010 to 2015, has a threshold of 50,000 tickets this year for the grand prize of a house or cash prize. Special Olympics Washington, which paid Zeavy $641,105 from 2014 to 2015, has a threshold of 62,000 tickets this year. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern California, which paid Zeavy $1.5 million from 2009 to 2016, has yet to announce a raffle this year.

Zeavy has established a new website that says he has helped to raise more than $100 million for nonprofits. He did not respond to calls or emails seeking comment.

Charity Watchdogs

Individuals and organizations that monitor nonprofits often criticize dream raffles for having an incentive to fail to meet ticket thresholds.

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Daniel Borochoff, founder and president of Chicago-based CharityWatch, took note of the change at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.

I dont want to pat them on the back too much for, basically, not pulling a bait-and-switch and being up front about what the prize actually is, he said.

He said it makes sense long term for the charity to make the change.

If people cant trust them to give (the dream house) away then people arent going to want to participate in future years, Borochoff said. My guess is they made a calculated business decision that people arent going to participate unless they start giving it away. Its in their own interest.

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On his website, Zeavy said he seeks to use his wealth to make a positive impact in the world. He describes himself as an angel investor, which Investopedia describes as an affluent individual who injects capital for startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt.

He is also a raffle director for numerous prominent nonprofits benefiting children and athletes with intellectual disabilities, Zeavys website says.

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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar

ALSO

Consultant makes money on dream house raffles, even if nobody wins a home

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Dream House Raffle doesnt give away dream house again

Dream House raffle rarely gives away dream house

Grand prize harder to get in 17 Dream House Raffle
British lawmakers issued a scathing report Monday that accused Facebook of intentionally violating privacy and anti-competition laws in the U.K., and called for greater oversight of social media companies.

The report on fake news and disinformation on social media sites followed an 18-month investigation. The parliamentary committee that prepared the report says social media sites should have to follow a mandatory code of ethics overseen by an independent regulator to better control harmful or illegal content.

The report called out Facebook in particular, saying that the sites structure seems to be designed to conceal knowledge of and responsibility for specific decisions.

It is evident that Facebook intentionally and knowingly violated both data privacy and anti-competition laws, the report states. It also accuses CEO Mark Zuckerberg of showing contempt for the U.K. Parliament by declining numerous invitations to appear before the committee.

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Facebook did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

Facebook and other internet companies have been facing increased scrutiny over how they handle user data and have come under fire for not doing enough to stop misuse of their platforms by groups trying to sway elections.

The report by the Parliaments media committee echoes and expands upon an interim report with similar findings issued by the committee in July . And in December , a trove of documents released by the committee offered evidence that the social network had used its enormous trove of user data as a competitive weapon, often in ways designed to keep its users in the dark.

Facebook faced its biggest privacy scandal last year when Cambridge Analytica, a now-defunct British political data-mining firm that worked for the 2016 Donald Trump campaign, accessed the private information of up to 87 million users.
Pete Marovich/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The former deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe  who took an oath to protect the U.S. homeland  said he had a professional obligation to open up criminal investigations targeting President Donald Trump.



"If we failed to open an investigation under [the] circumstances, we wouldnt be doing our jobs," McCabe told CBS News' "60 Minutes" in a much-anticipated interview Sunday night, citing concerns "about a national security threat."



McCabe, a lifelong Republican who spent two decades fighting terrorism and crime for the FBI, was specifically referring to Trumps actions surrounding James Comeys firing as FBI director in May 2017.



Monday morning, Trump dismissed McCabe's comments as a bunch of "lies" from a "disgraced" official.



In the interview with CBS News, McCabe described Trump as a president who was almost "gleeful" over Comeys axing, who repeatedly attacked the FBIs investigation of possible ties between Trumps 2016 presidential campaign and Russian operatives, and who asked Comey in a private meeting "to discontinue the investigation of Mike Flynn," Trumps national security adviser who lied to FBI agents about his contacts with the Russian government.



Trump even allegedly asked Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein "to include Russia in [a] memo" justifying the FBI directors removal, but Rosenstein didnt do that, according to McCabe.



"Put together, these circumstances were articulable facts that indicated that a crime may have been committed," McCabe said. "The president may have been engaged in obstruction of justice in the firing of Jim Comey."



As the acting FBI director after Comey's departure, McCabe said he also wanted to know whether Trump may have been acting in coordination with Russia, who McCabe called "our most formidable adversary on the world stage."



All of Trumps actions made McCabe and others at the FBI wonder: "Is there an inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia?" McCabe recalled.



The presidents moves concerned federal law enforcement officials so much that Rosenstein allegedly "offered to wear a wire into the White House," according to McCabe.



"He said, 'I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldnt know it was there,'" McCabe added.



Justice Department officials close to Rosenstein have suggested any mention of a wire was in jest, but McCabe insisted in his interview Sunday night that Rosenstein "was absolutely serious."



Spokespeople for Rosenstein have repeatedly stated that he never approved use of a wire and never took any steps to make it happen.



Regardless, the FBIs general counsel killed the idea as soon as it was presented to him, according to McCabe.



"I think the general counsel had a heart attack," McCabe recalled. "And when he got up off the floor, he said, 'Thats a bridge too far. Were not there yet.'"



Nevertheless, McCabe said he opened up the investigations targeting Trump after Comeys firing "to put the Russia case on absolutely solid ground in an indelible fashion, [so] that were I removed quickly or reassigned or fired, the case could not be closed or vanish in the night without a trace."



In the interview, McCabe recounted how, during one "frenzied chaotic conversation" after Comeys firing, Rosenstein "threw out" the possibility of using the 25th Amendment to oust Trump from office.



"[He] discussed it with me in the context of thinking about how many other cabinet officials might support such an effort," according to McCabe.



In a statement, a Justice Department spokesman insisted "there is no basis to invoke the 25th Amendment," and Rosenstein was not "in a position to consider invoking the 25th Amendment."



Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, are currently deciding whether to bring charges against McCabe for allegedly misleading federal investigators about his role in leaking information to a reporter.



After a report from the Justice Departments inspector general last year detailed McCabes alleged falsehoods, McCabe was fired from the FBI, just days before he was set to retire.



In the interview with CBS News, McCabe maintained that he did not intentionally mislead anyone.



"There's absolutely no reason for anyone and certainly not for me to misrepresent what happened. So no. Did I ever intentionally mislead the people I spoke to? I did not. I had no reason to. And I did not," McCabe said.



In a Twitter post on Monday, however, Trump said McCabe was "fired for lying, and now his story gets even more deranged."



"He and Rod Rosenstein ... look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught," Trump added.



The new chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has said he will investigate whether McCabe and others were planning a "bureaucratic coup."

McCabes interview with CBS News was the start of a weeks-long media tour for McCabe, who is promoting his new book, "The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump.



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Think a minuteIn 1951 a nuclear disaster almost took place at a nuclear power plant in Canada.

The core reactor melted down, so it had to be taken apart before deadly radiation escaped into the nearby community.

The challenge was to quickly find the right person who was both highly trained and also willing to do such a dangerous job that could kill him.

A 26-year-old lieutenant in the United States Navy who was highly trained in nuclear physics and reactor technology rose to the challenge. He had top security clearance at the headquarters of the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington D.C., so he was flown to the nuclear power plant in Canada where the accident had happened.

There he led a team of trained technicians as they quickly practiced each precise step of taking apart the melted down reactor.

Finally, wearing special radiation-resistant clothing and armed with only the tools in his hands, the lieutenant went where no human being had gone before: a melted-down nuclear reactor core.

He had to take the reactor apart perfectly, with each step taking no longer than one minute and 30 seconds.

In that amount of time this young lieutenants body was exposed to the maximum allowable radiation for a human being for an entire year! So his swift and skillful work was crucial to his own survival. He had no time for even one small mistake of fumbling for a needed part or tool.

Both his life and the lives of many others were depending on him.

But he not only survived, he succeeded! And not only at that challenging job, but many others throughout his life.

For that young Navy lieutenant who saved countless lives by skillfully and bravely going where no human in history had gone before, went on to become President of the United States: Jimmy Carter.

Remember, what we become in the future is determined by the choices we make todayand every day.

We must choose to do the right thing and be our very best, no matter what the cost or risk.

If we keep doing the next right thing, it becomes our daily habit and character that continually brings us greater success in life. So wont you ask Jesus to forgive you for not living the way you know you should, and to help you start living His right, best way every day?

Just think a minute
Chief Immigration Officer, Valavala Siaopo Pese, has disputed a report of human trafficking in Samoa.

Responding to a recent media article on a suspected case of human trafficking in Samoa, Valavala said the people involved wanted to get to American Samoa but did not have proper documentation. Consequently, they were forced back on the plane to return to Fiji.

Eight Asians arrived at the airport from Fiji and they were transiting to American Samoa, without proper permits to enter the US territory, he said. We did what was legal under our laws and that was to return them to where they came from  we are not a waiting country so we sent them back to Fiji.

If they all had their proper documents, they would probably be in American Samoa by now. But they didnt so we rejected them due to incomplete documentations. Asked if the report is true in that Immigration was tipped off a human trafficking set up, he said: What tip? No such thing, the reports you heard about human trafficking in Samoa is wrong!

He added that there were no signs of human trafficking and if that were the case, they would know, as they were trained to identify the signs.

They did not have proper documents and so we didnt allow them to wait in our country while their papers are being processed.

Again we are not a country  where people think they can come  and wait for their paperwork. They were transiting yet no paperwork, so we sent them back, he said.

According to the Newsline article, a group of eight foreign travelers  who arrived in Samoa last Sunday  were sent back to Fiji after Samoa Immigration were tipped off that the foreigners were involved in a human trafficking organization.
Two candidates running for the Faasaleleaga No.2 by-election next month have put their hands up to run under the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) banner.

They are businessman, Namulauulu Papalii Leota Sami Leota and former opposition M.P. for Tautua Samoa, Papalii Lio Taeu Masipau.

More than 50 members of the constituency presented the two candidates yesterday to H.R.P.P. leader and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and were witnessed by several Cabinet ministers.

The Faasaleleaga No.2 seat is vacant following the passing of former M.P. and businessman, Pau Sefo Pau.

In an interview with the media, Papalii said his decision to switch and run for the ruling party was because of how life is.

For things like this, we look at the way things are moving and we look at our constituency and our country, said the candidate.

As we see at the moment the H.R.P.P. are doing quite a lot and as a candidate we look at our constituency and what they wantthat is how politics work we dont look at one side.

While Papalii agrees that an opposition party is crucial for the countrys development, he said the last General Election was evident of who the voters want to be in Government.

Asked if he was tired of opposing the Government, the former M.P. said the choice of a political party to side with should not hinder the development of a country.

This is the will of the constituency, he said.

I cannot go away from what the constituency wants because they are the voters. No matter what I would want for an opposition, I have to go with what the voters decide. From what I gather from our constituency, their support is all for the Governmentthere is no point (of running as opposition) if the people do not support it.

On the other hand, Federal Pacific Insurance General Manager, Namulauulu maintains he wants to serve his constituency.

It is not something new (running for election), he said.

I had put up my hand (in last general election) that I wanted to serve my constituents and I wish to pursue that and to continue my service for my constituents.

Namulauulu acknowledged the work of former M.P. Pau and wants to continue that service for his constituents.

Before the official signing of the candidates, Tuilaepa told the constituents and candidates that all appointments are from God and the winner has already been elected by God.

He reminded there are laws that candidates need to follow and made reference to the bible that any government that is divided against itself will not stand.

Everything done by H.R.P.P. is for the benefit of the people not us, he said.

There was the road switch and there was protest even Ministers objected to it. But you see now it is benefiting the country and the Government does not just make decisions. The Government is founded on the belief that what is good for Apia is good for the rest of the country.

Tuilaepa pointed out in the past there was no electricity in some part of the country, and even the roads were not sealed in most part of the islands, as opposed to today.

He used the opportunity to echo the Governments concern over potholes, which is an issue that needs to be addressed.

We have contracts for roads but the roads are still not in a good condition, said Tuilaepa.

Which means this needs to be changed too. This is the case when it rains - the roads have potholes and they (road contractors) just fill it up with stones but they are paid money to fix it and the government needs to look into this and change it.

Tuilaepa also spoke about a constituency who brought a candidate to run in the past.

He did not say which constituency it was but made reference to ten committee members that brought the candidates.

The ten members brought a candidate and said this is who they support, he said.

Two weeks later they brought another candidate and these were the same people that presented the other candidate. It turned out these same members presented five different candidatesbut I am telling you this because I believe you are honest.

Lastly, Tuilaepa reminded constituents of Faasaleleaga No.2 present at Petesa that there are laws that prohibit traditional presentation (oo) for a certain period.

He explained the ban was for one year after the election but it was later extended to two years.
And so once more, Prime Minster Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and his administration have declared war on election corruption.

Who doesnt get excited about this stuff?

We say this knowing that corruption, especially when it comes to political elections, has not been stopped. Anywhere.

Experiences from all over the world  including some of the oldest democracies  show that wherever there is an election with powerful political positions at stake  corruption is always involved. It is part of the fabric and thats because its human nature to always want to get ahead by cheating. Which means that as long as humans are involved in elections, you can guarantee that corruption is bound to be lurking around the corner.

Now here in Samoa today, the Prime Minister wants to avoid corruption altogether. Quite a bold statement if you ask me.

Indeed with two years to go before the next General Election, the Prime Minister has made it their absolute priority to stop corruption.

But not the way some of us would think.

So how are they planning to achieve this?

Well all you have to do is read page 2 of the Samoa Observer yesterday where the story titled Were trying to avoid a corrupt election was published. It was an interesting read, where Tuilaepa once again used his Governments mission against corruption to justify ramming through amendments to the Constitution.

These amendments  which have been passed in Parliament by the way  have redefined the traditional boundaries of Samoa. It met some stern opposition in Parliament, including from former Cabinet Minister, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao, whose decision to oppose it, could well cost him his future in Parliament.

Still, Tuilaepa just cannot help himself and so during his weekly media programme, he delved into the issue again.

We are trying to avoid having a corrupt election, he said, adding that the laws had to be amended in order for the voters to vote in their constituencies. This will allow the opportunity for people in the villages to monitor the voters roll, to determine whether you are from that village or not. The issue here is that we dont want people, who are not from the village, to make decisions that will impact the village.

People in the village know their candidates, unlike people who live elsewhere and vote here, due to influence of the candidate, is why this is important.

Tuilaepa has a point here. But he continues by saying another issue is the practice of business owners in Apia running for public office, and registering their employees in their constituencies to vote for them.

There are candidates that are from Apia who have registered people in Apia to vote in their constituency, and yet these people are not from Apia, this is what we are trying to avoid, he said.

We want to remove corruption from the election process. We want the winners to be voted in legally not win through illegal practices. Your vote should be based on the whispering of the Holy Spirit and whom you feel you should vote for.

Well of course your vote is your vote. And yes we can ask the Spirit to help but at the end of the day, that is not how Samoans have been voting. They are unlikely to change that in a hurry too.

Samoans vote first and foremost along blood and family lines. And when that happens, the issue of corruption is never far off. Thats because there is no room for an individual choice, and the spirit is the last thing one would consult.

And then you have got the issue of corruption. Lets be brutally honest here, we live in a country where it has been proven that peoples votes can be bought, with as little as $10 tala. Weve seen hundreds of petitions after the elections over the years where this has been highlighted.

The point is that voters are not the only ones susceptible to corruption when it comes to the election. The candidates and their political affiliations are the worst ones when it comes to bribery and treating. The history of Samoas elections exists to remind us.

Then you have the Government and their systems, which are designed to keep the current party in power. Out there in the villages, the Government has literally got all the village mayors  including women representatives now  in its pocket. They are paid to promote the Governments agenda, whatever that is.

A few weeks before the election, multi-million-tala projects funded by aid and donor partners are strategically launched and opened. Under the guise of Samoan culture, villages, organisations and small communities where these projects are opened, get pasese, lafo and food. Is that not corruption too?

This is precisely what has been happening for all these years. We all live in Samoa, weve seen this and we continue to see it time and time again. Not all fools are idiots.

You see, the H.R.P.P. has been in power since 1982. That is 37 years of winning elections, which is a mighty impressive achievement by any standard, anywhere in the world.

In 2019 this Government is suddenly all guns blazing on finally stopping election corruption? Great stuff. What person in their right mind could possibly object to such an honourable gesture?

But here are some questions, is this really the root of election corruption in Samoa? Since this law is passed, does it mean we will no longer see any petitions at the end of the next General Election? What about the corruption of yesteryears? Lastly, since the HRPP has been in power for close to 40 years and only in 2019  where corruption has finally surfaced as a stumbling block according to them that they need to change the Constitution, what have they been doing all these years?

Write and share your thoughts with us. Have a great Tuesday Samoa, God bless!
AYER, Mass. (AP)  Disgraced former Congressman Anthony Weiner has been released from federal prison in Massachusetts.

The New York Democrat, a once-rising star who also ran for mayor, was convicted of having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old North Carolina girl in 2017. He began serving a 21-month prison sentence that November at the Federal Medical Center Devens, located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Boston in Ayer, Massachusetts.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons website now shows Weiner is in the custody of its Residential Re-entry Management office in Brooklyn, New York. It's not immediately clear when he was transferred and where he's currently staying. Emails were sent to the bureau, federal court in New York and Weiner's lawyer requesting comment.

The bureau website shows Weiner is slated to complete his sentence May 14.
Remittances is Samoas largest form of foreign exchange earner with the 2017/18 financial year recording about $503.73 million tala in earnings. This shows the extent of the contribution by Samoans living abroad to the development of the nation. What do you think? Talaia Mika discussed the issue with members of the public and these are some of their views:





Karanina Manuo, 38, Magiagi

Personally as a Samoan, I am very grateful towards our families living overseas who are sending this money because I know for a fact that these remittances is the lifeblood of the country right now. Its very important that our people value and appreciate the help from our people overseas.

Vaea Nakiso, 51, Faleasiu

I think the money we get from our family overseas is one of the biggest help for the government. Our people should be aware about the Samaritan work being done by our relatives oversea for us. Life right now is quite expensive and with this help, we can develop something good out of it. I really appreciate our relatives overseas and the work they do to provide for our people.

Afaatia Ataga, 21, Magiagi

Life in Samoa will not be the same if this source of income stops. I just hope our Government makes good use of such kindness. I also acknowledge the hard work of our relatives overseas for providing us with such blessings. May the good Lord bless and refill their pockets.

Renei Atonio, 20, Vaivase

Id like to thank our families overseas for such kind help and for lending their shoulders every year when Samoa is in need of help. I honestly cannot imagine what this country will be like if this money were to suddenly stop. This is also why our people should be careful about what they say to our relatives overseas, we need them to keep giving.

Daniel Meki, 24, Fagalii

Many families in Samoa are poor and would otherwise struggle if it wasnt for this source of income. We are extremely blessed and I think we should be deeply grateful. Its a tremendous help for Samoa and I only hope that people living overseas will continue to give. The government should encourage this trend to continue because it also helps them.

Ioapo Samuelu, 25, Manono

Firstly, thank you to our relatives overseas for kindly remembering Samoa in their hearts. The money were getting every year as remittances is a huge amount and the best thing about it is that it goes straight to the families who need it. Thank you again.






Sohail Mahmood (file photo) Pakistan on Monday summoned its High Commissioner in India, Sohail Mahmood, for "consultations" following diplomatic tensions between the two countries after the suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir killed 49 CRPF troopers. "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.



The February 14 attack in Pulwama district was claimed by the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).



On Friday, New Delhi had summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner and lodged "a very strong demarche" or diplomatic protest over the bombing.



Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale told him that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against the JeM and that it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism and operating from Pakistani territory.



India also withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status given to Pakistan and also slapped a 200 per cent import duty on all goods originating from Islamabad.




Ending weeks of speculation and tottering on the brink, the ruling NDA constituents - Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)- finally sealed a pact for the ensuing 2019 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Announcing the alliance formula, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the BJP will contest 25 and the Sena 23 of the total 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.



However, in the 288-member Assembly, after finalising the share of other alliance partners, the two parties shall contest in the ratio of 50:50 for the remaining seats.



"We have been together for over 25 years because of our shared ideologies and spirit of nationalism. In 2014 elections, owing to certain reasons we had split, but later for the past nearly five years we are in alliance in Maharashtra and at the Centre," Fadnavis said.





IANS had first reported the formula that was expected to be finalised this morning.



BJP President Amit Shah and Sena President Uddhav Thackeray, along with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi and other senior leaders from both sides, made the announcement at a joint media briefing late this evening.



Fadnavis said: "We are confident of returning to power both in Maharashtra and the Centre based on our exceptional performance for the past five years."



He said the BJP has accepted all major demands of the Sena including expediting the process to construct the Ram temple in Ayodhya, farmers' issues and problems in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to benefit the peasantry.



The CM said the demand for giving tax benefits for those in Mumbai living in flats of up to 500 sq.ft will also be considered.



Terming it as a "new beginning" between the two parties, Thackeray said the "bitter experiences" of the past five years would not be repeated in future, and both parties will work and fight "shoulder-to-shoulder".



Shah said it was the long cherished desire of party workers from both sides to work out an alliance, and finally it has been done successfully.



He appealed to all workers that since the Sena is the oldest and most reliable ally, "to bury their bitterness of recent times" and start working for the elections with renewed vigour to ensure victory of the alliance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls.



Shah also reiterated that the BJP-Sena will bag 45 seats in the Lok Sabha in view of the performance of the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



However, none of the leaders took any questions from the media, especially pertaining to the Sena's claim for the post of Chief Minister in the next Assembly elections.



Reacting to the development, Congress Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil alleged that the Sena was arm-twisted into forging the alliance under threats of Enforcement Directorate (ED) cases.



The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state spokesperson Nawab Malik claimed that the Sena, which had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Chowkidar Chor Hai" in the past, is now allying with the same BJP.
Venkat Chary, Chairman of 63 moons Technologies, formerly Financial Technologies, on Monday said his company will file for damages worth Rs 10, 000 crore against former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and then Chairman of Forward Markets Commission, Ramesh Abhishek, and former Additional Secretary for Finance K.P. Krishnan.

The company on Monday served notices to the three individuals, Chary said.



He noted that the company believes they played proactive roles in perpetrating the crisis, destroying the exchange ecosystem to favour the competitor -- National Stock Exchange (NSE) -- which resulted in huge losses to shareholders of 63 moons Technologies and loss of employment.





"The company has decided to file damage suits of Rs 10,000 crore against P. Chidambaram and others, in their individual capacities for taking mala fide actions against 63 moons by abusing their powers. Notably, the company has already filed criminal complaints against these three individuals with the CBI along with supporting materials," a statement by the company said.



"Curiously, they did not come forward to participate in an open public debate that 63 moons offered on August 4, 2018 to bring out the truth," it said.



Speaking to reporters here, Jignesh Shah, the promoter of NSEL (National Spot Exchange Ltd) and currently the mentor of 63 moons Technologies said that the alleged Rs 5,600-crore NSEL scam could have been solved much earlier, if then market regulator, Forward Markets Commission (FMC) had acted in time.


The Russian International News Agency Sputnik News is hosting a photo exhibition of the selected entries for the year 2018 of the 4th Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest at AIFACS Gallery in New Delhi from 22 - 28th February 2019. The exhibition will be inaugurated on 22nd February 2019 at 5.30 pm in the presence of eminent personalities from the media, art, diplomats etc. The event is supported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India. This is the first time that the entries of Stenin Photo contest will be exhibited in India.



Stenin Photo Contest held under the aegis of the Russian Commission for UNESCO exhibited photographs of the finalists in the United Nations office, New York in November 2018. Around 6000 entries by young photojournalists from 77 countries were received for the contest in last year.



Selected entries of the photo contest have been exhibited across the world in all major cities including in Athens, Tel-Aviv, Madrid, Istanbul, Shanghai, Warsaw, Mexico, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Beirut and Budapest.



Two young Indian Photographers Amit Moulick from Kolkata who participated in the photo contest were awarded prizes in different categories.



The objective of the annually held Stenin Photo Contest is to promote young photographers and draw public attention to the challenges of modern photojournalism.



The competition is held as a tribute to Andrei Stenin, an experienced military Russian photojournalist who worked in such hotspots as Egypt, Syria, Libya, the Gaza Strip and other locations. He won "Silver Camera" prize in 2010 and 2013. He was killed in August 2014 in the line of duty.




Protest rally in Bani Hashish against normalization with Zionist entity

[18/February/2019]





SANAA, Fed. 18 (Saba)  Tribesmen of Bani Hashish district of Sanaa province on Monday to condemn the normalization with Zionist entity.

At the rally, Tribesmen stressed on the importance to confront the Saudi-led aggression coalition and its mercenaries that target Yemen and Islamic and Arab nation.

The protesters affirmed that the Yemeni people will stand in the frontlines to defend the Palestinian cause and the holy places, calling the unity to confront traitors backed by the coalition.

The participants talked about the ongoing mobilization and support to fronts to back the army to fight the aggression forces.

saba
Houston, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/18/2019 --All About Insurance a well-established independent insurance agency that primarily operates in the region of Texas. This agency is known to provide its services to the residents of Aldine TX, Tomball TX, Humble TX, as well as Spring Texas and Houston. All About Insurance maintains quite a customer-centric approach in its operations, and hence focuses on delivering smart and effective risk solutions to all of their clients. Along with providing risk management solutions to individuals, this agency also offers the best business insurance in Houston and Humble Texas for the entrepreneurs operating in the region. Through their commercial insurance plans, this agency significantly helps their clients to protect their property, employees, as well as various business interests.



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Topeka, KS -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/18/2019 --The potential benefits of having insurance are no longer unknown to the common folk. With the evolution of the lifestyle, the need for insurance is undeniable. Since the possibility of unforeseen always looms large over the head, it is better to take definite steps in anticipation.



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Earlier, there was so such reimbursement available for the workers or the employers. In case of an accident, it was the employer who had to face the lawsuits. Besides, the mishap would cause massive medical expenditures including wage compensation. It was a tremendous pressure for the employees to carry that financial burden.



With the introduction of medical insurance for employees, employees will be much relieved nowadays. AI Janosik Insurance Agency is an established company that gives an employee the guarantee that they are taken care of in the times of unexpected happenings.



Those who work for a company by default come under the workers' compensation insurance. AI Janosik Insurance Agency, known for being experienced and reputed insurance establishment, comes up with a wide range of insurance independent insurance policies including home, auto, commercial, life, and health insurance.



In case one gets injured while working for the company precisely within the company's grounds, workers compensation insurance is entitled to pay the medical insurance and billing for the clients. This includes medical insurance, disability insurance, and even death benefits to the survivors.



With high-quality medical insurance, one will always be at peace. Having such insurance at hand will save one's life a the same time.



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Fujian helps PNG innovate with grass

From:ChinaDaily | 2019-02-18 09:16

PORT MORESBY - At the Goroka Juncao & Dry-land Rice Technology Demonstration Base in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands province, a unique type of grass called "Juncao" stands tall, almost 5 meters high, in the vast fields.

With the help of agricultural specialists from East China's Fujian province, locals are trying to grow rice and mushrooms out of the special wild grass, similar to some fungi grown from tree matter. The grass Juncao, also called "China Grass" by natives, can also be used to feed livestock.

When media reporters arrived at the base one morning in January, villagers were eagerly awaiting. Lin Yingxing, director of the base and a Chinese expert in Juncao and dryland rice technologies, who came to the airport of Goroka to fetch the reporters, got off the jeep promptly.

Addressing villagers in English, Lin said with a big smile: "Welcome, everyone! Today, I'm going to show you around and help you guys to get an idea on how to grow Juncao and rice on your own land."

After a quick greeting with the crowd, Lin soon started his lecture with the help of local young men who can speak English.

Standing in the strong sunlight and bathed in sweat, he attentively explained to the curious crowd on how to plant Juncao, how to smash the giant-sugarcane-like tall grass with a machine, and how to cultivate mushrooms using tubes filled with Juncao powder.

While listening to Lin's introduction, some villagers took notes carefully, some raised questions, and Lin was ready to explain. Occasionally, the crowd burst into laughter and applauded when amused by Lin's humorous answers.

Motuno Chares, a 54-year-old farmer living in Henganofi district, said that he took a truck with some fellows early in the morning and spent one hour on the bumpy road before arriving at the base.

"I grow coffee, cassava and sweet potato to make a living, and my wife does some sewing. Though we work hard, our income is still low. Farm products such as cassava are hard to sell as the market is small. I hope I can learn how to cultivate mushrooms with Juncao technologies. People here like mushrooms, and the price is good," Chares said.

Among the group of visitors were some indigenous women. Priscilla Tonny from Kosionte village of Henganofi district was one of them.

The 34-year-old housewife has two sons and one daughter. "I understand that Juncao can be cut into pieces to feed chicken and goats, and I'm sure that I can master the technology using Juncao tubes to cultivate mushrooms," she said.

Lin said that villagers were always welcome to exchange Juncao tubes from the base with fresh Juncao that they grow.

Timothy Ukii, 48, works as a project official at the Eco-enterprise Division of Natural Resources under the EHP Administration.

"By this way, the Juncao technology can be spread and the program would be sustainable. And the Chinese are helping us to build more technology bases," said Ukii.

Amazingly, Juncao, which is also called by local villagers in EHP as "Lin Grass", can easily grow to about five meters high in EHP, much higher than those in other places. Lin said the gifted fertile soil and good weather conditions here might be the key.

Juncao technology was first introduced into Papua New Guinea from China in 1997. In 1998, the inventor of Juncao and dry-land rice technology, Professor Lin Zhanxi from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, led a team to visit EHP and afterwards established the first pilot base in Lufa district of EHP.

Kopi Manove received Lin in 1998. It was at his backyard that Lin planted dry-land rice for the first time to see if it was suitable to grow in Papua New Guinea. The results were cheerful. "Later, the dry-land rice of Gold Mountain No 1 even had a record production of as high as 8.5 tons per hectare," 65-year-old Manove recalled excitedly.

Kopi's daughter Priscilla planned to grow more rice on her father's farmland and build a shed to grow mushrooms. "People in EHP do need rice as a staple food. But so far our country depends highly on imports. If we grow rice by ourselves, what a fortune we can save," she said.

According to Lin Yingxing, the Chinese government listed the Juncao technology program in EHP as an aid program in 1998. EHP became the sister province of Fujian in 2000. Since then, the Chinese side kept sending experts to Papua New Guinea to pass on the technologies.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early followed by scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early followed by scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The glitzy Gangnam nightclub Burning Sun, which has been a focal point for prurient interest in the lives of the rich and famous after allegations of drug use, sexual harassment and bouncer brutality, closed for business on Sunday at the owner's decision.

The allegations surfaced when a male patron, identified only by his surname Kim, posted a claim on social media last December that he was brutally assaulted by nightclub staff when he tried to help a female patron they were dragging into a VIP room.

He alleged cozy ties between the club owners and police, who appeared at the scene and instead of investigating the alleged incident, slapped Kim in handcuffs and carted him off.


Russias Public Chamber advocates for speedy release of whales held in Far East

17:44 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI)  Russias Public Chamber has called to return orca whales and white whales, which had been illegally captured in the Primorsk Territory of Russias Far East, to their habitat as early as possible, a statement published on the consultative advisory bodys website reads.

According to Deputy Chief of the Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Natural Resource Use Amirkhan Amirkhanov, examination of the mammals is expected to begin in the near future and following that decisions on their release will be taken. The Ministry of Nature Protection has all needed information on the situation, relevant papers have been forwarded to law enforcement bodies and border services, he has said.

However, Amirkhanov has added that it is necessary to strictly abide by procedural rules and ensure the rights of all parties.

In February, investigation was opened into alleged cruelty to orca whales and white whales, which had been illegally captured in the Primorsk Territory of Russias Far East

During the probe into a mammal poaching case launched in November 2018 investigators established that 90 white whales and 11 orca whales were mistreated in a local oceanic mammal adaptation center.
Age needs be only cap on tenure of peace justices  Chairman of Russias Council of Judges

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

17:16 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI)  The only limitation on the terms of office of all judges in the Russian Federation, including peace justices, should be their age, that is 70, as at present, Vitor Momotov, the Chairman of Russias Council of Judges, has said addressing the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian Parliament.

Momotov has pointed out that the Council of Judges had proposed to stop the practice of regular reappointment of peace judges. He has explained that until now each region of Russia has independently set the terms of their tenure, which make as a rule from 3 to 5 years.

The speaker has also added that the current rules infringed on the constitutional principles of irremovability of judges and uniformity of the status of a judge, as well as created opportunities to interfere with the due course of justice.

Momotov has said that the Council of Judges has already prepared a respective bill and will be ready to submit it to the Parliament if it is supported by the Plenum of the Russian Supreme Court.

The Committee of the Federation Council has met to discuss the results of activities of general jurisdiction and commercial courts in 2018, as well as to set the priorities the judiciary is to achieve this year.
Alleged Kuindzhi painting thief pleads guilty in court

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

12:33 18/02/2019

MOSCOW, February 18 (RAPSI) - Denis Chuprikov charged with stealing a painting by prominent Russian artist of Greek origin Arkhip Kuindzhi from the Tretyakov Gallery pleaded guilty in court on Monday, RAPSI reports from the courtroom.

He admitted his guilt in full and said that he wanted to come into notice. Just hype, he noted.

On Monday, the court dismissed an appeal filed by Chuprikov against detention.

On January 29, Moscows Tagansky District Court put Chuprikov in detention until March 27. The defendant asked the court to place him under house arrest. He also refused to give testimony. The man said that he had no criminal charges pending against him earlier.

Investigators, however, said in court that Chuprikov had unidentified accomplices and claimed it impossible to choose a restrictive measure different from detention for him.

The 31-year old Chuprikov was arrested in the Moscow Region on January 28. The work Ai Petri was also found and seized from a project under construction in the Moscow Regions Odintsovo District.

According to police, the man committed the crime from mercenary motives. In 2018, the defendant was arrested by police on suspicion of drug possession. By the moment of his current arrest, he was under travel restrictions.

Kuindzhi painted Ai Petri. Crimea depicting a mountain in the Crimea peninsula in 1908.

The work was stolen from Moscow's Tretyakov Art Gallery on January 27. The alleged thief could face up to 15 years if convicted of stealing the painting.




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Korea's major business conglomerates are suffering from plummeting revenues.

Analysis by the Korea Economic Research Institute for the Chosun Ilbo of the fourth-quarter earnings of the top 30 companies showed that their combined revenues fell 0.2 percent on-year to W262.1 trillion (US$1=W1,131).

Combined operating profit plunged more than 25 percent over the same period to W20.3 trillion. The figures are a red light for the health of Korea's economy.

For some time now the performance of the top companies had looked healthy only thanks to strong earnings by Samsung and SK Hynix in a global semiconductor supercycle buoying up the rest. But now even the two chip giants' growth slowed down, to say nothing of other key industries including communications and construction.

Samsung posted fourth-quarter sales of W59.3 trillion, down more than 10 percent on-year, while operating profit also fell some 30 percent to W10.8 trillion.

SK Hynix's sales rose 10 percent over the same period, but operating profit fell. LG's revenues dropped seven percent, while operating profit nosedived 80 percent.
SAHRAWI  The United Nations plans to convene a second round of talks in March on settling the decades-old conflict in Western Sahara even though no major progress was made during the first round, diplomats said recently.

UN envoy Horst Koehler told a closed-door Security Council meeting that he intended to bring Morocco, the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania together to follow up on meetings held in Geneva in December.

Koehler, a former German president who took up the peacemaking role in 2017, won unanimous support from the council for his cautious step-by-step approach to bring all sides to negotiations, said French Ambassador Francois Delattre after the meeting.

Everybody is looking forward to the next round of talks that we expect in March, German Ambassador Christoph Heusgen told reporters. What we have to do now is to achieve some progress.

The envoy discussed possible confidence-building measures such as demining and allowing families living in Algeria and in Western Sahara camps to be reunited, Heusgen said.

The Polisario Front is demanding a referendum on independence for the territory, which Morocco has flatly rejected.

Morocco, which annexed the territory after Spain withdrew in 1975, considers Western Sahara to be an integral part of the kingdom.

The Polisario fought a war with Morocco from 1975 to 1991, when a ceasefire deal was agreed and a UN peace mission was deployed to monitor the truce.

During the talks in December, Morocco and the Polisario dug in their heels and held to their positions, but Koehler nevertheless proclaimed that a peaceful solution was possible.

After addressing the council, Koehler briefed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on his plan.

In Western Sahara, we are dealing with a long-standing issue, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. No one is under any illusion. This will take a lot of work from our side and the parties involved to move this forward.

The Polisario said it had proposed a prisoner exchange and the dispatch of human rights monitors to Western Sahara, but their proposals were met with silence from Morocco.

Koehler will hold bilateral meetings with all the players this February to prepare the second round, said South African Ambassador Jerry Matjila, who described the diplomatic push as very positive.

South Africa recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) proclaimed by the Polisario in Western Sahara, as does the African Union.

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We are sure many bloggers, Instagrammers, Youtubers and social media influencers received sponsored products and media trips every year. We took the effort to make a trip to Inland Revenue Board (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negara) to clarify many issues. Two of them are Sponsored Products and Media Trips Taxable in Malaysia?

We met with two Inland Revenue Board officers for this question. We had a lengthy chat as one of my intention is to ask about the LHDNs Special Program for Voluntary Disclosure and some of the other questions.

Sponsored products and media trips without any monetary gains are not taxable according to the Inland Revenue Board officers. According to them, this is a grey area for them too. If you are paid for sponsored products or media trips, the monetary income is taxable.

For sponsored products like cosmetics or intangible products are not taxable if there is no monetary value is involved. However, we didnt not ask what if you sold the products, the money you received could be taxable? We will probably visit the income tax office after my next trip to clarify some other issues and update this post.

Please take note that, if you have not declared your income from blogs or social media networks, they will come and look for you. What we know from our friends in media line is they have started to investigate celebrities and influencers could be next. Like Pokemon, the Inland Revenue Board will come and catch em all.

The Special Program for Voluntary Disclosure is up to 1st April 2019 (not April Fools Joke). After this special program, the taxable penalty will be from 80% to 300%. Read more at http://www.hasil.gov.my/bt_goindex.php?bt_kump=4&bt_skum=1&bt_posi=1&bt_unit=1&bt_sequ=1&bt_lgv=2

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
There were a pair of Saxony Lutheran baseball players whos numbers were off the charts this season. Both of them received one of the states highest awards.Crusader seniors Eli Brown and 

Even though the St. Vincent girls soccer program moved up to Class 3 this last spring, the individual success has continued. Mary Schwartz earned a spot on the Missouri Soccer Coaches Association 

Perryville High School girls soccer team had one of its best seasons in program history, so it only makes sense that the team should receive state recognition. Three players were named to the 

Roth ready to take charge of Perryville football The excitement for Brent Roth is off the charts as he acclimates himself to his new position. Roth will enter into his dream job next fall when he takes over as the new head coach of 

Indians basketball continues improvement If a person were to ask St. Vincent boys basketball coach Bruce Valleroy how exactly his teams summer has been going, he couldnt have asked for a better start. St. Vincent participated 

Adams grateful to play soccer at Illinois College Saxony Lutheran senior Paul Adams has been playing soccer for quite a while, for much of his entire life. He developed a passion for the sport and will continue to grow and hopefully prosper at the 

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Actor, Don Little has expressed worry over the kind of wicked leaders Ghana has.



According to him, all Ghanaian leaders know is to take glory when citizens are faced with challenges they have been elected to find solutions to.



Ghanaian are selfish and the reason why Ghana is not moving on is because of our leadership, our elders and our president and our vice. Because they are the people who have the money and power and they are supposed to grow the country, but they dont help the country, he said.



Don Little made this known in an interview with Joy News.



He mentioned that Ghana has several people struggling to survive but politicians and other leaders of the country have paid a deaf ear to their plight, but always focus on things that will get them hailed.



He noted that Ghanaian leaders are wicked and do not represent the interest of the masses who voted them to into power.



Don Little mentioned that with time, most Ghanaians will die because of the problems engulfing them because times are hard but politicians and other leaders only think of what they and their families will get.







Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah/Peacefmonline.com









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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HE has been on radio for almost three decades, so Peace FMs Kofi Kum Bilson knows what he's talking about when he says standards on radio have fallen.



I used to be very proud being a broadcaster but the standards these days is nothing to write home about due to the saturation of the airwaves, he said.



According to Kofi Kum Bilson, radio presenters were really respected back in the day.



If you were a radio presenter, you were respected, we are doing our best to keep the flag high but these days the least said about radio the better, he told this reporter in an interview on Thursday.



Kofi Kum Bilson's experience on radio is extensive. He started his radio career at GBC where he presented Band Stands which was then produced by Eddie Amoo. He then moved to Joy FM where he hosted Lunch Time Rhythms for almost a decade.



Multimedia was expanding so he was asked to go and strengthen the team in Kumasi so he moved toLuv FM where he also hosted Lunch Time Rhythms and later moved to host the morning show when the substantive host, the late Dusty Wayne, had to take care of other responsibilities.



After six years, management approached me that there was competition in Accra, that was when Peace FM was established so I came back to Accra to join Adom FM where I hosted Dwaso Nsem and Sunday afternoon programme.



He stayed at Adom FM for three years and moved to Peace FM where he has been for the past 15 years producing and hosting the mid-morning show, Working Time.



Away from radio matters, Kofi Kum Bilson disclosed to Showbiz that he has been a born-again Christian for the past eight to 10 years. He worships at the the KICC on the Spintex Road.



I am a born-again Christian, I have had a personal encounter with God, I know He is true and I know He is alive.



This has really gotten hold of me because I have come to realise what life is about, I know what God has told me, I am preparing. I know I am a kingdom promoter, thats all that my life is about now, he said.



Kofi Kum Bilson is the last of seven children born to Mr Alfred Baah Bilson and Mrs Juliana Bilson both of blessed memory. He is married to Abigail and they have two adorable daughters.













Source: graphic showbiz





Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Special Aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Andy Owusu, has charged the security agency to arrest the former President, John Dramani Manama, over the killing of a member of the NDC in Kumasi.



Andy Owusu argues that the former President's 'Boot for Boot' mantra is the cause of the Monday's incident which has led to the death of a party member and another injured.



There were reported sporadic gun shots at the Ashanti Regional Office of the opposition party during a meeting attended by the National Chairman and General Secretary of the party.



A group, believed to be members of the NDC Vigilante group, The Hawks, was said to have carried out the dastardly act in an action said largely to have been motivated by the former President's Boot for Boot mantra.



Against this background, Andy Owusu is accusing Former President Mahama of inciting violent amongst the supporters.



According to him, if the same logic being used against Hon. Kennedy Agyapong in the murder of the investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale, is to be applied here, then the Former President ought to be blamed for the violent incident that occurred at the party office in the Ashanti Region.



"Let those who called for the head of Hon. Agyapong also do same for Former President Mahama because he also incited violent" Andy argued.







Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









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The Japanese government is considering economic retaliation against Korea if it seizes the Korean assets of Nippon Steel to compensate Korean forced labor victims.

The steps could include halting exports of key materials needed to manufacture semiconductors and defense products. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun daily on Saturday reported calls by Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party to limit exports of defense-related materials to Korea.

Some LDP lawmakers are even calling for the scrapping of a visa-waiver with Korea and limiting work visas for Korean nationals, or suggesting punitive tariffs similar to those slammed by U.S. President Donald Trump on China.


Audio Attachment: Listen to a report by Samson K Nyamekye on Peace FM's MIdday News bulletin.

One person has been confirmed dead at the Ashanti Regional headquarters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while two others sustained serious injuries after a free-for-all gunfight ensued during a top-brass meeting.



The meeting between the National Executives of the party turned bloody when an unidentified gunmen from rival factions, stormed the premises of the venue and fired into the gathering.



PeaceFM's and UTV's Senior Correspondent for the Ashanti Region, Sampson K. Nyamekye, who was at the scene, reports that in the process Wassiu Iddris, an NDC activist lost his life, while Abdul Issa and a yet-to-be identified NDC member, are on admission at the intensive care unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.



Sampson Nyamekye further reported that the assailants have escaped whilst security presence has been tightened at the regional headquarters.



According to him, the meeting which was being chaired by the party's General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, was to address some misunderstanding between the Regional Chairman of the party, Nana Kwasi and another party stalwart, Joseph Yamin.



" . . party officers including Johnson Asiedu Nketiah (General Secretary), Ofosu-Ampofo (National Chairman) and Afrifa Yamoah Ponkoh, took to their heels when gun shots were fired . . . disrupting the meeting . . . ," he recounted.



Details are still sketchy as to what led to the shots being fired, but the police has commenced investigations into the matter.







More soon.......





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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DSP Samuel Kojo Azugu, Commander SWAT Team Unit, National Security Secretariat has disclosed that there was indeed the presence of 15 motorbike riders during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.



According to him, they escorted the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam George and three other executives of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



If you may recall, after violence marred the by-election, there were reports, that Sam George led a number of motorbike riders to the La-Bawaleshie electoral area; an allegation he has since denied.



However, testimony by DSP Azugu indicated that the riders escorted the Ningo-Prampram MP and three others.



According to the riders, they were there to protect the ballot'.



DSP Azugu who was appearing before the Justice Emile Short Commission on their 3rd sitting said we spotted a convoy of motorbikes and they numbered about 15 and they were coming in a group . . . so it aroused my curiosity and I decided to find out what was going on . . . as they approached . . . but I saw three other vehicles which were being escorted by those bikes and those three vehicles came and parked and the motorbikers disembarked . . . "



"I realized that the first vehicle; Honorable Sam George was in the lead car together with Agbesi Nutsu and the NDC Deputy National Women's Organizer and another vehicle occupied by Nii Oko Vanderpuiye and another third saloon car . . . I approached and welcomed them . . . I confronted the bikers and asked them what they were coming to do and they said they were coming to protect the ballot and I told them the state had made enough provision for security so they should leave and they did not take lightly to that; they started to banter with me. Eventually, they left and went back of the school building, DSP Azugu narrated to the Commission.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com









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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Mallam Shamuna Uztaz Jibri who has been accurate with election predictions over the years says spiritually there is more into Nigerias election.



The soothsayer said he refused to predict on the elections because something is missing somewhere which needed to be added before getting accurate information about the election.



Because of my global spiritual track record, I have to be certain and accurate before I come out with an information. Is not guess work but is a gift work. Once again to those who are major shareholders of surprise about Nigeria election been postponed should continue to be surprise, he told Peacefmonline.com.



So why was voting postponed?



The electoral Chief, Mr Yakubu, said: "Our decision was entirely taken by the Commission. It has nothing to do with security, nothing to do with political influence."



He said the delay was down to problems with the transportation of electoral materials - ballot papers and results sheets - to some parts of the country.



He had earlier said the decision was made because of a "determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections".



In the past two weeks several Inec offices have been set alight, with thousands of electronic smart card readers and voter cards destroyed.



Nigeria has seen violence in the run-up to the elections and on Saturday 11 people were killed in an attack by Boko Haram militants south of Maiduguri.



President Muhammadu Buhari said he was "deeply disappointed" but urged people to refrain from "civil disorder".



Main rival Atiku Abubakar called for patience but accused the administration of "anti-democratic acts".





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Government has heavily criticized former President Mahama for peddling falsehood to the diplomatic community when he engaged diplomats on the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election.



Addressing a news conference in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah described the actions of Mr. Mahama as unfortunate and called on the former President to apologise as his actions are prejudicial to the work of the Commission of Inquiry set up by President Akufo-Addo to look into the alleged cases of violence that characterized the elections.



First, this is an unfortunate act by a former President of the republic as it is prejudicial to the work of the committee. As one who has occupied the highest office of the land, it is unthinkable that he will make pronouncements that seek to prejudice or undermine the work of a fact finding committee at a meeting where he has invited diplomats. We do not believe that in the various countries where diplomats come from, this prejudicial undermining conduct will be countenanced, he said.



In the said interaction, Mr. Mahama showed the diplomats two sets of videos; One (a video from a legitimate media house) the content of which is the subject matter of an ongoing Presidential Commission of Inquiry.



A second set (which includes 2 videos) which he claimed was evidence of members of an NPP vigilante group at the funeral of the former MP for Ayawaso West Wougon and earlier providing security for the NPP Parliamentary candidate in that by-election.



Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said government will this week be serving notice to the members of the diplomatic community that two of the three videos and the narratives that the former President gave to them on the said videos are palpably false and designed at tarnishing Ghanas hard won reputation in the eyes of the international community.



Indeed that video is a video of Policemen who had attended a funeral of a fellow Police Officer and had nothing to do with the late Agyarkos funeral, he added.



Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said there was also no evidence that the Policemen who attended the funeral of their colleague were even involved in either the police operation at Ayawaso West Wuogon or the SWAT operation at the residence of the NDC candidate.



Mr. Mahamas presentation to the diplomats of that video as evidence of a said NPP vigilante group involved in the Ayawaso West Wuogon incidents is false and should be treated as such. The family of Mr. Agyarko has even had cause to deny this and the government will bring this formally to the attention of the diplomats. Ghana is regaining its place in the community of nations and her government will allow no person for whatever parochial interest to undercut our collective gains, the Minister said.





Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007









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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Attempts by some senior members of the National Democratic Congress to push an agenda to get former President Mahama elected as Presidential candidate for the party, has been described as nauseating by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.



Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boadiako, indicted the NDC by noting that the opposition party should have copied the style of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigeria if they want to become a formidable force in election 2020.



He explained that rather than invest time and resources in resuscitating the political career of former President Mahama, they should look at ways of promoting another candidate who can stand President Akufo-Addo in 2020.



The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP who is popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, explained that the NDC should take a clue from the PDP in Nigeria who have replaced Goodluck Jonathan with Atiku Abubakar as their presidential candidate.



We all know how difficult it is for the NDC to learn but it was be a grave sin for them to attempt voting for John Mahama again as their presidential candidate. They know it is a wrong move but I will encourage and force them to elect John again. He brings no competition to the table, Chairman Wontumi said.



He went on to state that  the NDC is banking their hopes on a PDP victory but are refusing to see the steps the party have undertaken to become strong. The PDP is being led by a stronger and fresh candidate but the NDC, is going to be led by a loser and his name is John Mahama.



Linking his argument to historical events, Chairman Wontumi stated that in 1996 when the New Patriotic Party wanted to capture political power, they voted massively for former President John Agyekum Kufuor to replace a fine gem like Prof. Albert Adu Boahen during their internal contest.



Kufuors victory during the internal contest, paved way for the NPPs victory in 2000, Chairman Wontumi added.



For this reason, he urged the NDC not to think about winning the 2020 elections with John Mahama as their leader.



It is a mistake I will force them to commit. We need John Mahama again to make the NPPs victory easier in 2020. The emergence of John Mahama would allow us to compare his shameful track record to that of President Akufo-Addo. We would see if the bus branding saga under John Mahama which caused the state to lose money is better than National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program by Nana Addo, designed to provide support and reduce hardships of entrepreneurs.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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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A private legal practitioner, Lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe, who doubles as a member of the Communications Team of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) says the lawsuit against former President John Dramani Mahama is a calculated effort by the national security to confuse NDC delegates to vote against Mahama on February 23, 2019.



A Ghanaian businessman is challenging the legibility of former President John Mahama to stand for elections in his bid to ultimately win the presidential election in 2020.



Stephen Agyeman is praying the High Court to declare that Mr Mahama, in raising funds to support his bid to be elected as a flagbearer/presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in his capacity as a former President of the Republic of Ghana violates Article 68 (2) of the 1992 Constitution.



He is further praying the court to hold that former President Mahamas establishment of a campaign office for the purpose of seeking to co-ordinate his activities in his quest to become flagbearer/presidential candidate of the NDC constitutes an office of emolument or profit within the context of Article 68 (2) of the 1992 Constitution and same having been established without Parliamentary permission was in contravention of Article 68 (2) of the 1992 Constitution.



He stressed that on the face of the lawsuit and careful reading of the pleadings as reported in the Daily Graphic, it is much ado about nothing; insisting the suit is obviously coming from the external collaborators of Akufo-Addos administration.



Speaking on Radio Golds Alhaji and Alhaji programme, lawyer Tamakloe asserted that the whole suit was perfectly timed with the idea of confusing the delegates to choose another Flagbearer other than former President John Mahama as next week Saturday happens to be the day to choose a Presidential Candidate for the NDC.



It is a suit obviously coming from the external collaborators of this dubious administration of this government that has come to the inevitable conclusion that they are leaving power in 2020 and therefore had device this strategy to confuse the issue . . . the whole idea is that a week today, Saturday, the delegates of the NDC will be voting and so if you push in the suit now, the delegates will be confused that there is a suit; wont it affect him [Mahama] if we vote for him? So this is a work of National Security. The Akufo-Addo administration had come to the irresistible conclusion that they are leaving office, he asserted.



He indicated that the earlier delay of the Presidential Primary of the NDC was as a result of work of the National Security and others, preparing this particular lawsuit at this time as they had then taken the view that if the earlier postponement had happened, there was no way this suit was going to happen.



One of the reasons for the delay of the internal primaries of the party was that the national security and others were preparing this particular suit because they had then taken the view that if this thing had happened earlier, there was no way this suit was going to happen. So this suit that went to the court that eventually led to the postponement of the elections, all of these things were calculated, he claimed.



He strongly believes that it is too late for the Akufo-Addo government and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to change the minds of the NDC delegates who will be choosing former President Mahama as the Presidential Candidate for the 2020 general elections.



It matters not now, where we have gotten to now, one leg is already out; it is little effort and hard work to take the other leg; the elephant is definitely going to fight and so this whole suit, let no delegates of our party be mistaken. It is a national security sponsored suit with the sole purpose of disrupting the issues, confusing delegates of our party, he maintained.

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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The Nigerian government on Saturday ordered the re-opening of all the nation's borders following the postponement of presidential and national assembly polls by the electoral body.



The land borders were closed on Thursday to ensure a smooth process of the elections earlier scheduled for Saturday.



In a brief statement, Muhammad Babandede, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service, said the borders had been re-opened for the free movement of persons.



Babandede said immigration officers would continue their normal border control and patrol duties to ensure that all persons crossing Nigeria's land, air, and sea borders traveled with valid and authentic documents.



Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission on early Saturday announced a postponement of the polls by one week, citing issues bordering on logistics.



Security is often a major concern at Nigerian elections. Apart from politically-linked violence among supporters of rival political parties, the country's armed forces are in a battle with terror group Boko Haram, which is seeking to establish an Islamic state in the northeast region.

Source: GNA









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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Ghana must ensure an independent, prompt and transparent investigation into the killing of journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela, say UN human rights experts.



We call on the authorities in Ghana to ensure that the perpetrators of this terrible crime are brought to justice. If a climate of impunity is permitted to prosper in the face of attacks on journalists around the world, we can expect this trend to proliferate, with disastrous consequences for press and media freedom globally, the experts said.



Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela was shot in the neck and chest by unknown assailants while he was driving in Accra on the evening of 16 January 2019. He died immediately.



Mr. Hussein-Suale, known for his use of hats and colourful veils to protect his identity, was a renowned investigative journalist who worked tirelessly to expose corruption in Ghana.



In a series of television interviews on 29 and 30 May 2018, a member of the Ghanaian parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, revealed Mr. Hussein-Suales identity and called on the public to attack him. He also gave information on the neighbourhood where Mr. Hussein-Suale lived.



When political leaders brand journalists as evil or dangerous, they incite hostility towards them and denigrate their work in the eyes of the public. Such statements have a direct impact on journalists safety and create a hazardous working environment for them, the experts said.



We urged the Government to ensure that any investigation into Mr. Hussein-Suales death includes due analysis of the impact of Mr. Agyapongs actions and any role that they may have played in the killing of Mr. Hussein-Suale.



Mr. Hussein-Suales death comes amid an increase in recent years in the number of journalists being murdered worldwide. Dozens were killed in 2018, including Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Source: The New Crusading Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The former Ambassador of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the United Kingdom Ambassador Victor Smith has pleaded with authority to check the mental status of the former HIV ambassador before things turnout worse.



According to him what Dizdzor Mensah did in Germany is unfortunate, rating it as a senseless video which needs not to be taken serious by any rightful thinking person.



Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he maintained that "what Dzidor Mensah did, doesnt make sense at all and therefore her mental state needs to be properly checked".



He also asked the general public to disregard the dupty Information Minister Pious Enam Hadzide's earlier accusation that NDC is in bed with Dzidzor Mensah.



"I have several pictures with Joyce because of my former position as an ambassador so can you also say I have an affair with her . . . no let's look at the situation before it gets out of hand, he stressed.



He therefore calls on the government to sit up because Ghanaians are suffering.



Former Ghana HIV/AIDS ambassador, Joyce Dzidzor Mensah has been spotted in a new video begging for 100 million dollars to help build a church (national cathedral) in a Ghana.



In the video, Joyce Dzidzor Mensah was travelling in a train abroad with some white people and begging them to donate money to help Ghana build its national cathedral.



According to her, Ghana has a lot of problems so they want to build a church to invite Jesus to come and help solve the numerous problems.









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.

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The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has endorsed 2019 year of reading and encouraged every youth to develop the habit of reading.



In a statement; NUGS calls on youth and students of the country to use this year and the celebration of reading to develop the passion and love towards reading.



Read full statement below;



The National Union of Ghana Students wishes to use this opportunity to officially endorse the 2019 year of reading, an initiative by the Ghana Library Authority to encourage youth and students to develop the habit of reading.



NUGS calls on youth and students of the country to use this year and the celebration of reading to develop the passion and love towards reading.



The Year of Reading will be officially launched on February 19 ,2019 at the forecourt of the Ghana Library Authority, Headquarters under the theme *"Reading for Progress"* and we encourage students and youth of the country to be fully involved since this awareness creation towards reading will go along way at developing the human resources of the country .



NUGS wishes to use this opportunity to call on all corporate institutions and communities to be involved in the celebration for the betterment of education in this country.



Thank You.



Signed





Kobby Otchere Marfo



Press and Information Secretary, NUGS





Tinkaro Asare Osei



President, NUGS





















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.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will arrive in Vietnam on Feb. 25 for a state visit ahead of his second summit with U.S. President Donald Trump two days later, Reuters reported Saturday. He is expected to visit economic and industrial complexes there in a bid to publicize his aspiration for reform and market opening.



This aerial view shows the Vietnam National Convention Center, the potential venue for the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit in Hanoi, Vietnam. /Yonhap

During a private chat with President Moon Jae-in in the border truce village of Panmunjom last year, Kim reportedly expressed his desire to push for reforms styled on the model of Vietnam, an economic powerhouse that nonetheless remains in the iron grip of the Communist Party. Kim will meets with Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong before Phu leaves on a state visit to neighboring countries. It will be the first state visit by a North Korean leader in 54 years. Regime founder Kim Il-sung visited Hanoi in 1958 and 1964.

Kim Chang-son (second from left), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's de facto chief of staff, leaves a hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam on Sunday. /Yonhap

On Saturday, Kim Chang-son, Kim Jong-un's de facto chief of staff, arrived in Hanoi and toured the industrial regions of Hai Phong and Bac Ninh on Sunday. There is an LG plant in Hai Phong and a Samsung smartphone plant at the Yen Phong industrial park in Bac Ninh. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government has recently cut down dozens of trees near the Vietnam National Convention Center, the potential venue for the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit in Hanoi, possibly for security reasons.

Read this article in Korean
Some Nigerian residents in Ghana have expressed shock and disappointment at the postponement of Nigerias presidential and National Assembly elections hours before voting was scheduled to start.



Announcing the postponement of the polls about 3 a.m. last Saturday, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said: Following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan and the determination to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.



Consequently, the commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly Elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections are rescheduled to Saturday, 9th March 2019. This will afford the commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections.



Prof. Yakubu also told a press conference last Saturday that there were as many as 640 cases in court against the INEC arising from the nomination of candidates.



Besides, he said, as of last Saturday there were 40 court orders against the commission to drop or add a candidate.



The INEC Chairman, who described the decision as painful but necessary, further disclosed that even though ballot papers and result sheets were ready, they could not be airlifted to various parts of the country.



Untenable



But Nigerians in Ghana would not take the reasons given by the INEC, explaining that the electoral body had subjected the country to global ridicule which would cast doubt on the outcome of the elections, especially should the incumbent win.



In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic in Accra, Koforidua, and Kumasi yesterday, some Nigerians said INEC had it wrong to have postponed the elections at the 11th hour.



While some expressed fear that the postponement would affect the turnout of the election, which had now been rescheduled for February 23, 2019, others contended that Nigerias image would forever be dented.



The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation, Chief Isaac Chigbata Ogbonna, said: I am disappointed in INEC and also concerned about the cost the postponement will have on the Nigerian economy.



History repeats itself



This is not the first time that Nigeria has postponed scheduled national elections and some Nigerians wonder why the INEC refused to learn from past experiences.



It happened in 2011 and 2015, and in both cases, the commission alluded to the late arrival of voting materials and insecurity as reasons for postponing the elections it had taken the commission years to prepare for.



Mr. Goodluck Jonathan won the 2011 presidential election, while Mr. Mahamudu Buhari swept his way to victory in the 2015 presidential poll.



In postponing last Saturdays elections, the INEC ruled out further campaigning by political parties and any extension of the collection of voter cards.



The rescheduling of the elections also affected businesses, flight arrangements and schedules of many travellers, as voters complained of the consequences the postponement would have on their planned programmes.



President Buhari had gone to his home in Adamawa to vote and when he heard of the postponement of the elections, he grew furious.



Blame game



The last-minute postponement drew President Buhari and his main challenger in the presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Partys presidential candidate, into a blame game.



While President Buhari expressed disappointment with the INEC, especially when it had given assurances that it was ready for the elections, Mr. Atiku launched a blistering attack on the government, accusing it of instigating the delay.



Their plan is to provoke the public, hoping for a negative reaction, and then use that as an excuse for further anti-democratic acts, the main opposition leader said.



Fears and concerns



One of the leaders of a Nigerian group in Kasoa, Murtala Seidu, expressed fear that comes February 23, this year, the turnout at voting centres might suffer because people had to travel all over the world to come and cast their ballot.



I personally have no doubt that come February 23, this year, the turnout at voting centres in Nigeria will be disappointing. Many Nigerians have travelled to their voting centres to participate in the elections. The question is: will they be willing to return and turn up again for the voting next Saturday?" he asked.



Mr. Seidu said about 15 Nigerians in Kasoa left last Thursday morning for Nigeria to cast their ballot, but now that it has been postponed, what should they do?



They cannot stay for another week because most of them have their businesses to operate in Ghana, he added.



Another member of a Nigerian group at SCC in Accra, Mr. Aregon Abiola, said the postponement would create a breeding ground for the election results to be contested or doubted.



There are a lot of questions to answer. How come INEC called it off a few hours to voting? Were they not briefed properly regarding the logistics? Did they only find out Saturday morning? he asked.



Mr. Abiola said he was hopeful that the elections scheduled for February 23 would not suffer as a result of the postponement.



A concerned Nigerian media practitioner, Mr. Oluwakayode Elijah Iposu, said the excuse given by the INEC boss regarding the postponement was flimsy because he and his office had four years to plan for these elections.



Did they just find out about the logistics issues on Friday night? What actually went wrong that the elections would be called off a few hours before voting commenced? I personally dont understand, he said.



Another concern raised by Mr. Emmanuel Akunde, a Nigerian businessman, was the unfortunate situation created for international observers.



He said his concern had to do with the foreigners, media crew and election monitors who were already on the ground to work but had to put everything on hold.



The move took many people by surprise. The two other times elections were moved it was not done like this one. This disrupted lives and businesses. Some airlines had cancelled flights yesterday. The economic losses are huge. We can make sacrifices for elections but making sacrifices for nothing is hard for most Nigerians to bear, Mr. Akunde said.



Another Nigerian who gave his name as Ikechukwu in Kumasi said the INEC had failed Nigeria again and expressed the hope that last Saturdays polls would not face any more challenges. Also Yemi Babatunde, a trader in Koforidua, said the postponement would affect turnout next Saturday but urged Nigerians not to be perturbed and take the opportunity to deepen democracy.



Dr. Antwi-Danso welcomes the decision



But an international relations expert, Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, is full support of the INECs decision, describing it as a normal thing.



For me, its a normal thing. The INEC found out that from the point of view of logistics and security, they needed to postpone it because the aftermath could have been bad, he told the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday.



Dr. Antwi-Danso, who is a Dean at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, argued that it was better postponing the elections than going ahead and having post-election strife.

Source: Graphic.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The foreign ministries of Ghana and Qatar held a round of political consultations in Accra Friday.



Qatar's Minister of Foreign Affairs Secretary General HE Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi chaired the Qatari side during the talks, while Shirley Ayorkor Botchway of Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration chaired the Ghanaian side.



During the consultations, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to boost and develop them in various fields, in addition to discussing the latest regional and international developments.



In November last year, the Governments of the Republic of Ghana and State of Qatar signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of partnerships between the two countries.



The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, when the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, paid a days official visit to Qatar, where he held bilateral talks with the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.



The first MoU signed was the Agreement on for the avoidance of Double Taxation and the prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income. This agreement would help to alleviate territorial double taxation of the same income by the two countries. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Ghana by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and, on behalf of Qatar, by Mr. Ali Shareef Alamadi, Minister for Finance.



The next MoU was on The Regulation of Manpower Employment in the State of Qatar, signed, on behalf of Ghana, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and, on behalf of Qatar, by Mr. Uposif Bin Mohammed Al Othman, Minister for Administrative Development and Labour and Social Affairs.



The third and fourth MoUs signed were Abolishing Visa Requirements for the holders of diplomatic and special passports, and the Establishment of consultations on issues of mutual interest between the Government of the State of Qatar and the Government of the Republic of Ghana. These were both signed, on behalf of Ghana, by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and, on behalf of Qatar, by Mr. Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.



The Memorandum of Understanding between Qatar Chamber and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the last to be signed. This was done by Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankwoso I, President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Shaikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber.

Source: Graphic.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has postponed to February 23rd, the General election earlier scheduled for Saturday, February 16th, 2019.



INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, while briefing newsmen at the commissions headquarters, announced that continuing with the election as earlier scheduled for today, 16th February, 2019, was no longer feasible.



According to him,following a careful review of the implementation of its logistics and operational plan, and the determination to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, the commission came to the conclusion that proceeding with the elections as scheduled is no longer feasible.



He therefore announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections had been moved to February 23, 2019.



He also said that the governorship and state assembly elections have also been moved by one week to March 9, 2019.



According to him, consequently, the Commission has decided to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly Elections to Saturday, 23rd February 2019. Furthermore, the Governorship, State House of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections is rescheduled to Saturday 9th March 2019.



This will afford the Commission the opportunity to address identified challenges in order to maintain the quality of our elections. This was a difficult decision for the Commission to take, but necessary for the successful delivery of the elections and the consolidation of our democracy.



The Commission will meet key stakeholders to update them on this development at 2pm on Saturday, 16th February 2019 at the Abuja international Conference Centre, he added.







Source: Vanguard









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Anti-Iran Warsaw Conference And The Isolated Superpower

02/18/19

By Paul Pillar (source: LobeLog)

The Trump administration tried to make this week's Middle East conference in Warsaw what the administration had intended it to be all along: an Iran-bashing exercise that would get Europeans to join in more of the bashing. But the conference instead became what most European governments-whose attendance at the gathering was spotty and often low-level-warned it would be: a demonstration not of U.S.-European unity on policy toward Iran but instead of disunity. That the conference's final statement makes no mention of Iran has to be a major disappointment for the administration.

In its obsessive campaign of stoking maximum hostility toward Iran, the Trump administration is isolated except for partnering with Iran's regional rivals, which means Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These regimes have their own reasons for keeping Iran a pariah-reasons that are distinct from U.S. interests and distinct from any fondness for peace and stability in the Middle East. These three states are responsible for much of the uninvited extraterritorial use of military force -apart from Saddam Hussein's two offensive wars, the U.S. offensive war in Iraq and other interventions, and Turkey's intervention in northern Syria-as well as more irregular methods of destabilizing other countries in the Middle East over the past 40 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be considered a winner at Warsaw for using the conference to show that he can rub elbows with Arab leaders. It was after a side meeting with the Omani foreign minister that Netanyahu commented in a Hebrew-language interview about Israel and Arab states sharing a "common interest of war with Iran." Netanyahu's office later altered its English translation to suggest that he intended only a metaphorical meaning of "war." Regardless of the translation issue, Netanyahu's government has escalated its already intense anti-Iran rhetoric, as it did in recently acknowledging for the first time its repeated airstrikes in Syria.

Netanyahu's government highly values any overt dealings with Arab governments as demonstrating that it does not need to end the occupation of Palestinian territory to conduct worthwhile business with regional neighbors. The Trump administration is pointing to such dealings in claiming a success at Warsaw. Deflecting international pressure to end the occupation pervades almost all Israeli diplomacy and includes an East European dimension. Offsetting West European opposition to the occupation is the main reason for Netanyahu cozying up to the Hungarian regime of Viktor Orban, notwithstanding Orban's authoritarianism and habit of blaming George Soros for anything bad in Hungary.

The Warsaw conference leaves the world with the same old stuff regarding the campaign of maximum hostility toward Iran and the Trump administration's lining up behind a few regional rivals of Iran even when this means lining up against the rest of the world. But despite this relative isolation and the small ball the administration is playing on this issue, it still speaks as if the United States can dictate what the rest of the world should do. This tone pervaded Vice President Mike Pence's speech at the conference, in which his complaints about European governments not being "cooperative" with U.S. sanctions sounded like a schoolmarm scolding pupils for evading discipline. Unstated in the speech is that the United States-not the Europeans and not Iran-is in blatant violation not only of the Iran nuclear deal (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA) but of the unanimously enacted United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which is the international community's endorsement of the JCPOA. Pence was calling on European governments to violate their own obligations and to show as much contempt for the Security Council as the Trump administration does.

Pence also had harsh words about the recently established "special purpose vehicle," a kind of barter clearing house that the Europeans hope will enable at least humanitarian goods to be sold to Iran while staying outside the formal banking system and beyond the reach of U.S. sanctions. The new mechanism probably will have for now only marginal effect on commerce with Iran, but it has larger significance for long-term U.S. interests. It is one more indication of how a world increasingly fed up with how the United States pursues narrow political objectives by exploiting its economic advantages-with the U.S. dollar being the principal reserve currency and New York being at the center of international finance-is looking for ways to overcome or negate those advantages. If the isolated superpower keeps trying to do the sort of things it is doing on Iran, it will see its super powers diminish more rapidly and, in the future, will become less able to impose its will on many issues that have nothing to do with Iran.





About the author:



Paul R. Pillar is Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Studies of Georgetown University and an Associate Fellow of the Geneva Center for Security Policy. He retired in 2005 from a 28-year career in the U.S. intelligence community. His senior positions included National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia, Deputy Chief of the DCI Counterterrorist Center, and Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence. He is a Vietnam War veteran and a retired officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Pillar's degrees are from Dartmouth College, Oxford University, and Princeton University. His books include Negotiating Peace (1983), Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy (2001), Intelligence and U.S. Foreign Policy (2011), and Why America Misunderstands the World (2016).


Paxton, IL (60957)

Today

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations envoy to Libya, Ghasan Salame, arrived Monday in Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, to meet with leaders of the region with a view to restarting the stalled political process
French prosecutors have opened an investigation Sunday into anti-Semitic comments made by Yellow Vest protesters against a renowned philosopher and intellectual a day earlier.

The Paris prosecutor's office said Sunday an investigation was launched into "public insult based on origin, ethnicity, nationality, race or religion," the Associated Press reported. A video broadcast on multiple French news channels shows peple hurling insults such as "dirty Zionists" and "France is ours" at Alain Finkielkraut.

Finkielkraut, 69, told French media that he had approached the protesters, who have held demonstrations in Paris for 14 consecutive Saturdays, out of curiosity. Finkielkraut had initially supported the movement, but called the protests "grotesque" after Saturday's incident.
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Oswego, NY (13126)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to occasional showers overnight. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert on Saturday said she has withdrawn her name from consideration for the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

In December, President Donald Trump had announced he was picking Nauert to fill the vacancy caused when Nikki Haley stepped down from that position, leaving at the end of 2018.

Media reports said late Saturday Nauert has withdrawn due to complications surrounding her employment of a nanny who was in the country legally, but not legally allowed to work.

According to The Washington Post, the nanny had worked for the Nauerts for 10 years and was paid in cash, but she had not paid taxes. When the family discovered that taxes had not been paid, The Post reported, the Nauerts demanded that the tax bill be paid.

Earlier Saturday, before news of the the nanny complication emerged, Nauert said, in a statement, "I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary [Mike] Pompeo for the trust they placed in me for considering me for the position of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. However, the past two months have been grueling for my family and therefore it is in the best interest of my family that I withdraw my name from consideration.

"Serving in the Administration for the past two years has been one of the highest honors of my life and I will always be grateful to the President, the Secretary, and my colleagues at the State Department for their support," Nauert said in a statement released by the State Department Saturday.

In the statement, Secretary of State Pompeo praised Nauert for performing her duties with "unequalled excellence," and wished her the best "in whatever role she finds herself."

In nominating Nauert, Trump said she was "very talented, very smart, very quick. And I think she's going to be respected by all."
No special occasion is required to celebrate Leonardo da Vinci, but the fact that he died in 1519 makes this year a particularly suitable time to look back at his vast, innovative, and influential body of work. Just last month, Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing opened in twelve museums across the United Kingdom. 144 of Leonardo da Vincis greatest drawings in the Royal Collection are displayed in 12 simultaneous exhibitions across the UK, says the exhibitions site, with each venues drawings selected to reflect the full range of Leonardos interests  painting, sculpture, architecture, music, anatomy, engineering, cartography, geology and botany.

The Royal Collection Trust, writes Artnets Sarah Cascone, has even sent a dozen drawings from Windsor Castle to each of the 12 participating institutions. Theyd previously been in Windsor Castles Print Room, the home of a collection of old master prints and drawings routinely described as one of the finest in the world.









Now displayed at institutions like Liverpools Walker Art Gallery, Sheffields Millennium Gallery, Belfasts Ulster Museum, and Cardiffs National Museum Wales, this selection of Leonardos drawings will be much more accessible to the public during the exhibition than before.

But the Royal Mail has made sure that the drawings will be even more widely seen, doing its part for the 500th anniversary of Leonardos death by issuing them in stamp form.

The stamps depict several well-known works, writes Artnets Kate Brown, such as The skull sectioned (1489) and The head of Leda (150508), a study for his eventual painting of the myth of Leda, the queen of Sparta, which was the most valuable work in Leonardos estate when he died and was apparently destroyed around 1700. Other stamps show the artists studies of skeletons, joints, and cats.

While none of these images enjoy quite the cultural profile of a Vitruvian Man, let alone a Mona Lisa, they all show that whatever Leonardo drew, he drew it in a way revealing that he saw it like no one else did (possibly due in part, as weve previously posted about here on Open Culture, to an eye disorder).

Though that may come across more clearly at the scale of the originals than at the scale of postage stamps, even a glimpse at the intellectually boundless Renaissance polymaths drawings compressed into 21-by-24-millimeter squares will surely be enough to draw many into his still-inspirational artistic and scientific world. To the intrigued, may we suggest plunging into his 570 pages of notebooks?

Note: If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider attending the new courseThe Genius of Leonardo da Vinci: A 500th Anniversary Celebrationbeing offered through Stanford Continuing Studies. Registration opens on February 25. The class runs from April 16 through June 4.

via Colossal/Artnet

Related Content:

Download the Sublime Anatomy Drawings of Leonardo da Vinci: Available Online, or in a Great iPad App

Leonardo da Vincis Bizarre Caricatures & Monster Drawings

Leonardo da Vincis Earliest Notebooks Now Digitized and Made Free Online: Explore His Ingenious Drawings, Diagrams, Mirror Writing & More

The Doodles in Leonardo da Vincis Manuscripts Contain His Groundbreaking Theories on the Laws of Friction, Scientists Discover

New Stamp Collection Celebrates Six Novels by Jane Austen

Postage Stamps from Bhutan That Double as Playable Vinyl Records

Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture. His projects include the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles and the video series The City in Cinema. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.
British regional airline Flybmi has gone into administration and canceled all flights immediately, the company said in a statement Saturday, blaming Brexit uncertainty as one of the reasons for its collapse.

A spokesperson for British Midland Regional Ltd. said the company had made the decision because of increased fuel and carbon costs and of uncertainty arising from Britain's plans to leave the European Union on March 29.

The airline, based in the English East Midlands, operates 17 planes flying to 25 European cities. It employs 376 people in Britain, Germany, Sweden and Belgium.

"We sincerely regret that this course of action has become the only option open to us, but the challenges, particularly those created by Brexit, have proven to be insurmountable," the company said.


Stillwater, OK (74078)

Today

Isolated thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Isolated thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The latest series of UK military provocations in the South China Sea have drawn international public concern and strong opposition and condemnation from Chinese government.

In September last year, a British naval amphibious transport dock trespassed into the territorial waters of Xisha Islands in the South China Sea and was expelled by the Chinese Navy. In December, British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said in an interview with the British media that the UK will establish military bases in Singapore and Brunei after Brexit. In January, 2019, the Royal Navys frigates held joint military exercises with the US military aircraft and warships in the South China Sea, including subjects of communication, maneuver, etc. On February 11, Williamson announced in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) that the UK will dispatch the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier carrying the F-35B fighters to the Asia-Pacific region with a view to displaying its hard power.



The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) underway during exercise "Saxon Warrior 2017" on 5 August 2017.

As an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, why does the UK travel far and wide to the South China Sea to make troubles? Williamson comprehensively explained the defense strategy of the UK after Brexit in his long speech at the Institute, which may give some clues to this question.

Williamson claimed that the UK wants to establish a global military presence. He believed that the UK has an unprecedented opportunity in the past 50 years and should seize this opportunity to restore its old alliances, establish new ones, and make a new strategic positioning. The UK is a global power with global interests. In an era of competition among big powers, the UK should not be merely content with the security maintenance of its own backyard. The establishment of military bases surrounding the South China Sea marks the end of the UKs exit strategy from the east of the Suez Canal since the mid-1960s, and that the UK will play a true global role.

Williamson stressed that the UK must continue to play a leading role in global security. After listing out the British military leadership in Europe, especially in the Baltic, Mediterranean, Ukrainian, Balkan and other regions, Williamson pointed out that the United States is the closest partner of the UK, and the UK should strengthen the Five Eyes alliance, a secretive intelligence sharing clique made up of the US, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen relations with such countries as Singapore, Malaysia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK) and India, with a view to achieving the delivery and maximization of British influence throughout the world. Some people thought that the establishment of military bases in Southeast Asia is a sign of the UKs entering into Asia after Brexit, indicating that the UK will shift its military focus from Europe to Asia-Pacific. But the view has belittled the ambition of the UK.

Williamson also pointed out that the UK should strengthen the building of a powerful army. The British Royal Navy will develop multiple-functional littoral mission ships (LMSs), and set up two littoral fleets composed of LMSs and supplemented by frigates, supply ships, and helicopters. One will be deployed in the Indo-Pacific area, and the other will cruise around the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Meanwhile, the British Royal Air Force is to develop a large number of drones that can disturb and suppress air defense systems of its enemy. The British Royal Army will continue to carry out the construction of equipment modernization. In conclusion, all these initiatives are aimed at improving the combat effectiveness and lethality of the British troops.

Williamson's speech indicates that UKs provocative actions in the South China Sea are not accidental, and there are three points hidden in logics.

Firstly, the mentality of not being a second-rate country is at work. Although the British people have realized that the fate of the country undergone tremendous changes since the end of the Second World War (WWII), they are reluctant to accept the demise of the empire. The British political leaders from Winston Churchill to the present ones have not solved this problem, eventually leading to the current dilemma in the Brexit process. The UKs provocative actions in the South China Sea are intended to show its military power image, to cater to peoples unyielding mentality and to reproduce the glory of the empire in which the sun never set.

Secondly, the UK closely follows the United States as a servant to expand its presence. The UK is a country with an ambition but insufficient power. Due to the shortage of funds, the development of LMSs and drones mentioned in Williamsons speech is but utopian scheme, not to mention extending its military front to the east of the Suez Canal. The only thing that can be done is send one or two warships to follow its elder brother, the US, to go to the South China Sea to engage in the so-called freedom of navigation, or hold joint military exercises to expand its presence as a major power. However, the current situation in the South China Sea is steadily getting better. It is held tight in the hands of the claimant states including China, and no countries outside the region such as the US and the UK are likely to shake it.

Thirdly, the UK means to expand its arms exports. As the worlds sixth-largest arms exporter, the UK also has the intention to display its weapons, expand military equipment exports, and boost the British economy after Brexit through making provocative actions in the South China Sea.

Regardless of how the UK will leave the EU, it is indisputable that the economic strength and international status of the UK is doomed to decline further after Brexit. The UK now acts as a tool of the United States to contain China and just win a bubble reputation of global military presence. It may just as well face the reality and apply its precious funds to the development of domestic economy and improvement of peoples lives.

Disclaimer: The author is Wu Zhenglong, former Chinese ambassador to Croatia. The article was published on Beijing Daily on February 17, 2019. It is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online.
CIPhotos/iStock(AUBURN, Maine) -- A man has been arrested in the 1993 cold case murder of a 20-year-old Alaska woman after investigators were inspired by the technology used to nab the suspected "Golden State Killer," according to law enforcement.



On April 26, 1993, Sophie Sergie was found sexually assaulted and murdered in a dorm bathroom at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, officials said at an Alaska State Troopers news conference Friday.



Sergie, a former University of Alaska Fairbanks student, had been at the school visiting friends, per authorities.



She was stabbed multiple times and shot in the back of the head, according to the charging document.



Suspect DNA was recovered and uploaded to CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System, a law enforcement database) but no suspect was identified, according to the Alaska State Troopers' conference.



Decades went by without progress in her mysterious murder -- until April 2018, when the cold case unit learned of the genetic genealogy technology used to identify the suspected "Golden State Killer" in California, authorities said.



The novel investigative technique of genetic genealogy takes an unknown killer's DNA from a crime scene and identifies the suspect through his or her family members, who voluntarily submit their DNA to genealogy databases. Since April 2018, genetic genealogy has helped identify more than 20 other suspects.



Steven Downs, whose DNA matched the DNA left behind from Sergie's sexual assault, was taken into custody Friday without incident in Maine, where he was living, according to the charging document.



Downs, now 44, was an 18-year-old student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993 and was living in the same building where Sergie was found, according to the charging document.



After attending the University of Alaska from 1992 to 1996, Downs lived in Arizona and then returned to Maine where he grew up, the charging document says. He most recently worked as a nurse, per the document.



"Downs has no previous arrests, and his DNA has never been uploaded to the national database," the document said.



Maine State Police officers spoke on Wednesday to Downs, who "stated that he recognized Sergie from posters that had been put up around the time of the murder, but confirmed that he did not know her and didn't believe he had ever been in contact with her," according to the charging document.



"I remember the pictures, it's terrible, poor girl," Downs told police, the charging document said.



Downs is expected to be brought back to Alaska, authorities said.



"While nothing can heal that loss, we hope that this arrest today brings some element of peace to the Sergie family," Amanda Price, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, said at Friday's news conference.



"Justice for Sophie is finally within reach," added Colonel Barry Wilson, Director of the Alaska State Troopers. "I am both honored and humbled to help bring some closure to Sophie's family."



Copyright  2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Soldiers assigned to the 6th Chinese peacekeeping force to Mali rush to their battle positions during a safety and defense drill at the Super Camp of the MINUSMA (The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali) on February 15, 2019. The drill was organized by the Sector East Headquarters of the MINUSMA and was designed to test the rapid reaction capability and emergency management capability of the peacekeeping forces. More than 1300 personnel including 14 batches of peacekeeping forces, officials of the sector headquarters and local employees took part in the drill. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Jia Chunming)

By Jia Chunming

GAO, MALI, Feb. 18 (ChinaMil) -- Following a sudden air defense warning given at the Super Camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) Sector East in Gao, the 6th Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Mali together with the other seven nations peacekeeping detachments urgently entered a state of war at 14:30 on February 15, local time. A multi-case, large scale, and full coverage sector exercise was launched.

The MINUSMA has been on a high-risk level of Orange Alert for two months and the security situation in Gao has been worsening. According to statistics, 58 terrorist attacks have occurred since New Years Day and resulted in more than 100 casualties and numerous destroyed buildings.

After receiving the briefing from the Sector East Headquarters of the MINUSMA on the afternoon of February 15, the Chinese peacekeeping detachment reached the first-level combat readiness in only 2 minutes.

Held once a year, the safety defense drill is aimed at actual combat training towards various security threats in the peacekeeping camps, with an intention to test the quick reaction and emergency command capabilities of each peacekeeping force.

Under the unified command of the Sector East Headquarters, the drill was participated by a total number of about 1300 persons, including peacekeepers from 14 peacekeeping detachments, personnel of the sector HQ and local employees.

The Chinese peacekeeping detachment dispatched 230 persons, five command vehicles, three armored infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and two ambulances to participate in six training subjects such as curved firearms attacks, car bomb attacks, and the infiltration of suspicious personnel in the camp, as well as medical transfer and treatment.

Acting chief of staff at the Sector East of the MINUSMA highly praised the performance of the Chinese peacekeeping detachment. He said, The Chinese detachment commanded effectively and acted quickly during the drill, showing an extremely high level of combat capability! We are relieved to have Chinese peacekeepers on guard!

Zhang Haifeng, deputy head of the Chinese peacekeeping guard detachment, said that in order to maximize the safety of all peacekeepers in the camp in the event of an emergency, the Chinese detachment has been actively communicating and coordinating with other defense forces at the Super Camp while strengthening their own defense construction.
By Xue Chengqing and Gu Yagen

ABU DHABI, Feb. 18 (ChinaMil)  On the afternoon of February 16 (local time), the Chinese Navys amphibious dock landing ship Kunlun Shan (Hull 998) arrived at the port of Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 14th Abu Dhabi International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) and the 5th Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition.



Chinese sailors wave to greet overseas Chinese who welcome the visiting Chinese ship. (Photo by Xue Chengqing)

This years IDEX is scheduled to run from February 17 to 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, attracting countless military equipment manufacturers and purchasers from 150 countries. Chinas State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence organized nine military equipment trading companies to participate in the event as a national delegation in the name of Chinese Military Industry with an exhibition area of 1,458 square meters.

The Chinese Military Industry national delegation will mainly display Chinese-made defense products including the WS-600L multi-purpose weapon system, C602 medium and long-range anti-ship missile weapon system, L-15 advanced training aircraft, Qilin-class conventional submarine, Type MRTV3000 frigate, Type ZDK-03 early warning aircraft and Type VT4 main battle tank.

According to the organizer of IDEX, this years event has attracted more than 1,200 corporate exhibitors from over 50 countries and regions, including world-renowned companies in the fields of military industry, aviation and defense equipment such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus and Safran, etc. The exhibition focused on displaying the latest achievements of the application of cutting-edge technologies such as intelligent manufacturing and big data in global military and defence industries.

The first IDEX was launched in 1993, and the event has since been held once every two years. So far, it has grown into the largest and most influential defense exhibition in West Asia and North Africa, as well as one of the worlds top defense exhibitions.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed the hope on February 16 that China should be involved in international disarmament efforts. "We would of course be glad if such talks were held not just between the United States, Europe and Russia but also with China," said Merkel at the 55th Munich Security Conference.

Her remarks were clearly directed against Washington and Moscow's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, who was also present at the conference, reiterated that "we [China] are opposed to the multilateralization of INF."

The INF treaty concerns Europe and Germany's interests. The US took the lead in abandoning INF, resulting in the collapse of the arms control system.

It is understandable that Berlin is anxious, but Merkel's hasty call for Beijing is rather inappropriate. Her words disrespect China's interests and wishes, and objectively encourage Washington to quit irresponsibly.

Washington alleged that INF failed because Moscow did not comply with INF and Beijing was not bound by the treaty. These were its main excuses for the withdrawal.

Germany believes that the more countries involved in INF, the better. However, many European countries can never understand the security risks and the urgency to strengthen national defense in other regions.

The INF Treaty was signed by the US and the Soviet Union. It was a compromise between the two superpowers with the same level of military power to ease their confrontations.

Although China is now much stronger than it was in the past, its nuclear power and comprehensive military strength are far from being equal to those of the US and conducting negotiations on an equal footing.

The Europeans are clear that the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty is part of its America First agenda and an abandonment of its international obligations.

At the Munich security conference, Merkel and European countries criticized recent US security policies. But on the issue of the INF treaty, Merkel snubbed China to serve US interests, reflecting the selfishness of Germans and some Europeans.

It is natural that Europeans consider more of their own interests, but they should stick to justice in major affairs otherwise double standards will prevail.

Europe does not feel any threat from China's missiles. In security, Europe is caught in the middle of Moscow and Washington.

Europe is not the source of China's security pressure. But Germany has dragged China into its own security plight, which not only damages China's interests, but also leads Europeans in the wrong direction for their security concerns.

Globalization has remolded the existing power pattern and will also change the world's political landscape. The era that Europe's interests are tied with the Western camp is ending. America First will become the dominant principle in trans-Atlantic ties. Europe is destined to fall behind the US and needs to recalculate its orientation.

As the world's second largest economy, China needs defense capabilities which should be more powerful than it has now so as to build peace in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. A peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific region will benefit Europe.

The Asia-Pacific is far from reaching a balance of power. Germans are clear about the wide gap between the Chinese and US militaries. Merkel's words are nothing but a bubble in thin air.
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Simon Achuba, deputy governor of Kogi state, says his life is in danger following the withdrawal of his security details on the orders...





Simon Achuba, deputy governor of Kogi state, says his life is in danger following the withdrawal of his security details on the orders of Yahaya Bello, governor of the state.





He said this while addressing journalists at his official residence in Lokoja, the state capital, on Sunday.





Achuba said he was about traveling to his hometown with his security men when the governor called them for a briefing.





He said on getting to the government house, the governors ADC took them to the office of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) to make a statement.

They accused my ADC and orderly of gunrunning but both of them denied the allegation, he said.





As Im speaking now, they are under detention in the Government House. I informed the Commissioner of Police about the situation but till now he has refused to take any action.





Im a member of the All Progressives Congress. I reported to the national leader of the APC but nothing has been done My imprest was stopped for no reason and it was ordered by the governor I live as deputy governor in the house without security, I travelled home without police, my life is in danger.





He said light and water to his residence had been cut off and that he currently lives in darkness.





Achuba appealed to the inspector-general of police to call the commissioner of police to order so that his security details can be restored back.





Kingsley Fanwo, spokesman of the governor, said the governor could not be blamed for the withdrawal of his deputys security aides.





It is not the responsibility of the governor to give security even to himself; the security heads do. So, the governor is not responsible for posting security to the deputy governor, he said.
Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, says his government will not allow bigoted busy bodies to trivalise the killings in the st...





Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, says his government will not allow bigoted busy bodies to trivalise the killings in the state.





Speaking through Samuel Aruwan, his media aide, el-Rufai said only irresponsible and insensitive people can recklessly dismiss the deaths of members of a community with whom they have no contact.





The governor said this in reaction to the controversy which the casualty figure generated.





Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer, had dismissed the death toll of 66 released by the government. The lawyer said he contacted those in the areas where the killings reportedly occurred and that most people seem not to have details of the high casualty figure.

He said it could be possible that el-Rufais statement on the killings had political undertone.





The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union are also among groups which have dismissed the casualty fighure.





But in a statement on Sunday, the government defended the figures it released earlier.





The Kaduna State Government notes the concerted and apparently coordinated efforts by bigoted busy bodies to deny the Kajuru killings, or to minimise the casualty figures, and the specious arguments being deployed in this despicable quest, the statement read.





Only irresponsible and insensitive people can recklessly dismiss the deaths of members of a community with whom they have no contact.

Private individuals and unelected actors cannot be allowed to reduce weighty matters of state security to the province of their limited networks, inexperienced lenses and narrow agendas.





The government of a state cannot be detained by parochial, ethno-religious, partisan or electoral calculations from doing its duty to provide security, confirm incidents of security breaches, take steps to reassure affected communities and ensure that perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.





Aruwan also said the governor visited scenes of the killings on Saturday but did not say whether the places visited by the governor included both the Fulani and Adara communities affected in the conflict.





He said key security personnel in the state briefed the governor on the attacks and gave the casualty figure.





He listed Farouk Yahaya, general officer, commanding 1 division of the Nigerian army, Kaduna; Ahmad Abdulrrahman, commissioner of police in the state; A.I Koya, director of State Security Services (SSS) in Kaduna; and I Sani, a commodore of the Nigerian air force, among those who accomaonied the governor.





Gen. Yahaya briefed the governor on the recovery of 66 corpses by soldiers in the Maro and Iri axis of Kajuru local government, the statement read.





The General conducted the governor around the scenes of the crime which were littered with the burnt wrecks of buildings and dead animals.





Police Commissioner Ahmad Abdurrahman confirmed that some arrests had been made in connection with the incident and that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.





Before visiting the scene of the killings, the governor, accompanied by the security chiefs, stopped in Kasuwan Magani for a meeting with village heads and community leaders from Kajuru LGA.




Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Nigerian musician and son of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has condemned the Independent National...

Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Nigerian musician and son of the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over the postponement of the presidential elections.





Kuti speaking at the New Africa Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday while hosting Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) described the present leaders as bunch of failures





Femi, then called on young Nigeria to plan for a landslide victory against the corrupt establishment, adding that he is tired.





According to him, Nigeria needs a government that will not give you excuses; a government that is ready to work immediately it is empowered; a man that is ready to go to the four corners of this country, not that he will be sweating: Hey, I don tire, hospital today, hospital tomorrow.





Kuti said: This bunch of people, them yeye no be small. How can you just wake up and say you are not ready? What have you been doing for the past four years?





This is not the time to plan. They are a bunch of failures.





The youth must be ready so that there is a landslide in every corner. Nobody must steal again in this country; everybody must have equal opportunity to be successful; one mans success is everybodys success.





Further speaking, Kuti urged Sowore to fulfil all his promises, adding that he is the type of president he would endorse.





If Im going to endorse somebody, Sowore is the type of person I will endorse.





If there is a person I will endorse, I will endorse a young man that will lead a young generation to the future, to provide good schools, to provide good health care, good roads, electricity.





This country needs this; do this now; every corner of this country. Roads must be fixed; a minimum of five great hospitals; all universities must be of international standards. Nothing less; no excuses.




Senate President Bukola has blamed the postponement of the presidential and national assembly polls on the alleged incompetence of the...





Senate President Bukola has blamed the postponement of the presidential and national assembly polls on the alleged incompetence of the government.





The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the postponement in the wee hours of Saturday.





Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, had explained that the logistics challenge caused the inability of the commission to proceed with the electoral process.





Commenting on the development, Saraki, in a statement, described the timing of the deferment as sad.

He advised INEC to focus on ensuring that the elections hold on the new scheduled date.





He also urged Nigerians to shun apathy, calling on them to come out en masse to vote during the elections.





Waiting till just a few hours to the commencement of voting before announcing the postponement of elections is extremely sad. Nobody can quantify the difficulty that this will bring to millions of Nigerians across the nation, Saraki said.





I empathize with youth corps members who have been relocated from their places of primary assignment to assist with the conduct of the elections. My thoughts also go out to workers and civil servants who left their bases to go and vote in their hometowns.





I also sympathize with millions of ordinary Nigerian traders whose businesses were suspended because of the no-movement order. The costs of this postponement are incalculable.





I want to appeal to Nigerians not to be deterred, discouraged or disappointed. You must all continue to be strong and determined to cast your votes on February 23rd.





My appeal to you is this: Next Saturday, forget the current setback and troop out en masse to vote. Not voting because of the postponement should not be an option.





At this point, government and INEC should focus on the way forward in order to ensure that the elections take place as rescheduled. They should move swiftly to smoothen all the rough edges that currently exist.





INEC must ensure that we do not have a repeat of what happened today. As I have always reiterated, the 2019 elections should be a clear improvement on that of 2015





Nigerians are now wiser. They will definitely punish this government that has displayed incompetence, lack of capacity and foresight and vote for the team that will Get Nigeria Working Again





I urge you all: remain resolute and come out en masse next Saturday to vote for the PDP. The Atiku-Obi ticket have the momentum on its side. This postponement will not slow us down.




The apex socio-cultural youth body in Igbo land, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over pe...

The apex socio-cultural youth body in Igbo land, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to hand over peacefully to whoever emerges winner of the forthcoming presidential polls rescheduled for February 23, 2019, that is if he fails to win the election.









The President-General of the youth body, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, gave the advice in Abakaliki on Sunday while fielding questions from journalists on the postponed presidential election.









Isiguzoro, who noted that in 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat and handed over peacefully to the incumbent, wondered why Buhari would not do the same if the outcome of the elections stood against him.









He said, We ask President Buhari to peacefully handover to anyone that wins if the outcome of the election turns out to be against him. Thats the noble thing to do at this time.









As a man with a good heart that he is, President Buhari has said it before that he lost previous elections since 2003.









Former President Goodluck Jonathan did it and today he is a hero of democracy worldwide. Jonathan accepted defeat. Even when the indices then hadnt all concluded he had lost in the 2015 presidential election, he called the incumbent and congratulated him.








Millions of Nigerians went to bed on Friday evening hoping to wake up on Saturday to cast their votes. By the time they woke up on Sat...





Millions of Nigerians went to bed on Friday evening hoping to wake up on Saturday to cast their votes. By the time they woke up on Saturday, a familiar story had played out: the elections had been postponed. For the third successive general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to keep its oft-repeated promise of were ready.





Immediately, theories started pouring forth from various factories. Uche Secondus, the national chairman of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused INEC of working hand-in-glove with the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), because of imminent defeat. The APC, in return, accused INEC of acting out PDPs agenda. Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, said it was hand of Esau and voice of Jacob  accusing APC of being behind the poll shift. On social media, APC supporters wondered why PDP fans already tweeted that the elections would be shifted at a time other Nigerians did not have any inkling. And so on and so forth.





After sifting through the various conspiracy theories, we have consolidated them into three major categories.





THEORY NO. 1: INEC WAS PRODDED BY FOREIGN POWERS

This theory, suspected to be coming from the PDP, says APC wanted INEC to conduct staggered elections in which only 26 states would vote on Saturday while elections would be postponed in 10 states. The presidential poll would be declared inconclusive. Based on the pattern of results, APC, using federal might, would then deploy full security and financial resources to the remaining 10 states to suppress PDPs votes and claim victory. This strategy, according to the conspiracy theory, was used effectively by APC in Osun state whereby the governorship election was declared inconclusive and voting was allegedly suppressed in the run-off and APC carried the day. This theory says the US, UK and EU, sensing what APC wanted to do, mounted pressure on Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, not to stagger the elections but shift them to a date on which every state could vote simultaneously.





THEORY NO. 2: PDP COLLUDED WITH INEC TO AVOID DEFEAT

Faced with the reality that most pre-election opinion polls did not favour them, PDP decided to collude with INEC to postpone the elections and buy time  according to another conspiracy theory propounded by some APC supporters. It is alleged that most of the personnel at INEC were appointed or recruited when PDP was in power and they still owe their allegiance to the party. Therefore, the theory goes, the INEC personnel decided to sabotage the elections at the prompting of PDP so that there would be more time to gain support for Atiku Abubakar, the partys presidential candidate. PDP supporters have countered this claim, asking why the same INEC staff did not sabotage 2015 elections in favour of the PDP government. Meanwhile, some APC supporters are asking why PDP fans knew beforehand that the elections would be postponed if indeed their party was not working in tandem with INEC.





THEORY NO. 3: APC, SENSING DEFEAT, SABOTAGED LOGISTICS

There is yet another theory  that APC leaders met in Abuja on Wednesday and concluded that the elections were not looking good for them. Security agencies and other government agencies were directed to sabotage the election, thus paving the way for INEC offices and card readers to be burnt, the theorists allege. They further claim that working with INEC insiders, the APC made sure materials did not get to some locations ahead of Saturday so that elections would not hold simultaneously across the country. Those who believe in this theory also link it to theory no. 1 above, concluding that but for the international community, INEC would have gone ahead with staggering the elections. APC supporters have a counter-argument: why would they want the elections moved when they were the favourites to win?





CONCLUSION

No matter the conspiracy theory that you believe, there is a consensus that INEC was right to have postponed the elections as a result of the issues it highlighted. Many commentators have blamed the electoral body for poor preparations, but Yakubu, in his address to stakeholders on Saturday after the postponement, said there was sabotage, although he did not point his fingers at any particular direction. Whatever theory is right, the indisputable conclusion is that the postponement has created room for conjectures and allegations. It would be difficult to persuade the purveyors that there was no political motive behind the postponement, either in favour of APC or PDP.









culled: TheCable




Following the opposition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Independent National Elect...

Following the opposition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) ban on electioneering during the one-week extension of the poll, the commission will meet today to review the restriction.









INEC, according to its national chairmans Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, would meet to review its position and decide whether or not to reopen campaigns.









The two leading parties have argued that the commissions restriction has no basis in law.









The PDP also alleged that fresh facts have confirmed that officials of the federal government and the APC have been sabotaging INEC in a well-orchestrated plot to engineer staggered presidential election, contrary to the simulated stance by the presidency and the partys National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.








The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday accused the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of sabotaging the In...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday accused the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of sabotaging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, operations in last Saturdays scheduled elections using Amina Zakari.





PDP claimed that INECs top official, Amina Zakari alongside other commissioners, were used in sabotaging the electoral umpires operations.





A statement by PDPs spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari opted for the option because he wanted a staggering election where he can use security operatives to subvert the will of the people.





The statement reads: Nigerians will recall that the PDP had vehemently protested the continued retention of President Muhammadu Buharis relation, Mrs. Amina

Zakari, in INEC. We have been reliably informed that the same Amina Zakari and another high-ranking INEC commissioner played a pivotal role in assisting the APC and Buhari Presidency in sabotaging the operations of INEC and scuttling the February 16 elections.





The reason for this is that President Buhari is determined to have a staggered election where he can use security agencies to subvert the will of the people at the polls.





These APC elements in INEC engineered actions that affected the distribution and delivery of INEC sensitive materials to designated locations, thereby frustrating the electoral process.





We also have details of how a hired a team of data hackers corrupted the voters register, with a view to cause mass confusion and voters suppression on the election day.





Nigerians would have been shocked that many registered voters in possession of their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) would have arrived their polling centers on election day, only to discover to their amazement that their names have disappeared from the register in their

units.





Intelligence available to us further details how agents of the Buhari Presidency infiltrated the distribution system and ensured that sensitive election materials do not arrive at the designated locations, with the views to stall elections in several states and pave way for a

staggered election.





This is in addition to deliberate swapping of sensitive election materials between different states and local governments so as to muddle up the process and stall election in affected areas. In some of states like Edo, sensitive election materials did not arrive at their

designated points on APC interruption.





PDP urged Nigerians to continue to be alert in resisting the APC and the Buhari Presidency in their plot to sabotage our elections.





Our promise to Nigerians is that we will continue to stand with the people in exposing APCs rigging plots and stopping them from creating more havoc and destruction of our democratic process.




The Nigerian army has confirmed the killing of 66 people in eight different communities in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna stat...





The Nigerian army has confirmed the killing of 66 people in eight different communities in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.





Faruk Yahaya, general officer commanding (GOC) 1 division of the army and Ahmad Abdulrahman, the state police commissioner, confirmed the mass killing on Saturday when they accompanied Nasir el-Rufai, the state governor, on a tour of some of the affected villages.





While responding to the governors question on the casualty figure, the GOC said 66 people were killed.





He said 37 of the victims were killed at a river bank, while the killing spread to other villages within the local government.





As far as we are concerned, what we reported was 66, comprising male, female and children, he said.





We have shown you the other area in that village, where according to information, the residents were lured to that riverine and were slaughtered.





A total of 37 were said to have been buried there. You have seen the grave there and you have also seen elements of their materials that were on the ground, including some traces of blood.





Now information has it that it also spread to other villages. Various distances from here, some, one kilometre, some two kilometres. You know how the Fulanis are, they are far apart. Thats the information we have.





The state police commissioner said the six people arrested were being questioned on the role they may have played in the massacre.





He said those arrested would be charged to court on Monday, adding that detectives have been dispatched to track and arrest various suspects.





Even today, we effected some arrest. They are right now undergoing interrogation at the state CID (criminal investigation department). When I get back, we are going to reveal what they have gotten so far, he said.





Following the killings, some groups accused the governor and the security heads of not visiting Angwan Barde, the Adara community where 11 people were killed among the affected villages.





bias and manufacturing deliberate lies against their ethnic group. The Adara Development Association (ADA) said el-Rufai was guilty ofbias and manufacturing deliberate lies against their ethnic group.





In a statement on Sunday, Luke Waziri, national secretary of ADA, said the governor is trying to instigate a crisis in the area by mischievously leaving out the 11 Adara people who were killed.





On Saturday, Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights lawyer, also accused el-Rufai of lying about the casualties and the timing of the attacks.





He said although there were killings were recorded in the Kajuru LGA last week, the casualties were not more than 11.





said he contacted many sources in the state, including residents, traditional and religious rulers and nobody confirmed the incident resulting in 66 deaths. Odinkalusaid he contacted many sources in the state, including residents, traditional and religious rulers and nobody confirmed the incident resulting in 66 deaths.




Suspected drug dealers have killed four officers of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo state. The deceased ...





Suspected drug dealers have killed four officers of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo state.





The deceased officers were identified as Aliu Aliu, Mohammed Iliyasu, Wellinton Emmanuel and Abduljalad Mohammed.





They were killed during an operation at Owo/Ifon axis of the old Benin road. TheCable gathered they had been on a man-hunt of some drugs dealers in the area.





A resident of the area, who simply identified himself as Femi, told TheCable that the murdered officers were on the trail of the officers when they were killed.





The boys (drug dealers) were about seven and they came on three bikes, I think one of them must have been on ground to monitor the activities of the NDLEA officers before hinting others to launch the attack, he said.





The officers were still carrying out stop and search on some vehicles when these boys speed through the road, targeted and shot them at a very close range.





They even set an Hilux vehicle that belongs to the NDLEA officers on fire and carted away their belonging with some of their rifles. There was pandemonium in the area as many locals ran for their lives.





Haruna Dagara, the Ondo commandant of the NDLEA, confirmed the incident, saying the bodies of the officers have already been evacuated.





It is true. They are our officers who were manning the Ifon division of our station in Ose local council area of the state because that particular area leads to Benin in Ondo state and it is well known for drug trafficking, he said.





We have already evacuated all their corpses from the scene. Other paramilitary agencies are on ground. We shall collaborate with the police to investigate this case.





This is a huge loss to us and an attack on the anti-narcotic agency but we shall not be discouraged as we are much ready to rid Ondo state of criminal elements and all their collaborators.





Femi Joseph, spokesman of the Ondo police command, said the police have swung into action and the case is being investigated.




Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no cogent reason to have ...





Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana SAN, has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no cogent reason to have postponed the elections originally scheduled for February 16.





Falana said this in a statement released on Sunday.





The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) stated that there are provisions for which an election can be postponed, but that the reasons stated by INEC was not one of them.





INEC moved the general elections to Saturday, February 23, about six hours to the start of the polls yesterday.





Not convinced with the excuse tabled by INEC, Falana said, Any postponement of elections on account of logistical or operational reasons cannot be justified under the Electoral Act or the Constitution.





He also accused the government and some political parties of playing a part in the postponement of the elections.





Below is the senior advocates full statement:





By virtue of section 26 of the Electoral Act, an election may be postponed if a serious breach of peace or violence is likely to occur or on account of a natural disaster or other emergencies.





To prevent any abuse of power the reasons for postponement of any election must be cogent and verifiable.





Furthermore, section 105 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria provides that if the Federation is at war in which the territory of the country is physically involved and the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections the national assembly may pass a resolution to postpone the election. And such postponement shall not be more than six months at any one time.





Therefore, any postponement of elections on account of logistical or operational reasons cannot be justified under the Electoral Act or the Constitution.





Since general elections had been postponed on two previous occasions due to lack of adequate preparations the Independent National Electoral Commission ought to have prevented the shifting of the 2019 general election.





Even though all the political parties have blamed INEC for the postponement some of them contributed to the national shame and embarrassment.





Owing to the decision of political leaders to select and impose candidates on their parties in utter violation of section 87 of the Electoral Act many aggrieved candidates rushed to court for legal redress.





Consequently, not less than 600 pre-election cases were filed and are pending in the various courts while not less 40 orders have directed INEC to accept the names of candidates who won the primaries but were shortchanged.













The resort to litigation due to the impunity of majority of political parties contributed to the unwarranted delay in the preparations of INEC for the general elections.





It is interesting to note that both APC and PDP have traded their usual blames over the postponement of the general election by the INEC. But apart from INEC, both parties ought to apologise to Nigerians for their deliberate refusal to implement the far-reaching recommendations of the Electoral Reforms Panels headed by Retired Justice Mohammed Uwais, Sheik Ahmed Lemu and Dr Ken Nnamani which were set up by the Yaradua, Jonathan and Buhari regimes respectively.





Each of the panels had recommended the unbundling of INEC for effective performance. For instance, as INEC lacks the capacity to prosecute electoral offenders an electoral offences commission/ tribunal was recommended for the enforcement of laws to address all forms of electoral offences and consequently stem the incidence of electoral violence.













Even the panels had recommended that the posts of the chairman and other members of the INEC be advertised in order to make them independent of the Executive. But in a bid to sustain the status quo of electoral fraud these recommendations and others have been rejected by the PDP and APC-led Federal Government.





The shameful postponement of the 2019 general election would not have occurred if the Federal Government had unbundled the INEC and ensured the practice of internal democracy in the political parties.





It is public knowledge that both APC and PDP have not committed themselves to electoral reforms. Hence, they have conveniently forgotten that the late President Umoru Yaradua had admitted that the 2007 general election which produced his regime was highly flawed.





Since the system will continue to produce flawed elections all democratic forces should mount sufficient pressure on the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the aforesaid electoral reform panels, once the 2019 rescheduled elections are concluded.





Meanwhile, INEC which has shifted the general election by 7 days is alleged to have turned round to ban political parties and their candidates from further campaigning for votes.





With respect, INEC has not paid attention to Section 99 of the Electoral Act which provides that the period of campaigning in public by political parties shall end 24 hours before polling day. Since elections have been shifted the period of the campaign has also shifted and will end 24 hours to the new polling day.




The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC), held their caucus meeting on Mond...

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC), held their caucus meeting on Monday, to formalize the planned bloody commotion on Saturday, to give room for writing of fake results, sack of the INEC Chairman and fine tune processes for the emergence of an interim government.





This was contained in a statement by CUPPs first National Spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.





Ugochinyere also said the APC chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, attacked the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, because the REC refused to make result sheets of two of the three Senatorial seats and also the Presidential election result seats available to Sen. Godswill Akpabio.





CUPP further declared that President Muhammadu Buhari must be held personally responsible for the loss of any lives due to the instructions he has given to the security forces, after he said ballot boxes snatchers will be doing so at the risk of their lives.

FULL STATEMENT:

The CUPP has reacted to the hastily convened meeting of the outgoing All Progressives Congress and describes the meeting as a meeting called to formalize the planned bloody commotion on Saturday, to give room for writing of fake results, sack of the INEC Chairman and fine tune processes for the emergence of an interim government.





We have severally raised the alarm that President Buhari was working towards establishing an interim government. Events in the last few days have again vindicated us and for the first time in Nigerias history a siting government deliberately scuttled the holding of elections by sabotaging the processes.





The move to sack the INEC Chairman for standing by the people and not succumbing to Presidency pressure to conduct staggered Presidential elections is what has irked the APC the most. The ranting of the APC Chairman in calling for the head of the INEC leadership speaks volumes when it is obvious and as irrefutable facts have shown that the government was responsible for the sabotage which INEC suffered and which eventually led to the postponement of the elections.





Mr. Oshiomhole cannot follow the witches to kill the baby at night and then follow humans to mourn the same baby in the morning. The hand of the Presidency and the APC are written all over the sabotage suffered by INEC and Nigerians must not fail to hold them responsible.





The fear of imminent defeat staring them in the face is the only reason for such a panicky meeting and that reason is not lost on Nigerians. They have gathered to develop as they usually do, evil plans to undermine the people and distort their will. They have just succeeded in heating up the polity and we urge Nigerians to remain calm, not be distracted and not to be taken in by the grandstanding and usual boastful antics of Mr. Oshiomhole for behind all that facade are inherent evil, mischief and unbridled avarice.





Mr. Oshiomholes attack on the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State Mr. Mike Igini was simply because the REC refused to make result sheets of two of the three Senatorial seats and also the Presidential election result seats available to Sen. Godswill Akpabio.





How could Mr. Oshiomhole complain that people are staying long in their offices when he is the National Chairman of the Party in government which never redeployed any officer throughout its lifespan, brought in new blood to rejig failing appointees and refused to sack service chiefs years after they were all due for retirement. A typical dirty kettle used by the firewood stand calling the pot used on a gas cooker black.





Nigerians must note that the live coverage of the so called caucus meeting was meant to achieve a dual purpose. First to give impetus to all APC thugs that since the President endorsed all the shenanigans of the ruling Party, that they should go on rampage and also to give instructions to security forces publicly to execute any citizen who tries to stop the rigging machine jointly being executed by the military. The President was unambiguous in his call that citizens should be shot dead extra judicially if they ever tried to stop the security forces from rigging the elections. That is the most callous public statement ever by a Nigerian President. It must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens and the international community. President Buhari must be held personally responsible for the loss of any lives due to the instructions he has given to the security forces.





The so called caucus meeting of the APC is a meeting of desperadoes gripped by the fear of imminent defeat and it can only be likened to the last futile kicks of a dying horse which cannot save it. Nigerians have resolved to send this government packing and make Nigeria work again. Nigerians have resolved to vote for a better life. Nigerians have resolved to reclaim their country from the brink of total collapse and restore it to the path of glory, progress and prosperity.





Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has condemned the last-minute pos...

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has condemned the last-minute postponement of the elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).









Nabena, who spoke with journalists on Monday in Abuja, urged INEC to correct the lapses which led to the postponement to ensure hitch-free rescheduled elections on Saturday.









The APC chieftain also condemned the reported interference on Nigerias forthcoming general elections by some western countries led by the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and countries of the European Union (EU).









The APC chieftain said, the western nations have enough already on their hands; therefore their time and energy should be spent on the probe of alleged Russian interference in the immediate-past US elections, the breakdown of the Brexit deal between the UK and EU and many other serious challenges they facing them.









In all elections conducted in the country, we have always welcomed local and foreign monitors and observers. In our view, this is a best practice and geared to ensure the transparency of our elections.









But comments on our election processes coming from some western diplomats and accredited foreign observer missions have been downright meddlesome and tantamount to interference.









Nigeria is a sovereign nation and such actions by these western countries negate the principles of international law which outlaws interference in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation by another country.









While the electioneering process might not be perfect as seen with the last-minute postponement of the general elections, we must all work together to make it better.









Statements and actions by these western diplomats and accredited foreign observer missions that erode confidence in the elections is inexcusable and strongly condemned.








President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Leader Bola Tinubu and some governors are currently attending th...

President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, APC National Leader Bola Tinubu and some governors are currently attending the national caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress.









The meeting is being held to discuss critical issues affecting the party, including the postponement of the general elections by one week, says the Presidents Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad.









The meeting is holding at the APC headquarters in Abuja, Ahmad added.









This was contained in a tweet via Ahmads verified Twitter handle, @BashirAhmaad,









Details later...




Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and six others injured when Boko Haram jihadists attacked a military post near the Cameroon border, d...

Two Nigerian soldiers were killed and six others injured when Boko Haram jihadists attacked a military post near the Cameroon border, days before rescheduled presidential elections.









Fighters loyal to long-time factional leader Abubakar Shekau launched the attack on Sunday evening some 15 kilometres (nearly 10 miles) from the town of Banki.









Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari came to power on a pledge to defeat the Islamist militants but despite his repeated claims that they have been weakened to the point of defeat, attacks persist.









His failure to end the violence is again a polling issue as Buhari seeks re-election this weekend.









We lost two soldiers to Boko Haram terrorists who attacked Alpha Company location a military officer in Banki said on condition of anonymity.









Six soldiers were also injured in the attack, he said. The account was backed by a civilian militia member in the town.









The injured troops were evacuated to a hospital in Mora, across the border in Cameroon.









Banki is 130 kilometres (80 miles) southeast of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, and houses some 45,000 people displaced by the conflict in a sprawling camp.









Boko Haram has launched several attacks in and around Banki, targeting troops and the displaced.









Last month two soldiers were killed and seven civilians injured in an ambush on a convoy of traders under military escort in Chachile village.









Boko Haram has in recent months stepped up attacks against military targets which have been blamed on or claimed by IS-affiliated Islamic State West Africa Province.









On Saturday, four soldiers and five jihadist fighters were killed when ISWAP fighters attacked a base in the town of Buni Yadi, in nearby Yobe state, the military said.









Five civilians were killed and 11 injured in the crossfire.









The conflict, which began in 2009, has killed more than 27,000 people and left 1.8 million homeless in northeast Nigeria.









The violence has spilt into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.












President Muhammadu Buhari will today attend an emergency meeting of the National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress(APC). At...

President Muhammadu Buhari will today attend an emergency meeting of the National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress(APC).









At the meeting, critical issues affecting the party, including the postponement of the general elections by a week would be discussed.









A notice of the meeting at the national headquarters of the APC reads, A meeting of the APC National Caucus will hold on Monday at the Partys National Secretariat.









President Buhari while reacting to the postponement of the elections Saturday said he was deeply disappointed that despite the long notice given and preparations both locally and internationally, the INEC) still postponed the Presidential and National Assembly elections within hours of its commencement.









Many Nigerians have travelled to various locations to exercise their right to vote, and international observers are gathered.









INEC themselves have given assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.









Also, the national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, the main opposition PDP and many other political parties faulted the polls shift.









The elections are now to hold on Saturday.









The APC caucus which is a statutory organ of the party is chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari and has the Vice President and all the partys former governors as members.









Its membership also includes the partys serving governors, and members of its National Working Committee (NWC), among others.









INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had a few hours to the commencement of the presidential and National Assembly elections announced the rescheduling of the exercises by one week.








A mild drama occurred at a Christ Apostolic Church in Gaa Akanbi, Kwara, when Kayode Alabi, deputy governorship candidate of the All P...





A mild drama occurred at a Christ Apostolic Church in Gaa Akanbi, Kwara, when Kayode Alabi, deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), came visiting.





Alabi, who mounted the pulpit to read the Yoruba version of the Bible, asked the congregation to open to Deuteronomy 3:26 and Numbers 16:17, both of which contained the phrase, o to ge.





O to ge, a slogan of the APC in the state, literally means enough is enough. The party has been using the slogan against Senate President Bukola Saraki, who wields strong political influence in Kwara.





One of the congregants read the verses of the scripture amidst thunderous applause from the church members. When it got to the place where the slogan is, Alabi said o to ge and left the pulpit without adding another word.

Alabi also visited different churches in Ilorin to solicit prayers ahead of the rescheduled elections.





On the sidelines of the visit to churches, Alabi told NAN that people of the state were more resolute to put a stop to the reign of dynasty and vote the government of the people as symbolised by the APC.





Some of the churches Alabi visited were First ECWA, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Christ Apostolic Church, and the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement.





At the RCCG Mount of Joy Parish, Region 4 headquarters, Sabo Oke, Akintunde Abdullahi, the pastor, called on the church members to support the APC candidate.





Abdullahi said: This is our own, we must support him. I am not a politician, but I love politics and I know we belong to different political parties, but he is our own.






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By changing his lead attorney from a former prosecutor known as "the breaker" to a hotshot trial lawyer nicknamed "the acquitter", Carlos Ghosn plans a defense in his own image -- combative and media-savvy, experts say.

In the chaotic aftermath of Ghosn's stunning arrest last year on financial misconduct charges, the appointment of Motonari Otsuru -- an ex-head of the elite prosecution team investigating the case -- seemed a shrewd move by the auto tycoon.

Who better than a former prosecutor, who won his nickname by extracting confessions from suspects, to navigate the sometimes arcane Japanese legal system and predict what authorities would throw at them?

But the reality is that legal triumphs have been few and far between for the former Nissan chief, who has been in a Tokyo detention center for three months with little prospect of release before a trial that could take months to materialise.

Otsuru can only point to one surprise victory -- where the court refused to extend Ghosn's detention -- but he has twice failed to win bail for his client and eventually threw in the towel, resigning on Wednesday.

"From the beginning, Ghosn needed a lawyer capable of taking on the prosecutors and that is not Otsuru," said Japanese attorney Nobuo Gohara.

"Even after becoming a (defense) lawyer, he never criticized the prosecutors," Gohara told AFP.

Indeed, at his only public appearance, Otsuru surprised many Western observers with his demeanor -- cutting a rather passive and academic figure far removed from the sort of adversarial defense lawyer seen in the U.S. or Britain.

He declined to agree with foreign criticism of Ghosn's detention conditions or the Japanese legal system that allows suspects to be held almost indefinitely, appearing to side with the authorities against his own client. - Japan Today
NHK is a great source of shogi, kabuki, and intimidation.

Many people in Japan have long had a tumultuous relationship with the country's public broadcaster, NHK. Ever since the government decided it was the station's own responsibility to collect funding from the public, the troubles began.

Every country has its own way of generating money for their public broadcasters but in Japan, NHK is largely left to fend for themselves and have outsourced a team of bill collectors to do the dirty work for them.

On one hand, they largely get the job done. Recent estimates say over 80 percent of Japanese residents pay their monthly TV license fees a although this rate shot up after the Japanese Supreme Courts backed NHK's right to demand money from virtually anyone, even if they don't watch NHK.

On the other hand, in many instances the conduct of these collectors has been compared to that of an organized crime group. Homes have been vandalized, and sexual assaults have occurred. As a result, many people never answer their door out of fear that it's an NHK collector on the other side. - soranews24.com
A movie by the Japanese director Hikari picked up two awards at the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday. "37 Seconds" won the Panorama Audience Award and the CICAE Art Cinema Award.

The film centers around a 23-year-old woman with cerebral palsy who forges her own path to sexual awakening and independence while discovering love and forgiveness.

One of the judges says the brilliant young main character, supported by a wonderful cast, leads the audience to a colorful world and a family secret.

Hikari was born in Osaka and now lives in Los Angeles. She says she wanted to create a film based on a true story. She says she would like to continue making movies that are fun to watch and have strong messages.

"Synonyms," by the Israeli director Nadav Lapid, won the Golden Bear award.

The movie is about a young Israeli man who moves to Paris and rejects his native country and language. - NHK
British regional airline flybmi announced on Saturday it had ceased operations and was filing for administration, blaming spikes in fuel and carbon costs and uncertainty over Brexit. Parent company British Midland Regional Limited said it had cancelled all flights with immediate effect, and would not be able to purchase, rearrange or reschedule any bookings on behalf of customers.

Flybmi, based in the East Midlands region of England, operated 17 aircraft on routes to 25 European cities, and had 376 employees based in Britain, Germany, Sweden and Belgium. It is with a heavy heart that we have made this unavoidable announcement today, a company spokesperson said in a statement posted on its website. The airline has faced several difficulties, including recent spikes in fuel and carbon costs.

Current trading and future prospects have also been seriously affected by the uncertainty created by the Brexit process, the spokesperson added. Flybmi had been unable to secure post-Brexit flying contracts in Europe and feared it may not be able to continue serving destinations on the continent after Britain leaves the EU on March 29, according to the statement. Against this background, it has become impossible for the airlines shareholders to continue their extensive programme of funding into the business, despite investment totalling over 40 million in the last six years, it said.

The airline, which said it carried 522,000 passengers on 29,000 flights last year, operated under codeshare agreements with a host of European partners, including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air France. Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union in less than six weeks.
China announced anti-dumping duties on Brazilian chicken yesterday, saying investigations had revealed that poultry imports had done substantive damage to the domestic broiler industry. The tariffs -- ranging from 17.8 per cent to 32.4pc -- will take effect from February 17 and remain in place for five years, the commerce ministry said.

Some companies that have pledged to import at not lower than an agreed minimum price will be exempt, it added. Brazil is the largest source of frozen chicken meat in China, accounting for nearly 85 percent of all imports in 2017, according to China industry consultancy Zhiyan. The tariffs result from a probe on poultry imports which started in August 2017.

Chinas move on Brazilian chicken comes as the United States pushes for greater access to Chinese agriculture and poultry markets amid ongoing trade talks in Beijing. The Chinese market has been closed to American poultry products since 2015 due to an outbreak of avian flu in the US. Brazil, the worlds largest chicken exporter, last year lost market share in China to imports from Thailand, Argentina and Chile, according to Zhiyan.
The United States and North Korea will hold further talks next week to prepare for a second summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un later this month, Seoul said yesterday. The news comes a day after Stephen Biegun, the US Special Representative for North Korea, said more dialogue was needed ahead of the summit scheduled in Vietnam.

North Korea and the US have agreed to continue negotiations in a third country in Asia during the week of February 17, Seouls presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters. He did not provide further details. Biegun travelled to Pyongyang earlier this month for three days of preparatory meetings with North Korean officials, with the State Department saying the talks focused on Trump and Kims commitments of complete denuclearisation, transforming US-DPRK relations and building a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump and Kim are due to meet in Hanoi from February 27 to 28 following 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 and analysts say tangible progress on denuclearisation will be needed for the second summit if it is to avoid being dismissed as reality TV.

Trumps own intelligence chief, Dan Coats, have expressed scepticism over the Norths denuclearisation, and told the Senate Intelligence Committee that Pyongyang was unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons.
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(Newser)  In 2012, researchers pinpointed the location where Julius Caesar was murderedbut the spot was accessible only to a colony of cats. That'll change come late 2021 thanks to the high-end jeweler Bulgari, which is funding the restoration of the Rome site known as Largo Argentina. The AP reports the ruins of the temple complex sit below street level, which has given tourists a sight-line from above. With what ANSA reports is about $900,000, walkways will be built within the site so tourists can get close.

story continues below

As for the location where Caesar was stabbed by rival senators, "we always knew that Julius Caesar was killed in the Curia [Theater] of Pompey on March 15th 44 BC because the classical texts pass on so, but so far no material evidence of this fact ... had been recovered," said a researcher in 2012. Digging up a concrete structure stone pedestal about 6.5 feet tall and 10 feet wide changed that. It was erected by Augustus, "to condemn the assassination of his father" and ostensibly marks the spot where Caesar died, per a 2012 press release. Live Science reports its location was found to be at the base of the Curia of Pompey, providing a necessary historical link. (A key site described by Caesar may have been found.)
(Newser)  One of Josh Pinkard's last acts was to make sure he told his wife he loved her. The 39-year-old was the plant manager at Henry Pratt Co., the manufacturing warehouse in Aurora, Ill., where a gunman shot and killed five employees moments after learning he was being fired last week. "Friday afternoon, the day after Valentines Day, was a literal nightmare," Pinkard's wife Terra wrote on Facebook. "I received a text at 1:24 from my precious husband that said I love you, Ive been shot at work. It took me several times reading it for it to hit me that it was for real." She tried to reach Josh, with no luck, then drove to the plant and two hospitals looking for news before finally learning he had been killed.

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Her post mourns "the man who was dying and found the clarity of mind for just a second to send me one last text to let me know he would always love me." She says telling their three children their father was dead was the hardest thing she's ever done. "I wanted everybody to know that that was Josh," Terra, 37, said on the Today show Monday. "And in that moment when he was going through what he went through, he thought of me. And he wanted me to know that he loved me." Meanwhile, the AP reports the plant won't reopen until next week, but its doors are open to any employees who want to spend time there with their colleagues; counselors will be available. (Also killed: a college student on the first day of his internship.)
(Newser)  The ever-twisting Jussie Smollett case is reportedly headed to a grand jury amid allegations that the actor orchestrated a fake attack on himself with the assistance of two Nigerian brothers. Smollett insists it wasn't a hoax, but don't expect quick resolution. Chicago police want to re-interview the Empire actor, but his attorney says that won't happen Monday, reports ABC Chicago. Attorney Todd Pugh did not say when any such interview might happen, but he said Smollett's lawyers "will keep an active dialogue going with Chicago police on his behalf." Meanwhile, the case remains a hot topic:

Chicagoan's doubts: Nana Efua Mumford, executive assistant to the editorial board at the Washington Post, is a Chicago native who writes that her hometown has a "deep, dark racist history." She wants to believe Smollett, but she's had doubts from the start. For starters, the assailants are walking around Chicago in 10-degree weather at 2am with bleach just hoping to find a victim? If it does turn out to be a hoax, this "will cause irreparable damage to the communities most affected," she writes. "It would be the very embodiment of 'fake news.'"

Nana Efua Mumford, executive assistant to the editorial board at the Washington Post, is a Chicago native who writes that her hometown has a "deep, dark racist history." She wants to believe Smollett, but she's had doubts from the start. For starters, the assailants are walking around Chicago in 10-degree weather at 2am with bleach just hoping to find a victim? If it does turn out to be a hoax, this "will cause irreparable damage to the communities most affected," she writes. "It would be the very embodiment of 'fake news.'" Need a recap? Vox has an explainer on the whole story from day one, including Smollett's ties to the Nigerian brothers, one of whom was once his personal trainer.

Vox has an explainer on the whole story from day one, including Smollett's ties to the Nigerian brothers, one of whom was once his personal trainer. Robin Roberts: The Good Morning America host on Monday defended her interview with Smollett last week, in which he criticized his doubters. When I sat down with Jussie it was Tuesday night in Chicago, at the time to give his first account, publicly give his first account of what he said happened, Roberts said, per Fox News. At that time, on Tuesday, police officers were saying that his account was consistent, it was credible, and that he was being cooperative." News about the alleged hoax surfaced later.

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No regrets: Author Roxane Gay is among those who believed Smollett but no longer does, and she hopes he "comes to realize the damage he has done and atones for it somehow," she tweets. Still, "I have not one (regret) about believing him," she adds. "Im not going to stop believing people who say they have suffered because more often than not they are telling the truth."

Author Roxane Gay is among those who believed Smollett but no longer does, and she hopes he "comes to realize the damage he has done and atones for it somehow," she tweets. Still, "I have not one (regret) about believing him," she adds. "Im not going to stop believing people who say they have suffered because more often than not they are telling the truth." Who's sorry? At the New York Post, Kyle Smith excoriates the left, from celebs such as Ariana Grande to politicians such as Cory Booker, for jumping on the story so quickly and pointing to it as an example of a MAGA-fueled hate crime. (Smollett is black and gay.) But "don't hold your breath waiting for mea culpas," he writes.

At the New York Post, Kyle Smith excoriates the left, from celebs such as Ariana Grande to politicians such as Cory Booker, for jumping on the story so quickly and pointing to it as an example of a MAGA-fueled hate crime. (Smollett is black and gay.) But "don't hold your breath waiting for mea culpas," he writes. On the other hand: "The giddiness among Trumpsters over the Smollett news is gross," writes SE Cupp of CNN. "This story is awful. He allegedly abused police resources, exploited raw divisions in this country, and made it harder for every victim of a hate crime to report. This is sad no matter your politics."

"The giddiness among Trumpsters over the Smollett news is gross," writes SE Cupp of CNN. "This story is awful. He allegedly abused police resources, exploited raw divisions in this country, and made it harder for every victim of a hate crime to report. This is sad no matter your politics." Pelosi deletes: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has deleted a tweet in which she decried the "racist, homophobic attack," reports People. "Following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, we will comment further," said a spokesperson.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has deleted a tweet in which she decried the "racist, homophobic attack," reports People. "Following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, we will comment further," said a spokesperson. Media's role: The headline on a piece at Mediaite asks whether the media jumped the gun on this story. While defenders say respectable outlets exercised the proper caution, Caleb Howe rounds up tweets from many journalists who quickly embraced the initial narrative.

(Read more Jussie Smollett stories.)
(Newser)  "The flood was a natural disaster. Stealing from FEMA is a manmade disaster." Per a DOJ release, that's US Attorney Mike Stuart speaking on the case of Pamela Taylor, a 57-year-old from West Virginia who made headlines in 2016 for calling then-first lady Michelle Obama an "ape in heels" in a Facebook post. Taylor ended up losing her nonprofit job over that incident and has been out of the spotlight since, but she's back in it now after pleading guilty to defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency out of more than $18,000 in disaster benefits, NBC News reports. Taylor had claimed that, during flooding in June 2016 in Clay County, her primary home had been damaged to the point she had to leave it for a rental unit, prosecutors say.

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That wasn't the case, the DOJ release notes: She actually kept living at her primary residence, while collecting the FEMA benefits she shouldn't have received. "Taking advantage of federal funds intended for disaster relief misappropriates taxpayer dollars, reduces monies available to true victims, and erodes public confidence in relief programs," a DHS special agent says in the release. As part of her plea deal, Taylor has agreed to pay back the money she received, but the cost to her could be much stiffer at her May sentencing: She could see up to 30 years behind bars and up to a $500,000 fine. (Read more Michelle Obama stories.)
(Newser)  President Trump is using a new word to describe the actions of former acting FBI chief Andrew McCabe: "treasonous." And the president applies it to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as well, reports the Daily Beast. In morning tweets, Trump was responding to McCabe's assertion that Rosenstein once suggested wearing a wire to record the president and raised the idea of having Trump removed from office via the 25th Amendment. "He and Rod Rosenstein, who was hired by Jeff Sessions (another beauty), look like they were planning a very illegal act, and got caught," wrote Trump. "This was the illegal and treasonous 'insurance policy' in full action!" he added. McCabe is making the rounds to promote a new book, including an appearance on 60 Minutes Sunday night. McCabe also spoke with NPR Monday morning. Some of his assertions:

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Believing Putin: In the NPR interview, McCabe asserts that he once sat down with Trump for a briefing about Russia, and Trump shifted the focus to his belief that North Korea hadn't launched any missiles. Why did he believe that? Because Vladimir Putin told him so, despite contrary findings from US intelligence. "How do we impart wisdom and knowledge and the best of our intelligence assessments to someone who chooses to believe our adversaries over our intelligence professionals?" McCabe asked.

In the NPR interview, McCabe asserts that he once sat down with Trump for a briefing about Russia, and Trump shifted the focus to his belief that North Korea hadn't launched any missiles. Why did he believe that? Because Vladimir Putin told him so, despite contrary findings from US intelligence. "How do we impart wisdom and knowledge and the best of our intelligence assessments to someone who chooses to believe our adversaries over our intelligence professionals?" McCabe asked. 25th Amendment: McCabe said on CBS that Rosenstein asked McCabe if he thought Trump's Cabinet would support a move to remove the president. "He was discussing other Cabinet members and whether or not people would support such an idea, whether or not other Cabinet members would, shared, his belief that the president waswas really concerning," McCabe said, per USA Today. The idea didn't go further. (McCabe's spokesperson has said that reports about this have been "taken out of context" and that McCabe never took part in "extended discussions" on the matter, notes the Hill.)

McCabe said on CBS that Rosenstein asked McCabe if he thought Trump's Cabinet would support a move to remove the president. "He was discussing other Cabinet members and whether or not people would support such an idea, whether or not other Cabinet members would, shared, his belief that the president waswas really concerning," McCabe said, per USA Today. The idea didn't go further. (McCabe's spokesperson has said that reports about this have been "taken out of context" and that McCabe never took part in "extended discussions" on the matter, notes the Hill.) The wire: McCabe said Rosenstein suggested wearing a wire during a talk with the president. "I was taken aback by the offer," McCabe tells NPR. "I told him that I would consider it, I would discuss it with the investigative team, and I'd let him know. I did talk to my attorneys back at FBI headquarters about it." Ultimately, however, "we all agreed it was a horrible idea," and nothing came of it.

(Read more Andrew McCabe stories.)
(Newser)  An Israeli nonprofit says it'll launch what it hopes will be the first private spacecraft to land on the moon this week, reports the AP. SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries told reporters on Monday that the landing craft, dubbed Beresheet, or Genesis, will ship from Florida, where, propelled by a SpaceX Falcon rocket launch, it will commence its months-long voyage to the moon. The small craft, roughly the size of a washing machine, will have to make several orbits before landing.

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The lander was born of Israeli aerospace engineer Yonatan Winetraub's determination to win Google's Lunar XPrize, notes NBC News. When he ran into computer engineer Yariv Bash and entrepreneur Kfir Damari, "the three of us sat down in a bar in the suburbs of Tel Aviv, and as the alcohol level went up we were becoming more and more determined to do this thing, he says. Israel's space program chief Avi Blasberger says he hopes it will create a "Beresheet effect" in Israel, akin to the Apollo effect, to promote science for a new generation of Israelis. The launch is due late Thursday in the US, early Friday in Israel. It had been originally slated for last December.

(Read more lunar exploration stories.)
(Newser)  Hoda Muthana was recently picked up by Kurdish forces in Syria, along with her toddler son, and is now the only US citizen among about 1,500 foreign women and children in the al-Hawl refugee camp not far from where the last of the Islamic State is said to be hunkered down. Muthana, 24, fled her home in Alabama in late 2014 to join ISIS, flying first to Turkey before settling in Syria, where she got married not once, but three separate times to ISIS fighters, two of whom died fighting. She also became a self-admitted zealot for the extremist group, sending angry, inciting tweets that called for violence. "Terrorize the kuffar [non-Muslims] at home," was one such post, per Al Jazeera.

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Now, however, Muthana says she started backing off her extremism in 2016she claims her Twitter account was usurped by othersand that she now realizes she was "arrogant" and "brainwashed." Muthana relays her experience with the group as "mind-blowing" (she says at one point she was forced to eat grass to survive) and that she "deeply regrets" her choices and hopes to come home. "I believe that America gives second chances," she says. "I'll never come back to the Middle East. America can take my passport." Per USA Today, it's not clear what Muthana's immigration status is. In the same refugee camp as Muthana is British teen Shamima Begum, the 19-year-old who gave birth over the weekend to a baby boy. Her family wants her brought home to the UK for the safety of her and her baby, though Begum reportedly has said she, unlike Muthana, has no regrets about joining ISIS. (Read more ISIS stories.)
(Newser)  Facing a future demographic crisis and aging society, China's leaders are desperately seeking to persuade couples to have more children. In 1980 the notorious "one-child policy" came into effect, mandating often brutal punishments for violators ranging from forced abortions and sterilizations to fines and demotions. Fast-forward 35 years, and a radical change of course was ordered after leaders realized an aging population and declining workforce threatened to hamstring the country's future development. In 2016, the one-child policy was officially replaced with a two-child policy and Chinese couples were urged to go forth and multiplywithin limits. But the bump in the birthrate was fleeting, the AP reports.

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China had an estimated fertility rate of 1.02 in 2018, among the lowest in the world. Last month, the National Bureau of Statistics said the number of new births in 2018 fell to 15.23 million in a total population of 1.395 billiona growth rate of .381 percent and the lowest increase since 1961, resulting in 2 million fewer births than in 2017. China's population is estimated to peak at 1.442 billion in 2029 and then gradually decline. In some areas, however, local officials have continued to fine couples who violate the strict letter of the law by having more than two children. "The country is doing all it can to encourage childbirth but the local governments need money, so we end with this sort of madness," columnist Lianpeng said on the Weibo microblogging service. (Read more China stories.)
(Newser)  The increasingly strange and tangled Jussie Smollett case will be heard by a grand jury this week, according to TMZ, which cites law enforcement sources. The sources say police are keeping an eye on two brothers arrested and released in the case, because they want to make sure the Empire star doesn't contact them. Sources tell the Chicago Tribune that police suspect Smollett paid the Nigerian brothers to stage an alleged attack on him last month. Police said Saturday that information from the brothers had "shifted the trajectory of the investigation" and they had requested a "follow-up interview" with Smollett. The actor says he was attacked Jan. 27 by two men shouting racist and homophobic insults who put a rope around his neck.

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Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Sunday that the interview had not been conducted yet, the AP reports. "We're not confirming, denying, or commenting on anything until we can talk to him and we can corroborate some information that we've gotten." According to TMZ's sources, when police searched the men's apartment, they found two magazines with letters cut out, and they are investigating whether there is a connection to a threatening letter with cut-out letters that Smollett says he received before the attack. One source also says police found it hard to believe one attacker shouted "This is MAGA country," because "not a single Trump supporter watches Empire." (Read more Jussie Smollett stories.)
(Newser)  A state legislator in Kansas has generated controversy with a proposed new law: He wants all computers and phones sold in the state to block pornography by default, reports the Topeka Capital-Journal. Under Republican Randy Garber's bill in the House, any business that sells the devices must first install filters to block obscene material. Adults could opt out by paying a $20 fee to have them removed, on top of whatever the seller charged. Nobody under 18 could have the filters removed, however. "What it would do is any X-rated pornography stuff would be filtered. It would be on all purchases going forward," says Garber. "Why wouldnt anybody like this?"

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Critics, though, say it's dangerous to have the government or businesses dictating what people can and can't see online. "As well intentioned as the bill might be, I would not trade my right to privacy for a mandatory restriction of allegedly pornographic communications that can be dealt with on an individual basis by parents," says a Democratic state lawmaker, per the Wichita Eagle. Garber says any money raised by his legislationhe also wants to impose a $3 fee to enter adult-themed businesseswould go to fight human trafficking. Other states are considering similar laws under a movement pushed by the group Special Forces of Liberty. (Arizona lawmakers see online porn as a "public health crisis.")
(Newser)  An 11-year-old boy in Florida who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance ended up in a juvenile detention center after the situation escalated, authorities say. Polk County Public Schools spokesman Kyle Kennedy says the sixth-grader at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in Lakeland, who disobeyed a substitute teacher's order to stand for the pledge, was arrested after "becoming disruptive and refusing to follow repeated instructions by school staff and law enforcement," the Ledger reports. Kennedy says the boy was arrested on Feb. 4 because of disruptive behavior, not just to refusal to stand. "Students are not required to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance," he says.

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School district authorities, however, say the substitute teacher wasn't aware that participation in the pledge was voluntary. Bay News 9 reports that the teacher told authorities that after the boy told her the flag was racist, she asked him "Why if it was so bad here he did not go to another place to live." He was charged with disrupting a school function and resisting arrest without violence. His mother, Dhakira Talbot, says the situation should have been handled differently. "If any disciplinary action should've been taken, it should've been with the school," she says. "He shouldnt have been arrested." Officials say the teacher will no longer serve as a substitute in the district. (These students' grades suffered after they refused to stand for the pledge.)
(Newser)  Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Lindsey Graham has promised a Senate investigation of former acting FBI chief Andrew McCabe's "beyond stunning" claim that officials discussed invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump from office. Graham, a Republican, said that if they wouldn't testify voluntarily, he would subpoena McCabe and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to explain what he called "an attempted bureaucratic coup," USA Today reports. In a 60 Minutes interview that aired in full Sunday night, McCabe said Rosenstein had raised the 25th Amendment in a discussion soon after the May 2017 firing of former FBI director James Comey. Rosenstein has denied discussing the issue.

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"I think everybody in the country needs to know if it happened," Graham said. McCabewho was fired in Marchalso told 60 Minutes that Rosenstein had "offered to wear a wire" during a discussion of Russian connections and the Comey firing, the Washington Post reports. "He said, I never get searched when I go into the White House. I could easily wear a recording device. They wouldnt know it was there, McCabe said. "He was not joking." McCabe says the investigation that became the Robert Mueller probe was opened because investigators wondered if there was an "inappropriate relationship, a connection between this president and our most fearsome enemy, the government of Russia." (Read more Andrew McCabe stories.)
(Newser)  Some work-release inmates made a Valentine's Day rescue when a Florida couple accidentally locked their baby inside their SUV, the AP reports. Pasco County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll told WFLA-TV the parents could not afford a locksmith, and the father intended to break a window. That's when a crew of trusties working nearby in their black-and-white striped uniforms offered to help outside the West Pasco Judicial Center.

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They helped pry open the front door just enough for one inmate to use a coat hanger to push a button that unlocked the SUV. The baby's mother, Shadow Lantry, tells CBS12 the infant was "just sitting there happy" throughout Thursday's ordeal, adding that "it wasn't until the door opened that she started to cry and get nervous and wonder what was going on." Sheriff Chris Nocco tells WABC-TV the trusties "know they made bad mistakes, bad choices but they want to do the right thing in life." (In related news, a newborn was found simply lying in the middle of a road.)
S&P 500 Has One

of Its Best Weeks of 2021




President Mnangagwa says he will appoint the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan province this week.





The Metropolitan province did not have a Minister of State since last year when President Mnangagwa appointed his new Cabinet.





Cde Mirriam Chikukwa was the last Minister of State for Harare. Addressing a Meet the People rally at Rutenga Business Centre in Mwenezi on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said provinces should now compete to develop their economies in line with devolution.





We now want to have rural economies, devolution, said President Mnangagwa. I told all the 10 Ministers of State that they should compete. Here you have Cde (Ezra) Chadzamira, in Manicaland there is Mai (Ellen) Gwaradzimba, in Mashonaland East there is Mai (Apollonia) Munzverengi, in Mashonaland Central there is Mai (Monica) Mavhunga, in Mashonaland West there is Mai (Mary) Mliswa, in Midlands there is Cde (Larry) Mavima, in Matabeleland South there is Cde (Abednico) Ncube, in Matabeleland North we have Cde (Richard) Moyo, in Bulawayo we have Mai (Judith) Ncube and in Harare we are going to announce next week who will represent the province.





In all these provinces we are saying provinces should no longer look to Harare for everything. We want each and every province to have its economy and its GDP.





Like Masvingo you should look at the resources that you have and see how Government should assist you to develop, he said.





You heard your Minister Cde Chadzamira saying you are blessed because you have more dams here compared to other provinces. Tokwe- Mukosi is now complete and it will generate electricity. When the master plan is completed, there will be 25 000 hectares of irrigation for the people of Masvingo. There is another dam along Runde River on our programme.





Cde Mnangagwa said Government was now going to fund the construction of the dam alone.





The President took time to explain progress made on the dualisation of the Harare-Beitbridge road and plans that Government had with regards to the refurbishment of the railway line from Maputo, Mozambique.





He said plans were afoot to refurbish the railway line from Chikwalakwala up to Gweru. And it would also branch from Mwenezi to Masvingo.





President Mnangagwa said he would look into the request made by the people of Mwenezi for the introduction of a local passenger train in Masvingo to hedge against high costs of transport.




Kevin Mazur/One Love Manchester/Getty Images for One Love ManchesterThe Oasis drama continues: Liam Gallagher is accusing his estranged brother and former band mate Noel Gallagher of preventing him from using footage of himself singing Oasis songs in his upcoming documentary, As It Was.

In a tweet posted Monday, Liam wrote, "I've just been informed that I'll be sued by the not so mighty little fella and his goons at Ignition [Management] if I use any footage of me singing Oasis yes Oasis songs in As It Was."

As the songwriter for Oasis songs, Noel owns the rights to the band's catalog.

Liam then added that the source of disagreement between the two Gallagher camps is footage of him singing the Oasis song "Live Forever" at the One Love Manchester benefit concert in 2017. The concert was held to raise money for those affected by the May 22, 2017 terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena in England at an Ariana Grande concert.

At the time, Liam heavily criticized Noel for not performing at the One Love Manchester show, including calling him a "sad f***." Noel, who, like Liam, is from Manchester, later told the The Sunday Times that he "didn't get asked" to play the concert.

When contacted by NME, a rep for Noel declined to comment regarding Liam's claims.

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Chief Executive Carrie Lam today welcomed the Central Government's promulgation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

She expressed gratitude to the Central Government for placing importance on the views of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the course of formulating the development plan.

The plan sets out the directions guiding the development of the bay area.

The bay area covers nine cities in Guangdong Province, namely Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing, as well as the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

The plan identifies Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou and Shenzhen as core cities, as well as core engines for driving regional development.

The four cities will leverage their comparative advantages and strengthen the radiating effect in leading the development of nearby regions.

The plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as international financial, transportation and trade centres as well as an international aviation hub, and strengthening its status as a global offshore renminbi business hub and its role as an international asset management centre and a risk management centre.

It also supports the city in promoting the development of high-end and high value-added financial, commercial and trading, logistics and professional services, making great efforts to develop innovation and technology industries, nurturing emerging industries, and establishing Hong Kong as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.

These are all conducive to developing Hong Kong into an international metropolis with enhanced competitiveness.

The bay area development is a national strategy personally devised, planned and driven by President Xi Jinping, the HKSAR Government said, adding it is a key development strategy in the country's reform and opening up in the new era.

As pointed out in the plan, the bay area development is not only a new attempt to break new ground in the country's pursuit of opening up on all fronts in a new era, but a further step in taking forward the implementation of one country, two systems.

The plan clearly provides that through further deepening co-operation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, the objectives of the bay area development are to promote co-ordinated economic development in the bay area, leverage the complementary advantages of the three places, and develop an international first-class bay area for living, working and travelling.

The HKSAR Government said it will fully seize opportunities brought about by the development of the bay area, integrate the needs of the country with the strengths of Hong Kong and fully leverage the market-driven mechanism, enabling the city to enjoy brighter development prospects amid its integration into the overall development of the country.

The bay area development can help identify new areas of growth for Hong Kong and foster the diversified development of its economy and industries, the HKSAR Government said, adding the development will also expand the space for living and development of Hong Kong residents.

The HKSAR Government will work with the relevant central ministries, the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Macao SAR Government to jointly take forward the bay area development in accordance with the guiding directions set out in the plan.

The National Development & Reform Commission will introduce the contents of the development plan in a symposium to be held on February 21 in Hong Kong.

Officials from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will attend the symposium.

Click here for the development plan.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Close allies Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Monday called for avoiding "politicisation" of the UN listing regime at a time when India was stepping up its efforts to brand the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, a move that may not go well in New Delhi.

Ahead of his visit to India amidst fresh Indo-Pak tensions, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan, according to a joint statement issued at the end his visit.

Crown Prince Salman's high-profile visit to Islamabad comes in the midst of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

The attack was carried out when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying huge quantities of explosives into a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district last Thursday.

Crown Prince Salman, who is visiting India on February 19-20, held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the issue of terrorism.

"They also underlined the need for avoiding politicisation of UN listing regime," the joint statement said in an apparent reference to India's bid to list JeM's Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist.

ALSO READ | Saudi Crown Prince orders release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners

China, a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council and a close ally of Pakistan, has consistently blocked moves first by India and later by the US, the UK and France to designate Azhar as a global terrorist by the 1267 Committee by putting technical holds.

The Saudi Crown Prince "praised openness and efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan for dialogue with India and the opening of the Kartarpur crossing point for Sikh pilgrims, the joint statement said.

It also pointed out to the "efforts exerted by both sides, stressing that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve outstanding issues".

The joint statement avoided mentioning Jammu and Kashmir by name, which has angered some Pakistanis.

"I am disappointed that Kashmir is not mentioned in the joint statement but I also understand why it is not," former foreign minister Khursheed Kasuri told Dunya TV.

However, a separate statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office showed that Khan in his meeting briefed the royal guest about the violation of rights in Kashmir.

The Prime Minister briefed the Crown Prince on the "grave human rights violations" in Kashmir and the need for resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people, the Foreign Office said.

The two countries "reiterated their commitment to continue combating extremism and terrorism and expressed their deep appreciation for the achievements and sacrifices made by the two sides in the war against terrorism, the joint statement said.

ALSO READ | Pakistan confers highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on Saudi Crown Prince

"They also applauded the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in order to confront this serious scourge and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to join all international efforts to combat global terrorism," it said.

The Pakistan-Saudi joint statement also says that the two sides agreed on the importance of political settlement and promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan so that millions of Afghan refugees in neighbouring countries can return to their country and contribute to their development and lasting peace.

The Saudi side appreciated Pakistan's generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees and other initiatives by Pakistan in the Afghan context.

The two countries expressed their hope for achieving a fair, comprehensive and long-lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy guaranteeing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state based on internationally agreed standards 1967 with Jerusalem as its capital, the joint statement said.

The Pakistani side appreciated the leadership and positive role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in resolving the issues facing Islamic Ummah worldwide.

The Saudi side lauded Pakistan's important positions in the Islamic world and its efforts for regional peace and security.

Both sides noted with satisfaction their strong defence and security ties, and agreed to further enhance cooperation in this field to advance shared objectives, the joint statement said.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding.

"The total investment opportunities resulted in over USD 20 billion, which would increase the mutual investment and volume of trade between the two brotherly countries," it said.

The Crown Prince stressed the potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will contribute to the development and prosperity of the region.

The two countries called to promote dialogue, respect and understanding among followers of different faiths to promote peace and interfaith harmony.

The Foreign Office said in its separate statement the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince has laid the foundation for a new chapter in Pakistan-Saudi relationship, marked by high level institutional framework to guide future direction of political, diplomatic, economic, investment, trade, people-to-people, defence, security and cultural aspects.
By AFP

LONDON: A teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria but now wants to return to Britain on Sunday gave birth in a refugee camp, as European governments grapple with what to do with returning jihadists ahead of a US troop pullout.

Shamima Begum, whose fate has stirred controversy ever since she and two friends fled London to join the terror network in 2015 aged just 15, told Sky News she had delivered a boy. "I just gave birth so I'm really tired," the 19-year-old said as she made a renewed appeal to be allowed back to Britain with her newborn baby. "I'm afraid he might even die in this camp. I feel a lot of people should have sympathy for me, for everything I've been through," she said.

"I didn't know what I was getting into when I left. I just was hoping that maybe for the sake of me and my child they let me come back," she added. Her case comes as European nations struggle with how to deal with jihadists eager to return home following the disintegration of Islamic State's "caliphate" in eastern Syria.

US President Donald Trump again demanded on Saturday that they take back hundreds of captured IS fighters. Trump said on Twitter that the United States was asking Britain and other continental allies "to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial".

The demand came as he prepared - ahead of the pullout of US troops - to declare the group's so-called "caliphate" destroyed, with US-led Arab and Kurdish forces close to capturing its last Syrian territorial holdout. "The US does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe. Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory! " Trump added.

'I don't regret it'

Begum, previously gave birth to two other children after marrying in Syria. Both children died. Leading politicians, including interior minister Sajid Javid, have vowed to prevent her return, pointing to her lack of remorse for joining the terror group.

Begum told Sky News she was aware of IS's brutal tactics, including conducting beheadings but did not regret going to Syria. "I knew about those things and I was OK with it at first," she said. "They take care of you... you're living under Islamic law. I don't regret it because it's changed me as a person, made me stronger, tougher."

The teenager, who said she had had no contact with British officials, added the government should not block her homecoming because she was "just a housewife" while there. "I never made propaganda, I never encouraged people to come to Syria. They don't really have proof that I did anything that is dangerous," she said.

Dangerous individuals

Europe has long been grappling with how to respond to foreign fighters, and their supporters or dependants, caught in Syria. However, the looming US departure has created a deadline for those governments whose citizens joined IS and have now been captured by the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Britain's government appears split on the issue. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright, a former attorney general -- the country's chief legal adviser -- told the BBC on Sunday that it was "obliged, at some stage at least, to take them back". He noted it was "a matter of international law and domestic law".

However, writing in The Sunday Times -- under the headline "if you run away to join ISIS, I will use all my power to stop you coming back" -- Javid insisted the government should strip "dangerous individuals of their British citizenship".

He said Britain had already exercised this power more than 100 times. "In considering what actions need to be taken now, I have to think about the safety and security of children living in our country," Javid wrote.

Other European countries that have chosen to leave the jihadists in SDF detention are now being forced to confront the situation. "All German citizens - including those who are suspected of fighting for the so-called Islamic state -- have a fundamental right to travel back into Germany," a German foreign ministry source said Sunday.

Belgian justice minister Koen Geens told Flemish broadcaster VRT there was the need for a "European solution" to the issue, but appeared irked by Trump's blunt call. "It would have been nice for friendly nations to have these kinds of questions raised through the usual diplomatic channels rather than a tweet in the middle of the night," he said in Dutch.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has demanded that the European nations take back more than 800 ISIS fighters captured in Syria and put them on trial, warning that the US otherwise will be forced to free the jihadists after it pulls out from the war-torn country.

President Trump surprised the world by announcing in December that he was withdrawing 2000 American troops from war-torn Syria.

He also warned the Islamic State (ISIS) that America would hit them hard from nearby military bases if the terror outfit regains momentum.

US-backed fighters are set to capture ISIS's last tiny stronghold in Syria, bringing an end to its self-declared caliphate.

"The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them," Trump said on Saturday.

The United States is asking Britain, France, Germany and other European allies to take back over 800 ISIS fighters that we captured in Syria and put them on trial. The Caliphate is ready to fall. The alternative is not a good one in that we will be forced to release them........  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 17 February 2019

President Trump warned that ISIS fighters could "permeate Europe" and called on European nations to "step up" efforts to put the prisoners on trial in their countries.

"The US does not want to watch as these ISIS fighters permeate Europe, which is where they are expected to go. We do so much, and spend so much - Time for others to step up and do the job that they are so capable of doing. We are pulling back after 100% Caliphate victory!" he said in a tweet.

ISIS, which once controlled huge swatches of land in Iraq and Syria, suffered crippling defeats in 2017 when Iraq recaptured Mosul and the Syrian Democratic Forces seized its Syrian capital of Raqqa, and the Syrian government pushed it east to the Euphrates.

Trump has said he will pull US forces from Syria after ISIS' territorial defeat, raising questions over the fate of the US' Kurdish allies vulnerable to an attack from Turkey.

Ankara views the Kurdish forces as terrorists aligned with insurgents inside Turkey.

Last month, Trump threatened to "devastate" Turkey economically if the NATO-allied nation attacks US-backed Kurdish forces in Syria following a pullout of American troops from the war-torn country.

He also urged the Kurds not to "provoke" Ankara.

Ground troops first arrived in Syria in autumn 2015 when then US President Barack Obama sent in a small number of special forces to train and advise YPG fighters.

A peaceful uprising against the president of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad seven years ago turned into a full-scale civil war.

The conflict has left more than 350,000 people dead, devastated cities and drawn in other countries.
By AFP

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia vowed to "de-escalate" rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdom's foreign minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for "consultations", the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a suicide blast which killed 41 Indian paramilitaries in Kashmir on Thursday, the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region in decades.

ALSO READ | Pulwama terror attack mastermind gunned down in J&K encounter; Army Major, four others killed

The attack has sparked widespread calls in India for action against Pakistan.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

The pledge came as the crown prince, widely known as "MBS", prepared to head for India later Monday, at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since independence from Britain in 1947, with both the countries, which have fought three wars, claiming it in its entirety.

The Pakistan-based Islamist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, and the vehicle was driven by a known local militant.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan diplomatically in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's role.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

Warm welcome

After his arrival late Sunday, MBS signed $20 billion in investment deals with cash-strapped Islamabad and vowed to free thousands of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi custody.

Islamabad is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the huge deals signed over the two-day visit -- seven separate agreements and memorandums of understanding -- will boost its struggling economy.

Pakistan has laid on a lavish welcome for the crown prince, including a 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort, and honour guard.

He was also due to receive the country's highest civilian award Monday, the Nishan-e-Pakistan (Order of Pakistan), before heading to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

MBS is staging a three-country Asian tour just five months after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a fierce critic, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited a diplomatic crisis.

After India, he is expected to finish with two days in China on Thursday and Friday.

The Saudis, after initially denying any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance, finally acknowledged that a team killed him inside the consulate, but described it as a rogue operation that did not involve the crown prince.

Turkey said Friday it has not yet revealed all the information it has uncovered in the case, which launched a global wave of revulsion and tarnished the crown prince's reputation.

Analysts have said the tour is part of a Gulf pivot to rising Asia as a growing oil market, but also a timely demonstration to the West that MBS is not an international pariah.

Pakistan has also been accused by its western neighbour Iran of harbouring militants who carried out an attack that killed 27 Revolutionary Guards last week. The Guards' commander has also vowed to make Pakistan pay.

But Islamabad received a boost from Jubeir, who called Tehran a "chief sponsor of terrorism" during Monday's live press conference.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic.

However, Islamabad has also tried to walk a fine line by maintaining warm relations with its neighbour -- and Saudi Arabia's regional foe -- Iran.

Jubeir also noted that Riyadh continues to participate in a months-long push by Washington for peace talks in Afghanistan, saying that if the war-torn country can be stabilised "it will be to benefit... the region as a whole".

Last week the Taliban announced they would attend talks in Islamabad with the US and Pakistan on Monday that had been due to coincide with the crown prince's visit.

Neither Washington nor Pakistan confirmed the talks, however, and the Taliban announced Sunday that they had been postponed as its militants "were unable to travel due to the US and UN blacklist".

Taliban negotiators have recently visited Russia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Fresh talks are set to be held between the US and the militants in Doha on February 25.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of over 2,000 Pakistani prisoners in the Kingdom's jails, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan at a ceremony held to welcome the Saudi crown prince at PM House on Sunday night had made a "special request" to him on the Pakistani prisoners.

"There are some 3,000 [Pakistani] prisoners there and we just would like you to bear in mind that they are poor people who have left their families behind," Khan said.

READ | Pakistan confers highest civilian award Nishan-e-Pakistan on Saudi Crown Prince

Salman, who was here on a visit, responded by assuring Khan to consider him Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

"We cannot say no to Pakistan ... whatever we can do, we will deliver that," said the crown prince, who has been bestowed Pakistan's highest civil award Nishan-e-Pakistan for his "outstanding support for reinvigorating Pak-Saudi bilateral relationship".

Information Minister Chaudhry in a tweet said: "As a sequel to Prime Minister of Pakistan's request, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of KSA Mohammad Bin Salman has ordered the immediate release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners from Saudi Jails."

READ | Saudi vows to 'de-escalate' India-Pakistan tensions after Pulwama terror attack

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also noted that the crown prince had "graciously agreed" to free the Pakistani prisoners "with immediate effect".

"Cases of the remaining will be reviewed," he announced.

The Saudi crown prince had arrived in Pakistan on Sunday on a two-day visit. He will also visit India and China.
By PTI

KARACHI: Six Pakistani soldiers have been killed by militants in two separate incidents in the country's restive Balochistan province bordering Iran, officials said Monday.

The first incident reported from the mountainous Panjgur district where four soldiers of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed by militants on Sunday.

The attack took place hours after two FC personnel were gunned down in Loralai area near Iran border.

FC Balochistan spokesperson Wasay Khan said the militants struck when guards were being changed at the check posts.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Madad Khan has condemned the attacks and termed them as attempts to disrupt peace and progress in the province which shares its borders with Iran and Afghanistan.

"It is a conspiracy against the Balochistan and development projects in the province," he said.

The attacks came days after the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Muhammad Ali Jafari, asked Pakistan to crack down on a banned terror outfit which killed 27 soldiers at a town in Iran's southeastern region which borders Balochistan.

Jafari in the past has accused Pakistan of harbouring militants and said Iran reserves the right to use force to punish the militants.

Pakistan's Foreign Office has rejected the accusations.
By PTI

MUNICH/NEW DELHI: India raised the issue of the Pulwama terror attack, which left 40 CRPF men dead, during bilateral meetings with several countries, including the US, Germany and Russia, at the three-day Munich Security Conference that concluded Sunday, officials said.

The 55th Munich Security Conference, which brings together global leaders and security experts from across the world, was attended by India's Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran.

The conference was attended by over 600 delegates and it deliberated at length on a host of security-related issues, including international terrorism.

ALSO READ: Pulwama attack: Ex-DGP questions logic of allowing 78 CRPF vehicles on highway

On the sidelines of the conference, Saran held bilateral meetings with representatives of several countries who unequivocally condemned the attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district and extended their condolences to the bereaved families.

The bilateral meetings, according to the officials, were held with the representatives of the US, Germany, Russia, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Armenia and Oman.

There was widespread support for India's concerns over Pakistan sponsored terrorism on Indian soil, they said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday when a Jaish suicide bomber blew a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives near their bus.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Monday that India did not provide answers to the key questions it raised at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) about Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 41 CRPF soldiers.

On the first day of hearing, India urged the ICJ to annul Jadhav's death sentence and order his immediate release, saying the verdict by a Pakistani military court based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.

ALSO READ | Indian diplomats ignore handshake by Pakistan officials at ICJ

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal in a video message posted on social media said that Indian arguments had nothing new.

"There was nothing new in India's argument on the issues which we raised, like our question about how he (Jadhav) got the passport with name of Hussain Mubarak Patel and how he travelled 17 time to India using that passport," he said.

Faisal said India also did not show any document like pension book or bank statement to prove that Jadhav had retired from the Indian Navy.

He said India demanded "acquittal, release and return" of Jadhav but "it had no answer to the question that how justice will be done with thousands of people who were killed due to his sabotage and terrorist activities."

Faisal said Pakistan would submit its argument on Tuesday.

The ICJ set a timetable for public hearings from February 18 to 21.

It is expected that the ICJ decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017.

His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.
By PTI

THE HAGUE: Amidst fresh Indo-Pak tensions, top legal eagles of the two countries will present their arguments in the high-profile Kulbhushan Jadhav case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) here from Monday during four days of public hearings.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.

India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017, for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav.

A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017, had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from February 18 to 21 in The Hague.

The hearings at the ICJ will take place four days after one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 41 CRPF soldiers.

The terror attack happened when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday.

India on Friday summoned the Pakistan high commissioner to issue a very strong demarche over the terror attack.

On Saturday, India hiked the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from Pakistan, following revocation of the Most Favoured Nation status following the Pulwama attack.

Former solicitor general Harish Salve is expected to represent India while Pakistan will be represented by Barrister Khawar Qureshi at the ICJ.

While India will argue first on February 18, Pakistan will get its chance to make submissions on February 19.

Then India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21.

It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.

While maintaining that India remains committed to make all possible efforts to secure and protect the rights of Jadhav, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar did not make public New Delhi would take at The Hague.

"India will present its case before the court. Since the matter is sub judice it is not appropriate for me to state our position in public. Whatever we have to do, we will do at the court," Kumar said last week in New Delhi in response to a question.

Pakistan's Attorney General Anwar Mansoor would lead the Pakistani delegation at the ICJ while Director General South Asia Mohammad Faisal would lead the Foreign Office side.

Ahead of the hearing, a senior Pakistani official said that his country is committed to implement the decision of the ICJ in the Jadhav case.

"We are fully prepared with our strongest evidence being the valid Indian passport recovered from Commander Jadhav with a Muslim name," the official said.

Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court.

In its written pleadings, India accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by not giving consular access to Jadhav arguing that the convention did not say that such access would not be available to an individual arrested on espionage charges.

In response, Pakistan through its counter-memorial told the ICJ that the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 applied only to legitimate visitors and did not cover clandestine operations.

Pakistan had said that "since India did not deny that Jadhav was travelling on a passport with an assumed Muslim name, they have no case to plead."

Pakistan said that India did not explain how "a serving naval commander" was travelling under an assumed name. It also stated that "since Jadhav was on active duty, it is obvious that he was a spy sent on a special mission".

In its submission to the ICJ, Pakistan had stated that Jadhav is not an ordinary person as he had entered the country with the intent of spying and carrying out sabotage activities.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016, after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy".

However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017.

In the pictures issued by Pakistan after the meeting, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side.

They spoke through intercom.

Later, India accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities of Jadhav's family members under the pretext of security by removing the mangal sutra, bangles and bindi of his mother and wife before they could meet him.

India also asserted that Jadhav appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction at the Pakistan Foreign Office.
By PTI

THE HAGUE: India on Monday tore through the "opaque proceedings" of Pakistani military courts which try civilians against the international norms, saying the judges, who tried Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, are not required to have judicial or legal training or even a law degree.

India's plea at the International Court of Justice came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

Ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who represented India, said that a foreign detainee has the right to life, the right to a fair trial and an impartial judiciary.

"However, Pakistan has sentenced 161 civilians to death in their military courts in opaque proceedings in the last two years," Salve said.

International standards require that military courts like all courts must be independent, impartial and competent, and must respect minimum guarantees of fairness, he said.

"Pakistani military courts are not independent and the proceedings before them fall far short of national and international fair trial standards.

"Judges of military courts are military officers who are part of the executive branch of the government and do not enjoy independence from the military hierarchy," Salve said.

He claimed that the judges of the Pakistani military courts are not required to have judicial or legal training or even a law degree, and they do not enjoy any security of tenure which are prerequisites of judicial competence and independence.

"Jadhav's trial by a military court hopelessly fails to satisfy even minimum standards of due process and should be declared unlawful," he said.

Pakistan uses military courts to try civilians, and this was done by amending Pakistan's Constitution, Salve said.

"The military courts have been reinstated even after European courts (International Commission of Jurists) have expressed their reservations with the idea. They have emphasised the idea that military courts should only restrict to military trials, and civilians should not be tried in them at all," Salve said.

India submits that military courts of Pakistan cannot command the confidence of this court and should not be sanctify by a direction to them to review and re-consider the case, he said.

"I would invite this court to keep in mind the relief to be granted in the backdrop of the fact that his (Jadhav's) trial has been conducted by a military court.

"Pakistan has knowing, wilfully and brazenly violated Article 36 of the Vienna Convention. Honourable judges, I respectfully submit that consequences must follow," Salve said, adding that the military court trial is unsatisfactory.

The military courts were first set up in January 2015 for two years for speedy trial of militants after the 2014 Peshawar school attack that killed nearly 150 school children.

Their tenure was extended for another two years in March 2017.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has shown willingness to give another term to the army-run courts but it needs the support of the opposition as the courts were created after an amendment in the Constitution which can be done by the support of two-third of lawmakers.

In the four years, they have been in operation, military courts have convicted 617 people for terrorism-related offences, out of which 346 people have been sentenced to death and 271 people have been given prison sentences. At least 56 people have been hanged. Only four have been acquitted, according to Pakistani media reports.

The primary concern of critics was the mystery surrounding military court trials: no one knows who the convicts are, what charges have been brought against them, or what the accused's defence is against the allegations levelled.
Aihik Sur By

Express News Service

HYDERABAD: Nizam VII Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, who became the Rajpramukh on January 26, 68 years ago, was known not just for his riches but also for his philanthropy in the fields of education, science and development. What is less known is his contribution to the establishment of Rabindranath Tagores Shantinektan in West Bengal. Khans administration for several years funded the construction of hostels, library and the setting up of Urdu department in Shantiniketan.

The correspondences between Tagore and Nizam date back 1927 when Tagore first wrote to the Nizam saying that he was sending his representative Kalimohan Ghose, to interview. A few months later in July, Tagore wrote another letter to the him, asking for a donation to collection of books and manuscripts at Visva Bharati University, which is a public central university located in Shantiniketan.

In the letter, Tagore, said that the wonderful collection of books and manuscripts that belong to Visva Bharati awaits a suitable and permanent home. He referred to the Nizam as a patron of learning and requested him to come to Tagores rescue by donating Rs 75,000 for the library building.

Fast forward to 1933. A more desperate and worn-out Tagore wrote to the Nizam again. He described how he was facing large deficits and how his resources were completely exhausted. He proceeded to ask for a `1 lakh-donation for establishing a hostel in Shantiniketan. Both the requests of donations were accepted.

It was six years after Tagores death in 1941 that Visva Bharati officials again wrote to the Nizam asking for a donation. Anil Kumar Chanda, the then principal requested Rs 85,000 for setting up a Urdu Department. Sarojini Naidu was the Chancellor of the university at that time. It is unclear whether the donation was granted or not.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Environmental activist T Mugilan has reportedly been missing since Friday, with his colleagues and friends stating that he disappeared hours after releasing a video documentary alleging that IG- and DIG-rank police officials orchestrated the police firing against anti-Sterlite protesters at Thoothukudi last May in collusion with the Sterlite Copper management. Thirteen people were killed in the firing.

According to Mani, the coordinator of Tamil Nadu Students and Youth Federation, Mugilan was last seen by his friends around 10.30 pm at Egmore railway station in Chennai on February 15. He was accompanied by activist V P Ponnarasan and others when he reached Egmore station to board a train to Madurai. Since then, his whereabouts are unknown, said Mani in a complaint to Chennai Police on Sunday.

Activist Ponnarasan told Express that Mugilan was expected to board the Mahal Express, which was scheduled to depart at 10.50 pm. He accompanied me till Mangaluru Express that was scheduled to leave at 10.15 pm. Later, he boarded the unreserved compartment of Mahal Express, said Ponnarasan.

READ HERE | Sterlite issue: SC order setting aside NGT verdict welcomed by Thoothukudi residents

He said that after he reached Karur around 7.10 am the next day, he tried to call Mugilan's phone, but the mobile was switched off. Immediately he alerted the local activists. Mani's complaint was transferred to the Government Railway Police which registered a case and began an inquiry.

Rohit Nathan Rajagopal, Superintendent of Police, GRP Chennai told Express that Mugilan's mobile phone was active till 1.30 am on Saturday. We are retrieving data through CDR (call data record) analysis. We are yet to ascertain his last location, from where he went missing. The Egmore station has multiple entry points, CCTV footage from all entry gates are being scrutinised, he added.

ALSO READ | Police firing in Tamil Nadu's Sterlite copper plant protest: Scars still remain in Thoothukudi

A habeas corpus plea (HCP) also was made by Madurai-based advocate and social activist Henri Tiphagne in the Madras High Court for seeking production of Mugilan in the court and to set him at liberty. A division bench comprising of Justices M Satyanarayanan and M Nirmal Kumar, directed the Additional Public Prosecutor to get instructions and posted the matter for further hearing on February 22.

The petitioner said that Mugilan, after thorough research on the case, had held a press meet in Chennai on February 15 on the police firing in Thoothukudi on May 22, 2018. At the press meet, he had levelled serious allegations against certain top police officials. Later, he had also expressed apprehension to his associate Sridhar that the police might take custody of him because of the charges he had made. The petitioner had then sent an online complaint to the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner on February 17.

READ HERE | Thoothukudi copper plant closure wont affect Vedantas cash flows

Mugilan's colleagues noted that in his press meet on Friday, he had said that two top police officials were present at the Thoothukudi Collector office much before the anti-Sterlite protesters could reach the complex. They reiterated that Mugilan feared his life was under threat.
By Express News Service

Its ten years since the Sri Lankan civil war ended. The political activism around the movement has witnessed a sea change over these years. Mainstream parties that once were frontrunners of the movement have been effectively sidelined. Several new ones have taken their space.

Kolathur Mani of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, who was at the forefront of Eelam liberation movement for the last three decades, explains how the political tide turned in TN. Outfits like Save Tamils movement and May 17 movement were formed after the war ended. Naam Tamilar Katchi got revived, recounts Mani.

These groups were agonized. They pointed out how State and Central governments had failed the Lankan Tamils on the issue and successfully mobilised youngsters in the State. Youngsters, mostly college students, started agitations that continued for several years, demanding that Indian representatives vote in favour of the resolutions passed in international bodies in connection with the war.

Civil society uprising, in the form of students movement, was a turning point in the history of Tamil Nadus social movements, says professor R Manivannan, head of the politics and public administration department at Madras University. Civil society organizations that emerged from the movements are far more active on the issue than political parties, feels Manivannan.

Manivannan feels that these organisations need to take the political plunge to be able to do something on the issue. Kolathur Mani, however, says not all of these outfits understand the island nations political background or ideological point of view.

Many of them still think secession of TN from the Republic of India is essential for the formation of Eelam in Sri Lanka. They couldnt be more wrong. Central government plays a significant role in Sri Lankan affairs and its support for the cause is important to ensure the rights of Tamils in the island nation, says Mani. Many organizations formed after the war does not understand this.

In the last few years, however, many of these organizations have turned their focus on internal affairs of TN, many of them with an eye on electoral politics.

Though 10 years have passed, Tamils in Sri Lanka are still struggling for their right to property. Soon after he assumed power in January 2015, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena announced that lands occupied by the military would be returned to the Tamils living in the country. The announcement was repeated recently, indicating that still lands have not been released to many.

But in these 10 years in Tamil Nadu, the war played a major part in shifting power, planted diverse ideologies in the minds of the youth, served as a starting point for various discussions and revived the spirit of dissent.
By Express News Service

Successive State governments have relocated urban poor from slums within prime locations in the city to little colonies in outskirts. The number of people being moved out has seen a sharp rise since 2009.

Satellite colonies have mushroomed in Kannagi Nagar in Okkiyam Thuraipakkam and Ezhil Nagar in Perumbakkam. Apart from woefully inadequate infrastructure, the biggest problem haunting residents is lack of livelihood opportunities near new settlements.

Kannagi Nagar and Ezhil Nagar are now sitting in the heart of the IT corridor. Still, most relocated workers continue to commute to places near their old settlements for work, spending a big chunk of their earnings for transport.

When the TN Slum Clearance Board officials asked hundreds of families living along banks of Cooum River near Mount Road Dargah to move to its tenements in Kannagi Nagar, they refused.

For, they had heard enough about the high rate of criminal activities in Kannagi Nagar. They sought to be relocated elsewhere and were accommodated at Ezhil Nagar in Perumbakkam, a good 20 km from where they lived.

Among those hundred-odd families relocated was that of Sayonas.

Though she appreciates the fact that they now have access to toilets and a relatively more hygienic environment, Sayona feels insecure in their new neighbourhood.

Policy researcher Vanessa Peter says this is because people who used to live as a community have been split up and made to live in tenements.

The evacuation of 14,000 families from the centre of the city and relocation in peripheral areas following the 2015 floods was unprecedented, she says.

People came here believing the government, expecting a more dignified life. When will the government be able to ensure that? asks Vanessa Peter.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Sources of conventional energy like thermal and hydroelectric will get exhausted due to vast environmental changes and global warming, said Science and Technology Minister and Chairman of Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) Badri Narayan Patra on Sunday.

Inaugurating a three-day long workshop-cum-exhibition on renewable energy at Biju Patnaik Energy Park here on the occasion of OREDAs 35th Foundation Day, Patra said it is time to come up with solutions to deal with such environmental changes.

OREDA will have to find out cost-effective renewable sources of energy like tidal, solar, wind power and waste.

In the past, an attempt was made to generate tidal energy, but it was not cost-effective for which the plan could not be executed. However, the project can be carried out in the future if conventional sources of energy start depleting, he said.

The agency has been working as project implementer in energy sector like providing pumps to small and marginal farmers under Soura Jalanidhi scheme and implementing grid-connected rooftop solar programme through net-metering system for improvement of livelihoods of people in rural areas, OREDA Chief Executive Roopa Mishra said and informed that OREDA has made Rs 385 crore turnover in the last two years.

Commissioner-Cum-Secretary of Science and Technology department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma urged citizens to use more renewable energy to control air pollution.

During the event, OREDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar for SNA-Institution Association and long term partnership and cooperation in technical support.

The agency also signed agreements with Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and District Mineral Foundation, Keonjhar for the introduction of renewable energy. A pact was also inked with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur for development of Biju Patnaik Energy Park.
Chetana Belagere By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: When 34-year-old Sridhar Murthy travelled to Bangalore from Srirangapatna seeking treatment for liver cirrhosis, he was informed by various hospitals that the only cure for him was an immediate liver transplant and only a private hospital could do the immediate transplant. Understanding that it was a complicated surgery the family gathered 1.5 lakh and got admitted to a private hospital. Sridhars family was shocked that the entire Rs 1.5 lakh had gone for the initial tests and the hospital quoted an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakhs for the surgery.

Sridhars is not just one of a case, in Karnataka, there are more than 80 per cent of patients who are not going ahead with transplants for the only reason that they cannot afford it, said a health volunteer from Hubli.

The total cost billed for a liver transplant from 30 days prior to transplant to six months after transplant is estimated on average Rs 30 lakhs, which is a significant financial concern for the healthcare system. Post-transplant admission cost is estimated to be Rs 15 lakhs all together comes up to Rs 45 lakhs.

Victoria hospital does liver transplants for as less as Rs 10 lakhs but patients, however, claim that there it is only if there is someone influential who can put a word or shell out extra money.

Private hospitals charge exuberantly high charges but people, unfortunately, feel its better to go there than visit government hospitals, said a senior doctor at Victoria hospital on condition of anonymity.

Dr Sanjay Govil, Sr Consultant, HOD of Liver Transplantation in BGS said, Other than the availability of donors there are also issues with the timely harvest of the liver, transportation costs, maintaining the donor cost which adds up in case of cadaver transplants. The organ many times need to be harvested and even shifting cost etc all this makes it very expensive, said Dr Sanjay.

However, the hospital claims that the live donor transplantations have been brought down by Rs 7 lakhs and is available at around Rs 18 lakhs now if its a live donor, the doctor added.
Rahul Goswami By

The Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India, better known during the East India Company era as the Board of Control, enjoyed a life of some 75 years until 1858. The voluminous correspondence between this Board and the Court of Directors of the East India Company had much to do with the flow of goods and revenue, but it also contained chilling insights into the colonial mind.

Pored over painstakingly by Dharampal, that pitamaha of research on the British occupation of India, this correspondence is available to us thanks to the dedication of the Centre for Policy Studies in archiving it. A close reading of these exchanges reveals a mutilation of meaning and a perversion of terminology which, even two-and-a-quarter centuries later, is deeply disturbing.

The power of combination among Panchayats for oppressive or illegal purposes... the dangerous exercise of that power... on the occasion of the disturbance at Benares in the year 1811. It is not fitting that any set of men should be left in the exercise of such a power, without giving to the community, the means of obtaining redress for its misallocation to purposes of extortion, oppression and injustice, so warned a letter of the Company Court dated 22 September 1825.

Strong words, but the extortion, oppression and injustice was the refusal by the people of Benares to pay the newly levied house tax, while community had nothing to do with the community of peoplewith which we would ordinarily associate the termbut stands instead for the British state.

This example and many like it from this archive must be seen for what they are, the formulation and deployment of a dialect to govern, whose deeper meanings and import could not be readily grasped by those few members of an Indian populace who could follow the artifices of 18th century English, for its destructiveness was couched in terms that otherwise signified welfare and upliftment.

Such language was employed for two kinds of assaults: First, the weakening, with the aim of eventual destruction, of the one institution that had resisted all invasions and malign forcesthe socio-cultural organisation of the grama as manifested in its panchayat, its land and water communes, its temples as the economic locus, and its labour and food shar-ing practices.

Whether as an outcome of the annexations of Dalhousie, the taxation zeal of Hastings, the permanent settlement of Cornwallis, the variations of ryotwari or the mahalwari systems of Bentinck, under the cover of legal forms that were as unassailable in India as they seemed to be in Britain, the cooperative and fundamentally humane village republic was grotesquely transformed into a complex and whimsical system of feudal and semi-feudal rights and tenures, one of whose results (and aims) was to create private property in the land.

All land belonged to some village or another, where it was cultivated or waste. The property is watered by a common stream. In the water, in the pasture, in the waste there is then always a community of interest. All disbursements for the repair of tanks, all labour for village work, of general utility, all contributions for religious ceremonies, all the pay and labour of the village artisans and officers are regulated by this community of interest, the report of the Tanjore Commission, dated 22 February 1807, had observed, in defence of the system which was at the time regarded as being mostly unchanged from its early Vedic origins.

The second assault was on the systems of knowledge which had been maintained, enriched and transmitted because of the durability of the socio-cultural grama. They were inter-linked, the knowledges of crop and seed, forest and grazing lands, soil and water structures, the knowledges of the handicrafts and local arts, the knowledges of the medicinal repair of humans, cattle and domesticated animals, trees and orchards.

The severely weakened village polity which populated an India fighting for Independence from the 1910s to the 1940s should have been marvelled at for being extant at all. From the 12th century, through even the worst impositions during the reigns of the Tughlaqs, Khaljis, Lodhis, Deccani sultans, nawabs of Bengal and Aurangzeb, these knowledge systems survived. Then came, first under the Company and then the British crown, wars of annexation and the wars to enforce British paramountcy.

And moreover the famines. Between 1770 and 1900 occurred 22 famines within a period of 130 years of British rule in India (followed in the 20th century by the 1905 and the 1943 famines). Each of these was severe enough to extinguish the flow of transmission of our knowledge systems, and in our era we know well that such an interruption over two generations is one that few societies can recover from.

Yet India had in the 1950s seed and crop diversity enough to attract covetous foreign eyes (this time in the form of international agriculture research institutes) and an ayurvedic pharmacopoeia robust enough to give a foundation to its revival and popularity today. This is the gift of grama which we must protect.



Rahul Goswami

UNESCO expert on traditional knowledge systems

Email: makanaka@pobox.com
H Khogen Singh By

With the Lok Sabha elections round the corner, newly-appointed Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit has got into poll mode with the constitution of several committees. Her party men said she holds meetings on a daily basis with leaders on how to deal with the dual threat posed by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Aam Aadmi Party.

But despite the energy she has displayed after her comeback, party insiders are not sure if she can take the rigours of an election campaign owing to her advancing age, that too, in the searing heat of April-May when polls are scheduled to be held.

So far, Dikshit has mainly restricted herself to holding meetings at her residence or at the party office and is yet to hit the ground and the streets, meeting voters and the general

public at large.

But her return to the centre stage has meant that her confidantes and cronies have also made a comeback of sorts. Delhi Congress leaders such as Haroon Yousuf, Ramakant Goswami and Mateen Ahmed, who had been invisible when Ajay Maken was at the helm, were present all over during a ceremony recently to felicitate Dikshit. Many of her aides also find pride of place in the newly-constituted election committees.

It is said the main reason why a possible Congress-AAP alliance to take on the BJP came unstuck was because of Dikshit. She is said to have strongly opposed any tie-up with the ruling party in Delhi even though at the national level, there are moves afoot for an opposition alliance.

While Dikshit was not keen on any alliance with the AAP, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, it seems, was not averse to it as he views the BJP as the bigger rival. For Kejriwal, the defeat of the BJP both in Delhi as well as nationally is of prime importance as he feels that it is the saffron party that has impeded his functioning by means fair and foul.

For instance, the Delhi CM is convinced that it is the BJP that has played dirty as far as posting of IAS officers and other bureaucrats are concerned. He is also very wary of the CBI and the Delhi Police, both of which are controlled by the central government.

Given this scenario, Kejriwal is said to be keen on any alliance that will help defeat the BJP. So, his feeling of being let down by the Congress was quite apparent during a press conference last week when he was asked a question on the subject.

But having said that, the AAP is already in poll mode. They have declared four of the possible seven Lok

Sabha candidates in the capital and all of them are said to be in the midst of a mass contact programme.

The BJP, which currently holds all the seven seats, is unlikely to repeat its 2014 performance. With no Modi wave this time, the buzz in political circles is that all the seven MPs are seeking a change of seat, perhaps even outside Delhi.

Also, state BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has failed to fire up the partys cadres and the voters even though he tried his best. When the AAP government completed four years on February 14, he had organised a function at his home to denounce the Delhi government. But reporters were surprised to find empty chairs as the public gave the programme a miss. Interesting days are ahead for political observers.

H Khogen Singh

Resident Editor, New Delhi

Email: khogensingh@newindianexpress.com
By Express News Service

BHOPAL: Angered over the killing of CRPF jawans in the recent terror strike in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama, tomato farmers in Jhabua district of West Madhya Pradesh have decided not to export their produce to Pakistan anymore.

Around 5000 farmers who have been engaged in tomato cultivation in villages of Petlawad block of Jhabua district have decided not to export their produce to Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama attack.

Weve been growing tomato since last one and half decade and bulk of our production has over the years been exported to Pakistan through export-import agents in Delhi. But owing to the repeated terror strikes against our people and jawans, particularly the latest attack in Pulwama at the behest of Pakistan, weve decided not to export our tomatoes to Pakistan anymore, said one the big tomato cultivators Basanti Lal Patidar.

Another tomato farmer Mahendra Amad had more to say, we export the tomatoes to Pakistan and earn good money. But that money is like poison for us, as the country whose people are consuming our tomatoes is behind all terror attacks on our jawans. For us our jawans lives is more important than earning big bucks by selling tomatoes to Pakistan.

The move by the tomato farmers of Petlawad in Jhabua has promptly found appreciation from none other, but Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath. The CM tweeted on Monday, praising the spirit of patriotism of the tomato farmers, who have chosen national interest over individual profit. Each citizen of the country should draw inspiration from the tomato farmers of Petlawad in Jhabua district.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly passes resolution condemning the Pulwama attack:

Earlier on Monday, the Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha was adjourned till Wednesday on the first-day of the Budget session, after passing a resolution, condemning the February 14 attack on the CRPF jawans in Avantipura (Pulwama) that killed 40 brave jawans.

The resolution which was moved by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Gopal Bharagava and backed by the CM Kamal Nath was unanimously passed by the House, condemning the dastardly attack on the CRPF jawans by terrorists sponsored by Pakistan.

The resolution will be sent to the President, Prime Minister and Home Minister as mark of support of 7.5 crore people of MP to back any military move by New Delhi against Pakistan.
By PTI

GUWAHATI: Assam government Monday informed the Assembly that it did not have any data whether any of the 29,800 "foreigners" deported to Bangladesh between 2016 and 2018 had returned to the state.

From May 2016, when the BJP led government came to power in the state, and August 2018, a total of 29,800 people were declared foreigners living in Assam illegally and were deported, minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said.

He was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who holds the Home portfolio, to starred questions of Ramendra Narayan Kalita of AGP and Nurul Huda of Congress.

Asked if those who had been deported to Bangladesh came back to Assam, the minister said there is no data immediately available on this matter.

Foreigners Tribunals have declared 1,03,764 people as foreigners living in Assam illegally between 1985 and August, 2018, he said.

To another query about granting Indian citizenship for those "foreigners", Patowary said granting of citizenship is in the purview of the central government.

There are 100 Foreigners Tribunals across Assam and Rs 147.84 crore has been spent between 2005-06 and 2017-18 fiscal for detection and deportation of foreigners, the minister said.

Patowary said 201.51 km of the 263 km Assam-Bangladesh border was sealed with barbed wire fencing and the remaining 61.49 km would be completed soon.

Replying to another question, he said as per the Supreme Court hearing on January 24, the date for publication of the final list of the National Register of Citizens is July 31.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking quashing of the February 1 interim Budget on the alleged ground that there was no constitutional provision for an interim Budget.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said it was not inclined to entertain the petition by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, filed in his personal capacity.

Sharma in his PIL said there was provision for only a full annual Budget and a vote-on-account under the Constitution.

A vote-on-account is an approval taken in an election year for a limited period for government spending; a full-fledged budget is presented later by the newly elected government.

The interim Budget was presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1, proposing an array of incentives for both middle class and farmers.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place within a few months.

In December last year, the top court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on Sharma for filing public interest litigation against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over an issue related to the Reserve Bank of India's capital reserve.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

In the second high profile arrest relating to the police firing on anti-sacrilege protesters in 2015 in which two Sikh youth were killed, Inspector General of Police Paramraj Singh Umranangal was arrested on Monday by the special investigation team (SIT) investigating the incident.

Confirming the arrest, SIT member IGP Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh said, "We have formally arrested Umranangal in connection with the Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing incidents."

The SIT had summoned Umranangal, Additional DGP Jatinder Jain, IGP Amar Singh Chahal, SP Paramjit Singh Pannu and SDM Harjit Sandhu for questioning on February 13. All these officers were on duty on October 14, 2015 when police firing incidents had taken place at Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan village in Faridkot.

Sources said during SIT questioning on February 13, Jain and Umranangal blamed each other over the orders that were given for firing on the protesters.

Umranangal was also questioned by the SIT in November last year over the police firing to disperse protesters at the main chowk of Kotkapura town.

The SIT has already recorded the statements of over two hundred people in the past four months. Following the incident, the state was brought to a standstill as protesters blocked highways and other roads for days.

Earlier, the SIT had arrested former Senior Superintendent of Police Charanjit Sharma from his house in Hoshiarpur on January 27.

The SIT claimed that the accused policemen used force to disperse people who were protesting peacefully, due to which the situation worsened. The policemen had also manipulated the CFL report and tampered with the grooves of bullets recovered from the body of the deceased, it said. Besides, no empties were recovered from the spot.


SV Krishna Chaitanya By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) judgement, which allowed reopening of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper in Thoothukudi, on maintainability.

Without going into the merits of the case, the Apex Court observed that the tribunal did not have the jurisdiction to entertain Vedanta appeals against Tamil Nadu government order and asked Vedanta to approach Madras High Court for interim relief.

Tamil Nadu government, in its petition challenging NGT judgement, said that the main contention was the maintainability of Sterlite plea before NGT and its subsequent order.

Soon after the top court pronounced its order celebrations went off in Thoothukudi led by anti-Sterlite groups.

"NGT does not have the jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the validity of a Government Order and that the Constitutional Courts alone have the power and the jurisdiction to do so. The finding of the tribunal that the Government Order is not a policy matter is erroneous and not within the jurisdiction of the tribunal", the petition read. The government also objected to NGT Committee's overreach and calling government orders "not sustainable".

However, NGT in its judgement said there was no ground to reject the Sterlite appeal on maintainability. The bench headed by NGT chairman Justice AK Goel said there was no bar to exercise of powers of the Appellate Authority by the tribunal. "As noted, the TNPCB Appellate Authority has declined to proceed with the matter. The grounds in the impugned orders are identical. If the appeals are held to be not maintainable, the appellant (Sterlite) will be without any remedy against the order of closure. We, thus, do not find any merit in this case in the objections of the respondent (TN)," the bench said.



However, when the maintainability issue came-up before SC during the course of arguments, the bench favoured the state government. "We are happy with the judgement. Our stand has been vindicated," top government officials told Express.



It may be recalled that pollution control board has rejected Sterlite's CTO application on April 9, 2018 and on May 22, during the anti-Sterlite project, 13 people died in police firing following which State government has ordered for permanent closure of the plant on May 28.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is facing flak for his statements in connection with the February 14 attack on CRPF soliders in Pulwama, on Sunday skipped a state cabinet meeting that called to approve the state budget which will be tabled in the Assembly on Monday.

This is not the first time that the minister has skipped a Cabinet meeting, according to some of his colleagues.

They claim that he does so just after he issues any statement that may draw controversy

Later in the day, however, Sidhu took a defiant stand about his comments when he was speaking to the media after visiting the home Maninder Singh, one of the 40 CRPF soldiers killed in the attack.

I will stick with my comment. Whether its today, tomorrow or any other day, I will stick to my comment. For the sake of few terrorists, we cant stop development... he said.

He also sought to clarify his statement further saying, Crush those who have targeted us. Terrorists have no nation, religion or caste. I havent said dont punish terrorists. Only punish those who are culprits. Someone else pays for elses deed... I will answer to people of Punjab. Crush those who committed the crime but cant target everyone.

In the aftermath of the attack, the minister had said, There are good, bad and ugly people in our lives. Every place, institution and nation has them. The ugly need to be punished, but individuals cannot be blamed for a dastardly act. Nations cannot be blamed just for a handful of people...
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The dreaded architect of some of the most gruesome terror attacks in India, Maulana Masood Azhar, was an "easy man" to handle in custody and he got shaken up on the first "slap" from an army jawan prompting him to blurt out details of his movements, says a former police officer who interrogated him after his arrest in 1994.

Azhar, who had used a Portuguese passport to enter India through Bangladesh and reach Kashmir, was arrested in February 1994 in Anantnag in South Kashmir.

In the custody, the intelligence agencies did not have to do much work on Azhar who started speaking after the first slap from an army officer and gave deep insights into the functioning of terror groups operating from Pakistan, the officer said.

"He was an easy man to handle and a slap from an army officer had shaken him completely," former Director General of Sikkim Police Avinash Mohananey, who interrogated Azhar many times during his two-decade tenure in the Intelligence Bureau, told PTI.

After his release in exchange of passengers of hijacked IC-814 flight of Indian Airlines in 1999 by the then BJP government, Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammed and scripted many audacious terror strikes in India, including on the Parliament House, Pathankot air force base, army camps in Jammu and Uri, and the latest suicide attack on CRPF in Pulwama which claimed the lives of 40 personnel.

While in custody, Azhar, in his early 50's now, shared information about recruitment process and functioning of terror groups in Pakistan at a time when the intelligence agencies were still grappling to understand the proxy-war unleashed by Pakistan's espionage agency ISI, said Mohananey, a 1985-batch IPS officer who headed the Kashmir desk in the agency at that time.

"There were several occasions when I met him in Kot Balwal jail and interrogated him for hours together.We did not have to use any coercive method as information flowed consistently from him," he said.

Azhar gave the Indian agencies vital insights into diversion of Afghan terrorists into Kashmir Valley and merger of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Jehad-e-Islami (HuJI) into Harkat-ul-Ansar, represented by him as its general secretary, he said.

After his arrival into India from Bangladesh in 1994, Azhar had travelled to Saharanpur before reaching Kashmir where he held meetings of warring factions of HuM and HuJI to formulate a common policy, Mohananey said.

"I came on a forged Portuguese passport for ensuring that HuM and HuJI are together in the valley. It was not possible for me to cross the Line of Control on foot," the police officer recalled Azhar telling them.

A man of mannerism and etiquette during questioning sessions, Azhar used to give a detailed description to any question that was asked to him, he said.

The Jaish chief, during his stint as a journalist with 'Sada-e-Mujahid', a tabloid published from Karachi, had travelled in 1993 with a group of Pakistani scribes to some countries drumming up support for "Kashmir cause', he said.

Mohananey recalled that Azhar would often boast that police could not keep him in custody for long as he was important for Pakistan and the ISI.

"You are underestimating my popularity. The ISI would ensure that I am back in Pakistan," the police officer recalled him as saying.

Surprisingly, some foreigners were kidnapped from Delhi 10 months after his arrest in February 1994 and the kidnappers had demanded his release.

The plan failed with the arrest of Omar Sheikh, who was also released in exchange of the 1999 hijacking, and was later involved in the gruesome beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

Another attempt to release him was made by a shadow group of Harkat-ul-Ansar, Al-Faran, which demanded his release in exchange of five foreigners kidnapped in Kashmir in July 1995.

Before shifting out to another posting, the officer said, "I met him again in 1997 when he was in the same jail. I informed him that I was proceeding out to a new posting to which he wished me good luck."

"I was at new posting when I heard about his release on December 31, 1999, in exchange for passengers of IC-814. He really meant that we will not be able to keep him for long," he said.

The then BJP-led NDA government had released Azhar, along with Omar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar alias 'Latram', in exchange of passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 from Kathmandu to New Delhi which was taken to Kandahar in Afghanistan.

After the negotiations failed with hijackers, the government succumbed to their demands and the then external affairs minister Jaswant Singh took the three terrorists to Kandahar in Afghanistan in a special plane to ensure the release of passengers of the hijacked plane.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: Dehradun police have lodged an FIR against Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student activist Shehla Rashid for allegedly spreading rumours and fear among minorities with a tweet last Saturday. In her tweet, Rashid had written that 15-20 Kashmiri girl students were trapped in a Dehradun hostel with an angry mob surrounding it, following the deadly terrorist attack which killed over 40 paramilitary personnel in Pulwama on Thursday.

(Photo | Twitter)

On the basis of a complaint filed by a local resident of Dehradun, the cops registered an FIR against the JNU research scholar booking her under sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 505 (1) (b) (disturbing public tranquillity) and 153b (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

So, @uttarakhandcops have filed an FIR against me, but they have yet to take any action against Vikas Verma Bajrang Dal convenor who is speaking to national newspapers, owning up to the mob attacks, ordering Kashmiris to leave Dehradun. Can't say who rules Uttarakhand anymore!  Shehla Rashid   (@Shehla_Rashid) February 18, 2019

According to Dehradun Senior Superintendent of police (SSP) Nivedita Kukreti, the FIR was registered on a complaint received by the police department.

In two of her tweets, Rashid had written: "15-20 Kashmiri girls trapped in a hostel in Dehradun for hours now. mobs outside are baying for their blood. Police is present but unable to disperse the mob." However, as per claims by the police, after receiving information about the presence of a crowd outside the hostel, a police team reached the spot and managed to diffuse the situation. Even senior officials met the girls on Sunday to tell them that they were safe in Dehradun.

In February 2016, Shehla Rashid, former vice-president of JNU students' union, had led a students' agitation calling for the release of Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others who were arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising anti-India slogans on JNU campus.
Sumi Sukanya dutta By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: When the Centre in September rolled out its ambitious health insurance scheme that promises to pay up to Rs 5 lakh for hospitalisation to 40% of Indias population, the premium it had in mind was Rs 1,100 per family, but an independent study put the figure at more than double, rattling the mandarins.

Tasked by the Finance Commission to assess future costs of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY), a group of economists found the premium cost to be over Rs 2,400 per family since the per capita hospitalisation rate is rapidly rising - putting a question mark over the schemes sustainability.

The projection by researchers from the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), Delhi University, for 2019-2023, is worrying since they estimate the PMJAY alone could gobble up 75% to over 100% of the Centres annual health budget, creating a fund crisis for other major health initiatives.

The IEG economists made two separate presentations on their findings to the Finance Commission and senior bureaucrats from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in December and January.

To arrive at the cost, they considered multiple factors such as a number of target beneficiaries, hospitalisation rate and per capita hospitalisation expenditure, based on the National Sample Survey 2014 data.

In states with robust insurance schemes, hospitalisation rates are far higher than the national average of 4%.

This year, the Centre allocated just Rs 6,400 crore for the scheme, which is about 10 per cent of the total annual health budget of about Rs 62,000 crore. According to the study, under the current allocation, based on the current hospitalisation rate alone, only 30% of the target beneficiaries can be covered. The scheme is being implemented in states with a Centre-state ratio of 60:40.

When approached for comment, Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan declined to respond but another senior official who was present at the presentation conceded that if the entire country behaved like Kerala (which has a hospitalisation rate of 13%), the cost of the scheme would indeed be sky-high.

He was, however, quick to add that the Centre at present is paying `16 crore per day for the scheme and the current trends do not support the IEG projections.

Indu Bhushan, CEO of the National Health Authority, which is implementing the programme, said that he was yet to get the report officially.

Finance Commissioner N K Singh was not available for comment but his office said that a final report was still due.
By PTI

THE HAGUE: India on Monday said the trial of its national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed" to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process and requested the International Court of Justice to declare it "unlawful".

India's plea came as the top UN court began a four-day public hearing in the case of Jadhav, 48, who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage.

India, during the first day of the hearing, based its case on two broad issues -- breach of Vienna Convention on consular access and the process of resolution.

"It is an unfortunate case where the life of an innocent Indian is at risk," ex-solicitor general Harish Salve, who was representing India, said.

"Pakistan's story is solely based on rhetoric and not facts," he said, adding that Jadhav's continued custody without consular access should be declared unlawful.

Jadhav's trial by a Pakistani military court "hopelessly failed to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process", Salve said.

No "credible evidence" was provided by Pakistan to show his involvement in any act of terrorism and Jadhav's purported confession clearly appeared to be "coerced", Salve said.

"There is no manner of doubt that Pakistan was using this as a propaganda tool. Pakistan was bound to grant consular access without delay," Salve said.

"Pakistan used confession document as propaganda. Pakistan has disrespected the Vienna Convention," Salve said.

He said India had sent 13 reminders to Pakistan for consular access to Jadhav, but Islamabad is yet to accede.

Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran.

However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.

During the hearing, Salve said Pakistan filed the FIR almost a month after the arrest of Jadhav.

"In April 2016 and FIR was registered against Jadhav. In May 2016, Jadhav was interrogated, and India sent reminders for consular access across May, June, and July," Salve says.

"India reminded Pakistan for consular access - 13 reminders were sent - but to no avail," he said.

"Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Jadhav," Salve said.

Pakistan did not inform Kulbhushan Jadhav of his rights, he said.

Salve read out the various sections and articles of the Vienna Convention under which foreign prisoners fall.

"The Vienna Convention is a powerful tool that ensures the facility of consular access to foreign nationals who have been put on trial in a foreign country," he said.

"Article 36 of the Vienna Convention says that a country must be informed about the detention of its citizens but Pakistan did not inform India about his arrest."

Without consular access, he said, "India has no information on what happened to Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan."

"India and Pakistan have a bilateral agreement on consular access," he said.

"Bilateral treaties cannot modify Article 36 of Vienna Convention. It could only supplement it," Salve added.

Pakistan should have provided a substantial explanation for why it needed 3 months for providing consular access, upon which it could have claimed that it has complied with treaty obligation, Salve said.

Salve argued that Pakistan did not uphold the Article 36 of the Vienna Convention that states consular access applies all nationals, regardless of espionage claims in Jadhav's case.

He said that the ICJ has already upheld the importance of consular access under Article 36 in two previous cases - LaGrand (Germany vs USA) and Avena (Mexico vs USA).

"This quite plainly, is an egregious violation of Pakistan's obligations under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention," said Salve.

"They at one point said they might consider it if India assisted their investigation into him being an Indian spy, asked for evidence of bank accounts, phone numbers, etc," he said.

"Pakistan has not provided any evidence," he added.

"Inhuman detention violation of universal rights," Salve said.

He said Pakistan offered to allow Jadhav's family to visit him, the terms were agreed and the meeting was held on 25 December, 2017.

"India was dismayed at the manner the meeting with Jadhav's family was conducted and wrote a letter on 27 December marking its protest," he said.

Pakistan didn't send any details of the probe conducted by the Joint Investigation Team before informing the Indian side about the death sentence handed over to him.

Jadhav was not appointed any lawyer during his trial by the Pakistani military court either, he said.

Serious charges need strict adherence to due process, he emphasised.
By PTI

KOLKATA: A Border Security Force (BSF) constable drowned in river Padma while chasing cow smugglers near the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, an official said.

A BSF patrol party noticed miscreants along with cattle heads trying to cross over to Bangladesh on Thursday night, a BSF official.

The BSF troops challenged them to stop but they did not pay any heed and continued to move with cattle heads with intention to smuggle them to Bangladesh. The smugglers were armed with sticks and other sharp edged weapons, a BSF release said.

During the operation constable, Debashis Roy who was part of patrol party ran towards the smugglers to apprehend them.

"During the chase, he ran after the smugglers and jumped into Padma River to catch them. During this process he got entangled in mud and could not come out from the water and made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," the release said.

The BSF patrol team apprehended 11 Indian and one Bangladeshi miscreant and caught 74 cattle heads during the operation, the official said.

The apprehended smugglers and the cattle were handed over to the police, he added.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Security forces gunned down three militants in a day-long encounter at Pinglana village in Pulwama district of South Kashmir  one of whom is believed to be Rasheed Bhai alias Ghazi Umar, a top aide of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar.

Rasheed and Kamran, killed with another commander Hilal Ahmad, were the masterminds of the worst hit on security forces to date at Lethpora last Thursday, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans.

ALSO READ | Adil Ahmad Dar: Diehard Dhoni fan turned Pulwama suicide bomber

Even as the news came in early evening, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi who was closeted with visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri, said The brutal terrorist attack in Pulwama shows that the time for discussions is over now. Now the whole world unitedly needs to take concrete steps against terrorism.

Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Vijay Kumar said, Police have reasons to believe that we have Rasheed Bhai, alias Ghazi and top commandant Kamran.

#WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

#UPDATE on Pinglana, Pulwama encounter: One AK-47 & one pistol recovered. Identification of bodies of the two terrorists killed during encounter, yet to be confirmed. Search operation continues. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/CGYfIctxNL  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The slain soldiers were identified as Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

A head constable of the police was also killed.

READ HERE | Army major, soldier killed in IED blast along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Kamran was second-in-command for J&K operations of JeM, a top aide to Ghazi, who was in charge of infiltrating young recruits. They had been operational in the state training, arming and planning with local militants to carry out fidayeen attacks.

Police say Rasheed entered the Valley two months ago while Kamran had been active in Pulwama and Avantipora since 2017 when he replaced a top militant commander Mufti Waqas who was killed by the forces in February last year.

The forces, however, lost an Army Major, three soldiers, a policeman and a civilian in the encounter, in which 10 others, including a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, armys brigade commander and another Lt Colonel were injured.

Police officials said a joint contingent of police, CRPF and army men laid siege to Pinglana village acting on specific intelligence about the presence of JeM militants linked to Thursdays bombing.

Four army men  Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, 33 of Dehradun, Havildar Sheo Ram, 36, jawans Hari Singh, Ajay Kumar  police officer Abdul Rashid and a civilian Mushtaq Ahmad were killed while DIG Amit Shah, an Army Brigadier, a Lt Colonel and seven jawans are being treated for injuries in Srinagar.
By PTI

MUMBAI: Overcoming their strained ties and grandiose declarations of going solo, the BJP and Shiv Sena Monday announced a seat-sharing pact for the ensuing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The announcement was made by BJP president Amit Shah and Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at a joint press conference in the night, shortly after Shah flew in from Jaipur.

The BJP will contest 25 seats and Shiv Sena 23 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

The two parties will contest an equal number of seats, after allotting allies their due share of segments, in polls for the 288-member state Assembly, due this year.

Both Shah and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said public sentiment was that the two parties should come together.

ALSO READ | Shiv Sena-BJP are 'best couple': NCP leader Dhananjay Munde's jibe on Valentine's Day

Shah recalled his earlier remark that the BJP and Sena will together win at least 45 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra.

Crores of workers of BJP and Shiv Sena wanted the alliance between the two parties, Shah said.

The Sena is the oldest ally of BJP, he added.

The Ram temple has been the common thread for alliance between BJP and Shiv Sena and has to be built at the earliest, Thackeray said.

BJP and Sena are parties with national ideology which have come together in wider public interest, Fadnavis said.

In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva, he added.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray: State assembly elections are also in four months, seats are divided equally for it. Responsibilities will also be divided in half. https://t.co/36blKrkY5i  ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019

The alliance renewal announcement comes after several hard-hitting editorials in Sena mouthpiece Saamana blasting the BJP in general and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in particular.

At a public rally last year, Thackeray had declared that his party won't have a tie-up with the BJP.

The party now appears to have given in to the 'persuasive skills' of Amit Shah and Fadnavis.

"We rotted for 25 years in the alliance with the BJP," Uddhav Thackeray had said last year, ruling out any pact with that party.

BJP President Amit Shah flanked by Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (Photo | PTI)

Announcing the seat-sharing, both the parties stressed that Hindutva was the common thread between them.

Fadnavis said the two parties with national ideology "have come together in the wider public interest".

Fadnavis also announced that the Nanar refinery project proposed in coastal Konkan will be shifted to a place acceptable to people.

Shah said it was the wish of the workers of the BJP and the Shiv Sena that the two parties joined hands for the elections.

"The two parties have respected that public sentiment and we have decided to contest the Lok Sabha, Assembly polls together," Fadnavis said.

"In principle, both the parties are pro-Hindutva," he said. Parties with national ideology have come together in wider public interest, he added.

ALSO READ | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis rules out simultaneous assembly, Lok Sabha polls in state

The two parties have decided to join hands keeping in mind how they can work in the broader interest of farmers and the poor, he said.

"Uddhav ji has insisted on construction of Ram temple. And the BJP completely supports it," Fadnavis said, referring the Shiv Sena chief as 'margdarshak' (mentor) of his government.

On his part, Thackeray said there was anger and dissent among the people over the Pulwama attack.

Thackeray said he expected the government to show to Pakistan that India was not a weak nation.

He also thanked Fadnavis for deciding to shift the proposed Nanar refinery project.

Shah said the two parties decided to contest the polls together after detailed thinking.

READ HERE | As BJP wins over sulking Shiv Sena, Nanar oil refinery project to be relocated

"This is not just a political alliance, but one based on principles. The two parties have fought for decades on the issues of Ram temple, national security and cultural nationalism and also attained victories. I am sure we will win again," he said.

"I thank and congratulate Uddhav ji for ending the differences with a large heart," he added.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the two parties along with their allies had won 42 out of the 48 seats.

The BJP had bagged 23 seats, while the Shiv Sena had emerged victorious in 18 constituencies.

The two parties had contested the October 2014 Maharashtra Assembly election separately and had come together to form government in a post-poll arrangement in December that year.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: There was a huge assembly of thousands of students protesting at the main gate of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Monday evening to oppose the arrest of Mohd Talib, a student, who was allegedly indulged in vandalism and damaging two wheelers on February 12 unrest on campus when two factions of students had clashed over opposition to propose visit of AIMIM MP Asasiddin Owaisi.

Talib was also accused of promoting enmity between two between different groups on February 12.

However, thousands of AMU students protesting at Bab-e-Sayyad gate were ready to court arrest demanding immediate release of Talib who was picked up by the district police early in the day and was sent to 14-day judicial custody.

According to, Aligarh SSP, Akash Kulhari police had video evidence of Talib vandalising the vehicle. He was booked under Sections 153-A, 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees), 379 (theft) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence) of IPC.

AlSO READ | Aligarh Muslim University teachers slam booking of 14 students under sedition charges

The SSP had claimed that the police had proof against two more students who had fired at BJYM members on February 12. They would also be arrested soon, he added.

According to students union secretary, Huzaifa Amir Rashadi, the students had decided to court arrest in support of their demand of release of Talib and a final decision would be taken after Students Union's general body meeting.

However, in the wake of students' protest, Aligarh DM Chandra Bhushan Singh claimed that the arrest was made only after going through the available evidences. All identified students involved in a brawl would be arrested soon. He said that he expected Amu administration's cooperation in the issue and made it clear that no innocent would be humiliated.
By Online Desk

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have detained 23 men suspected of having links with Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) according to a senior police officer.

The detained men are said to be members and sympathizers of JeM, which claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel in south Kashmir's Lethpora in Pulwama district on Thursday.

According to a Reuters report, the NIA grilled all the suspects in connection with Thursday's bombing which was carried out by JeM terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was a native of Kakapora village, situated 10 km from the blast site. "The detained men were trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its head in Kashmir," a source told the news agency.

ALSO READ| Pulwama terror attack aftermath: Three Kashmiri students held on charges of sedition

Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, has been accused by the NIA of radicalizing and motivating Dar, who carried out Thursdays attack by ramming an SUV loaded with explosives into a bus carrying the CRPF troopers. Umair, the nephew of JeM chief Masood Azhar, is said to have entered Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the group in the Valley.

ALSO READ| Pulwama terror attack mastermind gunned down in J&K encounter; Army Major, four others killed

India has warned Pakistan to stop supporting terror organisations such as the JeM that operate from its soil. However, the Pakistani government has denied any involvement in the Pulwama terror attack.

PM Narendra Modi has given full freedom to the security forces to avenge the Pulwama attack. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan have locked horns at the ICJ in the Netherlands where both sides are presenting arguments in the case relating to Kulbhushan Jadhav.
By PTI

LABHPUR: A local BJP leader, Suprabhat Batyabyal, and two others were arrested in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Sunday in connection with the kidnapping of his daughter, a senior police officer said.

Batyabyal's daughter, who was kidnapped at gunpoint on Thursday, was "rescued" from Uttar Dinajpur district, he said.

In a joint operation with Uttar Dinajpur police, a police team from Birbhum traced the 22-year-old woman to Dalkhola railway station area on Sunday morning, the officer said.

Batyabyal and two of his associates were arrested after preliminary investigation indicated that they played a role in the kidnapping, he added.

"We have rescued the girl from Dalkhola this morning. She is fine and we are talking to her to find out what had actually happened. We have also arrested the girl's father who seems to have played an important role in the kidnapping," Birbhum Superintendent of Police Shyam Singh told PTI.

Asked about the motive behind the kidnapping, Singh said, "There are two aspects to it. There is a family problem, gaining political mileage could also be the motive. We are probing the matter. We are grilling the three."

Batyabyal, who switched to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress around five months ago, was detained on Saturday night.

Police came to know about his daughter's location after questioning him, a district police source said.

Before joining the TMC, Batyabal was a district committee member of the CPI(M).

His daughter's kidnapping had sparked tensions in Labhpur, with protesters blocking the Suri-Katwa road for three days.

On Saturday, a mob attacked local TMC MLA Manirul Islam's vehicle and chased him, forcing him to take refuge in the local police station.

Police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the mob.

The BJP's district leadership had alleged that TMC-backed goons were behind the kidnapping.
A Sharadhaa By

Express News Service

Shubra Aiyappa, who made her mark in Kannada with Vajrakaya, will sign her next after almost three years. The model-turned-heroine will be part of Ramana Avatara, which will mark the directorial debut of brothers Vikas and Vinay Pampapathi. Touted to be a comic caper, the film stars Raj B Shetty, Rishi and Danish Sait. While Pranitha Subhash was the first heroine to come on board, Subhra is the next to join the crew.

She was to play a crucial role in John Cena, a film by Simple Suni, which didnt see the light of day. So, officially Ramana Avatara will be her second film. Shubra, who has made her mark in Telugu and Tamil, was recently in the news for the Kingfisher Calendar 2019, where she was featured in a bold avatar. Considering that she is choosy about her roles, its not a surprise that she has taken her own time to choose her next.

The makers had released the title teaser of the rom-com, written by the brothers and produced by Amrej Surja in association with Team Naati Factory, sometime in November 2018. The music for the multi-starrer is by Judah Sandy.

Chaitra Jagadish joins the bandwagon

Also making her entry to Ramana Avatara will be Chaitra Jagadish. She will make her debut in Mahesh Gowdas upcoming directorial, Mahira, which stars Raj B Shetty in the lead. The film, which is currently rolling will have Rishi featuring as Rama, Danish as Sunny Prasad, and Raj as Alexander. However, character details of the two heroines, who have joined the crew is yet to be revealed.
By Express News Service

VIJAYAWADA: With an aim to further boost the aquaculture sector in Andhra Pradesh, the State government is exploring the possibility of collaborations with various countries to adopt international practices. The State Fisheries department has already held discussions in this regard with various organisations from Singapore, Netherlands, Vietnam and a few other countries.

According to information, the collaborations are for knowledge-sharing and technology transfer for better culture of aqua products. We are looking at collaborations in areas such as farming, hatcheries, processing, value addition, cold-chain development, feed technology and others. The emerging collaborations will not only help in increasing the aquaculture production in the State but also give the farmers more export opportunities, a senior official explained.

The official noted that teams from the said countries have already visited the State in the last four months and held discussions on forging a joint partnership in deep sea fishing as well. While the collaboration with Singapore is expected to be in transfer of technology in aquaculture and in shrimp exportation, the tie-up with Netherlands will be in the fields of feed technology and cold-chain development.

With Vietnam, we will jointly work mostly on deep sea tuna fishing and value addition products, the official noted. The Fisheries department is likely to enter into agreements to take the collaboration forward. It maybe recalled that the department has already signed an MoU with USA-based Fishin Company for increasing the production of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia fish in the State.

For the record, the fisheries sector contributes 7.4 per cent to the State GSDP and has a sector share of 24.24 per cent in the countrys fisheries production. AP is also the highest producer of shrimp, occupying about 66 per cent of countrys production.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena has urged the tribal population in the state to exercise their franchise without fear. He asked them to cast their votes impartially and celebrate the democratic exercise.

Meena was speaking after inaugurating a street play as part of the state-level election awareness programme for the tribal people held at Mannamkonam in Kuttichal panchayat on Sunday.

The street play by Kudumbashree volunteers will be staged in the tribal hamlets of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad to spread awareness on casting votes and the functioning of voting machines and VVPAT.

The Election Commission has warned of strict action against those attempting to influence tribal voters using illegal methods. The commission has asked booth-level officers to ensure every eligible person is included in the voters list.

The EC has launched a toll-free number 1950, to help tribals clear their doubts related to elections. Meena asked the community to make use of the service.

District Collector K Vasuki presided over the function. Additional chief electoral officer B Surendran Pillai welcomed the gathering. Kudumbashree programme officer K V Pramod offered felicitation and Kuttichal grama panchayat secretary M A Binduraj proposed vote of thanks.Cultural programmes were staged by the tribesmen at the function.

Ensuring adult franchise

The Election Commission has launched a toll-free number 1950, to help tribals clear their doubts related to elections.
Meera Suresh By

Express News Service

KOCHI: Art director Jaison Antony's foray into the big world of advertising began quite early, to be precise when he was in class 9. During his vacations, Jaison first made a sketch for Colonia Designs, a prominent poster designing company. From then, it has been a steady climb, creating eye-catching and award-winning works while carving his niche in the world of advertising.

As Jaison completes 25 years in the field, he continues his journey, now as the founder of prominent advertising agency 'Popkon Creatives.

And, what's the secret to his long career? Says Jaison: " The one basic rule I stick to when approaching every work is to break the rules." Jaison indeed stuck to this mantra whilst working on the most impressive of his works, including the one on Kerala Tourism, during his stint at Stark Communications.

"It was a team work. We wanted to do something interesting, so we took a screenshot of Alappuzha backwaters from Google Maps. We took a big dummy size print and marked the spots. We then went on a recce using a GoPro cam. Helicopters were hired from Hyderabad to identify the locations. We then hired helicam experts from Finland and took 100-plus images. It was then mixed in Photoshop in uniformity. It was a two-month effort. Yes, that was challenging. It was a result of unconventional thinking," says Jaison. The work won him and the team a lot of international attention and awards.

He was also the part of the team that did the work on Karnataka Tourism. "These have won me and my teams of the respective agencies I was a part of, various regional, national and international awards. Its a special feeling when you are recognised by the people for the good creative work you do," says the art director.

His works have always been defined by its dextrous look and Jaison thinks the packaging is the costume of the product. Be it the hilarious works on Pling Crisps or the out-of-the-box (read classrooms) ideas for UKF College of Engineering and Technology, Jaison's works indeed stand out.

"The better looking and different they are, the more will be the brand appeal. I study and understand the brand thoroughly and arrive at a packaging concept that would suit the brand nature. Then, the task is to keep it attractive with a design that stands out. It is something that should help a customer identify it quickly from among dozens of other similar products," says Jaison.

Jaisons persistent hunger for outstanding works has won him numerous national and international awards. He was also adjudged as the art director of the year at Big Bang Awards, twice in a row.

Advent of digital media

Though a lot has changed since Jaison began his career, he claims to have worked hard to keep ahead of times. "Social media has definitely had a big impact on the way advertising is done these days. Earlier, all we thought about was print, TV and outdoor. Now, every advertising campaign is planned with adequate, if not more representation in social media handles. In my company Popkon Creatives, our team has identified this shift and are looking at innovative strategies to use social media handles," says Jaison.
Samuel Merigala By

Express News Service

CHENNAI: With the Chitlapakkam water scheme nearing completion, residents of Madambakkam are going all out to prevent implementation of the project.

A PIL praying for cancellation of the Rs 3-crore-project which will suck out 18 lakh litres of water every day from five wells at Madambakkam lake, came up for hearing before the Madras High Court on January 29.

It is learnt that the court posted the matter for hearing on February 19 and asked the government pleader to file an additional affidavit. Our lawyer pointed out how it is illegal to build wells in the lake and how agricultural fields at Madambakkam depend on the water, said C R Sundar, a resident of Madambakkam, spearheading a movement against the project. With 70 per cent of the project almost complete, residents allege that the government side is buying time to allow completion of the project.

The government pleader keeps claiming he does not have information that is asked in court and that he has asked officials to compile reports, said A Krishnan, member of Madambakkam Lake Committee.

Currently, two sumps have been constructed and work is on in all five wells. The water is being drained from the pits for the construction even as the matter is sub judice, said Sundar.
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Regional

Unemployed youths burn Pak flag at Assams Pathsala

Unemployed youths burning Pakistani flag at Pathsala. (Northeast Now)

By Nagaland Post | Publish Date: 2/18/2019 12:54:11 PM IST

Along with the rest of the country, a group of unemployed youths of Pathsala in Barpeta district staged protest on Monday against Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Northeast Now, during the protest, the agitators burnt the Pakistani flag and expressed their angst and frustration over the deadly attack by terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed on a CRPF convoy in which 44 jawans were killed on Thursday.

One of the victims of the attack, Maneshwar Basumatary (47), hailed from Assam.

He was a resident of Kalbari village under Tamulpur police station in Baksa district of Assam.

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has already announced a sum of Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia to the family of the martyred CRPF jawan Maneshwar Basumatary.

The mortal remains of Basumatary were brought to Guwahati by an IAF Dornier-228 aircraft from New Delhi around 6.19 pm on Saturday.

At the Air Force Station in Borjhar, Assam chief minister Sonowal led the state in paying homage to CRPF jawan Basumatary.

Later, a Mi-17 helicopter took off with the body of martyr Basumatary at 7.50 pm from Borjhar to his native village. The activists shouted slogans against Pakistan and asked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government to provide them guns to retaliate and kill Pakistani terrorists.

In the well-planned terror attack on a CRPF vehicle that was part of a 70 vehicle convoy, a vehicle-borne improvised explosives device was used by the terrorists.

The convoy was on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and was on its way to Pulwama when a suicide bomber belonging to terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad drove an explosive-laden SUV into the bus. The SUV was carrying explosives weighing nearly 300 kg.












National

Mamata Banerjee writes to Modi seeking probe into IL&FS crisis

By Nagaland Post | Publish Date: 2/18/2019 12:48:22 PM IST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to initiate a high-level probe into financial impropriety and possible misappropriation of savings of common people due to the debt crisis in Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) Ltd.

The crisis has put to peril lakhs and lakhs of employees of private and public sector enterprises who had put their hard-earned money into the company, she said.

In her letter to Modi, Banerjee said the crisis in IL&FS calls into question the role of LIC and the SBI, along with that of major credit rating institutions of the country.

Both LIC and SBI are stakeholders in the infrastructure conglomerate.

The chief minister wrote, These grave financial irregularities, which have continued unabated under the Union Government, have placed financial security of the people in even graver danger. Demonetisation and hasty and unplanned implementation of the GST took away livelihood of common people. Now IL&FS financial debacle is taking away their savings.

I would, therefore, urge you to kindly initiate a high-level impartial and independent probe into the sordid affairs of financial impropriety and possible misappropriation of the life savings of the common people due to the IL&FS fiasco, she said.

Such a probe and its findings must lead to the punishment of those guilty of defrauding the people and will also ensure that hard-earned savings of our common people are not further jeopardised, she added.

The crisis had surfaced in October last year when IL&FS defaulted on payments to lenders, triggering panic in the markets.

The IL&FS group of companies is estimated to have outstanding loans of about Rs 60,000 crore to banks and financial institutions, while the total debt is over Rs 91,000 crore.


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[February 18, 2019] Wirecard Equips Segmuller With Mobile Payment Solution - Segmuller is one of the largest furniture retailers in Germany - Thanks to Wirecard, Segmuller accepts mobile payments for furniture delivery directly at the front door - Wirecard provides payment software and handles payment processing ASCHHEIM, Germany, Feb. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirecard, the global innovation leader for digital financial technology, has announced its collaboration with Segmuller, one of Germany's largest furniture retailers. Thanks to Wirecard, Segmuller offers its customers the opportunity to conveniently pay invoices with their mobile devices or credit cards when they receive their delivery. Wirecard not only provides the digital payment technology, but also handles the processing of payments. Wirecard is thus driving forward the digitalization of the furniture industry and enabling Segmuller to increase customer satisfaction with more flexible payment options. The mobile payment solution specially developed for the furniture industry is based on a combination of an app with an mPOS device that works in conjunction with mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. With the payment app, Segmuller can now accept digital payments directly at the customer's front door. Customers can first pay a deposit on their goods in store and then use this technology to settle the remaining amount upon receipt of the delivery. As a company with a long tradition, Segmuller not ony wants to deliver the best quality, but also a smooth customer experience. With innovative technology such as Wirecard's mobile payment app, the company now offers even more convenience and flexibility in the delivery of goods. "We are pleased to be able to support Segmuller in digitizing their payment processes and thus increasing customer satisfaction," said Christian Reindl, Executive Vice President Sales Consumer Goods at Wirecard. "With the development of our payment app, we have actively responded to the trend that consumers want an increasingly seamless payment experience  the mobile payment solution is optimally tailored to the delivery model." About Wirecard: Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets and holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (DAX and TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on www.wirecard.com, follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup. About Segmuller: Segmuller has been a consultative furniture store for over 90 years, where you will find everything you need for a comfortable home. In our branches in Frankfurt, Mannheim, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Weiterstadt, Friedberg, Parsdorf near Munich and Pulheim near Cologne, you will find a large variety of brands with many original products from the best manufacturers specialized in home furnishings. These include exciting design products as well as timeless classics, selected by an experienced team of experts and tested for the highest quality. Wirecard media contact:

Wirecard AG

Jana Tilz

Tel.: +49 (0) 89-4424-1363

Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com Segmuller media contact:

Hans Segmuller Polstermobel GmbH & Co. KG

Albert Christel

Tel.: +49 (0) 821-6006-1286

Email: albert.christel@segmueller.de

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Tuberculosis: Commandeering a bacterial 'suicide' mechanism

The bacteria responsible for tuberculosis can be killed by a toxin they produce unless it is neutralized by an antidote protein. The European team of scientists behind this discovery is coordinated by researchers from the Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS--CNRS/UPS) and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). (1) Their findings are published in Molecular Cell (February 18, 2019). The team is now seeking to appropriate this "suicide" mechanism for therapeutic purposes.

Bacteria synthesize molecules that are toxic to themselves. When exposed to a harsh environment, these toxins slow the growth of the bacterial population until more favorable conditions develop. Some toxins even kill the bacteria that produced them. The biological purpose of this "suicide" is still a subject of debate. It may function as an antiviral defense mechanism, killing infected bacteria to spare uninfected neighbors. Or, when faced with nutrient scarcity, it may serve to "sacrifice" a few for the benefit of the many. Under normal conditions, bacteria produce antidote proteins that neutralize the toxins.

The researchers have identified one such "suicide toxin," called MbcT, in the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If not thwarted by its antitoxin, MbcA, the MbcT toxin will kill M. tuberculosis by breaking down its store of NAD--a small molecule critical to sustaining life--through a newly identified reaction.

The team of researchers led by Olivier Neyrolles, a CNRS researcher at the IPBS, has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this toxin. They infected human and mouse cells with a strain of M. tuberculosis lacking this toxin/antitoxin system--but in which they could artificially trigger production of the MbcT toxin. Toxin activation drastically reduced the number of bacteria infecting the cells and increased the mouse survival rate.

These findings pave the way for a novel treatment targeting tuberculosis, which remains one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. And the antibiotic resistance developed by certain strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis only underscores the urgency. The EMBL researchers have already determined the 3D structure of the MbcT-MbcA complex, and the different teams are now striving to identify compounds that can free the toxin from the antidote with which it is coupled. These molecules may also help fight other infectious diseases because analogous toxin/antitoxin systems have been detected in other pathogenic bacteria.

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The French National Research Agency (ANR), the Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale (FRM), and the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller all helped fund these investigations.

Notes: (1) Team jointly led by researchers from the IPBS (CNRS/UPS) and the EMBL (Hamburg, Germany), and including researchers from the Francis Crick Institute (United Kingdom) and the Laboratory of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (CNRS/UPS) at the Center for Integrative Biology of Toulouse (CNRS/UPS).

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
RTHK: Australian PM blames cyber attack on 'state actor'

Australia on Monday said a "sophisticated state actor" had hacked the country's main political parties and parliament, just weeks before a closely fought election.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told lawmakers security agencies looking at a hack of lawmakers "also became aware that the networks of some political parties; Liberal, Labor and Nationals have also been affected".

"Our cyber experts believe that a sophisticated state actor is responsible for this malicious activity," he said, without mentioning any specific country.

"Our security agencies have detected this activity and acted decisively to confront it. They are securing these systems and protecting users," he said.

Earlier this month authorities reported a "security incident on the parliamentary computing network" forcing users  including the prime minister and the cabinet  to change passwords and take other security measures.

The Australian Signals Directorate confirmed it was working with the parliament in response to the attack, giving a strong indication that sophisticated actors were suspected from the start.

Speculation has focused on China, although there is no official finger pointing at Beijing and cyber experts frequently warn that attribution is time consuming and difficult.

Australians are expected to go to the polls in mid-May, raising the spectre that hackers could be trying to influence the outcome of the vote, or change the tenor of the debate.

Morrison said "there, is no evidence of any electoral interference".

"We have put in place a number of measures to ensure the integrity of our electoral system."

He added that the Australian Cyber Security Centre stood ready to help any party or electoral body in need of support.

"They have already briefed the Electoral Commissions and those responsible for cyber security for all states and territories." (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2019-02-18. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.